Evolución de los parámetros químicos del aceite a lo largo de la maduración de las aceitunas del Montsiá

[spa] Cataluña es una zona con una producción considerable de aceite de oliva (aproximadamente 17.500 toneladas anuales). Sin embargo, posee unas características de producción y/o elaboración muy variables según la comarca considerada, lo cual hace que los aceites producidos tengan una calidad diferente. En realidad, podemos considerar la existencia de tres zonas productoras, Les Garrigues (Borges Blanques), Siurana y Baix Ebre-Montsià, teniendo las dos primeras la Denominación de Origen correspondiente, caracterizada por un monocultivo de la variedad Arbeguina. La zona de Baix Ebre-Montsià se caracteriza, al contrario de las anteriores, por el cultivo de tres variedades (Farga, Sevillenc y Morrut) aunque, con carácter minoritario, se cultivan otras. Este hecho, junto con diferentes factores de tipo sociológico, métodos de recolección y elaboración poco actualizados, hace que, a pesar de ser la zona con mayor producción, la calidad final del aceite tenga unas características muy variables. Estos son los motivos que nos han inducido a concretar el estudio en esta zona, con el fin de colaborar en la mejora de calidad de los aceites. La legislación relativa a los aceites vegetales comestibles ( B.O.E. de 29-2-83) es cada vez más estricta, lo cual implica que los aceites vírgenes elaborados en el Montsià, no puedan ser comercializados como tales, sino que normalmente se destinan para la elaboración de aceites de oliva "puros" o incluso "refinados”. De lo dicho anteriormente, se deduce un primer objetivo del trabajo, estudiar desde un punto de vista químico las características de estos aceites para poder concluir cuáles son algunos de los factores que inciden negativamente sobre la calidad de los mismos. Para ello es preciso conocer, en primer lugar, las diferencia= entre las distintas variedades de aceitunas, tanto en los componentes mayoritarios (ácidos grasos), como compuestos minoritarios (componentes del insaponificable ), De esta forma, se reúnen los objetivos principales de este trabajo, es decir, conocer las características de las distintas variedades de aceitunas, establecer de qué forma evolucionan los diferentes parámetros de calidad e incluso los componentes minoritarios a lo largo del proceso de maduración, con el fin de establecer el punto óptimo de recolección y llegar a definir, si es posible, los parámetros que permitan tipificar las diferentes variedades de aceituna

Medios audiovisuales y acoso escolar : buenas prácticas para la prevención y promoción de la convivencia

Revista de investigación en educación, vol. 2, no. 12El grado de exposición y los hábitos de uso de los medios audiovisuales entre los alumnos influyen determinantemente en su comportamiento dentro de la escuela, tanto de forma positiva como negativa. Se ha pretendido averiguar qué opina la comunidad educativa respecto a la influencia que pueden tener estos medios y otros contextos sociales en el desencadenamiento de acoso escolar. Para obtener estos datos, se ha realizado un amplio estudio en la Comunidad Autónoma de La Rioja (España), a través de un cuestionario dirigido a 348 estudiantes de 12-16 años de la ESO; 4 grupos de discusión con padres y alumnos de la ESO; y entrevistas semiestructuradas a 30 profesores. La comunidad educativa opina que el mal uso de los medios audiovisuales es el principal contexto propiciador del comportamiento violento de los alumnos en la escuela, y especialmente entre los más jóvenes. Por el contrario, el uso correcto y pedagógico de los mismos, principalmente entre las familias, actuaría como estrategia educativa principal para prevenir el acoso escolar, fomentando la convivencia, tanto en los centros educativos como en el entorno familiar y social más amplio

Factores de riesgo en el Ciberbullying. Frecuencia y exposición de los datos personales en Internet

El artículo expone el aumento del ciberbullying debido a la expansión de las nuevas tecnologías así como su conceptualización, sus diferencias con el acoso y los principales factores de riesgo. El objetivo general de este trabajo es el análisis de la relación entre el sufrimiento de ciberacoso (acoso pasivo) y realizar ciberacoso (acoso activo) con variables como el perfil demográfico, la frecuencia, la intensidad y el tipo de uso de los medios tecnológicos entre los jóvenes, como Internet (en especial, de las redes sociales). Para este fin, se analizan las encuestas realizadas con variables independientes de acoso activo y pasivo con variables dependientes de uso de Internet, características sociodemográficas, privacidad en el uso de Internet y publicidad de los datos personales, en una muestra de 400 jóvenes de 14 a 20 años, escolarizados en la Comunidad Autónoma de La Rioja. Los resultados muestran una alta asociación de la probabilidad de realizar o de sufrir ciberacoso con variables demográficas de edad y sexo, nivel de frecuencia de exposición a Internet, de publicación de datos personales, de baja percepción de los riesgos y de relaciones sociales en la red

External ventriculostomy-associated infection reduction after updating a care bundle

BackgroundDespite the clinical benefits of external ventricular drains (EVD), these devices can lead to EVD-related infections (EVDRI). The drainage insertion technique and standardized guidelines can significantly reduce the risk of infection, mainly caused by gram-positive bacteria. However, gram-negative microorganisms are the most frequent causative microorganisms of EVDRI in our hospital. We aimed to determine whether a new bundle of measures for the insertion and maintenance of a drain could reduce the incidence of EVDRI. This cohort study of consecutive patients requiring EVD from 01/01/2015 to 12/31/2018 compared the patients' characteristics before and after introducing an updated protocol (UP) for EVD insertion and maintenance in 2017.ResultsFrom 204 consecutive patients, 198 requiring EVD insertion were included (54% females, mean age 55 & PLUSMN; 15 years). The before-UP protocol included 87 patients, and the after-UP protocol included 111 patients. Subarachnoid (42%) and intracerebral (24%) hemorrhage were the main diagnoses at admission. The incidence of EVDRI fell from 13.4 to 2.5 episodes per 1000 days of catheter use. Gram-negative bacteria were the most frequent causative microorganisms. Previous craniotomy remained the only independent risk factor for EVDRI. EVDRI patients had increased mechanical ventilation durations, hospital and ICU stays, and percutaneous tracheostomy requirements.ConclusionsA care bundle focusing on fewer catheter sampling and more accurate antiseptic measures can significantly decrease the incidence of EVDRI. After implementing the management protocol, a decreased incidence of infections caused by gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria and reduced ICU and hospital lengths of stay were observed

Maternal Pre-Pregnancy Obesity Is Associated with Altered Placental Transcriptome

Maternal obesity has a major impact on pregnancy outcomes. There is growing evidence that maternal obesity has a negative influence on placental development and function, thereby adversely influencing offspring programming and health outcomes. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these processes are poorly understood. We analysed ten term placenta's whole transcriptomes in obese (n = 5) and normal weight women (n = 5), using the Affymetrix microarray platform. Analyses of expression data were carried out using non-parametric methods. Hierarchical clustering and principal component analysis showed a clear distinction in placental transcriptome between obese and normal weight women. We identified 72 differentially regulated genes, with most being down-regulated in obesity (n = 61). Functional analyses of the targets using DAVID and IPA confirm the dysregulation of previously identified processes and pathways in the placenta from obese women, including inflammation and immune responses, lipid metabolism, cancer pathways, and angiogenesis. In addition, we detected new molecular aspects of obesity-derived effects on the placenta, involving the glucocorticoid receptor signalling pathway and dysregulation of several genes including CCL2, FSTL3, IGFBP1, MMP12, PRG2, PRL, QSOX1, SERPINE2 and TAC3. Our global gene expression profiling approach demonstrates that maternal obesity creates a unique in utero environment that impairs the placental transcriptome

Maternal, fetal and perinatal alterations associated with obesity, overweight and gestational diabetes: an observational cohort study (PREOBE)

Abstract Background: Maternal overweight, obesity, and gestational diabetes (GD) have been negatively associated with offspring development. Further knowledge regarding metabolic and nutritional alterations in these mother and their offspring are warranted. Methods: In an observational cohort study we included 331 pregnant women from Granada, Spain. The mothers were categorized into four groups according to BMI and their GD status; overweight (n:56), obese (n:64), GD (n:79), and healthy normal weight controls (n:132). We assessed maternal growth and nutritional biomarkers at 24 weeks (n = 269), 34 weeks (n = 310) and at delivery (n = 310) and the perinatal characteristics including cord blood biomarkers. Results: Obese and GD mothers had significantly lower weight gain during pregnancy and infant birth weight, waist circumference, and placental weight were higher in the obese group, including a significantly increased prevalence of macrosomia. Except for differences in markers of glucose metabolism (glucose, HbA1c, insulin and uric acid) we found at some measures that overweight and/or obese mothers had lower levels of transferrin saturation, hemoglobin, Vitamin B12 and folate and higher levels of C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, ferritin, and cortisol. GD mothers had similar differences in hemoglobin and C-reactive protein but higher levels of folate. The latter was seen also in cord blood. Conclusions: We identified several metabolic alterations in overweight, obese and GD mothers compared to controls. Together with the observed differences in infant anthropometrics, these may be important biomarkers in future research regarding the programming of health and disease in children. Trial registration: The trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov, identifier (NCT01634464). Keywords: Pregnancy, Maternal overweight, Maternal obesity, Gestational diabetes, Offspring, Fetal nutrition, Early programming, Vitamin B12, Folate, Iron status, Glucose metabolis

Changes in plasma total saturated fatty acids and palmitic acid are related to pro-inflammatory molecule IL-6 concentrations after nutritional intervention for one year

Systemic inflammation is associated with an increased risk of non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Circulating fatty acids (FA) are known to be related to these conditions, possibly through their role in inflammation, although different types of FAs can have opposite effects on inflammatory mediators. The aim of the present study was to analyze the association of plasma FAs with inflammatory biomarkers in a PREDIMED trial subsample after one year of intervention. In a one-year longitudinal study of 91 participants of the PREDIMED trial (Barcelona-Clinic center), plasma FAs and inflammatory biomarkers were analyzed using gas chromatography and ELISA, respectively. In baseline plasma, a multivariable-adjusted ordinary least squares regression model showed that n-3 polyunsaturated FAs concentrations were inversely associated with concentrations of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and E-selectin, whereas the level of the most abundant saturated FA, palmitic acid, was directly associated with concentrations of interleukin-6 (IL-6) (β = 0.48 pg/mL, 95% CI: 0.03, 0.93 per 1-SD increase, p-value = 0.037). After one year of nutritional intervention, changes of plasma diet-derived total saturated FAs and palmitic acid were directly associated with changes in IL-6 (β = 0.59 pg/mL [95% CI: 0.28, 0.89] per 1-SD, p-value = 0.001; β = 0.64 pg/mL, 95% CI: 0.31, 0.98, p-value = 0.001), respectively, after correction for multiple testing. Our findings suggest that saturated FAs of dietary origin, especially palmitic acid, are directly involved in the increase of IL-6 in plasma

Prenatal Omega-6:Omega-3 Ratio and Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms

Objective: To evaluate whether higher omega-6:omega-3 (n-6:n-3) long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid ratio in cord plasma is associated with more symptoms of attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) at 4 and 7 years of age. Study design: This study was based on a population-based birth cohort in Spain. N-6 arachidonic acid and n-3 eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid concentrations were measured in cord plasma. At 4 years old, ADHD symptoms were reported by teachers through the ADHD Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th ed checklist (n = 580). At 7 years old, ADHD symptoms were reported by parents through the Conners' Rating Scale-Revised (short form; n = 642). The ADHD variable was treated as continuous (score) and as dichotomous (symptom diagnostic criteria). Child and family general characteristics were prospectively collected through questionnaires. We applied pooled zero-inflated negative binomial and logistic regressions adjusted for covariates. Results: A higher omega-6:omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid ratio in cord plasma was associated with a higher ADHD index (incidence rate ratio, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.03, 1.23) at 7 years old. The association was not observed at 4 years old (incidence rate ratio, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.92-1.18). No associations were found using ADHD symptom diagnostic criteria. Conclusions: High prenatal omega-6:omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid ratio preceded the appearance of subclinical ADHD symptoms during mid-childhood. Our findings suggest that maternal diet during pregnancy may modulate the risk to develop long-term ADHD symptoms in the offspring

Infant Formula Supplemented With Milk Fat Globule Membrane, Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids, and Synbiotics Is Associated With Neurocognitive Function and Brain Structure of Healthy Children Aged 6 Years: The COGNIS Study

Background: Adequate nutrient intake during the first few months of life plays a critical role on brain structure and function development. Objectives: To analyze the long-term effects of an experimental infant formula (EF) on neurocognitive function and brain structure in healthy children aged 6 years compared to those fed with a standard infant formula or breastfed. Methods: The current study involved 108 healthy children aged 6 years and participating in the COGNIS Study. At 0-2 months, infants were randomized to receive up to 18 months of life a standard infant formula (SF) or EF enriched with milk fat globule membrane (MFGM), long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) and synbiotics. Furthermore, a reference group of breastfed (BF) infants were also recruited. Children were assessed using neurocognitive tests and structural Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) at 6 years old. Results: Experimental infant formula (EF) children showed greater volumes in the left orbital cortex, higher vocabulary scores and IQ, and better performance in an attention task than BF children. EF children also presented greater volumes in parietal regions than SF kids. Additionally, greater cortical thickness in the insular, parietal, and temporal areas were found in children from the EF group than those fed with SF or BF groups. Further correlation analyses suggest that higher volumes and cortical thickness of different parietal and frontal regions are associated with better cognitive development in terms of language (verbal comprehension) and executive function (working memory). Finally, arachidonic acid (ARA), adrenic acid (AdA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels in cheek cell glycerophospholipids, ARA/DHA ratio, and protein, fatty acid, and mineral intake during the first 18 months of life seem to be associated with changes in the brain structures at 6 years old. Conclusions: Supplemented infant formula with MFGM components, LC-PUFAs, and synbiotics seems to be associated to long-term effects on neurocognitive development and brain structure in children at 6 years old.This project has been funded by Laboratorios Ordesa, S.L. Contract University of Granada General Foundation, No. 3349 and SMARTFOODS (CIEN) Contract University of Granada General Foundation, No. 4003, Spanish Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness. Furthermore, the project has been partially funded by HORIZON 2020 EU DynaHEALTH Project (GA No. 633595).S

The Effect of Maternal Obesity on Breast Milk Fatty Acids and Its Association with Infant Growth and Cognition—The PREOBE Follow-Up

This study analyzed how maternal obesity affected fatty acids (FAs) in breast milk and their association with infant growth and cognition to raise awareness about the programming effect of maternal health and to promote a healthy prenatal weight. Mother–child pairs (n = 78) were grouped per maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI): normal-weight (BMI = 18.5–24.99), overweight (BMI = 25–29.99) and obese (BMI > 30). Colostrum and mature milk FAs were determined. Infant anthropometry at 6, 18 and 36 months of age and cognition at 18 were analyzed. Mature milk exhibited lower arachidonic acid (AA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), among others, than colostrum. Breast milk of non-normal weight mothers presented increased saturated FAs and n6:n3 ratio and decreased a-linolenic acid (ALA), DHA and monounsaturated FAs. Infant BMI-for-age at 6 months of age was inversely associated with colostrum n6 (e.g., AA) and n3 (e.g., DHA) FAs and positively associated with n6:n3 ratio. Depending on the maternal weight, infant cognition was positively influenced by breast milk linoleic acid, n6 PUFAs, ALA, DHA and n3 LC-PUFAs, and negatively a ected by n6:n3 ratio. In conclusion, this study shows that maternal pre-pregnancy BMI can influence breast milk FAs and infant growth and cognition, endorsing the importance of a healthy weight in future generations.This research was funded by the European Commission (DynaHEALTH-HORIZON 2020GANo: 633595) and the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (BFU2012-40254-C03-02). Further support was obtained from, Spanish Ministry of Innovation and Science (Junta de Andalucía), Excellence Projects (P06-CTS-02341). ADLGP thanks the Mexican government and the National Council on Science and Technology (CONACYT) for her PhD grant. The funders had no role in the study design, data collection, data analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript