Impact of nutritional status and dietary habits on the quality of life of multiple sclerosis patients

El suplemento de la revista recoge: Abstracts of the Fundación Iberoamericana de Nutrición (FINUT) Conference 2020Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disease resulting in demyelination and neuronal degeneration. Among the multiple risk factors that contribute to MS progression, malnutrition plays a pivotal role in the impact and quality of life of MS patients. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of nutritional status and dietary habits on daily function and well-being of patients presenting relapsing-remitting (RR), primary progressive (PP) and secondary progressive (SP) MS forms. Methods: A cross-sectional observational design was used in this work. The nutritional status of MS patients was determined by collecting anthropometric measurements (weight, height and Body Mass Index:BMI), dietary (Mini Nutritional Assessment, MNA) and clinical (biochemical serum parameters: glucose, cholesterol, lipids and proteins) data. Health-related and disablement outcomes were assessed by the questionnaires comprising the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale (MSIS-29) and the Expanded Disability Status Scale (ESDD), respectively.[EN] Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disease resulting in demyelination and neuronal degeneration. Among the multiple risk factors that contribute to MS progression, malnutrition plays a pivotal role in the impact and quality of life of MS patients

Effects of introduced salmonids on macroinvertebrate communities of mountain ponds in the Iberian system of Spain

Effects of introduced salmonids on macroinvertebrate communities of mountain ponds in the Iberian system of Spain This study aimed to assess the impact of salmonid stocking on macrobenthic communities in Spanish mountain ponds. Macroinvertebrates were collected with a hand net folIowing a multihabitat, time-limited sampling in eight ponds (four of them stocked with salmonids and four non-stocked) in the lberian system. A number of macroinvertebrate-based metrics, as welI as several physical and chemical variables, were measured and compared between stocked and non-stocked sites. We hypothesised that stocked ponds would have lower abundances and richness of large and mobile taxa and higher amounts of phosphorus in the water column than non-stocked ones. The results proved that macroinvertebrates were adversely affected by salmonid introductions and might be appropriate indicators of this type of impact. Total richness (both measured and estimated) and diversity were significantly lower in disturbed ponds. Coleoptera, Trichoptera and Heteroptera, large and mobile taxa, were particularly sensitive to the impact. No significant differences in nutrients were detected, although total phosphorus concentrations were usually higher in stocked ponds.El objetivo de este estudio fue testar el impacto de la introducción de salmón idos sobre las comunidades de maeroinvertebra-dos de un conjunto de lagunas de montaña en el noreste de la Península Ibérica. Los macroinvertebrados fueron colectados con una red de mano siguiendo un muestreo de tipo multihábitat, con un determinado tiempo limitado de muestreo en ocho lagunas (cuatro de ellas con introducción de salmón idos y otras cuatro sin dicho impacto) del sistema ibérico. Se compararon características físicas, variables químicas y atributos de la comunidad de macroinvertebrados entre los dos grupos de lagunas (con introducción y sin introducción de salmón idos ). Partimos de la hipótesis de que en aquellas lagunas en las que se habían introducido salmónidos nos encontraríamos con baja abundancia y riqueza de taxones de macroinvertebrados móviles y de gran tamaño, así como de altas concentraciones de fósforo en la columna de agua. Los resultados mostraron que la co-munidad de macroivertebrados se vio seriamente afectada por la introducción de salmónidos y que podrían ser indicadores apropiados de ese tipo de impacto. Riqueza total (tanto medida como estimada) y diversidad de macroinvertebradosfueron significativamente más bajas en lagunas en las que se llevó a cabo las introducciones de salmón idos. Coleoptera, Trichoptera y Heteroptera, taxones grandes y móviles, fueron particularmente sensibles a dicho impacto. La concentración de fósforo fue usualmente más elevada en aquellas lagunas que habían sufrido la introducción de salmón idos aunque las diferencias no fueron estadísticamente significativas

Bridging population genetics and the metacommunity perspective to unravel the biogeographic processes shaping genetic differentiation of Myriophyllum alterniflorum DC.

[EN] The degree to which dispersal limitation interacts with environmental filtering has intrigued metacommunity ecologists and molecular biogeographers since the beginning of both research disciplines. Since genetic methods are superior to coarse proxies of dispersal, understanding how environmental and geographic factors influence population genetic structure is becoming a fundamental issue for population genetics and also one of the most challenging avenues for metacommunity ecology. In this study of the aquatic macrophyte Myriophyllum alterniflorum DC., we explored the spatial genetic variation of eleven populations from the Iberian Plateau by means of microsatellite loci, and examined if the results obtained through genetic methods match modern perspectives of metacommunity theory. To do this, we applied a combination of robust statistical routines including network analysis, causal modelling and multiple matrix regression with randomization. Our findings revealed that macrophyte populations clustered into genetic groups that mirrored their geographic distributions. Importantly, we found a significant correlation between genetic variation and geographic distance at the regional scale. By using effective (genetic) dispersal estimates, our results are broadly in line with recent findings from metacommunity theory and re-emphasize the need to go beyond the historically predominant paradigm of understanding environmental heterogeneity as the main force driving macrophyte diversity patternsSIWe thank all the members of the limnology group at the University of Leon for their assistance in field work. This research was funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Technology (project CL2017-84176R) and by the Junta of Castilla y León (project LE004G18

Una propuesta de tutorización dinámica en grupos a través del juego

[ES] En este dossier presentamos una experiencia docente gamificada con el objetivo de estimular la implicación y motivación de los alumnos hacia las tutorías grupales, en un contexto de consolidación generalizada de la evaluación continua en la Enseñanza Superior. Nuestra propuesta persigue invertir la dinámica de la tutorización por grupos para incorporar el juego como estrategia activa y así mejorar los indicadores de asistencia y participación en estas sesiones presenciales. Los estudiantes a los que se ha destinado esta acción educativa llevan mostrando una creciente desidia hacia las tutorías de la asignatura en cuestión, en un contexto curricular en el que otras materias con las que ésta se solapa en el tiempo adquieren mayor protagonismo por su dificultad intrínseca. Más concretamente, esta comunicación se centra en una asignatura obligatoria adscrita al Área de Ecología de la Universidad de León y su aplicación se circunscribe (aunque no estrictamente) al ámbito general de las ciencias biológicas y ambientales. En síntesis, utilizando diferentes dinámicas de juego basadas en concursos, nuestros resultados cuantitativos sugieren que incorporar el juego en las tutorías de grupo se configura como una herramienta notablemente eficiente a la hora de incrementar el rendimiento académico de los alumnos. Esta mejora en su desempeño vino acompañada por una disminución concomitante en la tasa de abandono de las sesiones de tutoría a lo largo del curso académico, sobre todo en estudiantes repetidores. Concluimos que la tutorización dinámica en grupos a través del juego hace que los alumnos participen con más entrega y dedicación en estas sesiones presenciales, facilitando la labor de seguimiento del docente en lo referido a la evolución de la curva de aprendizaje de sus pupilos

Cobalt Minimisation in Violet Co3P2O8 Pigment

This study considers the limitations of cobalt violet orthophosphate, Co3P2O8, in the ceramic industry due to its large amount of cobalt. MgxCo3−xP2O8 (0 ≤ x ≤ 3) solid solutions with the stable Co3P2O8 structure were synthesised via the chemical coprecipitation method. The formation of solid solutions between the isostructural Co3P2O8 and Mg3P2O8 compounds decreased the toxically large amount of cobalt in this inorganic pigment and increased the melting point to a temperature higher than 1200 °C when x ≥ 1.5. Co3P2O8 melted at 1160 °C, and compositions with x ≥ 1.5 were stable between 800 and 1200 °C. The substitution of Co(II) with Mg(II) decreased the toxicity of these materials and decreased their price; hence, the interest of these materials for the ceramic industry is greater. An interesting purple colour with a* = 31.6 and b* = −24.2 was obtained from a powdered Mg2.5Co0.5P2O8 composition fired at 1200 °C. It considerably reduced the amount of cobalt, thus improving the colour of the Co3P2O8 pigment (a* = 16.2 and b* = −20.1 at 1000 °C). Co3P2O8 is classified as an inorganic pigment (DCMA-8-11-1), and the solid solutions prepared were also inorganic pigments when unglazed. When introducing 3% of the sample (pigment) together with enamel, spreading the mixture on a ceramic support and calcining the whole in an electric oven, a colour change from violet to blue was observed due to the change in the local environment of Co(II), which could be seen in the UVV spectra of the glazed samples with the displacement of the bands towards higher wavelengths and with the appearance of a new band assigned to tetrahedral Co(II). This blue colour was also obtained with Co2SiO4, MgCoSiO4 or Co3P2O8 pigments containing a greater amount of cobalt

Promotion of Healthy Habits in University Students: Literature Review

[EN] The increase in responsibilities, together with the multiple challenges that students face in the university period, has a direct impact on their healthy lifestyles. This literature review describes the benefits of promoting healthy habits in college, highlighting the fundamental role of prevention and promotion. A systematic review was carried out following the PRISMA recommendations, searching for information in the WOS and Scopus databases. On the other hand, a search was carried out within the existing and available grey literature. The review focused on finding information about physical activity, nutrition, and stress (with an emphasis on resilience and academic burnout) in university students. This bibliographic review includes 32 articles and six web pages, containing information on the benefits of physical activity, healthy habits, and health prevention. The information collected in this study shows that university students are exposed to multiple changes during this period, increasing as the academic years progress. At that time, their habits worsen, with low adherence to the Mediterranean diet, low physical activity, and high levels of stress, specifically increasing cases of academic burnout. The establishment of healthy habits during the university period is necessary, observing an improvement in all the variables studied. Prevention has played a fundamental role.S

Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) for Twelve Antimicrobials (Biocides and Antibiotics) in Eight Strains of Listeria monocytogenes

[EN]When selecting effective doses of antimicrobials, be they biocides or antibiotics, it is essential to know the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) of these substances. The present research determined the MICs and MBCs for three biocides, sodium hypochlorite (SH), benzalkonium chloride (BC), and peracetic acid (PAA), and nine antibiotics in eight strains of Listeria monocytogenes of varying serotypes. Marked intra-species differences were observed in the resistance of L. monocytogenes to the biocides and antibiotics. The MICs (ppm) for the biocides ranged between 1750 and 4500 for SH, 0.25 and 20.00 for BC, and 1050 and 1700 for PAA. Their MBCs (ppm) ranged from 2250 to 4500 for SH, 0.50 to 20.00 for BC, and 1150 to 1800 for PAA. The MICs (ppm) for antibiotics lay between 1 and 15 for ampicillin, 8 and 150 for cephalothin, 20 and 170 for cefoxitin, 0.05 and 0.20 for erythromycin, 4 and 50 for chloramphenicol, 3 and 100 for gentamicin, 2 and 15 for tetracycline, 2 and 80 for vancomycin, and 160 and 430 for fosfomycin. The corresponding MBCs (ppm) were from 5 to 20 for ampicillin, 9 to 160 for cephalothin, 70 to 200 for cefoxitin, 4 to 5 for erythromycin, 9 to 70 for chloramphenicol, 5 to 100 for gentamicin, 3 to 30 for tetracycline, 3 to 90 for vancomycin, and 160 to 450 for fosfomycin. Notably, erythromycin showed considerable efficacy, demonstrated by the low values for both MIC and MBC. Based on EUCAST and the CLSI criteria, all strains were susceptible to erythromycin. All strains were resistant to cephalothin, cefoxitin, gentamicin, and fosfomycin. Further values for resistance were 87.50% for ampicillin and vancomycin, 75.00% for tetracycline, and 62.50% for chloramphenicol. The high prevalence of antibiotic resistance is a matter for concern. A positive correlation was found between MIC and MBC values for most of the biocides and antibiotics. The higher the hydrophobicity of the cell surface, the higher the susceptibility to biocides, suggesting that surface characteristics of bacterial cells influence resistance to these compounds.SIThis research was founded by the Junta de Castilla y León (Consejería de Educación, Spain, grant number LE018P20), and the Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (Spain, grant number RTI2018-098267-R-C33)

Nutrición, gastronomía y salud en la comunidad de Castilla y León

Introducción: la gastronomía y los hábitos alimentarios determinan el estado nutricional y de salud de una población. Las peculiaridades geográficas y climatológicas de Castilla y León (CyL) contribuyen al desarrollo de su riqueza cultural y gastronómica. Objetivos: analizar las características gastronómicas de CyL y evaluar las necesidades nutricionales y de salud de la población. Métodos: este estudio es una revisión narrativa. Resultados: en CyL existen más de 50 alimentos acogidos a distintas figuras de calidad, desde legumbres, embutidos, quesos, frutas y hortalizas hasta empanadas y dulces. Asimismo, CyL posee la ratio más elevada de establecimientos de restauración de España. El análisis del perfil calórico revela la tendencia hacia una dieta desequilibrada con exceso de ingesta de lípidos y proteínas en detrimento del consumo de hidratos de carbono complejos. La evaluación del consumo alimentario muestra valores superiores a la media nacional de todos los grupos de alimentos, con especial atención a la carne y derivados, leche y derivados, huevos, cereales y legumbres. En relación con el estilo de vida, se observan mejores valores en los indicadores de sedentarismo, actividad física y obesidad en comparación con el resto de España. Conclusiones: la comunidad de Castilla y Léon posee unas características geográficas y de identidad cultural propias que la convierten en una región de referencia a nivel nacional en relación con la producción y comercialización de productos autóctonos de calidad. Los hábitos alimentarios están asociados con la gastronomía y contribuyen a la promoción de un buen estado nutricional y de nivel de vida de la población.S

Antimicrobial Activity of Spanish Propolis against Listeria monocytogenes and Other Listeria Strains

[EN] The outbreaks of Listeria associated with food consumption are increasing worldwide concurrently with public concern about the need for natural growth inhibitors. In this context, propolis seems to be a promising bioactive product collected by honeybees, due to its antimicrobial activity against different food pathogens. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of hydroalcoholic propolis extracts for controlling Listeria under several pH conditions. The physicochemical properties (wax, resins, ashes, impurities), the bioactive compounds (phenolic and flavonoid content), and the antimicrobial activity of 31 propolis samples collected from the half North of Spain were determined. Results showed similar trends in the physicochemical composition and bioactive properties, regardless of the harvesting area. Non-limiting pH conditions (7.04, 6.01, 5.01) in 11 Listeria strains (5 from collection and 6 wild strains from meat products) exhibited MICs (Minimum inhibition concentration) and MBCs (Minimum bactericidal concentration) ranging from 39.09 to 625 g/mL. The antibacterial activity increased under acidic pH conditions, showing a synergistic effect at pH = 5.01 (p < 0.05). These findings suggest the potential of Spanish propolis as a natural antibacterial inhibitor to control Listeria growth in food products.S

Synthesis and Characterization of -Titanium Phosphate/Propylamine Intercalation Compounds Containing Transition-Metal Ions

Polycrystalline intercalated TiMxH2-nx(PO4)2·yC3H7NH2·wH2O compounds with transition metal (TM) ions (Mn+ = Co2+, Ni2+, Fe3+ or Cr3+) have been prepared by means of an indirect route and characterised using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, chemical and thermal analysis, X-ray absorption and magnetic measurements. These novel pillared layered materials, which were obtained from the monoclinic (P21/c space group) alpha-Ti(HPO4)2·H2O phase, lose its crystallinity after intercalation. However, all the TM ions are octahedrally surrounded by 6 oxygen atoms, although the X-ray absorption spectra evidence a clear dependence on the temperature. Surprisingly, all the materials behave as paramagnetic down to 1.5 K, but they exhibit different colors, which means that they are optically active (Co2+: violet; Ni2+: pale green; Fe3+: yellow; Cr3+: dark green)