Influence of physical activity and dietary habits on lipid profile, blood pressure and BMI in subjects with metabolic syndrome

BACKGROUND The present study was determined the influence of physical activity and dietary habits on lipid profile, blood pressure (BP) and body mass index (BMI) in subjects with metabolic syndrome (MS). AIMS Identify the relationship between physical activity and proper nutrition and the probability of suffering from myocardial infarction (MI). METHODS Hundred chronically ill with MS who were active and followed a healthy diet were classified as compliant, while the remaining subjects were classified as non-compliant. RESULTS The compliant subjects show lower BMI values (30.8±4.9 vs 32.5±4.6), as well as lower levels of triacylglycerol (130.4±48.2 vs 242.1±90.1), total cholesterol (193.5±39 vs 220.2±52.3) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (105.2±38.3 vs 139.2±45). They show higher values in terms of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (62.2±20.1 vs 36.6±15.3), with statistically significant differences. In terms of both systolic and diastolic pressure, no differences were revealed between the groups; however, those who maintain proper dietary habits show lower systolic blood pressure levels than the inactive subjects. The probability of suffering from MI greatly increases among the group of non-compliant subjects. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate how performing aerobic physical activity and following an individualized, Mediterranean diet significantly reduces MS indicators and the chances of suffering from MI.

Estudio bibliométrico de la revista Nutrición Hospitalaria en el periodo 2001 a 2005: Parte I, Análisis de la producción científica.

OBJECTIVE To assess the scientific activity and information production of the journal Nutrición Hospitalaria, for the period 2001-2005 by means of a Bibliometric study. METHOD Cross-sectional descriptive study of the results obtained from the analysis of the articles published in the journal Nutrición Hospitalaria. The data were obtained by consulting the electronic version through the Web. In those cases in which there was a link breakdown, and thus, the inability to have access to the electronic document the printed version was consulted. All the documental possibilities were taken into account with the exception of communications to congresses. RESULTS A total of 345 articles were published, 187 (54.20%) being original articles. The geographical distribution of the first author was Spanish in 287 articles (83.19%) and Latin American in 27 (7.83%). Most of the articles are from health care centers (172 articles (49.86%)), and the cooperation index being 4.15. Madrid is the most productive province, for both the absolute and adjusted frequencies. The median number of references per article is 18, the mean being 23.52 (95% CI 20.93 - 26.10). The predominant language was Spanish, with 308 articles (89.28%). CONCLUSION Nutrición Hospitalaria may be considered as a reference journal regarding information and scientific communication on Nutrition for both the Spanish and Latin American communities. The bibliometric parameters studied compare with those verified for the remaining top of the list Spanish scientific journals on health sciences.

Estudio bibliométrico de la revista Nutrición Hospitalaria en el periodo 2001 a 2005: parte 2, análisis de consumo; las referencias bibliográficas.

OBJECTIVE To describe and assess the consumption of the information consulted and cited in the articles published in the journal Nutrición Hospitalaria for the period 2001--2005 by means of bibliometric analysis. METHOD Cross-sectional descriptive analysis of the results obtained from the analysis of the lists of bibliographic references of the articles published at Nutrición Hospitalaria. We studied the most cited journals, the signatures index, the type of document referred, the publication language, the distribution of geographical origin, and obsolescence and readiness index. We took into account all types of documents with the exception of Communications to Congresses. RESULTS 345 articles were published at Nutr Hosp, containing 8,113 bibliographic references, with a median of 18, a maximum of 136 and minimum of 0 BR per article. The mean (rate of publications per published article during the specified period) is 23.52 (95% IC 20.93-26.10) and the mean at 5% is 20.66 per article. The 25th and 75th percentiles are 6 and 32, respectively, the interquartile interval being 26 BR per document. The semi-period of Burton and Kebler is 7 years and the Price Index is 38.18%. CONCLUSION The bibliographic references, the consumption of information, of the articles published at Nutrición Hospitalaria present parameters similar to other journals on health science. However, good data on obsolescence are observed, which reveal the good validity of most of the references studied.

Compliance with dietary and nutrient recommendations in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC)-Granada cohort at recruitment

BACKGROUND: The overall intake of energy and nutrients in the Granada EPIC-cohort (European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition) is examined in order to assess compliance with the Spanish Nutritional Objectives (NO) and the Recommended Intakes (RI). METHODS: During recruitment (1992-1996), 7,789 participants, aged 35-69, were asked about diet through a validated diet history questionnaire. Nutrient intake is compared to the NO and RI that were valid at that time. Risk of inadequate intake is estimated as the percentage of the sample with intakes: ≤ 1/3 RI (high risk), ≤ 2/3 RI- > 1/3 RI (moderate risk), ≤ RI- > 2/3 RI, > RI. Differences in intakes have been analyzed by sex and age, and by smoking status and BMI. RESULTS: The daily intake of nutrients did not meet the NO as the total contribution of energy from proteins and fats exceeded these guidelines. Whilst intake of most nutrients was above the RI, the amount of iron, magnesium and vitamins D and E provided by the diet was not enough to meet the RI: in women aged 20-49 years, about 55% were at moderate risk for iron inadequacy, and a 20% of women for magnesium. Both sexes were at high risk of inadequacy for vitamin D, although sunlight exposure may supply adequate amounts. Never smokers showed a higher compliance to the NO. CONCLUSION: At recruitment, the nutrient profile of the diet was unbalanced. The observed nutrient inadequacy for iron, magnesium and vitamin E might be attributed to inappropriate dietary habits, and may have implications for future disease risk.

Prevalence of diabetes in a cancer population in a Malaga hospital.

BACKGROUND There are multiple risk factors for cancer, including obesity, sedentary lifestyle, diabetes (DM). Hormon Insulin is a growth factor that promotes cellular differentiation. AIMS The aim of our study is to observe impaired glycaemia in cancer population compared with control. METHODS We studied the prevalence of diabetes (DM) and impaired fasting glycaemia (IFG) in 374 patients with different types of cancer before treatment, by medical records in a Malaga hospital (Spain). We compared the prevalence of basal hyperglycaemia in these patients with general population, within an age range and by gender. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The prevalence of diabetes was 32.35% in our cancer patients. The comparison depends of age range, and by gender prevalence was: 45-54 years, DM: 40.91% in men cases, versus (vs.) 14.5% in men control (p = 0.005). 55-64 years, IFG: 23.08% in women cases, vs. 5.9% in women control (p = 0.001). 65-74 years, DM: 47.13% in men cases, vs. 25.4% in men control (p = 0.000), and IFG: 23.81% in women cases, vs. 9.5% in women control (p = 0.019). We found a higher prevalence of diabetes in specific types of cancer such as prostate (p < 0.005). Moreover, men had a higher prevalence of diabetes or less diabetes control than women in our cancer sample. CONCLUSIONS We recommend an OGTT (oral glucose tolerance test) for better diagnosis of possible DM in patients with cancer, and an appropriate treatment. It may be an independent risk factor for cancer to have decreased insulin activity, or DM.

Promoción de la salud: catálogo de recursos

En Cub. Actualizado año 2010. Publicado en la página web de la Consejería de Salud y Bienestar social: www.juntadeandalucia.es/salud (Inicio / Profesionales / Salud Pública / Promoción de la Salud)

Distribuição de freqüência de tamanho da fração areia e compacidade relativa de solos desenvolvidos de sedimentos do grupo geológico barreiras

A condição de adensamento do solo tem importância para orientar o manejo de uma área. Em solos derivados de sedimentos recentes, a propensão ao adensamento pode estar relacionada com as características herdadas das condições de sedimentação. Em uma toposseqüência de solos desenvolvidos de sedimentos arenosos do grupo geológico Barreiras, no município de Caravelas (BA), selecionaram-se oito perfis de solos, sendo cinco deles sob Eucalyptus, abrangendo Gley Pouco Húmico, Podzol Hidromórfico, Podzólico Amarelo e Plintossolo. Foi determinada a densidade aparente, a qual foi posicionada entre a densidade aparente mínima e a máxima, definindo-se, assim, a compacidade relativa para cada um dos 41 horizontes. A areia foi fracionada em 21 classes de tamanho, mediante peneiramento, determinando-se o diâmetro médio, o desvio-padrão gráfico inclusivo, a assimetria gráfica inclusiva e a curtose gráfica. Observou-se que o maior teor de areia fina e mal selecionada facilitou o arranjo mais compacto das partículas, provocando aumento na compacidade relativa nos horizontes de maior resistência à penetração.

Caracterización de los sedimentos de la Poza La Arenilla-Callao, marzo 2004

La Poza La Arenilla, constituye un cuerpo de agua confinado artificialmente por obras de enrocado. La escasa circulación ha ocasionado la continua acumulación de material de origen natural terrígeno, biogénico y antrópico. Presenta sedimentos de grano fino con texturas de fango, indicando condiciones de muy escasa energía hidrodinámica del fondo. El más alto contenido de materia orgánica (22,80%) correspondió a la zona más profunda (2,40 m) compuesto por detritus de algas, organismos planctónicos, desechos antrópicos (cabellos, bolsas plásticas, papel, etc.) y sedimentos terrígenos. El más bajo contenido de materia orgánica (2,53%) se registró frente al canal Oeste que no se halla constantemente sumergido y presenta abundancia de grava y fango compacto.

Chemical characterization and infrared spectroscopy of soil organic matter from two southern brazilian soils

Soil organic matter from the surface horizon of two Brazilian soils (a Latosol and a Chernosol), in bulk samples (in situ SOM) and in HF-treated samples (SOM), was characterized by elemental analyses, diffuse reflectance (DRIFT) and transmission Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (T-FTIR). Humic acids (HA), fulvic acids (FA) and humin (HU) isolated from the SOM were characterized additionally by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-VIS). After sample oxidation and alkaline treatment, the DRIFT technique proved to be more informative for the detection of "in situ SOM" and of residual organic matter than T-FTIR. The higher hydrophobicity index (HI) and H/C ratio obtained in the Chernosol samples indicate a stronger aliphatic character of the organic matter in this soil than the Latosol. In the latter, a pronounced HI decrease was observed after the removal of humic substances (HS). The weaker aliphatic character, the higher O/C ratio, and the T-FTIR spectrum obtained for the HU fraction in the Latosol suggest the occurrence of surface coordination of carboxylate ions. The Chernosol HU fraction was also oxygenated to a relatively high extent, but presented a stronger hydrophobic character in comparison with the Latosol HU. These differences in the chemical and functional group composition suggest a higher organic matter protection in the Latosol. After the HF treatment, decreases in the FA proportion and the A350/A550 ratio were observed. A possible loss of FA and condensation of organic molecules due to the highly acid medium should not be neglected.

Comparison of digestion methods to determine heavy metals in fertilizers

The lack of a standard method to regulate heavy metal determination in Brazilian fertilizers and the subsequent use of several digestion methods have produced variations in the results, hampering interpretation. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of three digestion methods for determination of metals such as Cd, Ni, Pb, and Cr in fertilizers. Samples of 45 fertilizers marketed in northeastern Brazil were used. A fertilizer sample with heavy metal contents certified by the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) was used as control. The following fertilizers were tested: rock phosphate; organo-mineral fertilizer with rock phosphate; single superphosphate; triple superphosphate; mixed N-P-K fertilizer; and fertilizer with micronutrients. The substances were digested according to the method recommended by the Ministry for Agriculture, Livestock and Supply of Brazil (MAPA) and by the two methods 3051A and 3052 of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). By the USEPA method 3052, higher portions of the less soluble metals such as Ni and Pb were recovered, indicating that the conventional digestion methods for fertilizers underestimate the total amount of these elements. The results of the USEPA method 3051A were very similar to those of the method currently used in Brazil (Brasil, 2006). The latter is preferable, in view of the lower cost requirement for acids, a shorter digestion period and greater reproducibility.

Nível e natureza do estoque orgânico de latossolos sob diferentes sistemas de uso e manejo

O papel fundamental da matéria orgânica (MO) justifica o crescente interesse pela identificação de sistemas de uso e manejo que melhorem o estoque orgânico em solos tropicais. O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar variações quantitativas e qualitativas da MO e caracterizar compartimentos orgânicos em um Latossolo Vermelho-Escuro argiloso sob vegetação natural antropizada (CER), pastagem de longa duração (PAL), pastagem degradada (PAD), e pousio (PAC), comparados com culturas sob preparo convencional (CCL) e plantio direto (PD). Foi encontrada pouca variação dos estoques orgânicos na camada superficial, explicada pela antropização da vegetação em CER, pela não-exportação dos resíduos em PD e CCL e pela prática de pousio em PAC. Fracionamento granulométrico, considerando os compartimentos: resíduos vegetais (20-2.000 µm), organo-siltoso (2-20 µm) e organo-argiloso (0-2 µm), mostrou diferenças na qualidade da MO quando comparadas situações edafoambientais semelhantes. Mesmo com pequenas variações, o compartimento resíduos vegetais foi um indicador da evolução dos estoques orgânicos, permitindo a caracterização da degradação nas pastagens e do efeito do plantio direto, quando comparado ao sistema convencional. PD favoreceu a estocagem de C no compartimento organo-argiloso. Solos estudados diferem de outros solos argilosos tropicais pela mais elevada relação C/N encontrada nas frações 0-20 µm.

Intensidade de raleio de frutos em pessegueiros 'flordaprince' conduzidos em pomar com alta densidade de plantio

O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar o comportamento de pessegueiros (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch.) cultivar Flordaprince, conduzidos em pomar com alta densidade (3.333 plantas/ha), submetidos a diferentes intensidades de raleio manual de frutos. Os tratamentos utilizados foram 120, 100 e 80 frutos por planta, e o controle sem raleio (230 frutos por planta). As plantas submetidas ao raleio produziram frutos significativamente maiores e mais pesados do que os do controle. A produção por planta (kg) e a produtividade estimada (t/ha) foram maiores nas plantas sem raleio, mas a classificação comercial e a receita bruta (R$/ha) desse tratamento foram menores, devido ao menor tamanho e peso dos frutos. Os tratamentos 100 e 80 frutos por planta (56,52% e 65,21% de raleio, respectivamente) apresentaram os melhores resultados

Relação entre características morfológicas da cariopse e fusariose em milho

Fusarium moniliforme causa sérios prejuízos no rendimento do milho. Suspeita-se que a entrada do fungo na cariopse ocorra pela cicatriz do estilete, e que este fato e o nível de infestação por F. moniliforme estejam relacionados com características morfológicas da cariopse. O objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar características morfológicas que conferem resistência a F. moniliforme em cariopses de milho. Cariopses de seis linhagens de milho, com e sem inoculação do patógeno, foram avaliadas utilizando-se de estereomicroscópio e o microscópio eletrônico de varredura. Características morfológicas da cariopse, tais como: tegumento com saliências e reentrâncias acentuadas, pericarpo pouco espesso, amido menos compacto e presença do canal estilar favorecem a penetração de F. moniliforme.

Sulfur isotope variations from orebody to hand-specimen scale at the Mezica lead-zinc deposit, Slovenia: a predominantly biogenic pattern

The Mississippi Valley-type (MVT) Pb-Zn ore district at Mezica is hosted by Middle to Upper Triassic platform carbonate rocks in the Northern Karavanke/Drau Range geotectonic units of the Eastern Alps, northeastern Slovenia. The mineralization at Mezica covers an area of 64 km(2) with more than 350 orebodies and numerous galena and sphalerite occurrences, which formed epigenetically, both conformable and discordant to bedding. While knowledge on the style of mineralization has grown considerably, the origin of discordant mineralization is still debated. Sulfur stable isotope analyses of 149 sulfide samples from the different types of orebodies provide new insights on the genesis of these mineralizations and their relationship. Over the whole mining district, sphalerite and galena have delta(34)S values in the range of -24.7 to -1.5% VCDT (-13.5 +/- 5.0%) and -24.7 to -1.4% (-10.7 +/- 5.9%), respectively. These values are in the range of the main MVT deposits of the Drau Range. All sulfide delta(34)S values are negative within a broad range, with delta(34)S(pyrite) < delta(34)S(sphalerite) < delta(34)S(galena) for both conformable and discordant orebodies, indicating isotopically heterogeneous H(2)S in the ore-forming fluids and precipitation of the sulfides at thermodynamic disequilibrium. This clearly supports that the main sulfide sulfur originates from bacterially mediated reduction (BSR) of Middle to Upper Triassic seawater sulfate or evaporite sulfate. Thermochemical sulfate reduction (TSR) by organic compounds contributed a minor amount of (34)S-enriched H(2)S to the ore fluid. The variations of delta(34)S values of galena and coarse-grained sphalerite at orefield scale are generally larger than the differences observed in single hand specimens. The progressively more negative delta(34)S values with time along the different sphalerite generations are consistent with mixing of different H(2)S sources, with a decreasing contribution of H(2)S from regional TSR, and an increase from a local H(2)S reservoir produced by BSR (i.e., sedimentary biogenic pyrite, organo-sulfur compounds). Galena in discordant ore (-11.9 to -1.7%; -7.0 +/- 2.7%, n=12) tends to be depleted in (34)S compared with conformable ore (-24.7 to -2.8%, -11.7 +/- 6.2%, n=39). A similar trend is observed from fine-crystalline sphalerite I to coarse open-space filling sphalerite II. Some variation of the sulfide delta(34)S values is attributed to the inherent variability of bacterial sulfate reduction, including metabolic recycling in a locally partially closed system and contribution of H(2)S from hydrolysis of biogenic pyrite and thermal cracking of organo-sulfur compounds. The results suggest that the conformable orebodies originated by mixing of hydrothermal saline metal-rich fluid with H(2)S-rich pore waters during late burial diagenesis, while the discordant orebodies formed by mobilization of the earlier conformable mineralization.

Desempenho e rendimento de carcaça de frangos de corte alimentados com mistura de aditivos fitogênicos na dieta

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de misturas de aditivos fitogênicos na dieta de frangos de corte, sobre seu desempenho zootécnico e rendimento de carcaça. Foram avaliados 660 pintos de sexo misto, entre 1 e 42 dias de idade, em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com cinco tratamentos e seis repetições de 22 aves (11 machos e 11 fêmeas). Além do controle, foram avaliados tratamentos com antibiótico (10 ppm de virginiamicina) ou com misturas de aditivos fitogênicos: mistura A, 150 ppm de óleos essenciais de alecrim, cravo, gengibre e orégano; mistura B, 150 ppm de óleos essenciais de canela, sálvia, tomilho branco e óleo-resina de copaíba; e mistura A+B, 50% da mistura A e 50% da B. A mistura B proporcionou maior ganho de peso e melhor conversão alimentar das aves, no período de 36 a 42 dias de idade. No período total do experimento, o antibiótico e a mistura B proporcionaram maior ganho de peso das aves. O consumo de ração foi maior com o antibiótico do que com o controle. A mistura A+B e o tratamento controle proporcionaram maior rendimento de coxa+sobrecoxa e maior peso relativo do baço. As mistura B e A+B apresentam potencial como melhoradores de desempenho para frangos de corte.