Derivation of multivariate indices of milk composition, coagulation properties, and curd yield in Manchega dairy sheep.

This study approaches the interrelation patterns between composition of milk and whey, curd yield, chromaticity, syneresis, and technological quality of Manchega sheep milk using multivariate factor analysis. In addition, the effect of the main husbandry components (flock, prolificacy, season of the year, stage of lactation, and parity) on the common latent factors that define the pattern of variation of Manchega milk was assessed. For this purpose, 1,200 individual Manchega ewe milk samples from 4 different flocks registered under the Protected Designation of Origin Queso Manchego were analyzed (50 ewes/flock). Samples were collected in 2 different seasons of the year (spring and autumn) and at 3 time points per season: early, mid-, and late lactation. The obtained results suggested that curd yield mainly depends on milk composition, and the retention of water in the curd is related to coagulation traits. Thus, composition and moisture content could be useful indicators to assess the efficiency and quality of milk intended for cheesemaking, regardless of the analysis of coagulation properties. Finally, in terms of husbandry, a direct effect of flock and stage of lactation was observed on all analyzed factors, with a lower influence of season and parity.

Using multivariate analysis to explore the relationships between color, composition, hygienic quality, and coagulation of milk from Manchega sheep.

This study explores the relationships between composition, hygienic quality, and color values of milk to evaluate whether colorimetry could be used as a valid predictor of the quality of raw milk and its coagulation. For this purpose, we performed analyses in 1,200 individual samples of Manchega sheep milk from 4 flocks from the region of Castilla-La Mancha, Spain. Based on the measured variables, we determined the differences and similarities between coagulating and noncoagulating samples using discriminant analysis techniques. The variables with a higher discriminant ability were lactose content, somatic cell score, pH, and the color values lightness (L*) and red/green value (a*). The model based on color values showed a predictive ability similar to that found in the model based on milk composition and hygienic quality. Canonical correlation analysis allowed us to explore the relationships between both sets of variables. Canonical correlations for the first and second pair of canonical values were 0.794 and 0.438, respectively. Both values were significant and represented 92.82% of the observed variability. The correlation structure showed that color values had a strong correlation with fat and protein content and with total solids, and they had a weak correlation with lactose content and somatic cell score. The 2 first combinations of standardized canonical variability could be considered a predictable measure of the composition and, to a lesser extent, the hygiene of milk. Measurement of color values could be a rapid and effective means of supplementing standard analyses when determining the coagulation ability of Manchega sheep milk.

Multivariate analysis of the milk coagulation process in ovine breeds from Spain.

In Spain, ewe milk is mainly used for cheesemaking, and farming systems have traditionally been based on the use of autochthonous breeds. However, in recent years, the progressive introduction of highly productive foreign breeds in Spanish farms has led to an increasing interest in the characterization of dairy sheep breeds to evaluate whether genetic selection schemes should focus on productivity or milk technological aptitude. The purpose of this work was to explore milk composition and coagulation to classify 4 of the main dairy sheep breeds used in Spain. This study included 832 individual ewe milk samples from the breeds Manchega, Assaf, Merino de Grazalema, and Merino de Los Pedroches. Samples were analyzed for native pH, composition (fat, protein, lactose, and total solids), coagulation properties, and individual laboratory curd yield. An indicator of coagulation efficiency was also determined. Canonical discriminant analysis was performed to establish differences and similarities among breeds based on the measured variables. In addition, cluster analysis was performed to study and quantify the concrete relationships among the discriminated groups. Discriminant analysis proved to be a powerful tool to accurately draw distinctions between breeds. In all cases, discrimination among breeds was evident and the 4 breeds could be easily differentiated. Cluster analysis showed greater similarity between Merino de Grazalema and Assaf compared with the other breeds, and F-statistics indicated a higher discriminating ability for the variables related to milk composition. However, Merino de Grazalema and Manchega were difficult to separate according to milk composition, but the coagulation process differenced them clearly. Coagulation also evidenced similarities between Manchega and Merino de Los Pedroches, although the latter was revealed to be the most different breed of all 4, which could lay the ground for its differentiation as an independent breed in the Official Catalogue of Spanish Livestock Breeds.

Coagulation efficiency and its determinant factors: A case study for Manchega ewe milk in the region of Castilla-La Mancha, Spain.

Milk coagulation, especially in small ruminant species, is often hard to evaluate, as coagulation traits are normally considered individually and several factors related to udder health might distort yield calculation. Due to the lack of studies about these factors, our objective was to determine milk coagulation efficiency (CE) and its determinants using a deterministic technical efficiency approach, an ordinary least square regression model, and ANOVA. Milk from 300 Manchega ewes was collected and analyzed for composition, milk coagulation properties, and hygienic quality. The study results indicate that the estimated CE in Manchega ewes was 0.69, implying an important proportion of the animals produce poorly coagulating milk. The results of the ordinary least square regression model and ANOVA revealed that the main factor causing inefficiency was the initial pH of milk. Crude protein, casein and plasmin activity had moderate effects on CE, and, finally, other factors such as freezing point depression, somatic cell count, colony-forming units, and fat concentration had minor effects.

Selenium status in a group of schoolchildren from the region of Madrid, Spain.

BACKGROUND: To assess the selenium status of a group of schoolchildren from the Region of Madrid, Spain. METHODS: Study subjects comprised 483 children (216 boys and 267 girls) aged between 8 and 13 years. Selenium intake was determined using a 3-day food record. The foods consumed were transformed into energy and nutrients, and the selenium intake was compared with that recommended. Serum selenium levels were also recorded. RESULTS: Mean (SD) selenium intake [91.0 (25.2) µg day(-1) ] was above the recommended level in 99.4% of subjects; the main dietary sources were cereals, meats, fish and milk products. The serum selenium concentration [mean (SD) 71.1 (14.4) µg L(-1) ], however, was <60 µg L(-1) in 13.9% of subjects, and <45 µg L(-1) in 5.6%. The serum selenium concentration correlated with the selenium intake (r = 0.169; P < 0.05). Children with a serum selenium concentration of <75 µg L(-1) had significantly smaller selenium intakes than those with a serum concentration of ≥75 µg L(-1) . CONCLUSIONS: Although selenium intake was generally above that recommended, the serum selenium concentration of the children could be improved. This could be achieved by increasing the relative consumption of cereals and other selenium rich foods such as fish.

Vulvar leiomyosarcoma in Bartholin's gland area: a case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Malignant tumours of the vulvar soft tissue are very uncommon. When localized in the Bartholin's gland area these tumours can be mistaken for benign lesions, leading to a delayed diagnosis. CASE: A 52-year-old woman presenting with a vulvar nodule, which was diagnosed as a Bartholin's gland cyst and was referred to the hospital for surgical excision of the lesion. Pathologist report informed of a 6 cm diameter leiomyosarcoma of the vulva with compromised resection margins; extension studies did not suggest any additional lesions and radical hemivulvectomy with ipsilateral inguinal lymphadenectomy was performed. The patient subsequently received radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Twelve months later, a local recurrence was diagnosed and was removed surgically. After 4 years of follow-up the patient remains disease free. CONCLUSION: Any vulvar lesion with unusual characteristics or insidious evolution in labia majora or Bartholin's glands area should be carefully and promptly studied. This is particularly important in order to perform an effective surgical treatment in cases of leiomyosarcoma.

[Obesity, insulin resistance and increase in adipokines levels: importance of the diet and physical activity]. / Obesidad, resistencia a la insulina y aumento de los niveles de adipoquinas: importancia de la dieta y el ejercicio físico.

With obesity the amount of pro- and anti-inflammatory adipokines released is increased within the fat tissue. These molecules are implicated in many clinical manifestations of this pathology such as diabetes, arterial hypertension, or cardiovascular disease. At the first stage, the fat tissue of the obese patient becomes resistant to the action of insulin due to the effect of some of these adipokines such as tumour necrosis alpha (TNF-alpha) or interleukine-6 (IL-6). At a second stage, this resistance occurs at other tissues and glucose and insulin levels are increased. This increase, together with high adipokines levels that occur in diabetes, lead to the occurrence of different adverse events, such as the following: increase in oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, increase in blood pressure, and impairments in lipoprotein metabolism, all of which are harmful for health. Practising physical activity and following a balanced diet, similar to the Mediterranean pattern with low fat and salt consumption, would be helpful for improving insulin resistance and adipokines levels in obese people, thus helping improving their health status in the long run.

[Mother's age as a conditioning factor of food consumption and energy and nutrients intake of their offspring at pre-school age]. / La edad de la madre como condicionante del consumo de alimentos y la ingesta de energía y nutrientes de sus hijos en edad preescolar.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to analyse whether the mother's age at the offspring's birth may condition food consumption and energy and nutrients intake as well as the appropriateness of the diet of their offspring at pre-school age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: socio-economic, anthropometrical, and dietary data were collected from a group of 103 pre-school children from Madrid, and the population was divided according to the mother's age (= 26 years (percentile 25) or < 26 years) at birth. RESULTS: Twenty-two point five of the mothers of the preschool children studied had their offspring before 26 years of age and 6.8% before 18. Children from younger mothers consumed less sugars (p < 0.01) and alcohol-free beverages (p < 0.05), but also less fruits (p < 0.01) and others (p < 0.05). The energy from fats was lower (p < 0.05) and that from carbohydrates higher (p < 0.05) among children with older mothers. Besides, the lipid profile was also better in this children, with less caloric intake from polyunsaturated fats (p < 0.05). Besides, fibre (p < 0.05) and vitamin C (p < 0.001) intake was higher in children from older mothers. CONCLUSIONS: It seems that mother's age may have an influence on dietary habits of their children and be a protection factor against dietary inappropriateness of the offspring, so that younger mothers might need special counselling in this respect.

[Dietary habits and their relationship with the knowledge on the concept of a balanced diet in a group of young women with overweight/obesity]. / Hábitos alimentarios y su relación con los conocimientos, respecto al concepto de dieta equilibrada, de un colectivo de mujeres jóvenes con sobrepeso/obesidad.

OBJECTIVE: To know the dietary habits of a population of women with overweight/obesity and their knowledge on the concept of proper feeding in order to design nutrition educational campaigns focused on this population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A group of 67 women, aged 20 to 35 years with body mass index 24-35 kg/m2 were asked about their frequency of food intake and what they thought to be correct to achieve a balanced diet. RESULTS: Studied women more frequently consumed oils (4.3 +/- 4.5 times/week) and sweets (2.5 +/- 3.6 times/week) and less frequently water (-19.1 +/- 22.7 times/week), vegetables (-4.3 +/- 5.7 times/week), fruits (-3.7 +/- 6.2 times/week), legumes (-1.3 +/- 2.0 times/week) and fish (-2.2 +/- 3.7 times/week) than what they thought they should consume. When comparing what they declare to consume to what has been established as minimal recommended intake for the different groups of foods it is observed that the intake of grains and legumes, fruits and vegetables, and slightly less that of fish and eggs, should de increased. CONCLUSIONS: given the incorrect dietary habits observed in a population of women with overweight/obesity, it should be convenient to carry out nutrition educational campaigns. This education could help improve the diet of all the population and the occurrence of overweight and obesity could be prevented in many cases. Besides, in those cases in which the pathology is already present, this could prevent following regimens that are harmful for the health and for weight management.

Laboratory rearing conditions for improved growth of juvenile Helix aspersa Müller snails.

A laboratory rearing system in semi-controlled conditions is proposed to facilitate the behavioural rhythms of the edible snail (Helix aspersa) and to produce a high growth rate with low variability. The growth data were used to construct a model for weight estimation based on age. The animals' live weights showed low variability (<17%) and normal distribution. The best model for estimating weight from age is the logistic model, with a high corelation coefficient (>90%), and a high level of significance for the coefficient (P < 0.0001).

Influence of the desire to lose weight on food habits, and knowledge of the characteristics of a balanced diet, in a group of Madrid university students.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the desire to lose weight in a group of university students, and to analyse the influence of this desire on declared food habits. The degree of knowledge on what constitutes a balanced diet was also determined. DESIGN: Cross-sectional population survey. SUBJECTS: The study subjects were 234 university students (48 males and 186 females) aged 22.3+/-1.5 y. The weight and height of each were recorded. All subjects were questioned on their desire to lose weight, habitual food intake frequencies, and about what they considered to constitute a balanced diet. RESULTS: Approximately half the population (47.9%), both male (47.8%) and female (47.9%), expressed a desire to lose weight, even though the percentage of overweight students was low (11.1% overall, although much greater among male students [39.6%] than female students [3.8]). The body mass index (BMI) of those who wanted to lose weight was greater than that of those who did not. Nonetheless, the majority of subjects (especially females) showed BMIs within the normal range (18-25 kg/m(2)). Among those who wished to lose weight, the consumption of sweet foods was lower - although these subjects believed they ought to consume even less. It was also thought necessary that egg consumption be reduced, although no differences were recorded in declared consumption between those who wished to lose weight and those who did not. CONCLUSIONS: The results show that there is great concern over body weight, although no great differences were seen in the food habits and nutrition knowledge of those who wished to lose weight and those who did not.

Vitamin E status in a group of elderly people from Madrid.

BACKGROUND: Given that vitamin E plays an important role in the prevention of pathological processes frequently observed in older age, it is of special interest to evaluate the nutritional situation of this population with respect to this vitamin. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the nutritional situation with respect to vitamin E in a group of elderly individuals from Madrid, Spain. DESIGN: The vitamin E status of a group of 120, independently-living elderly people was investigated. All included subjects (i.e., those for whom it was possible to determine vitamin E status) belonged to a sample of 158 elderly volunteers, subjects of a larger nutritional study. A 5-day food record (including a Sunday) was kept in order to monitor food intake. Serum levels of alpha-tocopherol were determined by HPLC. RESULTS: Some 95.2% of subjects showed intakes below those recommended; 86.7% did not even meet 66% of the recommended values. At serum level, subjects showed alpha-tocopherol values of 8.3+/-3.6 mg/L, with no differences between men and women (8.5+/-3.6 mg/l in men and 8.2+/-3.6 mg/L in women). Some 51.7% (52.4% of men and 51.3% of women) showed levels below 7.8 mg/L; 17.5% (14.3% of men and 19.2% of women) showed values of 5 mg/L. The influence of the diet at the biochemical level can be seen in that those subjects with intakes lower than 50% of the recommended who showed significantly lower serum levels (7.8+/-3.4 mg/L) that those with greater intakes (9.3+/-4.2 mg/L). This difference was independent of serum triglyceride and cholesterol levels. Subjects with coefficients of vitamin E (mg)/polyunsaturated fatty acids (g) (E/AGP) below the 5 th percentile (0.32) had significantly lower serum alpha-tocopherol levels (5.3+/-1.1 mg/L) than did subjects with E/AGP>or= 0.32 (8.5+/-3.7 mg/L). CONCLUSION: Given the importance of vitamin E as an antioxidant, and its role in the prevention of a range of pathological processes, insufficient intakes (frequently detected in the group studied) should be corrected.

Influence of maternal education on food consumption and energy and nutrient intake in a group of pre-school children from Madrid.

A study was conducted on the influence of maternal education level on food consumption, energy and nutrient intake, and dietary adequacy in 110 pre-school children from Madrid, Spain. With increasing maternal education, children consumed more sugar(p < 0.05), fruit (p < 0.05), and fish (p < 0.05). Snacking was more frequent with decreasing maternal education (p < 0.05). Though statistical significance was not reached, the consumption of pre-cooked foods was greater among children of mothers educated to a higher level, a phenomenon probably related to the work situation of these women. With respect to dietary composition, no significant differences were found between groups for macronutrient, fiber and energy intakes, except for energy supplied by polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), which was greater in the children of less educated women (p < 0.01). This is probably due to their greater consumption of sunflower seed oil. The diets of children belonging to well-educated mothers came closer to meeting the recommended intakes for folate, vitamin C, and iodine. It would seem that maternal educational level influences the food habits of children. Mothers with less education may require special advice in this area.

[Dietary and biochemical riboflavin status in a cohort of young people in the community of Madrid]. / Situación dietética y bioquímica en riboflavina de un colectivo de jóvenes de la comunidad de Madrid.

Riboflavin status was measured in 228 young people (101 women and 127 men) between 18 and 35 years of age, resident in the Comunidad Autónoma de Madrid. A dietetic study was undertaken using a three day food record (which included one non-working day). Also, biochemical levels of riboflavin were investigated via the determination of the activation coefficient of erythrocyte glutathione reductase (alpha-EGR). Although the mean intake of riboflavin was acceptable (107.1 +/- 29.1 of recommended intakes), 46.9 of subjects showed intakes below recommended. At the biochemical level, 14.9% of subjects showed a moderate risk of vitamin B2 deficiency (alpha-EGR: 1.2-1.4) whilst 1.3% were at high risk (alpha-EGR > 1.4). Male subjects showed higher alpha-EGR levels than did females, which coincides with their greater intake of vitamin B2. Milk products provided some 40.4% of the vitamin, meats 19.9%, cereals 8%, vegetables 7.2%, eggs 6.3%. Other foods provided lesser amounts. Therefore, although riboflavin is available across the food groups, it Would seem that milk products are its most important source. Indeed, subjects with high milk product intakes (more than one ration per day) showed the highest riboflavin levels and the most adequate alpha-EGR levels. This study shows that riboflavin status can be improved, especially amongst those with low milk product intakes. An increase in the consumption of these foods to recommended levels (2-3 rations per day) might improve this situation at both dietetic and biochemical levels.

[Signet-ring cell neoplasm. Unusual histologic variety as primary bladder tumor]. / Neoplasia de células en anillo de sello. Una variedad histológica rara como tumor vesical primario.

We report a case of primary signet-ring cell adenocarcinoma of the urinary bladder. It is a extremely rare tumor. Gross hematuria is the commonest clinical presentation as well as this case. Our patient presented with advanced tumour invasion into perivesical fat at dome. The treatment was partial cystectomy together with quimiotherapy. Medical literature are reviewed with special remark on histopathology and its bladder origin.

[Primary nontransitional neoplasms of the bladder]. / Neoplasias primitivas no transicionales de vejiga.

Revision of all primitive tumours of the bladder diagnosed in our Service between July 1990 and July 1998. Among a total of 703 neoplasms of the bladder only 14 were non-transitional primitive tumours, accounting for just 1.98%. Eleven were malignant neoplasms with a diagnosis of epidermoid carcinoma in nine cases, one adenocarcinoma and one bladder adenocarcinoma. The other three were benign tumours: one haemangioma and two leiomyomas. From a clinical perspective, the predominant symptom was haematuria, followed by irritative symptoms. The two leiomyomas were accidental findings during a gynaecological examination (ultrasound) and a diagnostic examination for a nephritic colic (urography). The diagnostic means used and the extension studies were the same as used for transitional neoplasms. In general, treatment of benign neoplasms was partial cystectomy or transurethral resection while it was radical surgery for the malignant tumours when the existing criteria were an indication for that type of surgery (cystoprostatectomy with bypass), since there are no definite criteria with regards to therapy due to the low incidence of these tumours. Only three of the 11 patients with malignant neoplasms are still alive. All the others died within one year of diagnosis, an evidence of the aggressiveness of these tumours. These cases were considered primitive bladder tumours once it was concluded that there was no relation with any previous or simultaneous transitional neoplasms and that there had been no primitive tumour in a different organ.

[Bladder carcinosarcoma: case report with immunohistologic study]. / Carcinosarcoma vesical: aportación de un caso con estudio inmunohistológico.

We present a new case of carcinosarcoma of the bladder. This tumor is generally considered to be a rare one, has an uncertain aetiology and very poor prognosis, composed by mesenchymal and epithelial elements. It is an aggressive tumor with a short clinical course. At present radical cystectomy is the treatment of choice.

[Mullerian-type papillary serous tumor: exceptional pathology of the testis. Report of a case and discussion]. / Tumor seroso papilar tipo mülleriano: una patología excepcional del testículo. Presentación de un caso y discusión.

Within the exceptional tumoral pathology of the testis and paratesticular region are the common epithelial type tumors. Although, its histogenesis is under discussion, it has been interpreted as arising from the remnants of the müllerian duct, or from the mesothelium of the tunica vaginalis differentiating in a müllerian direction. Similarities with homologous ovarian tumors are well recognized and in generally we accept a good prognostic due to its low malignant potential or borderline type, more experience with these uncommon lesions is necessary to evaluate their biologic potential.