Whole Sequencing and Detailed Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 Genomes in Southeast Spain: Identification of Recurrent Mutations in the 20E (EU1) Variant with Some Clinical Implications.

During the COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2, new waves have been associated with new variants and have the potential to escape vaccinations. Therefore, it is useful to conduct retrospective genomic surveillance research. Herein, we present a detailed analysis of 88 SARS-CoV-2 genomes belonging to samples taken from COVID-19 patients from October 2020 to April 2021 at the "Reina Sofía" Hospital (Murcia, Spain) focused to variant appeared later. The results at the mentioned stage show the turning point since the 20E (EU1) variant was still prevalent (71.6%), but Alpha was bursting to 14.8%. Concern mutations have been found in 5 genomes classified as 20E (EU1), which were not characteristic of this still little evolved variant. Most of those mutations are found in the spike protein, namely Δ69-70, E484K, Q675H and P681H. However, a relevant deletion in ORF1a at positions 3675-3677 was also identified. These mutations have been reported in many later SARS-CoV-2 lineages, including Omicron. Taken together, our data suggest that preferential emergence mutations could already be present in the early converging evolution. Aside from this, the molecular information has been contrasted with clinical data. Statistical analyses suggest that the correlation between age and severity criteria is significantly higher in the viral samples with more accumulated changes.

Influence of Raspberry and Its Dietary Fractions on the In vitro Activity of the Colonic Microbiota from Normal and Overweight Subjects.

Raspberry is a source of dietary fibre and phenolic compounds, which are metabolised by the gut microbiota, resulting in the production of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and phenolic catabolites; but the formation of these compounds depends on the microbiota composition. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the raspberry and its fractions (phenolic extract, total and insoluble dietary fibre) affect the microbial activity depending on the body weight condition. For this, in vitro fermentations of raspberry fractions were carried out using faeces from normal-weight (NW) and overweight volunteers (OW) during 48 h, and phenolic catabolites and SCFAs were analysed at 0, 6, 24 and 48 h. The whole raspberry and the phenolic extract produced greater quantities of urolithins and total SCFAs when compared with fibre fractions, reaching the highest amount between 24 and 48 h. The body weight condition was an important factor, since faeces from NW led to greater production of urolithins from non-extractable phenolic compounds bound to fibre fractions, whereas in OW the urolithins production was higher from the fractions with more extractable polyphenols. In summary, the whole raspberry has been shown to have a prebiotic effect, mainly due to its phenolic compounds content rather than its fibre content.

The Japanese Educational System as an International Model for Urban Resilience.

Global cities in the context of accelerated urbanization have to deal with more diverse risk factors than ever before, which highlights the need for a faster and more creative response capacity. Although it is necessary to strengthen technical systems, since they are surrounded by human systems, individual resilience will help to strengthen the community. The educational system is key to developing the human factor in a world where various systems in global cities are increasingly interconnected, which in turn increases risks. Japan is fostering a culture of disaster risk reduction in both the formal, non-formal, and informal education sectors, in which creativity and autonomy are key competencies. Tokyo is the highest populated metropolitan area globally, and its educational system is the international model for education in disaster risk reduction. Urban areas around the world face similar challenges and experience similar needs. This article addresses the challenges that the human factor faces in large cities and the possibilities of increasing resilience in both individuals and communities through Disaster Resilience Education (DRE), taking the Japanese educational system as a model.

Consumption of Spinach and Tomato Modifies Lipid Metabolism, Reducing Hepatic Steatosis in Rats.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is currently a serious and growing clinical problem in developed and developing countries and is considered one of the most frequent chronic liver diseases in the world. The aim of this study was to evaluate the functionality of dietary carotenoids provided by tomato and spinach in the dietary treatment of steatosis. Twenty-two Sprague-Dawley rats with induced steatosis were grouped into three groups and fed standard diet (CD group) and two experimental diets supplemented with 12.75% (LC12.75 group) and 25.5% (HC25.5 group) of a mixture of spinach and tomato powder. Rats fed carotenoid-rich feeds showed an improvement in the plasma biomarkers of steatosis, with lower levels of glucose, total cholesterol, VLDL, TG, proteins, ALT and AST. Likewise, a decrease in oxidative stress was observed, with a significant reduction of malondialdehyde (MDA) in plasma (up to 54%), liver (up to 51.42%) and urine (up to 78.89%) (p < 0.05) and an increase in plasma antioxidant capacity (ORAC) (up to 73.41%) (p < 0.05). Furthermore, carotenoid-rich diets led to an accumulation of carotenoids in the liver and were inversely correlated with the content of total cholesterol and hepatic triglycerides, increasing the concentrations of MUFA and PUFA (up to 32.6% and 48%, respectively) (p < 0.05). The accumulation of carotenoids in the liver caused the modulation of genes involved in lipid metabolism, and we particularly observed an overexpression of ACOX1, APOA1 and NRIH2 (LXR) and the synthesis of the proteins. This study suggests that dietary carotenoids from spinach and tomato aid in the dietary management of steatosis by reversing steatosis biomarkers.

Ameliorative Effect of Spinach on Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Induced in Rats by a High-Fat Diet.

The purpose of this work was to evaluate the effect of dietary carotenoids from spinach on the inflammation and oxidative stress biomarkers, liver lipid profile, and liver transcriptomic and metabolomics profiles in Sprague-Dawley rats with steatosis induced by a high-fat diet. Two concentrations of spinach powder (2.5 and 5%) were used in two types of diet: high-fat (H) and standard (N). Although rats fed diet H showed an accumulation of fat in hepatocytes, they did not show differences in the values of adiponectin, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and oxygen radical absorption (ORAC) in plasma or of isoprostanes in urine compared with animals fed diet N. The consumption of spinach and the accumulation of α and ß carotenes and lutein in the liver was inversely correlated with serum total cholesterol and glucose and the content of hepatic cholesterol, increasing monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and reducing cholesterol in the livers of rats fed diet H and spinach. In addition, changes in the expression of genes related to the fatty liver condition occurred, and the expression of genes involved in the metabolism of fatty acids and cholesterol increased, mainly through the overexpression of peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPARs). Related to liver metabolites, animals fed with diet H showed hypoaminoacidemia, mainly for the glucogenic aminoacids. Although no changes were observed in inflammation and oxidative stress biomarkers, the consumption of spinach modulated the lipid metabolism in liver, which must be taken into consideration during the dietary treatment of steatosis.

Neofobia alimentaria y trastornos de conducta alimentaria: Impacto en la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea de universitarios españoles / Food neophobia and eating disorders: Impact on adherence to the Mediterranean diet of Spanish university students

RESUMEN Este estudio evaluó la actitud de los universitarios murcianos hacia los nuevos alimentos y su relación con la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea, el riesgo de alteraciones de la conducta alimentaria y su asociación con la masa corporal. Participaron estudiantes de la Universidad de Murcia a los cuales se realizaron mediciones antropométricas, peso y talla, para estimar el índice de masa corporal y se estableció su condición nutricional, y se aplicaron las encuestas para identificación de trastornos de conducta alimentaria y neofobia alimentaria. Participaron un total de 300 universitarios con un promedio de edad de 21.3 años. Sólo el 14% de las mujeres y 35% de los hombres presentaron exceso de peso. Un 44% presentan buena adherencia a la dieta mediterránea. La Neofobia fue ligeramente mayor en mujeres que en hombres. Entre los resultados se identificó que existen más conductas de trastornos de conducta alimentaria (15.5%) que neofobia (11.5%), impactando negativamente a la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea. Los universitarios de la Región de Murcia, presentan una puntuación en trastorno de la conducta alimentaria inferior a la reportada por otros autores, no existiendo diferencias significativas entre esta y el sexo, la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea o el IMC.

ABSTRACT The study was designed to evaluate the attitude of Spanish undergraduates towards new foods and its impact on adherence to the Mediterranean diet, risk of altered eating behavior and its association with body mass. Undergraduates of the University of Murcia were invited to participate. Anthropometry (weight and height) was measured to estimate body mass and nutritional status and surveys were administered to identify eating disorders and food neophobia. A total of 300 undergraduates participated, with a mean age of 21.3 years. Only 14% of the women and 35% of the men were overweight; 44% had good adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Neophobia is slightly higher in females than males. We observed more eating disorder behaviors (15.5%) compared to food neophobia (11.5%) and that both negatively impacted the adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Undergraduates from the Murcia Region, reported an eating disorder values lower than that reported by other authors. No significant differences were found between this and sex, adherence to the Mediterranean diet or BMI.

Tomato Juice Supplementation Influences the Gene Expression Related to Steatosis in Rats.

The objective of this work was to identify the effect of tomato juice on the expression of genes and levels of metabolites related to steatosis in rats. Male Sprague Dawley rats (8 weeks-old) were grouped (6 rats/group) in four experimental groups: NA (normal diet and water), NL (normal diet and tomato juice), HA (high-fat diet and water), and HL (high-fat diet and tomato juice). After an intervention period of 5 weeks, rats were sacrificed and biochemical parameters, biomarkers of oxidative stress, liver metabolites, and gene expression were determined. Although the H diet provoked dislipemia related to steatosis, no changes in isoprostanes or liver malondialdehyde (MDA) were observed. Changes in the gene expression of the HA group were produced by the high consumption of fat, whereas the consumption of tomato juice had different effects, depending on the diet. In the NL group, the genes involved in ß-oxidation were upregulated, and in groups NL and HL upregulation of CD36 and downregulation of APOB and LPL were observed. In addition, in the HL group the accumulation of lycopene upregulated the genes FXR and HNF4A, which have been suggested as preventive factors in relation to steatosis. Regarding the metabolomics study, intake of tomato juice stimulated the biosynthesis of glutathione and amino acids of the transulfurization pathway, increasing the levels of metabolites related to the antioxidant response.

Estimación teórica de la ingesta diaria de carotenoides en los escolares españoles (3-9 años / Theoric estimation of the daily intake of carotenoids in the Spanish school children (3-9 years)

Fundamentos: Las frutas y verduras son una rica fuente de carotenoides que proporcionan beneficios para la salud. Los carotenoides más estudiados e ingeridos por la dieta son ß-caroteno, alfa-caroteno, licopeno, zeaxantina, ß-criptoxantina y luteína. Debido a que la prevención de enfermedades crónicas debe empezar en edades tempranas, el objetivo de este trabajo ha sido cuantificar la ingesta de carotenoides de los escolares españoles de 3 a 9 años. Métodos: Se ha empleado la encuesta nacional de consumo de alimentos en población infantil y adolescente (ENALIA) del 2014 y la base de datos de carotenoides en alimentos españoles para estimar la ingesta media de carotenoides (totales e individuales) por día y persona. Resultados: Esta población tiene una ingesta total de 2807,7μg/persona/día, siendo el ß-caroteno el más ingerido, seguido del licopeno, luteína, ß-criptoxantina, alfa-caroteno y la zeaxantina. Conclusiones: Al no haber una IDR para carotenoides no se puede concluir si la ingesta es adecuada o no en la población infantil española, por lo que se insta a realizar más estudios para determinar la cantidad ingerida y su efecto sobre la salud, a corto y largo plazo, y estimar las IDR para este colectivo

Background: Fuitsand vegetables are a rich source of carotenoids, which provide health benefits. Carotenoids that have been consumed and studied more in deep are ß-carotene, alfa-carotene, lycopene, zeaxanthin, ß-criptoxanthin and lutein. Since the prevention of chronic diseases must start at early ages the aim of this work was to quantify the intake of carotenoids in the Spanish school children (3-9 years). Methods: The national survey food consumption in children and adolescents (ENALIA) of 2014 and carotenoid data based have been used to estimate average intake of carotenoids (total and individual) per day and person. Results: The average carotenoids intake in this population is 2807,7 μg/person/day, being ß-carotene the most ingested, followed by lycopene, lutein, ß-criptoxantin and zeaxanthin. Conclusions: Due to are not established DRI for carotenoids, cannot be concluded if the intake is adequate o not in the Spanish child population. More studies are necessaries to determine the amount consumed and its effect on health, short and long term, and estimate DRI for this group

Estimación de la ingesta diaria de carotenoides en adolescentes españoles (10-17 años) / Estimation of the daily intake of carotenoids in Spanishteenagers(10-17 years)

Fundamentos: Los carotenoides son moléculas liposolubles responsables del color de los alimentos vegetales a los que se les han atribuido importantes efectos beneficiosos para la salud. De todos los carotenoides que se encuentran en la dieta, solo 6 de ellos, luteína, zeaxantina, licopeno, a-caroteno, ß-caroteno y ß-criptoxantina, son los más consumidos en la dieta. El objetivo de este estudio fue cuantificar la ingesta de carotenoides en adolescentes españoles de 10 a 17 años. Métodos: Se seleccionaron alimentos consumidos por los adolescentes españoles recogidos en la encuesta nacional de consumo de alimentos de la población infantil y adolescente (ENALIA) editada por el Ministerio de Sanidad, Servicios Sociales e Igualdad y la Agencia Española de Seguridad Alimentaria y Nutrición del año 2017. Como base para efectuar la estimación teórica de la ingesta medía nacional de carotenoides se ha empleado una base de datos de carotenoides española. Resultados: La ingesta medía de carotenoides totales por día y persona, fue de 6074,3 μg/día, siendo el carotenoide más ingerido el licopeno seguido del ß-caroteno, ß-criptoxantina, luteína, a-caroteno y zeaxantina. Conclusiones: Comparando este valor con los obtenidos por otros autores se puede afirmar que los adolescentes españoles ingieren mayor cantidad de carotenoides en su dieta que los de otros países de la cuenta mediterránea

Background: Carotenoids are liposoluble molecules responsible for the colorof plant foods that have been attributed important beneficial effects for health. Of all the carotenoids found in the diet, only 6 of them, lutein, zeaxanthin, lycopene, a-carotene, ß-carotene and ß-cryptoxanthin, are the most consumed in the diet. The objective of this study was to quantify the intake of carotenoids in Spanish children aged 10 to 17 years. Methods: We selected foods consumed by Spaniards collected in the national survey of food consumption of the child and adolescent population (ENALIA) published by the Ministry of Health, Social Services and Equality and the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition of 2017. As a basis for effective theoretical estimation of the national average intake of carotenoids has been employed the Spanish carotenoid databaseResults:The average intake of total carotenoids per day and person was 6074.3 μg / day, the carotenoid being the most ingested lycopene followed by ß-carotene, ß-cryptoxanthin, lutein, a-carotene and zeaxanthin. Conclusions: Comparing this value with those obtained by other authors it can be affirmed that Spanish children ingest a greater amount of carotenoids in their diet than those of other countries in the Mediterranean count

Chemical composition of the edible flowers, pansy (Viola wittrockiana) and snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus) as new sources of bioactive compounds.

The nutritional composition - including total and individual phenolic compounds, carotenoids, and the antioxidant capacity - of two commercially available edible flowers, pansy and snapdragon, was studied. The edible flowers did not differ in their carbohydrates, fat, or ash contents, or in total energy, but pansy had higher values of moisture, protein, and total dietary fiber than snapdragon. Phenolic compounds were more abundant in pansy than in snapdragon, and flavonoids were the major compounds, followed by anthocyanins. The phenolic profile of pansy included flavonols, such as quercetin and isorhamnetin glycosides, flavones, such as apigenin glycosides, and anthocyanins, such as cyanidin and delphinidin glycosides; in snapdragon it included flavonol glycosides (e.g. quercetin and kaempferol glycosides) and anthocyanins, such as cyanidin and pelargonidin glycosides. The contents of total carotenoids were 146 and 29 µg/mg for pansy and snapdragon, respectively, and lutein was the dominant compound.

Estudio de nuevas fórmulas de golosinas de bajo índice glucémico / Study of new formula sweet with low glicemic index

Fundamentos: Las golosinas son alimentos ricos en azúcares simples, con un elevado índice glucémico (IG). La ingesta elevada de alimentos con elevado IG está relacionada con la aparición de enfermedades como la obesidad, diabetes, etc. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la composición proximal, el IG y la aceptación sensorial de dos nuevas golosinas con bajo IG. Métodos: Las golosinas fueron fabricadas por una empresa local, una modificando la receta estándar y otra utilizando jarabe de fruta como ingrediente. La composición proximal se analizó por métodos oficiales (AOAC) y el índice glucémico fue medido en un grupo de voluntarios. Los atributos sensoriales y su aceptación fueron evaluados basándonos en las Normas UNE-87/020/93.Resultados:Los resultados muestran que las nuevas golosinas contienen una menor cantidad de azúcares simples y por ende, un menor valor energético e índice glucémico. Sensorialmente los consumidores han percibido las diferencias entre ellas en color, sabor, aroma, intensidad de dureza y adhesividad dental. Conclusiones: Aunque la golosina estándar fue la que más gustó, la fabricada a base de jarabe de frutas también fue bien aceptada. Por tanto, esta puede ser una buena alternativa a las golosinas tradicionales con alto IG

Background: Sweets are foods rich in simple sugar, that is mono-and disaccharides, and so with a high glycemicindex (GI). Excessive intake of high-GI foodstuffs has been associated with major incidence of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, etc. The aim of this study was to assess proximate composition, GI and consumer acceptance of two newly developed low-GI jelly sweets. Methods: The 2 jelly sweets were developed by a local industry, one by modifying the standard recipe to reduce the simple sugar content and other by using fruit syrup as ingredient. Proximate composition of jelly sweets was analyzed by AOAC official methods and GI was assessed in a group of volunteers. Sensory attributes were evaluated by a panel according to Standard UNE-87/020/93. Results: In comparison to the standard jelly sweet, reformulation led to significantly lower GI, due to lower sugar content of the modified products, and detectable changes in sensory attributes (colour, taste, flavour, toughness and dental adhesiveness). Conclusions: Although the standard jelly sweet was preferred by the panel, low-GI sweets were well acceptedtoo. Thus, the newly developed jelly sweets can be considered a suitable product to serve as an alternative for consumers

Percepción de los alimentos funcionales de un grupo de estudiantes de la Universidad de Murcia / Perception of the functional foods of a group of students of the University of Murcia

Fundamentos: El objetivo de este estudio fue conocer el grado de conocimiento que existe entre los estudiantes de la Universidad de Murcia sobre los alimentos funcionales y si se consumen o no este tipo de alimento y el momento de su ingesta. Metodología: Para el estudio transversal, la muestra estuvo constituida por universitarios de la Región de Murcia. Tanto el grado de conocimiento como el consumo de los alimentos funcionales se determinaron mediante encuestas diseñadas para obtener dicha información, cumplimentadas voluntariamente. Resultados: La muestra estuvo constituida por 133 mujeres (63,3%) y 77 hombres (36,7%). La edad de los voluntarios encuestados osciló entre 18 y 25 años, con una media de 18,56 ± 7,1. El 5,2%, y 12,4% de los estudiantes, respondieron que consumían leches enriquecidas frecuente y ocasionalmente. En cuanto al yogur probiótico, sólo el 9% de los participantes afirmaron consumirla regularmente. La mayoría de los encuestados informaron que consumían zumo vitaminado y cereales enriquecidos ocasionalmente con 28,6% y 30,9%, respectivamente. Sólo el 10% de los participantes reportaron consumir bebidas energéticas frecuentemente y la mantequilla añadida con calcio y bajo en colesterol fue el alimento menos conocido y consumido por los estudiantes. Conclusiones: Se observó que existe una relación entre los estudios cursados y la percepción sobre estos alimentos, siendo los estudiantes de CyTA los que más conocimiento tienen sobre la funcionalidad de estos alimento (AU)

Background: The objective of this study was to know the degree of awareness that exists among students of the University of Murcia on functional foods and whether or not they are consumed this type of food and the time of its intake. Methods: The sample was constituted by university students of the Region of Murcia. Both the degree of knowledge and the consumption of functional foods were determined through questionnaires that were designed to obtain this information. The questionnaires were completed voluntarily. Results: The sample consisted of 133 women (63.3%) and 77 men (36.7%). The ages of the volunteers surveyed ranged from 18 to 25 years, with a mean of 18.56 ± 7.1. 5.2%, together with 12.4% of the students, responded to frequent and occasional enriched milks. As for probiotic yogurt, only 9% of the participants claimed to consume it on a regular basis. Most respondents reported that they consumed vitaminized juice and grains occasionally enriched with 28.6% and 30.9%, respectively. Only 10% of participants reported consuming energy drinks frequently and butter added with calcium and low in cholesterol were found to be the least known and consumed foods by students. Conclusions: it was observed that there was a relation between the degree taken by the students and the perception about these foods, being the students of CyTA the most awareness have about functionality of these foods (AU)

Hepatoprotective activity of chrysin is mediated through TNF-α in chemically-induced acute liver damage: An in vivo study and molecular modeling.

Chrysin (5,7-dihydroxyflavone) is a naturally occurring flavonoid present at high levels in honey, propolis and numerous plant extracts. Chrysin is known to have hepatoprotective activity, however, the mechanisms by which it exerts this effect remain unclear. In the present study, the effects of chrysin in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced acute liver damage were investigated and the results used to infer a possible mechanism behind chrysin's hepatoprotective activity. Prior to an intraperitoneal injection of CCl4 (1 ml/kg) to induce acute liver damage, chrysin (50 mg/kg) was administered orally to mice for 7 days. The positive control group was given 50 mg/kg standardized silymarin, a well-studied hepatoprotective flavonoid. Twenty-four h following CCl4 administration, an increase in the activity levels of serum aspartate-amino-transferase and alanine-amino-transferase was found. This was accompanied by extended centrilobular necrosis, steatosis and an altered hepatocyte ultrastructure. In addition, CCl4-induced acute hepatotoxicity was associated with an increase in hepatic tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) protein expression, which was significantly decreased in the livers of mice pre-treated with chrysin (P<0.001), similar to the results of the silymarin pre-treated group (P<0.001). Treatment with chrysin prior to CCl4 exposure significantly reduced the activity of enzymes used as biochemical markers of poor liver function compared with the group which did not receive pre-treatment (P<0.001). In addition, the results of histopathological and electron microscopy liver examination showed chrysin pre-treatment reduced the effects of CCl4 treatment. Molecular modeling results demonstrated that the hepatoprotective activity of chrysin is mediated through TNF-α, as it reduces soluble TNF-α generation via blocking TNF-α-converting enzyme activity. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest that inflammatory pathways are activated in CCl4-induced acute liver damage, which are ameliorated by chrysin pre-treatment. This indicates that chrysin is a potent hepatoprotective agent, similarly to silymarin at the same dose, which has the potential to be a viable alternative to conventional hepatoprotective treatments.

Valoración de la efectividad de la educación alimentaria en niños de primaria: estudio piloto / Evaluation of the effectiveness of food education in primary children: pilot study

Fundamentos: La etapa infantil es el momento adecuado para instaurar las bases de una alimentación saludable, por ello el objetivo de este trabajo fue conocer en qué medida la educación nutricional en la escuela es capaz de mejorar los hábitos alimenticios de los niños de Educación Primaria. Métodos: En el estudio participaron 32 alumnos de primaria de un colegio público de las Torres de Cotillas. En el grupo de intervención se aplicó un programa de educación nutricional dentro del horario escolar. La calidad del desayuno fue evaluada siguiendo los criterios de estudio enKID y la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea empleando el test KIDMED, antes y después de ejecutar el programa de educación nutricional. Resultados: Se consiguió mejorar significativamente los hábitos alimentarios de los estudiantes (p ≤ 0,002) debido, principalmente a una mayor ingesta de una segunda pieza de fruta y verdura (p ≤ 0,003) y un mayor número de niños que desayunan (p ≤ 0,006). Conclusiones: La educación nutricional en el entorno escolar, permite mejorar los hábitos alimentarios de los escolares (AU)

Background: Childhood education is the perfect moment to establish the basis of a healthy diet. That is the reason why the aim of this dissertation was to know if the food education provided at schools is capable of improve the nutritional habits of the students of primary education. Methods: Thirty-two students from a school of Las Torres de Cotillas (Murcia) took part in this study where a nutritional habit program was employed. The quality of the breakfast was evaluated following the standards of study in KID and the adhesion to the Mediterranean diet using the test KIDMED, before and after executing the program of nutritional education. Results: A considerable improvement of the students’ habits was obtained (p ≤ 0,002) mainly due to a significant increase in the consumption of fruit (2 pieces of fruit and vegetables) (p ≤ 0,003) and the rise of children who have breakfast (p ≤ 0,006). Conclusions: the nutritional education at school allows improving the nutritional habits of students (AU)

Estimación de la capacidad antioxidante de los alimentos ingeridos por la poblaclión española / Estimation of the antioxidant capacity of foods consumed by the spanish population

In the body, the reactions by which energy is created produce reactive oxygen molecules (ROS). ROS can damage biomolecules such as lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, proteins and DNA, which has been linked to chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, inflammatory processes, diabetes and aging. Antioxidants present in foods can counteract the harmful effect of ROS. The aim of this study was to quantify the average intake of antioxidant capacity in the Spanish diet. For this purpose, average daily food intake published in the National Survey of Spanish Dietetics in 2011 and the database that has been published by the USDA (based on the ORAC) was used. The Spanish population surpassed the estimated daily recommendation of antioxidants and was superior to other countries that have similar diets.

En el organismo, las reacciones mediante las cuales se obtienen la energía producen moléculas reactivas de oxígeno (ROS). Los ROS pueden dañar biomoléculas como los lípidos, proteínas, hidratos de carbono, proteínas y el ADN; y esto han sido relacionados con enfermedades crónicas como el cáncer, enfermedades cardiovasculares, procesos inflamatorios, diabetes y el envejecimiento Los antioxidantes presentes en los alimentos pueden contrarrestar el efecto nocivo de los ROS. El objetivo de este estudio fue cuantificar mediante la ingesta media de los españoles de índice de capacidad antioxidante. Para ello se empleó la ingesta media de alimentos por día de los españoles publicada en la Encuesta Nacional de Dietética Española del año 2011 y la base de datos que ha publicado la USDA (basada en el ORAC). La población española superó la recomendación diaria estimada de antioxidantes, siendo incluso superior a otros países que siguen dietas muy similares.

Effect of tomato juice consumption on the plasmatic lipid profile, hepatic HMGCR activity, and fecal short chain fatty acid content of rats.

The aims of the present study were to ascertain, indirectly, the prebiotic role of tomato juice, by analyzing its effect on the content of short chain fatty acids (SCFA) in feces of rats, and to determine the plausible mechanisms related to the hypocholesterolemic effects of tomato juice and lycopene, evaluating the activity of hepatic HMGCR and the formation of propionic acid. Two commercially available tomato juices with differing contents of lycopene (low and high lycopene contents: Llyc and Hlyc tomato juices) were used. Sprague-Dawley male rats were randomly divided into three experimental groups (n = 8): control group, normal diet and water; group 1, normal diet and Llyc tomato juice; and group 2, normal diet and Hlyc tomato juice, which were fed ad libitum for three weeks. Feces were collected at the beginning and the end of the study to determine SCFA, and blood and liver were obtained (after sacrificing the animals) to analyze the lipid plasmatic parameters and the HMGCR activity and total cholesterol, respectively. No significant differences were observed in the plasmatic parameters, except that HDL-cholesterol increased significantly after consumption of both tomato juices. Lycopene was accumulated in the liver in proportion to the amount ingested, and was observed to have an inhibitory effect on the HMGCR enzyme, according to the amount of lycopene in the liver. In relation to the SCFA in feces, no differences were observed in acetate and propionate after the consumption of tomato juice, but a significant increase in butyrate was observed in group 2 after the intake of Hlyc tomato juice. The content of this carboxylic acid together with excreted lycopene in feces could have a beneficial effect on colonic cells.

[Not Available]. / Adherencia a la dieta mediterránea y su relación con la calidad del desayuno en estudiantes de la Universidad de Murcia.

Introducción y objetivos: la evolución que ha experimentado en los últimos años la sociedad española ha originado una serie de cambios sociológicos y/o culturales que afectan claramente a los hábitos y preferencias alimentarias. El objetivo del presente trabajo ha sido evaluar la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea (DM) de la población universitaria en la ciudad de Murcia y la calidad de su desayuno, estableciendo la relación existente entre estas dos variables entre sí, y otras variables sociológicas analizadas.Métodos: se evaluó la adherencia a la DM en una muestra de 312 estudiantes mediante el test KIDMED, cuestionario de 16 preguntas. La calidad del desayuno fue determinada en función de la ingesta de los distintos grupos de alimentos (lácteos, cereales y frutas), de forma que se establecieron las siguientes categorías de calidad: pésima, mala, regular y buena. De cada encuestado se registraron los datos personales, lugar de origen, zona geográfica y tipo de residencia, sexo, edad, titulación universitaria, curso y las variables antropométricas (peso, altura, perímetro de cintura y cadera).Resultados: la muestra estuvo formada por 238 mujeres y 74 hombres todos ellos estudiantes universitarios de distintos títulos de grado. El 7,85% de los universitarios mostró una baja adherencia a la DM, el 48,4% media y el 43,8% alta. Los estudiantes de grado en Educación Primaria mostraron una mayor adherencia media a la DM; los estudiantes de grado en Enfermería tomaron más de una ración de verdura al día; y los de Ciencia y Tecnología de los Alimentos consumían una pieza de fruta al día. Teniendo en cuenta el sexo de los participantes, el 37,8% de las mujeres tomaban más de una verdura diaria y el 91,5% desayunaba bollería industrial; mientras que el 54,1% de los hombres tomaban frutos secos (al menos 2 o 3 veces por semana) y el 74,5% desayunaba todos los días. El 1,15% de los estudiantes mostró una calidad del desayuno pésima, el 17,65% mala, el 60,65% regular y el 20,45% buena, coincidiendo la buena calidad con el consumo de fruta en esta comida. Además, se observó una asociación significativa entre el tiempo y la calidad del desayuno, ya que aquellos estudiantes que dedicaban más de diez minutos a desayunar tomaban un desayuno de buena calidad.Conclusión: en este estudio se ha visto que la calidad del desayuno está estrechamente relacionada con el grado de adherencia al patrón dietético mediterráneo.

Adherencia a la dieta mediterránea y su relación con la calidad del desayuno en estudiantes de la Universidad de Murcia / Adherence to the Mediterranean diet and its relationship with the quality of breakfast in students of the University of Murcia

Introducción y objetivos: la evolución que ha experimentado en los últimos años la sociedad española ha originado una serie de cambios sociológicos y/o culturales que afectan claramente a los hábitos y preferencias alimentarias. El objetivo del presente trabajo ha sido evaluar la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea (DM) de la población universitaria en la ciudad de Murcia y la calidad de su desayuno, estableciendo la relación existente entre estas dos variables entre sí, y otras variables sociológicas analizadas. Métodos: se evaluó la adherencia a la DM en una muestra de 312 estudiantes mediante el test KIDMED, cuestionario de 16 preguntas. La calidad del desayuno fue determinada en función de la ingesta de los distintos grupos de alimentos (lácteos, cereales y frutas), de forma que se establecieron las siguientes categorías de calidad: pésima, mala, regular y buena. De cada encuestado se registraron los datos personales, lugar de origen, zona geográfica y tipo de residencia, sexo, edad, titulación universitaria, curso y las variables antropométricas (peso, altura, perímetro de cintura y cadera). Resultados: la muestra estuvo formada por 238 mujeres y 74 hombres todos ellos estudiantes universitarios de distintos títulos de grado. El 7,85% de los universitarios mostró una baja adherencia a la DM, el 48,4% media y el 43,8% alta. Los estudiantes de grado en Educación Primaria mostraron una mayor adherencia media a la DM; los estudiantes de grado en Enfermería tomaron más de una ración de verdura al día; y los de Ciencia y Tecnología de los Alimentos consumían una pieza de fruta al día. Teniendo en cuenta el sexo de los participantes, el 37,8% de las mujeres tomaban más de una verdura diaria y el 91,5% desayunaba bollería industrial; mientras que el 54,1% de los hombres tomaban frutos secos (al menos 2 o 3 veces por semana) y el 74,5% desayunaba todos los días. El 1,15% de los estudiantes mostró una calidad del desayuno pésima, el 17,65% mala, el 60,65% regular y el 20,45% buena, coincidiendo la buena calidad con el consumo de fruta en esta comida. Además, se observó una asociación significativa entre el tiempo y la calidad del desayuno, ya que aquellos estudiantes que dedicaban más de diez minutos a desayunar tomaban un desayuno de buena calidad. Conclusión: en este estudio se ha visto que la calidad del desayuno está estrechamente relacionada con el grado de adherencia al patrón dietético mediterráneo (AU)

Introduction and objectives: The Mediterranean diet (MD) is one of the healthiest dietary patterns that exist. The modernization of society has brought a series of sociological changes and/or cultural, which inevitably affect the habits and food preferences. The aim of this study is to evaluate the degree of adherence to the MD of students of different degrees at the University of Murcia and the quality of their breakfast. In addition, we analyze the relationship between these two variables together and each one with anthropometric variables. Methods: Adherence was assessed in a sample of 312 students to the DM by KIDMED test. Breakfast quality was assessed according to the intake of dairy, cereals and fruits, so that the categories of poor, poor, fair and good quality were established. Each respondent’s name, sex, age, qualifications, course, anthropometric variables (weight, height, waist and hip), origin, geographical area and type of residence was recorded. Results: The sample consisted of 238 women and 74 men. 7.85% of university students have a low adherence to the MD, 48.4% in average and 43.8% for the high one. Significant differences between the degree and the test KIDMED were shown, so that EP (Primary Education) students showed greater adherence to the average MD; Enf students (Nursing) took more than one vegetable per day; and those of CyTA (Science and Food Technology) a fruit a day. 37.8% of women intake more than a daily vegetable and 91.5% had breakfast with industrial bakery products, while 54.1% of men took nuts (at least 2 or 3 times a week) and 74 5% had breakfast every day. Statistically significant differences were found between these habits and sex between these intakes and their sex. It was obtained a very bad quality of breakfast for 1.15% of the students, bad for 17.65%, regular for 60.65% and good for 20.45%, so most of the students took a regular breakfast. Those that included fruit in their breakfast tended to run a good quality breakfast. Also a significant association was shown between time and quality of breakfast, so that students who spent more than ten minutes for breakfast had a good quality breakfast. Conclusion: Based on the results, in this study it has been shown that a good breakfast is closely linked to follow the Mediterranean dietary pattern (AU)

Propiedades beneficiosas para la salud del Mangostán / Beneficial properties of mangosteen for health

El mangostán (Garcinia mangostana L.) es un fruto de origen asiático, perteneciente a la familia de las Gutíferas y considerado en Tailandia como «la reina de las frutas». Sus efectos en beneficio de la salud se atribuyen a las xantonas, compuestos de naturaleza fenólica presentes en la corteza. Varios investigadores, en estudios in vitro e in vivo, han demostrado sus propiedades biológicas, entre las que podemos destacar una importante actividad para combatir especies reactivas de oxígeno/nitrógeno (ROS/RNS), actividad antiinflamatoria, efectos anticancerígenos sobre varias líneas celulares de cáncer (próstata, mama, leucemia, colon, etc.), actividad antimicrobiana, control de síntomas neuropsiquiátricos y cognitivos y mejora de parámetros relacionados con la obesidad. En España, el mangostán está empezando a utilizarse como complemento alimenticio aunque debemos ser cautos, pues son necesarios más ensayos clínicos en humanos para aclarar sus mecanismos de absorción, metabolismo y eliminación en el organismo (AU)

The mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) is a fruit of Asian origin, belonging to the family of Gutifferae and considered in Thailand as the «queen of fruits». Its effects on health benefit are attributed to xanthones, phenolic compounds present in the pericarp. Several researchers, with in vitro and in vivo studies, have proved their biological properties, among which we can highlight an important activity to combat reactive species of oxygen/nitrogen (ROS/RNS), anti-inflammatory activity, anticancer effects on various cancer cell lines (prostate, breast, leukemia, colon, etc.), antimicrobial activity, control of neuropsychiatric and cognitive symptoms and improvement parameters associated with obesity. In Spain, the mangosteen is starting to be used as a dietary supplement but we must be cautious, as we need more clinical trials in human beings to clarify the mechanisms of absorption, metabolism and elimination within the organism (AU)

Effect of inclusion of hydroxycinnamic and chlorogenic acids from green coffee bean in ß-cyclodextrin on their interactions with whey, egg white and soy protein isolates.

The aim of the study was to characterise the interactions of hydroxycinnamic and chlorogenic acids (CHAs) from green coffee, with isolates of proteins from egg white (EWP), whey (WPC) and soy (SPI), depending on pH and temperature. The binding degree was determined by liquid chromatography coupled to a diode array detector and an ultrahigh resolution hybrid quadruple-time-of-flight mass spectrometer with ESI source (LC-QTOF-MS/MS). As a result of binding, the concentration of CHAs in proteins ranged from 9.44-12.2, 11.8-13.1 and 12.1-14.4g/100g for SPI, WPC and EWP, respectively. Thermodynamic parameters of protein-ligand interactions were determined by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and energetics of interactions at the atomic level by molecular modelling. The amount of CHAs released during proteolytic digestion was in the range 0.33-2.67g/100g. Inclusion of CHAs with ß-cyclodextrin strongly limited these interactions to a level of 0.03-0.06g/100g.