Impact of self-reported bank fraud on self-rated health, comorbidity and pain.

OBJECTIVES: As reported in other high-income countries, around the 2008 Great Recession the Spanish banking sector engaged abusive practices that satisfy the definition of fraud. Our objective is to examine the association between self-reported bank fraud and physical health, using a gender perspective. METHODS: With data from the 2017 Madrid Health Survey, we examined the association between the economic impact of fraud and poor self-rated health (SRH), comorbidity and pain (N = 4425). Interactions of time since fraud and sex with economic impact were tested by Poisson regression models with robust variance. RESULTS: In total, 11% of adults in Madrid reported bank fraud since 2006. Among men, those who experienced frauds with severe economic impact were more likely to report adverse health than those who did not experience fraud (PR comorbidity: 1.46; PR pain conditions: 2.17). Among men time elapsed since fraud strengthened the association between severe economic impact and poor SRH (p = 0.022; p = 0.006, respectively). Among women, associations did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: Bank frauds are an emerging phenomenon which is likely to damage public health. Stricter regulation to protect people from fraudulent bank practices is needed.

Financial Fraud, Mental Health, and Quality of Life: A Study on the Population of the City of Madrid, Spain.

Over the past few decades, the financial system has engaged in abusive practices that meet the definition of fraud. Our objective is to compare the prevalence of psychological distress and levels of health-related quality of life according to having been exposed to financial fraud and its economic impact on family finances. The City of Madrid Health Survey 2017 included specific questions on exposure to financial fraud-this section was administered to half of the participants (n = 4425). Mental health need or caseness was defined by a score greater than two on the 12-item version of the Goldberg health questionnaire. Health-related quality of life was assessed by the Darmouth Coop Functional Health Assessment Charts/WONCA (COOP/WONCA). The prevalence of financial fraud was 10.8%. The prevalence rate ratio for caseness of those who experienced severe economic impact due to fraud was 1.62 (95%, CI 1.17-2.25; reference: no fraud), after adjustment by age, sex, social class, and immigrant status. Women experienced a decreased quality of life, even with a moderate impact of fraud, while men experienced a decreased quality of life related to fraud with severe economic impact. The current study contributes to a growing body of literature showing the effects of economic shocks on health as a result of financial fraud.

Combination of Analytical and Chemometric Methods as a Useful Tool for the Characterization of Extra Virgin Argan Oil and Other Edible Virgin Oils. Role of Polyphenols and Tocopherols.

Analysis of phenolic profile and tocopherol fractions in conjunction with chemometrics techniques were used for the accurate characterization of extra virgin argan oil and eight other edible vegetable virgin oils (olive, soybean, wheat germ, walnut, almond, sesame, avocado, and linseed) and to establish similarities among them. Phenolic profile and tocopherols were determined by HPLC coupled with diode-array and fluorescence detectors, respectively. Multivariate factor analysis (MFA) and linear correlations were applied. Significant negative correlations were found between tocopherols and some of the polyphenols identified, but more intensely (P < 0.001) between the γ-tocopherol and oleuropein, pinoresinol, and luteolin. MFA revealed that tocopherols, especially γ-fraction, most strongly influenced the oil characterization. Among the phenolic compounds, syringic acid, dihydroxybenzoic acid, oleuropein, pinoresinol, and luteolin also contributed to the discrimination of the oils. According to the variables analyzed in the present study, argan oil presented the greatest similarity with walnut oil, followed by sesame and linseed oils. Olive, avocado, and almond oils showed close similarities.

Ultrafiltration of skimmed goat milk increases its nutritional value by concentrating nonfat solids such as proteins, Ca, P, Mg, and Zn.

Goat milk has been reported to possess good nutritional and health-promoting properties. Usually, it must be concentrated before fermented products can be obtained. The aim of this study was to compare physicochemical and nutritional variables among raw (RM), skimmed (SM), and ultrafiltration-concentrated skimmed (UFM) goat milk. The density, acidity, ash, protein, casein, whey protein, Ca, P, Mg, and Zn values were significantly higher in UFM than in RM or SM. Dry extract and fat levels were significantly higher in UFM than in SM, and Mg content was significantly higher in UFM than in RM. Ultrafiltration also increased the solubility of Ca and Mg, changing their distribution in the milk. The higher concentrations of minerals and proteins, especially caseins, increase the nutritional value of UFM, which may therefore be more appropriate for goat milk yogurt manufacturing in comparison to RM or SM.

Assessing the bioavailability of polyphenols and antioxidant properties of extra virgin argan oil by simulated digestion and Caco-2 cell assays. Comparative study with extra virgin olive oil.

Argan oil is becoming increasingly popular in the edible-oil market as a luxury food with healthy properties. This paper analyzes (i) the bioavailability of the polyphenol content and antioxidant properties of extra virgin argan oil (EVA) by the combination of in vitro digestion and absorption across Caco-2 cells and (ii) the protective role of the oil bioaccessible fraction (BF) against induced oxidative stress. Results were compared with those obtained with extra virgin olive oil (EVO). Higher values of polyphenols and antioxidant activity were observed in the BF obtained after the in vitro digestion of oils compared with the initial chemical extracts; the increase was higher for EVA but absolute BF values were lower than EVO. Bioaccessible polyphenols from EVA were absorbed by Caco-2 cells in higher proportions than from EVO, and minor differences were observed for antioxidant activity. Preincubation of cell cultures with BF from both oils significantly protected against oxidation, limiting cell damage and reducing reactive oxygen species generation.

Does Lactobacillus plantarum or ultrafiltration process improve Ca, Mg, Zn and P bioavailability from fermented goats' milk?

Ca, Mg, Zn and P bioavailability from two experimental ultrafiltered fermented goats' milks (one of them with the probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum and another one without it), and fermented goats' milk samples available in the market were evaluated. Solubility, dialysability and a model combining simulated gastrointestinal digestion and mineral retention, transport and uptake by Caco-2 cells were used to assess bioavailability. The highest Ca, Mg, Zn and P bioavailability values always corresponded to the fermented milk developed by our research group, which could be explained by the effect of milk ultrafiltration. The fermented milk with L. plantarum showed higher Ca retention than the ones without the microorganism, and major Ca uptake when compared to commercial products. This fact could be attributed to a positive effect exerted by the probiotic strain.

The probiotic bacterial strain Lactobacillus fermentum D3 increases in vitro the bioavailability of Ca, P, and Zn in fermented goat milk.

We determined calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc levels in a total of 27 samples of commercial goat- and cow-milk fermented products and 9 samples of a goat-milk fermented product with addition of a probiotic bacterial strain, Lactobacillus fermentum D3, manufactured experimentally by our research group. Atomic absorption spectroscopy with flame atomization and UV/VIS spectrophotometry were used as analytic techniques. The results of an in vitro digestion process showed that the bioavailability of calcium, phosphorus, and zinc was significantly higher in our fermented milk containing the probiotic bacterial strain than it was in commercial goat-milk fermented products. Furthermore, our product showed a significantly higher bioavailability of calcium and zinc compared to goat- and cow-milk fermented products made with other microorganisms. We conclude that, in in vitro assays, strain D3 seems to increase the bioavailability of these minerals and that this new product may constitute a better source of bioavailable minerals compared to other products already on the market.

Duplicate portion sampling combined with spectrophotometric analysis affords the most accurate results when assessing daily dietary phosphorus intake.

The assessment of daily dietary phosphorus (P) intake is a major concern in human nutrition because of its relationship with Ca and Mg metabolism and osteoporosis. Within this context, we hypothesized that several of the methods available for the assessment of daily dietary intake of P are equally accurate and reliable, although few studies have been conducted to confirm this. The aim of this study then was to evaluate daily dietary P intake, which we did by 3 methods: duplicate portion sampling of 108 hospital meals, combined either with spectrophotometric analysis or the use of food composition tables, and 24-hour dietary recall for 3 consecutive days plus the use of food composition tables. The mean P daily dietary intakes found were 1106 ± 221, 1480 ± 221, and 1515 ± 223 mg/d, respectively. Daily dietary intake of P determined by spectrophotometric analysis was significantly lower (P < .001) and closer to dietary reference intakes for adolescents aged from 14 to 18 years (88.5%) and adult subjects (158.1%) compared with the other 2 methods. Duplicate portion sampling with P analysis takes into account the influence of technological and cooking processes on the P content of foods and meals and therefore afforded the most accurate and reliable P daily dietary intakes. The use of referred food composition tables overestimated daily dietary P intake. No adverse effects in relation to P nutrition (deficiencies or toxic effects) were encountered.

Levels of Se, Zn, Mg and Ca in commercial goat and cow milk fermented products: Relationship with their chemical composition and probiotic starter culture.

We determined Se, Zn, Mg and Ca levels in 42 samples of goat and cow fermented milks which are widely consumed in Spain were determined. Atomic absorption spectrometry (hydride generation for Se and flame atomisation for remaining elements) was used as an analytical technique. Reliability of the procedure was checked. Only Mg levels in goat fermented milks were significantly higher to those found in cow fermented milks (p<0.022). Important similarities in concentrations and behaviours for Mg and Ca have been observed. Mg contents were significantly correlated with Zn (r=0.590; p<0.001) and Ca (r=0.344; p<0.028) concentrations, Zn, Mg and Ca levels with protein content (r=0.554, r=0.479, r=0.388, respectively), Mg levels with fats (r=0.403; p=0.011) and Se levels with carbohydrates (r=-0.379; p=0.031). Mineral and macronutrient levels in yogurts with traditional probiotic starter cultures were not significantly different to those found in fermented milks with additional probiotic microorganisms (p>0.05). It was concluded that goat fermented milks are a better source for Mg than cow samples.

Milk protein peptides with angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibitory (ACEI) activity.

Bioactive peptides derived from milk proteins are currently of great scientific interest due to their beneficial health properties. The group of bioactive peptides most studied up until now are the angiotensin-I converting enzyme inhibitory (ACEI) peptides, which, when administered orally, seem to possess the capacity to lower blood pressure in hypertensive subjects. The various techniques of separation, identification, and classification of bioactive peptides obtained from milk and milk products, permit the selection of molecules with the highest level of health benefits to be used as a functional ingredient in the production of milk products with blood pressure-lowering effects such as Evolus((R)) or Calpis((R)). This review focuses on the major research in the areas of isolation, identification, and application of bioactive peptides with ACEI activity in milk proteins, paying special attention to in vitro, in animal model systems, and in clinical studies of hypertensive patients.

Nutritional study of copper and zinc in grapes and commercial grape juices from Spain.

This paper presents the levels of copper and zinc determined in a total of 66 samples of the most widely consumed varieties of white and red grapes in Spain, as well as those of 60 samples of grape juice (39 from white varieties and 21 from red ones) chosen from the main commercial brands in the country. Atomic absorption spectroscopy was used as analytical technique, with electrothermal atomization after digestion of the sample with HNO(3)-H(2)O(2) for grapes and with HNO(3) for grape juice. The mean Zn contents obtained (0.0462 mg/100 g in grapes and 0.0460 mg/100 mL in grape juice) are lower than those provided by most of the more commonly used food composition tables. The mean Cu contents were 0.0515 mg/100 g in grapes and 0.0063 mg/100 mL in grape juice. On the basis of these data and the official data on consumption of grapes and grape juice in Spain, the contribution of both products to the recommended daily intake of zinc (15 and 12 mg/day for healthy adult men and women, respectively) is estimated to be approximately 0.1%, whereas for Cu, this supply represents rather more than 0.25% of the established ESADDI (1.5-3 mg/day in adults). The growing popularity of these products in recent years, on the basis of its nutritional properties and beneficial effects, requires additional data, and the present findings are of potential use to food composition tables.

Mineral content in legumes and nuts: contribution to the Spanish dietary intake.

We evaluated the levels of essential elements as Cu, Cr, Fe and Zn, and toxic elements as Al, Ni, Pb and Cd in a total of 40 samples of different legumes and 56 samples of different nuts, that are widely consumed in Spain. These elements were determined in the samples mineralized with HNO(3) and V(2)O(5), using electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS) as the analytical technique. Reliability of the procedure was checked by analysis of a certified reference material. No matrix effects were observed and aqueous standard solutions were used for calibration. In legumes, the levels ranged from 1.5-5.0 microg Cu/g, 0.05-0.60 microg Cr/g, 18.8-82.4 microg Fe/g, 32.6-70.2 microg Zn/g, 2.7-45.8 microg Al/g, 0.02-0.35 microg Ni/g, 0.32-0.70 microg Pb/g and not detectable-0.018 microg Cd/g. In nuts, the levels ranged from 4.0-25.6 microg Cu/g, 0.25-1.05 microg Cr/g, 7.3-75.6 microg Fe/g, 25.6-69.0 microg Zn/g, 1.2-20.1 microg Al/g, 0.10-0.64 microg Ni/g, 0.14-0.39 microg Pb/g, and not detectable-0.018 microg Cd/g. A direct statistical correlation between Cu-Cr, Zn-Al and Cr-Ni (P<0.05), and Al-Pb (P<0.001), has been found. The growing popularity of these products in recent years on the basis of its nutritional properties and beneficial effects, requires additional data and a periodical control. In addition, the present findings are of potential use to food composition tables.

Optimized determination of calcium in grape juice, wines, and other alcoholic beverages by atomic absorption spectrometry.

This paper describes a study of the different methods of sample preparation for the determination of calcium in grape juice, wines, and other alcoholic beverages by flame atomic absorption spectrometry; results are also reported for the practical application of these methods to the analysis of commercial samples produced in Spain. The methods tested included dealcoholization, dry mineralization, and wet mineralization with heating by using different acids and/or mixtures of acids. The sensitivity, detection limit, accuracy, precision, and selectiviy of each method were established. Such research is necessary because of the better analytical indexes obtained after acid digestion of the sample, as recommended by the European Union, which advocates the direct method. In addition, although high-temperature mineralization with an HNO3-HCIO4 mixture gave the best analytical results, mineralization with nitric acid at 80 degrees C for 15 min gave the most satisfactory results in all cases, including those for wines with high levels of sugar and beverages with high alcoholic content. The results for table wines subjected to the latter treatment had an accuracy of 98.70-99.90%, a relative standard deviation of 2.46%, a detection limit of 19.0 microg/L, and a determination limit of 31.7 microg/L. The method was found to be sufficiently sensitive and selective. It was applied to the determination of Ca in grape juice, different types of wines, and beverages with high alcoholic content, all of which are produced and widely consumed in Spain. The values obtained for Ca were 90.00 +/- 20.40 mg/L in the grape juices, 82.30 +/- 23.80 mg/L in the white wines, 85.00 +/- 30.25 mg/L in the sweet wines, 84.92 +/- 23.11 mg/L in the red wines, 85.75 +/- 27.65 mg/L in the rosé wines, 9.51 +/- 6.65 mg/L in the brandies, 11.53 +/- 6.55 mg/L in the gin, 7.3 +/- 6.32 mg/L in the pacharán, and 8.41 +/- 4.85 mg/L in the anisettes. The method is therefore useful for routine analysis in the quality control of these beverages.