Performance and carcass quality traits of Iberian × Duroc crossbred pig subject to gender and age at the beginning of the free-range finishing phase.

The traditional production of the Iberian breed pig involves a long production cycle. It might be shortened by using Iberian pigs crossed with Duroc and by reducing the growing phase, but the age-related changes on productive performance and carcass quality should be addressed. Thus, productive performance, live measurements and carcass and primal cut traits were evaluated on Iberian × Duroc 50:50 crossed pigs according to animal age at the beginning of the free-range finishing phase (Montanera): 10, 12 and 14 months old (IBxD10 (n = 15), IBxD12 (n = 17) and IBxD14 (n = 18) animal batches, respectively) and gender (immunologically castrated female -consisted of the Improvac® vaccination- and surgically castrated males). During the growing period, animals were fed with restrictions; 1.49, 1.29 and 1.20 ± 0.023 (mean ± SEM) kg/day of commercial feeds to start Montanera with similar BW; 103.9, 102.9 and 102.1 ± 0.22 kg, for IBxD10, IBxD12 and IBxD14, respectively. IBxD14 animals yielded the highest average daily gain (ADG) and BW after Montanera, as well as larger rump height and croup width. In contrast, these animals had the lowest carcass yield. Although animals from IBxD10 yielded hams of inferior size, this could be of interest to the sector, as there is a certain segment of the market that demands hams of smaller size and, generally, this is difficult to obtain with the traditional Montanera production system. The gender had no major effects on performance and carcass and primal cut traits, so both immunologically castrated female and surgically castrated males are suitable for finishing in Montanera.

Physico-chemical and sensory characterization of sliced Iberian chorizo from raw material of three commercial categories and stability during refrigerated storage packaged under vacuum and modified atmospheres.

Physico-chemical and sensory analysis of Iberian chorizo manufactured from three commercial categories raw material compiled in the current Spanish Iberian Quality standard (Black, Red; 100% Iberian and 50% Iberian × Duroc pigs, respectively, under Montanera, and White; 50% Iberian × Duroc pigs commercially fed) and packed under vacuum and modified atmosphere (MAP) were carried out, in order to address the influence of the genotype and animal production system and packaging on quality parameters, as well as the stability of these throughout long-term storage. Montanera categories showed higher values of γ-tocopherol, mono- and poly-unsaturated fatty acids, greater scores of flavour and taste and higher lipid oxidation during the whole storage. MAP preserved better colour, especially redness and lipid oxidative status. Iberian chorizo could attain a differentiated quality because of physico-chemical and sensorial characteristics derived from the Montanera that would be adequate preserved in both vacuum and MAP throughout long-term storage.

What functional proteomic and biochemical analysis tell us about animal stress in beef?

Animal management practices may influence the animal's susceptibility to stress, with detrimental effects on the ultimate meat quality. In this field, proteomics is a promising tool that reveals the biological pathways underpinning the effect of animal's pre-slaughter stress (PSS) on the ultimate meat quality. The objective of this work was to study the effect of a pre-slaughter procedure that may promote stress, such as mixing unfamiliar animals during the transport and lairage period, on the post-mortem muscle proteome of young bulls reared under two different farm management systems (Intensive or Extensive). Comparative proteomics and biochemical analysis reveal the effect of PSS on biochemical pathways involved in the meat colour development, muscle redox status, energy metabolism and autophagy. This work highlights the potential of some muscle proteins such as Beclin-1 (autophagy marker), CKM (biomarker of energy transduction) and proteins of the energy metabolism (ALDOA, PYGM, PGM1, PKM, GPI) as potential biomarkers to discriminate beef samples according to the incidence of PSS. SIGNIFICANCE: Meat scientists are interested in the study of individual animal-based measurements that allow the detection of stress situations which could have negative effects on meat quality. In this context, the mechanisms underlying the adverse effects of pre-slaughter stress on the post-mortem muscle metabolism need to be elucidated in order to understand how animal stress may influence the conversion of muscle into meat. In this work, the study of proteome changes in the post-mortem muscle has allowed the identification of significant biomarkers of these processes that could be used as tools for detecting inappropriate strategies that may induce increased animal stress and, in consequence, may compromise the ultimate beef quality.

Is production system a relevant attribute in consumers' food preferences? The case of Iberian dry-cured ham in Spain.

Spanish consumers have a strong preference for Iberian meat products, as they perceive them to be of extra sensorial and nutritional quality. The production of these meat products depends on multiple variables, such as genetics, livestock production systems and, above all, the feed provided. The aim of this paper is to study the preferences of Spanish consumers for the various types of Iberian dry-cured ham, analysing whether they are willing to pay the premium required by the highest-quality products. The methodological approach combined a sensory analysis and a choice-based conjoint experiment with obtained through tasting sessions in Extremadura (SW of Spain). Findings of the sensory test have shown that there are significant differences in odour, texture and taste, explained mainly by the type of feed pigs were fed. The main results of the choice experiment have also shown that the type of feed is the most preferred attribute by consumers, in line with the sensory analysis.

Intensive vs. free-range organic beef. A preference study through consumer liking and conjoint analysis.

This paper evaluates consumer liking and preferences towards organic beef from two production systems allowed by EU regulation: i) free-range and ii) intensive (fattened in feed-lot with organic feedstuff) as compared with conventionally produced beef. Data were obtained in April-May 2014 with a sample of 150 regular beef consumers who completed two tasks: firstly a sensory test where consumers tasted and rated the meats and secondly a conjoint analysis to study beef purchasing preferences. Willingness-to-pay for the different meats was also calculated from conjoint results. Results show that consumers preferred organic-from-concentrate beef at sensory level while organic beef from animals fed on grass was preferred when process characteristics (i.e. farming system) or attributes perceived at the point of purchase (i.e. colour) were evaluated. It was also found that the price-premium for organic beef is over 40%, with organic-fed-on grass beef preferred slightly over that fed-on-concentrate.

Study of variability in antioxidant composition and fatty acids profile of Longissimus dorsi and Serratus ventralis muscles from Iberian pigs reared in two different Montanera seasons.

This investigation was designed to evaluate the effects of variations in antioxidant and fatty acids composition of acorns and grass from two Montanera (free-range system and feeding based on acorns and grass) seasons (2006/07 and 2007/08) on the antioxidant composition and fatty acids profile of m. Longissimus dorsi (LD) and m. Serratus ventralis (SV) from Iberian pigs reared under these Montanera seasons. Acorn and grass composition was affected by Montanera season and consequently, LD and SV muscles showed different contents of α-tocopherol, total phenols, hydrophilic and lipophilic antioxidant activity and fatty acid profile, according with the composition of acorns and grass ingested. Results suggest a lack of uniformity in meat quality between different seasons. This could be due to the variable nature of extensive pig production as reflected in the variability in the composition of the diet (acorns and grass).

Effect of production system on physical-chemical, antioxidant and fatty acids composition of Longissimus dorsi and Serratus ventralis muscles from Iberian pig.

The effect of three production systems of Iberian pigs namely Montanera (free-range system and feeding based on acorns and grass), Recebo (free-range system and nutrition based in combination of acorns, grass and mixed feeds) and Intensive (confinement with mixed feeds) on some quality traits of Longissimus dorsi (LD) and Serratus ventralis (SV) muscles were studied. Muscles from pigs raised in the Montanera system showed significantly higher CIE L(∗), a(∗) and b(∗) values and higher haem pigment content than those from Intensive system. Similarly, muscles from pigs raised in the Montanera system had significantly higher contents of α and γ-tocopherol and phenolic compounds contents and higher lipophilic and hydrophilic activity antioxidant than those from pigs raised in the Intensive system. Fatty acids profiles from Montanera pigs had significantly higher monounsaturated (MUFA) and polyunsaturated (PUFA) fatty acids and lower saturated fatty acids (SFA) than those from pigs raised in the Intensive system. In relation to muscle effect, LD showed lower intramuscular fat (IMF), α-tocopherol, phenolic compounds, lipid oxidation and PUFA, but higher MUFA than SV.

Management of diabetic ketoacidosis in a teaching hospital.

The aim of our study was to evaluate clinical management of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in a teaching hospital. We followed all the patients hospitalised for DKA over six years (1995-2000), and we recorded clinical data, laboratory finding at entrance and clinical management. We compared the data to the standards set in guidelines. Our study showed an important delay of initiation of intravenous fluid (70% of cases), an under-replacement with intravenous fluid (69% of cases) and with potassium therapy (80% of cases), and an excessive use of alkali therapy. In conclusion, suboptimal management of DKA occurred in a large percentage of patients.

Riesgos del tratamiento estrogénico en trastornos de identidad sexual: a propósito de un caso / Risks of estrogen treatment in gender identity disorders: apropos of a case

Los riesgos potenciales del tratamiento estrogénico se deben tener en cuenta al tratar a los pacientes transexuales de varón a mujer con estos fármacos. Presentamos el caso de una paciente transexual de varón a mujer que estaba siendo tratada con etinilestradiol y sufrió un episodio de trombosis venosa profunda en el miembro inferior tras inmovilización por un esguince. Dicha paciente fue sometida posteriormente a un estudio de trombofilia y se detectó que era portadora heterocigota del factor V Leiden, por lo que se contraindicó el tratamiento con estrógenos de por vida. Debemos valorar, en los pacientes con mayor riesgo de trombosis venosa profunda, la realización de un estudio de trombofilia previo al tratamiento, así como la necesidad de profilaxis tromboembólica en caso de coexistir un reto trombótico (AU)

The potential risks of estrogen treatment when the male-to-female (M-to-F) transsexual patients are treated with estrogens should not be forgotten. We report the case of a M-to-F transsexual patient undergoing treatment with ethinyl estradiol who developed deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremity after a period of immobility because of a sprain. Thrombophilia study revealed that she was a heterozygous carrier of factor V Leiden. Estrogens were therefore contraindicated. We recommend screening for thrombophilic defects in patients at high risk for deep vein thrombosis before starting estrogen therapy. In addition, these patients require thromboembolic prophylaxis if there are concomitant triggering factors (AU)

[Carbohydrate metabolism derangements in patients with morbid obesity: weight loss impact]. / Estudio del metabolismo hidrocarbonado en pacientes con obesidad mórbida: influencia de la pérdida de peso.

OBJECTIVE: Examination of carbohydrate metabolism derangements in patients with morbid obesity and the influence of weight reduction through nutritional intervention. Assessment of gender influence on carbohydrate metabolism derangements and on response to diet. PATIENTS AND METHOD: 59 patients with morbid obesity were studied with anthropometric assessment and with carbohydrate metabolism assessment through an oral glucose overload and measurement of insulin resistance, before and after a dietary intervention alternating diets of very low caloric content with conventional low-calorie diets. RESULTS: A very significant global weight reduction in both sexes was observed (95% confidence interval [CI], 26.9 to 39.8 kg in males, and 13.5 to 20.3 kg in women). A significant improvement in basal blood glucose was found in both sexes (95% CI: males, 0.44 to 46.5 mg/dl; women, 9.5 to 32.8 mg/dl), and in 120 minute oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) blood glucose in women (95% CI: 3.5 to 52.9 mg/dl). Both males and women showed significant improvement in basal insulinemia (95% CI: males, 1.6 to 14.2 microU/ml; women, 3.9 to 8.5 microU/ml) and in sex hormone-binding globulins (SHBG) (95% CI: males, -30.1 to -13.3 nmol/l; women, -54 to -19.4 nmol/l). Both males and women showed an improvement of sensitivity to insulin measured with HOMA (HOMAIR) (95% CI: males, 1.46 to 3.59; women, 0.67 to 2.24). CONCLUSION: In patients with morbid obesity carbohydrate metabolism derangements are common. Weight reduction led to a significant reduction of these derangements.

Estudio del metabolismo hidrocarbonato en pacientes con obesidad mórbida: influencia de la pérdida de peso / Carbohydrate metabolism derangements in patients with morbid obesity: weight loss impact

Objetivo. Analizar la presencia de alteraciones del metabolismo hidrocarbonado en pacientes con obesidad mórbida y la influencia de la reducción ponderal mediante intervención dietética sobre las mismas. Valorar la influencia del sexo en la presencia de dichas alteraciones y en la respuesta a la dieta. Pacientes y métodos. A 59 pacientes con obesidad mórbida se les realizó una valoración antropométrica y del metabolismo hidrocarbonado mediante la realización de sobrecarga oral de glucosa y medición de la insulinresistencia antes y después de una intervención dietética, alternando dietas de muy bajo contenido calórico con dietas hipocalóricas convencionales. Resultados. Se apreció una reducción ponderal global muy significativa en ambos sexos (intervalo de confianza [IC] al 95%: 26,9 a 39,8 kg en varones y 13,5 a 20,3 kg en mujeres). Se encuentra una mejoría significativa en ambos sexos de la glucemia basal (IC al 95%: varones, 0,44-46,5 mg/dl; mujeres, 9,5-32,8 mg/dl) y en las mujeres de la glucemia a los 120 min de la sobrecarga oral de glucosa (IC al 95%: 3,5 a 52,9 mg/dl). Tanto los varones como las mujeres presentan mejoría significativa de la insulinemia basal (IC al 95%: varones, 1,6 a 14,2 µU/ml; mujeres, 3,9 a 8,5 µU/ml) y de la globulina transportadora de hormonas sexuales (IC al 95%: varones, -30,1 a -13,3 nmol/l; mujeres, -54 a -19,4 nmol/l). Tanto varones como mujeres mostraron una mejoría de la sensibilidad a la insulina medida por Homeostasis Model Assessment (IC al 95%: varones, 1,46 a 3,59; mujeres, 0,67 a 2,24). Conclusión. En pacientes con obesidad mórbida existe una elevada presencia de alteraciones del metabolismo hidrocarbonado. Con la reducción ponderal obtenida hemos conseguido una Objetivo. Analizar la presencia de alteraciones del metabolismo hidrocarbonado en pacientes con obesidad mórbida y la influencia de la reducción ponderal mediante intervención dietética sobre las mismas. Valorar la influencia del sexo en la presencia de dichas alteraciones y en la respuesta a la dieta. Pacientes y métodos. A 59 pacientes con obesidad mórbida se les realizó una valoración antropométrica y del metabolismo hidrocarbonado mediante la realización de sobrecarga oral de glucosa y medición de la insulinresistencia antes y después de una intervención dietética, alternando dietas de muy bajo contenido calórico con dietas hipocalóricas convencionales. Resultados. Se apreció una reducción ponderal global muy significativa en ambos sexos (intervalo de confianza [IC] al 95%: 26,9 a 39,8 kg en varones y 13,5 a 20,3 kg en mujeres). Se encuentra una mejoría significativa en ambos sexos de la glucemia basal (IC al 95%: varones, 0,44-46,5 mg/dl; mujeres, 9,5-32,8 mg/dl) y en las mujeres de la glucemia a los 120 min de la sobrecarga oral de glucosa (IC al 95%: 3,5 a 52,9 mg/dl). Tanto los varones como las mujeres presentan mejoría significativa de la insulinemia basal (IC al 95%: varones, 1,6 a 14,2 µU/ml; mujeres, 3,9 a 8,5 µU/ml) y de la globulina transportadora de hormonas sexuales (IC al 95%: varones, -30,1 a -13,3 nmol/l; mujeres, -54 a -19,4 nmol/l). Tanto varones como mujeres mostraron una mejoría de la sensibilidad a la insulina medida por Homeostasis Model Assessment (IC al 95%: varones, 1,46 a 3,59; mujeres, 0,67 a 2,24). Conclusión. En pacientes con obesidad mórbida existe una elevada presencia de alteraciones del metabolismo hidrocarbonado. Con la reducción ponderal obtenida hemos conseguido una significativa reducción de estas alteraciones

Objective. Examination of carbohydrate metabolism derangements in patients with morbid obesity and the influence of weight reduction through nutritional intervention. Assessment of gender influence on carbohydrate metabolism derangements and on response to diet. Patients and method. 59 patients with morbid obesity were studied with anthropometric assessment and with carbohydrate metabolism assessment through an oral glucose overload and measurement of insulin resistance, before and after a dietary intervention alternating diets of very low caloric content with conventional low-calorie diets. Results. A very significant global weight reduction in both sexes was observed (95% confidence interval [CI], 26.9 to 39.8 kg in males, and 13.5 to 20.3 kg in women). A significant improvement in basal blood glucose was found in both sexes (95% CI: males, 0.44 to 46.5 mg/dl; women, 9.5 to 32.8 mg/dl), and in 120 minute oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) blood glucose in women (95% CI: 3.5 to 52.9 mg/dl). Both males and women showed significant improvement in basal insulinemia (95% CI: males, 1.6 to 14.2 µU/ml; women, 3.9 to 8.5 µU/ml) and in sex hormone-binding globulins (SHBG) (95% CI: males, -30.1 to -13.3 nmol/l; women, -54 to -19.4 nmol/l). Both males and women showed an improvement of sensitivity to insulin measured with HOMA (HOMAIR) (95% CI: males, 1.46 to 3.59; women, 0.67 to 2.24). Conclusion. In patients with morbid obesity carbohydrate metabolism derangements are common. Weight reduction led to a significant reduction of these derangements

[Malnutrition evaluation in obese patients of both sexes on a very low caloric content diet]. / Evaluación de la malnutrición en pacientes obesos de ambos sexos tratados con dieta de muy bajo contenido calórico.

We have evaluated the effectiveness of a very low caloric content diet (VLCD) during 6 weeks in patients with severe obesity (grades II and III). Twenty-seven men and 61 women were selected for evaluation of anthropometric (weight, body mass index [BMI], waist, hip, C/c, fatty weight and intra-abdominal fatty area) and biochemical (creatinine-height index [CHI], albumin, transferrin, retinol binding protein [RBP], prealbumin, C3, and lymphocytes count) malnutrition parameters, at the beginning and after 6 weeks of treatment with VLCD. In men we found a significant decrease of weight, BMI, waist, hip, fatty weight, and intra-abdominal fatty area. In women the decrease of weight, BMI, hip, and fatty weight was also significant. We found baseline malnutrition in 7.4% of men and in 14.7% of women, and after the treatment in 22.2% of men and in 34.4% of women (p < 0.05). With regard to the biochemical parameters of protein malnutrition, only men showed significant decrease in the CHI and only women showed significant decrease in transferrin, RBP, prealbumin, and C3. In conclusion, we can state that different types of VLCD are effective for weight loss in severe obese subjects. However, within a period of follow-up of 6 weeks we have detected the presence of protein malnutrition, especially in women, being in these patients affected the visceral compartment while in men the muscular compartment is affected.

Diagnóstico de las alteraciones del metabolismo hidrocarbonado durante la gestación / The diagnostic of the alterations of the carbohydrate metabolism during the gestation

Definida la diabetes gestacional como toda intolerancia a los hidratos de carbono de intensidad variable, de comienzo o primer reconocimiento durante la gestación, su diagnóstico y tratamiento oportunos evita las frecuentes complicaciones neonatales asociadas a este trastorno. La prevalencia de este proceso oscila entre el 1 al 14 por ciento de los embarazos, dependiendo de la población estudiada y representa el 90 por ciento de todos los embarazos complicados con diabetes , en nuestro país se sitúa entre el 10’7 y el 16 por ciento. Se revisan los diferentes aspectos de la diabetes gestacional tanto para el feto como para la gestante, destacando en el primer aspecto que de tratarse oportunamente la morbilidad perinatal es similar a la de la población normal y en el segundo aspecto el mayor número de cesáreas y el mayor riesgo para la madre de padecer diabetes mellitus de tipo 2. Se revisan los diferentes criterios de diabetes gestacional y se establece el algoritmo diagnóstico y terapéutico del proceso, mediante las pruebas de screening y las pruebas diagnósticas (AU)

Complicaciones crónicas de la diabetes mellitus durante la gestación: nefropatía, retinopatía y neuropatía / Chronic complications of diabetes mellitus during prenancy: nephropathy, retinopathy and neuropathy

La presencia de complicaciones crónicas sitúa a la mujer diabética embarazada en una categoría de riesgo superior en cuanto a morbimortalidad tanto materna como fetal. La gestación no ejerce ningún efecto adverso a largo plazo sobre la función renal o la supervivencia. Sin embargo, la nefropatía establecida se asocia con diversas complicaciones del embarazo, entre ellas retraso del crecimiento intrauterino, sufrimiento y mortalidad fetal. La nefropatía diabética incipiente parece incrementar la incidencia de preeclampsia. Lo ideal es que el tratamiento de la nefropatía diabética se inicie antes de la gestación, con un adecuado control de la glucemia y de la presión arterial. Si se produce una insuficiencia renal en el curso del embarazo, se puede utilizar diálisis peritoneal o hemodiálisis. El embarazo en sí mismo constituye un factor de riesgo para la progresión de la retinopatía diabética. El deterioro de la retinopatía es más ostensible en diabetes de larga evolución o en aquellas pacientes que presentan lesiones retinianas importantes antes de la gestación. Incluso puede empeorar con un control glucémico exhaustivo instaurado previamente. En caso de que progrese hacia la retinopatía proliferativa es necesario la fotocoagulación con láser. El examen de fondo de ojo debe realizarse antes del embarazo para descartar contraindicación del mismo, de forma trimestral durante el mismo y en el primer año postparto. La neuropatía diabética no siempre mejora con el riguroso control metabólico obtenido durante la gestación (AU)

[Secondary transportation of high-risk patients. The nurse's role]. / Traslado secundario de alto riesgo. Rol de enfermería.

A practical guide to transporting the critically ill. An author with many years of experience relates what one might encounter during the different phases of transporting patients. Also included are step-by-step instructions that the attending nurse should take while accompanying their patient.