Heavy metal levels in Spanish cheeses: influence of manufacturing conditions.

Heavy metal (Pb, Cd, Hg) and Ni contents were determined in a wide variety of cheeses consumed in Spain from all geographical regions and with the official "Protected Designation of Origin". Pb content ranged from 110 to 5 µg kg(-1), which can be considered safe as, in all cases, the Pb contribution did not exceed 50% of the toxic density. Cd levels ranged between 11.4 to 1.3 µg kg(-1); however, the toxic density values for Cd in different types of cheeses exceeded the reference value in some cases. The highest Hg content was found to Gata-Hurdes (208.3 µg kg(-1)), corresponding to a very high toxic density value (325%). Ni levels in cheese indicated that they are not good sources of this element. The type of milk, rennet and coagulation process had a significant influence on heavy metal levels in cheeses.

The influence of some blasting techniques on the probability of ignition of firedamp by permissible explosives.

The ignition of firedamp by permissible explosives is assessed by means of gallery testing conducted by the Bruceton up-and-down method. Six test series were made in order to analyze the influence of several blasting practices in long-holes coal blasting, namely: use of slotted PVC pipes, detonating cord, salt cartridges and double (top and bottom) initiation. The parameters of the distributions of the probability of ignition are determined by the maximum likelihood method; normal, logistic, lognormal and Weibull distributions have been used. Confidence bands for the probability points are obtained both from the asymptotic standard errors of the parameters and by a bootstrap-like technique. The four distributions used give similar results in a rather ample probability range; discrepancies in the probability points are within 2% and in the confidence limits within 10% in a range of probability [0.1, 0.9] in most of the cases. The use of detonating cord is found to affect significantly the probability of ignition; the double initiation does also have an influence though not statistically significant at a 95% level; the use of salt cartridges, in the amount tested, has little effect in the ignition probability; the use of PVC pipe shows no effect.

Lead content in Spanish market infant formulas and toxicological contribution.

Lead content was investigated in infant formulas by using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy (GFAAS). Formulas were distinguished as 'beginner', 'continuation' and 'special infant formula', the latter being classified as subtypes 'hypoallergenic', 'without lactose', 'vegetable base' and 'others'. The mean concentrations of lead were 25.7+/-8.4, 36.9+/-6.4 and 43.5+/-16.3 microg kg(-1) for beginner, continuation and special infant formula, respectively. Two-factor (types and subtypes) variance analyses were made and Tukey's mean homogeneity test (p < 0.05) was also performed for the formation of homogeneous groups. Significant differences (p < 0.001) were observed between types and two homogeneous groups were formed by the special infant formula type, with the highest lead content; the other group was constituted by the beginner type; and included in both groups were the continuation type infant formula. Their contribution to the provisional weekly intake (PTWI) was calculated from the mean concentrations in each type of infant formula, showing them to be food with a low toxicological risk (< 30% PTWI).

Cadmium content in infant formulas. Toxicological evaluation.

Cadmium content was investigated in infant formulas by using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy (GFAAS). Formulas were distinguished as "beginner", "continuation" and "special infant formulas", the last ones were classified as subtypes "hypoallergenic", "without lactose", "vegetable base" and "others". The mean concentrations of cadmium were 1.97 +/- 0.84, 1.86 +/- 0.65 and 2.98 +/- 2.59 micrograms/kg for "beginner", "continuation" and "special infant formulas", respectively. Two-factor (types and subtypes) variance analyses were made and Turkey's mean homogeneity test (p < 0.05) was also carried out for the formation of homogeneous groups. Significant differences (p < 0.001) were observed between subtypes and 3 homogeneous groups were formed, one for "hypoallergenic" and "others", another group was constituted by "without lactose" and, finally another group, one with the highest cadmium content, was formed by subtype "vegetable". Their contribution to the provisional weekly intake (PWI) was calculated from the mean concentrations of each type and subtype of infant formulas, showing them to be food with a low toxicological risk.

Cadmium variations in Manchego cheese during traditional cheese-making and ripening processes.

Variations in cadmium content were determined throughout cheese manufacturing and ripening processes by applying graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry to samples of natural pasteurized milk, rennet, curd whey, pressed curd, pressing whey and cheese. The total mean cadmium contents were 4.79 +/- 2.4 and 4.67 +/- 2.1 microgram/kg fresh weight for newly-made and mature cheeses respectively. ANOVA revealed statistically significant differences (p < 0.001) in cadmium levels (fresh weight) and these differences were due to the influence of moisture content during cheese manufacture, since no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) were found for dry weight. Nevertheless, cadmium levels based on dry weight increased during pasteurization and more noticeably on ferment addition. ANOVA performed during the ripening process revealed significant differences between portions and ripening times for both fresh and dry weights. By Tukey's test (p < 0.05) for portions, two homogeneous groups were established, one corresponding to the outer portion with a greater cadmium content and the other comprising the middle and inner portions. The contribution of cadmium to Spanish mean intake is between 0.098 and 0.147 micrograms/week for new cheese and between 0.168 and 0.245 micrograms/week for mature cheese.

Study of chromium and nickel content in white asparagus (Asparagus officinalis, L.).

The modifications in the chromium (Cr) and nickel (Ni) content and the distribution of these trace elements in white asparagus spears (Asparagus officinalis, L.) were investigated. Samples were taken of two varieties of white asparagus, Desto and Ciprés, and grouped in function of their thickness in spears of < 11 mm and of > 14 mm. All the asparagus samples were cut in lengths of 20 cm and divided into 10 portions of 2 cm each. The determinations of chromium and nickel were carried out by atomic absorption spectrophotometry with air-acetylene flame. The mean concentrations were 0.675 +/- 0.19 and 5.578 +/- 1.39 mg/kg dry weight for chromium and nickel, respectively. By means of three-factor analyses of variance (varieties, thickness and portions), statistically significant differences were determined between the concentrations of chromium and nickel and each one of the sources of variation established. The chromium content showed a variable distribution throughout the white asparagus portions as a result of the notable differences between varieties and thickness. In the case of nickel, its levels underwent a generalized decrease as the spear portions were further and further away from the apical area or tip of the white asparagus.

[Kaposi's sarcoma of the bile ducts with cutaneous involvement in a patient with AIDS]. / Sarcoma de Kaposi de la vía biliar sin afectación cutánea en paciente con SIDA.

A 30 year-old man with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome was admitted because of abdominal pain, jaundice and fever. A severe pancreatitis without gallstones was detected. Later, dilation of biliary tract and clinical worsening appeared. Cholangiography revealed sclerosing cholangitis and papillary stenosis. Kaposi's sarcoma of the gallbladder invading the biliary tract was found. Only two reports of Kaposi's sarcoma of the biliary tract without cutaneous lesions have been published in a living patient. Pancreatitis has not been previously described as a clinical presentation of this malignancy.