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Introduction The Spanish Yale Food Addiction Scale for Children (S-YFAS-C) scale is the first tool adapted to Spanish to evaluate food addiction (FA) in the paediatric population. The aim of this study is to preliminarily evaluate the degree of FA in a non-clinical pilot paediatric population. Material and methods A transversal observational study was performed on a convenience sample comprised of boys and girls aged 9 to 12 (4th to 6th year primary school). The main outcome measures were evaluation of FA (S-YFAS-C scale), child feeding attitudes (ChEAT scale) and evaluation of body image (CDRS scale). Moreover, sociodemographic and anthropometric data were collected. A descriptive and bivariate analysis of the main characteristics of subjects and outcome measures was performed. Results A total of 21 boys and 24 girls were preliminarily evaluated and the minimum and maximum values obtained were for age (9.48–12.33), weight in kilograms (26.6–64.5), height in centimetres (131–163), BMI (14.2–27.9) and BMI Z-score (−1.36–2.66). The average number of FA symptoms measured with the S-YFAS-C scale is 1.67 ± 1.45 (range 0–7). A total of 20% of the sample shows three or more symptoms for FA, risk of developing a food disorder and distortion of the body image. Moreover, statistically significant differences were observed between desired body image in boys and girls (P = 0.001). Conclusions The S-YFAS-C scale enables evaluating food addiction in Spanish-speaking boys and girls. The data obtained in regard to quantifying symptoms are similar compared to the original scale (S-YFAS-C: 1.67 ± 1.45 vs. YFAS-C: 2 ± 1.81). The option to score the counting of symptoms is the most sensitive measure to evaluate subclinical food behaviours.

Resumen Introduccion La escala The Yale Food Addiction Scale Children (YFAS-C) es la primera medida disenada para evaluar la adiccion a la comida en poblacion pediatrica. Sin embargo, no existe una adaptacion de esta herramienta al idioma espanol. Material y metodos Se realiza la traduccion, adaptacion y validacion metodologica de la herramienta YFAS-C al idioma espanol. En primer lugar, traductores cegados e independientes traducen y adaptan la escala, y a continuacion se estima su adaptabilidad y concordancia (kappa de Cohen). Posteriormente, un comite de expertos evalua la idoneidad cultural del cuestionario, la representatividad y la validez aparente y de contenido. Se ha calculado la Razon de Validez de Contenido (CVR), su version modificada por Tristan (CVR’) y el Indice de Validez de Contenido (CVI). Finalmente, se compara la comprension linguistica por grupos de edad en una muestra diana mediante el test chi-cuadrado. Resultados La dificultad en la adaptabilidad transcultural del cuestionario entre traductores fue baja (media: 1,96, DE: 1,40; concordancia kappa: 0,32; p = 0,01). La evaluacion de la herramienta por parte del comite de expertos obtuvo indices altos de validez de contenido: claridad (n = 0,83), precision (n = 0,83), comprension (n = 0,84) y relevancia de contenido (n = 0,83). Del total de 25 items, solo un item presenta dificultades en la compresion por grupos de edad (p = 0,02). Conclusiones Se ha obtenido una version validada, traducida y adaptada al idioma espanol (S-YFAS-C) que permitira evaluar la adiccion a la comida en ninos y ninas de habla castellana.

This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Research in Extraction, Detection and Analysis of Food Contaminants., In this work, the QuEChERS method coupled to liquid chromatography-time-of flight-mass spectrometry and gas chromatography-triple quadrupole-mass spectrometry were applied for the evaluation of pesticide residues and risk assessment in red wines. The methodologies were successfully validated for 173 pesticides. Recovery values were in the range 75–100% for almost all pesticides and limits of quantification were between 2.60 and 21.39 µg/kg, which are in good agreement with the maximum residue limits (MRLs) established by the European Commission for pesticides in wine grapes. Finally, the analysis of 84 red wine samples from the Canary Islands, the Iberian Peninsula, and Cape Verde was carried out, which found the presence of 31 pesticide residues. However, the risk assessment disclosed that despite the large number of pesticides and the concentrations found, which in some cases exceeded the MRLs, the consumption of these wines, without considering a possible cumulative effect, does not entail a risk to the consumers., This work has been supported by the European Project Pervemac II (Mac/1.1a/049). Á.S.-M. and R.R.-R. would like to thank the Canary Agency of Economy, Industry, Trade and Knowledge of the Government of the Canary Islands for the FPI fellowship (co-financed 85% from the European Social Funds). B.S.-R. would like to thank the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities for her “Juan de la Cierva” postdoctoral grant. The authors would like to acknowledge the use of the Research Support General Service (SEGAI) of the University of La Laguna.

The CONNIE experiment is located at a distance of 30 m from the core of a commercial nuclear reactor, and has collected a 3.7 kg-day exposure using a CCD detector array sensitive to an $\sim$1 keV threshold for the study of coherent neutrino-nucleus elastic scattering. Here we demonstrate the potential of this low-energy neutrino experiment as a probe for physics Beyond the Standard Model, by using the recently published results to constrain two simplified extensions of the Standard Model with light mediators. We compare the new limits with those obtained for the same models using neutrinos from the Spallation Neutron Source. Our new constraints represent the best limits for these simplified models among the experiments searching for CE$\nu$NS for a light vector mediator with mass $M_{Z^{\prime}}, Comment: Accepted for publication in JHEP

The proximate composition, total phenolics, antioxidant activity, minerals, and trace elements were determined in 42 barley landraces in order to highlight their nutritional potential and promote their cultivation. Two-row barley landraces had a higher average content of starch, protein, total phenolic compounds, and iron, when compared with six-row ones that presented higher mean ash and fiber concentrations. Additionally, the six-row barley landraces with strongly pigmented grains had lower zinc and manganese and higher protein mean concentrations than the whitish or lightly pigmented barley landraces. Factor analysis and linear discriminant analysis were used to correctly differentiate samples according to type of barley (landrace or commercial) and number of rows. In general, all the parameters varied considerably among the barley landraces analyzed, but some barley landraces could be emphasized according to fiber, minerals, and phenolic antioxidants. There were important differences in the mean values in all the chemical parameters according to the island of origin of the barley grains. The application of linear discriminant analysis was also a useful tool to differentiate all the barley landraces with six rows according to the island of origin. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Barley is a versatile cereal that can be used for human and animal feed, brewing, and as biodiesel. From the nutritional point of view, barley is rich in starch, protein, dietary fiber and minerals, as well as antioxidant compounds and vitamins. The landraces analyzed in this study have remained intact for the last 900 years, which gives opportunity to genome of these barley landraces to evolve some very specific traits. The physicochemical characterization of these local landraces carried out by us could be very useful as a source of new quality in breeding programs.

The Coherent Neutrino-Nucleus Interaction Experiment (CONNIE) uses low-noise fully depleted charge-coupled devices (CCDs) with the goal of measuring low-energy recoils from coherent elastic scattering (CE$\nu$NS) of reactor antineutrinos with silicon nuclei and testing nonstandard neutrino interactions (NSI). We report here the first results of the detector array deployed in 2016, considering an active mass 47.6 g (8 CCDs), which is operating at a distance of 30 m from the core of the Angra 2 nuclear reactor, with a thermal power of 3.8 GW. A search for neutrino events is performed by comparing data collected with reactor on (2.1 kg-day) and reactor off (1.6 kg-day). The results show no excess in the reactor-on data, reaching the world record sensitivity down to recoil energies of about 1 keV (0.1 keV electron-equivalent). A 95% confidence level limit for new physics is established at an event rate of 40 times the one expected from the standard model at this energy scale. The results presented here provide a new window to low-energy neutrino physics, allowing one to explore for the first time the energies accessible through the low threshold of CCDs. They will lead to new constrains on NSI from the CE$\nu$NS of antineutrinos from nuclear reactors., Comment: Updated to match the version accepted for publication in Physical Review D

Copigmentation and enological parameters were studied in a collection of 250 red wines. Although several copigmentation studies have been performed with model solutions, little is known about the actual consequences directly in wine of anthocyanin interactions. To date, some studies have considered relationships between copigmentation and natural wine constituents, but none correlates copigmentation measurements with the real wide concentration in wine. In this work, published hypotheses based on model solutions such as phenolic acid copigmentation ability or the influence of copigmentation factors such as flavonols are empirically evaluated in a large sample of wines for the first time. The study confirms previous results obtained from solutions, whereas other factors suggested as being relevant seem to be unrelated to the studied effect at the concentration range naturally occurring in the wines studied. For instance, the important role of flavonols and hydroxycinnamic acids has been ratified, whereas ethanol, gallic acid, and some metals show significant inverse correlations with copigmentation. Unexpectedly, magnesium content in wine correlates with color, whereas the concentration of traditional copigments, such as quercetin, does not show any correlation with copigmentation.

More than 80 properties have been studied in 250 commercial red wines to obtain a reliable description of the characteristics of each variety. Such a large set of data allows the testing of previous assumptions and a thorough investigation about whether varietal discrimination is possible despite the strong influences of ageing and environment. Even though several studies have been performed regarding how variety influences wine phenolics or colour, only a few count on a large data set. Most studies are performed by applying only one technology or on a limited number of wines. In this work, a heterogeneous wine population is thoroughly analysed by using diverse analytical techniques. Therefore, analysis of variance can be applied and patterns are observable in different parameters like flavonols or anthocyanins in spite of the high heterogeneity of the samples. The study confirms that discriminant analysis can be successful in distinguishing wines according to variety in spite of the influences of winemaking techniques and vintage.

Proximate composition (moisture, protein, starch, amylose, total dietary fibre, Brix degree, fat, ash, ascorbic acid, phenolic compounds, acidity and pH), minerals (Na, K, Ca, Mg) and trace elements (Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn) were determined in 30 cultivars of sweet potato from the Canary Islands (Spain). There were significant differences between the sweet potato cultivars for all the parameters studied; in addition, both the island of production and the cultivation cycle showed a noteworthy influence on the mineral and trace element composition of the tubers. It is worth mentioning that the consumption of sweet potatoes contributes relatively high intake levels of vitamin C, phenolic compounds and mineral and trace elements (K, Mg, Ca, Mn, Fe and Cu). Application of multidimensional scaling (MDS) correctly classified the sweet potato cultivars according to the island of production and maturation cycle.

Physicochemical characteristics (weight, length, width, thickness, moisture, Brix degree, total fiber, protein, ash, pH, acidity, ascorbic acid, total phenolic compounds, P, Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn and Cr) were determined in cactus pads from Opuntia dillenii and Opuntia ficus indica. The physicochemical characteristics of both species were clearly different. There were important differences between the orange and green fruit pulp of O. ficus indica; the cactus pads of O. dillenii could be differentiated according to the region (North and South). Consumption of cactus pads contributes to the intake of dietary fiber, total phenolic compounds, K, Mg, Mn and Cr. Applying factor and/or discriminant analysis, the cactus pad samples were clearly differentiated according to the species, the fruit pulp color and production region.

Physicochemical, sensory and microbiological quality parameters were determined in fresh-cut pineapple products. Containers with fresh-cut pineapple in cylinders or in chunks were considered and the above parameters were studied over ten days of storage at 5 ± 1 °C. Chromatic parameters presented differences between both formats, with the cylinders being more susceptible to browning. Besides, the cylinders had lower levels of acidity, texture and ascorbic acid, while in general, greater changes of the main quality physicochemical characteristics were observed in the ring format during the ten days of refrigerated storage. Liquid exudate increased, sucrose content decreased and a greater tendency to browning were observed during the cold storage at 5 ± 1 °C. Sensory characteristics and microbiological control for both types of format showed a positive evaluation after eight days of storage at 5 ± 1 °C. Mesophile, psychrophile, mold and yeast loads in both pineapple formats were relatively low (

Este trabajo tiene por finalidad proponer una solucion a la falta de suministro de energia electrica a la ciudad de Pozo Hondo, una comunidad perteneciente al Chaco paraguayo. Se realiza un analisis financiero para la proposicion de un sistema que suministre la energia electrica al poblado. Ademas de dicho estudio financiero se utilizaron otros criterios de evaluacion como el costo de la energia, los niveles de emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero y la factibilidad o decision politica. La premisa aplicada en el analisis de la estimacion de la demanda de energia electrica del poblado se baso en datos historicos de poblados de caracteristicas similares dentro del pais. Las alternativas de suministro de energia consideradas fueron: termica (diesel), renovables (eolico y solar) y una extension de linea de distribucion (23kV). A modo de encontrar la mejor alternativa se utilizo el software HOMER Pro® el cual en el proceso de simulacion obtiene como resultados arreglos de sistemas mas optimos. Con los modelos optimizados se procede a aplicar la metodologia Monte Carlo a modo de introducir dentro del analisis financiero las fluctuaciones del precio del combustible diesel de tal manera a realizar el contraste de la generacion termica con la generacion a base de energia renovable. Por ultimo se aplica el Proceso Analitico Jerarquico (AHP) para obtener la alternativa mas conveniente, teniendo en cuenta multiples criterios. La investigacion concluye en que la solucion optima de suministro, considerando multiples criterios seria la de un sistema hibrido (termico y solar).

The present work has the purpose of performing an Analysis and Optimization of Current Energy Resources of the city of Bahia Negra — Chaco Paraguayo. Examining the annual investments made by the National Electricity Administration (ANDE), and presenting the alternatives for electric power sources to work together (in a hybrid form), of the current generator. The project also studies the feasibility of installation of more efficient devices in the factors of greater impact of the consumption matrix, in the branch of Luminotecnia, such as Compact Fluorescent Lamps and LED Lamps. In the exploration of a more economical and sustainable energy matrix, the technologies that could be used to the river as an energy source, such as: Hydrokinetic Power Plants, Central with Archimedean Screw, Central with Hydraulic Wheel, and a Detour Center were studied. The potential of Solar, Wind and Biomass (for the generation of Biogas) was also studied, in addition the costs of a future transmission line of 23 and 66 kV for the locality were estimated. It was determined that the most economical energy matrix would be that of a hybrid Diesel — Natural Gas system, plus the implementation of LED artifacts in lighting, with which the expenditure for the generation of electric energy is considerably reduced.

A hundred and thirty-six single-cultivar red wines of different vintages were collected from several wineries in the Canary Islands in order to study the magnitude of the copigmentation phenomenon and the antioxidant activity. The contribution of free anthocyanins, copigmented anthocyanins and polymeric pigments to the colour of wine, as well as the total phenols, the antioxidant activity (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, DPPH method) and the chromatic characteristics of the wines were determined. The influence of ageing time and the climatic conditions on these parameters was also studied. The wines made with Merlot, Ruby Cabernet and Syrah cultivars showed the highest parameters of colour, and the largest contribution to the copigmented anthocyanins was from the Ruby Cabernet, Listan negro and Syrah cultivars. The copigmented anthocyanins and the free anthocyanins decrease with the age of the wine, and the antioxidant activity of the samples appears to be related to the total phenol content. An influence of the climatic conditions on colour parameters has been found. The correlation study between parameters suggests that the parameters b* and L* could be used as suitable indicators of evolution or oxidation stage of red wines.

Physicochemical parameters, sugar composition and botanical origin were determined in four monofloral honeys, chestnut, fennel, tajinaste, and Teide broom honeys, abundantly produced in Tenerife Island. All the parameters were within the established intervals in Europe for each type of honey. Large differences between the four monofloral honeys were observed, being the chestnut honeys with most of differential characteristics. Linear discriminant analysis on the physicochemical parameters and sugar composition allows to distinguishing the four types of honeys analysed.

Tomatoes have been described as a functional food because of their particular composition of different bioactive compounds. In this study, the proximate composition, minerals and trace elements, and antioxidant compounds were determined in two tomato cultivars (Mariana and Dunkan) that were grown in Gran Canaria (Spain) either conventionally or hydroponically. Although compositional data of this type require being subjected to the specific statistical techniques of compositional analysis, this approach has not usually been considered in this context. In the present case, a compositional Mann–Whitney U test of the data showed significant differences for each factor (cultivar and cultivation system) in several of the compositional variables studied. For the differences between cultivars, these parameters were the protein, Mg, lycopene, ascorbic acid, citric acid, and fumaric acid contents. For the differences between cultivation systems, they were mainly those of the mineral and trace elements group. Although one-year data are insufficient to make clear relationship among compounds because more repetitions in several localities and years are necessary, the compositional HJ-biplot (in which the links provide estimates of the linear relationship among variables) results agreed with other scientific results about linear relationship among some compounds analyzed.

Chromatic characteristics and their relationships with copigmentation and phenolic composition were studied in 160 bottled red wines. Free anthocyanins, copigmented anthocyanins and polymeric pigments contributing to color were calculated according to Boulton protocol and related to main changes produced in wine visible spectra after destroying any copigmented anthocyanins effect. Color differences between copigmented and non copigmented wines were quantified and related with ageing, cultivar and phenolic profile. Phenomenon of co-pigmentation visually increases the colour at 420, 520 and 620 nm for most of wines. Copigmented wines showed a mean value of 8.26 CIELab units higher than non copigmented (ΔEab(c-nc)), being this shift deeper for young wines than for aged wines. Copigmentation mostly changed hue and decreased L, a* and b* values therefore resulted into purplish and darker wine. Visual variations in color caused by copigmentation was related to particularly anthocyanins and copigments (mostly flavonols and hydroxycinnamic acids).

Moisture, starch, amylose, fibre, proteins, ascorbic acid, total phenol compounds, acidity, pH, ash and mineral and trace elements were determined in 10 potato cultivars from Canary Islands experimentally cultivated. Six of the cultivars were also cultivated in two locations, to ascertain the impact of different soil types on the parameters measured. There were differences between cultivars in both, physicochemical parameters and mineral and trace elements analysed. There were significant differences in the mean values obtained for all the parameters considered, except for ascorbic acid, between both locations. Application of linear discriminant analysis allowed to classify the potato samples according to the cultivar, and according to growing location.

The antihyperglycemic activity of cactus pads and pulp fruit of species of Opuntia genus has been documented; however, the mechanism of action has not yet been clarified. Thus, cactus pad and pulp fruit extracts of Opuntia dillenii were used to evaluate their effects on blood glucose concentration and glycemic curve of Sprague–Dawley rats. After acute administration, no significant differences were observed in the glycemic curve among cactus pad, pulp fruit and control groups. However, the glycemic peaks and glycemic curves obtained in the groups corresponding to both cactus pad and pulp fruit as well as the Cr(III) group were less pronounced than in the control group after 8 days of daily intake. Besides, a slight decrease of fasting blood glucose was observed, maintaining within the normal levels, after 8 days of daily intake of cactus pad extract. Therefore, the possible role of Cr(III) present in high amounts in these vegetable foods was suggested, for the first time, to explain their antihyperglycemic activity.

Summary Organic acids, pH and total acidity were determined in the grains of nineteen wheat cultivars. Six organic acids, such as glutamic, oxalic, malic, tartaric, shikimic and fumaric acids, were separated and identified in all wheat samples applying HPLC coupled to diode array detector. Glutamic acid was the major organic acid followed by tartaric and malic acids. A low oxalic acid/calcium ratio was observed in the wheat samples analysed. The wheat samples belonging to Triticum turgidum had a higher (P

Phosphorous, Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn and Se were determined in eighteen wheat landraces from Canary Islands and a commercial cultivar. The mean values obtained were: P (2370 ± 333 mg/kg); Na (102 ± 52 mg/kg); K (4363 ± 386 mg/kg); Ca (351 ± 62 mg/kg); Mg (1163 ± 155 mg/kg); Fe (40.0 ± 5.5 mg/kg); Cu (2.68 ± 0.93 mg/kg); Zn (32.1 ± 2.9 mg/kg); Mn (22.1 ± 3.5 mg/kg); Se (67.7 ± 40.4 μg/kg). There were differences ( P Triticum aestivum species had higher mean P, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn and Mn concentrations, and a lower mean Se concentration, than Triticum turgidum species. The environment and agronomic practices could affect the genetic information of the seeds determining changes in the mineral and trace element composition. The wheat represents an excellent source of Mn (over 100% of recommended dietary intake, RDI), as well as P, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn and Se (20–50% of RDI). Many correlations were found between the parameters analyzed emphasizing the Cu–Mg ( r = 0.691) and Cu–Mn ( r = 0.619) correlations. Linear discriminant analysis allowed a good differentiation of the wheat samples according to the cultivar (89.7% of wheat samples classified correctly).

In order to study interactions between agronomic variables and chemical composition that determine the quality of tomato fruits, a group of statistical techniques were applied: discriminant analysis (DA), cluster analysis (CA) and princepal component analysis (PCA) combined with ANOVA. The results of DA when characterizing the agronomic parameters were successful, especially when the collection date was used as a factor for classification. CA showed the importance of the chemical variables related to the metabolic relationships, while the principal component analysis and ANOVA provide information on the interaction between variables related to the production and chemical composition of tomatoes. The combined use of PCA and ANOVA is a suitable tool for studying the complex interactions between agronomy and chemical composition. Collection date was the main agronomic parameter effected the chemical composition, while variety and production system had a minor effect. The application of PCAANOVA showed that the taste of tomato depends on three factors: sugars (glucose and fructose), acidity (citric, malic and ascobirc acids), and minerals (Na and Mg). For the tomatoes with same maturity degree, the taste depends on interaction of date collection and system production.

Eight cultivars of different colored onions (white, golden, and red) were evaluated for fresh bulbs cultivated and grown under the same environmental and agronomical conditions. Cluster analysis and principal component analysis, based on different flavonoids, total phenols, and pungency, data showed that the onions were not clustered according to variety (genetic similarity degree), whereas the color was the variable with the highest influence, ranging between 50 and 70%. Artificial neural networks were applied to study the possibility of discriminating among onion varieties. Characterization of the onion according to variety and procedence of the seeds was around 95-100%. Samples belonging to the Carrizal Alto procedence had an incorrect classification for 25% of the data.

Los minerales Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn y Mn fueron determinados, mediante espectrofotometría de absorción atómica, en raíces de 15 variedades de batatas cultivadas en La Palma (De papa o maní, Parado, Cubana, Cubana de baselo gordo, Cubana de hoja redonda, Blanquita, Saucero o Lanzarotero, Pata de Gallo, Padrón de Seda, Alicantina, Amarillo de Año, De Lanzarote, Matojo, Matojo Fino y Rajada; las 5 primeras de cultivo corto y las 10 restantes de cultivo largo). Se realizó análisis de varianza y prueba de rango múltiple de Duncan a los datos de las variables estudiadas. Se calcularon los coeficientes de correlación de Pearson (r) para establecer grados de relación de los minerales entre las variedades; prueba de t de Student para comparar clasificando a las muestras según ciclo de recolección (Temprana y Tardía); análisis factorial para interpretar las relaciones existentes a través factores y análisis discriminantes (de paso a paso con criterio de selección la lambda de Wilks (λ) e introduciendo todas las variables) validados a través de análisis de validación cruzada. El elemento mineral (en mg/kg) presente en mayor concentración en la totalidad de las muestras fue K (2086 ± 418), seguido de Ca (974 ± 486) y Mg (244 ± 70), siendo el Zn el menos presente (1,12 ± 0,61). Las variedades con mayor contenido mineral fueron Alicantina (Ca: 1809 ± 327 y Cu: 2,97 ± 0,23) y Padrón de Seda (Mg: 435 ± 46 y Mn: 3,08 ± 0,49) y la de menor aporte fue Parado (Cu, Mn, Ca, K y Mg). Las variedades Tardías presentaron mayores concentraciones de Cu, Fe, Mn, Ca, K, Mg y menores de Zn y Na en relación a las variedades Tempranas (p < 0,05). Se evidenció que las concentraciones de Cu, Zn y Na presentaron alto número de correlaciones significativas. El análisis factorial permitió deducir que Mg, K y Fe son las variables que permiten caracterizar el sistema perdiendo un mínimo de información total. El porcentaje de casos originales correctamente clasificados después de aplicar análisis discriminantes a las variedades de ciclo de recolección Temprana fue del 98 % de los casos originales y 96 % luego de la validación cruzada, mientras que para las variedades de ciclo de recolección Tardía fue del 100 % de los casos originales y 99 % después de la validación.

The main scientific discoveries on Aloe vera published mainly in the last three decades are presented in this work. After describing Aloe from a botanical point of view, the papers related with the chemical composition of different parts of the leaf of Aloe, particularly those in which the gel is described and are presented in a synthetic manner. The chemical analyses reveal that Aloe gel contains mannose polymers with some glucose and other sugars, among which the most important is Acemannan. Besides these, other components such as glycoproteins, enzymes, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals are described. Different factors also affecting the chemical composition of the gel, such as species and variety, climatic and soil conditions, cultivation methods, processing and preservation, are enumerated and discussed. On the other hand, the main therapeutic applications have been revised and the possible damaging effects of Aloe are also commented upon. A special emphasis is placed on the biologically active compounds or groups of compounds responsible for the therapeutic applications and which are their action mechanisms. The paper concludes that more research is needed to confirm the therapeutic and beneficial effects and to definitively clarify the myth surrounding Aloe vera. A general view on the problem of the commercialization and establishment of the quality and safety of Aloe products in the food industry has been offered here. The main points and European regulations that need to be considered regarding the quality control of prepared Aloe products are presented in this paper.

The following organic acids (glutamic, oxalic, pyruvic, malic, tartaric, citric, and fumaric), pungency, Brix degree, acidity, and pH were determined in onion cultivars (Texas, Guayonje, San Juan de la Rambla, Carrizal Alto, Carrizal Bajo, and Masca) harvested in the same agroclimatic conditions. Glutamic acid was the most abundant organic acid (325 +/- 133 mg/100 g) followed by citric acid (48.5 +/- 24.1 mg/100 g) and malic acid (43.6 +/- 10.4 mg/100 g). There were significant differences between the onion cultivars in the mean concentrations of all of the analyzed parameters. The San Juan de la Rambla and Masca cultivars presented, in general, higher concentrations of the organic acids than the other cultivars. Significant differences in most of the analyzed parameters were observed between the two seed origins for the Masca and San Juan de la Rambla cultivars. The onion samples tended to be classified according to the cultivar and, in the case of San Juan de la Rambla cultivar, according to the precedence of the seeds after applying discriminant analysis.

Chestnuts like other foodstuffs may be characterized by their chemical composition. The chemical composition of ascorbic acid, total acidity, pH, starch, refraction index (°Brix), moisture, ashes, insoluble fibre, soluble fibre, total dietary fibre, total proteins, cations (Na, K, Ca, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, Mg) and phosphorous was determined in 19 local chestnut varieties from three areas of production in the island of Tenerife. Significant differences were found between the mean values of moisture, starch, total phenols contents, total soluble and non-soluble fibre, Ca, Cu, K, Mg and Zn, obtained according to the area of production. Distribution patterns of the samples were established for correlating the chemical composition of the chestnuts and varieties, using different chemometrics tools such as cluster analysis, principal component analysis, factor analysis and linear discriminant analysis (LDA). Initially, cluster analysis made it possible to establish a primary relationship between the variables. When applying stepwise LDA the chestnut samples were well classified within their area of production. Also, when the stepwise LDA was used on the chestnut samples from area of production 2, 100% of the chestnut samples were also correctly classified within their variety.

BACKGROUND: P, Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn and Se were determined in five traditional onion cultivars (Allium cepa L.) from Tenerife (Guayonje, San Juan de la Rambla, Carrizal Alto, Carrizal Bajo and Masca) and a commercial cultivar (Texas Early Grano 502) grown under the same agronomic, soil and climatic conditions in order to find out differences between these cultivars. RESULTS: Carrizal Alto presented the highest K content and lowest P, Na, Fe, Zn, Mn and Se. Texas cultivar had the highest P, Mg and Se contents, and the lowest contents of Ca, Cu and Mn. There were clear differences in the mineral and trace elements contents between the two seed origins of San Juan de la Rambla cultivar. Many correlations were found between the parameters analyzed, emphasizing the FeZn and CaMn correlations. CONCLUSION: There were differences in the mineral and trace element composition between the onion cultivars. The environment and agronomic practices could affect the genetic information of the seeds, determining changes in the mineral and trace element composition. Linear discriminant analysis is a useful tool for differentiating onion samples according to cultivar and seed origin. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry

In the Canary Islands there are some lesser-known varieties of white grapes. The aim of this study is to examine the differences in phenolic compounds and colour coordinates between three varietal white wines, Listan blanco, Verdello and Gual, cultivated in a very special region due to its location and its low irrigation. Using a HPLC method, we have measured 19 compounds of different phenolic groups. The wines of this study presented high values of these compounds. The Gual variety had the highest significant values of the cis and trans-resveratrol, trans-piceid and total resveratrol content with an average of 3.94 mg/L. The ratio of trans-coutaric acid/trans-caftaric acid concentration allowed the differentiation also of Gual variety. Furthermore, caftaric acid has been shown to be a chemotaxonomic parameter for white wines.

The determination of organic acids in tomato samples was optimized using the HPLC method with on-line photodiode array detection, previous to extraction with 80% ethanol at room temperature and clean-up in Accell Plus QMA cartridge. The organic acids (oxalic, pyruvic, malic, citric, fumaric and ascorbic), Brix degree, acidity and pH were determined in five tomato cultivars (Dorothy, Boludo, Dominique, Thomas and Dunkan) harvested in Tenerife. There are several significant differences among cultivars in the concentration of many acids. The cultivation method, sampling period and the region of production were also considered. Citric, malic and oxalic acids were the major organic acids in all the cultivars. Some significant differences in the studied parameters were observed between the cultivars. The cultivation method and sampling period influenced in a variable way the studied parameters, depending on the tomato cultivar. The production region influenced the ascorbic acid concentration of the tomatoes. Applying stepwise discriminant analysis, it was found that the sampling period is more important in the differentiation of the tomato samples than the cultivar, cultivation method and production region.

A simple reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic method was developed for the determination of theobromine, theophylline and caffeine in cocoa samples. In the sample cleanup step, the procedure involves an on-line solid-phase extraction of analytes from cocoa samples into a home-made dry-packed pre-column with ODS-C 18 using a column-switching system. The separation was performed on a C 18 Nova-Pak column (150 mm × 3.9 mm, 4 μm) using a mobile phase consisting of a solution of 20% of methanol in water under isocratic conditions, at a flow-rate of 1.4 ml/min. The validation method revealed quantitative recoveries (>95.0%) with a coefficients of variation

In order to study the magnitude of the copigmentation phenomenon in aged red wines, 84 samples of Listan negro wines were collected from several wineries in the Canary Islands. They were analysed at 1 and 2 years of age. The contribution of free anthocyanins, copigmented anthocyanins and polymeric pigments to the colour of wine, and the total phenols were determined. Moreover, coloured anthocyanins, total anthocyanins, percentage of total anthocyanins in coloured form and chemical age factor, and the chromatic characteristics of the wines were determined. The contribution to colour due to copigmented anthocyanins in these aged red wines remained at 22.3 and 18.5% (mean values) after 1 and 2 years of age, respectively, and the free anthocyanins at 37.0 and 32.5%. A comparison between the results obtained by Somers and Boulton methods has been established.

The concentrations of the minerals, Na, K, Ca and Mg, and the trace elements, Fe, Cu, Zn and Se, were determined in 400 samples of goats’ dairy products (100 raw milk, 100 whey, 100 fresh and 100 semi-hard cheeses) produced in the island of Tenerife. All the minerals and trace elements analysed presented significant differences in the concentration between the dairy products analysed. The season of production had a greater influence on the mineral and trace element concentration than the region of production and the amount of fibre in the goats’ diet. An almost complete differentiation of the samples according to the type of dairy product was observed applying a stepwise discriminant analysis.

The biochemical and haematological parameters of nutritional interest were determined in the serum of opiate addicts in order to compare them with those obtained in healthy subjects. The blood of 106 opiate addicts in detoxification treatment (n=19) or in Methadone Maintenance Treatment Program (MMTP) (n=87) was studied. Opiate addicts presented lower levels in the number of red cells, cholesterol, albumin, retinol, α-tocopherol, folic acid, K and Se and higher levels in the number of leukocytes, GOT, GPT and Na, than the control group. The opiate addicts in MMTP had higher levels of glucose, triglycerides, Mg and P than the opiate addicts in the detoxification treatment and control groups. Significant correlations between the three vitamins (folic acid, retinal and α-tocopherol) were observed and the graphic representations suggest a biochemical differentiation between opiate addicts and healthy subjects. Factor analysis made it possible to select seven factors explaining 66.2% of the total variance, and representing the first and fourth factor, opiate addicts tended to separate from the control group.

A comparative study of two pressing processes for white wine production was carried out using membrane presses. In one of them, the vintage was pressed after crushing and destemming and in the other a maceration process in the wine press itself. In this way, significant differences were established between the press fractions and between the two pressing systems used. Quantification of individual phenolic compounds was carried out by high performance liquid chromatography. Compared with direct pressing, maceration process increased the levels of phenolics in the must, including those with physiological properties. A greater yield of free run must was obtained by strategic use of skin contact maceration.

Concentrations of Na, K, Rb, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn and Mn were determined in eight cultivars of potatoes harvested in Tenerife. The traditional cultivars presented higher K, Fe, Cu and Zn concentrations and lower ratio Na/K than recently imported cultivars. The cultivar Cara showed the highest and lowest mean concentration for Na and K, respectively. The highest mean concentrations of Fe, Cu and Zn were found in the cultivars Azucena, Palmera and Peluca, and the lowest concentrations in Cara. The trace elements significantly correlated with all the metals. The behaviour of Na was opposite to the rest of the metals, showing negative correlations. Applying factor analysis, the first three factors explaining 70.4% of the total variance were extracted. The first factor is related to Zn, the second factor is associated with Mn and K, and the third factor is negatively related to Na. Factor analysis and cluster analysis tend to separate the potato samples according to location and irrigation procedure. Traditional and recently imported potatoes were well separated when the factor analysis was applied on the samples of Solanum tuberosum.

A comparative study of three methods for titrable acidity determination in must and wines was carried out. Titrable acidity (TA) was analysed in 115 wines from the Canary Islands by conductance titration, AOAC and OIV procedures. Conductivity, pH, malic acid, tartaric acid and potassium content were also determined. The results of TA obtained depended on the method used, however, a highly significant correlation between these methods was found. Conductance titration showed that the true end point is in pH values higher than those of the AOAC and OIV procedures. In order to compare the results of TA obtained in different countries by AOAC and OIV procedures, the use of some expressions, one for red wine and one for white wine, is proposed. An important differentiation between red and white wine mean discrimination analysis using pH values, malic acid and potassium content could be observed.

Determination of free gallic acid and catechin (cianidanol) in banana samples was optimized using a high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method with on-line photodiode array detection. This method was applied for cultivars of bananas (Gran Enana and Pequena Enana) harvested in Tenerife (Canary Islands) and for bananas (Gran Enana) from Ecuador. The contents of catechin and gallic acid in bananas from Ecuador were higher (P

The evolution of moisture, starch, amylose, ash, fructose, sucrose, glucose and ascorbic acid was studied in five cultivars of Tenerife potatoes in order to evaluate their variation during storage at 12 °C and 90% humidity. Differences in behaviour were detected among cultivars in relation to the period of storage under these conditions. The Negra cultivar presented the worst behaviour in storage, while the Bonita and Colorada cultivars presented the best. The moisture remained constant for the first 6 weeks; afterwards; a significant decrease was observed. A progressive decrease of starch (dry basis) over the time of storage was detected, while an increase of reducing sugars occurred. The amylose/amylopectin ratio increased during the first 6 weeks of storage. The concentration of vitamin C decreased markedly during the storage, and, after the 20th week, the content had decreased by more than 50%.

Black mulberry (Morus nigra) is a fruit not known only for its nutritional qualities and its flavour, but also for its traditional use in natural medicine as it has a high content of active therapeutic compounds. However, this fruit is not widely produced in Spain but some trees are still found growing in the Canary Islands, particularly on the edges of the ravine. The inhabitants of these islands (Tenerife, La Gomera, La Palma, El Hierro and Lanzarote) collect the fruit and prepare homemade beverages for medicinal purposes. Numerous authors have reported that type II diabetes mellitus can be controlled by taking a mixture containing black mulberry and water. Apart from that, this fruit has been used for the treatment of mouth, tongue and throat inflammations. In this study we present some characteristics of black mulberry juice (TSS, pH, titratable acidity, citric acid, lactic acid, polyphenols, anthocyanins, the potassium etc.) and alcoholic beverages (alcoholic grade, pH, total acidity, volatile acidity, tannins, phenols etc.) obtained from black mulberry. Moreover, we have studied the quality of liquors obtained from black mulberry in Canary Islands.

The contents of moisture, protein, ash, ascorbic acid, glucose, fructose, total sugars, and total and insoluble fiber were determined in cultivars of bananas (Gran Enana and Pequeña Enana) harvested in Tenerife and in bananas (Gran Enana) from Ecuador. The chemical compositions in the bananas from Tenerife and from Ecuador were clearly different. The cultivar did not influence the chemical composition, except for insoluble fiber content. Variations of the chemical composition were observed in the bananas from Tenerife according to cultivation method (greenhouse and outdoors), farming style (conventional and organic), and region of production (north and south). A highly significant (r = 0.995) correlation between glucose and fructose was observed. Correlations of ash and protein contents tend to separate the banana samples according to origin. A higher content of protein, ash, and ascorbic acid was observed as the length of the banana decreased. Applying factor analysis, the bananas from Ecuador were well separated from the bananas produced in Tenerife. An almost total differentiation (91.7%) between bananas from Tenerife and bananas from Ecuador was obtained by selecting protein, ash, and ascorbic acid content and applying stepwise discriminant analysis. By selecting the bananas Pequeña Enana and using discriminant analysis, a clear separation of the samples according to the region of production and farming style was observed.

The copigmentation effect of prefermentation additions of different doses of caffeic acid was investigated during the 1997 harvest. Microfermentation with the major red grape cultivars Listán negro and Negramoll, grown in the Canary Islands, was carried out with the same protocol. Visible and UV spectra were registered periodically. HPLC chromatograms were carried out. The color enhancement of cv. Negramoll wine varied between 13 and 75% (AU at 520 nm), and that of cv. Listán negro wine between 25 and 45% at the end of fermentation. During aging these values were enhanced to reach even100% in some cases. An initial complex of the 1:1 type, where one molecule of caffeic acid associates with one molecule of anthocyanin, has been identified using the mathematical procedure of Brouillard et al. (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1989, 111, 2604-2610). Caffeic acid seems to contribute to color stability and protection against oxidation. The importance of nonpigment composition in pigment extraction and color retention during and after fermentation is demonstrated.

Dry matter, protein, fat, pH, mineral (Na, K, Ca and Mg) and trace elements (Fe, Cu, Zn and Se) concentrations were determined in samples of goats’ milk and in fresh, semi-hard and hard cheeses to study the effect of the goats’ diet and the type of rennet used for the cheese processing of the Palmero Protected Designation of Origin cheeses. Two groups of 20 Palmero goats were fed 2 different diets: a Palmero diet (PD supplied by native forages adapted to subhumid areas, which had a high ratio of long fibre to concentrates (65:35), and an actual diet (AD), the most commonly used by goat farmers, with a low ratio of long fibre to concentrates (35:65). In general, the cheese samples from goats fed with PD had higher mean Ca, Zn, Cu and Se concentrations than the samples obtained from AD fed goats. The diet exhibited a greater influence on the chemical composition of the cheeses than the rennet used in their production. Applying a stepwise linear discriminant analysis a complete percentage of correct classifications of the three types of cheeses according to the diet of the goats was observed.

The concentration of serum selenium in 395 individuals (187 males + 218 females) living in the Canary Islands, Spain was determined by hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry. The mean selenium concentration was 74.7 +/- 25.2 microg/l ranging between 7.86 and 182.3 microg/l. Twenty-two adults (7.2% of the total) had serum selenium concentrations under 45 microg/l. It is widely accepted that below this selenium serum concentration (45 microg/l) there is an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Our results fall within data recently published in other Spanish and European regions and are much lower than data observed in USA or seleniferous regions. The estimated Se intakes of our population were lower than the Recommended Dietary Allowances for American people. Individuals from Lanzarote had a mean Se concentration significantly higher than individuals from the other islands. This could be attributed to differences in Se content of soil and/or differences in dietary habits of the populations. Serum selenium concentration did not vary with the sex of the subjects. Individuals younger than 14 years old had a serum selenium concentration significantly lower than the rest of the individuals. No relationship with socio-economic status, educational level, smoking habits, physical exercise or beer consumption was found. However, individuals who consume wine more than three times a week showed higher selenium concentrations than individuals with lower consumption. Also, individuals with consumption above seven units of spirit drinks a week had the highest mean selenium concentration.

In this review article, papers on selenium concentrations in cow and human milk are reviewed in order to identify the main factors that affect these concentrations as well as the Se intake of lactating infants. Selenium intake and Se status of the mother seem to be the main factors that influence Se concentrations in human milk. The progression of lactation can diminish the Se concentrations in human milk. Most authors have reported Se levels in human milk greater than Se levels in available milk formulas for infants from the same country. Thus, higher Se intakes in the breast-fed infant than Se intakes in formula-fed infants have been observed. Also, the Se compounds in breast milk seem to be more biologically available for infant nutrition than those in formulas.