Province Of Albacete Research Articles

Influencia de la dieta y los estilos de vida en el cáncer colorrectal

to assess the relationship between different colorectal cancer risk factors in Albacete province. the incidence and prevalence of CC (colorectal cancer) in Albacete province during the years from 1992 to 1999 were calculated using data from the Surgery and Anatomical Pathology Departments of hospitals located in the province, both public ("Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Albacete" and "Hospital Comarcal de Hellín") and private ("Recoletas", "Sanatorios del Rosario" and "Santa Cristina"), and the provincial archives of the National Cancer Registry. Subsequently, the same calculation was made for each of the 33 Health Areas into which the province is organized. The three Health Areas with the highest incidence, and the three with the lowest incidence, of CC were selected for the study. By means of a systematic randomization of persons over 50 years, 445 persons were selected for the study using the census of the 25 villages and towns located in the high and low CC incidence areas. Subsequently we carried out the survey in these two zones: high and low incidence areas. Data were collected in Dbase IV, and the statistical analysis was carried out with the statistical package SPSS 10.1 for Windows. during the period studied 531 new cases of CC were registered, of which 291 (54.99%) were men. Mean rate was 15.9 per 100,000 persons/year. Highest incidence areas included Elche de la Sierra (30.2 per 100,000 persons/year), followed by Alcadozo (28.3), and Ontur (26.9). Lowest incidence areas were Ossa de Montiel (5.9), Munera (5.1), and Balazote (6.5). Out of 450 participants 414 (92%) filled out the questionnaire correctly. Variables including some kind of alcohol use (beer, wine, and coffee with brandy) are significantly associated with CC and multiply by more than one the risk for this disease. Some qualitative variables with statistically significant association increase, while some decrease, the risk of CC. For example, associated pathologies multiplies the risk of CC by 0.6, physical exercise by 0.3, moderate intake of alcohol by 0.5, olive oil intake by 0.7, and water intake by 0.3. Furthermore, a high intake of alcohol multiplies the risk of CC by 1.8, eggs and omelette by 2.95, pasta and rice by 2.15, blue fish by 1.8, meat and cold meats by 1.6, and having a first- or second-degree relative with cancer by 3. there is a significant relationship between colorectal cancer and familial cancer, physical activity, and the ingestion of alcohol, water, pasta, rice, and eggs.

Prevalencia del síndrome metabólico en la provincia de Albacete

The primary objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome (MS) in people between 40-70 years of age in the province of Albacete (Spain).A population-based, cross-sectional study was made of people between 40-70 years of age in three representative municipalities of the province of Albacete. A total of 425 subjects were included, with a mean age of 53.1 years (95% CI: 52.3-54). Women represented 50.4% of the series and males 49.6%. All participants were subjected to general laboratory testing, physical examination and the measurement of anthropometric parameters. MS was defined according to the ATP-III criteria. Prevalence of MS and its distribution according to the different epidemiological characteristics were calculated.Total prevalence of MS was 20.9% (88/421), with a mean age of 57 years (95% CI: 55.1-59). Prevalence was seen to increase with age, reaching up to one-third of all subjects over 60 years. Significant differences were observed in relationship to a background of ischemic heart disease, ultrasensitive C-reactive protein elevation and the detection of microalbuninuria in MS subjects. Arterial hypertension and abdominal obesity were the most prevalent criteria in MS subjects.Taking into consideration the important co-morbidity of MS, knowledge of the prevalence and characteristics of the syndrome in our setting and its early identification and intervention targeted to the different factors underlying MS will contribute to reduce the number of cardiovascular events associated with the syndrome.

Neurocrestopatías: alta frecuencia de disgenesias cerebrales en pacientes con enfermedad de Hirschsprung

Hirschsprung's disease (HD), or aganglionic megacolon, is a congenital disorder that is characterised by the absence of ganglion cells in the submucosal and myenteric plexuses of the intestine, which is caused by the failure of these cells to migrate from the neural crest (neurocristopathy). Cerebral dysgenesis and polymalformation syndromes have been reported in association with HD, thus suggesting an abnormal morphogenesis. To study the frequency of cerebral malformations in patients with HD in our environment. We conducted a retrospective study of 41,666 live newborn infants, over the period 1993-2003, and 17 cases of HD where identified. The incidence of HD in the health district of the province of Albacete is 1.68 per 5,000 live newborn infants. Of the 17 patients with HD who were studied, 10 were isolated (58.8%) and seven (41.1%) were associated to other structural abnormalities and psychomotor retardation. Three of the cases in this latter group were due to chromosome pathology (trisomy 21, Down syndrome), two were caused by specific polymalformation syndromes (one Mowat-Wilson syndrome and one possible FG syndrome), one was due to a pattern of abnormalities that did not fit any known syndrome, and one had a normal phenotype and isolated cerebral dysgenesis. In all of cases the neuroimaging studies identified cerebral dysgenesis that was compatible with neuronal migration disorders. The frequency of association of HD, either isolated or within the context of a specific malformation syndrome, with neuronal migration disorders is high (23.5%). We suggest a full genetic and neurological evaluation should be carried out in patients with HD, together with brain imaging studies in order to rule out the possibility of cerebral dysgenesis.

Effect of Cardiovascular Risk Factors on Long-Term Morbidity and Mortality Following Acute Myocardial Infarction

Generally, cardiovascular risk factors are poorly controlled after myocardial infarction. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of these risk factors on long-term morbidity and mortality in patients experiencing a myocardial infarction. In total, 655 acute myocardial infarction survivors recorded in the IBERICA database for the Spanish province of Albacete were followed up. Provincial healthcare center databases and the regional death registry were consulted, and semistructured interviews were carried out. Bivariate and multivariate descriptive and comparative statistical analyses were performed. The median follow-up period was 5.5 years. At the end of the study, 74% of patients had hypertension or hypercholesterolemia, 39% had diabetes, 36% were obese, 13% smoked, and 1% were alcoholics. Overall, 48% of patients experienced a cardiovascular event. Uncontrolled hypercholesterolemia was found to be a risk factor for angina (odds ratio [OR]=2.4, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1-5.1), and uncontrolled diabetes was a risk factor for reinfarction (OR=3.5, 95% CI, 1.6-7.6) and stroke (OR=10.6, 95% CI, 3.6-31.2), both of which occurred earlier in patients with uncontrolled diabetes. In total, 115 (18%) patients died, with more than 50% of deaths being due to cardiovascular causes. Uncontrolled hypertension and diabetes were the most important risk factors for both overall and early mortality, whereas controlled hypercholesterolemia appeared to be a protective factor. The prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in patients who have experienced a myocardial infarction is very high. Control of these risk factors influences both cardiovascular events and long-term mortality.

An evaluation of two hourly reference evapotranspiration equations for semiarid conditions

The methodology proposed by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) (Doorenbos, J., Pruitt, W.O., 1977. Crop water requirements. FAO irrigation and drainage. Paper No. 24. FAO, Rome) and updated by Allen et al. (Allen, R.G., Pereira, L.S., Raes, D., Smith, M., 1998. Crop evapotranspiration. Guidelines for computing crop water requirements. FAO irrigation and drainage. Paper No. 56. FAO, Rome) for calculating crop water requirements is the most extended and accepted method worldwide. This method requires the prior calculation of reference evapotranspiration (ET o). This study evaluates the FAO-56 and American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Penman–Monteith (PM) equations for estimation of hourly ET o under the semiarid conditions of the province of Albacete (Spain). The FAO-56 and ASCE equations (hourly time step) were compared against measured lysimeter ET o values at Albacete for 13 days during the period of April–October 2002 and 16 days during April–October 2003. The average of estimated FAO-56 Penman–Monteith ET o values was equal to the average of measured values. However, the average of estimated ASCE Penman–Monteith values was 4% higher than the average of measured lysimeter ET o values. This method overestimated measured lysimeter ET o values by 0.45 mm h −1. Simple linear regression and error analysis statistics suggest that agreement between both estimation methods and the lysimeter was quite good for the province of Albacete. In this paper, the FAO-56 Penman–Monteith equation for calculating hourly ET o values was more accurate than the ASCE Penman–Monteith method under semiarid weather conditions in Albacete.

Constipation in the population over 50 years of age in Albacete province

To Determine the incidence of constipation in Albacete province and its relation with diet and lifestyle. Cross-sectional population survey. We studied 414 participants over 50 years of age in Albacete province. 445 persons over 50 years of age were included in the study. All participants were selected by systematic random sampling; 414 participants filled in the questionnaire correctly. age, weight and height, marital status, level of education and occupation; presence of a disease, number of sleep hours a day, physical exercise, smoking, alcohol intake, drug intake (anti-inflammatories and laxatives); bowel habit, diet, meal frequency and place; food intake frequency per week, daily intake of water, coffee, tea and herbal beverages; vitamin and fiber supplements; presence of cancer in the family. 56.9% of participants were women. Mean age 67.07 years. In Albacete province, 4.4% of the population over 50 years have a bowel habit consistent with constipation. Most participants had three meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and supper), while 50% had another meal in the morning or afternoon. These meals took place, habitually, in the domicile. There was a preponderance in daily intake of the following foods: milk (83.7%), bread (95.1%), vegetables (68.8%), fruit (91.8%), and virgin olive oil (96.6%). Fish was eaten every one to two days, and pulses and meat every three to six days. 44.4% of participants drank one to two liters of water a day. Only 3.9% of participants took some supplement; 35% of participants were on a diet. It was observed that 97.7% of participants with more than three defecations a week had a high intake of virgin olive oil; 65.7% of participants did some physical exercise customarily; 70.2% of participants were non-smokers, 10.2% were smokers, and 18.4% were ex-smokers. With regard to alcohol, the percentage of drinkers was 35.1%. The main class of medications taken by participants was NSAIDs - 14.5%; 79.7% took neither NSAIDs nor laxatives. Only 2.7% of participants took laxatives regularly. Most participants had relatively healthy eating habits.

Effect of Isolation Measures on the Incidence and Prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Hemodialysis

Background: Nosocomial transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in hemodialysis (HD) units is well established. In units with a high prevalence of HCV infection, the implementation of universal precautionary measures may not suffice in order to decrease the incidence and prevalence of HCV. In this setting strict isolation practices can be useful in order to achieve this goal. Methods: The incidence and prevalence of HCV infection amongst all HD and peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients from the province of Albacete, Spain, have been studied from 1992 to 2003.Through the 1993–1995 period chronic HD patients were treated either in a room exclusively for HCV– patients or in a room shared by HCV+ and HCV– patients. Complete separation of HCV+ and HCV– patients was implemented in 1995. Acute patients have been separated since 1992. The implementation of universal precautions was applied throughout the period. Results: There has not been a single seroconversion in the rooms where only HCV– patients were dialyzed during the 11 years of follow-up. There were two seroconversions in the rooms shared for 3 years by both HCV+ and HCV– patients. In 1995 the prevalence of HCV+ cases in HD and PD was 21.6 and 23.2%, respectively. Since then it has decreased steadily and in parallel for both therapies, and the current prevalence is 6.8% in HD and 5.7% in PD. Conclusions: In HD units with a high prevalence of HCV+ patients, strict isolation in combination with implementation of universal prevention measures can eliminate nosocomial transmission and obtain a long-term reduction in prevalence.

Testing evapotranspiration equations using lysimeter observations in a semiarid climate

Seven methods for calculating average daily ET o were evaluated in a semiarid climate from 2000 to 2002. The methods assessed were: FAO-56 Penman–Monteith, FAO-24 Corrected Penman (I) and (II), FAO-24 Blaney–Criddle, FAO-24 Radiation and Hargreaves. A continuous weighing lysimeter was used with a precision of 250 g, which is equivalent to 0.04 mm of water. It has the necessary equipment to carry out a complete water balance and precisely evaluate inputs (precipitation and irrigation) as well as outputs (evapotranspiration and deep drainage). An automated agrometeorological weather station was also used that provided 10-min, hourly, and daily recordings of the climatic data necessary for calculating ET o. The lysimeter and the agrometeorological station are both located on a field of grass ( Festuca arundinacea Schreb). The FAO-56 Penman–Monteith equation turned out to be the most precise method under semiarid climatic conditions in the province of Albacete, demonstrating superiority over the other methods evaluated. Good performance from the Hargreaves equation must be emphasized, given the simplicity of that method, which only requires measuring mean, maximum and minimum air temperatures. The FAO-24 Penman (I) and (II) and especially the Blaney–Criddle methods significantly overestimated average daily ET o, while the Penman method produced considerable underestimations. The radiation method also performed well, in spite of giving slight overestimations. The methods evaluated can be put in order from the most to the least accurate for the conditions of this experiment as follows: FAO-56 Penman–Monteith, Hargreaves, FAO-24 Radiation, FAO-24 Penman (II), FAO-24 Penman (I), Penman and FAO-24 Blaney–Criddle. The above seven equations for calculating ET o were also evaluated by differentiating two seasons of the year, one of high evaporative demand between April and September, and the other of low demand between October and March. In both cases, the FAO-56 Penman–Monteith equation again proved to be the most accurate.

Riqueza y rareza florísticas en los afloramientos dolomíticos de las Cordilleras Béticas (sur de España): ensayo preliminar.

RESUMEN. Riqueza y rareza florísticas en los afloramientos dolomíticos de las Cordilleras Béticas (sur de España): ensayo preliminar. Sobre los afloramientos dolomíticos de las Cordilleras Béticas se desarrollan comunidades vegetales muy específicas y ricas en endemismos. Dichas comunidades no han sido estudiadas desde un punto de vista conservacionista. Este trabajo aborda su distribución, riqueza y grado de protección actuales permitiendo evaluar la eficacia de la red de espacios protegidos. Para ello, se ha creado una base de datos de presencia/ausencia de dolomitófilos en cuadrículas UTM de 10 km. de lado que han sido definidas como unidades geográficas operacionales (UGOs). Posteriormente, se ha evaluado la riqueza, la rareza en continuo y la rareza en discontinuo de las UGOs. Los resultados obtenidos han subrayado la importancia del sector Malacitano-Almijarense de la provincia Bética (en especial la zona del Trevenque) como centro de riqueza y endemicidad de dolomitófilos. Por otra parte, la red de espacios naturales abarca casi la totalidad de las localidades de mayor interés en la Comunidad Autónoma de Andalucía, mientras que tiene importantes lagunas en la Región de Murcia y en la provincia de Albacete (perteneciente a la Comunidad Autónoma de Castilla-La Mancha).Palabras clave. Dolomitófilo, dolomías, selección de reservas, endemismo, espacios naturales protegidos, flora.ABSTRACT. Floral richness and rarity in the dolomitic outcrops of the Baetic Ranges (southern Spain): a preliminary essay. The dolomitic areas of the Baetic Ranges house extremely peculiar plant communities. These communities are diverse and especially rich in endemic species. The vegetation and flora of the dolomitic outcrops have not been studied from a conservation point of view. This work is focused on the distribution, richness and current level of protection of these areas, consequently, it allows us to evaluate the efficacy of the protected areas network. In order to meet this goal, a “presence/absence” database of the dolomitic taxa has been carried out, according to UTM cells sized an area of 10 × 10 km. These cells have been used as “Operational Geographic Units” (OGU’s). In due course, the richness, the continuous and discontinuous rarity of every OGU have been evaluated. The results depicted the great importance of the Malacitano-Almijarense sector of the Baetic province (especially where the Trevenque mountain is located) as a spot of richness and endemicity of dolomitic taxa. In addition, the protected areas network appears to be quite efficient in meeting conservation objectives in the Region of Andalusia, whilst it is clearly deficient in the Region of Murcia and the Province of Albacete (included in the Region of Castilla-La Mancha).Key words. Dolomitic species, dolomites, selection of reserves, endemism, natural protected areas, flora.

Incidencia de la espondilitis infecciosa en la provincia de Albacete

Infectious spondylitis (IS) is an infrequent disease, although there are few data on its real incidence. To date, only one study, carried out in Denmark, that rigorously assesses the incidence of this disease has been published. To determine the incidence of IS in the nonpediatric population of the province of Albacete, and to analyze differences according to etiology, age, sex, and geographical area. We carried out a retrospective search of all the IS cases diagnosed in the province of Albacete during the period 1990-2002 and calculated the adjusted incidence rates using census data. The incidence of IS was 2.40 cases/10(5) inhabitants/year. Brucellar spondylitis had an incidence of 1.18 cases/10(5) inhabitants/year, with a predominance in the rural area and in men. Distribution by age was bimodal, with a first peak around 40 years old and a second peak around 60 years old. The incidence has significantly decreased in the last few years. Pyogenic spondylitis (incidence of 0.64 cases/10(5) inhabitants/year) showed a maximum incidence at around 60 years old, while its distribution by sex and geographical area was more uniform. Tuberculous spondylitis had an incidence of 0.45 cases/10(5) inhabitants/year and its frequency increased with age. The incidence rates of IS were higher than those reported in most previous studies, although they were similar to those observed in the most rigorous reports. These findings suggest that the frequency of IS could have been underestimated. The three etiologic groups analyzed showed distinct epidemiological profiles.

Conjunto de metales procedente del poblado de la Edad del Bronce de L’arbocer (Font de la Figuera, Valencia)

In this paper, we present a study of a group of cooper and bronze objects that were found by chance in the Bronze Age village of L’Arbocer (Font de la Figuera, Valencia). The main aims are the description of the objects and the results of the X Ray Fluorescence analyses. Moreover; a short fieldwork season has been carried out, which has allowed us to determine the archaeological context of the metals and to establish their connection with a possible area of metallurgical activity. The village of L’Arbocer is located on the border of the provinces of Valencia, Alicante and Albacete. This is very interesting in helping us to evaluate the presence of a possible metallurgy workshop and its chronology.

A simple algorithm to estimate evapotranspiration from DAIS data: Application to the DAISEX campaigns

The knowledge of evapotranspiration is of great interest in many applications such as assessing irrigation water use. In this paper, a methodology is presented to estimate evapotranspiration using the surface energy balance model S-SEBI (Simplified Surface Energy Balance Index) and the evaporative fraction. The method is applicable under the assumptions of constant atmospheric conditions and sufficient wet and dry pixels over the image. The model uses remotely sensed parameters such as albedo, MSAVI (Modified Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index) and surface temperature and emissivity images. The methodology has been applied over the Barrax test site, located in the province of Albacete (Castilla La Mancha, Spain), in the framework of the DAISEX (Digital Airborne Imaging Spectrometer Experiment) campaigns carried out by ESA (European Space Agency). Net radiation, soil heat fluxes and evapotranspiration have been obtained from DAIS images for alfalfa, corn and grass plots. The results show that alfalfa plot gives the highest values, around 5 mm d −1, whereas corn plot gives the lowest, around 3.5 mm d −1. The proposed methodology leading to an accuracy for the daily evapotranspiration lower than 1 mm d −1.

Estudio clínico-epidemiológico de las rickettsiosis del grupo de las fiebres exantemáticas en Albacete

The aim of this study was to describe the clinical and epidemiological features of spotted fever group rickettsiosis acquired in the province of Albacete, Spain. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of patients with a diagnosis of spotted fever group rickettsiosis and positive serologic results between 1997 and 2003. Criteria for inclusion were as follows: 1) seroconversion in IgG to Rickettsia conorii by indirect immunofluorescence, or 2) a single titer of 160 dollars with two or three of the following symptoms: fever, eschar, or rash. There were 41 cases in the study period. Mean age was 58 years (range: 14-84). Thirty-seven (90%) patients were 40 or more years old (RR: 10,1; 95% CI: 4,3-24,0). Twenty-five (63%) patients were of rural origin (RR: 3,5; 95% CI: 1,8-6,5). Thirty-six (88%) patients had regular or recent contact with the rural milieu or with animals. Forty patients had fever and 38 (93%) had one or two eschars. There were 32 cases of Mediterranean spotted fever, 2 cases with symptoms consistent with DEBONEL/TIBOLA, and 7 atypical cases with eschar and no rash. Spotted fever group rickettsiosis was mainly found in adults in contact with the rural milieu or with animals. Age over 40 years old and residence in a rural area were risk factors. Mediterranean spotted fever was the most common syndrome.

VINCULACIÓN DEL TERRITORIO ALBACETENSE A MURCIA EN LA GUERRA DE GRANADA (1482-1492)

At the end of the 15th century the Catholic Kings try to draw the territories that today belong to the province of Albacete to Murcia. Such a purpose they utilize the organized military structure for the War of Granada. First of all the «Hermandad General» is going to be the best instruments for strenghtening the demarcation called Kingdom of Murcia which theoretically included the mentioned territories for a long time

JORQUERA Y ALCALÁ DEL RÍO JÚCAR A FINES DEL MEDIEVO. DOS VILLAS DEL MARQUESADO DE VILLENA

Alcala del Rio and Jorquen, placed in North-east province of Albacete at present, were the limit of Marquesado of Villena in its northern area. The study is concerning about the step of royal district to manor district during th reigns of John II, Henry IV and the Catholic Kings. The used sources are in the Dukedom of Frias Archive

Threonines at position 174 and 235 of the angiotensinogen polypeptide chain are related to familial history of hypertension in a Spanish-Mediterranean population

This study investigates the association between the allelic distribution of two polymorphisms of the angiotensinogen (AGT) gene (T174M and M235T in the polypeptide chain) and blood pressure (BP) in a Mediterranean population in the south-west of Europe. The sample consists of 1322 participants from urban and rural areas, from the province of Albacete (218 462 inhabitants), located in the south-east of Spain. The subsample of this study, adjusted by age (over 18 years old) and sex, consists of 401 individuals. A case-control study is conducted which analyses 205 individuals from the group with the highest BP (fifth quintile) and 196 from the group with the lowest BP (first quintile). In addition, a comparative and associated analysis of these polymorphisms with BP level and family history of hypertension is carried out. The T174 allele proved to be more common in the fifth quintile group, although not statistically so. When the presence of threonine was analysed in both polymorphism positions (174 and 235), the TTTT genotype was found to be more common in the fifth quintile than in the first quintile. Moreover, the TTTT genotype was significantly more common in individuals with a family history of hypertension, indicating that it could be considered a predisposing factor to high BP in individuals from such families. In addition, the T174M-T235T genotype was more common in the first quintile group, and showed significant association (P=0.05) with the group that had no family history of hypertension.

¿Se puede o debe medir la presión arterial en las oficinas de farmacia?

To evaluate concordance between blood-pressure (BP) measurements at the pharmacy office (PhO) and the nurse office (NO) in the health care centre (HCC). Descriptive study. Community. 36 PhO have voluntarily participated in the province of Albacete, where they have done 3 BP measures, without previous instructions and with their usual measurements devices, for 3-5 subjects, who were referred to their HCC so that they were taken another 3 BP measures in the NO with their Hg sphymomanometer and in their usual measure conditions (blind measures in relation to those taken at the PhO). These subjects were given a stamped envelope to send the BP measurements (taken at the NO), to the Official Pharmacy College. The 6 BP measurements have been completed to 96 subjects with an average of 57.3 years old (women 63%). The differences between PhO and NO were > 5 mmHg in 58 subjects (60.4%) in the case of SBP and in 45 subjects (46.9%) in the case of DBP, and it was more than 15 mmHg in the 17 subjects (17.7%) with SBP and in 9 subjects (9.4%) with DBP. The difference average was 9.5 mmHg (SD, 8.4 mmHg) and 6.4 mmHg (SD, 5.3 mmHg) respectively. The use rate of digit 0 was 22% at the PhO and 46.5% at the NO. In most of PhO, measurement electronic devices have been used for the BP, but not validated for clinical use. The PhO can be a good place for the hypertension screening, but the chemist must be trained in the BP correct measurement and use validated electronic devices. Standardization measurement conditions and the use of validated electronic devices must be extended to the NO.

Nuevos datos sobre los Pamphagidae (Orthoptera, Caelifera) de la Península Ibérica I. Nueva subespecie de <i>Eumigus</i> Bolívar, 1878 de la Sierra de Alcaraz (Albacete, España)

Eumigus punctatus calarensis , a new subspecies of Pamphagidae, is described from Sierra de Alcaraz, in Albacete province (Spain), and its characteristics are discussed. We present data about its sound production and acoustic signals. New data on other species of Pamphagidae are given; including discussion of the taxonomic status of Acinipe mabillei , its account as valid species is proposed. We present the first known data on sound production by flapping method in Iberian Pamphagidae, for Eumigus punctatus punctatus . Lectotype and paralectotype of Kurtharzia nugatoria are designated.

Note. Physical parameters in controlling saffron quality / Nota. Algunos parámetros físicos del control de calidad del azafrán

This study involved 270 samples of saffron from Spain and other leading producers (Greece, India, Iran, Italy and Morocco). The Spanish samples were obtained directly from the producers while the foreign samples were acquired with the guarantee of their origin and lack of adulteration. The tradi tional physical parameters indicated in quality regulations were analyzed and ranges were estab lished for each one (style length, stigma length, stigma percentage, moisture content at 40 and 103 °C, percentage of volatile matter and percentage of ash). The terms 'total filament', 'mass' and 'stigma mass' are proposed as being more specific than the simple term 'mass' which is used in the quality regulations; the parameter lineal filament density is also defined. The saffron grown in the provinces of Cuenca and Albacete (Castilla-La Mancha region, Spain) showed the highest percentage of stigma length. The lower stigma mass of Spanish saffrons compared with saffron from other countries indi cated that more flowers are necessary to obtain the same weight of spice. The highest values of the percentage of volatile matter were obtained in Iranian and Spanish saffrons. A greater range of ash percentage than indicated in the quality regulations was obtained.

Prevalencia de diabetes mellitus y su asociación a otros factores de riesgo cardiovascular en la provincia de Albacete

To find the prevalence of DM in the population of Albacete, and their relationship with other risk factors. A descriptive cross-sectional population study. Community setting in the province of Albacete. A sample of 2121 people+ over 18 (843 from the capital and 1278 from the rest of the province) was selected through stratified random sampling. Appointments were made by mail. All those attending underwent anamnesis, a physical examination, EKG and basic analytic test. 1263 people older than 18 years were studied. The prevalence of DM observed with WHO criteria was 6.7% (95% CI, 5.9%-7.4%), of which 6.5% corresponded to known DM and only 0.2% to unknown. If ADA criteria were used, the prevalence was 9.8%. We found association between DM and age, obesity, hypertension, hyperlipaemia, low HDL-c, high levels of fibrinogen, left ventricular hypertrophy, arrhythmias and personal history of ischemic cardiopathy and peripheric arteriopathy. DM is a highly prevalent pathology in Albacete. We consider necessary to standard epidemiological methods that allow us to know the real situation of DM in our country. Other cardiovascular risk factors are more prevalent in diabetic patients, increasing their coronary risk. The control of modifiable factors is fundamental to avoid as possible the chronic complications of the disease.