Spanish Males Research Articles

Comparison of Dietary Habits among Romanian, Moroccan and Spanish Adolescents in Southern Spain: Cross-cultural and Gender Differences

AimThis study analyzes the characteristics and the most important differences between native and immigrant adolescents’ dietary patterns in southern Spain. In order to define their dietary habits, and the corresponding socio-cultural and gender- related differences, the consumption frequency of the main food groups has been measured. DesignCross-sectional research with cluster sampling in two primary schools and seven secondary schools. The instrument used was the questionnaire Kidscreen-52 Sampling. Sample1,840 Romanian, Moroccan and Spanish students aged between 10 and 19 years old. Data AnalysisDescriptive and contrast analysis carried out using the data analysis software SPSS, version 21. ResultsSignificant differences among these three cultural groups’ diets in relation to all of the food groups were identified, with the exception of cereals and legumes. This indicates that immigrant adolescents’ dietary patterns do not coincide with the “healthy migrant effect” as they show higher consumption rates of sweets, soft drinks and snacks. Gender-related differences in relation to alcohol consumption between Moroccan males and females were also detected, and in relation to the consumption of sweets and legumes between Spanish males and females.

A severe case of persistent diarrhoea associated with Arcobacter cryaerophilus but attributed to Campylobacter sp. and a review of the clinical incidence of Arcobacter spp.

Although rarely, Arcobacter spp. have been associated with diarrhoea and bacteraemia. We report a persistent case in a healthy 26-year-old Spanish male of bloody diarrhoea, which was attributed to Campylobacter but in fact was caused by Arcobacter cryaerophilus, as determined by sequencing of the rpoB gene. The isolate was re-identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight (MALDI-TOF) and genotyped for five putative virulence genes and for seven genes included in the Arcobacter multilocus sequence typing database. The low score obtained by MALDI-TOF indicates the need to complement the database with more isolates. Only the ciaB gene, which encodes for an invasin, was detected. Despite the isolate belonging to a new sequence type, three of the alleles (glnA, pgm and tkt) had been found previously in isolates from faeces of patients with diarrhoea. This study, together with the reviewed literature, indicates that Arcobacter can produce bacteraemia and that the isolation from patients with diarrhoea range from 0.11% to 1.25%. This study also demonstrates that Arcobacter species are confused with Campylobacter spp., as previously suggested. This is one of the factors that leads to underestimation of their incidence together with the use of inappropriate detection and identification methods.

Topological Variability of Fingerprint Ridge Density in a Sub‐Saharan Population Sample for Application in Personal Identification

Variability in ridge density in a sub-Saharan population sample was studied by counting ridges in three fingerprint areas (two distal regions, radial and ulnar, and one proximal region) on the epidermal surface of the distal phalanx. Study material was obtained from the fingerprint impressions of 100 male sub-Saharan subjects aged between 18- and 48-years old. The results were compared with those obtained from a Spanish population sample. Sub-Saharan males presented lower ridge density than Spanish males in the distal regions (radial and ulnar) of all fingers, whereas differences in the proximal region were only observed on some fingers. Using the differences observed between these populations, the likelihood ratio for inferring membership of one of the populations from a fingerprint of unknown origin was calculated; therefore, a ridge density of 14 or less for both areas (ulnar and radial), support an origin sub-Saharan versus Spanish population.

Comparison of bone quantity by ultrasound measurements of phalanges between white and black children living in Paraná, Brazil, with Europeans

The objective of this study was to determine bone quantity by ultrasound measurements of the proximal finger phalanges (AD-SoS = amplitude-dependent speed of sound) of healthy Brazilian schoolchildren living in Paraná, Brazil and to compare these values with European populations. The sample was composed of 1356 Brazilian schoolchildren of both genders (660 males, 696 females), aged 6 to 11 years, divided into white (840) and black (516) groups and compared to age- and gender-matched Europeans. AD-SoS of the schoolchildren increased significantly with age for both genders. Significantly higher AD-SoS values were observed for the white children (1916 ± 58) compared to their black counterparts (1898 ± 72) and for the female gender (1920 ± 61) compared to the male gender (1898 ± 66). Overall, the AD-SoS outcomes for females were similar to those of European studies. However, the AD-SoS of the Brazilian schoolchildren of both genders and skin colors was lower than that reported for children in Poland. AD-SoS outcomes for Brazilian schoolboys were similar to those obtained in Italian studies and were lower than those of the Spanish children. In conclusion, Brazilian schoolchildren of both genders and skin colors showed lower bone quantities than Polish children and Spanish males, and levels similar to Italian children and Spanish females.

Gender ratio and cognitive profiles in dyslexia: a cross-national study

The purpose of this study was to analyze possible gender-related differences in the prevalence of dyslexia. A cross-national comparison of Spain and Guatemala was conducted. Both countries speak the same language but have a different standard of living and educational level. A second purpose of this study was to analyze the cognitive profile of Guatemalan and Spanish males and females children with dyslexia. The log-linear analysis indicated that the number of dyslexics detected was different across the countries but there were no differences as a function of gender. Similarly, there were no significant or meaningful differences between dyslexic males and females in the cognitive processes involved in reading. Therefore, gender differences do not appear to be characteristic of developmental dyslexia.

El cáncer de pulmón como marcador de tabaquismo: relación con la mortalidad por cáncer no pulmonar

Objective To assess the possible role of tobacco smoke in non-lung cancer (excluding stomach cancer) using changes in lung cancer mortality rates as a proxy for tobacco exposure. Methods A time series analysis of cancer mortality was performed to evaluate the possible association between changes in mortality rates for lung cancer and for non-lung, non-stomach cancer (NLNS) from 1970 to 2003 in Spanish males. To avoid problems with autocorrelation, Prais-Winsten regression was applied. Results Changes in NLNS cancer death rates showed a parallel trend with lung cancer death rates in the study period, with an adjusted slope of 1.07, 95% CI of 0.98-1.17, and R 2 of 0.97. Conclusion Variation in NLNS cancer death rates can be accurately modelled as a function of changes in lung cancer death rates for the study period, suggesting a possible association between tobacco exposure and NLNS cancers.

Physical activity in children and youth in Spain: future actions for obesity prevention

The aim of the study presented here was to determine the relationship between age and certain socioeconomic factors and the effect that physical activity may have on the prevalence of overweight and obesity among Spanish children and adolescents. The sample derived from the enKid study, a cross-sectional study of a representative sample of the Spanish population aged 2-24 years. Body mass index was calculated from measured weight and height. A physical activity questionnaire was administered. Age, socioeconomic level of the families, the mother's level of education, and the geographical area of residence were related to the prevalence of overweight and obesity among Spanish males.

Phylogenetic Analysis of Rubella Virus Strains from an Outbreak in Madrid, Spain, from 2004 to 2005

An outbreak of rubella affected 460 individuals in 2004 and 2005 in the community of Madrid, Spain. Most of the patients were nonvaccinated Latin American immigrants or Spanish males. This study presents the first data on rubella virus genotypes in Spain. Forty selected clinical samples (2 urine, 5 serum, 3 blood, 2 saliva, and 28 pharyngeal exudate samples) from 40 cases were collected. The 739-nucleotide sequence recommended by the World Health Organization obtained from viral RNA in these samples was analyzed by using the MEGA v4.0 software. Seventeen isolates were obtained from 40 clinical samples from the outbreak, including two isolated from congenital rubella syndrome cases. Only viral RNA of genotype 1j was detected in both isolates and clinical specimens. Two variations in amino acids, G253C and T394S, which are involved in neutralization epitopes arose during the outbreak, but apparently there was no positive selection of either of them. The origin of the outbreak remains unknown because of poor virologic surveillance in Latin America and the African countries neighboring Spain. On the other hand, this is the first report of this genotype in Europe. The few published sequences of genotype 1j indicate that it comes from Japan and the Philippines, but there are no epidemiological data supporting this as the origin of the Madrid outbreak.

Four common genetic variants increase susceptibility to prostate cancer in the Spanish population

22045 Background: Prostate cancer is the neoplasm with highest incidence in Spanish males. Epidemiology shows that familial antecedents are a significant risk factor. We aim to look for genetic variants associated to susceptibility to prostate cancer in the Spanish population. Methods: Within a multinational genome-wide association study coordinated by Decode Genetics in 3490 consenting patients diagnosed with prostate cancer and 14345 controls, Spain contributed with 456 patients y 1078 controls. >300.000 polymorphisms have been assessed with the Infinium II method (Illumina platform). Results: Four common genetic variants associated to prostate cancer have been identified. Two of them (rs 1447295 and rs 16901979A) are located in 8q24. Frequencies of these in Spain (cases/controls/relative risk/2-tailed p) are 10.3%/7.4%/1.71/0.005 y 6.6%/4.0%/1.44/0.017. In Europe, relative risks/2-tailed p are 1.79/1.1 × 10−12 y 1.60/6.4 × 10−8 respectively. Populational attributtable risk is 12%. Two other variants are located in 17q (rs4430796 and rs1859962). Frequencies of these in Spain (cases/controls/relative risk/2-tailed p) are 46.9%/45.4%/1.06/0.45 y 51.2%/47.6%/1.15/0.071. Worldwide, relative risks/2-tailed p are 1.24/2.02 × 10−7 and 1.20/2.5 × 10−10 respectively. Populational attributtable risk is 36%. The first of these two variants had been previously reported as protective for type 2 diabetes mellitus.The implications of these findings will be presented. Conclusions: Four frequent genetic variants are associated to susceptibility to prostate cancer in the Spanish population. They are involved in 47% of all cases of this neoplasm in Spain. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Personality and psychopathological traits in spanish eating disorder males: A comparative study

Objective:To explore gender differences on personality and clinical features in patients with eating disorders (ED) and a healthy control sample.Methods:60 ED males and 60 ED females, consecutively admitted to our Hospital and diagnosed according to DSM-IV-R criteria, were matched for age and diagnosis. A comparison group of 120 non clinical people (60 males, 60 females) were also collected. Measures: TCI-R, SCL-90-R, EDI-2.Results:Female ED patients scored significantly higher than males on Drive for Thinness, Body Dissatisfaction, Interoceptive Awareness and total EDI (p < 0.002). However, these differences were not significant when compared with controls. ED women exhibited higher SCL-90-R Somatization, Interpersonal Sensitivity, Depression, Anxiety, Hostility, GSI, PSDI and PST scores (p<0.002). Regarding personality traits, high Harm Avoidance, Persistence, Cooperativeness (p<0.018) and low Self- Directedness (p=0.001) were associated with an ED diagnosis in males. Significant differences across ED subdiagnoses were also observed. Lifetime obesity was significantly associated with ED in males (p=0.008). However, when specific ED diagnosis was entered, the gender effect of obesity disappeared (p=0.081).Conclusions:Although gender specific differences in clinical and psychopathological features across ED patients have been observed, there are important similarities in current ED features between ED males and females, suggesting that, in spite of having some gender-specific associated traits, EDs are not different with regard to gender. These data encourage our continued efforts toward using similar strategies to detect and treat EDs among men and women.

Emerging Adulthood in Mexican and Spanish Youth

A delay in the end of the adolescent period, and hence the onset of common adult roles, is a trend in most of today's Western industrialized societies. Related to this fact, in recent years emerging adulthood has been proposed as a distinct developmental period between adolescence and young adulthood. Typical normative markers of adulthood are seemingly being replaced by more personal ones, defining the transition in more individualistic terms. This study applied an adaptation of the Inventory of Dimensions of Emerging Adulthood (Reifman, Arnett, &amp; Colwell, 2006) to 720 Mexican and Spanish males and females aged 16 to 34, whose educational level ranged from high school to postgraduate work, to investigate their agreement with descriptions of the stated period as regarding their own lives. Factor analysis revealed seven subscales related to transition to adulthood. Developmental and national differences are also linked to Mexican and Spanish realities. These youths' representations of adolescence and adulthood support to some extent the concept of a new period between these stages. Findings are discussed in terms of cultural and theoretical implications.

The novo 4 BP deletion in the codons 20/21 (−TGGA) at the first exon of the β-globin gene causing a β0-thalassemia in a Spanish male

Dear Editor, This paper reports a novel mutation in the coding region of the " gene. This mutation is a frameshift deletion of 4 bp (−TGGA) in the codons 20/21 of the first exon of this gene and this produces a "-thalassemia phenotype. "-Thalassemias are a heterogeneous group of autosomal recessive disorders characterized by deficient (") or absent (") "-globin chain synthesis. The large majority of the β-thalassemia defects are single nucleotide mutations that affect one of the different molecular processes involved in "-globin gene expression (transcription, pre-mRNA processing, and translation). Only a minority of "-thalassemia is produced by deletions of the structural gene. More than 200 different " gene mutations have been described so far. The largest number of "thalassemia results derived from so-called nonsense and frameshift mutations, which interrupt the normal translation of mRNA [1, http://globin.cse.psu.edu/globin/hbvar]. An asymptomatic 29-year-old man, born in Galicia (northwest of Spain), was studied following a routine blood smear analysis, which revealed microcytic and hypochromic red cells. He was referred to us as a suspected case of thalassemia. Diagnosis of β-thalassemia was performed measuring red cell indices on an automated blood cell counter (COULTER GEN-S, Coulter, Hialeah, FI, USA). The propositus exhibited a discreet anemia (Hb 12.5 g/dl and packed cell volume 38.2%); an elevated red cell count (6.39×10/l); a lower mean cell volume (59.7 fl) and reduced mean cell hemoglobin (19.6 pg). The HbA2 and HbF levels were obtained by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-VARIANTTM BioRad Laboratories, Hercules, CA, USA) and while HbA2 concentration was increased (5.1%) HbF level was normal (1.3%). His reticulocyte count was 0.96% (this relatively low count may be a possible consequence of bone marrow dyserythropoiesis). The subject did not show ferropenic anemia (ferritin 525 ng/ml) and the total bilirubin concentration was 1.07 mg/dl. The blood smear showed microcitosis, hypochromia, and basophilic stippling. The propositus did not show splenomegaly, hematological data, and clinical evolution was steady since 2002 (carrier of a "-thalassemia). For molecular study, DNAwas extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes using the salting out extraction procedure [2]. Initial screening, performed by real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR Light Cycler, Roche) [3] and polymerase chain reaction-amplification reaction mutations system (PCR-ARMS), testing the most frequent "-thalassemia mutations in the Mediterranean area were negative [4, 5]. Finally, the characterization of the mutation was carried out by sequencing. The "-globin gene was amplified using the following primers: "1F, 5′-TCC TAA GCC AGT TGC CAG AAG-3′ [specific for the 5′ region of the "-globin gene (from nt −160 to −142)] and "1R, 5′-TCATTC GTC TGT TTC CCA TTC TAA AC-3′ (from nt +610 to +585) (all nt positions are given relative to the CAP site=nt1). The PCR product (770 bp long) was treated with the ABI PRISMTM dRhodamine Terminator Cycle Sequencing Ann Hematol (2008) 87:63–65 DOI 10.1007/s00277-007-0340-4

La aplicación de las tablas del SCORE a varones de edad avanzada triplica el número de sujetos clasificados de alto riesgo en comparación con la función de Framingham

The Framingham function, recommended by the National Cholesterol Education Program in its document Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III), and the risk charts of the Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE) program are the most used functions for risk stratification. In both, intensive hygienic and therapeutic measures are recommended for high risk individuals. The objective of the present study was to compare the risk stratification obtained with both functions in a population of subjects older than 60 years. 1001 non-diabetic subjects between 60 and 79 years old (mean: 69 years, 67% female) with no evidence of cardiovascular disease were included in the study. Participants were classified as low, moderate or high risk by ATP-III (< 10%, 10-20% y > 20% of risk at 10 years, respectively) and by SCORE (< 3%, 3-4% y > or = 5% of risk at 10 years respectively). 11.7% of the population was classified as high risk by Framingham and 17.6% by SCORE. Only 5% of the females were classified as high risk with either function. In males, 16.7% and a 44.4% were classified as high risk by Framingham and SCORE respectively. The results did not differ by age group. A 39% of males and a 20% of females were candidates to hypolipidemic treatment as recommended by SCORE guidelines. Compared to Framingham function, the application of SCORE charts to spanish males over 60 years triplicate the number of high risk individuals and candidates to intensive risk factor treatment.

DYS19 and DYS199 loci in a Chilean population of mixed ancestry.

The current Chilean population originated from admixture between aboriginal populations (Amerindians) and Spanish conquerors of European origin. Consequently, the unions that gave rise to the Chilean population were chiefly between Spanish males and aboriginal females, and not the converse. To test the hypothesis that the Y chromosome of the Chilean population is mainly of Spanish origin, while the other chromosomes are from mixed (European and aboriginal) origin, we studied the DYS19 and DYS199 loci in two samples. One sample was obtained from a high socioeconomic stratum, while a second sample was from a low stratum. We studied male blood donors (N = 187) from Santiago, the capital of the country. Subjects were typed for the autosomal ABO and Rh (locus D) blood groups, and for the Y-linked DYS19 and the DYS199 loci, reported as Y-chromosome haplotypes. The aboriginal admixture was estimated for each genetic marker. The percentage of aboriginal admixture was 38.17% for the ABO system and 31.28% for the Rh system in the low socioeconomic stratum and 19.22% and 22.5%, respectively, in the high stratum. Y-chromosome haplotype frequencies constructed from the DYS19 and DYS199 loci demonstrated that the main haplotypes were DYS19*14/DYS199 C, as is often the case with many European populations, and DYS19*13/DYS199 C. The aboriginal admixture from Y-haplotype frequencies was estimated to be 15.83% in the low socioeconomic stratum and 6.91% in the high stratum. These values are lower than the values found using autosomal genetic markers, and are consistent with the historical background of the population studied. This study highlights the population genetic consequences of the asymmetric pattern of genome admixture between two ancestral populations (European and Amerindian).

Prevalence of cigarette smoking by birth cohort among males and females in Spain, 1910-1990.

We analysed the prevalence of cigarette smoking among subsequent birth cohorts of Spanish males and females. Data were drawn from the Spanish NHIS conducted in 1993 ( = 26 400), 1995 ( = 8300) and 1997 ( = 8300). From the original computer files, the three surveys were pooled to obtain a single sample. A total of 33 223 subjects (16 036 men and 17 187 women) born between 1900 and 1979, >/= 16 years old, were directly interviewed and with complete information on the history of smoking included for analysis. Based on each respondent's sex and calendar year of birth, the person was classified into a particular sex-birth cohort in the decades from 1900-09 to 1970-79. For each year from date of birth to date of survey, respondents were further classified as either cigarette smoker or nonsmoker. The prevalence of cigarette smoking among successive cohorts of Spanish men and women was estimated, with correction for excess mortality of smokers. In men, the peak in smoking was reached in the 1950-59 birth cohort (prevalence rate of 68% at ages 20-29), after increases during the previous calendar years. Smoking among women was rare until 1960. Female smoking prevalence rates increased progressively among subsequent cohorts until 1980. The age distribution of smoking prevalence in women in 1990 mimics that observed in men 40 years earlier. A substantial delay in the spread of the tobacco epidemic among men is apparent. In women, the delay in the initiation of the smoking epidemic ended with a quick diffusion of the habit.

Changes in lung-cancer mortality trends in Spain

Several changes in smoking patterns over the past decades in Spain can be expected to result in a shift in lung-cancer mortality rates. We examined time trends in lung-cancer mortality from 1973–1997 using a log-linear Poisson age-period-cohort model. The standardized lung-cancer mortality rate for men almost doubled, from 31.4 per 100,000 in 1973 to 58.6 in 1997, with an average annual increase of 2.7%. Mortality increased for male generations born until 1952 as a consequence of the increasing cigarette smoking in successive birth cohorts. However, the slight downward trend observed for the 2 youngest generations suggests a more favorable outcome of the lung-cancer epidemic among Spanish males in the coming years, if this trend continues. For women, mortality rates were 5 to 9 times lower than those for men, 6.3 per 100,000 in 1973 and 6.4 in 1997. However, the increasing mortality among younger generations born since 1942 reflects the rise in the prevalence of smoking women during the last decades and can be expected to spread to older age groups as a cohort effect, indicating the early phase of the smoking-related lung-cancer epidemic among Spanish females. The decreasing mortality trend observed in women until the late 1980s could be attributed to a lower exposure to environmental tobacco smoke at home as a result of a significant reduction in the prevalence of smoking men. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Changes in lung‐cancer mortality trends in Spain

Several changes in smoking patterns over the past decades in Spain can be expected to result in a shift in lung-cancer mortality rates. We examined time trends in lung-cancer mortality from 1973-1997 using a log-linear Poisson age-period-cohort model. The standardized lung-cancer mortality rate for men almost doubled, from 31.4 per 100,000 in 1973 to 58.6 in 1997, with an average annual increase of 2.7%. Mortality increased for male generations born until 1952 as a consequence of the increasing cigarette smoking in successive birth cohorts. However, the slight downward trend observed for the 2 youngest generations suggests a more favorable outcome of the lung-cancer epidemic among Spanish males in the coming years, if this trend continues. For women, mortality rates were 5 to 9 times lower than those for men, 6.3 per 100,000 in 1973 and 6.4 in 1997. However, the increasing mortality among younger generations born since 1942 reflects the rise in the prevalence of smoking women during the last decades and can be expected to spread to older age groups as a cohort effect, indicating the early phase of the smoking-related lung-cancer epidemic among Spanish females. The decreasing mortality trend observed in women until the late 1980s could be attributed to a lower exposure to environmental tobacco smoke at home as a result of a significant reduction in the prevalence of smoking men.

Compliment responses among British and Spanish university students: a contrastive study

Responding to a compliment poses a dilemma for speakers (Pomerantz, 1978) because they have to balance two diametrically conflicting conversational principles: to agree with one's conversational coparticipants and to avoid self-praise (Herbert, 1989). Far from being universal, the solution to the above dilemma hinges upon politeness principles at work within and across societies (Brown and Levinson, 1978 [1987]). In this paper the speech act of compliment responses is analysed in the light of a relative, rather than absolute, orientation towards positive or negative politeness. Using Herbert's (1989) taxonomy of compliment responses, a corpus of more than a thousand compliment responses by British and Spanish male and female undergraduates was examined. The results show the existence of cross-cultural and cross-gender similarities as well as differences between the four groups. For example, Spanish males tended to upgrade compliments ironically (a type of compliment response absent in the British data) more frequently than their female counterparts. This clearly has important implications as, unless speakers are made aware otherwise, they may bring into their intercultural encounters pre-conceived, often stereotypically negative, evaluations about the other individuals' identity. Further research in this area of language use, particularly within the field of second language acquisition, is therefore essential.

More on tax perception and labour supply: the Spanish case

We estimate the marginal tax rate perceived by married Spanish males. The results suggest the existence of prominent divergences between subjective perception and formal income tax rules. The efficiency and welfare implications of this tax rate gap are also assessed.

Injury elimination and survival: a cross-national study

Injury is potentially avoidable. In this study, nine industrialized countries were compared on the projected impact upon population survival of hypothetically eliminating injury mortality. Three principal research questions were addressed. Computer simulations were performed using a combination of single decrement, multiple decrement and cause-elimination life table techniques. Data pertained to 1992. French and American males exhibited the largest projected addition to life expectancy at birth of 2.1 y. They were followed by Canadian and Spanish males with gains of 1.6 y, respectively. Among females, the French were the leading beneficiaries with an added 1.1 y, followed by Americans with 0.8 y. Male gains typically were twice the female gains. Highlighted as relative injury problems were homicide for the US population, traffic fatalities for the Spanish population, and suicide for Japanese females. Among the hypothetically spared, American males registered the largest average projected benefit for either sex of any nationality with 31 additional years of life. At the other extreme were Dutch females with an extra 16 y. For persons exact age 15 of either sex, the greatest projected improvements in survival between ages 15 and 65 would occur for the French. French and US populations manifested the largest injury mortality burdens and British and Dutch the smallest. But survival benefits accruing from the injury mortality elimination varied considerably across nation and sex according to the nature of the life table analyses conducted.