Nutritional quality and carbon footprint of university students' diets: results from the EHU12/24 study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate diets in terms of nutritional characteristics and quality from the perspectives of health, greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE) and possible associations with each other in a representative sample of students at a public university. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. Dietary intake was evaluated with a validated FFQ, and diet quality was assessed through the Healthy Eating Index (HEI-2010) and MedDietScore (MDS). GHGE data were obtained from the literature. In addition, sex, socio-economic status (SES) and body fat (BF) status were analysed as covariates. SETTING: Basque Autonomous Community, Spain. PARTICIPANTS: Totally, 26 165 healthy adults aged 18-28 years. RESULTS: Student diets were characterised by low consumption of carbohydrates (38·72 % of total energy intake (TEI)) and a high intake of lipids (39·08 % of TEI). Over half of the participants had low dietary quality. The low-emitting diets were more likely to be consumed by subjects with low HEI-2010 scores (ß: 0·039 kg eCO2/1000 kcal/d) and high MDS scores (ß: -0·023 kg eCO2/1000 kcal/d), after controlling for sex, SES and BF status. Both the low-emitting and healthy diets were more likely to be consumed by women and by those with normal BF percentage. CONCLUSIONS: UPV/EHU university students' diets were characterised by moderate quality from a nutritional perspective and moderate variation in the size of carbon footprints. In this population, diets of the highest quality were not always those with the lowest diet-related GHGE; this relationship depended in part on the constructs and scoring criteria of diet quality indices used.

Gene-Diet Interactions in Colorectal Cancer: Survey Design, Instruments, Participants and Descriptive Data of a Case-Control Study in the Basque Country.

Epidemiologic studies have revealed inconsistent evidence of gene-diet interaction in relation to colorectal cancer (CRC). The aim of this study was to analyze them in a sample of cases and controls from the population-based bowel cancer screening program of the Osakidetza/Basque Health Service. This study analyzed dietetic, genetic, demographic, socioeconomic factors and lifestyles. In the present manuscript, the survey design, sampling, instruments, measurements and related quality management were presented. Moreover, we analyze differences between cases and controls in some data, especially those related to diet. The participants were 308 cases and 308 age- and sex-matched subjects as controls. Cases were more likely than controls to have overweight/obesity (67.5% vs. 58.1%, p < 0.05), a lower intake of vitamin B2 (0.86 ± 0.23 vs. 0.92 ± 0.23 mg/1000 kcal, p < 0.01) and calcium:phosphorus ratio (0.62 ± 0.12 vs. 0.65 ± 0.13, p < 0.01). A higher proportion of cases than controls did not meet the Nutritional Objectives for saturated fatty acids (85.7% vs. 67.5%, p < 0.001) or cholesterol (35.4% vs. 25.0%, p < 0.01). In conclusion, the present study provides valuable data for analyzing the complexity of gene-diet interaction in relation to CRC. The results presented here suggest that overweight/obesity and a high intake of certain dietary components, especially saturated fatty acids and cholesterol, are more frequent in cases than in controls.

Validation of a 52-mtSNP minisequencing panel for haplogroup classification of forensic DNA samples.

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is a useful tool in forensic investigation as it provides information about the matrilineal ancestry of individuals. In addition, mtDNA can be analyzed when the analysis of other nuclear markers is underperforming. Recently, we developed a minisequencing panel for the simultaneous analysis of 52 mtDNA SNPs to classify maternal lineages into the main haplogroups and their phylogeographic origin. In order to make this panel suitable for forensic genetics laboratories, a validation study has been performed in accordance with the Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods (SWGDAM) guidelines, including species specificity, reproducibility, sensitivity, and stability tests. The results demonstrate that the panel of 52 mtDNA SNPs is highly sensitive, since it enables to obtain complete genetic profiles of samples containing minimal amounts of DNA (1 pg). Furthermore, it provides sufficient genetic information to detect the matrilineal biogeographical origin of highly degraded samples, i.e., ancient dating skeletal remains, and samples with the presence of inhibitors, such as hematin and humic acid. In addition, this panel can detect mixtures in samples whose mtDNA haplogroups of contributors are different. Overall, the results of this study demonstrate the suitability of this minisequencing panel of 52 mtDNA SNPs to be used in forensic cases, with samples of low amount or degraded DNA.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with susceptibility for development of colorectal cancer: Case-control study in a Basque population.

Given the significant population diversity in genetic variation, we aimed to investigate whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) previously identified in studies of colorectal cancer (CRC) susceptibility were also relevant to the population of the Basque Country (North of Spain). We genotyped 230 CRC cases and 230 healthy controls for 48 previously reported CRC-susceptibility SNPs. Only the rs6687758 in DUPS10 exhibited a statistically significant association with CRC risk based on the crude analysis. The rs6687758 AG genotype conferred about 2.13-fold increased risk for CRC compared to the AA genotype. Moreover, we found significant associations in cases between smoking status, physical activity, and the rs6687758 SNP. The results of a Genetic Risk Score (GRS) showed that the risk alleles were more frequent in cases than controls and the score was associated with CRC in crude analysis. In conclusion, we have confirmed a CRC susceptibility locus and the existence of associations between modifiable factors and the rs6687758 SNP; moreover, the GRS was associated with CRC. However, further experimental validations are needed to establish the role of this SNP, the function of the gene identified, as well as the contribution of the interaction between environmental factors and this locusto the risk of CRC.

Development of a new screening method to determine the main 52 mitochondrial haplogroups through a single minisequencing reaction.

This work presents the design, development and optimization of a screening method based on single-base extension sequencing to simultaneously analyze a panel of 52 mitochondrial SNPs. This enables to recognize the main mitochondrial haplogroups and to discriminate even between lineages from the same phylogenetic branch that diverged in different continents. The unavailability of individuals harboring infrequent variants was a limitation to optimize the panel. To overcome this, we have modified DNA by site-directed mutagenesis to create the unavailable allelic variants. This allowed us to verify the reliability of this panel and its usefulness to be applied in biomedicine, forensic and population genetic studies.

Nutritional Adequacy and Diet Quality in Colorectal Cancer Patients Postsurgery: A Pilot Study.

Recent evidence has shown that an unhealthy diet is associated with a higher risk of tumor recurrence, metastasis, and death among patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). The aims of this study were to assess nutritional adequacy and diet quality in a group of CRC patients postsurgery and to identify possible associations between dietary and nutritional aspects and environmental factors and weight status. This was an observational study conducted on a random sample of 74 patients, aged 50-69 years. Dietary intake was evaluated utilizing a validated frequency questionnaire, and diet quality was evaluated utilizing the Healthy Eating Index for Spanish Diet and the MedDietScore. Data regarding socioeconomic, demographic, lifestyles, dietary supplements use, and body mass index were collected. Subjects followed a diet characterized by a low carbohydrate intake (94% of the cases), excessive protein (48%), high fat intake (67%), and some micronutrient deficiencies. The inadequacy of some nutrients was associated with male gender, overweight/obesity, smoking, and low educational level; and low adherence to the MedDiet was identified in those with a low educational level (adjusted odds ratio = 4.16, P < 0.05). Therefore, such patients should be an important target group when applying educational programs and giving individualized nutritional advice to improve their quality of life.

[Relationship between the ratio of fish to meat consumption and diet adequacy in university young women]. / Relación entre el índice de consumo de pescado y carne y la adecuación y calidad de la dieta en mujeres jóvenes universitarias.

INTRODUCTION: In Western populations fish consumption is lower than meat consumption and this fact can influence on the total diet quality. OBJECTIVE: Verify if the relationship between the ratio of fish to meat consumption and diet adequacy and quality in a group of women university students. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: 47 women of the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) took part in this study; the mean age was 19.6+/-1.2 years. Dietary intake was evaluated with a food frequency questionnaire validated. From quantitative data on food, energy and nutrients intake were estimated by CESNID software. Two diet quality indices were also calculated: the ratio of fish to meat consumption and the Healthy Eating Index for Spanish diet (HEISD). Statistical analyses were carried out using the SPSS 21.0 software package. RESULTS: The ratio of fish to meat was 0.4 and the majority of the participants (91.5%) eaten more meat than fish. The university students with a high intake of fish were eating more fruit and less sweets. The ratio fish/ meat was associated positively with the scores of some components of the HEISD and with the intake of some nutrients: proteins, niacin, potassium, iron, zinc, vitamin D, E, thiamine, riboflavin, pyridoxine, vitamin B12 and C. CONCLUSION: A higher consumption of fish than meat was associated with a better dietary profile in the consumption of some foods and nutrients, in the sample studied.

Introducción: En las poblaciones occidentales el consumo de pescado es menor que el de carnes y esto puede influir en la calidad de la dieta total. Objetivo: Comprobar si la relación entre el consumo de pescado y carne está vinculada con la adecuación y calidad de la dieta en un grupo de mujeres universitarias. Participantes y métodos: En este estudio participaron un total de 47 mujeres de la Universidad del País Vasco (UPV/EHU) con una edad media fue de 19,6+/-1,2 años. La ingesta dietética se evaluó con un cuestionario de frecuencias de consumo validado. A partir de los datos cuantitativos de consumo se calculó la ingesta de energía y nutrientes, utilizando el programa CESNID. Se estimaron dos índices de calidad de la dieta: el índice pescado/ carne y el Índice de Alimentación Saludable para población española (IASE). El análisis estadístico se realizó con el programa SPSS versión 21.0. Resultados: El índice pescado/carne fue de 0,4 y la mayoría de las participantes (91,5%) consumían más carnes que pescado. Las universitarias que tenían mayores ingestas de pescado consumían más fruta y menos dulces. El índice pescado/carne se asoció positivamente con mayores puntuaciones en muchos de los componentes del IASE y con mayor adecuación en la ingesta de algunos nutrientes: proteínas, niacina, potasio, hierro, zinc, vitamina D, E, tiamina, riboflavina, piridoxina, vitamina B12 y C. Conclusión: Un mayor consumo de pescado que de carne está relacionado con un mejor perfil dietético en el consumo de ciertos alimentos y nutrientes, en la muestra estudiada.

[Influence of sport practice and physical exercise on anthropometric indicators and weight satisfaction in men university students: a pilot study]. / Influencia de la practica fisico-deportiva sobre indicadores antropometricos y la satisfaccion con el peso en hombres estudiantes universitarios: estudio piloto.

INTRODUCTION: University students generally have low levels of physical activity, which could affect the body weight and composition and the knowledge and acceptance of their own body. OBJECTIVE: To assess weight status and body composition, as well as self-perception and satisfaction with body weight in university students, and to analyze the influence of sport practice and physical exercise on these variables. METHODS: A sample of 62 male students with a mean age of 20.7+/-1.7 years was evaluated. Sport practice and physical exercise in leisure time were analyzed by questionnaire. Weight status and body composition were assessed by anthropometry. Data about self-reported and desired weight and self-reported height were also registered. Measurements of actual, self-reported and desired weight were used to estimate self- perception and satisfaction with weight. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 22.0. RESULTS: Overall 17.7% of participants had overweight and 6.5% underweight. The energy consumption due to sport practice and/or physical exercise was ≤ 3,000 kcal/ week in the 45.2% of the students and > 3,000 kcal/week in the 32.3%. Self-perception and satisfaction with weight was better in the group who practiced sport and/or physical exercise at the rate of ≤ 3.000 kcal/week than in those who did not practice any sport or exercise (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Regular practice of sport or physical exercise is associated with a better self-perception and satisfaction with body weight compared with a sedentary lifestyle. The university studies period should be used to promote sport practice and physical exercise, using the resources or assets of the University.

Introducción: Los jovenes universitarios presentan en general niveles bajos de actividad fisica, lo que podria repercutir en su peso y composicion corporal y en el conocimiento y aceptacion de su propio cuerpo. Objetivo: Evaluar el estado de peso y la composicion corporal, asi como la autopercepcion y satisfaccion con el peso corporal en universitarios, y analizar la influencia de la actividad fisico-deportiva sobre estas variables. Métodos: La muestra estuvo formada por 62 estudiantes varones con una edad media de 20,7+/-1,7 anos. La practica de deporte y/o ejercicio fisico en el tiempo libre se analizo mediante cuestionario. El estado de peso y la composicion corporal se evaluaron mediante antropometria. Tambien se registraron datos de peso autodeclarado y deseado, y de talla autodeclarada. Las medidas de peso real, autodeclarado y deseado se utilizaron para estimar la autopercepcion y satisfaccion con el peso. El analisis estadistico se realizo con el programa SPSS version 22.0. Resultados: El 17,7% de los participantes presentaba sobrepeso y el 6,5% bajo peso. El 45,2% tenia un gasto por el deporte y/o ejercicio fisico ≤ 3.000 kcal/semana y el 32,3% > 3.000 kcal/semana. La autopercepcion y satisfaccion con el peso fue mejor en el grupo que practicaba deporte y/o ejercicio fisico a razon de ≤ 3.000 kcal/semana, que en aquellos que no practicaban ningun ejercicio fisico o deporte (P < 0,05). Conclusión: La practica regular de actividad fisicodeportiva moderada esta relacionada con una mejor percepcion y satisfaccion con el peso corporal, en comparacion con el sedentarismo. Deberia aprovecharse el periodo de estudios universitarios para fomentar la practica de ejercicio fisico-deportivo, empleando los recursos o activos con los que cuenta la Universidad.

Prevalence and magnitude of body weight and image dissatisfaction among women in dietetics majors.

Some authors have suggested that body weight dissatisfaction may be high in students majoring in dietetics. Therefore, this study was conducted to examine the extent of body weight and image dissatisfaction in a sample of women in dietetics major. Additionally, predictors of magnitude of body weight dissatisfaction were analyzed. Participants were 62 volunteers with normalweight whose mean age was 21.87 +/- 1.89 years old (non-random sample). The assessment instruments included anthropometric measurements, a somatomorphic matrix test and an eating disorders inventory (EDI-2). Data were analyzed using SPSS vs. 15.0. A larger proportion of students chose an ideal body weight lower than actual weight (67.7%) and body image with less body fat and more muscle mass than actual values (56.4%). The magnitude of body weight dissatisfaction was associated with muscle mass and body fat dissatisfaction, and with the subscale of EDI-2 "body dissatisfaction". So, from a public health standpoint, we consider important to continue working in this line of research with the aim of better understanding the extent of body weight dissatisfaction in women dietitians, and how this dissatisfaction could interfere with their professional practice.

GSTT1 and GSTM1 gene copy number analysis in paraffin-embedded tissue using quantitative real-time PCR.

GSTT1 and GSTM1 genes possess an inherited deletion associated with a lack of enzyme activity. The heterozygous condition of this deletion is difficult to determine in low-quality DNA with existing PCR protocols. We designed and validated a multiplex real-time PCR assay by adapting the DeltaDeltaCt relative quantification method for the analysis of GSTT1 and GSTM1 markers to accurately differentiate the three genotypes ( *1/1, *1/0, and *0/0) in degraded DNA from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue. Gene copy number values obtained provide for unambiguous homozygous and heterozygous differentiation. The efficacy shown by the PCR assay endorses its usefulness for complete genotyping of glutathione S-transferases in archival tissues.

Body image and body composition: comparisons of young male elite soccer players and controls.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate body composition and body image (perception and satisfaction) in a group of young elite soccer players and to compare the data with those of a control group (age and BMI matched). Participants were 56 volunteer males whose mean age and BMI were 19.6 (SD 1.3) years and 23.3 (SD 1.1) kg/m2, respectively. Results showed that soccer players have a higher lean mass and lower fat mass than controls. Moreover, body perception (difference between current and actual image) was more accurate in controls than in soccer players, and the results suggest a tendency for soccer players to aspire to have more muscle mass and body fat. Soccer players perceived an ideal image with significantly higher body-fat percentage than their current and actual images. There were no body-dissatisfaction differences between groups, however. Although the results are necessarily limited by the small sample size, the findings should be of interest to coaches of young elite soccer teams.

Comparison of predicted body fat percentage from anthropometric methods and from impedance in university students.

The objective of the present study was to compare different methods for evaluating body fat percentage (BF%) (anthropometric methods and bioelectrical impedance analysis) in university students. Subjects were 653 healthy students whose mean age, body height, body weight and BMI were 21.1 (SD 2.5) years, 166.0 (SD 8.4) cm, 62.8 (SD 11.0) kg and 22.7 (SD 3.1) kg/m(2), respectively. Results showed that BMI is a poor predictor of body fatness since the sensitivity was low in comparison with the reference method (Siri equation). The lowest values of BF% were obtained using the reference method (Siri equation) (21.8 (SD 6.8)%). The two methods with the highest agreement were Siri and Lean (mean difference, -0.5), followed by Brozek (mean difference, -1.4) and Deurenberg (mean difference, -1.5). The largest mean difference for BF% was between Siri and impedance (-4.5). Although the methods and/or equations used in the present study have been commonly utilised to estimate BF% in young adults, the results must be interpreted with caution in the diagnosis and monitoring of overweight and obesity.