LATINFOODS activities and challenges during the period of 2009-2012.

The Latin American Network of Food Composition Data System (LATINFOODS) is the regional data center of the global network "International Network on Food Data Systems" (INFOODS) co-sponsored by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the United Nations University (UNU). The aim of this work is to provide information on the main activities held and challenges during the period 2009- 2012. The activities included: network organization, technological development, research, web site modification, database location, publication of new food composition tables, organization and participation in scientific activities, assistance and training. During this period, new strategic alliances where food composition is key were developed. This promoted more activities and strengthen working links in the region. The main challenges were: 1) to improve and update the regional database 2) to improve the national capacities for generating and compiling data to elaborate and update the national food composition tables 3) to establish and implement the database software in branches; 4) to reach technical and financial sustainability. Despite the fact that the network has a dynamic structure consolidated, trained and experienced members, a database of regional food composition, specialized tools and documents; more support for sustainability and progress is required.

Assessment of the Quality, Chemometric and Pollen Diversity of Apis mellifera Honey from Different Seasonal Harvests.

The parameters for assessing the quality of honey produced by Apis mellifera are standardized worldwide. The physicochemical properties of honey might vary extensively due to factors such as the geographical area where it was produced and the season in which it was harvested. Little information is available on variations in honey quality among different harvest periods in tropical areas, and particularly in neotropical dry forests. This study describes variations in seventeen physicochemical parameters and the pollen diversity of honey harvested from beehives during the dry season in February, March, and April 2021, in the dry arc of Panama. Potassium is the most abundant mineral in honey samples, and its concentration increases during the harvest period from February to April. A PCA analysis showed significant differences among the samples collected during different harvest periods. The pollen diversity also differs among honey samples from February compared with March and April. The results indicate that climatic conditions may play an important role in the quality of honey produced in the dry arc of Panama. Furthermore, these results might be useful for establishing quality-control parameters of bee honey produced in Panama in support of beekeeping activities in seasonal wet-dry areas of the tropics.

Sperm Dysfunction in the Testes and Epididymides due to Overweight and Obesity Is Not Caused by Oxidative Stress.

Obesity is a condition that has been linked to male infertility. The current hypothesis regarding the cause of infertility is that sperm are highly sensitive to reactive oxygen species (ROS) during spermatogenesis in the testes and transit through the epididymides, so the increase in ROS brought on by obesity could cause oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the activity of the enzymes catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) is capable of counteracting oxidative stress in sperm. The male Wistar rat was used as an overweight and obesity model, and analysis of fertility in these groups was carried out including the control group. Serum testosterone levels were determined, and the scrotal fat, testes, and epididymides were extracted. The epididymides were separated ini0 3 principal parts (caput, corpus, and cauda) before evaluating sperm viability, sperm morphology, damage to desoxyribonucleic acid of the sperm, and ROS production. The protein content and specific activity of the three enzymes mentioned above were evaluated. Results showed a gain in body weight and scrotal fat in the overweight and obese groups with decreased parameters for serum testosterone levels and sperm viability and morphology. Fertility was not greatly affected and no DNA integrity damage was found, although ROS in the epididymal sperm increased markedly and Raman spectroscopy showed a disulfide bridge collapse associated with DNA. The specific activities of CAT and GPX increased in the overweight and obesity groups, but those of SOD did not change. The amounts of proteins in the testes and epididymides decreased. These findings confirm that overweight and obesity decrease concentrations of free testosterone and seem to decrease protein content, causing poor sperm quality. Implications. An increase in scrotal fat in these conditions fosters an increase of ROS, but the increase of GPX and CAT activity seems to avoid oxidative stress increase in the sperm without damaging your DNA.

COVID-19 y coberturas de vacunación del calendario regular del Paraguay, efecto de la pandemia

RESUMEN Introducción: La pandemia de COVID-19 produjo una crisis sanitaria afectando las coberturas de vacunación de los países. Objetivo : Describir la cobertura de vacunación de los biológicos trazadores durante el periodo prepandémico (2015- 2019) y pandémico (2020-2021) en Paraguay. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio descriptivo observacional de corte transverso, que comprendió a niños de 0 a 5 años de edad, de las 18 Regiones Sanitarias del País. Se analizaron las coberturas de vacunación del Programa Ampliado de Inmunización, periodo prepandémico (2015-2019) y pandémico (2020-201). Se incluyeron los biológicos trazadores: BCG, DPT1, DPT3, IPV1 y bOPV3, SPR1, SPR2 y vacuna antiamarílica (AA), el cálculo de cobertura de vacunación a nivel país se realizó por medio del análisis del reporte electrónico semanal de dosis de vacunas administradas por Región Sanitaria. Se estableció la comparación de las coberturas de vacunación por biológico trazador, por periodos y rango de edad. Resultados: Durante la pandemia se constató un descenso de cobertura de vacunación de los biológicos trazadores, para BCG: 4 % (2020), 15% (2021);DPT1: 5 % (2020), 13 % (2021); DPT3: 9 % (2020), 22 %(2021); IPV1: 5 % (2020),16 % (2021); bOPV3: 7% (2020),19 % (2021); SPR1: 9 %, SPR2: 13 % (2020),SPR1:17%, SPR2:16 % (2021) y AA: 7% (2020), 15% (2021). Conclusión: Durante la pandemia de Covid-19 disminuyeron las coberturas de vacunación de todos los biológicos trazadores, similar descenso se constató en otros países de América, existe el riesgo de aparición de brotes de enfermedades prevenibles por vacunación por el acúmulo de susceptibles.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic produced a health crisis affecting countries' vaccination coverage statistics. Objective: To describe the coverage of recommended vaccines during the pre-pandemic (2015-2019) and pandemic (2020-2021) periods in Paraguay. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive, observational cross-sectional study, comprising children from 0 to 5 years of age, from the Country's 18 Health Regions. The vaccination coverage of the National Expanded Immunization Program, pre-pandemic (2015-2019) and pandemic (2020-201) periods were analyzed. The recommended vaccinations included were: BCG, DTP1, DTP3, IPV1 and bOPV3, MMR1, MMR2 and yellow fever vaccine (AA), the calculation of vaccination coverage at the country level was carried out through the analysis of the weekly electronic report of doses of vaccines administered by Health Region. The comparison of vaccination coverage by recommended vaccine was established, by periods and age range. Results: During the pandemic, a decrease in vaccination coverage of the recommended vaccines was observed, for BCG: 4% (2020), 15% (2021); DTP1: 5% (2020), 13% (2021); DTP3: 9% (2020), 22% (2021); IPV1: 5% (2020), 16% (2021); bOPV3: 7% (2020), 19% (2021); MMR1: 9%, MMR2: 13% (2020), MMR1: 17%, MMR2: 16% (2021) and AA: 7% (2020), 15% (2021). Conclusion: During the Covid-19 pandemic, vaccination coverage of all recommended vaccines decreased, a similar decrease was found in other countries in the Americas, there is a risk of outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases due to the accumulation of susceptible populations.

[Utility of adequate values of an occasional fasting and postprandial glycemia in the chronic control of the type-2 diabetic patient]. / Control de la glucemia en diabeticos tipo 2. Utilidad de mediciones en ayuno y posprandiales.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the sensitivity and specificity of occasional fast and postprandial glycemias as for a chronic control of the type-2-diabetic patient. MATERIAL AND METHODS. DESIGN: Descriptive, cross-sectional in 850 type-2-diabetic adults patients from the outpatient clinic of the Zone General Hospital and Family Medicine 9 in Ciudad Guzmán, Jalisco, Mexico, without insulin therapy, with creatinine values lower than 132.6 micromol/L (1.5 mg/ dL), and glycemia over 4.4 mmol/L (80 mg/dL). PROCEDURE: Blood extraction was carried out to determine fasting glycemia, cholesterol, triglycerides and glycosilated haemoglobin (HbA1c). After that, they were given a breakfast of 320 Kcal, and new blood samples were taken for postprandial glycemia. The statistical programs used were Epi-Info 2000, Epi-Dat. RESULTS: Age, 59. +/- 11.2 years old; antiquity in diabetic diagnosis, 4.8 +/- 6.7 years; fasting glycemia average, 9.9 +/- 4.4 mmol/L (178.6 +/- 79.4 mg/ dL); postprandial glycemia, 14 +/- 6.1 mmol/L (251.6 +/- 109.6 mg/dL); HbA1c, 9.3 +/- 3.4 %. An acceptable fasting glycemia presents an adequate chronic control sensitivity of 44.8 %, with a specificity of 82.1 %. On the other hand, a postprandial glycemia presented a sensitivity of 46.5 % and specificity of 77.3 %; both acceptable parameters have a sentivity of 31.4 % and specificity of 83.3 % to identify a good control of HbA1c. CONCLUSIONS: Random parameters present very little sensitivity to the diagnosis of a good chronic control of the patient; however, as screening tests, they show an acceptable specificity for the HbA1c poor values.

International collaborative project to compare and monitor the nutritional composition of processed foods.

BACKGROUND: Chronic diseases are the leading cause of premature death and disability in the world with overnutrition a primary cause of diet-related ill health. Excess energy intake, saturated fat, sugar, and salt derived from processed foods are a major cause of disease burden. Our objective is to compare the nutritional composition of processed foods between countries, between food companies, and over time. DESIGN: Surveys of processed foods will be done in each participating country using a standardized methodology. Information on the nutrient composition for each product will be sought either through direct chemical analysis, from the product label, or from the manufacturer. Foods will be categorized into 14 groups and 45 categories for the primary analyses which will compare mean levels of nutrients at baseline and over time. Initial commitments to collaboration have been obtained from 21 countries. CONCLUSIONS: This collaborative approach to the collation and sharing of data will enable objective and transparent tracking of processed food composition around the world. The information collected will support government and food industry efforts to improve the nutrient composition of processed foods around the world.

Valoración de la capacidad funcional del adulto mayor residente en casa hogar / Assessment of functional capacity of older adults living in nursing homes

Resumen:

Introducción: el envejecimiento es un proceso de cambios progresivos que repercuten en la funcionalidad física y esta, a su vez, es el mejor indicador de salud en la población adulta mayor. Objetivo: realizar un diagnóstico de la capacidad funcional del adulto mayor residente de casas hogar del sur de Jalisco.

Metodología: se llevó a cabo un estudio transversal descriptivo prospectivo en adultos mayores, en quienes se aplicó la Escala de Barthel para evaluar su capacidad para realizar 10 actividades básicas de la vida diaria. La muestra fue no aleatoria por conveniencia. Se obtuvo el consentimiento informado. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva, X2 para comparaciones entre los sexos. Las diferencias se consideraron estadísticamente significativas con una p < 0.05.

Resultados: la muestra estuvo conformada por 111 adultos mayores. El promedio de edad fue de 81 años, 27.9 % mostró independencia total, 28.8 % dependencia leve, 14.4 % moderada, 18 % severa y 10.8 % total. Estadísticamente no hubo diferencia significativa según el sexo (p = 0.36). Las actividades básicas con mayor número de sujetos independientes totales fueron comer, arreglarse, vestirse, control en la micción y evacuación, trasladarse y deambulación; subir y bajar escaleras y lavarse fueron actividades en las que más sujetos mostraron dependencia total.

Conclusiones: 72.1 % de los adultos mayores presentó algún grado de dependencia funcional, lo que representa una oportunidad para el cuidado de enfermería.

Abstract:

Introduction: Aging is a process of progressive changes that affect physical functioning, and this is the best health indicator of the adult population.

Objective: To make a diagnosis of the functional capacity of elderly residents of nursing homes in southern Jalisco.

Methodology: A cross sectional, descriptive, prospective study in older adults was conducted, in whom Barthel scale was used to assess their ability to perform ten basic activities of daily living. The sample was not random for convenience. Informed consent was obtained. Descriptive statistics were used, X2 for comparisons between sexes. Differences were considered statistically significant at p < 0.05.

Results: The sample consisted of 111 elderly. The mean age was 81 years, 27.9 % showed complete independence, 28.8 % mild dependence, 14.4 % moderate, 18 % severe and 10.8 % total dependence. There was no statistically significant sex differences (p = 0.36). The basic activities with the highest number of total independent subjects were eating, grooming, dressing, micturition and defecation continence, moving and walking; going up and down stairs and bathing were activities in which subjects showed more total dependence.

Conclusions: 72.1 % of elderly had some degree of functional dependence, which represents an opportunity for nursing care.

Latin foo ds activities and challenges during the period of 2009-2012 / Actividades y desafíos de LATINFOODS durante el período 2009-2012

The Latin American Network of Food Composition Data System (LATINFOODS) is the regional data center of the global network “International Network on Food Data Systems” (INFOODS) co-sponsored by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the United Nations University (UNU). The aim of this work is to provide information on the main activities held and challenges during the period 2009- 2012. The activities included: network organization, technological development, research, web site modification, database location, publication of new food composition tables, organization and participation in scientific activities, assistance and training. During this period, new strategic alliances where food composition is key were developed. This promoted more activities and strengthen working links in the region. The main challenges were: 1) to improve and update the regional database 2) to improve the national capacities for generating and compiling data to elaborate and update the national food composition tables 3) to establish and implement the database software in branches; 4) to reach technical and financial sustainability. Despite the fact that the network has a dynamic structure consolidated, trained and experienced members, a database of regional food composition, specialized tools and documents; more support for sustainability and progress is required.

La Red Latinoamericana de Composición de Alimentos (LATINFOODS) es el centro regional de datos de la red mundial “Red Internacional de Sistemas de Datos de Alimentos” (INFOODS), copatrocinada por la Organización de las Naciones Unidas para la Alimentación y la Agricultura (FAO) y la Universidad de las Naciones Unidas (UNU). Este trabajo tiene por objeto proporcionar información sobre las principales actividades realizadas y los desafíos durante el período 2009-2012. Las actividades incluyeron: la organización de la red, el desarrollo tecnológico, la investigación, la modificación del sitio web, la ubicación de la base de datos, publicación de nuevas tablas de composición, la organización y la participación en actividades científicas, asistencia y capacitación. Se llevaron a cabo nuevas alianzas estratégicas donde la composición de alimentos es clave, que promovieron más actividades y fortalecieron los vínculos de trabajo en la región. Los principales desafíos fueron: 1) mejorar y actualizar la base de datos regional; 2) mejorar las capacidades nacionales para generar y recopilar datos para las tablas nacionales de composición de alimentos; 3) establecer y poner en práctica el software de base de datos en los capítulos; 4) llegar a contar con sostenibilidad técnica y económica. A pesar del hecho de que la red dispone de una estructura dinámica consolidada, miembros capacitados y experimentados, una base de datos regional de composición de alimentos, herramientas y documentos especializados; hace falta más apoyo para que sea sostenible y continúe progresando.