Processed and ultra-processed foods consumption in adults and its relationship with quality of life and quality of sleep / Consumo de alimentos processados e ultraprocessados em adultos e sua relação com qualidade de vida e qualidade do sono

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the consumption of processed and ultra-processed foods in Paraguayan adults and its relationship with quality of life and sleep quality. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive observational study was carried out on Paraguayan adults in May 2022. An online survey was applied in which sociodemographic data, frequency of food consumption using the NOVA classification and Pan American Health Organization criteria, quality of life evaluated by the European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions and report of hours of sleep were collected. Results: A total of 273 Paraguayan adults were included in the study, of which 71.1% were female, 51.6% lived in the capital, 53.1% were single, 66% had a university educational level and the average age was 36.48±13.2. Regarding the consumption of processed and ultra-processed foods, the critical nutrients most consumed daily were free sugars by 34.0%, and fats by 23.4% of the population. The global quality of life index was low (0,58±0,05) and 69.0% reported insufficient hours of sleep. Statistically significant relationships were found between the consumption of processed and ultra-processed foods with quality of life and quality of sleep (p<0.05 for both). Conclusion: The most consumed critical nutrients in the Paraguayan adult population are free sugars and fats, finding a significant relationship between the consumption of processed and ultra-processed foods with quality of life and quality of sleep.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o consumo de alimentos processados e ultraprocessados em adultos paraguaios e sua relação com a qualidade de vida e qualidade do sono. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo observacional descritivo transversal em adultos paraguaios em maio de 2022. Foi aplicado um questionário online onde foram questionados datos sociodemográficos, frequência de consumo alimentar pela classificação NOVA e critérios da Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde, qualidade de vida avaliada pelo Qualidade de Vida Europeia-5 Dimensões - foram coletados e relato de horas de sono. Resultados: Foram incluídas no estudo 273 paraguaios, das quais 71,1% eram do sexo feminino, 51,6% residiam na capital, 53,1% eram solteiras, 66,0% tinham nível universitário e a média de idade foi de 36,48±13,2 anos. Em relação ao consumo de alimentos processados e ultraprocessados, os nutrientes críticos mais consumidos diariamente foram os açúcares livres por 34.0% e as gorduras por 23,4% da população. O índice global de qualidade de vida foi baixo (0,58±0,05) e 69.0% relataram horas insuficientes de sono. Foram encontradas relações estatisticamente significativas entre o consumo de alimentos processados e ultraprocessados com qualidade de vida e qualidade do sono (p<0,05 para ambos). Conclusão: Os nutrientes críticos mais consumidos na população adulta paraguaia são os açúcares e gorduras livres, encontrando uma relação significativa entre o consumo de alimentos processados e ultraprocessados com a qualidade de vida e qualidade do sono.

Conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas sobre buenas prácticas de manufactura de manipuladores de alimentos en Caaguazú, Paraguay / Knowledge, attitudes and practices about good manufacturing practices of food manipulators of Caaguazú, Paraguay

Objetivo: Determinar los conocimientos, las actitudes y las prácticas sobre buenas prácticas de manufactura de manipuladores de alimentos de tres distritos de Paraguay durante el año 2017. Material y Métodos: Estudio observacional, descriptivo de corte transversal. El tipo de muestreo fue probabilístico en manipuladores de alimentos de tres distritos (Coronel Oviedo, Caaguazú y J. Eulogio Estigarribia) del departamento de Caaguazú, Paraguay durante el año 2017. Resultados: Participaron de la investigación 264 manipuladores de alimentos. El 100% tuvo conocimiento malo, respecto a los ítems que en mayor porcentaje de respuestas correctas tuvieron fueron: concepto de manipuladores de alimentos con el 51,52 % (136), el 80% de actitud positiva ante las siguientes afirmaciones: que el cumplimiento de las normas de higiene y manipulación de alimentos es su prioridad con el 95,79% (252), respecto el nivel de práctica que predominó fue el malo con el 79,92% (211) Conclusión: El nivel de conocimiento global fue malo, las actitudes fueron en su mayoría positivas y las prácticas en su mayoría malas, es por ello que es necesario implementar programas de capacitación continua basadas en temas relacionados a la manipulación e higiene de alimentos, con el fin de concientizar y fomentar hábitos de higiene. Palabras clave: Manipulación de Alimentos; Conocimientos, Actitudes y Práctica en Salud; Alimentos.

Objective: To determine the Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices on good manufacturing practices of food handlers in three districts of Caaguazú, Paraguay during the year 2017. Material and Methods: Observational, descriptive cross-sectional study. The type of sampling was probabilistic sampling in food handlers of three districts (Coronel Oviedo, Caaguazú and J. Eulogio Estigarribia) of a department of Caaguazú, Paraguay during the year 2017. Results: 264 food handlers participated in the investigation. 100% had bad knowledge, regarding the items that had the highest percentage of correct answers were: concept of food handlers with 51.52% (136), 80% positive attitude towards the following statements: that compliance of hygiene standards and food handling is his priority with 95.79% (252), compared to the level of practice that predominated was the bad with 79.92% (211). Conclusion: The level of global knowledge was bad, the attitudes were mostly positive and the practices mostly bad, that is why it is necessary to implement ongoing training programs based on issues related to food handling and hygiene, with the to raise awareness, promote hygiene habits. Keywords: Food Handling; Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice in Health; Foods.

Estrutura conceptual do envelhecimento em diferentes etnias / Estructuras conceptuales del envejecimiento en diferentes etnias / Conceptual structure of aging in different ethnicities

Resumo OBJETIVO Elaborar uma estrutura conceptual que explique como idosos de diferentes culturas vivenciam o envelhecimento, formulam conceitos e atribuem valores ao processo de envelhecer. MÉTODO Pesquisa de abordagem qualitativa, realizada com 33 idosos, em município da tríplice fronteira. Os dados foram coletados no período entre fevereiro e agosto de 2011, utilizando como estratégia teórico-metodológica o Interacionismo Simbólico e a Grounded Theory. RESULTADOS Identificou-se o tema central "Tendo que envelhecer: as práticas socioculturais direcionando o envelhecimento em diferentes etnias", constituído por subprocessos que caracterizam os conceitos estruturais do estudo: A velhice concebida por multifatores (físicos, biopsíquicos e socioculturais); Vivenciando o envelhecer no processo de adaptação cultural; Vivenciando o envelhecer como a continuidade da vida; Redefinindo os papeis sociais e; A cultura influenciando hábitos e costumes no cuidado à saúde. CONCLUSÕES A experiência de envelhecer revelou-se um processo singular a cada indivíduo e os valores atribuídos ao mesmo são influenciáveis pela cultura.

Resumen OBJETIVO Elaborar una estructura conceptual que explique cómo ancianos de diferentes culturas sienten el envejecimiento, formulan conceptos y atribuyen valores en el proceso de envejecer. MÉTODO Investigación de abordaje cualitativa, realizada con 33 ancianos, en un municipio de la triple frontera. Se recolectaron los datos desde febrero hasta agosto del 2011, utilizando como estrategia teórica-metodológica el Interaccionismo Simbólico y el Grounded Theory. RESULTADO La temática central identificada fue: "Teniendo que envejecer: las prácticas socioculturales direccionando el envejecimiento en diferentes etnias", constituido por subprocesos que caracterizan los conceptos estructurales del estudio: La vejez concebida como multifactorial (físicos, biopsíquicos y socioculturales); Vivenciando el envejecimiento en el proceso de adaptación cultural; Vivenciando el envejecimiento como continuación de la vida; Redefiniendo los papeles sociales; y La cultura influenciando hábitos y costumbres en el cuidado a la salud. CONCLUSIÓN La experiencia de envejecer se mostró como un proceso singular de cada individuo y los valores atribuidos al mismo son influenciados por cada cultura.

Abstract OBJECTIVE To develop a conceptual framework that explains how elderly people from different cultures experience aging, formulate concepts and assign values to the process of aging. METHOD Qualitative research conducted with 33 elderly people in a municipality of the triple border. The data were collected between February and August of 2011, using Symbolic Interactionism and the Grounded Theory as the theoretical and methodological strategy. RESULTS The central theme identified was: "Having to age: sociocultural practices guiding aging in different ethnicities", which was made up of sub processes that characterize the study's structural concepts: aging conceived as multifactorial (physical, biopsychic and sociocultural); Experiencing aging in the process of cultural adaptation; Experiencing aging as the continuation of life; Redefining social roles; and The culture influencing habits and customs in healthcare. CONCLUSION The experience of aging proved to be a unique process for each individual and the values assigned to it are influenced by one's own culture.

Cuidado filial e o relacionamento com o idoso em famílias de diferentes nacionalidades / Cuidado filial y la relación con el anciano en familias con diferentes nacionalidades / Filial care and the relationship with the elderly in families of different nationalities

RESUMO Objetivo: identificar de que forma ocorrem o cuidado filial e o relacionamento com o idoso em famílias de diferentes nacionalidades. Método: estudo qualitativo, realizado em município da tríplice fronteira do Paraná com 33 idosos de cinco nacionalidades e que adotou como estratégia teórico-metodológica o Interacionismo Simbólico e a Grounded Theory. Resultados: entre os libaneses, a religião muçulmana direciona a conduta dos filhos em obediência e respeito aos pais; entre os franceses, destacam-se relações familiares distantes e o cuidado asilar. Para os paraguaios, a relação familiar é estreita; os chineses têm o cuidado filial como obrigação tácita; e os brasileiros costumam acolher e cuidar dos pais na velhice. Conclusão: houve predomínio do cuidado familial, mas as tradições de cada sociedade direcionam as ações desse cuidado, sendo necessário, para a prática assistencial, que os profissionais da saúde reconheçam o contexto no qual os idosos estão inseridos.

RESUMEN Objetivo: identificar de qué forma ocurren el cuidado filial y la relación con el anciano en familias de diferentes nacionalidades. Método: estudio cualitativo, realizado en un municipio de la triple frontera del Paraná con 33 ancianos de cinco nacionalidades y que adoptó como estrategia teórico metodológica el Interaccionismo Simbólico y la Grounded Theory. Resultados: entre los libaneses, la religión musulmana direcciona la conducta de los hijos en obediencia y respeto a los padres; entre los franceses, se destacan relaciones familiares distantes y hogar de ancianos. Para los paraguayos, la relación es estrecha; los chinos consideran al cuidado filial como una obligación tácita; y los brasileños acostumbran a amparar y cuidar a los padres en la vejez. Conclusión: hubo un predominio del cuidado familiar, aunque las tradiciones de cada sociedad direccionan las acciones de dicho cuidado, siendo necesario, para la práctica asistencial, que los profesionales de la salud reconozcan el contexto en el cual los ancianos están insertos.

ABSTRACT Objective: identify how filial care and the relationship with the elderly occur in families of different nationalities. Method: qualitative study carried out in a town on the triple frontier of Paraná, comprising 33 elderly people of five different nationalities, adopting the Symbolic Interactionism and the Grounded Theory as theoretical-methodological strategy. Results: among Lebanese people, the Muslim religion teaches children to obey and respect parents; among French, distant family relationships and institutions for the elderly stand out. Paraguayans hold close family relationships; Chinese people consider filial care as a tacit obligation; Brazilians, in turn, tend to embrace and take care of their parents in old age. Conclusion: family care prevailed, but the traditions of each society lead the actions of that care, demanding health professionals' capacity of recognizing in which context the elderly is inserted.

Pobreza y remesas internacionales Sur-Sur en Paraguay / Pobreza e remessas internacionais Sul-Sul no Paraguai / Poverty and south-south financial remittances in Paraguay

La discusión sobre migración y desarrollo está fuertemente vinculada al papel de las remesas internacionales. Sin embargo, no existe consenso sobre los efectos que ellas provocan en las economías de origen y los hogares receptores. El objetivo de este artículo es analizar el efecto de la recepción de remesas regionales en el nivel y la incidencia de la pobreza de los hogares paraguayos. Para ello se utilizan microdatos de la Encuesta Permanente de Hogares de Paraguay de 2009, de la Dirección General de Estadística, Encuestas y Censos (DGEEC). Se consideran remesas regionales las provenientes de Argentina y Brasil. Se utiliza el método de análisis de la puntuación de la propensión (propensity score analysis) para construir grupos comparables y aislar el efecto de la recepción de remesas de otras variables que inciden sobre la condición de pobreza de los hogares. Se sugiere que las remesas tendrían un efecto positivo en la incidencia de la pobreza y el alivio de la pobreza extrema. Sin embargo, el resultado no es completamente concluyente, ya que la pobreza no extrema afecta en mayor medida a los hogares receptores de remesas.

A discussão entre migração e desenvolvimento está fortemente vinculada ao papel das remessas internacionais. Contudo, não existe consenso sobre os efeitos que tais remessas provocam nas economias de origem e nos domicílios receptores. Este artigo analisa o efeito da recepção de remessas regionais no nível e incidência da pobreza em domicílios paraguaios. Para tanto, utilizam-se microdados da Pesquisa Permanente Domiciliar do Paraguai de 2009, da Dirección General de Estadística, Encuestas y Censos (DGEEC, Paraguai). Consideram-se remessas regionais aquelas provenientes da Argentina e do Brasil. Utiliza-se o método de análise da pontuação da propensão (propensity score analysis) para construir grupos comparáveis e, desta forma, isolar o efeito da recepção de remessas de outras variáveis que incidem sobre a condição de pobreza dos domicílios. Os resultados sugerem que as remessas teriam um efeito positivo em aliviar a pobreza extrema e a incidência da pobreza. No entanto, o resultado não é completamente conclusivo, pois a pobreza não extrema afeta em maior medida os domicílios receptores de remessas.

There is a debate going on about international financial remittances in terms of the connections between migration and development. However, there is no consensus as to the effects that these remittances have on economies of origin and on receiving households. In this paper we analyze the effect of the receiving of regional remittances on the level and incidence of poverty among Paraguayan households. We use micro data from the 2009 Permanent Household Survey, conducted by the General Department of Statistics, Surveys and Censuses (DGEEC, Paraguay). Regional remittances are defined as those sent from Argentina and Brazil. We applied the method of propensity score analysis to construct comparable groups and thus isolate the effect of reception of regional remittances from other variables that affect the poverty status of households. Results suggest that remittances do have a positive effect in alleviating extreme poverty and the incidence of poverty. However, the result is not entirely conclusive, since non-extreme poverty more strongly affects the households that receive remittances.

Visual acuity and refraction by age for children of three different ethnic groups in Paraguay / Acuidade visual e refração por idade para crianças de três grupos étnicos diferentes no Paraguai

PURPOSE: To characterize refractive errors in Paraguayan children aged 5-16 years and investigate effect of age, gender, and ethnicity. METHODS:The study was conducted at 3 schools that catered to Mennonite, indigenous, and mixed race children. Children were examined for presenting visual acuity, autorefraction with and without cycloplegia, and retinoscopy. Data were analyzed for myopia and hyperopia (SE ≤-1 D or -0.5 D and ≥2 D or ≥3 D) and astigmatism (cylinder ≥1 D). Spherical equivalent (SE) values were calculated from right eye cycloplegic autorefraction data and analyzed using general linear modelling. RESULTS: There were 190, 118, and 168 children of Mennonite, indigenous and mixed race ethnicity, respectively. SE values between right/left eyes were nonsignificant. Mean visual acuity (VA) without correction was better for Mennonites compared to indigenous or mixed race children (right eyes: 0.031, 0.090, and 0.102 logMAR units, respectively; P<0.000001). There were 2 cases of myopia in the Mennonite group (1.2%) and 2 cases in the mixed race group (1.4%) (SE ≤-0.5 D). The prevalence of hyperopia (SE ≥2 D) was 40.6%, 34.2%, and 46.3% for Mennonite, indigenous and mixed race children. Corresponding astigmatism rates were 3.2%, 9.5%, and 12.7%. Females were slightly more hyperopic than males, and the 9-11 years age group was the most hyperopic. Mennonite and mixed race children were more hyperopic than indigenous children. CONCLUSIONS: Paraguayan children were remarkably hyperopic and relatively free of myopia. Differences with regard to gender, age, and ethnicity were small.

OBJETIVO: Caracterizar os erros de refração em crianças paraguaias com idades entre 5 e 16 anos e investigar efeito da idade, gênero e etnia. MÉTODOS: O estudo foi realizado em três escolas que atendiam crianças de etnia Menonita, indígena e mista. As crianças foram examinadas em relação à acuidade visual, autorrefração com e sem cicloplegia, e retinoscopia. Os dados foram analisados ​​para correção de miopia e hipermetropia (EE ≤-1 D ou -0,5D e ≥ 2D ou ≥3 D) e astigmatismo (cilindro ≥1 D). Valores equivalentes esféricos (EE) foram calculados a partir dos dados de autorrefração cicloplegiada do olho direito e analisados ​​por meio de modelagem linear geral. RESULTADOS: Foram avaliadas 190, 118 e 168 crianças de etnias Menonita, indígena e mista, respectivamente. Diferenças entre os valores de EE de olhos direitos e esquerdos não foram significantes. A acuidade visual (AV) sem correção foi melhor para Menonitas em relação às crianças da etnia indígena ou mista (olho direito: 0,031, 0,090 e 0,102 logMAR, respectivamente; P<0,000001). Houve 2 casos de miopia no grupo Menonita (1,2%) e 2 casos no grupo de etnia mista (1,4%) (SE ≤-0,5 D). A prevalência de hipermetropia (SE ≥2 D) foi de 40,6%, 34,2% e 46,3% para as etnias Menonita, indígena e mista. As taxas correspondentes de astigmatismo foram de 3,2%, 9,5% e 12,7%. As mulheres foram ligeiramente mais hipermétropes do que os homens, e o grupo de 9 a 11 anos de idade foi a mais hipermétrope. Crianças da etnia Menonita e mista se mostraram mais hipermétropes do que as crianças indígenas. CONCLUSÕES: As crianças paraguaias são notavelmente hipermétropes e relativamente livres de miopia. Diferenças com relação ao sexo, idade e etnia são pequenas.

[Life-style and self-rated health status, and the use of health services by an immigrant population from Paraguay and Bolivia in city of Elche (Alicante, Spain)]. / Estilos de vida, salud autopercibida y utilización de los servicios sanitarios en inmigrantes de Paraguay y Bolivia residentes en la ciudad de Elche.

OBJECTIVE: To study the lifestyle, use of health services, self-perceived health status and health services evaluations of immigrants from Paraguay and Bolivia in the city of Elche, and to establish and/or adapt prevention health services strategies to the needs of this population. METHODS: A cross-sectional study, using a health questionnaire, was conducted between November 2009 and April 2010, using a convenience sample selected from the Paraguay and Bolivia Citizens Association. RESULTS: A total of 49 Paraguayans and 35 Bolivians over 15 years old were interviewed of whom 42 (50%) were male; 33% of respondents did not perform any physical activity, and 14.3% were smokers (males [23.8%] vs female [4.8%], P=.03). The assessment of health was good or very good in 59.5% (Paraguayans [71.4%] vs Bolivians [42.9%]), P=.02). The use of health services was 85.4% (males [75%] vs women [95.2%], P=02) and 51% went to an emergency department. Consultation with a dentist was reported in 43.9% (Paraguayans [56.2%] vs Bolivians [26.5%], P=.007); 65.9% considered the Spanish public health system as being excellent, very good or good. CONCLUSION: The lifestyle, the use of private resources and the assessment of health status are different in both groups studied. The assessment of the Spanish public health system was good in both. Strategies are needed to improve lifestyle, counselling for smoking cessation, alcohol use and control of dyslipidaemia.

Six novel mutations of the LDL receptor gene in FH kindred of Sicilian and Paraguayan descent.

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an autosomal dominant inherited disease caused by mutations in the gene coding for the low density lipoprotein receptor (LDL-R). It is characterized by a high concentration of low density lipoprotein (LDL), which frequently gives rise to premature coronary artery disease. We studied the probands of five FH Sicilian families with 'definite' FH and one proband of Paraguayan descent with homozygous FH who has been treated with an effective living-donor liver transplantation. In order to seek the molecular defect in these six families, we used direct sequencing to define the molecular defects of the LDL-R gene responsible for the disease. We described three novel missense mutations (C100Y, C183Y and G440C), two frameshift mutations (g.1162delC in exon 8 and g.2051delC in exon 14) and one mutation (g.2390-1Gright curved arrow A) at splicing acceptor consensus sequences located in intron 16 of the LDL-R gene; the analysis of cDNA of this splicing mutation showed the activation of a cryptic splice site in intron 16 and the binding studies showed a reduction in internalisation of LDL-DIL in the proband's cultured fibroblasts. Moreover, a g.2051delC in exon 14 was identified in the proband of Paraguayan ancestry with clinical features of homozygous FH. The mutation identified in the South American patient represents the first description of a variant in South American patients other than Brazilian FH patients. The 5 mutations identified in the Sicilian patients confirm the heterogeneity of LDL-R gene mutations in Sicily.

Serum leptin levels in Ache Amerindian females with normal adiposity are not significantly different from American anorexia nervosa patients.

Serum leptin, a polypeptide hormone secreted primarily by adipocytes, is a reflection of somatic fat availability in humans and other vertebrates. Among Ache Amerindians, leptin levels are very low in contrast to other populations, despite comparable adiposity with individuals exhibiting much higher leptin levels. In order to gain a greater understanding of these differences, leptin levels were compared between Ache Amerindian females (n = 12, mean age = 32.2 +/- 14.0 SD), American females diagnosed with anorexia nervosa (n = 22, mean age = 23.0 +/- 4.0), and non-anorectic American controls (n = 23, mean age = 23.0 +/- 4.0). Ache leptin (5.6 +/- 3.2 ng/ml) was not significantly different from anorectic patients (5.6 +/- 3.7 ng/ml; P > 0.98) despite greater adiposity (Ache 33.3% +/- 4.4% vs. anorectic 7.0% +/- 2.0%; P < 0.0001). Ache adiposity was also higher than American controls (leptin 19.1 +/- 8.1 ng/ml; fat 28% +/- 5.0%; P < 0.004) underscoring the uniqueness of Ache leptin profiles. This suggests a greater range of population variation in leptin physiology than previously suspected and intimates the potential role of chronic environmental conditions.

Hantavirus: un nuevo problema de salud pública para el paraguay / Hantavirus: the new problem the public health of Paraguay

Sistematiza el conocimiento ya existente sobre los mecanismos de transmisión, diagnóstico y tratamiento del Sindrome Pulmunar por Hantavirus (SPH) a nivel de resúmenes que pueden ser consultados rápidamente por el personal de salud