The LeuO regulator and quiescence: About transcriptional roadblocks, multiple promoters, and crispr-cas.

LeuO is a LysR-type transcriptional regulator in bacteria. It determines the regulation of numerous genes related to stress response and virulence. Thus, four exciting areas of research are discussed herein. One pertains the leuO gene, which in S. Typhi and in E. coli contains multiple forward promoters as well as reverse promoters, even though it is expressed at very low levels, that is, it is quiescent. Such multiplicity might allow for a greater plasticity in regulation, or even aid in maintaining the quiescence, in processes that appear to involve many nucleoid-associated proteins in a second area of opportunity. A third one relates to the effector-binding domain of the LeuO regulator, which is highly conserved in S. enterica and in E. coli and determines its activity as a regulator of transcription. A fourth area regards the role of the CRISPR-Cas system in gene regulation in S. Typhi; a system that is regulated by LeuO.

The S. Typhi leuO gene contains multiple functional promoters.

The S. Typhi leuO gene, which codes for the LysR-type transcriptional regulator LeuO, contains five forward promoters named P3, P1, P2, P5 and P4, and two reverse promoters, P6 and P7. The activity of the forward promoters was revealed by primer extension using gene reporter fusions in an S. Typhi hns lrp mutant strain. Likewise, the activity of the reverse promoters was revealed in an hns background. Derepression of the transcription of the chromosomal gene was confirmed by RT-PCR in the hns lrp mutant. The leuOP1 transcriptional reporter fusion, which contained only the major P1 promoter, had a lower expression in a relA spoT mutant strain, indicating that the steady-state levels of the (p)ppGpp alarmone positively regulate it. In contrast, the leuOP3, leuOP5P4, leuOP6 and leuOP7 transcriptional fusions were derepressed in the relA spoT background, indicating that the alarmone has a negative effect on their expression. Thus, the search for genetic regulators and environmental cues that would differentially derepress leuO gene expression by antagonizing the action of the H-NS and Lrp nucleoid-associated proteins, or that would fine-tune the expression of the various promoters, will further our understanding of the significance that multiple promoters have in the control of LeuO expression.

Characteristics and attitudes of small-scale vegetable farmers in Chile / Características e atitudes de pequenos agricultores de hortaliças no Chile

ABSTRACT: An adequate supply of fresh, high quality and accessible vegetables is essential for a healthy food system. In Latin America, these are mostly produced by smallholder farmers. The objective of this research was to characterize the productive and commercial development of small-scale vegetable growers and to further understand and explain their attitudes on their business. A total of 335 farmers in Central Chile area were surveyed. The data was processed using descriptive and multivariate techniques. Results showed that farmers have a positive self-assessment of their technical performance, production quality and the contribution of farming to their household income. They express uncertainty about the future, as well as some disappointment with the prices they receive for their produce and their access to public support programs. There are significant differences between farmers within the sample; however, which allow two distinct clusters to be identified: "conformist" (69.05%) and "critical" (30.95%). These results suggested that these small-scale vegetable growers have certain generalizable attitudes and other divergent. The differences in attitudes coincide with differences in objective characteristics, including age, education, farm size and technology.

RESUMO: O fornecimento de vegetais frescos, de qualidade e acessíveis, são essenciais para um sistema alimentar saudável. Na América Latina, essa produção está principalmente nas mãos dos pequenos agricultores. O objetivo desta pesquisa é caracterizar o desenvolvimento produtivo e comercial de pequenos produtores de hortaliças e entender e explicar melhor suas atitudes em relação à atividade. No total, foram pesquisados ​​335 agricultores no centro do Chile. Os dados coletados foram processados usando técnicas descritivas e multivariadas. Como resultados, se encontraram uma avaliação geral positiva do desempenho técnico, da qualidade da produção e da contribuição para a renda familiar, embora acompanhada de uma incerteza sobre o futuro. Os entrevistados expressaram decepções sobre alguns aspectos, como preço de venda e acesso a programas de apoio público. No entanto, existem diferenças significativas na amostra que permitem a identificação de dois grupos: "conformistas" (69,05%) e "crítico" (30,95%). Esses resultados sugerem que, no caso analisado, os pequenos produtores de hortaliças têm certas atitudes generalizáveis e outras divergentes. As diferenças de atitudes são coincidentes com as características objetivas, como idade, escolaridade, tamanho da fazenda e tecnologia.

Population analysis of D6-like plasmid prophage variants associated with specific IncC plasmid types in the emerging Salmonella Typhimurium ST213 genotype.

The Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium sequence type 213 (ST213) emerged as a predominant genotype in Mexico. It is characterized by harboring multidrug resistance (MDR) IncC plasmids (previously IncA/C) and the lack of the Salmonella virulence plasmid (pSTV). Here we show that the D6-like plasmid prophage is present in most of the ST213 strains. We used the reported nucleotide sequence of YU39 plasmid (pYU39_89) to design a PCR typing scheme for the D6-like plasmid prophages, and determined the complete nucleotide sequences for the D6-like prophages of three additional ST213 strains (YU07-18, SL26 and SO21). Two prophage variants were described: i) a complete prophage, containing homologous sequences for most of the genetic modules described in P1 and D6 phages, which most likely allow for the lytic and lysogenic lifestyles; and ii) an incomplete prophage, lacking a 15 kb region containing morphogenesis genes, suggesting that it is defective. The tail fiber gene inversion region was the most divergent one between D6 and pYU39_89 genomes, suggesting the production of a distinct set of tail fibers, which could be involved in host range preferences. A glutaminyl-tRNA synthetase gene (glnS), which could be involved in providing host cell increased fitness or plasmid maintenance functions, was found in all D6-like genomes. Population level analysis revealed a biogeographic pattern of distribution of these plasmid-phages and specific associations with variants of MDR IncC plasmids. Statistically significant associations were found between the two prophage variants (p75 or p89), the type of IncC plasmids (I or II) and geographic isolation regions (Sonora, San Luis Potosí, Michoacán and Yucatán). This work integrates results from molecular typing, genomics and epidemiology to provide a broad overview for the evolution of an emergent Salmonella genotype.

Dietary restraint, life satisfaction and self-discrepancy by gender in university students / Restricción alimentaria, satisfacción con la vida y discrepancia del yo en estudiantes universitarios de distinto género

ABSTRACT This study aimed to characterize dieting and non-dieting university students by gender, Received 14 September 2016 based on their satisfaction with life and their food-related life, self-discrepancy, food behavior and health-related aspects. A non-probabilistic sample of 305 students from five Chilean state universities responded a questionnaire that included the Revised Restraint Scale, the Satisfaction with Life Scale, the Satisfaction with Food-related Life Scale, the Health-related Quality of Life Index, the Nutrition Interest Scale and the Self-Discrepancy Index. Sociodemographic characteristics, food behavior, and approximate weight and height were also enquired. Chronic dieters and non-dieters were distinguished according to the median score of the Revised Restraint Scale. 51.1% of women and 55.5% of men classified as chronic dieters, sharing characteristics such as nutrition concern, mental health problems, higher body mass index, and physical and economic self-discrepancy. Women dieters reported lower life satisfaction and satisfaction with food-related life, more health problems and health-related restriction of food, while men dieters showed higher social and emotional self-discrepancy.

RESUMEN El objetivo de este estudio fue caracterizar a estudiantes universitarios dietantes y no dietantes de distinto género, según su satisfacción con la vida y con la alimentación, discrepancia del yo, comportamiento alimentario y aspectos relacionados con la salud. Se aplicó un cuestionario a una muestra no probabilística de 305 estudiantes de cinco universidades estatales de Chile. El cuestionario incluyó la Escala Revisada de Restricción Alimentaria, la Escala de Satisfacción con la Vida, la Escala de Satisfacción con la Alimentación, el Índice de Calidad de Vida relativo a la Salud, la Escala de Interés por la Nutrición y la Escala de Discrepancia del Yo. Se consultaron características sociodemográficas, comportamiento alimentario y el peso y estatura aproximados. Con base en la mediana de la Escala Revisada de Restricción Alimentaria se distinguieron dietantes crónicos y no dietantes. El 51.1% de las mujeres y el 55.5% de los hombres fueron clasificados como dietantes crónicos, quienes comparten características como la preocupación por la nutrición, problemas de salud mental, mayor índice de masa corporal, y discrepancia del yo en los ámbitos físico y económico. Las mujeres dietantes estuvieron menos satisfechas con su vida y con su alimentación, reportaron más problemas de salud y superior restricción de alimentos por motivos de salud. Los hombres dietantes mostraron mayor discrepancia del yo en los ámbitos social y emocional.

Dietary restraint and self-discrepancy in male university students.

Self-discrepancy describes the distance between an ideal and the actual self. Research suggests that self-discrepancy and dietary restraint are related, causing a significant impact on the person's well-being. However, this relationship has been mostly reported in female and mixed populations. In order to further explore dietary behaviors and their relations to self-discrepancy and well-being-related variables in men, a survey was applied to a non-probabilistic sample of 119 male students from five Chilean state universities (mean age=21.8, SD=2.75). The questionnaire included the Revised Restraint Scale (RRS) with the subscales weight fluctuations (WF) and diet concern (DC), the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), the Satisfaction with Food-Related Life Scale (SWFL), the Nutrition Interest Scale (NIS), and the Self-discrepancy Index (SDI). Questions were asked about socio-demographic characteristics, eating and drinking habits, and approximate weight and height. A cluster analysis applied to the Z-scores of the RRS classified the following typologies: Group 1 (22.7%), men concerned about weight fluctuations; Group 2 (37.0%), men concerned about diet and weight fluctuations; Group 3 (40.3%), unconcerned about diet and weight fluctuations. The typologies differed in their SDI score, restriction on pastry consumption and reported body mass index (BMI). Students with higher DC and WF scores had a higher BMI, and tended to report high self-discrepancy not only on a physical level, but also on social, emotional, economic and personal levels. This study contributes to the literature on subjective well-being, dietary restraint and self-discrepancy in men from non-clinical samples.

A multi-drug resistant Salmonella Typhimurium ST213 human-invasive strain (33676) containing the bla CMY-2 gene on an IncF plasmid is attenuated for virulence in BALB/c mice.

BACKGROUND: Classical strains of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (Typhimurium) predominantly cause a self-limiting diarrheal illness in humans and a systemic disease in mice. In this study, we report the characterization of a strain isolated from a blood-culture taken from a 15-year old woman suffering from invasive severe salmonellosis, refractory to conventional therapy with extended-spectrum cephalosporin (ESC). RESULTS: The strain, named 33676, was characterized as multidrug-resistant Salmonella serogroup A by biochemical, antimicrobial and serological tests. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and XbaI macrorestrictions (PFGE) showed that strain 33676 belonged to the Typhimurium ST213 genotype, previously described for other Mexican Typhimurium strains. PCR analyses revealed the presence of IncA/C, IncFIIA and ColE1-like plasmids and the absence of the Salmonella virulence plasmid (pSTV). Conjugation assays showed that the ESC-resistance gene bla CMY-2 was carried on the conjugative IncF plasmid, instead of the IncA/C plasmid, as found in previously studied ST213 strains. Although the IncA/C plasmid conferred most of the observed antimicrobial resistances it was not self-conjugative; it was rather able to conjugate by co-integrating with the IncF plasmid. Strain 33676 was fully attenuated for virulence in BALB/c mice infections. Both type-three secretion system (T3SS), encoded in Salmonella pathogenicity islands 1 and 2 (SPI-1 and SPI-2), were functional in the 33676 strain and, interestingly, this strain produced the H2 FljB flagellin instead of the H1 FliC flagellin commonly expressed by S. enterica strains. CONCLUSIONS: Strain 33676 showed two main features that differentiate it from the originally described ST213 strains: 1) the bla CMY-2 gene was not carried on the IncA/C plasmid, but on a conjugative IncF plasmid, which may open a new route of dissemination for this ESC-resistance gene, and 2) it expresses the H2 FljB flagella, in contrast with the other ST213 and most Typhimurium reference strains. To our knowledge this is the first report of an IncF bla CMY-2-carrying plasmid in Salmonella.

Complete Genome Sequence of a Human-Invasive Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium Strain of the Emerging Sequence Type 213 Harboring a Multidrug Resistance IncA/C Plasmid and a blaCMY-2-Carrying IncF Plasmid.

Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium strain 33676 was isolated in Mexico City, Mexico, from a patient with a systemic infection, and its complete genome sequence was determined using PacBio single-molecule real-time technology. Strain 33676 harbors an IncF plasmid carrying the extended-spectrum cephalosporin gene blaCMY-2 and a multidrug resistance IncA/C plasmid.

IS200 and multilocus sequence typing for the identification of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi strains from Indonesia.

In this work, IS200 and multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) were used to analyze 19 strains previously serotyped as Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi and isolated in Indonesia (16 strains), Mexico (2 strains), and Switzerland (1 strain). Most of the strains showed the most common Typhi sequence types, ST1 and ST2, and a new Typhi genotype (ST1856) was described. However, one isolate from Mexico and another from Indonesia were of the ST365 and ST426 sequence types, indicating that they belonged to serovars Weltevreden and Aberdeen, respectively. These results were supported by the amplification of IS200 fragments, which rapidly distinguish Typhi from other serovars. Our results demonstrate the utility of IS200 and MLST in the classification of Salmonella strains into serovars. These methods provide information on the clonal relatedness of strains isolated worldwide.

The two-component system CpxR/A represses the expression of Salmonella virulence genes by affecting the stability of the transcriptional regulator HilD.

Salmonella enterica can cause intestinal or systemic infections in humans and animals mainly by the presence of pathogenicity islands SPI-1 and SPI-2, containing 39 and 44 genes, respectively. The AraC-like regulator HilD positively controls the expression of the SPI-1 genes, as well as many other Salmonella virulence genes including those located in SPI-2. A previous report indicates that the two-component system CpxR/A regulates the SPI-1 genes: the absence of the sensor kinase CpxA, but not the absence of its cognate response regulator CpxR, reduces their expression. The presence and absence of cell envelope stress activates kinase and phosphatase activities of CpxA, respectively, which in turn controls the level of phosphorylated CpxR (CpxR-P). In this work, we further define the mechanism for the CpxR/A-mediated regulation of SPI-1 genes. The negative effect exerted by the absence of CpxA on the expression of SPI-1 genes was counteracted by the absence of CpxR or by the absence of the two enzymes, AckA and Pta, which render acetyl-phosphate that phosphorylates CpxR. Furthermore, overexpression of the lipoprotein NlpE, which activates CpxA kinase activity on CpxR, or overexpression of CpxR, repressed the expression of SPI-1 genes. Thus, our results provide several lines of evidence strongly supporting that the absence of CpxA leads to the phosphorylation of CpxR via the AckA/Pta enzymes, which represses both the SPI-1 and SPI-2 genes. Additionally, we show that in the absence of the Lon protease, which degrades HilD, the CpxR-P-mediated repression of the SPI-1 genes is mostly lost; moreover, we demonstrate that CpxR-P negatively affects the stability of HilD and thus decreases the expression of HilD-target genes, such as hilD itself and hilA, located in SPI-1. Our data further expand the insight on the different regulatory pathways for gene expression involving CpxR/A and on the complex regulatory network governing virulence in Salmonella.

Happiness and health and food-related variables: Evidence for different age groups in Chile / Felicidad y variables relacionadas con la salud y los alimentos: evidencia para distintos grupos de edad en Chile

This study aimed to identify the factors determining the happiness in young and middleaged adults in Chile, including health and food-related factors, and their relationships between them. To achieve this objective, a survey was conducted on a total of 1163 people (from 20 to 65 years old), proportionally distributed in the cities over 100000 inhabitants in the central area of Chile. The main scales used were: Subjective Happiness Scale (SHS), Health Related Quality of Life Index (HRQoL), and Satisfaction with Food-related Life (SWFL). In this study, the logistic ordinal regression models were estimated. The mainfinding was that people have more unhealthy days, poorer perception of their health, and are less satisfied with their food-related life, and are less happy in both age groups. Therefore, health-related factors and SWFL are strong predictors of happiness.

En este estudio se identifican los determinantes de la felicidad en adultos jóvenes y personas de edad media en Chile, incluyendo factores relacionados con la salud y la alimentación, y las conexiones entre ellos. Un total de 1163 personas fueron entrevistadas (entre 20 y 65 años de edad), distribuidas proporcionalmente por las ciudades de más de 100000 habitantes de la zona central de Chile. Las principales escalas utilizadas fueron: Escala de Felicidad Subjetiva, Calidad de Vida Relacionada con la Salud, y Satisfacción con la Vida Relacionada con los Alimentos. En este estudio se estimaron modelos de regresión logística ordinal. El principal hallazgo es que las personas con más días no saludables, más pobre percepción de su estado de salud, y menos satisfechas con su vida relacionada con los alimentos, son menos felices en ambos grupos de edad. Esto significa que los factores relacionados con la salud y la satisfacción con la vida relacionada con los alimentos son fuertes predictores de la felicidad.

Analyzing Food-Related Life Satisfaction and other Predictors of Life Satisfaction in Central Chile.

This study aimed to assess the effect of satisfaction with food-related life on life satisfaction among inhabitants of the main municipalities of central Chile. A survey was applied to a sample of 1,277 people, distributed proportionally by municipality. The questionnaire included the following scales: SWLS (Satisfaction with Life Scale), SWFL (Satisfaction with Food-related Life) and the Health-Related Quality of Life Index (HRQOL). Questions were asked regarding eating habits inside and outside the home, time available for meals at home, the assessment of five sources of happiness and the demographic characteristics of those surveyed. An ordered logit model was proposed, in which the dependent variable was satisfaction with life. Satisfaction with life was significantly related to the respondent's socioeconomic status, self-perception of health, degree of satisfaction with food-related life, monthly food expenditure, time available for supper with the family (p < .01); gender, self-reported number of days affected by mental health problems, frequency of supper with the family, the degree of agreement with respect to family being an important source of happiness (p < .05); and family size and frequency of food consumption in fast food outlets (p < .10). Satisfaction with life in the study sample is related to aspects associated with health, family and eating, and the family interaction associated with eating may play an important role in overall satisfaction with life.

Relationship between the domains of the Multidimensional Students' Life Satisfaction Scale, satisfaction with food-related life and happiness in university students.

AIM: To characterize types of university students based on satisfaction with life domains that affect eating habits, satisfaction with food-related life and subjective happiness. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire was applied to a nonrandom sample of 305 students of both genders in five universities in Chile. The questionnaire included the abbreviated Multidimensional Student's Life Satisfaction Scale (MSLSS), Satisfaction with Food-related Life Scale (SWFL) and the Subjective Happiness Scale (SHS). Eating habits, frequency of food consumption in and outside the place of residence, approximate height and weight and sociodemographic variables were measured. RESULTS: Using factor analysis, the five-domain structure of the MSLSS was confirmed with 26 of the 30 items of the abbreviated version: Family, Friends, Self, Environment and University. Using cluster analysis four types of students were distinguished that differ significantly in the MSLSS global and domain scores, SWFL and SHS scores, gender, ownership of a food allowance card funded by the Chilean government, importance attributed to food for well-being and socioeconomic status. CONCLUSIONS: Higher levels of life satisfaction and happiness are associated with greater satisfaction with food-related life. Other major life domains that affect students' subjective well-being are Family, Friends, University and Self. Greater satisfaction in some domains may counterbalance the lower satisfaction in others.

Objetivo: caracterizar tipologías de estudiantes universitarios según la satisfacción en dominios de la vida que afectan a los hábitos alimentarios, satisfacción con la alimentación y nivel de felicidad subjetiva. Material y método: se aplicó un cuestionario a una muestra no probabilística de 305 estudiantes de ambos géneros de cinco universidades de Chile. El cuestionario incluyó: Escala Multidimensional de Satisfacción con la Vida para Estudiantes (MSLSS) abreviada, Satisfacción con la Alimentación (SWFL) y la Escala de Felicidad Subjetiva (SHS). Se consultaron hábitos de consumo de alimentos, frecuencia de comidas dentro y fuera del lugar de residencia, peso y estatura aproximada y variables sociodemográficas. Resultados: mediante análisis factorial se confirmó la estructura de cinco dominios de la MSLSS, con 26 de los 30 ítems de la versión abreviada: Familia, Amigos, Sí mismo, Entorno de vida y Universidad. Mediante análisis clúster se distinguieron cuatro tipologías que difirieron significativamente en los puntajes de los dominios de la MSLSS y en su puntaje global, en los puntajes de la SWFL, SHS, género, contar con una tarjeta de alimentación financiada por el Estado chileno, importancia asignada a la alimentación para el bienestar personal y nivel socioeconómico. Conclusiones: mayores niveles de satisfacción con la vida y de felicidad se asocian con una mayor satisfacción con la alimentación. Otros dominios importantes que afectan al bienestar subjetivo de los estudiantes corresponden a la familia, los amigos, la universidad y el sí mismo. La mayor satisfacción en unos dominios compensaría la menor satisfacción en otros.

Complete Genome Sequencing of a Multidrug-Resistant and Human-Invasive Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium Strain of the Emerging Sequence Type 213 Genotype.

Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium strain YU39 was isolated in 2005 in the state of Yucatán, Mexico, from a human systemic infection. The YU39 strain is representative of the multidrug-resistant emergent sequence type 213 (ST213) genotype. The YU39 complete genome is composed of a chromosome and seven plasmids.

IS200 and multilocus sequence typing for the identification of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi strains from Indonesia

In this work, IS200 and multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) were used to analyze 19 strains previously serotyped as Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi and isolated in Indonesia (16 strains), Mexico (2 strains), and Switzerland (1 strain). Most of the strains showed the most common Typhi sequence types, ST1 and ST2, and a new Typhi genotype (ST1856) was described. However, one isolate from Mexico and another from Indonesia were of the ST365 and ST426 sequence types, indicating that they belonged to serovars Weltevreden and Aberdeen, respectively. These results were supported by the amplification of IS200 fragments, which rapidly distinguish Typhi from other serovars. Our results demonstrate the utility of IS200 and MLST in the classification of Salmonella strains into serovars. These methods provide information on the clonal relatedness of strains isolated worldwide (AU)

No disponible

Relationship between the domains of the Multidimensional Students’ Life Satisfaction Scale, satisfaction with food-related life and happiness in university students / Relación entre los dominios de la escala multidimensional de satisfacción con la vida, satisfacción con la alimentación y felicidad en estudiantes universitarios

Aim: to characterize types of university students based on satisfaction with life domains that affect eating habits, satisfaction with food-related life and subjective happiness. Materials and methods: a questionnaire was applied to a nonrandom sample of 305 students of both genders in five universities in Chile. The questionnaire included the abbreviated Multidimensional Student’s Life Satisfaction Scale (MSLSS), Satisfaction with Food-related Life Scale (SWFL) and the Subjective Happiness Scale (SHS). Eating habits, frequency of food consumption in and outside the place of residence, approximate height and weight and sociodemographic variables were measured. Results: using factor analysis, the five-domain structure of the MSLSS was confirmed with 26 of the 30 items of the abbreviated version: Family, Friends, Self, Environment and University. Using cluster analysis four types of students were distinguished that differ significantly in the MSLSS global and domain scores, SWFL and SHS scores, gender, ownership of a food allowance card funded by the Chilean government, importance attributed to food for well-being and socioeconomic status. Conclusions: higher levels of life satisfaction and happiness are associated with greater satisfaction with food-related life. Other major life domains that affect students’ subjective well-being are Family, Friends, University and Self. Greater satisfaction in some domains may counterbalance the lower satisfaction in others (AU)

Objetivo: caracterizar tipologías de estudiantes universitarios según la satisfacción en dominios de la vida que afectan a los hábitos alimentarios, satisfacción con la alimentación y nivel de felicidad subjetiva. Material y método: se aplicó un cuestionario a una muestra no probabilística de 305 estudiantes de ambos géneros de cinco universidades de Chile. El cuestionario incluyó: Escala Multidimensional de Satisfacción con la Vida para Estudiantes (MSLSS) abreviada, Satisfacción con la Alimentación (SWFL) y la Escala de Felicidad Subjetiva (SHS). Se consultaron hábitos de consumo de alimentos, frecuencia de comidas dentro y fuera del lugar de residencia, peso y estatura aproximada y variables sociodemográficas. Resultados: mediante análisis factorial se confirmó la estructura de cinco dominios de la MSLSS, con 26 de los 30 ítems de la versión abreviada: Familia, Amigos, Sí mismo, Entorno de vida y Universidad. Mediante análisis clúster se distinguieron cuatro tipologías que difirieron significativamente en los puntajes de los dominios de la MSLSS y en su puntaje global, en los puntajes de la SWFL, SHS, género, contar con una tarjeta de alimentación financiada por el Estado chileno, importancia asignada a la alimentación para el bienestar personal y nivel socioeconómico Conclusiones: mayores niveles de satisfacción con la vida y de felicidad se asocian con una mayor satisfacción con la alimentación. Otros dominios importantes que afectan al bienestar subjetivo de los estudiantes corresponden a la familia, los amigos, la universidad y el sí mismo. La mayor satisfacción en unos dominios compensaría la menor satisfacción en otros (AU)

Eating habits and subjective well-being. A typology of students in Chilean state universities.

The purpose of this study was to distinguish and characterize university student typologies according to their life satisfaction and satisfaction with their food-related life. An online survey was applied between June and August 2013 in five state universities in Chile, to 369 university students (mean age = 20.9 years, SD = 2.27). The survey included the Health-related Quality of Life Index-4 (HRQOL), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), Satisfaction with Food-related Life Scale (SWFL), as well as questions about the place of residence, importance of food for well-being, frequency of meals in the place of residence and the frequency of consumption of eight food groups. A cluster analysis was used to determine student typologies. Three typologies of students were distinguished with significant differences in the average scores of the SWLS and SWFL scales, self-perception of health, days with mental health problems, number of days of health-related incapacity, place of residence, socioeconomic status, importance of food for well-being, frequency of breakfast and dinner in the place of residence, frequency of consumption of meat, milk, fruits and vegetables. It was found that most students with higher levels of life satisfaction and satisfaction with food-related life live with their parents, eat at home more frequently, report fewer health problems, have healthful eating habits and consider food very important for their well-being. Although it is necessary to promote or improve the campaigns that foster healthful eating in the entire university population, these campaigns must be specifically targeted to students who do not receive direct support from their families.

Analyzing food-related life satisfaction and other predictors of life satisfaction in central Chile

This study aimed to assess the effect of satisfaction with food-related life on life satisfaction among inhabitants of the main municipalities of central Chile. A survey was applied to a sample of 1,277 people, distributed proportionally by municipality. The questionnaire included the following scales: SWLS (Satisfaction with Life Scale), SWFL (Satisfaction with Food-related Life) and the Health-Related Quality of Life Index (HRQOL). Questions were asked regarding eating habits inside and outside the home, time available for meals at home, the assessment of five sources of happiness and the demographic characteristics of those surveyed. An ordered logit model was proposed, in which the dependent variable was satisfaction with life. Satisfaction with life was significantly related to the respondent’s socioeconomic status, self-perception of health, degree of satisfaction with food-related life, monthly food expenditure, time available for supper with the family (p < .01); gender, self-reported number of days affected by mental health problems, frequency of supper with the family, the degree of agreement with respect to family being an important source of happiness (p < .05); and family size and frequency of food consumption in fast food outlets (p < .10). Satisfaction with life in the study sample is related to aspects associated with health, family and eating, and the family interaction associated with eating may play an important role in overall satisfaction with life (AU)

No disponible

Dietary restraint and subjective well-being in university students in Chile.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize university students typologies according to chronic food restriction, satisfaction with life and food consumption. MATERIALS AND METHOD: A questionnaire was applied on a non-probability sample of 369 male and female students from five Chilean universities. The questionnaire included: Revised Restraint Scale (RRS), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), Satisfaction with Food-related Life (SWFL) and the Health-related Quality of Life Index. The survey included food and drink consumption habits, weight and approximate height and sociodemographic variables. RESULTS: Two factors in the RRS were detected by exploratory factor analysis: Preoccupation with Diet (PD) and Weight fluctuations (WF). A confirmatory factor analysis validated the bifactor structure of the RRS with an acceptable adjustment kindness. The cluster analysis allowed a distinction of four typologies with a significant variation in PD, WF, SWLS and SWFL scoring, number of days with mental health problems, frequency of alcoholic drinks consumption, restraint on the consumption of certain foods, drinks and spices, consumption frequency of fruit out of the main meals and types. Typologies did not differ on their body mass index. CONCLUSIONS: Both, students preoccupied with diet and those who are not, experience higher levels of satisfaction with life and with food. Lower levels of global life satisfaction and satisfaction with food are related with the fluctuations in weight.

Objetivo: Caracterizar tipologías de estudiantes universitarios según restricción alimentaria crónica, satisfacción con la vida y con la alimentación. Material y método: Se aplicó un cuestionario a una muestra no probabilística de 369 estudiantes de ambos géneros de cinco universidades de Chile. El cuestionario incluyó: Escala Revisada de Restricción Alimentaria (RRS), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), Satisfaction with Food-related Life (SWFL) y el Índice de Calidad de Vida relativo a la Salud. Se consultaron hábitos de consumo de alimentos y bebidas, peso y estatura aproximada y variables sociodemográficas. Resultados: Mediante análisis factorial exploratorio se detectaron dos factores en la RRS: Preocupación por la Dieta (PD) y Fluctuaciones de Peso (FP). Mediante análisis factorial confirmatorio se validó la estructura bifactorial de la RRS con una aceptable bondad de ajuste. Mediante análisis clúster se distinguieron cuatro tipologías que difirieron significativamente en los puntajes de PD y FP, los puntajes de la SWLS y SWFL, número de días con problemas de salud mental, frecuencia de consumo de bebidas alcohólicas, restricción del consumo de algunos alimentos, bebidas y condimentos, frecuencia de consumo de fruta a deshora y género. Las tipologías no difirieron en su índice de masa corporal. Conclusiones: Tanto los estudiantes que se preocupan por la dieta como los que no, experimentan mayores niveles satisfacción con la vida y con su alimentación. Menores niveles de satisfacción global y en el dominio de la alimentación se relacionan con las fluctuaciones de peso.

HilD induces expression of Salmonella pathogenicity island 2 genes by displacing the global negative regulator H-NS from ssrAB.

Salmonella pathogenicity islands 1 and 2 (SPI-1 and SPI-2) have essential roles in the pathogenesis of Salmonella enterica. Previously, we reported transcriptional cross talk between SPI-1 and SPI-2 when the SPI-1 regulator HilD induces expression of the SsrA/B two-component system, the central positive regulator of SPI-2, during the growth of Salmonella to late stationary phase in LB rich medium. Here, we further define the mechanism of the HilD-mediated expression of ssrAB. Expression analysis of cat transcriptional fusions containing different regions of ssrAB revealed the presence of negative regulatory sequences located downstream of the ssrAB promoter. In the absence of these negative cis elements, ssrAB was expressed in a HilD-independent manner and was no longer repressed by the global regulator H-NS. Consistently, when the activity of H-NS was inactivated, the expression of ssrAB also became independent of HilD. Furthermore, electrophoretic mobility shift assays showed that both HilD and H-NS bind to the ssrAB region containing the repressing sequences. Moreover, HilD was able to displace H-NS bound to this region, whereas H-NS did not displace HilD. Our results support a model indicating that HilD displaces H-NS from a region downstream of the promoter of ssrAB by binding to sites overlapping or close to those sites bound by H-NS, which leads to the expression of ssrAB. Although the role of HilD as an antagonist of H-NS has been reported before for other genes, this is the first study showing that HilD is able to effectively displace H-NS from the promoter of one of its target genes.