Multi-Objective Optimization of Nutritional, Environmental and Economic Aspects of Diets Applied to the Spanish Context.

Current food consumption patterns must be revised in order to improve their sustainability. The nutritional, environmental, and economic consequences of these dietary patterns must be taken into consideration when diet guidelines are proposed. This study applied a systematic optimization methodology to define sustainable dietary patterns complying with nutritional, environmental, and economic issues. The methodology was based on a multi-objective optimization model that considered a distance-to-target approach. Although the three simultaneous objectives (maximal nutritional contribution, minimal greenhouse gas emissions, and minimal costs) could be divergent, the proposed model identified the optimal intake of each food product to achieve the maximal level of nutritional, environmental, and economic diets. This model was applied to six different eating patterns within the Spanish context: one based on current food consumption and five alternative diets. The results revealed that dietary patterns with improved nutritional profiles and reduced environmental impacts could be defined without additional costs just by increasing the consumption of vegetables, fruits, and legumes, while reducing the intake of meat and fish.

Optimization of the environmental performance of food diets in Peru combining linear programming and life cycle methods.

The improvement of diets from a nutritional and health perspective has been a critical policy objective in developing nations for the past few decades. However, the current stress that human populations are exerting on the planet has made it important to assess diets using environmental indicators, such as greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Therefore, the main objective of the current study was to propose a methodology in which Life Cycle Assessment results linked to dietary patterns in Peru were combined with nutritional and economic data to optimize diets. For this, a linear programming model was built in which the environmental, nutritional and economic information on a set of 25 dietary patterns in Peru were optimized in order to achieve the environmentally best-performing diet that complies with economic and nutritional standards. The result of the proposed linear program allowed understanding the amount of each individual food product that should be consumed in each city that satisfies all the restrictions included in the model in order to attain the lowest GHG emissions possible. Results demonstrated that GHG reductions in food diets can be attained through optimization. For instance, in the case of Lima the obtained reduction was 6%, lowering the annual per capita footprint linked to food diets to 690 kg CO2eq, as compared to the current value of 736 kg CO2eq. From an economic perspective, results show that there are important disparities between cities in terms of increasing or decreasing prices of the market basket. Considering that in most areas of the country food purchase accounts for approximately 50% of household expenditure, it is plausible to assume that food choice is a main carrier to achieve GHG emission mitigations. In this context, the method constitutes a useful tool for policy-makers to push forward joint regulations to improve health-related issues linked to the food diet and food choice together with recommendations to lower the climatic impact of diets.

Environmental impacts of the life cycle of alluvial gold mining in the Peruvian Amazon rainforest.

Alluvial gold mining activities in the Peruvian Amazon rainforest are responsible for mercury emissions and deforestation. To understand related environmental impacts, specifically toxicity and climate change, this study uses Life Cycle Assessment methodology. Four predominant extraction systems were selected and modelled and three scenarios that reflect currently available gold recovery systems were modelled: amalgamation, amalgamation with mercury recovery through retort system and gravimetric tables. The USEtox and IPCC life cycle impact assessment methods were used to assess the environmental impacts in term of human toxicity, freshwater ecotoxicity and climate change. Results show that for all systems, human toxicity values are governed by mercury emissions in gold recovery activities (ca. 80%). However, the use of retort significantly lowers these impacts (ca. 90%). Machines and diesel use for ore extraction and freighting activities drive freshwater ecotoxicity. Moreover, deforestation has a major contribution on the environmental impacts related to climate change. However, these impacts are dependent on the type of extraction system. Although human toxicity, freshwater ecotoxicity and climate change are frequently studied separately, a direct relationship between them has been identified in this system. Finally, beyond the environmental burdens related to alluvial gold mining, there are impacts affecting the social, cultural, and economic dimensions that will need to be analyzed to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the system.

Peru's road to climate action: Are we on the right path? The role of life cycle methods to improve Peruvian national contributions.

Most developing nations have had to perform a swift transition from the voluntary greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions mitigation actions engaged in the Copenhagen Accord, to the relatively ambitious mitigations signed in the frame of the Paris Agreement. Consequently, Peru is currently creating its national structure to combat climate change through mitigation and adaptation actions. Nationally-determined contributions (NDCs) are the planned interventions that nations report for intended reductions in GHG emissions. In fact, Peru has now committed to reduce its annual GHG emissions by 30% in 2030 with respect to a business-as-usual estimation for that same year. The 76 NDCs have been divided into six main sectors: energy, transport, industrial processes, agriculture, forestry and waste. In this context, the main goal of this study is to provide a critical review of the validity and effectiveness of current mitigation NDCs proposed by the Peruvian government to comply with the Paris Agreement. Moreover, the analysis is accompanied by a discussion on how the use of life-cycle methods, namely Life Cycle Assessment, can be of utility in terms of policy support to evaluate the mitigation potential of these NDCs, as well as in the identification of additional contributions in sectors where the mitigation potential has been obviated. The expansion of system boundaries beyond the national context to account for the globalized nature of current market flows or the modelling of indirect impacts of a particular policy appear as relevant advantages of including life-cycle methods in public climate policy. The analysis, which is intended to be of utility to policy-makers in Peru and in other developing and emerging economies across the world, suggests that life-cycle methods arise as adequate tools to monitor the environmental appropriateness of adopting or adapting low-carbon technology to the local context.

Suicidal Ideation, Depressive Symptomatology, and Self-Concept: A Comparison Between Mexican Institutionalized and Noninstitutionalized Children.

Previous research reports a significant prevalence of child depression worldwide and self-concept as a predictor of depression and suicide behavior. Although suicide in children is an increasing problem in Mexico, there are scarce studies reporting risk factors and none of children in foster care institutions. This was a comparative, ex post facto study whose aim was to analyze associations between suicidal ideation, depression, and self-concept in two paired samples of Mexican children (83 institutionalized and 83 noninstitutionalized). Results show 16% of the children reported suicidal ideation and statistically significant differences among variables in both samples. Suggestions are made to address this problem from early ages.

Climate change mitigation opportunities based on carbon footprint estimates of dietary patterns in Peru.

Food consumption accounts for an important proportion of the world GHG emissions per capita. Previous studies have delved into the nature of dietary patterns, showing that GHG reductions can be achieved in diets if certain foods are consumed rather than other, more GHG intensive products. For instance, vegetarian and low-meat diets have proved to be less carbon intensive than diets that are based on ruminant meat. These environmental patterns, increasingly analyzed in developed nations, are yet to be assessed in countries liked Peru where food purchase represents a relatively high percentage of the average household expenditure, ranging from 38% to 51% of the same. Therefore, food consumption can be identified as a potential way to reduce GHG emissions in Peru. However, the Peruvian government lacks a specific strategy to mitigate emissions in this sector, despite the recent ratification of the Paris Accord. In view of this, the main objective of this study is to analyze the environmental impacts of a set of 47 Peruvian food diet profiles, including geographical and socioeconomic scenarios. In order to do this, Life Cycle Assessment was used as the methodological framework to obtain the overall impacts of the components in the dietary patterns observed and primary data linked to the composition of diets were collected from the Peruvian National Institute for Statistics (INEI). Life cycle inventories for the different products that are part of the Peruvian diet were obtained from a set of previous scientific articles and reports regarding food production. Results were computed using the IPCC 2013 assessment method to estimate GHG emissions. Despite variations in GHG emissions from a geographical perspective, no significant differences were observed between cities located in the three Peruvian natural regions (i.e., coast, Andes and Amazon basin). In contrast, there appears to be a strong, positive correlation between GHG emissions and social expenditure or academic status. When compared to GHG emissions computed in the literature for developed nations, where the average caloric intake is substantially higher, diet-related emissions in Peru were in the low range. Our results could be used as a baseline for policy support to align nutritional and health policies in Peru with the need to reduce the environmental impacts linked to food production.

Assessing the magnitude of potential environmental impacts related to water and toxicity in the Peruvian hyper-arid coast: A case study for the cultivation of grapes for pisco production.

The environmental sustainability of the cultivation of grapes for the production of alcoholic beverages has been extensively analyzed in the literature from a Life Cycle Assessment perspective, although certain impact categories have been repeatedly neglected despite their importance, such as toxic emissions or the depletion of freshwater resources. Hence, the current study provides a detailed assessment of water footprint-related impact categories, including toxicity, for the cultivation of grapes for pisco production, an alcoholic beverage produced in coastal Peru in hyper-arid areas that suffer high levels of water scarcity. Characterization factors at a sub-watershed level were used to calculate water consumption impact assessment of grape production using the AWARE method. Site-specific toxic emissions were modelled using the PestLCI model, considering primary climate and soil data. The USEtox assessment method was then used to compute freshwater eco-toxicity with these data. Results demonstrate the high water footprint of irrigating vineyards in coastal Peru, especially considering the inefficient flooding irrigation process. In terms of water consumption, despite the high variability shown between sub-watersheds, the shift to other irrigation technologies must be analyzed with care due to the high competition for water existing in the area. Eutrophication potential showed particularly high values compared to the literature, whereas freshwater eco-toxicity impacts were relatively low due to the high volatilization of pesticides to air. Nevertheless, the lack of an adequate wastewater management system implies that the estimated potential toxic and eutrophying emissions may constitute a further environmental threat to water bodies.

Suicidio en las cárceles de Chile durante la década 2006-2015 / Suicide in Chilean prisons during the 2006-2015 decade / Suicídio nas cadeias do Chile durante a década de 2006-2015

Chile presenta un alarmante incremento de suicidios, tanto en població n general como intrapenitenciaria, lo que preocupa a las autoridades de justicia y salud. Objetivo: analizar los suicidios consumados por prisioneros en cárceles chilenas durante los años 2006-2015, para obtener el perfil de características sociocriminó genas del acto suicida y de los centros penitenciarios. Metodología: de un total de 162 suicidios, se analizaron los 132 casos examinados por la Policía de Investigaciones de Chile. Resultados: 97,7% de los suicidios ocurrieron en hombres de todas las edades (de 16 a 74 años); dos terceras partes (66,7%) sucedieron en personas con ingresos previos a prisió n, aunque la mayoría no tenían antecedentes penales ni condenas anteriores (97,7%). Una mayoría (65,1%) ocurrieron durante el primer año de ingreso. El 73,5% eran solteros, 47% solo tenían estudios básicos, 84,8% no poseían oficio estable. En 43,2% se reportó estado depresivo como desencadenante del suicidio, y el método más común fue ahorcamiento (97%). Se encontraron diferencias con estadísticas significativas de ciertas correlaciones, como entre nivel de estudios y motivo manifestado para el suicidio, y entre nivel de estudios e ingresos previos a prisió n; asimismo, una correlació n relevante que muestra que a menor edad, más ingresos a prisió n y menor nivel de estudios

Chile exhibits an alarming increase in the number of suicides among both the general population and the prison community, this being a matter of concern for justice and health authorities. Objective: the analysis of suicides committed by prisoners in Chilean jails during years 2006-2015 in order to obtain the profile of both the suicide acts and penitentiary socio-criminogenic features. Methodology: out of a total of 162 suicides, the 132 cases examined by the Criminal Investigation Police of Chile were analyzed. Results: 97.7% of suicides were committed by men of all ages from 16 through 74 years. Two thirds (66.7%) were individuals with previous admissions into prison; but most of them (97.7%) did neither have criminal backgrounds nor former convictions. A majority (65.1%) occurred during the first year in prison. 73.5% prisoners were single, only 47% had basic studies, and 84.8% had no specific jobs. A depressed mood was reported in 43.2% as a trigger factor of suicide, and hanging was the most common method used (97%). Differences were found with significant statistics in certain correlations like, for example, between the study level and the motive for suicide revealed, and between the study level and previous periods of incarceration; and likewise, there is a relevant correlation where the youngest individuals show the highest number of admissions into prison and the lower study level

Chile apresenta um aumento alarmante de suicides, tanto na população geral quanto penitenciária, que preocupa à s autoridades da justiça e a saúde. Objetivo: analisar os suicídios consumados por prisioneiros em cadeias chilenas durante os anos 2006-2015, para obter o perfil de características sociais e criminó genas do ato suicida e dos centros penitenciários. Metodologia: de um total de 162 suicidos, 132 dos casos examinados pela Polícia das Pesquisas do Chile foram analisados. Resultados: 97.7% dos suicidos aconteceram nos homens de todas as idades (de 16 a 74 anos); duas terceiras partes (66.7%) aconteceram em pessoas com renda prévia à prisão, embora a maioria não tivesse os registros criminalis nem as sentenças precedentes (97.7%). Uma maioria (65.1%) aconteceu durante o primeiro ano da entrada. 73.5% eram solteiros, 47% só tinham estudos básicos, 84.8% não possuíam um ofício estável. Em 43.2% o estado depressivo foi relatado como ativador do suicido, e o método o mais comum foi o enforcamento (97%). As diferenças com estatísticas significativas de determinadas correlações foram encontradas, como entre o nível de estudos e a razão para o suicido, e entre o nível de estudos e renda prévia à prisão; também, uma correlação relevante que amostra que à idade menor, mais renda à prisão e menor nível de estudos

The efficacy and safety of two fixed combinations: timolol-dorzolamide-brimonidine versus timolol-dorzolamide. A prospective, randomized, double-masked, multi-center, 6-month clinical trial.

We compared the efficacy and safety of a new fixed combination of timolol 0.5%/odorzolamide 20%/brimonidine 0.2% in ophthalmic solution versus a fixed combination of timolol 0.5%/dorzolamide 2% in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. The fixed triple combination was significantly more efficient in mean intraocular pressure reduction from baseline throughout the six-month follow-up.

Comparison of the stability, efficacy, and adverse effect profile of the innovator 0.005% latanoprost ophthalmic solution and a novel cyclodextrin-containing formulation.

Recently, a new latanoprost ophthalmic solution containing cyclodextrins was developed. The purpose of the present work was to compare the stability, clinical efficacy, and adverse effect profile of this formulation with the innovator product. The innovator formulation was stable at 4 degrees C but exhibited degradation at higher temperatures, whereas the cyclodextrin-containing formulation was stable at temperatures up to 40 degrees C. Formulations were assayed in a randomized double-blind clinical study in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma and/or ocular hypertension. Both latanoprost ophthalmic solutions produced comparable reduction of intraocular pressure. Conjunctival hyperemia was observed in 11.9% and 11.3% of the patients treated with the innovator and the cyclodextrin-containing formulations, respectively. There were no significant differences between the 2 ophthalmic solutions in efficacy or in the measured adverse effect. It is concluded that these 2 latanoprost ophthalmic solutions yield comparable efficacy and adverse effect outcomes. The cyclodextrin-containing formulation, however, has an improved stability.

Brdcka reaction in vaginal secretions: a possible diagnostic tool in cervical cancer

El proposito de este trabajo fue observar si existen diferencias significativas en el comportamiento de desnaturalización de las proteinas presentes en la secreción viginal humana a traves del método polarográfico de Brdicka. Nuestros resultados muestran que tanto la prueba del digerido como la del filtrado son significativamente diferentes en al secreción vaginal de mujeres en las cuales se ha diagnosticado la presencia de cancer cervicouterino por los procedimientos usuales (citología, colposcopia e biopsia). Estas diferencias son particularmente claras cuando los resultados de la prueba del digerido y los de la prueba del filtrado se relacionan a traves del índice proteico, en el cual casi no hay sobreposición entre los casos normales y los patológicos (15.8 + 4.8 contra 4.2 + 2.0 respectivamente) aun cuando se toma en cuenta el promedio + dos desviaciones estandar. Proponemos que esta prueba podria ser una adición de valorar a los procedimientos de diagnostico y pronostico del carcinoma de cervix in situ, particularmente en los paises subesarrollados