Stress factors and food purchase prioritization during the pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019.

BACKGROUND: The pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic confinement has an impact on stress levels, which causes changes in food purchase and consumption behaviors. The objective of this study is to associate food purchase prioritization with stress level during the COVID-19 pandemic confinement. METHODS: Multicenter, observational and cross-sectional study, an online questionnaire that included data on sociodemographic variables, stress factors and food purchase prioritization was disseminated through digital platforms and social networks. RESULTS: A number of 6357 participants were included, of whom 83.6% were female, 56.3% were from the middle socioeconomic level, 71.2% had completed higher education and 78.3% had a job. At greater stress levels it was observed a higher prioritization of canned foods (Odds ratio (OR): 1.91, 95% CI: 1.56; 2.34), sweets (OR: 1.58, 95% CI: 1.06; 2.34) and flours (OR: 1.45, 95% CI: 1.25; 1.68). While lower stress levels are associated with nuts (OR: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.66; 0.85), vegetables (OR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.72; 0.94), and fruits (OR: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.80; 1.01), after adjusting for confounders. CONCLUSIONS: There is an association between food purchase prioritization and stress level during the COVID-19 confinement. At greater stress levels, individuals purchase more food, both healthy and unhealthy. The later may have a negative impact on people's health, leading to or further aggravating malnutrition by excess and nutrition-related noncommunicable diseases.

Confinamiento e inseguridad alimentaria durante la pandemia por covid-19 en Chile

RESUMEN Introducción: El confinamiento por COVID-19, repercute en la situación socioeconómica, de salud y de seguridad alimentaria especialmente en población vulnerable, debido a la reducción de empleos, ingreso y acceso a los alimentos. Objetivo: Determinar la inseguridad alimentaria y la priorización de la compra de alimentos en hogares en situación de confinamiento, durante la pandemia por COVID-19 en Chile. Material y métodos: Estudio observacional analítico. Se envió cuestionario online a través de redes sociales, que incluía información sociodemográfica, prioridad de compra de algunos alimentos seleccionados, pérdida de alimentos en el hogar y una escala de seguridad alimentaria doméstica. Resultados: Participaron 1.114 personas, de ellos el 87,8% eran mujeres, el 80,9% de los participantes llevaba 4 o más semanas de confinamiento. A medida que aumentan las semanas de confinamiento, se incrementa la inseguridad alimentaria leve 26,9% a 36,1% y moderada, 1,7% a 7,8% y se disminuye la seguridad alimentaria 70,6% a 55,7%. Entre el 49,2% y 55,5% de los participantes, en la quinta semana de confinamiento priorización lácteos, arroz/pasta, harina, legumbres, aceite, papas y un 27,0% el azúcar/miel. No se priorizaron los alimentos frescos como las frutas y verduras (FV). Conclusión: El confinamiento genera un aumento progresivo de la inseguridad alimentaria leve y moderada. La priorización de compra en confinamiento se caracteriza por, alimentos con más tiempo de conservación, de mayor consumo, fáciles de preparar y que son ingredientes básicos de otras preparaciones. Alimentos frescos, como frutas y verduras no fueron priorizados. La priorización se relacionó con el nivel educativo.

ABSTRACT Introduction: COVID-19 lockdown affects socioeconomics, health and food security, especially in a vulnerable population, due to the reduction of jobs, income and access to food. Objective: To determine food insecurity and prioritization of food purchases in household in lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic in Chile. Material and methods: Observational analytical study. An online questionnaire was sent through social networks, which included socio-demographic information, priority of purchase of selected foods, less food at home and a scale of household food security. Results: 1,114 people participated, 87.8% of them were women, 80.9% of the participants had been in quarantine for 4 or more weeks. As the weeks of quarantine increased, mild food insecurity increased from 26.9% to 36.1% and moderate from 1.7% to 7.8%. Food security decreased from 70.6% to 55.7%. Between 49.2% and 55.5% of the participants, in the fifth week of confinement, prioritized dairy, rice/pasta, flour, legumes, oil, potatoes and 27.0% sugar/honey. Fresh foods such as fruits and vegetables were not prioritized. Conclusion: Lockdown generated a progressive increase in mild and moderate food insecurity. The prioritization of purchase in lockdown was characterized by foods with a longer shelf life, more consumption, easy to prepare meals and foods which are basic ingredients of other preparations. Fresh foods like fruits and vegetables were not prioritized. Prioritization was related to educational level.

Microplastic concentrations in cultured oysters in two seasons from two bays of Baja California, Mexico.

As filter feeders, bivalve mollusks have a high potential risk of contamination by microplastics (MPs), which can be considered a transfer vector for humans through their consumption. Spatial-temporal differences in the MP concentration were evaluated in the cultured oyster Magallana gigas in Todos Santos Bay (TSB) and San Quintin Bay (SQB) during winter and summer (2019). MPs were found in all samples in both seasons, where microfibers were the most abundant particles observed. Only in winter, statistically significant differences were observed in the average concentration of ingested MPs between oysters from TSB and SQB. In each bay, the highest concentrations were observed during winter. Seasonal differences between MP concentrations were only found in TSB. During summer, the content of MPs was compared between the digestive system and the rest of the soft tissue in organisms from each site, and statistically significant differences were not observed, except by one site in SQB. Polymers were identified via µ-FTIR-ATR spectrometry. Polyester, polyacrylonitrile, and rayon were the most common plastics detected. However, due to the low concentration of MPs found in oysters, its consumption does not represent a risk to human health. Moreover, MP concentrations in organisms appear to respond to variables, such as temporality and the water circulation dynamics within the bays.

Metabolic health and its association with lifestyle habits according to nutritional status in Chile: A cross-sectional study from the National Health Survey 2016-2017.

BACKGROUND: Lifestyle habits associate with metabolic health in overall populations. Whether such association is similar among subjects with a different nutritional status has been less studied. We aimed to (i) determine the prevalence of metabolic phenotypes in Chile, and (ii) determine the association between lifestyle habits and metabolic health according to the nutritional status. METHODS: The National Health Survey of Chile 2016-2017 was analyzed. A metabolically unhealthy phenotype was defined as manifesting ≥3 of the following risk factors: elevated blood pressure, elevated triglycerides, elevated glucose, elevated waist circumference, or reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Individuals manifesting <2 risk factors were considered as healthy. The nutritional status was defined as normal weight (18.5 to <25 kg/m2), overweight (25 to <30 kg/m2) or obesity (≥30 kg/m2). Questionnaires were used to estimate smoking habits, alcohol intake, sedentary behavior, moderate-vigorous physical activity, fruits/vegetables consumption, and fish/seafood consumption. The association (odds ratio [95%CI]) between lifestyle habits and metabolic health was determined within each nutritional status, adjusting for age, sex, BMI (in kg/m2), and education. RESULTS: The prevalence of a metabolically unhealthy phenotype was 36% in the overall sample. Such a prevalence was 7%, 33% and 58% among subjects with normal weight, overweight and obesity, respectively. In subjects with normal weight, the highest quartile of fruits/vegetables consumption was associated with reduced odds of having a metabolically unhealthy phenotype (0.09 [0.01-0.48]). In subjects with obesity, the highest quartile of moderate-vigorous physical activity was associated with reduced odds of having a metabolically unhealthy phenotype (0.29 [0.09-0.91]). CONCLUSION: One third of the Chilean population manifests an unhealthy phenotype. We identified associations between lifestyle habits and metabolic health that are specific to the nutritional status. Thus, emphasizing fruits/vegetables consumption in subjects with normal weight, and physical activity in subjects with obesity, may maximize the benefits of public health interventions.

Microplastics: Sources and distribution in surface waters and sediments of Todos Santos Bay, Mexico.

Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous and a threat to marine and freshwater environments. Effluent waters from secondary wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) into Todos Santos Bay (TSB) were investigated as sources of MPs. MPs were detected in all analyzed matrices and presented variable morphologies. MPs from surface water samples (n = 18) varied from 0.01 to 0.70 plastic particles/m3 (pp/m3). Fragments (47 ±â€¯23%) and fibers (47 ±â€¯23%) were the most abundant particles found in the surface water samples. In sediment samples (n = 11), MPs varied from 85 to 2494 pp/0.1 m2. Sediment samples showed fragments of 70 ±â€¯19%, fibers 28 ±â€¯18% in mean. The range of MP values from WWTP effluents (n = 24) was 81 to 1556 pp/m3, and fibers (65 ±â€¯28%) were the most abundant MP particles. Several synthetic polymers (polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethylene-propylene, polyvinyl chloride, cellophane), and natural fibers (cotton and wood) were identified. The surface currents and the parameters that modulate them, are the main factors that dominate the distribution of MPs in surface waters. While in the sediments the parameters such as bathymetry and grain size distribution have more influence on their distribution in the marine environment, where the effluent waters from WWTPs only contributes MPs to the TSB.

Organochlorine pesticides in residential soils and sediments within two main agricultural areas of northwest Mexico: Concentrations, enantiomer compositions and potential sources.

The agricultural Mexicali and Yaqui valleys (MV, YV) in northwest Mexico were heavily treated with organochlorine pesticides in the past. Residential soils and agricultural drain sediments were sampled in 2008-2009 and analyzed for DDTs (o,p'- and p,p'- isomers of DDE, DDD and DDT); hexachlorocyclohexanes (α-, ß-, γ- and δ-HCH) and chlordanes (trans-chlordane, cis-chlordane, heptachlor and heptachlor exo-epoxide). Geometric means (GMs) (ng g-1 dry weight) were: MV soils (n = 27) ΣDDT 22, ΣHCH 0.80, ΣCHL 0.88; YV soils (n = 25) ΣDDT 5.0, ΣHCH 0.23, ΣCHL 0.67; MV sediments (n = 3) ΣDDT 5.0, ΣHCH 0.23, ΣCHL 0.53; YV sediments (n = 8) ΣDDT 2.6, ΣHCH 0.12, ΣCHL 0.090. GMs were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in MV than YV soils for ΣDDT and ΣHCH, but not for ΣCHL. Comparison to worldwide regulatory guideline values (RGVs) for residential soils showed all compounds below mean or GM RGVs, but above the lowest RGV in some cases. Low p,p'-DDT/(p,p'-DDT + p,p'-DDE) in most soils indicated aged residues. Lack of p,p'-DDT metabolism might account for its dominance in a few soils. HCH isomer profiles suggested aged technical HCH in the YV, and technical HCH + lindane in the MV. Heptachlor dominated the ΣCHL, probably from application of technical heptachlor as well as chlordane. Chiral compounds were nonracemic in soils and sediments and indicated enantioselective microbial degradation of (+)α-HCH, (-)trans-chlordane, (-)cis-chlordane and (+)o,p'-DDT. Depletion of (+)o,p'-DDT in soils may account for similar enantiomer signatures previously reported in air of northwest Mexico.

Caídas recurrentes en ancianos / Recurrent falls in the elderly

Objetivo: describir las características e identificar los principales factores asociados con caídas recurrentes en ancianos asistentes a una clínica de inestabilidad, vértigo y caídas. Material y métodos: estudio descriptivo correlacional y transversal, con 224 personas mayores de 60 años remitidos por problemas de vértigo, mareos y caídas, a una clínica de atención integral interdisciplinaria en un hospital universitario especializado en geriatría, en la ciudad de Manizales, entre enero de 2001 y diciembre de 2006. Se utilizó un protocolo previamente establecido por la clínica de inestabilidad, vértigo y caídas de la Universidad de Caldas que incluye aspectos sociodemográficos, físicos, funcionales, cognoscitivos y sociales. Evaluación de las caídas, sus consecuencias y aplicación de medidas de evaluación basadas en la ejecución. Ancianos con caídas recurrentes son aquellos que cayeron al menos dos veces en el último año. Resultados: del total de participantes, 114 (50,8 por ciento) han informado al menos una caída, de ellos 73 ancianos (32,5 por ciento) presentaron caídas recurrentes. Los ancianos con caídas recurrentes tuvieron mayor porcentaje de caídas con lesión (41 por ciento vs. 19 por ciento, p<0,05) y mayor discapacidad posterior en las actividades de la vida diaria en sus niveles físico, instrumental y social. En el análisis univariado múltiples variables relacionadas con movilidad fueron significativas. El análisis de regresión logística mostró qué dificultad para incorporarse de una silla (tiempo mayor a dos segundos), una mala autopercepción de salud, la presencia de incontinencia urinaria y tener miedo a caer, predicen tres cuartas partes de las caídas recurrentes. Conclusiones: los factores de riesgo intrínsecos relacionados con movilidad, pobre salud y limitación funcional son predictores de caídas recurrentes en ancianos, las cuales tienen consecuencias más severas que las caídas únicas.

Evaluación del mareo en ancianos en una clínica de inestabilidad, vértigo y caídas / Assessment of dizziness in the elderly population in a special clinic for the treatment of lack of stability, vertigo and falls

Objetivo: describir las características e identificar las principales enfermedades causales de los diferentes tipos de mareo en ancianos asistentes a una clínica de inestabilidad, vértigo y caídas. Material y métodos: estudio descriptivo y transversal, con 228 personas mayores de 60 años remitidos por problemas de vértigo, mareos y caídas, a una clínica de atención integral interdisciplinaria en un hospital universitario especializado en geriatría, en la ciudad de Manizales, entre enero de 2001 y diciembre de 2006. Resultados: la edad promedio fue 72.81 años (DE 7.7) y el 72.7% fueron mujeres. Otros mareos fue el tipo más frecuente (35.3%), descrito como sensación de "borrachera" en la mitad de los ancianos. En segundo lugar se encontró el vértigo (33.8%), seguido por inestabilidad (19.3%) y mareo presincopal o síncope (11.5%). 38% de los pacientes refería más de un síntoma, especialmente inestabilidad asociada. La mitad de los pacientes referían los síntomas durante más de un año. Todos tenían síntomas concomitantes con cada tipo de mareo especialmente náuseas, ansiedad y diaforesis. Al menos dos patologías podrían ser las causales de los síntomas y agrupándolas por sistemas, se encontraron las cardiovasculares como las más frecuentes (24.3%), seguidas de aquellas que afectan el sistema vestibular periférico (22%) y las del sistema nervioso central (15.2%). Se encontró una asociación estadística significativa entre vértigo y patología vestibular periférica (p< 0.01), otro tipo de mareo con enfermedad cardiovascular (p< 0.05) y mareo presincopal tanto con diagnósticos cardiovasculares como con vestibulares (p< 0.05). Conclusión: la variabilidad en la descripción de los síntomas y la heterogeneidad de los diagnósticos encontrados es la característica común en ancianos con mareo y sugieren que el mareo es multifactorial y que un enfoque orientado en el diagnóstico no es la vía adecuada.

Objective: describing the characteristics and identifying the main diseases that cause different types of dizziness in elderly people attending a clinic for the treatment of instability, vertigo and falls. Material and methods: descriptive, transversal trial including 228 people older than 60 with vertigo, dizziness or falls, referred to an interdisciplinary integral care clinic in a university hospital in Manizales, specialized in geriatrics, between January 2001 and December 2006. Results: the average age was 72,81 years (DE 7.7), 72,7% were women. Dizziness of unknown origin was the most frequent complaint (35.3%), in half of the patients described as a feeling of "drowsiness" in half of them. Vertigo was the second one (33,8%), and this one followed by instability (19,3%) and pre-syncopal dizziness or syncope (11,5%). 38% of the patients referred more than a symptom, especially with instability associated. Half of the patients referred the symptoms for more than a year. All of them had concomitant symptoms with each type of dizziness, anxiety and diaphoresis. At least two pathologies could be cause of the symptoms and pooling them according to systems, cardiovascular causes were the most frequent ones (24,3%), followed by those affecting the peripheral vestibular system (22%) and those of the central nervous system (15,2%). There was a statistically significant association between vertigo and peripheral vestibular pathology (p< 0,01), another type of vertigo with cardiovascular disease (p< 0,05) and pre-syncopal dizziness with cardiovascular as well as with vestibular diagnosis (p< 0,05). Conclusion: the variability in symptoms description and the heterogeneity of the diagnosis found is the common feature among elderly with dizziness and suggest that dizziness is multifactorial and that an approach pointing to the diagnosis is not the way to go.