A U-shaped protection of altitude against mortality and infection of COVID-19 in Peru: An ecological study

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the world in multiple ways and has been a challenge for the health systems of each country. From the beginning, risk factors for the severity and mortality of the disease were considered, as the spread of the virus was related to the living conditions of each population. Methods In this ecological study we have evaluated the role of geography, precisely the altitude above sea level in the incidence and mortality of COVID-19 in Peru. Incidence and mortality data were taken from the open-access database of the government of Peru until March 2021. COVID-19 cases and COVID-19 mortality were treated as cases/density population and 1000 x cases/inhabitants while altitude was treated as continuous and as a categorical variable divided in 7 categories. The relationship between COVID-19 cases or deaths for COVID-19 and altitude as continuous variable was determined using Spearman correlation test. Meanwhile when altitude was considered as a categorical variable, Poisson regression or negative binomial analyses were applied. Results A significant inverse correlation was found between COVID-19 cases by population density and altitude (r=-0.37 p < 0.001). By altitude categories, the lowest risk for infection was observed between 3,000 and 3,500 m (IRR 0.08; 95% CI 0.05,0.12). Moreover, we found an inverse correlation between altitude and COVID-19 mortality (r=-0.39 p < 0.001). Also, the lowest risk for mortality was observed between 3,000 and 3,500 m (IRR 0.12; 95%CI 0.08; 0.18). Similar results were found when analyses were adjusted for inhabitants and stratified by sex. Conclusion This study reports an inverse relationship between COVID-19 incidence and mortality with respect to the altitude of residence, particularly, a u-shaped protection is shown, with a highest benefit between 3000 and 3500 m. The possibility of using hypoxia as an alternative treatment requires more complex studies that should allow knowing the physiological and environmental mechanisms of the protective role

The association of parental genetic, lifestyle, and social determinants of health with offspring overweight

In the UK, the number of comorbidities seen in children has increased along with the worsening obesity rate. These comorbidities worsen into adulthood. Genomewide association studies have highlighted single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with the weight status of adults and offspring individually. To date, in the UK, parental genetic, lifestyle, and social determinants of health have not been investigated alongside one another as influencers of offspring weight status. A comprehensive obesity prevention scheme would commence prior to conception and involve parental intervention including all known risk factors. This current study aims to identify the proportion of overweight that can be explained by known parental risk factors, including genetic, lifestyle, and social determinants of health with offspring weight status in the UK. Methods: A crosssectional study was carried out on 123 parents. Parental and offspring anthropometric data and parental lifestyle and social determinants of health data were self-reported. Parental genetic data were collected by use of GeneFiX saliva collection vials and genotype were assessed for brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene rs6265, melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) gene rs17782313, transmembrane protein 18 (TMEM18) gene rs2867125, and serine/threonine-protein kinase (TNN13K) gene rs1514175. Associations were assessed between parental data and the weight status of offspring. Results: Maternal body mass index modestly predicted child weight status (p < 0.015; R2 = 0.15). More mothers of overweight children carried the MC4R rs17782313 risk allele (77.8%; p = 0.007) compared to mothers of normal-weight children. Additionally, fathers who were not Caucasian and parents who slept for < 7 h/night had a larger percentage of overweight children when compared to their counterparts (p = 0.039; p = 0.014, respectively). Conclusion: Associations exist between the weight status of offspring based solely on parental genetic, lifestyle, and social determinants of health data. Further research is required to appropriately address future interventions based on genetic and lifestyle risk groups on a pre-parent cohort

Plant Polyphenols in Obesity and Obesity-Associated Metabolic Disorders: A Narrative Review of Resveratrol and Flavonoids Upon the Molecular Basis of Inflammation

Background: The epidemic of obesity, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is currently unsustainable for Public Health systems, and preventive and therapeutic approaches are urgently sought to improve health outcomes for affected individuals. Aim: In this study, we aim to further explore and synthetize available evidence on the effects of selected plant polyphenols (PP) upon molecular mechanisms associated with oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways. We also aim to briefly discuss PP supplementation as therapeutic tool for the prevention and management of prevalent obesity-associated metabolic disorders. Methods: This narrative review was performed in the PubMed database in June 2018 without restriction of publication period. Results: PP influence a broad range of cell signalling pathways; by modulating the activity of nuclear transcription factors, PP modulate gene expression and antioxidant responses, as well as inflammation and its resolution. Several interventional studies have investigated the effects of PP supplementation in a variety of sample populations, but no consensus has yet been reached regarding composition, dosage or course of treatment for therapeutic purposes. However, overall results tend to suggest a positive effect of PP in either improving metabolic profile or minimizing negative disease outcomes. Careful consideration on PP supplementation is paramount; adverse effects have already been described. Conclusion: The successful prevention and management or treatment of obesity-associated metabolic disorders may be achieved through an effective multidisciplinary approach to tackle their modifiable risk factors. A balanced diet, which includes naturally occurring sources of PP associated with lower consumption of ultra-processed foods, is a relevant approach for the positive health outcomes desired

Estudio comparativo de diversos alimentos preparados a base de cereales actualmente comercializados

El desayuno es la comida más importante del día porque cuando nos despertamos tras una noche de sueño los niveles de glucosa en sangre son bajos, por lo que es necesario ingerir alimentos para que el nivel de glucosa aumente y nos aporte energía suficiente para el resto del día. Un desayuno equilibrado se compone de un mínimo de tres grupos de alimentos, entre los que están los cereales. Los cereales son muy consumidos ya que constituyen la principal fuente energética de la alimentación humana. Nos aportan muchos nutrientes como hidratos de carbono, proteínas, vitaminas (entre las que destacan B1, B2 y B12), fibra y minerales como hierro y fósforo. Por estas razones es necesario conocer las aportaciones de este grupo de alimentos a nuestra dieta, y elegir, en función de nuestras necesidades, aquellos productos que nos proporcionen la mayor cantidad posible de los nutrientes necesarios. El objetivo de este trabajo es comparar diversos alimentos elaborados a base de cereales que se comercializan actualmente. Para ello se ha creado una base de datos a partir de dichos productos, en las que se incluirán múltiples variables, las cuales podemos agrupar en cuatro grupos: • Descripción del producto: nombre del producto, marca, forma y tipo. • Ingredientes: cereales e ingredientes que los componen y su cantidad. • Información nutricional: hidratos de carbono, grasa, vitaminas, minerales, etc. • Alérgenos. Se realizó un estudio estadístico de las variables registradas en la base de datos, con un software libre (programa PSPP) lo que permitió comparar las composiciones de los productos recogidos, y clasificarlos, según la cantidad de nutrientes que aporten en las dietas teniendo en cuenta distintos perfiles

Implantación de un programa de detección, educación y seguimiento de patologías del sueño en un entorno laboral

La industrialización ha traído consigo una sociedad donde hay una actividad continua durante todo el día. Las grandes empresas tienen implantado un sistema de trabajo continuo que abarca las 24 horas del día condicionando el horario de sueño de los trabajadores. Hay bastantes estudios que demuestran que la disminución de las horas de sueño y las alteraciones del ciclo circadiano favorecen la aparición de un amplio abanico de patologías por las alteraciones hormonales que se producen en el organismo. Pero a pesar de todo ello, la sociedad no muestra conocer la gran importancia que supone para nuestra salud un buen descanso. Por lo que queremos implantar un programa educativo y de seguimiento dirigido al ámbito laboral para trabajadores de turno nocturno y rotatorio que nos ayude a la detección, prevención y orientación de las patologías del sueño favorecidas por el condicionamiento del horario de descanso

Influence of different oxygen supply on metabolic markers and gene response in murine adipocytes

ABSTRACT Obese subjects often present a low-grade chronic inflammation in the white adipose tissue, which seems to play an important role in the initiation and development of obesity-related diseases. It has been reported that this inflammatory process may be due to a hypoxic state occuring whithin this tissue. Oxygen is used in current medicine as a treatment for several conditions. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of 95% O 2 on specific metabolic variables and on the expression of some adipokines on murine adipocytes. 3T3-L1 adipocytes were exposed during 48 h to different treatments: 95% O 2 hyperoxia (HPx group), CoCl 2 (CoCl 2 group), hyperoxia with CoCl 2 (HPx+CoCl 2 group) and 1%O 2 hypoxia (Hx group). Cell viability, intracellular ROS content, glucose utilization, lactate and glycerol concentrations were measured. Also, mRNA expression of HIF-1, GLUT-1, ANGPTL4, PPAR-, adiponectin, IL-6 and MCP-1 genes was analyzed. Importantly, 95% O 2 decreased cell viability and increased intracellular ROS production. Also, glycerol and lactate release were significantly increased and decreased, respectively, in HPx treated cells. This treatment also provoked a downregulation of GLUT-1 and ANGPTL-4, while IL-6 and MCP-1 were up-regulated. Exposure to a hyperoxia of 95% O 2 seemed to provoke an inflammatory response in adipocytes. The two hypoxia-inducing conditions (CoCl 2 and 1% O 2 ) produced different outcomes in metabolic measurements as well as in the expression of some genes (GLUT-1, ANPGTL4, PPAR- and adiponectin), while it remained similar in others (HIF-1, IL-6 and MCP-1). Indeed, hyperoxia increased significantly the ROS levels and the lipolytic activity, while it reduced lactate production. In addition to the effects on inflammation, the changes in GLUT-1, ANGPTL4 and PPAR- genes let suppose that hyperoxia may be beneficial for the hypertrophied adipose tissues of obese subjects and for improving insulin sensitivity

Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae Recovered from a Spanish River Ecosystem

The increasing resistance to carbapenems is an alarming threat in the fight against multiresistant bacteria. The dissemination properties of antimicrobial resistance genes are supported by their detection in a diverse population of bacteria, including strains isolated from the environment. The objective of this study was to investigate the presence of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) collected from a river ecosystem in the Barcelona metropolitan area (Spain). Identification of β-lactamases and other resistance determinants was determined as was the antimicrobial susceptibility profile. Moreover, screening of virulence factors, plasmid addiction systems, plasmid partition systems and replicon typing was performed. The results identified 8 isolates belonging to different species (Escherichia coli, Enterobacter cloacae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Klebsiella oxytoca, Raoultella ornithinolytica). The most prevalent enzyme was KPC-2 (n = 6), followed by VIM-1 (n = 2) and IMI-2 (n = 1), whereas no OXA-48-type was detected. In addition, one strain was positive for both KPC-2 and VIM-1 enzymes. All the carbapenemase-encoding plasmids carried at least one plasmid addiction or partition system, being vagCD and parAB the most frequently detected, respectively. E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolates carried a low number of virulence-associated factors and none of the detected clones has previously been identified in the clinical setting. These findings support the high dissemination potential of the carbapanemase-encoding genes and reinforce the idea that the environment is another reservoir that may play an important role in the capture, selection and dissemination of carbapenem resistance genes

Report of the Working Group on Acoustic and Egg Surveys for Sardine and Anchovy in ICES Areas 7, 8, and 9

The increasing resistance to carbapenems is an alarming threat in the fight against multiresistant bacteria. The dissemination properties of antimicrobial resistance genes are supported by their detection in a diverse population of bacteria, including strains isolated from the environment. The objective of this study was to investigate the presence of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) collected from a river ecosystem in the Barcelona metropolitan area (Spain). Identification of β-lactamases and other resistance determinants was determined as was the antimicrobial susceptibility profile. Moreover, screening of virulence factors, plasmid addiction systems, plasmid partition systems and replicon typing was performed. The results identified 8 isolates belonging to different species (Escherichia coli, Enterobacter cloacae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Klebsiella oxytoca, Raoultella ornithinolytica). The most prevalent enzyme was KPC-2 (n = 6), followed by VIM-1 (n = 2) and IMI-2 (n = 1), whereas no OXA-48-type was detected. In addition, one strain was positive for both KPC-2 and VIM-1 enzymes. All the carbapenemase-encoding plasmids carried at least one plasmid addiction or partition system, being vagCD and parAB the most frequently detected, respectively. E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolates carried a low number of virulence-associated factors and none of the detected clones has previously been identified in the clinical setting. These findings support the high dissemination potential of the carbapanemase-encoding genes and reinforce the idea that the environment is another reservoir that may play an important role in the capture, selection and dissemination of carbapenem resistance genes

Antibiotic resistance genes in phage particles isolated from human feces and induced from clinical bacterial isolates

Phage particles have emerged as elements with the potential to mobilize antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in different environments, including the intestinal habitat. The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of ARGs in phage particles present in fecal matter and induced from strains isolated from feces. Nine ARGs (blaTEM, blaCTX-M-1-group, blaCTX-M-9-group, blaOXA-48, qnrA, qnrS, mecA, sul1 and armA) were quantified by qPCR in the phage DNA fractions of 150 fecal samples obtained from healthy individuals. These subjects had not received antibiotic treatment or travelled abroad in the three months prior to the sample collection. On the suspicion that the detected particles originated from bacterial flora, 82 Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates possessing at least one identified ARG (blaTEM, blaCTX-M-1-group, blaCTX-M-9-group, armA, qnrA, qnrS, and sul1) were isolated and their capacity to produce phage particles carrying these ARGs after induction was evaluated. Seventy-two percent of samples were positive for at least one ARG, with blaTEM and blaCTX-M-9-group being the most prevalent and abundant. Fifty-one isolates (62%) showed an increase in the number of copies of the respective ARG in the phage fraction after induction, with blaTEM, blaCTX-M-1-group, blaCTX-M-9-group and sul1 being the most abundant. Phages induced from the isolates were further purified and visualized using microscopy and their DNA showed ARG levels of up to 10(10) gene copies/ml. This study highlights the abundance of phage particles harboring ARGs and indicates that bacterial strains in the intestinal habitat could be sources of these particles

Effects of Hyperoxia on Oxygen-Related Inflammation with a Focus on Obesity

Several studies have shown a pathological oxygenation (hypoxia/hyperoxia) on the adipose tissue in obese subjects. Additionally, the excess of body weight is often accompanied by a state of chronic low-degree inflammation. The inflammation phenomenon is a complex biological response mounted by tissues to combat injurious stimuli in order to maintain cell homeostasis. Furthermore, it is believed that the abnormal oxygen partial pressure occurring in adipose tissue is involved in triggering inflammatory processes. In this context, oxygen is used in modern medicine as a treatment for several diseases with inflammatory components. Thus, hyperbaric oxygenation has demonstrated beneficial effects, apart from improving local tissue oxygenation, on promoting angiogenesis, wound healing, providing neuroprotection, facilitating glucose uptake, appetite, and others. Nevertheless, an excessive hyperoxia exposure can lead to deleterious effects such as oxidative stress, pulmonary edema, and maybe inflammation. Interestingly, some of these favorable outcomes occur under high and low oxygen concentrations. Hereby, we review a potential therapeutic approach to the management of obesity as well as the oxygen-related inflammation accompanying expanded adipose tissue, based on elevated oxygen concentrations. To conclude, we highlight at the end of this review some areas that need further clarification