Association between Parental Feeding Styles and Excess Weight, and Its Mediation by Diet, in Costa Rican Adolescents

Background. Whereas parental feeding styles (PFS) influence children’s diet, less is known about this relationship in adolescents. Methods. A cross-sectional study in 686 Costa Rican adolescents (13–18 years) evaluated 4 validated PFS scores: healthy eating verbal encouragement; scolding; directly controlling diet; instrumental/emotional. Diet was evaluated through 3-day food records, deriving a Traditional Costa Rica Adolescents Diet Score (TCRAD). Excess weight (EW) measured by BMI was dichotomized following standards. Regression-based mediation analysis estimated the overall and sex-stratified odds ratios of EW for natural direct (NDE), natural indirect (NIE), and total effects (TE) of the pathway PFS-TCRAD-EW. Results. A one-unit increase in the direct control PFS score was associated with higher EW odds overall [(TE: 1.55; 95% CI: 1.04–2.31; p-value = 0.033), (NDE: 1.52; 95% CI: 1.02–2.27; p-value = 0.039)], and in boys [(TE: 2.13; 95% CI: 1.04–4.38; p-value = 0.039), (NDE: 2.10; 95% CI: 1.03–4.31; p-value = 0.042)]. Nonsignificant mediation by TCRAD was observed for the healthy eating verbal encouragement PFS overall (p-value = 0.06). Associations for the instrumental/emotional and scolding PFS were not significant. Conclusions. Direct diet control from parents may contribute to adolescents’ excess weight, particularly among boys. Parents encouraging healthy eating might support adolescents’ healthy weight through a healthy diet. Longitudinal research should clarify the association between PFS and diet-related outcomes among diverse adolescents.Ministerio de Salud de Costa Rica/[DMFG- 4854-14 y DM-FG.1748-2018]//Costa RicaConsejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología/[]/CONACYT/MéxicoHarvard University/[]//Estados UnidosUCR::Vicerrectoría de Investigación::Unidades de Investigación::Ciencias Sociales::Instituto de Investigaciones Psicológicas (IIP

Anthropometric profile and prevalence of overweight and obesity in Costa Rican urban population (aged 20-65 years old) by sex group: results from the Latin American Study of Nutrition and Health

Introduction: obesity is a disease that greatly affects the region of the Americas. This condition implies an increase risk of developing serious health outcomes such as cardiometabolic disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers. The prevalence of excess weight in Costa Rica was 59.7 % and 77.3 % in women aged 20 to 44 years old and 45 to 65 years old respectively, and 62,4 % in men aged 20-65 years old, in the period of 2008-2009, however, it is unknown how this condition was evolved. Objective: to describe the anthropometric profile and the prevalence of overweight and obesity in the Costa Rican urban population according to sociodemographic characteristics and level of physical activity. Materials and methods: a representative sample of the urban population was selected between November 2014 and May 2015, comprising 677 people between 20 and 65 years old. Measures of height, weight, and waist and neck circumference were measured and the prevalence of obesity, abdominal and cervical obesity was determined, according to the cut-off points established for each indicator. Results: the prevalence of excess weight (overweight and obesity) was 68.5 % among urban Costa Rican population, being higher for women (73.8 %), and for those participants over 35 years old (82.2 %). A 70.3 % of the population presented abdominal obesity and 46,8 % cervical obesity. Conclusions: in Costa Rica, the prevalence of obesity found is high compared to other regions of the world and has increased in relation to the National Nutrition Survey 2008-2009. The approach to obesity must be prioritized in order to prevent the development of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases and thus reduce the impact of these diseases on the health of the individual and the economic costs of health care.Introducción: la obesidad es una enfermedad que afecta en gran medida a la región de las Américas. Esta condición implica un aumento de la morbimortalidad y el riesgo de enfermedades crónicas, como las enfermedades cardiovasculares, diabetes tipo 2 y algunos tipos de cáncer. La prevalencia de exceso de peso en Costa Rica fue del 59,7 % y del 77,3 % en mujeres de 20 a 44 años y de 45 a 65 años, respectivamente, y del 62,4 % en hombres de 20-65 años en el periodo 2008-2009; sin embargo, se desconoce cómo ha evolucionado esta condición en la última década. Objetivo: describir el perfil antropométrico y la prevalencia de sobrepeso y obesidad en la población urbana costarricense según características sociodemográficas y nivel de actividad física. Métodos: entre noviembre de 2014 y mayo de 2015 se seleccionó una muestra representativa de la población urbana, conformada por 677 personas entre 20 y 65 años de edad. Se realizaron mediciones de talla, peso, circunferencia de cintura y cuello y se determinó la prevalencia de obesidad y la obesidad abdominal y cervical, según los puntos de corte establecidos para los respectivos indicadores. Resultados: se encontró una prevalencia de exceso de peso (sobrepeso y obesidad) del 68,5 % en la población urbana costarricense, mayor en las mujeres que en los hombres (73,8 %), y en las personas mayores de 35 años (82,2 %). Además, el 70,3 % de la población presentó obesidad abdominal y el 46,8 % presentó una circunferencia de cuello aumentada. Conclusiones: en Costa Rica, la prevalencia de obesidad encontrada es notablemente superior respecto a otras regiones del mundo y se ha incrementado en relación a la Encuesta Nacional de Nutrición 2008-2009, por lo que su abordaje se hace prioritario con el fin de prevenir la incidencia y prevalencia de enfermedades cardiovasculares y metabólicas y así disminuir su impacto, tanto para la salud del individuo como en los costes implicados en su atención.Coca Cola Company///Costa RicaUniversidad de Costa Rica///Costa RicaLife Science Institute///Estados UnidosUCR::Vicerrectoría de Docencia::Salud::Facultad de Medicina::Escuela de Medicin

Serum total homocysteine and lipoproteins levels in young adults from urban and rural areas of Costa Rica

Otras unidades de procedencia: Instituto Costarricense de Investigación y Enseñanza en Nutrición y Salud (INCIENSA), y la Oficina de Bienestar y Salud, Universidad de Costa Rica.Se estudió el perfil de Iípidos y los niveles séricos de homocisteína total de una población de 400 adultos con edades entre 20 y 40 anos residentes de áreas rurales y urbanas del valle central de Costa Rica. Los resultados indican que la proporción de sujetos de zona urbana con niveles elevados de LDL-C (=4,13 mmol/L) fue un 11 % mayor que la proporción de individuos de zona rural (29,2% y 18,0%, p=0,045). Por el contrario, la proporción de individuos de zona rural con niveles de HDL-C bajos (15 |imol/L), hipercolesterolemia (= 5,17 mmol/L) e hipertrigliceridemia (= 1,69 mmol/L) en la población estudiada fue 5,8%; 53,6% y 50,1 % respectivamente. El 82% de la población estudiada presentó valores de LDL-C = 2,58 mmol/L y un 61 % aproximadamente de los adultos tenían las HDL-C en niveles inferiores a 1,03 mmol/L. Los datos indican que la población costarricense estudiada presenta un alto riesgo cardiovascular. La prevalencia de niveles bajos de HDL-C (15 ìmol/L), hypercholesterolemia (= 5,17 mmol/L) and hypertriglyceridemia (=1,69 mmol/L) in the studied population were 5,8%, 53,6% y 50,1% respectively. 82% of the studied population had LDL-C levels above 2,58 mmol/L and approximately 61% of the adults had HDL-C levels lower than 1,03 mmol/L. Our data suggest that the studied costarrican population has a very high cardiovascular risk. The prevalence of low levels of HDL-C (< 1,03 mmol/L), marginal levels of total homocysteine and a tendency to have high levels of triglycerides were the most outstanding cardiovascular risk factors found in this population, specially in rural subjects, which could be associated with the quality of the diet of these habitants. It is necessary to develop effective intervention strategies to promote healthy lifestyles in the population in order to reduce the cardiovascular mortality rates in Costa Rica.Universidad de Costa Rica/[807-A2-308]/UCR/Costa RicaFundación de la Universidad de Costa Rica/[proyecto 217]/FUNDEVI/Costa RicaUCR::Vicerrectoría de Docencia::Salud::Facultad de MicrobiologíaUCR::Vicerrectoría de Investigación::Unidades de Investigación::Ciencias de la Salud::Centro de Investigación en Hematología y Trastornos Afines (CIHATA

Modelling Longitudinal Directional Associations Between Self-regulation, Physical Activity, and Habit: Results from a Cross-lagged Panel Model

Versión preprintBackground The directionality of associations between self-regulatory variables, behavior, and automaticity is seldomly tested. In this study, we aimed to examine a volitional, self-regulatory sequence of variables proposed in the Health Action Process Approach framework (intention → action plans → action control → behavior) and its relationship with the construct of automaticity of the physical activity habit. Methods Longitudinal data was collected from high school students (N = 203, Mage = 15.39 (SD = 1.43), 52% women) at three measurement points. First, a confirmatory factor analysis measurement model was used to examine the study variables across measurement points. Next, a cross-lagged panel model was used to test directionality between variables. Results After adequate fit of the measurement model was confirmed, a mechanism integrating self-regulation with behavior and automaticity was examined. The hypothesized directionality between variables was verified overall by cross-lagged analysis. However, for the intention-action plan association, the inverse relationship was found: plans were associated with subsequent intentions, but intentions did not predict plans. Moreover, automaticity was not associated with subsequent physical activity behavior. Conclusions In general, our findings supported the hypothesized longitudinal direction of the associations, confirming that self-regulation may lead to behavior performance and automaticity. Unexpected findings and implications for intervention and future research are discussed.UCR::Vicerrectoría de Investigación::Unidades de Investigación::Ciencias Sociales::Instituto de Investigaciones Psicológicas (IIP

Components of the metabolic syndrome among a sample of overweight and obese Costa Rican schoolchildren

Background. The term “pediatric metabolic syndrome” includes a cluster of cardiovascular risk factors such as insulin resistance, dyslipidemia (including increased triglycerides and decreased HDL cholesterol), hypertension, and obesity in children. No studies have been performed on this syndrome in a pediatric population in Costa Rica. Objective. To establish the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its components in 8- to 10-year old prepuberal overweight and obese schoolchildren. Methods. This cross-sectional survey was conducted in 214 overweight and obese boys and girls, aged 8 to 10 years, who were selected from six urban schools from San José, Costa Rica. Anthropometric measurements and determinations of blood glucose, insulin, triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were performed. The homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMAIR) index and the Castelli index were calculated to assess insulin resistance and cardiovascular risk, respectively. Social and lifestyle variables were obtained through validated questionnaires. Results. A total of 110 boys and 104 girls participated in this study; 37.9% of them were overweight and 62.1% were obese. Compared with boys, girls were more sedentary and had higher insulin levels (16.05 ± 10.45 μIU/ mL vs. 12.72 ± 7.63 μIU/mL, p = .008), body fat (36.5% vs. 30.9%, p < .001), and HOMA-IR indexes (3.5 ± 2.4 vs. 2.8 ± 1.7, p = .014) but lower HDL cholesterol (0.99 ± 0.23 mmol/L vs. 1.08 ± 0.27 mmol/L, p = .009). Obese children had significantly higher mean serum concentrations of insulin, hs-CRP, and triglycerides and higher insulin resistance (estimated by HOMA-IR) than overweight children, but lower mean serum levels of HDL cholesterol. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in the study population was 5.6%. Other risk factors for developing cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes had high prevalence rates among the children: sedentarism (40.6%), family history of type 2 diabetes (73.3%), high LDL cholesterol levels (≥ 2.84 mmol/L) (57.0%), hyperinsulinemia (> 10.5 μIU/mL) (59.8%), insulin resistance (estimated by HOMA-IR ≥ 2.4) (55.1%), and total cholesterol (> 4.39 mmol/L) (60.7%). Children with metabolic syndrome had significantly higher body mass indexes, glucose levels, and triglyceride levels and lower HDL cholesterol levels than children without metabolic syndrome. Insulin had a very strong positive correlation with HOMA-IR values (r = 0.982), and hs-CRP had a mild positive correlation with body mass index (r = 0.296) and body fat (r = 0.320). Conclusions. This study reported a prevalence of 5.6% of metabolic syndrome among a sample of Costa Rican overweight and obese prepuberal children. Lifestyle interventions focusing on weight reduction and increasing physical activities should be promoted by education and health authorities in order to avoid the early development and onset of type 2 diabetes and atherosclerosis in childhoodUniversidad de Costa Rica/[807-A3-305]/UCR/Costa RicaUCR::Vicerrectoría de Docencia::Salud::Facultad de MicrobiologíaUCR::Vicerrectoría de Investigación::Unidades de Investigación::Ciencias de la Salud::Centro de Investigación en Hematología y Trastornos Afines (CIHATA

Re-evaluating the Self-Report Habit Index: the cases of Physical Activity and Snacking habits

Objective. The Self-Report Habit Index (SRHI) was originally reported as one-dimensional (Verplanken and Orbell, 2003). Nevertheless, habit has been described as characterized by several features, and one-dimensional models for the SRHI have shown poor fit. Therefore, we aimed to compare multi-dimensional models with a one-dimension model in both snacking and physical activity habits, besides examining further instrument characteristics. Design. A cross-sectional study was conducted with high school and university students (n = 555). Main outcome measure. The SRHI adapted for physical activity and for snaking habits was applied at one single time. Results. Nested models with one factor, two factors, and three factors were compared. Then, a hierarchical second-order model was tested, and further validity issues, as well as invariance between habits, were examined. Three-dimensional models represented a better fit for both habits. However, fit was still non-adequate in the snacking version. Also, discriminant validity concerns raised for the physical activity SRHI. Also, invariance between the snacking and the physical activity versions was not confirmed. Conclusions. Considering the SRHI as composed by the dimensions of “lack of awareness”, “lack of control”, and “history of behavioural repetition” seems to be more accurate. Nevertheless, our findings suggest that further research is needed.Universidad de Costa Rica/[723-B7-306]/UCR/Costa RicaUCR::Vicerrectoría de Investigación::Unidades de Investigación::Ciencias Sociales::Instituto de Investigaciones Psicológicas (IIP

Morphological and molecular characterization of Podosphaera xanthii, causal agent of powdery mildew in husk tomato and watermelon

Objective: To determine the causal agent of powdery mildew in husk tomato and watermelon, as well as its morphological and molecular characterization. Design/methodology/approach: In Iguala, Guerrero, in 2018, leaves with powdery mildew symptoms from husk tomato (Physalis ixocarpa) and watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) were collected. From two isolates (Phyxa1 and Phyxa2) of husk tomato and two of watermelon (Citrus1 and Citrus2), the morphological characterization was carried out by assembling morphological structures and visualizing them under an optical microscope. For molecular characterization, the ITS region was amplified with the use of primers ITS1 and ITS4, PCR was performed and the products obtained were sequenced in the company Macrogen®. A phylogenetic analysis was performed with the resulting sequences and they were compared with other sequences available in GenBank. Results: It was determined that there is morphological and genetic variability between isolates from husk tomato and watermelon. The largest sizes of conidiophores and conidia were from Phyxa1 and Phyxa2 isolates, the smallest sizes were recorded in Citrus1 and Citrus2. The isolates presented a tendency to group according to the host, the Phyxa1 and Phyxa2 isolates were associated with Solanacea isolates, while the Citrus1 and Citrus2 isolates were grouped with isolates of the Cucurbitaceae family. Findings/conclusions: Podosphaera xanthii was shown to be the agent associated with powdery mildew in husk tomato and watermelon. Morphological and genetic variability of P. xanthii was determined, which was associated with the host of origin.Objective: To determine the causal agent of powdery mildew in husk tomato and watermelon, as well as its morphological and molecular characterization. Design/methodology/approach: Leaves with powdery mildew symptoms were collected from husk tomato (Physalis ixocarpa) and watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) in Iguala, Guerrero, Mexico in 2018. From two isolates (Phyxa1 and Phyxa2) of husk tomato and two of watermelon (Citrus1 and Citrus2), the morphological characterization was carried out by assembling morphological structures and visualizing them under an optical microscope. For molecular characterization, the ITS region was amplified with the use of primers ITS1 and ITS4, PCR was performed and the products obtained were sequenced in the company Macrogen®. A phylogenetic analysis was performed with the resulting sequences and they were compared with other sequences available in GenBank. Results: It was determined that there is morphological and genetic variability between isolates from husk tomato and watermelon. The largest sizes of conidiophores and conidia were from Phyxa1 and Phyxa2 isolates, the smallest sizes were found in Citrus1 and Citrus2. The isolates presented a tendency to group according to the host, the Phyxa1 and Phyxa2 isolates were associated with Solanacea isolates, while the Citrus1 and Citrus2 isolates were grouped with isolates of the Cucurbitaceae family. Findings/conclusions: Podosphaera xanthii was shown to be the agent associated with powdery mildew in husk tomato and watermelon. The morphological and genetic variability of P. xanthii was determined, which was associated with the host of origin

Impact of nonoptimal intakes of saturated, polyunsaturated, and trans fat on global burdens of coronary heart disease

Background: Saturated fat (SFA), ω‐6 (n‐6) polyunsaturated fat (PUFA), and trans fat (TFA) influence risk of coronary heart disease (CHD), but attributable CHD mortalities by country, age, sex, and time are unclear. Methods and Results: National intakes of SFA, n‐6 PUFA, and TFA were estimated using a Bayesian hierarchical model based on country‐specific dietary surveys; food availability data; and, for TFA, industry reports on fats/oils and packaged foods. Etiologic effects of dietary fats on CHD mortality were derived from meta‐analyses of prospective cohorts and CHD mortality rates from the 2010 Global Burden of Diseases study. Absolute and proportional attributable CHD mortality were computed using a comparative risk assessment framework. In 2010, nonoptimal intakes of n‐6 PUFA, SFA, and TFA were estimated to result in 711 800 (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 680 700–745 000), 250 900 (95% UI 236 900–265 800), and 537 200 (95% UI 517 600–557 000) CHD deaths per year worldwide, accounting for 10.3% (95% UI 9.9%–10.6%), 3.6%, (95% UI 3.5%–3.6%) and 7.7% (95% UI 7.6%–7.9%) of global CHD mortality. Tropical oil–consuming countries were estimated to have the highest proportional n‐6 PUFA– and SFA‐attributable CHD mortality, whereas Egypt, Pakistan, and Canada were estimated to have the highest proportional TFA‐attributable CHD mortality. From 1990 to 2010 globally, the estimated proportional CHD mortality decreased by 9% for insufficient n‐6 PUFA and by 21% for higher SFA, whereas it increased by 4% for higher TFA, with the latter driven by increases in low‐ and middle‐income countries. Conclusions: Nonoptimal intakes of n‐6 PUFA, TFA, and SFA each contribute to significant estimated CHD mortality, with important heterogeneity across countries that informs nation‐specific clinical, public health, and policy priorities.peer-reviewe

Educación ambiental y sociedad. Saberes locales para el desarrollo y la sustentabilidad

EL LIBRO PERMITE REFLEXIONAR SOBRE LA IMPORTANCIA DE FOMENTAL LA EDUCACIÓN AMBIENTAL PARA RESOLVER LA PROBLEMÁTICA AMBIENTALEL LIBRO PRESENTA DIFERENTES TRABAJOS QUE ESTUDIAN EL TEMA D ELA SUSTENTABILIDAD, ENFATIZANDO LA IMPORTANCIA DE LA EDUCACIÓN AMBIENTAL Y LA TRANSDISCIPLINANINGUN