Eat Well to Fight Obesity… and Save Water: The Water Footprint of Different Diets and Caloric Intake and Its Relationship With Adiposity

The authors thank the National Council for Science and Technology (CONACYT) for the scholarship number 717186 (CVU 934420).Water scarcity and excess adiposity are two of the main problems worldwide and in Mexico, which is the most obese country in the world and suffers from water scarcity. Food production represents 90% of a person’s water footprint (WF), and healthy diets can lead to less WF than do unhealthy diets related to obesity. We calculated the WF of the diet and caloric intake of adults in Mexico and analyzed its relationship with adiposity. Also, the risk of water expenditure due to adiposity and adherence to dietary recommendations regarding WF of international healthy diets were examined. A Food Consumption Frequency Questionnaire (FCFQ) was applied to 395 adults. Body mass index (BMI), associated with adiposity indicators, was used as a reference for grouping a sample into adiposity levels. The WF was calculated according to the WF Assessment Method, considering correction factors and accounting for water involved in cooking and food washing. Our results showed that the Mexican diet spends 6,056 liters per person per day (L p−1d−1) and is 55%higher than international healthy diets WF. Consumption of beef, milk, fruits, chicken, and fatty cereals represented 56% of total WF. Strong relations appeared between hypercaloric diets and high WF. Diets of people with excess adiposity generated statistically higher WF with extra expenses of 729 L p−1d−1 compared with the normal adiposity population. Following nutritional recommendations offers a protective factor in water care, whereas not adhering to these represents a risk up to 93 times greater of water expenditure regarding international healthy diets. Therefore, both for the general population and to regulate obesity, adequate diets can help mitigate the problem of water scarcity.Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologia (CONACyT) 717186 (CVU 934420

Clustering of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Cases in Acapulco: Spoligotyping and Risk Factors

Recurrence and reinfection of tuberculosis have quite different implications for prevention. We identified 267 spoligotypes of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from consecutive tuberculosis patients in Acapulco, Mexico, to assess the level of clustering and risk factors for clustered strains. Point cluster analysis examined spatial clustering. Risk analysis relied on the Mantel Haenszel procedure to examine bivariate associations, then to develop risk profiles of combinations of risk factors. Supplementary analysis of the spoligotyping data used SpolTools. Spoligotyping identified 85 types, 50 of them previously unreported. The five most common spoligotypes accounted for 55% of tuberculosis cases. One cluster of 70 patients (26% of the series) produced a single spoligotype from the Manila Family (Clade EAI2). The high proportion (78%) of patients infected with cluster strains is compatible with recent transmission of TB in Acapulco. Geomatic analysis showed no spatial clustering; clustering was associated with a risk profile of uneducated cases who lived in single-room dwellings. The Manila emerging strain accounted for one in every four cases, confirming that one strain can predominate in a hyperendemic area

Detección de Círculos Basada en la Orientación de Bordes y Triángulos Rectángulos

La Transformada de Hough para Círculos es el método estándar para la detección de círculos en imágenes. Debido a sus desventajas, varias modificaciones y nuevos algoritmos han sido sugeridos. En este trabajo se presenta un método eficaz de detección de círculos basado en la orientación de bordes y triángulos rectángulos dentro de un círculo. El método propuesto disminuye el requisito de almacenamiento y aumenta la velocidad para encontrar círculos en una imagen utilizando una técnica de segmentación y análisis entrelazado. Algunas imágenes sintéticas con diferentes niveles de ruido y algunas naturales se han utilizado para probar el rendimiento del método propuesto. Los resultados experimentales muestran que el método propuesto es más rápido y espacialmente más compacto que la Transformada de Hough para Círculos

Contribución de los heterótrofos a la calcificación secundaria en arrecifes marginales del Pacífico mexicano

Background. Sclerobionts (e.g., calcareous algae, bryozoans, polychaetes, mollusks, and barnacles) produce reef calcium carbonate (CaCO3). Their contribution is key to maintaining positive CaCO3 balances, especially in marginal reefs. Objective. To compare the production of CaCO3 by sclerobionts in two marginal reefs of the Mexican Pacific: Las Gatas (LG), in Zihuatanejo Guerrero Bay, and La Llave (LL), in Bahía de Los Angeles (Gulf of California). Methods. CAUs (Calcification/Accretion Units) were used to promote sclerobiont recruitment during two deployment times: 6 and 15 months. Results. The calcification rate was high at six months and then decreased due to rapid colonization and initial growth, followed by a decrease over time. Sclerobionts deposited 1.2 ± 0.4 kg CaCO3 m-2 yr-1 in LG, which represents 7% of the production of branching corals in the Mexican South Pacific (17.2 kg m-2 yr-1), while in LL, they deposited 2.1 ± 0.7 kg CaCO3 m-2 yr-1; equivalent to 20% of the production of massive corals in the area (10.1 kg m-2 yr-1). The groups that deposited most CaCO3were mollusks and bryozoans in LG (up to 0.65 ± 0.16 kg m-2 yr-1) and barnacles in LL (up to 2.32 ± 0.35 kg m-2 yr-1). Conclusions. These results highlight the role of heterotrophs as secondary calcifiers both in LG, a site impacted by anthropogenic activity, and in LL, an area with low anthropogenic impact but high biological productivity associated with upwellings. This finding implies that the environmental conditions at the study sites limit the calcification of primary calcifiers (i.e., corals and CCA) but promote that of secondary calcifiers, with potential geomorphic repercussionsAntecedentes. Los esclerobiontes (e.g., algas calcáreas, briozoos, poliquetos, moluscos, y balanos) par-ticipan en la producción de carbonato de calcio (CaCO3) arrecifal. Su contribución es vital para mantener balances de CaCO3 positivos, especialmente en arrecifes marginales. Objetivo. Comparar la producción de CaCO3 por esclerobiontes en un arrecife sujeto a estrés antropogénico - Las Gatas (LG), en la bahía de Zihua-tanejo Guerrero, y otro bajo condiciones ambientales altamente fluctuantes - La Llave (LL), en Bahía de Los Ángeles (Golfo de California). Métodos. Se utilizaron CAUs (Calcification/Accretion Units) para promover el reclutamiento de esclerobiontes durante dos periodos de inmersión: 6 y 15 meses. Resultados. La tasa de calcificación fue alta a los 6 meses y luego disminuyó debido a la rápida colonización y crecimiento inicial seguido de una disminución con el tiempo. Los esclerobiontes depositaron 1.2 ± 0.4 kg CaCO3 m-2 año-1 en LG, lo que representa el 7% de la producción de corales ramificados en el Pacífico sur mexicano (17.2 kg m-2año-1), mientras que en LL depositaron 2.1 ± 0.7 kg CaCO3 m-2 año-1, equivalente al 20% de la producción de corales masivos en la zona (10.1 kg m-2 año-1). Los grupos que más CaCO3 depositaronfueron los moluscos y los briozoos en LG (hasta 0.65 ± 0.16 kg m-2 año-1), y los balanos en LL (hasta 2.32 ± 0.35 kg m-2 año-1). Conclusiones. Estos resultados destacan el papel de los heterótrofos como calcificadores secundarios tanto en LG, un sitio impactado por actividad antropogénica, como en LL, un sitio con bajo impacto antropogénico, pero con alta productividad biológica asociada a surgencias. Este hallazgo implica que las condiciones am-bientales en los sitios de estudio limitan la calcificación de los calcificadores primarios (i.e., corales y CCA) pero estimulan la de calcificadores secundarios, con potenciales repercusiones geomórficas

VID22 counteracts G-quadruplex-induced genome instability

Genome instability is a condition characterized by the accumulation of genetic alterations and is a hallmark of cancer cells. To uncover new genes and cellular pathways affecting endogenous DNA damage and genome integrity, we exploited a Synthetic Genetic Array (SGA)-based screen in yeast. Among the positive genes, we identified VID22, reported to be involved in DNA double-strand break repair. vid22Δ cells exhibit increased levels of endogenous DNA damage, chronic DNA damage response activation and accumulate DNA aberrations in sequences displaying high probabilities of forming G-quadruplexes (G4-DNA). If not resolved, these DNA secondary structures can block the progression of both DNA and RNA polymerases and correlate with chromosome fragile sites. Vid22 binds to and protects DNA at G4-containing regions both in vitro and in vivo. Loss of VID22 causes an increase in gross chromosomal rearrangement (GCR) events dependent on G-quadruplex forming sequences. Moreover, the absence of Vid22 causes defects in the correct maintenance of G4-DNA rich elements, such as telomeres and mtDNA, and hypersensitivity to the G4-stabilizing ligand TMPyP4. We thus propose that Vid22 is directly involved in genome integrity maintenance as a novel regulator of G4 metabolism.Associazione Italiana per la Ricerca sul Cancro (AIRC) 15631, 21806MIUR PRIN 2015- 2015SJLMB9, PRIN 2017-2017KSZZJW, PRIN2017-2017Z55KCMinisterio de Economía y Competitividad BFU2016- 75058-PCanadian Institutes of Health Research FDN-15991

Impact of berries production on the eating behavior in a population of Jalisco, Mexico / Impacto de la producción de berries sobre el comportamiento alimentario en una población de Jalisco, México

Abstract In Zapotlán el Grande (ZEG) the production of berries has increased drastically, while traditional crops has decreased. The availability of these new foods may change eating habits (EH) of the population. The objective of this study was to assess the frequency and amount of berry consumption in the adult population of Ciudad Guzmán (ZEG, Jalisco, Mexico), and to identify if these have become part of their EH. A total of 384 adults, from 18 to 65 years old, residents of Ciudad Guzmán, were surveyed with an adapted version of a food consumption frequency questionnaire. 34% of participants reported never consuming blueberries, raspberries or blackberries, while 39% eat them occasionally. On average, none of the berries was consumed in the amount proposed by the Mexican System of Equivalent Foods (SMAE), and only accounted 18% of the ration suggested by the World Health Organization (WHO). It is concluded that although the amount of berries consumed is less than the recommended by the WHO or SMAE, a quarter of the population assessed has incorporated berries into their usual diet, which shows that their availability is generating a change in the EH of the population. Resumen En Zapotlán el Grande (ZEG) la producción de berries ha aumentado drásticamente, mientras que la de cultivos tradicionales ha disminuido. La disponibilidad de estos nuevos alimentos puede generar cambios en los hábitos alimentarios (HA) de la población. El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar la frecuencia y la cantidad de consumo de berries en población adulta de Ciudad Guzmán (ZEG, Jalisco, México), e identificar si estos han pasado a formar parte de sus HA. Participaron 384 adultos, de 18 a 65 años, residentes de Ciudad Guzmán, quienes fueron encuestados por medio de una versión adaptada de un cuestionario de frecuencia de consumo de alimentos. El 34% de los participantes refirió nunca consumir arándanos, frambuesas o zarzamoras, mientras que 39% los ingieren ocasionalmente. En promedio, ninguno de los berries fue consumido en la ración propuesta en el Sistema Mexicano de Alimentos Equivalentes (SMAE), y solo representó 18% de la ración sugerida por la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS). Se concluye que aunque en cantidad inferior a la recomendada por la OMS o el SMAE, una cuarta parte de la población evaluada ha incorporado los berries a su dieta habitual, lo que demuestra que su disponibilidad está generando una modificación en los HA de la población.

Prevalence of orthostatic hypotension in a series of elderly Mexican institutionalized patients

Background: Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is a common problem among the elderly. It is associated with an increase in morbidity and mortality, but its prevalence in Mexico is unknown. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional prospective study of intern patients at several Mexican elderly assistance institutions. We carried out a history and took blood pressure readings in a seated position, immediately after standing up, and again after 3 min of standing up. Results: We evaluated 132 patients, mean age 82.3 ± 9.5 years, 74.1% of them female. Thirty-nine (29.3%) subjects had OH. They had a higher prevalence of hypothyroidism, Parkinson’s disease, depression and alcoholism. Their Minimental result was 15.45 ± 7.2 vs 16.12 ± 7.9 (p = 0.6) among those without OH, and their quality of life (Minnesota scale) was 12.1 ± 7.3 vs 9.15 ± 7.05 (p = 0.03). They used more ACEI, digoxin and levothyroxin. Hypertension and alcoholism showed respectively a RR of 2.6 (95% CI 0.9–7.6, p = 0.06) and 3.18 (95% CI 0.96–10.48, p = 0.05) to develop OH. Conclusions: OH was present in 29.3% of the studied population. A third of them had hypertension. The use of different medications does not solely explain OH, so it is necessary to look for different associations. Among those, chronic alcoholism stands out. OH is associated with a poorer quality of life and cognitive performance. OH is asymptomatic in most cases. (Cardiol J 2011; 18, 3: 282–288

VID22 counteracts G-quadruplex-induced genome instability

Genome instability is a condition characterized by the accumulation of genetic alterations and is a hallmark of cancer cells. To uncover new genes and cellular pathways affecting endogenous DNA damage and genome integrity, we exploited a Synthetic Genetic Array (SGA)-based screen in yeast. Among the positive genes, we identified VID22, reported to be involved in DNA double-strand break repair. vid22Δ cells exhibit increased levels of endogenous DNA damage, chronic DNA damage response activation and accumulate DNA aberrations in sequences displaying high probabilities of forming G-quadruplexes (G4-DNA). If not resolved, these DNA secondary structures can block the progression of both DNA and RNA polymerases and correlate with chromosome fragile sites. Vid22 binds to and protects DNA at G4-containing regions both in vitro and in vivo. Loss of VID22 causes an increase in gross chromosomal rearrangement (GCR) events dependent on G-quadruplex forming sequences. Moreover, the absence of Vid22 causes defects in the correct maintenance of G4-DNA rich elements, such as telomeres and mtDNA, and hypersensitivity to the G4-stabilizing ligand TMPyP4. We thus propose that Vid22 is directly involved in genome integrity maintenance as a novel regulator of G4 metabolism

VID22 counteracts G-quadruplex-induced genome instability

Genome instability is a condition characterized by the accumulation of genetic alterations and is a hallmark of cancer cells. To uncover new genes and cellular pathways affecting endogenous DNA damage and genome integrity, we exploited a Synthetic Genetic Array (SGA)-based screen in yeast. Among the positive genes, we identified VID22, reported to be involved in DNA double-strand break repair. vid22Δ cells exhibit increased levels of endogenous DNA damage, chronic DNA damage response activation and accumulate DNA aberrations in sequences displaying high probabilities of forming G-quadruplexes (G4-DNA). If not resolved, these DNA secondary structures can block the progression of both DNA and RNA polymerases and correlate with chromosome fragile sites. Vid22 binds to and protects DNA at G4-containing regions both in vitro and in vivo. Loss of VID22 causes an increase in gross chromosomal rearrangement (GCR) events dependent on G-quadruplex forming sequences. Moreover, the absence of Vid22 causes defects in the correct maintenance of G4-DNA rich elements, such as telomeres and mtDNA, and hypersensitivity to the G4-stabilizing ligand TMPyP4. We thus propose that Vid22 is directly involved in genome integrity maintenance as a novel regulator of G4 metabolism.Associazione Italiana per la Ricerca sul Cancro (AIRC) [15631, 21806 to M.M.F.]; MIUR [PRIN 2015-2015SJLMB9; PRIN 2017-2017KSZZJW to M.M.F.]; Telethon [GGP15227 to M.M.F.]; F.L. was supported by the University of Milano: ‘‘Piano di Sviluppo dell’Ateneo per la Ricerca. Linea B: Supporto per i Giovani Ricercatori’’; M.C.B. was supported by Fondazione Veronesi; Research at the laboratory of A.A. was funded by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness [BFU2016-75058-P]; B.G.G. was funded by the Spanish Association Against Cancer; MIUR [PRIN2017-2017Z55KC to T.B.]; M.C., D.S.H. are supported by MIUR [PRIN 2017] and CNRbiomics [PIR01_00017]; H2020 Projects ELIXIR-EXCELERATE, EOSC-Life, EOSC-Pillar and Elixir-IIB; G.W.B. was supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research[FDN-159913]. Funding for open access charge: Associazione Italiana per la Ricerca sul Cancro (AIRC) [21806]