Search

In this paper we present and assess human isotopic data (δ13C and δ15N) available for Southern Chile. We analyze 24 cases from six different geographical zones, dated 200-1850 AD. This new information allows us to characterize individuals who had different subsistence patterns, social organization and historical trajectories, vis-a-vis phenomena like the adoption of ceramics (150 BC), cultigens (750-1000 AD) and the arrival of Europeans (1550 AD). This is complemented by a regional baseline of 45 archaeological faunal and plant resources. Based on our results, three dietary patterns can be identified over time (from 1000 to 1850 AD): one oriented towards marine resources, another towards C 3 plants and terrestrial protein, and the last focused on a mixed consumption of C 3 and C 4 plants, complemented by intake of terrestrial and marine protein. These cases show significant intra-zone consistency over time, and high inter-zone variability. This heterogeneous situation is evident even in synchronous individuals ascribed to the same cultural-historical unit or inhabiting the same geographical macro-zone (valley, coast, islands). It also contrasts with results from adjacent areas to Southern Chile. This highlights the complex diet variability that existed in societies which otherwise appear to be extremely alike in their archaeological record (burials, pottery) and ethnographic features (language, rituals). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Among the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), the global warming and malnutrition relationship relies on food consumption patterns. It calls for a decisive change in food consumption patterns by offering nutritionally adequate, acceptable, affordable, and environmentally friendly menus in massive food services. Therefore, the research question can be defined as: Are there menus considering several servings, nutritionally adequate, acceptable, affordable, and environmentally friendly? Methods: To address this problem, we focus on the dilemma between minimizing the equivalent carbon dioxide (CO2eq) emitted in the entire production process of a menu, the monthly acquisition cost, and the selection of the most nutritionally adequate menu possible. Specifically, we formulated three multi-objective quadratic mixed integer programming (QMIP) models: (i) minimization of CO2eq emissions and the selection of the most nutritionally adequate menu possible, (ii) minimization of the monthly acquisition cost of the system and the selection of the most nutritionally adequate menu possible, and (iii) the weighting of CO2eq emissions, the monthly acquisition cost, and the selection of the most nutritionally adequate menu possible. All are subject to the same nutritional constraints, operational requirements, and cultural acceptability. Chile is the case study to illustrate the proposal's usefulness, which is one of the wealthiest countries in the Global South with the highest prevalence of overweight. In addition, Chile has addressed various international initiatives, where greenhouse gas reduction is one of the most important commitments. Consequently, alternatives to change food consumption patterns are required. We selected a prestigious Chilean public university in Santiago, which houses all the communities on a single campus. The university offers a daily lunch menu consisting of a starter, main dish, and dessert, considering a set of nutritional aspects: proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, saturated fatty acids, fiber, cholesterol, sodium, and calories. Results: As a result of the 6-month optimization, minimizing acquisition costs proposes cheaper menus with higher CO2eq emissions than those proposed by the emission minimization. However, when both objective functions are weighted by 50%, results reach saved costs equivalent to 53,030 USD and emission reduction by around 94,900 kg CO2eq in the 6 months, compared to the data the menus delivered by the university. Conclusions: It shows that, despite assessing conflicting objectives, it is possible to design nutritionally adequate, acceptable, affordable, and environmentally friendly menus for the case study presented. Future research considers solution approaches for multi-objective optimization as genetic algorithms and includes maximizing the number of servings to deliver. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. To determine clusters of individuals who present similar health behaviors in terms of diet, physical activity, and sedentarism, in four countries of the Americas: Brazil (2013), Chile (2009), Mexico (2012), and the United States of America (2013). This makes it possible to determine which of these behaviors occur simultaneously, as well as the demographic and sociodemographic characteristics associated with each cluster. Methods. The individual-level data analyzed were drawn from national health interviews and health examination surveys in Brazil, Chile, Mexico, and the United States, for different time periods. Using international physical activity guidelines and national dietary guidelines, the health behaviors of each individual were assessed. A latent class analysis was conducted to classify individuals into clusters based on these behaviors, and was followed by multinomial regressions to determine the characteristics of those in each class. Results. Overall, most individuals belonged to the classes characterized by average or unhealthy diets but sufficient amounts of physical activity. However, large differences exist across countries and population groups. Men with higher socioeconomic characteristics were globally more likely to belong to the least healthy class in each country. Conclusions. Findings from this analysis support the implementation of more refined policy actions to target specific unhealthy behaviors in different population groups, defined by gender, age group, socioeconomic status, and, to some extent, place of residence. The at-risk populations identified through this paper are those that should be targeted by upcoming interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Certain countries have the privilege of diverse ecosystems that allow access to wide food availability. This fact carries an intrinsic diversity in bioactive compounds such as phytochemicals, especially polyphenols. The aim of this review is to summarize the advances in polyphenols research which have been conducted in Chile, with a focus on polyphenol-rich foods and health-related outcomes. In the first part, several studies that have analyzed food sources rich in polyphenols are presented. This is followed by a description of in vitro and in vivo studies from Chile that have evaluated the polyphenol compounds of Chilean foods or their extracts along with their biological activity or health effects. Most polyphenol studies in our search have an in vitro experimental design where mainly protective activities are tested. The antioxidant effect is remarkable in all studies. As well as discussing the future direction of dietary assessment and the approach to biomarkers in this field, currently, additional emphasis and research investment are necessary to explore more native foods with an added value. Abbreviations: TPC: total Phenolic Content; PEE: phenolic-enriched extract; PAs: proanthocyanidins; 24 HDR: 24-hour dietary recall; FFQ: food frequency questionnaires. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Little is known about the California Quail (Callipepla californica) as an invader in Chile and Argentina. Our goal was to review the history of its introduction and to provide updated information on its spread and current geographic distribution in those two neighboring countries, together with information on its body measurements (weight, wing length, and tail length), diet (granivory, frugivory), parasitism (endo and ecto), and other interspecific interactions (competition and predation), including hunting by humans. Methods and result: We conducted a selective review of the history of introduction, distributional records, and biological features of C. californica, as recorded in mainstream journals, landmark monographs and books, and internet sources. We also measured specimens collected in central Chile and analyzed their stomach contents. We report that the California Quail was first introduced to Chile in 1864, and it now spans ca. 2,800 km in the country. From stocks in Chile, this bird was back-introduced to California (USA), and also introduced to Argentina in the 1920s, now spanning ca. 1,400 km in the country. It is currently abundant and legally hunted in both countries. In Chile, its non-breeding diet is strongly granivorous. In Argentina it feeds similarly. In Chile, endoparasites are three species of nematodes, one of cestodes, and two of coccidian protozoans; ectoparasites are three species of hard ticks, one of mites, and two of chewing lice. No such data are available from Argentina. In Chile, combining autumn and winter samples we obtained mean weights of 194.4 (± 9.0 SD) g for 21 adult males and of 183.9 (± 14.3 SD) g for 10 adult females, figures similar to those reported for C. c. brunnescens in California (USA), which we suspect is the subspecies now spread over in Chile and Argentina. Discussion: We propose that interesting scientific opportunities are being missed regarding the population genetics of a species with introductions and back-introductions that may have left founding effects and genetic bottlenecks in Chile and Argentina, and perhaps some peculiar "Chilean" genetic markers among California (USA) populations. We also raise the question whether this introduced species may be deemed invasive, calling for research to determine its impact in its new environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista de Biologia Marina y Oceanografía (RBMO) is the property of Universidad de Valparaiso, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: The first phase of a comprehensive marketing policy was implemented in Chile in 2016. The policy restricted child-directed marketing of foods and beverages considered high in energy, total sugars, sodium or saturated fat ("high-in"). The objective of this study was to examine the role of high-in TV food advertising as a mediator in the association between policy implementation and consumption of high-in foods and beverages between 2016 and 2017. Methods: Dietary data were from 24-hour diet recalls collected in 2016 and 2017 in a cohort of 12–14 y children (n = 721). Television use was assessed concurrently and linked to analyses of food advertisements on broadcast and paid television to derive individual-level estimates of exposure to high-in food advertising. A multilevel mediation analysis examined direct and indirect effects of the policy through advertising exposure. Results: Following the policy implementation, high-in advertising exposure was significantly reduced (p < 0.01). High-in food intake decreased in adolescents with lower levels, but not higher levels, of high-in advertising at baseline. We did not find evidence of mediation by changes in high-in ad exposure. Conclusions: Adolescents' exposure to high-in TV advertising decreased after the 2016 implementation of the Chilean Food Labeling and Marketing Law. However, evidence that changes in advertisement mediated dietary changes was not found. Further research is needed to understand how marketing changes will relate to dietary changes after full implementation of the law and in the long term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To assess the consumption of ultra-processed foods and its association with the overall dietary content of nutrients related to non-communicable diseases (NCD) in the Chilean diet and to estimate the population attributable fraction of ultra-processed food consumption on the unhealthy nutrient content.Design: Cross-sectional analysis of dietary data collected through a national survey (2010).Setting: Chile.Participants: Chilean population aged ≥2 years (n 4920).Results: In Chile, ultra-processed foods represented 28·6 % of the total energy intake. A significant positive association was found between the dietary share of ultra-processed foods and NCD-promoting nutrients such as dietary energy density (standardised regression coefficient (β) = 0·22), content of free sugars (β = 0·45), total fats (β = 0·26), saturated fats (β = 0·19), trans fats (β = 0·09) and Na:K ratio (β = 0·04), while a significant negative association was found with the content of NCD-protective nutrients such as K (β = -0·19) and fibre (β = -0·31). The content of Na (β = 0·02) presented no significant association. Except for Na, the prevalence of inadequate intake of all nutrients (WHO recommendations) increased across quintiles of the dietary share of ultra-processed foods. With the reduction of ultra-processed foods consumption to the level seen among the 20 % lowest consumers (3·8 % (0-9·3 %) of the total energy from ultra-processed foods), the prevalence of nutrient inadequacy would be reduced in almost three-fourths for trans fats; in half for energy density (foods); in around one-third for saturated fats, energy density (beverages), free sugars and total fats; in near 20 % for fibre and Na:K ratio and in 13 % for K.Conclusions: In Chile, decreasing the consumption of ultra-processed foods is a potentially effective way to achieve the WHO nutrient goals for the prevention of diet-related NCD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of the present work was to evaluate the influence of two front-of-pack nutrition information schemes (traffic-light system and Chilean warning system) on consumer purchase of ultra-processed foods in a simulated online grocery store.Design: Following a between-subjects design, participants completed a simulated weekly food purchase in an online grocery store under one of three experimental conditions: (i) a control condition with no nutrition information, (ii) a traffic-light system and (iii) the Chilean warning system. Information about energy (calories), sugar, saturated fats and salt content was included in the nutrition information schemes.Setting: Participants were recruited from a consumer database and a Facebook advertisement.Subjects: People from Montevideo (Uruguay), aged 18-77 years (n 437; 75 % female), participated in the study. All participants were in charge of food purchase in the household, at least occasionally.Results: No significant differences between experimental conditions were found in the mean share of ultra-processed foods purchased by participants, both in terms of number of products and expenditure, or in the mean energy, sugar, saturated fat and salt content of the purchased items. However, the Chilean warning system decreased intended purchase of sweets and desserts.Conclusions: Results from this online simulation provided little evidence to suggest that the traffic-light system or the Chilean warning system in isolation could be effective in reducing purchase of ultra-processed foods or improving the nutritional composition of the purchased products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives The Rapa Nui 'ecocide' narrative questions whether the prehistoric population caused an avoidable ecological disaster through rapid deforestation and over-exploitation of natural resources. The objective of this study was to characterize prehistoric human diets to shed light on human adaptability and land use in an island environment with limited resources. Materials and methods Materials for this study included human, faunal, and botanical remains from the archaeological sites Anakena and Ahu Tepeu on Rapa Nui, dating from c. 1400 AD to the historic period, and modern reference material. We used bulk carbon and nitrogen isotope analyses and amino acid compound specific isotope analyses (AA-CSIA) of collagen isolated from prehistoric human and faunal bone, to assess the use of marine versus terrestrial resources and to investigate the underlying baseline values. Similar isotope analyses of archaeological and modern botanical and marine samples were used to characterize the local environment. Results Results of carbon and nitrogen AA-CSIA independently show that around half the protein in diets from the humans measured came from marine sources; markedly higher than previous estimates. We also observed higher δ15N values in human collagen than could be expected from the local environment. Discussion Our results suggest highly elevated δ15N values could only have come from consumption of crops grown in substantially manipulated soils. These findings strongly suggest that the prehistoric population adapted and exhibited astute environmental awareness in a harsh environment with nutrient poor soils. Our results also have implications for evaluating marine reservoir corrections of radiocarbon dates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bubo magellanicusis a nocturnal raptor with a wide distribution in the southern cone of South America. The diet ofB. magellanicusin central Chile was analysed, using the pellet analysis method.Bubo magellanicuswas found to consume mainly rodents (44.8%), lagomorphs (22.0%) and birds (23.6%). The most frequent rodents wereAbrocoma bennetti(18.2%) andAbrothrix longipilis(7.3%). On the other hand, a comparison of the diet ofB. magellanicuswith previous studies showed that the main prey species were small mammals and that the proportion of birds and insects was higher in sites located in central Chile. In addition, the geometric mean weight of prey captured decreased in sites located in southern Chile; however, the trophic niche breadth showed no clear change in the five locations analysed. Finally, the prey diversity in the diet of theB. magellanicusbetween sites located in three eco-regions of Chile showed significant differences.ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHERCopyright of New Zealand Journal of Zoology is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 106 specimens of the big eye grenadier, Macrourus holotrachys , were obtained from 2015 to 2019 as bycatch from the artisanal fishery for Patagonian toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides) at depths between 1000 and 2200 m in Northern Chile (app. 22°S 70°W). All individuals were examined for their endoparasite fauna and diets. A total of twenty-five parasite taxa (e.g. fifteen Digenea, six Nematoda, three Cestoda, and one Acanthocephala) were found. Twenty taxa were found as adults, four species were found in the larval stage, and one species was found in both the larval and adult stages. Hysterothylacium sp. (Nematoda); Trypanorhyncha gen. sp. (Cestoda); and Monorchiinae gen. sp. (Digenea) were the predominant species, which had a prevalence of 64.2%, 42.5% and 31.1%, respectively. The diet of M. holotrachys included thirteen item-prey, Decapoda and Ophiuridae showed the highest frequency of occurrence (66.3% and 43.3% respectively). A multivariate canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) showed that the association between endoparasites and diet of M. holotrachys explained 45.1% of the total variance. The detected parasite community consisted of parasites linked to benthic, benthopelagic and pelagic environments. This suggests the role of M. holotrachys as a predator of communities close to the seabed but also within the water column, performing vertical and horizontal migrations in the South Eastern Pacific Ocean. [Display omitted] • First study on the diversity of trophically transmitted parasites and diet of Macrourus holotrachys. • Overall a rich trophically transmitted parasite fauna, dominated by Digenea. • Detailed parasite-prey relationships have been suggested. • Potential transmission pathways have been proposed for the recovered parasites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Obesity is growing at an alarming rate in Latin America. Lifestyle behaviours such as physical activity and dietary intake have been largely associated with obesity in many countries; however studies that combine nutrition and physical activity assessment in representative samples of Latin American countries are lacking. The aim of this study is to present the design rationale of the Latin American Study of Nutrition and Health/Estudio Latinoamericano de Nutrición y Salud (ELANS) with a particular focus on its quality control procedures and recruitment processes.Methods/design: The ELANS is a multicenter cross-sectional nutrition and health surveillance study of a nationally representative sample of urban populations from eight Latin American countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Perú and Venezuela). A standard study protocol was designed to evaluate the nutritional intakes, physical activity levels, and anthropometric measurements of 9000 enrolled participants. The study was based on a complex, multistage sample design and the sample was stratified by gender, age (15 to 65 years old) and socioeconomic level. A small-scale pilot study was performed in each country to test the procedures and tools.Discussion: This study will provide valuable information and a unique dataset regarding Latin America that will enable cross-country comparisons of nutritional statuses that focus on energy and macro- and micronutrient intakes, food patterns, and energy expenditure.Trial Registration: Clinical Trials NCT02226627. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]