High Affluence Research Articles

Associations between family structure and young people\u2019s physical activity and screen time behaviors

BackgroundIdentifying factors that can influence young peoples’ physical activity and sedentary behaviors is important for the development of effective interventions. The family structure in which children grow up may be one such factor. As the prevalence of single parent and reconstituted families have increased substantially over the last decades, the objective of this study was to examine whether these family structures are differentially associated with young people’s MVPA, participation in organized sports and screen-time activities (screen-based passive entertainment, gaming, other screen-based activities) as compared to traditional nuclear families.MethodsThe data stem from the 2013/2014 “Health Behaviour in School- aged Children (HBSC) study”. A large Norwegian sample of 11–16 years old students (n = 4509) participated. Cluster-adjusted regression models were estimated using full information maximum likelihood with robust standard errors (MLR).ResultsAfter adjusting for covariates, living with a single parent was negatively associated with days/week with 60 min MVPA (b = −.39, 95%CI: −.58, −.20), and positively associated with hours/weekday of total screen time (b = .50, 95%CI: .08, .93). Young people living with a single parent were also more likely to report no participation in organized sports (OR = 1.40, 95%CI: 1.09, 1.79). Living in a reconstituted family was negatively associated with days/week with 60 min MVPA (b = −.31, 95%CI: −.53, −.08), and positively associated with hours/weekday of total screen time (b = .85, 95%CI: .37, 1.33). For all outcomes, the interaction effects of family structure with sex, and with having siblings were not statistically significant. For material affluence, a significant interaction effect was found for participation in organized sports (χ2 [4] =13.9, p = .008). Those living in a reconstituted family with low or high material affluence had an increased risk for not participating in organized sports whereas those with medium material affluence did not.ConclusionThis study suggests that living with a single parent or in reconstituted families was unfavorably associated with physical activity, sport participation and screen-based behaviors among Norwegian youth. The findings indicate that family structure could be an important factor to take into account in the development and testing of interventions. More in-depth research is needed to identify the mechanisms involved.

Cancer-associated fibroblasts enhance cell proliferation and metastasis of colorectal cancer SW480 cells by provoking long noncoding RNA UCA1.

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have been considered as major players in tumor growth and malignancy. In colorectal cancer (CRC), CAFs are attendance in high affluence and little is known about how they impact tumor progression. An increasing number of studies indicated that dysregulation of human urothelial carcinoma associated 1 (UCA1) is associated with progression of tumor and metastasis in various cancers including CRC. Nonetheless, the possible mechanisms of UCA1 actuation in CRC remain poorly understood. To address this, we elucidated the effects of conditioned medium from SW480 CRC cells/Normal fibroblast co-culture (CAF-CM) on UCA1 expression, and the cell proliferation, EMT, invasion and migration of the treated CRC cell were evaluated in vitro. Our study indicated that CAFs dramatically stimulated cell proliferation and migration of CRC cell. Furthermore, CAFs induced the EMT phenotype in CRC cell, with an associated change in the expression of EMT markers including vimentin, E-cadherin, N-cadherin and metastasis-related genes (MMPs). Moreover, we found an increased percentage of CRC cell in the S and G2/M phase induced by CAFs. Our results revealed that CAFs could induce upregulation of UCA1, leading to upregulation of mTOR. Up-regulation of UCA1/mTOR axis suppressed p27 and miR-143 while the expression of Cyclin-D1 and KRAS were significantly increased compared with control. Furthermore, UCA1 silencing in treated CRC cell suggested that upregulation of UCA1, which was induced by CAFs, regulates the expression of downstream key effectors. Taken together, these results highlight the vital role of cooperation between lncRNA UCA1 and mTOR in proliferation and metastasis which support the hypothesis that CAFs may be a prominent therapeutic target of stroma-based therapy in CRC treatment.

Health literacy and participation in sports club activities among adolescents.

The aim of this research was to compare the levels of perceived health literacy among adolescents who do or do not participate in sports club activities. Organized sport club activities reach a high proportion of adolescents, and have the potential to contribute to the development of their health literacy. The cross-sectional data on health literacy among school children in Finland (aged 13 and 15, n=3852) were measured, as a part of the Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children (HBSC) study, using the Health Literacy for School-aged Children (HLSAC) instrument. Sports club participation and its association with health literacy were examined in relation to age, gender, family affluence, school achievement, and physical activity. The statistical analyses included cross-tabulation and the multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression analyses. Perceived health literacy was higher among adolescents who participated in sports club activities. This conclusion was valid for boys and girls, for both age groups, among those who were physically active 6-7 days a week, had at least moderate school achievement, and those who belonged to the middle or high affluence families. From the health literacy perspective, participation in sports club activities was especially beneficial for those having low or moderate school achievement level. The sports club setting may work towards equalizing health literacy differences related to school achievement. However, the clubs should ensure that access is available to as many adolescents as possible; by this means they may spread beneficial influences, supporting the development of health literacy among broader population groups.

Anthropogenic contamination of Portuguese coastal waters during the bathing season: Assessment using caffeine as a chemical marker

Bathing water quality standards are based on international standards and legislations. However, in Europe, only the microbiological parameters are to be accomplished. Recent research has focused on chemical indicators that can determine human fecal contaminants in water. Therefore, the suitability of caffeine as a chemical marker of seawater pollution in the north Portuguese coastal area in the Atlantic Ocean during the bathing season was assessed in this study. The quality of water from the coasts of five cities was monitored. 101 seawater samples were collected from 14 beaches, and their water quality was classified as sufficient, good, and excellent. Caffeine was detected in all samples in concentration range of 18 to 525ng/L. The highest average concentration of caffeine was found in seawater samples collected in July from beaches classified as having sufficient water quality, which were located in cities with high population density and high tourist affluence.

Etude Socio-Économique De L’exploitation Des Plantes Fourragères Dans Le District d’Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire)

Forage trading in the city of Abidjan is an activity not known by the population. The objective of the study was to determine the importance of the collection of forage plants in the socio-economic life of the actors of the sector. Prospects and semi-structured interviews were conducted, and we determined the floristic composition of forages sold in the market. The results of the survey show that the forage sold by the farmers is taken free of charge in the city of Abidjan. The unit price (UP) of a bundle of forage is on an average of 50 FCFA when there are few animals on the market, and 100 FCFA or 200 FCFA in case of high affluence such as during holidays. Thus, the estimated average financial income per day of an operator during periods of low affluence of animals in the markets is 875 F CFA. On an average, it is 26250 FCFA per month and 3350 FCFA per day. Also, there is an estimated average of 100 400 FCFA in periods of abundance of animals for sale in the market. The results of investigations showed that forages species sold are composed of species such as Chloris pilosa Schumach. (Poaceae), Panicum maximum Jacq (Poaceae), Brachiaria lata (Schumach.) Hub (Poaceae), Arachis hypogea L. (Fabaceae), and Phaseolus vulgaris L (Fabaceae). In addition to being food reserves, these activities provide work for those who exploit them. It allows them to meet their daily needs and also compensate for the lack of jobs.

Thermal comfort and urban canyons morphology in coastal temperate climate, Concepción, Chile

This paper aims to bridge the gap between urban climatology and urban design in coastal temperate climate cities of developing countries. This research studies the thermal comfort in urban canyons located in the city of Concepción, Chile, using a multidisciplinary approach that combines morphological, climatic and perceptual factors. First, the urban morphology indicators are constructed, such as the sky view factor and the shadow factor of buildings. Second, to determine the environmental thermal comfort, the Actual Sensation Vote (ASV) method is used by conducting measurements in 27 control points in 9 urban canyons. Third, 301 surveys were conducted to pedestrians in urban canyons during January 2014. All the data is processed and correlated to determine how the urban canyons morphology modifies the dominant climate in terms of physical and perceived thermal comfort. The results show that the diagonal canyon has one of the best indicators of environmental and perceived thermal comfort. On the other hand, the semi-covered canyon with high pedestrian affluence has the worst comfort values. Overall, the metropolitan center of Concepción is more comfortable than uncomfortable in the summer season.

Seasonality and trophic diversity in molluscan assemblages from the Bay of Tunis (southern Mediterranean Sea)

Soft bottom molluscan assemblages from the Bay of Tunis have been studied in order to analyse their seasonality and trophic diversity in relation to environmental variables. A total of 147 species of molluscs was identified, with gastropods displaying the highest species richness and bivalves the highest abundances, and including five non-indigenous species such as the dominant ectoparasite Polycerella emertoni. Carnivorous and scavenger gastropods were among the most frequent species, reflecting a diverse benthic community. Seasonal changes were significant, being more acute at 3-4 m than at 10-15 m depth, and were driven mainly by seawater temperature and percentage of organic matter in the sediment. The high affluence of tourists in summer was coincident with high decreases in species richness and abundance of molluscs, together with a strong siltation of the sediment. Nevertheless, most trophic groups remained and the trophic diversity was relatively high. Significant relationships were found between the index of trophic diversity and Shannon-Wiener diversity and evenness indices, suggesting that the identity of the species with its particular trophic trait, together with the good distribution of the individuals among the species (density) would be the drivers for the maintenance of the molluscan food web under environmental stress. The abundance of P. emertoni altered the trophic structure of the molluscan assemblage, with the ectoparasite trophic group reaching an unusual punctual higher dominance. Soft bottom molluscan assemblages of the Bay of Tunis should be taken into account in monitoring programs for anthropogenic impacts and non-indigenous species trends throughout the Mediterranean basin.

Trends in Psychological Symptoms among Canadian Adolescents from 2002 to 2014: Gender and Socioeconomic Differences.

To describe trends in psychological health symptoms in Canadian youth from 2002 to 2014 and examine gender and socioeconomic differences in these trends. We used data from the Canadian Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study. We assessed psychological symptoms from a validated symptom checklist and calculated a symptom score (range, 0-16). We stratified our analyses by gender and affluence tertile based on an index of material assets. We then plotted trends in symptom score and calculated the probability of experiencing specific symptoms over time. Between 2002 and 2014, psychological symptom score increased by 1.01 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.73 to 1.41), 1.08 (95% CI, 0.79 to 1.37), and 0.84 (95% CI, 0.55 to 1.13) points in girls in the low-, middle-, and high-affluence tertiles, respectively. In boys, psychological symptoms decreased by -0.39 (95% CI, -0.66 to -0.12) and -0.12 (95% CI, -0.43 to 0.19) points in the high- and middle-affluence tertiles, respectively, and increased by 0.30 (95% CI, -0.04 to 0.63) points in the low-affluence tertile. The probability of feeling anxious and having sleep problems at least once a week notably increased in girls from all affluence groups, while the probability of feeling depressed and irritable decreased among boys from the high-affluence tertile. Psychological symptoms increased in Canadian adolescent girls across all affluence groups while they remained stable in boys from low and middle affluence and decreased in boys from high affluence. Specific psychological symptoms followed distinct trends. Further research is needed to uncover the mechanisms driving these trends.

Sociodemographic risk factors of alcohol drinking in Hong Kong adolescents

BackgroundAdolescent drinking in Western countries has been associated with older age and high socioeconomic status, but the association with family structure was inconsistent.MethodsIn a 2012–2013 school-based survey in Hong Kong,...

Neighborhood social environment and patterns of adherence to oral hypoglycemic agents among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

This study examined whether neighborhood social environment was related to patterns of adherence to oral hypoglycemic agents among primary care patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Residents in neighborhoods with high social affluence, high residential stability, and high neighborhood advantage, compared to residents in neighborhoods with one or no high features present, were significantly more likely to have an adherent pattern compared to a nonadherent pattern. Neighborhood social environment may influence patterns of adherence. Reliance on a multilevel contextual framework, extending beyond the individual, to promote diabetic self-management activities may be essential for notable public health improvements.

It still takes a village: an epidemiological study of the role of social supports in understanding unexpected health states in young people.

BackgroundThis study of adolescent Canadians examines two groups who are anomalous in their health experiences: (1) those with perceived low affluence yet who perceive themselves to have excellent general health status; (2) those of perceived high affluence but who are reporting poor health status. Our hope was to explore the role of social supports in explaining such anomalies. We hypothesized that cumulative levels of social support available to these young people would have an influence on their perceived health status, with more support being associated with better self reported health.MethodsYoung people (n = 26,078 from 436 schools) aged 11–15 years were administered a general health survey in classroom settings during the 2009–10 academic school year. Descriptive and regression-based cross-sectional analyses (with an affluence-social support interaction term) were used to relate both individual and cumulative levels of social support in homes, neighborhoods, schools, and peer groups to self-reported health status.ResultsSocial supports and their cumulative availability indeed were strongly related to perceived health, with more supports being associated with better self-perceived health. Less affluent children were much more likely to report excellent health in the presence of numerous social supports. More affluent children were much more likely to report poor health in the absence of such supports. The strength and dose-dependent nature of the findings were consistent and striking.ConclusionsStudy findings from this large, contemporary and national analysis affirm the importance of social supports as potential determinants of health for young people from both high and low affluent groups. Conceptually, findings affirm the wisdom of the ancient principle: “it takes a village to raise a child”.

Neighborhood Social Environment and Patterns of Depressive Symptoms Among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

This study sought to examine whether neighborhood social environment was related to patterns of depressive symptoms among primary care patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Neighborhood social environment was assessed in 179 patients with type 2 DM. Individual patient residential data at baseline was geo-coded at the tract level and was merged with measures of neighborhood social environment. Depressive symptoms at baseline and at 12-week follow up were assessed using the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Patients in neighborhoods with high social affluence, high residential stability, and high neighborhood advantage were much less likely to have a persistent pattern of depressive symptoms compared to a pattern of few or no depressive symptoms (adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 0.06, 95 % confidence interval (CI) [0.01, 0.36]). Detrimental neighborhood influences may amplify risk for persistent depressive symptoms.

Low income, community poverty and risk of end stage renal disease

BackgroundThe risk of end stage renal disease (ESRD) is increased among individuals with low income and in low income communities. However, few studies have examined the relation of both individual and community socioeconomic status (SES) with incident ESRD.MethodsAmong 23,314 U.S. adults in the population-based Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke study, we assessed participant differences across geospatially-linked categories of county poverty [outlier poverty, extremely high poverty, very high poverty, high poverty, neither (reference), high affluence and outlier affluence]. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine associations of annual household income and geospatially-linked county poverty measures with incident ESRD, while accounting for death as a competing event using the Fine and Gray method.ResultsThere were 158 ESRD cases during follow-up. Incident ESRD rates were 178.8 per 100,000 person-years (105 py) in high poverty outlier counties and were 76.3 /105 py in affluent outlier counties, p trend = 0.06. In unadjusted competing risk models, persons residing in high poverty outlier counties had higher incidence of ESRD (which was not statistically significant) when compared to those persons residing in counties with neither high poverty nor affluence [hazard ratio (HR) 1.54, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.75-3.20]. This association was markedly attenuated following adjustment for socio-demographic factors (age, sex, race, education, and income); HR 0.96, 95% CI 0.46-2.00. However, in the same adjusted model, income was independently associated with risk of ESRD [HR 3.75, 95% CI 1.62-8.64, comparing the < $20,000 income group to the > $75,000 group]. There were no statistically significant associations of county measures of poverty with incident ESRD, and no evidence of effect modification.ConclusionsIn contrast to annual family income, geospatially-linked measures of county poverty have little relation with risk of ESRD. Efforts to mitigate socioeconomic disparities in kidney disease may be best appropriated at the individual level.

Pregnancy, risk perception and use of complementary and alternative medicine

Pregnancy and childbirth are events of major significance in women’s lives. In western countries women are increasingly using complementary and alternative medicine during this time. However, there is little research exploring the factors that are influential in women’s motivations to use complementary and alternative medicine during pregnancy and childbirth. This article draws on data from a narrative-based study designed to explore women’s experiences of complementary and alternative medicine use during pregnancy and childbirth. The study involved 14 women living in the South-west of England, who had used complementary and alternative medicine during pregnancy and childbirth. We elicited narratives by interviewing women two to three times. The women in our study used complementary and alternative medicine both as a response to the uncertainty of pregnancy and childbirth and as a defence against manufactured risk, and in doing so indicated their desire to transform an unpredictable and unmanageable future into one which is more predictable and manageable. It was a means of dealing with the stress and anxiety associated with uncertainty which has to be dealt with. Their consciousness of the risks of biomedicine developed though the practice of complementary and alternative medicine, and their high educational status and relative affluence facilitated their choices. There was a tension evident in their narratives between a need to ‘be in control’ versus a desire for a natural childbirth without medical intervention. Women in the study showed their autonomy by actively pursuing complementary and alternative medicine while at the same time selectively using expert medical knowledge.

Well-Being in the Nordic Countries: An International Comparison

This study asks how well the Nordic nations have managed in a new social environment of globalization, increasing competition and new challenges to the Nordic welfare model? The focus is on well-being outcomes, rather than on welfare inputs (expenditure generosity or rights and institutional features). For this purpose we have constructed a data bank with well-being measures for 29 modern nations, based on 69 variables in 9 well-being dimensions. With this data we have constructed an overall well-being index and sub-indexes for these nations. We find that in terms of well-being outcomes the Nordic nations (including Iceland) share major patterns of well-being characteristics. In a data-driven clustering analysis (with Dendograms, using the Ward Method) of all the 69 variables, our well-being outcomes cluster the nations in a way comparable to Francis Castles’ families of nations and Esping-Andersen’s main welfare regime types. We disaggregate the outcomes by clusters and well-being dimensions.The findings indicate that the five Nordic nations had the highest level of well-being amongst modern nations during the period from 2005 to 2008, along with Netherlands, Switzerland and Luxembourg. The strength of the Nordic cluster of nations seems to be their emphasis on equality of income distribution, poverty reduction, improving family conditions and facilitating social cohesion and participation, while also promoting economic strength and a high affluence level. The study also assesses correlates of well-being amongst these nations, including welfare state generosity, political influences, social trust, strength of democracy and distributional characteristics. The findings support a narrative emphasizing the importance of lifting the worse off up the well-being ladder of society. That seems to be the most efficient strategy for improving the overall well-being of modern nations.

Socioeconomic status and the risk of depression among UK higher education students

Many university students experience some symptoms of depression during the course of their studies but there is evidence that students from less advantaged backgrounds may be more vulnerable. The study was a cross-sectional online survey of 923 undergraduate students attending 6 U.K. Universities in the academic year 2009-2010 who completed a modified version of the Zagazig Depression Scale (ZDS). Overall, 58.1% of female and 59.9% of male study participants screened positive for depression (ZDS score >10). In the fully adjusted model, final year students (OR = 1.8) who lived in a more deprived area (OR = 2.3) were more likely to report higher rates of depressive symptoms. Additionally, students with high perceived control (OR = 1.6) whose mothers were highly educated (OR = 0.5) and from a family of a high affluence (OR = 0.3) were less likely to suffer from higher rates of depressive symptoms. The relationship between lower social economic status and depression was partly mediated by low sense of control. Students from less advantaged backgrounds are more at risk of depression but a strong sense of control over one's life may be protective. Since depression has strong impact on students' learning and quality of life universities should consider confidential screening for mental health problems and provide additional support for students.

Sleep and Its Association With Socioeconomic Status, Health, and Risky Behaviors Among Ghanaian School Children

Socioeconomic differences in sleep and how sleep relates to health and risky behaviors among 12‐ to 18‐year‐old Ghanaians (N = 1,195) were investigated. Overall, 49.2% of boys and 60.8% of girls had inadequate sleep. Girls (OR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.3–2.0) and older (16‐ to 18‐year‐olds) adolescents (OR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.3–2.1) had higher probability of inadequate sleep than boys and younger (12‐ to 15‐year‐old) adolescents, respectively. High material affluence, low parental education, low parental occupational grade, drunkenness, marijuana use, drug use, and not having plans to continue schooling after graduation decreased the chances of inadequate sleep, while low school performance, low fruit and vegetable intake, and tiredness during daytime increased the probability of inadequate sleep. Promotion of adequate sleep and gender equality should be taken into consideration in adolescent health promotion programs.

Abstract A04: The distribution of mammography facility and census tract characteristics in Chicago.

Abstract Introduction: Living in neighborhoods with greater socioeconomic disadvantage has been associated with lower use of preventive services and later stage at breast cancer diagnosis. Unequal distribution of quality mammography screening services may contribute to these associations. We compared the distribution of mammography facility characteristics with census tract level measures of social disadvantage and affluence in Chicago. Methods: An index of social disadvantage was defined from 2010 census tract data on the percentage of: families below the poverty line, families receiving public cash assistance, families receiving food stamps, unemployed persons, and female-headed households with children. An index of affluence was defined from the percentage of: families with incomes of $100,000 or more, adults with a college education or more, and in the civilian labor force in a white collar job. High disadvantage and high affluence were each defined as &amp;gt;1 standard deviation above the mean of the corresponding index. Low disadvantage and low affluence were each defined as &amp;gt;1 standard deviation below the mean of the corresponding index. Mammography facilities participating in the Metropolitan Chicago Breast Cancer Task Force 2010 Mammography Capacity Survey were categorized by American College of Radiology accredited Breast Imaging Center of Excellence (BICOE) designation, whether they offered diagnostic mammography, whether they had at least one breast imaging dedicated radiologist on staff (&amp;gt;75% time spent reading breast images), and whether they used digital vs. analog mammography machines. A one-mile buffer was created around facilities to calculate the percentage of nearby tracts with more or less disadvantage and affluence. Results: 47 of the 49 mammography facilities located in or within 1 mile of the Chicago city boundary participated in the survey. More socially disadvantaged tracts were less likely than less socially disadvantaged tracts to be located near any facility (47% vs. 66%), BICOE designated facilities (7% vs. 36%), facilities that offer diagnostic mammography (44% vs. 52%, p=0.21), facilities with at least one breast imaging dedicated radiologist (31% vs. 60%) or facilities with digital machines (32% vs. 53%). Likewise, less affluent tracts were less likely than more affluent tracts be located near any facility (30% vs. 77%), BICOE designated facilities (1% vs. 37%), facilities that offer diagnostic mammography (23% vs. 61%), facilities with at least one breast imaging dedicated radiologist (27% vs. 71%) or facilities with digital machines (16% vs. 61%). All p values were &amp;lt;.01 with the exception noted above. Conclusions: There is an unequal geographic distribution of mammography facilities with higher quality screening characteristics by areas of social disadvantage and affluence in Chicago. This inequity may be a contributing factor to the association between these disadvantaged areas and late stage breast cancer diagnosis. Citation Format: Jenna Khan, Jennifer Orsi, Garth Rauscher, Anne Marie Murphy, Danielle Dupuy. The distribution of mammography facility and census tract characteristics in Chicago. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Fifth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2012 Oct 27-30; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2012;21(10 Suppl):Abstract nr A04.

Associations between familial affluence and obesity risk behaviours among children

Results of studies examining associations between socioeconomic status and obesity among children are mixed. To examine whether physical activity, television viewing, computer use, and fruit, vegetable, soft drink and sweet consumption differed according to familial affluence of children attending schools in disadvantaged communities. A total of 218 children (seven to 11 years of age) recruited from three Calgary (Alberta) schools located in two adjacent socioeconomically disadvantaged neighbourhoods completed online surveys during the spring of 2005/2006. The number of days per week participating in vigorous physical activity for more than 20 min, and weekly frequency of fruit, vegetable, sweet and soft drink consumption were collected. Time spent watching television and using a computer during a normal school day was also captured. A family affluence scale was used to assess socioeconomic status (number of family holidays in the past year, ownership of motor vehicles and computers, and bedroom sharing). Associations between familial affluence and obesity risk behaviours were estimated using Pearson's correlation and demographic-adjusted logistic regression ORs. Higher family affluence scale scores were significantly associated with weekly fruit consumption (r=0.14). Children with lower affluence were less likely to participate in vigorous physical activity five days/week or more (OR=0.39), and to use a computer for more than 2 h/day (OR=0.41) than children with higher affluence. Linear trends between familial affluence and the likelihood of participating in physical activity and using a computer were also found. However, no other behaviours were related to affluence. Increasing opportunities for physical activity and accessibility to healthy food may be important for reducing obesity risk among less affluent children.

Biologia y perspectiva de microorganismos endófitos asociados a plantas

Las bacterias endófitas residen en tejidos de las plantas, principalmente espacios intercelulares, raramente en espacios intracelulares y dentro de tejidos vasculares sin causar síntomas de enfermedad en la planta. Las discusiones sobre el origen de las bacterias endófitas y la forma de penetración, además de los mecanismos de colonización, consideran la hipótesis de que se originaron desde semillas, de la rizosfera, de microflora de filoplano o de material utilizado para la propagación vegetativa. La penetración en la planta puede ocurrir por estomas, heridas, áreas de emergencia de raíces laterales, siendo que estas bacterias pueden producir enzimas hidrolíticas capaces de degradar la pared celular de los vegetales. Estudios moleculares reciente sobre diversidad de bacterias endófitas han revelado una alta riqueza de filotipos, que promueven el crecimiento de las planta, suprimen fitopatógenos, ayudan a remover contaminantes, solubilizan fosfato y contribuyen a la asimilación biológica de nitrógeno. El objetivo de esta revisión es dar a conocer la evolución, ecología, diversidad, funcionalidad y técnicas fisiológicas y moleculares para el aislamiento de bacterias endófitas asociadas a tejidos de plantas.