Chemokine receptor homo- or heterodimerization activates distinct signaling pathways

Chemokine receptors of both the CC and CXC families have been demonstrated to undergo a ligand-mediated homodimerization process required for Ca2+ flux and chemotaxis. We show that, in the chemokine response, heterodimerization is also permitted between given receptor pairs, specifically between CCR2 and CCR5. This has functional consequences, as the CCR2 and CCR5 ligands monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) and RANTES (regulated upon activation, normal T cell-expressed and secreted) cooperate to trigger calcium responses at concentrations 10- to 100-fold lower than the threshold for either chemokine alone. Heterodimerization results in recruitment of each receptor-associated signaling complex, but also recruits dissimilar signaling path ways such as G(q/11) association, and delays activation of phosphatidyl inositol 3-kinase. The consequences are a pertussis toxin-resistant Ca2+ flux and trig gering of cell adhesion rather than chemotaxis. These results show the effect of heterodimer formation on increasing the sensitivity and dynamic range of the chemokine response, and may aid in understanding the dynamics of leukocytes at limiting chemokine concentrations in vivo.

Survival of infective Ostertagia ostertagi larvae on pasture plots under different simulated grazing conditions

This study was carried out to examine the survival of infective Ostertagia ostertagi larvae (L(3)) on pasture under different simulated conditions of grazing, i.e. mixed grazing of cattle and nose-ringed sows, or grazing by cattle alone. Standardised pats of cattle faeces containing O. ostertagi eggs were deposited on three types of herbage plots, which were divided into zone 1: faecal pat; zone 2: a circle extending 25cm from the edge of the faecal pat; zone 3: a circle extending 25cm from the edge of zone 2. For "tall herbage" (TH) plots, the herbage in zone 2 was allowed to grow naturally, while the herbage in zone 3 was cut down to 5-7cm fortnightly, imitating a cattle-only pasture. For "short herbage" (SH) plots, the herbage in both zones 2 and 3 were cut down to 5-7cm fortnightly, imitating mixed grazing of cattle and sows. The grass in the "short herbage and scattered faeces" (SH/SF) plots were cut as for SH plots, and the faeces were broken down 3 weeks after deposition and scattered within zone 2, imitating the rooting behaviour of co-grazing sows. Five faecal pats from each plot group were collected on monthly basis, along with the herbage from zones 2 and 3 cut down to the ground. Infective larvae were then recovered from both faeces and herbage. The numbers of L(3) recovered from zone 1 were higher in the TH plots than in the other two groups and, furthermore, the larval counts from SH plots were always higher than from SH/SF plots. The three groups followed a similar pattern during the season regarding numbers of L(3) in zone 2, and no clear patterns between plot types were obtained. The presence of L(3) in zone 3 was almost negligible. Important differences were seen throughout the study from the biological point of view; more L(3) were able to survive in faeces on the TH plots, presumably reflecting a better protection from heat and desiccation compared to those in the other plots. The overall results support the idea that mixed grazing of cattle and pigs favour the reduction of O. ostertagi larval levels in pasture. This reduction is mainly due to the grazing behaviour of pigs, which by grazing up to the very edge of the cattle faeces, will either expose the larvae in faeces to adverse environmental summer conditions or ingest cattle parasite larvae, or both.

Investigation for a more virulent variant among the c:2b:P1.2,5 Spanish meningococcal epidemic strains by molecular epidemiology

A rise in the incidence of meningococcal disease has occurred in Spain in recent years, especially in some regions in the north-west of the country. Most cases have been caused by meningococci characterised as Neisseria meningitidis C:2b:P1.2,5. A total of 107 C:2b:P1.2,5 meningococcal isolates (60 from patients and 47 from carriers) and 12 isolates showing related antigenic combinations (C:2b:NST, C:2b:P1.2, C:2b:P1.5, C:NT:P1.2,5) was analysed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis to determine the genetic variability of the epidemic and related strains. Endonucleases BglII and NheI were used to cut chromosomal DNA. When BglII was used, most of the C:2b:P1.2,5 isolates showed the same pulsotype regardless of whether they were from clinical cases or carriers. Isolates showing the principal profile after digestion with endonuclease BglII were analysed with NheI. Four pulsotypes were identified, of which two were found in only one isolate each. The major profiles (1 and 2) showed differential distribution among clinical and carrier isolates; pulsotype 1 was the most frequent among clinical isolates. However, the proportions of isolates showing profiles 1 and 2 were similar among carrier isolates. This could indicate that there are two variants of the C:2b:P1.2,5 strain with differing pathogenicity.

6-s-cis locked analogues of the steroid hormone 1alpha, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3). Synthesis Of novel A-ring stereoisomeric 1, 25-dihydroxy-3-epi-19-nor-previtamin D(3) derivatives

Efficient syntheses of A-ring synthons 24 and 32 are described from hydroxy ester 16, which is easily available on a preparative scale from (-)-quinic acid. Key features of the syntheses were (a) the ability to selectively perform desilylations in the presence of p-nitrobenzoate esters and (b) the excellent yield and complete stereospecificity with which the configuration of alcohols 16, 18, and 26 could be inverted under Mitsunobu conditions. Thus, A-ring synthons 24 and 32 were both prepared in 35-38% yield (eight steps) from the common precursor 16. The coupling of A-ring synthons 24 and 32 with the appropriate CD-ring/side chain fragment 7 provides access to novel 6-s-cis locked analogues of steroid hormone 1alpha, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3): 1alpha, 25-dihydroxy-3-epi-19-nor-previtamin D(3) (37) and 1beta, 25-dihydroxy-3-epi-19-nor-previtamin D(3) (38), which are unable to undergo rearrangement to the respective vitamin D form by virtue of the absence of the C-19 methyl group. Compounds 37 and 38 can be used as tools for studying the genomic and nongenomic mechanisms of action of the previtamin form of the hormone 1alpha, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3).

Role of 17beta-estradiol and/or progesterone on insulin sensitivity in the rat: implications during pregnancy

The mechanism for the development of insulin resistance in normal pregnancy is complex and is associated with serum levels of both progesterone and 17beta-estradiol. However, it remains unclear whether estrogens alone or progestins alone can cause insulin resistance, or whether it is a combination of both which produces this effect. We attempted to determine the role played by progesterone and/or 17beta-estradiol on the phenomena of sensitivity to insulin action that take place during pregnancy in the rat. Ovariectomized rats were treated with different doses of progesterone and/or 17beta-estradiol in order to simulate the plasma levels in normal pregnant rats. A euglycemic/hyperinsulinemic clamp was used to measure insulin sensitivity. At days 6 and 11, vehicle (V)- and progesterone (P)-treated groups were more insulin resistant than 17beta-estradiol (E)- and 17beta-estradiol+progesterone (EP)-treated groups. Nevertheless, at day 16, the V, EP and E groups were more resistant to insulin action than the P group. On the other hand, the V, EP and E groups were more insulin resistant at day 16 than at day 6, whereas the P group was more insulin resistant at day 6 than at day 16. Our results seem to suggest that the absence of female steroid hormones gives rise to a decreased insulin sensitivity. The rise in insulin sensitivity during early pregnancy, when the plasma concentrations of 17beta-estradiol and progesterone are low, could be due to 17beta-estradiol. However, during late pregnancy when the plasma concentrations of 17beta-estradiol and progesterone are high, the role of 17beta-estradiol could be to antagonize the effect of progesterone, diminishing insulin sensitivity.

Bacillus subtilis homologous recombination: genes and products

Homologous recombination plays a critical role in maintaining gene diversification and genome stability. Fourteen Bacillus subtilis recombination gene products have been genetically characterised and classified into five different epistatic groups. At least seven other recombination genes could be predicted. Recombination gene products which define activities that help RecA to process DNA repair and recombination have been studied, but those that processed recombination intermediates into products (post-synaptic stage) await elucidation.

Left circumflex coronary artery-to-left atrium fistulas detected by transesophageal echocardiography in heart transplant recipients

Coronary fistulas are uncommon after heart transplantation. We report two cases of fistulas from an atrial branch of the circumflex coronary artery to the left atrium after heart transplantation. This has not been previously reported in the literature. They were detected with transesophageal echocardiography, and images are shown for the first time. Transesophageal echocardiography may be useful in the follow-up of heart transplant recipients.

[Susceptibility to antimicrobial drugs used in the prophylaxis of meningococcal disease: situation after an epidemic wave]

In the early 1990s a rise in the incidence of meningococcal disease was observed in Galicia, Spain, most cases of which were caused by serogroup C meningococcal strains. As part of the epidemiological analysis of this epidemic wave, two studies of asymptomatic carriers of neisseria meningitidis were carried out: the first took place during the period of maximum incidence and coincided with a massive immunization campaign (December 1996 to January 1997); and the second was conducted one year later (January 1998). A total of 1234 meningococcal strains were isolated in both studies (789 in the first and 445 in the second study) and the susceptibility to rifampin, ciprofloxacin, ceftriaxone and sulfadiazine was determined. The susceptibility to rifampin, ciprofloxacin and cetriaxone was high among the strains isolated in both studies. For sulfadiazine, the percentage of resistant strains was 92.6% for the first and 86.3% for the second study.

Eating pattern and nutritional status of international elite flatwater paddlers

The aim of this study is to accurately describe the eating pattern and nutritional status of international elite flatwater paddlers during 1 week of a high volume training camp. Ten male and 5 female international elite flatwater paddlers were recruited to take part in this study. These athletes were all members of the Spanish National Team. To assess the intake of energy, macronutrients, and micronutrients, we used the weighed food intake method carried out by an observer. Biochemical and hematological profiles were also obtained. Average daily energy intake in male and female flatwater paddlers was 21.5 ± 2.3 and 16.5 ± 1.7 MJ, respectively. Furthermore, the male athletes showed average carbohydrate and protein intakes of 7.5 ±0.8 and 2.2 ±0.3 g ·kg·1 body weight - day ’, respectively. Similar intakes were found in female paddlers. carbohydrate 7.3 ± 1.1 and protein 2.0±0.3g·kg·1 body weight·day·1. Daily relative contribution to energy from fat was higher than recommended for sports practitioners or sedentary people (< 30 % of daily energy) in both genders (39.1 ± 2.1 and 40.2± 2.9% for men and women, respectively). Nevertheless, this diet with a high fat content (rich in monounsaturated fatty acids) did not seem to influence the paddlers’ blood lipid profile that presented low values for total cholesterol and tryglicerides and high values for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-cholesterol). Flatwater paddlers’ micronutrient intake was higher than Recommended Dietary Allowances/Dietary Reference Intake (RDA/DRIs), except for folate that is close to DRI values. Further studies are required in order to understand whether this level of fat intake could impair highly trained athletes’ performance and health.

[Intraoperative awakening: report of a case in pediatric surgery]

Intraoperatory awakening or awareness can be defined as recovering of conscience during general anesthesia. We report such a case happened in a 11 year-old boy during a hypospadias repair. After anesthetic education he related intraoperatory conscience without pain, anxiety, displeasing symptoms or long-term psychoconductal distress. We remark fisiopathology, diagnostic and preventive aspects of this rare event in pediatric surgery.

Comparison of dietary intake and eating behavior of professional road cyclists during training and competition

The dietary intake and eating behavior of a group of professional elite road cyclists during high intensity training and competition was compared. Their eating pattern consisted of several snacks throughout the race or training, a meal eaten no later than 1 hr postexercise, supper, and breakfast. Protein intake showed a significant difference between evaluation times expressed in three ways: per total amount intake, by kg body weight, and percentage of energy supplied. Due to the high energy intake of these cyclists during training and competition (22.9 +/- 1.5, 22.4 +/- 1.7 MJ, respectively) they presented a high consumption of each macronutrient both in competition and in training. The eating behavior of these athletes was similar during breakfast (possibility to choose from among approximately 25 foods) and supper (set menu), with variation in the energy intake and a similar relative contribution of the different macronutrients. In general, it is possible to consider the professional road cyclists as a homogeneous group with a similar nutrition intake, eating habits, and nutritional needs throughout the more demanding periods of the season. Furthermore, differences found in protein intake between periods could not be explained by differences in the food available in competition and training periods.

Plasmid copy-number control and better-than-random segregation genes of pSM19035 share a common regulator

Transcription initiation of the copy-number control and better-than-random segregation genes of the broad-host-range and low-copy-number plasmid pSM19035 are subjected to repression by the autoregulated pSM19035-encoded omega product in Bacillus subtilis cells. The promoters of the copS (Pcop1 and Pcop2), delta (Pdelta), and omega (Pomega) genes have been mapped. These promoters are embedded in a set of either seven copies of a 7-bp direct repeat or in a block consisting of two 7-bp direct repeats and one 7-bp inverted repeat; the blocks are present either two or three times. The cooperative binding of omega protein to the repeats on the Pcop1, Pcop2, Pdelta, and Pomega promoters represses transcription initiation by a mechanism that does not exclude sigma(A)RNAP from the promoters. These results indicate that omega protein regulates plasmid maintenance by controlling the copy number on the one hand and by regulating the amount of proteins required for better-than-random segregation on the other hand.

Carriage of a new epidemic strain of Neisseria meningitidis and its relationship with the incidence of meningococcal disease in Galicia, Spain

In Galicia, Spain, a dramatic increase in the incidence of meningococcal disease was seen in the 1995-6. The annual incidence rose to 11 per 10(5) inhabitants, and 80% of identified strains were C:2b:P1.2,5. This led to the implementation of an intensive A+C vaccination campaign for the population aged 18 months to 19 years. During this campaign the prevalence of carriage in areas with high and low incidence was studied. Nasopharyngeal swabs were taken from 9796 subjects immediately before the administration of meningococcal vaccine, plated onto Thayer-Martin plates, incubated and sent for analysis to the Reference Laboratory for Neisseria in Spain. The prevalence of the C:2b: P1.2,5 strains was 0.6% (95% CI 0.29-0.88) in the high incidence area, and 0.41% (95 % CI 0.00-1.04) in the low incidence area, and that of serogroup C (all strains) 1.36% (95% CI 0.80-1.80) and 0.89% (95% CI 0.09-1.69) respectively. The prevalence of N. meningitidis (all strains) was almost the same in both areas (8%). Carriers of the epidemic strain were not found in the 2-4 year age group, that most affected by the disease. Our data showed a wide distribution but a low carriage rate of the epidemic strain C:2b:P1.2,5 in the high and low disease incidence areas studied; the difference in the carriage rates between the two areas was not statistically significant.

Anaphylaxis inhibitory factor in IgE-dependent mast cell stimulation

We have previously demonstrated that there is a factor present in some human serum which inhibits the passive cutaneous anaphylaxis reaction mediated by IgE. The present study analyzes the effect of this factor on mast cell IgE-dependent tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha release. Rat peritoneal mast cells and RBL-2H3 cells treated with monoclonal mouse IgE anti-dinitrophenol (anti-DNP) followed by DNP-bovine serum albumin (DNP-BSA) were used and TNF-alpha release was measured at different time points. Similarly the percentage of rat peritoneal mast cell degranulation was determined. Results show a period of 30 min as optimal incubation time for TNF-alpha release in both mast cell populations. Human serum anaphylaxis inhibitory factor enriched fraction inhibited TNF-alpha release when it was in contact with IgE before the antigen treatment. Under these conditions the percentage of mast cell degranulation decreased. Mast cells incubated before IgE treatment with the factor alone do not release TNF-alpha and the percentage of degranulation increases due to a non-IgE-dependent process. A possible role of the inhibitory factor in the later phase reaction in addition to immediate hypersensitivity described previously is suggested.

[Impact of health services, sanitation and literacy in the mortality of children under 5 years of age]]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze differences of the impact of health care services, sanitation and literacy on the mortality rates of children under five years of age, in two Mexican states with marked socioeconomic differences: Chiapas and Nuevo Leon.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study design was ecologic, based on a retrospective analysis of data published by the Health Ministry (Secretaría de Salud), National Institute of Statistics, Geography and Informatics (Instituto Nacional de Estadística, Geografía e Informática) and the National Population Council (Consejo Nacional de Población), on the tendencies of mortality among children under five years and on the changes of selected indicators corresponding to the period 1990-1997.

STUDY DESIGN

ecologic study. This was based on a retrospective analysis of data published by Secretaría de Salud, Instituto Nacional de Estadística e Informática and Consejo Nacional de Población, about the tendencies of mortality among children under five years, and about the changes of selected indicators. The analysis was carried out in the period comprised between 1990-1997. For both states the registered variations were calculated and the trends were determined through analysis of simple linear regression; the independent variable corresponded to the study years. Partial correlation analysis between the various mortality trends studies and between and the selected indicators, were calculated.

RESULTS

During the studied period there was a steady decline of children mortality, which was more marked in Chiapas. In both entities, this decrease was closely related to the decline in mortality due to acute diarrhea, and also correlated with a descent in measles and acute respiratory infections. In Chiapas, the indicators which correlated more significantly with this decline in mortality were vaccination coverage and literacy. In Nuevo Leon, the indicators with greater correlation were the increase in the number of nurses, of lodgings with piped water and vaccination coverage.

CONCLUSIONS

During the analyzed period, the mortality rate of children under five years of age decreased in the states of Chiapas and Nuevo Leon. To sustain or accelerate the decline in childhood mortality it is mandatory to continue with the currently implemented programs, and in Chiapas, and similar states, to increase the available infrastructure to provide health care.

Ultrastructural changes during nuclear maturation in Bufo arenarum oocytes

During progesterone-induced nuclear maturation the oocytes of Bufo arenarum undergo a series of nuclear and cytoplasmic changes. The breakdown of heterocellular communications between the follicular cell projections and the oocyte microvilli, and the consequent enlargement of the perivitelline space, were observed at the animal pole. The more evident cytoplasmic feature during nuclear maturation comprised the gathering of glycogen granules in clusters, some phagocytosed by empty vesicles. With respect to the location of these vesicles, some were observed in close proximity to the oolemma and others were freely suspended in the perivitelline space, extruded from the oocyte. Other visible events were the disruption of the annulate lamellae, the formation of an elaborate cortical endoplasmic reticulum and the rearrangement of the cortical granules in a monolayer immediately beneath the oolemma together with aggregates of endoplasmic reticulum cisternae. Our results show that during nuclear maturation the nuclear oocyte changes include a flattening of the spherical oocyte nucleus, its migration towards the surface of the animal pole, the disappearance of the nucleoli and the dissolution of the nuclear envelope.

Conversion of US3-encoded protein kinase gene from pseudorabies virus in a diploid gene located within inverted repeats by genetic recombination between the viral genome isomers

The pseudorabies virus (PRV) genome consists of two components, long (U(L)) and short (U(S)) regions. The U(S) region is the only one capable of inverting itself relative to the U(L) region during productive infection, generating two equimolecular isomeric forms of viral DNA. Here we describe a recombinant virus (gIp2) generated by genetic recombination between pseudorabies viral isomers. This recombination event was observed in the parental virus gIS8, which was obtained by insertion of the alpha4-TK herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1) gene. The growth of gIS8 virus in the presence of 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) yielded gIp2. This was generated by nonhomologous recombination either between the two viral genomic isomers of gIS8, P and I(U/S), or between the same P isomer using nonhomologous and homologous recombination, with loss of the HSV1 sequences and duplication of the PRV US3-encoded protein kinase gene. Virus gIp2 is negative for TK, gI, gE, 11K and 28K and shows an in vitro replication capacity in neuronal cells approximately 22 times lower than that of parental virus gIS8, and similar to that of the Bartha vaccine virus strain in monkey kidney and human neuronal cells.

Bacillus subtilis sequence-independent DNA-binding and DNA-bending protein Hbsu negatively controls its own synthesis

Transcription of the hbs gene under vegetative growth condition is subject to repression when cells enter in late exponential phase. We have determined the sites at which transcription of the hbs gene initiates in vitro. On a supercoiled template, transcription of the hbs gene is initiated by sigmaARNAP at two overlapping hbs promoters (P1 and P3). We have demonstrated that highly purified Hbsu protein acts as a repressor of its own synthesis. The binding of the sequence-independent DNA-binding and DNA-bending Hbsu protein does not seem to exclude sigmaARNAP from the promoters. In this report we show that Hbsu, in vitro, does not repress transcription by a mere steric hindrance on sigmaARNAP binding.

Analysis of the Bacillus subtilis recO gene: RecO forms part of the RecFLOR function

The deduced protein product of the Bacillus subtilis gene yqfI, which is 255 residues long, shares homology (25% identity) with the Escherichia coli RecO protein. A null allele of yqfI, when present in an otherwise Rec+ B. subtilis strain, causes cells to become highly sensitive to DNA-damaging agents, and plasmid transformation (intramolecular recombination) is reduced by 25-fold while chromosomal transformation (intermolecular recombination) is only moderately affected (2.5-fold reduction). Therefore, the yqfI gene was renamed recO and its null allele is referred to as recO1. The recO1 mutation was introduced into recombination-deficient strains representative of the epistatic groups alpha (recF, recR and recL strains), beta (addA5 addB72), gamma (recH342) and epsilon (recU40). The recO mutation did not affect the sensitivity of recF, recR or recL cells to DNA-damaging agents, increased the sensitivity of recU and addAB cells and abolished the DNA repair capacity of recH cells. The recO mutation did not affect intermolecular recombination in recF, recL, recH or recU cells, but reduced (by about 9-fold) the incidence of intermolecular recombination in addAB cells. The recO mutation did not affect intramolecular recombination in the addAB, recU, recF or recL cells, but reduced it by about 75-fold in recH cells. The defects caused by the recO1 mutation can be partially suppressed by a common suppressor of the recF, recL and recR phenotypes. We therefore assigned recO to epistatic group alpha and predict that the RecO protein acts at the same stage of recombination as the RecF, RecL and RecR proteins, in a RecFLOR complex.

[Chemical composition of 2 wild vegetable species compared with chard]

The nutritional quality of two wild vegetable species, Kochia scoparia (Ks) and Chenopodium album (Cha) was evaluated and compared with Beta vulgaris var. cicla(chard) (Bv), in order to propose their domestication as alternative protein sources. Chemical percentual analysis (AOAC), gaseous chromatography fatty acid determination, and antinutrient searching (by chemical, enzymatic and immunological method) were performed. Protein quality was determined by the following indexes: net protein utilization (NPU), true digestibility (tD) and biological value (BV). The three species exhibited similar protein concentration values, 25.8, 25.0 and 22.1 g/100 g for Ks, Cha and Bv, respectively. Kochia scoparia showed the highest value for fatty acid analysis (82%), with predominance of linolenic acid. Since the samples were subjected to boiling, the amounts of antinutrients found can be considered to be within levels not affecting health. As regards the biological quality, the obtained values for Ks, Cha and Bv, respectively, were: NPU: 68.0 +/- 0.4, 55.0 +/- 6.1 and 56.0 +/- 4.2; tD 70.0 +/- 0.7, 71.0 +/- 4.0 and 76.0 +/- 8.2; BV: 97, 77 and 74. The analysis of the biological quality indexes gave highest nitrogen profit for Ks. These results indicate that Kochia scoparia is suitable for the objective proposed.

Nutrient and antinutrient composition of Amaranthus muricatus

The chemical and nutritional composition of the aerial parts of Amaranthus muricatus was assessed. This is a wild plant growing well in arid and poor soil, which are not suitable for cereals. The material under study was boiled, dried and ground and then evaluated for chemical, nutritional and antinutritional properties. Protein concentration of the amaranth flour was 15.74 g/100 g and total dietary fiber content was high (53.81 g/100 g), with 79% coming from insoluble dietary fiber. The calcium content was 1533 mg/100 g and the Ca/P ratio (5.94) was markedly higher than the value suggested in the 1989 Recommended Dietary Allowances. Fifty-nine percent of the fatty acids present were unsaturated with linoleic acid accounting for 40% of the total fatty acid content. Nitrate, hemagglutinin, trypsin inhibitor and saponin contents were within the non-critical values. Net protein utilization (NPU), true digestibility (tD) and biological value (BV) measurements indicated a nitrogen gain of 74% that of casein. The results of this study indicate a nutritive potential for the A. muricatus leaves, therefore, domestication of this plant is suggested along with assessment of its chemical and nutritional properties.

Food habits and anthropometric measurements in a group of independent and institutionalized elderly people in Spain

Because of an increase in the number of elderly and the problems of nutrition associated with them, we considered it of interest to study the eating habits of 352 elderly persons (134 males and 218 females) 65 to 95 years of age in an urban area in the north of Spain (Oviedo). The purpose of this study was specifically to describe the differences in the eating habits of elderly institutionalized persons and those resident at home and to detect the nutritional status of 161 subjects living in institutions and 191 living at home. The weight, height, body mass index (BMI), and triceps skinfold (PTP) of each were recorded. To determine the eating habits, a questionnaire measuring the frequency of food consumption was distributed to the subjects. The mean age of the institutionalized elderly was greater than those living independently. The mean values of BMI indicated overweight in all cases, with values around those of obesity in independent females (BMI = 29.97). The value of PTP was found to be within normal limits, but a greater percentage of institutionalized subjects showed PTP values of less than P10 (males, 10.2%; females, 11%). Food habits showed that the consumption of fish and margarine/oil was greater in institutionalized subjects of both sexes. Independent males consumed more vegetables; females consumed more milk and greens. Milk, vegetables, fruit, and fish were the food groups with consumption frequencies less than those recommended. A greater percentage of noncompliance was seen among the institutionalized elderly.