bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Omega‐3 deprivation enhance anxiety‐like behaviors after abstinence from chronic cocaine consumption: possible synergistical effect of cocaine and nutrition
Authors: Serrano Sergio , Rodriguez Natalia , Geste Jean Roussel , Pompilus Marjory , Wickensonn Norze , Maldonado‐Vlaar Carmen
Published: November 2023

Adolescence is a transition process that is crucial for brain maturation. Insults during this critical period can permanently damage or alter the brain's normal structure and function in adulthood. Deficiencies of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), especially omega‐3 (ω‐3), are proposed to play a critical role during these sensitive periods, predisposing individuals to behavioral and cognitive deficits. The objective of the present study was to assess whether nutritional ω‐3 deprivation from pre‐puberty to adulthood would lead to changes in addictive behaviors increasing the potential of anxiety and cocaine self‐administration (SA). Male Sprague‐Dawley rats (P21) were randomly assigned to one of two diet groups: standard rodent lab chow (n=8) or low ω‐3 rodent lab chow (n=11). The groups began both diets upon their arrival to the animal house and continued it until the end of the experiment. Lever‐pressing activity under a fixed‐ratio schedule was recorded for statistical analysis. Following the self‐administration experiment, anxiogenic‐like behaviors were evaluated using the elevated plus maze test (EPM). Prolonged dietary deprivation of ω‐3 did not exert any significant effect in lever‐pressing activity through the acquisition, extinction, or reinstatement phases. However, ω‐3‐deficient animals showed enhanced anxiety‐like behaviors after 14 days of cocaine abstinence. Based on our results, we can speculate that ω‐3‐deficient rats and chronic cocaine consumption might synergistically influence the stress susceptibility, consequently modulating the incidence of stress‐related behaviors. Considering our results, it will be appealing to determine whether these behavioral aspects, which are highly comorbid with addiction, could contribute or intensify the stress‐induced reinstatement. Nevertheless, we cannot exclude the possibility of dissimilar outcomes with other addictive drugs and/or behaviors that might be also influenced. Future experiments need to examine a higher drug concentration, prolonged diet consumption, and extended time‐examination period to arrive at a more definite conclusion.

Support or Funding Information

NIH‐RISE (2R25GM061151‐13), FIPI (120051574)
Micronutrient Intake and Supplement Use in Infants and Toddler from a WIC Clinic in Puerto Rico
Authors: Amaro‐Rivera Kiara Y. , Ríos Elaine , Sinigaglia Olga , Díaz Beatriz , Campos Maribel , Palacios Cristina
Published: November 2023

Objective

To calculate micronutrient adequacy among infants based on the Estimated Average Requirements (or Adequate Intake) as established by the Institute of Medicine and to determine the contribution of supplements to this adequacy.

Methods

A convenience sample of 254 infants aged 0–24 months (m) from a WIC clinic in Puerto Rico was used in this study. Micronutrient intake was calculated from foods and from supplements using two non‐consecutive 24‐hour recalls. The sample was divided into three age groups: 0–6 m (n=106), 7–12 m (n=71), and 13–24 m (n=77) and intake was compared between users and non‐users of supplements using Student's t‐test. Percentage adequacy was estimated for each age group and by type of feeding (breastfeeding, formula feeding, or combination of both).

Results

Overall, the prevalence of dietary supplement use among the sample was 14.6% (9.4% in 0–6 m, 12.7% in 7–12 m, and 23.4% in 13–24 m). Intake of most micronutrients from foods was above the recommendation, except for vitamin D in infants 0–12 m and vitamins D, E, K and potassium in infants 13–24 m. When compared by feeding type, vitamins D and E were below the recommendation in breastfed infants while formula‐fed infants almost achieved the vitamin D recommendation. When supplements were taken into account, all micronutrients reached the recommendation, even breastfed infants, except vitamin K and potassium in those 13–24 m. The upper limits (UL) were exceeded for vitamin A in all age groups and niacin and folate in infants 13–24 m. As most micronutrients do not have an UL for infants, we also calculated those that exceeded the recommendation by >300%. From foods, these were vitamins K, B3, B6, B12, and iron in infants 0–6 m; vitamins K, B12, and copper in infants 7–12 and vitamins C, B2, B12, and iron in infants 13–24 m. From foods + supplements, about half were consumed by >300%.

Conclusion

Supplements helped achieve nutrient intake adequacy for vitamin D in the study sample. In infants 0–12 m, the overall consumption of micronutrients was above the recommendation. In toddlers 13–24 m, the consumption of vitamin K and potassium were below the recommendation even with the use of supplements. Certain micronutrients were consumed in very high amounts, although only vitamin A, niacin, and folate in older infants were above the UL. It is important to understand these patterns, as it may be indicative of future nutritional deficiencies and excesses.
Public health monitoring of weight change, in addition to weight status, in child care centers
Authors: Stookey Jodi , Tao‐Lew Lisa , Arana Tito , Evans Jane
Published: November 2023

Child care centers, nationwide, conduct health screenings each Fall and Spring, but systematically report only the Fall prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity. This analysis used health screening data collected by the San Francisco Department of Public Health, Child Care Health Program to consider monitoring of Fall‐Spring weight change in childcare centers, in addition to Fall weight status, for public health needs assessment and program evaluation.

Measured height and weight were used to estimate the Fall prevalence of overweight and obesity (BMI percentile≥85%) for children screened, ages 3–4 years, in 2012 (n=1,147), 2013 (n=1,093), and 2014 (n=1,052). Each year, Fall‐Spring weight change data were available for 935, 871, and 763 children, respectively. Over time, the Fall prevalence of overweight and obesity did not decrease (24% in 2012, 27% in 2013, and 28% in 2014). The Fall‐Spring incidence of overweight and obesity decreased from 8% in 2012–2013, to 6% in 2013–2014, to 5% in 2014–2015. Among children who were overweight or obese in the Fall, the proportion who became normal weight by Spring increased from 15% in 2012–2013 to 22% in 2013–2014, and 21% in 2014–2015.

The weight status and weight change data signal different intervention potential. The Fall prevalence results imply need for pre‐enrollment intervention for children <3y. The decreasing incidence and increasing case resolution suggest improving obesity prevention and treatment for enrolled children, ages 3–4y. The results warrant consideration of 6‐month weight change as a field to include in automated health screening report templates, along with Fall weight status.

Support or Funding Information

Routine public health surveillance
Women with a Common Genetic Variant in ZnT2 (T288S) Have Altered Breast Milk Composition: Implications for Suboptimal Lactation
Authors: Lee Sooyeon , Dalrymple Charles , Kelleher Shannon L
Published: November 2023

Few studies have explored the role of nutrigenomics in lactation biology. Recent studies from our lab found that non‐synonymous genetic variation in the zinc (Zn) transporter ZnT2 (SLC30A2) is common in women and is associated with both low and elevated milk Zn concentrations. Of those variants, a threonine to serine substitution at amino acid 288 (T288S) was detected in 12% of women and milk from these women had abnormally low milk Zn and significantly elevated milk sodium levels. Because elevated milk sodium has been associated with breast dysfunction, in this study, we characterized the functional consequence of expressing the T288S variant on breast milk composition in women and in mammary epithelial cells (MECs) ectopically expressing this variant in vitro. We hypothesized that mothers with T288S variant would express biological factors in milk that reflect suboptimal lactation performance. We found that protein, lactose and fat concentrations in milk from women with T288S were similar to women expressing wild‐type ZnT2. However, milk from women expressing T288S had significantly higher levels of citrate, lactoferrin, MMP‐2 activity, 4‐HNE, mucin‐4 and endoplasmin, all of which increase in response to reactive oxygen species (ROS). Consistent with the milk analyses, MECs transfected to express T288S in vitro had significantly greater ROS levels and expression of oxidative stress markers, mucin‐4 and endoplasmin, compared to MECs expressing wild‐type ZnT2. To determine if this increase in oxidative stress is associated with mammary gland involution, we measured p‐STAT3, a marker of involution and found that STAT3 activation was significantly increased in T288S‐expressing MECs compared to MECs expressing wild‐type ZnT2. Collectively, our data suggest that women expressing the T288S variant in ZnT2 may have enhanced oxidative stress in the breast that may lead to precocious involution and suboptimal lactation. Importantly, this study suggests that nutrigenomics may have important implications for breast function and implicates factors in breast milk as useful bioreporters of breast (dys)function and lactation performance.

Support or Funding Information

Intramural funds to SLK
The participation of an infant harbored bacterial commensal in urea nitrogen salvaging
Authors: You Xiaomeng , Lyu Yang , Sela David A.
Published: November 2023

Breast milk often promotes the establishment of commensal communities dominated by bifidobacteria within the developing neonate. This is driven by infant‐indigestible molecules such as soluble glycans secreted in milk referred to as human milk oligosaccharides. Accordingly, concentrations of protein are lower in human milk relative to other mammals, which may be inadequate to satisfy increased nitrogen demands during postnatal growth, let alone the metabolic requirements of resident colonic commensals. Interestingly, urea accounts for 15% of total nitrogen in human breast milk, representing a potential nitrogen reservoir for both the infant and its harbored microbiota. We hypothesize that urea nitrogen salvaging (UNS) is a critical host‐commensal metabolic interaction that is modulated by Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis (B. infantis) that are a frequent early colonizers of the nursing infant gut. The B. infantis genome encodes a urease gene cluster underlying its urea hydrolysis phenotype to enable these commensals to utilize urea as a sole nitrogen source. This is consistent with B. infantis participation in UNS within the infant gut along with gene expression profiles while differentially shunting nitrogen through catabolic and anabolic pathways. Moreover, we have determined that B. infantis are auxotrophic for L‐cysteine and utilize this amino acid as a sole nitrogen source under non‐limiting conditions. This is suggestive of coupled nitrogen and sulfur metabolism in the breastfed infant gut, and may reflect the evolutionary trajectory of infant‐borne bifidobacterial lineages.
Policy Changes
Authors: Kattelmann Kendra , Chen Biyi , Daniels Ann Michelle , Zies Susan , Stefura Beth , Muturi Nancy , Li Yijing , Lindshield Erika , Kidd Tandalayo
Published: November 2023

Objective

Obesity is a significant health concern in the United States. In 2012, more than one third of all U.S. children and adolescents were overweight or obese. Causes of obesity are complex and include behavioral, social, biological and environmental factors. Ignite is a five year, tri‐state (Ohio, South Dakota and Kansas), and quasi‐experimental project, including one control and one intervention community from each state. Using the community‐based participatory research (CBPR) process each intervention community will create and implement nutrition and physical activity programs addressing overweight and obesity among 6–8th grade youth. The objective of this paper is to report the policy changes supporting healthful behaviors that have been implemented due to Ignite.

Study Design, Setting, and Participants

At the end of year three of programming, a virtual focus group of school administrators (n=3), community leaders (n=4), and youth (n=4) from the steering committees from each of the three intervention communities was conducted. Focus group participants were queried for priority issues and program implementation associated with Ignite.

Outcome, Measures and Analysis

Focus group dialogue was recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using Nvivo software for open coding to identify and categorize emerging themes.

Results

The major themes identified were policy changes that 1) support healthful meal behaviors and foods and 2) physical activity. The school food and nutrition and policy changes included extension of mealtime and enhanced availability of healthful snacks during the school day. The physical activity policy changes included enhancing availability and safety of school track for the community and increase in number of programs supporting walking.

Conclusions and Implications

CBPR process guided by Cooperative Extension personnel engaged communities in identifying and implementing policies that promote healthier dietary and physical activity behavior in youth in the intervention communities.

Support or Funding Information

This material is based upon work that is supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under award number 2012‐68001‐19619
Changes in Intake of CVD‐Related Food Components Associated with an Intervention to Reduce Sedentary Time
Authors: Casey Kelsey , Rosenkranz Sara , Mailey Emily , Garcia Alyssa Baquero , Swank Aaron , Rosenkranz Richard
Published: November 2023

Background

Previous research suggests that individuals who are insufficiently active have a higher intake of food components thought to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) (sodium, solid fats, and added sugars), as compared to their more active counterparts. Lifestyle changes related to physical activity have been shown to occur alongside changes in diet, but it is unknown whether participating in an intervention intended to reduce sedentary behavior would be accompanied by changes in CVD‐related food intake, and subsequent changes in CVD risk factors.

Methods

Insufficiently active women (N=49) working full‐time sedentary jobs were randomized into one of two 8‐week interventions which advised decreasing sedentary time during the work week. Dietary information was collected through 3‐day food records (2 weekdays, 1 weekend day) at baseline and week 8. At baseline and week 8, fasting blood lipids and glucose were assessed via fingerstick. Blood pressure and waist circumference were determined at baseline and week 8. Dietary intake was evaluated using Nutritionist Pro software.

Results

There were no changes in average intake for saturated fat (baseline: 24.6 ± 10.0g, 11.9 ± 3.0% total kcals, week 8: 22.8 ± 7.6g, 12.6 ± 2.7% total kcals) or cholesterol (baseline: 269.8 ± 149.5mg, week 8: 226.7 ± 123.7mg) from baseline to week 8. There were no associations between food components and CVD risk factors at baseline (p>0.05). At week 8, saturated fat intake was significantly associated with LDL (r=0.49, p<0.01) and total cholesterol (r=0.34, p<0.05). Changes in saturated fat consumption from baseline to week 8 were associated with changes in LDL (r=0.77, p<0.01) and total cholesterol (r=0.36, p<0.05). Consumption of added sugar (baseline: 77.8 ± 37.9g, week 8: 68.7 ± 35.7g, p<0.01) and sodium (baseline: 3104.0 ± 1051.3mg, week 8: 2896.5 ± 1245.5mg, p=0.05) decreased from baseline to week 8, and changes in sodium consumption from baseline to week 8 were correlated with changes in LDL (r=0.36, p<0.05).

Discussion

Following an 8‐week intervention to reduce sedentary time among insufficiently active women, there were significant decreases in added sugar and sodium intake, indicating changes in CVD‐related food intake, despite the lack of a dietary intervention. There were no changes in saturated fat or cholesterol, but there were associations between changes in saturated fat consumption and blood lipids (total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol), as well as sodium consumption and LDL cholesterol. Future research should determine how combining dietary and sedentary behavior interventions would impact health outcomes.
Follow of children and youth people with type 1 diabetes after five years of participation in a self‐care program in Hermosillo, Mexico
Authors: Flores Perla Esmeralda Landeros , Gloria Elena Portillo A. , Alma Delia Contreras P. , Elizabeth Esmeralda Artalejo O. , Martha Nydia Ballesteros V. , Josefina Krimpe R. , María Isabel Ortega V.
Published: November 2023

Introduction

One of the main challenges of educational programs aimed to improve diabetes care is program impact in the long term. In northern México, two diabetes care programs based on Social Cognitive Theory (SCT), showed an improvement in metabolic control (HbA1c values according to recommendations of ADA by age group1), quality of life, and physical activity of children and adolescents with Type 1 diabetes, nine months after the intervention2.

Objective

To evaluate long term evolution of diabetes care among children and youth after 5 years of an educational program based on SCT.

Methods

Forty two children and youth people that participated in our previous diabetes care program were invited to a follow up study. We measured participants’ glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) as the main indicator of diabetes metabolic control. We conducted a structured interviewed to evaluate quality of life, physical activity, and nutritional status of participants, as well as barriers and facilitators of diabetes care using qualitative inquiry.

Results

Nineteen children and youth completed the study; Mean age of participants was 17.5 ± 4.0 years. Eighty percent of them belonged to families with median socioeconomic level (SL) and 11% to a high SL. Mean HBA1c was 10.2±2.2, higher than that reported in baseline studies. Younger participants (less than 13 years of age) had better metabolic control (mean HBA1c of 6.05 ± 0.63). Qualitative analysis showed that community and family food environments, the type of medical care, and economic limitations, were the main barriers to an adequate metabolic control of diabetes.

Conclusion

Adequate diabetes care remains a challenge among Mexican children and youth, and it is related to economic and social cost of disease, as well as a non‐integral medical care

Support or Funding Information
Evaluation of a Multi‐component Farm‐to‐Preschool Program on Access to and Consumption of Fruits and Vegetables among Preschool‐aged Children
Authors: Parry Jade , Spence Marsha , Aaron Kindall , Colby Sarah , Kavanagh Katie
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Most preschool‐aged children (3–5 years old) do not consume an adequate amount of fruits and vegetables. Accessibility and parent involvement are important factors in determining fruit and vegetable consumption in preschool‐aged children.

Objective

Increase access to and consumption of fruits and vegetables among preschool‐aged children enrolled in the Health Happens! Preschool Program.

Methods

Quasi‐experimental design with an intervention and control group. Children participated in a 12‐week physical activity and nutrition program at both the intervention and control childcare centers. Parents had access to four online‐learning modules about nutrition and physical activity. Additional farm‐to‐preschool activities were provided at the intervention site including: a small‐scale farmer's market for parents to purchase local fruits and vegetables at the preschool center once a week for eight weeks and biweekly hands‐on gardening education for children. Parents at the preschool centers were asked to complete a home food inventory (HFI) to assess fruit and vegetable availability at home and a food frequency questionnaire to evaluate their preschoolers’ usual consumption of fruits and vegetables. IBM SPSS Statistics 22 was used to analyze data. Participants’ purchases from the small‐scale farmer's market were recorded and the average amount spent per week was calculated.

Results

Eighteen parents participated in the program at the intervention site and 19 at the control site. Baseline results indicated that the majority of fruits and vegetables available at home were potatoes (100%), corn (93%), carrots (93%), apples (86%), bananas (86%), and grapes (86%). The majority of fruits and vegetables parents reported preschoolers consumed included: apples (88%), potatoes (82%), bananas (82%), corn (77%), green beans (71%), and grapes (71%). During the farm‐to‐preschool program, households spent an average of $6.06 per week on local okra, spaghetti squash, sweet potatoes, kale, eggplant, peppers, acorn squash, butternut squash, and apples. Final outcome data will test pre‐ to post‐ differences in home food availability and consumption of fruits and vegetables among preschool children between the intervention and control sites.

Conclusion

Providing local, fresh produce for parents to purchase at their child's preschool may be a viable way to increase consumption and availability of fruits and vegetables in early childhood.

Support or Funding Information

University of Tennessee and East Tennessee Children's Hospital
Does Installing “Healthy Eating Information” in a University Dining Hall Change Students’ Food and Beverage Choices?
Authors: Scourboutakos Mary J. , Mah Catherine L. , Murphy Sarah , Mazza Frank , L'Abbe Mary R.
Published: November 2023

The objective was to determine if the installation of “healthy eating information” in a University dining hall would influence students’ food and beverage choices. This was a pre‐post, population nutrition intervention conducted in a buffet‐style cafeteria between September 2014 and April 2015. The intervention encouraged students to “fill half their plate with fruits and vegetables” and illustrated the number of minutes of jogging it takes to burn the calories in each beverage option. The beverage choices, as well as visits to the vegetable and fruit bar, were recorded on twelve menu‐matched occasions before and after the intervention. Inventory data was collected to determine the total liters of each beverage taken and the number of fruit cases ordered. There was a significant decrease in the proportion of students selecting a sugar‐sweetened beverage before (49% of the population) versus after (41%) the intervention (p=0.004). There was also a significant increase in the proportion of students drinking water before (43%) versus after (54%) the intervention (p<0.001). There were no significant changes in the proportion of students selecting each individual type of beverage and there was no change in the volume (ml) of each beverage taken. There was a significant increase in the number of students taking fruit before (30% of the population) versus after (36%) the intervention (p<0.001). And the number of students visiting the vegetable bar significantly increased from 60% to 72% (p<0.001). Similar trends were seen in the inventory data. These results illustrate that providing healthy eating information in settings where food choices are made, such as cafeterias, could encourage healthier choices.

Support or Funding Information

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship (MS), McHenry Unrestricted Research Grant (ML)
Healthy Store Programs and WIC, but not SNAP, are Associated with Corner Store Healthfulness
Authors: DeWeese Robin , Todd Michael , Karpyn Allison , Yedidia Michael , Kennedy Michelle , Bruening Meg , Wharton Christopher , Ohri‐Vachaspati Punam
Published: November 2023

Introduction

In response to residents’ lack of access to healthy foods, many low‐income communities are instituting local healthy corner store programs. Some stores also participate in the United States Department of Agriculture's Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This study compared the healthfulness of offerings at stores participating in a local healthy store program, WIC, and/or SNAP to those of similar non‐participating stores, using two different assessment tools.

Methods

Based on store audits conducted in 315 New Jersey corner stores, healthy food availability scores were calculated using an adapted version of the Nutrition Environment Measures Survey for Corner Stores (NEMS‐CS) and a short‐form corner store audit tool (SCAT). Multivariate linear regression was used to examine associations between program participation and scores on both instruments.

Results

Adjusting for store and block group characteristics, stores participating in the local healthy store program had significantly higher SCAT scores than did non‐participating stores (upgraded: M = 3.18, 95% CI 2.65–3.71; non‐upgraded: M = 2.52, 95% CI 2.32–2.73); scores on the adapted NEMS‐CS did not differ (upgraded: M = 12.8, 95% CI 11.6–14.1; non‐upgraded: M = 12.5, 95% CI 12.0–13.0). WIC‐participating stores had significantly higher scores compared to non‐participating stores on both tools. Stores participating in SNAP only (and not in WIC) scored significantly lower on both instruments compared to non‐SNAP stores.

Conclusions

WIC‐participating and non‐SNAP corner stores had higher healthfulness scores on both assessment tools. Only the SCAT was useful in discriminating between upgraded and non‐upgraded stores.

Support or Funding Information

This research was funded by a National Institute of Food and Agriculture predoctoral dissertation fellowship (20146701122279) and by a grant from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (1R01HD071583‐01A1).
Multi‐micronutrient Fortified Juice Drink Improved Iron and other Biomarkers of Schoolchildren: An Intervention Study
Authors: Angeles‐Agdeppa Imelda , Rosarda Mark Ariel A. , Magsadia Clarita R , Lloyd Beate B
Published: November 2023

Background

Micronutrient deficiencies occur due to limited access to micronutrient‐rich foods, inadequate food quantity and quality, poor bioavailability and presence of infections. This study evaluated the dose‐response of a multi‐micronutrients fortified juice drink on anemia, and status of iron, vitamin A, C, D, zinc of schoolchildren.

Methods

Parental consent was sought prior to the study. Haemoglobin (Hb) among 2,423 children aged 6 to 9 years old in six public schools were collected. The anemia rate was 10% (246) with mean Hb of 11.0 g/dl. All anemic children were randomly allocated into 4 groups to receive different doses of fortified juice drink under supervised regimen for 120 days, Group 1: daily dose (HD), Group 2: 5X/week (MD), Group 3: 3X/week (LD) and Group 4: unfortified (Control). Pre‐post measurements were collected: serum ferritin (SF), transferrin receptors (TfR), C‐reactive protein (CRP), α1—acid glycoprotein (AGP), retinol binding proteins (RBP), zinc, vitamins C and D using standard methods. The indicator of infection was CRP (>12mg/L) and AGP (>1g/L). Food intake was collected using 24h recall.

Results

A complete data set was from 228 children. The mean monthly income in all groups is below the poverty threshold. Infection rate at base and end of study was slightly high. All children received deworming medicine prior to study start. There was a significant reduction in anemia and iron deficiency prevalence in all groups from 100% at baseline to 23–36% at endline. The mean nutrient intake declined in almost all nutrients at endline in the intervention groups, not in the control group. The percent of children meeting the estimated adequate requirements for iron was 29% for control, 62% for LD, 80% for MD and 97% for HD at endline. The HD group at endline had significant increases in energy, carbohydrates, calcium, iron, vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin. Vitamin D and zinc, not present in the food composition tables, were consumed at 31, 52 and 73% of DRI and 47, 78 and 100%, respectively in LD, MD, HD. Between time periods, significant increases RBP were observed in all groups; while significant increases were notable in the plasma zinc in MD; and increases in plasma vitamin D and C for both MD and HD.

Conclusion

Despite lowered nutrient intakes at endline in the intervention groups, the fortified drink had contributed significantly in increasing the nutrient intakes likely contributing to the increases in the different biomarkers. The minimal increase in Hb even in the intervention groups implies that anemia should be addressed in a holistic approach encompassing intervention strategies on environment, sanitation, education, poverty alleviation and food security.
The Formulation of a Patient‐Centered Quality Care Improvement Tool for Nursing Home Patients
Authors: Henry‐Newton Suzette G , Einstein George P , Tulp Orien L
Published: November 2023

It is estimated that 1.3 million elderly Americans live in nursing homes today, and it is projected that this number will increase as the baby boomers become older. Health care administrators will have to frequently adjust services provided within their facility to satisfy this rising aging population. The need to balance quality and quantity healthcare services with the ever shrinking Medicare/Medicaid dollars, while maintaining profitable results is a priority of market leaders. The purpose of this study is to develop a tool that can be used at anytime by a nursing home to get feedback from patients about the level of satisfaction for services received. Literature will integrate quality care definitions with high technologies in data collection such as technology from web‐base questionnaires to telephonic advances. It will also explore the ethical impact of data collection methods on tool development. This research will adopt a qualitative case study approach so that patients and their families could give input before the survey tool is developed in a pre‐ survey phrase. Data will be analyzed from 15 nursing home patients with B I M score greater then 7, alert and oriented × 3 with no upper extremities malfunction, and may or may not have verbalized a grievance related to the quality of care in the facility within the last 2 years. Findings on the theoretical level may reveal that when patient/family have early input in the data collection process their input can increase institutional survey effectiveness and provide better indicators for health administrators to implement more relevant and sustainable satisfaction improvement programs. On the practical level, the tool is likely to reveal what processes /services are working well, and where there might be need to give more resources for improved care and satisfaction.

Support or Funding Information

Supported by Institutional Resources of USAT and the Einstein Institute
Kuwaiti Mother's Perception of Her 3–5 Year Old Child's Body Mass Index
Authors: Alabdullah Ghanima , Abel Deborah , Shaban Lemia , Huffman Fatma
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Children's diet can determine their weight. Parents especially the mother has a big role on the child's eating habits. If the mother misperceive her child's weight status, the child can be at risk of developing obesity.

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the differences between Kuwaiti mother's perception of their child's BMI and the child's actual BMI.

Method

Cross sectional study involved dyads of Kuwaiti children aged 3–5 years and their mothers. Subjects were randomly selected during summer 2014 from 5 summer camps in 5 different areas in Kuwait. Mothers of the children received a flyer about the study in Arabic and asked if they would like to participate in the study. IRB approved Arabic translated consent form was signed by mothers, and complete Arabic translated questionnaire to assess their perception about their child's BMI was administrated. Height and weight of the mothers were measured or self‐reported to calculate their BMI, and actual heights and weights of the children were measured to calculate their BMI and plotted on the BMI‐for‐age CDC Child Growth Standards to compare with the mother's perception.

Results

Fifty six out of 61 of the mothers agreed to provide their height and weight to calculate their BMI. 28 (50%) of the mothers were overweight, 6 (10.7%) were obese, and only 22 (39%) were normal weight. Forty (67.2%) out of 61 children had normal body weight, 7 (11.5%) were underweight, 7 (11.5%) were overweight, and 6 (9.8%) were obese. Out of 61 mothers, 34 (55.7%) correctly while 44.3% incorrectly perceived their child's BMI. There was a significant difference in correct perception (p=0.028) of child's BMI by his/her mother. However, if the child was overweight or obese 77% of the mothers underestimated their child's BMI.

Conclusion

The majority of Kuwaiti mothers were able to correctly perceive their child's BMI if they were normal or underweight. If the child was overweight or obese the majority of Kuwaiti mother's underestimated their child's BMI. Intervention to educate mothers to correctly assess their child's weight needed in Kuwait to reduce child obesity.
Food Assistance Programs Impact on Dietary Diversity in Children of San Luis Potosi, Mexico
Authors: Gaona‐Pineda Elsa B , Mendez‐Gomez‐Humaran Ignacio , Cuevas‐Nasu Lucia , Shamah‐Levy Teresa
Published: November 2023

Objective

To evaluate the effect of three food assistance programs (FAP) on dietary diversity (DD) in preschool children of San Luis Potosi, Mexico.

Methods

A comparative longitudinal study was developed since February 2014 to July 2015 using a sample of 867 children beneficiaries of three FAP (Prospera, Rescue from Malnutrition with Amaranth (RMA) and School Breakfast (SB)) and a comparative group of 334 children< 5 years old from San Luis Potosi, Mexico.

DD was estimated through a semi quantitative food frequency questionnaire of 201 foods and beverages; which were classified in 11 food groups according to FAO. A score of DD was calculated adding one point to each food group that was consumed at least 3 days per week and a minimum amount of 10g. The score was also classified in tertiles.

As a coverable household food insecurity (FI) was estimated by the Latin American and Caribbean household food security measurement scale (ELCSA).

Impact of FAP on DD was identified through a model of differences in differences using a propensity score matching with age, sex and household socioeconomic index.

Results

A higher proportion of Prospera (55.4%) and SB beneficiaries (62.5%) had lower DD than comparison group across the follow‐up (44.9%). The opposite was found for Prospera+RMA beneficiaries (25.1%). In differences in differences models Prospera kept a high DD score in households with food insecurity (p value=0.064) while in comparison group it was reduced. On the contrary, SB had a negative effect on high DD (p value=0.053).

Conclusions

Prospera had a protective effect on DD in household with food insecurity. It is necessary to develop strategies to improve the DD in SB beneficiaries and in all members of households suffering food insecurity.

Support or Funding Information

FOMIX, SLP‐COPOCYT. Project: FMSLP‐213‐CO2‐208475
Monitoring General Education Science Competencies through a Beginning Nutrition Course: Step 1, Development of Items for a Brief Assessment Quiz
Authors: Fly Alyce D , Kurz Lisa
Published: November 2023

Natural and Mathematical Science courses are part of the undergraduate general education requirements at many universities in the United States, and verifying the extent that students attain the competencies can justify including less traditional courses on approved lists of courses, and expand the variety of suitable courses. The purpose of this study was to construct a competency tool that could be used to demonstrate how a beginning nutrition course can help students 1) practice rigorous analytical thinking, 2) interpret and evaluate data, and 3) engage in active problem solving, any of which may be achieved to meet these general education science competencies at Indiana University. A brief questionnaire was developed to address these competencies using key course content and required moderate to higher level forms of learning according to Bloom's taxonomy (application analysis, synthesis and evaluation). Several resources were also provided, including a Nutrition Facts panel from a food package, a table with criteria for metabolic syndrome, two appendices from the 2010 Dietary Guidelines, including a table of Calories for various age, gender and activity levels, and a table of Recommended Average Daily food Group Intake Amounts at several daily calorie levels. Also included were equations for calculating Estimated Energy Requirements, and a graphical presentation of heights to weights to guide determination of body mass index, and labeled with ranges for underweight, normal, overweight and obese. Items and responses choices were reviewed by experts in nutrition science and test construction. Two adjustments were made to elevate the level of learning demonstrated: One item was completely rewritten to elevate the form of learning from Bloom's comprehension to analysis. Another item was modified from identifying a false statement from a list of statements to identifying the general principle behind a series of statements; that is, changing the measure from knowledge to analysis and synthesis. The resulting 10 item questionnaire provides an instrument to test analytic thinking (3 items), interpreting and evaluating data (4 items) and problem solving (4 items) and can be used to test general education science competency through learning in the applied science field of nutrition.

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Indiana University
Experiential Cooking and Nutrition Education Program Improves Fruit and Vegetable Liking, Vegetable Consumption, and Cooking at Home in Elementary and Middle School Children
Authors: Edens Neile K. , Sharma Sonika , Folkens Stephanie , Wojtowicz Allison , Ranjit Nalini , Evans Alexandra
Published: November 2023

Most Americans, including children, do not meet dietary guidelines for consumption of fruits and vegetables. Inadequate consumption of fruit and vegetables can lead to dietary deficits in key vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which may increase risk for certain chronic diseases. The objective of this study was to determine whether participating in an experiential cooking and nutrition education intervention based on the Social‐Ecological Model could improve healthy dietary intake among youth. 1010 elementary and middle‐school children participated in after‐school nutrition and cooking interventions (Cooking Skills and World Cuisine and/or Family Cooking Class) taught by chef‐instructors. Children received 12–20 hours of instruction over the course of a semester. Weekly lessons consisted of an introduction to various world cuisines, fundamentals of nutrition, cooking skills, and hands‐on meal preparation in the school's kitchen. Children were surveyed during the first and last class of the intervention to determine whether they benefitted from the instruction. Survey items were combined into summated scales which were analyzed for internal validity and only accepted if Cronbach's alpha > 0.7. Items with binary responses which were not combined into scales were analyzed by logistic regression and results are presented as the odds ratio (OR) of a correct or improved response; items with polytomous responses were analyzed using both cumulative (proportional odds) and generalized (multinomial) logit models. Scales were analyzed by frequency distributions and Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test and results are presented as percentage of students with positive response before vs. after instruction. 68% of the students were girls, 37% were Hispanic, 33% were African‐American, 13% were Caucasian. At least 80% of children in participating schools qualified for free‐ or reduced‐price lunch. Participating in the interventions significantly increased correct responses to six nutrition knowledge questions (OR = 1.49–3.22) and frequency of child cooking at home (OR = 1.35) (all p < 0.05). Participating in the intervention increased the percentage of students with highest scores in vegetable liking from 38 to 49%, vegetable consumption from 7 to 13%, openness to other food cultures from 59 to 65%, and confidence in cooking skills from 67 to 88% (all p < 0.05). Hands‐on, experiential cooking and nutrition education may improve several parameters predictive of diet quality in elementary and middle‐school children.

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Supported by the Walmart Foundation.
Away‐from‐Home Food Intake among Mexican Children Ages 2–13 Years
Authors: Afeiche Myriam C. , Taillie Lindsey Smith , Eldridge Alison L. , Popkin Barry M.
Published: November 2023

Study objectives

Away‐from‐home foods have been shown to have lower nutritional quality and larger portion sizes as compared to many foods prepared at home. Previous research in Mexico found that as children age, the purchase of unhealthy food increases. The objective of this study was to describe calorie intake among 2–5 year (y) and 6–13y old Mexican children by eating location (at‐home and AFH) and food origin, including the types of foods consumed, with a focus also on socio‐economic status (SES) and urban residence.

Methods

Dietary intake was collected via one 24‐hr recall in the 2012 Mexican National Health and Nutrition survey (ENSANUT) among 2–5y (n=1905) and 6–13y (n=2868) old children. The primary household meal preparer reported food intake, with children confirming food and beverages consumed while not in the presence of the primary meal preparer (e.g., at school). Respondents reported an eating location for all food items consumed. Location was classified as “at‐home” if it was consumed in the home; otherwise, the location was classified as away from home (e.g., work, school, in transportation, restaurant, sports arena, street vendor, and other). Source of food was only directly stated for foods for which a standardized recipe was reported. For custom recipes, preparation was assumed to be at home, since the respondent had to report the ingredient names and amounts used. For single foods, we assumed that the source of food was the same as the eating location. Results were adjusted for age, sex, weight status, and urbanicity.

Results

Most calories (mean ± standard error (SE)) were consumed at home (1264 ±22 kcal for 2–5y olds; 1508 ±25 kcal for 6–13y olds). In addition, most calories came from foods prepared at home (1256 ±22 kcal for 2–5y olds; 1546 ±25 kcal for 6–13y olds). The most common away‐from‐home eating location was the school (22% 2–5y; 43% 6–13y old), followed by street (14% 2–5y; 13% 6–13y old). The percent of at‐home consumers decreased with higher SES (lowest vs. highest SES tertile: 83% vs. 77% among 2–5y olds; 87% vs. 79% among 6–13y olds) as did the percent of foods prepared at home (84% vs. 79% among 2–5y olds; 89% vs. 81% among 6–13y olds).

Conclusions

Among Mexican children, most foods were cooked from basic ingredients at home and consumed at home. However, the percent of foods consumed or purchased away‐from‐home increased with age and with SES.

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Nestlé Research Center
A Comprehensive Database Linking Dietary Fibers and Health: Rationale and Methods
Authors: Livingston Kara A , Chung Mei , Sawicki Caleigh M , Lyle Barbara J , Wang Ding Ding , Roberts Susan B , McKeown Nicola M
Published: November 2023

The term dietary fiber captures a broad category of compounds, from intrinsic fiber in plants defined as non‐digestible carbohydrate and lignin to isolated non‐digestible carbohydrates (functional fibers) added to foods. Functional fibers must have a physiological benefit on health to receive a fiber classification. Our objective is to present the rationale and approach taken to develop a comprehensive, publicly available, searchable database linking dietary fibers to health outcomes.

To build this database, we conducted a systematic literature search for human intervention studies published in English from 1946 to September 2013. Our search strategy included a broad definition of fiber terms, as well as search terms for nine physiological health outcomes. These nine health outcomes include total and LDL cholesterol; post‐prandial glucose and insulin; blood pressure; increased fecal bulk and laxation; transit time; colonic fermentation and short‐chain‐fatty‐acid production; modulation of colonic microflora; weight loss, weight maintenance, and reduction in adiposity; and increased satiety. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were developed a priori, and publications were first screened at the abstract level and, later, at the full text level to determine database eligibility. The database was built and published in the Systematic Review Data Repository (SRDR™), a web‐based, publicly available application.

The final database contains 821 unique publications. The majority of studies were randomized controlled crossover (63.0%) or parallel (32.1%) designs. Guar gum was the most frequently studied exposure (9.1%), and total/LDL cholesterol was the most frequently studied outcome (17.6%). This resource will reduce the unnecessary replication of effort in conducting systematic reviews by serving as both a central database archiving PICO (population, intervention, comparator, outcome) data on published studies and as a searchable tool through which data can be extracted and updated annually. The database will both help scientists and policy‐makers in evaluating evidence linking specific fibers with health outcomes and identifying missing information in published systematic reviews.

Support or Funding Information

This project was supported by a grant from the International Life Science Institute ‐ North America Branch, Technical Committee on Carbohydrates