bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in Perceptions of Nutrition and Obesity in an Interdisciplinary Graduate Course
Authors: Berg Alison Clune , Bignell Whitney E , Shollenberger Kellyn Wright , Johnson Mary Ann
Published: November 2023

This study aimed to explore changes in perceptions about nutrition and obesity among students enrolled in a graduate course, Nutrition and Obesity Across the Lifespan. The course is part of a graduate certificate in obesity and weight management designed for students pursuing careers as practitioners in agriculture, Extension, food science, journalism, nutrition, public health, teaching, and related areas, with the goal of improving the capacity of the workforce to address the obesity epidemic from an interdisciplinary perspective. In fall 2014, the enrolled students completed, as part of course requirements, an online questionnaire at baseline (0 months) and at the end of the semester (4 months) regarding the open‐ended question, “Write down everything that comes to mind when you think of nutrition and obesity across the lifespan.” Demographic information was collected at baseline. Data were assessed using qualitative content analysis techniques to explore changes during the semester in perceptions about nutrition and obesity across the lifespan.

Students (n = 19) were mostly female (84%), non‐Hispanic white (68%), mean age 23.8 ± 1.9 y, and were from 5 colleges and enrolled in 7 departments: foods and nutrition (n = 9), food science and technology (3), kinesiology (2), health promotion and behavior (1), health and medical journalism (1), horticulture (1) and workforce development (1). At baseline, themes emerged related to perceptions of obesity as 1) a life course issue, 2) having to do with food and eating, 3) resulting in negative physiological outcomes, and 4) a problem that needs to be solved, with more than 25% of students reporting these themes. At the end of the semester, the most salient theme was that nutrition and obesity across the lifespan is a “complex issue,” with 94% of students (n = 18) identifying this theme. While the four themes identified at baseline remained relevant (> 25% of students reporting) at the end of the semester, the “environment” emerged as an additional theme. While no students identified the food industry as part of the potential solution to obesity at baseline, 26% of students reported this theme at the end of the semester.

This study yields insights into how graduate students from diverse disciplines training to become practitioners can change their perceptions about nutrition and obesity in ways that may benefit their understanding of the complex nature of the nutrition‐related causes, prevention, and treatment of obesity throughout life.

Support or Funding Information

Unrestricted Grant from The Coca‐Cola Company to assist with analyzing and presenting the data after the course was completed.
Improvements in Conscious Eating Behaviors in Undergraduate Nutritional Science Students
Authors: Franklin Alexandra M. , Pope Benjamin T. , Taylor Brittney R. , Harris Preston R. , Wyatt Bobby , Hongu Nobuko
Published: November 2023

Background

Undergraduate students in the nutrition program at the University learn biological and nutritional sciences in addition to the components of a healthy diet. While knowledge and awareness are necessary to prepare students to provide nutritional advice and counseling in the future, there is limited evidence demonstrating a link between nutrition education and healthy eating habits among nutritional sciences students. The objective of this pilot study was to determine if nutrition major students adopt more conscious eating behaviors and grocery shopping as they progress through the nutritional science curriculum. The conscious eating behaviors are defined as more frequent grocery shopping, buying and eating more fruits and vegetables, and limiting processed foods. It was hypothesized that as students gained a foundation in the biological and nutritional sciences through their upper division coursework, they would improve conscious eating behaviors and grocery shopping practices.

Methods

Undergraduate nutrition majors (n =238) and non‐nutrition majors (n=91) were surveyed with 11 questions regarding their demographic information, average fruit and vegetable consumption, frequency and average cost of grocery shopping, and their perception on obtaining minimally processed foods at the grocery store (i.e. produce, whole grains, etc.) Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression.

Results

Fourth year nutrition majors ate significantly more servings of vegetables than first year nutrition majors (p=0.001), and non‐nutrition majors ate fewer servings of vegetables than nutrition majors (p=0.08). In addition, nutrition majors ate significantly more servings of fruit than non‐nutrition majors (p=0.005). Fourth year nutrition majors shopped for groceries significantly more frequently than non‐nutrition majors (p<0.001). Obtaining minimally processed foods at the grocery store was marginally significantly more important to fourth year nutrition majors than first year nutrition majors. The average cost of groceries did not change as nutrition majors progressed through their coursework.

Conclusions

The results suggest nutrition majors improved in conscious eating behaviors including increased frequency of grocery shopping. Further studies must be included to determine the factors that made changes by nutrition majors. We are planning to have focus group meetings with nutrition majors to determine these factors and whether or not nutrition majors can impact more conscious eating behaviors to non‐nutrition major students in a University.
The impact of socio economic factors and food habits on lipid profile: a cross sectional study among schoolchildren from a low‐income area of Mexico
Authors: Gregori Dario , Lorenzoni Giulia , Soriani Nicola , Berchialla Paola
Published: November 2023

Background

Given the reported higher concentrations of blood lipids among overweight and obese kids, it's important to understand factors influencing biochemical profiles among these children. This cross‐sectional study aims to investigate food habits, socio‐economic status and blood lipids profile in schoolchildren (10–11 years of age) living in a low‐income area of Mexico (the city of Montemorelos), characterizing lipid concentrations among children at risk of overweight/overweight and evaluating the impact of socio‐economic factors and dietary habits on blood lipids profile of these children.

Methods

Complete data were available for 156 children (78 boys and 78 girls), food habits and socio economic status were assessed using a questionnaire developed from the one previously used from the enKid study conducted on Spanish children. Food reported in the questionnaire was classified in four food groups (animal source food/legumes, grains/tubers, fruits/vegetables, fats/sweets), beverages were classified separately. Blood samples were analyzed to determine concentrations of: total cholesterol, LDL‐cholesterol, HDL‐cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose.

Results

Children were found to eat fats and sweets more frequently than other food groups. The 59 children, founding to be at risk of overweight and overweight, presented significant higher blood lipid levels (except to glucose levels) than normal weight kids. Using random forests we found out that food and beverage consumption play a key role in influencing blood lipids profile in children at risk of overweight and overweight.

Conclusions

Results suggests the need to develop health care policies promoting healthy eating habits among schoolchildren taking into account the specific characteristics of this geographical area in Mexico.
Effects of an educational group intervention for patients with type 2 diabetes on lifestyle and glycemic control
Authors: Sterpone Lucia M , Haua‐Navarro Karime , Perez‐Lizaur Ana B
Published: November 2023

Prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Mexico has increased due to changes in lifestyle. Educational interventions based on behavioral change theories and subject‐oriented models can help improve the health condition of people with T2DM, accomplishing goals in body weight, waist circumference, body mass index (BMI), glycemic control (HbA1c) and improvements in lifestyle indicators. The Health Center “Jesús del Rosal” in Hidalgo, Mexico has a support group, in which some educational needs related to lifestyle were observed.

Aim of study

assess the benefits of an educational group (n=30, 51–69 years old) intervention in lifestyle scores and glycated hemoglobin. . HbA1c values (ion exchange chromatography) were collected through the health centers database. Lifestyle was assessed by a specific instrument to measure lifestyle of patients with T2DM validated for Mexican population.

Results

changes in body weight (−10.28%), BMI (−10.37%), waist circumference (−6.39%), HbA1c (−14.8%) and lifestyle score (+43.3%). Patients with high attendance had significant and most clinically relevant changes in body weight (p=0.000), BMI (p=0.000), waist circumference (p=0.001), lifestyle score (p=0.000) and HbA1c (p=0.000). Lifestyle scores were positively correlated with attendance to the educational sessions (Spearman; r = 0.594, p = 0.002), while glycemic control (HbA1c) was inversely associated with lifestyle questionnaire scores at baseline (Spearman; r=−0.592, p=0.002), showing that low lifestyle scores are associated with higher concentrations of HbA1c.

Results

group educational interventions in lifestyle may be an effective strategy for improvements in several nutrition indicators, lifestyle score outcomes and glycemic control (HbA1c) support groups in Mexico.
Evaluating the Young Adult Motivation to Prepare Healthy Foods Questionnaire using Exploratory Factor Analysis
Authors: Bailey Ariana DeLong , Miketinas Derek , Cater Melissa , Zawodniak Brittany , Tuuri Georgianna
Published: November 2023

Young adults who lack reinforcement of positive dietary habits and sufficient food preparation skills may be at an increased risk for excess weight gain, obesity, and future disease and dependency on fast food and convenience items. The purpose of this study was to develop a questionnaire to estimate young adults’ motivation to prepare healthy foods based on the psychological needs identified by the Self Determination Theory. 507 participants were recruited to complete the questionnaire. The participants’ mean age was 20.2 ± 1.9 years. 321 (63%) were female. 360 (71%) were Caucasian, 78 (15%) were African American, 25 (5%) were Hispanic/Latino, 41 (8%) were other/mixed race, and 3 participants did not indicate race/ethnicity. Participants were asked to indicate the extent to which they agreed or disagreed with 25 statements using a 5‐point Likert scale ranging from “disagree a lot” to “agree a lot.” Statements evaluated their intrinsic motivation and perceived competence to prepare healthy foods, perceived autonomy and autonomy support, and feelings of relatedness to peers. Data collected were analyzed using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and internal consistency reliability using Cronbach's alpha. The KMO statistic of 0.89 indicated good sample size. The EFA returned five factors that explained 56.5% of the variance. All items in the five factors were retained and each factor had acceptable internal consistency (Intrinsic Motivation: α = 0.873; Perceived Competence: α = 0.939; Autonomy Support: α = 0.852; Autonomy: α = 0.781; Relatedness: α = 0.771). The results from this preliminary study suggest that the Young Adult Motivation to Prepare Healthy Foods Questionnaire has the potential to evaluate the Self Determination Theory constructs of intrinsic motivation, perceived competence, autonomy support, autonomy, and relatedness. Further testing is necessary to confirm the validity and test‐retest reliability of this instrument.

Support or Funding Information

Funded in part by Hatch Act Funds # LAB 93846
An Evaluation on Satisfaction with Nutrition Counseling for Cancer Inpatients
Authors: Tung Ann‐Chen , Wen Cheng‐Fan , Li Pei‐Rong
Published: November 2023

Background

To improved nutritional status of cancer patients would greatly contribute to the outcome. Nutrition counseling is one way of nutrition interventions. Consulting services include imparting nutrition knowledge, learning diet tips, and then to change their eating behavior, expected to enhance the nutritional status and quality of life. Since this disease could cause greater psychological pressure for patient than any other disease, it undermined the patient's willingness to learn nutrition knowledge. Whether nutrition consultation on the patient's problem to solve, whether or not in line with the needs of patients. Therefore, the evaluation plays an important role in nutrition education.

Objectives

The purpose of present study was to assess the cancer patient attitude and acceptance of nutrition counseling by satisfaction surveys. It can serve as a reference provide dietitian to correct nutrition counseling skills for cancer patients.

Methods

This study was a single group with pretest‐posttest questionnaire. The subjects were patients with head and neck cancer, esophageal cancer, gastric cancer and colorectal cancer never received nutritional counseling (n = 18), a questionnaire was conducted before and after nutritional counseling for 1 month later. Patients’ common nutritional questions and the condition of dietitians replied, whether to understand the dietitians’ recommendation, whether the recommendation could be helpful, whether the recommendation would be performed were collected.

Results

Total ratios of dietitians answer to the nutritional questions in cancer patients were 52.0%. The ratios of patients which fully understand the contents of nutritional counseling were 88.9%, most understand were 5.6%. Only half of the patients felt nutritional counseling helpful and very helpful. The ratios of patients which were willing to follow the nutritionist's recommendation were 61.0%.

Conclusions

The low compliance rates of follow the nutritionist's recommendation since those do not meet patients’ needs, rather than patients do not understand. If the dietary recommendations can be closer to patient needs, should be able to improve patient compliance rate.
Consumption of Rice Products Containing Low Levels of Arsenic and Its Relationship to Health Outcomes Utilizing Blood Pressure Readings: An Initial Analysis of NHANES Data
Authors: Fahnestock Lindsay Ann , Smith Robin D. , Randhawa Manjit , Siapco Gina , Soret Samuel , Lloren Jan , Sabate Joan
Published: November 2023

Over the last several years, there has been an increasing concern regarding safety of food products which are reported to contain arsenic (As). Researchers has indicated that high levels of As in drinking water have been correlated with negative health outcomes. However, the dietary exposures from food items containing As levels well below the established water quality standards, have not been well investigated and have become a subject of increasing evaluation and priority.

Rice is one widely consumed product, which contains As. The possible health ramifications of consuming a diet rich in rice, specifically regarding low‐level As exposure through rice ingestion, is not completely understood nor characterized. Considering the implication that low levels of As may be directly linked to a wide variety of adverse health effects including cancer, hypertension, and high blood sugar, this study will focus on evaluating the potential linkages between low‐level arsenic exposure (ingestion) due to consumption of rice and high blood pressure in a specified population.

A sound starting point in this investigation is the National Health And Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). In the NHANES, over 5,000 individuals per year were sampled via a complex probability analysis between years 2003–2012. The objective of the current study is to explore the association between overall rice consumption by adults within the United States (18 years and older) with total urinary arsenic levels and hypertension as measured by Systolic Blood Pressure data. From the NHANES surveys and laboratory samples, our data analysis was completed utilizing linear regression models in order to test the associations between rice consumption, urinary arsenic levels, and high systolic blood pressure. Early stage evaluations support the research hypothesis, which indicates that arsenic containing rice products are likely contributing to high blood pressure, when specific demographics, as well the confounders of total water consumption, and water source are placed into the model.

Support or Funding Information

Loma Linda University School of Public Health: Doctoral Research Allotted Funds
Usual Coffee Intake among Adults in the United States
Authors: Loftfield Erikka , Freedman Neal D. , Xiao Qian , Dodd Kevin W. , Sinha Rashmi , Graubard Barry I.
Published: November 2023

Background

Despite widespread popularity and possible health effects, the prevalence and distribution of coffee in US adults is poorly characterized.

Objective

Our aim was to estimate usual daily coffee consumption among US adults according to demographic, socioeconomic, and other health‐related factors.

Methods

Dietary intake data was obtained from a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and two nonconsecutive 24‐hour dietary recalls administered during the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2003 to 2006. Analyses were weighted so that estimates were representative of the US adult population, aged ≥20 years, (n=6,219; weighted n=206,574,330). The NCI method, incorporating FFQ and dietary recall data, was used to estimate both the probability of consumption and the amount of coffee consumed by gender, age, race/ethnicity, education, income, cigarette smoking, alcohol drinking, and general health condition. Trends in coffee intake over time were evaluated using linear regression to model day one intake from NHANES 2003 to 2012 (n=24,950) adjusted for gender, age, and race/ethnicity.

Results

An estimated 154 million adults or 75% of the US population over 20 years of age drink coffee, and 65% of these coffee consumers drink coffee daily. Prevalence of coffee drinking did not differ by gender or general health condition, but was lower among non‐Hispanic blacks, adults earning less than $20,000 per year, never smokers, and non‐drinkers of alcohol. Additionally, prevalence was higher among older age groups with 86% of adults ≥60 years but only 59% of adults <30 years drinking coffee. Overall, usual median ± SE coffee consumption was 7 ± 0.3 fl oz/day or 0.9 cups/day with the highest daily intake among men, older age groups, non‐Hispanic Whites, current smokers, and heavy drinkers of alcohol. Among consumers, usual median intake was 11 ± 0.4 fl oz/day or 1.4 cups/day. Population mean coffee intake did not significantly change from 2003 to 2012 (P for trend=0.10); furthermore, no significant changes were observed by gender, age, or racial/ethnic group over time.

Conclusions

Coffee is a common dietary exposure particularly among older age groups, smokers, and alcohol drinkers who are also at higher risk of chronic disease and mortality. The data suggest that the probability of coffee drinking increases with age, but longitudinal studies are needed to understand lifetime changes in coffee drinking.

Support or Funding Information

This work was supported by the Intramural Research Program of the National Institutes of Health, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, and Department of Health and Human Services.
DHA and EPA consumption from seafood, US Adults, 2009–2012
Authors: Nielsen Samara Joy , Herrick Kirsten A , Ogden Cynthia L
Published: November 2023

Background

The 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans Committee recommend two servings of fish per week (8 oz) and 250 mg/day of DHA and EPA from seafood.

Objective

To estimate the frequency of DHA and EPA consumption from seafood consumed in the past thirty days in 2009–2012.

Design

In the 2009–2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a cross‐sectional nationally representative sample of the US population, seafood consumption was collected during a 30‐day food frequency questionnaire from 10,563 adults 20 years and older. DHA and EPA, long chain omega 3 fatty acids, are predominantly found in seafood. Specific seafood varieties were classified as high or low in omega 3 fatty acids based upon designation by USDA. DHA and EPA consumption was calculated based upon estimates for EPA and DHA in 4 ounces of specific seafood varieties and an assumed portion size of 4 ounces for each eating occasion.

Results

In 2009–2012, 24.7% (1.0) of US adults consumed seafood two or more times/week. Almost 6% (5.9% (0.5)) of adults consumed seafood high in omega 3s and 12.8% (0.7) consumed seafood low in omega 3s two or more times/week. Among all adults, mean DHA and EPA intake was 65 (2.6) mg/day; for adults who consumed seafood two or more times/week mean intake was 180 (5.0) mg/day. Among adults who consumed seafood high in omega 3s two or more times/week, mean DHA and EPA intake was 318 (12.4) mg/day. Among adults who consumed seafood low in omega 3s two or more times/week, mean DHA and EPA intake was 198 (9.0) mg/day.

Conclusions

Most Americans are consuming less fish/seafood than is recommended, and consequently less DHA and EPA than recommended.
Children (2–18 y) Consuming Flavored Milk Ingested More Milk and a Higher Percentage Met Dietary Recommendations for Calcium than Non‐Consumers: NHANES 2001–2012
Authors: O'Neil Carol E. , Nicklas Theresa A , Fulgoni Victor L
Published: November 2023

Total milk consumption, the percentage of children (n= 20,329) meeting recommendations for nutrients of public health concern (fiber, vitamin D, calcium, potassium), and added sugars and SFA intake was compared in flavored milk consumers and non‐consumers. Individual Usual Intake (UI) was determined for flavored milk and nutrients using the NCI method. UI of > 0.25 cup eq of flavored dairy milk defined consumers (n= 3,564; 51% male). Covariate adjusted regressions used appropriate sample weights with P<0.001 as significant. To assess inadequate intake, the Estimated Average Requirements (EAR) cutpoint method was used; for nutrients without an EAR, % above Adequate Intake (AI) was used. Flavored milk consumers, 2–3y (n=475; 2.3±0.1 cup eq), 4–8y (n=1,449; 1.8±0.04), 9–13y (n=1,120; 1.7±0.1), and 14–18y (n=517; 1.7±0.1), consumed more milk than non‐consumers in the respective age groups: 1.7±0.1 (n=1,443), 1.2±0.04 (n=2,304), 1.0±0.04 (n=2,487), and 0.9 ±0.1 (n=3,021). Fiber intake in all age groups was low; and flavored milk consumers had a lower mean percentage of children meeting the dietary recommendations for dietary fiber than non‐consumers: 2.4±0.7% vs 6.9±0.7%, 0.7±0.3% vs 2.6±0.2%, 0.1±0.1% vs 14.1±0.3%, and 0.1±0.1% vs 0.6±0.1% above the AI, respectively. Nutrient adequacy for vitamin D was low in all age groups; however, there was no difference in the mean prevalence of children with inadequate intake: 78.2±4.6% vs 83.5±1.5%, 88.2±2.5% vs 89.2±0.8% 91.1±2.9% vs 92.6±0.8%, and 87.8±3.8% vs 94.7±0.6% below the EAR, respectively. Nutrient adequacy for calcium varied by age group; and flavored milk consumers had a lower percentage below the EAR in all age groups : 0.1±0.1% vs 5.2±0.6% 9.1±1.7% vs 34.1±1.7%, 41.3±2.9% vs 67.4±1.9%, and 35.3±5.0% vs 66.7±1.5% below the EAR, respectively. Potassium intake in all age groups was low; there was no difference in the mean percentage of children in all age groups meeting the dietary recommendations for potassium: 7.9±1.6% vs 7.9±0.8%, 0.8±0.3% vs 1.4±0.2, 0.05±0.1% vs 0.3±0.1%, and 0.6±0.4% vs 0.5±0.1% above the AI, respectively. Only in consumers, 2–3y was the intake of added sugars 13.5±0.6 tsp eq; 14.3% energy) different from non‐consumers (9.9±0.4 tsp eq; 11.8% energy). Consumers 2–3y (20.6±0.7g), 4–8y (23.9±0.5g), and 9–13y (27.3±0.7g) consumed more SFA, respectively than non‐consumers: 18.1±0.5g, 22.3±3g, and 24.3±0.6g). Consumers 9–13y (11.7±0.2%) and 14–18y (11.5±0.2%) had higher % energy from SFA than non‐consumers: 11.2±0.2% and 10.8±0.2%. As part of a healthy diet, flavored milk can increase milk consumption and the percentage of children below the EAR for calcium without providing added sugars above the IOM recommendations to the diets of most children.

Support or Funding Information

Dairy Research Institute & USDA
Mouse model of muscle atrophy with water‐immersion restraint stress
Authors: Fushimi Shigeko , Nohno Tsutomu , Nishimatsu Shin‐ichiro , Katase Naoki , Terada Kumiko , Watanabe Yoko , Ota Yoko , Katsuyama Midori , Saijoh Kiyofumi , Katsuyama Hironobu
Published: November 2023

Our previous study showed that water immersion restraint stress (WRS) induced osteopenia. Since relationship between bone mineral density (BMD) and muscle amount was reported, histochemical analysis of soleus was performed after WRS.

WRS was performed on 8 week old male C57/6J mice 6h/day, 5 times/week for 4 weeks. After sacrifice, soleus was isolated and histochemical analysis was performed.

Although no growth retardation was observed, both muscle amount and grip strength were decreased in WRS group. In various types of muscle fibers, histochemical analysis of soleus showed that areas of type 2b muscle fiber was significantly decreased in WRS group. Serum corticosterone level was significantly higher in WRS group, indicating that WRS was stressful to mice. mRNA expressions of atrogin‐1 and MuRF‐1 were significantly higher in WRS group, although myostatin and myogenin mRNA expressions were not changed. These results indicated that WRS might induce ubiquitin‐proteasome dependent protein degradation, and resulting muscle atrophy.
Magnesium and Space Flight
Authors: Smith Scott M. , Zwart Sara R.
Published: November 2023

Magnesium is an essential nutrient for muscle, cardiovascular, and bone health on Earth, and during space flight. We sought to evaluate magnesium status in astronauts before, during, and after space missions, as well as in a ground analog of space flight, head‐down tilt bed rest. We evaluated serum concentration and urinary excretion of magnesium in 39 astronauts on missions to the International Space Station, along with estimates of tissue magnesium status from sublingual cells, available for 33 of those crewmembers. Relative to preflight concentrations, serum magnesium increased late in flight whereas urinary magnesium excretion was higher than preflight values throughout the mission. After landing, however, urinary magnesium had significantly decreased from preflight values. Neither serum nor urinary magnesium changed significantly during bed rest. For both space flight and bed rest, significant correlations existed between the area under the curve of serum and urinary magnesium and the change in total‐body bone mineral content (determined by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry). Tissue magnesium concentration was unchanged after flight and bed rest. The increased amount of magnesium excreted during space flight is likely partially from bone and partially from diet, but importantly, it does not come at the expense of muscle tissue stores. While further study is needed to better understand the implications of these findings for longer space exploration missions, magnesium homeostasis and tissue status seem well maintained during 4‐ to 6‐month space missions.

Support or Funding Information

This study was funded by the Human Health Countermeasures Element of the NASA Human Research Program.
Daily Consumption of Strawberries for Eight Weeks Increases Serum Levels of IGF‐1 in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Feresin Rafaela G. , Johnson Sarah A. , Pourafshar Shirin , Elam Marcus L. , Navaei Negin , Akhavan Neda , Figueroa Arturo , Tenenbaum Gershon , Brummel‐Smith Kenneth , Arjmandi Bahram H.
Published: November 2023

Ovarian hormone deficiency may lead to over production of pro‐inflammatory molecules with a concomitant rise in oxidative stress. This cascade of events negatively affect bone metabolism with a subsequent development of osteoporosis and increased risk of fractures. Epidemiological studies suggest that consumption of fruits and vegetables is associated with decreased incidence of chronic diseases including osteoporosis which is mainly attributed to the polyphenol content of these foods. Strawberries are widely consumed in the United States and have high polyphenolic content which confers to them strong antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activities. Thus, the main objective of this eight‐week randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial was to investigate the extent to which daily consumption of strawberries would favorably alter blood biomarkers of bone metabolism in postmenopausal women. Forty‐seven postmenopausal women (age: 59 ± 6 years; body mass index: 31.5 ± 4.1 kg/m2) were randomly assigned into one of two groups: 1) 25 g of freeze‐dried strawberry powder (FDSP) (equivalent to 1½ cups of fresh strawberries), or 2) 25 g placebo powder. As anticipated, there were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the two groups. At baseline, no changes were noted for body composition and bone mineral density in either of the groups, as expected. Serum levels of bone‐specific alkaline phosphatase, a marker of bone formation and tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase‐5b, a specific marker of bone resorption, were not affected by FDSP after eight weeks in comparison with placebo. In contrast, a significant time‐by‐treatment interaction (P = 0.041) was observed for serum insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1), known to strongly stimulate bone formation. IGF‐1 levels were increased in the FDSP group (56.7 ± 4.0 to 69.9 ± 11.3 ng/ml) while they were not changed in the placebo group (60.6 ± 3.7 to 60.9 ± 6.1 ng/ml). Our findings suggest that regular consumption of strawberries may be beneficial for bone health due to their ability to increase the synthesis of IGF‐1; however, further studies are warranted to examine the efficacy of long‐term incorporation of strawberries into the diet on bone health.

Support or Funding Information

This study was funded, in part, by the California Strawberry Commission.
From visceral fat to brain function: The selectively negative influence of central adiposity on neuroelectric indices in preadolescent children
Authors: Raine Lauren , Cohen Neal , Kramer Arthur , Hillman Charles , Khan Naiman
Published: November 2023

Although obesity in later adulthood is a recognized risk factor for cognitive impairment, the neurocognitive impact of excess adiposity during childhood remains controversial. Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) is a particularly metabolically active pathogenic fat depot that is mechanistically implicated in inflammation, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia; however the influence of VAT on children's brain health and cognitive function remains virtually unexamined. Therefore, the aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the impact of VAT on neuroelectric and behavioral indices of cognitive function among preadolescent children (9–10‐year‐olds). After an overnight fast, 94 children (41 females) performed a modified flanker task and an oddball task while event‐related brain potentials (ERPs) and task performance were recorded to measure attention and inhibitory control. %body fat (%FM) and VAT were assessed by DXA. In addition to demographic characteristics (age, sex, SES), covariates assessed included IQ and aerobic fitness (VO2max). Males and females had significantly different levels of VAT and %FM, warranting separate analyses by sex. Bivariate correlational analyses revealed that there were no significant associations between task accuracy, reaction time, and adiposity measures. However, both %FM and VAT were negatively correlated with ERP measures (P3 amplitude at central‐parietal midline electrodes). Subsequently, linear hierarchical regression analyses were performed to determine whether the association between %FM and P3 amplitude was mediated by VAT, following adjustment of age and aerobic fitness. Although %FM was negatively associated with P3 amplitude in the regression models, this relationship was mediated by VAT, such that increasing VAT negatively predicted P3 amplitude. Importantly, the negative effects of VAT were selective for P3 amplitude during the flanker task condition requiring upregulation of inhibitory control. Given that P3 amplitude is thought to index the degree of attentional resource allocation, these results suggest that VAT selectively compromises inhibitory control when task demands are increased. Interestingly, these findings were only evident in males, indicating that VAT affects preadolescent children's neuroelectric function in a sexually dimorphic manner. In conclusion, these results point to VAT, rather than %FM, as the adiposity marker related to the neural underpinnings of cognitive control in prepubescent males.

Support or Funding Information

Supported by the Center for Nutrition, Learning, and Memory at the University of Illinois, Abbott Nutrition, and the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative of the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture under the Illinois Transdisciplinary Obesity Prevention Program grant (2011‐67001‐30101) to the Division of Nutritional Sciences at the University of Illinois.
Protein Intake and Mood: A Systematic Review
Authors: Pribis Peter
Published: November 2023

In the last twenty years nutritional neuroscience has emerged as a recognized discipline with the potential to make significant contributions to our understanding of the relationship between nutrition and cognitive functions. Considerable research has been published on animals and humans demonstrating that different neural systems might be affected by dietary manipulations. For the central nervous system to function well it needs sufficient amounts of protein, water, vitamins such as folate, thiamine, vitamin B6, B12, alpha‐lipoic acid, lutein and omega‐3 fatty acids.

TRP, an amino acid ‐ usually the least abundant ‐present in all natural proteins is of special interest to neuroscientist because of its role as precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin (5‐Hydroxytryptamine) and to the pineal hormone melatonin (N‐acetyl‐5‐methoxytryptamine). The rate of brain serotonin synthesis depends on its concentrations of TRP. This is because tryptophan hydroxylase, the enzyme that catalyzes the initial and rate‐limiting step, has a very low affinity to TRP and is highly unsaturated at physiologic brain TRP concentrations. Brain TRP concentrations and the flux of TRP from blood to brain; depend, in turn partly on plasma TRP and partly on plasma concentrations of other large neutral amino acids: tyrosine, phenylalanine, leucine, isoleucine, valine, and methionine, which compete with TRP for blood‐brain barrier transport.

Consumption of carbohydrates with high glycemic indices will lower plasma levels of most amino acids, via insulin‐mediated facilitation of their uptake into skeletal muscle for conversion to protein, thus raising the plasma TRP ratio and facilitating TRP's entry into the brain. It has been speculated, that variations in the carbohydrate and protein content of meals can cause sufficient changes in brain TRP and consequently serotonin levels. The changes in brain serotonin have been proposed as the underlying mechanisms for seasonal depression and other cognitive and mood disorders.
The impact of mastication on cognition: evidence for intervention and the role of adult hippocampal neurogenesis
Authors: Miquel‐Kergoat Sophie
Published: November 2023

Adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN) in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus has been shown to affect mood, cognition, learning ability and memory. A growing area of interest is whether mastication or chewing also affects AHN. This article aims to collect the evidence from animal and human studies to ascertain whether mastication is an oral environment enrichment capable of having a modulatory effect on AHN and associated behaviors.

Current data point toward a causal relationship between masticatory ability and cognitive function. Experimental studies on mice and rats have consistently shown that impairing masticatory function results in physical and behavioral changes. A recurring theme of decreased neural stem cells proliferation in the hippocampus was seen in most of the studies found. Human population study has shown that tooth loss and masticatory difficulty are positively correlated with having greater odds of cognitive impairment. However, no causal mechanism has yet been found to explain the effects of mastication on AHN.

Further clinical studies, in humans, are currently conducted to ascertain whether mastication could be used as a potential health intervention to slowdown cognitive decline in the aging population or delay the onset of diseases such as dementia.
Dietary Plant Lectins Affect Lifespan and Dopaminergic Neurons in Ceanorhabditis elegans Model Organism
Authors: Wang Mingming , Laine Roger A , Keller Jeffrey N , Greenway Frank L , Heymsfield Steven B , Zheng Jolene
Published: November 2023

Our preliminary data in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) proved the concept that dietary plant lectins might be an etiologic agent and/or chaperone for viruses/toxin(s) to induce Parkinson's disease as they can trans‐synaptically transport into the nervous system. Those data supported Braak's hypothesis of an “unknown pathogen” that enters the central nervous system via retrograde/anterograde transport after penetrating the gastrointestinal wall. A recent Danish study showed that vagotomy resulted in a 40% lower incidence of PD over 20 years. Using fluorescent microscopy, laser scanning microscopy, and lifespan assays in C.elegans (egIs1 [dat‐1p::GFP]) to build up a library of lectins, we further tested thirteen more dietary plant lectins that might be transported to DAergic neurons (DAergic‐N). The animals were maintained in liquid culture in 96‐well plates (20°C), fed with standard lab food E. coli (OP50), and treated with florescent tagged‐lectins (lectins‐TRITC) with or without additional specific inhibiting sugars. Laser scanning microscopy demonstrated that Arachis hypogaea Agglutinin (PNA, 0.018–0.18μM) co‐localized with GFP‐DAergic‐N in C. elegans. Succinylated Wheat Germ Agglutinin (S‐WGA, 0.046 or 0.138μM) or Glycine max Agglutinin (SBA, 0.017μM) reduced the number of DAergic‐N (P<0.05). Lens Culinaris Agglutinin (LcH −0.5μM) or PNA (0.018μM) increased visibility of the numbers of GFP‐DAergic‐N from 5±0.2 to 7±0.4 or from 6±0.4 to 7±0.6 (P<0.05). Fluorescent intensity of GFP‐DAergic‐N was reduced (P<0.05) by Pisum Sativum Agglutinin (PSA, 0.43μM), Ulex Europaeus Agglutinin I (UEA I, 0.033–0.33μM) or Phaseolus Vulgaris Leucoagglutinating (PHA‐L, 0.017 or 0.054μM). The intensity of GFP‐DAergic‐N was increased by Phaseolus Vulgaris Erythroagglutinating (PHA‐E, 0.017–0.17μM), WGA (0.46μM), S‐WGA (0.046–0.46μM), Griffonia Simplicifolia I (GS I, 0.018–0.18μM), Dolichos biflorus Agglutinin (DBA) or Hippeastrum hybrid Agglutinin (HHA, 0.04–0.4μM). The size of GFP‐DAergic‐N was reduced (P<0.05) by PHA‐E (0.17μM), PSA (0.043μM), WGA (0.046–0.46μM), UEA I (0.033–0.33μM), S‐WGA (0.046–0.46μM) or SBA (0.017μM), increased by PHA‐L (0.017–0.17μM) or DBA (0.018–0.18μM). Treatment of PHA‐E (0.054μM), PSA (0.043, or 0.43μM), WGA (0.46μM), UEA I (0.033μM), S‐WGA (0.046μM) or LcH (0.05μM) increased lifespan (P<0.05). Lifespan was reduced (P<0.05) by S‐WGA (0.46μM), LcH (0.5μM), SBA (0.17μM), PHA‐L (0.17μM), Artocarpus integrifolia Agglutinin (AIA, 0.031–0.31μM), HHA (0.12 or 0.4μM), PNA (0.054μM or 0.18μM), GS I (0.18μM) or DBA (0.18μM). Our results substantiated our hypothesis that dietary plant lectins can be transported to GFP‐DAergic neurons in C. elegans model being an “unknown pathogen” that might have the potential damaging DAergic neurons that leading to Parkinson's disease.
Effects of high pressure treatment and EDTA‐2Na on lipid oxidation and color properties of Altay sheep body fat
Authors: Wang Qiang , Liu Chengjiang
Published: November 2023

Autoxidation during storage is one of the major causes of food spoilage that decreases the nutritional quality of food and generates potential toxic products. Oxidation process involves the degradation of PUFAs, vitamins, and other tissue components, which lead to the development of rancid and changes in color and texture of foodstuffs. Investigations to analyze lipid autoxidation products and factors influencing their production suggest that temperature and time for food processing, conditions for transport and storage, other factors including pH, light, oxygen, water activity, or a combination of these factors, and particularly heat processing all contribute to fat autoxidation and fatty acid degradation. Lipid oxidation also was a major problem in the high‐pressure processing and long storage times of Altay sheep fat. The present study investigates the variations in fatty acid composition and lipid oxidation in pressurized Altay sheep fat during storage. The lipid oxidation and composition of fatty acids in Altay sheep body fat, a high‐quality component, after high‐pressure (0.1–600 MPa) and EDTA‐2Na (0.05%) treatment were mainly investigated at 4 °C for up to 20 d. The TBARS values increased with higher pressure treatment (from 0.1 to 600 MPa). Compared with TBARS of 200 MPa at 4 °C, the treatment of 600 MPa at 4 °C+EDTA‐2Na increased the TBARS value. A significant decrease at the end of storage was observed in the PUFA/SFA values for all samples, and larger decrease (p < 0.01) in the PUFA/SFA values under the 600 MPa. The results showed that high pressure significantly affects the PUFA/SFA ratios during storage, which can be a potential method to regulate the PUFA/SFA level.600 MPa treatment produced darker and higher a* value (p < 0.05), and the redness of samples was affected by the pressure level and storage time. Therefore, higher‐pressure and EDTA‐2Na treatment were important in catalyzing lipid oxidation and the evolution of fatty acids from Altay sheep body fat.

Support or Funding Information

This research was supported by the Natural Science Foundations of China (No. 31401559 and No. 31460401).
Speciation and monitoring of inorganic arsenic in rice by HPLC‐ICP/MS
Authors: Lee Seul Gi , Chun Su‐Hyun , Kim Da Hyun , Lee Young Seok , Lee Kwang‐Won
Published: November 2023

Inorganic arsenic (As) species are more toxic than organic arsenic. Arsenite (AsIII) and arsenate (AsV) are the major compound in rice. We have monitored 50 samples of brown rice and white rice collected around Korea. Arsenic speciation in rice was analyzed for 4 different As species (Inorganic arsenic AsIII and AsV, DMA (dimethyl arsenic acid), MMA (monomethyl arsonic acid)) by high performance liquid chromatography coupled with inductively coupled plasma/mass spectrometry (HPLC‐ICP/MS) after a wet digestion‐sonication extraction. The total arsenic was measured by ICP‐MS after microwave‐assisted digestion. We used NIST 1568‐b white rice flour certified reference materials (CRM) in order to validate the method for determining the concentration of total As and Arsenic species. For the validation of method, several parameters have been performed and evaluated, namely: linearity, the limit of detection (LOD), the limited of quantification (LOQ), recovery·accuracy, precision. Total arsenic concentration in white rice samples varied from 0.076 to 0.135 mg/kg As (n=50) in white rice samples. In brown rice samples (n=50) have total As concentration ranging from 0.089 to 0.242 mg/kg. The average concentration of inorganic arsenic was 0.064±0.017 mg/kg in white rice samples and 0.119±0.029 mg/kg in brown rice samples. The percentage of inorganic As based on total As were 62.68±7.70% in white rice and 69.80±8.78% in brown rice.
Analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) for reduction in simple‐processed foods according to manufacturing system
Authors: Kang Se‐Jin , Yang Sung‐Yong , Lee Kwang‐Won
Published: November 2023

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a group of organic compounds consisting of numerous carbon atoms joined together to form two or more aromatic rings. PAHs in the foods can be formed by incomplete combustion of foods, and have been identified as carcinogen and mutagen. Based on the previous results on the concentration of PAHs in the processed foods (n=400) and scientific report, we selected dried pepper and seasoned laver which show high level of PAHs and dietary exposure. Concentrations of 4 PAH (benzo[a]anthrance, benzo[b]fluoranthene, benzo[a]pyrene and chrysene) in these foods were estimated by GC‐MS after decomposing with alkali and refining with silica cartridges and benzo[a]pyrene‐d12 and chrysene‐d12 were used as internal standards. We analysed dried peppers undergoing dry‐heat process and red peppers as no heated‐control, concentrations of 4 PAH ranged from 0 to 7.40±0.38 ng/g and from 0 to 0.56±0.00 ng/g, respectively. In case of laver, we confirmed 4 PAH concentration in the first heat treated laver and the second consecutive heat treated laver with seasoning oil, and 4 PAH concentrations were between 1.88±0.00 ng/g and 4.86±0.10 ng/g. However, 4 PAH were not detected in the dried laver without seasoning oil. And sesame oil‐seasoned laver showed higher content levels of 4 PAH than other type oils‐seasoned laver. It can be estimated that temperature of heat processing and seasoning‐oils can be major factor to control in to mitigate the concentration of PAHs the simple‐processed foods.
Prevalence and patterns of wild berry consumption among park users in Western Washington
Authors: Diehl Elizabeth Gwen , Kazaks Alexandra
Published: November 2023

Objective

Traditions of eating wild plants exist in Western Washington, yet prevalence of wild plant food consumption is unknown. Wild berries may contain nutrients and bioactive compounds, but safe and enjoyable use of these foods requires skill. This study aims to describe attitudes toward and prevalence of wild berry consumption in Western Washington, and to identify needs for translation of current science pertaining to edible wild berries.

Methods

A de‐identified 25‐question web survey was offered to Western Washington park users 18 and older during Fall, 2015.

Results

Participants (n=13) were 75% white, most with a bachelor degree or higher (85%). Most participants (77%) picked and ate wild berries in the last year, a behavior learned from family (40%) or from personal experience (40%). On a 7‐point scale, these consumers rated wild berries as healthful (6.7), delicious (6.5), and representing important food traditions (6.4). Consumers were less certain of the safety of wild berries (5.2) and of picking locations (5.1). Of Western Washington residents surveyed, just 36% identified salal, an example of an edible wild berry, from photographs.

Conclusions

Park users’ enthusiasm for wild berries may exceed their knowledge, skill, or safety. Providing accurate scientific information through talks, demonstrations, and printed or on‐line sources may help consumers make healthful use of wild berry resources.