bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Relationship between Neighborhood Walkability and Adiposity in the WHI Cohort
Authors: Sriram Urshila , LaCroix Andrea , Barrington Wendy , Corbie‐Smith Giselle , Garcia Lorena , Going Scott , LaMonte Michael , Manson JoAnn , Sealy‐Jefferson Shawnita , Stefanick Marcia , Waring Molly , Seguin Rebecca
Published: November 2023

The aim of the present study was to explore associations of Walk Score, a validated measure of neighborhood walkability, with body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference in a large, diverse sample of older women. We linked cross‐sectional data on 6,164 older postmenopausal women from the Women's Health Initiative Long Life Study to Walk Scores for each participant's address in 2012. Linear and logistic regression models were used to estimate associations of BMI and waist circumference with continuous and categorical Walk Score measures. Secondary analyses examined whether these relationships could be explained by walking expenditure or total physical activity. Higher Walk Score was associated with lower waist circumference but not BMI, after adjustment for sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. Participants in highly walkable areas had lower odds of abdominal obesity as compared to those in less walkable locations. Observed associations between walkability and waist circumference were partly explained by walking expenditure. Findings suggest that neighborhood walkability is linked to waist circumference but not BMI among older women and provide support for future longitudinal research on associations between Walk Score and adiposity in this population.

Support or Funding Information

Funded by NIH, NHLBI, HHS grants/contracts HL60712, K01HL10880705, HHSN268201100‐046C/‐001C/‐002C/‐003C/‐004C
Evaluation of a Web‐Based Dietary Questionnaire Used to Assess Soy Isoflavones Intake in Young People
Authors: Sabate Joan , Oda Keiji , Siapco Gina Segovia
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

Soy foods are good sources of high‐quality protein, essential fatty acids, and isoflavones and, thus, can potentially improve the overall diet quality. However, increased soy foods consumption have raised some concerns because of the known estrogenic properties of isoflavones. Isoflavones intake data in adolescent populations is scant. Existing dietary assessment questionnaires focused on soy isoflavones are for adult populations and none of these had been validated in adolescents.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the isoflavones intake of an adolescent population highly exposed to soy using innovative dietary assessment methods that tap the technological skills of adolescents.

METHODS

We developed a 151‐item web‐based semi‐quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) which included 37 soy foods. Multiple 1‐day food records with digital photographs was used as the criterion method. A total of 55 12–18 year‐old adolescents who met the inclusion criteria and passed the training requirements for the study completed the web‐based FFQ. Over a 2–3 month period, they provided 6 non‐consecutive 1‐day food records which covered 5 weekdays and 1 weekend day. They took pictures of foods to be eaten at each eating occasion and simultaneously sent them with their food record for one day via text messaging. Follow‐up calls were made the following day to verify the accuracy of the food records which were checked against the photographs. Total soy isoflavones, daizein, genistein, and glycitein intakes on both the food records and web‐based FFQ were calculated using the Nutrition Data System for Research nutrient database and existing meat analogs database in our institution. Wilcoxon Signed Ranks tests, correlations with energy adjustment and correction for multiple measurements, cross‐classification analyses, and Bland‐Altman plots using SAS version 9.4 were conducted to evaluate the performance of the web‐based FFQ against the food records with digital photographs.

RESULTS

The web‐based FFQ significantly overestimates the intake of all the isoflavones by about 200–300%. Deattenuated correlation values after energy‐adjustment are 0.67 for total isoflavones, 0.63 for daidzein, 0.64 for genistein, and 0.56 for glycitein. Degree of agreement within one quartile are 82%, 84%, 82% and 80% for total isoflavones, daidzein, genistein, and glycitein, respectively; gross mismatching is between 0% (total isoflavones) and 6% (glycitein). Bland‐Altman plots consistently show overestimation of the web‐based FFQ but a relatively even distribution of points inside the limits of agreement.

CONCLUSION

The web‐based FFQ is relatively accurate in ranking adolescent intake of soy isoflavones. However, precaution must be taken when using absolute intake as the exposure variable. Further improvement of this web‐based FFQ would be needed to reduce the overestimation bias.

Support or Funding Information

Soy Nutrition Institute
Comparing the FGI‐10R Dietary Diversity Scale and Quantitative Food Intake: A Study in Urban Bangladesh
Authors: Waid Jillian L. , Ali Masum , Akter Rina , Thilsted Shakuntala Haraksingh
Published: November 2023

Objectives

The FAO has just released a universal indicator (FGI‐10R) for women's individual dietary diversity, which was developed from analysis of secondary quantitative food intake data data from multiple countries. The study validates the measure theoretically by deriving the dietary diversity measure from quantitative dietary assessment and not from dietary diversity modules as they are administered in the field. However it has not yet been verified that the two very different modules will elicit the same response.

Methods

A dietary diversity questionnaire (DDQ) was added to a sub‐sample of households in quantitative food assessment (QFA) survey administered among a panel of households in poorer neighborhoods of Dhaka City Corporation. The DDQ included an estimate of the amount of the food type eaten (greater or less than 15 grams during the day). Information from the respondent was collected through free‐recall followed by list based probes and coded into a 21‐item questionnaire by the enumerator. The DDQ was asked to the respondent before the QFA. We use kappa and indicator validation statistics to compare the performance of indicators directly as measured in the DDQ and as derived from the QFA across 139 women included in the first round of dietary assessment. Once the three rounds of data collection are complete in January 2016, we will update results with the annual sample (estimated to be approximately 450 women) and also compare the DDQ performance to the mean probability of adequacy of individuals based on the QFA.

Results

Agreement between the two types of measures was moderate and nearly the same when both the QFA measure and DDQ measure were restricted to observations of consumption above 15 grams (k=55%) and when the QFA measure was restricted but the DDQ measure was not (k=54%). The F1 score of these two modules is also similar at 76% for the restricted DDQ and 73% when the DDQ measure was not restricted to 15 grams. Among food groups, the greatest agreement was for dark green leafy vegetables (k=80% for both comparisons) and worst for other fruits as the QFA measure indicated that all respondents had consumed more than 15 grams but only around three quarters of individuals were recorded as consuming these items using the DDQ (k=0%).

Conclusions

This analysis indicates that there is only a limited improvement of the dietary diversity instrument when information on the amount of food consumed is included. This indicates that individuals do not report trace amounts of many items they consume when asked a traditional dietary diversity module.

Support or Funding Information

Data was collected and analysis undertaken as part of the project “Aquaculture and the Poor: improving fish production, consumption and nutrition linkages”, conducted in partnership with WorldFish and funded by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).
Validity and reliability of a 7‐day fluid diary to estimate average daily water intake
Authors: Kavouras Stavros A , Johnson Evan C , Adams J.D. , Jansen Lisa T , Capitan‐Jiménez Catalina , Perrier Erica , Péronnet François , Guellincx Isabelle
Published: November 2023

Water is the most abundant molecule in the human body that undergoes continuous recycling, but often an overlooked nutrient. One of the main reasons that even in large scale studies water intake is not recorded is the lack of validated tools to assess water intake.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the validity and reliability of a seven‐day fluid diary (7DFD) by comparing it to total water turnover assessed via deuterium oxide.

METHODS

One hundred one healthy males and females (41±14 y, 76.6±16.9 kg, 1.70±0.09 m, 26.4±5.5 kg·m−2, 30±11% body fat) from the North West Arkansas were enrolled. Subject participated in the study for four consecutive weeks where the 7DFD was recorded on week two and four. Three doses of D2O (0.10 g, 0.05 and 0.08·kg lean body mass−1, assessed by DXA) were ingested at the beginning of weeks 1, 2 and 3. Urine samples were collected immediately before ingestion of D2O, the following day and at the end of each week. Urine D/H, expressed in ppm vs the V‐SMOW standard (155.76 ppm) was measured by mass spectrometry using the H2‐water equilibration method. Water turnover (WTO) was calculated as total body water (TBW, L)/mean residence time of water in the body water pool. Average daily WTO was also estimated from the diary as the sum of: 1) participant entries in 7DFD, 2) water intake from solid foods calculated from a traditional 7 day food record, and, 3) calculated daily metabolic water production.

RESULTS

WTO assessed either via D2O (W2: 3.64±1.20, W4: 3.68±1.31 L/day) or 7DFD (W2: 3.51±1.30, W4: 3.47±1.23 L/day) was not different between weeks 2 and 4 with both methods of estimation (P>0.05). Water turnover from D2O vs the 7DFD was linearly related during week 2 (F[1,95]=144.2, R2 = 0.61, p <0.001), and week 4 (F[1,85]=92.2, R2 = 0.52, p < 0.001). Intraclass correlations (95% CI) were 0.77 (0.68–0.84), and 0.74(0.63–0.83) for weeks 2 and 4, respectively. Lastly, the Bland‐Altman analysis for combined mean difference between WTO for D2O and 7DFD was 0.167±0.876 L·d−1, a 95% CI of −1.886–1.552 L·d−1, with no apparent bias (F[1,180]= 1.0, R2=0.005, p = 0.325).

CONCLUSION

The seven day fluid diary is a reliable and valid tool to estimate water from fluids in adults.

Support or Funding Information

Funded by Danone Research
Trends in Early Childhood Obesity in a Large, Urban School District in the Southwest from 2007 to 2014
Authors: Cantarero Andrea , Jimenez Elizabeth Yakes , Myers Orrin B , Scharmen Thomas , Kinyua Peter , Tollestrup Kristine , Cohen Deborah , Sanchez Victoria , Pribis Peter
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Although recent studies indicate that childhood obesity and severe obesity may be declining, few have reported on prevalence trends in early childhood or differences in trends across sociodemographic groups. The primary aim of this study was to report on early childhood obesity and severe obesity prevalence trends from 2007–2014 in a diverse, metropolitan school district in the Southwest and determine whether these trends vary by race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status and disability status.

Methods

We analyzed height, weight and demographic data from 43,113 kindergarteners enrolled in a large, urban school district in New Mexico for 7 school years (2007–2008 through 2013–2014). Adjusted odds of obesity and severe obesity were calculated to assess changes in prevalence for non‐Hispanic White, Hispanic, American Indian, free‐reduced price lunch participants and non‐participants, and students with and without disabilities. Logistic regression models were used to test for interactions between school year and sex, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status and disability status on obesity prevalence.

Results

There was an overall decline in the adjusted prevalence of both obesity and severe obesity from 13.1% and 2.4% in 2007–2008 to 12.0% and 1.2% in 2013–2014, respectively. There were no statistically significant interactions between adjusted prevalence of obesity over time and any of the sociodemographic subgroups. However, obesity prevalence declined more among American Indian students than either Hispanic or non‐Hispanic White students.

Conclusion

Obesity and severe obesity has levelled off overall and across all sociodemographic subpopulations and disparities may be decreasing between American Indian and non‐Hispanic White kindergarten students in the Southwest.
The Relationship Between Flavored Milk Consumption, Diet Quality, Body Weight, and BMI z‐Score Among Children and Adolescents of Different Ethnicities
Authors: Cifelli Christopher J. , Houchins Jenny A. , Demmer Elieke , Fulgoni Victor
Published: November 2023

Milk is a substantial contributor of essential nutrients that are required for normal growth and development in children and adolescents. Despite its nutrient dense profile, most children and adolescents fail to consume the recommended amounts of milk and milk products each day which could contribute to poor diet quality. Flavored milk contains the same essential nutrients as plain milk; however, there is concern that the added sugar and higher caloric content may negatively impact overall diet quality and body weight. The goal of this project was to examine the relationship between flavored milk consumption, diet quality [using the Health Eating Index‐2010 (HEI)], body weight and BMI z‐score in children (2–5 y, 6–11 y, and 12–17 y) from different ethnic backgrounds (Mexican Americans, Non‐Hispanic Whites, Non‐Hispanic Blacks). Data from the dietary component of the 2001–2002 through 2011–2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were used in this study. Usual intake of plain and flavored milk was determined using the National Cancer Institute method with those with a usual intake of flavored milk of ≥0.25 cups/d defined as consumers. Food group/nutrient data from NHANES was used to determine an HEI score. Total HEI scores decreased across age groups examined (2–5 < 6–11 < 12–17 y) regardless of flavored milk consumption. For most age and ethnic groups, there was no difference in total diet quality between flavored milk consumers and non‐consumers. In Mexican males 12–17 y and in non‐Hispanic white girls 2–5, non‐consumers had a significantly higher HEI score than consumers of flavored milk. In contrast, non‐Hispanic black females 12–17 who consumed flavored milk had significantly greater HEI scores than non‐consumers. However, the dairy component score for the HEI was significantly greater in flavored milk consumers as compared to non‐consumers across all age and ethnic groups examined, suggesting milk consumption was closer to recommended levels in flavored milk consumers. Across ethnicity groups, children and adolescents who consumed flavored milk did not have increased body weight, BMI, or BMI z‐score compared to non‐consumers. Waist circumference was higher (51.4±0.3 cm vs. 50.1±0.2 cm, p=0.000) in non‐Hispanic black male consumers 2–5 y, but no difference was found among other ethnicities or age groups. Overall, these results show that flavored milk consumption is not related to increased body weight or BMI z‐score in American children and adolescents, while contributing to better dairy‐related HEI scores as compared to non‐consumers. These data continue to demonstrate that flavored milk represents an important option for children and adolescents to meet dairy and nutrient recommendations.

Support or Funding Information

This work was funded by the National Dairy Council.
Associations between Urinary Lignans and Cardiometabolic Risk Markers in Pregnant Women: Evidence from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999–2010
Authors: Shi Ling , Simas Tiffany A Moore , Lichtenstein Alice H , Sun Qi , Hayman Laura L
Published: November 2023

Objective

Prior evidence suggests that phytoestrogens (i.e. isoflavones and lignans) may mitigate inflammation, attenuate insulin resistance, and improve blood lipids. These data are mainly limited to postmenopausal women or patients with existing cardiometabolic disorders. There is a lack of data for pregnant women who are at elevated risk of developing glucose and lipid abnormalities, partially attributable to elevated estrogen concentrations. Previously, we reported a significant, negative association between urinary soy isoflavones and some cardiometabolic risk markers in pregnant US women. As lignans containing foods such as flax seed, sesame seed, whole grains, and cruciferous vegetables are more commonly consumed than soy in the US, our aim was to investigate the association between urinary lignans (enterodiol and enterolactone) with blood biomarkers of cardiometabolic risks in pregnant women.

Methods

We analyzed data from 480 pregnant women who participated in the 1999–2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and had data for urinary lignan concentrations. Multivariable linear regression analyses were used to examine the association between urinary lignan concentrations and cardiometabolic risk markers, adjusted for pregnancy trimester, demographic characteristics (age, race/ethnicity, education) and lifestyle factors (smoking, alcohol drinking, physical activity). Cardiometabolic risk markers were log‐transformed and geometric means were calculated by quartiles of urinary lignan concentrations.

Results

The mean age of the participants was 28 ± 0.5 years; the majority (52%) of them were non‐Hispanic White, and 59% attained a college degree or higher. Subjects who were older than 35 years, Non‐Hispanic white or Mexican American had higher lignans concentrations. Increasing urinary lignan concentrations were associated with a more beneficial cardiometabolic profile: comparing women in the highest versus lowest quartiles of total lignan concentrations, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) was 61.5 versus 53.6 mg/dL (P for trend = 0.01); triacylglycerol (TG) was 140.9 versus 171.3 mg/dL (P for trend = 0.004); TG/HDL ratio was 2.3 versus 3.2 (P for trend = 0.001); C‐reactive protein (CRP) was 0.4 versus 0.7 mg/dL (P for trend = 0.01); and fasting insulin was 7.7 versus 13.9 μU/mL (P for trend < 0.0001). Analogous results were found in the concentrations of enterodiol and enterolactone.

Conclusions

Lignan intake may have favorable effects on cardiometabolic risk markers in pregnant women.

Support or Funding Information

This study was supported by the Life Sciences Moment Fund (Shi L) from the UMASS Clinical and Translational Science Award (UMCCTS) Pilot Award Program.
Midwestern women have high rates of iron deficiency when measured by serum iron and ferritin concentrations
Authors: Mondloch Stephanie J , Binkley Neil , Arscott Sara , Tanumihardjo Sherry
Published: November 2023

Background

Iron deficiency is the most common micronutrient deficiency worldwide and is not generally considered to be of concern in healthy premenopausal women in the US.

Methods

Apparently healthy, non‐smoking premenopausal women (age 37–50 years; n=118) not on hormone replacement therapy or any form of contraceptives were screened by giving fasting blood samples for a recent clinical trial. Total serum iron was measured as part of a routine chemistry profile (C20) at a local clinical laboratory and ferritin concentrations were measured (ELISA kit, Phoenix Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Burlingame, CA). C‐reactive protein was also measured (EIA kit, Cayman Chemical Co., Ann Arbor, MI) to evaluate active inflammation. Dietary intakes were determined from the 2011 Harvard Grid Food Frequency Questionnaire.

Results

Serum iron was below the standard clinical reference range (<60 μg/dL) in 23% of this cohort and 70% had serum ferritin levels below the WHO cutoff of 15 ng/mL for iron deficiency. 18% had serum ferritin below detectable levels. Only 7% of women screened had CRP>10 mg/L, suggesting that ferritin estimates were not elevated due to infection.

Conclusions

These data suggest that low iron may be a more prevalent issue than currently appreciated. If validated in larger and more diverse studies, it may be appropriate for health care providers to routinely assess iron status in premenopausal women.
Method for Calculating Point Estimates and Standard Errors for Meta‐Analysis from Reported Point Estimates, 95% Confidence Intervals, and P‐Values
Authors: Brown Andrew W , Dawson John A
Published: November 2023

Background

The quality of a meta‐analysis depends on accurate estimates from original publications. Existing back‐calculation methods for point estimates [e.g., odds ratios (ORs), log(ORs), or means] and standard errors (SEs) from reported point estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) can create estimates that, when forward‐calculated, do not round to the originally reported values. This can be particularly true for ORs. A new method is proposed that incorporates information from the upper and lower CIs and point estimates, with examples of data encountered in a meta‐analysis of the associations between quick service restaurant foods and obesity.

Methods

Log(ORs) and SEs are calculated using one of four methods: using the lower CI and the OR; the upper CI and the OR; the average SE from SEs calculated from the lower and upper CIs; and a new method that proposes to use the centroid of a region of values that satisfies the originally reported, rounded OR and CI (herein referred to as the Centroid Method). The methods are compared by simulating 10,000 2×2 tables, rounding the true OR and CI to 1 or 2 decimal places, and calculating the residuals between the log(OR) and SE determined through the four methods compared to the true log(OR) and SE. Extensions of the method are demonstrated for continuous data and under different distributional assumptions. The methods are compared using real examples from data extracted for a meta‐analysis of the associations between quick service restaurants and obesity.

Results

All methods appear unbiased, but the proposed Centroid Method results in log(ORs) and SEs that deviate less from the simulated true log(ORs) and SEs. The improvement in estimates drops precipitously as the number of decimal places reported for ORs and CIs increases. The method can successfully restrict the region of possible values based on z or t distributional assumptions for the back‐calculation of CIs, and can further restrict the legal region by including reported p‐values. The Centroid Method allows for valid estimates of point estimates where the other methods failed, such as the case where a study reported an OR and 95% CI of 1.3 [1.1,1.7].

Conclusions

The proposed Centroid Method provides tighter estimates of log ORs and SEs for meta‐analyzing data reported as odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals; provides valid estimates where other methods fail; and can be used with different distributional assumptions and data types.

Support or Funding Information

AWB was supported in part by NIDDK grant P30 DK056336. JAD was supported by startup funds provided by Texas Tech University through his department (Nutritional Sciences, College of Human Sciences) and the President Cluster Hire in Biostatistics and Bioinformatics (Center for Biotechnology and Genomics). The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of any organization.
Chronic Disease Epidemiology of Dengue Fever in Africa
Authors: Obidi O. F. , Oyesile T C , Tulp Orien L , Einstein George P
Published: November 2023

Background

In recent times, outbreaks of Dengue fever has increased worldwide although such outbreaks are poorly documented in Africa. The situation has been compounded by the absence of diagnostic facilities and proper medical examination resources which often result in misdiagnosis of malaria and inadequate treatment.

Objectives

To describe the epidemiological pattern of Dengue virus infection in Africa from 2007– date and provide useful information for risk assessment.

Methods

Literature search was done with published reports from Pubmed, Googlescholar and reference lists from selected studies. The quality of studies was assessed. For each study, a Mantel–Haenzel, adjusted relative risks with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were performed for possible confounding factors. The fixed effect model was used to combine values from single studies for age, sex and socio‐economic status. Separate meta–analyses were performed on results from studies grouped with similar characteristics.

Findings

Seven case–control studies were selected and utilized for the meta–analysis. Quality scoring for individual studies ranged from 0.38–0.61 (median, 0.53). Mantel–Haenzel based on incidence of dengue fever gave a pooled relative risk estimate of 2.31 (95% CI; 2.15–2.69). Age and socio economic status were found to be significantly associated with incidence of dengue fever while there was no sex differential among the subjects.

Conclusion

These findings suggest a gradual re–emergence of the deadly Dengue virus. Multinational collaboration efforts are suggested to curb its expansion across African confines.

Support or Funding Information

Supported by Institutional Resources of USAT, the Einstein Institute and the University of Lagos
Influence of the Home Environment and Nutrition Knowledge on Diet Quality of Adolescents
Authors: Freeland‐Graves Jeanne H , Tabbakh Tamara
Published: November 2023

The objective of this research was to examine psychological, social, and environmental features in the home and their impact on diet quality and weight status of adolescents. A secondary goal was to explore the role of the comprehensive home environment as a mediator of maternal nutrition knowledge and diet quality. A sample of 206 mothers and adolescents (11–14 years) completed the Multidimensional Home Environment Scale, a Food Frequency Questionnaire, and a Nutrition Knowledge survey. Body mass index‐for‐age percentiles were derived from measurements of weight and height obtained by researcher; diet quality was estimated via the Healthy Eating Index‐2010. Adolescents consumed diets below recommendations for total fruit (68.1%), total vegetable (55.7%), greens and beans (52.9%), whole grains (15.3%), dairy (55%), seafood and plant protein (38.1%), fatty acids (8.8%), sodium (55.3%), empty calories (67.1%), and total HEI‐2010 (53.6%). The final model of the home environment on diet quality included availability of healthy foods (p=0.00), healthy eating attitude (p=0.01), and accessibility to unhealthy foods (p=0.04), explaining 28% of the variance. Equations that contained the strongest predictor variables, self‐efficacy (β=−0.24, p=0.02) and availability of healthy foods (β=−0.24, p=0.02) were retained and accounted for 16% of variation in BMI. Inclusion of the mediator in the model yielded significant estimates of the indirect effect (β=0.61, 95% CI: 0.3–1.0) and a 65.2% reduction in the model, suggesting a critical role of the home environment as a partial mediator. These results emphasize the importance of the home environment in determination of diet quality and BMI. Additionally, the findings suggest that proficient maternal knowledge in nutrition may be linked to a healthier home environment, ultimately contributing to enhanced diet quality of adolescents.

Support or Funding Information

Bess Heflin Centennial Professorship in Nutrition
The role of soft drinks on children obesity: a global analysis using machine learning techniques
Authors: Gregori Dario , Lorenzoni Giulia , Soriani Nicola , Azzolina Danila , Berchialla Paola
Published: November 2023

Background

Among lifestyle factors, soft drinks’ consumption has been suggested as playing a role in contributing to obesity onset. Aim of present study is to evaluate the contribution of various risk factors to obesity worldwide using a class of machine learning techniques, namely random forests.

Methods

Data on 2640 children 6–11 years (Argentina, Brazil, France, Georgia, Germany, UK, India, Italy and Mexico) were collected on more than 90 parameters (anthropometrics, built environment, familiar socio economic status, food and activity frequency). Given that sample size is heterogeneous across countries (from 60 up to 1640 children), role played by soft drinks associated with WHO classes of OWO (overweight or Obese) vs. Normal children was estimated using Random Forests (RF), which represent a more robust way to assess the additional contribution of weight status’ predictors compared with traditional statistical methods. RF have been implemented using 150,000 bootstrap samples using Bylander's bias‐correction approach. Incremental role of soft drinks has been evaluated on top of all the other potential predictors. One‐hundred permutations per tree were run for assessing each factor's importance, using Out‐of‐Basket (OOB) classification error rate (CER).

Results

Despite the fact that soft drinks consumption is very different across continents, (children were consuming never 20% Europe, 28% India, 6% South America, and very often 33% Europe, 16% India and 54% South America, p<0.001), its contribution in determining children's weight status was not significant.

Conclusions

The analysis of the association of soft drinks on children obesity is undermined by the great heterogeneity in data. Random forest approach provided stable and informative estimates, showing that the role played by soft drink consumption is not relevant among common recognized determinants of OWO in children.
Female Vegans Report Lower Severity of Menopausal Symptoms than Omnivores
Authors: Beezhold Bonnie , Radnitz Cynthia , Hoy Cassandra , Todd Lauren , Chung Maggie , Claxton Alyssa , Dalrymple Jessica , Gibbons Gretchen , LaPlant Stephanie , Wang Junzhu , Zuro Lauren
Published: November 2023

The onset of menopause is linked to a number of unpleasant symptoms that reduce the quality of life for many older women, and hormonal therapies are not without risks. Recent studies have found that high intake of plant‐based foods was associated with fewer and less severe menopausal symptoms. Since the vegan diet is highest in plant‐based foods, our objective was to investigate menopausal symptom severity and dietary pattern in a large online community sample of older females. Peri‐ and postmenopausal vegans (Vg: n=123), vegetarians (Veg: n=74), and omnivores (Omn: n=248), ages 45 to 80, completed a survey which included questions about symptom severity from the Menopause‐specific Quality of Life questionnaire and a range of questions about habitual diet and lifestyle relevant to hormone health. Principal components factor analysis of the symptoms supported the use of two components, physical and mental. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to develop a model for predicting these symptom categories, and major correlates were entered into the model. The four predictor model of age, omn/vg diet, BMI, and sleep hrs/n accounted for 15.5% of the variance in physical menopausal symptoms, F(6, 322) = 9.86, p < .001; the four predictor model of social support, age, frequency of berries intake, and frequency of sweets intake accounted for 18.9% of the variance in mental menopausal symptoms, F(7, 365) = 10.85, p < .001. A one‐way between‐groups analysis of covariance was conducted to compare physical and mental symptoms across the three diet groups. There was a significant difference between diet groups on physical symptoms, adjusted for age and BMI, F(2, 390) = 12.83, p < 0.001, pη2= 0.062; pairwise comparisons showed that Vg reported significantly lower severity of symptoms than Omn. There was also a significant difference between diet groups on mental symptoms adjusted for social support and age, F(2, 440) = 3.52, p =0.030, pη2= 0.016; pairwise comparisons showed that Veg reported greater severity of mental symptoms than Vg. A vegan diet may benefit women who seek a natural menopausal therapy and are willing to modify their dietary choices.

Support or Funding Information

None.
Thinking about the Complexity of Meeting the Dietary Needs of Mexican‐Heritage Seniors in Texas Border Colonias
Authors: Sharkey Joseph
Published: November 2023

Vulnerable groups of seniors are increasing in number and as a percentage of the older population in the U.S. This includes under‐represented groups, underserved communities, racial/ethnic minorities, and immigrants. A priority population that shares all of these vulnerabilities is the growing population of Mexican‐heritage seniors who reside in colonias along the Texas‐Mexico border. The objective of this study was to use multiple methods (focus groups and survey) to identify structural and contextual needs and assets to achieve nutritional health. Data are from fourteen focus groups (n=95) and two surveys (n=466 and n=489) of seniors born in Mexico; and administered in the home by trained promotoras de salud (community health workers). Conceptually, we integrated two models: one model that identifies domains of resources (individual, economic, community, and family) that influence nutritional health; and a second model that adds contextual domains (cultural, network, personal, and sociopolitical). Seniors reported low level of education, Spanish‐only language, poverty level household incomes, limited participation in nutrition assistance programs, life‐span experiences of food insecurity, high levels of food insecurity, and resilience (social competencies and cultural strategies. Focus groups gave voice to the seniors to describe their lived experience. Needs and assets identified included household and individual (food insecurity, literacy, condition of housing, individual capacity and complexity of tasks, food resource management strategies, cultural traditions, and empowerment) and colonia or community (lack of public transportation, limited access to and availability of affordable foods, community engagement, and community awareness of senior issues).

Conclusions

1) seniors are key in identifying issues regarding food acquisition and food preparation knowledge and skills needed to improve nutritional health; 2) focused group discussions provide the venue for exploring individual experiences, sharing information, and determining community‐ and individual‐based strategies; 3) understanding contextual opportunities and barriers are key for increasing the knowledge and skills of seniors; 4) community prevention requires engagement of traditional and non‐traditional partners; and 5) critical for inclusion and empowerment of promotoras/community health workers.

Support or Funding Information

AARP Foundation (HUN‐12‐2011‐0003)
NIH/IRACDA Program – a Win for Both Post‐Docs and PUI Partner Institutions
Authors: Carroll Margaret A , Catapane Edward J. , Soto Martha , Brewer Gary
Published: November 2023

The NIH/IRACDA program is a career development program that facilitates the progress of postdoctoral candidates towards biomedical research and teaching careers in academia. The program promotes consortia between research‐intensive institutions and partner institutions that have a historical mission and a demonstrated commitment to providing training, encouragement and assistance to students from groups underrepresented in the biomedical research enterprise. Medgar Evers College (MEC) is an undergraduate Minority Serving Institution in Central Brooklyn, NY with a student enrollment of about 7,000, 75% of which is female. Since 2010 MEC has been one of two partner institutions of the INSPIRE (IRACDA New Jersey/New York for Science Partnership in Research and Education) program with Rutgers‐RWJMS. Thus far twelve INSPIRE fellows have received or are currently receiving training in MEC science classrooms and/or teaching labs under the mentorship of five MEC faculty. Before coming to the partner institution, fellows spend their first year in a scientific teaching workshop at Rutgers where they participate in sessions that include setting learning goals, diversity and learning styles, instructional technology, active learning techniques, and assessing learning outcomes. As a result, INSPIRE fellows bring many fresh and novel teaching approaches to MEC undergraduate courses. Fellows also have been very effective at incorporating their postdoctoral research interests and techniques into various lecture and lab topics to not only enhance science learning but also drive home how important being a researcher is to the advancement of medical science. The INSPIRE program provides valuable career development for post‐docs interested in advancing both their research and teaching skills. The hands‐on training they are receiving in how to balance research and teaching has already proved to help a large percentage of INSPIRE fellows obtain academic positions at both PUIs and research‐intensive institutions. Partner institutions benefit as well for INSPIRE is proving to have a positive impact at MEC, especially in the areas of science curriculum, research and undergraduate career development. INSPIRE fellows have provided new ideas and techniques to improve teaching and learning of various course topics, and have worked with MEC faculty to develop new undergraduate courses and research collaborations. Being a partner institution in the INSPIRE program has placed well‐trained post‐doc researchers, with a passion for teaching, on our campus to interact with our undergraduate students both in and out of the classroom. By relating their own experiences on how to prepare for and navigated graduate school, INSPIRE fellows are serving as excellent role models for MEC students, effectively building up their self‐confidence about applying to graduate school and motivating many to think about biomedical research careers.

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NIH/IRACDA ‐ 5K12GM093854
High Olive Oil vs. High Safflower Oil Diets Produce Different Metabolic Abnormalities in Rats
Authors: Axen Kathleen V. , Brown Jo Ann , Russell Kate , Mishra Keerteshwrya , Thomas Kadeem , Axen Kenneth
Published: November 2023

Olive oil (~72% monounsaturated fat) and safflower oil (~78% ω‐6 polyunsaturated fat) are regarded as healthful by the general public. To assess the effects of high intakes of these oils, we fed male Sprague Dawley rats ad libitum diets containing 55% of energy as olive oil (OHF, N=20) or safflower oil (SHF, N=20), using a 15% fat diet as the control (LF, N=20), for 8 wk. OHF and SHF rats exhibited similar energy intakes throughout the study. At wk 8, % body fat of the HF groups similarly exceeded those of the LF group (OHF~SHF > LF, p < 0.01 ).

Plasma glucose levels after fasting, or after a high‐carbohydrate meal, were similar in all groups. At wk 8, fasting plasma insulin levels were higher in OHF than SHF or LF rats (p< 0.01) and HOMA‐IR was higher in OHF vs. SHF rats (p<0.05), evidencing insulin resistance in the OHF group. Plasma insulin levels increased in LF and SHF (p < 0.005) but not in OHF rats following the high‐carbohydrate meal, reflecting a blunted insulin secretory response to glucose in OHF rats. Fasting free fatty acid (FFA) levels were higher in LF than in OHF or SHF rats (p < 0.05); following insulin injection ( 0.75 U/kg), FFA levels decreased in the LF and OHF groups (p < 0.005), but increased in SHF rats (p < 0.05), indicating a diminished antilipolytic effect of insulin on adipose tissue in the SHF group. These findings suggest that high intakes of olive oil impair the regulation of insulin release and its effect on plasma glucose levels, whereas high intakes of safflower oil impair suppression of lipolysis by insulin.

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NIGMS 1SC3GM086298 PSC‐CUNY 6783300‐45
Effects of Corn Oil, Compared to Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Intake on Low‐Density Lipoprotein Particle and Apolipoprotein B and AI Levels in Men and Women: Results from a Randomized, Controlled Feeding Study
Authors: Maki Kevin C , Lawless Andrea L , Kelley Kathleen M , Kaden Valerie N , Geiger Constance J , Palacios Orsolya M , Dicklin Mary R
Published: November 2023

The aim of this analysis was to compare the effects of consuming foods prepared with corn oil (CO) versus extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) on fasting levels of low‐density lipoprotein particles (LDL‐P) and apolipoproteins (apo) B and AI in adults with elevated (130–199 mg/dL) low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) at baseline. A randomized, double blind, controlled‐feeding, crossover study design was used with an evaluable sample of 54 men and women with mean (SEM) baseline LDL‐C 147 (4.2) mg/dL. Subjects underwent two 21‐d controlled‐feeding periods, separated by a washout of ≥21 d. Feeding periods included 4 tbsp (~54 g) per day of either CO or EVOO in 3 foods (muffin, dinner roll, yogurt). Density gradient ultracentrifugation (Vertical AutoProfile‐2 method, Atherotech Diagnostics Laboratory, Birmingham, AL) was used to assess LDL‐P and apo levels at baseline and at the end of each feeding condition. The mean (SEM) baseline LDL‐P concentration was 1773 (58) nmol/L, and the difference between conditions in least squares mean response was statistically significant (−4.1% for CO vs. 5.7% for EVOO, P<0.0001). Median apo B changes during feeding were −8.3% for CO vs. −1.6% for EVOO (P<0.0001). Apo AI increased less during CO feeding (0.9%) than EVOO feeding (3.5%; P=0.02 for CO vs. EVOO) from a mean baseline concentration of 140 (2.5) mg/dL. Thus, consumption of foods made with ~54 g/d of CO significantly reduced atherogenic lipoprotein particle (LDL‐P and apo B) concentrations compared with EVOO, while EVOO increased apo AI to a greater extent than CO. These findings support the recommendations of the 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, which stated: “Sources of saturated fat should be replaced with unsaturated fat, particularly polyunsaturated fatty acids.”

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Funded by ACH Food Companies, Oak Brook, IL and PepsiCo., Purchase, NY
Modulation of omega‐3 fatty acid profile in the duck liver by various dietary fats
Authors: Chen Xi , Du Xue , Shen Jianliang , Lu Lizhi , Wang Weiqun
Published: November 2023

Omega‐3 fatty acids, especially long‐chain EPA and DHA, have been suggested to inhibit inflammation and prevent chronic diseases. To offer omega‐3 fatty acid enhanced duck products, our previous studies found that dietary omega‐3 fatty acids could be accumulated in the meat and eggs in a duck model. However, little study has been reported regarding the omega‐3 fatty acid profile in the liver. In this study, 585 Shan Partridge Ducks were randomly assigned to five groups fed basal diet with or without 2% of flaxseed oil, rapeseed oil, beef tallow, or fish oil. In addition, a dose response study was further conducted for flaxseed and fish oil diets at 0.5%, 1%, and 2%, respectively. In the end of five weeks, fatty acids were extracted from the liver samples and analyzed by GC‐FID. As expected, the total omega‐3 fatty acids and the ratio of total omega‐3/omega‐6 significantly increased in both flaxseed and fish oil groups when compared with the control diet. No significant change of omega‐3 fatty acids was found in both rapeseed and beef tallow groups. It is interesting that the short‐chain omega‐3 ALA‐enriched flaxseed oil was efficiently converted to long‐chain DHA in the duck liver. The dose‐response study further indicated that 1% of dietary flaxseed oil produced DHA synthesis to an extent similar to a 0.5% of dietary fish oil supplement. Taken together, this study showed the fatty acid profiling in the duck liver after various dietary fat consumption, provided insight into a dose response change of omega‐3 fatty acids, indicated an efficient conversion of short‐ to long‐chain omega‐3 fatty acid, and suggested a long‐chain omega‐3 fatty acid‐enriched duck product for potential health benefits.

Support or Funding Information

Supported by International Science & Technology Cooperation Program of China 2013DFA31880
Does Moderate Intensity Exercise in the Postprandial Period Attenuate the Inflammatory Response to a High‐Fat Meal?
Authors: Teeman Colby S , Kurti Stephanie P , Cull Brooke J , Emerson Sam R , Haub Mark D , Rosenkranz Sara K
Published: November 2023

Background

Consuming a high‐fat meal (HFM) may lead to postprandial lipemia (PPL) and inflammation. Postprandial exercise has been shown to effectively attenuate PPL. However, little is known about the impact of postprandial exercise on systemic inflammation and whether PPL and inflammation are associated. The purpose of this study was to determine whether moderate intensity exercise, performed 60 minutes following a true‐to‐life HFM, would attenuate PPL and inflammation.

Methods

Thirty‐nine young adults (18–40yrs) with no known metabolic disease, were randomized to either a control group (CON) who remained sedentary during the postprandial period, or an exercise (EX) group who walked at 60% VO2peak to expend ≈5 kcal/kgbw one‐hour following the HFM. Participants consumed a HFM of 10 kcal/kgbw, and blood draws were performed immediately before, 2hrs and 4hrs post‐HFM for blood lipids and inflammatory markers.

Results

At baseline, there were no differences between EX and CON groups for any metabolic or inflammatory markers (p>0.05). Postprandial TRG increased from baseline to 4hr in the EX and CON groups (69.1±48.5 and 82.9±72.9 mg/dL respectively; p<0.001), with no differences between groups (p=0.871). HDL‐C decreased in both groups across time (p<0.001) with no differences between groups (p=0.338). In the EX group, IL‐6 changed as a quadratic function (baseline=0.76±0.51, 2hrs=0.52±0.37, 4hr=1.0±0.71 pg/ml, p=0.005), but did not change in the CON group. IL‐6 and TNF‐α were not different between EX and CON from baseline to 4hr (p>0.05). In the EX group sVCAM‐1 increased 47.34±56.89 ng/ml, p=0.003, from baseline to 4hr, while the CON group did not. Changes in TRG were associated with changes in IL‐10 from 0–2hrs (r=0.467, p=0.007), but no other associations were found between change in TRG and change in IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10, TNF‐α, sICAM‐1 or sVCAM‐1 from baseline to 2hrs or 4hrs postprandially (p>0.05).

Conclusions

Despite significant increases in PPL following a HFM, there was no clear pro‐inflammatory response to the meal. Moderate intensity exercise in the postprandial period mitigated neither the PPL response to the meal, nor inflammation. These results indicate that in populations with low metabolic risk, PPL and inflammation following a HFM may not be directly related.
The Relationship between EPA, DHA, and Total Polyunsaturated Fat Intake and Adult Depression: 2009–2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Nguyen Julian , Wang Long , Frietas Tara , Parker Emily , Reiboldt Wendy
Published: November 2023

Background

Depression is a major cause of disability worldwide. Evidence suggests that ω‐3 fatty acid (FA) supplementation may be beneficial in treating depression symptoms. With declining consumption of DHA and EPA among Americans, research is needed to investigate the relationship between ω‐3 FA intake and depression in the United States.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study analyzed data from 5,546 adult participants (2,759 men and 2,787 women) in the 2009–2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) was utilized to obtain a depression score; ω‐3 FA intakes (including DHA, EPA and 30‐day polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) supplementation) were acquired through two 24‐hour dietary recall interviews. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to evaluate correlations between depression and FA intakes. Linear regression was used to analyze the predictive power of DHA, EPA, and 30‐day PUFA supplement intakes on depression score.

Results

Significant inverse relationships were illustrated between intakes of dietary EPA dietary DHA and PUFA supplementation and total depression score, revealed by an increase in FA aligned with a decrease in depression scores (p=0.000 for all three components). The predictive powers of EPA (R2=0.002, β= −2.46), DHA (R2=0.002, β= −1.53), and PUFA (R2=0.001, β= −0.05) were low.

Conclusion

The findings indicate potential positive effects of ω‐3 FA's on reducing depressive symptoms, but cannot confidently be applied to the general population due to low predictive power. The observed negative linear relationship between intake of specific FAs and depression should be further investigated by prospective studies. The association established by this study provides a foundation for FA supplementation as a potential alternative treatment for depression.