bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the UK takeaway food environment around secondary schools: comparison of different methods
Authors: Taher Ayyoub K. , Evans Charlotte E L. , Clarke Graham P 
Published: June 2020

AbstractTakeaway shops are more clustered around secondary than primary schools and UK planning policies to limit takeaways show poor implementation against international examples and good practice statements. A major concern is that, worldwide, there are no standardised measures used to measure the food environment around homes, schools, work or any other facilities. This study aims to examine the differences in using different methods to evaluate the food environment particularly around secondary schools in the Avon region in the UK. Geographical Information System (GIS) was used to locate all schools and takeaways in the region and to measure the density and proximity scores, applying both road network and straight-line methods. In addition, the Hansen Index was used to measure the accessibility score of each schools to all takeaways in the region (not just the nearest). All of the nonparametric statistical analysis tests including Wilcoxon test, agreement (Kappa statistic) test and correlation test were carried out using Stata software version 15.0. It was observed that more than 50% of the schools had no takeaway shops within 200, 400, and 600 metres when the road network buffer was used. Statistical differences were observed between the road network and the straight-line methods. For example, the median of the difference between the straight-line and road network density within 1000 metres was 4.1 (CI 2.6, 5.9; P < 0.001). The median of the difference between the road network and straight-line proximity was 203.2 (CI 144.6, 261.9; P < 0.001). Also, the agreement between straight-line and road network densities within 800 (Kappa = 0.38) and 1000 (Kappa = 0.47) metres were fair and moderate, respectively. The agreement between both methods to measure the proximity was fair to moderate (Kappa = 0.40). In addition, the correlation results showed that both the straight-line and road network proximity were negatively correlated to the accessibility score measured. Our findings suggest that the 800 and 1000 metres road network density and proximity may be more appropriate to explore the real relationships between fast food accessibility and diet or health relationships. In addition, the Hansen index is another metric that may be used if the aim of the study is to consider multiple locations when calculating the accessibility score. The availability of best-practice methods would help to explore the food environment in a consistent way and therefore lead to the implementation of effective actions and policies targeting the food environments, particularly around secondary schools.
Digestible Indispensable Amino Acid Score (DIAAS) better Estimates the Protein Value of Pistachios than Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS)
Authors: Bailey Hannah Marie , Carughi Arianna , Stein Hans-Henrik 
Published: June 2020

AbstractPistachios (Pistacia Vera) are nutrient-dense foods with a healthy nutritional profile that contains fiber, unsaturated fatty acids, essential nutrients, phytochemicals and protein. However, the nutritional quality of the protein has not been characterized to date. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS) and Digestible Indispensable Amino Acid Score (DIAAS) for raw and roasted American pistachio nuts in growing pigs. The values for apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of crude protein (CP) and the standard ileal digestibility (SID) where calculated for these proteins. The CP content was greater for raw pistachios (27.1%) compared with roasted pistachios (25.1%). The amino acid (AA) in greatest concentrations for both types of pistachio were arginine followed by leucine. The AA in the lowest concentration were tryptophan followed by methionine. The AID of CP was greater (P < 0.05) for raw pistachios than for roasted pistachios, and the AID of most indispensable AA (IAA), except arginine, isoleucine, and phenylalanine, was greater (P < 0.05) for raw pistachios. The SID of CP was greater (P < 0.05) for raw than for roasted pistachios, and the SID of all IAA, except phenylalanine, was greater (P < 0.05) for raw than for roasted pistachios. The PDCAAS value calculated for both types of pistachios was based on the requirement for children from 2 to 5 years old (FAO, 1991), whereas the DIAAS value was calculated based on the requirement for children 3 years and older, adolescents, and adults (FAO, 2013). Both raw and roasted pistachios had a PDCAAS value of 75. In contrast, the DIAAS was numerically greater for raw pistachios than for roasted pistachios with values of 86 and 83, respectively. For PDCAAS, the first limiting AA in both raw and roasted pistachios when compared with the AA requirements for children 2 to 5 years was threonine. For DIAAS, lysine was the first limiting AA in both raw and roasted pistachios when compared with the AA requirements for children 3 years and older, adolescents, and adults. Based on the DIAAS cut-off values describing protein quality (FAO, 2013), raw pistachios and roasted pistachios can both be considered a ‘Good’ quality protein if consumed by children older than 3 year, adolescents, and adults.
Investigation of Blood Pressure during the First Trimester of Pregnancy in relation to the MTHFR C677T Polymorphism
Authors: Psara E. , O'Sullivan E. , Pentieva K. , Ward M. , Horigan G. , Strain J.J. , Hughes C.F. , Bendik I. , Doherty L. , Glackin K. , McNulty H. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe common C677T polymorphism in the MTHFR gene encoding the folate-metabolising enzyme methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase is implicated in hypertension and hypertension in pregnancy. Hypertension affects up to 15% of all pregnancies and has been identified as a leading cause of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. We previously reported higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) in non-pregnant women with the variant MTHFR 677TT genotype compared to CT/CC genotypes. In addition, randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in non-pregnant hypertensive adults from our Centre demonstrated that supplemental riboflavin (co-factor for MTHFR) lowers BP specifically in those with the TT genotype. However, the role of this common folate polymorphism and its interaction with riboflavin during pregnancy remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of MTHFR genotype and riboflavin status on BP in pregnancy. Data were generated from the ongoing Optimal Nutrition for the Prevention of Hypertension (OptiPREG) project. Pregnant women were recruited at the end of the first trimester from antenatal clinics in Northern Ireland and in the Republic of Ireland. Participants were screened for MTHFR genotype and BP was measured according to current clinical guidelines. Biomarker status of riboflavin was determined using the erythrocyte glutathione reductase activation coefficient (EGRac), a functional assay with higher EGRac values representing a lower status. Overall, 117 (11.6%) participants were identified with the variant MTHFR 677TT genotype. Both systolic and diastolic BP decreased from 8th to 16th gestational week (GW), however, this typical BP pattern was not observed in the TT genotype group. After adjusting for maternal age, GW and body mass index, women with the TT genotype at 12th GW had higher mean systolic (P 0.035) and diastolic (P 0.034) BP. When the results at the 12th GW were stratified by riboflavin status, the BP phenotype owing to this polymorphism was evident only among women with lower status (i.e. EGRac > 1.30), with mean (SEM) systolic BP of 120.4 (3.1) mmHg compared to 112.6 (2.5) mmHg in those with higher status (EGRac ≤ 1.30) within the TT genotype group; in contrast, low versus high riboflavin status had no impact on BP in CT/CC genotype groups. These results suggest that MTHFR genotype influences BP during pregnancy and that riboflavin can exert an important modulating effect on BP in women with TT genotype. An RCT is required to fully investigate the role of MTHFR genotype and its interactive effect with riboflavin in BP during pregnancy.
The association between maternal body weight and vitamin D status in early pregnancy: findings from the MO-VITD study
Authors: Alhomaid Raghad , Mulhern Maria , Cassidy Laura , Laird Eamon , Healy Martin , Strain Sean , Livingstone Barbara , Parker Michael , McCann Mary 
Published: June 2020

AbstractMaternal BMI has been shown to be inversely correlated with vitamin D status (25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations) during pregnancy. Pregnant women with obesity and with vitamin D deficiency are at risk of many adverse health outcomes in pregnancy.The aim of this study was to examine differences in maternal vitamin D status across normal weight, overweight and obese pregnant women in early pregnancy.Data collected at baseline from a double-blind randomised vitamin D intervention study (MO-VITD) were used. Pregnant women without pregnancy complications, aged > 18 years and having a singleton pregnancy were recruited between January 2016 and August 2017 at antenatal clinics in the Western Health and Social Care Trust, Northern Ireland. Non-fasting blood samples were collected at 12 weeks gestation and analysed for total serum 25(OH)D, using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Data from 239 pregnant women (80 normal weight, 79 overweight, 80 obese) were included in the current analysis.The mean ± SD 25(OH)D concentration of all pregnant women at 12 weeks gestation was 52.0 ± 21.6 nmol/L. Women classed as obese or overweight had significantly lower 25(OH)D concentrations compared to women of normal weight (48.8 ± 20.3 vs 49.8 ± 20.4 vs. 57.5 ± 23.1 nmol/L, P = 0.019; obese, overweight, normal weight respectively). A total of 45% of all pregnant women were found to be either vitamin D deficient (25(OH)D < 25nmol/L; 13%) or insufficient (25–50 nmol/L; 32%) in early pregnancy. BMI was significantly negatively correlated with 25(OH)D concentrations (r = -0.168; P = 0.009). Regression analyses showed that BMI (β = -0.165; P = 0.006), season (β = 0.220; P = < 0.0001), supplement use (β = -0.268; P < 0.0001) and a sun holiday within the previous 6 months (β = -0.180; P = 0.010) were significant predictors of 25(OH)D concentrations. In early pregnancy, 62% of pregnant women reported using a supplement containing vitamin D and 38% reported no supplement use. Supplement users had a significantly higher vitamin D status than non-supplement users in all BMI categories but overall, 37% of supplement users were still classified as vitamin D insufficient. Vitamin D status was significantly lower in winter months compared to summer months. In early pregnancy, especially during winter months, pregnant women with obesity, particularly non-supplement users, are at higher risk of low vitamin D status. Based on the lower vitamin D status observed in early pregnancy in obese women, the effect of BMI on vitamin D supplementation throughout pregnancy needs to be examined.
Polyunsaturated fatty acids and their relationship with bone mineral density and markers of bone turnover in post-menopausal women
Authors: Feehan O. , Slevin M.M. , Allsopp P.J. , Magee P.J. , Pourshahidi L.K. , Armstrong D.J. , McSorley E.M. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAge-related bone loss leads to a significant decline in bone formation and an increase in bone resorption resulting in a marked negative effect on bone mineral density (BMD). This bone turnover cycle can be further disrupted by estrogen deficiency during menopause which can lead to a great net loss of bone in post-menopausal women. Evidence suggests that n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) may have a beneficial effect on the inflammatory regulation of bone remodelling and thus reducing bone loss. This study investigated the relationship between PUFA status, total body bone mineral density (BMD) and bone turnover markers in a cohort of post-menopausal women in Northern Ireland. Total body T-score and BMD were measured using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) in 300 non-osteoporotic post-menopausal women (45–75 years). The bone turnover markers serum osteocalcin, alkaline phosphatase, C-terminal telopeptides of type 1 collagen (CTX) and urinary deoxypyridinoline (DPD) were quantified. Total n6 PUFA (LA + AA) and n3 PUFA (ALA + EPA + DPA + DHA) were measured in serum using gas chromatography mass spectrometry. Total n3:n6 ratio was calculated. Dietary intake and lifestyle factors were determined by 4 day food diary and questionnaire, respectively. Spearman rank correlation analysis were conducted to investigate the relationship between PUFA and total body BMD. Secondary analysis investigated the relationship between PUFA and the bone turnover markers. Median (IQR) age was 61 (10) years, body mass index 27 (6) kg/m2, total body BMD, 1.3 (0.11) g/cm2 and age at menopause was 50 (6) years. Total median (IQR) serum n-3 PUFA status was 0.231 (0.128) mg/mL, total n6 PUFA was 1.248 (0.477) mg/mL and the n6:n3 PUFA ratio was 5.82 (2.63). Median (IQR) daily fish consumption was 25 (46) grams, calcium 702 (364) mg and vitamin D 2.21 (2.3) μg. There was no significant correlation between markers of total n3, n6, n6:n3 ratio and total body T-score, BMD or bone mineral content. PUFA was not significantly associated with total body BMD. There was a significant negative correlation between the urinary bone resorption marker DPD and total n3 PUFA (r = -0.137, P = 0018); EPA (r = -0.150, P = 0.009), and DPA (r = -0.118, P = 0.042). A significant negative correlation was observed between urinary CTX and the n-6 PUFA AA (r = -0.121, P = 0.036), the n3 PUFA ALA (r = -0.123, P = 0.033). PUFA were associated with less bone resorption therefore it is plausible that PUFA have a positive anti-inflammatory effect on bone resorption and warrants further investigation.
Change in overweight and obesity prevalence and adipose tissue distribution in seven-year-old Czech children (COSI project) 2008 to 2016
Authors: Kunesova Marie , Braunerová Radka Raxová , Procházka Bohuslav , Vignerova Jana , Metelcova Tereza , Parizkova Jana , Hill Martin , Zamrazilova Hana 
Published: June 2020

Introduction:Adipose tissue distribution is one of the factors influencing development of cardiometabolic complications associated with overweight and obesity. Waist circumference and waist/height ratio (WHtR) are markers of central adipose tissue distribution The aim of the study was to compare overweight/obesity and adipose tissue distribution in 7 year old Czech children and change in overweight/obesity and abdominal obesity from 2008 to 2016. WHO Europe initiated surveillance of childhood obesity (Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative COSI) in 2007/2008(1).Methods:In representative samples of 7 year old children weight, height, waist and hip circumference were measured and BMI and waist to height ratio were calculated in years 2008, 2010, 2013 and 2016. Statistical analysis was done using Statgraphics.Results and discussion:Since 2008 we found that overweight and obesity prevalence in 7- year-old children in the Czech Republic has been stable. In boys mild shift from overweight to obesity was observed. In 2016 preobesity was found in 7.6% of boys and in 6.5% of girls, obesity in 8.8% of boys and 6.5 % of girls (according to the Czech reference values). The main factors contributing to preobesity and obesity development were lower education of mother, less frequent consumption of breakfast, less frequent consumption of full milk and less time spent playing outside. Higher weight of parents, family history of obesity, higher birth weight and longer screen time were associated with higher prevalence of overweight and obesity.Waist circumference and waist to height ratio in all children increased in period 2008–2016. WHtR > 0.5 was suggested as a marker of abdominal adipose tissue distribution in children(2). We evaluated percentage of children with WHtR higher than 0.5 in 2008–2016. The difference was statistically significant. In 2016, 24 per cent of children with WHtR > 0.5 had normal BMI. Assessment of waist and WHtR may contribute to identify children with increased health risk.Conclusion:Overweight and obesity prevalence in Czech 7-year-old children is not increasing in last years. Waist measurement and waist to height ratio assessment are simple indicators of adipose tissue distribution in children. Further studies are necessary for evaluation of their role in childhood obesity diagnostics.
Role of birth weight and predisposition for adverse body composition in early childhood: Findings from the ROLO study
Authors: Geraghty Aisling A. , O'Brien Eileen C. , Horan Mary , Donnelly Jean , Molloy Eleanor , McAuliffe Fionnuala M. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIntroduction:The early fetal environment during pregnancy is extremely important and research indicates that weight at birth can have crucial impacts for the individual's health later in life. With rates of childhood obesity estimated to be as high as 21% in some European countries, it is vital that early risk factors are identified so that interventions can be developed. We aimed to investigate if children born macrosomic (birth weight > 4kg) remained larger than normal birth weight babies up to 5 years of age.Materials and Methods:This is a longitudinal follow-up of 387 five-year-old children (53% born with macrosomia, 47% normal birth weight) born into the ROLO randomised control trial in the National Maternity Hospital, Dublin (ISRCTN54392969). Birth weight was previously recorded then at 6 months, 2 years, and 5 years of age child height, weight, anthropometric and skinfold measurements were collected. Body Mass Index (kg/m2) and centiles were calculated. Student t-tests and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare the two groups with multiple linear regression modelling to control for confounders.Results:Children with a birth weight > 4 kg had consistently higher weights, lengths, and BMI centiles, along with increased head and chest circumferences, compared to normal birth weight children from 6 months up to 5 years of age (p < 0.05). After controlling for child sex, intervention group, smoking during pregnancy, maternal education status, and maternal BMI, children with macrosomia were 0.61 kg heavier than non-macrosomic infants at 5 years of age (95% CI: 0.04–1.18, p < 0.05).Discussion:Children born with a high birth weight remain heavier and larger into childhood. These individuals are at a higher risk of obesity which highlights the need for monitoring and potential interventions, both during pregnancy and in infancy, to curb the current childhood obesity crisis.
Insufficient iodine status as a consequence of dietary changes
Authors: Adalsteinsdottir Solveig , Tryggvadottir Ellen Alma , Hrolfsdottir Laufey , Halldorsson Thorhallur Ingi , Birgisdottir Bryndis Eva , Hreidarsdottir Ingibjorg Th , Hardardottir Hildur , Arohonka Petra , Erlund Iris , Gunnarsdottir Ingibjorg 
Published: June 2020

AbstractHistorically, Iceland has been an iodine sufficient nation due to notably high fish and dairy consumption. Due to this fact the country does not have a strategy related to iodine status, such as fortification of salt. Iodine status of pregnant women has only been assessed once before in Iceland (in 2009). The median UIC was found to be 180 μg/L, which was in line with the recommended range of 150–249 μg/L defined by the World Health Organization (WHO). Intake of fish and dairy has decreased considerably in the past 10 years. The aim of the present study was to re-evaluate the iodine status of pregnant women in Iceland using data from the PREWICE study (PREgnant Women in ICEland). Subjects were women (n = 983; 73% of the eligible sample) attending their first ultrasound appointment in gestational weeks 11–14 in the period October 2017-March 2018. Spot urine samples were collected for assessment of urinary iodine concentration (UIC) and creatinine. The ratio of iodine to creatinine (I/Cr) was calculated. Diet was assessed using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), which provided information on main dietary sources of iodine in the population studied (dairy and fish). The median UIC (95% CI) and I/Cr of the study population was 89 μg/L (42, 141) and 100 (94, 108) μg/g, respectively. UIC increased with higher frequency of dairy intake, ranging from median UIC of 55 (35, 79) μg/L for women consuming dairy products < 1 time per week to 124 (98, 151) μg/L in the group consuming dairy > 2 times per day (p for trend < 0.001). A small group of women reporting complete avoidance of fish (n = 18) had UIC of 50 (21, 123) μg/L and significantly lower I/Cr compared with those who did not report avoidance of fish (58 (34,134) μg/g vs. 100 (94, 108) μg/g, p = 0.041). Women taking supplements containing iodine (n = 34, 3.5%) had higher UIC compared with those who did not take supplements (141 (77, 263) vs. 87 (82, 94) μg/L, p = 0.037. For the first time, insufficient iodine status is being observed in an Icelandic population. There is an urgent need for a public health action aiming at improving iodine status of women of childbearing age in Iceland.
The global non-communicable diseases epidemic and association between dietary factors and non-communicable diseases by income levels
Authors: Lim Hyunjung , Kim Do-Yeon , Park Ju Hyun , Lim Hyunjung 
Published: June 2020

AbstractNon-communicable diseases (NCDs) share common risk factors as poor dietary intakes, especially among low-income populations worldwide. However, the diet-related health burden by country income levels remains unclear. We assessed the current prevalence of NCDs and the association between selected dietary factors and NCDs by income levels. Data were obtained from the World Health Organization, Food and Agriculture Organization, and World Bank, and 151 countries were included in the analysis weighted by the total population size. Linear regression was used to find the association between metabolic risk factors and health-related behaviors by income levels. The prevalence of raised fasting blood glucose and total cholesterol, overweight, and obesity were lowest in lower and middle income countries, but prevalence of raised blood pressure and NCD deaths under age 70 were highest in lower and middle income countries (p for trend < 0.001). The proportion of carbohydrates and alcohol consumer were highest, and vegetable, milk supply, insufficient activity were lowest in lower and middle income countries. In high income countries, raised fasting blood glucose level were negatively associated with vegetable consumption (β = -0⋅05 CI [-0⋅08, -0⋅02]), and alcohol consumption, fat intake (7⋅94 [1⋅82, 14⋅06]), and sugar and sweetener supply (0⋅04 [0⋅01, 0⋅07]) were associated with overweight. In low income countries, overweight was associated with vegetable oil (0⋅03 [0⋅00, 0⋅05]),. In this study, different relationship between diets and NCDs trends were found across country income levels. Appropriate health policies for each group of countries by income are needed to solve the increasing challenges of NCDs.This work was carried out with the support of “Cooperative Research Program for Agriculture Science and Technology Development (Project No. PJ PJ01317001)” Rural Development Administration, Republic of Korea.