bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nutrient Analysis of Farmed Palm Weevil Larvae for the Advancement of Edible Insects in Ghana
Authors: Parker Megan , Zobrist Stephanie , Mansen Kimberly , Soor Shobhita , Laar Amos , Asiedu Cyril , Lutterodt Herman 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundDue to the rising cost of and increased demand for animal protein, food insecurity, environmental pressures, and population growth, edible insects, particularly where already commonly consumed, have emerged as an especially relevant food in the 21st century.ObjectiveTo examine the nutrient content of palm weevil larvae (Akokono), a traditionally consumed edible insect in Ghana.MethodsWe examined the nutrient profile of palm weevil larvae (Akokono) in three ‘unprocessed’ forms: raw, boiled, and roasted. Three ‘processed’ forms were also developed: Akokono flour, Akokono‐yam biscuit, and Akokono‐groundnut paste. Akokono‐groundnut paste was chosen as the top product for further testing and development as a complementary food for children. Macronutrient composition, amino acid profile, fatty acid profile, and micronutrient tests were conducted on the raw, boiled, and roasted forms in addition to the Akokono‐groundnut paste. Macronutrient composition was determined by standard AOCS methods. The amino acid and fatty acid profiles were examined using ion exchange chromatography. Vitamin content of A, D, E, and most B‐vitamins was determined using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC); vitamin B12 content was determined using microbiological method AOAC 952. Mineral content (iron, zinc, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and copper) was determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy methods. All tests were conducted at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and Eurofins Scientific.ResultsAll forms of Akokono tested were high in fat (53–56%), protein (32–34%), and contained medium to high concentrations of all nine essential amino acids. The fatty acid profile is still under analysis. Raw, boiled, and roasted forms of Akokono were rich sources of most B‐vitamins (niacin [4.0–4.8mg/100g], riboflavin [0.6–0.8mg/100g], vitamin B6 [0.2–0.3mg/100g], folate [200ug/100g], and B12 [16–18ug/100g]), vitamin E (1.1–1.9mg/100g), and three minerals (zinc [3.6–3.9mg/100g], magnesium [23–26mg/100g], and copper [300–900ug/100g]). In comparison to the unprocessed forms, Akokono‐groundnut paste had slightly lower concentration of riboflavin, folate, and B12 but significantly higher concentrations of niacin (7.9mg/100g), vitamin E (15mg/100g), potassium (240mg/100g), calcium (43mg/100g), and iron (2.0mg/100g).ConclusionAkokono, traditionally consumed as food in West Africa, are a rich source of fat and protein, essential amino acids, B‐vitamins, and zinc. Akokono‐groundnut paste can be further refined for enhanced nutritional benefit to prevent micronutrient deficiencies.Support or Funding InformationThis project was supported by a grant from The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA.
Infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices and nutritional status under 2 years of age in Bhutan
Authors: Campbell Rebecca K. , Kang Yunhee , West Keith P. 
Published: November 2023

In South Asia, while childhood undernutrition persists, overweight is gradually becoming common. IYCF practices (e.g., exclusive breastfeeding, timely complementary feeding, diet diversity) promote healthy growth, but little is known about IYCF and their link to children's nutritional status in Bhutan, explored here in data collected during the 2015 Bhutan National Nutrition Survey. In this nationally‐representative survey, household (HH) membership and socioeconomic status (SES), youngest preschool child anthropometry and derived WHO/UNICEF IYCF indicators were assessed. IYCF and anthropometry data were available for 441 children < 24 mo of age. Length‐for‐age (LAZ), weight‐for‐length (WLZ) and weight‐for‐age (WAZ) Z‐scores were derived relative to the WHO reference. 15%, 5% and 12% of children were stunted, wasted and underweight (< −2 Z), respectively, while 6% were overweight (WLZ > 2). HH assets owned (e.g., TV, 66% and sofa set, 28%) reflected an SES above neighboring Nepal and Bangladesh, but 40% of mothers had no schooling. Exclusive breastfeeding (BF) to 6 mo was reported by 52% of mothers and 92% and 61% reported continuing breastfeeding through the 1st and 2nd years, respectively. Timely introduction of complementary foods was reported for 93%, while only 18% of children met the minimum dietary diversity cutoff (≥ 4 food groups in past 24 hrs). Survey design‐adjusted regression analysis suggested girls were far less likely than boys (referent) to be exclusively breastfed under 6 mo of age: OR=0.2 (95% CI: 0.1–0.9). SES was associated with complementary feeding diet quality: ORs of reaching minimum dietary diversity were 5.3 (1.1–25.2) and 7.8 (1.3–46.9) in HHs classified into the 4th and 5th vs 1st quintiles of a wealth index. No IYCF indicator was associated with stunting or wasting, while exclusive and predominant BF < 6 mo and continued BF to 2 years were protective against overweight (OR=0.1 (0.0–1.0), 0.1 (0.0–0.6) and 0.0 (0.0–0.4), respectively). Acceptable breast and complementary feeding practices along with low rates of under‐ and over‐nutrition suggest a situation of moderately low nutritional risk, but sex differences in breastfeeding practices, protective effects for overweight of BF according to guidelines and close associations between SES and complementary food quality suggest directions for potential programmatic interventions.Support or Funding InformationUNICEF Regional Office for South Asia, Kathmandu, Nepal
Socio‐Demographic, Clinical and Behavioral Characteristics of Brazilian Dyslipidemic Adults Enrolled in a Lifestyle Modification Program
Authors: Kano Hugo T , Vilches Gabriel Nogueira , Barros Layene Peixoto , Teixeira Okesley , Manda Rodrigo Minoru , Burini Roberto Carlos 
Published: November 2023

PURPOSEThe study aimed to characterize higher triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (tCHOL) and non‐HDL (nHDL) cholesterol and lower HDL‐cholesterol (HDL) in free‐living adults spontaneously demanding for a lifestyle modification program.METHODSThe lifestyle changing program “Mexa‐se Pró‐Saúde [Move for Health]” is a community based project with spontaneous access to adults (>35 yrs old) from both genders that come to the clinic for preventive health examination and further interventions including nutrition re‐education, supervised physical exercise and other lifestyle factors. This cross sectional study used baseline data from 910 participants (from the years of 2005 to 2015) screened for physical activity level, socio‐demographic characteristics (IPAQ version 8 ‐ long form), dietary intake (24‐hour dietary recall and Healthy Eating Index‐HEI calculation), anthropometrics, cardio‐respiratory capacity (Balke's treadmill protocol) clinical and fasting‐plasma biochemistry. The statistics comparisons were performed (for p<0.05) using SAS, version 9.2.RESULTSThe sample composition was 79.3% females, 2/3 between 35 to 60 years old, having uncompleted elementary grade, mostly married (2/3), living in a family with monthly income less than 5 minimum wage (< US $ 1250). However, they referred themselves as being in good state of health. The Inadequate HEI rate was 91.1%. The dyslipidemic rate reached 79.2% showing tCHOL as the most prevalent (48.5%) notwithstanding, altered TG and HDL were also at the levels of 40%. The proportion of non‐medicated dyslipidemics varied from 61.8% to 68.1%, similarly in all 4 plasma lipids. This similarity was found also for the proportions of medicated non‐controlled patients, varying from 14.4% to 17%. The dyslipidemic quartile (higher tCHOL and nHDL‐chol, lower HDL and higher TG) was similarly distributed among demographic and socioeconomic classes. They all presented a dietary ‐inadequate quality, low recommended physical activity and low aerobic capacity. Higher energy and CHO intakes discriminated top quartiles of both, tCHOL and TG along with saturated fat ‐low fiber for the total‐chol. and high CHO refined products for TG top quartile. Lower intake of MUFA was the food intake marker for the lower HDL quartile. The main plasma changes linked to dyslipidemia were in direction to pro inflammatory (hs‐CRP) and/or insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) states.CONCLUSIONThe found high prevalent dyslipidemia was mostly in medicated but not controlled subjects regardless their socio‐demographic factors but, associated with higher body fatness (mainly abdominal), intake of low‐quality diet and lower aerobic fitness.Support or Funding InformationSupport CNPq, FAPESP
Consumption of Fortified Infant Foods Reduces Dietary Diversity but Has a Positive Effect on Subsequent Growth in Indonesian Infants
Authors: Diana Aly , Mallard Simonette R , Hazard Jill , Purnamasari Dwi Monik , Nurulazmi Ikrimah , Herliani Pratami Diah , Nugraha Gaga Irawan , Gibson Rosalind S , Houghton Lisa 
Published: November 2023

Stunting and underweight among under‐five children in Indonesia are common, raising public health concerns. Whether inappropriate complementary feeding (CF) practices compromise optimal growth during late infancy in Indonesia is uncertain. We therefore characterized and evaluated CF practices in Indonesian infants and investigated their relationship with subsequent growth. We enrolled breastfed infants at 6 months of age (n=230); and followed them at 9 (n=202) and 12 months of age (n=190). We collected socio‐demographic and anthropometric data and two‐day in‐home weighed food records. Relations between WHO CF indicators, sentinel foods, and energy and micronutrient intakes at 9 months and growth at 12 months were explored using multiple linear regression. Stunting and underweight increased from 15.8% and 4.4% at 6 months to 22.6% and 10.5% at 12 months, respectively. Median intakes of calcium, iron, and zinc were below WHO recommendations. Infants consuming fortified infant foods (FIFs) at 9 months had diets with a lower dietary diversity (DD) score (2.3 vs 3.0), energy density (1.2 vs. 1.5 kcal/g), and energy (250 vs. 310 kcal/d) and protein (6.5 vs. 9.1 g/d) intake than non‐consumers (P < 0.01), despite higher intakes of calcium, iron, and vitamins A and C (P < 0.001). Positive relations existed for 9‐month consumption of iron‐rich/iron fortified infant foods with length‐for‐age Z‐score (LAZ) at 12 months (β = 0.22; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.44; P = 0.04), and for fortified infant foods alone with both LAZ (β = 0.29; 95% CI: 0.09, 0.48; P = 0.04) and weight‐for‐age Z‐score (β = 0.14; 95% CI: 0.02, 0.26; P = 0.02) at 12 months. The positive effect of FIFs on subsequent growth may be associated with their content of both powdered cow's milk and multi‐micronutrient fortificants. Nonetheless, mothers should not be encouraged to over‐rely on FIFs as they reduce DD.Support or Funding InformationMeat and Livestock Australia and Otago University Research Grant
Preconceptional Lipid‐Based Micronutrient Supplementation Reduced Circulating Branched Chain Amino Acids in Guatemalan Women Who are Overweight or Obese at 12 Weeks Gestation: A Pilot Study
Authors: Borengasser Sarah , Kerns Mattie , Palacios Alexander , Baker Peter , Kemp Jennifer , Morrison Seth , Westcott Jamie , Friedman Jacob , Garces Ana Lucia , Figueroa Lester , Hambidge Michael , Krebs Nancy 
Published: November 2023

Childhood obesity is a global health concern. Estimates project 60 million preschool‐aged children worldwide will be overweight or obese (OW/OB) by 2020. Recent reports suggest that low‐ and middle‐income countries are suffering from a “double burden” of undernutrition (growth stunting) and overnutrition (obesity). The developmental origins hypothesis has demonstrated that in utero exposure to maternal under‐ or overnutrition contributes to detrimental growth and metabolic outcomes in later life. Elevated branched chain amino acids (BCAAs: Valine, Leucine, and Isoleucine) are established biomarkers of insulin resistance (IR). The objective of this pilot study was to examine if circulating BCAA levels can serve as biomarkers for obesity‐associated IR and test whether a daily lipid‐based micronutrient supplement (LNS) consumed prior to and during pregnancy can improve metabolic status in Guatemalan women experiencing stunted growth and/or obesity during early pregnancy. Using an ongoing international RCT (Women First), Guatemalan women were studied who were normal weight (NW, BMI = 20.1–24.1) or OW/OB (BMI = 25.6–31.9), and divided into two arms (n = 9–10 per group): 1) those who consumed daily LNS at least 3 mos prior to conception (+LNS), or 2) no LNS (‐LNS). LNS compliance was greater than 80% and carefully monitored by on‐site personell via bi‐weekly collection of empty satchets, compliance calendars, and random audits. BCAAs were assessed by tandem mass spectroscopy and maternal serum parameters were measured using immunoassays for insulin, adiponectin, and leptin at 12 wk gestation (n = 9–10 per group). We found circulating BCAAs were elevated in OW/OB‐LNS at 12 wk compared to NW‐LNS (p = 0.001). OW/OB+LNS had reduced BCAAs compared to OW/OB‐LNS (p = 0.007), while no differences were detected between NW+LNS and NW‐LNS, suggesting LNS may improve metabolic status in OW/OB mothers and reduce detrimental fetal exposures. Similarly, circulating maternal insulin mIU/ml (r = 0.409, p = 0.013) and leptin/adiponection ratio (r = 0.440, p = 0.010) were positively associated with BMI at 12 wk gestation. These preliminary findings suggest that preconceptional LNS may impact maternal metabolic health.Support or Funding InformationBill & Melinda Gates Foundation OPPI 055867, NIH & ODS #U10 HD076474, & NIH 1K01DK109077‐01
Maternal Perceptions of Children's Linear Growth in Bangladesh: Perspectives from Urban and Rural Caregivers of Diverse Parenting Experience
Authors: Ickes Scott Bradley , Hossain Muttaquina , Rice Lauren , Naila Nurun , Nahar Baitun , Denno Donna , Ahmed Tahmeed , Walson Judd 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundLinear growth faltering often begins in utero and results in stunting (height‐for age Z score < −2), which increases the risk for mortality and chronic diseases, and contributes to reductions in school attainment, and lifetime earning potential. In South Asia, nearly 40% of children are stunted, creating a context where impaired linear growth is normative, and may be imperceptible to caregivers.ObjectiveTo 1) understand the information that caregivers use to interpret their children's linear growth, and to 2) identify the cultural meaning and risks associated with poor height attainment among children by their caregivers.MethodsWe conducted 12 focus groups among mothers and alternate caregivers (n=81) in a rural and an urban slum setting in Bangladesh.ResultsCaregivers recognize that as a child ages, weight gain coincides with linear growth and is related to proper feeding and avoiding illness. Mothers mainly use visual cues, such as comparing children to siblings and other similarly aged children from the community, to understand if their children have appropriate linear growth. No concern was expressed about children failing to attain a “growth potential.” Further, caregivers did not clearly differentiate between stunting and familial short stature, highlighting the difficulty that many mothers face in interpreting appropriate linear growth in young children. Experience with growth monitoring services from the health system was not common among participants. “Genetics” and “hidden illness” were frequently cited reasons for poor height attainment. However, parents interpreted the risks of poor height attainment to be mainly social (unattractive physical appearance, limited marriage prospects) and economic (fewer job opportunities), and cite few health risks. Urban mothers were more likely to connect linear growth to poor nutrition during pregnancy. Alternate caregivers who had more parenting experience deemed themselves more equipped to detect appropriate linear growth according to age compared to mothers who, due mainly to employment or being first time mothers, have limited feeding engagement with their children.ConclusionsThe interpretation of linear growth among Bangladeshi caregivers is determined more by community norms, than by guidance from nutrition programming or the health system concerning children's growth potential. The practice of assessing the appropriateness of children's linear growth by comparing children to peers and siblings is problematic in settings where the average child is stunted. Efforts to raise awareness about the risks of linear growth faltering may consider messaging that emphasize factors that resonate with caregivers, such as the social and economic outcomes of stunting.Support or Funding InformationSupported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (OPP1136759).
Healthy Eating, Mindfulness, Exercise, and Lifestyle in Overweight and Obese Postmenopausal Breast Cancer Survivors (HEELS): A Pilot Study‐Approach, Feasibility, and Acceptability
Authors: Sattler Elisabeth Lilian Pia , Washington Annette Monique , Young Henry Nolan , Cobran Ewan , Hartzell Diane , Dunagan Kelli Amanda , Davis Melissa 
Published: November 2023

The objective if this study was to describe the approach, feasibility, and acceptability of implementing a mindful eating intervention in overweight and obese postmenopausal breast cancer survivors. A clinical trial assessed the impact of a mindful eating intervention in overweight and obese post‐menopausal breast cancer survivors on markers of prognosis and survival, including obesity, cardiometabolic, and lifestyle‐related markers, and biomarkers. The study targeted postmenopausal breast cancer survivors in remission aged 50+ years with a BMI of ≥ 25 kg/m2 and potential participants were recruited through local physician's offices, cancer support centers, and newspaper advertisements in Athens, GA, in 2016. Participants attended 8 weekly 2‐hour Mindful Eating Workshop© group sessions, led by a certified mindfulness instructor. The workshop addressed mindless, stress‐related, or emotional related eating, and disordered eating patterns through mindfulness meditation and group discussion. Data were collected at the University of Georgia Clinical and Translational Research Unit at 2 time points: baseline (weeks 1–2) and follow‐up (weeks 11–12), and included obesity, cardiometabolic, and lifestyle‐related markers, and selected biomarkers. Regarding the feasibility, 19 of the 29 screened individuals were eligible to participate, 13 consented to participate (accrual rate: 68.0%), and 11 completed the study (retention rate: 84.6%). Qualitative data indicated that participants had an overall positive experience with the intervention. Newly gained mindfulness knowledge, skills, and the supportive group environment were particularly appreciated. Suggested modifications included tailoring the intervention specifically towards experiences of breast cancer survivors, changing the format to more frequent, shorter sessions to reinforce mindfulness practices, and integrating nutrition and exercise sessions in the intervention. In conclusion, the mindful eating intervention in overweight and obese postmenopausal breast cancer survivors was feasible and acceptable to the target population. Changed session format and application of materials to breast cancer survivorship could further improve acceptability.Support or Funding InformationThe study was funded through the University of Georgia Clinical and Translational Research Unit seed grant.
Pilot Study on Influencing Healthy Food Acceptance in Young Children Through Play‐Based Activities and Food Exposures
Authors: Taetzsch Amy Gitschier , Hennessy Erin , Taylor Salima , Maaliki Adele , Rao Dharani , Ng Lienne , Krauss Amy , Wolfgang Andrea , Fleming Aubrey , Das Sai Krupa , Economos Christina D , Roberts Susan B 
Published: November 2023

Healthy food consumed during early childhood provides the nutrients needed for physical health, cognition and learning throughout life. Current literature suggests the majority of American children do not consume a healthy diet, this is found to be especially prevalent in low income and minority communities. Published nutrition interventions attempting to change children's preferences have generally been successful in improving health knowledge but have had limited success in changing food consumption patterns. We developed a new intervention for improving eating habits of preschool children, specifically using play‐based activities to improve the acceptance of healthy foods by young children via repeated exposure and familiarity.Thirty‐eight predominately minority children, aged 2.9–4.2 years old, from two classrooms in a Boston early childhood education program are participating in a pilot study to test the new intervention. Half of the children are in the intervention classroom, which receives 8 weeks of food‐related activities and target foods substituted for usual classroom activities and foods. The other half are in the control classroom, which is an assessment‐only group with no intervention. The intervention activities are 20–40 minutes in length per day and focus on familiarizing children with the target foods through games, art, cooking, gardening and tasting. The target foods are green leafy vegetables, carrots, tomatoes, whole grains, berries, grapes, apples, and a fortified bar providing nutrients and phytochemicals anticipated to be beneficial for cognition.The study is currently ongoing. The primary outcome is food intake during snacks and lunch in the classroom, made at baseline and endline for both classrooms and during the intervention weeks in the intervention classroom. Additional outcomes include children's food preferences, height, weight, hemoglobin, carotenoids, and cognitive function. Programs that effectively facilitate acceptance of nutritious foods by young children are urgently needed and would have substantial value in improving the health and possibly also the cognition of American children.