bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Examining the Implementation of a Regulatory Food Policy in High Schools: Experiences of Principals and Food Service Administrators
Authors: Jensen Melissa L , González Wendy , Frongillo Edward A , Monge Rafael , Chinnock Anne Jensen 
Published: November 2023

Overweight and obesity affect 20.8% of adolescents in Costa Rica. The school food environment plays an important role in determining what adolescents choose to eat during their day. Regulating food sales in schools has proven effective in some contexts to promote consumption of healthy foods and restrict consumption of unhealthy foods. An executive decree came into effect in Costa Rica in 2012 to regulate the foods and beverages that are sold to students in sodas (competitive food stores within each high school), which requires that sodas offer fruits and vegetables daily and restricts the offer of products and preparations with a high content of sugar, fat, sodium, and energy. The executive decree was made without substantial prior discussion and advocacy with stakeholders, and whether it is proves effective rests with how stakeholders implement it. This study aimed to understand the extent to which the decree is being implemented, the response to the decree in the schools, and the reasons for their response and implementation.Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with high school principals and food service administrators of 20 public and private high schools of San José, as well as structured observations. Interviews were recorded and transcribed for analysis using an open inductive coding process.Implementation of the decree resulted in a negative reaction due to economic losses and the restriction of availability of foods that are preferred by students. Revenue from sodas is used as complementary income for the school meal program, which places additional stress on high school principals, who are willing to promote healthy choices to students in sodas but also need the profit generated. Interviewees referenced inability to control sales outside of schools, and difficulty in implementing guidelines because of lack of training and not knowing which products do or do not comply. Sodas continue to sell prohibited products, reflecting inadequate implementation of the decree.Policies within the National School Meal Program must change so that sodas are perceived as a service for both students and teachers rather than a supplementary income source for the Meal Program. Additionally, actions must be taken to translate the technical guidelines into practical information, e.g., provide a list of foods and preparations that do or do not comply. Likewise, periodic monitoring of the foods sold by sodas and corresponding corrective measures would enhance implementation.Support or Funding InformationSupported by the Vice‐Rectory of Research of the University of Costa Rica, Project #450‐B4‐377: “Hábitos alimentarios de los adolescentes de centros educativos públicos y privados de la provincia de San José, Costa Rica.”
Characterization of Spontaneous Chondrogenesis During Tail Regeneration of the Leopard Gecko (Eublepharis macularius)
Authors: Subramaniam Noeline , Jacyniak Kathy , McDonald Rebecca Paula , Vickaryous Matthew Kenneth 
Published: November 2023

Many lizards are capable of spontaneous tail regeneration following tail loss. Although the regenerate tail superficially resembles the original, it is not identical. One of the main differences is that a cartilaginous cone replaces the original bony vertebrae of the axial skeleton. Here we characterize spontaneous chondrogenesis during tail regeneration in the leopard gecko. Following tail loss, the first sign of regenerative outgrowth is the formation of a blastema, an aggregation of proliferating mesenchymal‐like cells localized at the site of tail loss. Cartilage regeneration begins within the blastema 8–14 days post‐injury. Presumptive cartilage first appears as a glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and type II collagen (Col2) positive condensation that surrounds the newly regenerating spinal cord. With continued regenerative outgrowth, this condensation forms a hollow cone‐like structure. Presumptive cartilage cells express phosphorylated Smad2 (pSmad2), indicating activation of the canonical transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) signalling pathway. Curiously, early pSmad2 expression is not matched by TGFβ1 or TGFβ3 expression, indicating that a different member of the TFGβ pathway is involved in early chondrogenesis. Furthermore, the transcription factor Sox9, often described as the master regulator of chondrogenesis, is not expressed until several days after the first appearance of Col2 and GAG in the newly forming tail. Chondrogenesis is complete within ~30 days, yielding a distinctly cell‐rich/matrix‐poor structure. Our findings indicate that regeneration‐mediated chondrogenesis in the lizard tail is not a simple recapitulation of embryonic cartilage development.Support or Funding InformationNatural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) Discovery Grant 400358
Contrast Enhanced Imaging Approaches for Studying Vertebrate Form and Function
Authors: Holliday Casey M 
Published: November 2023

Recent advances in imaging techniques have spurred numerous, exciting new lines of inquiry into animal form and function. Among these approaches, Diffusible Iodine Contrast Enhanced Computed Tomography (diceCT) using Iodine Potassium Iodide (I2KI, Lugol's Iodine) has been embraced by vertebrate morphologists as a non‐destructive, inexpensive, high resolution means to visualize soft tissue structures of animals. Here I present a series of examples illustrating how diceCT can be employed to investigate the form and function of the musculoskeletal system of vertebrates, as well as offer new avenues for outreach and education. Gross morphological patterns of nerve, vessel and muscle topology easily guide later dissections, surgeries and other destructive techniques. Muscle fiber architecture can be tracked using 3D computational methods and projected into ternary space to better determine muscle resultant vectors necessary for the development of biomechanical models. Volumes, positions, and attachments of muscles, aponeuroses, cartilages and other soft tissues can be readily calculated for comparative morphometric analyses. Finally, 3D models of reconstructed soft tissues can be rendered for dissemination and web hosting making them key tools for anatomical atlases, educational modules, and public consumption. The relative ease of these methods guarantee their widespread adoption by morphologists while the resulting data offer abundant new insights into vertebrate anatomy and evolution.Support or Funding InformationThis work was funded by NSF IOS 1457319, Missouri Research Board, Missouri Research Council, and the Department of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences.
Community Perspectives of Health Care and Education Provided Through a Student‐Run Free Clinic in an Urban Setting
Authors: Phelps Josh , White Lanita , Parker Stephany 
Published: November 2023

A critical element in promoting an atmosphere of patient‐ and family‐centered care (PFCC) in a health care setting is listening to the voices of patients and their families. Patients and their families are stakeholders in the process of developing and delivering health care and education programs. Through a series of interviews (n=18) guided by the tenets of grounded theory, this study explored community members’ perspectives regarding the process of care and education delivered at a student‐run free clinic in an urban setting. For the sake of this project, community referred to a collective of individuals receiving services. As each individual has a role in directing the impact of the delivery and reception of care, each interviewee was viewed as a stakeholder in the care process. Investigating this collective of perspectives on the delivery process of care and education provided an opportunity to gain an insider's point of view. Through initial and in vivo coding, links between data sources were developed. Two researchers trained in qualitative data analysis listened to audio recordings of interviews. Through this process, initial and in vivo codes were discussed and agreed upon with the support of observational field notes. These coding processes revealed common issues across patient interviews relating to perspectives on the process of health care. Regarding patient concerns, everyday stressors were commonly discussed including bill payment, medication costs, and adequate funds for eating every day. Community issues were discussed and included communal concern for children, neighborhood environments, senior service availability, abandoned areas including unequal distribution of city services and outlets to support healthy living. A general sense of fear and distrust with government and its services, and a feeling of living in the margins of service availability and forced constructs, such as the Affordable Care Act were prevalent among participants. Clinic services were viewed as meeting essential health care needs in areas where resources and services are scant. Patients were exceptionally grateful and appreciative of the humane and equal treatment received, as past experiences with health care providers in other settings were not viewed as respectful or caring. Patients’ views of services at this clinic were emotional, with tears of gratefulness and relief being expressed. Emerging as a pressing need is dental care; even those patients with health insurance were without dental insurance and could not afford care. These preliminary findings point to the need for expansion of free services to meet the needs of people who are not benefiting from the current system of health care services. Additional analyses will be used to further conceptualize data to develop salient program expansion and training acknowledging strategic, functional, and structural attributes.Support or Funding InformationFunding supported by an MRE grant to JP.
Differences in Whole Grain Consumption Patterns by Ethnicity: Results from NHANES 2011–2012 and the Food Patterns Equivalents Database 2011–2012
Authors: Gugger Carolyn K , Bidwai Samruddhi , Joshi Nandan , Garcia‐Bailo Bibiana 
Published: November 2023

This study describes whole grain (WG) intake across major ethnic groups in the United States. We used the day 1 24‐hour recall from NHANES 2011–12 and the USDA Food Patterns Equivalents Database 2011–2012 to examine mean consumption and major sources of WG in children aged 2–18 yr (n=2985) and adults 19+ yr (n=4878). Overall, WG consumption patterns varied by ethnicity. Non‐Hispanic (NH) Asian adults had the highest mean WG intake (1.3 oz eq/d), followed by NH Whites (1.0 oz eq/d), NH Blacks (0.8 oz eq/d), and Hispanics (0.7 oz eq/d). Among children, NH Asians also consumed the most WG (0.9 oz eq/d), followed by NH Whites (0.8 oz eq/d), Hispanics (0.7 oz eq/d), and NH Blacks (0.6 oz eq/d). Food sources of WG differed across ethnic groups. Among Hispanic children, ready‐to‐eat (RTE) cereals were the top source of WG (33% of daily total), compared to yeast breads/rolls for other children. In adults, yeast breads/rolls were the top source of WG, ranging from 34% in Hispanics to 46% among NH Asians. However, other sources of WG differed. Rice/pasta (22%) and oatmeal (10%) were key sources for NH Asian adults, whereas RTE cereals (20%) and salty snacks (13%) were main contributors for NH Whites. Oatmeal (12%) and salty snacks (11%) were leading contributors in NH Blacks, and RTE cereals (21%) and oatmeal (15%) were important sources for Hispanics. Given mean WG intakes were less than the recommended 3 oz eq/d across all ages and ethnicities, a better understanding of cultural consumption patterns is necessary to encourage adequate WG intake for all Americans.Support or Funding InformationFunded by the Bell Institute of Health and Nutrition, General Mills, Inc.
Dietary Total Antioxidant Capacity was Associated with Reduced Blood Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease in U.S. Adults
Authors: Kim Kijoon , Vance Terrence M. , Chun Ock K. 
Published: November 2023

Evidence from epidemiologic studies has shown that dietary total antioxidant capacity (TAC) may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) such as stroke and heart failure. However, studies on the association of dietary TAC with blood CVD risk factors in the US population are lacking. This study aimed to investigate the association of TAC from both diet and supplements with CVD risk factors among US adults in NHANES 2007–2012. This cross‐sectional population‐based study included 2,680 US adults aged 19 years and older from NHANES 2007–2012. Average daily TAC from both food sources and supplements was estimated from two 24‐h dietary recalls using the NHANES supplement ingredient database, the expanded USDA flavonoid, isoflavone, and proanthocyanidin databases. Top contributors to TAC were tea, antioxidant supplements, vegetable mixture, orange juice, berries and wine. Antioxidant supplement users had 1.7 times higher TAC than non‐users. TAC was associated with reduced serum triglycerides (TG), TG to high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) ratio, total cholesterol (TC) to HDL‐C ratio and C‐reactive protein (CRP) after adjusting for potential confounders. Interestingly, TAC was positively associated with HDL‐C for men but not for women. This study showed that greater TAC was associated with improved TG, TG/HDL‐C ratio, TC/HDL‐C ratio and CRP. Further studies are warranted to confirm the finding of an inverse association of dietary TAC with blood CVD risk factors.Support or Funding InformationThis study was supported by Allen Foundation Research Grant.
Red Blood Cell Fatty Acids and Incident Diabetes Mellitus in the Women's Health Initiative Memory Study
Authors: Harris William S , Luo Juhua , Pottala James V , Margolis Karen L , Espeland Mark A , Robinson Jennifer G 
Published: November 2023

ContextThe relations between dietary and/or circulating levels of fatty acids and the development of type 2 diabetes is unclear. Protective associations with the marine omega‐3 fatty acids and linoleic acid, and with a marker of fatty acid desaturase activity delta‐5 desaturase (D5D ratio) have been reported, as have adverse relations with saturated fatty acids and D6D ratio.ObjectiveTo determine the associations between red blood cell (RBC) fatty acid distributions and incident type 2 diabetes.DesignProspective observational cohort study nested in the Women's Health Initiative Memory Study.SettingGeneral populationSubjectsPostmenopausal womenMain outcome measuresincident type 2 diabetesResultsThere were 703 new cases of type 2 diabetes over 11 years of follow up among 6379 postmenopausal women. In the fully adjusted models, baseline RBC D5D ratio was inversely associated with incident type 2 diabetes [Hazard Ratio (HR) 0.88, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.81–0.95) per 1 SD increase. Similarly, baseline RBC D6D ratio and palmitic acid were directly associated with incident type 2 diabetes (HR 1.14, 95% CI 1.04–1.25; and HR 1.24, 95% CI 1.14–1.35, respectively). Cumulative Nelson‐Aalen hazard estimates of incident diabetes by baseline D5D ratio, D6D ratio and palmitic acid level are shown in the Figure. None of these relations were materially altered by excluding incident cases in the first two years of follow‐up or by excluding women with glucose >125 mg/dL at baseline. There were no significant relations with eicosapentaenoic, docosahexaenoic or linoleic acids.ConclusionsOur findings confirm those of past researchers showing that altered blood fatty acid desaturase activities and/or palmitic acid levels are significantly associated with future risk for diabetes. Whether these fatty acid abnormalities are causally related to the development of type 2 diabetes cannot be determined from this study, but our findings suggest that measuring RBC fatty acid distributions may help to identify subjects at increased risk for type 2 diabetes.Support or Funding InformationThis study was supported in part under a contract with the NHLBI (BAA 19).
The Randomization to Randomization (R2R) Method: an RCT application with Caffeine
Authors: Jeansonne Madeline M , Parman Mariel A , Idigo Adeniyi J , George Brandon J , Fontaine Kevin R , Dutton Gareth R , Soleymani Taraneh , Allison David B 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundIn double‐blind, placebo‐controlled RCTs, patients do not know for certain whether they are receiving the active treatment. However, when a doctor prescribes a treatment, a patient is certain of receiving the active treatment. Thus, traditional RCTs do not test the active treatment under real‐life conditions because they do not account for potential interactions between expectancy effects and treatment on outcomes.ObjectiveTo estimate treatment effects free from expectancy effects and determine if expectancy effects interact with treatment.MethodsAfter an overnight fast from caffeine, participants were randomized to a probability of receiving 200mg caffeine versus placebo pills (probabilities ranged from 0.1 to 0.9 in 0.1 increments). Expectancies were manipulated by revealing the randomization probability to the participant at the beginning of the study visit. Participants were then randomized to caffeine or placebo based on assigned probability, consumed their pills and, after 30 minutes, completed mood and vigilance testing. Generalized linear models with appropriate outcome distributions were used to analyze the data.ResultsA significant interaction (p=0.0054) was observed between the effects of caffeine and assigned probability on the vigor‐activity mood cluster, such that increased probability of receiving the caffeine produced higher scores of positive and/or energetic feelings for the caffeine group only. The estimate of the effect of caffeine when the probability was 1 (7.9, 95% CI: 3.3,12.6) differed from the estimate from those assigned a probability of 0.5 (2.9, 95% CI: −1.1,6.7) as in a standard RCT. Those who received caffeine had shorter reaction times to the vigilance stimuli (p=0.001) and greater odds (OR=1.774, 95% CI: 1.381, 2.281) of correctly detecting stimuli during the vigilance test (p<0.0001). An expectancy effect was found (p=0.0399) such that increased probability of receiving the caffeine decreased the number of stimuli correctly detected during the vigilance test.ConclusionsThis was a proof of concept study. Results are preliminary but suggest that the R2R design is feasible and capable of detecting treatment by expectancy interactions without deceiving participants. Furthermore, it is possible that failing to account for this interaction can result in conclusions that are not representative of effects under actual conditions of use (i.e. when the probability is 1).Support or Funding InformationFunded by internal university funds.
Biochemical Comparison of AAC1 Enriched Chicken Broth to Homemade Chicken Broth: Potential Benefits to Joint Health
Authors: Durham Paul , Hawkins Jordan L 
Published: November 2023

ObjectiveTo investigate the differences in the level or activity of biochemical molecules contained in enriched AAC1 and traditional homemade chicken broth that are implicated in improving and maintaining good joint health.BackgroundChicken broth is a complex mixture containing extractives obtained from cooking of chicken parts or whole chickens. The method used to prepare the chicken broth can significantly alter the composition of the broth. Different chicken broths are likely to exhibit diverse compositions which may help to explain the varying nutritional and health benefits for different broths. The commercially available AAC1 both is prepared using a different process than traditional homemade chicken broth and thus, the biochemical properties would be expected to be distinctive.MethodsAAC1 and homemade chicken broths were dissolved in water to a final solids concentration (w/v) of 1%. The amount of hyrdoxyproline was determined by LC‐MS and chondroitin sulfate using enzymatic digestion and LC‐UV detection. The level of polyphenolic compounds was quantified using a modified Folin‐Ciocalteau method, while the activity of COX‐1 and COX‐2 enzymes was assessed using a commercially available COX inhibitor assay. All data are reported as mean ± standard error of the mean (significance at p < 0.05).ResultsThe AAC1 broth was found to contain a higher percentage of collagen based on the levels of hydroxyproline (at least 8% hydroxyproline by weight of total amino acids in the composition) when compared to homemade broth. Similarly, AAC1 contained a higher amount of chondroitin sulfate (8.797% w/w) compared to homemade. While both chicken broths contained polyphenols, AAC1 broth exhibited approximately 7 times more Gallic acid equivalents (4828.8 μg/mL GAE) than homemade broth. Interestingly, AAC1 had a greater ratio of COX‐2 inhibition compared to COX‐1 inhibition (18.34) with over 40% inhibition of COX‐2 enzyme activity.ConclusionsWhen compared to homemade chicken broth, we found that AAC1 broth is enriched in biological molecules associated with joint health and decreasing inflammation. Thus, our findings support the notion that dietary inclusion of AAC1 should be beneficial in promoting and maintaining healthy joints.Support or Funding InformationInternational Dehydrated Food
Dairy food intake and perceptions 1995 to 2009: is it time to promote dairy food consumption?
Authors: Kerr Deborah Anne , Meng Xingqiong , Devine Amanda , Prince Richard L , Pollard Christina M 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundThere is evidence for the health benefits of dairy food consumption throughout the lifecycle. Government dietary guidelines advise the population to eat a wide variety of nutritious foods including foods from the dairy food group, particularly lower fat versions, to promote health and protect against disease. Knowledge, attitudes and intentions are key to adherence to dietary recommendations.ObjectiveTo assess trends in self‐reported dairy food consumption and intentions regarding these foods among Western Australia adults 18 to 64 years.MethodsData were pooled from the 1995, 1998, 2001, 2004, 2009, and 2012 Health Department's Nutrition Monitoring Survey Series of 7,044 adults. Outcome measures included type and amount of dairy foods eaten on the day prior. Sociodemographic characteristics, perceptions of current dairy food intake and intentions to change were measured. Multinominal logistic regression models were used to assess the factors associated with consumption.ResultsMost respondents (96%) reported consuming dairy products (milk, yoghurt, and/or cheese) on the day prior to the survey. Although the proportion consuming dairy foods remained relatively stable across survey years, the amount consumed decreased from 2.7 (95% CI: 2.6, 2.9) serves/d 1995 to 2.2 (95% CI: 2.1, 2.3) serves/d in 2012. Men consumed more serves of dairy compared with women (Coef 0.38 95% CI: 0.27–0.49; p<0.001). The amount consumed decreased with age (Coef −0.57 95% CI: −0.80,−0.34; p<0.001) for 55–64 years compared to 18–24 years. Overweight or obese people consumed fewer dairy foods serves than those of a healthy body weight (Coef −0.26, 95% CI: −0.37, −0.14; p<0.001). Respondents were twice as likely to be ‘thinking about trying to change their intake’ compared to ‘actually trying to increase consumption’ in 2012 compared with 1995 (RRR 2.26, CI 1.36, 3.74; p<0.01). Men were more likely than women to have tried to decrease their dairy food intake in the past year (RRR 2.08, 95% CI: 1.35, 3.22; p<0.001). The perception that ‘I already eat enough dairy foods’ increased as a barrier to eating more, from 64.5%, 95% CI: 61.2–67.6 in 1995 to 77.1%, 95% CI: 74.3–79.6 in 2012 (p<0.001).ConclusionsThese findings indicate that many adults believe they already eat enough dairy foods yet their intake is less than recommended and is decreasing over time. Health promotion interventions to address the declining consumption of dairy foods as part of a healthy dietary pattern are warranted and should challenge this misconception.Support or Funding InformationHealthway funded Curtin University's Food Law, Policy and Communications to Improve Public Health Project to assist the translation of research into practice