bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Food Group Intakes of Self‐Selected U.S. Diets with High and Low Carbon Footprints
Authors: Willits‐Smith Amelia , Heller Martin , Meyer Robert , Rose Diego 
Published: November 2023

The 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) claimed that shifts toward more plant‐based foods would promote health as well as long‐term environmental sustainability of the nation's food supply. Evidence used to reach these conclusions came primarily from studies outside the U.S., since little is known about how individual food choices in this country are related to environmental impacts. To address this gap, we examined dietary patterns of U.S. individuals and their relationships to food‐related greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE). The sample consisted of individuals (N=13,204) aged 18 to 65 from the 2005–2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). We calculated GHGE from the NHANES Day 1 dietary recalls using a food impacts database based on life cycle assessment literature. The database links individual intakes to commodities and environmental impacts. Individuals were ranked by the GHGE per 1000 kilocalories associated with their diet and divided into quintiles. Dietary patterns based on food groups using the USDA Food Pattern Equivalents Database were compared between the lowest and highest quintiles using t‐tests and sample weights and survey design parameters included with NHANES. Compared to those with high dietary GHGE, those in the lowest GHGE group consumed more plant protein foods (0.9 compared to 0.4 oz eq/1000 kcal, p<0.001), and less animal protein foods (1.5 compared to 3.8 oz eq/1000 kcal, p<0.001). Within the animal protein foods, they also consumed more poultry and less red meat. Those with low dietary GHGE consumed significantly more whole grain, more oils, and fewer solid fats. However, they also consumed more refined grains and more added sugars. These results support the DGAC assertion that a diet more sustainable than the U.S. average can be achieved without eliminating any food groups, as even the group with lowest carbon footprint consumed moderate amounts of animal‐based foods. And since these patterns were observed in self‐selected diets, it indicates that such choices are acceptable to some U.S. consumers. While some elements of self‐selected diets lower in GHGE are healthier (e.g. more whole grains and fewer solid fats), other factors are not (e.g. more refined grains and added sugars). This study highlights the complexity in understanding the links between nutritional and environmental objectives and suggests that more attention is needed to address this nascent field of research.Support or Funding InformationThis work was supported by the Wellcome Trust (grant # 106854/Z/15/Z).
Undergraduate Student Perceptions of the Food Environment at a University Commuter Campus
Authors: Reznar Melissa , Bohn Danielle 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundCollege students typically have poor diet quality. Nationally, only 5% of undergraduate students eat the recommended 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables per day, with the vast majority (68%) consuming 0 to 2 servings daily. One of the factors that may contribute to poor diet quality is the campus food environment. Thus, the objective of this study was to explore undergraduate student perceptions of a campus food environment at a university consisting primarily of commuting students.MethodsWe conducted six focus groups, including a cumulative total of 42 undergraduate students. Students were intentionally recruited and grouped according to college or school to facilitate focus group discussion and ensure representation of a variety of majors. Participants were asked a series of questions about where they eat on or near campus, health food availability on campus, and ideas for improving food offerings on campus. All data were transcribed and participant identifiers removed. Researchers then performed content analysis to ascertain common codes and themes.ResultsMajor themes that emerged were related to accessibility, including location hours, product placement, and lack of variety, quality, and availability of healthy options. Moreover, many participants noted that the environment immediately outside campus boundaries is largely fast‐food oriented. Participants indicated, however, that price and convenience are tremendous driving factors that influence food purchasing decisions amongst undergraduate students. Participants also acknowledged larger social influences on eating behaviors, including face‐to‐face social networks, developmental taste preferences, and price differences between fast/convenient food and homemade food.DiscussionThe results indicate that student hunger for healthier options on campus. Environmental changes, like moving healthier choices closer to eye‐level or point‐of purchase, are one set of easy and appealing options. On the whole, increased variety and healthfulness at an ideal price point appear to be key features of successful food ventures on campus.Support or Funding InformationNot applicable
Dietary Differences Between Vegetarian and Omnivore College Students
Authors: Bunawan Stephanie , Edens David R , Goardon Aleida , Burns‐Whitmore Bonny 
Published: November 2023

Approximately 21% of college students are self‐reported vegetarians. Vegetarian diets have been associated with lower risks of certain chronic diseases; however, vegetarians, especially college‐aged vegetarians may have nutrient risks due to diet limitations. The purpose of this study was to assess the differences in dietary intake of vegetarians and omnivores in college students and determine if the student diet groups met the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI). Thirty‐three 18–35yo college students completed five‐day food and activity records, and were grouped into the vegetarian group/vegan group (n=14) or omnivore group (n=19) based on self‐reported diet preferences and food records. Vegetarian and vegan diets were combined for analysis due to the low number of vegan respondents. The dietary intakes of both groups were compared to the DRIs, and vegetarians had significantly (p<0.05) lower intakes of protein, saturated fat, cholesterol, selenium, and sodium; and higher intakes in fiber, vitamin A, beta‐carotene, folate, vitamin K, copper, magnesium, manganese, and molybdenum as compared to omnivores. Vegetarians did not meet the DRI recommendations for n‐3 PUFA or n‐6 PUFA and both diets did not meet the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA)/Adequate Intake (AI) for vitamin D, calcium, chromium, selenium, and choline. Omnivores had significantly lower intakes of RDAs/AIs in dietary fiber, vitamin D, folate, vitamin K, calcium, chromium, iron, magnesium, molybdenum, and choline. Therefore, at the micronutrient level, both groups fall short in certain nutrients, suggesting a need for campus‐wide awareness and action to address and ensure that students consume adequate diets.Support or Funding InformationSelf‐support
Mineral Content of Eggs from Backyard Chickens Reared Under Differing Conditions
Authors: Heflin‐Morgan Laura E , Plunkett Shannon A , King Elly , Johnson LuAnn K , Soldat Douglas J , Raatz Susan K 
Published: November 2023

Among US consumers, there is a growing movement in which individuals focus on the development of a more sustainable lifestyle by eating food cultivated close to or at their home. This includes raising backyard chickens for eggs in both rural and urban area. Eggs are a valuable source of many nutrients, and there is an overall perception that eggs from backyard chickens are more nutritious than those obtained from commercial sources. Nutrient concentration in eggs is most strongly influenced by the diet of the hens. Backyard flocks are often fed a varied diet which, in addition to a commercial egg layer feed, may include supplements, scratch grains and kitchen scraps. Hens with outdoor access will also forage for insects and grasses and will intentionally or incidentally eat soil. These factors may result in varied nutrient intake levels. We examined the mineral concentration of the whole edible portion of eggs (yolk and albumen combined) collected from six backyard flocks in the greater Madison, WI area. Diet, nutrient supplementation, outdoor access and outdoor conditions varied among flocks. Concentrations of calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), sodium (Na), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and zinc (Zn) were evaluated using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to compare egg mineral content among flocks. Nutrient intake, outdoor access and outdoor conditions (including soil mineral content) were evaluated as covariates. Significant differences in Ca, K and Mg (p <0.05) were correlated with differences in flock rearing conditions. Egg levels of Fe, Mn, Na, P and Zn did not vary. These data indicate that variability exists in the mineral nutrient content of eggs collected from small backyard flocks. Further research is required to identify husbandry techniques that can be adapted to small backyard flocks, particularly in urban areas, which optimize the nutritional content of eggs.Support or Funding InformationThis study was supported by the Egg NutritionCenter‐American Egg Board, USDA‐Hatch grant, and USDA, ARS 3062‐51000‐053‐00D.
The Effect of Family Affluence on Weight‐Related Cognitions of the Home Environment
Authors: Delaney Colleen , Quick Virginia , Eck Kaitlyn , Byrd‐Bredbenner Carol 
Published: November 2023

Family affluence has been linked to weight‐related health outcomes where those of lower affluence often have disparate health outcomes. This study examined the effects of family affluence on weight‐related cognitions of the home environment. Study participants (N=655) were 32.63±5.7 SD years and mostly white (60%). Affluence measures indicated 94, 383, and 178 parents had low (LFA), medium (MFA), and high family affluence (HFA), respectively. ANOVA and post‐hoc tests revealed that LFA parents had significantly (P<.05) higher BMIs than MFA and HFA parents (31.99±9.78 SD, 28.19±6.71 SD, 26.45±5.73 SD). Using a 5‐point scale, importance placed on family meals and meal preparation self‐efficacy were similar across affluence groups; however, LFA parents were significantly less likely to plan meals than HFA (3.24±1.07 SD, 3.56±0.97 SD) and more likely to watch TV at mealtime (4.19±2.76 SD, 3.36±2.56 SD, 3.29±2.61 SD). Disinhibited and emotional eating scores did not differ, but LFA parents had less dietary restraint than HFA (2.29±0.81 SD, 2.57±0.66 SD) and were significantly more adventurous eaters (3.23±0.698 SD, 3.04±0.76 SD) and modelled healthy eating to children less often than MFA (3.41±0.94 SD, 3.65±0.77 SD). Fruit/vegetable consumption was similar across affluence levels, however LFA parents consumed more sugar‐sweetened beverages than MFA (1.08±1.03 SD, 0.76±0.87 SD). Parent feeding practices (e.g. pressuring, rewarding, and restricting children's eating) were similar across affluence levels, except LFA overtly controlled times when children were permitted to eat significantly more than HFA (3.47±1.07 SD, 3.15±0.89 SD). Physical activity level, screentime, and value placed on physical activity for self and child were similar across groups. All affluence groups had moderate to good levels of self‐efficacy for behaviors associated with protecting children from excess weight gain. Findings indicate nutrition education content that could benefit LFA families.Support or Funding InformationUSDA NIFA #2011‐68001‐30170
Corporate Wellness Inclusion of Registered Dietitian Nutritionists: Providing Personalized Nutrition Counseling to Improve Nutrition and Lifestyle Factors
Authors: Hicks Kristen , Black Kaitlin S. , Latortue Krista R Yoder 
Published: November 2023

Growing costs for healthcare premiums and striking rise in chronic disease related to nutrition and lifestyle are leading to an unsustainable employee health environment. Employer‐sponsored wellness programs are on the rise, aiming to promote improvements in health as described by nutrition and lifestyle factors. Family Food LLC, a corporate wellness consulting company, provides Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN) to over 300 different corporate locations from over 60 different zip codes as part of each company's worksite wellness programs. Since February 2016, employees (n=1,303) have seen an RDN for nutrition counseling, 73% (n=951) of whom are considered to be overweight or obese (BMI>25.0). Further classification of BMI showed 14% (BMI>40), 47% (BMI>30) and 39% (BMI>25). At each counseling session, RDN's work 1‐on‐1 with clients to set personalized nutrition, physical activity and family goals to work on improving between sessions. During each session, 99% made a personalized nutrition goal, 91% set a physical activity goal and 68% set a family goal. Of those consults, 45% (n=610) met their nutrition goal since their last counseling session and 80% (n=1049) scheduled follow up appointments. Nutrition counseling is imperative to improve a sustainable employee health environment. Inclusion of a RDN in employee‐sponsored wellness programs will improve health of employees while reducing healthcare premiums, a win‐win for both employee and employer.Support or Funding InformationFamily Food LLC
Characteristics of and Predictors of Inflammation Among 6–23 months old Children in Nepal
Authors: Akelo Victor , Whitehead Ralph D. , Mei Zuguo , Chitekwe Stanley , Dahal Pradiumna , Paudyal Naveen , Pokharel Kumar Raj , Addo Yaw , Jefferds Maria Elena 
Published: November 2023

Inflammation in children reflects immune response to an insult. A population based representative micronutrient survey was conducted among 2,549 children 6–23 months in two districts of Nepal. It included indicators of inflammation because they can mask micro nutrient deficiencies and affect their assessment. The purpose of this analysis is to examine characteristics and predictors of inflammation among young children in Nepal. Inflammation was assessed using elevated C‐reactive protein (CRP>5mg/L) and α‐1‐acid glycoprotein (AGP>1 g/L). Afour stage inflammation variable was calculated as both normal CRP and AGP(non‐inflamed); high CRP and normal AGP (incubation); high CRP and high AGP (acute);and normal CRP and high AGP (chronic). Analyses were weighted and accounted for complex survey design. Four stepwise adjusted generalized logistic regression models were used to examine predictors of inflammation for Model 1) elevated AGP or CRP; Model 2)only elevated AGP; Model 3) only elevated CRP; and Model 4) the four stages of inflammation with non‐inflamed as thereferent. Predictor variable domains included sociodemographic, recent morbidity, and nutritional variables. The prevalence of inflammation was 43% by either CRP or AGP, 39% by only AGP, and 18% by only CRP. Overall prevalence of inflammation by the four stages was 41% distributed as follows: 3% incubation; 15% acute; and 23% chronic. Variables associated with an increased odds of having either an elevated AGP or CRP (model 1) included anemia, underweight, and fever (last two weeks), while higher household wealth ranking was associated with lower odds. In all the four models, anemia and fever predicted inflammation while other predictors varied by models. The prevalence of any inflammation was high among children and the predictors differed by inflammation category.Support or Funding InformationThe Government of Nepal, Ministry of Health and Population, and UNICEF Nepal Country Office supported the implementation of the Survey.
A cell‐based approach to quantifying endotoxin in human plasma samples
Authors: Fritsche Kevin L. , Browning Jim , Eichen Peggy Ann , Mossine Valeri V. 
Published: November 2023

Poor dietary choices are thought to contribute to the risk of developing a variety of chronic diseases, in part, through promoting a state of low‐grade inflammation. For example, there are multiple research reports indicating that high‐fat meals promote a transient post‐prandial inflammatory state. Several investigators have hypothesized that high fat meals promote the absorption of microbial endotoxin across the gut wall and that once in the circulation this promotes inflammation through the activation of TLR4 signaling pathway on circulating innate immune cells (e.g., monocytes). Direct assessment of endotoxin in human blood samples is problematic. Reliance on the limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) test for quantifying endotoxin in a protein‐rich matrix, such as human plasma, requires that samples be heated prior to the analyses. Recovery of endotoxin spiked into plasma samples prior to heating is remarkably low, typically less than 1%. This phenomena, commonly referred to as neutralization, raises grave doubts about the suitability of the LAL test for quantifying endotoxin in the human circulation. Many researchers have long recognized the need for a more robust and accurate method for quantifying low levels of endotoxin in human circulation. In 1995, a cell‐based bioassay approach referred to as monocyte activation test (MAT) was developed and marketed as an alternative to LAL test. Unfortunately, the MAT requires that blood samples are processed within a few hours of collection, which greatly limits the utility of this alternative approach. We have developed and tested a cell‐based bioassay (CBA) for quantifying endotoxin in human plasma following storage at −80°C by using THP‐1 cells (i.e., a human monocytic cell line) stably‐transfected with a luciferase reporter driven by multiple NF‐kB promoters. Our CBA provides reliable and reproducible quantitation of endotoxin in unheated human plasma samples with a limit of detection approaching 0.05 endotoxin units (EU)/mL of plasma. Sensitivity and precision of our CBA compares well with the performance of a recently released commercial cell line (InvivoGen). In conclusion, both of these CBAs appear to provide the research community with a reliable alternative to the LAL test for quantifying endotoxin in human plasma.Support or Funding InformationThis research was supported in part by Grant Number P50AT006273 from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), the Office of Dietary Supplements(ODS), and the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Additional funding was provided by the Food‐for‐the‐21st Century Program ‐Nutrition Cluster, which is part of the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources at the University of Missouri ‐ Columbia. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the NIEHS, NCCIH, ODS, NCI, or the National Institutes of Health.
The Vegetarian Diet and Chronic Inflammation
Authors: Morgan‐Bathke Maria , Jensen Michael 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundA multitude of studies have suggested that there is a link between obesity and inflammation. Various in vitro and animal studies have shown that saturated fatty acids are largely responsible for the induction of various pro‐inflammatory pathways. As vegetarians consume about half the amount of saturated fat as omnivores, we hypothesized that they would have less inflammation for any given amount of obesity.ObjectiveTo quantitate the inflammatory status of adipose tissue from obese vegetarians and omnivores.MethodsThe study included 8 obese vegetarians (1 male) and 8 obese omnivores matched for age, sex, and BMI. Body composition was measured by DXA. A blood sample was collected to measure plasma free fatty acids (FFA), subcutaneous adipose tissue biopsies to measure macrophage content and muscle biopsies to quantify diacylglycerol (DAG) and ceramide content. Each participant also completed a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) to determine their average dietary intake.ResultsBy design there were no differences in age, weight, BMI, percentage body fat, fat free mass or adipocyte size between the omnivore and vegetarian group. We found that vegetarians consume lower amounts of saturated fatty acids and cholesterol while consuming higher amounts of fiber and vitamin C than the omnivore participants (p = 0.06, 0.04, 0.004, 0.04 respectively). The plasma FFA of vegetarians revealed that they had greater proportions of the polyunsaturated fatty acids linoleic, linolenic (p = 0.01, 0.02 respectively) as well as increased monounsaturated oleic acid (p= 0.04). The inflammatory status of adipose tissue was quantified by measuring macrophage content (total, pro‐inflammatory M1, and anti‐inflammatory M2 macrophages). The vegetarian group had significantly lower adipose tissue total (p = 0.004), M1 (p = 0.002), and M2 (p = 0.01) macrophage burden when compared the omnivore group. There was a difference, however, in muscle DAG and ceramide content between the two groups.ConclusionsAs expected, vegetarians consume a diet that varies in key macro‐ and micronutrients that may affect inflammatory status. Indeed, the vegetarian group had significantly lower adipose tissue macrophage burden than the omnivore participants despite their obese state. While these variations in dietary intake seem to have a positive impact on the adipose tissue immune cell milieu there was no difference in the potential inflammatory cell signaling components of the muscle tissue, DAGs and ceramides, between the two groups. These promising results display the importance of dietary intake in modulating adipose tissue inflammation and potentially chronic disease.
Gender Dictates the Relationship between Serum Cholesterol and White Blood Cell Counts in NHANES 1999–2004
Authors: Andersen Catherine J. , Vance Terrence M. 
Published: November 2023

Serum lipoproteins have been implicated in the regulation of immune cell activity and function. LDL‐induced cholesterol loading promotes pro‐inflammatory immune activation, whereas HDL has been associated with suppression of leukocytosis, improved clinical outcomes in sepsis patients, and mitigation of autoimmune inflammation. Despite these findings from clinical and basic research studies, the relationship between serum cholesterol and immune cell counts has not been extensively evaluated at the population level. Thus, we aimed to investigate the association between serum lipids and clinical white blood cell counts in men and women (n= 5,647) in NHANES 1999–2004. After adjusting for age, serum cotinine, BMI, waist circumference, race/ethnicity, statin use, and survey cycle, we observed a strong positive linear trend between serum triglycerides vs. blood lymphocyte and basophil counts (cells/uL) in men and women, whereas a positive trend between lymphocytes vs. total cholesterol and LDL‐cholesterol was only detected in women. In women, strong positive linear trends were additionally observed between triglycerides vs. monocytes, whereas negative trends were found between LDL‐cholesterol vs. monocytes and neutrophils. We further used multiple regression models of blood lipids in order to predict changes in immune cell counts. Interestingly, in women, a 10% increase in total cholesterol and LDL‐cholesterol was associated with a predicted 1.6%, 0.6%, and 1.4% increase in blood lymphocyte counts, respectively, whereas no relationship was observed in men. In both men and women, a 10% increase in triglycerides was additionally associated with higher lymphocyte, neutrophil, and basophil counts, whereas 10% increases in HDL‐cholesterol were associated with significantly lower lymphocyte, neutrophil, eosinophil, and basophil counts in men, in addition to lower lymphocyte and monocyte counts in women. These findings suggest that there is a significant relationship between blood lipids and immune cells counts, and that these associations vary across gender.Support or Funding InformationFairfield University, College of Arts and Sciences and SUNY College at Plattsburgh School of Education, Health and Human Services