bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Consumption of Healthy or Unhealthy Foods Affects the Risks of Developing Overweight/Obesity and Hypercholesterolemia in Preschool Children
Authors: Jen K‐L Catherine , Xu Suxuan , Yeh Yulyu , Hartlieb Kathryn Brogan 
Published: November 2023

Many factors have contributed to the high prevalence of overweight (OW) or obesity (OB) in pediatric population. Factors may include parents' lack of knowledge about healthy food choices and not providing healthy foods to preschoolers. The current study examined the relationships between healthy food preference/consumption and BMI as well as blood total cholesterol levels in 178 preschoolers enrolled in Head Start Programs in Detroit, MI. Children's Food Preference/Knowledge Questionnaires were collected from 178 preschoolers from 6 Head Start Centers (mean age: 3 year 11 months±11 months, 93.8% Black; 3.4% other; 1.7% Hispanic; 0.6% Asian and 0.6% White) about their knowledge of healthy (less fat and sugar content) and unhealthy foods as well as their food preference and eating behavior by asking them to answer questions about 12 pairs of food pictures. Each pair of pictures included a photo of a healthy food choice and an unhealthy food choice. Sum of healthy food consumption (max=12) was classified into 3 categories: unhealthy consumption (UHC; <3 healthy food consumptions), moderate consumption (MC: 4–7 consumptions) and healthy consumption (HC; >7). Body weight was measured and blood total cholesterol (TC) levels were analyzed by a Cholestech LDX analyzer using a non‐fasting blood sample obtained by finger prick. It was observed that 63.6% of preschoolers with UHC were OW/OB while only 23.8% with HC were OW/OB. Compared to preschoolers with HC, preschoolers with UHC had risk odd ratio (OR) of 5.6 (95% confidence interval: 1.64–19.15) of developing OW/OB while preschoolers with MC had OR of 1.9. Consuming < 3 healthy foods increased the risk for high TC (OR=12.5) compared to > 4 consumptions. The following unhealthy food consumption in each pair of food significantly increased the OR for OW/OB: Cheetos vs cereals; French fries vs baked potato; cookies vs apple; soda vs milk; bacon vs egg. Cheetos vs cereal and hamburger vs fish increased the OR for high cholesterol levels. It is concluded that even at this young age, frequent consumption of unhealthy foods is associated with increased the risk of OW/OB and hypercholesterolemia. Nutrition education to parents with low socioeconomic status to create a healthy food environment and to encourage their children's consumption of healthy foods/snacks should start early while their children are young.Support or Funding InformationThis study was supported by a grant from the Research Enhancement Program, Office of Vice President for Research, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI.
Serum concentration of lipids in infants according to the type of feeding. Preliminary data.
Authors: Velarde Enrique Romero , Vasquez Garibay Edgar M. , Haro Alfredo Larrosa , Muñoz Esparza Nelly C. , Mercado Elizabeth Guzmán , Esparza Patricia Ascencio 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionThere have been reports of differences in serum lipid levels in infants according to type of feeding, with a higher concentration of total cholesterol and LDL‐cholesterol in breastfed infants than those fed in mixed form (i.e. human milk and infant formula). Therefore, the objective of the study is to present data on the serum concentration of lipids in infants according to the type of feeding.MethodsIn a cohort study, with a non‐random sample at a concentration site, 87 infants of mothers who entered in the physiological puerperium room of the Nuevo Hospital Civil de Guadalajara, who met the inclusion criteria and signed Informed consent were included. At 4 months of age, fasting blood samples were obtained to determine triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol with an enzymatic assay. The comparison between groups was performed with ANOVA, Post‐Hoc tests and Student's t test for independent samples. The Research and Bioethics Committee of the New Civil Hospital of Guadalajara authorized the protocol.ResultsOf the total sample at four months of age, 35 infants were exclusively breast fed, 30 partial breastfeeding and 22 formula fed. Mean values of TC 122.3 ± 23.2 mg/dL; LDL 64.5 ± 24.5 mg/dL; VLDL 26.9 ± 16.1 mg/dL; HDL 34.3 ± 12.7 mg/dL; and TG 128.3 ± 59.6 mg/dL. There were no differences in the mean serum concentration of lipids according to type of feeding.ConclusionThese preliminary results do not show a difference in serum lipid concentration in infants according to type of feeding.Support or Funding InformationProject supported by the National Council of Science and Technology of Mexico (234158).
Soy‐Based Infant Formula Feeding and Impact on Estrogen‐Responsive Tissue
Authors: Stallings Virginia A. , Adgent Margaret A. , Umbach David A. , Zemel Babette S. , Kelly Andrea , Schall Joan I. , Ford Eileen G. , James Kerry , Darge Kassa , Botelho Julianne C. , Vesper Hubert W. , Chandler Donald Walt , Nakamoto Jon M. , Rogan Walter J. 
Published: November 2023

Background and AimsEnvironmental compounds with estrogen‐like activity are a focus of environmental regulation and clinical and public health research. Soybeans contain large concentrations of estrogenic isoflavones. Infants fed soy‐based formula are highly exposed to these exogenous estrogens, and the physiologic response to this infant feeding practice largely remains uncharacterized.MethodsInfants fed breast milk (BF), cow‐milk formula (CF), or soy‐protein formula (SF) from birth to 28 (boys) or 36 (girls) weeks of age were followed. Estrogenization of urogenital epithelial cells (Maturation Index [MI]) from vaginal and urethral tissue and measured uterine volume (cm3) and breast bud diameter(cm) were assessed using ultrasound. MI and organ‐growth trajectories were estimated by feeding group using mixed‐effects regression splines.ResultsIn the 70 BF, 111 CF and 102 SF infants, maternal characteristics differed primarily between BF and formula‐fed(CF or SF) infants. The MI trajectory of SF girls diverged upward from those of both CF (p=0.02) and BF (p=0.01) girls. Uterine volume decreased rapidly in early weeks, though more slowly in SF girls than CF (p<0.01) or BF (p=0.01)girls. Breast‐bud growth trajectories for girls did not differ among feeding groups, whereas breast‐bud diameter decreased more rapidly with age in BF boys than in CF (p=0.05) or SF(p<0.01) boys.ConclusionsSF feeding was associated with slowed uterine involution and with greater MI trajectories in both infant girls and boys. These findings are consistent with a tissue‐level response to exogenous estrogen from infant formula in infants in this age range.Support or Funding InformationSupported in part by NIEHS PHR‐UPS2‐S‐09‐00196, CHOP CTRC UL1R000003and Nutrition Center
Human Milk Fortification for Preterm Infants: Deficiencies and Excesses in Micronutrients
Authors: Koo Winston 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundThe standard of care in nutrition support for human milk fed small preterm infants especially those with birth weights <1,000g includes the use of fortifier containing multiple nutrients. Micronutrients are critical to physiological function and growth with potential adverse effects from deficient or excessive states.ObjectiveThis study aims to determine the extent to which the recommended intake of micronutrients (AAP CON 2013) are met by the use of commercial human milk fortifiers (HMF). Methods. One human milk (HM) based fortifier (liquid only) from manufacturer A was compared with two (liquid and powder) non‐HM based fortifiers from manufacturer B and C respectively, were compared at the same caloric density of the fortified human milk. Both the liquid and powder (if available) preparations were compared. Nutrient contents were provided by each manufacturer at the recommended fortification. Results. Of the 31 micronutrients recommended, manufacturer A, B, and C provided 22, 27 and 23 micronutrients respectively. The number of micronutrients provided were the same within each manufacturer except for one liquid product from manufacturer C which contained 25 micronutrients with the inclusion of choline and inositol. HMF from A and C lack choline, inositol, carnitine, taurine, molybdenum, iodine, selenium and chromium. HMF from A also lack biotin. HMF from B lack carnitine, taurine, molybdenum and chromium. At an isocaloric intake of 130 kcal/kg/d, comparing liquid HMFs, manufacturer A resulted in below the recommended range for fat soluble vitamins by 16 to 95%, water soluble vitamins by 23 to 92%, iron by 84%, and above the recommended range for potassium, copper and manganese by 30, 2 and 109% respectively. HMF B resulted in deficient intake for inositol, sodium and iron by 8, 11 and 62% resp but excessive intake of vitamin A and K by 7 and 34% resp, water soluble vitamins by 21 to 437%, phosphorus, magnesium, copper and manganese by 5 to 66%. HMF C resulted in deficient intake for magnesium by 13% and excessive intake for vitamins A, K and water soluble vitamins, manganese and potassium by 3 to 195%.ConclusionsUp to 30% of the micronutrients with well‐defined actions on metabolism or growth are not provided by commercial HMF. All current commercial HMF can result in deficient and excessive intake for various micronutrients. This increases stress on homeostasis especially in patients with dysfunction of organs such as the kidney and liver.Support or Funding Informationnone
Associations of Maternal Omega‐3 and Omega‐6 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Intake During Pregnancy and Offspring Adiposity and Metabolic Risk During Peripuberty
Authors: Alhinai Maymona 
Published: November 2023

ObjectiveTo investigate relations of maternal intake of omega‐3 (N‐3) and omega‐6 (N‐6) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) during pregnancy with offspring adiposity and metabolic risk in peripuberty.MethodsThis study used data from 248 participants aged 8–15 y in the Early Life Exposures in Mexico to Environmental Toxicants (ELEMENT) Project, a Mexico City pre‐birth cohort. Trimester‐specific maternal dietary data was collected based on food frequency questionnaire validated for Mexican populations. We used multivariable linear regression to investigate associations of trimester‐specific intake of N‐3 α‐linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA); N‐6 linoleic acid (LA), and arachidonic acid (AA); and AA: EPA+DHA ratio with: 1) offspring adiposity, according to body mass index‐for‐age Z score (BMIZ), waist circumference (WC), and sum of the subscapular and skinfold thicknesses (SS+TR); and 2) metabolic risk, as indicated by fasting glucose, leptin, adiponectin, lipid profile and blood pressure in peripuberty.ResultsHigher 2nd trimester intake of EPA, DHA, and AA were associated with lower offspring BMIZ during peripuberty, even after adjusting for maternal education, parity, and child age and sex. For example, each 1‐SD increment in maternal EPA intake during the 2nd trimester corresponded with a 0.25 (95% CI: 0.04, 0.46) units lower offspring BMIZ; similar trends were observed for WC and SS+TR. Accounting for pubertal status did not alter our findings; however, adjusting for height z‐score attenuated estimates to the null. There was no relationship between any of the PUFAs and the metabolic biomarkers.ConclusionsThe inverse relationship of maternal 2nd trimester intake of EPA, DHA, and AA with adiposity may be driven by slower linear growth. This can be explained by the lack of main food sources of N‐3 and N‐6 such as fresh fish and nuts in the typical Mexican diet. More research is needed to investigate weather maternal intake of PUFAs contributes to offspring adiposity and metabolic risk in this population.Support or Funding InformationThis work was supported by the following grants: P01ES022844 and T32ES007062 from the National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), and RD83543601 from the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). This study was also supported and partially funded by the National Institute of Public Health/Ministry of Health of Mexico. It contents are solely the responsibility of the grantee and do not necessarily represent the official views of the US EPA. Further, the US EPA does not endorse the purchase any commercial products or services mentioned in the publication.Maymona Al Hinai is funded by the Oman Minister of Education.
SLEEP AND FOOD CHOICES: WOMEN'S EXPERIENCES FROM AN INTERNATIONAL SAMPLE
Authors: Walker Ruth Elizabeth , Blumfield Michelle , Truby Helen 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundSleep duration and sleep quality are crucial for decision‐making and optimizing health however, sleep during pregnancy is often disrupted. This research aimed to ascertain whether disrupted sleep affects women's food choices.MethodsWomen completing a Massive Open Online Course ‘Food As Medicine’, responded to a questionnaire that explored their experiences regarding sleep and food choices. Chi‐squared was used to explore how sleep quality affected food choices during pregnancy between sub‐groups (age, parity, residing in a Westernized country, and pregnancy), p = 0.05.Results302 women (n = 67, 22% pregnant) completed an online questionnaire. Women reported sleeping a median 7.0 hours per night (range 3.5–10 hours). A larger proportion of women living in Western countries (62%) found it more difficult to make healthy food choices when their sleep quality is poor than women in non‐Western countries (41%), χ2 (1) = 5.614, p = 0.018. A larger proportion of non‐pregnant women (63%) reported that it was more difficult to make healthy food choices when their sleep quality was poor than women who were pregnant (49%), χ2 (1) = 4.090, p = 0.043. There were no differences between women of different ages or parity.ConclusionWomen who reside Western countries found it more difficult to make healthy food choices after poor sleep, however pregnancy appeared to be a protective factor. In order to improve women's food choices, multi‐faceted interventions that prioritize optimizing sleep quality during pregnancy are required, particularly in Western populations.Support or Funding InformationMonash University
Family Meal Characteristics are Associated with Maternal Weight and Obesity Risk
Authors: Martin‐Biggers Jennifer , Quick Virginia , Byrd‐Bredbenner Carol 
Published: November 2023

Evidence links frequent family meals to healthier diets in children and is a recommended childhood obesity prevention strategy. Distractions, like TV and negative interpersonal interactions at mealtime negate these positive health benefits. Links between an array of family meal characteristics with maternal weight and obesity risk are less well studied. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine family meal frequency and characteristics with BMI and obesity risk in mothers of preschool‐aged children (2–5 years). All questionnaires were 5‐point Likert scales (5=highest score), adapted from valid, reliable instruments. A sample of 550 mothers of preschoolers (72% White, 37% with college degree) completed an online survey assessing family meal practices and self‐reported height and weight. One‐way ANOVA with Tukey post‐hoc tests assessed family meal behaviors and characteristic differences among BMI categories (low normal weight [BMI <22], n=143; high normal weight [BMI= 22 to 24.9], n=128; overweight [BMI between 25 and 29.9], n=115; obese [BMI 30 and above], n=164) and obesity risk tertiles. Most families (93%) had ≥7 family meals/week, and mothers placed strong importance on family meals (mean=4.5±0.6 SD). Meals were eaten at a table more days/week than in front of a TV (4.7±2.6 SD vs 2.2±2.5 SD days/week) and mealtime atmosphere was perceived less stressful (mean=4.1±0.9 SD). Obese mothers reported significantly more family meals in front of a TV and fewer days having meals at a table (2.8±2.6 SD, 4.3±2.7 days/week). Mothers were fairly neutral about whether they planned meals (mean=3.4±0.9 SD), but agreed that they had time and energy for family meals (mean=4.3±0.9 SD). A comparison of family meal frequency and characteristics by weight status revealed no differences between BMI categories and frequency of family meals, importance placed on family meals, meal planning, and time and energy for family meals. A comparison among obesity risk score tertiles for non‐obese mothers (n=386) indicated that mothers in the lowest obesity risk tertile had significantly fewer meals eaten in front of a TV, less mealtime stress, engaged in more planning of family meals, and reported greater time and energy for family meals. No differences occurred in the frequency of meals, importance placed on meals, or eating meals at a table among obesity risk tertiles. Findings suggests that mothers' characteristics of family meals, including where they are consumed, meal planning, and time and energy devoted to meals, are associated with a lower risk for obesity. Future interventions should consider promoting these family meal behaviors.Support or Funding InformationUSDA NIFA #2011‐68001‐30170
Association Between Maternal Dietary Inflammatory Index Score During Pregnancy and Child Wheeze at Age Three Among Children from Shelby Co, TN
Authors: Kowalski Alysse , Carroll Kecia , Shivappa Nitin , Roy Aditi , Kocak Mehmet , Steck Susan , Hebért James , Tylavsky Fran , Hartman Terry 
Published: November 2023

ObjectiveThis analysis examined the association between a dietary inflammatory index (DII) computed from maternal dietary and supplement intake in the second trimester of pregnancy and current child wheeze at age 3 years in a cohort of mother‐child dyads.MethodsThe Conditions Affecting Neurocognitive Development in Early Childhood (CANDLE) study is a prospective cohort study of singleton pregnancies that enrolled 1503 pregnant mothers in Shelby County TN; 798 mother‐child dyads were included in this analysis. Loss to follow‐up by 3‐year visit was the primary reason for exclusion. The exposure was the DII, an a priori dietary pattern that classifies diets on a continuum from maximally anti‐inflammatory (low scores) to maximally pro‐inflammatory (high scores). The DII was computed from second trimester maternal diet and supplement intake data assessed using the 2005 Block food frequency questionnaire. The DII was calculated in two ways: without energy adjustment (DII total) and with energy adjustment via the density method (E‐DII), both as continuous variables. The outcome of interest was current wheeze at age 3, defined by parental report of history of wheeze and an episode in the previous 12 months. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) between maternal DII during pregnancy and child current wheeze at age three after adjustment for maternal education and race.ResultsPrevalence of current child wheeze was 20.9%. The DII total ranged from −5.22 to 3.67 and was normally distributed with mean −2.10 (SD ±1.5). The DII density ranged from −5.25 to 3.25 and was normally distributed with mean −2.02 (SD ±1.64). Preliminary results suggested the DII was not associated with current child wheeze (DII total aOR: 0.98; 95% CI: 0.88, 1.10 and E‐DII aOR: 0.99; 95% CI: 0.88, 1.11).ConclusionPreliminary findings suggest maternal dietary and supplement intake during second trimester, as characterized by the DII, is not associated with current child wheeze at age three.
Infant Feeding Practices in the First Six Months of Life and Subsequent Growth Performance
Authors: Shinn Leila , Tangney Christy , Mullen Mary , Sharp Christine , Gelfand Amy , Busche Caitlyn 
Published: November 2023

Background and ObjectiveWhile there have been many reports in which the association between feeding type and infant growth have been explored, there is no standard definition of growth performance. Researchers use the WHO standards, CDC standards or both and growth may be measured as a static or longitudinal (across multiple time points) outcome. Without a standard growth definition, a need for further research is implicit. The purpose of this descriptive study is to determine the association between infant feeding practices (breastfeeding, formula and mixed feeding (breastfed and formula fed)) and several indicators of growth performance (weight‐for‐age, length‐for‐age, weight‐for‐length (W‐L) and head circumference percentiles from z‐scores) during the first six months of life through the use of the modified Infant Feeding Practices Study II (mIFPS II) questionnaire.MethodsThe mIFPS II questionnaire was tested for content validity and administered to a diverse group of caretakers of infants, aged 28 days to 6 months drawn from pediatric outpatient clinics at an urban medical center. We examined demographic correlates of infant feeding practices and complementary food introduction in relation to WHO growth performance using chi square, ANOVA and logistic regression models with SPSS, version 22 (IBM, Chicago, IL).ResultsRace‐ethnicity of caretakers was 21% non‐Hispanic white, 24% Hispanic, and 38% non‐Hispanic black; educational background included 22% with high school education or less, 26% with some college or an associate degree and 43% as college graduates or more. Of the 215 dyads, 51% were enrolled in WIC. Infants' age (<4 months (n=107), 4–6 months (n=56) and ≥6 months (n=52)) at time of questionnaire completion was associated with feeding type (p≤0.05). Of the infants <4 months of age, more than half consumed breast milk or mixed feedings, while 44% were fed formula. In older infants, the majority was formula fed (51%).While in the hospital, 42% of caretakers received feeding information from a healthcare professional, 2.8% from WIC, baby care classes or support groups, 3.7% from a relative or friend and 52% from the media. Source of feeding information was not related to current feeding practice (p=0.32) but was associated with WIC enrollment (p≤0.05). For infants with growth data through 6 months of age (n=115), nearly 22% were overweight or obese by WHO standards (greater than 85th W‐L percentile).ConclusionNo associations were observed between weight status and feeding type, or with WIC enrollment, caretaker race or education (all p >0.05). While our data suggest that there are relationships between infant age and feeding type and between source of feeding information and WIC enrollment, more growth data are needed to adequately characterize correlates of infant growth performance in this diverse sample.Support or Funding InformationDepartment of Clinical Nutrition at Rush University Medical Center Chicago, IL
Selective cell adhesion drives synaptic specificity in the hippocampus
Authors: Williams Megan E 
Published: November 2023

Precise neuronal circuit connectivity is critical for normal brain function, yet the mechanisms driving synaptic specificity are poorly understood. Cell adhesion molecules, which can simultaneously mediate axon‐dendrite communication and initiate intracellular signaling processes, are ideally suited to guide specific synapse formation. I will discuss our latest research investigating the role of selective cell adhesion in the development of synaptic specificity in the mouse hippocampus. Currently, we are using 3D serial blockface scanning electron microscopy, proteomics, and crispr/cas gene editing to define precise synaptic defects caused by the loss of specific adhesion molecules. Surprisingly, we find even subtle synaptic changes can significantly impact circuit function. So far, our bottom up approach from cells to circuits has identified adhesion molecules that are repeatedly associated with cognitive and psychiatric disorders. Thus our results have potential to provide critical insights to the specific cellular and circuit changes underlying these complex neurological disorders.Support or Funding InformationOur research is funded by grants from the NIMH and Sloan, Mallinckrodt, and Whitehall Foundations.