bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the Nutritional Adequacy of Complementary Foods and Infant and Young Child Feeding Practices in Sodo Zurea District, Wolayita, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Moges Debebe , Abebe Yewelsew , Gibson Rosalind S. 
Published: November 2023

Childhood malnutrition in Ethiopia remains very prevalent and inadequate complementary food intakes and improper feeding practices remain a common problem in Ethiopian infants and young children. The objective of this study was to assess the nutritional adequacy of complementary foods and of infant and young child feeding practices in Sodo Zurea District of Wolayita Zone, Southern Ethiopia. A cross‐sectional survey design was employed to collect data from 180 mothers, selected by a stratified two‐stage cluster sampling method, who had breastfed children aged 6–23 months. Socio‐demographic status, anthropometry, breastfeeding, and the adequacy of complementary foods were determined, and complementary feeding practices and behaviors assessed by direct in‐home observations. Only 21% of infants and young children were exclusively breastfed up to 6 months of age. Prevalence of stunting was 16.7% for infants aged 6–8 months, 33.3% for infants aged 9–11 months and 50% for children 12–24 months. Energy and nutrient intakes from complementary foods were also calculated from one day in‐home weighed records. The dietary diversity score of the study participants showed that only 3.3% had dietary diversity scores greater than three food groups. Very few children (3.3%) were fed minimum acceptable diets according to the WHO recommended infant and young child feeding guidelines, and responsive feeding was not practiced. Median energy intakes and densities of micronutrients from complementary foods (except for protein) were below the WHO recommendations. In conclusion, there is a need to focus on nutrition education interventions that address the WHO guiding principles for infant and young child feeding practices in this area.Support or Funding InformationSupported by Canadian International Food Security Research Fund (CIFSRF) project through the International Development Research Center (IDRC).
Broadband Connections Within The Cell: How Mitochondria Talk To The Endomembrane
Authors: Kornman Benoit 
Published: November 2023

Although chromosome partitioning during mitosis is well studied, the molecular mechanisms that allow proper segregation of cytoplasmic organelles in human cells are poorly understood. I will present a mechanism by which mitochondria are transported towards the daughter cell periphery at the end of mitosis. This mechanism involves the mitochondrial protein Miro and the mitotic cytoskeletal protein Cenp‐F.Support or Funding InformationThis work is supported by the European Research Council, the Swiss National Research Foundation and the ETH Zurich.
A Developmental Evaluation of PumpMed: A Web Application Designed to Promote Pumping in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Bower Katie , Burnette Tara , Kortsmit Tim , Wright Courtney , Kavanagh Katie 
Published: November 2023

PumpMed was developed in response to formative qualitative interviews (phase 1). Themes from these interviews shaped the development of the PumpMed prototype, with the goal of designing an intervention that meets the unique needs facing mothers of preterm infants. The primary focus of PumpMed is to provide an interactive platform where mothers can receive timely encouragement from breastfeeding specialists and have the ability to log pumping sessions electronically. Self‐monitoring is often the first approach when targeting maintenance or modification of specific behaviors. The targeted behavior for this intervention will be increased and continued pumping to establish and maintain the breast milk supply. The purpose of conducting a developmental evaluation is to assess any issues prior to implementation of the pilot intervention. Through a developmental evaluation we have been able to include changes and improvements suggested by potential users. This has assisted in helping us to better identify useful data from the target population. Participants are being recruited from phase 1 of the study (qualitative phase) and through local and state breastfeeding coalitions. English‐speaking mothers of preterm infants, who have since been discharged from the hospital, have access to the Internet (with a valid e‐mail address), are ≥18 years of age, and have any experience pumping for their preterm infant (mothers do not have to be currently pumping) are eligible to participate. At the time of study completion, the infant can be no more than two years of age. To date, 12 mothers have been enrolled in the study and completed a usability and acceptability questionnaire, which includes the Systems Usability Scale (SUS), a validated assessment tool, as well as open‐ended questions to solicit additional feedback. Recruitment will continue until approximately 20 mothers provide feedback. Preliminary results indicate that PumpMed scores are above average in usability on the SUS. In addition, the evaluation has also served to test out the application during development, leading to changes that improve the ease of use of PumpMed. Sample feedback, provided by mothers who have assessed the usability and acceptability of PumpMed confirms for us that we are meeting the target population's needs and will be used to direct continued development.Support or Funding InformationUTK Office of Research SARIF Summer Assistantship
The High Cost of Healthy Snacks in Corner Stores
Authors: DeWeese Robin , Ohri‐Vachaspati Punam 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionEnergy‐dense, nutrient‐poor foods tend to be more expensive than healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables (FV). The purpose of this study was to compare the prices of unhealthy (chips) and healthy (cut‐up/single‐serve FV) snacks that students are likely to purchase from a corner store.MethodsStore audits were conducted in 325 New Jersey corner stores. Auditors purchased a snack‐sized bag of chips and a snack‐sized FV from each store. One hundred‐twenty stores that sold both healthy and unhealthy snacks were included in the analysis. Chip prices were compared to FV prices overall and by store sales volume and block group characteristics. Chip and FV prices were also analyzed separately according to store sales volume and block group characteristics.ResultsIn the overall sample, chips cost significantly more than FV did ($.60±.46 vs $.47±.17; p < .05). In subgroup analysis the directionality in price differences were consistent across all types of stores and neighborhoods. Differences were significant for corner stores with the lowest sales volumes ($.63±.41 vs $.45±.14; p < .05), for stores in block groups with a low proportion of vacant housing units ($.73±.63 vs $.51±.19; p < .05), and for stores in block groups with a medium proportion of unemployed residents ($.57±.26 vs $.45±.17; p < .05). The difference between the cost of FV and chips was higher in stores with lower sales volumes (18 cents) compared to the difference in prices in stores with higher sales volumes (5 cents), and these differences were marginally significant (p = .07).ConclusionsReducing the prices of healthy snacks may be an important first step in changing children's purchasing behaviors. This strategy may be most effective in the smallest corner stores.Support or Funding InformationThis research was funded by a National Institute of Food and Agriculture predoctoral dissertation fellowship (20146701122279) and by a grant from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (1R01HD071583‐01A1)
Between Meal Snacks And Food Habits In Brazilian Preschool Children: National Representative Sample Survey
Authors: Nogueira‐de‐Almeida Carlos Alberto , Del'Arco Ana Paula Wolf Tasca , Previdelli Ágatha Nogueira , Tosatti Abykeyla Melisse , Fisberg Mauro 
Published: November 2023

ObjectiveTo describe the eating habits of Brazilian preschool children related to the ingestion of between meal snacks and their nutritional contribution.MethodsSecondary analysis of a structured questionnaire answered during three days, by the mothers of 1,391 children from 4 to 6 years old from a representative sample of all regions of the country, on the food consumed in between meal snacks and their quantities.Results98.20% of Brazilian children performed between meal snacks, that, on average, consisted of 2,9 food groups. Qualitatively, the compositions of the between meal snacks in the morning and afternoon were similar, mostly containing the same food groups: fruits in general, cookies and yoghurts in general. The afternoon between meal snack had more calories and different foods and also foods with higher added sugars content (candy, ice cream and chocolates). The added sugar consumption, considering together the amount consumed in the morning and the afternoon, already approached the limits recommended for the whole diet by WHO.ConclusionThe composition of the between meals is very important, since they include opportunities to fill the nutritional requirements of this age group, which are in growth and development period, whom need adequate nutritional support. The Brazilian preschool children have the habit of performing the between meal snacks, but the quality of these meals need to be better, regarding, specially, the great content of added sugar.Support or Funding InformationThe study was funded and supported by Danone Brasil
Barriers and motivations in providing fruit and vegetables in the home: perceptions of parents of overweight/obese preschoolers and school‐aged children
Authors: Nepper Martha J , Chai Weiwen 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundGiven the importance of parental influences on children's fruit and vegetable intakes and limited research conducted on parental views of providing fruit and vegetables to their children in the home, the objective of the study was to explore and compare parental perceptions of barriers and motivations in providing fruits and vegetables in the home environment between overweight/obese preschoolers (3–5 years) and overweight/obese school‐aged children (6–12 years).MethodsA total of 13 parents of overweight/obese (>85th%) preschoolers and 14 parents of overweight/obese (>85th%) school‐aged children, recruited from Early Head Start and Head Start programs (preschoolers) and family‐based weight management programs (school‐aged children) participated in the qualitative study with focus group interviews from February 2015 to September 2015. Qualitative codes and themes regarding parental views were developed using content analysis, and were verified by the research team and qualitative experts.ResultsThere were similarities and a few differences between parents of preschoolers and school‐aged children in barriers and motivations in providing fruits and vegetables in the home. Common barriers between both groups of parents were children less accepting of vegetables, the high price of fruits and vegetables, possible wasting of fruits and vegetables if not eaten before spoiling, and that if fruits and vegetables were not “ready to go”, they were less likely to be eaten. Parents of overweight/obese school‐aged children were more concerned regarding their child's weight and that extended family members (such as grandparents) were viewed as more of a negative influence compared to parents of overweight/obese preschoolers.Conclusions and ImplicationsThese findings suggest that parents of both overweight/obese preschoolers and school‐aged children face similar yet different barriers and motivations which need to be addressed when developing intervention strategies for weight management.Support or Funding InformationThis research was supported by the Ann A. Hertzler Research Grant from Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation.
E‐MECHANIC Exercise Interventions Eliminate the Unexpected Association between Weight Gain and a Healthy Food Environment
Authors: Myers Candice Alicia , Broyles Stephanie T. , Church Timothy S. , Martin Corby K. 
Published: November 2023

ObjectiveTo examine if the relationship between change in BMI and weight during the E‐MECHANIC study were moderated by the neighborhood food environment among participants assigned to exercise versus no‐exercise groups.MethodsThis study used data from the Examination of Mechanisms (E‐Mechanic) of Exercise‐Induced Weight Compensation randomized control trial, which randomized 198 overweight and obesity adults (21–65 years old; 74% female; 34% African American) to a no‐exercise control or one of two exercise groups for 6 months. BMI and weight were measured at baseline, 4 weeks, and the end of the study. Neighborhood food environment was measured as healthy food availability using the Nutrition Environment Measures Survey‐Stores (NEMS) tool, which quantified the availability, quality, and price of food within neighborhood food stores. Neighborhoods were categorized as low, medium, or high (tertiles) on healthy food availability. Change in BMI and weight from baseline were regressed against neighborhood healthy food availability in a multilevel repeated‐measures model, controlling for age, sex, race, and socioeconomic status.ResultsChange in BMI and weight in the no‐exercise group were moderated by living in a neighborhood with high healthy food availability. Specifically, participants who did not receive either of the exercise interventions and resided in neighborhoods with high healthy food availability saw significant increases in BMI (LS‐means: 0.33±0.13, p=0.01) and weight (LS‐means: 0.90±0.36, p=0.01) during the study. However, those participants assigned to either of the exercise interventions did not demonstrate a significant moderating effect of the neighborhood food environment on change in BMI and weight.ConclusionsHigh healthy food availability was associated with increased BMI and weight for no‐exercise participants. This unexpected finding could indicate that greater availability of healthy foods may also mean greater access to food, both healthy and unhealthy, in general. We also note that we do not account for actual dietary patterns or consumption or other aspects of the neighborhood environment that may be important for health behaviors. The failure of neighborhood food environment to moderate response to the exercise interventions indicates that health promotion programs that incorporate physical activity and exercise are one potential way to limit the negative effects of neighborhood food environment on body mass.Support or Funding Information1 F32 HL123242; R01 HL102166; 1 U54 GM104940
High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol to Total Cholesterol Ratio is Associated with Index of Central Obesity in a Young Multi‐Ethnic Group Living in South Florida
Authors: Huffman Fatma G , Ajabshir Sahar , Li Tan , Exebio Joel , Zarini Gustavo 
Published: November 2023

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess the relationship between High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) Cholesterol to Total Cholesterol (TC) ratio (HDLC/TC) and index of central obesity [waist‐to‐height ratio (WHtR)] in a young multiethnic group living in South Florida.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study included 76 young adults, males (n=39) and females (n=37), ages 18–36 years recruited from Florida International University campus. Participants were asked to step behind a screened area, remove their shoes and heavy clothing and step on a scale with height rod to measure their body weight and height. Participants’ waist circumference was measured with a non‐flexible tape measure. HDLC, TC and serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D were measured by ELISA method. Diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was measured by an automated monitor. Alcohol consumption and cigarettes smoking were calculated from a demographic questionnaire. A multi‐linear regression model was run, adjusting for age, gender, serum 25hydroxyvitamin D, DBP, alcohol consumption and smoking cigarettes.ResultsHDLC/TC was negatively associated with WHtR (P=0.012). This association remained significant after controlling for covariates (B=−0.146, P=0.001). The model explained 66% of the variation in HDLC/TC.ConclusionThe results of this study suggest that higher WHtR may be associated with lower HDLC/TC levels. Interventions are needed to confirm these results.Support or Funding InformationFunding source: Funding for this research was provided through a grant from NIH/NIDDK.
Improving the Nutritional Impact of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Perspectives from the Participants
Authors: Leung Cindy W , Musicus Aviva , Willett Walter C , Rimm Eric B 
Published: November 2023

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the largest federal food assistance program in the United States designed to provide supplemental support to alleviate food insecurity and improve dietary intake. Currently 1 in 7 Americans or 47.6 million people receive governmental support to purchase any kind of food as long as it is not alcohol, nutritional supplements, heated food or food served to eat on location. In recent years, policymakers, public health nutritionists and anti‐hunger advocates have been engaged in an ongoing discussion about how to modify SNAP policies to maximize its nutritional impact for its beneficiaries. However, SNAP participants and low‐income nonparticipants have been missing from this conversation, despite their key stakeholder interests. This online study surveyed 387 individuals from Amazon Mechanical Turk, of whom 118 were SNAP beneficiaries and 269 food‐insufficient but not enrolled in SNAP (nonparticipants), on their perspectives of proposed strategies to improve the nutritional impact of SNAP. The majority of all respondents (70%) believed the current benefit level was insufficient to afford a healthy diet. Most SNAP participants (76%) and nonparticipants (81%) supported pairing monetary incentives for fruits and vegetables with restrictions for sugary beverages to be purchased with SNAP benefits. Participants were asked to choose from two hypothetical scenarios: 1) a SNAP program that combined healthy incentives and restrictions for sugary bevera0ges (i.e. SNAP+), or 2) SNAP in its current form. From the whole sample, 67% of SNAP participants and 83% of nonparticipants chose SNAP+. Of those who initially chose SNAP in its current form, 68% of SNAP participants and 64% of nonparticipants would choose SNAP+ if paired with a 50% increase in benefit level. These results show overwhelming support from program participants and food‐insufficient nonparticipants for SNAP policies that both facilitate the purchase of healthful foods and limit the purchase of unhealthful foods, specifically sugary beverages. These policies deserve to be studied in pilot projects and may help to alleviate diet‐related health disparities in this vulnerable population.Support or Funding InformationThis study was supported by the National Institutes of Health (grant K99 HD084758 to C.W. Leung).
Childhood Obesity and the Gut Microbiome: What are the Dietary Drivers?
Authors: Herman Dena R , Pham Ann‐Marie R , Lopez Ulises , Flores Gilberto E 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundMuch work has addressed the role that gut flora has in obesity, and several studies have found associations between the gut microbiome and weight gain in adults. However, quantitative linkages between diet and gut microbiome composition are lacking, particularly in post‐weaned, pre‐pubescent children.ObjectivesTo understand the relationship between the gut microbiome and childhood obesity and the role of nutritional factors.MethodsData were collected from children, ages 2–9 years at an early childhood center in Los Angeles, CA. Study participants (n=95) provided 3 fecal samples and 3, quantitative, 24‐hour dietary recalls of foods consumed prior to fecal sampling. Microbial communities were characterized using Illumina amplicon sequencing of variable region 4 of the 16S rRNA gene. Dietary data were disaggregated and converted to macro‐ and micronutrients using the ASA24. For each individual, dietary and microbiome data were averaged across the three sampling days.ResultsIn this ethnically diverse, community‐based population (52.7% Hispanic, 12.2% Asian/Pacific Islander, 1.5% African‐American, 17.6% other), 29% were overweight or obese. Older children had more diverse microbiomes (Shannon Diversity, rho=0.335; p=0.0009) but diversity did not level off by age 3 y, as has been previously reported. Spearman Rank correlations for dietary variables with bacterial families for 1–3 year olds showed positive correlations for Ruminococcacea and very dark green vegetables (rho−0.347) and negative correlations for percent total fat (rho=0.409); and negative correlations for Prevotellaceae and total dairy intake and yogurt (rho=−0.330 and −0.317 respectively). For 4–8 year olds, Bacteroidaceae were negatively associated with all animal proteins, soy, tomato, and all vegetables (rho=−0.277; −0.295; −0.367; −0.360 respectively); negative correlations with Ruminococcacea for red meat, potatoes and sugar (rho=−0.349; −0.304; −0.283 respectively) and positive correlations for fish high in omega‐3s; negative correlations with Prevotellaceae for processed meats and whole grains (rho=−0.310 and −0.407) and a positive correlation with red meats (rho=0.295). All values were significant at p<0.05.ConclusionAge‐specific differences in diet can be used to predict features of the microbiome with differential bacterial families responding to different dietary features. Understanding these subtle changes in the gut microbiome may help identify appropriate interventions to improve obesity‐related health outcomes.Support or Funding InformationFunding for this research was provided in part through the NIH NIGMS BUILD Diversity Fund, 1RL5M0009603.
HEALTH PROMOTION PROGRAM AMONG MEXICAN MINISTRY OF HEALTH EMPLOYEES
Authors: Ortiz Ana Francis Guzman , Chairez‐Jimenez Carolina , Paz Sara Moreno , Torres Serna Aldo A. , Daniela Serrano L. 
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUNDAccording to last Mexican nutritional survey (ENSANUT) in 2012, the cases of chronic diseases such as Obesity and overweight, shown a risky increase in the last decade. 73% of adult woman and 69.4% in adult men live with those conditions. There are few information to this date about Health studies on federal employees.OBJECTIVESTo boost changes in nutritional lifestyle among federal employees and their families in order to create a platform that impact the rest of the population.METHODSA longitudinal study of 2200 federal employees of the Mexican National Ministry of Health from July 2015 to October 2015. They realize physical evaluations integrated by 26 modules where they register a functional capacity main result. After the results where deliver, they had to follow a nutritional plan and an exercise routine. The second evaluation will set 3 months later. And among the evaluations they were invited to participate in workshops and sport activities. The exclusion factor was the level of blood pressure.RESULTSOf the study participants, 83.46% reported having a very low or low physical condition. This percentage could be associated with the high number of obesity cases in the general population. 12.53% of the participants have healthy condition and finally 3.65% reported an outstanding condition similar to professional athletes. The body mass index (BMI) reported was of 22.02% obesity, 44.38% overweight, 25.9% normal weight and 7.85% reported lower weight. This results are slightly different than the national results in the Mexican nutritional survey.CONCLUSIONThe results shown in the first evaluation demonstrate that the nutritional campaigns are not enough and that the federal employees are no excusable of suffering this condition, Obesity need a structured program to fight it in addition of regular evaluations to reverse the situation.Support or Funding InformationThanks to “Movimiento es Salud” Foundation, for their relevant role applying the functional capacity evaluations, and all their support for this project.