bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Low‐income Women in Iowa Lack Awareness of the Health Benefits of Beans
Authors: Winham Donna M. , Palmer Shelly M. , Baier Jenny L. , Roe Taylor A 
Published: November 2023

Beans are noted for their healthful nutrient profile, diversity in flavors, and role in sustainable agriculture. Pinto, black, white, kidney, and others, can lower LDL cholesterol, aid in glycemic control for type 2 diabetes, and reduce some cancers. Despite these benefits, few Americans meet the recommended intake of 1.5–2 cups of beans per week. Limited resource populations in the US have higher chronic disease rates – often related to poor dietary intakes. Empowering low‐income women with knowledge about the health benefits of beans could have far‐reaching results. They are often responsible for decisions made about the family diet, and influence children's food preferences. We collected baseline survey data on attitudes towards knowledge of the health benefits of beans from 178 low‐income women. This convenience sample came from agencies that provide health, nutrition, or community services to low income people in three central Iowa counties (Polk, Marshall, Story). Most questions were asked as Likert scales with options for: strongly disagree, disagree, do not know, agree, and strongly agree.The average age of respondents was 36.4 ± 12.5 years, and 55% self‐identified as Hispanic. Cholesterol reduction by bean consumption is one of the most widely known health benefits, yet 59% “did not know”, with 34% reporting “agree/strongly agree.” A similar lack of knowledge was observed with blood glucose control (62% do not know; 27% agree/strongly agree). Cancer risk reduction is a lesser known association with bean consumption. It was not surprising that 70% did not know of this potential benefit from eating dry beans. A few significant differences were observed by Hispanic ethnicity categories. More Hispanic women agreed that beans improved your nutrition (p =0.025), and helped you feel full (p =0.018) than their non‐Hispanic peers.Our findings support the need for increased education about the health benefits of bean consumption as part of a healthy lifestyle for limited‐resource women engaged in nutrition or health assistance programs. Promotion of beans for improving diet quality, cholesterol reduction, and normalization of blood glucose are important health education messages for all populations, but especially for those at high health risk. Increasing awareness of these health benefits might help retain beans in the diets of Hispanics as they experience acculturation, and increase intakes among all citizens as well for better health.Support or Funding InformationPartial funding provided by: Iowa State University ‐ Human Sciences Extension and Outreach, College of Health Sciences, and Food Science and Human Nutrition – Science with Practice Seed Grant Program.
NUTRITION EDUCATION ON A GLOBAL SCALE: EXTENDING REACH AND INFLUENCE
Authors: Truby Helen , Adamski Melissa , Dart Janeane , Volders Evelyn , Blumfield Michelle , Murgia Chiara , Devey Adrian , Gibson Simone 
Published: November 2023

Background/AimsWidespread web access, use of social media, and blogs combined with celebrity endorsed diets provide a noisy background in which evidence based nutrition information has to compete.MethodsA free open access course designed for those with no prior science knowledge called ‘Food as Medicine’ was developed in Melbourne Australia and delivered via the MOOC FutureLearn platform, (UK). The 3‐week on‐line course covered topics relating to food, diet and health, aimed to give participants skills to synthesise and critique information about food and provide evidence based nutritional information.ResultsIn 2016, 83,000 participants from 158 countries enrolled: Australia/New Zealand (43%), UK (22%) and North America (9%). Learners were predominately female, older than average MOOC participants: 22% being 18–35 and 40% over 56 years. Over half had not participated in an on‐line course previously. Sixty percent were the target group (no previous academic or professional knowledge) with 29% reporting work or study in this field. Consistent with other MOOCs, over a third competed the whole course and spent 3–4 hours per week on‐line. Over 105,000 comments were made by 9100 learners. Eighty two percent of completers reported the course met or exceeded their expectations.ConclusionsFree open access courses provide an opportunity to disseminate evidence based unbiased knowledge about food and health with extensive reach. More research is required as to their effectiveness as an education tool.Support or Funding InformationOffice of the Vice‐Provost Learning &Teaching and the School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University.
A Mindful Eating Intervention to Improve Self‐Management of Dietary Intake for Early Stage Chronic Kidney Disease Patients
Authors: Tahir Muna J , Timmerman Gayle M , Lewis Richard M , Samoson Deborah , Temple Holli , Forman Michele R 
Published: November 2023

ObjectiveOver 10% of the US population suffers from Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), a condition with major financial and emotional burdens. Dietary management has the potential to improve disease prognosis, particularly through self‐management programs which help patients have a major role in managing their disease. However, few self‐management interventions have been tested in this population and none have incorporated mindful eating as a modality to improve dietary adherence and enhance the eating experience. Therefore, we examined the effects of a Self‐Management of Dietary Intake using Mindful Eating (SM‐DIME) intervention on dietary adherence of participants with mild to moderate chronic kidney disease.MethodsIn a prospective, single group pretest‐posttest pilot study, participants (n=19) with Stage 1–3 CKD (aged 45–78 years) were recruited from primary care and nephrology offices. SM‐DIME, conducted at the University of Texas at Austin, consisted of six weekly, 2‐hour classes focusing on: a) practice of mindful eating, goal‐setting, problem‐solving, and food label reading; b) CKD dietary recommendations; and c) tailoring the intervention to individual dietary recommendations. Weight, body mass index (BMI), dietary intake from 3‐day 24‐hour recalls (kcal, fat, protein, carbohydrates, sodium, calcium, potassium, phosphorus) and fasting blood samples (eGFR, serum albumin, creatinine, BUN, lipid panel, carotenoid panel) were collected and analyzed at baseline and six weeks.ResultsThe sample was ethnically diverse with most participants being male (73.7%) and having at least some college or baccalaureate degree (47.4%). The majority of participants had Hypertension (94.7%) and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (52.6%). Participants experienced significant reductions from pre‐to post‐intervention in mean weight (203.21 ± 42.98 vs 199.91 ± 40.36 lbs; P = 0.03) and BMI (32.02 ± 5.22 vs 31.57 ± 5.27 kg/m2; P = 0.04). No significant changes in dietary intake or blood measures were evident except a significant increase in cis‐β‐Carotene (0.020 ± 0.012 vs 0.026 ± 0.012 mcg/mL; P = 0.008), which was correlated with number of fruit and vegetable servings (r = 0.42; P = 0.076).ConclusionAt the completion of the six‐week pilot intervention, participants improved in weight, BMI, and cis‐β‐Carotene levels. These improvements are promising and warrant further testing of the intervention with larger, randomized control trials.Support or Funding InformationCenter for Transdisciplinary Collaborative Research in Self‐Management. NIH, NINR, P30 NR01533511
Effects of Repeated Texture Exposure on Young Children's Intake and Liking of Yogurts
Authors: Lee Siew Guan , Baniasadidehkordi Maryam , Joyner Helen , Ross Carolyn , Price William , Ramsay Samantha 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundIn comparison to color and taste, the manipulation of food texture can impact food acceptance in young children. While texture can influence the food children consume, the impact of various textures on children's intake, and whether repeated texture exposure will foster children's texture preference development needs further study.ObjectiveTo determine whether repeated texture exposure (RTE) increases young children's intake and liking of different yogurt textures.MethodsChildren aged 3–5 years (n=20) attending the University of Idaho Child Development Laboratory were offered 2‐ounce portions of yogurt in six different textures: smooth, pearly, gritty, grainy, lumpy, and ropy. Flavors of each yogurt were standardized using liquid vanilla flavor (1.5 ml/L) and the yogurts were manipulated with a carbohydrate (i.e., rice flour, corn grits, and tapioca pearls) to change textures. Ten taste preference activities were conducted: pre, post, and 8 exposures. Yogurt samples were measured before and after taste activities to capture intake to the nearest 0.1 g. A trained researcher completed activities using a hedonic scale.AnalysisDescriptive analysis of the questionnaire responses, intake, and liking was conducted. A generalized linear model procedure was used to assess relative changes in intake after RTE for each yogurt texture.ResultsChildren were primarily Caucasian from educated and higher social economic status families, who reported infrequent yogurt intake (<40% in meals/snacks). Parents reported children's most frequent intake of yogurt was at snack (n=7; 39%). Mean intake of lumpy (M=0.34±0.29), ropy (M=0.31±0.25), smooth (M=0.30±0.25), and pearly (M=0.29±0.25) were greater than grainy (M=0.18±0.21) and gritty (M=0.17±0.18) at pre taste activities. Mean intake increased for all yogurt textures gritty (M=0.37±0.27), grainy (M=0.34±0.27), lumpy (M=0.49±0.29), smooth (M=0.38±0.26), pearly (M=0.34±0.28), and ropy (M=0.36±0.26) after RTE, and a significant increase was identified for gritty (p=.0001), grainy (p=.0023), and lumpy (p=.0087). Children reported liking for gritty improved after RTE, but no other yogurt textures. Fewer children refused to try yogurt from pre (n=4) to post (n=2) activities.ImplicationsPreliminary results indicate RTE can improve children's intake of less familiar textures, but children may not indicate liking of these textures. Further study is needed to confirm findings and the implications for practice.
Rapid rescue of vitamin D levels between 1 and 3 mo of age in neonates with low vitamin D levels using a daily supplementation dosage of 1200 IU supports higher bone mineral accretion
Authors: Gharibeh Nathalie J. , Weiler Hope A. , Vanstone Catherine A. 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionResearch focused on bone mineral accretion in otherwise healthy neonates with low vitamin D status (25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] <50 nmol/L) in response to early and rapid recovery of vitamin D status is very scarce.ObjectiveTo study bone mineral content (BMC) and mineral accretion in response to rapid recovery of low vitamin D status in otherwise healthy neonates.MethodsA secondary analysis of data from a published dose‐response study (NCT0038914) was performed. Infants with 1 mo 25(OH)D < 50 nmol/L receiving 400, 800 or 1200 IU/d of vitamin D up to 12 mo formed a low vitamin D (LOW‐D) group (n=19) while infants with 1 mo 25(OH)D > 50 nmol/L and receiving at least 400 IU of vitamin D up to 12 mo formed the reference group. Anthropometry, lumbar vertebrae (1–4) BMC (DXA), and plasma 25(OH)D (LC‐MS/MS) were measured at 1 and 3 mo of age. Differences between groups were tested using ANOVA and post‐hoc t‐tests.ResultsVitamin D levels increased in all groups by 2 and 3 mo of age. Significantly higher 25(OH)D concentration at 3 mo of age were observed in the LOW‐D group receiving the 1200 IU /d of vitamin D (25(OH)D > 75 nmol/L) in comparison with the LOW‐D groups receiving the 400 and 800 IU doses (25(OH)D<75 nmol/L), p<.05. Change (%) in lumbar vertebrae 1–4 BMC from 1 to 3 mo of age in infants from the reference groups was significantly higher among infants with plasma 25(OH)D exceeding 100 nmol/L at 3 mo of age. A similar but non‐significant pattern was detected among the smaller LOW‐D group.ConclusionVitamin D levels in infancy impact skeletal growth. Further investigation of the effect of a high recovery dosage of vitamin D (1000–1200 IU/d) among neonates with low vitamin D status on bone mineral accretion is deemed necessary.Support or Funding InformationThe data for the secondary analysis was derived from a study jointly funded by the Canadian Institutes for Health Research, Nutricia Research Foundation and in‐kind product by Europharm Inc, Montreal. Canada Foundation for Innovation funding provided for infrastructure.
Maternal Mental Health and Child Feeding Behaviors in Eastern DR Congo: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Emerson Jillian A. , Tol Wietse , Doocy Shannon , Caulfield Laura E. 
Published: November 2023

Maternal mental health problems are associated with poor child growth and sub‐optimal child feeding practices, yet little qualitative research has been conducted to assess mothers' perceptions on how psychological distress impacts their ability to care for and feed their children. The current study took place in South Kivu, DR Congo, and was nested within a larger evaluation of a USAID‐funded food security program. The overall objective was to understand the stressors mothers faced and how feelings of psychological distress impacted their daily functioning, particularly their child feeding behaviors. Mothers of children five years of age or younger who had participated in a mental health assessment conducted previously were eligible. The mental health assessment measured symptoms of depression and anxiety using the Hopkins Symptom Checklist‐25 and symptoms of post‐traumatic stress disorder using the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire, and a mean score was calculated (range 0–3). A purposive sampling strategy was used, with participants selected from those who had high (mean score > 1.55) or low (mean score < 0.83) levels of psychological distress. Participants were stratified by geographic territory and intervention group. Twenty in‐depth interviews and two focus group discussions were conducted, with a total of 35 mothers participating. Five health workers participated in key informant interviews. Interviews and focus groups were audio‐recorded and transcribed in Swahili, and transcripts were translated to French by bilingual research assistants. The analysis was conducted using an approach adapted from Grounded Theory, with transcripts coded by the first author, and codes were then grouped according to theme. Major themes to emerge were that women's husbands were a significant source of stress and “hurting heart,” with husbands' infidelity, abandonment, and lack of financial support commonly mentioned by participants. Participants reported that psychological distress made them lose their appetite or lose weight, and their poor nutritional status made it difficult to breastfeed their children. They also felt that psychological distress was associated with milk insufficiency, and a decrease in affection towards their children. Overall, participants perceived that women experiencing stressful life events and psychological distress would have difficulty functioning. The results of this study point to the need for greater psychosocial support for mothers of young children, particularly in times of stress. Family‐focused interventions targeted at fathers may be beneficial for both maternal mental health and child nutrition outcomes.Support or Funding InformationThe parent study was funded by the Adventist Development and Relief Agency. This funding was made available through a USAID Office of Food for Peace Cooperative Agreement (AID‐FFP‐A‐11‐00006).
AN INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE OF WOMEN'S BELIEFS AND EXPERINCES REGARDING GESTATIONAL WEIGHT GAIN AND ANTENATAL CARE
Authors: Walker Ruth Elizabeth , Blumfield Michelle , Truby Helen 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundRates of excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) have increased in many countries and addressing this issue has become a challenge for antenatal care. This project aimed to explore the beliefs and experiences regarding GWG in antenatal care of an international sample of women.MethodsIn a cross‐sectional study that was part of the Massive Open Online Course entitled ‘Food as Medicine’, women responded to an on‐line questionnaire that explored their beliefs and experiences regarding GWG, and reported on the advice they received from health professionals. Comparisons of categorical data were performed with Chi‐square (p = 0.05).ResultsRespondents were 302 women from 45 countries. Appropriate GWG was ranked in the top five factors most important for a healthy pregnancy by 39%. Fifty seven percent (n= 173) reported that health professionals discussed GWG. Women living in Western counties were significantly less likely to have GWG discussed with them compared to other countries (Western 55%, other 74% χ2 = 4.13, p = 0.04). Women reported being satisfied or highly satisfied with the advice they received from health professionals during pregnancy, with no country differences (Western 84%, other 90% χ2 = 1.20, p = 0.27).ConclusionIn Western countries women did not perceive excessive GWG to be highly important and reported that health professionals in antenatal care did not consistently offer weight management advice. Health professionals have an opportunity to re‐evaluate how they approach GWG in antenatal care where women are receptive and report to be highly satisfied with advice they receive.Support or Funding InformationMonash University
Infant Feeding Mode is Associated with Differences in Postpartum Weight Retention and Percent Body Fat from 2 to 16 Weeks
Authors: Motoyasu Nicole L , Berger Paige K , Anderson Alex K , Smith Jessica J , Birch Leann L 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionPrevalence of obesity is high among women of reproductive age. Excessive weight gain during pregnancy and postpartum weight retention (WR) are contributing factors. Differences in maternal weight retention and body composition have previously been linked to differences in infant feeding mode; whether the infant is breastfed or formula fed. We investigated differences by feeding mode and change in body weight and percent body fat (%BF) from 2 to 16 weeks postpartum.MethodsParticipants were 77 healthy women and their full‐term, normal weight infants. Data were collected prospectively at 2, 8 and 16 weeks postpartum. Mothers were categorized as either predominantly breastfeeding or formula feeding. Our primary outcomes were weight and %BF to determine whether feeding mode predicts WR from 2 to 16 weeks postpartum. Percent BF was assessed using air displacement plethysmography via BOD POD (COSMED). Covariates included race and self‐reported pre‐pregnancy weight. Descriptive statistics and the interaction between feeding mode and time were assessed using a repeated measure ANCOVA.ResultsAt 2 weeks postpartum, formula feeding mothers had significantly higher body weight and %BF compared to breastfeeding mothers. They also had higher self‐reported pre‐pregnancy weight. Formula feeding mothers had higher body weight and greater %BF. A significant feeding mode by time interaction, indicated different WR patterns of change from 2 to 16 weeks; breastfeeding mothers' weight and %BF tended to decline, while formula feeding mothers' body weight and %BF tended to increase. Chi square tests for independence revealed that 87% of breastfeeding mothers lost weight between 2 and 16 weeks compared to 54% of formula feeding mothers. Results were similar for %BF, with 74% of breastfeeding mothers losing %BF compared to 40% of formula feeding mothers.ConclusionsOverall, formula feeding mothers were heavier initially, and retained more weight and %BF from 2 to 16 weeks, and a lower percentage of formula feeding mothers lost weight and %BF during this period. In this sample, formula feeding was associated with weight retention in the postpartum period, contributing to obesity and risk of chronic metabolic diseases. Guidance is needed to promote weight loss during this early postpartum period to prevent additional weight gain and obesity.Support or Funding InformationThis research was supported by The University of Georgia's Obesity Initiative and the Office of the Vice President for Research
“Those Who Care Much, Understand Much.” Maternal Perceptions of Children's Appetite: Perspectives from Urban and Rural Caregivers of Diverse Parenting Experience
Authors: Ickes Scott Bradley , Naila Nurun , Nahar Baitun , Ritter Gaelen , Lazarus Monica , Hossain Muttaquina , Ahmed Tahmeed , Walson Judd , Denno Donna 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundAppetite in children is an important determinant of nutritional intake and growth. Reduced appetite is related to acute illness and systemic inflammation in infants and young children, and is common in settings where high rates of undernutrition coexist with inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene. The loss of appetite is an indicator of declining health status, and improvement in appetite is an early signal of recovery. Therefore, understanding caregiver's awareness of children's appetite during illness and recovery is important to maximize opportunities for targeting interventions to improve growth and reduce morbidity and mortality risk in young children.Objective1) To understand maternal perceptions and responses to children's appetite; and 2) to identify how these factors differ by type of caregiver, level of maternal experience, and by urban and rural context.MethodsWe conducted twelve focus groups among mothers (nulliparous and multiparous) and alternate caregivers in urban and rural setting in Bangladesh (n=81). All participants were currently providing care for a child under 5 years.ResultsCaregivers most often monitor children's dietary patterns to understand children's appetite, and to a lesser extent physical and emotional signs, and other cues. Healthy appetite, or “taste” and “delight in their mouths” was commonly observed by a child's willingness to eat a diversity of foods, finish offered portions, and by their acceptance of foods without excessive prompting. Child illness was a commonly cited reason for children's lack of appetite, which was manifested through fussiness and crying, coupled with the avoidance of commonly consumed foods, or a heightened preference for comfort foods. Mothers described a limited set of feeding practices (offering diverse foods, playing with children, cheering children with videos) to encourage food consumption among children who lacked appetite. Maternal time stress due to work was noted as a barrier to identifying appetite cues. Urban mothers described a lower access to instrumental social support for child feeding, but more access to informational support (nutrition counseling, child care centers, literature) than mothers in the rural setting.ConclusionsCaregiver recognition of child appetite during healthy and ill periods appears to be a critical component of optimal nutritional caregiving. Understanding caregivers' perceptions of children's appetite, and the signs and cues that mothers and caretakers use to identify the presence and absence of appetite in children, may inform the development of tools to assess changes in appetite as early indicators of change in health or nutrition status among high risk children.Support or Funding InformationSupported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (OPP1136759).
Molecular Mechanisms of Retinal Circuit Assembly
Authors: Kerschensteiner Daniel 
Published: November 2023

The mammalian retina comprises approximately neuronal cell types, which assemble into a variety of circuits that mediate diverse visual functions. I will discuss ongoing studies in my lab, which identified leucine‐rich repeat (LRR) proteins that guide the assembly of specific circuits in the outer and inner retina. In addition to elucidating the contributions of these LRR proteins to morphological maturation and synapse development of specific neuron types, we analyze their impact on circuit function and visually guided behaviors.Support or Funding InformationNIH (EY023341, EY026978, EY027411)