bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Household Food Insecurity and Hunger in Selected Ethiopian Agricultural Communities: Examination of Supply and Demand Factors
Authors: Zello Gordon A , Ersino Getahun , Henry Carol J , Regassa Nigatu 
Published: November 2023

Food insecurity and hunger are major challenges in many Ethiopian communities with repercussions on health and nutrition outcomes in vulnerable household members. Depending on the context, a combination of supply and demand factors, community and institutional factors may affect household food insecurity and hunger. Our objective was to determine the degree of household food insecurity and hunger, and examine the contribution of associated contextual factors, in two rural communities of Ethiopia, namely Halaba and Zeway, located in two adjacent regions of the country (SNNPR and Oromiya Regions, respectively). A sample of 630 households were randomly selected from the two districts, and levels of food insecurity and hunger were measured using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale and Household Hunger Scale developed by Food and Nutrition Technical Assistant project (United States Agency for International Development). Multiple classification analysis was employed to explore the effects of key demand (e.g. household size, livestock) and supply (e.g. land size, wealth) factors and community (geographic location) as well as institutional (participation in food security programs) factors on food insecurity and hunger. Household food insecurity was unacceptably high in both districts (95% in Halaba & 67% in Zeway). Household hunger was 38% in Halaba and 18% in Zeway. Both food insecurity and hunger were significantly greater in Halaba (p<0.001), indicating an effect of geographic location. Both supply and demand factors were significant in determining household food insecurity and hunger (p<0.01); however, supply factors such as women's access to land, land size and wealth had greater influence than the demand factors. Levels of food insecurity and hunger in both communities were very high and of serious concern. We recommend increasing the food supply, and its subsequent accessibility, for households through enhancing women's access to land, improving income through savings and wealth accumulation, introducing more inclusive programs for women's participation and reducing household work‐burden by significantly enhancing productivity of cultivable land.Support or Funding InformationThe research was supported by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and the Department of Foreign Affairs Trade and Development (DFATD), Government of Canada, through the Canadian International Food Security Research Fund (CIFSRF).
Association of Fathers’ Income and Education Level with Childhood Obesity Risk Factors in Preschool Age Children
Authors: Vollmer Rachel Lynn , Kari Adamsons , Foster Jaime S , Mobley Amy R 
Published: November 2023

The aims of this study were to determine if certain characteristics (income and educational level) of fathers with preschool age children were associated with 1) paternal feeding practices, 2) child BMI z‐score, 3) child diet quality, 4) paternal concern for and perception of child weight, and 5) paternal perception of the role of the father in the family (ROF) and at mealtimes (ROFM). Biological fathers of preschoolers (n=150) were interviewed individually to measure feeding practices (Child Feeding Questionnaire), child diet quality (24‐hour dietary recall, Healthy Eating Index‐2010), role of the father in the family and at mealtimes (Role of the Father and Role of the Father at Mealtimes Questionnaire). Each preschool child's height and weight was also measured and BMI z‐score calculated. Linear regression was used to test each study aim. Most fathers in this sample had either some college education (31.3%) or a 4‐year degree or higher (50.7%) and were low‐income (52.7%). Being a low‐income father, above and beyond education level, race, and ethnicity, was associated with higher pressure to eat (β = −.697, p = .007), higher child BMI z‐score (β = −.483, p = .034), and higher perceived child weight (β = −.270, p = .001). Education level, above and beyond income level, race, and ethnicity, was negatively associated with ROF (β = −.818, p = .037) and ROFM (β = −1.517, p = .006) scores, indicating that fathers who had lower education levels thought the father should be more involved in the family and at mealtimes compared to fathers with higher education levels. Higher education levels were also associated with higher child diet quality scores (β = 5.263, p = .003), while controlling for income, race, and ethnicity. These results indicate that low‐income fathers and fathers with a lower education level may benefit from interventions or policy changes focusing on positive child feeding practices and providing a healthy diet for their preschool age child, respectively, that could, in turn, positively influence child weight status in this higher risk population.Support or Funding InformationUniversity of Connecticut Center for Health, Intervention, and Prevention
Parental intention to engage in healthier beverage practices: effects of gain‐ versus loss‐framed messages
Authors: Zahid Arwa , Reicks Marla 
Published: November 2023

Energy imbalance from excessive sugar‐sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption may lead to adverse health consequences in childhood and later in adulthood. The purpose of this study was to test effects of message framing (gain‐ or loss‐framed) on behavioral intention of parents to role model healthful beverage intake and to make healthful beverages available in the home for a child (6–12 years). Two messages embedded in still images were tested for each behavior, one gain‐framed and one loss‐framed, in a between subjects, posttest only study. A survey was administered to 380 parents at the Minnesota State Fair 2015 to assess usual beverage intake, home beverage availability, and to test the effects of message framing on behavioral intention (scale of 1 to 4 where 1 = not at all and 4 = a lot). The majority of parents were white (90.7%), women (79.7%), employed full time (72.9%), and had a 4 year degree college (70.5%); mean age was 42.0 years. A manipulation check with 75 parents showed that a majority perceived the messages to be framed according to the intended valence. Higher home availability of less healthy beverages and frequency of soda intake was correlated with lower parental intention to make healthy beverages available or to role model intake of healthy beverages, regardless of message valence. A higher number of parents indicated that the gain‐framed versus the loss‐framed messages would motivate them (some and a lot) to make healthful beverages available at home (73.2% vs. 65.8%) and to role model healthful beverage intake for their children (76.1% vs. 64.0%). The gain‐framed message (M=3.06, SD= 0.90) produced significantly (p<.002) greater intention to make healthful beverages available in the home than the loss‐framed message (M=2.93, SD= 0.96). The gain‐framed message (M=3.10, SD= 0.85) also produced significantly greater intention (p<.0001) to role model healthful beverage intake for their children than the loss‐framed message (M=2.81, SD= 1.03). Based on these results, a parent intervention program using gain‐framed messages will be developed and implemented to decrease intake of SSBs by children. Decreased intake of SSBs may positively affect weight status as well as nutrient quality of the diet.Support or Funding InformationMinnesota Agricultural Experiment Station
Protein intake and risk of hip fractures in post menopausal women and men over 50 years
Authors: Fung Teresa , Willett Walter , Feskanich Diane 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundThe relationship between protein intake and fracture risk is unclear. In addition, few studies have examined the contribution or association of specific protein sources with hip fractures among men.ObjectiveTo examine association between intake of total and specific sources of protein and hip fracture risk in postmenopausal women and men over 50 years of age.MethodsData from 74,540 women in the Nurses’ Health Study followed between 1980 and 2012, and 35,451 men from the Health Professionals Follow‐up Study followed between 1986 and 2012 were used for this analysis. Health and lifestyle information, and hip fractures were self reported on biennial questionnaires. Protein was assessed approximately every four years with a food frequency questionnaire. Relative risks (RR) were computed for hip fracture by quintiles of total, animal, dairy, and plant protein intake using Cox proportional hazards models, adjusting for potential confounders.ResultsThere were 2156 incidents of hip fractures in women and 590 fractures in men. Among women, there was no association between hip fractures and intake of total and animal protein. However, there was a significant inverse trend with dairy protein (RR comparing quintile 5 vs quintile 1=0.89, 95% CI=0.83–1.02, p trend=0.03) and a marginally significant inverse trend with plant protein (RR=0.86, 95% CI=0.72–1.01, p trend=0.05). Among men, we observed a significant inverse association with total (RR=0.72, 95% CI=0.52–0.99, p trend=0.01) and animal protein intake (RR=0.77, 95% CI=0.56–1.07, p trend=0.006), but no association with dairy or plant protein. When total protein intake was categorized in women according to the quintile ranges in men, a significant inverse association appeared (RR for ≥100g vs <70g intake=0.81, 95% CI=0.53–1.23, p trend=0.03). Examination of specific sources including animal flesh, dairy, nuts and legumes did not result in any clear trends of association.ConclusionHigher protein intake was not associated with an increased risk of hip fractures in post menopausal women or men 50 years old or above. On the other hand, higher intake of certain protein sources may be associated with a lower risk of hip fractures.Support or Funding InformationNIH grants: CA87969, HL60712, and AG30521
Vitamin D and Ovarian Reserve and Fecundability among Women with Proven Fecundity
Authors: Mumford Sunni Lyn , Silver Robert , Sjaarda Lindsey A , Galai Noya , Stanford Joseph , Lynch Anne , Lesher Laurie , Perkins Neil , Wactawski‐Wende Jean , Garbose Rebecca , Kim Keewan , Michels Kara , Schisterman Enrique 
Published: November 2023

ObjectiveVitamin D is associated with markers of ovarian reserve in women of advanced reproductive age and in vitro studies suggest that vitamin D may influence anti‐mullerian hormone (AMH). Higher vitamin D levels are also associated with improved IVF outcomes in some studies. However, less is understood regarding associations with ovarian reserve or time to pregnancy among younger women or women without a history of infertility. Our purpose was to assess the relationships between vitamin D and AMH and fecundability among women with proven fecundity.DesignSecondary analysis of the EAGeR Trial, a multicenter, block‐randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial to evaluate the effect of preconception‐initiated daily low dose aspirin on reproductive outcomes in women with a history of pregnancy loss and normal fecundity.MethodsParticipants were attempting pregnancy, aged 18–40 years, with 1–2 prior pregnancy losses and no history of infertility. We assessed 25‐OH vitamin D and AMH in serum at baseline (not pregnant) among 1185 women. AMH levels were log‐transformed for normality. Linear regression was used to estimate associations between vitamin D and AMH concentrations adjusting for age, body mass index, race, season, physical activity, and number of prior losses. Time to hCG detected pregnancy was assessed using Cox proportional hazard regression models for discrete survival time, accounting for left truncation and right censoring, to estimate fecundability odds ratios (FOR), adjusting for the same factors.ResultsA total of 163 women (13.8%) had deficient vitamin D levels (<20 ng/mL). Overall, vitamin D levels were not associated with AMH (percent change −1.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] −5.3%, 2.3% per 10 ng/mL). Vitamin D deficiency was also not associated with AMH (deficient: adjusted geometric mean AMH 2.51, 95% CI 2.20, 2.85 vs. inadequate/sufficient: 2.74, 95% CI 2.60, 2.89). There also were no significant associations observed between overall vitamin D levels or deficiency and fecundability (FOR 1.09, 95% CI 0.84, 1.42 comparing deficient vs. inadequate/sufficient) after adjustment.ConclusionsVitamin D was not associated with AMH, time to pregnancy, or fecundability among women with proven fecundity. These results suggest that vitamin D is not associated with ovarian reserve or fecundability and that vitamin D supplementation may offer little clinical benefit for improving markers of ovarian reserve and fecundity.Support or Funding InformationIntramural Research Program, DIPHR, NICHD, NIH
A Short‐Term Transition from a High‐Fat Diet to a Normal‐Fat Diet Before Pregnancy Exacerbates Female Mouse Offspring Obesity
Authors: Xie Linglin , Fu Qiang , Olson Patrick , Zhang Ke 
Published: November 2023

Background/ObjectivesRecent findings have highlighted the detrimental influence of maternal over‐nutrition and obesity on fetal development and early life development. However, there are no evidence‐based guidelines regarding the optimal strategy for dietary intervention prior to pregnancy.Subjects/MethodsWe used a murine model to study whether switching from a high‐fat diet to a normal‐fat diet (H1N group) 1 week before pregnancy could lead to in utero reprogramming of female offspring obesity; comparator groups were offspring given a consistent maternal high‐fat diet (HF group) or normal‐fat diet (NF group) until weaning. After weaning, all female offspring were given the high‐fat diet for either 9 or 12 weeks before killed humanely.ResultsH1N treatment did not result in maternal weight loss before pregnancy. NF offspring were neither obese nor glucose‐intolerant during the entire experimental period. H1N offspring were most obese after the 12‐week postweaning HF diet and displayed glucose intolerance earlier than HF offspring. Our mechanistic study showed reduced adipocyte IRS1 and hepatic IRS2 expression and increased adipocyte p‐Ser636/639 and p‐Ser612 of H1N or HF offspring than in NF offspring. Among all groups, the H1N offspring had lowest level of IRS1 and the highest levels of p‐Ser636/639 and p‐Ser612 in gonadal adipocyte. In addition, H1N offspring further reduced expression of Glut4 and Glut2, versus those of HF offspring which was lower than NF offspring. There were also enhanced expression of genes inhibiting glycogenesis and decreased hepatic glycogen in H1N versus HF or NF offspring. Furthermore, we showed extremely higher expression of lipogenesis and adipogenesis genes in gonadal adipocytes of H1N offspring comparing to all other groups.ConclusionOur results suggest that a transition from a high‐fat diet to a normal‐fat diet shortly before pregnancy, without resulting in maternal weight loss, is not necessarily beneficial and may have deleterious effects on offspring.Support or Funding InformationThis project was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH‐1R15HL117238 to LX and National Center for Research Resources, 5P20RR016471‐12/8 P20 GM103442‐12 to LX and KZ) and the American Heart Association (Scientist Development Grant13SDG14650009 to LX).
Disparities in the Incidence of Hypertension in Youth
Authors: Koebnick Corinna , Daley Matthew F , Mohan Yasmina D , Reynolds Kristi , Li Xia , Sidell Margo A , Porter Amy H , Handler Joel , Daniels Stephen R , Kuizon Beatriz D 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundWhile racial disparities in adult hypertension incidence are well established, our knowledge is limited regarding at what age these disparities begin. Data on predictors for the incidence of hypertension in youth is scant.Study DesignFor this population‐based cohort of youth in southern California, members of a health plan between 3 and 17 years of age and without hypertension (n = 279,708) were passively followed. Blood pressure (BP) and baseline body mass index were extracted from electronic health records. We classified BP using the definitions of the Fourth Report (NHBPEP 2005) and JNC8. Relative risks (RR and 95%CI) are presented mutually adjusted for race, sex, age and socioeconomic status.ResultsThe cohort was racially/ethnically diverse (52.5% Hispanic, 9.9% Black, 7.4% Asian). During 1,124,912 person‐years of follow‐up (over a median of 5.0 years), we identified 9,158 youth with incident hypertension at a mean age of 12.0 years (SD ± 4.3 years). The crude incidence rate of hypertension was 81 cases per 10,000 person‐years. The RR of hypertension was 0.83 (95%CI 0.80–0.87) for girls compared to boys. Compared to non‐Hispanic whites, the RR of hypertension was 1.00 (0.95–1.05) for Hispanics, 0.98 (0.91–1.06) in non‐Hispanic Blacks, 0.95 (0.87–1.03) in Asian/Pacific Islanders. For youth with low socioeconomic status indicated by state‐subsidized health coverage the RR was 1.12 (1.06–1.18).ConclusionIn this large multiethnic, population‐based cohort of youth, sex and socioeconomic status but not race/ethnicity were associated with the risk of hypertension.Support or Funding InformationKaiser Permanente Direct Community Benefit Funds
Iron Status and Regulation in High‐Risk Pregnant African American Women
Authors: Welke Lauren 
Published: November 2023

Iron is essential across the lifecycle but is critical during pregnancy. African American (AA) women are more likely to be iron deficient (ID) during pregnancy and classified as having a high‐risk pregnancy due to factors including existing medical conditions and obesity. Such conditions can also compromise maternal iron metabolism due to inflammation‐induced overexpression of the iron‐regulatory peptide hormone hepcidin. The aim of this study was to examine iron status and regulation during the 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy in AA women classified as a high‐risk pregnancy.MethodsNon‐fasting venous blood was drawn at 22 and 32 weeks gestation for the assessment of iron status, hepcidin, and inflammation. Anthropometric and survey data was also obtained. Ferritin < 15.0 and < 30.0 ng/ml (to account for inflammatory effects on ferritin) was used to define iron deficiency. Descriptive statistics were calculated and changes in the clinical parameters between the 2nd and 3rd trimester were evaluated via paired t‐test.ResultsForty seven women, mean age 28 (± 6.6) years and pre‐pregnancy BMI of 32.6 (± 11.6) kg/m2 were recruited. Mean habitual dietary iron intake was 38 mg/day. Between the 2nd and 3rd trimester, significant (p < 0.05) declines in serum iron, ferritin, transferrin saturation, hepcidin, and C‐reactive protein were observed. During the 2nd trimester, 28% of women were ID increasing to 50% in the 3rd trimester based on ferritin < 15.0 ng/ml. When using a ferritin cut‐point of < 30.0 ng/ml, 68% and 87% of women were classified as ID, respectively.ConclusionMaternal iron deficiency was prevalent among these high‐risk pregnant AA women. Although hepcidin declined significantly between trimesters, concentrations in this cohort were higher than previously reported in healthy pregnancy suggesting decreased maternal iron bioavailability. Because elevated maternal hepcidin may impair dietary iron absorption, further research is warranted in this high‐risk group.Support or Funding InformationCenter for Clinical and Translational Science (UL1RR029879) CCTS Pilot Grant Award, Award Number CCTS08011‐02
Effect of a 1‐Year Walnut Supplementation on Blood Lipids among Older Individuals: Findings from the Walnuts and Healthy Aging (WAHA) study
Authors: Ros Emilio , Rajaram Sujatha , Sala‐Vila Aleix , Serra‐Mir Merce , Valls‐Pedret Cinta , Cofán Montse , Roth Irene , Doménech Monica , Freitas Tania , Calvo Carlos , Haddad Ella , Sabaté Joan 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundIn small well‐controlled short‐term feeding studies conducted in middle‐aged adults, nut‐enriched diets have resulted in cholesterol lowering and absence of weight gain compared to control diets. There are no long‐term data on lipid changes when supplementing the diet with nuts in older adults.ObjectiveTo assess whether adding walnuts to the daily diet of free‐living healthy older adults for 1 year will result in changes in blood lipids compared to the usual diet without nuts.DesignWithin the context of the WAHA study, a two‐center clinical trial aimed at determining the effect of a 2‐year walnut diet on age‐related outcomes, we randomized 707 free‐living older but healthy individuals (352 in Barcelona, 355 in Loma Linda; 67% women, mean age 69 y, mean BMI 27.3 kg/m2) to supplementation of the usual diet with daily doses of walnuts at ≈15% of energy or to usual diet without nuts (control). Participants had frequent (once every two months) assessments by dietitians; no advice was given on total energy/macronutrient intake or food substitution for walnuts. At baseline and 1 year serum lipids were analyzed. Between‐group differences in outcomes were analyzed by analysis of covariance with adjustment for sex, age, center and baseline levels; lipid values were additionally adjusted by changes in statin treatment.ResultsComplete 1‐year data were available for 514 participants (260 walnut diet, 254 control diet). There were 137 participants pending 1‐year assessment and 56 dropouts for various reasons. The walnut diet was well tolerated and the proportion of α‐linolenic acid in red blood cells increased in the walnut group by 0.162% (95% CI, 0.143–0.181) and in the control group by 0.015% (CI, −0.005–0.035) (P<0.001), indicating good compliance with the intervention. Changes in blood lipids were (mean±SEM) −7.5±1.6 versus −0.4±1.6 mg/dL (P=0.003) for total cholesterol, −7.1±1.3 versus −1.1±1.4 mg/dL (P=0.002) for LDL‐cholesterol, and −0.15±0.31 versus −0.05±0.31 (P=0.025) for the total cholesterol/HDL‐cholesterol ratio, in the walnut versus control diets, respectively. No between‐diet differences were observed for triglycerides or HDL‐cholesterol. Lipid effects were similar in the two centers. No differences in body weight was observed between treatments.ConclusionIncorporating daily doses of walnuts to the habitual diet of older free‐living individuals for 1 year was well tolerated and resulted in significant LDL‐cholesterol reduction without adverse effects on body weight. Results were similar with a Mediterranean or a Western background dietSupport or Funding InformationThe WAHA study is funded by the California Walnut Commission