Characterization of two MHC II genes (DOB, DRB) in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus).

BACKGROUND: The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is responsible for detecting and addressing foreign pathogens inside the body. While the general structure of MHC genes is relatively well conserved among mammalian species, it is notably different among ruminants due to a chromosomal inversion that splits MHC type II genes into two subregions (IIa, IIb). Recombination rates are reportedly high between these subregions, and a lack of linkage has been documented in domestic ruminants. However, no study has yet examined the degree of linkage between these subregions in a wild ruminant. The white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), a popular ruminant of the Cervidae family, is habitually plagued by pathogens in its natural environment (e.g. Haemonchus contortus, Elaeophora). Due to the association between MHC haplotypes and disease susceptibility, a deeper understanding of MHC polymorphism and linkage between MHC genes can further aid in this species' successful management. We sequenced MHC-DRB exon 2 (IIa) and MHC-DOB exon 2 (IIb) on the MiSeq platform from an enclosed white-tailed deer population located in Alabama. RESULTS: We identified 12 new MHC-DRB alleles, and resampled 7 alleles, which along with other published alleles brings the total number of documented alleles in white-tailed deer to 30 for MHC-DRB exon 2. The first examination of MHC-DOB in white-tailed deer found significantly less polymorphism (11 alleles), as was expected of a non-classical MHC gene. While MHC-DRB was found to be under positive, diversifying selection, MHC-DOB was found to be under purifying selection for white-tailed deer. We found no significant linkage disequilibrium between MHC-DRB and MHC-DOB, suggesting that these loci are unlikely to be closely linked. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, this study identified 12 new MHC-DRB exon 2 alleles and characterized a new, non-classical, MHC II gene (MHC-DOB) for white-tailed deer. We also found a lack of significant linkage between these two loci, which supports previous findings of a chromosomal inversion within the MHC type II gene region in ruminants, and suggests that white-tailed deer may have a recombination hotspot between these MHC regions similar to that found for Bos taurus.

Vitamin D intakes of adults differ by income, gender and race/ethnicity in the U.S.A., 2007 to 2010.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if dietary, supplemental and total vitamin D intakes in the USA are influenced by income, race/ethnicity or gender. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. US vitamin D intakes were estimated by poverty income ratio (PIR), race/ethnicity and gender using 24 h dietary intake recalls and dietary supplement use questionnaires. Statistical analyses of weighted data were performed using SAS (version 9.2) to estimate means and their standard errors. Race and ethnic intake differences controlling for PIR, gender and age were assessed by ANCOVA. SUBJECTS: Adults aged ≥19 years. SETTING: The 2007-2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, USA. RESULTS: Total (dietary and supplement) vitamin D intake was greater in the high (10.0 (se 0.30) µg/d) v. the medium (7.9 (se 0.3) µg/d) or the low (8.0 (se 0.3) µg/d) PIR categories. Total vitamin D intake of non-Hispanic Whites (10.6 (se 0.4) µg/d) was greater than that of Hispanics (8.1 (se 0.3) µg/d) and non-Hispanic Blacks (7.1 (se 0.3) µg/d). Supplemental vitamin D intake was greater by females (5.3 (se 0.2) µg/d) than by males (3.3 (se 0.2) µg/d). Participants with high income were more likely to be vitamin D supplement users (33.0%) than those with medium (22.5%) or low (17.6%) income. High-income non-Hispanic Whites had the lowest percentage (57%) not meeting the Estimated Average Requirement for vitamin D. Fortified milk and milk products provided 43.7% of the dietary vitamin D intake. CONCLUSIONS: Public health efforts should expand the number of vitamin D-fortified foods and encourage the consumption of foods high in vitamin D and use of supplements.

Risk factors for magnetic resonance imaging-detected patellofemoral and tibiofemoral cartilage loss during a six-month period: the joints on glucosamine study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess several baseline risk factors that may predict patellofemoral and tibiofemoral cartilage loss during a 6-month period. METHODS: For 177 subjects with chronic knee pain, 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of both knees was performed at baseline and followup. Knees were semiquantitatively assessed, evaluating cartilage morphology, subchondral bone marrow lesions, meniscal morphology/extrusion, synovitis, and effusion. Age, sex, and body mass index (BMI), bone marrow lesions, meniscal damage/extrusion, synovitis, effusion, and prevalent cartilage damage in the same subregion were evaluated as possible risk factors for cartilage loss. Logistic regression models were applied to predict cartilage loss. Models were adjusted for age, sex, treatment, and BMI. RESULTS: Seventy-nine subregions (1.6%) showed incident or worsening cartilage damage at followup. None of the demographic risk factors was predictive of future cartilage loss. Predictors of patellofemoral cartilage loss were effusion, with an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 3.5 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.3-9.4), and prevalent cartilage damage in the same subregion with an adjusted OR of 4.3 (95% CI 1.3-14.1). Risk factors for tibiofemoral cartilage loss were baseline meniscal extrusion (adjusted OR 3.6 [95% CI 1.3-10.1]), prevalent bone marrow lesions (adjusted OR 4.7 [95% CI 1.1-19.5]), and prevalent cartilage damage (adjusted OR 15.3 [95% CI 4.9-47.4]). CONCLUSION: Cartilage loss over 6 months is rare, but may be detected semiquantitatively by 3T MRI and is most commonly observed in knees with Kellgren/Lawrence grade 3. Predictors of patellofemoral cartilage loss were effusion and prevalent cartilage damage in the same subregion. Predictors of tibiofemoral cartilage loss were prevalent cartilage damage, bone marrow lesions, and meniscal extrusion.

Prevalence of MRI-detected mediopatellar plica in subjects with knee pain and the association with MRI-detected patellofemoral cartilage damage and bone marrow lesions: data from the Joints On Glucosamine study.

BACKGROUND: The mediopatellar plica is a synovial fold representing an embryonic remnant from the developmental process of the synovial cavity formation in the knee. We aimed to examine the frequency of MRI-detected mediopatellar plica and its cross-sectional association with MRI-detected cartilage damage and bone marrow lesions (BMLs) in the patellofemoral joint (PFJ) in a cohort of subjects with knee pain. METHODS: 342 knees with chronic frequent knee pain were evaluated for MRI-detected mediopatellar plica (type A, B or C according to the modified Sakakibara classification). Cartilage damage (scored 0 to 6) and BMLs (scored 0 to 3) were semiquantitatively assessed in four subregions of the PFJ on MRI. Hoffa-synovitis and effusion-synovitis were graded 0 to 3. Patellar length ratio (PLR), lateral patellar tilt angle (LPTA), bisect offset (BO), and sulcus angle (SA) were measured on MRI. The presence of mediopatellar plica and its association with cartilage damage and BMLs in the PFJ was assessed using logistic regression after adjusting for age, gender, body mass index, PLR, LPTA, BO, SA, and Hoffa- and effusion-synovitis. RESULTS: 163 (47.7%) knees exhibited mediopatellar plica (76 (22.2%) type A, 69 (20.2%) type B, and 18 (5.3%) type C) on MRI. Significant cross-sectional associations of MRI-detected mediopatellar plica and cartilage damage were observed for the medial patella (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.12, 95% CI 1.23-3.64 for all types combined, and aOR 4.20, 95% CI 1.92-9.19 for type B lesion), but not for the anterior medial femur or the lateral PFJ. No associations were found between the presence of MRI-detected mediopatellar plica and BMLs in any patellofemoral subregion. CONCLUSION: On MRI, types A and B mediopatellar plicae were commonly observed in this cohort of subjects with knee pain. MRI-detected mediopatellar plica was cross-sectionally associated with higher likelihood of the presence of MRI-detected medial patellar cartilage damage after adjustment for confounders.

Factors associated with food security of Texas Woman's University freshmen.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate what factors are associated with food insecurity (FI) among freshman students and identify potential solutions. PARTICIPANTS: 73 freshman students. METHODS: Cross-sectional, Internet survey-based study. Fisher's Exact tests examined factors associated with food security (FS); Cohen's Kappa assessed the agreement between FI scores and self-assessment; thematic analysis used Nvivo 12. RESULTS: FI was 54.2% among the diverse students (65% non-white). Factors associated with FS included mother with a college degree (p = .018); father employed full-time (p < .001); identifying one's family financial situation as better than others (p = < .001); not obtaining personal student loans (p = 0.022). Students with FI tended to overestimate their FS status. Suggested solutions for FI included: improved finances, improved food accessibility, improved cooking skills. CONCLUSIONS: Future interventions should target freshmen who obtain personal student loans or have parents with less than a college degree or unstable employment status. (148).

Racial disparities and prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors, cardiometabolic risk factors, and cardiovascular health metrics among US adults: NHANES 2011-2018.

This study estimated the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, cardiometabolic (CM) risk factors, and cardiovascular health metrics (CVHMs) among US adults and across race/ethnicity groups. The study comprised 8370 US adults aged ≥ 20 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2018, free of coronary heart disease/heart failure, angina/angina pectoris, heart attack, and stroke, who provided complete data for the outcome variables of interest. Age-adjusted prevalence of CVD and CM risk factors, and CVHMs were computed for all adults and across race/ethnicity groups. All analyses accounted for the complex, multi-stage survey sampling design of the NHANES. Hypertension (45.0%), obesity (40.0%), fasting plasma glucose ≥ 100 mg/dL or hypoglycemic medication (51.0%), ideal physical activity (59.2%) and ideal smoking status (56.9%) were most prevalent for the whole sample. Mexican Americans and non-Hispanic Blacks had elevated risk for some, but not all, CVD and CM risk factors compared to non-Hispanic Whites and non-Hispanic Asians. Reducing further health disparities and persisting differences among racial and ethnic groups is vital to achieving the American Heart Association vision of all people having ideal cardiovascular health, living healthier and longer.

College Campus Food Pantry Program Evaluation: What Barriers Do Students Face to Access On-Campus Food Pantries?

The purpose of this study was to explore barriers Texas Woman's University (TWU) students face in accessing on-campus food pantries. This cross-sectional, survey-based study was conducted in Fall 2021. Students' use of the food pantries and barriers to utilization, including qualitative questions, were evaluated using descriptive statistics and thematic analyses. Students (n = 529) completed the survey. Despite a high prevalence of food insecurity (49.2%), most students reported never using the pantries (89.8%). Almost half of the students were unaware that these pantries existed on campus (47.8%). More than one in four students believed there were barriers to accessing the pantries, with time tissues, lack of transportation, limited food pantry hours of operation, and social stigma most commonly cited as major barriers to access. Food insecurity remains an urgent problem at TWU since the prevalence has remained high since 2019 despite the institutions' efforts to reduce it. One of those resources has not been utilized as expected, which might impede improvements in food security among students. TWU on-campus food pantries can use these findings to address major barriers by offering after-hours access through the libraries or campus police, partnering with public transportation, and normalizing accessing food assistance.

Implementation of a food scholarship program improves nutrient intake and dietary quality of college students.

Objective: To determine the impact of a new food scholarship program on nutrient intake and dietary quality. Participants: College students (n = 49), female (78%), single (76%), average age 28 years, and white (49%). Methods: Fruits, vegetables, dairy, meat products and nonperishable foods were distributed twice a month. A one-group pretest post-test intervention compared baseline and 10 weeks data. Food security was measured and three-day food records assessed nutrient intake, Health Eating Index (HEI)-2015 (total and component) scores, and food group servings. Paired t-test at baseline and 10 weeks were performed (SPSS v25) (p < 0.05). Results: Prevalence of food insecurity did not change (baseline 53%, 10 weeks 47%). Protein, (p = 0.001), niacin (p = 0.002), magnesium (p = 0.034), phosphorous (p = 0.039), potassium (p = 0.019), and vegetable servings (p = 0.034) intake increased. Total HEI-2015 scores remained unchanged but HEI-2015 vegetable scores increased (p = 0.023). Conclusion: Increased intake of some nutrients and vegetable servings were achieved with the food scholarship program.

Green tea polyphenols provide photoprotection, increase microcirculation, and modulate skin properties of women.

Dietary constituents including polyphenols and carotenoids contribute to endogenous photoprotection and modulate skin characteristics related to structure and function of the tissue. Animal and in-vitro studies indicate that green tea polyphenols affect skin properties. In a 12-wk, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 60 female volunteers were randomized to an intervention or control group. Participants consumed either a beverage with green tea polyphenols providing 1402 mg total catechins/d or a control beverage. Skin photoprotection, structure, and function were measured at baseline (wk 0), wk 6, and wk 12. Following exposure of the skin areas to 1.25 minimal erythemal dose of radiation from a solar simulator, UV-induced erythema decreased significantly in the intervention group by 16 and 25% after 6 and 12 wk, respectively. Skin structural characteristics that were positively affected included elasticity, roughness, scaling, density, and water homeostasis. Intake of the green tea polyphenol beverage for 12 wk increased blood flow and oxygen delivery to the skin. Likewise, in a separate, randomized, double-blind, single-dose (0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 g) study of green tea polyphenols, blood flow was maximized at 30 min after ingestion. In summary, green tea polyphenols delivered in a beverage were shown to protect skin against harmful UV radiation and helped to improve overall skin quality of women.

Influence of COVID-19 Pandemic Restrictions on College Students' Dietary Quality and Experience of the Food Environment.

The COVID-19 pandemic restrictions sent college students online and off campus, potentially reducing access to healthy food. The objective of this cross-sectional, internet-based study was to use qualitative and quantitative survey methods to evaluate whether COVID-19 pandemic restrictions in Texas, USA affected college students' ability to buy food, how/what they shopped for, how they prepared food, what they ate, how they felt about eating, and overall dietary quality (assessed using Healthy Eating Index [HEI] scores). Survey responses from 502 students (87.5% female; 59.6% nonwhite, mean age 27.5 ± 0.4 years, >50% graduate students) were analyzed. The qualitative analysis of open-ended questions revealed 110 codes, 17 subthemes, and six themes. Almost all students experienced changes in at least one area, the most common being changes in shopping habits. Participants with low or very low food security had lower HEI scores compared to food secure students (p = 0.047). Black students were more likely to report changes in their ability to buy food (p = 0.035). The COVID-19 restrictions varied in their impact on students' ability to access sufficient healthy food, with some students severely affected. Thus, universities should establish procedures for responding to emergencies, including identifying at-risk students and mobilizing emergency funds and/or food assistance.

Healthy Eating Index of Living Donor Renal Transplantation Recipients During the First Year Posttransplant.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between diet quality and weight gain in kidney transplant recipients from pretransplant baseline through posttransplant at 3 months and 1 year. METHODS: Data from a prospective, observational cohort study of kidney transplant patients (n = 26) were analyzed. Participants were adult (aged 18-65 years), living donor kidney transplant recipients who were participating in a prospective body composition study. Body weight, body mass index, dietary intake, and Healthy Eating Index scores were used to assess changes in weight, nutrient intake, and diet quality. FINDINGS: At the time of kidney transplantation, 42% (n = 11) were obese and 27% (n = 7) were overweight. Weight significantly increased from transplantation to 12 months (mean [SD]: 83 [18] kg and 90 [18] kg, respectively; mean change 8.4%, P = .002). At 12 months posttransplant, dietary fat intake significantly increased (P = .033). Body weight was strongly correlated with total dietary fat intake (r = 0.56, P = .003). The Healthy Eating Index total scores at baseline and 1-year posttransplant were not significantly different (45.75 [14.99] and 42.59 [12.70]). Likewise, component scores did not change from pretransplant to posttransplant. DISCUSSION: Diet quality of transplant recipients was poor both before and after transplantation. Using the Healthy Eating Index confirmed that improvements in food intake are needed. Further research is warranted to identify dietary recommendations for the prevention of excessive weight gain and the potential adverse health complications following kidney transplantation.

Prevalence and Social Determinants of Food Insecurity among College Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has increased unemployment and food insecurity in the United States (US). Prior to the pandemic, college students exhibited higher rates of food insecurity than nonstudent households. The objectives of this study were to assess the prevalence and determinants of food insecurity among college students during the COVID-19 pandemic. We administered an online survey to 651 students on three diverse campuses at a state-funded university in Texas, US, in May 2020. Food security was assessed using a multistep approach that included the 2-item Food Sufficiency Screener and 6-Item USDA Food Security Survey Module (FSSM). Overall, 34.5% of respondents were classified as food insecure within the last 30 days. The strongest predictors of food insecurity were change in current living arrangement (OR = 2.70, 95% CI: 2.47, 2.95), being furloughed (OR = 3.22, 95% CI: 2.86, 3.64), laid off (OR = 4.07, 95% CI: 3.55, 4.66), or losing part-time work (OR = 5.73, 95% CI: 5.09, 6.46) due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings highlight the high prevalence of food insecurity among college students during the COVID-19 pandemic, with students who experienced housing insecurity and/or loss of income due to the pandemic being impacted the most.

A defined, plant-based diet utilized in an outpatient cardiovascular clinic effectively treats hypercholesterolemia and hypertension and reduces medications.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major economic burden in the United States. CVD risk factors, particularly hypertension and hypercholesterolemia, are typically treated with drug therapy. Five-year efficacy of such drugs to prevent CVD is estimated to be 5%. Plant-based diets have emerged as effective mitigators of these risk factors. HYPOTHESIS: The implementation of a defined, plant-based diet for 4 weeks in an outpatient clinical setting may mitigate CVD risk factors and reduce patient drug burden. METHODS: Participants consumed a plant-based diet consisting of foods prepared in a defined method in accordance with a food-classification system. Participants consumed raw fruits, vegetables, seeds, and avocado. All animal products were excluded from the diet. Participant anthropometric and hemodynamic data were obtained weekly for 4 weeks. Laboratory biomarkers were collected at baseline and at 4 weeks. Medication needs were assessed weekly. Data were analyzed using paired-samples t tests and 1-way repeated-measures ANOVA. RESULTS: Significant reductions were observed for systolic (-16.6 mmHg) and diastolic (-9.1 mmHg) blood pressure (P < 0.0005), serum lipids (P ≤ 0.008), and total medication usage (P < 0.0005). Other CVD risk factors, including weight (P < 0.0005), waist circumference (P < 0.0005), heart rate (P = 0.018), insulin (P < 0.0005), glycated hemoglobin (P = 0.002), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (P = 0.001) were also reduced. CONCLUSION: A defined, plant-based diet can be used as an effective therapeutic strategy in the clinical setting to mitigate cardiovascular risk factors and reduce patient drug burden.

Consumption of a defined, plant-based diet reduces lipoprotein(a), inflammation, and other atherogenic lipoproteins and particles within 4 weeks.

BACKGROUND: Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is a highly atherogenic lipoprotein and is minimally effected by lifestyle changes. While some drugs can reduce Lp(a), diet has not consistently shown definitive reduction of this biomarker. The effect of consuming a plant-based diet on serum Lp(a) concentrations have not been previously evaluated. HYPOTHESIS: Consumption of a defined, plant-based for 4 weeks reduces Lp(a). METHODS: Secondary analysis of a previous trial was conducted, in which overweight and obese individuals (n = 31) with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations >100 mg/dL consumed a defined, plant-based diet for 4 weeks. Baseline and 4-week labs were collected. Data were analyzed using a paired samples t-test. RESULTS: Significant reductions were observed for serum Lp(a) (-32.0 ± 52.3 nmol/L, P = 0.003), apolipoprotein B (-13.2 ± 18.3 mg/dL, P < 0.0005), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles (-304.8 ± 363.0 nmol/L, P < 0.0005) and small-dense LDL cholesterol (-10.0 ± 9.2 mg/dL, P < 0.0005). Additionally, serum interleukin-6 (IL-6), total white blood cells, lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), high-sensitivity c-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and fibrinogen were significantly reduced (P ≤ 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: A defined, plant-based diet has a favorable impact on Lp(a), inflammatory indicators, and other atherogenic lipoproteins and particles. Lp(a) concentration was previously thought to be only minimally altered by dietary interventions. In this protocol however, a defined plant-based diet was shown to substantially reduce this biomarker. Further investigation is required to elucidate the specific mechanisms that contribute to the reductions in Lp(a) concentrations, which may include alterations in gene expression.

Feasibility and acceptability of the Bod Pod procedure and changes in body composition from admission to discharge in adolescents hospitalized with eating disorders.

The feasibility and acceptability of using the Bod Pod procedure to measure changes in body composition in 30 adolescent females admitted to an inpatient eating disorder unit was evaluated using written surveys, Bod Pod measurements obtained at admission and discharge, and medical records review. Participants rated the Bod Pod test as acceptable (100%; 30/30), comfortable (93%, 28/30), and they were willing to repeat the procedure (97%, 29/30). Ten participants did not complete the final Bod Pod: eight were discharged before a second measure could be obtained, one refused the test, and one left against medical advice. Three participants had undetectable readings at admission. Paired t-tests (n = 17) revealed a significant (p < 0.001) mean increase in fat mass (3.7 ± 2 kg), body fat percentage (6.6 ± 3.8%), and lean mass (1.4 ± 1.2 kg) from admission to discharge. The Bod Pod is a feasible and acceptable procedure to measure changes in body composition in adolescent females hospitalized with an eating disorder.

Comparison of dietary habits and plans for dietary changes in black and white women seeking bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND: Achieving weight loss after bariatric surgery depends on the individual's ability to sustain lifestyle changes involving dietary modifications. Presurgical dietary assessment is critical to evaluate usual dietary habits and identify the need for intervention before surgery. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to identify usual dietary habits of black and white women seeking bariatric surgery and to examine potential differences between these ethnic groups. An additional aim was to describe participants' plans to change dietary behaviors after surgery. SETTING: This study examined data from an observational study sponsored by a benefits management group in Louisiana. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, a presurgical dietary assessment interview questionnaire collected information on dietary habits. Participants (n = 200) were adult women being screened for bariatric surgery; 54% were white, and 46% were black. Descriptive statistics were calculated and differences between groups were tested using 2-way analysis of the variance. RESULTS: Participants reported consuming fast food 2.9 ± 2.6 times per week, fried foods 2.1 ± 1.8 times per week, and desserts 3.4 ± 3.2 times per week. Blacks reported more frequent consumption of fast food (P<.01), sugar-sweetened sodas (P<.05), and sugar-sweetened tea (P<.01) compared with whites. Plans for changing dietary behaviors after surgery were similar between ethnic groups. CONCLUSIONS: Findings indicated that frequent consumption of fast foods, fried foods, desserts, and sugar-sweetened beverages was common among women seeking bariatric surgery. Blacks tended to consume these foods and beverages more often than whites. Current dietary habits and future plans to change dietary behaviors should be addressed before surgery for success. Follow-up studies investigating the assessment instrument's ability to predict dietary adherence and weight loss after surgery are warranted.

The costs and calorie content of à la carte food items purchased by students during school lunch.

School environments influence student food choices. À la carte foods and beverages are often low nutrient and energy dense. This study assessed how much money students spent for these foods, and the total kilocalories purchased per student during the 2012-2013 school year. Six elementary and four intermediate schools in the Houston area provided daily food purchase transaction data, and the cost and the calories for each item. Chi-square analysis assessed differences in the number of students purchasing à la carte items by grade level and school free/reduced-price meal (FRP) eligibility. Analysis of covariance assessed grade level differences in cost and calories of weekly purchases, controlling for FRP eligibility. Intermediate grade students spent significantly more on à la carte food purchases and purchased more calories (both p < 0.001) than elementary school students. Lower socioeconomic status (SES) elementary and intermediate school students purchased fewer à la carte foods compared to those in higher SES schools (p < 0.001). Intermediate school students purchased more à la carte foods and calories from à la carte foods than elementary students. Whether the new competitive food rules in schools improve student food selection and purchase, and dietary intake habits across all grade levels remains unknown.

Elevated systolic blood pressure of children in the United States is associated with low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations related to body mass index: National Health and Examination Survey 2007-2010.

A negative association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamn D (25[OH]D) concentrations and blood pressure has been found in adults; whether a similar relationship exists in children remains unclear. We hypothesized that serum 25(OH)D concentrations of children would negatively correlate with blood pressure. Using a nationally representative sample of children aged 8 to 18years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007-2010 (n=2908), we compared serum 25(OH)D levels with diastolic and systolic blood pressure by vitamin D nutritional status categories. A high percentage of children were either vitamin D deficient (28.8%) or vitamin D insufficient (48.8%). Prehypertension was defined as blood pressure as ≥90th to <95th percentile and hypertension as ≥95th percentile by age, height, and sex national blood pressure percentile norms for children. Vitamin D-deficient children aged 8 to 13years had higher systolic blood pressure (104.8±0.7mm Hg) than did vitamin D-sufficient children (102.3±0.6mmHg; P<.05). Controlling for age, sex, race/ethnicity, and income, systolic blood pressure was inversely associated with serum 25(OH)D concentrations (P<.03), but not when also controlling for body mass index (P=.63). A higher percentage of vitamin D-deficient and vitamin D-insufficient children (1.7%) vs vitamin D-sufficient children (0.6%) had prehypertension or hypertension. In conclusion, the association of low serum 25(OH)D concentrations with elevated systolic blood pressure in children is likely related to body weight and markers of adiposity.

The baseline characteristics of parents and African American girls in an online obesity prevention program: A feasibility study.

The objective of this paper was to identify the relationships and associations between child and parent characteristics with child fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption in an online obesity prevention program for 8-10 year old African American girls. Girls and a parent (n = 342 child-parent pairs) in the southwestern US completed baseline data collection from 2012 to 2014. Girls and a parent completed self-report questionnaires online. Girls also completed two unannounced 24 hour telephone-based dietary recalls. The relationships of parent demographic characteristics, child FV intake, and psychosocial variables (child and parent) were examined by analysis of variance. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to determine the relationships between psychosocial variables and child FV intake. Child FV intake was significantly greater in the highest household education (p = 0.001) and income groups (p = 0.004). FV home availability was higher with older parents (p = 0.007) and two-parent households (p = 0.033). Child FV intake was positively related to child FV preferences (p < 0.001), FV home availability (p = 0.022), and FV home accessibility (p = 0.002) but was negatively related to family barriers to FV consumption (p = 0.000). The study highlighted significant findings between child FV consumption and parent psychosocial variables and demographic characteristics that may offer insights for the design of effective obesity prevention interventions for 8-10 year old African American girls. ClinicaTrials.gov (NCT01481948).

Growth of Infants with Intestinal Failure or Feeding Intolerance Does Not Follow Standard Growth Curves.

Objective. Infants with intestinal failure or feeding intolerance are nutritionally compromised and are at risk for extrauterine growth restriction. The aim of the study was to evaluate growth velocities of infants with intestinal failure and feeding intolerance for the first three months of age and to determine growth percentiles at birth and at 40-week postmenstrual age (PMA). Methods. A chart review of infants followed by the Texas Children's Hospital Intestinal Rehabilitation Team was conducted from April 2012 to October 2014. Weekly weight, length, and head circumference growth velocities were calculated. Growth data were compared to Olsen growth curves to determine exact percentiles. Results. Data from infants (n = 164) revealed that average growth velocities of 3-month-old infants (weight gain, 19.97 g/d; length, 0.81 cm/week; head circumference, 0.52 cm/week) fluctuated and all were below expected norms. At discharge or death, average growth velocities had further decreased (length, 0.69 cm/week; head circumference, 0.45 cm/week) except for weight, which showed a slight increase (weight, 20.56 g/d). Weight, length, and head circumference percentiles significantly decreased from birth to 40-week PMA (P < 0.001). Conclusions. Growth of infants with intestinal failure or feeding intolerance did not follow standard growth curves.