Exploring the state and influential factors of dental caries in preschool children aged 3-6 years in Xingtai City.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the main factors affecting early dental caries among preschool children aged 3-6 years in Xingtai City to formulate effective preventive measures. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 570 preschool children aged 3-6 years in Xingtai City through questionnaire surveys and oral examinations to understand their dental caries situation. Multifactorial logistic regression analysis was used to analyse the main influencing factors for the occurrence of dental caries in preschool children. RESULTS: Univariate analysis showed statistically significant differences in age (χ2 = 2.636, p = 0.008), father's education level (χ2 = 4.207, p < 0.001), mother's education level (χ2 = 4.217, p < 0.001), daily tooth brushing frequency (χ2 = 3.160, p = 0.002), age of starting tooth brushing (χ2 = 8.756, p < 0.001), mouth rinsing after meals (χ2 = 89.401, p < 0.001), Streptococcus mutans positivity (χ2 = 133.503, p < 0.001), non-sweet snack consumption frequency (χ2 = 5.962, p < 0.001), snack flavour preference (χ2 = 116.119, p < 0.001), use of fluoridated toothpaste (χ2 = 75.639, p < 0.001), regular oral examinations (χ2 = 98.711, p < 0.001), sugary drink consumption frequency (χ2 = 10.370, p < 0.001) and sweet food consumption frequency (χ2 = 9.261, p < 0.001) between the caries and non-caries groups. Multifactorial analysis revealed that older age (odds ratio [OR] = 5.342, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.434-6.631), later initiation of tooth brushing (OR = 3.244, 95% CI: 2.413-5.424), S. mutans positivity (OR = 5.357, 95% CI: 4.529-8.563), high snack consumption frequency (OR = 3.452, 95% CI: 2.634-5.442), high sugary drink consumption frequency (OR = 4.414, 95% CI: 2.534-6.451) and high sweet food consumption frequency (OR = 4.531, 95% CI: 3.421-6.354) were risk factors for dental caries. Higher father's educational level (OR = 0.724, 95% CI: 0.564-0.891), higher mother's educational level (OR = 0.641, 95% CI: 0.601-0.813), high daily tooth brushing frequency (OR = 0.572, 95% CI: 0.423-0.864), mouth rinsing after meals (OR = 0.743, 95% CI: 0.643-0.813), use of fluoridated toothpaste (OR = 0.657, 95% CI: 0.553-0.931) and regular oral examinations (OR = 0.443, 95% CI: 0.352-0.747) were protective factors against dental caries (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Multiple factors result in early dental caries in preschool children aged 3-6 years; however, the most influential factors are older age and high snack consumption, as well as high sugary and sweet food/drink consumption.

[Relationship between dietary risk factors and sedentary recreational screen time among school-age children in grades 4-6 in Baise City from 2018 to 2019].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between dietary risk factors and sedentary recreational screen time of adolescents. METHODS: A total of 6363 pupils of Grades 4-6 from 6 primary schools in Baise were recruited with cluster-sampling method from Sep.2018 to Nov.2019. Participants were asked to report the average duration of watching television, digital devices use, intakes of sugar-sweetened beverage(SSB), snacks, fast-food, soymilk/milk product, skipping breakfast, and frequency of fruit/vegetable. We performed multivariable logistic regression to estimate OR and 95%CI for the relations between duration of sedentary recreational screen time and dietary risk factors, accounting for complex survey sampling and adjusting for potential confounders. RESULTS: (1)Both prolonged watching television and leisure-time digital devices use were associated with high intakes of SSBs, snacks, and low intakes of fruits and vegetables. And compared with <2 h/d, two kinds of screen-time(>4 h/d) was associated with significantly higher odds for intakes of fast food(watching television: OR=2.551;leisure-time digital devices use: OR=3.024), and frequent breakfast skipping(watching television: OR=1.646;leisure-time digital devices use: OR=1.674). (2)Compared with the reference groups(<2 h/d), participants spending more time per day on sedentary recreational screen time were more likely to drink sugar-sweetened beverages(OR=1.717-3.272), consume snacks(OR=1.626-3.154)and less likely to consume fruit/vegetable(OR=1.526-2.251). Compared to ≤2 h/d, estimated ORs of high intakes of fast food were 2.118 for>3 h/d of screen time, and 2.357 for >4 h/d. CONCLUSION: Increased television viewing and digital devices use in adolescence of Grades 4-6 is associated with higher odds of consumption of sweetened beverages, snacks and lower odds of fruit consumption in Baise.

Effects of almond consumption compared with the consumption of traditional isocaloric cereal/pulse-based snacks on glycaemic control and gut health in adults with pre-diabetes in rural India: protocol for a 16-week, parallel-arm, cluster randomised controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Almonds have prebiotic potential to maintain gut health and regulate glycaemia. Western studies have shown their positive effects on preventing non-communicable diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. However, there is a lack of research involving Asian Indians, who have a higher predisposition to diabetes due to their unique 'Asian phenotype'. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the impact of almond supplementation on glycaemic control and gut health in adults with pre-diabetes in rural India through a randomised clinical trial. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A parallel cluster randomised controlled trial with 178 participants with pre-diabetes (assigned 1:1) aged 20-50 years, of both genders, with a body mass index of 18.9-25 kg/m2, will be conducted in rural areas of Chikkaballapur, Kolar and Rural Bangalore districts in India. The intervention group will receive 56 g of almonds as mid-morning snacks for 16 weeks, while the control group will receive cereal/pulse-based traditional isocaloric snacks under the closed supervision of the study investigators. The primary outcome of the study is HbA1c measured at the 16th week. The secondary outcomes-anthropometry, clinical and other biochemical parameters-will be measured at 0th, 8th and 16th weeks, and a subgroup of 120 participants will undergo gut health analysis. Glucagon-like peptide 1 analysis will be conducted on 30 participants at 0th and 16th weeks. Statistical analysis will be performed using SPSS for Windows V.27.0, and both intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses will be conducted. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethics approval was obtained from the Institutional Ethics Committee at Ramaiah Medical College, Bangalore, Karnataka, India (DRPEFP7672021). We will obtain the informed written consent of the participants prior to screening and enrolling them in the study. Results from this trial will be disseminated through publication in peer-reviewed journals and scientific gatherings. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Clinical Trial Registry of India (CTRI/2023/03/050421).

Investigating extrusion impact on functional, textural properties, morphological structure, and molecular interactions in hulless barley-based extruded snacks supplemented with mung bean.

The effect of varying extrusion conditions on the functional properties of hulless barley-mung bean (70:30) extruded snacks was investigated using response surface methodology with feed moisture (FM), barrel temperature (BT), and screw speed (SS) as process variables. Results revealed significant impacts on functional characteristics with varying extrusion conditions. Bulk density (BD) of extruded snacks ranged from 0.24 to 0.42 g/cm3, showing that lower FM and higher BT results in lower BD while it increased with increasing FM, SS, and BT. The expansion ratio (ER) of extruded snacks ranged between 2.03 and 2.33, showing BT and SS had a desirable positive effect, whereas increasing FM led to decreased ER. Increasing BT and SS depicted a negative effect on water absorption index, whereas FM showed positive effect, which ranged between 4.21 and 4.82 g/g. A positive effect on water solubility index was depicted by BT and SS, which ranges between 9.01% and 13.45%, as higher SS and BT led to starch degradation and increased solubility suggesting better digestibility. The hardness of extruded snacks ranged from 32.56 to 66.88 Newton (N), showing increasing FM increased hardness, whereas higher SS and BT resulted in lowering the hardness. Scanning electronic microscope (SEM) analysis revealed structural changes in extrudates in comparison with nonextruded flour, indicating starch gelatinization and pore formation affected by varying processing parameters. Shifts in absorption bands were observed in Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), suggesting structural changes in starch and protein. Understanding the effects of extrusion parameters on product properties can help tailored production to meet consumers' preferences and the development of functional snacks with improved nutritional quality.

Influence of changing dentition on food texture preferences and perception of eating difficulty in Australian children.

The transition from primary to permanent dentition is an important phase in children's oral development, yet its impact on texture perception and food acceptance are less explored. This study aimed to investigate how changing dentition and tooth loss influence texture preferences and perception of eating difficulty among children aged 5 to 12 years. Children (n = 475) completed a forced-choice questionnaire featuring drawings of six food pairs, each available in hard or soft texture, and reported whether they had started losing primary teeth and the number of tooth gaps present. They also tasted four samples: chocolate snacks (cake and biscuits) and cheddar cheese (grated and cubes), evaluating their perceived eating difficulty and liking for each sample. Analysis of questionnaire responses showed a general preference for softer food textures among children, with a 36% probability of choosing hard foods. Preferences were not related to child's dental state, including primary teeth loss (p = .13) or number of tooth gaps (p = .45). In the taste test, chocolate biscuits and cheese cubes were perceived as significantly more difficult to eat than chocolate cake and grated cheese, respectively (both p < .0001). Children with more than two tooth gaps reported greater eating difficulty for chocolate biscuits and cheese cubes compared to children with fewer or no tooth gaps. This study demonstrated that children's texture preferences for hardness of foods remained consistent during dentition change, while their perception of eating difficulty could vary based on their dental state at specific points in time.

Socioeconomic and household framework influences in school-aged children's eating habits: Understanding the parental roles.

Maternal influences on children's diet have been widely studied, while paternal and household frameworks require further research. This study aimed to evaluate how individual, socioeconomic and household characteristics at birth and 7 years (y) impact children's fruit and vegetable (FV) and energy-dense foods (EDF) intake at 10y, distinguishing maternal and paternal effects. The sample included 2750 children evaluated at 7 and 10y in the Portuguese birth cohort Generation XXI. The children's food intake was assessed through a Food Frequency Questionnaire at both ages, where 4 food groups were defined: FV, 'Sweet foods', 'Salty snacks', and 'Soft drinks'. The associations between food intake at 7y, parents' and children's characteristics, and food intake at 10y were evaluated via binary logistic regression models. Offspring of older mothers with higher age and education, who live with siblings and had higher family income were likelier to have 5 servings of FV daily at 10y. Children eating 5 portions/day of FV at 7y had higher odds of keeping this pattern at 10y. Higher maternal age and education, and father's education decreased the odds of having soft drinks daily at 10y. Higher family income was linked with lower odds of weekly salty snacks and daily sweet foods at 10y. In conclusion, parental education, maternal age, living with siblings, and higher family income influenced children's FV and EDF intake at 10y. Mothers' effects appear to impact children's food intake more than fathers'.

A Randomized, Crossover Trial Assessing Appetite, Energy Metabolism, Blood Biomarkers, and Ad Libitum Food Intake Responses to a Mid-Morning Pecan Snack vs. an Equicaloric High-Carbohydrate Snack in Healthy Volunteers with Overweight/Obesity.

BACKGROUND: The differential effects of pecans versus other popular snack foods on appetite and blood markers of metabolism and satiety have not been well studied. This study investigated the effects of a single mid-morning snack of pecans or tortilla chips on subjective appetite, food intake, blood measures of hormones and metabolites, and resting energy expenditure. METHODS: Twenty participants with overweight and obesity were enrolled in a within-participants, randomized crossover trial. Participants had indwelling catheters placed for blood sampling and were fed a standardized breakfast, followed two hours later by a 250 kcal snack of either pecans or tortilla chips, and then by a self-selected lunch. Visual analog scale (VAS) appetite measures, blood markers, and energy expenditure were taken at intervals after food consumption. RESULTS: VAS ratings, energy, food intake and macronutrient composition did not differ between treatment conditions, but glucose and insulin were significantly more elevated after tortilla chips. Free fatty acids (FFA), triglycerides (TG), peptide YY (PYY), and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) were higher after consuming pecans compared to tortilla chips. CONCLUSIONS: Pecan consumption improves postprandial glucose and insulin profiles which would be beneficial to individuals at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Further studies are needed to investigate whether increased relative secretion of PYY and GLP-1 after eating pecans versus tortilla chips may affect subjective appetite and energy intake if consumed chronically.

Consumption of Ultra-Processed Foods in the Brazilian Amazon during COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: A COVID-19 pandemic erupted, causing a global viral pneumonia outbreak, marking the most significant public health crisis of the 21st century. These changes profoundly impacted population health and well-being, leading to shifts in dietary habits. This study aimed to evaluate the consumption of ultra-processed foods in the Brazilian Amazon before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: This is a secondary data analysis study derived from the Surveillance System of Risk and Protective Factors for Chronic Diseases by Telephone Survey (Vigitel, 2019-2021) of the Brazilian Ministry of Health. All statistical analyses were performed using the Stata 17 statistical program in the survey module (svy). RESULTS: We found an increased frequency in the subgroups of consumption of ultra-processed foods in the capital of the Brazilian Amazon region between the years 2019 and 2021. In the cities of Boa Vista and Macapá, there was a significant increase in the consumption of snacks, salty snacks, cookies, and meat products. Boa Vista and Macapá showed an increase in the percentage difference in the consumption ≥5 of ultra-processed subgroups, being 30.4% (p = 0.014) and 53.7% (p = 0.014), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The study indicated an increase in the consumption of ultra-processed foods in the Brazilian Amazon region during and after social distancing.

Taste sensitivities mediate differential snack choices across BMI groups: a study with New Zealand young male individuals.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to: 1) test for the link between snack choices and BMI using a novel sensory-based classification method; and 2) elucidate the role of gustatory sensitivity in orienting snack choices. METHODS: The study employed a dual approach involving sensory and nutritional assessments. Ninety-eight European male individuals were tested for gustatory sensitivities to sweetness, saltiness, umami, and lipid perception. Participant food intake was measured over 4 days. A separate cohort of 327 participants categorized the recorded snacks based on taste patterns, enabling profiling of snack choices across body-weight groups. RESULTS: Results showed clear differentiations in snack choices across the BMI groups: Individuals with a higher BMI consumed more "Sweet" and "Sweet+Fat" snacks and less "Savory" snacks compared with the lower-BMI group (p < 0.05). Mediation analyses confirmed a significant effect of gustatory sensitivity, showing that the greater choice for "Sweet" and "Sweet+Fat" snacks among those with a higher BMI was mediated by sensitivities to sweetness and lipid perception (p = 0.008-0.044). CONCLUSIONS: Our study revealed that gustatory sensitivity can mediate the relationship between BMI and energy consumption from different snacks. These findings highlight the significance of taste perception in shaping snack choice, suggesting potential strategies for interventions aimed at addressing gustatory sensitivity to promote healthier dietary preferences.

The effect of free and encapsulated probiotic bacteria on some physicochemical, microbiological, and textural properties of apricot leather (pestil) during storage.

Pestil, also known as fruit leather, has emerged as a promising non-dairy carrier for probiotics, utilizing apricots and incorporating probiotics into its formulation. This study aimed to develop a healthy snack bar by incorporating three distinct strains of probiotic bacteria, both in free and encapsulated forms, into the recipe of apricot leather. The physicochemical, bioactive, microbiological, and textural attributes of the resulting apricot pestils were evaluated over a 120-day storage period. Fluctuations in pH (4.74-4.97) were observed during storage, whereas water activity (0.31-0.45) and moisture content (8.05%-13.40%) exhibited a decreasing trend over time. Incorporating free or encapsulated bacteria resulted in a darker surface, attributed to the intermolecular interactions between probiotics and the pestil matrix. The initial total phenolic content was highest and declined significantly during storage (52.13-291.73 mg gallic acid equivalent/100 g) (p < 0.05). Viability was found to be higher in the encapsulated forms of bacteria at the conclusion of the storage period. Overall, apricot pestil emerged as a promising matrix for viable probiotics, facilitating their delivery and hosting in both free and encapsulated forms during storage.

Nutritional Quality of the Mid-Afternoon Snack of Schooled Children between the Ages of 3 and 12 Years in Three Areas in Spain.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to analyze the nutritional quality of mid-afternoon snacks for schooled children aged 3 to 12 years in three areas of Catalonia (Spain). METHODS: A descriptive observational study collected information on habits and the mid-afternoon snack of 782 schooled children aged 3 to 12 years in three cities, Barcelona, Girona, and Lleida, located in Catalonia (Spain). The children's families voluntarily agreed to complete an online questionnaire that collected information about demographic data and snacking habits in the afternoon, as well as a record of mid-afternoon snack intake over three school days. RESULTS: A total of 2163 mid-afternoon snacks were analyzed from a sample of 764 families with 3 to 12 year-old children. Sandwiches emerged as the most prevalent choice, accounting for 41.89%, followed by pastries at 23.86%, fruit at 14.38%, and a combination of fruit and pastries at 6.29%. Of the mid-afternoon snacks recorded, 22.19% were healthy, 20.90% were quite healthy, 12.85% were quite unhealthy, and 44.06% were unhealthy. CONCLUSIONS: The nutritional quality of mid-afternoon snacks for a large majority of schooled children should be improved. It is essential to develop food education programs to improve the quality of this intake from early childhood and to consider it as an opportunity to adjust the daily dietary requirements of Spanish children.

Association between junk food consumption and mental health problems in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Anxiety and depression can seriously undermine mental health and quality of life globally. The consumption of junk foods, including ultra-processed foods, fast foods, unhealthy snacks, and sugar-sweetened beverages, has been linked to mental health. The aim of this study is to use the published literature to evaluate how junk food consumption may be associated with mental health disorders in adults. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted up to July 2023 across international databases including PubMed/Medline, ISI Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane, Google Scholar, and EMBASE. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed by two independent reviewers. Heterogeneity across studies was assessed using the I2 statistic and chi-square-based Q-test. A random/fixed effect meta-analysis was conducted to pool odds ratios (ORs) and hazard ratios (HRs). RESULTS: Of the 1745 retrieved articles, 17 studies with 159,885 participants were suitable for inclusion in the systematic review and meta-analysis (seven longitudinal, nine cross-sectional and one case-control studies). Quantitative synthesis based on cross-sectional studies showed that junk food consumption increases the odds of having stress and depression (OR = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.06 to 1.23). Moreover, pooling results of cohort studies showed that junk food consumption is associated with a 16% increment in the odds of developing mental health problems (OR = 1.16, 95% CI: 1.07 to 1.24). CONCLUSION: Meta-analysis revealed that consumption of junk foods was associated with an increased hazard of developing depression. Increased consumption of junk food has heightened the odds of depression and psychological stress being experienced in adult populations.

Sugary snack restriction enhances body composition improvement in overweight women engaging in non-face-to-face walking during COVID-19.

Introduction: This study assesses the impact of dietary modification, specifically sugary snack restriction, in conjunction with a brisk walking program on overweight management in young overweight women, with a focus on changes in body composition and glucose metabolism. Method: An 8-week randomized controlled trial was conducted amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, utilizing a remote intervention approach to comply with health guidelines and ensure participant safety. The study's remote nature highlights adaptability in health interventions during challenging periods, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Twenty-one overweight Korean women aged 20-39, with an average BMI of 24.6, were selected for the study. They were divided into two groups: one engaging in brisk walking and the other combining this exercise with a sugary snack restriction, demonstrating the study's focus on comparative intervention efficacy. Results: The exercise-only group showed notable reductions in glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR (p < 0.05), and total cholesterol levels (p < 0.01). In contrast, the group that combined exercise with dietary modification displayed more pronounced improvements in body weight, fat mass, and waist circumference (p < 0.05). This differential outcome emphasizes the added benefit of integrating dietary control with physical activity. Discussion: The findings suggest that adding a dietary component, particularly a sugary snack restriction, to an exercise regimen can significantly enhance the effectiveness of overweight management in young women. This study underscores the importance of holistic lifestyle interventions that combine dietary and physical activity modifications for improved health outcomes.

The Quality of Lunches Brought from Home to School: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis, spanning studies published between 1995 and 2021, investigates various aspects of lunches brought from home (LBFH) to school by children. These meals, in contrast to those provided by the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), lack strict nutritional standards. Despite the availability of NSLP lunches, ∼40% of US children opt for LBFH. This review aims to assess the food content and nutritional quality of LBFH, their adherence to NSLP standards in terms of nutrition and cost, effectiveness of intervention programs designed to enhance their nutritional quality and parental and student perceptions of LBFH. The comprehensive literature search yielded 28 eligible papers, with 16 included in meta-analysis. LBFH commonly include fruits (50%), yet vegetables (17%) and dairy (25%) are less prevalent. They frequently contain snacks (50%), sweets (48%), and sugar-sweetened beverages (31%). Compared with school lunches, LBFH exhibit lower levels of calcium, protein, iron, fiber, and vitamin A, and higher levels of carbohydrates and saturated fat. Intervention programs had no effect on quality of LBFH. On average, LBFH ($1.81) cost slightly less than lunches served at school ($1.98), without accounting for free/reduced-price meals in the calculation. The cost of school lunch for pre-k and kindergarten children became $11.32, nearly 4 times higher than that of LBFH ($2.92), after replicating the meal at home and accounting for meal preparation time. Parents preferred LBFH over school lunches because of concerns related to the quality of school meals served. This study concludes that LBFH are generally less nutritious compared with lunches provided by NSLP. Future research needs to further explore ways to improve parent perception of NSLP. Especially with many states making free meals available to all children, identifying effective ways in promoting and increasing NSLP participation can ensure more children have access to nutritionally balanced and affordable lunches.

Lifetime stressor exposure is associated with greater rewarding effects of stress-related eating.

Acute stressors tend to shift preferences toward comfort foods, yet they do not ubiquitously increase the amount of food consumed. Moreover, although many individuals eat more under stress, others eat less or show no change. Although the precise mechanisms explaining this variability in stress-related eating are unknown, they may be driven by individual differences in the rewarding effects of comfort eating, which are enhanced by greater lifetime stressor exposure. To investigate this possibility, we examined whether differences in lifetime stressor exposure predicted reductions in negative affect following snacking (i.e., negative reinforcement) and if this effect was specific to stress-related snacking or snacking in general. Participants were 26 women (23 % non-White) between 20 and 45 years old (M = 31), with a mean body mass index of 26, who completed three laboratory visits. Participants completed an assessment of lifetime stressor exposure (i.e., STRAIN) on the first visit and, on two subsequent laboratory visits in counterbalanced order, were given snacks after an acute social stress task (i.e., TSST) or rest period. Greater lifetime stressor exposure was related to greater post-ingestive decreases in negative affect following the acute social stressor but not following the rest period. If stress-related eating is more comforting for women with greater lifetime stressors and contributes to a stronger stress-eating association, then this may inform obesity-related clinical treatments that target behaviors and cognitions related to reward-based learning.