Functional Characterization of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone and Corazonin Signaling Systems in Pacific Abalone: Toward Reclassification of Invertebrate Neuropeptides.

INTRODUCTION: The proposed evolutionary origins and corresponding nomenclature of bilaterian gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-related neuropeptides have changed tremendously with the aid of receptor deorphanization. However, the reclassification of the GnRH and corazonin (CRZ) signaling systems in Lophotrochozoa remains unclear. METHODS: We characterized GnRH and CRZ receptors in the mollusk Pacific abalone, Haliotis discus hannai (Hdh), by phylogenetic and gene expression analyses, bioluminescence-based reporter, Western blotting, substitution of peptide amino acids, in vivo neuropeptide injection, and RNA interference assays. RESULTS: Two Hdh CRZ-like receptors (Hdh-CRZR-A and Hdh-CRZR-B) and three Hdh GnRH-like receptors (Hdh-GnRHR1-A, Hdh-GnRHR1-B, and Hdh-GnRHR2) were identified. In phylogenetic analysis, Hdh-CRZR-A and -B grouped within the CRZ-type receptors, whereas Hdh-GnRHR1-A/-B and Hdh-GnRHR2 clustered within the GnRH/adipokinetic hormone (AKH)/CRZ-related peptide-type receptors. Hdh-CRZR-A/-B and Hdh-GnRHR1-A were activated by Hdh-CRZ (pQNYHFSNGWHA-NH2) and Hdh-GnRH (pQISFSPNWGT-NH2), respectively. Hdh-CRZR-A/-B dually coupled with the Gαq and Gαs signaling pathways, whereas Hdh-GnRHR1-A was linked only with Gαq signaling. Analysis of substituted peptides, [I2S3]Hdh-CRZ and [N2Y3H4]Hdh-GnRH, and in silico docking models revealed that the N-terminal amino acids of the peptides are critical for the selectivity of Hdh-CRZR and Hdh-GnRHR. Two precursor transcripts for Hdh-CRZ and Hdh-GnRH peptides and their receptors were mainly expressed in the neural ganglia, and their levels increased in starved abalones. Injection of Hdh-CRZ peptide into abalones decreased food consumption, whereas Hdh-CRZR knockdown increased food consumption. Moreover, Hdh-CRZ induced germinal vesicle breakdown in mature oocytes. CONCLUSION: Characterization of Hdh-CRZRs and Hdh-GnRHRs and their cognate peptides provides new insight into the evolutionary route of GnRH-related signaling systems in bilaterians.

Association between soya food consumption and muscle strength in Chinese adolescents: evidence from a cross-sectional study.

There is a strong association between soya food consumption and health, but there are few studies on the association with muscular strength, especially in adolescent groups. This study was conducted to understand the status of soya food consumption and its association with muscular strength among secondary school students in southern China. A stratified whole-group sampling method was used to investigate and test the status of soya food consumption and muscular strength of 13 220 secondary school students in southern China. Linear regression analysis and logistic regression analysis were used to analyse the correlations between soya food consumption and muscular strength. Logistic regression analysis showed that compared with secondary school students with soya food consumption ≥ 3 times/week, male students with soya food consumption ≤ 1 time/week (OR = 1·896, 95 % CI: 1·597,2·251) and female students with soya food consumption ≤ 1 time/week (OR = 2·877, 95 % CI: 2·399, 3·449) students had a higher risk of developing lower grip strength (P < 0·001). The frequency of soya food consumption among secondary school students in southern China was 49·00 %, 28·77 % and 22·23 % for ≥ 3 times/week, 2-3 times/week and ≤ 1 time/week, respectively. There is a positive association between soya food consumption and muscle strength among secondary school students in southern China. In the future, increasing the consumption of soybean products can be considered for the improvement of muscle strength.

Consumption of ultra-processed foods and mental health of pregnant women from the South of Brazil.

The objective of this study is to evaluate the association between the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) and the mental health of pregnant women from the South of Brazil. This is a cross-sectional study carried out in Criciúma, Brazil, through face-to-face interviews, from April to December 2022. Pregnant women aged 18 or older who underwent prenatal care in the forty-eight basic health care units of the municipality and who were in their third trimester of pregnancy were included. High consumption of UPF was considered as six or more items or subgroups of UPF consumed on the day before the interview, using the Nova-UPF screener. The mental health variables were depressive symptoms, stress, sadness and anxiety. Crude and adjusted analyses were conducted using the Fisher's exact test and the Poisson regression with robust variance. In total, 428 pregnant women were studied; most of them were aged between 20 and 25 years and were white. Pregnant women who presented high consumption of UPF were 1·42-fold (95 % CI 1·06, 1·92) more likely to experience anxiety and presented a prevalence 56 % (95 % CI 1·18, 2·07) higher of stress when compared with those who did not present high consumption of UPF. The prevalence of depressive symptoms and feelings of sadness was 1·31-fold (95 % CI 1·08, 1·60) and 3·41-fold (95 % CI 1·77, 6·58) higher among those with high consumption of UPF, respectively. The results suggest that diet quality is associated with the mental health of pregnant women. Promoting joint actions focused on food and nutritional education, and mental health, for pregnant women, is necessary.

Trends in ultra-processed food availability and its association with diet-related non-communicable disease health indicators in the Portuguese population.

Broad variations in dietary and physical activity patterns are part of nutritional transition concept. An additional nutritional transition has as main characteristic the change of consumption of processed foods for ultra-processed foods (UPF). This study aims to evaluate trends of UPF availability in Portuguese population and its association with diet-related non-communicable diseases (NCD) health indicators. This ecological study used data from the Household Budget Surveys conducted by the National Statistics Institute each 5 years within a national representative sample of households. The percentage of UPF was calculated based on the total daily amount of food and beverages available per capita (in grams). Data from the years 1990, 1995, 2000 and 2005 were used, which were retrieved from DAFNE-Anemos Software. NCD age-standardised mortality, prevalence and incidence were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease database, for the years 2000, 2005, 2010 and 2015. Between 1990 and 2005, the UPF availability increased from 3·9 % to 13·8 %. Over the years, almost all food and beverages categories increased the UPF availability contribution, mainly noticeable for milk, sugar, cereal and meat products. Positive correlations were observed between UPF availability and digestive diseases both in prevalence (r = 0·062; P = 0·037) and incidence (r = 0·005; P = 0·010) measures. Neoplasms incidence also showed positive correlation with UPF availability (r = 0·002; P = 0·012). Trends in UPF availability in Portugal increased exponentially. At the same time, there is a trend towards a decrease in unprocessed and processed food availability. The Portuguese population should be made aware of the health risks resulting from excessive consumption of UPF.

Achieving high diet quality at eating occasions: findings from a nationally representative study of Australian adults.

This study examined differences in food groups consumed at eating occasions by the level of adherence to dietary guidelines in Australian adults (≤19 years) and whether consumption differed with respect to age, sex and education levels. Secondary analysis of the 2011-2012 National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (n 9054) was performed, using one 24-h dietary recall with self-reported eating occasions. Dietary Guideline Index scores were used to assess adherence to the 2013 Australian Dietary Guidelines. Mean differences (95 % CI) in servings of the five food groups and discretionary foods at eating occasions were estimated for adults with higher and lower diet quality, stratified by sex, age group and education. Using survey-based t-tests, differences of at least half a serving with P values < 0·05 were considered meaningful. Compared with adults with lower diet quality, women and men aged 19-50 years with higher diet quality consumed more serves of vegetables at dinner (mean difference (95 % CI), women; 1·0; 95 % CI (0·7, 1·2); men: 0·9; 95 % CI (0·6, 1·3)) and fewer serves of discretionary foods at snacks (women: -0·7; 95 % CI (-0·9, -0·5); men: -1·0; 95 % CI (-1·4, -0·7). Other food groups, such as grains, dairy products and alternatives, meats and alternatives, were not significantly different between adults with lower and higher diet quality, across any eating occasions and age groups. Discretionary food intake at lunch, dinner and snacks was consistently greater among adults with lower diet quality, regardless of education level. Our findings identify dinner and snacks as opportunities to increase vegetable intake and reduce discretionary food intake, respectively.

Ultra-processed foods, dietary diversity and micronutrient intakes in the Australian population.

PURPOSE: This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the association between ultra-processed foods consumption and dietary diversity and micronutrient intake in Australia. METHODS: As part of the Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (2011-2012), 12,153 participants aged 2 years and above were recruited and interviewed. Dietary intake data were collected by two 24-h dietary recalls using the Automated Multiple-Pass Method. The NOVA classification system was used to group the food items based on the extent and purpose of industrial food processing. The mean micronutrient contents were calculated for the total diet, and for two diet fractions; one made up entirely of ultra-processed foods (NOVA group 4) and the other consisting of all non-ultra-processed foods (aggregation of NOVA food groups 1 to 3). The mean micronutrient content in the ultra-processed and non-ultra-processed food diet fractions were compared. Dietary diversity was measured using the ten Food Group Indicators (FGI) of the Food and Agriculture Organization and was defined as the sum number of FGIs per individual. Multiple linear regression models were used to assess the association between the quintiles of energy contribution of ultra-processed foods, dietary diversity, and micronutrient intake. RESULTS: A negative association was found between quintiles of energy contribution of ultra-processed foods and dietary diversity (ß = - 0.43; p < 0.001). The overall micronutrient content was lower in the diet fraction dominated by ultra-processed foods compared to the non-ultra-processed food diet fraction in the study population. The dietary contents of vitamins A, E, C, B9, B12, zinc, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus were reduced significantly with increased consumption of ultra-processed foods, even after adjustment for sociodemographic factors and dietary diversity. CONCLUSION: The quintiles of energy contribution of ultra-processed foods were negatively associated with dietary diversity and micronutrient intake in Australia.

Ultra-processed food consumption in UK adolescents: distribution, trends, and sociodemographic correlates using the National Diet and Nutrition Survey 2008/09 to 2018/19.

PURPOSE: We quantified levels of ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption and investigated consumption patterns in a representative sample of UK adolescents. METHODS: We used data from 4-day food diaries from adolescents in the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) (2008/09-2018/19). UPF were identified using the NOVA classification. We estimated the percentage of Total Energy Intake (%TEI) and the absolute weight (grams). Linear regression models quantified differences in UPF consumption across survey years and its association with participant's individual characteristics. This was an analysis of the repeated cross-sectional data from the UK NDNS Rolling Programme waves 1-11 (2008/09-2018/19). A total of 2991 adolescents (11-18y) with complete information on dietary intake were included. RESULTS: Mean UPF consumption was 861 (SD 442) g/d and this accounted for 65.9% (SD 13.4%) of TEI. Between 2008 and 2019, mean UPF consumption decreased from 996 to 776 g/d [ - 211 (95%CI - 302; - 120)] and from 67.7% to 62.8% of TEI [ - 4.8% (95%CI - 8.1; - 1.5)]. Higher %TEI was consumed by adolescents with lower socioeconomic status; white ethnicity and living in England North. A higher weight of UPF consumption (g/d) was associated with being male, white, age 18y, having parents with routine or manual occupation, living in England North, and living with obesity. CONCLUSION: Average energy intake from UPF has decreased over a decade in UK adolescents. We observed a social and regional patterning of UPF consumption, with higher consumption among adolescents from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, from a white ethnicity and living in England North. Our findings suggest inequalities associated with UPF intake and factors that might lie beyond individual choice.

Association between watching eating shows and unhealthy food consumption in Korean adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Eating habits formed during adolescence greatly influence the maintenance of health in adulthood. With the recent development of social media and easy access to the Internet, adolescents watch plenty of food videos, particularly Mukbang and Cookbnag(eating show)content. This media genre's impact on food choices has been covered in several studies; however, studies on unhealthy eating habits directly related to adolescents' exposure to eating shows are insufficient. METHODS: For this study, we used data from the 18th Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey conducted in 2022 and finalized 50,451 participants. The extent of exposure to eating show media over the course of a week, as well as the consumption of fast food, sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), and high caffeinated beverages within that week were measured through self-reporting questionnaires. We classified the participants into two groups based on their frequency of watching eating shows. A multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the association between eating show and unhealthy food consumption. RESULTS: For both males and females, eating show exposure was strongly associated with the consumption of fast food (male: OR:1.37, 95% CI:1.26-1.49; female: OR:1.46, 95% CI:1.36-1.57), SSB (male: OR:1.42, 95% CI:1.26-1.60; female: OR:1.51, 95% CI:1.35-1.70), and high caffeinated beverage (male: OR:1.30, 95% CI:1.23-1.37; female: OR:1.24, 95% CI:1.18-1.31). It was observed that both sexes were more likely to frequently eat unhealthy food than students who did not watch eating shows. CONCLUSION: Among Korean adolescents, students exposed to eating shows, which primarily aim to entertain, were more likely to consume fast food, SSBs, and high caffeinated beverages. Therefore, this study's findings suggest that eating show could influence adolescents' food choices, highlighting the need for interest in emerging cultures and corresponding health policies.

Current perspectives and challenges in the estimation of fruit juice consumption across the lifecycle in Europe.

Fruit juice (FJ) is typically low in energy, contains natural sugars, important amounts of micronutrients and is not permitted to have added sugars/sweeteners. However, its role in a healthy diet is under scrutiny partly due to the wider adoption of the definition for free sugars in nutrition policy. This review aimed to identify data on FJ consumption from national food consumption surveys across Europe, to examine current intakes, percent consumers and its contribution to intakes of energy, total sugars, free sugars, vitamin C, folate and potassium. Data were extracted on the population mean intake of FJ and its contribution to nutrient intakes across the lifecycle and crude estimates of population mean intakes across countries were reported for the total population and for consumers only. This review highlighted significant gaps/challenges regarding the availability of country-specific national food consumption surveys across Europe and specifically data on FJ consumption (including complexities surrounding categorisations). Nonetheless, using a comparable/homogenous definition, the mean intake of FJ among consumers was approximately 1 × 150 ml glass/day for adults/older adults, with lower intakes among infants (86 g/d), children (108 g/d) and teenagers (112 g/d). FJ made important contributions to intakes of vitamin C while making little contribution to energy intakes but also contributed 2-14 % of free sugars intake (which may be considered modest compared to other sources). The complexity of collating and interpreting data on FJ intake as elucidated in this review raises questions surrounding the categorisation of FJ in research and presents significant challenges for policymakers with respect to dietary guidance for FJ.

Reducing the carbon footprint of diets across socio-demographic groups in Finland: a mathematical optimisation study.

OBJECTIVES: To characterise nutritionally adequate, climate-friendly diets that are culturally acceptable across socio-demographic groups. To identify potential equity issues linked to more climate-friendly and nutritionally adequate dietary changes. DESIGN: An optimisation model minimises distance from observed diets subject to nutritional, greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE) and food-habit constraints. It is calibrated to socio-demographic groups differentiated by sex, education and income levels using dietary intake data. The environmental coefficients are derived from life cycle analysis and an environmentally extended input-output model. SETTING: Finland. PARTICIPANTS: Adult population. RESULTS: Across all population groups, we find large synergies between improvements in nutritional adequacy and reductions in GHGE, set at one-third or half of the current level. Those reductions result mainly from the substitution of meat with cereals, potatoes and roots and the intra-category substitution of foods, such as beef with poultry in the meat category. The simulated more climate-friendly diets are thus flexitarian. Moving towards reduced-impact diets would not create major inadequacies related to protein and fatty acid intakes, but Fe could be an issue for pre-menopausal females. The initial socio-economic gradient in the GHGE of diets is small, and the patterns of adjustments to more climate-friendly diets are similar across socio-demographic groups. CONCLUSIONS: A one-third reduction in GHGE of diets is achievable through moderate behavioural adjustments, but achieving larger reductions may be difficult. The required changes are similar across socio-demographic groups and do not raise equity issues. A population-wide policy to promote behavioural change for diet sustainability would be appropriate.

Dietary Inflammatory Index and diabetic retinopathy risk in US adults: findings from NHANES (2005-2008).

BACKGROUND: Inflammation is associated with the pathophysiology of diabetic retinopathy (DR). Within the framework of complete dietary patterns, the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) was formulated to evaluate the inflammatory properties inherent in a diet. The main purpose of the current study was to assess the relationship between DII and DR using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). METHODS: The original sample size included 1,148 diabetes patients out of 2005-2008 NHANES surveys. Twenty-four-hour dietary consumptions were used to calculate the DII scores. Demographic characteristics and retina examinations were collected for the comparison between DR and non-DR groups in diabetes patients. The relationship between DII and DR was analyzed by a logistic regression model. RESULTS: 227 subjects (110 non-DR and 117 DR) were selected in the analyses by using undersampling method to balance the sample size. Compared with non-DR group, DR group had higher DII values (1.14 ± 0.29 vs. 1.49 ± 0.21, p = 0.32), higher levels of HbA1c (6.8 ± 1.1% vs. 7.7 ± 2.6%, p < 0.001), longer duration of diabetes (6.52 ± 12 years vs. 14 ± 11 years, p < 0.001). The odds rate (OR) of DII for DR from the logistic regression was 1.38 (95%CI 1.06-1.81, p < 0.001). HbA1c, diabetes duration and obesity were important influencing factors, and their ORs were 1.81 (95% CI:1.31-2.50), 1.12 (95%CI:1.04-1.20), 4.01 (95%CI:1.12-14.32), respectively. In addition, the most important dietary indices for DR were different across males and females. CONCLUSIONS: The current study demonstrates that a higher DII is associated with an increased risk of DR in US adults. Considering diet as a modifiable factor, limiting pro-inflammatory diets or encouraging an anti-inflammatory diet may be a promising and cost-effective method in the management of DR.

Exploring food consumption patterns in the province of Kenitra, Northwest of Morocco.

BACKGROUND: Morocco is currently undergoing rapid changes in diets and lifestyles, influenced by globalization and urbanization, leading to a shift away from the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) toward Western diets. OBJECTIVE: Describe and explore the food consumption patterns of the population of Kenitra province and their adherence to the MedDiet using a validated survey. METHOD: The current cross-sectional study involved 442 respondents from Kenitra province, comprising individuals aged 18 and above. The survey included a combination of closed and open-ended questions regarding food consumption patterns and socio-demographic characteristics. Adherence to the MedDiet was assessed using the Panagiotakos method to calculate the MedDiet score (MDS). Additionally, each participant's adherence to the MedDiet was evaluated using a method based on Martínez-González's approach. RESULTS: The results indicate that 31% of the participants eat vegetables, 28% eat fruits, and 19% eat wholegrain bread daily. Furthermore, 58% regularly use olive oil in their cooking. Eating out of home (OOH) was high, with popular places being restaurants and cafes (70%), fast food outlets (20%), and workplace canteens (7%). Overall, participants showed moderate adherence to the MedDiet, with a mean MDS of 36.3 ± 19.7. CONCLUSIONS: Promoting healthy eating habits is crucial in Kenitra. With moderate consumption of nutrient-dense foods and the popularity of the MedDiet, targeted interventions and educational initiatives can promote healthy dietary behaviors, improving overall public health.

Comparison of food intake pattern of diabetic patients and healthy individuals in a sample of Saudi population: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: There has been a significant rise in the number of individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), with the condition reaching epidemic proportions globally. This study examined the dietary pattern of a sample of Saudi Arabian adults with T2DM compared to control non-diabetics. METHODS: Data from 414 participants, 207 control and 207 T2DM was analyzed. Anthropometric measurements, foods intake such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fried foods, sweetened juice, sweets, and pastries consumption as well as physical activity were obtained by an interview-survey. RESULTS: The consumption of vegetables, green and leafy vegetables, starchy vegetables, fruits, proteins, and milk was significantly higher in the diabetics (p< 0.0001 for all and p<0.01 for starchy vegetables). Of the case group, 79.7% of them consumed whole-wheat bread while 54.6% of them consumed low fat milk (p<0.0001). There was a significant decrease in the percentage of cases who consumed discretionary foods and sweetened juices and soft drinks (24.1%), avoided sweets (75.8%) and pastries (37.1%), (p<0.0001). There were also significant increases in the percentages of participants who use healthy fat (as olive oil) in the case group (78.7%) (p<0.001). There was a significant increase in the percentage of diabetics who followed a diet to lose weight (15%) (p<0.05). The majority of the two study groups were physically inactive (control 95.2% & case 94.2%). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study provide insight on that diabetics generally follow a healthy diet, yet their engagement in physical activity may not be optimal.

Animal source food consumption and its determinants among children aged 6 to 23 months in sub-Saharan African countries: a multilevel analysis of demographic and health survey.

INTRODUCTION: Child undernutrition is a major public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa. Children who eat animal-based foods have higher intakes of various nutrients that are important for optimal linear growth. However, the prevalence of animal-source food consumption was low across many countries. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of good consumption of animal-source foods and its determinants among children aged 6 to 23 months in sub-Saharan African countries. METHODS: A cross-sectional pooled dataset using recent demographic and health surveys from 19 sub-Saharan African countries was employed. A total weighted sample of 65,742 children aged 6 to 23 months was included in the study. Data extracted from the recent DHS data sets were cleaned, recorded, and analyzed using STATA/SE version 14.0 statistical software. Descriptive analysis was carried out to present both individual and community-level variables using frequencies and percentages. A multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression was used to determine the factors associated with the outcome variable. Finally, variables with a p-value less than 0.05 and an adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval were declared statistically significant. RESULTS: In this study, 43.1% (95% CI: 42.7-43.5%) of children aged 6 to 23 months consumed animal-source foods. Factors like maternal education [AOR = 1.36; 95% CI (1.28, 1.44)], maternal occupation [AOR = 1.24; 95% CI (1.18, 1.31)], exposure to media [AOR = 1.30; 95% CI (1.24, 1.36)], wealth index [AOR = 1.16; 95% CI (1.10, 1.23)] & [AOR = 1.28; 95% CI (1.21, 1.36)], owned a mobile telephone [AOR = 1.23; 95% CI (1.17, 1.29)], ANC visits [AOR = 1.20; 95% CI (1.15, 1.25)], place of delivery [AOR = 1.09; 95% CI (1.04, 1.14)], PNC checkup [AOR = 1.34; 95% CI (1.28, 1.39)], the current age of the child [AOR = 1.99; 95% CI (1.85, 2.14)], [AOR = 3.34; 95% CI (3.14, 3.56)], & [AOR = 4.3; 95% CI (4.10, 4.66)], birth interval [AOR = 0.92; 95% CI (0.87, 0.97)], residence [AOR = 1.43; 95% CI (1.35, 1.50)], community illiteracy [AOR = 0.91; 95% CI (0.86, 0.96)], and community poverty [AOR = 1.07; 95% CI (1.01, 1.14)] were significantly associated with consumption of animal-source foods. CONCLUSION: Less than half of children aged 6 to 23 months consumed any type of animal-source foods in sub-Saharan African countries. Higher educational level, non-agricultural work, exposure to media, high economic status, having a mobile telephone, attending 4 + ANC visits, health facility delivery, PNC checkups, older children, a birth interval of 24 months, urban residency, community literacy, and low community poverty were determinates of good consumption of animal source foods. Women empowerment, dissemination of nutrition-related information through mass media, promotion of health facility delivery, and improving utilization of maternal health services are recommended to improve infant and child feeding practices.

The impact of healthy nutrition education based on traffic light labels on food selection, preference, and consumption in patients with acute coronary syndrome: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Acute Coronary Syndrome is the most common heart disease and the most significant cause of death and disability-adjusted life years worldwide. Teaching a healthy eating style is one preventive measure to prevent the disease's recurrence. This study aimed to determine the effect of healthy nutrition education with the help of traffic light labels on food selection, preference, and consumption in patients with acute coronary syndrome. METHODS: This randomized, single-blinded clinical trial was conducted with 139 participants (66 in the intervention group and 73 in the control group) from January 2021 to August 2021 in Shaheed Rajaie Hospital, Tehran, Iran. The control group received standard training. The intervention group, besides this, received additional bedside training with an educational poster on traffic light labels from the research team during their final hospitalization days. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire on food selection, preference, and consumption. RESULTS: The Brunner-Munzel test showed no significant difference between the two groups in terms of selection (P = 0.127), preference (P = 0.852), and food consumption (P = 0.846) in the baseline, while after the intervention, there were significant differences in selection (P > 0.001), preference (P > 0.001), and consumption (p < 0.004). Comparing the difference between the two groups in the difference between the before and after scores for selection (p < 0.001), preference (p < 0.001), and food consumption (p = 0.011) with the Brunner-Munzel test indicated a significant difference in all outcome variables. CONCLUSIONS: Teaching healthy eating styles with the help of traffic light labels affected food selection, preference, and consumption and led to healthier diets in these patients. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Clinical trial registration: It was prospectively registered in the Iran Clinical Trials Registration Center on this date 30/10/2020 (IRCT20200927048857N1).

Unhealthy food consumption and its determinants among children aged 6 to 23 months in sub-Saharan Africa: a multilevel analysis of the demographic and health survey.

BACKGROUND: Unhealthy food consumption that begins early in life is associated with a higher risk of nutrient inadequacy and related chronic diseases later in life. Healthy eating and consumption of important nutrients help to maintain a healthy body weight and reduce the risk of developing chronic conditions. Research from sub-Saharan Africa regarding consumption of unhealthy foods remains limited, with no studies quantifying the pooled prevalence among young children. Therefore, this study is intended to assess the pooled prevalence and determinants of unhealthy food consumption among children aged 6 to 23 months. METHODS: Data from the most recent demographic and health surveys of five countries in sub-Saharan Africa conducted between 2015 and 2022 were used. A total weighted sample of 16,226 children aged 6 to 23 months was included in the study. Data extracted from DHS data sets were cleaned, recorded, and analyzed using STATA/SE version 14.0 statistical software. Multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression was used to determine the factors associated with the dependent variable. Intra-class correlation coefficient, likelihood ratio test, median odds ratio, and deviance (-2LLR) values were used for model comparison and fitness. Finally, variables with a p-value < 0.05 and an adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval were declared statistically significant. RESULTS: The pooled prevalence of unhealthy food consumption among children aged 6 to 23 months was 13.41% (95% CI: 12.89-13.94%). Higher consumption of unhealthy foods was reported among mothers with low education [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.37; 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.30, 0.46)], unmarried women [AOR = 1.19; 95% CI (1.05, 1.34)], who had no media exposure [AOR = 0.64; 95% CI (0.56, 0.72)], delivered at home [AOR = 0.74; 95% CI (0.62, 0.87)], who hadn't had a PNC checkup [AOR = 0.66; 95% CI (0.60, 0.73)], wealthier households [AOR = 1.20; 95% CI (1.05, 1.37)], older children (aged ≥ 9 months) [AOR = 3.88; 95% CI (3.25, 4.63)], and low community level media exposure [AOR = 1.18; 95% CI (1.04, 1.34)]. CONCLUSION: Nearly one out of seven children aged 6 to 23 months consumed unhealthy foods. Maternal educational level, marital status of the mother, exposure to media, wealth index, place of delivery, PNC checkup, and the current age of the child were factors significantly associated with unhealthy food consumption. Therefore, improving women's education, disseminating nutrition-related information through the media, providing more attention to poor and unmarried women, and strengthening health facility delivery and postnatal care services are recommended.

Can mindfulness-based training impact explicit and implicit attitudes and sustainable nutrition behavior? A focus on vegetarianism.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of a mindfulness intervention (IG) compared to an inactive control group (CG) on explicit and implicit attitudes toward vegetarian and meat-based foods, nutrition behavior measures, trait mindfulness and wellbeing. METHODS: In the IG (N = 66), we implemented a mindfulness-based intervention consisting of eight weekly group sessions online, along with an additional half-day session held on campus. The CG (N = 71) received no intervention or training. We employed a pre-/post-intervention design involving questionnaires (trait mindfulness, wellbeing, sustainable nutrition behavior scale), an online supermarket scenario, as well as an explicit rating task and an implicit association task using pictures of vegetarian and meat-based foods. Additionally, a voluntary follow-up testing was conducted two months after the final group session. RESULTS: No intervention effects were observed on explicit and implicit attitudes, wellbeing, or nutrition behavior measures. However, there was an increase in trait mindfulness within the IG. Exploratory cross-sectional findings indicated that trait mindfulness facets such as "Acting with Awareness" and "Outer Awareness", along with explicit attitudes, were significant predictors of self-reported sustainable consumption behavior. Additionally, sex and explicit attitudes were identified as significant predictors of vegetarian consumption behavior in the online supermarket task. CONCLUSION: Our findings could not substantiate previous claims regarding the potential causal effects of mindfulness practice on sustainable consumption behavior, specifically in the realm of sustainable and vegetarian nutrition, as well as subjective wellbeing. Future studies may benefit from implementing longer-term mindfulness-based interventions and considering other potential decisive factors, such as connectedness to nature and others. Integrating training elements focusing on these specific variables into the intervention could be valuable.

A systematic review of educational nutrition interventions based on behavioral theories in school adolescents.

The purpose of this study was to summarize the evidence from studies conducted on adolescents, evaluating educational nutrition interventions for the modification of food consumption through controlled trials based on behavior change theories or models and implemented in school settings. A systematic search was carried out through PubMed and ERIC databases between November and December 2020, and updated in February 2023; English-language keywords were used, and no publication date limits were applied. Two authors independently performed the search, data extraction, data synthesis and risk of bias assessment. Twelve studies meeting the inclusion criteria were included. The interventions were based on different theories; the most used was the Social Cognitive Theory. Eleven of the twelve studies showed favorable modifications in the consumption of at least two of the food groups. Most studies were at low risk of bias, and only one was classified as high risk. It is concluded that educational nutrition interventions based on behavior change theories/models and implemented in the school setting influence positive changes in adolescents eating behavior.

The effect of a mindfulness-based body scan exercise on food intake during TV watching.

In some studies mindfulness is associated with reduced food consumption, but the underlying mechanisms are less well researched. One potential mechanism is that mindfulness increases attention toward feelings of fullness. Additionally, experimental research on mindfulness and food intake has primarily been conducted in constrained laboratory settings, where it may be easier for participants to notice their internal bodily signals, as opposed to the real world where individuals are often engaged in other activities while eating. The effect of mindfulness on food intake while participants are distracted remains unexplored. This study therefore aimed to examine whether a mindfulness-based body scan exercise reduced food consumption within a distracted environment by increasing attention toward feelings of fullness. Participants (n = 137) listened to a 10-minute body scan meditation, or a 10-minute visualisation (control) meditation. They were then given a bowl of crisps to consume while watching a 10-minute TV show segment. Participants also completed measures assessing proposed mediators, including state mindfulness, attention to bodily sensations and eating automaticity. The body scan manipulation increased state mindfulness but had no direct effect on the other mediators or on food intake (intervention M = 34.79g, SD = 24.06; control M = 33.16g, SD = 23.88). State mindfulness was positively correlated with attention to bodily sensations while eating. Lower eating automaticity and greater reliance on decreased food appeal and physical satisfaction to stop eating were found to be associated with lower food intake. Contrary to previous studies, we found no evidence that a mindfulness body scan reduces food consumption when participants are distracted. Future research should examine the specific conditions under and mechanisms by which mindfulness may influence food consumption.

The effectiveness of Go/No-Go and Stop-Signal training in reducing food consumption and choice: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The Go/No-Go and Stop-Signal tasks have been used to reduce excess food intake via repeated pairing of food cues with response inhibition. A meta analysis of 32 studies was conducted to determine whether, and under which conditions, the Go/No-Go and Stop-Signal training tasks are effective in reducing food consumption or choice. Moderators included task parameters (e.g., number of sessions, stop signal), sample differences (e.g., age, weight), and the measure of food consumption or choice. Overall, there was a small effect for Go/No-Go and Stop-Signal training in reducing food consumption or choice, g = -0.21, CI95 = [-0.31, -0.11], p < .001, with this holding individually only for a single session of the Go/No-Go Task, g = -0.31, CI95 = [-0.45, -0.18], p < .001. Comprehensive investigation of the impact of varying moderators indicated that the effect for Go/No-Go training was robust. Nevertheless, there was significant variation in the specific parameters of the task. Overall, the present meta-analysis extends previous findings by providing comprehensive evidence that the Go/No-Go Task is effective in reducing food consumption and choice, as well as providing optimal parameter recommendations for the task.