Methodology to estimate natural- and vaccine-induced antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in a large geographic region.

Accurate estimates of natural and/or vaccine-induced antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 are difficult to obtain. Although model-based estimates of seroprevalence have been proposed, they require inputting unknown parameters including viral reproduction number, longevity of immune response, and other dynamic factors. In contrast to a model-based approach, the current study presents a data-driven detailed statistical procedure for estimating total seroprevalence (defined as antibodies from natural infection or from full vaccination) in a region using prospectively collected serological data and state-level vaccination data. Specifically, we conducted a longitudinal statewide serological survey with 88,605 participants 5 years or older with 3 prospective blood draws beginning September 30, 2020. Along with state vaccination data, as of October 31, 2021, the estimated percentage of those 5 years or older with naturally occurring antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in Texas is 35.0% (95% CI = (33.1%, 36.9%)). This is 3× higher than, state-confirmed COVID-19 cases (11.83%) for all ages. The percentage with naturally occurring or vaccine-induced antibodies (total seroprevalence) is 77.42%. This methodology is integral to pandemic preparedness as accurate estimates of seroprevalence can inform policy-making decisions relevant to SARS-CoV-2.

Racial and ethnic differences in the home food environment explain disparities in dietary practices of middle school children in Texas.

OBJECTIVE: To examine racial and ethnic differences among middle school children in the home food environment (HFE) and the extent to which associations of healthy and unhealthy eating with the HFE differ by race and ethnicity. DESIGN: Cross-sectional secondary analyses of baseline data from Coordinated Approach to Child Health Middle School, a school-based intervention targeting obesity and obesogenic behaviors among middle school children in Austin, TX. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 2,502 children (mean age, 13.9 years; 58% Hispanic, 28% white, and 14% black). VARIABLES MEASURED: Availability and accessibility of healthy foods, and parental support of healthy eating, and family meals. Consumption of both healthy and unhealthy foods was examined. ANALYSIS: Differences across racial and ethnic groups in aspects of HFE were estimated using linear regression. Models also examined racial and ethnic differences in consumption of healthy and unhealthy foods. If adjusting for HFE, such differences were accounted for. RESULTS: White children had significantly better HFEs than Hispanic and black children with greater availability and accessibility of healthy foods (P < .001). Adjusting for a healthy HFE reduced disparities in consumption of healthy foods but not in consumption of unhealthy foods. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Improved HFE may increase healthy eating among ethnic minorities but is unlikely to reduce unhealthy eating.

Beliefs and social norms about ephedra onset and perceived addiction among college male and female athletes.

In Spring 2003, a qualitative approach was used to investigate relevant beliefs and norms associated with ephedra initiation and perceived addiction to the drug among 43 primarily minority athletes, attending a historically Black university in the southwestern region of the United States, who self-identified as past users. In general, participants stated that their second ephedra use event occurred on the same day as or the day after initiation. The majority of participants perceived that addiction was established by routine and eccentric behavior. Male athletes stated they used ephedra for improved athletic performance while females stated they used the drug for weight loss. Male participants stated it is difficult to quit ephedra use because of the resulting decrease in athletic performance, sickness, and weight gain. Female athletes were more concerned with their appearance. These findings are important in determining the early extent to which addiction is self-identified.

The prevalence and patterns of occupational injury among south Texas high school students.

High school students frequently work long hours during the school year, increasing their risk of injury. Few studies have examined the relation between work injury and weekly work hours. This paper describes injuries among students in South Texas, where economically disadvantaged Hispanic students are heavily represented. Anonymous surveys were collected from 3565 secondary students in 23 schools. Self-reported data included weekly work hours and type of injury and job when injured. A dose-response effect was observed: increasing weekly work hours were related to injury (1-10 hours, adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.0; 11-20 hours, 1.4; 21+ hours, 1.5), P < .000. The AOR for restaurant work was 3.2; for construction, 3.0; for factory, office, or skilled labor, 2.9; for agriculture, 2.8; for yard work, 2.0; and for babysitting (1.0). Males (OR = 1.5) were more prone to injury. High-intensity weekly work increased the likelihood of injury. Prevention efforts should be targeted to youth to reduce work injuries.

Serum cholesterol levels in children are associated with dietary fat and fatty acid intake.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies in adults suggest that individual dietary fatty acids differ markedly in their effects on serum lipids and lipoprotein levels. However, these associations have rarely been studied in children. OBJECTIVE: To assess, using regression procedures, the associations in children between specific fatty acids and nonfasting serum lipids and cholesterol after controlling for total energy and total fat intake, SUBJECTS: The sample consisted of 1,182 children who participated in the Child and Adolescent Trial for Cardiovascular Health. The sample was equally distributed across 4 sites (Louisiana, Texas, Minnesota, California). The sample was 48% boys; 71% white, 15% Hispanic-American, 10% African-American, 2% Asian, and 2% from other or unspecified racial/ethnic heritage. DESIGN: In this randomized multicenter trial with 56 intervention and 40 control elementary schools, food record-assisted 24-hour dietary recalls and serum lipid measurements were collected for each child at baseline (3rd grade) and at the 5th grade follow-up. STATISTICAL ANALYSES: Repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to evaluate the association between nutrient composition of the diet and serum lipids. Independent dietary variables included amount and type of fat, individual fatty acids, protein, carbohydrate, and fiber. The dependent variables were the absolute values of serum total cholesterol (TC) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) both at baseline (3rd grade) and at follow-up (5th grade). RESULTS: Increased total fat (b=0.053; P<.03) was associated with increased TC in the model when energy was held constant, whereas increased carbohydrate was associated with decreased TC (b=-0.021, P<.02) and HDL-C (b=-0.010, P<.005) levels. Increased total protein (b=0.017, P<.05) was associated with increased HDL-C when energy was held constant. Saturated fat (b=0.004, P<.04), unsaturated fat (b=0.004, P<.03), and myristic fatty acid (b=0.021, P<.01) all increased TC in the model when total fat and total energy were held constant. CONCLUSIONS/APPLICATIONS: We conclude that using a modeling approach, the effect of diet on serum lipids in children is similar to that observed in adults. Total fat and saturated fat were positively associated with TC and HDLC levels, saturated fat was positively associated with TC, and carbohydrate was inversely associated with both TC and HDL-C. In the statistical model, substitution of unsaturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, or oleic acid for saturated fat, while holding total fat and energy constant, slightly lowered TC. In contrast, substitution of total fat for carbohydrate in the model increased TC and, thus, did not seem to be associated with an apparent health advantage except for HDL-C elevating effects. However, consumption of individual fats tends to be highly correlated, and we were unable to determine if these biological effects were operating independently.

Fifth through eighth grade longitudinal predictors of tobacco use among a racially diverse cohort: CATCH.

CATCH provides multiethnic cohort data from third to eighth grades from four US geographic regions. This study examined smoking behaviors and predictors from fifth and eighth grades by ethnicity, gender, and geographic location through self-report data obtained from the cohort (N = 3,654). Overall, eighth grade prevalence for ever smoked was about 44%, 30-day prevalence was about 20%, 7-day prevalence 13.3%, and daily prevalence 7.4%. Prevalence was similar for Caucasians (21.5%) and Latinos (21.6%) and lowest for African Americans (13.1%). The 30-day prevalence for smokeless tobacco was higher for boys than for girls (9.8% vs 5.1%). Tobacco use by parents, siblings, and friends, and easy accessibility in the home in fifth grade, were significant predictors for smoking in eighth grade. Results did not differ by race, gender, or geographic location. The strongest correlate of smoking in eighth grade was having a best friend who smoked. Intention not to smoke in fifth grade predicted nonsmoking in eighth grade. Predictor strength across ethnic groups in different geographic regions was impressive. The social environment of young people continues to be an important instigator of smoking onset. The connection between intention and behavior over time suggests students' intentions not to smoke reflect decision-making at an early age.

Violent behavior among urban youth attending alternative schools.

This study described violent behavior and aggression among youth attending alternative schools, and examined sociodemographic factors associated with such violence. The study involved 494 students attending 10 alternative schools in Houston, Texas. Data were collected between November 2000 and February 2001 by audio-enabled laptop computers equipped with headphones. Students self-reported an average of 11.8 aggressive acts during the week prior to the survey. Students reported a 30-day weapon carrying prevalence of 22.7%; 30-day gun carrying prevalence of 11.1%; 30-day knife or club prevalence of 17.2%; 12-month fighting prevalence of 50.6%; and 12-month prevalence of injuries due to fighting of 6.5%. Association between demographic variables, self-reported aggressive behavior, and other forms of aggression was examined using multivariate logistic regression. Students were divided into four mutually exclusive violence-related categories: no fighting and no weapon (referent), fighting only, carrying weapon only, fighting and weapon carrying. Student aggression was significantly associated with fighting and weapon carrying, with incremental increases at each level (OR 1.1 per unit of increase, 95% CI 1.1-1.2) and in presence of the covariates. Among Houston's alternative school students, the prevalence of violent behavior (weapon carrying, gun carrying, knife or club carrying, fighting, and treatment by a doctor or nurse for injuries) is higher compared to regular high school students. Aggression related strongly to weapon carrying and fighting in the sample. Data indicate alternative school youth urgently need prevention and treatment programs to help them live in safer environments.