Relationships among Sleep Time, Physical Activity Time, Screen Time, and Nutrition Literacy of Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study in Chongqing, China.

Background: Unhealthy lifestyles among adolescents are reaching alarming levels and have become a major public health problem. This study aimed to assess the relationship between sleep time, physical activity (PA) time, screen time (ST), and nutritional literacy (NL). Methods: This cross-sectional online study involving adolescents aged 10-18 years was conducted in September 2020 in 239 schools in Chongqing, China. NL was measured using the "Nutrition Literacy Scale for middle school students in Chongqing (CM-NLS)". According to the recommended by the Chinese dietary guidelines (2022), we divided the sleep time of junior high school students into <9 h and ≥9 h, high school students into <8 h and ≥8 h, divided the workdays into weekend PA time < 1 h and ≥1 h, and divided the workdays into weekend ST < 2 h and ≥2 h. The multinomial logistic regression model was used to examine the association. Results: A total of 18,660 adolescents (50.2% males) were included. The proportion of participants that were junior high school students and attended boarding schools was 57.2% and 65.3%, respectively. Compared with senior high school students, junior high school students had a higher level of NL. Whether on workdays or weekends, participants with sleep time ≥ 8/9 h, PA time ≥ 1 h, and ST < 2 h per day had higher levels of NL. On weekdays, participants who met the sleep time ≥ 8 h/9 h (OR = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.36, 1.62) and PA time ≥ 1 h (OR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.59, 1.81) had higher reporting of NL levels. Conclusions: Sleep time, PA time, and ST were positively correlated with NL among adolescents, especially junior high school students.

Adiposity indicators exhibit depot- and sex-specific associations with multimorbidity onset: A cohort study of the UK Biobank.

AIM: This study investigated the depot- and sex-specific associations of adiposity indicators with incident multimorbidity and comorbidity pairs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We selected 382 678 adults without multimorbidity (≥2 chronic diseases) at baseline from the UK Biobank. General obesity, abdominal obesity and body fat percentage indices were measured. RESULTS: Cox proportional hazard regression analyses of general obesity indices revealed that for every one-unit increase in body mass index, the risk of incident multimorbidity increased by 5.2% (95% confidence interval 5.0%-5.4%). A dose-response relationship was observed between general obesity degrees and incident multimorbidity. The analysis of abdominal obesity indices showed that for every 0.1 increment in waist-to-height ratio and waist-to-hip ratio, the risk of incident multimorbidity increased by 42.0% (37.9%-46.2%) and 27.9% (25.7%-30.0%), respectively. Central obesity, as defined by waist circumference, contributed to a 23.2% increased risk of incident multimorbidity. Hip circumference and hip-to-height ratio had protective effects on multimorbidity onset. Consistent findings were observed for males and females. Body fat percentage elevated 3% (0.2%-5.9%) and 5.3% (1.1%-9.7%) risks of incident multimorbidity in all adults and females, respectively. Arm fat percentages elevated 5.3% (0.8%-9.9%) and 19.4% (11.0%-28.5%) risks of incident multimorbidity in all adults and males, respectively. The general obesity indices, waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio, waist-to-hip ratio and central obesity increased the onset of comorbidity pairs, whereas hip circumference and hip-to-height ratio decreased the onset of comorbidity pairs. These adiposity indicators mainly affect diabetes mellitus-related comorbidity onset in males and hypertensive-related comorbidity onset in females. CONCLUSIONS: Adiposity indicators are predictors of multimorbidity and comorbidity pairs and represent a promising approach for intervention.

The Association between Lifestyle Factors and COVID-19: Findings from Qatar Biobank.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) manifestations range from mild to severe life-threatening symptoms, including death. COVID-19 susceptibility has been associated with various factors, but studies in Qatar are limited. The objective of this study was to investigate the correlation between COVID-19 susceptibility and various sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, including age, gender, body mass index, smoking status, education level, dietary patterns, supplement usage, physical activity, a history of bariatric surgery, diabetes, and hypertension. We utilized logistic regression to analyze these associations, using the data of 10,000 adult participants, aged from 18 to 79, from Qatar Biobank. In total, 10.5% (n = 1045) of the participants had COVID-19. Compared to non-smokers, current and ex-smokers had lower odds of having COVID-19 (odds ratio [OR] = 0.55; 95% CI: 0.44-0.68 and OR = 0.70; 95% CI: 0.57-0.86, respectively). Vitamin D supplement use was associated with an 18% reduction in the likelihood of contracting COVID-19 (OR = 0.82; 95% CI: 0.69-0.97). Obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2), a history of bariatric surgery, and higher adherence to the modern dietary pattern-characterized by the consumption of foods high in saturated fat and refined carbohydrates-were positively associated with COVID-19. Our findings indicate that adopting a healthy lifestyle may be helpful in the prevention of COVID-19 infection.

Effect of dietary selenium intake on CVD: a retrospective cohort study based on China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) data.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to examine the association between dietary Se intake and CVD risk in Chinese adults. DESIGN: This prospective cohort study included adults above 20 years old in the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS), and they were followed up from 1997 to 2015 (n 16 030). Dietary data were retrieved from CHNS, and a 3-d, 24-h recall of food intake was used to assess the cumulative average intake of dietary Se, which was divided into quartiles. The Cox proportional hazards model was adopted to analyse the association between dietary Se intake and incident CVD risk. SETTING: CHNS (1991, 1993, 1997, 2000, 2004, 2006, 2009, 2011 and 2015). RESULTS: A total of 663 respondents developed CVD after being followed up for a mean of 9·9 years (median 9 years). The incidence of CVD was 4·3, 3·7, 4·6 and 4·0 per 1000 person-years across the quartiles of cumulative Se intake. After adjusting all potential factors, no significant associations were found between cumulative Se intake and CVD risk. No interactions were found between Se intake and income, urbanisation, sex, region, weight, hypertension and CVD risk. CONCLUSION: We found no association between dietary Se and CVD.

Circadian Syndrome Is Associated with Dietary Patterns among Middle-Older Americans: The Health and Retirement Study.

Population aging is a global demographic characteristic of the 21st century, and healthy eating is a core component of healthy aging. However, limited evidence is available among older adults for associations between diet quality and circadian syndrome (CircS). Thus, this study examined associations between dietary patterns and CircS among a representative sample of middle-older adults in the US. The sample comprised middle-older adults enrolled in the 2016 core wave of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) and one of its sub-studies, the 2013 Health Care and Nutrition Study (HCNS). A food frequency questionnaire was used to quantify habitual food intake and identify dietary patterns using a factor analysis. CircS was defined based on the existence of ≥4 components of metabolic syndrome and indicators of sleep disorders and depression. A total of 4253 middle-older adults with a mean age (SD) of 65.4 (10.0) years were included in the study. The prevalence of CircS was 35.9%. Comparing extreme quartiles of the "Prudent Pattern", the odds ratio (95% CI) for CircS was 0.72 (0.55-0.94), and it was 1.47 (1.10-1.95) for the "Western Pattern". The "Western Pattern" was positively associated while the "Prudent Pattern" was inversely associated with the odds of CircS among middle-older adults.

Healthy Diet-Related Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) and Related Socio-Demographic Characteristics among Middle-Aged and Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Survey in Southwest China.

Objective This study aimed to investigate the current status and influencing factors of healthy diet knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) among middle-aged and older adults aged 45-75 in Southwest China. Methods A questionnaire survey was conducted among 1822 middle-aged and older adults in Southwest China (including Guizhou, Sichuan, Yunnan, and Chongqing) from February to May 2021. Results The average score of healthy diet knowledge was (4.82 ± 2.98), with a passing rate of 7.6%. The mean score of healthy diet attitude was (21.26 ± 4.18), with a passing rate of 69.5%. The average score of healthy diet practice was (13.76 ± 2.84), with a passing rate of 55.5%. The score for healthy diet KAP was (39.85 ± 7.21), with a passing rate of 41.2%. Univariate analysis showed that the scores of healthy diet KAP were significantly different among participants of different ages, genders, ethnicities, residences, education levels, monthly household incomes, and regions, as well as varying according to whether several generations have lived in the same area (p < 0.05). The results of multiple linear regression showed that the healthy diet KAP of participants was influenced by age, gender, residence, education level, monthly household income, and region (p < 0.05). Conclusion The healthy diet KAP of middle-aged and older adults aged 45-75 in Southwest China shows room for improvement. The knowledge regarding healthy diet was relatively low, and certain specific healthy diet practices were not up to the standard. However, there was a positive trend in the attitude towards a healthy diet. Healthy diet education should be promoted for middle-aged and older adults.

Bias and Accuracy of Glomerular Filtration Rate Estimating Equations in the US: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Importance: There is increasing concern that continued use of a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) estimating equation adjusted for a single racial group could exacerbate chronic kidney disease-related disparities and inequalities. Objective: To assess the performance of GFR estimating equations across varied patient populations. Data Sources: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Scopus databases were systematically searched from January 2012 to February 2023. Study Selection: Inclusion criteria were studies that compared measured GFR with estimated GFR in adults using established reference standards and methods. A total of 6663 studies were initially identified for screening and review. Data Extraction and Synthesis: Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, 2 authors independently extracted data on studies that examined the bias and accuracy of GFR estimating equations. For each outcome, a random-effects model was used to calculate pooled estimates. Data analysis was conducted from March to December 2023. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcomes were bias and accuracy of estimated GFRs in Black vs non-Black patients, as well as in individuals with chronic conditions. Bias was defined as the median difference between the measured GFR and the estimated GFR. Accuracy was assessed with P30 (the proportion of persons in a data set whose estimated GFR values were within 30% of measured GFR values) and measures of heterogeneity. Results: A total of 12 studies with a combined 44 721 patients were included. Significant heterogeneity was found in the bias of various GFR estimation equations. Race-corrected equations and creatinine-based equations tended to overestimate GFR in Black populations and showed mixed results in non-Black populations. For creatinine-based equations, the mean bias in subgroup analysis was 2.1 mL/min/1.73 m2 (95% CI, -0.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 to 4.4 mL/min/1.73 m2) in Black persons and 1.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 (95% CI, 0.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 to 2.5 mL/min/1.73 m2) in non-Black persons. Equations using only cystatin C had small biases. Regarding accuracy, heterogeneity was high in both groups. The overall P30 was 84.5% in Black persons and 87.8% in non-Black persons. Creatinine-based equations were more accurate in non-Black persons than in Black persons. For creatinine-cystatin C equations, the P30 was higher in non-Black persons. There was no significant P30 difference in cystatin C-only equations between the 2 groups. In patients with chronic conditions, P30 values were generally less than 85%, and the biases varied widely. Conclusions and Relevance: This systematic review and meta-analysis of GFR estimating equations suggests that there is bias in race-based GFR estimating equations, which exacerbates kidney disease disparities. Development of a GFR equation independent of race is a crucial starting point, but not the sole solution. Addressing the disproportionate burden of kidney failure on Black individuals in the US requires an enduring, multifaceted approach that should include improving diagnostics, tackling social determinants of health, confronting systemic racism, and using effective disease prevention and management strategies.

Impact of the MIF -173G/C variant on cardiovascular disease risk: a meta-analysis of 9,047 participants.

Introduction: Many factors contribute to the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), an umbrella term for several different heart diseases, including inflammation. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is an important immune modulator that has been shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of different heart diseases, so understanding pathogenic variants of the MIF gene is important for risk stratification. We therefore conducted a meta-analysis to investigate whether the MIF -173G/C (rs755622) polymorphism is associated with CVD. Methods: The PubMed, Science Direct, and Embase databases were searched from inception to June 2023 for case-control studies of the MIF -173G/C polymorphism and its relationship to any type of CVD. Correlations between the MIF -173G/C polymorphism and CVD were estimated by pooling the odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals in allelic, dominant, and recessive models using random-effects meta-analysis. Results: A total of 9,047 participants (4141 CVD cases and 4906 healthy controls) from 11 relevant studies were included. In the total population, there was no significant association between the MIF -173G/C (rs755622) polymorphism and the risk of developing CVD in the three different models. In a stratified analysis by ethnicity, the allelic model (C vs G) was significantly associated with CVD in the Arab and Asian populations (OR = 0.56, CI 0.42 -0.75 and OR = 1.28, CI 1.12 -1.46, respectively); the dominant model (CC+CG vs GG) was significantly associated with CVD in the Arab population (OR = 0.42, CI 0.30 -0.61); while the recessive model (GG+GC vs CC) was associated with CVD susceptibility in the Arab population (OR = 3.84, CI 1.57 -9.41). There were no significant associations between the MIF -173 G/C polymorphism and CVD risk in the European population. Conclusion, the MIF -173G/C polymorphism is associated with CVD in some populations. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, PROSPERO (CRD42023441139).

Impact of COVID-19 on risks and deaths of non-communicable diseases in the Western Pacific region.

Countries and areas in the Western Pacific region (WPR) experienced the COVID-19 pandemic and took various preventive measures, which affected non-communicable diseases (NCDs) risks and mortality. Due to differences in COVID-19 prevention measures and other characteristics such as culture, religions, political systems, socioeconomic development, lifestyles, and health care systems, the effects of COVID-19 on NCDs varied greatly among WPR countries. Most countries had an increased all-cause and NCDs mortality during the pandemic, but some developed countries, including New Zealand, Singapore and Australia reported decreased mortality. The pandemic and the preventive measures increased NCD risk factors including unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity and sleep disorders. The effects varied by socioeconomic status and health conditions. COVID-19 related stress, food shortages, and confined lifestyle had immediate detrimental effects on NCDs, and also affected pregnancy outcomes with long-term effects on NCDs risks in coming years.

Ultra-processed food consumption and risk of chronic respiratory diseases mortality among adults: evidence from a prospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to determine the relationships between ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption and risk of mortality due to chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) overall, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer. METHODS: A total of 96,607 participants aged 55 years and over were included from the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian (PLCO) cancer trial. Dietary intake was measured using food frequency questionnaire. Cox regression was fitted to estimate the risk of all-cause mortality and mortality due to CRDs overall, COPD and lung cancer associated with UPF intake. Competing risk regression was used to account for deaths from other causes and censoring. RESULTS: During the follow-up of 1,379,655.5 person-years (median 16.8 years), 28,700 all-cause, 4092 CRDs, 2015 lung cancer and 1,536 COPD mortality occurred. A higher intake of UPF increased the risk of mortality from CRDs overall by 10% (HR 1.10; 95% CI 1.01, 1.22) and COPD by 26% (HR 1.26; 95% CI 1.06, 1.49) but not associated with lung cancer mortality risk (HR 0.97; 95% CI 0.84, 1.12). However, the risk of lung cancer increased by 16% (HR 1.16; 95% CI 1.01, 1.34) in the highest UPF intake after multiple imputation. Dose-response relationships existed for CRDs and COPD mortality but not lung cancer. CONCLUSION: UPF consumption was associated with an increased risk of CRD mortality. The association between UPF consumption and lung cancer mortality is inconclusive and only significant when multiple imputation was applied.

Dietary Patterns and Hypothyroidism in U.S. Adult Population.

The thyroid gland produces hormones that are essential for various body functions. Hypothyroidism is defined as insufficient thyroid hormone production. Several studies have found associations between specific micronutrients and overall thyroid function; however, the amount of evidence regarding the relationship between dietary patterns and hypothyroidism among the U.S. population is limited. Data from three cycles of National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES), 2007-2008, 2009-2010, and 2011-2012, were used (n = 8317). Subjects with serum thyroid stimulating hormone >4.5 mIU/L or on levothyroxine were considered to have hypothyroidism. Age, sex, race/ethnicity, body mass index, and several lifestyle factors were considered as covariates. Three patterns were extracted using factor analysis. These were labeled as fat-processed grains-sugars-meats (FPSM), oils-nuts-potatoes-low-fat meats (ONPL), and fruits-whole grains-vegetables-dairy (FWVD) patterns. In a weighted multiple logistic regression, FPSM and ONPL were inversely associated with hypothyroidism (OR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.57-1; p = 0.049 and OR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.67-0.97; p = 0.025, respectively). However, FWVD demonstrated no association with hypothyroidism (p = 0.63). In conclusion, FPSM and ONPL patterns but not FWVD patterns were associated with hypothyroidism in U.S. adults. Nutrient deficiencies and their interactions may be linked to hypothyroidism.

Blood Homocysteine Levels Mediate the Association Between Blood Lead Levels and Cardiovascular Mortality.

Lead is a heavy, toxic metal and its exposure to humans can lead to increased risk of cardiovascular disease development and mortality. Lead exposure has been shown to induce hyperhomocysteinemia (HHCy) which may be a major pathogenic risk for the risk of CVDs. The aim of this study was to investigate whether homocysteine (Hcy) mediates the effect of lead on cardiovascular mortality. A total of 17,915 adults aged ≥ 20 who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999 to 2006). Information on mortality was ascertained via probabilistic matching to the death certificates from the National Death Index recorded up to December 31, 2015. Cox proportional hazards regression was performed to assess the association between blood lead levels and mortality. Mediation via Hcy was examined using a logit model. During a mean follow-up of 11.6 years, the incidences of CVD mortality were 0.73, 2.18, 3.03 and 4.94 per 1000 person-years across quarterlies of blood lead levels from low to high. Following multivariable adjustment, blood lead levels were strongly associated with CVD mortality in all mortality models (p-trend < 0.001). This association remained statistically significant after further adjusting for quartiles of homocysteine (model 3; HR 1.38 (95% CI 1.01-1.89) p-trend < 0.001). Furthermore, blood lead levels increased the odds of CVD mortality via homocysteine (indirect effect) (OR 1.42 (95% CI 1.30-1.55)), demonstrating the mediatory effect of homocysteine. This the first study that demonstrates that increased homocysteine mediates nearly half of CVD mortality related to blood lead levels.

Understanding the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Healthy Eating among Adolescents in Chongqing, China: An Empirical Study Utilizing Structural Equation Modeling.

Healthy eating is crucial for optimal growth, development, and the prevention of chronic diseases in adolescents. Our study aimed to develop a comprehensive structural equation model (SEM) to analyze the relationships between knowledge, attitudes, practices (KAP), and healthy eating among adolescents in Chongqing. An online questionnaire was administered to middle school students in 39 districts and counties of Chongqing, China from 2 December to 15 December 2021 to collect sociodemographic and KAP information. SEM models were constructed to examine the relationships between educational environment and healthy eating knowledge, attitudes, and practices. The Monte Carlo test was employed to assess the significance of the mediating effect of relevant variables. The study included 139,832 adolescents aged 14.8 ± 0.7 years, with a 14% rate of overweight and obesity. Health and nutrition knowledge averaged a score of 3.60 ± 1.50 (correct rate: 60%). Participants had positive attitudes (average score: 13.61 ± 2.29) and engaged in healthy eating practices (average score: 12.06 ± 3.08). The results of the SEM revealed a significant influence of the educational environment on adolescents' knowledge (ß = 0.235, p < 0.001) and attitude towards healthy eating (ß = 0.143, p < 0.001). Knowledge exhibited positive effects on both attitude (ß = 0.225, p < 0.001) and practice (ß = 0.054, p < 0.001), while attitude exhibited positive effects on practice behavior (ß = 0.565, p < 0.001). The indirect effect of knowledge on practices through attitude was more substantial than the direct effect (ratio 2.361). Our study highlights the mediating role of attitude between healthy eating knowledge and practices. A significant association exists between a favorable educational environment and improved knowledge and positive attitudes toward healthy eating among adolescents. In the future, nutrition and health education should prioritize exploring effective ways to translate knowledge into practices.

Food safety-related practices among residents aged 18-75 years during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study in Southwest China.

BACKGROUND: Good food safety practices are essential to minimizing foodborne diseases. The present study explored the food safety-related practices of residents during the COVID-19 pandemic in Southwest China and identified the impacting factors. METHODS: Residents aged 18-75 years from Guizhou, Yunnan, Sichuan, and Chongqing, China, were included in our study. The convenience sampling method was used to select participants, and face-to-face surveys were conducted in households and communities to collect data. Descriptive statistics including sociodemographic characteristics of respondents and weighted percentages were obtained and the log-binomial regression was used to evaluate the influencing factors associated with food safety-related practices. RESULTS: Overall, 7,848 respondents were involved, with 97.5% efficacy. Disparities in food safety-related practices were observed between males and females, with the former performing poorer practices than the latter (70.5% vs. 68.0%, respectively). Notably, paying attention to nutrition labels when shopping for prepackaged foods was the worst practice. Age, ethnicity, region, occupation, education level, and income were identified as significant determinants of food safety-related practices. Moreover, in comparison to males, females were more likely to acquire pertinent knowledge from diverse sources, including social media, family members/ friends, books/ newspapers/ magazines, experts, and food sales staff (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Males performed inferior food safety-related practices than females during the COVID-19 pandemic in Southwest China. It is suggested that future food safety education programs should incorporate diverse targeted approaches, with emphasis on males. The role of mainstream media in promoting food safety practices should be expanded and prioritized in the forthcoming initiatives.

Association between body weight misperception and snacking patterns among adolescents: a population-based cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Unhealthy snacking behaviors and body weight misperception are both significant concerns in adolescent health. Weight misperception are common among youth and may influence their motivation to engage in health-related behaviors, however, the effect on snacking patterns choice remains unclear. Our study aimed to examine the relationship between body weight misperception and snacking pattern choice among school adolescents. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online survey platform. Body weight misperception was defined based on perceived body weight and true weight. Snack intake was measured using a qualitative food-frequency questionnaire. Factor analysis was used to identify snacking patterns, and multiple linear regression was employed to examine the association between body weight misperception and snacking patterns. RESULTS: 190,296 students with the average age of 13.3 ± 1.0 years was included, and 44.5% of students misperceived their weight. Overestimation was more prevalent than underestimation. Two snacking patterns, namely a high-calorie snacking pattern and a healthy snacking pattern, were identified with eigenvalues > 1. Weight underestimation was positively linked to high-calorie snacking pattern scores for both normal weight students (ß: 0.16, 95% CI: 0.11, 0.21) and students with overweight/obesity (ß: 0.44, 95% CI: 0.35, 0.52), and to healthy snacking scores for students with overweight/obesity (ß: 0.28, 95% CI: 0.22, 0.33), but negatively linked to healthy snacking pattern scores for normal weight students (ß: -0.12, 95% CI: -0.15, -0.09). Conversely, weight overestimation was negatively linked to both high-calorie and healthy snacking pattern scores for normal weight students (ß: -0.07, 95% CI: -0.11, -0.04 and ß: -0.13, 95% CI: -0.15, -0.10), but positively linked to healthy snacking scores for underweight students (ß: 0.15, 95% CI: 0.08, 0.21). Interactions were found between sex, grade, accommodation, only child, primary guardians, parental education level and weight misperception to snacking patterns. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents with normal weight and overweight/obesity who misperceived their weight exhibited less healthy snacking patterns, whereas underweight students who misperceived their weight displayed healthier snacking patterns. Comprehensive programs are crucial to educate and guide adolescents in understanding their weight status and making healthier snack choices, involving families, schools, and society.

Influence of adolescents' and parental dietary knowledge on adolescents' body mass index (BMI), overweight/obesity in 2004-2015: a longitudinal study.

OBJECTIVE: The global epidemic of overweight/obesity in children and adolescents poses a significant public health threat. This longitudinal study aims to investigate the relationship between adolescents' and their parents' dietary knowledge and overweight/obesity among adolescents in China. METHODS: Data were collected from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) in 2004, 2006, 2009, 2011 and 2015. Overweight/obesity was defined according to the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) cut-off for body mass index (BMI). A set of questions were used to assess the dietary knowledge scores of both adolescents and their parents during face-to-face interviews. Mixed effect models were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: A total of 2035 adolescents aged 12-17 years were included in the data analysis. The mean BMI increased from 19.2 in 2004 to 20.5 in 2015, with a significant increase in the prevalence of overweight and obesity from 6.8% and 0.5% in 2004 to 15.1% and 7.8% in 2015, respectively. Adolescents with medium-score dietary knowledge were less likely to be overweight/obese compared to those with low-score dietary knowledge (OR (95% CI): 0.20 (0.05-0.80), P < 0.05). However, there was no association between parental dietary knowledge and adolescents' BMI or overweight/obesity (P > 0.05). Additionally, a significant interaction between adolescents' dietary knowledge score and education in relation to adolescents' BMI (P for interaction < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Adolescents with medium dietary knowledge were less likely to be overweight/obese than those with low knowledge, but no association was found with parental knowledge. Promoting nutritional education and healthy eating habits is vital to prevent overweight/obesity.

Association between Dietary Patterns and Cognitive Function among Qatari Adults: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of the Qatar Biobank Study.

This study aimed to assess the association between dietary patterns and cognitive function among Qatari adults. In a cross-sectional analysis, data on 1000 Qatari adults attending the Qatar Biobank Study (QBB) aged ≥18 years were obtained. Using factor analysis, dietary patterns were constructed based on habitual dietary intake assessed by food frequency questionnaires (FFQs). The mean reaction time (MRT) derived from self-administered touch screen tests was used as an indicator of cognitive function. The association between dietary patterns and MRT was investigated using linear regression. The mean age of the participants was 35.8 (SD 10.3) years, and the mean MRT was 715.3 (SD 204.1) milliseconds. Three dietary patterns were identified. The "traditional" dietary pattern, characterized by high intakes of white rice, mixed dishes and soups/starters possibly high in saturated fat and sodium, was positively associated with MRT. In the multivariable model, comparing the highest to lowest quartiles of the traditional pattern, the regression coefficient for MRT was 50.0 (95% CI 16.9, 83.1; p for trend 0.001). There was an effect modification of diabetes and age on the association between the "modern" dietary pattern and MRT. The "convenient" dietary pattern was not associated with cognition. In conclusion, the traditional rice-based dietary pattern may be associated with poor cognitive function.

Dietary Patterns and Circadian Syndrome among Adults Attending NHANES 2005-2016.

The study aimed to assess the associations of dietary patterns and circadian syndrome (CircS). Data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005-2016 were analyzed (n = 10,486). Factor analysis was used to construct dietary patterns based on two 24 h food recalls. CircS was defined based on components of the metabolic syndrome, with the addition of short sleep and depression symptoms. Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze the associations. Two major dietary patterns were identified. The Western dietary pattern had high loadings of refined grains, solid fats, added sugars, and red and cured meats, while the prudent pattern was characterized by a high intake of vegetables, whole grains, oils, nuts, and seeds. The prevalence of CircS was 41.3%. Comparing extreme quartiles of intake, the odds ratios (OR) for having CircS were 1.96 (95%CI 1.53-2.53) and 0.71 (95%CI 0.58-0.86) for the Western pattern and prudent pattern, respectively. The association between the Western dietary pattern and CircS was stronger among men (OR = 2.05; 95%CI 1.48-2.85) and those with low income (OR = 1.94; 95%CI 1.27-2.96) and high education (OR = 3.38; 95%CI 1.90-6.04). The Western dietary pattern was associated with a higher likelihood of having CircS, while the prudent pattern was inversely associated with CircS.

Association between war-related traumatic events and blood pressure trajectory: a population-based study among the mid-aged and older Palestinian adults living in Gaza.

Background: Little is known regarding health status in an environment characterized by instability and ongoing war risks. This study investigated hypertension disease burden and associations of war-related traumatic events with blood pressure (BP) trajectory over time amongst mid-aged and older Palestinian adults in Gaza Strip. Methods: From nine primary healthcare centers, medical records between 2013 and 2019 were collected for 1,000 mid-aged and older Palestinian adults living in Gaza. Multinomial logistic regression analysis examined associations between war-related traumatic events and BP trajectories derived using latent class trajectory analysis (LCTA). Results: The prevalence of self-reported injury (of participants or their family members), death of a family member, and violence due to house bombing was 51.4%, 54.1%, and 66.5%, respectively. In total, 22.4% and 21.4% of participants had constant-very-high (CVH) systolic BP (SBP) (>160 mmHg) and diastolic BP (DBP) (>95 mmHg), and normal-stable SBP and DBP was found only 54.9% and 52.6%, respectively. Injury (participants or family members), death of a family member, and violence due to house bombing during wars were associated with CVH SBP with odds ratios [95 CI, OR = 1.79 (1.28-2.48), 1.90 (1.36-2.65), and 1.44 (1.01-2.05)], respectively. The corresponding figures were [95 CI, OR = 1.92 (1.36-2.71), 1.90 (1.35-2.68), and 1.62 (1.13-2.38)] for CVH DBP. Living in debt was positively associated with CVH SBP, [95 CI, OR = 2.49 (1.73-3.60)] and CVH DBP, [95 CI, OR = 2.37 (1.63-3.45)]. Conclusion: The disease burden related to war-related traumatic events is high and positively related to adverse BP trajectory among the mid-aged and older Palestinians living in Gaza. Intervention programs are needed to manage and prevent chronic diseases in this vulnerable population.

Association between Dietary Patterns and Metabolic Syndrome and Modification Effect of Altitude: A Cohort Study of Tibetan Adults in China.

Little is known about the longitudinal association between dietary patterns (DPs) and metabolic disorders in people living at high altitude areas, such as Tibetans. We constructed the first open cohort, with 1832 Tibetans, and collected data in 2018 and in 2022. The metabolic syndrome (MetS) prevalence was 30.1% (32.3% in men and 28.3% in women). Three different DPs were identified: modern DP (pulses, poultry, offal, and processed meat), urban DP (vegetables, refined grain, beef/mutton, and eggs), and pastoral DP (Tibetan cheese, tsamba, butter/milk tea, and desserts). Participants within the third tertile of the urban DP had a 3.42-fold (95% CI 1.65-7.10) higher risk of MetS than those with the first tertile. Modern DP was positively associated with elevated blood pressure (BP) and elevated triglycerides (TAG), while it was inversely associated with low HDL-C. The urban DP was associated with a higher risk of low HDL-C, but a lower risk of impaired fasting blood glucose (FBG). The pastoral DP was a risk factor for impaired FBG, but protective for central obesity and elevated BP. Associations of modern DP with elevated BP, and pastoral DP with low HDL-C, were modified by altitude. In conclusion, among Tibetan adults, DPs were associated with MetS and its components, and the associations were modified by altitude among Tibetans.