Molecular epidemiology of pregnancy using omics data: advances, success stories, and challenges.

Multi-omics approaches have been successfully applied to investigate pregnancy and health outcomes at a molecular and genetic level in several studies. As omics technologies advance, research areas are open to study further. Here we discuss overall trends and examples of successfully using omics technologies and techniques (e.g., genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and metagenomics) to investigate the molecular epidemiology of pregnancy. In addition, we outline omics applications and study characteristics of pregnancy for understanding fundamental biology, causal health, and physiological relationships, risk and prediction modeling, diagnostics, and correlations.

A video lesson series is effective in changing the dietary intakes and food-related behaviors of low-income homemakers.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the relative cost-effectiveness of a self-administered video series in delivering nutrition education to low-income homemakers. DESIGN: A quasi-experimental design was used, with subjects randomly assigned to traditional lessons (Traditional Group) or video lessons (Video Group). SUBJECTS/SETTING: 108 subjects were recruited, with 93 nonpregnant, low-income, female homemakers completing the study (response rate = 86%). Subjects had recently enrolled in the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program, or the Food Stamp Nutrition Education Program, and had a videocassette recorder and telephone. INTERVENTION: Both groups received 12 lessons from the Eating Right Is Basic Series, 3rd edition, with the Traditional Group being taught in face-to-face sessions and the Video Group receiving self-administered, video-lesson packets. OUTCOME MEASURES: Dietary intake and food behaviors were assessed at pre and post intervention with 24-hour recalls and a 14-item checklist. STATISTICAL ANALYSES: Chi(2) and t tests were used to compare the groups on demographics and pre-intervention dietary factors. Multiple analysis of variance was used for comparisons of change from pre to post intervention. RESULTS: Significant improvements were observed in both groups for fruits, calcium, and vitamins A and C. The Video Group improved on fiber intake (P

Characteristics of low-income African-American and Caucasian adults that are important in self-management of type 2 diabetes.

Incidence of type 2 diabetes has greatly increased in the US, with over 90 percent having type 2. A cross-sectional, self-report survey was conducted for the purpose of assessing characteristics associated with self-management of type 2 diabetes (attitudes, certain behaviors, and perceived knowledge) among low-income Caucasian and African-American adults enrolled in the Food Stamp Nutrition Education Program (FSNEP). At the time of the study, almost 11 percent of FSNEP adult participants (457 individuals) throughout the state had type 2 diabetes. Among 196 subjects interviewed for the study, 86 were Caucasian (44%) and 100 (51%) were African-American. Results indicated that over three-fourths of subjects had been counseled on diet and exercise, but less that half were following dietary recommendations and only one-fourth were getting adequate exercise. No significant differences were found between the two race groups on assessed characteristics or among subjects grouped by place of residence (p < or = 0.01). Significant correlations were found among subjects' characteristics, including perceived health status, perceived knowledge of diabetes, attitudes towards diabetes, meal-plan adherence, perceived barriers to physical activity, and reported diabetes control (p < or = 0.0001). Findings imply that (a) self-management education for type 2 diabetes does not need to be different for African-Americans vs. Caucasians in southern states and (b) best disease control is achieved when those with type 2 diabetes have a high degree of knowledge of diabetes, positive attitudes, good meal plan adherence, and few perceived barriers to physical activity.