Health Food Research Articles

Postbiotic Administration Ameliorates Colitis and Inflammation in Rats Possibly through Gut Microbiota Modulation.

Postbiotics are preparations of inanimate microorganisms and/or their components that are beneficial to host health. Compared with probiotics, the postbiotic dose required for exerting obvious protective effects is unknown. Thus, we conducted a dose-dependent postbiotic intervention study in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis rats. The trial included five rat groups, including: control without DSS/postbiotic treatment, group C; 7-day DSS treatment, group D; 14-day low, medium, and high probiotic doses (0.1, 0.2, 0.4 g/kg; groups L, M, H, respectively) after DSS induction. We found that postbiotic intervention effectively mitigated the symptoms and inflammation in colitis rats, evidenced by the improved spleen index, less severe colon tissue damage, and changes in serum cytokine levels (decreases in tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β; increase in interleukin-10) in postbiotic groups compared with group D. Moreover, the therapeutic effect was dose-dependent. Fecal metabolomics analysis revealed that the postbiotic recipients had more anti-inflammatory metabolites, namely, salicyloyl phytophingosine, podophylloxin, securinine, baicalein, and diosmetin. Fecal metagenomics analysis revealed that the postbiotic recipients had more beneficial microbes and less pro-inflammatory bacteria. This study confirmed that postbiotics are effective in alleviating colitis in a dose-dependent manner. Our findings are of interest to food scientists, clinicians, and the health food industry.

Perspective: Beyond the Mediterranean Diet—Exploring Latin American, Asian, and African Heritage Diets as Cultural Models of Healthy Eating

The Mediterranean diet is a well-studied cultural model of healthy eating, yet research on healthy models from other cultures and cuisines has been limited. This perspective article summarizes the components of traditional Latin American, Asian, and African heritage diets, their association with diet quality and markers of health, and implications for nutrition programs and policy. Though these diets differ in specific foods and flavors, we present a common thread that emphasizes healthful plant foods and that is consistent with high dietary quality and low rates of major causes of disability and deaths. In this perspective, we propose that nutrition interventions that incorporate these cultural models of healthy eating show promise, though further research is needed to determine health outcomes and best practices for implementation.

Impact of Dry Processing on Secondary Metabolites in the Petals of Marigold (Tagetes spp.) Cultivar

The edible flowers of marigold (Tagetes spp.) are cultivated for their aesthetic appeal and high utility as functional health food ingredients. Carotenoid and flavonoid contents in marigold petals highlight the importance of selecting the appropriate cultivar and its processing methods for their industrial applications. The comparative understanding of the effects of dry processing on functional components across different marigold cultivars is still lacking. Therefore, this study investigated functional compound changes in the dry processing effect on four marigold cultivars with distinct flower shapes (Durango, Inca) and colors (yellow, orange). The petals in hot air drying (HAD) with 30, 60, and 90 °C applications were analyzed for the measurement of their individual secondary metabolite contents, total phenolic and flavonoid contents, and antioxidant activities. In freeze drying (FD), the lutein content varied significantly based on flower color, exhibiting higher levels in cultivars with orange petals. Otherwise, the levels of quercetin derivatives displayed distinct differences based on varieties other than color, with Inca cultivars demonstrating higher levels of quercetin 7-O-glucoside (Q7G) than Durango cultivars. In HAD, the lutein levels show a tendency to increase above 60 °C regardless of the cultivar. The content of quercetin glycosides decreased, while the aglycone increased in HAD treatments, regardless of the temperatures. Correlation and PCA results highlighted the impact of phenol compounds on antioxidant activity. Overall, these findings underscore the significance of variety and color in determining the chemical composition and antioxidant properties of marigold flowers.

Portable ratiometric fluorescence detection of Cu2+and thiram.

Food contaminants pose a danger to human health, but rapid, sensitive and reliable food safety detection methods can offer a solution to this problem. In this study, an optical fiber ratiometric fluorescence sensing system based on carbon dots (CDs) and o-phenylenediamine (OPD) was constructed. The ratiometric fluorescence response of Cu2+and thiram was carried out by the fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between CDs and 2,3-diaminophenazine (ox-OPD, oxidized state o-phenylenediamine). The oxidation of OPD by Cu2+resulted in the formation of ox-OPD, which quenched the fluorescence of CDs and exhibited a new emission peak at 573 nm. The formation of a [dithiocarbamate-Cu2+] (DTC-Cu2+) complex by reacting thiram with Cu2+, inhibits the OPD oxidation reaction triggered by Cu2+, thus turning off the fluorescence signal of OPD-Cu2+. The as-established detection system presented excellent sensitivity and selectivity for the detection of Cu2+and thiram in the ranges of 1 ∼ 100μM and 5 ∼ 50μM, respectively. The lowest detection limits were 0.392μM for Cu2+and 0.522μM for thiram. Furthermore, actual sample analysis indicated that the sensor had the potential for Cu2+and thiram assays in real sample analysis.

Using Google Street View to examine changes in food environments around secondary schools in regional and metropolitan areas of New South Wales, Australia

Food environments surrounding secondary schools are a known influence on the purchasing and consumption habits of adolescents(1). Understanding their obesogenic potential is important for informing strategies to create more healthful food environments for adolescents, particularly for those living in regional areas, and is a key component of Australia’s National Obesity Strategy(2). This repeated cross-sectional study examined the food environment surrounding secondary schools in regional and metropolitan New South Wales from 2007-2023. Google Street View was used to collect data regarding food outlets within a walkable distance (1.6 km) of all secondary schools in Wagga Wagga and Blacktown, our regional and metropolitan case study areas respectively, over 17 years. A Food Environment Score(3) tool was used to characterise the healthfulness of food environments by categorising food outlets into Food Outlet Type categories (e.g. Cafés, Fast-Food Franchises, Restaurants etc.) and Healthfulness categories (“Healthful”, “Less Healthful”, “Unhealthful”). Descriptive statistics were used to characterise changes in the food environments by Food Outlet Type and Healthfulness categories from 2007-2023. Chi-Squared tests were used to determine any significant differences in the proportion of healthful, less healthful and unhealthful food outlets between the regional and metropolitan study areas and between 2007 and 2023 in both areas. In both Wagga Wagga and Blacktown, the most common food outlet types surrounding secondary schools from 2007-2023 were classified as less healthful or unhealthful. As of 2023, less healthful food outlets [restaurants (19.4%), cafes (16.8%)] and unhealthful food outlets [fast-food franchises (15.1%), independent takeaway (14.1%)] were the most common food outlet types in Wagga Wagga, making up 52% and 36% of all identified food outlets respectively. These outlet types have remained the most prevalent over the 17-year period, though restaurants and cafes have since surpassed fast-food franchises and independent takeaway stores, by proportion, which were the most common in 2007. Similarly in Blacktown, 2023, less healthful [restaurants (21.1%), cafés (11.1%)] and unhealthful [fast-food franchises (17.4%)] were the most common food outlets, making up 41% and 37% of all identified food outlets. Restaurants, cafés and fast-food franchise outlets were consistently observed to be the most prevalent in Blacktown food environments over the 17-year study period. No significant difference was found when comparing the healthfulness profiles of regional and metropolitan food environments nor were significant changes observed between 2007 and 2023 in Wagga Wagga and Blacktown (p > 0.05 for all). The prevailing high proportion of less healthful and unhealthful food outlets near secondary schools in regional and metropolitan areas upholds the need for public health policies and planning strategies to address the obesogenic potential of school food environments.

Emotions for a novel health food: Is there an impact bias and can it be reduced?

Eating decisions may be influenced by an impact bias, or the tendency to overestimate the intensity and duration of emotions for future events or outcomes. In this study, we tested the impact bias, among college students, for eating a novel health food – kale chips. We also examined how an emotion adaptation recall exercise influenced emotions and eating behavior. After reading about the health benefits of kale, college students (N = 80) reported their anticipated emotions (e.g., how intensely they would experience each emotion) for eating kale chips. Following a control (n = 40) or emotion adaptation (n = 40) writing exercise, they were asked to eat these chips. They then reported their experienced emotions (e.g., how intensely they experienced each emotion) as well as their intentions to eat kale in the future. Findings indicated that participants showed a negative impact bias in which they anticipated more intense negative emotions than they experienced. However, they showed an opposite effect for positive emotions, anticipating lower positive emotion than they experienced. Relative to the control group, those who did an emotion adaptation exercise experienced lower levels of disgust after eating kale chips and reported higher intentions to eat them in the future. Subsequent analyses of consumption revealed that those in the emotion adaptation condition also ate more of the kale chips. Findings suggest that affective forecasting theory may be a useful framework through which to develop and test ideas about emotions and eating in the context of novel health foods.

A new era for food in health? The FDA announces a qualified health claim for yogurt intake and type 2 diabetes mellitus risk reduction

IntroductionOver the last two decades research has grown regarding dairy intake and health. It has been reported by many that yogurt intake may be associated with reduced risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). In this report, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) decision to announce a qualified health claim for yogurt products regarding reduced risk of T2D in response to a Danone North America petition is discussed. MethodsRelevant literature cited in the petition along with supporting evidence from PubMed and Google Scholar databases until April 1st, 2024 were used. Literature was found using relevant keywords. ResultsOn March 1st, 2024, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the first ever qualified health claim, stating that eating yogurt regularly may reduce the risk of T2D according to limited scientific evidence. The enforcement discretion letter was critically reviewed and discussed regarding its future implications for people with T2M and public health. ConclusionsIt is unclear how this FDA decision will affect public health and nutrition in the long-term. Limited scientific evidence suggests that at least 3 servings of yogurt per week may reduce the risk of T2D incidence for the general population. Yogurt will not cure or treat people with T2D.

Prevalence and social determinants of anxiety and depression among adults in Ghana: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

IntroductionAnxiety and depression pose a significant global health challenge, especially affecting adults in low-income and middle-income countries. In many low-income and middle-income countries, including those in sub-Saharan Africa, social determinants...

Strategi Public Relations PT Pertamina Dalam Pengelolaan Krisis Komunikasi Pada Kasus Depo Pertamina, Plumpang

The tragedy of the fire that occurred at the Pertamina Plumpang Depot in March 2023 resulted in casualties. This incident claimed lives, caused injuries, and led to facility damage and other losses. The root cause of the fire was attributed to various factors, primarily stemming from the use of petroleum products. In responding to this incident, PT Pertamina implemented a strategy that involved providing health assistance, accommodation, and food. Additionally, the company held a press conference on March 4th, 2023, and issued press releases through Pertamina's official YouTube channel. The objective of this research is to understand how Pertamina's crisis communication management unfolded during the Pertamina Plumpang Depot fire issue. The research employed a qualitative method with descriptive analysis. The findings and discussions in this study indicate that the Plumpang Depot fire crisis did not significantly damage the reputation and credibility of PT Pertamina. This was because the company successfully instilled a positive perception among the public, and Pertamina's Public Relations demonstrated responsiveness in handling the case.

A qualitative exploration of food choice motives of Pacific Islanders: Implications for the use of the Food Choice Questionnaire in understudied populations

Nutrition transitions are key contributors to the obesity epidemic plaguing South Pacific Island countries (SPIC). Prior to European contact and colonisation, traditional Pacifica diets consisted mainly of root crops, indigenous fruits and vegetables, freshwater proteins and seafood(1). This diet has been replaced by diets high in processed foods which are high in salt, sugar and unhealthy fats(2). Various political, economic, environmental and socio-cultural factors have been associated with the proliferation of unhealthy foods in Pacifica diets. However, very few studies have examined how these changes have impacted individual food choices. This study aims to address the gap in the knowledge of food choice motives of Pacific Islanders. An online qualitative survey was used(1) to explore how the nine food choice motives in the widely used Food Choice Questionnaire (FCQ)(3) impact food choice and (2) to identify additional food choice motives, not captured in the FCQ. The first section of the survey included open-ended questions which explored the top three food choice motives of the participants. This section was followed by a series of open-ended questions exploring participant’s views on the nine food choice motives from the FCQ. The last part of the survey asked participants to identify any other food choice motives which were not already identified in the survey. An exploratory qualitative approach, employing inductive and deductive thematic analyses, was used to analyse results(4). The sample (N = 105) was predominantly female (73%), living with family (72%) and the average age was 22.06 years (S.D = 5.0). It consisted of 28% indigenous Fijians, 26% Fijians of Indian descent, 15% Solomon Islanders, 13% I-Kiribati and smaller percentages of students from Niue (3%), Samoa (5%), Tonga (5%) and Vanuatu (5%). Of the nine FCQ motives, the most commonly identified top three food choice motives included price (n = 54), health (n = 45), and sensory appeal, especially taste (n = 40). Participants also identified three new food choice motives which many ranked in their top three motives: satiety concerns (n = 22), food quality and hygiene when eating out (n = 26) and religious or cultural food restrictions (n = 11). Additionally, issues with face validity of the health, convenience, price, weight control and familiarity food choice motives from the FCQ were identified. These findings highlight the importance of validity studies prior to using FCQ, and more broadly other similar instruments, with understudied populations like that of SPIC. The findings also provided important insights into the food choice motives of Pacific Islanders and can inform public health interventions for encouraging healthy eating. Further research using an adapted FCQ with larger and diverse samples will increase its effectiveness of measuring food choice motives in the region.

Biotechnological Innovations in Sustainable Food Production

This review article explores the critical role of biotechnology in addressing the global food security crisis aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic and Eastern European conflict. It starts by examining the profound impacts of these events on food supply chains and pricing, supported by relevant statistical evidence. The study then discusses agricultural biotechnology, comparing conventional and sustainable agriculture, with an emphasis on genome editing and modification techniques such as Zinc Finger Nucleases (ZFNs), Oligonucleotide-directed mutagenesis (ODM), and CRISPR. The application of RNA interference in agriculture and microbial biotechnology in promoting soil health and sustainable food production is discussed. Furthermore, the review shifts focus to the utilization of microbial biotechnology for soil health enhancement and sustainable food production, encompassing the development of pest-resistant and drought-tolerant crops and biotechnological methods for optimizing water use efficiency. Additionally, it examines biotechnology's applications in food processing, including enhancing nutritional content and improving shelf life and safety. The European Green Deal is analyzed, particularly its influence on agriculture through strategies like Farm to Fork, Biodiversity, and Circular Economy. Finally, the review concludes by addressing policy considerations, ethical challenges, and the necessity of international cooperation in biotechnology research, exemplified by projects like the Golden Rice and Heat-Tolerant Maize for Asia (HTMA), highlighting the multidisciplinary nature and global significance of biotechnological innovations in ensuring sustainable food production.

Changes in the activity of lignin biosynthesis-related enzymes and related gene expression in postharvest bamboo shoots

Moso bamboo shoots, recognized as a green health food, are distinguished by their high protein, low fat, low sugar, and high fiber content. Their substantial nutritional value and appealing taste have made the product very popular with consumers. However, post-harvest, Phyllostachys edulis shoots are susceptible to rapid lignification. This paper explores the lignification process in Phyllostachys edulis at room temperature post-harvest. We assessed the physiological indices of four synthetic enzymes and their relative expression levels in lignin biosynthesis. Additionally, we investigated the correlation between the relative expression of lignin biosynthesis, enzyme activity, and lignin synthesis. Understanding the physiology of lignin biosynthesis in moso bamboo shoots post-harvest is crucial for comprehending their growth characteristics, benefiting production management, timely harvesting, and controlling the aging process to enhance economic value. The findings demonstrate that lignification in moso bamboo shoots progresses from the bottom to the top. At room temperature, the activities of PAL, POD, and 4CL enzymes, together with their expression in different parts of the moso bamboo shoots, exhibited a significant correlation with changes in lignin content. These enzymes are likely involved in lignin biosynthesis. The activity of the CAD enzyme in the bamboo shoot peaked at 2 hours, with CAD-related genes expressing the highest in the upper part at 10 hours, in the middle part at 2 hours, and in the lower part at 18 hours. Key messageThe synthesis of lignin in moso bamboo shoots may be associated with PAL, POD, and 4CL.

Relationship between Food Security, Nutrition Security, and Diabetes: The Role of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Participation

BackgroundInadequate nutrition and poor diet quality are associated with a heightened risk of diabetes. The connection between food insecurity measures and diabetes has been established, with evidence indicating that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participation contributes to reductions in food insecurity. Recently developed nutrition security measures, defined as the ability to acquire healthful foods to prevent diseases, and their association with diabetes and SNAP participation are not yet understood. ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the relationship between food security and nutrition security in relation to diabetes overall and by SNAP participation and nutrition security as potential modifiers. MethodsSecondary data analysis of cross-sectional pilot study data collected from adults in 5 US states (N = 517). Logistic regression mixed models included moderation analysis and clustering effects by state to address site-level confounding. ResultsHigher nutrition security scores among adults, after adjusting for confounders, were significantly associated with lower odds of diabetes risk (adjusted odds ratio = 0.59; 95% confidence interval: 0.40, 0.87; P value = 0.008). Statistically significant interaction effect of differences according to SNAP participation was observed for nutrition security (Phomogeneity/interaction = 0.021), adjusting for age, gender, race/ethnicity, education, employment, National School Lunch Program, Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, food pantry use, household with children, survey mode, and food security. The association between food security and diabetes was not statistically significant overall. However, statistically significant interaction effect of differences according to SNAP participation was observed for food security (Phomogeneity/interaction = 0.047). Further, no interaction effect of differences in nutrition security was found between food security and self-reported diabetes/prediabetes (Phomogeneity/interaction = 0.250). ConclusionsThis study sheds light on the early exploration of the intricate relationship between nutrition security and diabetes. The findings suggest that a higher nutrition security score, after adjusting for confounders, was significantly associated with lower odds of diabetes risk. Notably, there were statistically significant interaction effects in these associations based on SNAP participation.

Phytochemical Profiling and Biological Activities of Pericarps and Seeds Reveal the Controversy on "Enucleation" or "Nucleus-Retaining" of Cornus officinalis Fruits.

The fruits of Cornus officinalis are used not only as a popular health food to tonify the liver and kidney, but also as staple materials to treat dementia and other age-related diseases. The pharmacological function of C. officinalis fruits with or without seeds is controversial for treating some symptoms in a few herbal prescriptions. However, the related metabolite and pharmacological information between its pericarps and seeds are largely deficient. Here, comparative metabolomics analysis between C. officinalis pericarps and seeds were conducted using an ultra-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry, and therapeutic effects were also evaluated using several in vitro bioactivity arrays (antioxidant activity, α-glucosidase and cholinesterase inhibitory activities, and cell inhibitory properties). A total of 499 secondary metabolites were identified. Thereinto, 77 metabolites were determined as key differential metabolites between C. officinalis pericarps and seeds, and the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway was identified as the most significantly different pathway. Further, 47 metabolites were determined as potential bioactive constituents. In summary, C. officinalis seeds, which demonstrated higher contents in total phenolics, stronger in vitro antioxidant activities, better α-glucosidase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory activities, and stronger anticancer activities, exhibited considerable potential for food and health fields. This work provided insight into the metabolites and bioactivities of C. officinalis pericarps and seeds, contributing to their precise development and utilization.

Considerations for peer research and implications for mental health professionals: learning from research on food insecurity and severe mental illness.

Peer research methodologies and methods are increasingly used in research, particularly to benefit from lived experiences. The experiences of peer researchers with severe mental illness are less common, including the impact on them of conducting peer-led research. This paper shares the experience of peer research and suggests in the context of food insecurity, that it is not well understood by some healthcare professionals. Implications include considerations around trauma-informed care and the need for screening for food insecurity in mental healthcare settings. Research implications include providing training for peer research and needing to consider longevity of peer researcher relationships. Introduction Food insecurity means that a person does not have access to sufficient nutritious food for normal growth and health. This can lead to health problems such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes and other long term chronic health conditions. People living with a severe mental illness are more likely to experience food insecurity than people without a severe mental illness. Aim The aim of this paper is to present a lived experience narrative of two peer researchers. Peer researchers conducted interviews with adults with severe mental illness from Northern England as part of a funded research project. These interviews discussed experiences of food insecurity and strategies to tackle it and were conducted between March and December 2022. Thesis The following paper does not discuss the results of the interviews themselves. Rather thenarrative begins with an overview of peer research, before sharing the experiences of the two peer researchers in undertaking this project. Implications for Practice This includes healthcare professionals understanding food insecurity, what it is and what it is not, thinking about trauma-informed care, and screening for food insecurity. Peer research implications centre on adequate support and training, considerations to longevity of peer research relationships and reducing unnecessary research burden for peer researchers.

Consequences of illicit brews on health and family food security in Bungoma county, Kenya’s Bumula and Kanduyi sub-counties.

Consequences of illicit brews on health and family food security in Bungoma county, Kenya’s Bumula and Kanduyi sub-counties.

Abstract 2200: Plant-based diet and survival among patients with metastatic colorectal cancer: Findings from CALGB/SWOG 80405 (Alliance)

Abstract Background: Plant-based diet is recommended by multiple cancer survivorship guidelines and was reported to be associated with better survival among patients with non-metastatic colorectal cancer. However, the association between plant-based diet and survival in metastatic colorectal cancer is unknown. Methods: Using an NCI-sponsored systemic therapy trial conducted from 2005 to 2015 (CALGB/SWOG 80405), we included 1,279 patients who completed validated food frequency questionnaires at the initiation of treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer. To emphasize different impact of healthful plant foods, less healthful plant foods, and animal foods, we used 18 food groups to calculate three plant-based indexes (ranges: 18-90 points): overall plant-based diet index (PDI), healthful plant-based diet index (hPDI), and unhealthful plant-based diet index (uPDI). The primary outcome was overall survival, and the secondary outcome was progression-free survival. We estimated the associations of three indexes (quintiles) with survival using multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression. Results: Of 1,279 patients (median follow-up: 6.1 years), mean (SD) age at diagnosis was 58.8 (11.7) years, 57.4% were men, 85.6% were White, and 1,096 deaths and 1,201 events of progression occurred. The mean (SD) points of three indexes were 51.2 (6.3) for PDI, 51.1 (6.7) for hPDI, and 51.2 (8.1) for uPDI. Compared to the lowest quintile (Q1), the highest quintile (Q5) of PDI was significantly associated with better overall survival (HR: 0.80 [0.65-0.99]) and progression-free survival (HR: 0.80 [0.65-0.98]). Similar findings were observed for hPDI, but uPDI was not significantly associated with worse survival. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that plant-based diet is associated with better survival among patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, and plant-based dietary interventions should be considered for future trials in metastatic colorectal cancer. Table. Adjusted Associations of Plant-Based Diet with Survival in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 P for trend Overall Survival PDI 1.00 0.96 (0.80-1.16) 0.93 (0.77-1.14) 0.82 (0.67-0.99) 0.80 (0.65-0.99) 0.01 hPDI 1.00 0.95 (0.78-1.14) 0.94 (0.77-1.15) 0.86 (0.70-1.04) 0.84 (0.68-1.03) 0.07 uPDI 1.00 1.14 (0.95-1.39) 1.07 (0.87-1.31) 1.18 (0.97-1.45) 1.17 (0.95-1.45) 0.15 Progression-free Survival PDI 1.00 0.84 (0.70-1.01) 0.94 (0.78-1.14) 0.93 (0.77-1.12) 0.80 (0.65-0.98) 0.10 hPDI 1.00 0.86 (0.72-1.03) 0.83 (0.69-1.01) 0.80 (0.67-0.97) 0.80 (0.66-0.97) 0.03 uPDI 1.00 1.12 (0.94-1.34) 1.11 (0.91-1.34) 1.10 (0.91-1.34) 1.15 (0.94-1.41) 0.23 Citation Format: En Cheng, Fang-Shu Ou, Chao Ma, Alan P. Venook, Heinz-Josef Lenz, Eileen M. O’Reilly, Peter T. Campbell, Chaoyuan Kuang, Bette J. Caan, Kimmie Ng, Jeffrey A. Meyerhardt. Plant-based diet and survival among patients with metastatic colorectal cancer: Findings from CALGB/SWOG 80405 (Alliance) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 2200.

Evolution of Food and Nutrition Policy: A Tasmanian Case Study from 1994 to 2023.

Food security is a concept with evolving definitions and meanings, shaped by contested knowledge and changing contexts. The way in which food security is understood by governments impacts how it is addressed in public policy. This research investigates the evolution of discourses and practices in Tasmanian food and nutrition policies from 1994 to 2023. Four foundational documents were analysed using qualitative document analysis, revealing persistent food insecurity issues over three decades. The analysis identified a duality in addressing the persistent policy challenges of nutrition-related health issues and food insecurity: the balancing act between advancing public health improvements and safeguarding Tasmania's economy. The research revealed that from 1994 to 2023, Tasmania's food and nutrition policies and strategies have been characterised by various transitions and tensions. Traditional approaches, predominantly emphasising food availability and, to a limited extent, access, have persisted for over thirty years. The transition towards a more contemporary approach to food security, incorporating dimensions of utilisation, stability, sustainability, and agency, has been markedly slow, indicating systemic inertia. This points to an opportunity for future policy evolution, to move towards a dynamic and comprehensive approach. Such an approach would move beyond the narrow focus of food availability to address the complex multi-dimensional nature of food security.

Promoting healthful food purchases through in-store interventions: Empirical evidence from rural food deserts

Effective ways to promote healthful food intake in rural areas are understudied. The paper evaluated whether a two-component, in-store intervention designed to encourage healthy food purchases was associated with improved healthfulness scores of food items purchased by shoppers in rural food deserts. One component introduced a point-of-sales label that assigned a single numerical score to each food item facilitating direct comparisons of the product's nutrition with those of other products shelved around it. The other component was a one-day nutrition education workshop promoted within the store. Interventions took place in 2015 at two stores in rural counties in the U.S. Midwest. Four stores in similar communities were selected as the control group. We applied a difference-in-difference model to estimate changes in the healthfulness of food items purchased attributable to the intervention among shoppers at the treatment stores (n = 486) and control stores (n = 10,759) using store transaction data. Healthfulness of food items was measured in terms of food scores published by the Environmental Working Group on a 1–10 scale. Both components had minimal impacts on the scores, although 0.2 and 0.1 points increases in the score per item and score per dollar were statistically significant at the 1% level respectively. A year after the intervention, these small effects of the intervention further diminished compared to the immediately after implementation. Results suggest the average effects of intervention across the study communities had limited practical significance but benefited some rural residents who were exposed to the intervention.

Biogenesis and function of microRNAS from plants, animals and fungi applicable in health and food biotechnology

MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNAs found in plants, animals and fungi. They are involved in developmental, metabolic, growth and reproduction processes. They modulate these processes by regulating target mRNAs by binding to them through base complementarity, and with the help of an enzymatic complex, they cleave the mRNA, or interrupt its translation into protein. Its biogenesis in plants occurs within the nucleus, to later be exported to the cytoplasm where it will take its regulatory action. In animals, biogenesis begins in the nucleus, but unlike plants, it is completed in the cytoplasm. A biosynthetic mechanism has not been established in fungi, although it could be similar to that in plants due to the nature of the fungal transcripts. MicroRNAs can be used as key biomolecules in the solution of health problems, in the improvement of plants of agronomic interest and in the optimization of bioprocesses to obtain industrial products of food interest. Furthermore, they have been proposed as strategic biomolecules in the design of nutritional tables that offer a better quality of life to people. Agronomically, its study focuses mainly on improving the characteristics of crops of commercial interest, as well as combating pests that affect the production of fruits, vegetables and grains. For this reason, microRNAs are being proposed as cutting-edge molecules for solving health food problems worldwide.