Food Meal Research Articles

Application of a good manufacturing practices checklist in food and nutrition units of a socio-educational foundation in the state of Pará, Brazil

The production and supply of meals must occur in an orderly and categorized manner, as quality in processing can negatively impact consumer health. In this context, evaluating good manufacturing and handling Practices through tools that can identify risks and minimize hazards is essential to ensure safe food. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate Good Manufacturing Practices in Food and Nutrition Units (UANS) responsible for meals served to adolescents in a Socio-educational Foundation located in the State of Pará, Brazil. A total of 15 UANS were evaluated, of which 6 operated with centralized meal preparation and 9 with decentralized meal preparation. For this purpose, the checklist recommended by the National Health Surveillance Agency, described in RDC No. 275 of October 21, 2002, was applied. The results showed that 33.33% (2/6) of the centralized UANS, which prepare meals within the Socio-educational Unit itself, were classified as Group 1, meaning they were deemed suitable with minor adjustments. However, 100% (9/9) of the decentralized UANS, where meal preparation occurs outside the Socio-educational Unit and only distribution takes place, were classified as Group 2, requiring more significant adjustments related to building infrastructure, facilities, movable equipment, utensils, handlers of raw materials, ingredients, and packaging. Adjustments for non-compliant items are necessary to ensure the provision of safe food from a sanitary perspective for the adolescents served.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Longitudinal Analysis of Body Weight Variations and Their Implications for Daily Habits.

Assessing changes in lifestyle, dietary habits, eating behaviors, and stress during the pandemic and their impact on weight is crucial for developing effective interventions. This study investigated weight variations among Brazilians and associated habit changes over nine months during the COVID-19 pandemic. An online questionnaire was applied (T0/T1, T2). Weight variation classifications were determined from T0 to T1 and evaluated longitudinally for changes in lifestyle, dietary habits, food consumption, eating behavior, and perceived stress using generalized estimating equations (p < 0.05). Out of 453 participants, 23.6% lost weight, 18.1% maintained their weight, 26.0% gained up to 2.4 kg, and 32.2% gained ≥ 2.5 kg. Weight loss was associated with decreased food consumption and increased stress at T2. The group that gained up to 2.4 kg reported reduced food intake, snacking, meal preparation, and candy consumption but increased stress at T2. Those gaining ≥ 2.5 kg initially increased food consumption, snacking, meal preparation, hamburgers/canned products, sugary drinks, instant meals/snacks, candies, and fast food consumption at T1, all of which were reduced at T2, along with a decrease in uncontrolled and emotional eating. Although the pandemic initially affected daily habits differently based on weight changes, participants-especially those who gained more weight-tended to revert to pre-pandemic habits.

TLR2/TLR5 Signaling and Gut Microbiota Mediate Soybean-Meal-Induced Enteritis and Declined Growth and Antioxidant Capabilities in Large Yellow Croaker (Larimichthys crocea)

Soybean meal, renowned for its high yield, cost efficiency, and protein richness, serves as a pivotal plant-based alternative to fish meal. However, high soybean meal inclusion in Larimichthys crocea diets is linked to enteritis and oxidative damage, with unknown mechanisms. Our study aims to elucidate the molecular basis of soybean-meal-induced enteritis and its impact on intestinal microbiota in L. crocea. To this end, four isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets with varying soybean meal levels (0% FM, 15% SBM15, 30% SBM30, and 45% SBM45) were administered to L. crocea for 8 weeks. The results indicated that the SBM30 and SBM45 treatments significantly hindered fish growth, digestive efficiency, and protein utilization. Furthermore, high soybean meal levels (SBM30 and SBM45) activated intestinal Toll-like receptors (TLR2A, TLR2B, TLR5, and TLR22), stimulating C-Rel and mTOR protein expression and elevating ERK phosphorylation. This led to increased pro-inflammatory cytokine production (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) and decreased anti-inflammatory cytokine expression (IL-4/13A, IL-4/13B, and TGF-β), suggesting a potential signaling pathway for soybean-meal-induced enteritis. Furthermore, enteritis induced by high soybean meal levels led to oxidative damage, evident from increased MDA levels and decreased antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD and CAT). The SBM30 and SBM45 treatments increased Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes abundance in fish gut microbiota, while Proteobacteria abundance decreased. This microbiota shift may enhance soybean meal nutrient utilization, yet high soybean meal concentrations still impair growth. A soybean-meal-rich diet promotes harmful bacteria like Rhodococcus and depletes probiotics like Ralstonia, increasing disease risks. L. crocea has limited tolerance for soybean meal, necessitating advanced processing to mitigate anti-nutritional factors. Ultimately, exploring alternative protein sources beyond soybean meal for fish meal replacement is optimal for L. crocea.

Consumer self-protection behavior of online meal safety during the COVID-19 pandemic: the impact of risk perception and effect of satisfaction with management safety performance

PurposeThis study aims to assess the effects of risk perception and management subject satisfaction on consumers' online meal food safety self-protection behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses 742 questionnaires collected via a two-stage online survey conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, between December 2021 and January 2022. The entropy method, descriptive statistics, ordered logit model, stepwise regression models, interaction terms and decentralization method were used in the quantitative analysis. Respondents’ written responses to self-protection behavior were categorized into five groups.FindingsLess than half of consumers were aware that online food products carry the risk of SARS-COV-2 (44.48%). Between 30 and 40% of consumers took insufficient or no self-protection measures. Risk perception significantly and positively affected self-protection behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic. Consumers' management subject satisfaction has a positive moderating effect on risk perception, with the moderating effect of the satisfaction of online retailers being significant at the 5% level. Risk perception significantly and positively influences consumer self-protection behavior in provinces not affected by the pandemic.Originality/valueThe findings stress the benefits of synergistic interventions by consumers and management subject to food safety measures and the inclusion of tailored interventions during events threatening public health to effectively address food safety. The study offers valuable insights contributing to the improvement of public health outcomes, customer trust and service quality within the online food delivery industry.

Socio-Demographic Influences on Dietary Habits and Nutritional Awareness: A Case Study of Polish Biathlon Association National Team Members.

This study investigated the influence of sociodemographic factors on the dietary habits of athletes of the Polish Biathlon Association. Focusing on age, education, employment status, and gender, this research assesses food choices, meal preparation, and nutritional awareness within a structured sports environment. A cross-sectional survey of 54 athletes was conducted using a modified "Eating Habits of Poles" questionnaire to explore food selection, preparation methods, consumption patterns, and nutritional perspectives. This focus on biathletes emphasizes their distinct dietary needs, which arise from the demanding combination of endurance and precision in their sport, providing valuable insights for tailored dietary strategies to enhance their performance and overall health. The results indicate that age, education, and employment status significantly influence Polish biathletes' dietary habits and nutritional awareness. Older athletes (under 23 years) demonstrated significantly higher nutritional awareness regarding modern dietary trends (p = 0.015). In contrast, 50% of higher-education athletes were more engaged in meal planning and healthier food choices than those with elementary education (p = 0.031). Employment status also played a role; 70% of the athletes were students who exhibited more convenience-based food choices, whereas 30% were employed and maintained more structured eating patterns (p = 0.008). Minimal gender differences were found, with 50% of male and 50% of female athletes showing similar dietary habits, likely due to standardized nutrition programs provided to all athletes. This indicates a potential need for further research to determine whether professional dietary support can effectively address typical gender-related variations in food behavior and lead to improvements in dietary outcomes. This study highlights the importance of targeted nutrition education and professional support for optimizing the nutritional habits of professional athletes. This emphasizes that socio-demographic factors such as age, education, and employment status significantly shape these behaviors, underscoring the need for personalized nutritional strategies within athletic programs.

Reduced Liver Mitochondrial Energy Metabolism Impairs Food Intake Regulation Following Gastric Preloads and Fasting.

The capacity of the liver to serve as a peripheral sensor in the regulation of food intake has been debated for over half a century. The anatomical position and physiological roles of the liver suggest it is a prime candidate to serve as an interoceptive sensor of peripheral tissue and systemic energy state. Importantly, maintenance of liver ATP levels and within- meal food intake inhibition is impaired in human subjects with obesity and obese pre- clinical models. We demonstrate that decreased hepatic mitochondrial energy metabolism in liver-specific, heterozygous PGC1a mice results in reduced mitochondrial response to changes in ΔGATP and tissue ATP following fasting. These impairments in liver energy state are associated with larger and longer meals during chow feeding, impaired dose-dependent food intake inhibition in response to mixed and individual nutrient oral pre-loads, and greater acute fasting-induced food intake. These data support previous work proposing liver-mediated food intake regulation through modulation of peripheral satiation signals.

Impact of an Active Nutrition Program on Weight Loss and Metabolic Health in Overweight and Obese Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of a 60-day low-calorie nutrition-rich diet plan compared to usual care on weight loss, physiological factors, markers of metabolic health, and perceived wellness. Overweight or obese adults (N = 60) were randomly assigned to either the active nutrition group (n = 30) or the usual care group (n = 30). The active nutrition plan consisted of two meal replacement shakes, an electrolyte replacement drink, a metabolic support supplement, one whole food meal, and three to five servings of whole food snacks (e.g., vegetables and fruits), which totaled approximately 1200-1600 calories daily. Participants were evaluated at baseline and 30- and 60-day follow-ups for mean changes in anthropometric characteristics, biochemical variables, self-reported feelings of health and well-being, and dietary intake. Of the 60 participants, 49 were women and 11 were men, with a mean age of 38 ± 12 years. Adhering to the active nutrition program for 60 days resulted in a mean weight loss of approximately 6.5 pounds, with a 2-pound weight gain noted for subjects in the usual care group. Related to this, reductions were noted in BMI (p< 0.001), percent fat (p = 0.017), and waist (4 cm, p< 0.001) and hip (3 cm, p< 0.001) circumferences for the active nutrition group but not usual care. Clinically relevant changes were noted for reductions in blood pressure (5 mm Hg) and triglycerides (12 mg/dL) for the active nutrition group. From a subjective perspective, participants in the active nutrition group reported improvements in their self-esteem, motivation, endurance, physical appearance, and strength (p< 0.001). The above was achieved without participants reporting any significant increase in hunger during the intervention, despite the expected reduction in calories. Adhering to a semi-structured diet plan that allows for one "regular" whole-food meal daily is well-tolerated and enhances weight loss, physiological factors, and perceived wellness. Follow-up studies with a balanced representation of biological men and women are warranted to determine the longer-term impact of this nutrition program on weight loss and markers of metabolic health.

Exploring value propositions and service innovation: the outsourcing of the National School Feeding Program

The National School Feeding Program, knowing as PNAE, is a public policy responsible for providing meals to students in Brazil. This program exists since 1940s and was created to combating child malnutrition. The program evolved over the years until the passing, on 16 June 2009, of Act 11,947, which establishes that at least 30% of food purchases for school meals must come from family farmers. In this context, there is a perception that outsourced management does not aim to encourage local agriculture, and consequently the use of fresh foods in school meals, which is recommended by Act 11,947. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to describe the forms of value co-creation in the PNAE outsourcing process in two cities that meet the requirements of Act 11,947. Then, a qualitative-descriptive study and abductive logic were chosen, using, as a strategy, a multiple-case study in the cities of Aracaju and Taubaté. The implementation of the PNAE by the municipality depends on the multiple influences and interventions, such as institutional values and relationships between stakeholders. Based on the understanding of this dynamic, the practices of the stakeholders involved in the management of the PNAE begin to organize a value proposition according to the students’ needs, promoting meaning and structure for its recipients. There are different ways to practice outsourcing in this program. So, these different possibilities make a study on this topic relevant, as it highlights that the positive results of outsourcing depend on the implementation of a well-planned project. Thus, use co-creation value, originally from Marketing Research, in public policy can bring new perspectives of analyses.

Balancing nutrition and budgets: Socio-ecological impacts on nutritional environments of families with low incomes

BackgroundResearch on childhood nutritional environments, which are predictive of a variety of child and family health and wellbeing outcomes, has primarily focused on parenting behaviors and the home food environment. However, broader social and community factors play an important role in shaping nutritional environments during early childhood. Food security is a key example that is closely linked to nutrition-related health disparities, which can arise from constrained financial resources and material deprivations. Understanding parent and caregiver lived experiences related to social and community components of family nutritional environments in the context of economic constraints could help to support multi-level nutritional practices that are optimal for healthy child development. MethodSemi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted using a narrative approach with parents (n = 21) of pre-school aged children living near or below the poverty line. Participants were recruited from social and community service sites pertinent to maternal and child health in Philadelphia where health disparities are highly concentrated. Analysis was conducted using MAX QDA analytic software following a systematic approach for thematic analysis in narrative research. ResultsThree themes describe the feeding and eating environments in the home and community context: 1) Food Procurement and Meal Planning; 2) Family Togetherness; 3) Creativity, Variety, and Flexibility. Creative decision making and food procurement strategies responsive to child preferences were balanced by shopping to save and visiting multiple stores for the best foods and savings. Logistical (e.g., transportation, childcare) and emotional supports facilitated food shopping habits and routines, while lack of trusted childcare, reliable transportation, and social support barriers challenged feeding and eating decisions. ConclusionStrategies for improving cost and time-efficiencies could help support health-promoting nutritional environments of families with food insecurity. Building social and community capacity and facilitating connections to practical supports that include trustworthy childcare and peer support may be particularly important for this population.

A-001 The Postprandial Levels of the Metabolites in the Metaorganismal Trimethylamine N-Oxide (TMAO) Pathway are Altered in A Diet-, Microbe-, and Sex-Specific Manner

Abstract Background Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death in developed countries. Elevated levels of the gut-microbe-associated metabolite trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) have been associated with increased risk for CVD mortality in many large independent studies. In fact, large laboratory corporations such as Labcorp and Quest Diagnostic now offer TMAO diagnostic tests for the assessment of CVD risk and as a marker for disease-associated dysbiosis, using samples obtained from fasting patients. Although the strong association between TMAO levels and CVD risk has been established in fasting blood samples, here we are investigating the potential for a single meal to dynamically alter TMAO-related metabolites based on sex, diverse dietary substrates, and microbial influences. Methods 35 healthy participants were randomized to one of four study groups with approximately 8-9 subjects in each arm. Half of the participants were randomly assigned to receive a three-day broad spectrum antibiotic regimen (ciprofloxacin, metronidazole, and vancomycin) while the others received no antibiotics. These two groups were further subdivided into a group consuming a highly processed meal (originating from local fast food restaurants) or alternatively a whole food meal (containing a variety of fruits, vegetables, and healthy fiber). Blood samples were taken at baseline (after an overnight fast), and then postprandially at 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, 4 hours, and 6 hours after meal ingestion. Targeted plasma metabolites were quantified using a stable isotope dilution, liquid chromatography - tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method Results While plasma TMAO levels between food groups did not change significantly within the total cohort, there were clear individualized responses to either highly processed or whole food meals. Separation based on sex showed that TMAO levels were significantly reduced in females at 6 hours but remained steady in males for both food groups. Particularly, in the processed food group, TMAO levels were significantly lower in females than males at the 6-hour time point. Neither of these observations held true for TMAO precursors choline, carnitine, or betaine. However, plasma levels of a dietary precursor for TMAO, γ-butyrobetaine, showed clear diet-microbe-host interactions. For males in the processed food group, plasma γ-butyrobetaine levels were significantly increased in subjects on broad spectrum antibiotics. Conclusions Our results show the postprandial levels of TMAO, and its nutrient precursors dynamically change in a diet-, microbe-, and sex-dependent manner. These findings provide new insights into the postprandial levels of TMAO-related metabolites and may inform precision nutritional approaches in those who could benefit from TMAO-lowering strategies.

Bacteriological Assessment of Some Food Meals Served in Egyptian Hotels

Bacteriological Assessment of Some Food Meals Served in Egyptian Hotels

Nutritional quality and diversity in Ghana’s school feeding programme: a mixed-methods exploration through caterer interviews in the Greater Accra Region

BackgroundThe Ghana School Feeding Programme (GSFP) provides public primary school pupils with a free daily meal. Each meal is expected to follow set menus, providing 30% of children’s’ (6-12 years) energy requirements. This study assessed the nutritional quality and diversity of planned and provided GSFP meals, engaging school caterers to identify how meal quality in the Greater Accra Region could be enhanced.MethodsA cross-sectional mixed methods study design was used. Multistage sampling was used to select 129 schools implementing the GSFP in six districts of the Greater Accra Region. GSFP district menus were collected as well as a one-week school caterer recall of provided school meals. The meal served on the day of data collection was recorded and photographed. Nutritional quality was evaluated based on nutrient profiling methods: energy density (low<125kcal/100g; medium 125-225kcal/100g; high>225kcal/100g) and nutrient density (low<5%; medium 5-10%; high>10%). Meal diversity was assessed by a simple count composed of 5 food groups: cereals, pulses/nuts/seeds, animal-source, vegetables and fruits. Caterers’ views on programme facilitators and barriers were also explored.ResultsPlanned menus included 14-20 weekly options, composed of eight minimally processed traditional dishes. All meals, except white rice, had a high nutrient density/100g. Energy density was varied (low, n=2; medium, n=2; high, n=4). Meals included only 2/5 or 3/5 food groups, mainly starchy staples, pulses/nuts/seeds, and sometimes vegetables. Fruit was never reported. About half of caterers (51.1%) reported deviating from the planned menus: 11.7% served alternative meals, with some including animal-sourced food (17.0%), and 39.4% repeated meals provided during the week, often based on starchy staples, influencing overall nutritional quality. Most caterers reported food item cost and lack of food purchase guidelines as barriers to providing school meals, while food safety training and guidelines for food preparation were facilitators.ConclusionsWhile school meals are composed of minimally processed, nutrient dense, local foods, there are notable gaps in meal diversity and compliance, as reflected in provided meals. Caterer compliance to planned menus varied greatly, reflecting recent food price inflation. Upwardly adjusting the current meal allocation of 1.2 cedis (0.22USD) per child per day could enhance access to more affordable, nutritious and diverse foods in school meals.

Exploring contexts for using digital food retail services in Canada: a qualitative study.

This study aimed to understand contexts for buying food online with food delivery apps, meal kits, and online grocers in Canada. A total of 34 participants (24% identified as men) between the ages of 16 and 60 were interviewed over the phone. The participants were recruited through personal and professional networks, electronic word of mouth, and paid social media ads. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis was used to generate major themes: convenience, food literacy, and cost-effectiveness. Convenience was multifaceted, including protecting time, minimizing food preparation effort, and facilitating food access (without a vehicle, during illness and isolation, during bad weather, with mobility challenges, or while consuming drugs or alcohol). It was found that regardless of age, gender, or lifestyle, the contexts for using digital food retail services were similar. These services made food acquisition and preparation easier; however, the benefits may be at the detriment to food literacy. The added value that digital food retail services provided made up for any additional costs. This study highlighted the need for public health practitioners to consider different facets of convenience and the added value that digital food retail services offer when making healthy food shopping and preparation recommendations. Additionally, further investigation into the impacts of digital food retail on food literacy is warranted. Results from this study will be integrated into a larger survey exploring the relationship between online food purchasing behaviors and diet quality among Canadians.

Does the Association between Changes in Health Behaviors and Weight Gain Differ by Race and Ethnicity During the (COVID)-19 Pandemic? Findings from a Population-based Study

Objectives: We examined racial and ethnic differences in the association between changes in lifestyle behaviors and weight gain during COVID-19. Methods: We obtained data from a 2020 national survey involving 2,709 adult Americans. The outcome of interest was self-reported weight change status; behavioral measures included changes in exercise time, screen time, fast food meals consumed, and alcohol and tobacco use. We performed weighted multivariable logistic regression analyses to examine the association. Results: Non-Hispanic (NH) black adjusted odds ratio (AOR) (AOR = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.21-2.10) and Hispanic respondents (AOR = 1.89; 95% CI: 1.48-2.42) were more likely to experience weight gain, relative to the NH white respondents. Among NH Whites, changes in exercise time (AOR = 0.93), screen time (AOR = 1.16), fast-food meals consumptions (AOR = 1.14), and being drinkers (AOR = 1.35) and smokers (AOR = 0.53) were associated with weight gain; while among Hispanics, only changes in exercise time (AOR = 0.92) and screen time (AOR = 1.14) were associated with weight gain. Changes in exercise time (AOR = 0.94) among NH Blacks and changes in screen time (AOR = 1.16) among NH Asians were associated with weight gain. Conclusions: Risk factors of weight gain differ across racial and ethnic groups during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tailored intervention strategies are warranted to address specific risk behaviors within each racial and ethnic group.

The Significance of Food Fortification for Prevention of Major Health Challenges due to Micronutrient Deficiencies (MND) for Under 5 Years Children in Bangladesh

Vitamins and minerals, known as micronutrients, are needed in trace levels for healthy growth and development as well as heightened immunity against illness. They need to come from outside sources because the body isn&amp;apos;t able to produce them. Inadequate and inappropriate physical and intellectual development results from malnutrition in vulnerable people, including early childhood, expectant and nursing mothers, and the aged people. Meals fortification is a safe and practical way to boost consumption of macronutrients by providing essential nutrients in meals. Long-term developmental goals are impacted by vitamin deficiencies. In order to raise public awareness of the advantages of food fortification, an educational program is required. An extensive summary of Bangladesh&amp;apos;s current women&amp;apos;s and children&amp;apos;s micronutrient deficient status is provided in this article. This study also covers the effectiveness of current intervention programs as well as their current issues. Almost half of all expectant and nursing mothers suffer from anemia. High levels of deficiencies are associated with several critical factors, including sickness, malabsorption, infestation, inadequate nutrition, and poor cleanliness. There have been several attempts at interventions, and some success has been achieved. Issues with coverage, quality, and compliance still exist. Even though severe deficiencies have been somewhat addressed by current intervention initiatives, micronutrient deficiencies in Bangladesh continue to be a major concern. A more comprehensive strategy is required to enhance the current intervention initiatives. Additionally, fresh approaches of intervention are proposed in order to prevent and treat specific micronutrient deficiencies.

Sex-Moderated Divergence between Adult Child and Parental Dietary Behavior Patterns in Relation to Body Mass Condition-Evaluating the Mediating Role of Physical Activity: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The main objective of this study was to explore the dietary behaviors of parents and their adult children, focusing on patterns, potential intrinsic and extrinsic predictors of body mass, and determinants of becoming overweight. Non-probability, cross-sectional sampling was used to select participants from a university student population. Young adults (19-21 years of age, n = 144) and their parents were examined. The data of those family pairs with complete sets of results were used. Dietary patterns and physical activity were assessed with questionnaires (QEB and IPAQ), and body height, weight measurements, and body mass indexes were calculated. A cophylogenetic approach with tanglegrams and heatmaps was used to study patterns, while predictors of body mass index were identified using multiple linear regression, stepwise logistic regression, and mediation analysis procedures. Cophenetic statistics confirmed significant incongruence between fathers and sons, confirmed by Baker's Gamma correlation (rBG = 0.23, p = 0.021), and mothers and daughters (rBG = 0.26, p = 0.030). The relationships between the dietary patterns of the fathers and daughters, as well as mothers and sons, were of medium strength (rBG = 0.33, p = 0.032, rBG = 0.43, p = 0.031; respectively). Most of the patterns were mixed. Fast food, fried meals, alcoholic drinks, energy drinks, and sweetened beverages were associated significantly with being overweight. Significant intrinsic predictors of excessive weight in young adults were sex (b = 2.31, p < 0.001), PA (b = -0.02, p < 0.001), and eating fermented milk and curd cheese (b = -0.55, p = 0.024), while extrinsic (parental) predictors included eating fast food and fried meals (b = -0.44, p = 0.049). Both physical activity and dietary behaviors independently determined the sons' overweight status (b = -1.25, p = 0.008; b = -0.04, p < 0.001; respectively); while only PA did in daughters (b = -0.04, p < 0.001). No mediating effects of physical activity were observed. Adult children and parental dietary patterns were divergent, reflecting the influence of multiple factors on a child's dietary habits. However, this divergence is moderated by sex. Reciprocal interactions between dietary intake-particularly positive dyads such as fruits and vegetables, fermented milk, and curd cheese-and physical activity significantly impacted children's body mass index (BMI). The study of dietary patterns in conjunction with physical activity (both as independent determinants), particularly in relation to the link between overweight/obese children and overweight/obese parents, presents a separate challenge.

Relationship between Presentation, Attitude, and In-Flight Meal Food Healthiness: Moderating Role of Familiarity.

This work focused on the perception of the food healthiness of in-flight meals. This work adopts presentation as the determinant. This work also employs attitude as the consequence of food healthiness. This research also examines the moderating effect of familiarity on the relationship between food presentation and food healthiness. This research used a survey, and survey participants were recruited via a Clickworker platform service. Survey participants were experienced with in-flight meals. The number of observations was 317. Moreover, this research tested the research hypotheses using the Hayes process macro Model 7. The results revealed that food healthiness is positively influenced by presentation and that food healthiness positively affects attitude. Moreover, the results revealed that the type of presentation has a positive influence on attitude. Familiarity was a significant moderating variable for the relationship between food presentation and food healthiness. This work sheds light on the literature by identifying the associations among four attributes of in-flight meals. Additionally, the results of this study could be used as a reference to develop better in-flight meals.

Time-dependent changes in feeding behavior and energy balance associated with weight gain in mice fed obesogenic diets.

Obesity is characterized by dysregulated homeostatic mechanisms resulting in positive energy balance; however, when this dysregulation occurs is unknown. We assessed the time course of alterations to behaviors promoting weight gain in male and female mice switched to an obesogenic high-fat diet (HFD). Male and female C57BL/6J mice were housed in metabolic chambers and were switched from chow to a 60% or 45% HFD for 4 and 3 weeks, respectively. Food intake, meal patterns, energy expenditure (EE), and body weight were continuously measured. A separate cohort of male mice was switched from chow to a 60% HFD and was given access to locked or unlocked running wheels. Switching mice to obesogenic diets promotes transient bouts of hyperphagia during the first 2 weeks followed by persistent caloric hyperphagia. EE increases but not sufficiently enough to offset increased caloric intake, resulting in a sustained net positive energy balance. Hyperphagia is associated with consumption of calorically larger meals (impaired satiation) more frequently (impaired satiety), particularly during the light cycle. Running wheel exercise delays weight gain in male mice fed a 60% HFD by enhancing satiation and increasing EE. However, exercise effects on satiation are no longer apparent after 2 weeks, coinciding with weight gain. Exposure to obesogenic diets engages homeostatic regulatory mechanisms for ~2 weeks that ultimately fail, and consequent weight gain is characterized by impaired satiation and satiety. Insights into the etiology of obesity can be obtained by investigating changes to satiation and satiety mechanisms during the initial ~2 weeks of HFD exposure.

Food Acquirability: An Unexplored Component of Food Security?

The key elements, or pillars, of food security are stated as food availability, food access, food utilization, and stability. These food security pillars are often linked to food security interventions at the national, community or household level. However, if the urban 'household' is the unit of interest for any food security intervention, this research asks if a more holistic element, or pillar, is needed. The aim of this research has been to explore the socio-economic aspects of food security/insecurity that we have termed as a result of the research "food acquirability". Through the use of structured questionnaires (n = 120), and analysis of the data derived from local market and supermarket settings in the city of Awka, Nigeria, the concept of food acquirability has emerged and been conceptualized and critiqued. The contribution of this paper is to frame the concept of acquirability with regard to food security in Nigeria in order to develop a better understanding of the factors that impact household urban food security/insecurity and how they can be effectively mitigated. Factors of acquirability that emerged were culture, time poverty, resource availability and cooking skills, and household food preference and meal choice.

Soybean meal nutrient composition, amino acid digestibility, and energy content according to the country of origin and year of harvest evaluated via NIRS

Soybean meal nutrient composition, amino acid digestibility, and energy content according to the country of origin and year of harvest evaluated via NIRS