Qualitative Food Research Articles

Quantitative and qualitative food losses of African indigenous vegetables along the value chain: A systematic literature review

African indigenous vegetables (AIV) have high densities of important micronutrients but qualitative and quantitative food losses along the value chains could threaten their nutritional potential in Africa. We conduct a systematic review of the estimations of food quality losses of AIV along their value chains. Our review reveals that there is generally limited evidence on food quality losses along AIV value chains. In addition, existing studies are often of low quality and have inadequate experimental descriptions. For our final analysis, we consider the yields and malnutrition-relevant nutrients for two major AIV, vegetable amaranth ( Amaranthus ssp) and African nightshade ( Solanum nigrum and Solanum scarbrum). We observe a consistent and substantial decrease in carotenoids and iron contents starting from selecting appropriate seed material to processing practices. Losses are particularly severe at seed selection and production. Almost half of the original potential is lost after cultivation for the reviewed nutrients. While qualitative losses appear to be significant during post-harvest, processing by consumers leads to comparatively small reductions. While our results suggest that the current value chains need to be improved to supply nutrient-rich foods to urban and peri-urban areas, better data are also needed to conduct more comprehensive assessments of nutrition-sensitive AIV value chains and to derive evidence-based interventions to reduce nutrient losses for AIV along the value chain.

Determinants of Adverse Perinatal Outcomes in Ibadan, Nigeria: The influence of maternal lifestyle.

Adverse perinatal outcomes (APO) are unfavourable incidents of at least one of the following: low birth weight, preterm delivery, stillbirths, neonatal deaths, and perinatal deaths. They contribute significantly to neonatal and infant morbidity and mortality, developmental abnormalities, and long-term impairments. Studies are lacking on the influence of maternal lifestyle on APO in Nigeria. Hence, we investigated the determinants of APO using the Ibadan Pregnancy Cohort Study (IbPCS) data and examined 1,339 mothers who had hospital delivery. The outcome variable was APO (low birth weight, birth asphyxia and preterm delivery). Explanatory variables comprised Antepartum Depression (Edinburgh Depression Scale ≥ 12), Physical activity (Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPAQ), Dietary pattern (Qualitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), Maternal Stress (Perceived Stress Scale), Alcohol consumption, and Tobacco exposure. We used binary and multiple logistic regression to assess the associations between the risk factors and adverse perinatal outcomes at a significant P-value <0.05. Prevalence of APO was 26.7%, 95%CI (24.4-29.1); low birth weight - 8.5%, 95%CI (7.0-10.1) preterm delivery 14.8%, 95% CI (12.9-16.7); birth asphyxia 16.3%, 95%CI (14.0-18.9). The factors associated with LBW were being a female infant AOR: 2.00, 95%CI (1.13 -3.52); emergency caesarean section AOR: 2.40, 95%CI (1.06-5.42); a history of hypertension in pregnancy AOR: 3.34, 95%CI (1.45 -7.52). Preterm birth was associated with being poor AOR: 2.00, 95%CI (1.13 -3.52); history of stillbirth AOR: 2.05, 95%CI (1.14-3.68); antepartum depression AOR: 1.87, 95%CI (1.08-3.25). Of the lifestyle factors examined, only a high protein diet with a non-alcoholic beverage dietary pattern had a statistically significant association with preterm birth [AOR: 0.50, 95%CI (1.08-3.52)]. However, lifestyle factors had no significant association with LBW and birth asphyxia in our study. Understanding these risk factors can help policymakers and healthcare professionals create cost-effective interventions to curtail the burden of APO in Nigeria.

Food insecurity and weight loss during wartime: a mixed-design study from the Gaza Strip

BackgroundFood insecurity is an important aspect of human suffering during wartime. Besides its ferocity, the Gaza conflict of 2023–2024 has been marked by severe food and medication shortages that exacerbated the human toll and worsened the suffering of the population.MethodsA cross-sectional, mixed methods study that in April 2024 collected quantitative and qualitative data to assess food insecurity and malnutrition among residents of the Northern part of the Gaza Strip during the first seven months of the war. Quantitative data assessed weight loss among participants as a marker of starvation. Qualitative interviews evaluated food availability, food variability, and changing eating habits. Demographics were represented as counts and percentages. Weight was reported as mean ± SD. The Spearman Correlation Coefficient evaluated potential correlations of weight loss with sex, place of residence, and age. Statistical significance was set at a p-value less than 0.05.Results497 participants were recruited, including 330 males (66.4%) and 167 females (33.6%). The age range was (13–83 years). The mean baseline weight was 84.94 kg ± 20.06, with a weight range (35–180 kg). In April 2024, the mean weight had dropped to 66.22 kg ± 14.34, representing an average decline of 18.72 kg (new weight range 28–142 kg). Age was associated with a weak positive correlation with weight loss (r = .204, p = .000). Qualitative interviews with 95 breadwinners or homemakers revealed a high prevalence of hunger and severe shortages in food quantity, quality, and variability. Physical and financial barriers significantly impacted food sourcing. Also, due to food shortages, most participants reported high consumption of edible wild plants and unconventional types of flour such as corn flour or grounded animal feed.ConclusionsThe study demonstrated high levels of weight loss and marked food insecurity in the Northern Gaza Strip during the conflict. The quantitative and qualitative food shortages outlined in this study present a risk for a host of potentially serious and irreversible future complications.

Oral Hygiene, Dietary Habits, and Saliva Properties in Relation to the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth Index of Dental Students: A Pilot Study

Background and Objectives: Caries development is associated with poor oral hygiene, inadequate dietary habits, quantitative and qualitative food content, and a high level of bacterial plaque. Physical and chemical changes in saliva composition and particularly changes in its buffering capability play a significant role in caries development. This study aimed to determine the predictors of poor oral health among a sample of second-year dental students. Materials and Methods: The oral health of students was estimated with clinical examination and the DMFT index. The interview included questions about demographics status (gender, age), a dietary habits questionnaire, questions about oral hygiene, and a demonstration of tooth brushing technique. Unstimulated saliva samples were collected to measure buffering capacity and pH. Results: Almost half of the students have a low level of caries experience (46.7%), followed by a slightly smaller number having a medium level (41.3%), while one in eight students (12.0%) demonstrates a high level of caries experience. Male students have a statistically higher DMFT index 5.7 ± 1.2 than female participants 4.5 ± 0.5 (p = 0.036). Significant predictors for the DMFT index score in students were milk [β-coefficient = −0.338, p = 0.011] and yoghurt [β-coefficient = 0.284, p = 0.040] consumption. All students brushed their teeth two or more times during the day, usually after waking up before breakfast and before bedtime. Most students (85.3%) apply the proper tooth brushing technique, with female students applying it more frequently (p = 0.038). The mean salivary pH was 6.9, while the mean buffer capacity was 5.8. Female respondents have a statistically lower buffer capacity (5.8 ± 0.5) than male respondents (6.1 ± 0.4) (p = 0.047). Conclusions: Dentistry students are introduced to good oral hygiene habits, especially female students, while dietary habits should be improved. However, one in eight dental students is at high caries risk. By assessing the level of caries experience, targeted strategies can be developed to promote, maintain, and enhance oral health among dental students.

Association of Fast-Food Intake with Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms among Young Adults: A Pilot Study.

Background: High intake of fast food has been linked to increased risks of both depressive and anxiety disorders. However, associations between individual fast-food items and depressive/anxiety disorders are rarely examined. Method: Using cross-sectional survey the association between common fast-food items and depressive/anxiety symptoms among 142 young Hong Kong adults aged 18-27 years old was examined. A qualitative food frequency questionnaire was employed to measure the intake frequency of 22 common fast-food items found in Hong Kong. Occurrence of significant depressive and anxiety symptoms was measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), respectively. Primary measures were multivariate-adjusted odds ratios for occurrence of depressive and anxiety symptoms compared with the low intake frequency group for common fast-food items. Results: Our observations suggest that frequent intake of high-fat, -sugar, and -sodium fast-foods increased depressive symptoms, while frequent high-fat fast-food intake was associated with anxiety symptoms. However, frequent intake of sugar-free beverages reduced the risk of depressive symptoms. Conclusions: Habitual intake of certain fast foods were related to depressive/anxiety symptoms in young adults.

High prevalence of multi-drug resistant organisms in the gut flora of healthy rural individuals in northern India.

Background & objectives Presence of resistant gut flora in the community is associated with increasing multi-drug resistance (MDR) infections. In this study, the prevalence of MDR organisms in the gut flora of a healthy rural population residing in northern India was determined. Methods Healthy individuals aged 18-45 yr from Nuh district, Haryana, India were included in this study. Risk factors associated with dysbiosis, diet, lifestyle and exposure to animals was assessed. Qualitative food frequency questionnaire and inflammatory diet score was calculated. Pathogens in stool sample were detected by MALDI-TOF. Evaluation of antimicrobial susceptibility was done by automated Vitek-2 System. The presence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes was evaluated using PCR. An isolate having resistance to at least one antibiotic out of the three or more classes of antibiotics tested was labelled as MDR. Results Among 153 individuals included in this study (mean age-32.5±8.6 yr, females-58.2%, vegetarian-68.6%), the most frequent organism isolated was E. coli (n=137, 89.5%) followed by K. pneumoniae (n=19, 12.4%) and Enterobacter species (n=23, 15%). Forty seven (30.7%) individuals had sensitive and 42 (27.4%) had MDR organisms. Fifty one (33.3%) were positive for ESBL, 5 (3.3%) were positive for carbapenems, and 18 (11.8%) were positive for both genes. Age, gender, body mass index, diet pattern, or diet score were similar between participants with sensitive and resistant organisms. Resistance against fluoroquinolones was highest [92(48.7%)] among all isolates. Forty nine (25.9%), 25 (13.2%), 24 (12.7%) and 21 (11.1%) isolates, respectively were positive for blaTEM, blaSHV, blaCTXM-1 and OXA-48 genes. Interpretation & conclusions Overall the study findings suggest that 27 per cent individuals from rural northern India carry MDR organisms in their fecal flora, with an ESBL carriage rate of 44 per cent.

Критерии потребительского выбора пищевой продукции в контексте анализа рисков для здоровья

Provision of food quality and safety is among national priorities. The strategy aimed at improving quality of food products in the Russian Federation for the period up to 2030 highlights a relevant issue as regards Russians consuming low-quality food products. The aim of this study is to identify criteria that determine consumer choice of food products and its influence on health risks. The empirical data used in the study are represented by the results of national social surveys (Russian Public Opinion Research Center, NAFI Research Center, Public Opinion Fund, 2020–2023) and materials obtained by focus interviews with Russian megacity residents (n = 26, spring 2024). Price is the top criterion that determines consumer choices in Russia. We identified three behavioral strategies based on subjective perception of food quality and price: 1) quality is priority regardless of a price (the strategy is typical for middle-aged consumers with higher incomes); 2) a balance between quality and price (including orientation at discounts and special promotion campaigns at points-of-sail); 3) refusal from subjectively more qualitative food products in favor of less qualitative but cheaper ones (the strategy is typical for consumers from senior age groups). Consumer orientation at product price leads to changes in diets in case population incomes are dropping or market prices are growing; in particular, it means a decline in fruit, meat and fish consumption. Significance a consumer places on food taste as a selection criterion results in choosing food products with low ‘objective’ consumer value but a higher ‘subjective’ one, for example, chips, sweetened carbonated beverages, and products with high saturated fat contents. Risky consumer choice is also determined by low interest in healthy diets and absence of any faith in possibility to get objective information. A conclusion is made that it is necessary to make food products, which are subjectively perceived by consumers as more qualitative, more affordable in money terms; to intensify educational activities and to create suitable conditions for making consumers refuse from buying products with low nutrition value.

Criteria that determine consumer choice of food products within health risk analysis

Provision of food quality and safety is among national priorities. The strategy aimed at improving quality of food products in the Russian Federation for the period up to 2030 highlights a relevant issue as regards Russians consuming low-quality food products. The aim of this study is to identify criteria that determine consumer choice of food products and its influence on health risks. The empirical data used in the study are represented by the results of national social surveys (Russian Public Opinion Research Center, NAFI Research Center, Public Opinion Fund, 2020–2023) and materials obtained by focus interviews with Russian megacity residents (n = 26, spring 2024). Price is the top criterion that determines consumer choices in Russia. We identified three behavioral strategies based on subjective perception of food quality and price: 1) quality is priority regardless of a price (the strategy is typical for middle-aged consumers with higher incomes); 2) a balance between quality and price (including orientation at discounts and special promotion campaigns at points-of-sail); 3) refusal from subjectively more qualitative food products in favor of less qualitative but cheaper ones (the strategy is typical for consumers from senior age groups). Consumer orientation at product price leads to changes in diets in case population incomes are dropping or market prices are growing; in particular, it means a decline in fruit, meat and fish consumption. Significance a consumer places on food taste as a selection criterion results in choosing food products with low ‘objective’ consumer value but a higher ‘subjective’ one, for example, chips, sweetened carbonated beverages, and products with high saturated fat contents. Risky consumer choice is also determined by low interest in healthy diets and absence of any faith in possibility to get objective information. A conclusion is made that it is necessary to make food products, which are subjectively perceived by consumers as more qualitative, more affordable in money terms; to intensify educational activities and to create suitable conditions for making consumers refuse from buying products with low nutrition value.

Africa in the Eye of Contemporary African Child: A Psychoanalytical Reading of Noviolet Bulawayo’s &lt;i&gt;We Need New Names&lt;/i&gt;

Even with the immense global innovations in technology and education, millions of children in most African nations are out of school. They are denied education due to greedy political leadership and irresponsible parenting in their respective nations. Zimbabwe is one of such African nations. The unfortunate predicaments of children in this nation many years after decolonization are dramatized in Noviolet Bulawayo’s We Need New Names. In this narrative, Bulawayo engages the technical elements of voice, action and settings to expose the vulnerability of contemporary Zimbabwean children. Through Darling, who is the child protagonistnarrator, we glimpse into the unfortunate realities of the contemporary Zimbabwean children: they are out of school, neglected, and starved, physically, emotionally and sexually abused amongst many other atrocities against them. Using the qualitative research method, as well as Sigmund Freud’s Psychoanalytical strand of Child Development Theoretical paradigm, this study has not only examined the various aspects of physical and psychological abuses of the contemporary African child, but has also discovered that these supposed future leaders can only access qualitative education, decent shelter, food and modern technology through migration to other developed climes, particularly the United States of America and Dubai, a journey from which they are not likely to return soon. This unfortunate development portends a bleak future for most of these nations and the continent at large.

Analyzing Food Loss in Banana Pepper (Capsicum annuum) Production: Causes, Impact, and Challenges, A Case Study of Large-Scale Farming in the Hot District, Chiang Mai, Thailand

This study aimed to assess both quantitative and qualitative food loss in banana pepper production at the agricultural level. Its objectives included employing the Supply Chain Operations Reference Model (SCOR Model) for analysis, identifying root causes of losses and evaluating quantity and quality. Food loss here refers to diminished quantity and quality due to supply chain decisions and actions. Data collection and analysis included an extensive literature review, compilation of secondary data, primary data gathering via questionnaires and measurements of lost banana pepper yield during harvesting. Qualitative insights were acquired through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The study identified weather variability as the primary driver of food loss, with many farmers lacking access to climatic measuring tools. Additional losses, assessed visually, comprised damage from diseases, pests, stunted growth, mechanical issues and other factors, accounting for 13.68, 10.13, 6.95, 4.03 and 7.01 % of the total loss, respectively. Remarkably, only 57.93 % of the produce met quality and sale readiness criteria. The loss of banana peppers was estimated at 55.21 %, equivalent to 1,189.62 kg/rai, resulting in an economic loss of 35,688.58 Baht/rai. The study also noted significant nutrient losses, including energy, carbohydrates, fiber, protein, potassium, phosphorus, vitamin B1 and vitamin C, amounting to 321,197 kcal/rai and 57,102, 38,068, 17,844 g/rai and 3,045,427, 559,121, 487,744, 166,547 mg/rai, respectively. Farmers, while aware of food loss issues, often struggle to quantify them accurately. This study’s findings can raise farmers’ awareness and aid in designing training programs to mitigate such losses. However, addressing the inherent variability and unpredictability of on-farm food loss remains a challenge. Future research should prioritize a comprehensive analysis of banana pepper losses on farms. HIGHLIGHTS Weather variability was identified as the primary driver of food loss, exacerbated by limited access to climatic measuring tools Various factors contribute to food loss, including damage from diseases, pests, stunted growth and mechanical issues, accounting for 68 to 7.01 % of total loss Significant economic and nutrient losses, with a 21 % loss of banana peppers, resulting in an economic loss of 35,688.58 Baht/rai and substantial nutrient losses in various categories GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Plants and their roles in combating contemporary global challenges

This paper examined some aspects of contemporary global challenges that have mostly been occasioned by anthropogenic factors which have uncoupled ecological equilibria. These have been made more severe by pressure from the rapidly increasing human population. Some of these global challenges include deforestation, climate change, pollution of air and soils, ground and surface water scarcity/contamination, food shortages, decreased food quality, extreme poverty and decreased overall health and wellbeing. Plants provide a veritable resource for mitigation of these challenges if they are sustainably exploited to provide qualitative food, raw materials, medicine and ecosystem services. The paper also examined the trends and impacts of these global challenges and concluded that it is imperative for research and development efforts to be directed at the restoration of ecosystem balances, where stability has been disrupted, and to maintain such stability in pristine environments.

A content analysis of qualitative research on college student food insecurity in the United States

AbstractUsing a content analysis methodology, we examined 15 peer‐reviewed articles published between 2009 and 2019 that used qualitative and mixed methods approaches to explore how college and university students experience food insecurity. Concerningly, there was limited variety in the methods employed across these articles and more discussion of methodology was needed. Despite this, our analysis of student statements in these articles yielded three common themes: (1) co‐occurring basic needs; (2) academic, physical, psychological, and social effects of food insecurity; and (3) institutional satisfaction and/or critique. We include implications for research and practice.Context and implicationsRationale for the studyFew qualitative studies centre students' food insecurity experiences in the United States. We examined available research to unearth commonalities across student narratives while connecting food insecurity to broader social class inequality in higher education.Why the new findings matterOur findings underscore the urgent need for additional qualitative food insecurity scholarship that foregrounds student voices. Future researchers examining food insecurity should consider: (a) the nuances of on‐campus food insecurity, (b) the impact of food insecurity on student success, and (c) the linkages between food insecurity and social class in higher education.Implications for policy makersCampus leaders and policy makers can help address campus food insecurity by building holistic wraparound systems to support the multi‐faceted needs of students facing food insecurity. To do this, policy makers and leaders must begin to understand food insecurity as more than a statistic and acknowledge the human experiences of those it affects.

Effect of agricultural landscape pattern on the qualitative food web of epigaeic arthropods in low hilly areas of northern China

Under the macro background of global change and sustainable development, the sustainable and healthy development of agricultural landscapes is crucial for human well-being. Formulating targeted protection measures based on biodiversity conservation is currently a hot topic and challenge. Our study focused on Jianping County, a typical hilly area in northern China, to understand the impact of regional agricultural landscape patterns on qualitative food webs. We calculated food web parameters by constructing predator-pest qualitative food web matrices and compared the differences in food web structure characteristics under different agricultural landscape patterns. By using function regression method, we established landscape indices and food web parameter models. The results showed that the average number and community structure of predatory natural enemies and pests varied across different agricultural landscape patterns, but the common groups were similar. Maintaining a proportion of 30–40 % non-crop habitats is optimal for the stability of qualitative food webs. Different landscape elements have varying regulatory effects on the structure of qualitative food webs, and the food web parameter model can explain these effects more directly. Specifically, the Landscape Shape Index (LSI) is significantly positively correlated with Generality (G), while the Contagion Index (CONTAG) is significantly negatively correlated with vulnerability (V). We propose that in low hilly areas, where non-crop diversity is the primary source of heterogeneity, promoting measures for non-crop habitats through landscape planning will help maintain the richness of epigaeic arthropods and the stability of qualitative food webs. This research is of great significance in promoting ecological control and sustainable development of agroecosystems in low hilly areas.

Socio-demographic characteristics and dietary pattern of community-dwelling adults in Abia State, Nigeria.

Identification of dietary patterns and their association with socio-demographic factors. Community-based cross-sectional study design. Urban and rural communities in Abia State, Nigeria. Eight hundred and sixty-eight (868) male and female adults aged 20 to 59 years. Identification of Dietary patterns (DP) by Principal Component Analysis (PCA) based on the consumption of 10 food groups, assessed using a 7-day qualitative food frequency questionnaire. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses evaluated the association between identified patterns and socio-economic factors. Two dietary patterns 'traditional and convenience DPs were identified, explaining 52% of the total variance. The traditional DP was loaded with starchy staples, vegetable soups/sauces, and animal proteins. The convenience DP was characterised by high factor loading of processed cereals, carbonated drinks and alcoholic beverages. Larger households (>3) had lower odds of adhering to high traditional DP [AOR =0.633; 95% CI (0.429-0.934); p = 0.021]. Females [AOR =1.586; 95% CI (1.104-2.279); p = 0.013] and middle-aged adults (AOR = 1.750; 95% CI (1.075-2.848);p = 0.024] were more likely to adhere to the convenience DP, whereas, the odds of adhering to the convenience pattern was lower among adults residing in rural areas [AOR =0.3161.586; 95% CI (0.219-0.456); p = 0.001]. Socio-economic variables (age, gender, household size and place of residence) were associated with dietary patterns among community dwellers in Nigeria. None declared.

Artificial Sweeteners and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes in the Prospective NutriNet-Santé Cohort.

To study the relationships between artificial sweeteners, accounting for all dietary sources (total and by type of artificial sweetener) and risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D), in a large-scale prospective cohort. The analyses included 105,588 participants from the web-based NutriNet-Santé study (France, 2009-2022; mean age 42.5 ± 14.6 years, 79.2% women). Repeated 24-h dietary records, including brands and commercial names of industrial products, merged with qualitative and quantitative food additive composition data, enabled artificial sweetener intakes to be accurately assessed from all dietary sources. Associations between artificial sweeteners (total, aspartame, acesulfame potassium [K], and sucralose) and T2D were investigated using Cox proportional hazard models adjusted for potential confounders, including weight variation during follow-up. During a median follow-up of 9.1 years (946,650 person-years, 972 incident T2D), compared with nonconsumers, higher consumers of artificial sweeteners (i.e., above the sex-specific medians of 16.4 mg/day in men and 18.5 mg/day in women) had higher risks of developing T2D (hazard ratio [HR] 1.69; 95% CI 1.45-1.97; P-trend <0.001). Positive associations were also observed for individual artificial sweeteners: aspartame (HR 1.63 [95% CI 1.38-1.93], P-trend <0.001), acesulfame-K (HR 1.70 [1.42-2.04], P-trend <0.001), and sucralose (HR 1.34 [1.07-1.69], P-trend = 0.013). Potential for reverse causality cannot be eliminated; however, many sensitivity analyses were computed to limit this and other potential biases. These findings of positive associations between artificial sweetener intakes and increased T2D risk strengthen the evidence that these additives may not be safe sugar alternatives. This study provides important insights in the context of on-going reevaluation of artificial sweeteners by health authorities worldwide.

Population food intake clusters and cardiovascular disease incidence: a Bayesian quantifying of a prospective population-based cohort study in a low and middle-income country.

This study was designed to explore the relationship between cardiovascular disease incidence and population clusters, which were established based on daily food intake. The current study examined 5,396 Iranian adults (2,627 males and 2,769 females) aged 35 years and older, who participated in a 10-year longitudinal population-based study that began in 2001. The frequency of food group consumption over the preceding year (daily, weekly, or monthly) was assessed using a 49-item qualitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) administered via a face-to-face interview conducted by an expert dietitian. Participants were clustered based on their dietary intake by applying the semi-parametric Bayesian approach of the Dirichlet Process. In this approach, individuals with the same multivariate distribution based on dietary intake were assigned to the same cluster. The association between the extracted population clusters and the incidence of cardiovascular diseases was examined using Cox proportional hazard models. In the 10-year follow-up, 741 participants (401 men and 340 women) were diagnosed with cardiovascular diseases. Individuals were categorized into three primary dietary clusters: healthy, unhealthy, and mixed. After adjusting for potential confounders, subjects in the unhealthy cluster exhibited a higher risk for cardiovascular diseases [Hazard Ratio (HR): 2.059; 95% CI: 1.013, 4.184] compared to those in the healthy cluster. In the unadjusted model, individuals in the mixed cluster demonstrated a higher risk for cardiovascular disease than those in the healthy cluster (HR: 1.515; 95% CI: 1.097, 2.092). However, this association was attenuated after adjusting for potential confounders (HR: 1.145; 95% CI: 0.769, 1.706). The results have shown that individuals within an unhealthy cluster have a risk that is twice as high for the incidence of cardiovascular diseases. However, these associations need to be confirmed through further prospective investigations.

The Invasion of Alien Populations of Solanum elaeagnifolium in Two Mediterranean Habitats Modifies the Soil Communities in Different Ways.

We aimed to explore how the invasion of the alien plant Solanum elaeagnifolium affects soil microbial and nematode communities in Mediterranean pines (Pinus brutia) and maquis (Quercus coccifera). In each habitat, we studied soil communities from the undisturbed core of both formations and from their disturbed peripheral areas that were either invaded or not by S. elaeagnifolium. Most studied variables were affected by habitat type, while the effect of S. elaeagnifolium was different in each habitat. Compared to maquis, the soil in pines had higher silt content and lower sand content and higher water content and organic content, supporting a much larger microbial biomass (PLFA) and an abundance of microbivorous nematodes. The invasion of S. elaeagnifolium in pines had a negative effect on organic content and microbial biomass, which was reflected in most bacterivorous and fungivorous nematode genera. Herbivores were not affected. In contrast, in maquis, organic content and microbial biomass responded positively to invasion, raising the few genera of enrichment opportunists and the Enrichment Index. Most microbivores were not affected, while herbivores, mostly Paratylenchus, increased. The plants colonizing the peripheral areas in maquis probably offered a qualitative food source to microbes and root herbivores, which in pines was not sufficient to affect the much larger microbial biomass.

Sugar-sweetened beverage consumption among pregnant women attending general and teaching hospitals in Ibadan, Nigeria

BackgroundSugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) have become a global health concern because of their adverse health effects and their association with the obesity pandemic. It has not received much attention in sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria, especially among pregnant women. The pattern, frequency and factors associated with SSBs among pregnant women in Ibadan, Nigeria, were investigated.DesignData were from the Ibadan Pregnancy Cohort Study - a prospective cohort study investigating 1745 pregnant women from four comprehensive obstetric facilities in Ibadan. A qualitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to assess the pregnant women’s intake of food and drinks over the previous months. Sugar-sweetened beverage variable and scores were also generated using the principal component analysis with varimax rotation. Factors associated with high SSB scores were examined using multivariate logistics regression analyses at a 5% significance level.ResultsThe most commonly consumed SSBs were cocoa-sweetened beverages, soft drinks, malt drinks, and fruit juice. A quarter of the women (75th percentile) consumed SSB more than once weekly. The factors associated with high SSB on multivariate analysis were; being employed (AOR: 1.52, 95% CI 1.02–2.26), maternal obesity (AOR: 0.065, 95% CI 0.47–0.89), high fruit intake (AOR:3.62, 95% CI 2.62–4.99), high green vegetable consumption (AOR:1.99, 95% CI 1.06–3.74), high milk intake (AOR: 2.13, 95% CI 1.65– 2.74), frequent fast food outlet visit (AOR: 2.19, 95% CI 1.53–1.70), all of these remained significant after adjusting for confounding variables.ConclusionSSBs were common among our study population. Factors associated with high SSBs intake are crucial for implementing locally relevant public health interventions.

Plant-Based Diet and Risk of Frailty in Older Chinese Adults.

This study examined the relationship between the consumption of plant-based diet and frailty in older Chinese adults. Prospective cohort study. Community-based setting in 22 provinces of China. The final sample included data from 3990 older adults from 2011-2014 from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. A plant-based diet index (PDI) was calculated based on a qualitative food frequency questionnaire. Frailty was defined using modified Fried criteria. A Generalized Estimating Equation was used to estimate risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for frailty. We further performed subgroup analyses stratified by sex and lifestyle factors. 557 cases of frailty were observed. After adjustment for covariates, the RR for frailty of a high PDI was 0.792 (95% CI: 0.644-0.973), relative to a low PDI. During follow-up, compared with respondents with a continually low PDI, the respondents with a continually high PDI had a significantly reduced risk of frailty (RR = 0.683, 95% CI: 0.514-0.908). In further subgroup analysis, a consistently high PDI over time resulted in a significantly reduced risk of frailty for male (RR = 0.591, 95% CI: 0.391-0.893); for never smokers (RR = 0.670, 95% CI: 0.458-0.979); for people who did never consume alcohol (RR = 0.654, 95% CI: 0.454-0.941); and for people with current or former exercise habits (RR = 0.488, 95% CI: 0.313-0.762). Plant-based diet was associated with low risk of frailty in men and in older adults with healthy lifestyle. These findings stress that plant-based diet should be recommended as a dietary strategy to prevent and reduce frailty in older adults; in addition, more dietary interventions along with lifestyle modification should be adopted to promote successful ageing, especially for women.

Dietary diversity of women from soybean and non-soybean farming households in rural Zambia

IntroductionSoybean farming in Zambia is promoted to increase farm productivity and diversification away from maize, and improve cash income and livelihoods for farmers. However, the impact of soybean farming on women's dietary intake is not clear. This study compares the dietary diversity of women from soybean (S) and non-soybean (NS) farming households as a pathway to understanding policy efficacy.MethodsA cross-sectional survey involving 268 women of reproductive age from 401 rural households was conducted in two soybean-producing districts of Central Province, Zambia. Data from a qualitative 7-day food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to calculate dietary diversity scores (DDS), women's dietary diversity scores (WDDS-10) and assess dietary patterns. Information on household sociodemographic and agricultural characteristics was used to explore determinants of dietary diversity.ResultsResults show there were no significant differences in the mean DDS (S: 10.3 ± 2.4; NS:10.3 ± 2.6) and WDDS-10 (S:6.27 ± 1.55; NS:6.27 ± 1.57) of women from soybean and non-soybean farming households. Both cohorts had similar dietary patterns, plant-based food groups with additional fats and oils. Agricultural diversity was not associated with dietary diversity. Household wealth status was the most important determinant of dietary diversity, as women from wealthier households were more likely to have higher DDS (β = 0.262, 95% CI = 0.26 to 0.70, P &amp;lt; 0.001) and WDDS-10 (β = 0.222, 95% CI = 0.08 to 0.37, P &amp;lt; 0.003) compared to those from poorer households. Women from households that spent more on food had a higher DDS (β = 0.182, 95% CI = 0.002 to 0.07), but not WDDS-10 (β = 0.120, 95% CI = −0.01 to 0.03); for every additional dollar spent on food in the past 7 days, the DDS increased by 0.18. Meanwhile, soyabean farming was not statistically associated with higher wealth.ConclusionsPolicymakers and promoters of agricultural diversification and nutrition-sensitive agriculture need to consider how women can benefit directly or indirectly from soybean farming or other interventions aimed at smallholder farmers.