Validating the dietary intake questions from the Tu Salud, ¡Si Cuenta! questionnaire

Background. Poor nutrition is an important factor in the onset of obesity which is a growing problem in the United States that disproportionately affects Mexican-Americans. In order to form recommendations and effectively target nutrition in interventions it is necessary to have valid epidemiological tools to better understand dietary trends. Purpose. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the validity of the nutritional intake questions from the Tu Salud, ¡Sí Cuenta! Questionnaire in an adult Mexican-American population. Methods. Fifty participants in the Cameron County Hispanic Cohort were recruited into the validity study, which consisted of completing the Tu Salud, ¡Sí Cuenta! questionnaire and the 24-hour recall with a 2 hour time period between administrations. Responses were analyzed to determine the percent agreement, kappa statistic and Spearman rank order correlation. Results: Five items had good validity (>0.6), three items had fair validity (>0.4), and three items had poor validity (<0.4). In general, items that had low validity were those that were reported in low frequencies by study subjects. Overall, the Tu Salud, ¡Sí Cuenta! questionnaire showed good validity, making this questionnaire a valuable tool to assess the dietary intake patterns of this Mexican-American adult population. ^

Dietary intake patterns and relationships to polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) and phthalate body burden

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and phthalates are chemicals of concern because of high levels measured in people and the environment as well as the demonstrated toxicity in animal studies and limited epidemiological studies. Exposure to these chemicals has been associated with a range of toxicological outcomes, including developmental effects, behavioral changes, endocrine disruption, effects on sexual health, and cancer. Previous research has shown that both of these classes of chemicals contaminate food in the United States and worldwide. However, how large a role diet plays in exposure to these chemicals is currently unknown. To address this question, an exploratory analysis of data collected as part of the 2003-04 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) was conducted. Associations between dietary intake (assessed by 24-hour dietary recalls) for a range of food types (meat, poultry, fish, and dairy) and levels PBDEs and phthalate metabolites were analyzed using multiple linear regression modeling. Levels of individual PBDE congeners 28, 47, 99, 100 as well as total PBDEs were found to be significantly associated with the consumption of poultry. Metabolites of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) were found to be associated with the consumption of poultry, as well as with an increased consumption of fat of animal origin. These results, combined with results from previous studies, suggest that diet is an important route of intake for both PBDEs and phthalates. Further research needs to be conducted to determine the sources of food contamination with these toxic chemicals as well as to describe the levels of contamination of US food in a large, representative sample.^

Variance of familial dietary intake

Although many family-based genetic studies have collected dietary data, very few have used the dietary information in published findings. No single solution has been presented or discussed in the literature to deal with the problem of using factor analyses for the analyses of dietary data from several related individuals from a given household. The standard statistical approach of factor analysis cannot be applied to the VIVA LA FAMILIA Study diet data to ascertain dietary patterns since this population consists of three children from each family, thus the dietary patterns of the related children may be correlated and non-independent. Addressing this problem in this project will enable us to describe the dietary patterns in Hispanic families and to explore the relationships between dietary patterns and childhood obesity. ^ In the VIVA LA FAMILIA Study, an overweight child was first identified and then his/her siblings and parents were brought in for data collection which included 24 hour recalls and food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Dietary intake data were collected using FFQ and 24 hour recalls on 1030 Hispanic children from 319 families. ^ The design of the VIVA LA FAMILIA Study has important and unique statistical considerations since its participants are related to each other, the majority form distinct nuclear families. Thus, the standard approach of factor analysis cannot be applied to these diet data to ascertain dietary patterns. In this project we propose to investigate whether the determinants of the correlation matrix of each family unit will allow us to adjust the original correlation matrix of the dietary intake data prior to ascertaining dietary intake patterns. If these methods are appropriate, then in the future the dietary patterns among related individuals could be assessed by standard orthogonal principal component factor analysis.^

Relationship between parental feeding practices and weight status in a lower socioeconomic pre-school population

High prevalence of overweight and obesity among preschool children in the low income population is consistently documented in research with one of every seven low-income, preschool-aged children classified as obese. Parental feeding practices have the potential to be contributing factors to the obesity epidemic. However, the impact of parental feeding practices on obesity in preschool age children has not been well explored. The purpose of this study was to determine relationships between the parental feeding practices of using dessert, sweets or candy as a reward for finishing foods, restricting dessert if the child does not finish their plate at dinner, asking the child to consume everything on their plate at dinner, and having family dinners to obesity in low income, preschool age children.^ A cross-sectional secondary data analysis was completed using the STATA 11 statistical software. Descriptive statistics were completed to summarize demographic and BMI data of participants, as well as parental feeding behavior variables. Pearson’s correlation was implemented to determine a correlation between parental feeding behavior variables and BMI z scores. Predictive relationships between the variables were explored through multivariable linear regression analysis. Regression analyses were also completed factoring in the confounders of gender, age, and ethnicity.^ Results revealed (1) no significant correlations or predictive trends between the use of rewards, forced consumption, or family dinner and BMI in low income preschool age children, and (2) a significant negative correlation and predictive trend between restriction of desserts and BMI in low income preschool age children. Since the analysis supported the null hypothesis for the practices of reward use, forced consumption, and family dinner, these practices are not considered risk factors for obese level BMIs. The inverse association found for practice of restriction and BMI suggests it is unnecessary to discourage parents from using restriction. Limitations of the study included the sample size, reliability of the answers provided on the Healthy Home Survey by participant guardians, and generalizability of the sample to the larger population.^

The role of cardiorespiratory fitness and weight status on 24-hr ambulatory blood pressure among adolescents

BACKGROUND: This observational research study investigated the association of cardiorespiratory fitness and weight status with repeated measures of 24-hr ambulatory blood pressure (24-hr ABP). Little is known about these associations and few data exist examining the interaction between cardiorespiratory fitness and weight status and the contributions of each on 24-hr ABP in youth. ^ METHODS: This research study used secondary analysis data from the "Adolescent Blood Pressure and Anger: Ethnic Differences" study. This current study sample included 374 African-American, Anglo-American, and Mexican-American adolescents 11-16 years of age. Mixed-effects models were used for testing the relationship between weight status and cardiorespiratory fitness and repeated measures of ambulatory blood pressure over 24 hours (24-hr ABP). Weight status was categorized into "normal weight" (BMI<85th percentile), "overweight" (85th≤BMI<95th), and "obese" (BMI≥95th). Cardiorespiratory fitness, determined by heart rate recovery (HRR), was defined as the difference between heart rate at peak exercise and heart rate at two minutes post-exercise, as measured by a height-adjusted step test and stratified into two groups: low and high fitness, using a median split. Ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) was monitored for a 24-hr period on a school day using the Spacelabs ambulatory monitor (Model 90207). Blood pressure and heart rate were recorded at 30 minute intervals throughout the day of recording and at 60 minute intervals during sleep. ^ RESULTS: No significant associations were found between weight status and mean 24-hr systolic blood pressure (SBP) or mean arterial pressure (MAP). A significant and inverse association between weight status and mean 24-hr diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was revealed. Cardiorespiratory fitness was significantly and inversely associated with mean 24-hr ABP. High fitness adolescents had significantly lower mean 24-hr SPB, DBP, and MAP measurements than low fitness adolescents. Compared to low fitness adolescents, high fitness adolescents had 1.90 mmHg, 1.16 mmHg, and 1.68 mmHg lower mean 24-hr SBP, DBP, and MAP, respectively. Additionally, high fitness appeared to afford protection from higher mean 24-hr SBP and MAP, irrespective of weight status. Among normal weight adolescents, low fitness resulted in higher mean 24-hr SBP and MAP, compared to their fit counterparts. Among adolescents categorized as high fitness, increasing weight status did not appear to result in higher mean 24-hr SBP or MAP. Cardiorespiratory fitness, rather than weight status, appeared to be a more dominant predictor of mean 24-hr SBP and MAP. ^ CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this research is the first study to investigate the independent and combined contributions of cardiorespiratory fitness and weight status on 24-hr ABP, all objectively measured. The results of this study may potentially guide and inform future research. It appears that early cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention should focus on improving cardiorespiratory fitness levels among all adolescents, particularly those adolescents least fit, regardless of their weight status, while obesity prevention efforts continue.^

India & South Asia, 1752 (Image 1 of 2) (Raster Image)

This layer is a georeferenced raster image of the historic paper map entitled: Carte de l'Inde : dressée pour la Compagnie des Indes, par le Sr. d'Anville, Sécrétaire de S.A.S. Mgr. le Duc d'Orleans ; [engraved by] Guill.' de-la-Haye. It was published by Jean Baptiste Bourguignon d'Anville in November 1752. Scale [ca. 1:3,100,000]. This layer is image 1 of 2 total images of the two sheet source map, representing the northern portion of the map. Covers India and portions of South Asia. Map in French. The image inside the map neatline is georeferenced to the surface of the earth and fit to the Kalianpur 1975 India Zone III projected coordinate system. All map collar and inset information is also available as part of the raster image, including any inset maps, profiles, statistical tables, directories, text, illustrations, index maps, legends, or other information associated with the principal map. This map shows features such as drainage, cities and other human settlements, roads, shoreline features, and more. Relief shown pictorially. Includes insets: Negraïs -- Rivière d'Aracan -- Riv. de Sirian -- Archipel de Merghi -- Environs de Junk Selon -- Environs d'Ashem -- Entréé du Gange -- Environs de Goa. This layer is part of a selection of digitally scanned and georeferenced historic maps from the Harvard Map Collection. These maps typically portray both natural and manmade features. The selection represents a range of originators, ground condition dates, scales, and map purposes.

India & South Asia, 1752 (Image 2 of 2) (Raster Image)

This layer is a georeferenced raster image of the historic paper map entitled: Carte de l'Inde : dressée pour la Compagnie des Indes, par le Sr. d'Anville, Sécrétaire de S.A.S. Mgr. le Duc d'Orleans ; [engraved by] Guill.' de-la-Haye. It was published by Jean Baptiste Bourguignon d'Anville in November 1752. Scale [ca. 1:3,100,000]. This layer is image 2 of 2 total images of the two sheet source map, representing the southern portion of the map. Covers India and portions of South Asia. Map in French. The image inside the map neatline is georeferenced to the surface of the earth and fit to the Kalianpur 1975 India Zone III projected coordinate system. All map collar and inset information is also available as part of the raster image, including any inset maps, profiles, statistical tables, directories, text, illustrations, index maps, legends, or other information associated with the principal map. This map shows features such as drainage, cities and other human settlements, roads, shoreline features, and more. Relief shown pictorially. Includes insets: Negraïs -- Rivière d'Aracan -- Riv. de Sirian -- Archipel de Merghi -- Environs de Junk Selon -- Environs d'Ashem -- Entréé du Gange -- Environs de Goa. This layer is part of a selection of digitally scanned and georeferenced historic maps from the Harvard Map Collection. These maps typically portray both natural and manmade features. The selection represents a range of originators, ground condition dates, scales, and map purposes.

India & South Asia, 1773 (Raster Image)

This layer is a georeferenced raster image of the historic paper map entitled: The East Indies including more particularly the British Dominions on the Continent of India, by John Blair ; T. Kitchin, senr. sculpsit. It was published by J. Blair in 1773. Scale [ca.1:7,000,000]. Covers India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and portions of Maldives, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, China, Burma, and Indonesia. The image inside the map neatline is georeferenced to the surface of the earth and fit to the Kalianpur 1975 India Zone III projected coordinate system. All map collar and inset information is also available as part of the raster image, including any inset maps, profiles, statistical tables, directories, text, illustrations, index maps, legends, or other information associated with the principal map. This map shows features such as drainage, cities and other human settlements, territorial and administrative boundaries, shoreline features, and more. Relief shown pictorially.This layer is part of a selection of digitally scanned and georeferenced historic maps from the Harvard Map Collection. These maps typically portray both natural and manmade features. The selection represents a range of originators, ground condition dates, scales, and map purposes.

India & South Asia, ca. 1787 (Raster Image)

This layer is a georeferenced raster image of the historic paper map entitled: Charte von Indostan, Endner fe. It was published ca. 1787. Scale [ca. 1:8,000,000]. Covers India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and portions of Pakistan, China, Burma, Sri Lanka, and Maldives. Map in German. The image inside the map neatline is georeferenced to the surface of the earth and fit to the Kalianpur 1975 India Zone III projected coordinate system. All map collar and inset information is also available as part of the raster image, including any inset maps, profiles, statistical tables, directories, text, illustrations, index maps, legends, or other information associated with the principal map. This map shows features such as drainage, cities and other human settlements, territorial and administrative boundaries, roads, ground cover, shoreline features, and more. Relief shown by hachures and pictorially.This layer is part of a selection of digitally scanned and georeferenced historic maps from the Harvard Map Collection. These maps typically portray both natural and manmade features. The selection represents a range of originators, ground condition dates, scales, and map purposes.

India & South Asia, 1821 (Raster Image)

This layer is a georeferenced raster image of the historic paper map entitled: Hindoostan, J. & G. Menzies sculp. It was published by Baldwin, Cradock & Joy in 1821. Scale [1: 7,000,000]. Covers India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and portions of Afghanistan, Pakistan, China, Sri Lanka, and Maldives.The image inside the map neatline is georeferenced to the surface of the earth and fit to the Kalianpur 1975 India Zone III projected coordinate system. All map collar and inset information is also available as part of the raster image, including any inset maps, profiles, statistical tables, directories, text, illustrations, index maps, legends, or other information associated with the principal map. This map shows features such as drainage, cities and other human settlements, territorial and administrative boundaries, shoreline features, and more. Relief shown by hachures. Includes inset: "Isle of Ceylon" ; scale [ca. 1: 4,500,000].This layer is part of a selection of digitally scanned and georeferenced historic maps from the Harvard Map Collection. These maps typically portray both natural and manmade features. The selection represents a range of originators, ground condition dates, scales, and map purposes.

India & South Asia, 1828 (Image 1 of 2) (Raster Image)

This layer is a georeferenced raster image of the historic paper map entitled: Map of India : exhibiting its present political divisions, with a supplement containing the Birman Empire, Pickett sculpt. It was published by Chas. Smith, No. 172 Strand in 1828. Scale [ca. 1:4,950,000]. This layer is image 1 of 2 total images of the two sheet source map, representing the northern portion of the map. Covers India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and portions of Afghanistan, Pakistan, China, and Maldives. The image inside the map neatline is georeferenced to the surface of the earth and fit to the Kalianpur 1975 India Zone III projected coordinate system. All map collar and inset information is also available as part of the raster image, including any inset maps, profiles, statistical tables, directories, text, illustrations, index maps, legends, or other information associated with the principal map. This map shows features such as drainage, cities and other human settlements, territorial and administrative boundaries, roads, shoreline features, and more. Relief shown by hachures. Includes also an inset of Burma.This layer is part of a selection of digitally scanned and georeferenced historic maps from the Harvard Map Collection. These maps typically portray both natural and manmade features. The selection represents a range of originators, ground condition dates, scales, and map purposes.

India & South Asia, 1828 (Image 2 of 2) (Raster Image)

This layer is a georeferenced raster image of the historic paper map entitled: Map of India : exhibiting its present political divisions, with a supplement containing the Birman Empire, Pickett sculpt. It was published by Chas. Smith, No. 172 Strand in 1828. Scale [ca. 1:4,950,000]. This layer is image 2 of 2 total images of the two sheet source map, representing the southern portion of the map. Covers India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and portions of Afghanistan, Pakistan, China, and Maldives. The image inside the map neatline is georeferenced to the surface of the earth and fit to the Kalianpur 1975 India Zone III projected coordinate system. All map collar and inset information is also available as part of the raster image, including any inset maps, profiles, statistical tables, directories, text, illustrations, index maps, legends, or other information associated with the principal map. This map shows features such as drainage, cities and other human settlements, territorial and administrative boundaries, roads, shoreline features, and more. Relief shown by hachures. Includes also an inset of Burma.This layer is part of a selection of digitally scanned and georeferenced historic maps from the Harvard Map Collection. These maps typically portray both natural and manmade features. The selection represents a range of originators, ground condition dates, scales, and map purposes.

Middle East and South Asia, 1903 (Raster Image)

This layer is a georeferenced raster image of the historic paper map entitled: A map of the countries between Constantinople and Calcutta : including Turkey in Asia, Persia, Afghanistan and Turkestan. It was published by Edward Stanford in 1903. Scale 1:6,969,600. The image inside the map neatline is georeferenced to the surface of the earth and fit to the Asia North Lambert Conformal Conic coordinate system. All map collar and inset information is also available as part of the raster image, including any inset maps, profiles, statistical tables, directories, text, illustrations, index maps, legends, or other information associated with the principal map. This map shows features such as drainage, cities and other human settlements, territorial boundaries, roads, railroads, ferry routes, shoreline features, and more. Relief shown by hachures and spot heights. This layer is part of a selection of digitally scanned and georeferenced historic maps from the Harvard Map Collection. These maps typically portray both natural and manmade features. The selection represents a range of originators, ground condition dates, scales, and map purposes.