Search

Background: Behavior change interventions can unintendedly widen existing socio-economic health inequalities. Understanding why interventions are (in)effective among people with lower socio-economic position (SEP) is essential. Therefore, this scoping review aims to describe what is reported about the behavior change techniques (BCTs) applied within interventions and their effectiveness in encouraging physical activity and healthy eating, and reducing smoking and alcohol consumption according to SEP. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in 12 electronic databases, and 151 studies meeting the eligibility criteria were included and coded for health behavioral outcomes, SEP-operationalization, BCTs (type and number) and effectiveness. Results: Findings suggest that approaches for measuring, defining and substantiating lower SEP vary. Current studies of behavior change interventions for people of different SEP do not systematically identify BCTs, making systematic evaluation of BCT effectiveness impossible. The effectiveness of interventions is mainly evaluated by overall intervention outcomes and SEP-moderation effects are mostly not assessed. Conclusion: Using different SEP-operationalizations and not specifying BCTs hampers systematic evidence accumulation regarding effective (combinations of) BCTs for the low SEP population. To learn which BCTs effectively improve health behaviors among people with lower SEP, future intervention developers should justify how SEP is operationalized and must systematically describe and examine BCTs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although the World Health Organisation (WHO) has proposed the use of fiscal policies to mitigate consumption externalities such as overweight and obesity-related diseases, very little is known about the impacts of the different types and framing of national and/or regional fiscal policies that have been implemented over the years. There is the need to provide up-to-date evidence on the impact of fiscal policies that have been enacted and implemented across the globe. Methods: We conducted a scoping review of all implemented government fiscal policies in the food and drinks sector to identify the different types of fiscal policies that exist and the scope of their impact on consumers as well as the food environment. Electronic databases such as the Web of Science and Google Scholar were used to search for appropriate literature on the topic. A total of 4,191 articles were retrieved and 127 were synthesized and charted for emerging themes. Results: The results from this review were synthesized in MS Excel following Arksey & O'Malley (2005). Emerging themes were identified across different countries/settings for synthesis. The results confirms that fiscal policies improve consumers' health; increase the prices of foods that are high in fats, sugar, and salt; increase government revenue; and shift consumption and purchases towards healthier and untaxed foods. Conclusion: Governments already have the optimum tool required to effect changes in consumer behaviour and the food environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: As rates of obesity and overweight continue to increase in the UK, calorie labels have been introduced on menus as a policy option to provide information to consumers on the energy content of foods and to enable informed choices. This study tested whether the addition of calorie labels to items in a simulated food delivery platform may reduce the energy content of items selected. Methods: UK adults (n = 8,780) who used food delivery platforms were asked to use the simulated platform as they would in real life to order a meal for themselves. Participants were randomly allocated to a control condition (no calorie labels) or to one of seven intervention groups: (1) large size calorie labels adjacent to the price (LP), (2) large size label adjacent to the product name (LN), (3) small label adjacent to price (SP), (4) small label adjacent to product name (SN), (5) LP with a calorie label switch-off filter (LP + Off), (6) LP with a switch-on filter (LP + On), or, (7) LP with a summary label of the total basket energy content (LP + Sum). Regression analysis assessed the impact of calorie labels on energy content of foods selected compared to the control condition. Results: The mean energy selected in the control condition was 1408 kcal (95%CI: 93, 2719). There was a statistically significant reduction in mean energy selected in five of the seven intervention trial arms (LN labels (-60 kcal, 95%CI: -111, -6), SN (-73, 95%CI: -125, -19), LP + Off (-110, 95%CI: -161, -57), LP + On (-109, 95%CI: -159, -57), LP + Sum (-85 kcal, 95%CI: -137, -30). There was no evidence the other two conditions (LP (-33, 95%CI: -88, 24) and SP (-52, 95%CI: -105, 2)) differed from control. There was no evidence of an effect of any intervention when the analysis was restricted to participants who were overweight or obese. Conclusion: Adding calorie labels to food items in a simulated online food delivery platform reduced the energy content of foods selected in five out of seven labelling scenarios. This study provides useful information to inform the implementation of these labels in a food delivery platform context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: On 6 April 2022, legislation came into effect in England requiring calorie labels to be applied to food items on menus of larger food businesses. This study aimed to assess the impact of calorie labelling on (a) food purchased and (b) energy content of menu options in worksite cafeterias. Methods: Product-level sales data and energy content of available items was obtained from 142 worksite cafeterias from January 2022-October 2022. Interrupted-time-series (ITS) analysis with level and slope change evaluated daily energy (kcal) purchased per item, and ITS with level change assessed mean energy per option available on menus before and after calorie labelling. Each analysis was conducted 6 weeks and 6 months from implementation. A post-hoc ITS examined weekly energy purchased per item over a longer period (March 2021-October 2022; 135 sites). Results: There was no evidence calorie labelling changed the energy content of foods purchased (6-week: + 0.60 cal/product, 95%CI:-2.54, + 3.75; 6-month: + 1.59 cal/product, 95%CI:-0.96, + 4.16). Post-hoc analyses suggested calorie labels were associated with a reduction in mean energy of items purchased over time (-0.65 kcal/week, 95%CI:-0.81,-0.49), but a significant increase (+ 3 kcal, 95%CI: + 0.43, + 5.60) at the point of implementation. There was a reduction in the mean energy content of menu options at each seasonal menu change (April 2022:-1.79 kcal, 95%CI:-3.42,-0.15; July 2022:-4.18 kcal, 95% CI:-7.65,-0.73). Conclusion: This large observational study in worksite cafeterias found no evidence to indicate the introduction of calorie labelling led to any immediate reduction in energy purchased by customers. There was some evidence of increasing impact over time, possibly associated with changes in menu offerings, but this effect was small and cannot be directly attributed to calorie labelling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the diagnostic value of axial T1-weighted imaging for patients suffering from lower back pain. Materials and methods: In this retrospective study, 100 consecutive lumbar spine MRIs obtained in patients with chronic low back pain were reviewed in two sessions: First, readers viewed core sequences (sagittal T1-weighted, STIR and T2-weighted, and axial T2-weighted) with axial T1-weighted sequences, and second, readers viewed cores sequences alone. Readers recorded the presence of disc degeneration, nerve root compromise, facet joint arthritis, and stenosis at each lumbar spine level as well as the presence of lipoma of filum terminale (LFT), spondylolisthesis, transitional vertebrae, and fractures. The McNemar, Wilcoxon signed-rank, and student T tests were utilized. Results: For 100 studies, 5 spine levels were evaluated (L1–L2 through L5–S1). There were cases of disc disease (444/500 bulges, 56/500 herniations), nerve root compromise (1/500 nerve enlargement, 36/500 contact only, 20/500 displacement or compression), facet arthritis (438/500), stenosis (58/500 central canal, 64/500 lateral recess, 137/500 neuroforaminal), 6/100 LFTs, and other abnormalities (58/500 spondylolisthesis, 10/100 transitional vertebrae, 10/500 fracture/spondylolysis). There was no difference in diagnostic performance between the interpretation sessions (with and without axial T1-weighted imaging) at any level (p > 0.05), although four small additional LFTs were identified with axial T1-weighted imaging availability. Conclusion: There was no clinically significant difference in the interpretation of lumbar spine MRI viewed with and without axial T1-weighted imaging, suggesting that the axial T1-weighted sequence does not add diagnostic value to routine lumbar spine MRI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases and obesity is associated with excessive consumption of sugar. To address this concern the taxation of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), known as the Health Promotion Levy (HPL), was implemented in South Africa in April 2018. A study was undertaken to investigate perspectives of dietitians and key industry role-players (KIRs) on the HPL. This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study. A national study was conducted in South Africa via a virtual platform. The participants were registered dietitians (n = 138) and key industry role-players (KIRs) (n = 39) who had expertise in nutrition, food science and/or sugar taxation legislation. Electronic surveys probed participants' awareness and opinions of the HPL, perceived SSB purchasing of consumers and barriers or facilitators for implementation of the HPL. Dietitians were positive regarding the HPL (75.8%; n = 94/124) but regarded the tax as too little to affect a reduction in obesity (71.8%, n = 89/124). They reported a 19.2% reduction in their perceived clients' daily purchasing of SSBs since implementation of the HPL. The KIRs regarded the HPL as insufficient to influence consumers' purchasing behaviour (64.9%, n = 24/37). Consumers' habitual purchasing was deemed a barrier (83.8%, n = 31/37) and consumer education an enabling factor (76,9%, n = 30/39) to successful implementation. Dietitians have a positive opinion on the HPL. They agree that the HPL alone will not influence the purchasing behaviour of consumers or reduce the prevalence of obesity. KIRs regard the HPL to be insufficient to affect consumers' purchasing behaviour. The HPL should form part of a multi-pronged approach to create a supportive environment to reduce sugar consumption. It is recommended that approaches should include fiscal measures, consumer education and controlled marketing of SSBs. Trained dietitians would be able to enhance the goal of the HPL to combat the obesity pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutrition periodization in football training is an important determinant of adaptation to cyclic training loads. Personalizing an athlete's diet is crucial to ensure optimal performance and body composition, depending on the phase of training. The purpose of this review is to answer the question of how the body composition of football players changes over the training macrocycle and how dietary recommendations should be tailored to specific training periods. The review of scientific evidence was conducted based on the available literature, typing in phrases related to training and nutrition periodization using the PubMed and Google Scholar database methodology tools. A literature search resulted in the selection of 346 sources directly related to the topic of the study, and then those with the highest scientific value were selected. There is a need to adjust energy and nutrient intake according to the different training phases in a football player's preparation cycle. During the preparatory phase, it is recommended to increase protein and energy intake to support anabolic processes and muscle mass development. During the competitive period, due to the intensity of matches and training, the importance of carbohydrates for glycogen replenishment and recovery is emphasized. The transition phase requires the regulation of caloric intake to prevent adverse changes in body composition. Hydration has been identified as a key element in each phase of training. Cooperation between coaches, nutritionists, and players is essential to optimize sports performance and rapid recovery, and the authors recommend continuous adaptation and nutritional optimization as an integral part of football training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic non-specific low back pain (CNSLBP) is a highly prevalent musculoskeletal condition that has a great socioeconomic impact on health systems. Instead of focusing on mechanical causes and direct workload in the development of CNSLBP, genetics, psychosocial environment, lifestyle and quality of life are coming to the forefront in its approach. The main objective was to analyze whether interventions aimed at modifying lifestyle can be effective in improving pain intensity and functional disability in CNSLBP. A search in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and SportDiscus databases was performed. Both a univariate and a multivariate network meta-analysis were applied with the difference pre/post-treatment. A total of 20 studies were included for qualitative analysis, of which 16 were randomized clinical trials with a moderate–high methodological quality and were part of the quantitative analysis. The interventions that had the greatest effect in reducing pain intensity were cognitive therapy combined with functional exercise programs, lumbar stabilization exercise and resistance exercise; meanwhile, for functional disability, they were functional exercise programs, aerobic exercise and standard care. In conclusion, a multimodal intervention aimed at changing one's lifestyle that encompasses cognitive, behavioral, and physical aspects seems to be highly effective in improving pain intensity and functional disability caused by CNSLBP; however, it is not yet known if these improvements are maintained in the long term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation has been shown to help maintain muscle function and reduce muscle soreness after exercise-induced muscle damage. However, the relationship between the dietary and biological status of omega-3 fatty acids in rugby players remains unclear. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the connection between the dietary and biological status of omega-3 fatty acids in university rugby players. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study involving university rugby players and age-matched sedentary controls. We assessed diets, including omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, using self-administered dietary questionnaires. Whole blood lipidomics was performed before and after a single training session. Results: The rugby group (n = 29) had significantly higher intakes of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids compared to the control group (n = 31). While the blood omega-6 relative concentration did not differ between the groups, the rugby group had lower omega-3 fatty acid levels than the control group (4.4 ± 1.1 vs. 6.2 ± 1.8%). Approximately 48% of rugby players had an omega-3 index (O3i) considered as high risk for cardiovascular disease, and 52% were classified as intermediate risk. None of the players had a low-risk O3i. A single training session had an impact on the omega-3 and omega-6 metabolic pathways. Conclusions: Despite having a higher omega-3 fatty acid intake than controls, rugby football players may still be deficient in omega-3 fatty acids. Further nutritional interventions are needed to address these issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The world is observing a rapid shift in the burden of diseases with predominance of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). NCDs contribute to 41 million deaths which is equivalent to 74% of all death globally per year. There is ongoing debate on the approaches to reduce public exposure to NCDs' modifiable risk factors which are of economic potential. As the World Health Organization and the World Bank recommend the implementation of taxation to these factors, still questions arise on the effectiveness, sustainability, and practicality of this strategy. With the ongoing transition globally from consumption of natural to processed foods, it is important to counter‐check the best interventions on how to protect people from unhealthy eating behaviors. While taxation on unhealthy food and other products like tobacco has been recommended as one among interventional approaches, its effectiveness on sugar sweetened beverages is not reliable compared to approaches that increase self‐control. Despite the perceived economic benefits of tobacco and sugar sweetened products, there is detrimental implication in terms of public health. The introduction of taxation which favors public health faces challenges due to conflict of interest from government authorities and other stakeholders. The intertwined relationship between public health and economic development becomes more obvious during implementation of preventive and control measures against modifiable risk factors for NCDs. It is evident that reaching a balanced rational decision on choosing between economic growth and public health is difficult. Countries should enhance both local and international intersectoral and multisectoral approaches in creating integrative policies which include health component in all non‐health policies including economic policies so as to harmonize public health and economic growth during this era of extensive globalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the article. In 2019, Poland introduced a sugar tax that encompassed food products, including beverages. Since the sugar tax is a form of indirect taxation, consumers bear its burden in the price of the purchased product. In response, businesses often adjust prices or reduce product quantities to offset their costs. This article aims to characterize the fiscal and non-fiscal significance of the sugar tax and to illustrate its impact on the financial situation of a selected soft drink industry enterprise. Methodology. The applied research methods include a literature review analysis, analysis of legal acts and financial data analysis. Results of the research. The impact of the sugar tax on a company can be diverse and dependent on various factors. Its fiscal and non-fiscal nature means that, on the one hand, the goal is to reduce the consumption of "harmful products" to improve public health by reducing sugar intake and addressing health problems related to excessive consumption of sugary beverages. On the other hand, it aims to generate additional revenue for the state budget. It also has implications for the financial situation of the company. The results of the analysis indicate that the sugar tax, due to its pass-through nature, remains neutral for businesses, without adversely affecting revenue, profitability or financial liquidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) is a subcellular pathological state formed by imbalance of environment in endoplasmic reticulum, and is regarded as an important pathway that mediates apoptosis. Recent studies have found that after ERS occurs in various immune tissues and cells, immunosuppressive effect that produced is involved in regulating body's immune homeostasis, affecting occurrence, outcome and prognosis of many diseases. This article reviews production of ERS, signal regulation and pathophysiological changes in immune organs and immune cells, and its role in development of inflammatory diseases and tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metabolic disease is increasing in people with HIV (PWH) in South Africa, but little is known about self-perceptions of body size, health, and nutritional behavior in this population. We performed a cross-sectional analysis of individual-level data from the 2016 South Africa Demographic and Health Survey. This survey measured HIV serostatus and body mass index (BMI). We categorized participants into six BMI groups: 18.5–22 kg/m2, 22–25 kg/m2, 25–27.5 kg/m2, 27.5–30 kg/m2, 30–35 kg/m2, and ≥ 35 kg/m2 and stratified them by HIV serostatus. Our outcomes were self-reported (1) body size and (2) health status among all participants, and intake of (3) chips and (4) sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) in PWH. We described these metrics and used multivariable regression to evaluate the relationship between the nutritional behaviors and BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 in PWH only, adjusting for age, sex, educational attainment, and household wealth quintile. Of 6138 participants, 1163 (19.7%) were PWH. Among PWH, < 10% with a BMI 25–30 kg/m2, < 20% with a BMI 30–35 kg/m2 and < 50% with a BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2 self-reported as overweight or obese. PWH reported being in poor health at higher rates than those without HIV at each BMI category except ≥ 35 kg/m2. In adjusted models, SSB consumption was associated with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 (1.13 [1.01–1.25], t-statistic = 2.14, p = 0.033) in PWH. Perceptions of body size may challenge efforts to prevent weight gain in PWH in South Africa. SSB intake reduction should be further explored as a modifiable risk factor for obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Given the rapidly changing food environment and proliferation of ultra-processed foods (UPF) in South Africa (SA), this study aimed to critically evaluate dietary quality and adequacy of low-income adults using the Nova classification system and WHO and World Cancer Research Fund dietary guidelines. Design: Secondary household data and 1-d 24-h recalls were analysed from two cross-sectional studies conducted in 2017–2018. Foods consumed were classified according to the Nova classification system. Compliance with WHO dietary guidelines and UPF consumption trends were evaluated. Setting: Three low-income areas (Langa, Khayalitsha and Mount Frere) in SA were included. Participants: In total, 2521 participants (18–50 years) were included in the study. Results: Participants had a mean energy intake of 7762 kJ/d. Most participants were within the acceptable WHO guideline range for saturated fat (80·4 %), total fat (68·1 %), Na (72·7 %) and free sugar (57·3 %). UPF comprised 39·4 % of diets among the average adult participant. Only 7·0 % of all participants met the WHO guideline for fruit and vegetables and 18·8 % met the guideline for fibre. Those within the highest quartile of share of energy from UPF consumed statistically higher amounts of dietary components to limit and were the highest energy consumers overall. Conclusions: Low-income adults living in SA are consuming insufficient protective dietary components, while UPF consumption is prevalent. Higher UPF consumers consume larger amounts of nutrients linked to increased chronic disease risk. Policy measures are urgently needed in SA to protect against the proliferation of harmful UPF and to promote and enable consumption of whole and less UPF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) are heavily advertised globally, and SSB consumption is linked to increased health risk. To reduce unhealthy food marketing, Chile implemented a regulation for products classified as high in energies, sugar, saturated fat or sodium, starting with a 2016 ban on child-targeted advertising of these products and adding a 06.00–22.00 daytime advertising ban in 2019. This study assesses changes in television advertising prevalence of ready-to-drink beverages, including and beyond SSB, to analyse how the beverage industry shifted its marketing strategies across Chile's implementation phases. Design: Beverage advertisements were recorded during two randomly constructed weeks in April-May of 2016 (pre-implementation) through 2019 (daytime ban). Ad products were classified as 'high-in' or 'non-high-in' according to regulation nutrient thresholds. Ads were analysed for their programme placement and marketing content. Setting: Chile. Results: From pre-regulation to daytime ban, child-targeted, daytime and total ads decreased by 51·8 percentage points (p.p.), 51·5 p.p. and 61·8 p.p. for high-in products and increased by 62·9 p.p., 54·9 p.p. and 61·8 p.p. for non-high-in products (Ps < 0·001). Additionally, total ready-to-drink beverage ads increased by 5·4 p.p. and brand-only ads (no product shown) by 7 p.p. Conclusions: After the regulation implementation, 'high-in' ads fell significantly, but 'non-high-in' ads rose and continued using strategies targeting children and being aired during daytime. Given research showing that advertising one product can increase preferences for a different product from that same brand and product categories, broader food marketing regulation approaches may be needed to protect children from the harmful effects of food marketing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context Obesity is a multicausal social problem and a pandemic, and it presents a public health challenge in many countries. Hence, public health interventions have been used in an endeavour to prevent and/or control increased obesity among populations. Objective This review study aimed to provide an overview of the academic literature and to analyze the strategies involved in the main public policies focused on preventing and controlling obesity in a number of countries. Data Sources MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science, and LILACS databases were searched. Data Extraction Original studies were included for which the core objective was related to real-life public policy interventions for obesity. Data Analysis The studies were organized according to their characteristics, and the qualitative analysis was based on the categorization proposed by the author Poulain. The review included 41 studies and identified 15 types of interventions focused on obesity; the largest proportion of actions were developed in school and city environments and were geared toward behavioral change, supported by direct or indirect government action. It was observed that many strategies focused on environmental line through regulatory and legislative measures, and health promotion geared toward the individual was based on the dissemination of information as a means for behavioral change. A smaller focus was given to individual care and treatment, and participative actions in the community. Conclusion The design of public health strategies applicable to obesity as proposed by Poulain provides a valid model for evaluating interventions. The behavioral approach involving guidance through health education toward a healthy lifestyle prevails in public policies, indicating a movement toward accountability of individuals. However, it is necessary to deepen the debate on the social structures that determine obesity (and which limit possibilities of choice), aligned with cultural change regarding its occurrence, and to employ care strategies based on scientific evidence and which focus on the needs of the subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Procedural fairness is an accepted requirement for health decision-making. Fair procedures promote the acceptability and quality of health decisions while simultaneously advancing broader goals of participatory democracy. We conducted a case study of the Sugary Beverage Tax in South Africa known as the Health Promotion Levy (HPL), which was legislated in 2018. The case study examines the process around the adoption of the HPL from the perspective of procedural fairness with the view of identifying local gaps and lessons transferable to other local decision-making processes and other jurisdictions. We conducted a desk review of publically available data relating to the passage and implementation of the HPL, including a review of the policy documents, public submissions during the public participation process, response documents from policymakers, review of national legislative committee minutes, legal instruments and academic literature capturing public awareness, stakeholder views and media content. The data collection is novel in terms of the large scope of data considered, as well as the variety of sources. An analytical framework consisting of key criteria for procedural fairness, informed by a scoping review of the literature, guided the analysis of the decision-making process in South Africa. The process of the adoption and passage of the HPL met the majority of the procedural fairness criteria. However, a shortcoming, which impacted several criteria, was the failure to actively source the participation of community representatives and the larger public. Non-governmental organizations did not adequately fulfil this representative role. Industry interests were also disproportionately considered. The case study highlights the overall importance of viewing general members of the public as interested parties in health policies and the dangers of over-involving policy opponents under a mistaken understanding that this constitutes meaningful public engagement in decision-making procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite evidence that dietary population health interventions are effective and widely accepted, they remain the topic of intense debate centring on the appropriate role of the state. This review sought to identify how the role of the state in intervening in individuals' food practices is conceptualized across a wide range of literatures. We searched 10 databases and 4 journals for texts that debated dietary population health interventions designed to affect individuals' health-affecting food practices. Two co-authors independently screened these texts for eligibility relative to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Thirty-five texts formed our final corpus. Through critical reflexive thematic analysis (TA), we generated 6 themes and 2 subthemes concerning choice, responsibility for health, balancing benefits and burdens of intervention, the use of evidence, fairness, and the legitimacy of the state's actions. Our analysis found that narratives that aim to prevent effective regulation are entrenched in academic literatures. Discourses that emphasized liberty and personal responsibility framed poor health as the result of 'lifestyle choices'. Utilitarian, cost-benefit rationales pervaded arguments about how to best balance the benefits and burdens of state intervention. Claims about fairness and freedom were used to evoke powerful common meanings, and evidence was used politically to bolster interests, particularly those of the food industry. This review identifies and critically analyses key arguments for and against population dietary public health policies. Our findings should motivate public health researchers and practitioners to avoid unreflexively embracing framings that draw on the languages and logics of free market economics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapidly increasing prevalence of obesity in South Africa, intertwined with extensive changes in diet, life expectancy, and nutritional status has led to a complex framing of obesity on social media. This has prompted the prioritization of media-based social and behavior change communication interventions leveraging social media for obesity prevention. This study was conducted to understand how obesity is constructed and represented on social media in South Africa. A media review of Facebook and Twitter platforms in South Africa was conducted over a six-month period using Meltwater software for data collection. The search yielded 13 500 posts and tweets. Data were cleaned and coded in Microsoft Excel. Content and framing analysis were performed to add insight into the nature of obesity discourse on social media. Portrayals of obesity on social media were dominated by stigmatizing imagery blaming individuals for unhealthy lifestyles, poor diets, and lack of physical activity. Future media-based social and behavior change communication interventions for obesity prevention can leverage social media to reach the broader public and insights into media portrayals of obesity have the potential to influence the shape and development of these behavioral interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Successful public health interventions have, in recent decades, improved the health of the working classes in significant ways across much of the western world. Nevertheless, here, I argue that populist electoral breakthroughs over the last decade may be considered side‐effects of 'successful' public health policies: crucially, the claim is that those political side‐effects resulted because of—rather than despite—the health‐measured success of those public health interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapidly growing field of digital meal delivery platforms has transformed the out of home (OOH) food environment, presenting both opportunities and challenges for public health. This paper introduces the development and potential of a novel digital platform designed for monitoring the OOH food environment. Drawing on publicly available data from meal delivery applications, this platform provides valuable insights into the landscape of digital food offerings, such as the most common restaurants per region, average caloric content per meal type, and energy value per monetary unit. This research addresses the current void in regulations for this digital environment, particularly around food labeling and provision of nutrition information. Even though the platform has significantly improved our understanding of the digital food ecosystem, it highlights gaps, primarily due to the lack of publicly available individual data and inconsistencies in provided information. Despite these challenges, the proposed digital platform holds considerable promise for better understanding the digital food environment, supporting healthier food choices, and informing future policy interventions aimed at regulating the online food environment. This research advocates for mandatory regulations in the digital food sector to ensure comprehensive, comparable, and transparent nutrition information and equality in access to nutritious foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Risk factors such as obesity and a sedentary lifestyle contribute to the development of chronic low back pain. Purpose: To describe how body mass index (BMI) influences the prevalence of chronic low back pain in the general Spanish population and assess this influence given other factors as sex, age, physical occupational demands, and recreational physical activity. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional design was performed based on secondary data from the European Health Survey in Spain (2020). Data on age, gender, physical occupational demands, physical activity, BMI, and presence of chronic low back pain were extracted. Results: A total of 19,716 (52.2% women) subjects with a median age of 53 years old were analyzed. Of these, 18.3% had chronic low back pain, 39% were overweight, and 16.1% were obese. The adjusted generalized linear model showed that being obese increased the odds of chronic low back pain by 1.719 times (p < 0.001). Being a woman increased the odds by 1.683 times (p < 0.001). Performing occupational tasks requiring high physical demands increased the odds by 1.403 times (p < 0.001). Performing physical activity in leisure time several times a week decreased the odds by 0.598 times (p < 0.001). For every additional year of age, the odds of chronic low back pain increased by 3.3% (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Obesity is related with the presence of chronic low back pain in the general Spanish population. This association persists, being the more relevant factor, after adjusting the association of BMI and chronic low back pain with other factors such as sex, age, physical occupational demands, and recreational physical activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Poor quality diets represent major risk factors for the global burden of disease. Modeling studies indicate a potential for diet‐related fiscal and pricing policies (FPs) to improve health. There is real‐world evidence (RWE) that such policies can change behavior; however, the evidence regarding health is less clear. We conducted an umbrella review of the effectiveness of FPs on food and non‐alcoholic beverages in influencing health or intermediate outcomes like consumption. We considered FPs applied to an entire population within a jurisdiction and included four systematic reviews in our final sample. Quality appraisal, an examination of excluded reviews, and a literature review of recent primary studies assessed the robustness of our results. Taxes and, to some extent, subsidies are effective in changing consumption of taxed/subsidized items; however, substitution is likely to occur. There is a lack of RWE supporting the effectiveness of FPs in improving health but this does not mean that they are ineffective. FPs may be important for improving health but their design is critical. Poorly designed FPs may fail to improve health and could reduce support for such policies or be used to support their repeal. More high‐quality RWE on the impact of FPs on health is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The standing wave solutions of a coupled nonlinear Schrödinger equations with quadratic nonlinearities from Raman amplification of laser beam in a plasma are considered. For both the original three-wave system and a reduced two-wave system, the existence/nonexistence, continuous dependence and asymptotic behavior of positive ground state solutions are established. In particular, multiple positive standing wave solutions are found via a combination of variational and bifurcation methods for the attractive interaction case, which has not been found for the conventional nonlinear Schrödinger systems with cubic nonlinearities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The rapid development of synthetic biology relies heavily on the use of databases and computational tools, which are also developing rapidly. While many tool registries have been created to facilitate tool retrieval, sharing, and reuse, no relatively comprehensive tool registry or catalog addresses all aspects of synthetic biology. Results: We constructed SynBioTools, a comprehensive collection of synthetic biology databases, computational tools, and experimental methods, as a one-stop facility for searching and selecting synthetic biology tools. SynBioTools includes databases, computational tools, and methods extracted from reviews via SCIentific Table Extraction, a scientific table-extraction tool that we built. Approximately 57% of the resources that we located and included in SynBioTools are not mentioned in bio.tools, the dominant tool registry. To improve users' understanding of the tools and to enable them to make better choices, the tools are grouped into nine modules (each with subdivisions) based on their potential biosynthetic applications. Detailed comparisons of similar tools in every classification are included. The URLs, descriptions, source references, and the number of citations of the tools are also integrated into the system. Conclusions: SynBioTools is freely available at https://synbiotools.lifesynther.com/. It provides end-users and developers with a useful resource of categorized synthetic biology databases, tools, and methods to facilitate tool retrieval and selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The UK Soft Drinks Industry Levy (SDIL) was announced in March 2016, became law in April 2017, and was implemented in April 2018. Empirical analyses of commercial responses have not been undertaken to establish the scale, direction or nuance of industry media messaging around fiscal policies. We aimed to develop a detailed understanding of industry reactions to the SDIL in publicly available media, including whether and how these changed from announcement to implementation. Methods: We searched Factiva to identify articles related to sugar, soft-drinks, and the SDIL, between 16th March 2016–5th April 2018. Articles included were UK publications written in English and reporting a quotation from an industry actor in response to the SDIL. We used a longitudinal thematic analysis of public statements by the soft-drinks industry that covered their reactions in relation to key policy milestones. Results: Two hundred and ninety-eight articles were included. After the announcement in March 2016, there was strong opposition to the SDIL. After the public consultation, evolving opposition narratives were seen. After the SDIL became law, reactions reflected a shift to adapting to the SDIL. Following the publication of the final regulations, statements sought to emphasise industry opportunities and ensure the perceived profitability of the soft drinks sector. The most significant change in message (from opposition to adapting to the SDIL) occurred when the SDIL was implemented (6th April 2018). Conclusion: Reactions to the SDIL changed over time. Industry modified its media responses from a position of strong opposition to one that appeared to focus on adaptation and maximising perceived profitability after the SDIL became law. This shift suggests that the forces that shape industry media responses to fiscal policies do not remain constant but evolve in response to policy characteristics and the stage of the policy process to maximise beneficial framing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Even before its introduction, the electronic levy in Ghana stirred up different behavioural reactions from the public, despite the intention to use its proceeds to provide better public services. As a result, this study examines some of these behavioural changes using pre-tax survey data on the proposed electronic levy. Using a sample size of 2,810 individuals with mobile money accounts, we estimate a multivariate logit model with its marginal effects to determine the associated drivers of individuals' behavioural changes to the proposed tax. The results show that the electronic levy is likely to have an immediate impact on an individual's behaviour in positive and negative ways. Thus, while about 88% of the respondents indicated that they are likely to stop using mobile money or reduce their transactions, approximately 12% of the respondents rather reaffirmed their willingness to keep using mobile money or perhaps increase their mobile-money transactions. Furthermore, we find evidence that income, marital status, objective knowledge, trust in government, and the implementation timeframe are the statistically significant determinants of behavioural changes to the electronic tax in Ghana. The results suggest varying behavioural responses to the electronic levy in Ghana, which threaten the realization of expected revenues. We recommend proper education and advocacy at all levels and a keen consideration to implement the levy later, perhaps, when there is more trust in the government's ability to use tax revenues prudently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emerging reprogenetic technologies may radically change how humans reproduce in the not‐so‐distant future. One foreseeable consequence of disruptive innovations in the procreative domain is an increase in the reproductive autonomy of intended parents. Regarding the prospective parental liberty of enhancing non‐health–related traits of the offspring, one controversy has particularly dominated the literature. Does parents' choice of genetically enhancing the traits of their descendants compromise children's future personal autonomy? In this article, I will analyse the main arguments which posit that reprogenetic enhancement could be at odds with the child's future autonomy. I will argue that these objections are ill‐founded. Moreover, I will present other arguments that show that reprogenetic technologies can enhance the autonomy of future children. Autonomy enhancement is a plausible and pro tanto desirable application of emerging reprogenetic technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to: (i) determine the proportion of fast-food restaurants that provide nutritional information, (ii) describe the nutritional information of similar food items and meal combinations across the fast-food restaurants, (iii) and use a graphical labelling system to describe these data. Thirty-one of the biggest fast-food restaurants in South Africa were included to estimate the proportion of those that provided nutritional information on their websites/outlets. Energy, protein, fat, carbohydrate, salt and sugar nutrient compositions were compared for similar food items (burger or pizza), and a meal combination that included burger/pizza, medium-size fried chips and a sugar-sweetened beverage. The UK Traffic Light labelling system was used to compare fat, salt and sugar across restaurants. Only 58% of the restaurants provided some form of nutritional information. While all burgers were high in protein, some were also high in fat, salt and sugar, as indicated by percentages of the nutritional reference ranges above 30%. Similarly, this was the case for pizzas. All meal combinations particularly exceeded the total recommended energy, carbohydrates, sugar and salt content, and most also exceeded the recommended fat content. Consumption of popular South African fast foods may disproportionally contribute to the daily intakes of total energy, fat, salt and sugar, especially when consumed as combination meals including fried chips and sugar-sweetened beverages. Consumers should limit their fast-food intake and avoid eating meal combinations. The South African Government's commitment to curb the rise of non-communicable diseases should consider regulations that mandate nutritional labelling of fast foods, to assist consumers in making informed dietary choices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In April 2018, South Africa implemented the Health Promotion Levy (HPL), one of the first sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) taxes to be based on each gram of sugar (beyond 4 g/100mL). The objectives of this study were to examine whether the psychological constructs tax awareness, SSB knowledge, SSB risk perception, and intentions to reduce SSB intake were associated with taxed beverage intake, whether they changed from pre- to post-tax, and whether they modified the effect of the HPL. Methods: We collected single day 24-hour dietary recalls surveyed from repeat cross-sectional surveys of adults aged 18–39 years in Langa, South Africa. Participants were recruited in February-March 2018 (pre-tax, N = 2,481) and February-March 2019 (post-tax, N = 2,507) using door-to-door sampling. Surveys measured tax awareness, SSB knowledge, SSB risk perception, and intention to reduce SSB intake. SSB intake was estimated using a two-part model. To examine changes over time, logistic regression models were used for binary outcomes (tax awareness and intention to reduce SSB consumption) and linear regression models for continuous outcomes (SSB knowledge SSB risk perceptions). Effect modification was tested using interaction terms for each psychological construct with time. Results: No constructs were associated with SSB intake at baseline. At post-tax, the predicted probability to consume taxed beverages was 33.5% (95% CI 28.5–38.5%) for those who expressed an intention to reduce SSB intake compared to 45.9% (95% CI 43.7–48.1%) for those who did not. Among consumers, intending to reduce SSB intake was associated with 55 (95% CI 28 to 82) kcal/capita/day less SSBs consumed. Tax awareness, SSB knowledge, and SSB risk perception increased by a small amount from pre- to post-tax. Intentions to reduce SSB intake was lower in the post-tax period. The tax effect on SSB intake was modified by SSB knowledge and intention to reduce SSB intake, with higher levels of each associated with lower SSB intake. Conclusion: After the South African SSB tax was implemented, SSB knowledge and risk perception increased slightly, tax awareness remained low, and only SSB knowledge and behavioral intention to change were significantly associated with taxed beverage intake among participants recruited from a low-income South African township. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food and diet are critical risk factors for colorectal cancer (CRC). Food environments (FEs) can contribute to disease risk, including CRC. This review investigated the link between FEs and CRC incidence and mortality risk. The systematic search of studies utilised three primary journal databases: PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Retrieved citations were screened and the data were extracted from articles related to the FE-exposed populations who were at risk for CRC and death. We evaluated ecological studies and cohort studies with quality assessment and the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Form for Cohort Studies, respectively. A descriptive synthesis of the included studies was performed. Out of 89 articles identified, eight were eligible for the final review. The included studies comprised six ecological studies and two cohort studies published from 2013 to 2021. Six articles were from the US, one was from Africa, and one was from Switzerland. All eight studies were of good quality. The significant finding was that CRC incidence was associated with the availability of specific foods such as red meat, meat, animal fats, energy from animal sources, and an unhealthy FE. Increased CRC mortality was linked with the availability of animal fat, red meat, alcoholic beverages, and calorie food availability, residence in food deserts, and lower FE index. There were a variety of associations between CRC and the FE. The availability of specific foods, unhealthy FE, and food desserts impact CRC incidence and mortality. Creating a healthy FE in the future will require focus and thorough planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The complex signaling networks that different cancers utilize for cell survival remain poorly understood. A major problem is the complexity of the tumor microenvironments (TME). Here, we discuss the role of intermittent hypoxia as one of the inducers of the UPR in the TME and the related implications of it for both cancer progression and therapeutic approaches. Despite our understanding of the unfolded protein response (UPR) pathways, the crosstalk between the UPR and the complex signaling networks that different cancers utilize for cell survival remains to be, in most cases, a difficult research barrier. A major problem is the constant variability of different cancer types and the different stages of cancer as well as the complexity of the tumor microenvironments (TME). This complexity often leads to apparently contradictory results. Furthermore, the majority of the studies that have been conducted have utilized two-dimensional in vitro cultures of cancer cells that were exposed to continuous hypoxia, and this approach may not mimic the dynamic and cyclic conditions that are found in solid tumors. Here, we discuss the role of intermittent hypoxia, one of inducers of the UPR in the cellular component of TME, and the way in which intermittent hypoxia induces high levels of reactive oxygen species, the activation of the UPR, and the way in which cancer cells modulate the UPR to aid in their survival. Although the past decade has resulted in defining the complex, novel non-coding RNA-based regulatory networks that modulate the means by which hypoxia influences the UPR, we are now just to beginning to understand some of the connections between hypoxia, the UPR, and the TME. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sugar intake may increase the risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and dental caries. In Taiwan, people frequently consume sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs). This study explored the energy and sugar content of Taiwanese SSBs and evaluated them using the Chilean warning label system (>70 kcal/100 mL and >5 g sugar/100 mL) and the World Health Organization (WHO) sugar guideline (≤25 g sugar). A total of 341 SSBs with volumes ≤600 mL were analyzed. No significant differences were observed in sugar per serving among different types of SSBs, but a great variation in portion size (i.e., package size for individual consumption) was noted. The energy and sugar ratios per serving were lower in soft drinks and coffee and tea containing >1 serving than in those containing only one serving. The calorie and sugar ratios per portion were higher in all types of SSBs containing >1 serving per portion than in those containing exactly one serving. Approximately 70.0% of Taiwanese SSBs were classified as high sugar according to the Chilean criteria, and 41.6% of SSBs exceeded the WHO guideline. Moreover, 40.8% of SSBs that were not considered as high sugar according to the Chilean criteria contained >25 g sugar per portion. For individual consumption, it is more clear that nutrition labeling is based on portion rather than serving. Evaluating SSBs on sugar/portion rather than sugar/100 mL will help consumers make better choices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Ruch Prawniczy, Ekonomiczny i Socjologiczny (0035-9629) is the property of Adam Mickiewicz University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: Understanding the socio-economic inequalities in dietary intake is crucial when addressing the socio-economic gradient in obesity rates and non-communicable diseases. We aimed to systematically assess the association between socio-economic position (SEP) and dietary intake in Chile. Design: We searched for peer-reviewed and grey literature from inception until 31 December 2019 in PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, Web of Sciences and LILACS databases. Observational studies published in English and Spanish, reporting the comparison of at least one dietary factor between at least two groups of different SEP in the general Chilean population, were selected. Two researchers independently conducted data searches, screening and extraction and assessed study quality using an adaptation of the Newcastle Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. Results: Twenty-one articles (from eighteen studies) were included. Study quality was considered low, medium and high for 24, 52 and 24 % of articles, respectively. Moderate-to-large associations indicated lower intake of fruit and vegetables, dairy products and fish/seafood and higher pulses consumption among adults of lower SEP. Variable evidence of association was found for energy intake and macronutrients, in both children and adults. Conclusions: Our findings highlight some socio-economic inequalities in diets in Chile, evidencing an overall less healthy food consumption among the lower SEP groups. New policies to reduce these inequalities should tackle the unequal distribution of factors affecting healthy eating among the lower SEP groups. These findings also provide important insights for developing strategies to reduce dietary inequalities in Chile and other countries that have undergone similar nutritional transitions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In response to concern over rising sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption, in April 2018, South Africa became the first Sub-Saharan African (SSA) country to implement an SSB tax. We assess changes in pricing and acquisition of beverages from local supermarkets and small stores among 18–39-year-old adults living in one township in the Western Cape, before and after tax implementation. This study is among the first evaluations of an SSB tax on the local food environment in a low-income township. Design: Store beverage pricing and participant surveys were cross-sectional, analysed 1 month before and 11 months after implementation of the tax (March 2018 and March 2019). Setting: Langa, Western Cape, South Africa Participants: Surveyed participants were residents of Langa between 18 and 39 years old (n 2693 in 2018 and n 2520 in 2019) Results: Prices of taxed SSB increased significantly among small shops and supermarkets between 2018 and 2019. There were non-significant decreases in prices of untaxed beverages in small shops, but prices of untaxed beverages increased in supermarkets. Across all store types, there was a 9 percentage point decrease in the probability of purchasing regular soda weekly pre/post-implementation. Reductions in purchasing were larger in small shops than supermarkets. Conclusions: We found some differential impacts of the levy on pricing and acquisition of beverages by retailer type in one low-income township. As other SSA countries consider similar fiscal policies to curb soda consumption, obesity and related diseases, this work can be used to understand the implications of these policies in the retail setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Epidemiological evidence has shown an association between long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and hypertension and diabetes, but few studies have considered the spatial properties of the samples. This study aimed to investigate the long-term effect of PM2.5 exposure on hypertension and diabetes among middle-aged and elderly people in China based on a spatial study.Methods: We conducted a national cross-sectional study of the most recently launched wave 4 2018 data of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) to calculate the prevalence of hypertension and diabetes. The exposure data of annual average PM2.5 concentrations were estimated combined with satellite observations, chemical transport modeling, and ground-based monitoring. A shared component model (SCM) was used to explore the association of PM2.5 with hypertension and diabetes, in which these two diseases borrowed information on spatial variations from each other. Then, we evaluated the effect variations in PM2.5 in different periods and smoking status on changes in outcomes.Results: The prevalence of hypertension and diabetes was 44.27% and 18.44%, respectively, among 19,529 participants. The annual average PM2.5 concentration in 31 provinces ranged from 4.4 μg/m3 to 51.3 μg/m3 with an average of 27.86 μg/m3 in 2018. Spatial auto-correlations of the prevalence of hypertension and diabetes and PM2.5 concentrations were seen (Moran's I = 0.336, p = 0.01; Moran's I = 0.288, p = 0.03; Moran's I = 0.490, p = 0.01). An interquartile range (IQR: 16.2 μg/m3) increase in PM2.5 concentrations was significantly associated with a higher prevalence of hypertension and diabetes with odds ratios (ORs) of 1.070 [95% credible interval (95% CrI): 1.034, 1.108] and 1.149 (95% CrI: 1.100, 1.200), respectively. Notably, the effect of PM2.5 on both hypertension and diabetes was relatively stronger among non-smokers than smokers.Conclusion: Our nationwide study demonstrated that long-term exposure to PM2.5 might increase the risk of hypertension and diabetes, and could provide guidance to public policymakers to prevent and control hypertension and diabetes according to the spatial distribution patterns of the above effects in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Frequent sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) intake has been associated with indirect markers of breast cancer risk, such as weight gain in adolescents and early menarche. How SSB intake relates to breast composition in adolescent girls has not been explored.Methods: We evaluated the association between prospective intake of SSB and breast density in a cohort of 374 adolescent girls participating in the Growth and Obesity Cohort Study in Santiago, Chile. Multivariable linear regression models were used to analyze the association between average daily SSB intake quartiles and breast composition (absolute fibroglandular volume [aFGV], percent fibroglandular volume [%FGV], total breast volume [tBV]). Models were adjusted for potential confounding by BMI Z-score, age, daily energy intake (g/day), maternal education, hours of daily television watching after school, dairy intake (g/day), meat intake (g/day), waist circumference, and menarche. To examine the sensitivity of the association to the number of dietary recalls for each girl, analyses were further stratified by girls with one dietary recall and girls with > one dietary recall.Results: A total of 881 dietary recalls were available for 374 girls prior to the breast density assessment. More than 60% of the cohort had > one dietary recall available. In multivariable analyses, we found no association between SSB intake quartile and aFGV (Q2 vs Q1 β: - 5.4, 95% CI - 15.1, 4.4; Q3 vs Q1 β: 1.3, 95% CI - 8.6, 11.3; Q4 vs Q1 β: 3.0, 95% CI - 7.1, 13). No associations were noted for %FGV and tBV. Among girls with at least one dietary recall, we found no significant associations between SSB intake quartiles and %FGV, aFGV, or tBV.Conclusion: Overall, we observed no evidence that SSB intake was associated with breast density in adolescent Chilean girls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The Nutrition Transition model is presented with the nature and pace of change in key stages varying by location and subpopulations. At present, all high‐income and many low‐ and middle‐income countries are in a stage of the transition where nutrition‐related noncommunicable diseases including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension are dominating adult morbidity and mortality and are very high or growing rapidly in prevalence. Some countries still have key subpopulations facing hunger and undernutrition defined by stunting or extreme thinness among adults. We call these double burden of malnutrition countries. All low‐ and middle‐income countries face rapid growth in consumption of ultra‐processed food and beverages, but it is not inevitable that these countries will reach the same high levels of consumption seen in high‐income countries, with all the negative impacts of this diet on health. With great political and civil society commitment to adoption of policies shown in other countries to have improved dietary choices and social norms around foods, we can arrest and even reverse the rapid shift to diets dominated by a stage of high ultra‐processed food intake and increasing prevalence of nutrition‐related noncommunicable diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Childhood overweight and obesity have significant short‐ and long‐term negative impacts on children's health and well‐being. These challenges are unequally distributed according to socioeconomic status (SES); however, previous studies have often lacked standardized and objectively measured data across national contexts to assess these differences. This study provides a cross‐sectional picture of the association between SES and childhood overweight and obesity, based on data from 123,487 children aged 6–9 years in 24 countries in the World Health Organization (WHO) European region. Overall, associations were found between overweight/obesity and the three SES indicators used (parental education, parental employment status, and family‐perceived wealth). Our results showed an inverse relationship between the prevalence of childhood overweight/obesity and parental education in high‐income countries, whereas the opposite relationship was observed in most of the middle‐income countries. The same applied to family‐perceived wealth, although parental employment status appeared to be less associated with overweight and obesity or not associated at all. This paper highlights the need for close attention to context when designing interventions, as the association between SES and childhood overweight and obesity varies by country economic development. Population‐based interventions have an important role to play, but policies that target specific SES groups are also needed to address inequalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations give atomically detailed information on structure and dynamics in amphiphilic bilayer systems on timescales up to about 1 μs. The reorientational dynamics of the C-H bonds is conventionally verified by measurements of 13C or ²H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) longitudinal relaxation rates R1, which are more sensitive to motional processes with correlation times close to the inverse Larmor frequency, typically around 1-10 ns on standard NMR instrumentation, and are thus less sensitive to the 10-1000 ns timescale motion that can be observed in the MD simulations. We propose an experimental procedure for atomically resolved model-free estimation of the C-H bond effective reorientational correlation time τe, which includes contributions from the entire range of all-atom MD timescales and that can be calculated directly from the MD trajectories. The approach is based on measurements of 13C R1 and R1p relaxation rates, as well as ¹H-13C dipolar couplings, and is applicable to anisotropic liquid crystalline lipid or surfactant systems using a conventional solid-state NMR spectrometer and samples with natural isotopic composition. The procedure is demonstrated on a fully hydrated lamellar phase of 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-phosphatidylcholine, yielding values of τe from 0.1 ns for the methyl groups in the choline moiety and at the end of the acyl chains to 3 ns for the g1 methylene group of the glycerol backbone. MD simulations performed with a widely used united-atom force-field reproduce the Te-profile of the major part of the acyl chains but underestimate the dynamics of the glycerol backbone and adjacent molecular segments. The measurement of experimental τe-profiles can be used to study subtle effects on C-H bond reorientational motions in anisotropic liquid crystals, as well as to validate the C-H bond reorientation dynamics predicted in MD simulations of amphiphilic bilayers such as lipid membranes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: In 2016, the South African government proposed a 20% sugar‐sweetened beverage (SSB) tax. Protracted consultations with beverage manufacturers and the sugar industry followed. This resulted in a lower sugar‐based beverage tax, the Health Promotion Levy (HPL), of approximately 10% coming into effect in April 2018. We provide a synthesis of findings until April 2021. Studies show that despite the lower rate, purchases of unhealthy SSBs and sugar intake consumption from SSBs fell. There were greater reductions in SSB purchases among both lower socioeconomic groups and in subpopulations with higher SSB consumption. These subpopulations bear larger burdens from obesity and related diseases, suggesting that this policy improves health equity. The current COVID‐19 pandemic has impacted food and nutritional security. Increased pandemic mortality among people with obesity, diabetes, and hypertension highlight the importance of intersectoral public health disease‐prevention policies like the HPL, which should be strengthened. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer cachexia is associated with deficient response to chemotherapy. On the other hand, the tumors of cachectic patients remarkably express more chemokines and have higher immune infiltration. For immunogenicity, a strong induction of the unfolded protein response (UPR) is necessary. UPR followed by cell surface exposure of calreticulin on the dying tumor cell is essential for its engulfment by macrophages and dendritic cells. However, some tumor cells upon endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress can release factors that induce ER stress to other cells, in the so-called transmissible ER stress (TERS). The cells that received TERS produce more interleukin 6 (IL-6) and chemokines and acquire resistance to subsequent ER stress, nutrient deprivation, and genotoxic stress. Since ER stress enhances the release of extracellular vesicles (EVs), we suggest they can mediate TERS. It was found that ER stressed cachexia-inducing tumor cells transmit factors that trigger ER stress in other cells. Therefore, considering the role of EVs in cancer cachexia, the release of exosomes can possibly play a role in the process of blunting the immunogenicity of the cachexia-associated tumors. We propose that TERS can cause an inflammatory and immunosuppressive phenotype in cachexia-inducing tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]