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Extended Abstract Background: Milk contains a relatively small amount of iron, and one of the most important negative aspects of milk nutrition is the occurrence of digestive diseases, such as diarrhea. Its iron concentration is in the range of 0.3-0.6 mg/kg. Calves are prone to iron deficiency. Iron is an essential component of hemoglobin, myoglobin, and several enzymes such as catalase, peroxidase, and cytochrome oxidase. In the early stages of life, calves do not have a functional rumen, and it seems that they are more like monogastric animals that must obtain the nutrients they need. They also suffer from a lack of immune systems. Therefore, this condition exposes them to critical challenges, mainly the risk of disease and death. Iron requirements of animals vary depending on their age, sex, and physiological stages. The iron requirement for calves is estimated to be around 100 ppm, and it is generally believed that young cows need more iron than mature animals. In most dairy farms, iron supplements are added to the diet from an inorganic source, which can undergo oxidation and react with other substances, thereby decreasing solubility. For the purposes of animal nutrition and increasing bioavailability, this research focuses on the use of chelates or preparations of protein iron. By using additives containing iron compounds, bioavailability can be increased by chelation, which consists of a double covalent bond of the metal with amino acids. To solve this problem, the desired elements should be added to the diets of livestock in the form of chelated supplements. This research was designed to investigate the effect of a chelated iron supplement containing organic acids and amino acids on the performance, digestibility of nutrients, feeding behaviors, and blood parameters of weanling calves. Methods: Thirty-six newborn male calves (with an average weight of 35.1 ± 2.7 kg) were randomly divided into three groups with 12 replications. Experimental treatments were a control group (without iron supplementation), diets supplemented with 50 mg of chelated iron based on organic acids per calf per day, and diets supplemented with 50 mg of chelated iron based on amino acids per head of calf per day. First, all the calves were carefully examined to ensure their health and performance. The duration of the experiment was 63 days. Calves were weighed every 21 days, and the amount of consumed feed was recorded daily after 16 hours of starvation after feeding using a digital scale. The feed consumption of each animal was also calculated from the difference in the given diets and the remaining manger of each animal. The increase in the amount of feed given to the animals was determined based on the feed of each animal on the following day. The feed of the animal would increase if the animal left less than 10% feed on three consecutive days. Diets were adjusted based on NRC (NRC, 2001) completely mixed, and provided to the calves two times: 8 in the morning and 4 in the evening. Animals had free access to water. Calves were also milked twice in the morning and in the evening (at the rate of 10% of body weight). For the samples of digestibility, the samples of feed, residues, and feces were first collected from each animal on days 58 to 63 for 5 days. To measure blood metabolites, blood was sampled from the calf's jugular vein on day 63. Blood samples were transferred into anticoagulant-containing tubes. To prepare plasma, blood samples were centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 10 min, and plasma samples were transferred to -20 °C until analysis. During days 61 to 63 of the experimental period, nutritional behaviors, including eating, resting, chewing, standing, and ruminating activities, were measured visually for all animals every 5 min for 48 hours. Results: The calves receiving chelated iron supplements containing amino acids showed increases in final weight (P = 0.0496), total period weight (P = 0.0198), and daily weight (P = 0.0212) and a decrease in feed conversion ratio (P = 0.0413) compared to the control group and the treatment receiving chelated iron supplements containing the organic acids. There were no significant differences in dry matter and milk consumption among different treatments. Nutrient digestibility and feeding behaviors were not affected by experimental treatments. The consumption of iron supplements by calves in both chelated forms containing organic acids and amino acids increased the amount of blood iron (P = 0.0379), ferritin (P=0.0011), unsaturated iron binding capacity (P=0.0428), transferrin (P = 0.0331), red blood cells (P = 0.0333), hemoglobin (P = 0.0290), and hematocrit (P = 0.0001). Receiving chelated iron supplements decreased the total antioxidant index (P = 0.0001) and total iron binding capacity (P = 0.0001) compared to the control group. Conclusion: According to the results of this research, it is recommended to provide chelated iron containing amino acids due to improving the performance of suckling calves.

The Preference for Intuition and Deliberation in Food Decision-Making Scale (E-PID) was developed to evaluate both intuitive and deliberative food decision-making within a single instrument. However, its psychometric properties have only been assessed among German-speaking participants. The main aim of the present study was to evaluate evidence of validity and reliability of the E-PID among 604 Brazilian adult women. Exploratory (n = 289) and confirmatory factor analyses (n = 315) were conducted to evaluate the factor structure of the E-PID. Convergent validity was assessed correlating the E-PID with measures of eating behaviors (Tree-Factor Eating Questionnaire-18), intuitive eating (Intuitive Eating Scale-2), and a measure of beliefs and attitudes towards food (Food-Life Questionnaire-SF). McDonald's Omega coefficient (ω) was used to test the internal consistency of the E-PID. Results from an exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis supported a two-factor structure with seven items. We found good internal consistency (McDonald's ω = 0.77–0.81). Furthermore, the E-PID demonstrated adequate convergent validity with measures of intuitive, restrictive, emotional and uncontrolled eating, and beliefs and attitudes towards food. Results support the use of the E-PID as a measure of intuition and deliberation in food decision-making among Brazilian adult women, expanding the literature on eating decision-making styles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aphids are sap‐feeding plant pests that depend on their symbiotic relationships with the primary endosymbiont Buchnera aphidicola to adapt to impoverished diets. However, how the host plant affects the aphid primary symbiont and aphid adaptation to host plant transfer are poorly known. In this study, aphid symbiont screening and genotype identification were used to establish 2 aphid strains (Rhopalosiphum maidis [Rm] and Rhopalosiphum padi [Rp] strains) containing only Buchnera without any secondary symbionts for both wheat aphid species (R. maidis and R. padi). Aphid fitness and Buchnera titers were unstable on some of these host plants after transferring to novel host plants (G1–G5), which were influenced by host plant species and generations; however, they stabilized after prolonged feeding on the same plants for 10 generations. The electropenetrography (EPG) records showed that the allocation of aphid feeding time was significantly distinct in the 6 host plants; aphids had more intracellular punctures and spent more nonprobing time on green bristlegrass which was not conducive to its growth compared with other plants. The content of soluble sugar, soluble protein, and amino acid in the leaves of the 6 host plants were also clearly separated. The correlation coefficient analysis showed that the nutrient contents of host plants had significant correlations with aphid feeding behaviors, fitness, and Buchnera titers. In the meantime, aphid fitness, and Buchnera titers were also affected by aphid feeding behaviors. Also, Buchnera titers of aphid natural populations on 6 host plants showed a visible difference. Our study deepened our understanding of the interaction among aphids, endosymbionts, and host plants, indicating that the host plant nutrient content is a predominant factor affecting aphid adaptation to their diet, initially affecting aphid feeding behaviors, and further affecting aphid fitness and Buchnera titers, which would further contribute to exploiting new available strategies for aphid control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionObesity constitutes a complex global health that carries several comorbidities that include cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. Current treatments, such as lifestyle modifications and bariatric surgery, are often difficult to implement or carry risks, creating a need for alternative approaches. Methylphenidate (MPH), a drug commonly used to treat Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), has shown potential in regulating dopamine levels to modulate appetite and feeding behaviors.MethodsThis narrative review evaluated the effect of MPH in reducing food intake, body weight, and anthropometric indicators in adults with obesity or overweight. Using the PICO method, 39 studies were selected, including 14 randomized controlled trials and 3 observational studies.ResultsMPH canblead to modest weight loss of 1–2% and significant appetite suppression, with stronger effects observed in women, who reported greater reductions in appetite and food cravings. Studies could remain underpowered to detect consistent effects in men.DiscussionEven if these results suggest MPH could be an option for treating obesity, concerns regarding its safety profile and long-term efficacy persist. This review underscores the need for further investigation to confirm MPH’s therapeutic potential, particularly through studies that address gender-specific responses and evaluate its sustainability as a weight management tool.

Abstract Background Responsive feeding, when caregivers attend to children’s signals of hunger and satiation and respond in an emotionally supportive and developmentally appropriate way, is associated with the development of healthy eating behaviors, improved diet quality, and healthy weight status for children. However, gaps in the literature remain on how factors, such as maternal depressive symptoms and child temperament, influence feeding interactions. Methods This longitudinal secondary data analysis explored the association between maternal depressive symptom trajectory and child temperament with maternal feeding practices in women with obesity who participated in a prenatal lifestyle intervention trial. Mothers self-reported depressive symptoms at baseline, 35 weeks gestation, and 6, 12, and 18 months postpartum. At 18- and 24-months postpartum, mothers completed self-reported assessments of feeding practices and child temperament and completed in-home video-recorded meals with their child, coded using the Responsiveness to Child Feeding Cues Scale. We used group-based trajectory modeling to identify distinct trajectories of depressive symptoms and generalized regressions to assess the association between symptom trajectory group and feeding. We also explored interactions between depressive symptoms and child temperament. Results Three distinct trajectories of depressive symptoms were identified: No-Minimal and Decreasing, Mild-Moderate and Stable, and Moderate-Severe and Stable. At 18-months, when compared to the No-Minimal and Decreasing group, membership in the Moderate-Severe and Stable group was associated with higher observed responsiveness to child satiation cues ( $$B$$ =2.3, 95%CI = 0.2, 4.4) and lower self-reported pressure to eat ( $$B$$ =-0.4, 95%CI= -0.7, 0.0). When compared to the No-Minimal and Decreasing group, membership in the Mild-Moderate and Stable group was associated with higher self-reported restriction ( $$B$$ =0.4, 95%CI = 0.0,0.7). The associations between trajectory group membership and feeding practices did not reach statistical significance at 24 months. Associations between depressive symptoms and restriction were moderated by child effortful control at 18 months $$(B=0.2, 95\% CI (0.0, 04)$$ ) and surgency at 24 months $$B=-0.3, 95\% CI (-0.6, 0.0)$$ ). Conclusion A Moderate-Severe and Stable depressive symptom trajectory was associated with more responsive feeding practices and a Mild-Moderate and Stable trajectory was associated with higher restrictive feeding. Preliminary evidence suggests that depressive symptoms impact mothers’ ability to match their use of restriction to the temperamental needs of their child.

Abstract Background The goal of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 is to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. The aim of this scoping review was to map the current evidence on the association between the prevalence of early childhood caries (ECC) and parental education; and to identify possible pathways by which parental education may protect against ECC. Methods The two questions that guided this review were: what is the existing evidence on the association between maternal and paternal education and ECC; and what are the pathways by which parental education protects against ECC? The initial search was conducted in January 2023 in PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus. Articles published in English between January 2000 and October 2022 that reported on the association between parental education and ECC were screened, and the extracted data were compiled, summarized, and synthesized. Review papers and non-primary quantitative research papers were excluded from the full-text review. Open coding was applied to develop a conceptual framework. Results In total, 49 studies were included: 42 cross-sectional, 3 case-control and 4 cohort studies. The majority (91.8%) reported on the associations between ECC and maternal (n = 33), paternal (n = 3), and parental (n = 9) level of education, and 13 (26.7%) reported on the association between parental education and the severity of ECC. Mothers with more than primary school education (n = 3), post-secondary/college/tertiary education (n = 23), and more than 4–12 years of education (n = 12) had children with lower risk for ECC. Two studies reporting on parental education found an association between maternal but not paternal education and ECC. The review suggests that achieving the SDG 4.1 may reduce the risk of ECC. Possible pathways by which maternal education protects from ECC were feeding practices, oral hygiene practices, and the use of dental services. Conclusion The study findings suggests that higher maternal educational level may reduce the risk for the consumption of cariogenic diet, poor oral hygiene practices and poor use of dental services for caries prevention. However, the association between paternal education and ECC was not consistently observed, with significant associations less frequently reported compared to maternal education. Future studies are needed to define the magnitude and modifiers of the impact of maternal education on the risk for ECC.

Purpose: This study aimed to longitudinally investigate the preterm infant feeding regimens, feeding behaviors, effect on infant growth, and caregiver perceptions and experiences with feeding in the first 4 weeks following hospital discharge. Background: Preterm infants face high nutritional risk due to their underdeveloped gastrointestinal systems and feeding coordination. Methods: Caregivers of preterm infants were recruited to participate in a weekly telephone survey for the first 4 weeks following the infant's hospital discharge. Responses for infant feeding behaviors and caregiver experiences were scored on a 3-point Likert scale. Growth and feeding data were collected from the infant's first neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) developmental follow-up visit. Results: Twenty-four caregivers completed the study. Changes in feeding regimens were common (8/24 infants; 33%), with the percentage of infants receiving any human milk feedings decreasing from 70% at hospital discharge to 54% at 4 weeks post-discharge. Poor infant feeding skills were weakly associated with poor caregiver feeding experiences, and 46% of caregivers reported contacting their healthcare provider with feeding-related questions. Thirty-eight percent of infants required nutritional intervention at NICU developmental follow-up visit. Infants who received fortified feedings during the first 4 weeks after hospital discharge grew an average of 2.5 g/day faster than infants who did not receive fortified feedings. Conclusion: The postdischarge period for preterm infants is characterized by feeding regimen changes, a decrease in human milk use, and caregiver questions about feeding. Implications for Practice and Research: Future studies should further investigate the period after hospital discharge to enable better feeding support for preterm infants and their caregivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Responsive feeding, when caregivers attend to children's signals of hunger and satiation and respond in an emotionally supportive and developmentally appropriate way, is associated with the development of healthy eating behaviors, improved diet quality, and healthy weight status for children. However, gaps in the literature remain on how factors, such as maternal depressive symptoms and child temperament, influence feeding interactions. Methods: This longitudinal secondary data analysis explored the association between maternal depressive symptom trajectory and child temperament with maternal feeding practices in women with obesity who participated in a prenatal lifestyle intervention trial. Mothers self-reported depressive symptoms at baseline, 35 weeks gestation, and 6, 12, and 18 months postpartum. At 18- and 24-months postpartum, mothers completed self-reported assessments of feeding practices and child temperament and completed in-home video-recorded meals with their child, coded using the Responsiveness to Child Feeding Cues Scale. We used group-based trajectory modeling to identify distinct trajectories of depressive symptoms and generalized regressions to assess the association between symptom trajectory group and feeding. We also explored interactions between depressive symptoms and child temperament. Results: Three distinct trajectories of depressive symptoms were identified: No-Minimal and Decreasing, Mild-Moderate and Stable, and Moderate-Severe and Stable. At 18-months, when compared to the No-Minimal and Decreasing group, membership in the Moderate-Severe and Stable group was associated with higher observed responsiveness to child satiation cues ( =2.3, 95%CI = 0.2, 4.4) and lower self-reported pressure to eat ( =-0.4, 95%CI= -0.7, 0.0). When compared to the No-Minimal and Decreasing group, membership in the Mild-Moderate and Stable group was associated with higher self-reported restriction ( =0.4, 95%CI = 0.0,0.7). The associations between trajectory group membership and feeding practices did not reach statistical significance at 24 months. Associations between depressive symptoms and restriction were moderated by child effortful control at 18 months ) and surgency at 24 months ). Conclusion: A Moderate-Severe and Stable depressive symptom trajectory was associated with more responsive feeding practices and a Mild-Moderate and Stable trajectory was associated with higher restrictive feeding. Preliminary evidence suggests that depressive symptoms impact mothers' ability to match their use of restriction to the temperamental needs of their child. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: There are limited data characterizing eating habits among pediatric patients with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). We compared eating behaviors in pediatric patients with EoE with healthy controls and assessed the degree of correlation with symptomatology, endoscopic and histologic findings, and esophageal distensibility. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, observational study where subjects consumed 4 food textures (puree, soft solid, chewable, and hard solid) and were scored for eating behaviors including number of chews per bite, sips of fluid per food, and consumption time. Symptomatic, endoscopic, histologic, and esophageal distensibility data were collected for case subjects. RESULTS: Twenty-seven case subjects and 25 healthy controls were enrolled in our study (mean age 11.0 years, 63.5% male). Compared with healthy controls, pediatric patients with EoE demonstrated more chews per bite with soft solid (13.6 vs 9.1, P = 0.031), chewable (14.7 vs 10.7, P = 0.047), and hard solid foods (19.0 vs 12.8, P = 0.037). Patients with EoE also demonstrated increased consumption time with soft solid (94.7 vs 58.3 seconds, P = 0.002), chewable (90.0 vs 65.1 seconds, P = 0.005), and hard solid foods (114.1 vs 76.4 seconds, P = 0.034) when compared with healthy controls. Subgroup analysis based on disease status showed no statistically significant differences in eating behaviors between active and inactive EoE. Total endoscopic reference score positively correlated with consumption time (r = 0.53, P = 0.008) and number of chews (r = 0.45, P = 0.027) for chewable foods and with number of chews (r = 0.44, P = 0.043) for hard solid foods. Increased consumption time correlated with increased eosinophil count (r = 0.42, P = 0.050) and decreased esophageal distensibility (r = -0.82, P < 0.0001). DISCUSSION: Altered eating behaviors including increased chewing and increased consumption time can be seen in pediatric patients with EoE, can persist despite histologic remission, and may be driven by changes in esophageal distensibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is crucial to provide adequate iodine nutrition to infants and toddlers for proper thyroid function and subsequent brain development. Infants are particularly vulnerable to iodine deficiency during the transition from a milk-based diet (breast milk and/or infant formula) to solid food. This study examines the current iodine levels of children during their first two years of life and investigates the association between these levels and feeding behaviors and the iodine status of their mothers in Shanghai, a city located in eastern China. A hospital-based cohort study was conducted to enroll mother–child pairs, where the child is aged 6–23 months, who visited community health service centers in the 16 districts of Shanghai, China. Data on socio-demographic factors and feeding behavior data were collected from the participants. The urinary iodine concentration (UIC) in both the young children and their mothers were analyzed. A total of 2282 mother–child pairs were included in this analysis. The median (p25–p75) UIC for lactating women, weaning women, and children were 121.3 μg/L (68.1–206.4 μg/L), 123.4 μg/L (58.4–227.2 μg/L), and 152.1 μg/L (75.8–268.3 μg/L), respectively. The UIC in children was found to be higher than that in their mothers (p < 0.001). Children who consumed less than 500 mL per day of formula milk in the last week had lower UICs compared with those who consumed 500 mL per day or more (p = 0.026). Furthermore, the children's UIC was positively correlated with the maternal UIC (rs = 0.285, p < 0.001). Multiple quantile regression analysis revealed a statistically significant positive association between maternal UIC and children's UIC between the 0.1 and 0.9 quantiles (all p < 0.001). We found that the iodine status of infants and toddlers, as well as of mothers, was sufficient. However, a large minority of children and mothers may be at risk of iodine deficiency. Furthermore, no associations between children's UIC and feeding behaviors were observed. Moreover, there was a positive correlation between the UIC of young children and their mothers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Measures of beliefs and attitudes toward food have generally been limited to the measurement of more pathological eating attitudes (e.g., disordered eating). The Food Life Questionnaire (FLQ) and its short form (FLQ-SF) were developed to examine attitudes toward a broader range of foods; however, the factor structure of the FLQ-SF was not confirmed in any study with young women. In the present study, we performed a psychometric evaluation of the Brazilian Portuguese translation of the FLQ-SF in a sample of 604 women. We evaluated the factor structure using a two-step, split-sample exploratory and confirmatory factor analytic approach. Results supported a four-factor structure (i.e., weight concern, diet–health orientation, belief in a diet–health linkage, and food and pleasure) with 18 items (χ2/df = 2.09; CFI = 0.95; TLI = 0.94; RMSEA = 0.05 (90% CI = 0.04; 0.06; p > 0.05); and SRMR = 0.08). Additionally, we found good internal consistency for all FLQ-SF subscales (McDonald's ω = 0.79–0.89) and convergent validity with measures of feelings, beliefs, and behaviors involved in food attitudes. Collectively, these results support the use of the FLQ-SF in Brazilian women and provide a foundation to expand the literature on beliefs and attitudes toward food in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large herbivores can exert pronounced top-down effects on plant communities in grassland ecosystems. Previous studies highlighted the importance of the composition and traits of living plants in regulating the impact of herbivores on plant community. However, there has been little consideration of whether and how plant litter, a ubiquitous "after-life" plant component, affects the outcome of herbivore grazing on grasslands. Here, we conducted a large-scale field experiment in temperate grasslands of northeastern China to investigate how standing plant litter influenced top-down effects of large herbivores (sheep; Ovis aries) on plant species richness, evenness, community composition, and productivity. We found that, in the presence of standing litter, sheep grazing significantly reduced living biomass of forbs by 56%, but have no effects on biomass of the dominant grass, Leymus chinensis. However, in the absence of standing litter, sheep shifted their diet preference from forbs to the grass L. chinensis, leading to a 36% decrease in the biomass of L. chinensis and a 21% decrease in total biomass. Such changes in foraging pressure on plant species led to competitive release that in turn significantly altered plant community composition and increased species evenness. Synthesis and applications. Our results demonstrate that standing litter can alter foraging behaviors of large herbivores and modifying the outcome of their top-down effects on plant community properties in grasslands. These cryptic but perhaps ubiquitous interactions between litter and herbivores may help us better understand the organization and dynamics of plant communities in the grazed grasslands, with important implications for developing effective management and conservation plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to determine the behaviors of mothers in the complementary infant feeding of their 6-12-month-old babies. Materials and Methods: The research is descriptive and cross-sectional. The sample of the study consisted of mothers with 6-12-month-old babies registered in two family health centers selected by using the purposive sampling method in the city center of Manisa (n:190). The data were collected with a data collection form consisting of 65 questions prepared by the researchers. In the evaluation of the data, categorical variables were shown as numbers and percentages, and continuous variables as mean and standard deviation. Result: The mean age of the mothers participating in the study was 28.74±4.55 years. It was determined that 53.2% of them had 6-9-month-old babies and 80.5% of them continued to breastfeed. It was stated that 22.6% of the mothers started giving complementary foods to their babies at the fifth month and before, 33.2% of them tried a new food every day, and about 20% of them gave complementary foods to their babies for more than three meals. 83.4% gave their babies a regular breakfast. In this period, the most frequently used complementary foods were yogurt (68.4%), soups (51.6%), mashed fruit (48.4%), and mashed vegetables (36.3%). Conclusion: It was determined that mothers exhibit faulty behaviors in starting complementary feeding at the right time, giving nutrients in amounts appropriate to the baby’s age, and starting new foods at appropriate intervals. It is important to educate mothers about complementary feeding and to support them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease occurring in non-obese subjects (the so-called non-obese NAFLD) is a highly prevalent but neglected liver condition, which is closely associated with metabolic disorders and suboptimal lifestyles. Landmark studies have shown that lifestyle interventions are potentially beneficial in decreasing the risk of developing non-obese NAFLD and in ameliorating NAFLD in non-obese individuals with pre-existing NAFLD. Lifestyle interventions usually refer to changes in eating habits and physical activity, both of which have a powerful effect on non-obese NAFLD and on risk factors for non-obese NAFLD. However, to date, patients and health-care professionals have a poor awareness and understanding of non-obese NAFLD and the beneficial effects of lifestyle interventions in this patient population. The aim of this narrative review is to briefly discuss the evidence for the effects of lifestyle changes and what changes are needed amongst medical personnel and other stakeholders in order to raise awareness of non-obese NAFLD.

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit restrictive and repetitive behaviors that affect their eating habits. The purpose of this study is to identify the behavioral feeding problems and eating habits among ASD children compared to typically developed (TD) children age/gender-matched controls, along with their parents'/caregivers' strategies for dealing with them. It included 43 ASD children and 43 TD children aged two to eleven years. The analysis was performed based on two valid questionnaires: the Behavior Pediatrics Feeding Assessment Scale (BPFA) and "My Child Eating Habits" (MCEH). The BPFA and MCEH scores conceded three manifestations that fall into food selectivity and problematic mealtime behavior in both groups of children. Compared to TD children, children with ASD exhibited higher BPFA scores, which indicated food-related behavioral and skill-based problems (p = 0.004). Children with ASD were less likely to consume fruits, vegetables, and milk than TD children, which may lead to nutritional deficiencies (p = 0.003, p = 0.003, and p = 0.010, respectively). Parents of ASD children were concerned about their behavioral problems and expressed their intention of an early intervention. These findings highlight the importance of nutritional clinical routines that incorporate the evaluation of the nutritional status and feeding behaviors of ASD children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feeding behavior changes induced by opioid addiction significantly contribute to the worsening opioid crisis. Activation of the reward system has shown to provoke binge eating disorder in individuals with opioid use disorder, whereas prolonged opioid exposure leads to weight loss. Understanding the mechanisms underlying these phenomena is essential for addressing this pressing societal issue. This study demonstrates that weight loss resulting from feeding behavior changes during morphine addiction requires the activation of the ventral tegmental area dopamine (DA) system, which suppresses the orexin feeding center. Specifically, DA exerts an inhibitory effect on orexin neurons in the lateral hypothalamus area (LHA) through a feedforward inhibition mediated by GABA neurons in the LHA, involving D1 receptors (D1R) and T-type Ca 2+ channels. Moreover, the morphine addiction-induced reduction in body weight and food intake can be reversed by the D1R antagonist SCH23390 and chemogenetic silencing of GABA neurons in the LHA. These findings delineate a neuromodulatory mechanism underlying morphine addiction-associated feeding behavior changes and weight loss., (© 2025 The Author(s). Advanced Science published by Wiley‐VCH GmbH.)

Automatic monitoring of feeding behavior especially rumination and eating in cattle is important to keep track of animal health and growth condition and disease warnings. The noseband pressure sensor is not only able to accurately sense the pressure change of the cattle's jaw movements, which can directly reflect the cattle's chewing behavior, but also has strong resistance to interference. However, it is difficult to keep the same initial pressure while wearing the pressure sensor, and this will pose a challenge to process the feeding behavior data. This article proposed a machine learning approach aiming at eliminating the influence of initial pressure on the identification of rumination and eating behaviors. The method mainly used the local slope to obtain the local data variation and combined Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) to extract the frequency-domain features. Extreme Gradient Boosting Algorithm (XGB) was performed to classify the features of rumination and eating behaviors. Experimental results showed that the local slope in combination with frequency-domain features achieved an F1 score of 0.96, and recognition accuracy of 0.966 in both rumination and eating behaviors. Combined with the commonly used data processing algorithms and time-domain feature extraction method, the proposed approach improved the behavior recognition accuracy. This work will contribute to the standardized application and promotion of the noseband pressure sensors.

It is known that plant viruses can change the performance of their vectors. However, there have been no reports on whether or how a semipersistent plant virus manipulates the feeding behaviors of its whitefly vectors. Cucurbit chlorotic yellows virus (CCYV) (genus Crinivirus, family Closteroviridae) is an emergent plant virus in many Asian countries and is transmitted specifically by B and Q biotypes of tobacco whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius), in a semipersistent manner. In the present study, we used electrical penetration graph (EPG) technique to investigate the effect of CCYV on the feeding behaviors of B. tabaci. The results showed that CCYV altered feeding behaviors of both biotypes and sexes of B. tabaci with different degrees. CCYV had stronger effects on feeding behaviors of Q biotype than those of B biotype, by increasing duration of phloem salivation and sap ingestion, and could differentially manipulate feeding behaviors of males and females in both biotype whiteflies, with more phloem ingestion in Q biotype males and more non-phloem probing in B biotype males than their respective females. With regard to feeding behaviors related to virus transmission, these results indicated that, when carrying CCYV, B. tabaci Q biotype plays more roles than B biotype, and males make greater contribution than females.

BackgroundContaminated complementary foods are associated with diarrhea and malnutrition among children aged 6 to 24 months. However, existing complementary food safety intervention models are likely not scalable and sustainable.ObjectiveTo understand current behaviors, motivations for these behaviors, and the potential barriers to behavior change and to identify one or two simple actions that can address one or few food contamination pathways and have potential to be sustainably delivered to a larger population.MethodsData were collected from 2 rural sites in Bangladesh through semistructured observations (12), video observations (12), in-depth interviews (18), and focus group discussions (3).ResultsAlthough mothers report preparing dedicated foods for children, observations show that these are not separate from family foods. Children are regularly fed store-bought foods that are perceived to be bad for children. Mothers explained that long storage durations, summer temperatures, flies, animals, uncovered food, and unclean utensils are threats to food safety. Covering foods, storing foods on elevated surfaces, and reheating foods before consumption are methods believed to keep food safe. Locally made cabinet-like hardware is perceived to be acceptable solution to address reported food safety threats.ConclusionConventional approaches that include teaching food safety and highlighting benefits such as reduced contamination may be a disincentive for rural mothers who need solutions for their physical environment. We propose extending existing beneficial behaviors by addressing local preferences of taste and convenience.

Background: Although breastfeeding is recommended by WHO and professionals as the most beneficial for newborn babies, many women find it challenging. Previous research yielded ambiguous results concerning the role of breastfeeding in the development of postpartum depression. The study aimed to identify the best predictors of depressive symptoms for each of these feeding method. Methods: The participants were 151 women (mean age 29.4 yrs; SD = 4.5) who gave birth within the last 6 months and included 82 women classified as breastfeeding, 38 classified as mixed-feeding (breast and bottle), and 31 as formula-feeding. The study had a cross-sectional design using a web-based survey for data collection. The following measures were administered: The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale; Sense of Stress Questionnaire; The Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire; Parenting Sense of Competence Scale; Infant Feeding Questionnaire. Results: Women in study groups differed in stress, bonding difficulties, and beliefs related to feeding practices and infancy. There were no significant differences in the severity of depressive symptoms, but all mean EPDS scores were above 12. Maternal satisfaction, intrapsychic stress, and concerns about feeding on a schedule were the best predictors of EPDS scores for breastfeeding women. For mixed-feeding – emotional tension, concern about infant's hunger, overeating, and awareness of infant's hunger and satiety cues; while for the formula-feeding group, predictors included emotional tension, bonding difficulties, and such maternal feeding practices and beliefs as concern about undereating, awareness of infant's hunger and satiety cues, concerns about feeding on a schedule and social interaction with the infant during feeding. Conclusion: Differences in predictors of postpartum depression for study groups suggest that breastfeeding itself may not be a risk for postpartum depression. However, the specificity of maternal experiences with the various types of feeding is related to difficulties promoting postpartum depression. Providing emotional and educational support appropriate for different types of feeding may be an essential protective factor for postnatal depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundAlthough breastfeeding is recommended by WHO and professionals as the most beneficial for newborn babies, many women find it challenging. Previous research yielded ambiguous results concerning the role of breastfeeding in the development of postpartum depression. The study aimed to identify the best predictors of depressive symptoms for each of these feeding method.MethodsThe participants were 151 women (mean age 29.4 yrs; SD = 4.5) who gave birth within the last 6 months and included 82 women classified as breastfeeding, 38 classified as mixed-feeding (breast and bottle), and 31 as formula-feeding. The study had a cross-sectional design using a web-based survey for data collection. The following measures were administered: The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale; Sense of Stress Questionnaire; The Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire; Parenting Sense of Competence Scale; Infant Feeding Questionnaire.ResultsWomen in study groups differed in stress, bonding difficulties, and beliefs related to feeding practices and infancy. There were no significant differences in the severity of depressive symptoms, but all mean EPDS scores were above 12. Maternal satisfaction, intrapsychic stress, and concerns about feeding on a schedule were the best predictors of EPDS scores for breastfeeding women. For mixed-feeding – emotional tension, concern about infant's hunger, overeating, and awareness of infant's hunger and satiety cues; while for the formula-feeding group, predictors included emotional tension, bonding difficulties, and such maternal feeding practices and beliefs as concern about undereating, awareness of infant's hunger and satiety cues, concerns about feeding on a schedule and social interaction with the infant during feeding.ConclusionDifferences in predictors of postpartum depression for study groups suggest that breastfeeding itself may not be a risk for postpartum depression. However, the specificity of maternal experiences with the various types of feeding is related to difficulties promoting postpartum depression. Providing emotional and educational support appropriate for different types of feeding may be an essential protective factor for postnatal depression.

The present study was aimed to compare chewing performance level and feeding behaviors of children with autism to their typically developing peers. A total of 56 children (37 children with autism, 19 typically developing children) participated in the study. Feeding-related characteristics and observational oral-motor characteristics of children were recorded. The Karaduman Chewing Performance Scale (KCPS) was used to assess chewing performance level, the Behavioral Pediatrics Feeding Assessment Scale (BPFAS) was used to assess feeding behaviors of children, and the Turkish version of the Feeding/Swallowing Impact Survey (T-FS-IS) was used to evaluate the effect of the child's feeding and swallowing problem on their parents. Results showed that transition time to solid food intake for children with autism was later than typically developing children (p = 0.014), and they had more tongue thrusting (p = 0.009). There were differences between groups in terms of KCPS (p = 0.002), BPFAS (Total frequency score, p = 0.008; Child frequency score, p = 0.017; Parent frequency score, p = 0.021; Restriction score, p = 0.004), and T-FS-IS (Daily activities, p = 0.004; Worry, p = 009; Feeding difficulties, p = 0.031; Total score, p = 0.001). The present study shows that children with autism had worse chewing function and worse mealtime functioning compared to typically developing children. Their parents perceived mealtime behavior as more problematic, and parents' quality of life related to feeding/swallowing disorders was worse compared to parents of typically developing children. The study results reveal the importance of early assessment and intervention of chewing function and feeding behaviors in children with autism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to explore the attitudes and behaviors of Latino mothers around feeding their children. Using qualitative methods, we conducted four focus groups in Spanish with 41 Latino mothers of elementary school-age children in San Diego County, CA. Latino mothers' mean age was 41 years; 90% were foreign-born; and 74% had a high school education or less. We explored cultural viewpoints around feeding and cooking and feeding strategies used. Focus groups were analyzed based on a priori and emergent themes. The following themes around feeding emerged: feeding attitudes central to the maternal responsibility of having well-fed children and feeding behaviors that centered on cooking methods, supportive behaviors, and reinforcement strategies for "eating well." These findings increase our understanding of the Latino maternal role to feed children and can help to inform more culturally appropriate research to effectively address nutritional issues and obesity prevention in Latino children.

This study aimed to explore the attitudes and behaviors of Latino mothers around feeding their children. Using qualitative methods, we conducted four focus groups in Spanish with 41 Latino mothers of elementary school-age children in San Diego County, CA. Latino mothers' mean age was 41 years; 90% were foreign-born; and 74% had a high school education or less. We explored cultural viewpoints around feeding and cooking and feeding strategies used. Focus groups were analyzed based on a priori and emergent themes. The following themes around feeding emerged: feeding attitudes central to the maternal responsibility of having well-fed children and feeding behaviors that centered on cooking methods, supportive behaviors, and reinforcement strategies for "eating well." These findings increase our understanding of the Latino maternal role to feed children and can help to inform more culturally appropriate research to effectively address nutritional issues and obesity prevention in Latino children.

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit restrictive and repetitive behaviors that affect their eating habits. The purpose of this study is to identify the behavioral feeding problems and eating habits among ASD children compared to typically developed (TD) children age/gender-matched controls, along with their parents’/caregivers’ strategies for dealing with them. It included 43 ASD children and 43 TD children aged two to eleven years. The analysis was performed based on two valid questionnaires: the Behavior Pediatrics Feeding Assessment Scale (BPFA) and “My Child Eating Habits” (MCEH). The BPFA and MCEH scores conceded three manifestations that fall into food selectivity and problematic mealtime behavior in both groups of children. Compared to TD children, children with ASD exhibited higher BPFA scores, which indicated food-related behavioral and skill-based problems (p = 0.004). Children with ASD were less likely to consume fruits, vegetables, and milk than TD children, which may lead to nutritional deficiencies (p = 0.003, p = 0.003, and p = 0.010, respectively). Parents of ASD children were concerned about their behavioral problems and expressed their intention of an early intervention. These findings highlight the importance of nutritional clinical routines that incorporate the evaluation of the nutritional status and feeding behaviors of ASD children.

This study aimed to explore the attitudes and behaviors of Latino mothers around feeding their children. Using qualitative methods, we conducted four focus groups in Spanish with 41 Latino mothers of elementary school-age children in San Diego County, CA. Latino mothers' mean age was 41 years; 90% were foreign-born; and 74% had a high school education or less. We explored cultural viewpoints around feeding and cooking and feeding strategies used. Focus groups were analyzed based on a priori and emergent themes. The following themes around feeding emerged: feeding attitudes central to the maternal responsibility of having well-fed children and feeding behaviors that centered on cooking methods, supportive behaviors, and reinforcement strategies for "eating well." These findings increase our understanding of the Latino maternal role to feed children and can help to inform more culturally appropriate research to effectively address nutritional issues and obesity prevention in Latino children.

This study aimed to explore the attitudes and behaviors of Latino mothers around feeding their children. Using qualitative methods, we conducted four focus groups in Spanish with 41 Latino mothers of elementary school-age children in San Diego County, CA. Latino mothers' mean age was 41 years; 90% were foreign-born; and 74% had a high school education or less. We explored cultural viewpoints around feeding and cooking and feeding strategies used. Focus groups were analyzed based on a priori and emergent themes. The following themes around feeding emerged: feeding attitudes central to the maternal responsibility of having well-fed children and feeding behaviors that centered on cooking methods, supportive behaviors, and reinforcement strategies for "eating well." These findings increase our understanding of the Latino maternal role to feed children and can help to inform more culturally appropriate research to effectively address nutritional issues and obesity prevention in Latino children.

Background and purpose: Nutritional behavior of children depends largely on the behavior of their parents, especially their mothers. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine and compare the nutritional behaviors of mothers of overweight and obese children with those of normal weight children. Materials and methods: This descriptive-analytical case-control study was performed in elementary school students and their mothers in Sari, Iran 2017. Hundred and sixty five students were selected through multistage random sampling, including overweight and obese students (n=82) and normal weight students (n=83). Students' heights and weights were recorded and anthropometric indices were calculated by WHO AnthroPlus 4 software. Then, the nutritional behavior of the mothers was assessed by Comprehensive Feeding Practices Questionnaire. Data analysis was performed in SPSS V20. Results: Nutritional behaviors in mothers of children with normal weight, and overweight and obese children were not significantly different (61.25±9.36 and 62.17±7.91, respectively, P=0.20). Compared to the mothers of normal-weight students, the mothers of overweight and obese students had more restrictions to control children’s weight (P=0.009) but less encouraged balance and variety of food (P=0.020). Fast-eating was more prevalent in overweight and obese students (P=0.026). Conclusion: There were similar nutritional behaviors in the mothers studied, but there were some differences in feeding practices which could be among the causes of differences in students' weights.

Abstract Background Plant viruses can affect vector’s behaviors in order to enhance viral transmission. Cucurbit chlorotic yellows virus (CCYV) (genus Crinivirus) is an emergent RNA plant virus and is transmitted specifically by biotypes B and Q of tobacco whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius), in a semipersistent manner. Methods We used the electrical penetration graph (EPG) to investigate the effect of CCYV on the feeding behaviors of B. tabaci biotypes B and Q. Results CCYV could affect, both directly and indirectly, the feeding behaviors of B. tabaci to various degrees, depending on biotypes and sexes of the insect. CCYV showed stronger direct effects on biotype Q than on biotype B in terms of increased non-phloem probing and phloem salivation. CCYV increased non-phloem probing and phloem salivation more on females than on males of biotype Q, and increased phloem salivation more on females than on males of biotype B. CCYV had stronger indirect effects, via virus-infested plants, on biotype B than on biotype Q by enhancing phloem sap ingestion and feeding bouts. CCYV increased non-phloem probing and feeding bouts more on males than on females of biotype B, and decreased phloem sap ingestion more on males than on females on biotype Q indirectly. Conclusions The results clearly indicated that CCYV affects the feeding behaviors of B. tabaci, which may lead to increased ability of the B. tabaci for CCYV transmission.

Obesity rates among pre-schoolers are high in low-income, rural populations. This research explored dietary habits of preschool-aged children living in low-income, rural households using Photovoice methodology. Researchers met with parents and their preschool-aged child to collect demographic and Photovoice data. Data were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, independently analyzed, and reconciled using open-coding methods. Participants were 31.1 ± 8.4 (parent; n = 18) and 3.3 ± 0.9 (child; n = 18) years of age on average. Themes emerged from qualitative analysis: eating environment; feeding strategies; food choice. Education to help parents understand developmentally appropriate eating behaviors may help them identify feeding concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Food parenting practices have been associated with children's eating behaviors, but analyses exploring the bidirectional effects are limited. Objectives We aimed to examine the bidirectional relations between food parenting practices and the eating behavior of children from 4 to 7 y old. Methods Participants are from the Generation XXI birth cohort (Portugal) assessed at both 4 and 7 y of age (n  = 3698 singletons). A validated version of the Child Feeding Questionnaire and the overt/covert control scale were used. Three patterns of food parenting practices (Perceived Monitoring, Restriction, and Pressure to eat) were studied. Perception of children's eating behaviors (eating large amounts of food, eating very slowly, and food refusal) was reported by parents (measured using dichotomous questions). Cross-lagged analyses were performed to evaluate the direction of the associations (parenting practices at 4 y to behaviors at 7 y and the reverse). Results Eating large amounts of food was unidirectionally associated with higher Restriction 3 y later (βstandardized = 0.047; 95% CI: 0.019, 0.075). Apart from Restriction, all associations had a bidirectional effect of similar magnitude. Eating large amounts of food and food refusal at age 4 influenced food parenting, such as Perceived Monitoring and Pressure to eat at age 7, but these practices were prospectively linked to these eating behaviors too (e.g. βstandardized = 0.033; 95% CI: 0.022, 0.064 for food refusal at age 4 and Pressure to eat at age 7, and βstandardized = 0.060; 95% CI: 0.034, 0.086, in the reverse direction). Parenting practices and children's eating behaviors showed significant moderate tracking (standardized path coefficients from 0.24 to 0.49). Conclusions Eating large amounts of food, eating slowly, and food refusal can influence parents to adopt certain food parenting practices, but these practices also influence children's behaviors after a few years. This reciprocal relation should be considered in future research. Parents should be advised to use food parenting practices associated with healthier eating behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: This study compares feeding behaviors and problems of in term Infants and preterm infants at 6 months corrected age. Subjects and Methods The study was of observational-sectional type (descriptive and analytic) and sampling was one-step cluster probability of the available population in the form of the whole number. Feeding behaviors of 90 infants, including 60 term infants and 30 preterm infants, were assessed by speech and language pathologists through interviews with parents and recorded in a questionnaire. The information in this questionnaire includes feeding behaviors, feeding problems, feeding period, infant weight at 2, 4, 6 months and the age of the child to start complementary feeding, SPSS software version 24 was used to analyze the data. In all the present study, P-value less than 5% was considered as a significant level. Results The results showed that the two groups were significantly different in the mean score of feeding behavior (P= 0.001), feeding problems (P= 0.047) and weight gain (P<0.001). While in feeding duration (P= 0.53) and Frequency of feeding (P= 0.1) there was no significant difference. Of the 90 infants studied, more than 80% of them started feeding in the form of puree in the age group of 4-6 months. Conclusion Premature infants have more feeding problems and less weight gain than normal infants. It is recommended that the speech and language pathologist evaluate and intervene appropriately for oral skills and nutrition of premature infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determining the effect of casting geometric structure on freckle formation is important in designing the directional solidification parameter of single‐crystal superalloy castings. In this research, single‐crystal castings of a third‐generation nickel (Ni)‐based superalloy with different thicknesses and structures are prepared by conventional Bridgman high‐rate‐solidification technique at withdrawal rates of 1, 3, and 6 mm min–1. The experimental results show that the freckles in castings with expansion structures are severer than those with contraction structures at a withdrawal rate of 1 mm min–1, and vice versa at withdrawal rates of 3 and 6 mm min–1. It is found that the larger casting thickness tends to promote the freckle formation at the same withdrawal rate. Furthermore, a lower tendency is displayed at the withdrawal rate of 3 mm min–1 in freckle formation, whereas an increased tendency is displayed at the withdrawal rate of 6 mm min–1. The different withdrawal rates, thicknesses, and structures of casting cause differences in cooling rate, shrinkage flow, and mushy zone morphology, which are believed to be responsible for the tendency of freckle formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tobacco whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, is a fast-evolving complex species consisting of more than 35 cryptic species (biotypes). Among these species, the Middle East-Asia Minor 1 (MEAM1) and Mediterranean (MED) are the most widely distributed and often cooccurrent. Field investigations showed that MED has eventually replaced MEAM1in most areas in China, but MEAM1still exists alone or together with MED in some areas. There are several hypotheses for species replacement in B. tabaci, but underlying mechanisms need further investigation. In this study, we focused to compare their adaptability and competitiveness of the two species under insecticide-free conditions by using electrical penetration graph (EPG). Feeding behaviors of the two species were recorded on each other's pre-infested cotton or cucumber plants to mimic their interactions. Fourteen EPG variables indicated that two B. tabaci species performed remarkably differently on both pre-infested cotton and cucumber plants. Specifically, MEAM1 adults exhibited a shorter pathway for probing and a longer phloem sap ingestion than MED on either healthy or pre-infested plants. Both species had more efficient on its own pre-infested plants than on plants pre-infested by the other B. tabaci species. However, MEAM1 showed an advantage on pre-infested plants than MED under the same conditions. Our results clearly indicated that MEAM1 had stronger adaptability and competitiveness than MED on either cotton or cucumber plants without insecticide stresses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines communicative influences of both parents and children on health-related decision making about food. Prior research suggests specific parental communicative influences contribute to children's healthy and unhealthy food preferences and behaviors; however, children also exert influence over parents' decisions. A total of 420 parents and caretakers participated in this survey-based study examining communication with children about food preferences and media use. Results suggest a relationship between parenting behavior (related to nutrition and mealtime behavior) and children's mental and physical health outcomes, demonstrating different effects for children at various stages of development. Results also demonstrate the importance of children's social power when attempting to understand parental modeling, self-efficacy, and control. Parents' modeling of healthy food behaviors may not be fully realized until children get older. Differences in parenting strategies by parental gender are also explored. This study provides new insight into some of the struggles between parents and children over food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study investigated the association between childhood eating behaviors and cortical morphology, in relation to sex and age, in a community sample., Methods: Neuroimaging data of 71 children (mean age = 9.9 ± 1.4 years; 39 boys/32 girls) were obtained from the Nathan Kline Institute-Rockland Sample. Emotional overeating, food fussiness, and emotional undereating were assessed using the Children's Eating Behavior Questionnaire. Cortical thickness was obtained at 81,924 vertices covering the entire cortex. Generalized Linear Mixed Models were used for statistical analysis., Results: There was a significant effect of sex in the association between cortical thickness and emotional overeating (localized at the right postcentral and bilateral superior parietal gyri). Boys with more emotional overeating presented cortical thickening, whereas the opposite was observed in girls (p < 0.05). Different patterns of association were identified between food fussiness and cortical thickness (p < 0.05). The left rostral middle frontal gyrus displayed a positive correlation with food fussiness from 6 to 8 years, but a negative correlation from 12 to 14 years. Emotional undereating was associated with cortical thickening at the left precuneus, left middle temporal gyrus, and left insula (p < 0.05) with no effect of sex or age., Conclusions: Leveraging on a community sample, findings support distinct patterns of associations between eating behaviors and cortical thickness, depending on sex and age., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

The orexigenic hormone ghrelin increases food intake and promotes obesity through its receptor, growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R). We previously reported two neuron-specific GHS-R knockout mouse lines, namely pan-neuronal deletion by Syn1-cre and hypothalamic deletion by AgRP-cre, exhibiting differential diet-dependent effects on body weight. GHS-R deficiency in neurons elicited less pronounced metabolic effects under regular diet (RD) than high fat diet (HFD). While there was no difference in total food intake of HFD in either mouse line, Syn1-cre; Ghsrf/f mice showed much greater anti-obesity effect than that of AgRP-cre; Ghsrf/f mice. Meal feeding pattern is known to have a major impact on energy homeostasis and obesity development. Here, we investigated the feeding behaviors of these two neuron-specific GHS-R knockout mice under RD and HFD feeding, by assessing meal number, meal size, meal duration, and feeding frequency. Under the normal diet, RD-fed Syn1-cre; Ghsrf/f mice showed a decreased meal size in dark phase, while RD-fed AgRP-cre; Ghsrf/f mice showed an increased meal duration in dark phase. Under the obesogenic diet, HFD-fed Syn1-cre; Ghsrf/f mice displayed reduced meal numbers in light phase and increased feeding in both light and dark phases, whereas HFD-fed AgRP-cre; Ghsrf/f mice showed a decreased meal duration in the light phase only. Consistently, the expression of neuropeptides (Neuropeptide Y and Orexin) was increased in the hypothalamus of RD-fed Syn1-cre; Ghsrf/f mice, whereas the expression of cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) was increased in the hypothalamus of HFD fed Syn1-cre; Ghsrf/f mice. Overall, feeding pattern changes were more pronounced in Syn1-cre; Ghsrf/f mice than that in AgRP-cre; Ghsrf/f mice, and HFD elicited greater alteration than RD. While AgRP-cre; Ghsrf/f mice consumed HFD meals faster during the day (showing shorter meal duration), Syn1-cre; Ghsrf/f mice ate few HFD meals during the light phase and ate slowly throughout the day (showing longer meal duration in both phases). Our findings reveal that neuronal GHS-R regulates energy homeostasis by altering feeding patterns, and differentially modulates feeding patterns in a site- and diet-dependent manner. The distinctive data in these two mouse lines also suggest that eating slowly during the optimal feeding period (dark phase for mice) may be beneficial in combating obesity.

Background: Unhealthy behaviors such as low physical activity, prolonged fasting, consumption of energy-dense foods and low consumption of fruits and vegetables have repercussions on health. Objective: To understand the dietary habits of students from the San Andres campus of the Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción, in the Bío-Bío region of Chile. Materials and Methods: The dichotomous survey, "Is your diet healthy?" was applied to 350 students. Results: The survey revealed that 75% of the students had an unhealthy diet, with a greater prevalence in those between 17-20 years of age (78%). It also demonstrated a low consumption of fruits (<20%), vegetables (42%) and water (46%), together with a low prevalence of healthy/responsible behaviors like avoiding sugary foods (36%), avoiding processed meats (38%), and reading nutrition labels (37%). Men reported a greater consumption of bread, white meats, and water (p<0,05), while women reported the greatest percentages of avoiding processed meats, reading nutrition labels (p<0,01), and preferred sugary foods and eating properly (p<0,05). Conclusion: The surveyed university students presented poor dietary habits, primarily associated with low consumption of fruits and vegetables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Aligning methods will allow for comparison across future studies. • Bite acceptance and typical feeding behaviors differ by texture. • The presence of feeding behaviors alone is not indicative of problematic feeding. • Feeding concerns decline as infants get older. • Clinicians can use these new methods to measure progress during therapy. The lack of age-appropriate expectations for feeding acceptance patterns in early childhood is a barrier to early and accurate identification of pediatric feeding disorder (PFD). The objective of the study was to describe the process by which typically developing children 8–12 months of age accept or refuse bite presentations and their corresponding feeding behaviors, aiming to establish age-appropriate normative data for feeding acceptance. Using cross-sectional methodology, we studied the proportion of bite presentations accepted, the type of feeding behaviors-passive, disruptive, expulsion, feeding concerns- observed at presentation and acceptance or refusal, and the duration between presentation to acceptance or refusal in 63 healthy infants between 8 and 12 months of age. Descriptive statistics and a one-way ANOVA were conducted to compare the effect of age and texture. Findings reveal high levels of bite acceptance of 80 % or > for children across ages, but with lower texture-specific differences. Both passive and disruptive behaviors were present even during acceptance of bites without any expulsion. Feeding concerns showed developmental trends with rapid reduction by 12 months suggesting improvement in oral feeding skills. The duration of acceptance and refusals revealed clear patterns by age and texture with an average of 3 s for acceptance but <1 s for refusal. This study describes bite acceptance patterns in a cohort of typically developing infants between 8 and 12 months of age by examining the acceptance of bites, frequency and type of feeding behaviors, and duration differences when children accept versus refuse a bite. Findings may be applied in the future to provide more sensitive detection of problematic feeding patterns to aid in the detection of pediatric feeding disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to compare term and preterm children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) in terms of their oropharyngeal functions. A total of 50 children with CP participated in the study, and were divided into two groups according to their birth history including preterm group (gestational age below 37 weeks; 60 % female; mean age = 6.86 ± 4.35 years) and term group (gestational age between 37 and 41 weeks; 60 % female; mean age = 6.48 ± 4.86 years). Chewing and swallowing functions were evaluated in terms of oropharyngeal functions. Chewing evaluation was performed by using the Karaduman Chewing Performance Scale (KCPS) and the Turkish version of the Mastication Observation and Evaluation Instrument (T-MOE). The pediatric version of the Eating Assessment Tool (PEDI-EAT-10) was used to evaluate swallowing performance of children. In addition, the Behavioral Pediatric Feeding Assessment Scale (BPFAS) was used to assess feeding behaviors of children. There were significant differences between groups in terms of KCPS (p = 0.03), T-MOE (p = 0.01), and PEDI-EAT-10 scores (p = 0.04). There was a significant difference between groups in terms of the parental frequency score from the BPFAS (p = 0.04). Oropharyngeal functions of preterm children with CP were more adversely affected than term children with CP. Clinicians working with children with CP should be aware of the risks of preterm birth on oropharyngeal functions, and take precautions for oropharyngeal dysfunction in the early period in preterm children with CP. • Oropharyngeal functions of preterm children with CP were more adversely affected than term children with CP. • Clinicians should be aware of the risks posed by the history of preterm birth on oropharyngeal functions. • Clinicians should take precautions in terms of oropharyngeal dysfunction in the early period in children with preterm CP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess the potential stability of appetitive traits from childhood to early adolescence, identify groups of individuals with distinct trajectories for these traits, and explore their association with other child and family characteristics. Participants were 5040 children from the Generation XXI cohort. Appetitive traits were assessed with the Children's Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (CEBQ) at ages seven, 10, and 13 (eight subscales). Mixed-effect models estimated individual trajectories of appetitive traits and Gaussian mixture models identified groups following different trajectories (appetitive trait trajectory profiles). Appetitive traits showed moderate-to-high stability across the three ages (intra-class correlation coefficients:0.66–0.83); most of the variance observed across time were due to persistent individual differences rather than age-related changes. Six appetitive trait trajectory profiles were identified: 'Moderate appetite' (scores close to the average) (29% of children), 'Small to moderate appetite' (lowest food approach and emotional eating) (26%), 'Increasing appetite' (increasing food approach) (15%), 'Avid appetite' (highest food approach and lowest food avoidance) (12%), 'Smallest appetite' (highest food avoidance and low food approach) (10%), and 'Small appetite but increasing' (decreasing high food avoidance and Desire to Drink) (8%). In multinomial logistic regression, these profiles were associated with different child and family characteristics. Compared to children with a 'Moderate appetite' profile, those with higher BMI, who desired a thinner body, whose mothers were younger, had lower education, higher pre-pregnancy BMI (OR = 1.07; 95%CI:1.04,1.09), smoked during pregnancy (OR = 1.51; 95%CI:1.21,1.90), and used more restrictive feeding practices (OR = 1.79; 95%CI:1.57,2.03) had increased odds of belonging to the 'Avid Appetite'. In conclusion, distinct appetitive trait trajectory profiles emerged, differentiating individuals with avid and small appetites. These findings have implications for identifying children at higher risk for obesogenic profiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Nutritional behavior of children depends largely on the behavior of their parents, especially their mothers. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine and compare the nutritional behaviors of mothers of overweight and obese children with those of normal weight children. Materials and methods: This descriptive-analytical case-control study was performed in elementary school students and their mothers in Sari, Iran 2017. Hundred and sixty five students were selected through multistage random sampling, including overweight and obese students (n=82) and normal weight students (n=83). Students' heights and weights were recorded and anthropometric indices were calculated by WHO AnthroPlus 4 software. Then, the nutritional behavior of the mothers was assessed by Comprehensive Feeding Practices Questionnaire. Data analysis was performed in SPSS V20. Results: Nutritional behaviors in mothers of children with normal weight, and overweight and obese children were not significantly different (61.25±9.36 and 62.17±7.91, respectively, P=0.20). Compared to the mothers of normal-weight students, the mothers of overweight and obese students had more restrictions to control children’s weight (P=0.009) but less encouraged balance and variety of food (P=0.020). Fast-eating was more prevalent in overweight and obese students (P=0.026). Conclusion: There were similar nutritional behaviors in the mothers studied, but there were some differences in feeding practices which could be among the causes of differences in students' weights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Overweight, obesity, and underweight are common child health problems in Iran. Child-feeding practices are one of the major factors affecting children's weight through eating behavior and dietary intake. The Comprehensive Feeding Practices Questionnaire (CFPQ), a 49-item measure comprising 12 subscales, assesses parental child-feeding practices. It is used to determine factors that may affect the development of overweight, obesity, and underweight and therefore, helps us plan appropriate preventive action. The aim of this study was to revise and adapt CFPQ to be used for 2-5-year-old children. Methods: This study including, 300 mothers selected by simple systematic random sampling, was conducted in the rural and urban areas of Birjand city, Iran. Health workers interviewed the mothers and completed questionnaire according to the standard protocol. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA), tests for internal consistency, and test--retest reliability were conducted. Results: EFA resulted in a final questionnaire with 39 items distributed over seven factors, including Healthy Eating Guidance, Modeling, Parent Pressure, Monitoring, Emotion Regulation, Child Control, and Restriction. The internal consistency reliability for the proposal scales was acceptable for five out of the seven factors and all of the seven factors demonstrated excellent test--retest reliability. Conclusions: The revised CFPQ is a valid tool for determining the various aspects of parental feeding practices aiming to prevent overweight, obesity, and underweight among 2-5-year-old children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Food is an important part of older people's life contributing to their physiological and mental well-being and to their satisfaction with life. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors that contribute to the satisfaction with food-related life of Irish community-dwelling adults older than 55 years. Methods A mixed methods approach was employed. Quantitative data were collected through a survey which tested how socio-demographic characteristics, food habits, mood and self-perceived health were correlated (Spearman correlation) with the 5 items from the satisfaction with food-related life (SWFL) questionnaire. Qualitative data were collected through open-ended questions which investigated the factors determining food satisfaction levels of the 81 adults (54 women) older than 55 years who participated in the study. Results The highest score (4.3/5) was given to the item from the SWFL questionnaire: "F ood and meals are very important elements in my life" , and was regardless of gender, age and marital status of the participants. In contrast, the lowest score (3.9/5) was given to the item "M y life in relation to food and meals is ideal ". Spearman's correlation revealed that fruit consumption was positively correlated " With regard to food, the conditions of my life are excellent " (rho=0.29, p<0.05). The open-ended questions showed that sensory appeal was the most popular term related to food satisfaction levels. Conclusion Meals and food play an important role in older adults' life; however, participants did not consider their life in relation to meals and food as ideal. Therefore, strategies need to be employed to improve food and meal experience for community-dwelling older adults to keep them healthy for longer. Food industry should focus on developing nutritious and sensory-appealing food for the older consumers. Finally, the finding that consumption of fruit leads to satisfaction with food-related life could be used as a health promotion message to change eating behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supplemental digital content is available in the text. Background: Parents often play a main role in establishing the dietary patterns of preschool children, but there is no clear understanding about the relationship between parental psychological distress and child diet and body mass index (BMI). Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the relationships among parental psychological distress, parental feeding practices, child diet, and child BMI in families with young children. Methods: We conducted a mixed-methods study with families (parent–child dyad) of children aged 2–5 years. Measures included demographic data, parental general stress, parenting stress, parental sleep quality, parental depressive symptoms, social support for parents, mealtime environment, child feeding practice, child diet, and child BMI, with well-validated questionnaires completed by parents. Using structural equation models, we examined the path relationships of these factors. We also interviewed a subsample of 13 parents. Results: A total of 256 families participated. Higher parental psychological distress was associated with higher parental unhealthy feeding practices (B = 0.31, p <.01). However, a parental unhealthy practice in feeding was not associated with child's unhealthy diet or BMI. There was no direct relationship between parental psychological distress and child BMI. Social support for parents was significantly inversely related to parental psychological distress (B = −11.59, p <.01), and the relationship between social support for parents and parental unhealthy feeding practices approached significance (B = 6.11, p =.05). A main theme from analysis of parent interview was that parent stress and fatigue influenced their feeding and food preparation. Discussion: Parental psychological distress is a critical influential factor in parental feeding practices. This finding highlights potential foci in intervention programs to address parental psychological distress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study which examined the effects of self-perceptions of aging (SPA) on healthy eating behavior across the life span and provide longitudinal evidence of the psychological mechanisms behind this association. Topics covered include the method used to determine the role of social-cognitive processes in the intention to eat healthily, and the effect of age, education, gender, body mass index (BMI) and illnesses, and the mechanisms behind positive SPA.