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To understand the perspectives of key informant experts regarding the relationship between food insecurity and gestational diabetes mellitus risk reduction behaviors among young American Indian and Alaska Native females. Participants were adult key informants with expertise in food/nutrition and health within Tribal communities (N = 58) across the US. Data were collected through 1:1 interviews using a semistructured moderator guide and analyzed using thematic content analysis methods. Three themes included (1) diet and nutrition habits are formed through intergenerational food preferences and are driven by lasting implications of colonization; (2) young people are influenced by what their peers eat and the food environment, including outside of the home; and (3) the methods used to understand household food insecurity and nutrition habits in the parent study were likely limited. Findings provide guidance as to where nutrition education and interventions may best support young Native females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food and nutrition insecurity exist at an alarming rate in the US educational system, ranging from 17% among K-12 students up to 58.8% among university students. Many Muslim American students face food and nutrition insecurity due, in part, to a lack of acknowledgment of student adherence to halal dietary guidelines and the availability of certified halal options at school. This has implications for health, learning, and social outcomes. In this perspective paper, we provide short-term, mid-term, and long-term recommendations to address food and nutrition insecurity among halal-observant students to advance healthy dietary patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To reveal students' experiences and perspectives related to Universal School Meals (USM) under the federal coronavirus disease 2019 waivers during school years 2021–22. Qualitative; 17 focus groups in June–July 2022. Virtual; students from 9 California regions in public and charter schools. 67 students (n = 31 in high school, n = 36 in middle school) from a racially and economically diverse sample. Students' perceived benefits and drawbacks of USM. Thematic analysis using an immersion-crystallization approach. Students appreciated USM for increasing school meals' accessibility, promoting food security by financially supporting families, reducing the stigma associated with school meals, simplifying the payment system, and enhancing school meals convenience. An increase in school meal participation was observed. However, concerns emerged regarding a perceived decline in food quality and quantity and increased food waste. Universal School Meals showed promise in increasing access to meals, reducing food insecurity, stigma, and increasing participation. Addressing food quality, quantity, and waste concerns is critical for its sustained success. Policymakers need to advocate for the expansion and continuous refinement of USM, prioritizing stakeholder feedback. Ensuring adequate funding to balance meal quality and quantity while minimizing waste is essential for an adequate school meal policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This study establishes a hierarchical structure of implication barriers to the resilient food supply chain. • A synthetical decision model integrating the IVTSF-CoCoSo'B is presented. • The IVTSF decision framework is used to estimate the AI advantages in alleviating the barriers to building RFSC. Despite the fact that artificial intelligence (AI) techniques are increasingly influencing economic and societal dynamics, certain aspects of AI's role in structural change, such as enhancing the resilience of supply chains, have not been thoroughly explored in academic research. Thus, we first identify thirteen variables that are influential in shaping the structural transformation of food supply chains. These variables are chosen based on the financial, technological, social, and organizational challenges to building resilience within the food supply chain. Then, we generate an interval-valued T-spherical fuzzy Combined Compromise Solution (CoCoSo)'B model to uncover the role of AI in the supply chain dynamics and structural change of the food sector. After that, we explore the role of AI in alleviating the factors in building resilience within the food supply chain through the generated decision model and expert interview. The result also reveals that the AI advantage A d 2 "Enhancing information sharing among nodes" (1.983) has the most potential to influence organizational adoption behavior. The outcomes of the present study can provide a new decision-support technique for uncovering the effects of AI on supply chain dynamics and structural change in the food sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MyPlate is a tool designed to educate the general US population on how to eat in alignment with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans; yet, there is a lack of data on who has heard of MyPlate over time. The objective of this analysis was to examine the prevalence of awareness of MyPlate within the US population and if awareness changes differentially over time. This study was a serial, cross-sectional survey. Three survey waves of data (2013-2018) were used from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey of adults aged 20 years or older (n = 17,023). Percentage of the US adult population who had heard of MyPlate was measured and stratified by sex, age, citizenship status, education, household food security status, income, receipt of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, and receipt of Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) benefits. Global Wald tests were used to assess whether prevalence of awareness of MyPlate differed by sociodemographic characteristics. Tests of homogeneity using likelihood ratio tests of nested logistic regression models were used to assess whether differences in awareness of MyPlate by various sociodemographic characteristics changed over time from 2013 to 2018. Twenty percent (19.5%) (n = 875) of the analytic sample of participants aged 20 years and older had heard of MyPlate in 2013-2014, 24.5% (n = 1,020) in 2015-2016, and 24.6% (n = 1,086) in 2017-2018. Awareness of MyPlate changed differentially over time (P value <.1) from 2013 to 2018 by income, household food security status, and receipt of SNAP benefits, with slower increases in awareness for households with lowest income over time, narrowing of differences in awareness by household food security status over time, and persistent differences in awareness by receipt of SNAP benefits over time. These results highlight the current low awareness of MyPlate, disparities in awareness of MyPlate immediately after implementation by sociodemographic characteristics, and increases in awareness over time at differential rates within levels of income, food security status, and ever receipt of SNAP benefits. Given that the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2025-2030 are currently in development, new strategies should be considered to disseminate tools that translate the updated Dietary Guidelines in such a way that reach the general population equitably upon implementation within the United States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food FARMacy is a clinical-community emergency food assistance program developed in response to food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Few qualitative studies have examined participant, and clinical and community stakeholder experiences with these food assistance programs. To examine the motivations, experiences, and perceptions of Food FARMacy participants and program stakeholders. A qualitative study using in-depth interviews between March 2021 and July 2021. Twenty-four Food FARMacy participants and 10 program stakeholders in New York, NY (Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens) older than age 18 years were interviewed. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, translated, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Participant and program stakeholder interviews were analyzed separately. Themes that were salient in both groups were combined for reporting. Both program participants and stakeholders perceived: pandemic-related demands combined with reduced resources motivated participation; convenience, safety, and ease of access facilitated program retention; participants valued fresh produce and diversity of foods; the program improved diet and health; minimizing food waste was a priority; and social cohesion was an unexpected program benefit. Two additional themes among only program stakeholders also were identified: aligned values, flexibility, and communication were key to successful partnerships; and trust between community partners and community members drove programmatic success. Results suggest that a multisite clinical-community partnership to provide emergency food assistance in New York City can be leveraged to reduce barriers to healthy food access and address food insecurity during crises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Children living in poverty are at an increased risk for maltreatment. Social safety net (SSN) programs with antipoverty objectives may reduce child maltreatment through pathways such as reduced food insecurity, lessened caregiver stress, and improved caregiving behaviors and ability to meet children's basic needs. The objective of this study is to conduct a systematic review of evidence on the ability of SSN programs to reduce child maltreatment in the United States (U.S.). This systematic review was conducted using PRISMA protocol. Among studies published between 1996–2022, the initial search returned 1,873 articles, and 27 papers were included in the final analysis. Abstracts were identified primarily on June 24th, 2022, and extraction and synthesis of data was conducted in 2022–2023. Of the 27 papers assessed, 16 studies found that SSN programs were protective against child maltreatment. Three of the reviewed studies found no effect of safety net programs, 4 studies presented mixed findings, and 4 studies found adverse impacts in terms of child maltreatment outcomes. When restricting to high-quality studies only, 10 out of 12 found protective impacts and none found adverse impacts on child maltreatment. SSNs are associated with protective effects against child maltreatment. Expansion of SSN programs would likely have positive benefits beyond poverty-related objectives, including reducing incidence of child maltreatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compare the diet quality of a meal consumed at a community café (café meals), a pay-what-you-can restaurant, to a meal consumed for an equivalent eating occasion on the day before (comparison meal) by guests with food insecurity. Dietary recalls were collected from café guests with food insecurity to determine the Healthy Eating Index-2020 (HEI-2020) total and component scores. Healthy Eating Index-2020 scores were compared between meals using paired-sample t tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Most participants (n = 40; 80% male; 42.5% Black) had very low food security (70.0%). Café meal had a higher HEI-2020 total score (46.7 ± 10.5 vs 34.4 ± 11.6; P < 0.001) and total vegetables (2.6 ± 2.0 vs 1.2 ± 1.7; P = 0.004), total fruits (2.1 ± 2.2 vs 0.6 ± 1.5; P < 0.001), whole fruits (1.6 ± 2.0 vs 0.3 ± 0.9; P < 0.001), and refined grains (7.8 ± 3.5 vs 3.9 ± 3.9; P < 0.001) scores than comparison meals. The café meal had better diet quality than the comparison meal, suggesting its potential for improving diet quality among guests with food insecurity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the goals, barriers, and facilitators set by caregivers of preschool-aged children to improve food parenting practices and household food environments. Secondary qualitative analysis of collaborative goal sheets completed during in-home and telephone visits as part of a home-based pilot intervention. Thirty-three Hispanic/Latinx caregivers, predominantly of low income. Patterns in goal content and anticipated barriers and facilitators. Thematic analysis of goal sheets with a mixed inductive-deductive approach. Almost half of the goals were to support a healthy environment (40.7%) by increasing the availability of healthy foods through food shopping and meal planning. Other goals were to increase structure (33.7%) by establishing food-related routines and decreasing distractions. Goals related to autonomy support (25.4%) included involving their children (eg, cooking together). Caregivers' perceived barriers encompass individual (eg, stress, lack of time), interpersonal (eg, other family members' eating behaviors), and environmental-level (eg, food availability) factors. Caregivers only identified facilitators at the individual and interpersonal levels (eg, motivation). Understanding goals, barriers, and facilitators can be used to tailor key messages to improve food parenting practices and children's diets. Future interventions can target broader environmental barriers while increasing awareness of individual, interpersonal, and environmental-level facilitators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Across the African continent, several rural communities persist in the practice of collecting, cultivating, and consuming indigenous food crops. • Cissus quadrangularis is said to heal broken bones, prevent the deterioration of bone matter and aid in bone growth. • This information suggests that because the energy bite with Cissus quadrangularis was a convenient, healthy and a snack item, it was well liked and accepted by participants of this study. • The sodium levels in both the samples of the developed product were low, contributing only 0.133 % to the DRI of both women and men. Indigenous plants thrive in natural ecosystems and have been used for food and medicine in many communities for centuries. Cissus quadrangularis is an indigenous plant with increasing popularity and great potential for nutritional enhancement to improve the functionality of food products and assist with food insecurity in South Africa. The aim of this study was to develop a sensory-acceptable food product using C. quadrangularis and to create awareness and increase acceptability of the plant among young adults. Two quantities of C. quadrangularis were used to make a trendy energy bite with two different quantities of C. quadrangularis 4 g (Sample 1) and 6 g (Sample 2) respectively. The developed food items were tested for sensory, microbiological, nutritional, and shelf-life. An awareness video with C. quadrangularis recipes and information was developed. The nutritional analysis showed the energy bite has minimal fat and salt. Sensory ratings did not vary between samples 1 and 2. A significant number of participants preferred or greatly appreciated the video and expressed interest in preparing foods using C. quadrangularis. A trendy and tasty food product using C. quadrangularis and an information tool may help young people consume an unfamiliar indigenous plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Drought stress severely affects plant growth and development. • The use of glycine betaine encapsulated chitosan nanoparticles is an efficient strategy to alleviate drought stress. • Chitosan and glycine betaine encapsulated chitosan nanoparticles increased the physiological, morphological and molecular attributes of maize plant. • Glycine betaine encapsulated chitosan nanoparticles were more effective under drought stress as compared to alone nanoparticles. Drought is one of the main abiotic stresses that affect the growth and development of maize crop, thus causing food crises across the world. Nanoparticles are considered an effective tool for improving crop yield by upgrading the plant tolerance mechanism under abiotic stress. In this study, we investigated the role of foliar application of glycine betaine-encapsulated chitosan loaded nanoparticles (LNPs) and unloaded chitosan nanoparticles (NPs) in improving morphological, physiological, biochemical and molecular attributes in two maize varieties, HNG and CZP, grown under drought stress. Petri plates experiment was performed to screen different levels of drought (5 % and 20 %) and nanoparticle concentrations (10, 20 and 40 μg NPs). In the pot experiment, 20 % drought stress along with 20 μg LNPs and 20 μg NPs were used to examine the morphological, physiological and biochemical attributes of maize plants. Drought stress led to a significant reduction in fresh and dry weight, relative water content, root and shoot lengths, photosynthetic pigments, and antioxidant enzyme activities, including catalase, superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, and proline content compared to control plants. However, foliar application of LNPs resulted in increased photosynthetic pigments, enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity, and elevated proline content under both control and drought-stressed conditions. Conversely, malondialdehyde (MDA) content decreased significantly with the application of LNPs and NPs alone under stress conditions. Moreover, nanoparticles also enhanced the relative expression levels of antioxidant genes, ZmAPX, ZmCAT , and ZmSOD. These findings highlight the potential of LNPs as an ecofriendly which helps in ameliorating drought stress in maize, and other plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate mapping of winter wheat provides essential information for food security and ecosystem protection. Deep learning approaches have achieved promising crop discrimination performance based on multitemporal satellite imagery. However, due to the high dimensionality of the data, sequential relations, and complex semantic information in time-series imagery, effective methods that can automatically capture temporal-spatial features with high separability and generalizability have received less attention. In this study, we proposed a U-shaped CNN-Transformer hybrid framework based on an attention mechanism, named the U-Temporal-Spatial-Transformer network (UTS-Former), for winter wheat mapping using Sentinel-2 imagery. This model includes an "encoder-decoder" structure for multiscale information mining of time series images and a temporal-spatial transformer module (TST) for learning comprehensive temporal sequence features and spatial semantic information. The results obtained from two study areas indicated that our UTS-Former achieved the best accuracy, with a mean MCC of 0.928 and an F1-score of 0.950, and the results of different band combinations also showed better performance than other popular time-series methods. We found that the MCC (MCC/All) of the UTS-Former using only RGB bands decreased by 4.53 %, while it decreased by 13.36 % and 35.02 % for UNet2d-LSTM and CNN-BiLSTM, respectively, compared with that of all the band combinations. The comparison demonstrated that the proposed UTS-Former could capture more global temporal-spatial information from winter wheat fields and achieve greater precision in terms of local details than other methods, resulting in high-quality mapping. The analysis of attention scores for the available acquisition dates revealed significant contributions of both beginning and ending growth images in winter wheat mapping, which is valuable for making appropriate selections of image dates. These findings suggest that the proposed approach has great potential for accurate, cost-effective, and high-quality winter wheat mapping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess injured military veterans' experiences, beliefs, and daily physical and psychosocial functioning in relation to food and nutrition. We used a convergent mixed-methods study design and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health to operationalize the core constructs and influencing factors related to physical and psychosocial functioning, food, and nutrition. Three Veterans Affairs polytrauma rehabilitation centers. Veterans who served in the United States military on or after September 11, 2001, and whose medical diagnoses met the criteria for polytrauma; at least 1 mild traumatic brain injury and at least 1 associated comorbidity (eg, posttraumatic stress disorder, chronic musculoskeletal pain, vestibular disturbances), for a total N of 43. None. Themes from survey responses and semistructured interview data were pooled into core constructs and influencing factors. Thirty-seven veterans completed all surveys and participated in recorded interviews. Based on qualitative and quantitative data, veterans' relation to food and nutrition (ie, nutritional functioning) was found to be characterized by 5 core constructs, including food background, nutrition knowledge, meal aptitude, resource navigation, and navigation to/of food spaces. Nutritional functioning was found to be shaped by 5 influencing factors, including injuries and health conditions, ideological and cultural exposures, relations, current beliefs, and current behaviors. Nutritional functioning (food background, nutrition knowledge, meal aptitude, resource navigation, navigation to/of food spaces) among injured veterans is complex and shaped by multiple physical, psychosocial, economic, and cultural factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determine self-reported parental feeding behavior changes and perspectives on parental feeding intervention at 12-month follow-up. Telephone focus groups using a 2 × 2 design (English/Spanish × in-class or online) with Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program participants (n = 37) with children 2–8 years and high exposure to the Food, Feeding, and Your Family intervention (7 lessons). Researchers (n = 3) independently identified themes. Parental behavior changes that (1) positively influenced children's diets, (2) involved children in food-related activities, (3) eased stressful situations around food, (4) led to healthier food choices, and (5) saved money when food shopping. Commonly implemented practices included establishing structured mealtime routines, introducing new foods multiple times, and encouraging children's eating competence. Online participants noted materials were easily accessible via text messages. Incorporating parental feeding content (in-class or online) into nutrition education interventions, such as the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program , supports developing positive parental feeding behaviors in families with low income. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Explore participants' perceptions of urban gardens and peer nutritional counseling intervention for people with HIV and food insecurity on antiretroviral therapy in the Dominican Republic. Semistructured endline interviews (n = 21) with intervention participants about their perceptions of diet, health, and quality of life. A codebook was applied to verbatim transcripts, and coded data were analyzed using matrices to identify themes. Participants were mostly Dominican (86%; 14% Haitian); 57% were men; the mean age was 45 years. The most salient experiences described by intervention participants were improved dietary quality and diversity, improved food security, and saving money. Participants also emphasized improved social interactions, mental health, and emotional well-being. Urban gardens and peer nutritional counseling may improve participants' diet and psychosocial well-being. Nutrition programs with marginalized populations may need to improve access to healthy foods and build camaraderie and linkages to programs addressing structural factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Selenite fertilization causes toxicity at lower doses than selenate fertilization. • Selenate fertilization favored the dry mass and Se accumulation in the radish and leaves. • Selenite fertilization with 1.8 mg Se dm−3 reduced radishes dry mass. • Se accumulation in radishes and leaves correlated positively and strongly with radishes dry mass. • Selenium fertilization caused changes in the anatomy and physiology of Raphanus sativus L. plants. Selenium (Se), in low doses, provides several beneficial effects, such as plant resistance to various abiotic stresses (e.g. drought stress and low/high temperatures). However, Se excess causes toxicity, with harmful impacts such as a decline in yield. Here, we studied the effects of fertilization with different Se sources and doses applied via soil on Se accumulation, toxicity, as well as on gas exchange, and anatomy of leaves and roots of radish plants. A randomized experimental design was adopted with three replications in a 2 × 3 + 1 factorial arrangement: two Se sources (sodium selenate – Na 2 SeO 4 and sodium selenite – Na 2 SeO 3 ·5H 2 O), three Se doses applied on soil (0.6, 1.2, and 1.8 mg dm−3), and one control treatment (without Se application). Each experimental unit consisted of one pot containing six radish plants. Selenate at 1.8 mg Se dm−3 increased the Se accumulation and radish dry matter. Selenite generally caused significant changes in the anatomical part, mainly in the conductive tissues of the leaves. In leaves with selenite fertilization, it was estimated that the maximum Se accumulation would be 5.9 µg plant−1 with a rate of 2.0 mg Se dm−3. However, it was impossible to estimate the maximum Se accumulation with selenate fertilization because as the dose increased, there were also increases in accumulation, thus presenting a linear regression. The maximum Se accumulation in radishes would be 10.7 µg Se plant −1 with 1.2 mg Se dm−3 by selenite and 45.8 µg Se plant−1 with 5.0 mg Se dm−3 by selenate. Although the highest dry mass production occurred with the 1.8 mg Se dm−3 through selenite, it is recommended to use smaller doses to provide adequate Se consumption selenate. The gas exchange and the anatomy of the plants changed due to Se fertilization through selenate and selenite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Drought is one of the major abiotic factors for Soybean production globally. • Computational biology models are used to find the best inhibitor of Heme Oxygenase-1. • Taxol, an essential oil-derived molecule, binds to soybean Heme Oxygenase-1 at −9.67 kcal/mol. • It can enhance drought stress tolerance of soybean to boost economic yields. There is substantial evidence that drought is one of the most significant abiotic influences on agricultural productivity worldwide. Yet, the production of soybeans, a key agricultural plant, is largely reliant on enough precipitation or availability of water to flourish. This crop is vital to the worldwide food supply and nutritional security. It is sometimes referred to as the "gold of the ground" It is a multipurpose crop that may be consumed by both human and animals. Soybeans are a vital element in a variety of dishes. Plant breeding may increase the quality of protein and oil and lower the quantity of hazardous toxins. The response of soybean to drought stress has been studied by a vast number of scientists. Changes in osmotic levels, plant growth, and yield reductions are some of the consequences. Taxol, an essential oil-derived compound found in Taxus brevifolia that binds substantially to the Heme Oxygenase-1 protein in soybean with a binding score of -9.67 kcal/mol, aims to make soybean more resistant to drought revealed through in silico simulation studies. This research illustrates the significance of this plant's remarkable tolerance to moisture stress throughout growth. Our study suggests that Taxol is one of the most effective ligands that can increase the stress tolerance of this oil seed crop and enhance the productivity in soybean, with major implications for agri-food systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To examine socio-demographic disparities in food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic and the association between food insecurity and mental health among US adults overall and communities vulnerable to food insecurity. A cross-sectional study was conducted using the 2020–2021 National Health Interview Survey of 57,456 US adults. Weighted multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate the association between food insecurity and anxiety or depression symptoms in overall US adults and subgroups including young adults (18–34 years), females, Hispanic people, non-Hispanic Black people, individuals with prior COVID-19 infection, the unemployed, low-income participants, participants with children, and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants. Young or middle age, female sex, Hispanic/non-Hispanic Black/other race/ethnicity, lower education level, unmarried/other marital status, unemployment, being below the federal poverty level, and greater number of persons in the household were associated with food insecurity (AOR ranged from 1.35 to 2.70, all p < 0.05). Food insecurity was independently associated with anxiety (AOR = 2.67, 99 % CI: 2.33, 3.06) or depression (AOR = 3.04, 99 % CI: 2.60, 3.55) symptoms in the overall adults. Significant associations between food insecurity and anxiety or depression symptoms were also observed in all subgroups (AOR ranged from 1.95 to 3.28, all p < 0.0001). Compared with overall adults, the magnitude of the association was greater for participants with children, females (for depression only), and non-Hispanic Black people (for depression only). The cross-sectional design prevents inference of causality. Comprehensive policies are needed to ensure accessible and affordable food resources to reduce disparities in food insecurity and improve mental health, especially for those socioeconomically disadvantaged communities. • Significant socio-demographic disparities in food insecurity were observed during the COVID-19 pandemic. • Food insecurity was independently associated with anxiety or depression symptoms in US adults overall and communities vulnerable to food insecurity. • Compared with overall adults, the magnitude of the association between food insecurity and anxiety or depression was greater for participants with children, females (for depression only), and non-Hispanic Black participants (for depression only). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food insecurity is associated with adverse health outcomes, but may also have a detrimental effect on social relationships, potentially exacerbating social isolation and loneliness, and consequently affecting health-related quality of life. This study examined the associations of food insecurity with social isolation, loneliness, and health-related quality of life among U.S. adults. A retrospective cohort study was conducted using panel data from the 2020–2021 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. Regression models were used to assess the associations of food insecurity in 1 year with the outcomes of interest in the subsequent year while adjusting for baseline individual-level characteristics. Analysis was conducted in December 2023. Experiencing food insecurity in 2020 was significantly associated with increased reports of social isolation (3.1 percentage points [95% CI: 1.2–5.1]) and loneliness (9.7 percentage points [95% CI: 1.0–18.3]) in 2021. Additionally, food insecurity in 2020 was significantly associated with lower self-reported good mental health (−2.9 percentage points [95% CI: −5.1, −0.6]) and mental component summary score from the Short Form-12 Health Survey (−3.3 points [95% CI −3.8, −2.9]) in 2021. However, there were no or small associations with physical health-related quality of life. Food insecurity is associated with worse social and mental well-being among U.S. adults. This suggests that food insecurity interventions should not focus too narrowly on nutrition, but instead give holistic consideration to the multiple ways food insecurity harms health—not only via lower quality diets, but through worse mental health and impairing the ability to participate in social life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has been established to reduce food insecurity. Limited evidence is available on SNAP participation status over time and depressive symptoms. We aimed to examine the associations of SNAP status over time among low-income individuals, with depressive symptoms in the U.S. NHANES participants aged ≥20 years of low family income from 2011 to 2018 with information available on depressive symptoms and SNAP use were included in analysis. Depressive symptoms were assessed using 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and PHQ-9 score ≥ 10 is indicative of significant depressive symptoms. Multivariable linear and logistic regressions models were conducted to examine the associations of SNAP participation status over time (never receiving SNAP, receiving SNAP prior to >12 months ago, current receiving SNAP, receiving SNAP in the last 12 months but not currently) with depressive symptoms and significant depressive symptoms. Currently receiving SNAP (beta (β) = 0.17, 95 % CI: 0.10, 0.25; odds ratio (OR) = 1.52, 95 % confidence interval (CI): 1.16, 2.00) and receiving SNAP in the last 12 months but not currently (β = 0.24, 95 % CI: 0.04, 0.43; OR = 1.83, 95 % CI: 1.16, 2.89) were associated with higher depressive symptoms and higher prevalence of significant depressive symptoms. The cross-sectional design precludes causal interpretation, and key variables were measured with self-report. Receiving SNAP in the last 12 months was associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms among individuals with low family income. Improvement on diet quality may be important for reducing depressive symptoms among SNAP users. • Recent SNAP participation is associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms among individuals with low family income. • The associations of SNAP participation status and depressive symptoms are more pronounced in certain subgroups. • Future efforts may study improving quality of diet among SNAP recipients for further prevention of health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Food insecure women are more likely to have metabolic syndrome than food secure women. • Very low food security was not associated with metabolic syndrome for men. • More research is needed to fully understand the role of gender in food insecurity and chronic disease. The primary objective of this study was to examine the association between food security status and metabolic syndrome (MetS) using a nationally representative dataset. We hypothesized that food insecurity would be associated with an increased odds of having MetS. This was a cross-sectional analysis of data from the 2005–2006 to 2015–2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data collection cycles. Food security was measured using the US Food Security Survey Module. Presence of MetS was determined using the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. The association between food insecurity and MetS was examined using logistic regression models stratified by sex and adjusted for poverty to income ratio, age, race, marital status, educational attainment, smoking status, and body mass index. After adjusting for covariates, men with marginal (odds ratio, 1.64; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.22–2.20) and low (odds ratio, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.02–1.73) food security had a higher odds of having MetS than men with full food security; however, this association was lost among men with very low food security. For women, very low food security was associated with a 1.61 times greater odds of having MetS (95% CI, 1.16–2.25). These results suggest that food insecurity is generally associated with an increased prevalence of MetS for women, but not necessarily for men. These findings highlight the need to address rising food insecurity rates, while also highlighting the need for further research to fully elucidate the role of gender and sex in food insecurity and chronic disease. This secondary data analysis examined the association between food security and metabolic syndrome (MetS) using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005–2016. The highest odds of MetS were found among women with very low food security and men with marginal food security. Very low food security was not associated with an increased odds of MetS for men, suggesting that there may be gender differences in how food security affects risk of chronic disease. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, typical dietary patterns are neither healthy nor sustainable. Recognizing the key role of dietary change in reducing noncommunicable disease risk and addressing environmental degradation, it is crucial to understand how to shift individuals toward a sustainable and healthy diet (SHD). In this literature review, we introduced the concept of a SHD and outlined the dietary behaviors necessary to transition toward SHD consumption; we reviewed the literature on factors that may influence sustainable (and unsustainable) dietary behaviors in adults; and we developed a novel scoring system to rank factors by priority for targeting in future research. Given the significant potential to promote a sustainable and healthy dietary transition on the university campus—where factors that may impact dietary behaviors can be targeted at all levels of influence (i.e., individual, interpersonal, environmental, policy)—we narrowed our focus to this setting throughout. Aided by our novel scoring system, we identified conscious habitual eating, product price, food availability/accessibility, product convenience, self-regulation skills, knowledge of animal ethics/welfare, food promotion, and eating norms as important modifiable factors that may influence university students' dietary behaviors. When scored without consideration for the university population, these factors were also ranked as highest priority, as was modified portion sizes. Our findings offer insight into factors that may warrant attention in future research aimed at promoting SHDs. In particular, the high-priority factors identified from our synthesis of the literature could help guide the development of more personalized dietary behavioral interventions within the university setting and beyond. • We identified factors that may influence sustainable and healthy diet consumption. • Using a novel scoring system, these factors were then ranked by priority. • The scoring system identified high-priority factors to target in future research. • Most high-priority factors were at the environmental level (e.g., product price). • These findings can inform the development of future personalized interventions. This review identified many factors that may influence sustainable and healthy diet consumption. Using a novel scoring system, a number of high-priority factors were further identified. These included conscious habitual eating, self-regulation skills, food promotion, eating norms, and modified portion sizes, among others. Our findings could help guide the development of more personalized interventions to support sustainable and healthy diet consumption in various populations and contexts. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food insecurity impacts 13.5 million US households yearly. Although food security instability (FS-I) can have many temporal presentations, these are not measured in the current US Household Food Security Survey Module. Explore sociodemographic and chronic disease correlates of 4 FS-I types (chronic, seasonal, intramonthly, and intermittent) using a 3-item US Household Food Security Survey Module instability supplement. This study was a secondary analysis of cross-sectional survey pilot data collected to validate the US Household Food Security Survey Module instability supplement. Adults at risk for food insecurity (n = 420) were recruited and answered the survey on their households' behalf from April to June 2021. The participants were recruited from 7 community organizations from 5 states (California, Florida, Maryland, North Carolina, and Washington). The main outcomes were the odds of having a chronic, seasonal, intramonthly, or intermittent FS-I score ≥1 based on several sociodemographic factors and having ≥1 chronic disease. Differences among the 4 FS-I types were analyzed using contingency tables and χ2 tests of independence. Then, mixed-effects logistic binary and conditional regressions were run for each FS-I type using clustering by state and odds ratios and 95% CI to interpret results. The most common FS-I type experienced by the sample was intramonthly (n = 183 [43%]). Nonchronic food insecurity was most likely to happen during the winter, at the end of the month, or randomly with no certain time frame. FS-I in any form was associated with low income, chronic FS-I was associated with younger age and male sex, seasonal FS-I was associated with having no government-subsidized health insurance and females, intramonthly FS-I was associated with participation in nutrition assistance programs, and intermittent FS-I had lower odds among Hispanic/Latino households. Further research is needed to explore other FS-I correlates and establish causative relationships; however, these results can be used with clinical judgment for targeted food insecurity screening and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change is undoubtedly a global threat, with extreme weather events, air pollution, and food insecurity disproportionately impacting low-income countries. The healthcare sector, whilst responsible for 4.4% of global net carbon emissions, has been slow in addressing its environmental footprint. This article explores the needs and challenges to achieve sustainable orthopaedic surgery. Orthopaedic surgery continues to create a large carbon footprint, primarily through the use of single-use consumables and energy-intensive operating theatres. While efforts to reduce environmental harm have primarily targeted changes within the operating theatre, a comprehensive approach must consider the entire surgical pathway. The principles of reduce, reuse and recycle are paramount. Reducing surgical caseload and advancing digital healthcare afford opportunities to streamline patient interactions, reduce travel emissions and improve efficiency. Furthermore, reevaluating routine practices, such as preoperative investigations and postoperative care, can minimize unnecessary resource consumption. Improving the sustainability of orthopaedics will bring conflicting clinical, financial and environmental challenges. However, with increasing awareness among healthcare professionals and support from it's professional bodies, there is growing momentum toward sustainable orthopaedic surgery. Transitioning to sustainable orthopaedic surgery neccesitates a broad approach encompassing prevention, optimization, and streamlining of the surgical pathway. Addressing environmental concerns alongside clinical outcomes is imperative for the future of orthopaedic surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Screening for food insecurity by CF care programs and local food access are independent predictors of nutritional status among children and adults with CF in the United States. • More frequent food insecurity screening is associated with less underweight in children with CF, and screening in writing (vs verbally) is associated with higher BMI in adults with CF. • Residence in a food desert is associated with higher odds of underweight in both children and adults with CF, as well as with lower BMI percentile in children with CF. • Standardized, evidence-based food insecurity screening across CF care programs and equitable food access are needed to optimize the nutritional outcomes of people with CF. As the nutritional status of people with CF (PwCF) is associated with their socioeconomic status, it is important to understand factors related to food security and food access that play a role in the nutritional outcomes of this population. We assessed the contributions of CF program-level food insecurity screening practices and area-level food access for nutritional outcomes among PwCF. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 2019 data from the U.S. CF Patient Registry (CFFPR), linked to survey data on CF program-level food insecurity screening and 2019 patient zip code-level food access. Pediatric and adult populations were analyzed separately. Nutritional outcomes were assessed with annualized BMI percentiles (CDC charts) for children and BMI (kg/m2) for adults, with underweight status defined as BMIp <10% for children and BMI <18.5 kg/m2 for adults, and overweight or obese status defined as BMIp >85% for children and BMI >25 kg/m2 for adults. Analyses were adjusted for patient sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. The study population included 11,971 pediatric and 14,817 adult PwCF. A total of 137 CF programs responded to the survey, representing 71% of the pediatric sample and 45% of the CFFPR adult sample. The joint models of nutritional status as a function of both program-level food insecurity screening and area-level food access produced the following findings. Among children with CF, screening at every visit vs less frequently was associated with 39% lower odds of being underweight (OR 0.61, p = 0.019), and the effect remained the same and statistically significant after adjusting for all covariates (aOR 0.61, p = 0.047). Residence in a food desert was associated both with higher odds of being underweight (OR 1.66, p = 0.036; aOR 1.58, p = 0.008) and with lower BMIp (-4.81%, p = 0.004; adjusted -3.73%, p = 0.014). Among adults with CF, screening in writing vs verbally was associated with higher odds of being overweight (OR 1.22, p = 0.028; aOR 1.36, p = 0.002) and higher BMI (adjusted 0.43 kg/m2, p = 0.032). Residence in a food desert was associated with higher odds of being underweight (OR 1.48, p = 0.025). Food insecurity screening and local food access are independent predictors of nutritional status among PwCF. More frequent screening is associated with less underweight among children with CF, whereas screening in writing (vs verbally) is associated with higher BMI among adults. Limited food access is associated with higher odds of being underweight in both children and adults with CF, and additionally with lower BMI among children with CF. Study results highlight the need for standardized, evidence-based food insecurity screening across CF care programs and for equitable food access to optimize the nutritional outcomes of PwCF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To examine the associations between food insecurity and health, access to care, affordability of care, financial burden of care, and financial hardships among US adults during the COVID-19 pandemic and examine whether the associations were less pronounced among adults with safety nets. We conducted a retrospective longitudinal cohort study using the 2020–2021 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. Linear probability models were used to assess the associations between food insecurity in one year and the outcomes of interest in the following year while adjusting for baseline characteristics. We performed the analyses for the entire population and then conducted stratified analyses for adults with and without Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits or Medicaid coverage. Compared with food-secure adults, food-insecure adults were 9.1 percentage points less likely to report life satisfaction and 9.9, 10.2, and 13.2 percentage points more likely to experience delays in getting medical care, postpone or forgo medical care because of cost, and struggle with paying medical bills. Food-insecure adults were 30.4, 27.2, and 23.5 percentage points more likely to face challenges in affording necessities, paying utility bills, and meeting rent or mortgage payments on time than food-secure adults. Notably, the strengths of these associations were attenuated among adults with SNAP benefits or Medicaid coverage. Food insecurity was associated with poor health, limited access to and affordability of care, and a greater financial burden of care among US adults during the pandemic. Nevertheless, safety net programs can play a critical role in alleviating adverse consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growing recognition of food insecurity experienced by college students has led to efforts on college campuses to provide students with food assistance benefits and related nutrition education. A Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program—Education (SNAP-Ed) program was developed for college students as one of these efforts. To explore program content, recruitment, and implementation through experiences of program implementers in a novel SNAP-Ed intervention among college students. This qualitative study used focus groups and a case study approach to elicit program implementers' experiences delivering SNAP-Ed to college students. Students, staff, and faculty (n = 26) implementing SNAP-Ed with college students experiencing food insecurity across eight campuses in the California State University system participated in 8 focus groups in 2021–2022. A process evaluation framework was used to evaluate content fit and orientation; recruitment, retention, and reach; and structure and capacity for implementation. Focus groups were recorded, transcribed, and coded via thematic analysis using NVivo (QSR International, Burlington, MA). Five themes were identified: (1) need for this work to extend college-based basic needs services; (2) importance of aligning programming with college student context/needs; (3) common factors important for attracting/engaging the audience; (4) program barriers; and (5) training/team sharing for extending ideas. Study findings suggest tailoring SNAP-Ed programming to the needs of college students experiencing food insecurity, such as integrating student-relevant cooking skills, recipes, and topics of interest. Additional intervention and research efforts may lead to a new model for serving college students with SNAP-Ed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant-based diets can have co-benefits for human and planetary health. Associations between environmental, climate, and health concerns and dietary intake in US adults are understudied, particularly in underserved populations. The study objectives were to assess how dietary choices motivated by the environment, climate, and health vary by sociodemographic characteristics and how they relate to diet quality and intake frequency of different food groups in US adults with lower incomes. The study design was cross-sectional. A web-based survey was fielded in December 2022 to 1,798 US adults with lower incomes (<250% of federal poverty guidelines). Environmental-, climate-, and health-related dietary motivations and diet quality and dietary food group intake frequency were assessed. Differences in mean dietary outcomes and dietary motivation ratings by sociodemographic characteristics were evaluated using analysis of variance and Kruskal–Wallis tests. Associations between dietary motivations and diet quality scores and dietary intake frequency were examined using generalized linear models adjusted for sociodemographic covariates. Younger adults, women, nonbinary people, racial and ethnic minoritized groups, and adults experiencing food insecurity reported higher environmental and climate dietary motivations; older adults, higher-income adults, and food-secure adults reported higher health motivations. Agreeing with environmental- (β = 2.28, 95% CI 1.09 to 3.47), climate- (β = 2.15, 95% CI 0.90 to 3.40), and health-related (β = 5.27, 95% CI 3.98 to 6.56) dietary motivations was associated with higher diet quality scores compared with those with neutral rankings. Similarly, agreement with environmental-, climate-, and health-related dietary motivations was associated with higher intake frequency of fish, fruits and vegetables, and plant proteins, but not with red and processed meat intake frequency. Of several climate-mitigation behaviors presented, participants perceived meat reduction as least effective (P <.001). Environment, climate, and health were positive motivators of several healthy dietary choices in US adults with lower incomes. Such motivators did not translate to lower intake frequency of red and processed meat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic and climate crises have led to unprecedented food insecurity in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), with ramifications for people's affective well-being. The aim of the study is to explore the relationship between food insecurity and affective well-being in Jordan, Morocco, Tunisia, and Egypt, considering varied social protection responses across these countries. We analyzed data from the COVID-19 MENA Monitor Household Panel Survey (2020–2021) and employed hybrid mixed-effects models to differentiate within-person and between-person associations between food insecurity and affective well-being. The findings show that higher food insecurity is associated with worse affective well-being, with significant cross-country differences. In Jordan, where extensive social protection was enacted during the pandemic, there is no significant within- or between-person association between food insecurity and affective well-being. By contrast, significant between-person associations are found in Morocco and Egypt, while within- and between-person associations are evidenced in Tunisia. These associations hold strong after controlling for sociodemographic characteristics and household circumstances. Given COVID-19 restrictions, the sample was limited to the universe of working-age (18–64) mobile phone users, a demographic that often corresponds to higher levels of education and income. Therefore, the results of this study likely provide conservative estimates of the association between food insecurity and affective well-being in the full population. The findings emphasize the critical role of food security in maintaining affective well-being, particularly in non-Western contexts during global crises. They underline the importance of integrating food security considerations into mental health care strategies and interventions. • The study revealed a high prevalence of food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic across the four countries. • In Jordan, no significant association was found between food insecurity and AWB. • In Tunisia, we find significant within- and between-person associations between food insecurity and AWB. • Findings underscore contextual and structural factors in shaping the relationship between food insecurity and AWB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about the partnerships formed between early care and education (ECE) programs and the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and other organizations to continue to feed young children during the COVID-19 pandemic. Such information can provide important lessons to build ECE capacity for feeding children during future emergencies and has the potential strengthen the ECE food systems. This study aimed to identify the unique partnerships that CACFP state agencies established to provide nutrition to young children during the COVID-19 pandemic Qualitative semi-structured interviews with 24 participants representing 21 states across the United States. Virtual interviews with CACFP directors from December 2020 through May 2021. Following the realist method, transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. Codes were developed inductively and grouped to identify themes and subthemes. Four themes were identified: (1) CACFP partnerships that supported children and families directly; (2) CACFP partnerships that built the capacity of ECE providers to provide food to children in their own settings; (3) CACFP systems-level partnerships that improved coordination of efforts to continue to feed children in ECE; and (4) CACFP directors encouraged other CACFP state agencies to build nontraditional, diverse partnerships that can be leveraged during pandemics and other natural disasters. Within these themes (subthemes), the purpose of the partnerships focused on improving waiver utilization (eg, Department of Transportation, state health departments), improving food access (eg, Summer Food Service Program [SFSP], food banks, grocery stores, dairy councils), supporting ECE programs to participate in food reimbursement programs (eg, SFSP, CACFP sponsors), and resource sharing (eg, coalitions, CACFP sponsors). The CACFP state directors reported that existing and new partnerships between CACFP state agencies and external entities successfully facilitated feeding young children in ECE during the COVID-19 pandemic. States may consider developing a road map to proactively explore potential partners in their state to meet specific needs such as accessibility, availability, and affordability for feeding young children in ECE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Food insecurity can have lasting physical and mental health consequences. The experience of food insecurity within a household may disproportionately impact mothers because they tend to manage the household food environment. Objective: This study sought to understand the stresses faced by United States mothers experiencing food insecurity, related coping mechanisms, and the impacts of these stressors on their mental health. Methods: Semistructured interviews were conducted in May and June 2022 with a purposive sample of Virginia mothers who reported experiences of food insecurity. Participants were recruited from a related survey and university and community LISTSERVs. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed by trained coders. A thematic analysis was conducted to describe themes that emerged from the data. Virtual interviews were 20-60 min in duration. Mothers with children living in their household, having experienced food insecurity, and living in Virginia were eligible. Results: The following 3 themes emerged from the interviews with the mothers (n = 15): 1) food insecurity added stress to mothers' lives in multiple ways (e.g. worry about obtaining the "right" foods and internalized or experienced stigma), 2) mothers used positive and negative coping strategies to address the impacts of these stressors (e.g. use of community resources and reduced personal food intake), and 3) the stressors and coping strategies had varying impacts on mothers' mental health (e.g. added to existing mental health challenges or reduced their mental capacity to make changes). Conclusions: Study findings suggest that a multilevel and tailored approach to address diverse stressors is warranted. Future research should explore emotional coping strategies that comprehensively empower mothers to manage stressors, leverage resources, and reduce social stigma associated with food insecurity and accessing nutrition and mental health assistance. This may improve their household food security and mitigate the burden of stressors on their mental health because system-level solutions to food insecurity are pursued. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optimizing beneficial plant–microbe interactions can significantly enhance plant growth and resilience, which may be achievable through a targeted step-by-step process using customized microbiome engineering. 'Plant/microbe-friendly' soils can be prepared through traditional and targeted soil amendments to increase microbial diversity and soil fertility to suit specific plant cultivation needs. 'Microbe-friendly' plants and genotypes should be chosen because different crops and varieties vastly differ in their ability to benefit from microbes. 'Plant-friendly' microbiomes can be generated by applying suitable functional microbial inoculants with optimal formulations and supportive substrates. Microbiome breeding, microbiome transplanting, and the use of artificial microbial consortia to fill microbiome functional deficiencies are promising emerging areas that warrant further validation. Plant microbiomes play a vital role in promoting plant growth and resilience to cope with environmental stresses. Plant microbiome engineering holds significant promise to increase crop yields, but there is uncertainty about how this can best be achieved. We propose a step-by-step approach involving customized direct and indirect methods to condition soils and to match plants and microbiomes. Although three approaches, namely the development of (i) 'plant- and microbe-friendly' soils, (ii) 'microbe-friendly' plants, and (iii) 'plant-friendly' microbiomes, have been successfully tested in isolation, we propose that the combination of all three may lead to a step-change towards higher and more stable crop yields. This review aims to provide knowledge, future directions, and practical guidance to achieve this goal via customized plant microbiome engineering. Plant microbiomes play a vital role in promoting plant growth and resilience to cope with environmental stresses. Plant microbiome engineering holds significant promise to increase crop yields, but there is uncertainty about how this can best be achieved. We propose a step-by-step approach involving customized direct and indirect methods to condition soils and to match plants and microbiomes. Although three approaches, namely the development of (i) 'plant- and/or microbe-friendly' soils, (ii) 'microbe-friendly' plants, and (iii) 'plant-friendly' microbiomes, have been successfully tested in isolation, we propose that the combination of all three may lead to a step-change towards higher and more stable crop yields. This review aims to provide knowledge, future directions, and practical guidance to achieve this goal via customized plant microbiome engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investments in historically oppressed neighborhoods through food retail, housing, and commercial development are hypothesized to improve residents' health, nutrition, and perceptions of their neighborhood as a place to live. Although place-based development (e.g., housing, retail, business assistance) is happening in many communities, there is little evidence of the long-term correlates of multiple investments such as health and nutrition among residents. A quasi-experimental longitudinal study was conducted using a cohort of randomly sampled households in two low-income, predominantly African American neighborhoods in Pittsburgh, PA, with surveys assessing residents' food insecurity, perception of their neighborhood as a place to live, perception of access to healthy foods, and dietary outcomes in 2011 and seven years later (2018), with an interim assessment in 2014. Analyses conducted in 2022 compared changes among residents of one neighborhood which had 2.6 times the investments over a 7-year period with changes among residents of a socio-demographically similar neighborhood that received fewer investments. It was found that residents in the neighborhood receiving substantial investments demonstrated statistically significant improvements in neighborhood satisfaction (12.6% improvement compared with a 2.2% decrease) and perceived access to healthy food (52% improvement compared with 18.2% improvement), and marginally significant change in food security (14% compared with 4.8% improvement) compared with residents in the neighborhood receiving fewer investments. Multiple place-based investments in neighborhoods can potentially induce positive change for residents in health and nutrition outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the lack of research, development, and innovation funds, especially in South Atlantic countries, the Atlantic is suited to supporting a sustainable marine bioeconomy. Novel low-carbon mariculture systems can provide food security, new drugs, and climate mitigation. We suggest how to develop this sustainable marine bioeconomy across the entire Atlantic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant diseases caused by microbial pathogens significantly reduce agriculture productivity and worsen food insecurity. Recently, Qiu et al. revealed that polyethyleneimine (PEI)-coated MXene quantum dots (QDs) improve tolerance in cotton seedlings against Verticillium wilt disease by maintaining oxidative system homeostasis. This finding shows how customized QDs can be used to enhance crop disease resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] River damming is believed to largely intercept nutrients, particularly retain more phosphorus (P) than nitrogen (N), and thus harm primary productivity, fishery catches, and food security downstream, which seriously constrain global hydropower development and poverty relief in undeveloped regions and can drive geo-political disputes between nations along trans-boundary rivers. In this study, we investigated whether reservoirs can instead improve nutrient regimes downstream. We measured different species of N and P as well as microbial functions in water and sediment of cascade reservoirs in the upper Mekong River over 5 years and modelled the influx and outflux of N and P species in each reservoir. Despite partially retaining total N and total P, reservoirs increased the downstream flux of ammonium and soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP). The increase in ammonium and SRP between outflux and influx showed positive linear relationships with the hydraulic residence time of the cascade reservoirs; and the ratio of SRP to dissolved inorganic nitrogen increased along the reservoir cascade. The lentic environment of reservoirs stimulated algae-mediated conversion of nitrate into ammonium in surface water; the hypoxic condition and the priming effect of algae-induced organic matter enhanced release of ammonium from sediment; the synergy of microbial phosphorylation, reductive condition and sediment geochemical properties increased release of SRP. This study is the first to provide solid evidence that hydropower reservoirs improve downstream nutrient bioavailability and N-P balance through a process of retention-transformation-transport, which may benefit primary productivity. These findings could advance our understanding of the eco-environmental impacts of river damming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This study examines the association with food insecurity and vaccine hesitancy among U.S. adults. • In our study, one in four adults with food insecurity were vaccine hesitant. • Education mediated the relationship between food insufficiency and vaccine hesitancy. Some documented barriers of vaccination behaviors include social determinants of health (SDoH). While there have been many devastations from COVID-19, food security has fluctuated during the pandemic. The purpose of this study is to examine the association with food insecurity and vaccine hesitancy among adults in the U.S. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Federal agencies created the online Household Pulse Survey (HPS) to track social outcomes of the pandemic in the U.S. We performed cross-sectional analysis with data from the HPS collected between March 30, 2022, and April 11, 2022 (Week 44) on adults (N = 6449, weighted N = 37,687,910). Vaccine hesitancy was divided into two groups: 1) probably, not sure, probably not, and definitely not receiving the vaccine, and 2) received the vaccine and definitely will get the vaccine. Food sufficiency was a binary variable (Yes/no) based on the question that best described the food eaten in the household the last 7 days. Chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regressions were conducted using replicate weights with SAS. Logistic regressions adjusted for sex, age, race and ethnicity, income, education, COVID-19 infection, health insurance, food insecurity, children <17 years, remote work, health worker status, functional status, and mental health. During HPS Week 44, 11.2 % of represented Americans experienced food insecurity and 13.8 % were vaccine hesitant. The unadjusted odds ratio was 2.41 (95 % CI = 1.30, 4.50), suggesting adults with food insecurity were more likely to be vaccine hesitant than those with food security. After adjusting for age, sex, race and ethnicity, marital status, and COVID-19 history, the statistical significance remained (AOR = 2.14, 95 % CI = 1.15, 3.99). However, after adjusting for education, we no longer observed a significant association (AOR = 1.70, 95 % CI = 0.89, 3.34), and it remained insignificant in the fully adjusted model (AOR = 1.62, 95 % CI = 0.78, 3.34). Overall, adults with food insecurity were 2.41 times as likely as those with food security to also have vaccine hesitancy. Education mediated the relationship between food insufficiency and vaccine hesitancy. Programs to improve vaccination rates need to also focus on food sufficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A natural experiment that provided income supplements to families has been associated with beneficial outcomes for children that persisted into adulthood. The children in this study are now adults, and many are parents. The study builds on the longitudinal, representative Great Smoky Mountains study conducted from 1993 to 2020. At follow-up in their late 30s, 1,094 of the 1,348 living participants (81.2%) were assessed. Of these participants (67.6%), 739 were parents. A tribe in the area implemented a cash transfer program of approximately $5,000 annually per person to every tribal member based on the profits received from operating a casino. Ten aspects of the home environment of participants were assessed (eg, family chaos, substance use, and food insecurity) as well as a composite measure across all home environment indicators. The proposed analyses were preregistered (https://osf.io/ex638). Of the 739 parents assessed, 192 (26.0%) were American Indians. Parents whose families received cash transfers during childhood did not differ from parents whose families did not receive cash transfers on any of the home environment indicators or the composite measure. At the same time, there was little evidence of elevated risk for participants in either group in measures of parental mental health, substance use, and violence. A family cash transfer in childhood that had long-term effects on individual functioning did not impact the home environment of participants who became parents. Rather, parents in both groups were providing home environments generally conducive to their children's growth and development. Intergenerational Effects of a Family Cash Transfer on the Home Environment; https://osf.io/ ; ex638. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To examine the college student Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) application process from the perspective of county agency workers. A qualitative study that included semistructured individual and group interviews (n = 14) between February and December, 2021. Nine California counties with a University of California campus. A total of 24 county agency workers who regularly process or advise on college student SNAP applications. Facilitators and barriers to processing student SNAP applications. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded using thematic analysis. Five themes were identified regarding student applications: (1) a need for more consistency in policy dissemination and program administration, (2) student exemptions and the application process are perceived as challenging for students, (3) facilitators of successfully processing student applications, (4) tracking policy changes is burdensome, and (5) eliminate the student rules. County agency workers perceived that students experience unnecessary barriers to accessing SNAP benefits and that implementing the student rules was taxing. Expanding SNAP access to low-income college students could be an equitable solution to mitigate the risk of student hunger while they pursue their degrees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adolescents are often exposed to food retailers selling unhealthy food items during their lunch breaks and school commutes. This systematic review examines the influence of school neighborhood food retail environments on adolescent food purchasing. A systematic search of 6 databases. Observational studies published from January 2012 to December 2022 that measured food availability, accessibility, or exposure, measured food purchasing, and focused on adolescents (aged 10–19 years) were eligible for inclusion. Twelve studies with 97 findings were included. Thirty-one findings indicated that a school neighborhood with a high density of unhealthy food retail, a school with unhealthy food retail nearby, or exposure to unhealthy food retail on the journey to/from school was associated with higher prevalence and frequency of unhealthy food purchases. Adolescents' food purchasing behaviors may be meaningfully affected by their school neighborhood food retail environment; however, the included studies have many methodological shortcomings. Results identify the need for new studies that measure food purchasing, use comprehensive definitions of food retail environments, and adopt more rigorous methods to approximate exposure to food retail. More robust evidence would strengthen the rationale for policy or program interventions and potentially indicate specific targets for intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Seed priming through spinach mediated gold nanoparticles (S-AuNPs) improve physiochemical parameters in Spinacia oleracea L. • S-AuNPs also regulated stomatal aperture size, leading to better stomatal conductance and enhanced photosynthetic activity. • S-AuNPs application resulted in improved membrane stability, ROS scavenging potential and antioxidant status. • This study contributes to the understanding of optimizing the concentration of NPs for desired effects and provides insights into the potential applications of NPs in agriculture. Nanotechnology has recently fascinated the major thrust in agricultural researchas a means to enhance crop production and ensure food security. The present work was designed to fabricate spinach assisted gold nanoparticles (S-AuNPs) by exploiting the proteins of spinach leaves (Spinacia oleracea L.) and to evaluate their potential on seed germination, growth profile, physiological traits and biochemical attribute including photosynthetic pigments, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant status of spinach. Seeds treatedwith low S-AuNPs concentrations (50–200 µM) improved the growth parameters (shoot length, number of leaves/plant, and shoot dry weight) and physiological traits such as stomatal density, transpiration rate, stomatal pore length and width of spinach plant. Moreover, biochemical constituents like photosynthetic pigment (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll and carotenoid) and free radical scavenging enzymes were also improved thus enhanced the yield of plant.However, higher concentrations of S-AuNPs (250 and 300 µM) had adverse effects, reducing the aforementioned morphological parameters and inducing the production of ROS, causing cellular oxidative stress and negatively impacting growth and photosynthetic efficiency.The study found that 150µM S-AuNPs concentrations were most effective since they led to the greatest increases in the examined parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Weeds and other pests: insects and pathogens, are responsible for huge economic losses in agriculture. • Unjudicious use of synthetic pesticides creates resistance among pests. • Allelochemicals can be used for pest management for sustainable agriculture under changing climatic conditions. • Allelochemicals with therapeutic potential can improve human health. Agricultural productivity is stricken by abiotic and biotic constraints. The global population is rising continuously, intensifying the pressure on crop productivity. An increase in pest populations, plant pathogens and invasive plants due to climate-related changes can cause significant reductions in yields on arable land. The excessive use of synthetic pesticides has triggered environmental pollution thereby, health hazards. Sustainable agriculture is now focused on ensuring global food security through a range of innovative and environmentally friendly approaches for pest control. Crop plants release allelochemicals into the environment by leaching, foliar decomposition and volatilization from different parts of the plant. These phytochemicals can inhibit the growth of weeds and can be toxic to crop pests. The present review focuses on utilizing allelochemicals as biopesticides for the control of pests, pathogens and weeds. It also sheds light on the use of allelochemicals for the production of plant-based pharmaceuticals. Furthermore, the studies on gene regulation for enhancement of allelochemicals and genetic modifications for crop improvement will pave the way for future research on the development of phytochemicals as a potential tool for sustainable agriculture in agroecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Food security and nutrition equity, 2 social determinants of health, are impacted by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the racialization of urban communities. Few studies to date have examined how the use of social infrastructures in the United States during COVID-19 affected the ability to achieve food security and nutrition equity. Background: Food security and nutrition equity, 2 social determinants of health, are impacted by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the racialization of urban communities. Few studies to date have examined how the use of social infrastructures in the United States during COVID-19 affected the ability to achieve food security and nutrition equity. Methods: Semistructured in-depth interviews were conducted with 40 low-income, urban, and predominately Black people living in Buffalo, New York in May-July 2022. A thematic analysis using a phronetic iterative approach informed by the Social Ecological Model, Walsh's Family Resilience Framework, and a framework focused on the advancement of nutrition equity. Results: We identified 9 themes mapped across 3 interrelated domains that impact nutrition equity, including 1) meeting food needs with dignity, 2) supply and demand for fresh and healthy foods, and 3) community empowerment and food sovereignty. We found that people used coping strategies, such as food budgeting and cooking skills, paired with different social infrastructures to meet food needs. People commonly used the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and food pantries to meet food needs over receiving support from family members or friends outside of the household. Poverty, challenges accessing and affording healthy food, and the inability to reciprocate support to others undermined the advancement of nutrition equity despite social infrastructures being available for use. Historical and ongoing acts of disempowerment and disinvestment also hindered the advancement of nutrition equity. Conclusions: Sustained, community-led investment is needed to address structural inequities preventing the advancement of nutrition equity. Social infrastructures should be expanded to inclusively support low-income populations, so wealth generation is possible to address the root cause of food insecurity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • To overcome the major challenges of global food security and environmental and social problems caused by the extensive use of chemical pesticides, developments of modern green sustainable management strategies are urgently needed for the control of crop diseases. • A deeper understanding of the principles of plant immunity and induced host immunity offers potentials for reducing the use of chemical pesticides and paves the way for sustainable agriculture. • The sustainable environment-friendly disease prevention and control technologies based on plant immunity inducers are comprehensively summarized in this review. • The significance of the application of plant immunity inducers for plant disease control is systematically summarized. • By focusing on research advances of plant immunity inducers, this review offers future perspectives of plant immunity inducers and provides a theoretical reference for researchers. Crops are constantly attacked by various pathogens. These pathogenic microorganisms, such as fungi, oomycetes, bacteria, viruses, and nematodes, threaten global food security by causing detrimental crop diseases that generate tremendous quality and yield losses worldwide. Chemical pesticides have undoubtedly reduced crop damage; however, in addition to increasing the cost of agricultural production, the extensive use of chemical pesticides comes with environmental and social costs. Therefore, it is necessary to vigorously develop sustainable disease prevention and control strategies to promote the transition from traditional chemical control to modern green technologies. Plants possess sophisticated and efficient defense mechanisms against a wide range of pathogens naturally. Immune induction technology based on plant immunity inducers can prime plant defense mechanisms and greatly decrease the occurrence and severity of plant diseases. Reducing the use of agrochemicals is an effective way to minimize environmental pollution and promote agricultural safety. The purpose of this work is to offer valuable insights into the current understanding and future research perspectives of plant immunity inducers and their uses in plant disease control, ecological and environmental protection, and sustainable development of agriculture. In this work, we have introduced the concepts of sustainable and environment-friendly concepts of green disease prevention and control technologies based on plant immunity inducers. This article comprehensively summarizes these recent advances, emphasizes the importance of sustainable disease prevention and control technologies for food security, and highlights the diverse functions of plant immunity inducers-mediated disease resistance. The challenges encountered in the potential applications of plant immunity inducers and future research orientation are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"Food Is Medicine" (FIM) represents a spectrum of food-based interventions integrated into health care for patients with specific health conditions and often social needs. Programs include medically tailored meals, groceries, and produce prescriptions, with varying levels of nutrition and culinary education. Supportive advances include expanded care pathways and payment models, e-screening for food and nutrition security, and curricular and accreditation requirements for medical nutrition education. Evidence supports positive effects of FIM on food insecurity, diet quality, glucose control, hypertension, body weight, disease self-management, self-perceived physical and mental health, and cost-effectiveness or cost savings. However, most studies to date are quasiexperimental or pre/post interventions; larger randomized trials are ongoing. New national and local programs and policies are rapidly accelerating FIM within health care. Remaining research gaps require rigorous, iterative evaluation. Successful incorporation of FIM into health care will require multiparty partnerships to assess, optimize, and scale these promising treatments to advance health and health equity. [Display omitted] • "Food is Medicine" interventions integrate food-based treatments into health care systems. • Preliminary evidence suggests significant positive impacts of these programs. • Clinicians, health systems, and payers should support current and future directions of this strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Observational research has suggested a link between vitamin D insufficiency and depression, while evidence from randomized trials examining the association have yielded inconsistent results. Food security and diet quality are also associated with both vitamin D insufficiency and depression. However, the potential interactions between these factors have not been well described. In order to examine the associations between depression, vitamin D status, food security, and diet quality, data from 8988 US adults (≥20 years) in NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys) 2015–2018 were analyzed. Questionnaire-assessed depression, food security, and diet quality and laboratory-analyzed serum vitamin D were used. Lack of full food security and a 10-point decrease in Healthy Eating Index 2015 score were independently associated with higher risk of mild to severe depression (OR 3.72 and 1.20, respectively, p < 0.001). The association between insufficient serum vitamin D (<75 nmol/L) and depression was fully attenuated after adjusting for food security and diet quality (p = 0.41). A major limitation of this paper, like all analyses of NHANES, is the inability to establish the temporality of the relationships between food security and diet quality with depression. Food security and diet quality, but not vitamin D status, were significantly associated with depression. This highlights how evaluating food security and diet quality are critical in research and public health interventions related to depression. Future interventions, especially into vitamin D insufficiency, as well as health policies should assess and address these factors. • Food security and diet quality, but not vitamin D, were associated with depression. • Very low food security was most strongly associated with risk of depression. • Food security and diet quality were independently associated with depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food security remains a critical concern in Indonesia, prompting the need for adequate food availability nationwide. Maize, as a prominent staple crop, faces demand imbalances across the country. To address this issue, a system dynamics model is developed to analyze the dynamics of maize supply and demand in East Java. The model captures the non-linear and dynamic relationships inherent in maize production and consumption. Through a rigorous research methodology, this study presents a comprehensive system dynamics model that depicts the current state and dynamics of maize supply. The key findings shed light on the factors influencing maize availability in East Java and provide insights for policymakers to enhance food security. By utilizing a systems approach, this research contributes to the understanding of maize supply dynamics and supports the development of strategies to ensure sufficient food supply in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To examine whether prenatal or concurrent household food insecurity influences associations between maternal and toddler fruit and vegetable (FV) intake. Application of a life-course framework to an analysis of a longitudinal dataset. Early childhood obesity prevention program at a New York City public hospital. One-hundred and fifty-six maternal-toddler dyads self-identifying as Hispanic or Latino. Maternal and toddler FV intake was measured using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention dietary measures when toddlers were aged 19 months. Household food insecurity (measured prenatally and concurrently at 19 months) was measured using the US Department of Agriculture Food Security Module. Regression analyses assessed associations between adequate maternal FV intake and toddler FV intake. Interaction terms tested whether prenatal or concurrent household food insecurity moderated this association. Adequate maternal FV intake was associated with increased toddler FV intake (B = 6.2 times/wk, 95% confidence interval, 2.0–10.5, P = 0.004). Prenatal household food insecurity was associated with decreased toddler FV intake (B = −6.3 times/wk, 95% confidence interval, −11.67 to −0.9, P = 0.02). There was a significant interaction between the level of maternal-toddler FV association (concordance or similarity in FV intake between mothers and toddlers) and the presence of food insecurity such that maternal-toddler FV association was greater when prenatal household food insecurity was not present (B = −11.6, P = 0.04). Strategies to increase FV intake across the life course could examine how the timing of household food insecurity may affect intergenerational maternal–child transmission of dietary practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assess rate of visual impairment (VI) from uncorrected refractive error (URE) and associations with demographic and socioeconomic factors among low-income patients presenting to the Michigan Screening and Intervention for Glaucoma and Eye Health through Telemedicine (MI-SIGHT) program. Cross-sectional study. Adults ≥ 18 years without acute ocular symptoms. MI-SIGHT program participants received a telemedicine-based eye disease screening and ordered glasses through an online optical shop. Participants were categorized based on refractive error (RE) status: VI from URE (presenting visual acuity [PVA] ≤ 20/50, best corrected visual acuity [BCVA] ≥ 20/40), URE without VI (PVA ≥ 20/40, had ≥ 2 lines of improvement to BCVA), and no or adequately corrected RE (PVA ≥ 20/40, < 2 line improvement to BCVA). Patient demographics, self-reported visual function, and satisfaction with glasses obtained through the program were compared between groups using analysis of variance, Kruskal-Wallis, chi-square, and Fisher exact testing. PVA, BCVA, and presence of VI (defined as PVA ≤ 20/50). Of 1171 participants enrolled in the MI-SIGHT program during the first year, the average age was 55.1 years (standard deviation = 14.5), 37.7% were male, 54.1% identified as Black, and 1166 (99.6%) had both PVA and BCVA measured. VI was observed in 120 (10.3%); 96 had VI from URE (8.2%), 168 (14.4%) had URE without VI, and 878 (75.3%) had no or adequately corrected RE. A smaller percentage of participants with VI from URE reported having a college degree and a larger percentage reported income < $10 000 compared to participants with no or adequately corrected RE (3.2% versus 14.2%, P = 0.02; 45.5% versus 21.6%, respectively, P < 0.0001. Visual function was lowest among participants with VI from URE, followed by those with URE without VI, and then those with no or adequately corrected RE (VFQ9 composite score 67.3 ± 19.6 versus 77.0 ± 14.4 versus 82.2 ± 13.3, respectively; P < 0.0001). 71.2% (n = 830) ordered glasses for an average cost of $36.80 ± $32.60; 97.7% were satisfied with their glasses. URE was the main cause of VI at 2 clinics serving low-income communities and was associated with reduced vision-related quality of life. An online optical shop with lower prices made eyeglasses accessible to low-income patients. Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]