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Objective: We aimed to explore conversations about mental health difficulties by Reddit users who posted within college subreddits during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants: Data were collected from the subreddits of 22 California campuses, representing 113,579 anonymous members. Using the following search terms, we retrieved 577 posts (i.e., 268 original posts and 309 replies): COVID, Coronavirus, Quarantine, Pandemic, Anxiety, Anxious, Depressed, Depression, Overwhelmed, Stress, and Stressed. Methods: We used inductive, thematic data analysis to explore themes within posts and replies dated from 3/16/2020 to 3/16/2021. Results: We identified the following themes: 1) the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted engagement with learning; 2) remote learning has exacerbated students' mental health difficulties; and 3) students provide and receive social support online. Conclusions: These findings have implications that are particularly relevant as campuses are faced with continuous decisions related to repopulation.

Objective: To evaluate the process of implementation and impact of a front-of-pack labeling intervention on purchases of labeled food products. Participants: A convenience sample of 111 college students were recruited to complete a survey as they exited markets where the intervention was being implemented. Participants had to have purchased at least one consumable item. Methods: Intercept surveys and audits were conducted at three markets, two times each over a period of three weeks. Results: The audits indicated high implementation fidelity (82% overall). However, customer surveys revealed that only 42% noticed the front-of-pack sticker, and the majority (89%) did not purchase an item with the sticker. However, customers who noticed the sticker were significantly more likely to purchase an item with the sticker (p = 0.002). Conclusions: These findings provide preliminary evidence for the feasibility and effectiveness of a front-of-pack labeling intervention in a university market setting.

The teaching performance assessment (TPA) seeks to measure the knowledge, skills, and competencies of teachers during the credential phase of their training. The TPA was introduced in California in 2004 with programs piloting it and then became mandatory for candidates enrolling in preliminary programs in 2008. Although California has multiple years of implementation with three approved TPA models, and despite the recent advent of edTPA as a national-level teaching performance assessment, many question whether the TPAs have value. The purpose of the present study was to examine newly employed teachers' perceptions of the value of TPAs. This study is the first to explore the experiences of candidates who were required to pass a TPA to earn a teaching license. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected via a 10-question survey using a Likert scale and an opportunity for open-ended comments from 1,000 participants.

Objective: We aimed to explore conversations about mental health difficulties by Reddit users who posted within college subreddits during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants: Data were collected from the subreddits of 22 California campuses, representing 113,579 anonymous members. Using the following search terms, we retrieved 577 posts (ie, 268 original posts and 309 replies): COVID, Coronavirus, Quarantine, Pandemic, Anxiety, Anxious, Depressed, Depression, Overwhelmed, Stress, and Stressed. Methods: We used inductive, thematic data analysis to explore themes within posts and replies dated from 3/16/2020 to 3/16/2021. Results: We identified the following themes: 1) the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted engagement with learning; 2) remote learning has exacerbated students' mental health difficulties; and 3) students provide and receive social support online. Conclusions: These findings have implications that are particularly relevant as campuses are faced with continuous decisions related to repopulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Examine intervention effects among mothers involved in a healthy eating randomized controlled trial. Furthermore, examine the mediating roles of individual and familial influences on observed outcomes. Methods: Between 2009 and 2011, 361 families were recruited; half were assigned to an 11-session community health worker-delivered family-based intervention targeting Spanish-speaking Latino families in Imperial County, California. The intervention was delivered over a 4-month period. Home visits and telephone calls were delivered approximately weekly, with tapering near the end of the intervention to promote independence from the "promotora." In this article, mothers' self-reported dietary intake was the primary outcome. Evaluation measures were taken at baseline, 4 months, and 10 months. Results: Daily servings of fruits were higher among intervention versus control mothers (mean = 1.86 vs. mean = 1.47; effect size [ES] = 0.22) at 10 months post-baseline. Mothers in the intervention versus control condition also reported consuming a lower percent energy from fat (mean = 30.0% vs. 31.0%; ES = 0.30) and a higher diet quality (mean = 2.93 vs. mean = 2.67; ES = 0.29). Mediators of improvements were behavioral strategies to increase fiber and lower fat intake, family support for vegetable purchasing, and decreased unhealthy eating behaviors and perceived family barriers to healthy eating. Discussion and Conclusion: Family-based behavioral interventions are effective for changing the skills and family system needed to improve diet among Latina mothers. Health care providers and other practitioners are encouraged to target skill development and fostering a socially supportive environment.

The objective of this study was to observe parent-child interactions in "tiendas," limited assortment food stores catering to Latinos in the United States, and to examine the extent to which child involvement influenced these interactions and their purchase outcomes. Two confederates, one posing as a "tienda" employee and one posing as a customer, observed the entire shopping trip of 100 Latino parent-child (mean age = 8 years) dyads and coded the following: number and type of parent- and child-initiated request interactions, types of purchase influence attempts used by children and how parents responded, and whether the product was purchased. Level of child involvement was examined as a potential influencing factor on purchasing. The observations were relatively short (mean duration of 10 minutes), reflecting the "quick trip" nature of the observed shopping trips. From the 100 parent-child dyads, 144 request interactions were observed, and among dyads with at least 1 request interaction during the shopping trip, the average number of request interactions per dyad was 2. Children initiated most of the request interactions by asking for a product or simply placing it in the basket; parents initiated 24% of the request interactions. Child involvement in shopping and checkout were associated with spending and purchase outcomes. These results indicate that children and parents influence each other during grocery shopping, and children who are more involved have greater influence over purchases. Furthermore, this study identified a number of targets for future family/parent and consumer food environment interventions.

"Entre Familia: Reflejos de Salud" was a successful family-based randomized controlled trial designed to improve dietary behaviors and intake among U.S. Latino families, specifically fruit and vegetable intake. The novel intervention design merged a community health worker ("promotora") model with an entertainment-education component. This process evaluation examined intervention implementation and assessed relationships between implementation factors and dietary change. Participants included 180 mothers randomized to an intervention condition. Process evaluation measures were obtained from participant interviews and "promotora" notes and included fidelity, dose delivered (i.e., minutes of "promotora" in-person contact with families, number of "promotora" home visits), and dose received (i.e., participant use of and satisfaction with intervention materials). Outcome variables included changes in vegetable intake and the use of behavioral strategies to increase dietary fiber and decrease dietary fat intake. Participant satisfaction was high, and fidelity was achieved; 87.5% of families received the planned number of "promotora" home visits. In the multivariable model, satisfaction with intervention materials predicted more frequent use of strategies to increase dietary fiber (p = 0.01). Trends suggested that keeping families in the prescribed intervention timeline and obtaining support from other social network members through sharing of program materials may improve changes. Study findings elucidate the relationship between specific intervention processes and dietary changes.

Background: Healthy eating is important for obesity control. Dietary interventions target the adoption of behavioral strategies to increase fiber and decrease fat consumption. However, little is known about the contributions of psychosocial factors to the use of these strategies. Purpose: This study examined psychosocial correlates of behavioral strategies for healthy eating among Latinas. Method: Participants included 361 Latino mothers living along the U.S.-Mexico border in California. Data included measures of sociodemographics, acculturation, and psychosocial determinants of healthy eating. A 30-item dietary behavioral strategies scale assessed strategies to increase fiber and decrease fat consumption. Results: Family interactions regarding dietary habits (ß = 0.224, "p" < 0.001) and financial status (ß = 0.148, "p" = 0.029) were associated with the use of strategies to decrease fat consumption. Positive family interactions regarding dietary habits (ß = 0.226, "p" < 0.001), fewer barriers to obtaining fruits and vegetables (ß = -0.207, "p" < 0.001), and more family support for vegetable purchasing (ß = 0.070, "p" = 0.047) were associated with use of strategies to increase fiber consumption. Conclusions. Future interventions would benefit from improving family systems associated with healthy eating.

Objective: To understand the association between parenting and children's dietary fat consumption, this study tested a comprehensive model of parenting that included parent household rules, parent modeling of rules, parent mediated behaviors, and parent support. Design: Cross-sectional. Setting: Baseline data from the "MOVE/me Muevo" project, a recreation site-based obesity prevention and control intervention trial. Participants: Five hundred forty-one parents of children between the ages of 5 and 8 years and living in San Diego County. Main Outcome Measure: Children's fat consumption based on parent report using a short food frequency questionnaire. Analysis: A hierarchical linear regression was conducted. In exploratory analyses, a stepwise backward elimination approach was used. Results: Children's fat consumption was positively associated with parent household rules (P less than 0.01) and negatively associated with parent modeling of rules (P less than 0.01). Conclusions and Implications: Controlling parenting behaviors, such as rule setting, are associated with more frequent fat consumption, whereas role modeling healthful behaviors is associated with less frequent fat consumption. Changing parenting behaviors with regard to how they feed their children is a logical avenue for improving eating behaviors. (Contains 3 tables.)

Despite widespread recognition that experiences of social discrimination can lead to poor physical and mental health outcomes for members of minority groups, little is known about how U.S. ethnic minority men who have sex with men (MSM) manage their experiences of racism and homophobia. We conducted six focus group discussions (n = 50) and 35 in-depth interviews with African American, Latino, and Asian and Pacific Islander MSM (aged 18 or older) recruited in Los Angeles. This process revealed five strategies that MSM of color employed in order to mitigate the impact of racism and homophobia. To minimize opportunities for stigmatization, men used (a) concealment of homosexuality and (b) disassociation from social settings associated with stigmatization. To minimize the impact of experienced stigma, men (c) dismissed the stigmatization and (d) drew strength and comfort from external sources. Men also actively countered stigmatization by (e) direct confrontation. More research is needed to understand the efficacy of these coping strategies in mitigating negative health consequences of stigmatization and discrimination.

Interviews with parents, teachers, and administrators of a California Bay Area elementary school explored the impact of Proposition 227 on parent involvement, student achievement, classroom instruction, and student and teacher emotions. Data indicate that an overemphasis on language of instruction overshadowed other critical issues such as prepared teachers, access to grade-level content, and appropriate instructional materials. (Author/TD)

Redistributing surplus food that would otherwise be discarded represents a viable strategy both for increasing food access and for addressing climate change. This study describes a public-private partnership that scaled such an effort in Los Angeles County. Public health worked with a technology-based company to introduce a mobile app that connected various traditional (e.g. food pantries) and non-traditional (e.g. businesses with surplus food, food rescue organizations, community-based organizations that work in low-income communities) organizations with a countywide surplus food redistribution process. In 11 months, 50 food businesses participated, a total of 43,900 pounds of food were recovered, and surplus food was delivered to 34 community sites, serving 28,400 meals. Lessons from the experience suggest that mobile app use was a key component of the redistribution effort, and that diverting food waste while increasing food access, with a priority towards obtaining food of high nutritional value, was both feasible and practical. It has previously been shown that reducing food loss and waste by at least 50% in the food service sector could help reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: One of the current threats to coral reefs is the loss of live coral cover. Massive predation associated with population outbreaks of the crown of thorns seastar, threatens the permanence of the reefs. Since 2017, there has been evidence of an increase in the density of the asteroid and an increase in coral mortality in the southern gulf of California. Objective: To describe the first event of massive predation on corals by Acanthaster planci in Espiritu Santo Island, gulf of California, Mexico. Methods: We visited El Corralito reef nine times between 2017 and 2019, using errant and band transect (25 x 3 m) visual censuses to determine Star density, behavior and damage. Over seven months, we monitored predation on colonies of Pavona gigantea. Results: The mean density of individuals in El Corralito in 2018-2019 was 607.40 ind/ha. Asteroid predation was evident in more than 60 % of diagnosed individuals (N = 827), with the greatest affectations in the P. gigantea colonies (80 %). 63 % of the 129 observed asteroid individuals were feeding mainly on Porites panamensis (68 % of cases). Acute injuries indicate that the predation event is active. In 81 days, 25 m2 of one of the monitored colonies were lost. Conclusions: There is an active outbreak event with significant negative consequences on the El Corralito reef, which could determine the loss of coral cover in a few months. Monitoring and management are required to establish the reasons that led to the outbreak and to control it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: U.S. Latinos engage in nonleisure-time walking (NLTW) more than other ethno-racial groups. Studies are needed to explore factors associated with NLTW to inform interventions for effective physical activity promotion. Purpose: To examine the social-ecological correlates of NLTW among Mexican-origin Latinos. Methods: Individual, social, and environmental level factors and PA were assessed in a telephone survey completed by 672 Mexican-origin adults randomly sampled in San Diego County. Data were collected in 2006 and analyzed in 2009. Results: Participants were mostly female (71%), with an average age of 39 years. Less than one-third met PA guidelines for NLTW (29%). Structural equation modeling showed that NLTW was positively associated with being female, but negatively associated with living in the U.S. ≥ 12 years, and being U.S.-born. Conclusions: In this sample NLTW differed by various indicators of acculturation and gender. These findings might help inform the development of interventions to promote NLTW and thus physical activity in Mexican-origin adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The northwestern part of Mexico, southern Arizona, and southern California witnessed extensive arc magmatism during Late Triassic to Early Cretaceous. Here, we present results from petrography, whole‐rock geochemistry (major and trace including rare‐earth elements), and detrital zircon geochronological studies that were carried out on sandstones and shales of the Mural Limestone exposed in the Rancho Bufalo area. Based on the petrography, sandstones are classified as sublitharenite, litharenite, feldspathic litharenite, and lithic arkose. The sandstones contain higher proportion of monocrystalline quartz than polycrystalline quartz. Sandstones and shales from the various members of the Mural Limestone show large variations in major and trace elements concentrations. The average concentrations of ΣREE (total ΣREE) are lower in sandstones than in shales. The chondrite‐normalized REE patterns of the sandstones and shales are moderately fractionated with light REE (LREE) enrichment relative to heavy REE (HREE) and with flat to slightly depleted HREE patterns. The chemical index of alteration values and A–CN–K relationships of sandstones indicate low to moderate intensity of weathering in the source region; however, shale samples suggesting the source rocks were subjected to moderate intensity of chemical weathering. The chondrite‐normalized REE patterns, Al2O3/TiO2 ratio, elemental ratios like Cr/V, Y/Ni, and Eu‐anomaly (Eu/Eu*), and bivariate plots suggest that the sandstones and shales were derived mainly from felsic source rocks. Detrital zircon U–Pb geochronology of sandstones from Fronteras, Rancho Bufalo, and Cerro La Ceja members of the Mural Limestone show five main groups of detrital zircon age populations: (a) Proterozoic, (b) Palaeozoic, (c) Triassic, (d) Jurassic, and (e) Early Cretaceous. Our study suggests that continental volcanic arcs in northwestern Mexico, southern Arizona, and southern California served as the provenance for the Late Triassic‐Jurassic detritus, whereas the Early Cretaceous zircon grains were derived mainly from the active Alisitos volcanic arc along the northwestern coast of Mexico. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the relationship between immigration legal status and related vulnerabilities and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among Mexican-origin Latinos living in a U.S.-Mexico border region. Methods: Data were obtained using multistage sampling from 393 Latino adults who took part in the 2009 San Diego Prevention Research Center community survey. Results: Significant differences in HRQoL were found across immigration legal status subgroups. Vulnerabilities associated with HRQoL varied across immigration legal status subgroups, and only depression was associated with HRQoL regardless of immigration legal status. Conclusion: Results from this study emphasize the need for policies and programs to facilitate access to preventive services, including mental health services, in order to maintain the health of at-risk Latino immigrants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The present study examined food and beverage distributors' sourcing, placement and promotion of obesogenic (energy-dense, nutrient-poor) product categories from the perspective of small food store owners/managers. The obesogenic product categories of interest were savoury snacks, sugary beverages, sweet snacks, confectionery and frozen treats. Specifically, we examined how frequently distributors sourced these products, and the types of agreements and expectations they had for their placement and promotion. Differences were explored by store size and ethnicity. Fresh produce was used as a comparison when examining differences in frequency of sourcing only, with implications for healthy food access.Design: Survey research involving in-person interviews.Setting: Four urban areas in the USA: Baltimore, MD; Durham, NC; Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN; and San Diego, CA.Subjects: Seventy-two small food store owners/managers, 65 % consent rate.Results: Most distributors sourced obesogenic products weekly. Agreements to place products were predominantly informal (e.g. handshake) with sweet snack, confectionery and frozen treat distributors, and formal (e.g. contract) with savoury snack and sugary beverage distributors. Free-standing displays were the most common incentive provided by distributors and they expected some control over their placement and pricing. Free/discounted products and signage were also common incentives but slotting fees were not. Smaller stores and ethnic stores were less likely to receive various incentives, but among sweet snack distributors, they were more likely to control the price in ethnic v. non-ethnic stores.Conclusions: Obesogenic products are ubiquitous. Influencing what is made available to consumers in the retail food environment needs to consider the distributor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated the impact on alcohol intake and blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of a multi-level structural intervention to increase the availability of free water, coupled with messaging on pacing alcohol intake and normative feedback of blood alcohol concentration in a convenience sample of gay bars in San Francisco. Participants ( n = 1,293) were recruited among exiting patrons of four gay bars (two intervention bars and two control bars). Participants were surveyed on alcohol intake and BAC was measured by breathalyzer. Prior to the intervention there were no significant differences in baseline alcohol measures between intervention and control bars. Post-intervention there were significant differences on objective and subjective measures of alcohol consumption: 30% of intervention bar participants had BAC% levels over the legal driving limit (0.08%) compared to 43% of control bar participants, p < 0.0001 and 78% of intervention bar participants were above the AUDIT-C cut-off for hazardous drinking compared to 87% in control bars, p < 0.001. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To qualitatively examine facilitators and barriers to dental care access and quality services among Mexican migrant women and their families living in North San Diego County, California. Six focus groups were conducted, with 52 participants. Three focus groups were with community residents (average group size of 10), and three were with community health workers/leaders (called Lideres; average group size of 7). The behavioral model for vulnerable populations theoretical framework guided qualitative data analyses. Predisposing factors to dental care access varied and included immigration status, language, and dental care experiences. Barriers to accessing quality dental services included high cost, lack of insurance coverage, dissatisfaction with providers, long wait times and discrimination. Participants expressed a desire for health policy changes, including affordable coverage for immigrants and their families. This study provided insights into how dental care providers, community health centers, and policymakers can improve dental care access and services to migrant populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. To evaluate the impact of a faith-based intervention to promote physical activity in Latinas. Methods. We randomized 16 churches in San Diego County, California, to a physical activity intervention or cancer screening comparison condition (n = 436). The intervention followed an ecological framework and involved promotoras. We examined 12-month intervention effects, including accelerometer-based moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA; primary outcome) and secondary outcomes. We conducted the study from 2010 to 2016. Results. Mixed effects analyses showed significant increases in accelerometer-based MVPA (effect size = 0.25) and self-report leisure-time MVPA (effect size = 0.38) among Latinas in the intervention versus comparison condition. Participants in the intervention condition had about 66% higher odds of meeting the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines, had reduced body mass index (effect size = 0.23), and used more behavioral strategies for engaging in physical activity (effect size = 0.42). Program attendance was associated with increased self-reported leisure-time MVPA and the number of motivational interviewing calls was associated with meeting the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines. Conclusions. A faith-based intervention was effective in increasing MVPA and decreasing body mass index among participants. Process analyses showed the value of program attendance andmotivational interviewing calls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Latinas have disproportionately low levels of physical activity (PA) and the ecological correlates of their PA remain unclear. This study aims to test interactions between individual and environmental factors on Latinas' PA. Methods We analyzed baseline data from 436 Latinas participating in a PA randomized controlled trial in San Diego, CA [Fe en Acción/Faith in Action]. Measures included demographics, perceived environment, PA and anthropometrics. Mixed effects models examined interactions between individual and environmental factors on self-reported leisure-time and transportation, and accelerometer-assessed PA. Results Significant positive associations were found between neighborhood aesthetics and leisure-time moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and between having destinations within walking distance from home and transportation PA (P < 0.05). We found significant interactions of income with aesthetics and sidewalk maintenance as well as between weight status and safety from crime. Favorable aesthetics was related to more leisure-time MVPA only among lower income women (odds ratio (OR) = 1.57; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.18, 2.08); however, higher income women reporting better sidewalk maintenance reported more leisure-time MVPA (OR = 1.51; 95% CI: 1.06, 2.15). Higher perceived safety from crime was positively related to transportation PA only among overweight/obese women. Conclusions Subgroup differences should be considered when developing interventions targeting the neighborhood environment to promote Latinas' PA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to understand how college students participating in a 2-year randomized controlled trial (Project SMART: Social and Mobile Approach to Reduce Weight;N= 404) engaged their social networks and used social and mobile technologies to try and lose weight. Participants in the present study (n= 20 treatment,n= 18 control) were approached after a measurement visit and administered semi-structured interviews. Interviews were analyzed using principles from grounded theory. Treatment group participants appreciated the timely support provided by the study and the integration of content across multiple technologies. Participants in both groups reported using non-study-designed apps to help them lose weight, and many participants knew one another outside of the study. Individuals talked about weight-loss goals with their friends face to face and felt accountable to follow through with their intentions. Although seeing others’ success online motivated many, there was a range of perceived acceptability in talking about personal health-related information on social media. The findings from this qualitative study can inform intervention trials using social and mobile technologies to promote weight loss. For example, weight-loss trials should measure participants’ use of direct-to-consumer technologies and interconnectivity so that treatment effects can be isolated and cross-contamination accounted for. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objectives. We explored the relationship between obesity and neighborhood-related, social, and cultural variables and possible moderation by acculturation and cross-national practices. Methods. We obtained data from the 2009 San Diego Prevention Research Center's community survey, which used multistage sampling methods to recruit 397 adult respondents and conducted multilevel logistic analytic methods. Results. Nearly half of the respondents were obese. Respondents had low acculturation scores and reported crossing the U.S.-Mexico border about three times per month, mostly to visit family and friends. Neighborhoods where respondents lived were predominantly Latino and had 27% home ownership. A significant cross-level interaction emerged: those who reported crossing the border and reported higher levels of collective efficacy were more likely to be obese than those who had not crossed. Conclusions. Study findings provide evidence of the complex relationship among obesity risk factors in a U.S.-Mexico border community that warrant further examination to prevent and control obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Away-from-home eating is an important dietary behavior with implications on diet quality. Thus, it is an important behavior to target to prevent and control childhood obesity and other chronic health conditions. Numerous studies have been conducted to improve children's dietary intake at home, in early care and education, and in schools; however, few studies have sought to modify the restaurant food environment for children. This study adds to this body of research by describing the development and launch of an innovative intervention to promote sales of healthy children's menu items in independent restaurants in Southern California, United States. Methods: This is a cluster randomized trial with eight pair-matched restaurants in San Diego, California. Restaurants were randomized to a menu-only versus menu-plus intervention condition. The menu-only intervention condition involves manager/owner collaboration on the addition of pre-determined healthy children's menu items and kitchen manager/owner collaboration to prepare and plate these items and train kitchen staff. The menu-plus intervention condition involves more extensive manager/owner collaboration and kitchen staff training to select, prepare, and plate new healthy children's menu items, and a healthy children's menu campaign that includes marketing materials and server training to promote the items. The primary outcome is sales of healthy children's menu items over an 18-week period. In addition, dining parties consisting of adults with children under 18 years of age are being observed unobtrusively while ordering and then interviewed throughout the 18-week study period to determine the impact of the intervention on ordering behaviors. Manager/owner interviews and restaurant audits provide additional evidence of impact on customers, employees, and the restaurant environment. Our process evaluation assesses dose delivered, dose received, and intervention fidelity. Discussion: Successful recruitment of the restaurants has been completed, providing evidence that the restaurant industry is open to working on the public health challenge of childhood obesity. Determining whether a restaurant intervention can promote sales of healthy children's menu items will provide evidence for how to create environments that support the healthy choices needed to prevent and control obesity. Despite these strengths, collection of sales data that will allow comprehensive analysis of intervention effects remains a challenge. Trial Registration: NCT02511938. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effectiveness of community health workers (CHWs) as health educators and health promoters among Latino populations is widely recognized. The Affordable Care Act created important opportunities to increase the role of CHWs in preventive health. This article describes the implementation of CHW-led, culturally specific, faith-based program to increase physical activity among churchgoing Latinas. This study augments previous research by describing the recruitment, selection, training, and evaluation of CHWs for a physical activity intervention targeting multiple levels of the Social Ecological Model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research examining border crossing and health has focused on substance abuse, healthcare utilization and air pollution. Living in border communities allows for frequent crossing and exposure to different sociocultural and structural environments. Given high rates of obesity among Latinos and the large percentage living in border communities, it is important to consider the relationship between border crossing and obesity. This study explored the relationship between frequency of border crossing, obesigenic behaviors, measured obesity, and chronic disease. Multistage sampling methods were used to recruit 397 Latino adults living in border communities in South San Diego County. Selected participants completed a face-to-face interview and height and weight measurements. More frequent border crossing was associated with more fast food consumption and a greater reported diagnosis of high cholesterol. Understanding the extent to which border crossing is associated with obesigenic behaviors and chronic disease is important for developing relevant interventions along the border. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little research has been conducted to examine whether correlates of sexual risk vary by nativity among Latino men who have sex with men (MSM). We used cross sectional data collected from 870 Latino MSM recruited with respondent-driven sampling techniques. For each sub-sample (US-born and foreign-born), we assessed the association between each of the potential correlates (substance use, acculturation, social support, and social discrimination) and sexual risk behavior. Illicit drug use was associated with increased odds of sexual risk behavior in both US-born (OR = 2.17, 95 % CI 1.17-4.03) and foreign-born (OR = 1.86, 1.14-3.05) subgroups. Multivariate correlates specific to foreign-born men included binge drinking (OR = 1.91, 1.17-3.14), 15 years or longer spent in the US (OR = 1.79, 1.06-3.03) and exposure to social discrimination (OR = 2.02, 1.03-3.99). Given the diversity of Latino MSM, information from research that identifies both common and different HIV risk factors across subgroups of Latino MSM may help better tailor HIV prevention programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What is already known about this subject Child overweight and obesity is a significant public health problem., Mixed method strategies that involve parents and community organizations are promising approaches to prevent and control childhood obesity., Few studies have targeted city recreation centres to promote healthy eating and physical activity behaviours., What this study adds This study presents the primary results of a family- and recreation centre-based childhood obesity prevention and control intervention., The study was carried out in neighbourhoods of a socioeconomically diverse county of more than 1 000 000 inhabitants., Primary results showed no significant reductions in child's body mass index ( BMI); however, secondary analyses showed that girls in the intervention condition reduced BMI significantly more than girls in the control condition., Children in the intervention condition improved on several obesity-related behaviours compared with those in the control condition., Background Interventions to prevent and control childhood obesity have shown mixed results in terms of short- and long-term changes. Objectives ' MOVE/ me Muevo' was a 2-year family- and recreation centre-based randomized controlled trial to promote healthy eating and physical activity among 5- to 8-year-old children. It was hypothesized that children in the intervention group would demonstrate lower post-intervention body mass index ( BMI) values and improved obesity-related behaviours compared with the control group children. Methods Thirty recreation centres in San Diego County, California, were randomized to an intervention or control condition. Five hundred forty-one families were enrolled and children's BMI, diet, physical activity and other health indicators were tracked from baseline to 2 years post-baseline. Analyses followed an intent-to-treat approach using mixed-effects models. Results No significant intervention effects were observed for the primary outcomes of child's or parent's BMI and child's waist circumference. Moderator analyses, however, showed that girls (but not boys) in the intervention condition reduced their BMI. At the 2-year follow-up, intervention condition parents reported that their children were consuming fewer high-fat foods and sugary beverages. Conclusions Favourable implementation fidelity and high retention rates support the feasibility of this intervention in a large metropolitan area; however, interventions of greater intensity may be needed to achieve effects on child's BMI. Also, further research is needed to develop gender-specific intervention strategies so that both genders may benefit from such efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. We examined the associations between specific types and sources of discrimination and mental health outcomes among US racial/ethnic minority men who have sex with men (MSM) and how these associations varied by race/ ethnicity. Methods. A chain-referral sample of 403 African American, 393 Asian and Pacific Islander (API), and 400 Latino MSM recruited in Los Angeles County, California completed a standardized questionnaire. Data were obtained from the Ethnic Minority Men's Health Study from May 2008 to October 2009. Results. Past-year experiences of racism within the general community and perceived homophobia among heterosexual friends were positively associated with depression and anxiety. Past-year homophobia experienced within the general community was also positively associated with anxiety. These statistically significant associations did not vary across racial/ethnic groups. The positive association of perceived racism within the gay community with anxiety differed by race/ethnicity, and was statistically significant only for APIs. Perceived homophobia within the family was not associated with either depression or anxiety. Conclusions. Higher levels of experiences of discrimination were associated with psychological distress among MSM of color. However, specific types and sources of discrimination were differentially linked to negative mental health outcomes among African American, API, and Latino MSM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. To examine pathways between individual, social, and environmental factors associated with leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) among Mexican-American adults. Design. Cross-sectional design using random-digit dialing to administer a structured telephone interview. Setting. Mexican-American adults living in a U.S.-Mexican border community in San Diego, California (N = 672). Measures. Data were collected on LTPA, demographic characteristics, acculturation, and other psychosocial and environmental factors associated with LTPA. Analysis. Structural equation modeling to test an a priori model of LTPA. Results. Participants were mostly female (71%) with a mean age of 39 years (SD = 13). Only 32% of participants met PA guidelines in their leisure time, with men (39%) meeting the guidelines more than women (29%). Using structural equation modeling, neighborhood factors, both social and environmental, showed indirect relationships with meeting PA guidelines through community resource factors. Significant covariates included marital status and age. Conclusion. Individual, social, and environmental factors were associated with LTPA in this sample of Mexican-American adults. These findings can inform intervention studies that aim to increase LTPA in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Consumption of sugary beverages has been identified as a contributor to childhood obesity. Studies have established the importance of specific parenting practices to children''s beverage consumption; however, no study has examined multiple operationalizations of parenting to better understand where to focus future interventions. The present study examined the relationship between children''s sugary beverage consumption and a parenting model that included household food rules, parent modeling of food rules, parent-mediated behaviors, and parent support. Baseline data from Project MOVE/me Muevo were used. Participants included 541 children, aged 5 to 8 years old, and their parents. Parents completed a 45-minute self-administered survey in Spanish or English, providing information about their child''s dietary intake, as well as their parenting practices. Children''s sugary beverage consumption included nondiet soda, noncarbonated sugary drinks, and sport drinks. Household food rules and parent modeling of food rules were assessed with seven items each. Parent-mediated behaviors consisted of four behaviors. Parent support was assessed with five items. Parent support and parent-mediated behaviors, including total screen time and eating at fast-food restaurants at least weekly, were associated with greater consumption of sugary beverages in children. No other parenting variables were significant. Encouraging caregivers to promote healthy dietary behaviors and provide healthy choices, limiting children''s television and computer use, and reducing fast-food consumption can contribute to reductions in sugary beverage consumption among children. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Using cross-sectional data collected from 1081 Latino men who have sex with men (MSM) recruited with respondent-driven sampling (RDS) techniques from Los Angeles and New York, we examined the extent to which Latino MSM reported exposure to social discrimination (i.e., experienced both homophobia and racism, homophobia only, racism only, or neither homophobia nor racism). More than 40% of respondents experienced both homophobia and racism in the past 12 months. Los Angeles participants, those with lower income, and those who reported being HIV-positive were more likely to report experiencing both types of social discrimination. Adjusting for potential confounders, men exposed to both homophobia and racism were more likely than men exposed to neither form of discrimination to report unprotected receptive anal intercourse with a casual sex partner (AOR = 1.92, 95% CI, 1.18-3.24) and binge drinking (AOR = 1.42, 95% CI, 1.02-1.98). Our findings suggest the presence of a syndemic of adverse social experiences and call for more intervention research to address both homophobia and racism experienced among Latino MSM in the United States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. This within-participants, single time-series study tested a train-the-trainer, promotor-based physical activity (PA) intervention to improve fitness and health indicators. Methods. Thirty unpaid promotores were trained to promote PA through free exercise classes. Measurements of 337 female community participants at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months assessed changes in health indicators, including systolic and diastolic blood pressure, waist circumference, body mass index (defined as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters), aerobic fitness, and hamstring flexibility, as well as self-reported health indicators (PA, depression) and psychosocial factors (barriers, self-efficacy, and social support--all specific to PA). Results. Mixed effects models showed intervention participation improved systolic blood pressure (P≤.001), waist circumference (P≤.001), fitness (P≤.001), and hamstring flexibility (P≤.001). We also noted improvements in use of community resources (P≤.05), depressed mood and anhedonia (P≤.01), perceived barriers to be physically active (P≤.05), and community support for PA (P≤.001). Self-efficacy decreased (P≤.05), and participation dose (i.e., exposure), as measured by attendance at exercise classes, was not associated with observed changes. Conclusions. Promotores can promote PA in their community and achieve meaningful changes in the residents' health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which examined the association of discrimination, violence, drug abuse among a cohort of young men who have sex with men (YMSM) from Los Angeles, California. A venue-based, stratified probability sampling design which utilized audio computer-assisted interview (ACAI) in both English and Spanish, was used to assess childhood hardships, violence, discrimination, and drug use is discussed. Analysis showed that financial hardships, physical violence from intimate partners, and homophobia increases the risk for drug use. It also indicated that racial/ethnic YMSM were at increased risk for discrimination and violence leading them to resort to drugs.

Farmworkers are at risk for developing occupation-related health conditions, yet healthcare use is limited. National Agricultural Workers Survey data were used to test a modification of the Behavioral Model for Vulnerable Populations on use of healthcare in the past two years and type of healthcare used. Barriers to care were examined to determine associations with use and type of use. The farmworkers ( N = 2,291) were primarily foreign-born Latino/Hispanic married males who reported limited ability to read and speak English. Healthcare use in the past two years was more likely among females, those with more than six years of education, who earned an annual income of more than $15,000 annually, were authorized, non-migrant, insured, and who reported living in the US for more than two years. Healthcare system barriers were most prominent. This study provides important targets for policy and health promotion initiatives to reduce health disparities in this marginalized community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which investigates the number of methamphetamine and cocaine usage among Mexican migrants, with age ranges from 18-64, in California. The results show that there has been a 21% methamphetamine/cocaine use among men in 2008 and 17% among women in high-risk behavior venues. It indicates that methamphetamine/cocaine uses are observant among men with age less than 35 years that have different sex partners, alcohol use, depressive symptoms and sexually transmitted infections such as HIV. The authors conclude that Mexican migrant men have higher risk in having HIV infections due to high percentage of methamphetamine/cocaine use. The authors recommend to develop peer-driven interventions that promote the use of condoms especially at high-risk behavior sites.

Abstract: Objectives: To examine multiple measures of acculturation and their association with walking to school in a large population-based sample in San Diego, California. Methods: The sample consisted of predominantly Latino children and their parents (n =812) who participated in a study to maintain healthy weights from kindergarten through 2nd grade (2004–2007). Acculturation and walking/driving to and from school were assessed through parent-proxy surveys. Results: Children of foreign-born child–parent dyads walked to school more frequently than their counterparts (F =7.71, df=5, 732, p <.001). Similarly, parents who reported living in the U.S. for less than or equal to 12 years reported more walking to school by their children compared with parents living in the U.S. for more than 12 years (F =10.82, df=4, 737, p <.001). Finally, English-speaking females walked to school more frequently than Spanish-speaking and bilingual females. Conclusion: This study explores Latino children''s walking to and from school using four measures of acculturation. In this cross-sectional study, being less acculturated was associated with more walking to school among children living in South San Diego County. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

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Genomic analysis of the kelp fly Fucellia costalis (Family Anthomyiidae) from Asilomar beach, Pacific Grove, California, resulted in the assembly of its complete mitogenome. The mitogenome is 16,175 bp in length, A + T biased (78.1%), contains 37 genes, a large 1356 bp control region, and has a high-level of gene synteny to other Muscoidea. Phylogenetic analysis of F. costalis fully resolves it in a clade with two members of the Anthomyiidae, Delia platura (8.2% pairwise genetic distance) and D. antiqua (9.2% distance), in a sister position to Scathophaga stercoraria (7.8% distance) from the Scathophagidae. The phylogenetic position and genetic distances of F. costalis support the continued recognition of the subfamily Fucellinae. This identification and data extends the distributional range of F. costalis northward from California to Vancouver Island, Canada. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analysis ofPhrynosoma blainvilliiGray from Marina, Monterey County, California, using 150 bp paired-end Illumina sequences (Illumina, San Diego, CA) resulted in the assembly of its complete mitogenome. The mitogenome is 16,946 bp in length and contains a putative origin of light strand replication (OL), control region, 22 tRNA, 2 rRNA, and 13 protein-coding genes. Its content and organization are similar to other Squamata. Phylogenetic analysis ofP. blainvilliiresolves it in a clade withP. sherbrookeiNieto-Montes de Oca, Arenas-Moreno, Beltrán-Sánchez & Leaché, sister in position toUma notataBaird. Mitochondrial marker analysis ofP. blainvilliifrom Marina shows that it belongs to a coastal Santa Lucia Mountain Range haplogroup that is distinct from other populations ofP. blainvilliiin California. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: Few children consume sufficient servings of fruits and vegetables. Interventions aiming to improve children's dietary intake often target parent level factors, but limited research has examined the mediating role of parental factors on children's dietary intake. This study examined 10-month follow up data from the Entre Familia: Reflejos de Salud (Within the Family: Reflections of Health) trial to investigate (1) intervention effects on children's dietary intake, both sustained and new changes, and (2) whether changes in mothers' dietary intake, her parenting strategies, and behavioral strategies to promoting healthy eating in the home mediated changes in children's dietary intake. Methods: Participants were 361 Mexican-origin families living in Imperial County, California. Families were randomly assigned to a 4-month dietary intervention or a delayed treatment control group. The intervention was delivered by promotoras (community health workers) via home visits and telephone calls. Assessments occurred at baseline, and 4- and 10-months post-baseline. Results: At 10-months post-baseline, sustained intervention effects were observed on children's reported intake of varieties of vegetables, with differences getting larger over time. However, differential intervention effects on fast food were not sustained due to significant reductions in the control group compared with smaller changes in the intervention group. New intervention effects were observed on servings of sugar-sweetened beverages. However, the intervention continued to have no effect on children's reported fruit and vegetable servings, and varieties of fruits consumed. Mother-reported behavioral strategies to increase fiber and lower fat mediated the relationship between the intervention and children's intake of varieties of vegetables. Mothers' percent energy from fat and behavioral strategies to lower fat were mediators of children's daily servings of sugar-sweetened beverages. Conclusions: This study suggests that a promotora-led family based intervention can provide mothers with skills to promote modest changes in children's diet. Examining the parent related mechanisms of change will inform future interventions on important targets for improving children's diet. Trial registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/. NCT02441049. Retrospectively registered 05.06.2015. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information about several papers discussed at the symposium titled "Molecular Study of Biological Evolution," held at the University of California, Davis, California on June 17 and 18, 1975 is presented. Topics include the role of genetic variation in determining the evolution of a population, the importance of natural selection in causing genetic variation, and the evolution of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). The symposium featured several scientists including Leslie Gottlieb and Allan Wilson.