Estimation of fruit and vegetable consumption in a cohort of Ghanaian women and evaluation of knowledge, attitudes and practice

This article has been accepted for publication and will appear in a revised form, subsequent to peer review and/or editorial input by Cambridge University Press, in Proceedings of the Nutrition Society published by Cambridge University Press. Copyright The Authors 2013 .Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), previously confined to industrialised nations, are spreading through the developing world at unprecedented rates( 1 ). With communicable diseases still prevalent, this imposes a double-burden of disease in countries with limited resources and ill-equipped health systems( 2 ). An unhealthy diet, including insufficient consumption of fruit and vegetables is one of four main behavioural risk factors in the development of NCDs. However, consumption across the world, including Ghana, is below recommended levels( 3 ). Despite a wealth of research in developed countries, few studies have investigated barriers to fruit and vegetable consumption in Ghana. The aim of the present study was to assess fruit and vegetable consumption and evaluate knowledge, attitudes and practice in a cohort of Ghanaian women. A mixed-methods approach, incorporating a survey delivered in a guided interview format was utilised to investigate patterns and determinants of fruit and vegetable consumption in a cohort of Ghanaian women. Data were collected from female environmental health and nursing students aged 18–33 years (n=74, response rate 98.7%), residing in the Korle-Bu district of Accra, Ghana. A 24-hour recall questionnaire, local handy measures and a specially designed portion size assessment sheet allowed estimation of fruit and vegetable consumption, whilst a questionnaire comprising both qualitative and quantitative questions enabled investigation of barriers to consumption in Ghanaian society. A significantly greater level of low fruit and vegetable consumption was found in the present study (69%), than detailed in the World Health Survey 2002–03 (p⩽0.001). There was a significant positive association between meal frequency and consumption levels (p=0.025), however, no association was found between consumption and knowledge levels, income, home-production or perceived adequate consumption. Themes emerging from the research related to barriers affecting consumption included cost, availability, quality, and health and safety issues. Unhealthy snacking was found to be common, as were unhealthy substitutions during periods of scarcity. Numerous barriers causing the observed decrease in fruit and vegetable consumption were identified in the present study. The interrelating nature of the barriers identified suggests a multidirectional approach to address these issues would offer the greatest benefits for consumption levels. Increasing agricultural infrastructure is key, whilst educational initiatives should also play a major role in future strategies to increase fruit and vegetable consumption. Future investment and policy in Ghana should focus on prevention rather than cure, if the growing NCD burden is to be halted

Stage-Specific Timing of the microRNA Regulation of \u3cem\u3elin-28\u3c/em\u3e by the Heterochronic Gene \u3cem\u3elin-14\u3c/em\u3e in \u3cem\u3eCaenorhabditis elegans\u3c/em\u3e

In normal development, the order and synchrony of diverse developmental events must be explicitly controlled. In the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, the timing of larval events is regulated by hierarchy of proteins and microRNAs (miRNAs) known as the heterochronic pathway. These regulators are organized in feedforward and feedback interactions to form a robust mechanism for specifying the timing and execution of cell fates at successive stages. One member of this pathway is the RNA binding protein LIN-28, which promotes pluripotency and cell fate decisions in successive stages. Two genetic circuits control LIN-28 abundance: it is negatively regulated by the miRNA lin-4, and positively regulated by the transcription factor LIN-14 through a mechanism that was previously unknown. In this report, we used animals that lack lin-4 to elucidate LIN-14’s activity in this circuit. We demonstrate that three let-7 family miRNAs—miR-48, miR-84, and miR-241—inhibit lin-28 expression. Furthermore, we show genetically that these miRNAs act between lin-14 and lin-28, and that they comprise the pathway by which lin-14 positively regulates lin-28. We also show that the lin-4 family member mir-237, also regulates early cell fates. Finally, we show that the expression of these miRNAs is directly inhibited by lin-14 activity, making them the first known targets of lin-14 that act in the heterochronic pathway

Mortarboard Review: Montessori-Related Dissertations 2022 – 2023

This article is the first in a series of planned reviews to be published annually that highlight a selection of dissertations. Some aspects of the selection and review methodology may be adjusted in coming issues as the process is refined to maximize the value to the field. Twenty-three Montessori-related dissertations completed during 2021 and 2022 were identified that represented five broad categories based on topic or subject matter. Two dissertations were selected for inclusion in this review because they represent high-quality research in areas that are of particular relevance and value to the field at this time: (a) public Montessori education and issues of equity and intercultural competence and (b) teacher perspectives and technology

Expression and function of ATP-dependent potassium channels in zebrafish islet β-cells

ATP-sensitive potassium channels (K(ATP) channels) are critical nutrient sensors in many mammalian tissues. In the pancreas, K(ATP) channels are essential for coupling glucose metabolism to insulin secretion. While orthologous genes for many components of metabolism–secretion coupling in mammals are present in lower vertebrates, their expression, functionality and ultimate impact on body glucose homeostasis are unclear. In this paper, we demonstrate that zebrafish islet β-cells express functional K(ATP) channels of similar subunit composition, structure and metabolic sensitivity to their mammalian counterparts. We further show that pharmacological activation of native zebrafish K(ATP) using diazoxide, a specific K(ATP) channel opener, is sufficient to disturb glucose tolerance in adult zebrafish. That β-cell K(ATP) channel expression and function are conserved between zebrafish and mammals illustrates the evolutionary conservation of islet metabolic sensing from fish to humans, and lends relevance to the use of zebrafish to model islet glucose sensing and diseases of membrane excitability such as neonatal diabetes

Initial Program Evaluation of an Ignatian Leadership Development Program: The Haddix Dean\u27s Fellows Program

This chapter shares assessment results from a 4-year undergraduate Ignatian Leadership program. The Dean’s Fellows program consists of several curricular and co-curricular elements, including cohort-based seminars, a common summer read, an annual retreat, social and cultural activities, and a concluding leadership immersion experience. Learning formats throughout the four years included lectures, small and large group discussions, and workshops. For the immersion experience, the Dean’s Fellows participated in preparatory lectures that included information on cultural intelligence, anticipatory reflection, Ignatian Leadership, and discernment, as well as topical information. In order to ensure and improve program outcomes, assessment processes were developed, and data included both quantitative and qualitative measures. Rothausen (2017) provided a theoretical framework that aligns secular leadership development models with Ignatian Leadership. Unfortunately, validated measures of Ignatian Leadership do not exist to date. To address this limitation, we utilized instruments drawn from the field of leadership studies that logically approximate values and practices found within the Ignatian Leadership paradigm. We also conducted a focus group with students completing the 4-year experience and collected pre- and post- program reflection papers. Results from both quantitative and qualitative approaches along with both practical and pedagogical suggestions are offered for those seeking to build a similar program

Immersion Pedagogy for Ignatian Leadership: The Creighton Haddix Dean’s Fellows

There are times and places where learning can be heightened. The proliferation of high-impact pedagogies attests to this. International immersions, done with intentionality, reflection, and follow-up, can be times and places where theories and concepts move from the abstract to the real. Immersion experiences in poor and marginalized communities are also where Ignatian leadership can be understood more profoundly, largely because of the values and commitments of Ignatius of Loyola and the spirituality that emerged from his life

Ignatian Leadership and the Contemporary Leadership Landscape An Exercise in Counter-Cultural Engagement

This paper is written as a dialogue between two faculty members and scholars working within a Jesuit institution. Through their shared interest in leadership, especially an interest in Ignatian Leadership, the following dialogue has emerged. Kelly works in our institution as a theologian and former director of academic service-learning, and Moss-Breen works in the graduate school directing an interdisciplinary leadership EdD program. Their backgrounds and fields are different, but their interest in the leadership of Ignatius is a common thread between them. Kelly starts the conversation and Moss Breen responds in kind

Concomitant Adolescent Vaccination: The Influence of Seasonal Variation, School Requirements, and Patient-Provider Communication

Introduction. Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination can prevent thousands of cases of anogenital cancers annually, but coverage falls short of national goals. Other vaccines recommended for adolescents (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) booster and meningococcal vaccine) have much higher coverage. Administering HPV vaccine with other vaccines concomitantly (at the same healthcare visit) could improve HPV vaccine coverage. This dissertation examined factors likely to influence concomitant uptake: seasonal variation in vaccination, vaccination school entry requirements, and patient-provider communication style. Methods. Data came from 99,921 participants in the 2008 to 2012 versions of National Immunization Survey (NIS)-Teen. Each year, NIS-Teen gathers data on adolescents (ages 13-17) through telephone interviews with parents and written questionnaires mailed to healthcare providers. In the first study, I used the Edwards method to examine cycles in individual and concomitant vaccination. In the second study, I conducted longitudinal mediation analysis with bootstrapping to test the attenuating effects of these cycles on the relationship between school entry requirements and coverage. In the third study, I analyzed the interaction between school entry requirements and communication style in their relationship with vaccination. Results. Individual vaccination was 5-10 times as common, and concomitant vaccination was 3-6 times as common, at the peaks of annual cycles compared to their troughs (all p<.001). States with school entry requirements had more extreme cycles and higher coverage for vaccines targeted by the requirements (more than 20% higher) and other adolescent vaccines (6-18% higher) than other states (all p<.001). However, contrary to my hypothesis, cycles did not mediate the relationship between school entry requirements and coverage. Regardless of states' school entry requirements, individual vaccination was higher when parents reported that providers used collaborative communication (all p<.05), but concomitant vaccination did not vary by communication style. Conclusion. Concomitant vaccination is more common in summer months, especially in states with policies requiring students to receive adolescent vaccine(s). Patient-provider communication was less influential for concomitant vaccination than for individual vaccination. To increase HPV vaccination (individual or concomitant administration), quality improvement and health promotion activities should precede summer peaks and implementation of new school entry requirements.Doctor of Philosoph

Feeling the Heat: Climate Change is Becoming a Big Factor in Business Decision-making, Risk Assessment

Portland Business Journal Publisher and President Candace Beeke spoke recently with PSU’s Sahan Dissanayake and Jennifer Price, with Moss Adams, about the direct and indirect effects of climate change on business, along with the physical impacts and economic hazards. Here are their insights