The Impact of Nutrition and Physical Activity Education on the Knowledge, Attitude, and Behavior of Muslim Youth from Various Ethnic Backgrounds

The Islamic Foundation of Lincoln is a growing population within Lincoln including many different racial backgrounds, ethnic identities, and languages. Due to these various backgrounds communication may impair the education of families as well as their attitudes and behaviors. Although there are programs developed for many other minority groups, the Muslim (population comprising the Islamic Foundation of Lincoln) population does not have any data obtained from the community in terms of nutrition and physical activity behaviors, attitudes, and knowledge. This study seeks to understand if there are barriers to communication and if the intervention enhanced nutrition knowledge. This poster reflects the data method collections and purpose of research

The Impact of Nutrition and Physical Activity Education on the Knowledge, Attitude, and Behavior of Muslim Youth from Various Ethnic Backgrounds

The Islamic Foundation of Lincoln is a growing population within Lincoln including many different racial backgrounds, ethnic identities, and languages. Due to these various backgrounds communication may impair the education of families as well as their attitudes and behaviors. Although there are programs developed for many other minority groups, the Muslim (population comprising the Islamic Foundation of Lincoln) population does not have any data obtained from the community in terms of nutrition and physical activity behaviors, attitudes, and knowledge. This study seeks to understand if there are barriers to communication and if the intervention enhanced nutrition knowledge. This poster reflects the data method collections and purpose of research

Provider reported implementation of nutrition-related practices in childcare centers and family childcare homes in rural and urban Nebraska

Approximately 15 million children under age 6 are in childcare settings, offering childcare providers an opportunity to influence children’s dietary intake. Childcare settings vary in organizational structure – childcare centers (CCCs) vs. family childcare homes (FCCHs) – and in geographical location – urban vs. rural. Research on the nutrition-related best practices across these childcare settings is scarce. The objective of this study is to compare nutrition-related best practices of CCCs and FCCHs that participate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) in rural and urban Nebraska. Nebraska providers (urban n = 591; rural n = 579) reported implementation level, implementation difficulty and barriers to implementing evidence-informed food served and mealtime practices. Chi-square tests comparing CCCs and FCCHs in urban Nebraska and CCCs and FCCHs in rural Nebraska showed sub-optimal implementation for some practices across all groups, including limiting fried meats and high sugar/ high fat foods, using healthier foods or non-food treats for celebrations and serving meals family style. Significant differences (p \u3c .05) between CCCs and FCCHs also emerged, especially with regard to perceived barriers to implementing best practices. For example, CCCs reported not having enough money to cover the cost of meals for providers, lack of control over foods served and storage problems, whereas FCCHs reported lack of time to prepare healthier foods and sit with children during mealtimes. Findings suggest that policy and public health interventions may need to be targeted to address the unique challenges of implementing evidence-informed practices within different organizational structures and geographic locations

Exploring Antibiotic Resistance and Exopolysaccharide Production in Bacillus Paramycoides from Wastewater

Antibiotics have been found extensively in the environment, particularly in groundwater, sediments, and surface water. The purpose of this study was to isolate and identify antibiotic-resistant bacteria from wastewater collected from sewage (Sher Shah Colony, Raiwind) and an industrial area (Hudiara Drain Gajju Matta) in Lahore. Ten bacterial strains (Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4, Z5, Z6, Z7, Z8, Z9, and Z10) were isolated from the samples. All of these strains were gram-positive. Antibiotic resistance profiling showed that strain Z1 was most resistant to ampicillin (1500 μg/ml) among all of the antibiotics (tetracycline, penicillin, erythromycin, and chloramphenicol) that were tested. A growth curve study revealed that these strains showed constitutive enzyme activity. Exopolysaccharide (EPS) production of strains Z1 and Z3 was 1.34±0.010 g/L and 1.35±0.011 g/L, respectively, under non stress conditions, while in the presence of ampicillin stress, strain Z1 produced higher EPS (1.61±0.017 g/L) than strain Z3 (0.85±0.012 g/L). Thin layer chromatography (TLC) analysis of the extracted EPS of strain Z1 showed that it contained carbohydrates and amino acids. Fourier transform Infrared (FTIR) study of EPS produced by strain Z1 showed that it is made up of many different functional groups, including alkenes, alkynes, and carboxylic acids. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealed that EPS became firmly connected to the cells in the presence of stress. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain Z1 (OR177988) showed 100% homology with the Bacillus paramycoides (MCCC1A04098). The findings contribute to the understanding of the microbial ecology of wastewater systems and highlight the need for further research on biofouling, bacterial adaptability, and the potential implications for public health and the environment

Comparison Between Static and Dynamic Spica Cast for Closed Reduction Cases of DDH: A Short-Term Follow-Up

Background: developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a typical childhood disease that, if left untreated, can lead to early-onset osteoarthritis. Closed reduction and spica casting are the first line of treatment for infants aged 6-18 months. Static and dynamic spica casts are the two primary treatment method used in practice, but the evidence is mixed as to which method provides the best outcomes. Methods: This prospective, randomized, controlled trial compared static and dynamic spica casting in 98 DDH patients from Kurdistan, Iraq. Patients were divided into dynamic and static groups. The hip was follow-up ed by using radiographic parameters such as the acetabular index and Tonnis grade. Treatment success was defined as a favorable hip outcome after one year. Results: There was no significant difference in treatment success between the groups, with 68% of patients in both groups achieving normal hip modification. However, the dynamic cast group had significantly better acetabular indices at 3, 6, and 12 months, and all of them were done under general anesthesia (GA), better hygiene, better caring and more comfortable parents with less cost. Conclusions: Static and dynamic spica casting have similar short-term clinical success rates for DDH, but dynamic casting produces better radiographic outcomes, especially in infants younger than 1. Longer-term studies are needed to determine possible radiographic improvement and whether dynamic type translate into better clinical outcomes since its more comfortable for parent, with less cost

The perception of school food-service professionals on the implementation of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010: a mixed-methods study

Objective: To: (i) understand the nutrition attitudes, self-efficacy, knowledge and practices of school food-service personnel (SFP) in Nebraska and (ii) identify potential barriers that schools face in offering healthy school meals that meet the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) nutrition standards. Design: Convergent parallel mixed-methods study. Setting: Kindergarten–12th grade schools in Nebraska, USA. Participants: SFP (260 survey participants; fifteen focus group participants) working at schools that participate in the USDA National School Lunch Program. Results: Mixed-methods themes identified include: (i) ‘Mixed attitudes towards healthy meals’, which captured a variety of conflicting positive and negative attitudes depending on the situation; (ii) ‘Positive practices to promote healthy meals’, which captured offering, serving and promotion practices; (iii) ‘Mixed nutrition-related knowledge’, which captured the variations in knowledge depending on the nutrition concept; and (iv) ‘Complex barriers’, which captured challenges with time, support and communication. Conclusions: The study produced relevant findings to address the barriers identified by SFP. Implementing multicomponent interventions and providing training to SFP may help reduce some of the identified barriers of SFP

Exploring rural and urban Go NAP SACC trained child care providers perceptions and needs regarding the promotion of physical activity and healthy eating

Introduction: Early childhood is an optimal time to support the development of physical activity and healthy eating behaviors. As over half of children are cared for in family child care homes and child care centers it is crucial to ensure these behaviors are being supported in the childcare setting. One such process that supports provider’s education and implementation of healthy behaviors in the childcare setting is the Nutrition and Physical Activity Assessment in Child Care (Go NAP SACC). However, after participation in Go NAP SACC, little is known regarding how to further support providers in their promotion of healthy behaviors. More research is needed in the United States (U.S.), especially in rural populations, to understand providers’ reported perceptions of health behavior promotion after receiving Go NAP SACC training and implementing best practices. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the nutrition and physical activity reported practices and perceptions of U.S. rural and urban providers who had received Go NAP SACC training and implemented Go NAP SACC best practices within the last two years. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were completed with 12 providers (6 rural, 6 urban) in the Midwestern U.S. based on constructs of the Social Cognitive Theory (i.e., personal behaviors, cognitive factors, and socioenvironmental factors). Data were analyzed via immersion and crystallization and validated with reflexivity and peer debriefing. Results: Findings indicated Go NAP SACC trained providers in both rural and urban areas felt they had the resources and knowledge needed to promote physical activity and healthy eating. However, they still struggled with barriers related to adequate space for activity, funding for equipment, parent engagement, and health promotion among staff and parents. Conclusion: Incorporating opportunities for follow-up interactions after initial training may help reduce the barriers that persist after Go NAP SACC training. In addition, future interventions should consider the factors of parent engagement and staff wellness during intervention development and execution

Exploring rural and urban Go NAP SACC trained child care providers perceptions and needs regarding the promotion of physical activity and healthy eating

Introduction: Early childhood is an optimal time to support the development of physical activity and healthy eating behaviors. As over half of children are cared for in family child care homes and child care centers it is crucial to ensure these behaviors are being supported in the childcare setting. One such process that supports provider’s education and implementation of healthy behaviors in the childcare setting is the Nutrition and Physical Activity Assessment in Child Care (Go NAP SACC). However, after participation in Go NAP SACC, little is known regarding how to further support providers in their promotion of healthy behaviors. More research is needed in the United States (U.S.), especially in rural populations, to understand providers’ reported perceptions of health behavior promotion after receiving Go NAP SACC training and implementing best practices. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the nutrition and physical activity reported practices and perceptions of U.S. rural and urban providers who had received Go NAP SACC training and implemented Go NAP SACC best practices within the last two years. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were completed with 12 providers (6 rural, 6 urban) in the Midwestern U.S. based on constructs of the Social Cognitive Theory (i.e., personal behaviors, cognitive factors, and socioenvironmental factors). Data were analyzed via immersion and crystallization and validated with reflexivity and peer debriefing. Results: Findings indicated Go NAP SACC trained providers in both rural and urban areas felt they had the resources and knowledge needed to promote physical activity and healthy eating. However, they still struggled with barriers related to adequate space for activity, funding for equipment, parent engagement, and health promotion among staff and parents. Conclusion: Incorporating opportunities for follow-up interactions after initial training may help reduce the barriers that persist after Go NAP SACC training. In addition, future interventions should consider the factors of parent engagement and staff wellness during intervention development and execution

Personal reflections on basics of research workshop conducted by Journal of Pakistan Medical Association (JPMA)

Recognizing the importance of research in a medicalstudent's life, we were thrilled to volunteer as organizersfor JPMA's research workshop for undergraduate medicalstudents. This five-week long program, held on consecutiveSaturdays, commencing from 18th May 2024, aimed toequip participants with the fundamentals of research. Tomaintain the quality of the workshop, the participant poolwas kept limited to fourteen only. The workshop was heldat the premises of PMA. Every session consisted of twoclasses, each an hour long with a brief lunch break inbetween. Besides broadening our understanding onresearch basics, we hoped to gain valuable leadership andcommunication skills through this organizing experience. Continued..

Assessment of Nutrition Knowledge of Childcare Providers Regarding the Implementation of the 2017 CACFP Meal Pattern Update

Background: With the release of 2017 Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) meal pattern, states need to determine knowledge gaps in order to develop targeted training materials and resources to aid childcare providers in achieving new regulations. Purpose: To assess the nutrition knowledge of childcare providers in regards to the implementation of the 2017 CACFP meal pattern. Methods: Convenience sampling, where CACFP participants (n = 398) completed a self-reported survey at the annual mandatory trainings across the state of Nebraska, was employed in this study. Descriptive statistics including frequencies, means, standard deviations, independent sample t tests, and chi-square tests were used to determine differences in nutrition knowledge by geographical location, for-profit and nonprofit, and program settings. Results: Data obtained from this study indicate that CACFP participants scored low on questions regarding yogurt (30%), juice (35%), breakfast cereal (37%), and whole grain (43%) questions. Data also show that there was no significant difference in levels of knowledge among characteristics and demographics of programs, types of facilities, and geographic locations. Translation to Health Education Practice: The present study results underscore the importance for continued professional development for CACFP participating childcare providers to implement the new CACFP meal pattern for child nutrition standards