Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Carel-Peter L. Van Erpecum, Sander K. R. van Zon, Ute Bultmann, Nynke Smidt
Summary: The study found that fast-food outlets within 1 km of residential addresses have an impact on BMI in both urban and rural areas; in urban areas, people living within 250 m of a fast-food outlet have a higher BMI, while in rural areas, having a fast-food outlet within 500 m is associated with higher BMI.
PREVENTIVE MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Zuzanna Osiecka, Bernadette A. Fausto, Joshua L. Gills, Neha Sinha, Steven K. Malin, Mark A. Gluck
Summary: Excess body weight is associated with increased risk of Alzheimer's disease in older African Americans. More research is needed to understand the relationship between mid-life and late-life obesity and AD, as well as the interaction with the APOE-ε4 gene.
FRONTIERS IN AGING NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mohammad Y. Anwar, Laura M. Raffield, Leslie A. Lange, Adolfo Correa, Kira C. Taylor
Summary: The study suggests that genetic factors influence adiposity patterns in African Americans, with genetic risk scores being associated with different adiposity measures. Increases in body fat percentage are strongly linked to subcutaneous adiposity rather than visceral adiposity.
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Anda Botoseneanu, Sheila Markwardt, Corey L. Nagel, Heather G. Allore, Jason T. Newsom, David A. Dorr, Ana R. Quinones
Summary: This study found that obesity and multimorbidity are more prevalent among racial/ethnic minority groups in the United States. Non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic participants had higher rates of overweight and obesity compared to non-Hispanic White participants. The accumulation of chronic diseases was faster in the obese class 2/3 and marginally in the obese class 1 categories. Black participants across BMI categories had a higher initial burden and faster accumulation of disease over time, while Hispanics had a lower initial burden and similar rate of accumulation compared with Whites. Black participants, including those with normal BMI, reached the multimorbidity threshold 5-6 years earlier than White participants.
JOURNALS OF GERONTOLOGY SERIES A-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES AND MEDICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Montserrat A. Corbera-Hincapie, Kristen S. Kurland, Mark R. Hincapie, Anthony Fabio, Daniel J. Weiner, Sandra C. Kim, Traci M. Kazmerski
Summary: Food insecurity, particularly in food deserts, is associated with lower body mass index/weight-for-length in pediatric CF patients. Interventions to increase access to healthy and affordable food are essential to improve CF outcomes in these populations. Providers should routinely screen for food insecurity and proximity to food deserts in CF patients.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Sondos M. Flieh, Maria L. Miguel-Berges, Esther M. Gonzalez-Gil, Frederic Gottrand, Laura Censi, Kurt Widhalm, Yannis Manios, Anthony Kafatos, Denes Molnar, Jean Dallongeville, Peter Stehle, Marcela Gonzalez-Gross, Ascension Marcos, Stefaan De Henauw, Cristina Molina-Hidalgo, Inge Huybrechts, Luis A. Moreno
Summary: The study found an association between portion sizes of energy-dense foods and obesity in European adolescents. In males, consuming breakfast cereals and carbonated soft drinks was associated with higher BMI, while in females, consuming bread and rolls was associated with higher probability of obesity. Eating sweet bakery products was linked to a lower probability of obesity in females.
Letter
Medicine, General & Internal
David A. Gorelick
Summary: This comprehensive review of human adipose tissue fails to mention the role of the endocannabinoid system in fat metabolism. The endogenous cannabinoids and their receptors, found in both white and brown fat, have been recognized as key players in adipose tissue metabolism. Rimonabant, an inverse agonist of cannabinoid receptor type 1, has shown promising effects as a therapeutic target for obesity, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance, although its clinical use was discontinued due to neuropsychiatric side effects.
NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Carel-Peter L. van Erpecum, Sander K. R. van Zon, Tian Xie, Harold Snieder, Ute Bultmann, Nynke Smidt
Summary: This study investigated the associations between exposure to fast-food outlets and BMI and BMI change. The results showed that participants who lived within 1 km of ≥1 fast-food outlet had higher BMI, and those who lived within 1 km of ≥2 fast-food outlets had greater increases in BMI. The effects were largest among young adults, especially those with medium or high genetic predisposition.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Lucy W. Kibe, Katrina Schrode, Mohsen Bazargan, Magda Shaheen
Summary: A high quality diet is crucial for the wellbeing and health of older African Americans, but the COVID-19 pandemic has had negative effects on their food insecurity and food environment. Although overall dietary quality is suboptimal, most participants meet the guidelines for fruit and vegetable consumption.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Elizabeth C. Koller, Leonard E. Egede, Emma Garacci, Joni S. Williams
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate gender differences in the relationship between food insecurity and BMI. Hierarchical models were analyzed, stratified by gender and covariates were entered sequentially in blocks. The results showed that food insecure women had significantly higher BMI compared to food secure women, while no significant association was found in men.
JOURNAL OF GENERAL INTERNAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Michela Masi-Leone, Stephen Arpadi, Chloe Teasdale, Katharine A. Yuengling, Anthony Mutiti, Mary Mogashoa, Emilia D. Rivadeneira, Elaine J. Abrams, Jennifer Jao
Summary: This study found that higher viral load at ART initiation was associated with poorer growth and lipid outcomes over time for CLHIV under 3 years old. For those aged 3 and above, the increase in pretreatment viral load was linked to different patterns in growth indicators, highlighting the need for individualized interventions based on age groups.
PEDIATRIC INFECTIOUS DISEASE JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Victoria Diana Cruz Flisco, Ciara O'Shea, Claire Townsend Ing, Carol J. Boushey, Pallav Pokhrel
Summary: This study aimed to investigate ethnic differences in the association between fast-food advertising (FFA) exposure and body mass index (BMI) in a predominantly Asian American/Pacific Islander (AAPI) young adult population. The results showed a significant association between higher FFA exposure and higher BMI in the entire sample. However, when examined by ethnic group, the association was not statistically significant. Ethnicity had a significant effect on BMI, with Native Hawaiian/other Pacific Islanders (NHPI) having the highest mean BMI.
OBESITY RESEARCH & CLINICAL PRACTICE
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Economics & Policy
Faqin Lin, Rui Wang, Yutong Lv, Feng Kuo
Summary: This study examines the effect of proximity to US fast-food restaurants on obesity in China and finds evidence that exposure to Kentucky Fried Chicken or McDonald's has an adverse effect on obesity. The pro-obesity effects are more pronounced among lower educated individuals.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Dominika Guzek, Dominika Glabska
Summary: Food neophobia and familiarity with French cuisine may influence food choices within a French restaurant menu. The study found that individuals with high food neophobia were less likely to choose dishes with neophobic components, while those familiar with French cuisine were more likely to choose dishes with animal-based components.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Emiliano Lopez Barrera, Thomas Hertel
Summary: Present food consumption patterns will intensify pressure on natural resources and lead to poor nutrition at both low and high levels of calorie consumption. A fully integrated framework analysis shows that excessive caloric intake increases body mass index levels and the risk of various diseases. Changes in food purchasing, such as reducing food waste and excessive food intake, are more impactful in improving food affordability and reducing cropland expansion than changes in dietary composition. This study highlights the global health challenge of malnutrition and the importance of healthier diets and reduced food waste in achieving both health and environmental benefits by 2050.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Isabel Martinez Leal, Jayda Martinez, Maggie Britton, Tzuan A. Chen, Virmarie Correa-Fernandez, Bryce Kyburz, Vijay Nitturi, Ezemenari M. Obasi, Kelli Drenner, Teresa Williams, Kathleen Casey, Brian J. Carter, Lorraine R. Reitzel
Summary: Individuals with behavioral health conditions, especially those within local mental health authorities, often lack tobacco dependence treatment due to a lack of training and knowledge. Taking Texas Tobacco-Free (TTTF) developed a train-the-trainer program to embed expertise and education on tobacco-free workplace policies. Through interviews and analysis, key factors for successful program implementation were identified, including peer support, building knowledge and confidence, informative curriculum, staying up to date with research, and responsive coaching from the TTTF team.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ammar D. Siddiqi, Maggie Britton, Tzuan A. Chen, Brian J. Carter, Carol Wang, Isabel Martinez Leal, Anastasia Rogova, Bryce Kyburz, Teresa Williams, Mayuri Patel, Lorraine R. Reitzel
Summary: 80% of surveyed centers mandated tobacco use screenings, which were significantly more likely to have hard stops for tobacco use status in health records and marginally more likely to provide training on tobacco screening to providers. The most common barriers to tobacco use disorder care provision were competing diagnoses, lack of community resources, perceived lack of time, provider knowledge/confidence, and patient compliance.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Anastasia Rogova, Isabel Martinez Leal, Maggie Britton, Shine Chang, Kamisha H. Escoto, Kayce D. Solari Williams, Crystal Roberson, Lorna H. McNeill, Lorraine R. Reitzel
Summary: This qualitative study explores the value of mentored research experience in an NCI-funded research training program aiming to increase representation of racial and ethnic minorities, as well as women scientists, in cancer disparities research. The study identifies five key factors for building successful mentoring relationships and discusses the challenges and benefits of in-person versus virtual program delivery.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Substance Abuse
Michael J. Zvolensky, Brooke Y. Kauffman, Lorra Garey, Julia D. Buckner, Michael S. Businelle, Lorraine R. Reitzel
Summary: The study found that greater financial strain among African American/Black adults was associated with more cannabis use problems and greater perceived barriers for cannabis cessation, independent of other relevant factors such as age, sex, income, and education.
JOURNAL OF ETHNICITY IN SUBSTANCE ABUSE
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Chloe S. Fleming, Seann D. Regan, Amy Freitag, Heidi Burkart
Summary: Stakeholder engagement is crucial in climate vulnerability research to enhance understanding of the unevenly distributed impacts in coastal communities. However, stakeholder feedback is often not fully incorporated into the research process.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Brian J. Carter, Tzuan A. Chen, Dalnim Cho, Shahnjayla K. Connors, Ammar D. Siddiqi, Lorna H. McNeill, Lorraine R. Reitzel
Summary: Black women have a higher breast cancer mortality rate compared to white women, but early detection through mammography can improve survival outcomes. This study found that women who obtained cancer information from the internet were less likely to have received a mammogram. Encouraging black church-going women to seek information from healthcare providers can help promote the use of mammography.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Cassidy R. LoParco, Tzuan A. Chen, Isabel Martinez Leal, Maggie Britton, Brian J. Carter, Virmarie Correa-Fernandez, Bryce Kyburz, Teresa Williams, Kathleen Casey, Anastasia Rogova, Hsien-Chang Lin, Lorraine R. Reitzel
Summary: This study examined the relationship between provider beliefs, self-efficacy, and barriers to addressing tobacco use and changes in the delivery of smoking intervention in substance use treatment centers. The results showed that centers with providers who had less agreement and lower self-efficacy at pre-implementation were associated with significant increases in asking patients about smoking, assessing interest in quitting, and assisting with a quit attempt. Centers that reported more barriers at pre-implementation and had greater reductions in reported barriers over time had greater increases in assessing patients' interest in quitting smoking and assisting with a quit attempt.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Brian J. Carter, Lorraine R. Reitzel, Tzuan A. Chen, LeChauncy Woodard, Ezemenari M. Obasi
Summary: The U54 research center at the University of Houston, funded by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, addresses racial/ethnic health disparities related to cancer and substance abuse, particularly through its Community Engagement Core. This core involves the impacted community in the research process through strategies such as implementing community advisory boards, assisting with study design and execution, maintaining a social media presence, and publishing health-related videos. The early effectiveness of these strategies shows that they are successfully building trusting relationships between researchers and community members.
HEALTH BEHAVIOR AND POLICY REVIEW
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Kayce D. Solari D. Williams, Kamisha Hamilton Escoto, Crystal Roberson, Kathy Le, Lorraine R. Reitzel, Lorna H. McNeill, Shine Chang
Summary: This article discusses a comprehensive research training program in cancer disparities in the United States, which includes learning opportunities, mentorship research, professional development training, and support measures to prepare students and early career scientists for research careers in cancer disparities.
JOURNAL OF CANCER EDUCATION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Midhat Z. Jafry, Sean M. Reuven, Maggie Britton, Tzuan A. Chen, Isabel Martinez Leal, Anastasia Rogova, Bryce Kyburz, Teresa Williams, Mayuri Patel, Lorraine R. Reitzel
Summary: The rates of non-cigarette tobacco use are higher among adults with behavioral health conditions. This study examined the use of brief interventions by behavioral health providers for other tobacco use and identified factors associated with the use of these interventions. The results showed that provider beliefs, perceived skills, and referral knowledge were significantly associated with the use of 5As (Ask, Advise, Assess, Assist, and Arrange). The findings highlight the importance of these factors in increasing the delivery of interventions for other tobacco use in behavioral health settings.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Michael J. Zvolensky, Justin M. Shepherd, Bryce K. Clausen, Lorra Garey, Brooke Y. Kauffman, Andres G. Viana, Luke F. Heggeness, Andre Bizier, Christopher Zappi, Lorraine R. Reitzel
Summary: This study examined the impact of smoking abstinence expectancies on smoking behavior among Latinx smokers in the US. Negative abstinence expectancies were positively associated with cigarette dependence, number of quit attempts, and problems experienced when quitting, while positive abstinence expectancies were negatively associated with these smoking variables. Anxiety symptoms and anxiety sensitivity were related to negative mood abstinence expectancies, and anxiety sensitivity was associated with greater abstinence expectancies for somatic and harmful symptoms, but negatively related to positive consequence abstinence expectancies.
COGNITIVE THERAPY AND RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Matthew Taing, Kathy Le, Maggie Britton, Tzuan A. Chen, Michael C. Parent, Irene Tami-Maury, Isabel Martinez Leal, Anastasia Rogova, Bryce Kyburz, Teresa Williams, Mayuri Patel, Lorraine R. Reitzel
Summary: This study evaluated the use of evidence-based practices for smoking cessation in behavioral healthcare centers serving sexual and gender minority populations in Texas. The findings suggest opportunities for improving policy implementation, standardization and usage of evidence-based interventions, and intervention tailoring for this population.
HEALTH BEHAVIOR AND POLICY REVIEW
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Dustin T. Duncan, Stephanie H. Cook, Erica P. Wood, Seann D. Regan, Basile Chaix, Yijun Tian, Rumi Chunara
Summary: Research suggests that structural racism and homophobia are associated with mental well-being. This study used geo-located social media to measure place-based negative racial and sexual-orientation sentiment as a proxy for discrimination. The results showed that there was a non-linear relationship between place-based negative racial sentiment and mental well-being among young sexual minority men (YSMM), and the relationship varied by race/ethnicity.
SOCIAL SCIENCE & MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Maggie Britton, Tzuan A. Chen, Isabel Martinez Leal, Anastasia Rogova, Bryce Kyburz, Teresa Williams, Mayuri Patel, Randa El-Zein, Eric H. Bernicker, Lisa M. Lowenstein, Lorraine R. Reitzel
Summary: This study examined the lung cancer screening practices of Texas healthcare organizations serving individuals with substance use disorders. The findings showed that only a few organizations were determining eligibility and making referrals for lung cancer screening. Intervention and implementation efforts are needed to increase capacity and ensure patients receive screening at multiple touch points in the healthcare continuum.
Meeting Abstract
Oncology
Brian J. Carter, Tzuan A. Chen, Dalnim Cho, Lorna H. McNeill, Shahnjayla K. Connors, Lorraine R. Reitzel
CANCER EPIDEMIOLOGY BIOMARKERS & PREVENTION
(2023)
