Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most prevalent cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Despite the availability of early diagnosis and treatment options, which could potentially increase the 5-year survival rate, the accessibility of such CRC management measures remains limited due to cost barriers and uneven healthcare infrastructure globally. This underscores an urgent need for effective preventive methods and affordable treatments. Cannabidiol (CBD), a compound derived from cannabis, has garnered attention as a potential natural therapeutic agent. This study investigates the influence of CBD on the serotonin pathway and intestinal tumorigenesis. Serotonin, primarily produced in the intestine, is not only a critical neurotransmitter but also has complex and multifaceted biological functions. In this investigation, Caco-2 cells were exposed to CBD, and we observed an increase in serotonin levels. The treatment elevated the expression of several genes related to serotonin such as TPH, SLC6A4, HTR2A, HTR1D, HTR2C, and HTR4, with a notable increase in TPH and HTR2C. Concurrently, CBD exhibited an enhancement in immune response and significant inhibition of the Wnt signaling pathway, implying a protective role of CBD in CRC. Given the dual roles of serotonin in CRC - protective in early stages and promotive in later stages — the interaction between serotonin, the Wnt signaling pathway, and the immune system necessitates further research. Our findings shed new light on the potential role of CBD in inflammatory colorectal tumors, suggesting that CBD could be a promising candidate for CRC immunotherapy. Key words: Canabidiol, Colorectal Cancer, Serotonin pathway, Wnt-signaling.

There is a significant relationship between nutrition, systemic disease, and oral health. The integration of both nutrition and oral health information into educational programs for dental hygiene and nutrition students is vital for each profession. The purpose of this study was to determine the knowledge levels of dental hygiene and nutrition students in regards to content material pertaining to each discipline. This study attempted to provide baseline data for those teaching in ETSU’s Dental Hygiene and Nutrition programs to determine if modifications in the curricula are needed to better prepare future students. Results indicated that there was not a significant difference between the knowledge levels of ETSU senior dental hygiene students and nutrition students. Despite the absence of a statistically significant difference in responses between dental hygiene and nutrition students, evaluating the low scores from each group of students indicated that there is room for improvement. Students demonstrated strong knowledge in some areas and lack of knowledge in other areas in regards to the relationship of diet, nutrition and oral health. Focusing on the areas where the students scored the weakest should be of interest for both programs.

Pantothenic acid nutritional status was evaluated in a cohort of twenty-nine Caucasian pregnant women, aged 20-35, during their third trimester of pregnancy, at two-weeks postpartum and at three months postpartum. Seventeen non-pregnant, non-lactating women who had similar demographic backgrounds as the pregnant women were selected as a control group and followed the same experimental schedule as the pregnant women. A fasting blood sample, two days 24-h urine specimens and diet record were obtained for each of two days from each subject at each period. The mean dietary pantothenic acid intakes of the women during pregnancy (5.30±1.74 mg/day) and during lactation (8.90±11.66 mg/day) were statistically similar to that of the control group (9.63±19.74 mg/day). A substantial number of the study population consumed less than 4 mg pantothenic acid daily. The average of 2.75 mg dietary pantothenic acid intake per 1000 kcal was consistent in all groups. The mean fasting blood level (406.38±78.21 ng/ml) and urinary excretion (3.21±0.88 mg/day, 3.85±1.24 mg/g creatinine) of the pregnant women were significantly lower than those of the control group (530.14±157.90 ng/ml; 4.38±3.69 mg/day, 5.78±4.90 mg/g creatinine). The suppressed panthothenic acid levels in blood and urinary excretion during pregnancy were increased to levels comparable to controls during the nursing period. Pantothenic acid lev~s in the biological fluids correlated significantly with dietary intake. A bound form of pantothenic acid was not detected in the plasma and plasma values were relatively constant. Thus, plasma was suggested as an insensitive indicator of pantotheriic acid nutritional status. The mean pantothenic acid contents of fore and hind milk samples were 2.60 microgram/ml, 2.44 microgram/ml, respectively and were not statistically different. Overall, the pregnant women consumed less than the suggested level of pantothenic acid, maintained lower blood levels and had decreased urinary excretion.

To date, most research in the area of college women and eating disorders has only been conducted to determine the prevalence of eating disorders among selected college subgroups. Although such research is limited, particularly for those women that choose to join social sororities, it generally indicates that sorority women represent a subgroup with high instances of eating disorders and often presents a conflicting view of these women's eating patterns and beliefs regarding weight loss and food. The present study was designed to continue the investigation of sorority women and their eating patterns by conducting a longitudinal study, consisting of five assessments over the course of one academic year, to assess whether the sorority women who are engaging in maladaptive eating behaviors and thought processes had these problems before joining a sorority or developed them later on as a member of the sorority. Specifically, this study was designed to answer the following research questions: First, do sorority women and nonsorority women differ in regards to weight, self-objectification, eating beliefs, or eating disorder symptoms at the start of or throughout the study? Additionally, do these initial reported weights, self-objectification scores, eating beliefs, or eating disorder symptoms vary over time for either group? Finally, is sorority membership a factor in any of these changes? Participants completed self-report measures of weight, eating beliefs (EBQ), eating disorder symptoms (EDDS), and self-objectification (TSOQ). The effects of time were analyzed for sorority members and non-sorority members using a 2 (sorority membership: sorority vs. non-sorority) x 5 (time: August vs. September vs. November vs. February vs. April) repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) approach for the all of the dependent variables. Additionally, the interactions of sorority membership were analyzed. Results indicated there were no significant differences for self-objectification or the eating beliefs subscales of stereotypes, superstitions, or science. However, significant findings were shown for weight, the salves eating belief subscale, and reported eating disorder symptoms across time. Results are discussed in regards to the overall lack of significant differences between the two groups.

A comprehensive analysis of precompetition dietary beliefs and behaviors of competitive bodybuilders has yet to be documented in the literature. The purposes of this study were (a) to quantify and document types of supplements competitive male and female bodybuilders consume, (b) to document how much money they spend on them each month, (c) to describe what dietary modifications and behaviors they follow in preparation for a contest and (d) to describe their nutrition beliefs associated with these habits. Three hundred and nine competitive male and female bodybuilders completed questionnaires regarding their precompetition dietary practices. It was found that bodybuilders consume a wide variety of supplements and use a multitude of dietary training practices which vary depending on the training phase. A large percentage of bodybuilders agreed with statements on supplement use and training practices that are unsubstantiated by scientific research.

Adult Type II diabetes is an increasing public health problem, particularly among very low-income minority populations. The purpose of this study was to create a nutritional guide for a diabetic specific meal plan with an accompanying food pantry nutrition packet for very low-income Type II diabetic patients at a rural Mississippi Free Clinic. The practice-focused question is: Will a nurse-prepared nutritional guide with supplemental food packets improve the glucose control in low income diabetic patients? The gap in practice is that there has been no structured nutrition education guide and no food pantry support plan for Type II adult diabetics. The theoretical framework is Cockerham's health lifestyle theory. A project goal was to prepare food packets specific to the Type II diabetic patients proved not viable due to limited donations of food resources, no regular source of fresh foods, and limited refrigeration space at the food pantry. However, education resources were developed for meal planning using the glycemic index, integration of cultural food preferences, and simple food log for the patient to chart daily meals. Recommendations include program evaluation of the use of these educational materials on patient A1c levels and weight in this population. The food pantry can offer diabetic specific meal packets with community social investment. Social change is addressing self-management of nutritional needs of very low income diabetic patients. Implication for nursing practice includes promotion of dialogue amongst different disciplines interested in the nutritional aspect of improving A1c and glucose levels.

There is a lack of diversity in health professionals across the United States of America, which is also reflected in the lack of minorities in the field of nutrition and dietetics. Although minorities face higher occurrences of lifestyle illnesses, most health care team members do not look like them, which often leads to health care inequities. Dietetics education programs in the United States have progressively shown a decrease in the recruitment and retention of minority dietetic students (MDS). The lack of minority dietitians not only impacts the profession at present, but it also influences the recruitment and retention of future minority dietitians. The purpose of this phenomenological qualitative study was to explore the perceptions that minority registered dietitians/nutritionists (RDN) have about the recruitment and retention of minority nutrition and dietetics students. Interviews were conducted with 21 minority participants who graduated and obtained their registered dietitian nutritionist credential in 2019 or after. Informed by Tinto's model of student retention and Schlossberg's Transition Theory, a thematic analysis of the interviews was conducted that revealed three major themes (i.e., factors) that influence the recruitment, enrollment, and retention of minority students in nutrition programs: i) Having a strong passion for health sciences and nutrition, ii) Lacking recruitment strategies in program, and iii) Building a network from different cultures with different experiences. Stakeholders and researchers need to be intentional to ensure minorities are recruited, retained, and successfully pass the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist.

Abstract Parenting Nutrition Skills Workshops: An Evaluation of Facilitated Group Discussions to Enhance Parenting Nutrition Self-Efficacy By: Lisa Dawes, RD, CDE This research study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of using facilitated group discussion (FGD), a less traditional method of nutrition education, for increasing parents’ feelings of self-efficacy in their ability to make nutrition-related decisions, and to set and enforce nutrition-related boundaries with their children. Childhood obesity is on the rise; poor food choices, portion control, and inactivity are identified as contributing causes. Parents play a major role in creating healthy habits and providing a well-balanced diet for their children. Caregivers who act as the nutrition and behavior gatekeepers were targeted in this intervention. The objective of the current study was to enhance parenting nutrition education and identify barriers to healthy feeding practices in order to optimize nutrition and eating behavior. Twenty-one parents and three grandparents (n = 24) of preschool and school-aged children participated in one-hour FGD parenting nutrition skills workshops. Parent volunteers participated in one of four workshops in a Central California community. Prior to the workshop, topics for discussion were chosen from common feeding issues determined in the literature such as food-related decisions at various locations (home, school, dining out, on the road); feeding jags; and dealing with a picky eater. Parents completed validated questionnaires both before and immediately following the workshops. Two weeks after the workshops, parents were interviewed by telephone to measure longer-term impact of the FGD. Pre- and post-workshop questionnaires demonstrated that mean self-confidence levels significantly increased for the ability to set and enforce nutrition-related boundaries for their children directly after, and two weeks after participating in the FGD. Parents also demonstrated an increase in mean self-confidence levels in their ability to purchase nutritious foods and offer those foods to their children two weeks after participating in the FGD. Behaviors associated with an authoritative parenting style—such as modeling healthy eating; encouraging healthy food intake; and offering healthy foods without forcing the child to eat—were significantly higher two weeks after participating in the FGD. Significance may be attributed to the method of information delivery (FGD), the curriculum Feeding the Kids (FtK), or authoritative parents being more receptive to receiving new information, or a combination of all three. Overall, research results suggest that the use of FGD, coupled with a visual tool such as the Chat Mat created for this project, increased parents’ feelings of self-efficacy and elicited positive nutrition-related behaviors in adopting healthy feeding strategies for their children. Keywords: Nutrition education, facilitated group discussion, self-efficacy, parenting styles, feeding strategies, parenting nutrition skills

Nannies impact the development of children; however, research is nonexistent regarding their influence on children’s eating habits. The purpose of this study was to examine nannies’ nutrition knowledge, feeding behaviors, and beliefs about children and eating. In a descriptive, cross-sectional study, 83 nannies responded to an electronic survey. Respondents were White (94%, n=78), females (100%, n=83) and full-time employees (73.2%, n=60) of one family (82.1%, n=64). Nannies’ mean raw score was 24 out of 32 points resulting In 75% correct in nutrition knowledge. No significant correlations were found between scores and age (p=.51), education (/?=.73), or employment years (/?=.47). Responses to interaction statements indicated more authoritarian (35.8%, n=24) and indulgent (32.8%, n=22) feeding styles towards children than authoritative (14.9%, n=10) or uninvolved (16.4%, n=ll). Nannies believed that parents/guardians (66%, n=45) had the greatest influence on children’s eating habits, however, perceived they had high influence (79.4%, n=54). Although nannies exhibited average nutrition knowledge, their authoritarian and indulgent feeding styles may result in poor nutritional habits for the children. While it is important for nannies to attend nutrition education sessions, it is vital for nannies to obtain knowledge on how the various feeding styles affect a child’s nutrition. ­

A study was made of the adaptation to dietary protein of nitrogenous components in blood and urine of rats and humans. Forty-four mature male rats "ere adapted to a low protein diet (10 per cent casein diet) for three weeks before they were divided into two groups. Four rats were then killed for a control, and twenty of the remaining rats were switched to a high protein diet (40 per cent casein diet) and the other twenty continued to be fed the low protein diet. Four rats fed each level of protein were killed 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 days after they were divided into two groups. A study similar to that carried out on rats was conducted on six male college students who were living in the same unit of a cooking dormitory. Blood and urine samples were taken when they were eating a normal diet as a control and then they were adapted on a low protein dict providing 12 per cent of the calories as protein for two weeks. They were then switched to a high protein diet containing 30 per cent protein calories for four consecutive days. The rats fed the 40 per cent casein diet had a higher rate of weight gain and increased amounts of urine per 24 hours than the rats fed the 10 per cent casein diet. Urinary output of the human subjects on the diets containing 30 per cent protein calories was greater than when they received the 12 per cent protein calorie diet. There was a significant increase in total nitrogen and urea in serum and urine of rats and humans as the dietary protein level increased. The urinary excretion of uric acid, of creatinine in humans, and of urinary amino nitrogen and total serum protein in rats and humans were also increased appreciably as the protein intake increased. Ko significant effects or trends in serum amino nitrogen of humans, or serum creatinine in rats or humans were observed with the change in the level of dietary protein. The high casein diet fed to rats reduced the excretion of creatinine and serum uric acid, while the high meat intake increased the excretion of creatinine and of uric acid in the humans. It was also found that there was a high negative correlation between serum uric acid and urinary uric acid of rats, and between serum amino nitrogen and urinary amino nitrogen of human subjects. This study indicates that the body rapidly adjusts to an altered level of protein intake by changing the level of nitrogenous components in blood and urine.