Stephanie Bell Jilcott Pitts

Background: The reflection spectroscopy (RS)-based skin carotenoid score (SCS) has been validated to assess carotenoid intake. However, associations between the SCS and individual dietary carotenoid species have been inconsistently reported in the previous literature. This study examined the utility of using a carotenoid screener along with RS to assess individual dietary carotenoid species intake among U.S. adults. Methods: Adults (N = 280) from eight U.S. sites completed a 44-item carotenoid intake screener to estimate total and individual dietary carotenoid intake (α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein + zeaxanthin, and lycopene) over the past 7 days. Each participant’s SCS was measured using two Veggie Meter^® devices. Spearman’s Rank correlation tests and linear mixed models with a random intercept for site were conducted. Results: Mean (± Standard Deviations) carotenoid intake ranged from 21,226.8 ± 9914.1 to 28,863.5 ± 22,462.2 µg/day, and mean SCS ranged from 229.2 ± 72.3 to 325.6 ± 94.1 across the eight sites. Participants’ SCS was significantly associated with self-reported total carotenoids (mg)/week (r_s = 0.2 and B = 0.11; p < 0.01) and with all individual carotenoids (r_s ranged from 0.15 to 0.23, p < 0.01; B ranged from 0.11 to 21.1, p < 0.01), except lycopene. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that combining the carotenoid intake screener with RS may offer a practical approach for assessing individual carotenoid species intake in adults.

Background/Objectives: Early childhood is an important period when growth and adiposity patterns emerge and may persist into later childhood. Children enrolled in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) face elevated obesity risk. We characterized BMI-for-age z-score (BMIz) trajectories from 24 to 60 months and their child-, caregiver-, and household-level correlates. Methods: This was a secondary analysis of the WIC Infant and Toddler Feeding Practices Study-2 (ITFPS-2) public-use dataset. We analyzed 5,583 BMIz observations from 2,247 dyads; adjusted models used 4,314 observations from 1,738 children. Linear mixed-effects models tested individual, interpersonal, and household predictors. Restriction and pressure-to-eat were lagged, time-varying exposures. Results: Mean BMIz was elevated at all waves (0.46 to 0.56). Obesity prevalence rose from 15.4% to 18.5%. Unconditionally, BMIz was stable from 24 to 48 months and rose by 60 months. Adjusted models linked higher BMIz to higher birth weight, Hispanic or Latino ethnicity, birth complications, maternal overweight or obesity, paternal overweight, prenatal smoking, adolescent maternal age, and lower maternal education. Male sex was associated with lower BMIz. Prior-wave restriction was associated with higher, and pressure to eat with modestly lower, subsequent BMIz. Household indicators showed no independent association. Conclusions: Caregiver and perinatal characteristics and feeding practices were the most consistent modifiable correlates of late-preschool BMIz. These observational, complete-case findings warrant caution. The 48–60-month window may be a promising period to target for WIC-based obesity prevention.

Obesity is associated with systemic inflammation, increasing chronic disease risk. Carotenoids possess anti-inflammatory properties, yet the short-term imp

Context: Environmental health (EH) professionals play a critical role in the US public health workforce, performing a wide range of duties aimed at safeguarding community health. As the US population diversifies, the EH workforce needs to be culturally competent and reflective of this diversity. Current data show a predominantly White EH workforce, which may hinder the effectiveness and equity of public health interventions. Objective: The aims of this study were to assess EH professionals’ perceptions of organizational commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), identify influencing factors, and examine the relationship between these perceptions and job satisfaction, engagement, and retention. Methods: This study utilized data from the 2021 Public Health Workforce Interests and Needs Survey (PH WINS), targeting 137 447 public health workers with a response rate of 35% (n = 44 732). The survey included Likert scale questions to measure workplace satisfaction, awareness of DEI concepts, confidence in addressing DEI issues, and perceptions of organizational effectiveness in DEI. Results: Significant demographic disparities between BIPOC and White EH workers were identified. BIPOC workers were more prevalent in lower salary brackets and non-permanent roles, while White workers dominated supervisory and executive positions. Workplace satisfaction was similar across groups, but BIPOC workers reported lower pay satisfaction and job security. Awareness of DEI concepts was high among both groups, but BIPOC workers showed greater confidence in addressing health equity and structural racism. Perceptions of organizational effectiveness in DEI varied, with BIPOC workers perceiving a lower organizational commitment to DEI. Conclusions: These findings underscore the need for targeted DEI training, equitable workplace policies, and an inclusive organizational culture. Longitudinal research is recommended to track DEI progress and its impact on public health outcomes. Addressing DEI disparities within the EH workforce is critical for enhancing public health interventions and outcomes.