Background: Colon cancer (CC) risk is increased by behavioral factors including a diet high in red meat (RM) and processed meat; excess adiposity has contributed to a rise in CC in younger adults. The willingness of at-risk adults to modify behaviors to reduce CC risk warrants further investigation. Methods: The previously validated Dietary Habits and Colon Cancer Beliefs Survey (DHCCBS) was used to assess attitudes and beliefs related to CC risk and diet behavior. An abbreviated food frequency questionnaire was included in the survey to quantify RM and green leafy vegetable (GLV) intake over the previous 30 days. Independent samples t-tests compared RM and GLV intake and DHCCBS responses. One-way analysis of variance with post-hoc LSD correction was completed to assess these differences within three age groups (<35, 35-44, and 45-54 years old) and between U.S. Census Bureau geographical regions. Results: 838 survey responses were analyzed. Perceived severity of CC diagnosis was significantly lower in younger adults (<35) compared to older adults (35-44, p=0.042; 45-54, p=0.003). Furthermore, younger adults (<35) perceived fewer barriers (i.e. taste preference) to GLV consumption than their older adult counterparts (35-44, p=0.019; 45-54, p=0.002). Few regional differences in habitual RM consumption were observed, however, several disparities were observed with GLV. Conclusion: These findings from the DHCCBS indicate health beliefs towards CC risk are influenced by an individual’s age and dietary habits. Additionally, regional differences in GLV consumption indicate opportunities for risk-reduction-focused health messages, particularly in the southern United States where CC incidence and mortality are highest.
Objective: Altering the gut microflora may produce health benefits in individuals suffering from mood disorders. The purpose of this review was to evaluate the efficacy of probiotics, prebiotics, or synbiotics as a potential treatment for symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress (as psychobiotics).Methods: Google Scholar, PubMed, PsychINFO, and Web of Science were utilized to identify and evaluate studies through October 31, 2019. Studies were included if subjects were evaluated for altered mood or stress levels at start of the study and consumed probiotics, prebiotics, and/or synbiotics for intervention.Results: Search results yielded 142 articles, while only 12 studies met all inclusion criteria. Nine of the 12 studies identified evaluated the efficacy of various probiotic strains, while only two evaluated synbiotics and one evaluated prebiotics. Six out of 12 studies found probiotics to reduce depression, while two studies found probiotics to reduce anxiety.Discussion: Translational research in this field is limited and further investigation of the efficacy of psychobiotics in mood disorders is warranted.
OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Minimal human investigations have assessed the effect of synbiotics (combination of pre- and probiotics) on anxiety symptoms, despite evidence from preclinical research. Our study aimed to determine the feasibility of a randomized, placebo-controlled trial utilizing synbiotics to reduce anxiety symptoms in older female breast cancer survivors. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: We aimed to recruit older female breast cancer survivors experiencing anxiety symptoms to a 4-week randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. At commencement of the project, participants were eligible if they : 1) were 50-75 years old; 2) completed primary treatment for breast cancer; 3) were experiencing clinical anxiety symptoms 4) agreed to not change dietary supplements 5) were willing to comply with daily supplement regimen; and 6) were able to read and speak English. Use of anxiolytic or microbiome-altering medications, or changes to anxiety treatment within 4 weeks of enrollment were criteria for exclusion. Due to budgetary limitations, we were unable to recruit from state cancer registries, and instead recruited via newspaper advertisements and flyer distribution. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: One participant has successfully been recruited and completed the duration of the clinical trial, and two others have expressed interest but were deemed ineligible. Barriers in recruitment resulted in the following modifications to protocol: we expanded our eligibility criteria by removing the upper age limit (now 50+ years old) and now are recruiting females with a personal or family history of breast cancer. We partnered with the Spencer Cancer Center of East Alabama Health to aid in recruitment. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Integrative approaches to improved patient outcomes are needed, however, recruitment remains a paramount barrier for clinical trials. Addressing our issues for recruitment has opened eligibility to more individuals and allows us to continue our investigations, answer our research questions, and advance translational science.
To characterize dietary patterns and examine associations with cross-sectional and longitudinal changes in quality of life (QOL) over approximately one year after colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnosis.
In March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic led to restricted vocational (Voc-PA) and recreational physical activity (Rec-PA) outside of the home. We conducted a nation-wide survey in the United States (US) during the mitigation peak of the pandemic (June 2020) to assess health-related changes from the previous year. A diet quality (DQ) assessment tool weighted the relative healthfulness of eating occasions from foods prepared-at-home (Home) and away-from-home (Away). Previously-validated instruments assessed PA and demographic variables; height/weight were self-reported to calculate body mass index (BMI). T-tests explored longitudinal, between-sex, and obesity status differences in DQ, PA, and BMI; Pearson correlations explored associations. Of 1648 respondents, 814 valid responses (56.8% female, 81.7% white) were analyzed. Overall and Home DQ was higher for females than males in 2020 (p < 0.001 for both). Respondents increased DQ from 2019 to 2020, primarily from Away (p < 0.001 for both sexes). Total Rec-PA and Voc-PA was higher in males (p = 0.002, p < 0.001) than females in 2020; females reported higher other PA (p = 0.001). Change in BMI was inversely associated with change in both DQ and PA (p < 0.001 for both). In this sample of US adults, early adaptations to the COVID-19 pandemic included improved DQ and BMI. Whether these short-term improvements were maintained warrant further investigation.
"Letter to the Editor Re: Influence of Food With Different Fat Concentrations on Alectinib Exposure: A Randomized Crossover Pharmacokinetic Trial" published on Oct 2023 by National Comprehensive Cancer Network.
