S and full research articles published in SLEEP, the official journal of the APSS. Sleep and sleep disorder scientific findings.

The association between alcohol and caffeine intakes and risk of multiple sclerosis (MS) is unclear; no prospective studies have examined this relationship. We examined intakes of alcohol and caffeine in relation to risk of multiple sclerosis. Intakes of alcohol and caffeine were examined in relation to the risk of MS in two large cohorts of women, the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS; 92,275 women followed from 1980 to 2004) and Nurses’ Health Study II (NHS II; 95,051 women followed from 1991 to 2005). Their diet was assessed at baseline and every four years thereafter. During the follow-up, 282 cases of MS were confirmed with onset of symptoms after baseline. Twenty-four cases were missing information on alcohol intake, leaving a total of 258 cases for the alcohol analyses. Neither total alcohol consumption, nor consumption of beer, wine, or liquor was related to MS risk. The multivariable-adjusted pooled relative risk (RR) found by comparing categories of alcohol intake to 0 gm/day was 1.07 (95% CI: 0.32–1.99) for 0.1–4.9 gm/day, 1.01 (0.32–1.99) for 5.0–14.9 gm/day, 1.21 (0.69–2.15) for 15.0–29.9 gm/day, and 0.80 (0.32–1.99) for 30+ gm/day; (p for trend=0.89). Caffeine intake was also not significantly associated with MS risk. The multivariable adjusted pooled RR comparing highest to lowest quintile of caffeine intake was 1.14; 95% CI: 0.79–1.66; p for trend=0.71. Consideration of caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee separately also yielded null results. These results do not support an association between alcohol and caffeine intakes and MS risk.

There is a need to identify innovative strategies whereby individuals, families, and communities can learn to access and prepare affordable and nutritious foods, in combination with evidence-based guidance about diet and lifestyle. These approaches also need to address issues of equity and sustainability. Teaching Kitchens (TKs) are being created as educational classrooms and translational research laboratories to advance such strategies. Moreover, TKs can be used as revenue-generating research sites in universities and hospitals performing sponsored research, and, potentially, as instruments of cost containment when placed in accountable care settings and self-insured companies. Thus, TKs can be considered for inclusion in future health professional training programs, and the recently published Biden–Harris Administration Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition and Health echoes this directive. Recent innovations in the ability to provide TK classes virtually suggest that their impact may be greater than originally envisioned. Although the impact of TK curricula on behaviors, outcomes and costs of health care is preliminary, it warrants the continued attention of medical and public health thought leaders involved with Food Is Medicine initiatives.

Total calcium intake appears to reduce occurrence of colorectal adenoma; however, the dose necessary for prevention in young women is unclear. We examined fine categories of calcium intake in relation to occurrence of first colorectal adenoma in a cohort of mostly premenopausal (88%) women aged 26-60 at time of endoscopy. We conducted an analysis among 41,403 participants in the Nurses'Health Study II and assessed intakes of calcium prior to endoscopy through participants'responses to biannual questionnaires. Between 1991-2007, we documented 2,273 colorectal adenoma cases. There was a significant trend across categories of calcium intakes with lowest intakes suggestive of higher occurrence of adenoma (p=0.03) and those in the distal colon (p=0.03) and rectum (p=0.04). Compared with 1001-1250 mg/day of calcium intake, <=500 mg/day was suggestive of a modest increase in occurrence of adenoma (multivariable RR = 1.21, 95% CI: 0.90-1.61); there were also suggestions of an increased risk with >500-<=700 mg/day of calcium. The association between <=500 mg/day of calcium intake and adenoma was stronger for multiple (RR = 2.27, 95% CI: 1.38, 3.72), large (>=1cm) (RR = 2.01, 95% CI: 1.27, 3.21), and high risk adenoma (>=1cm or mention of villous histology/high grade dysplasia) (RR = 1.76, 95% CI: 1.13, 2.72). No differences in associations were noted between jointly categorized calcium and phosphorus or magnesium intakes. Our findings suggest that low intakes of calcium, <500 and possibly 500-700 mg/day, in younger women are associated with an increased risk of multiple and advanced colorectal adenoma.

Teaching kitchens are physical and virtual forums that foster practical life skills through participation in experiential education. Given the well-supported connection between healthy eating patterns and the prevention and management of chronic diseases, both private and public organizations are building teaching kitchens (TKs) to enhance the health and wellness of patients, staff, youth, and the general community. Although implementation of TKs is becoming more common, best practices for starting and operating programs are limited. The present study aims to describe key components and professionals required for TK operations. Surveys were administered to Teaching Kitchen Collaborative (TKC) members and questions reflected seven primary areas of inquiry: (1) TK setting(s), (2) audiences served, (3) TK model(s), (4) key lines of operations, (5) team member who manages or directs the TK, (6) team member(s) who performs key operations and other professionals or partnerships that may be needed, and (7) the primary funding source(s) to build and operate the TK (among various other topics). Findings were used to articulate recommendations for organizations seeking to establish a successful TK as well as for TKs to expand their collective reach, research capacity, and impact.