bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selenate Prevents Adipogenesis through Induction of Selenoprotein S and Attenuation of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress
Authors: Kim Choon Young , Kim Kee-Hong
Published: November 2018

The conversion of preadipocytes to adipocytes (adipogenesis) is a potential target to treat or prevent obesity. Selenate, an inorganic form of selenium, elicits diverse health benefits, mainly through its incorporation into selenoproteins. The individual roles of selenium and certain selenoproteins have been reported. However, the effects of selenate treatment on selenoproteins in adipocytes are unclear. In this study, the effects of selenate pretreatment on selenoprotein and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress during adipogenesis were examined in vitro. The selenate pretreatment dose-dependently suppressed the adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. The selenate pretreatment at 50 μM for 24 h almost completely suppressed adipogenesis without cytotoxic effects. The expression of the adipogenic genes peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, CCAAT-enhancer binding protein alpha, and leptin was suppressed by selenate. This pretreatment also upregulated selenoprotein S (SEPS1), an ER resident selenoprotein that reduces ER stress, and prevented dexamethasone-induced SEPS1 degradation during the early stage of adipogenesis. The selenate-inhibited adipogenesis was associated with an attenuation of ER stress. The expression of the ER stress marker genes was upregulated during the early stage of differentiation, whereas the selenate pretreatment suppressed the mRNA expression of the XBP1 and C/EBP homologous protein. The collective data suggest a preventive role of selenate and SEPS1 in adipogenesis, and support a novel dietary approach to prevent obesity.
On-Demand CMOS-Compatible Fabrication of Ultrathin Self-Aligned SiC Nanowire Arrays
Authors: Tabassum Natasha , Kotha Mounika , Kaushik Vidya , Ford Brian , Dey Sonal , Crawford Edward , Nikas Vasileios , Gallis Spyros
Published: November 2018

The field of semiconductor nanowires (NWs) has become one of the most active and mature research areas. However, progress in this field has been limited, due to the difficulty in controlling the density, orientation, and placement of the individual NWs, parameters important for mass producing nanodevices. The work presented herein describes a novel nanosynthesis strategy for ultrathin self-aligned silicon carbide (SiC) NW arrays (≤ 20 nm width, 130 nm height and 200–600 nm variable periodicity), with high quality (~2 Å surface roughness, ~2.4 eV optical bandgap) and reproducibility at predetermined locations, using fabrication protocols compatible with silicon microelectronics. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopic ellipsometry, atomic force microscopy, X-ray diffractometry, and transmission electron microscopy studies show nanosynthesis of high-quality polycrystalline cubic 3C-SiC materials (average 5 nm grain size) with tailored properties. An extension of the nanofabrication process is presented for integrating technologically important erbium ions as emission centers at telecom C-band wavelengths. This integration allows for deterministic positioning of the ions and engineering of the ions’ spontaneous emission properties through the resulting NW-based photonic structures, both of which are critical to practical device fabrication for quantum information applications. This holistic approach can enable the development of new scalable SiC nanostructured materials for use in a plethora of emerging applications, such as NW-based sensing, single-photon sources, quantum LEDs, and quantum photonics.
Magnetic Alginate/Chitosan Nanoparticles for Targeted Delivery of Curcumin into Human Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Song Wenxing , Su Xing , Gregory David Alexander , Li Wei , Cai Zhiqiang , Zhao Xiubo
Published: November 2018

Curcumin is a promising anti-cancer drug, but its applications in cancer therapy are limited, due to its poor solubility, short half-life and low bioavailability. In this study, curcumin loaded magnetic alginate/chitosan nanoparticles were fabricated to improve the bioavailability, uptake efficiency and cytotoxicity of curcumin to Human Caucasian Breast Adenocarcinoma cells (MDA-MB-231). Alginate and chitosan were deposited on Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles based on their electrostatic properties. The nanoparticle size ranged from 120–200 nm, within the optimum range for drug delivery. Controllable and sustained release of curcumin was obtained by altering the number of chitosan and alginate layers on the nanoparticles. Confocal fluorescence microscopy results showed that targeted delivery of curcumin with the aid of a magnetic field was achieved. The fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) assay indicated that MDA-MB-231 cells treated with curcumin loaded nanoparticles had a 3–6 fold uptake efficiency to those treated with free curcumin. The 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide (MTT) assay indicated that the curcumin loaded nanoparticles exhibited significantly higher cytotoxicity towards MDA-MB-231 cells than HDF cells. The sustained release profiles, enhanced uptake efficiency and cytotoxicity to cancer cells, as well as directed targeting make MACPs promising candidates for cancer therapy.
High Performance Acetylene Sensor with Heterostructure Based on WO3 Nanolamellae/Reduced Graphene Oxide (rGO) Nanosheets Operating at Low Temperature
Authors: Jiang Zikai , Chen Weigen , Jin Lingfeng , Cui Fang , Song Zihao , Zhu Chengzhi
Published: November 2018

The development of functionalized metal oxide/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) hybrid nanocomposites concerning power equipment failure diagnosis is one of the most recent topics. In this work, WO3 nanolamellae/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanocomposites with different contents of GO (0.5 wt %, 1 wt %, 2 wt %, 4 wt %) were synthesized via controlled hydrothermal method. X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), thermogravimetric analyses-derivative thermogravimetric analysis-differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DTG-DSC), BET, and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy were utilized to investigate morphological characterizations of prepared gas sensing materials and indicated that high quality WO3 nanolamellae were widely distributed among graphene sheets. Experimental ceramic planar gas sensors composing of interdigitated alumina substrates, Au electrodes, and RuO2 heating layer were coated with WO3 nanolamellae/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) films by spin-coating technique and then tested for gas sensing towards multi-concentrations of acetylene (C2H2) gases in a carrier gas with operating temperature ranging from 50 °C to 400 °C. Among four contents of prepared samples, sensing materials with 1 wt % GO nanocomposite exhibited the best C2H2 sensing performance with lower optimal working temperature (150 °C), higher sensor response (15.0 toward 50 ppm), faster response-recovery time (52 s and 27 s), lower detection limitation (1.3 ppm), long-term stability, and excellent repeatability. The gas sensing mechanism for enhanced sensing performance of nanocomposite is possibly attributed to the formation of p-n heterojunction and the active interaction between WO3 nanolamellae and rGO sheets. Besides, the introduction of rGO nanosheets leads to the impurity of synthesized materials, which creates more defects and promotes larger specific area for gas adsorption, outstanding conductivity, and faster carrier transport. The superior gas sensing properties of WO3/rGO based gas sensor may contribute to the development of a high-performance ppm-level gas sensor for the online monitoring of dissolved C2H2 gas in large-scale transformer oil.
Biogenesis, Stabilization, and Transport of microRNAs in Kidney Health and Disease
Authors: Thomas Melissa J. , Fraser Donald J. , Bowen Timothy
Published: November 2018

The kidneys play key roles in the maintenance of homeostasis, including fluid balance, blood filtration, erythropoiesis and hormone production. Disease-driven perturbation of renal function therefore has profound pathological effects, and chronic kidney disease is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Successive annual increases in global chronic kidney disease patient numbers in part reflect upward trends for predisposing factors, including diabetes, obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and population age. Each kidney typically possesses more than one million functional units called nephrons, and each nephron is divided into several discrete domains with distinct cellular and functional characteristics. A number of recent analyses have suggested that signaling between these nephron regions may be mediated by microRNAs. For this to be the case, several conditions must be fulfilled: (i) microRNAs must be released by upstream cells into the ultrafiltrate; (ii) these microRNAs must be packaged protectively to reach downstream cells intact; (iii) these packaged microRNAs must be taken up by downstream recipient cells without functional inhibition. This review will examine the evidence for each of these hypotheses and discuss the possibility that this signaling process might mediate pathological effects.
Role of Selenoprotein F in Protein Folding and Secretion: Potential Involvement in Human Disease
Authors: Ren Bingyu , Liu Min , Ni Jiazuan , Tian Jing
Published: November 2018

Selenoproteins form a group of proteins of which its members contain at least one selenocysteine, and most of them serve oxidoreductase functions. Selenoprotein F (SELENOF), one of the 25 currently identified selenoproteins, is located in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) organelle and is abundantly expressed in many tissues. It is regulated according to its selenium status, as well as by cell stress conditions. SELENOF may be functionally linked to protein folding and the secretion process in the ER. Several studies have reported positive associations between SELENOF genetic variations and several types of cancer. Also, altered expression levels of SELENOF have been found in cancer cases and neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the structure, expression, and potential function of SELENOF and discuss its possible relation with various pathological processes.
Factors Attenuating Zinc Deficiency Improvement in Direct-Acting Antiviral Agent-Treated Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection
Authors: Ko Yi-Ling , Morihara Daisuke , Shibata Kumiko , Yamauchi Ryo , Fukuda Hiromi , Kunimoto Hideo , Takata Kazuhide , Tanaka Takashi , Inomata Shinjiro , Yokoyama Keiji , Takeyama Yasuaki , Shakado Satoshi , Sakisaka Shotaro
Published: November 2018

Zinc deficiency is frequently observed in chronic liver diseases. However, no studies have focused on the zinc status in chronic hepatitis C (HCV)-infected patients receiving direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs). In this retrospective study, we assessed the serum zinc status in DAA-treated HCV patients with sustained virologic response for over two years (Zn-2y). Ninety-five patients were enrolled, whose baseline characteristics and blood parameters at DAA therapy initiation were collected. Baseline Zn < 65 µg/dL (odds ratio (OR) = 10.56, p < 0.001) and baseline uric acid (UA) > 5.5 mg/dL (OR = 9.99, p = 0.001) were independent risk factors for Zn-2y deficiency. A decision-tree algorithm classified low-baseline Zn and high-baseline UA as the first two variables, suggesting that baseline hypozincemia and hyperuricemia are prognosticators for long-term zinc deficiency. Baseline Zn was negatively correlated with the Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index, while baseline UA was significantly higher in habitual alcohol drinkers. In conclusion, serum zinc levels should be closely monitored, considering that zinc status improvement is related to liver fibrosis regression. Hyperuricemia indicates risks of developing metabolic disorders and subsequent zinc deficiency, for which an adjustment of personal lifestyle or dietary habits should be recommended clinically.
Docoxahexaenoic Acid Induces Apoptosis of Pancreatic Cancer Cells by Suppressing Activation of STAT3 and NF-κB
Authors: Park Mirae , Lim Joo Weon , Kim Hyeyoung
Published: November 2018

The ω3-polyunsaturated fatty acid docosahexenoic acid (DHA) is known to induce apoptosis of cancer cells. In this study, DHA was shown to reduce viability of pancreatic cancer cells (PANC-1) by inducing DNA fragmentation, activating caspase-3, and increasing the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2. To determine the DHA mechanism of action, the impact of DHA on the activation of the key signaling proteins epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), signal transducer and activator of transcription factor 3 (STAT3), nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB), and IκBα in PANC-1 cells was probed. The observed DHA suppression of NF-κB DNA-binding activity was found to result from reduced IκBα phosphorylation. The observed DHA-induced suppression of STAT3 activation was found to be the result of suppressed EGFR activation, which derives from the inhibitory effect of DHA on the integrity of localization of EGFR to cell membrane lipid rafts. Since the activation of STAT3 and NF-κB mediates the expression of survival genes cyclin D1 and survivin, DHA induced apoptosis by suppressing the STAT3/NF-κB-cyclin D1/survivin axis. These results support the proposal that DHA-induced apoptosis of pancreatic cells occurs via disruption of key pro-cell survival signaling pathways. We suggest that the consumption of DHA-enriched foods could decrease the incidence of pancreatic cancer.
The Impact of Front-of-Package Label Design on Consumer Understanding of Nutrient Amounts
Authors: Goodman Samantha , Vanderlee Lana , Acton Rachel , Mahamad Syed , Hammond David
Published: November 2018

A between-groups experiment examined the salience of front-of-package (FOP) symbols. Adults from Canada, the US, Australia, and the UK completed an online survey (n = 11,617). Respondents were randomized to view cereal boxes displaying one of 11 FOP label conditions for ‘high’ levels of sugar and saturated fat: control (no FOP symbol), red circle, red ‘stop sign’, magnifying glass, magnifying glass + exclamation mark, and ‘caution’ triangle + exclamation mark, plus each of these five conditions accompanied by a ‘high in’ text descriptor. Participants identified the amount of saturated fat and sugar in the product (‘low’/’moderate’/’high’). Participants were more likely to correctly identify the product as ‘high’ in saturated fat or sugar when shown the stop sign, triangle + exclamation mark, red circle, or magnifying glass + exclamation mark symbols incorporating ‘high in’ text (p < 0.01). The magnifying glass was the least effective symbol. The stop sign (37.7%) and triangle + exclamation mark (22.0%) were most frequently selected as the best symbol for indicating high nutrient amounts. Overall, FOP labels with ‘high in’ descriptions, red color and intuitive ‘warning’ symbols (e.g., stop signs, exclamation marks, ‘caution’ triangles) were more effective at communicating high levels of nutrients of public health concern in a time-limited environment.
The Relationship between Vegetable Intake and Weight Outcomes: A Systematic Review of Cohort Studies
Authors: Nour Monica , Lutze Sarah , Grech Amanda , Allman-Farinelli Margaret
Published: November 2018

The relationship between vegetable consumption and measures of adiposity was assessed in cohort studies. Seven databases were searched from inception until October 2018. The quality of individual studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal of Cohort Studies tool. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system was applied to determine the quality of the body of evidence. Ten studies were included. Six measured change in vegetable intake over time. Two showed that increasing vegetable consumption resulted in weight loss of 0.09–0.1 kg over four years (p < 0.001). Increased vegetable intake was also associated with a reduced risk of weight gain and overweight or obesity (Odds ratios (ORs) ranged from 0.18 to 0.88) in other studies. Four studies measured vegetable intake at the baseline only. One showed that intakes >4 servings/day reduced the risk of weight gain (OR 0.27 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.08–0.99) and another found an inverse association with waist circumference in women (−0.36 cm per vegetable serving/day). This review provides moderate quality evidence for an inverse association between vegetable intake and weight-related outcomes in adults. When these findings are coupled with no apparent harm from vegetable consumption, the evidence-base can be used with acceptable confidence to guide practice and policy.
Relative Validity and Reproducibility of a Food Frequency Questionnaire to Assess Nutrients and Food Groups of Relevance to the Gut Microbiota in Young Children
Authors: Leong Claudia , Taylor Rachael W. , Haszard Jillian J. , Fleming Elizabeth A. , Tannock Gerald W. , Szymlek-Gay Ewa A. , Cameron Sonya L. , Yu Renee , Carter Harriet , Chee Li Kee , Kennedy Lucy , Moore Robyn , Heath Anne-Louise M.
Published: November 2018

Dietary fiber is an important nutrient for the gut microbiota, with different fiber fractions having different effects. The aim of this study was to determine the relative validity and reproducibility of a food frequency questionnaire (EAT5 FFQ) for measuring intake of fiber, and low and high fiber foods, in studies examining diet and gut microbiota in young children. One hundred parents of 5-year old children completed the 123-item EAT5 FFQ on two occasions four weeks apart. A 3-day weighed diet record (WDR) was completed on non-consecutive days between FFQ appointments. Mean correlations between the (randomly chosen) FFQ and WDR were acceptable for nutrient and food group intakes (r = 0.34 and r = 0.41 respectively). Gross misclassification was below chance (12.5%) for quartiles of nutrient (mean 5.7%) and food group (mean 5.1%) intake. ‘Absolute values for surrogate categories’ suggested the FFQ clearly differentiated between highest and lowest quartiles for all nutrients and food groups tested. Mean correlations between repeat administrations of the FFQ suggested very good reproducibility for nutrients (r = 0.83) and food groups (r = 0.80). The EAT5 FFQ appears to be an appropriate tool for investigating the intake of nutrients and food groups of relevance to the gut microbiota, and is the first FFQ validated to measure total, soluble and insoluble non-starch polysaccharide intakes in young children.
Effects of Metformin Combined with Lactoferrin on Lipid Accumulation and Metabolism in Mice Fed with High-Fat Diet
Authors: Min Qing-Qing , Qin Li-Qiang , Sun Zhen-Zhen , Zuo Wen-Ting , Zhao Lin , Xu Jia-Ying
Published: November 2018

Metformin (Met) and lactoferrin (Lf) both exhibit beneficial effects on body weight management and lipid accumulation. However, the synergistical action of Met and Lf remains unclear. In this study, 64 mice were divided into five groups, namely, the control group, high-fat diet (HFD group), HFD with Met (Met group), Lf (Lf group), and a combination of Met and Lf (Met + Lf group). Met (200 mg/kg body weight) and Lf (2 g/100 mL) were administrated in drinking water. The experiment lasted for 12 weeks. Body weight, serum, and hepatic lipids were determined. Histology of the liver and perirenal fat was observed. Protein expression related to hepatic lipid metabolism was also measured. HFD significantly increased body weight, visceral fat weight, and lipid profiles, which lead to obesity and dyslipidemia in mice. Compared with the HFD group, the treatments significantly decreased body weight and Lee’s index (body mass index of mice) with the lowest values in the Met + Lf group. The treatments also decreased the weight of visceral fat, and improved circulating lipid profile and the ability for regulating glucose intake. The adipocyte size and serum TC level were significantly lower in the Met + Lf group as compared with those in the Met or Lf group. The treatments alleviated hepatic lipid accumulation, especially in the Met + Lf group. For protein expression, the p-AMPK/AMPK ratio, a key kinase-regulating cellular energy homeostasis, was significantly higher in the Met + Lf group than the ratio in the HFD group. Similarly, the treatments significantly downregulated the protein expression of lipogenic enzymes (FAS, ACC, and SREBP-1) and upregulated the protein expression of lipolytic enzyme (ATGL). The protein expression of HMGCoAR, which is an important rate limiting enzyme in cholesterol biosynthesis, was only significantly lower in the Met + Lf group than in the HFD group. In conclusion, Met and Lf, either alone or in combination, prevented HFD-induced obesity and improved lipid metabolism.
Influence of Bioactive Nutrients on the Atherosclerotic Process: A Review
Authors: Casas Rosa , Estruch Ramon , Sacanella Emilio
Published: November 2018

The protective effects of a dietary intervention as a useful tool in the prevention of atherosclerosis disease has gained greater attention in recent years. Several epidemiological studies have demonstrated the importance of diet in reducing expensive treatments or possible undesirable side effects. The main aim of this review is to examine the effects of specific nutrients on the development and progression of atherosclerosis in patients with cardiovascular disease. Various mechanisms have been proposed to explain the cardioprotective effect of different nutrients. In this sense, results have shown stabilization of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques or downregulation of biomarkers related to inflammation through nutrients such as Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, hydroxytyrosol of extra virgin olive oil, lycopen, phytosterols of plants, or flavonols of fruits and vegetables, among others. The accumulated evidence on the anti-inflammatory effects related to these nutrients is summarized in the present review.
Longitudinal Maternal Vitamin D Status during Pregnancy Is Associated with Neonatal Anthropometric Measures
Authors: Francis Ellen C. , Hinkle Stefanie N. , Song Yiqing , Rawal Shristi , Donnelly Sarah R. , Zhu Yeyi , Chen Liwei , Zhang Cuilin
Published: November 2018

Findings on maternal 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) and neonatal anthropometry are inconsistent, and may at least be partly due to variations in gestational week (GW) of 25(OH)D measurement and the lack of longitudinal 25(OH)D measurements across gestation. The aim of the current study was to examine the associations of longitudinal measures of maternal 25(OH)D and neonatal anthropometry at birth. This study included 321 mother–offspring pairs enrolled in the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Fetal Growth Studies–Singletons. This study was a prospective cohort design without supplementation and without data on dietary supplementation. Nevertheless, measurement of plasma 25(OH)D reflects vitamin D from different sources, including supplementation. Maternal concentrations of total 25(OH)D were measured at 10–14, 15–26, 23–31, and 33–39 GW and categorized as <50 nmol/L, 50–75 nmol/L, and >75 nmol/L. Generalized linear models were used to examine associations of 25(OH)D at each time-point with neonate birthweight z-score, length, and sum of skinfolds at birth. At 10–14 GW, 16.8% and 49.2% of women had 25(OH)D <50 nmol/L and between 50–75 nmol/L, respectively. The association of maternal 25(OH)D with neonatal anthropometry differed by GW and women’s prepregnancy BMI (normal (<25.0 kg/m2), overweight/obese (25.0–44.9 kg/m2)). All analyses were stratified by prepregnancy BMI status. Among women with an overweight/obese BMI, 25(OH)D <50 nmol/L at 10–14 GW was associated with lower birthweight z-score (0.56; 95% CI: −0.99, −0.13) and length (−1.56 cm; 95% CI: −3.07, −0.06), and at 23–31 GW was associated with shorter length (−2.77 cm; 95% CI: −13.38, −4.98) and lower sum of skinfolds (−9.18 mm; 95% CI: −13.38, −4.98). Among women with a normal BMI, 25(OH)D <50 nmol/L at 10–14 GW was associated with lower sum of skinfolds (−2.64 mm; 95% CI: −5.03, −0.24), at 23–31 GW was associated with larger birthweight z-scores (0.64; 95% CI: 0.03, 1.25), and at 33-39 GW with both higher birthweight z-score (1.22; 95% CI: 0.71, 1.73) and longer length (1.94 cm; 95% CI: 0.37, 3.52). Maternal 25(OH)D status during pregnancy was associated with neonatal anthropometric measures, and the associations were specific to GW of 25(OH)D measurement and prepregnancy BMI.
A Comparison of Psychophysical Dose-Response Behaviour across 16 Sweeteners
Authors: Wee May , Tan Vicki , Forde Ciarán
Published: November 2018

Reduction or replacement of sucrose while maintaining sweetness in foods is challenging, but today there are many sweeteners with diverse physical and caloric compositions to choose from. The choice of sweetener can be adapted to match reformulation goals whether these are to reduce calories, lower the glycaemic response, provide bulk or meet criteria as a natural ingredient. The current study sought to describe and compare the sweetness intensity dose-response, sweetness growth rate, sweetness potency, and potential for calorie reduction across 16 different sweeteners including sucrose. Sweetness growth rate was defined as the rate of change in sweetness intensity per unit of sweetener concentration. Sweetness potency was defined as the ratio of the concentration of a sweetener to that of sucrose at equivalent sweetness intensity, whereas the potential for calorie reduction is the caloric value of a sweetener compared to sucrose at matched sweetness intensities. Sweeteners were drawn from a range of nutritive saccharide (sucrose, dextrose, fructose, allulose (d-psicose), palatinose (isomaltulose), and a sucrose–allulose mixture), nutritive polyol (maltitol, erythritol, mannitol, xylitol, sorbitol), non-nutritive synthetic (aspartame, acesulfame-K, sucralose) and non-nutritive natural sweeteners stevia (rebaudioside A), luo han guo (mogroside V). Sweetness intensities of the 16 sweeteners were compared with a sensory panel of 40 participants (n = 40; 28 females). Participants were asked to rate perceived sweetness intensity for each sweetener series across a range of concentrations using psychophysical ratings taken on a general labelled magnitude scale (gLMS). All sweeteners exhibited sigmoidal dose-response behaviours and matched the ‘moderate’ sweetness intensity of sucrose (10% w/v). Fructose, xylitol and sucralose had peak sweetness intensities greater than sucrose at the upper concentrations tested, while acesulfame-K and stevia (rebA) were markedly lower. Independent of sweetener concentration, the nutritive sweeteners had similar sweetness growth rates to sucrose and were greater than the non-nutritive sweeteners. Non-nutritive sweeteners on the other hand had higher potencies relative to sucrose, which decreases when matching at higher sweetness intensities. With the exception of dextrose and palatinose, all sweeteners matched the sweetness intensity of sucrose across the measured range (3.8–25% w/v sucrose) with fewer calories. Overall, the sucrose–allulose mixture, maltitol and xylitol sweeteners were most similar to sucrose in terms of dose-response behaviour, growth rate and potency, and showed the most potential for sugar replacement within the range of sweetness intensities tested.
Habitual Tea Consumption and Risk of Fracture in 0.5 Million Chinese Adults: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Shen Qian , Yu Canqing , Guo Yu , Bian Zheng , Zhu Nanbo , Yang Ling , Chen Yiping , Luo Guojin , Li Jianguo , Qin Yulu , Chen Junshi , Chen Zhengming , Lv Jun , Li Liming ,   On behalf of the China Kadoorie Biobank Collaborative Group
Published: November 2018

Background: Tea consumption may have favorable effects on risk of fracture. However, little is known about such association in Chinese adults. The aim of this study was to examine the association between tea consumption and risk of hospitalized fracture in Chinese adults. Methods: The present study included 453,625 participants from the China Kadoorie Biobank (CKB). Tea consumption was self-reported at baseline. Hospitalized fractures were ascertained through linkage with local health insurance claim databases. The results: During a median of 10.1 years of follow-up, we documented 12,130 cases of first-time any fracture hospitalizations, including 1376 cases of hip fracture. Compared with never tea consumers, daily tea consumption was associated with lower risk of any fracture (hazard ratio (HR): 0.88; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.83, 0.93). Statistically significant reduced risk of hip fracture was shown among daily consumers who most commonly drank green tea (HR: 0.80; 95% CI: 0.65, 0.97) and those who had drunk tea for more than 30 years (HR: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.52, 0.87). Our conclusions: Habitual tea consumption was associated with moderately decreased risk of any fracture hospitalizations. Participants with decades of tea consumption and those who preferred green tea were also associated with lower risk of hip fracture.
Changes in Sport Nutrition Knowledge, Attitudes/Beliefs and Behaviors Following a Two-Year Sport Nutrition Education and Life-Skills Intervention among High School Soccer Players
Authors: Patton-Lopez Megan M. , Manore Melinda M. , Branscum Adam , Meng Yu , Wong Siew Sun
Published: November 2018

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of a sport nutrition education and life-skills intervention on sport nutrition knowledge (SNK), attitudes/beliefs and dietary behaviors relevant to sport nutrition among high school (HS) soccer players. Three assessments were done over the 2-year intervention (baseline = time 1, end year 1 = time 2, end year 2 = time 3). Participants (n = 217; females = 64%; Latino = 47.5%; 14.9 ± 0.9-year; 46.5% National School Breakfast/Lunch Program) were assigned to an intervention group (IG, n = 153; 9 schools) or comparison group (CG, n = 64; 4 schools) based on geographical location. Differences over time were examined based on group, sex, socioeconomic status (SES) and race/ethnicity. The IG increased SNK scores by ~10% (time 1 = 51.6%; time 3 = 60.9%; p ≤ 0.001), with the greatest change in the female IG vs. CG and no differences in male IG vs. CG. Daily breakfast consumption was 53.7% in both groups. IG players were 3 times more likely (95%CI = 2.59, 7.77) to report trying to eat for performance (IG = 48.7% vs. CG = 30.2%). By time 3, IG players were less likely to report that ‘diet met nutritional requirements’ (31.6%) compared to CG (47.6%). For IG, the consumption of lunch (≥5-days/week) did not change (92.2–93.4%), but declined in the CG (90.6%) (p = 0.04). No other differences by sub-population (race/ethnicity, SES) were observed. Our findings indicate that HS athletes are motivated to learn and improve diet behaviors, and benefit from team-based nutrition interventions. Future interventions should consider delivery of curriculum/experiential learning during a defined training period, with messages reinforced with supports at home, school and athletic settings.
Impact of Circulating Triglycerides Concentration on Atherosclerotic Disease Status in Middle-Aged Saudi Arabian Dwellers
Authors: Azhar Wedad , Buczkowski Bartek , Smith Christopher , Onambele-Pearson Gladys
Published: November 2018

A number of food micronutrients are reported to influence markers of cardio-metabolic health. There is an expectation that there may be an optimal endocrine profile, with triglycerides as a key factor, which may help minimise atherosclerotic disease and associated risk factors. This study involved 84 participants aged (mean ± SD) 48.2 ± 8.3 years from both sexes segregated into n = 30 controls, n = 25 at-risk, and n = 29 diagnosed with atherosclerosis, including 20 participants using statins. Atherosclerosis status and risk factors were assessed using a combination of clinical records, C-reactive protein (CRP), blood glucose (FBG), lipids profiles, vascular structural and functional characteristics (including carotid-radial pulse wave velocity (CR-PWV), central systolic blood pressure (C-SBP), peripheral systolic blood pressure (P-SBP), peripheral diastolic blood pressure (P-DBP), carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), and carotid artery inter-adventitial diameter (IAD)). There was a significant difference in triglycerides (TG) levels between the clinical groups (p < 0.05) and between the users and non-users of statin (p < 0.001). Significant associations were distinguished between TG and CRP, FBG, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), C-SBP, P-SBP, P-DBP, CR-PWV, heart rate (HR), and body weight in the pooled sample (p < 0.05). In non-users of statin, TG was associated with C-SBP, P-SBP, P-DBP, and HR. In sub-clinical groups, TG was also associated with most of the blood markers. After controlling for statin use, composite z-score analysis revealed 48%, 2%, and 0% differences in in vivo vascular phenotype between high and low TG subgroups in controls, at-risk, and diagnosed atherosclerosis groups, respectively. Thus, TG levels seem to be good indicators for incidence and risk factors of atherosclerosis.
Resveratrol, Metabolic Syndrome, and Gut Microbiota
Authors: Chaplin Alice , Carpéné Christian , Mercader Josep
Published: November 2018

Resveratrol is a polyphenol which has been shown to have beneficial effects on metabolic syndrome-related alterations in experimental animals, including glucose and lipid homeostasis improvement and a reduction in fat mass, blood pressure, low-grade inflammation, and oxidative stress. Clinical trials have been carried out to address its potential; however, results are still inconclusive. Even though resveratrol is partly metabolized by gut microbiota, the relevance of this “forgotten organ” had not been widely considered. However, in the past few years, data has emerged suggesting that the therapeutic potential of this compound may be due to its interaction with gut microbiota, reporting changes in bacterial composition associated with beneficial metabolic outcomes. Even though data is still scarce and for the most part observational, it is promising nevertheless, suggesting that resveratrol supplementation could be a useful tool for the treatment of metabolic syndrome and its associated conditions.
Vitamin D: Nutrient, Hormone, and Immunomodulator
Authors: Sassi Francesca , Tamone Cristina , D’Amelio Patrizia
Published: November 2018

The classical functions of vitamin D are to regulate calcium-phosphorus homeostasis and control bone metabolism. However, vitamin D deficiency has been reported in several chronic conditions associated with increased inflammation and deregulation of the immune system, such as diabetes, asthma, and rheumatoid arthritis. These observations, together with experimental studies, suggest a critical role for vitamin D in the modulation of immune function. This leads to the hypothesis of a disease-specific alteration of vitamin D metabolism and reinforces the role of vitamin D in maintaining a healthy immune system. Two key observations validate this important non-classical action of vitamin D: first, vitamin D receptor (VDR) is expressed by the majority of immune cells, including B and T lymphocytes, monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells; second, there is an active vitamin D metabolism by immune cells that is able to locally convert 25(OH)D3 into 1,25(OH)2D3, its active form. Vitamin D and VDR signaling together have a suppressive role on autoimmunity and an anti-inflammatory effect, promoting dendritic cell and regulatory T-cell differentiation and reducing T helper Th 17 cell response and inflammatory cytokines secretion. This review summarizes experimental data and clinical observations on the potential immunomodulating properties of vitamin D.
Tissular Distribution and Metabolism of trans-ε-Viniferin after Intraperitoneal Injection in Rat
Authors: Courtois Arnaud , Atgié Claude , Marchal Axel , Hornedo-Ortega Ruth , Lapèze Caroline , Faure Chrystel , Richard Tristan , Krisa Stéphanie
Published: November 2018

Background: Recent studies showed that trans-ε-viniferin (ε-viniferin), a trans-resveratrol dehydrodimer, has anti-inflammatory and anti-obesity effects in rodents. The main purpose of this work was to assess the tissue distribution study of ε-viniferin and its metabolites after intraperitoneal (IP) administration in rat. Methods: After IP injection of 50 mg/kg, ε-viniferin and its metabolites were identified and quantified in plasma, liver, kidneys, adipose tissues, urine, and faeces by Liquid Chromatography-High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (LC-HRMS). Results: ε-Viniferin underwent a rapid hepatic metabolism mostly to glucuronides but also to a lesser extent to sulphate derivatives. The highest glucuronide concentrations were found in liver followed by plasma and kidneys whereas only traces amounts were found in adipose tissues. In contrast the highest ε-viniferin areas under concentration (AUC) and mean residence times (MRT) values were found in white adipose tissues. Finally, much lower levels of ε-viniferin or its metabolites were found in urine than in faeces, suggesting that biliary excretion is the main elimination pathway. Conclusion: A rapid and large metabolism of ε-viniferin and a high bioaccumulation in white adipose tissues were observed. Thus, these tissues could be a reservoir of the native form of ε-viniferin that could allow its slow release and a sustained presence within the organism.
Comparison of Measurements of Bone Mineral Density in Young and Middle-Aged Adult Women in Relation to Dietary, Anthropometric and Reproductive Variables
Authors: Méndez-Gallegos Eloy , Caire-Juvera Graciela , Astiazarán-García Humberto , Méndez-Estrada Rosa O.
Published: November 2018

The objective of this study was to compare current measurements of bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine (LS), femoral neck (FN), and total femur (TF) regions with initial values recorded 12 years ago in women from Northwest Mexico, and evaluate their correlation with dietary, anthropometric, and reproductive variables. BMD was assessed by Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Participants were grouped as follows: Nulliparous (G1); women who were mothers 12 years ago (G2); and women who were nulliparous 12 years ago, but are now mothers (G3). In all three groups, current LS BMD was higher than initial (p ≤ 0.05) and current TF BMD in G2 was higher than initial values (p ≤ 0.05). When comparing current FN and TF BMD among the three groups, G2 had higher values than G3 (p ≤ 0.05). G2 also showed higher LS BMD than G1 and G3 (p = 0.006). Age at menarche was inversely-correlated with FN and TF BMD in G1 (p < 0.01), while the body mass index (BMI) correlated positively with all three bone regions in G2 (p < 0.05). This study shows that in women without and with children, age at menarche, BMI, and age were factors associated to BMD in healthy subjects in reproductive age.
Multispecies Probiotic Supplementation Favorably Affects Vascular Function and Reduces Arterial Stiffness in Obese Postmenopausal Women—A 12-Week Placebo-Controlled and Randomized Clinical Study
Authors: Szulińska Monika , Łoniewski Igor , Skrypnik Katarzyna , Sobieska Magdalena , Korybalska Katarzyna , Suliburska Joanna , Bogdański Paweł
Published: November 2018

Obesity in the postmenopausal period is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases in women. One of the key drivers of cardiovascular risk is endothelial dysfunction; thus, this is also a crucial point for studies on new therapeutic methods of cardioprotective properties. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effect of two doses of multispecies probiotic Ecologic® Barrier supplement on functional (primary endpoint) and biochemical parameters (secondary endpoint) of endothelial dysfunction in obese postmenopausal women in a 12-week randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. A total of 81 obese Caucasian women participated in the trial. The subjects were randomly assigned to three groups that received a placebo, a low dose (LD) (2.5 × 109 colony forming units (CFU) per day), or a high dose (HD) (1 × 1010 CFU per day) of lyophilisate powder containing live multispecies probiotic bacteria. The probiotic supplement was administered each day for 12 weeks in two equal portions. A high dose probiotic supplementation for 12 weeks decreased systolic blood pressure, vascular endothelial growth factor, pulse wave analysis systolic pressure, pulse wave analysis pulse pressure, pulse wave analysis augmentation index, pulse wave velocity, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and thrombomodulin. Low doses of probiotic supplementation decreased the systolic blood pressure and interleukin-6 levels. The mean changes in the estimated parameters, compared among the three groups, revealed significant differences in the vascular endothelial growth factor, the pulse wave analysis systolic pressure, the pulse wave analysis augmentation index, the pulse wave velocity, the tumor necrosis factor alpha, and thrombomodulin. The post hoc tests showed significant differences for all parameters between HD and the placebo group, and HD and LD (besides pulse wave analysis augmentation index). We show for the first time that supplementation with multispecies probiotic Ecologic® Barrier favorably modifies both functional and biochemical markers of vascular dysfunction in obese postmenopausal women.
Association between Cardiac Remodeling and Metabolic Alteration in an Experimental Model of Obesity Induced by Western Diet
Authors: Ferron Artur Junio Togneri , Francisqueti Fabiane Valentini , Minatel Igor Otávio , Silva Carol Cristina Vágula de Almeida , Bazan Silméia Garcia Zanati , Kitawara Koody André Hassemi , Garcia Jéssica Leite , Corrêa Camila Renata , Moreto Fernando , Ferreira Ana Lucia A.
Published: November 2018

The high consumption of fat and sugar contributes to the development of obesity and co-morbidities, such as dyslipidemia, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between dyslipidemia and cardiac dysfunction induced by western diet consumption. Wistar rats were randomly divided into two experimental groups and fed ad libitum for 20 weeks with a control diet (Control, n = 12) or a high-sugar and high-fat diet (HSF, n = 12). The HSF group also received water + sucrose (25%). Evaluations included feed and caloric intake; body weight; plasma glucose; insulin; uric acid; HOMA-IR; lipid profile: [total cholesterol (T-chol), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), non-HDL Chol, triglycerides (TG)]; systolic blood pressure, and Doppler echocardiographic. Compared to the control group, animals that consumed the HSF diet presented higher weight gain, caloric intake, feed efficiency, insulin, HOMA-IR, and glucose levels, and lipid profile impairment (higher TG, T-chol, non-HDL chol and lower HDL). HSF diet was also associated with atrial-ventricular structural impairment and systolic-diastolic dysfunction. Positive correlation was also found among the following parameters: insulin versus estimated LV mass (r = 0.90, p = 0.001); non-HDL versus deceleration time (r = 0.46, p = 0.02); TG versus deceleration time (r = 0.50, p = 0.01). In summary, our results suggest cardiac remodeling lead by western diet is associated with metabolic parameters.
Heat and Pressure Treatments on Almond Protein Stability and Change in Immunoreactivity after Simulated Human Digestion
Authors: De Angelis Elisabetta , Bavaro Simona L. , Forte Graziana , Pilolli Rosa , Monaci Linda
Published: November 2018

Almond is consumed worldwide and renowned as a valuable healthy food. Despite this, it is also a potent source of allergenic proteins that can trigger several mild to life-threatening immunoreactions. Food processing proved to alter biochemical characteristics of proteins, thus affecting the respective allergenicity. In this paper, we investigated the effect of autoclaving, preceded or not by a hydration step, on the biochemical and immunological properties of almond proteins. Any variation in the stability and immunoreactivity of almond proteins extracted from the treated materials were evaluated by total protein quantification, Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), and protein profiling by electrophoresis-based separation (SDS-PAGE). The sole autoclaving applied was found to weakly affect almond protein stability, despite what was observed when hydration preceded autoclaving, which resulted in a loss of approximately 70% of total protein content compared to untreated samples, and a remarkable reduction of the final immunoreactivity. The final SDS-PAGE protein pattern recorded for hydrated and autoclaved almonds disclosed significant changes. In addition, the same samples were further submitted to human-simulated gastro-intestinal (GI) digestion to evaluate potential changes induced by these processing methods on allergen digestibility. Digestion products were identified by High Pressure Liquid Chromatography-High Resolution Tandem Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-HRMS/MS) analysis followed by software-based data mining, and complementary information was provided by analyzing the proteolytic fragments lower than 6 kDa in size. The autoclave-based treatment was found not to alter the allergen digestibility, whereas an increased susceptibility to proteolytic action of digestive enzymes was observed in almonds subjected to autoclaving of prehydrated almond kernels. Finally, the residual immunoreactivity of the GI-resistant peptides was in-silico investigated by bioinformatic tools. Results obtained confirm that by adopting both approaches, no epitopes associated with known allergens survived, thus demonstrating the potential effectiveness of these treatments to reduce almond allergenicity.
Effects of (−)-Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) on Energy Expenditure and Microglia-Mediated Hypothalamic Inflammation in Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet
Authors: Zhou Jihong , Mao Limin , Xu Ping , Wang Yuefei
Published: November 2018

Obesity is an escalating global epidemic caused by an imbalance between energy intake and expenditure. (−)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), the major polyphenol in green tea, has been reported to be conducive to preventing obesity and alleviating obesity-related chronic diseases. However, the role of EGCG in energy metabolism disorders and central nervous system dysfunction induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) remains to be elucidated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of EGCG on brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenesis and neuroinflammation in HFD-induced obese C57BL/6J mice. Mice were randomly divided into four groups with different diets: normal chow diet (NCD), normal chow diet supplemented with 1% EGCG (NCD + EGCG), high-fat diet (HFD), and high-fat diet supplemented with 1% EGCG (HFD + EGCG). Investigations based on a four-week experiment were carried out including the BAT activity, energy consumption, mRNA expression of major inflammatory cytokines in the hypothalamus, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) phosphorylation, and immunofluorescence staining of microglial marker Iba1 in hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC). Experimental results demonstrated that dietary supplementation of EGCG significantly inhibited HFD-induced obesity by enhancing BAT thermogenesis, and attenuated the hypothalamic inflammation and microglia overactivation by regulating the NF-κB and STAT3 signaling pathways.