bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comparative Study on Dietary Habit and Weight Control of Middle School Students in Gyonggi‐do, Korea
Authors: Kim Young A , Yang Soon yi
Published: November 2023

This study was conducted to examine the relationship of dietary habits and weight control. 859 middle school students (453 boys and 406 girls) were surveyed using a questionnaire in the region of Gyonggi‐do, republic of Korea. According to their BMI, the students were categorized into 4 groups, 39.0% of ‘underweight’, 46.0% of ‘normal’, 6.6% of ‘overweight’ and 8.4% of ‘obese’.

It was revealed that the level of interest in weight control was the highest among the obese group (51.4%), followed by overweight (49.17%), normal (45.6%), and underweight(28.4%). Their level of interest in weight control was higher as their BMI was higher(p<.001).

With regards to experiences of weight control attempts, 68.1% of the obese group answered yes, while 68.4% of the overweight group, 54.2% of the normal group, 30.4% of the underweight group answered yes respectively (p<.001). The Internet was the most preferred source looking for information about weight control (45.4%).

Concerning dietary habits, 69.6% of the underweight group, 69.4% of the normal weight group, 66.7% of the overweight group, and 61.1% of the obese group had breakfast every day. In addition, 36.4% of the obese group eat meals alone. Additionally, obese students eat faster than lower BMI students (p<.01).

Therefore, continuous nutrition education programs are required to develop good dietary habits for growing students.

Support or Funding Information

Grant Funding Source: Inha University
The Hidden Persuaders: Childhood Eating Patterns that Correlate with Weight Gain and Obesity
Authors: Kessler Heidi , Werle Carolina O. C. , Wansink Brian
Published: November 2023

When children make food choices away from home, the eating habits they established at home – both good and bad – can silently follow them into their new eating environment. The influence of childhood eating patterns was examined in a self‐reported survey of 211 college freshman (Study 1) and by combining food choice studies of 63 preschoolers with an eating pattern questionnaire completed by their parents (Study 2). Together they underscore that the presence of a wide variety of food at home, the pressure to “clean one's plate,” and the self‐plating of food by children are correlated with the less healthy food choices of preschoolers and weight gain among college students. While efforts targeting childhood obesity have centered on regulating advertising and the fast food landscape, these results suggest that a critical focus of education should be on family eating patterns.
Four‐year follow up of an Integral Health Program to Control Parameters Associated with Childhood Obesity
Authors: Valenzuela‐Rubio Nancy G , Castro‐Sanchez Francisco H , Vergara‐Jimenez Marcela J
Published: November 2023

Childhood obesity has been increasing worldwide and it is considered an important public health problem. There are several strategies to control and prevent this disease but the majority of these strategies have not a follow up to observe if differences have been persisted after the intervention. The objective of this study was to compare changes in Body Mass Index z‐score (BMI‐z) and Waist to Height Ratio (WHtR) 4 years after the cessation of two or three months of intervention (group A and group B, respectively). All children who had at least baseline measurement were contacted to be invited to participate in the long follow up. Fifteen of fifty eight eligible children (26%) participated, group A (n=8) and group B (n=7). Children who changed of residency (n = 1), or were not possible to be contacted (n = 27), or refused to participate (n = 2), or did not assist to the date (n =13). Adherence in group A during intervention was 94% (n=8) and 100% in group B (n=7). BMI z‐score and WHtR did not differ at baseline between groups. All data were presented in mean (95% CI). At follow up the mean age was 13.9 (CI: 12–16, n=15), the mean BMI‐z in group A was 2.28 (CI: 1.39 – 3.16) and 1.95 (CI: 1.27 – 2.63), and the mean WHtR in group A was 0.58 (CI: 0.51 – 0.65) and 0.52 (CI: 0.46 – 0.58). Although we did not find differences neither between nor within groups, group B showed a lower tendency. We concluded that two or three months of intervention of an Integral Health Program was not enough to improve body composition after 4y. It is necessary to implement a longer intervention.

Support or Funding Information

No funding support.
The Perception of School Milk Program and Consumption of Calcium Source of Middle School Students in Gyeonggi, Korea
Authors: Lee Hongmie , Park Gyehyun
Published: November 2023

In order to develop the strategies to increase the participation of school milk program (SMP), 300 middle school students were surveyed. The information regarding the perception of SMP and intakes of milk and other calcium sources as well as general characteristics was obtained by self‐administered questionnaire. The data were compared between the subjects who wanted the SMP (wanting‐SMP) and those who did not (not‐wanting‐SMP). More of not‐wanting‐SMP group graduated from the elementary schools without SMP (10.9% vs. 4.5%, p<0.05) and drank milk usually along with other foods such as cereals (32.4% vs. 26.1%) or snacks (26.1% vs. 19.8%), while less of them drank milk alone (33.3% vs. 42.3%, p<0.05), compared to wanting‐SMP group. Compared to wanting‐SMP group, more of not‐wanting‐SMP group drank milk less often than once a week (19.6% vs. 52.2%, p<0.05), while the intakes of dairy foods and calcium supplements were not different between groups. Without significant differences between groups, 65.6% of subjects drank the flavored milks when they had a choice to purchase, while 82.6% drank unflavored milk when they did not have a choice home. Conclusively, the results suggested that the adolescents who are reluctant to participate school milk program may have inadequate calcium intake and provided the rationale to urge them to participate SMP not only for the adequate calcium intakes currently, but also for the good dietary habits regarding drinking milk regularly from healthier type, which will favor their health in the future.
Saturated Free Fatty Acids Induce Trophoblast Lipoapoptosis
Authors: Natarajan Sathish Kumar , Bruett Taylor , Muthukrishnan Ezhumalai , Islam Md Torikul , Mott Justin L
Published: November 2023

Obesity during pregnancy increases the risk for maternal complications like gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and maternal inflammation. Maternal obesity also increases the risk of childhood obesity, fetalintrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and diabetes to the children. Earlier studies demonstrated placental trophoblast apoptosis occurs in patients with preeclampsia and IUGR due to hypoxia. Increased circulating free fatty acids (FFAs) in obesity due to adipose lipolysis induces lipoapoptosis tohepatocytes, cholangiocytes, and pancreatic‐β‐cells. During the third trimester of pregnancy, there is an increase in maternal lipolysis and release of FFAs into the circulation. It is currently unknown if increased FFAs during maternal obesity cause placental cell lipoapoptosis. Palmitate, the predominant circulating FFA, has been shown to induce blastocyst lipoapoptosis and exposure of blastocysts before implantation to palmitate results in a smaller sized fetus. Here, we hypothesis the involvement of trophoblastlipoapoptosis in placental dysfunction during maternal obesity.

Methods

Apoptosis was assessed by characteristic nuclear morphology staining with DAPI, and caspase 3/7 activity assay. Cleaved PARP and cleaved caspase 3 were examined by Immunoblot.

Results

Treatment of trophoblastcell lines, JEG‐3 and JAR cells with palmitate (PA) or stearate (SA)‐induced trophoblastlipoapoptosis as evidenced by a significant increase in apoptotic nuclearmorphology changes and caspase 3/7 activity. We observed that saturated FFAs caused a concentration‐dependent increase in placental cell lipoapoptosis. We also observed that palmitoleate, a mono‐unsaturated omega‐7 fatty acid mitigated placental cell lipoapoptosis caused due to PA exposure.

In conclusion, we show that saturated FFAs induce trophoblast lipoapoptosis. The signaling mechanism of FFA‐induced trophoblast lipoapoptosis are now under investigation.

Support or Funding Information

NIH:P20GM104320
Presence of a Risk FTO Polymorphism in Young Adults from Northwestern Mexico and its Association with Biomarkers of Overweight and Obesity
Authors: Astiazaran‐Garcia Humberto , Cid Alejandro Rendon‐Del , Urias‐Cazarez Esmeralda , Pacheco‐Moreno Bertha I , Morales‐Figueroa Gloria Guadalupe , Anduro‐Corona Ivan
Published: November 2023

Obesity is currently one of the most important public health problems worldwide, and more than 3 million deaths were attributed in 2014. Genetics can explain in part the interaction between obesity and its risk factors, therefore our objective was to explore the risk FTO polymorphism SNP rs8050136 and its possible association with obesity, diet, metabolic condition and physical activity. The study design was cross‐sectional analytic. We included 51 young adults and measured anthropometry, body composition (BIA), dietary intake and physical activity, and fasting blood samples were drawn. We amplified and sequenced one FTO fragment including the rs8050136 SNP where allele A has been associated with obesity risk because carriers had a higher calorie intake. Our results show that allele A was found in heterozygous form in 33.33 % of the subjects and they had a tendency to increase body fat percentage (0.138), increased body weight (p=0.015), BMI (p=0.021), dietary energy intake (0.004) and less physical activity level (p=0.083), consistent with higher risk of obesity when compared to negative carriers. Additionally, an interaction with general metabolic condition was found, positive allele A subjects showed higher fasting plasma glucose levels (p=0.036) and tended towards higher triglycerides levels (p=0.093), LDL cholesterol (p=0.084) and lower HDL cholesterol (p=0.082). Therefore, we conclude that risk allele A of FTO SNP rs8050136 is present among young adults from northwestern Mexico and it is a risk factor for obesity not only increasing calorie intake but also influencing BMI, body fat, physical activity levels and increased risk of metabolic disorders.
Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and Obesity in U.S. Children Ages 6–12
Authors: Haddadian Padideh , Huwaikem Mashael , Vaccaro Joan A. , Zarini Gustavo G. , Huffman Fatma G.
Published: November 2023

Background

Approximately 17% of children ages 6–11 years are classified as obese in the United States (U.S.). Obesity adversely affects physical functioning and leads to reduced quality of life.

Objective

The aim of the study was to characterize the prevalence of physical activity, sedentary behavior and obesity among U.S. children ages 6–12 years old.

Methods

Data for this study were from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) National Youth Fitness Survey (NNYFS) conducted in conjunction with the NHANES in 2012. The final sample size was N = 614 children who completed the cardiovascular endurance test and of the following self‐reported race/ethnicity categories: 103 Mexican Americans (MA), 103 Other Hispanics (OH), 156 non‐Hispanic Blacks (NHB), and 252 non‐Hispanic Whites (NHW). The NNYFS protocol was approved by the NCHS Research Ethics Review Board (ERB): parents signed informed consent and children signed assent. Statistics were reported as percentage and 95th CI by cross‐tabulations of obesity, sedentary behavior and physical activity by race/ethnicity. All statistics were performed with SPSS version 23 with the complex sample analysis module.

Results

Approximately twice the percent of NHB as compared to NHW children had high sedentary behavior ≥ 3 hrs/day [33.1 (21.9, 46.7) vs. 16.3 (11.5, 22.4)]. The percent of sedentary behavior ≥ 3 hrs/day was 16.7 (13.8, 20.0) for MA and 28.1 (16.7, 43.4) for OH. Over 80% of all race/ethnicity children participated in physical activity (P=0.072). Body Mass Index/age and gender (zBMI) was not significantly different by race/ethnicity (P=0.430) and 35.5% were classified as overweight/obese.

Conclusion

Elementary‐age children appear to be at equal risk for obesity and lack of physical activity across ethnic/race groups. High sedentary behaviors were more prevalent in NHB. Interventions to prevent cardiovascular disease targeting children at younger age‐groups may be suitable for a school environment.
What Words and Actions Predict Adult and Daughters Weight Satisfaction?
Authors: Tran Huy Q , Wansink Brian , Christian Daniela C
Published: November 2023

How does a parental comment about daughter's food intake or her weight shape her as an adult? The current study attempts to address that question and demystify the relationship between childhood parental intake comments and a daughter's adult Body Mass Index (BMI), her weight satisfaction and her susceptibility to social influence regarding eating. Specifically, we investigate whether recalling more frequent intake comments is associated with higher BMI and whether comments uttered by a parent with healthy dieting have more impact than a parent with unhealthy dieting.

An analysis of 502 women between the age of 20 and 33 showed that while parental comments on both weight and dietary intake may have a large impact on daughters' weight concern, comments on weight do not have as significant impact as comments on high food intake have on healthy eating habits of daughter (p <0.05). Additionally, when parents did not comment on either weight and food intake, the biggest impact of healthy eating was the recalling of how her parents ate.

This study strengthens the notion that parental influence matters when it comes to affecting and improving daughters' eating behaviors. Whereas comments on a daughter's weight relate to her adult weight dissatisfaction, the comments on intake do not lead to weight concerns and weight dissatisfaction, instead these comments lead to healthier eating. It appears that aside from eating healthier themselves, it's better for a parent to talk about a daughter's food intake than her weight.
Effects of Consuming a High Protein Diet With or Without Soy Protein on Transformative Weight Loss and Maintenance; a Non‐Inferiority, Randomized Clinical Efficacy Trial
Authors: Speaker Kristin J , Peters John C , Nelson Hannah K , Pan Zhaozing , Wyatt Holly , Flock Michael , Mukherjea Ratna , Hill James O
Published: November 2023

High‐protein diets are frequently used for weight management due to their ability to enhance energy expenditure and promote lean mass retention. Compared to their animal‐based counterparts the plant‐based protein, soy, demonstrates equivalence for appetite and satiety, however, limited data exist regarding their comparative effects on volitional weight loss and maintenance. This 12‐month randomized, non‐inferiority clinical trial sought to compare the relative efficacy of consuming supplemental soy vs. other types of protein as part of a high‐protein diet and the State of Slim transformative weight management program. The primary outcome was relative change in body weight after 4‐months of interventional weight loss. Exploratory outcomes were weight change at 12 months, blood pressure, lipids, C‐reactive protein, body composition and personal wellness. Using a non‐blinded, two‐arm design with a non‐inferiority margin of Δ ≤ 3% for relative change in weight at 4 months, 58 women and 13 men aged 42 ± 9.4y with a baseline BMI of 32.9 ± 3.6 kg/m2 (mean ± SD), were asked to consume 3 servings of pre‐made soy or non‐soy protein foods (~20g protein/serving via powder, bar or patty) per day for 12 months. Body composition was assessed via dual x‐ray absorptiometry and personal wellness via validated questionnaires. All assessments were made within ± 10 days of each endpoint. Intention to treat (ITT) and completer (C) analyses demonstrated both diets were comparable for relative weight change at month 4 [ITT (N=71): soy, n=36, −6.98 ± 5.22%; non‐soy, n=35, −7.15 ±5.72%, Δ= 0.16% (90% CI: −2.0,2.33); C (N=57): soy, n=29, −8.67 ± 4.35%; non‐soy, n=28, −8.93 ± 4.9%, Δ= 0.26% (90% CI: −1.8, 2.33)]. These results indicate that the regular consumption of soy protein is comparably efficacious to other protein for volitional weight loss fostered through the State of Slim weight management program.

Support or Funding Information

Support: DuPont Nutrition & Health, St. Louis, MO
Dietary Diversity in Mexican Preschool Children: Data from National Nutrition and Health Surveys in 2016
Authors: Gómez‐Acosta Luz María , Gaona‐Pineda Elsa Berenice , Rodriguez‐Ramirez Sonia , Martínez‐Tapia Brenda , Valenzuela‐Bravo Danae Gabriela , Shama‐Levy Teresa
Published: November 2023

Objective

To estimate a dietary diversity score in Mexican children from1 to 4 years of age with the results of the Half‐Way National Health and Nutrition Survey (ENSANUT MC by its acronym in Spanish.

Methods

ENSANUT MC is a national survey based on a multistage, stratified design. It is representative of the urban and rural areas and the four regions of Mexico: north, central, south and Mexico City, and is comparable with the national surveys conducted in Mexico since 1988. Dietary data were obtained with a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. From a food frequency questionnaire of 7 days, we classified foods and beverages in 12 food groups: fruits and vegetables, legumes, Meats, water, eggs, cured meats, fast food, snacks, candies and desserts, sweetened cereals, sweetened beverages and sweetened dairy beverages and dairy products. Dietary diversity was estimated by the total of food groups that were consumed at least 10 grams and three days.

Results

From a sample of 1697 of 1–4 years old, which represent 8, 711, 403 Mexican preschool children, 839 (49.4%) were male children and 858 (50.5%) females. Preschool children consumed in averaged 6.1 (95% CI: 5.8, 6.3) food groups. Children form rural areas tended to a lower dietary diversity (5.9 food groups, 95% CI:5.6, 6.2) than those from urban areas (6.2 food groups, 95% CI: 5.9, 6.4). South region had lower mean food groups (5.9, 95% CI: 5.4, 6.3) than north (6.4, 95% CI: 5.8, 6.9). Preschool children consumed mainly water (84.1%, 95% CI: 80.9, 86.9), fruits and vegetables (76.9, 95% CI: 73.2, 80.2), dairy products (73.0, 95% CI: 69.0, 76.7 and sweetened beverages (71.2, 95% CI: 66.9, 75.3)

Tertile distribution of dietary diversity (low, medium and high) show that more than 50% of preschool in the slow category of dietary diversity ate less than three food groups in a week (water and dairy products). On the other hand, children with high dietary diversity ate at least 10 food groups in a week: fruits and vegetables, legumes, meats, snacks, candies and desserts, sweetened cereals, sweetened beverages, sweetened dairy beverages, dairy products and egg.

Conclusion

Dietary diversity in Mexican preschool children is high, although this could be related to a higher access to a non‐recommended food groups suchs as cured meats, sweetened cereals, sweetened dairy and non‐dairy beverages, snacks, candies and desserts or fast food and fried Mexican snacks. It is important to increase access to recommended food groups in order to improved dietary quality of this population.

Support or Funding Information

Mexican Ministry of Health
A double blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled study of Salacia Chinensis, with alpha‐glucosidase inhibitor properties, on post‐prandial glycemia.
Authors: Hao Lihong , Fieselmann Krista , Schneider Stephen , Schlussel Yvette , Shapses Sue
Published: November 2023

Alpha‐glucosidase inhibitors are used as antidiabetic agents to slow carbohydrate absorption. We examined a medicinal plant, Salacia, with known α‐glucosidase inhibitor properties. In this clinical trial, we measured glycemic indices after a mixed meal tolerance test in healthy overweight/obese individuals. We randomized 51 subjects (BMI: 28.7 ± 3.5 kg/m2; 58% female) to Salacia Chinensis (SC) extract (300 mg and 500 mg dose) and placebo in random order using a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, 3‐way cross‐over design. After an overnight fast, participants consumed a dose of SC or placebo along with a fixed breakfast meal (275 kcal; 50% carbohydrate; 30% fat; 20% protein). Serum was collected, and satiety and taste perception were measured using a visual analog scale before and after the meal (0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 180 minutes). Forty‐eight individuals with (age 33±12 y) completed the trial. After the meal, the peak serum glucose levels were lower, at either dose, compared to placebo (p < 0.05). In addition, the positive incremental area under the curve (iAUC+) of glucose was reduced by 32% at the 300mg dose compared to placebo (p < 0.05). One hour after the meal, the concentrations of amylin were lower (p < 0.05) and glucose‐like peptide‐1 tended to be higher compared to placebo (p < 0.06). Thus far, serum insulin was measured in a subset (n=29) and treatment suppressed iAUC+ compared to placebo (p < 0.05). This study shows that SC lowers postprandial serum glycemic indices in overweight/obese participants.

Support or Funding Information

OmniActive Health Technologies Ltd, Canada
Percent Body Fat Determination: Influence of Bone Mineral in Female Athletes
Authors: Foote Douglas M. , Horswill Craig A.
Published: November 2023

Assessment of body composition is widely used in athletics to determine individually focused training goals. The accuracy of the assessment relies on certain assumptions for the fat‐free body. For female athletes, there is a dearth of research to validate the methods and test the assumptions for validity. Violation of one assumption, a fixed density of the fat‐free body of 1.1 g/mL, may occur with bone mineral content that varies depending on the type of athlete (Prior et al 2001). The study examined the effect of bone mineral on the prediction of percent fat. We hypothesized that by accounting for bone mineral content by using a three‐compartment model, the percent fat will change from that determined with a two‐compartment model. More specifically, correcting for bone mineral content would increase the percent body fat in gymnasts, those in a high‐impact sport, and lower percent fat values in swimmers, those in a low‐impact sport. Seven collegiate female swimmers (age, 19.0 ± 1.4 y; height, 171.2 ± 9.8 cm; weight, 73.6 ± 12.4 kg) and 11 collegiate female gymnasts (age, 19.6 ± 1.1 y; height, 161.3 ± 4.3 cm; weight, 58.9 ± 7.6 kg) participated; the two groups averaged ≥ 12 y of training in their sport (p>0.05). Each subject underwent a DEXA scan (GE Healthcare Lunar iDXA, Madison, WI) for bone mineral density and had body density measured using air displacement plethysmography (BodPod, Cosmed, Chicago, IL). Subjects also completed a survey on sport‐specific history. The two‐compartment approach used the Siri equation (Siri 1961) and the three‐compartment model used the Lohman equation (Lohman 1986). Independent t tests were used to compare the athletes for body composition and physical characteristics. A paired t test was used to compare percent fat for the two models. The results revealed sport‐specific differences in body density (1.0322 ± 0.0151 vs 1.0586 ± 0.0131 g/mL), bone mineral density (1.203 ± 0.707 vs. 1.283 ± 0.083 g/cm2), and percent body fat (p<0.05 for swimmers vs. gymnasts). For both groups, a significant difference in percent body fat was found for methods of determination: swimmers, 29.6 ± 7.1% vs. 21.9 ± 8.0% and gymnasts, 17.7 ± 5.8% vs. 10.4 ± 7.1% for 2‐compartment vs. 3‐compartment model, respectively. In contrast to our hypothesis, both groups decreased in percent body fat when bone mineral was taken into account. These data demonstrate the importance of compartmentalizing the fat‐free body when assessing percent fat and providing an accurate criterion variable to which field methods may be calibrated.
Intermuscular adipose tissue according to obese phenotype in Korean obese individuals
Authors: Yim Jung‐Eun , Kim Young‐Seol
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Adipose tissue (AT) and its distribution are major risk factor for metabolic diseases. The purpose of this study was to investigate body composition measured by whole body maJgnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to elucidate the association of metabolically healthy but obese (MHO) and metabolically abnormally obese (MAO) with their cardiometabolic risks in Korean obese individuals.

Methods

Subjects were classified as metabolically abnormal obese (MAO) at‐risk with ≥ 3 cardiometabolic abnormalities by the NCEP criteria. The following criteria were used to determine metabolically healthy obese (MHO) status. Body composition was measured by bioimpedance, dual X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) and whole body MRI methods. MRI images were analyzed by SLICEOMATIC image analysis software. Resting energy expenditure (REE) and respiratory quotient (RQ) were evaluated by indirect calories methods. Fasting blood levels of glucose, insulin, lipids, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotrasferase(AST), leptin, visfatin, and adiponectin were determined.

Results

MHO men (n=5, BMI 27.3) and MAO men (n=8, BMI 27.9) were significantly different in trunk subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and lower leg total adipose tissue (p<0.05), but were not different in visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and intermuscular adipose tissue (IMAT). MHO (n=7, BMI 25.9) women and MAO (n=8, BMI 27.9) women were significantly different in arm SAT and leg IMAT (p<0.05), but were net different in VAT. The average amounts of IMAT were 72.8g and 40.8g in MAO men and women, respectively. REE and RQ were not different in MAO and MHO. The levels of leptin were significantly correlated with trunk SAT and leg SAT.

Conclusions

These results suggested that the amount of IMAT was much in Korean men than women and significantly different in Korean MAO and MHO women.

Support or Funding Information

This research was supported by Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea(NRF) funded by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology(NRF‐2013R1A1A3010917)
Nutritional Status 6 Weeks After Gastric Bypass Bariatric Surgery: Comparison of Two Nutritional Support Plans
Authors: DiSilvestro Robert , Choban Patricia , Aguila Fernando
Published: November 2023

Bariatric surgery has helped many people lose weight, but can create nutritional problems. Most studies on these problems have examined subjects way after surgery, and have not paid attention to variations in nutrition support. The present study looked at various measures pre‐surgery and 6 weeks after surgery in premenopausal females on one of two nutrition plans (a best selling meal replacement product + other supplements or a new meal replacement product). Both groups lost weight, though early weight loss was higher with the new product. Based on plasma ceruloplasmin, copper status declined by 6 weeks in the conventional nutrition support group, but not with the new formulation. Iron status improved in both groups based on ferritin to c‐reactive protein ratios. Magnesium status improved just with the new formulation based on 2 measures. In both groups, plasma measures of vitamin D and B12 did not change, but vitamin A status, based on retinol binding protein, declined. A urine measure of a bone resorption decreased in both groups. Urinary potassium rose with the new formulation, which had added potassium (the products in the other plan did not). Blood sugar fell with the new formulation, possibly due to the type of fiber used. Two plasma markers of liver damage increased with the traditional nutrition support products, but not with the new formulation. Plasma homocysteine fell in the traditional group, but not with the new formulation. In conclusion, some, but not all examined nutritional related parameters changed by 6 weeks after bariatric surgery. Some of the changes were affected by the type of nutritional support provided.
Birth weight, early life weight gain and age at menarche: a systematic review of longitudinal studies
Authors: Juul Filippa , Chang Virginia , Brar Preneet , Parekh Niyati
Published: November 2023

Background and objective

Adiposity in pre‐ and postnatal life may influence age of menarche. Evidence linking BMI and menarche is primarily cross‐sectional, failing to address temporality, for which the role of adiposity in early life remains unclear. The objective of the current study was therefore to systematically review longitudinal studies evaluating the associations between birth weight and infant/childhood weight status/weight gain in relation to menarcheal age.

Methods

Five databases were systematically searched: PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Global Health (Ovid) and CINAHL. Selected studies were limited to English‐language articles, sample n≥200, presenting multi‐variable analyses. Fifteen original research articles reporting risk estimates for birth weight (n=4), infant/childhood weight gain/weight status (n=4), or both (n=7), in relation to menarcheal age were included. Information on cohort name, study location, years of study, study design, sample size, outcome, exposure, contrast group, risk estimates and confounders was extracted.

Results

Age at menarche was significantly associated with birth weight in eight of eleven studies. Greater BMI or weight gain over time and greater childhood weight was significantly associated with earlier menarche in seven of seven and five of six studies, respectively.

Conclusions

Taken together, studies suggested that lower birth weight and higher body weight and weight gain in infancy and childhood may increase the risk of early menarche. This review suggests that the pre‐ and post‐natal period may be an opportune time for weight control interventions to prevent early menarche, and its subsequent consequences.

Support or Funding Information

This study was unfunded.
Increased Transcription of the Seryl‐tRNA Synthetase (SARS) Gene in Response to Amino Acid Limitation is Mediated by an Intronic C/EBP‐ATF Response Element (CARE) that Functions as an Distal Enhancer
Authors: Shan Jixiu , Sharkey Jason , Tsang Sylvia , Kilberg Michael S
Published: November 2023

Amino acid (AA) limitation activates transcription from 16 of the 20 genes encoding cytoplasmic‐localized aminoacyl‐tRNA synthetase (ARS) genes via action of activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) binding at C/EBP‐ATF‐Response‐Element (CARE) enhancers. Most of the activated genes have a functional CARE near the transcription start site (TSS), but for some the CARE is located downstream within the first intron. For all ARS genes, regardless of the CARE location, there is constitutive association of RNA polymerase II (Pol II) and the general transcription machinery (GTM) near the TSS. For those genes with a downstream CARE, during AA limitation there is enhanced recruitment of ATF4, Pol II, and the GTM to the CARE, not the TSS region. The AAR‐induced expression of ARS genes results from modulation of transcription elongation. Using the seryl‐tRNA synthetase (SARS) gene as a model, the goal of the present research was to further characterize the mechanism by which an intronic CARE enhancer, about 1 kb downstream of the TSS, functions to increase transcription in response to AA limitation. Using CRISPR‐CAS9 technology and HepG2 hepatoma cells, the SARS CARE was deleted and then the wild type and SARS‐CARE−/− cells were subjected to AA limitation. Analysis at both the promoter and the CARE regions of the SARS gene revealed significant changes in association of the GTM, transcription elongation factors, and enhancer binding proteins, in a CARE‐specific manner. Likewise, the absence of the CARE caused changes in localized histone modification within the SARS genomic locus. Collectively, the results indicate that intronic CARE enhancers, such as those contained within the ARS gene family, modulate transcription from the corresponding promoter through changes in histone modification and recruitment of specific factors that control elongation.

Support or Funding Information

this work was supported by a grant to MSK from The National Cancer Institute, CA203565.
Interaction Between the Ratio of Polyunsaturated Fat and Saturated Fat Intake and Peroxisome Proliferator‐Activated Receptor‐γ Coactivator 1‐α (PPARGC1A) rs4235308 Polymorphism in Relation to the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes in Cuban American Population
Authors: Xu Ling , Cheema Amanpreet , Zarini Gustavo G. , Li Tan , Huffman Fatma G.
Published: November 2023

Background

Results from multiline studies suggested that oxidative stress might be the underlying cause of the development of insulin resistance, β‐cell dysfunction, impaired glucose tolerance and type 2 diabetes (T2D). The importance of the peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐gamma, coactivator 1 (PPARGC1A) in mitochondrial biogenesis and regulation of oxidative stress has been extensively investigated. Association of PPARGC1A variants with T2D has been confirmed in several studies. Differences in environmental factors, particularly dietary factors influencing oxidative stress balance, may mask some genetic association. We hypothesized that the association of a common variant (SNP rs4235308) in PPARGC1A gene may be altered by the ratio of polyunsaturated to saturated fats (P/S fat ratio) in the diet.

Subjects/Methods

We genotyped rs4235308 polymorphism in the PPARGC1A gene from 315 Cuban Americans (164 without T2D/151 with T2D) using ABI TaqMan assays. Logistic regression method was used to assess the association between rs4235308 genotypes in an additive model and the risk of T2D. Interaction was tested by including the product of genotype*P/S fat ratio in the model.

Results

There was no significance between rs4235308 polymorphism and the risk of T2D when we didn't include the P/S fat ratio in the model. After including the P/S fat ratio and the interaction term in the model, a strong interaction was evident between P/S fat ratio and rs4235308 polymorphism for the risk of T2D (P=0.010) after adjusting for body mass index (BMI), age, gender, physical activity and calorie intake. SNP rs4235308 (OR=0.57, P=0.027) showed a protective association with T2D for the subgroup who has a lower P/S fat ratio (P/S fat ratio < median (0.456)) while there were no significant results when the same analysis was conducted in the subgroup that had a higher P/S fat ratio (P/S fat ratio ≥ median). In addition, we found that the P/S fat ratio was negatively associated with serum HDL‐cholesterol level in T2D patients (P=0.008) after adjustment of BMI, age, gender, physical activity and calorie intake. Further analysis on this association stratified by genotyping status (C allele carrier vs. non‐carrier) showed that the negative association between serum HDL‐cholesterol and the P/S fat ratio in patients with T2D was only significant in non‐carrier (P=0.021).

Conclusion

The common PPARGC1A rs4235308 variant was associated with decreased risk of T2D in Cuban American when dietary P/S fat ratio was low. Dietary factors need to be taken into consideration when investigating genetic associations with T2D within populations.

Support or Funding Information

Funding for this research was provided through an NIH/NIDDK sponsored grant # SC1DK083060
Correlation of mRNA Levels with CpG Methylation Status of Genes Regulated by Fatty Acids in Differentiated Adipocytes
Authors: Li Yi , Cheng Elliott , Bower Brittney
Published: November 2023

Adipose and muscle tissues are significantly affected in obesity and type 2 diabetes. In order to study the involvement of epigenetic modifications in mediating gene expression induced by diets, 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes were cultured in media containing saturated fatty acids to mimic hyperlipidemia conditions, which occur during the development of obesity and type 2 diabetes. DNA methylation sequencing was used to identify the methylated regions from the DNA samples isolated from the differentiated 3T3‐L1 adipocytes treated with saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. In combination with the pool of previously identified genes that mRNA levels were regulated by fatty acids, we have found correlation between some of the highly methylated regions with the genes that were regulated by fatty acids. We are currently individually validating methylation status of these highly methylated genes including RASA2, MEF2C, and GRP78. We are also studying the signaling pathways mediating methylation of these genes.

Support or Funding Information

This research is supported by grant SC3GM116737 from the NIGMS of the NIH to Y. Li.
EFFECTS OF PROTEIN SUPPLEMENTATION ON FRAILTY AND SARCOPENIA IN PRE‐FRAIL AND FRAIL ELDERLY: STUDY PROTOCAL FOR A DOSE‐RESPONSE, DOUBLE‐BLIND, RANDOMIZED PLACEBO‐CONTROLLED TRAIL
Authors: Park Yongsoon , Kwon Soo‐Jung
Published: November 2023

With a rapidly aging population, frailty defined as geriatric syndrome that increases the risk of falls, disability, hospitalization and mortality, is a major health concern. Previous studies suggest that protein supplementation is an effective dietary strategy to decrease frailty by positively influence aspects of sarcopenia in elderly. However, adequate amount of protein intake for preventing or delaying development of frailty is still a controversial issue. The aim of this study was to investigate the dose‐dependent effect of protein supplementation on muscle mass, frailty status and physical performance in pre‐frail and frail malnourished elderly.

This study is a double‐blind randomized controlled trial with concealed allocation and intention‐to‐treat analysis. This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Hanyang University (HYI‐15–228). A total of 120 participants aged from 70 to 85 who meet one or more of the Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS) frailty criteria (weight loss, exhaustion, low physical activity, slowness and low handgrip strength) with risk of malnutrition (Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) ≤23.5). Participants are excluded if they have comorbidities such as kidney and liver failure and are unable to communicate. During 12 weeks, eligible participants will be randomly assigned to either control, 1.2 g/kg body weight or 1.5 g/kg body weight protein group taking iso‐caloric supplementation. Primary outcomes is appendicular muscle mass, and secondary outcomes include CHS frailty score, Korean Longitudinal Study on Health and Aging (KLoSHA) frailty criteria (Short Physical Performance Battery, Korean Activity of Daily Living, Korean Instrumental Activity of Daily Living, the Korean Mini‐Mental State Examination, serum albumin), timed up and go, falling history, admission history, hsCRP, C‐peptide, insulin‐like growth factor 1 and MNA. Safety measurement, compliance and adverse effect are also measured.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Clinical Research Information Service (CRIS, http://cris.nih.go.kr): KCT0001923.

Support or Funding Information

This study was supported by a Korean Health Industry Development Institute grand funded by the Korean Government (HI15C3207).
Dietary Pattern Associated with Frailty: Results from Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan
Authors: Pan Wen‐Harn , Lo Yen‐Li
Published: November 2023

Objectives

To identify dietary patterns and to explore their associations with frailty.

Design

Analyses were conducted with data from the Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan (NAHSIT), a representative nationwide survey.

Setting

Participants were recruited from NAHSIT between 2013 and 2015.

Participants

Individuals aged 65 years and older (N=954).

Measurements

Dietary intake was evaluated using a 79‐item food‐frequency questionnaire. Frailty phenotype was determined using the modified Fried criteria. Using data from NAHSIT 2013 (n=274), we applied reduce rank regression to find dietary pattern which maximized the variation explained for multiple parameters associated with frailty, including grip strength, lean mass, hemoglobin concentration, 36‐item Short‐Form, and Brief Symptom Rating Scale‐5. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the association between frailty and dietary pattern using data from NAHSIT 2014–2015 (n=680).

Results

Consumption frequency of vegetable, tea, whole grains, shell fish, nuts and seeds, snacks, fish, and poultry were positively associated, but that of sweetened beverage was inversely associated with the frailty parameter. Prevalence of frailty and pre‐frailty was 4.7% and 45.9%, respectively in the NAHSIT 2014–2015 survey where we first incorporated Fried questionnaire. Dietary pattern score tertiles were inversely associated with frailty risk (odds ratio=1, 0.64, 0.10; p for trend=0.03).

Conclusion

A dietary pattern featured with more “phytonutrient‐rich plant foods, tea, low‐saturated fat containing protein‐rich foods, n‐3 rich deep‐sea fish, discretionary calories from between‐meal snack; but less sweeten beverage” was associated with lower risk of frailty. This information can be considered in designing dietary intervention for frail elders.

Support or Funding Information

This study was supported from the intramural funds from the Health Promotion Administration, Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW103‐HPA‐H‐114‐124710) and the Department of Health (DOH102‐HP‐1703) in Taiwan.
Dried Plum Consumption Modulates Bone Turnover Biomarkers in Postmenopausal Women with Osteopenia
Authors: Akhavan Neda Sara , Saadat Raz L , Hooshmand Shirin , Chai Sheau C , Johnson Sarah A , Pourafshar Shirin , Arjmandi Bahram H
Published: November 2023

It is estimated that ten million Americans suffer from osteoporosis which is a major health concern, particularly in postmenopausal women, where one in two women over the age of 50 suffer from an osteoporotic fracture. Aside from drug therapies, many postmenopausal women are looking for natural therapies such as functional foods and dietary supplements. Polyphenol‐rich foods have received considerable attention due to their beneficial effects on bone health. Preliminary in vivo and clinical studies from our lab have shown that dried plum, a rich source of polyphenols including chlorogenic and neochlorogenic acid, not only prevents but reverses bone loss in both animal models and postmenopausal women. As such, it is important to understand how dried plum influences biomarkers of bone turnover. Thus, in the current randomized control trial, the effect of dried plum on biomarkers of bone turnover was investigated. For this purpose, a total of 123 postmenopausal women with mild bone loss (T‐score between −0.05 and −2.5) received either 100 grams of dried plum or 75 grams of dried apple (comparative control) per day for three months along with 500 mg calcium in the form of citrate plus 250 IU vitamin D. At baseline and after three months, serum bone‐specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP), osteocalcin (OC), C‐reactive protein (CRP), and tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRAP5b) were assessed. Significant increases in OC (P=0.03) and significant decreases in TRAP5b (P=0.00) and CRP (P=0.03) were observed in both groups while no changes in BAP were observed within or between groups. TRAP5b was deceased in the dried plum group by 8.3% in comparison with dried apple. The increases in OC were similar in both groups, yet the decreases in CRP in terms of magnitude were much more pronounced in the dried plum group than the dried apple group (42.0% vs. 9%, respectively). The results of this three‐month study indicate that dried plum's beneficial effects on bone may be, in part, associated with its anti inflammatory properties.
Alaskan berry treatments maintain C. elegans motility and sarcomere integrity with age
Authors: Touray Farimang , Maulik Malabika , Scerbak Courtney , Vayndorf Elena , Ito Abel Bult , Taylor Barbara
Published: November 2023

Maintaining health with age is a major health concern due to loss of muscle mass, locomotion and increased likelihood of developing neurodegenerative disease associated with increased chronological age. This project aims to study the impact of consuming Arctic‐adapted Alaskan berries has on the maintenance of health with age. We tested the hypothesis that bog blueberry (Vaccinium uliginosum) and low bush cranberry (Vaccinium vitis‐idaea) treatments improve various markers of health in the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans. Individually, blueberry and low bush cranberry treatments significantly increase mean lifespan and result in the maintenance of motility with age. However, concurrent blueberry and cranberry treatment results in no significant change in lifespan and no improvement in motility over control, suggesting that the molecular mechanisms behind the lifespan extension of the two berries are antagonistic. For muscle integrity, only Alaskan blueberry had a significant improvement in muscle integrity when compared to the control. We also investigated the role of Alaskan berry treatments on the onset of paralysis in C. elegans models of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. This study establishes the role of Alaskan botanicals as possible therapeutic agents for aging and neurodegenerative disorders, and encourages further exploration of active ingredients within the extracts.

Support or Funding Information

Project funded by Biomedical Learning and Student Training (BLaST)
Effects of Dried Plum and Chokeberry on D‐galactose‐induced Aging Model
Authors: Jeong Oeuk , Jeong Heesoo , Liu Yanan , Kim Hyun‐Sook
Published: November 2023

Dietary polyphenol has been shown to reduce oxidative and inflammatory reaction in animal models. Dried plum has been reported to be associated with bone metabolism and only few studies mentioned about antioxidative activities of dried plum especially focusing on aging. In this study, we investigated the effects of dried plum and chokeberry on aging markers and antioxidant activities with D‐galactose‐induced aging mouse model. After adaptation period, Balb/c mice were randomly divided into four groups(n=7 for each group): control group(C), D‐galactose‐induced aging group(D), D‐galactose‐induced aging with 10% dried plum group(P), D‐galactose‐induced aging with 1% chokeberry group(CH). All groups except for control group were injected with D‐galactose intraperitoneally for 8 weeks and control group was treated with saline as a substitute. After 8 weeks of treatment, the food intake and body weight gain showed no significant differences among all groups. There was a significant increase in serum malondialdehyde(MDA), liver MDA, and advanced glycation end products(AGE) levels in D group compared with control group(p<0.05). P and CH groups showed higher protein expression of KEAP1 in liver than D group, whereas the protein expression of SOD2 was showed significant increase in P and CH groups relative to D group(p<0.05). Enhancements in the protein expression of KEAP1 and SOD2 in P and CH groups were comparable to the result of control group(p<0.05). These results indicate that dried plum and chokeberry can improve some aging markers in D‐galactose‐induced aging mouse model.