bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Affecting Enrollment in a Nutrition Intervention Program for Low‐Income Mothers
Authors: Nitzke Susan , Chang Mei‐Wei , Brown Roger , Egan M. Jean , Bendekgey Christopher , Buist Diana
Published: November 2023

Background

Mothers In Motion (MIM) was a community based intervention study. MIM was designed to help overweight and obese mothers aged 18–39 year old prevent weight gain via promotion of stress management, healthy eating and physical activity.

Objective

This study explored whether stress, depression, chaotic life, smoking, and employment affected enrollment among low‐income overweight and obese young mothers who completed a baseline phone interview.

Methods

Women 6 weeks to 5 years postpartum were recruited from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) in Michigan in 2012–2015. Prior to enrollment in MIM, recruited participants completed a baseline phone interview and returned to the WIC office within 2 weeks of signing a consent form. Factors affecting enrollment were explored via logistic regression analyses.

Results

Of 697 recruited women who completed a baseline phone interview, 612 (87.8%) returned to WIC to be randomized and enroll in MIM. Women who lived in chaotic life situations and were smokers were more likely to enroll than non‐smoking women with less chaotic lives (OR 1.03 95% CI 1.00–1.07). Also, women who experienced higher stress levels and were unemployed were more likely to enroll than women who had a lower stress levels and were employed (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.02–1.21). Stress, depression and chaotic life were not directly associated with enrollment. No interactions among stress, depression and chaotic life were detected.

Conclusion

Neither stress nor chaotic life was independently associated with enrollment. However, chaotic life coupled with smoking appeared to increase enrollment while enrollment rates were lower for women with low stress coupled with being employed.

Support or Funding Information

NIH R18‐DK‐083934‐01
Experiential Learning in the Undergraduate Nutrition Didactic Curriculum: Enhancing Student's Ability to Link Experience with Competencies Achieved
Authors: Scannavino Martine Ida
Published: November 2023

Objective

To demonstrate an experiential learning model in undergraduate didactic education in dietetics as an approach to enhance students’ recognition of achievement of the Accreditation Council on Nutrition and Dietetics Education's Foundation Knowledge and Competencies.

Methods

The Cedar Crest College Didactic Program in Dietetics (CCC DP) systematically integrates an experiential learning model throughout select components of the curriculum. The active learning experiences were developed to achieve competency of specific Accreditation Council on Nutrition and Dietetics Educations’ (ACEND) Foundation Knowledge and Competencies for Dietitians. The didactic curriculum competencies are categorized into four Domains, each Domain is then delineated into Core Knowledge Competences referred to as KRDs. One example of an activity is a “one‐on‐one” wellness counseling experience to participants in the College's Campus Wellness program allowing students to achieve competency for several KRD competencies. This experience allows students to demonstrate effective and professional oral and written communication and documentation (KRD 2.1); demonstrate counseling techniques to facilitate behavior change (KRD 2.2); and develop an educational session or program education strategy for a target population (KRD 3.3). In addition, experiential activities in food service management allows the students to complete facility safety audits at assigned food service facilities and create an in‐service to address safety deficiencies achieving KRD 4.2, quality management of food and nutrition services.

Summary of Results

Upon completion of the CCC DP curriculum students are required to complete the “Graduation Exit Survey”. This survey is used to gauge students’ perceptions of their level of competency for all ACEND KRD competencies throughout the CCC DP curriculum. Students report a higher level of perceived competency for KRDs that were augmented with an experiential learning component, and are able to identify the actual activity where the competency was practiced and achieved.

Conclusion

The integration of experiential learning within the CCC DP curriculum enhances both the achievement of select competencies by the student and the student's ability to identify and actualize theories, concepts and skills into practice.
Lessons Learned from the Development of a Prenatal Nutrition Online Training for EFNEP Paraprofessional Nutrition Educators
Authors: Baker Susan , Auld Garry , Chlipalski Micheline
Published: November 2023

Objective

To share lessons learned from the development of a national online training for nutrition educators from the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) designed to prepare them to teach the prenatal lesson “Eating Smart and Being Active During Pregnancy” and to increase their self‐efficacy in teaching prenatal nutrition.

Methods

Systematic development of a video based online training using Smith and Ragan's instructional design model, storyboards, scripts, Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning, and theoretical constructs that impact self‐efficacy.

Summary of results obtained

A four hour video‐based online training was developed that included 41 short clips depicting a paraprofessional nutrition educator teaching the Eating Smart and Being Active During Pregnancy lesson to low‐income pregnant women. Clips also presented explanations of the nutrition lesson's content, so trainees could address pregnant participants’ questions and misconceptions.

Lessons learned during the development process included the following: 1) the use of storyboards and scripts helped improve communication about expectations between the nutrition professional designing the training and the filming/editing crew; 2) filming locations need to provide adequate space for all elements in a scene and the filming crew and equipment; 3) environmental noise and light can affect video quality; poor quality videos can distract trainees and make the editing process longer; 4) editing can become the most time consuming step in the development process when raw footage is of bad quality; 5) nutrition professionals designing training need to be actively involved in reviewing footage at the end of every filming day to make sure that the nutrition messages are conveyed appropriately; 6) the use of a memorandum of understanding with anyone involved in the development of the video‐based training helps to clarify timelines, specify responsibilities, and provide alternative courses of actions when initial design or editing plans do not work as expected. In this era of visual learning, our development process can be informative to nutrition educators, charged with developing video‐based nutrition education materials.

Conclusion

The development of video‐based online trainings is time consuming. The use of research based theories should facilitate the decision making process, increasing the likelihood that the online training will be an effective learning tool.

Support or Funding Information

Colorado's Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP)
Consumption of Low‐calorie Sweeteners in the United States 2011–12
Authors: Sylvetsky Allison Cara , Jin Yichen , Welsh Jean A , Rother Kristina I , Talegawkar Sameera A
Published: November 2023

We have previously demonstrated that low‐calorie sweetener (LCS) consumption increased in the United States (US) between 1999 and 2008 (from 9% to 15 % in kids and from 27% to 32% in adults), but little is known about current consumption. We therefore analyzed National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data collected in 2011–12 and compared LCS consumption patterns across socio‐demographic subgroups. Dietary sources of LCS were identified using NHANES food descriptions. Prevalence of consumption nationally and by age, race, gender, socio‐economic status, educational attainment, were estimated using two 24‐hour dietary recalls. F‐tests were used to evaluate differences in consumption across socio‐demographic subgroups. Forty percent of the adults and 25% percent of children reported consuming an LCS‐containing food or beverage in 2011–12. Twenty‐nine percent of adults consumed beverages and 10% consumed foods sweetened with LCS. In addition, 14% reported addition of LCS from packets to their foods or beverages. Similar findings were observed among children, with 18% and 8% consuming LCS‐containing beverages and foods, respectively. Less than 1% of children reported consuming LCS packets. LCS consumption was highest among non‐Hispanic white (45%) compared to non‐Hispanic black (28%), and Hispanic (33%) adults (p<0.001). More women (46%) than men (34%) consumed LCS (p<0.001). LCS consumption also increased with age (49% of adults aged 55+ years vs. 30% of adults 18–34 years, p<0.001), socio‐economic status (46% of adults in the highest vs. 28% in the lowest income tertile, p<0.001), and educational attainment (33% of adults with less than high school degree vs. 49% of those with college degrees or higher, p=0.001). Our results demonstrate that LCS consumption has continued to increase markedly in the US, with more striking increases in consumption among children. Consistent with prior data (12 % beverages with LCS vs. 4% foods and packets with LCS (combined) in kids and 25% beverages with LCS vs. 15% foods and packets with LCS (combined) in adults, in 2007–08) LCS‐containing beverage consumption continued to comprise the majority of reported LCS intake, among both children and adults.

Support or Funding Information

This work was supported by the Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences at the Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University.
Medium and High Risk Alcohol Drinking Increases the Risk of Obesity in Korean Men: Prospective Cohort Analysis Based on the National Health Insurance Data
Authors: Kim Cho‐il , Kwon Sung‐Ok
Published: November 2023

The prevalence of obesity (Body Mass Index [BMI] ≥ 30.0 kg/m2) among Korean adults, albeit small, has increased rather rapidly over a couple of decades while that of overweight becomes stable. Although moderate drinking has been known for some health benefits, excessive ‐ drinking clearly provides extra energy and may result in unwanted weight gain. However, previous studies on this association have been limited and inconsistent. We estimated the relative risk (RR) of obesity in regards to alcohol drinking among Korean adults based on the health examination (HE) data from the National Health Insurance. We created a 10‐year prospective cohort data set from 2002–3 through 2012–13 period with 1,167409 men and 901,920 women (≥19 years) who were free of cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes, and normal weight (18.5 ≤ BMI < 23.0 kg/m2) at baseline (year 2002–3). Alcohol drinking reported on a baseline questionnaire was used to classify subjects into 4 groups based on the WHO‐Criteria for risk of chronic harm. A total of 1,609 men and 2,015 women became obese during 10 year period. After adjusting for age, BMI, smoking status, dietary preference, physical activity, and health insurance premium deciles at baseline, the RRs of becoming obese across drinking groups were 1.00, 0.99 (95% CI: 0.87–1.13) and 1.42 (95% CI: 1.12–1.81) for abstainers, low risk drinking and medium & high risk drinking group, respectively, among men aged 19–49 years at baseline. In men aged 50–64 years at baseline, the corresponding RRs of becoming obese were 1.00, 0.94 (95% CI: 0.65–1.37), and 1.87 (95% CI: 1.12–3.11). On the other hand, RR for obesity was not significantly different in women, possibly due to small number of drinkers. This study clearly revealed that medium to high risk drinking increases the risk of obesity in Korean men and more so in older age. Onto the well‐known physiological and mental harm, chronic excessive drinking among men needs to be dealt with more comprehensive prospect in Korea and government's attention is warranted.

Support or Funding Information

This study was supported by a grant from the National Health Insurance Corporation in 2015.
Bone Mass Status is Associated with Consumption of Dairy Foods and Fruits and Vegetables in Young Adult Uruguayan Women
Authors: Cornes Rafael , Peña Amparo , Donangelo Carmen Marino
Published: November 2023

We investigated bone mass status of young adult Uruguayan women (20–35 y; n=51) in relation to vitamin D status and consumption of dairy foods, and fruits and vegetables. Bone mineral content (BMC) and density (BMD) at total body (TB), lumbar spine (LS), femoral neck (FN) and trochanter (TR) were measured by dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry. Serum 25(OH)D was determined by a chemiluminescent assay. Number of daily servings of each food group was assessed by a food frequency questionnaire. Relationships between variables were examined by ANOVA adjusted for significant covariates. Average Z scores of bone measurements were adequate, 0.700 (TBBMC), 0.443 (TBBMD), 0.076 (LSBMD), −0,194 (FNBMD), −0.570 (TRBMD), although TRBMD, FNBMD and LSBMD Z scores were lower than −1 in 31.4%, 9.8% and 9.8% of the women, respectively. Low consumption of dairy foods (<3 servings/d) and of fruits and vegetables (<5 servings/d) were observed in 55% and 49% of the group, respectively. Serum 25(OH)D was 39.8 ± 11.7 ng/mL indicating vitamin D sufficiency. Mean LSBMD Z score was higher with consumption ≥3 compared to <3 servings of dairy foods (0.391 vs −0.162, p=0.038) whereas mean FNBMD and TRBMD Z scores were higher with consumption ≥ 5 compared to <5 servings of fruits and vegetables (0.035 vs −0.432, p=0.032, and −0.331 vs −0.820, p=0.04, respectively). Combined consumption of ≥3 servings of dairy foods and ≥5 fruits and vegetables were associated with highest mean LSBMD Z score (0.538, p=0.035). Bone measurements were not related to serum 25(OH)D. Our results indicate that in spite of the adequate vitamin D status, osteopenia at trabecular bone sites was present in about one third of the women studied. Consumption of dairy foods, and fruits and vegetables appears to play an important role for bone health in this population.
Fructose Extends Lifespan and Reduces Intestinal Fat Deposition in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Wang Mingming , Laine Roger A , Gao Chenfei , Tran Phuongmai , Mai Nancy , Finley John W , Heymsfield Steven B , Greenway Frank L , Li Zhaoping , Heber David , Burton Jeffrey H , Johnson William D , Zheng Jolene
Published: November 2023

Epidemiological studies indicate that the increased consumption of sugars, including sucrose and fructose in beverages, correlate with prevalence of obesity, type‐2 diabetes, insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and hypertension in humans. A few reports suggest that fructose extends lifespan in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In Anopheles gambiae, fructose, glucose, or glucose plus fructose also extended lifespan. New results presented here suggest that fructose extends lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) wild type (N2). C. elegans were fed standard laboratory food source (E. coli OP50) and maintained in liquid culture. Experimental groups received additional glucose (111mM), fructose (55mM, 111mM, or 555mM), sucrose (55mM, 111mM, or 555mM), glucose (167mM) plus fructose (167mM) (G&F), or high fructose corn syrup (HFCS, 333mM). In four replicate experiments, fructose dose‐dependently increased mean lifespan at 55mM or 111mM in N2, but decreased lifespan at 555mM (P<0.001). Sucrose did not affect lifespan. Glucose reduced lifespan (P<0.001). Equal amounts of G&F or HFCS reduced lifespan (P<0.0001). Intestinal fat deposition (IFD) was decreased by fructose (55mM and 111mM ), but increased at a higher dose of fructose (555mM), glucose (111mM), and sucrose (56mM, 111mM, and 555mM). Here we report an “A‐shaped” effect of fructose increasing lifespan at lower doses and shortening lifespan at higher doses with an inverse effect on IFD. In view of reports that fructose increases lifespan in yeast, mosquitos and now nematodes, while decreasing fat deposition (in nematodes) at lower concentrations, further research into the relationship of fructose to lifespan and fat accumulation in vertebrates and mammals is indicated.
Carbohydrates differentially influence children's efficiency during cognitive control tasks
Authors: Raine Lauren , Cohen Neal , Kramer Arthur , Hillman Charles , Khan Naiman
Published: November 2023

Carbohydrates have received considerable attention for their role in modulating cognitive function due to the brain's preferential dependence on glucose as the primary energy source. However, the impact of different carbohydrates on children's cognitive abilities, particularly following an overnight fast, are unclear. This double‐blind, placebo controlled trial assessed the effects of formulae containing carbohydrates with varying glycemic properties on attentional and inhibitory control among 9–10‐year‐olds, following an overnight fast. All participants (N=95) consumed a non‐caloric placebo (artificially sweetened with sucralose) and were randomized to 1 of 3 isocaloric (150kcal) and macronutrient‐matched formulae containing different carbohydrate sources with varying absorption rates ((FAST [n=34], MODERATE [n=31], or SLOW [n=30])]). All groups were matched for key covariates including age, sex, SES, aerobic fitness, %Fat Mass, and fasted glucose. Cognitive control was assessed using a modified flanker task and an oddball task at baseline/fasted, 10min, and 65min postprandial. No significant differences in task performance were observed at 10min postprandial. At 65min postprandial, results from the flanker task revealed that the MODERATE group exhibited superior ability to maintain accuracy without concessions in reaction time (i.e., greater task efficiency [accuracy/reaction time]), relative to other caloric treatments. However, these changes were not significantly different from the placebo. On the other hand, the MODERATE group exhibited greater task efficiency, relative to the nutritive treatments and placebo, during the oddball task. These data demonstrate that ingestion of different sources of carbohydrates can influence how children meet their attentional and inhibitory demands while maintaining overall accuracy. Further, the neurocognitive effects observed for the non‐caloric placebo condition are suggestive of a beneficial impact of stabilizing glycemic conditions on short‐term fluctuations in cognitive control. Future research is needed to characterize the neurocognitive effects of fasting and to test the effects of modulating other macronutrients (e.g., lipids and proteins) on children's cognitive function in the morning.

Support or Funding Information

Supported by the Center for Nutrition, Learning, and Memory at the University of Illinois, Abbott Nutrition, and the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative of the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture under the Illinois Transdisciplinary Obesity Prevention Program grant (2011‐67001‐30101) to the Division of Nutritional Sciences at the University of Illinois.
Consuming 1 egg per day favorably alters diastolic blood pressure and plasma lipid profiles in a young, healthy population
Authors: DiMarco Diana M , Missimer Amanda M , Murillo Ana Gabriela , Lemos Bruno SO , Fernandez Maria Luz
Published: November 2023

The effects of consuming 0 or 1 egg per day on weight, blood pressure, plasma lipids and plasma glucose was evaluated in young, healthy men and women (24.1 ± 2.2 years). Thirty eight participants (19 men and 19 women) underwent a two‐week washout period in which no eggs were consumed. This 2‐week period was followed by 4 weeks of intake of 1 egg per day. Following intake of 1 egg per day, a significant decrease in diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.05) was observed. LDL cholesterol decreased by 11% from 83.5 ± 24.4 mg/dL to 74.5 ± 15.8 mg/dL as a result of the intervention (p < 0.025), while HDL cholesterol was significantly increased by 7% from 61.3 ± 12.9 to 64.0 ± 13.6 mg/dL (p < 0.05). Consequently, the LDL/HDL ratio was reduced by 15.4% (p < 0.001). We also observed a trend towards a decrease in total plasma cholesterol (p = 0.090). In addition, plasma glucose was decreased from 95.0 ± 7.0 mg/dL to 93.0 ± 7.4 mg/dL (p < 0.05) after the intake of 1 egg per day. No changes were observed in plasma triglycerides, systolic blood pressure, anthropometrics, liver enzymes, or C reactive protein (CRP). These data suggest that 1 egg per day may be an optimal intake to promote a healthy lipid profile in young, healthy individuals.

Support or Funding Information

Esperance Family Foundation
RNA Sequencing: A Novel FADS2 Isoform Identified in Milk Fat Globule Suppresses FADS2 Mediated Delta 6‐Desaturation of Omega‐3 Fatty Acids
Authors: Kothapalli Kumar S.D , Park Hui Gyu , Guo Xiaoxian , Sun Xuepeng , Zou James , Hyon Stephanie S. , Qin Xia , Lawrence Peter , Ran‐Ressler Rinat R. , Zhang Ji Yao , Gu Zhenglong , Brenna James Thomas
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Human breastmilk is a complex oil‐in‐water emulsion, where lipid is primarily carried in milk fat globules (MFG). Breastmilk also carries mRNA and proteins that enable it, in principal, to be transcribed and make functional protein. Our objective was to investigate the appearance of mRNA transcripts with emphasis on the desaturase genes and their alternative transcripts relevant to polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) synthesis.

Methods

Human breastmilk sample collected from a single donor was centrifuged to isolate MFG and to extract total RNA from MFG for construction of mRNA‐sequencing library. The library was sequenced using an Illumina HiSeq instrument operating in high output mode.

Results

RNA sequencing revealed >15,000 transcripts. Fatty acid desaturase 2 (FADS2), the central rate limiting enzyme in PUFA synthesis, is moderately expressed. A novel FADS2 alternative transcript (FADS2AT2) with 386 amino acids was identified. When FADS2AT2 (AT2) is transiently transfected to stable FADS2 MCF7 cells, suppression of delta 6 desaturation (D6D) product 18:4n‐3 and its downstream 20:4n‐3 and 20:5n‐3 fatty acids were observed compared to control cells. No significant changes were observed when incubated with omega‐6 fatty acid precursor 18:2n‐6. FADS2, FADS2AT1 and 5 out of 8 known FADS3AT were expressed in MFG. FADS1, FADS3AT3, and FADS3AT5 are undetectable. An in‐house built PERL script revealed existence of alternative splice sites for over 3500 MFG expressed genes.

Conclusion

The noncatalytic regulation of FADS2 mediated D6D by AT2 is a plausible mechanism by which AT2 might regulate omega‐3 long chain PUFA biosynthesis.

Support or Funding Information

R01 AT007003
MiR‐383 Is Associated With Ameliorated Hepatic Steatosis In Mice Fed On High‐Fat Diet
Authors: Yan Biao , Duan Xiaomei , Shi Yonghui , Le Guowei
Published: November 2023

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the hepatic component of the metabolic syndrome and characrized by excess accumulation of triglycerides in the liver in the absence of alcohol consumption, yet the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here we fed the mice with normal chow (NC) or high‐fat diet (HFD) and screened the obesity‐prone (OP) mice and obesity‐resistant (OR) mice in HFD group. We found HDL in plasma is significantly decreased in OP mice, but no difference between NC mice and OR mice. Oil red O staining revealed the accumulation of triglycerides in NC mice and OR mice are much less than OP mice. We also found the expression level of FAS is upregulated in the liver of OP mice, while the expression level of CPT1a and PGC1a is upregulated in the liver of OR mice compared with the NC mice, suggesting the enhanced steatolysis in OR mice. To understand the mechanism underlying NAFLD, we examined the liver miRNA expression in NC, OP and OR mice by next‐generation sequencing and found enhanced miR‐383 level in OP mice rather than OR mice. Thyroid hormone plays an important role in regulating hepatic lipophagy and we found DIO1 gene which activates thyroid hormone by coverting T4 to T3 is the target gene of miR‐382 and its expression level is upregulated in OR mice. Correlated with the elevated DIO1 expression in OR mice, the T3 level of OR mice is also higher than OP mice. Overall, our data suggest that miR‐383 may contribute to ameliorated hepatic steatosis in OR mice by targeting DIO1 gene in liver, and provide a potential molecular target for NAFLD therapeutic strategies.

Support or Funding Information

The study was supported by the 12th five‐year plan for science and technology development(No. 2012BAD33B05).
GC‐TOF/MS‐based Metabolomic Profiling of Goto‐Kakizaki (GK) Rats: Comparison of Diets Enriched with Purified Resistant Starch or Resistant Starch in the Form of Whole‐Grain Flour
Authors: Martin Roy Joseph , Fahrmann Johannes , Carvajal‐Aldaz Diana , Guice Justin , Page Ryan , Raggio Anne , Coulon Diana , Stout Rhett , Pelkman Christine , Marco Maria L. , Keenan Michael J
Published: November 2023

Dietary resistant starch has been shown to have profound effects on gut microbiota resulting in enhanced short chain fatty acids, elevated gut peptides and improved metabolic syndrome. The aim of this study was to investigate the serum metabolomic response to dietary purified resistant starch and resistant starch in the form of whole‐grain flour in GK rats, a non‐obese type 2 diabetes model. GK rats were put in four diet groups (n=12 per group) (1) control starch with no WG or RS [CON], (2) purified HAMRS [RS], (3) WG waxy corn flour with low RS [WG], and (4) WG HAMRS flour [WG+RS]. Each of these was fed for 12 weeks. Post 12 weeks, serum was collected and metabolomics analysis was conducted using gas chromatography time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry to identify 327 compounds of which 154 had known annotations. Univariate analysis indicated 54 metabolites significantly differential (pFDR<0.05) amongst the dietary groups. The most pronounced metabolic perturbations were found in WG+RS group, followed by RS group, relative to control. Orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (O‐PLS‐DA) multivariate models were used to identify the top 10% of all metabolite discriminants between the dietary groups. Top discriminatory metabolites included 1) microbiome‐derived indole‐3‐lactate, indole‐3‐acetate and 3,4‐hydroxyphenol‐propanoic acid, 2) citrate, a TCA‐intermediate and important precursor for de novo lipogenesis and 3) primary bile acid cholic acid; all of which were increased in RS, WG and WG+RS diets relative to control. These findings provide unique insight into metabolic alterations attributed to starch resistance and whole‐grain effects and cumulatively point towards alterations in bile acid biosynthesis and the gut microbiome.

Support or Funding Information

Danish Council for Strategic Research, Ingredion and LSU AgCenter.
The Gender Differences in the Change of Dietary Intake and Body Composition Following the First Semester for Undergraduate First Year Students at a Small Liberal Arts University
Authors: Nunez Jessica , Vera Desiree , Dunn Sarah L.
Published: November 2023

Currently young adults are at a high risk of becoming overweight or obese (excess body fat), and developing related disorders more than previous generations. The phenomenon known as the “freshmen fifteen” is no myth. Previous research has found that 80% of first year students gain body weight within the first year of college with an average of 5.0 lbs (2.3 kg) for males and 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg) for females and dietary intake may be the culprit. Potentially, dietary influences on body composition changes following an academic semester of college may differ between males and females. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess if gender differences exist in the first semester for first year college students regarding body composition and dietary intake. First year college students (N=21, age 18.3 ± 0.6 years, male n=10, female n=17) from the University of La Verne were asked to report to the laboratory fasting for body composition assessments and a dietary intake analysis pre and post first semester. Body composition (body weight, fat mass, fat free mass, percent body fat, etc.) was measured using a 310 Tanita scale (Tanita, Japan). A record of daily dietary intake for a total of 3 days, 2 days during the week and 1 day during the weekend was assessed using Dietary Analysis Plus software (Cengage, USA). An independent t‐test was used to assess the differences between pre and post measures for body composition and dietary intake using SPSS v.21 and a P‐value of < 0.05 was used to determine significance. A significant difference in the change of fat mass (males 5.2 ± 5.3 kg, vs females −0.3 ± 4.6 kg, p<0.05) and dietary poly‐unsaturated fat intake (males −3.1 ± 5.3 kg, vs females 1.9 ± 3.5 kg, p<0.05) was found following the first semester of first year students between genders. Trends in the change of percent body fat (males 4.0 ± 5.0 kg, vs females −1.4 ± 7.5 kg, p<0.07), dietary saturated fat intake (males 9.4 ± 17.4 kg, vs females −3.6 ± 10.0 kg, p<0.09) and dietary omega‐6 intake (males −2.7 ± 4.7 kg, vs females 1.3 ± 3.0 kg, p<0.06) was also established. In conclusion, gender has an impact on body composition changes across the first semester in first year college students at a small private liberal arts institution. Programs emphasizing gender specific approaches to managing body composition in the first semester for first year college students may be needed on college campuses.
Associations between Weight‐Related Variables, Gender, and Age in Overweight and Obese Preadolescents and Adolescents
Authors: Delavan Elizabeth Leigh , Crook Tina , Phelps Josh , Hakkak Reza
Published: November 2023

Despite the increased awareness and attention targeted toward the childhood obesity epidemic, a feasible and ideal treatment strategy remains a challenge. The literature suggests that weight loss attempts in overweight/obese children and adolescents are more successful when they have a desire to lose weight and have a correct perception of their weight status. Thus, the objective of this study was to examine “desire to lose weight” and “weight perception accuracy” in children, ages 8–15 years. Data from NHANES 2011–2012 were used for the analyses. Participants included 548 overweight and obese preadolescents (8–11 years of age) and adolescents (8–15 years of age). BMI category was determined by physical examination data and CDC age‐ and gender‐specific growth charts. NHANES questionnaire responses were used to determine weight perception accuracy, desire to lose weight (based on what participants reported they were trying to do about their weight), and identification as overweight by a health professional. Chi‐square tests were performed to determine independence of variables. Data showed significant associations between desire to lose weight and identification of overweight by a doctor or health professional, χ2 (1) = 33.544, p = <.0001, phi = .258, weight perception accuracy and age, χ2 (1) = 17.363, p = <.0001, phi = .186, weight perception accuracy and diagnosis of overweight by a doctor or health professional, χ2 (1) = 56.281, p = <.0001, phi = .332, and weight perception accuracy and gender, χ2 (1) = 3.957, p = .047, phi = .091. Our results indicate that identification of childhood overweight/obesity by doctors and other health professionals is a key component to effective treatment. Additionally, the treatment strategy should take into consideration the age and gender of the child. Based on our findings, we advocate that a “one‐size‐fits‐all” method for the treatment of childhood overweight and obesity is likely oversimplified and insufficient.

Support or Funding Information

Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Healthy as a Horse
Authors: Battisti Helen , Battisti Francis
Published: November 2023

Objective

This prospective cohort pilot study was designed to examine the impact of Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) on long‐term weight management during childhood.

Methods

Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) is a standardized learner‐centered experiential education methodology, featuring the partnership between horses and humans. Two cohorts of overweight and obese children (total n=17 females, 9.8±1.0 y, 94.2±3.6 percentile BMI‐for‐age) were recruited for the Healthy as a Horse (HaaH) program from family practice and pediatric medical offices throughout Broome and Tioga Counties in upstate New York. Participants and their families received education in the following areas: equine care and riding, human nutrition, communication, stress management, leadership, team development and healthy lifestyle change. Participants’ baseline (BL) data was collected at the start of the program and after one year, and included anthropometrics (height, weight) and body composition analysis via Dual‐Energy X‐ray Absorptiometry.

Results

Thirteen participants among the 2 cohorts had complete body composition data at BL and 1 year. In the total sample (n=13), there was a trend for change in body fat to be associated with both BL body weight (r=0.53, p=0.06) and age (r=0.55, p=0.10). Mean BL height and body weight of the first (n=5) and second (n=8) cohorts differed (59.5±1.1 vs 53.8±5.8 in, p=0.05 and 129.8±14.2 vs. 101.0±21.0 lb, p=0.02, respectively), and children in the first cohort tended to be older (10.3±1.2 vs. 9.3±0.5 y, p=0.09), and thus analyzed separately. Children completing cohort 1 did not gain body weight over the 1 y, and there was a trend for a decreased BMI‐for‐age percentile (−3.4±3.0 percentile points, p=0.06). Children in cohort 1 also significantly decreased their total percent body fat over the 1y study (−2.8±2.2%, p=0.05). In cohort 2, participants gained a significant amount of body weight (10.0±7.6 lb, p=0.007), and their body fat increased over the 1 y period (+2.1±2.3, p=0.03).

Conclusion

Results from the two separate cohorts of the HaaH pilot study demonstrate a unique opportunity to further examine the use of the horse as a tool to assist in the continued development of effective programs to prevent, identify and treat childhood overweight and obesity. A randomized controlled trial is needed to explore if the observed differences in the body composition changes between cohorts 1 & 2 are the result of the interactions with the horse or the result of the EAL methodology. A higher BMI‐for‐age during childhood is associated with earlier onset of pubertal maturation, and we have observed different trends between cohorts regarding total body fat as well as body fat distribution. Future studies will need to include the Tanner Scale to better estimate pubertal maturation in order to control for its possible influence on change in adiposity in this type of intervention.

Support or Funding Information

The Stanley H. and Theordora L. Feldberg Foundaton
Soybean‐derived glyceollins promote Nrf2‐mediated detoxifying enzymes in colorectal cells
Authors: Jo Gwangrae , Oh Jisun , Kang Sujin , Kim Minsun , Jang Jinho , Jeong Gain , Seo Hyelin , Ju Sunghee , Woo Yaejin , Lim Soonsung , Kim Jong‐Sang
Published: November 2023

Glyceollins are soybean‐derived phytoalexins and synthesized upon exposure to some types of fungus. Glyceollins can induce antioxidant and phase II detoxifying enzymes and thus prevent some types of tumors induced by chemical carcinogens. However, little is known about if glyceollins influence the redox system in colon cells. In this study, we investigated whether phase II detoxifying enzymes and oncoproteins are differentially expressed by glyceollin treatment in colorectal cell lines. HCT116 (p53‐positive), HT29 (p53‐null), and Caco‐2 (p53‐negative) cells were treated with glyceollins. The mRNA and protein expression levels of Nrf2‐associated redox enzymes (NRF2, Keap1, HO‐1, GR, and NQO1) and oncoproteins (p53 and p21) were examined. Our results show that (i) glyceollin treatment induced Nrf2 mRNA expression and its nuclear translocation in colon‐derived cells, (ii) glyceollin treatment augmented NQO1 expression and activity, and (iii) mRNA levels of Nrf2 and oncoproteins were remarkably increased in glyceollin‐treated, p53‐positive cells, but not in p53‐compromized cells. These findings demonstrate that glyceollins could modulate cellular redox system by inducing Nrf2‐associated enzymes, and a tumor suppressor p53 may boost up the Nrf2 induction. It suggests the potential preventive activity of glyceollins against colon tumorigenesis.

Support or Funding Information

This work was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) grant funded by the Korea government (MSIP) (Project No. 2014R1A2A2A01005773)
Postprandial Cranberry Flavonol Glycoside Bioavailability in Human Urine
Authors: Nelson Heather N , Kaiser Amanda J , Reker Nicolette C , Wang Yifie , Singh Ajay P , Vorsa Nicholi , Hooks Tisha L , Wilson Ted
Published: November 2023

Cranberry health benefits for prevention of urinary tract infections have been linked to proanthocyanidins even though their bioavailability is questionable. Protection could also be dependent upon the bioavailability of cranberry flavonol glycosides, which have not been previously characterized in urine postprandially. Healthy women (n=10; 19.5 ± 1.1 years; 22.5 ± 2.0 BMI) ingested low‐acidity 27% v/v cranberry juice (CBJ) from Demoranville cranberries sweetened with sucrose (74 Cal/240 ml), or an isocaloric control (74 Calories sucrose/240 ml). Midstream urine was collected at baseline (0), then 90, 225, and 360 minutes postprandially. UHPLC‐ESI‐MS‐MS methods were developed to identify flavonol glycosides in CBJ and urine. CBJ quercetin‐3‐galactoside (Q‐3‐gal), quercetin‐3‐arabinoside (Q‐3‐ara), myricetin‐3‐galactoside (M‐3‐gal), quercetin‐3‐rhamnoside (Q‐3‐rha), and myricetin‐3‐arabinoside (M‐3‐ara) concentrations were 1.8, 0.5, 0.5, 0.3, and 0.2 mg/240ml. Postprandial peak concentration times in urine were 114.5 ± 12.1, 237.2 ± 12.1, 90.0 ± 12.1, 151.4 ± 12.1 and 104.4 ± 12.8 min, respectively. These flavonol glycosides were not detected in control (0 min) urine. Following CBJ ingestion, Q‐3‐gal/mg creatinine was the most abundant flavonol glycoside at 1298 ± 421, 302 ± 85, 74 ± 59 (ng/mg creatinine) at 90, 225 and 360 min. Q‐3‐rha was 597 ± 206, 444 ± 142, and 122 ± 66. Q‐3‐ara was 36 ± 20, 337 ± 92, and 226 ± 96. M‐3‐ara was 270 ± 102, 56 ± 23, and 19 ± 15. M‐3‐gal was 169 ± 28, 8 ± 28 and 5 ± 28. This is the first study demonstrating that CBJ flavonol glycosides occur in urine postprandially. Sugar conjugate specificity at the 3‐linkage appears to affect flavonol glycoside bioavailability. Future studies should consider whether Q‐3‐gal or other flavonol glycosides may be responsible for UTI protection.
Metabolomic analysis revealed dose‐dependent association between growth performance and redox metabolites in algae feeding
Authors: Ma Yiwei , Zhou Wenguang , Chen Paul , Urriola Pedro E , Shurson Gerald C , Ruan Rogen , Chen Chi
Published: November 2023

Algae are an enriched source of proteins, polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, and dietary fibers, but the impacts of algae feeding on the metabolome were not well characterized. In this study, metabolic effects of were evaluated by feeding (n=24) with three different treatments. The metabolic status of young male mice fed with 0%, 5%, and 20% (w/w) fresh water algae (Scenedesumus spp.) was evaluated by growth performance, blood chemistry, and LC/MS‐based metabolomics. The growth performance was significantly increased by 5% algae while decreased by 20% algae feeding. Serum glucose, triglyceride, and BUN levels were not affected by both treatments but cholesterol dramatically decreased by 20% algae feeding. Metabolomic analysis of liver, serum, feces and urine samples indicated that algae feeding greatly affected the metabolites belonging to amino acid, lipid, microbial metabolism and antioxidant system. The growth promotion effect of 5% algae feeding was associated with the increased levels of hepatic reduced glutathione, niacinamide, dephophocoenzyme A, and adenylsuccinic acid. In contrast, the growth suppression effects of 20% algae feeding was correlated to the increased level of oxidized glutathione and carnitine in the liver, increased EPA and DHA in liver and serum, and increased acyl‐glycine in the urine. Overall, the results suggested that low level of algae feeding may up‐regulate antioxidant system and anabolic metabolism while high‐level exposure could disrupt the redox balance and lipid metabolism.
Induced the Down‐regulation of Adipogenesis‐related Genes of Bacterial β‐Glucan in High Fat Diet‐Induced Obese Rats
Authors: KANG SOON AH , Kim Jong Ae , Kim Hyun‐Soon , Kim Tae‐Soon , Kim Jin_Kyung , Hwang Boyeon , Lee Ji‐Yeon
Published: November 2023

Aureobasidum sp. beta‐glucan is glucose homopolymer with beta‐1,3 glycosidic bond and dietary fiber with high viscosity and solubility in many mushrooms, bacteria, fungi, algae, and higher plants such as barley and oat. β‐glucan is an insoluble microbial exopolymer and composed almost exclusively of β‐(1,3)‐glucosidic linkages1). This study was aimed to evaluate the effect on serum lipids, adiposity and uncoupling protein (UCP) expression of bacteria‐derived β‐glucan fiber in rats. Sprague‐Dawley male rats of weanling rats were given to free access of AIN‐76A diet until 4 weeks of age, and feed high fat diet (beef tallow, 40% of calories as fat) for 6 weeks until 10 weeks of age. After high fat diet induced obesity, fed 0% (high fat control group), 1, 5% β‐glucan containing diet for 6 weeks. Normal control group fed AIN‐76 diet (11.7% fat). Supplementation with either bacterial‐ or yeast β‐glucan resulted in a significant reduction of high fat induced body weight gain, white fat (i.e., epididymal, visceral and peritoneal fat) development, adipocyte hypertrophy and the development of hyperinsulinemia and hyperleptinemia. Serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, and free fatty acid level were greatly reduced, but HDL‐cholesterol concentrations were increased by bacterial β‐glucan supplementation. Serum leptin level was low in β‐glucan groups than high fat group. The UCP expression by 5% bacterial β‐glucan containing diet was significantly increased in BAT UCP1, UCP2, and UCP3. This study suggests that anti‐obesity effect of bacterial β‐glucan attributed to up‐regulation of UCP and inefficient energy utilization.
Potential Pathological Implication of Osteocalcin and Vitamin D in Acute Aortic Dissection
Authors: ROMANELLI MASSIMILIANO MARCO CORSI , VIANELLO ELENA , BARASSI ALESSANDRA , TRIMARCHI SANTI , DOZIO ELENA
Published: November 2023

Introduction and aim

Acute aortic dissection (AAD) is a cardiovascular disease (CVD) associated with high morbidity and mortality. Extracellular matrix fragmentation and death of vascular smooth muscle cells within the aortic wall are early features of AAD. Although the pathogenetic mechanisms leading to these alterations have not been clarified yet, impaired endothelial function is considered a potential link between different CVD risk factors and AAD. Recently, vitamin D and the bone turnover marker osteocalcin (OC) emerged as CVD‐related molecules, mainly due to their involvement in endothelial damage, inflammation and vascular calcification. The evaluation of the potential implication of these molecules in AAD is the aim of our study.

Methods

Serum samples of 24 AAD patients were obtained within 24 h of symptom onset. OC and vitamin D concentration (25OHD) were measured by chemiluminescent immunoassay methods (LIAISON®, DiaSorin). Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation (SD). The t‐test was used to compare groups. Relationship among variables was assessed by the Spearman correlation analysis. A p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

In AAD patients, mean OC level (17.95 ± 1.66 ng/mL) was within normal range, on the contrary mean 25OHD concentration (12.63 ± 6.93 ng/mL) was indicative of hypovitaminosis D. None of the patients had 25OH level > of the cut off value of 30 ng/mL, sometimes used for optimal vitamin D status. Among patients, 38% had 25OHD level < 10 ng/mL, 38% in the range 10–20 ng/mL and 24 % > 20 ng/mL. OC level was reduced in patients with the highest 25OHD concentration (> 20 ng/mL) compared to patients with 25OHD deficiency (< 10 ng/mL). Moreover, we observed an inverse association between OC and 25OHD (r = −0.61, p < 0.01).

After patients classification according to dissection localization (ascending aorta, type A, or descending aorta, type B), mean 25OHD and OC levels were, respectively, higher and lower in type B compared to A, anyway just over the limit of statistical significance. None of type B patients displayed 25OHD deficiency.

Conclusions

In AAD reduced 25OHD level was associated to increased OC concentration. Both molecules might thus be involved in AAD. The evaluation of their relationship with traditional cardiovascular risk factors and markers of endothelial dysfunction will be helpful to better clarify the role of 25OHD and OC in AAD and the potential associated pathophysiological mechanisms.

Support or Funding Information

Study was supported by DiaSorin S.P.A., Vercelli, Italy.
Bone morphogenic protein 2 is a key regulator of spheroidal aggregates of mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Tamama Kenichi , Funnell Jessica , Cesarz Zoe
Published: November 2023

Cell therapy with adult mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is a promising approach in regenerative medicine and autoimmune disease. There are various approaches to improve the efficacy of MSC‐based therapeutics, and MSC preparation as spheroidal aggregates or MSC spheroids is a novel preparatory and delivery method. Spheroid formation induces a dramatic change in the gene expression profile of MSCs. Self‐activation of interleukin‐1 (IL1) signaling was shown to be upstream of both pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory genes in MSC spheroids, but the molecular pathways that initiate IL1 signaling remain unknown. As BMP2 up‐regulation precedes that of IL1B expression during spheroid formation, we hypothesized that BMP2 signaling triggers IL1 signaling in MSC spheroids. Contrary to expectations, BMP2 signaling decreased expression of IL1B and downstream genes in a SMAD6‐dependent manner. Conversely, IL1B signaling enhanced BMP2 expression. Another major difference between 2D monolayer culture and 3D spheroid culture is the Young's elasticity modulus, or stiffness, of the materials surrounding the cells, as there is a million‐fold difference between a plastic surface for standard 2D culture (GPa) and 3D spheroidal aggregate (0.1 kPa). We tested another hypothesis that soft elasticity‐associated mechano‐signaling functions as a regulatory mechanism in the early phase of spheroid formation. Both BMP2 expression and inflammatory signaling are up‐regulated in an elasticity‐associated signaling dependent manner in MSCs. Finally, BMP2 signaling enhanced cell survival and cell spreading of MSC spheroids. In summary, our study suggests that BMP2 is a key regulator of MSC spheroids.

Support or Funding Information

This study was supported by University of Pittsburgh Schools of Health Sciences (Bridge Funding Category One), University Pittsburgh Medical Center Health System (Competitive Medical Research Fund), and departmental funds (Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine)(to KT) and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) (to JF).