bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
E‐cadherin regulates mitochondrial metabolism and induces cell growth through NF‐κB in E‐cadherin deficient AGS cells
Authors: Park Song Yi , Shin Jee‐Hye , Kee Sun‐Ho
Published: November 2023

In this study the interrogation of Wnt regulator β‐catenin and an emerging cancer control molecule NF‐κB was explored in E‐cadherin expressed AGS gastric cancer cells (EC96 cells). It was found that E‐cadherin can increase cell proliferation and energy metabolism through activation of NF‐κB. EC96 cells treated with NF‐κB inhibitors showed a decrease in cell survival. Knockdown of E‐cadherin expression by shRNA could clearly reverse the E‐cadherin‐induced energy metabolism potential in EC96 cells. The application of NF‐kB inhibitors supported the evidence that NF‐kB act as an upstream signal of c‐myc and Glut1. Normally NF‐kB is present in the cytosol of resting cells. Our results showed that E‐cadherin expression led NF‐κB to translocate from cytosol to nucleus in AGS cells. The treatment of NF‐kB inhibitors or knockdown with E‐cadherin shRNA abolished the ability of E‐cadherin to translocate NF‐kB into nucleus in EC96 cells, which was accompanied with the reduction of cell growth. In conclusion, E‐cadherin expression generates cell proliferation signals through NF‐κB signal pathway as Wnt signal pathway was suppressed.

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 (NRF‐2015R1D1A1A09056775)]
Potential Role For A Phosphoserine Aminotransferase 1 And Pyruvate Kinase M2 (PSAT1:PKM2) Functional Interaction In Lung Cancer Cells
Authors: Clem Brian F , Kruer Traci , Bradley James , Merchant Michael , Trent John O , Sit Rumeysa Biyik
Published: November 2023

Cellular production of serine provides precursors for numerous anabolic reactions, particularly for proteins and nucleic acid synthesis and for one carbon metabolism, and this pathway has been demonstrated to be elevated in many different cancer types. In addition, metabolites within serine synthesis can stimulate other processes required for neoplastic growth, including glucose metabolism, specifically through the activation of the glycolytic enzyme pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2). However, the complete mechanism by which serine biosynthesis facilitates metabolic or cellular changes necessary for tumor growth are unclear and is further confounded by the observation that suppression of serine biosynthetic enzymes disrupts tumorigenesis even in the presence of exogenous serine. Phosphoserine aminotransferase 1 (PSAT1), the second enzyme in serine synthesis, catalyzes the conversion of 3‐phosphohydroxypyruvate to phosphoserine and increased expression correlates with poorer overall survival in lung cancer patients. In order to determine whether PSAT1 may contribute to lung cancer progression, PSAT1 expression was stably silenced in A549 and H358 lung cancer cells. Although a modest change in cell proliferation was observed upon PSAT1 knock‐down compared to control, there was a robust decrease in soft‐agar colony formation in both cell types. PSAT1 suppression was accompanied by distinct morphological changes and an increase in E‐cadherin expression, suggesting a potential switch in the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT), which underlies the metastatic potential of cancer cells. Accordingly, PSAT1 suppression resulted in a decrease in cellular motility as demonstrated through wound healing assays. To ascertain whether specific PSAT1 mediated protein:protein interactions may contribute to the pro‐tumorigenic potential of serine metabolism, we performed GST‐PSAT1 pull‐down assays that revealed a potential direct association with PKM2, which was confirmed by co‐immunoprecipitation. In vitro recombinant enzyme assays found that PSAT1 activates PKM2, but not PKM1 and, addition of serine or fructose‐1,6‐bisphosphate further activated PKM2, suggesting that PSAT1‐dependent stimulation is distinct from other allosteric modulators. Lastly, based on in silico modeling, site‐directed mutagenesis of PKM2 identified amino acid residues required for this protein interaction. Taken together, elucidating the functional role of PSAT1‐PKM2 in lung cancer cells may yield valuable information about the relationship between serine‐glucose metabolism and EMT transition in cancer cells and provide an additional therapeutic target for cancer treatment.

Support or Funding Information

RSG 13‐139‐01(American Cancer Society) and CA166327 (NCI) to BFC
Isolation, Identification, and Characterization of Local Wild Yeasts for Use In Fermentation
Authors: DeLong Lauren Nicole , Noone Brenna , Erickson Les
Published: November 2023

Inspired by spontaneously fermented beers, such as Belgian Lambic beers, American breweries have moved beyond using exclusively domesticated strains of the beer‐making yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, to experimenting with a variety of different yeast species to produce unique flavors and aromas. The so‐called “funky,” “wild,” and “sour,” beers are produced using uncommon microorganisms either during or after the primary ferment. The goal of our research is to isolate, identify, and characterize wild yeasts from the local environment and to make them available to both commercial and craft brewers for making novel beers. The use of locally‐sourced yeasts could also be used by commercial brewers as a marketing angle, as is often done with local hops, grains, or water. As a source of wild yeasts, we obtained various wild and cultivated fruits growing in rural Maryland and a sample of Belgium‐style ale being aged in used oak wine barrels at Evolution Craft Brewing Company (Salisbury, MD). Yeast colonies were isolated using yeast extract/peptone/dextrose (YPD) agar plates containing antibiotics and identified by colony morphology as well as PCR amplification and sequencing of the 5.8S rRNA genes. The identified yeasts belong to Saccharomyces, Pichia, Candida, Fusarium, Torulaspora, and, most interestingly, Brettanomyces genera. The Brettanomyces yeast, which was isolated from the wine barrel ale, is normally considered a wine spoilage yeast but increasingly is being employed to create “funky” and sour flavors in beer. The growth and fermentation abilities of eight different yeast isolates were analyzed for growth in different liquid medias (YPD, hopped barley‐malt extract, and merlot grape juice) using 96‐well plates and spectroscopy. Growth rates were calculated using a modified grofit package in RStudio. Ethanol production will be determined using a colorimetric assay. Thus far, the most compelling discovery is a wild strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae that grows comparable to a commercially‐available brewing yeast and produces pleasant, fruity aromas when fermenting barley malt extract. The complete characterization of these wild yeasts will be reported in order to identify novel wild yeasts that can be domesticated for local craft brewers.

Support or Funding Information

Special acknowledgments to the Salisbury University Department of Biological Sciences, the Henson Undergraduate Research Award, Evolution Craft Brewery, and the National Science Foundation for funding and equipment, as well as Dr. Philip D. Anderson, Rachel Keuls, and Brittney Lozzi for their support.
Novel Crosstalk between Insulin and TGF‐beta signaling in Vascular Endothelial Cells
Authors: Shah Nirav , Pan Christopher , Kumar Sanjay , Zaman Naveed , Elmasry Fatema , Lee Nam Y
Published: November 2023

Angiogenesis is the formation of new blood vessels from preexisting vasculature, an essential process during development and tumor growth. As a TGF‐β receptor complex primarily expressed in proliferating endothelial cells (ECs), endoglin and ALK1 activate the canonical Smad1/5/8 signaling to promote normal and tumor‐associated angiogenesis. Here we report an unexpected crosstalk between insulin and endoglin/ALK1‐dependent TGF‐b signaling pathways. We found that insulin rapidly activates the canonical TGF‐β and BMP‐9‐induced Smad1/5/8 pathway in numerous EC types tested. Co‐immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence and targeted knockdown studies reveal that insulin activates Smad1/5/8 through a novel trimeric interaction comprising the insulin receptor, endoglin and ALK1. Importantly, our PCR gene profiling results indicate that insulin‐induced Smad1/5/8 signaling elicits a transcriptional response quite different than those normally activated by TGF‐b or BMP‐9. Given that type 2 diabetic patients are highly susceptible to a number of vascular‐related diseases including proliferative retinopathy, our results strongly implicate aberrant Smad1/5/8 signaling with hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance during pre‐diabetic and diabetic disease progression.

Support or Funding Information

RO1 NCI
Alcohol and HIV Protease Inhibitor‐induced inflammasome activation and hepatic lipotoxicity
Authors: Hinton Michael , Pandak William , Hylemon Phillip , Zhou Huiping
Published: November 2023

The development of highly‐active‐antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has allowed management of HIV and extended the lives of those infected. Alcohol abuse, which is very common in HIV‐1 infected patients, is one of the most important co‐morbid risk factors for liver injury and has been associated with the occurrence of serious metabolic syndrome and subsequent discontinuation of HAART in HIV patients. The importance of the NLRP3 inflammasome in liver diseases has been recognized. Kupffer cells (KC) are the major resident macrophages and play a critical role in regulating hepatic inflammatory response. We have shown that HIV protease inhibitors (PI) increase the production of mature IL‐1β production in macrophages suggesting the activation of NLRP3. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of alcohol and HIV PIs on NLRP3 activation in KCs and characterize the impact of inflammasome activation in KCs on alcohol and HIV PI‐induced hepatic lipotoxicity.

Methods

Primary mouse KCs were isolated from rat and treated with individual HIV PIs with or without alcohol. The mRNA and protein levels of inflammasome components including NLRP3, ASC, and pro‐caspase were measured by real‐time RT‐PCR and Western blot analysis, respectively. The protein levels of IL‐1β and IL‐18 in cell culture medium were measured using ELISA analysis.

Results

We found both alcohol and HIV PI‐induced activation of NLRP3 in KCs. The expression of mature IL‐1β and IL‐18 were increased by alcohol and HIV PIs. The active form of caspase‐1 was also increased.

Conclusions

Activation of inflammasome in KCs is a key cellular mechanism underlying alcohol and HIV PI‐induced hepatotoxicity.

Support or Funding Information

National Institutes of Health (R21 AI068432, R01 AT04148, R01 AI057189, P01 DK38030, P30 CA16059), VA Merit Award, Merck research fund and Jeffress GrantNational Institutes of Health (F31 AA024713‐01)
Inflammatory generation and signaling actions of conjugated nitro‐linoleic acid
Authors: Schopfer Francisco Jose , Vitturi Dario , Minarrieta Lucía , Salvatore Sonia Rosana , Khoo Nick , Jobaggy Soma , Li Lihua , Woodcock Steven , Berman Rebecca , Ferreira Ana , Freeman Bruce , Villacorta Luis
Published: November 2023

Inflammatory responses result in the expression and activation of pro‐oxidant enzymes such as the inducible isoform of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and NAPDH oxidases, leading to the generation of the nitrating species nitrogen dioxide (•NO2). Conjugated linoleic acid is a primary substrate for biological lipid nitration in the gastric compartment giving rise to the formation of conjugated nitro‐linoleic acid (NO2‐CLA). NO2‐CLA exhibit reversible electrophilic reactivity and interact covalently with nucleophilic cysteines in proteins and low molecular weight compounds. This reactivity is pivotal for their biological actions including Nrf2 induction, partial PPARγ agonism, heat shock response activation and TLR4/NF‐κB/STAT1 inhibition. Herein we show that macrophage activation leads to NO2‐CLA formation both in vitro and in vivo, as characterized by high resolution mass spectrometry and quantified using isotopic dilution HPLC‐MSMS. CLA nitration by activated RAW264.7 cells results not only in the dose‐ and time‐dependent formation of the parent NO2‐CLA compound but also in the generation of secondary electrophilic and non‐electrophilic b‐oxidation metabolites. The formation of two positional isomers 9‐NO2‐CLA and 12‐NO2‐CLA with different metabolization rates but similar signaling potency was also observed. Addition of either mixed or pure NO2‐CLA positional isomers to cells in culture led to antioxidant response element (ARE) activation and to dose‐dependent expression of Nrf2‐regulated genes. Similarly, NO2‐CLA attenuated TNF‐a mediated NF‐kB response element activation and decreased iNOS expression and pro‐inflammatory cytokine release in LPS/IFN‐g activated RAW264.7 cells. To assess the physiological relevance of these observations, a mouse zymosan A peritonitis model that promotes CLA nitration was utilized. Animals were administered vehicle, or synthetic NO2‐CLA and then inflammatory cell recruitment and clearance from the peritoneal cavity was monitored. NO2‐CLA administration led to decreased recruitment as assessed by flow cytometry. Our work demonstrates that NO2‐CLA generation might constitute an endogenous adaptive mechanism capable of modulating the severity of the inflammatory response by favoring resolution and inducing the expression of both cytoprotective and antioxidant genes.

Support or Funding Information

This study was supported by NIH grants R01‐HL123333 (LV), R01‐AT006822 (FJS) and K01‐HL133331 (DAV), and AHA #14GRNT20170024 (FJS).
Sterol O‐acyltransferase 1 enhances cholesterol esterification via cyclic AMP‐dependent pathway in the yolk sac membrane endodermal epithelial cells
Authors: Lin Han‐Jen , Wang Siou‐Huei , Chen Yu‐Jen , Mersmann Harry John , Ding Shih‐Torng
Published: November 2023

During avian embryonic development, absorptions of nutrients is mainly responsible by endodermal epithelial cells (EECs) in the yolk sac membrane (YSM). Yolk lipids are actively absorbed in late stages of incubation. Sterol O‐acyltransferase (SOAT), regulating the cholesterol esterification with long‐chain fatty acid, is the key for lipid utilization during embryonic development. Expressions of SOAT1 are higher than SOAT2 in YSM during embryonic development of Japanese quail, we hypothesized that SOAT1 is greatly involved to mediate uptake of free fatty acid and yolk cholesterol into EECs, and also responsible for absorption and transportation of lipids into developing embryos. Treatments of glucagon, isobutylmethylxanthine (IBMX), a phosphodiesterase inhibitor for increasing cyclic AMP (cAMP) concentration, and low glucose increased SOAT1 mRNA expression in EECs and hepatocytes, suggesting that SOAT1 is regulated by a cAMP‐dependent pathway. Expression of SOAT1 was increased by adenylate cyclase activator (forskolin) and cAMP analog (dibutyryl‐cAMP) treatments in EECs and hepatocytes. Furthermore, the protein kinase A (PKA) activity was increased by IBMX treatment, whereas co‐treatment of PKA inhibitor, H89, negated the increase in PKA activity. Cyclic AMP‐induced EECs had higher activity of cholesterol esterification and thereby more intracellular lipids than untreated EECs. In conclusion, expressions of SOAT1 is regulated via cAMP‐dependent pathway, therefore, factors that regulate PKA will increase the expression of SOAT1 to improve the utilization of lipids in the EECs and modify embryonic growth.

Support or Funding Information

Sterol O‐acyltransferase 1, cholesteryl ester, cAMP‐dependent pathway, yolk sac membrane, avian embryos
Glycolipid Storage and Phenotypes in a New Rat Model of Fabry Disease
Authors: Miller James J , Aoki Kazuhiro , Murphy Carly A , Stucky Cheryl L , Kassem Iris S , Tiemeyer Michael , Dahms Nancy M
Published: November 2023

Fabry disease is an X‐linked lysosomal storage disease caused by mutations in the GLA gene, which encodes for the acid hydrolase, α‐galactosidase A (α‐Gal A). When α‐Gal A activity is deficient, glycolipids with terminal α‐galactosyl residues accumulate and lead to cellular dysfunction and ultimately organ pathophysiology. Patients with Fabry disease experience severe pain starting in childhood, develop corneal and lenticular opacities, and eventually suffer from end stage renal disease. In order to study the development of these phenotypes on a molecular level, we generated an α‐Gal A deficient (Gla KO) rat using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Gla KO rats have undetectable serum α‐Gal A activity, but have similar levels of serum α‐mannosidase activity as wild type (WT) rats. As measured by mass spectrometry in serum and tissues (kidney and heart), Gla KO rats have dramatic increases in molecules containing terminal α‐galactosyl residues, including globotriaosylceramide (>100‐fold), globotriaosylsphingosine (>30‐fold), and blood group B glycolipids (>10‐fold), which are established biomarkers for patients with Fabry disease. Non‐α‐galactosyl glycolipids, such as ganglioside GM3, exist in similar concentrations in both Gla KO and WT rat serum and tissues. Electron microscopy of Gla KO kidneys and dorsal root ganglia reveal the presence of electron dense lamellar structures, which are classically seen in patients with Fabry disease. On a macroscopic level, male Gla KO rats weigh ~10% less on average and have enlarged tongues (P < 0.001) compared to WT controls. Behavioral studies show that Gla KO rats have increased sensitivity to touch and sharp punctate force (P < 0.001), which are suggestive of a pain phenotype. Slit lamp biomicroscopy shows that male and female Gla KO rats develop corneal and lenticular opacities to a greater degree than WT controls (P < 0.01) by 13 weeks of age. Urinalysis shows that aging Gla KO rats develop increased urine calcium excretion (P < 0.001), increased urine flow (P < 0.001), and decreased urine osmolarity (P = 0.09), all of which suggest the development of distal tubule pathology. As the Gla KO rat recapitulates phenotypes seen in patients with Fabry disease, this rat model can be used to test new therapies and study the mechanistic basis of disease pathogenesis.

Support or Funding Information

NIH funding: F30DK113641, K08EY024645, P30EY001931, R21NS095627, R24HL114474, T32GM080202
Serum Stable Isotope Biomarkers are Moderately Associated with Added Sugar, Fish and Meat Intake in 153 Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Yun Hee Young , Lampe Johanna W , Neuhouser Marian L , Tinker Lesley F , Prentice Ross L , O'Brien Diane M
Published: November 2023

Stable isotope ratios are emerging dietary biomarkers that have not been extensively evaluated in the context of a typical US dietary pattern. Stable isotope ratios vary in the US diet; for example, the carbon isotope ratio (CIR) is elevated both in added sugars and meats, the nitrogen isotope ratio (NIR) is elevated in meats and fish, and the sulfur isotope ratio (SIR) is elevated in fish. In this study we tested whether serum CIR, NIR or SIR could predict intakes of added sugar, meats or fish intake, either alone or in combination. We also evaluated whether the CIR of serum amino acids showed more specific dietary associations. The study population was 153 postmenopausal women in Seattle WA who were participants in the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) Nutrition and Physical Activity Assessment Feeding Study (NPAAS‐FS). For a two week period each participant consumed a controlled diet that was designed to match her usual intake, and blood samples were collected before and after the period of dietary control. Post‐feeding serum stable isotope ratios were measured using continuous flow isotope ratio mass spectrometry and compared to participants' known dietary intake over the two week period using Pearson's correlation. Specifically, we examined intakes of animal protein, meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, added sugar, and corn‐based foods. Animal protein intake (g/d) was associated with both the CIR (0.34) and the NIR (0.39). Among sources of animal protein, meat intake (g/d) was associated with the CIR (r = 0.32), and fish intake (g/d) was associated with the NIR (r = 0.57) and only weakly with the SIR (r = 0.18). None of these associations improved when biomarkers were used in combination. Added sugar intake (g/d) was associated with the CIR of serum alanine (r = 0.31), and meat intake (g/d) was associated with the CIR of serum essential amino acids (valine, leucine, isoleucine, and phenylalanine, r = 0.28 – 0.35). The findings that (1) added sugar intake was associated with serum alanine CIR but not total serum CIR and (2) fish intake was associated with serum NIR are consistent with previous results from an Alaska Native population. In addition, we found that meat intake was associated with total serum CIR as well as serum essential amino acid CIR. These data contribute to ongoing efforts to evaluate these emerging biomarkers of long‐term dietary intake in US populations.

Support or Funding Information

This project was supported by the National Institutes of Health National Cancer Institute: 5R21CA182674, 5R01CA119171.
Reduction of Phenolic Content of Green Leaf Lettuce Grown in the High Tunnels
Authors: Xu Jingwen , Su Xiaoyu , Sumpter Samuel , Barry Shannon , Shen Yanting , Chen Xi , Rajashekar C.B. , Wang Weiqun
Published: November 2023

Fruits and vegetables rich in phenolic compounds are important in preventing chronic diseases. While many of these crops are increasingly grown in high tunnels to increase their yield and extend growing season, very little is known about the effects of high tunnel production on the nutritional value of these crops. Lettuce (Lactuca sativa, vars. ‘Two Star’ and ‘Red Fire’) was grown in open field or high tunnels at the Willow Lake Student Farm, Kansas and the edible leaves of these two varieties were characterized for their phenolic profile at the time of harvest using HPLC‐MS/MS. A total of 5 flavonoids (luteolin‐7‐glucoside, quercetin‐3‐glucoside, rutin, apigenin‐3‐glucoside and kaempferol) and 4 phenolic acids (gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid and chicoric acid) were identified and quantified. The total phenolic content of ‘Two Star’ (a green leaf lettuce) grown in high tunnel was significantly lower than the ones grown in open field. The levels of a major flavonoid lettuce (luteolin‐7‐glucoside) and a major phenolic acid (chicoric acid) were significantly reduced in ‘Two Star’ grown in high tunnel. However, high tunnel cultivation did not have any significant effect on either the total or individual phenolic content of “Red Fire” (a red leaf lettuce). Thus, the results of this pilot study show that high tunnel production significantly lowered the health‐promoting phenolic contents in the green leaf lettuce, but not in the red leaf lettuce, suggesting that the effect of high tunnel production in lettuce is variable and genotype specific.
Vitamin C content in dried and brewed green tea from the US retail market
Authors: Somanchi Meena , Phillips Katherine , Haile Ermias , Pehrsson Pamela
Published: November 2023

Background

Tea is the most consumed beverage after water in the world. Of the three main types of teas, namely black, oolong and green tea, the latter has been associated with a variety of health benefits, including cancer prevention, cardiovascular health, oral health and others, attributed to antioxidants activity as well as specific phytochemicals and nutrients it contains. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient, with a recommended daily intake of 60 mg, and higher intakes have been associated with numerous health benefits. Green and black tea are made from the leaves of Camellia Sinensis but green tea is less processed than black tea. Vitamin C concentrations exceeding 250 mg/100g have been reported in the unbrewed leaves, based on scientific literature for mostly Japanese green tea. Different cultivars and processing and brewing methods could significantly impact vitamin C in tea as consumed, and data on vitamin C in green tea available in the U.S. retail market are lacking. The goal of this study was to assess the vitamin C content of retail green tea bags in the U.S. retails market.

Methods

Sampling was done according to the National Food and Nutrient Analysis Program (NFNAP), which identifies top consumed products and implements a nationwide sampling based on market share. Samples of three brands were collected from each of the 12 locations. Samples from these 12 locations were composited randomly into pairs giving rise to six analytical samples. Six selected local samples of green tea bags were steeped in 230 ml of distilled hot water at 70°C, for two and four minutes and analyzed along with the corresponding unbrewed leaves. Vitamin C was determined as total ascorbic acid and dehydroascorbic acid, HPLC with UV detection. Certified reference materials and in‐house prepared control materials were included in each analytical batch.

Results

The brewed tea contained <0.5 mg of vitamin C/100g, except for one local sample that contained 1 mg/100g; brewing time did not affect the results. Vitamin C in the unbrewed leaves ranged from < 3 to 178 mg/100g (mean 45.5; median 28.1).

Conclusion

Although this study did not screen all brands of green tea or possible brewing methods, the consistently negligible vitamin C in brewed tea suggests that the high vitamin C content in tea leaves should not be considered to transfer into the beverage as typically consumed in the U.S.
The Fat “Value”: How Fat‐Related Words in Chain Restaurants Menu Bias Expectations
Authors: Wansink Brian , Mukund Anupama , Velez Argumedo Catalina M.
Published: November 2023

The numerous words used to name a plate on a restaurant's menu do more than arouse your gourmet imagination; they may carry calories. In some circumstances, it is apparently easy for a customer to determine the healthier option when comparing dishes in a restaurants menu. This research focus to understand how descriptive menu words used in chain restaurants could have specific caloric values ascribed to them. For this study, 12 of 342 words were analyzed, from 18614 mentions in 66 restaurant chains' menu dish titles. These words were nutrition based and averaged in caloric content using menu restaurant words presented on MenuStat. In a secondary stage the group of words was estimated by health professionals via a questionnaire to determine if their estimations were accurate in relation to actual caloric values. Results showed that words pertaining to fat and lighter meals had lower averages of actual caloric value (p = .000). Almost the 12 words were overestimated by the health professionals except for “low carb”, which was significantly underestimated. Typical guests may have similar estimations to health professionals, and perhaps even more skewed interpretations. Since many customers look to quantified elements of dishes when deciding on healthy meal choices, such as the amount of carbohydrates found in a meal, guests could be consuming dishes that are seemingly healthy but are in reality packing on extra pounds.
Validity and Reliability of a Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire for Adolescents
Authors: Ruiz Lyndsey D , Jones Anna M , Scherr Rachel E
Published: November 2023

The objective of this study was to determine the validity and reliability of a nutrition knowledge questionnaire for an adolescent population. The primary purpose of evaluating the questionnaire in this adolescent group was to determine if the tool would be a valid and reliable measure of nutrition knowledge in a subsequent nutrition intervention. The original questionnaire was evaluated for use in Californian adults and contained four sections, of which two were determined to be most relevant for the subsequent study: advice about nutrition from experts and nutrients in foods. These sections were administered unmodified to a convenience sample of high school students divided into two groups. The first group consisted of ninth grade students (n=33) with no prior nutrition education who completed the questionnaire during their health class period. The second group, consisting of tenth grade students (n=37) who had previously received nutrition education, completed the questionnaire during the lunch period. Students self‐reported their current age on the questionnaire. Data were used to assess construct validity, internal consistency, item discrimination, and item difficulty. Questions were eliminated based on predefined criteria, unless determined directly relevant to the subsequent intervention. An initial assessment of internal consistency resulted in a Cronbach's alpha = 0.75. However, a two‐tailed t‐test with the unmodified questionnaire demonstrated no significant difference in mean percent correct between grade groups (p>0.28). An item‐total correlation test was conducted and questions scoring less than 0.2, indicating low item discrimination, were identified. Questions that either group scored less than ten percent or greater than eighty percent correct were also identified. Of the 50 original questions, 16 were eliminated. After elimination of questions, a two‐tailed t‐test showed a statistically significant difference in mean percent correct between grade groups (p<0.05). The questionnaire had adequate internal consistency (Cronbach's α=0.70) after elimination of questions. These results suggest that the modified questionnaire is valid and reliable for measuring nutrition knowledge in 13–16 year old adolescents.

Support or Funding Information

Supported by UCANR #15‐3723.
Timing of lifestyle modification for type II Diabetes Mellitus: Meta analysis of effectiveness
Authors: Shin Dongsoon , Park Yujin
Published: November 2023

Diabetes Mellitus, especially type II Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), is one of diseases being important of lifestyle modification as a medical therapy. Among them, nutrition education as well as exercise is a main strategy to control fasting blood glucose. The aim of this research is to determine appropriate time for both interventions according to blood glucose level and BMI of patients with T2DM. We searched DBpia and KISS from 2015 to 2016, and collected 109 articles. From this, we selected 30 articles written Korean hospitals or public health centers. All articles had mean values of fasting blood glucose (FBG) concentration (mg/dl) and BMI (kg/m2) measured at pre and post exercise or nutrition education at least four weeks and over twelve weeks follow‐up. The collected articles were divided 4 groups depending on exercise or nutrition education treatment besides of drug and diet therapy. Three articles reported no treatment was considered as control groups. Data were extracted in IBM SPSS Statistics Data Editor. The results are as follows; total number of subjects was 870 persons. Average age of subjects was 55.4(+/6.7) years old and the range was 52.1~58.2 years old. Their average BMI was 24.6(+/_0.7) kg/m2 and the range was 24.3~25.5 kg/m2. And average FBG concentration was 157.3(+/_30.7) mg/dl and range was 118.0~228.9 mg/dl. After treatment, FBG and BMI of subjects showed no significant differences. However there was statistically significant difference in the mean difference of FBG concentrations between pre‐ and post‐ nutrition education intervention (p<.009). Interestingly higher BMI level at initial was, the more exercise tended to be tried (p<.051). While the lower FBG concentration were, the more nutrition education were applied (p<.0001). Conclusively the appropriate timing might be needed to intervene to T2DM patients with exercise or nutrition education treatments depending on subject's FBG and BMI conditions.

Support or Funding Information

This research is supported by grant from Kyungnam University.
The Effect of Nighttime Energy Intake on BMI‐Z scores During Early Childhood
Authors: Alnaim Lubna Abdulrahman , Taylor Matthew , Thodosoff Jocelynn , Sullivan Debora , Carlson Susan
Published: November 2023

Background

Consuming greater energy in the evening tends to be associated with excess weight. Cheng et al. (AJCN 2016) recently reported that weight status at 24 month of age was positively associated with being categorized as a nighttime eater at 12 months in a cohort from Singapore. Little is known about the influence of nighttime feeding on weight status in US infant.

Objective

To determine if nighttime (NT) energy consumption at 12 & 18 months is associated with weight status at 24 months in a US cohort.

Design

Data were obtained from offspring born to women in the Kansas University DHA Outcome Study (KUDOS) (n=168). Dietary intakes were assessed by 24‐h dietary recall at 12 and 18 month of age. BMI‐for‐age‐z scores (BAZs) were computed with the use of the WHO Child Growth Standards 2016 to determine weight status at 24 months of age. Energy intake was classified as daytime (DT) (7:00 to 18:59) or NT (19:00–06:59); and the proportion of NT feeding compared to BAZs at 24 months. In this sample, 6.5 % of children were identified as NT eater at 12 months (n=11) and 7.1% at 18 months (n=12).

Results

There was no significant association between the proportion of NT feeding at 12 months (r2=0.003, P=0.485, B=0.054) or 18 months with BAZ at 24 months (r2=0.006, P=0.992, B=0.008).

In contrast to Cheng et al (AJCN 2016), we find no evidence that NT energy intake in early childhood is associated with higher BMI at 24 months.
Exploring Physicians' Perspectives on Nutrition Education Delivery to the Mother‐Infant Dyad
Authors: Uribe Alexandra Luisa MacMillan , Martonffy A Ildiko , Olson Beth H
Published: November 2023

Maternal and infant nutrition education interventions have focused on education targeted to either the nutrition of the mother or the feeding of the infant, and not the dyad. Thus far, there has been limited success in obtaining sustained healthy eating or feeding behaviors. During the first year postpartum, mothers do not focus on their own health‐related needs, yet the mother and infant's health is closely intertwined, especially for breastfeeding mothers. Nutrition education focused on the mother‐infant dyad may be more effective than working with moms separate from their infant. Studies that attempt to modify healthy behaviors for both the mother and infant are few but show promise. Mothers with infants, however, are difficult to reach and retain over the longer term with educational programs. Mothers report a large number of infant and/or family care responsibilities and limited time and resources for these responsibilities. One approach is to provide nutrition education to the dyad through postpartum visits combined with well‐child visits, the latter of which occur seven or more times during the first year and are well attended compared to other preventive care. Physicians are identified as an authoritative source of health information for new mothers, however, their information is reported as being difficult to implement. The purpose of this study is to explore family medicine physicians' (FMP) perspectives on delivering nutrition education to the mother‐infant dyad. FMPs were chosen because they could provide important insight; they may have both the mother and the infant as patients and they are more familiar with the medical care workflow in their clinics. In‐depth interviews were conducted with 17 FMPs in Wisconsin. The interview guide was semi‐structured and utilized probing techniques. Content analysis guided coding, comparison of FMPs' experiences and ideas, and identification of emergent themes. The following major themes were identified: (1) desire for better nutrition education delivered within a clinic setting; (2) a co‐facilitated group‐care model as an ideal method of delivering nutrition education; however, (3) issues exist with a group‐care model related to logistics and reimbursement, as well as patient participation. Overall, the results indicate that a group‐approach to nutrition education delivery for the mother‐infant dyad is a preferred model by this group of FMPs with beliefs of effectiveness and efficiency. However, common challenges associated with group care must be addressed if this type of program were to be instituted and sustained in health care settings.

Support or Funding Information

Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
Emotional Eating is associated with intake of energy‐dense foods in Latinos
Authors: Lopez‐Cepero Andrea Alexandra , Frisard Christine , Lemon Stephenie , Rosal Milagros
Published: November 2023

Background

Latinos experience profound health disparities in diet‐related chronic conditions. Emotional eating (EE) has been positively associated with such conditions, however, little is known about the relationship between EE and energy‐dense food intake that may influence risk for developing these conditions.

Objective

To examine associations between EE and energy‐dense food intake in Latino men and women.

Methods

Latino individuals were recruited from a community health center in Lawrence, MA. Participants completed standardized assessments. EE was measured with the Three Factor Eating Behavior Questionnaire R18‐V2. Dietary intake was measured with a culturally tailored Food Frequency Questionnaire. Energy‐dense food groups defined as food groups exceeding 225calories per 100 grams were identified. Covariates considered in this analysis included: age, sex, education, employment status and BMI. Statistical analysis consisted of multivariable logistic regression.

Results

A total of 201 participants were included in this analysis (53.7% female, 68.1% Dominicans). After adjusting for covariates, EE was significantly associated with high intake of sweet and/or fatty foods, namely dairy desserts (i.e., ice‐cream, sherbet and frozen yogurt) (OR=1.55; 95%CI=1.08, 2.21; p=0.017), oleaginous fruits (i.e., nuts and seeds) (OR=1.44; 95%CI=1.01, 2.05; p=0.046) and baked goods (i.e., cakes, cookies, pies, doughnuts and muffins) (OR=1.54; 95%CI=1.07, 2.20; p=0.020).

Conclusion

EE was positively associated with consumption of energy‐dense foods in this Latino sample. Future studies should examine longitudinal associations between EE, intake of energy‐dense foods and risk of chronic health conditions. Understanding these associations can unveil potential intervention targets for Latinos at high risk of diet‐related chronic health conditions.

Support or Funding Information

This work was funded by grants from the National Institute of Mental Health (R01 MH085653‐04), National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities (5 P60 MD006912‐03), and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (1 U48 DP005031‐01).
Perspectives of a Middle‐aged Appalachian Population Regarding Healthful Eating and Weight Management
Authors: Gousios Ashley , Thompson Stephanie , Marra Melissa Ventura
Published: November 2023

Nearly 36% of West Virginians are obese, and middle‐aged adults in the state (43%) have higher rates than children, younger and older adults. Understanding a population's barriers to weight loss is key to developing culturally targeted nutrition interventions. The main purpose of this mixed methods study was to determine what factors participants felt facilitated and deterred healthful eating behaviors and weight loss efforts. Participants were overweight or obese with at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease including hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or hyperlipidemia. Thirty participants, 17 males and 13 females (45–64 years of age) from two counties in West Virginia, completed online surveys and engaged in focus groups (n=9). Transcripts of the group discussions were coded and analyzed using thematic analysis. Overall, addressable themes included factors such as time, cost, lack of knowledge, and family influence. More men were motivated to lose weight by appearance and physical fitness, while more women were motivated by special occasions. Both felt convenience and temptation of unhealthy foods deterred them from sustaining a healthful diet. Most participants (96.6%) agreed that eating healthfully and losing weight would benefit their health. However, despite recommendations by physicians to lose weight, most (69.0%) didn't feel they received enough information to facilitate change. Among the most preferred services were one‐on‐one consultations with a dietitian either in their home (36.7%) or doctor's office (33.3%) or via a video call at home (33.3%). Other preferred tools included short online video clips on cooking, shopping, and meal planning (46.7%) and a nutrition coach they could call or email with questions (43.3%). Weight loss interventions designed to include dietitians' advice and that address strategies for overcoming barriers are needed to reduce diet‐related health disparities among Appalachian populations.
Adaptation and Validation of the Nutrition Environment Measures Survey in Stores (NEMS‐S) in Costa Rica
Authors: Golfin Francesca , Murillo Carla , Jensen Melissa L , Frongillo Edward A
Published: November 2023

Overweight and obesity affect 21.4% of children, 20.8% of adolescents and close to 60% of adults in Costa Rica. The nutrition environment, which includes the social, political and environmental factors that influence the access to food, might play an important role in the development of obesity, as evidence suggests that local food stores are associated with unhealthy eating patterns.

An array of instruments and measures have been developed and validated to assess food environment. The objective of this study is to adapt and validate the Nutrition Environment Measures Survey for Stores (NEMS‐S) in Costa Rica.

The original NEMS‐S was translated to Spanish (and renamed IMANEA), and its food categories were adapted to the Costa Rican context. The instrument was pre‐tested in a selection of food stores different from our study sample, and changes were made in formatting and food categories. The resulting instrument was used to assess 29 food stores on three non‐consecutive days by two evaluators. The food store sample included supermarkets, “minisupers” (e.g. convenience stores), and “pulperías” (e.g. corner store). Specialized food stores such as pastries, farmer's markets, and butchery shops were excluded since they only offer a limited type of food.

Food stores were assessed in La Union de Cartago for seven food categories. Inter‐rater and intra‐rater reliability were measured through intra‐class coefficient (ICC). Construct validity was determined using known‐groups method through Student's t‐test. All food categories had an ICC between 0.55 and 0.70, except the vegetables category (ICC=0.83), which suggests moderate to excellent reliability.

The IMANEA represents the first adapted and validated instrument designed to measure nutrition environment in food stores in Costa Rica. It could be used as a tool in future obesity research, as well as an instrument to develop interventions that encourage healthy eating through the modification of the nutrition environment in food stores. Furthermore, IMANEA could complement research assessing food security and could be used as a reference in other developing countries of the region.
Brain Response to Food Brands Is Positively Associated With Laboratory Intake at a Branded Meal in Children
Authors: Masterson Travis D , Bermudez Maria , Stein Wendy , Beidler Emma , English Laural , Keller Kathleen L
Published: November 2023

Background

Food companies spend over $7.4 billion per year on child‐targeted food advertisements focused on establishing brand loyalty. Although branding and advertising are ubiquitous, not all children are equally susceptible to their effects.

Objective

The objectives of this study were 1) to determine whether food brands evoke differential activation in brain areas related to brand recognition, food motivation, and inhibitory control when compared to non‐food brands or control images using blood oxygen dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging (BOLD fMRI) and 2) to determine the association between child brain responses to food brands and energy intake at a branded meal.

Methods

Using a within‐subjects, cross‐over design with repeated measures, children completed four visits, each scheduled one week apart. During the first three visits, children consumed ad libitum, multi‐item test‐meals delivered in a randomized order using three presentation conditions: familiar food brands, a novel food brand, and no brand (control). On the fourth visit children completed an fMRI scan where they passively viewed food brands (e.g., Kraft®, Motts®, etc.) and non‐food brands (e.g., Nike®, Tide®, etc.). A whole‐brain analysis was conducted on the fMRI data using two contrasts, food brands > non‐food brands and food brands > control images. Results were corrected for multiple comparisons using a voxel‐wise P<0.001 and spatial extent threshold of 1 to yield an overall P<0.05. Pearson correlations were calculated to determine the association between brain response to food versus non‐food brands and children's intake at branded meals versus control.

Results

Relative to non‐food brands, food brand images were associated with increased activity in the L. Post Central Gyrus (P=0.01). Relative to control, food brand images resulted in greater activation in the R. IFG (P=0.007) and decreased activation in the L. Fusiform Gyrus (P=0.0006). The activation in the R. IFG was positively associated with the difference in energy intake at the branded meal versus the control (r=0.556; P=0.004).

Conclusion

Food brands compared to non‐food brands and control images evoked greater activation in brain areas implicated in motivation (i.e., L. Post Central Gyrus) and inhibitory control (i.e., R. IFG). Food‐brand associated activity in the R. IFG, a region implicated in inhibitory control, predicted children's consumption from test‐meals presented with food brands (compared to control). These findings may help explain differences in the susceptibility to the intake‐promoting effects of food advertising in children.
Who Benefits Most From Personalized Nutrition? Findings From The Pan‐European Food4Me Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Livingstone Katherine M , Celis‐Morales Carlos , Mathers John
Published: November 2023

Objective

This study aimed to characterize individuals who benefited most from a proof‐of‐principle personalized nutrition (PN) intervention.

Methods

Adults (n=555; 19–85 years) from the Food4Me personalized nutrition intervention – a 6‐month, web‐based, randomized control trial conducted across 7 European countries – were included in this analysis. Healthy Eating Index (HEI) scores at baseline and month 6 were derived from food frequency questionnaires. Self‐report questionnaires collected socio‐demographic, anthropometric and behavioral characteristics at baseline. Logistic (odd ratio; 95% CI) and linear regression (margins) compared characteristics between the top tertile (most benefit) and bottom tertile (least benefit) of change in HEI at month 6.

Results

Individuals who benefited most were on average older (44 vs 38 years; P<0.0001), more likely to be female (66% vs 52%; P=0.004) and had higher physical activity levels (1.8 vs 1.7; P=0.035). Odds of benefitting were lower in Germans (0.52; 0.28 to 0.97) and Greeks (0.53; 0.30 to 0.95) and higher in Spaniards (2.29; 1.32 to 4.00). Individuals who skipped meals (0.43; 0.20 to 0.92) had lower odds of benefitting, while individuals who reported frequently eating healthily (1.82; 1.14 to 2.92) and without having to think about it (1.55; 1.01 to 2.37) had higher odds of benefitting. Individuals wanting to know what foods were best for them (2.26; 1.34 to 3.80) and wanting to improve their wellbeing (1.69; 1.12 to 2.55) were more likely to benefit from PN. No differences were observed for smoking habits, occupation and adiposity measures.

Conclusions

This proof‐of‐principle intervention demonstrated that older females with healthier dietary behaviors and a desire to improve their wellbeing are those most likely to benefit from PN advice. These findings confirm the need to enhance PN interventions to improve their effectiveness in other population groups e.g. young men.

Support or Funding Information

This work was supported by the European Commission under the Food, Agriculture, Fisheries and Biotechnology Theme of the 7th Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development [265494]. KML acknowledges support from the Alfred Deakin Postdoctoral Research Fellowship.