bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ASSESSMENT OF CALCIUM INTAKE AND OSTEOPOROSIS RISK FACTORS IN WOMEN BEFORE AND DURING THE CLIMACTERIC
Authors: Chaud Daniela , Bueno Luciana , Noguchi Michele , Machado Alisson , Abreu Edeli
Published: June 2021

Climacteric is characterized by transition from a reproductive to a non‐reproductive period in women, which may be accompanied by increased risk of diseases. Objective: To assess the calcium intake and osteoporosis risk factors in women before and during climacteric. A cross sectional study was performed with 50 women between 45 and 60 years old who attend a women's gym in São Paulo, which were divided in after and during climacteric. For analysis of calcium intake was applied a 24‐hour recall and calculated the prevalence of inadequacy intake. A self‐administered questionnaire was applied. For statistical analysis, the Student t test was applied. Results: Climacteric women showed a higher percentage of obesity (31.81%) and the pre‐climacteric women showed a higher percentage of overweight (22.22%). Prevalence of inadequate calcium intake corresponded to 22.23% for pre‐climacteric women and 62.57% for climacteric women, without statistical difference between groups (p>0.05). None of participants used vitamin supplements. All participants practice physical activity regularly. 40.90% of women in pre‐climacteric, and 67.86% for women in climacteric do not regularly sunned. In both groups, a history of osteoporosis in family corresponded to 28.00%. 72% of participants consumed milk with coffee or chocolate, a composition that can hinder the absorption of calcium. Only 4% of participants had low height. There was no difference in inadequate calcium intake between groups. Regarding osteoporosis risk factors, most participants did not take the sun daily and consuming milk with coffee or chocolate. Almost a third of the sample had a family history of osteoporosis.
The Effect of Bisphosphonate Use on Coenzyme Q10 Serum Levels
Authors: Hirsh Steven , Huber Luke , Schmid Kira , Woolger Judith , Strum Stephen , Joyal Steven , Cohn‐Gelwasser Elisabeth
Published: June 2021

Background

It has been proposed in the literature that the nitrogen‐containing bisphosphonates bind to and inhibit the activity of farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase (FPPS), a key enzyme in the mevalonate pathway for cholesterol and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) synthesis. This suggests that bisphosphonate use may decrease serum levels of CoQ10.

Objective:

The aim of this case report analysis is to assess the effect of a bisphosphonate, alendronate sodium, on serum CoQ10 levels.

Methods:

7 participants diagnosed with osteoporosis were administered a single tablet of alendronate sodium 70mg once per week for 8 weeks. Assessment of serum CoQ10 concentrations were conducted at baseline, day 14, day 30 and day 60.

Results:

Statistical analysis was conducted for the 6 completing participants. Compared to baseline, there was a non‐significant mean decrease of 0.1400 mcg/ml in the CoQ10 level at day 14, a non‐significant mean increase of 0.1250 mcg/ml at day 30, and a statistically significant mean increase of 0.1900 mcg/ml at day 60.

Conclusion

The results indicate that there was no decrease in the CoQ10 level as a result of bisphosphonate ingestion from day 1 to day 60. These results suggest inhibition of farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase by a nitrogen containing bisphosphonate (alendronate sodium) is limited in its inhibitory effect upon the pathway that leads to the synthesis of CoQ10.
Dietary and Urinary Sulfur Can Predict Changes in Bone Metabolism During Space Flight
Authors: Zwart Sara , Heer Martina , Shackelford Linda , Smith Scott
Published: June 2021

Mitigating bone loss is critical for space exploration, and diet can play a major role in this effort. Previous studies showed that dietary composition could influence bone resorption during bed rest. In this study we examined the role of dietary intake patterns in bone mineral loss in astronauts during space flight. Crewmembers were asked to consume, for 4 days at a time, prescribed menus with either a low (0.3‐0.6 g/mEq) or high (1.0‐1.3 g/mEq) ratio of animal protein to potassium (APro:K). Menus were developed for each crewmember, and were designed to meet both crew preferences and study constraints. Intakes of energy, total protein, calcium, and sodium were held relatively constant between the 2 diets. The order of the menus was randomized, and crews completed each set (low and high) once before and twice during space flight, for a total of 6 controlled diet sessions. One in‐flight session monitored typical dietary intake. On the last day of each of the 4‐d controlled diet sessions, 24‐h urine samples were collected, along with a fasting blood sample on the morning of the 5th day. As of this writing, data are available from 14 crewmembers. The final 3 subjects' in‐flight samples are awaiting return from the International Space Station via SpaceX Dragon capsule. Preliminary analyses show that urinary excretion of sulfate (normalized to lean body mass) is a significant predictor of urinary bone resorption marker n‐telopeptide (NTX). Dietary sulfate (normalized to lean body mass) is also a significant predictor of urinary NTX. The results from this study will be important to better understand diet and bone interrelationships during space flight as well as on Earth. Funded by the Human Health Countermeasures Element of the NASA Human Research Program.
Effect of Total Protein Intake on Bone Health in Overweight and Obese Adults Following a 36‐Week Exercise and Diet Intervention
Authors: Wright Christian , Weinheimer‐Haus Eileen , Campbell Wayne
Published: June 2021

Dietary protein is an essential macronutrient required for proper skeletal growth and adaptation. However, controversy exists concerning the effects of higher total protein intake (TPro) on bone health, which may be associated with reduced bone mineral density (BMD). This study investigated the effects of TPro (dietary intake + supplementation) and change in TPro (post‐pre) on BMD and bone mineral content (BMC; total body, total femur, femoral neck, and lumbar spine) in overweight and obese adults (N=113, age 50 ± 8 y, BMI 30.1 ± 2.9 kg/m2). This secondary analysis utilized data from a 36‐week intervention where participants consumed whey protein supplements (0g, 10g, 20g, and 30g consumed twice daily with breakfast and lunch) along with their otherwise unrestricted diet and performed exercise training (resistance 2 d/wk and aerobic 1 d/wk). Anticipated differences and trends in indices of bone health (BMD and BMC) were observed including lower BMD in women versus men and decreases in BMD over time in peri‐menopausal women. Using a multiple linear regression model, TPro (g•d‐1 or g•kg‐1•d‐1) and change in TPro (g•d‐1) were not associated with changes in total or regional BMD or BMC. Employing a cluster analysis approach (< 1.0 (n=41); 1.0‐1.2 (n=28); 蠅1.2 g•kg‐1•d‐1 (n=43)), TPro was also not associated with changes in total or regional BMD or BMC over time.Dietary protein did not negatively or beneficial affect bone health in overweight and obese adults during a 9‐month exercise intervention.

Funding:

U.S. Whey Protein Research Consortium (WWC),NIH T32AG025671 (EMWH), NIH UL1TR001108, and USDA NIFA #2011‐38420‐20038 (WWC)
Medicinal and Nutritional Plants in Rural Panama: Artisanal Lemongrass Tea has High Community Acceptability
Authors: van der Have Thomas , Bermudez Isaias , Kearney John , Bermudez Odilia
Published: June 2021

Objective:

To develop, following traditional systems, a nutritional and medicinal herbal tea and test its consumer acceptability by community residents from a rural community in Panama.

Methods:

Lemongrass leaves were dried with a solar dryer aimed to reach 70% or more of moisture reduction. Dried leaves were packaged into tea bags with net weight of 5g. With the participation of 15 adults (9 men), residents of the community of El Cacao, Capira, Panama, the final product was tested and compared to a commercial lemongrass tea for its organoleptic features and acceptability. We used a standard questionnaire for this evaluation.

Results:

Fresh leaves were gathered, cleaned and chopped into sections of 10–15cm. Moisture reduction of 75% was achieved in only one day with the solar oven reaching temperatures of 95–122°F. The leaves were cut into shorter sections and manually packaged into tea bags of 5g. Product evaluation is performed by a testing session with recruited volunteers. Based on the assessment of the organoleptic characteristics, the final product retained higher levels of aroma and color as compared to the commercial tea. 14 out of 15 respondents preferred the artisanal tea.

Conclusions

Using solar energy, we achieved the needed moisture reduction in a much shorter time as traditionally done with open sun exposure. The development and acceptability of an artisanal tea based on a plant of high local cultural value is a contribution to the growing interest in Panama to raise awareness on the importance of use of their ethno‐botanical resources and traditions.
Defining Protein Foods
Authors: Hess Julie , Slavin Joanne
Published: June 2021

Dairy foods constitute a significant portion of the protein intake among the U.S. population but are not included in the “protein foods group” of the current U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) MyPlate food guide. Although the “Health Benefits of Dairy” page on the MyPlate website briefly mentions protein as a component of dairy foods, because dairy is not listed with other protein foods, MyPlate suggests that dairy is an inferior protein source. However, the Digestible Indispensable Amino Acid Score (DIAAS), the current protein quality evaluation measure recommended by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), shows that dairy products include all nine essential amino acids and contain highly bioavailable and digestible protein. Therefore, the name “protein foods group” seems misleading. If protein content and quality are the determinants for placement in the protein group, then dairy belongs in that group with other protein‐rich foods. However, if other diet and nutrient‐based reasons prohibit the inclusion of dairy into this group, then the “protein foods group” name should be revised to reflect the role of its foods in a health‐promoting diet. Changing either the “protein foods group” name or its list of inclusive foods would provide important clarification regarding USDA recommendations for a balanced diet.
Arginine disposal in health and endotoxemia
Authors: Marini Juan , Didelija Inka
Published: June 2021

Previous research in Arginase II ko (ArgII) mice have shown that these animals have higher arginine (Arg) fluxes than their WT control littermates. This led us to hypothesize that a substantial catabolism of arginine occurs before the arginine released during protein turnover enters the general circulation. To test this hypothesis, the fluxes of arginine (after correcting for the contribution of ‘de novo' arginine synthesis) and phenylalanine were determined in ArgII and WT mice after saline (control) or i.v. LPS challenge utilizing stable isotopes. Arginine flux was greater in ArgII mice (P < 0.01) than in WT animals and LPS reduced (P < 0.01) the flux of Arg and Phe in both genotypes. The Arg/Phe flux ratio was greater (P 0.001) in ArgII (1.16±0.15) than in WT mice (0.93±0.07), demonstrating that ~20% of the Arg released during protein turnover disappeared under basal (saline) conditions due to hydrolysis by arginase II. After LPS challenge, these ratios decreased to 0.96±0.06 (ArgII) and 0.74±0.06 (WT), indicating that during endotoxemia there is an additional ~20% increase in the catabolism of Arg before it enters the circulating pool. Although the precise mechanism still remains to be elucidated, arginase I is likely responsible for these observations during LPS challenge due to the magnitude of arginine disappearance. These novel observations explain the arginine depletion that occurs during sepsis and offer new targets to increase arginine availability.
Proteomic Analysis Reveals Cross‐Talk of Adipocytes and Myotubes in Co‐Culture
Authors: Li Fengna , Li Yinghui , Duan Yehui , Tang Yulong , Anthony Tracy , Watford Malcolm , Yin Yulong
Published: June 2021

Leucine plays important signaling roles in maintaining both skeletal muscle and adipocyte functions. In this study, fully differentiated 3T3‐L1 adipocytes were cultured (top compartment of transwells) over C2C12 myotubes in high glucose Dulbecco's modification of Eagle's medium, in the presence or absence of additional leucine (5mM) for 48 h. The medium was used for secretomics by TMT quantitative proteomic analysis. Leucine enhanced (ratio>1.2) the concentration of 15 proteins (Uniprot_mouse database): including ptotein S100 (P97352), putative uncharacterized protein (Q8BTE9), heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein D (G5E8GO), corneodesmosin (Q7TPC1), insulin‐like growth factor 1 (Q547V2). In addition, leucine decreased the concentration of 14 proteins (ratio<0.75): including alpha‐1‐antitrypsin (E9PUC6), krt78 protein (A1L0X5), apolipoprotein (P34928), krt2 protein (B2RTP7), deocyhypusine hydroxylase (D3Z7J7). Thus co‐culture influences the secretion of proteins that secreted from myotubes and adipocytes involved primarily in cell growth and structure, RNA stability and cell signaling. The identification of local cross‐talk between myocytes and adipocytes provides insights into possible paracrine effects of altered leucine supply.
Delta‐6 Desaturase Substrate Competition between 16:0 and 18:2n‐6 or 18:3n‐3 May Limit the Accumulation of 16:1n‐10
Authors: Park Hui Gyu , Kothapalli Kumar , Park Woo Jung , Lawrence Peter , Liu Lei , Brenna J.Thomas
Published: June 2021

Introduction

The FADS2 gene codes for protein that mediates fatty acid desaturation of at least nine substrates. Among these are 16:0, 18:2n‐6, and 18:3n‐3. Desaturation of 16:0 yields sapienic acid, the most abundant unsaturated fatty acid on human skin. Competition for delta‐6 desaturase (D6D) activity among these substrates is poorly understood. Our main objective was to test competition for D6D among these fatty acids using human cells expressing FADS2.

Methods.

MCF‐7 cells stably expressing FADS2 were created using pcDNA3.1 expression vector system. Stable FADS2 cells at confluence were treated with albumin‐bound fatty acid substrates (16:0, 18:2n‐6, 18:3n‐3), empty vector cells were used as controls. 16:0 levels were fixed at 50 uM, while 18:2n‐6 or 18:3n‐3 levels varied from low to high (0 uM, 20 uM, 50 uM and 100 uM). Cells were harvested after 24 hours, FAME prepared and analyzed by GC‐FID.Positive structural assignments were made by covalent adduct chemical ionization tandem mass spectrometry (CACI‐MS/MS).

Results.

Increasing availability of 18:2n‐6 or 18:3n‐3 resulted in decreased bioconversion of 16:0 to 16:1n‐10, simultaneously increasing the levels of HUFA precursors (18:3n‐6 and 20:3n‐6 or 18:4n‐3 and 20:4n‐3).

Conclusion

Our study shows existence of competition between 16:0 and 18:2n‐6 or 18:3n‐3 for accessing D6D. Increasing EFA substrate availability may limit accumulation of 16:1n‐10 in MCF7 cells.
Rad Phosphorylation Via β‐Adrenergic Signaling Modulates Its Association with the Calcium Channel
Authors: Withers Catherine , Satin Jonathan , Andres Douglas
Published: June 2021

Rem and Rad, small GTPases of the RGK (Rem, Rad, Gem/Kir) subfamily, potently block L‐type Ca2+ channel (LTCC) current when overexpressed. Phosphorylation of Rem downstream of α‐adrenergic (AR) signaling has been found to relieve LTCC inhibition, suggesting that Rem may be regulated by phosphorylation rather than the classic GTP/GDP guanine nucleotide cycle. Phosphoproteomic data mining indicated that Rad is subject to phosphorylation as well, but the lack of sequence conservation surrounding the Rem and Rad phosphorylation sites suggested that different regulatory kinases may be involved. Our recent study demonstrating that Rad‐/‐ mouse hearts exhibit a basal phenotype mirroring chronic β‐AR activation of LTCCs prompted us to investigate whether β‐AR signaling could regulate Rad‐mediated LTCC inhibition. This study tests the hypothesis that LTCC inhibition by Rad, like Rem, is reversed by phosphorylation but that different upstream kinase cascades afford regulatory specificity. We have observed that α‐AR activation triggers phosphorylation of Rem but not Rad. In contrast, robust phosphorylation of Rad occurs following β‐AR stimulation and is blocked by PKA inhibition. Co‐immunoprecipitations indicate that Rad phosphorylation weakens LTCC association while strengthening 14‐3‐3 binding, suggesting a mechanism for modulating Rad function. Thus, phosphorylation may be a general mechanism for controlling RGK actions, and the unique phosphorylation of Rem and Rad downstream of α‐ and β‐AR signaling suggests that these closely related GTPases are not functionally redundant but rather may allow for control of LTCC current in response to different upstream stimuli.
PDE5 Inhibition with Sildenafil Blocks Induction of Carboxylesteras3 and Reduces Cell Necrosis and Autophagy in Acute Alcohol‐Induced Injury in Heart
Authors: Samidurai Arun , Xi Lei , Das Anindita , Salloum Fadi , Omar Salma , Kukreja Rakesh
Published: June 2021

Objective:

Fatty Acid Ethyl Esters (FAEE) are esterified products of alcohol that can cause severe damage to tissue organs and are mediators of ethanol‐induced cytotoxic effects. The mechanism that underlie the onset, progression and severity of alcohol toxicity are poorly understood. Carboxylesterase3 (CES3) is an enzyme responsible for esterification of fatty acids and drugs. We hypothesized that CES3 may be involved in metabolizing alcohol and lead to cell injury.

Methods and Results:

Rat cardiac myoblast cells (H9C2) were treated with ethanol (100mM) or ethanol with sildenafil (1 µM) for 24hrs. Adult male 12‐14 weeks old FVB mice were randomized to receive saline (0.2 ml; i.p, n =3) or Alcohol (1.5 g/ BID; i.p, n=3) or alcohol with sildenafil (0.7mg/kg/day; i.p, n=3) for 3 days.Treatment of H9C2 cells with 100mM ethanol significantly increased the necrosis of cells (41.1 % vs 3.5 % control), whereas sildenafil treatment lowered cell death (17.9 % vs 41.1 % alcohol). CES‐3 protein level was increased 2 fold both in H9c2 cells and in acute ethanol treated mice. Moreover Beclin‐1, an inducer of autophagy was also significantly up‐ regulated upon alcohol treatment in H9C2 cells. Sildenafil treatment prevented the induction of CES3 both in H9C2 cells and in mice.

Conclusion

Therapeutic intervention using sildenafil can prevent the formation of esters by decreasing CES3 in heart and thus can decrease necrosis and autophagy. Our data reports a novel role of CES3 and a new mechanism in which sildenafil can protect heart from acute alcohol injury. This study was supported in part by grants from National Institutes of Health (HL51045, HL79424, HL118808 to RCK).
Cross‐talk Between Autophagy and Mitophagy Regulates Shear‐induced Nitric Oxide Production in Endothelial Cells
Authors: Bharath Leena , Ruan Ting , Sargsyan Ashot , Goodrich Rebekah , Forostyan Tanya , Mueller Robert , Han Yan , Babu PVA , Boudina Sihem , Graham Timothy , Symons J David
Published: June 2021

Aging is associated with suppressed endothelial cell (EC) autophagy and EC nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability. A link might exist among autophagy, mitophagy, and stimulated NO production in ECs. ECs treated with scrambled siRNA exposed to shear stress (3 h x 20 dyn/cm2) exhibit: ↑LC3‐II:LC3‐1, ↓p62, ↑LC3‐GFP puncta formation (indices of increased autophagy); ↓VDAC, ↓m‐aconitase, ↑TOM20:LAMP1 colocalization, ↓ mitochondrial pH indicating lysosomal compartmentalization (indices of increased mitochondrial turnover), ↑ROS generation, ↑endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) phosphorylation, and ↑NO production (p<0.05 for all). ECs transfected with AuTophaGy‐related protein 3 (Atg3) siRNA did not exhibit shear‐induced autophagy, mitochondrial turnover, eNOS phosphorylation, or NO production, but ROS accumulation and cytokine production (ICAM‐1, MCP‐1, IL‐8, E‐selectin) were exaggerated (all p<0.05). Shear‐induced increases in oxygen consumption rate, extracellular acidification rate, and ATP production (all p<0.05) in ECs were prevented by autophagy suppression, indicating impaired mitochondrial function. Dysfunctional mitochondria might be the source of ROS when autophagy is compromised because: (i) shear‐induced increases in NO generation were restored, and ROS production and inflammation were normalized, when ECs +Atg3 siRNA were treated with a mitochondrial‐targeted O2•‐ scavenger; and (ii) the EC phenotype +Atg3 siRNA could be recapitulated using approaches that limit mitophagy per se. A crosstalk exists among autophagy, mitophagy, and NO production in ECs.
Targeted Delivery of Cytochrome c‐based Nanoparticles Coated with a Poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid)‐Poly(ethylene glycol)‐Folate Conjugate to HeLa Cells
Authors: Morales‐Cruz Moraima , Cruz Alejandra , González‐Robles Tania , Figueroa Cindy , Muñoz Laura , Molina Anna , Griebenow Kai
Published: June 2021

The inactivation of the upstream components of the signaling pathways (such as the p53 pathway) that activate the release of Cytochrome c (Cyt c) from the mitochondria to the cytoplasm in response to DNA damage avoid the apoptosis mechanism in many cancer cells. To overcome this, we aim at delivering Cyt c to the cytoplasm of cancer cells. Indeed, recently, we demonstrated that Cyt c nanoparticles were able to induce programmed cell death in an in vitro cell culture study. These nanoparticles consisted of a Cyt c core stabilized by a cover consisting of PLGA, a FDA approved polymer. Herein we extend this study by transforming the system into an active delivery system. The ligand chosen, FA, was linked to poly(ethylene glycol) (FA‐PEG) and that to PLGA in order to target folate over‐expressing cells. The construct should also avoid RES uptake and facilitate cellular uptake. In comparison to the initial system, the improved one shows enhanced stimulus release properties and higher cell cytotoxicity under the same conditions. The FA‐PEG‐PLGA‐Cyt c NPs was able to reduce the cell viability to 20% whereas the same complex without FA (i.e. PEG‐PLGA‐Cyt c NPs) only reduced it to 80% in HeLa cells which is a folate positive cell line. In addition, confocal microscopy shows that the FA‐PEG‐PLGA‐Cyt c NPs was internalized by HeLa cells and that the bioconjugate was capable of endosomal escape. The results clearly demonstrate that the new complex is able to improve the Cyt c stabilization upon formulation of a smart drug delivery system and to increase the tumor specificity of the Cyt c‐based NPs.
Host Directed Autoantibodies That Fuel Tumor Progression
Authors: Jain Alka , Abadir Peter , Fedarko Neal
Published: June 2021

Autoantibodies (aAbs) have yielded productive venues for both diagnostics (eg. tumor‐associated antigens, TAAs) and therapeutics (eg. engineered drug conjugated TAAs). The paradigm for TAAs are intracellular or cell‐surface cancer cell components that are either overexpressed, expressed in a novel location, or have an altered structure or sequence that yields an immunogenic response. Another group of cancer‐relevant aAbs are directed against host proteins yet influence tumor progression and either predate the cancer and/or have arisen in response to comorbid conditions. The paradigm for this is an activating aAb against angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R). This G protein coupled receptor is expressed by many cell types. In addition to a classic role in homeostatic regulation of blood pressure, AT1R activation has been implicated in altering tissue remodeling, wound repair, inflammation, energy metabolism, and thrombosis ‐ processes dysregulated in the setting of cancer. AT1RaAbs whose epitope maps to extracellular loop 2 significantly associated with levels of markers for apoptosis (sFas, sFasL), macrophage activation (neopterin, chitotriosidase) and inflammation (pro‐inflammatory cytokines) when serum from normal or lung cancer subjects was analyzed by ELISA. High serum levels of AT1RaAb were associated with poor outcomes following treatment. Lung cancer cells treated with isolated AT1RaAbs were analyzed for signaling pathways, cellular proliferation, survival (clonogenic assay following methotrexate challenge) and invasiveness (Boyden chamber assay). The data are consistent with (a) AT1RaAb binding of target receptors and constitutively activating NFkB‐dependent chronic inflammatory/remodeling state promoting tumor progression, and (b) serum AT1aAb levels being predictive of disease recurrence.
Nutrition Links – Building Capacity for Sustainable Lives in Ghana
Authors: Marquis Grace , Colecraft Esi , Aryeetey Richmond , Lartey Anna , Clark Shelley , Aboud Frances , Gyorkos Theresa , Aidam Bridget , Owusu Raymond
Published: June 2021

The Upper Manya Krobo District is an impoverished, underserved rural area in the Eastern region of Ghana. To improve the quality of services offered by district institutions and ameliorate the health and economic well‐being of vulnerable populations, we initiated a multi‐sector, 5‐y, district‐wide project “Nutrition Links”. An annual survey of all 1081 households with young infants provides information on health, nutrition, agriculture, and economic activities; this information is being used to develop project interventions and to support evidence‐based decisions of local institutions. At baseline, food insecurity affected more than half the population and was dispersed throughout the district. Over half of infants were anemic and about 11% were stunted and/or underweight. Diet diversity among infants > 6 mo was low. The project provides training on health, nutrition, agriculture, and finance to diverse stakeholders (from caregivers to program managers). Two interventions have been started: (1) intensive nutrition, health, and agricultural training with support for home gardens and poultry rearing among households with an infant; and (2) training on financial literacy and savings along with nutrition and health education for female school‐aged children (9 ‐ 13 y). This project is a working model for strengthening households, local institutions, and services for underserved rural communities in sub‐Saharan Africa. Funding: Government of Canada, through DFATD
Counseling on Infant and Young Child Feeding Practices for HIV‐infected Women in Malawi's Option B+ Prevention of Mother‐to‐Child Transmission Program
Authors: Flax V , Hamela G , Mofolo I , Hosseinipour M , Hoffman I , Maman S
Published: June 2021

The World Health Organization recommends that HIV‐infected women on lifelong antiretrovirals (ARVs) for the prevention of mother‐to‐child transmission (PMTCT Option B+) exclusively breastfeed for 6 months and continue breastfeeding until 12 months. In Malawi, breastfeeding until 24 months is recommended for women on ARVs. Little is known about the extent, timing, content, or uptake of feeding counseling provided to women participating in Malawi's Option B+ program. To fill this gap, we conducted in‐depth interviews on feeding counseling and practices of 32 HIV‐infected women in PMTCT with children < 24 months and performed observations of postnatal PMTCT clinic visits with another 32 women with the same characteristics at 4 clinics in Lilongwe District. In‐depth interviews revealed that women trusted feeding advice from clinic staff compared to other sources. Counseling in clinics usually occurred during the first antenatal visit or at delivery and focused on exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, which most women reportedly practiced. Postnatal counseling on feeding practices was infrequent. During clinic observations, about 40% of mothers were asked if they were breastfeeding, 12% were advised on feeding problems, <25% of women with children < 6 months were counseled on the introduction of fluids or foods, and <30% of women with children > 6 months were advised on complementary feeding. In conclusion, the low frequency of feeding counseling during postnatal PMTCT visits represents a missed opportunity for health workers to support optimal infant and young child feeding practices of HIV‐infected women. Funding: NIH BIRCWH K12 program, UNC CFAR developmental award
Linking national data on food availability and child nutrition outcomes in 45 less developed countries to identify appropriate amounts of foods in national supplies
Authors: Arsenault Joanne , Hijmans Robert
Published: June 2021

Animal‐source foods provide nutrients for growth and diet diversity of young children, but the optimal proportion of energy intake from these foods is uncertain. We calculated the percentage of energy per capita from animal‐source (%AF) and staple cereal and tuber (%CT) foods in national food supplies of 45 less developed countries (LDC) in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America using FAO food availability data. We extracted child stunting prevalence data from Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) and calculated dietary diversity scores (DDS) of child diets from DHS data using 7 food groups. We examined relations between %AF (and %CT) and stunting and DDS using correlational and linear regression analysis and predicted the %AF and %CT to meet desirable nutrition outcomes (< 20% stunting prevalence and DDS 蠅 4). The mean (SD) %AF, %CT, % stunted, and DDS were 9 (6), 59 (12), 32 (12), and 3 (0.8), respectively. %AF was inversely related to stunting (r= ‐0.59, p<0.0001) and positively related to DDS (r= 0.63, p<0.0001). %CT was related positively to stunting (r=0.70, p<0.0001) and inversely to DDS (r= ‐0.58, p<0.0001). From predicted regression equations, 19 and 23 %AF corresponded to desired levels of stunting and DDS, respectively; and 43 and 32 %CT corresponded to desired levels of stunting and DDS, respectively. Although an upper limit of %AF to minimize chronic disease risk should also be identified, these analyses demonstrate that shifts in food supplies towards ~19 %AF could improve child nutrition outcomes in LDC and this information could be used to help inform national agricultural policy.

Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation grant #OPP1099842.
Maternal knowledge and attitudes in relation to complementary feeding initiation in rural Bangladesh
Authors: Owais Aatekah , Kleinbaum David , Suchdev Parminder , Faruque Abu Syed , Das Sumon , Stein Aryeh
Published: June 2021

Inappropriate complementary feeding (CF) practices are common in Bangladesh. To identify predictors of the timing of introduction of solid/semi‐solid/soft foods (CF initiation) in rural Bangladesh, we prospectively interviewed 2073 pregnant women at 28 weeks' pregnancy and at postnatal months 3 and 9. We assessed CF knowledge and attitudes at the 3 mo visit. CF initiation was characterized as early (蠄4 mo), timely (5‐6 mo) or late (蠅7 mo), based on maternal recall at the 9 mo visit. We used polytomous logistic regression, adjusted for SES, infant gender, maternal age, literacy and parity. Timely CF initiation was referent.
CF initiation was early for 7%, timely for 49%, and late for 44% of infants. Only 19% of mothers knew the recommended CF initiation age. Knowledge and attitudes tertiles were 0 – 7, 8 – 9, and 10 – 15, and 19 – 29, 30, and 31 – 39, respectively. Mothers with the lowest knowledge tertile were more likely to initiate early CF compared to those with the highest tertile (aOR = 0.6, 95% CI: 0.3 – 0.9). Mothers with the highest attitudes tertile were more likely to initiate late CF compared to those with the lowest tertile (aOR = 1.3, 95% CI: 1.0 – 1.6). Multiparous mothers were significantly less likely to initiate timely CF compared to those with 1 child (early vs. timely aOR = 1.9; 95% CI: 1.2, 3.1; late vs. timely aOR = 1.3, 95% CI: 1.0, 1.7). SES, infant gender, maternal age and literacy were not associated with age at CF initiation.
Efforts discouraging early CF initiation have been successful but late introduction of foods is still widely prevalent in Bangladesh. Interventions to improve infant nutrition need to promote timely CF initiation.
Determinants of Community Health Worker Performance in Nutrition Education in a Multi‐tasked Setting in Rural Zimbabwe
Authors: Kambarami R , Mbuya M , Humphrey J , Stoltzfus R
Published: June 2021

Zimbabwe, like several low‐income countries, faces health worker shortages. Community Health Workers (CHWs) bridge this gap and help deliver essential health services and nutrition interventions. However, as CHW workloads increase, their ability to provide quality services is compromised. We studied determinants of CHWs' performance delivering nutrition and hygiene education in rural Zimbabwe. In the ongoing SHINE trial, 79 CHWs deliver household‐level lessons on infant feeding and hygiene. We assessed CHW demographic and work context characteristics by questionnaire interview. Exploratory factor analyses of the Likert‐type questions produced distinct and reliable (Cronbach's alpha range: 0.68‐0.93) constructs of motivation, supervision, peer support and feedback. Performance of CHWs was assessed through direct observation by a nurse supervisor using a seven‐item checklist. Multiple logistic regression was used to test associations between CHW characteristics and performance. Female CHWs (OR 9.91; 95% CI 1.37‐71.52) and CHWs with positive perceptions of good performance feedback (OR 8.45; 95% CI 1.84‐38.79) were significantly more likely to be high performers. Amongst CHWs responsible for multiple tasks in rural Zimbabwe, female gender and positive feedback are associated with high quality delivery of behavior change education in infant feeding and hygiene. Our methods and findings illustrate ways to understand heterogeneity in CHW performance and also identify modifiable organizational factors associated with program delivery.
Internalizing and Externalizing Behaviors: Associations with Food Consumption in US Adolescents
Authors: Chiu Dorothy , Hurley Kristen , Riley Anne , Wang Youfa
Published: June 2021

To examine relationships between intakes of “healthy” nutrient dense and “unhealthy” nutrient poor foods with internalizing (IPB) and externalizing (EPB) problem behaviors (e.g., worrying, arguing, respectively) in early adolescence, data on 7,775 healthy US 5th graders from the nationally representative Early Childhood Longitudinal Study: Kindergarten Class of 1998‐99 (ECLS‐K) survey were used. Food intake in the past week was self‐reported using a 9‐item food consumption questionnaire and compiled into 2 groups ‐‐ “healthy” (fruits, vegetables, milk) and “unhealthy” (sugar‐sweetened beverages (SSBs), fast foods). Mean healthy food consumption was 5.17 (SD=3.58) occasions/day and 1.21 (SD=1.32) times/day for unhealthy foods. Self‐reported IPB (mean subscale score =1.97; SD=0.60) and EPB (mean =1.73; SD=0.60) were measured by the Self‐Description Questionnaire‐II (modified). Cross‐sectional relations were evaluated via multiple linear regression, controlling for demographic, child, parent, and school factors and adjusting for weight. No associations were found between healthy foods and IPB or EPB. Intake of unhealthy foods was associated with IPB (B=0.035, 95%CI: 0.013‐0.058) and EPB (B=0.034, 95%CI: 0.013‐0.056). While future research is needed to test the causality of observed associations, efforts are needed to reduce intakes of unhealthy foods in youth demonstrating problem behaviors.
Measuring Perception and Cognition in the Context of Iron Deficiency: Three Approaches
Authors: Wenger M , DellaValle D , McKinzie S , Todd L , Haas J
Published: June 2021

Effects of iron deficiency (ID) on neural, perceptual, and cognitive functioning have been documented using a range of assessments, raising issues of comparability. We have used a set of tests of perception and cognition in efficacy studies with adolescents and reproductive‐age women with ID, and have shown consistent improvements in performance as a function of improvements in iron status. This is contrary to other findings, which have been variable. This study compared our tests (COGTASKS) and two widely‐used tests: the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) and the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS‐IV). Healthy undergraduate participants were recruited from the U of Oklahoma (n = 104) and Cornell U (n = 113). Each performed the three sets across three days. The only significant differences due to testing site were on the WAIS‐IV, with the CU participants having higher mean full‐scale IQ scores (127.7) than the OU participants (118.2). Performance on COGTASKS was significantly (0.20 < |r| < 0.45) predictive of most CANTAB measures. And although performance on some COGTASKS measures was reliably predictive of full‐scale IQ and a set of WAIS‐IV subscales, those relationships were significant only for the most complex of the COGTASKS and were weaker (0.15 < |r| < 0.30) than those between COGTASKS and CANTAB. We attribute these differences to the COGTASKS' greater specificity in measuring targeted domains of perception and cognition.
Effects of dietary blueberry on cognition and in vivo and in vitro inflammatory status.
Authors: Miller Marshall , Fisher Derek , Kelly Megan , Bielinski Donna , Shukitt‐Hale Barbara
Published: June 2021

Chronic inflammation is thought to play a role in age‐related cognitive decline. Previous studies from our laboratory have shown that dietary intervention with darkly pigmented berry fruit can reduce systemic and central biomarkers of inflammation while reversing behavioral impairments in aged rats. In the present study, older men and women (60‐75 years old) were recruited for a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial, in which they consumed freeze‐dried blueberry (BB) powder or a seemingly identical placebo for 90 days. Blood samples were collected on intervention days 0, 45, and 90 when participants visited the center to complete a battery of cognitive tests. Participants that consumed the BB powder significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the number of errors made on a task switching test over the course of the intervention. Based on this test, participants with high or low error rates were selected from each intervention group, and their fasted serum was used to treat HAPI rat microglial cells, in vitro, for 8 hours prior to an overnight lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge. While no difference in TNF‐α was observed between the sera from the two groups, cells that were treated with serum from participants that consumed BB showed decreased levels of LPS‐induced inflammatory stress‐mediated signals, e.g., TNF‐α, relative to placebo (p < 0.05). In vitro inflammatory response in the HAPI cells reflected cognitive performance among participants. These findings suggest that dietary intervention with blueberry may be able to delay or reverse age‐related cognitive decline by reducing neuroinflammation.
Greater Total Fluid Intake Is Associated with Better Mood in a Cross‐sectional Cohort of Healthy Adults
Authors: BOTTIN Jeanne , LEMETAIS Guillaume , PICARD Pascaline , JIMENEZ Liliana , PERRIER Erica
Published: June 2021

Objective

Previous research has shown that dehydration is associated with impairment of mood. However, the effect of habitual total fluid intake (TFI) on mood in a population of adults with a wide range of TFI remains to be clarified.

We evaluated the association between TFI and mood, task difficulty, concentration, thirst, and headaches in a cross‐sectional cohort of healthy adults. We hypothesized that greater TFI would be associated with better mood outcomes.

Methods

Sedentary free‐living healthy adults (n=82, mean age=23.6±2.9 years, mean BMI=22.2±1.5kg/m2) with a wide range of TFI (50 to 200% of EFSA recommendations) were recruited to take part in this study. Participants were asked to avoid engaging in physical activity and to maintain their normal food and fluid intake for 3 days during which food and TFI were recorded at home using an e‐diary (NutriSaas‐24WQ‐waters; MXS, France). Mean TFI ranged from 0.687 to 4.35L/day. On the third day, participants completed 6 questionnaires including the Profile of Mood State, Bond and Lader, emotional VAS, task difficulty and concentration VAS, sleep VAS, and thirst and headache VAS. Spearman or Pearson's correlations adjusted on sex between TFI and questionnaire scores were calculated.

Results

Greater TFI was significantly correlated with POMS score of vigor (r=0.334, p=0.002), anger (r=‐0.228, p=0.04) and total mood disturbance (r=‐0.284, p=0.01), with Bond and Lader scores of alertness (r=‐0.239, p=0.032) and contentedness (r=‐0.292, p=0.008), and with score of emotional VAS (r=0.310, p=0.005).

Conclusion

Individuals with greater TFI felt happier, more contented and less angry, more alert and vigorous, and more generally in better mood.

This study was funded by Danone Research, France.
Relationship of 6‐n‐Propylthiouracil (PROP) Taste Sensitivity to Alcohol and Caffeine Intakes among Ethnically Diverse College Students
Authors: Choi Sung Eun
Published: June 2021

Background

It has been suggested that greater taste sensitivity to 6‐n‐propylthiouracil (PROP) influences the oral sensation of alcohol and caffeine and serves as a deterrent to alcohol and caffeine consumption.

Objective

This study was conducted to examine the relationship of PROP taste sensitivity to alcohol and caffeine intakes among ethnically diverse college students.

Methods

The sample included 360 college students (164 males; 72 African Americans, 80 Caucasians, 73 Hispanics, 135 Asians; Age: Mean±SE=23.4±0.3yr) living in the New York City area. Subjects were classified as PROP non‐tasters and tasters using the PROP filter paper method and the general Labeled Magnitude scale. Their daily alcohol and caffeine intakes were assessed using a Food Frequency Questionnaire.

Results

The proportion of PROP non‐tasters in this study was 29%. PROP non‐tasters had significantly higher daily alcohol intake (Mean±SE, 3.8±0.6 vs. 2.2±0.2 [g]; P=0.007) and caffeine intake(116.5±9.9 vs. 83.1±5.4 [mg];P=0.002) than did PROP non‐tasters. Male subjects had significantly higher alcohol (P=0.05) and caffeine intakes (P=0.03) compared with female subjects. Finally, Caucasian subjects had significantly higher alcohol (P<0.001) and caffeine intakes (P=0.002) than did any other ethnic groups. The multiple regression results showed that ethnicity, PROP status, and caffeine intake significantly predicted alcohol intake.

Conclusion

This study suggests that PROP status is significantly associated with alcohol and caffeine intakes. Future studies should examine how cultural norms interact with PROP status.

Funding

This study was supported by PSC‐CUNY grant (#65362‐00‐43) from the Research Foundation of the City University of New York.
A Study of Feeding Problems in Infancy and Early Childhood in Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Samuel Folake , Ugochukwu Chimuanya , Odukale Zainab
Published: June 2021

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of feeding problems among children 6 to 24 months of age in Ibadan, Nigeria. Two hundred and seventy five mother‐child pairs were recruited from four selected Primary Health Centres in Ibadan North Local Government Area. A semi‐structured questionnaire was used to collect information on socioeconomic characteristics, feeding patterns and feeding behaviour of children as well as maternal perception and coping with children's feeding behaviour.

Mean age of the children was14.1 ±5.6 months with 55.3% of these being females. On average, mothers were approximately 28 years of age (28.0±5.2 years), married (89.1%), with secondary school education (53.1%). The most common feeding problems observed among the participants were picky eating, food neophobia and intake of limited variety of food. Overall, 52% of the children had one or more feeding problems. Maternal coping strategies with their child's feeding behaviour were majorly use of rewards and force feeding.

There exists a spectrum of feeding problems in infancy and childhood in this study population. There is need to provide infant and young child feeding support to mothers to prevent negative impacts of feeding problems on the nutrition and development of their children.
Malnutrition and Early Feeding Practices among 0‐2 Year‐Old Children in Lebanon
Authors: Hwalla Nahla , Nasreddine Lara , Naja Farah , Zgheib Rasha
Published: June 2021

Recent evidence suggests that early nutrition influences the risk of later‐onset obesity and Non‐Communicable Diseases (NCDs). Little is known on early feeding practices in Lebanon. The objective of this study is to assess the nutritional status and dietary practices of Lebanese young children and their mothers as possible predictors of increased NCDs. A nationally representative sample of young children (n=478; 0‐2 years) and their mothers were randomly selected from households in the six Lebanese governorates by stratified‐cluster sampling. Socio‐demographic, lifestyle, dietary and anthropometric data were collected. Stunting and wasting were identified in 7.8% and 2.7% of children, respectively. At risk of overweight, overweight and obesity were documented in 23.4%, 9.8% and 3.6%, respectively. Twenty percent of infants were exclusively breastfed for 6 months and 45.5% were introduced to solid food before 6 months. Eighty three percent of infants were introduced to liquids and 48.3% received formula milk before 4 months. The odds of overweight and obesity increased by 2 folds among children who were exclusively breastfed for less than 4 months (OR=2.17; 95% CI: 0.27‐17.8), and among those who received formula and breast milk in the first 6 months compared to those who were exclusively breastfed for 6 months (OR=2.11; 95% CI: 0.55‐8.04). Early introduction of solid and sweetened food before 6 months were associated with increased obesity risk among children (OR=1.35; 95% CI: 0.37‐4.86 for solid food and OR=1.44; 95% CI: 0.73‐2.83 for sweetened food). Findings reveal suboptimal early feeding practices in Lebanon. Effective interventions (promoting exclusive breastfeeding and timely/adequate introduction of complementary foods) may possibly reduce the burden of NCDs.
Diet Quality Improves for Parents and Children When Almonds Are Incorporated into Their Diets: A Randomized Crossover Study
Authors: Burns Alyssa , Zitt Michelle , Rowe Cassie , Dahl Wendy , Langkamp‐Henken Bobbi
Published: June 2021

Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend the consumption of unsalted nuts. This study evaluated diet quality and the feasibility of incorporating almonds into the diet of 29 parent (34.9 ± 2.9 y) and child (4.5 ± 1.1 y) pairs. Parents and children consumed 1.5 oz and 0.5 oz, respectively, of almonds and/or almond butter for 3 wk followed by a 4‐wk washout. Parents and children abstained from almonds during the control period. One dietary recall (ASA24) was completed during each week of the intervention and control periods, and the average energy intake and Healthy Eating Index‐2010 (HEI) score were calculated. HEI assesses diet quality based on 12 components yielding a maximum score of 100 with national averages of 53.5 for adults and 49.8 for children. During the almond intervention, total HEI score increased from 53.7 ± 1.8 to 61.4 ± 1.4 (parents) and 53.7 ± 2.6 to 61.4 ± 2.2 (children) (P<0.001). Parent and child component scores increased for fatty acids, total protein, and seafood and plant protein and decreased for empty calories. Component scores for parents also decreased in whole fruit and sodium; however, energy intake did not change. This suggests that the almonds may have replaced fruit or salty empty‐calorie foods in the diet. Each day parents and children reported how challenging it was to eat almonds. Only minor challenges were reported unless the parents or children were sick or did not like the taste of the almonds or its butter. Almonds are easily incorporated into the family diet and improve overall diet quality.