bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrating Histology, Gross Anatomy and Histopathology in a Case Based Approach to Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Hajj Hussein Inaya , Barremkala Mallikarjuna , Thompson Brent , Gould Douglas , Hankin Mark , Forbes William , Blenc Ann Marie , Amin Mitual , Venuti Judith
Published: June 2021

At Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine (OUWB), integration has progressed beyond the basic concept of horizontal and vertical integration. We now emphasize student‐directed learning, active learning, development of interpersonal skills, problem solving, and self‐reflection. Inflammatory Bowel disease (IBD) has two major constituents: ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. It can involve any segment of the GI tract, as well as other systems that share clinical and pathological characteristics. As such, IBD serves as an excellent model for how we accomplish integration within our curriculum.

We will use clinical scenarios of IBD cases, with learning objectives defined by the students. Students will address comprehensively the anatomy, histology, histopathology, and pathophysiology in a manner that will provide a thorough understanding of the disease. Then, they will establish a final diagnosis. This approach will be facilitated by making available to the students a wide variety of resources. Students and instructors will grade these activities along with formal evaluations based on well‐defined criteria.

This student‐directed strategy requires a major shift in the way educators think about medical school teaching. It is a successful integration approach whereby students themselves take initiative and responsibility for determining what is worthwhile to learn. In addition to horizontal integration and vertical integration, it offers several intangible benefits. Chief among those benefits is building a community of students with high level of skills and professionalism.

As time goes on, new educational activities will be initiated that will promote student‐directed learning, critical thinking and working collaboratively.
Service and Mentoring: The Joy in Academics
Authors: Jones Kathryn
Published: June 2021

Reflections on the role of service and mentorship in an academic career will be discussed in this AAA Ladman award talk. In the US, science functions largely by volunteer activities on the part of faculty, in terms of service to the university and professional disciplines. Faculty volunteer on study sections, review panels, editorial boards, and doing manuscript reviews. Committee work at local levels is required for promotion and tenure. Mentorship is also a key element in the science enterprise within the US. Training the next generation of scientists requires long commitments of faculty time and effort. Both service and mentorship are essential for science to succeed ‐ yet universities and medical schools today increasingly parse out effort reporting along revenue streams that include grant awards and/or tuition recovery through education. Where, then, does service fit in such a model where no direct dollars flow for reimbursement of service efforts? How does the joy of mentoring the next generation of scientists pay itself forward?
A Milk‐Oriented Microbiota (MOM) in Infants: Lessons from Your Other MOM
Authors: Mills David
Published: June 2021

Human milk contains numerous components that shape the microbial content of the developing infant gastrointestinal tract. A prominent feature of milk is an array of complex free glycans and glycoconjugates that serve a passive immune function by deflecting pathogens while simultaneously enriching a protective microbiota often dominated by bifidobacteria. Human milk glycan structures are also host‐specific and these structural variations differentially influence the composition and function of the microbiota populations enriched. Infant‐borne bifidobacteria utilize human milk glycans as a carbon source for growth however the specific deconstruction mechanisms vary by glycan‐type. These bifidobacteria contain glycosidases and transport systems required to utilize milk glycans either by internalizing large glycans or degrading them extracellularly followed by import and catabolism of specific components. Growth on milk glycans also enhances bifidobacterial interaction with the host through direct and indirect routes—increasing bifidobacterial binding to epithelial cells and producing short chain fatty acids that beneficially modulate host immunity and barrier function. In aggregate, these studies suggest a co‐evolutionary relationship between mammalian milk glycans, infant‐borne bifidobacteria and the infant host that has enabled a programmed enrichment of a protective microbiota during a critical stage of infant development. Importantly, analysis of this natural system serves as a key model for design of probiotic and prebiotic‐based manipulation of the gut microbiota in a range of health settings.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Diseases and Cure
Authors: Shi Songtao
Published: June 2021

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a population of hierarchical postnatal stem cells with the potential to multiple differentiations and thus serve as a promising cell source for regenerative medicine in terms of forming mineralized tissues to replace damaged and diseased tissues. MSCs have been successfully used for mineralized and soft tissue regeneration in animal models and clinics. MSCs display profound immunomodulatory properties by inhibiting proliferation and function of several major immune cells, such as dendritic cells, T and B lymphocytes, and natural killer (NK) cells In fact, MSC‐based therapy has been successfully applied in various human diseases, including graft versus host disease (GvHD), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune encephalomyelitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and multiple sclerosis. We found that systemic infusion of MSCs induced transient T‐cell apoptosis via the Fas ligand (FasL)‐dependent Fas pathway and could ameliorate disease phenotypes in fibrillin‐1 mutated systemic sclerosis (SS) and dextran sulfate sodium‐induced experimental colitis. Mechanistic analysis revealed that Fas‐regulated monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP‐1) secretion by MSCs recruited T‐cells for FasL‐mediated apoptosis. The apoptotic T‐cells subsequently triggered macrophages to produce high levels of TGFb which in turn led to the upregulation of Tregs and, ultimately, to immune tolerance. These data therefore demonstrate a previously unrecognized mechanism underlying MSC‐based immunotherapy involving coupling via Fas/FasL to induce T‐cell apoptosis. Recent studies show that MSC deficiency contributes to a variety of diseases, such as osteoporosis, SLE, SS, and benign tumors. Cell and drug therapies can rescue these MSC‐related diseases.
Recent Technological Advancement in Chemical Switching of Lipid Signaling Pathways
Authors: Inoue Takanari , Phua Siew Cheng
Published: June 2021

We will recapitulate experimental techniques to rapidly and chemically perturb membrane lipids with a specific focus on phosphoinositide (PI) species. While PIs are long known as a component of the cellular membranes, the emerging evidence indicated that PIs do not represent a mere structural support, but can serve as a second messenger and actively regulate the intracellular information transfer. For example, a phosphoinositide 4,5‐bisphosphate (PIP2) constitutes a small fraction of the total lipids at the plasma membrane. However, the lipid triggers diverse cellular functions as membrane trafficking, ion channel activation, cytokinesis, phagocytosis, and cell migration. Consistent with this pleiotropic role, a series of lipid kinases and phosphatases dynamically control PIs with high spatio‐temporal precision in response to various stimuli. Mutations in genes encoding these enzymes result in various human diseases, including renal, neuromuscular, and developmental disorders, many types of cancers, and diabetes. In laboratory experiments, unfortunately, these mutations often result in genetic compensations, and/or co‐lateral effects on neighbor PIs, complicating our data interpretation. Elucidating a role of PIs in native environment thus requires new generation of techniques that can rapidly and inducibly manipulate PIs in living cells. This workshop will focus the technological advancement in chemical molecular tools that enable such highly controlled manipulation of PIs.
Varying the Terrain of Epigenetic Landscapes: Implications for Human Cancer
Authors: Allis C David
Published: June 2021

The journey from embryonic stem cell to a fully developed liver, heart or muscle cell requires not only having the right set of genes, but also having genes that are turned on and off at the right time — a job that is handled in part by DNA‐packaging proteins known as histones.

Cells use a number of mechanisms to establish and maintain the activation or silencing of specific genes. Among these is the chemical modification of histones, discussed in the second lecture. In addition, histone variants, which differ from other histone proteins by just a handful of amino acids, can be inserted at specific locations in the genome to provide a cell with another mechanism for fine‐tuning gene regulation. Dr. Allis' group has shown that histone variants play an important role in determining how and when genes are read or are silenced.

Recent work from Dr. Allis' laboratory has focused upon one member of the histone H3 family known as H3.3. In comparing the genome‐wide localization of H3.3, Allis and co‐workers found that histone H3.3 is prevalent in regions of the genome where active genes are found, as well as in silent regions, such as at the ends of chromosomes, called telomeres. They went on to identify several additional proteins associated with H3.3. Two of them, ATRX and Daxx, were then discovered to be frequently mutated in a sporadic, non‐functional pancreatic cancers, known as panNETs. Current experiments seek to determine whether genetic deficiency of Daxx and ATRX in pancreatic neuroendocrine cells is sufficient to induce tumorigenesis.

Mutations in histone H3.3 itself have also been found in pediatric brain tumors (gliomas). Allis and co‐workers have recently asked ‐‐ how one of these mutations might act cause cancer in young children‾ Surprisingly they find that a specific mutation in H3.3 often found in the pediatric brain tumors inhibits histone methylation of all histone H3 at this site, a site methylated to induce gene silencing. Moreover, the specific mutation in H3.3 acts by inhibiting the enzyme responsible for bringing about methylation at this site. These data indicate that this specific type of mutation in histones might be more broadly applicable to the development and progression of other tumour types. It is not yet clear why aberrant epigenetic silencing of this enzyme results in the development of pediatric brain tumors, and further research is needed in an attempt to develop a better understanding of these difficult to treat childhood cancers.
Metabolism, Metabolomics and Cancer
Authors: Wishart David
Published: June 2021

It has been 90 years since Otto Warburg first made the observation that cancer cells exploit a unique kind of fermentative metabolism called “aerobic glycolysis” to rapidly grow and divide. However, it has only been in the last 4 years that perturbed metabolism was officially identified as a hallmark of cancer. The rediscovery of the Warburg effect is leading to a paradigm shift in our understanding of how to detect and treat cancer. In this presentation I will argue that cancer is fundamentally a metabolic disorder and that its diagnosis and treatment needs to be aligned with this central fact. I will also illustrate how metabolomics is enabling a much better understanding of cancer metabolism and leading to the development of better biomarkers for early cancer detection, an improved understanding of cancer cachexia and the discovery of innovative metabolite therapies for treating cancer.
Difference in Postprandial GLP‐1 Response Despite Similar Glucose Kinetics after Consumption of Wheat Breads with Different Particle Size in Healthy Men
Authors: Vonk Roel , Eelderink Coby , Noort Martijn , Koehorst Martijn , Holst Jens , Deacon Carolyn , Oudhuis Lizette , Priebe Marion
Published: June 2021

Consumption of low glycemic index (GI) foods has been associated with beneficial health effects. Underlying mechanisms are not yet fully elucidated.

We aimed to investigate the differences in postprandial glucose kinetics and metabolic response after consumption of a high and a low GI fiber‐rich wheat bread, obtained by varying wheat particle size.

In a randomized crossover study ten healthy male volunteers consumed 13C‐enriched wheat breads with different structures; a control bread (CB) made from wheat flour combined with wheat bran, and a kernel bread (KB) in which 85% of the flour was substituted with broken wheat kernels. The use of a dual isotope technique enabled calculation of in vivo glucose kinetics: rate of appearance of exogenous glucose, endogenous glucose production, and glucose clearance rate. In addition, postprandial plasma concentrations of glucose, insulin, glucagon and incretins were analyzed.

Despite the attempt to create a low GI bread by the substitution of flour by broken kernels, the glycemic response and the glucose kinetics were quite similar after consumption of CB and KB. Interestingly, the incretin glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) response was much lower after KB compared to CB (iAUC, P < 0.005).

Thus, substitution of 85% wheat flour by broken kernels in bread did not result in a difference in glucose response and kinetics, but in a pronounced difference in GLP‐1 response. Changing the processing conditions of wheat for baking bread can influence the metabolic response beyond glycemia.
Metabolic Fate of a Fructose Load Ingested Before or After Exercise
Authors: Egli Leonie , Lecoultre Virgile , Rosset Robin , Cros Jeremy , Tappy Luc
Published: June 2021

Exercise prevents fructose‐induced hypertriglyceridemia, however the mechanisms remain unknown. To assess how exercise impacts fructose metabolism, we monitored the metabolic fate of an oral 13C fructose load consumed either before or after an exercise session.

Eight healthy males were studied on 3 occasions after 4 days on a weight‐maintenance high fructose diet. In each condition, they ingested an oral 13C‐labelled fructose load (0.75 g/kg body weight) either a) in resting condition (C), b) with an exercise session (FruEx; 60 min cycling at 100 W) performed 90 min after fructose ingestion, or c) with the same exercise session performed 75 min before ingestion (ExFru). On each occasion, fructose oxidation (13CO2), non‐oxidative fructose disposal (NOFD; fructose ingestion – 13C fructose oxidation, corresponding to net glycogen synthesis), conversion of fructose into plasma glucose (13C‐plasma glucose kinetics) and plasma lactate concentrations were measured over 7 hours after fructose loading.

In C, 49.4±0.9 % of fructose was oxidized, and NOFD represented 50.6±0.9%. FruEx increased fructose oxidation by 68±7% (p<0.001) and decreased NOFD by 64±6% (p<0.001) compared to C. In ExFru, fructose oxidation (‐3±3%vs C; p=NS), and NOFD (+1±3%; p=NS) remained unchanged. In both FruEx and ExFru, fructose conversion into glucose and lactate concentrations remained unchanged as compared to C.

We conclude that exercise performed after fructose ingestion diverts fructose from NOFD by enhancing its oxidation, while exercise performed before fructose ingestion does not significantly alter fructose disposal

This work was supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation.
Sugar Consumption and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in College Students
Authors: Nelson Eric , Navrkal Brittany , Lofgren Ingrid , Melanson Kathleen
Published: June 2021

The Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommends that added sugars make up <25% of daily energy intake. The IOM does not have a recommendation for %energy from total sugars per day, however increased sugar consumption may lead to higher cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. This cross‐sectional study in healthy college aged students (n=102; 21 males, 81 females; body fat=23.8 ± 9.1%) was designed to evaluate differences in cardio metabolic risk factors across total sugar intake as measured by the validated Comprehensive Nutrition Assessment Questionnaire. All subjects consumed a diet <25% energy from total sugar. ANOVA was used to compare tertiles of grams/day and %energy of total sugar and sucrose (SUC) intake for body fat percent (BodPod) and blood lipids (Cholestech). Subjects in the upper tertile for %energy from sugars had higher body fat as compared to the lower tertile (26.2±8.0 vs. 19.7±9.1%; p=.006) and higher triacylglycerol (TAG) (97.4±31.4 vs. 93.6±35.7mg/dL; p=.015). The upper tertile of SUC grams had higher TAG than the lower tertile (126.3±72.9 vs. 84.3±25.5mg/dL; p=.022) and lower HDL (53.5±10.7 vs. 59.1±13.3mg/dL; p=.04). The upper tertile of %energy from SUC had higher body fat (26.1±8.1 vs. 20.4±9.5%; p=.029). Overall, higher consumption of total sugar and SUC was associated with higher values for CVD risk factors. While averages did not cross cut‐offs for CVD risk, these results suggest that biomarkers may begin to shift even within the IOM guideline for added sugar intake in healthy subjects consuming <25% energy from total sugar. Further research is needed to create a guideline for total daily sugar consumption in healthy and at‐risk populations to help decrease the risk of CVD development.
Inter‐ and Intra‐Laboratory Variability of Glycemic and Insulinemic Indexes
Authors: Meynier Alexandra , Wolever Thomas , Brand‐Miller Jennie , Cazaubiel Murielle , Jenkins Alexandra , Atkinson Fiona , Gendre David , Vinoy Sophie
Published: June 2021

Objectives

The glycemic index (GI) concept was developed by Jenkins et al in 1981 to classify the glycemic impact of carbohydrate (CHO)‐containing foods. This study aimed at quantifying inter‐ and intra‐laboratory variability on GI, Insulin Index (II), glycemic and insulinemic responses after standardising the protocols in 3 different labs.

Methods

At least 15 healthy young normal weight subjects with HOMA‐IR < 1.7 were recruited by each lab. They underwent 9 sessions to test a glucose solution (3 times) or 6 different cereal products. The 3 selected labs used the validated GI method (ISO method 26642:2010). Insulin assay and subject selection criteria were standardised.

Results

GI values for the 6 different products (mean ± SEM) ranged from 44 ± 4 to 92 ± 8. For a same product, the between‐labs differences range was 0 ‐ 11. No lab effect but significant product effects were observed for GI and iAUC glycemia. II values of the 6 different products ranged between 54 ± 3 and 85 ± 9. For a same product, the between‐labs differences range was 0 ‐ 21. Significant lab * product interaction effect was observed for II on 1 product. iAUC insulinemia displayed both significant lab and product effects. Inter‐individual and intra‐individual coefficient of variability (CV) ranges were 20 ‐ 28 % and 18 ‐ 30%, respectively for iAUC glycemia and 35 ‐ 51 % and 22 ‐ 43 %, respectively for iAUC insulinemia.

Conclusion

No significant lab effect and good product discrimination was observed on GI. Insulin parameters display statistically significant differences between the labs showing the difficulty to compare the results on these parameters.
Chemopreventive effects of North American cranberry (Vaccinium Macrocarpon) on colitis‐associated colon carcinogenesis in mice.
Authors: Wu Xian , Song Mingyue , Cai Xiaokun , Neto Catherine , Xiao Hang
Published: June 2021

North American cranberry (Vaccinium Macrocarpon), has been reported to have beneficial biological activities. In this study, we investigated the chemopreventive effects of North American cranberry on colitis‐associated colon carcinogenesis in azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)‐treated mice. It was observed that dietary administration of whole cranberry powder (WCP) significantly decreased colon tumor incidence, multiplicity, average tumor size and tumor burden. qRT‐PCR and ELISA results showed that both gene and protein expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines IL‐1, IL‐6 and TNF‐α were inhibited by WCP treatment. Immunoblotting results showed that administration of WCP resulted in profound effects on multiple proteins related with cell proliferation, inflammation and apoptosis. For example, WCP treatment significantly decreased the expression levels of COX‐2, PI3K/Akt, MMP‐2, MMP‐9, VEGF, EGFR, cyclin D, CDK4, Rb, and increased the levels of p53, p21, p27, cleaved caspase‐3 and cleaved PARP in colonic mucosa of AOM/DSS‐treated mice. Moreover, we found that treatment with WCP significantly enhanced the expression levels of phase II antioxidant enzymes, such as HO‐1 and NQO1 in colonic mucosa. Overall, our results demonstrated that dietary administration of WCP significantly inhibited colitis‐associated colon carcinogenesis in mice, providing a solid scientific basis for using North American cranberry as a chemopreventive agent for colon cancer in human.
A comparison of diets enriched with purified resistant starch or resistant starch in the form of whole‐grain flour in Goto‐Kakizaki (GK) rats
Authors: Carvajal‐Aldaz Diana , Guice Justin , Page Ryan , Raggio Anne , Coulon Diana , Martin Roy , Stout Rhett , Durham Holiday , Geaghan James , Pelkman Christine , Ye Jianping , Keenan Michael
Published: June 2021

GK rats are a non‐obese type 2 diabetes model. In a previous study, GK rats had increased insulin sensitivity in response to dietary purified high‐amylose maize (HAM) resistant starch (RS). The aim of this study was to compare the purified starch with resistant starch in the form of whole‐grain flour. GK rats were put in four diet groups (n=12 per group) by equivalent homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) and body weight: (1) control starch with no WG or RS [CON], (2) purified HAMRS [RS], (3) WG waxy corn flour with low RS [WG], and (4) WG HAMRS flour [WG+RS]. Each of these was fed for 12 weeks. Rats fed RS and WG+RS had lower fasted HOMA‐IR (more insulin sensitive) and higher (fed state) GLP‐1 active than WG and CON measured during the study. For euthanasia rats were fasted. There were larger empty ceca and greater short‐chain fatty acids in cecal contents for RS and WG+RS compared to CON and WG; but the values for RS were greater than WG+RS. RS, WG+RS, and WG had lower cecal contents pH and lower abdominal fat/body weight than CON. In summary, presence of RS increases fermentation and results with WG indicate some benefits independent of RS content. Funding: Ingredion and LSU AgCenter.
The efficacy of the probiotic bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis bb‐12 on regional gut transit times in a healthy population
Authors: Lee Yujin , Roberts Robert , Rogers Connie , Meng Huicui , Ba Zhaoyong , Fleming Jennifer , Furumoto Emily , Kris‐Etherton Penny
Published: June 2021

Some probiotics are hypothesized to modulate gut health, including GI transit time. A randomized crossover study was conducted to investigate the efficacy of the probiotic bacterium Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB‐12 (B. lactis) delivered in a yogurt smoothie or a supplement (capsule) on gut transit time (GTT) in 36 healthy adults (Age: 18‐40 years; BMI: 20‐35 kg/m2). Regional transit times, such as gastric

emptying time (GET), small bowel transit time (SBTT) and colonic transit time (CTT) were measured by a wireless motility capsule (SmartPill®). After the 4 week intervention period, regional transit times were not influenced by either the yogurt smoothie or the supplement. Interestingly, regardless of the treatment, 35 % of the subjects (non‐responders) increased GET and 65 % of the subjects (responders) decreased GET compared to baseline. In subgroup analyses, higher levels of total cholesterol (172 mg/dl, 158 mg/dl, respectively) and LDL cholesterol (97 mg/dl, 85 mg/dl, respectively) were found in non‐responders compared to responders (p<0.001). Additionally, the level of the short chain fatty acid propionate was lower in non‐responders compared to responders (p=0.0043). In summary, probiotic bacterium added to a yogurt smoothie or supplement did not influence GTT in 36 healthy subjects. However, consistent with animal studies, individuals with higher levels of propionate had decreased GET. Collectively, in the present study we have shown that GTT may be influenced by individuals' cardiovascular risk factors

and gut short chain fatty acids.
Waist Size in 9‐11 Year‐old Black and White Girls Predicts Development of Cardiometabolic Risk over Ten Years
Authors: Ferreira Sanae , Mott Melanie , Singer Martha , Bradlee M.Loring , Daniels Stephen , Moore Lynn
Published: June 2021

Adult chronic diseases have their roots in childhood. The long‐term effect of waist circumference (WC), a simple anthropometric measure of central adiposity, in early adolescence on subsequent cardiometabolic risk (CMR) is unknown. Data from the NHLBI's Growth and Health Study was used to evaluate effects of early adolescent WC in 1791 black and white girls on later CMR outcomes. Percent body fat, diastolic (DBP) and systolic (SBP) blood pressures, lipid levels, and fasting glucose at 17‐20 years of age were compared across quintiles of WC at 9‐10 years. Age and height were retained in final ANCOVA models as confounders of CMR outcomes. While all girls had age‐related increases in body fat, BP, and glucose over time, girls with the highest WC at 9‐10 years had higher CMR in late adolescence. Some important race‐related differences were observed as well. While early adolescent black girls had significantly lower % body fat (23.6% vs. 26.4%) than whites, they gained fat more rapidly (34.7% vs. 14.0% increases, respectively), exceeding whites in percent body fat by later adolescence. SBP was 5.5 mmHg higher in later adolescence for girls in Q5 (vs. Q1) at baseline (p‐trend: <0.0001). Among whites, a higher WC (Q5) led to LDL levels in later adolescence that were 29.5 mg/dL higher than those of girls in Q1 (while the difference for blacks was only 17.9 mg/dL). Results for total cholesterol and triglycerides were similar. Finally, a higher WC at 9‐10 years led to disproportionately greater increases in glucose, with those in Q5 having a fasting glucose nearly 10 mg/dL higher (p<0.0001) than those in Q1. In this prospective study, WC at 9‐10 years of age was a strong determinant of later CMR in both black and white adolescent girls.
Trends in Legume Consumption Among Ethnically Diverse Adults in a Longitudinal Cohort Study in Australia
Authors: Flood Victoria , Russell Joanna , Radd Sue
Published: June 2021

The aim of this study was to investigate changes in legume consumption among a population of ethnically diverse middle‐aged adults in an urban area of Australia. The Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study is a prospective cohort study of people aged 40‐69 years at baseline (1990‐1994)(n=41,514 at baseline), with follow up 13 years later (2003‐2007). One quarter of the participants were migrants from Southern Europe, in particular Greece and Italy. Diet was assessed using a 121 item Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), including 2 questions about legume consumption. The FFQ was previously validated in a population of ethnically diverse participants. At baseline 34% of all participants reported never consuming legumes and this reduced to 12.4% at follow up. Greek and Italian born participants had the highest baseline intake of legume consumption (2.56 and 1.87 serves per week, respectively) and these groups also reported the highest negative change in weekly legume consumption over 13 years of follow‐up (‐1.29 and ‐0.65 times per week respectively, p < 0.05). These findings suggest that as people from Southern Europe reside longer in Australia, there is a tendency towards acculturation, with people reporting less adherence to the traditional high legume consumption observed in Mediterranean countries.
The Validity of Digital‐Camera Photography for Estimating Birth‐Length in Guatemalan Newborns
Authors: Orozco Monica , Andringa Sygrit , Solomons Noel
Published: June 2021

Background

To overcome potential liabilities of conventional infantometer measurement of birth‐length, we have explored in the past the use of standardized cell‐phone camera photographic images, first with inanimate 2‐D and 3‐D models and later with newborn infants, all to standardized conditions.

Objective

To compare newborn birth‐length estimates from: A) trained anthropometrist measurements; B) photographic digital camera images; and C) routine hospital records.

Methods

29 infants born in the Departmental Hospital of Sololá in western Guatemala, were measured once routinely at delivery by the maternity nurse, and again, at 0‐2 days, by a trained investigator on a Seca 2010 infantometer. Immediately thereafter, a sagittal photo was taken with a Nikon Coolpix S‐3300 camera. Alignment of head and neck and to 90o flexion of the ankle was combined with inked landmarks on the knee and hip joints and a 5‐cm reference‐object on the surface of the thorax. The sum of the head+trunk plus upper‐ and lower‐leg segments was measured in mm on a paper print‐out, and converted to actual length in cm in reference to the object.

Results

We compared the investigator's “gold‐standard” length measurement (A) 47.0±2.2 cma, with the photographic image estimate (B) 44.8±3.6 cmb, and the hospital record (C) 50.3±2.2 cmc by repeated‐measures ANOVA (p<0.001) (n=25). The Pearson correlation coefficient for A vs B was r=0.603 (p=<0.001), and for A vs C was r=0.642 (p=<0.001). Note: superscripts indicate ANOVA post‐hoc differences.

Conclusion

The 2‐cm underestimation may be amenable to a correction factor application, and the photographic method could be a valid and comfortable technique for assessing birth‐length in newborns.
Self‐Reported Pre‐Pregnancy Weight versus Weight Measured in the First Trimester among Participants of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
Authors: Koleilat Maria , Vargas Nancy , Bell Sean , Whaley Shannon
Published: June 2021

The 2009 Institute of Medicine guidelines for gestational weight gain (GWG) depend on maternal pre‐pregnancy BMI. Measured pre‐pregnancy weight is often unavailable. Clinicians have to rely on self‐reported weight or measured weight at first prenatal visit. Validity of measured weight at first trimester has been shown to be reasonable. However, no investigations have been reported on the validity of self‐reported height and pre‐pregnancy weight among pregnant WIC participants. The objective of this study is to compare classification of pre‐pregnancy BMI using self‐reported weight and height versus BMI computed using weight and height measured at the first prenatal WIC visit. This is a secondary data analysis of data collected for a prospective intervention study to reduce excessive GWG among WIC participants. On average, self‐reported weight among the 333 women in this analytical sample was three pounds lighter than measured weight at first trimester. Using self‐reported pregnancy weight to calculate pre‐pregnancy BMI, 5.8 % of women were underweight, 37.6 % were normal weight, 28.4% were overweight, and 28.13 % were obese. Using weight measured at the first prenatal WIC visit, these were 2.11%, 34.7%, 32.6% and 30.5%, respectively. Classification of pre‐pregnancy BMI was concordant for 80% of women (weighted kappa =0.78; 95% CI 0.73‐0.83). Based on these findings, it seems reasonable to assume that self‐reported pre‐pregnancy weight and height by WIC participants are valid measures. This research is supported by UCLA Subaward No. 1920 G QA126.
The Amount and Sources of Sugar Intake in Canadian Adults
Authors: Ahmed Mavra , Arcand JoAnne , Scourboutakos Mary , Schermel Alyssa , L'Abbe Mary
Published: June 2021

The objective of the study was to determine the sugar intakes of Canadians and identify the top food sources contributing to sugar intake, so as to gain an understanding of the sugar consumption pattern of Canadians. The web‐based Canadian Diet History Questionnaire, which is a validated food frequency questionnaire assessing intake over the past month, was administered in June 2012, to a nationally representative sample of 1,833 (aged 18 years and older) Canadian adults. The estimated mean sugar intake was 60g/day, which was 15% of total energy intake. Compared to the DRI recommendation of 25% or less of total energy intake coming from sugars, 15% is considered a moderate amount. The results showed that 87% of Canadian adults consumed <= 100 g of sugar per day. Males (102g/d) consume significantly more sugars then females (82g/d) (p<0.05). Almost half (47%) of the average daily sugar intake of Canadian adults came from beverages, specifically fruit juices and drinks (24%), soda beverages (12%) and milk (11%). Fruit (10%) was another source of high sugar intake. These results provide an assessment of the sugar consumption pattern of Canadians and indicate the need for communication strategies that inform Canadian consumers on how to reduce their sugar intake. Considering that reducing sugar consumption is a stated priority of the World Health Organization, implementation of changes are required to nutrition labelling to better help consumers identify the food sources and amounts of sugars, particularly in beverages. Including a %Daily Value for total sugars would provide a benchmark to help consumers identify foods that contain high amounts of sugar

Funding Sources: UofT McHenry Chair research fund (ML); Dairy Farmers of Canada (ML); CIHR Public Health Policy Fellowship (MA).
Creatine Supplementation Increases Muscle Branched‐Chain Amino Acids in an Alzheimer Mouse Model
Authors: Farshidfar Farnaz , Suh Miyoung , Snow Wanda , Albensi Benedict , Myrie Semone
Published: June 2021

Besides mental dysfunctions, Alzheimer's disease (AD) may impair muscle function. Creatine supplementation (CR) can enhance skeletal muscle mass and function in sarcopenia and muscular dystrophies, but has yet to be studied in AD. We examined the effect of oral CR on muscle amino acids (AA) level in an AD model.

24 triple transgenic (3×Tg, ~8 mo old) AD mice were randomly assigned to control (CON; 6 males (M)/6 females (F)) or CR (3% w/w; 4M/8F) diet. Bodyweights and feed intakes were measured throughout the 8‐week study. Quadriceps muscle (QM) was collected at the end to analyze for levels of creatine and AA and measured by high‐performance liquid‐chromatography. Data (mean±SEM) were analyzed by 2‐way ANOVAs.

Feed intakes and changes in bodyweight were similar among groups (p>0.05). Creatine content in QM was higher (p=0.067) in CR (M: 0.38±0.04, F: 0.38±0.02 nmol/μl) vs. CON (M: 0.33±0.01, F: 0.35±0.01 nmol/μl). Total branched‐chain AA (BCAA) level in QM was greater for CR (M: 111.10±8.51, F: 87.26±4.31 nmol/mg tissue) vs. CON (M: 78.56±4.46, F: 66.07±4.35 nmol/mg tissue). BCAA/non‐BCAA ratio was higher (p=0.002) in CR (M: 0.87±0.17, F: 0.58±0.03) vs. CON (M: 0.54±0.04, F: 0.45±0.03). Particularly, leucine was dramatically increased (p<0.0001) in CR (M: 61.15±5.64, F: 47.28±2.55 nmol/mg) vs. CON (M: 34.21±2.64, F: 25.49±2.38 nmol/mg).

CR supplementation enhances muscle AA contents, increasing BCAA levels in the 3×Tg AD mouse model, which may promote muscle function in AD.

Funded by CIHR and Everett Endowment Fund
Protective Association of Serum Uric Acid on Hip Fracture Risk among Older Men But Not Women
Authors: Sahni Shivani , Mangano Kelsey , Tucker Katherine , Fox Caroline , Kiel Douglas , Dufour Alyssa , Zhang Xiaochun , Hannan Marian
Published: June 2021

Objective

To examine the association of serum uric acid (UA) with hip fracture (fx) risk over a 20y follow‐up in older adults from the Framingham Heart Study. UA is an antioxidant within normal levels and may act as a pro‐oxidant at higher levels. We examined associations within categories of UA: normal physiological levels of UA (蠄7.2 men; 蠄6.2 mg/dl women) and high UA

Methods

2779 men and women with baseline UA (mg/dl, in 1973‐76) were followed for hip fx through 2009. Sex‐stratified Cox‐proportional hazards regression estimated adjusted Hazard Ratios (HR). We examined associations stratified by UA categories.

Results

At baseline mean age was 66y, UA (mg/dl) was 5.9±1.2 (men); 4.9±1.3 (women). 353 hip fx occurred over 20y follow‐up. UA level was not related with hip fx risk in men or women [HR(95%CI): 0.92(0.76‐1.11) men; 1.01(0.92‐1.11) women].

Upon stratification by UA category, there was 22% lower hip fx risk (P=0.05) per unit increase in UA in men with UA蠄7.2 mg/dl, but no significant association in men with higher UA or in women with normal/higher UA.

Conclusion

Within normal range of UA (蠄7.2 mg/dl), greater concentrations were associated with reduced hip fx risk in older men suggesting that UA may be acting as an antioxidant within this range. At higher concentration, UA may act as a pro‐oxidant but there was limited power in that sub‐group to see an effect. It is unclear why no association was seen in women. Future work should examine UA (normal and high) in relation to bone measures in larger studies.

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Funding ASBMR JFOR201314, NIH/NIAMS R03 AR062808, NIH AR053205; FHS N01‐HC‐25195 R01 AR/AG41398.
Effect of Meeting the Healthy People 2020 Objectives on Diet Quality Relative to Current Trends
Authors: Wilson Magdalena , Reedy Jill , Krebs‐Smith Susan
Published: June 2021

The Healthy Eating Index 2010 (HEI‐2010) was designed to measure diet quality, based on the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. In 2010 the US Department of Health and Human Services set the national Healthy People (HP) 2020 objectives aimed at health promotion and disease prevention. Targets for these national objectives are set to be “challenging yet achievable,” and correspond to the following components of the HEI‐2010: total fruit, total vegetables, greens and beans, whole grains, sodium, and empty calories.

This analysis estimated the mean HEI‐2010 score of the US population if the six HP 2020 objectives were met, and how much the current trajectory in dietary quality would need to change in order to meet those objectives. We estimated the population HEI‐2010 total and component scores using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) sample ages 2+ from 1999/2000 to 2009/2010. To estimate the HEI‐2010 score if the objectives were met, we compared the targets for each of the objectives (e.g. 0.9 cup equiv. per 1000 kcal for total fruit) to the relevant HEI‐2010 component standard (e.g. <0.8 cup equiv. per 1000 kcal for total fruit) to create a score for each component. For those components without a relevant HP 2020 standard, we imputed the value from the 2009/2010 NHANES.

The overall diet quality of the US population increased gradually over the decade. If that trajectory continues, by the year 2020 the mean HEI‐2010 score will be about 74 out of 100. However, if the population met all of the HP 2020 goals, Americans could reach a mean HEI‐2010 score of about 79. This 5 point difference represents the shift in dietary quality required to meet the HP 2020 objectives. A more ambitious goal of achieving near‐optimal average HEI‐2010 scores would require more drastic shifts in consumption.
A Framework for the Predictive Modelling of Public Health Nutrition Strategies
Authors: Pigat Sandrine , O' Mahony Cian
Published: June 2021

Research Questions

Within public health nutrition, it is of crucial importance to monitor adequate as well as safe nutritional intakes within a population. Food policy initiatives around dietary intakes include voluntary industry reformulation, portion size reductions, food fortification and consumer behavioral changes. Predictive intake models can be used to assess the likely impact of such policies before their implementation.

Methods

Creme Nutrition®, a web based dietary intake software which combines national food consumption and food composition data, includes various models to assess the impact of different strategies, including probabilistic food substitution, portion size modification, and food reformulation. A case study was used to demonstrate the model for sodium reduction using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2008‐2010. In this model, sodium content in bread was reduced by 20%, soups were replaced by low sodium soups containing no more than 120mg/100g and pretzel consumption was substituted by one apple at a replacement probability of 70% to model partial consumer adherence probabilistically.

Results

After modelling sodium intakes in the US population, mean total daily sodium intakes in adults decrease from 3671.9±34.1mg/day to 3512.9±33mg/day. For the high sodium consumers (97.5%ile) total daily sodium intakes are reduced from 7337.85±185.6mg/day to 7090.7±170.8mg/day.

Conclusions

The proposed approach demonstrates the viability of assessing and combining different scenarios to predict the impact of a change on a population's or a sub‐population's diet via public health initiatives.
Human Gut Microbes Associated with Infant Weight‐for‐Length Growth
Authors: Ollberding N. , Ward D. , Cline A , Taft D. , Davidson B , Yu Z. , Valentine C , Newburg D. , Morrow A
Published: June 2021

The infant gut microbiota may contribute to weight‐for‐length (WFL) growth through differences in functional capacity to extract energy from non‐digestible dietary carbohydrates (CHO). Research is lacking regarding how the infant microbiome may impact WFL growth. We aimed to test whether microbial community structure was associated with weight‐for‐length z‐score (WLZ) and imputed CHO metabolizing gene count in 94 infants and toddlers who provided a total of 211 stool samples at 4, 13, 26, 52, and 104 weeks postpartum. 16S rDNA sequencing was performed on Illumina MiSeq and processed with QIIME. Predicted metagenomic functional content was imputed in PICRUSt. Linear discriminant effect size analyses (LEfSe) showed infants at 蠅85th percentile for the 2005 WHO infant growth standards were enriched in numerous sub‐phyla‐level taxa of Firmicutes bacteria at 13, 26, 52, and 104 weeks postpartum (effect size >2.0; p < 0.05). Bacteroidaceae (genus) were enriched in infants <85th percentile at 13, 26, and 104 weeks. Imputed CHO metabolizing gene count was correlated with the relative abundance of Firmicutes bacteria at 52 weeks (r=0.35; p=0.02), but not other time points. Imputed functional categories for CHO, lipid, amino acid, and fatty acid metabolism were not correlated with infant WLZ. Our findings provide support that Firmicutes bacteria may be associated with greater functional capacity for CHO metabolism and increased WLZ in early life. Additional research incorporating microbial gene expression and metabolomics will provide further insight into whether energy extraction from non‐digestible dietary CHO influences WLZ.
Increased Colonic Propionate Reduces Anticipatory Food Reward Responses in the Human Striatum
Authors: Byrne Claire , Chambers Edward , Alhabeeb Habeeb , Preston Tom , Chhina Navpreet , Busza Albert , Fitzpatrick Julie , Irani Cherag , Morrison Douglas , Goldstone Anthony , Frost Gary
Published: June 2021

Short chain fatty acids produced by colonic fermentation of non‐digestible carbohydrates have been associated with suppression in appetite. Using a novel system, inulin‐propionate ester (IPE), which delivers propionate directly to the colon, we have previously shown that propionate stimulates release of the satiety hormones GLP‐1 and PYY, and suppresses appetite in humans. In this study, we hypothesised that brain responses during evaluation of food pictures, a measure of food cue reactivity, would be reduced after ingestion of IPE. In a randomised, crossover design, 15 healthy men underwent a functional MRI food‐picture evaluation task 300 minutes after oral ingestion of either 10 g/d IPE (treatment) or inulin (control) with a standard meal. Five a priori regions of interest (ROIs; amygdala, anterior insula, caudate, nucleus accumbens, orbitofrontal cortex) involved in reward processing were defined. Compared to inulin, IPE resulted in lower % blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) signal for food vs. object pictures in the caudate nucleus (mean ± SD: 0.078 ± 0.109 vs. ‐0.005 ± 0.085, P = 0.02), with a similar trend in the nucleus accumbens (0.118 ± 0.148 vs. 0.030 ± 0.121, P = 0.07). % BOLD signal in the other ROIs was similar between visits (P = 0.16‐0.54). IPE reduces striatal responses to anticipatory food reward, an effect that may be mediated by enhancement of the postprandial rise in plasma PYY and GLP‐1 or direct action of propionate on the CNS.
Serum Triglyceride Composition is Affected Qualitatively and Quantitatively by Interactions of Dietary Fat and Carbohydrate
Authors: Kristal Bruce , Stavrovskaya Irina , Bird Susan , Marur Vasant , Porter Caryn
Published: June 2021

Elevated circulating triglyceride (cTG) levels are an established risk factor for metabolic and cardiovascular disease. cTG populations respond to diet and reflect physiological status, but specific linkages with many clinically‐relevant dietary factors remain unclear and/or controversial. We examined –and partially resolved ‐ several controversial links between dietary fats/carbohydrates and cTGs using a healthy, non‐obese rat model to eliminate influence of disease. Rats were fed one of 20 isocaloric, low‐fat diets containing primarily saturated [SFA], monounsaturated [MUFA], trans [TFA], or polyunsaturated (34:1 or 6:1 ω3/ω6) fat, each combined with starch/sucrose in four glucose:fructose ratios. Mass spectrometry‐based lipidomics profiling method enabled identification of 115 distinct cTGs. TFA‐based diets increased cTG levels; MUFA‐based diets were associated with low cTG levels in a low‐fructose context, but high cTG levels in a high‐fructose context, showing unexpected carbohydrate/fat interaction. Diets containing SFAs and/or fructose at levels comparable to the top third of US intake were directly associated with specific elevations in the shorter chain, more saturated cTGs associated with insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. These data help unify apparently inconsistent mechanistic, preclinical, and clinical data in the literature (e.g., fructose, MUFA effects), extend understanding of the distinct influence of detrimental fats (SFAs/TFAs) on cTGs, and suggest that the clinically relevant consequence of dietary SFAs and fructose may be as evident in the quality of cTGs as in their quantity (NIH/NIEHS/NIDDK/BWH).
The impact of Tubaramure, a food‐assisted integrated health and nutrition program in Burundi, on household food consumption and maternal and child dietary diversity
Authors: Leroy Jef , Olney Deanna , Bliznashka Lilia , Ruel Marie
Published: June 2021

Tubaramure is a food‐assisted integrated health and nutrition program that targets pregnant women and their child up to 2 y of age (first 1000 d) in two highly food insecure provinces in Burundi. Monthly food rations include corn‐soy‐blend (CSB) and vit A‐ and D‐fortified oil. We evaluated the program's impact using a cluster randomized controlled study, where 60 villages were assigned to one of 4 study groups who received benefits for different durations: T24: pregnancy up to 24 m; T18: pregnancy to 18 m; TNFP: same as T24, but without food rations during pregnancy; and Control. We estimated the program's impact on household energy consumption (HHEC), women's dietary diversity (WDD) and children's (6‐24 m) minimum dietary diversity (MDD), using repeated cross‐sectional data collected at baseline and again 2 y later.

Compared to the control group, program beneficiaries had significantly greater HHEC (by ~ 600 kcal/d/adult equivalent), due to greater consumption of foods from the rations, and of fruits. The program had a small positive impact of ~0.3 food groups on WDD, mainly driven by a large increase in the proportion of mothers consuming legumes (~16 pp) (from CSB). The program led to a ~10 pp increase in the proportion of children fed MDD, but had no effect on the proportion consuming any one food group. Differences between treatment groups will be discussed. Our effectiveness trial showed that Tubaramure's positive effect on HH and individual diets was mostly due to the direct impact of the food rations in this severely food insecure population.

Funded by USAID's Food and Nutrition Technical Assistance Project & CGIAR Research Program on Agriculture for Nutrition and Health (A4NH), led by IFPRI.