bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cellulosic Ethanol Production Using Waste Wheat Stillage after Microwave-Assisted Hydrotropic Pretreatment
Authors: Kłosowski Grzegorz , Mikulski Dawid , Bhagwat Prashant , Pillai Santhosh
Published: September 2022

One of the key elements influencing the efficiency of cellulosic ethanol production is the effective pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of microwave-assisted pretreatment of wheat stillage in the presence of sodium cumene sulphonate (NaCS) hydrotrope used for the production of second-generation bioethanol. As a result of microwave pretreatment, the composition of the wheat stillage biomass changed significantly when compared with the raw material used, before treatment. Microwave-assisted pretreatment with NaCS effectively reduced the lignin content and hemicellulose, making cellulose the dominant component of biomass, which accounted for 42.91 ± 0.10%. In post pretreatment, changes in biomass composition were also visible on FTIR spectra. The peaks of functional groups and bonds characteristic of lignins (C–O vibration in the syringyl ring, asymmetric bending in CH3, and aromatic skeleton C–C stretching) decreased. The pretreatment of the analyzed lignocellulosic raw material with NaCS resulted in the complete conversion of glucose to ethanol after 48 h of the process, with yield (in relation to the theoretical one) of above 91%. The highest observed concentration of ethanol, 23.57 ± 0.10 g/L, indicated the high effectiveness of the method used for the pretreatment of wheat stillage that did not require additional nutrient supplementation.
The Cis-Effect Explained Using Next-Generation QTAIM
Authors: Peng Yuting , Yu Wenjing , Feng Xinxin , Xu Tianlv , Früchtl Herbert , van Mourik Tanja , Kirk Steven R. , Jenkins Samantha
Published: September 2022

We used next-generation QTAIM (NG-QTAIM) to explain the cis-effect for two families of molecules: C2X2 (X = H, F, Cl) and N2X2 (X = H, F, Cl). We explained why the cis-effect is the exception rather than the rule. This was undertaken by tracking the motion of the bond critical point (BCP) of the stress tensor trajectories Tσ(s) used to sample the Uσ-space cis- and trans-characteristics. The Tσ(s) were constructed by subjecting the C1-C2 BCP and N1-N2 BCP to torsions ± θ and summing all possible Tσ(s) from the bonding environment. During this process, care was taken to fully account for multi-reference effects. We associated bond-bending and bond-twisting components of the Tσ(s) with cis- and trans-characteristics, respectively, based on the relative ease of motion of the electronic charge density ρ(rb). Qualitative agreement is found with existing experimental data and predictions are made where experimental data is not available.
Distribution of Platinum and Palladium between Dissolved, Nanoparticulate, and Microparticulate Fractions of Road Dust
Authors: Ermolin Mikhail S. , Ivaneev Alexandr I. , Brzhezinskiy Anton S. , Fedyunina Natalia N. , Karandashev Vasily K. , Fedotov Petr S.
Published: September 2022

Ageing processes of vehicle catalytic converters inevitably lead to the release of Pt and Pd into the environment, road dust being the main sink. Though Pt and Pd are contained in catalytic converters in nanoparticulate metallic form, under environmental conditions, they can be transformed into toxic dissolved species. In the present work, the distribution of Pt and Pd between dissolved, nanoparticulate, and microparticulate fractions of Moscow road dust is assessed. The total concentrations of Pt and Pd in dust vary in the ranges 9–142 ng (mean 35) and 155–456 (mean 235) ng g−1, respectively. The nanoparticulate and dissolved species of Pt and Pd in dust were studied using single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The median sizes of nanoparticulate Pt and Pd were 7 and 13 nm, respectively. The nanoparticulate fraction of Pt and Pd in Moscow dust is only about 1.6–1.8%. The average contents of dissolved fraction of Pt and Pd are 10.4% and 4.1%, respectively. The major fractions of Pt and Pd (88–94%) in road dust are associated with microparticles. Although the microparticulate fractions of Pt and Pd are relatively stable, they may become dissolved under changing environmental conditions and, hence, transformed into toxic species.
Synergistic Enhanced Thermal Conductivity and Crack Resistance of Reactor Epoxy Insulation with Boron Nitride Nanosheets and Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Yang Jun , Chen Zhijie , Liang Longyi , Guan Zhiwen , Ren Junwen
Published: September 2022

Epoxy composites with high thermal conductivity, excellent dielectric, and mechanical properties are very promising for solving epoxy cracking faults in reactors and for extending their service life. In this work, we report on epoxy composites enhanced by ternary fillers of boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs), multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), and silica (SiO2) nanoparticles. The obtained BNNSs/MWCNTs/SiO2/epoxy composites exhibit a high thermal conductivity of 0.9327 W m−1 K−1, which is more than 4-fold higher than that of pure epoxy. In addition, the resultant composites present an improved mechanical strength (from 2.7% of epoxy to 3.47% of composites), low dielectric constant (4.6), and low dielectric loss (0.02). It is believed that the integration of multifunctional properties into epoxy composites provides guidance for optimizing the design of high-performance materials.
Sodium, Potassium and Iodine Intake in an Adult Population of Lithuania
Authors: Zakauskiene Urte , Macioniene Ernesta , Zabuliene Lina , Sukackiene Diana , Linkeviciute-Dumce Ausra , Banys Valdas , Bratcikoviene Nomeda , Karosiene Dovile , Slekiene Virginija , Kontrimas Virginijus , Simanauskas Kazys , Utkus Algirdas , Brazdziunaite Deimante , Migline Vilma , Makarskiene Indre , Zurlyte Ingrida , Rakovac Ivo , Breda Joao , Cappuccio Francesco P. , Miglinas Marius
Published: September 2022

Hypertension is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular events and death. A reduction in salt intake is among the most cost-effective strategies to reduce blood pressure and the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Increasing potassium lowers blood pressure and is associated with lower cardiovascular risk. Adequate iodine intake is important to prevent iodine deficiency disorders. Salt iodization is a key strategy to prevent such deficiency. In Lithuania, no surveys have been performed to directly assess sodium, potassium and iodine consumption. The aim of the present study was to measure sodium, potassium and iodine intake in a randomly selected adult Lithuanian adult population using 24 h urine collections, and to assess knowledge, attitudes and behavior towards salt consumption. Salt and potassium intakes were estimated in 888 randomly selected participants by 24 h urine sodium and potassium excretion and 679 individuals provided suitable 24 h urine samples for the analysis of iodine excretion. Average salt intake was 10.0 (SD 5.3) g/24 h and average potassium intake was 3.3 (SD 1.3) g/24 h. Only 12.5% of participants consumed less than 5 g/24 h of salt. The median value of urinary iodine concentration (UIC) was 95.5 μg/L. Our study showed that average salt intake is twice as high as the maximum level recommended by the World Health Organization while potassium and iodine intakes in Lithuania are below the recommended levels.
Adhering to Canada’s Food Guide Recommendations on Healthy Food Choices Increases the Daily Diet Cost: Insights from the PREDISE Study
Authors: Rochefort Gabrielle , Brassard Didier , Paquette Marie-Claude , Robitaille Julie , Lemieux Simone , Provencher Véronique , Lamarche Benoît
Published: September 2022

The aim of this study was to assess the association between daily diet costs and the Healthy Eating Food Index (HEFI)-2019, an index that reflects the alignment of dietary patterns to recommendations on healthy food choices in the 2019 Canada’s Food Guide (CFG). Dietary intake data from 24 h recalls, completed between 2015 and 2017, of 1147 French-speaking participants of the web-based multicenter cross-sectional PRÉDicteurs Individuels, Sociaux et Environnementaux (PREDISE) study in Quebec were used. Diet costs were calculated from dietary recall data using a Quebec-specific 2015–2016 Nielsen food price database. Usual dietary intakes and diet costs were estimated using the National Cancer Institute’s multivariate method. Linear regression models were used to evaluate associations between diet costs and HEFI-2019 scores. When standardized for energy intake, a higher HEFI-2019 score (75th vs. 25th percentiles) was associated with a 1.09 $CAD higher daily diet cost (95% CI, 0.73 to 1.45). This positive association was consistent among different sociodemographic subgroups based on sex, age, education, household income, and administrative region of residence. A higher daily diet cost was associated with a higher HEFI-2019 score for the Vegetables and fruits, Beverage, Grain foods ratio, Fatty acids ratio, Saturated fats, and Free sugars components, but with a lower score for the Sodium component. These results suggest that for a given amount of calories, a greater adherence to the 2019 CFG recommendations on healthy food choices is associated with an increased daily diet cost. This highlights the challenge of conciliating affordability and healthfulness when developing national dietary guidelines in the context of diet sustainability.
Phytoestrogen Coumestrol Selectively Inhibits Monoamine Oxidase-A and Amyloid β Self-Aggregation
Authors: Seong Su Hui , Kim Bo-Ram , Cho Myoung Lae , Kim Tae-Su , Im Sua , Han Seahee , Jeong Jin-Woo , Jung Hyun Ah , Choi Jae Sue
Published: September 2022

Pueraria lobata leaves contain a variety of phytoestrogens, including flavonoids, isoflavonoids, and coumestan derivatives. In this study, we aimed to identify the active ingredients of P. lobata leaves and to elucidate their function in monoamine oxidase (MAO) activation and Aβ self-aggregation using in vitro and in silico approaches. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to elucidate coumestrol as a selective and competitive MAO-A inhibitor. We identified that coumestrol, a coumestan-derivative, exhibited a selective inhibitory effect against MAO-A (IC50 = 1.99 ± 0.68 µM), a key target protein for depression. In a kinetics analysis with 0.5 µg MAO-A, 40–160 µM substrate, and 25 °C reaction conditions, coumestrol acts as a competitive MAO-A inhibitor with an inhibition constant of 1.32 µM. During an in silico molecular docking analysis, coumestrol formed hydrogen bonds with FAD and pi–pi bonds with hydrophobic residues at the active site of the enzyme. Moreover, based on thioflavin-T-based fluorometric assays, we elucidated that coumestrol effectively prevented self-aggregation of amyloid beta (Aβ), which induces an inflammatory response in the central nervous system (CNS) and is a major cause of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Therefore, coumestrol could be used as a CNS drug to prevent diseases such as depression and AD by the inhibition of MAO-A and Aβ self-aggregation.
Socioeconomic Inequalities Impact the Ability of Pregnant Women and Women of Childbearing Age to Consume Nutrients Needed for Neurodevelopment: An Analysis of NHANES 2007–2018
Authors: Murphy Rachel , Marshall Keri , Zagorin Sandra , Devarshi Prasad P. , Hazels Mitmesser Susan
Published: September 2022

Adequate consumption of nutrients that support infant neurodevelopment is critical among pregnant women and women of childbearing age. Understanding the potential effects of socioeconomic inequalities on nutrient gaps in these life stages is thus important for informing strategies to mitigate negative health consequences. Usual intake (foods and dietary supplements) of neurodevelopment-related nutrients was determined from 24 h recalls among women of childbearing age and pregnant women (20–44 years) using data from 2007–2018 NHANES. Usual intake was compared across household food security, poverty-to-income ratio (PIR), and household participation in federal food and nutrition assistance programs. Intake of EPA + DHA was universally low with >95% of all women (pregnant and non-pregnant) below the DGA recommendation from foods alone. Women in households that participated in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program had a significantly lower intake of multiple nutrients relative to those who did not participate. For example, 50% had intakes below the estimated average requirement (EAR) for vitamin A (versus 32%), 42% were below the EAR for calcium (versus 33%) and 65% were below the EAR for magnesium (versus 42%). Similar gradients were observed by PIR and household food security, and among pregnant women whereby gaps were more evident in those experiencing socioeconomic inequalities. The use of dietary supplements attenuated shortfalls for most nutrients. These findings highlight a critical need to support the nutritional requirements for women of childbearing age and pregnant women.
Sex Difference in the Associations among Hyperuricemia with New-Onset Chronic Kidney Disease in a Large Taiwanese Population Follow-Up Study
Authors: Chen Jui-Hsin , Tsai Chun-Chi , Liu Yi-Hsueh , Wu Pei-Yu , Huang Jiun-Chi , Chung Tung-Ling , Su Ho-Ming , Chen Szu-Chia
Published: September 2022

The global prevalence and incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) continue to increase. Whether hyperuricemia is an independent risk factor for renal progression and whether there are sex differences in the relationships between serum uric acid (UA) and a decline in renal function are unclear. Therefore, in this longitudinal study, we aimed to explore these relationships in a large cohort of around 27,000 Taiwanese participants in the Taiwan Biobank (TWB), and also to identify serum UA cutoff levels in men and women to predict new-onset CKD. A total of 26,942 participants with a median 4 years of complete follow-up data were enrolled from the TWB. We excluded those with CKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73 m2) at baseline (n = 297), and the remaining 26,645 participants (males: 9356; females: 17,289) were analyzed. The participants who developed CKD during follow-up were defined as having incident new-onset CKD, and those with a serum UA level >7 mg/dL in males and >6 mg/dL in females were classified as having hyperuricemia. After multivariable analysis, hyperuricemia (odds ratio [OR], 2.541; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.970–3.276; p < 0.001) was significantly associated with new-onset CKD. Furthermore, in the male participants (n = 9356), hyperuricemia (OR, 1.989; 95% CI, 1.440–2.747; p < 0.001), and quartile 4 of UA (vs. quartile 1; OR, 2.279; 95% CI, 1.464–3.547; p < 0.001) were significantly associated with new-onset CKD, while in the female participants (n = 17,289), hyperuricemia (OR, 3.813; 95% CI, 2.500–5.815; p < 0.001), quartile 3 of UA (vs. quartile 1; OR, 3.741; 95% CI, 1.250–11.915; p = 0.018), and quartile 4 of UA (vs. quartile 1; OR, 12.114; 95% CI, 14.278–34.305; p < 0.001) were significantly associated with new-onset CKD. There were significant interactions between hyperuricemia and sex (p = 0.024), and quartiles of serum UA and sex (p = 0.010) on new-onset CKD. Hyperuricemia was associated with new-onset CKD in the enrolled participants, and the interactions between hyperuricemia and sex were statistically significant. Hyperuricemia was more strongly associated with new-onset CKD in the women than in the men.
Barley Leaf Ameliorates Citrobacter rodentium-Induced Colitis through Preventive Effects
Authors: Feng Yu , Li Daotong , Ma Chen , Tian Meiling , Hu Xiaosong , Chen Fang
Published: September 2022

The incidence and prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have been increasing globally and progressively in recent decades. Barley leaf (BL) is a nutritional supplement that is shown to have health-promoting effects on intestinal homeostasis. Our previous study demonstrated that BL could significantly attenuate Citrobacter rodentium (CR)-induced colitis, but whether it exerts a prophylactic or therapeutic effect remains elusive. In this study, we supplemented BL before or during CR infestation to investigate which way BL acts. The results showed that BL supplementation prior to infection significantly reduced the disease activity index (DAI) score, weight loss, colon shortening, colonic wall swelling, and transmissible murine colonic hyperplasia. It significantly reduced the amount of CR in the feces and also markedly inhibited the extraintestinal transmission of CR. Meanwhile, it significantly reduced the levels and expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interferon-gamma (IFNγ), and interleukin-1β (IL1β). In addition, pretreatment with BL improved CR-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis by reducing the content of Proteobacteria, while increasing the content of Lactobacillus. In contrast, the effect of BL supplementation during infestation on the improvement of CR-induced colitis was not as good as that of pretreatment with BL. In conclusion, BL protects against CR-caused colitis in a preventive manner.
Comparison of the Coincidence of Osteoporosis, Fracture, Arthritis Histories, and DEXA T-Score between Monozygotic and Dizygotic Twins: A Cross-Sectional Study Using KoGES HTS Data
Authors: Choi Hyo Geun , Kim So Young , Kwon Bong Cheol , Kang Ho Suk , Lim Hyun , Kim Joo-Hee , Kim Ji Hee , Cho Seong Jin , Nam Eun Sook , Min Kyueng Whan , Park Ha Young , Kim Nan Young , Choi Younghee , Kwon Mi Jung
Published: September 2022

We explored the genetic and environmental inter-relationships among osteoporosis, fracture, arthritis, and bone mineral density concordance in monozygotic twins compared to those in dizygotic twins. This cross-sectional research assessed data of 1032 monozygotic and 242 dizygotic twin pairs aged >20 years included in the Healthy Twin Study data of the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study between 2005 and 2014. Outcomes of interest included illness concordance and absolute differences in dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) T-scores. We found comparable concordances of osteoporosis, fractures, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis between monozygotic and dizygotic twins. Medical histories of osteoporosis, fractures caused by accident or falling, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis were not distinct between monozygotic and dizygotic twins. Accidental fracture occurrence in both monozygotic twins showed significantly lower odds than that in dizygotic twins. Genetic influence on liability to fracture risk might thus be maintained. DEXA T-scores for bone mineral density indicated more comparable tendencies within monozygotic twin pairs than within dizygotic ones, suggesting the relative importance of genetic contribution to bone mineral density. The relative importance of genetic factors in bone mineral density is sustained between monozygotic twins; overt disease expression of osteoporosis, fractures, or arthritis may be affected by environmental factors.
Healthy and Sustainable Diet Index: Development, Application and Evaluation Using Image-Based Food Records
Authors: Harray Amelia J. , Boushey Carol J. , Pollard Christina M. , Dhaliwal Satvinder S. , Mukhtar Syed Aqif , Delp Edward J. , Kerr Deborah A.
Published: September 2022

There are limited methods to assess how dietary patterns adhere to a healthy and sustainable diet. The aim of this study was to develop a theoretically derived Healthy and Sustainable Diet Index (HSDI). The HSDI uses 12 components within five categories related to environmental sustainability: animal-based foods, seasonal fruits and vegetables, ultra-processed energy-dense nutrient-poor foods, packaged foods and food waste. A maximum of 90 points indicates the highest adherence. The HSDI was applied to 4-day mobile food records (mFRTM) from 247 adults (18–30 years). The mean HSDI score was 42.7 (SD 9.3). Participants who ate meat were less likely to eat vegetables (p < 0.001) and those who ate non-animal protein foods were more likely to eat more fruit (p < 0.001), vegetables (p < 0.05), and milk, yoghurt and cheese (p < 0.05). After adjusting for age, sex and body mass index, multivariable regression found the strongest predictor of the likelihood of being in the lowest total HSDI score tertile were people who only took a bit of notice [OR (95%CI) 5.276 (1.775, 15.681) p < 0.005] or did not pay much/any attention to the health aspects of their diet [OR (95%CI) 8.308 (2.572, 26.836) p < 0.0001]. HSDI provides a new reference standard to assess adherence to a healthy and sustainable diet.
Dahl Salt-Resistant Rat Is Protected against Hypertension during Diet-Induced Obesity
Authors: Lee Soyung , Jang Sungmin , Kim Jee Young , Kim Inkyeom
Published: September 2022

A high-fat diet (HFD) frequently causes obesity-induced hypertension. Because Dahl salt-resistant rats are protected against hypertension after high-salt or high-fructose intake, it is of interest whether this model also protects against hypertension after diet-induced obesity. We tested the hypothesis that Dahl salt-resistant rat protects against hypertension during diet-induced obesity. Dahl salt-sensitive (SS) and Dahl salt-resistant (SR) rats were fed a HFD (60% fat) or a chow diet (CD; 8% fat) for 12 weeks. We measured blood pressure using the tail-cuff method. The paraffin sections of thoracic perivascular adipose tissue (tPVAT) were stained with hematoxylin/eosin and trichrome. The expression of genes in the tPVAT and kidneys were measured by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The HFD induced hypertension in SS (p < 0.01) but not SR rats, although it increased body weight gain (p < 0.05) and tPVAT weight (p < 0.01) in both rats. The HFD did not affect the expression of genes related to any of the adipocyte markers in both rats, although SR rats had reduced beige adipocyte marker Tmem26 levels (p < 0.01) and increased anti-inflammatory cytokine adiponectin (p < 0.05) as compared with SS rat. The HFD did not affect the mRNA expression of contractile factors in the tPVAT of SS and SR rats. SR rats are protected against hypertension during diet-induced obesity. This result implies that the genetic trait determining salt sensitivity may also determine fructose and fat sensitivity and that it is associated with the prevention of hypertension.
Impact of Body Composition Parameters on Lung Function in Athletes
Authors: Komici Klara , D’Amico Fabio , Verderosa Sofia , Piomboni Iacopo , D’Addona Carmine , Picerno Vito , Bianco Antonio , Caiazzo Andrea , Bencivenga Leonardo , Rengo Giuseppe , Guerra Germano
Published: September 2022

Background: Given the potential risk of unhealthy weight management, the monitoring of body composition in athletes is advised. However, limited data reveal how body composition measurements can benefit athlete health and, in particular, respiratory function. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of body composition on pulmonary function in a population of adult athletes. Methods: Data from 435 competitive adult athletes regarding body compositions parameters and spirometry are retrospectively analyzed. Results: Our study population consists of 335 males and 100 female athletes. Muscle mass and fat-free mass are significantly and positively associated with forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) in the male and female population, while waist-to-height ratio is negatively associated with FEV1, FVC, and FEV1/FVC in the male population. In multivariable analysis, muscle mass and fat-free mass show significant association with FEV1 and FVC in both males and females (p < 0.05), and waist-to-height ratio is significantly and inversely associated with FEV1 and FVC in males (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Fat-free mass and muscle mass are positively and independently associated with FEV1 and FVC in athletes of both genders, and waist-to-height ratio is inversely associated with FEV1 and FVC only among male athletes. These findings suggest that body composition in athletes may be helpful in monitoring respiratory function.
Black Ginger (Kaempferia parviflora) Extract Enhances Endurance Capacity by Improving Energy Metabolism and Substrate Utilization in Mice
Authors: Huang Jiapeng , Tagawa Takashi , Ma Sihui , Suzuki Katsuhiko
Published: September 2022

Black ginger (Kaempferia parviflora) extract (KPE), extracted from KP, a member of the ginger family that grows in Thailand, has a good promotion effect on cellular energy metabolism and therefore has been used to enhance exercise performance and treatment of obesity in previous studies. However, the effect of single-dose administration of KPE on endurance capacity has not been thoroughly studied, and whether the positive effect of KPE on cellular energy metabolism can have a positive effect on exercise capacity in a single dose is unknown. In the present study, we used a mouse model to study the effects of acute KPE administration 1 h before exercise on endurance capacity and the underlying mechanisms. The purpose of our study was to determine whether a single administration of KPE could affect endurance performance in mice and whether the effect was produced through a pro-cellular energy metabolic pathway. We found that a single administration of KPE (62.5 mg/kg·bodyweight) can significantly prolong the exercise time to exhaustion. By measuring the mRNA expression of Hk2, Slc2a4 (Glut4), Mct1, Ldh, Cd36, Cpt1β, Cpt2, Lpl, Pnpla2 (Atgl), Aco, Acadm (Mcad), Hadh, Acacb (Acc2), Mlycd (Mcd), Pparg, Ppargc1a (Pgc-1α), Tfam, Gp, Gs, Pfkm, Pck1 (Pepck), G6pc (G6pase), Cs, and Pfkl in skeletal muscle and liver, we found that acute high-concentration KPE administration significantly changed the soleus muscle gene expression levels (p < 0.05) related to lipid, lactate, and glycogen metabolism and mitochondrial function. In gastrocnemius muscle and liver, glycogen metabolism-related gene expression is significantly changed by a single-dose administration of KPE. These results suggest that KPE has the potential to improve endurance capacity by enhancing energy metabolism and substrate utilization in muscles and liver.
Association between Serum Spermidine and TyG Index: Results from a Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Zhang Rui , Xu Jiahui , Li Ruixue , Yu Zhecong , Yuan Wei , Gao Hanshu , Feng Wenjing , Gu Cuiying , Sun Zhaoqing , Zheng Liqiang
Published: September 2022

Background: Although animal experiments have shown that spermidine (SPD) affects insulin resistance (IR), the evidence for this in humans is still scarce. We aimed to investigate the associations between serum SPD levels and the TyG index in the adult population. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out with 4336 participants, all of whom were adults aged 35+ years. The SPD levels in serum were detected using high performance liquid chromatography with a fluorescence detector (HPLC-FLD). The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index was calculated as Ln [fasting triglycerides (TG) (mg/dL) × fasting glucose (mg/dL)/2]. Results: After multivariable adjustment, including demographic characteristics, behavioral factors associated with heath, and a history of taking medicine, SPD was inversely associated with the TyG index (β = −0.036; SE: 0.009; p < 0.001). Furthermore, each increase of 1 lnSPD significantly decreased the risk of IR with an odds ratio (ORs) (95% confidence intervals (CIs)) of 0.89 (0.83–0.96). Relative to the first quintile, the multivariate-adjusted ORs (95% CIs) for the third and fourth quartile group were 0.80 (0.65, 0.99) and 0.71 (0.57, 0.88), respectively. Conclusions: In conclusion, SPD was inversely associated with the TyG index. Our findings inform future exploratory research on the further mechanism of the association between spermidine and IR.
Ketogenic Diet in the Treatment of Gliomas and Glioblastomas
Authors: Dal Bello Simone , Valdemarin Francesca , Martinuzzi Deborah , Filippi Francesca , Gigli Gian Luigi , Valente Mariarosaria
Published: September 2022

In recent years, scientific interest in the use of the ketogenic diet (KD) as a complementary approach to the standard cancer therapy has grown, in particular against those of the central nervous system (CNS). In metabolic terms, there are the following differences between healthy and neoplastic cells: neoplastic cells divert their metabolism to anaerobic glycolysis (Warburg effect), they alter the normal mitochondrial functioning, and they use mainly certain amino acids for their own metabolic needs, to gain an advantage over healthy cells and to lead to a pro-oncogenetic effect. Several works in literature speculate which are the molecular targets of KD used against cancer. The following different mechanisms of action will be explored in this review: metabolic, inflammatory, oncogenic and oncosuppressive, ROS, and epigenetic modulation. Preclinical and clinical studies on the use of KD in CNS tumors have also increased in recent years. An interesting hypothesis emerged from the studies about the possible use of a ketogenic diet as a combination therapy along with chemotherapy (CT) and radiotherapy (RT) for the treatment of cancer. Currently, however, clinical data are still very limited but encouraging, so we need further studies to definitively validate or disprove the role of KD in fighting against cancer.
Dietary Effects of Introducing Salt-Reduced Bread with and without Dietary Counselling—A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Riis Nanna Louise , Lassen Anne Dahl , Bjoernsbo Kirsten , Toft Ulla , Trolle Ellen
Published: September 2022

Successful strategies for policy makers and the food industry are required to reduce population salt intake. A 4-month cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted to evaluate whether the provision of salt-reduced bread with or without dietary counselling affected the dietary intake of selected food groups, energy, macronutrients, sodium, and potassium. Eighty-nine families (n = 309) consisting of minimum one parent and one child were assigned to receive bread gradually reduced in salt content alone (Intervention A), combined with dietary counselling (Intervention B), or bread with regular salt content (control). Food intake was recorded for seven consecutive days at baseline and follow-up. Salt intake was reduced in both Intervention A (−1.0 g salt/10 MJ, p = 0.027) and Intervention B (−1.0 g salt/10 MJ, p = 0.026) compared to the control. Consumption of bread and both total and salt-rich bread fillings remained similar between groups, while ‘cheese and cheese products’ were reduced in Intervention A (−38%, p = 0.011). Energy intake and macronutrient distribution were not affected in Intervention A, but Intervention B resulted in a higher energy intake (512 kJ, p = 0.019) and a lower energy % (E%) from saturated fat (−1.0 E%, p = 0.031) compared to the control. In conclusion, provision of salt-reduced bread both with and without dietary counselling successfully reduced dietary salt intake without adversely affecting the dietary nutritional quality.
Towards Environmentally Sustainable Diets: Consumer Attitudes and Purchase Intentions for Plant-Based Meat Alternatives in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Han-Shen
Published: September 2022

With increasing concerns over environmental and animal protection, along with consumers’ preoccupation with health and wellness, the concept of a green diet is gaining popularity. This is leading to a new trend in the food culture of plant-based meat. Employing the extended model of goal-directed behavior (EMGB), this study examines the factors influencing the intentions of young consumers to consume plant-based meat. In particular, this study incorporates two vital constructs in food consumption, namely environmental concern and sensory appeal, into the model of goal-directed behavior (MGB) framework. Data were collected from closed questionnaires: a total of 537 questionnaire responses were gathered in Taiwan. The analysis was performed using the SPSS 25.0 for Windows and AMOS 24.0 for Windows. The results reveal that the EMGB included a satisfactory level of ability in predicting participants’ intentions to consume plant-based meat and was superior to the original MGB. Furthermore, the two incorporated constructs were significant variables influencing consumers’ decision formation. In addition, the attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, and positive anticipated emotion influenced consumer desire, which, in turn, influenced behavioral intentions.
Prevalence of and Risk Factors for Iron Deficiency in Twin and Singleton Newborns
Authors: Campbell Rebecca K. , Buhimschi Catalin S. , Zhao Guomao , Dela Rosa Cielo , Stetson Bethany T. , Backes Carl H. , Buhimschi Irina A.
Published: September 2022

Iron deficiency (ID) in utero and in infancy can cause irreversible neurocognitive damage. Iron status is not routinely tested at birth, so the burden of neonatal ID in the United States is unknown. Infants born from twin or higher-order pregnancies may be at elevated risk of inadequate nutrient endowment at birth. The present study sought to compare the burden of neonatal ID in cord blood serum samples from twin (n = 54) and singleton pregnancies (n = 24). Iron status (serum ferritin (SF), soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), hepcidin) and inflammation (C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6)) biomarker concentrations were measured by immunoassay. The prevalence of ID (SF < 76 ng/mL) among twins was 21% (23/108) and among singletons 20% (5/24). Gestational age at birth, maternal race and infant sex predicted SF levels. Maternal anemia (hemoglobin < 11 g/dL) was observed in 40% of mothers but was not associated with neonatal iron biomarkers. More research is needed to identify risk factors and regulatory mechanisms for inadequate fetal iron accrual to identify higher risk pregnancies and neonates for screening and intervention.
Providing School Meals to All Students Free of Charge during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond: Challenges and Benefits Reported by School Foodservice Professionals in California
Authors: Zuercher Monica D. , Cohen Juliana F. W. , Hecht Christina E. , Hecht Kenneth , Ritchie Lorrene D. , Gosliner Wendi
Published: September 2022

Universal school meals (USM) have the potential to increase access to healthy food for millions of U.S. students. This study evaluated school food authorities’ (SFA) perspectives of federal USM in response to COVID-19 (school year (SY) 2021–22) and California’s upcoming USM policy in the SY 2022–23. In February 2022, all SFAs in California (n = 1116) were invited to complete an online survey. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression examining differences by school demographic characteristics were used. Five hundred and eighty-one SFAs completed the survey; 63% of them first implemented USM during the COVID-19 pandemic. Reported benefits included increased student meal participation (79.2%) and reduced stigma (39.7%). Top challenges included staffing (76.9%) and meal packaging/solid waste (67.4%). Nearly all SFAs reported pandemic-related challenges procuring the necessary types (88.9%) and amounts of foods (85.9%), and non-food supplies/equipment (82.6%). Over 40% reported that federal reimbursements were insufficient to cover costs. SFAs with <40% FRPM-eligible students and/or higher student enrollment reported more current challenges and future concerns than those with ≥40% FRPMs and lower student enrollment. The top resources requested to implement CA’s USM included additional facilities/equipment (83.8%), communications/marketing (76.1%), increasing meal participation (71.5%), and financial management (61.5%). Most California SFAs reported that implementing federal USM had the intended effect of feeding more children. This study’s findings may be useful to the several other U.S. states implementing universal school meals in the SY 2022–23, and to other states or countries considering adopting a USM policy in the future.
Predictors of Human Milk Fatty Acids and Associations with Infant Growth in a Norwegian Birth Cohort
Authors: Criswell Rachel L. , Iszatt Nina , Demmelmair Hans , Ahmed Talat Bashir , Koletzko Berthold V. , Lenters Virissa C. , Eggesbø Merete Å.
Published: September 2022

Triglyceride-bound fatty acids constitute the majority of lipids in human milk and may affect infant growth. We describe the composition of fatty acids in human milk, identify predictors, and investigate associations between fatty acids and infant growth using data from the Norwegian Human Milk Study birth cohort. In a subset of participants (n = 789, 30% of cohort), oversampled for overweight and obesity, we analyzed milk concentrations of detectable fatty acids. We modelled percent composition of fatty acids in relation to maternal body mass index, pregnancy weight gain, parity, smoking, delivery mode, gestational age, fish intake, and cod liver oil intake. We assessed the relation between fatty acids and infant growth from 0 to 6 months. Of the factors tested, excess pregnancy weight gain was positively associated with monounsaturated fatty acids and inversely associated with stearic acid. Multiparity was negatively associated with monounsaturated fatty acids and n-3 fatty acids while positively associated with stearic acid. Gestational age was inversely associated with myristic acid. Medium-chain saturated fatty acids were inversely associated with infant growth, and mono-unsaturated fatty acids, particularly oleic acid, were associated with an increased odds of rapid growth. Notably, excessive maternal weight gain was associated with cis-vaccenic acid, which was further associated with a threefold increased risk of rapid infant growth (OR = 2.9, 95% CI 1.2–6.6), suggesting that monounsaturated fatty acids in milk may play a role in the intergenerational transmission of obesity.
Effects of 10-Day Complete Fasting on Physiological Homeostasis, Nutrition and Health Markers in Male Adults
Authors: Dai Zhongquan , Zhang Hongyu , Wu Feng , Chen Ying , Yang Chao , Wang Hailong , Sui Xiukun , Guo Yaxiu , Xin Bingmu , Guo Zhifeng , Xiong Jianghui , Wu Bin , Li Yinghui
Published: September 2022

Fasting shows great potential in preventing chronic diseases and has to be surmounted under some extraordinary circumstances. This study aimed to investigate the safety, time effects of metabolic homeostasis and health indexes during prolonged fasting. Thirteen participants were recruited to conduct a 10-day complete fasting (CF) in a controlled health research building under medical supervision including 3-day Baseline (BL), 10-day CF, 4-day calorie restriction (CR) and 5-day full recovery (FR). Body healthy status was assessed by surveying pulse, blood pressure, body weight (BW), blood glucose and ketones, body composition and nutritional and biochemistry indexes at different times. BW declined about 7.28 kg (−9.8%) after 10-day CF, accompanied by increased pulse and decreased systolic blood pressure, but there were no changes to the myocardial enzymogram. Body composition analysis showed fat mass was constantly lost, but lean mass could recover after CR. The energy substrate switch from glucose to ketone occurred and formed a stable dynamic balance between 3–6 days of CF. The lipid metabolism presented increased total cholesterol, LDL-C, ApoA1 and almost no changes to TG and HDL-C. Prolonged CF did not influence liver function, but induced a slight decrease of kidney function. The interesting results came from the marked increase of lipid-soluble vitamins and a significant decrease of sodium and chlorine. Adults could well tol-erate a 10-day CF. A new metabolic homeostasis was achieved. No vitamins but NaCl supplement should be considered. These findings provide evidence to design a new fasting strategy for clinical practice.
Adherence to a Healthy Beverage Score Is Associated with Lower Frailty Risk in Older Adults
Authors: Dominguez Ligia J. , Donat-Vargas Carolina , Banegas José R. , Barbagallo Mario , Rodríguez-Artalejo Fernando , Guallar-Castillón Pilar
Published: September 2022

Many beverages include bioactive components and energy but are frequently not considered in diet quality estimations. We examined the association of a healthy beverage score (HBS) with incident frailty in older adults from the Seniors-ENRICA-1 cohort. We used data from 1900 participants (mean ± SD age 68.7 ± 6.4 years, 51.7% women), recruited in 2008–2010 and followed-up until 2012 assessing food consumption at baseline with a validated diet history. The HBS was higher for increasing consumption of low fat milk, tea/coffee, lower consumption of whole milk, fruit juice, artificially sweetened beverages, sugar-sweetened beverages, and moderate intake of alcohol. Frailty was considered as having ≥3 criteria: exhaustion, low-physical activity, slow gait speed, weakness, and weight loss. We performed logistic regression analyses adjusted for potential confounders. During a 3.5 y mean follow-up, 136 new cases of frailty occurred. Compared to the lowest sex-specific HBS tertile, the fully adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of frailty was 0.59 (0.38, 0.92) in the intermediate tertile, and 0.52 (0.31, 0.88) in the highest tertile, p trend = 0.007. Results for slow gait speed were 0.79 (0.58, 1.07) and 0.71 (0.51–0.99), p trend = 0.033. Therefore, adherence to HBS was inversely associated with incident frailty and slow gait speed. HBS can help on the beverage quality evaluation, highlighting beverage importance as contributors to diet and to health.
Dietary Supplement Use of Turkish Footballers: Differences by Sex and Competition Level
Authors: Günalan Elif , Çavak Betül Yıldırım , Turhan Saadet , Cebioğlu İrem Kaya , Domínguez Raúl , Sánchez-Oliver Antonio Jesús
Published: September 2022

This study aimed to evaluate the consumption of dietary supplements (DS) and to determine related topics in Turkish football players of different sexes and competition levels. A total of 117 footballers (79 males and 38 females) completed a specific survey regarding DS consumption in athletes. The type of DS ingested was classified based on the level of scientific evidence by the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS): group A (high level of scientific evidence), group B (DS that could have a positive effect, but require more evidence), group C (evidence is against their use), and group D (prohibited substances). After a Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, a t-test or Mann–Whitney U test was performed for quantitative variables, while Pearson’s chi-square and odds ratio (with the confidence interval) were performed for qualitative variables. Of the sample, 87.2% reported having consumed DS, with a higher consumption rate in males (males: 93.7%, females: 73.7%; p = 0.006; OR = 5.3 [1.7–16.8]) and professional players (professional: 98.2%, non-professional: 77.4%; p < 0.001; OR = 7.9 [1.2–52.3]). Males and professional players consume more sports foods (p < 0.001), performance supplements (p < 0.001), and total group A supplements (p < 0.001) compared to females and non-professionals. In addition, males consume more medical supplements (p = 0.012) and total group C supplements (p < 0.001) than female footballers. The most consumed DS were sports drinks (63.2%), magnesium (52.1%), vitamin C (51.3%), vitamin D (46.2%), caffeine (38.5%), sports bars (37.6%), whey protein (28.2%), meat protein (25.6%), vitamin E (24.8%), and omega-3 fatty acids (24.8%). The supplement consumption was higher in male and professional footballers. According to the AIS classification, there were significant differences in the consumption of sports foods, medical supplements, performance supplements, and the total number of group A and group C supplements according to sex, and there were significant differences in the consumption of sports foods, performance supplements, and the total number of group A supplements according to competition level.
Phenolic Release during In Vitro Digestion of Cold and Hot Extruded Noodles Supplemented with Starch and Phenolic Extracts
Authors: Wang Ruibin , Li Ming , Brennan Margaret Anne , Kulasiri Don , Guo Boli , Brennan Charles Stephen
Published: September 2022

Dietary phenolic compounds must be released from the food matrix in the gastrointestinal tract to play a bioactive role, the release of which is interfered with by food structure. The release of phenolics (unbound and bound) of cold and hot extruded noodles enriched with phenolics (2.0%) during simulated in vitro gastrointestinal digestion was investigated. Bound phenolic content and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis were utilized to characterize the intensity and manner of starch-phenolic complexation during the preparation of extruded noodles. Hot extrusion induced the formation of more complexes, especially the V-type inclusion complexes, with a higher proportion of bound phenolics than cold extrusion, contributing to a more controlled release of phenolics along with slower starch digestion. For instance, during simulated small intestinal digestion, less unbound phenolics (59.4%) were released from hot extruded phenolic-enhanced noodles than from the corresponding cold extruded noodles (68.2%). This is similar to the release behavior of bound phenolics, that cold extruded noodles released more bound phenolics (56.5%) than hot extruded noodles (41.9%). For noodles extruded with rutin, the release of unbound rutin from hot extruded noodles and cold extruded noodles was 63.6% and 79.0%, respectively, in the small intestine phase, and bound rutin was released at a much lower amount from the hot extruded noodles (55.8%) than from the cold extruded noodles (89.7%). Hot extrusion may allow more potential bioaccessible phenolics (such as rutin), further improving the development of starchy foods enriched with controlled phenolics.
The Effect of Vitamin D and Its Analogs in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Piatek Karina , Schepelmann Martin , Kallay Enikö
Published: September 2022

Ovarian cancer is one of the deadliest cancers in women, due to its heterogeneity and usually late diagnosis. The current first-line therapies of debulking surgery and intensive chemotherapy cause debilitating side effects. Therefore, there is an unmet medical need to find new and effective therapies with fewer side effects, or adjuvant therapies, which could reduce the necessary doses of chemotherapeutics. Vitamin D is one of the main regulators of serum calcium and phosphorus homeostasis, but it has also anticancer effects. It induces differentiation and apoptosis, reduces proliferation and metastatic potential of cancer cells. However, doses that would be effective against cancer cause hypercalcemia. For this reason, synthetic and less calcemic analogs have been developed and tested in terms of their anticancer effect. The anticancer role of vitamin D is best understood in colorectal, breast, and prostate cancer and much less research has been done in ovarian cancer. In this review, we thus summarize the studies on the role of vitamin D and its analogs in vitro and in vivo in ovarian cancer models.