bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sensory nutrition education positively impacts willingness to try local vegetables in Western Massachusetts Head Start children
Authors: Kannan Srimathi , Joyner Jacqui , Pfau Lindsey , Meshenko Jesse , Sciallis Allison , Krishnakumar Ambika , Severin Suzanne
Published: June 2021

The aim of the pilot study was to assess the extent to which the Massachusetts Farm Fresh (MAFF) Classroom Garden Project shifted preschool children's willingness to consume the target vegetables: red bell pepper, carrot, broccoli, and peas. MAFF intervention, conducted in Spring 2011 in four Head Start classrooms in Western Massachusetts, targeted preschool children (n=64) and included baseline, 4‐week intervention, follow‐up. The Social Cognitive Theory (SCT)‐guided MAFF incorporated a weekly sensory nutrition curriculum delivered by trained nutrition students and introduced the children to the four vegetables through story‐telling with puppets and mystery vegetable bag exploration and a classroom garden bulletin board. Pre‐post vegetable cup measures and observed Willingness to Explore and Taste Rating Scale provided consumption and willingness data. At baseline, the highest acceptability was for carrots defined as the number of children willing‐to‐try (94%) and finished the 30 g serving (59%). Pre‐post acceptability for vegetables shifted and the proportion of children “not willing to try” decreased from 11% to 3.8% (red bell pepper), from 7.4 to 5.6% (pea pods), and 5.6% to 3.7% (broccoli). Results show baseline variability and suggest favorable post‐intervention shifts in sensory‐exploration focused acceptability among vegetables in Head Start children. Project funded by USDA HATCH.
The DI/MS Match: Pairing Dietetic Interns and Medical Students to Promote Interdisciplinary Team Development in Nutrition‐Related Patient Care
Authors: Wang Fling , Lee Stephanie , Judd Laura , Feldman Stephanie , Salge-Blake Joan , Lenders Carine , Gorman Kathy
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

With more Americans suffering from nutrition‐related chronic conditions, physicians have been asked to provide nutrition counseling. However, future physicians need to enhance their knowledge and recognize when to refer their patients to registered dietitians (RDs).

OBJECTIVE

The Dietetic Intern/Medical Student (DI/MS) Match was created to help bridge the two professions. For the MSs, the intent was to provide personal nutrition counseling and education on the role of RDs and learn when to refer. For the DIs, the intent was to discuss drug‐nutrient interactions and pathways of diseases. These interprofessional interactions foster mutual respect and the creation of a referral network.

METHODS

Two pilot iterations of this program have been executed with 7–9 DI/MS pairs in each. Both programs had 5 meetings including personal counseling sessions, restaurant visits, grocery store visits, and participant‐led lectures. The first iteration was focused on individual pair interactions while the second iteration had more of a group‐based learning focus. At the end of the program, participants filled out a feedback survey.

FUTURE DIRECTION

Based on survey feedback, a third iteration is in development to combine both personal counseling and group education with activities focused on improving collaboration and interaction of MSs and DIs in an inpatient setting.
Preschool Children's Familiarity with Fruits and Vegetables: Impact of Exposure in the Home and School Environments
Authors: Cox Tiffany Brooke , Carraway-Stage Virginia , Nanney Kristin , Borges Michelle , Martin Alexa , Spangler Hillary , Worf Aly , Goodell L. Suzanne
Published: June 2021

Preschool children learn about fruits and vegetables (FV) through exposure at home and school. When children are exposed to FV frequently they are more likely to choose FV. The purpose of this study was to assess preschool children's ability to identify FV in relation to reported exposures at home and school. Twenty‐eight target fruits and vegetables were chosen based on FV classifications and previous pilot study observations. A researcher‐developed electronic, pictorial tool assessed preschool children's ability to identify specific FV in various forms (whole and transformed). A total of 57 photographs were assessed. Parents reported basic demographic information, child's FV consumption frequency, and availability of FV at home. Menus were obtained from each child's preschool to determine school‐related FV exposure. Researchers hypothesized that children with greater exposure to FV at home and school would be more likely to identify pictured FV. This study establishes baseline data on the influence of home and school environments on children's FV familiarity. Information obtained from this study can be used to develop future nutrition education materials and interventions for preschool‐aged children, parents, preschool staff and administrators. The potential to impact children's willingness to consume FV through visual exposure is a new avenue of research that warrants further investigation.
Head Start Preschool Administrators’ Barriers, Motivators, and Facilitators to Implementing Nutrition Education
Authors: Riggsbee Sydney , Carraway-Stage Virginia , Dipper Allison , Anderson Michelle
Published: June 2021

One‐third of low‐income preschool‐age children, like those in Head Start (HS), are overweight or obese. National HS requirements state that funded programs must provide nutritious meals, snacks, and nutrition education (NE) to enrolled children. Studies investigating administrator barriers, motivators, and facilitators (BMF) related to NE in the preschool classroom are limited. However in K‐12 settings, teachers describe a lack of available classroom time as a barrier and a personal commitment to the content as a motivator, and access to nutrition professionals, who could aid in the development of lesson plans, as a facilitator to NE in the classroom. In the current study, in‐depth individual telephone interviews were conducted with HS administrators to determine perceived BMF related to implementing of NE in the preschool classroom. Administrators were interviewed based on their familiarity with HS NE requirements. While HS administrators were motivated by a desire to prevent childhood obesity and found that policies that regulated NE facilitated implementation, they still faced barriers, including a lack of NE knowledge and higher ranking priorities for the classrooms. NE researchers can use this information to design materials and training for HS staff that target the challenges faced in the HS facilities while emphasizing motivating and facilitating factors.
Evaluation of Knowledge and Behavior Changes in Middle School Students
Authors: Richmond Laura , Gonzales Dana , Crook Tina , Hakkak Reza
Published: June 2021

Childhood and adolescent obesity is rapidly increasing. The EatFit one program designed to improve the eating and fitness choices of middle school adolescents. Pre and post‐tests were used to assess twenty 6th to 8th grade student's knowledge and behaviors of nutrition and physical activity practices. There was a significant increase (p<.05) in the numbers of days students participated in flexibility/stretching exercises after completing the EatFit program. Students participated on average of one more day per week in strength exercises and lifestyle exercises on the post‐test compared to the pre‐test. Students made nutrition‐related behavior changes upon completion of this program such as making healthier eating choices in their choice of pizza topping, beverage choice, and cereal. Students reported they could set another eating or fitness goal and achieve it. 85% of students answered they met their eating goal, and made an effort to meet their eating goal. Our results showed the EatFit program can lead to positive changes in nutrition and physical activity‐behavior‐related behavior change. Dietitians and healthcare professionals can impact the implementation and expansion of school‐based nutrition education and physical activity programs like EatFit. Supported by Department of Dietetic and nutrition and Graduate School.
Association of Hyperthyroidism and Obesity
Authors: Saeed Kamaran Rasool , Haurami Tahir Abdulla , Mahwee Taha Osman
Published: June 2021

Objectives

In this study, we present the Association of hyperthyroidism with obesity in the North region of Iraq.

Introduction

This is a cross‐sectional study and involved with occurrence of hyperthyroidism together in the obese patient.

Patients and Methods

In the period between August‐2007 & Junary‐2010 ; a total of 84 patients who presented with overweight and obesity to the Private clinical center of nutrition –out patient department and they had been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. All patients answered a brief questionnaire that included identification data, age, and medications in use, medical history and thyroid disease history. Informed concern had been taken. They underwent clinical examination and electrocardiogram, and blood samples for thyroid function tests, investigating the thyroid hormones tri‐iodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) and sensitive thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) and the patients sent for ultrasound examination of the thyroid gland
Hepatoprotective Effect of Paecilomyces japonica in db/db Mice
Authors: Kim Jung-In , Jeong Yong-Kee
Published: June 2021

The db/db mice manifest non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Paecilomyces japonica on hepatic steatosis in db/db mice. Four‐week‐old male db/db mice (n=12) and their lean heterozygote littermates (db/+, n=6) were obtained. The db/db mice were fed AIN‐93G diet or diet containing 3% freeze‐dried P. japonica for 6 weeks after one week of adaptation period. The db/+ mice were fed AIN‐93G diet. Serum alanine amininotransferase (ALT) activities and hepatic thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels were measured. Liver lipids were extracted and the amounts of triglyceride were determined. Serum ALT activities were significantly higher in db/db mice than db/+ mice, whereas, these elevated activities were significantly lowered by P. japonica compared with non‐treated db/db mice (p<0.05). TBARS and triglyceride levels of liver of db/db mice were higher than db/+ mice. However, P. japonica significantly decreased hepatic TBARS and triglyceride levels compared with non‐treated db/db mice. These results indicate that chronic consumption of P. japonica could alleviate hepatic steatosis in db/db mice.
Nutraceutical Values of Muscadine against Obesity and Metabolic Complications in‐vivo
Authors: gourineni vishnupriya , Shay Neil , Chung Soonkyu , Gu Liwei
Published: June 2021

Muscadine grapes (Vitis rotundifolia) are commonly grown and consumed in the southeastern U.S. It contains a unique blend of bioactive phytochemicals with potential to improved symptoms of chronic metabolic diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the extent to which consumption of extracts made from muscadine grapes and wine attenuate obesity and associated metabolic abnormalities in comparison to intake of purified resveratrol. Obesigenic high fat diets (HFD)‐were fed to C57BL/6J male mice. Six‐week old mice were randomly assigned to one of five experimental groups and fed for 15 wks. Diet groups were low fat control (LF, 10% kcal fat); high fat control (HF, 60% kcal fat); HF+ 0.2% resveratrol (HF+RSV); HF + 0.4% muscadine grape extract (HF+MGN); and HF + 0.4% muscadine wine extract (HF+MWN). The componential analyses by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry revealed that the major phytochemicals in MGN and MWN were ellagic acid and anthocyanins. HF‐fed mice had increased weight gain (+58.5%, P < 0.01) compared to LF‐fed mice (LF). Mice fed HF+RSV and HF+MGN significantly decreased body weights by 7.7 % and 15.2 %, respectively, compared to the HF controls. Supplementation with resveratrol, MGN, or MWN improved glucose tolerance and normalized blood cholesterol compared to HF controls. These results suggest that consumption of muscadine phytochemicals are effective in reducing HF‐induced obesity and associated metabolic complications.
PSYCHOLOGICAL DETERMINANTS OF DIETARY ADHERENCE AND INTERVENTION OUTCOME IN OBESITY: SELF‐EFFICACY, DIETARY AND PHYSICAL EXERCISE COUNSELING
Authors: Trovato Guglielmo M , Martines GF , Trovato FM , Pace P , Pirri C , Tonzuso A , Catalano D
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Dietary, psychological and physical exercise counseling can affect adherence to healthy guidelines and outcome in obesity. Relationship of these factors were studied.

Method

40 weeks dietary and physical exercise behavioral counseling was provided to 134 non‐diabetic overweight‐obese patients (F 74, M 60), age 49.81±14.49 years, BMI 29.12±5.82.

Measures

insulin resistance (HOMA), Mediterranean Diet Adherence Score (AMDS; range 0–55) a proxy for healthy guidelines, physical activity (Baecke), self‐efficacy (GSE), stress and HAD questionnaires.

Results

A decrease of body weight (77.68±16.57 to 74.42±15.42, p<0.0001), BMI (29.12±5.82 to 27.66±5.15; p<0.0001) and HOMA (2.68±1.44 to 2.11±1.19) was observed, along with increase of self efficacy (18.05±5.32 to 19.76±5.25; p<0.0001) and of AMDS (28.90±4.65 to 31.03±4.03; p<0.0001). Greater baseline GSE is associated with greater AMDS (OR 15.81; CI 95%: 0.915–3.571); anxiety, depression and perceived stress are associated with lower AMDS. Multiple Linear Regression model (p<0.0001) explains 28.1 % of variance to AMDS by GSE and physical activity increase. Nutritional‐psychological counseling favorable outcome (BMI and HOMA decrease) is explained by GSE and AMDS increase.

Conclusion

Behavioral counseling focused on physical exercise and self‐efficacy enhances dietary adherence and weight loss in obesity.
Acute effects of pistachios on glucose, insulin, gut hormones and satiety in persons with metabolic syndrome
Authors: Kendall Cyril WC , Campbell Janice , Jenkins Alexandra L , Jenkins David JA
Published: June 2021

Background

Nut consumption has been found to decrease risk of CHD and diabetes, and to promote healthy body weights, possibly related to their favorable macronutrient profile.

Methods

20 subjects with metabolic syndrome as defined by NCEP ATP III guidelines were recruited. Each subject participated in a total of 5 breakfast study meals over 5–10wks. Study meal order was randomized. Meals were consumed after an overnight fast. Meal 1 was a control meal of white bread (50g available CHO). Meals 2 (white bread, butter and cheese) and 3 (white bread plus 3oz pistachios) had similar macronutrient profiles. Meals 4 (white bread) and 5 (3oz pistachios alone) had the same amount of available CHO (12g).

Results and Conclusions

The addition of pistachios to a carbohydrate meal decreased postprandial glucose levels similar to other sources of fat and protein but may have insulin sparing properties. Pistachios consumed alone appeared to increase GIP and GLP‐1 levels. Both insulin sparing and increased GLP‐1 levels associated with pistachio consumption may be beneficial properties for individuals with diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

Supported by the American Pistachio Growers
The effect of before meal consumption of fluid milks and substitutes on short‐term food intake, appetite and glycemic response in healthy young men and women
Authors: Panahi Shirin , Luhovyy Bohdan L. , Liu Ting Ting , Akhavan Tina , Anderson G. Harvey
Published: June 2021

We hypothesized that consuming milk before and between meals compared with substitutes or orange juice is better for appetite and glycemic control. Two experiments compared the effect of consuming at 30 (Experiment 1) or 120 min (Experiment 2) before a pizza meal, isovolumetric (500 ml) amounts of water, soy beverage (SB; 200 kcal), 2% milk (M; 260 kcal), 1% chocolate milk (CM; 340 kcal), orange juice (OJ; 229 kcal) and cow's milk‐based infant formula (IF; 368 kcal) on appetite, food intake (FI) and blood glucose (BG) before and after a meal in healthy young men and women. Compared to water, all preloads reduced pre‐meal appetite (P = 0.0008). Pre‐meal ingestion of CM and IF reduced FI by 14% (880 ± 72 kcal) and 12% (905 ± 79 kcal), respectively (P = 0.0007) compared to water (1022 ± 75 kcal) at 30 min, but no preloads reduced FI at 2 h. Blood glucose was higher after CM than other caloric preloads from 0 to 30 min and after CM and OJ from 0 to 120 min (P < 0.0001). Only M reduced post‐meal BG in both experiments (P < 0.0001) and its effects were independent of meal time energy intake. Overall pre‐ and post‐meal BG was lower after M than after CM and OJ, but did not differ from water or IF (P = 0.005). Thus, pre‐meal consumption of 2% milk provided better glycemic response than other beverages, however, calorie content and inter‐meal intervals were primary determinants of their effects on FI.

Grant Funding Source: Dairy Farmers of Ontario, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and Kraft Canada
Impact of obesity on bone integrity and mesenchymal stem cell activity in Ossabaw swine
Authors: Seabolt Brynn Shea , Perfield J W , Rector R S , Stahl C H
Published: June 2021

Ossabaw swine are an exciting model to study the effects of diet induced obesity. We examined the affects of an obesigenic diet on bone integrity and on mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) activity, which underpins bone integrity. Pigs fed an obesigenic diet had greater (P < 0.05) body fat % and insulin resistance. Obese pigs had larger and heavier bones (P < 0.05), however the percentage of mineral in the bone did not differ between obese and lean pigs. In order to evaluate alterations in MSC activity, MSC from obese and lean pigs were cultured under adipocytic and osteogenic conditions. Under osteogenic conditions, the expression of genes indicative of osteoblastic differentiation (RunX2 and osteocalcin) were greater (P<0.1) in MSC isolated from obese pigs. Under adipogenic conditions, increased gene expression of markers of adipocytic differentiation (PPARG, AP2, and LPL), as well as greater lipid accumulation (Oil Red O staining), were seen in MSC isolated from the lean pigs. While the increased osteogenic activity of MSC from obese pigs supports the bone data, the reduced adipogenic activity of these cells seems counterintuitive. However, the reduced in vitro adipocytic differentiation of MSC from obese pigs may be a result of the insulin resistance seen in these pigs. These results suggest that obesity and insulin resistance may have long‐term effects on bone development and MSC activity.
Oral administration of α‐ketoglutarate or interferon‐τ reduces adiposity in diet‐induced obese rats
Authors: Tekwe Carmen D. , Lei Jian , Yao Kang , Li Xilong , Rezaei Reza , Dahanayaka Sudath , Meininger Cynthia J. , Carroll Raymond J. , Bazer Fuller W. , Wu Guoyao
Published: June 2021

Obesity is a risk factor for many chronic diseases, including hypertension, type‐2 diabetes, and cancer. High levels of branched‐chain amino acids (BCAA) in plasma are commonly associated with endothelial dysfunction in obesity. This study tested the hypothesis that dietary supplementation with á‐ketoglutarate (AKG) or interferon‐ô (IFNT) may stimulate BCAA catabolism in tissues, thereby reducing the circulating levels of BCAA and increasing NO synthesis by EC. Beginning at 4 wk of age, male Sprague‐Dawley rats were fed a low‐fat (LF) or high‐fat (HF) diet for 15 wk. At 19 wk of age, lean or obese rats continued to be fed their respective diets and received drinking water containing either 0 or 1% AKG, or 80 μg IFNT/100 mL (n=8/group). At 31 wk of age, rats were euthanized to obtain tissues. Water consumption (25 mL/kg BW per day) or food intake did not differ among the three groups of rats. Oral administration of AKG (250 mg/kg BW per day) or IFNT (20 μg/kg BW per day) reduced (P<0.05) concentrations of BCAA in plasma, adiposity, and glutamine: fructose‐6‐phosphate transaminase activity in EC, and enhanced (P<0.05) whole‐body insulin sensitivity and NO synthesis by EC, in LF and HF rats. AKG administration reduced (P<0.05) body weights of LF and HF rats, as did IFNT on LF rats. These results indicate that AKG or IFNT can reduce adiposity and increase NO production by EC in diet‐induced obese rats. (Supported by AHA and NIH grants).
HPMC supplementation reduces weight gain, intestinal permeability, inflammation, and insulin resistance in dietinduced obese mice
Authors: Kim Hyunsook , Bartley Glenn , Young Scott A. , Yokoyama Wallace
Published: June 2021

Consumption of diets high in soluble dietary fibers has been suggested to induce biomarkers for anti‐obesity and anti‐inflammation, and improve insulin resistance. To investigate the effects of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), a highly viscous soluble dietary fiber, on obesity‐induced metabolic complications, obese C57BL/6J mice were fed high fat diets with either 6 % HPMC or 6 % microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) for five weeks. Body weight gain and adipose tissue weight were significantly lower in HPMC fed mice compared with MCC. High‐fat diet induced intestinal permeability was lowered by HPMC. IPA analysis of exon microarray data from adipose tissue identified lipid metabolism and acute phase response pathways were regulated by HPMC. We confirmed that genes related to inflammation and immune response, and oxidative stress markers were down‐regulated by the HPMC diet. HPMC feeding markedly reduced area under the curve for 2‐hr insulin and glucose responses, indicating enhanced insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism. These data suggest that consumption of HPMC ameliorates obesity‐induced insulin resistance via reduction of weight gain and anti‐inflammatory and immune response in adipose tissue as well as enhancing intestinal barrier function.
Effect of the supplementation of Prunus mume concentrates on lipid peroxide levels and antioxidative enzyme activities in hyperlipidemic rats
Authors: Chyun Jong Hee , Na Ji Hye , Park Hee Jin , Yang Yuan
Published: June 2021

This study was performed to investigate the effect of the supplementation of Prunus mume concentrates on lipid peroxide levels and antioxidative enzyme, SOD activities in hyperlipidemic rats. Thirty Sprague‐Dawley male rats aging 7weeks were fed the high fat diet (HFD, 15% beef tallow+1% cholesterol) for 4weeks. Thereafter the rats were devided into 3 dietary groups and fed the experimental diet for 4weeks; HFD+0% Prunus mume concentrate diet(HFD+0PM), HFD+1% Prunus mume concentrate diet(HFD+1PM) and HFD+2% Prunus mume concentrate diet(HFD+2PM). Then the rats were sacrificed to get blood and liver. The body weight and food intake were not significantly different among groups. Serum levels of total lipid, total cholesterol, triglyceride of HFD+2PM were significantly lower than those of HFD+0PM. Serum HDL‐cholesterol was significantly higher in HFD+2PM than HFD+0PM. Atherogenic index was significantly lower in HFD+2PM than HFD+0PM. Serum LDL‐cholesterol was not significantly different among groups but tend to be lower in HFD+2PM. TBARS, conjugated diene levels were not significantly different among groups but tend to be lower in HFD+2PM. Liver SOD activity was significantly higher in HFD+2PM than HFD+0PM. From these results, it is suggested that the supplementation of Prunus mume concentrates improve blood lipid profiles and increase antioxidative status in hyperlipidemic rats.
Magnolol inhibits cyclooxygenase‐2 activity via suppression of matrix metalloproteinase‐2/‐9 activities in PC‐3 human prostate carcinoma cells
Authors: Hwang Eun-Sun , Park Kwang-Kyun
Published: June 2021

Magnolol, a hydroxylated biphenyl compound isolated from the root and stem bark of Magnolia officinalis, has been reported to have anticancer activity, but little is known about its molecular mechanisms of action. Increased expression of cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2), a key enzyme of arachidonic acid metabolism, has been identified in many cancer types. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are enzymes involved in various steps of metastasis development. The objective of this study was to clarify the role of COX‐2 in metastasis using PC‐3 human prostate carcinoma cells. Cellular proliferation was determined by the MTT colorimetric assay. Magnolol inhibited cell growth in a dose‐dependent manner. In invasion assay conducted in Transwell chambers, magnolol showed 33 and 98% inhibition of cancer cell invasion at 10 ƒÝM and 20 ƒÝM concentrations, respectively, compared to the control. The expression of MMP‐2/‐9 and COX‐1/‐2 was assessed by gelatin zymography and Western blot, respectively. The protein and mRNA levels of both MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 were down‐regulated by magnolol treatment in a dose‐dependent manner. These data suggest that the anti‐metastatic action of magnolol is attributable to its ability to inhibit tumor cell invasion and metastasis by suppressing COX‐2.
Effects of quercetin and epigallocatechin gallate on the inflammatory response of stimulated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC)
Authors: Warren Jonathan , Kennerly Krista , Henson Dru , Nieman David , Shanely R Andrew
Published: June 2021

This study evaluated the ability of epigallocatechin gallate enriched green tea extract (EGCG) to augment quercetin's (Q) inhibition of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced pro‐inflammatory cytokine secretion in vitro. PBMCs isolated from healthy male adults (n=5) were incubated for one hour with either 25 μM of Q or 5 μM of EGCG alone or in combination, followed by 23 hours of LPS (0.1 μg/ml) stimulation. Inflammatory effects were assessed by quantifying concentrations of three cytokines (TNF‐α, IL‐6, and IL‐1β) in cell supernatant using a chemoluminescence based solid‐phase sandwich immunoassay (Meso Scale Discovery, Gaithersburg, MD, USA). Q alone or in combination with EGCG significantly decreased TNF‐α (P=0.012 and 0.006, respectively), IL‐6 (P<0.001 and P=0.001, respectively), and Il‐1β (P=0.013 and 0.006, respectively), however Q combined with EGCG did not significantly differ from Q alone. In conclusion, EGCG did not effectively augment the anti‐inflammatory effects of Q on LPS‐stimulated cytokine production by PBMC in vitro.
Impact of Brewing Conditions on the Antioxidant Capacity of Green Tea
Authors: Sharpe Erica , Bradley Ryan
Published: June 2021

The polyphenolic compounds in green tea, have well established antioxidant activity, which may be responsible for the health benefits of drinking green tea described in research literature.

Objective

To measure the impact of infusion conditions on the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) of several green teas.

Methods

A fluorescence‐based ORAC assay was developed and validated. Infusion conditions were varied systematically; including temperature, duration, source, variety, brewing environment, and preparation method. Antioxidant capacity results were calculated in units of mM Trolox/g tea based on standard Trolox equivalents. We also describe a new measure of total inherent antioxidant potential (TI‐ORAC), defined as the area under the ORAC curve over a standard number of infusions.

Results

Brewing time, and tea source, had a significant impact on single infusion ORAC values, while time between brews and temperature had minimal impact on ORAC. TI‐ORAC varied considerably across varieties of green tea; and between two environments.

Conclusions

Infusion conditions impact the ORAC of green tea, which may impact its health benefits. TI‐ORAC may be a novel assay to consider in continued research of tea and other natural products. This research was supported by grant number 5T32 AT00815‐03 from the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
Association between dietary acid‐based load and obesity in Chinese adults
Authors: Li Yanping , He Yuna , Wang Dong , Gao Xiang
Published: June 2021

The dietary acid‐based load has been shown to be associated with bone status and several metabolic symptoms, such as hypertension and hypercholesterolemia. However, its association with obesity has not been explored. Our purpose was to examine the association between dietary acid‐based load, as assessed by potential food renal acid load (PRAL), and obesity among 29,520 Chinese adults aged 18–70 years old who participated in the 2002 China National Nutrition and Health Survey. Food intake in the last 24 hours was recorded for three consecutive days. PRAL was determined using an algorithm including dietary intakes of protein, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium. We observed that adults in the top quintile of the PRAL had a significantly higher body mass index (BMI, mean difference: 0.48¡À0.11 kg/m2, Ptrends<0.0001) and waist circumference (mean difference: 1.49¡À0.33cm, Ptrends<0.0001)) compared with adults in the bottom quintile, after adjusting for potential confounders. Comparing adults with the top to the bottom quintile of the PRAL, the multi‐adjusted odds ratio of obesity (BMI ¡Ý kg/m2) and abdominal obesity (WC ¡Ý 85 cm in men and ¡Ý 80 cm in women) was 1.37 (95%CI: 1.08–1.73, Ptrends=0.002) and 1.35 (1.16–1.58, Ptrends<0.0001), respectively. In conclusion greater dietary acid‐based load was associated with obesity in this nationally‐representative sample of Chinese adults.
Nutrition and spatial characteristics among women living in Kurdistan, Iraq
Authors: Pawloski Lisa Renee , Curtin Kevin , Ahmad Hamdia , Rasheed Taban
Published: June 2021

Objective

To examine the nutrition and spatial characteristics among women living in the Region of Kurdistan, Iraq.

Methods

Anthropometric, nutrition, geographic, socioeconomic, and activity data were collected from 1023 healthy women studying and/or working at the University of Salahhadin in Erbil, Iraq.

Results

Indicators of underweight were found in 3.4% of the sample and 44% were found to be either overweight or obese. Women who reported traveling less than 15 minutes or greater than 45 minutes to get to school or work had greater BMIs than those who reported commutes between 15 and 45 minutes. Further, women who reported longer commutes had greater waist/hip ratios. No statistically significant results were revealed concerning the kind of transportation used. The spatial statistics further support the findings revealing spatial patterns of obesity and home location.

Conclusions

The findings are significant as they support growing literature that commuting and urban sprawl are related to the rise in obesity. Further, they are important as no such analyses have been conducted in Kurdistan concerning the nutritional status of women, nor have they been conducted using geographic methods. This research was supported by the Center for Global Studies and Provost's Office, George Mason University.
Human gut microbiota changes after consumption of almonds or pistachios
Authors: Mai Volker , Fredborg Marlene , Ukhanova Maria , Wang Xiaoyu , Daniel Sara , Novotny Janet , Gebauer Sarah , Baer David
Published: June 2021

Gut microbiota provides important functions to the human host. Modifying microbiota towards a ˈbeneficialˈ composition is a promising approach for improving intestinal and overall health. Fibers and incompletely digested foods that reach the proximal colon, including nuts, provide nutrients required for maintaining a diverse microbiota. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of almond and pistachio consumption on gut microbiota composition. We determined microbiota in fecal samples collected from human volunteers in two independent randomized cross over controlled feeding studies with 0, 1.5 or 3 servings/day of the respective nuts. Microbiota composition was analyzed using a 16S rRNA based approach. While qPCR showed no effect of either nuts on bifidobacteria, pistachios appeared to decrease the amounts of lactic acid bacteria (p<0.05). 16S rRNA sequence analysis of 450,000 sequence reads, retained after removing low quality and short reads, revealed various operational taxonomic units (OTUs) at the 95%, 97%, and 98% similarity levels that appeared affected by nut consumption. The effect of pistachios on microbiota was much stronger than that of almonds and included an increase in potentially beneficial butyrate producing bacteria in the phylum Firmicutes. Increasing consumption of almonds or pistachios appears an alternative means of modifying gut microbiota.

Sponsors:CAB,PFI
IL‐6 initiated cis‐signaling in cultured podocytes causes glomerular injury
Authors: Sharma Mukut , Zhou Jianping , Srivastava Tarak , McCarthy Ellen , Gauchat Jean-Francois
Published: June 2021

The incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) parallels the global increase in obesity, diabetes and hypertension that characterize metabolic syndrome‐ a state of systemic inflammation. Glomerular dysfunction in CKD is marked by the loss of unique structure and function of podocytes in the glomerular filtration barrier. We hypothesized that IL‐6, an indicator of systemic inflammation, alters glomerular filtration barrier structure and function in a paracrine manner. Results show that IL‐6 (rIL‐6, 1–100pg/mL, 15min) alters glomerular barrier function demonstrated by increased glomerular albumin permeability (Palb) of isolated rat glomeruli using videomicroscopy. Increase in Palb (P<0.001, IL‐6 10pg/mL vs. Control) was blocked by α‐IL‐6 antibody. Expression of IL‐6 receptor components IL6‐Rα and gp130 in podocytes was established by immunoblotting and RT‐PCR. IL‐6 (100pg/mL, 15 min)‐induced signaling resulted in down‐regulation of ERK 1/2 phosphorylation (MAPK pathway) without an effect on Akt phosphorylation (PI3K‐Akt pathway). Finally, IL‐6 (1pg‐1ng/mL, 1hr)‐induced change in cell structure was demonstrated by confocal microscopy showing altered actin filaments and adhesion complexes in phalloidin (rhodamine) stained cells. We propose that increased IL‐6 contributes to podocyte injury observed in CKD through cellular IL‐6Rα and IL‐6Rα‐mediated cis‐signaling.
Resolvin D1 limits PMN recruitment to inflammatory loci: receptor dependent bioactions
Authors: Norling Lucy V , Dalli Jesmond , Flower Roderick J , Serhan Charles N , Perretti Mauro
Published: June 2021

Resolvins are a newly discovered family of lipid mediators biosynthesized from omega‐3 PUFAs (DHA & EPA) that actively resolve inflammation. Bioactions of resolvins are mediated via specific G‐protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). Recent studies identified two GPCRs that RvD1 specifically binds on human leukocytes, the lipoxin A4/annexin A1 receptor (ALX/FPR2) and GPR32 (that has no known murine orthologue). Using zymosan stimulated peritonitis as an acute model of inflammation; RvD1 reduced peritoneal PMN infiltration at 4 and 24h with doses as low as 1ng/mouse. Importantly, this effect was not observed in fpr2 null mice, indicating the crucial role of this GPCR in RvD1 mediated PMN responses in the mouse. Moreover, the pro‐resolving properties of RvD1 were ALX/FPR2 specific, as RvD1 enhanced zymosan phagocytosis by WT but not fpr2 null murine macrophages. RvD1 also displayed potent actions on human PMN; reducing recruitment to endothelial cells under shear conditions as quantified using a flow chamber system. Interestingly, receptor specific antibodies blocked these anti‐inflammatory actions of RvD1, with low 1nM concentrations sensitive to GPR32 blockade, whilst 10nM RvD1 appeared ALX/FPR2 specific. These results highlight GPCR dependent actions of RvD1 in limiting overzealous PMN recruitment.

Supported by Arthritis Research UK Foundation Fellowship 18445 to LVN & National Institutes of Health USA GM38765 and DE019938 to CNS
TLR9 signaling regulates tissue factor and tissue factor pathway inhibitor expression and activity in human coronary artery endothelial cells
Authors: El Kebir Driss , Filep Janos G
Published: June 2021

Although human endothelial cells recognize and respond to bacterial DNA (CpG DNA), the role of bacterial DNA in procoagulation is not known. We investigated the impact of bacterial DNA on expression and activity of tissue factor (TF) and tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) in human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC). CpG DNA (1–32 μg/ml) markedly induced TF expression between 4 and 8 hours in both protein and mRNA levels and TF activity. CpG DNA markedly enhanced NF‐êB activation, which was blocked by the telomere‐derived TLR9 antagonist oligonucleotide TTAGGG. Consistently, the specific NF‐êB inhibitors BAY 117082 and SN50 prevented CpG DNA‐induced TF transcription and secretion. Conversely, culture of HCAEC with CpG DNA for 24 to 48 hours reduced TFPI transcription, secretion, and activity. Methylation of cytosines in CpG DNA resulted in a complete loss of biological activities. Our results demonstrate that bacterial DNA through TLR9 can alter the balance of TF and TFPI expression and activity in HCAEC, thereby contributing to thrombus formation, the major cause of acute coronary artery disease.(Grant support: CIHR MOP‐97742).
Pseudopterosin A ‐ an Atypical Antagonist of Adenosine A2B Receptors that Accelerates Angiogenesis
Authors: Day Daniel R , Little R D , Jacobs Robert S
Published: June 2021

Summary

Pseudopterosins are known anti‐inflammatory and anti‐microbial agents, isolated from the soft coral, Pseudopterogorgia elisabethae. We report pseudopterosins as activators of cell proliferation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), a cellular model of angiogenesis. A hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (HPβCD) formulation of pseudopterosin A (PsA) elicited a 25% increase in cell proliferation (EC50 = 1.34 ×10−8 M) in growth factor depleted HUVEC lines. This constitutes a >200 fold increase in potency over DMSO formulations. We demonstrate that the effect of PsA is mediated through inhibition of adenosine A2B receptors which leads to decreased synthesis of cAMP and that this effect can be reversed with a selective A2 agonist, CV‐1808. In addition we show that PsA can induce protein kinase B (AKT) phosphorylation which has been shown to activate proliferation via the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K) pathway. Collectively, this indicates that pseudopterosins are promising compounds for adenosine receptor mediated pathologies.
In vitro pharmacological characterization of RXFP3 Allosterism: an example of probe dependency
Authors: Alvarez-Jaimes Lily , Sutton Steven W , Nepomuceno Diane , Motley S Timothy , Cik Miroslav , Stocking Emily , Shoblock James , Bonaventure Pascal
Published: June 2021

Expression of the relaxin‐3 receptor (RXFP3) in brain areas involved in the modulation of circadiam rhythm, emotion, and neuroendocrine processing suggests this GPCR is a potential target for the development of pharmacotherapies for the treatment of various CNS diseases. In this study, we characterized 3‐[3,5‐ Bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]‐1‐(3,4‐dichlorobenzyl)‐1‐[2‐(5‐ methoxy‐1H‐indol‐3‐yl)ethyl]urea (135PAM1), the first selective RXFP3 positive allosteric modulator (PAM). 135PAM1 increased calcium mobilization in the presence of relaxin‐3NH2 and R3/I5 NH2 with EC50 values of 280 nM [230–350] and 860 nM [630–1160] in cell lines expressing the cloned human RXFP3 receptor. In a cAMP accumulation assay, 135PAM1 inhibited the CRE response to forskolin with an IC50 of 750 nM [540–1000] in the presence of a probe (10 nM) concentration of relaxin‐3NH2. 135PAM1 did not compete for binding with the orthosteric radioligand, [125I] R3I5 NH2, in membranes prepared from cells expressing the cloned human RXFP3 receptor. Selectivity for RXFP3 was also evaluated by testing the ability of 135PAM1 to modulate the CRE response in the presence of relaxin‐3NH2 and R3/I5 NH2 in cells expressing RXPF4, the highest homologous sequence compare to RXPF3. These results show the compound does not directly activate RXFP3 receptor but increases functional responses to relaxin‐3NH2 or R3/I5 NH2. When using the free acid (native) form of relaxin‐3 or R3/I5, 135PAM1 doesn't activate RXFP3 indicating that the compound's effect is probe dependent. Altogether, these data demonstrate that the state of the probe's c‐terminus is crucial to allosteric modulation of RXFP3 by a PAM.
Increased Gαo activity in C57Bl/6J mice enhances sensitivity to a model of epilepsy
Authors: Kehrl Jason , Dalton Hans , Kohut Kevin , Stern Matt , Neubig Richard
Published: June 2021

Despite a large number of anti‐epileptic drugs on the market, many patients suffering from partial complex epilepsy with secondary generalizations (PCE) are refractory to current medications. Thus identification of new therapeutic targets is required. This work focused on two targets, Gαo and Gαi2. We hypothesized that increasing activity of these proteins would be protective from seizures as inhibition of these and related proteins by pertussis toxin enhances seizure susceptibility in a pilocarpine model. Mouse lines were created with increased activity of Gαo (Gαo RGSi) or Gαi2 (Gαi2 RGSi). Both mouse lines were exposed to a chemical kindling model with relevance to PCE using repeated injections of pentylenetetrazol (35mg/kg, i.p.) three times per week. Gαo +/RGSi mice have a faster onset to seizure on the C57Bl/6J background while Gαi2 +/RGSi mice have no change compared to littermate controls. The enhanced kindling in Gαo +/RGSi mutant mice is background dependent, whereby Gαo +/RGSi mice on the 129SvImJ background kindle no faster than their littermate controls. Furthermore, a 129SvImJ modifier locus that we previously identified on Chromosome 17 that reduces early lethality of Gαo +/RGSi mice also reduces the rate at which Gαo +/RGSi mice kindle on the C57Bl/6J background. (Supported by NIH R01 GM036592‐23 and a fellowship from the PhRMA Foundation)
The CB1 Cannabinoid Receptor Stimulates Cooperative Signaling Between Integrin Receptors and Flk‐1 Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptors to Regulate FAK Tyrosine Phosphorylation in Neuronal Cells
Authors: Dalton George D. , Howlett Allyn C.
Published: June 2021

This study investigated the signaling pathways utilized by CB1 cannabinoid receptors (CB1R) to regulate neuronal Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) tyrosine phosphorylation (Tyr‐P) in murine N18TG2 cells. Immunoblotting experiments revealed the CB1R agonist WIN55212‐2 (WIN, 10 nM), produces three distinct phases of FAK Tyr‐P: Phase I (0–5 min) involves maximal Tyr‐P, Phase II (5–20 min) involves a decline in Tyr‐P, and Phase III (> 20 min) involves a plateau in Tyr‐P at submaximal levels. Phase I was blocked by the CB1R antagonist SR141716A and pertussis toxin which suggests maximal FAK Tyr‐P is mediated by CB1Rs and Gi/o proteins. The Src kinase inhibitor PP2 abolished Phase I which indicates Src is an absolute requirement for CB1R‐mediated maximal FAK Tyr‐P. Phase I also involved CB1R‐mediated transactivation of the Flk‐1 vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (Flk‐1 VEGFR). WIN induced Flk‐1 VEGFR Tyr‐P during Phase I, while Phase I was inhibited by the Flk‐1 VEGFR antagonist SU5416. The integrin receptor antagonist RGDS peptide also inhibited Phase I FAK Tyr‐P, while Cytochalasin D abolished Phase I FAK Tyr‐P which indicates dependence on an intact actin cytoskeleton and focal adhesions. WIN induced FAK association with β‐actin and the p85 subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase during Phase I, as well as Protein Kinase B/Akt phosphorylation at Serine 473. These studies have identified a novel signaling pathway that mediates CB1R‐stimulated FAK Tyr‐P in neurons. Supported by NIDA grants R01DA003690 (ACH) and F32DA026295 (GDD).
Effect of ageing in the mechanisms of endothelium dependent and independent vasorelaxation of [Ru(terpy)(bdq)NO+]3+ (TERPY) in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR)
Authors: Munhoz Felipe C , Potje Simone R , Silva Roberto S , Bendhack Lusiane M , Antoniali Cristina
Published: June 2021

Isolated aortic rings with and without endothelium of young (4 months) and old (16 months) SHR were incubated for 30 minutes with different pharmacological tools and the potency of relaxation of the NO donor TERPY was evaluated in concentration response curves made in phenylephrine (0,1 μM) contracted rings. Endothelium removal decreased the potency of TERPY in both groups, but this reduction was lower in old SHR. L‐NAME (NOS inhibitor; 0,1mM) incubated rings showed reduced the potency of TERPY in both groups. TIRON (superoxide anions scavenger; 0,1mM) decreased the potency of TERPY in aortic rings with endothelium of both groups. In denuded aortic rings, incubation with ODQ (guanilate cyclase inhibitor; 1μM) reduced the potency in both groups. TEA (potassium channels blocker; 1mM) and TIRON (0,1mM) didn't alter the potency of TERPY in denuded aortic rings of both groups. This results show that endothelium potentiates the effect of TERPY in aortic rings of young and old SHR, but this effect is decreased in old SHR. eNOS and superoxide anions are involved in this process. In denuded aortic rings, guanilate cyclase is involved in the relaxing response of TERPY, but potassium channels and superoxide anions are not. We conclude that ageing decreases the endothelium dependent potentiation of TERPY in SHR aorta.
Altered gene expression in embolic stroke model with SMTP‐7 and t‐PA treatment
Authors: Hashimoto Terumasa , Shibata Keita , Nobe Koji , Hasumi Keiji , Honda Kazuo
Published: June 2021

We have reported that SMTP‐7, a novel fungal metabolite, has excellent therapeutic effect on cerebral infarction in embolic stroke model in mice. As functional mechanisms of this compound have not been fully elucidated, the gene expression of tissue plasminogen activator (t‐PA)‐ and SMTP‐7‐induced thrombolytic reperfusion was investigated using embolic stroke model in nice. Thrombotic occlusion was induced by local application of acetic acid to the right common carotid artery in the male mice. Microarray analysis was used to investigate the change in gene expression. 96 genes involved inflammatory response and cell death were screened in control mice. Fifty two and 86 genes out of 96 were recovered by treatment of t‐PA and SMTP‐7 at 1hr after ischemia respectively. In the case of t‐PA treatment at 3hr after ischemia, 30 genes out of 96 were upregulated as compared with control but SMTP‐7 hardly affected. The different gene expression between t‐PA‐treated and SMTP‐7‐treated group, including Lcn2, S100A8, Mmp9, Ncf2 and Ccl2 was confirmed by RT‐PCR. These observations suggest that broad therapeutic time window of SMTP‐7 attributes the suppressive effect on these proinflammatory gene expression after ischemia and reperfusion.
Selective correlation of nAChRs and DAT
Authors: Dávila-García Martha Isabel , Gondre-Lewis Marjorie , Hong Wang , Ogunjirin Adebowale E.
Published: June 2021

Nicotine has been shown to regulate the dopamine transporter (DAT) in a tissue dependent manner and to affect increase both the function of DAT as well as its surface expression (Middleton et al., 2004; Zhu et al., 2009). Here we have looked for a correlation in DAT distribution with sites rich in nAChRS. The binding of DAT was determined using [125I]RTI‐121 and was compared to that of [125I]EB and [125I]α‐BTX in rat brain using receptor autoradiography. Our preliminary results showed a high level of correlation between DAT to non‐α7 nAChRs primarily in mesolimbic and mesocortical areas, but not so in nigrostriatal areas. In the mesocortical and mesolimbic pathways, there were relatively high levels of non‐α7 nAChRs in habenula, nucleus accumbens, prefrontal cortex and cingulated cortex, but only low levels in the olfactory tubercle, hippocampus or in the VTA. There was little or no correlation between DAT and α7 nAChRs. Only modest levels of α7 nAChRs were found in the hippocampus, mammilary bodies, superior colliculus, lateral hypothalamus and entorhinal cortex, and non where found in substantia nigra, VTA, lateral caudate, or olfactory tubercle, areas rich in DAT. Since new studies have found that increase dopamine release is involved with changes in the level of clearance of DA it is important that we further characterize the nAChRs subtype involved in this regulation. The fact that α7‐containing receptors do not correlate to the distribution of DAT will help narrow future studies to the high affinity receptors.

This research was supported by NIH R24 MH067627‐01A to MDG Project 2.