bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dairy consumption and total and cause‐specific mortality in the Southern Community Cohort Study
Authors: Takata Yumie , Shu Xiao‐Ou , Zheng Wei , Blot William J.
Published: November 2023

Dairy foods contain various nutrients that have been hypothesized to play a role in chronic disease. Little is known about the association between dairy intake and mortality among blacks and individuals from low‐income households, who have lower dairy intake and higher risks of mortality and chronic diseases than other groups in the US population. Using the data from the Southern Community Cohort Study of about 86,000 adult men and women in the US with large proportions of black participants and those from low‐income households, we prospectively investigated associations of total, low‐ or high‐fat, and fermented or non‐fermented dairy intake with risk of total and cause‐specific mortality. Baseline dairy intakes were estimated based on a validated, food frequency questionnaire. Deaths were assessed through linkage to the National Death Index and other databases and study follow‐ups. Multivariate Cox regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for mortality risk associated with dairy intakes. Among 77,835 participants included in the current analysis, 10,319 deaths accrued up to 2013. The mean total dairy intake was 65 and 115 g/1000 Kcal for blacks and whites, respectively. Total dairy intake was not statistically significantly associated with total or cause‐specific mortality. By fat content, low‐fat dairy intake was statistically significantly inversely associated with all‐cancer mortality (HR=0.81, 95% CI=0.72–0.91, comparing the highest quartile of intake with the lowest), specifically lung cancer mortality (HR=0.77, 95% CI=0.63–0.94). In contrast, low‐fat dairy intake was statistically significantly positively associated with diabetes mortality (HR=1.35, 95% CI=1.06–1.72), whereas high‐fat dairy intake was inversely associated (HR=0.65, 95% CI=0.51–0.83). By fermentation, non‐fermented or fermented dairy intake was not statistically significantly associated with total or cause‐specific mortality. In our stratified analyses, similar association patterns were observed for whites, the participants with pre‐existing comorbidity, and lower household income group. In our study population susceptible to health disparity, low‐fat dairy intake was inversely associated with cancer mortality, which is consistent with the current recommendation to choose lower‐fat dairy products. Our finding on associations between low‐fat or high‐fat dairy intake and diabetes mortality warrants further investigation.

Support or Funding Information

This study was funded by the National Cancer Institute (R01 CA092447 and U01CA202979 to W.J. Blot).
Association of Rates of Obesity with Voting Patterns in the 2016 Presidential Election
Authors: Krauss Amy , Taetzsch Amy , Maaliki Adèle , Mozaffarian Dariush , Roberts Susan B
Published: November 2023

Excess health care costs for treatment of noncommunicable diseases caused by obesity are now $200 billion/year. In addition, obesity reduces workforce productivity, and increases risks for disability and accidents. The executive branch of government can potentially influence obesity through many mechanisms, including policies for health care, feeding assistance programs, dietary guidelines, industry subsidies or tax breaks for weight management programs, farm subsidies for different types of agricultural products, diet‐physical activity policies for government employees and the military, and funding for obesity research. Despite this powerful connection between national administrations and the likely ability of the U.S. to manage its obesity epidemic, little is known about the relationship between obesity and voting patterns. We examined the association of rates of obesity with voting patterns in the 2016 presidential election to explore the political ramifications of this challenging disease.

Data on rates of obesity across states and Washington D.C. were drawn from CDC data. Voting patterns in the 2016 election, the percent of the population in different racial/ethnic categories, and median income were taken from public records. There was a strong positive association between rate of obesity and percent of votes received by the Republican presidential candidate (Spearman's correlation coefficient=0.755, P<0.001), and a negative association of rate of obesity with percent of votes received by the Democrat presidential (Spearman's correlation coefficient=0.553, P<0.001). In regression models adding median income and percent ethnic minorities as covariates, percent of votes received by the Republican candidate remained a strong and highly significant predictor of percent obesity.

The underlying reasons for the robust association of obesity and republican voting, independent of income and ethnic minority populations, are not known. However, regional food consumption patterns, eating habits and lifestyle are likely to important, given the dominant role of these factors in the development and maintenance of obesity, as well as rates of educational attainment and rural versus urban environments.

These results confirm and extend associations of republication voting and rates of obesity documented in previous elections. Reducing health care costs and increasing employment were common agenda items during the 2016 presidential election. Even a 5–10% weight loss reduces health care costs and employee absenteeism within two years. By using a combination of executive actions and increased research funding, obesity reduction is likely to provide a quick return on investment that supports multiple political priorities.
Very low‐level metal exposure, dietary intakes, and oxidative stress in children from Montevideo, Uruguay
Authors: Kordas Katarzyna , Roy Aditi , Nie Jing , Vahter Marie , Mañay Nelly , Martinez Gabriela , Peregalli Fabiana
Published: November 2023

Children are concurrently exposed to low levels of multiple toxic metals but it is unclear how these exposures affect molecular processes like oxidative stress (OS), or the extent to which dietary components may reduce OS from these pro‐oxidants. In a cross‐sectional study of 6–8 y olds from Montevideo, Uruguay, we examined: 1) association of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As) and manganese (Mn) levels in urine with markers of OS: urinary F2‐8α isoprostane and 8‐OHdG; and 2) modification of OS by dietary intake of fruits, and vegetables and select antioxidant nutrients. 191 children provided first morning urine samples; OS markers were measured via ELISA and metals via ICP‐MS, with concentratons adjusted for specific gravities. Mothers completed two 24‐hr diet recalls at least 2 weeks apart; intake values were averaged. In complete‐case analysis (n=143), covariate‐adjusted OLS regressions were run separately for each marker of OS, entering metal as log‐transformed continuous variables. Models were further stratified by median intake of foods and nutrients. 8‐isoprostane and 8‐OHdG concentrations were (median [5%, 95%]): 1.6 [0.3, 3.8] and 40.0 [12.2, 135.9] ng/mL, respectively. Urinary As, Cd, Mn and Pb concentrations were 9.92 [4.77, 24.72], 0.06 [0.02, 0.16], 0.11 [0.05, 0.75], 1.9 [0.58, 4.4] μg/L, respectively; metals were modestly correlated (Spearman's rho 0.17–0.27). Fruit, vegetable and nutrient intake was low (median [5%, 95%]: fruit 120 [0, 462] g/d, vegetable 0 [0, 150] g/d, zinc 2.2 [0.9, 4.6] mg/kcal/d, vit C 19.4 [1.9, 86.5] μg/kcal/d, fiber 1.4 [0.5, 4.2] mg/kcal/d. Urinary metals were not associated with markers of OS. In stratified analyses, higher urinary Mn was associated with lower 8‐OHdG concentrations among children with low, but not high, consumption of vitamin C, zinc, and fiber. Higher total urinary As was associated with higher 8‐OHdG among children with low but not high vitamin C intake. Multiple metals do not appear to produce higher OS at low‐level of exposure. With differential effects in low vs. higher antioxidant nutrient intake, low‐level Mn in urine is likely reflecting the mineral's role as a antioxidant.

Support or Funding Information

NIEHS R21ES16523, R21ES019949
Dietary Intakes of EPA and DHA Omega‐3 Fatty Acids among U.S. Pregnant Women
Authors: Zhang Zhiying , Mitmesser Susan
Published: November 2023

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are two important omega‐3 fatty acids that have been reported to contribute to multiple beneficial effects on fetal development and maternal health. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA, 2015–2020), it is recommended to consume approximately 8 ounces of a variety of seafood per week (~250mg EPA and DHA per day) for the general population; while pregnant and lactating women are recommended to consume at least 8 and up to 12 ounces in order to obtain nutrients (specifically DHA) for improved infant health. According to a recent study, EPA and DHA consumptions among the general population in the U.S. are low (23mg and 63mg per day, respectively). The consumption among pregnant women is limited. The present study was conducted to evaluate EPA and DHA intakes among pregnant women using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) cycles 2001–2006. The variable Pregnancy Status at Exam (RIDEXPREG) of Demographics data and the variable Pregnancy Test (URXPREG) of Laboratory data were used to determine pregnancy status. Total Nutrient Intake data that were collected at the NHANES Mobile Examination Center (MEC) were used to determine the intake of EPA and DHA omega‐3 fatty acids. 805 subjects were included; 19.3% were Mexican American, 21.1% were non‐Hispanic Black, and 59.6% were non‐Hispanic White. Preliminary results showed that the mean intakes of EPA and DHA from foods alone were 30 and 59 mg per day, respectively. These results suggested that many pregnant women consume less EPA and DHA from foods than the DGA recommendation. Increasing seafood consumption or considering EPA and DHA supplementation during this very important life stage may be an effective compliment if food intakes cannot be met.
The Role of Dietary Factors in Accumulation of Pericardial Adipose Tissue Volume in the Coronary Artery Calcification in Type 1 Diabetes Study
Authors: Moore Jaime , Pyle Laura , Alman Amy , Snell‐Bergeon Janet
Published: November 2023

Individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D) are at a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) compared to non‐diabetics. The mortality rate from ischemic heart disease in T1D is higher than in the general population in both men and women, but the relative risk is increased to a greater extent in women than in men with T1D, and the mechanisms for this increased risk are not fully understood. Regional fat depots around the heart have received increasing attention because of a shared origin with abdominal visceral fat and influence on cardiometabolic risk. Specifically, pericardial adipose tissue (PAT) volume has been associated with severity of atherosclerosis and incident CVD. The Coronary Artery Calcification in Type 1 Diabetes (CACTI) study cohort has prospectively followed 652 men and women with T1D and 764 non‐diabetic controls over the last 16 years. We examined PAT volume, measured from cardiac CT scans, at baseline and after 3 and 6 years of follow‐up, along with dietary factors from food frequency questionnaires using linear mixed effects models. Models were adjusted for potential confounders including age, race/ethnicity, BMI, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and systolic blood pressure. We hypothesized that specific dietary factors would be associated with the degree of PAT accumulation over time. Overall, we found a strong sex by diabetes status by time interaction on PAT volume, with men accumulating more PAT than women, and men with T1D accumulating less PAT than non‐diabetic men while women with T1D accumulated a similar amount of PAT when compared to non‐diabetic women. There were no interactions by diabetes status for any of the dietary factors. Higher fiber (P<0.001) and Vitamin D (P=.0386) intake were associated with less PAT accumulation. Surprisingly, higher intake of total sugar (P=.0016), sucrose (P=.0275), and glycemic load (P=.0121) were each associated with less PAT accumulation, and there was no association found between total fat (P=.095) nor the ratio of unsaturated/saturated fat in the diet (P=.3981) and PAT accumulation. These latter findings require further investigation, including looking at multiple dietary factors simultaneously with the development and application of a more holistic dietary quality score.

Support or Funding Information

The first author is supported by a NIH T32 grant (project number 6T32DK007658‐26). Pericardial adipose tissue measurement has been supported by an ancillary study to CACTI, funded by the American Diabetes Association (Alman, PI, grant #7‐13‐CE‐2).
Serum 25(OH)D Concentrations are Associated with the Glycemic Status and Insulin Resistance among Adults in Southwest China
Authors: Li Dan‐ting , Xue Hong‐mei , Zhang Jie‐yi , Cheng Guo
Published: November 2023

Objective

We aim to examine whether a higher serum 25(OH)D was associated with a more favorable glucose homeostasis among adults in Southwest China.

Methods

A total of 920 non‐diabetic adults (62.61% women) aged 25–65 years were recruited from an ongoing prospective study conducted in Southwest China between March and October, 2015. Data on dietary intake and physical activity were collected by validated questionnaires. Investigated metabolic factors for describing glucose homeostasis included fasting plasma glucose (FPG), insulin, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), the homeostatic model assessment‐insulin resistance (HOMA2‐IR) and prevalence of pre‐diabetes (impaired glucose tolerance and (or) impaired fasting glucose). Waist circumstance (WC), height and weight were measured, and the last two were used to calculate body mass index (BMI). Multivariable linear regression analyses were performed to examine the association between serum 25(OH)D concentrations and glucose homeostasis. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to examine the relation between serum 25(OH)D concentrations and the prevalence of pre‐diabetes.

Results

Serum 25(OH)D concentrations were inversely associated with fasting insulin (β=−0.041, p=0.0007), HbA1c (β=−0.0041, p=0.0001) and HOMA2‐IR (β=−0.0054, p=0.0007), but not with FPG, after adjusting for age, gender, personal monthly income, vocation, smoking status, energy intake, physical activity and WC. That is, each ng/mL increment in 25(OH)D concentration was associated with about 0.041μIU/mL for fasting insulin, 0.41% for HbA1c and 0.0054 for HOMA2‐IR increased, respectively. Furthermore, higher serum 25(OH)D level was a protective factor of pre‐diabetes (OR (95%CI): 0.982 (0.970, 0.995)) after adjusting for the confounders mentioned above.

Conclusion

Our results support that a higher serum 25(OH)D concentrations are associated with decreased risk of pre‐diabetes by mechanism likely tied to effects on insulin sensitivity in Chinese population.

Support or Funding Information

All phases of this study were supported by research grant from the National Nature Science Foundation of China (No.81472976).
Inverse Association Between Stature and Coronary Artery Disease and Stroke Risk: Height‐ Blood Pressure Relations as a Contributing Mechanism
Authors: Bourgeois Brianna , Watts Krista , Thomas Diana M , Carmichael Owen B , Hu Frank , Heo Moonseong , Shepherd John , Heymsfield Steven B
Published: November 2023

Although recognized for half a century or more, the mechanisms linking stature and coronary artery disease and stroke (hemorrhagic/ischemic) risk remain elusive. Several theories have been proposed, although a definitive mechanism is lacking. Small‐scale, largely experimental, studies support the hypothesis that blood pressure (BP) components (systolic, diastolic, pulse, and mean; SBP, DBP, PP, MBP) are physiologically linked with dynamic vascular system features and height. The aim of the current study was to test the hypothesis that adult stature is associated with a distinct BP pattern consistent with epidemiological cardiovascular and cerebrovascular outcomes by extending experimental observations to a representative sample of the US population. The evaluated sample included 11,602 non‐Hispanic (NH) white, NH black, and Mexican American participants (6,089 male; 5,513 female) in the 1999–2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) who had complete measurements of height, weight, % fat, SBP, and DBP; PP and MBP were calculated as SBP‐DBP and DBP+1/3(SBP‐DBP), respectively. Subjects taking BP medications and a history of high BP were excluded from the analyses. The analysis aim was to establish if height remains a significant BP predictor variable after controlling for age, body mass index (BMI), and % fat in multiple regression models. With 4 BP measures and 6 sex and race/ethnic groups, 24 initial regression models were created. Height was a significant (p<0.05) predictor variable in 14 of these 24 models. Combined sex‐specific models were developed for each BP measure with race/ethnicity as a covariate. Height was a significant (p<0.01) predictor in all 8 of these BP regression models; NH black subjects had higher SBP, DBP, PP, and MBP in the 8 models (p<0.05). The findings were consistent across men and women: greater height was associated with lower SBP and PP and higher DBP and MBP. Greater height in US adults is thus accompanied by a distinct BP pattern across US NH white, NH black, and Mexican American men and women. The observed height‐BP pattern is consistent with earlier small‐scale human experimental studies that provide a mechanistic basis for these effects. These findings suggest height‐associated BP effects may contribute to the greater coronary artery disease and stroke risk in people who are short relative to their tall counterparts.
Differential anti‐proliferative activity of isoflavones against Src‐activated human adenocarcinoma cells
Authors: Ono Misaki , Higuchi Takako , Takeshima Mikako , Wakimoto Rei , Nakano Shuji
Published: November 2023

Src oncogene has been strongly implicated in the development, growth, progression, and metastasis of a variety of human cancers. Although many studies reported that soy isoflavones have potential anticancer activity, the role of isoflavones in oncogenic activity of Src remains unknown. Using HAG‐1 human adenocarcinoma cells transfected with v‐Src, we investigated here the functional role of Src in anti‐proliferative activity of isoflavones including genistein, daidzein, glycitin and equol. The growth inhibitory activities of those isoflavones against Src‐transfected cells (HAG/src) and vehicle‐transfected control cells (HAG/neo) were investigated using WST‐1 cell proliferation assay. Effects of those isoflavones on apoptosis and cell cycle perturbation were evaluated by FACS analyses. The growth of HAG/neo cells were inhibited potently by genistein and equol, but modestly by daidzein and glycitin. Activation of Src conferred resistance to either daidzein, glycitin or equol, but rendered the cells more sensitive to genistein, compared to vehicle‐transfected cells; Genistein strongly inhibited the growth of HAG/src cells in a dose–dependent manner with IC50 approximately 25 μM, whereas in other three isoflavone components, the inhibitory effects were minimal without reaching an IC50 even at a dose of 100 μM. Upon treatment with 50 μM genistein for 72 h, HAG/src cells were significantly arrested at the G2/M compared to HAG/neo control cells (37.7% versus 7.0%). By contrast, the same concentration of either daidzein, glycitin or equol could not arrest HAG/src cells at any checkpoint of the cell cycle. The sub‐G0/G1 apoptotic cell population were not increased after 72 h exposure with either isoflavones. Therefore, it appears that growth inhibition by genistein in Src‐activated cells would be mediated mainly by the G2/M arrest of cell cycle rather than apoptosis induction. These data suggest that genistein would be the only isoflavone component that may potentially suppress oncogenic activity driven by Src, providing a mechanistic rationale for the potential use of genistein in the prevention and treatment of human cancers with activated Src. Studies for the effects of genistein on cell cycle‐related proteins are underway.
Korean Solar Salt Suppresses Concomitant Induction of Obesity and AOM/DSS‐Based Colon Cancer in C57BL/6 Mice
Authors: Park Kun‐Young , Ju Jaehyun , Park Eui‐Seong , Choi Shin‐Il
Published: November 2023

The aim of our research is to elucidate health benefits of Korean solar salt samples with different processing methods in concomitant in vivo induction of obesity and colon cancer (using azoxymethane (AOM) and dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)), using C57BL/6 mice. All mice, except for Normal group, were fed with high‐fat diet (HFD; 45% Cal from fat), with 1% salt samples in the diet (SS‐S1 for conventionally manufactured solar salt, SS‐S2 for solar salt with charcoal‐ and magnetic filtration of SS‐S1, SS‐S3 for solar salt made by concentrated new sea water, SS‐S4 for solar salt made by concentrated new sea water after charcoal‐ and magnetic filtration of SS‐S3, and nine‐time‐baked bamboo salt (BS‐9×) used as a positive control; corresponding with a human dose of 12 grams of salt/day) or not, and underwent AOM/DSS colon cancer induction. Of all the samples observed, SS‐S3 and SS‐S4 suppressed shortening of colon length, lowered colon weight‐to‐length ratio, reduced colon tumor counts. Also, SS‐S3 suppressed weight of epididymal adipose tissue (EAT), reduced serum concentration of triacylglycerol (TG), total cholesterol (TC) and leptin. SS‐S3 suppressed adipogenesis‐related mRNA expression both in liver and EAT; it promoted apoptosis‐related gene expression in colon and suppressed inflammation‐related mRNA expression in colon as well. Such efficacies were found to have improved when solar salt was baked into BS‐9×. Taken together, solar salt, when carefully processed, may improve health benefit against obesity and cancer.

Support or Funding Information

This work was supported by a grant 20130290 to Solar Salt Research Center of Mokpo National University from Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries of Korea.
Glyceollins Induce Tumor Growth in Mouse Xenograft Model of Human Colon Cancer in Nrf2‐Dependent Manner
Authors: Jeong Gain , Seo Hyelin , Ju Sunghee , Jang Jin Ho , Woo Yaejin , Gwon Yun Jeong , Averrila Janice Nullan , Kim Jungeun , Byun Si Yul , Oh Jisun , Kim Jong‐Sang
Published: November 2023

Our previous study showed that soybean‐derived glyceollins activate antioxidant/anti‐carcinogenic enzymes in an Nrf2‐mediated fashion. While the activation of Nrf2 signaling pathway was associated with cytoprotective and/or chemopreventive effects, some recent studies implied that Nrf2 induction could rather promote tumor growth by efficiently scavenging ROS produced by Warburg effect which is, in turn, regulated by p53 tumor suppressor. Therefore, we were interested in examining whether glyceollins could accelerate tumor growth in the presence of active p53. Using xenograft mouse model transplanted subcutaneously with two types of human colon cancer HCT116 cells such as p53‐wild type and p53–knockout, to BALB/c nude mice, glyceollins were orally administered with a single dose of 1 or 4 mg/kg body weight (BW) a week after cell transplantation, followed by monitoring tumor growth and volume for two weeks. Treatment with glyceollins at the dose of 1 mg/kg BW did not promote the growth of tumors transplanted with either p53‐positive or p53‐negative HCT116 cells. However, tumor volume of p53‐positive HCT116 xenograft, but not of p53‐negative HCT116 xenograft, was significantly increased by glyceollin treatment at 4 mg/kg BW. In addition, the phase 2 detoxifying enzymes were highly expressed in tumor tissues transplanted with p53‐positive cells compared to those transplanted with p53‐negative cells, suggesting that high dose of glyceollins could induce the growth of p53‐positive colon cancer probably through activation of Nrf2‐mediated signaling pathway and thus the consumption of glyceollins and some Nrf2 activators may not be recommendable for patients with certain types of cancer cells.

Support or Funding Information

This study was funded by National Research Foundation (Grant No. R2014R1A2A2A01005773), Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning, Republic of Korea
Red and Processed Meat Consumption and Pancreatic Cancer Risk in the Cancer Prevention Study‐II Nutrition Cohort
Authors: McCullough Marji L , Jacobs Eric J , Shah Roma , Campbell Peter T , Wang Ying , Gapstur Susan M.
Published: November 2023

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death, with 1‐ and 5‐ year survival rates of 29% and 7%, respectively. Apart from excess body fatness and alcohol consumption, no dietary risk factors have consistently been associated with risk of pancreatic cancer. Evidence from previous prospective cohort studies suggests a possible increased risk with higher consumption of red and processed meat, but findings are inconsistent and may vary by sex. Most studies examined meat intake at only one point in time. Among 142,810 men and women in the CPS‐II Nutrition Cohort, meat intake was assessed at four time points: 1982 (10 years before baseline, in the parent CPS‐II mortality cohort), at baseline in 1992, and on follow‐up questionnaires in 1999 and 2003. During 19 years of follow‐up, 1,113 cases of pancreatic cancer were documented. In multivariable‐adjusted models excluding the first two years of follow‐up, higher red and processed meat intake at baseline in 1992 was not associated with pancreatic cancer risk (HR=0.84, 95% CI 0.67, 1.04, p interaction by sex=0.09). However, higher long‐term red and processed meat intake (highest quartile in 1982 and 1992, vs. lowest quartile at both time points) was associated with statistically significant increased risk in men (HR=1.59, 95% CI 1.07–2.37), but not women (HR=0.71, 95% CI 0.45–1.11, p interaction by sex=0.01). Future analyses will examine interaction by other pancreatic cancer risk factors, including smoking and BMI. In conclusion, preliminary results suggest that long‐term high red and processed meat intake may increase the risk of pancreatic cancer in men, but not women. Additional research is needed to understand these potential differences in associations by sex.

Support or Funding Information

The American Cancer Society funds the creation, maintenance, and updating of the Cancer Prevention Study‐II cohort.
Does Maté Down regulate Bcl2 Gene Expression to cause a Selective Death of Cancerous Cells through Apoptosis?
Authors: Nisbett Kenisha , Sadik Amina
Published: November 2023

Ilex paraguariensis, Yerba Maté, is a subtropical plant native to South America where it is consumed several times daily in a form of a tea made with roasted leaves. Several studies have been conducted to elucidate the beneficial effects of this beverage. A recent study has shown that saponins isolated from Yerba Maté extract induce apoptosis in human colon cancer cells, while another study indicated that the consumption of Maté tea causes higher incidence of esophageal cancer. Our study looked into the effects Yerba Maté extract had on human breast cancer cells and non‐cancer cells from the same tissue. The findings showed a decrease in viable T47D breast cancer cells after treatment with crude Maté extract in a dose‐dependent manner, whereas the normal cells, MCF12A, seem to be equally affected by the extract and PBS. To elucidate the mechanism by which Maté extract causes breast cancer cells to die, and how the non‐cancerous cells die regardless of the media content, we quantified different markers of apoptosis. The expression of key‐genes in the process of apoptosis were quantified including Bcl‐2, caspase 3 and p53. The preliminary data shows decreased gene expression of Bcl‐2 (anti‐apoptotic gene) in cancer cells compared to normal without change in gene expression of caspase 3 and p53 compared to the normal cells. However, caspase 3‐AF 647 antibody and p53 FITC antibody intracellular assays using flow cytometry indicated an increase in both caspase 3 and p53 protein activity. Although these findings need to be confirmed using a different control cell line, they suggest that the treatment with Yerba Maté extract results in an up regulation of pro‐apoptotic markers in breast cancer cells. This up regulation results in decreasing cancer cells viability through apoptosis, which is a programed cell death mechanism whereas the non‐cancerous cells do not respond to Maté treatment in any particular manner. Consequently, Maté extracts seem to kill cancerous cells in a selective manner.

Support or Funding Information

Support from Touro University Nevada, Basic Sciences Department
CCAAT/Enhancer Binding Protein Beta (C/EBPβ) gene expression is regulated by epigenetic mechanisms in human colon cancer cells
Authors: Tang Xinyu , Moody Laura , Chen Hong , Pan Yuan‐Xiang
Published: November 2023

CCAAT/Enhancer Binding Protein Beta (C/EBPβ) is a transcription factor which expression level is correlated with invasiveness of human colorectal cancer (Rask K et al, 2000). MicroRNAs are identified as potential post‐transcriptional regulators of gene expression. MicroRNAs (miRs) are small, 18–24 nucleotide RNAs that regulate the translation and stability of specific target mRNAs. Because C/EBPβ is a predicted target of miR‐499, the present study investigated the potential effects of miR‐499 on C/EBPβ gene expression in the colon cancer cell lines HT‐29 (which is characterized by mutated p53), and HCT 116 (which is characterized by wild‐type p53 and microsatellite instability) using quantitative real‐time PCR. C/EBPβ expression in HT‐29 with mutation in p53 was significantly higher than that in HCT 116 with wild‐type in p53. Conversely, the expression of miR‐499 in HT‐29 was significantly lower when compared to that of HCT 116. The relationship between miR‐499 and C/EBPβ expression in HT‐29 and HCT 116 are further investigated using in vivo expression of the 3′‐UTR of the C/EBPβ gene. Moreover, changes of mRNA and protein levels of C/EBPβ as well as cell growth, proliferation and tumorigenicity in human colon cancer cells will also be examined. Overall, our data showed that there was an inverse correlation between C/EBPβ and miR‐499 between the colon cancer cell lines HT‐29 and HCT 116. Epigenetic mechanisms of regulation of C/EBPβ gene expression and the implications in colon cancer tumorigenesis are illustrated.
Monthly variations in food intake and diet quality of women participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Authors: Sanjeevi Namrata , Freeland‐Graves Jeanne H
Published: November 2023

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) plays a critical role in reducing food insecurity in the United States. The SNAP benefits are issued once every month, and households redeem over three‐quarters of their benefits within the first 2 weeks of receipt. Consequently, food shortages may occur towards the end of the month when benefits are exhausted. Low‐income women, in particular, are a vulnerable population to inadequate food supply as they may compromise their diets to provide for their families. In order to gain an accurate knowledge of dietary behaviors of female SNAP participants, we investigated their food intake and diet quality over 1 month. A total of 152 women in SNAP were recruited from the Partner Agencies of the Central Texas Food Bank. Subjects were administered a demographics questionnaire, and a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) based on a reference period of 1 week. The FFQ was completed four times, each with an interval of 1 week, so that it reflected diets of participants during weeks 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the monthly cycle of benefit receipt. The Healthy Eating Index‐2010 was used to determine diet quality for each time point. A mixed linear model was conducted using time as the independent variable, and food intake and diet quality as the dependent variables. Pairwise comparisons using Bonferroni adjustment were carried out when significant main effects were detected. A significant decrease in daily intakes of fruits, vegetables, and dairy was observed over the month. In contrast, the consumption of refined grains was significantly greater in week 4. Diet quality score was significantly lower in week 4 (49) when compared to weeks 1 (56), 2 (54) and 3 (52). Furthermore, participants reported fewer home‐prepared meals and higher incidence of dining‐out at week 4. These results show that receipt of SNAP benefits in monthly intervals is related to lower diet quality and greater reliance on restaurants and fast food establishments towards the end of the month. The decrease in diet quality at the end of the month might be improved with bi‐monthly receipt of benefits to even out inconsistencies in the food supply.

Support or Funding Information

The Bess Heflin Centennial Professorship
Food Security Status is Associated with Diet Quality in Indiana Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program‐Education (SNAP‐Ed) Eligible Adults
Authors: Rivera Rebecca L , Maulding Melissa K , Abbott Angela R , Wang Qi , Eicher‐Miller Heather A
Published: November 2023

Background

Food security and socioeconomic status have been associated with diet quality. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program‐Education (SNAP‐Ed) aims to improve the diet quality of low resource populations; however, little is known about the association of food security status with diet quality in the SNAP‐Ed eligible population.

Objective

The objective of this study was to determine whether food security status is associated with diet quality in a sample of Indiana SNAP‐Ed eligible adult participants.

Methods

SNAP‐Ed eligible adults age ≥18 y (n = 261) from 31 Indiana counties were recruited to participate from August 2015 to May 2016. Baseline food security score was assigned for household adults using the 10‐item United States Household Food Security Survey Module and used to classify participants as food secure (0–2) or food insecure (3–10). Baseline Healthy Eating Index‐2010 (HEI‐2010) score was assigned using dietary data collected from the National Cancer Institute Automated Self‐Administered 24‐Hour Recall Tool (2014 version with 1–2 days of recalls per participant). A generalized linear regression model was used to estimate the association between food security status and HEI‐2010 score for this cross‐sectional study.

Results

Food security status is significantly associated with total HEI‐2010 score (β = 4.7; p = 0.01) at baseline. The mean total HEI‐2010 score was 45.1 ± 14.0 (Mean ± SD) for food secure participants (n = 68) and 40.4 ± 12.1 (Mean ± SD) for food insecure participants (n = 139).

Conclusion

Diet quality is lower in food insecure SNAP‐Ed eligible Indiana adults compared with their food secure counterparts. There is a strong need for nutrition interventions to improve diet quality, particularly targeting food insecure audiences within in low‐resource populations.

Support or Funding Information

This activity was funded, by Purdue, as part of AgSEED Crossroads funding to support Indiana's Agriculture and Rural Development and the Purdue Health and Human Sciences Cooperative Extension Nutrition Education Program.
Nutrient Status of Clients of a Soup Kitchen
Authors: Freeland‐Graves Jean , Mousa Tamara
Published: November 2023

Populations who go to soup kitchens in the United States represent the poorest of the poverty stricken, and are often shunned by society. The objective of the present research was to examine the nutrient status of clients utilizing a soup kitchen in central Texas. A sample of 110 individuals who ate meals at soup kitchens were recruited for a nutrition study. Subjects were administered a demographics survey, a Food Frequency Questionnaire (a FFQ), and a list to document the meal donation. Subjects ranged from 21–78 years old, and did not report any children or others living in their household. Only 16.4% of the subjects were employed and 75.5% had incomes less than $1,000 per year. In our sample 95.4% reported that they were homeless: living in cars, trailers, shelters (52.7%) or on the streets (42.7%). Exactly half had educations that terminated with junior high or high school. More than three‐fourths indicated that they were plagued by health problems. Results from the FFQ showed that their energy intakes were only 79.7% of their Dietary Recommended Intakes (DRIs). Of this, the one daily meal donation provided 39.5% of their total kcal for the day. For energy nutrients, the one daily meal donation contributed 44.4% energy of their protein, 38.4% for carbohydrates, and 45.2% for fat. This daily meal also added 63.7% of their fiber, 30.3% of calcium, 57.6% of magnesium and 35.9% of iron to their total dietary intake. The vitamin found in the least amount in their meal was vitamin C (8.1 mg/d), presumably due to the lack of citrus fruits and vegetables. Thus, the daily meal provided by the soup kitchen substantially improved the nutritional content of the diet of these individuals. Dietitians, nutritionists and their students should be encouraged to participate in these volunteer efforts and donate their expertise to help this vulnerable population of the poorest poor.

Support or Funding Information

Bess Heflin Centennial Professorship in Nutrition
Proximate Analysis, Mineral and Nitrate Contents of Hydroponically Cultivated Lettuces
Authors: Siritientong Tippawan , Pongthananikorn Suyanee , Tongyonk Linna
Published: November 2023

Growing diversity kinds of plants using hydroponic cultivation has recently become popular in health‐trend market in Thailand. However, there are some concerns about the presence of nitrate in various agricultural products that could lead to health problems. The objective of this study was to determine the amounts of macronutrients, minerals and nitrate in four fresh hydroponically cultivated lettuces: green oak, red oak, red coral, and frillice iceberg, which were commercially distributed in Bangkok. Thirty samples of each lettuce were randomly selected from the supermarkets during July to October 2014. The proximate analysis (moisture, fiber, ash, crude fats, and proteins) of all the samples was performed, and mineral contents were analyzed by Atomic absorption spectroscopy. Nitrate contents were measured by salicylic acid method underacid condition. All leafy vegetables contained 95.99–96.25 %, 0.92–1.11 %, 0.09–0.47%, 1.62–2.29 %, and 0.40–0.70 % of water, crude protein, fat, fiber, and ash, respectively. These vegetables provided 4.54–8.44 kcal/100 g fresh weight. The amounts of sodium, potassium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, and zinc were slightly different among these four hydroponically cultivated lettuces. The presence of nitrate was in the range of 1,240.23–2,890.60 mg/kg, which were complied with European Commission regulation. In summary, this study indicates that hydroponically cultivated lettuces are good sources of fibers and minerals with limited energy and acceptable amount of nitrate.
Food Cost Concerns Affect Food Choice and Dietary Intake in a Population of Inner City Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Ruff Eric , Mincer Shifra , Markell Mariana
Published: November 2023

Background

We have previously noted hypophosphatemia and low protein and phosphate intake as prevalent in our population of indigent inner‐city kidney transplant recipients (KTR's). Factors that influence food choice are not known in this predominantly ethnic minority population at high risk for diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease.

Methods

23 randomly selected long term KTRs were recruited from the Transplant Clinic. Laboratory values were obtained from chart review. Demographics and factors influencing food choice and preparation were obtained from face to face interview. Patient concern regarding food cost and its influence on choice was assessed using a 5 point Likert scale. Dietary intake was estimated from 3‐day diet diary and 1 day diet recall. Nutrient values were extrapolated using the USDA Supertracker.

Results

There were 18 (60%) men and 20 Black (67%) patients. 17 (80%) reported income <$20,000 and Medicaid as primary Insurance. 15 (72%) reported receiving disability payments and 7/10 (70%) reported using EBT coupons to buy food. Mean age was 44.7±10.1, BMI 27.9±5.6, months since transplant 87.7±59.4, sPO4 2.79±0.7, creatinine 0.88±0.1 mg/dl, albumin 4.23±0.1, Hgb 13.6±0.4, total cholesterol 184.9±7.8. 6(29%) pts reported that cost of food was very important for their food choices (FDCOST). By Mann‐Whitney U‐test, FDCOST pts ate fewer calories per day (1127±84.8 vs 1786±150.5, p <0.05), less PO4 (887.3±174 vs 1257±127.5, p=NS) and less protein (48.5±17.5 vs 85.8±8.2, p=NS) but had similar serum PO4, BMI and albumin values. In 10 second sit to stand test, 2 (30%) FDCOST pts were unable to complete the test. All of the pts who did not report concern with food cost completed the test successfully.

Conclusions

In our population of indigent inner‐City KTR's 1). Despite the availability of EBT coupons, 30% of patients felt that food cost was an important factor in their dietary choices. 2) Patients who reported concern with food cost ate fewer calories, and less protein and PO4 than those who made choices based on other factors. 3) Although laboratory tests and BMI were similar between the two groups, the relative weakness in 30% of the patients who reported food cost concerns should be explored further, as frailty has important prognostic significance in the post‐transplant patient.
Food Insecurity Among College Students at West Virginia University and Self‐Reported Health Status
Authors: Hagedorn Rebecca L , Barr Makenzie L , Famodu Oluremi A , Morris Allison M , Clark Rashel L , Olfert Melissa Diann
Published: November 2023

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), in 2015 food insecurity effected roughly 17 percent of the population at some time during the year. Previous studies have shown food insecurity to be present in the college population on the west coast and pacific rim. However, evaluation in a more rural region, such as Appalachia, is limited. The objective of this cross‐sectional study was to measure the prevalence of food insecurity in students attending West Virginia University (WVU), in central Appalachia. Food security was classified using the USDA Household Food Security Module which separated individuals into 4 categories (high, marginal, low, and very low food security). A 56 question tool was developed by an Appalachian Multistate Collaborative to investigate food insecurity in college students attending an Appalachian Higher Education Institution. After Institutional Review Board, recruitment included sending emails to 1191 professors at WVU to reach students during Fall 2016 semester starting the first week of October through the end of November. A total of 639 undergraduate (n=505) and graduate (n=134) students responded to the survey with an average age of the individuals at 21 ± 4 years. Respondents were predominately single (94%), Caucasian (89%), females (71%), and of undergraduate status (77%). Of the total population, 35% of students (n=244) reported food insecurity (low or very low food security). Of 91 students reporting fair or poor health, 60% were classified as food insecure. Food insecure students had higher weight (161.1±39.8lb) compared to food secure students (155.8±35.4lb) that trended toward statistical significance by two‐tailed t‐test (p=0.09). These results suggest that food insecurity may attribute to poor self‐reported health status and increased weight gain. Further investigation is warranted to determine this relationship in young adults attending schools in the Appalachian Region.

Support or Funding Information

Approval to use the data set was granted by the University of West Virginia University Institutional Review Board prior to study implementation.
Effects of collagen peptide on bone in mice with methionine restriction diet
Authors: Guo Haitao , Wang Yanan , Zhang Jiahong , Shi Yonghui , Le Guowei
Published: November 2023

High‐fat diets produce many pernicious metabolic consequences including the adverse effects on bone. Methionine restriction (MR) and collagen peptide have already been proved to influence the overall growth of mice. Several studies reported that MR can alters bone morphology including reduced bone mass and collagen peptide can improve bone development. This study was to evaluate the rescue effects of collagen peptide on MR mice bone in male mice. We researched the effects of feeding a 20% fat diet (control), a 20% fat and Methionine restriction diet (MR), a combined MR with 1% collagen peptide (MR/P) for 12 weeks and 23 weeks on bone development in male C57BL/6 mice. MR elevated bone total antioxidant capacity (T‐AOC) and GSH/GSSG, reduced MDA when compared with controls, while MR/P group was not different from MR group. At week 12, the femur length, femur diameter and BMC of MR mice significantly lower than control. However at week 23, the difference could not be observed between MR and control group. But the femur length, femur diameter and BMC of MR/P group were lower than MR group at week 12 and week 23. At week 23, the Distal femur cancelous BMD, BV/TV, Tb.N, Tb.Th was lower in MR/P group and Tb.sp was higher compared with MR group. MR/P group also exhibited decreased expression levels of Runx2, Col1, Bglap2 and reduced bone osteocalcin compared with MR group. These results indicated that MR diet slow down the bone growth rate, but with age the bone development is better than control group and MR/P diet did not improved bone development, but even worsen cancellous bone with MR diet.

Support or Funding Information

This research was supported by program of “Collaborative innovation center of food safety and quality control in Jiangsu Province”, the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 31571841), State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology of Jiangnan University in China (SKLF‐ZZB‐201609).
Upregulation of Glucose Production by Increased Dietary Protein in the Adult Cat (Felis catus)
Authors: Wester Timothy J. , Weidgraaf Karin , Hekman Margreet , Bequette Brian J. , Cave Nicholas J. , Tavendale Michael H.
Published: November 2023

Domestic cats are strict carnivores with a high requirement for protein, from which they derive their energy and glucose needs. Shuttling of amino acid carbon through glucose may also increase utilization of amino acids that are normally oxidized as protein intake increases. The objective of this study was to measure the effect of dietary protein intake on endogenous glucose production in the cat. Eighteen cats from the colony at the Centre for Feline Nutrition at Massey University were fed one of three low carbohydrate diets containing 15, 45, or 65% of their metabolizable energy as crude protein. After 3 weeks, cats were administered a primed continuous infusion of [U‐13C] glucose for 5 hours and blood was sampled. Mass isotopomer distribution analysis of plasma glucose was used to determine glucose production. Endogenous glucose production from all sources was 1.2‐ and 1.3‐times greater in cats fed 45 and 65% crude protein compared to those fed 15% crude protein (P < 0.05). Contribution of the Cori cycle to gluconeogenesis was not different among diets and averaged 32.6 ± 1.41%, whereas non‐Cori cycle flux of endogenous glucose production (net gluconeogenesis) was greater in cats fed 45 and 65% (1.92 vs 2.29 and 2.47 g glucose × kg BW−1 × d−1, P < 0.05). Increased gluconeogenesis in cats fed high protein diets suggests that part of the increased rate of amino acid catabolism and oxidation in these cats is the result of increased amino acid carbon cycling through glucose.

Support or Funding Information

Research funding was provided by the Animals and Society Research Fund, BRCSRA.