bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Yogurt Intake is Associated with Higher Weight Status among Female Adolescents
Authors: Azarmanesh Deniz , Troy Lisa
Published: November 2023

Dairy intake has been associated with healthier body weight among adults. Obesity during adolescence is a risk factor for chronic diseases in adulthood. Therefore, we examined associations between intake of dairy servings (i.e., milk, yogurt, and cheese; mean intake =1.6 servings/day) assessed by the Fred Hutchinson Food Frequency Questionnaire and measures of body composition (weight, waist circumference (WC), and body mass index (BMI)) among 81 college freshmen (28 men, 53 women), mean age 18.3 years. For women, mean values for body composition measures were weight (60.2 kg), WC (76.6 cm) and BMI (22.6 kg/m2) and for men, weight (75.1 kg), WC (83.0 cm), and BMI (23.9 kg/m2). Linear regression models were used to examine cross‐sectional associations between total dairy, and separately, milk, yogurt, and cheese and individual measures of body composition, adjusted for sex, BMI, total energy, regular soda, and fruit juice intake. We found that for every increased serving (6 ounces) of yogurt intake (mean intake 0.25 servings/day), weight increased by 0.5 kg (P=0.03), after adjustment for confounders. We further stratified our results by sex, as dairy intake and its effect on men and women may differ. Among women, for each unit increase in yogurt intake, weight increased by 0.6 kg (P=0.04), after adjustment. But among men, the association with yogurt intake and increased weight was not significant 0.2 kg (P=0.59), after adjustment. No associations were found between total dairy or milk or cheese intake and any measure of body composition or between yogurt intake and WC or BMI. This study suggests that higher yogurt intake may be associated with higher weight in female adolescents.

Support or Funding Information

Funded by the UMass Amherst Auxiliary Enterprises
Reduced Whole Grain Consumption Predicts Obesity‐Related Aortic Stiffness
Authors: Campbell Marilyn S. , Fleenor Bradley S.
Published: November 2023

Obesity is associated with increased aortic stiffness, an independent predictor of cardiovascular events. Recent intervention studies have emphasized the importance of various foods and nutrients to reduce aortic stiffness independent of changes in body composition, specifically adiposity. Food choices might be a potential explanation for accelerated aortic stiffness in obese individuals rather than overconsumption alone. The current study, therefore, considered whether dietary factors are associated with increased aortic stiffness. Twenty‐two young, obese men were recruited for this study (18–35 years old, BMI > 30.0 kg/m2). Dietary intake was assessed via the NIH's validated Dietary History Questionnaire‐II (DHQ‐II) using portion sizes, and aortic stiffness was measured via gold standard carotid‐femoral Pulse Wave Velocity (cfPWV). Manual blood pressure measurements were taken at the brachial artery with a sphygmomanometer, and systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) measurements were recorded. Pulse pressure (PP) was determined as DBP subtracted from SBP, and mean arterial pressure (MAP) was calculated: (2 × DBP + SBP)/3. The mean cfPWV was 6.3 ± 0.9 m/s (range: 5.2–8.7 m/s), and the average dietary consumption was 2,854 ± 1,491 calories per day in this young, obese male population. Regression analyses revealed whole grain consumption assessed by DHQ‐II is a predictor of obesity‐associated aortic stiffness (R2 = 0.286, p = 0.010), and when adjusted for fiber content, the relationship remained significant (R2 = 0.258, p = 0.019). Additionally, neither total caloric consumption (R2 = 0.092, p = 0.170) nor total fiber consumption predicted cfPWV (R2 = 0.056, p = 0.291). Furthermore, when whole grain consumption was adjusted for traditional risk factors (age, BMI, MAP), this correlation still persisted (R2 = 0.269, p = 0.027). Average blood pressure readings were as follows: SBP = 124.27 ± 8.54 mmHg, DBP = 79.45 ± 7.64 mmHg, PP = 44.82 ± 8.50 mmHg, and MAP = 94.39 ± 6.87 mmHg. Blood pressure measures (SBP, DBP, PP, and MAP) were not predictive of aortic stiffness. Collectively, these findings demonstrate an inverse relationship for reduced whole grain consumption to be associated with increased aortic stiffness. Thus, a potential role of whole grains to reduce obesity‐related aortic stiffness with overconsumption is proposed, which is independent of traditional risk factors such as age, BMI and blood pressure. Nonetheless, fiber content was not correlated with obesity‐associated aortic stiffness, suggesting that the benefits from whole grains are not limited to fiber alone. However, larger clinical trials need to be conducted to confirm these preliminary findings and to explore the mechanisms reducing aortic stiffness with increased whole grain consumption.
Corn/bean Snack Consumption Lowered Serum Lipid Levels and Caused Differential Gene Expression in Liver of C57BL/6 Mice Fed High‐Fat Diet
Authors: Domínguez‐Uscanga Astrid , Loarca‐Piña Guadalupe , de Mejia Elvira Gonzalez
Published: November 2023

Elevated circulating lipid levels are known risk factors to develop cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Diets rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables and legumes have been linked to a reduced risk of CVD. The objective was to evaluate the effects of corn and bean snack consumption on lipid metabolism. C57BL/6J mice were randomized into 3 groups: 1) Two g/day of 70% corn and 30% bean snack and supplemented with high fat diet (HFD2.0); 2) Fed with HFD (positive control) and 3) Fed with standard diet (SD) for 12 weeks. Body composition, serum parameters, liver and adipose tissue histomorphological analysis, and liver gene expression were evaluated. Data analyses of the pairwise comparisons were used to assess differential expression between treatment and control groups. Group receiving HFD/2.0 showed attenuation in body weight gain by 20%, serum cholesterol and triglycerides were reduced (P<0.05) between 29 and 31% respectively. Blood glucose was also significantly reduced by 36% (P<0.05). Histological analysis showed adipocyte diameters were reduced (P<0.05) and no obvious gross indications of lipid accumulation or liver damage. Corn/bean snack consumption caused differential expression on liver genes significantly greater than 1.25 fold, pairwise comparisons identified that 529 differentially expressed probe sets differed between HDF and HFD2.0 groups; 74 of these genes were upregulated and 79 were downregulated. Analysis of this set of genes using DAVID showed 27 clusters generated. These highly‐enriched clusters were associated with lipid metabolism, fatty acid metabolic process, and PPARγ signaling pathway. Rsg16 was the highest up‐regulated top molecule (+15 fold change). Downstream effect analysis using IPA software showed that concentration of D‐glucose was one of the highest scored decreased biological events; this may be related to the increased expression of RGS16 that could improve glucose metabolism. These results suggest that the consumption of corn/bean snack is beneficial to attenuate blood glucose levels, body weight gain, fat mass accumulation, adipocyte size and prevent hepatic steatosis in HFD‐fed mice by inhibiting PPARγ and activating SREBF2.

Support or Funding Information

Hatch Funds, University of Illinois
G9a, an Epigenetic Modifier, Affects Cell Viability and Serine‐Glycine Synthesis Pathway by Altering ATF4 Expression
Authors: Kim HaEun , Park Yoon Jung
Published: November 2023

Lung cancer is the number one cause of cancer deaths in both men and women in worldwide and non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer. G9a is the eukaryotic histone methyltransferase that contributes to transcriptional silencing of tumor suppressor genes by modulating histone 3 lysine 9 (H3K9) methylation. Recent studies have highlighted it has a crucial function in breast cancer and neuroblastoma via affecting serine‐glycine synthesis pathway (SSP), which provides the essential precursors for the synthesis of proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids. However, few studies have addressed the role of G9a regulation in lung cancer. Here, we confirm that G9a expression in NSCLC, especially squamous cell cancer (SCC), is higher than normal through a secondary analysis using Oncomine and quantitative analysis on patient samples. H1299, an aggressive lung cancer cell line, shows higher level of G9a expression than A549, another commonly used cell line. Inhibition of G9a by BIX01294 (BIX; a G9a specific inhibitor) results in suppression of cell proliferation in both cell lines. In addition, we show that the reduction of G9a expression by small interfering RNA causes cell death. To see the regulation of G9a on SSP, we access four SSP enzyme genes encoding PHGDH, PSAT1, SHMT1, and SHMT2. Unlike the results from other studies, treatment of BIX increases mRNA expression of SSP enzymes, PSAT1 and SHMT2, in the high level of the treatment. Furthermore, BIX‐treated cells show the increase of ATF4 mRNA expression, which is the key regulator of amino acid synthesis, in the same concentration. In summary, our results demonstrate that G9a is upregulated in NSCLC and inhibition of G9a reduces cell viability. Moreover, G9a alters transcriptional levels of SSP enzyme genes through upregulating ATF4. A further study is needed to show a mechanism underlying interplay between ATF4 and G9a.
Epiregulin improves glucose uptake by mouse preadipocyte and ameliorates glucose intolerance in ob/ob mice
Authors: Lee Aejin , Yasmeen Rumana , Ziouzenkova Ouliana
Published: November 2023

In 2014, the prevalence of diabetes worldwide was 8.5%, and this number continues to rise. Obesity and adipocytes are known contributing factors for diabetes; however, the role of preadipocytes is not fully elucidated. This study aimed to identify endocrine factors in preadipocytes and to demonstrate their role in glucose metabolism in vivo and in vitro.

We found that 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes secrete epiregulin (EREG, 27 KDa) more than differentiated adipocytes. We analyzed the effect of EREG on the major glucose transporter in adipocytes GLUT4. EREG treatment did not influenced Glut4 expression during differentiation of 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes. To determine GLUT4 translocation from cytosol to cellular membrane, we transiently transfected green fluorescent‐Glut4 plasmid to NIH‐3T3 preadipocytes. EREG stimulation led to translocation of GLUT4 to the membrane in a similar fashion as with insulin.

Next, we measured glucose uptake by 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes with fluorescent glucose to establish functional relevance of this GLUT4 translocation. Similar to insulin (113.4% vs. vehicle, P=0.002), EREG treatment significantly increased glucose uptake by 3T3‐L1 cells (129.6% vs. vehicle, P=0.006).

In vivo, we examined the role of EREG in glucose metabolism of ob/ob mice by injecting EREG or vehicle every other day for 6 weeks. We performed glucose tolerance test in the same overnight fasted ob/ob mice. EREG treatment mitigated glucose intolerance in ob/ob mice (AUC: 55927.6 ± 5685.4 of vehicle vs. 39112.2 ± 2736.6 of EREG, P<0.0003). Our results suggest that EREG regulate glucose uptake, and its production by preadipocytes can influence pathogenesis of diabetes.

Support or Funding Information

This research is supported by the OSU TCO Accelerator Award and the OSU EHE Seed Grant.
Vascular health effects of a plant extract mixture of Phellinus baumii and Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge on postprandial platelet hyperactivity in healthy subjects: A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled crossover trial and systematic approach
Authors: Lim Yeni , Kim Yong Jae , Kwon Oran
Published: November 2023

A postprandial state leads to atherosclerosis, inducing endothelial dysfunction and other profound changes in the vascular systems by affecting the hemostatic status including platelet activation. Platelet hyperactivity is thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. Epidemiological. Several studies indicated that the vascular protective effect of the plant‐derived constituents of the food. In a previous our animal study, the oral administration of plant extract mixture obtained from Phellinus baumii and Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (PS) ameliorated endothelial and vascular dysfunction in a platelet activation rat model. In the present study we performed a randomized double‐blind, crossover trial in humans. We aimed to examine whether PS influences postprandial events related to platelet activation induced by a dietary lipid and glucose challenge in healthy subjects. To this end, fifty six eligible subjects (44.5 ± 1.1 years old) were randomized to a specific administration sequence encompassing four dose levels of PS (0, 300, 600, and 900 mg/day). We collected blood samples three time points over a six‐hour period for biochemical and molecular analysis. Ex vivo platelet aggregation with collagen plus epinephrine and gene expression of cyclooxyhenase‐1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 were significantly reduced in the high‐dose PS group. The result suggest that multi‐components in PS may exert additive effects on vascular health by reducing platelet aggregation and adhesion molecule production.

Support or Funding Information

[This project was supported by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy/KIAT (Establishment of Infra Structure for Anti‐Aging Industry Support, N0000697) and the Ministry of Science, ICT, and Future Planning (NRF‐2012M3A9C4048761).]
Rheological study of chickpea‐wheat flour blends for making pan and flat breads
Authors: Sidhu Jiwan S. , Zafar Tasleem A. , Al‐Mussallam Abdulwahab , Ali Muslim
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Chickpea flour is known to offer many benefits to diabetic persons especially in maintaining their blood sugar levels in the acceptable range. Under this project we have studied the chemical composition and antioxidant capacity of white flour (WF), whole wheat flour (WWF) and chickpea flour (BF), in addition to the effect of replacement of WF and WWF with BF on the rheological characteristics of these flour blends, with the ultimate objective of producing acceptable quality flat‐as well as pan‐bread for the diabetic consumers.

Methods

WF and WWF was replaced with BF ranging from 0 to 40%, to investigate its effect on the rheological properties and functionality of blended flour dough using farinograph, viscoamylograph, mixograph and falling number apparatus as per the AACC standard methods (AACC, 2000). Texture Profile Analysis (TPA) was carried on the WF, WWF and their blends with BF using Stable Micro System Texture Analyzer (Ponzio et al. 2013). Effect of certain additives, such as, freeze‐dried amla fruit powder (Phyllanthus emblica L.), guar gum and xanthan gum on the dough rheological properties was also studied.

Results

Freeze‐dried amla fruit powder was found to be very rich in ascorbic acid and other phenolics having higher antioxidant activity. A decreased farinograph water absorption, increased dough development time, higher mixing tolerance index (i.e., weakening of dough), decreased resistance to extension, lower ratio numbers were obtained when the replacement with BF was increased from 0 to 40%. The BF gave lower peak viscosity, lower paste breakdown, and lower setback values when compared with WF. The falling number values were significantly lower in WWF (meaning higher α‐amylase activity) than both the WF and BF. Texture Profile Analysis (TPA) carried on the WF, WWF and their blends with BF showed significant variations in hardness and compressibility values, dough becoming less hard and less compressible when the replacement of WF and WWF with BF was increased from 0 to 40%.

Conclusions

To overcome the deleterious effects of adding BF to WF and WWF on the rheological properties will be an interesting challenge, when good quality pan bread and Arabic flat bread have to be commercially produced in a bakery. Use of freeze‐dried amla fruit powder, guar gum and xanthan gum did show some promise to improve the mixing characteristics of WF, WWF and their blends with BF, and these additives are expected to be useful in producing an acceptable quality flat‐as well as pan‐bread on a commercial scale.

Support or Funding Information

Kuwait University
Phenotypic response in the mouse tail musculoskeletal system associated with differences in tail use and mechanical loading milieus
Authors: Organ Jason , Luger Allison , Chavez Lexy , Stachel Alexandra , Adriaens Dominique
Published: November 2023

For the last several years, our lab has utilized a fine‐wire mouse enclosure to model low‐impact exercise as a potential intervention to enhance musculoskeletal mechanical properties (e.g., bone strength and skeletal muscle contractile force). The model consists of two enclosures: a fine‐wire (climbing) enclosure that mimics a fine‐branch arboreal niche and requires mice to develop enhanced balancing and pedal grasping to move between nest sites, food, and water; and a parking deck (control) enclosure that prevents pedal grasping but is vertically stratified like the fine‐wire enclosure. We observed that mice raised in the fine‐wire enclosure laterally flex their tails to maintain balance above the substrate and/or coil their tails around the substrate in a semi‐prehensile manner in order to stabilize the body. We hypothesized that this differential use of the tail would result in musculoskeletal modifications in the tails of climbers vs. controls, of which some may be adaptive for improved prehension. To test this hypothesis, we raised female C57BL/6 mice from weaning to 4 months of age in these enclosures. At sacrifice, we imaged the intact tail with high resolution microcomputed tomography and examined the 3D anatomy and cross‐sectional geometry of select tail vertebrae. The CT images were reconstructed and analyzed using Amira (v. 6.2). Climbing (fine‐wire) mouse tail vertebrae showed a phenotypic response to differential mechanical loading imparted by habitual lateral tail flexion and occasional semi‐prehensility by thickened vertebral cortices. This would enhance bone bending strength, enhancing its prehensile ability to grasp. It is not clear whether this occurs through appositional bone growth or another modeling mechanism. It is also not yet clear what soft tissue adaptations may also occur.

Support or Funding Information

IUPUI Biomaterials and Biomechanics Research Center, Showalter Research Trust
Effect of Different Concentration of Papaya Seed Extract on the Stability of Watermelon Juice
Authors: Kujore Fowotade Mutiat , Banjoko Immaculata Oyeyemi
Published: November 2023

Juice from watermelon (CITRULLUS LANATUS) was preserved using carica papaya seed extract.

Four watermelon juice samples were produced with one sample as a control. The concentrations used are in the following ratios; Sample A: 100:0, Sample B: 98:2, Sample C: 96.4 and Sample D: 94:6 water melon juice to papaya seed extract respectively.

The four samples were evaluated for their physio‐chemical (pH, colour, total soluble solid, total titratable acidity, specific gravity, brix) microbial and sensory properties.

Results showed that Sample D with 94% watermelon juice and 6% papaya seed extract was best preserved on the day four. It had the lowest bacteria count at 8×10^5 and 1.7×10^4, with no coliform in it. It has the lowest pH and highest titratable acidity at 5.28 and 0.23, respectively compared with other samples.

Sample A with 100% watermelon juice was least preserved on the day four. It had the highest bacteria count at 6×10^7 and 9.3×10^4 and the highest coliform count at 42. It also had the highest pH and lowest titratable acidity at 5.21 and 0.17 respectively. The samples were subjected to sensory evaluation based on their sensory properties. Samples A (100% watermelon) and B (98% watermelon juice and 2% papaya seed extract) were most accepted.

The result indicated that papaya seed extracts can be used to preserve watermelon juice.
Influence of Lifestyle Habits and LDS Religion on Metabolic Syndrome Parameters in College Students at Weber State University
Authors: Soule William Frederick , Jenkins Heidi , Aguilar‐Alvarez David
Published: November 2023

Objectives

Lifestyle restrictions are present in the religion of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‐day Saints (LDS), as described in the “Word of Wisdom,” which prohibits the “use of wine, strong drinks, tobacco, and hot drinks.” With this premise, we sought to determine if the LDS religion influenced metabolic syndrome (MetS) parameters among college students. Additionally, we sought to determine whether other lifestyle factors influenced MetS regardless of religion.

Research Methodology

We assessed MetS parameters in 160 Weber State University student participants. Additionally, a 16‐question survey was utilized to determine religion, meat and energy drink consumption, and the frequency of exercise and eating out. We separated men and women into subgroups to account for gender influences on MetS parameters.

Results

Regardless of religion, participants who ate out more than 3 times a week presented higher waist circumference, body mass index and lower high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) concentration (88.67 ± 22.66 cm, 27.31 ± 11.81 kg/m2 and 42.55 ± 15.55 mg/dL) than those who ate out less frequently (88.67 ± 22.66 cm, 27.31 ± 11.81 kg/m2 and 48.09 ± 14.04 mg/dL) (p<.05). LDS women presented a favorable MetS profile with lower triglycerides and higher HDL‐C (92.32 ± 56.93 mg/dL and 52.49 ± 14.59 mg/dL) than their non‐LDS counterparts (121.28 ± 95.54 mg/dL and 46.47 ± 13.21 mg/dL) (p<.05). MetS. Incidence was 1.9 times lower in LDS women (12%) compared to non‐LDS women (23%). In men: High meat consumers presented lower HDL‐C (35.31 ± 13.64 mg/dL) compared to low meat consumers (46.86 ± 14.46 mg/dL) (p<.05).

Conclusions

The LDS religion may influence parameters of MetS in women. Among the lifestyle factors measured, eating out seems to have the greatest influence on MetS parameters regardless of gender in this population. The results of this study support the important role that lifestyle habits have on health markers.
Kefir Growth in Different Culture Media
Authors: De Oliveira Mariane Helen , Ferrari Brenda Gomes , Becker Felipe , Silva Jennifer Barba , Santos Agnaldo Agricio , Duran Diego Cobacho
Published: November 2023

Kefir is a food supplement of great therapeutic value and also a probiotic food. The purpose of this project was to analyze kefir growth in different culture media. First, kefir grains were placed to grow in sterilized test tubes. The colony of kefir was divided into 16 samples containing from 9.579g to 10.400g of kefir grains. Growth was controlled by weight before and after filtration, and the pH of each solution was measured. After each measurement, the solution was disposed of and exchanged for the same amount and ingredients. These procedures were repeated for 3 consecutive days. After four days, the percentage of Kefir growth obtained in the solutions were at: whole milk (WM): 77%; whole milk with papaya juice (WMP): 64%; whole milk with orange juice (WMO): 34%; whole milk with lemon juice (WML): 72%; reduced fat milk (RFM): 120%; reduced fat milk with papaya juice (RFMP): 111%; reduced fat milk with orange juice (RFMO): 86%; reduced fat milk with lemon juice (RFML): 49%; skimmed milk (SM): 75%; skimmed milk with papaya juice (SMP): 75%; skimmed milk with orange juice(SMO): 93%; skimmed milk with lemon juice (SML): 86%; powdered milk (PM): 71%; powdered milk with papaya juice (PMP) 34%; powdered milk with orange juice (PMO): 39%; powdered milk with lemon juice (PML): 44%. The changed pHs obtained after each filtration of the solutions were: WM from 6.5 to 4; WMP: from 6.5 to 3.5; WMO: from 6 to 3; WML: from 4 to 3.5; RFM: from 6 to 4; RFMP: from 6 to 4; RFMO: from 5 to 3.5; RFML: from 4 to 3.5; SM: from 6.5 to 4; SMP: from 6 to 3.5; SMO: from 5 to 3.5; SML: from 4 to 3; PM: from 7 to 4; PMP: from 6 to 3.5; PMO: from 6 to 3.5; PML: from 3 to 3. The Kefir colony showed more growth in the reduced fat milk, and reduced fat milk with papaya juice, and substantially growth at skimmed milk with orange juice. The fermentation induced the growth of Kefir grains, the production of lactic acid and the decrease of the pH in the solutions. However if pH decreases more than 2 units, it decreases the Kefir growth. It is necessary more studies to evaluate the adequate initial pH to optimizing Kefir growth.

Support or Funding Information

This research was supported by the CECS ‐ Engineering, Modeling and Applied Social Science Department of the Federal University of ABC.

Solutions and amount of Kefir grains.

SOLUTION'S COMPOSITION
AMOUNT INITIAL OF KEFIR (g)

T1
WHOLE MILK
10.002

T2
WHOLE MILK + PAPAYA JUICE
10.232

T3
WHOLE MILK + ORANGE JUICE
10.156

T4
WHOLE MILK + LEMON JUICE
9.69

T5
REDUCED FAT MILK
10.4

T6
REDUCED FAT MILK + PAPAYA JUICE
10.4

T7
REDUCED FAT MILK + ORANGE JUICE
9.971

T8
REDUCED FAT MILK + LEMON JUICE
10.077

T9
SKIMMED MILK
9.912

T10
SKIMMED MILK + PAPAYA JUICE
9.992

T11
SKIMMED MILK + ORANGE JUICE
10.329

T12
SKIMMED MILK + LEMON JUICE
10.367

T13
POWDERED MILK
9.875

T14
POWDERED MILK + PAPAYA JUICE
10.153

T15
POWDERED MILK + ORANGE JUICE
9.579

T16
POWDERED MILK + LEMON JUICE
9.782
Diet quality of dishes differs by preparation location in Hunan Province, China
Authors: Jia Xiaofang , Du Shufa , Wang Huijun , Mendez Michelle Ann , Popkin Barry M
Published: November 2023

Eating out has been considered as a negative factor for nutritional status. However, eating out can include meals prepared at home and eaten outside. Conversely, meals consumed at home can be brought from outside, as take‐out and home deliveries have become popular in China. Thus, we evaluated whether diet quality differs by meal preparation location. The present study collected 8 common consumed dishes (sliced pork with dried bean curd, shredded pork with green pepper, stir‐fried beef with garlic, stir‐fried tomato and scrambled eggs, pan‐fried tofu, stir‐fried shredded chicken breast with red chili pepper, stir‐fired sponge gourd and fried rice with egg) in each of randomly selected 20 small restaurants, large restaurant, urban households or rural households, respectively, in Hunan province, China. For each dish, we randomly chose 5 from each group and mixed into 1 sample, and chemically measured nutrient contents in each sample. Therefore, there are 4 samples of each dish in each group. Differences in nutrient amount of dishes among groups were analyzed by ANOVA and Kruskal‐Wallis if applicable. Quantile regression, assessing nutrient content as a function of dish preparation location, is employed. The key general finding of present study is that Na/K ratio in restaurant‐made dishes with animal foods, fried rice with egg or total dishes is higher than those in household‐made (all P<0.05). Interestingly, there is 15% greater protein content in household‐made dishes with animal foods compared to restaurant‐made counterpart (P=0.0286), which induces higher energy content. For dishes without animal foods, both fat and energy from fat (%) are more in restaurant‐made than in household‐made. When treating all dishes as an entirety, lower K, higher Na/K ratio, fat and energy percent from fat were observed in restaurant group (all P<0.05). The influence of preparation location is found to vary significantly across the nutrient content distribution. In comparison to household, this effect is significant at the 0.25 quantile where restaurant‐made dishes contain 0.5577 and 0.0240 more fat and energy from fat, respectively. Moreover, there are considerable negative influence in energy from protein at 0.75 quantile and protein and energy contents at 0.95 quantile. Restaurant‐made dishes show high Na/K, which is significant at the highest quantile. Our findings indicate higher Na/K in restaurant‐made dishes. Household‐made dishes with animal foods are characterized by more protein and induced higher energy. Conversely, there are higher fat and energy percent from fat in restaurant‐made dishes without animal foods. Household‐made dishes are likely to be relatively healthy.
Geography‐ and Host Physiology‐dependent Variations in Leaf‐associated Bacterial Community of Field‐grown Broccoli
Authors: Kim Min‐Soo , Park Eun‐Jin
Published: November 2023

Most of the studies about fresh produce‐associated microbiota have paid attention to pathogenic bacteria causing foodborne illness. Recent studies revealed that fresh produces harbor diverse bacterial populations on their surfaces; however, little is known about community structure and diversity of bacterial populations on fresh produces and how they changes dependent on geography, host physiology and meteorology. Here, we analyzed leaf surface‐associated bacterial communities of 66 field‐grown broccolis collected from 22 commercial farms widely distributed in the whole Jeju Island using 454 pyrosequencing of 16S rRNA gene amplicons. Total number of bacteria averaged 3.8±2.0 CFUs per gram of broccoli tissue. The composition and diversity of bacterial community varied the most on sampling field, followed by growth stage and physiological status. The most abundant phyla were Proteobacteria, followed by Actinobacteria, Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. Of them, five OTUs assigned into Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, Oxalobacteraceae, Comamonadaceae and Enterobacteriaceae were commonly found in more than a half of samples, suggesting that they form core members of leaf‐associated microbiota on broccoli. Site‐specificity of bacterial communities was associated significantly with relative humidity and precipitation, followed by cloudy; but, not with temperature. In comparison with other types of fresh produces, bacterial community of broccoli was more similar to those of fresh vegetables close to soil than tree fruits and vegetables, indicating that exposure to soil could be critical for the development of bacterial populations on fresh produces. This study offers new knowledge on variability of leaf‐associated bacterial populations of fresh produces depending on environment conditions.

Support or Funding Information

This research was supported by Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) funded by the Ministry of Science, ICT & Future Planning (NRF‐2014R1A1A1003104).
TGF‐beta Signalling and Development of Mouse Midbrain Dopaminergic Neurons and Hindbrain Serotonergic Neurons
Authors: Roussa Eleni , Chleilat Enaam , Krieglstein Kerstin
Published: November 2023

Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) positive, midbrain dopaminergic neurons (mDA) and hindbrain serotonergic neurons (5‐HT) represent clinically important ventral neuronal subpopulations. Dysregulation of mDA has been linked to the development of depression and drug addiction, while their degeneration leads to the characteristic symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Dysfunction of hindbrain 5HT neurons has been associated with several neurological and psychiatric diseases. In previous studies we have shown that members of the transforming growth factor beta family are regulators of development and maintenance of mDA neurons. In this work we aim to understand the role that TGF‐beta signalling plays on the development of mDA and hindbrain 5HT neurons. For this purpose, we have generated a conditional knockout mouse model in which a region of the midbrain and hindbrain, including the mDA and rostral 5HT neurons, lacks the TGF‐beta Receptor II (TGFBR2). This model was generated using the Cre‐lox system by crossing the En1‐Cre line, in which the expression of the recombinase Cre is controlled by the Engrailed 1 promoter, and the TGFBR2‐flox line, in which the TGFBR2 gene is floxed. Through the use of immunohistochemistry on brain cryosections, and counts of TH immunopositive cells we found significant reduced numbers in both substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) and ventral tegmental area (VTA) of the mutants at E18 and even at E16. In contrast, at E14 comparable numbers of TH immunopositive mDA neurons in cKO and WT were obtained. Using in situ hybridization we have calculated the volume of Cck and Ahd2 expression at E14 and our results show dramatic loss of Cck and Ahd2 expression. Development of rostral and caudal 5‐HT subpopulations was also affected by loss of TGF‐beta signaling. The number of dorsal raphe, median raphe, and paramedian rahe 5‐HT neurons was significantly reduced in the conditional knock out, compared to the wildtype, accompanied by decreased expression of Pet and Gata2.In order to understand the molecular mechanism by which TGF‐beta acts in this process, we performed a cDNA microarray to analyse the transcriptome of the ventral midbrain of conditional knockout mice and compared it with that of wild type mice. Among the genes differentially regulated by the loss of the TGFBR2, we found genes that fall into the category of receptors, ion transporters, phosphatases and molecular chaperones, among others. Some of the differentially regulated genes have been shown to be implicated in processes like inflammation and endosomal sorting. Future analysis will be focused on understanding the function these genes have during the generation of the midbrain DA neurons, in order to shed some light onto the mechanism by which TGF‐beta acts on these process.

Support or Funding Information

DFG
Anthocyanin and Prebiotic Impact on Intestinal Environment in Obese Male and Female Subjects
Authors: Hester Shelly N , Mastaloudis Angela F , Gray Russell , Evans Mal , Wood Steve M
Published: November 2023

Anthocyanins and prebiotics have been shown to impact overall health and wellness. One mechanism for the health benefits has been through modulation of the microbiome and the intestinal ecosystem. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of a supplement containing both anthocyanins and prebiotics on modulating the intestinal environment, including the microbiome and intestinal inflammation. Fifty‐one healthy, obese male and female participants with BMI from 29.2 to 40.6 kg/m2 and between 20 and 60 years of age were enrolled in an 8‐week long open‐label single‐cohort study. Participants maintained their normal dietary and lifestyle habits and abstained from consuming anthocyanin‐rich foods and prebiotic supplements from four weeks prior to enrollment and for the duration of the study. The supplement, in powder form, contained an anthocyanin blend from black rice, black currant, and blueberry extracts (total of 215 mg anthocyanins) and a blend of prebiotic fibers (2.7 g) and was consumed once daily. Clinical chemistry and hematology and vital signs were documented for safety measurements at baseline and after 8‐weeks of supplementation. Participants completed a daily bowel habits diary commencing seven days prior to enrollment and the duration of the study. Stool samples were collected within 48 hours prior to baseline and end‐of‐study visits to measure microbiome diversity and fecal calprotectin, a marker of intestinal inflammation. After 8 weeks of consuming the supplement daily, participants had a significant decrease in the phylum Firmicutes (p<0.001) and Actinobacteria (p<0.001), a significant increase in the phylum Bacteroidetes (p<0.001), a significant decrease in the Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio (p<0.001) to be more similar to lean individuals, and a trend toward decrease in fecal calprotectin (p=0.107), compared to baseline. Bloating (p<0.05), gas (p=0.035), and abdominal pain severity (p=0.015) were significantly reduced and Bristol Stool Form Scale score was significantly improved during the study (p<0.05). The supplement was found to be safe and well tolerated based on vital signs and blood parameters. We found that consumption of a supplement containing a blend of anthocyanins and prebiotics positively modulated the intestinal ecosystem, including the microbiome, and provided insights into the mechanisms of action of the anthocyanin prebiotic formulation and its impact on health benefits. The study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (#NCT02743195).

Support or Funding Information

Supported by Nu Skin Enterprises, Provo, Utah
Prediction Equations for Gross Energy in Feed Ingredients
Authors: Son Ah Reum , Kim Beob Gyun
Published: November 2023

The objective of this study was to develop prediction models for gross energy (GE) concentrations in feed ingredients and to evaluate the accuracy of GE prediction equations. A total of 2,279 ingredient samples composed of 58 barley, 319 corn, 13 corn distillers dried grains with solubles, 583 corn gluten feed, 156 copra expellers, 234 copra meal, 12 cottonseed meal, 504 palm kernel expellers, 114 rapeseed meal, 138 soybean meal, 70 wheat, and 78 wheat bran were used. The ingredient samples were analyzed for dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), crude fiber, ash, and GE. The correlation and multiple regression procedures of SAS were used to generate novel prediction equations. Data from 62 ingredients reported in Nutrient Requirements of Swine by the National Research Council (NRC, 2012) were also employed for the validation of the equations. To test the accuracy of GE prediction models, a regression analysis of the measured minus predicted GE concentration against the predicted minus average predicted GE concentration was conducted. The equations developed for estimating GE concentration (kcal/kg on a DM basis) in the feed ingredients are: GE = 4,299 + 7 × CP + 53 × EE (Eq. 1; root mean square error = 206, R2 = 0.342, and P < 0.001); GE = 4,341 + 11 × CP + 54 × EE – 24 × ash (Eq. 2; root mean square error = 201, R2 = 0.372, and P < 0.001). All independent variables are in % on a DM basis. A validation test regressing (measured GE – predicted GE) vs. (predicted GE – average of predicted GE) using Eq. 1 and 62 data from NRC (2012) showed that the intercept (−6.9; SE = 46.8 and P = 0.884) and slope (−0.018; SE = 0.089 and P = 0.840) were not different from 0. A validation test of Eq. 2 also showed that the intercept (−56.1; SE = 37.5 and P = 0.140) and slope (0.014; SE = 0.068 and P = 0.834) were not different from 0. The accuracy of an old equation, GE = 4,143 + 56 × EE + 15 × CP – 44 × Ash (Eq. 3), was also tested using 62 data from NRC (2012) and the test resulted in significantly high intercept (101; SE = 35 and P = 0.005) with slope of −0.066 (SE = 0.057 and P = 0.251). The accuracy test of Eq. 3 using 2,279 ingredient data that were used for developing Eq. 1 and 2 also resulted in high intercept (218; SE = 4.3 and P < 0.001) and low slope (−0.121; SE = 0.025 and P < 0.001). Overall, while the old equation appears to underestimate GE concentrations in feed ingredients, the novel equations reported in this work can fairly accurately estimate GE in feed ingredients.

Support or Funding Information

This work was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) grant funded by the Korea government (MSIP) (No. 2016R1A2B2015665).
Variation of Energy and Nutrient Composition in Oilseed Meals from Different Countries
Authors: Son Ah Reum , Jo Hyunwoong , Kim Beob Gyun
Published: November 2023

The objectives of this study were to investigate the variation of nutrient composition in oilseed meals and to develop prediction equations for amino acid concentrations. Energy and nutrient contents were determined in a total of 1,401 feed ingredient samples including 184 copra expellers and 356 copra meal samples produced in 2 countries (Indonesia and Philippines), 31 corn distillers dried grains with solubles samples produced in 2 countries (China and USA), 567 palm kernel expellers and 85 palm kernel meal samples produced in 2 countries (Indonesia and Malaysia), and 178 soybean meal samples produced in 4 countries (Argentina, China, India, and USA). Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS (SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, NC, USA). The regression procedure of SAS was used to generate the prediction equation for the lysine concentration using the CP concentration as an independent variable. The GE concentrations in soybean meal produced in Argentina were greater (4,400 vs. 4,128 kcal/kg; P < 0.05) compared with that in China. The CP (46.2 vs. 45.2%) and methionine (0.65 vs. 0.55%) concentrations in soybean meal produced in USA were greater (P < 0.05) compared with that in China. For corn distillers dried grains with solubles, the GE concentration was greater (P < 0.05; 4,753 vs. 4,564 kcal/kg), but the CP (26.5 vs. 28.8%) and Ca (0.03 vs. 0.08%) concentrations were less (P < 0.05) in USA compared with China. The CP concentration in copra meal produced in Malaysia was greater (16.0 vs. 15.1%; P < 0.05) than that produced in Indonesia. The CP (15.8 vs. 14.9%) and lysine (0.35 vs. 0.32%) concentrations of palm kernel expellers produced in Malaysia were greater (P < 0.05) compared with that produced in Indonesia. The CP (16.0 vs. 15.1%) and P (0.62 vs. 0.57) concentrations of palm kernel meal were also greater in Malaysia compared with Indonesia. The prediction equations for amino acid concentrations (% as‐is basis) in the oilseed meals are: lysine = −1.07 + 0.079 × CP (root mean square error = 0.264, R2 = 0.925, and P < 0.001); methionine = 0.047 + 0.012 × CP (root mean square error = 0.125, R2 = 0.574, and P < 0.001); cysteine = −0.068 + 0.017 × CP (root mean square error = 0.147, R2 = 0.654, and P < 0.001); threonine = −0.303 + 0.044 × CP (root mean square error = 0.110, R2 = 0.957, and P < 0.001). In conclusion, energy and nutrient compositions vary in the oilseed meals depending on the producing countries. The crude protein concentration can be a good independent variable for estimating lysine and threonine concentrations in oilseed meals.

Support or Funding Information

This work was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) grant funded by the Korea government (MSIP) (No. 2016R1A2B2015665).
Effect of Excess Iron Intake on Growth and Intestinal Inflammatory Injury in Rats
Authors: Ma Yan , Sun Yongye , Jiang Yicheng , Ma Aiguo
Published: November 2023

Objective

To study the effects of excess iron intake on growth and development, and determine the possible mechanism.

Methods

Fourty eight male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: low iron group, normal group, medium iron group, and high iron group, and received daily iron intake of 7mg/kg, 16.8mg/kg, 35mg/kg, and 70mg/kg in diet, and deionized water, respectively, for 8 weeks. The general condition, body weight, and food intake were documented during the study. Serum levels of Ferritin, IL‐6, IL‐10, and sIgA were measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).

Results

During the process of iron intervention, the high iron group had lower growth compared with the other three groups (p<0.05). In addition, the levels of IL‐6 (108.60pg/ml) in small intestine were higher in the high iron group compared to the normal iron group (84.68pg/ml, P<0.05), while serum levels of IL‐10 (50.47 pg/ml) in small intestine in the high iron group was lower than that in the normal iron group (71.69 pg/ml, (P<0.05). Serum levels of sIgA (62.3pg/ml) in small intestine with the high iron group is lower than that in the normal iron group (67.1 pg/ml, P<0.05). The histopathology showed normal morphology in the low iron and normal iron groups, however the rats in medium iron group showed slightly damaged mucosa, and lost apical microvilli. Irregular shape of microvilli and necrosis were found in a few epithelial cells of intestinal mucosa in the high iron group rats.

Conclusion

Excessive dietary iron intake has a negative affect on the normal growth and development of rats, and results in inflammatory injury in intestinal tract of rats.

Support or Funding Information

The National Natural Science Fund (No. 81373000)
Protective Effects of Mucuna Seed Extract against Oxidative and Inflammatory Stress in Murine Microglia and Human Neuroblastoma Cells
Authors: Ma Hang , Johnson Shelby L. , DaSilva Nicholas A. , Liu Yongqiang , Yuan Tao , Seeram Navindra P.
Published: November 2023

Mucuna (Mucuna pruriens; commonly known as velvet bean) is a medicinal plant that has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for various conditions including diabetes, inflammation, and brain dysfunctions. It contains levodopa (L‐DOPA) and is used for the treatment for Parkinson's disease (PD). Although the anti‐PD effects of Mucuna have been associated with its L‐DOPA content, recent studies suggest that other bioactive compounds may also contribute to its protective effects against PD. Herein, we initiated this study to develop and evaluate a Mucuna pruriens extract (MPE) for the neuroprotective effects using in vitro assays. The MPE (at 60 μg/mL) scavenged 73.7 % of free radicals in the DPPH assay. The MPE was evaluated for anti‐neuroinflammatory effects in murine microglia BV‐2 cells. The MPE (at 50 and 25 μg/mL) significantly reduced lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced nitric oxide production by BV‐2 cells by 60.1 and 37.8%, respectively, as compared to cells treated with LPS alone. In addition, the MPE (at 50 and 25 μg/mL) decreased the production of H2O2‐induced reactive oxygen species by 79.9 and 64.5%, respectively. Lastly, the MPE was evaluated for neuroprotective effects in human neuroblastoma SH‐SY5Y cells. MPE treatment (at 1 μg/mL and 10 ng/mL) significantly reduced 6‐hydroxydopamine‐induced cytotoxicity and increased cell viability by 73.1 and 75.1%, respectively. In summary, this study supports the neuroprotective effects of MPE and warrants further investigation of its potential as a dietary management for neurodegenerative diseases, in particular, PD. Our future studies will include the identification of the bioactive constituents in MPE responsible for its anti‐PD effects.
Effects of Fish Oil Supplementation during Pregnancy and Post‐weaning on Offspring Metabolic Health
Authors: Ramalingam Latha , Menikdiwela Kalhara , Allen London , Scoggin Shane , Koboziev Iurii , Moustaid‐Moussa Naima
Published: November 2023

Over half of American women of child bearing age are either obese or overweight. Hence, the prevalence of childhood obesity is predicted to increase. Maternal programming through diet is critical for prevention of several diseases in the offspring, including childhood obesity. Clinical trials with n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) reported various health benefits, including reduced serum triglycerides and inflammation, and increased insulin sensitivity. However, it remains unclear whether maternal consumption of n‐3 PUFAs can protect offspring from the adverse metabolic effects of consuming high fat diets during pregnancy. Accordingly, we hypothesized that n‐3 PUFAs supplementation during pregnancy will reduce maternal obesity‐associated inflammation and reduce/prevent adverse metabolic effects in offspring. To test this hypothesis, we fed B6 mice high fat diet (HF) supplemented with or without fish oil (HF‐EPA) for 8 weeks pre‐pregnancy through lactation. After weaning, offspring from HF or HF‐EPA dams were either continued on their respective diet or switched to the other diet. Five treatment groups were created including a low fat (LF)‐LF control group (LF maternal diet and LF post‐weaning), HF‐HF, HF‐EPA, EPA‐HF, EPA‐EPA, respectively. Metabolic phenotyping of these mice included body weight and body fat, glucose and insulin tolerance tests. Offspring born to dams fed EPA and continued on EPA (EPA‐EPA) showed significantly higher glucose clearance rates compared to other treatment groups but was lower compared to LF animals. Similarly, significant improvements in insulin sensitivity was observed in the EPA‐EPA fed group compared to other HF treated groups. EPA‐EPA and HF‐EPA had lower fat mass compared to HF‐HF and EPA‐HF. Additional mechanistic studies are ongoing in serum and tissues collected from the offspring to determine molecular mechanisms mediating EPA effects on high fat diet‐induced obesity and inflammation in dams and their offspring. In conclusion, these studies will help to understand the differential contribution of maternal dietary lipids to metabolic health of the offspring.

Support or Funding Information

Early Career Grant Challenge from the Obesity Society