bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Competency‐Based Biochemistry Education in an Online Format ‐ Interactive and Quantifiable
Authors: Jovic Marko
Published: November 2023

The primary objective of our competency‐based biochemistry program is to enable each and every student to acquire and demonstrate full competency in biochemistry. Competency is determined by a predefined set of standardized requirements, as formulated by Subject Matter Experts and quantified by the Modified Angoff approach. The required demonstration of competency ensures that each student possess the necessary proficiency in biochemical concepts.

The interactive, online format of our competency‐based biochemistry program makes it particularly conducive to in‐depth performance analysis, and enables the identification of the most effective delivery and outreach approaches for our student population. With over 10,000 students enrolled in the program each year, we were able to effectively utilize parameters such as the pass rate, course completion rate and average task assessment submission to identify the most effective delivery methods for our biochemistry material. In particular, we identified competency sections with less than 80% passing rate, and with targeted changes we improved the passing rate above the 80% cutoff in 2 out of 4 sections.

In addition, such a large dataset enabled us to determine the best outreach strategies, aimed at identifying students in need of additional guidance through one‐on‐one mentoring. The Initial metric used for student performance evaluation is based on the random forest algorithm, created based on 1,600 parameters for academic performance. Interestingly, a timely outreach to biochemistry students of different performance categories was equally effective in improving student performance in the course, as measured by the average number of days spent in the course. Overall, in the first two months of the outreach study 954 student outreach calls were made, with 32% of students responding to the outreach. Over the course of the study the course completion rate showed a statistically significant increase of 7% for all students enrolled. More specifically, such a large data set enabled us to identify outreach patterns that have led to more targeted outreach approaches. These approaches may be more broadly applicable in both online and traditional classroom settings.

While our educational model was useful in identifying effective delivery and outreach strategies in an interactive online setting, our findings go beyond the competency‐based biochemistry model alone. Taken together, these approaches can be applied to biochemistry education in general, creating conditions for the ultimate personalization of biochemistry education, based on the student's educational background, academic strengths, and learning strategies.
Selective Action of Aqueous Maté Extract on Human Breast Cancer
Authors: Nguyen Catherine , Nisbett Kenisha , Halvorsen Vanessa , He Calvin , Sadik Amina
Published: November 2023

Ilex paraguariensis, Yerba Maté, is a subtropical plant native to South America, where it is consumed several times daily as 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 Maté extract and PBS/water. 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. Caspase 3‐AF 647 and p53 FITC assays allowed us to detect an increase in both caspase 3 and p53 concentrations using flow cytometry. These findings suggest that the treatment with Yerba Maté extract results in an upregulation of pro‐apoptotic markers in breast cancer cells, thereby decreasing their 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 extract seem to kill cancerous cells in a selective manner.

Support or Funding Information

Basic Science Department at Touro University Nevada
Hydration status of healthy college students in a large Southwestern university
Authors: Zemek Kate , Johnston Carol
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Water is an essential but often overlooked nutrient, and mild dehydration can adversely impact mood and cognitive function. Those living in hot climates are particularly at risk for dehydration due to increased heat stress and water loss via sweat. No intervention trials that target fluid consumption have been conducted among healthy U.S. college students attending a large Southwest university. To inform if there is need for such an intervention, we examined hydration status in this population.

Methods

College students aged 18–40 years with a BMI of 18.5–35 kg/m2 were recruited from a large Southwest university. Hydration assessment was measured using urine specific gravity (USG; euhydration <1.020) and a validated color chart [color intensity numbered 1 to 8; color matches 4 to 8 indicate dehydration].

Results

Thus far, 24 college students (21 F; 23.6±5.3 y) have been tested, and 25% of students assessed were dehydrated (n=6) using a score ≥4 on the color chart or ≥1.020 USG. An additional 37.5% (n=9) showed signs of dehydration (USG >1.010; color >2). Additionally, the urine specific gravity measure and urine color chart categorization were highly correlated (r=0.867).

Discussion/Conclusion

Considering the cognitive demands of a student, potentially 62.5% (n=15) of students assessed could benefit from increased fluid consumption, thus giving need to an intervention study.

Future steps

We plan to conduct additional assessments (n=75) and develop an intervention appropriate for our population for a future study.

Support or Funding Information

ASU Graduate and Professional Student Association
Does shark liver oil have a potent antithrombotic effect in spontaneously hypertensive rats?
Authors: Jeon Hyejin
Published: November 2023

The present study was conducted with the aim to investigate the favorable effect of dose‐dependent effect of shark liver oil (SLO) on the improvement of blood circulation by enhancing endothelial function and antithrombotic effects against spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Rats were randomized into 5 groups (n=10/group): Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rat control; SHR control; SLO1 (45% squalene; 400mg/kg body weight); SLO2 (98% squalene; 400 and 1,020mg/kg). The test materials were administered orally on a daily basis with a normal diet for 8 weeks. 6‐week‐old male SHRs were given test materials by gavage feeding and blood pressure was recorded on a weekly basis. Blood pressure was significantly reduced in SHRs fed the 98% squalene high dose (1,020 mg/kg B.W) group compared to vehicle group (p<0.05). Platelet aggregation induced by thrombin and adenosine diphosphate was significantly reduced in SHRs fed the 98% squalene low dose (400 mg/kg B.W) group compared to vehicle group. However, prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time had no significant differences. Plasma prostaglandin‐I2 and thromboxane‐B2 levels were significantly different between WKY and SHR, however, there was no significant different between SHR and SLO‐treated SHRs. These finding suggests that SLO might have a favorable effect for improving blood pressure control and platelet aggregation regardless of dose dependency. In further study, phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase‐Akt‐eNOS signaling pathway will be observed to elucidate the mechanism of the blood pressure response to SLO.

Support or Funding Information

* This work was supported by the Ministry of Science, ICT & Future Planning (Bio‐synergy Research Project NRF2012M3A9C4048761) and BK21 PLUS through the National Research Foundation.
Defining diets: Definitions of diet composition used in human research
Authors: Najm Nadia , Milanes Jillian , Brown Michelle Bohan
Published: November 2023

Background

The importance of dietary research as it pertains to health outcomes has become increasingly important in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. However, dietary compositions used in studies on human health appear to vary widely in their definition.

Purpose

The objective of this study was to examine author's description of diet composition in published manuscripts.

Methods

We searched the Web of Science database for six diet types: high/low versions for carbohydrate, fat, and protein respectively and obesity related outcomes. Inclusion Criteria: Randomized controlled trials in humans with obesity outcomes and articles in the English language.

Results

The search for high fat diet and obesity related outcomes yielded 560 articles, 12 met the inclusion criteria. Of the 12, three articles gave no definition for a high fat diet, 5 articles gave a partial definition, and 4 articles gave a full definition for a high fat diet. Of the 9 studies that provided any definition for the high fat diet, the percentage of fat ranged from 43% to 70%.

Conclusion

No clear definition of a high fat diet in humans was found. The specifications for diet composition in human studies were ambiguous and/or variable, making the comparison and application of the existing evidence difficult.
Taste Testing in a Pediatric Case of Congenital Aglossia
Authors: Valent Franziska , Wang Long , McMicken Betty , Rock Cheryl
Published: November 2023

Background

Congenital aglossia (CA) is a rare inborn condition characterized by the complete absence of the tongue. This study aimed to determine gustatory function in a pediatric female subject with CA. The study was built on previous research on taste discrimination of a 44‐year‐old female subject with isolated congenital aglossia (ICA) and anecdotal reports of individuals with CA possessing the ability to discern taste stimuli.

Methods

In this randomized, double‐blinded, controlled trial, a total of 78 samples were presented to an 11‐year‐old female subject with CA in the presence of her parents. Triplicate samples of sucrose (sweet), citric acid (sour), sodium chloride (salty), caffeine (bitter), and monosodium glutamate (umami) solutions at five concentration levels each were tested, in addition to three water samples. Stimuli solution concentrations ranged from 0.5 M to 5.0×10−4 M for sweet, 3.2×10−4 M to 2.0×10−5 M for sour, 0.1 M to 1.0×10−3 M for salty, 1.0×10−3 M to 1.0×10−5 M for bitter, and 1.0×10−2 M to 1.0×10−4 M for umami. Data was analyzed using SPSS 22. The recorded responses were used to develop contingency tables and descriptive statistics were run to determine percentage of accurate stimuli identification and frequency of substitutions. Correct identification was set at a threshold value of ≥66.6% accuracy (two out of three). Cross‐tabulations of taste identification accuracy versus actual taste, stimuli concentration, and presentation order were developed and tested for statistically significant association (p≤0.05) using chi‐square testing.

Results

Out of the five stimuli, sour and umami were correctly identified by the participant. Umami was accurately identified 100% of the time at 5.0×10−3 M and sour 66.66% of the time at 1.6×10−4 M. Correct identification threshold criteria were not met for sweet, salty, and bitter samples at any concentration. Statistically significant association could not be determined between taste identification accuracy and particular taste [X2(5)=7.674, p=.175], individual stimuli concentration levels (sweet p=.645; sour p=.558; salty p=.484; umami p=.061), or presentation order [X2(5)=55.000, p=.437]. The most commonly recorded substitution was bitter as sour (n=5), followed by bitter as salty (n=4).

Conclusion

This study supports previous findings indicating that sour is one of the stimuli that may be accurately identified by a person with CA, though at a lower threshold than previously found in the ICA trial or in persons without CA. This study also indicated accurate taste discrimination of umami stimuli, a new finding compared to the previous trial. As with sour, umami identification occurred at a lower threshold than found in persons without CA. These lower discrimination thresholds, as well as the misidentification of the sweet, salty, and bitter stimuli, may indicate possible gustatory dysfunction among individuals with CA compared to persons born with a tongue.
Relationship Between Sweet Taste Preference and Dyslipidemia in Korean Women
Authors: Kim Seog‐Young , Shin Yoonjin , Lee Seohyun , Kim Yangha
Published: November 2023

This study investigated the daily nutrient intake and the risk of dyslipidemia, based on the preference for sweet taste. Subjects were participants from the Anseong and Ansan Cohort Study, which was a part of the Korean Genome Epidemiology Study (KoGES) in 2001. A total of 4148 women aged 40s–60s were included in this study. Data was collected using self‐administered questionnaires, anthropometric measurements and blood chemical analysis. Nutritional status was assessed by a semi‐quantitative food‐frequency questionnaire of 103 food items. Daily intake of carbohydrate and fat were significantly higher in subjects who liked the sweet taste than in those who disliked it (p for trend < 0.0001). The serum levels of total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglyceride were higher in subjects who liked the sweet taste than in those who disliked it (p for trend < 0.0001). Also, subjects who liked the sweet taste had a significantly higher risk of dyslipidemia (OR=1.20 [1.04–1.39]), hypercholesterolemia (OR=1.22 [1.00–1.50]), and hyper‐LDL‐cholesterolemia (OR=1.34 [1.09–1.64]) as compared with those who disliked it. These findings suggest that preference for sweet taste may be related to high consumption of carbohydrate and fat with the increased risk of dyslipidemia in middle‐aged Korean women.

Support or Funding Information

This work was supported by the Brain Korea 21 plus project funding (No. 22A20130012143).
The Effects of a Ketogenic Diet and Physical Activity on Adipose Tissue Characteristics
Authors: Holland A. Maleah , Kephart Wesley C. , Mumford Petey W , Lowery Ryan P , Mobley C. Brooks , Healy James , Shake Joshua J , Patel Romil K , Roberts Michael D. , Wilson Jacob M.
Published: November 2023

Very low‐carbohydrate (ketogenic) diets are becoming increasingly popular as weight loss interventions. This study examined the effects of ketogenic (KD), Western (WD), and standard chow (SC) control diets in sedentary (SED) and physically active (EX) rats on adipocyte size and beiging in three fat depots.

METHODS

Male Sprague‐Dawley rats (~9–10 weeks of age) were provided isocaloric amounts of either a KD (5.2 kcal/g, 20.2% protein, 10.3% carbohydrate, 69.5% fat; n=50), WD (4.5 kcal/g, 15.2% protein, 42.7% carbohydrate, 42.0% fat; n=66), or SC (3.1 kcal/g, 24.0% protein, 58.0% carbohydrate, 18.0% fat n=10) for 6 weeks with daily food intake and body weights recorded. EX rats were provided a voluntary resistance running wheel and daily distances ran were recorded. After the animals were sacrificed, three fat depots including omental (OMAT), inguinal subcutaneous (SQ), and brown adipose tissue (BAT) were weighed and preserved for histological analyses which included H&E staining to determine adipocyte size and immunohistochemistry (IHC) for uncoupling protein‐1 (UCP‐1) protein quantification as a beiging characteristic.

RESULTS

OMAT absolute mass was greater in WD than KD (1.39 ± 0.15 g vs 0.73 ± 1.09 g, respectively, p < 0.001) and greater in SED than EX (1.24 ± 0.11 g vs 0.81 ± 0.07 g, respectively, p < 0.005); relative mass was greater in WD than KD (2.79 ± 0.28 mg/g vs 0.73 ± 0.09 mg/g, respectively, p < 0.001) and greater in SED than EX (2.62 ± 0.20 g vs 1.77 ± 0.15 g, respectively, p < 0.005); and average adipocyte diameter was greater in WD and SC than KD (57.23 ± 2.46 um and 56.36 ± 2.74 um vs 44.38 ± 1.44 um, p < 0.005 and p < 0.01, respectively). SQ absolute mass was greater in WD than KD (6.44 ± 0.60 g vs 4.12 ± 0.41 g, respectively, p < 0.001) but there were no differences in SQ relative mass or adipocyte diameter. In BAT, absolute mass was greater in WD than KD (0.67 ± 0.04 g vs 0.54 ± 0.03 g, respectively, p < 0.05) and greater in SED than EX (1.42 ± 0.06 g vs 1.21 ± 0.05 g, respectively, p < 0.01) but there were no differences in relative mass. BAT average adipocyte diameter was greater in WD than SC (21.89 ± 0.95 um vs 18.21 ± 0.77 um, respectively, p < 0.01). Regarding UCP‐1 IHC, greater expression was observed in the OMAT and BAT of EX than SED (OMAT: 30.99 ± 1.28 % vs 27.65 ± 1.05 %, respectively, p < 0.05; and BAT: 62.98 ± 2.20 % vs 46.96 ± 1.67 %, respectively, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

These rodent data suggest that a ketogenic diet and exercise, independently, are favorable for reducing adipose tissue and cell size. However, exercise appears to enhance adipose tissue beiging in OMAT and BAT independent of diet.
Assessment of physiological response to an acute exercise challenge in a nutritional intervention study
Authors: Kim You Jin , Choi Sungkyoung , Park Taesung , Kim Ji Yeon , Kwon Oran
Published: November 2023

Combination of an exercise challenge model with a multi‐omics approach can be considered as a sensitive methodology to undertake a more holistic analysis of physiological responses to nutritional intervention. Few human studies have been reported which addresses the response to nutritional intervention when exposed to exercise challenge. However, it has not been reported yet how physiological response to acute exercise challenge differs from resting state when combining a multi‐omics approach. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to elucidate the mechanical response to a single bout of moderate exercise by combining omics profiling data in a nutritional intervention study. In randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study, 48 sedentary participants with body mass index (kg/m2) between 23 and 30 ingested either black raspberry (n=21) or placebo (n=24) for 4 weeks. At baseline and at the end of the study, each subject underwent an acute bout of treadmill exercise at 60% VO2max for 30 min and blood and urine samples were taken at fasting and post‐exercise state. Via next‐generation sequencing and 1H‐NMR metabolomic profiling, change in gene expression and endogenous metabolites in blood and urine was identified in response to an exercise challenge. Furthermore, integrative protein‐gene‐metabolite network would provide additional support for a deeper understanding to mechanical response to an exercise challenge test.

Support or Funding Information

Supported by the Ministry of Science, ICT & Future Planning through the National Research Foundation (Bio‐synergy Research Project NRF2012M3A9C4048761).
Initial Steps in Developing Genetic Markers to Predict/Recommend Weight Management Products
Authors: Frumento Robert J.A. , Matravers Peter , Langerveld Anna , Bianchini Robert J , Schwartz Stephen
Published: November 2023

Background

It has been estimated that the U.S market for weight loss products will increase 1.7% over the next 16 months to an annual sales level exceeding $61 billion dollars1. The consumer market is overwhelmed with products aimed to help people manage their overall weight. An overall public health goal is to develop a lab test or series of lab tests to support the use of consumer weight management products to predict/recommend the correct regimen for an individual, monitor the treatment progress and to understand the molecular‐level interactions between diet, lifestyle and the genome. MicroRNAs are small, non‐coding RNA molecules that function as negative regulators of gene expression. A growing number of studies have described the use of microRNA biomarkers in nutrition.

Methods

As part of a larger study, a subgroup of subjects assigned to a weight control regiment were examined using body morphology data as well as body fluid data examining microRNA over 16 weeks of product use. The weight management program consisted of daily glucomannan, a green tea booster pill and a whey protein shake. Subjects did not change any of their routine activities of daily living or their current diet. Twenty subjects were followed and examined throughout the study.

Results

Statistically significant changes in the expression of 2 microRNAs occurred in saliva samples, statistically significant changes in the expression of 10 microRNAs occurred in blood samples. The direction of change in both sample types was consistent with the prediction and peer reviewed literature. These data identified one potential biomarker for predicting success on the weight management program. Expression of miR140‐5p identified 2 distinct groups of subjects; there was a 30‐fold difference in expression levels between the 2 sets of subjects, 10 subjects with higher expression levels and 8 subjects with lower levels. The 8 subjects with lower expression levels of miR140‐5p lost more weight, improved body morphology and showed greater improvements in metabolic laboratory assays. Interestingly, changes in expression of 140‐5p have been reported in studies of obesity and weight loss2.

Conclusions

With these preliminary data we have shown that miR140‐5p may be a reasonable biomarker for success utilizing the tested weight management program. Further research is being performed to validate this and other potential markers for success.

Support or Funding Information

Supported by a grant from Arbonne International
Effects of methionine hydroxy analogue on intestinal function and oxidative status in broiler chickens
Authors: Tang Xue , Zhao Yan , Le Guowei , Shi Yonghui , Sun Jin
Published: November 2023

Methionine (Met), the first limiting factor amino acid, is playing a key role in intestinal function. The present study identified the effects of DL‐methionine (DLM) and its liquid hydroxyl analogue, 2‐hydroxy‐(4‐methylthio) butanoic acid (HMTBA) on growth performance, intestinal digestion and antioxidant capacity in broiler chickens. The changes on antioxidant‐related genes mRNA expression in duodenum and jejunum were also investigated. The results showed that broiler chickens fed with HMTBA exhibited higher body weight gain (P<0.05) and lower feed:gain as compared to the control group. Adding 0.3% HMTBA to the diet significantly increased apparent digestibility and digestive enzymes activity, and the same result was apparent in catalase (CAT) activity and total antioxidant capacity (T‐AOC), as compared to the control and DLM groups (P<0.05). Met sources supplementation resulted in a significant decrease in MDA content (P<0.05) in intestinal tract of broiler chickens. Moreover, HMTBA effectively upregulated the mRNA expression levels of antioxidation‐related genes nuclear respiratory factor‐1 (Nrf‐1), metallothionein‐1 (MT1) and superoxide dismutase (SOD1 and SOD2) in duodenum and jejunum (P<0.05). The results indicated that better effects of HMTBA on growth performance and intestinal digestion may be realted about its role in regulating the mRNA expression of antioxidant‐related genes.

Support or Funding Information

The present study was financially supported by Rhodimet Research Grant 2010–2012

Performance response to DLM or HMTBA supplementation in broiler chickens at 46 days of age

Group
Body weight gain (g/bird/d)
Food intake (g/bird/d)
Feed: gain (g:g)

Control
67.85±2.26a
134.85±3.72
1.99±0.01

0.1% DLM
68.18±2.58ab
130.80±5.23
1.92±0.04

0.3% DLM
70.47±3.37ab
141.51±0.24
2.01±0.10

0.1% HMTBA
71.81±7.26ab
136.32±13.26
1.90±0.03

0.3% HMTBA
76.41±0.40b
142.23±8.46
1.86±0.12

Effects of MET sources on antioxidant levels of intestinal of chickens at 46 days of age

CATU·mgprot‐1
T‐AOCU·mgprot‐1
MDAnmol·mgprot‐1

Duodenum

Control
3.25±0.27a
2.34±0.62
8.11±1.02b

0.3% DLM
3.29±0.41a
2.38±0.78
5.68±0.63a

0.3% HMTBA
3.96±0.28b
2.25±0.50
4.65±0.54a

Jejunum

Control
0.91±0.17a
1.31±0.36
12.8±1.82b

0.3% DLM
0.93±0.11a
1.41±0.40
15.34±0.77c

0.3% HMTBA
1.13±0.16ab
1.21±0.23
5.64±0.39a

Effects of MET sources on digestive enzymes in duodenum and jejunum of chickens at 46 days of age

Amylase (U/g·min)
Lipase (U/g·min)
Protease (U/g·min)

Duodenum

Control
2818.41±268.74b
96.51±8.51a
125.57±44.77a

0.3% DLM
1787.96±218.69a
107.47±10.95ab
252.51±33.15b

0.3% HMTBA
3092.98±217.91bc
131.08±11.02c
214.92±27.48b

Jejunum

Control
4148.15±151.43
65.63±11.13a
155.72±11.35a

0.3% DLM
4203.70±173.22
61.14±10.35a
202.62±22.15b

0.3% HMTBA
4097.88±516.72
98.04±8.84b
224.17±27.49b
Influence of Maternal Dietary Variety and Socio‐demographic Characteristics on Low Birth weight of Neonates in the Cape‐Coast Metropolis
Authors: Quansah Dan Yedu , Boateng Daniel , Yang Hei , Joung Hyojee
Published: November 2023

Maternal nutrition has long been known to play a crucial role in fetal growth and birth outcomes. However little is known about the role of maternal dietary variety in predicting poor outcomes of pregnancy such as low birth weight and Apgar score. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of maternal dietary variety and socio‐demographic characteristics on low birth weight of neonates in the Cape Coast metropolis of Ghana. Four‐hundred and twenty randomly‐selected mothers who delivered at the Cape Coast Regional Hospital were recruited for the study. Data on socio‐demographic characteristics, maternal health characteristics, nutritional supplementation, and dietary intake during prenatal periods were collected. Birth weight of neonates was recorded after birth. A logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate the odds of having a low birth weight and Apgar score. Data was analyzed using SPSS and STATA software. The percentage (%) of low birth weight was 43.81%. Mothers who were unemployed (OR, 2.52, 95% CI =1.39, 4.64), over 3 parity (OR, 2.58, 95% CI =1.11, 6.02) and had more than 8 Antenatal Clinic (ANC) visits (OR, 5.48, 95% CI =1.38, 21.8) showed higher risk of delivering a low birth weight infant. Mothers who were married (OR, 0.42, 95% CI =0.24, 0.76), and were not smoking (OR, 0.33, 95% CI =0.11, 0.94) showed lower risk of delivering a low birth weight neonate. Mothers who ate only two food groups were more likely to deliver infants with low birth weight compared to those who had five food groups (OR, 2.23 95% CI = 1.17, 4.24). Maternal dietary variety and socio‐demographic characteristics are associated with low birth weight of neonates therefore, lifestyles including healthy eating can be recommended to promote neonatal health in the study area.
Quercetin improves high‐fat diet induced bone loss in obesity‐prone mice
Authors: Zhou Yinzhi , Xia Shufang , Duan Xiaomei , Cai Shujun , Le Guowei , Shi Yonghui
Published: November 2023

Background and Objectives

When fed a high‐fat diet (HFD), the C57/BL6 mice tend to have two different obesity phenotypes: diet‐induced obesity (DIO) and obesity resistance (DR). The present study was to investigate effects of quercetin on bone quality of obesity prone mice and obesity induced by high‐fat diet and role of quercetin played in losing weight.

Methods

50 3w old C57BL/6 male mice, randomly divided into groups: C group (normal diet, n=10), HFD group (HFD, n=40). After feeding 10 weeks, HFD group grow into two kinds of weight phenotype: diet‐induced obesity and obesity‐resistant. Then picked out the obesity‐prone group and divided into two groups: 1) DIO(n=10): continue feeding a HFD; 2) DIO‐Q(n=10): adding 0.4% quercetin in HFD. Mice were executed at the end of 17w. Liver D1 level, femoral parameters and oxidative stress biomarkers were examined. Bone formation related gene expression and osteoclast differentiation related gene expression were detected by qPCR.

Results

Body weight of DIO‐Q mice were 12.5% lower than DIO mice. DIO‐Q mice Liver D1 level was significantly higher than DIO mice (P<0.05). Quercetin reduced HFD fed mice’ body weight may by increasing thyroid hormone depending energy consumption. Compared with C group, femoral mineral content (BMC), bone strength, ash content, calcium content in DIO mice were significantly lower than that of the control group (P<0.05). T‐AOC was significantly lower than that of the control group (P<0.05), and MDA were both significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.05). DIO‐Q group osteoblast‐specific genes col1a1, BMP‐2 were up‐regulated to C group level and osteoclast‐specific gene RANKL/OPG was down‐regulated to C group level (P<0.05). T‐AOC, GSH/GSSG were significantly higher than that of the DIO group (P<0.05). MDA was significantly lower than that of the DIO group (P<0.05). DIO‐Q group femoral mineral content, bone strength, ash content, bone length was significantly higher (P<0.05) than that of the DIO group. Quercetin improved femoral performance parameters in DIO mice may by alleviating femoral oxidative stress and regulating collal, BMP‐2, RANKL/OPG expression.

Conclusion

HFD can reduce DIO mice bone quality. Quercetin can effectively improve DIO mice bone quality and losing DIO mice body weight.

Support or Funding Information

The study was supported by the 12th Five‐year Plan for Science and Technology Development of China (No. 2012BAD33B05)
Arsenic Exposure and Impaired Glucose Homeostasis: Adequate vs Elevated Folate Intake
Authors: Xu Xiaofan , Mendez Michelle A , González‐Horta Carmen , Sánchez‐Ramírez Blanca , Ballinas‐Casarrubias Lourdes , Cerón Roberto Hernández , Morales Damián Viniegra , Terrazas Francisco Baeza , Ishida Maria C. , Gutiérrez‐Torres Daniela S. , Drobná Zuzana , Buse John , Loomis Dana , Del Razo Luz M. , Stýblo Miroslav
Published: November 2023

Inorganic arsenic (iAs), a contaminant widespread in drinking water and foods, is associated with chronic diseases including diabetes and cancer, and recent studies have shown that the capacity to metabolize iAs predicts risk of diabetes. Folate and vitamin B12, the dietary methyl group donors, are critical in the metabolism of iAs that includes enzymatic methylation. In settings without fortification, folate supplements have been shown to enhance arsenic metabolism and excretion; adequate folate intake is thus hypothesized to reduce risk of iAs‐associated disease. However, effects of folate on iAs‐associated health outcomes have not been examined in settings with food folate fortification. Our aim was to assess whether, combined with exposure to iAs in drinking water, both the elevated and adequate levels of folate intake associated with consuming fortified foods may have beneficial effects on impaired glucose metabolism.

This analysis used data from a cross‐sectional study of adults in Chihuahua, Mexico exposed to iAs in contaminated drinking water with data on diet, drinking water arsenic, and a 2‐hour glucose tolerance test. Folate and B12 intake were estimated using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Multivariable linear regression was used to estimate associations between exposure to high (> 50μg/L) vs. lower water As combined with folate intake (in dietary folate equivalents, DFEs) defined as adequate (320–800 DFEs), elevated (>800 DFEs), or low (<320 DFEs), among non‐diabetic individuals with adequate intakes of vitamin B12 (2–10 mcg/d). Multivariate linear regression was used to estimate associations between high water As and 2‐hour plasma glucose among individuals with varying levels of folate intake.

56.47% of the sample had adequate folate intake, with 35.31% reporting elevated and 8.22% low intake. 70.21% had adequate intakes of vitamin B12. Among individuals exposed to water As > 50μg/L, elevated vs. adequate folate intake was associated with an adjusted mean increase of 10.8±4.2 mg/dL (P<0.05) in 2‐hour glucose. High water arsenic combined with low folate intake, which was not highly prevalent, was associated with small but non‐significant increases in 2‐hour glucose. Compared to those exposed to low water As and adequate folate, those with high water arsenic and adequate but not elevated folate intake did not have a significant increase in 2‐hour glucose. Results suggest that adequate but not elevated intakes of folate may help to reduce impairments in glucose homeostasis among individuals exposed to water As.

Support or Funding Information

NIH R21ES02369 (The role of diet in diabetes associated with arsenic exposure)
Long‐term Weight and Metabolic Effects of Olanzapine in Mice and the Impacts of Fish Oil Supplementation
Authors: Stewart Brandon , Ramalingam Latha , Menikdewella Kalhara , Moustaid‐Moussa Naima , Soto Paul
Published: November 2023

Antipsychotic medications have been associated with rapid weight gain and metabolic dysfunction, which may lead to increased risk for heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and many other serious, life threatening illnesses. Prescribing antipsychotics has increased in adolescents and children; the most common medication being olanzapine (OLZ). The current study investigated the long‐term effects of early‐life exposure to olanzapine in mice, and the impact of a fish oil supplementation. Male C57BL/6J mice were administered cookie dough containing OLZ, or just plain cookie dough, daily from postnatal day 37 to 65, and maintained on one of two diets, a high‐fat (HF)‐high sugar (HS) diet or a HF‐HS diet supplemented with fish oil (FO), resulting in four groups of mice (n=8): HF‐HS, HF‐HS+OLZ, HF‐HS‐FO, HF‐HS‐FO+OLZ. Body weights and food consumed were measured daily. Glucose and insulin tolerance, and fat composition were measured post‐drug treatment. Body weights and fat mass were highest in the HF‐HS group, and equivalent among the remaining three groups despite the lack of any significant difference in amounts of food consumption in all four groups. The HF‐HS group exhibited the lowest clearance rate of glucose and the highest insulin resistance. Analysis of gene expression and inflammatory cytokines in adipose tissue may provide insight as to the mechanisms underlying the long‐term effects of OLZ. These data suggest that early‐life exposure to OLZ may produce sustaining alterations in metabolic function and body mass composition.

Support or Funding Information

TTU Presidential Cluster Hire Tier 2 and Obesity Research Cluster Pilot & Feasibility award
Tricin, a Methylated Cereal Flavone Suppresses Fat Accumulation Through AKT‐mTORC1‐SREBP1 Pathway in 3T3‐L1 Preadipocytes
Authors: Dabeen Lee , Jee‐Young Imm
Published: November 2023

Anti‐adipogenic effect and its underlying molecular mechanism of tricin (5, 7, 4′ trihydroxy‐3′, 5′‐dimethoxyflavone), a flavone frequently found in most cereal crops were evaluated in 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes. Tricin treatment (5–20 μM) significantly inhibited accumulation of triglyceride without causing cytotoxicity. The molecular mechanism of tricin‐mediated anti‐adipogenic effect was examined by Western blot analysis. The level of protein kinase B (AKT) expression was decreased by 80% at 20 μM tricin treatment. The inhibition of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) complex 1 (mTORC1), the central mediator of cell growth and lipid biosynthesis by tricin led to significant suppression of protein level of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and nuclear sterol regulatory element‐binding protein 1 (SREBP‐1). These result suggest that tricin regulates adipogenesis by targeting AKT/mTORC1/SREBP1 pathway in adipose tissue and tricin has a potential protective effect in the development of obesity.

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 and Future Planning (2014R1A2A2A01007169).
Evaluation of an Insulin Sensitivity Index from the Short Intravenous Glucose Tolerance Test for Detecting Response to a Dietary Intervention
Authors: Maki Kevin C , Nieman Kristin M , Cook Chad M , Huebner Margie , Baum Seth J
Published: November 2023

The aim of this analysis was to evaluate an insulin sensitivity index (Tura SI) from the short (50 min) insulin‐modified intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT), compared with minimal model analysis of 180 min IVGTT data (MM SI). Subjects, a subset of a clinical trial sample (J Nutr 2012;142:717–723) who agreed to take part in a substudy, included men (n = 8) and women (n = 16), with mean (SD) age 48.9 (9.9) y and body mass index 30.8 (4.9) kg/m2. Participants consumed 0, 15, and 30 g/d high‐amylose resistant starch (RS) for 4 wk each in a double‐blind, randomized, crossover trial. MM SI was assessed after each condition with a 0.3 g/kg IV glucose bolus (t = 0 min) followed by regular human insulin (0.03 U/kg, t = 20 min). Plasma samples were collected at frequent intervals over 180 min. MM SI was calculated with MINMOD MILLENIUM v6.02. Tura SI was calculated as the fractional glucose disappearance rate/mean increment above baseline plasma insulin, both from 10–50 min. MM SI and Tura SI were 3.70 (2.85) and 3.24 (2.17) × 10−4 L/(min*mU), respectively. Median (interquartile limits) % changes from control at 15 g/d RS were 28.3 (−2.7, 85.3; p = 0.005) and 29.2 (−8.3, 74.4; p = 0.01), for MM SI and Tura SI, respectively; 30 g/d RS values were 16.1 (−9.8, 58.9; p = 0.03), and 19.3 (−12.8, 47.6; p = 0.03), for MM SI and Tura SI, respectively. The two indices were highly correlated during each condition: r = 0.957 (control), 0.920 (15 g/d), and 0.958 (30 g/d) (all p <0.001). These results support the use of Tura SI as a less costly and time‐consuming method than MM SI for assessing changes in whole‐body insulin sensitivity.

Support or Funding Information

Ingredion, Westchester, IL
Effects of Watermelon and L‐Arginine Consumption on Serum Lipid Profile, Inflammation, and Oxidative Stress in Rats
Authors: Beidler Joshua , Hunter Anna , Tunstall Ashley , Kern Mark , Hooshmand Shirin , Figueroa Arturo , Hong Mee Young
Published: November 2023

Both watermelon and L‐arginine consumption may reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk by promoting endothelial nitric oxide production; however, few studies have directly compared the effects of these agents on blood lipids, oxidative stress, and inflammation. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of watermelon extract (powder) or L‐arginine supplementation on CVD risk factors in rats fed an atherogenic high‐fat diet. After 9 weeks of feeding, rat (Sprague‐Dawley, male, 21 days old) serum samples were collected from animals fed diets containing 0.5% watermelon powder (n = 11), 0.36% L‐arginine (n = 11) or a control diet (n = 10) to evaluate a variety of biomarkers that are associated with lipid profile, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Both L‐arginine and watermelon groups exhibited improved lipid profile as indicated by significantly lower (P<0.05) serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low density lipoprotein cholesterol. In contrast, serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol in the supplemented groups was not different than control. Serum C‐reactive protein and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances were significantly lower in the L‐arginine and watermelon groups (P<0.05), indicating decreased inflammation and oxidative stress. The liver function markers aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase were significantly lower (P<0.05) in the L‐arginine and watermelon groups, while alanine aminotransferase and creatine kinase were not. These results suggest that watermelon extract is a viable alternative to L‐arginine supplementation for improving cardiovascular risk factors, as evidenced by beneficial effects on serum lipids, oxidative stress, and inflammation.

Support or Funding Information

The study was funded by The US National Watermelon Promotion Board.
Iron and Zinc Status in Thai Lactating Women and the Concentrations in Their Breast Milk During the First 6 Months of Lactation
Authors: Wecharak Purisa , Kankawn Suwannee , Chongviriyaphan Nalinee , Suthutvoravut Umaporn , Dumrongwongsiri Oraporn
Published: November 2023

Background

Breast milk is the gold standard of infant feeding especially during the first 6 months of life. Nutritional status and dietary intake of lactating women may affect breast milk concentration of iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn).

Objective

To assess the status of Fe and Zn as well as their concentrations in breast milk of lactating women during the first 6 months of lactation, and to determine factors associated with Fe and Zn status in breast milk of lactating women.

Design

This was a longitudinal study over a 6‐month period. Lactating women were enrolled when visiting a well child clinic at Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital. Maternal intakes of dietary Fe and Zn, anthropometry, and breast milk Fe and Zn concentrations were determined at 2, 4 and 6 months of lactation. Complete blood count, Fe status using serum ferritin, and plasma Zn levels of the women were analyzed at 6 months of lactation.

Results

There were 63 lactating women. The prevalence of Fe depletion (serum ferritin <12 ug/dL), Fe deficiency anemia (Hb <110 g/L) and Zn deficiency (plasma Zn <10.7 umol/L) were 4.8%, 3.2%, and 17.5%, respectively. The medians of dietary Fe and Zn intakes at 6 months were 8.67 and 5.04 mg, respectively. At 2, 4, and 6 months of lactation, the median levels of Fe in breast milk were 0.16, 0.13, and 0.13 mcg/L, while Zn levels were 1.1, 0.72, and 0.54 mcg/L, respectively. Breast milk Fe and Zn levels were significantly different between each period of lactation. At 6 months, Fe status was positively correlated with dietary Fe intake (b=0.515, p=0.018) and Fe levels in breast milk were inversely correlated with plasma Zn levels (b=−0.101, p=0.01).

Conclusion

There were deficiencies of Fe and Zn during the first 6 months of lactation.

Breast milk Fe and Zn concentrations were decreased during the lactation period. Nutrients in breast milk were affected by maternal nutritional status. Appropriate dietary intakes of lactating mothers should be advised and monitored.
The efficacy of combined extracts of red yeast rice and fenugreek on attenuating lipotoxicity in human HepG2 hepatocytes
Authors: Chen Tzu‐Chieh , Lo Hui‐Chen , Su Ruey‐Chih , Shen Sih‐Yu
Published: November 2023

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a progressive, complicated disease initiated by fat accumulation in the liver, is closely related to obesity, insulin resistance, and hyperlipidemia. The excessive fat‐induced degeneration in hepatocytes may cause cell damage and result in the progression of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis including liver inflammation, necrosis, and fibrosis in patients with NAFLD. Evidence shows that red yeast rice and fenugreek may have the activities to down‐regulate lipogenesis. Using an in vitro platform of human HepG2 hepatocytes incubated with oleic acid (OA) and palmitic acid (PA), we investigated the efficacy of combined extracts of red yeast rice and fenugreek on attenuating the progression of NAFLD. After incubated with different levels of OA/PA (2:1 w/w) for 24 hours, the HepG2 cells with 0.8, 1.6, and 2.4 mM of OA/PA had increased levels of oil red and those with 2.4 mM had approximately 65% of cell viability and 4‐folds of apoptosis compared with those without OA/PA. These results confirmed that OA/PA‐induced lipotoxicity is dose dependent in HepG2 cells. We further showed that the optimal dose of phosphatidylcholine (PC) as a positive control was in the range of 10−1 to 10−3 μg/ml as the lipid content was significantly decreased without affecting the growth of HepG2 cells. In normal and lipotoxic HepG2 cells, administration of combined extracts of red yeast rice and fenugreek, as low as 10–3 μg/ml, significantly decreased the lipid content and the percentage of apoptosis. Taken together, the results of this study indicated that HepG2 cells incubated with OA and PA accompanied with the positive control PC may be a useful in vitro platform to evaluate the protective and therapeutic effects of natural and synthetic compounds for different stages of NAFLD. In addition, the mixed extract of red yeast rice and fenugreek may have the potential as a function food to attenuate the progression of NAFLD.
Anti‐stress Effects of High Hydrostatic Pressure Extract of Ginger on Immobilization‐stressed Rats
Authors: Park Seonyoung , Moon Sohee , Jung Sunyoon , Kim Yangha
Published: November 2023

Exposure to physical or psychological stress may be related to weight loss and hepatotoxicity. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether high hydrostatic pressure extract of ginger affects immobilization stress‐induced weight loss and liver damage in rats. Male Sprague‐Dawley rats (n=21) were divided into three groups; (i) normal (N), (ii) immobilization stress (S) and (iii) immobilization stress plus ginger extract (S+G) (150 mg/kg BW/d). For immobilization stress, rats were immobilized in restrain cage for 2 hours every day for 2 weeks. Immobilization stress resulted in a significant reduction of body weight by 13% and a thymus weight by 30% (P<0.05) compare to N group. The levels of plasma aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransaminase (ALT), the marker of acute liver injury, were increased in S group compared to N group (P<0.05). Ginger extract administration significantly increased body weight gain by 12% and thymus weight by 16% compared to S group (P<0.05). Ginger extract significantly lowered the levels of AST and ALT by 20.1% and 20.3%, respectively compare to S group (P<0.05). These results suggest that high hydrostatic pressure extract of ginger might improve weight gain and liver function in stressed condition.

Support or Funding Information

This work was supported by the Brain Korea 21 plus project funding (No. 22A20130012143).
Symptoms of cobalamin activation disorders in relation to ethnicity and Native American tribal affiliation: An exploratory study
Authors: Arnold Taylor , Woolgar Kara , Colville Melanie , James Philip , Aleck Kyrieckos
Published: November 2023

The Cobalamin activation disorders (CblA‐CblG) are deleterious inborn errors of Vitamin B12 activation, resulting in severe intellectual disability, vision impairment, and seizures. Although cobalamin activation disorders are exceedingly rare, typically occurring 1 in every 200,000 births, Phoenix Children's Hospital has an unusually high number of patients (n=21). We conducted a retrospective, exploratory examination of medical records to identify symptom trends in individuals clinically diagnosed with CblC (n=16) in relation to race, ethnicity, and tribal affiliation. This study is unique due to our direct access to a large population of children with this condition, the majority of whom are Native American (n=6) or Hispanic (n=8), while the remaining 2 are of Caucasian descent. We also examined the symptoms of two Native American children believed to have a novel mutation related to cobalamin metabolism. Of the 16 individuals clinically diagnosed with CblC, those with the most severe eye abnormalities tended to be of Athabascan descent. In addition, growth delays were present in 5 children, with no apparent connection to race or ethnicity. Finally, two children believed to exhibit a novel mutation related to cobalamin activation, who are both of the same Native American tribal (non‐Athabascan) descent, display no ophthalmological symptoms. Findings from this study will expand the clinical understanding of this disease and will shed light on the impact of these conditions in minority populations. In addition, these results lay the foundation for future research examining associations between symptoms, symptom severity, and genetic analysis data. The ultimate goal of this research is to contribute to the Cobalamin activation section of a gene chip that addresses genetic disorders in Native Americans.

Support or Funding Information

Phoenix Children's Hospital