bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An in-vitro investigation into the prebiotic potential of xylan derived from the edible red seaweed Palmaria palmata
Authors: Allsopp Philip , Paul Cherry , Strain Conall , Yadav Supriya , Smyth Thomas , Ross Paul , McSorley Emeir , Stanton Catherine 
Published: June 2020

AbstractPrebiotics are considered beneficial to health owing to positive effects upon the gut microbiota (GM). These effects on the GM include stimulating the growth of beneficial species and increasing short chain fatty acid (SCFA) production (1). Accumulating evidence suggests that the putative health benefits associated with seaweed consumption may be, in part, owing to their effects on the GM(2). The red seaweed Palmaria palmata is a source of xylan, a β(1–3) and β(1–4) D-xylose polysaccharide. Given that xylo-oligosaccharides are a recently accepted prebiotic (3), the aim of this investigation was to assess the prebiotic potential of xylan from Palmaria palmata using an in-vitro fermentation gut model. Fibres were subjected to an in-vitro digestion and underwent in-vitro batch culture fermentation (MicroMatrix) over 24 hours. Fermentation vessels were inoculated using a pooled faecal slurry (5% v/v), prepared from six healthy volunteers. Xylan fibre (n = 4) was compared to Cellulose (negative control, n = 8) and Synergy 1 (positive control, n = 8). Changes to GM composition was determined using qPCR (total bacteria, Lactobacilli, and Bifidobacteria), and MiSeq 16S rRNA sequencing. Short chain fatty acid analysis was conducted using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The differential abundance of taxa between fermentation substrates was determined using linear discriminant analysis (LDA) effect size (LEfSe). A permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PerMANOVA) was used to determine statistical differences of beta diversity whilst treatment associated differences of short chain fatty acids were determined using an unpaired Mann-Whitney U Test. Xylan altered GM composition at Phylum, Family and Genus taxonomic levels, notably a significant reduction in the Firmicutes/Bacteroides ratio (p = 0.004). Both 16S sequencing data and qPCR analysis revealed a significant increase in Bifidobacteria relative to cellulose, where the effect was comparable to Synergy 1. No significant differences in microbiota diversity were noted for either Xylan or Synergy 1 in comparison to the cellulose control. Xylan was shown to significantly modulate GM activity through increased short chain fatty acid production with increased acetate, propionate and butyrate. The evidence gained from this study suggests that Xylan from Palmaria palmata is a fermentable fibre with potential prebiotic characteristics, and therefore warrants further investigation in humans.This research was funded under the National Development Plan, through the Food Institutional Research Measure, administered by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Ireland (13/F/511) and a Northern Ireland Department of Education and Learning PhD scholarship to Paul Cherry.
Inadequate iodine intake is associated with subfecundity in mild-to-moderately iodine deficient Norwegian women
Authors: Brantsaeter Anne Lise , Abel Marianne H. , Caspersen Ida H. , Sengpiel Verena , Jacobsson Bo , Magnus Per M. , Alexander Jan , Meltzer Helle Margrete 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIodine is an essential micronutrient and an integral part of the thyroid hormones. In women of childbearing age, the estimated average iodine requirement is 95 μg/day and the recommended daily intake is 150 μg/day. While severe iodine deficiency poses reproductive risks, including infertility and abortions, the potential impact of mild-to-moderate iodine deficiency on subfecundity is unknown.We examined whether iodine intake was associated with risk of subfecundity (i.e. > 12 months trying to get pregnant) in a large cohort of mild-to-moderately iodine deficient women.Women enrolled in the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study in gestational week 15 were asked to report whether the pregnancy was planned and how many months the couple had sexual relations without any contraception before getting pregnant. Information about time to pregnancy, maternal characteristics and iodine intake was available for 56,416 planned pregnancies. The median (interquartile range) time to pregnancy was 1.5 (0.5–6.0) months and the prevalence of subfecundity was 10.8%). We used iodine intake assessed by a validated food frequency questionnaire administered in pregnancy as a proxy for long-term (pre-pregnancy) iodine intake. We used logistic regression to estimate the association between iodine intake and subfecundity, using flexible modelling with restricted cubic splines, and adjusted for maternal age, BMI, parity, education, smoking status, energy intake and fiber intake. The median calculated iodine intake was 121 μg/day and the median urinary iodine concentration in a subsample of n = 2795 women was 69 μg/L.The prevalence of subfecundity was lowest for iodine intakes ~100 μg/day and increased at lower intakes (p overall = 0.005). Compared to an intake of 100 μg/day (reference), intakes ~75 μg/day was associated with 5% (95%CI: 1%, 9%) higher prevalence and intakes ~50 μg/day with 14% (95%CI: 4%, 26%) higher prevalence. Use of dietary supplements was recorded only for the last 6 months prior to conception and women were included in the analysis regardless of their reported supplement use. In a sensitivity analysis, we excluding women who reported iodine-containing supplement use in the period 26–9 weeks before conception and the result remained unchanged. We also modelled time to pregnancy by Cox regression, and the result was consistent with the result for subfecundity.The only good dietary sources of iodine in Norway are milk and white fish, and many women of fertile age have low intakes of these food items. This study shows that low habitual iodine intake may be a risk factor for subfecundity.
Vitamin D and all-cause mortality in older adults > 50 years - data from The Irish Longitudinal Study of Ageing
Authors: McNicholas Triona , Ward Mark , Molloy Anne , Healy Martin , Laird Eamon 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundLow 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) has been linked with adverse health outcomes, including cancer, cardiovascular disease and mortality. The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) has previously shown that 13.1% of the Irish population over 50 are deficient in 25(OH)D, after adjusting for seasonality. The aim of this study is to assess whether low 25(OH)D concentrations are associated with all-cause mortality in the over 50s in Ireland.MethodsData from Wave 1 (2009–2011) of TILDA, a prospective population representative study of community dwelling adults aged over 50, were used. Blood was obtained during the health assessment, and analysis of 25(OH)D was performed. Mortality was confirmed through official death records, and all participant deaths between baseline and March 2017 were included. Logistic regression assessed whether baseline levels of 25(OH) D, both continuous and categorised into deficient (25(OH)D < 30 nmol/l), insufficient (30 < = 25(OH)D < 50 nmol/l) or sufficient (25(OH)D > = 50 nmol/l), are associated with mortality.ResultsOf the 8,175 over 50s recruited, 25(OH)D data was available for 5,388 participants. Of these, 366 individuals had died prior to March 2017. Higher concentrations of 25(OH)D were associated with lower odds of mortality (OR 0.70; 95% CI 0.60, 0.81, p-value), controlling for confounders. On categorising 25(OH)D, those with insufficient 25(OH)D concentrations had higher odds of mortality than those with sufficient levels (OR 2.04; 95% CI 1.48, 2.8; p-value < 0.001). Stratifying between men and women, there was no gender difference in this association.ConclusionInsufficient baseline 25(OH)D concentrations are associated with an increased odds of all-cause mortality in community dwelling adults over 50 in Ireland. Further research evaluating whether treatment of vitamin D deficiency improves mortality is warranted.
Meat intake and cancer risk: prospective analyses in UK Biobank
Authors: Knuppel Anika , Papier Keren , Appleby Paul N. , Key Timothy J. , Perez-Cornago Aurora 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIntroductionMeat intake is thought to play a role in the risk of cancer. The Third Expert Report of the World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research concluded that red meat was a probable cause and processed meat a convincing cause of colorectal cancer. However, evidence for associations between red and processed meat intake and other cancer sites is limited. Furthermore, few studies have investigated the association between poultry intake and cancer risk. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the associations between red, processed meat and poultry intake and incidence for 20 common cancer sites.Material and methodsWe analysed data from 475,264 participants (54 % women) in UK Biobank. Participants were aged 37–73 years and cancer free at baseline. Cancer diagnosis and death due to cancer without prior diagnosis during follow-up were determined using data-linkage with cancer and death registries (with follow-up until 31 March 2016 for England and Wales and until 31 October 2015 for Scotland, respectively). Information on meat consumption was based on a touchscreen questionnaire completed at baseline covering type and frequency of meat intake. We used multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards models to determine the association between baseline meat intake and cancer incidence. Analyses of lung cancer risk were restricted to never smokers. All analyses were adjusted for socio-demographic, lifestyle and women-specific factors.ResultsOver a mean 6.9 (SD 1.3) years of follow-up, 28,431 participants were diagnosed with any type of cancer. Red meat intake was positively associated with risk for colorectal cancer (n cases = 3,164; Hazard ratio (HR) per 50 g/day higher intake 1.22, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.05–1.41), breast cancer (n cases = 5,536; 1.12, 1.01–1.24) and prostate cancer (n cases = 5,807; 1.16, 1.03–1.30). Processed meat intake was positively associated with risk for colorectal cancer (n cases = 3,189; HR per 20 g/day higher intake 1.17, 95% CI 1.06–1.30). Poultry intake was positively associated with risk for cancers of the lymphatic and hematopoietic tissues (n cases = 2,431; HR per 30g/day increment in intake 1.16, 95%-CI 1.03, 1.32).DiscussionIn summary, higher intakes of red and processed meat were associated with a higher risk of colorectal cancer. Red meat consumption was also positively associated with risk of breast and prostate cancer, but these associations are not supported by most previous prospective studies. The positive association of poultry intake with cancers of the lymphatic and hematopoietic tissues requires further investigation.
Public acceptability of government interventions to reduce obesity: policy effectiveness, policy fairness, government trust and political ideology
Authors: Gunarathne Anoma , Spiller Achim , Risius Antje 
Published: June 2020

AbstractFrequent consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) has been linked to a greater risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, dental caries and coronary heart disease. SSBs are an ideal target for public health intervention to help control the type 2 diabetes mellitus epidemics since they have absolutely no nutritional value, and do not protect against disease. However, successful implementation of policies to reduce consumption of SSBs depends on public acceptability and support. Therefore, determining the public acceptability of government interventions to reduce sugar-sweetened beverages is critical for effectiveness as well as implementation. The aim of the present study was to conduct an empirical investigation of how different policy-related factors (namely perceived policy effectiveness, perceived policy fairness, policy trust and political ideology) link to public support. Policy options included low, medium and high intensity versions of: imposing a tax (10%, 20% and 30%); adding a warning label (with and without graphic warning label); reducing number of SSB retail outlets (schools only and all public institutions); and regulating SSB advertising (ban advertising aimed at children and ban all SSB advertising). Data were collected from a representative sample of 948 consumers (age range from 18 to 69) through an online survey, which was carried out in February 2019. Sample quotas were set for age, gender and income. The partial least squares approach of the structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) is employed to investigate direct effects of the proposed factors on public acceptance. Importantly, the results indicate that perceived fairness and perceived effectiveness of the political interventions had a significantly positive correlation with public acceptance (β = 0.518, p-value < 0.001 and β = 0.299, p-value < 0.001, respectively). Meanwhile, those who have a greater trust in government are more likely to support (β = 0.049, p-value < 0.05). Also, public acceptance is positively associated with liberal policy strains. This is in line with social cognitive motives such as openness to new experiences and desire for equality in society. Moreover, higher trust in government is positively associated with perceived fairness as well as perceived effectiveness. These findings reflect that those who trust government believe that the government policy is fair in terms of the policy itself, how it is established as well as its specific distributive effects. Therefore, participatory policymaking that involves the public in the decision-making process can enhance citizens’ trust and overall acceptance in policy interventions with regard to SSBs.
Effects of obesity and weight loss on microRNA expression in the human colorectal mucosa
Authors: Breininger Stella , Sabater Laura , Malcomson Fiona , Afshar Sorena , Mann Jelena , Mathers John 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIntroductionColorectal cancer (CRC) is the 3rd most common cancer worldwide. Obesity, and its lifestyle determinants, physical inactivity and poor diet, increase CRC risk. However, the effects of weight loss by bariatric surgery on CRC risk are unclear. Epigenetic mechanisms involving microRNAs that lead to dysregulated gene expression may mediate the effects of obesity and weight loss on CRC risk. We hypothesised that microRNAs are i) aberrantly expressed in obese individuals compared with healthy non-obese individuals and ii) modulated by significant weight loss following bariatric surgery.MethodsWe used data and samples from the Biomarkers of Colorectal Cancer after Bariatric Surgery (BOCABS) Study. Obese patients listed for bariatric surgery and age- and sex-matched healthy non-obese adults (Controls) were recruited at North Tyneside General Hospital. Rectal mucosal biopsies were collected at baseline and six months post-surgery from obese participants and at baseline only from Controls. Using Next Generation Sequencing and bioinformatics analysis, a panel of 8 microRNAs was selected and validated by quantitative PCR in colorectal mucosal biopsies.Results and discussionData were available for 20 control participants and for 22 obese participants with matched pre- and post-surgery samples. Next Generation Sequencing revealed that compared with non-obese individuals, obese individuals showed differential expression of 112 microRNAs (p < 0.05). Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, resulted in differential expression of 60 microRNAs, when compared with expression levels at baseline (p < 0.05). A total of 36 microRNAs differed significantly in both i) the obese with non-obese and ii) the pre- and post-surgery comparisons. Validation by quantitative PCR demonstrated that expression of miR-31, miR-215, miR-3196 and miR-4516 was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in obese than in non-obese individuals. Weight loss, (mean 28.5kg) following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, reduced expression of miR-31, miR-215 and miR-3196 significantly (P < 0.05) to expression levels that were comparable with those in Controls. These differentially expressed microRNAs are implicated in pathways linked with inflammation, obesity and cancer.ConclusionThe pattern of microRNA expression in macroscopically-normal human colorectal mucosa differed substantially between obese and non-obese individuals. However, six months after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, the pattern of microRNA expression was similar to that in non-obese Controls. This suggests that surgically-induced weight loss may normalise microRNA expression in the human colorectal mucosa and so reduce CRC risk.
Sarcopenia in older black South African women and relationships with physical activity and protein intake
Authors: Mendham Amy E. , Brooks Naomi E. , Micklesfield Lisa K. , Faber Mieke , Christensen Dirk L. , Gallagher Iain J. , Lundin-Olsson Lillemor , Myburgh Kathryn H. , Kalula Sebastiana , Odunitan-Wayas Feyisayo , Lambert Estelle V 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIntroductionSouth Africa (SA) is a developing country with an ageing population. Adequate nutrition and physical activity (PA) protect against the loss of muscle mass and physical function, both of which are important components of sarcopenia. This study aimed to measure the prevalence of sarcopenia in older black SA women and investigate its associations with PA and protein intake.Materials and MethodsOlder black SA women (age, 68 (range; 60–85 years) n = 122) completed sociodemographic questionnaires, 24 h urine collection (estimate protein intake), venous blood (hs-C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and ferritin), functional tests (grip strength, 3 m timed-up-and-go (TUG), 10 m walk test) and PA monitoring (activPAL). Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry whole-body scans assessed fat and fat-free soft tissue mass (FFSTM).ResultsAccording to the European Working group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP)2, 2.5% (n = 3) had confirmed sarcopenia of a low severity based on normal physical function. Of the total cohort, 9% (n = 11) had low grip strength, 22.1% (n = 27) had a low appendicular skeletal muscle index (ASMI), and no women had low TUG (s) or gait speed (m/s). Higher ASMI was associated with lower hs-CRP (p = 0.05; Rho = -0.209) and higher ferritin (Rho = 0.252; p = 0.019), grip strength (kg, Rho = 0.223; p = 0.015), and gait speed (m/s, Rho = 0.180; p = 0.050). Protein intake suggested intake of 41.8g/day/ or 0.51 g/kg of body mass/day. Higher total protein intake (g/24h), was associated with higher FFSTM (kg) and ASMI (p < 0.001). PA outcomes were not correlated with FFSTM or ASMI (p > 0.05), however, there was a strong positive correlation of TUG (s) and gait speed (m/s) with time spent: 1) stepping per day (min) and; 2) at a high cadence (> 100 steps/min) (all p < 0.01). Daily step count was 7137 ± 3233 (mean ± Standard deviation), with 97.9 ± 38.7 min of total time spent stepping and 12.6 ± 16.8 min spent stepping at a high cadence (> 100 steps/min). Of note, 13.9% (n = 17) of women were completing > 10,000 steps/day.DiscussionBased on the EWGSOP2 criteria, there is a low prevalence of sarcopenia in older black SA women, explained by the maintenance of strength and physical function that directly related to PA, especially that performed at higher intensities. In contrast, low muscle mass was relatively prevalent (22.1%) and was associated with low dietary protein and not PA. Notably, it may be important to review the cut-points of EWGSOP2 criteria to be specific to the older SA women from disadvantaged communities.
Changes in dietary preferences reported in pregnancy: associations with later pregnancy complications in a sample of 55,087 women
Authors: Bjerregaard Anne Ahrendt , Christiansen Ann-Marie Hellerung , Christensen Dirk Lund , Olsen Sjurdur Frodi 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIntroductionDietary changes in pregnancy may be a marker for later pregnancy complications. This study aims to investigate if there is a difference in the proportion of women who experience specific pregnancy related complications vs those who do not, in relation to specific dietary changes made during pregnancy.Materials and methodsWithin the Danish National Birth Cohort, established during 1996 and 2003, dietary changes from 70,053 pregnancies were assessed in gestational week (GW) 25 using two open-ended questions (q1 and q2) on aversions or preferences appended to a 350-item food frequency questionnaire; “did you stop(q1) or start(q2) consuming a specific food during pregnancy?” After restricting to the firstborn child enrolled, born at term (GW 37 + 1–42 + 0) with a birth weight between 1,0 and 6,0 kilograms, excluding multiple pregnancies and abortions, dietary change answers from 55,087 women were coded into 65 food groups. Using chi-X2 test, we compared proportions of women with and without three pregnancy complications: preeclampsia (obtained via linkage to the Danish National Patient Registry), children born small-for-gestational-age (SGA, < 10th percentile) or children born large-for-gestational-age (LGA, > 90th percentile) with respect to their answers about aversions/preferences.ResultsAmong the 55,087 women, 49% and 31% reported any aversions or preferences, respectively. Most frequent were women reporting aversion of alcohol (22.7%) or coffee (15.4%), and preference of milk products (7.9%) or fruits and berries (6.9%), which were selected a priori for analyses. 8.3% of women experienced preeclampsia, and 9.7% and 9.3% of children were characterizes as being born SGA or LGA, respectively. Compared with no dietary change: avoiding alcohol or coffee was associated with smaller proportion of SGA (10% vs 8%, p = 0.01 and 10% vs 7%, p < 0.0001) and avoiding coffee was also associated with greater proportion of LGA (9% vs 11%, p = 0.01). Increasing milk products or fruit/berries was associated with smaller proportions of SGA (14% vs 10% in both conditions, p < 0.009). No significant association in reported aversions/preferences was detected for preeclampsia.DiscussionThe results lead to additional questions, such as “Why do women who increase consumption of milk products or fruits/berries tend to deliver SGA infants and why do women who stop drinking coffee tend to deliver LGA infants?” The presented results and further analyses are important to public health initiatives for optimizing maternal nutrition with long-term influence to offspring Health.