bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between carrot intake and cancer risk in a prospective observational study of >85-year-olds does not deviate from other age groups
Authors: Ojobor Charles C , Granic Antoneta , O’Brien Gerard M , Brandt Kirsten 
Published: December 2024

Carrot consumption reduces tumour development in several animal models, possibly as sources of polyacetylenes, resistant starch, carotenes or other active constituents. In a recent systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies(1), we showed that carrot intake measured directly or using α-carotene as a marker of carrot intake was associated with reduced risk of cancer incidence. However, since the incidence of cancers among very old people (aged 85 and over) is lower than in those aged 65 to 85(2), it is of interest to understand how carrot intake affects cancer risk across different age groups. Here we compare the results from the Newcastle 85+ study3 and a meta-analysis of prospective studies1 of older adults aged 65-85 years at baseline.In the Newcastle 85+ study(3) (n = 387, 65% women), baseline dietary carrot intake was assessed using a multiple-pass recall tool (2×24 h recalls) and α-carotene concentration measured in plasma samples by reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography. Cancer incidence data were ascertained from medical records, and the association between carrot intake and α-carotene and cancer risk (any type) tested using multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression models. For the meta-analysis(1), mean ± SD of the reported upper age range at baseline in 50 studies (with 52000 cases) with data on carrot intake reported directly or indirectly (as α-carotene intake) was 68 ± 12 years, and in 30 studies (9331 cases) reporting plasma concentration of α-carotene it was 69 ± 9 years.In the Newcastle 85+ study, the summary risk ratio (RR) for cancer incidence was 0.82 (95% CI: 0.24 – 2.79, n = 129 cases, 258 non-cases) for consumption of ≥ 1 vs < 1 serving/day of carrots after adjusting for key confounders. RR for cancer for the highest compared with lowest quartile of plasma α-carotene was 0.68 (0.33 –1.39). The corresponding values comparing highest versus lowest exposure groups for the younger age groups in the meta-analysis(1) were: RRs (95% CI) for carrot intake 0·90 (0·87–0·94) and 0·80 (0·72–0·89) for plasma α-carotene. For most (67 of 80) of the individual studies included in the meta-analysis, the RRs were not statistically significantly different from 1, as was the case for the Newcastle 85+ study, due to small sample size and limited duration of the dietary records. However, the similarity of the RR values from the Newcastle 85+ study with the two corresponding independent datasets in the meta-analysis means that the results do not support a difference in effect between the age groups.The association of carrot consumption with incident cancer in the very old does not differ from younger age groups of older adults. Carrot consumption should be encouraged among the very old, and the causal mechanisms further investigated.
Effect of Beta- and Alpha-Carotene Intake on Tumour Formation in the Intestines of APCMin/+ Mice
Authors: Smith N. H. , Ojobor C.C. , Huang L. , Brandt K. 
Published: December 2024

Carotene-rich vegetables like carrots have been consistently associated with lowered cancer risk in observational studies(1). Beta-carotene, a phytochemical found in fruits and vegetables, is known for its antioxidant properties. In rodent trials, supplementation with carrot (containing both carotenes and polyacetylenes) significantly reduced tumour numbers in the APCMin/+ mouse model(2). However, human intervention trials with pure beta-carotene showed more adverse effects than benefits(3). This study aimed to investigate the impact of beta- and alpha-carotene supplementation (without polyacetylenes) on colorectal cancer using the APCMin/+ mouse model, which spontaneously develops intestinal tumours and an enlarged liver(4).APCMin/+ mice were fed either a daily supplement of 10mg/kg mouse of a polyacetylene-free extract from carrots containing a beta- and alpha-carotene mixture, in a dose corresponding to the beneficial carrot supplementation, or the control diet, with a very low beta-carotene content (providing approx. 0.02mg/kg mouse/day). The 8-week supplementation commenced at 5 weeks of age. Tumour quantification in the small intestines of APCMin/+ mice was performed by histology of the entire small intestine, with one slide per 0.3mm, using the H&E staining method and Imagescope software.Supplementation with carotenes had no significant effect on the total number of tumours (≥0.5 mm), showing no discernible difference between the control (n = 6) (20.5, 95% CI [14.69, 26.31]) and treatment (n = 8) (24.5, [19.21, 29.79]) group (P = 0.237). However, the liver weight, in % of body weight, showed a significant 25% decrease in the treatment group (n = 7) (4.78 95% CI [4.45, 5.15]) compared to controls (6.42, [5.71, 7.13]) (P<0.0003), reaching a level comparable with wildtype mice (4.48, [4.13, 4.83].These findings confirm the results from the human intervention trials by indicating that beta- and alpha-carotene do not confer any benefit for cancer prevention, while the decrease in liver weight suggests a potential beneficial effect on another aspect of liver health. Additional research is necessary to fully understand these relationships and uncover the underlying mechanisms behind these results. Specifically, beta-and alpha-carotene from carrots do not provide the reduction in tumour numbers in a mouse model of colon cancer found when feeding the corresponding dose of freeze-dried carrot. However, the carotenes significantly attenuate the liver enlargement also seen in this model.
Associations among dietary intake, gene polymorphisms and adipose fatty acid in TwinsUK study
Authors: Yan Xinyu , Costeira Ricardo , Tomlinson Max , Bell Jordana T. , Small Kerrin S. 
Published: December 2024

Fatty acids are essential molecules, which function as structural components, energy sources, and signaling mediators(1). Subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) is the largest fat depot and plays a crucial role in maintaining health and homeostasis(2,3). While regulation and health impacts of circulating fatty acid levels are well established, less is known about the regulation of fatty acid levels within adipose tissue itself. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of dietary and genetic contribution to fatty acid contents in adipose tissue and identify the interaction between single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and diet on adipose fatty acids.In 427 healthy female twins from TwinsUK, 18 types of fatty acids were measured in SAT biopsies alongside genotype, RNA-Seq and clinical phenotypes. Dietary intake was collected by food frequency questionnaire. The associations between dietary intake and adipose fatty acids were tested with linear mixed models, adjusting for age, smoking, physical activity, index of multiple deprivation, energy intake, and relatedness. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were performed adjusting for age.The association between dietary scores, food intake, nutrient intake and fatty acid levels in adipose tissue were examined. Most dietary scores were positively correlated with polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) but negatively correlated with trans-unsaturated fatty acid (TFA) (PFDR < 0.05). We highlighted the positive association between polyunsaturated margarine and fish intake and PUFA levels, as well as butter and cream intake and saturated fatty acid (SFA) levels (PFDR < 0.05). Negative associations between fresh red meat including lamb and beef, butter, and cream intake and PUFA levels in adipose tissue were observed (PFDR < 0.05). Regarding nutrient intake, PUFA, SFA, TFA, cholesterol, vitamin D, and vitamin E were correlated with fatty acid levels in adipose tissue (PFDR < 0.05). To reveal local genetic regulation of fatty acids in adipose tissue, we performed GWAS and identified 10 fatty acid-associated genetic loci across 13 fatty acids (i.e. palmitic acid/palmitoleic acid – at the SCD locus, dihomo-γ-linolenic acid/arachidonic acid at the FADS1 locus, P < 5 × 10-8). The integration of adipose gene expression data revealed the mediation effects of SCD and FADS1 expressions in the associations between FADS1 SNP and the conversion of unsaturated fatty acids. We took forward two GWAS lead SNPs (SCD SNP and FADS1 SNP) to test the SNP-by-diet interaction on adipose fatty acids. Milk intake showed SNP-by-diet interaction with FADS1 SNP for linoleic acid and docosapentaenoic acid levels (P < 0.001). The interactions between roasted potatoes/chips and FADS1SNP were significant for dihomo-γ-linolenic acid/linoleic acid (P < 0.001).Adipose fatty acid levels were regulated by both genetic variants and dietary intake. We found suggestive evidence for the interaction of genetic variant and diet.
Liver circadian genes are modulated by high fat feeding in mice: Investigation of microRNA-mediated mechanisms
Authors: Tan X. , Cheng C.W. , Thorne J.L , Gong Y.Y. , Moore J.B. , Lichtenstein L. 
Published: December 2024

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a major public health issue, with a recent estimated global prevalence of 30%(1). The pathogenesis of MASLD is complex, multifactorial, and incompletely understood(2). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that typically inhibit gene expression as post-transcriptional regulators(3). MiRNAs are increasingly recognised for their potential as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets in liver diseases(3). The aim of this research was to consider the role of miRNAs in MASLD pathogenesis and their regulation by diet.Liver RNA samples were extracted from male C57BL/6J mice (n = 6/group) fed for 8 weeks either a chow diet (CD) or 60% fat (high fat diet, HFD) and sent for RNA sequencing. The raw data obtained from next-generation sequencing (Novogene, Cambridge) were passed through a quality control pipeline. Differential expression analysis, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses, and target predictions were performed in the R environment. Enriched GO terms were summarised and clustered by online tool Revigo. Rich factor (RF) was used to describe the intensity of dysregulated pathways, calculated as the ratio of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) to the total genes included in each pathway. MicroRNAs that targeted the DEGs were identified using two validated miRNA-mRNA interaction databases, Tarbase and miRTarbase.A total of 1087 DEGs were found in HFD fed mice relative to CD (adjusted P<0.05) and their biological functions were examined using GO and KEGG enrichment analyses. In aggregate, significantly enriched components and functions included: small molecule metabolic processes, collagen-containing extracellular matrix and lipoprotein particles, and oxidoreductase activity. Circadian rhythm was the most enriched pathway (RF = 0.29) among 12 enriched KEGG pathways, which also included fatty acid degradation (RF = 0.21), PPAR signalling (RF = 0.16), retinol (RF = 0.17) and cholesterol metabolism (RF = 0.22) pathways. Indeed, out of the 34 genes that comprise the KEGG circadian rhythm pathway, 10 (29%) were found dysregulated by HFD, including the critical. Period genes (Per2, Per3). Further exploration in human found hsa-miR-133a-3p targets PER2 and PER3 via examination of validated miRNA-mRNA interaction databases. In addition to circadian rhythm, hsa-miR-133a-3p was found to target genes that function in macroautophagy, cold-induced thermogenesis, and insulin response pathways.Peripheral clocks of circadian rhythm (liver, pancreas, adipose tissue and muscle) are regulated by miRNAs that contribute to the pathogenesis of MASLD through disruption of lipid metabolism and the insulin response. Future work includes the confirmation of miR-133a-3p expression and the related pathways in mouse liver and human primary hepatocytes.
Alcohol consumption and risk of rheumatoid arthritis: results from the UK Women’s Cohort Study
Authors: Dong Y , Greenwood D.C. , Hardie L.J. , Cade J.E. 
Published: December 2024

While some studies have suggested that moderate alcohol consumption may be beneficial for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) prevention(1), the role of competing events have not been considered and may lead to misinterpretation of the magnitude of the risk between alcohol intake and RA incidence. We aimed to investigate the relationship between alcohol consumption and RA incidence when the competing risk of death is accounted for in the survival analysis.Data from the UK Women’s Cohort Study (UKWCS), a prospective cohort study of 35,372 middleaged women established between 1995 and 1998, was used for the analyses(2). Alcohol intake was assessed at baseline by asking for the number of specified units of each type of alcoholic beverage (beer, wine, sherry, and spirits) consumed per week. Cases who developed RA were identified through linkage with Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) up to March 2019 (International Classification of Diseases, ICD-10 code M05-M06). Data linkage with the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) allowed cause of death to be identified using ICD codes (9th/10th version). We used directed acyclic graphs, competing risk regression modelling, and subgroup analyses to examine the effect of alcohol intake on RA incidence.Among 29,830 women linked to the HES data (666,857 person-years), 255 cases of rheumatoid arthritis were identified, with a median follow-up of 22.5 years. After adjustment for confounders, in both competing risk regression and cox proportional hazards models, regular drinking was associated with a reduced risk of RA. In the competing risk model, with occasional drinkers (less than 1 serving of alcohol per week) as the reference, the subhazard ratios (SHRs) for non-drinkers were: SHR, 0.67, 95% CI: 0.43-1.07; regular drinkers: SHR, 0.70, 95% CI: 0.53−0.94. Every additional unit of alcohol per week was associated with a 3% lower risk of rheumatoid arthritis (SHR (95% CI): 0.97(0.96−0.99)). BMI modified the linear associations between alcohol intake and risk of RA(Pinteraction = 0.01). The incidence of RA in participants with a BMI < 30 kg/m2 (227 cases, 27,015 participants) was 2% lower for each additional serving of alcohol consumed per week (0.98(0.96−0.99)),no statistically significant effect was seen for alcohol in those with a BMI 30+kg/m2, though numbers were smaller in this group.
A survey to understand whether an evolution of the Eatwell Guide and use of icons would support protein diversification, particularly more plant-based and fungi-based (non-animal) proteins
Authors: Durrant L.R. , Slade S , Haffner T , Theobald H.E. 
Published: December 2024

Dietary guidelines, such as the Eatwell Guide, play a crucial role in shaping public perceptions and behaviours regarding nutrition. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in diversifying protein sources, particularly towards more sustainable options such as plant-based and fungibased proteins.(1,2) However, the effectiveness of current dietary guidance in promoting these alternatives remains uncertain.(3) This study aims to seek views from healthcare and food professionals on whether an evolution of the Eatwell Guide to represent more protein-rich foods, and incorporate icons to denote origin of protein sources, could raise awareness of and support protein diversification.Between 8th and 31st March 2024, an incentivised survey was distributed to members of the MyNutriWeb community, consisting primarily of healthcare and food professionals. The survey aimed to gauge respondents’ perceptions of whether an evolution of the visual representation of the Eatwell Guide, to represent more protein sources pictorially or within the description, and the use of icons within the plate image, would support them when talking through the protein section and support protein diversification, particularly in the form of plant-based and fungi-based proteins.Of the 865 respondents, the majority (65%) were dietitians and nutritionists, with 12% being students and the remaining respondents representing various other food and health professions. While 83% (of 719 respondents) reported finding plant-based and fungi-based foods and drinks easy to identify within the Eatwell Guide plate image and description, only 12% were confident that those they support can easily identify them. However, a significant proportion (92% of 712 respondents) believed that updating the proteins description and images within the Eatwell Guide to showcase a more diverse range of proteins, will support people to consider more plant-based and fungi-based proteins within their diet. Furthermore, 68% (of 688 respondents) think adding plant-based and fungi-based icons to help themselves and other people to more easily identify plant-based and fungi-based foods and drinks would be ‘helpful’ or ‘very helpful’.These findings underscore the potential for visual and descriptive enhancements of the Eatwell Guide, such as the inclusion of a more diverse range of protein foods and the use of icons, to improve the effectiveness of dietary guidelines in promoting protein diversification. By better representing plant-based and fungi-based options, the Eatwell Guide could facilitate informed decision-making and encourage the adoption of more sustainable dietary practices. Moreover, the high level of support expressed by respondents, including nutrition professionals, highlights the relevance and importance of incorporating visual aids to support the in-practice promotion of healthier and more sustainable dietary habits.
Spaghetti Bolognese without the mince: analysis of meat in UK meal structures
Authors: McCormick B.J.J. , McBey D. , Horgan G.W. , Macdiarmid J.I. 
Published: December 2024

Climate change is strongly linked to production of livestock(1,2) and national recommendations are to reduce meat consumption, especially ruminant meat(2), as part of a more sustainable diet. However, this recommendation in isolation is no guarantee that diets would be healthy or have lower greenhouse gas emissions because foods are eaten within the context of meals and a wider diet. In this study the role of meat within the context of UK meals was examined to understand the potential knock-on consequences for meal structures.Cross-sectional dietary intake data from UK National Diet and Nutrition Surveys(3) (2008- 2019) were analysed to compare the composition of 287,719 eating occasions. Mixed-effects logistic and gamma regressions models were used to determine the likelihood of consumption and, when eaten, the quantity consumed of selected food groups based on the coincidence of other foods in the meal. Models adjusted for age (1.5 ≤ years ≤ 96), gender, and time of day in addition to a random intercept for participants.Of the eating occasions examined, 30% contained meat, rising to 42% for evening meals (5pm to 8pm). Meats were a significant determinant of the type of starchy foods within a meal, for example the likelihood of pasta was higher with beef (OR 1.06 (95% CI 1.04, 1.07) per z-score change in beef in the meal) than poultry (OR 0.87 (0.85, 0.87)) whereas rice was more likely to be eaten with chicken (OR 1.44 (1.42, 1.46)) than beef (OR 1.06 (1.04, 1.08)). The likelihood of potatoes in a meal increased with all meats, but the likelihood of bread was lower in meals containing meat, except for bacon and ham (OR 1.30 (1.30, 1.33)). The presence of meat, of almost any type, in a meal was predictive of vegetables in the meal. On average the quantity of meat increased the quantity of vegetables in the meal by approximately 11.2% (95% CI 9.5, 12.8), 8.7% (6.0, 11.4), 8.1% (5.5, 10.8), and 3.9% (2.7, 5.2)% per 100g increase of beef, lamb, pork, and poultry respectively.Recommendations to reduce meat consumption must consider the wider impact on the whole dietas meals are restructured. Observed meals indicate the combinations of foods currently consumed, and how people may change eating patterns if they reduce meat consumption. The consequence of reducing meat in meals may change the choice of starchy elements. Switching from beef to poultry would likely increase rice consumption and reduce use of potatoes and pasta, attenuating the net reduction in emissions. However, since meat was positively predictive of the presence and quantity of vegetable in meals, reducing meat content may, in the short term, have negative implications for public health as people restructure meals.
Subjective feedback from the EatWellUK-2 study: Insights for personalised nutrition apps
Authors: Bobokhidze Eka , Weech Michelle , Fallaize Rosalind , Hwang Faustina , Lovegrove Julie 
Published: December 2024

Poor dietary habits are associated with the development of non-communicable diseases(1). Most strategies implemented to enhance population diet quality follow a “one-size-fits-all” standardised approach, often neglecting individual preferences and requirements. Evidence suggests that personalised nutrition (PN) advice, tailored to an individual, can improve dietary intakes(2). This research investigates participants’ subjective feedback from the EatWellUK-2 randomised control trial that compared PN advice versus general dietary guidance, both delivered via eNutri, a web app, developed at the University of Reading. eNutri delivers automated food-based nutrition advice tailored to the user based on their dietary intake recorded by a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ)(3).Participants were disease-free UK adults (>18y) who were randomised to the PN or control group. Participants completed the eNutri FFQ, then automatically received via the app either advice tailored to their dietary intake (PN group) or general population advice based on the UK’s Eatwell Guide (control). Following a 12-week intervention, the FFQ was repeated and participants completed a feedback questionnaire containing open-text and Likert questions assessing agreement with statements (strongly disagree, disagree, neutral, agree and strongly agree). MannWhitney U tests compared the mean ranks between the PN and control groups for each question. Data are presented as percentages of participants who felt positively about each statement based on “agreed” plus “strongly agreed” responses. The study received ethical approval from the University of Reading Research Ethics Committee (08/19) and was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03897972).Participants (90% female) had a mean (SD) age of 46 (15) y and BMI of 25.8 (6.1) kg/m2. When asked about the advice received, the responses of the PN group (n = 54) were more positive that “it encouraged me to eat healthily, even if only for short time” (p = 0.045, PN 55.6% vs control 41.8%) and “it was clear what changes I needed to make to improve my diet” (p = 0.011, PN 73.6% vs C 51.8%). When asked to provide an “app review” of eNutri, the control group (n = 55) described their advice as “too general” and “readily available elsewhere”, while the PN group said it contained “varied and realistic examples”, and the advice was “very clear”, “helpful” in relation to choosing “better foods to eat” and allowed people to “assess your own goals”.Participant feedback favoured PN over general population advice as it provided encouragement and clarity about which dietary changes would benefit each individual. Together with the quantitative results from the EatWellUK-2 study, which are still being analysed, these findings will help to assess eNutri’s potential as a useful tool to encourage UK adults to adopt healthier dietary behaviours.