bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Test‐retest reliability of peripheral arterial tonometry (PAT): Implications for trial design in cardiovascular nutrition research
Authors: McCrea Cindy E , Skulas‐Ray Ann C. , Sauder Katherine A. , West Sheila G. , Kris‐Etherton Penny M. 
Published: June 2021

Vascular endothelial dysfunction (ED) is an important step in the development of atherosclerosis and many foods and nutrients have been shown to improve ED. However, early measurement techniques were either invasive (requiring catheterization), or highly variable and operator dependent (e.g. FMD via ultrasound). Peripheral arterial tonometry (Endo‐PAT, Itamar, Israel) has been proposed as an alternative for assessing ED in clinical trials, particularly those with multiple sites. Few studies have assessed repeatability of PAT measures, and little published information is available to guide sample size calculations. In a sample of 20 healthy adults, we measured reactive hyperemia index (RHI, a purported measure of ED) during identical tests conducted 1 week apart. Participants consumed a standardized, low antioxidant diet for 48 hours prior. As the patient reclined, a blood pressure cuff was placed on the forearm and finger‐tip pulse amplitude was measured before, during, and after 5 min cuff inflation. Paired measurements were significantly correlated (r = 0.68). The coefficient of variation was 12.2 and the interclass correlation was 0.74. We confirmed that RHI scores can be reproducibly measured under controlled conditions. Our presentation will examine the meaning of these findings for statistical power and clinical study design.The study was supported by NIH Grant M01 RR 10732.Grant Funding Source: NIH Grant M01 RR 10732
Nutrition knowledge and body mass index among urban churchgoing African Americans
Authors: Diehl Alica , Summers Amber , Martins Paula , Surkan Pamela , Gittelsohn Joel 
Published: June 2021

Healthy Bodies, Healthy Souls is a church‐based health promotion program, which aims to reduce diabetes risk in urban Af Crican Americans. Research to understand the factors that cause obesity, a primary risk factor for diabetes, in this population is needed to develop effective programs. We assessed nutrition knowledge and BMI in a sample of 138 African American churchgoers (94 females) in Baltimore City. The population had a mean age of 48 (SD= 15) and 88.5% had greater than a 12th grade level of education. Among the 138 participants [mean (SD) BMI 31.2 (6.6)], 32.4% (n= 45) were overweight (BMI: 25 – 29.9) and 51.8% (n= 72) were obese (BMI: >30). We calculated a nutrition knowledge score from 16 questions (α= 0.486), including 3 requiring interpretation of the Nutrition Facts label. A moderate nutrition knowledge was demonstrated [n=133, mean (SD) score 10.4 (2.2), range 5.0–15.0]. Results indicated no correlation between nutrition knowledge score and BMI overall (r=−0.034, p=0.347). There was no significant difference in nutrition knowledge of normal weight versus obese participants. Similarly, there was no significant difference in nutrition knowledge of overweight individuals versus obese individuals. These findings suggest that in our population of urban African American churchgoers, lack of nutrition knowledge may not be the most significant factor contributing to high BMI.Grant Funding Source: American Diabetes Association
Designing the Healthy Bodies, Healthy Souls church‐based diabetes prevention program through participatory research
Authors: Summers Amber , Goheer Attia , Rikoon Amy R , Gittelsohn Joel 
Published: June 2021

Healthy Bodies, Healthy Souls aims to reduce diabetes risk among urban African Americans by creating healthy food and physical activity environments both within and around churches. Twelve planning meetings were held in 3 churches to identify and prioritize foods and behaviors that contribute to obesity and diabetes in the church community, and to develop intervention strategies. On average 12.0 (range 4 to 20) adults were recruited through church announcements and word‐of‐mouth to attend planning meetings, including pastors, health ministry leaders, and church congregants. Members of the research team moderated the planning meetings and introduced discussion themes. Attendees brainstormed key issues for each theme and prioritized each using a dot voting system. Themes (and top vote‐getters) included problem foods in the church (fried chicken, white bread, macaroni and cheese) and at home (fried meats, candy, fast food) and alternatives to these foods, barriers to healthy eating (time, taste, convenience) and physical activity (lack of commitment/motivation, laziness, time), healthy food‐related behaviors (portion control, avoid eating late, pass healthy habits to children), and messages and media tools to promote change. This approach facilitated the design of culturally appropriate, potentially sustainable intervention components that will be implemented in the churches.Grant Funding Source: American Diabetes Association Clinical Research Award
Clustering of fasting glycemic biomarkers is related to levels of cardiovascular disease risk in adults
Authors: Tucker Amy Jeanette , McNicholas Paul D , MacKay Kathryn A , Vandermey Jeffrey S , Robinson Lindsay E , Graham Terry E , Bakovic Marica , Duncan Alison M 
Published: June 2021

Modifiable cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors include obesity, dyslipidemia and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Non‐modifiable CVD risk factors can include single‐nucleotide polymorphisms such as those within APOE and hepatic lipase (LIPC) genes. Comparison of risk factors across varying levels of CVD risk can help to elucidate the most relevant biomarkers for risk assessment. This study included data from men and postmenopausal women (n=39) with or without dysglycemia and obesity, and with diet‐controlled T2D, to examine multiple CVD risk factors using glycemic status and APOE and LIPC −514C>T polymorphisms as response variables. Predictor variables included 23 anthropometric, fasting glycemic and lipidemic biomarkers, oral glucose tolerance test area under the curve and dietary data. Relationships between CVD risk factors and levels were investigated via cluster analysis, logistic regression, ANOVA and Pearson's chi‐square test. Results identified 3 clusters among glucose, insulin and incretins that corresponded to distinct CVD risk levels. Age and fasting glucose in all participants and those with APOE E3/E3 genotype were significant and LIPC genotypes were related to CVD risk levels. This study highlights potential CVD risk factors through cluster analysis and supports current CVD risk screening.Grant Funding Source: Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
Racial‐socioeconomic disparities in dynamics of local food outlets and fitness facilities in the U.S.
Authors: Chen Hsin‐Jen , Wang Youfa 
Published: June 2021

To examine relationships between local socio‐demo‐economic conditions and the dynamics (increase or decrease) in availability of food outlets and fitness facilities, we linked 2000 Census data on local socio‐demo‐economic characteristics with local business data (Census Business Patterns: 1999 to 2001); 5‐digit ZIP Code Tabulation Area (ZCTA5) is the level/unit of analysis. ZCTA5s were classified as white‐dominant (>50% white residents, “WD”), black‐dominant (>50% black, “BD”), Hispanic‐dominant (>50% Hispanic, “HD”) and other racial‐mixed (“RM”) areas. Supermarket, convenient store, fresh food shop, restaurant, take‐out food, liquor shop and gym were focused. Increase/decrease/no change in number of stores from 1999 to 2001 were modeled as discrete outcomes with multinomial logistic regression. ZCTA5 in the contiguous States and with >=300 residents were included (n=27954). Poverty rate explained the decrement of supermarkets and gyms. Supermarket tended to decrease in urban, and increase in suburban, than in rural areas. Higher % of foreign born residents was associated with increment in fresh food shops. Compared to WD, in HD, supermarkets decreased but fresh food shops increased. Liquor shops changed drastically in BD. We saw no significant difference between WD and RM areas. Thus, local socio‐demo‐economic characteristics may influence dynamics of local food outlets and fitness facilities.Grant Funding Source: NIH/NIDDK (R01DK81335‐01A1), NIH/NICHD (1R01HD064685‐01A1)
Consumer Responses to Menu Labeling Legislation in New York City‐ Have Purchasing Patterns Been Affected?:
Authors: Vadiveloo Maya , Dixon L. Beth , Elbel Brian 
Published: June 2021

This study examined whether calorie labels introduced in NYC chain restaurants in 2008 affected food purchases of lower income adults in NYC and Newark, NJ. The study sample included 1,170 adults who ate at 4 chain restaurants in NYC and Newark before and after labeling began in NYC. Receipts were analyzed for types of foods and beverages purchased and adults were surveyed about frequency of fast food consumption. Linear and logistic regression, difference‐in‐difference analysis, and predicted probabilities were calculated. No favorable differences in food purchases and fast food consumption between NYC and Newark were found. More adults ordered caloric beverages and regular salad dressing after labeling in NYC compared to Newark (p<0.05). In a subset of NYC adults who reported noticing and using menu labels, more adults purchased salads (19% vs. 8%, p<0.05) and had fewer visits to fast food restaurants compared to adults who did not notice the labels (4.9 vs. 6.6 meals per week, p<0.05). Results were similar in adults who reported noticing but not using labels. Efforts to promote awareness of menu labels are needed to enhance their efficacy.Grant Funding Source: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Healthy Eating Research Program (PI: Elbel)
Effect of Ginkgo Biloba leaf powder and extract on plasma and liver lipids, platelet aggregation and erythrocyte Na+ efflux in rats fed hypercholesterolemic diet
Authors: Kim Ji Mi , Ryou Sung Hee , Kang Young Hee , Kang Jung Sook 
Published: June 2021

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Ginkgo biloba (Gb) leave powder (10%) and extract (3%) on plasma and liver lipids, platelet aggregation, erythrocyte Na efflux and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) in SD rats fed 0.5% cholesterol diet. Average daily gain was significantly lower in rats fed Gb extract than the control (p<0.05) with no difference in food intake. Plasma HDL cholesterol was increased in rats fed Gb powder (p<0.05) compared with control. Platelet aggregation in maximum and initial slope were significantly decreased compared with the control (both, p<0.05). Intracellular Na was significantly higher in rats of Gb extract than the control (p<0.05) without difference in intracellular K. Erythrocyte Na‐K ATPase and total Na efflux were significantly increased in rats of Gb extract compared with other groups (p<0.01, p<0.05). Plasma glucose was significantly lower in Gb powder than the control. Plasma GOT, GPT and glucose were significantly lower in Gb extract compared with the control (all p<0.05).Ginkgo biloba which contains bioactive ginkgolide and bilobalide seems to have protective effects from cardiovascular diseases with favorable actions on HDL cholesterol, platelet aggregation and erythrocyte Na channels.
Shared patterns of cardiometabolic disease risk factors in Filipino mothers and offspring
Authors: Zubair Niha , Adair Linda 
Published: June 2021

Previous research identified clusters of Filipino women who share similar cardiometabolic (CM) characteristics. Here we use cluster analysis to study patterns of co‐occurrence of CM risk factors in their young adult (mean age 21.5) offspring. We use data 1271 participants in the 2005 Cebu Longitudinal Health and Nutrition Survey. Offspring clusters were created from sex‐specific Z‐scores of fasting glucose, triglycerides (TAGs), HDL‐C, LDL‐C, C‐reactive protein, systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP), and HOMA‐IR. Five distinct clusters, similar to those identified in mothers, reflected: low levels of all risk factors ‐“healthy”; low HDL‐C in the absence of other risk factors; elevated BP; low HDL‐C and high fasting glucose; and insulin resistance (IR), elevated TAGs, and high fasting glucose. We used multinomial logistic regression to relate these clusters to offspring characteristics and maternal CM clusters. Compared to the healthy group, dietary saturated fat, waist circumference, and overweight status were strong predictors of clusters representing CM disease risk. Similarly, the maternal low HDL‐C cluster predicted membership in the offspring low HDL‐C (OR 2.27, 95% CI=1.45:3.55) and low HDL‐C/high glucose clusters (2.67, 95%CI=1.73:4.14). Cluster analysis found biologically meaningful groups influenced by maternal clusters and identified modifiable risk factors for CM disease.Grant Funding Source: NIH Grant HL085144‐03
Impact of consuming ample protein: findings on resistance trainers' bone mineral density
Authors: Lowery Lonnie Michael , Hemlepp Laura , Tomczyk Nicole , Milkent Kelly , Troska Amy , Glickman Ellen 
Published: June 2021

A high protein diet is said to reduce bone mineral density (BMD) but remains controversial. The study sought to compare whole‐body and site specific (lumbar spine, femoral neck) BMD among protein seeking (PRO) and non‐protein seeking (NPRO) resistance trainers. The study is the first to the authors' knowledge comparing BMD of long‐term PRO, where all subjects had similar strength training backgrounds. The diets of males (n=20) who met the criteria (health, age range, ≥ 3y of weight training) were analyzed after a seven‐day food diary. Compared to NPRO, the PRO group consumed a larger absolute and relative amount of protein (104.5 ± 23.1g/day [1.5± 0.4 g/kg] vs. 250.2 ± 87 g/day [3.2 ± 1.0 g/kg] p=0.00009) over a self‐reported nine year period. Neither intensity of training (perceived exertion) nor total kcal output per week differed significantly. Whole body BMD was elevated in the PRO group compared to the NPRO group (PRO 1.230 ± 0.095 g/cm2vs NPRO 1.153 ± 0.075 g/cm2;p =0.046). Lumbar BMD did not differ (PRO 1.155 ± 0.181 g/cm2vs NPRO 1.076 ± 0.066 g/cm2; p>0.05), nor did femoral neck BMD (PRO 1.050 ± 0.198 g/cm2 vs NPRO 0.963 ± 0.118 g/cm2; p >.05). The hypothesis that (large) protein intake would not negatively impact BMD was supported; in fact, it may have contributed to higher whole body BMD. Supported by The University of Akron Research Office, Akron, OH and Kent State University, Kent, OH.Grant Funding Source: Internally funded
Micronutrient and anthropometric status indicators are associated with physical fitness in Colombian school children
Authors: Arsenault Joanne E , Mora‐Plazas Mercedes , Forero Yibby , Lopez‐Arana Sandra , Jáuregui Germán , Baylin Ana , Gordon Paul M , Villamor Eduardo 
Published: June 2021

Poor physical fitness is associated with increased health‐related risks in children. The association of nutritional status indicators and physical fitness in children residing in developing countries is not well characterized. We conducted a cross‐sectional study among 1945 children 5–12 y of age in Bogotá, Colombia, to assess whether anthropometric and micronutrient status indicators were associated with performance in the shuttle run and standing long jump tests. Stunted children scored significantly lower in the run (p=0.0002) and jump (boys only; p=0.003) tests than non‐stunted children. Children who were thin or overweight/obese ran slower than normal weight children (p<0.01). Lower jump scores were associated with overweight/obesity and greater fat arm area in boys only (p<0.0001). Girls with low ferritin concentrations ran slower than children with normal ferritin (p=0.02). Erythrocyte folate concentrations were linearly related with higher run (p<0.0001) and long jump scores (p=0.0001) in both sexes. Boys with marginal or low vitamin B‐12 status had 4 cm lower long jump scores than children with normal status (p=0.01). Sub‐optimal anthropometric and micronutrient status are related to poorer performance in fitness tests. The effects of improving nutritional status on physical fitness of children warrant investigation.Funding: Secretary of Education of Bogotá, DRCLAS at Harvard University, National University of Colombia, National Institute of Health of Colombia, NIH training grant T32DK07703
Vitamin D status in an ethnically diverse population of young Canadian adults
Authors: García‐Bailo Bibiana , Badawi Alaa , Brenner Darren , Nielsen Daiva , Lee Hyeon‐Joo , Karmali Mohamed A , El‐Sohemy Ahmed 
Published: June 2021

Vitamin D deficiency, defined as serum 25(OH)D <27.5 nmol/L, has been linked to risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Vitamin D can be synthesized in the skin after exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Individuals in latitudes with seasonal shortages of exposure to UV radiation are at higher risk of vitamin D deficiency, especially certain ethnic groups. The objective was to determine vitamin D status in an ethnically diverse population (n=1027) of young Canadian adults aged 20–29 years. We found overall differences in deficiency prevalence among different ethnic groups, with 44% of South Asians being deficient, compared to 6% of Caucasians and 16% of East Asians. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency varied by season. In winter, deficiency ranged from 12% in Caucasians, to 25% in East Asians and 51% in South Asians. In spring, deficiency was 1% in Caucasians, 4% in East Asians and 26% in South Asians. In summer, deficiency was 1% in Caucasians, 10% in East Asians and 50% in South Asians. In fall, deficiency was 9% in Caucasians, 35% in East Asians and 55% in South Asians. We have shown that vitamin D deficiency is common in young Canadian adults, particularly in South Asians. This deficiency may partly explain the high incidence of T2D and CVD in this group later in life. Research Support from the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Advanced Foods and Materials Network.Grant Funding Source: Public Health Agency of Canada, Advanced Foods and Materials Network
Use of IMAC magnetic beads for simplified detergent screening for optimization of purification work flows of histidine‐tagged membrane proteins
Authors: Carlsson Marianne , Torstenson Karin , Salomonson Inger , Mascher Erik 
Published: June 2021

Affinity purification is a powerful tool that has become a prime choice as capture step in membrane protein purification. Recombinant membrane proteins are commonly purified by use of polyhistidine tags and immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC).The combination of magnetic beads and IMAC resins (pre‐charged with Ni2+‐ions) allows for an easy‐to‐use format for rapid, small‐scale, screening of conditions optimal for purification of membrane proteins.Screening for optimal purification conditions for a number of integral membrane proteins was performed. Vital parameters as choice of detergent, wash and elution buffer concentrations etc were addressed. All experiments were done using Ni2+‐charged chromatography media on magnetic beadsThe magnetic bead format simplified and shortened the handling procedures through‐out the screening workflow. Obtained results from screening for several detergents gave reliable results that could be fed into further scale‐up experiments.
Modeling the inhibition of human MARK2 kinase by H. pylori CagA virulence factor
Authors: Farley Grace , Issroff Jemma , Kaplan Russell , Altaras Deborah , Cherston Caroline , Drucker Julian , Durkin Matthew , Edelstein Sophia , Feng Liang‐Liang , Jacobson Connor , Klabin Maya , Lovett Charlie , Shapiro Tessa , Susman Lily , Hackett Jennifer , Stebbins C. Erec 
Published: June 2021

A partnership between students and Dr. Erec Stebbins enabled the Dalton School SMART team (Students Modeling a Research Topic) to model the interaction between the Helicobacter pylori CagA protein and the human PAR1b/MARK2 kinase.Infection of the human stomach with H. pylori bacteria carrying the CagA virulence factor causes gastric ulcers and cancer. H. pylori inject CagA into host cells using a type IV secretion system. CagA interacts with several host proteins to contribute to gastric disease, including the MARK2 kinase, which helps maintain gastric cell polarity. A 14 amino acid portion of CagA mimics host proteins by binding in the MARK2 substrate‐binding site. Thus, CagA inhibits MARK2 in the same manner that the human protein kinase inhibitor, PKI, inhibits the protein kinase PKA by blocking the substrate‐binding site.The inhibition of MARK2 kinase by CagA leads to loss of polarity in cells of the gastric epithelium, which is thought to lead to development of ulcers. Our model shows the interaction of the MARK2 kinase with the CagA peptide that binds in the substrate‐binding site. Supported by grants from the HHMI Pre‐College Program and the Camille and Henry Dreyfus Foundation.
Concerted Action of Aldehyde Dehydrogenases in Depot‐specific Fat Formation
Authors: Yasmeen Rumana , Reichert Barbara , Ziouzenkova Ouliana 
Published: June 2021

Unraveling mechanisms regulating fat distribution in visceral and subcutaneous fat depots is necessary to improve treatments of a number of chronic diseases. Retinoic acid, a transcriptionally active metabolite of vitamin A, plays a key role in differentiation processes. It is produced by the aldehyde dehydrogenase‐1 family of enzymes (aldh1a1,a2,a3). Our objective was to investigate whether differences in RA production by Aldh1, in subcutaneous versus visceral fat, diverge fat formation in these depots.We demonstrated that Aldh1a1 is the major enzyme regulating RA generation in adipocytes in vitro and in vivo. Deficiency in Aldh1a1 inhibits endogenous RA production and suppresses PPARg expression, a key event in 3T3‐L1 adipogenesis, that we rescued by overexpression of Aldh1a1,a3 or both. We identified that visceral fat expressed less Aldh1a2 and a3 than subcutaneous fat in C57/BL6 female mice on regular chow, although Aldh1a1 was predominantly expressed in these depots. Therefore, in Aldh1a1−/− mice, visceral fat essentially lacked all Aldh1 expression, which resulted in 70% decreased expression of PPARg and FABP4 in visceral fat of Aldh1a1−/− vs. WT mice. Consequently, Aldh1a1−/− mice specifically lost visceral fat.Our data suggest that Aldh1 enzymes play a key role in adipogenesis and their concerted action may contribute to differences in fat formation in different depots.
Influence of Nutrient Timing Following Resistance Exercise on Sleep RQ and Glucose in Young Men with a Family History of Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Stevens Michelle , Gutierrez Jean , Gribok Andrei , Rumpler William , Tadros Maryann , DiPietro Loretta 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveTo examine the impact of post‐resistance exercise supplement timing on sleep glucose and respiratory quotient (RQ; indicator of metabolic flexibility and lipid metabolism).MethodsYoung male participants (n=6) underwent two 48‐h stays in a whole‐room calorimeter. The first 24‐h served as a control day, and on the second day participants completed a 40‐min novel resistance exercise protocol and consumed 600g of 1% chocolate milk either immediately after (IPEN) or 3‐h after completing resistance exercise (3h‐PEN). RQ was measured continuously throughout the 48‐h period and glucose concentrations were determined by a continuous glucose monitoring system.ResultsSleep RQ following the exercise day, as compared to the control day, was significantly lower following IPEN (0.71±0.04 vs. 0.75±0.02; p= 0.04), but was not different in 3h‐PEN (0.72±0.03 vs. 0.72±0.03 p= 0.71). Glucose during the same sleep period following the exercise day, as compared to the control day, was not significantly different following IPEN (99±15 vs. 98±9 mg·dL−1; p= 0.77) or 3h‐PEN (92±10 vs. 92±12mg·dL−1; p= 0.96).ConclusionsPreliminary results indicate IPEN may have promoted greater fat metabolism during sleep, as compared to 3h‐PEN, but blood glucose concentration was not affected by nutrient timing. This study was funded by the GWU Department of Exercise Science.