bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quercetin and Green Tea Extract Supplementation in High‐ Fat Diet‐Induced Inflammation and Glucose Intolerance in Mice
Authors: Cialdella‐Kam Lynn , Ghosh Sujoy , Meaney Mary Pat , Knab Amy M. , Shanely R. Andrew , Nieman David C. 
Published: June 2021

Quercetin (Q) and green tea extract (GTE) modulate glucose homeostasis and have anti‐inflammatory influences. The purpose was to determine if Q and GTE would synergistically counter glucose intolerance and inflammation induced by a high fat diet (HFD; saturated fat=60% kcal) in mice. Male C57BL/6J mice were put on a HFD for 12‐wk and then randomly assigned to either: HFD + Q (n=10; 25 mg Q/kg); HFD + GTE (n=10; 3 mg GTE/kg); HFD + Q + GTE (Q‐GTE; n=10; 25 mg Q/kg, 3 mg GTE/kg); or HFD only (CON, n=10) treatment for 4‐wk. At 16‐wk, glucose tolerance was measured over 120 min, and area under curve (AUC) was determined using the trapezoidal method. Plasma was collected for Q and cytokines (IFN‐γ, IL‐10, IL1‐β, IL‐6, KC/GRO, and TNF‐α) analyses. Comparisons were made using ANOVA and multiple linear regression (α=0.05). In Q and Q‐GTE, plasma Q was 525% and 225% higher respectively vs. CON and GTE. The average 16‐wk weight gain was 30.74g across all groups. The glucose AUC was 14% lower in Q vs. GTE (p=0.0311) and trended 11% lower in Q vs. CON (p=0.0809). No differences in cytokines were found among groups (p>;0.05). In conclusion, Q supplementation in HFD fed mice had no effect on inflammation and mildly improved glucose tolerance; this was not altered by Q‐GTE or GTE alone.Funded by Quercegen Pharma.
Effects of Egg Ingestion on Endothelial Function in Adults with Coronary Artery Disease: A Randomized, Controlled, Crossover Trial
Authors: Katz David Lawrence , Ma Yingying , Kavak Yasemin , Njike Valentine 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveTo determine effects of daily egg consumption on endothelial function, biomarkers, and anthropometric measures in individuals with coronary disease (CHD).MethodsThis was a randomized, controlled, single‐blind, crossover trial. Thirty‐two participants (mean age 67 years; 6 women and 26 men) with CHD were randomly assigned to one of 6 possible sequence permutations of 3 different treatments (breakfast with 2 eggs, ½ cup Egg Beaters, or a high‐carbohydrate breakfast as part of an ad libitum diet) for 6 weeks. The primary outcome measure was endothelial function measured as flow mediated dilatation (FMD).ResultsAs compared to the control breakfast, daily consumption of eggs showed no adverse effects on FMD (7.2 ± 2.9% vs. 7.5 ± 2.9%; p=0.33), lipids (total cholesterol: 158.3 ± 28.6 mg/dL vs. 156.2 ± 27.4mg/dL; p=0.49), blood pressure (systolic BP: 132.8 ± 14.1 mmHg or vs. 135.5 ± 14.9mmHg; p=0.52, diastolic BP: 77.2 ± 6.1 mmHg vs. 76.7 ± 6.9 mmHg; p=0.86) or body weight (90.8 ± 17.5 kg vs. 91.8 ± 17.1 kg; p= 0.92). Outcomes did not differ between eggs and Egg Beaters.ConclusionsOur findings, and the overall weight of evidence, argue against the exclusion of eggs from heart‐healthy diets, even among those with actual coronary disease.The source of research support:the Egg Nutrition Center/America Egg Board and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Changing prevalence of overweight, obesity and metabolic syndrome criteria among college students
Authors: Morrell Jesse Stabile , Reilly Ruth A , Carey Gale B 
Published: June 2021

Overweight and obesity prevalence is high among young adults in the U.S. The purpose of the study was to determine if the prevalence of overweight/obesity, as well as metabolic syndrome (MetS) criteria, has changed since 2005–2007. Initiated in the fall of 2005, the College Health and Nutrition Assessment Survey (CHANAS) at the University of New Hampshire is an on‐going cross‐sectional survey of the health of young (18–24 yrs) adults; participants represent all majors at the university. Participants from 2005–07 (n=1,599; 71.5% female) and 2010–12 (n=1,384; 73.2% female) were included in the analyses. The prevalence of overweight/obesity was 32.9%/7.4% in 2005–07 and 25.1%/4.5% in 2010–12 (both p<0.01). Although no difference in MetS prevalence was observed (2.9 vs. 4.1%, p=0.1), reductions in hypertension (32.6 vs. 26.1%, p<0.01), abdominal obesity (4.3 vs. 2.8%, p<0.05), and elevated glucose (6.6 vs. 4.1%, p<0.01) were observed. Conversely, prevalence of low HDL‐C increased (24.6 vs. 31.1%, p<0.01). These observations suggest the improving rates of overweight and obesity among young, college adults may be associated with modest improvements in many MetS criteria. Supported by NHAES grant NH00541.Grant Funding Source: New Hampshire Agricultural Experiment Station
Skin total carotenoids predict plasma carotenoid levels during a 28‐week experimental feeding study with varying levels of vegetables and fruit
Authors: Jahns Lisa , Whigham Leah , Johnson LuAnn , Mayne Susan T , Cartmel Brenda , Ermakov Igor , Gellermann Werner 
Published: June 2021

Objective biomarkers are needed to assess adherence to vegetable and fruit intervention trials. This study compared plasma carotenoid concentrations to non‐invasive skin carotenoid assessments. Thirty participants consumed a low‐carotenoid diet (6 wk, Phases 1 & 3), a provided diet containing 6 c/day vegetables and fruit (8 wk, Phase 2) and their usual diet (final 8 wks, Phase 4). Skin was measured 5x/wk during Phase 2 and at least 2x/wk for the duration. Plasma carotenoids were measured at baseline and mid and end of each phase.Skin and plasma carotenoid levels decreased (p<0.01) by a third from baseline to end of phase 1, then increased (p<0.01) over 300% at end of phase 2. Plasma carotenoids returned to baseline concentrations at the end of phase 3 and skin carotenoid levels by end of phase 4.At baseline, skin and plasma total carotenoid values were significantly correlated (p <0.01). Skin carotenoid status significantly predicted plasma values using a mixed linear model including all 9 time points (p < 0.001), indicating that changes in skin carotenoid status closely follow changes in plasma across a broad range of intakes. At the individual level, skin carotenoids predicted plasma values as strongly (p < 0.001).This study supports the use of skin carotenoid status as an objective indicator for interventions involving carotenoids or fruit/vegetable intake. Support: USDA‐ARS
Perceptions surrounding food preferences and avoidances in pregnant and lactating women in the Western Highlands of Guatemala
Authors: del Rosario García María , Vossenaar Marieke , Bonorden Melissa JL , Solomons Noel W 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundThe health and nutrition of the mother are the most directly accessible element of the 1000‐days window‐of‐opportunity. Determining patterns of food avoidances and preferences should allow efficient interventions specifically targeting maternal nutrition.ObjectiveTo conduct formative research on dietary selection in pregnancy (P) and lactation (L) using qualitative methods.MethodsSix focus‐groups were conducted with attendance of 5–12 women, 3 with P and 3 with L women. They were conducted with a reflective dialogues‐focus. Sessions were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed using HyperResearch®.ResultsThe perception was that dietary specificity (both selections and omissions) was more important during L than in P, with the caveats that foods considered to provoke nausea were avoided, but cravings were viewed as not to be resisted. Diet during L was seen as supporting both the quantity and quality of milk, with thin gruels (atoles) judged superior. “Hot” and “Cold” concepts guided dietary choices during both L and P. Noxious elements in both the external and internal maternal milieu were considered transmissible through milk.ConclusionSensitivity to community perceptions of best eating practices in L and P is essential to guiding dietary intervention in this setting.Funded by Hormel Foods Corporation
Hemoglobin at age 6 weeks and subsequent mortality among HIV‐exposed infants
Authors: Carter R. Colin , Kupka Roland , Manji Karim , Aboud Said , Okuma James , Kisenge Rodrick , Fawzi Wafaie , Duggan Christopher 
Published: June 2021

OBJECTIVETo examine the relation between hemoglobin (Hb) at age 6 weeks and all‐cause mortality among infants born to HIV‐infected mothers.METHODSAmong 2266 infants with HIV exposure enrolled in a randomized trial of micronutrient supplementation, maternal demographics, birth characteristics, Hb, HIV status, breastfeeding, and mortality were assessed through age 24 months. Cox proportional hazard models were used to examine the relation between 6 wk Hb and all‐cause mortality.RESULTS239 (10.5%) children died and 339 (15.0%) children became infected with HIV over the follow up period. A linear relationship was seen between lower 6 wk Hb and mortality among children who became HIV‐infected (p = .0114 for trend) but not among those who did not. This relation held after adjusting for prematurity, exclusive breastfeeding, and maternal WHO HIV stage (p = .0072) but not when adjusting for low birthweight (< 2500 g).CONCLUSIONSLower Hb at age 6 wks was related to increased risk of all‐cause mortality, perhaps as a marker for children with HIV infection and/or low birthweight. This simple, low‐cost test may help to identify HIV‐exposed infants at higher risk for mortality.
Results from the self‐administered gerocognitive examination (SAGE) are not associated with misreporters of energy intake among multiethnic older adults
Authors: Ettienne‐Gittens Reynolette , Boushey Carol Jo , Steffen Alana , Murphy Suzanne , Wilkens Lynne R 
Published: June 2021

Examine association between misreporting on 24‐hr dietary recalls (24HDR) and SAGE, a screening tool to identify mild to severe cognitive impairment (MSCI). Adults (n=265) from a substudy of the Multiethnic Cohort (MEC) completed 3 telephone 24HDR. The sample represented the 5 ethnic groups in MEC (African American (AA), Hawaiian, Japanese, Latino, non‐Hispanic white (NHW)). SAGE scores defined likely to be normal (17–22) or MSCI (¡Ü16). Estimated Energy Requirement (EER) was computed using low activity. The ratio of reported energy intake (rEI) to EER identified under (<0.75), acceptable (0.75–1.25), or overreporters (>;1.25). The primary outcome of reporting status (under or acceptable/over) was examined using logistic regression adjusted for confounders.The sample included 131 men and 134 women, ages 55–80y. The majority (80%) were characterized as unimpaired. The proportion of underreporters in the sample was 35%. Adjusted for sex, ethnicity, and age, there was no significant association between cognitive status and misreporting. Independent of cognitive status, AA were more likely (p=.046) and Japanese were less likely (p=.023) to underreport compared to NHW.In this sample of older adults, no association between cognitive impairment and misreporting of rEI based on dietary recalls was found.Support for this work was made possible by the National Cancer Institute NIH/NCI 4R37 CA 54281.
Intakes, sources and blood levels of folate in Canadian pregnant women in the post‐fortification era
Authors: Masih Shannon , Plumptre Lesley , Ly Anna , Berger Howard , Lausman Andrea Y. , Croxford Ruth , O'Connor Deborah L. , Kim Young‐in 
Published: June 2021

Canadian pregnant women are exposed to high levels of folate due to periconceptional folic acid (FA) supplementation and mandatory FA fortification, both aimed at reducing the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs). Although there has been a marked decrease in NTD rates, concerns have been raised regarding potential adverse effects of high folate intake during pregnancy on maternal and fetal heath outcomes. At present, there is paucity of data concerning folate intakes and blood levels in Canadian pregnant women in the post‐fortification era. We determined intake levels and sources of folate using a food frequency questionnaire and RBC folate concentrations in 368 pregnant women at 11–16 wks gestation. 85% reported FA supplemental intakes of ≥ 1 mg of which 86% reported daily use. Mean intakes of folate were 320 ± 146 μg/d from natural sources and 162 ± 100 μg/d from fortified foods. The median RBC folate was 2438 nmol/L (1096–4750 nmol/L) with 60% above the previously reported 97th percentile of RBC folate (2299 nmol/L) in Canadian women of childbearing age. Our data indicates dietary folate intakes in the majority of Canadian pregnant women in the post‐fortification era exceeds the UL for FA. Furthermore, RBC folate levels are in a supraphysiologic range. Future studies are warranted to investigate the impact of high intake and blood folate levels during pregnancy on maternal and fetal health outcomes.Grant Funding Source: CIHR (MOP# 106446)
Increased Alveolar Surface Area in Neonatal Pups with Acute Lung Injury
Authors: Mezu‐Ndubuisi Olachi J , Reddy Narsa M , Reddy Sekhar P 
Published: June 2021

ObjectivePremature infants exposed to hyperoxia have acute lung injury with impaired gas exchange. The total area occupied by alveoli or total alveoli volume are closely related to total lung volume and pulmonary function. Using a newborn mouse model of Acute Lung Injury, we have quantified alveolar surface area.MethodsAn acute lung injury was induced by exposing one week old C57BL/6J mice to 77% oxygen for 5 days before returning to room air. On post‐natal day 17, lungs were inflated and slides stained with H & E. An automated software was used to quantify alveolar surface area as a ratio of total lung surface area.ResultsLung histology in OIR mice showed more vascular congestion, increased cellularity and loss of regular alveolar architecture with patchy areas of atelectasis and overdistension, compared to controls. The ratio of alveolar surface area was 92% of total lung area in controls (N=3) while OIR mice (N=5) showed increase in alveolar volume of 95% of total lung surface area, (p=<0.004).ConclusionsDespite varied histological features, hyperoxia exposure increases alveolar surface area from over‐distension. Thus affecting pulmonary function in acute lung injury. Automated quantification of pathological changes in lung surface area and alveolar ratio is less subject to bias, and useful for monitoring lung injury and repair.Source of Research Support: R01 HL66109
Mis‐translation as a potential, new mechanism of adaption and stress response
Authors: Pan Tao , Jones Thomas , Weisberg Chloe , Wiltrout Elizabeth , Schwartz Michael 
Published: June 2021

A central tenet of biology is the accurate flow of information from nucleic acids to proteins through the genetic code. It is commonly believed that translation deviating from the genetic code is to be avoided at all times in cells. We have discovered that in contrary, mammalian cells can deliberately reprogram the genetic code with the amino acid methionine upon innate immune activation and chemically triggered oxidative stress. Reprogramming the genetic code with methionine occurs through aminoacylation of non‐methionyl‐tRNAs with methionine in unstressed cells, and is further inducible upon regulated production of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the cell. We also found that tRNA misacylation with methionine occurs in all three kingdoms of life, and is highly regulated under cell growth conditions. We propose that mis‐translation via regulated tRNA misacylation is a common mechanism for environmental adaption and for stress response in cells. We are exploring and testing hypotheses on the regulatory mechanism, the biological effects and function of mis‐translation with methionine. The results and conceptual understanding obtained here shall help establish mis‐translation as a new mechanism of stress response in biology.Supported by NIH Director's Pioneer Award (DP1GM105386).
Sensing of DNA breaks by the ATM and ATR checkpoint kinases
Authors: Zou Lee 
Published: June 2021

DNA breaks are commonly induced during genome engineering and are recognized as DNA damage. Understanding how cells recognize and respond to DNA breaks is critically important for developing and improving strategies for genome engineering. In human cells, ATM and ATR are the two master checkpoint kinases that recognize and respond to double‐stranded DNA breaks (DSBs). While both ATM and ATR are activated by DSBs, their DNA damage specificities are distinct and their functions are not redundant. How ATM and ATR are activate by DSBs and how they execute their distinct functions are yet to be fully understood.To understand how ATM and ATR are activated by DSBs, we developed an in vitro biochemical assay in which both ATM and ATR can be activated in a DNA structure‐regulated manner. Using this assay, we found that ATM and ATR are activated by distinct types of DSBs. While ATM is activated by DSBs with blunt ends or short single‐stranded DNA (ssDNA) overhangs, ATR is activated by DSBs carrying long ssDNA overhangs. Our findings suggest that ATM and ATR are sequentially activated during the cellular response to DSBs. When DSBs with blunt ends or short ssDNA overhangs are generated in cells, they will primarily activate ATM. If DNA breaks are engaged in homologous recombination and long ssDNA is generated by nucleolytic processing of DNA ends, ATR will become the primary sensor of these processed DSBs. Using this biochemical assay, we have also characterized which DNA damage sensors are required for the activation of ATM and ATR by DSBs. Surprisingly, the Nijmegen breakage syndrome protein 1 (Nbs1), a known regulator of ATM, is also important for ATR activation. Our results suggest that Nbs1 is a multi‐functional sensor of DSBs that is able to detect different types of DSBs and regulate the activation of both ATM and ATR.
Effect of gender on long‐term effects of catch‐up growth in neonatal rats
Authors: Ebanks Erica , Lonnerdal Bo , Griffin Ian J. 
Published: June 2021

Poor early growth in preterm infants leads to impaired neurodevelopment but may reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome. Although elevated leptin levels in young animals may increase the risk of later leptin resistance, hepatic steatosis and metabolic syndrome, it is required for normal neurocognitive development. We therefore examined the effect of differences in early growth rates on serum leptin, triglycerides (TG) and cognition. Newborn rat pups were randomized into normal (N, n=10) or reduced growth (R, n=16) litters. On d11, R pups were re‐randomized into litters creating catch‐up (R‐6, n=6), normal (R‐10, n=10) or reduced growth (R‐16, n=10). Serum leptin, serum TG and hepatic TG were measured at d 10, 22, and 60; cognition in a T‐maze on d35. Leptin was higher in N pups than R on d10 (p<0.0001), and N animals scored highest on the T‐maze. In females, leptin on d22 and T‐maze score were significantly lower in the R‐16 group than other R groups. On d10, serum TG was significantly higher in N than R pups (p=0.001). In females, hepatic TG was significantly greater in R‐6 and N animals than in R‐10 or R‐16. We conclude that early growth restriction leads to lower serum leptin, serum TG, and impaired long‐term cognitive development. Subsequent catch‐up growth improves cognition, but worsens hepatic steatosis, in female rats. This model may contribute to our understanding of poor developmental outcomes in preterm infants.Grant Funding Source: UC Davis Department of Pediatrics
Race/ethnicity and Overweight/obesity as Contributors to Serum Vitamin D Insufficiency in Urban Schoolchildren
Authors: Van Rompay Lammi Maria I. , Eliasziw Misha , Economos Christina D. , Sacheck Jennifer M. 
Published: June 2021

Vitamin D insufficiency [vitDinsuff; serum 25(OH)D < 20 ng/ml] is prevalent among racial/ethnic minorities and overweight/obese individuals, but these relationships are still not well understood. Using data from 4th–8th grade schoolchildren enrolled in the Daily D Health Study from the Boston area, we used multivariable logistic regressions to assess the associations between vitDinsuff and race/ethnicity and overweight/obesity, adjusting for age and sex. Among 311 children, mean (sd) age was 11.9 (1.5) years, 52.4% were female, 25(OH)D was 18.4 (6.8) ng/ml, 60.1% were vitDinsuff, and 45.3% overweight/obese. Racially, 38.3% were white, 15.1% black, 16.7% Hispanic, 11.9% Asian, and 18.0% multiracial/other. The adjusted odds of vitDinsuff was 2.2 times higher among racial/ethnic minority children relative to white children (CI:1.4–3.6, p=0.001). An interaction was observed between race/ethnicity and overweight/obesity (p=0.08). The association between vitDinsuff and overweight/obesity was positive among Hispanics (adjOR=2.7, CI:0.8–9.2, p=0.10), inverse among multiracial/other children (adjOR=0.24, CI:0.07–0.81, p=0.02), and near neutral among whites, blacks, and Asians (adjOR=0.81, 1.07, and 0.87, respectively). The reason for the differential association between vitDinsuff and overweight/obesity between different racial/ethnic groups of children warrants further investigation.Grant Funding Source: NIH/ODS #3R01HL106160
System Science Models and National Data Projected Future Trends and Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Childhood Obesity in the US
Authors: Xue Hong , Chen Hsin‐Jen , Wang Youfa 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundAlthough the obesity prevalence seems to level off in young children in the US recently, the racial/ethnic disparities remain substantial. The non‐linear dynamic complexity in the increase of childhood obesity rates over time is not well studied.ObjectivesTo forecast future trends and disparities in childhood obesity in US till 2030.MethodsWe fit system dynamics models to simulate changes in obesity rates in children (aged 2–19 y) using the 1999–2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data and forecasted the trends till 2030.ResultsOur models reproduced the leveling off in the past decade. Incorporating the projection of demographic composition changes in US population, our simulations suggest that by 2030 27% of boys and 23% of girls will be obese. The disparities gap will increase, and by 2030, 38%, 32%, and 18% of Mexican‐American, Non‐Hispanic black, and non‐Hispanic white boys will be obese, respectively. In girls, the figures are 26%, 40% and 17%, respectively.ConclusionsOur simulations demonstrate the recent plateau is temporary, and current efforts are not sufficient to stop the increase. Specially more effort need to target minorities.Grant Funding Source: NIH/NICHD (U54 HD070725‐01,1R01HD064685–01A1) and NIDDK (R01DK81335–01A1)
Effects of high‐dose cholecalciferol on serum markers of inflammation and immunity in patients with early chronic kidney disease
Authors: Alvarez Jessica A , Zughaier Susu M , Law Jennie , Hao Li , Wasse Haimanot , Ziegler Thomas R , Tangpricha Vin 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveFew have investigated the anti‐inflammatory and immune‐regulating effects of vitamin D in patients with early chronic kidney disease (CKD). We aimed to determine if high‐dose cholecalciferol supplementation for 1 yr in subjects with early CKD reduced serum monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1) and other markers of inflammation and immunity.MethodsIn a double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial, 46 subjects with stage 2–3 CKD were given oral cholecalciferol (50 000 IU weekly for 12 wks then 50 000 IU every other wk) or placebo for 1 yr. Serum MCP‐1, tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐6, and cathelicidin were measured. An in vitro experiment was performed to investigate the effect of 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) treatment on MCP‐1 secretion in THP‐1 monocytes activated with lipopolysaccharide and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.ResultsBy 12 wks, serum MCP‐1 decreased in the cholecalciferol group (Figure). Other markers of inflammation and immunity did not change. Percent change in 25‐hydroxyvitamin D by 12 wks was associated with % change in MCP‐1 (r = −0.43, P = 0.005). In vitro, activated monocytes treated with1,25(OH)2D3 had less MCP‐1 secretion compared to control cells (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThese clinical and in vitro studies support a role for vitamin D in the regulation of immune‐mediated processes in patients with early CKD, specifically in the reduction of MCP‐1.Grant Funding Source: NIH, Atlanta Research and Education Foundation