bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Formula diet driven microbial diversity and immunological consequence in small intestine of neonatal porcine model
Authors: Yeruva V.Laxmi , Spencer Nicole , Bowlin Anne K , Chintapalli Sree V , Shankar Kartik , Hennings Leah , Cleves Mario A , Saraf Manish , Badger Thomas M , Ronis Martin J 
Published: June 2021

Several studies have shown that the development and function of the neonatal immune system is enhanced by breast feeding compared to formula feeding. It is important to understand the interaction between infant feeding regimens and the developing GI tract, to identify the protective components of breast milk and mechanisms attributed in immune system development. We used the neonatal piglet model in which piglets were exclusively fed cow's milk formula (n=12) or sow fed (n = 12) from postnatal day (PND) 2 to PND 21 to study the microbiome and GI immune system development. Microbial richness and diversity were assessed from small intestinal contents (duodenum, jejunum and ileum) via 16sRNA amplicon sequencing using V4 variable primers. Data analyses was carried out by using QIIME 1.9.1. Principal component analyses (PCoA) indicated clear separation of the diet groups in all three regions of small intestine. The duodenum showed a significantly more diverse microbial population than jejunum and ileum (FDR corrected, P<0.001) in both sow‐ and formula‐fed groups. However, formula feeding was associated with more microbial diversity in comparison to sow‐diet (FDR corrected, P<0.01). In sow‐fed piglets, Lactobacillus spp was the most abundant and Clostridia spp was the next abundant (FDR corrected, P<0.01) with 3 to 5‐fold higher amounts observed in comparison to formula fed piglets; whereas, Gamma proteobacteria was observed to be 3 to 5‐fold greater in formula fed piglets (FDR corrected, P<0.01) in comparison to sow‐diet. We also assessed histomorphometric changes of Peyer's patches, surface area and inflammatory responses of ileum. In formula‐fed piglets, the lymphoid follicle size (P<0.01) and germinal centers (P <0.01) within the Peyer's patch were significantly decreased compared to to sow‐fed, suggesting less‐developed immune system. The surface area of the ileum mucosa significantly increased in formula group compared to sow‐fed pigs (P <0.01) with no significant differences in growth rate or body weights between the diet groups. However, sow‐fed piglets had relatively longer small intestine than formula‐fed piglets (P<0.05). The decrease in small intestine length in the formula group corresponds to 14%, suggesting compensation for surface area and possibly for nutrient absorption. Furthermore, in ileum, formula diet induced significant down‐regulation of anti‐inflammatory IL‐10 (P <0.01) at protein level, indicating that formula diet impacts the immune response. We conclude that feeding a milk formula diet alters the microbiome, small intestine morphology and gut‐associated lymphoid tissue development and immune response.Funding: USDA‐ARS Project 6026‐51000‐010‐05S.Support or Funding InformationUSDA‐ARS Project 6026‐51000‐010‐05S.
Effects of a Randomized, Controlled Trial of Daily Vitamin D3 Supplementation During Pregnancy on Regulatory Immunity and Inflammation
Authors: Zerofsky Melissa , Jacoby Bryon , Pedersen Theresa L , Stephensen Charles B 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundVitamin D deficiency is widespread in pregnancy and has been associated with adverse health conditions for mothers and infants. Vitamin D supplementation in pregnancy may support maintenance of pregnancy by its effects on adaptive and innate immunity.ObjectiveWe assessed the effects of vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy on vitamin D status, regulatory and inflammatory T cells, markers of innate immunity, and systemic inflammation.DesignWe conducted a randomized, controlled, double‐blind intervention of two doses of vitamin D3 (400 IU/d vs. 2,000 IU/d) from <20 weeks through delivery in fifty‐seven pregnant women at risk for vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D status, immune function, and clinical endpoints were assessed in mid‐ and late pregnancy.ResultsSupplementation with 2,000 IU vitamin D had a greater effect on increasing vitamin D status than 400 IU (p<0.05). The percent IL‐10+ CD4+ regulatory cells increased significantly with the 2,000 IU treatment relative to the 400 IU control (p<0.05). FoxP3+ regulatory T‐cells and inflammatory T‐cells were not affected, nor were other immunologic endpoints. Pregnancy progression was associated with decreased percentage of Th1 (CD4+ IFNg+), Th17 (CD4+ IL− 17+), and FoxP3+ Treg cells in peripheral blood (p<0.05), decreased ex vivo production of T cell cytokines (IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐10), and increased plasma markers of inflammation (IL‐6, TNF‐a, neopterin).ConclusionsDaily supplementation with 2,000 IU is more effective at increasing vitamin D status in pregnant women than 400 IU and is associated with increased regulatory immunity that may prevent adverse outcomes caused by excess inflammation.Support or Funding InformationThis work was supported by the USDA‐ARS and UCDMC CTSC Vision Grant (UL1 TR000002).
Astaxanthin Attenuated the Expression of Fibrogenic Genes Induced by High Glucose Alone and in Combination with Transforming Growth Factor 1β in Hepatic Stellate Cells.
Authors: Bae Minkyung , Lee Ji‐Young 
Published: June 2021

Diabetes mellitus is a major metabolic disease in the U. S. with ~10% of the U.S. adults being diabetic. Diabetes mellitus causes serious health complications. In particular, studies have shown that type II diabetes mellitus is a risk factor for non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and liver fibrosis. Liver fibrosis is characterized by increased accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) in the liver due to injury. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are primarily responsible for ECM production upon their activation by liver injury and therefore they play major roles in the development of liver fibrosis. We previously demonstrated that astaxanthin (ASTX), a xanthophyll carotenoid, prevented the activation of HSCs and attenuated the expression of fibrogenic markers, such as α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) and procollagen type I α1 (COL1A1) in LX‐2 (a human HSC cell line) as well as primary mouse and human HSCs. The objective of this study was to determine if astaxanthin can ameliorate the expression of fibrogenic genes induced by glucose alone or in combination with transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1), a potent fibrogenic cytokine, in LX‐2 and primary human HSCs. LX‐2 cells were pretreated with either low glucose (1 g/L) or high glucose (4.5 g/L) in the absence or presence of 25 μM ASTX for 24h, followed by additional treatment with 4 ng/mL of TGFβ1. Compared with low glucose, high glucose increased mRNA of α‐SMA by ~2‐fold and the combination of high glucose and TGFβ1 further increased α‐SMA expression in LX‐2 cells. ASTX attenuated the induction of α‐SMA by glucose alone or in combination with TGFβ1 by ~60%. Consistently, we also observed the induction of α‐SMA and COL1A1 expression by high glucose alone and in combination with TGFβ1 to a more extent, which was significantly attenuated by ASTX more than 70%. We also confirmed that high glucose and high glucose/TGFβ1‐induced protein levels of α‐SMA and COL1A1 were noticeably decreased by ASTX in human primary HSCs. In conclusion, ASTX inhibits high glucose and TGFβ1‐induced fibrogenic gene expression in HSCs, suggesting that it may be used as a preventive/therapeutic agent for liver fibrosis in diabetic population.Support or Funding InformationUnited States Department of Agriculture, AFRI (2012‐67018‐19290)
All‐trans‐Retinoic Acid Inhibits Adipogenesis by Interrupting Gadd45α Induced Zfp423
Authors: Wang Bo , Zhu Meijun , Du Min 
Published: June 2021

Retinoic acid (RA) is known to maintain the preadipocyte phenotype and inhibit adipocyte differentiation and maturation. Although RA has been showed to induce epigenetic changes during embryonic stem cell differentiation, the effect of RA on epigenetic modifications of adipogenic genes are unknown. C3H10T1/2 mesenchymal progenitor cells were induced adipogenesis with/without 1mM all‐trans retinoic acid (ATRA), and epigenetic changes in the zfp423 promoter, a critical transcription factor initiating adipogenesis, were analyzed. We found that Growth arrest and DNA‐damage‐inducible protein GADD45 alpha (gadd45α) is involved in adipogenesis of C3H10T1/2 by inducing DNA demethylation in the zfp423 promoter. During adipogenesis, both gadd45α and zfp423 expression was upregulated. Gadd45α overexpression upregulated zfp423 expression and enhanced adipogenesis whereas gadd45α knock down had opposite effects. RA strongly inhibited the expression of zfp423 and down‐stream adipogenic genes in both control and gadd45α overexpressing cells and completely blocked lipid accumulation, which was associated with a reduction in gadd45α expression and binding to the zfp423 promoter. Consistently, in vivo, we found that 30 IU/mL vitamin A supplementation (through water) prevented high fat diet (60 kcal% fat) induced obesity, which was correlated with attenuated zfp423 and pparg expression in the adipose tissue of mice. After one month of high fat diet challenge, vitamin A supplemented mice had lower body weight gain, less white fat deposition, smaller adipocytes size and higher insulin sensitivity compared with control mice. These data demonstrate that GADD45α mediated zfp423 promoter demethylation is required for adipogenesis. RA inhibits adipogenesis by preventing DNA demethylation of the zfp423 promoter and lipid accumulation. Thus, RA is beneficial for the prevention of high fat diet induced obesity.Support or Funding InformationSupported by NIH R01HD067449 and USDA‐NIFA 2015‐67015‐23219
13C Natural Abundance of Serum Retinol is a Novel Biomarker for Evaluating Effectiveness of Provitamin A Biofortified Maize and Carrots in Male Mongolian Gerbils
Authors: Gannon Bryan M , Pungarcher India , Mourao Luciana , Davis Christopher R , Simon Phillip M , Pixley Kevin V , Tanumihardjo Sherry A 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundCrops, such as maize, rice, sorghum, and millet, are being biofortified with provitamin A carotenoids to sustainably ensure adequate vitamin A (VA) intakes. VA assessment can be challenging because serum retinol is homeostatically controlled and more sensitive techniques are resource intensive.ObjectivesThis study investigated serum retinol 13C abundance changes due to natural 13C fractionation in C3 vs. C4 plants as a biomarker to detect provitamin A efficacy from biofortified (orange) maize and carrots.MethodsThe design was a 2×2×2 maize (orange vs. white) by carrot (orange vs. white) by VA fortificant (VA+ vs. VA−) in Mongolian gerbils (n=55), which included a 14‐d VA‐depletion period followed by eight 62‐d treatments (n=5–7/treatment). VA from liver and serum was quantified and purified by HPLC and subsequently analyzed by gas chromatography‐combustion‐ isotope ratio mass spectrometry for 13C abundance.ResultsTreatments significantly affected liver VA concentrations (P<0.0001), but did not affect serum VA concentrations (P=0.64). Serum retinol and liver VA 13C abundance correlated well (R2=0.92, P<0.0001). Serum retinol 13C abundance differentiated control groups consuming white maize and white carrots (−27.1±1.2 δ 13C‰) from those consuming orange maize and white carrots (−21.6±1.4 δ 13C‰, P<0.0001) and those consuming white maize and orange carrots (−30.6±0.7 δ 13C‰, P<0.0001).ConclusionsProvitamin A adoption effectiveness can be evaluated using serum retinol 13C abundance shifts after consumption of provitamin A maize and could likely be used for other C4 plants being biofortified with provitamin A carotenoids (e.g. millet and sorghum). Advantages of this include no extrinsic tracer dose, a single blood sample, and high sensitivity compared with serum retinol.Support or Funding InformationThis work was supported by an endowment to SAT entitled “Friday Chair for Vegetable Processing Research”, USDA Hatch WIS01528 (SAT), California Fresh Carrot Advisory Board (PWS), and HarvestPlus Agreement 5204 (KVP).
Sweet Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) Stalk Extract, a Byproduct of Biofuel Production, Ameliorates Systemic Oxidative Stress in a Murine Model of High‐Caloric Diet‐Induced Obesity
Authors: Reddivari Lavanya , Bhatnagar Rohil , Massey Aaron , Vanamala Jairam 
Published: June 2021

Humans are exposed to reactive oxygen species (ROS) through internal metabolic processes and environmental toxicants. An imbalance between oxidants and anti‐oxidants occur due to either an impaired anti‐oxidant system, or due to increased ROS production leading to oxidative stress. Dietary and lifestyle factors have been attributed as key causal agents in the onset and progression of chronic oxidative stress. Accumulating scientific evidence has implicated stress in the etiology of various chronic disorders, such as cancer, aging, metabolic syndrome and many others. 8‐isoprostane is a prostaglandin like compound that is considered as a sensitive marker to quantitate oxidative stress, with elevated levels associated with an increased oxidative stress response. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables has been considered as an effective strategy to both strengthen the antioxidant system of the body, and scavenge excess ROS. Sweet Sorghum (SS) possesses a unique array of phenolic compounds, including 3‐deoxyflavonoids. SS stalk, an inexpensive by‐product of the biofuels industry, can be used to develop science‐based standardized extracts with potential anti‐oxidant properties. We investigated the potential of phenolic rich extract of the dermal layer of SS stalk in alleviating oxidative stress in an animal model of diet‐induced obesity. A/J mice were fed a low‐caloric diet (LCD), high‐caloric diet (HCD) with 40% kcal from dietary fat and HCD supplemented with 1% w/w SS (HCD + SS) for 10 weeks. Our results show that SS was well tolerated by the mice consuming the experimental diets, as indicated by normal body weight, vital organ weights, feed intake and water intake. SS administration blunted systemic oxidative stress by suppressing plasma 8‐isoprostane levels. SS was also able to suppress the high‐calorie diet‐induced elevation of TNF‐α levels in the HFC + SS group. These results support the effectiveness of SS stalk as a potential source of bioactive compounds with potent in vivo anti‐oxidant and potential anti‐inflammatory activity.Support or Funding InformationNational Research Initiative Grant 2009‐55200‐05197 and fellowship grant 2011‐67012‐22951 from the USDA National Institute for Food and Agriculture (2009–2012).
A new commercial behavioral weight loss program: effect of program location, delivery mode and participant factors on weight loss
Authors: Das Sai Krupa , Brown Carrie , Toole Jim O’ , Roberts Susan Barbara 
Published: June 2021

Rates of obesity are continuing to increase in adult Americans, and intensive behavioral programs are recommended to facilitate success in losing weight. However, among commercial programs that are currently offered to the public, very few have published statistics on their results.We analyzed data for the commercial iDiet program (www.myidiet.com), a new group behavioral program based on novel principles. Specifically, this new program emphasizes hunger control and retraining food preferences through adherence to provided menu plans, in contrast to traditional programs that are built on self‐monitoring and accountability for calorie balance with self‐directed food choices. Self‐reported weights by individuals enrolled in a 12‐week program were analyzed. The data were collected by the iDiet company between January 2013 and June 2015 and provided to Tufts University to conduct independent analyses. The company also gave Tufts direct access to the company participant‐entered weight data for verification of the numbers via random auditing.Results presented are for 498 adult men and women who completed the program and also provided at least one weight per week for ≥10 of 12 program weeks. The mean ± SD age of participants was 51.6±11.6, BMI was 32.3±7.1, and 87% of participants were female. 51% of individuals received their weight loss program in their worksite and 49% enrolled in a community program. 73% received the program via videoconferencing and 27% received it in‐person. Mean weight loss was 7.5±3.6% of starting weight for participants, and 75% of these participants lost ≥5% weight. Predictors of percent weight loss were analyzed using an ANCOVA model including all predictors and adjusting for age and baseline weight. There was no effect of gender, BMI, program location (worksite or community group) delivery mode (live or videoconference) or program payment (full payment by the individual versus no payment or incentivised participation) on percent weight loss. However, program year influenced results, with LS mean percent weight loss increasing from 5.9% in 2013 to 8.6% in 2015 (p =<.0001).These weight loss values are substantial by comparison with data reported for other commercial weight loss programs, and indicate broadly successful results in a variety of settings by either live or videoconference delivery.Support or Funding InformationThis work was supported by USDA HNRCA grant: H150001 DA9611
Diet Quality of a Pregnant Primarily African American Cohort Residing in the Mississippi Delta: Delta Healthy Sprouts
Authors: Goodman Melissa Hall , Thomson Jessica L , Tussing‐Humphreys Lisa M 
Published: June 2021

At no point during a woman's life is good nutrition more important than during her reproductive years as her dietary choices affect not only her health but also that of her child. Delta Healthy Sprouts is a randomized, controlled, comparative trial testing the impact of two Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting programs on health behaviors of mothers and their infants residing in the rural Mississippi Delta. This region of the US is characterized by high rates of poverty, obesity, and chronic diseases, low educational attainment, high proportion minority, poor nutrition, as well as poor pregnancy, delivery, and birth outcomes. We examined the impact of in‐home one‐on‐one nutrition education starting in the 5th gestational month (GM) on diet quality during pregnancy. The experimental arm (PATE) received monthly home visits using the Parents as Teachers curriculum enhanced with nutrition and physical activity education. Gestational intervention components of the PATE arm included healthy weight gain during pregnancy, nutrition and physical activity, and breastfeeding. Lessons included hands‐on activities, instructional DVDs, and goal setting for both diet and exercise. The control (PAT) arm received monthly home visits using the Parents as Teachers curriculum only. For both arms, maternal dietary intake during the gestational period was based on 24‐hour dietary recalls at GM4 (baseline), GM6, and GM8. Diet quality was computed using the Healthy Eating Index‐2010 (HEI‐2010; total score range 0–100 points). HEI‐2010 mean scores for PAT participants at GM4, GM6, and GM8 were 41, 41, and 43 points, respectively; corresponding scores for PATE participants were 46, 44, and 45 points, respectively, reflecting overall poor diet quality for all participants at all time points. In particular, HEI‐2010 component mean scores were low for greens and beans, whole grains, seafood and plant protein foods, and sodium for both treatment arms at all 3 time points. Significant effects were not found for time, treatment, or time by treatment for the HEI‐2010 total or component scores. Results indicate that 3 months of nutrition education had no apparent effect on diet quality during pregnancy in this cohort of rural Southern primarily African American women. Explanations for this lack of effect are discussed.Support or Funding InformationSupported by the USDA Agricultural Research Service with in kind support from the Delta Health Alliance.
Dietary Intake and Diet Quality of Low‐income Adult Georgians Participating in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP‐Ed)
Authors: Lee Jung Sun , Hibbs Judy , Moore Jessica , Olubajo Babatunde , White Alice , Bailey Claudette , Lewis Markita 
Published: June 2021

SNAP‐Ed provides nutrition education to low‐income Americans to help them make healthy choices within a limited budget. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of SNAP‐Ed participation on dietary intake and diet quality in a sample of low‐income Georgians who participated in the face‐to‐face nutrition education program delivered by trained paraprofessionals, titled Food Talk. This study includes 273 adult Georgians who completed both pre‐ and post‐surveys as well as consented to participate in the study (n=273, mean age 53.1±19.6 years, 80.2% female, 59.5% non‐Hispanic black; 38.5% of total Food Talk participants). Pre‐and post‐dietary recalls were collected by paraprofessionals to assess dietary intake and diet quality as measured by Healthy Eating Index‐2005 (HEI‐2005) score. Sociodemographic characteristics and food resource management, food safety, and nutrition practices were also assessed using self‐administered paper surveys. About 47% of participants received at least one public assistance program including SNAP (37.1%), and 51.1% reported sometimes running out of food before the end of the month. On average, participants completed 5.68±0.92 out of 6 lessons, and 81.4% of the sample completed all 6 lessons. At entry, participants met on average 29% of 19 recommended dietary guidelines. The mean total HEI‐2005 score of the sample at entry was 50.2±13.7 (out of 100). Most participants reported poor (49.8%) or needs improvement (49.47%) diet quality categories. After receiving the Food Talk lessons, the mean total HEI‐2005 score at exit (50.9±15.0) was not significantly different from that at entry, but 17.7% and 63.7% of the sample showed improved or maintained diet quality categories, respectively. At exit, participants met on average 49% of 19 recommended dietary guidelines. Those who reported improved diet quality showed significant increases in 8 of the HEI‐2005 component scores (except total grains, dairy, vegetables, and protein food consumption) and were more likely to have ≥ 12 years of education and to receive SNAP after controlling for other confounders. The findings of this study showed that overall diet quality of SNAP‐Ed participants in Georgia is poor. Although the Food Talk program helped to improve diet quality of vulnerable participants (i.e., SNAP recipients) more than others, still the diet quality of the majority of participants needs major improvement. This study suggests the need to identify strategies to tailor the SNAP‐Ed program to best support improvement of dietary quality among target audiences.Support or Funding InformationThis study was funded by USDA SNAP‐Ed.