bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing issue awareness and messaging on purchasing behavior of fresh fruits and vegetables in low‐income populations
Authors: Huang Yancui , Wuchner Brittany , Thomas Sarah , Park Eunyoung , Edirisinghe Indika , Burton‐Freeman Britt 
Published: June 2021

Low income populations are less likely than the general population to achieve recommended intakes of fresh fruits and vegetables (F/V). Individual beliefs, attitudes, knowledge, availability and budget are among the major impacts on purchasing F/V. Organic (Org) F/V are touted as healthier and safer than conventionally (Conv) grown. The impact of this message along with associated ‘Org vs Conv’ messages on attitudes and purchasing behaviors of F/V in low income groups (LIG) is not well understood. Therefore, this study was to assess issue awareness, attitudes, and Org vs Conv messaging on self‐reported purchasing of F/V in men and women (>;18 y) meeting low income criteria less than 250% above the poverty level (PL, n=510): 66% were less than 150% above PL. In this cross‐sectional survey conducted in Chicago, IL, the major factors influencing F/V purchasing behaviors were cost, nutrition, and food safety concerns. Sixty one percent indicated the media encourages consumers to buy Org F/V. Change in likelihood to purchase Conv F/V decreased after message testing (78% to 71%, p<0.05) whereas likelihood to purchase Org F/V increased (66% to 74%, p<0.05). The results indicated that messaging about Conv and Org F/V can influence likelihood of F/V purchases. These data provide new insight into understanding how predisposition and messaging could potentially impact F/V consumption in LIG.Supported by various donor funds
Anti‐hyperglycemic Effect of Arginyl‐fructose and Arginylfructosyl‐ glucose in db/db Mice Model
Authors: Ha Kyoung‐Soo , Jo Sung‐Hoon , Apostolidis Emmanouil , Lee Chong M , Kim Young‐Ho , Lee1 Mee sook , Jang Hae‐Dong , Kwon Young‐In 
Published: June 2021

During the heat processing of raw ginseng to produce red ginseng, amino acid derivatives such as arginyl‐fructose (AF) and arginyl‐fructosyl‐ glucose (AFG) are formed at high levels through Amadori rearrangement. However, limited information is available about the anti‐diabetic activities of these compounds. In our previous study, AF and AFG significantly reduced the postprandial blood glucose levels after starch or sucrose loading in SD rat. Therefore, in this study, the potency of glucose‐lowering effects of AF and AFG was evaluated in diabetic db/db mice model. To test whether AF or AFG play a role in the blood glucose lowering in db/db mice, db/db mice were randomly assigned to high‐carbohydrate diets (66.1% corn starch), in AF or AFG contents (4% in diet) for 6 weeks. Changes in body weight, blood glucose level, and food intake were measured daily for 42 days. Administration of AF resulted in a significant decrease of blood glucose level and body weight. The level of HbA1c relevant to seriousness of diabetes was also significantly decreased during 6 weeks. Administration of acarbose¢ç (0.04% in diet), positive control, also significantly alleviated the level of blood glucose, HbA1c, and body weight. These results indicate that AF and AFG, Maillard reaction products, may have anti‐diabetic effect by suppressing carbohydrate absorption in the gastrointestinal level.Grant Funding Source: National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) grant funded by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MEST) (2011–0014860)
Zinc (Zn) absorption from SprinklesTM is not affected by iron (Fe) in Kenyan infants in malaria endemic area
Authors: Krebs Nancy F , Hambidge K Michael , Ikemeri Justus E , Westcott Jamie E , Kemp Jennifer , Lei Sian , Miller Leland V , Liechty Edward , Esamai Fabian 
Published: June 2021

Interference with Zn absorption is one proposed explanation for adverse effect of Fe supplements in Fe‐replete subjects in malaria endemic areas. We determined the effect of Fe on Zn absorption and size of exchangeable Zn pool (EZP) after 3 mo of micronutrient (MN) home fortification with SprinklesTM in maize‐based diets in rural Kenyan infants.Methods6 mo old infants were randomized to 1 of 3 groups: MN+Zn (5 mg) + Fe (12.5 mg); MN+ Zn (5 mg); or placebo. At 9 mo, fractional absorption of Zn (FAZ) was measured by a dual isotope tracer ratio method, using extrinsic labels (67Zn) added to SprinklesTM meal, and to all other meals excluding breast milk (70Zn); 68Zn was administered IV. EZP was calculated from urine 68Zn enrichment. Zn intake (ZI) was measured by duplicate diet analyses. Absorbed Zn (AZ) = FAZ × ZI.ResultsAZ from non‐SprinklesTM meals = 0.2 mg/day in all groups. AZ from SprinklesTM meals and EZP by group were:

Group (n)
ZI (mg)
FAZ
AZ (mg)
EZP (mg/kg)

MN+Zn +Fe (10)
5.1 (0.02)*
0.12 (0.12)
0.60 (0.6)
3.7 (1.2)

MN+Zn (8)
5.2 (0.26)
0.14 (0.21)
0.70 (1.1)
4.0 (1.2)

Placebo (9)
0.1 (0.03)
0.25 (0.11)
0.02 (0.01)
3.0 (1.9)

Mean (SD) ANOVA indicated no significant differences for any variable.
ConclusionsAlthough increased Fe intake was not associated with impaired Zn absorption or EZP size, the low AZ relative to estimated physiologic requirement suggests higher doses of Zn in SprinklesTM may be desirable. Supported by NIH K24DK083772 and IAEA.
Public beliefs about involvement of religious institutions with obesity
Authors: Stiles Sarah , Sobal Jeffery 
Published: June 2021

While some social institutions, including medicine, government, and education, have mobilized to deal with obesity, it is unclear what role religious organizations play. Little is known about what the public thinks religious organizations should be doing about obesity. We analyzed the nationally‐representative, cross‐sectional 2011 Cornell National Social Survey (n=997) to examine public opinion about whether religious institutions should play a role in addressing obesity. We examined whether opinions were predicted by religiousness, political ideology, and body weight, controlling for sociodemographics. Overall, 8% of respondents strongly agreed that religious organizations should help to deal with obesity in the US, 21% agreed, 16% were uncertain, 29% disagreed, and 26% strongly disagreed. People with higher religious attendance were more likely to agree, but political ideology, religious affiliation, and body weight were not predictive of opinions about this issue. Results from this study suggest that the public is divided over whether religious organizations should deal with obesity and may suggest a lack of public consensus about the type of involvement these organizations should have.Grant Funding Source: No grant funding
Low Omega‐3 Fatty Acid Status in Residents of the Guatemalan Pacific Coastal Plain
Authors: Campos Raquel , Soto‐Méndez María José , Bailey Eileen , Detlefsen Michelle , Kraemer Klaus , Salem Norman 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundWith the exception of a dietary survey in schoolchildren showing lower‐than‐recommended intakes of essential fatty acids (EFAs), little is known about EFAs status in Guatemala.ObjectiveTo assess FA profiles in red cell membranes from adult women and school children in villages on the southern coastal plain of Guatemala.MethodsBHT‐protected red cell samples were prepared at the follow‐up collection period of an intervention study of a fat‐free fortified beverage from 158 women aged 15–49 y and 135 schoolchildren aged 6–11 y. Fatty acids were identified and quantified using gas‐liquid chromatography and reported in weight percent (Wt%).ResultsWith respect to the EFAs, children were significantly lower than the women in RBC membrane content for 20:3n6, 22:4n6 and 20:5n3, but had higher levels of 18:2n6, 20:4n6, 22:5n6, 22:5n3 and 22:6n3. The overall median omega‐3 proportion (EPA + DHA asWt%) was 3.58 Wt%, with 3.37 in women and 3.77 in children (p<0.05).ConclusionSpecifically for PUFAs, the indicators point to a less than optimal status for the n‐3 series in both subsamples.Funded by Cabcorp, Guatemala, Sight & Life, Basel and DSM Nutritional lipids of Columbia, MD.
Tri‐docosahexaenoic but not Tri‐eicosapentaenoic Acid‐Rich Emulsions are Neuroprotective after Cerebral Hypoxic‐ Ischemic Injury in Mice
Authors: Mayurasakorn Korapat , Ten Vadim S. , Deckelbaum Richard J. 
Published: June 2021

We previously showed a neuroprotective role of n‐3 rich triglyceride (TG) intravenous emulsions (48% eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) + docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)) after hypoxicischemic (H/I) injury (ischemic stroke) in 4 different rodent models, while n‐6 TG did not provide neuroprotection. We now questioned the specificity of TGs made with only EPA or DHA on post H/I neuroprotection in C57BL/6J neonatal mice. H/I was induced by right carotid artery ligation followed by exposure to 8% O2. Mice then received 2 intraperitoneal administrations of TG containing only DHA (Tri‐DHA) or EPA (Tri‐EPA) at doses of 0.1 and 0.375 g n‐3 TG/kg, administered immediately after H/I at different time points. n‐3 TG (Tri‐DHA) significantly reduced cerebral infarct volume by 47% as compared to saline control (p < 0.05). Post‐H/I treatment with Tri‐DHA at both doses significantly showed similar reduced (~ 50 %) cerebral infarct volumes when administered at 0, 1, or 2 hr after H/I by 51%, by 46% and 51%, respectively (p < 0.05), while Tri‐EPA showed no neuroprotective effect. No protective effect from Tri‐DHA was observed with injection at 4 hr after H/I. We conclude that n‐3 TG emulsions rich in DHA in mice are protective against H/I induced cerebral infarction when administered up to 2 hr after H/I injury. Acute Tri‐ DHA emulsion injection may prove to be an effective therapy after ischemic stroke in humans.Supported in part by NIH grants HL 40404 (RJD), NS 056146 (VST)
Estrogen increases the conversion of α‐linolenic acid to docosahexaenoic acid in ovariectomized mice
Authors: Mason Julie K , Kharotia Shikhil , Wiggins Ashleigh K.A. , Chen Jianmin , Thompson Lilian U. 
Published: June 2021

n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), namely eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) have beneficial health effects. The conversion of α‐linolenic acid (ALA) to EPA and DHA is low, especially in males compared to females and varies in the literature. Estrogen (E2) is suggested to affect ALA conversion but few studies have confirmed the E2 effect. Our objective was to determine the independent effect of E2 on n‐3 PUFA levels in serum and various tissues in female ovariectomized mice fed diets with low and high ALA. After 7 weeks exposure to an E2 pellet, mice were randomized to a corn oil‐based basal diet or an ALA‐rich flaxseed diet (FS) with or without removal of the E2 pellet for 4 weeks. E2 responsiveness was indicated by the 269% higher (P<0.001) uterus weight in E2‐ treated mice compared to those with E2 pellet removed. FS‐fed mice had higher proportions of ALA, EPA and DHA in total lipids extracted from serum, liver and brain. E2‐treated mice had higher serum (15.1%; P<0.001) and liver (18.2%; P<0.001) DHA but not brain DHA. EPA levels were not affected by E2. There was a diet × E2 interaction for ALA in the liver where the FS+E2 group had lower ALA compared to FS‐E2. In conclusion, E2 results in higher serum and liver DHA, does not affect brain DHA and does not affect EPA in any of the tissues measured. This finding may help explain the variability in ALA effect in studies involving males and females.Grant Funding Source: NSERC
Expressional Regulation of the Leptin by n‐3 FA is Related to The Epigenetic Modification of its Promoter in Diet Induced Obese Mice
Authors: Fan Chaonan , Shen Wenwen , Wang Cui , Deckelbaum Richard , Qi Kemin 
Published: June 2021

In this study, we investigated epigenetic modifications in the promoter region of the leptin gene and related effects of dietary n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n‐3 FA) in diet induced obese (DIO) mice. Male C57 BL/6J mice were fed with two high‐fat diets with different fat types – sunflower oil (n‐3 FA deficient) and fish oil, with a low‐fat diet ‐‐ sunflower oil as control. Compared to the mice fed with the control diet, expressions of leptin in plasma and epididymal fat were increased 8 fold in the n‐3 PUFA deficient DIO mice (P<0.01), and fish oil n‐3 FA in the DIO diet reversed the increased leptin expressions. The mean methylation fractions in most CpG sites of the leptin promoter were higher in the DIO mice (77% and 75%) than those in control (70%) with increasing binding of methylated CpG binding protein 2 by 40%. Also, increased H3 acetylation and decreased H4 acetylation at the leptin promoter were found in n‐3 deficient DIO mice, and the increased H3 acetylation was inhibited by dietary n‐3 FA. Methylation of Lys4 on H3 (H3K4) was reduced and that of Lys9 on H3 (H3K9) was increased in n‐3 deficient DIO mice as compared with control mice, and n‐3 FA in the DIO diet reversed the reduction of H3K4 methylation with no effects on H3K9 methylation. Therefore, epigenetic modification of the leptin promoter region may relate to expressions of leptin and this process may be regulated in part by n‐3 FA.Supported by the Nutricia Research Foundation (2009–15 and 2010‐E4).Grant Funding Source: Nutrition (ASN)
Investigation of metabolic adaptation in developing chicken embryo and post‐hatch chicks by blood metabolomics
Authors: Hu Qiong , Agarwal Umang , Bequette Brian J 
Published: June 2021

This study investigated metabolic differences in chicken embryos and post‐hatch chicks from two egg sizes and broiler breeders of different maternal ages using a metabolomic profiling approach. Eggs from breeders of different ages (32 wk vs 51 wk, 63.2 ± 1.2 g) and eggs of two sizes laid by 45 wk old breeders (55.8 ± 1.2 g vs 67.7 ± 1.1 g) were incubated (n = 9 – 10) under standard conditions. Blood were collected on embryonic (e) days 14, 17, and 20, and on post hatch d1. Blood metabolites were extracted with methanol and derivatizatized prior to analysis by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry. Compound identification was determined using the Fiehn metabolomics RTL library, and concentrations were calculated using Agilent data analysis software. Pathway and Multivariate data analysis were performed using MetaboAnalyst. Principle component analysis indicated that embryos from different size eggs on both e14 and post hatch d1 clustered separately. By contrast, clustering was not observed in embryos from different age breeders. Pathway analysis revealed differences (P<0.05) in metabolism involving gluconeogenic and ketogenic amino acids (glutamine, glutamate, threonine, glycine, and serine), linoleic acid, and glycerolipids in embryos of different developmental stages. Conclusively, our results demonstrate that embryo metabolism in later developmental stages differs depending upon breeder age and egg size.Grant Funding Source: Maize grant‐University of Maryland
LACTATING MOUSE MAMMARY GLAND EXPRESSES SECRETED MGAM WHICH ENABLES UNWEANED SUCKLING PUP STARCH DIGESTION
Authors: Lee Nichols Buford , Diaz‐Sotomayor Maricela , Avery Stephen E , Hadsell Darrel L , Yan Like , Hamaker Bruce R , Quezada‐Calvillo Roberto 
Published: June 2021

All starch digesting activities are reported absent in suckling mice by jejunal mucosal enzyme assay, imunohistochemistry or Western blots. We confirmed that there was no maltase activity or brush border staining with Mgam antibodies at 13d and that these were detected at 25d only in WT. Last year we reported that at 13 d both Mgam null and WT suckling mice can digest amylase treated 13C‐starch derived α‐limit dextrins (LDx) to increase blood 13C glucose paradoxically in 13d Mgam null suckling mice lumenal contents were stained by specific Mgam antibodies.ObjectiveTest lactating mouse mammary glands for Mgam and Si gene expression.MethodsRNA was extracted from the mammary gland of 10 different strains of WT 30d pp lactating mice. After RT, the cDNA was amplified for Mouse Si (amplicons for exons 1 to 6 or exons 16 to 18) and Mgam (amplicons for exons 1 to 7 or exons 3 to 7).ResultsOnly the Mgam Exon 3 to 7 primers produced 516 bp bands on the Gel.Conclusionwe suggest that maltase activity is secreted in mouse milk which enables unweaned pup starch digestion well before brush border bound enzyme development. Splicoforms of the Mgam message, lacking the membrane binding exon 2 coding region, in lactating mouse mammary tissue suggest synthesis of a soluble enzyme activity. This was confirmed by the expression of the exon 2 deleted Mgam message in lactating mammary glands of 10 different mouse strains.
Casein and gluten‐derived opiate peptides affect cysteine uptake and redox status
Authors: Shah Jayni Jatin , Trivedi Malav , Hodgson Nathaniel , Deth Richard 
Published: June 2021

Symptomatic improvement upon dietary exclusion of casein and gluten (GF/CF diet) has been reported for autistic patients. β‐casomorphin‐7 (βCM7) and α‐gliadin‐7 (αG7) peptides are formed during digestion of milk and wheat/rye, respectively, which can activate opiate receptors. Blood and urine samples from autistic and schizophrenic patients contain higher amounts of these peptides, suggesting a possible contribution to these disorders. Systemic oxidative stress and brain neuro‐inflammation have been described in autistic subjects, in association with significantly lower levels of the antioxidant glutathione (GSH). We demonstrate that αG7 and human and bovine forms of βCM‐7 potently inhibit cysteine uptake (a rate‐limiting step for GSH synthesis) in cultured cells, affecting intracellular thiol metabolite levels and decreasing GSH. Bovine βCM‐7 was more potent in inducing these changes. Different signaling pathways were involved in mediating temporal effects of these peptides. Gene expression and site‐specific CpG methylation analyses were also performed. These findings provide a novel mechanistic explanation for the benefit of a GF/CF diet for the treatment of autism and other inflammatory disorders.Funding agency: Autism Research Institute
Energy drink use in military populations: an exploratory analysis
Authors: Delahanty Liam Francis , Jones Eric , Attipoe Selasi , Deuster Patricia , Jones Donnamaria , Stephens Mark 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveTo describe prevalence and patterns of energy drink/energy shot (ED/ES) use in a cohort of United States (US) military members.MethodsA cross‐sectional web‐based survey of ED/ES use among US military members.Results827 of 23,275 responded (response rate of 3.6%). Of those who responded, 53% reported consuming ED and 23% reported consuming ES at least once a month. Reasons for use included needing an energy boost (44%) and increasing mental alertness (36%). Nearly one in five (17%) respondents reported increased mental alertness following ED use. Increased heart rate (10%) was the most common side effect. One in five (19%) respondents mixed ED with alcohol at least once in the past 30 days. Most users (71%) reported being at least somewhat familiar with ED/ES ingredients, although many believed that ED/ES were not safe (29%) or were unsure of their safety (21%).ConclusionsED/ES use is common among US military members. Most respondents were familiar with ED/ES ingredients but were either unsure about safety or believed use to be unsafe. Many respondents endorse mixing ED with alcohol. Data from this cohort will be compared with an ongoing survey of ED/ES use in military communities to better understand the prevalence of ED/ES use in these populations with the goal of increasing consumer education to promote safe use.Funding by Center Alliance for Dietary Supplement Research (NA91FD).
Effects of a novel dietary supplement on physical and mental function in middle‐aged adults: a double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Wood Steven M , Poole Steve , Bartlett Mark , Mastaloudis Angela , Burke Doug 
Published: June 2021

Aging is characterized by a gradual loss in physical and mental function starting at 30–40 years of age. The purpose of this study was to compare a novel combination of cordyceps sinensis, pomegranate extract, and panax ginseng (TRT) to control (CNTL) formula regarding physical, mental, and sexual desire.Healthy males and female subjects (n=116) were recruited to participate in a prospective, double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial that lasted 60 days. Subjects were randomized into a control (n= 56; CNTL) or treatment (n= 60; TRT) groups and stratified by age and gender. Mental (MCS) and physical (PCS) wellbeing were measured by validated questionnaires. Other measurements included blood chemistry measurements, skin carotenoid concentrations, and adverse events.There were n=48 in CNTL and n=47 in TRT groups that completed the study. No differences were detected in the mean scores for (PCS=CNTL;−0.47, TRT;−0.08) or (MCS=CNTL;0.32, TRT;−1.98) and sexual desire between groups nor between age. There was a strong trend towards higher skin carotenoid concentrations in the TRT group (P=0.052). There was no difference between groups for adverse events or blood chemistry. The TRT formulation appears to be safe. We were unable to detect differences in physical, mental, and sexual desire as seen in animal studies presumably because this population was so healthy and didn't show an age related decline. There was an interesting finding that subjects consuming the TRT formulation experienced a trend towards higher skin carotenoid concentrations and warrants further investigation in a population which has age‐related decline in physical, mental, sexual decline, or experiencing greater oxidative stress.Research was supported by Nu Skin Enterprises, Provo, Utah
Uracil accumulation induced by folate depletion is dependent on uracil DNA glycosylase (UDG) activity
Authors: Ma Hongzhi , Wu Yizhen , Simon Kirk , Ahmed Aqila , Cabelof Diane C 
Published: June 2021

We have previously reported that folate depletion inhibits DNA repair capacity. Here we investigate the impact of folate depletion on DNA damage and repair to determine whether the response to folate depletion is cell‐type specific. We find that DNA base excision repair (BER) capacity and uracil accumulation is a function of the ability of the cell to initiate BER when folate is limiting. Folate depletion induces Uracil DNA glycosylase (UDG) and BER in mouse liver, but does not induce uracil accumulation. Accordingly, mouse BNL‐C2 liver cells grown in folate‐free media exhibit significant induction in UDG (88% increase, p<0.01) and BER (12% increase, p<0.01), with no change in uracil accumulation. However, MEFs grown in folate‐free media exhibit significant downregulation in UDG (40% decrease, p<0.01) and BER capacity (21%, p<0.01), and significant increase in uracil accumulation (30% increase, p<0.01). Likewise, homozygous deletion of UDG significantly increases the impact of folate depletion on uracil accumulation, demonstrating a direct role for UDG and BER initiation on uracil accumulation when folate is limiting. We are presently measuring expression of folate‐metabolizing enzymes to determine whether the BER and uracil accumulation phenotypes are related to cell type specific changes in folate metabolism when folate is absent.Research support: The Ellison Medical Foundation