bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Systems Biology Evaluation of Combi‐Phenol on Metabolic Syndrome‐Induced Brain Dysfunction
Authors: Wang Jun , Ferruzzi Mario , Janle Elsa M , Tang Cheuk Ying , gong Bing , Varghese Merina , Ho Lap , Pasinetti Giulio M 
Published: June 2021

The study is to explore the beneficial effects of a combinatory polyphenol preparation composed of grape seed extract, Concord purple grape juice extract and resveratrol, referred to as Combi‐Phenol, on brain dysfunction induced by metabolic syndrome (MBS).MBS has become an epidemic and it poses tremendous potential risks for brain health. Using a diet‐induced animal model of MBS, we found that brain energy metabolism, synaptic plasticity and memory function are severely impaired. We hypothesize that the application of the Combi‐Phenol comprised of multiple bioavailable and bioactive components that target a wide range of metabolic syndrome‐related pathological features in the brain will provide greater synergistic global protection against both peripheral and central nervous system dysfunctions. We found that oral administration of Combi‐Phenol significantly improves brain mitochondrial function and cognitive performance compared to non‐treated MBS mice. This improvement coincides with micro MRI imaging studies showing that Combi‐Phenol can prevent DIM‐induced resting state fMRI abnormalities.The outcomes of our study provide the critical basis for future development of a safe therapeutic dietary approach to preserve cognitive function in our exponentially growing, aging population.
The Characterization of Iron Status in InCHIANTI: The Use of a Higher Ferritin Cutoff
Authors: Chen Lenis , Murray-Kolb Laura E. , Patel Kushang V. 
Published: June 2021

Iron is critical for physiological and mental function. The purpose of this study was to characterize iron status in 1,043 Italians >65 yr in the InCHIANTI study. Complete blood count (CBC) measures, transferrin receptor and ferritin were considered. The high prevalence of suggestive inflammation (>60%) in InCHIANTI, combined with literature supporting a higher ferritin cutoff for older people, provided a compelling case to use a ferritin cutoff of 45 μg/L rather a traditional cutoff of 15 μg/L as a criterion for iron deficiency. This cutoff and/or other iron and CBC cutoffs were used to characterize four stages of iron status: 1) iron deficiency anemia; 2) non‐anemic iron deficiency; 3) iron sufficiency; and 4) iron overload. The prevalence of individuals in each stage was 4.2%, 5.7%, 34.5% and 12.0%, respectively, while 43.6% of the population's iron status was not clearly definable according to strict cutoffs. These results suggested both a concerning prevalence of iron overload and iron deficiency in this Italian cohort. Using the traditional ferritin cutoff of 15 μg/L reduced the number of people classified as iron deficient by 47.6%, potentially misclassifying those individuals. The accurate characterization of iron status in the elderly is necessary to properly identify those who could benefit from treatment.Grant Funding Source: This research was supported in part by the Intramural Research Program of the National Institute on Aging, NIH
Associations between Food Types, the Concentration of SNAP Approved Stores and Community Health
Authors: Racine Elizabeth F , Wang Qingfang , Laditka Sarah B , Wilson Christina , Mignery Allison 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveTo examine associations between food types and the concentration of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) approved stores and community health.MethodsCross‐sectional study of the SNAP food environment in a large Southeastern urban county in the United States consisting of 373 census block groups (communities) and 940,000 residents. Negative binomial regression examined associations between the concentration of SNAP approved full service and limited service stores and premature death to due heart disease and diabetes controlling for demographic characteristics.ResultsLimited service SNAP stores were concentrated in low income communities; less than 1% sold fresh fruits and vegetables. In adjusted analysis, each additional limited service SNAP store was associated with a 23% increase in the number of premature deaths due to heart disease.ConclusionsFindings suggest it would be useful for public health professionals and dietitians to provide information to clients to identify SNAP approved stores that offer healthy foods.This study was funding by the Mecklenburg County Health Department, Charlotte, NC
Formative evaluation for promoting adoption of the DGA, 2005 among African American parents and children in the Lower Mississippi Delta: Focus Group Results
Authors: McGee Bernestine B. , Richardson Valerie , Johnson Glenda S. , Johnson Crystal 
Published: June 2021

Formative research was conducted to increase adherence to the healthful food and physical activity patterns set forth in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2005 (DGA, 2005) and thereby reducing weight gain and risk factors for obesity‐related chronic diseases in African American parents and their children living in Lower Mississippi Delta communities. Focus group results guided the planning of an obesity prevention intervention utilizing the obesity prevention program “We Can!” ‐ “Ways to Enhance Children's Activity and Nutrition.” Eight parent and six children focus group sessions were conducted in two Louisiana parishes. Questions were designed by the research team to 1) identify cultural values, biases, and norms that influence eating and physical activity behavior, 2) review “We Can!” Parent Handbook, and 3) identify intervention materials and delivery preferences. Focus groups discussions were audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed to identify recurring trends and patterns among focus groups. The study showed considerable variability in perception of factors that influence eating and physical activity behavior and educational approaches. Major themes that emerged included challenges of meeting the DGA, 2005 and the CDC physical activity guidelines, cultural influences on food habits and body size, barriers to participation in a program to promote healthy food choices and regular physical activity. Focus group discussion results were used to culturally tailor the intervention to promote adoption of the DGA, 2005.Grant Funding Source: USDA/ARS project #58‐6251‐8‐041
Are yogurt consumers different than other dairy consumers?
Authors: Nielsen Samara Joy , Ginder Vanessa , Steiler Tatiana , Paineau Damien 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundDairy is a broad category in terms of nutritional composition. In the US, yogurt is a developing category with very low per capita consumption. Very little is known and understood about US yogurt consumption.ObjectiveThis study analyzed the different kinds of US dairy consumers, specifically yogurt consumers, dairy non yogurt consumers and non dairy consumers.DesignThis study analyzed the 2005–2006 NHANES data. Four thousand five hundred twenty nine people ages 18 and up were examined.ResultsYogurt consumers are approximately 2:1 female to male with 68.4% females to 31.6% males while dairy consumers who don't eat yogurt are split almost half and half with 49.1% males and 50.9% females. Non Hispanic Blacks consume less yogurt than other races/ethnicities in the US. Yogurt consumers eat more fruit, fiber and calcium than dairy consumers who don't eat yogurt as well as non dairy consumers. Yogurt consumers also consume higher levels of potassium, magnesium, vitamin A and vitamin C. Dairy consumers and more specifically those who consume yogurt have healthier consumption patterns overall above and beyond just their yogurt consumption.ConclusionEncouraging people to include yogurt in their diet might help to increase the intake of potassium and calcium which have been identified as shortfall nutrients by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010. However, intervention studies are required to investigate the impact of this yogurt inclusion on dietary patterns, nutritional status and health outcomes.
Is social capital associated with food security in food pantry users?
Authors: Chhabra Surbhi , Hale Robyn , Holben David H. , Faciglia Grace , Vaughn Lisa M. , Lee Seung-Yeon 
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between food security, social capital and social support in urban food pantry users in Cincinnati, OH. Fifty four in‐person interviews were completed with food pantry users using the 18‐item US Household Food Security Survey Module, a 38‐item social capital questionnaire, and a 23‐item social support questionnaire. More than half of the participants (aged 50.5 ± 9.05yr) were male (55.6%) and Black American (88.9%). Most participants (81%) were food insecure and 68.5% reported that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) was their primary source to buy food. The participants were asked to list up to 10 significant people who provided personal support. The average number of people listed was 4.9 ± 2.4 and included immediate family members (49.0%), friends (24.3%), and relatives (10.8%). Social capital was assessed at subconstructs of trust, networks, cooperation, community involvement, and self‐perception using a response range from 1 to 4. The score was highest for self‐perception (3.2±0.64) and lowest for community involvement (2.2±0.61). There was no significant association between food security and social capital (p=0.249). The finding may be due to a small sample size. It will be important to examine the relationships with a larger sample.Startup funding by University Research Council, University of CincinnatiGrant Funding Source: None
A garden‐based nutrition intervention in the rural Dominican Republic – impact on vitamin A rich food consumption
Authors: Binford John Christopher , Camp Meredith Ann , Camp Debbie 
Published: June 2021

Garden‐based nutrition interventions focus on improving food security and food diversity through the creation and augmentation of homestead food production.ObjectivesThis study assesses the impact of a garden‐based nutrition intervention on the consumption of vitamin A rich foods in rural communities of the Dominican Republic.MethodsA garden‐based nutrition intervention was implemented by the Fundación Salud y Bienestar (NGO) in partnership with the authors. A validated “Vitamin A Food Frequency” questionnaire was conducted by convenience sampling of households containing a pregnant woman or a child under the age of five years in two control and two intervention communities. Interviews were conducted before the intervention (n=71) and two years after its initiation (n=48).ResultsPre‐ and post‐intervention analysis revealed an increase in average weekly intake of vitamin A‐rich foods in both intervention and control communities (p < 0.001). There was a larger, but not statistically significant, increase in vitamin A food intake in the intervention communities compared to control communities.ConclusionsThese results indicate that garden‐based nutrition interventions may be a valuable means to enhance Vitamin A food intake in rural settings in developing countries. Support was provided by the Downs Fellowship/Yale University School of Medicine.
2009–10 USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) in Indiana Improved Several Factors that Lead to Improved Health
Authors: Lin Yi-Chun , Foland Elizabeth , Fly Alyce D. 
Published: June 2021

US children consume inadequate amounts of fruit (F) and vegetables (V). In 2008, FFVP became a permanent national intervention program to combat this problem. Data from Indiana students at 3 intervention and 3 control schools during the 2009–10 program year were analyzed by logistic regression to determine probability of improvements in children's knowledge about daily F and V needs and their intention to eat, preference for, and daily variety (n=1486). Differences in daily intake were determined with analysis of covariance, with small differences in rate of free and reduced lunch treated as a covariate. No changes were found for control students. The probability that intervention students knew daily F and V were needed for health increased (+7% for fruit, p=0.04; +11% for vegetables, p=0.002) as did probability of eating more than one kind of F (+12%, p=0.001) or V (+9%, p=0.004) daily. There were no improvements in intention to eat F daily (p=0.203), though those with the intention were high at the onset of the program (74%). The frequency of students that intended to eat daily V began lower (40%) and the probability of eating daily V increased (9%, p=0.05) over time. Students’ preferences for F and V did not change (p=0.83, 0.932). Daily F intake in school increased about 0.5 times per day (p<0.001) with no change for V (p=0.247). These data show FFVP may improve children's health.Grant Funding Source : Indiana University
Consumption of buckwheat modulates the post‐prandial response of selected gastrointestinal satiety hormones: a randomized, clinical trial with Fagopyrum esculentum moenech (common buckwheat)
Authors: Stringer Danielle Marie , Taylor Carla G. , Appah Paulyn , Wilson Angela , Blewett Heather , Zahradka Peter 
Published: June 2021

Buckwheat (BW) consumption has been linked to improved glycemic control; however, evidence from randomized, placebo‐controlled trials is lacking. Our objective was to assess the post‐prandial response of glucose, insulin and gastrointestinal hormones affecting glycemia and satiety after consumption of BW. Twelve control participants and 12 with type 2 diabetes were recruited and asked to consume crackers containing 50 grams of available carbohydrate made from BW or rice flour, in random order, on two separate occasions. Blood samples were taken 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 120 and 180 minutes after consumption. Plasma responses of glucose, insulin, C‐peptide, incretin and satiety hormones were assessed using total area under the curve (tAUC). Glucose, insulin and C‐peptide were not affected by BW consumption. There was a trend for tAUC of the incretin hormone glucagon‐like peptide 1 to be higher after BW consumption while paradoxically the tAUC for glucose‐dependent insulinotropic peptide, another incretin hormone, was lower. Although tAUC of ghrelin and peptide YY were not different between rice and BW, there was a trend for tAUC of the anorexigenic hormone pancreatic polypeptide to be higher after consumption of BW. Overall, a food product made from BW containing 50 grams of available carbohydrate does not modify post‐prandial glycemia or insulinemia; however, changes in satiety hormones warrants further study.Grant Funding Source: Manitoba Functional Foods Opportunity Program; Agri‐food Research & Development Initiative; Manitoba Agri‐health Research Network
Modulation of starch digestion for slow glucose release through “toggling” of mucosal α‐glucosidases by acarbose
Authors: Lee Byung-Hoo , Eskandari Razieh , Pinto B. Mario , Nichols Buford L. , Hamaker Bruce R. 
Published: June 2021

For digestion of starch, α‐amylase first hydrolyzes the starch structure to α‐limit dextrins (αLDx's). Complete hydrolysis to glucose then takes place through the combined action of mucosal maltase‐glucoamylase (MGAM) and sucrase‐isomaltase (SI), which have two subunits each (N‐ and C‐ terminal). In this study, we applied the concept of “toggling” through differential inhibition of subunits to examine control of glucogenesis from αLDx's with the aim of attaining slow glucose delivery to the body. Mammalian recombinant MGAM and SI subunits were individually reacted with αLDx's with varying concentrations of acarbose, a well known α‐glucosidase inhibitor. Released glucose amounts were analyzed for hydrolysis activity. Notably, results showed selective inhibitory effect on C‐terminal subunits by acarbose for starch digestion. Furthermore, Ki values of C‐terminal subunits were lower than human α‐amylases which can be applied that certain amount of acarbose had inhibitory effect on the hydrolysis of αLDx's by C‐terminal subunits but not on α‐amylase for moderating glucogenesis. This result supports the concept of controlling starch digestion rate for slow glucose release through the “toggling” of activities of the mucosal α‐glucosidases by selective enzyme inhibition. Conceivably this approach could be used to treat Type II diabetes by extending postprandial blood glucose delivery to the body, and may apply as well to other metabolic syndrome‐associated diseases and conditions.This research was supported from Whistler Center for Carbohydrate Research and USDA/AFRI.
Effect of pre‐meal screen‐time activities on subjective appetite and food intake in normal weight girls
Authors: Almehmadi Amal A. , Pollard Damion , Bellissimo Nick 
Published: June 2021

Evidence for an effect of pre‐meal television viewing (TVV) or other screen‐time activities on food intake (FI) is limited in children. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the effect of pre‐meal screen‐time activities on subjective appetite and FI in 9–14 year old normal weight (NW) girls. NW girls (n=19) completed 45 min of TVV, computer use, video‐game playing (VGP), or sitting quietly (control). FI (mean kcal ± SEM) from an ad libitum pizza meal was measured immediately after each condition. Subjective appetite was measured at baseline, 15, 30, and 45 min. FI following TVV (575 ± 50), computer use (601 ± 42), and VGP (600 ± 54) did not differ from control (629 ± 56) (P = 0.48). However, FI was greater in girls with a higher BMI percentile (range: 65.1 – 82; n = 9) compared to the lower BMI percentile group (range: 10 – 65; n=10) (P < 0.001), but the response to screen‐time activities on FI was similar (P = 0.53). Average appetite positively correlated with FI, but only after VGP (r = 0.5; P < 0.01). Fat‐mass (kg) positively correlated with FI following TVV (r = 0.43; P = 0.06), computer use (r = 0.60; P < 0.01), and control (r = 0.59; P < 0.01). In conclusion, weight status and body fat, are stronger determinants of FI than pre‐meal screen‐time exposure in NW girls.Supported by Danone Institute of Canada‐Grant‐in‐Aid Program.
Acute effect of avocados in meals on peptide hormones in overweight healthy adults
Authors: Haddad Ella H. , Wien Michelle , Schaffer Thomas , Oda Keiji , Sabaté Joan 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundAvocados (Persea Americana) are a high fat, high fiber albeit low energy density food. Our goal was to examine the effect of incorporating avocados in meals on post‐meal peptide hormone concentrations.MethodsA randomized 3×3 crossover design was used to measure peptide hormones in 26 healthy overweight (BMI 28.1±2.4 kg/m2) adults. Subjects consumed in random order a standardized breakfast meal providing 25% of their energy need (EN) on each of 3 days, followed by one of three test lunch meal: control (C) avocado‐free (35% of EN); avocado‐inclusive (AI) a meal containing avocado and matched with C for energy; and avocado‐added (AA) a meal in which a portion of avocados was added to C to provide 41% of EN. Blood samples obtained before and at 0.5 h, 1 h, 2 h and 3 h following test meals were assayed for ghrelin, leptin, gastric inhibitory peptide, glucagon‐like peptide‐1, and peptide YY by ELISA. A mixed model statistical approach was used to compare differences among test meals adjusting for time and treating participants as random effects.ResultsThere was a significant difference between the 3 test meals in plasma leptin responses at 0.5 h (P<0.05) and at 3 h (P<0.0001), and an overall test meal x time interaction (P=0.05).ConclusionThe inclusion or addition of avocado to a meal influences post meal leptin responses over a 3 hour period.Funded by the Hass Avocado Board.
Triglyceride administration alters leptin responsiveness in rats
Authors: Vasselli Joseph R , Sanders Danielle 
Published: June 2021

Leptin resistance is defined a reduced responsiveness to the feeding and body weight inhibiting effects of the hormone with increasing adiposity. One potential mechanism mediating this condition was identified by Banks et al. (Diabetes, 2004) who showed that acute iv infusion of saturated triglycerides (TG) blocks leptin transport across the blood brain barrier. To test this mechanism in vivo, we administered three equicaloric TG emulsions varying in saturation level to rats by oral gavage for 11 days. Cream (Cr), Intralipid (IL) or fish oil (FO) emulsions containing 20% lipid by weight (2.0 kcal/ml) were administered twice daily in a volume of 1.0 ml (5% of total daily calories) to groups of chow‐fed adult male S‐D rats. No change in body weight (BW) or leptin levels was seen in the groups during treatment, but FO decreased (p<0.05) and IL increased (p<0.01) circulating TG. On Day 11, rats were injected ip with 1.0 mg leptin/kg BW prior to lights out, and food intake was measured 4, 8 and 24 hrs later. Compared to intake following a saline injection given on Day 5, leptin significantly inhibited feeding at 8 and 24 hr post‐injection in the FO group (p<0.05), while the Cr and IL groups showed no change or increased feeding, respectively, at the same intervals (p<0.05). Our results show that saturation level determines responsiveness to injected leptin, and are consistent with the observations of Banks et al.Supported by NYONRC DK‐26687.
The role of β‐carotene‐9′,10′‐oxygenase as a retinoid‐generating enzyme during mammalian embryonic development
Authors: Spiegler Elizabeth , Kim Youn-Kyung , Quadro Loredana 
Published: June 2021

Vitamin A is an essential nutrient throughout the mammalian lifecycle, and is critical for proper embryonic development. β‐carotene (bC), a provitamin A carotenoid, is the major vitamin A source for most of the world. bC is converted to vitamin A by one of two enzymatic cleavage mechanisms: central cleavage by β‐carotene‐15,15′‐oxygenase (CMO1), or asymmetric cleavage by β‐carotene 9′,10′‐oxygenase (CMO2). CMO1 is thought to be more important for converting bC to vitamin A, while CMO2 functions to clear carotenoids for mitochondrial protection. Both CMO1 and CMO2 are expressed in the developing tissues, and recent work has demonstrated that CMO1 can cleave bC locally in embryos to generate vitamin A for normal development. When CMO1+/−RBP−/− dams were fed a vitamin A‐deficient diet during pregnancy, embryos were grossly malformed (eye defects, peripheral edema, and exencephaly). Supplementation of CMO1+/−RBP−/− dams with bC from 6.5–9.5 days post coitum rescued the malformations of this strain. To investigate whether CMO2 may still function as a retinoid‐generating enzyme in vivo, at least in the embryo, we fed CMOI−/−RBP−/− dams a vitamin A‐deficient diet during pregnancy and observed that bC supplementation improved the vitamin A deficiency symptoms of the double knockout embryos. We next generated triple knockout mice lacking CMO1, RBP, and CMO2. Experiments are ongoing to maintain the triple knockout dams on a vitamin A‐deficient diet throughout pregnancy and monitor the frequency of embryonic malformations, as well as maternal and embryonic vitamin A levels. These experiments will shed more light on the role of CMO2 during embryonic development.Grant Funding Source : NIH