bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Moderate Energy Restriction Does Not Cause a Deterioration in the Iron Status Due to an Iron‐Deficient Diet, While Exercise Ameliorates It
Authors: Asai Tsuyoshi , Okumura Yuka , Kondo Emi , Matsuo Tatsuhiro , Okamura Koji 
Published: June 2021

To evaluate the effect of energy restriction and exercise on the iron status in rats fed a moderately iron‐deficient diet, 30 male rats (4 weeks old) were given a moderately iron‐deficient diet (13mg Fe/kg diet) for 3 weeks. Half of the rats were fed ad libitum (A), while the other half were restricted to only 70% of the diet consumed by A (D). The rats of groups A and D were also divided into subgroups, a climbing exercise group (E) (5 min×6 sets/d, 3 d/w) and a sedentary group (S). The body weight and weights of the liver, spleen, heart, kidney, flexor hallucis longus (FHL) were less (P<0.05) in D than A, and only FHL was affected by exercise (E>S, P<0.05). The iron content (μ g/g) in the liver and kidney was higher in D than A (P<0.05), while the content in the spleen also tended to be higher in D than A, whereas the iron content in the whole tissue tended to be higher in the spleen in A than D, while the other tissues showed no differences. Exercise increased the iron content in the kidney whereas no effect of exercise was observed in the other tissues. The plasma iron concentration did not differ between A and D. Total iron binding capacity (TIBC) was lower (P<0.05) in D than A. Hemoglobin (Hb) was higher (P<0.05) and transferrin saturation (TfS) tended to be higher in D than A. Plasma iron, Hb and TfS were higher (P<0.05) and TIBC was lower (P<0.05) in E than S. We conclude that moderate energy restriction does not appear to deteriorate the iron status induced by an iron deficient diet, while exercise appear to ameliorate the iron status.Grant Funding Source: Osaka Univ of Health and Sport sci
Zinc supplementation prevents increases in prevalence of hypertension among HIV infected adults in Miami
Authors: Lima Claudia , Campa Adriana , Sales Sabrina , Stewart Tiffanie , Garces Luis , Baum Marianna K 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveHIV is a risk factor for hypertension (HTN). This study examines the prevalence of HTN in a clinical trial of HIV+ adults receiving zinc (12 mg for women and 15 mg for men) or placebo over 18 months.MethodsAfter consenting 231 HIV+ adults, physical examinations were done. HTN was defined as having diagnosed HTN, blood pressure >140/90 or receiving treatment for HTN at baseline, 6, 12, and 18 months. Descriptive statistics, ANOVA (controlled for age and ART), and Post‐Hoc tests were performed.ResultsMean age was 42.7±7.0 years. The prevalence of HTN was 48.9% (n=113; 82 women, 31 men), significantly increasing over 18 months by 12±3.2%. There were significant interactions between time, treatment and gender in modifying HTN (p=0.015). When compared to women supplemented with zinc, women on placebo had a significant and sustained increase in the prevalence of HTN (5.1% vs. 3.28%, p=0.016) by 18 months. Men on placebo, as compared to those on zinc, had significant increase in prevalence of HTN at 6 months (14.8 vs. 1.9%, p=0.037) with no differences afterwards.ConclusionsThe prevalence of HTN among HIV+ adults in Miami is almost twice that of the general population (48.9% vs. 25.5%) of similar age. Zinc supplementation compared to placebo, prevented increases in HTN in women and to a lesser extent in men. Further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms for zinc action on HTN.Supported by NIDA
The Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Programs at Case Western
Authors: Caner Edward 
Published: June 2021

The Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Program (STEP) at Case Western Reserve University is a family of Professional Science Masters (PSM) degrees, specifically in biotechnology, chemistry, and physics. The curriculum is lean and flexible—minimum 30 semester hours. The four core courses are: Feasibility Analysis, Technology Venture Creation, and Modern Physics for Innovation I and II or Contemporary Biotechnology for Innovation I and II. The remaining credits are electives in business and science (i.e., Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Medicine). Nine credits correspond to a thesis that is based on real‐world experience.Students take a yearlong internship with a focus on startups, small companies, and technology transfer. This enables students to learn innovation alongside those who are struggling to do it. Internships are not confined to the Cleveland area—STEP students have held long‐distance and international internships in India, Thailand, and Hawaii.Since 2000, 46 students have graduated and 30 are currently enrolled. Over the past 4 years, STEP students have played a significant roll in raising over $20M for companies in Northeast Ohio through various mechanisms. Currently, 90% of STEP students focus on energy, healthcare, and sustainability. Average starting salaries are $65,000 for Physics and Chemistry graduates and $60,000 for Biology graduates.
Blood pressure lowering effect of dietary (−)‐epicatechin in L‐NAME induced hypertension in rats
Authors: Jaggers Grayson , Celep Gulcin , Galleano Monica , Oteiza Patricia , Fraga Cesar 
Published: June 2021

This work focused on the effect of dietary (−)‐epicatechin (EC) supplementation on blood pressure (BP), using a rat model of L‐NAME‐induced hypertension. L‐NAME was administered in drinking water (360 mg/l) and EC was provided in solid diet (1g or 4g EC/kg diet (EC1 or EC4, respectively)). Male Sprague‐Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups: Control (C); L‐NAME (L); L‐NAME + EC1/EC4 (LEC1 or LEC4, respectively), kept under the according treatments for 4 days, and BP measured daily by tail‐cuff plethysmography. Rats were euthanized and blood plasma was obtained to determine Nω‐nitroarginine (NA) content, EC levels, oxidative and nitrosative stress parameters. Final BP (mm Hg) was: C= 102±3; L= 143±6*; LEC1= 128±6# and LEC4= 110±8# (*p<0.05 respect to C; #p<0.05 respect to L). Plasma NA levels increased in L‐NAME treated groups and was not affected by EC. The decrease in BP was associated with improvement in markers of oxidative stress (plasma MDA, oxidized glutathione) and parameters of nitric oxide (NO) production (plasma nitrates+nitrites and protein nitrotyrosine). The findings suggest that an increase in NO bioavailability, as a result of diminished oxidant production, can be one possible medium involved in the BP lowering action of EC in this model of hypertension.Supported by NIH AT2966 and UCDavis CHNR, USA; and ANPCyT (00994) and UBACyT (B801, B80) Argentina. MG and CGF are members of the CIC, CONICET, Argentina.
Ingestion of “immune” nutrient fortified breakfast cereal has no influence on immune function in children
Authors: Nieman David Christopher , Henson Dru A 
Published: June 2021

The influence of 2‐months ingestion of an “immune” nutrient fortified breakfast cereal on immune function and upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) was studied in children during the winter. Subjects included 73 children (N=42 males, N=31 females) ranging in age from 7 to 13 years (9.9±1.7). Subjects were randomized to 1 of 3 groups (double blinded): cereal without added nutrients, or with moderate or high “immune” nutrient fortification (A, C, E, and B‐complex, iron, and zinc, with higher A, C, E in the “high” group). Immune measures included delayed‐typed hypersensitivity, global IgG to pneumococcal vaccination, salivary IgA, PHA‐stimulated lymphocyte proliferation, natural killer cell activity, and granulocyte phagocytosis and oxidative burst activity. Subjects under parental supervision filled in daily logs using URTI symptoms codes. Subjects ingested 3337±106 gm cereal during the 2‐month study, which represented 14% of energy intake and 20–80% of selected vitamins/minerals. Despite elevated intake of nutrients, URTI rates and pre‐ to‐ post‐study changes in all immune measures did not differ between groups. Data from this study indicate that ingestion of breakfast cereal fortified with an “immune” nutrient blend for 2 winter months by healthy children does not influence biomarkers of innate or adaptive immune function or URTI.Funded by General Mills Bell Institute of Health and Nutrition
Factors related to colonic fermentation of non‐digestible carbohydrates of a previous evening meal increase tissue glucose uptake and moderate glucose‐associated inflammation
Authors: Priebe Marion G. , Wang Hongwei , Weening Desirée , Schepers Marianne , Preston Tom , Vonk Roel J. 
Published: June 2021

Evening meals rich in non‐digestible carbohydrates (NDC) have been shown to lower postprandial glucose concentrations after ingestion of high glycemic index breakfasts. This phenomenon is linked to colonic fermentation of NDC, but the underlying mechanism is not fully elucidated. We examined in which way glucose kinetics and related factors are changed after the breakfast due to colonic fermentation.In a cross‐over design 10 healthy male subjects ingested as an evening meal white bread (WB) or cooked barley kernels (BA). In the morning after intake of 50 g 13C‐enriched glucose the dual isotope technique was applied to determine glucose kinetics. Plasma insulin, interleukin 6 (IL 6), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), short‐chain fatty acid concentrations and breath hydrogen excretion were measured.The glucose response after the glucose drink was 29 % lower after the BA evening meal. The insulin response was the same, whereas tissue glucose uptake was 30 % higher after the BA evening meal, indicating increased insulin sensitivity. The 4‐h mean postprandial IL 6 and TNF‐α concentrations after the glucose drink were higher after the WB evening meal. Butyrate concentrations as well as hydrogen in breath were higher in the morning after the BA evening meal. In healthy subjects factors related to colonic fermentation of NDC increase peripheral insulin sensitivity and moderate glucose‐associated inflammation.
Weight and lipid‐lowering effects and safety of a herbal formulation in a rat model of obesity
Authors: Perry Benjamin Thomas , Wang Yanwen , Zhang Junzeng 
Published: June 2021

Both overweight and obesity increase the risk of developing several serious chronic diseases, as well as lipid‐related conditions, such as hypercholesterolemia. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the effect of a proprietary herbal formulation on body weight, food intake, plasma lipids and liver enzymes, and body fat content and distribution in a rat model of obesity. In this study, we used obese‐resistant (OR) and obeseprone (OP) rats, which were housed individually in cages. All rats were fed a high‐fat (60% energy from fat) diet for 9 weeks. The OR rats were used as a normal control group and one group of OP rats was used as an obesity control. An additional three OP groups were challenged with different dose levels of the herbal formulation. The results demonstrated that the formulation was able to lower body weight, absolute body fat, and triacylglycerides. The results also revealed that the product reduced food intake. There are a growing number of available weight loss products on the marketplace but many exhibit adverse side effects. These side effects can be assessed by measuring the concentration of liver enzymes in the serum. In the present study, the formulation administered did not exhibit any liver toxicity at any of the dose levels. In conclusion, the formulation appears to warrant further examination for possible development as a natural product for weight control and lipid management.Grant Funding Source: CIHR
Screening for Acute Childhood Malnutrition during the National Nutrition Week in Mali Increases Treatment Referrals
Authors: Nyirandutiye Daniele Henriette , Brown Kenneth , Iknane Akory Ag , Fofana Amadou 
Published: June 2021

RationaleWith a prevalence of 15%, acute childhood malnutrition remains a public health problem in Mali. Semi‐annual Child Nutrition Weeks known as SIAN may provide an opportunity to screen a large number of children for acute malnutrition by, measuring their mid‐upper arm circumference (MUAC).ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of integrating MUAC screening for acute malnutrition into the SIAN activities carried out in June 2008.MethodsA cross‐sectional survey was conducted in two health districts in the Koulikoro region, using a population‐proportionate, multi‐stage random sample of: 1) health centers, and 2) households with children 6–59 months of age in villages linked to each of the selected health centers.Results1278 of the 1543 eligible children 6–59 months (83%), and 1118 of the eligible older range children (84%) reportedly participated in SIAN. Of the eligible, participating children, 1258 received vitamin A (98% of SIAN participants; 82% of eligible children), 945 received anti‐helminth tablets (84% of participants; 71% of eligibles), and 669 were screened for acute malnutrition (52% of participants; 43% of eligibles). 186 of those screened with MUAC (28%) were reportedly identified as acutely malnourished.ConclusionIntegrating MUAC screening for acute malnutrition in SIAN permits the assessment and referral of a large number of children for acute malnutrition, and should be continued.The study was supported by grants from The United States Agency for International Development/Office for Foreign Disaster Assistance and the Richard and Rhoda Goldman Fund.
Efficacy of Rg3‐Enriched Korean Red Ginseng (Steamed Panax Ginseng C.A. Meyer) Extract on Arterial Stiffness and Blood Pressure in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Bhardwaj Jyoti , Bateman Emma , Sam Clarissa , Jovanovski Elena , Fairgrieve Christopher , Jenkins Alexandra , Vuksan Vladimir 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveTo evaluate the acute effects of 10% Rg3‐enriched Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) on arterial stiffness and peripheral and central systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in healthy adult volunteers.MethodsUsing a double‐blind, randomized, crossover design, 17 individuals (6M:11F; age 25±3; BMI 22±0.8; SBP 111±4, DBP 69±2mmHg) were administered 400mg 10% Rg3‐enriched KRG extract or 400mg corn starch placebo. Aortic augmentation index (AIx) and central BP were measured using applanation tonometry by radial pulse wave analysis and peripheral BP was evaluated oscillometrically. Measurements were taken at baseline and 1,2 and 3hrs post‐treatment.ResultsCompared to placebo, there was a significant reduction in peripheral mean arterial pressure (p=0.046), peripheral DBP (p=0.015), and central SBP (p=0.02) 3hrs post‐treatment. Central DBP and central mean arterial pressure were significantly lower at 1hr (p=0.035, 0.041) and 3hrs (p=0.025, 0.009) post‐treatment. AIx and peripheral SBP also decreased post‐treatment, but this only approached significance (p=0.053).ConclusionsThis study is the first to demonstrate that an Rg3 KRG extract acutely lowers central and peripheral mean arterial pressures in healthy young adults. Further clinical testing is still required as this extract may be more potent in higher‐risk subjects.Sponsor: Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
Moderate energy deprivation increases caspase‐3 activity and fractional breakdown rate in human skeletal muscle
Authors: Carbone John W , Pasiakos Stefan M , Vislocky Lisa M , Anderson Jeffrey M , Rodriguez Nancy R 
Published: June 2021

Skeletal muscle integrity, and the enzymes that influence it, are affected by energy status.PURPOSEThis study assessed the effects of an acute energy deficit on caspase‐3 activation and kinetic measures of protein breakdown in mixed muscle samples taken from physically active adults at rest.METHODSMen (n=3) and women (n=3) participated in a 20d, two‐phase diet intervention: weight maintenance (WM); and energy deficient (ED), ~80% of energy requirements. Dietary protein (1.5 g·kg−1·d−1) and fat (~30% of total calories) were constant for WM and ED. Caspase‐3 activation was measured via Western blotting. Mixed muscle fractional breakdown rate (FBR) was assessed using stable isotope (15N‐Phe) methodology.RESULTSCaspase‐3 activation increased by 14% (P < 0.1) and FBR increased by 88% (P < 0.1) for ED versus WM. Approximately 64% of the increase in FBR during ED may be attributed to the observed increase in caspase‐3 activation (r=0.80, P = 0.05).CONCLUSIONSThese findings suggest that caspase‐3 activity was upregulated in response to an acute, moderate energy deficit and that caspase‐3 activation contributed to the measured increase in FBR. Future research is warranted to further delineate and characterize the effects of energy homeostasis on the complex intracellular mediators of skeletal muscle proteolysis.This work was supported in part by the National Cattlemen's Beef Association.
Muscle protein breakdown has a minor role in the protein anabolic response to essential amino acid and carbohydrate intake following resistance exercise
Authors: Glynn Erin L , Fry Christopher S , Drummond Micah J , Dreyer Hans C , Dhanani Shaheen , Volpi Elena , Rasmussen Blake B 
Published: June 2021

Essential amino acid and carbohydrate (EAA+CHO) ingestion following resistance exercise (RE) enhances muscle protein synthesis (MPS). The purpose of this study was to determine if a reduction in MP breakdown (MPB) contributes to the enhanced protein anabolic response when EAA+CHO are ingested post‐RE. We hypothesized CHO‐induced insulin release would inhibit MPB resulting in augmented net muscle protein balance. Twelve male subjects were assigned to 2 groups containing equivalent amounts of EAA (~20g) but different amounts of CHO (EAA+30g CHO; EAA+90g CHO). Groups ingested the nutrients 1 hr after a bout of leg RE. Leg phenylalanine kinetics and associated signaling proteins were assessed on successive muscle biopsies using stable isotopic techniques and immunoblotting, respectively. MPB tended to decrease (P<0.1) and MPS increased (P<0.05) to a similar extent in both groups. Phosphorylation of AMPKα (Thr172) was elevated following RE and returned toward basal levels following drink ingestion only in EAA+90g CHO. Autophagy marker light chain 3B‐II significantly decreased following drink ingestion similarly in both groups (P<0.05). There were no changes in ubiquitin‐associated atrophy markers MuRF1 or MAFbx protein expression. We conclude the enhanced muscle protein anabolic response detected when EAA+CHO are ingested post‐RE is primarily (~70%) due to enhanced MPS with minor changes in MPB.Grant Funding Source: NIH/NIAMS RO1 AR049877, NIH/NIA P30 AG024832 and NIH/NICHD T32 HD007539
The relations between anthropometry and visual information processing in 3‐month‐old infants
Authors: Senossi Ebtesam , Kennedy Tay , Aubuchon‐Endsley Nicki , Yost Sheri , Shadid Alex , Thomas David G 
Published: June 2021

The purpose of the study is to assess the relation between visual information processing (VIP) and growth in a sample of 61 breast‐fed infants at age 3 months. The VIP paradigm measured novelty quotient (short‐term memory) and longest look (encoding speed). Growth measurements were converted to z‐scores using WHO Anthro software (v 3.01). Birth weight, current weight, length and head circumference z‐scores did not predict longest look (p = .50). However, novelty quotient was predicted by the infant anthropometric variables (R = .396, p = .05). Specifically at 3 mo, weight (partial r = .297, p = .03) and head circumference (partial r = −.311, p = .02) accounted for 9.5% of the variance in novelty quotient. Weight for age z‐scores were positively associated with short term memory, while head circumference was negatively associated with memory. Anthropometric measurements were not associated with encoding speed. There was no gender difference in novelty quotient (p = .69) or longest look (p = .42). Results suggest measures of growth in infants are associated with performance on specific cognitive tests such as memory.This project was supported by National Research Initiative Grant 2008‐35200‐18779 from the USDA National Institute for Food and Agriculture.
A preliminary investigation of nutritional status and attentional performance of 3‐month‐old infants
Authors: Aubuchon‐Endsley Nicki Lynn , Stoecker Barbara , Thomas David G. , Kennedy Tay S. , Froese Chandra , Bugh Lauren , Bezabih Afework M. 
Published: June 2021

The present study investigated the statistical predictive utility of indicators of nutritional status on heart‐rate‐defined phases of attention in 3‐month‐old infants. The former included infant anthropometric variables; maternal blood cadmium, lead, and hemoglobin concentrations; and maternal serum transferrin receptor concentrations. A multiple regression analysis using indicators of nutritional status as predictors and attentional performance as the criterion was statistically significant (R = 0.69, p = 0.04). Maternal cadmium concentrations were the only statistically significant individual predictor (partial r = 0.66, p < 0.001). Additional t–tests demonstrated significant differences in attentional performance between those with the highest quartile of cadmium concentrations versus all other infants (t(36) = 3.00, p < 0.005), which was not attenuated by high iron status (t(36) = 2.40, p = 0.02). This supports the use of maternal nutritional status variables to statistically predict early infant attention abilities. This research was supported by National Research Initiative Grant 2008‐35200‐18779 from the USDA National Institute for Food and Agriculture.Grant Funding Source: National Research Initiative Grant 2008‐35200‐18779 from the USDA National Institute for Food and Agriculture
Adherence to a Mediterranean type dietary pattern may reduce cognitive decline
Authors: Tangney Christy C , Kwasny Mary J , Li Hong , Evans Denis A , Morris Martha Clare 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundMany foods abundant in the traditional Mediterranean diet, such as vegetables, fish and wine have been associated with slower cognitive decline. We investigated whether a diet consistent with this traditional pattern among black and white older (≥65 years of age) adults in the ongoing Chicago Health and Aging Project (CHAP) is associated with cognitive changes.MethodsCHAP participants (n=3790) with valid baseline dietary measurement and 2 or more cognitive assessments were evaluated for adherence to a Mediterranean diet pattern based on the MedDiet score of Panagiotakos and coworkers (2007). Scores from 0 to 5 were assigned to daily intake of food items belonging to each of 11 components for a total possible score of 55. Linear mixed models were used to examine the association of MedDiet scores to change in cognitive function. Cognitive function was estimated as the sum of standardized scores on four cognitive tests assessed every three years. Mean follow‐up was 7.6 years.ResultsMean (± standard deviation) MedDiet score for participants was 28.2 ± 4.7. Whites had higher energy‐ adjusted MedDiet scores (29.3 ± 4.8) when compared to those of blacks (27.5 ± 4.4, p <0.0001). Higher MedDiet scores were associated with slower rates of cognitive decline (β = +0.0014 per 1‐point increase, SE= 0.0004, p=0.0004) after adjustment for age, sex, race, education, cognitive activities, and energy.ConclusionGreater adherence to a Mediterranean diet may reduce the risk of cognitive decline with older age.Support provided by RO1 AG021972