bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Formative study on the acceptance of Wheat Soy Blend Plus Plus (WSB++) as a daily complementary food supplement (CFS) in rural Bangladesh
Authors: Kramer Rebecca , Shamim Abu Ahmed , Kumkum Mehnaz Alam , Hanif Mohammad , Shaikh Saijuddin , Merrill Rebecca Day , Christian Parul 
Published: June 2021

During a preparatory phase of a CFS feeding trial in rural NW Bangladesh, we field tested WSB++, an enhanced fortified blended food, using formative research methods to examine its acceptance by mothers and children and potential barriers to its use. Mothers (n = 44) living in the (JiVitA) study area with a child aged 6 to 18 months received pre‐cooked or uncooked WSB++ for 10 to 12 days. Acceptability and amount of WSB++ consumed were assessed through observation, interview and focus group discussion. Mothers liked feeding the WSB++ and found it as easy or easier to prepare as traditional complementary foods, but many added sugar or other spices to “improve the flavor”. Compliance (child consumed >;75% of the daily portion) was highest (100%) among mothers who cooked WSB++ at home with daily field worker visits, compared to those who prepared WSB++ without worker visits (63%) or who received pre‐cooked WSB++ (55%). Child illness was the main reason given for lower intake. Mothers reported reduced consumption of other complementary foods during WSB++ distribution compared to before, especially when the CFS was offered at usual mealtimes. Although diet replacement is a potential challenge for effective CFS use, mothers’ willingness to cook and feed WSB++, especially with some encouragement, suggests it is an acceptable CFS to use in rural Bangladesh.Grant Funding Source: USDA (FANEP, NIFA), USA; WFP, Italy; DSM, Switzerland
The development of a reliable and feasible measure of school children's fruit and vegetable consumption
Authors: Taylor Jennifer C , Yon Bethany A , Johnson Rachel K 
Published: June 2021

Feasible and reliable measurements of fruit and vegetable (F/V) consumption are needed that are based on children's actual consumption and are not subject to errors of children's self‐report. Our objective was to test the feasibility and reliability of three methods of assessing children's F/V consumption during lunch in two elementary school cafeterias. F/V consumption was assessed by weighed plate waste (WPW), direct observation (DO), and digital imaging (DI) during a training simulation and over ten school days. Feasibility was tested by the ability to assess F/V consumption for a target sample of at least 30–40 lunch trays during each school day. Interobserver reliability (IOR) was tested for DO and DI based on percent agreement for individual F/V item consumption and intraclass correlations (ICC) for total portions consumed per tray. WPW, DO, and DI assessed 340, 219, and 277 lunch trays respectively. Thirty‐one to 68 lunch trays were assessed during each school day, but no F/V items were selected on 15.2% of all trays. The net trays assessed for F/V consumption met or exceeded the target samples on all except one day, where 22% of participants did not select a F/V item. Percent agreement for DO was 93% and the ICC was 0.51. DI percent agreement was 96% and the ICC was 0.92. All methods were feasible for assessing F/V consumption during school lunch, but DI was more reliable than DO.Grant Funding Source: USDA ‐ Vermont Agricultural Experiment Station and the Bickford Scholar Research Fund
Dietary Protein and Risk of Obesity and Central Adiposity in Middle‐aged and Older Adults in Framingham
Authors: Hasnain Syed Ridda , Buendia Justin Rene , Singer Martha R , Moore Lynn L 
Published: June 2021

Aging triggers increases in fat mass and changes in body composition. Dietary protein may impact the balance of lean/fat mass, and the current protein RDA may be inadequate for older adults. Our goal was to examine the role of dietary protein on obesity and central adiposity in middle‐aged and older adults, using data from the Framingham Offspring Study, a prospective study of 5124 adults.Dietary data were collected by 3‐day records for 1490 non‐obese (BMI<30kg/m2) healthy subjects. BMI and waist (umbilicus) were measured at each exam. ANCOVA and multiple logistic regression were used to control confounding by age, sex, education, height, activity, smoking, energy, % energy from fat and baseline weight.Consuming more protein, alone or as part of a healthy diet (FV, fiber, whole grains) led to lower mean BMI and lower risk of obesity and central adiposity. Animal and plant protein intakes reduced obesity risk by 55% (OR: 0.45; 95% CI: 0.31–0.65) and 77% (95% CI: 0.15–0.34), respectively. Mean waist size declined (M: 40.9, 38.4, 36.2 cm; W: 34.7, 31.6, 29.4 cm; p<0.0001) with increasing protein intake. Higher total, animal and plant protein led to 71% (95% CI: 0.23–0.36), 49% (95% CI: 0.43–0.62) and 70% (95% CI: 0.24–0.37) lower central obesity risk, respectively. Effects were partly attenuated by adding baseline weight to the model. These results suggest that higher intakes of dietary protein may lower obesity risk in adults.Grant Funding Source: Framingham Study funded by NHLBI; small analysis grant from ENC/USDA
Associations of magnesium intake with coronary artery calcification in the Framingham Heart Study
Authors: Hruby Adela , O'Donnell Christopher J. , Jacques Paul F. , Meigs James B. , Wood Richard J. , McKeown Nicola M. 
Published: June 2021

Magnesium (Mg) may prevent vascular calcification, including calcification within atherosclerotic plaques underlying cardiovascular disease (CVD). We examined cross‐sectional associations of Mg intake, ascertained by food frequency questionnaire, on coronary artery (CAC) and abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) in men (N=1386, mean age 51±11 y) and women (N=1359, 55±11 y) free of CVD who participated in the Framingham Heart Study Multi‐Detector Computed Tomography (MDCT) Sub‐study. The Agatston score, a measure of calcium from CT scans, was ln‐transformed in sex‐specific Tobit models adjusted for covariates including age, BMI, major CVD risk factors and treatment for CVD risk factors, as well as intakes of calcium, vitamins D and K, saturated fat, fiber, alcohol, and energy, and hormone replacement therapy use in women. In women, a 50‐mg/d increment in Mg intake was associated with 24% lower CAC and 19% lower AAC (beta [SE]: −0.28 [0.11], P<0.01; −0.21 [0.10], P=0.05, respectively). Mg was not significantly associated with either CAC or AAC in men (−0.10 [0.08], P=0.18; −0.05 [0.08], P=0.51, respectively). The origins of the discrepant associations between men and women are unknown and require further study.Grant Funding Source: American Heart Association Predoctoral Fellowship, the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute's Framingham Heart Study (Contract No.N01‐HC‐25195), and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA Agreement No. 58–1950‐7–707).
Human Mammary Epithelial Cell Gene Expression and Product Secretion of Milk Lipids during Secretory Activation
Authors: Mohammad Mahmoud Ali , Haymond Morey W. 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundThe gene expression of lipid biosynthetic enzymes during initiation of lactation in humans in unknown.ObjectiveTo study mRNA expression of lipid metabolic enzymes in human mammary epithelial cell (MEC) in conjunction with the measurement of milk fatty acid (FA) composition during secretory activation.SubjectsGene expression from mRNA isolated from milk fat globule (MFG), a reflection of gene expression in MEC, and milk FA composition were measured from 6h to 42d postpartum in 7 normal women.ResultsOver the first 96h postpartum, gene expression of all aspects of lipid metabolism and milk FA production increased several folds, including: lipolysis at the MEC membrane, FA uptake from blood, intracellular FA transport, de novo FA synthesis, FA and glycerol activation, FA elongation, FA desaturation, synthesis of triglycerides, cholesterol synthesis and lipid droplet formation. Gene expression of the key lipid synthesis regulator, sterol regulatory element‐binding transcription factor1 (SREBF1), increased 2.0‐fold by 36h and remained elevated over the study duration. The mRNA expression of thyroid hormone responsive (THRSP) and insulin‐induced2 (INSIG2) genes increased progressively to plateau by 96h. In contrast, mRNA expression of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPARG) decreased several folds. With the onset of lactation, de novo synthesis of FAs (C6‐C12) was the most prominent change in milk FA composition and mirrored the expression of FA synthesis genes.ConclusionMilk fat synthesis and secretion in humans is a complex process requiring the orchestration of a wide variety of pathways of which SREBF1 may play a primary role.Grant Funding Source: USDA/ARS Grant # 6250–51000
Differential effects of hepcidin on heme and nonheme iron absorption in a rat model of iron overload
Authors: Cao Chang , Thomas Carrie , Insogna Karl , O'Brien Kimberly 
Published: June 2021

Heme and non‐heme iron (Fe) are taken up by enterocytes via distinct transporters but may share the same exporter protein, ferroportin (FPN). The Fe regulatory hormone, hepcidin, controls non‐heme Fe absorption by inducing FPN degradation. Whether hepcidin affects heme Fe absorption is largely unknown. To address this question, we utilized stable Fe isotopes to measure heme and non‐heme Fe absorption in a rodent model of Fe overload. Male Sprague Dawley rats received bi‐weekly injections of PBS (control), 4 mg Fe (moderate Fe), or 12 mg Fe (high Fe) to induce Fe overload. After 2 weeks of treatment, rats were gavaged on alternate days with 57Fe as labeled ferrous sulfate and 58Fe as labeled porcine RBCs. Red cell incorporation of 57Fe and 58Fe was assessed 10‐days post‐dosing. Fe overload in rats increased Fe concentrations in liver (p=0.008) and spleen (p=0.002), increased levels of liver hepcidin transcripts (p=0.005), and reduced absorption of both heme (p=0.004) and nonheme Fe (p=0.01) by 69% and 63%, respectively. While humans absorb heme Fe more efficiently, non‐heme Fe absorption was 2.4‐times higher than heme Fe absorption in the rat (p=0.0009). Liver hepcidin had a greater association with non‐heme compared to heme Fe absorption (p=0.02, ANCOVA). Hepcidin up‐regulation in the rat inhibits both non‐heme and heme Fe absorption but suppresses heme Fe absorption less effectively.Grant Funding Source: USDA 2008–0857Grant Funding Source: USDA
Dysregulation of Vitamin K Homeostasis in Brain, not Heart of Vitamin E‐Injected rats Fed Deuterium‐labeled Phylloquinone
Authors: Farley Sherry Mae , Leonard Scott W , Kirkwood Jay S , Stevens J Frederick , Traber Maret G 
Published: June 2021

Subcutaneous (SC) α‐tocopherol (α‐T) injections in rats resulted in significant reductions in phylloquinone (PK) and menaquinone‐4 (MK‐4) in many extra‐hepatic tissues. To investigate the mechanism for vitamin K loss, rats were fed deuterium‐labeled (d4)‐PK for 17 days; starting on day 10, they were SC injected for 7 days with saline, vehicle, or α‐T (100 mg/kg BW), then on day 8, plasma and tissues were collected. After α‐T injections, liver α‐T was increased 10‐fold and its carboxychromanol catabolite (CEHC) increased 40‐fold, while brain α‐T was unchanged, brain CEHC increased from undetectable to 300 ± 60 pmol/g. Brain vitamin K was ~70% labeled; it was enriched in d4‐MK‐4 (14 pmol/g) relative to d4‐PK (1.5 pmol/g); α‐T injections decreased d4‐PK to 67% and d4‐MK‐4 to 45% compared with controls; PK conversion to MK‐4 was similar between groups. In contrast, heart contained ~85% enrichment in d4‐PK, while α‐T injections had no significant effects on heart total vitamin K. The high heart d4‐PK concentrations (~40 pmol/g) may protect it from the deleterious α‐ T effects. In brain, injections decreased both d4‐MK‐4 and d4‐PK concentrations suggesting that either uptake of d4‐PK or recycling of d4‐MK‐4 was potentially inhibited by CEHC.Grant Funding Source: National Research Initiative Grant 2009–35200‐05031 from the USDA
Menaquinones content of human serum and feces
Authors: Karl J Philip , Fu Xueyan , Saltzman Edward , Meydani Simin N , Meydani Mohsen , Barnett Junaidah B , Booth Sarah L 
Published: June 2021

Bacterially‐synthesized menaquinones (MKn) may contribute to vitamin K (VK) nutriture. There are limited data on interindividual variability in endogenous MK synthesis and its relation to circulating forms of VK. Serum and fecal VK concentrations were assessed in 13 healthy adults (45–65 yr) consuming a standardized diet for 14 d. Phylloquinone (PK), MK4 and MK6‐MK13 concentrations were measured by HPLC in fasting serum collected on day 8 and 72 hr‐fecal homogenates collected days 8–10. LC/MS was used to confirm individual MKn. PK, the primary dietary form, comprised only 6 ± 3% of total fecal VK content (fecal PK [mean ± SD]; 0.45 ± 0.17 μg/g dry wt), and was not correlated with serum PK concentrations (1.85 ± 0.89 pmol/L). No MKn were detected in serum. MK4 and MK6‐MK12 were detected in all, and MK13 in 7 fecal homogenates. Mean fecal MKn concentrations ranged from 0.17 ± 0.05 μg/g dry wt for MK4 to 4.95 ± 2.30 μg/g dry wt for MK10, with MK10 comprising 63 ± 19% of total fecal MKn content. Based on fecal contents, we conclude that the majority of MKn isoprenologues are present in the human colon, but with evidence of interindividual variation despite 10 d of diet standardization. The clinical implications of these findings, and the role of MKn in supporting VK nutriture are yet to be determined. Funded by a grant from General Mills and USDA contract #58–1950‐7–707.Grant Funding Source: USDA
Characterization and bioaccessibility of tangeretin‐loaded zein colloidal system
Authors: Chen Jingjing , Zheng Jinkai , McClements David Julian , Xiao Hang 
Published: June 2021

Tangeretin, a citrus flavonoid has been shown to possess many beneficial bioactivities. However, bioaccessibility of tangeretin is relatively low due to its high hydrophobicity, which limits its absorption in gastrointestinal tract. The aim of this study was to design a delivery system to improve bioaccessibility of tangeretin. Tangeretin‐loaded zein colloidal system with an average particle size of 400 nm was produced by mixing aqueous phase containing β‐lactoglobulin and organic phase containing zein and tangeretin. After removal of organic solvent, particle size was decreased to about 300 nm. The influence of temperature, pH, ionic strength on the stability of the system was examined. Apparent particle aggregation occurred at high temperature (70 °C), low ionic strength and around isoelectic point of β‐lactoglobulin. Powder form of the above delivery system was successfully produced by lyophilization. After reconstitution into an aqueous solution, the delivery system maintained similar responses to the environment stress as freshly prepared one, suggesting an excellent applicability of the system as a convenient powder ingredient. Using a simulated gastrointestinal model, we demonstrated the colloidal system significantly enhanced tangeretin bioaccessibility. In conclusion, we successfully developed a stable colloidal system that can potentially improve bioaccessibility of tangeretin.Grant Funding Source: EPA‐USDA‐NSF grant
Blueberries and strawberries activate neuronal housekeeping in critical brain regions of stress‐induced young rats.
Authors: Poulose Shibu , Bielinski Donna F , Carrihill‐Knoll Kirsty , Rabin Bernard , Shukitt‐Hale Barbara 
Published: June 2021

Dysfunctional autophagy, where accumulation of damaged or complex cellular components in neurons in response to sublethal cell stress, has been implicated in an array of brain disorders. This phenomenon plays a pivotal role in aging because of the increased vulnerability of the aging brain to increased oxidative stress and inflammation. Blueberries and strawberries are rich in neuroactive compounds, and diets supplemented with these berries have been shown to improve behavior and cognitive functions in young rats which were subjected to oxidative and inflammatory stress by exposure to irradiation with high energy and charge (HZE) particles, a model for accelerated aging. The current study explored the neurochemical changes in the brain, particularly autophagy, a neuronal housekeeping mechanism. Irradiation disrupted protein homeostasis as evidenced by increased accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins in hippocampus and striatum. Feeding animals with either berry diet (2% w/w), prior to irradiation as well as 30 days post irradiation, protected these brain regions against inflammation and oxidative stress. The berry diets also enhanced the clearance of ubiquitinated proteins measured in terms of the levels of p62, beclin1, ATG7, and MAP1B‐LC3, and phosphorylation of mTOR, indicating activation of autophagy. This study extends molecular evidence for the health‐promoting properties of berries.Grant Funding Source: USDA intramural funds and NASA grant NNX13AB73G
Tomato powder, not tomato extract or lycopene, attenuates alcohol‐induced hepatic inflammatory foci and steatosis in rats
Authors: Stice Camilla Peach , Liu Chun , Greenberg Andrew S , Ausman Lynne M , Wang Xiang‐Dong 
Published: June 2021

Alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Consumption of tomatoes, rich in the carotenoid lycopene (LYC), is associated with decreased risk of chronic disease. However, our previous results show a negative interaction between alcohol consumption and supplementation with LYC. The present study aims to investigate the potential protective effects of tomato powder (TP, representative of whole tomato) and tomato extract (TE, lipid soluble tomato components) against AFLD development in male Wistar rats. Animals were group pair‐fed with Lieber‐DeCarli liquid diet (LD) or alcoholic liquid diet (ALD, 36% energy from ethanol) and supplemented with LYC, TP, or TE to provide 1.1 mg/kg BW LYC for 4 weeks. We observed a significant increase in both hepatic steatosis and inflammatory foci in rats consuming ALD as compared to LD. LYC supplementation had no effect on the degree of steatosis and, consistent with our previous results, significantly increased inflammatory foci in rats fed ALD. Interestingly, dietary TP significantly reduced the severity of both steatosis and inflammatory foci in rats fed ALD, whereas TE had no effect on either outcome. This study reveals the protective effects of TP supplementation against AFLD development and further highlights the potential detrimental interaction of alcohol and supplementation with a single nutrient in replace of whole food.Grant Funding Source: USDA 1950–51000‐064S
Individual genetic variations (IGV) of β,β‐carotene monooxygenase‐1 (BCMO1) are associated with changes in total cholesterol in young Mexican adults
Authors: Marques Courtney , Teran‐Garcia Margarita , Erdman John W. , Vargas‐Morales Juan Manuel , Aradillas‐Garcia Celia , Group UP‐AMIGOS 
Published: June 2021

Retinoids are key in facilitating many physiological functions, including lipid metabolism, and are typically formed from the cleavage of β,β‐carotene by BCMO1. Recently, an IGV in the BCMO1 gene (SNP, rs10048138) was associated with cholesterol levels in a U. S. cohort; however, there are no replicates in the Mexican population. Our objective was to examine the association of this BCMO1 marker with cholesterol levels, a risk factor for metabolic disease, in college‐age individuals from the UP‐AMIGOS cohort. UP‐AMIGOS is a multidisciplinary project on genetics, obesity, and social environment between the Universities of San Luis Potosi (San Luis Potosi, Mexico) and Illinois. For this cross‐sectional study genotype, health and nutrition data from 72 participants (aged 18–21 years) was analyzed. Homozygotes for the minor allele of BCMO1‐rs10048138 had lower cholesterol (137.4±9.8 mg/dL) compared to the other genotypes (158.1±2.7 and 157.6±4.0 mg/dL) adjusted for sex and age (p<0.04). Our analyses show that genetic variability in BCMO1 was associated with cholesterol levels and may prove to influence risk for metabolic disease; this association was strengthened (p<0.02) when considering smoking.Grant Funding Source: USDA/NIFA Hatch Project (#600108–793000‐793323 and #600109–698000‐698354)
Synergistic inhibition of lung cancer cell proliferation by 4′‐ hydroxylnobiletin and atorvastatin
Authors: Charoensinphon Noppawat , Zheng Jinkai , Dong Ping , Qiu Peiju , Xiao Hang 
Published: June 2021

Combination treatment with different anticancer agents may produce enhanced effects due to their synergistic interaction. Previously, we reported that nobiletin (NBT, a flavonoid found in citrus fruits) and atorvastatin (ATST, Lipitor, a lipid‐lowering drug) in combination produced strong synergy in inhibiting lung cancer cell growth. Herein, we further investigated the interaction between ATST and a major metabolite of nobiletin, 4′‐ hydroxylnobiletin (4HN) in lung cancer cells. Our results showed that 4HN produced much stronger growth inhibition on cancer cells than its parent compound NBT. Moreover, 4HN/ATST co‐treatments at low doses consistently produced much stronger inhibitory effects on different cancer cells in comparison to those produced by 4HN or ATST alone at higher doses. Isobologram analysis confirmed that the interaction between 4HN and ATST was highly synergistic. Our results further demonstrated that the synergistic growth inhibition on lung cancer cells by 4HN/ATST co‐treatment was associated with extensive G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, as the results of modulating key oncogenic signaling proteins by 4HN/ATST co‐treatment. Taken together, our results showed a strong synergy between ATST and 4HN in inhibiting lung cancer cell growth, which provided a strong rationale to use NBT and ATST in combination for lung cancer inhibition.Grant Funding Source: AICR, NIH, and USDA
Identification of variants in the fatty acid desaturase (FADS) gene cluster associated with total cholesterol and HDL‐C in young Mexican college students. UP‐AMIGOS study.
Authors: Vazquez‐Vidal Itzel , Teran‐Garcia Margarita , Andrade Flavia C.D. , Aradillas‐Garcia Celia , Vargas‐Morales Juan Manuel 
Published: June 2021

A recent genome‐wide association study (GWA) in the Mexican population has identified several genetic loci associated with blood lipid levels in adults. The FADS gene cluster has not been studied in youngsters. Our aim was to report the single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the FADS gene cluster associated with high TC, and low HDL‐C in young Mexicans from the college‐age UP‐AMIGOS cohort. Anthropometrics, smoking habits, cardiovascular disease history, and serum lipid profile were determined (n=72, aged 18–21 years). Genotyping was conducted using the Illumina system. Genotype‐phenotype associations were assessed by multiple linear regression models adjusted by sex and age. Genetic variability in the FADS gene was associated with TC (6 SNPs) and HDL‐C (2 SNPs) levels. Our data provides new valuable information for future studies where other environmental factors (diet, exercise) are taken into consideration to better understand the onset of dyslipidemia. It also provides useful data for early identification of individuals at risk and for comparative studies in different population.Grant Funding Source: USDA/NIFA Hatch Project (#600108–793000‐793323 and #600109–698000‐698354)