bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Social influences on sugar consumption during pregnancy
Authors: Graham Jocelyn , Forbes Laura E , Mayan Maria , McCargar Linda , Bell Rhonda C ,   The Sweet Moms Team
Published: June 2021

Studies of dietary intake during pregnancy have shown that many women increase their sugar intake during this time, which may contribute to poor diet quality and excess weight gain. The purpose of this research is to investigate physiological, social, and environmental factors that influence sugar intake during pregnancy.Guided by the methodology of focused ethnography, a series of semi‐structured interviews (n=8) have been conducted with pregnant women of varying sugar intakes. Transcripts were analyzed using qualitative content analysis to inductively derive knowledge about sugar intake.Preliminary findings from this study that have reached saturation include three social influences on sugar intake behaviours. Women conveyed an attitude that the state of pregnancy is a license to indulge in foods that are usually limited or avoided. Fathers could have either a positive or negative effect on the sugar intakes of women depending on their own dietary habits and views. Furthermore, social expectations of nutrition in pregnancy affected people's behaviours towards pregnant women and influenced eating behaviours during pregnancy.Strategies to facilitate healthier diets during pregnancy may include altering women's beliefs and attitude towards food and weight gain, including the father in nutritional counseling, and public health campaigns to increase knowledge of nutrition during pregnancy.
Grape polyphenols improve blood pressure and vascular function in men with metabolic syndrome
Authors: Barona Jacqueline , Volek Jeff S , Fernandez Maria Luz 
Published: June 2021

Men (n=24, 30–70y) with metabolic syndrome (MetS) were randomly allocated to consume either a freeze‐dried grape polyphenol powder (GRAPE) or a placebo for 30 days in a double blind manner. After a 3‐wk washout, they were allocated to the alternate treatment. Participants maintained their usual diet and physical activity during the study and abstained from consuming polyphenol‐rich foods. MetS parameters and markers of vascular endothelial function [flow‐mediated vasodilation (FMD) of the brachial artery, plasma total nitric oxide (NOx), plasma soluble intercellular adhesive molecule‐1 (sICAM‐1) and vascular cell adhesive molecule‐1 (sVCAM‐1) were measured]. There was a significant (p= 0.002) decrease in systolic blood pressure (BP), greater FMD response (p= 0.000), and reductions in circulating sICAM‐1 concentrations (p= 0.017) during the GRAPE compared to the placebo period. In addition changes in sICAM‐1 concentrations between periods were negatively correlated with absolute FDM changes (r = −0.479, P < 0.025). Although NOx concentrations were not different between periods, changes in systolic BP were negatively correlated (r = −0.437, p < 0.05) with changes in NOx concentrations indicating the vasodilating properties of NOx. These results suggest that GRAPE polyphenols may potentiate vasorelaxation and reduce circulating adhesive molecules, as well as reduce BP and improve vascular dysfunctionGrant Funding Source : California Table Grape Commission
Preschooler's sack lunches do not meet the dietary recommendations for calcium
Authors: Romo-Palafox Maria Jose , Sweitzwer Sara J , Briley Margaret E , Robert-Gray Cindy 
Published: June 2021

The objective of this study was to determine the calcium content of preschool sack lunches (n=135) prepared by parents of children age 3–5. Data were collected on 3 nonconsecutive days, analyzed by Food Intake Analysis System (FIAS) to determine the calcium content and compare it to 1/3 of the Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) for children age 3, and 4–5. Portion sizes were evaluated based on Child and Adult Care Feeding Program (CACFP) guidelines. The mean calcium content of sack lunches for three year olds (275.61 ± 38.94 mg) provided more than 1/3 of the DRI (233.33 mg) for their age. Calcium content for four year olds (241.68 ± 34.27 mg) and five year olds (328.89 ± 44.86 mg) did not meet 1/3 of the DRI (333.33 mg). Primary contributing foods to calcium content in sack lunches were cheese (81%), yogurt (42%), fluid milk (21%) cheese spreads (15%), smoothies and other dairy products (13%). The mean serving of milk was 5.6 oz / sack lunch. Parents failed to provide 1/3 of the DRI for calcium in their child's sack lunch for 44% of three year olds, 77% of four year olds, and 50% of five year olds. These findings suggest the need for nutrition education of parents to assure young children receive the necessary calcium from skim milk. Research support National Cancer Institute NCIGrant Funding Source: R21 CA 123140‐01A
Selling Sprinkles as part of a health products package may reduce fever and diarrhea incidence but not respiratory illness in preschool children in western Kenya
Authors: Grant Frederick Kobina Ebo , Martorell Reynaldo , Ayala-Flores Rafael , Cole Conrad R. , Ramakrishnan Usha , Laird Ruth J. , Patel Minal , Juliao Patricia C. , Quick Rob , Suchdev Parminder S. 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundSupplementation with zinc and vitamin A has been associated with reduced duration and severity of diarrhea and respiratory illness in children.ObjectiveWe measured the association of community‐based sales of Sprinkles with incidence of diarrhea, fever and cough in children 6–59mo.DesignThis was a cluster‐randomized, longitudinal cohort trial in 60 villages for the first 9mo (July 2007–March 2008), and expansion of access to Sprinkles to both study groups in the second 9mo (July 2008–March 2009). Thus, in addition to the experimental analyses using the first year's data, an as‐treated analysis to compare users and non‐users of Sprinkles across all 60 villages using all available data was carried out. The incidence of diarrhea, cough, and fever were compared between children who used Sprinkles and those who did not.ResultsOf the 1079 children enrolled, 78% (n=847) had data on Sprinkles use. Analyses using the experimental design (July 2007–March 2008) suggested null effects on diarrhea and cough. However, children in the intervention villages had 32% reduced fever (relative risk, RR=0.68; 95% CI=0.62, 0.74). Use of Sprinkles was associated with about 30% reduction in diarrhea (RR=0.71; 95% CI=0.55, 0.93) and 18% reduction in fever (RR=0.82; 95% CI=0.72, 0.95).ConclusionSale of Sprinkles may reduce fever and diarrhea incidence among children 6–59mo in western Kenya.Grant Funding Source: NEVIN SCRIMSHAW INTERNATIONAL NUTRITION FOUNDATION
Rational Selection of Antigens for Targeted Therapy of Liver Metastases
Authors: TURTOI Andrei , BLOMME Arnaud , CASTRONOVO Vincent 
Published: June 2021

Patients suffering from liver metastases are diagnosed late and have a poor outcome. Targeted therapies are gaining a major stake in current and future treatment options. However, the malignant lesions are heterogeneous in nature offering niches for cancer cells causing treatment resistance and relapse. Therefore, a rational strategy is needed to select targetable antigens that would overcome this intra‐tumoral heterogeneity.Here we generated a quantitative picture of the proteome heterogeneity in colorectal carcinoma liver metastases. We focus on membrane bound and extracellular proteins and show the differential distribution of novel targets and antigens against which the antibodies are already involved in clinical trials or treatment of liver metastases. Extensive clustering and validation experiments highlight novel markers that offer the potential to homogeneously cover the metastatic lesion and become better targets.Two such antigens, LTBP2 and TGFBI are selected for functional analysis in colorectal carcinoma cells. In vitro and in vivo experiments show that both proteins are relevant for migration and proliferation capacities of cancer cells. Their depletion leads to significant inhibition of tumor growth, crystalizing them as bona fide targets for development of anti‐metastases therapies.This work is funded by FP7 (ADAMANT) the European Union project, Univeristy of Liège & the ARC (IDEA) project, Belgium.
Protein requirement in healthy pregnant women in early and late gestation determined by indicator amino acid oxidation method
Authors: Stephens Trina Victoria , Payne Magdalene , Ball Ronald , Pencharz Paul , Elango Rajavel 
Published: June 2021

Protein (PRO) requirements in healthy pregnant women at 16–18 and 34–36 weeks gestation were determined using the indicator amino acid oxidation (IAAO) method. Nine, healthy women (age 25–34) each randomly received a different test PRO intake (range = 0.22–2.56 g/kg/day) during each study day (n=20). The diets were isocaloric and provided energy at 1.7 X resting energy expenditure (REE). PRO was given as a crystalline amino acid mixture based on egg protein composition, except phenylalanine and tyrosine, which were maintained constant across intakes. PRO requirements were determined by measuring the oxidation of L‐[1‐13C]‐phenylalanine to 13CO2 (F13CO2). Breath and urine samples were collected at baseline and isotopic steady state. Linear regression crossover analysis identified a breakpoint (requirement) at minimal F13CO2 in response to different PRO intakes.Preliminary results indicate the mean PRO requirements in early and late gestation to be ~14% and 48%, respectively, above the estimated average requirement of 0.88 g/kg/day currently recommended by the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI 2005) for macronutrients. Our results also indicate gestational differences in protein requirement, a consideration that has not been addressed by current DRI recommendations. This study is the first to directly estimate gestational protein requirement in a population composed solely of pregnant women, and suggests that current recommendations based on the nitrogen balance method may be underestimated.
Basal muscle protein synthesis is unaffected by sex in young and older adults
Authors: Markofski Melissa M , Timmerman Kyle L , Fujita Satoshi , Fry Christopher S , Glynn Erin L , Drummond Micah J , Dickinson Jared M , Reidy Paul T , Gundermann David M , Rasmussen Blake B , Volpi Elena 
Published: June 2021

There are conflicting data in the literature regarding the effect of sex on muscle protein synthesis. However, the majority of studies had a small sample size and low power. Further, in some studies subjects had been hospitalized and on a standardized diet for up to 3 days prior to measuring protein synthesis. Others included obese subjects. Physical activity level, diet and adiposity may influence muscle protein synthesis.METHODSWe pooled the fractional muscle protein synthesis rate (FSR) data collected by our lab over the past ten years (N=216) in non‐obese (BMI: 18.5–30.0 kg/m2), healthy young (18–40 yr; 74 males, 53 females) and older (60–87 yr; 57 males, 32 females) subjects using the same tracer (13C6‐ phenylalanine) and design (4‐hr primed‐continuous tracer infusion). All subjects maintained their normal activity level and diet until the night prior to the experiment.RESULTSThere were no differences between all males (average±SD; 0.061±0.018%) and females (0.060±0.018%), young males (0.058±0.019%) and females (0.059±0.017%), or old males (0.064±0.015%) and females (0.061±0.022%). Overall, FSR was not significantly different between older (0.063±0.018%) and younger adults (0.058±0.018%), with no interactions between age and sex.CONCLUSIONThere are no sex differences in basal muscle protein synthesis between non‐obese, community‐dwelling, independent, young and older men and women.
Leucine balance, metabolic and satiety responses to a leucinerich meal in healthy elderly women
Authors: Snarr Chandra , Redmond Emily , Morais José A. , Wykes Linda J. , Chevalier Stéphanie 
Published: June 2021

Many older adults experience a decline of appetite and may not meet their protein needs; a strategy to optimize protein retention is thus essential. Leucine has anabolic potential by stimulating protein synthesis via mRNA translation and insulin secretion. Postprandial responses to leucine‐rich versus isonitrogenous mixed meals were assessed in 9 healthy older women (70.1±2 y, BMI 23.7±2.7 kg/m2) by double‐blinded, randomized, crossover studies. Test meals provided 0.6 g protein and 16.0 kcal/kg LBM, once with added leucine (0.07 g/kg LBM), once without.ResultsFive‐hour whole‐body postprandial leucine oxidation response, measured by constant infusion of [1‐13C]leucine and enrichment of plasma 13C‐KIC and expired 13CO2 was further increased with meal+leucine. Yet, the resulting balance (intake‐oxidation) was greater (18.1±1.4 vs. without 11.3±1.3 mmol/5h, p<0.001) suggesting more protein retention. Serum insulin and C‐peptide AUC were greater post meal+leucine, indicating more secretion. Plasma glucose excursions and free fatty acids suppression did not differ between meals. Addition of leucine had no effect on meal‐induced thermogenesis, satiety and gut peptide responses (GLP‐1, PYY 3–36, ghrelin). This study shows the anabolic potential of a leucine‐rich mixed meal in older women, a dietary strategy that may be used to promote protein anabolism without affecting appetite. (Funded by CIHR)
Muscle breakdown determines Arginine (ARG) availability during hyperdynamic sepsis in the pig
Authors: Ten Have Gabriella A , Engelen Marielle P , Wolfe Robert R , Deutz Nicolaas E 
Published: June 2021

RATIONALEArginine availability plays a key role in systemic ARG to nitric oxide (NO) conversion, but in sepsis it is unknown which of the organs contribute.METHODSTransorgan ARG kinetics was studied in 12 pigs with Pseudomonas aeroginosa induced hyperdynamic sepsis and 8 controls, using primed‐continuous Phenylalanine (13C6), ARG (guanido‐15N2) and Citrulline (CIT) (ureido‐13C‐5,5‐2H2) infusion. 18 h after start of the sepsis induction, whole body protein breakdown (WbPB), WbArg, WbCit, ARG de novo (WbdenovoArg) and nitric oxide (WbNO) production, and transorgan net balances (NB), disposal and production were measured. Enrichment and concentrations were analysed by LC‐MS. Data were reflected as mean (SE) (in nmol/kg bw/min); stats was done by RM‐ANOVA.RESULTSSepsis increased WbPB, WbArg, WbNO (p<0.05), but did not change WbdenovoArg and WbCit. Only muscle ARG NB changed from net uptake to net release in the PM pigs (115(26) to −127(58); p=0.0046) and was caused by increased ARG production (326(157) to 762(107), p=0.028) and associated with increased muscle protein breakdown. No changes in gut, liver and lung ARG metabolism were observed.CONCLUSIONARG availability during sepsis is maintained only by stimulated muscle protein breakdown.
Impact of maternal prenatal metabolic abnormalities on metabolic hormones in human milk
Authors: Ley Sylvia H , Hanley Anthony J , Sermer Mathew , Zinman Bernard , O'Connor Deborah L 
Published: June 2021

Metabolic hormones are present in human milk, but no studies have investigated the impact of maternal metabolic status during pregnancy on milk insulin and adiponectin concentrations. We aimed to investigate the association of prenatal metabolic status with milk insulin and adiponectin. Participants (n=170) underwent a 3‐h oral glucose tolerance test at 30 (95% CI 25, 33) weeks gestation and donated milk in the first week (early milk) and at 3 months postpartum (mature milk). Prenatal metabolic abnormalities including higher pregravid BMI (beta±SE 0.053±0.014, p=0.0003), in addition to gravid hyperglycemia (0.218±0.087, p=0.01), insulin resistance (0.255±0.047, p<0.0001), lower insulin sensitivity (−0.521±0.108, p<0.0001), and higher serum adiponectin (0.116±0.029, p<0.0001) were associated with higher insulin in mature milk with multiple adjustment. Prenatal metabolic measures were not associated with milk adiponectin, but obstetrical measures including nulliparity (0.171±0.058, p=0.004), longer duration of gestation (0.546±0.146, p=0.0002), and unscheduled C‐section (0.387±0.162, p=0.02) were associated with higher adiponectin in early milk with multiple adjustment. In conclusion, maternal prenatal metabolic abnormalities were associated with high insulin concentrations in mature milk, while only obstetrical parameters were associated adiponectin concentrations in early milk.Grant Funding Source: CDA, CFDR, CIHR
Maternal body mass index modifies the impact of negative energy balance during lactation on infant weight and length gain in HIV‐exposed, uninfected Malawian females
Authors: Widen Elizabeth M , Bentley Margaret , Kayira Dumbani , Chasela Charles , Kacheche Zebrone , Tegha Gerald , Kamwendo Debbie , Jamieson Denise , Flax Valerie , van der Horst Charles , Adair Linda 
Published: June 2021

Negative maternal energy balance during lactation may influence growth of exclusively breastfed infants through impaired quality or quantity of breastmilk. Malawian mother‐infant pairs (n=1,449) in the Breastfeeding, Antiretrovirals and Nutrition Study were randomized to receive a lipid‐based nutrient supplement (LNS), meeting nutritional needs of lactation, or no LNS and a maternal, infant or no antiretroviral (ARV) regimen. Linear regression models were used to relate negative maternal energy balance (weight loss 2–24 weeks) to infant weight and length gain from birth to 24 weeks, stratifying by gender and maternal BMI at 2 weeks (mean: 23.1 kg/m2), and controlling for birth measurement, parity, treatment arm and seasonality. Length (β: −3 cm, p=0.01) and weight gain (β: −1.3 kg, p=0.001) were lower in girls whose mothers had lower BMI at 2 weeks postpartum coupled with negative energy balance, compared to women in positive energy balance. Treatment arm was not associated with infant length or weight gain (p>0.13). Though effects were only observed in girls, suggesting possible gender differences in suckling and feeding behavior, these findings indicate that maternal negative energy balance with low energy reserves represents a risk factor for poor infant growth outcomes, possibly through reduced milk energy output.Grant Funding Source : CDC(U48 DP000059 01); Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation(OPP53107); CPC(NICHD 5 R24 HD050924)
Development of resting cardiovascular activity during the first 2 years of life differs in breastfed and formula‐fed boys and girls
Authors: Pivik R T , Andres A , Badger T M 
Published: June 2021

To investigate whether early infant diet influences cardiovascular development we recorded resting heart‐rate (HR) at 3, 6, 9, 12, and 24 mo in awake healthy children who were breastfed (BF) or fed milk formula (MF) or soy formula (SF) during infancy (n = 83–146/group/age). HR, and indices of autonomic nervous system (ANS) sympathetic [low frequency power (Plf: .04–.15 Hz)] and parasympathetic activity [high frequency power (Phf: .15–.5 Hz)] were determined from power spectral analyses of digitized, artifact‐free recordings and analyzed using ANOVAs with post‐hoc t‐tests. HR decreased and Plf and Phf increased for all groups across the study period. Few within‐group gender differences were found [6 mo Plf: MF girls > boys, p < .05; 12 and 24 mo HR: SF girls > boys, both p < .05]. There were three important diet‐related findings: 1) levels of Plf and Phf were higher in BF than formulafed (FF) groups after 6 mo (p < .001); 2) SF and MF infants did not differ on HR measures; 3) and, group differences were modulated by gender [greater Plf and Phf in FF than BF girls from 9–24 mo (p < .02) and in FF than BF boys at 12 and 24 mo (p < .01)]. Baseline levels of ANS activity influence interactions between the central nervous system and ANS that regulate attention, emotion, cognition and behavior. The present findings suggest early infant diet may contribute to individual differences in these functions.Supported by USDA ARS CRIS 6251‐51000‐006‐03S
A Morphometric Study of Phylogenetic and Ecologic Patterns in Procyonid (Mammalia: Carnivora) Endocasts
Authors: Ahrens Heather Elizabeth , DeLeon Valerie B 
Published: June 2021

Brain size and shape have been linked to numerous evolutionary trends, with patterns of encephalization and variation well‐studied in Carnivora. Endocasts provide a proxy for brain morphology and access to potential suites of characters, but rarely are endocast characters used in cladistic analyses. We used three‐dimensional geometric morphometrics to examine phylogenetic and ecologic patterns in the endocasts of procyonids. Endocasts of seven ingroup taxa and four outgroup taxa were digitally rendered and 21 surface landmarks were collected. We tested correspondence of ‘brain shape’ with competing morphological and molecular phylogenies of Procyonidae. In analyses incorporating all taxa there was phylogenetic signal in brain shape for both topologies, but in analyses of ingroup taxa there was phylogenetic signal in the morphological topology only. Differences in brain shape suggest that procyonids emphasized areas associated with motor control, spatial perception, and balance relative to the basal musteloid, perhaps associated with increased arboreality. In Procyonidae, areas of the brain associated with arboreal behavior are also expanded in some taxa, but greater variation of brain shape occurs.Grant Funding Source: none
Exceeding expectations: Examining the systemic effects of high body mass in relation to mechanical loading
Authors: Reeves Nicole M. 
Published: June 2021

In studies of the effects of body mass on the human skeleton, an emphasis is often placed on the principle of bone functional adaptation in limb bones, namely in response to mechanical loading. However, it is possible that high body weight has systemic effects on bone throughout the skeleton, both due to increased loads and physiological effects, such as hormonal levels. Studies have correlated severe obesity with changes in joint morphology and some cross‐sectional properties of lower limb bones. This study adds further analyses by examining effects on the upper limb, which likely experiences increased mechanical loads in obese individuals, as well as the cranial vault, which experiences nominal loading. All data were collected from high‐resolution tomographic scans of modern individuals from the William M. Bass Donated Collection at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Cross‐sectional properties were taken from multiple diaphyseal locations on the humerus, radius, femur and tibia on human remains from people known to be within normal clinical weight ranges and people documented as overweight. Results suggest a systemic effect of obesity on the skeleton, although the magnitude of the effects is greatest in bones supporting body mass. Cranial vault thickness produces more variable results. Further analysis will consider variation in joint size and shape of the shoulder, hip and knee.Grant Funding Source : AAA
Protection against molecular aging and degeneration
Authors: Clark John I 
Published: June 2021

Image formation in vertebrate vision depends on transmission and focusing of light by the biological lens. The biophysical properties of visible light constrain the differentiation of cells in the embryonic surface ectoderm during the formation of symmetric, concentric, transparent layers of variable index of refraction. In the absence of turnover, lens cells and their molecular constituents are retained for the lifetime of the individual and a robust biological mechanism is necessary to protect against protein aggregation resulting from the cellular stress of aging.AlphaB crystallin is part of a selective rather than specific mechanism for recognition of protein instability. Patterns of interactive sequences recognize surface instabilities responsible for the self assembly of normal intracellular filaments or abnormal fibrils and aggregates. There is much to learn about the cooperative nature of the interactive surface domains both in the normal assembly of structural proteins and in the self assembly of abnormal fibrils and aggregates. Supported by EY04542 from the N.E.I.