bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Post‐Liver Transplant Weight Gain and its Effect on Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors
Authors: Stogsdill Gracen , Gonzales Dana , Hays Nicholas , Hakkak Reza 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveTo determine if post liver transplant weight gain results in increased cardiovascular disease risk by increasing risk factors such as blood pressure and lipid levels after transplant.MethodsData on 69 patients who received a liver transplant from 2006–2008 at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Liver Transplant Program was collected by electronic medical record review. Descriptive statistics were calculated to describe differences between groups. BMI, blood pressure and lipid levels were evaluated to examine a correlation between the groups.ResultsOverweight and obesity were common after liver transplant with 72% of the population overweight or obese at 1 year post transplant and 75.6% overweight or obese at the most recent time point analyzed. Blood pressure, total cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides all increased after transplant, while HDL‐cholesterol decreased. A significant relationship exists between blood pressure, HDL‐cholesterol and BMI after liver transplant.ConclusionIncrease in blood pressure, lipid levels, BMI and overweight/obesity after liver transplant is common. Pre‐transplant patient education on the risk of weight gain, overweight and obesity, HTN, and dyslipidemia after transplant as well as ongoing follow up post transplant for weight management is warranted. Supported by: Department of Dietetics and Nutrition.
Effects of fruits and vegetables and dairy foods on platelet activity
Authors: Kirsten Hilpert , West Sheila G , Bagshaw Debrah , Most Marlene , Lefevre Michael , Hinderliter Allen , Kris‐Etherton Penny PM 
Published: June 2021

Our past research has shown that a dairy‐rich diet produces an ideal intracellular environment (significantly lower intracellular calcium (Ca)i to magnesium ratio) compared with two low dairy/calcium diets. This study examined the effect of dairy foods on platelet activity, which is regulated by (Ca)i. Adults with untreated hypertension (n=16) were fed 3 experimental diets (5 wk each) in a randomized crossover study design. Diets included a dairy rich, high fruits and vegetables diet (D‐F&V; 30% fat, 7% saturated fat [SFA], 3.4 servings [svg]/d dairy, 9.6 svg/d F&V), a high fruits and vegetables diet (F&V; 30% fat, 7% SFA, 0.4 svg/d dairy, 9.6 svg/d F&V), and an average Western diet (AWD; 36% fat, 15% SFA, 0.4 svg/d dairy, 3.6 svg/d F&V). (Ca)i mobilization in platelets was measured after treatment with vasopression (VP) by flow cytometry. As expected, VP induced a rapid elevation in (Ca)i from baseline on all diets (p's < 0.01). Peak change in (Ca)i was 130% higher on AWD vs D‐F&V and F&V diets (p's < 0.05). Serum P‐selectin, a marker of platelet activation, was higher on AWD vs. D‐F&V diet (p < 0.02), while the F&V diet was not different from either. Taken together, the AWD appears to detrimentally affect platelet properties in hypertensive subjects compared with diets high in fruits and vegetables; and dairy foods may offer additional benefits.Funding: National Dairy Council, GCRC of Penn State University NIH M01 RR10732
Impact of food environment intervention on household food supply: Results from the Baltimore Healthy Eating Zones program
Authors: Cook Micaela , Rowan Megan , Coutinho Anastasia , Lwin Julia , Shin Ahyoung , Christiansen Karina , Martins Paula , Suratkar Sonali , Gittelsohn Joel 
Published: June 2021

Low‐income African‐Americans in Baltimore City live in neighborhoods with limited healthy food access. The Baltimore Healthy Eating Zones (BHEZ) program aimed to increase healthy food access and improve youth dietary behavior by employing multi‐pronged interventions at recreation centers and nearby food retailers. Intervention activities, including point‐of‐purchase interactions, peer mentoring, cooking demos and taste tests, were conducted over a 9 month period and encouraged foods such as low‐fat dairy (skim and 1% milk), cooking spray, low‐sugar beverages, and high‐fiber cereals and breads. Using a paired t‐test, we observed no significant change in total household healthy food supply (n=83) within intervention (mean healthy foods present out of 16: 11.85 baseline, 11.71 post, p=0.784) and control (mean healthy foods out of 16: 11.67 baseline, 11.57 post, p=0.682) zones. Using a McNemer test, supply of 1% / skim milk significantly increased among both populations (control: 26.5% to 52.9%; p=0.035, intervention 18.4% to 57.1%; p<0.001), while supply of 2% milk significantly decreased for the intervention group (control: 50% to 32.4%; p=0.210, intervention: 63.3% to 34.7%; p=0.004). These preliminary data suggest BHEZ had no impact on overall household food supply among low‐income African‐American caregivers, but appears to have led to a small shift toward lower fat milk usage.Grant Funding Source: The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
Pilot environmental assessment of carry‐outs menus in low‐income neighborhoods of Baltimore City
Authors: Good Michael , Lee Seung Hee , Hwang Diane , Gittelsohn Joel 
Published: June 2021

A high proportion of the diet of low income urban African Americans comes from conveniently located prepared food sources. However, little information is available on the menu selection of the hundreds of carry‐out restaurants located in low income areas of Baltimore. We conducted an assessment of healthy food options available in carryouts in the low income neighborhoods of East and West Baltimore using an observational checklist. We assessed 144 prepared food sources to determine their healthy menu score (# of lower fat and/or lower sugar foods offered out of 42 possible). The mean menu score was 9.2, ranging from 1 to 18, out of 42. Despite our overall findings, a few healthier food items were commonly found on menus, including 77.8% offering low fat turkey/chicken, 71.5% offering water, 69.4% offering diet soda, 49.3% offering grilled chicken, 47.9% offering a vegetable entrée, 37.5% offering salad with greens, and 26.4% offering cooked greens. These findings will be used to develop an intervention to increase the availability of healthy options in local carry‐outs by focusing on foods that have already been shown to be acceptable to consumers.Grant Funding Source: Diabetes Research and Translation Center
Description of baseline customer survey data from pilot environmental intervention trial in low‐income neighborhood Baltimore City carry‐outs
Authors: Hoffman Vanessa , Lee Seung Hee , Feroz Qais , Martins Paula , Hamouda Mohamed , Hwang Diane , Gittelsohn Joel 
Published: June 2021

High rates of overweight, obesity and diabetes exist among African Americans. African Americans in low‐income neighborhoods spend a significant amount of money on and get a large portion of their caloric intake from calorically dense prepared foods. We conducted customer surveys (n=29) at two carry‐outs in low‐income areas in Baltimore City to examine customer characteristics and purchasing habits of healthier options available at carry‐outs. Most customers surveyed (79%) live within two miles of the carry‐out. Among the people who visited carry‐outs more than 3 times a week, 59.1% were overweight or obese, compared to 42.9% for people who visited carry‐outs up to 3 times per week (NS). Over half of the respondents (60.7%) reported convenience as one of the main reasons for coming to the carryout, and better quality (35.7%), taste of foods (35.7%), and lower cost (14.3%) were other reasons. When customers were asked how often they ate healthier options at carry‐outs, respondents indicated an average intake of two chicken sandwiches, one turkey sandwich, 2.4 servings of cooked greens, 3.6 servings of fresh fruit and 6 bottles of water per week. These findings provide guidance for developing intervention strategies that will be acceptable to the population and feasible to implement.Grant Funding Source: Diabetes Research and Traning Center
Baltimore Healthy Eating Zones (BHEZ) intervention program improves food related knowledge among low‐income inner‐city youth
Authors: Gass Anthony , Shin Ahyoung , Coutinho Anastasia , Young Rachel , Lwin Julia , Martins Paula , Cook Micaela , Gittelsohn Joel 
Published: June 2021

The Baltimore Healthy Eating Zones (BHEZ) program consisted of a 9‐month intervention in Baltimore City recreation centers and local corner stores. BHEZ sought to increase access to healthy foods and positively influence psychosocial factors and eating behaviors among youth and caregivers in low‐income, predominantly African‐American neighborhoods. The study was evaluated in 71 African American youths aged 10 to 14 and their primary caregivers, recruited from 7 intervention and 7 control recreation centers. The impact of the intervention was measured by pre‐ and post‐ intervention surveys, compared by a paired sample t‐test. Intervention group youth significantly improved their food‐related knowledge as assessed by 12 questions (mean improvement of 1.1 correct answers, p‐value < 0.001), while control group youth did not improve their knowledge significantly (mean improvement 0.419, p‐value = 0.266). These preliminary findings indicate that the BHEZ intervention made a significant impact in improving the food‐related knowledge among Baltimore African‐American youths.Grant Funding Source: The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
Ambient fecal reactive oxidative species (ROS) buffering capacity as a function of geography and habitual diet: A comparison of rural and urban Guatemalan subjects
Authors: Orozco Monica Ninnette , Arriaga Claudia , Soto Maria Jose , Hernandez Liza , Campos Raquel , Solomons Noel W. , Schümann Klaus 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundIn the ambient state, fecal matrix has a powerful capacity to buffer ROS induction in an in situ assay system.ObjectivesTo examine factors influencing the buffering capacity of stools across differing dietary habits, with emphasis on dietary fiber (DF), and between sexes.MethodsAmbient stool samples were collected on 2 nonconsecutive days in 20 rural women (RW) and 20 urban women (UW), with concurrent 24‐h recalls, and on 3 consecutive days in 27 urban men (UM). An assay for Fe‐induced adducts of salicylic acid in mg/mL units gauged fecal buffering. Stool non‐heme Fe was measured by a colorimetric test.>ResultsRW consumed 2.5 X the DF as UW: 40±21 vs 16±8 g, p<0.001, but ROS generation was identical across areas: 0.077±0.015 vs 0.078±0.019 mg/mL, p=0.86. UM had ROS levels 150% higher than women: 0.20±0.11 mg/mL, p<0.0001. Fecal non‐heme Fe associated poorly with ROS production, r=−0.05 (p=0.71), and failed to explain sex difference in buffering capacity.>ConclusionHigh and low DF intakes have no influence on ROS buffering in women, but sex strongly determines ambient oxidative quenching in stools. The latter could explain gender disparities for certain intestinal diseases.Funded by Hildegard Grunow Foundation
Improving the Food Environment in Baltimore City through Policy Change
Authors: Rowan Megan T , Palmer Anne , Gittelsohn Joel 
Published: June 2021

The food environment, including availability and price, can greatly influence chronic disease risk. Policy interventions have the potential to institutionalize and sustain improvements in the food environment. This study was initiated in response to a request from Baltimore City (BC) lawmakers to develop feasible criteria for improving small food stores. Our mixed methods design included a literature review of small store interventions (N=18), in‐depth interviews with program staff (N=11), and a structured survey with an expert panel of stakeholders (N=54). Using our initial findings, we created a set of 15 criteria, which were ranked by the panel for anticipated effectiveness. The highest ranked criteria included: 1) stocking fresh fruit; 2) using shelf labels; 3) displaying point of purchase posters; 4) adhering to food stamp and WIC guidelines; 5) stocking fresh vegetables. We then developed 10 key policy recommendations including: 1) the designation of “high risk zones” (<.25 miles from a school; >.25 miles from a supermarket and >40% of population below poverty line); 2) mandated adherence to criteria 1–5; 3) regular Health Department inspections; 4) license probation for noncompliance; 5) a graded incentivization program; 6) a stakeholder advisory board. These recommendations and the associated criteria have the potential to directly impact BC legislation, and improve the health of its residents.Grant Funding Source: Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future
Hypocholesterolemic effects of soyasaponins and soyasapogenol B
Authors: Smith James D , Salyer Joe , Esawarnanadam Satchithanandam , Lee Sun‐Ok 
Published: June 2021

Elevated blood cholesterol levels are associated with the development of heart disease. Soyasaponins have been suggested as a factor capable of decreasing plasma cholesterol. Soyasaponins are naturally occurring triterpenoids found in soybeans and sugars are cleaved from soyasaponins in the digestive tract leaving the aglycone form, soyasapogenol B. The objectives of this study are to determine cholesterol‐lowering efficacy and bioavailability of soyasapogenol B and soyasaponins. Forty‐eight hamsters were assigned to one of four dietary treatment groups and fed for 4 weeks; 1) low fat control (LFC), 2) high fat control (HFC), 3) high fat diet with soyasapogenol B (SPG, 0.9 mmol/kg diet), 4) high fat diet with group B soyasaponins (SSP, 1.8 mmol/kg diet). When caloric intake was accounted for, the SPG group had a significantly lower total cholesterol concentration than the HFC groups (P<0.05). Compared with high fat control, soyasaponin and soyasapogenol B treatments were shown to decrease non‐HDL and triglyceride cholesterol levels, but the decrease was not significant. SPG had a significantly greater fecal excretion of soyasapogenol B than the SSP group (P<0.05). The soyasapogenol B group demonstrated a greater reduction in cholesterol levels due to the bioactivity of the aglycone form.Funded by EPSCoR‐P3 Grant, Arkansas Center for Plant‐Powered Production, University of Arkansas.
Bauer Ketones 23 and 24 Contribute to Anti‐inflammatory Activity of Echinacea paradoxa paradoxa
Authors: Zhang Xiaozhu , Rizshsky Ludmila , Hauck Cathy , Qu Luping , Widrlechner Mark P. , Nikolau Basil J. , Murphy Patricia A. , Birt Diane F. 
Published: June 2021

Three medicinal species, E. purpurea, E. angustifolia and E. pallida, are commonly used as alternative remedies for treatment and prevention of colds and other upper respiratory symptoms. These species have been found to have anti‐viral, anti‐microbial and immune‐modulating properties. Ongoing research has examined the active constituents responsible for bioactivities of Echinacea. In our study, bioactivity‐guided fractionation was employed to identify the constituents contributing to anti‐inflammatory activity of Echinacea ethanol extracts. Bauer ketone‐rich species, Echinacea paradoxa paradoxa (PI631292) was found to have higher anti‐inflammatory potential than the commonly used medicinal species by comparing their inhibitory abilities on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced NO, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and pro‐inflammatory cytokines (IL‐1β and IL‐6) in RAW264.7 cells. Bauer ketones 23 (K23) and 24 (K24) were identified from fraction 5 (F5), as key contributors to anti‐inflammatory activity of Echinacea paradoxa paradoxa. K24 at the dose present in F5 significantly reduced production of LPS‐induced NO, PGE2, IL‐1β and IL‐6. Combination of K23 and K24 were additive in the inhibition of PGE2 and synergistic in the inhibition of NO. Further investigation is in progress to elucidate molecular pathways involved in anti‐inflammatory activity of Bauer ketones.Grant Funding Source: Grant 9P50AT004155‐06 from NCCAM and ODS, NIH
Antioxidant Supplementation in HIV+ persons on Antiretroviral Therapy (ART): A Pilot Study
Authors: Stewart Tiffanie , Campa Adriana , Shin Dong‐Ho , Martinez Sabrina Sales , Li Yinghui , Hatsu Irene , Baum Marianna K 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveThis study investigates the effectiveness of antioxidants in reducing oxidative damage.MethodsA clinical trial using supplement (N=12)/placebo (N=13) HIV+ adults on stable ART for 12 weeks. Intervention included multivitamins, alpha‐lipoic acid, N‐acetyl‐cysteine, and acetyl‐L‐carnitine. Blood was drawn every 4 weeks for markers of mt dysfunction (8‐oxo‐deoxyguanosine, OXPHOS Complex I/Complex IV activity) and immune markers (CD4 count, %CD4, CD4:CD8). Linear models and t‐tests were used for analysis.ResultsMean age was 48±5 and 62% were males in the placebo arm and mean age was 50±5 years and 58% were males in the supplemented arm. Supplementation for 12 weeks significantly improved immune markers (CD4/CD8:1.1±0.5 vs. 0.5±0.3, p= 0.04) controlling for age and gender. OXPHOS Complex IV significantly decreased from baseline to 12 weeks in the placebo arm (86±14% to 55±9%, p<.0001), with no change in the supplemented arm. The groups were not significant different in 8‐oxo‐dG, CD4 count, %CD4, and Complex I.ConclusionSupplementation for 12 weeks improved immune status and prevented mitochondrial oxidative stress. Larger longitudinal studies supplementing antioxidants in HIV+ persons on ART are needed to determine the effectiveness of adjunct therapies in mitigating ART‐induced oxidative stress.Supported by NIDAGrant Funding Source: NIH, NIDA
The relationship of obesity, diabetes status and ethnicity with high sensitivity C‐reactive protein
Authors: Vaccaro Joan A , Huffman Fatma G 
Published: June 2021

ObjectivesC‐reactive protein (CRP) increases during systemic inflammation. There is growing evidence that high levels of CRP in the blood are indicative of and risk factors for CVD. The primary aim of this study was to examine the relationship of obesity, ethnicity, gender, diabetes status and CRP.MethodsSecondary analysis of data acquired from the National Health and Nutrition Survey (NHANES) 2007–8, a stratified, multistage probability sample of the civilian non‐institutionalized U.S. population. Complex sample Analysis of variance (ANOVA) models were performed to determine differences of high‐sensitivity CRP (hs‐CRP) for three ethnic categories: Black non‐Hispanic (BNH), Mexican American (MA), White, non‐Hispanic (WNH).ResultsFor the combined sample, body mass index and diabetes predicted hsCRP. Together with age, the model explained 31.0% of the variance of hsCRP (R2) p<0.001. When race was added, diabetes was no longer an independent predictor. Diabetes interacted with race and gender to predict hsCRP (p=0.042).ConclusionsLevels of hsCRP differed by diabetes status, ethnicity/race, BMI and gender. The findings suggest that obesity, as measured by BMI, is a modifiable risk factor for hsCRP.
Effects of the Mediterranean diet on the metabolic syndrome in men and women
Authors: Bédard Alexandra , Riverin Mélissa , Dodin Sylvie , Corneau Louise , Lemieux Simone 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveTo investigate the impact of a 4‐week eucaloric controlled nutritional intervention based on the traditional Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) on the metabolic syndrome (MetS) in men and women.MethodsParticipants were 37 men and 32 premenopausal women who had a slightly elevated plasma LDL‐cholesterol concentration (between 3.4 and 4.9 mM) and at least one factor of the MetS. During the intervention, all foods and drinks concordant with the MedDiet were provided to participants. The MetS was assessed before and after the controlled intervention as defined by the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria.ResultsAt baseline, 43.2% of men and 37.5% of women had the MetS. The prevalence of the MetS was reduced by 13.5% in men and was increased by 3.1% in women (men vs women, P=0.14). The reversion of the MetS was 3.5 times greater in men than in women, however this odds ratio was not significant (95% confidence interval, 0.67–18.24). No significant change was observed in the number of criteria of the MetS in women (P=1.00) whereas a trend was noted in men (P=0.08).ConclusionA 4‐week controlled nutritional intervention based on the MedDiet does not lead to significant changes in the MetS in women, although men tend to have beneficial effects in response to this intervention.Supported by CIHR and HSFQ
Dietary cysteine is utilized more efficiently by children with edematous severe childhood undernutrition compared to those with non‐edematous severe childhood undernutrition during nutritional rehabilitation
Authors: Hsu Jean W , Badaloo Asha , Taylor‐Bryan Carolyn , Reid Marvin , Forrester Terrence , Jahoor Farook 
Published: June 2021

Compared to children with non‐edematous severe childhood undernutrition (SCU), those with edematous SCU have slower glutathione synthesis and lower intracellular cysteine (Cys) indicating a shortage in Cys supply. We tested the hypothesis that children with edematous SCU will utilize dietary Cys more efficiently to maximize supply during early nutritional rehabilitation. Cys flux, oxidation and its splanchnic extraction were measured in 5 children with non‐edematous and 7 with edematous SCU during early metabolic stabilization (3.8±0.5 d post‐admission) and during mid catch‐up growth (20.1±2.0 d post‐admission) using primed‐continuous 6 h tracer infusions of 2H2‐Cys intragastrically and U‐13C3‐Cys intravenously. Starting 2 h before the isotope infusions, 33% of daily food intake was given by constant intragastric infusion for 8 h.

Cysteine (μmol/kg/h)

Splanchnic Uptake
Exogenous Intake
Oxidation
Balance

Early Stabilization

No Edema
4.1±0.5
13.5±0.4
5.6±1.1
7.9±1.5

Edema
5.9±0.9
14.5±0.5
1.6±0.3
12.9±0.8

P <

0.01
0.01

Mid Catch‐up Growth

No Edema
9.6±1.0
25.5±0.8
8.9±0.8
16.6±1.2

Edema
9.8±1.4
26.3±0.4
2.8±0.6
23.5±0.8

P <

0.01
0.01

Mean±SEM

We conclude that children with edematous SCU utilize dietary cysteine more efficiently than children with non‐edematous SCU during nutritional rehabilitation.Supported by NIH Grant # R01 DK056689
Dose‐response of leucine oxidation with beef feeding in middle‐aged men
Authors: Robinson Meghann , Hector Amy , Phillips Stuart 
Published: June 2021

The current RDA for protein for older individuals is 0.8g/kg/day, however, some research has suggested this requirement may be higher. Our aim was to assess the acute effects of feeding and resistance exercise on leucine oxidation with graded quantities of ingested beef.Design36 healthy older men (58.9 ± 5.2 yr, 1.75 ± 0.1 m, 82.6 ± 12.7 kg) reported to the laboratory in the post‐absorptive state. Catheters were inserted in an antecubital vein to infuse stable isotope labeled leucine ‐ [1‐13C]. Subjects performed an intense bout of unilateral knee extension resistance exercise. After exercise, participants were randomly assigned to one of four feeding conditions, which included 0, 57, 113, or 170 g of beef. Protein synthesis and whole body leucine oxidation were measured over 4 h after exercise by collection of expired labeled CO2 and plasma α‐ketoisocaproic acid and the reciprocal pool model.ResultsLeucine oxidation was significantly increased when 170 g of beef was ingested. This amount of dietary protein is in excess of what may be incorporated into tissue protein, which results in irreversible oxidation.