bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Challenges to making local food accessible through farmersˈ markets and community supported agriculture: DeKalb County, Georgia
Authors: McAuliffe Corey , Whitaker Laura , Girard Aimee Webb 
Published: June 2021

Local farmers and producers face many challenges when trying to harvest and distribute their goods. Farmers’ markets and community supported agriculture (CSA) offer an alternative distribution system that has yet to be systematically assessed within metro Atlanta.We partnered with Georgia Organics (a non‐profit dedicated to ensuring healthy, sustainable, and locally grown food for all Georgians) in order to assess issues faced by local producers in product accessibility. We completed interviews with farmers’ market managers, farmers, CSA managers, and a cooperative market manager to assess the challenges and successes of product accessibility through famers’ markets and CSAs within DeKalb County, Georgia. Research was completed to inform DeKalb County Board of Health initiatives. Qualitative data was collected on system operations, accessibility to local foods, challenges and barriers to the system, motivating factors, and sustainable system components.Data shows financial barriers to production, prohibitive policies, limitations for marketing and distribution systems, and limiting environmental factors. In order to increase access to local, healthy foods in low income areas of DeKalb County, local and state level government can reduce producers’ risk through funding and supporting adapted models. This study was supported by the Emory University Office of University‐Community Partnerships.Grant Funding Source: Emory University Office of University‐Community Partnerships
Food Availability is Related to Body Mass Index of Children in an Urban Area of Brazil
Authors: Martins Paula Andrea , de Carvalho Cremm Elena , de Oliveira Maria Aparecida , Gittelsohn Joel 
Published: June 2021

IntroductionThere is little research about the role of the neighbourhood food environment in the obesity epidemic in developing countries. We assessed the effects of food availability on nutritional status of the children.MethodsNutritional status of children under 10 years (n=531) was assessed in a household survey in 35 census tracts of the urban area of the city of Santos, Brazil (2010). Food availability of all stores (n=672) located in each census tract was assessed using a validated instrument. A Healthy Eating Score was calculated for each store according to the degree of industrial processing and the nutrient content of available food items. Stores were classified as More or Less Healthy Eating Promoter (MHEP and LHEP) using the median as a cutoff point. Food stores and household variables were aggregated to the census tract level.ResultsIn Multivariate Linear Regression models, Children's BMI for age was inversely associated with the proportion of LHEP stores (β= −0.53, P=0.002) adjusting for household SES (R2=0.25, p=0.008).ConclusionPolicies to improve food environment in developing countries are needed to address the growing problem of obesity in children.
Modulation of Shh signaling by microRNAs
Authors: Xu Yanhua , Hu Diane , Barbeau Rebecca , Barczak Andrea , Marcucio Ralph 
Published: June 2021

Sonic hedgehog (Shh) exhibits a dynamic expression sequence in the head. First, Shh is detected in the forebrain and then Shh is induced in the facial ectoderm where it forms a signaling center, the Frontonasal Ectodermal Zone (FEZ) that regulates morphogenesis of the upper jaw. Induction of Shh in the FEZ is regulated by SHH from the brain, but the mechanisms underlying this induction pattern is unknown. Here, we examine the extent to which the SHH pathway is regulated by miRNAs. Microarray analysis revealed that miR199b was expressed at lower levels in the FEZ at HH18 compared to HH22, and was up‐regulated in response to exogenous SHH. In situ hybridization at HH18 revealed that miR199b was expressed broadly in the future Shh domain of the FEZ, and by HH21 became restricted to the edge of the Shh domain in the FEZ. A similar complementary expression pattern between Shh and miR199b was found in the floorplate of the neural tube. Over‐expressing mir199b in embryos caused narrowing of the face that was associated with decreased Shh expression. There was no obvious increase in apoptosis, but we observed reduced cell proliferation in the mesenchyme. To assess how miR199b affects SHH signaling, we determined that infection of RCAS::mir199b in DF‐1 cells inhibited SHH signal activation and cell proliferation. Taken together, these results suggest that miR199b acts a negative regulator of SHH signaling in embryos and cultured cells.Grant Funding Source : This work was funded by grant from the National Institutes of Health (5R01‐DE018234 to R.M.).MicroRNA array was supported from the Sandler Asthma Basic Research (SABRE) Center Functional Genomics Core Facility.
Palmitoleate Supplementation Dissociates Liver Inflammatory Response from Hepatic Steatosis in Mice
Authors: Guo Xin , Li Honggui , Xu Hang , Meng Cong , Wu Chaodong 
Published: June 2021

Supplementation of monounsaturated fatty acids generates beneficial effects. We investigated the effects of palmitoleate supplementation on liver inflammatory and metabolic responses. At 5 – 6 weeks of age, male wild‐type C57BL6/J mice were fed a low‐fat diet (LFD) for 12 weeks and supplemented with palmitoleate (600mg/kg/d), oleate (600mg/kg/d), or bovine serum albumin (BSA) via oral gavages for the last 4 weeks. Compared with controls, palmitoleate supplementation increased circulating levels of palmitoleate and improved systemic insulin sensitivity. Locally, palmitoleate supplementation increased hepatic fat deposition and the expression of sterol regulatory element‐binding protein 1c and fatty acid synthase. However, palmitoleate supplementation reduced the numbers of macrophages/Kupffer cells in livers of the treated mice. Consistently, supplementation of palmitoleate, but not oleate or BSA, decreased the phosphorylation of nuclear factor kappa B and the expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin‐6 in livers. Together, these findings demonstrate a novel role for palmitoleate supplementation in dissociating liver inflammatory response from hepatic steatosis. When used with anti‐steatosis agents, palmitoleate supplementation may be a viable approach to preventing liver inflammation.Grant Funding Source: ADA
Plum polyphenolics prevent adipogenesis, inflammation and obesity‐induced metabolic disorders in obese Zucker rats
Authors: Noratto Giuliana Doris , Simbo Sunday , Martino Hercia S , Byrne David , Mertens-Talcott Susanne 
Published: June 2021

Obesity is a risk factor leading to inflammation and chronic diseases. We investigated how peach and plum polyphenolics can prevent metabolic disorders in obese Zucker rats. Experimental groups were feed with peach or plum juice ad libitum, the placebo and lean Zucker groups received same amount of sugars as peach and plum juices in drinking water. Body weights were weekly recorded and serum and fat tissue analyzed after 11 weeks. Results showed that body weight gain on the plum group was lower (p<0.05) than the peach and placebo groups, and this was correlated with increased leptin levels in serum (3‐fold of placebo); accordingly, peach and plum groups had lower levels of glucose (0.77‐fold), triglycerides (0.79‐and 0.75‐fold), and HDL cholesterol (0.47‐ and 0.40‐fold) than placebo group. Plum polyphenolics also exerted the highest antiadipogenic and antiinflammatory effects in fat tissue as demonstrated by decreased mRNA levels of PPAR (peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor) γ2 (0.46‐fold), IL‐6 (0.52‐fold) and VCAM‐1 (0.58‐fold) and induced the expression of secretory leucocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) (1.35‐fold), a protein involved in decreasing IL‐6 and inflammation in fat tissue. Overall, plum juice protected against inflammation and metabolic disorders at higher extent than peach juice and this was due to the higher content of polyphenolics (1270 vs 430 mg gallic acid equiv./mL).Grant Funding Source : ASN
Acute neurocognitive effects of multi‐vitamin/mineral preparations on brain imaging assessed with Steady State Topography and fMRI during periods of mental effort
Authors: Scholey Andrew , Maggini Silvia , Camfield David , Bauer Isabelle , Neale Chris , White David , Savage Karen , Stough Con 
Published: June 2021

The objective of this study was evaluate the acute effects of multi‐vitamin/mineral preparations, both with and without guaraná, on cognitive function and brain activation.Fifteen healthy young adults took part in a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled crossover study. Cognitive function was assessed 30 min following placebo, a multivitamin/mineral (MV) preparation (Berocca Performance™) and a MV preparation with guaraná (Berocca Boost™) with a > 48 h washout period. Brain bioelectric activity was assessed using Steady State Tomography (SST), a methodology which is sensitive to nutritional interventions. An additional 5 participants underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during information processing tasks. Berocca Boost™ improved working memory performance which may be attributable to its guaraná content. The two MV treatments resulted in differential patterns of brain activation using both SST and fMRI which were consistent with improved neural efficiency during activation tasks. These data demonstrate that multi‐vitamin/mineral administration can acutely improve neurocognitive functioning by increasing neural efficiency.This research was supported by Bayer AG.
Chemopreventative phytochemical 3,3′‐diindolylmethane inhibits histone deacetylases in prostate cancer cells
Authors: Beaver Laura Michelle , Yu Tian-Wei , Sokolowski Elizabeth I , Hsu Anna , Williams David E , Dashwood Roderick H , Ho Emily 
Published: June 2021

Increased consumption of cruciferous vegetables is associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer. Indole‐3‐carbinol (I3C) and 3, 3′‐diindolylmethane (DIM), phytochemicals derived from cruciferous vegetables, have shown promise in inhibiting prostate cancer in experimental models. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibition is an emerging target for cancer prevention and therapy. We sought to examine the effects of I3C and DIM on HDACs in prostate cancer cells. I3C had a minimal effect on cell proliferation and had no effect on HDAC activity or expression in androgen insensitive (PC‐3) prostate cancer cells. In contrast, DIM significantly decreased cell proliferation, HDAC activity, as well as HDAC2 and HDAC8 expression in PC‐3 cells. A trend of decreasing expression was observed for HDAC4 and HDAC6. Surprisingly, DIM treatment caused a significant reduction in acetylated histone H4 but an increase in acetylation of the HDAC6 target gene, tubulin. DIM also significantly inhibited HDAC activity in androgen sensitive LnCap cells. These results show that DIM inhibits HDAC activity and may contribute to the anti‐proliferative effects of DIM in the prostate. The ability of DIM to target aberrant epigenetic patterns, in addition to its effects on detoxification, may make it an effective chemopreventive agent by targeting multiple stages of prostate carcinogenesis.Grant Funding Source : P01CA090890
The early breastfeeding experience of obese mothers‐ a mediation analysis
Authors: Maalouf-Manasseh Zeina , Dewey Kathryn G , Chantry Caroline J , Peerson Janet M , Nommsen-Rivers Laurie 
Published: June 2021

Maternal obesity is associated with poor breastfeeding (BF) outcomes. We used the Early Lactation Success cohort to determine mediators of the relationship between maternal obesity and early BF outcomes in 405 primiparae who delivered at term and initiated BF. We used validated instruments and in‐person interviews to collect data prenatally and at 0, 3, and 7 d postpartum. Compared to non‐obese women (BMI<25, n=121), obese women (BMI>30, n=130) were more likely to have a C‐section (45% vs. 22%, P=0.0003), postpartum edema (85% vs 27%, P<0.0001) and to be separated from the baby for >2h immediately after birth (24% vs. 7%, P=0.0003). Obese women were more likely to have: introduced BF after 2 h postpartum (30% vs 18%, P=0.03, delayed onset of lactogenesis (delayed OL, 54% vs. 31%, P=0.02), and infants with sub‐optimal BF behavior at d 7 (SIBB D7, 33% vs. 15%, P=0.02). Obese women also BF less often on d 0 (8.6 vs. 9.5, P=0.03). Cesarean delivery and postpartum separation mediated 25% and 78%, respectively, of the relation between obesity and delay in the 1st BF. Postpartum separation mediated 48% of the relation between obesity and BF frequency on d 0. Edema mediated 35% and 25%, respectively, of the relations between obesity and delayed OL and SIBB D7, respectively. Strategies to improve BF outcomes in obese women should include minimizing unnecessary cesarean delivery and separation of the dyad. Research support provided by the Department of Health and Human Services, Maternal Child Health Bureau (KGD) and the National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (LAN‐R).Grant Funding Source: Department of Health and Human Services, Maternal Child Health Bureau
Lower dairy calcium and dairy vitamin D intakes are associated with increased skeletal muscle fatty infiltration in adolescent girls
Authors: Vassallo Danielle , Lee Vinson , Laudermilk Monica , Blew Rob , Going Scott 
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUNDFat infiltration within skeletal muscle is strongly associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Insufficient calcium (Ca) and vitamin D (VitD) intake is common in youth and has been associated with the development of obesity and osteoporosis. Dairy Ca and VitD are better absorbed compared to other dietary sources and have been linked to decreased adiposity.OBJECTIVEExamine the relationships between dairy Ca and VitD with skeletal muscle fat infiltration (SMFI) in 212 healthy girls aged 8–13 years.METHODSMuscle density (mg/cm3), an index of fat infiltration, was measured at the 66% tibia and 20% femur sites (relative to distal growth plates) on the non‐dominant limb using peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT). Dairy Ca and VitD were assessed using the Harvard youth adolescent questionnaire (YAQ).RESULTSMultiple linear regressions with dairy Ca and VitD, maturity, total caloric intake, and activity (pedometer steps) were used to predict SMFI and showed that dairy Ca was positively associated with muscle densities of the calf (P ≤ 0.01, partial r (ρ)=0.185, β=0.216) and thigh (P ≤ 0.05, ρ=0.135, β=0.157 ). Dairy VitD was independently associated with higher muscle densities of the calf (P≤ 0.01, ρ=0.183, β=0.194) and thigh (P ≤ 0.05, ρ=0.159, β=0.168).CONCLUSIONLower dairy consumption is associated with increased SMFI in young girls.Grant Funding Source : NIH: HD050775
Inflammation, iron status, and growth of school‐age children: a prospective study
Authors: Perng Wei , Baylin Ana , Marin Constanza , Mora-Plazas Mercedes , Villamor Eduardo 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveTo investigate associations of four markers of inflammation, C‐reactive protein (CRP), ferritin, white blood cell count (WBCC), and neutrophil count (NC), with changes in adiposity and linear growth in a longitudinal study of school‐age children from Bogotá, Colombia.MethodsWe quantified CRP, ferritin, WBCC, and NC from samples collected among 2708 children aged 5–12 y at baseline. Anthropometric characteristics were measured periodically for a median of 30 months. We estimated mean change in age‐ and sex‐standardized BMI‐ and height‐for‐age Z‐scores and waist circumference according to quartiles of each inflammatory marker at baseline using multivariable mixed effects linear regression models.ResultsThere were no associations between any of the subclinical inflammation biomarkers and change in indicators of adiposity over follow‐up. However, ferritin serostatus was inversely related to linear growth after adjustment for CRP, an independent indicator of inflammation, and potential confounders. Compared to children in the lowest quartile of ferritin, those in the highest quartile had an annual change in height‐for‐age that was 0.03 Z lower (P trend=0.001).ConclusionCRP, ferritin, WBCC, and NC do not predict weight gain in school‐age children. However, high iron status, indicated by CRP‐adjusted ferritin concentrations, may be related to slower linear growth.Grant Funding Source : University of Michigan Center for Global Health
Soluble corn fiber (SCF) effects on calcium absorption and retention in adolescent girls and boys
Authors: Whisner Corrie Marie , Martin Berdine R , Clavijo Andrea , Nakatsu Cindy H , McCabe George P , McCabe Linda D , Weaver Connie M 
Published: June 2021

This study evaluated the effect of SFC on calcium absorption and retention in adolescent boys and girls. Calcium absorption and retention were studied in a three‐week metabolic balance double‐blind, randomized, cross‐over design with a controlled background diet containing 600 mg daily calcium and treatments of either 0 and 12 g/d SCF. Diet composites, fecal and urine samples were collected daily and analyzed for calcium. In the third week of treatment, 44Ca and 43Ca were administered and fractional calcium absorption was calculated as the ratio of excess 44Ca and 43Ca in the urine after accounting for natural abundance. Pairwise comparisons revealed a significant difference in fractional calcium absorption in 24 h – 48 h urine samples; SCF treatment increased absorption by 12% (70 mg/d) compared to control (0.664 ± 0.129 and 0.595 ± 0.142, respectively; p<0.03). SCF treatment had no overall effect on calcium balance, but this was likely due to the insensitivity of balance as urinary Ca only increased by 10 mg/d (NS) with consumption of SCF. The increase in fractional calcium absorption with SCF consumption may be due to increased absorption in the lower gut through alterations in colonic bacterial profiles that enhance calcium absorption.Grant Funding Source : Tate & Lyle Health & Nutrition Sciences
Gestational Weight Gain is associated with Postpartum Weight Retention and Infant Anthropometrics
Authors: Begum Fatheema , Colman Ian , McCargar Linda , Bell Rhonda C ,   APrON Study Team
Published: June 2021

Optimal gestational weight gain is essential for healthy pregnancy outcomes. The study objective is to describe the association between gestational weight gain and early postpartum weight retention, and infant anthropometrics at birth and 3 months. Pregnant women (n=600) were followed up 2–3 times during pregnancy and at 3 months postpartum. Data on maternal weight at pre‐pregnancy, during pregnancy and postpartum were collected. Women were categorized as, “Below”, “Met” or “Above” based on the 2010 Gestational Weight Gain Guidelines. Infant birthweight and weight and length at 3 months were available. Age and sex specific z‐scores were calculated for birthweight and infant anthropometrics at 3 months. Data were analysed using regression. Over 55% women gained above recommended guidelines. Overweight (OR = 5.5, p <0.001) and obese (OR = 6.5, p <0.001) women were more likely to gain excess weight when compared to normal weight women. In comparison to adequate gestational weight gain, excessive weight gain was associated with higher postpartum weight retention (ß = −3.03, p <0.001), birthweight z‐scores (ß = 0.34, p <0.01), infant weight for age z‐score (ß = 0.40, p <0.01), and infant BMI z‐score (ß = 0.55, p <0.05). Excessive gestational weight gain promotes obesity in mothers and higher weights in infants. Interventions that optimize weight gain may significantly affect the long‐term health of women and children.Grant Funding Source: Alberta Innovates ‐ Health Solutions
Demographic, Environmental and Psychosocial influences on the Physical Activity of Adolescents from Diverse Ethnic Groups: Structural Equation Modeling Analysis
Authors: Hilmers Angela , Chen Tzu-An , Cullen Karen 
Published: June 2021

ObjectivesThis study explored the direct and mediation effects of five important psychosocial constructs related to physical activity (PA) in youth.MethodsParticipants were 411 adolescents aged 12–17 years. Demographics, neighborhood environment, home media exposure and media use, psychosocial variables (self‐efficacy, perceived behavioral control, social support, and enjoyment) and PA were assessed using validated measures. Mediation and moderation effects were examined using structural equation modeling.ResultsSocial support was the strongest predictor of PA mediating the effect of the neighborhood environment on PA among males, overweight/non‐overweight and low‐income/minority adolescents. Enjoyment was inversely associated with media use in females and low‐income/minority adolescents but not in males or Caucasians.ConclusionsSocial support appears to be the most important contributor to PA in males. Adolescents at higher risk for inactivity (i.e., females, low‐income/minority adolescents) may respond differently to PA promotion depending on their levels of PA enjoyment. Low levels of PA enjoyment may increase home media use and lead to a decrease in regular PA. Lack of mediation effects from efficacy cognitions suggests the need for further exploration of individual factors predicting engagement in PA among adolescents. This study was funded by the USDA/ARS.Grant Funding Source : USDA/NRI/AFRI
Polyphenolic Extract from Mangifera indica is Cytotoxic in ER + BT474 Breast Cancer Cells and Targets the SHIP‐1‐Phosphatidylinositol3‐kinase (PI3K)‐Akt through microRNA‐155
Authors: Banerjee Nivedita , Arbizu Shirley , Krenek Kimberly A , Talcott Susanne Mertens 
Published: June 2021

The objective of this research was to understand the post‐transcriptional targets involved in anti‐inflammatory and pro‐apoptotic pathways in estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer cells BT474 treated with a polyphenolic extract (2.5–40μg/ml) rich in gallotannins and galic acid from Mangifera Indica L in vitro and in nude mice with BT474 cells as xenografts. Results show that cell proliferation as well as tumor size and weight in vivo was decreased by polyphenolics. NF‐kB protein and mRNA expression as well as activation were decreased in a dose‐dependent manner accompanied by increased expression of IKKα/β kinases, and impaired IκB degradation.The extract also inhibited PI3K dependent phosphorylation of AKT and increased in SHIP‐1 expression and this was accompanied by down‐regulation of miRNA 155 of BT474 (0.6 fold) and in vivo. Results were confirmed by using a mimic for miR‐155 which in part reversed the effects of the extracts. NFκB‐dependent genes involved in anti‐apoptosis, metastasis and angiogenesis, such as survivin, VCAM‐1, and VEGF were also decreased.In summary the anti‐carcinogenic and anti‐inflammatory activity of mango polyphenolics in breast cancer cells were at least in part due to targeting miR‐155‐SHIP‐1‐Phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K)‐Akt‐NF‐kB which plays an important role in the proliferative/inflammatory phenotype exhibited in this breast cancer cell line.Grant Funding Source : NIH