bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Macronutrient absorption from almonds: the measured energy value of almonds in the human diet
Authors: Gebauer Sarah K , Novotny Janet A , Baer David J 
Published: June 2021

Epidemiological studies have demonstrated an inverse association between frequent nut consumption and body mass index. Clinical studies have shown that lipid from nuts may be more poorly absorbed than from other food sources; thus, the metabolizable energy (ME) contained in nuts may be less than that predicted by Atwater general factors. Data from human feeding studies are lacking. The ME value currently used for food labeling, based on Atwater general factors, is 5.7 kcal/g (160 kcal/1 oz svg). The objective of the current study is to empirically determine the measured energy value of almonds utilizing a randomized, crossover study in healthy adults (n = 18). Almonds were fed in 3 doses as part of a controlled diet: 0 g/d (control), 1.5 oz/d (42 g/d), and 3 oz/d (84 g/d). Urine and fecal samples were collected for 7 to 10‐day periods during each 3‐week diet period. Diet and feces were analyzed for nitrogen, fat, total dietary fiber, ash, and combustible energy; urine was analyzed for nitrogen and combustible energy. The energy value of almonds was calculated from differences in energy excretion during the dietary treatments. The measured ME density of almonds was 4.56 kcal/g (128 kcal/1 oz svg) – 20% less than the current value reported on the food label. Accurate information about ME content of foods is important for reliable food labeling so consumers can make informed dietary choices.Support: USDA & Almond Board of California
Estradiol and Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors interaction within the anxiety neural circuitry at behavioral and protein levels
Authors: De Jesus-Burgos Maria Ines , Gonzalez-Garcia Stephanie , Cruz Yanira , Gonzalez Gabriela , Gonzalez Beatriz , Portela Lucila , Pérez-Acevedo Nivia L 
Published: June 2021

Anxiety is the most common psychiatric disorders affecting females twice more than males. In hippocampal cells, estradiol regulates group I/II metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR1a/5 and mGluR2/3, respectively) activation. Thus, estradiol might modulate female anxiety within the basolateral amygdala (BLA) through mGluRs. We hypothesized that: 1) BLA activation of mGluRs might produce anxiolytic‐like effects; and 2) mGluR protein expression will be up‐regulated, in an estradiol dependent manner. Ovariectomized female rats, with (OVX+EB) and without (OVX) estradiol treatment were compared to male rats. We infused (S)‐3,5‐dihydroxyphenylglycin (DHPG), a group I mGluR agonist into the BLA. Anxiety was analyzed with the elevated plus maze and risk assessment behaviors (RABs); and protein expression by western blots analysis. DHPG (1.0 μM) increased the time and entries in open arms; and reduced RABs in OVX+EB (p<0.05), but not OVX and/or male rats. In the amygdala, protein expression of mGluR1a and mGluR2/3 were up‐regulated in OVX+EB (p<0.05) than OVX and/or male rats. No differences were found for mGluR5. Thus, activation of group I mGluRs, within the BLA, depends upon estradiol to modulate female anxiety. This effect might be underlined by region‐specific estradiol genomic and nongenomic effects.Grant Funding Source: NIH‐EARDA 1G11H046326, MBRS‐RISE GM61838 and NSF DBI‐0932955
Intein‐mediated peptide bond cleavage adjacent to aspargine or glutamine
Authors: Chin Stacy L. , Nadelson Adam C. , Urbanski Laura M. , Reitter Julie N. , Mills Kenneth V. 
Published: June 2021

Protein splicing is a post‐translational, self‐catalyzed process in which an intervening polypeptide, the intein, is self‐excised from the flanking polypeptides, or exteins. The intein that interrupts the DNA polymerase of Pyrococcus abyssi can facilitate protein splicing in a temperature‐dependent fashion. This intein has a Cterminal Gln, which facilitates the third step of splicing, side chain cyclization coupled to peptide bond cleavage. We plan to induce C‐terminal cleavage of an intein (uncoupled from splicing) to facilitate purification from a solid affinity resin. We have fused the intein with an N‐terminal affinity domain and a C‐terminal target protein for purification, such that C‐terminal cleavage of the intein via cyclization of Asn or Gln liberates the C‐terminal domain with an N‐terminal Cys. This fragment will serve as a substrate for expressed protein ligation. In addition, we will compare the rate of the cyclization between glutamine and asparagine in model peptides with an N‐terminal Abz fluorophore and a C‐terminal Lys‐DNP quencher, using a fluorescence assay to measure cleavage. We will determine the rate of cleavage as a function of temperature and pH.This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under grant MCB‐0950245 and by the Camille and Henry Dreyfus Foundation.
Biotransformation of Polymethoxyflavones by Mouse and Human Colonic Microflora
Authors: Ma Changchu , Zheng Jinkai , Warnick Thomas , Leschine Susan , Xiao Hang 
Published: June 2021

Colonic microflora plays important roles in biotransformation of dietary components and their biological activities. Polymethoxyflavones (PMFs), a unique class of flavonoids found in citrus fruits have shown many beneficial bioactivities. We investigated the biotransformation of two representative PMFs i.e. nobiletin (NBT) and 5‐hydroxylnobiletin (5HN) by colonic microflora. NBT, 5HN and their metabolites were isolated from the urine of CD‐1 mice after oral administration of NBT or 5HN for 2 weeks. These isolates were subject to anaerobic fermentation by colonic microflora freshly isolated from CD‐1 mice and human volunteers. HPLC analysis demonstrated that colonic microflora had no effect on NBT or 5HN. However, glucuronide and sulfate conjugates of NBT and 5HN metabolites were largely deconjugated by colonic microflora. Colonic microflora also caused demethylation at certain positions of flavonoid core structures, e.g. 3′ and 4′ positions on B‐ring. Both mouse and human colonic microflora produced similar effects on PMFs. Moreover, our results in cell culture models demonstrated that isolates generated after colonic microflora fermentation showed much stronger anti‐inflammatory and anti‐carcinogenic effects than isolates without fermentation. Overall, we provided the first report on the biotransformation of PMFs by colonic microflora and its potential for enhancing health benefits of PMFs.Grant Funding Source: AICR, NIH, NAS and USDA
Serum levels of coenzyme Q10, tocopherols, and C‐reactive protein in adolescent girls and premenopausal women
Authors: Chai Weiwen , Novotny Rachel , Cooney Robert V , Maskarinec Gertraud , Franke Adrian A , Le Marchand Loic 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveGiven the importance of anti‐oxidant dietary compounds for chronic disease prevention, we examined the differences in serum levels of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), α‐tocopherol (α‐Toc), γ‐tocopherol (γ‐Toc), and C‐reactive protein (CRP) between adolescent girls and premenopausal women.MethodsBaseline body mass index (BMI) and serum levels of CoQ10, α‐Toc, γ‐Toc, and CRP from 207 adolescent girls (13 to 19 yr) were compared with those from 183 premenopausal women (34 to 47 yr) by t‐test. Associations of age and BMI with serum biomarkers were assessed using multiple regression.ResultsAdolescent girls had significantly lower mean BMI and serum CoQ10, α‐Toc, γ‐Toc, and CRP levels than premenopausal women (BMI: 22.1 vs. 26.1 kg/m2, P <0.0001; CoQ10: 376 vs. 544 ng/mL, P<0.0001; α‐Toc: 6.9 vs. 13.5 μg/mL, P<0.0001; γ‐Toc: 1.28 vs. 1.69 μg/mL, P<0.0001; CRP: 1.29 vs. 2.13 mg/L, P<0.0001). The differences in CoQ10, α‐Toc, and γ‐Toc remained after adjusting for BMI. CRP and γ‐Toc were significantly and positively associated with BMI in both age groups.ConclusionsLower serum CoQ10, α‐Toc, γ‐Toc, and CRP levels observed in the adolescent girls relative to premenopausal women suggest that adolescent girls may have reduced need for circulating antioxidants as a consequence of their lower inflammation status as indicated by the lower CRP values.This research was supported by Department of Defense Grant BC032028 and National Institutes of Health grants R03CA130061 and S10RR020890.
The Hispanic Dietary Mosaic: Assessing the Diet of Women in Puerto Rico in the Atabey Study
Authors: Schelske‐Santos Michelle , Nazario Cruz María , Rosario Rosado Rosa V. , Mansilla‐Rivera Imar , Hernández Johan , Ramírez Marrero Farah A. , McCann Susan , Freudenheim Jo L. 
Published: June 2021

Hispanics represent a variety of cultures with roots in Europe, Africa, the Americas, and the Caribbean. Important differences exist in ancestry, disease patterns, health behaviors, and even in language. Appropriate vocabulary and visual aids are essential for dietary assessment, for defining specific food items and portion sizes. Careful distinctions must be made between foods with the same Spanish name, yet different nutrient composition. Incomplete or misclassified dietary data may mask or severely limit the possibilities of demonstrating true correlations between diet and disease, and understanding health disparities.ObjectiveIn the Atabey Study, we are developing techniques for obtaining culturally‐specific dietary data for women living in Puerto Rico, in order to assess dietary exposures in relation to risk of breast cancer and other co‐morbidities.MethodsA booklet of photographs was constructed to define portion sizes for key beverages and foods. Questions were designed to distinguish traditional dietary patterns from more acculturated diets both in childhood and adulthood. The nutrient database includes culturally‐specific recipes.ConclusionDevelopment of culturally‐specific dietary assessment tools requires in‐depth understanding of the specific population being studied in order to provide insight into underlying health disparities. Funded in part by DOD CDMRP, BC060131
Nutrient composition of regular and low sodium bacon
Authors: Dai Jiexin , Thompson Leslie 
Published: June 2021

The objectives of this study are to determine the nutrient composition of regular bacon and low sodium bacon in the United States for inclusion in the USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, and the key objective was to compare the nutritional composition of low sodium bacon and regular bacon. Retail locations in 12 states, three in each of four regions, were chosen for regular and low sodium bacon procurement. Concentrations of minerals, carbohydrate, vitamin B, vitamin D, fatty acids and cholesterol were determined for regular bacon samples. Low sodium bacon (LSB) samples had less Na (P < 0.05) than regular bacon (RB) samples. Total fat content ranged from 32.85% in regular microwave bacon to 39.27% in raw low sodium bacon, and did not significantly differ from the total fat content of bacon reported in 2003. Saturated fat, monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids content were not significantly different among cooking methods. Trans fatty acid (FA) content of fully cooked regular bacon was significantly higher than values of other cooking methods. Cholesterol values were all significantly higher than values reported in the nutrient database in 2003. Sodium content ranged from 1783.33 mg/100 g in fully cooked regular bacon to 1178.33 mg/100 g in microwave low sodium bacon, and potassium content ranged from 197.67 mg/100 g in raw regular bacon to 525.00 mg/100 g in pan fried bacon.Grant Funding Source: USDA
Enzyme‐synthesized highly branched maltodextrins have slow glucogenesis at the mucosal α‐glucosidase level and are slowly digestible in vivo
Authors: Lee Byung‐Hoo , Nichols Buford L. , Hamaker Bruce R. 
Published: June 2021

For starch digestion, α‐amylase first hydrolyzes starch to produce α‐limit dextrins, followed by complete hydrolysis to glucose by the mucosal α‐glucosidases in the small intestine. It is known that α‐1,6 linkages in starch are hydrolyzed more slowly than α‐1,4 linkages. Here, to create designed slowly digestible carbohydrates, the structure of waxy corn starch (WCS) was modified using a branching enzyme alone (BE) and an in combination with β‐amylase (BA) to increase further the α‐1,6 branching ratio. Enzyme‐modified products (BE‐WCS and BEBA‐WCS) had increased percentage of α‐1,6 linkages (WCS: 5.3%, BE‐WCS: 7.1%, and BEBA‐WCS: 12.9%). Hydrolysis by human pancreatic α‐amylase resulted in an increase in the amount of branched α‐limit dextrin from 26.8% (WCS) to 56.8% (BEBA‐WCS). The α‐amylolyzed samples were hydrolyzed by the individual α‐glucosidases and glucogenesis decreased as the branching ratio increased. This result showed that hydrolysis rate of the mucosal α‐glucosidases was limited by the amount of branched α‐limit dextrin. When samples were gavaged to rats, the level of postprandial blood glucose at 60 min from BEBA‐WCS was significantly higher than for WCS or BE‐WCS. Thus, highly branched glucan structures modified by BE and BA had a comparably slow digesting property both in vitro and in vivo. Such highly branched α‐glucans show promise as a food ingredient to control postprandial glucose levels.Grant Funding Source: USDA AFRI competitive grant program
Improved thermoregulatory and autonomic responses contribute to reduced fatigue and faster recovery from exertional heat stress by sympatholytic treatment with clonidine
Authors: Stauss Harald Martin , Choudhary Navita , Moss Ann M , Kregel Kevin C 
Published: June 2021

We investigated the effect of clonidine (C, 33 μg/kg/day, osmotic pumps) on thermoregulatory and autonomic responses to chronic exposure to exertional (ExHS) and non‐exertional (HS) heat stress in rats. Blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR) and core temperature (Tc) were recorded telemetrically before, during, and after a 5‐day (twice a day) ExHS, HS, or sham protocol. During the five protocol days, nocturnal Tc and HR were elevated in placebo‐treated rats (P) exposed to ExHS and HS. C reduced these increases in Tc and HR, suggesting improved thermoregulation. Nocturnal BP in P was more elevated in ExHS than in HS. C reduced nocturnal BP in ExHS, suggesting increased sympathetic tone in P exposed to ExHS. Similarly, in P, low frequency systolic BP variability (LFSYS), reflecting sympathetic modulation of vascular tone, was more elevated in ExHS than in HS and C reduced this elevated LFSYS in ExHS. Likely due to fatigue, exploratory behavior (open field test) declined during the 5 protocol days in ExHS and HS. In ExHS, this effect was blunted by C. Furthermore, recovery of exploratory behavior in ExHS was more pronounced and faster in C‐treated rats compared to P. C improves thermoregulation and reduces sympathetic responses to chronic exposure to ExHS. These effects of C may reduce fatigue and contribute to faster recovery following chronic exposure to ExHS.Supported by funding from DoD/USAMRMC #W81XWH‐10–2‐0115.
Sugar‐sweetened beverage consumption is associated with relative distribution of abdominal adipose tissue in the Framingham Heart Study
Authors: Ma Jiantao , Sloan Matthew , Fox Caroline S , Hoffmann Udo , Jacques Paul F , McKeown Nicola M 
Published: June 2021

Sugar‐sweetened beverages (SSB), the largest contributor of ‘added sugar’ intake in the US diet, have been associated with increased cardiometabolic risk. Recently, the relative distribution of abdominal fat, i.e. the propensity of fat stored in visceral adipose tissue (VAT) relative to subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), has been independently linked with cardiometabolic risk. We examined the cross‐sectional association between SSB intake and VAT‐to‐SAT ratio in a sub‐cohort of the Framingham Heart Study (n=2,389; 49% women; 51 y). VAT and SAT were measured using multi‐detector CT, and SSB intake was estimated using a food frequency questionnaire. Participants were categorized as SSB non‐consumers or consumers (grouped as 1–2 servings/wk, 3–6 servings/wk, and ≥1 servings/d). After adjustment for age, sex, energy intake, smoking, alcohol intake, dietary fiber, total fat, fruit and vegetable intake, SSB was positively associated with VAT‐to‐SAT ratio (0.54 in non‐consumers vs. 0.63 in the highest consumers; P trend <0.0001). Further adjustment for BMI, VAT or SAT did not change the relationship, suggesting this association is independent of absolute fat quantity. There was no significant association between diet soda and VAT‐to‐SAT ratio or %VAT. Our study demonstrates that adults who consume just one daily SSB have a greater propensity to deposit fat viscerally as compared to subcutaneously.Grant Funding Source: the NIH/NHLBI (Contract N01‐HC‐25195) and the USDA (USDA agreement No. 58–1950‐7–707)
Differential effect of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) versus myrisitc acid (MA) on inflammatory cytokines
Authors: Honda Kaori LeeAnn , Matthan Nirupa R , Lamon‐Fava Stefania , Wu Dayong , Lichtenstein Alice H 
Published: June 2021

DHA has anti‐inflammatory properties, but its ability to downregulate individual pro‐inflammatory cytokines is undefined. We observed in the RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line (RAW) that treatment with DHA but not MA decreased lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced IL‐6 protein and mRNA but not TNFα. We studied the potential mechanisms by which DHA differentially regulated TNFα and IL‐6 expression induced by LPS — modulation of CREB activation (P‐CREB), nuclear translocation of NFKB p50, and prostaglandin (PG)E2 secretion. RAW cells were treated with DHA or MA (100 μM, 24hr) prior to LPS exposure (100 ηg/mL). P‐CREB and PGE2 secretion were measured by ELISA and p50 nuclear translocation by Western Blot. LPS significantly induced PGE2 secretion, and P‐CREB and nuclear p50 levels. p50 inhibition with a synthetic peptide increased TNFα and decreased IL‐6 gene expression, while addition of exogenous PGE2 reduced TNFα but not IL‐6 mRNA. DHA but not MA significantly reduced PGE2 secretion and basal (not LPS‐induced) P‐CREB levels, but unexpectedly, did not alter nuclear p50 levels. These data indicate that both nuclear p50 and PGE2 inhibited LPS‐induced TNFα mRNA, but either increased or did not reduce IL‐6 mRNA. Only PGE2 secretion in RAW cells was modified by DHA, suggesting that the differential effect of DHA on IL‐6 and TNFα expression can be due to decrease in PGE2 secretion which regulates TNFα but not IL‐6 mRNA.Grant Funding Source: NHLIBI‐T32‐HL069772, USDA 58–1950‐0–0014
Dose‐response effect of marine‐derived omega‐3 fatty acids on erythrocyte membrane fatty acid content: double‐blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: Flock Michael R , Skulas‐Ray Ann C , Harris William S , Fleming Jennifer A , Kris‐Etherton Penny M 
Published: June 2021

Erythrocyte membrane content of EPA and DHA, the omega‐3 index (O3I), predicts cardiovascular disease mortality. Dietary intake of EPA+DHA is the main determinant of the O3I, yet the influence of other factors remains unclear. Our objective was to evaluate the dose‐response relationship of supplemental EPA+DHA intake on O3I, and by using a regression‐based approach, to identify predictors of treatment response that modulate the effects of supplementation. We conducted a placebo‐controlled, double blind, parallel study in healthy men and women with low EPA+DHA consumption. Subjects (n=125) were randomized to one of five doses (0, 300, 600, 900, 1,800 mg) of EPA+DHA given daily in fish oil supplements for approximately 5 months. A total of 116 subjects completed the study. There were no significant differences between groups at baseline. The O3I increased in a dose‐dependent manner (p<0.0001), with treatment alone predicting 67% of the variability in the O3I response with a quadratic fit. A multivariate model that included additional significant predictors: BMI, gender, age, and baseline O3I, explained 76.5% of the change in O3I. Thus, our results demonstrate the validity of the O3I as a biomarker of EPA+DHA supplementation and identify additional factors that may be used to tailor individual EPA + DHA recommendations in order to achieve an optimal O3I.Grant Funding Source: USDA
Predictors of Sugar‐Sweetened Beverage (SSB) Consumption Classification among Urban Low Income Pre‐School Children
Authors: Glenn David Robert , Lora Karina , Wakefield Dorothy 
Published: June 2021

This study determined predictors of child classification SSBs (flavored milk, fluid and powdered juice drinks, iced tea, energy drinks and soda) consumption by using inductive methods to predict behavior. Study included 462 low‐income caregivers of 3–5 y. old children. Two‐third of children consumed SSBs. Independent variables (IV) included demographics, anthropometrics, food security assessment, a feeding practices questionnaire, and an Information‐Motivation‐Behavioral Skills (IMB) –based SSB consumption questionnaire. Using data mining algorithms QUEST, Exhaustive CHAID, and CART to build models, we tested 75 IV and over 500,000 interaction effects. The IMB‐based beverage questionnaire was the source of all three models’ predictive power. Across the three models, the following three questions predicted whether children were classified as consumers versus non‐consumers: lacking the skill to encourage the child to drink water instead of other drinks, thinking that “child is old enough to have juice drinks or drinks that might have some fruit juice in them,” and responding that “as long as a drink has some fruit juice in it, it is healthy.” Models had high predictive accuracy (68.2%) and sensitivity, but specificity was mediocre. In conclusion, SSBs caregivers’ information and behavioral skills influenced their children's consumption of SSBs. Funding: USDA/NRI 2008–55215‐19071.The study was funded by the USDAGrant Funding Source: USDA
Zinc supplementation normalizes gene expression and enhances neurogenesis in a rat model of traumatic brain injury
Authors: Cope Elise C. , Levenson Cathy W. 
Published: June 2021

New interventions are needed to improve resilience to traumatic brain injury (TBI). To examine the role of zinc, rats were fed a zinc adequate (30 ppm) or supplemented (180 ppm) diet for 4 wks followed by a frontal cortex TBI using controlled cortical impact. Chronic zinc supplementation significantly improved spatial learning and memory, and reduced anxiety and depression‐like behaviors. Mechanistically, we hypothesized that zinc supplementation would prevent injury‐induced changes in gene expression and enhance hippocampal stem cell proliferation and survival. Hippocampal RNA was extracted 48 h after TBI to analyze mRNA abundance via the NimbleGen platform microarray. TBI altered the expression of over 170 mRNAs, approximately 70 of which were normalized in rats supplemented with zinc (p<0.01). We identified genes involved in cell proliferation, apoptosis, survival, repair, and differentiation. Rats were also injected with the thymidine analogue EdU to label proliferating cells in the hippocampus. TBI doubled the number of proliferating cells in the dentate gyrus granular cell layer 24 h post‐injury (p<0.05), and supplemental zinc increased this number by an additional 2 fold (p<0.05). Ongoing work is characterizing the long‐term fate of these cells. These data show that zinc can be a novel and effective strategy for preventing adverse cellular, molecular, and behavioral outcomes associated with TBI.Grant Funding Source: Department of Defense/US Army MRMC