bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determination of the Glycemic Index of a Weight Loss Meal Plan Program Using Energy Controlled, Pre‐packaged Products
Authors: Nichols Meghan , Jenkins Alexandra M , Fabricatore Anthony N , Vuksan Vladimir , Wolever Thomas MS , Daggy Bruce P 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundConsumption of low glycemic index (GI) diets has been associated with a range of health benefits including weight loss. Meal plans incorporating pre‐packaged, energy‐controlled, low‐GI products may therefore be a convenient and effective intervention for weight management. However, GI is affected by the degree of food processing. This suggests that a low‐GI diet based on such foods could be difficult to construct.ObjectiveDetermine the GI of a meal plan based on a line of prepackaged foods designed to have a low‐GI.MethodsSixty‐six foods, including 16 breakfast, 15 lunch, 13 dinner and 22 snack items, were tested. Groups of ten healthy subjects tested each food once and a control food three times. The GI of test foods was calculated using standard methodology from capillary blood samples obtained at −5, 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 minutes. GI for the full meal plan was estimated from tested foods and recommended supplemental grocery items.Results49 foods fell in the low GI range, 13 in the medium and 4 high. Estimated dietary GI of the full meal plan was in the low range (GI = 44).ConclusionThis study demonstrated that an energy‐controlled, low‐GI diet can be assembled using a line of pre‐packaged foods, thus providing an option in designing research or clinical interventions requiring a low‐GI diet.Funding Source: Nutrisystem, Inc.
Is salamander limb regeneration really perfect? First detailed anatomical and morphogenetic analysis of forelimb muscle regeneration in GFP‐transgenic axolotls as a basis for regenerative, developmental and evolutionary studies
Authors: Diogo Rui , Tanaka Elly 
Published: June 2021

The axolotl Ambystoma mexicanum is one of the most used model organisms in evolutionary, developmental and regenerative studies, particularly because it is commonly said that it can reconstitute a completely normal and functional fore/hindlimb after amputation. Surprisingly, there is not a publication that tested the hypothesis that each regenerated forelimb muscle is really a ‘perfect’ copy of the original muscle. Here we describe the regeneration of the arm, forearm, hand, and some pectoral muscles in transgenic axolotls that express GFP in muscle fibers and report that: 1) there is a high percentage (43%) of muscle anomalies in the regenerated forelimbs; 2) however, on average in each regenerated forelimb there are anomalies in only 2.5% of the total number of muscles; 3) one of the most notable and common anomalies (in 35% of the regenerated forelimbs) is the presence of a fleshy coracoradialis at the level of the arm; this is a particularly remarkable configuration because in axolotls and in urodeles in general this muscle only has a thin tendon at the level of the arm; 4) during forelimb muscle regeneration there is a clear proximo‐distal and radio‐ulnar morphogenetic gradient but also a ventro‐dorsal gradient, which to our knowledge was not previously reported in the literature. We discuss the broader implications of these observations for regenerative, evolutionary, developmental and morphogenetic studies.Grant Funding Source: Start‐up package of Howard University College of Medicine
Impact of “En Balance” Culturally Sensitive Educational Program on Lifestyle Changes among Hispanics with Type‐2 Diabetes
Authors: Al Abdrabalnabi Ahmed A. , Marghalani Abdullah A. , Beeson Larry , Firek Anthony , Schulz Eloy , De Leon Marino , Balcazar Hector , Cordero‐MacIntyre Zaida R. 
Published: June 2021

OWe assessed the effect of a culturally sensitive educational program on lifestyle changes among Hispanics with type‐2 diabetes mellitus (DM2).MThirty‐four participants (25 females and 9 males) joined a three‐month education intervention program. Participants completed a Family Habits Frequency Questionnaire at baseline and after three months. Participants were Spanish speaking Hispanics with DM2 aged 37–69 years.RParticipants showed significant improvement toward acquiring healthier behaviors. For instance, participants read food labels significantly more often after the 3 months compared with baseline (P=0.0002). Also, there was a significant increase of physical activity among mothers such as doing 30 minutes of physical activity (P=0.04) and increasing in walk (P=0.01). The mean change of HbA1c (P=<0.001), fasting plasma glucose (P=0.003), and cholesterol/HDL ratio (P=<0.001) decreased significantly and HDL level (P=<0.001) increased significantly after the educational program.CThe culturally sensitive educational program among Hispanics with DM2 showed significant positive changes in participants’ lifestyle and behaviors.Grant Funding Source: CMS 03–00335 Health Services Research and NIH award 5P20MD001632
Lycopene up‐regulates mRNA expressions of SIRT and adiponectin and down‐regulates PPARγ and IL‐6 in adipose tissue of hypercaloric diet‐fed rats
Authors: Luvizotto Renata AM , Nascimento Andre F , Miranda Natália CM , Pierine Damiana T , Imaizumi Erika , Presti Paula T , Correa Camila R , Yeum Kyung‐Jin , Wang Xiang‐Dong , Ferreira Ana Lucia A 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of lycopene supplementation on inflammation in adipose tissue of obese rats.MethodsMale Wistar rats were first fed control diet (C, n=6) or hypercaloric diet (HD, n=12) for 6 wks. Afterwards, the HD rats were randomized into two groups: HD [placebo (corn oil)] or HD+L [lycopene (10 mg/Kg BW/day in corn oil)] by gavage for 6 wks. Plasma lycopene concentration was analyzed by a HPLC system. The mRNA expressions of SIRT1, FoxO1, adiponectin, PPARγ, MCP‐1 and IL‐6 in adipose tissue were determined by real time PCR.ResultsLycopene was detected in plasma (24 nmol/L) from HD+L group only. The mRNA expressions of adiponectin, SIRT1 and FoxO1 decreased significantly but PPARγ, MCP‐1 and IL‐6 increased significantly in adipose tissue from HD group, as compared with those of C group. Although there was no difference in adiposity index between the HD and HD+L group, lycopene supplementation restored the reduced expressions of SIRT1 and FoxO1 to the levels of the C group and inhibited the up‐regulations of PPARγ, MCP‐1 and IL‐6 mRNA expressions in the HD+L group.ConclusionLycopene modulates several key inflammatory genes in adipose tissue indicating its potential protective effect against obesity‐related inflammation.Financial Support: FAPESP (2010/06100–9; 2010/19746–4; 2011/22786–0)
Evaluation of a Novel Method for Quantifying Nutrition Content in Medical Student Patient Write‐ups
Authors: Seres David Stuart , Bogart Jane S , Goglia Alexander G , Peever Steven M. J. , Marr Joshua R 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveTo assess a novel scoring system for evaluating nutrition content in patient write‐ups performed by Columbia University medical students.MethodsA binary scoring system (inclusion scored one point, omission zero) composed of 8 nutrition‐related criteria pertinent for inclusion in all patient assessments (e.g. height, weight, BMI, weight history, diet, supplements, etc) was created. To evaluate the scoring system, Nutrition Master's students separately read and scored sequential sets of five write‐ups, performing active analysis, revision, and creating rules, until a maximum one‐point discrepancy in the final score of a maximum of one out of five write‐ups was achieved. Two groups of two student raters each independently scored an identical discovery set of 52 write‐ups. Inter‐rater and cross‐group reliability were calculated.ResultsThe rater's scores for the discovery set had an agreement, measured by multiple item inter‐rater reliability, of 0.999 in the first rater group and 1.000 in the second rater group. Amongst all raters, the average write‐up score variance was 0.194 and the average agreement was 0.999.ConclusionsThe current study serves to establish inter‐rater reliability for an objective method of assessing medical student patient write‐ups for essential nutrition‐related content. These scores will be tracked over years to determine the impact of curricular interventions.
Association between changes in plant protein and mineral intakes and blood pressure as part of a dietary portfolio: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: de Souza Russell Jude , Ireland Christopher , Pellini Christopher , Galange Patrick , Jenkins David JA 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundCombining foods with lipid‐lowering properties (“dietary portfolio”) lowers blood pressure [BP].ObjectiveTo determine associations between dietary portfolio components and BP.MethodsParallel substudy (n=97) with hyperlipidemia from 2 Canadian academic centers (Toronto and Vancouver). Participants received dietary advice on either a low‐saturated fat therapeutic diet (control) or a dietary portfolio emphasizing plant sterols, soy protein, viscous fibers, and nuts. Dietary portfolio counseling was delivered over 6 months at 2 intensities: “routine” (2 clinic visits); and “intensive” (7 visits).ResultsMean systolic blood pressure [SBP] fell 2.7 mmHg (95% CI: 0.3 to 5.6) on the intensive portfolio (n=29), 4.4 mmHg (1.3, 6.4) on the routine portfolio (n=31), and 0.5 mmHg (−3.1, 2.0) on the control (n=37). Diastolic blood pressure [DBP] fell 2.0 (0.3 to 4.7), 2.3 (0.7 to 3.9), and 1.0 mmHg (−2.6 to 0.6), respectively. The dietary portfolio reduced SBP and DBP compared with control (P<=0.021). Increased plant protein intake (%) correlated with reductions in SBP (r=−0.224, p=0.027) and DBP (r=−0.238, p=0.019), as did increased magnesium (%) (SBP: r=−0.169, p=0.048; DBP: r=−0.243, p=0.004). Changes in potassium and sodium intakes were not associated with BP changes.ConclusionHigher plant protein and magnesium intakes were associated with favourable changes in BP. Primary funding: CIHR.
Branched Chain Fatty Acids (BCFA) concentrations in US foods and estimated BCFA intake in the US population
Authors: Ran‐Ressler Rinat Rivka , Bae SangEun , Lawrence Peter , Brenna James Thomas 
Published: June 2021

IntroductionBranched chain fatty acids (BCFA) are a class of primarily saturated fatty acids (FA) with a methyl branch on the carbon chain. We recently showed that BCFA are constituents of the term newborn infant's gut, and feeding neonatal rats with a rat formula with BCFA of the type found in US food altered gut microbiota and reduced the incidence of Necrotizing Enterocolitis. Thus, BCFA may have beneficial effects on proper gut development and function.Our aim was to analyze the levels and distribution of BCFA in common foods consumed in the US, and to estimate the amount of BCFA intake from these foods. Because BCFA have been reported in cow's milk and are a major component of bacterial membranes, we were specifically interested in BCFA from dairy‐based and fermented foods.MethodsFood samples were purchased from local stores. FA analysis was carried out using routine methods.ResultsBCFA concentration in ruminant foods ranged from 1.4–2.7%w/w. Intake of BCFA per capita/d from foods was about 400mg/d. If Americans consumed the recommended amount of servings from the dairy food group, daily BCFA intake would increase.ConclusionsThis is the first report of BCFA concentrations in American foods. The consumption of BCFA per capita per day is higher than the consumption of bioactive n‐3 FA. The prominence of BCFA in the US food supply and their bioactivity strongly suggest that BCFA health effects should be studied.
Arachidonic acid and Docosahexaenoic acid attenuate inflammation in human fetal but not adult intestinal epithelial cells
Authors: Wijendran Vasuki , Zhu Weishu , Brenna J T , Innis Sheila M , Walker W Allan 
Published: June 2021

Necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm infants is characterized by excessive inflammatory response of the immature gut. The objective of the current study is to investigate the effects of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA), at physiological range of concentrations present in human milk, on inflammation in human fetal and adult intestinal cells and delineate their mechanisms of action. Human fetal and adult (Caco2) intestinal epithelial cells in culture were treated with 10, 50, 100 and 200uM concentrations of DHA, AA and palmitic acid (PA) conjugated to bovine serum albumin for 72hrs and challenged with IL1‐β. In human fetal enterocytes, AA suppressed IL‐8 and IL‐6 secretion in a dose dependent manner compared to control, DHA and PA. DHA at 200μM conc attenuated IL‐8 and IL‐6 secretion compared to control and PA. DHA enhanced fetal intestinal epithelial cell viability at 100 and 200μM conc compared to control, PA and AA. In contrast, in adult enterocytes, AA had a pro‐inflammatory effect with increased IL‐8 secretion and DHA did not show any dose‐ dependent effects. PA increased IL‐8 and IL‐6 secretion by fetal and adult enterocytes compared to DHA and AA. Thus, AA and DHA developmentally regulate intestinal inflammation and may protect preterm infants against necrotizing enterocolitis.(Supported by a supplemental grant awarded to Dr. V. Wijendran, NICHD‐ R01‐ HD059126, PI: Dr. Walker)
The role of keratinocyte‐derived α‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone and endothelin 1 signaling in a murine melanoma‐susceptible model
Authors: Kyryachenko Sergiy , Schumann Canan , Indra Arup 
Published: June 2021

Nuclear receptor RXRα is a member of steroid hormone retinoid‐X‐receptor family. Mice with epidermal deletion of RXRα (RXRαep−/−) develop melanoma‐like tumors upon chemical carcinogen treatment. This suggests that distinct non‐cell autonomous molecular events mediated by RXRα in keratinocytes may regulate melanoma progression.Melanocyte homeostasis in skin is largely influenced by signals from neighboring keratinocytes, autocrine signals, and environmental factors, such as ultraviolet radiation (UVR). UVR affects melanocytes directly by damaging the DNA and indirectly by stimulating the synthesis of keratinocyte‐derived factors, such as endothelin 1 (EDN1) and α‐melanocyte stimulating hormone (α‐MSH).Pharmacological inhibition of EDN1 signaling enhances UV‐induced DNA damage in melanocytes, but it does not affect the proliferation of keratinocytes, melanocytes, and dermal cells in control (RXRαL2/L2) and RXRαep−/− mice. In contrast, inhibition of α‐MSH signaling reduces UV‐induced DNA damage in all skin cell types. Moreover, it also leads to minimal increase in proliferation of dermal cells, but not of keratinocytes and melanocytes in the skin of RXRαL2/L2 and RXRαep−/− mice.This research will help to evaluate strategies for preventing and/or curing UV‐induced melanoma by using a combination of antagonists and/or agonists of keratinocyte‐derived factors.Grant Funding Source: NIEHS grant R01ES016629 (to AI)
Canonical Wnt/ β‐catenin Signaling Pathway mediates Shear Stress‐Activated Angiopoeitin‐2 expression and vasculogenesis
Authors: Yu Fei , Li Rongsong , Jen Nelson , Chi Neil , Lien Ching‐Ling , Hsiai Tzung 
Published: June 2021

It is well known that fluid shear stress is intimately involved in vascular stability and differentiation. In particular, low or oscillatory shear stress (OSS) upregulates Angiopoietin‐2 (Ang‐2) in human aortic endothelia cells (HAEC) via VEGF‐dependent mechanism. We hypothesized that Wnt signaling is implicated in shear stress activated vasculogenesis via modulating Ang‐2. Activation of Wnt signaling was assessed with TOPflash lentivirus reporter. After 8 hours of oscillatory flow, HAECs infected with lentivirus of Wnt reporter demonstrated markedly increased luciferase activity compared to cells under static condition, suggesting an activation of canonical Wnt signaling pathway with OSS. We further demonstrated that Wnt3a, a Wnt activator, upregulated Ang‐2 mRNA expression, whereas DKK‐1, a Wnt inhibitor, inhibited Ang‐2 expression in both HAEC cell lines and Tg(hsp70:dkk1‐GFP) zebrafish embryos 72 hours post‐fertilization (hpf). Knock‐down of Ang‐2 by siRNA in HUVEC resulted in impaired tube formation. Similarly, Ang‐2 knock‐down with morpholino oligomers in 72 hpf Tg(flk1:GFP) zebrafish embryos caused impaired systematic vasculature development. Taken together, our findings suggest that Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway mediates shear stress‐activated endothelial Ang‐2 and regulates vasculogenesis. These studies were supported by NIH HL083015 and HD069305.Grant Funding Source: NIH
Molecular organization of the endocannabinoid signaling system in the superficial spinal dorsal horn of rodents
Authors: Antal Miklos 
Published: June 2021

Although it is generally accepted that the endocannabinoid system plays important roles in spinal pain processing, the molecular organization of the endocannabinoid signaling system in the superficial spinal dorsal horn is poorly defined that renders the interpretation of the effect of cannabinoids on pain processing spinal neural circuits dubious. Thus, using immunocytochemical methods at the light and electron microscopic levels, we investigated in the superficial spinal dorsal horn the cellular distribution of CB1‐Rs, as well as DGLá, NAPE‐PLD, enzymes synthesizing the two major endocannabinoids, 2‐AG and anandamide, respectively, as well as MGL, enzyme terminating the activity of 2‐AG.Our results suggest that the activity dependent release of endocannabinoids activates a complex signaling mechanism in pain processing spinal neural circuits into which both neurons and glial cells may contribute. The contrasting distribution of CB1‐Rs and the enzymes synthesizing and degrading endogenous cannabinoids indicate that endocannabinoid signaling mechanisms may evoke both short and long lasting modulation of neural activities underlying pain processing in the superficial spinal dorsal horn.
Preliminary study on the intergerational effect of postnatal malnutrition on attention
Authors: Thomas Julian M , Zichlin Miriam L , Bryce Cyralene P , Galler Janina R 
Published: June 2021

Early malnutrition has been associated with attention deficits across the lifespan. Limited studies exist on the intergenerational effects of malnutrition and, to our knowledge, none specifically address attention. In the current study, we assessed Barbadian adults (17–26y) whose mothers had been followed for 40y in the Barbados Nutrition Study (N=31). Eleven had mothers who suffered from a single episode of moderate‐ severe postnatal malnutrition in the first year of life (MAL). The remaining 20 were offspring of healthy mothers (CON) matched to the MAL group by age, sex, and handedness in childhood. The Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale‐S:SV was used to identify inattention, hyperactivity, ADHD symptoms and DSM‐IV clinical index scores. Parental malnutrition effects were analyzed across factors, adjusting for childhood standard of living of the parent (SAS PROC MIXED). Mean scores were higher in the MAL offspring when compared with CON offspring, connoting more attention deficits. Significant main effects of nutrition were present for DSM‐IV clinical index scores (F=6.10, p<0.05). We concluded that postnatal malnutrition is associated with attention deficits in offspring of individuals exposed to postnatal malnutrition, though these offspring themselves were never malnourished. Studies in a larger sample are needed to identify biological and environmental mechanisms underlying these differences.Grant Funding Source: NIH HD060986
Sweet‐baked products, but not whole or refined grains, are negatively associated with bone mineral density (BMD): the Framingham Offspring Cohort
Authors: Mangano Kelsey McKee , Sahni Shivani , Casey Virginia , Hannan Marian T 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveTo determine whether whole grains (WG), refined grains (RG); sweet‐baked products (SW) affect BMD at femoral neck (FN), trochanter (TR) & lumbar spine (LS) in adults. To examine BMI as an effect modifier.MethodsMultivariable regression assessed relations between WG, RG & SW (from FFQ 1995–98) with BMD in 1996–2001 among 2,657 Framingham Offspring participants, adjusting for covariates. Energy adjusted quartiles of WG, RG and SW were grouped as Q1 (low), Q2–Q3 and Q4 (high). Associations were stratified by BMI <25 or ≥ 25 kg/m2.ResultsMean age 59y ± 9.5. Intakes of WG, RG, SW were 1.2 ± 1.2, 2.9 ± 1.7; 0.9 ± 1.1 servings/d. WG and RG were not linked with any BMD site (P range: 0.23–0.99). High SW intake was inversely related to FN‐BMD (P=0.03) & TR‐BMD (P=0.01) compared to Q1. In overweight group, high SW intake was inversely related to all BMD sites compared to Q1 (Table). Controlling for total fat or carbohydrate intakes (g/d) had no effect. No relation was seen in the normal weight group between BMD and WG, RG or SW.ConclusionsSW intake was inversely related to hip and spine BMD in overweight adults, independent of total fat and carbohydrate.Funding Source: NHLBI Framingham Heart Study (N01‐HC‐25195), Framingham Osteoporosis Study (NIH R01 – AR041398)Grant Funding Source: NIH NIAMS
Dietary vitamin D3 supplementation at 50× the adequate intake decreases calbindin d28k and endoplasmic reticulum stress and increases apoptosis, suggesting toxicity, in the female transgenic G93A mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Taheri‐Shalmani Siavash , Shahsavar Shayan , Gianforcaro Alexandro , Solomon Jesse Adam , Hamadeh Mazen Jamal 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundWe previously showed that dietary vitamin D3 (D3) at 50× the adequate intake increased functional capacity in the transgenic G93A mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), with females exhibiting signs of D3 toxicity. ALS is a progressive neuromuscular disease resulting in the death of upper and lower motor neurons.ObjectiveIn this pilot study, we analyzed the quadriceps of G93A mice following dietary D3 supplementation at 50× the AI for vitamin D receptor and markers of intracellular calcium trafficking (calbindin d28k, calretinin), endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress (SERCA2, CHOP) and apoptosis (bax/bcl2 ratio, caspase 12 cleaved/pro ratio).MethodsBeginning at age 25 d, 41 G93A mice were provided food ad libitum with either adequate (AI; 1 IU D3/g feed; 12 M, 11 F) or high (HiD; 50 IU D3/g feed; 10 M, 8 F) D3. At age 113 d, the quadriceps were analyzed for protein content. Differences were considered significant at P ≤ 0.10.ResultsIn females, HiD had 33% lower calbindin d28k (P = 0.066), 68% lower CHOP (P = 0.074), and 242% higher bax/bcl2 ratio (P = 0.080) vs. AI. HiD males showed no significant differences vs. AI.ConclusionDietary D3 at 50× the AI decreases ER stress in the quadriceps of female G93A mice, but increases apoptosis, which could be due to D3 toxicity. We hypothesize a dynamic crosstalk between ER stress and calcium trafficking. (Supported by NSERC and Faculty of Health, York University)Grant Funding Source: NSERC and Faculty of Health, York University