bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plasma Amino Acids and Mortality in a Middle‐Aged and Older Chinese Population during 6‐year Follow‐up
Authors: Sun Liang , Lin Xu , Zeng Rong 
Published: November 2023

Recently, circulating amino acids, especially branched‐chain species, are found to be associated with risks of metabolic diseases. However, little is known about their associations with mortality in community‐based population, especially in Asians. Therefore, the current study was aimed to investigate the associations of plasma amino acids with total and cerebrovascular and cardiovascular mortality in a middle‐aged and older Chinese population. A total of 2,082 participants aged 50–70 years from Beijing and Shanghai, China were followed up for 6 years, and 99 of them were deceased during follow‐up. Baseline plasma amino acids were quantified by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Higher baseline concentrations of plasma histidine, cystine, isoleucine, proline and ornithine were found among deceased individuals than their alive counterparts. In the cox proportional hazard model, after adjusting for demographic and lifestyle information, family history of chronic diseases, baseline diabetes, hypertension, coronary heart disease and stroke, as well as BMI, blood lipids profile and inflammatory markers, elevated plasma cystine, isoleucine, proline and ornithine were significantly associated with increased total mortality, and the hazard ratios per SD increase were 1.15 (95% CI 1.02–1.31), 1.34 (95% CI 1.05–1.71), 1.42 (95% CI 1.15–1.75) and 1.38 (95% CI 1.15–1.65), respectively. Moreover, after categorized by cause of death, plasma cystine, isoleucine, proline, phenylalanine and ornithine were found to be positively associated with cerebrovascular and cardiovascular mortality after multiple adjustments (P<0.05). In conclusion, accumulation of specific amino acids may increase the risks of total and cerebrovascular and cardiovascular mortality in middle‐aged and older Chinese adults.Support or Funding InformationOur study was supported by The Ministry of Science and Technology of China (2012CB524900) and National Natural Science Foundation of China (81321062).
A Review and Meta‐Analysis of Prospective Studies of Red and Processed Meat and Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Miller Paula E , Alexander Dominik 
Published: November 2023

Pancreatic cancer is a highly fatal cancer of significant public health concern. The potential relationship between red and processed meat consumption and pancreatic cancer has been the subject of scientific debate, with epidemiologic studies producing differing and inconclusive results. Our objective was to update the state of the science by conducting a systematic quantitative assessment of the epidemiologic literature. Specifically, we integrated data from prospective cohort studies using meta‐analysis and examined total red meat, fresh red meat, and processed meat in particular, while also evaluating any potential dose response relationships. Data from 19 prospective cohort studies were meta‐analyzed using random‐effects models to calculate summary relative risk estimates (SRREs) for high vs. low exposure categories. In addition, a comprehensive evaluation of potential dose‐response patterns was conducted using stratified intake analyses and meta‐regression. In the high vs. low meta‐analysis of total red meat, an SRRE of 1.06 (95% CI = 0.91–1.25) was observed. The high vs. low meta‐analysis of fresh red meat resulted in an SRRE of 1.04 (95% CI = 0.78–1.37), with significant heterogeneity. For high vs. low processed meat, the SRRE was 1.05 (95% CI = 0.82–1.34), with significant heterogeneity. No clear dose response pattern was observed for any of these groups in meta‐regression or stratified intake analyses. No association was found for beef or pork specifically. In conclusion, the state of the epidemiologic science on red and processed meat consumption and pancreatic cancer does not support an association.Support or Funding InformationThis work was supported in part by the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA), a contractor to the Beef Checkoff. NCBA did not contribute to the writing, analysis, interpretation of the research findings.
The efficacy of high fat load liquid meal on postprandial insulin level in postprandial insulin resistance population
Authors: Wang Feng , Liu Fukang , Cai Huizhen , Yang Ligang , Sun Guiju 
Published: November 2023

Insulin resistance (IR) is a common pathophysiological basis in patients with diabetes, hypertension and coronary heart disease. The metabolic defect in the pre‐diabetic and diabetic condition relates more strongly to postprandial insulin than to the fasting state. In this study, we determined whether postprandial insulin level differ between non‐postprandial insulin resistance (NPIR) group and postprandial insulin resistance (PIR) group following a standardized high fat load liquid meal (SHFLLM). Seventy‐four participants were divided into NPIR and PIR group and their venous bloods were gathered at fasting, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8 hour following the ingestion of SHFLLM. Blood glucose and serum insulin were measured. Areas under the curve (AUC) for glucose and insulin were used as indices of insulin sensitivity. Despite a significant reduction in the ratio of area under curve of insulin (AUCI) to area under curve of glucose (AUCG) (P<0.001), NPIR group did not influence homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance index (HOMA‐IR), fasting glucose‐insulin ratio, insulin action index (IAI), insulin sensitivity index (ISI) and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) compared to PIR. Our results suggest that postprandial insulin resistance may be an early stage of the process of diabetes mellitus.Support or Funding InformationSupported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81273069)
Micronutrient Deficiencies in Patients With Heart Failure: Relationships With Body Mass Index and Age
Authors: Shetty Paulina M , Hauptman Paul J , Landfried Lauren K , Patel Keval J , Weiss Edward P 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundIt is conceivable that lean patients (body mass index 18.5–24.9 kg/m2 (HF) have low body weight due to low food consumption and that this may contribute to micronutrient deficiencies and to their poorer prognosis compared with overweight/obese patients. We hypothesized that lean patients have a greater number of inadequate micronutrient intakes (<50% of recommendations) than overweight/obese patients and that this also depends on age.Methods and ResultsLean (n = 15) and overweight/obese (n = 49) patients underwent 24‐hour diet and physical activity recall interviews. Inadequate essential micronutrient intakes were ubiquitous (intakes of 13 ± 1 of 27 micronutrients were inadequate) and did not depend on race, income status, or access to supermarkets. Younger (40–64 y) lean patients had inadequate intakes of 20 ± 2 micronutrients, which was more than the other weight/age subgroups (all P < .01). Physical activity levels did not differ across weight/age subgroups.ConclusionsPatients with HF may be at risk of malnutrition due to numerous inadequate micronutrient intakes; younger lean patients may have an especially high risk. Future studies are needed to confirm these preliminary findings and to investigate the possibility that incorporating a micronutrient‐dense meal plan will improve patient outcomes.Support or Funding InformationSaint Louis University Beaumont Award
The characteristics and stability Of T0901317 nanovesicles
Authors: Liu Jie , Wang Shu 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionT0901317(T090) is a potent synthetic agonist for the liver X receptors, which activation could reduce the atherosclerotic lesion size. However, T090 can also induce liver steatosis, which hinder its clinical application. Intimal macrophages are determinant cells for atherosclerotic lesion development. We have successfully made T090 nanovesicles (Tnano) and ligand‐incorporated Tnano (LTnano) for targeting intimal macrophages. The objective of this project is to measure the characteristics and stability of Tnano and LTnano.MethodsThe size and polydispersity index (PI) of Tnano and LTnano were measured using a Brookhaven BI‐MAS particle size analyzer, and their zeta potential was measured using a Brookhaven ZetaPALS analyzer. The encapsulation efficiency of T090 was measured using a filtration method and a high performance liquid chromatography system (HPLC). Tnano, LTnano and free T090 were incubated at 4°C, 22°C, 37°C. Their physical and chemical stability was measured every 2 hours for 24 hours. A dialysis method was used to investigate the release pattern of the free and nanoencapsulated T090. Tnano, LTnano, free T090 containing 0.4 mg of T090 were put in three different dialysis bags, which were soaked in a sink solution made of 1X PBS containing 10% methanol. Sink solution was collected and changed every 2 hours for 24 hours. The T090 concentrations in the sink solution were measured using a HPLC method.ResultsThe mean particle size of Tnano and LTnano was less than 100 nm, the PI of Tnano and LTnano was less than 0.3, the zeta potential of Tnano and LTnano was around ‐30. The encapsulation efficiency of T090 was more than 90%. Nanoencapsulation increased the aqueous solubility of T090 by more than 1,000 times. Nanoencapsulated T090 is more stable than free T090. Tnano and LTnano demonstrated a sustained release manner.ConclusionNanoencapsualtion increased the aqueous solubility, biostability and releasing sustainability of T090. The anti‐atherosclerotic activities are under investigation.Support or Funding InformationGrant Funding Source: NIH 1R15AT007013
Fuzhuan Tea Reverses Western Diet‐induced Arterial Stiffness in Mice
Authors: Lee Dustin , Battson Micah , Jarrell Dillon , Sevits Kyle , Weir Tiffany , Cox‐York Kimberly , Gentile Christopher 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionStiffening of the large elastic arteries, as measured by pulse wave velocity (PWV), is one of the strongest independent predictors of cardiovascular events and mortality. Obese individuals exhibit increased arterial stiffness, although the effect of modest increases in body weight, in the absence of obesity, is unclear. Therefore, the primary aim of the current study was to examine the effects of modest weight gain, induced by a western diet (WD), on large artery stiffness in experimental animals.Fuzhuan tea (FT) is a Chinese tea that has been shown to protect against various metabolic insults associated with obesity and a WD, but the effects of FT on the cardiovascular system are unknown. Thus, the secondary aim of the present study was to examine whether FT consumption could reduce the hypothesized increase in aortic stiffness following modest weight gain.MethodsC57BL/6J male mice were fed either a standard diet (SD) or WD for 9 months. In the final 8 weeks of the dietary interventions, SD and WD groups were divided to receive regular drinking water or water supplemented with FT (200mg/kg/day). Aortic stiffness was measured in vivo by pulse wave velocity at baseline, 7, and 9 months. Endothelial dependent (EDD) and independent dilation (EID) were measured ex vivo in carotid arteries. Body weight and food intake were recorded weekly over the 9‐month period.ResultsMice fed a WD for 7 months exhibited a modest increase in body weight (SD: 34.7± 4.1 g vs WD: 40.1 ± 2.4 g) and significant increase in PWV (SD: 422.4 ± 6.4 vs WD: 458.0 ± 4.6, p‐value < 0.05). Consumption of FT during an additional 8‐weeks of WD did not significantly alter body weight, but returned PWV in WD+FT to SD levels (SD: 429.9 ± 8.7 vs WD + FT: 425.3 ± 18.1; p‐value > 0.05). WD displayed increased aortic collagen compared to SD (WD: 38.8 ± 10.3 vs SD: 17.5 ± 11.3, p‐value < 0.05) and a decrease from WD was observed in WD + FT (WD + FT: 32 ± 10.7).ConclusionsOur data indicate that modest weight gain increases arterial stiffness, and that Fuzhuan tea supplementation can reverse this effect. These results may have broad implications for individuals gaining modest body weight over prolonged periods of time.Support or Funding InformationFunding: Boettcher Foundation's Webb‐Waring Biomedical Research Program (CLG); National Institutes of Health DK087777 (CLG)
Effects of Strawberry Consumption on Vascular Parameters in Pre‐ and Stage 1‐Hypertensive Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized, Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Trial
Authors: Arjmandi Bahram H. , Feresin Rafaela G. , Johnson Sarah A. , Figueroa Arturo , Pourafshar Shirin , Navaei Negin , Campbell Jeremiah , Jaime Salvador , Elam Marcus L. , Alvarez‐Alvarado Stacey , Akhavan Neda S. , Brummel‐Smith Kenneth , Tenenbaum Gershon 
Published: November 2023

Though previous clinical, epidemiological, and preclinical research findings indicate that strawberries are cardioprotective, few clinical studies have reported the effects of strawberry consumption on blood pressure (BP) and vascular function. Since hypertension is a major modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and approximately 75% of postmenopausal women in the United States are hypertensive, we conducted an 8‐week randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical study to investigate the effects of daily consumption of 25 g of freeze‐dried strawberry powder (FDSP) on blood pressure and vascular function in pre‐ and stage 1‐hypertensive postmenopausal women. Forty‐seven postmenopausal women (age: 59 ± 6 years; body mass index: 31.5 ± 4.1 kg/m2, systolic BP: 140 ± 13 mmHg, diastolic BP: 80 ± 7 mmHg) were randomly assigned into one of two groups (final n = 20/group): 1) placebo‐control, 2) 25g of freeze‐dried strawberry powder (FDSP; equivalent to 1½ cups). After eight weeks, systolic BP (135 ± 14 mmHg), mean arterial pressure (103 ± 9 mmHg), pulse pressure (56 ± 10 mmHg), and baPWV and faPWV (1,480 cm/s and 1,039 cm/s, respectively) were significantly (P < 0.05) lower than baseline levels in the strawberry group while only pulse pressure was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the placebo group (54 ± 7 mmHg). These findings suggest that daily consumption of strawberries may improve vascular function; however, further research is warranted.Support or Funding InformationThis study was funded by the California Strawberry Commission.
Coconut Oil Supplementation: an innovative strategy for cardiovascular disease risk reduction
Authors: Thompson‐Felty Claudia , Johnston Carol S , Ryder Ashley 
Published: November 2023

The American Heart Association has projected that by 2030, 40.5% of the US population will have some form of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Elevated blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, and smoking are major risk factors for CVD. The current dietary recommendations to improve HDL cholesterol include drinking alcohol in moderation and choosing healthier dietary fats (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated) while limiting saturated fat to less than 7% total daily energy. Conversely, some research suggests that consuming 20–30% of energy as coconut oil (CO), which is high in saturated fat, may raise HDL. In secondary data analyses of a fish oil (FO) supplementation trial, we noted a significant improvement in HDL in healthy adults supplementing only 2 g CO daily for 8 weeks (~1% total daily energy). Forty‐eight healthy individuals (24 FO and 24 CO, 12/36 M/F; 26.5±8.5 y, BMI, 24.5±3.6 kg/m2) were stratified by blood type, gender, age, and BMI and randomly assigned to one of two supplement groups: FO, 2000 mg/d, or CO, 2000 mg/d. At baseline, there were no significant mean differences in total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, or triglycerides between the groups. CO supplementation improved HDL cholesterol in comparison to FO (+4.5±7.9 vs. −0.6±6.9 mg/dL, p=0.026). Changes in LDL cholesterol and the total cholesterol/HDL ratio did not differ between groups (+3.6±19.0 vs. +1.9±18.7 mg/dL and −0.13±0.48 vs. +0.01±0.31 mg/dL respectively). These data suggest that much smaller amounts of CO than previously reported can significantly raise HDL without adversely impacting LDL or total cholesterol; however, more research is needed to confirm these secondary findings.Support or Funding InformationGraduate and Professional Student Association
The Association between Adipose Tissue N‐3 Fatty Acids and Blood Lipids
Authors: Heskey Celine , Jaceldo‐Siegl Karen , Sabate Joan , Rajaram Sujatha 
Published: November 2023

Research supports the beneficial effects of n‐3 fatty acids (n‐3 FA) in preventing cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, consensus on the effect of n‐3 FA on CVD risk factors, like dyslipidemia, is lacking. There are no recent studies that examine the relationship between adipose tissue n‐3 FA (which may reflect long term fatty acid intake), and blood lipids in adults, especially in the context of inflammation and abdominal obesity. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between adipose tissue n‐3 FA and blood lipids.In this cross‐sectional study, secondary data analysis was done utilizing data collected from subjects (n=1011; 66% female, 42% Black; Mean age: 58 years) randomly selected from the Adventist Health Study‐2 (AHS‐2) cohort (n=96,000) to participate in a calibration sub‐study. Multivariable linear regression analysis was done to examine the association between adipose tissue n‐3 FA (continuous and/or categorical variables) and fasting triglycerides (TAG), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C), and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C). Stratified analyses by waist circumference and c‐reactive protein (CRP) were also done for the association between adipose tissue n‐3 FA, and TAG and LDL‐C.Adipose tissue α‐linolenic acid (ALA) was inversely associated with TAG (β= −0.10; p<0.05). After stratified analysis, the inverse association between ALA, and TAG remained for subjects with a normal waist circumference (β= −0.13; p<0.05). ALA was inversely associated with LDL‐C in subjects with a normal waist circumference (2nd and 3rd tertiles of ALA β= −9.27 and −9.22; p<0.05), and in subjects with elevated CRP (2nd and 3rd tertiles of ALA β= −12.63 and −14.77; p<0.05). There was a positive association between ALA and HDL‐C (3.18; p<0.05). In terms of adipose tissue eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) plus docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an inverse association with TAG in subjects with abdominal obesity (β= −0.11; p<0.05), and in subjects with CRP >3 mg/L (β= −0.25; p<0.05) was observed. Adipose tissue EPA+DHA and LDL‐C was inversely associated in subjects with a CRP>3 mg/L (3rd tertile of EPA+DHA β= −10.95; p<0.05). There no significant association between adipose tissue EPA+DHA and HDL‐C.In conclusion, adipose tissue n‐3 fatty acids overall has favorable effects on blood lipids, but they seem to be influenced by abdominal obesity and state of inflammation which needs to be further explored.Support or Funding InformationNational Institute of Health/National Cancer Institute grans (RO1CA094594, U01CA152939)
Alcohol Interrupts Adipose Tissue Maturation and Attenuates Adiponectin Expression in 3T3‐F442 Pre‐Adipocytes
Authors: Shafiei Mahnoush S , Juma Shanil , Prasad Chandan , Imrhan Victorine , Vijayagopal Parakat 
Published: November 2023

Alcohol (ethanol) is a widely used substance and excessive consumption has serious adverse effects. Alcohol disrupts endocrine activity of adipose tissue through synthesis and secretion of a wide variety of peptides and cytokines called adipokines. Adiponectin plays important roles in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism and provides a crucial link between alcohol‐induced inflammation and metabolic complications. We hypothesized that alcohol disrupted adipogenesis resulting in decreases in adiponectin expression and up regulation of pro‐inflammatory cytokines. We differentiated 3T3‐F442A preadipocytes in the presence of different does of ethanol and measured adipogenesis and the expression of NF‐kB, adiponectin and several pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines. Our result shows that alcohol (i) inhibited adipogenesis in a dose‐dependent manner by suppressing intracellular triglyceride accumulation, (ii) significantly reduced adiponectin expression, (iii) increased expression of the pro‐inflammatory cytokines (IL‐6, IL‐12, TNF‐α) and transcription factor NF‐kB, and (iv) decreased expression of the anti‐inflammatory cytokines (IL‐4, IL‐10). Collectively, our findings demonstrate that alcohol exerts a major influence in adipose tissue maturation and inflammatory status.Support or Funding InformationPartial support from the Human Nutrition Research Fund at Texas Woman's University
Following a Mediterranean diet for 3‐months reduces home measured systolic blood pressure (SBP) in older Australians; results from the Mediterranean diet for cognition and cardiovascular health in the elderly (MedLey) trial
Authors: Murphy Karen , Davis Courtney , Bryan Janet , Wilson Carlene , Woodman Richard , Hodgson Jonathan 
Published: November 2023

The Mediterranean diet (MedDiet), reported to have cardiovascular health benefits, consists of a variety of foods including fruit and vegetables, wholegrain cereals, legumes, nuts, red wine, olive oil, fish, poultry and red meat delivering valuable nutrients like fibre, vitamins, minerals, omega‐3 fatty acids and polyphenols. We sought to evaluate the health benefits of a Mediterranean diet in comparison with habitual diet on blood pressure (BP) in older Australians (mean age 71±5yrs) in the MedLey trial. Participants (were randomly allocated either a MedDiet (n=80) or continue their habitual diet (HabDiet) (n=72) for 6 months. Volunteers received some study foods and followed a prescribed MedDiet plan as advised by the study dietitian. All volunteers attended the clinic on a fortnightly basis to have their weight measured, discuss the intervention and receive study foods. Blood pressure was measured at home, three times daily (morning, afternoon, evening), taking 3 measures per reading for 6 days providing 54 blood pressure readings of which the average BP was obtained. Data was analysed using random effects model that included fixed effects for Diet, Visit, Diet x Visit interaction (STATA). Differences between diets were then assessed using the overall Diet x Visit interaction term and the marginally adjusted mean values. 137 volunteers completed the trial (MedDiet n=74, HabDiet n=63). Compliance to the MedDiet was maintained (92%) throughout the intervention according to 3‐day weighed food records collected at each time‐point. Mean SBP at baseline, 3 and 6 months, respectively, were: 124.9±1.4mmHg, 119.3±1.4mmHg and 118.9±1.6mmHg for MedDiet; and 127.8±1.5mmHg, 123.9±1.5mmHg and 122.1±1.7mmHg for Hab Diet. The MedDiet group had a significantly greater reduction in SBP than the HabDiet group at 3 months (P=0.031 for interaction) which was also significantly reduced for the afternoon measure of systolic BP alone (P=0.024 for interaction). Although both groups had clinically relevant decreases in SBP, following the MedDiet resulted in a greater reduction in SBP than for the habitual group. This dietary pattern could be utilised in Australia as part of a diet and lifestyle intervention for the control of elevated BP.Support or Funding InformationThis project was supported by a grant from the National Health Medical Research Council of Australia.