bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alcohol use and cardiovascular risk in a prospective cohort study of Latino Adults: the mediating effect of inflammation
Authors: Arevalo Sandra P , Bazzi Angela Roberston , Falcon Luis M , Tucker Katherine L 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundModerate alcohol consumption has been associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), which may be due to anti‐inflammatory effects of moderate alcohol use. However, most studies examining the alcohol‐CVD association have focused on healthy, non‐Hispanic white populations using cross‐sectional designs.Methods and ResultsTo examine alcohol intake and CVD risk (measured by the 10‐year Framingham risk score, FRS‐10y) in an ethnic minority population, we drew from the Boston Puerto Rican Health Study, a prospective, population‐based cohort of 866 older Puerto Ricans (aged 45–75 years) with high prevalence of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. We also evaluated the inflammatory marker C‐reactive protein (CRP) as a mediator. In prospective multivariable models, moderate alcohol use had a significant indirect and protective effect on FRS‐10y through CRP (β=−0.16; bias‐corrected 95% CI: −0.35 to −0.05) after adjusting for age, sex, education, smoking, body mass index, physical activity level, dietary quality, language acculturation, and white blood cell concentration.ConclusionsResults from this large longitudinal study of Puerto Ricans are in line with findings suggesting that the link between moderate alcohol consumption and cardiovascular health may be primarily through an anti‐inflammatory effect. We add to the alcohol‐CVD literature by longitudinally demonstrating the relationships between alcohol consumption, anti‐inflammatory effects, and reduced CVD risk in Puerto Rican adults, a group at high CVD risk.Support or Funding InformationGrant Funding Source: This study was funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; National Institutes of Health (Grant 5P50HL105185, Katherine L. Tucker, PhD, Principal Investigator)
Effects of Alcohol Use (baseline), and the Mediating Effect of C‐reactive Protein (CRP), on 10y risk of Coronary Heart Disease (FRS‐10y) at follow‐up

Path αAlcohol→ CRP
Path βCRP→ FRS‐10y
Path tAlcohol→ FRS‐10y
Path t′Alcohol→ FRS‐10y (adj.CRP)
α × β

β
(95% C.I.)
β
(95% C.I.)
β
(95% C.I.)
β
(95% C.I.)
β
(95% C.I.*)

Alcohol use

No use (ref.)

‐

‐

‐

‐

‐

Moderate
−0.21
(−0.35 −0.07)

‐
−0.34
(−1.4 0.68)
−0.18
(−1.2 0.83)
−0.16
(−0.35 −0.05)

Heavy
−0.21
(−0.47 0.04)

‐
0.43
(−1.4 2.3)
0.59
(−1.2 2.3)
−0.16
(−0.46 0.01)

CRP

0.77
(0.31 1.2)

All models adjusted for sex, age, education, language acculturation level, physical activity score, dietary quality, BMI, smoking status, and white blood cell count
Bias‐correct 95% Confidence Interval based on 5000 replications
IV=Alcohol use at baseline; Mediator=CRP (average of baseline and follow‐up); DV=FRS‐10y at follow‐up
Path α quantifies the effect of IV on Mediator; Path β: quantifies the effect of Mediator on DV; Path t: total effect of IV on DV when Mediator is not included; Path t′: direct effect of IV on DV adjusting for Mediator; α × β: quantifies indirect effect of IV on DV through the Mediator
Implementing a nutrition education program for obesity prevention among Mexican children
Authors: González Daniela Guadalupe , Grijalva María Isabel , Bon Karla Alejandra , Alvarado Sandra Patricia , León Michael Alejandra , Cota Alejandra , Laprada Alva Nidia , Portillo Gloria Elena , Contreras Alma Delia , Ortega María Isabel 
Published: November 2023

Interventions aimed to obesity prevention entail elements of environmental, behavioral, cultural, social and economic change, and have proven to be successful when they are guided by theoretical models, are community‐based and are planned considering context‐related mediators.ObjectiveTo design and implement a nutrition education program (PREN) based on a public health approach that involves parents, teachers and school environment.MethodsWe designed the PREN using the Socio‐Ecological conceptual framework and the methodological guide of Precede‐Proceed. We conducted group discussion sessions with parents, teachers and preschool and school age children in 17 public schools from Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico; through an educational and organizational diagnosis we have determined those mediators for diet and physical activity conducive to obesity prevention in school and home environments.ResultsOur analysis suggested that the mediators that would have greater impact on diet and physical activity, and greater feasibility of change were: information of food portions (adequate to children's age, size and physical activity), low‐cost healthy diet alternatives, and adequate periods for healthy snacks. Regarding physical activity, the challenges were: organizing family time for physical activity, the relevance of physical activity on children's health and identifying physical activity options at home, at school and at sports centers close to their neighborhood. Puppet theater and group dynamics were the modes of program delivery among children, teachers and parents; reinforcing workshops included activities at school and homeConclusionA community program for nutrition education based on local mediators for diet and physical activity, will have better impact and less barriers among children and families from public Mexican schools.Support or Funding InformationSistema para el Desarrollo Integral de la Familia DIF Sonora
Are Sleep Behaviors Associated with Cognitive Functioning and Dietary Risk in Preschoolers?
Authors: Tande Desiree L , Kehn Andre , Whigham Leah , Roemmich James 
Published: November 2023

The aims of this study were to identify the relationship of sleep hygiene and preschool children's 1) dietary risk, 2) cognitive functioning, and 3) BMI status. Guardians of preschoolers (n= 45) were recruited to participate in a cross‐sectional study to assess sleep hygiene (Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire), dietary risk (NutriSTEP), and cognitive functioning (Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function – Preschool Version). Child height and weight were measured using a stadiometer and digital scale and guardians completed diet, sleep, and cognitive functioning surveys. Correlations were used to test the study aims. Sleep hygiene was related to flexibility index (r= 0.317, p= .039), emergent metacognition index (r= 0.494, p= 0.001), global executive composite (r= 0.455, p= .002), and dietary risk (r= 0.322, p= 0.031) but not BMI z‐score. These results suggest child sleep hygiene characteristics may be related to child cognitive functioning and dietary risk but not BMI in preschoolers. The relationship between sleep hygiene and dietary risk were moderated by child cognitive function. Future studies exploring the relationship between sleep and diet should consider the measure of cognitive functioning, as this may influence the relationship between the variables and study conclusions.Support or Funding InformationThis project was supported by the University of North Dakota.
Exploration of Food Preferences among Three Generations of Japanese‐Americans Living in the Seattle Area
Authors: Kobayashi‐Wagner Reiko Margarete , Sasagawa Masa , Frasieur Amy , Kazaks Alexandra , Manio Chris 
Published: November 2023

Objective(sInter‐generational differences within Japanese‐American populations may be seen in food preferences. Nikkei Manor (NM) Assisted Living facility was established in Seattle, Washington by Nikkei Concerns (NC), non‐profit organization, to accommodate culturally‐sensitive issues that may arise between traditional long‐term care and the Japanese culture. Dietary preference is a major factor that affects quality of life in seniors. A survey was developed and administered via interview to investigate possible similarities and differences between food preferences among Japanese‐Americans in assisted living settings and those of different generations living in the Seattle area. A secondary goal of this study was to define and discover potential relationships between food preference and customer food acceptance and satisfaction in assisted living facilities as well as home‐health services.MethodsAn ethnographical qualitative study design was used. A Japanese‐specific Food Preference Survey was developed and a convenience sample of approximately 50 participants, 18 years or older and affiliated with NC in Seattle, WA were interviewed. Participants were NM residents, family of residents, NC staff/volunteers, community members/donors, or participants of Kokoro Kai adult day program. The survey‐assisted interviews were voice‐recorded using the Voice Memo App for iPhone. Qualitative data were transcribed verbatim in Microsoft Word and quantitative/demographical data were analyzed by Microsoft Excel and SPSS spreadsheets using descriptive statistics and chi‐square analysis.ResultsA total of 36 participants were interviewed. It was found that (a) those that were interviewed fell in the 71–99 age range (n= 19; 52.8%), (b) were female (n= 26; 72.2%), (c) were either second‐generation or third‐generation Japanese‐American (Nisei, Sansei, n= 22; 61.1%), and (d) born in the United States (n= 26; 61.1%). Those who spoke little to no Japanese were born in the United States as well (n= 21; 58.3%). Of the new first generation, second generation and third generation (n= 27), all but one preferred either the Asian cuisine or both Asian and Western cuisine. All interviewees identified themselves as “health‐conscious” and preserving tradition and culture (n=33; 91.7%) was a strong influencer of food choices.ConclusionBased on the responses about relationships between food preferences, health and cultural issues, this study can help meal programs offered by NC tailor dining experiences to match the needs and desires of customers by increasing Asian‐based meals, adapting recipes to make them “healthier,” and by keeping Japanese food‐culture traditions alive. Future studies should focus on exploring food preferences of younger generations and newly‐arrived Japanese‐Americans including the geographical location of family ancestry in Japan.Support or Funding InformationBastyr University Center for Student Research
Efficacy of Furosap, a novel Trigonella foenum‐graecum seed extract, in Enhancing Healthy Testosterone Level and Improving Sperm Profile in Male Volunteers
Authors: Swaroop Anand , BAGCHI DEBASIS , Bagchi Manashi , Preuss Harry G , Kumar Pawan 
Published: November 2023

Furosap, an innovative 20% protodioscin‐enriched extract derived from Trigonella foenum‐graecum seeds, was developed in our laboratory, which effectively increased testosterone levels, sperm profile, mental alertness, mood and libido in male volunteers. This one‐arm, open‐labelled study was conducted in 50 male volunteers (age: 35 to 65 years) over a period of 12 weeks to determine the efficacy of Furosap (500 mg/day/subject). The present study examined the testosterone levels, sperm profile, sperm morphology, libido and erectile dysfunction, mood and mental alertness and broad spectrum safety parameters. Free testosterone levels were improved up to 46% in 90% of the study population. 85.4% of the study population showed improvements in sperm counts. Sperm morphology improved in 14.6% of volunteers. Majority of the subjects enrolled in the study demonstrated improvements in mental alertness and mood. Furthermore, libido was significantly improved. Extensive safety parameter evaluation including extensive blood chemistry data exhibited no significant changes in serum lipid function, cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL and LDL levels, hemogram (CBC), hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. Overall, the results demonstrate that Furosap, enriched in 20% protodioscin, is safe and effective in attenuating testosterone levels, sperm profile, mental alertness and overall performance in human subjects.Support or Funding InformationCepham Inc, Piscataway, NJ, USA
Calcium Intake Trend Over Time
Authors: Fieselmann Krista , Shapses Sue A 
Published: November 2023

ContextAdequate calcium (Ca) intake is important to reduce the risk of bone loss and fractures. However, side effects of excess Ca intake have been reported, including kidney stones and most recently the possibility of cardiovascular events that has been reported since 2010. We hypothesized that negative messages regarding high Ca consumption may have influenced the trends in calcium intake and retrospectively examined a relatively homogenous population of women who participated in our studies over a 15 year period of time.ObjectiveTo determine trends in Ca consumption (from diet and supplementation combined) from 2000 to 2015 in post‐menopausal women from the OWLE dataset (NIH‐AG12161).DesignWe performed a cross sectional analysis on 278 overweight or obese (BMI 29.5 ± 4.7 kg/m2, 58 ± 6 years) post‐menopausal women to asses levels of Ca intake over time. Available data was pooled in a three year increments, 2000 – 2002, 2006–2008, 2009 – 2011, and 2012–2015. We collected 3 days of diet records and/or a validated Ca questionnaire to asses Ca intake from food and supplements.ResultsCa consumption was significantly higher during 2009–2011 compared to 2000–2002 (p < 0.05). In contrast, Ca intake was lower during 2012 – 2015 averaging 850 ± 249 mg/d compared to the previous decade, and equivalent to 71 ± 23% of the Recommended Daily Allowance. These data remain significant when controlled for age and BMI.ConclusionThese results suggest that trends in Ca consumption vary over the past 15 years, indicating a rise in intake over the first decade followed by a decreased consumption in recent years. Factors leading to this trend for low Ca intake are not clear from this dataset, but should be examined further and are a concern considering the risk of fractures in this population.
Studies of properties of unbound 25‐OH‐Vitamin D
Authors: Liu Yuguan , Handelman Garry 
Published: November 2023

INTRODUCTIONStudies using filters for the separation of non‐bound 25‐OH‐vitamin D (25HD), and measurements by commercial ELISA kits, suggest the existence of a physiologically important unbound fraction. Accurate measurement of weakly‐bound, highly hydrophobic ligands in aqueous environment is a major challenge. We sought to confirm earlier reports suggesting that an unbound fraction of 25HD in normal plasma can be measured by standard chemical procedures.MATERIAL & METHODSNormal human plasma was centrifuged through various filters with nominal 30K pore sizes; the presence of 25HD in the filtrate was determined by using a Diels‐Alder derivatization reagent (Amplifex, from AB‐Sciex) followed by analysis on LC/MS‐MS, with a lower detection limit of approximately 0.5 pg. In parallel experiments, we also sought to determine the limit of aqueous solubility of 25HD in distilled water and in blood bank saline (BBS).RESULTSWhen 1 ml of plasma with 25HD over the range of 20–40 ng/ml was centrifuged with CentriFree 30K MWCO filters, there were no detectable analytes in the filtrate. This could be interpreted as the total amount of 25HD that could pass through the filter is less than 0.5 pg/ml, in contrast to the previously reported 10–20 pg/mL. When 25HD stock material (dissolved in ethanol) was diluted 1/10,000 with distilled water or BBS, the detectable amount of 25HD in multiple aliquots were highly variable (10% CV), and well below anticipated quantity of a true homogenous solution (30%). Increasing the ethanol concentration to 1% resulted in a solution whose properties approached classical solubility behavior, but this strategy for dissolving 25HD cannot be taken as demonstrating physiological validity.DISCUSSIONThe inability for 25HD to form a true homogenous solution in aqueous environments severely hinders studies of protein binding. This data suggests that the amount of 25HD from plasma that can pass through 30k MWCO filters is below 0.5 pg/mL, which is a much smaller fraction of unbound 25HD than previously reported using filtration studies. Furthermore, this study also suggests that the behavior of highly hydrophobic compounds, such as 25HD, cannot be modeled under the free hormone hypothesis; the behavior of population of 25HD that are not tightly bound to vitamin D binding protein (VDBP) may require different models of protein‐protein interactions.Support or Funding InformationSupported by a graduate fellowship from University of Massachusetts Lowell to Yuguan Liu
Effect of an Optimized Cracker on Glycemic and Insulinemic Responses in Healthy Individuals: a Double‐blind, Randomized, Cross‐over Trial
Authors: Wolever Thomas MS , Jenkins Alexandra L , Ezatagha Adish , Campbell Janice , Johnson Jodee , Nisbet Mark , Chu YiFang , Pelkman Christine 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundConsumers are increasingly interested in snacks that supply energy over an extended period of time, potentially in the form of carbohydrates. Foods containing slowly released carbohydrates generally elicit attenuated postprandial blood glucose and insulin responses. A variety of ingredients and processing and formulation techniques were screened and applied to develop an optimized active cracker containing carbohydrates that were slowly digested in‐vitro, including a whole‐grain composite ingredient comprised of a hydrocolloid co‐processed with high‐amylose maize flour. The present study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that the active cracker, with a significantly lower ratio of rapidly available glucose to slowly available glucose in‐vitro, would elicit lower blood glucose and insulin responses than a control cracker in human subjects.MethodsHealthy men and women (n=25) were studied on 2 separate days using a randomized, double‐blind, cross‐over design. After 2 fasting finger‐prick blood samples were taken, subjects consumed 1 serving (56g) of the Active or Control Cracker and further blood samples were obtained over 4hr for serum glucose and insulin analysis. The 56g serving of Active (Control) Cracker, respectively, contained: protein, 3.9 (5.3)g; fat, 6.6 (6.5)g; carbohydrate, 42.4 (40.7)g; and fiber, 11.6 (1.7)g.ResultsCompared to the Control cracker, the Active cracker elicited a 36±3% lower glucose peak rise (1.59±0.09 vs 2.64±0.21 mmol/L, p<0.00001) and a 35±7% lower insulin peak rise (17.4±2.3 vs 31.9±4.6 uU/mL, p=0.00005). The glucose and insulin AUCs from 0–2 hr after the Active cracker were 36±4% (85±7 vs 146±15 mmol×h/L, p<0.05) and 39±10% 0.87±0.14 vs 1.79±0.33 mU×min/mL, p<0.05), respectively, lower than those after the Control cracker. The glucose AUC from 2–4hr after the Active cracker was significantly higher than Control (22.1±5.1 vs 12.9±3.6 mmol×h/L, p<0.05), whereas insulin AUC over 2–4hr was significantly less after the Active cracker compared to Control (0.15±0.05 vs 0.30±0.01 mU×min/mL, p<0.05).ConclusionsThe results support the hypothesis that the carbohydrates in the Active cracker are digested and absorbed more slowly in‐vivo than those in the Control, as predicted by the in‐vitro glucose release profile.Support or Funding InformationFunded by PepsiCo and Ingredion, Inc.
Protein Level and Source in a Meal Influences Voluntary Intake of a Subsequent Meal
Authors: Murray Coleman , Fecych Mariel , Markus Edward , Oberlin Douglas , Porcelli Vincent , Beverly Joseph L. 
Published: November 2023

Chronic effects of dietary protein level and source on food intake have been extensively studied; however, there is little information on the acute effect of dietary protein level and source on intake of a subsequent meal. The objective of the presented studies was to evaluate the effect of a single meal differing in protein level and source on subsequent intake.Male Spraque‐Dawley rats (150–200 g) were adapted to a feeding schedule consisting of a breakfast‐like 30 min meal (20% of daily calories provided 60 min into the dark period) and a 5hr period of ad libitum access to rodent chow at the end of the dark period. The breakfast meal was randomly changed daily between ground rodent chow or purified diets containing casein (Cas), wheat gluten (WG), or egg white (EW) protein at 20% or 35% of calories. On test days, ground rodent chow was made available 60 min after the breakfast meal. The amount of rodent chow consumed over the next 90 min was measured as an index of the satiating effect of the breakfast. Each rat received at least 4 test diets with 1–3 day intervals between test days. Results from rats not consuming at least 75% of breakfast were removed from analysis. Results were evaluated by ANOVA and Tukey's post‐hoc analysis.There were no differences in the amount of diet consumed during the breakfast meal, nor were there differences in the total calories consumed during the entire 24 hr period on test days (between diets or vs non‐test days). There was a significant effect of protein source (p<0.01) and interaction between protein source and protein level (p<0.05) on the size of the rodent chow test meal. There was no difference (p=0.55) in intake during the test meal following a breakfast meal containing either 20% or 35% Cas. Intake during test meal was 26% higher following 35% WG (p=0.04; vs 20% WG) and was 28% lower following 35% EW (p=0,02; vs 20% EW). There was no effect of protein source on intakes of the test meal when the 20% protein diets were fed (p=0.62).These data support a difference between protein sources in their apparent satiating effect on a subsequent meal when fed to rats at 35% of calories. When fed at 35% of calories, the three protein sources produced different effects on the size of a subsequent rodent chow meal: EW reduced, Cas did not change, and WG increased intake when compared to diets containing 20% of the same protein source. The duration of the effect did not last through the 5 hr ad libitum period, as total caloric intake on test days was not affected by diet fed at the breakfast meal. As the diets were provided only at the breakfast meal and were randomly assigned each day, the differences on subsequent intake is an acute response to the protein source. The availability of three isocaloric, isonitrogenous diets that produce different effects on size of a subsequent meal will aid the study on dietary protein and satiety.