bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
M‐A‐T (Mucuna, Ashwagandha and Tribulus) Enhances Testosterone and Reduces Oxidative Stress: In Vivo Model
Authors: Juturu Vijaya , Sahin Kazim , Akdemir Fatih , Orhan Cemal , Tuzcu Mehmet , Turk Gaffari , Sahin Nurhan , Yilmaz Ismet 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundMucuna, Ashwagandha and Tribulus (M‐A‐T) are a traditional herbal medicine used to enhance sexual health and functional activities. This study investigates the possible role of M‐A‐T at two different doses (30 mg M‐A‐T and 60 mg M‐A‐T) on sex hormones (testosterone, follicle‐stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone), oxidative stress (serum and testis MDA), sperm motility, count and rate and gene proteins with the intent to show its usefulness in improving sexual health.MATERIALS AND METHODSIn this experimental study, we randomly divided 36 rats into four groups: I. Negative control, II. Positive control‐treated, III. M‐A‐T 1 (10 mg Mucuna(M), 10 mg Ashwagandha (A) and 10 mg Tribulus (T)/kg BW) IV. M‐A‐T 2‐treated (20 mg Mucuna, 20 mg Ashwagandha and 20 mg Tribulus/kg BW) was administrated 8 weeks. At the end of the treatment period, the sex hormones [testosterone (TT), follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH)], oxidative stress (serum and testis MDA), sperm motility, count and rate and gene proteins (NFkB, Nrf2 and HO1) of all rats’ sera were determined by radioimmunoassay and Elisa kits. The data obtained were statistically analyzed using the ANOVA, followed by post‐hoc Tukey test. P<0.05 was considered significant.RESULTSThe M‐A‐T 1 and M‐A‐T 2 group had a significantly increased TT, FSH and LH level than the control group (p<0.05). There was no significant difference between the treated M‐A‐T 1 and 2 groups. The treated control group had a significant decrease in serum and testis MDA levels, decrease in NFkB and an increase in Nrf2 and HO1 was observed in both M‐A‐T treated groups than controls. M‐A‐T 1 and 2 significantly improved sperm motility, count and rate. No significant changes in liver and kidney functions (ALT, AST, creatine, ALP and urea) in any of the treated groups.CONCLUSIONOral consumption of M‐A‐T could improve sexual health and function by enhancing sex hormones and reducing oxidative stress.Support or Funding InformationOmniActive Health Technologies Inc.
FTO Genotype, Dietary Protein Intake and Body Weight in a Population of Young Adults
Authors: Jamnik Joseph , Merritt David , El‐Sohemy Ahmed 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundVariation in the fat mass and obesity‐associated gene (FTO) has been shown to be associated with susceptibility to obesity. There may be a link between patterns of dietary intake, variation in FTO and obesity, but the relationship remains unclear. Previous studies have shown that dietary protein might modify the association between FTO genotype and body weight and composition.ObjectiveThe objective was to determine whether protein intake modifies the association between FTO variant rs1558902 and BMI/waist circumference.MethodsParticipants (n=1,491) were from the Toronto Nutrigenomics and Health Study, a cross sectional examination of young adults. Lifestyle, genetic, anthropometric and biochemical data were collected and diet was assessed using a Toronto‐modified Willett food frequency questionnaire. General linear models stratified by ethnicity and adjusted for age, sex and total energy intake were used to examine the association between rs1558902 and measures of body weight, and whether protein intake modified any observed associations.ResultsEast Asians with protein intake below the median (<17% total energy intake) who were homozygous for the risk allele (A) of rs1558902 had significantly higher BMI (AA= 25.0 kg/m2, AT/TT=21.5kg/m2; p< 0.0001) and waist circumference (AA=78.9 cm, AT/TT=70.6cm; p=0.0006) compared to carriers of the T allele. These associations were absent in the high protein intake group (>17% total energy intake) and there was a significant gene‐diet interaction for both BMI (p=0.01) and waist circumference (p=0.007). No significant interactions were observed among the Caucasian or South Asian groups.ConclusionThese findings suggest that dietary protein intake might modify the effect of FTO variants on measures of body weight in certain populations.Support or Funding InformationResearch support from the Advanced Foods and Materials Network.
Spatial reorganization of Proopiomelanocortin (POMC)‐expressing Neurons in the Arcuate Nucleus of POMC‐EGFP Mice Resistant or Prone to Obesity
Authors: Tomé Daniel , Soto Marion , Chaumontet Catherine , Guillaumin Mathilde , Benoit Simon , Fromentin Gilles , Andrey Philippe , Burguet Jasmine , Darcel Nicolas 
Published: November 2023

Overweight and obesity have been linked to an increased consumption of energy from palatable dense foods enriched in fats, sugars and sucrose‐sweetened beverages. However, susceptibility towards weight gain under an obesogenic diet varies between individuals. Mice have been characterized as obesity‐prone (OP) and obesity‐resistant (OR) in relation with their capacity to gain weight when fed an obesogenic high‐fat high‐sucrose (HFHS) diet. In the brain, the arcuate nucleus (ARC) of the hypothalamus is the main area involved in the control of energy homeostasis. The ARC hosts two key neuronal populations, one of those expressing proopiomelanocortin (POMC), a precursor of various polypeptides with potent anorexigenic activity.This study investigated whether POMC‐specific neuronal density in the ARC was different in OP versus OR mice. For this purpose, 16 C57BL/6J POMC‐EGFP mice (which express the Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) concomitantly with POMC) were fed during 11 weeks with a HFHS diet and a 12.6% sucrose‐sweetened drink (SSW) (concentration found in sodas) given at random periods of time for 2h. At the end of this period, 4 OP mice and 4 OR mice were selected, according to their body weight and fat mass gain.Measurement of food and liquid intake showed that OP mice ate more solid food than OR mice. At the end of the experiment, the brains of OR and OP mice were fixed and cut into coronal sections covering the whole hypothalamic area of the ARC. These sections were digitized and analyzed to obtain three‐dimensional reconstructions of the ARC area, using Free‐D original software. The results show no quantitative difference in POMC expression in the ARC between OP and OR mice. However, statistical analysis of 3D reconstructions showed significant differences between OR and OP mice in the spatial organization of POMC‐expressing neurons in the ARC. This study characterizes the synaptic plasticity of POMC neurons between OP and OR mice, that could be a major factor of their difference in susceptibility to weight gain.
DHA status is related to prefrontal cortex‐mediated impulse control in adolescents
Authors: Darcey Valerie L. , El Damaty Shady , Rose Emma J. , Fishbein Diana H. , VanMeter John W. 
Published: November 2023

The emergence of impulse control, a function mediated by the prefrontal cortex (PFC), is critical for avoiding risky behaviors during adolescence. The PFC is undergoing development during this period and thus influences on its maturation may contribute to variations in impulse control. One such factor is docosohexoenoic acid (DHA), an essential omega‐3 fatty acid that influences neuronal function, particularly in the PFC. Though DHA is an integral structural component of neuronal membranes, little is known about the relationship between DHA status, structural qualities of PFC and impulse control in adolescents. Thus, this study examined adolescent PFC thickness and behavioral inhibition in relation to DHA status.Teens (n=53; 51% female; mean age 14.3 ± 0.7 years) enrolled in a longitudinal neuroimaging study provided blood samples (i.e., dried blood spot) for analysis of essential fatty acids via high‐pressure liquid chromatography. At the same study visit, we assessed behavior and obtained brain scans. Ability to inhibit a prepotent response was assessed by frequency of commission errors (false alarms) on a Go/No‐go task. High‐resolution structural brain scans (MPRAGE) were acquired on a Siemens TIM Trio 3T MRI and verified for quality. Recruitment of the right inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) has been consistently implicated in behavioral inhibition and, thus, was the focus of this cortical thickness analysis using Freesurfer.DHA was significantly inversely correlated with impulsive errors on the Go/No‐Go task (r= −0.368; p=0.018). A trending inverse relationship was also observed between impulsive errors and the thickness of right IFG (pars triangularis) (r=−0.247; p=0.074). Blood DHA content was unrelated to potential confounding variables (e.g., age, intelligence, or socioeconomic status).These preliminary results suggest that higher DHA status may be related to a greater ability to inhibit a prepotent behavioral response, i.e., behavioral/impulse control. Furthermore, the potential relationship between IFG cortical thickness and response inhibition echoes previous findings that development of this region is important for behavioral control. Together these results suggest that insufficient dietary DHA intake during adolescence may hinder development of behavioral control. This development may be important for reducing risky decision making related to high‐risk behaviors (e.g. drug and alcohol use) during this development period and warrants further investigation.Support or Funding InformationNIH/NIAAA 1R01AA019983‐01 (DHF/JVM), 3R01AA019983‐02S1 (VLD)and 1F31AA023462‐01A1 (VLD)
Changes in Eating Behaviors are Associated with Intentional Weight Loss Following Intervention in Older Women
Authors: Berg Alison C , Johnson Kristen B , Straight Chad R , Acitelli Rachel M , O'Connor Patrick J , Evans Ellen M , Johnson Mary Ann 
Published: November 2023

PurposeObesity prevalence in older women (≥ 60 y) exceeds 35% and the literature strongly suggests that weight loss improves chronic conditions and physical function in this age group. Studies in younger people indicate that many dieters fail to achieve weight loss goals, and that psychological constructs, particularly eating behaviors and depressive symptoms, may play a role; however, limited research exists evaluating the role of these constructs in weight loss success in older women. Thus, this study aimed to examine relationships among eating behaviors, depressive symptoms, and weight loss in overweight and obese older women.MethodsOlder women (N = 72; 69.4 ± 3.6 y, BMI 31.2 ± 4.9) completed assessments of eating behaviors (Three Factor Eating Questionnaire), depressive symptoms (Centers for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale), and body weight at baseline and following a weight loss intervention that combined restriction of energy intake and exercise training with a goal of loss of 10% of initial body weight. Changes in psychological measures and weight from baseline to post‐intervention were assessed with paired t‐tests and Wilcoxon‐rank sum tests (non‐parametric data) and effect sizes (ES) calculated. A series of linear regression analyses were used to explore the independent contribution of the psychological constructs to weight loss among completers of the intervention (N = 61).ResultsWeight loss was −9.2 ± 4.8 % of initial weight. Measures of restrained eating behavior increased significantly (P < 0.0001) from baseline to post‐intervention (ES > 1.2). An increase in flexible restraint accompanied by a decrease in rigid restraint explained a significant proportion of the variance in percent weight loss when controlled for energy intake (% of needs at baseline and changes in intake; overall R2=.26, F(4,56) = 4.91, P < 0.01). Depressive symptoms were not related to weight loss, but were more prevalent in individuals who withdrew from the study after baseline testing (P < 0.001).ConclusionsEncouraging a flexible approach to eating behavior and discouraging rigid restraint of eating behavior may lead to better weight loss outcomes for overweight and obese older women trying to lose weight. Although not associated with weight loss following intervention, depressive symptoms in older overweight or obese women may be a risk factor for withdrawing from weight loss studies.Support or Funding InformationFunded in part by The Beef Checkoff and USDA NIFA GEO 708
Cereal foods consumption trends and factors associated with changing intake, among Western Australian adults, 1995 to 2012
Authors: Pollard Christina Mary , Pulker Claire , Meng Xingqiong , Denham Felicity , Solah Vicky , Scott Jane A , Kerr Deborah A 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundRegular adequate cereal foods intake, particularly wholegrains, may protect against cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and excess weight gain. Knowledge, attitudes and perceived barriers influence attempts to change intake. Trends in self‐reported cereal food consumption and factors influencing intake among Western Australian adults are assessed.MethodsData were pooled from the 1995, 1998, 2001, 2004, 2009, and 2012 Health Department's Nutrition Monitoring Survey Series of 7,044 adults, 18 to 64 years. Outcomes: type and amount of cereals (bread, rice, pasta, breakfast‐cereal) eaten the day prior. Attitudes, knowledge, intentions regarding cereal food intake and weight control and sociodemographics were measured. Descriptive statistics, multiple linear or logistic regressions assess factors associated with consumption, knowledge and attitude.ResultsBread (78%) and breakfast‐cereal (50%) were most commonly consumed. The proportion eating bread reduced from 2001 (OR=0.31; 95% CI 0.24–0.40 in 2012 compared to 1995) as did the amount (4.1 slices in 1995 to 2.4 in 2012). Males were more likely to eat bread (OR=1.44; 1.23–1.68; p<0.001) and breakfast‐cereal (OR=1.18; 1.04–1.34; p<.05). ‘I already eat enough’ was the main barrier to increasing cereals (75% in 1995 to 84% in 2012 (p<.001)). Knowledge of recommended daily serves decreased over time (OR=0.20; 0.15–0.27; p<0.001) and relative risk ratios of having tried to eat less over the past year increased (RRR 10.88, CI 6.81, 17.4), 2012 compared to 1995. Overweight (RRR 1.65, CI 1.22, 2.24) and obese (RRR 1.88, CI 1.35, 2.63) respondents were more likely than normal weight to have tried to eat less cereals.ConclusionsA growing proportion of adults are actively trying to reduce the amount of cereal foods they eat associated with a lack of knowledge about the amount to eat for health. Health promotion intervention is needed to increase awareness of the health benefits of eating more cereal foods and address the barriers to incorporating them daily.Support or Funding InformationHealthway funded Curtin University's Food Law, Policy and Communications to Improve Public Health Project to assist the translation of research into practice
Whey and Pea Protein Influence Energy Metabolism and Appetite Response to a Greater Extent Than Beef Protein
Authors: Neumann Brianna L , Cambias Lauren , Mitchell Charlene , Silva Enela , Baum Jamie I 
Published: November 2023

More than 30% of young adults in the US are obese. A primary contributor to obesity is an unhealthy diet related to an imbalance of macronutrients. Diets higher in protein (PRO) are associated with health benefits such as increased energy expenditure (EE) and reduced food intake. The objective of this pilot study was to determine if protein source at breakfast influences EE in young men (n=5; ages 18–35). Participants consumed four isocaloric protein‐based beverages (whey (WP), pea (PP), beef (BP); 275 kcal‐62%PRO:23%CHO:15% Fat) for breakfast in randomized, crossover design with a one‐week washout period between beverages. Each test day EE, appetite and food preference were assessed at 0, 15, 30, 60, 120, 180, and 240 min postprandial. Data was analyzed using a 2‐way ANOVA for the effect of protein source over time. One‐way ANOVA was used to analyze area under the curve (AUC). Resting EE AUC was 8% lower in BP vs PP and 5% lower vs WP. Thermic effect of feeding AUC was 77% lower (P = 0.08) in BP compared to WP; PP was 43% lower than WP. Postprandial carbohydrate oxidation was higher with PP (31%) compared to WP and there was no difference between BP and WP. Postprandial fat oxidation was 23% higher in WP vs BP and PP. WP was more satiating compared to BP and PP, however participants had a higher craving for sweet foods following PP and a higher desire for a snack following BP. Taken together, these data suggest that protein source (animal versus plant) is not a predictor of postprandial EE and appetite response.Support or Funding InformationArkansas Biosciences Institute
Effects of Increased Dietary Protein on Daily Appetite Control, Satiety, and Free‐living Ad Libitum Food Intake during Acute Energy Restriction in Healthy, Overweight Women
Authors: Gwin Jess A 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundHigher‐protein (HP) energy restriction (ER) diets improve body composition and weight management to a greater extent than standard‐protein (SP) versions. Improvements in appetite and satiety are proposed mechanisms‐of‐action. However, most mechanistic studies are limited by the lack of acclimation to the study treatments; the failure to match protein quality between study treatments; and the absence of daily, ad libitum feeding assessments.PurposeTo investigate the effects of consuming SP vs. HP diets on daily appetite control, satiety, and ad libitum food intake in healthy, overweight women during ER.MethodsSeventeen women (age: 36±1y; BMI: 28.4±0.1kg/m2) completed the following randomized, controlled‐feeding, cross‐over design study. Participants consumed 3 ER diets (1250 kcal/d) containing SP (15% of energy from protein; 48g protein/d) or HP (40% of energy from protein; 124g protein/d). The SP diets contained all plant proteins (PLANT) or a combination of beef and plant proteins (BEEF), whereas HP contained BEEF. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and an evening snack were provided for 7 days/diet. On day 6 of each pattern, participants completed a tightly‐controlled 12‐h testing day consisting of questionnaires assessing perceived hunger, fullness, desire to eat, prospective food consumption (PFC), and food cravings. On day 7, protein intake was held constant but carbohydrate and fat‐rich foods were provided ad libitum at each meal and snack.ResultsHP‐BEEF led to a 20% reduction in daily hunger (p<0.05) and a 15% increase in daily fullness (p<0.05) vs. both SP diets. HP‐BEEF also led to a 21% reduction in daily desire to eat (p<0.05) and a 17% reduction in PFC (p<0.05) vs. both SP diets. Cravings for fast‐foods and total food cravings were lower following HP vs. both SP diets (both, p<0.05). By design, daily protein intake was greater following HP vs. SP diets (p<0.05). However, ad libitum carbohydrate and fat intake were not voluntarily reduced following the HP vs. SP diets (Figure 1; p<0.05). Lastly, no differences in any study outcomes were detected between the SP‐PLANT vs. SP‐BEEF diets.ConclusionsAlthough appetite control and satiety were improved following a high‐protein, energy restriction diet compared to standard‐protein versions, increased protein consumption did not reduce free‐living daily food intake in overweight, healthy women exposed to ad libitum, highly palatable foods.Support or Funding InformationThe Beef Checkoff
Dietary Enrichment with Blueberry and/or Probiotics Does Not Alter Blood Pressure Variability Compared to Control Diet in Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Blanton Cynthia , He Zhengcheng , Gottschall‐Pass Katherine T. , Sweeney Marva I. 
Published: November 2023

Variability in blood pressure (BP) is a risk factor for cardiovascular events independent of mean BP. Recently we showed that feeding polyphenol‐rich wild blueberries (BB) or probiotics (PRO) to hypertensive rats reduced the characteristic rise in BP over time. Here we report the effect of these diets on BP variability. Groups (n=8 each) of male spontaneously hypertensive rats were fed one of four AIN93G‐based diets for 8 weeks: Control; 3% freeze‐dried wild BB; 1% probiotic bacteria (PRO); or 3% BB + 1% PRO. BP was measured biweekly by the tail‐cuff method. The standard deviation (SD) and coefficient of variation (CV) of diastolic and systolic BP were compared across groups using 2‐way ANOVA with repeated measures.ResultsSeparate diet enrichment with BB or PRO did not have a significant effect on BP variability (p>0.10). However, the interaction of enrichment with BB and PRO had a significant effect on diastolic BP SD (p=0.016) and CV (p=0.007), with post‐hoc comparisons showing lower variability in the BB+PRO vs. BB group (p<0.05). BP variability was not different from control for any enriched diet.ConclusionDiet enrichment with separate or combined BB and PRO does not affect BP variability compared to control diet in hypertensive rats. Adding PRO to BB‐enriched diets might alter BP variability.Support or Funding InformationWild Blueberry Association of North America
Dietary Red Raspberries Supplementation Ameliorates Dextran Sulfate Sodium‐Induced Acute Colitis
Authors: Bibi Shima , Kang Yifei , Du Min , Xue Yansong , Zhu Mei‐Jun 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionThe ability to elicit an inflammatory response to pathogenic microbes or foreign subjects is a critical protective mechanism for host survival; however, persistent intestinal inflammation severely impairs intestinal integrity and can result in inflammatory bowel diseases and further increases the likelihood of developing colorectal cancer. Red raspberries (RRS) are a rich source of polyphenolic compounds that are known for their anti‐oxidative and anti‐inflammatory effects. However, the beneficial effects of whole red raspberries on the colitis models have not been studies.ObjectiveThis study was to evaluate beneficial effects of RRS supplementation on colitis protection using a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) induced acute colitis mice model.Methods6‐wk‐old wild‐type male mice (C57BL/6) were fed with a standard rodent diet supplemented with RRS (0 or 5% of dry feed weight) for 6 weeks. At 4th week of dietary treatment, colitis was induced by supplementation with 2.5% DSS in drinking water for 6 days, followed by 6 days of recovery, when mice were necropsied and tissue were collected for later histological and biochemical analyses.ResultsRRS supplementation had no effect on body weight gain and feed intake in mice without DSS‐induced colitis. In DSS‐induced groups, all mice on both standard diet and raspberry supplemented diet survived during DSS treatment and recovery period. RRS supplementation decreased body weight loss, diminished diarrhea and gross bleeding, and ameliorated the disease activity index associated with diminished colon shortening induced by DSS treatment. In addition, RRS supplementation protected the architecture of distal colon from severe damage induced by DSS and decreased neutrophil infiltration in colon of DSS induced mice. Furthermore, RRS supplementation down‐regulated cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) protein expression and activated p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling in DSS‐mice.ConclusionRRS supplementation ameliorated colitis symptom in DSS induced colitis mice possibly through its anti‐inflammatory effect. (NATL PROC RASPBERRY CNCL)Support or Funding InformationNATL PROC RASPBERRY CNCL