bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A comparison of the effect of protein vs. carbohydrate consumption on human energy balance in free‐living conditions
Authors: Gibson Madeline Jeansonne , Chatindiara Idah , Ironuma Bridget J , Dawson John A , Ovalle Fernando , Allison David B. , Dhurandhar Emily J 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundSeveral clinical studies have demonstrated beneficial effects of protein on satiety and reduced energy intake acutely, whereas some evidence suggests carbohydrate consumption may lead to positive energy balance. However, it is unclear if these findings have high external validity, or applicability and effectiveness in free‐living settings. Our objective was therefore to compare the effect of consumption of egg protein to consumption of carbohydrate on energy balance in an ad‐libitum, free‐living setting.MethodsA double blinded, randomized crossover study with a two‐week washout period was conducted. The treatments were mandatory consumption of protein supplied as an egg protein shake (PS) or mandatory consumption of a maltodextrin shake (CS)(23, 32, or 42 g dose with each meal, individualized depending on basal metabolic rate) each for 5 days. The shakes were consumed before breakfast, lunch and dinner. All meals were consumed in a laboratory setting in a buffet format, and food intake was measured covertly by weighing before and after consumption. Physical activity energy expenditure was measured using accelerometers for the entire duration of the treatment period, and satiety and hunger were measured using self‐reported visual analogue scales (VASs). Missing values were addressed via multiple imputation based on available intake data within and across subjects. Changes in energy balance, calculated based on energy intake and total energy expenditure (from resting metabolic rate and accelerometer‐measured physical activity), were compared across PS and CS weeks using a linear mixed effects model, accounting for the crossover design. VAS measures were compared via comparisons of area under the curve (AUC).ResultsThere was no evidence for significant carryover effects in any analysis. Change in energy balance on CS was higher than PS (+115 kcal/week) but this amount is not statistically significant; the corresponding p‐value was always at least p = 0.31 in each of our 1000 imputations. Similarly, subjects reported weekly changes of more hunger (+723 mm2), less fullness (−549 mm2), more desire to eat (+634 mm2) and ability to eat much more (+713 mm2) while on PS when compared to CS, but these differences were not statistically different from 0 (all p > 0.20).ConclusionThe effects of mandatory consumption of egg protein on energy balance in a free‐living setting do not differ from the effects of mandatory consumption of maltodextrin over a 5‐day period. This study does not support that eating high‐protein foods in this context would have a beneficial effect on energy balance, when compared to consuming high carbohydrate foods.Support or Funding InformationThis work was funded by the Egg Nutrition Center.
Tackling Gaps in The Implementation of The Lebanon National Salt Iodization Policy
Authors: Akik Chaza , El‐Mallah Carla , El‐Jardali Fadi , Zimmermann Michael , Ghattas Hala , Obeid Omar 
Published: November 2023

Despite a universal salt iodization law in Lebanon, a recent nationally representative study highlighted that the median urinary iodine concentration in schoolchildren was only 66 μg/L and almost 75% of 6 to 10 year old schoolchildren have mild iodine deficiency. As a result, identifying and addressing the existing gaps in the implementation of the salt iodization process became a crucial necessity. Herewith, we document the knowledge translation process initiated by researchers together with an international non‐governmental organization, and its subsequent impact.In collaboration with the Knowledge to Policy (K2P) Center, a policy brief was developed to synthesize the local and international evidence and viable policy options. Despite a mandatory salt iodization law issued by the Lebanese government, implementation barriers including loopholes in the law, outdated infrastructure and capacity of salt producers were identified. The law was also poorly evaluated and monitored by related authorities. Three policy options to address the issue were put forward 1) amending the law; 2) strengthening implementation of salt iodization by ensuring adequate standards, infrastructure and capacity; and 3) monitoring and evaluating the implementation of the law at the production, retail and consumer levels by building an efficient system for routine data collection.The policy brief was shared with relevant stakeholders and a national policy dialogue was held. Based on the policy deliberations, the following recommendations were put forward and implemented: (1) the Ministry of Public Health issued a ministerial decree providing clarifications on the existing law, including standards and mechanisms for monitoring and evaluation; (2) with support from international actors, salt producers were trained on monitoring protocols; (3) a one‐year supply of potassium iodate for fortification has been guaranteed by the United Nations Children's Fund.Once all actions are in place, program evaluation will be done at one year post‐implementation through a market analysis of salt samples and the reassessment of national level iodine status. However, further engagement from governmental authorities is needed to develop mechanisms to ensure sustainability of external monitoring and overcome structural barriers salt producers encounter in importing potassium iodate.Support or Funding InformationThis work was funded by the Iodine Global Network and supported by the K2P Center.
The Efficacy of an Urban Farm Intervention Based on the Stages of Change for a Low Income Population with Multiple Risk Factors for Diabetes
Authors: Clare Rachel A. , Jenkins James , Humphries Debbie 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundObesity and chronic disease are highly prevalent in the United States, and adherence to dietary practices that decrease risk is low. Innovative approaches to addressing social, behavioral, and nutritional risk factors are crucially needed. The New Haven Farms' Farm‐Based Wellness program (FBWP) is an innovative approach, which provides regular exposure to and participation in urban agriculture with an aim of increasing fruit and vegetable consumption and decreasing diabetes risk factors.ObjectiveTo evaluate the FBWP's effect on participants' perceived and actual stages of change, fruit and vegetable consumption, and the relationship between consumption and the stages of change before and after program completion.MethodsProgram participants are recruited from neighborhood community health centers in New Haven, CT and must have at least two diabetes risk factors and income within 200% of the 2010 U.S. poverty line. Participants attend a sixteen‐week on‐farm program integrating farm work, cooking and nutrition education, and receipt of a weekly share of vegetables and some fruits. Participants complete a baseline, weekly and closing assessment that includes anthropometry, blood pressure, household and personal characteristics, the stages of change questionnaire (Lechner, et al.) and a national validated dietary screener to estimate fruit and vegetable intake (NHANES Dietary Screener).Results73 participants completed the baseline assessment in 2016, 90 attended at least one weekly session, and 30 completed both the baseline and the final assessment, as well as attending some weekly sessions. At baseline, 22.0% were in precontemplation and contemplation, 70.4% were ready for change, and 7.4% already consumed a mean of 2.6 servings of vegetables per day. For fruit, 25.9% were in precontemplation and contemplation, 51.9% were ready for change, and 18.5% already consumed a mean of 2.8 servings of fruit per day. The mean daily combined fruit and vegetable intake was 3.1 servings both for those who only completed the baseline survey as well as for the 30 participants with baseline and final data. Among the 30 participants with complete data, after program completion daily vegetable servings increased to an average of 2.1 daily servings (p=0.008) and daily fruit servings decreased to 1.5 daily servings. Initial stage of change was associated with an increase in vegetable consumption (p= 0.087), but not in fruit consumption (p=0.658). Individuals in the action/maintenance stage increased vegetable intake an average of 1.4 servings per day, in preparation increased an average of 0.6 servings per day, and in precontemplation decreased an average −0.1 servings per day.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that targeting of the program to individuals in a specific stage of change might increase the overall impact of the program. The FBWP may benefit from integration of behavior change models in programming.
Modulation of Urinary Siderophores by the Diet, Gut Microbiota and Inflammation in Mice
Authors: Xiao Xia , Yeoh Beng San , Saha Piu , Tian Yuan , Singh Vishal , Patterson Andrew D. , Vijay‐Kumar Matam 
Published: November 2023

Mammalian siderophores are believed to play a critical role in maintaining iron homeostasis. However, the properties and functions of mammalian siderophores have not been fully clarified. In this study, we have employed Chrome Azurol S (CAS) assay which is a well‐established method for bacterial siderophores study, to detect and quantify mammalian siderophores in urine samples. Our study demonstrates that siderophores in urine can be altered by diet, gut microbiota, and inflammation. C57BL/6 mice, fed on plant‐based chow diets which contain numerous phytochemicals, have more siderophores in the urine compared to those fed on purified diets. Urinary siderophores were upregulated in iron overload conditions, but not altered by other tested nutrients status. Further, germ‐free mice displayed 50% reduced urinary siderophores, in comparison to conventional mice, indicating microbiota biotransformation is critical in generating or stimulating host metabolism to create more siderophores. Altered urinary siderophores levels during inflammation suggest that host health conditions influence systemic siderophores level. This is the first report to measure urinary siderophores as a whole, describing how siderophores levels are modulated under different physiological conditions. We believe that our study opens up a new field in mammalian siderophores research and the technique we used in a novel manner has the potential to be applied to clinical purpose.Support or Funding InformationThis work was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) R01 [Grant number DK097865].
Piglets Are Vulnerable to Intestinal Inflammation and Infection Because of Expression of Low‐Affinity Jejunal Alkaline Phosphatase Activities
Authors: Burello Nicole A. , Archbold Tania , Wang Weijun , Shoveller Anna‐Kate , Fan Ming Z 
Published: November 2023

Intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP) plays a pivotal role in protecting gut health through catalyzing the hydrolytic dephosphorylation of the lipid A moiety of endotoxin lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and other emblematic members of pathogen‐associated‐molecular patterns (PAMPs) such as ATP, ultimately detoxifying endotoxins and preventing gut dysbiosis and disorders. Characterization of IAP hydrolytic activities, including enzyme affinity (Km) and the maximum enzyme activity (Vmax), has been reported in pigs and other mammalian species by using the chromogenic synthetic substrate P‐nitrophenyl phosphate (pNPP) rather than using relevant physiological substrates such as ATP and LPS under the physiological pH conditions. This study was conducted to determine kinetics of young porcine jejunal alkaline phosphatase in hydrolyzing the dephosphorylation of ATP, the lipid A moiety of LPS and pNPP at pH 7.4 and 37 °C. Jejunal samples were collected from four 10‐day old Yorkshire pigs and were pulverized to be homogenous under liquid N2. The LPS kinetic experiments were conducted with 11 gradient concentrations of LPS, isolated from E. coli 0111:B4, ranging 0 – 5 mg/mL in incubation media. The ATP kinetic experiments were conducted with 11 gradient concentrations of ATP, ranging 0 – 5 mM in incubation media. Free phosphorus (Pi) release was measured by using the PiColorLock detection reagent (Innova Biosciences). Contributions of the non‐specific background Pi associated with ATP and LPS in the time course and the kinetic experiments were corrected. The pNPP kinetic experiments were conducted with 16 gradient concentrations of pNPP, ranging 0 – 6 mM in incubation media. All enzymatic incubations were conducted with 19 – 27 μg of the homogenized porcine jejunal protein. The kinetics (parameter estimates ± SE, P < 0.05) of young porcine jejunal alkaline phosphatase activities were obtained, including Vmax values of 2.5 ± 0.4 ug/mg protein·min (n = 11), 1.1 ± 0.2 ug/mg protein·min (n = 11), and 0.12 ± 0. 01 umol/mg protein·min (n = 16); and Km values of 1.255 ± 0.498 mM (n = 11), 2.388 ± 0.794 mg/mL (n = 11), and 0.145 ± 0.036 mM (n = 16), for the hydrolysis of ATP, LPS and pNPP, respectively. Our results reveal the young porcine IAP Km value 41 times higher in comparison with reported Km value of human IAP in dephosphorylating ATP, 3 times higher when compared with reported human IAP dephosphorylating LPS, and 5 times higher when compared with reported human IAP hydrolyzing pNPP. Results of this study show that young porcine jejunal IAP activity affinity is several fold lower in detoxifying endotoxin LPS the other emblematic PAMPs member ATP in comparison with humans, suggesting that young pigs are susceptible to gut inflammation and infection.Support or Funding InformationNSERC Discovery Program of Canada and Metagen Enzyme Corporation
The CXCR3‐LFA1‐ICAM1 Axis Regulates T Cell Cardiotropism and Maladaptive Cardiac Remodeling in Heart Failure
Authors: Salvador Ane , Nevers Tania , Velazquez Francisco , Aronovitz Mark , Alcaide Pilar 
Published: November 2023

Left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and heart failure (HF) are associated in humans and mice with increased circulating chemokines CXCL9 and CXCL10. T cells expressing their receptor, CXCR3, are expanded in the circulation of HF patients as compared to non‐HF, and are associated with disease progression. CXCR3 signaling upon chemokine recognition in T cells results in integrin activation and T cell adhesion to endothelial cells. We recently reported that the integrin ligand ICAM1 is significantly upregulated in the LV endothelium in mice with HF, and that ICAM1−/− mice have decreased LV T cell recruitment and preserved HF. Thus, we hypothesized that chemokine signaling through CXCR3 regulates integrin dependent adhesion to ICAM1 and contributes to T cell recruitment into the LV and HF. We used the mouse model of Thoracic Aortic Constriction (TAC) to induce LV remodeling and HF in WT mice, and in vitro differentiated effector T cells to evaluate their integrin dependent affinity to ICAM1 in the presence of chemokines under shear flow conditions. CXCL9 and CXCL10 were upregulated in WT mice in response to 2 and 4 weeks TAC as compared to Sham, correlating with ICAM1, IL‐6 and IL‐1β upregulation. CXCR3+ lymphocytes were expanded in the mediastinal lymph nodes as early as 1 week post TAC and remained increased 2 and 4 weeks post TAC in WT mice, as compared with Sham. CXCR3+ T cells were recruited to the LV 4 weeks post TAC and expressed higher levels of the integrin LFA1, the main ligand of ICAM1, in contrast to CXCR3‐T cells. Moreover, both CXCL9 and CXCL10 induced adhesion of CXCR3+ T cells to ICAM1 under flow conditions in vitro in an LFA‐1 dependent manner, and CXCL9 effect was greater when compared to CXCL10 induced CXCR3+ T cell adhesion to ICAM1. Our data supports a CXCR3‐LFA1‐ICAM1 axis being involved in T cell mediated pathological cardiac remodeling, representing a novel pathway that could be targeted in non‐ischemic HF.Support or Funding InformationNational Institutes of Health NIH RO1 HL123658 and American Heart Association Grant in Aid‐AHA GIA 13GRNT 14560068
Development of a biodegradable retinal cell graft for the treatment of retinal degenerative blindness
Authors: Gibson‐Corley Katherine N. , Worthington Kristan S. , Thompson Jessica R. , Kaalberg Emily , Jiao Chunhua , Mullins Robert F. , Stone Edwin M. , Sohn Elliott H. , Tucker Budd A. 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundVision loss in inherited retinal diseases such as age‐related macular degeneration or retinitis pigmentosa result from death of the photoreceptor cells of the outer retina. Subretinal transplantation of induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived retinal progenitor cells (iPSC‐RPCs) has been found somewhat effective in restoring vision in blind animals, although survival of transplanted cells is poor. Polymeric support scaffolds have been shown to greatly enhance cellular survival and integration post‐transplantation, however attempts to materialize this concept have been largely unsuccessful for two reasons: 1) mechanical mis‐matching between material and the host retina and 2) improper cell packing. The goal of this study was to determine the ideal polymer fabrication parameters that promote optimal cell packing and biocompatibility.MethodsMethacrylate‐functionalized PCL scaffolds were polymerized with either Irgacure 651 or Irgacure 369 using two‐photon polymerization. Compressive modulus was measured using dynamic mechanical analysis. Four‐month‐old Yucatan mini pigs (n=10, 5 with Irgacure 651 and 5 with Irgacure 369) received 5mm diameter scaffolds containing iPSC‐RPCs via subretinal transplantation. Animals were examined clinically at 1 month post‐surgery and were subsequently sacrificed for histological analysis of the retina.ResultsPCL scaffolds were successfully generated using both photoinitiators. Scaffolds generated using Irgacure 651 cured rapidly and had a tendency to curl. Both Irgacure 651‐ and Irgacure 369‐generated scaffolds supported attachment and survival of human iPSC‐RPCs and both were successfully transplanted into the porcine subretinal space. At one month post‐transplantation, 50% of the retinas that received the Irgacure 651 scaffolds were attached. In the animals that received Irgacure 369 scaffolds all of the retinas reattached with no signs of ocular inflammation. In these animals retinal integrity, including maintenance of photoreceptor outer segments, was maintained.ConclusionPCL scaffolds support the maintenance of human iPSC‐RPCs and were biocompatible in the pig retina. These scaffolds may be ideal for retinal transplantation.Support or Funding InformationWynn Institute for Vision Research
Electrospun Nanofibers as Scaffolds for Wound Healing
Authors: Nwachukwu Cynthia C , Einstein George P , Tulp Orien L 
Published: November 2023

A chronic non‐healing wound presents a challenging and escalating problem which exposes patients to a high risk of infection. Current treatment narrows in on wound dressings that keep an environment of equal moisture and gas balance. Antibacterial dressings with a responsive system to trigger release only when infection is present and methods stimulating cell development to promote healing have now been developed. However few of these dressings are effective in simultaneously treating infection and promoting wound healing. Electrospinning is a unique simple, cost‐effective, and reproducible approach using electrostatic forces that produce fine fibers from both synthetic and natural polymer solutions to address these specific wound challenges. Electrospun fibers provide high‐surface area, micro‐porosity, and the ability to load drugs or other biomolecules into the fibers. These fibers are being studied and have been developed because they hold considerable promise for realizing some advantages of nanostructured materials. Electrospun materials have been used as scaffolds for tissue engineering for a number of years, but there is little literature on the interactions of fibers with co‐cultures of cells and bacteria. This study presents an introduction to polymer nanofiber electrospinning, focusing on the use of natural proteins and synthetic peptides. We summarize key physical properties of protein‐based and peptide‐based nanofiber mats, survey biomedical applications of these materials, identify key challenges, and outline future prospects for development of the technology for tissue engineering and drug delivery to address the development of smart multifunctional wound dressings capable of treating infection and healing chronic wounds simultaneously.Support or Funding InformationSupported by Institutional Resources of USAT, Einstein Medical Institute, and Biomaterials Laboratory, University of South Florida
Distinguishing the Central Pathways of the Inflammatory Reflex from those of Fever
Authors: Martelli Davide , Farmer David George , Yao Song Tieng , McKinley Michael Joseph , McAllen Robin Michael 
Published: November 2023

In response to a systemic inflammatory challenge, the CNS orchestrates several stereotyped responses. First, the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis is activated. Second, there is fever. Third, the splanchnic anti‐inflammatory pathway (SAIP), the efferent arm of the inflammatory reflex, is activated to inhibit an excessive release of pro‐inflammatory markers (Martelli et al. Exp Physiol 2016;101(10):1245–1252). The first two responses, dependent on prostaglandin synthesis, are blocked by cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors (Garcia‐Bueno et al. J Neurosci 2009;29(41):12970–81; Steiner et al. Am J Phys Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2009;297(2):R485–94). We report here that the SAIP is not. In rats, bilateral section of the splanchnic nerves enhanced the plasma levels of TNF‐α 90 mins after i.v. lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 60 μg/kg) several‐fold, and this remained the case in animals treated with the COX inhibitor diclofenac (5mg/kg × 2 injections i.v., before and 45 minutes after LPS injection), even though fever was blocked. Activation of the SAIP by LPS was evidently unaffected by COX inhibition sufficient to block fever. Using this knowledge, we set out to identify which sympathetic premotor neurons drive the SAIP, removing the confound of fever. In preparatory surgery, the retrograde tracer Fast Blue was injected around the IML of the lower thoracic cord in 18 rats. Two weeks later, the femoral vein was cannulated and the animal allowed to recover for 48 hours. Diclofenac (5mg/kg) was given i.v. 10 mins before LPS (60 μg/kg, i.v.). 150 mins later rats were deeply anesthetized and perfusion‐fixed. Brains were frozen sectioned and processed immunohistochemically for Fos. Double fluorescence microscopy revealed fast blue labeled (spinally –projecting) and Fos‐labeled neurons. The only site found to show double labeled neurons was a sub‐area of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus. These may be the premotor neurons that drive the SAIP.Support or Funding InformationDM is supported by NHMRC (GNT1098887) and an IBRO award. STY is supported by grants from the NHMRC (GNT1079680). The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health acknowledges the strong support from the Victorian Government and in particular the funding from the Operational Infrastructure Support Grant