bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Mediterranean Diet as a Sustainable and Healthy Diet for Food Security
Authors: Hwalla Nahla , El Labban Sibelle , Bahn Rachel 
Published: November 2023

Background and objectiveThe global development agenda for 2016–2030 has identified 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), of which four are related to and can be addressed by sustainable food consumption and sustainable diets. Countries of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region need to address the SDGs, to which they have committed through formal voting at the UN General Assembly, by shifting towards more sustainable food consumption and production patterns. Hence, adopting sustainable diets should aim to promote simultaneously food security as well health and well‐being of populations, while being protective of the environment and preserving of its resources.ResultsA strong association has been found between high consumption of harmful food components (processed meat, red meat, trans fatty acids, sugar‐sweetened beverages, and sodium), low consumption of protective foods, and increased risk of deaths from cardiometabolic diseases across all MENA countries. These protective foods share many characteristics with the Mediterranean Diet (MD) (fruits, vegetables and beans, nuts and seeds, whole grains, and seafood omega‐3 fatty acid). Substantial evidence from prospective studies and meta‐analyses has consistently pointed to the protective effect of MD against several non‐communicable diseases. In particular, the traditional Lebanese diet has been analyzed in terms of its resemblance to the MD and its protective effect against chronic diseases, particularly type 2 diabetes (OR: 0.46, CI: 0.22–0.97). Adherence to the Lebanese MD was associated with a 57% lower prevalence of metabolic syndrome among Lebanese urban adults.ConclusionsFood‐based dietary guidelines (FBDGs), traditionally developed and used as a tool to direct healthy eating, should incorporate environmental sustainability. Countries of the Mediterranean basin are encouraged to provide their populations with FBDGs that preserve their Mediterranean heritage and satisfy both components of health and sustainability within the context of MDs. Developing national sustainable FBDGs based on the traditional MD would constitute an important step towards sustainable food consumption and delivering to the promise made to the international community on SDGs.
Food Insecurity and coping strategies among Senior citizens in Lubbock, Texas.
Authors: Abu Brenda Ariba Zarhari , Oldewage‐Theron Wilna 
Published: November 2023

ObjectiveThis study measured food insecurity among seniors (≥50 years) in the Lubbock area and self‐reported coping strategies used during periods of food insecurity in Lubbock, Texas.MethodsThis was a cross sectional study conducted in seven senior service providers (4 senior centers, one senior live in community, one volunteer group and meals on wheels participants). The demography (education, ethnicity and income), food insecurity (validated household food insecurity access scale (HFIAS)) and the reported coping strategies for food sufficiency were assessed using open ended questions administered during a face‐to‐face interview in the centers/households.ResultsAmong the seniors (N=186 seniors), 82 (44.1%) were males and the rest were females. About a third (62 (33.3%) were married, 63(33.9%) were widowed/widowed and the rest were either divorced, single or living with a partner. About a quarter (24.2%) were Hispanic/latino, 22.6% were black/African Americans, 49.5% were non‐Hispanic white and the rest were Asian/Alaskan white. Only 57 (30.6%) had college education and more. According to the HFIAS 20 (10.8 %) reported severe food insecurity. Some (42 (22.6%) reported their participation in the SNAP program, 30(16.1%) participate in the food bank program and 15 (8.1%) of them participate in both programs. Majority 149 (79.0%) mainly depended on their social security funds while the rest depended on part time jobs (1.9%), full time jobs (1.9%) or on bonds or loans. A quarter 47 (25.3%) of the participants knew other seniors who had food insecurity issues.ConclusionSenior years are characterized by reduced income due to retirement. A tenth of seniors experienced very severe food insecurity. Reported coping strategies included the participation in the SNAP or South plains food bank program.Support or Funding InformationThis work was supported with Prof. Oldewage‐Theron's Start‐up grants
Quality‐of‐Life, Risk for Malnutrition, and Polypharmacy Among Persons on Haemodialysis in Trinidad and Tobago
Authors: Prout Patrice , Nichols Selby 
Published: November 2023

ObjectiveLocally, the number of person on dialysis has increased significantly in the last ten (10) years. This has been driven largely by the high rates of hypertension and diabetes which account for over 50% of all annual health visits to health facilities locally. In this study, we evaluated the quality‐of‐life and risk of malnutrition among person on dialysis.MethodsA case‐control design was used in this study. Cases consisted of persons currently on haemodialysis. Controls consisted of clients attending the same clinics that have been diagnosed and are being treated for hypertension (HTN) and diabetes mellitus (DM). Face‐to‐face interviews were conducted using a standardized questionnaire consisting of a food frequency questions, quality‐of‐life, physical activity and socio‐demographic items. Responses from the quality‐of‐life instrument (SF 12) was used to generate physical component scores (PCS) and mental component scores (MCS). Risk of malnutrition was evaluated using the Mini‐Nutritional Assessment (MNA) instrument. Persons taking more five or more medications were categorised as exhibiting polypharmacy. Anthropometry was assessed using recommended procedures. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee, the University of the West Indies.ResultsThree Hundred and Ninety persons (cases = 130, controls DM =130, HTN=130) participated in the study. There were no significant differences in the ages and BMI by gender between cases and controls. When compared to persons with hypertension and diabetes, participants on dialysis had significantly lower quality‐of‐life scores (pcs = 31.1 ± 6.0 vs. 39.6 ± 8.5; p<0.001); (MSC = 43.5± 6.0 vs. 55.7 ± 7.6; p < 0.001) and nutritional risk scores (11.5 ± 2.1 vs. 9.1 ± 2.7; p < 0.05) independent of sex. In addition, persons on dialysis were significantly more likely to be at increased risk for malnutrition odds ratio (OR) = 6.5 (95% confidence Intervals (CI): 3.9; 11.1 p < 0.001) and quality‐of‐life PCS (OR) = 1.6, 95%CI: 1.5, 1.7): MSC (OR) = 18.9, 95%CI: 10.8, 32.4). MSC scores were significantly inversely correlated with the number of medications being used by persons not on haemodialysis (r = −0.23; p<001) while PCS scores were significantly inversely associated with number of medications used by persons on haemodialysisConclusionPerson on haemodialysis had a poorer quality‐of‐life, higher risk for malnutrition and polypharmacy compared to participants who had hypertension and diabetes mellitus. In addition, the number of medications used was a significant predictor of quality‐of‐life components.Support or Funding InformationNone
Dogs And Cats Differ In Metabolomics When Allowed To Freely Choose Macronutrient Intake
Authors: Jewell Dennis E , Vondran Jodi C , Vanchina Melissa A , Jackson Matthew E , Hall Jean A 
Published: November 2023

Food intake is well known to change circulating metabolites which in turn makes a comparison between the metabolomes of dogs and cats confounded with their offered foods. This study investigated the differences between the metabolomes of dogs and cats when they were given the opportunity to choose their own macronutrient intake. All study protocols were reviewed and approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc., Topeka, KS, USA. Four experimental foods with similar palatability but varying in macronutrient content were prepared for dogs, and four more for cats. Foods were varied such that by choosing a combination of the available foods, each of the dogs and cats could individually set their macronutrient intake. Therefore, this design allowed a comparison of the species differences that exist for macronutrient intake of choice rather than simply the macronutrient intake dictated by the offered food. Metabolite analysis was completed by Metabolon (Durham, NC). Statistical analysis of the metabolomics data was completed by SAS (version 9.4). Individual metabolite significance was established when p<0.05 and q<0.1. There was clear separation of species from metabolites of amino acids, carbohydrates and lipids. Regarding amino acids, cats had higher levels of both oxidized and reduced glutathione. Cats also had lower methionine and higher histidine concentrations when compared with dogs. All other essential amino acids had a species difference less than 15%. Regarding carbohydrates, cats had higher circulating lactate with no difference in pyruvate concentration. Cats also had higher threitol and arabitol. Cats had higher concentrations of EPA and DHA, whereas dogs had higher linoleate and linolenate. Cats had higher carnitine while dogs were higher in deoxycarnitine. In conclusion, metabolomic analysis revealed differences between dogs and cats, and these differences reflected the different metabolic set points within each species.Support or Funding InformationThe work presented in this study was funded by and performed at the Pet Nutrition Center, Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc., Topeka, KS
Sex‐Specific Differences in the Development of Diet‐Induced Obesity in a Zebrafish Model
Authors: Fowler Lauren Adele , Dennis Lacey , Dawson John A , Barry Robert Jeff , Davis James Lee , Powell Mickie , Yuan Yuan , Williams Michael , Watts Stephen 
Published: November 2023

In recent years, the NIH has emphasized the importance of examining sexual dimorphisms relating to the development of diet induced obesity and its associated diseases. This includes the evaluation of sex‐specific responses to dietary manipulation and the rates of fat deposition and fat mobilization between males and females. A better understanding of the processes mediating these differences could lead to improved treatment and prevention strategies for obesity. In this study, we utilized the zebrafish Danio rerio as a model to evaluate sex‐specific differences in response to dietary lipid composition, as well as compare rates of fat accumulation relative to body mass between male and female zebrafish. Experimental diets were prepared by varying the ratios of n‐6:n‐3 fatty acids (1.2:1, 4:1, and 8.5:1) within three levels of total fat (9, 12, and 15%), resulting in a total of nine treatments. Newly hatched larvae were fed live feeds up until 21 days post fertilization, and then fed experimental diets ad libitum for 16 weeks (during the period of rapid juvenile growth and reproductive maturity) (n=14 fish per tank and 16 tanks per treatment). At the termination of the 16‐week feeding period, each treatment was evaluated based on body weight gain and body composition. Body composition (total body lipid, body triglyceride (TAG), and fat free mass) was measured by chemical carcass analysis. Segmented linear regression was used to determine sex‐specific fat mass thresholds where the slope of fat mass (total body lipid) begins to rapidly increase relative to body mass. A significant interaction by sex was observed in the response to dietary fat; total body lipid was significantly influenced by the n‐6/:n‐3 fatty acid ratio in males (p=0.01), while in females, it was affected by total dietary fat (p=0.009). Interactions by sex were also observed in the relationships between total body mass with total body lipid (p=0.01) and TAG (p=0.03). Additionally, females had a higher fat mass threshold than males for both total body lipid and TAG. Variations in the relationship between total body mass and fat mass indicate that male and female zebrafish may develop obesity at different rates. The sex‐specific fat mass thresholds and responses to dietary lipid identified in this study indicate sexual dimorphisms in nutrient partitioning and utilization; these differences may explain, in part, disparities between males and females in the development of obesity and its co‐morbidities.Support or Funding InformationThis research was funded in part by UAB NORC Grant P30DK056336.
The effects of a high‐ and low‐daidzein diet on liver steatosis and serum adipokines in female obese Zucker rats
Authors: Bell Andrea , Korourian Soheila , Zeng Huawei , Phelps Joshua , Crook Tina , Gurley Bill , Feresin Rafaela , Hakkak Reza 
Published: November 2023

Rates of obesity worldwide are increasing. Obesity is associated with adipokine dysregulation and insulin resistance, which are factors that increase the risk of developing chronic diseases. As such, the risk for non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) markedly increases in the presence of obesity. The ratio of serum adipokines, leptin/adiponectin (L/A), is associated with the severity of, and risk factors for, NAFLD in a limited number of human studies. We previously reported that a high‐isoflavone soy protein isolate (HISPI) diet compared to a casein diet was associated with significantly reduced liver steatosis in obese Zucker rats (OZR). This study's objective was to investigate whether daidzein, a soy isoflavone in HISPI, is responsible for reduced liver steatosis in OZR, and whether serum adipokine levels are associated with NAFLD severity in OZR. We hypothesized a casein diet containing high‐daidzein (HD) compared to low‐daidzein (LD) would mitigate hepatic steatosis in female OZR and affect serum adipokine levels. After one week of acclimation on an AIN‐93G diet, 19 five‐week‐old, female OZR (fa/fa) were randomly assigned to a modified AIN‐93G diet containing either HD (0.121g/kg feed) or LD (0.01g/kg feed) ad libitum for 8 weeks. Rats were weighed twice per week. At the end of the experiment, serum and livers were collected. Two 3‐mm sections of liver lobe were fixed in 10% buffered formalin and evaluated for micro‐ and macrovesicular steatosis. Steatosis was semiquantitated as a score of 1 to 4 based upon the relative degree of steatosis within hepatocytes: 1) <25%, 2) 25–50%, 3) 50–75%, and 4) >75%. Serum leptin and adiponectin were measured by ELISA. Our results showed that mean body weights between groups were not significantly different (HD 475.8±24.2g vs. LD 486.4±30.4g; p=0.4). Mean liver steatosis scores for HD and LD groups were 3.9 and 3.8 respectively—this difference was not significant (p=0.7). Furthermore, serum leptin levels (HD 142.6±21.9ng/mL vs. LD 133.7±24.6ng/mL; p=0.4) and serum adiponectin levels (HD 6462.7±1050ng/mL vs. LD 6599.8±995ng/mL; p=0.7) were not significantly different between diet groups. Because liver steatosis was similar between HD and LD groups, no association could be drawn between the L/A ratio and severity of NAFLD. In conclusion, daidzein may not be the main component of HISPI responsible for reducing liver steatosis in OZR, but more research is needed to determine whether the significant reduction of steatosis associated with consumption of HISPI is also associated with serum leptin and adiponectin levels in OZR.Support or Funding InformationThe College of Medicine's University Medical Group to RH and Arkansas Children's Hospital Intramural Student and Staff Research Grant to AB.
Bioactive compounds of the Ubá mango juice decrease inflammation and hepatic steatosis in obese Wistar rats
Authors: Martino Hercia Stampini Duarte , Natal Dorina , Moreira Maria Eliza C , dos Santos Marcelo H 
Published: November 2023

Obesity is a serious epidemic pathology whose dangerous visceral fat accumulation initiates nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. This study evaluated the effect of the bioactive compounds of the control and peel extract enriched Ubá mango juices on hepatic steatosis associated with inflammation in obese Wistar rats. The biometry, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), adiponectin and resistin, as well as histomorphology of the hepatic tissue were determined in four experimental groups: normal control (AIN‐93M), obese control (HFD), a group with obese rats plus control Ubá mango juice (MHFD) and other with antioxidant enriched Ubá mango juice (HMHFD). Juices were good sources of the β‐carotene, presented high concentration of mangiferin and contributed to decrease the liver weight in animals. Total antioxidant capacity was higher in a group fed with control Ubá mango juice and resistin concentration reduced in both test groups intake Ubá mango juices became similar to normal control. In addition, the percentages of fat vesicles and inflammatory infiltrate in the liver was higher to the animals that intake HFD, and both juices reduced these parameters. In conclusion, the control and enriched Ubá mango juices presented high content 408 of vitamins and mangiferin, with anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which 409 improved biometric measures, cytokines concentration and was beneficial for obese 410 Wistar rats with adiposity and inflammation in the liver. Therefore, the Ubá mango has 411 potential as a functional food, indicating potential to prevent and combat metabolic risk 412 of obesity, hepatic steatosis and other comorbidities.Support or Funding InformationThe authors would like to thank the Brazilian funding agencies “Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais (FAPEMIG), Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (Capes) and Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) for the financial support with the research, conferences and fellowships in Productivity in Research, Pos‐Doctor's, Masters and scientific innovation.
Moringa leaf powder attenuates hepatic steatosis and decrease inflammation by altering the expression of genes involved in lipid synthesis
Authors: Almatrafi Manal M , Vergara‐Jimenez Marcela M , Murillo Gabriela Gabriela , Norris Gregory H , Blesso Christopher N , Fernandez Maria Luz M 
Published: November 2023

Moringa leaves (ML) are contain numerous phenolic compounds, such as chlorogenic acid. Chlorogenic acid from other dietary sources has been recognized as an important modulator of metabolic pathways related to lipid synthesis, lipoprotein uptake and inflammation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether ML would lower hepatic lipid accumulation in the cholesterol‐fed guinea pig, a model of hepatic steatosis. For this purpose, 24 guinea pigs (n = 8/group) were allocated to 3 different diets: control diet (0% ML), or diets containing either Low Moringa (10% ML) or High Moringa (15% ML), corresponding to a daily intake of 0, 3 or 4.5 g ML/d. All diets contained 0.25% cholesterol. After 6 weeks, guinea pigs were sacrificed and liver tissue was harvested and frozen for further analysis. Hepatic cholesterol and triglycerides, hepatic inflammatory markers, liver histology and gene expression of major regulators of hepatic cholesterol and triglyceride homeostasis were measured. Hepatic lipids (total and esterified cholesterol and triglycerides) were lower in a dose‐dependent manner in guinea pigs fed the ML, with 15% ML by having significantly lower concentrations than 0% ML (P < 0.01). Hepatic free cholesterol was lower in both Moringa groups compared to 0% ML (P < 0.05). The inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)‐1β and interferon gamma (IFNγ) were 27% and 21% lower, respectively, in 15% ML compared to 0% ML (P < 0.05); the concentrations for these cytokines were intermediate for 10% ML and not significantly different from 0% ML or 15% ML. Histology evaluation by H& E stain indicated low hepatic lipid accumulation in 15% ML, intermediate in 10% ML and high in 0% ML, in agreement with hepatic lipids and inflammatory makers. Guinea pigs fed the ML had lower mRNA expression of cluster differentiation (CD)‐68 and of sterol‐regulatory element binding protein (SREBP)1‐c, while diglyceride acyltransferase‐2 (DGAT2) and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ (PPARγ) were dose‐dependently lowered with ML (P < 0.01). These studies suggest that ML, possibly via chlorogenic acid, regulates genes involved in lipid synthesis resulting in lower concentrations of hepatic lipids. The lower lipids in liver due to ML intake were associated with lower inflammation and decreased hepatic steatosis.Support or Funding InformationTaif University, Saudi Arabia
Subjective and Objective Assessment of Physical Activity—Influence of Newly Diagnosed Exercise Induced Bronchoconstriction and Gender
Authors: Holmback Ulf , Berglund Marie , Johansson Henrik 
Published: November 2023

AimTo investigate if occurrence of newly diagnosed exercise induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) would affect adolescents' ability to assess their physical activity.Methods99 selected adolescents with self‐reported exercise induced dyspnea, and 47 randomly selected controls were included. All of the 146 adolescents then performed a standardized exercise challenge test on a treadmill with dry‐air inhalation to detect EIB. Free living physical activity was assessed during 7 days with both accelerometer (objective assessment) and a validated activity diary (subjective assessment). Height, weight and subjective sleep was recorded.ResultsForty‐six of the adolescents with EIB (35 girls and 11 boys) and 84 of the control adolescents (45 girls and 39 boys) had complete 7 day activity diary and accelerometer data. There were no differences in age, BMI and sleep between EIB and control children. Boys with EIB showed a bigger difference between subjective and objective assessment, compared to girls with EIB. No difference was seen between control boys and girls. Furthermore, boys with EIB reported a much higher frequency of high intensity exercise than girls with EIB, but no difference was observed between control boys and girls.ConclusionAdolescent boys with newly diagnosed EIB have a bigger difference between subjective and objective assessment of physical activity compared to EIB girls. Caution may thus be used when choosing methods measuring level of physical activity in this group and especially when investigating gender differences.Support or Funding InformationThis study was funded by the Swedish Heart Lung Foundation, the Signhild Engqvist Foundation, and the Bror Hjerpstedt Foundation.
Prior exposure of angiogenic factors promote cell‐autonomous brown adipogenesis of human classical brown precursor cells
Authors: Kim Jiyoung , Chung Soonkyu 
Published: November 2023

Humans contain substantial amount of classical brown fat in the neck area. In contrast to beige fat that requires stimulatory signal, classical brown fat constitutively expresses uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), thereby significantly contributing to energy balance. Despite metabolic significance, environmental factors that alter brown fat development in humans have not been clearly established. Given the intimate relationship between brown adipogenesis and capillary network in vivo, we hypothesize that angiogenic factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) modulate brown adipogenic potential. Immortalized classical brown precursors established from human, were pre‐exposed with or without endothelial growth medium (EGM) containing VEGF and FGF2 before the induction to adipogenic differentiation. Pre‐exposure of anigoenic medium resulted in >10‐fold increases of brown signature gene expressions including UCP1, Cidea and DIO2, as well as oxygen consumption rate. In addition, exposure to angiogenic media significantly modulated brown adipogenesis via epigenetic mechanisms: 1) downregulation of histone deacetylase (HDAC) expression specifically HDAC1 and HDAC9, and 2) biogenesis of functional cluster of brown‐specific microRNAs, i.e., miR‐378, miR‐30b and miR‐193b/365. Collectively, we demonstrated that prior exposure of anigogenic environment promotes cell‐autonomous potential to convert brown precursor cells into metabolically active human brown adipocytes via epigenetic mechanisms.Support or Funding InformationSupported by NIH 1P20GM104320