bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Visceral and subcutaneous fat mass association with serum 25(OH)D concentrations in Brazilian adults
Authors: Normando Paula , Faerstein Eduardo , Bezerra Flavia Fioruci 
Published: November 2023

Vitamin D status is influenced by a number of factors including dietary intake, skin pigmentation and sun exposure. Serum concentration of 25(OH)D may also decrease due to its sequestration by fat tissue. We herein investigated whether fat compartments (visceral and subcutaneous) are differently associated with vitamin D status. We evaluated 514 adults (33–79 y; 266 women and 248 men) who are part of a cohort of employees at a university in Rio de Janeiro, the “Estudo Pró‐Saúde”. Serum 25(OH) concentrations were analyzed by using a chemiluminescent enzyme‐labeled immunometric assay. Fat distribution was assessed by DXA (IDXA, GE Health Care). Analysis of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) was performed by CoreScan VAT software. Total subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) was obtained by subtracting the visceral fat from total fat mass of each individual. An objective estimate of natural and sun‐induced skin color was measured by reflectance colorimetry using a Chroma Meter CR‐400 (Konica Minolta) followed by calculation of Individual Typology Angle (ITA°) and Sun Exposure Index (SEI). Serum 25(OH)D association with visceral and subcutaneous fat mass was investigated using multivariate linear regression models that also included ITA°, SEI, month and year of blood collection, as independent variables. Additionally, differences in mean serum 25(OH)D by quartiles of visceral and subcutaneous fat mass were evaluated by ANCOVA with adjustment for month and year of blood collection, and SEI. 72% of the participants were overweight or obese, 54% had serum 25(OH)D concentrations below 20ng/ml and 92% below 30ng/ml. Both SAT (β=−0.129, P=0.022) and VAT (β=−0.109, P=0.046) appeared as significant predictors of serum 25(OH)D in a stepwise linear regression that also tested ITA°, SEI, month and year of blood collection, as independent variables. Compared to the first quartile of SAT (<20.6Kg of SAT; 22.87±0.69ng/ml), individuals in the second, third and fourth quartiles had lower serum 25(OH)D (19.14±0.69, 18.56±0.69 and 16.77±0.69ng/ml, respectively, p<0.001). Compared to the first quartile of VAT (<0.7Kg of VAT; 20.70±0.71ng/ml), only individuals in the fourth quartile had lower serum 25(OH)D (17.24±0.71ng/ml, P<0.01). Having SAT or VAT higher than median (26.0Kg and 1.15Kg, respectively) significantly increased the chance of having serum 25(OH)D lower than 20ng/mL (SAT: OR 2.00; 95% CI 1.41–2.86 and VAT: OR 1.58; 95% CI 1.11–2.24; P<0.05) or lower than 30ng/mL (SAT: OR 2.05; 95% CI 1.05–4.00 and VAT: OR 2.29; 95% CI 1.16–4.52; P<0.05). Our results suggest that the excess of both subcutaneous and visceral fat compartments may contribute to decrease serum 25(OH)D concentrations, independently of skin pigmentation and sun exposure.Support or Funding InformationFundação Carlos Chagas Filho de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (FAPERJ, grant number E‐26/102.201/2013 and E‐26/110.116/2014, for FFB), Brazil.
Multifaceted Effects of Guggulsterone as Anti‐obesity Agent
Authors: Azhar Yusra , Parmar Ashish , Rayalam Srujana 
Published: November 2023

Obesity is associated with pathological expansion of white adipose tissue (WAT) and is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In this study, we explored the multifaceted effects of guggulsterone (GS), a well‐studied phytosterol for its cholesterol lowering effects, as an anti‐obesity agent. We investigated the effects of GS on adipogenesis, lipolysis and beiging using 3T3‐L1 murine adipocyte cell line. Identification of clusters of brown adipocyte‐like cells in white adipose tissue depots indicate a mechanism by which WAT acquires brown adipose tissue (BAT)‐like properties, generally referred to as ‘beiging’. Beiging of WAT increases energy expenditure and is gaining attention as a novel therapeutic approach for obesity. We demonstrate the three‐way anti‐obesity effects of GS in our in vitro cell culture model. Firstly, GS inhibited the differentiation of preadipocytes to mature adipocytes contributing to the overall decrease in adipogenesis. Secondly, GS promoted lipolysis in mature adipocytes as evidenced by the increase in free glycerol release with GS treatment. Finally, we have demonstrated the effects of GS on upregulating thermogenic beige markers in mature adipocytes like uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), Zic1 and CITED1. GS is structurally similar to bile acids and we hypothesize that GS‐induced effects on adipocytes are mediated through, TGR5, a bile acid receptor. Our preliminary results indicate that GS increases TGR5 and type 2 deiodinase, a downstream marker of TGR5 activation, expression in mature adipocytes. Together, these data suggest that guggulsterone may exert anti‐obesity effects not only by decreasing adipogenesis and promoting lipolysis in WAT, but also by inducing white to beige transdifferentiation thereby increasing thermogenesis and promoting weight loss.Support or Funding InformationThis research was supported by Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine – GA campus.
Can a fruit and vegetable derived supplement, rich in vitamin‐C, modulate cIMT and FMD measurements in overweight and obese individuals over 12 weeks?
Authors: Sayegh Marietta , Tsiountsioura Melina , Ray Sumantra 
Published: November 2023

Background and AimCardiovascular disease has a multifactorial aetiology. Although there is evidence that dietary intake plays an important role, few studies have focused on the effect of fruit and vegetable consumption on early markers of vascular function particularly in overweight/obese. This is important to investigate given the suggestion that diet may mitigate vascular risk arising from excess adiposity. We investigated whether taking vitamin‐C rich fruit and vegetable extracts over 12 weeks can improve such biomarkers compared with placebo in overweight/obesity.MethodsThis was a double‐blind, randomised, placebo‐controlled trial that included overweight and obese but otherwise healthy participants. They were randomly allocated to one of two groups; active supplementation or placebo taken twice daily for 12 weeks while both groups were given the “5‐A‐Day” dietary advice. Carotid intima media thickness (cIMT) was measured from both left and right carotid arteries using 7.5 MHz linear array transducer. Flow mediated dilatation (FMD) was assessed from the right brachial artery using high‐resolution ultrasound and computerised edge detection system (FMD studio, Quipu srl, Pisa, Italy).ResultsOwing to normal distribution of outcome measures we used a t‐test to compare cIMT differences within the 2 groups (ΔA =0.015 ± 0.098 and ΔB=0.003 ± 0.048) and between groups (ΔA‐B= 0.008). No statistically significant differences were found between low (Group A) and high (Group B) vitamin C consumers (p = 0.512 and p=0.743 respectively) or within the groups (p=0.645). Similar analyses were performed for FMD. The within group differences were ΔA =−10.4 ± 25 and ΔB = −2.07 ± 8.9 whereby Group A was found to show statistically significant change (p = 0.027, 95% CI: −19.53 – −1.25). A t‐test was also performed to compare FMD differences between the two groups (ΔA‐B= −8.31964 with p=0.100).ConclusionBased on these preliminary analyses of breaking results, it would appear that whilst the vitamin‐C rich fruit and vegetable supplementation did not significantly improve either FMD or cIMT, there was a slight worsening of FMD (with a similar trend for cIMT based on clinical significance of change) in those with lower vitamin‐C exposure. This may suggest that deleterious vascular effects owing to excess adiposity which may be mitigated in part by consumption of fruit and vegetables. Further analyses including correlation with a panel of additional biomarkers are to be conducted before firm conclusions can be drawn.Support or Funding InformationNSA funded the above study
Demographics of participants

Values
Group AMean ± SD
Group BMean ± SD

Males (N)
18
12

Females (N)
21
28

Age (yrs)
46.7 ± 9.8
45.2 ± 8.8

BMI (kg/m2)
29.02 ± 2.62
29.638 ± 2.68

Vitamin C (μmol/litre)
TV1
66.6 ± 17.4
60.2 ± 18.8

TV2
64.6 ± 19.6
76.5 ± 16.4
The Effects of Intermittent Ketogenic Dieting as well as Ketone Salt supplementation on Body Composition and Circulating Health Biomarkers in Exercising Rodents
Authors: Kephart Wesley , Holland Maleah , Mumford Petey , Mobley Brooks , Lowery Ryan , Roberts Michael , Wilson Jacob 
Published: November 2023

objectiveLow‐carbohydrate ketogenic diets (LCKDs) are a common modality to facilitate weight loss/control; however, the frequency of adherence needed to attain these benefits has not been adequately described. In addition, LCKDs have the propensity to elevate circulating ketone bodies, thus supplementing ketones may confer additional health benefits. The purpose of this study was to examine potential health benefits of an intermittent LCKD diet (AIM 1), and the effects of ketone salt supplementation (AIM 2).METHODSIn both AIMs groups of male Sprague‐Dawley rats (9–10 weeks of age, 300–325 g) were provided isoenergetic amounts of a LCKD (17 g/day, 5.2 kcal/g, 20.2% protein, 10.3% CHO, 69.5% fat) or a wester diet (WD) (20 g/day, 4.5 kcal/g, 15.2% protein, 42.7% CHO, 42.0% fat) for 6 weeks. For AIM 1 an additional group of rats was fed LCKD for 5 consecutive days followed by two days of WD (LCKD+WD). In AIM 2 two additional groups of rats were either fed LCD or WD, but were also given ad libitum ketone salts mixed in water, LCD+K and WD+K. In both aims, rats were housed in resistance‐loaded voluntary running wheels.RESULTSIn AIM 1, LCKD and LCKD+WD weighed 15% less, had significantly lower insulin, and triglycerides than WD (p<0.01). Additionally, omental and peri‐renal fat depots were reduced (p<0.05), and food efficiency (g mass gained/g food consumed) was reduced in the LCKD+WD group (p≤0.05). In AIM 2, terminal body masses were LCKD+K<LCKD<WD+K<WD (all differences p≤0.05). WD+K presented the highest levels of serum triglycerides (p≤0.01). Brown fat was elevated 41% in LCKD+K relative to LCKD (p≤0.01). Also, food efficiency was reduced in the LCKD+K and WD+K groups (p≤0.05).CONCLUSIONSInterestingly, AIM 1 suggests that intermittent ketogenic dieting with exercise conferred similar health benefits as strict ketogenic dieting. Additionally, AIM 2 suggests that ketone salt supplementation with exercise attenuated fat mass deposition regardless of dietary assignment.Support or Funding InformationFunding for this project was provided in large part by J.M.W. partially from discretionary laboratory funds provided by M.D.R.
Program impact pathway of a community‐based nutrition approach in improving child nutritional status in rural Ethiopia: a process evaluation study
Authors: Kang Yunhee , Cha Seungman , Yeo Sarah , Christian Parul 
Published: November 2023

The implementation process of complex nutrition interventions needs to be examined to better understand how they achieve expected outcomes. We conducted a program impact pathway (PIP) analysis to understand how a community‐based participatory nutrition promotion (CPNP) program—involving a two‐week group nutrition session—improved child nutritional status in rural Ethiopia. Five program components: (1) quality of the CPNP implementation process, (2) participants’ acceptance of the CPNP program, (3) participants’ message recall, (4) infant and child feeding practices, and (5) the influence of exposure to other ongoing nutrition programs, were evaluated. We reviewed the attendance records of participants (n = 3,299) and monitoring records of nutrition sessions (n = 372) and extracted process evaluation indicators such as the percentage of dose delivered, percentage of dose received, and percentage of fidelity to the intervention protocols. We conducted a household survey every three months for a year as part of a cluster randomized trial among 914 and 876 mothers randomly selected from control and intervention areas, respectively, to assess engagement to the ENA and CMAM programs. Among the survey mothers, the recall of mothers’ (n = 197) experiences related to the CPNP group sessions was assessed. CPNP sessions were delivered at 81% of the expectation level; fidelity to intervention protocols varied between 68% and 92% of the expectation. Out of 197 participants, 95% ever contributed materials to a session, 90% showed positive perception to the session practices, and ~70% rated their participation level as active. We found a higher involvement of CPNP participants in the existing program (e.g., Essential Nutrition Action) over the project period compared to non‐participants within the same intervention area (32.1% vs. 19.5%, P < 0.001). The CPNP program was adequately implemented and well‐accepted among participants, giving the additional benefit of positively influencing the ongoing ENA program, and eventually resulting in improved child nutritional status.Support or Funding InformationThis study was supported by World Vision Korea and Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).
Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors And BRCA SNPs In A Genetically Homogenous Population Of Parsi Zoroastrians: A Pilot Study
Authors: Vazquez‐Vidal Itzel , Mass Baba , Barron Keri , Chittoor Geetha , Voruganti V. Saroja 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionMutations in BRCA1/2 have been associated with increased risk for breast cancer. Recent studies indicate an association of BRCA1/2 variants with cardiovascular disease (CVD). We explored the association of missense single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs1799950 of BRCA1 and rs766173 of BRCA2 with CVD phenotypes in Parsi Zoroastrians, a genetically homogenous group with high prevalence of breast cancer.MethodsAnthropometrics, blood pressure, and blood levels of lipids, uric acid and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were measured in 144 individuals aged 20 years or older participating in a pilot study in the US. Genotyping was conducted using TaqMan assays for BRCA1‐SNP (rs1799950) and BRCA2‐SNP (rs766173). Genotype‐phenotype associations were assessed by multiple linear regression models adjusted by sex, age, sex*age and BMI using SAS 9.2 (SAS Institute Inc., NC, USA).ResultsThe mean age ± SD was 47 ± 16.7 years, and 55% were females. The genotype distribution for BRCA1 was TT (9%), TC (77%) and CC (14%) and for BRCA2 was CC (25%), AC (8%) and AA (67%). Significant associations were found between BRCA1‐rs1799950 and diastolic blood pressure and HbA1c; carriers of the minor T‐allele had lower diastolic blood pressure (73.2 ± 0.75 mmHg vs. 80.8 ± 2.3 mmHg, p = 0.001) and higher levels of HbA1c (6.4± 0.078 vs. 5.5 ± 0.2, p= 0.002) than carriers of the C allele. We also found moderate association of systolic blood pressure with BRCA2‐rs766173; homozygotes for the minor allele T had higher systolic blood pressure (134.1 ± 12 mmHg vs. 128.9 ± 16.5mmHg, p = 0.04) as compared to those with C allele. Anthropometrics, and blood levels of lipids and uric acid were not associated with the two SNPs.ConclusionDespite our small sample size, we found significant associations between the BRCA1/2 SNPs and CVD phenotypes in this genetically homogenous population of Parsi Zoroastrians. Further studies are required to confirm and validate these findings in this population.
Osteogenic potency of electrosprayed silk fibroin/hydroxyapatite nanoparticles‐An innovative approach for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Srinivasan Dinesh Kumar , Gandhimathi Chinnasamy , Venugopal Jayarama Reddy , Ramakrishna Seeram , Tay Samuel Sam‐Wah 
Published: November 2023

Nanoparticles hold huge potentials for supporting gene therapy to reach its full potential by supporting targeted delivery of growth factors and DNA into cells for regenerative therapies. The present study fabricates silk fibroin (SF) and hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticles (NPs) by electrospraying to mimic the native extracellular matrix for bone tissue engineering. The fabricated scaffolds were characterized in terms of particle morphology, functional group, hydrophilicity, using SEM, FTIR and contact angle respectively. The scaffolds showed a higher level of pore size and increased porosity of up to 62% in the exchange of nutrients and metabolic wastes. The particle diameters obtained were around 0.5–1.5 μm for SF nanoparticles (SF‐NPs) and SF/HA nanoparticles (SF/HA‐NPs). FTIR analysis showed the presence of the amide groups I, II, and III on silk fibroin and the peak characteristic of phosphate groups at 806 cm−1, carbonate groups at 860 cm−1, stretching vibration of PO43− group in HA at 1185 cm−1 and contact angle data revealed that the incorporation of HA made substrates became hydrophilic with contact angle of 60.2°±3.45. Human osteoblasts were cultured on these particles to study the cell proliferation, alkaline phosphatase activity, live cell imaging, mineralization and expression of osteocalcin. Osteoblasts cultured on SFHA‐NPs scaffolds showed a significant (p<0.05) increase in cell proliferation (63%), ALP activity and osteogenic differentiation and mineralization (61%) due to the presence of SF and HA, which are osteoconductive and osteoinductive for bone tissue regeneration. The results proved that the calcium and phosphorus activities were increased through the activation of HA in SFHA‐NPs scaffolds, which have huge potential for the mineralization of osteoblasts in bone tissue engineering.Support or Funding InformationThis work was supported by research grants from the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University and Singapore Ministry of Education Academic Research Fund Tier 1 (awarded to Dr Dinesh Kumar Srinivasan, who is the corresponding author of this paper).
Relationship of blood levels of homocysteine, folate and vitamin B12 with dietary nutrient density in Korean middle‐aged women with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Kim Eun‐kyung , Kim Hyesook , Oh Ji Soo , Choi Young Ju , Huh Kap Bum , Chang Namsoo 
Published: November 2023

This study was conducted to examine the association between blood levels of homocysteine, folate, and vitamin B12 and nutrient density (nutrient content/1000kcal) in diet among middle‐aged women with type 2 diabetes (n=162, mean age=57.6±4.0 years). Dietary intake was assessed by semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire method. Multiple regression analysis showed that blood homocysteine concentration was positively correlated with dietary fat (p=0.0466) and negatively correlated with dietary fiber (p=0.0078) after adjusting for age, BMI, occupation, education, smoking and alcohol intake. Blood folate was positively correlated with dietary folate (p=0.0478). Blood homocysteine was negatively correlated with blood folate (p=0.0092) and vitamin B12 (p=0.0002), and a positive correlation (p=0.0228) was observed between blood folate and vitamin B12. Previous studies have reported on the association between levels of blood homocysteine and elastic properties of the arterial wall where high levels of blood homocysteine increases CVD risk. Through explaining the relationship between dietary fiber and folate and levels of blood homocysteine and folate, this study further proves an inverse relationship between consumption of foods rich in fiber and folate and CVD risk.Support or Funding Information[This research was supported by Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) funded by the Ministry of Education (NRF‐2013R1A1A2011544) and Brain Korea 21 Plus.]
Association between beverage intake with urinary bisphenol A levels in Korean women of reproductive age
Authors: Jo Ara , Kim Hyesook , Kim Hyejin , Chung Hyewon , Chang Namsoo 
Published: November 2023

This study was performed to investigate the health effects of exposure to environmental risk factors in Korean women of reproductive age. We analyzed the relationship between daily food intakes and endocrine disrupting chemical such as bisphenol A (BPA). A total of 302 female subjects (30–49 years) participated in this study. Dietary intake was assessed using a single 24 hour dietary recall method. The average daily intake of beverage was 114.2 ± 159.1 g/d and the mean urinary BPA level was 1.7 ± 1.5 μg/g creatinine. The partial correlation adjusted for BMI, total energy intake, cigarette smoking status and education showed that urinary BPA levels was positively correlated with beverage consumption. For this study, soda, canned and sachet coffee, plastic and can packed tea and alcohol were included as beverages. The transfer of BPA into food and beverages from BPA containing packaging materials such as polycarbonate and epoxy resins has been identified by several previous studies as the most likely source of urinary BPA. The study results indicate a leakage of BPA from the polycarbonate and epoxy lining in the plastic or canned containers of beverages, and suggest that increased beverage intake is associated with increased urinary BPA concentration in women of reproductive age.Support or Funding Information[This research was supported by Ministry of the Environment and the Brain Korea 21 Plus.]
Effect of Sex Steroids on expression of genes regulating adipose tissue
Authors: Alshammari Ghedeir M , Brameld John , Lomax Michael 
Published: November 2023

Obesity represents an important health issue, since it is a risk factor for the development of a number of medical conditions, including type 2 diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease. In men, visceral adipose tissue has been related to low plasma testosterone levels and low levels of oestrogens are associated with increased adipose tissue. In female, testosterone and estradiol plasma levels are related to fat cell morphology and expression of genes regulating adipocyte differentiation and adipocytokines secretion. In this present study we have analysed the effect of testosterone and estradiol on gene expression of adipose tissue regulating genes in adipocytes. The human preadipocyte cell line (SGBS) was differentiated into adipocytes and exposed to different concentrations (range 0.25–3nM) of testosterone and estradiol. The gene expression was analysed using quantitative real time PCR (qRT‐PCR). Our results indicate that physiological doses of testosterone and estradiol at do not alter expression of PPARγ, CEBPα, and adiponectin in differentiated adipocytes. Moreover, expression of cytokines (resistin, IL‐6, and TNFα) was very low in SGBS and not altered by sex steroids.Support or Funding InformationKing Saud University