bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Perceived Impact of Moving to United States on Eating Habits among College Students from Countries Gulf Cooperation Council
Authors: Huwaikem Mashael , Campa Adriana 
Published: November 2023

ObjectiveTo evaluate the social‐culture factors affect the changes in eating habits among college students from the Cooperation Council Gulf Cooperation Council of the Arab states at Gulf (GCC), which include Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and United Arabs Of Emirates.MethodsThis was a semi‐qualitative, retrospective study of 80 college students from GCC. Eligible participants resided in the United States for at least six months, were older than 18 years, and originated from one of the GCC countries. Data were collected through a self‐administered questionnaire addressing socio‐demographics and cultural factors that may have influenced changes in their diet such as age, gender, anthropometrics, nationality, socio‐economic characteristics (education and income) and dietary habits in their country of origin and perceived changes in eating behavior and time and type of food consumed. Quality of the diet before and after immigration was measured by the Healthy Eating Index (HEI). Descriptive statistics, T‐tests (independent‐samples, and paired), χ2, Spearman's and Partial Correlations were conducted using SPSS vs. 21. Alpha was set at 0.1. The study was approved by the Florida International University Institutional Review Board.ResultsParticipants were mostly males (70%) and Saudi (57.5%); 78.8% were single and 82.5% had been living more than a year in Miami, Florida. Being male was significantly and inversely correlated with an improved HEI (r = −0.278, P=0.012) and having higher BMI was positively correlated with moving to Miami (r = 0.259, P=0.021). After the participants moved, lunch became more frequently their main meal in contrast with dinner in their native country (Positive Likelihood ratio [LR+]= 12.056, P=0.061). In Miami, students were more likely to have a more balanced meals according to their HEI score (LR+= 4.4, P=0.037) than when they were in their native country. When participants’ eating behaviors before and after living in Miami were compared, the most important changes after they moved were significant decreases in eating out, and increased cooking and skipping meals.ConclusionsCooking and eating behaviors before immigration were associated with deeply rooted cultural beliefs and values; however, when moving into a culture with different and varied dietary habits, away from their native country, changes in eating habits were observed in GCC college students within 6 month to one year of being in the United States. Moreover, most of the changes improved the quality of their diet by selecting more balanced meals, according to US Dietary guidelines. Men changed their food habits and cooking behaviors significantly more than women.
The Effects of Resistance Training with L‐carnitine Supplementation on Total Antioxidant Capacity and Lipid Peroxidation in Untrained Men
Authors: Koozehchian Majid , Falah Ebrahim , Daneshfar Amin , Kaveh Maryam , Sanchez Brittany K , Owlia Gaolamali , Moosakhani Alireza , Nazem Ghazaleh , Moradi Najmeh , Kreider Richard B 
Published: November 2023

Background & PurposeExercise training can disrupt the balance between free radical production and the body antioxidant defense system resulting in a condition known as oxidative stress. The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of eight weeks of resistance training with L‐carnitine supplementation on total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in untrained males.MethodologyIn a double‐masked, randomized, placebo‐controlled study, 20 untrained males (age= 25±1yrs) were assigned into either supplement (n=9) or placebo (n=11) groups. Both groups followed the same resistance training program three days per week for eight consecutive weeks. During the study, the supplement group received L‐carnitine 2g daily, and the placebo group received maltodextrin capsules. Anthropometric measurements, dietary intakes and blood markers including TAC and MDA were measured pre and post treatment data were analyzed using paired t test, independent t‐test and analysis of covariance at the significance level of P≤0.05. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS version 22.0 software.ResultsResults showed that the supplement group experienced a significant increase in TAC as well as a significant decrease in serum MDA levels following the training program (P≤0.05), while there was only a significant difference at serum MDA levels between groups following the training (P≤0.05). Furthermore, no significant difference was found in variables in the placebo group following the training program (P>0.05).ConclusionPresent findings suggest that 2 g/day of L‐carnitine increases the activity of antioxidant enzymes and the TAC in healthy subjects. L‐carnitine supplementation might be a considered as a protective strategy to regulate oxidative stress during exercise training period.
Korean Fermented Soy Sauce Modulate Na+/K+‐ATPase Activity in HK‐2 Cells
Authors: Cha Youn‐Soo , Mun Eun‐Gyung , Kim Mina , Yook Jin‐seon 
Published: November 2023

Na+/K+‐ATPase (NKA) is membrane transporter in mammals. The proximal tubules of kidney play a key role in the maintenance of ionic homeostasis functioning via Na+ and water reabsorption. Modulation of NKA is an important mechanism for animal cells to survive in diverse environments, especially in the compensation of hypertonicity‐induced disturbances. HK‐2 cells are human renal proximal tubule cell line; it has NAK in apical membrane which functions as the first step to absorb the Na+. Also, NAK, Na+/H+ exchanger isoform 3 (NHE3), Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX), Na+/HCO3− cotranspoter (NBC), and carbonic anhydrase (CA) control the absorption of salt. Korean fermented soy sauce including doenjang and ganjang, fermented from meju using Bacillus and Aspergillus species of bacteria. Fermentation of soybeans alters the profiles of isoflavonoids, small peptides, and urea cycle intermediated. However, fermented soy sauce contains high‐salt, which secure the long‐term fermentation. This problem can be health problem in high‐salt intake such as hypertension. HK‐2 cells were exposed to hypertonic condition (600 mOsm/kg H2O), and the relative NKA activity were analyzed via spectrophotometer. NKA activity was increased in HK‐2 cell upon hypertonic challenge in time‐dependency. NHE3 activity was also increase such as NKA activity in various concentration of hypertonic condition (400~600 mOsm/kg H2O) for 24 hours. Korean fermented soy sauce modulates NKA and NHE3 activities in HK‐2 cells.Support or Funding InformationThis research was supported by Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea(NRF) funded by the Ministry of Education(2015R1D1A3A01015869)
Gut microbiota in wild type Caenorhabditis elegans: Stimulation by media containing dietary fiber from Prowashonupana barley
Authors: Zheng Jolene , Gao Chenfei , Raggio Anne M , Enright Frederick M , Martin Roy J , Janes Marlene E , Greenway Frank L , Keenan Michael J 
Published: November 2023

Resistant starches reduce intestinal fat deposition and improve healthspan in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) model organism as seen in rodents and humans. This study is to identify the intestinal anaerobic bacteria in wild type C. elegans. Control group received Escherichia coli (OP50) and experimental group received additional Prowashonupana barley (PWB, 1%). One week later, the total genomic DNA (cfu/ml) of the animals was extracted and bacterial DNA was evaluated using qRT‐PCR. Lactobacillus spp was 7.16×108‐fold higher than Bacteroides‐Prevotella group, and 2.86×108–fold more than Bifidobacteriumgenus, and 6.4×103‐fold greater than Clostridium Cluster XIVa and XIVb. The bacteria that were increased post PWB feeding: Clostridium Cluster XIVa and XIVb (633%, P=0.0353), Bacteroides‐Prevotella group (472%, P=0.007), and Bifidobacteriumgenus (250%, P<0.001). These data of the anaerobic bacteria indicated the intestinal origin, and increased components of the total bacterial population with the PWB treatment, and proved the general concept, for the first time, that the C. elegans intestinal tract contained anaerobic bacteria capable of fermenting fermentable carbohydrates. Future studies using DNA sequencing of the 16SrRNA gene are warranted. The C. elegans organism is a low cost and convenient model for rapidly testing dietary substances that provide health benefits and offer a solution to treat obesity in humans.Support or Funding InformationGrant support to Dr. Jolene Zheng from Louisiana Board of Regents Support Fund and Ardent Milles (Denver, CO) (LEQSF(2012‐13)‐RD‐B‐09). Dr. Mark LeBlanc (Agricultural Chemistry Department, Louisiana State University) assisted to prepare Prowashonupana barley. The nematode strains used in this work were provided by the Caenorhabditis Genetics Center (University of Minnesota, MN), which is funded by the NIH National Center for Research Resources (NCRR).
Pectin Feeding for 16 Weeks Improves Learning and Memory in Young C57Bl/6 J Mice: A Relationship to the Gut Microbiota?
Authors: Mailing Lucy , Allen Jacob , Liu Tzu‐Wen , Bhattacharya Tushar , Park Pul , Pence Brandt , Rodney Johnson , Fahey George , Swanson Kelly , Rhodes Justin , Woods Jeffrey 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionPectin is a soluble, fermentable dietary fiber that can improve intestinal homeostasis in mammals. Beyond the gut, recent evidence suggests a positive relationship between fiber intake and learning and memory in humans. The potential mechanisms by which fermentable, dietary fibers can modulate behavior have not been fully explored.HypothesisWe hypothesized that mice fed pectin (5%) for 16 weeks would have enhanced learning and memory compared to mice fed only cellulose and that these differences would be related to the gut microbiota.MethodsTwo cohorts of C57Bl/6J mice were randomized to a pectin (n=20) or cellulose diet (n=20) and fed for 16 weeks. Thereafter, learning and memory tests were conducted and distal colon contents were analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing to measure compositional changes in the microbiota.ResultsMice fed pectin displayed shorter distance traveled during acquisition and shorter average distance from the platform during the 24 hour probe trial of the Morris water maze when compared to the mice fed cellulose (p<0.05). Unweighted UniFrac revealed a significant shift in the community structure of the microbiota as a result of pectin feeding (p<0.01). Further analysis found that two microbial genera, Oscillospira spp. and Bilophila spp., were positively associated with distance from the platform during the 24‐hour probe test and latency to find the platform at day 5 of the acquisition phase (p<0.05). These genera, which were significantly reduced by pectin feeding (p<0.05), are strongly associated with gut paracellular permeability and systemic inflammation in mice and humans.ConclusionTogether, these data suggest that dietary pectin improves learning and memory, likely through alteration of the gut microbiota. Further study is needed to elucidate the mechanisms involved, including microbial‐host interactions and gut‐brain communication.
Decreased Abundance of Firmicutes in the Gut Microbiota After Consumption of a Diet Containing Milk Fats
Authors: Walsh Helen , Haq Hira , Cersosimo Laura , Kien Craig Lawrence , Kraft Jana 
Published: November 2023

Intestinal microbiota play a relevant role in health maintenance and disease prevention. Diet has been shown to influence the intestinal bacterial density, communities, and subsequently their functions. Recent studies have indicated that a diet high in fat causes changes in the intestinal microbiota affecting the host's metabolic phenotype. However, little is known about the relationship between fat quality and bacterial community structure. Several studies have linked the intestinal bacterial composition with the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes and recent research provides evidence that the consumption of high‐fat dairy products is associated with a reduction in the risk of type 2 diabetes. We hypothesized that a diet containing dairy fat would shift the intestinal bacterial structure as a result of the unique ruminant‐derived fatty acids. Twelve healthy adults (6 male; mean ± SEM, age: 27.2 ± 1.7 y; body mass index: 23.0 ± 0.9 kg/m2) were included in an 8‐wk randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled feeding trial. After a 1‐wk run‐in period, subjects consumed a balanced DASH‐style diet for two 3‐wk interventions (separated by a 1‐wk washout period reflecting a representative U.S. diet) with either 3 servings of whole yogurt (milk fat diet; MF) or fat‐free yogurt supplemented with a control fat (control diet, CON). Fecal samples were collected at the end of each diet intervention for the analysis of intestinal bacterial composition using next‐generation sequencing. From the total sequence reads, Firmicutes were the most abundant bacterial phylum during CON (57.2 ± 7.0%) and were lower after MF (49.9 ± 5.0%, P = 0.040). Diet did not affect the abundance of the phylum Bacteroidetes. The Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio of the intestinal microbiota was lower after MF compared to CON (MF: 2.9 ± 1.1%, CON: 4.5 ± 1.5%; P = 0.047). The relative abundance of the class Bacilli was lower (P = 0.023) after MF consumption (0.88 ±0.19) compared to the CON (2.10 ± 0.45) and family Streptococcaceae (P = 0.026) was lower after MF consumption (0.82 ± 0.18%) when compared to the CON (1.90 ± 0.4%). No statistically significant differences were observed in other bacterial classes, orders, or families. Our results indicate that milk‐derived fat modifies the distribution of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, the two major phyla inhabiting the human intestinal tract.Support or Funding InformationThis trial was funded by the Dairy Research Institute/National Dairy Council (Rosemont, IL).
Modulation of Colonic Microbiota Populations by Polyphenolic Containing Sorghum Brans May Protect Against Development of Metabolic Disease
Authors: Lloyd Shannon K. , Ritchie Lauren E. , Hicks Kristen K. , Azcarate‐Peril M. Andrea , Turner Nancy D. 
Published: November 2023

Polyphenols in diets rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains may protect against metabolic disease states such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and chronic inflammation by influencing the distribution of colonic bacteria. This study was conducted to determine if the consumption of sorghum brans containing 3‐deoxyanthocyanins and/or condensed tannins could shift bacterial populations in healthy rats towards a phenotype that is thought to be more protective against the development of metabolic disease. Male Sprague‐Dawley rats were initially provided a standard pelleted diet followed by a semi‐purified diet containing cellulose, sumac bran, black bran, or high‐tannin black bran (n=7/group) for 9 wk. Diets were matched to contain 6% dietary fiber and other macronutrients so that they only differed by the type of polyphenolic compounds in each bran. Fecal samples were collected 1 wk prior to beginning the experimental diets (day 0) and at 25, 32, 38, and 63 d following initiation of experimental diets to assess changes in microbial populations across time within diets and between diets. The cellulose diet increased the abundance of Firmicutes from baseline (p=0.0028), which was accompanied by a reduction of Bacteroidetes (p=0.0004); characteristics similar to those seen in individuals with obesity, type 2 diabetes and inflammation. In contrast, sumac bran reduced abundance of Firmicutes (p=0.0010) and increased abundance of Bacteroidetes (p=0.0033); changes associated with a reduced incidence of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and inflammation in individuals. At the genus level two bacteria associated with reduced metabolic disease, Bacteroides and Akkermansia, were increased from baseline by sorghum brans. Bacteroides was increased by sumac, high‐tannin black, and black bran (p<0.0001, p=0.0013, p=0.0052 respectively). An initial increase in Bacteroides caused by cellulose (p=0.0284) returned to baseline by day 32. Condensed tannin containing sumac and high‐tannin black brans increased Akkermansia from baseline (p=0.0559, p=0.0114 respectively), whereas black bran and cellulose had no effect. These seemingly beneficial modulations of microbiota populations due to consumption of sorghum brans containing different types of polyphenolic compounds suggest that the addition of these sorghum brans to polyphenol‐depleted diets may help protect against development of metabolic disease states such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and inflammation by improving colonic microbiota.Support or Funding InformationFunded by USCP HMV006‐12 and NIEHS P30ES023512
Functional Characterization Reveals Human ELOVL3 Role in the Biosynthesis of iso‐20:0
Authors: Wang Zhen , Park Hui Gyu , Lawrence Peter , Kothapalli Kumar S. D. , Brenna J. Thomas 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionBranched chain fatty acids (BCFA) are major, bioactive components of the human diet, present from later fetal life throughout normal aging. Our objective was to investigate the catalytic activity of saturated fatty acid elongases (ELOVL1, ELOVL3, ELOVL6 and ELOVL7) by checking for enhanced conversion of BCFA substrate to product.MethodsThe open reading frame of ELOVL1, 3, 6 and 7 were cloned into a pcDNA3.1 expression vector. ELOVL1, ELOVL3, ELOVL6, ELOVL7 and empty vector control were transiently transfected into MCF7 breast cancer cells using Polyplus jetPRIME transfection reagent. Twenty four hours (h) after transfection cells were supplemented with 80 μM of albumin‐bound iso‐18:0 fatty acid substrate and were allowed to incubate for 24 h. After incubation, the cells were washed twice with 1× PBS, removed by trypsinization and fatty acids analyzed.ResultsELOVL3 transfected cells showed enhanced conversion of iso‐18:0 to iso‐20:0 compared to control and other elongases. The relative conversions of iso‐18:0 → iso‐20:0 from two biological replicates for ELOVL3 and control was 3.96 ± 0.01 and 2.02 ± 0.02, respectively. ELOVL7 showed moderate activity (3.14 ± 0.16), whereas, ELOVL1 and ELOVL6 showed no activity towards iso‐18:0.ConclusionThis is the first report of human elongase(s) showing activity specifically towards BCFA substrate.Support or Funding InformationNIH R01 AT007003
Size and Timing Matter: Differential Triglyceride Responses to Three Meal Conditions
Authors: Emerson Sam R. , Kurti Stephanie P. , Teeman Colby S. , Emerson Emily M. , Cull Brooke J. , Haub Mark D. , Rosenkranz Sara K. 
Published: November 2023

INTRODUCTIONA substantial rise in blood lipids, namely triglycerides, following a meal is associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease, visceral adiposity, and insulin resistance. However, the vast majority of research investigating the effects of a meal on blood lipids have not utilized test meals that accurately reflect typical consumption. The purpose of this study was to compare the triglyceride response of more realistic meals, containing moderate fat and energy content, against a high‐fat meal (HFM) typically used to test triglyceride response.METHODSEight men (age: 25.8 ± 6.9 years) completed three meal trials: a HFM (17 kcal/kg body mass, 60% fat, 23% CHO); a moderate‐fat meal (MFM; 8.5 kcal/kg body mass, 30% fat, 52% CHO); and a biphasic meal (BPM), in which participants consumed the MFM at baseline and again three hours later. Venous blood samples were collected via indwelling catheter at baseline and then hourly for six hours post‐meal to assess the triglyceride response.RESULTSBaseline triglyceride values were 115.0 ± 67.5 mg/dL. Two participants presented with high mean fasting triglycerides (>150 mg/dL), while the remaining six had normal fasting triglycerides (<150 mg/dL). Peak triglycerides were significantly greater (p = 0.008) following the HFM (300.6 ± 174.6 mg/dL) compared to the MFM (164.1 ± 102.3 mg/dL), but the BPM (209.9 ± 191.9 mg/dL) was not significantly different from the HFM (p = 0.073) or the MFM (p = 0.999). The time to peak triglyceride response was significantly longer in the HFM (4.0 ± 1.2 hours; p = 0.027) and the BPM (4.5 ± 1.1 hours; p = 0.022) compared to the MFM (2.8 ± 1.2 hours), with no difference (p = 0.499) between the HFM and BPM. Total area under the curve (AUC) for triglycerides was significantly greater following the HFM (1409.3 ± 815.0 mg/dL × 6 hrs) compared to the MFM (819.1 ± 491.5 mg/dL × 6 hrs; p = 0.001) and the BPM (1003.1 ± 825.8 mg/dL × 6 hrs; p = 0.037), although the MFM and BPM were not significantly different (p = 0.952). Incremental AUC for triglycerides was also significantly greater following the HFM (679.5 ± 414.9 mg/dL × 6 hrs) versus the MFM (213.5 ± 201.7 mg/dL × 6 hrs; p = 0.004) and the BPM (300.9 ± 333.0 mg/dL × 6 hrs; p = 0.018), with no difference (p = 0.999) between the MFM and BPM.CONCLUSIONSTwo main deductions may be drawn from these findings: 1) the drastic postprandial triglyceride response following HFMs observed in previous studies may not be representative of the daily metabolic challenge of individuals eating relatively more moderate meals; and 2) when eating a HFM, smaller and/or more frequent meals appear to be better with regard to avoiding substantial postprandial triglyceride fluctuation and potential subsequent cardiovascular risk.
Diet‐induced activation of PPARδ improves liver metabolic profiles in mice
Authors: Paton Chad M , Vaughan Roger A , Alpergin Erbu , Assadi‐Porter Fariba , Dowd Michael K 
Published: November 2023

Peroxisome proliferator activator receptor delta (PPARδ) has been shown to be an effective target to combat obesity and metabolic disease, however non‐pharmacological methods of activation have yet to be identified. We tested the ability of various naturally occurring oils to increase PPARδ activity and found that cottonseed oil (CSO) was effective in activating liver expression and activity.Male C57BL/6 mice were fed a diet supplemented with various oils (50% Kcal from fat‐matched for macronutrient and caloric content) for 4 weeks with body weight and food intake measured weekly. Total energy expenditure, glucose tolerance, and tissue protein and mRNA expression was measured after 4‐weeks. NMR‐based metabolomics was conducted on liver homogenates to examine changes in pathways of macronutrient metabolism.There were no differences between chow‐ and CSO‐fed mice in body weight or food intake (Kcal/wk) however total energy expenditure and fat oxidation increased compared to chow‐fed groups. Additionally, CSO‐fed mice displayed significantly elevated liver PPARδ and Pgc‐1 expression that correlated with energy expenditure. Metabolomic analyses revealed that the livers of CSO‐fed mice closely matched those of chow‐fed and significantly differed from other fat‐enriched diet groups using principal component analyses. Fatty acid composition of the diets and livers revealed no significant differences in lipid species between groups, with the exception of dihydrosterculic acid (DHSA). DHSA is a cyclopropene fatty acid that may be responsible for increasing fatty acid oxidation in liver. Additional studies designed to assess the effect of DHSA on PPARδ‐mediated metabolic control are ongoing.Taken together, our observations support the hypothesis that CSO may be useful as a dietary means to increase PPARδ expression with concomitant elevations in total energy expenditure and improved hepatic fatty acid oxidation. A diet containing 50% of total calories from CSO did not cause weight gain and promoted improved molecular adaptations in both liver and skeletal muscle.Support or Funding InformationCotton Incorporated.