bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dry Bean Consumption Inhibits Colorectal Tumorigenesis in Preclinical Studies: A Meta‐Analysis of Animal Studies
Authors: Perera Thushanthi , Takata Yumie , Bobe Gerd 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundChemo‐protective effect of dry beans against colorectal tumorigenesis in humans has been proposed, but the number of studies examining this effect is limited. To evaluate whether further human studies are warranted, we conducted a meta‐analysis of preclinical studies in animals examining the relation between dry bean consumption and colorectal tumorigenesis.MethodsTen preclinical studies were included in the meta‐analysis to evaluate the effect of consumption of whole dry beans and dry bean fractions (fiber fractions, ethanol extract, and ethanol extract residue) at varying concentrations of the diet (10–75% of dry beans of the overall diet) on colorectal tumorigenesis. Tumor endpoints were incidence and multiplicity of adenocarcinoma, adenoma + adenocarcinoma, tumor, or aberrant crypt foci (ACF; only multiplicity). Risk estimates for tumors, comparing cancer‐induced rats (n=277) and mice (n=53) consuming dry beans versus cancer‐induced rats (n=173) and mice (n=52) consuming a control diet, all of which were male, were calculated using pooled risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) through a random‐effects model in STATA. For calculating risk estimates of tumor and ACF multiplicity, we calculated standardized mean differences and variation from reported means and standard errors.ResultsCancer‐induced male rats or mice consuming dry beans had a lower colorectal tumor risk than those consuming control diet: colorectal adenocarcinoma incidence (RR=0.38; 95% CI: 0.20–0.74) and multiplicity (RR=0.52; 95% CI: 0.27–0.98), combined adenoma + adenocarcinoma incidence (RR=0.25; 95% CI: 0.16–0.40) and multiplicity (RR=0.52; 95% CI: 0.31–0.89), tumor incidence (RR=0.21; 95% CI: 0.11–0.43) and multiplicity (RR=0.24; 95% CI: 0.16–0.36), and ACF multiplicity (RR=0.11; 95% CI: 0.04–0.27).ConclusionsDry bean consumption inhibits colorectal tumorigenesis in male animal models of human CRC. However, long‐term dry bean CRC prevention intervention studies in humans are warranted to further elucidate the effects of daily dry bean consumption on different stages of colorectal tumorigenesis.
Effect of Watermelon Powder Supplementation on Azoxymethane‐Induced Colon Carcinogenesis in Rats
Authors: Glenn Keith , Klarich DawnKylee S , Figueroa Arturo , Hooshmand Shirin , Kern Mark , Hong Mee Young 
Published: November 2023

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a public health concern and one of the most common cancers in men and women globally. Given the substantial morbidity and mortality associated with this disease, methods for prevention, in part through a diet high in fruits and vegetables, are under investigation. Specifically, watermelon may be a practical method for reducing CRC risk factors due to its high concentration of L‐citrulline, a precursor to L‐arginine, which plays a crucial role in endothelial nitric oxide (NO) production. Evidence suggests that increased levels of NO have tumoricidal effects; therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the effects of watermelon powder supplementation on aberrant crypt foci (ACF) formation, precancerous lesions, and biomarkers that are associated with colon carcinogenesis in rats. Thirty‐two male Sprague‐Dawley rats, at 21 days old, were divided into three groups: control, 0.36% L‐arginine, or 0.5% watermelon powder. The 0.5% watermelon powder diet provided 0.36% of L‐arginine+L‐citrulline. Rats were injected subcutaneously with azoxymethane (dose of 15 mg/kg body weight), a carcinogenic agent, at the beginning of weeks 3 and 4. The watermelon group exhibited higher blood NO levels compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Both the L‐arginine and watermelon powder groups exhibited lower total numbers of ACF and high multiplicity aberrant crypt foci (HMACF, > 4 aberrant crypts/focus) (P < 0.01). The watermelon powder group exhibited lower 8‐hydroxyguanosine DNA damage in the blood (P < 0.05) compared to controls. Watermelon powder and L‐arginine downregulated 8‐oxoguanine DNA glycosylase (OGG1) gene expression (P < 0.05) and upregulated O6‐methylguanine DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) gene expression (P < 0.01). Cyclooxgenase‐2 (COX‐2) gene expression in the colon mucosa of the watermelon group was lower compared to the control group (P < 0.05). These results suggest that watermelon powder or L‐arginine consumption may reduce the risk of colon cancer by suppressing ACF formation through lowering oxidative DNA damage and inflammation, modulating DNA repair enzyme expression, and enhancing NO production.Support or Funding InformationThe study was funded by The US National Watermelon Promotion Board.
Calcium to Magnesium Intake Ratio and Prostate Cancer Aggressiveness
Authors: Omofuma Omonefe , Arab Lenore , Su L. Joseph , Bensen Jeannette T. , Fontham Elizabeth T.H. , Mohler James L. , Steck Susan E. 
Published: November 2023

ObjectiveExperimental studies suggest that calcium and magnesium compete for membrane binding sites. An imbalance in the level of these micronutrients has been associated with multiple chronic diseases, though few studies to date have examined the relationship with prostate cancer. The goal of this study was to examine the dietary intake ratio of calcium to magnesium and its association with prostate cancer aggressiveness in African Americans (AAs) and European Americans (EAs).MethodCalcium and magnesium intakes were estimated using a food frequency questionnaire in 996 AA and 1064 EA men with a recent histologically confirmed diagnosis of prostate cancer from the North Carolina – Louisiana Prostate Cancer Project (PCaP). High aggressive disease was defined as Gleason sum ≥8, or PSA> 20ng/ml, or Gleason score ≥7 AND clinical stage T3–T4, and the comparison group was all other prostate cancer cases. Logistic regression was used to determine the adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for high aggressive prostate cancer by quartile of calcium to magnesium intake ratio.ResultsThere was a positive association for prostate cancer aggressiveness across the quartiles of calcium to magnesium intake ratio, with odds of high aggressive prostate cancer in the upper quartiles; ORQ2VS.Q1:1.46. 95% CI: 1.02 – 2.07, ORQ3VS.Q1:1.42. 95% CI: 1.00 – 2.03 and ORQ4VS.Q1: 1.69, 95% CI: 1.19 – 2.40. When stratified by race, the association was observed in both AA men, ORQ4VS.Q1: 1.72, 95% CI: 1.08–2.74 and EA men ORQ4VS.Q1: 1.89, 95% CI: 1.12 – 3.19.ConclusionAmong both African American and European American men diagnosed with prostate cancer, a higher calcium to magnesium intake ratio as reported in the year prior to diagnosis was associated with higher odds of high aggressive prostate cancer.Support or Funding InformationThe North Carolina‐Louisiana Prostate Cancer Project
Effect of a Mindful Eating Intervention on Biomarkers of Prognosis and Survival in Overweight and Obese Postmenopausal Breast Cancer Survivors–A Translational Pilot Study
Authors: Washington Annette Monique , Davis Melissa , Young Henry Nolan , Cobran Ewan , Hartzell Diane , Dunagan Kelli Amanda , Jenkins Brittany Denise , Sattler Elisabeth Lilian Pia 
Published: November 2023

Postmenopausal breast cancer survivors, who often experience significant weight gain after diagnosis, are at greater risk of morbidity and mortality than women without a history of breast cancer. There is evidence that mindfulness has positive effects on markers of cardiovascular health; however, little is known about changes in the biological mechanisms underlying this behavioral intervention. The objective of the study was to examine the effects of a mindful eating intervention on biomarkers of prognosis and survival in overweight and obese postmenopausal breast cancer survivors. Participants were recruited through local physician's offices, cancer support centers, and newspaper advertisements in 2016. Participants completed 8 weekly 2‐hour Mindful Eating Workshop© group sessions, led by a certified mindfulness instructor. The workshop addressed mindless, stress‐related, or emotional related eating, and disordered eating patterns through mindfulness meditation and group discussion. Data were collected at the University of Georgia Clinical and Translational Research Unit at 2 time points: baseline and follow‐up (12 weeks). The following data were collected: adiposin, adiponectin, leptin, PAI‐1, 6Ckine, MIP‐3b, MIG‐1, MCP‐1, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10, and TNF‐a. Paired t‐tests and Wilcoxon signed rank test were used to compare outcomes pre‐ and post‐intervention. The analytic sample included 10 postmenopausal breast cancer survivors in remission with a BMI of ≥ 25 kg/m2 who completed the intervention. Mean age was 64.4 ± 6.0 years, 90.0% were non‐Hispanic white, 50.0% were married, and 50.0% had an annual household income of more than $80,000. At baseline, participants had a mean BMI of 33.7 ± 7.2 kg/m2, 80.0% took 1+ blood pressure medications, and 40.0% had pre/diabetes. All participants significantly lost weight (mean weight change: −0.8 ± 0.8 kg; p= 0.015). In the absence of significant changes in TNF‐a and other markers of inflammation, PAI‐1 increased (p=0.012) and there was a trend towards a decrease in adiponectin (p=0.051) post‐intervention. However, participant PAI‐1 plasma concentrations were not elevated above the reference normal concentration of 5–40 ng/ml. In addition, in 60.0% of participants adiponectin concentrations remained within normal concentrations post‐intervention. The results from this study provide preliminary evidence of the translational effects of a mindful eating intervention on biomarkers associated with prognosis and survival in postmenopausal breast cancer survivors. Larger, better controlled studies are needed to confirm findings and examine the long‐term impact of this intervention.Support or Funding InformationThe study was funded through the University of Georgia Clinical and Translational Research Unit seed grant.
Socio‐Demographic and Disease Related Factors Associated with Diet Quality Among Adult Cancer Patients
Authors: Kane Kathleen , Ilic Sanja , Paden Holly , Lustberg Maryam , Grenade Cassandra , Mo Kevin , Hatsu Irene 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundRecent studies have shown the consumption of higher quality diets to be significantly associated with lower risk of cancer mortality (Onvani et al., 2016; George et al., 2014). However, characteristics predictive of higher diet quality have not been well elucidated among the cancer population. The study therefore aims to determine socio‐demographic as well as disease related predictors of diet quality among cancer patients.MethodsThis was a cross‐sectional study that recruited 100 cancer patients from two large cancer clinics in central Ohio. After providing consent, individuals 18 years and older completed questionnaires that assessed sociodemographic variables, disease characteristics, and diet quality. Food and beverages consumed in the previous 6 months were assessed using the Block food frequency questionnaire and used in computing diet quality scores; measured as Health Eating Index 2010 (HEI 2010). Independent sample t‐test and one‐way ANOVA were used to compare mean HEI scores across characteristics. Multiple linear regression was used to identify factors associated with HEI scores.ResultsAbout 84% of study participants were females and over half (51%) had a breast cancer diagnosis. The average HEI score was 65.24 (SD = 10.66). Females (M = 66.19, SD = 10.50) had significantly higher mean HEI scores than males (M = 60.23, SD = 10.34, p < 0.05). Individuals who paid bills late due to medical expenses reported significantly lower diet quality (M = 60.42, SD = 10.63) than those who did not (M = 66.76, SD = 10.27, p = 0.01). Education status significantly affected HEI scores (F (3, 95) = 3.937, p = 0.01). Individuals with less than high school education (M = 60.81, SD = 10.71) had significantly lower diet quality scores than did those with a college degree (M = 69.24, SD = 7.36). Gender, education status, monthly income, marital status, smoking status, and timeliness of bill payment were included in the linear regression model. This model explained 26.2% of the variance in HEI scores (R2 = 0.26, F (8, 86) = 3.816, p < 0.01). Smoking status (current smokers) significantly predicted HEI scores (β = −8.411, p = 0.05) as did having to pay bills late due to medical expenses for cancer treatment (β = −4.637, p = 0.05).ConclusionDiet quality is significantly lower in individuals who are current smokers or who have to pay bills late due to medical expenses from cancer treatment. These findings allow healthcare providers to identify patients at risk for consuming low diet quality and therefore in need of targeted interventions that helps improve diet quality. Improvements in diet quality have implications for mortality in this population.Support or Funding InformationFood Innovation Center New Faculty Initiative Award. The Ohio State University.
Development of Furocoumarin Database and Intake Trend of Furocoumarins in US Health Professionals
Authors: PARK Min Kyung , Chun Ock K , Melough Melissa M , Qureshi Abrar A , Cho Eunyoung 
Published: November 2023

Furocoumarins are botanical phytoalexins and found in a variety of vegetables and fruits, notably citrus fruits. Furocoumarins are phototoxic and photocarcinogenic that intercalate DNA and photochemically induce mutations. They may be responsible for the positive association between citrus fruitintake and skin cancer. However, the levels of furocoumarin intake in the US population have not been evaluated due to no furocoumain database for foods. Therefore, we aimed to develop furocoumarin food composition database and examined mean intake and intake trend of furocoumarins among participants in the two prospective cohort studies of health professionals; the Nurses' Health Study (NHS, 1986~1998) and the Health Professionals Follow‐up Study (HPFS, 1990~1998). Food intake in the cohorts was measured by a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). We selected furocoumarin‐containing food items from the FFQ such as orange, orange juice, grapefruit, grapefruit juice, raw carrot, cooked carrot, carrot juice, and celery. Then, we selected three samples for each food item that were available in local markets considering market share. The concentrations of seven common furanocoumarins of grape fruits such as bergaptol, psoralen, 8‐methoxypsoralen, bergapten, 6,7‐dihydroxybergamottin, epoxybergamottin and bergamottin were determined in each food sample using UPLC‐MS/MS. Mean from the three analytical values of the food items were used for furocoumain database after excluding outliers that were not within 95% of the distribution. Number of participants who completed FFQ were 75521 in 1986, 80332 in 1990, 86365 in 1994, and 84762 in 1998 for NHS and 38781 in 1990, 37057 in 1994, and 35270 in 1998 for HPFS. Over 99% of participants who completed the FFQ consumed furocoumarin‐containing foods in both cohort studies. Mean intake of total furocoumarins among participants in NHS and HPFS were calculated by multiplying the consumption frequency of each food item with furocoumarin content per serving size. Mean intakes of total furocoumarins in NHS were 532.4μg in 1986, 420.8 μg in 1990, 487.0 μg in 1994 and 422.7 μg in 1998 showing decreasing trend from 1986 to 1998 (p<0.001). Mean intakes of total furocoumarins in HPFS were 530.4 μg in 1990, 578.1 μg in 1994, and 552.6 μg in 1998 showing increasing trend from 1990 to 1998 (p<0.001). In conclusion, furocoumarin database was developed and total furocoumarin intake was screened for about 10 years among US health professionals. This study may support further studies on intake furocoumarins and skin cancer as well as other related diseases in cohort studies using the FFQ.Support or Funding InformationNational Cancer Institute R21 (R21CA198216, PI: Dr. Eunyoung Cho)
Effects of Vitamin E Derivatives on the Proliferation of KG‐1 Leukemic Cells in Vitro
Authors: Rizk Sandra , Ghanem Paola , Zouein Annalise , Hodroj Mohammad Hassan 
Published: November 2023

In nature, vitamin E derivatives can exist in eight different forms which are grouped in two main categories, namely Tocopherols (TP) and Tocotrienols (T3). Each category includes four derivatives which differ in the position of the methyl group, generating alpha, beta, gamma and delta subtypes. Even though all these subtypes possess antioxidant effects, several new studies report that tocotrienols are more potent than tocopherols in promoting cancer cell death. In addition to the known antioxidant effect of beta tocotrienol (β‐T3), gamma tocotrienol (γ‐T3) appears to have a pro‐apoptotic, anti‐proliferative, anti‐invasive and anti‐inflammatory activity in several types of cancer cells. However, the effect of the beta subtype on cancer cells is still not well studied. The present study aims to investigate and compare the effect of beta and gamma tocotrienols on the proliferation of acute myeloid leukemia cells, namely KG‐1, in vitro. Cells were grown in Roswell Park Memorial Institute medium (RPMI) under optimal conditions and then treated with different doses of (β‐T3) and (γ‐T3) separately for 24 hours. XTT cell viability assay, which detects the presence of metabolically active cells, was used to assess cell proliferation. A decrease in proliferation of KG‐1 cells was observed upon treatment with both forms of vitamin E derivatives; however, β‐T3 was more potent than γ‐T3 in promoting cell death with lower IC50 values. In order to determine whether the decrease in cell viability was due to apoptosis induction, Cell Death Elisa was performed to detect the degree of histone complexed DNA fragmentation, which is a hallmark of apoptosis. Cells treated with the beta subtype released more DNA fragments than the gamma form and at lower doses. Since the observed decrease in proliferation could also be due to cell cycle arrest, flow cytometry was used to quantify the number of cells in the various phases of cell cycle upon treatment with vitamin E derivatives: cells were stained with propidium iodide and DNA content quantification was performed using the C‐flow software. The results obtained confirm the effect of both forms of vitamin E derivatives in promoting cell cycle arrest. In conclusion, beta and gamma tocotrienols exhibit promising anti‐cancer therapeutic effects on KG1 leukemic cells in vitro. However, further studies are needed to determine the underlying molecular pathways involved in cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induction.Support or Funding InformationThis study was supported by the School Research and Development Office, Lebanese American University.
Food Security, Dietary Quality, and Use of Resources are Low among Rural U.S. Veteran Food Pantry Users in a Reaching Rural Veterans Pilot Intervention
Authors: Wright Breanne N. , Sternberg Martina , Wellnitz Andrea , Wadsworth Shelley MacDermid , Eicher‐Miller Heather A. 
Published: November 2023

ObjectiveReaching Rural Veterans (RRV) was a “one stop” longitudinal intervention provided at rural Indiana (IN) and Kentucky (KY) food pantries to enhance resource use among rural, low‐income U.S. Veterans. Characteristics, food security, access to resources, and dietary quality were evaluated at baseline and follow‐up (approximately three months later).DesignRRV included monthly outreach events where food, ancillary services, and education were provided to U.S. Veterans and their families. At baseline (n=234) and follow‐up (n=122) participants completed a characteristics questionnaire and the 18‐item U.S. Household Food Security Module. Up to two Automated Self‐Administered 24‐hour dietary recalls (ASA24s) at baseline (n=28) and follow‐up (n=16) were also completed to quantify dietary intake using the Healthy Eating Index‐2010 (HEI‐2010).SettingParticipants were recruited at ten participating faith‐based food pantries in IN or KY.SubjectsSubjects were U.S. Veteran pantry‐users ≥18 years.ResultsAdult food insecurity was significantly improved at follow‐up compared to baseline (McNemar's test probability: 0.02). The proportion of participants receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Supplemental Security Income, General Assistance, or Assistance from the Township Trustee was significantly greater at follow‐up compared with baseline (McNemar's test probability: 0.02). Mean HEI‐2010 component score for the “Green and Bean” group was also significantly improved (Paired t‐test probability: 0.03) despite no change in total HEI‐2010.ConclusionsThe RRV intervention was delivered to a highly food insecure, rural U.S. Veteran sub‐population. Food security, access to resources, and a component of diet quality improved over the study period.Support or Funding InformationThis work was supported by contract VA251‐15‐C‐0041 from the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Rural Health and the Veterans Affairs Office of Faith‐Based and Neighborhood Partnerships.
The Impact of Soci‐economic and Cultural Factors on Refugee Households' Food Insecurity: a Snapshot of the Food security Status of Afghan Refugees in Switzerland
Authors: Khakpour Mahasti , Sadeghi Leila , Jenzer Helena , Martins Sofia , Farag Marwa , Koc Mustafa , Garcea Joseph , Henry Carol , Engler‐Stringer Rachel , Vatanparast Hassan 
Published: November 2023

Background and ObjectivesDespite the efforts of international institutions and host countries, refugees struggle to meet their basic needs throughout their displacement. Among all needs, food is one of the basics of livelihood. The objectives of this research are to evaluate the prevalence of household food insecurity of the Afghan asylum‐seekers, and identify the barriers and facilitators toward their food security.Methodology25 residents of a refugee camp, and 4 key informants participated in the study. We used a mixed methods design to allow triangulation for more reliability and credibility. Within the quantitative section of the study, a standard tool from the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) food security questionnaire are used. To address the second objective we conducted a series of in‐depth interviews with semi‐structured questions.ResultsWe found severe food insecurity exists among families due to economic and cultural barriers. More than 74% of the adults, and 72% of the children are food insecure. Cultural differences, unemployment, lack of social interaction, language barriers, were indicated as the main post migration challenges. Financial struggle, lack of access to culturally accepted food, and lack of knowledge in food utilization came up as the main themes in food security related interview questions. Emerging common themes from both the family in‐depth, and key informant interviews showed lack of information and resources associated with health services and food literacy, cross cultural training, and food utilization skills.ConclusionAs a result identifying the responsible organization in the area, and further assistant and support in providing orientation, nutritional workshops, assimilation to life in Switzerland, and cross cultural training may help to improve the food security status of the asylum‐seekers. Our findings warrant further investigation in a representative sample of asylum‐seekers in Switzerland to determine the magnitude of food insecurity and associated factors, and to clarify the role of stakeholders who are involved in providing services, as well as the level of coordination and collaboration among them.Support or Funding InformationFunding for this project is provided by Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) under the initiative of Culture, Migration, and Food Security (CMF) international research group.