bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Role of Fruit and Vegetable Concentrates in Alleviating the Growing Burden of Cardiovascular Diseases in USA: Evidence from a Simulation Study
Authors: Gregori Dario , Vecchio Maria Gabriella , Minto Clara , Zec Slavica , Lamprecht Manfred 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundPromoting fruit and vegetable consumption has been one of the key points in WHO's Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health. The recommendation for fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption, as set by the panel of WHO/FAO experts, is 400gr/day minimum, however different studies show that the majority of individuals do not comply to the suggested intake levels. One of the measure proposed to help individuals improve their intake of FV is the adoption of FV concentrates, which contain a well‐balanced mixture of bioactive compounds. The aim of this study was to collect and analyze scientific material on FV concentrates and their effectiveness in mitigating important risk factors for selected Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Findings about the FV effectiveness are illustrated through a simulation exercise, which shows a potential relief in public health burden in terms of reduction of cases of NCDs and their respective economic cost.MethodsRelevant articles about the FV concentrates were collected and analyzed in terms of their impact on measurable physiological outcomes (total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein, plasmatic homocysteine, systolic blood pressure, body mass index and tumour necrosis factor alpha), widely accepted in literature as risk factors for cardiovascular NCDs. Literature review results provided input for Markov chain simulation model. The model provides a simulation, using USA population projections, of potential reduction in morbidity and direct public health cost associated with different FV concentrates supplementation regimes.ResultsThe literature review has revealed a significant research gap about the effect of FV supplementation on NCDs. Building upon the (modest) evidence documented in literature, we show that FV concentrates have important potential in lowering NCD burden. A combined FV concentrate, such as Juice plus, appears to yield a significant gain in terms of lowering the risk of CHD in general population. Artichoke leaf juice concentrate and cherry juice concentrate produce non‐negligible effects in lowering the risk of stroke in vulnerable population (individuals with metabolic syndrome and hypertension). We found less evidence for heart failure, though the literature suggests effectiveness of fruit and vegetable juice.ConclusionIn conclusion, FV concentrates appear to play a non‐negligible role in prevention of cardiovascular diseases in healthy and vulnerable populations, and this is particularly relevant because of the increasing tendency to consume less fresh fruit and vegetables. Despite the documented potential benefits, FV supplements are still poorly debated in scientific research: high quality and long‐term studies are necessary to understand their effect on human well‐being and their potential for health care system.
Undernutrition among Chinese adults in 2002–2012
Authors: Guo Haijun 
Published: November 2023

ObjectiveTo investigate undernutrition among Chinese adults in 2010–2012.MethodsData were collected from the Chinese Nutrition and Health Surveillance in 2010–2012. Multi‐stage stratified random cluster sampling method was applied, and 120 581 respondents aged 18 and over from 150 sites in 31 provinces, autonomous regions or municipalities were involved in the analysis. We used complex weighting to calculate the percentage (95%CI) of undernutrition. By comparing with 2002, change of undernutrition among Chinese adults between 10 years was presented.ResultsTotally 6.0% of adults in 2010–2012 were undernutrition, 5.9% in men and 6.0% in women. The prevalence in cities (5.3%) is lower than that in counties (6.6%), and for age groups of 18–44, 45–59 and 60 and over, the rates of undernutrition were 7.5%、 2.5%6.1% respectively. The prevalence in 2010–2012 was lower than that in 2002 (8.5%).ConclusionThe prevalence of undernutrition in adults in 2010–2012 was relatively high, although comparing with that in 2002, it was decreased significantly.Support or Funding InformationNational Health and Family Planning Commission (former Ministry of Health of the People's Republic of China) Medical Reform Major Program: Chinese Nutrition and Health Surveillance (2010–2012)
Nutritional Status of Illegal Drug Users in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana
Authors: Setorglo Jacob , Awusabo‐Asare Kofi , Pereko Kingsley Kwadwo Asare , Klevor Moses Kwashie , Steiner‐Asiedu Matilda 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundGlobally, illegal drug was reportedly used by 3.5–7.0% of people aged 15–65 years during 2012. The association between frequency of marijuana use and nutritional status is still blurred.DesignSnowball sampling was used to purposively select 123 respondents. Their nutritional status was assessed using mean percent body fat (%BF), waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR) and waist–to‐height ratio (WtHR). Nutritional status was assessed among respondents with the following frequencies of marijuana intake:1–3 times per day, 4–6 times per day, and greater than 6 times per day.ResultsMales who used marijuana at a frequency of 4–6 times per day had higher mean %BF values (17.6kg/m2) compared with those who used marijuana 1–3 times per day and >6 times per day (means 14.3kg/m2 and 16.8kg/m2, respectively). Mean WHR of males who used marijuana at a frequency of 1–3 times per day was higher (0.87) compared with males who used marijuana at frequencies of 4–6 times per day and >6 times per day (0.86 and 0.60, respectively). Similarly, those who took marijuana at a frequency of 1–3 times per day had higher mean WtHR (0.88kg/cm) compared with males who took marijuana at frequencies of 4–6 times per day and >6 times per day (means 0.86 kg/cm and 0.67kg/cm, respectively).ConclusionHigher frequency of marijuana use appears to have inverse association with central adiposity and waist‐to‐height ratio in men. This suggests a reduction in energy intake at higher frequencies of marijuana use, and has implications for nutritional management.
Body fat distribution in Chinese Adults
Authors: Su Chang , Ding Gangqiang , Zhang Bing , Wang Huijun , Wang Zhihong , Zhang Jiguo , Jia Xiaofang 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundThere is mounting evidence that body fat percentage (BF%) are well known as indicator of nutritional status. A growing literature also suggests that BF% maybe a more important predictors for population to become overweight and obese. Moreover, evaluations on BF could help social agencies to gain some insight into implementation and monitoring of health and nutrition policies as well as evaluations on how public health information are perceived and actualized by the population. The present study aimed to examine the distribution of body fat among Chinese in 2015.MethodsWe used a sample of more than 11,000 adults aged 18–65y who provided complete information of BF in the 2015 wave of the China Health and Nutrition Survey. We measured BF% including whole body, trunk and limb using TANITA BC‐601, and measured weight, height and waist circumference (WC) using SECA 877/206/201. We compared the distribution of BF in different gender and age group, and evaluate the BF% in the normal level of body mass index (BMI) and WC.ResultsThe mean of BF% among Chinese adults was 22.8% (95% CI: 22.6–23.0) in male and 33.3% (95% CI: 33.2–33.5) in female. BF% among the Chinese population steadily increased across all age (18–29y, 30–39y, 40–49y, 50+; P<0.01). The proportion of people who have higher BF% (male≥25% and female≥35%) in normal weight (18.5 kg/m2≤BMI≤24 kg/m2), normal WC (female<85cm and male<90cm) and normal weight and WC have significant difference between male (11.6%, 9.7% and 8.0%) and female (8.4%, 9.7% and 5.7%).ConclusionFindings suggest that the obesity in China may be underestimated, and the optimal cutoff of BF% for Chinese population should be made as soon as possible.Support or Funding Informationthe National Institues of Health (NIH) (R01‐HD30880, DK056350, R24 HD050924, and R01‐HD38700)
Impact of Acculturation and Acculturative Stress on Diet and Body Weight among International Students Moving from China to the United States
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyu , Colee James , Dahl Wendy , Bliznyuk Nikolay , Choi Chun‐Chung , Alyousif Zainab , Xu Changjie , Mathews Anne Elizabeth 
Published: November 2023

ObjectiveTo explore the impact of acculturation and acculturative stress on dietary intake, dietary behaviors, and body weight among international students in their sojourning experience from China to the United States.MethodsThis prospective observational study was conducted between August and December 2016 at a southeastern US university. Ninety‐three Chinese university sojourning students (55 male and 38 female) were recruited into the study within their first month of arrival to the US. Upon enrollment, participants completed a series of questionnaires about their health behaviors in China and had their height and weight assessed. Anthropometric assessments and the same questionnaires were repeated in December with two additional questionnaires: the Vancouver Index of Acculturation and the Acculturative Stress Scale.ResultsParticipants experienced a significant decrease in dietary fiber, whole grains and vegetables intake, with a significant increase of sugar, sugar‐sweetened beverages, dairy and calcium consumption when compared to reported intake in China. Chinese students decreased the frequency of eating takeout foods, but consumed convenience foods more frequently. Students that indicated a high degree of acculturation had less of a decrease in fiber (p<0.05), fruit (p<0.01) and vegetables (p<0.05) intake, but acculturation exacerbated the increase in sugar consumption (p<0.05). Students with higher acculturative stress reported a greater decrease in vegetable consumption (p<0.05), increased consumption of takeout foods (p<0.05) and skipped breakfast more frequently (p<0.05) in the US compared with those reporting lower acculturative stress. Using a hierarchical regression model, the interaction of acculturative stress and acculturation was significantly associated with the change of whole grain intake (p<0.05); specifically, as acculturative stress increased, students reporting high acculturation had a greater decrease in whole grain intake than those reporting low acculturation. There was a significant increase in body weight (1.03kg ± 0.35) among female subjects but no change among males.ConclusionThis three‐month prospective study showed that Chinese international students had less healthy eating behaviors and dietary intake after moving to the US. Moreover, the impact of acculturation and acculturative stress on these health behaviors is complex. Findings from this study support the rationale for researchers and university administrators to provide supportive programs to reduce stress associated with acculturation and support healthy living for Chinese international students.
Regulation of Branched‐Chain Alpha‐Keto Acid Dehydrogenase During Muscle Cell Differentiation
Authors: Beatty Brendan , Dhanani Zameer , Adegoke Olasunkanmi John 
Published: November 2023

Skeletal muscles are critical to locomotion and whole‐body substrate metabolism; their mass and function also affect quality of life. Suboptimal muscle mass and function underlie or worsen chronic catabolic conditions like uncontrolled diabetes and several cancers. They are also predictive of treatment outcomes and survival. As a result, studies into mechanisms of muscle preservation and regeneration hold potential to improve patient outcomes.Muscle mass is a function of muscle cell number and protein balance. While muscle protein balance can be regulated by nutrition, especially the branched‐chain amino acids (BCAA: leucine, isoleucine and valine), the effect of nutrition on muscle cell formation and regeneration has received little attention. In addition, recent metabolomics studies have implicated metabolites of BCAA in both the activation of anabolic signaling and in prognosis of chronic disease, but little is known about the effects of these metabolites and the pathway that generate them on muscle cell formation.The first irreversible and rate limiting reaction involved in BCAA catabolism is regulated by an enzyme complex, branched‐chain alpha‐keto acid dehydrogenase (BCKD). Working with rodent muscle cells, we showed that the abundance of BCKDE1a subunit was upregulated during cell differentiation (up to 5X, P<0.05) without a corresponding change in mRNA level. BCKD activity is antagonistically regulated by a phosphatase (positively), and a kinase (negatively). BCKD kinase abundance tended to rise during differentiation along with a decrease in BCKD activity. Myoblasts depleted of BCKDE1a had impaired myotube formation and marked reduction in the expression of myofibrillar proteins. Collectively, these data highlight the significance of BCAA catabolism during cell differentiation and suggest that interventions that target BCKD abundance hold promise for muscle regeneration.Support or Funding InformationNSERC, Faculty of Health at York University
Sodium butyrate improves antioxidant capability of HepG2 cells under H2O2‐induced oxidative stress
Authors: Tang Xue , Xing Xingan , Jiang Zheshu , Li Yingrui , Sun Yongjuan , Xiao Hang 
Published: November 2023

In the present study, we investigated the antioxidant effects of sodium butyrate on H2O2‐injured HepG2 cells. Cells were incubated with/without sodium butyrate(0.2 mM −1 mM) for 96 h and then treated with 800 μM H2O2 for 4 h. The cell viability, ROS levels and several redox state indexs were determined. The results showed that 0.2 mM ‐ 0.4 mM sodium butyrate significantly improved the cell viability, and decreased ROS and MDA levels in H2O2‐treated HepG2 cells, which are consistent with an upregulation of total antioxidant capacity (T‐AOC), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Afterwards, we examined the expression of antioxidant pathway genes and found that sodium butyrate elevated the PI3K/AKT mRNA expression, while antioxidant‐related nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor (Nrf2) and its downstream antioxidant genes NQO1, HO1 and MnSOD were also promoted. Futhermore, analysis of the protein expression of glycogen synthase kinase (GSK‐3β), p‐GSK‐3β (Ser9), nuclear Nrf2 and cytoplasmic Nrf2 reveals that sodium butyrate inhibited GSK‐3β by increasing p‐GSK‐3β (Ser9) level, and directed the transcription factor Nrf2 to the nucleus. Overall, these observations suggest that sodium butyrate exerts its antioxidant effect by regulating PI3K/AKT, GSK‐3β and Nrf2 in H2O2‐injured HepG2 cells.Support or Funding InformationThe present study was supported by the 12th Five‐Year Plan for for Science and Technology Development (No. 2012BAD33B05).
A Ketogenic Diet Increases Markers of Mitochondrial Content in a Tissue Specific Manner in Adult Mice
Authors: Zhou Zeyu , Hagopian Kevork , Roberts Megan , Tran Dianna , Perez Gabriella , Kim Kyoungmi , Ramsey Jon 
Published: November 2023

Dysregulation of mitochondrial energy metabolism is a major hallmark of mammalian aging. Calorie restriction (CR) has been shown to effectively increase lifespan and is associated with a metabolic shift toward a decrease in glycolysis and an increase in fatty acid oxidation. This shift in fuel utilization that occurs with CR relies heavily on mitochondrial energy metabolism. Thus, a diet that can mimic the metabolic reprogramming that occurs with CR may reduce age‐related decline in mitochondrial function and energy metabolism, and contribute to healthy aging and longevity. A ketogenic diet, which is depleted in carbohydrates, would drive the utilization of fat as a fuel and increase mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation. By chronically stimulating pathways in mitochondrial oxidative metabolism, the ketogenic diet could influence mitochondrial function and biogenesis, and may prevent age‐related decreases in mitochondrial content. In this study, mice were fed an isocaloric control (CLT), low carbohydrate (low‐CHO), or ketogenic diet (KD) from the age of 12 months. Tissues were collected after 1 month and 14 months of dietary treatment for evaluation of mitochondrial content. The results showed that the low‐CHO and KD increase markers of mitochondrial content in skeletal muscle in old mice (age of 26 months). The activities of both Complex I and IV were increased (p<0.05) in the low CHO and KD diet compared to the CTL diet. Old mice fed a KD also maintained activity of Complex I compared to the young mice, while mice fed the CLT and low‐CHO diets showed a decline (p<0.05) in Complex I activity with aging. Mice fed a KD also showed increased muscle citrate synthase activity with age. However, these changes are tissue specific with liver showing only an increase in Complex IV activity with aging in the KD group. In summary, the study demonstrates that long‐term ketogenic diet may prevent age related decline in mitochondrial content in some tissues in adult mice.Support or Funding InformationNIH Grant PO1AGO25532
Toxicological Effect of Castor Seed (Ricinus communis) Petroleum Ether Extract on Wistar Rat
Authors: Olorunfemi Oluwaseun Sunday , Eyinla Omotayo Nelson , Akoja Julius O , Arogundade Funlola J 
Published: November 2023

ObjectivesThe study was intended to evaluate the biosafety petroleum extract of Ricinus communis (RCPE) used on stored products using wistar rats as a model.MethodologyRicinus communis seeds were extracted using soxhlet extractor and the filtrate later concentrated using the rotary evaporator to obtain R. communis petroleum ether extract (RCPE). Twenty four rats were divided into four groups labeled I, II, III and IV (six rats per group). Group I served as the control group and were administered orally with Dimethyl Sulphoxide (DMSO) and normal saline, Group II were administered orally with 500mg/kg of RCPE, Group III were administered orally with 1000mg/kg of RCPE while Group IV were administered orally with 2000mg/kg of RCPE all dissolved in DMSO and Normal saline. Animals were weighed, anesthetized and blood samples were collected at the end 5 days of oral administration. Blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture for some biochemical parameters such as Total proteins, bilirubin, cholesterol, uric acid, creatinine, Urea and Uric acid activities as well as serum, AST and ALT were determined.ResultsAt the end of this research work, it was discovered that at doses higher than 500mg/kg there were enzymatic leakages from the organs (kidney and liver) into the serum, compared to the control group.ConclusionSince the oil of castor seed has deleterious effects on the organs of the rats, it is conceivable that when the oil is consumed by humans, it will have the same effect. Therefore, it is advocated that the oil should not be consumed until further work is done on it but can be used in management of insect pests on products meant for planting.Support or Funding InformationNone
In Vitro Systems Toxicology assessment of acute exposure of an aerosol from a candidate modified‐risk tobacco product on organotypic human small airways tissue culture
Authors: Martinez Yannick , Iskandar Anita , Leroy Patrice , Martin Florian , Sewer Alain , Majeed Shoaib , Trivedi Keyur , Guedj Emmanuel , Torres Laura Ortega , Mathis Carole , Frentzel Stefan , Ivanov Nikolai , Peitsch Manuel , Hoeng Julia 
Published: November 2023

The primary site of morphological changes in the airways associated with chronic cigarette smoking is the small airway epithelium. The small airway refers to bronchi of less than 2 mm in diameter. It is the initial site of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Mechanistic investigations of the effect of inhaled substances on the small airway tissue are difficult to conduct because biopsy samples are not readily obtainable. Recently, a human small airway epithelium culture model grown at the air liquid interface, SmallAir™ (Epithelix, Switzerland) was established. The model is reconstituted from primary small airway epithelial cells isolated from the distal lungs. The morphology of the model mimics the characteristics of in vivo human small airway epithelial tissue. It offers a relevant alternative for an in‐vitro toxicity assessment of inhalation exposure. Using the newly developed human organotypic small airway model (reconstituted from a healthy, non‐smoker donor), this study assessed the biological impact of an aerosol generated from a candidate modified risk tobacco product, the tobacco heating system 2.2 (THS2.2). The biological impact of the THS2.2 aerosol was compared with that of the smoke generated from the reference cigarette 3R4F at comparable nicotine concentrations. A comprehensive set of biological endpoints were measured at various time points after exposure including cytotoxicity, culture histology, cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A1/1B1 activity, secreted pro‐inflammatory mediators concentrations, and global mRNA/miRNA alterations. Following a 28‐min exposure to 3R4F smoke, various inflammatory markers (MMP‐9, IL‐6 and IL‐8) and genes (MGST2, GPX2, AKR1B1) known to be involved in the pathogenesis of COPD were upregulated. A significantly lower impact of THS2.2 aerosol exposure was observed not only on these COPD‐related molecular entities, but also on cytotoxicity, secreted pro‐inflammatory mediators, and global alterations of mRNA and miRNA as compared with those of 3R4F smoke at comparable nicotine concentrations. Using a network‐based Systems Toxicology approach, the gene expression profile 4 h after 3R4F smoke exposure at 0.15 mg nicotine/L elicited the highest biological impact (taken as 100% impact). By comparison, the impact of THS2.2 aerosol exposure at comparable nicotine concentration was only 14.6%. Collectively, this study shows that the biological impact of THS2.2 aerosol was significantly lower than that of 3R4F smoke at similar nicotine concentrations on the in vitro small airway cultures.Support or Funding InformationPMI R&D, Philip Morris Products S.A., Quai Jeanrenaud 5, CH‐2000 Neuchâtel, Switzerland (Part of Philip Morris International group of companies).