bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fatty Acids and Desaturase Enzyme Estimates are Associated with Growth Stunting in 2‐to‐6 Year Old Northern Ghanaian Children: A Cross‐sectional Study
Authors: Adjepong Mary , Yakah William , Jain Raghav , Harris William , Annan Reginald Adjetey , Fenton Jenifer 
Published: November 2023

In Ghana, 19% of all children below five years of age are stunted, but there are important regional differences. In Northern Ghana, 33% of children are stunted due to economic disparities in the country. Further, growth stunting is still prevalent even with interventions including vitamin and mineral supplementation. Few studies have focused on the association of fatty acids (FA) and growth stunting, yet FA are critical for growth and development. We recently reported that essential fatty acid deficiency was prevalent in Tanzania and associated with growth. However, whole blood FA levels in Ghanaian children and their relationship with growth parameters are poorly described. The objective of this cross‐sectional study was to determine association between both whole blood FAs and FA‐based estimates of desaturase enzyme activities and growth parameters in Ghanaian children 2–6 years of age. A total of 313 children from 5 communities in Savelugu‐Nanton municipality were recruited for this study. A drop of blood was collected on an antioxidant treated card and analyzed for FAs as a % of total whole blood FA levels (OmegaQuant Analytics). Weight and height were measured and z‐scores were calculated. In addition, malaria status and hemoglobin levels were assessed. Relationships between FAs and growth parameters were analyzed by linear regression and Pearson correlation. We found that 29.7% of the children were stunted, and 8% were essential FA deficient (Triene/Tetraene ratio > 0.02). Height‐for‐age z‐score (HAZ) was positively associated with arachidonic acid (AA, p=0.0001), di‐homo gamma linolenic acid (DGLA, p=0.03), docosatetraenoic acid (DTA, p=0.002) and delta‐6‐desaturase (D6D, p=0.008). HAZ was inversely associated with stearyl CoA desaturases [SCD n‐7 (p=0.05) and SCD n‐9 (p=0.03)]. Weight‐for‐age was positively associated with AA (p=0.05), DGLA (p=0.03) and DTA (p=0.002). HAZ was inversely correlated with oleic acid (−0.113, p<0.05), total monounsaturated FAs (MUFA, −0.0124, p<0.03) and total n‐9 (−0.112, p<0.05). In conclusion, since total MUFA, total n‐9 FAs, and several other FAs were associated with growth, increasing intakes of these FAs in this population may be a strategy to curb stunting. Further, FA desaturase (D6D and D5D) enzyme estimates responsible FA conversion increased with increasing stunting levels. More studies are needed to ascertain the association of FA biomarkers and FA intakes with growth.Support or Funding InformationBorlaug Higher Education Agricultural and Research Development (BHEARD) and Borlaug Leadership Enhancement and Agriculture Program (Borlaug LEAP)
Whole Blood Saturated Fatty Acids Are Negatively Associated with Executive Function in 2 to 6‐Year‐Old Ghanaian Children
Authors: Yakah William , Adjepong Mary , Annan Reginald , Pontifex Matthew , Fenton Jenifer 
Published: November 2023

Several studies demonstrate the importance of fatty acids (FAs), in particular essential FAs and the long chain polyunsaturated FA docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), on overall cognitive function and brain development. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between whole‐blood FAs and executive function in children from Northern Ghana. A total of 313, 2 to 6‐year‐old children attempted four levels of the dimensional change card sort (DCCS) tasks to assess executive function, and dried blood spot samples were analyzed for FA content by OmegaQuant (Sioux Falls, SD). Associations between executive function and whole blood FA levels were determined by regression analysis using SPSS. 49% (160/313) of children who could not pass the first test were considered to have failed, while 51% (153/313) passed one or more levels. 54% of children who passed were males (82/153) while 46% (71/153) were females. Of the children who passed the first test, 56% (86/153) passed all levels of the DCCS. The highest pass rate was in 5–5.5 year‐olds, with 67% passing all test levels. Significant differences in mean % total whole blood fatty acids were observed when comparing children who failed the first DCCS test to those who passed. In those children who passed, the omega‐3 index (p=0.03), DHA (p=0.01), and total omega‐6 (p=0.009) were significantly higher. Compared to children who failed the first DCCS test, children who passed had significantly lower total saturated fatty acids (p=0.02), palmitic (p=0.001), myristic (p=0.002) and lower T/T ratio (p=0.03). Mean whole‐blood levels of essential FAs, linoleic and □‐linoleic acids, were not significantly different between the groups. In a regression analysis controlling for malaria and hemoglobin, DHA (□=0.28, p=0.08), total omega‐6 (β=0.09, p=0.02) and dihomo gamma‐linolenic acid (β=1.16, p=0.003) remained positively associated with DCCS performance. Whole blood levels of total saturated FA (□=−0.18, p=0.03), arachidic (□=−3.22, p=0.03), palmitic (□=−0.14, p=0.01), and myristic acid (□=−1,94, p=0.02) were negatively associated with executive function, while the trans FA palmitelaidic acid (□=−8.41, p=0.03) had the strongest negative association with performance. In this population, children were more likely to pass the DCCS test of executive function if the had higher blood levels of DHA and total n‐6 and lower levels of SFA's. These results suggest that low omega‐3 intake and higher saturated FA intake are associated with poorer performance on DCCS tests. Previously, our laboratory has shown that higher blood SFA was associated with poorer DCCS performace in Tanzanian children. Further research is needed to investigate the role of SFA and cognitive development in children.Support or Funding InformationBHEARD (Borlaug Higher Education Agricultural and Research Development) and Borlaug Leadership Enhancement and Agriculture Program (Borlaug LEAP).
Effectiveness of an Eight Week Pecan Intervention Improving Lipid Panels in Individuals with Pre‐Diabetes
Authors: Brannan Rebecca , Huebner Grace , Swope Dana , McCormick Samuel , Gibson Karen , Morgan‐Bathke Maria 
Published: November 2023

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus has become an epidemic among Americans in both adulthood and childhood. Previous research studies have shown the effectiveness of monounsaturated fats (MUFAs) in controlling blood glucose levels in individuals with pre‐diabetes as well as improving the overall lipid panel of these individuals.Pecans were chosen as the source of MUFAs for this pilot study that measured the effectiveness of pecans in improving lipid panels and blood glucose values in individuals with pre‐diabetes.A total of ten participants were recruited for the study; four in the control group and six in the pecan intervention group.For baseline measurements, all participants were screened for a full blood lipid panel and fasting blood glucose reading. Control participants were instructed to continue following their usual diet and intervention participants were instructed to consume 1.5 oz of pecans daily between 8:00 AM and 2:00 PM.At the end of the eight‐week intervention, all of the participants returned to complete the fasting blood glucose and lipid panel readings.At baseline, results for the control group were: total cholesterol: 208.25 mg/dL±23.08; HDL 44 mg/dL ± 20.8; LDL 139.5 mg/dL ± 4.56; VLDL 17.25 mg/dL ± 2.76; triglycerides 126.75 mg/dL ±14.27; and glucose 92.5 mg/dL ± 2.96. For the pecan group: Total Cholesterol: 215.33 mg/dL ± 24.53; HDL 55 mg/dL ± 12.01; LDL 136 mg/dL ±17.93; VLDL 24.3 mg/dL ± 9.56; triglycerides 105.5 mg/dL ± 12.00; and glucose 105.17 mg/dL ± 12.14. There were no significant differences between the two groups.Post‐dietary intervention control group measurements were: total cholesterol: 222 md/dL ± 32.13; HDL: 51.8 mg/dL ±13.35; LDL: 142.5 mg/dL ± 23.56; VLDL: 27.8 mg/dL ± 8.22; triglycerides: 138.5 mg/dL ± 13.38; and glucose: 95 mg/dL± 6.89. The experimental group averages were: total cholesterol: 208.25 mg/dL ± 27.19; HDL: 58.75 mg/dL ± 6.74; LDL: 134.81 mg/dL ± 23.05; VLDL: 28.25 mg/dL ± 11.57; triglycerides: 176.25 mg/dL± 48.03; and glucose of 111.5 mg/dL ±14.34. There were no significant differences between the groups. There was also no difference in the values between the pre‐experiment baseline data and the post‐experiment end point data for the experimental (pecan) group.Although the results were not what we hypothesized it lays the corner stone for future research. Further analysis into the dietary intake of our participants will be crucial to determine if perhaps, the monounsaturated fats in the pecans is not enough to counteract a regularly poor dietary intake. In addition, it may be that eight weeks is not sufficient time for MUFAs to improve an individual's lipid panel or blood glucose values.Support or Funding InformationSummer Undergraduate Research Fellowship Viterbo UniversityCharles D. Gelatt Endowment FundTexas Pecan Grower Association
Effect of melatonin treatment on AKT1 and P38 protein kinases expression in thymic and splenic lymphocytes
Authors: Luzikova Elena , Sergeeva Valentina , Valentina Gordova N. 
Published: November 2023

Melatonin modulates the wide spectrum of physiological functions in lymphoid tissues. Several studies described the involvement of protein kinases (P38 and AKT1) in signaling pathways of many biological mechanisms such as cell differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis and selection. Little is known about the effect of melatonin on AKT1 and P38 protein kinases expression in lymphoid organs.This study checked the log‐time effect of melatonin on protein kinases Р38 and AKT1 expression in thymic and splenic lymphocytes of two months old male mice. The animals were divided in two groups: the control group got standardized drinking water ad libitum. The experimental group received ad libitum the same water containing 4 mg/liter melatonin (“Melaxen” Unipharm, Inc., US) for 28 days. Isolated thymus and spleen were embedded in paraffin and immunostained with antibodies against the P38 and AKT1. Images were analyzed using light microscope MIKMED 5.Melatonin treatment resulted in reduction of Р38 expression in cortical (CS) and medullary substance (MS) of thymic lobules in 1.7 (p ≤ 0. 001) and 1.6 (p ≤ 0.0001) times respectively. In spleen of control animals the P38‐positive cells were detected in red pulp, subcapsular zone, lymphoid nodules and marginal sinuses. Administration of melatonin reduced the P38‐positive cell number in red pulp in 1.3 times (p ≤ 0. 001) and in subcapsular zone in 7.4 times (p ≤ 0.0001), but up‐regulate in marginal sinuses in 4.6 times (p ≤ 0. 001). In spleen's white pulp the number of Р38‐positive cells was 3.3 (p ≤ 0. 001) higher in comparison with control.In thymocytes of CS and MS of thymic lobules from control animals AKT1 kinase was expressed intracellular (inactive form), and on plasma membrane (active form). The first type of cells was detected mostly in the CS of lobules. The second type ‐ in the subcapsular zone of the CS and in the MS. Administration of melatonin resulted in increasing number of thymocytes per field of view in CS in 4.2 times (p ≤ 0. 001), but the AKT1 expression in thymocytes plasma membrane was down‐regulates. The common number of AKT1 positive cells in subcapsular zones of thymic lobules was reduced. The immunoreactive signal of AKT1 expression in spleen shows the evenly weak distribution of kinase, especially in marginal zones of lymphoid nodules. Melatonin administration leads to the increasing number of lymphoid nodules in 3.5 times (r ≤ 0.001), up‐regulation of AKT1 expression in lymphocytes of nodules and reduction of AKT1 expression in the subcapsular zone of red pulp.Melatonin‐induced enhancement of lymphocytes proliferation in the thymus and spleen is accompanied by decreasing of Р38 and AKT1 expression in thymus and up‐regulation of these kinases in spleen.
Anti‐Inflammatory Effects Of Tart Cherry Polyphenols In RANKL‐Stimulated RAW 264.7 Murine Macrophages
Authors: Thomas Amber , South Sanique , Lucero Jacquelynn , Prasad Chandan , Imrhan Victorine , Vijayagopal Parakat , Juma Shanil 
Published: November 2023

Bone is maintained by an intricate balance between bone formation and bone resorption. The cells that participate in the breakdown of bone, osteoclasts, require stimulation by RANKL (receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand), a member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily. The presence of inflammation can contribute to an imbalance in bone homestasis by enhancing osteoclastogenesis. Polyphenols such as flavonoids found in plant‐derived foods have been shown to have anti‐inflammatory effects in various tissues. Tart cherries are a rich source of such polyphenolic compounds. Using mouse macrophage cells (RAW 264.7), we examined whether tart cherry polyphenols (TCP) could dose‐dependently inhibit the differentiation and activity of RANKL‐induced osteoclastic cells under inflammatory conditions. Tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity and staining of TRAP positive multinucleated osteoclasts, used as indicators of osteoclast differentiation and activity, decreased in a dose‐dependent manner with TCP treatment. A significant increase of nitrite, cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2), interleukin 1‐beta (IL‐1β), and bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2) concentrations were observed with lower dosages of TCP (50 and 100 μg/ml media). However, at higher doses (200 and 300 μg/ml media) TCP decreased concentrations of these markers demonstrating an anti‐inflammatory role. TCP treatment reduced osteoprotegerin (OPG) expression in a dose‐dependent manner, likely indicating a decrease in osteoclastic activity. Preliminary western blot analyses showed a dose‐dependent reduction in expression of COX‐2 protein. Overall, these findings suggest that tart cherry polyphenols would inhibit the negative effects of osteoclasts on bone health during inflammation. Further investigation is warranted to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which TCP affect osteoclastogenesis under inflammatory conditions.Support or Funding InformationPartially Supported by Human Nutrition Fund at Texas Woman's University
Anti‐melanogenic and Anti‐oxidative Properties of Fermented Pueraria lobata Extract
Authors: Sohn Eun‐Hwa , Lee Jin‐Woo , Park Yuna , Choung Eui‐Su , Lee Jong‐Sub , Jang Seon‐A , Kwon Jung Eun , Kang Se Chan , Koo Hyun Jung 
Published: November 2023

Pueraria lobata (Leguminosae) has been widely used as a traditional oriental medicine for the treatment of early symptoms of common cold and various diseases. The present study investigated the anti‐oxidative and anti‐melanogenic effects of Pueraria lobata extract fermented with intestinal bacteria, Lactobacillus rhamnosus vitaP1 (FPR). Anti‐melanogenic activity was determined by intracellular melanin content and tyrosinase activity in α‐MSH (melanin stimulating hormone)‐stimulated B16F10 cells. The anti‐oxidative property of FPR was measured using the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) (ABTS) scavenging free radical activity assays. FPR significantly suppressed the production of melanin and the tyrosinase activity in α‐MSH‐induced cells. FPR also showed the significant tyrosinase inhibitory activity and the DPPH/ABTS radical scavenging activities under cell‐free conditions. These results suggest that FPR could be used as an ingredient in cosmeceutical skincare products.Support or Funding InformationThis work was carried out with the support of Cooperative Research Program for Agriculture Science & Technology Development (Project No. PJ01128102) Rural Development Administration, Republic of Korea.
Acute Effects of Watermelon on Vascular Function and Serum Antioxidant Capacity
Authors: Ellis Amy , Dudenbostel Tanja , Crowe‐White Kristi 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundVascular dysfunction is an early independent predictor of future cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death among women in the United States. Vascular endothelial function declines with age, largely due to decreased nitric oxide (NO) and increased oxidative stress. It is plausible that multiple bioactive compounds naturally found in watermelon (lycopene, ascorbic acid, arginine, citrulline, and glutamine) may act in synergy to improve endothelial function by increasing bioavailable NO and antioxidant capacity.ObjectiveTo determine whether a one‐time dose of 100% watermelon juice favorably affects vascular endothelial function and endogenous antioxidant capacity in older adult women.MethodsTen women ages 60–70 years were asked to consume a 12‐ounce serving of 100% watermelon juice after an 8‐hour overnight fast. At baseline and two hours after juice consumption, vascular endothelial function was assessed by flow‐mediated dilation (FMD%) and blood was collected for assessing the antioxidant capacity (AC) of deproteinated serum using the oxygen radical absorbance capacity assay.ResultsAverage FMD% improved by 3.7% after juice consumption, and systolic blood pressure decreased by an average of 2.4 mmHg, although changes did not reach statistical significance. While hydrophilic AC was not significantly different between the two time points, lipophilic and total AC were significantly lower two hours post‐consumption which suggests that acute intake of the bioactive compounds in watermelon provided a short‐term (<2 hour) post‐prandial antioxidant effect (p=0.012 and 0.028, respectively).ConclusionsData from this pilot study suggest a dose‐duration response. A longitudinal intervention examining recurring intake among a larger sample size is warranted in order to determine the potential clinical impact of this food‐first intervention.Support or Funding InformationAcademy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation / Healthy Aging Practice Group
Effect of konjac glucomannan soluble fiber, on clinical lipid targets: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of RCTs
Authors: Vuksan Vladimir , Ho Hoang Vi Thanh , Jovanvoski Elena , Zurbau Andreea , Mejia Sonia Blanco , Sievenpiper John , Jenkins Alexandra , Au‐Yeung Fei , Duvnjak Lea , Leiter Lawrence 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundCurrent evidence suggests that the consumption of konjac glucomannan (KJM), a viscous soluble fiber, may significantly reduce LDL cholesterol. However, it is less known whether KJM has an effect on two newer clinical lipid targets in cardiovascular disease risk management.ObjectiveTo quantify the effect of KJM fiber on LDL cholesterol, non‐HDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein B reduction in a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in the general population.DesignMEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and Cochrane CENTRAL was searched. Data were extracted by two independent reviews. Eligible studies included RCTs of ≥ 3 weeks follow‐up duration assessing the effect of KJM on LDL cholesterol, non‐HDL cholesterol, or apolipoprotein B. Using the statistical software RevMan (v5.3), the data were pooled using the generic inverse variance method with random effects models and expressed as mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Heterogeneity was assessed by the Cochran Q statistic and quantified by the I2 statistic.ResultsA total of 12 studies (n = 370), 8 in adults and 4 in children, were included in the meta‐analysis. KJM significantly reduced LDL cholesterol (MD = −0.35 [−0.46, −0.25] mmol/L) and non‐HDL cholesterol (MD = −0.32 [−0.46, −0.19] mmol/L). It did not appear to affect apoB, based on the results from 6 trials.ConclusionConsumption of approximately 3 g/d of KJM reduced significantly LDL cholesterol and non‐HDL cholesterol by 10% and 7%, respectively. The information may be of interest to health agencies in crafting future dietary recommendations related to cardiovascular disease risk management.
23‐Hydroxy Ursolic Acid Protects Atherosclerosis‐Prone Mice From Monocyte Dysfunction
Authors: Nguyen Huynh Nga , Short Johnny , Asmis Reto 
Published: November 2023

We showed that ursolic acid (UA), a pentacyclic triterpenoid with anti‐inflammatory properties, reduces atherosclerotic lesion size and improves kidney function in diabetic mice. We proposed that the atheroprotective effects of UA are due to its ability to protect monocytes against metabolic stress‐induced dysfunction or “priming”, i.e. the hyper‐responsiveness to chemokine‐induced cell adhesion and migration. Based on structure‐function analyses of nine of UA's naturally occurring structural analogs, we identified and synthesized a compound with a structural feature that we predicted to enhance both bioavailability and the protective effects of UA against monocyte dysfunction both in vitro and in dyslipidemic atherosclerosis‐prone mice. This UA analogue, 23‐hydroxy ursolic acid (23‐OHUA), protected THP‐1 monocytes and human blood monocytes from metabolic priming with a similar potency to UA. Both phytochemicals protected monocytes from metabolic stress by preventing the degradation of MAPK phosphatase‐1 (MKP‐1), a master regulator of monocyte chemotaxis and macrophage function. To test the efficacy of 23‐OHUA in protecting mice against monocyte dysfunction and atherogenesis, we fed atherosclerosis‐prone LDLR−/− mice a high fat diet (HFD) or a HFD supplemented with either 0.05% UA or 0.05% 23‐OHUA. Monocytes were primed and hyper‐reactive to chemokines as early as 6 weeks after initiating HFD‐feeding as shown by our in vivo chemotaxis assay. HFD‐fed mice also exhibit an increase in the pro‐atherogenic Ly6Chi subset. Both dietary UA and 23‐OHUA significantly reduced monocyte priming and prevented the increase in pro‐inflammatory Ly6Chi monocytes. After 20 weeks, mice fed 23‐OHUA showed a significant inhibition in weight gain compared to HFD‐fed control mice and reduced atherosclerotic plaque formation. The anti‐obesogenic and anti‐atherogenic effects of 23‐OHUA was more pronounced than those of UA. Both compounds appear to exert their anti‐inflammatory, anti‐obesogenic and anti‐atherogenic effects through a novel but common mechanism involving the protection of blood monocytes against metabolic stress‐induced priming and dysfunction. Our results suggest 23‐OHUA and UA are viable candidates for low‐cost dietary supplements for the prevention of chronic inflammatory diseases associated with metabolic disorders.Support or Funding InformationThis study was supported with a grant for R.A. from NIH R01 AT006885 and HNN from NIH TL1 TR001119.