bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Employment Status among the Poor and Its Relationship with Diet
Authors: Calloway Eric E , Baryeh Nana A.K. , Helmick Meagan , Stern Katie L , Fricke Hollyanne E , Barnard Tom , Hill Jennie L , Dake Joseph A , Yaroch Amy L 
Published: November 2023

ObjectiveThe working poor, those who live below the federal poverty line despite being employed, face unique challenges to acquiring and preparing healthful meals. The purpose of this study is to investigate differences in dietary intake frequency for five major food and beverage groups among the poor by employment status.MethodsIntercept surveys were collected in two cities in the Midwestern United States. Recruitment occurred in the summers of 2015 and 2016 in low‐income areas at community sites such as libraries, local Department of Jobs and Family Services, food pantries, and grocery stores. Data from 752 participants were collected. Those included in the analytic sample were: under 100% of the federal poverty line; not retired, disabled, students, or homemakers; and those with complete data for the analyses (n=304). Unadjusted and adjusted regression models were used to assess differences in daily intake frequency of fruit and vegetables, sugar‐sweetened beverages, fast foods, water, and energy‐dense snack foods by employment status (employed vs. non‐employed). Selected control variables (e.g., age, race, sex, education, poverty level, marital status, city, and governmental food assistance use) were included in adjusted models. SAS version 9.4 was used for all analyses.ResultsDaily intake frequencies for the five food groups studied did not differ significantly in unadjusted or adjusted models between the working poor (n=159) and the non‐working poor (n=145). Although observed differences were not statistically significant, the working poor had higher means for fruits and vegetables and water frequency (M=2.70 times per day (SD=2.17) vs. 2.42 (2.22) and 1.93 (1.14) vs. 1.75 (1.20), respectively), and lower means for sugar‐sweetened beverages, fast foods, and energy‐dense snack foods frequency (1.78 (1.76) vs. 2.14 (1.81), 1.63 (1.91) vs. 1.69 (1.87), and 1.57 (1.68) vs. 1.79 (2.01), respectively).ConclusionsThere were no statistical relationships for dietary intake frequency and employment status, suggesting that employment status and factors associated with employment (e.g., time constraints) did not significantly affect dietary behaviors in this sample. Troublingly, working poor and non‐working poor had low intake‐frequencies of fruit and vegetables, with means below current recommendations. More longitudinal research is needed to examine the impact that employment status has on low‐income households, such as those whose earnings are too little to easily support their family, yet are not income‐eligible for governmental assistance.Support or Funding InformationConAgra Foods Foundation and ProMedica's Ebeid Institute for Population Health
Weight‐Related Aspects of the Home Environment of Latino Families
Authors: Delaney Colleen , Quick Virginia , Byrd‐Bredbenner Carol 
Published: November 2023

The home environment plays a significant role in the development of weight‐related behaviors. This study examined weight‐related factors (i.e., food availability, physical activity supports, and media availability) in the home environments of 137 Latino families. All measures were 5‐point scales unless otherwise indicated. Parents (30.53±5.58 SD years, 93% female, 88% born in U.S., BMI=29.30±6.98 SD) responding to an online survey indicated limited household availability of salty/fatty snacks and sugar‐sweetened beverages (1.34±1.12 SD, 1.12±1.01 SD servings/person/week) whereas fruit/vegetable (8.77±4.75 SD servings/person/week), milk (6.35±2.21 SD servings/person/week) and breakfast food (13.06±5.81 SD servings/person/week) availabilities were more abundant. Parents controlled children's ability to independently access both nutrient‐dense (1.30±1.69 SD) and nutrient‐poor foods (2.91±1.45 SD). Parents indicated that supports for indoor physical activity (e.g., active toys and games) were less available (3.23±0.86 SD) than outdoor (4.26±0.75 SD) physical activity. Neighborhoods were fairly safe (3.20±0.86 SD, 5‐point scale) and nearby parks and playgrounds provided some physical activity supports (3.79±10.5 SD); active play was fairly frequent inside (4.42±2.05 SD days/week), however active play outdoors was infrequent (2.98±1.61 SD days/week). Many media devices were available within homes (11.04±4.93 SD devices), with most families having Internet access (96%). Although parents tended to limit children's access to media devices (2.86±1.19) and availability of media devices in the bedroom was somewhat limited (1.99±1.71 SD), children exceeded the 2‐hour/day screentime recommendation (746.61±1150.66 SD minutes/day). Aspects of the home environment of Latino families concerning food availability, limited supports for physical activity, and media device availability and use demonstrate important opportunities for nutrition educators in creating more culturally responsive outreach interventions for Latino families.Support or Funding InformationUSDA NIFA #2011‐68001‐30170
The Influence of Habitual Food Intake on Fecal Microbiota in Mexican School‐Age Children
Authors: MARTINEZ‐MEDINA JENNIFER NAZAT , López‐Contreras Blanca Estela , Ocampo‐Medina Elvira , Villarruel‐Vazquez Ricardo , Villamil‐Ramirez Hugo , Leon‐Mimila Paola , Grey‐Lievanos Paola , Canizales‐Quinteros Samuel , Moran‐Ramos Sofia 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundDiet has been considered as a major modifiable factor influencing gut microbiota composition and function. However this knowledge arises mainly from intervention studies in humans and animal models, where drastic changes in diet are made. In addition, it is important to study the diet not only at nutrient level but through food groups that comprise it, since it takes into account the food integrity. Yet there is insufficient evidence from observational studies addressing how consumption of certain food groups can influence gut microbiota composition, specifically in children of developing countries like Mexico. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of food intake on the gut microbiota composition in Mexican school‐age children.MethodsThis study was a cross‐sectional study and included 382 children of Mexico City, between 5 and 12 years old (9.68; DE ± 1.8). Habitual dietary intake was assessed through a previously validated semi quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire of 107 food items that were classified into 17 groups. Analysis of the fecal microbiota was performed through 16S rRNA sequencing, in the Illumina MiSeq platform. Association of fecal microbiota composition with food intake was performed using non‐parametric statistics. The study was performed in accordance with the Basic Principles of the Declaration of Helsinki.ResultsIn this study the intake of certain food groups; fruit, vegetables and legumes showed a positive correlation with the gut microbiota alpha diversity (Shannon index), after adjusting for age and sex (p < 0.05). Higher intake of vegetables, legumes and yogurt further correlated at phyla level with higher relative abundance of Firmicutes (p < 0.05). Yogurt also positively correlated with Actinobacteria relative abundance, specifically to higher abundance of Bifidobacterium. This is in accordance with other trials where yogurt intake has shown to increase Bifidobacteria number. Vegetable intake positively correlated with abundance of Lachnospiraceae, while higher consumption of legumes with increased abundance of Ruminococcaceae and Erysipelothrichaceae. The effect seen in Ruminococcaceae could be influenced by the fiber content of legumes.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that the consumption of vegetables, legumes, and yogurt was related to fecal microbiota composition. To our knowledge this is the first study in Mexican children evaluating the association of food groups with fecal microbiota composition. However it is necessary to continue the research to evaluate the effect of these associations with the metabolic phenotype.Support or Funding InformationThis work was supported by CONACYT grant 248765 to SM‐R
Michigan Cohorts to Assess the Associations of Maternal Pre‐Pregnancy Obesity with Pregnancy and Infant Gastrointestinal Microbial Communities
Authors: Comstock Sarah S. , Sugino Kameron Y. 
Published: November 2023

About 25% of women in the United States are obese prior to becoming pregnant. Although there is some knowledge about the relationship between the gastrointestinal microbiota and obesity, there is little knowledge about the relationship between pre‐pregnancy obesity and the gastrointestinal microbiota in pregnancy. We are in the first phases of developing birth cohorts in the state of Michigan to assess the associations between pre‐pregnancy obesity and maternal and infant gastrointestinal microbial communities. Women were recruited at Obstetric/Gynecological offices in the greater Lansing and Traverse City areas. To date, 40 mother/infant dyads have enrolled. Participants complete questionnaires as well as submit fecal samples. Fecal samples are collected from the mother in her third trimester of pregnancy and from the infants at one week, six months, 12 months and 24 months of age. This research population is unique because the majority of participating moms are unmarried, have not graduated from college, and have an annual household income of less than $25,000. 35% of the currently enrolled moms had smoked at some point in their life. Of the 32 moms from whom we've collected fecal samples, 34% are obese (BMI≥30), 22% are overweight (25≤BMI<30) and 44% are normal weight (18.5≤BMI<25). Nine moms had used antibiotics in the year prior to becoming pregnant. Over 50% (n=18) of the moms reported at least one allergic or intestinal health problem. Five of the mothers have given birth to three or more babies. Of the 26 babies from whom we've collected fecal samples, 65% were exclusively breastfed, 4% (n=1) were exclusively formula‐fed, and 31% (n=8) were fed between 20–80% human milk. DNA has been extracted from the pregnancy and infant one week samples of 26 participanting dyads. 16S rRNA gene libraries have been created and submitted for sequencing on the Illumina MiSeq platform. Data will be processed with the Mothur curation pipeline. Using the data collected from these cohorts, we will determine the associations between maternal pre‐pregnancy BMI and the gastrointestinal bacterial communities in pregnant women and their infants as well as compare the microbiota of the mother to that of her infant.Support or Funding InformationMichigan State University and NIH UG3 OD023285
Lactobacillus reuteri induce antimicrobial peptide exprssion in mice gut crypt through microbiota released extracellular DNA
Authors: Sun Jin , Qi Ce , Wang Xingguo , Le Guowei , Xiao Hang 
Published: November 2023

We previously reported that specific Lactobacillus reuteri colonized within Peyer's patches (PP) effectively prevented high fat diet induced obesity in mice and modulated sIgA production in rats. We further studied their effect on antimicrobial peptides expression of small intestine. Lactobacilli were isolated from PP and ileal eluate of C57BL/6J mice using selective medium. All isolates were identified as L. reuteri. Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) technique has been used for the strains genotyping. Dominant strains of PP were used to treat healthy male C57BL/6J mice by lavage for 28 days. Microbiota diversity in feces and bacterial eDNA in small intestine was studied with Illumina MiSeq analysis, T‐RFLP and quantitative – PCR (Q‐PCR). Relative genes of antimicrobial peptides and TLR pathway were determined by Q‐PCR in crypt of small intestine. In vitro, eDNA and genomic DNA of gut microibota from different groups were added to LPS‐stimulated macrophages Raw267.4, respectively, to detect the level of TNF‐α, IL‐6, IL‐10 and IL‐12. It was found that L. reueri P changed microbiota diversity of feces and small intestine revealed. It also change composition of microbiota eDNA in small intestine and increased their migration into crypt. It reduce the value of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes and the content of Stenotrophomonas of eDNA, and improved the level of Allobaculum, Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium meanwhile. It activated the gene expression related to antimicrobial peptides production then. L. reuteri changed eDNA showed pro‐inflammatory property in vitro when incubated with macrophages Raw267.4. In conclusion, PP L. reuteri of mouse change small intestine innate immunity mediated by change of luminal bacterial eDNA with immustimulating function.Support or Funding InformationNational Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 31201805)
Modulation of Gut Microbiota by Dietary Pomegranate Extract and Inulin in Mice Fed an Obesogenic Diet
Authors: Zhang Song , Yang Jieping , Henning Susanne M , Lee Rupo , Hsu Mark , Grojean Emma , Pisegna Rita , Ly Austin , Heber David , Li Zhaoping 
Published: November 2023

Growing evidence suggests that dysbiosis of gut microbiota is associated with pathogenesis of a variety of human diseases. Using dietary intervention to shape the composition and metabolism of the gut microbiota is increasingly recognized. In the present study, we investigated the effects of pomegranate extract (PomX) and inulin alone or in combination on the cecal microbiota structure and function in a diet induced obesity mouse model. Male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into four experimental groups and consumed either high‐fat/high‐sucrose [HF/HS (32% energy from fat, 25% energy from sucrose, 17% energy from protein)] diet, HF/HS diet supplemented with PomX (0.25%), or inulin (10%) or PomX and inulin in combination for 4 weeks. Results revealed at family level, PomX significantly increased the proportion of Turicibacteraceae and Ruminococcaceae. Inulin significantly increased the proportion of Verrucomicrobiaceae (genus level Akkermansia) but inhibited Clostridiaceae. The combination of PomX and inulin, greatly increased the abundance of Verrucomicrobiaceae and Rikenellaceae. In addition, bifidogenic effect was observed only with the PomX and inulin combined treatment. Inulin supplementation showed lower species richness of gut microbiota compared to mice fed with HF/HS or HF/HS/PomX, and the reduction was reversed by the addition of PomX. While the measurement of species richness with evenness index showed no difference between the treatment groups and HF/HS control. PomX and inulin alone or in combination had distinct microbial clusters analyzed by both weighted and unweighted UniFrac Beta‐Diversity principle coordinates. In addition to the microbiota structure changes, a total of 19 KEGG biological pathways were significantly regulated in the gut microbiota with PomX and inulin alone or combined treatment. Our results demonstrated that gut microbiota and their biological pathways were differentially regulated by PomX and inulin alone or in combination. It is therefore very important to consider the interaction among bioactive components of food when evaluating potential prebiotic effects.Support or Funding InformationThis project was supported by departmental funds of the Center for Human Nutrition, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles
Dairy Consumption, LCT‐13910C>T Genotype and the Plasma Proteome
Authors: Alharbi Ohood , El‐Sohemy Ahmed 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundThe LCT ‐13910C>T genotype, associated with lactose intolerance (LI), has been associated with differences in the microbiome, in particular, differences in Bifidobacterium. This may be due to the involvement of the colonic microbiota in the metabolism of lactose in those with LI. Metabolites of the gut microbiota have been linked to the risk of various health conditions. The objective of this study was to examine the association between dairy consumption and a panel of 54 high abundance plasma proteins by LCT‐13910C>T genotypes in a population of young adults.MethodsFasting blood samples were drawn from non‐smoking Caucasians aged 20–29 years (n=508) from the Toronto Nutrigenomics and Health Study, for genotyping of the ‐13910C>T variant in the LCT gene and to measure 54‐plasma proteins by mass spectrometry. Dairy intake was assessed using a one‐month 196‐items food frequency questionnaire. Multiple regressions models were used to determine the association between dairy consumption and 54‐plasma proteome in the CC, CT, and TT genotype of the LCT‐13910 variant.ResultsIn the CC genotype, associated with lactose intolerance, positive associations were observed between total dairy intake and ten positive acute phase proteins, as well as three negative acute phase proteins (p < 0.05). In the CT genotype, associated with mild LI, positive associations were observed between total dairy intake and two negative acute phase proteins, and one protein of lipolysis cascade (p < 0.05). No association was observed between total dairy intake and plasma proteins in the TT genotype, which does not have LI.ConclusionThe association between dairy consumption and disease risk might be influenced by genotypes of LCT gene. This may be due, in part, to the differences in the colonic bacterial response to lactose metabolism between LCT genotypes.Support or Funding InformationKing Abdulaziz University
Probiotics for Weight Loss: Assessing the Evidence
Authors: Cook Chad M , Liska DeAnn J , Mantilla Libertie B 
Published: November 2023

Emerging randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have suggested probiotics benefit weight loss or attenuate weight gain in adult humans. Recent meta‐analyses of these RCTs, however, have been inconclusive or conflicting. For example, one meta‐analysis concluded probiotics had no significant effect on body weight, with a mean difference of −1.77 kg (95% CI, −4.84 to 1.29 kg) comparing probiotics vs. placebo. In contrast, another meta‐analyis published in the same timeframe indicated probiotic consumption significantly reduced body weight by −0.59 kg (95% CI, −0.87 to −0.30 kg) vs. placebo. To understand these divergent conclusions, we conducted a study to systematically compare published meta‐analyses on the use of probiotics in RCTs for weight loss in adults. A comprehensive literature search was performed in PubMed and the Cochrane Library (date of inception to November, 2016) for studies that included a systematic literature search and quantitative analysis. Five additional meta‐analyses were identified, resulting in a total of 7 studies that quantified the totality of evidence on probiotics and weight loss / BMI reduction published between 2012 and 2016. Overall, 3 meta‐analyses published positive conclusions, 3 published negative or null conclusions, and 1 indicated data were inconclusive. Three included RCTs examining effects of probiotics on non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease or lipids/CVD risk markers, but included weight or BMI as a secondary outcome. Four meta‐analyses included RCTs with a primary outcome of change in body weight or BMI. In depth review of the analyses revealed the available RCT data were not uniformly considered across the studies. Furthermore, inconsistency in meta‐analysis methodologies, including heterogeneity in study inclusion/exclusion criteria, likely contributed to the divergent conclusions. Pivotal studies and other factors contributing to the conclusions were identified. Future meta‐analyses should consider restricting analysis of RCTs with similar probiotic strains and dosages as opposed to grouping all probiotics together, and compare studies with similar feeding/administration type (e.g., fermented foods vs. capsules/tablets).Support or Funding InformationNo external funding was received.
Probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri (ATCC23272) attenuates the effects of repeated social defeat on the colonic epithelial cell transcriptome in C57BL/6 mice
Authors: Bailey Michael T , Mackos Amy R 
Published: November 2023

There is increasing evidence that exposure to stressful stimuli changes the composition of the colonic microbiota, and recent results indicate that these changes lead to increased colonic inflammatory responses. Interestingly, the effects of stressor exposure on colonic inflammation can be attenuated by treatment with probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri (ATCC23272). However, to date the mechanisms by which stressor exposure enhances colonic inflammation, and by which L. reuteri can attenuate colonic inflammation, are not well understood. This study assessed whether stressor exposure changed transcriptional profiles in colonic epithelial cells, and whether these stressor effects were attenuated with probiotic L. reuteri. Male C57BL/6 mice (7–9 wks of age) were exposed to a social stressor, called social disruption (SDR), which entails repeated social defeat for 2 hrs a day on 6 consecutive days. Control (Ctrl) mice were left undisturbed. All mice were either treated with probiotic L. reuteri (Lr) or PBS as a vehicle (Veh) control via oral gavage on each day of stressor exposure. On the day after stressor exposure, whole transcriptome shotgun sequencing (i.e., RNA Sequencing (RNA‐Seq)) using the Illumina HiSeq platform was conducted on CD45−EP‐CAM+ colonic epithelial cells. Even in the absence of pathogen challenge, exposure to the SDR stressor significantly changed the expression of 789 genes (FDR p <.05). Markers of colonic inflammation, such as serum amyloid A, CD38, Ly6C, Ly6a, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and RegIIIg were significantly increased in the colonic epithelium of SDR+Veh compared to Ctrl+Veh mice, indicating that stressor exposure significantly increases inflammatory responses in colonic epithelial cells. Treatment with probiotic L. reuteri also affected gene expression. When Ctrl+Veh and Ctrl+Lr mice were compared, the expression of 160 genes was significantly affected (FDR p<.05), whereas the expression of 305 genes was significantly different between Ctrl+Lr and SDR+Lr (FDR p<.05). When SDR+Lr and SDR+Veh mice were compared, the expression of 64 genes was significantly different (FDR p<.05). Interestingly, of the aforementioned genes involved with colonic inflammation, only the expression of RegIIIg was significantly reduced in SDR+Lr mice compared to SDR+Veh mice (FDR p<.05). This difference was confirmed using real‐time PCR. RegIIIg plays a key role in maintaining gut homeostasis, and dysregulation of RegIIIg is likely involved in dysbiosis and colonic inflammation in stressor‐exposed animals. The ability of L. reuteri to normalize RegIIIg should be further investigated to confirm whether this is one way in which the probiotic prevents the deleterious effects of stress on colonic inflammation.Support or Funding InformationSupported by NIH grant RO1AT006552‐01A1