bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum endocannabinoids in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle are associated with leptin and food cravings
Authors: Krishnan Sridevi , Agrawal Karan , Tryon Rebecca R , Welch Lucas C , Horn William F , Newman John W , Keim Nancy L 
Published: November 2023

ObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of circulating endocannabinoids on food craving, food intake behaviors, and satiety hormones across the menstrual cycle.MethodsWe studied 17 premenopausal women with regular menstrual cycles (23.2 ± 4.8 y, and BMI 22.4 ±1.9 kg/m2) during their late follicular and luteal phases. We measured fasting plasma estradiol, progesterone and leptin using electrochemiluminescence, and serum endocannabinoids using targeted LC‐MS/MS methods. Measured endocannabinoids and endocannabinoid‐like compounds included monoacylglycerol derivatives of arachidonate, linoleate and oleate (1‐ and 2‐AG, LG and OG, respectively), and acylethanolamides anandamide (AEA), stearoylethanolamide (SEA), oleoylethanolamide (OEA), palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), and docosatetraenoylethanolamide (DEA). We used a food craving inventory during the luteal phase to record cravings for sweet‐tasting and fat‐rich foods. We used the same construct to evaluate habitual intake in the three‐month period prior to the study. Three‐factor eating questionnaire was used once during the study to evaluate cognitive restraint, disinhibition, and hunger in these women. Spearman's correlation analyses were used to identify associations between ovarian hormones, endocannabinoids, leptin and eating behaviors. Wilcoxon's rank tests were used to evaluate differences between the phases of the menstrual cycle.ResultsSerum endocannabinoids were not different between the two phases of the menstrual cycle (eg: 2‐AG: p = 0.38). Irrespective of phase, several endocannabinoids were inversely associated with estradiol (Eg: 2‐OG: r = −0.39, p = 0.02; 2‐AG: r = −0.30, p = 0.09). Also, disinhibition was inversely associated with leptin (r = −0.54, p <0.01), and positively associated with habitual intake of sweet‐rich foods (r = 0.45, p <0.01). While evaluating only the luteal phase, OEA was positively associated with craving fat‐rich foods (r=0.61, p=0.01). Endocannabinoids were inversely associated with leptin (1‐OG: r =−0.56, p=0.02; 1‐LG: r=−0.50, p=0.04; 2‐AG: r= −0.44, p= 0.07), and cognitive restraint (2‐AG: r =−0.49, p=0.04; AEA: r=−0.57, p=0.02), while cognitive restraint was positively associated with craving sweet‐rich foods (r=0.49, p=0.05). Both SEA and PEA were positively associated with circulating progesterone (r=0.60, p=0.01; r=0.52, p =0.03 respectively), while AEA and 2‐AG showed a positive trend with progesterone/estradiol ratio (r=0.45, p=0.07; r=0.42, p=0.09 respectively). These associations were not present in the follicular phase.ConclusionsThe association of endocannabinoids with leptin, progesterone and increased fat‐rich food craving during the luteal phase warrants further study into what role they play in food intake regulation during the menstrual cycle.Support or Funding InformationUSDA‐ARS‐CRIS Project 2032‐51530‐022‐00D
12 Weeks of Eating Almonds on Cognitive Function and Cardiometabolic Biomarkers ‐ A Study Protocol
Authors: Coates Alison , Morgillo Samantha , Yandell Catherine , Scholey Andrew , Buckley Jonathan , Hill Alison 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundIt is widely accepted that mood and mental functioning is linked to nutritional status, with growing evidence to support a role for tree nuts improving cognitive function and/or limiting cognitive decline.ObjectiveTo examine effects of eating almonds for 12 weeks compared with control snack foods on cognitive function and biomarkers of cardiovascular and metabolic health.Experimental DesignOverweight/obese participants (target n=150) aged 50–80 years without mild cognitive impairment or depression will be recruited to participate in a randomised controlled parallel study. Habitual diets will have 15% of energy replaced with either almonds or energy matched snack foods (potato chips and cookies). At baseline and after 12 weeks, fasted assessments will be completed for multiple cognitive domains (memory, speed of processing, executive function), cardiovascular risk factors (blood pressure, arterial compliance, blood lipids) and metabolic biomarkers (body composition, glucose regulation and inflammation). Dietary compliance and weight stability will be assessed every 3 weeks and diet and activity profiles monitored through weighed foods diaries and activity diaries.ResultsSixty‐one participants have enrolled to date (28M:33F) of whom 30% are on cholesterol lowering medication and 11% are on antihypertensive medication. The participants have a mean age 65± 8years, BMI 29.8 ± 3.6kg/m2, waist circumference 101 ± 11cm and SBP/DBP 132 ±14/ 76 ±8 mmHg. Participants have remained relatively weight stable (average change 0.4 ± 1.1 kg). Snack foods have been well tolerated with excellent compliance (>95%) in both groups.DiscussionThe intervention has been well tolerated and will provide information on the potential benefits of almonds for cognitive function and cardiometabolic health.Support or Funding InformationFunding from the Almond Board of California
Effects of hydration on relational memory among preadolescent children
Authors: Westfall Daniel R. , Hassevoort Kelsey M. , Barnett Sasha , Covello Alicia R. , Bottin Jeanne H. , Perrier Erica T. , Cohen Neal J. , Hillman Charles H. , Khan Naiman A. 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundEpidemiological data demonstrate that a majority of children in many industrialized countries are inadequately hydrated. However, the implications of water intake or hydration on children's physical and mental health remain understudied. Specifically, there is a gap in knowledge pertaining to the impact of changes in hydration and children's cognitive function.ObjectiveThe current study assessed the effects of changes in water consumption on relational memory among preadolescent children. In addition, we aimed to understand the within condition relationships between markers of hydration and children's memory performance.MethodsA counter‐balanced crossover design was used. Children between 9–10 years (N=26, 11 females) underwent high (HIGH; 2L/d) and low (LOW; 1L/d) water conditions for 4d. Following each condition, children completed a spatial reconstruction task designed to assess hippocampal‐dependent relational memory. Urine osmolality was assessed using pooled samples collected during the 24‐hr period (24‐h UOsm) preceding cognitive testing.Results24‐h UOsm was significantly lower in the HIGH (393 ± 168 mOsm/kg) compared to LOW fluid intake condition (787 ± 206 mOsm/kg; p<0.01). Between condition analyses yielded no significant effects for relational memory performance (all p's > .117). However, within condition analyses revealed that 24‐h UOsm was correlated with relational memory performance. During the HIGH condition, higher 24‐h UOsm was associated with greater swap (r = .540, p = .004), misplacement (r = .429, p = .029), and edge resizing (r = .474, p = .014) errors. During the LOW condition, higher 24‐h UOsm was correlated with greater misplacement (r = .403, p = .041), edge resizing (r = .390, p = .049), and edge deflection (r = .478, p = .013) errors.ConclusionsAlthough the intervention did not significantly change relational memory performance, lower urine osmolality, i.e. better hydration, was associated with superior relational memory within each condition. Comprehensive understanding of fluid modulation effects on children's cognitive performance will need to account for baseline hydration, a limitation of the present work.Support or Funding InformationSupported by Danone Research
Quantifying the Association between Acute Leukemia and Serum Zinc, Copper, and Selenium
Authors: Kim Sangyoung , Babaei Mahsa , Sachdev Prageet Kaang , Beretvas Natasha , Freeland‐Graves Jeanne H. 
Published: November 2023

Optimal levels of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and selenium (Se) are essential to perform a number of metabolic and physiological processes in humans. Levels of these minerals have been suggested to be altered in acute leukemia; but the results have inconsistent. The main objective of this research is to examine the relationship between the amount of the three trace elements, Zn, Cu, and Se, in the serum of patients with and without acute leukemia. For this purpose, a meta‐analysis was conducted to measure the concentration of these trace elements in patients with acute leukemia, as compared with healthy controls. Research papers published on this topic between 1977 and 2015 that met the criteria were included. Results showed a significantly positive correlation (p < .01) between serum copper levels (effect size = 1.72; 95% CI, 0.923–2.5193) with acute leukemia and a significant negative correlation (p < .05) for serum zinc levels (effect size = −1.38; 95% CI, −2.477–.2799). Results for serum selenium (effect size = −1.39; 95% CI, −2.826–.0556) only approached significance (p = .056). In conclusion, the meta‐analysis method suggests that patients with acute leukemia have elevated levels of serum copper and lower concentrations of serum zinc. A greater sample size may be necessary to determine if serum selenium is associated with acute leukemia.Support or Funding InformationBess Heflin Centennial Professorship in Nutrition
Copper‐Induced Reversal of Fibrosis in Rat Model of Cardiac Hypertrophy is Associated with Enhanced Collagen Degradation by MMP‐2 Up‐Regulation
Authors: Liu Yinjie , Xiao Ying , Liu Jiaming , Han Pengfei , Feng Li , Kang Y. James 
Published: November 2023

Our recent studies observed that trientine (TETA), a copper chelator, is capable of redistributing copper from plasma to the heart, leading to regression of cardiac fibrosis in rat model of pressure overload‐induced heart hypertrophy. The present study was undertaken to explore possible mechanisms by which copper repletion reverses cardiac fibrosis. Adult male Sprague‐Dawley rats were subjected to ascending aortic constriction (AAC) to induce pathological cardiac hypertrophy. Four months after the operation, cardiac hypertrophy along with fibrosis was fully developed as determined by pathological examination and Sirius red staining. At the same time, TETA at a dose of 4.38 mg/kg, twice a day, was administered orally for six weeks. At the end of the experiment, the expression and crosslinking of type I and III collagens were determined respectively by immunohistochemistry and Sircol collagen assay. Western blot was performed to detect the expressions of lysyl oxidase (LOX), MMP‐2 and MMP‐9. The results showed that the content and crosslinking of type I and III collagens were both significantly decreased after TETA treatment. The expression of MMP‐2 was up‐regulated, but the expressions of MMP‐9 and LOX were not changed. The data thus demonstrated that the reversal of cardiac fibrosis by TETA‐induced copper repletion is related at least in part to an enhanced collagen degradation process.Support or Funding InformationThis study is supported by National Science Foundation of China (81230004 and 81300109).
Nature of the proposed anti‐hyperglycemic chromium(III) malate
Authors: Vincent John B. , Smart Megan , Tannehill Haley , Brown Silas 
Published: November 2023

Chromium(III) complexes have been explored as anti‐diabetic agents. Recently several rodent studies of diabetes and related conditions have used “chromium(III) malate” and shown that the compound exhibits anti‐hyperglycemic properties. Unfortunately, chromium(III) malate is poorly characterized; additionally, multiple synthetic procedures have been reported that appear to be inconsistent. Hence, the synthesis and characterization of chromium malate have been examined in detail. Infrared, UV/visible, NMR and EPR spectroscopies; magnetic susceptibility measurements; elemental analysis; and mass spectrometry were used to characterize chromium(III) malate. Mass spectrometric, magnetic susceptibility and EPR studies suggest that chromium(III) malate contains a trinuclear chromium(III) basic carboxylate type core with the formula [Cr3(malate)4O]−.Support or Funding InformationFunding was provided as part of a National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) award (CHE 1358971) to J.B.V. and Stephen A. Woski.
Efficacy of Various Vitamin D Correction Strategies in Saudi Adults and Children
Authors: Al‐Daghri Nasser , Abd‐Alrahman Sherif , Al‐Saleh Yousef , Aljohani Naji , Al‐Attas Omar , Alokail Majed 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundVitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in the Saudi population and there are different strategies. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of different strategies for vitamin D deficiency correction in Saudi adults and children.MethodsA total of 1147 Saudi adults (N=159) and children (N=994) [434 boys (mean age 15.9±2.6 years), 560 girls (14.8±1.6), 59 men (39.9±9.8) and 94 women (42.2±10.6)], whose baseline serum 25(OH)D falls below 50nmol/l, were selected from different secondary school students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. They were grouped according to different vitamin D correction schemes: sun‐exposure, vitamin D‐fortified milk consumption, oral vitamin D supplementation (1000IU/day) for 6 months and control (advise). Repeat measurement of serum 25(OH)D was done after 6 months.ResultsFollow‐up results revealed that the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency significantly decreased after 6 months (23.9% at baseline versus 10.7% after 6 months; p<0.001) in the oral vitamin D supplementation group and this was not observed in other correction strategies. 6‐month oral vitamin D supplementation also showed significant associations between changes in improving total and HDL‐cholesterol in both adults and children. The milk group was the least effective strategy in adults and advise (control) group in children.ConclusionA 6‐month oral vitamin D supplementation was the most effective way to improve lipid profile and vitamin D status in both Saudi children and adults than sunlight exposure and vitamin D fortified dairy products consumption. The latter strategy is the least effective in adults and giving advice is the least effective in children, probably due to poor compliance.Support or Funding InformationThe study was funded by the Prince Mutaib Chair for Biomarkers of Osteoporosis, Vice Deanship of Research Chairs, King Saud University and Synergy Pharma (Dubai, UAE) for providing the supplements used (VitaD1000).
Nutritional status and stunting among pre‐school children in Bhutan: Findings of the 2015 National Nutrition Survey
Authors: Kang Yunhee , Campbell Rebecca K. , West Keith P. 
Published: November 2023

The high prevalence of stunting along with the region's large population make South Asia home to about 40% of the world's stunted children. The prevalence, severity, and distribution of undernutrition or risk factors for stunting are relatively little known in Bhutan. A second Bhutan National Nutrition Survey (BNNS) was conducted in 2015 among children aged 0–59 months (n=1,506) and their households. Adjusting for survey design, we estimated nutritional status by Z‐scores of height‐for‐age (HAZ), weight‐for‐height (WHZ) and weight‐for‐age (WAZ) and prevalences of stunting, wasting, underweight, and overweight (WHZ>2) carried out linear and logistic regression analyses to identify child, caregiver and household characteristics associated linear growth and relative odds ratios (OR) of stunting. Mean (SE) HAZ, WHZ and WAZ was −0.81 (0.13), 0.10 (0.04) and −0.41 (0.05), and the prevalence of stunting, wasting, underweight and overweight was 21.2%, 2.5%, 7.3% and 2.6%, respectively. In univariate logistic regressions, risk of stunting was higher in rural than urban areas (26.1% vs. 16.0%; OR=1.86, 95% CI: 0.87, 4.00; p=0.07), in the East than West or Central regions (29.1% vs. 17.0%, OR=1.41, 95% CI: 0.82, 2.42; p=0.11) and varied in a dose‐response manner by SES, from 33.7% in the lowest fifth to 16.6% in the highest fifth (reference group) of a wealth index (OR range from 3.75 to 8.95). These associations were not significant on multivariable adjustment (p>0.10 for all). The risk of stunting significantly increased by age: 5% at <6 mo (OR=1), 17.1% at 6–23 mo (OR=3.59; 95% CI: 0.74, 17.4; p=0.07) and 24.9% at 24–59 mo (OR=6.12; 1.40, 26.9; p=0.03) and was far lower among children of university‐educated (6.6%; OR=0.05; 95% CI: 0.00, 0.89; p=0.05) than uneducated mothers (35.4%; OR=1). Despite a lower national risk of pre‐school stunting compared to other South Asian countries, strong age‐ and household wealth‐associated gradients in risk exist. Programs to prevent stunting may achieve the greatest impact among children in lowest household wealth and educated strata within the East region.Support or Funding InformationUNICEF Regional Office for South Asia (ROSA), Kathmandu, Nepal
Secular trends in adult and adolescent maternal nutritional status and birth size from 2008–2012 in rural Bangladesh
Authors: Na Muzi , Shamim Abu Ahmed , Labrique Alain L. , Ali Hasmot , Wu Lee Shu‐Fune , Shaikh Saijuddin , Klemm Rolf D.W. , Christine Parul , West Keith P. 
Published: November 2023

The aim of this study was to examine secular, including seasonal, trends in maternal nutritional status and birth size in a cohort of 7784 mother‐newborn pairs in northwest rural Bangladesh. Mothers had participated in a micronutrient supplementation trial from early pregnancy to ~3 months postpartum from 2008 to 2012. Eligible women were enrolled in the first trimester (TM, <12 weeks of gestation) and gave birth to live, term singletons (>=37 weeks gestational age). Weekly gestational weight gain and mid‐upper arm circumference (MUAC) change between 1st and 3rd TM, birth weight and length and weekly postpartum change in weight and MUAC from 1 mo to 3 mo postpartum were plotted by calendar month and year of birth throughout the period of study, for all maternal ages combined and stratified by age group (<19 vs >=19 yr). Changes in gestational weight gain and MUAC followed a seasonal pattern each year that peaked for women delivering in April–May (Δ=306~310 g/wk and 25.7~28.7 mm/wk, respectively) and reached a nadir for women delivering in ~Nov (Δ=195~216 g/wk, −35.3~−23.1 mm/wk, respectively). Mean birth weight and length were 2.64 kg and 47.2 cm across all years. Birth weight and length were lowest in December (~2.56 kg and ~46.5 cm) and highest in May–July (~2.70 kg and ~47.4 cm). Weight and MUAC change during lactation peaked for women delivering in Nov–Dec (42.0~50.0 kg/wk and 73.0~84.3 mm/wk), ebbed in February (−94.5~ −75.5 g/wk and −1.5~8.7 mm/wk). No year‐to‐year variance was observed in maternal changes in nutritional indicators or birth size. All seasonal patterns of maternal weight and MUAC change in pregnancy and lactation were similar in adult and adolescent ages; however, birth weight and length were significantly lower in children born to adolescent than adult mothers, possibly reflecting competing nutritional demands of a still‐growing mother and fetus in a marginally nourished setting. Striking seasonality in maternal gain and birth size fluctuations may pose varied short‐ and longer‐ term health risks for offspring throughout life.Support or Funding InformationBill & Melinda Gates Foundation (GH614)
Genome‐Nutrition Divergence: Evolving understandings of the malnutrition spectrum
Authors: Eaton Jake , Iannotti Lora 
Published: November 2023

Humans adapted over 2.3 million years to a diet high in quality and diversity. The misalignment between global diets and the genome formed through evolution we refer to as nutrition‐genome divergence. We survey the human diet over time to characterize what constitutes a healthy diet and to contrast dietary quality in modern food systems. The dominance of cereal staples and ultra‐processed foods is highlighted. We then apply the lens of nutrition‐genome divergence to illuminate shared nutrient and food determinants and environmental risk factors of undernutrition and overnutrition – an overlapping category of determinants of malnutrition. Food systems shifts, including crop‐neutral agricultural policy, agroecology, and social policy are explored as a means to realign modern diets with the nutritional patterns on which we are adapted to thrive.Support or Funding InformationNone
Micro‐Farming of Palm Weevil Larvae (Akokono) for Economic Empowerment and Nutritional Impact
Authors: Parker Megan , Zobrist Stephanie , Tawiah Charlotte , Manu Grace , Mansen Kimberly , Soor Shobhita , Laar Amos , Kreis Katharine 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundDue to the rising cost of and increasing demand for animal source proteins, coupled with increasing food insecurity and environmental pressures, edible insects have emerged as an especially relevant, low‐environmental impact, nutritious food source to feed the growing population in the 21st century.ObjectiveIn collaboration with partnering organizations, this small‐scale pilot study equipped 50 women with the materials to sustainably micro‐farm palm weevil larvae (Akokono) to examine the impact on household food security, diet diversity, and women's income and decision‐making.MethodsThe impact of the micro‐farming pilot was examined at baseline, midline, and endline over a period of 12 weeks using maternal recall of Akokono production and consumption, Household Food Insecurity Access Scale, Household Dietary Diversity Score, Child Dietary Diversity Score, income recall, and Women's Empowerment in Agriculture Indicators.ResultsThe results presented herein represent changes between baseline and midline; analysis of endline results is pending. By midline, 80% of women reported eating Akokono, 80% of women reported feeding Akokono to their family, and 63% of children under five years had eaten Akokono on at least one occasion. Overall, household food security increased, although neither household nor child dietary diversity improved. With respect to women's empowerment indicators, women's income increased. Women's input into decision‐making for cash crops and Akokono farming improved from giving ‘input into some decisions’ to giving ‘input into most decisions.’ Women's input into the use of income generated from these activities increased from ‘no input’ or ‘input into some decisions’ to giving ‘input into most decisions.’ The majority of women who micro‐farmed Akokono consumed their harvest, fed their harvest to their family, and a minority began selling Akokono in the market.ConclusionAkokono farming increased women's involvement in decision‐making of farming activities, women's use of related income, and household food security. Additional research with increased sample size is warranted to confirm understanding of the potential impact of micro‐farming on diet indicators. Greater support is needed to improve women's involvement in Akokono marketing and sale activities.Support or Funding InformationThis project was supported by a grant from The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA.