bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Geography‐ and Host Physiology‐dependent Variations in Leaf‐associated Bacterial Community of Field‐grown Broccoli
Authors: Kim Min‐Soo , Park Eun‐Jin 
Published: November 2023

Most of the studies about fresh produce‐associated microbiota have paid attention to pathogenic bacteria causing foodborne illness. Recent studies revealed that fresh produces harbor diverse bacterial populations on their surfaces; however, little is known about community structure and diversity of bacterial populations on fresh produces and how they changes dependent on geography, host physiology and meteorology. Here, we analyzed leaf surface‐associated bacterial communities of 66 field‐grown broccolis collected from 22 commercial farms widely distributed in the whole Jeju Island using 454 pyrosequencing of 16S rRNA gene amplicons. Total number of bacteria averaged 3.8±2.0 CFUs per gram of broccoli tissue. The composition and diversity of bacterial community varied the most on sampling field, followed by growth stage and physiological status. The most abundant phyla were Proteobacteria, followed by Actinobacteria, Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. Of them, five OTUs assigned into Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, Oxalobacteraceae, Comamonadaceae and Enterobacteriaceae were commonly found in more than a half of samples, suggesting that they form core members of leaf‐associated microbiota on broccoli. Site‐specificity of bacterial communities was associated significantly with relative humidity and precipitation, followed by cloudy; but, not with temperature. In comparison with other types of fresh produces, bacterial community of broccoli was more similar to those of fresh vegetables close to soil than tree fruits and vegetables, indicating that exposure to soil could be critical for the development of bacterial populations on fresh produces. This study offers new knowledge on variability of leaf‐associated bacterial populations of fresh produces depending on environment conditions.Support or Funding InformationThis research was supported by Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) funded by the Ministry of Science, ICT & Future Planning (NRF‐2014R1A1A1003104).
TGF‐beta Signalling and Development of Mouse Midbrain Dopaminergic Neurons and Hindbrain Serotonergic Neurons
Authors: Roussa Eleni , Chleilat Enaam , Krieglstein Kerstin 
Published: November 2023

Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) positive, midbrain dopaminergic neurons (mDA) and hindbrain serotonergic neurons (5‐HT) represent clinically important ventral neuronal subpopulations. Dysregulation of mDA has been linked to the development of depression and drug addiction, while their degeneration leads to the characteristic symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Dysfunction of hindbrain 5HT neurons has been associated with several neurological and psychiatric diseases. In previous studies we have shown that members of the transforming growth factor beta family are regulators of development and maintenance of mDA neurons. In this work we aim to understand the role that TGF‐beta signalling plays on the development of mDA and hindbrain 5HT neurons. For this purpose, we have generated a conditional knockout mouse model in which a region of the midbrain and hindbrain, including the mDA and rostral 5HT neurons, lacks the TGF‐beta Receptor II (TGFBR2). This model was generated using the Cre‐lox system by crossing the En1‐Cre line, in which the expression of the recombinase Cre is controlled by the Engrailed 1 promoter, and the TGFBR2‐flox line, in which the TGFBR2 gene is floxed. Through the use of immunohistochemistry on brain cryosections, and counts of TH immunopositive cells we found significant reduced numbers in both substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) and ventral tegmental area (VTA) of the mutants at E18 and even at E16. In contrast, at E14 comparable numbers of TH immunopositive mDA neurons in cKO and WT were obtained. Using in situ hybridization we have calculated the volume of Cck and Ahd2 expression at E14 and our results show dramatic loss of Cck and Ahd2 expression. Development of rostral and caudal 5‐HT subpopulations was also affected by loss of TGF‐beta signaling. The number of dorsal raphe, median raphe, and paramedian rahe 5‐HT neurons was significantly reduced in the conditional knock out, compared to the wildtype, accompanied by decreased expression of Pet and Gata2.In order to understand the molecular mechanism by which TGF‐beta acts in this process, we performed a cDNA microarray to analyse the transcriptome of the ventral midbrain of conditional knockout mice and compared it with that of wild type mice. Among the genes differentially regulated by the loss of the TGFBR2, we found genes that fall into the category of receptors, ion transporters, phosphatases and molecular chaperones, among others. Some of the differentially regulated genes have been shown to be implicated in processes like inflammation and endosomal sorting. Future analysis will be focused on understanding the function these genes have during the generation of the midbrain DA neurons, in order to shed some light onto the mechanism by which TGF‐beta acts on these process.Support or Funding InformationDFG
Anthocyanin and Prebiotic Impact on Intestinal Environment in Obese Male and Female Subjects
Authors: Hester Shelly N , Mastaloudis Angela F , Gray Russell , Evans Mal , Wood Steve M 
Published: November 2023

Anthocyanins and prebiotics have been shown to impact overall health and wellness. One mechanism for the health benefits has been through modulation of the microbiome and the intestinal ecosystem. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of a supplement containing both anthocyanins and prebiotics on modulating the intestinal environment, including the microbiome and intestinal inflammation. Fifty‐one healthy, obese male and female participants with BMI from 29.2 to 40.6 kg/m2 and between 20 and 60 years of age were enrolled in an 8‐week long open‐label single‐cohort study. Participants maintained their normal dietary and lifestyle habits and abstained from consuming anthocyanin‐rich foods and prebiotic supplements from four weeks prior to enrollment and for the duration of the study. The supplement, in powder form, contained an anthocyanin blend from black rice, black currant, and blueberry extracts (total of 215 mg anthocyanins) and a blend of prebiotic fibers (2.7 g) and was consumed once daily. Clinical chemistry and hematology and vital signs were documented for safety measurements at baseline and after 8‐weeks of supplementation. Participants completed a daily bowel habits diary commencing seven days prior to enrollment and the duration of the study. Stool samples were collected within 48 hours prior to baseline and end‐of‐study visits to measure microbiome diversity and fecal calprotectin, a marker of intestinal inflammation. After 8 weeks of consuming the supplement daily, participants had a significant decrease in the phylum Firmicutes (p<0.001) and Actinobacteria (p<0.001), a significant increase in the phylum Bacteroidetes (p<0.001), a significant decrease in the Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio (p<0.001) to be more similar to lean individuals, and a trend toward decrease in fecal calprotectin (p=0.107), compared to baseline. Bloating (p<0.05), gas (p=0.035), and abdominal pain severity (p=0.015) were significantly reduced and Bristol Stool Form Scale score was significantly improved during the study (p<0.05). The supplement was found to be safe and well tolerated based on vital signs and blood parameters. We found that consumption of a supplement containing a blend of anthocyanins and prebiotics positively modulated the intestinal ecosystem, including the microbiome, and provided insights into the mechanisms of action of the anthocyanin prebiotic formulation and its impact on health benefits. The study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (#NCT02743195).Support or Funding InformationSupported by Nu Skin Enterprises, Provo, Utah
Prediction Equations for Gross Energy in Feed Ingredients
Authors: Son Ah Reum , Kim Beob Gyun 
Published: November 2023

The objective of this study was to develop prediction models for gross energy (GE) concentrations in feed ingredients and to evaluate the accuracy of GE prediction equations. A total of 2,279 ingredient samples composed of 58 barley, 319 corn, 13 corn distillers dried grains with solubles, 583 corn gluten feed, 156 copra expellers, 234 copra meal, 12 cottonseed meal, 504 palm kernel expellers, 114 rapeseed meal, 138 soybean meal, 70 wheat, and 78 wheat bran were used. The ingredient samples were analyzed for dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), crude fiber, ash, and GE. The correlation and multiple regression procedures of SAS were used to generate novel prediction equations. Data from 62 ingredients reported in Nutrient Requirements of Swine by the National Research Council (NRC, 2012) were also employed for the validation of the equations. To test the accuracy of GE prediction models, a regression analysis of the measured minus predicted GE concentration against the predicted minus average predicted GE concentration was conducted. The equations developed for estimating GE concentration (kcal/kg on a DM basis) in the feed ingredients are: GE = 4,299 + 7 × CP + 53 × EE (Eq. 1; root mean square error = 206, R2 = 0.342, and P < 0.001); GE = 4,341 + 11 × CP + 54 × EE – 24 × ash (Eq. 2; root mean square error = 201, R2 = 0.372, and P < 0.001). All independent variables are in % on a DM basis. A validation test regressing (measured GE – predicted GE) vs. (predicted GE – average of predicted GE) using Eq. 1 and 62 data from NRC (2012) showed that the intercept (−6.9; SE = 46.8 and P = 0.884) and slope (−0.018; SE = 0.089 and P = 0.840) were not different from 0. A validation test of Eq. 2 also showed that the intercept (−56.1; SE = 37.5 and P = 0.140) and slope (0.014; SE = 0.068 and P = 0.834) were not different from 0. The accuracy of an old equation, GE = 4,143 + 56 × EE + 15 × CP – 44 × Ash (Eq. 3), was also tested using 62 data from NRC (2012) and the test resulted in significantly high intercept (101; SE = 35 and P = 0.005) with slope of −0.066 (SE = 0.057 and P = 0.251). The accuracy test of Eq. 3 using 2,279 ingredient data that were used for developing Eq. 1 and 2 also resulted in high intercept (218; SE = 4.3 and P < 0.001) and low slope (−0.121; SE = 0.025 and P < 0.001). Overall, while the old equation appears to underestimate GE concentrations in feed ingredients, the novel equations reported in this work can fairly accurately estimate GE in feed ingredients.Support or Funding InformationThis work was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) grant funded by the Korea government (MSIP) (No. 2016R1A2B2015665).
Variation of Energy and Nutrient Composition in Oilseed Meals from Different Countries
Authors: Son Ah Reum , Jo Hyunwoong , Kim Beob Gyun 
Published: November 2023

The objectives of this study were to investigate the variation of nutrient composition in oilseed meals and to develop prediction equations for amino acid concentrations. Energy and nutrient contents were determined in a total of 1,401 feed ingredient samples including 184 copra expellers and 356 copra meal samples produced in 2 countries (Indonesia and Philippines), 31 corn distillers dried grains with solubles samples produced in 2 countries (China and USA), 567 palm kernel expellers and 85 palm kernel meal samples produced in 2 countries (Indonesia and Malaysia), and 178 soybean meal samples produced in 4 countries (Argentina, China, India, and USA). Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS (SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, NC, USA). The regression procedure of SAS was used to generate the prediction equation for the lysine concentration using the CP concentration as an independent variable. The GE concentrations in soybean meal produced in Argentina were greater (4,400 vs. 4,128 kcal/kg; P < 0.05) compared with that in China. The CP (46.2 vs. 45.2%) and methionine (0.65 vs. 0.55%) concentrations in soybean meal produced in USA were greater (P < 0.05) compared with that in China. For corn distillers dried grains with solubles, the GE concentration was greater (P < 0.05; 4,753 vs. 4,564 kcal/kg), but the CP (26.5 vs. 28.8%) and Ca (0.03 vs. 0.08%) concentrations were less (P < 0.05) in USA compared with China. The CP concentration in copra meal produced in Malaysia was greater (16.0 vs. 15.1%; P < 0.05) than that produced in Indonesia. The CP (15.8 vs. 14.9%) and lysine (0.35 vs. 0.32%) concentrations of palm kernel expellers produced in Malaysia were greater (P < 0.05) compared with that produced in Indonesia. The CP (16.0 vs. 15.1%) and P (0.62 vs. 0.57) concentrations of palm kernel meal were also greater in Malaysia compared with Indonesia. The prediction equations for amino acid concentrations (% as‐is basis) in the oilseed meals are: lysine = −1.07 + 0.079 × CP (root mean square error = 0.264, R2 = 0.925, and P < 0.001); methionine = 0.047 + 0.012 × CP (root mean square error = 0.125, R2 = 0.574, and P < 0.001); cysteine = −0.068 + 0.017 × CP (root mean square error = 0.147, R2 = 0.654, and P < 0.001); threonine = −0.303 + 0.044 × CP (root mean square error = 0.110, R2 = 0.957, and P < 0.001). In conclusion, energy and nutrient compositions vary in the oilseed meals depending on the producing countries. The crude protein concentration can be a good independent variable for estimating lysine and threonine concentrations in oilseed meals.Support or Funding InformationThis work was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) grant funded by the Korea government (MSIP) (No. 2016R1A2B2015665).
Effect of Excess Iron Intake on Growth and Intestinal Inflammatory Injury in Rats
Authors: Ma Yan , Sun Yongye , Jiang Yicheng , Ma Aiguo 
Published: November 2023

ObjectiveTo study the effects of excess iron intake on growth and development, and determine the possible mechanism.MethodsFourty eight male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: low iron group, normal group, medium iron group, and high iron group, and received daily iron intake of 7mg/kg, 16.8mg/kg, 35mg/kg, and 70mg/kg in diet, and deionized water, respectively, for 8 weeks. The general condition, body weight, and food intake were documented during the study. Serum levels of Ferritin, IL‐6, IL‐10, and sIgA were measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).ResultsDuring the process of iron intervention, the high iron group had lower growth compared with the other three groups (p<0.05). In addition, the levels of IL‐6 (108.60pg/ml) in small intestine were higher in the high iron group compared to the normal iron group (84.68pg/ml, P<0.05), while serum levels of IL‐10 (50.47 pg/ml) in small intestine in the high iron group was lower than that in the normal iron group (71.69 pg/ml, (P<0.05). Serum levels of sIgA (62.3pg/ml) in small intestine with the high iron group is lower than that in the normal iron group (67.1 pg/ml, P<0.05). The histopathology showed normal morphology in the low iron and normal iron groups, however the rats in medium iron group showed slightly damaged mucosa, and lost apical microvilli. Irregular shape of microvilli and necrosis were found in a few epithelial cells of intestinal mucosa in the high iron group rats.ConclusionExcessive dietary iron intake has a negative affect on the normal growth and development of rats, and results in inflammatory injury in intestinal tract of rats.Support or Funding InformationThe National Natural Science Fund (No. 81373000)
Effects of Fish Oil Supplementation during Pregnancy and Post‐weaning on Offspring Metabolic Health
Authors: Ramalingam Latha , Menikdiwela Kalhara , Allen London , Scoggin Shane , Koboziev Iurii , Moustaid‐Moussa Naima 
Published: November 2023

Over half of American women of child bearing age are either obese or overweight. Hence, the prevalence of childhood obesity is predicted to increase. Maternal programming through diet is critical for prevention of several diseases in the offspring, including childhood obesity. Clinical trials with n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) reported various health benefits, including reduced serum triglycerides and inflammation, and increased insulin sensitivity. However, it remains unclear whether maternal consumption of n‐3 PUFAs can protect offspring from the adverse metabolic effects of consuming high fat diets during pregnancy. Accordingly, we hypothesized that n‐3 PUFAs supplementation during pregnancy will reduce maternal obesity‐associated inflammation and reduce/prevent adverse metabolic effects in offspring. To test this hypothesis, we fed B6 mice high fat diet (HF) supplemented with or without fish oil (HF‐EPA) for 8 weeks pre‐pregnancy through lactation. After weaning, offspring from HF or HF‐EPA dams were either continued on their respective diet or switched to the other diet. Five treatment groups were created including a low fat (LF)‐LF control group (LF maternal diet and LF post‐weaning), HF‐HF, HF‐EPA, EPA‐HF, EPA‐EPA, respectively. Metabolic phenotyping of these mice included body weight and body fat, glucose and insulin tolerance tests. Offspring born to dams fed EPA and continued on EPA (EPA‐EPA) showed significantly higher glucose clearance rates compared to other treatment groups but was lower compared to LF animals. Similarly, significant improvements in insulin sensitivity was observed in the EPA‐EPA fed group compared to other HF treated groups. EPA‐EPA and HF‐EPA had lower fat mass compared to HF‐HF and EPA‐HF. Additional mechanistic studies are ongoing in serum and tissues collected from the offspring to determine molecular mechanisms mediating EPA effects on high fat diet‐induced obesity and inflammation in dams and their offspring. In conclusion, these studies will help to understand the differential contribution of maternal dietary lipids to metabolic health of the offspring.Support or Funding InformationEarly Career Grant Challenge from the Obesity Society
Astaxanthin Mediates Mitochondrial Dynamics in Mice
Authors: Shen Xinchun , Lyu Yi , Wu Lei , Lin Dingbo 
Published: November 2023

ObjectiveAlteration of mitochondrial dynamics closely links to cellular oxidative stress and inflammation, key risk factors for the development of chronic diseases including obesity and diabetes. Bioactive astaxanthin has been found effective to antioxidation. The purpose of this study is to explore the functional roles of astaxanthin in regulation of mitochondrial dynamics and the consequence in energy metabolism in mice.MethodsSix‐week‐old male β, β‐carotene‐9′, 10′‐oxygenase 2 (BCO2) knockout (KO) and the isogenic wild‐type C57BL/6J(WT) mice were fed an astaxanthin supplementation diet (0.04% astaxanthin supplemented to the AIN93‐maintenance diet) or a control diet (AIN93‐maintenance) for 8 weeks, respectively. On the 8th week of the study, mice were subjected to a phenotyping test. At termination of the study, blood and liver tissues were collected. Plasma metabolic biomarkers were tested, including cholesterol, lipoproteins, triglycerides, nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), and uric acid. Fresh hepatic mitochondria were isolated and subjected to mitochondrial respiratory function assays. Immunoblotting was performed to determine proteins expression.ResultsSignificant astaxanthin accumulation occurred in BCO2 KO mice. Astaxanthin supplementation significantly decrease the energy expenditure in WT mice, which was abolished by ablation of BCO2, suggesting that proper astaxanthin metabolism is vital to the phenotype. In addition to the astaxanthin‐elevated plasma NEFA levels in both WT and BCO2 KO mice, disruption of astaxanthin metabolism resulted in increases in the plasma levels of C‐reactive protein, total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, and uric acids in BCO2 KO mice. Mitochondrial respiration activity analysis results revealed the increases in basal respiration rate and proton leak in liver of BCO2 KO mice fed astaxanthin, compared to the AIN93 maintenance diet, though no obvious change was found in hepatic mitochondrial respiration in WT mice after astaxanthin treatment. Furthermore, elevated expression of phosphorylation of unc‐51 like autophagy activating kinase 1(ULK1) on Ser757, and uncoupling protein 2, mitofusin 2, and decreased protein levels of p62 and ATG13 indicating potentiated mitophagy and fusion in liver of WT fed the astaxanthin diet.ConclusionsAstaxanthin‐potentiated mitophagy and fusion would link to decreased energy expenditure in wild type mice. Disruption of astaxanthin metabolism could be associated with metabolic disorders, including inflammation and dyslipidemia in BCO2 knockout mice.
Cobalamin‐deficiency results in altered partitioning of mitochondrial one‐carbon units to formate
Authors: MacMillan Luke , Tingley Garrett , Brosnan Margaret E , Brosnan John T 
Published: November 2023

Vitamin B12, a co‐factor for methionine synthase, plays an important role in folate‐dependent remethylation of homocysteine. We have shown that cobalamin deficiency results in a marked elevation in plasma formate.De novo production of formate in rats was determined as described by Morrow et al (JBC 2015). Formate production from one‐carbon precursors by isolated rat liver mitochondria was measured by GC‐MS. 14CO2 production from 3‐[14C]‐serine by isolated rat liver mitochondria, expression of key genes (RT‐qPCR) and changes in protein expression (immunoblot) were also determined.Vitamin B12‐deficient rats (B12‐def) showed a 55% increase in endogenous formate production, consistent with the elevated formate levels. Formate production by isolated mitochondria from serine, dimethylglycine, and sarcosine was increased by at least 60% in B12‐def animals while 14CO2 production from serine by these mitochondria was 26% lower compared to replete controls. The expression of Mthfd1l in B12‐def animals was unchanged but the expression of Aldh1l1 and Aldh1l2 was reduced by 40–60% of that in the livers of control animals.We suggest that the partitioning of mitochondrial formyl‐THF between oxidation to CO2 (by ALDH1L2) and production of free formate (by MTHFD1L) is a key control point in one‐carbon metabolism. In B12‐def the decreased flux through ALDH1L2, in the face of a constant rate of 10‐formyl‐THF disposition can explain the increased production and increased concentration of formate. We speculate that the decreased hepatic SAM levels found in B12‐def animals may cause increased production of one‐carbon groups in the form of formate to replenish hepatic SAM. Since mitochondrial formate becomes available to the cytosol we suggest that this metabolic bifurcation may regulate the entry of formate into the cytosolic one‐carbon pool.Support or Funding InformationSupported by CIHR, RDC, and Memorial University of Newfoundland