bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Maternal One‐Carbon Biomarkers and the Infant Methylome: The Role of Seasonality Using a Case Study from The Gambia
Authors: James Philip , Prentice Andrew , Silver Matt 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionThe periconceptional period represents a window in which environmentally‐induced epigenetic modifications could have significant consequences for offspring health. Metastable Epialleles (MEs) are genomic loci whose methylation state varies between individuals, but where variation is correlated across tissues originating from all three germ layers in a single individual, and is independent of genotype. They provide a powerful device for studying the influence of the periconceptional environment on the offspring epigenome. Here we assess whether the profile of periconceptional maternal nutritional biomarkers predicting infant ME methylation differs according to the contrasting nutritional backgrounds afforded by Gambian rainy and dry seasons.MethodsWe measured 1‐carbon biomarkers in maternal plasma at mean 8.7 weeks gestation, back‐extrapolated to conception, and CpG methylation at 50 ME loci in their infants at mean age 3.3 months (N=120 mother‐child pairs). We tested for interactions between seasonality and biomarker concentrations on mean ME methylation z‐score. We also analysed biomarker principal components (PCs) in an attempt to capture co‐variation.ResultsPlasma folate was not associated with methylation in the dry season, but in the rainy season a one SD increase was associated with a decrease in mean methylation of 0.14 SD (95% CI: −0.26, −0.01; p=0.023; p‐value for interaction = 0.019). Plasma choline was also not associated with methylation in the dry season, however, in the rainy season a one SD increase was associated with an increase in mean methylation of 0.16 SD (95% CI: 0.02, 0.3; p=0.023; p‐value for interaction = 0.030). Conversely, homocysteine decreased total mean methylation in the dry season by 0.13 SD (95% CI: −0.25, −0.01; p=0.039) but showed no association in the rainy season (p‐value for interaction=0.030). PC1 captured co‐variation in the folate metabolism cycle and predicted dry season methylation. PC2 represented the betaine metabolism pathway and predicted rainy season methylation. Overall we found individual biomarkers showed little individual effect on methylation, but joint effects captured by the PC analysis generally resulted in stronger associations. When compared to predictive models combining the seasons the models stratified by season fitted better and the retained coefficients were stronger, with preliminary evidence suggesting an interaction between season of conception and 1‐carbon biomarkers with methylation (fig. 1).ConclusionFuture 1‐carbon related nutritional interventions may have different impacts on DNA methylation according to the nutritional background against which they are implemented.Support or Funding InformationMRC Population & Systems Medicine Board Grant
Studies on the Storage Life of Almond nut (Prunus amygdala var dulcis) Milk using Pawpaw (Carica papaya) Extract as Local Preservative
Authors: Banjoko Immaculata , Oyelola Olukemi , Olatidoye Olawale , Oyegbola John 
Published: November 2023

Imitation milk was produced from almond seed and was preserved using a local preservative from carica papaya extract. Imitation milk is the milk which is made of food materials of vegetable origin, such as peanut, soybean and almond and may serve as a boom for the countries, where the supply of milk is inadequate. Almond milk has a short shelf life and is normally produced as homemade milk. Attempt is made in this study to extend the shelf life by the use of local preservatives.. Various concentration of papaya extract was used to determine the most appropriate concentration of papaya extract needed to give acceptable product. Concentration of 3% and 5% of papaya extract were added to the imitation milk and subjected to physicochemical, microbial, sensory analysis and shelf life study. Results obtained showed that the imitation milk contain 11.57% protein, 0.14% carbohydrate, 10.42% crude fat, and 6.71% ash. Total solid (23.73), pH (4.81–5.868); brix (5.5–7.0); viscosity (900–1117), specific gravity (1025–1033), titratable acidity(0.5–3.35). Microbial analysis showed 94×10−6–106×10−5 cfu/ml, 93×10−6–99×10− cfu/ml, Sensory analysis result showed that sample with 5% carica papaya extract was most preferred and contain the least microbial load. The use of papaya extract was found to increase the shelf life of the almond milk to seven days in this study.Support or Funding InformationSelf funding
The effect of dietary protein levels and branched‐chain amino acid supplementation on body composition of aging C57BL/6 male mice
Authors: Mu Wei‐Chieh , Vanhoosier Erin , Jiang Elaine Yi‐Ning , Grant Ryan 
Published: November 2023

Increased total dietary protein has been shown to reduce median lifespan, while branched‐chain amino acid (BCAA) supplementation has been shown to increase average lifespan in mice. We used a 2×2 factorial design to determine how dietary protein and BCAA supplementation impact body composition and glucose homeostasis during aging. Dietary casein was included at the normal AIN93M level (control protein) or half (low protein). Diets were supplemented with (+BCAA) or without BCAA at the level present in the AIN‐93M diet. 16‐week old C57BL/6J male mice were randomized to one of the 4 diets. Body weights were recorded weekly, and body composition was determined at baseline and 6 mo of feeding by DEXA. Average weekly food and energy intake was similar among all diets. The low protein diet had reduced body weight gain (p<0.05, 7.53±1.03 g), while the control protein+BCAA and low protein+BCAA had higher body weight gain (control protein+BCAA: 12.58±0.78 g, low protein+BCAA: 13.35±0.82 g). Higher protein and BCAA both (p<0.05) increased lean mass gain at 6 months of feeding (control protein: 2.94±0.36 g, control protein+BCAA: 4.07±0.36, low protein: 1.21±0.41, and low protein+BCAA: 3.35±0.42). The low protein diet had reduced fat mass gain (p<0.05, 4.59±0.78 g), while the control protein+BCAA and low protein+BCAA diets had increased fat mass gain (control protein+BCAA: 7.54±0.54 g, low protein+BCAA: 8.34±0.57 g). The low protein diet had improved (p<0.05) insulin tolerance compared to all other groups. These results indicate that chronic feeding of a diet low in protein reduces lean and fat mass gain and improves insulin tolerance, which is reversed by supplementation with BCAAs. Future time points will reveal if these difference in body composition and metabolism are maintained.Support or Funding InformationPurdue University
Serum Phosphate (sPO4) is Lower in Older Kidney Transplant Recipients and Related to Low Phosphorous and Protein Intake and Not Urinary Losses
Authors: Mincer Shifra , Ruff Eric , Markell Mariana 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundHypophosphatemia (LoPO4) is a persistent problem in long term (>1 year) kidney transplant recipients (KTR's) with good kidney function and may contribute to bone loss and other morbidities. The etiology is unclear, as hyperparathyroidism is common, and urine losses may play a role.Methods23 randomly selected long term KTRs were recruited from the Transplant Clinic. Laboratory values were obtained from chart review and demographics from face to face interview. Dietary intake was estimated from 3‐day diet diary. Nutrient values were extrapolated using the USDA Supertracker.ResultsThere were 18 (60%) men and 20 Black (67%) patients. 50% were American born, 17 (80%) reported income <$20,000 and Medicaid as primary Insurance. Mean age was 44.7±10.1 with 53% older than 45 years (>AGE), BMI 27.9±5.6, months since transplant 87.7±59.4, sPO4 2.79±0.7, creatinine 0.88±0.1 mg/dl. 67% of >AGE patients met the criteria for LoPO4 vs 10% of the younger patients. 12 pts returned the 3‐day diet history. By Mann‐Whitney U test >AGE pts had been on dialysis longer (106.8±10.2 vs 63.1±12.3, p<0.05), had lower sPO4 values (2.4±0.13 vs 3.1±0.2, p=0.007) and lower total protein intake (59±9.0 vs 90.2±7.8 g/d, p<0.05). PO4 intake was also lower (953.6±164.6 vs 1281.0±155.6) but was not significant (p=0.08). Although intact PTH was higher (235.8±45.8 vs 91.6±16.9, p<0.005), there was no difference in intake of sugars, fats, eGFR, urinary PO4 or fractional excretion of PO4.ConclusionsIn our population of indigent inner‐City KTR's 1). LoPO4 remained common and was more prevalent in the patients over 45 years of age. As LoPO4 may alter bone health this finding is especially worrisome in the older age group. 2) Older patients ate less protein and phosphate. 3) Although older patients had higher PTH values, urinary PO4 losses were minimal and were similar to younger patients suggesting that dietary intake was the biggest factor influencing sPO4. 4) Patients are taught to restrict PO4 while on dialysis, whether the longer dialysis time influenced older patient's food choices remains to be investigated.
Microbiome Analysis of the Refaunation of Donor Human Milk with Mom's Own Milk
Authors: Harrison Natalie , Cacho Nicole , Carr Laura , Li Nan , Parker Leslie Ann , Neu Josef , Lorca Graciela L 
Published: November 2023

Human milk contains beneficial nutrients for newborn infants. However, the most recent findings are that live microbes are an important component of human milk. These microbes may play a role in providing beneficial components to promote healthy development in infants. Preterm infants that have a gestation age of less than 30 weeks are provided with the mother's milk in the NICU, however, if mother's milk is not accessible, pasteurized donor milk will be provided instead. Since microbes may play a beneficial role, providing infants with pasteurized donor milk may constitute a disadvantage to them. The objective of this study was to determine whether or not donor milk could be inoculated with that of mother's milk to restore the live microbiome. The rationale was that by testing different dilutions and incubation periods the final bacterial load would match that of the original mother's milk in diversity and concentrations.Twelve samples of mother's milk were obtained and inoculated in donor milk at 1%, 5%, 10% and 30% and samples, including incubated donor milk and mother's milk, were taken across three time points. The viable bacterial load of each sample was determined to establish the minimum time and dilution required to reach the initial bacterial concentration found in mom's own milk. In parallel, DNA was extracted, the V4 region of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene was amplified using universal primers, and barcoded for Illumina sequencing. The alpha diversity expressed as Chao1 or Shannon index was determined for all the samples. The diversity indexes were similar between donor and mom milk samples however, different genera were prevalent in each group. The diversity index was also used to evaluate across time between the donor milk, mother's milk, and dilutions of each mother's milk inoculated into the donor. A direct correlation was found between the decrease in bacterial diversity and the amount of mom's own milk added. These results indicate that a small percentage of the bacterial load present in the mom's own milk can grow when transferred to donor milk. However, about 50% of the bacterial families were able to expand in donor's milk after 4 hs of incubation without a significant loss of diversity. The analyses of bacterial genera that can expand under these conditions indicated that each mom has an unique group of microbes. The microbiome analyses is in agreement with the results obtained from the viable bacterial counts which indicated that donor milk incubated with 30% of the mother's milk for 4 hours would be a likely refaunation strategy.Overall, this study illustrated that refaunation can be conducted in order to provide infants with bacteria from the mother's milk. The bacterial load inoculated within the donor milk could be used as biomarker of activity however, each mom has a unique core of bacterial species that will be transferred to baby.Support or Funding InformationMedela
The Protective Effects of Probiotic‐fermented Soymilk on High‐fat Diet‐induced Hyperlipidemia
Authors: Wang Yuhua , Piao Chunhong , Liu Junmei , Yu Hansong , Dai Weichang , Wang Xiujuan 
Published: November 2023

The effects of probiotic mixture (Bifidobacterium bifidum, Lactobacillus casei and L. plantarum)‐fermented soymilk on high‐fat diet (HFD)‐induced hyperlipidemia and liver injury were explored. C57BL/6N mice were randomly assigned into four groups treated with different diets: Normal chow (NC); HFD; HFD with probiotic‐fermented soymilk; HFD with non‐fermented soymilk. After treatment for 6 weeks, probiotic‐fermented soymilk treatment significantly reduced HFD‐induced body weight gain, hyperlipidemia, liver fat accumulation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. In addition, probiotic‐fermented soymilk consumption resulted in significant reduction in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and liver tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) levels compared with HFD treatment. Further, probiotic‐fermented soymilk significantly increased the serum leptin level. In conclusion, probiotic‐fermented soymilk had a function of reducing hyperlipidemia and liver injury induced by HFD. The role of probiotic‐fermented soymilk may involve decreasing the production of liver LPS, TNF‐α and oxidative stress and inducing adipose leptin and triacylglycerol hydrolase (TGH) production.Support or Funding InformationThis work was partly supported by Ministry of Science and Technology, People's Republic of China, for providing financial support (2013BAD18B07).
Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and sRAGE levels after benfotiamine treatment in diabetes mellitus type 2
Authors: CONTRERAS CLAUDIA LUEVANO , Guzman‐Rosiles Ixchel , Del Castillo Dolores , Gomez‐Ojeda Armando , Garay‐Sevilla Ma. Eugenia 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundThiamine needs are increased in Diabetes Mellitus (DM). Benfotiamine, a lipid‐soluble precursor, may improve some complications associated with DM, and a proposed mechanism could be the reduction of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). AGEs‐RAGE (Receptor for AGEs) axis are involved in complications seen in DM. A soluble isoform of RAGE (sRAGE) could bind to AGEs and in a competitive way block the axis.ObjectiveTo evaluate AGEs and sRAGE levels after benfotiamine treatment in DM type 2 subjects.MethodsThis was a randomized, controlled, double‐blind, clinical trial. DM type 2 subjects with no complications, and at least 5 years since diagnosis were randomly assigned to Benfotiamine treatment (900 mg/day) or placebo (900 mg/day) for 12 weeks. Basal and final anthropometric data, blood pressure, glucose, hemoglobin A1c, and lipid profile were measured by standard methods. AGE Nɛ‐carboxymethyl lysine (CML‐AGE) and sRAGE were measured by commercial ELISA kits. Adherence to treatment was evaluated every two weeks. Analyses were performed on an intent‐to‐treat basis, and t‐student or no parametrical tests for differences within and between groups were used.ResultsForty‐one subjects (26 females and 15 males) with a mean age of 50.9±5.5 years and 9.3±3.9 years since diagnosis were randomized. For final analysis subjects with at least 6 weeks of treatment were included, (n=34 completed 12 weeks, and n=1 completed 6 weeks), 17 subjects for the placebo and 18 subjects for the benfotiamine group; there were 4 exclusions and 2 drop outs. There were no differences in clinical or metabolic variables within or between groups. The basal values for CML‐AGE for placebo and benfotiamine groups were 4.4±3.2 and 7.2±7.8 ng/ml, and for final values were 5.6±4.4 and 4.1±3.5 ng/ml respectively. There were no differences between groups, however when the mean difference for placebo (1.2±4.4) and benfotiamine group (−3.1±7.5) were compared a significant difference was observed (p=0.02). The basal values for sRAGE for placebo and benfotiamine groups were 1647±876 and 1465±628 pg/ml, and for final values were 1359±630 and 1365± 548 pg/ml. There were no differences between groups, however there were a significant decrease in sRAGE values in the placebo group (p< 0.001).ConclusionSubjects in the benfotiamine group had a decrease in CML‐AGE levels statistically different from the placebo group, additionally a statistically decrease in sRAGE levels in the placebo group was observed.Support or Funding InformationFunded through DAIP Universidad de Guanajuato (011/2015) and PRODEP (UGTO‐PTC‐448)
Black Bean Coat Anthocyanin‐Rich Extracts and Pure Anthocyanins Modulated Molecular Markers of Diabetes
Authors: Mojica Luis , Berhow Mark , De Mejia Elvira Gonzalez 
Published: November 2023

Black bean coats are a rich source of anthocyanins, natural pigments that could be used as food colorants with outstanding biological potential. The objective was to extract and characterize the black bean coat anthocyanins and evaluate their antidiabetes potential in an in vitro model. The anthocyanin‐rich extracts (ARE) were characterized using LTQK‐XL‐ESI‐MS; the biological potential of ARE and pure anthocyanins were evaluated using in silico approaches, biochemical assays and in vitro Caco‐2 cell culture regarding molecular markers of diabetes. Three anthocyanins were identified as delphinidin‐3‐O‐glucoside (465.1 m/z), petunidin‐3‐O‐glucoside (479.1 m/z) and malvidin‐3‐O‐glucoside (493.1 m/z). From the computational docking, pure anthocyanins showed potential to block α‐amylase, α‐glucosidase and dipeptidyl peptidase‐IV (DPP‐IV) by interacting in their catalytic cavity through hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic, and polar interactions. In cells, the inhibition of α‐glucosidase by ARE (1 mg/mL) was 38.7%, by malvidin‐3‐O‐glucoside (100 μM) was 42.8% and by delphinidin‐3‐O‐glucoside (100 μM) was 44.5%, with no statistical differences among themselves (p>0.05). ARE and pure anthocyanins malvidin‐3‐O‐glucoside and delphinidin‐3‐O‐glucoside also inhibited α‐amylase (35.6, 29.6 and 24.2%, respectively) with lower values than the positive control acarbose (66.8%, p<0.05). Pure anthocyanins malvidin‐3‐O‐glucoside and delphinidin‐3‐O‐glucoside showed higher inhibition of DPP‐IV (82.4 and 78.8%) than ARE (34.4 %) (p<0.05), and lower than the positive control sitagliptin (99.6%). ARE reduced glucose uptake after 60 min (30%) and 180 min (70%) of treatment compared to untreated control in Caco‐2 cells (p<0.05). The highest inhibition of reactive oxygen species formation in cells was observed for malvidin‐3‐O‐glucoside (91.2%) (p<0.05) followed by delphinidin‐3‐O‐glucoside (83.4%), and ARE (81.6%) in comparison to phloretin (66.2%) used as a control. Black bean coats are a good source of anthocyanins to be used as food pigments with important antidiabetes potential.Support or Funding InformationThis work was supported by a University of Illinois International Hatch Grant program.
The Role of the Gut Microbiome in Quercetin Inhibition of Sulforaphane Bioavailability and Bioactivity in Rats
Authors: Wang Yanling , Liu Xiaoji Christine , Becker Talon , Song Se Mi , Juvik John A , Miller Michael J , Jeffery Elizabeth H 
Published: November 2023

Broccoli is a rich source of both glucoraphanin (GRP) and quercetin glycoside, precursors of the health promoting food components, sulforaphane (SFN) and quercetin, respectively. Considering that the content of quercetin in broccoli is reported to vary up to 400‐fold, the aim of this study was to investigate the impact of quercetin levels on SFN bioavailability and bioactivity. Four different doses of quercetin (0.3, 2, 10 and 50 mg/kg BW), chosen to model broccoli content of quercetin, together with a single dose of GRP (30 mg/kg BW) were gavaged in twenty‐four adult male F344 rats daily for five days. SFN recovery in the urine and colonic NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) activity were measured for SFN bioavailability and bioactivity, respectively. Surprisingly, in contrast to reported synergy among quercetin and sulforaphane, a moderate negative correlation between quercetin level and colonic NQO1 activity (r= −0.40, p=0.37, one‐tailed non‐parametric Spearman's rank test) was found. Furthermore, we observed a strong negative correlation between quercetin level and SFN recovery in the urine (r= −1.00, p=0.04), suggesting that in rats, quercetin may inhibit SFN bioavailability, leading to inhibition of bioactivity. To investigate the underlying mechanism of inhibition by quercetin, we examined GRP hydrolysis by cecal microbiota ex vivo. Remarkably, consistent with the above findings, a strong negative correlation was observed between quercetin content and GRP hydrolyzing activity of cecal microbiota (r= −1.00, p=0.04), indicating that the inhibition of SFN bioavailability and bioactivity by quercetin might be through decreased GRP hydrolyzing activity in cecal microbiota. When quercetin and GRP were incubated with microbiota from un‐exposed rats, there was no direct inhibitory effect on GRP hydrolysis during a two‐hour incubation (p=0.458), suggesting that inhibition requires chronic exposure to quercetin. In conclusion, our study suggests that quercetin‐rich broccoli may interfere with SFN bioavailability and bioactivity, through decreasing the GRP hydrolyzing activity of cecal microbiota.Support or Funding InformationUSDA/NIFA 2016‐67017‐24430
Se‐allylselenocysteine suppresses inflammation via inhibiting iNOS expression
Authors: Cheng An‐Chin , Lee Ming‐Fen , Pan Min‐Hsiung 
Published: November 2023

Se‐allylselenocysteine (ASC), an analogue of garlic compound, has been shown to inhibit mammary carcinogenesis in vivo and cell growth in vitro. However, the function of ASC on anti‐inflammatory effect remains largely unknown. Therefore, we investigated whether ASC has anti‐inflammatory effects on LPS‐induced inflammation.We first tested the effect of ASC on cell viability to exclude the possibility that the decreased nitrite production in ASC‐treated cells was due to growth inhibition. According to the results, ASC didn't show cytotoxic effects on RAW 264.7 macrophages. The inflammatory process is associated with the activation of inflammatory macrophages, which release inflammatory mediators, such as NO. To evaluate the inhibitory effects of ASC on LPS‐stimulated nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW 264.7 cells, the cells were treated with LPS (100 ng/mL) only or with different concentrations of ASC for 24 h. At the end of incubation time, plasma level of nitrite in the culture media of LPS‐activated macrophages was determined using Griess method. The results showed that LPS‐induced nitrite production was reduced significantly in 50μM of ASC‐treated RAW 264.7 macrophages.We also detected the effects of ASC on the LPS‐induced expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) protein in RAW 264.7 cells. Likewise, iNOS expression was inhibited markedly by ASC at 50μM in a similar manner. These results indicate that the reduced expressions of iNOS by ASC were responsible for the inhibition of LPS‐induced NO production. In summary, the current study speculates that iNOS played a crucial role in anti‐inflammatory effects of ASC on LPS‐induced inflammation.