bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Agent‐based Modeling of Social Norm Impacts on Obesity and Eating Behaviors among School Children in China and the United States
Authors: Xue Hong , Zhang Jun , Xu Fei , Wang Youfa 
Published: November 2023

ObjectivesAlthough the importance of social norms in affecting health behaviors has been increasingly recognized, the current understanding of social norm effects on obesity is limited due to data and methodology limitations. This study aims to use nontraditional innovative systems science methods to examine: a) the effects of social norms on school children's BMI growth and fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption in China and in the US, and b) compare the difference in social norm effects in different social settings.MethodsWe built an agent‐based model (ABM) in a utility maximization framework and parameterized the model based on empirical longitudinal data collected in Nanjing, China, in the Childhood Obesity Prevention through Physical Activity Promotion in China study and in the US in the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study – Kindergarten Cohort (ECLS‐K) to test the follow‐the‐average social norm affecting children's BMI growth and FV consumption.ResultsThe correlation between observed and ABM‐predicted BMI was about 0.9, indicating the satisfactory performance of our ABMs. Our simulations suggested the follow‐the‐average social norm acts as an endogenous stabilizer, which automatically adjusts positive and negative deviance of an individual's BMI from the group mean of a social network. In China, our simulation analysis suggests that social norms may lead to a 0.05 (kg/m2) BMI increase for those with one unit of BMI below the average, and a 0.045 (kg/m2) decrease for those with one unit of BMI above the average. In the US, corresponding social norm effects were much smaller than those in China, being 0.025 (kg/m2) and 0.015 (kg/m2) per BMI unit differences above or below the social average, respectively. Our simulation also showed that misperception of the social norm would push up the mean BMI and cause the distribution to be more skewed to the left. Our simulation results did not provide strong support for the role of social norms on FV consumption.ConclusionsSocial norms influence children's BMI growth in China and the US, with greater effects in Chinese children. High obesity prevalence will lead to a continuous increase in children's BMI due to increased socially acceptable mean BMI. Interventions promoting healthy body image and desirable socially acceptable BMI should be implemented to control the childhood obesity epidemic.Support or Funding InformationNIH, U54 HD070725, 1R01HD064685‐01A1
Evaluation of High School Students' Intrinsic Motivation and Perceived Competence to Cook Using the Adolescent Motivation to Cook Questionnaire
Authors: Miketinas Derek , Cater Melissa , Bailey Ariana , Rhea Kwadernica , Tuuri Georgianna 
Published: November 2023

The Self‐Determination Theory (SDT) is a macrotheory of human motivation which asserts that individuals are more likely to perform a behavior or task if they are intrinsically motivated as opposed to externally motivated or amotivated. Nutrition education and culinary skills‐building programs based upon the SDT may improve participants' motivation to cook healthy foods. The Adolescent Motivation to Cook Questionnaire (AMCQ) measures the psychosocial constructs identified by the SDT as they relate to food preparation and the learning environment. The purpose of this study was to measure change in high school students' intrinsic motivation (IM) and perceived competence (PC) to prepare healthy foods as a result of completing a 6‐week nutrition‐education and culinary skill‐building program. The program was offered as a school‐based or community‐center summer enrichment program. The curriculum aimed to improve students' motivation and confidence to cook through hands‐on culinary practice and instruction. Forty‐eight participants (60% female) completed the program; the mean age of the participants was 14.9 ± 0.9 years. Of the 46 adolescents who provided racial/ethnic information, 39 (81%) were African Americans, 3 (6%) were Hispanics, and 4 (8%) indicated Other. Students were in the following grades: 25 (52%) 9th grade, 14 (29%) 10th grade, 7 (15%) 11th grade, and 2 12th grade. After participating in the program, the students reported a significant mean change from baseline for IM (p<0.0001), PC (p<0.001) and relatedness among classmates (p < 0.05). An increase in IM was positively associated with changes in PC (p<0.01), autonomy support (p<0.05), and autonomy (p<0.01). The results of this study support the SDT constructs and provide evidence that participation in a nutrition‐education and culinary skill‐building program increases high school students' IM and PC to cook.Support or Funding InformationPartially funded by Hatch Project 94127.
Myeloid Derived Suppressor Cells (MDSC) Are Vitamin D Targets and 1α, 25 Dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D) Inhibits their Ability to Suppress T Cell Function
Authors: Calvert Ryan D , Burcham Grant N , Ratliff Timothy L , Fleet James C 
Published: November 2023

Tumors have a complex microenvironment that includes MDSC, an immune cell that is recruited to the tumor and which suppresses the ability of cytotoxic T cells to attack and clear tumor cells from the body. The active, hormonal form of vitamin D, 1,25(OH)2D, regulates many components of the immune system and previous research shows that 1,25(OH)2D reduces the number of CD34+ cells, an MDSC precursor, in tumors. This suggests MDSC may be direct vitamin D target cells. To test this, we examined whether the MDSC subsets in tumors (granulocyte‐like; G‐MDSC, or monocyte‐like; M‐MDSC) or their immature myeloid cell (iMC) precursors in bone marrow (G‐iMC, M‐iMC) express the vitamin D receptor (VDR), an essential mediator of 1,25(OH)2D molecular action. VDR mRNA levels are low in iMC subsets in marrow and increase by 20‐fold in tumor MDSC. In addition, at both sites M‐subtype cells have 4‐fold higher VDR expression than G‐subtype cells. We subsequently conducted several experiments to test whether MDSC were responsive to 1,25(OH)2D. Bone marrow iMC were isolated by flow cytometry and induced to differentiate into tumor MDSC‐like cells with a cytokine cocktail of IFN‐γ, IL‐13, and GM‐CSF. This treatment increased VDR expression 100 fold and activated the T cell suppressive function of MDSC within 72 h. 1,25(OH)2D treatment (10 nM for 24 h after treatment with cytokines for 48 h) increased expression of the classical vitamin D target gene, CYP24A1, in wild‐type (WT) cells but not VDR knockout (KO) cells. In addition, 1,25(OH)2D treatment reduced the T cell suppressive capacity of cytokine‐induced MDSC by ≥70%. We next examined the impact of VDR deletion on the development of tumor MDSC function in MDSC subtypes (M‐ and G‐) isolated from RM‐1 tumors of WT and VDR KO mice. As others have reported, the T cell suppressive function of WT M‐MDSC was 4× greater than G‐MDSC. T cell suppression mediated by M‐MDSC from VDR KO mice was 1.5‐fold higher than that seen in WT M‐MDSC while VDR KO G‐MDSC were 4‐fold more active than WT G‐MDSC. This suggests signaling through the VDR suppresses tumor MDSC function. However, treating mature, tumor MDSC with 1,25(OH)2D (10 nM, 18 h) did not alter T cell suppressive function despite the induction of VDR and CYP24A1 mRNA. Collectively, this suggests that the primary impact of 1,25(OH)2D is on MDSC development. The major finding of the present study is that MDSC are novel targets of 1,25(OH)2D. This 1,25(OH)2D effect decreases their immunosuppressive capability in an early stage of development and expression of VDR throughout their development attenuates the immunosuppressive capabilities of MDSC that are recruited to the tumor microenvironment. This suggests that vitamin D could modulate MDSC function and aid the immune system in attacking and clearing tumor cells.Support or Funding InformationLynn Fellowship, Dr. Mary Fuqua Scholarship
Vitamin D Derived from Dietary Whole Egg is more Effective than Supplemental Vitamin D3 in Maintaining Vitamin D Balance in Type 2 Diabetic Rats
Authors: Saande Cassondra J. , Reed Carter H. , Coonts Caitlyn A. , Hahn Kaylee E. , Rowling Matthew J. , Schalinske Kevin L. 
Published: November 2023

Vitamin D deficiency is characteristic of type 2 diabetes (T2D) due to urinary excretion of 25‐OH vitamin D3 (25D), the major circulating form of vitamin D that is reflective of vitamin D status. We have previously shown that whole eggs, a rich dietary source of vitamin D, can increase circulating 25D concentrations in T2D rats. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare vitamin D derived from consuming whole eggs versus a dietary supplement of vitamin D3 (i.e. cholecalciferol) in T2D. Zucker diabetic fatty rats (ZDF) (n=24) and their lean controls (n=24) were randomly assigned to one of three diets: an AIN93 casein‐based diet, a whole egg‐based diet, or an AIN93 casein‐based diet containing supplemental vitamin D3 at the same level of total vitamin D provided by the whole egg (37.6 μg/kg diet). Protein was provided at 20% (w/w) of the diet by either casein or whole egg. All diets were matched for lipid content (18.3%) via the addition of corn oil to the casein‐based diets to account for the additional lipid contribution of the whole egg. All rats were placed on their respective diets for 8 weeks. Mean values from all analyses were compared using a one‐way ANOVA (P<0.05). As expected, casein‐fed ZDF rats gained more weight than all of the lean rats; however, ZDF rats fed a whole egg‐based diet exhibited an 18% decrease in weight gain compared to the ZDF‐casein groups. Although ZDF rats fed the whole egg‐based diet gained less weight than ZDF rats fed the casein‐based diets, food intake did not differ within a given genotype. As expected, ZDF rats fed the casein‐based diet had lower (21%) serum 25D concentrations than their lean casein‐fed counterparts. An egg‐based diet fed to the ZDF rats was highly effective at increasing serum 25D concentrations by 130% compared to casein‐fed ZDF rats. In contrast, supplemental vitamin D3 also increased circulating 25D concentrations in the ZDF rats fed casein, but only by 35%. Likewise, serum 25D concentrations of lean rats fed the supplemental vitamin D3 diet and the whole egg‐based diet were increased by 19% and 113%, respectively, compared to lean rats fed the casein‐based diet. These data demonstrate that, at an equal dietary vitamin D concentration, whole egg consumption was markedly more effective at maintaining serum 25D concentrations than supplemental vitamin D3 in both the lean and ZDF genotype.Support or Funding InformationEgg Nutrition Center, Park Ridge, IL
Is the consumption of foods passing reformulation standards associated with the HEI‐2010?
Authors: Masset Gabriel , Mainardi Fabio , Gressier Mathilde 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundReformulation of foods and beverages may help to improve the US population dietary intakes. Food nutrient profiling can be used to define reformulation standards for manufacturers.ObjectiveThis study assessed the association between the consumption of foods passing the Nestlé reformulation standards and the HEI‐2010 and its components.MethodsDietary intakes of 5076 participants aged 18+ years were derived from the first 24hr‐recall of the NHANES 2011–12 survey. All foods declared to be consumed were tested against the criteria of the Nestlé Nutritional Profiling System (NNPS) using the RACC serving size, with three outcomes: Pass (i.e. all criteria were met), Fail, and ‘Out‐of‐scope’ for reformulation (e.g. pure frozen fruit). The consumption of Pass, Fail, and Out‐of‐scope foods and beverages was assessed as percentage of total energy, excluding alcoholic drinks. The HEI‐2010 and its components was calculated using the USDA FPED 2011–12 files, and associations with the consumption of NNPS Pass/Fail/Out‐of‐scope products were estimated.ResultsThe adult population of the NHANES 2011–12 derived 34.0% (95% CI 33.0;35.0) of its energy from NNPS Pass products, 53.9% (52.6;55.2) from NNPS Fail products, and 12.1% (11.3;12.8) from out‐of‐scope products. The average HEI‐2010 was 51.5 (50.5;52.5). Consumption of both NNPS Pass and Out‐of‐scope products was positively associated with the HEI‐2010; consumption of NNPS Fail products was negatively associated with the HEI‐2010 (Figure). In all cases, trends were highly significant. Consumption of NNPS Pass products was positively associated with the total fruit, whole grains, and empty calories components of the HEI‐2010; and negatively with the dairy, fatty acids, seafood and plant proteins, and whole fruit components. Associations were reversed for the consumption of NNPS Fail foods, which was also negatively associated with the sodium, refined grains, and total vegetables components.ConclusionIn US adults, the consumption of manufactured foods accounted for the majority of energy intake. Greater consumptions of non‐processed or minimally processed foods was positively associated with the HEI‐2010. Nonetheless, setting manufacturing standards could be a strategy to increase diet quality as highlighted by the positive association between NNPS Pass products and the HEI‐2010. Further research ought to explore whether higher consumption of foods meeting specific reformulation guidelines would encourage a higher nutritional adequacy beyond compliance with food based dietary guidelines.Support or Funding InformationThis study was funded by Nestec SA.
Obesity Is Associated With Increased Expression of Very Low Density Lipoprotein Receptor in Adipose Tissue: A Possible Link to Increased VLDL Catabolism and Adiposity
Authors: Hajri Tahar , Johnson Brian , Talishinskiy Toghrul , Mazpule George , Ewing Douglas , Eld Sebastian , Novack Richard , Schmidt Hans 
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUNDVery‐low density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR) is a member of the low‐density lipoprotein receptor family highly expressed in adipose tissue. It binds a variety of ligands including apolipoprotein E‐containing triglyceride‐rich lipoproteins, and plays a significant role in the catabolism of triglyceride‐rich lipoproteins. The role of VLDLR had been demonstrated in cell culture and animal models, but little is known about its regulation in human. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of obesity on VLDLR expression in adipose tissue, and to evaluate the role of VLDLR in human adipocyte differentiation and lipid deposition.SUBJECTS AND SAMPLESPaired subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue aliquots, as well as blood samples, were obtained from a total of 76 subjects, 16 lean (body mass index: BMI ≤ 24.9 kg/m2), 18 overweight (25 ≤ BMI ≤ 29.9 kg/m2) and 42 obese and morbid obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) subjects. Concentration of plasma lipids (triglycerides, free fatty acids and cholesterol) and glucose was measured enzymatically. Blood insulin level was assayed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) was determined. Adipocyte size was examined in hematoxylin and eosin‐stained sections, and VLDLR expression was analyzed in adipose tissue using Western blotting and RT‐PCR. In addition, VLDLR expression was examined in isolated pre‐adipocytes before differentiation and during differentiation to mature adipocytes.RESULTSCompared to lean subjects, VLDLR protein level and mRNA abundance in subcutaneous adipose tissue, was up‐regulated in overweight (+46%) and obese subjects (+119%). Similarly, VLDLR expression was up‐regulated in visceral fat but to lesser extent than subcutaneous fat. The abundance of VLDLR mRNA in subcutaneous adipose tissue was positively (p < 0.05) associated with BMI and HOMA‐IR, but not with blood lipids. In addition, VLDLR expression in subcutaneous fat was significantly (p<0.05) associated with increased adipocyte size and triglyceride content. In pre‐adipocytes, VLDLR protein level was virtually inexistent, but increased gradually during differentiation to reach a maximum level in mature adipocytes. Moreover, induction of VLDLR expression in differentiated adipocytes was associated with increased deposition of triglycerides derived mainly from VLDL.CONCLUSIONThe study indicates that obesity up‐regulates VLDLR expression in adipose tissue, and that induction of VLDLR expression during pre‐adipocyte differentiation is associated with increased lipid deposition suggesting a possible role of VLDLR in adipose tissue expansion in human.Support or Funding InformationHackensack University Medical Center
Lipocalin‐2 Is Required for Retinoic Acid‐Induced Beiging of White Adipocytes and Insulin‐Stimulated Plasma Membrane Localization of RAR‐α
Authors: Deis Jessica , Guo Hong , Bernlohr David , Chen Xiaoli 
Published: November 2023

Beiging of white adipose tissue (WAT) has therapeutic value for treating obesity and metabolic disease. Lipocalin‐2 (Lcn2) is a protein secreted from adipose tissue that is necessary for cold adaptation and non‐adrenergic activation of brown adipose tissue. In this study, we sought to determine whether and how Lcn2 regulates beiging of WAT. Lcn2−/− inguinal adipocytes have impaired p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) signaling and thermogenic gene expression in response to insulin. This is accompanied by mitochondrial dysfunction as shown by significantly reduced basal/maximal respiration, proton leak, and NAD+/NADH ratio. Hormone sensitive lipase and p38MAPK signaling in response to norepinephrine is normal in Lcn2−/− inguinal adipocytes, suggesting Lcn2 promotes thermogenesis by a non‐adrenergic mechanism. Recruitment of beige adipocytes by rosiglitazone treatment during the entire differentiation period results in similar levels of uncoupling protein‐1 (UCP‐1) in wild‐type (WT) and Lcn2−/− inguinal adipocytes. However, retinoic acid (RA) induction of thermogenic genes and UCP‐1 protein is attenuated in rosiglitazone‐treated Lcn2−/− inguinal adipocytes and chronic treatment of mice with retinoic acid resulted in lower UCP‐1 protein levels in inguinal WAT of Lcn2−/− mice when compared to WT. Further, the synergistic effect of insulin and RA on UCP‐1 and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma coactivator 1α (PGC‐1α) expression is markedly reduced in Lcn2−/− inguinal adipocytes. Short‐term RA treatment is able to phosphorylate p38MAPK, and this is blunted in Lcn2−/− inguinal adipocytes. We found that retinoic acid receptor‐α (RAR‐α) and Lcn2 are present in the plasma membrane fraction of adipocytes isolated from inguinal and brown adipocytes, suggesting a possible mechanism for rapid phosphorylation of p38MAPK by non‐genomic RAR‐α activation. Interestingly, insulin treatment increased RAR‐α levels to a greater extent than RA in the plasma membrane of WT adipocytes, and this effect was not seen in Lcn2−/− adipocytes. Taken together, our data suggests a model where Lcn2 regulates RA‐induced activation of beige adipocytes through modulating insulin‐stimulated plasma membrane translocation of RAR‐α and non‐genomic action of RAR‐α on phosphorylation of p38MAPK.Support or Funding InformationThis study was supported by the NIDDK‐funded Minnesota Obesity Center (P30DK050456), and NIDDK‐funded traineeship (T32DK083250) to J.D.
Raspberry intake reduces skeletal muscle lipid accumulation and improves insulin sensitivity in mice fed high fat diet
Authors: Du Min , Zou Tiande , Wang Bo , Liang Xingwei , Zhu Mei‐Jun 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionPolyphenolics promote adipose tissue browning and increase lipid oxidation, but their roles in skeletal muscle intracellular lipid accumulation and insulin resistance is unclear. Raspberry contains rich polyphenolic compounds.ObjectiveTo test the protective role of dietary raspberry on lipid accumulation and insulin sensitivity in skeletal muscle of mice fed a high fat diet (HFD).MethodsWild‐type male mice were randomly separated into 4 groups and fed with a control diet (CON) or a high fat diet (HFD, 60% energy as fat mimicking the common high energy, high fat diet in western societies) supplemented with 0 or 5% freeze dried raspberry (RAS) for 12 weeks.ResultsThere was insulin resistance in mice fed with HFD without raspberry, as indicated by increased muscle triglyceride content and attenuated insulin signaling; these adverse changes were ameliorated by raspberry supplementation. In addition, inflammation was detected in the skeletal muscle of HFD mice, as shown by the enhanced expression of tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and IL‐1β, as well as the increased phosphorylation of p65, a key mediator of inflammatory nuclear factor (NF)‐κB signaling, which was inhibited due to raspberry consumption.ConclusionRaspberry intake improved insulin resistance and suppressed inflammation in skeletal muscle of mice consuming HFD mimicking the popular western high energy diet.Support or Funding InformationSupported by National Processed Raspberry Council
Association of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Participation with Social Cohesion and Financial Worry based on Race and Ethnicity among U.S. Adults
Authors: Burke Michael P , Frongillo Edward A 
Published: November 2023

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the largest federal nutrition assistance program in the U.S. Besides sociodemographic factors, however, little is known about what predicts SNAP participation. Given that SNAP increases food security and access to healthy food, it is critical to understand factors that predict its use. This study examined how social cohesion and financial worry predict SNAP participation, and how the prediction differs by race and ethnicity.Data were from the 2013–2015 waves of the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). We restricted the analytic sample to households with incomes less than 200% of the federal poverty guidelines (n=27,582). We constructed a social cohesion scale (range: 0–12) that summed four Likert‐type items related to: getting help from neighbors, living in a close‐knit community, counting on neighbors, and trusting neighbors. We also constructed a financial worry scale (range: 0–18) that summed six Likert‐type items measuring financial worry about: retirement, standard of living, healthcare costs, medical accidents, paying bills, and housing costs. Higher scores on each index indicate higher social cohesion or financial worry. Multiple‐variable logistic regression was used to test the association between SNAP participation, social cohesion, and financial worry, accounting for NHIS complex survey sampling and adjusted for sociodemographic factors, household food security status, neighborhood tenure, home ownership status and self‐perceived health status.Thirty‐seven percent of respondents reported SNAP participation in the last 12 months. The mean social cohesion score was 7.48 (± 0.04) and the mean financial worry score was 8.80 (± 0.06). Each 1‐unit increase in social cohesion was associated with 0.97 times the odds of SNAP participation (95% CI: 0.96–0.98). The association between financial worry and SNAP participation was modified by race and ethnicity (P<0.001). Among African‐Americans, SNAP participation was not associated with financial worry. Among Hispanics, SNAP participation was lower with higher financial worry. Among whites and other races, SNAP participation was higher with higher financial worry.Financial worry and social cohesion are two independent predictors of SNAP participation among US adults. Furthermore, financial worry differentially predicted SNAP participation based on race and ethnicity. Research is needed to understand why higher social cohesion predicts lower SNAP participation and why financial worry differentially predicts SNAP participation based on race and ethnicity.Support or Funding InformationThe views expressed in this abstract are those of the authors and do not represent the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service. The authors have no source of research support to disclose.