bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validation of a Macronutrient Mixed Challenge Beverage for Personalized Nutrition Applications using a Reduced Sampling Period
Authors: Winters Barbara L , Anthony Joshua C , Remensperger Allison , Boorsma Andre , Vandenbroek Tim , Maki Kevin 
Published: November 2023

Oral carbohydrate, lipid and protein tolerance tests have been used to track changes in physiology, inform health status, and provide impetus for dietary changes. Tests typically take 4–8 hours, and require multiple blood draws, limiting the ability to use challenge testing outside of clinical settings for consumer wellness applications. The objective of this study was to validate the use of a mixed macronutrient challenge beverage using a truncated time course and reduced sampling protocol as part of a personalized nutrition and wellness program. Participants (n=18) were recruited from the general population for an IRB approved, double‐blind randomized study. Following on overnight fast, blood was collected via finger pricks and applied to dried blood spot cards, they then consumed the macronutrient mixed challenge beverage (20 g protein, 75 g carbohydrate and ≥50 % calories from fat (≥12 g fat/100 g) within 5 minutes of beverage consumption (t = 0 min) and finger prick blood samples were collected at 30, 60, 90, 120, 180 and 240 min. The mean ± SEM fasting triglyceride (TG) concentration was 112 ± 13.6 mg/dL, with a robust increase of 46 ± 12.7 mg/dL to 159 ±19.6 mg/dL at 120 min post beverage consumption, p=0.002. A gastrointestinal questionnaire was collected pre‐consumption and at 240 min. Overall the beverage was well tolerated and there were no significant increases from pre‐consumption in the percentage of subjects reporting somewhat more or much more than usual nausea, abdominal pain, flatulence, bloating or diarrhea. However, 14% of participants reported somewhat or much more than usual gastrointestinal rumblings (p<0.05) during the 240‐min period after beverage consumption. Collectively, these data show that the challenge beverage can be used to assess TG response at 120 min, and showed the feasibility of finger pricks for dried blood spot collection. These results support the view that challenge testing can be scaled for use in consumer wellness programs.Support or Funding InformationHabit, LLC
Regional dietary adaptation of FADS genes in humans: molecular mechanism and functional consequences
Authors: Ye Kaixiong , Gao Feng , Keinan Alon 
Published: November 2023

The fatty acid desaturase (FADS) genes encode rate‐limiting enzymes for the biosynthesis of omega‐6 and omega‐3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs). While LCPUFAs can be absorbed directly from meat‐ or seafood‐based diets, their biosynthesis is essential to compensate for their absence in plant‐based diets. Signals of regional adaptation have been reported for some genetic variants (e.g. an insertion‐deletion polymorphism rs66698963) in FADS genes, but a systematic evolutionary analysis for the genomic region encompassing the three FADS genes in global populations had been lacking. Here, we performed multiple statistical tests for the presence of natural selection on FADS genes in 22 global populations from the 1000 Genomes Project. We found three novel clusters of selection signals, two on FADS2 and one on FADS3, in multiple human populations. To elucidate the molecular mechanism of adaptive variants, we performed analysis of expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) in 44 tissues using data from the Genotype‐Tissue Expression (GTEx) project, unraveling regulatory effects of adaptive variants for FADS1, FADS2, and FADS3 in 12, 23, and 4 tissues, respectively. To characterize the functional consequences of adaptive variants, we examined genotype‐phenotype association using the GWAS Catalog and performed additional association analysis in the UK10K data set, revealing significant associations of adaptive variants with 46 traits. Specifically, recently adaptive alleles are associated with enhanced LCPUFAs biosynthesis and lower risk of inflammatory bowel diseases, consistent with the dietary needs of recent farmers and with the anti‐inflammatory effects of many LCPUFAs‐derived signaling molecules. We also identified two novel associations with Apo A1 and Apo B in the UK10K data set. Overall, our study demonstrated the regional adaptation of FADS genes to plant‐based diets by modulating gene expression and enhancing LCPUFAs biosynthesis.Support or Funding InformationThis work was supported by the National Institutes of Health (Grants R01HG006849 and R01GM108805 to AK) and the Edward Mallinckrodt, Jr. Foundation (AK).
Antiangiogenic Agent Nintedanib (BIBF 1120) Effectiveness in vitro and in vivo Against Prostate Cancer
Authors: da Silva Raquel Frenedoso , Raina Komal , Kumar Dileep , Dhar Deepanshi , Cagnon Valéria Helena Alves , Agarwal Chapla , Agarwal Rajesh 
Published: November 2023

Nintedanib is a compound capable of inhibiting angiogenesis, preventing cell proliferation and decreasing tumor volume. This study was aimed at evaluating Nintedanib efficacy in prostate cancer (PCa) cell lines, besides morphological and molecular features in PCa development in transgenic adenocarcinoma of the mouse prostate (TRAMP) mice. PC3 and LNCaP cells were treated with either DMSO alone or Nintedanib (2.5, 5.0, 10 or 25 μM) in DMSO and assessed for viability and clonogenicity. Furthermore, male TRAMP mice were divided into control (Tween 20 (10%)) and treatment groups receiving Nintedanib (10mg/Kg/day) for 4 weeks. The animals were treated either from 8 to 12 weeks of age and euthanized both at 12 and 22 weeks of age or treated from 12 to 16 weeks of age and euthanized both at 16 and 22 weeks of age. At the end of the study, prostate ventral lobes were collected for structural, immunohistochemical and protein analyses for AR, ERα, FGF‐2, VEGF, microvessel density and proliferative index. Nintedanib treatment effectively decreased the total cell number and the survival of colonies. Morphological evaluation of TRAMP mouse prostate showed reduced number of lesions and the stromal hypertrophy after Nintedanib exposure. The treatment also caused a significant reduction in AR levels in epithelial cells and FGF‐2 in both prostatic stromal and epithelial cells. This was accompanied by a decrease in the microvessel density and VEGF immunolocalization. Furthermore, the proliferative index was also diminished by drug treatment. Nintedanib is effective against PCa in vitro and in vivo, due to the delayed neoplastic development in the glandular microenvironment and downregulation of multiple pathways involved in prostate tumorigenesis.Support or Funding InformationFunding: FAPESP 2013/26677‐7Ethics Committee 3285‐1
Determinants of gestational weight gain: The impact of diet, genes, and energy expenditure
Authors: Meng Ying , Groth Susan , Stewart Patricia 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundExcessive gestational weight gain (GWG) has a long‐term impact on women's weight retention and contributes to the development of obesity in the mother and child. Many risk factors for GWG have been identified, but to date only 6%–33.8% of the variance in GWG has been explained.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the overall variance of GWG that can be explained by adding resting metabolic rate (RMR) and a genetic score constructed on obesity‐related genes in addition to the sociodemographic and lifestyle factors.DesignThis study is an observational study of 55 African American women. Data collected or measured during pregnancy include: sociodemographic factors, medical information, lifestyle factors (i.e. dietary intake and physical activity), RMR, and seven obesity‐related genes. Linear regression was performed to evaluate the variance of GWG explained by potential risk factors listed above (e.g. prepregnancy body mass index, estimated gestational age, and gestational diabetes).ResultsThe mean GWG was 32.6 (±17.3) pounds and 61.8% women gained above the Institute of Medicine GWG guidelines. The final multivariable regression model explained 65.5% (adjusted R2 = 0.566) of the variance in GWG. Five factors that explained the leading amount of GWG variance were total energy intake (10.9%, p=0.001), genetic score (9.7%, p=0.002), percentage of calories from fat (8.7%, p=0.003), RMR per kilogram body weight (4.1%, p=0.028), and parity (3.7%, p=0.035). The minor allele at rs7498665 in the SH2B1 gene also had a protective additive effect on GWG (p=0.04).ConclusionsDietary intake, the genetic score, and RMR were significantly associated with weight gain during pregnancy and explained a substantial amount of GWG variance.Support or Funding InformationThis work was supported by the National Center for Research Resources, a component of the National Institutes of Health grant KL2 RR024136‐03 and National Institute of Nursing Research grant K23NR010748.
Safety and efficacy of a novel KD120 MEC multi‐enzyme complex (N‐Sorb®) in human volunteers
Authors: Downs Berrnard W , Kushner Steve W , Bagchi Manashi , Swaroop Anand , Bagchi Debasis 
Published: November 2023

Digestive enzymes have been historically consumed to enhance disintegration and dissolution of foodstuffs in the stomach. N‐Sorb is a novel KD120 multi‐enzyme complex (MEC) containing a range of protease, amylase, and lipase enzymes and including glucoamylase and alpha‐galactosidase. Unlike conventional digestive enzymes, these enzymes are activated in pH environments ranging from 6.5 to 8.5. These enzymes are encapsulated in a patent‐pending SK713 Soy Lecithin Phospholipid absorption technology (‘Prodosomes’) to facilitate rapid absorption and delivery into the blood, and increase availability to tissues. Eleven case studies from two independent clinics (one in California and one in Pennsylvania) are reported in this presentation under the strict supervision of two physicians. Eleven male and female volunteers (age: 20 to 71 years) suffering from gut related digestive problems including digestive dysfunctions and leaky gut, as well as gluten allergy, consumed a minimum of one dose (1/8 tsp Prodosomes and 1/8 tsp enzyme powder mixed into 4 ounces of water) two times per day on an empty stomach over different periods of time ranging from 1 month to 4 months. Subjects were compliant based on product usage and replacement. All subjects reported significant improvement in gastrointestinal functions among other systemic improvements. No adverse events were observed in these volunteers.Support or Funding InformationVNI Inc, Lederach, PA, funded this research project
Higher serum carotenoid concentration associated with a lower incidence of metabolic syndrome in middle‐aged and elderly Chinese adults
Authors: Chen Yuming , Wang Cheng , Qiu Rui , Chen Geng‐dong , Cao Yi , Zeng Fang‐fang 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundSeveral epidemiological studies revealed associations between carotenoids and the metabolic syndrome (MetS), but limited longitudinal cohort studies have been conducted to regard this association.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to investigate whether serum carotenoids predict the incidence of the Mets and what is accounted for the associations by changes of lipids in a large population‐based study.MethodWe conducted a follow‐up study on 2773 men and women aged 40–75 years without Mets at baseline from the Guangzhou Nutrition and Health Study (GNHS). Blood pressure, waist circumference, blood lipids, glucose and other covariates data were collected in average every 3 years surveys. Serum carotenoids (α‐, β‐carotene, β‐cryptoxanthin, lycopene and lutein/zeaxanthin) were examined by HPLC at baseline.ResultsOver the average 5.4 years follow‐up, 1979 subjects with serum carotenoids assessed at baseline took part in the follow‐up survey at least once and 554 subjects developed new MetS during the follow‐up period. Inverse associations between serum carotenoids and the incidence of MetS were observed. After adjustments for confounders, HRs (95% CIs) of MetS for the highest (v.s. the lowest) quartile were 0.72(0.57, 0.90) for lutein/zeaxanthin, 0.39 (0.31, 0.51) for lycopene, 0.42 (0.32, 0.54) for α‐carotene, 0.45 (0.34, 0.56) for β‐carotene and 0.47(0.37, 0.61) for total carotenoids (all P‐trend <0.05). Other significant favorable associations between changes of HDLc with serum carotenoids were also revealed.ConclusionOur results revealed associations between higher serum carotenoid levels and a lower incidence of MetS in Chinese adults and the favorable influence of carotenoids might be partially driven by an improvement of serum HDLc.Support or Funding InformationThe present study was jointly supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81472965, 81130052) and by the 5010 Program for Clinical Researches (No. 2007032) of the Sun Yat‐sen University (Guangzhou, China)
Impact of breast cancer diagnosis, personal characteristics and lifestyle factors on depressive symptoms
Authors: Judge Michelle Price , Julian Thomas , Wu Jing , Walter Jeanne , Irvin William J. , Starkweather Angela 
Published: November 2023

Breast cancer (BCA) is associated with risk of an array of psychoneurological symptoms (PNS) including disturbances in sleep, anxiety, and depression. Lifestyle factors and personal characteristics, with potential impact on PNS, remain largely unexplored.METHODSA secondary exploratory analysis was conducted evaluating depressive symptoms in a cohort of women with stage I or II BCA during treatment for BCA and non‐BCA controls (n=58). Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES‐D) assessments were observed at 3 time points (baseline, month 4 and month 9). With generalized linear mixed model and estimating equation approach the impact of cancer diagnosis, age, alcohol consumption, race, smoking, and BMI was evaluated related to CES‐D score.RESULTBreast cancer diagnosis (p=0.0298), smoking (p=0.0002), and mixed race identity (>1 race, p=0.0069) were significant predictors of CES‐D score. Age, alcohol consumption and BMI were not significant.CONCLUSIONWomen undergoing active treatment for BCA were at elevated risk for depressive symptoms supporting a need for more extensive evaluation and interventions for depressive symptoms during treatment for BCA. Additionally, smoking and mixed race identity, predictive of depressive symptoms, may compound risk in women with BCA. Further work is necessary evaluating the association of dietary factors with BCA depressive symptomatology.Support or Funding InformationResearch reported in this publication was supported by the National Institute of Nursing Research of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number P30NR011403. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.
Atractylodes Rhizome and Taraxacum Alleviate Colorectal Damage and Inflammation on DSS‐Induced Colitis in Mice
Authors: Kang Seunghee , Park Min Young , Kwon Oran 
Published: November 2023

Inflammatory bowel diseases, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, are common chronic disorder of the gastrointestinal tract with a high prevalence rate worldwide. According to the Korean traditional pharmacopeia (Donguibogam), atractylodes rhizomes is among the most common ingredient to combine with taraxacum to treat intestinal dysfunction, providing a rationale to investigate the effect using modern technologies. In this study, we aimed to examine the effect of a combination of atractylodes rhizomes/taraxacum (AT) on maintaining gut health in by targeting the mucosal immunoinflammatory response in DSS‐induced colitis mice. Female Balb/c mice (7 weeks old, n=20) were randomly divided into four groups; normal control group (NC), DSS‐treated positive control group (DSS), AT treated group (A), and DSS + AT treated group (DA). AT (100 mg/kg/day) or placebo was administered by gavage for 14 days. For induction of acute colitis, mice received 3% of DSS dissolved in drinking water for last 7 days. Epithelial barrier permeability was significantly improved by AT administration, as measured by fluorescein isothiocyanate labeled dextran at the end of experimental period. Body weight, colon length, and disease activity index were significantly restored toward normal in the DA group compared to the DSS group. Histological analysis demonstrated that AT administration reduced cell destruction and inflammation of colon tissue. In parallel with these results, quantitative real‐time PCR analysis revealed that AT administration down‐regulated gene expression related to pro‐inflammatory activation (TNF‐α, IFN‐γ, IL‐1β, IL‐6, and COX‐2) compared with that in the DSS group. Further analysis of target gene expression related to cell proliferation/destruction, and mucin secretion is now on‐going. These results suggest that AT alleviates gut permeability, colon tissue destruction, and pro‐inflammation that was induced upon DSS stimulation.Support or Funding InformationThis work was supported by the Bio‐Synergy Research Project (NRF‐2012M3A9C4048761) of the Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning, and the BK21PLUS program (22a20130012143P of the Ministry of Education.
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Effects in Retinal Cell Gene Expression and Development
Authors: Rodriguez Joseph A. , Muralidharan Pooja A. , Marrs James A. 
Published: November 2023

Alcohol exposure during embryonic development has many adverse effects on development, and this is termed fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). Retinal development is consistently affected by ethanol exposure in animal models, and vision is frequently impaired in human patients. The zebrafish is an excellent model to study FASD due to their experimental accessibility and similar developmental pathways to humans. Previous studies show that ethanol exposure caused retinal cell differentiation defects leading to retinal defects, including photoreceptor defects. These defects persist in to juvenile stages, suggesting that the retinal stem cells are permanently altered. This research aims to understand gene expression changes that occur in retinal cells in the retina, and particularly the ciliary marginal zone (CMZ) stem cell compartment due to ethanolexposure. Zebrafish embryos exposed to ethanol [100, 150 mM EtOH], from 2–24 hours postfertilization (hpf), were grown in regular medium until 72 hpf. Eyes from ethanol treated and control zebrafish embryos were dissected and total RNA was isolated.. The RNA is then purified and then reverse transcribed into cDNA. Quantitative PCR was then used to analyze the cDNA using gene specific primers to determine relative expression levels of various genes present in the retinal developmental pathway. Experiments examined specific signaling pathways including, wnt, notch and proneural gene targets, and other specific markers expressed by retinal precursor cell and differentiating cell populations. This research will provide insight into gene expression changes affecting retinal development in specific cell types after alcohol exposure. Our goal is to understand the genesis of FASD birth defects caused by ethanol exposure, and this research will possibly identify ethanol toxicity targets and therapeutic strategies to prevent or reverse the damage.Support or Funding InformationResearch was supported by NIAAA.
Intact sodium caseinate and a sodium caseinate hydrolysate have potential to resolve inflammation through the cessation of proinflammatory signaling
Authors: Kirwan Anna , Daly Eimear , Nongonierma Alice B , Fitzgerald R.J , Roche Helen 
Published: November 2023

Overweight metabolically unhealthy individuals are characterised by an unresolving chronic low‐grade inflammation which contributes to diseases such as insulin resistance and type‐2 diabetes (T2D) [1]. Dairy proteins have previously demonstrated potent anti‐inflammatory effects resulting in improved glycaemic management, however mechanistic perspectives are lacking [2, 3]. Our study investigates the anti‐inflammatory effects of sodium caseinate (NaCas) and a sodium caseinate hydrolysate (CasH) on cytokine production and inflammatory signalling pathways in an in vitro mouse macrophage cell model. J774.2 macrophages were treated with NaCas or CasH before stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). TNFα, IL‐1β, IL‐6 and IL‐10 cytokine secretion was determined by ELISA. NF‐κB and MAPK pathway proteins were analysed by western blot. NF‐κB activity in NIH‐3T3/NF‐κB‐luc cells was determined by luciferase assay. Both NaCas and CasH significantly reduced LPS and LPS/ATP induced TNFα and IL‐1β cytokine secretion in J774 macrophages without affecting cell viability. NaCas, and to a lesser extent CasH significantly reduces TNFα and IL‐1β cytokine secretion from BMDMs treated and stimulated with LPS ex vivo, but not TNFα secretion with LPS/IFN in combination. NaCas and CasH significantly reduce LPS induced NFκB transcription factor activity in a dose dependent manner. NaCas and CasH reduce IL‐6 cytokine secretion, with no reduction in IL‐10 with NaCas, but not CasH. Both NaCas and CasH reduced IκBα degradation and NFκBp65 phosphorylation. CasH significantly reduces the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and p38, but not JNK. Thus, intact NaCas or hydrolysed CasH are potential new anti‐inflammatory ingredients with potential to prevent diseases of unresolved systemic inflammation, however further work is on‐going in terms of defining potential efficacy.Support or Funding InformationThis work was supported by Food for Health Ireland (Enterprise Ireland Grant: CC20080001).