bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Innovation and Changes in Child Nutrition Programs: National and State of Louisiana
Authors: Champagne Catherine M , Carmichael Catherine H , Allen Raymond , Stracener Judy , Campbell Melissa , Dupre John 
Published: November 2023

The Healthy, Hunger Free Kids Act (HHFKA) of 2010, a reauthorization of the Child Nutrition Act sets new nutrition standards for meal patterns, food sold and served in schools, and requires training and professional standards development for all school nutrition personnel. Major improvements are being made across the country and in Louisiana to incorporate these standards, increase access to healthy food and promote student wellness. The National School Lunch and National School Breakfast Programs improve diet, reduce food insecurity and improve overall health. In April 2015, LSU's Pennington Biomedical Research Center partnered with the Louisiana Department of Education's Division of Nutrition Support to launch the Louisiana Fit Kids project, which aims to strengthen child nutrition programs through a variety of key initiatives. An interactive website was launched to include meal planning, assist with implementation of professional standards requirements for child nutrition personnel, house the approved Smart Snacks listing for Louisiana, and other child nutrition topics. High on the priority list is the completion of a statewide needs assessment to determine training needs, technical assistance requirements, and other priorities which will help allocate resources for future action plans. The needs assessment survey was launched in September 2015 with plans to publish results by January 2016. The data collected will be analyzed to categorize the five regions of the state in terms of trainings needed, technology available and other aspects of their child nutrition program. Portions of the survey include questions about barriers to successful implementation of the child nutrition program, along with training needs related to meal planning and meal pattern requirements. Preliminary data suggest barriers to meal participation vary between 33–83%, trainings related to meal planning vary between 29–63% or meal pattern requirements vary between 40–57%. Complete survey results will point to differences in the five regions of the state and will allow comparisons to other states and national child nutrition data. Louisiana has set some standards differently from USDA, primarily restricting calorie content in the Smart Snacks listing and with several products excluded that have been exempted by USDA. Results of the needs assessment survey and differences between Louisiana and USDA will be the focus of this presentation, along with a discussion of future directions for this project which has Louisiana on the forefront of high achievements in the realm of child nutrition within the school system.Support or Funding InformationSupported by the Louisiana Department of Education, Division of Nutrition Support
Parenting Practices of Arab Mothers Related to Obesogenic Dietary Behaviors in Children Ages 6 – 10 Years Old
Authors: Tami Suzan H , Reed Debra B 
Published: November 2023

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate parenting practices of Arab mothers related to the development of healthy and unhealthy dietary behaviors in their children, and the challenges and successful strategies of these mothers to improve their children's dietary behaviors.MethodsGuided by Social Cognitive Theory, five focus groups (n = 23) were conducted to collect data on parenting practices of these Arab mothers in the Dallas, Texas area related to dietary behaviors of their children.ResultsIn this exploratory qualitative study, mothers wanted their children to have a healthier diet (stop eating junk and fast foods, stop drinking sweetened beverages, limit consuming processed foods, eat fewer carbohydrates, and increase vegetable intake). Mothers also wanted better time management to achieve healthier meal preparation. However, struggles/challenges during meal preparation and mealtime reported by these mothers included: picky eaters, different child/family preferences, child age differences, low vegetable intake, child being distracted by sweets and technology, and lack of time. To promote their children's dietary behaviors, mothers reported using healthy and unhealthy parenting feeding practices. Positive parenting feeding practices included: no pressure to eat; providing healthier alternative foods; letting child choose what to eat from the dish; child self‐serving foods; involving child in food preparation; adding vegetables to dishes; minimizing junk food consumption; allowing child to switch foods that are nutritionally similar; and providing information about the nutritional benefits of the food served. Negative parenting feeding practices included: pressuring child to eat; spoon‐feeding; rewarding with sweets, technology, or money; bribing; and warning to not have sweets or play video games.ConclusionPositive parenting practices and strategies by these Arab mothers should be supported. Nutrition interventions are needed to address the negative parenting practices that may not be effective in promoting healthy, long‐term dietary behaviors consistent with obesity prevention.Support or Funding InformationNone
Usual impact of vegetable and red meat intake on urinary nitrate
Authors: Wu Tianying , Sonoda Samantha , Ollberding Nicholas 
Published: November 2023

The purpose of this study is twofold: 1) compare the effectiveness of non‐quantitative food frequency questionnaire (NFFQ) to one‐time or multiple 24‐hr recalls on assessing the associations of vegetable and red meat intakes with urinary nitrate; 2) to determine the associations of vegetable and red meat intakes with urinary nitrate. Nitrate‐related metabolic pathways have emerged as a fascinating topic because promising benefits of using nitrate supplement on several cardiovascular related outcomes in animal and small‐scaled human intervention studies. In the past, most people consider that processed meat is the main source of nitrate exposure and nitrate is carcinogenic. In fact, the major exogenous nitrate exposure comes from vegetables. Our recent study has shown that increased levels of plasma nitrate are associated with reduced risk of aggressive prostate cancer. Thus, understanding how vegetables and red meat influence circulating nitrate levels will help understand how food modulate nitrate related etiologic factors for cardiovascular, cancer and other outcomes. We seek to untangle the mystery of vegetable‐nitrate and red meat‐nitrate associations in a large observational study. We conduct a cross‐sectional analysis using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) during 2005–2006, among 7,683 participants. Urinary nitrate was measured, and NFFQ and two‐time 24‐hr recalls were collected among these participants. We have found a positive association between vegetable intakes and urinary nitrate and an inverse association between red meat intakes and urinary nitrate by using either non‐quantitative NFFQ or averaged two‐time 24‐hr recalls. The magnitudes of the results were stronger when using NFFQ. Further, using NFFQ, we found that urinary nitrate intake increased by 26%, and decreased by 16% when comparing persons with the highest to the lowest quintile of vegetable intake and red meat intake, respectively. Lastly, we found that the results from the 24‐hr recall collected a few days after urine collection (but not the 24‐hr recall on the day of urine collection) are consistent with NFFQ results. The trend of vegetable‐urinary nitrate and red meat‐urinary nitrate associations from NFFQ and averaged 24‐hr recalls were consistent with our previous published findings using plasma nitrate measurement in the Health Professionals Follow‐up Study, where only semi‐quantitative FFQ (SFFQ) was administered. In summary, we conclude that dietary assessment with NFFQ, SFFQ, or average 24‐hr recalls will yield similar results when evaluating red meat‐circulating nitrate or vegetable‐circulating nitrate associations. Measurement of circulating nitrate using either urine or plasma will yield similar results. Our results are valuable for uncovering the underlying mechanism for diet‐nitrate associated chronic diseases and for designing long‐term dietary intervention studies targeting circulating nitrate.Support or Funding InformationNCI KO7
Hypoxia Compromised Barrier Integrity in IPEC‐J2 Monolayer Independent of Oxidative Stress
Authors: Liu Fan , Lyte Joshua M. , Gabler Nicholas K. , Dunshea Frank R. 
Published: November 2023

Hypoxia is a known antagonist of intestinal epithelial barrier integrity; however, it is unknown if oxidative stress (OS) plays a mechanistic role. Therefore, this study investigates the role of OS in hypoxia‐compromised barrier integrity using non‐transformed porcine jejunum cell line, IPEC‐J2. We hypothesized an alleviation of OS would attenuate hypoxia‐induced declines in IPEC‐J2 monolayer barrier integrity. IPEC‐J2 cells were cultured in transwell inserts to form a polarized epithelial monolayer. Thereafter, upon confirmation of monolayer polarization and stabilization via transepithelial resistance (TER, > 3 kΩ), cells were incubated with either apical media fortified with 200 nM selenium‐methyl‐selenocysteine hydrochloride (Se) or vehicle control for 72 h. Then these confluent treated monolayers were exposed to either normoxia (20% oxygen) or hypoxia (1% oxygen) conditions for 24 h. Barrier integrity was then quantified by TER and 4k Da FITC‐Dextran (FD4) permeability. Tight junction proteins were assessed by immunofluorescence (IF) for distribution. Together with glutathione peroxidase activity (GPX) assay in cell lysates, protein abundances were assessed via western blots. Data were analyzed in a 2×2 factorial design (n=12/trt) by two‐way ANOVA for the fixed effects of hypoxia, Se and their interaction. Cell viability was not affected by hypoxia treatment (P=0.24). However compared to normoxia, hypoxia treatment tended to increase in HIF‐1α protein abundance (P=0.09), markedly decreased TER (P<0.001) by 66%, and increased FD4 permeability by 88% (P<0.001). Although Claudin‐4 total protein abundance was increased by 115% (P=0.002) due to hypoxia, IF of this tight junction indicated Claudin‐4 was internalized from cell membrane in response 72 h of hypoxia. Myosin light chain kinase protein abundance and Zona Occludens‐1 (ZO‐1) distribution was not different between normal and hypoxia. Interestingly, hypoxia did not induce OS as measured by intracellular reactive oxygen species production using the 2′,7′‐dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate probe (P=0.18). Although Se enhanced GPX activity by 38% (P<0.001) regardless of oxygen level, Se did not protect IPEC‐J2 cells from hypoxia induced decreases in monolayer barrier integrity (TER, FD4, IF). In a conclusion, hypoxia compromised IPEC‐J2 monolayer barrier integrity independent of OS. The enhanced GPX activity by Se enrichment did not alleviate hypoxia‐induced changes in IPEC‐J2 monolayer barrier integrity.Support or Funding InformationSupported by Overseas Research Experience Scholarship of University of Melbourne and Australian Pork Limited Study Award
Muscadine Grape (Vitis rotundifolia) and Wine Phytochemicals Mitigates Dextran Sulfate Sodium‐ induced Colitis in Mice
Authors: Li Ruiqi , Sandhu Amandeep K , Gao Chi , Gu Liwei 
Published: November 2023

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are a group of inflammatory conditions of the intestines. Muscadine grapes (Vitis rotundifolia) are grown southeastern U.S. with a unique profile of bioactive phytochemicals. The objective of this study was to determine the anti‐inflammatory effects of phytochemical extracts from muscadine grapes or wine on dextran sulfate sodium‐induced colitis in mice. Muscadine grape phytochemicals (MGP) and muscadine wine phytochemicals (MWP) were obtained using resin adsorption‐desorption approach. Two groups of female C57BL/6J mice (8 mice per group) were gavaged with 500 mg/kg per day of MGP or MWP for 14 days. Acute colitis was induced by 3% dextran sulfate sodium in drinking water for 7 days. The severity of colonic Inflammation was evaluated by disease activity index, colon length, macroscopic, histopathological analysis, myeloperoxidase activity, and levels of inflammatory cytokines. It was found that MGP and MWP prevented weight loss, reduced disease activity index, and preserved colonic length. Supplementation of MGP or MWP in diet significantly decreased myeloperoxidase activity as well as the levels of IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α in colon (P < 0.05). These findings suggest that muscadine grape or wine phytochemicals exert anti‐inflammatory effects which may be useful for the prevention and treatment of the inflammatory bowel disease via regulation of pro‐inflammatory cytokine production.Support or Funding InformationThis research was supported in part by Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Impact of Modified Dietary Education Combined with High Energy/Protein Meals during Hemodialysis Treatment on Protein and Phosphorus Intake and Nutritional Status in Hypoalbuminemic Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Dizon Francis , Wang Long , Parsons Tara , Gray Virginia , Reiboldt Wendy 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundLow serum albumin and a high dietary phosphorus to dietary protein ratio (PPR) have been tied to malnutrition among maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. In turn, malnutrition is an alarming risk factor for increased mortality amongst this population. The administration of high protein/high calorie meals during dialysis in tandem with modified nutrition education may help alleviate hypoalbuminemia and an elevated PPR. Research on these strategies is limited.MethodsAn 8‐week randomized control trial of 110 MHD participants (18 to 85 years, mean age = 54±15 SD, 48 males, 62 females) with serum albumin <4.0 g/dL from DaVita Dialysis centers in the greater Los Angeles area was conducted. The intervention group (n=55) was provided with high protein/high calorie meals during MHD as well as outpatient nutrition education that focused on lowering dietary phosphorus intake, while the control group (n=55) received low protein/low calorie meals and minimal nutrition education. Dietary intake data were collected from a 3‐day food diary or 24‐hour recall and meal intake forms during MHD treatment. Independent samples t‐tests were used to examine pre‐ and post‐study changes in 1) dietary intake in MHD patients expressed by PPR and 2) serum albumin, with a significance level of p ≤ 0.05.ResultsNo significant association was found between intervention (meal provision during MHD treatment and modified nutrition education) and serum albumin (t = −0.21, p = 0.84). While not significant at p ≤ 0.05, there was a near significant difference in changes in PPR (t = −1.71, p = 0.09) between the intervention and control groups. PPR was shown to decrease in the intervention group post‐study.ConclusionThis study found a near significant association between meal provision during MHD treatment combined with modified nutrition education and changes in PPR post‐study, but not with serum albumin levels. These results indicate a need for further studies of meal provision during MHD treatment as well as longer‐term studies on modified nutrition education in an effort to establish dietary behavior change and decrease PPR.Support or Funding InformationThis study was supported by the Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute, as part of the Fosrenol for Enhancing Dietary Protein Intake in Hypoalbuminemic Dialysis Patients Study
Lessons Learned from the Broadening Experiences in Scientific Training (BEST) Awards
Authors: Labosky Patricia 
Published: November 2023

Success of the entire biomedical research enterprise relies on the creativity, innovation, and dedication of the scientific workforce. There is ongoing concern that the long training time and the declining percentage of PhD graduates that obtain independent academic research positions are making biomedical research a less attractive career. Additionally, although many graduates are moving into essential research‐related occupations rather than research‐intensive positions, many current training programs do little to prepare trainees for these other career options. The NIH is committed to supporting a sustainable and robust workforce equipped to address the greatest challenges and opportunities in biomedical research, recognizing that traditional research‐intensive positions are not the only means by which PhD graduates can meaningfully contribute to the biomedical research enterprise. To address this need and based on recommendations from the Advisory Committee to the Director (ACD) Working Group on Biomedical Workforce, the NIH Common Fund launched the “Strengthening the Biomedical Research Workforce” program as one component of a trans‐NIH strategy to enhance training opportunities for early career scientists to better prepare them for a variety of career options in the dynamic biomedical workforce landscape.These awards, also called the Broadening Experiences in Scientific Training (BEST) awards, are providing support for institutions to develop innovative approaches to complement traditional research training in biomedical sciences. Institutions are encouraged to partner with industry or other entities to provide a wealth of diverse training opportunities for their trainees, and the awardees have formed a network to share experiences and determine best practices. One of the novelties of this program is the NIH cross‐site evaluation of all the programs. The desired impacts of the program include: 1) enhancing trainee agency to make career decisions, 2) reduced time to desired, non‐training, non‐terminal career opportunities and reduced time in postdoctoral positions, and 3) the creation and/or further development of institutional infrastructure to continue the BEST‐like activities. This rigorous analysis will assess impact at the home institutions, and proven approaches will be widely disseminated throughout the training community.Support or Funding InformationThese awards are supported by the NIH Common Fund.
Differences in dietary glycemic load among young adults with and without acne
Authors: Burris Jennifer Christine , Rietkerk William , Shikany James M , Woolf Kathleen 
Published: November 2023

Acne is a common skin disease affecting individuals of all ages. Although acne pathogenesis is multifactorial, acne development may be associated with dietary factors, such as glycemic index and glycemic load. This study investigated differences in diet among healthy young adults with and without acne. Thirty‐two participants (22 ± 4 years) with moderate to severe acne (n=8 males, n=24 females) and 32 participants with no acne (n=6 males, n=26 females) completed a 5‐day food record and health history questionnaire. Self‐reported diet was analyzed using Nutrition Data System for Research (NDSR). A dermatologist assessed acne using digital photographs. There were no significant differences in age, sex, body mass index (BMI), energy intake, and dietary glycemic index between groups. Participants with acne reported lesser intake of available carbohydrate (total carbohydrate – dietary fiber) (157 ± 50 g/d) and greater intake of dietary glycemic load [131±51 (GI × CHO g/d)] compared to participants with no acne [available carbohydrate = 236 ± 74 g/d and dietary glycemic load=99±34 (GI × CHO g/d)] (p=<0.001 and p=0.006). These results suggest an association between dietary glycemic load and acne. Future research is necessary to further characterize the impact of dietary glycemic load on acne.Support or Funding InformationNew York University Steinhardt Doctoral Grant Award
California Dates have a Low Glycemic Index as determined by both in vitro and in vivo methods
Authors: Rainey Charlene J. 
Published: November 2023

The objective of this study was to determine the nutrient composition and glycemic index (GI) of dates using in vitro methodology, and compare it to the GI for dates previously reported from in vivo studies. GI is an indicator of the relative human glycemic response to dietary carbohydrate in a food. An in vitro analytical method previously used to predict estimates of GI for a variety of foods was found to be comparable to that obtained via in vivo testing. Although in vitro methods for predicting GI using simulated digestion and artificial neural networks have been developed to rapidly predict the GI of a variety of food products, this has not yet been performed for dates. Two varieties of fresh, whole, California dates (deglet noor and medjool) without pits were collected from the growing area in Coachella Valley, California. The two varieties were combined in equal parts and analyzed together. Methodology involved simulating human digestion (using hydrochloric acid and enzymes) followed by HPLC analysis for glucose, fructose, sucrose and maltitol in the digestate. The results were modeled to predict the GI. This in vitro method was proven to be a more cost effective and rapid method compared to in vivo testing for cereals and other fruits. The results show that dates are rich in carbohydrates (77%), fibers (6.4 – 11%), and the sugar alcohol sorbitol (0.68%). They are low in moisture (17% to 30%), proteins (2%) and fatty acids (1%), nutrient dense in potassium (7190 ppm), and rich in anthocyanidins, well known antioxidants. Generally, low GI foods are defined as having a GI of 55 or less. In vitro methods for determining GI previously reported in the literature average 42 ± 4 on a scale of 100, indicative that the food has a low GI. Analysis using the in vitro testing method revealed that dates had a GI of 46.18 on a scale of 100. In conclusion, the in vitro method of testing used herein produces an accurate estimate of glycemic Index for dates. Dates are a nutrient dense, healthy whole fruit that can be used as an ingredient in food products, with the benefit of having a low glycemic index. In vitro methods for testing dates are useful in estimating accurate GI as a screening tool relative to other food ingredients.Support or Funding InformationCalifornia Date Commission