bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Mineral Status on the Academic Performance
Authors: Assimiti Daniela 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundIt is well known that a balanced nutrition that is supplying the proper amount of minerals is absolutely essential for the development of the brain, maintenance of a normal cognitive function, as well as a major influencing factor of the behavior. This fact is even more important in the school‐aged children but little has been studied on the extent in which the mineral deficiencies might actually influence academic performance. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the measure in which some minerals our students being more often deficient in (especially Zn and Fe, in this particular region of Thailand) affect the academic performance.MethodsThe study used a very simple and totally non‐invasive method to observe the mineral deficiencies in fingernails and pictures were taken. The GPAs of all the students were collected as well for reference. The participants were 46 boys and 38 girls age 3–11 from Kindergarten and Elementary, and 33 boys and 21 girls age 12–18 from Middle and High School. Data was further analyzed by using T‐test.ResultsOf the total number of students age 3–11 investigated, 26.09% boys and 23.68% girls were found to be zinc deficient, while 13.04% boys and 7.89% girls presented iron deficiency. In the higher grades, 47.62% girls and 36.36% boys were zinc deficient, while 24.24% boys and 9.52% girls were found to be iron deficient. Selenium and calcium deficiencies were found in isolated cases in both lower and higher grades. Correlation with the GPA and some of the previous ITBS scores (addressing mainly components as attention spans, concentration, and comprehension), along with the general observation of the behavior in some of the students showed to be concordant.ConclusionsOverall, this easy way of identifying as early as possible eventual mineral deficiencies by only observing the fingernails can be a very valuable method to trigger the students with problems and help improve both academic performance, while promoting as well better nutrition, health, and behavior.
Eating Indicators In Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome And Weight‐Matched Controls
Authors: Maher Margaret A. , Sanders Amanda M. 
Published: November 2023

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, and oligo‐ or anovulation. Insulin resistance is associated with excess weight and the elevated androgens in PCOS promote central (android) deposition of fat. This may lead to distress and healthy or unhealthy efforts to manage weight. Our purpose was to determine if women with PCOS exhibit disordered eating behaviors beyond weight‐matched controls and if eating behaviors are associated with body composition, appetite‐regulating hormones, and nutrient intake. Eight women with previously diagnosed PCOS and eight weight‐matched controls (ages 32.9 ± 3.5 and 35.0 ± 4.5 years and BMI 30.8 ± 2.1 and 30.8 ± 3.0, respectively) completed a medical and diet history questionnaire, eating attitudes test (EAT‐26), NIH diet frequency frequency questionnaire II, diet interview with a dietitian, DEXA scan, ultrasound (PCOS only), and fasting blood draw for hormone assays. Women with PCOS more frequently reported disordered eating, decreased daily food and micronutrient intakes (thiamin, folate, calcium, iron, and magnesium, with some below recommendations), and increased fat and saturated fat intakes. There were no significant differences in fasting leptin, ghrelin and insulin levels between groups. As expected the PCOS group had elevated testosterone levels (38.1 ± 7.2 and 22.7 ± 4.5 ng/dl). Contrasting correlations for some factor combinations were observed between groups. Clinically defined eating disorder in this sample of women with PCOS or weight‐matched controls was not observed, though the PCOS group had a higher average EAT‐26 score versus controls (6.4 ± 1.2 and 3.9 ± 1.6). Consistent with some other studies, trends toward subclinical disordered eating, increased nutritional risk, and dysregulation of appetite‐regulating hormones in this study merit further study.Support or Funding InformationThis research was funded by an internal UWL Research, Service, and Educational Leadership Grant for graduate students.
Epigenetic Modifications Following NLRP3 Induced Inflammation of Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cells
Authors: McKinley Raechel Elaine , Csoka Antonei 
Published: November 2023

Mature Oligodendrocytes (OCs) are specialized cells in the central nervous system that have the ability wrap their cytoplasm around the axons of neurons to makemyelin. Myelin is the lipid‐rich covering of axons that is responsible for fast salutatory conduction in synaptic transmission. As opposed to many cell types in the central nervous system, OCs have pools of readily available progenitor cells called Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cells (OPCs), that during normal repair will replace the damaged mature OCs. However, when damage is done to OCs in disorders such as multiple sclerosis, stroke, and spinal cord injury, this phenomenon does not take place. In previous studies, it has been shown that epigenetics is vital to the maturation of OPCs during embryonic development and differentiation. In this study, we analyzed the epigenetic modifications including DNA methylation in NLRP3‐induced inflammation of OPCs. Using microarray technology, we analyzed the genome‐wide DNA from OPC cells to find the global epigenetic modifications that take place during NLRP3‐activated inflammation.Support or Funding InformationNational Institute of Health (NIH) R25 Resource Grant. (1 R25 AG047843‐01)
Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Irrigation Water Use in the Production of Pulse Crops in the United States
Authors: Gustafson David I 
Published: November 2023

Supplying our world's growing nutrition needs in more sustainable ways has become an urgent global imperative, given the constraints of finite resources and the challenges of accelerating climate change. Pulse crops, which are the dried seeds of legumes such as dry peas, chickpeas, beans, and lentils, play a key role in maintaining affordable, nutritious diets, as they provide high amounts of protein and fiber, and relatively low amounts of fat. As legumes, they are also advantageous from an environmental perspective, because they fix atmospheric nitrogen, thereby reducing the need for added fertilizers. Although some pulse crops are produced in areas that require irrigation, more than 80% of the pulse crop production area in the United States is exclusively rain‐fed. In order to quantify eco‐efficiency metrics associated with the production of pulse crops in the United States, life cycle assessment techniques were used to calculate “cradle to farm‐gate” greenhouse gas emissions and irrigation water use, both on a per unit of production basis. The results demonstrate that pulse crops have low carbon and water footprints relative to most foods, with greenhouse gas emissions of 0.27 kg CO2e/kg and irrigation water use of 0.19 m3/kg, both as national averages across all 2.4 MMT (millions of metric tons) of pulse crops currently produced annually in the United States.Support or Funding InformationAmerican Pulse Association
An Evaluation of a Multi‐strain Probiotic Supplement on General Wellness in Healthy Adults: A Randomized, Double‐Blind, Dose‐Response Study
Authors: Fatani Asmaa , Ford Amanda , Dahl Wendy , Tompkins Thomas , Girard Stéphanie‐Anne , Christman Mary 
Published: November 2023

Although many species of bacteria have been evaluated and marketed as probiotics, little work has examined the dose‐response effects of probiotics on microbiota and host. A probiotic formulation, containing Lactobacillus helveticus R0052, Lactobacillus rhamnosus R0011, Lactobacillus casei R0215, Pediococcus acidilactici R1001, Bifidobacterium breve R0070, Bifidobacterium longum BB536, Lactobacillus plantarum R1012 and Lactobacillus lactis ssp. lactis R1058, is currently marketed in the U.S. at 5 billion colony forming units (CFU)/capsule and 25 billion CFU/capsule doses. To determine the effects of the two doses of the multi‐strain probiotic supplements on gastrointestinal function and general wellbeing, a six‐week, randomized, double‐blind, dose‐response study was conducted with 69 healthy adults (18–50 years old). Participants were randomly assigned to receive the probiotic mix at 5 billion CFU, 25 billion CFU, or placebo for four weeks. Daily questionnaires were used to assess gastrointestinal symptoms and general wellness, specifically gastrointestinal distress symptoms, ear‐nose‐throat symptoms, epidermal symptoms, psychological health, cephalic symptoms, emetic symptoms, diarrhea, constipation, fatigue, and hunger. Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS) was used as a proxy of transit time. In addition, the Gastrointestinal Symptoms Rating Scale (GSRS) was administered weekly to further evaluate gastrointestinal symptoms. General wellness and gastrointestinal symptoms were not affected by the consumption of the multi‐strain probiotic at doses of 5 or 25 billion CFU. In addition, BSFS analysis showed no significant change in relative transit time among treatments. No serious adverse events were reported. Therefore, the multi‐strain probiotic formulation is well tolerated by healthy adults at 5 billion and 25 billion CFU per day.Support or Funding InformationLallemand Health Solutions, Inc.
Correlation between obesity and flat feet among school age children
Authors: Bardales‐Cahua Marco Antonio , Bardales‐Vásquez Cecilia Betzabet , León‐Torres Carlos Alberto 
Published: November 2023

Malnourishment and obesity among schoolchildren are associated with many co‐morbidities and long term effects on well being. In the following study, we explore how foot type correlates with nutritional state among public school children in Northern Peru. We measured Body Mass Index and Moreau‐Costa‐Bertani angle of 535 school‐age pupils between 6 and 11 years old from Florencia de Mora District, La Libertad, Peru, in a descriptive, transversal, randomized study. We observe correlations (p=0.001) between nutritional status and foot type among subjects (52% female). Pes cavus was observed in 65.49% of malnourished children and 76.97% of well nourished children. Nearly all (92.68%) of obese children had flat feet. There exists a clear correlation between flat feet and obesity in the study group, indicating that obesity may play an irreversible role in shaping foot structure by age 6. This may have long‐term consequences as flat feet can negatively impact joint and back health.Support or Funding InformationAntenor Orrego Private University.
Dietary Melamine Accumulates in the Longissimus Dorsi Muscle and Internal Organs of Pigs
Authors: Park Kyu Ree , Kim Beob Gyun 
Published: November 2023

Melamine (1,3,5‐triazine‐2,4,6‐triamine) is a well‐known toxin to humans and animals. Clinical signs or symptoms of dietary melamine poisoning include anorexia, uremia, renal failure and even death. The accumulation of dietary melamine in meat‐producing animals may cause serious health threats to humans and pet animals if they consume animal products containing accumulated melamine. However, quantitative information on the residual melamine in pork and edible pig organs from dietary melamine is lacking. Therefore, the aim of the present work was to determine the effects of graded dietary melamine on melamine concentrations in the longissimus dorsi muscle and organs of pigs. Twelve castrated male pigs with a mean body weight of 19.8 ± 2.2 kg were allocated to four dietary treatments in a completely randomized design. The experimental diets based on corn and soybean meal were prepared to contain 0, 1, 2, or 4% melamine. The animals were individually housed and had free access to feed and water. At the end of the 21‐day feeding period, all pigs were euthanized for collecting longissimus dorsi muscle, heart, kidneys, liver, and lungs. The collected longissimus dorsi muscle and internal organs were lyophilized and ground for the analysis of melamine. The melamine concentrations in fresh tissues were calculated based on the dry matter concentrations and the muscle and organ melamine concentrations relative to average daily feed intake (ADFI) were also calculated. With increasing dietary melamine concentrations, ADFI, average daily gain, and gain:feed of animals linearly decreased (P < 0.05). With increasing dietary melamine concentrations, the melamine concentrations in the dried (2.8, 120.6, 200.4, and 157.9 ppm) and fresh (0.7, 29.3, 49.6, and 38.1 ppm) longissimus dorsi muscle tissues quadratically increased (P < 0.05), the melamine concentrations in the fresh kidneys tended to increase (0.5, 128.1, 167.0, and 77.8; quadratic, P = 0.07), and the melamine concentrations in the dried (1.1, 136.1, 159.8, and 385.2 ppm) and fresh (0.2, 25.6, 31.2, and 70.1) lung tissue linearly increased (P < 0.05). The melamine concentrations in the dried and fresh longissimus dorsi muscle, liver, heart, and lung tissues relative to ADFI linearly increased (P < 0.05). The amount of melamine accumulated in the lungs linearly increased (P < 0.05) with increasing dietary melamine concentration. Taken together, melamine in swine feed dose‐dependently accumulates in pork loin and edible tissues.Support or Funding InformationThis work was supported by the Rural Development Administration (Republic of Korea; PJ010932) and the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) grant funded by the Korea government (MSIP) (No. 2016R1A2B2015665).
Effect of Aplysin on Intestinal Barrier and Lipid Metabolism of Rats Exposed by Ethanol and Iron
Authors: Liang Hui , Ma Yan , Li Ruiying , Ma Aiguo 
Published: November 2023

ObjectiveThis study investigated the protective effect of Aplysin on intestinal barrier and lipid metabolism against ethanol‐induced hepatic injury in rat exposed by iron.MethodsOne hundred and eight male wistar rats (2‐mo) were randomly divided into 9 groups (12/group). All rats were fed standard basal diet but received different treatments: control (normal saline); ethanol‐model (50% ethanol, 8ml kg−1 day−1 for 2 weeks, and 12 ml kg−1 day−1 for the remaining 10 weeks); iron (70mg/kg in diet); ethanol+iron group; Aplysin (150 mg kg−1 day−1); Aplysin + ethanol; Aplysin + iron; Aplysin + alcohol + iron; the positive control (ethanol+iron+glycyrrhizic acid 200 mg kg−1 day−1). The study period was twelve weeks. The histopathology of small intestine was observed after hematoxylin‐eosin (HE) staining; the levels of plasma two amine oxidase (DAO)/D lactic acid (D‐LA)/ fatty acid‐binding protein 2(FABP2) were assessed with enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); the concentrations of serum cholesterol(TC)/triglyceride(TG)/ low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL‐C) were measured with fully automatic biochemical analyzer.ResultsThe results of HE staining indicated that intestinal mucosal tissue of rats in control group and Aplysin group were normal. Rats treated with ethanol or iron showed lesions in intestinal villus and glands, a large number of mucosal epithelial cell fallen off, mucosal epithelium and lamina propria separated, and intestinal villus hemorrhage and edema. Moreover, intestinal mucosa in the rats exposed to ethanol and iron were significantly damaged. However, the pathological injuries were improved to different degrees with the intervention of Aplysin. The results from lipid metabolism and intestinal barrier observation revealed that the levels of plasma DAO/D‐LA/FABP2 and the concentrations of serum TC/TG/LDL‐C were elevated significantly in the exposed groups compared with the control group. These changes were reduced significantly with the intervention of Aplysin. There was no significant difference between Aplysin group and control group.ConclusionAplysin exhibited regulatory and protective effect on lipid metabolism disorder and intestinal mucosal damage induced by ethanol and iron exposure in rats, which may ultimately prevent and mitigate alcoholic liver injury.Support or Funding InformationThe National Natural Science Fund (No. 81373000)
Modulation of cerebral blood perfusion by cocoa flavanols in aged mice: acute and chronic effects
Authors: Rendeiro Catarina , Konopka Christian , Snyder Amanda , Pinardo Heinrich , Bhattacharya Tushar K , Rodriguez‐Mateos Ana , Moulton Christopher , Dobrucki Wawrzyniec Lawrence , Rhodes Justin S 
Published: November 2023

Cocoa‐derived flavanols, and in particular (−) epicatechin, have been avidly studied in regards to their potential to affect peripheral vascular function in humans, both acutely and chronically. More recently, there has been a growing interest in understanding to what extent such beneficial effects in peripheral arteries might extent to the central nervous system (CNS). In the present study, we examined the acute (1 h) and chronic (6 months) effects of oral supplementation with cocoa‐flavanols on global cerebral blood perfusion, as assessed by 99m‐Tc‐HMPAO Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT), in an aged mice model. We observed that pure (−)‐epicatechin when delivered orally at a dose of 16 mg/kg BW resulted in a significant increase (approx. 20%) in global cerebral blood perfusion within 1 h of intake, which corresponds to the peak of absorption of (−)‐epicatechin into the bloodstream (crossover design, n=18, p = 0.023). However, higher doses of (−) epicatechin (100 mg/kg BW) were ineffective at modulating cerebral blood flow. Preliminary studies further suggest that long‐term chronic supplementation (6 months) with cocoa (delivering 948 μg of total flavanols/g food) is more effective at maintaining cerebral blood perfusion in aging (parallel design, n=7, age × treatment effect: p=0.019), than pure (−) epicatechin when delivered at equivalent doses (948 μg of flavanols/g food). We are currently further assessing the long‐term impact of cocoa‐flavanols on learning and memory ability (Morris Water Maze, Active Avoidance), anxiety levels (Elevated Plus Maze, Open Field) and motor function (Rotorod). Collectively, these data support a positive modulation of cerebral blood perfusion by cocoa flavanols in aged mice and may further impact cognitive function through counteracting age‐associated decreases in blood perfusion.Support or Funding InformationCenter for Nutrition, Learning and MemoryBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana‐Champaign, 405 N. Mathews Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
Micronutrient intake from food and supplements in pregnancy: The Healthy Start Study
Authors: Kalata Kathryn , Koeppen Hallie J , Shapiro Allison B , Stamatoiu Alexandra V , Dabelea Dana , Sauder Katherine 
Published: November 2023

Prenatal multivitamin/multimineral supplementation is commonly recommended to optimize maternal‐child health outcomes. However, in the presence of food fortification and access to nutrient‐adequate diets, supplementation may result in pregnant women consuming micronutrients in excess of the recommended amounts. This could potentially result in adverse offspring outcomes through alterations in DNA methylation due to excess consumption of methyl donors. The purpose of this analysis was to compare micronutrient intake from foods and supplements to the dietary reference intakes (DRIs) of selected micronutrients in pregnancy. We collected longitudinal data from 1322 ethnically‐diverse women participating in The Healthy Start Study, a pre‐birth prospective cohort based in Denver, CO. Women completed research visits in early pregnancy (median 17 weeks gestation), mid‐pregnancy (median 27 weeks), and at delivery (median 1 day post‐delivery). Women self‐reported dietary supplement use at each research visit, including brand/type of vitamin, dosage, and dates of use. Food intake was assessed with automated self‐administered 24‐hour recalls up to 8 times in pregnancy (median 2 recalls). Micronutrient intake from dietary supplements was estimated using manufacturer nutrient composition data. Micronutrient intake from food sources was estimated using the Food and Nutrient Database for Dietary Studies and the National Cancer Institute measurement error model. We calculated average daily intake during pregnancy for the following micronutrients: folate/folic acid, calcium, vitamin D, iron, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin E, and choline. We compared average daily intake from food, supplements, and both sources to the age‐specific DRIs for pregnant women. From food sources alone, women met or exceeded the DRIs for calcium (median 110% of the DRI), vitamin B3 (123%), and vitamin C (146%), but consumed less than the DRIs for vitamin D (30%), vitamin E (45%), vitamin B1 (50%), vitamin B6 (57%), iron (57%), choline (69%), folate (77%), and vitamin B2 (90%). Considering both food and supplement sources, women met or exceeded the DRI for all micronutrients except choline (70%), vitamin D (80%), and vitamin E (97%). Total intake exceeded the DRI by more than 50% for folate/folic acid (158%), vitamin B6 (159%), vitamin B2 (168%), vitamin B3 (182%), and vitamin C (212%). Our data demonstrate that pregnant women are meeting few of the micronutrient DRIs from food sources alone, but are exceeding several of the micronutrient DRIs by 50% or more from combined food and supplement sources. Future research should examine whether and how micronutrient intake in pregnancy, particularly when in excess of the DRIs, is related to offspring health outcomes.Support or Funding InformationNational Institutes of Health
Docosahexaenoic Acid Inhibits Trypsin Activation and Amylase Release by Activating Adenosine Monophosphate‐Activated Protein Kinase in Pancreatic Acinar Cells
Authors: Park Yeeun , Lim Joo Weon , Kim Hyeyoung 
Published: November 2023

The main mechanism in the onset of pancreatitis is believed to be autodigestion of pancreatic acinar cells by premature activation of digestive enzyme zymogens. It is known that adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) regulates the early responses of acute pancreatitis. A recent in vitro study shows that induction of experimental pancreatitis in isolated rat pancreatic acini with supraphysiologic cerulein causes an increase in intracellular zymogen activation, but a decrease in AMPK levels. The stimulation of v‐ATPase activity is required for agonist‐induced zymogen activation in the pancreatic acinar cells. AMPK is known to promote v‐ATPase ubiquitination and degradation, which inhibits the activity of v‐ATPase. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) shows anti‐inflammatory function by binding to G‐protein‐coupled receptor 120 (GPR120) in both humans and animal models. Recent study showed that DHA stimulates the phosphorylation of AMPK via GPR120, a functional omega‐3 fatty acid receptor/sensor.The aim of this study was to investigate whether DHA inhibits activation of zymogen by determining the activities of AMPK, v‐ATPase, amylase and trypsin in pancreatic acinar AR42J cells stimulated with cerulein. Protein levels were determined by western blotting while enzyme activities were assessed using fluorogenic assay and commercial assay kits.As a result, DHA (50 microM) increased the phosphorylation of AMPK but decreased trypsin activities and amylase release in cerulein‐stimulated AR42J cells. DHA induced inactivation of v‐ATPase in cerulein‐stimulated AR42J cells. Moreover, the treatment of a selective GPR120 antagonist AH‐7614 suppressed DHA‐induced activation of AMPK, inhibition of trypsin activities and amylase release in cerulein‐stimulated AR42J cells. PYR‐41, an ubiquitin E1 inhibitor, reversed the inhibitory effect of DHA on cerulein‐induced increase in trypsin activities and amylase release in AR42J cells.In conclusion, DHA inhibits trypsin activation and amylase release by activating AMPK and inhibiting v‐ATPase in pancreatic acinar cells. Supplementation of DHA may be beneficial for suppressing the development of pancreatitis by inhibiting zymogen activation in pancreatic acinar cells.Support or Funding InformationThis study was supported by a grant (NRF‐2015R1A2A2A01004855) from the NRF of Korea.