Annual/Termination Reports:

[07/19/2024] [11/21/2025]

Report Information

Participants

Jaume Amengual;
Frank Duca;
Dave Dallas;
Allison Ehrlich;
David Gang (Advisor);
Michael Giroux;
Urszula Iwaniec (online);
Peng Ji;
Yoo Kim;
Mallory Koenings (NIFA National Program Leader);
Sun-Ok Lee;
Brian Lindshield;
Yanghong Liu;
Lavanya Reddivari;
Pavel Somavat;
Janos Zempleni;

Brief Summary of Minutes

Annual Meeting was held in person at the University of California Davis (Weir Conference Room) and offered online participation via Zoom.

Wednesday, May 29th

8:30 – 9:00 am: Registration and light breakfast (Registration fee, $65, will be paid on-site with a check or cash)

9:00 – 9:10 am: Welcome and introduction (Peng Ji and Lavanya Reddivari)

9:10 – 9:25 am: Francene Steinberg (Chair, Department of Nutrition UCD)

9:25 – 9:45 am: David Gang - W5002 Administrative Advisor (Impact statement)

9:45 – 11:00 am: Research Session A

• 9:45 – 10:00 am Presenter 1 & Talk title: Mike Giroux (online)


• 10:00 – 10:15 am Presenter 2 & Talk title: Janos Zempleni


• 10:15 – 10:30 am Presenter 3 & Talk title: Dave Dallas


• 10:30 – 10:45 am Presenter 4 & Talk title: Yanhong Liu

10:45 – 11:00 am Coffee break and discussion

11:00 – 11:30 am: Mallory Koenings - NIFA National Program Leader

11:00 – 11:20 am Presentation (Topics: 1. General updates, 2. Funding opportunities in areas relevant to W5002, 3. Funding opportunities for student and postdoc support)

11:20 – 11:30 am Q&A

11:30 – 1:30 pm Lunch at Tercero Dining Common (Provided)

1:30 – 3:15 pm Research Session B

• 1:30 – 1:45 pm Presenter 5 & Talk title: Jaume Amengual/UIUC


• 1:45 – 2:00 pm Presenter 6 & Talk title: Frank Duca


• 2:00 – 2:15 pm Presenter 7 & Talk title: Allison Ehrlich


• 2:15 – 2:30 pm Presenter 8 & Talk title: Lavanya Reddivari/Purdue/Role of Gut Microbiota in Flavonoid Bioactivity


• 2:30 – 2:45 pm Presenter 9 & Talk title: Novel applications of corn phytochemicals: an update by Pavel Somavat


• 2:45 – 3:00 pm Presenter 10 & Talk title: Iron Fortification and Assessment: Brian Lindshield

3:15 – 4:30 pm Facility tour (Drive to GBSF)

3:30 – 4:00 pm West Coast Metabolome Center: Oliver Fiehn lab (Meet in GBSF lobby) 

4 pm drive back to the hotel

6:00 pm Group Dinner at Downtown Davis 

Where: My-Burma (500 1st St #11, Davis, CA 95616; (530) 231-5229; Reservation 6 pm/14 people)

Not covered by the registration fee

Thursday, May 30th

8:30 – 9:00 am: Light breakfast

9:00 – 10:15 am: Research Session C

• 9:00 – 9:15 am Presenter 11 & Talk title: Bioavailability and Bioaccessibility of Berry Volatiles: Sun-Ok Lee


• 9:15 – 9:30 am Presenter 12 & Talk title: Franck Carbonero


• 9:30 – 9:45 am Presenter 13 & Talk title: Urszula Iwaniec (online), Alcohol and bone


• 9:45 – 10:00 am Presenter 14 & Talk title: Peng Ji/UCD/Updates on micronutrient research


• 10:00 – 10:15 am Presenter 15 & Talk title: Yoo Kim/OSU/

10:15 – 10:30 am Coffee break

10:30 – 11:30 am Business Session

• Progress report: June 25th deadline


• Opportunities for collaboration:


• Vote for incoming chair and secretary: Lavanya Reddivari (Chair) Frank Duca (secretary)


• Future meeting: 3rd week of May

11:30 – 1:00 pm Lunch at Tercero Dining Common (Provided)

1:00 pm Adjourn

Accomplishments

<p><strong>Montana State University (Mike Giroux).</strong>&nbsp;Background: Our goal is to create and test increased amylose pasta, prepared from high and normal amylose durum wheat and/or chickpea flour.&nbsp; We have created increased amylose durum by selecting for mutations in individual seed starch synthesis genes.&nbsp; We have made pasta from high and intermediate amylose wheat.&nbsp; We are also measuring amylose content of different chickpea varieties.&nbsp; We next will be preparing pasta made from chickpeas blended with normal and high amylose durum semolina.&nbsp; The pastas nutritional content will be measured and we will then measure the degree to which the increased nutrition pastas can improve human health. Activities:&nbsp; Creation of high and intermediate amylose durum by identifying unique starch synthase alleles. Field testing of durum isolines varying in amylose content.&nbsp; Milling and pasta preparation from durum varying in amylose content.&nbsp; Begin screening chickpea varieties for amylose content and plan an experimental approach. Outcomes. Developed low and high amylose durum that can be used as a breeding parent to select for increased amylose in durum.</p><br /> <p><strong>University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Janos Zempleni)</strong>. Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs, &ldquo;exosomes&rdquo;) play a crucial role in intercellular communication. Communication is achieved by the EV-dependent transfer of regulatory sEV cargo from sEV donor cells to adjacent or distant sEV recipient cells. The Zempleni laboratory at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has pioneered a new line of discovery by demonstrating that sEVs and their cargo do not originate exclusively in endogenous synthesis but may also be absorbed from milk (milk sEVs, MEVs). To date, 13 detrimental and beneficial effects of MEV depletion and supplementation, respectively, have been reported. The Zempleni laboratory leverages its leadership role in MEV research by studying the importance of MEVs for the health and development of infants, and by using genetically modified MEVs for delivering therapeutics to pathological, hard-to-reach tissues.</p><br /> <p><strong>University of Hawaii (Kacie Ho).</strong>&nbsp;Background: Various foods contain both beneficial nutrients and bioactive compounds but may also contain potentially toxic contaminants as well. Our lab investigates both the beneficial and potentially hazardous compounds in food. Additionally, we study encapsulation techniques (e.g. nanoparticles and emulsions) and how these food structures can help to improve nutrient retention, stability, and bioavailability. Activities: Over the past year, we continued work with quantifying nutrients and toxicants in different edible seaweeds and have initiated a project to investigate the microbiological and chemical safety of seaweed grown from different aquaculture facilities. A new graduate student was hired to start work on this and also to investigate the effects of different cooking methods on the retention and bioaccessibility of nutrients and toxicants in seaweed. Another graduate student was hired to investigate the effects of pre-harvest processing on nutrient and carotenoid content in hydroponically grown microgreens. Outcomes: Preliminary findings indicate that certain cooking methods may help to reduce toxic metal content, however, bioaccessibility needs to be assessed as cooking appears to enhance the extractability of various compounds. Preliminary findings have also suggested that treating radish seeds with an ultrasonication pre-treatment enhances germination and potentially anthocyanin content (a beneficial antioxidant pigment).</p><br /> <p><strong>University of Arizona (Frank Duca).</strong>&nbsp;Consumers want to improve health and lose weight, and the agricultural community wants to maximize the production of crops that are in need. We aim to study which specific plant-based flours are most beneficial for metabolic health. The project examined different dietary flours for weight loss. We found that barley flour and wheat dextrin resulted in the greatest improvements in body weight, adiposity, and glucose tolerance. This was associated with specific changes in the gut microbiota.</p><br /> <p><strong>University of California Davis (Yanhong Liu).</strong>&nbsp;The current project focuses on Escherichia coli (E. coli) diarrhea, one of the most common diseases in pre-weaning and post-weaning pigs which need antibiotic treatment. The post-weaning mortality ratio is 6-10%, but sometimes may rise to 20%. Our research is mainly focusing on dietary technologies (i.e., organic acid derivatives, functional amino acids, pre- and pro-biotics, phytogenics etc.) that we judge to offer the greatest and most immediate potential value to the swine industry. The outcome of this research will advance basic and applied information about nutritional/health intervention to keep pigs healthy and subsequently may increase profitability for pork producers by providing alternative ingredients to antibiotics traditionally used in feed.</p><br /> <p><strong>University of California Davis (Peng Ji).</strong>&nbsp;Background: In the U.S., many infants receive formula as a supplement or as their primary source of nutrients in early infancy. Considering the low bioavailability of supplemental iron, most infant formulas are fortified with abundant iron that is 20 &ndash; 60 folds higher than that in human milk. Iron plays a crucial role in modulating gut microorganisms and the virulence of bacterial pathogens. There is a gap in our knowledge as to how excess iron intake modulates gut health, microbiota, and risk of infections in infants, particularly those born preterm or small for gestational age.&nbsp; Activities: Research in Peng Ji&rsquo;s laboratory in the Department of Nutrition at UC Davis uses piglets as a preclinical model to investigate the effects of early-life iron imbalance on gut microbiome and host resilience to infections. In addition, their recent research evaluated the prebiotic effects of chicory-derived inulin and its role in regulating trace mineral absorption and gut microbiota in the neonatal gut. Outcomes: Their research showed that inulin supplements not only significantly shifted the enterotype of gut microbiota but also reduced iron and other trace mineral bioavailability possibly due to shortened intestinal transit time and increased stool frequency. Excess iron intake through fortified formula or oral iron drops also changed the composition profile of gut microbiota which is characterized by a lower abundance of lactobacilli (beneficial commensals) and a higher abundance of potential pathogenic bacteria, suggesting a heightened risk of enteric infection.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><br /> <p><strong>University of California Davis (Allison Ehrlich).</strong>&nbsp;Consumers want to make informed decisions on selecting foods that promote gut health. We want to address what components of a diet promote a healthy gut immune system. Assessed how diets rich in aryl hydrocarbon receptor ligands change the gut microbiome and gut immune system by using novel transgenic mice, germ free facilities, and single cell RNA seq. A diet rich in AhR ligands changes the gut microbiome to change immune cells in the gut that are involved in maintaining health. Currently, researchers in the field of dietary and microbiome aryl hydrocarbon receptor signaling are impacted, but there is future impact potential for consumers.&nbsp;</p><br /> <p><strong>Oregon State University (David Dallas).</strong>&nbsp;(Background) Our lab examines the digestion of milk protein and the release of bioactive peptides in infants and adults. (Activities) One of the major issues I addressed in the past year was optimizing the processing of human donor milk to improve the retention of bioactive milk proteins while maintaining milk microbiological safety. This issue is particularly important for preterm infants who are fed mostly donor milk, which is typically Holder pasteurized, which ensures safety, but denatures many key bioactive proteins, which decreases the benefits of human milk for infant health and development. We found that alternative processing techniques high pressure processing and UV-C irradiation allowed sufficient microbial reduction while improving retention of these bioactives. These results can lead to follow-on studies in preterm infants and eventually to practice changes by milk banks, changing how preterm infants are fed and improving their long-term health outcomes.</p><br /> <p><strong>Oregon State University (Emily Ho).</strong>&nbsp;Age-related decline in nutritional status may be a critical determinant of healthy aging and susceptibility to infection or other stresses.&nbsp; Currently, over 75% of the US population does not consume the recommended intake of fruits and vegetables and 40% of individuals over the age of 55 do not consume enough zinc.&nbsp;&nbsp; There is a critical need to understand the determinants of individual responses to bioactive food compounds to establish evidence-based guidelines and improve the health of consumers.&nbsp; We have completed several human intervention trials with zinc, cruciferous vegetables, and almonds to understand the relationship among microbiome, metabolism and health biomarkers.&nbsp; We also developed innovative methods for data integration and identification of plant vs host metabolites using machine learning methods.</p><br /> <p><strong>Kansas State University (Brian Lindshield).</strong>&nbsp;Iron deficiency anemia is a serious public health problem worldwide. Rice and maize are the staple foods that can be fortified with iron to combat deficiency anemia, but it is challenging to achieve high iron bioavailability and good organoleptic properties. We used the INFOGEST in vitro digestion model paired with the Caco-2 model to assess iron bioavailability of common fortificants. Both of these methodologies are well established but have not been paired together for iron bioavailability since INFOGEST is a newer standardized protocol. The iron bioavailability of ferric pyrophosphate and ferric orthophosphate was improved with a high molar ratio (1:0.3:5.5) of citric acid and trisodium citrate. Sodium iron ethylenediaminetetraacetate had significantly higher bioavailability than ferrous sulfate, but not ferrous fumarate. The combination of sodium iron ethylenediaminetetraacetate and ferrous sulfate at a low weight ratio was most promising. These results will be of interest to nutritionists, food aid producers, food aid policymakers, food aid distributors, international agriculture development officers to allow more evidence-based iron fortification decisions to be made for rice, maize and other food products.</p><br /> <p><strong>Purdue University (Lavanya Reddivari).</strong>&nbsp;(Background) Consumption of plant foods that contain flavonoids reduces the risk of IBD. Gut bacteria contribute to the anti-inflammatory properties of flavonoids by converting them into active metabolites, and flavonoid gut bacterial metabolism depends on the gut bacterial composition, flavonoid type, and associated food matrix. (Activities) We evaluated the role of anthocyanins and/or phlobaphenes on anti-colitic properties using germ-free mice colonized with healthy and ulcerative colitis-associated bacteria (Outcomes) Results suggest that the treatment effects are dependent on the individual donors, rather than dysbiosis for all anti-inflammatory and gut barrier integrity parameters.</p><br /> <p><strong>University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Jaume Amengual).</strong>&nbsp;Cardiovascular diseases remain as the leading cause of death globally. Our laboratory studies the protective effects of plant carotenoids in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Carotenoids are colorful pigments found in most fruits and vegetables. These molecules have antioxidant properties, but more importantly, some carotenoids such as beta-carotene are also the precursors of vitamin A. Over the past year, we examined how beta-carotene accumulation in the adipose tissue can be converted to vitamin A in this organ. We developed a novel vector that targets the production of vitamin A in the adipocyte. Our results show that vitamin A production in the adipocyte reduces obesity. We also studied other aspects of vitamin A, which could be directly implicated in cardiovascular health: We observed that vitamin A mitigates inflammation in macrophages, an inflammatory cell type deeply involved in cardiovascular disease.</p><br /> <p><strong>University of Missouri Columbia (Pavel Somavat).</strong>&nbsp;(Background) For the last two decades, the corn&ndash;ethanol&ndash;gasoline paradigm is facing increasing headwinds. Not only the earlier environmental justifications used for corn-based biofuels are being increasingly challenged, but an ever-increasing number of electrical vehicles will further reduce the gasoline demand. As a result, the US corn dry grind industry, currently utilizing ~35% of the annual harvest for ethanol production will gradually shrink, posing significant challenges to the farmers and processors. Colored corn varieties contain disproportionately higher anthocyanin and polyphenolic contents and these varieties, adapted to the midwestern climatic conditions can be utilized for economically extracting value-added phytochemicals, benefitting different agro-industrial sectors supplementing the lower economic value of conventional yellow dent corn. (Activities) we utilized ultrasonic- and microwave-assisted extraction techniques in conjunction with response surface methodology to obtain highly efficient phytochemical extraction parameters from purple corn pericarp and evaluated the biological activities of prepared extracts. (Outcomes) The highest concentrations of total anthocyanins, phenolics, condensed tannins and total flavonoids detected were 28.8 g cyanidin-3-glucoside/kg, 53.1 g gallic acid/kg, 155.7 g epicatechin/kg and 13.72 g catechin/kg of pericarp, respectively. Cyanindin-3-glucoside, hesperidin, and epicatechin were the dominant compounds present in most varieties. These optimized methods resulted in highly efficient extraction of polyphenolic compounds including 38 g of anthocyanins, 138 g of phenolics and 279 g of condensed tannins per kg of pericarp, respectively.</p><br /> <p><strong>University of Rhode Island (Brietta Oaks).</strong>&nbsp;(Background) 10.4% of babies were born prematurely in 2023, leading to an increased risk of infant mortality. Expecting parents, healthcare providers, and public health officials are key stakeholders who have an interest in seeing a reduction in preterm birth prevalence. Expecting parents are concerned about the health of their growing fetus, healthcare providers want healthy pregnancies and deliveries for their patients, and public health officials in the U.S. are interested in reducing preterm birth rates so that the U.S. has a healthier population. (Activities) We enrolled 30 pregnant women in our study which included: surveys on dietary intake and food security; saliva collection to measure cortisol, a key stress hormone associated with preterm birth; and a blood draw to measure lead concentration, vitamin D concentration, and fatty acid status. Recruitment activities targeted low- and moderate-income areas of Rhode Island and involved both graduate and undergraduate research assistants. To complete the study, we worked with Quest Diagnostics for the blood draw and Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) prenatal clinics. (Outcomes) In our preliminary data analysis, we found that lead exposure is not a concern for our study population. All pregnant women in our study had less than or equal to 1 &micro;g/dL of lead concentration in their blood, which is below the 3.5 &micro;g/dL lead concentration cutoff that is used to designate a health concern. However, we did find a widespread prevalence of vitamin D deficiency. Approximately 40% of participants identified as vitamin D deficient (&le; 20 ng/mL), with an additional 43% classified as vitamin D insufficient (20-29 ng/mL). This means that only 17% of the pregnant women in our study had a sufficient vitamin D concentration (greater or equal to 30 ng/mL).</p><br /> <p><strong>Cornell University (Elad Tako).</strong>&nbsp;(Background) 1. In vivo assessment of Chia Phenolic Extract on intestinal functionality, morphology and microbiome. 2, Zinc deficiency affects 6-10% of children under 18yo. ~12% (~40M) of the general population, and 25% (~12M) of the elderly, are at risk for zinc deficiency (Activities) Unique in vivo approach, using the LA:DGLA biomarker (Outcomes) <em>Demonstration of the LA:DGLA ratio as a reliable biomarker of Zinc status.</em></p><br /> <p><strong>University of Connecticut (Christopher N. Blesso).</strong>&nbsp;(Background) Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which includes steatosis and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), is one of the most common liver diseases. Over 75% of individuals with NAFLD are obese, but lean individuals can also develop NAFLD and have limited therapeutic options. Dietary sphingomyelin has been shown to inhibit the absorption of NASH-promoting dietary lipids. The objective of this project is to investigate the effects of dietary sphingomyelin from chicken egg yolk (egg sphingomyelin) on liver injury and lipid metabolism in mouse models of lean and obese NASH. The major objective of this project aligns with one of the primary objectives of the W5002 Multi-State project, which is to &ldquo;Determine the efficacy and mechanisms of action of nutrients and dietary bioactive compounds towards improved health.&rdquo; (Activities) The project investigated the effects of dietary sphingomyelin from chicken egg yolk on liver injury and lipid metabolism in mouse models of lean and obese NASH. Mice were fed diets to induce obese NASH (i.e., NASH with obesity) and lean NASH (i.e., NASH without obesity), with and without added dietary egg sphingomyelin. Serum/plasma and livers were collected to assess liver injury markers, gene expression, and lipid profiles. (Outcomes) The addition of egg sphingomyelin in the diet decreased markers of liver injury in mouse models of both lean NASH and obese NASH. Further analysis is ongoing to better understand the molecular mechanism of the effects on the disease processes. We will continue our analysis to better understand the molecular mechanism of the effects on the disease processes.</p><br /> <p><strong>University of Maine (Dorothy Klimis-Zacas).</strong>&nbsp;(Background) Wounds occur in over 15 million people with approximately $60 billion spent annually on wound care. Deficient vascularization is a significant factor that promotes chronic and non-healing wounds, ultimately resulting in amputation. Currently, most clinical wound treatments are antibiotics for infection control. Chronic wounds such as diabetic foot ulcers, ischemic limbs, and pressure ulcers lack treatments that promote wound healing and improve tissue remodeling. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop effective, cost-efficient, natural sources-derived therapies that have no deleterious side effects. (Activities) We initiated and completed pre-clinical studies with animal models, to determine the role of this non-fidelity biomedical prototype on the speed of wound closure, angiogenesis, re-epithelialization, collagen formation and inflammation related to wound healing as well as gene expression of several proteins responsible for inflammation, angiogenesis and tissue regeneration. The pre-clinical study was completed, and data are presently analyzed. (Outcomes) Results from the pre-clinical studies in testing the wild blueberry extract hydrogel product on wounds of animal models documented that this product at specific concentrations significantly induced faster wound closure by 25% over the control and over the most commonly used commercial wound care product and significantly increased re-epithelialization, collagen formation and vascularization compared to control and the commercial product. Additionally, upregulation of genes associated with vascularization and collagen formation was observed with the wild blueberry extract hydrogel product.</p>

Publications

<ul><br /> <li>Vetch, J.M., B.J. Tillett,&nbsp; P. Bruckner, J.M. Martin, K. Marlowe, M.A. Hooker, D.R. See, and M.J. Giroux.&nbsp; (2022). TAMFT-3A and TAMFT-3B2 homeologs are associated with wheat preharvest sprouting. Plant Genome 15:e20250 https://doi.org/10.1002/tpg2.20250</li><br /> <li>Volkman, M. M., Martin, J.M., Hogg, A. C., Wright, L., Hale, C., Carr, P. M., and&nbsp; Giroux, M. J. (2022). Durum wheat Teosinte Branched1 null mutations increase tillering. Crop Science, 62, 1522&ndash;1530. https://doi.org/10.1002/csc2.20775</li><br /> <li>Brown, M.M., J.M. Martin, E.M. Jobson, A.C. Hogg, P.M. Carr, and M.J. Giroux. (2022).&nbsp;&nbsp; Evaluating the impact of Rht hypomorphic mutations in durum wheat.&nbsp; Crop Science 62, 247-258. https://doi.org/10.1002/csc2.20672</li><br /> <li>Fratantonio D,* Munir J,* Shu J, Howard K, Baier SR, Cui J, Zempleni. The RNA cargo in small extracellular vesicles from chicken eggs is bioactive in C57BL/6J mice and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells ex vivo. Front Nutr 10:1162679, 2023 *These authors contributed equally</li><br /> <li>Khanam, A., Ngu A, Zempleni J. Bioavailability of orally administered small extracellular vesicles from bovine milk in C57BL/6J mice. Int J Pharm 639:122974, 2023</li><br /> <li>Sukreet S, Braga CP, Adamec J, Cui J, Zempleni J. The absorption of bovine milk small extracellular vesicles depends on Galectin-3 and galactose ligands in human intestinal cells and C57BL/6J mice. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 325:C1421-1430, 2023 [selected for distinction in scholarship by the journal&rsquo;s editorial board]</li><br /> <li>Kuroishi T, Zempleni J. Biotin. In: Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease. Tucker K (editor). Jones &amp; Bartlett Learning, Burlington, MA (in press) - Book</li><br /> <li>Ngu A, Wang S, Wang H, Khanam A, Zempleni J. Milk exosomes in nutrition and drug delivery. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 322:C865-C874, 2022</li><br /> <li>Munir J, Ngu A, Wang H, Ramirez DMO, Zempleni J. Bovine mammary alveolar MAC-T cells afford a tool for designing milk exosomes optimized for drug delivery vesicles for use in the delivery of therapeutics. Pharm Res 40:909-915, 2023.</li><br /> <li>Lee I, So H, Kim J, Auh JH, Wall MM, Li Y, Ho KKHY, Jun S. Selective detection of Escherichia coli K12 and Staphylococcus aureus in mixed bacterial communities using a single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT)-functionalized electrochemical imunnosensor wit hdielectrophoretic concentration. Nanomaterials 2023, 13(6): 985. https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13060985</li><br /> <li>Pereira GM, Jun S, Li QX, Ho KKHY. Formation and physical characterization of soy protein-isoflavone dispersions and emulsions. LWT 2023, 176:114513. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lwt.2023.114513</li><br /> <li>Martinez TM, Wachsmuth HR, Meyer RK, Weninger SN, Lane AI, Kangath A, Schiro G, Laubitz D, Stern JH, Duca FA. Differential effects of plant-based flours on metabolic homeostasis and the gut microbiota in high-fat fed rats. Nutr Metab (Lond). 2023 Oct 19;20(1):44.</li><br /> <li>Weninger SN, Herman C, Meyer RK, Beauchemin ET, Kangath A, Lane AI, Martinez TM, Hasneen T, Jaramillo SA, Lindsey J, Vedantam G, Cai H, Cope EK, Caporaso JG, Duca FA. Oligofructose improves small intestinal lipid-sensing mechanisms via alterations to the small intestinal microbiota. Microbiome. 2023 Aug 2;11(1):169.</li><br /> <li>Meyer RK, Duca FA. RISING STARS: Endocrine regulation of metabolic homeostasis via the intestine and gut microbiome. J Endocrinol. 2023 Jul 11;258(2):e230019</li><br /> <li>Kovanda L, Park J, Park S, Kim K, Li X, Liu Y. Dietary butyrate and valerate glycerides impact diarrhea severity and immune response of weaned piglets under ETEC F4-ETEC F18 coinfection conditions. J Anim Sci. 2023, 101:1-6.</li><br /> <li>Jinno C, Wong B, Kl&uuml;nemann M, Htoo J, Li X, Liu Y. Supplementation of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens on performance, systemic immunity, and intestinal microbiota of weaned pigs experimentally infected with a pathogenic E. coli F18. Front Microbiol. 2023, 1101457.&nbsp;</li><br /> <li>Jinno C, Kim K, Wong B, Wall E, Sripathy R, Liu Y. Dietary supplementation with botanical blends modified intestinal microbiota and metabolomics of weaned pigs experimentally infected with enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli. Microorganisms. 2023, 11:320-342.&nbsp;</li><br /> <li>Jinno C, Li X, Liu Y. Dietary supplementation of Bacillus subtilis or antibiotics modified intestinal microbiome of weaned pigs under enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli infection. Front Microbiol. 2022, 1064328.&nbsp;</li><br /> <li>Wong BT, Park S, Kovanda L, He Y, Kim K, Xu S, Lingga C, Hejna M, Wall E, Sripathy R, Li X, Liu Y. Dietary supplementation of botanical blends enhanced performance and disease resistance of weaned pigs experimentally infected with enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli F18. J Anim Sci. 2022, skac353.</li><br /> <li>Park J, Wickramasinghe S, Mills DA, L&ouml;nnerdal BL, Ji P. Iron Fortification and Inulin Supplementation in Early Infancy: Evaluating the Impact on Iron Metabolism and Trace Mineral Status in a Piglet Model. Current Developments in Nutrition. 2024 Apr 1;8(4):102147.</li><br /> <li>Kim K, Jinno C, Li X, Bravo D, Cox E, Ji P, Liu Y. Impact of an oligosaccharide-based polymer on the metabolic profiles and microbial ecology of weanling pigs experimentally infected with a pathogenic E. coli. Journal of Animal Science and Biotechnology. 2024 Jan 2;15(1):1.</li><br /> <li>McClorry S, Ji P, Parenti MG, Slupsky CM. Antibiotics augment the impact of iron deficiency on metabolism in a piglet model. The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry. 2023 Sep 1;119:109405.</li><br /> <li>Sandoval S, Malany K, Thongphanh K, Martinez CA, Goodson ML, Souza FDC, Lin LW, Sweeney N, Pennington J, Lein PJ, Kerkvliet NI, Ehrlich AK. Activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor inhibits neuropilin-1 upregulation on IL-2-responding CD4+ T cells. Front Immunol. 2023 Nov 14;14:1193535. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1193535.</li><br /> <li>Sandoval S, Malany K, Thongphanh K, Martinez CA, Goodson ML, Souza FDC, Lin LW, Pennington J, Lein PJ, Kerkvliet NI, Ehrlich AK. bioRxiv [Preprint]. Activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor inhibits neuropilin-1 upregulation on IL-2 responding CD4 + T cells. 2023 Sep 28:2023.09.25.559429. doi: 10.1101/2023.09.25.559429.</li><br /> <li>Qu Y, Park SH, Dallas DC. Evaluating the potential of casein glycomacropeptide in adult irritable bowel syndrome management: a pilot study. Nutrients. 2023, 15 (19), 4174.</li><br /> <li>Adler S, Olsen W, Rackerby B, Spencer R, Dallas DC. Effects of whey protein supplementation on inflammatory marker concentrations in older adults. Nutrients. 2023 Sep 21;15(18):4081. doi: 10.3390/nu15184081</li><br /> <li>Qu Y, Park SH, Dallas DC. The role of bovine kappa-casein glycomacropeptide in modulating the microbiome and inflammatory responses of irritable bowel syndrome. Nutrients. 2023 Sep; 15(18): 3991.</li><br /> <li>Nielsen, SD, Liang N, Rathish H, Kim BJ, Lueangsakulthai J, Koh J, Qu Y, Schulz H-J, Dallas DC. Bioactive milk peptides: An updated comprehensive overview and database. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition. 2023:1-20. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2023.2240396.</li><br /> <li>Liang N, Mohammed H, Kim BJ, Waite-Cusic J, Dallas DC. High pressure processing of human milk: A balance between microbial inactivation and bioactive protein preservation. Journal of Nutrition. 2023, 153 (9) 2598-2611. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tjnut.2023.07.001. PMC10517232.</li><br /> <li>Kuhfeld R, Atamer Z, Dallas DC. A comprehensive database of cheese-derived bitter peptides and correlation to their physical properties. Critical Reviews in Nutrition. 2023, 1&ndash;15. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2023.2220792.</li><br /> <li>Kim, BJ, Koh J, Liang N, Yang J, Ozturk G, Barile D, Dallas DC. Effect of vat pasteurization, ultra-high temperature sterilization, retort sterilization and homogenization on soluble proteins in donor human milk detected via proteomics. LWT: Food Science &amp; Technology. 2023, 182: 114842. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lwt.2023.114842.</li><br /> <li>Donovan SM, Abrams SA, Azad MB, Belfort MB, Bode L, Carlson SE, Dallas DC, Hettinga K, Jarvinen-Seppo K, Kim J, Lebrilla CB, McGuire MK, Sela DA, Neu J. Summary of the joint National Institutes of Health and the Food and Drug Administration workshop titled &ldquo;Exploring the science surrounding the safe use of bioactive ingredients in infant formula: considerations for an assessment framework&rdquo;. The Journal of Pediatrics. 2023, 255: 30-41.e1. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpeds.2022.11.027.</li><br /> <li>Qu Y, Kim BJ, Koh J, Dallas DC. Comparison of solid-phase extraction sorbents for monitoring the in vivo intestinal survival and digestion of kappa-casein-derived caseinomacropeptide. Foods. 2023, 12(2) 299. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12020299</li><br /> <li>McGuire MK, Allen L, Dallas DC, McManaman J, Sela D, Seppo A, Smilowitz JT, Raiten D, Williams J, Young B. Ecologies, synergies, and biological systems shaping human milk composition&mdash;a report from Breastmilk Ecology and the Genesis of Infant Nutrition (BEGIN) Working Group 2. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2023, 117 Suppl 1(Suppl 1):S28-S42. doi: 10.1016/j.ajcnut.2022.11.027.</li><br /> <li>Davis, EW, Wong, CP, Arnold, HK+, Kasschau, K, Gaulke, CA, Sharpton, TJ and Ho, E. (2022)&nbsp; Age and micronutrient effects on the microbiome in a mouse model of zinc depletion and supplementation,&nbsp; PLOS ONE, 17(12):e0275352. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0275352</li><br /> <li>Bouranis JA+, Beaver LM, Jiang D, Choi J, Wong CP, Davis EW, Williams DE, Sharpton TJ, Stevens JF, Ho E. (2022) Interplay between Cruciferous Vegetables and the Gut Microbiome: A Multi-Omic Approach. Nutrients. 2022 Dec 22;15(1):42. doi: 10.3390/nu15010042. PMID: 36615700.</li><br /> <li>Bouranis JA+, Wong CP, Beaver LM, Uesugi SL, Papenhausen EM+, Choi J, Davis EW 2nd, Da Silva AN, Kalengamaliro N, Chaudhary R, Kharofa J, Takiar V, Herzog TJ, Barrett W, Ho E. (2023) Sulforaphane Bioavailability in Healthy Subjects Fed a Single Serving of Fresh Broccoli Microgreens. Foods ;12(20):3784. doi: 10.3390/foods12203784. PMID: 37893677; PMCID: PMC10606698.</li><br /> <li>Dashner-Titus EJ, Schilz JR, Alvarez SA, Wong CP, Simmons K, Ho E, Hudson LG. Zinc supplementation alters tissue distribution of arsenic in Mus musculus. (2023) Toxicol Appl Pharmacol.&nbsp; 1;478:116709. doi: 10.1016/j.taap.2023.116709. PMID: 37797845; PMCID: PMC10729601.</li><br /> <li>Ho E, Drake VJ, Michels AJ, Nkrumah-Elie YM, Brown LL, Scott JM, Newman JW, Shukitt-Hale B, Soumyanath A, Chilton FH, Lindemann SR, Shao A, Mitmesser SH. Perspective: Council for Responsible Nutrition Science in Session. Optimizing Health with Nutrition-Opportunities, Gaps, and the Future (2023) Adv Nutr. Sep;14(5):948-958. doi: 10.1016/j.advnut.2023.05.015. Epub 2023 Jun 1. PMID: 37270030; PMCID: PMC10509435.</li><br /> <li>Wu B, Cox AD, Chang H, Kennett M, Rosa C, Chopra S, Li S, Reddivari L. Maize near-isogenic lines with enhanced flavonoids alleviated dextran sodium sulfate-induced murine colitis via modulation of the gut microbiota. Food Funct. 2023 Oct 30;14(21):9606-9616. doi: 10.1039/d3fo02953k.</li><br /> <li>Fu W, Li S, Helmick H, Hamaker BR, Kokini JL, Reddivari L. Complexation with Polysaccharides Enhances the Stability of Isolated Anthocyanins. Foods. 2023; 12(9):1846. <a href="https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12091846">https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12091846</a></li><br /> <li>Coronel J, Yu J, Pilli N, Kane MA, Amengual J. The conversion of &beta;-carotene to vitamin A in adipocytes drives the anti-obesogenic effects of &beta;-carotene in mice. Mol Metab, 2022, Dec:66:101640. doi: 10.1016/j.molmet.2022.101640.</li><br /> <li>Pinos I, Yu J, Pilli N, Kane MA, Amengual J. Functional characterization of interleukin 4 and retinoic acid signaling crosstalk during alternative macrophage activation. BBA Mol Cell Biol Lipids. 2023 Apr;1868(4):159291. doi: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2023.159291.</li><br /> <li>Bradley MJ, Black M, Arballo JR, Amengual J, Erdman JW Jr. Lycopene Accumulation in Transgenic Mice Lacking One or Both Carotenoid Cleaving Enzymes. J Nutr. 2023 Aug;153(8):2216-2227. doi: 10.1016/j.tjnut.2023.05.025</li><br /> <li>Conlon DM, Welty FK, Reyes-Soffer G, Amengual J. Sex-Specific Differences in Lipoprotein Production and Clearance. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2023 Sep;43(9):1617-1625. doi: 10.1161/ATVBAHA.122.318247. Epub 2023 Jul 6.</li><br /> <li>Boateng ID, Kumar R, Daubert, CR, Flint-Garcia, S, Mustapha, A, Kuehnel, L, Agliata, J, Li, Q, Wan, C, Somavat, P. Sonoprocessing improves phenolic profile, antioxidant activities, structure, and product qualities of purple corn pericarp extract. Ultrason. Sonochem. 2023, 95:106418.</li><br /> <li>Boateng ID, Mustapha A, Daubert CR, Kuehnel L, Kumar R, Flint-Garcia S, Agliata J, Wan C, Somavat P. Novel two-pot microwave extraction of purple corn pericarp&rsquo;s phenolics and evaluation of polyphenol-rich extract&rsquo;s product quality, bioactivities, and structural properties. Food Bioproc. Tech. 2023, 16:2668-2691.</li><br /> <li>Boateng ID, Mustapha A, Kuehnel L, Daubert CR, Kumar R, Agliata J, Flint-Garcia S, Wan C, Somavat P. From purple corn waste (pericarp) to polyphenol-rich extract with high bioactive compounds (anthocyanins, proanthocyanins and phenolic acids) and product qualities using two-step optimization techniques: A contribution to circular economy&rsquo;s model. Ind. Crops Prod. 2023, 200:116871.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><br /> <li>Boateng ID, Kuehnel L, Daubert CR, Agliata J, Zhang W, Kumar R, Flint-Garcia S, Mustapha A, Somavat P, Wan C. Updating the status quo on the extraction of bioactive compounds in agro-products using a two-pot multivariate design. A comprehensive review. Food Func. 2023, 14:569-601.</li><br /> <li>Parker HW, Oaks BM, Buchanan AL, Vadiveloo MK. Reweighted diet quality scores are associated with mortality risk at a stronger magnitude than standard scores. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. 2023 Sep 28:S2212-2672(23)01572-1.</li><br /> <li>Owens BA*, Sabik NJ, Tovar A, Ward-Ritacco CL, Oaks BM. Higher intuitive eating is associated with lower adiposity in midlife women. Eating Behaviors. 2023;50:101796.</li><br /> <li>Melo Herrera Y, Tovar A, Oaks BM, Quashie NT, Vadiveloo M. Associations between participation in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and maternal diet quality. Journal of Nutrition. 2023 Aug 19;S0022-3166(23)72549-2.</li><br /> <li>Prado EL, Adu-Afarwuah S, Arnold CD, Adjetey E, Amponsah B, Bentil H, Dewey KG, Guyer AE, Manu A, Mensah M, Oaks BM, Ocansey M, Tan X, Hastings PD. Pre- and postnatal small quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements and children&rsquo;s social-emotional difficulties at age 9-11 years in Ghana: Follow-up of a randomized controlled trial. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2023 Aug;118(2):433-442.</li><br /> <li>Bentil HJ*, Adu-Afarwuah S, Rossi JS, Tovar A, Oaks BM. Dietary magnesium intakes among women of reproductive age in Ghana: A comparison of two dietary analysis programs. Plos One. 2023 May 2;18(5):e0284648.</li><br /> <li>Young M, Oaks BM, Rogers HP, Tandon S, Reynaldo M, Dewey KG, Wendt AS. Maternal low and high hemoglobin concentrations and associations with adverse maternal and infant health outcomes: an updated global systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth. 2023 Apr 19;23(1):264.</li><br /> <li>Roberts N, Mengge B, Oaks BM, Sari N, Afandy I, Humphries A. Fish consumption pathways and food security in an Indonesian fishing community. Food Security. 2022 Nov.</li><br /> <li>Yuan H, Ocansey M, Adu-Afarwuah S, Sheridan M, Hamoudi A, Okronipa H, Kumordzie SM, Oaks BM, Prado EL. Evaluation of a tablet-based assessment tool for measuring cognition among children 4-6 years of age in Ghana. Brain and Behavior. 2022 Oct;12(10):e2749.</li><br /> <li>Mishima MDV, Martino HSD, Kolba N, Agarwal N, Jackson C, da Silva BP, Grancieri M, de Assis A, S&atilde;o Jos&eacute; VPB, Tako E. Chia Phenolic Extract Appear to Improve Small Intestinal Functionality, Morphology, Bacterial Populations, and Inflammation Biomarkers In Vivo (Gallus gallus). Nutrients. 2023 Aug 19;15(16):3643. doi: 10.3390/nu15163643. PMID: 37630833; PMCID: PMC10458096.</li><br /> <li>Jackson C, Kolba N, Tako E. Assessing the Interactions between Zinc and Vitamin A on Intestinal Functionality, Morphology, and the Microbiome In Vivo (Gallus gallus). Nutrients. 2023 Jun 15;15(12):2754. doi: 10.3390/nu15122754. PMID: 37375657; PMCID: PMC10302570.</li><br /> <li>Kolba N, Cheng J, Jackson CD, Tako E. Intra-Amniotic Administration-An Emerging Method to Investigate Necrotizing Enterocolitis, In Vivo (Gallus gallus). Nutrients. 2022 Nov 12;14(22):4795. doi: 10.3390/nu14224795. PMID: 36432481; PMCID: PMC9696943.</li><br /> <li>Jackson C, Shukla V, Kolba N, Agarwal N, Padilla-Zakour OI, Tako E. Empire Apple (Malus domestica) Juice, Pomace, and Pulp Modulate Intestinal Functionality, Morphology, and Bacterial Populations In Vivo (Gallus gallus). Nutrients. 2022 Nov 22;14(23):4955. doi: 10.3390/nu14234955. PMID: 36500984; PMCID: PMC9735615.</li><br /> <li>Dias KA, da Concei&ccedil;&atilde;o AR, Pereira SMS, Oliveira LA, da Silva Rodrigues JV, Dias RS, de Paula SO, Natali AJ, da Matta SLP, Gon&ccedil;alves RV, Tako E, Martino HSD, Lucia CMD. Curcumin-Added Whey Protein Positively Modulates Skeletal Muscle Inflammation and Oxidative Damage after Exhaustive Exercise. Nutrients. 2022 Nov 19;14(22):4905. doi: 10.3390/nu14224905. PMID: 36432591; PMCID: PMC9698604.</li><br /> <li>Mishima MDV, Da Silva BP, Gomes MJC, Toledo RCL, Mantovani HC, Jos&eacute; VPBS, Costa NMB, Tako E, Martino HSD. Effect of Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) Associated with High-Fat Diet on the Intestinal Health of Wistar Rats. Nutrients. 2022 Nov 21;14(22):4924. doi: 10.3390/nu14224924. PMID: 36432610; PMCID: PMC9696280.</li><br /> <li>Cheng J, Kolba N, Tako E. The effect of dietary zinc and zinc physiological status on the composition of the gut microbiome in vivo. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2023 Jan 23:1-20. doi: 10.1080/10408398.2023.2169857. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 36688291.</li><br /> <li>Cheng J, Kolba N, Garc&iacute;a-Rodr&iacute;guez A, Marques CNH, Mahler GJ, Tako E. Food-Grade Metal Oxide Nanoparticles Exposure Alters Intestinal Microbial Populations, Brush Border Membrane Functionality and Morphology, In Vivo (Gallus gallus). Antioxidants (Basel). 2023 Feb 9;12(2):431. doi: 10.3390/antiox12020431. PMID: 36829990; PMCID: PMC9952780.</li><br /> <li>Sant' Ana CT, Agrizzi Verediano T, Grancieri M, Toledo RCL, Tako E, Costa NMB, Martino HSD, de Barros FAR. Macauba (Acrocomia aculeata) Pulp Oil Prevents Adipogenesis, Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet. Nutrients. 2023 Mar 2;15(5):1252. doi: 10.3390/nu15051252. PMID: 36904250; PMCID: PMC10005707.</li><br /> <li>Meneguelli TS, Kolba N, Misra A, Dion&iacute;sio AP, Pelissari Kravchychyn AC, Da Silva BP, Stampini Duarte Martino H, Hermsdorff HHM, Tako E. Intra-Amniotic Administration of Cashew Nut (Anacardium occidentale L.) Soluble Extract Improved Gut Functionality and Morphology In Vivo (Gallus gallus). Nutrients. 2023 May 19;15(10):2378. doi: 10.3390/nu15102378. PMID: 37242261; PMCID: PMC10221391.</li><br /> <li>Duarte Villas Mishima M, Stampini Duarte Martino H, Silva Meneguelli T, Tako E. Effect of food derived bioactive peptides on gut health and inflammatory mediators in vivo: a systematic review. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2023 Aug 13:1-11. doi: 10.1080/10408398.2023.2245469. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 37574588.</li><br /> <li>Kolba N, Tako E. Effective alternatives for dietary interventions for necrotizing enterocolitis: a systematic review of in vivo studies. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2023 Nov 16:1-21. doi: 10.1080/10408398.2023.2281623. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 37971890.</li><br /> <li>Garcia C, Anto L, Gao L, Jain A, Lauro J, Dossias P, Matejak N, Parsons A, Blesso CN. P03-023-23. Protective Effects of Dietary Egg Sphingomyelin in Lean and Obese NASH Mouse Models. Current Developments in Nutrition 7 Suppl 1 (2023) 100534. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cdnut.2023.100534">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cdnut.2023.100534</a></li><br /> <li>C. Del Bo&rsquo;, S. Vendrame, D. Martini, P. Riso and D. Klimis-Zacas, (2022), The role of berries and their bioactive compounds in obesity-induced inflammation, In: Berries and Berry bioactive compounds in promoting health, Ed. Dorothy Klimis-Zacas and Ana Rodriquez-Mateos, Royal Society of Chemistry, Chapter 11, 306-334.</li><br /> <li>Marino M, Venturi S, Rendine M, Porrini M, Gardana C, Klimis-Zacas D, Del Bo' C, Riso P. Wild blueberry (V. angustifolium) improves TNF&alpha;-induced cell barrier permeability through claudin-1 and oxidative stress modulation in Caco-2 cells. Food Funct. 2023; 14(16):7387-7399. doi: 10.1039/d3fo00835e.</li><br /> <li>Venturi S, Marino M, Cioffi I, Martini D, Del Bo' C, Perna S, Riso P, Klimis-Zacas D, Porrini M. Berry Dietary Interventions in Metabolic Syndrome: New Insights. Nutrients. 2023;15(8):1906. doi: 10.3390/nu15081906.</li><br /> <li>Martini D, Marino M, Venturi S, Tucci M, Klimis-Zacas D, Riso P, Porrini M, Del Bo' C. Blueberries and their bioactives in the modulation of oxidative stress, inflammation and cardio/vascular function markers: a systematic review of human intervention studies. J Nutr Biochem. 2023;111:109154. doi: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2022.109154.</li><br /> <li>Macy M. Helm, Tolu Alaba, Dorothy Klimis-Zacas, Kenneth Izuora and Arpita Basu Effect of Dietary Berry Supplementation on Antioxidant Biomarkers in Adults with Cardiometabolic Risks: A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials, Antioxidants 2023, 12, 1182. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12061182</li><br /> </ul>

Impact Statements

1. Montana State University (Mike Giroux). Wheat is the largest single source of calories in the human diet. Increasing wheat nutritional content therefore would have a positive impact on health. Incorporating sources of increased protein and dietary fiber by including chickpeas in pasta also is a large possible positive impact.
2. University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Janos Zempleni). 1) We have discovered a novel class of bioactive compounds in foods, MEVs. 2) Human milk is a rich source of MEVS, and infants consume 176 trillion MEVs daily in 800 milliliters milk. In contrast, infant formulas are free of MEVs, and the content of MEVs is decreased by up to 20% in milk that was frozen at home or in milk banks. Approximately 3 million infants fed formulas or frozen milk annually do not realize the health benefits of MEVs. The Zempleni laboratory has developed economically and technically feasible protocols for fortifying formulas with MEVs, and for preserving MEVs when milk is frozen. 3) The genetically modified MEVs deliver any therapeutic cargo to any pathological tissue with heretofore unknown specificity and efficiency. The merits of the technology were recognized through a patent (granted), patent application (pending), an invited presentation to representatives from President Joe Biden’s Cancer Moonshot Prevention and Screening Task Force Nutrition and Cancer Sub-Group (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Food and Drug Administration, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Food and Agriculture), and a research prize from the NIH Somatic Cell Genome Editing Program (NIH Director’s Office). The genetically modified MEVs benefit patients suffering from common and rare diseases. Dr. Zempleni is in the process of launching a start-up company to accelerate the translation of technology into patient care.
3. University of Hawaii (Kacie Ho). Our studies provide scientific-based evidence for the potential nutritional benefits of unique food commodities, potential hazards, and potential strategies to mitigate risks while improving nutritional quality.
4. University of Arizona (Frank Duca). We recently demonstrated that specific plant-based flours are more effective at promoting weight loss and improving glucose homeostasis in obese rodents. Barley flour and wheat dextrin, when supplemented into a high-fat diet reduced body weight and adiposity in obese rodents. This information could lead to the development of specific plant-based flour formulations designed for weight loss and human health.
5. University of California Davis (Yanhong Liu). Our research promotes the development of novel and integrative dietary strategies to improve pig health and reduce enteric infections and the therapeutic use of antibiotics in the swine industry. Results from our research could also be partially translated to human health because of the similarities in digestive anatomy, metabolism, and physiology between pigs and humans.
6. University of California Davis (Peng Ji). Our preclinical research with animal models addresses a growing public concern about the developmental consequence of dietary iron overexposure in infants. On the one hand, the fundamental nature of the research shed light on the basic mechanisms. On the other hand, given the close resemblance between pigs and humans in metabolism, brain structure, and gut development, results from our work have translational implications to pediatric nutrition. Our program provides training opportunities to graduate and undergraduate students. They have presented the findings from these preclinical studies in ASN Nutrition conference.
7. University of California Davis (Allison Ehrlich). Our diet is one of the most influential factors that can alter gut health. My project uncovers how food rich in aryl hydrocarbon receptor ligands (or their precursors; e.g. cruciferous vegetables) influence gut immune homeostasis and health.
8. Oregon State University (David Dallas). The impact of our work includes 1) developing best practices to ensure that preterm infants fed donor milk receive the best array of bioactive milk proteins to enhance their outcomes; 2) identifying human milk peptides present in the preterm infant intestine that can cross the epithelial cell layer and modulate enteric immunity; 3) Developing alternative processing techniques high-pressure processing and UV-C irradiation for microbial reduction while improving retention of the bioactives. These results can lead to practice changes by milk banks, changing how preterm infants are fed and improving their long-term health outcomes.
9. Oregon State University (Emily Ho). We have identified that the gut bacteria could be a critical factor in differential responses to cruciferous vegetables, established low dietary zinc as risk factor for inflammatory processes, DNA damage and cancer risk and helped identify new biomarkers for human zinc deficiency and cruciferous vegetable intake. We have also found almond snacking mitigates gut inflammation and cardiometabolic health markers in patients with metabolic syndrome. Together this work provides a framework for future dietary recommendations to optimize health via gut/immune function and healthy aging.
10. Kansas State University (Brian Lindshield). Assessing iron bioavailability of common fortificants will be of interest to nutritionists, food aid producers, food aid policymakers, food aid distributors, international agriculture development officers to allow more evidence-based iron fortification decisions to be made for rice, maize and other food products.
11. Purdue University (Lavanya Reddivari). The study findings contribute to the understanding of the interactive relationships between gut microbiota and bioactives like flavonoids. Further research and more extended data can in the prediction of health benefits from bioactives based on individuals’ gut microbiota composition, and further elaborate recommendations for their incorporation in the diet to alleviate the effects of specific diseases. Training graduate students in the research will help in developing a highly skilled workforce in the area of nutrition and human health.
12. University of Illinois Urbana Champaign (Jaume Amengual). Our studies have a direct impact on everyone’s health. The consumption of carotenoids, as well as the carotenoid concentration in our body, are directly associated with improved health. Therefore, our studies contribute to establishing the mechanisms of action of nutrients in human health.
13. University of Missouri Columbia (Pavel Somavat). Although this work hasn’t produced an immediate impact, however, we are continuing the conventional breeding program to develop high polyphenol containing colored corn varieties adapted to the midwestern climatic conditions and hopeful of providing the US corn farmers with an option of value-addition over the relatively lower value yellow dent corn. In addition, the economically extracted polyphenolic compounds from corn pericarp can be used in the food industry as a natural alternate to the synthetic FD&C Red 40 food dye and can also be utilized as bioactive/health-promoting food ingredients. Therefore, our research has a great potential to benefit US corn farmers, processors, food industry personnel, and increasingly health-conscious consumers alike.
14. University of Rhode Island (Brietta Oaks). Currently, screening for vitamin D deficiency is not a standard practice in prenatal care. Given the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in our study population, this project may facilitate a public health discussion about adding vitamin D screening to the initial lab tests performed early in pregnancy. While our final results are pending, early impacts have been felt through participant engagement. The provision of vitamin D status results, often overlooked in routine prenatal care, was well received by expectant mothers and empowered them to prioritize their health more proactively.
15. Cornell University (Elad Tako). Study results have led to another study to further explore Zn biofortified maize in Guatemala. Multiple conference presentations, including ASN, IFT, Micronutrients Global Forum.
16. University of Connecticut (Christopher Blesso). The findings may lead to the promotion of egg yolk-based products as sources of dietary sphingomyelin for managing NAFLD and NASH. The knowledge gained from this project will be important for studying the health effects of dietary sphingomyelin in human populations. The scientific findings can directly contribute to U.S. agriculture by promoting a novel dietary bioactive compound derived from egg yolk. The magnitude of the impact will depend on the outcomes of further research and the successful translation of these findings in humans. Although, given the prevalence of NAFLD and the potential for a novel dietary intervention, the impact could be significant for both human health and the agricultural industry.
17. University of Maine (Dorothy Klimis-Zacas). Results from 2022-2023 support the efficacy and potential of a non-fidelity biomedical prototype to promote wound healing in pre-clinical studies and will benefit chronic diseases such as Diabetes Mellitus and patients with conditions benefited by promotion of wound closure and tissue regeneration such as post-surgical wounds, pressure ulcers, blast wounds, burns etc. Since the non-fidelity biomedical product, we tested is unique in that it significantly decreases the time of wound closure, decreases inflammation, promotes revascularization and collagen formation, it can have multiple applications and benefit close to 100 million patients with diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, burns, and post-surgical wounds to name a few. It is extracted from a natural source and has low cost. Thus, it will be of benefit to the small wild blueberry farmers, the economy of the State of Maine and will benefit public health by decreasing infirmity and medical costs and improving quality of life.

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Report Information

Participants

Jaume Amengual; Frank Duca;
Rich Bruno;
Juan Andrade;
Emily Ho;
Elad Tako;
Sathish Kumar Natarajan;
David Gang (Advisor);
Urszula Iwaniec;
Peng Ji; Sun-Ok Lee;
Yanghong Liu;
Lavanya Reddivari;
Pavel Somavat;
Janos Zempleni;

Brief Summary of Minutes

Annual Meeting was held on Zoom via Purdue University from June 5th-6th. The meeting consisted primarily of individual presentations about current research progress, followed by meetings to discuss the current business of the grant group and to explore potential collaborations. The group had a very lively and interactive discussion throughout the presentations, and several potential collaborations were identified.

Thursday June 5th (Eastern Time)

9:30 – 9:45 am: Welcome and introduction

9:45 – 10:15 am: David Gang (W5002 Administrative Advisor). Impact statement

10:15 – 10:30 am: Break

10:30 – 11:30 am: Research Session A

· 10:30 – 10:45 am Presenter 1: Jaume Amengual. Carotenoid biodistribution pathways

· 10:50 – 11:05 am Presenter 2: Janos Zempleni. Milk exosomes

· 11:10 – 11:25 am Presenter 3: Yanhong Liu. Bacillus subtilis supplementation on gut microbiota in weaned pigs

· 11: 30 - 11:45 am Presenter 4: Sathish Kumar Natarajan. Palmitoleate prevents LPS-inflammasome activity

11:50 – 2:00 pm: Lunch and Break

2:00 – 3:00 pm: Research Session B

· 2:00 – 2:15 am Presenter 5: Urszula Iwaniec. Chronic heavy alcohol consumption impairs the ability of demineralized allogenic bone matrix to support osteoinduction in alcohol-naïve rats

· 2:20 – 2:35 am Presenter 6: Pavel Somavat. Potential of US-adapted colored corn varieties for natural red food colorant extraction

· 2:40 – 2:55 am Presenter 7: Lavanya Reddivari. Interactions of polyphenols and polysaccharides in gut health

3:00 – 3:30 pm: Break

3:30 – 4:30 pm: Research Session C

· 3:30 – 3:45 am Presenter 8: Rich Bruno. Gut Microbiome and Metabolic Disease

· 3:50 – 4:05 am Presenter 9: Juan Andrade. Antiprotozoal effects of essential oils

· 4:10 – 4:25 am Presenter 10: Emily Ho. Diet, gut health and optimal health outcomes

4:30 – 4:45 pm: Adjourn Day One

Friday June 6th (Eastern Time)

9:15- 9:30 am: Welcome Day 2

9:30 – 10:30 am: Research Session D

· 9:30 – 9:45 am Presenter 11: Frank Duca. Prebiotics and probiotics in treating metabolic disease

· 9:50 – 10:05 am Presenter 12: Sun-Ok Lee. 3D-printed encapsulation of bioactive compound

· 10:10 – 10:25 am Presenter 13: Elad Tako. Concord Grape (Vitis labrusca ‘Concord’) Pomace Extract Impacts Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced inflammation In Ovo (Gallus gallus)

10:25 – 10:45 am: Break

10:45 – 11:45 am: Business Session

· Discucss Progress report

· Future meeting date

· Vote for incoming chair and secretary

· Breakout Rooms for Opportunities for Collaboration

12:00 pm Adjourn Meeting

Accomplishments

<p style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Montana State University (Mike Giroux). Background: Our goal is to create and test increased amylose pasta, prepared from high and normal amylose durum wheat and/or chickpea flour. We have created increased amylose durum by selecting for mutations in individual seed starch synthesis genes. We have made pasta from high and intermediate amylose wheat. We are also measuring amylose content of different chickpea varieties and have found that they fall primarily into just two classes of amylose content. We next will be preparing pasta made from chickpeas blended with normal and high amylose durum semolina. The pastas nutritional content will be measured and we will then measure the degree to which the increased nutrition pastas can improve human health.Activities: Creation of high and intermediate amylose durum by identifying unique starch synthase alleles. Field testing of durum isolines varying in amylose content. Milling and pasta preparation from durum varying in amylose content. Screening chickpea varieties for amylose content and plan experimental approach. Outcomes. Developed low and high amylose durum that can be used as a breeding parent to select for increased amylose in durum. Screened chickpea varieties for amylose content. Measured the impact of variation in chickpea amylose on noodle texture.</p><br /> <p style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Janos Zempleni). Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs, &ldquo;exosomes&rdquo;) play a crucial role in intercellular communication. Communication is achieved by the EV-dependent transfer of regulatory sEV cargo from sEV donor cells to adjacent or distant sEV recipient cells. The Zempleni laboratory at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has pioneered a new line of discovery by demonstrating that sEVs and their cargo do not originate exclusively in endogenous synthesis but may also be absorbed from milk (milk sEVs, MEVs). To date, 13 detrimental and beneficial effects of MEV depletion and supplementation, respectively, have been reported. The Zempleni laboratory leverages its leadership role in MEV research by studying the importance of MEVs for the health and development of infants, and by using genetically modified MEVs for delivering therapeutics to pathological, hard-to-reach tissues. The objectives of this project are to 1) maximize the accumulation of payloads in target cells while minimizing accumulation of payloads in off-target cells, and 2) implement PMEs and DMEs in patient care. The Zempleni lab developed a tremendous amount of data demonstrating success in DMEs delivered gene therapy to distinct tissues, regions of the brain, and cell types with great specificity.</p><br /> <p style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">University of Hawaii (Kacie Ho). Background: Various foods contain both beneficial nutrients and bioactive compounds but may also contain potentially toxic contaminants as well. Our lab investigates both the beneficial and potentially hazardous compounds in food. Additionally, we study encapsulation techniques (e.g. nanoparticles and emulsions) and how these food structures can help to improve nutrient retention, stability, and bioavailability. Activities: Over the past year, we continued work with quantifying nutrients and toxicants in different edible seaweeds and have initiated a project to investigate the microbiological and chemical safety of seaweed grown from different aquaculture facilities. A new graduate student was hired to start work on this and also to investigate the effects of different cooking methods on the retention and bioaccessibility of nutrients and toxicants in seaweed. Another graduate student was hired to investigate the effects of pre-harvest processing on nutrient and carotenoid content in hydroponically grown microgreens. Outcomes: Preliminary findings indicate that certain cooking methods may help to reduce toxic metal content, however, bioaccessibility needs to be assessed as cooking appears to enhance the extractability of various compounds. Preliminary findings have also suggested that treating radish seeds with an ultrasonication pre-treatment enhances germination and potentially anthocyanin content (a beneficial antioxidant pigment).</p><br /> <p style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">University of Arizona (Frank Duca). Consumers want to improve health and lose weight, and the agricultural community wants to maximize the production of crops that are in need. We aim to study which specific plant-based flours are most beneficial for metabolic health. The project examined different dietary fibers for weight loss. We found that oligofructose and beta-glucan, but not resistant starch, wheat dextrin, and pectin, led to reductions in body weight gain and adiposity over time in high-fat diet fed mice. This was associated with improved glucose tolerance in mice supplemented with beta-glucan or oligofructose. Interestingly, our</p><br /> <p style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">metabolic cage data demonstrated that oligofructose reduced food intake, while beta-glucan increased energy expenditure. Lastly, we found that while all fibers supplemented increased production of short-chain fatty acids, only oligofructose and beta-glucan supplementation led to increased butyrate production in mice. This work highlights the need to better understand how different fibers impact host physiology.</p><br /> <p style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">University of California Davis (Yanhong Liu). The current project focuses on Escherichia coli (E. coli) diarrhea, one of the most common diseases in pre-weaning and post-weaning pigs which need antibiotic treatment. The post-weaning mortality ratio is 6-10%, but sometimes may rise to 20%. Our research is mainly focusing on dietary technologies (i.e., organic acid derivatives, functional amino acids, pre- and pro-biotics, phytogenics etc.) that we judge to offer the greatest and most immediate potential value to the swine industry. The outcome of this research will advance basic and applied information about nutritional/health intervention to keep pigs healthy and subsequently may increase profitability for pork producers by providing alternative ingredients to antibiotics traditionally used in feed.</p><br /> <p style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">University of California Davis (Peng Ji). Background: In the U.S., many infants receive formula as a supplement or as their primary source of nutrients in early infancy. Considering the low bioavailability of supplemental iron, most infant formulas are fortified with abundant iron that is 20 &ndash; 60 folds higher than that in human milk. Iron plays a crucial role in modulating gut microorganisms and the virulence of bacterial pathogens. There is a gap in our knowledge as to how excess iron intake modulates gut health, microbiota, and risk of infections in infants, particularly those born preterm or small for gestational age. Activities: Research in Peng Ji&rsquo;s laboratory in the Department of Nutrition at UC Davis uses piglets as a preclinical model to investigate the effects of early-life iron imbalance on gut microbiome and host resilience to infections. In addition, their recent research evaluated the prebiotic effects of chicory-derived inulin and its role in regulating trace mineral absorption and gut microbiota in the neonatal gut. Outcomes: Their research showed that inulin supplements not only significantly shifted the enterotype of gut microbiota but also reduced iron and other trace mineral bioavailability possibly due to shortened intestinal transit time and increased stool frequency. Excess iron intake through fortified formula or oral iron drops also changed the composition profile of gut microbiota which is characterized by a lower abundance of lactobacilli (beneficial commensals) and a higher abundance of potential pathogenic bacteria, suggesting a heightened risk of enteric infection.</p><br /> <p style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">University of California Davis (Allison Ehrlich). Consumers want to make informed decisions on selecting foods that promote gut health. We want to address what components of a diet promote a healthy gut immune system. Assessed how diets rich in aryl hydrocarbon receptor ligands change the gut microbiome and gut immune system by using novel transgenic mice, germ free facilities, and single cell RNA seq. A diet rich in AhR ligands changes the gut microbiome to change immune cells in the gut that are involved in maintaining health. Currently, researchers in the field of dietary and microbiome aryl hydrocarbon receptor signaling are impacted, but there is future impact potential for consumers.</p><br /> <p style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Oregon State University (David Dallas). (Background) Our lab examines the digestion of milk protein and the release of bioactive peptides in infants and adults. (Activities) One of the major issues I addressed in the past year was optimizing the processing of human donor milk to improve the retention of bioactive milk proteins while maintaining milk microbiological safety. This issue is particularly important for preterm infants who are fed mostly donor milk, which is typically Holder pasteurized, which ensures safety, but denatures many key bioactive proteins, which decreases the benefits of human milk for infant health and development. We found that alternative processing techniques high pressure processing and UV-C irradiation allowed sufficient microbial reduction while improving retention of these bioactives. These results can lead to follow-on studies in preterm infants and eventually to practice changes by milk banks, changing how preterm infants are fed and improving their long-term health outcomes.</p><br /> <p style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Oregon State University (Emily Ho). Decline nutritional status may be a critical determinant of healthy aging and susceptibility to infection or other stresses. Currently over 75% of the US population does not consume the recommended intake for fruits and vegetables. There is critical need to understand determinants of individual</p><br /> <p style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">response to bioactive foods compounds to establish evidenced based guidelines and improve the health of consumers. We have completed several human intervention trials with zinc, cruciferous vegetables, and almonds to understand the relationship among microbiome, metabolism and health biomarkers. We also developed innovative methods for data integration and identification of plant vs host metabolites using machine learning methods.</p><br /> <p style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Kansas State University (Brian Lindshield). Iron deficiency anemia is a serious public health problem worldwide. Rice and maize are the staple foods that can be fortified with iron to combat deficiency anemia, but it is challenging to achieve high iron bioavailability and good organoleptic properties. We used the INFOGEST in vitro digestion model paired with the Caco-2 model to assess iron bioavailability of common fortificants. Both of these methodologies are well established but have not been paired together for iron bioavailability since INFOGEST is a newer standardized protocol. The iron bioavailability of ferric pyrophosphate and ferric orthophosphate was improved with high molar ratio (1:0.3:5.5) citric acid and trisodium citrate. Sodium iron ethylenediaminetetraacetate had significantly higher bioavailability than ferrous sulfate, but not ferrous fumarate. The combination of sodium iron ethylenediaminetetraacetate and ferrous sulfate at low weight ratio was the most promising combination. These results will be of interest to nutritionists, food aid producers, food aid policy makers, food aid distributors, international agriculture development officers to allow more evidence-based iron fortification decisions to be made for rice, maize and other food products.</p><br /> <p style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Purdue University (Lavanya Reddivari). (Background) Consumption of plant foods that contain flavonoids reduces the risk of IBD. Gut bacteria contribute to the anti-inflammatory properties of flavonoids by converting them into active metabolites, and flavonoid gut bacterial metabolism depends on the gut bacterial composition, flavonoid type, and associated food matrix. (Activities) We developed polyphenol and polysaccharide complexes to improve the stability and bioactivity of polyphenols and reduce fiber intolerance under dysbiotic microbial environments. Microbial dysbiosis is associated with several gut-related disorders that are prevalent in Western countries. The goal is to develop food-based intervention strategies to improve gut health, especially to reduce inflammation and improve barrier function through modulation of microbiota. We optimized the parameters in terms of polyphenol and polysaccharide selection and complexation. Presented the data to the intended audience through conferences, articles, and presentations.</p><br /> <p style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Jaume Amengual). Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death globally. Our laboratory studies the protective effects of plant carotenoids in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Carotenoids are colorful pigments found in most fruits and vegetables. These molecules have antioxidant properties, but more importantly, some carotenoids such as beta-carotene are also the precursors of vitamin A. One of our studies provided the first that neurosporaxanthin, a fungal carotenoid, is highly bioavailable and functions as a provitamin A compound in mammals. We also uncovered the unexpected cardiometabolic benefits of finasteride, a clinically-approved drug widely used to treat prostate hyperplasia and alopecia in men. Using mouse models and clinical data, we demonstrated that finasteride ameliorates plasma lipids and delays the development of atherosclerosis, the main cause of death worldwide. Importantly, this paper was the most downloaded paper in 2024 in the jounal&rsquo;s platform, highlighting the impact it had in our society.</p><br /> <p style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">University of Missouri Columbia (Pavel Somavat). Synthetic food colorants have been reported to be harmful to humans by directly modulating the physiologically relevant targets or may cause attention-deficit/hyperactivity-disorder (ADHD), headaches, genotoxicity, carcinogenicity and neurotoxicity. However, large-scale definitive studies validating these harmful effects do not exist. The FD&amp;C Red 40 dye constitutes about 40% of all the synthetic food colorants used in the US. However, due to the associated concerns, the State of California has banned the use of FD&amp;C Red 3 dye as well as six other potentially harmful food dyes including the FD&amp;C Red 40 from the state&rsquo;s public schools. Some of these dyes have been reported to be carcinogens and cause neurobehavioral problems in children. More recently, FDC revoked the use of FD&amp;C Red 3 dye from food and drugs due to its potential association with cancer in mice. The consumption of phytonutrients present in fruits and vegetables is positively correlated with potential health benefits. Colored corn varieties contain significant amounts of bioactive compounds and can be economically exploited to</p><br /> <p style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">generate value-added products with diverse applications in the food industry. We have made significant progress in our research work associated with the breeding and adaptation of the colored corn varieties in the Midwest and in identifying the novel applications of corn derived phytochemicals including natural red food colorants. Our work has clearly demonstrated that colored corn varieties can be utilized for the economic extraction of anthocyanin-based natural red colorants which can supplant petroleum-based synthetic food dyes including FD&amp;C Red 40 and Red 3.</p><br /> <p style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">University of Arkansas (Sun-Ok Lee). Given the global prevalence of obesity and the critical role of gut microbiota in metabolic health, there is a pressing need to investigate how berry-derived bioactive compounds can be leveraged to modulate the microbial composition and promote an anti-obesogenic effect. While berry phenolics are well-known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, the health effects of berry volatiles remain largely unexplored. The study addresses how gut microbiota composition in overweight/obesity is modulated by bioactive compounds in berries. The project conducted an in vitro fecal fermentation study using samples from normal-weight and overweight/obese individuals, investigating the effects of phenolics and volatile extracts from black raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries on gut microbial composition. The results provided evidence for the potential of berry bioactive compounds (polyphenols and volatiles) to influence gut microbiota composition.</p><br /> <p style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">University of Rhode Island (Brietta Oaks). (Background) 10.4% of babies were born prematurely in 2023, leading to an increased risk of infant mortality. Expecting parents, healthcare providers, and public health officials are key stakeholders who have an interest in seeing a reduction in preterm birth prevalence. Expecting parents are concerned about the health of their growing fetus, healthcare providers want healthy pregnancies and deliveries for their patients, and public health officials in the U.S. are interested in reducing preterm birth rates so that the U.S. has a healthier population. (Activities) We enrolled 30 pregnant women in our study which included: surveys on dietary intake and food security; saliva collection to measure cortisol, a key stress hormone associated with preterm birth; and a blood draw to measure lead concentration, vitamin D concentration, and fatty acid status. Recruitment activities targeted low- and moderate-income areas of Rhode Island and involved both graduate and undergraduate research assistants. To complete the study, we worked with Quest Diagnostics for the blood draw and Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) prenatal clinics. (Outcomes) In our preliminary data analysis, we found that lead exposure is not a concern for our study population. All pregnant women in our study had less than or equal to 1 &micro;g/dL of lead concentration in their blood, which is below the 3.5 &micro;g/dL lead concentration cutoff that is used to designate a health concern. However, we did find a widespread prevalence of vitamin D deficiency. Approximately 40% of participants identified as vitamin D deficient (&le; 20 ng/mL), with an additional 43% classified as vitamin D insufficient (20-29 ng/mL). This means that only 17% of the pregnant women in our study had a sufficient vitamin D concentration (greater or equal to 30 ng/mL).</p><br /> <p style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">University of Connecticut (Christopher N. Blesso). (Background) Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which includes steatosis and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), is one of the most common liver diseases. Over 75% of individuals with NAFLD are obese, but lean individuals can also develop NAFLD and have limited therapeutic options. Dietary sphingomyelin has been shown to inhibit the absorption of NASH-promoting dietary lipids. The objective of this project is to investigate the effects of dietary sphingomyelin from chicken egg yolk (egg sphingomyelin) on liver injury and lipid metabolism in mouse models of lean and obese NASH. The major objective of this project aligns with one of the primary objectives of the W5002 Multi-State project, which is to &ldquo;Determine the efficacy and mechanisms of action of nutrients and dietary bioactive compounds towards improved health.&rdquo; (Activities) The project investigated the effects of dietary sphingomyelin from chicken egg yolk on liver injury and lipid metabolism in mouse models of lean and obese NASH. Mice were fed diets to induce obese NASH (i.e., NASH with obesity) and lean NASH (i.e., NASH without obesity), with and without added dietary egg sphingomyelin. Serum/plasma and livers were collected to assess liver injury markers, gene expression, and lipid profiles. (Outcomes) The addition of egg sphingomyelin in the diet decreased markers of liver injury in mouse models of both lean NASH and obese NASH with changes in&nbsp;</p><br /> <p style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">inflammatory pathways and lipid metabolism pathways of the liver. Manuscript preparation is ongoing.We will continue our analysis to better understand the molecular mechanism of the effects on the disease processes.</p><br /> <p style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">University of Maine (Dorothy Klimis-Zacas). (Background) Wounds occur in over 15 million people with approximately $60 billion spent annually on wound care. Deficient vascularization is a significant factor that promotes chronic and non-healing wounds, ultimately resulting in amputation. Currently, most clinical wound treatments are antibiotics for infection control. Chronic wounds such as diabetic foot ulcers, ischemic limbs, and pressure ulcers lack treatments that promote wound healing and improve tissue remodeling. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop effective, cost-efficient, natural sources-derived therapies that have no deleterious side effects. (Activities) We initiated and completed pre-clinical studies with animal models, to determine the role of this non-fidelity biomedical prototype on the speed of wound closure, angiogenesis, re-epithelialization, collagen formation and inflammation related to wound healing as well as gene expression of several proteins responsible for inflammation, angiogenesis and tissue regeneration. The pre-clinical study was completed, and data are presently analyzed. (Outcomes) Results from the pre-clinical studies in testing the wild blueberry extract hydrogel product on wounds of animal models documented that this product at specific concentrations significantly induced faster wound closure by 25% over the control and over the most commonly used commercial wound care product and significantly increased re-epithelialization, collagen formation and vascularization compared to control and the commercial product. Additionally, upregulation of genes associated with vascularization and collagen formation was observed with the wild blueberry extract hydrogel product.</p><br /> <p style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">The Ohio State University (Richard Bruno). The tea plant is rich in polyphenols. While tea leaves processed for the manufacture of green tea retain their bioactive catechins, these catechins are lost during the manufacture of black tea. Unfortunately, Americans prefer the flavor of black tea over green tea, limiting their potential to realize the health benefits attributed to catechins. Likewise, approximately one-third of Americans have suboptimal vitamin C status. This potentially heightens their risk for advanced liver disorders occurring in obesity such as MASLD. MASLD affects 100 million Americans, and is expected to increase in its prevalence in association with the ongoing obesity epidemic. We are performing secondary analyses of a clinical trial investigating green tea polyphenols on cardiometabolic health in persons with metabolic syndrome. Data suggest that persons having a higher propensity to bioconvert green tea catechins to valerolactones by gut microbiota achieve greater bioefficacy to restore gut barrier functions that are linked to cardiometabolic health. Further, in a transgenic mouse model that is unable to synthesize vitamin C, i.e., gulonolactone oxidase-knockout mice (Gulo-KO), we are examining the extent to which vitamin C status is a critical determinant of diet-induced metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Data suggest that poor vitamin C status potentiates liver injury in MASLD, specifically hepatocellular ballooning. We provided novel methodology using LC-MS to analyze plasma valerolactones following the ingestion of green tea catechins. These methods were critical for advancing a precision nutrition strategy by identify persons having microbial populations capable of bioconverting catechins into a metabolite that is not only more absorbable, but correlated with improved cardiometabolic health. Additionally, this project contributed to the training of two graduate students and two undergraduate students. Research assistants gained knowledge in microbiota analysis, linking shifts in the microbiome to the health-promoting benefits of catechins on cardiometabolic health. They also gained fundamental and hands-on training in HPLC and LC-MS to analyze catechins and their microbial-derived metabolites as well as vitamin C in liver tissue to understand the mechanistic benefit of these bioactive food components to support cardiometabolic health.</p>

Publications

<p>Ali, A., C. Wan, M. Lin, S. Flint-Garcia, B. Vardhanabhuti and P. Somavat (2024). "Microencapsulation of highly concentrated polyphenolic compounds from purple corn pericarp by spray-drying with various biomacromolecules." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Int J Biol Macromol</span> <strong>272</strong>(Pt 2): 132938.</p><br /> <p>Angima, G., Y. Qu, S. H. Park and D. C. Dallas (2024). "Prebiotic Strategies to Manage Lactose Intolerance Symptoms." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Nutrients</span> <strong>16</strong>(7).</p><br /> <p>Armah, A., C. Jackson, N. Kolba, P. R. Gracey, V. Shukla, O. I. Padilla-Zakour, T. Warkentin and E. Tako (2024). "Effects of Pea (Pisum sativum) Prebiotics on Intestinal Iron-Related Proteins and Microbial Populations In Vivo (Gallus gallus)." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Nutrients</span> <strong>16</strong>(12).</p><br /> <p>Beaver, L. M., M. Prati, K. E. Gilman, T. Luo, N. F. Shay, A. J. Branscum, R. T. Turner and U. T. Iwaniec (2023). "Diet composition influences the effect of high fat diets on bone in growing male mice." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Bone</span> <strong>176</strong>: 116888.</p><br /> <p>Bentil, H. J., S. Adu-Afarwuah, E. L. Prado, C. D. Arnold, P. D. Hastings, A. E. Guyer, M. O. Mensah, A. Manu, X. Tan, E. Adjetey, B. Amponsah, M. E. Demuyakor, K. G. Dewey and B. M. Oaks (2024). "Sustained effects of small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements provided during the first 1000 days on child growth at 9-11 y in a randomized controlled trial in Ghana." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Am J Clin Nutr</span> <strong>119</strong>(2): 425-432.</p><br /> <p>Bentil, H. J., E. M. Daang, A. E. Guyer, H. Yuan, S. Adu-Afarwuah, B. Amponsah, A. Manu, M. O. Mensah, M. E. Demuyakor, C. D. Arnold, B. M. Oaks, E. Prado and P. D. Hastings (2024). "Assessing Children's Autonomic Nervous System Activity During Structured Tasks: A Feasibility and Reliability Study in Ghana." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Dev Psychobiol</span> <strong>66</strong>(6): e22535.</p><br /> <p>Bouranis, J. A., L. M. Beaver, C. P. Wong, J. Choi, S. Hamer, E. W. Davis, K. S. Brown, D. Jiang, T. J. Sharpton, J. F. Stevens and E. Ho (2024). "Sulforaphane and Sulforaphane-Nitrile Metabolism in Humans Following Broccoli Sprout Consumption: Inter-individual Variation, Association with Gut Microbiome Composition, and Differential Bioactivity." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Mol Nutr Food Res</span> <strong>68</strong>(4): e2300286.</p><br /> <p>Bouranis, J. A., Y. Ren, L. M. Beaver, J. Choi, C. P. Wong, L. He, M. G. Traber, J. Kelly, S. L. Booth, J. F. Stevens, X. Z. Fern and E. Ho (2024). "Identification of biological signatures of cruciferous vegetable consumption utilizing machine learning-based global untargeted stable isotope traced metabolomics." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Front Nutr</span> <strong>11</strong>: 1390223.</p><br /> <p>Bouranis, J. A., C. P. Wong, L. M. Beaver, S. L. Uesugi, E. M. Papenhausen, J. Choi, E. W. Davis, 2nd, A. N. Da Silva, N. Kalengamaliro, R. Chaudhary, J. Kharofa, V. Takiar, T. J. Herzog, W. Barrett and E. Ho (2023). "Sulforaphane Bioavailability in Healthy Subjects Fed a Single Serving of Fresh Broccoli Microgreens." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Foods</span> <strong>12</strong>(20).</p><br /> <p>Bruno, R. S. and K. Zamary (2024). "Reemergence from the pandemic, annual awards, and editorial office updates: from the desk of the Editor-in-Chief, Nutrition Research." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Nutr Res</span> <strong>123</strong>: 131-136.</p><br /> <p>Cao, S., J. T. Pierson, A. H. Bond, S. Zhang, A. Gold, H. Zhang, K. M. Zamary, P. Moats, M. D. Teegarden, D. G. Peterson, X. Mo, J. Zhu and R. S. Bruno (2024). "Intestinal-level anti-inflammatory bioactivities of whole wheat: Rationale, design, and methods of a randomized, controlled, crossover dietary trial in adults with prediabetes." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Nutr Res</span> <strong>131</strong>: 83-95.</p><br /> <p>Cardona, C. J., Y. Kim, W. Chowanadisai and M. R. Montgomery (2024). "Considerations for Using Neuroblastoma Cell Lines to Examine the Roles of Iron and Ferroptosis in Neurodegeneration." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Cells</span> <strong>13</strong>(18).</p><br /> <p>Carrara, J. E., L. Reddivari and W. P. Heller (2024). "Inoculation of black turtle beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) with mycorrhizal fungi increases the nutritional quality of seeds." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Plant Environ Interact</span> <strong>5</strong>(1): e10128.</p><br /> <p>Chan, J. P., J. Tanprasertsuk, E. J. Johnson, P. Dey, R. S. Bruno, M. A. Johnson, L. W. Poon, A. Davey, J. L. Woodard and M. J. Kuchan (2024). "Associations between Brain Alpha-Tocopherol Stereoisomer Profile and Hallmarks of Brain Aging in Centenarians." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Antioxidants (Basel)</span> <strong>13</strong>(8).</p><br /> <p>Cheng, J., N. Kolba and E. Tako (2024). "The effect of dietary zinc and zinc physiological status on the composition of the gut microbiome in vivo." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr</span> <strong>64</strong>(18): 6432-6451.</p><br /> <p>Dashner-Titus, E. J., J. R. Schilz, S. A. Alvarez, C. P. Wong, K. Simmons, E. Ho and L. G. Hudson (2023). "Zinc supplementation alters tissue distribution of arsenic in Mus musculus." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Toxicol Appl Pharmacol</span> <strong>478</strong>: 116709.</p><br /> <p>Goodus, M. T., A. N. Alfredo, K. E. Carson, P. Dey, N. Pukos, J. M. Schwab, P. G. Popovich, J. Gao, X. Mo, R. S. Bruno and D. M. McTigue (2024). "Spinal cord injury-induced metabolic impairment and steatohepatitis develops in non-obese rats and is exacerbated by premorbid obesity." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Exp Neurol</span> <strong>379</strong>: 114847.</p><br /> <p>Haas, J., B. J. Kim, Z. Atamer, C. Wu and D. C. Dallas (2025). "Effects of high-temperature, short-time pasteurization on milk and whey during commercial whey protein concentrate production." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">J Dairy Sci</span> <strong>108</strong>(1): 257-271.</p><br /> <p>Hernando, V., L. Su&aacute;rez, G. Guti&eacute;rrez, J. C. L&oacute;pez, R. Navarro-Soler, A. Cabello, J. Sanz, I. Suarez-Garc&iacute;a, M. T. Fern&aacute;ndez, J. E. Losa, J. L. P&eacute;rez, L. Ramos-Ruperto, M. J. P&eacute;rez-El&iacute;as, W. Aayuni, M. Cuesta, G. Gonz&aacute;lez, A. Izquierdo, L. Viloria, I. L&oacute;pez, E. Mart&iacute;nez, D. Castrillejo, M. G. Jaume Amengual, M. A. Belmonte, A. Arraiza, J. de la Torre, E. Miqueleiz, H. Marcos, M. Ruiz-Alguer&oacute;, T. Villegas, L. Sim&oacute;n and A. Diaz (2024). "Vaccination trends in people with HIV infection participanting in the hospital-based survey of patients infected with HIV, 2006-2021." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin (Engl Ed)</span> <strong>42</strong>(7): 339-346.</p><br /> <p>Howard, E. J., R. K. Meyer, S. N. Weninger, T. Martinez, H. R. Wachsmuth, M. Pignitter, A. Au&ntilde;on-Lopez, A. Kangath, K. Duszka, H. Gu, G. Schiro, D. Laubtiz and F. A. Duca (2024). "Impact of Plant-Based Dietary Fibers on Metabolic Homeostasis in High-Fat Diet Mice via Alterations in the Gut Microbiota and Metabolites." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">J Nutr</span> <strong>154</strong>(7): 2014-2028.</p><br /> <p>Huang, Z., Z. Cai, J. Zhang, Y. Gu, J. Wang, J. Yang, G. Lv, C. Yang, Y. Zhang, C. Ji and S. Jiang (2023). "Integrating proteomics and metabolomics to elucidate the molecular network regulating of inosine monophosphate-specific deposition in Jingyuan chicken." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Poult Sci</span> <strong>102</strong>(12): 103118.</p><br /> <p>Jamieson, P. E., E. B. Smart, J. A. Bouranis, J. Choi, R. E. Danczak, C. P. Wong, I. L. Paraiso, C. S. Maier, E. Ho, T. J. Sharpton, T. O. Metz, R. Bradley and J. F. Stevens (2024). "Gut enterotype-dependent modulation of gut microbiota and their metabolism in response to xanthohumol supplementation in healthy adults." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Gut Microbes</span> <strong>16</strong>(1): 2315633.</p><br /> <p>Jandova, J., G. Schiro, F. A. Duca, D. Laubitz and G. T. Wondrak (2024). "Exposure to chlorinated drinking water alters the murine fecal microbiota." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Sci Total Environ</span> <strong>914</strong>: 169933.</p><br /> <p>Jang, H., H. Woo, O. Corvino, H. Kang, M. B. Kim, J. Y. Lee and Y. K. Park (2024). "Dietary sugar kelp (Saccharina latissima) consumption did not attenuate atherosclerosis in low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout mice." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Food Funct</span> <strong>15</strong>(12): 6684-6691.</p><br /> <p>Kalea, A. Z. and D. Klimis-Zacas (2024). "Editorial: unravelling the trifecta: obesity, cancer, and DNA damage." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care</span> <strong>27</strong>(4): 323-324.</p><br /> <p>Kang, H., Y. K. Park, J. Y. Lee and M. Bae (2024). "Roles of Histone Deacetylase 4 in the Inflammatory and Metabolic Processes." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Diabetes Metab J</span> <strong>48</strong>(3): 340-353.</p><br /> <p>Keune, J. A., C. P. Wong, A. J. Branscum, S. A. Menn, U. T. Iwaniec and R. T. Turner (2024). "Bone Marrow Adipose Tissue Is Not Required for Reconstitution of the Immune System Following Irradiation in Male Mice." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Int J Mol Sci</span> <strong>25</strong>(4).</p><br /> <p>Kim, A. T., S. Li, Y. Kim, Y. J. You and Y. Park (2024). "Food preference-based screening method for identification of effectors of substance use disorders using Caenorhabditis elegans." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Life Sci</span> <strong>345</strong>: 122580.</p><br /> <p>Kim, B. J., R. F. Kuhfeld, J. L. Haas, Y. M. Anaya, R. R. Martinez, B. N. P. Sah, B. Breen, K. Newsham, C. A. Malinczak and D. C. Dallas (2024). "Digestive Profiles of Human Milk, Recombinant Human and Bovine Lactoferrin: Comparing the Retained Intact Protein and Peptide Release." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Nutrients</span> <strong>16</strong>(14).</p><br /> <p>Kim, M. B., J. Lee and J. Y. Lee (2024). "Targeting Mitochondrial Dysfunction for the Prevention and Treatment of Metabolic Disease by Bioactive Food Components." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">J Lipid Atheroscler</span> <strong>13</strong>(3): 306-327.</p><br /> <p>Kim, Y. (2024). "Editorial: Food bioactive compounds in aging." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Front Nutr</span> <strong>11</strong>: 1395937.</p><br /> <p>Knez, M., A. Pantovic, E. Tako and E. Boy (2024). "FADS1 and FADS2 as biomarkers of Zn status - a systematic review and meta-analysis." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr</span> <strong>64</strong>(11): 3187-3205.</p><br /> <p>Kolba, N. and E. Tako (2025). "Effective alternatives for dietary interventions for necrotizing enterocolitis: a systematic review of in vivo studies." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr</span> <strong>65</strong>(4): 811-831.</p><br /> <p>Kostiew, K. N., D. Tuli, J. E. Coborn, C. M. Sinton and J. A. Teske (2024). "Behavioral phenotyping based on physical inactivity can predict sleep in female rats before, during, and after sleep disruption." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">J Neurosci Methods</span> <strong>402</strong>: 110030.</p><br /> <p>Kuah, A. H., L. H. Sattgast, K. A. Grant, S. W. Gonzales, R. Khadka, J. G. Damrath, M. R. Allen, D. B. Burr, J. M. Wallace, G. F. Maddalozzo, M. L. Benton, L. M. Beaver, A. J. Branscum, R. T. Turner and U. T. Iwaniec (2024). "Six months of voluntary alcohol consumption in male cynomolgus macaques reduces intracortical bone porosity without altering mineralization or mechanical properties." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Bone</span> <strong>185</strong>: 117111.</p><br /> <p>Lamichhane, G., D. Y. Lee, R. Franks, F. Olawale, J. B. Jin, J. M. Egan and Y. Kim (2024). "Curcumin-Rich Diet Mitigates Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) by Attenuating Fat Accumulation and Improving Insulin Sensitivity in Aged Female Mice under Nutritional Stress." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Biology (Basel)</span> <strong>13</strong>(7).</p><br /> <p>Lamichhane, G., J. Liu, S. J. Lee, D. Y. Lee, G. Zhang and Y. Kim (2024). "Curcumin Mitigates the High-Fat High-Sugar Diet-Induced Impairment of Spatial Memory, Hepatic Metabolism, and the Alteration of the Gut Microbiome in Alzheimer's Disease-Induced (3xTg-AD) Mice." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Nutrients</span> <strong>16</strong>(2).</p><br /> <p>Lee, D. Y., J. Arndt, J. F. O'Connell, J. M. Egan and Y. Kim (2024). "Red Ginseng Attenuates the Hepatic Cellular Senescence in Aged Mice." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Biology (Basel)</span> <strong>13</strong>(1).</p><br /> <p>Leonard, L. M., A. M. R. Simpson, S. Li, L. Reddivari and T. L. Cross (2024). "A Gnotobiotic Mouse Model with Divergent Equol-Producing Phenotypes: Potential for Determining Microbial-Driven Health Impacts of Soy Isoflavone Daidzein." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Nutrients</span> <strong>16</strong>(7).</p><br /> <p>Liang, N., J. Koh, B. J. Kim, G. Ozturk, D. Barile and D. C. Dallas (2024). "Corrigendum: Structural and functional changes of bioactive proteins in donor human milk treated by vat-pasteurization, retort sterilization, ultra-high-temperature sterilization, freeze-thawing and homogenization." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Front Nutr</span> <strong>11</strong>: 1371799.</p><br /> <p>Liang, N., H. Mohamed, R. F. Pung, J. Waite-Cusic and D. C. Dallas (2024). "Optimized Ultraviolet-C Processing Inactivates Pathogenic and Spoilage-Associated Bacteria while Preserving Bioactive Proteins, Vitamins, and Lipids in Human Milk." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">J Agric Food Chem</span> <strong>72</strong>(21): 12198-12208.</p><br /> <p>Liu, B., P. L. Nguyen, H. Yu, X. Li, H. Wang, T. G. B. Nguyen, P. K. Sahoo, M. Sur, J. Reddy, S. Sillman, S. D. Kachman, B. Altartouri, G. Lu, S. K. Natarajan, M. Pattabiraman and J. Yu (2024). "Honey vesicle-like nanoparticles protect aged liver from non-alcoholic steatohepatitis." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Acta Pharm Sin B</span> <strong>14</strong>(8): 3661-3679.</p><br /> <p>Lyu, Y., B. J. Kim, J. S. Patel, D. C. Dallas and Y. Chen (2024). "Human Milk Protein-Derived Bioactive Peptides from In Vitro-Digested Colostrum Exert Antimicrobial Activities against Common Neonatal Pathogens." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Nutrients</span> <strong>16</strong>(13).</p><br /> <p>Malany, K., X. Li, C. F. A. Vogel and A. K. Ehrlich (2024). "Mechanisms underlying aryl hydrocarbon receptor-driven divergent macrophage function." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Toxicol Sci</span> <strong>200</strong>(1): 1-10.</p><br /> <p>Marino, M., C. Gardana, M. Rendine, D. Klimis-Zacas, P. Riso, M. Porrini and C. Del Bo (2024). "Nutritional and Phytochemical Characterization of Freeze-Dried Raspberry (Rubus idaeus): A Comprehensive Analysis." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Foods</span> <strong>13</strong>(7).</p><br /> <p>Marino, M., M. Rendine, S. Venturi, M. Porrini, C. Gardana, D. Klimis-Zacas, P. Riso and C. Del Bo (2024). "Red raspberry (Rubus idaeus) preserves intestinal barrier integrity and reduces oxidative stress in Caco-2 cells exposed to a proinflammatory stimulus." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Food Funct</span> <strong>15</strong>(13): 6943-6954.</p><br /> <p>Martinez, T. M., H. R. Wachsmuth, R. K. Meyer, S. N. Weninger, A. I. Lane, A. Kangath, G. Schiro, D. Laubitz, J. H. Stern and F. A. Duca (2023). "Differential effects of plant-based flours on metabolic homeostasis and the gut microbiota in high-fat fed rats." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Nutr Metab (Lond)</span> <strong>20</strong>(1): 44.</p><br /> <p>McQueen, P., D. Molina, I. Pinos, S. Krug, A. J. Taylor, M. R. LaFrano, M. A. Kane and J. Amengual (2024). "Finasteride delays atherosclerosis progression in mice and is associated with a reduction in plasma cholesterol in men." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">J Lipid Res</span> <strong>65</strong>(3): 100507.</p><br /> <p>Melo Herrera, Y., A. Tovar, B. M. Oaks, N. T. Quashie and M. Vadiveloo (2023). "Associations between Participation in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and Maternal Diet Quality." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">J Nutr</span> <strong>153</strong>(11): 3317-3326.</p><br /> <p>Melo Herrera, Y., M. Vadiveloo, S. Blau, B. M. Oaks, N. T. Quashie and A. Tovar (2024). "Feasibility and acceptability of a personalized, pre-filled online grocery cart to improve benefit redemption and diet quality of grocery purchases among participants of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Appetite</span> <strong>202</strong>: 107647.</p><br /> <p>Meneguelli, T. S., A. C. P. Kravchychyn, A. L. Wendling, A. P. Dion&iacute;sio, J. Bressan, H. S. D. Martino, E. Tako and H. H. M. Hermsdorff (2024). "Cashew nut (Anacardium occidentale L.) and cashew nut oil reduce cardiovascular risk factors in adults on weight-loss treatment: a randomized controlled three-arm trial (Brazilian Nuts Study)." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Front Nutr</span> <strong>11</strong>: 1407028.</p><br /> <p>Meneguelli, T. S., A. L. Wendling, A. C. P. Kravchychyn, D. Rocha, A. P. Dion&iacute;sio, J. Bressan, H. S. D. Martino, E. Tako and H. H. M. Hermsdorff (2024). "Effects of Cashew Nuts (Anacardium occidentale L.) and Cashew Nut Oil on Intestinal Permeability and Inflammatory Markers during an Energy-Restricted 8-Week Intervention: A Randomized Controlled Trial (Brazilian Nuts Study)." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Foods</span> <strong>13</strong>(18).</p><br /> <p>Mihori, S., F. Nichols, A. Provatas, A. Matz, B. Zhou, C. N. Blesso, H. Panier, L. Daddi, Y. Zhou and R. B. Clark (2024). "Microbiome-derived bacterial lipids regulate gene expression of proinflammatory pathway inhibitors in systemic monocytes." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Front Immunol</span> <strong>15</strong>: 1415565.</p><br /> <p>Miller, A. P., D. Hornero-M&eacute;ndez, S. Bandara, O. Parra-Rivero, M. C. Lim&oacute;n, J. von Lintig, J. Avalos and J. Amengual (2023). "Bioavailability and provitamin A activity of neurosporaxanthin in mice." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Commun Biol</span> <strong>6</strong>(1): 1068.</p><br /> <p>Miller, A. P., W. C. Monroy, G. Soria and J. Amengual (2024). "The low-density lipoprotein receptor contributes to carotenoid homeostasis by regulating tissue uptake and fecal elimination." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Mol Metab</span> <strong>88</strong>: 102007.</p><br /> <p>Minj, J., J. Riordan, C. Teets, H. Fernholz-Hartman, A. Tanggono, Y. Lee, T. Chauvin, F. Carbonero and P. Solverson (2024). "Diet-Induced Rodent Obesity Is Prevented and the Fecal Microbiome Is Improved with Elderberry (Sambucus nigra ssp. canadensis) Juice Powder." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">J Agric Food Chem</span> <strong>72</strong>(22): 12555-12565.</p><br /> <p>Moncada, E., N. Bulut, S. Li, T. Johnson, B. Hamaker and L. Reddivari (2024). "Dietary Fiber's Physicochemical Properties and Gut Bacterial Dysbiosis Determine Fiber Metabolism in the Gut." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Nutrients</span> <strong>16</strong>(15).</p><br /> <p>Nathan, V. B., S. Eckrote, S. Li and L. Reddivari (2024). "Crude Blueberry Phenolic Extracts Improve Gut Barrier Integrity and Exert Anti-Inflammatory and Antimicrobial Activity in an In Vitro Weaning Stress Model." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Antioxidants (Basel)</span> <strong>13</strong>(9).</p><br /> <p>Neltner, T. J., P. K. Sahoo, R. W. Smith, J. P. V. Anders, J. E. Arnett, R. J. Schmidt, G. O. Johnson, S. K. Natarajan and T. J. Housh (2024). "Effects of 8 Weeks of Shilajit Supplementation on Serum Pro-c1&alpha;1, a Biomarker of Type 1 Collagen Synthesis: A Randomized Control Trial." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">J Diet Suppl</span> <strong>21</strong>(1): 1-12.</p><br /> <p>Neufeld, L. M., E. Ho, R. Obeid, C. Tzoulis, M. Green, L. G. Huber, M. Stout and J. C. Griffiths (2023). "Advancing nutrition science to meet evolving global health needs." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Eur J Nutr</span> <strong>62</strong>(Suppl 1): 1-16.</p><br /> <p>Ngu, A., J. Munir and J. Zempleni (2023). "Milk-borne small extracellular vesicles: kinetics and mechanisms of transport, distribution, and elimination." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Extracell Vesicles Circ Nucl Acids</span> <strong>4</strong>(3): 339-346.</p><br /> <p>Nti, H., S. Adu-Afarwuah, B. M. Oaks, E. L. Prado, C. D. Arnold, P. D. Hastings, A. E. Guyer, K. G. Dewey, B. Amponsah, H. J. Bentil, M. O. Mensah, E. Adjetey, X. Tan, L. M. D. Aryee, F. B. A. Labi and A. Manu (2024). "Impact of Small-Quantity Lipid-Based Nutrient Supplements on Pubertal Status of 9-13-Year Olds: A Follow-Up Study of the iLiNS-DYAD-Ghana Trial." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Curr Dev Nutr</span> <strong>8</strong>(12): 104458.</p><br /> <p>Nyakundi, B. B., M. M. Wall and J. Yang (2024). "Supplementation of papaya leaf juice has beneficial effects on glucose homeostasis in high fat/high sugar-induced obese and prediabetic adult mice." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">BMC Complement Med Ther</span> <strong>24</strong>(1): 18.</p><br /> <p>Oaks, B. M., E. A. Gyimah, E. Kleban, K. Ragsdale and L. L. Iannotti (2025). "Mollusc and crustacean consumption in the first 1000 days: a scoping review." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Nutr Res Rev</span> <strong>38</strong>(1): 181-191.</p><br /> <p>Olsen, W., N. Liang and D. C. Dallas (2023). "Macrophage-Immunomodulatory Actions of Bovine Whey Protein Isolate, Glycomacropeptide, and Their In Vitro and In Vivo Digests." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Nutrients</span> <strong>15</strong>(23).</p><br /> <p>Owens, B. A., N. J. Sabik, A. Tovar, C. L. Ward-Ritacco, K. Melanson, Z. Guerrieo and B. M. Oaks (2024). "Higher morning cortisol is associated with lower intuitive eating in midlife women." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Psychoneuroendocrinology</span> <strong>162</strong>: 106958.</p><br /> <p>Park, J., S. Wickramasinghe, D. A. Mills, B. L. L&ouml;nnerdal and P. Ji (2024). "Iron Fortification and Inulin Supplementation in Early Infancy: Evaluating the Impact on Iron Metabolism and Trace Mineral Status in a Piglet Model." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Curr Dev Nutr</span> <strong>8</strong>(4): 102147.</p><br /> <p>Parker, H. W., B. M. Oaks, A. L. Buchanan and M. K. Vadiveloo (2024). 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"Comparative proteomic analysis of donor human milk treated by high-pressure processing or Holder pasteurization on undigested proteins across dynamic simulated preterm infant digestion." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Food Chem</span> <strong>462</strong>: 140973.</p><br /> <p>Pokala, A., J. Kraft, V. M. Taormina, M. C. Michalski, C. Vors, M. Torres-Gonzalez and R. S. Bruno (2024). "Whole milk dairy foods and cardiometabolic health: dairy fat and beyond." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Nutr Res</span> <strong>126</strong>: 99-122.</p><br /> <p>Qu, Y., S. H. Park and D. C. Dallas (2023). "Evaluating the Potential of Casein Glycomacropeptide in Adult Irritable Bowel Syndrome Management: A Pilot Study." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Nutrients</span> <strong>15</strong>(19).</p><br /> <p>Rackerby, B., H. J. Kim, D. C. Dallas and S. H. Park (2023). "Correction to: Understanding the effects of dietary components on the gut microbiome and human health." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Food Sci Biotechnol</span> <strong>32</strong>(13): 1949.</p><br /> <p>Rackerby, B., H. N. M. Le, A. Haymowicz, D. C. Dallas and S. H. Park (2024). "Potential Prebiotic Properties of Whey Protein and Glycomacropeptide in Gut Microbiome." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Food Sci Anim Resour</span> <strong>44</strong>(2): 299-308.</p><br /> <p>Ranjitkar, S., D. Krajewski, C. Garcia, C. Tedeschi, S. H. Polukort, J. Rovatti, M. Mire, C. N. Blesso, E. Jellison, S. S. Schneider, J. J. Ryan and C. B. Mathias (2024). "IL-10 Differentially Promotes Mast Cell Responsiveness to IL-33, Resulting in Enhancement of Type 2 Inflammation and Suppression of Neutrophilia." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">J Immunol</span> <strong>212</strong>(9): 1407-1419.</p><br /> <p>Renga, G., F. D'Onofrio, M. Pariano, R. Galarini, C. Barola, C. 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Impact Statements

1. Montana State University (Mike Giroux). Wheat is the largest single source of calories in the human diet. Increasing wheat nutritional content therefore would have a positive impact on health. Incorporating sources of increased protein and dietary fiber by including chickpeas in pasta also is a large possible positive impact.
2. University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Janos Zempleni). We have repurposed a bioactive compound in milk (small extracellular vesicles, “exosomes”) for delivering therapeutic payloads to pathological cell with heretofore unknown potency, safety, specificity, ant scale. We named the technology Programmable Milk Exosomes (PMEs) or Designer Milk Exosomes (DMEs). The dairy industry will benefit from our development because milk (PMEs, DMEs) can be priced as pharmaceutical rather than food. We employ PMEs and DMEs in the treatment of rare diseases. Rare diseases are neglected by the pharmaceutical industry (due to the high cost of conducting clinical trials) and federal sponsors (due to prioritizing other, more prevalent diseases) while patients and their caregivers deserve answers to their urgent questions. PMEs and DMEs overcome concerns of industry and federal sponsors, because they can easily be adapted to enable the treatment of most rare diseases. There are a cumulative 25-30 million patients suffering from more than 10,000 known rare diseases in the United States. PMEs and DMEs may also be employed in the treatment of prevalent diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease
3. University of Hawaii (Kacie Ho). Our studies provide scientific-based evidence for the potential nutritional benefits of unique food commodities, potential hazards, and potential strategies to mitigate risks while improving nutritional quality.
4. University of Arizona (Frank Duca). We recently demonstrated that specific plant-based dietary fibers are more effective at promoting weight loss and improving glucose homeostasis in obese mice. Beta-glucan and oligofructose, when supplemented into a high-fat diet reduced body weight and adiposity in obese mice. This information could lead to the development of specific plant-based fiber formulations designed for weight loss and human health. Importantly, our data demonstrated the importance of increasing butyrate production via fiber supplementation, and future research could result in developing fiber formulas aimed to supercharge butyrate production. This is important to promote healthy eating as a way to improve human health.
5. University of California Davis (Yanhong Liu). Our research promotes the development of novel and integrative dietary strategies to improve pig health and reduce enteric infections and the therapeutic use of antibiotics in the swine industry. Results from our research could also be partially translated to human health because of the similarities in digestive anatomy, metabolism, and physiology between pigs and humans.
6. University of California Davis (Peng Ji). Our preclinical research with animal models addresses a growing public concern about the developmental consequence of dietary iron overexposure in infants. On the one hand, the fundamental nature of the research shed light on the basic mechanisms. On the other hand, given the close resemblance between pigs and humans in metabolism, brain structure, and gut development, results from our work have translational implications to pediatric nutrition. Our program provides training opportunities to graduate and undergraduate students. They have presented the findings from these preclinical studies in ASN Nutrition conference.
7. University of California Davis (Allison Ehrlich). Our diet is one of the most influential factors that can alter gut health. My project uncovers how food rich in aryl hydrocarbon receptor ligands (or their precursors; e.g. cruciferous vegetables) influence gut immune homeostasis and health.
8. Oregon State University (David Dallas). The impact of our work includes 1) developing best practices to ensure that preterm infants fed donor milk receive the best array of bioactive milk proteins to enhance their outcomes; 2) identifying human milk peptides present in the preterm infant intestine that can cross the epithelial cell layer and modulate enteric immunity; 3) Developing alternative processing techniques high-pressure processing and UV-C irradiation for microbial reduction while improving retention of the bioactives. These results can lead to practice changes by milk banks, changing how preterm infants are fed and improving their long-term health outcomes.
9. Oregon State University (Emily Ho). We have identified that the gut bacteria could be a critical factor in differential responses to cruciferous vegetable, established low dietary zinc as risk factor for inflammatory processes, DNA damage and cancer risk and helped identify new biomarkers for human zinc deficiency and cruciferous vegetable intake. We have also found almond snacking mitigates gut inflammation and cardiometabolic health markers in patients with metabolic syndrome. Together this work provides framework for future dietary recommendations to optimize health via gut/immune function and healthy aging in the aging population
10. Kansas State University (Brian Lindshield). Assessing iron bioavailability of common fortificants will be of interest to nutritionists, food aid producers, food aid policymakers, food aid distributors, international agriculture development officers to allow more evidence-based iron fortification decisions to be made for rice, maize and other food products.
11. Purdue University (Lavanya Reddivari). The study findings contribute to the understanding of the role of complexation in the stability, bioavailability, and bioactivity of flavonoids. Further research and more extended data can in the prediction of health benefits from bioactives based on individuals’ gut microbiota composition, and further elaborate recommendations for their incorporation in the diet to alleviate the effects of specific diseases. Improving the nutritional quality of foods and understanding the health benefits will improve the marketability of the produce and the health of the consumer.
12. University of Arkansas (Sun-Ok Lee). Due due obesity being a major health concern, we are interested in functional foods to improve their health and support obesity management. Our studies addressing how gut microbiota composition in overweight/obesity is modulated by bioactive compounds in berries could inform dietary recommendations, functional food development, and obesity intervention strategies. This was a small, short-term in vitro study with limited participants. However, it provides a foundation for long-term, larger, and controlled studies that could influence strategies for obesity management.
13. University of Illinois Urbana Champaign (Jaume Amengual). Our studies have a direct impact on everyone’s health. The consumption of carotenoids, as well as the carotenoid concentration in our body, are directly associated with improved health. Therefore, our studies contribute to establishing the mechanisms of action of nutrients in human health. Additionally, our work could have future implications in biotechnology, opening new avenues to engineer sustainable sources of provitamin A for human and animal diets.
14. University of Missouri Columbia (Pavel Somavat). Although this work hasn’t produced an immediate impact, however, we are continuing the conventional breeding program to develop high polyphenol containing colored corn varieties adapted to the midwestern climatic conditions and hopeful of providing the US corn farmers with an option of value-addition over the relatively lower value yellow dent corn. In addition, Our natural food colorant work can help the US food industry in coming up with economical sources of natural red food colorants which also entail health promoting properties on account of their higher polyphenolic contents. The US corn farmers and processing industry can benefit by growing and processing locally adapted colored corn varieties due to the value-added phytochemical byproducts. Therefore, our research has a great potential to benefit US corn farmers, processors, food industry personnel, and increasingly health-conscious consumers alike.
15. University of Rhode Island (Brietta Oaks). Currently, screening for vitamin D deficiency is not a standard practice in prenatal care. Given the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in our study population, this project may facilitate a public health discussion about adding vitamin D screening to the initial lab tests performed early in pregnancy. While our final results are pending, early impacts have been felt through participant engagement. The provision of vitamin D status results, often overlooked in routine prenatal care, was well received by expectant mothers and empowered them to prioritize their health more proactively.
16. University of Connecticut (Christopher Blesso). The U.S. agricultural industry, particularly egg producers, could benefit from the promotion of egg yolk-based products as a source of dietary sphingomyelin. The findings may lead to the promotion of egg yolk-based products as sources of dietary sphingomyelin for managing NAFLD and NASH. The knowledge gained from this project will be important for studying the health effects of dietary sphingomyelin in human populations. The scientific findings can directly contribute to U.S. agriculture by promoting a novel dietary bioactive compound derived from egg yolk. The magnitude of the impact will depend on outcomes of further research and successful translation of these findings in humans. Given the prevalence of NAFLD and the potential for a novel dietary intervention, the impact could be significant for both human health and the agricultural industry.
17. University of Maine (Dorothy Klimis-Zacas). Results from 2022-2023 support the efficacy and potential of a non-fidelity biomedical prototype to promote wound healing in pre-clinical studies and will benefit chronic diseases such as Diabetes Mellitus and patients with conditions benefited by promotion of wound closure and tissue regeneration such as post-surgical wounds, pressure ulcers, blast wounds, burns etc. Since the non-fidelity biomedical product, we tested is unique in that it significantly decreases the time of wound closure, decreases inflammation, promotes revascularization and collagen formation, it can have multiple applications and benefit close to 100 million patients with diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, burns, and post-surgical wounds to name a few. It is extracted from a natural source and has low cost. Thus, it will be of benefit to the small wild blueberry farmers, the economy of the State of Maine and will benefit public health by decreasing infirmity and medical costs and improving quality of life.
18. The Ohio State University (Richard Bruno). Diet quality, including essential antioxidant nutrients (e.g., vitamin C) and non-essential bioactive compounds (e.g., green tea catechins) is an important determinant of host metabolic health, potentially through a linkage in gut microbiota metabolism. We performed basic science approaches in an obese rodent model, but with high propensity for research translation to humans based on existing knowledge that ~one-thrid of Americans have poor vitamin C status that is further impaired among those who are obese. Research translation approaches through a randomized clinical trial demonstrate efficacy of green tea catechin supplementation to alleviate gut barrier dysfunction and metabolic endotoxemia, but also that certain populations may experience potentiated benefits of green tea catechins based on their unique microbiota signature. MASLD affects 100 million Americans and overweightness/obesity is experienced by more than 50% of Americans. The findings of this research have important impacts to support better dietary quality for critical reasons acting along the gut-liver axis that regulate cardiometabolic health.

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