bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
­Role of Cytochrome c Phosphorylation in Regulation of Respiration and Apoptosis
Authors: Mahapatra Gargi , Varughese Ashwathy , Qinqin Ji , Lee Icksoo , Salomon Arthur , Huttemann Maik
Published: June 2021

Cytochrome c is a functionally diverse protein, carrying electrons in the electron transport chain and playing a critical role in cellular apoptosis. Previous work by our lab suggest the importance of reversible phosphorylation of cytochrome c in regulating its functions. We hypothesize that under healthy conditions, phosphorylated cytochrome c partially inhibits mitochondrial respiration and maintains healthy mitochondrial membrane potential, preventing ROS generation, while cellular stress‐mediated dephosphorylation leads to increased respiration and ROS generation, initiating apoptosis.

In this study, we purified bovine kidney cytochrome c in the presence of phosphatase inhibitors, identified threonine phosphorylation by immunoblot analysis, and determined threonine 28 phosphorylation by Nano/LC/ESI/MS/MS. To characterize its effect, Thr28 was mutated to glutamate, a phosphomimetic mutation, and alanine, a nonphosphorylatable control, and experiments were performed with bacterially overexpressed proteins. In the reaction with cytochrome c oxidase, Thr28Glu showed significant reduced respiration rates compared to wild‐type, with no alteration in caspase‐3 activation. Thr28Glu had a higher reduction rate from an initial oxidized state, with no change in the rate of oxidation compared to wild‐type, and was found to be resistant to heme destruction in the presence of excess ROS. Our data suggest that Thr28, conserved in mammalian cytochrome c, is an important regulatory site.
The Impact of Calcineurin B Homologous Protein Isoform 2 Expression on Non‐small Cell Lung Cancer Cell Function under Hypoxic Conditions
Authors: Buchholz Scott , Sieverding Shelby , Provost Joseph , Wallert Mark
Published: June 2021

The Na+‐H+ exchanger isoform 1 (NHE1) is a transmembrane protein that regulates a range of cellular functions essential for cancer progression including cell adhesion, proliferation and migration. The calcineurin B homologous proteins (CHP1 and CHP2) appear to be essential cofactors to support NHE1 function. CHP2 is expressed primarily in tumor cells where it binds to NHE1 with a 5‐10 fold higher affinity than CHP1. In these studies we investigate the role of hypoxia in the regulation of CHP2 expression and the role of this expression in the regulation of cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. To evaluate the role of CHP2 and NHE1 in NSCLC progression we use three cell lines. H1299 cells are a human NSCLC carcinoma cell line. H1299 CHP2KD is a modified H1299 cell line that lacks CHP2 expression and H1299 NHE1KD which lacks NHE1 expression. We have assessed the expression of CHP1, CHP2 and NHE1 in normal (10%) and low (0.5%) serum conditions under both normoxic (21%) and hypoxic (1%) conditions through western blot analysis. While CHP1 and NHE1 expression does not change under these conditions, CHP2 expression is increased in both low serum and hypoxic conditions. We will present data evaluating the role of CHP2 expression in cellular functions including proliferation, migration, and invasion measured using Electric Cell‐substrate Impedance Sensing (ECIS). ECIS is a real‐time, label‐free method to measure changes in cell properties.
Cloning and Functional Characterization of Odorant Receptors Expressed in the Zebrafish Olfactory System
Authors: Lopez Claudia , Raper Jonathan
Published: June 2021

A given olfactory sensory neuron (OSN) in the olfactory epithelium chooses to express only one odorant receptor (OR) from the OR gene repertoire. OSNs expressing the same receptor project axons to the same reproducibly positioned glomerulus in the olfactory bulb. As a consequence, specific odorants evoke distinctive patterns of glomerular activation in the bulb. The human odorant receptor repertoire contains 400 genes while the zebrafish repertoire contains approximately 143 genes. Our objective is to correlate the odorant specificity of each zebrafish OR with the associated glomerulus they target in the bulb. To achieve this we are cloning ORs into an expression vector which is then transfected into Hana3A cells. OR activation is monitored via a high‐throughput luciferase reporter assay in response to a large library of approximately 850 individual and defined odorants. In our first preliminary studies we have successfully cloned three ORs (111‐7, 111‐11, and 128‐5) and have identified specific candidate odorants that activate each of them. We subsequently cloned 9 more ORs into the expression vector for further analysis and characterization of odorant activation. The heterologous expression system was found to be suitable for matching odorants to zebrafish ORs. In future studies, we will seek to determine a functional relationship between odorant‐specific responses of the odorant receptors with the target locations within the bulb of the olfactory sensory neurons that express them.
MUC1‐C Induces the LIN28B→LET‐7→HMGA2 Axis to Regulate Self‐renewal in NSCLC
Authors: Ahmad Rehan , Alam Maroof , Rajabi Hasan , Kufe Donald
Published: June 2021

Objective

The LIN28B→let‐7 pathway contributes to regulation of the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) and stem cell self‐renewal. The oncogenic MUC1‐C transmembrane protein is aberrantly overexpressed in lung and other human carcinomas; however, there is no known association between MUC1‐C and the LIN28B→let‐7 pathway.
Methods: Stable silencing of MUC1‐C using MUC1 shRNA. Targeting MUC1‐C function with a dominant‐negative mutant or a peptide inhibitor was used to study the link between MUC1 expression and LIN28B→let‐7 signaling.
Results: In non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), silencing MUC1‐C downregulates the RNA binding protein LIN28B and coordinately increases the miRNA let‐7. Targeting MUC1‐C function with a dominant‐negative mutant or a peptide inhibitor provides confirming evidence that MUC1‐C induces LIN28B→let‐7 signaling. MUC1‐C promotes NF‐κB p65 chromatin occupancy of the LIN28B first intron and activates LIN28Btranscription which is associated with suppression of let‐7. Consistent with let‐7‐mediated inhibition of HMGA2 transcripts, targeting of MUC1‐C also decreases HMGA2 expression. HMGA2 has been linked to stemness, and functions as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) of let‐7‐mediated regulation of the TGFβ co‐receptor TGFBR3. Accordingly, targeting MUC1‐C suppresses HMGA2 mRNA and protein which is associated with decreases in TGFBR3, reversal of the EMT phenotype and inhibition of self‐renewal capacity.

Conclusion

These findings support a model in which MUC1‐C activates the ⇑LIN28B→⇓let‐7→⇑HMGA2 axis in NSCLC and thereby promotes EMT traits and stemness.
Improved Purification of Proglucagon and Major Proglucagon Fragment and Their Use in a PCSK1 Cleavage Assay
Authors: Mackin Robert
Published: June 2021

Proglucagon (PG) is the precursor of the polypeptide hormones glucagon, glucagon‐like peptide‐1 and glucagon‐like peptide‐2. Maturation of proglucagon takes place via proteolytic cleavage and proceeds through the intermediates glicentin and major proglucagon fragment (MPGF). My laboratory is interested in examining whether the enzymes PCSK1 and PCSK2 are responsible for this maturation. A three‐step purification scheme for recombinant glicentin was previously reported and used as a template for the purification of recombinant PG and MPGF. However, the solid‐phase extraction performed on the initial bacterial extract had to be modified to prevent precipitation of contaminating proteins. In addition, a desirable peak shape for both target proteins could be obtained using anion‐exchange chromatography under less extreme pH conditions and with a shallower salt gradient than required for glicentin. Final purification of PG and MPGF was performed using reversed‐phase chromatography conditions similar to those used for glicentin. Following purification, PG and MPGF (10 μM) were incubated individually with 300 nM PCSK1 at pH 6.0 for 2 hours at 37°C. Under the conditions used, about 70% of PG was cleaved to generate the intermediates glicentin and MPGF; but only about 5% of MPGF was cleaved, and the amount of product produced has been insufficient to establish the identity of the fragments at this time. These results are similar to our previous results using PCSK2 (50% cleavage of PG and less than 10% cleavage of glicentin). We propose that either there are significant differences in prohormone cleavage site susceptibility, or that PCSK1 and PCSK2 are only able to efficiently cleave PG and that additional enzymes are required to perform further endoproteolytic processing of the intermediates.
Epigenetic Regulation of RGS2 in Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Bouvet Guillaume , Cyr Yannick , Massé Chantal , Berthiaume Yves
Published: June 2021

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a recessive autosomal disease that affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal and reproductive systems. At pulmonary level, the absence of CFTR function (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator encoding an ion channel chlorine) leads to a decrease in mucociliary clearance, resulting in mucus accumulation. A new approach based on epigenetic regulation of gene expression has been investigated and we identified a list of hypermethylated genes in dF508 cell lines, the most frequently observed mutation in the CF population. Among the CF hypermethylated genes, RGS2 (Regulator of G protein signaling 2) gene demonstrated either transcript or protein downregulation. RGS2 is a key modulator of bronchial hyperresponsiveness, plays a critical role in fibrosis‐related diseases and inflammation.

We hypothesized that variation in RGS2 protein expression could be the result of modulation of promoter methylation and has an impact on cytokine regulation. The first objective was to verify that methylation observed on RGS2 promoter in dF508 homozygous cell lines induces a modulation of protein expression. Then, to assess the consequences of this downregulation of RGS2, we performed an shRNA‐mediated RGS2 knockdown followed by DMNQ treatment in non‐CF cells and monitored the expression of inflammatory mediators.

We confirmed that methylation of RGS2 promoter has an impact on RGS2 gene expression using azacythidine and oxidative stress treatments and that RGS2 is downregulated at the protein level in CF cells and in dF508 homozygous patients. We observed a relation between RGS2 downregulation by shRNA and the upregulation of 3 modulators of early inflammation: CHI3L1, S100A12 and TNFa.
Production of transgenic mice expressing EGFP under monkey 20α‐HSD promoter
Authors: Min Kwan‐Sik , Park Chae‐Won , Seo Eun‐Bi , Kang Myung‐Hwa
Published: June 2021

In all mammalian species, progesterone is essential in the preparation for and maintenance of pregnancy, if it occurs. Progesterone primes the endometrium for possible implantation and inhibits uterine contraction until birth. Aldo‐keto reductases (AKRs) belong to a superfamily of NADPH‐dependent reductases that act on a wide range of substrates, including simple carbohydrates, steroid hormones, and endogenous prostaglandins. 20‐alpha hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (20α‐HSD; EC.1.1.1.149) enzyme belongs to the family of aldo‐keto reductases. 20α‐HSD predominantly converts progesterone into its biologically inactive form 20α‐hydroxyprogesterone (20α‐OHP), and plays a crucial role in the termination of pregnancy and initiation of parturition. We have been reporting on the molecular characterizations of placental and ovarian 20α‐HSD in the bovine, pig, deer and monkey.

In this study, to understand the fundamental function of monkey 20α‐HSD, we created transgenic mice expressing EGFP gene under monkey 20α‐HSD promoter. The EGFP protein was expressed in the placenta and ovary of tg mice during pregnancy. Now, we are trying to elucidate the function by PGF2α, Prolactin, Oxytocin. (Eun‐Bi Seo and Chae‐Won Park were supported by a scholarship from the BK21 Plus Program (31Z20130012928). the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, korea)
Meta‐Proteomic Analysis of PTMs in G protein Signaling Systems – New Tools and Unsuspected Discoveries
Authors: Torres Matthew , Dewhurst Henry , Choudhury Shilpa
Published: June 2021

The collective structural and functional data for prototypical G protein signaling (GPS) systems – defined by 7‐transmembrane receptors (GPCRs), heterotrimeric G proteins (Gαβγ) and Regulators of G‐protein Signaling (RGS) – is arguably the most comprehensive of its kind to date. Comparatively little is known about how G protein structure and function is altered by post‐translational modifications (PTMs). Here we report the first structurally‐resolved, meta‐proteomic map of all empirically validated PTMs for GPS proteins. Using a novel PTM analysis tool called Structural Projection of PTMs (SPoP), a total of 1,910 unique eukaryotic PTMs were coalesced onto available structures within the Protein Data Bank. The resulting dataset has enabled the first‐ever visualization of the PTM topology for each member of a prototypical GPS system. By factoring total PTM observations, protein structure, protein interactions and sequence conservation, we estimated a function potential value for each PTM. Rank order comparison of calculated function potentials with literature‐based evidence of function reveals that SPoP has predictive power. Based on these results, we have identified major PTM hotspots in GPS proteins; predicted and tested the involvement of previously unsuspected PTM regulatory elements; and revealed surprising differences between the PTM topologies of large and small guanine‐nucleotide binding proteins. We propose that meta‐proteomic and structural PTM analysis with SPoP can lead to the discovery of functionally important modification sites that regulate biomedically‐relevant classes of signaling molecules.
Design and Biological Evaluation of Selective Melanocortin Drugs
Authors: McLeod Kaitlyn , Soto Robert , Cai Minying , Hruby Victor
Published: June 2021

G‐protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), a large family of transmembrane proteins, are popular drug targets due to their signaling diversity and abundance in mammalian tissues. The melanocortin system is comprised of 5 GPCRs: hMC1R, hMC2R, hMC3R, hMC4R, and hMC5R. When stimulated by their endogenous ligand, α‐melanocortin stimulating hormone (α‐MSH), the melanocortin receptors induce an increase in the intracellular concentration of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), resulting in cellular events that contribute to a diverse set of physiological phenomena including inflammation, sexual function, feeding behavior, and skin pigmentation. The tetrapeptide sequence, His‐D‐Phe‐Arg‐Trp, of α‐MSH is vital for ligand binding and activation of hMC1R, hMC3R, hMC4R, and hMC5R. In an effort to increase the selectivity and biostability of α‐MSH analogues, cyclization has been employed to conformationally constrain these peptides. A set of α‐MSH analogues have been evaluated for biological activity using HEK293 cells stably transfected with hMC1R, hMC3R, hMC4R, or hMC5R. Whole‐cell competitive radioligand binding assays were used to calculate IC50 values. Adenylate cyclase activity assays were used to calculate EC50 values for these drugs. We have shown that conformationally constraining peptides leads to receptor specificity, which is important for the future development of these peptides as pharmaceuticals. Selective agonists and antagonists for these receptors may benefit people suffering from diseases including diabetes, anorexia, obesity, and melanoma.
Biochemical Analysis of Wsc1p and Mid2p Interacting Partners under Thermal Stress
Authors: Santiago Ednalise , Pérez Luis , Mejías Inoushka , Rodríguez Medina José
Published: June 2021

The PKC1 cell wall integrity pathway (CWIP) is essential for survival and maintenance of cell wall integrity in yeast cells. Upon exposure to cell wall stress, signaling proteins (sensors) in the plasma membrane activate this pathway by interacting with other signaling proteins (interactors). The objective of this research is to know if interactors previously identified by the integrated Membrane Yeast Two‐Hybrid (iMYTH) technique contribute to CWIP activation under thermal stress. Our hypothesis is that interactors of the Wsc1p and Mid2p stress sensors are required for survival to thermal stress. To test this hypothesis, strains bearing null mutations for genes encoding stress sensor proteins and their interacting protein partners were tested for CWIP activation at 37°C by Western Blot technique. The cells were exposed 1hr at 37°C during log phase and the protein extracts were tested with antibodies that measure CWIP activation through Slt2p phosphorylation. Most of the null mutants showed normal PKC1 activation when shifted from growth at 27°C to 37°C similar to a wild type strain. Deletion of GTT1 an interactor of Mid2p exhibited very high levels of Slt2p phosphorylation in both conditions relative to the wild type suggesting that PKC1 was being activated constitutively. In conclusion, interactors of Wsc1p and Mid2p can function as signaling proteins involved in PKC1 pathway regulation and may be associated with survival under different stresses. This research was supported by the UPR‐MSC, Univ. of Toronto, Univ. of Kentucky, NIGMS/NIAID‐SC1AI081658, NCRR‐RCMI‐G12MD007600, MBRS‐RISE‐R25GM061838, and NIH‐INBRE 8 P20 GM103475‐13.
Activation of the RET Receptor Tyrosine Kinase by Agonist Antibodies Results in Distinct Signaling Effects
Authors: Atanasova Mariya , Whitty Adrian
Published: June 2021

Cytokine and growth factor receptors are activated when the soluble growth factor binds and alters the protein‐protein interactions between receptor components on the cell surface, triggering intracellular receptor phosphorylation and downstream signaling. However, many receptors involve three or more cell surface components, and the effect of this additional complexity on how ligand binding is quantitatively coupled to receptor activation and signaling is not well understood. The RET receptor tyrosine kinase is an example of such a multi‐component receptor. RET is activated when the binding of a growth factor such as artemin (ART) brings about assembly of a pentameric complex that includes two copies of RET plus two copies of the GPI‐linked co‐receptor, GFRα3. We show here that RET can be directly activated by agonist antibodies, bypassing its GFRα co‐receptors. The signaling profiles of two agonist antibodies differ from each other, and from the natural ligand ART, in the level of downstream signal amplification. This result suggests that the activated receptor complexes that are formed by these different agonists engage with downstream signaling pathways in distinct ways, presumably reflecting different geometries within each complex, and thus show that activated RET can exist in multiple forms with different signaling properties. We also show that we can achieve higher signal amplitudes and a biological response similar to that seen with ART by using the agonist antibodies, but only if we cluster the activated receptor complexes using either monoclonal or polyclonal secondary anti‐Fc antibodies. This finding suggests that, while RET dimerization represents a minimum requirement for activation, higher‐order clustering might be required for a full biological response.
Two Fingers on the Pulse of Wnt: Molecular Mechanism of Wnt Pathway Regulation by RING‐finger E3 Ligases ZNRF3/RNF43
Authors: Jiang Xiaomo , Kheifets Olga , Zamponi Raffaella , Yang Yi , Cong Feng
Published: June 2021

Wnt signaling pathways play critical roles in embryonic development and tissue homeostasis. The homologous transmembrane E3 ubiquitin ligases, ZNRF3 and RNF43, are critical negative regulators of Wnt pathway by mediating the ubiquitination and degradation of Wnt co‐receptors Frizzled (FZD) and LRP6, and this activity is counteracted by secreted Wnt agonists R‐spondin (RSPO) proteins. Despite increasing interest in these E3 ligases, the mechanism by which ZNRF3/RNF43 recognizes the Wnt receptors remains unclear. Here we identified ZRBP1 functions as an adaptor that recruits ZNRF3/RNF43 to Wnt receptors. ZRBP1 knockout phenocopies ZNRF3/RNF43 knockout, leading to increased cell surface levels of FZD and LRP6. Mechanistically, ZRBP1 is required for ZNRF3/RNF43‐mediated ubiquitination and degradation of FZD. The intracellular domain of ZNRF3/RNF43 physically interacts with ZRBP1, and this interaction is crucial for the Wnt inhibitory activity of the E3 ligases. ZRBP1 also interacts with FZD, and this binding is required for down‐regulation of FZD. Our study reveals ZRBP1 acts as a critical adaptor to recruit negative regulators ZNRF3/RNF43 to Wnt receptors to ensure proper control of pathway activity, and presents new opportunities to modulate Wnt pathway activity.
Short Pictorial Sweetened Beverage Scale Demonstrates Convergent Validity with Diet Logs
Authors: Townsend Marilyn , Shilts Mical , Styne Dennis , Aden Christopher , Drake Christiana
Published: June 2021

Many nutrition education programs target soda in an effort to improve behaviors shown to be related to diet quality and weight status. Using visually enhanced behavioral items designed for low literate participants of USDA food assistance and education programs, our objective is to provide evidence of convergent validity with dietary recall logs. Low‐income parents (n=144) provided self‐administered Healthy Kids (HK) and three child 24‐hour diet recalls. A sweetened beverage variable was the sum of the ounces of soda, sports drinks, fruit drinks, and sweetened milks. Test‐retest reliability was measured (r=.65, p<.0001). Soda ‘times a week' (p=0.001) and sports drink 'times a day' (p=0.04) questions performed better than the soda ‘times a day' (p=.08). The 3‐item scale [recoded to the healthy direction] was negatively related to a sum of the volume of sweetened beverages on the food logs [r=0.31, p<0.01]. This pictorial assessment may be useful in assessing the child's sweetened beverage behaviors.

Supported by National Research Initiative #2009‐55215‐05019 & Agriculture and food Research Initiative #2010‐85215‐20658 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Human Nutrition and Obesity 93330.
Healthy lifestyle factors and metabolic syndrome among college students
Authors: Morrell Jesse , Reilly Ruth
Published: June 2021

The relationship between five healthy lifestyle factors (HLF) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) was examined in 18‐24 year old college adults as a part of the College Health and Nutrition Assessment Survey (CHANAS), an on‐going, cross‐sectional survey at the University of New Hampshire. Participants (n=4,468; 74.1% female) were recruited from a mixed‐majors introductory nutrition class between 2005‐12. The five HLF characterized included never smoked (93%), healthy BMI (72%), regular physical activity (70%), low risk alcohol behavior (48%), and a healthy diet score (44%). The mean number of HLF was 3.3±1.1. MetS criteria include abdominal obesity, low HDL, high triglycerides, elevated blood pressure, and high blood glucose; 21% of participants had at least 2 criteria of MetS. The prevalence of MetS (3 or more risk factors) was significantly different between participants with 0‐1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 HLF (14%, 9%, 5%, 3%, 1%; p<0.001). These findings suggest that healthy behaviors in young adulthood is associated with improved metabolic health and lower disease risk.
DETERMINANTS OF FRUIT AND VEGETABLE CONSUMPTION AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
Authors: Chairez‐Jimenez Carolina , Moreno‐Landa Luz Irene , Perez‐Lizaur Ana Bertha
Published: June 2021

INTRODUCTION:

Fruit and vegetables (FV) are core components of a correct diet, its consumption plays an important role in health and disease prevention. Including FV in diet is related to some factors, one of the most important is the stage of change where the individual is found.

OBJECTIVE:

Evaluate determinants in the consumption of FV among a group of undergraduate students.

METHODS:

Descriptive and transversal study. The group answered an on‐line questionnaire before and after their participation in a summer workshop. The sample was integrated for 78 students that were facilitators in the workshop “Jugando a Ganar Salud” in Mexico's State. A questionnaire to measure stage of change in FV consumption was used. The results were analyzed prior and post intervention. A Fisher test and Student “t” test were done.

RESULTS:

Age: 17‐24yrs,most of the participants studied health related careers (67.5%), in private universities (67.5%). A significant increase (p=0.018) was observed in search of information about how to increase consumption of FV, and in the perception of supermarkets to make it easy to buy FV (p=0.048). There was observed an increase in social liberation (p=0.0503), and a decrease in self‐liberation (p=0.0431). The most common processes of change were:consciousness raising, environmental reevaluation, self‐reevaluation, self‐liberation and reinforcement management.

CONCLUSION

There was a perception of availability; nevertheless, there is a lack of self‐efficacy. The results show the necessity of increase self‐efficacy in youth,so they can be capable to make healthy choices. Interventions in this age group are valuable because many habits generated during youth,persist to adulthood.
Body Composition Assessment of Nutritional Status using Near‐Infrared Spectroscopy, Bioelectrical Impedance and Air Displacement Plethysmograph in Young Athletes
Authors: MENDOZA Alma , AVILES MARIA , SANCHEZ CLAUDIA
Published: June 2021

Introduction:Body composition is one of the factors that contribute to optimal exercise performance. Body composition can affect and athlete´strength and appearance. Optimal body fat levels depend upon the sex, age, and may be sport‐specific. Athletes their calorie needs may approach 50‐80 kcal/kg/day.ObjectiveTo compare %Fat Free Mass(FFM) and Fat Mass(FM) between three body composition devices in young athletes evaluated energy intake. Methodology:Air Displacement Plethysmograph(BODPOD) was used by body density and body fat percentage calculated using the Siri equation. Near‐infrared spectroscopy, Bioelectrical impedance analysis(BIA) and Air Displacement plesthysmograph were used to determinate %FFM and %FM. According to the muscle and fat areas categorized subjects in low standard, Normal, and on the rule. The 24‐henergy‐expenditure(24‐h EE) was taken to reported energy‐intake(EI) Results:This study assessed fifteen young athletes, 40% women and 60% men, average age 22 years. Moderately Lean, Lean and Risky (high body fat)were FM, 86%, 7% and 7%, respectively. There was no difference between Air Displacement Plethysmograph and Near‐infrared spectroscopy(p=0.22), and was significant difference between Air Displacement Plethysmograph and BIA(p=0.1). EI(47%)appeared adequate and matched their estimated Total Energy Expenditure(TEE) but 53% were low EI and did not match their TEE.Conclusion:Despite the inherent problems of measurement, this techniques remains a method of choice because it is convenient, reliable and requires minimal technical expertise. Thus, part of the %FM and %FFM on a seemingly low EI appears and may have micronutrient deficiency, further analysis should be taken.
Milk vs Soybean Polar Lipids as Emulsifier: Faster Postprandial Lipid Metabolism through Greater Emulsion Lipolysis
Authors: Lecomte Manon , Bourlieu Claire , Cheillan David , Geloen Alain , Laugerette Fabienne , Michalski Marie‐Caroline
Published: June 2021

Objective

Because metabolic diseases are characterized by an altered lipid metabolism including prolonged postprandial hyperlipemia, we investigated the impact of using milk polar lipids as emulsifier on lipid digestion and postprandial lipemia.

Methods:

Mice were gavaged with emulsions stabilized with polar lipids from milk (MPL) vs soybean (SPL). Plasma and small intestine were collected during digestion. Both emulsions were also lipolyzed in vitro using a static human digestion model.

Results:

In vivo, MPL induced higher plasma concentrations of triglycerides (TG) and unesterified fatty acids (NEFA) than SPL at 1h after feeding. The opposite was observed after 4 h with lower TG in MPL group (PPLxtime<0.01). This was associated with a lower gene expression of ApoB and Sar1B, which are proteins involved in chylomicron structure and secretion, in the duodenum of MPL vs SPL mice (P<0.05). Chylomicrons were larger in MPL group at 4 h (P<0.01). The kinetics of synthesis and/or clearance of chylomicrons thus depended on the type of emulsifier. In vitro, TG hydrolysis from MPL emulsion was faster during intestinal phase than using SPL. This enhanced lipolysis can partly explain the sharper rise of plasma TG at 1 h in MPL group and its subsequent faster decrease.

Conclusions

Milk polar lipids used as emulsifier can modulate both digestive lipolysis and postprandial lipid metabolism compared to soybean lecithin. Possible long‐term effects in humans will thus deserve further investigations.
The Relationship Between Iron Status and Free‐Living Physical Activity in Indian School Children
Authors: Denvir Brendan , Luna Sarah , Udipi Shobha , Ghugre Padmini , Przybyszewski Eric , Haas Jere
Published: June 2021

Iron deficiency affects many functional outcomes such as maximal oxygen uptake, energy efficiency, and work productivity. Physical activity is a functional outcome that is less well understood due to inherent difficulties associated with its measurement. The objective of this study is to analyze the relationship between iron status and measures of free‐living physical activity in Indian children (12 to 16 years old) during a two‐hour period of discretionary time after school. Physical activity data were collected from the children for one week using Actigraph GT3X accelerometers. Energy expenditure was calculated in metabolic equivalents (METs) from accelerometer counts using Crouter's refined two‐regression model. Energy expenditure was analyzed in relation to iron deficiency (defined as serum ferritin < 12 mg/dL), age and gender using generalized linear models. 64 of the 215 students analyzed in the sample were iron deficient based on serum ferritin levels. Iron deficient participants spent a lower percentage of the discretionary time period at activity levels greater than 3 METs (13.8%) compared to non‐iron deficient participants (16.8%) (p=0.037) when accounting for age. While significant, this effect seems to be confounded by the relationship between gender and physical activity. Iron deficiency in Indian children is associated with a lower percentage of time spent at moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity levels during discretionary time. Future analyses will be used to examine the relationship between changes in iron status from low doses of iron in biofortified pearl millet and changes in physical activity. Funded by HarvestPlus.
Fruit and Vegetable Consumption is Inversely Related to Mild Cognitive Impairment among Older Adults
Authors: Kim Sunghee , Yu Areum , Choi Bo Youl , Kim Mi Kyung , Nam Jung Hyun , Oh Dong Hoon , Yang Yoon Jung
Published: June 2021

Objective:

This study was conducted to investigate the association between fruit and/or vegetable consumption with the risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in Korean older adults.

Methods:

Subjects were 729 (307 men and 422 women) older adults aged 60 years and older participating in the Yangpyeong Cohort Study between 2011 and 2012. Dietary intake was estimated by using a food frequency questionnaire. Cognitive function was evaluated by Korean version of Mini‐Mental State Examination for Dementia Screening (MMSE‐DS). Multiple logistic regression analysis was applied to determine the associations between ‘Fruit', ‘Vegetable' and ‘Fruit and Vegetable' consumptions and the risk of MCI.

Results:

Age, depression score, proportions of current drinker and smoker decreased across the quintiles of ‘Fruit', ‘Vegetable' and ‘Fruit and Vegetable', but body mass index (BMI), total energy intake, fish consumption, proportion of higher education level and dietary supplement user increased across the quintiles of ‘Fruit', ‘Vegetable' and ‘Fruit and Vegetable'. ‘Fruit' (5th v. 1st quartile, OR = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.24‐0.88, p for trend = 0.081) and ‘Fruit and Vegetable' (5th v. 1st quartile, OR = 0.42, 95% CI = 0.21‐0.84, p for trend = 0.029) intakes were inversely related to the risk of MCI after adjusting for potential confounder.

Conclusions

The present findings suggest that high intakes of fruits and vegetables, but not vegetable, may have a beneficial effect on the prevention of MCI.
Legume Consumption and Breast Cancer Risk in Puerto Rico: The Atabey Study
Authors: Schelske Santos Michelle , Nazario Cruz , Nie Jing , Rosario Rosado Rosa , Mansilla‐Rivera Imar , Hernández Johan , Ramírez Marrero Farah , Freudenheim Jo
Published: June 2021

Objective

There is evidence that lignans, high in phytoestrogens, are associated with decreased breast cancer (BrCa) risk. We assessed dietary intake of legumes around the time of menarche (12 – 13y) and in adulthood (1‐year prior) in relation to risk in a Puerto Rican (PR) population with high intake of legumes.
Methods: In the Atabey Study, a population based, case‐control study of women 30‐79y residing in the San Juan, PR, Metropolitan Area, we conducted in‐person interviews among 317 cases and 348 controls, including assessment of dietary intake of legumes, using a culturally‐specific, semi‐quantitative food frequency questionnaire.
Results: Intake of legumes was not significantly associated with breast cancer risk. For adult intakes, there was a non‐significant increase in risk for lower legume consumption (adjusted OR 1.26, 95% CI 0.84‐1.89) for the lowest tertile compared to the highest tertile (P trend = 0.08). Results were similar for analyses of adult intakes stratified on menopausal status. For reported adolescent legume intake, the adjusted OR (95% CI) was 1.24 (0.81‐1.90) for intake below the median compared to above (P = 0.33).

Conclusion

Higher legume intake during adulthood or at 12‐13y old was not significantly associated with BrCa risk in this population with high legume intake. Further analyses are needed to better describe potential roles of fiber, total lignan and other food components in relation to BrCa prevention in this Hispanic population.
Funded in part by DOD CDMRP, BC060131
Mediterranean Diet is Associated with Glycemic Control and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Youth with Type 1 Diabetes: The SEARCH Nutrition Ancillary Study
Authors: Zhong Victor , Lamichhane Archana , Crandell Jamie , Couch Sarah , Liese Angela , The Natalie , Dabelea Dana , Lawrence Jean , Kim Grace , Marcovina Santica , Mayer‐Davis Elizabeth
Published: June 2021

Background

Data on the benefit of a Mediterranean diet (MD) on glycemic control (GC), insulin sensitivity (IS), and cardiovascular health for youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D) are scarce.

Methods.

Incident T1D cases <20 years of age at diagnosis were included (N=793). MD adherence was assessed by modified KIDMED index (mKIDMED) with a range from ‐3 to 12 points. Multivariate linear regression, adjusting for confounders, was used to determine the association between MD adherence and GC, IS, lipids, blood pressure (BP), and obesity. Potential mediation by HbA1c was evaluated.

Results.

The mean (standard deviation) of mKIDMED score was 3.60 (1.88), ranging from ‐1 to 10. Every two‐point increase in mKIDMED score was inversely associated with log‐HbA1c (β=‐0.02, P=0.02), total cholesterol (TC) (β=‐4.04, P=0.006), low‐density lipoprotein (LDL)‐C (β=‐3.39, P=0.004), non‐high‐density lipoprotein (non‐HDL)‐C (β=‐3.86, P=0.004), and LDL‐C/HDL‐C ratio (β=‐0.07, P=0.02). Unexpectedly, mKIDMED score was positively associated with systolic BP in non‐Hispanic white cases (β=1.21, P=0.009). About 20% of the associations of a MD with lipids was mediated by HbA1c.

Conclusions

Increased MD adherence may be beneficial for GC, and cardiovascular health for youth with T1D.
Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders are Highly Prevalent in Mexican School‐age Children
Authors: Carrillo‐Vega Maria Fernanda , Duran‐Arenas Juan Juis Gerardo , Tirado‐Gomez Laura Leticia , Hervert‐Hernandez Deisy
Published: June 2021

Fiber intake in Mexican children remains below recommended levels, with a median intake of 14 g/day in children aged 5‐11 y (National Survey on Health and Nutrition 2006). Fiber inadequacy is concerning as it is a leading risk factor for constipation. Additionally data on gastrointestinal disorders in Mexican children are unknown. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of functional gastrointestinal disorders in Mexican children aged 8‐11 y and fiber intake. Convenience sampling was used to obtain data from public school children (n=799) in Mexico City. Information on digestive health, anthropometry, physical activity and frequency of food consumption was collected through validated questionnaires. Subjects' characteristics were: 48% female, age 9.4±0.9 y, BMI 19.1±3.7 kg/m2, 30% underweight, 29% normal weight, 24% overweight and 18% obese. Children reported suffering abdominal pain (35%), tenesmus (34%), bloating (43%), straining (33%), flatulence (45%) and stool frequency 蠄3 times/wk (23%). The prevalence of functional constipation was 26%. Of note, 86% of the children did not meet the adequate intake for fiber (mean intake: 11.0±4.7 g). Main food sources of fiber (% of total) were: fruits (29.1%), vegetables (26.4%), legumes (19.1%) and cereals (16.4%). Children reported a physical activity of 281.4±154.3 min/wk. Symptoms of functional gastrointestinal disorders are highly prevalent in school‐age children, primarily those associated with functional constipation. This condition could potentially be associated with low fiber intake and physical inactivity.

Research supported by Kellogg Company Mexico
Snacks Consumed by an Urban African American and White Population
Authors: Adams Erica , Fanelli Kuczmarski Marie , Mason Marc , Allegro Deanne , Zonderman Alan , Evans Michele
Published: June 2021

The use of combination codes in dietary analyses has been shown to be essential to accurately estimate energy density of beverages and sodium content of sandwiches, a reported snack food. Previous research with participants from the Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Life Span (HANDLS) study exemplified the importance of using combination codes to picture how foods are typically consumed at mealtimes. The HANDLS study, a prospective study of urban African American and White adults (n=2177), was used to illustrate differences in snacking patterns by race with inclusion of combination codes in analyses. Two 24‐hour recalls were collected using United States Department of Agriculture's Automated Multiple Pass Method, which assigns combination codes to foods eaten simultaneously. Duplicate analyses were performed on two datasets. The Original Dataset consisted of all snacks reported and coded as individual items. The Revised Dataset was derived from the Original Dataset by isolating snacks consumed simultaneously and aggregating these foods, assigning a new code and food group based on the main food component. The study findings revealed that the top snack food group for African Americans and Whites was grain‐based desserts when the Original Dataset was used. However, when the Revised Dataset was used, the top snack food group for African Americans was salty snacks while for Whites, it was still grain‐based desserts. This study illustrated the importance of using combination codes to accurately depict snacks consumed by an urban population of African Americans and Whites.
Impact of Milk Packaging Changes on Children's Milk Consumption
Authors: Yon Bethany
Published: June 2021

Children's declining milk consumption may be related to fewer opportunities to consume milk. Milk is offered with school meals, thus it is important to know how well children consume milk at school. More schools now offer milk in paper cartons versus plastic bottles to decrease costs. Research shows school children prefer milk in plastic bottles. Plate waste studies were conducted in one Vermont elementary, middle and high school prior to package changes (plastic, spring 2013), when packaging changed (paper, fall 2013) and spring 2014. Milk shipment data were collected for all district schools (n=8). The overall percent of students selecting milk with school lunch did not change. A smaller percent of high school students selected milk (26%) compared to elementary (87%) and middle school (63%). Mean milk consumption was 5.9oz +SE 0.29 (plastic), 5.6oz +SE 0.14 and 5.3oz +SE 0.16 (paper). Data were highly skewed and categorized as a binary variable (0‐7oz, >7oz). The overall proportion of students consuming >7oz milk did not change (62.5%, 58.6%, 55.5%). The proportion of elementary students consuming >7oz milk declined spring to fall 2013 (55.5%, 41.1%, p<0.05), but recovered to 51.3% (spring 2014). While not significant, average milk shipment per student declined (1.0, 0.94, 0.88 units +SE 0.07). This is a concern as the school district offered more after school supper programs during this time. The water requirement at meals was implemented differently across schools. Water was available from fountains or pitchers in elementary and middle schools. Bottled water was free on the lunch line in the high school, where fewer students selected milk compared to younger students. Milk packaging changes did not impact milk consumption; work is needed to increase the percent of older students selecting milk. Funding: NE Dairy & Food Council
Why do school stores in South Korea still sell restricted foods four years after the school store policy?
Authors: Choi Seul Ki , Frongillo Edward , Blake Christine , Thrasher James , Tompkins Mark
Published: June 2021

The South Korean government has banned sales of energy‐dense low‐nutrient (EDNP) foods in school stores since 2009; however, most school stores still sell EDNP foods. The aim of this study was to describe the implementation process of the school store policy and to identify explanations for incomplete policy implementation. In‐depth interviews were conducted with 33 stakeholders of the school store policy, including school store owners, school staff, public officials, politicians, and experts, in 2013‐14. During school store owner interviews, foods sold were recorded. Interviews were recorded and transcribed. Data were analyzed using an a priori code list based on Lasswell's policy processes model. All stakeholders said that school stores complied with the policy, although school stores observed sold EDNP foods. School store owners and employees of food companies expressed support for the purpose of the policy, citing children's health, but were dissatisfied with the policy because of profit loss. Several governmental agencies concurrently monitor school stores. Most schools did not monitor foods in their school stores, and staff did not see such monitoring as a part of their job. Complicated EDNP criteria, lack of education about the policy, the competitive bidding system, and inadequate monitoring resulted in school stores continuing to sell EDNP foods. Establishing mechanisms to monitor and to provide policy information to school store owners would contribute to better policy implementation and improved nutritional quality of foods in school stores. [Funding: Walker Institute, University of South Carolina]
Acute Effect of Whey Protein Microgels on Whole Body Protein Turnover in Overweight Adults
Authors: Godin Jean‐Philippe , Kassis Amira
Published: June 2021

Differences in protein digestion and absorption are hypothesized to translate into differences in whole body protein synthesis. Whey protein is qualified as a “fast protein” in relation to its speed of digestion and ensuing aminoacidemia in comparison to casein, the “slow protein”. WP has previously been reported to incur a higher muscle protein synthesis as compared to casein; however results are inconsistent at the whole body level.

Whey protein microgels (WPM) are aggregates of whey protein allowing the inclusion of high concentrations of whey protein in liquid matrices. Given that WPM have been shown to result in a delayed appearance of amino acids in the plasma as compared to native WP, we investigated the acute effect of WPM on whole body protein turnover using stable isotope methodology, as compared to micellar casein (MC) in a crossover trial on 7 overweight subjects consuming 4 different isocaloric meals: 1) carbohydrate control 2) 30g of WPM, 3) 50g of WPM (WPM50) and 4) 50g of MC (MC50).

WPM50 resulted in higher (p<0.0001) plasma levels of leucine, branched chain, and total amino acids as compared to MC50. We observed no significant difference in non‐oxidative leucine disposal whereas protein oxidation was significantly different (p<0.05) between groups, 170.3 ± 5.4, and 334.9 ± 39 for MC50 and WPM50, respectively. Postprandial Leu balance was similar for WPM50 and MC50.

We conclude that at a dose of 50g, the effect of WPM on whole body protein synthesis is not significantly different from that of MC, whereas the resulting Leu protein oxidation and plasma amino acids are higher. The lack of effect could be partly explained by the high dose of protein administered potentially reaching a plateau in whole body protein synthesis, as was previously shown on skeletal muscle.
Nutritional Regulation of the Rainbow Trout Long Chain‐Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Biosynthetic Enzymes
Authors: Gregory Melissa , James Michael , Turchini Giovanni
Published: June 2021

Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) is a commercially important aquaculture species. The use of the vegetable oil‐derived omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) α‐linolenic acid (18:3n‐3; ALA) instead of fish oil as a sustainable lipid source in feeds is being investigated. The metabolism of ALA to eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n‐3; EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n‐3; DHA) found in fish oil requires three desaturation and three elongation steps performed by the enzymes Δ6desaturase, Δ5desaturase, Elovl5 and Elovl2. However, the biosynthetic capabilities of rainbow trout are largely unknown. The objectives of this study were to (a) functionally characterise the elongases, Elovl5 and Elovl2, using a yeast expression system and (b) investigate the nutritional regulation of the desaturase and elongase enzymes in juvenile rainbow trout fed diets rich in ALA, EPA or DHA and any combination thereof. The Elovl5 activity was specific to C18–20 PUFA substrates and not C22 PUFA. In contrast, the Elovl2 activity was specific to C20‐22 PUFA only, with no activity for C18 PUFA. Furthermore, we determined the change in Δ6desaturase, Δ5desaturase, elovl5 and elovl2 gene expression in response to dietary omega‐3 PUFA. Our study was the first to identify an Elovl2 in rainbow trout and it is only the third Elovl2 to be functionally characterised from fish. This study has elucidated that rainbow trout is dependent on Elovl2 for docosapentaenoic acid (22:5n‐3; DPA) to 24:5n‐3 synthesis and ultimately DHA synthesis.