bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elucidating the process of activation of methyl‐coenzyme M reductase (615.2)
Authors: Prakash Divya , Duin Evert
Published: June 2021

Elucidating the process of activation of Methyl‐Coenzyme M Reductase from Methanobacter marbugensis Methyl‐coenzyme M reductase (MCR) catalyzes the reversible reduction of methyl‐coenzyme M (CH3‐S‐CoM) and coenzyme B (HS‐CoB) to methane and heterodisulfide CoM‐S‐S‐CoB. MCR contains the hydroporphinoid nickel complex coenzyme F430 in its active site and the Ni centre has to be in its Ni(I) valence state for the enzyme to be active. The mid‐point potential of the F430Ni (II)/Ni (I) is estimated to be ‐650mV. Since the electrons provided by H2 or CO are unlikely to reduce the Ni from Ni (II) to Ni (I), specialized system are needed to activate the MCR. The reduction of metal sites with low reduction potentials is possible by connecting an energetical uphill electron transfer with the hydrolysis of ATP. We confirm that for the activation of MCR only two enzymatic component are required, components A2 and A3a. It is reported here that COB inhibits the activation and HDS promotes the inactivation of MCRred1. Therefore, activation study was performed in non‐turn over condition in the presence of protein component A2 and A3a. Activation of MCR is shown with dithiothreitol as an electron source in the presence of MgATP, A2 and A3a protein complex. This is the first time the activation of MCR has been shown with an electron source that has a higher midpoint potential (‐330mV) than the Ni (I)/Ni (II) couple. Sequence analysis showed that A2 protein contains conserved nucleotide phosphate binding motif; walker A and B. Electron paramagnetic resonance studies of the A3a protein complex indicate that it contains more than one 4Fe‐4S clusters and Sequencing of A3a revealed the presence of Predicted Fe‐S flavoprotein, MCR‐C, Fe‐protein homologue, protein components involved in bifurcation and Cdh. Presence of both Mvh/Hdr/Fwd and Cdh complex indicate that H2 and Co‐dependent in vivo activation of MCR in M.marburgenesis share the common pathway to generate the low potential electron for reduction of Ni center in F430.
Evolution of an undergraduate biochemistry laboratory course (618.15)
Authors: Hazzard J. , Kenjic N. , Nelp M. , Polzin K. , Young A.
Published: June 2021

Undergraduate laboratory courses represent interactive learning in its purest form, where direct observation provides a mechanism by which students can begin to appreciate the ways in which scientific research is carried out. Designing an effective laboratory course can be a herculean task and often takes into account several important factors: the number of semesters the course will span, whether there is a departmental mandate for subjects to be taught, and importantly whether there is an existing class that can be modified or a course that must be started from scratch. Advocates of research‐like courses cite favorable post‐transformation student assessments as justification for supporting these curricular changes while lacking comparable pre‐transformation evaluations. A unique aspect of the pedagogical approach in this course has been the accumulation of long term pre‐transformation assessments which we can directly relate to the post‐transformation evaluations. In this presentation we outline the rationale behind the de novo development of a one‐semester undergraduate biochemistry laboratory course and its evolution from a traditional “methods and techniques” based course to a more research oriented experience. The motivation to make these changes was not based upon our highly favorable attitudinal assessments; rather they were brought about by the desire to better prepare students who are currently engaged in laboratory research or will begin doing so upon completion of our course.
Teaching resources for undergraduate educators in biochemistry and molecular biology: TRUE BMB (618.28)
Authors: Tansey John , Bailey Cheryl , Zhao Weiyi , Benore Marilee , Cox Michael , Elliott Samantha , Wright Ann , Bell Ellis
Published: June 2021

Through a grant from the NSF, the ASBMB Implementing Vision and Change: developing concept driven teaching strategies in biochemistry and molecular biology project has held 14 regional workshops around the country and at 4 national meetings starting in 2011.The workshops focused on identifying foundational concepts and assessment tools for biochemistry and molecular biology educators. These were highlighted in the September/October 2013 edition of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education. In the next phase of this project, the ASBMB is developing an online repository of teaching resources for the scientific community; the BMB Online Instructional Resources. These will include test questions, laboratory exercises, and syllabi of entire courses submitted by biochemistry and molecular biology educators. These artifacts will be mapped back to broader principles, concepts, skills, and learning objectives proposed earlier in the project, curated and peer reviewed. Resources will also be open to the community for comments and reviews. We anticipate a beta version of this site launching in the early summer of 2014. This work was supported by NSF‐ 0957205 RCN‐UBE to EB.

Grant Funding Source: Supported by NSF‐ 0957205 RCN‐UBE
Online pre‐labs to enhance learning in an introductory biochemistry laboratory class (618.3)
Authors: Watt Terry , Johanson Kelly
Published: June 2021

Evaluating the preparation of students prior to performing an experiment in an undergraduate laboratory class can be complex with large class sizes and limited resources. We have a designed a two‐stage online pre‐lab system to assess student preparation and comprehension before most weekly experiments. The first portion is a single submission of four to six questions due the evening before each experiment. This due date allows the instructor time to score the responses prior to class and notify students of errors that might otherwise negatively impact their experiment. These pre‐labs also allow the instructor to address common misunderstandings and engage in one‐on‐one discussions with students about their answers during each class. The second portion allows for unlimited attempts and is automatically scored, giving students the opportunity to practice calculations and test general knowledge. Learning material covered by the second portion was then evaluated via in‐class quizzes. We present both qualitative and quantitative analyses of the effectiveness of this approach and practical lessons learned for utilizing it in future semesters.
Introducing teachers to emerging interdisciplinary STEM content through biomass and biofuels research (618.36)
Authors: Clase Kari , Adedokun Omolola , Ha Soo
Published: June 2021

High school teachers from science, technology and math disciplines participated in a workshop to learn about the emerging research areas in bioenergy though a funded Department of Energy C3 Bio Biomass to Biofuels and National Science Foundation I3 Stem Goes Rural interdisciplinary research projects. In order to address feedback gathered from the teachers through daily reflections and focus groups during Year 1 of the project, we made changes to the content delivery in the workshop. Fundamental STEM concepts for the C3Bio research project were identified through an iterative process in collaboration with the faculty conducting the interdisciplinary research activities for the biomass to biofuels project. Learning outcomes, guest lectures and activities for the teacher workshop were subsequently aligned with the fundamental STEM concept framework. Teachers took a content exam pre and post the workshop to examine the impact of the workshop activities on their understanding of fundamental STEM concepts in bioenergy. Many of the questions from the content exam originated in projects housed at the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center and Michigan State University (the BioDiscovery Question Cluster Project; www.biodqc.org). Overall, we did not find significant changes in teachers understanding of the content, pre and post the workshop, for both the pre‐service and in‐service teacher groups. However, when we examined individual items on the content exam by the McNemar Test, we found significant changes for specific content questions pre and post workshop. Overall, our results support the importance of responding to teacher feedback and working closely with STEM research faculty to design professional development workshops that effectively bring cutting‐edge research content to high school teachers and the students in their classrooms.

Grant Funding Source: Supported by Department of Energy and National Science Foundation
A project‐based research experience for large undergraduate labs (618.5)
Authors: Johanson Kelly , Watt Terry , Thompson Marleesa
Published: June 2021

Providing a research‐based laboratory experience in an undergraduate biochemistry laboratory can be difficult with large class sizes and limited resources. We have developed a seven‐week series in which students purify and characterize invertase and alkaline phosphatase from bakers yeast. This series can be organized in several different ways to reinforce and develop a combination of skills including the ability to interpret large sets of data, independently develop a laboratory protocol, and express data and analysis in a scientifically appropriate manner. The culmination of this project is a manuscript designed to reinforce scientific writing skills. This series has been used in 12 laboratory sections spread out over 3 semesters with more than 250 undergraduates. We present two different formats for the series. Each series places varying emphasis on particular skill development. Assessment data and anonymous survey results from each series show clear evidence of improved student performance in basic laboratory skills, scientific writing, and critical thinking skills.

Grant Funding Source: Supported by Louisiana Board of Regents [LEQSF (2011‐12)ENH‐UG‐24]
Effects of iron status on attentional functioning in young Rwandan women (619.5)
Authors: Murray‐Kolb Laura , Wenger Michael , Scott Samuel , Rhoten Stephanie , Lunh’aho Mercy , Gahutu Jean‐Bosco , Haas Jere
Published: June 2021

The relation between iron status and attentional functioning was explored in Rwandan university women who participated in a RCT assessing the efficacy of biofortified beans on improving iron status. A subsample of the subjects (n=157, 18‐27 y) underwent testing of perceptual and cognitive functioning at three time points. Here, we present cross‐sectional analyses of baseline performance on the 3 attentional tasks: 1) Simple Reaction Time (SRT): test of perceptual and processing speed; 2) Go/No‐Go (GNG): test of inhibitory control; 3) Attentional Network Task (ANT): test of 3 critical functions of attention: low‐level attentional capture (alerting), high‐level attentional selection (orienting), and volitional control under distraction (conflict). Women were categorized as: iron sufficient (IS), iron deficient (ID) or iron deficient anemic (IDA). SRT reaction times were longer in the IDA and ID grps vs. the IS grp (p<0.01 for both). ANT alerting and orienting reaction times were longer (better) in the IS vs. IDA grps (p=0.01 and <0.01, respectively) and the IS vs. ID grps for orienting (p=0.02). Further analyses of iron status, by quartile, revealed a relation between serum ferritin quartiles and reaction times for SRT (p<0.0001), GNG (p=0.02), ANT alerting (p<0.05), and ANT orienting (p=0.01). No differences in outcome variables were found for hemoglobin or transferrin receptor quartiles. We conclude that better iron status is associated with enhanced (faster) low‐ and high‐level attentional functioning in young women.

Grant Funding Source: Supported by: HarvestPlus/IFPRI
Developing human mammary‐gland functions during the first year of lactation (II) (622.7)
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Cundiff Judy , Maria Sarah , McMahon Robert , Woo Jessica , Davidson Barbara , Morrow Ardythe
Published: June 2021

Proteomic analysis of human milk provides a non‐invasive means to explore the physiology of lactating mammary gland. We applied quantitative milk proteomic analysis (TMT labeling) over one year of lactation (n =10 women with samples at 1 week, 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months) as probes for the developing mammary‐gland function. Proteins involved in the processes of endoplasmic reticulum‐assisted degradation and proteasomal degradation are, in general, upregulated over lactation, suggesting increased activities in protein catabolism. Rab GTPases that control intracellular membrane trafficking in various endocytosis and secretion processes are typically present at highest abundance at 6 months of lactation. The extracellular domain of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM‐1) is upregulated over lactation. The increased proteolytic shedding of ICAM‐1 may represent a means to suppress leukocyte recruitment into milk as lactation progresses. In contrast, the shedding of E‐cadherin decreases over lactation, suggesting increasing barrier integrity at the adherens junctions in lactating human mammary epithelium. These insights combining in‐depth determination of protein content in milk with bioinformatic analysis illustrate the large potential for advancing our understanding of the lactating mammary gland.
Proteomic fingerprinting of intestinal epithelial cell Caco‐2: insights into molecular characteristics during proliferation and differentiation (623.20)
Authors: Cundiff Judy , Maria Sarah , Lohe Kimberly , McMahon Robert , Zhang Qiang
Published: June 2021

Caco‐2 cells are widely used as an in vitro model to study mechanisms in enterocyte development and intestinal epithelial transport. The cells spontaneously differentiate into enterocyte phenotypes after confluency. Nevertheless, a systemic description of the molecular signatures and underlying mechanisms during Caco‐2 development remain largely undefined. We applied quantitative proteomic data at various stages of Caco‐2 proliferation and differentiation (days post‐seeding: 3, 7, 12, 16, 22 and 25) as probes for enterocyte development. 3781 proteins were identified where 2310 are with quantitative value(s). Levels of adherens and tight junction proteins increase up to day 12 and become steady afterwards whereas the levels of cell cycle proteins decrease after day 12, suggesting additional factors to account for transepithelial electrical resistance which continues to increase from day 7 to 22. Expression of intestinal sucrase isomaltase increases from day 7 to 16 and remains stable afterwards, indicating the maturation of intestinal brush border. The abundance changes of marker proteins in extracellular matrix formation, endocytosis, leukocyte transepithelial transport and various intracellular processes were also determined. Insights from the developing Caco‐2 proteome may be used to assess various nutritional treatments during early intestine development.
Blog‐based nutrition education intervention for college students (626.10)
Authors: Yen Wan‐Ju , Ferng Shiaw‐Fen
Published: June 2021

Transition between adolescence and adulthood, college students frequently experienced dramatic weight gain. A web‐based nutrition program could potentially be used to provide nutrition information and encourage college students to adopt healthy eating behaviors. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of a blog‐based nutrition education intervention on food groups and omega‐3 (n‐3) fatty acid consumption in college students at a southern university. Food frequency and self‐efficacy questionnaires were used to assessed the effectiveness of MyPlate and n‐3 fatty acid education to improve dietary intake and self‐efficacy after a 6‐week online nutrition education intervention. A recruiting email was sent to all students enrolled in the university and 322 participants were randomly assigned into the intervention (MyPlate and n‐3 fatty acids education) or control group (MyPlate only). Eighty‐six of them successfully completed both the nutrition education and questionnaires through the 6‐week time period. The results showed that participants in both control and intervention groups increased confidence at the end of the study to include n‐3 foods when eating out (p<.05). Using MyPlate and supplementary information about n‐3 fatty acids did not significantly affect participants' dietary consumption from the food groups or to increase n‐3 fatty acid consumption.

Grant Funding Source: Supported by Western Kentucky University new faculty grant
Relationship between green eating stage of change and knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of university students (626.11)
Authors: Nash Jessica , Greene Geoffrey
Published: June 2021

Green Eating (GE) is defined as eating locally grown foods, limited amounts of processed/fast foods, meatless meals at least one day per week, choosing organic foods as much as possible, and only taking what you plan on eating. Students participating in an extra credit project at a northeastern university completed a survey assessing GE stage of change (SOC) using the above definition and behavior (B), decisional balance (DB Pro, DB Con), self‐efficacy (SE) and knowledge (K) related to GE using validated instruments. A total of 618 students completed the survey; the majority were female (77%), Caucasian (84%) and either freshmen (42%) or sophomores (43%). The proportion of students by stage was as follows: precontemplation (27.7%), contemplation (34.8%), preparation (12.7%), action (11.1%) and maintenance (13.7%). There was a significant multivariate effect of SOC (F= 19.09) as well as univariate effects for B (F=40.18), DB Pro (F=26.35), DB Con (F=9.5) and SE (F=45.67), all (p<.001). There was also a significant effect of SOC on knowledge (F=2.77, p<.001) with precontemplation being significantly different from maintenance (Tukey, p<.05). The breakdown of students by stage is similar to previous studies. With the majority of students in pre‐action stages, interventions should focus on increasing awareness, knowledge, and personal advantages of GE.

Grant Funding Source: Supported by University of Rhode Island internal grant
“We can make a difference”: The Nourish Curriculum facilitates middle‐school students’ sustainable and healthy food choices (626.18)
Authors: Goto Keiko , Ramsey Emily , Wolff Cindy , Wylie Alyson , Bianco‐Simeral Stephanie , Riley Rachel , Frigaard Martin , Andre Joshua
Published: June 2021

Nourish is an educational initiative designed to open a meaningful conversation about food and sustainability. Mixed methods of pre/post‐surveys and focus groups were used to evaluate the intervention among middle‐school students. Pre‐post changes were compared between intervention (n= 179) and control (n=390) students using independent t‐tests. Compared to control students, intervention students significantly increased farmers’ market attendance and increased their understanding of the benefits of eating locally grown food and the influence of food ads on dietary intake. Participants from three focus groups (n= 17) reported consuming more fruits and vegetables, asking parents for local food, and shopping at farmers’ markets more frequently as they perceived locally grown food as healthy, less expensive, high‐quality and fresh. Understanding the environmental impact of different food systems led them to read food labels. Upon the completion of the Nourish curriculum, middle‐school students collectively developed and implemented action projects such as teaching elementary‐school students about food systems, creating healthy meals with ingredients from farmers’ markets, and requesting healthy and local meals to be served at school. The Nourish curriculum appeared to have positive effects on individual and group actions regarding sustainable and healthy food choices.

Grant Funding Source: Supported by USDA/Network for Healthy California
Chewing gum increases healthy restaurant choices (626.23)
Authors: Wansink Brian , Tal Aner , Miquel‐Kergoat Sophie
Published: June 2021

The study aimed to examine whether chewing gum while choosing food at a restaurant increases the choice of less caloric options. Participant (N = 59) groups were randomly assigned to gum‐chewing or no gum‐chewing conditions. They were asked to choose options from an on‐line restaurant menu designed to include both lower‐calorie and higher‐calorie options. Each participant could pick several dishes (e.g., side‐dish, entrée). Less caloric options included steamed vegetables and chicken breast, and more caloric options included burgers and fries. Participants who chewed gum picked a higher percentage of less caloric items (76.97%) than did participants who did not chew gum (61.14%). The effects were significant at a .03 level: Mantel‐Haenszel Chi‐Squared = 4.77. Even brief gum chewing appears to increase less caloric choices when chewed while making restaurant choices.

Grant Funding Source: Wrigley’s Science Institute
Effect of an education nutrition program in anthropometry, eating habits and physical activity in preschool children from Querétaro, México (626.9)
Authors: Ferrer Rocio , Arellano‐Jimenez M. Rocio , Rangel Diana , Hernandez Roxana , Caamaño Maria , Reyes Lourdes , Perez‐Tepayo Sandra
Published: June 2021

Children obesity in Mexico has become a public health problem, 9.7% of preschool children are overweighed or obese. A nutrition program was developed in 7 sessions for children and 7 sessions for their parents, it included eating habits (EH) and physical activity (PA). To evaluate the impact of the education program 626 preschool children from 6 public schools in three different locations: rural, urban and semi‐urban participated in a controlled longitudinal study. The nutrition program was implemented in 3 schools, one of each location, the remaining schools were controls. Before and after 6 months of intervention, anthropometry measures (weight, height and waist) were taken and 2 validated questionnaires (EH and PA) were answered by one parent. Complete data was obtained from 491 preschoolers and 205 questionnaires were collected from parents. Anthropometry changes were similar between groups. Only children from the semi‐urban school had a smaller waist to height change [‐0.71(‐1.16,‐0.26)] than the children in control school [0.42(‐0.61,1.44)] (p<0.05). The EA and PA score was improved in children from the intervention schools compared with control schools [EH:0.59(0.16,1.44),‐0.27(‐0.81,0.27), respectively; PA:0.83(.34,1.33), ‐1.14(‐1.67,‐0.60),respectively] (p<0.05).Children from the urban intervention school improved PA more than the control school. Children from the rural intervention school improved their EH more than the control school. In conclusion the nutrition education program did not show clear effect in anthropometry after 6 months, however, there was an impact in EH and PA. Parents participation is required to have a better impact on such programs. . .

Grant Funding Source: FOMIX‐CONACYT2012
Correlation between erythrocyte pentadecanoic acid, dairy intakes, and cognitive function in participants of the Cache County Study on Memory, Health and Aging (628.13)
Authors: Zhou Albert Lihong , Wengreen Heidi , Ward Robert
Published: June 2021

Background Diet plays an important role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Dietary fatty acids that are not synthesized in humans may serve as tissue markers for intakes of those source foods. A growing body of evidence supports that erythrocyte pentadecanoic acid (15:0) is a potential biomarker for dairy intake.

Objective To investigate the associations between dairy intakes, erythrocyte 15:0, and cognitive function among elderly participants in the Cache County Study on Memory, Health and Aging.

Design Erythrocyte fatty acids were profiled as a percentage of total fatty acids for 1987 nondemented subjects. Cognitive function was assessed with an adapted Modified Mini‐Mental State examination (3MS). Food intakes were surveyed with a 142‐item food frequency questionnaire and were adjusted by total energy using the residual method. Spearman partial correlations adjusted for age, gender and BMI were examined for erythrocyte 15:0, intake of individual dairy product, and 3MS score. Multivariable linear regression models were fit on dairy intakes with erythrocyte 15:0 as the outcome controlling for potential confounding factors.

Results Erythrocyte 15:0 was positively associated with dietary intakes of 1‐2% milk (r = 0.12, p < 0.001), whole milk (r = 0.28, p = 0.001), butter (r = 0.16, p < 0.001), and cheese besides Cottage/Ricotta or cream cheese (r = 0.12, p < 0.001) but was not associated with the intakes of skim/chocolate milk, (frozen) yogurt, ice cream, and Cottage/Ricotta/cream cheese. In multivariable regression models each increase in servings of whole milk, butter, 1‐2% milk, and cheese besides Cottage/Ricotta or cream cheese was associated with a 0.30, 0.16, 0.13, and 0.12 points increase on the erythrocyte 15:0 (p < 0.001 for all). Erythrocyte 15:0 was not correlated with 3MS score.

Conclusion Erythrocyte pentadecanoic acid is a biomarker for the consumption of less modified dairy products and is not correlated with 3MS score in elderly adults living in Northern Utah.

Grant Funding Source: Supported by Dairy Research Institute
Higher antioxidant and B vitamins intake is associated with ischemic stroke and carotid atherosclerosis (628.3)
Authors: Choi Han Saem , Kim Yuri , Yun jina , Chang Nam soo , Kim Yong‐Jae , Song Taejin , Kim Eunjung , Kim Ji‐myung
Published: June 2021

Strokes are the third leading cause of death in the Korea and cause long‐term disability. In particular, 80% of total strokes are ischemic strokes in Western countries. Although a high intake of fruits and vegetables which are rich in antioxidant nutrients and B vitamins may reduce atherosclerosis and strokes, the results remain inconclusive. The objective of the present study is to investigate the associations between fruits and vegetable intake, particularly antioxidants nutrients and B vitamins intake and ischemic strokes. We found that the stroke patient group consumed significantly lower intakes than the control group in fruits, vegetables, B vitamins (folate and vitamin B6), and antioxidants nutrients (vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta‐carotene). Furthermore, ischemic stroke patients with carotid atherosclerosis had lower antioxidants nutrients intake than those without. When the patients were divided into the TOAST classification of ischemic stroke, TOAST1 (large‐artery atherosclerosis origin) group and TOAST3 (lacunar origin) group showed similar dietary intake pattern. Our findings indicated that dietary recommendation of higher intake fruit and vegetable may be beneficial to prevent ischemic stroke, especially in patients with cardiovascular risk factors.

Grant Funding Source: This research was supported by a grant (22A20130012143) from the Brain Korea 21 plus project
Associations of total, bioavailable, and free 25(OH)D concentrations with insulin resistance and beta cell function in an Aboriginal Canadian community (628.5)
Authors: Mansuri Sudaba , Badawi Alaa , Kayaniyil Sheena , Cole David , Harris Stewart , Mamakeesick Mary , Maguire Jonathon , Zinman Bernard , Hanley Anthony
Published: June 2021

This study explores the associations of total, bioavailable, and free 25(OH)D concentrations with dysglycemia, insulin resistance (IR) and β‐cell function in an Aboriginal population in Ontario, Canada. We conducted a cross‐sectional analysis within the Sandy Lake Health and Diabetes Project (2003‐2005). A total of 387 participants (> 12 y) without treated type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) were assessed for serum total 25(OH)D, fasting plasma glucose and insulin, and anthropometric and lifestyle variables. A 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was administered, with additional blood samples collected at 30‐min and 2‐hr. Higher serum total 25(OH)D was associated with a decreased prevalence of dysglycemia (odds ratio (OR) 0.68, 95% CI 0.48‐0.96 per SD increase). In addition, there were significant associations of total and bioavailable 25(OH)D with measures of insulin action (total 25(OH)D: ISOGTT; β= 0.305; p= 0.001; HOMA IR; β= ‐0.322; p= 0.001; bioavailable 25(OH)D: ISOGTT; β= 0.183; p= 0.041; HOMA‐IR; β= ‐0.202; p= 0.037) and a significant inverse association of total 25(OH)D with β‐cell function as measured by ISSI‐2 (β= 0.152; p= 0.021) after adjustment for demographic and metabolic variables. These findings highlight a potential role for vitamin D in the etiology of type 2 DM in this population.
Neuroprotective effect of peanut sprout extract and its solvent soluble fractions on glutathione‐depleted neuronal HT22 cells (629.11)
Authors: Kim Seong Soon
Published: June 2021

Neuroprotective Effect of Peanut Sprout Extract and Its Solvent Soluble Fractions on Glutathione‐Depleted Neuronal HT22 cells Brain is vulnerable to oxidative stress more than other organs, because it consumes about 20% of oxygen in the body and contains much polyunsaturated fatty acid. As oxidative stress is associated with many neurodegenerative disorders, it is clinically essential to screen neuroprotective agents. In this context, we investigated that the neuroprotective effect of peanut sprout extract (PSE) and its hexane‐, methylene chloride‐ soluble fractions on glutathione‐depleted mouse hippocampal HT22 cells in the presence of glutamate, buthionine sulfoximine (BSO, a specific inhibitor of gamma‐glutamate cysteine ligase (GCL)) and 1,3‐bis(2‐chloroethyl)‐1‐nitrourea (BCNU, as a specific inhibitor of glutathione reductase (GR)) known as inducers of homeostatic imbalance of glutathione. The protective effect of PSE and solvent soluble fractions were evaluated by oxytosis and H2DCFDA assays in the HT22 cells under the homeostatic imbalance with glutathione. The results showed that PSE and its fractions significantly increased the cell viability under GSH‐depleted state. While they induced some antioxidant enzyme including glutathione reductase. Thus, neuroprotective effect of PSE and its solvent fraction appears to be mediated by their potential to increase the expression of antioxidant enzyme rather than directly scavenging ROS. However, the protective mechanism of action needs to be further studied.
The influence of nutritional supplementation with epigallocatechin gallate and β‐alanine in combination with physical exercise on adult hippocampal neurogenesis and contextual fear conditioning in young adult BALB/cJ mice (629.4)
Authors: Ossyra Jessica , Mach Houston , Bhattacharya Tushar , Gibbons Trisha , Pence Brandt , Woods Jeffrey , Johnson Rodney , Rhodes Justin
Published: June 2021

The influence of nutritional supplementation with Epigallacetechin gallate and β‐alanine in combination with physical exercise on adult hippocampal neurogenesis and contextual fear conditioning in young adult BALB/cJ mice.

Nutritional supplementation and physical exercise can enhance cognitive function but the specific combinations of nutrients that maximize pro‐cognitive effects are not known nor are the contributing neurobiological mechanisms. Epigallacetechin gallate (EGCG) is a flavonoid constituent of green tea which has anti‐inflammatory and anti‐oxidant properties and is known to cross the the blood brain barrier and affect brain structure and function. β ‐alanine (B‐ALA) is a naturally occurring amino acid and could increase cognitive functioning by improving the exercise capacity of skeletal muscle. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of EGCG, B‐ALA, and their combination with physical exercise on adult hippocampal neurogenesis and performance on the contextual fear conditioning task in a mouse model. Young adult male BALB/cJ mice approximately 2 months old were divided into 8 groups varying the nutritional supplement in their diet and access to running wheels over a 30 day study period. Results indicated that exercise enhanced contextual fear conditioning; however the diets had no positive effect on performance. Additionally, running enhanced neurogenesis in the hippocampus, as well as BDNF and NOS2 gene expression. Dietary β‐alanine increased VEGF gene expression in the hippocampus, while the combination of β‐alanine and EGCG reduced CX3CL1 gene expression, which was recovered from exercise. EGCG combined with exercise enhanced NOS2 gene expression. These results suggest more work should be done to determine whether increased adult hippocampal neurogenesis from exercise directly contributed to the improved performance on the contextual fear conditioning task in the young BALB/cJ mice.
Sugars and health: applying evidence mapping techniques to assess the evidence (630.10)
Authors: Berger Samantha , Wang Deena , Sackey Joachim , Brown Carrie , Chung Mei
Published: June 2021

Objective: Evidence mapping (EM) is a novel, systematic method for describing the volume and characteristics of research in a broad field. We applied EM to evaluate the empirical evidence of the state of science on the relationships between sugars and cardiometabolic health‐related outcomes.

Methods: A pre‐defined, systematic study selection process was applied to a broad Medline search (through April 2013) of the existing literature on sugars. Studies reporting cardiometabolic risk factors and/or related clinical outcomes were selected for this study. Data from the studies were extracted and deposited to a data repository. Descriptive analyses were performed.

Results: Our EM included 207 studies (196 intervention and 11 cohort studies). Of the intervention studies, the most common sugar interventions were sucrose (40%) and fructose (31%), and the top two controls were glucose (14%) and starch (13%). The most studied outcomes were glycemic profiles (27%), plasma lipids (11%), and anthropometrics (7%). Studies were generally short in duration (median 26 days, ranging from <1 to 730 days). 89% were in adults and 6% were in children. The 11 cohort studies investigated 3 different sugar exposures and 9 different hard clinical outcomes.

Conclusions: An extensive but heterogeneous body of evidence exists in this broad field of research. EM is a useful method for identifying “hot” research areas and research gaps. Evidence‐based methods are effective to direct future research.

Grant Funding Source: This study is in part supported by International Life Science Institute North America
Biomarkers of Nutrition for Development (BOND): the Query‐Based System presenting a new interactive resource for the community (630.7)
Authors: Raghavan Ramkripa , Raiten Daniel
Published: June 2021

Objective: The aim of the BOND project is to provide service to the community via the presentation of evidence‐based advice developed via a process of harmonized decision making about best nutrient biomarkers for a range of uses. The session will present the Query‐Based System (QBS) developed as an interactive web‐based tool by which this advice can be provided to the BOND user communities.

Statement of Methods: For each nutrient covered by the BOND project an Expert Panel was constituted and charged with the development of critical reviews covering relevant aspects of nutrient biology, available biomarkers and issues pertaining to the selection, use and interpretation of available biomarkers. The QBS was designed as a vehicle to present that information in an interactive manner to users irrespective of their level of expertise in nutrition. The QBS consists of a series of questions leading to a decision based on a user’s specific needs.

Results: The BOND Expert Panels have concluded their reviews. The results and conclusions are in the process of being integrated into the BOND website and QBS. The first two nutrients that have been fully mounted on the website and QBS are iodine and folate.

Conclusions: The QBS system is now going through a process of review and feedback from the community.
Strengthening strategic capacity for nutrition in four African countries (632.14)
Authors: Pelletier David , Gervais Suzanne , Hafeez‐ur‐Rehman Hajra , Natamba Barnabas , Sanou Dia , Tumwine Jackson
Published: June 2021

Undernutrition has received significant attention at global and national levels in recent years, as evidenced by the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) movement with 43 participating countries and a G8 commitment of $4.2 billion to the Nutrition for Growth initiative, among others. The translation of this attention into effective action at the country level poses many challenges, as documented previously. Here we describe the results of an on‐going action research effort to address these challenges by strengthening strategic capacity in four Africa countries: Burkina Faso, Mali, Ethiopia and Uganda. All four of these countries have developed multisectoral national nutrition policies and/or plans of action, created coordinating committees and identified SUN focal points. Further multisectoral progress faces challenges seen elsewhere, such as the dominance of sectoral goals and incentives, uneven understanding of multisectoral roles, responsibilities and leadership; uneven participation and ownership; weak human and institutional capacities; lack of effective sub‐national multisectoral platforms; and the persistence of unaligned donor‐ and NGO‐driven approaches. Initial efforts to address these challenges by facilitating informal strategic and adaptive management approaches reveals second order constraints such as high turnover of key staff in and out of government, heavy workloads, rigidity and risk avoidance. Ongoing work focuses on formation of strategic alliances, leadership development, the strengthening of sub‐national experiences to inform the design of multisectoral strategies at the national level and strengthening linkages with global initiatives.

Grant Funding Source: Supported by UNICEF
Prevalence of iron deficiency among Inuit preschool children attending childcare centres in Nunavik (632.8)
Authors: Turgeon O'Brien Huguette , Blanchet Rosanne , Gagné Doris , Lauziere Julie , Vézina Carole
Published: June 2021

In infants and children, iron deficiency (ID) can have several adverse effects on health including lethargy, alterations of immune defense mechanisms and impaired growth and cognitive development. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of ID in a group of preschool Inuit children attending childcare centres in Nunavik using conventional measurements of iron status and a relatively new parameter, soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR). sTfR is especially useful in the presence of inflammation or infection. Two hundred forty‐five Inuit children aged between 11 and 54 months (mean (SD) = 25.0 (9.6) months) were recruited between 2006 and 2010 in 10 of the 14 Nunavik communities. About half of the children were male and 52.3% (n=128) were less than 24 months old at the time of the study. Sixty‐five children were excluded because they lacked one or more of the parameters under analysis, leaving 180 subjects for the assessment of iron status. ID defined either as serum ferritin <15 mg/L, sTfR >1.55 or sTfR‐ferritin index (sTfR/log ferritin) >1.5 was found in 73.2% of subjects. Anemia (hemoglobin (Hb) <110 g/L (12‐35 months old) or <112 g/L (36‐59 months old)) was present in 15% of children, while 7.2% suffered from iron deficiency anemia (IDA) (ID and C‐reactive protein (CRP) <6 mg/L), and 5% from IDA and coexisting anemia of inflammation (ID and CRP 蠅6 mg/L). Iron deficiency constitutes a significant public health problem in these Canadian Aboriginal children. Measures to improve iron intake and bioavailability are required and consumption of traditional foods rich in iron must be encouraged.

Grant Funding Source: Supported by Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada & Kativik Regional Government
Role of intestinal epithelial cells and involvement of TLRs in immune effects of AHCC (638.4)
Authors: Mallet Jean‐Francois , Graham Emilie , Ritz Barry , Homma Kohei , Matar Chantal
Published: June 2021

Active Hexose Correlated Compound (AHCC®) is a fermented mushroom extract that is commercially available and promoted for immune support. Available data suggest that AHCC supplementation clearly affects immune outcomes and immune cell populations, endowing it with potent anti‐inflammatory effects. The mechanism by which AHCC exert its anti‐inflammatory effects is not well understood yet. The present work aimed to analyze the immunomodulatory activity of AHCC in the gut, and to study the role of Intestinal Epithelial Cells (IECs) in AHCC and TLRs signaling. BALC/c mice were fed AHCC by gavage. Immunomodulatory activities were assessed by cytokines production and immunohistochemistry analyzes as well as monitoring of IgA levels. AHCC effects on ex vivo primary cell cultures from IECs were examined after challenges with LPS and E.coli, along with its effects on both TLR‐2 and TLR4. The results showed that the presence of SIgA in the intestinal fluid was significantly higher in AHCC fed mice than in the control group. Cytokines analysis also showed a significant increase in IL‐10 and IFNγ in AHCC fed mice. In ex vivo cell cultures of IECs, AHCC did slightly increase IL‐6 production when compared to the control. This physiological increase and magnitude in IL‐6 by AHCC differs from the inflammatory response of IECs to LPS and E.coli. In TRLs blocking experiments, TLR‐2 and TLR‐4 are confirmed to play major role in AHCC priming effects on IECs. We concluded that AHCC may play a crucial role on the orchestration of immune response by priming the immune response through TLR2 and TLR‐4 gate in the IECs and by the maintenance of homeostasis at the gut.
Aldehyde dehydrogenase‐1a1 is an oncogene suppressor in B cell populations (639.5)
Authors: Yasmeen Rumana , Meyers Joseph , Alvarez Carlos , Benson Don , Boyaka Prosper , Ziouzenkova Ouliana
Published: June 2021

Deregulated B cell differentiation contributes to autoimmune disorders, hematological cancers, and aging. Vitamin A metabolite retinoic acid regulates key immune responses. Here, we explore the role of the retinoic acid‐producing enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase 1a1 (Aldh1a1) in protection against B cell‐mediated oncogenesis. We showed that Aldh1a1 regulated oncogene suppressors during B cell differentiation sequentially through 1) retinoic acid receptor alpha (Rara) in IgG1+/CD19‐ and 2) zinc finger protein Zfp423 and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (Pparg) in IgG1+/CD19+ splenocytes. Aldh1a1‐deficient mice (Aldh1a1‐/‐ ), displaying pronounced expression of proto‐oncogenic genes c‐Fos, c‐Jun, and Hoxa10 in splenic IgG1+/CD19‐ and IgG1+/CD19+ B cells gave rise to splenomegaly. Human multiple myeloma (MM) B cells did not express Aldh1a1 (n=74 MM vs n=37 healthy patients). Moreover, ectopic Aldh1a1 expression in human MM B cell lines lacking Aldh1a1, rescued Rara and Znf423 expressions in these cells. Our data provide evidence that Aldh1a1 is an oncogene suppressor in specific splenic IgG1+/CD19‐ and IgG1+/CD19+ B cell populations and suggest a mechanism by which this enzyme can potentiate B cell resistance to oncogenesis.

Grant Funding Source: Supported by National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences
Body weight status reflects the attitudes and behaviors related to vegetable consumption among Kentucky adults (640.3)
Authors: Wang Changzheng , Huang Lingyu , Butler Cecil
Published: June 2021

Vegetables are good sources of many important nutrients, including potassium, vitamin C, folate, fiber, and numerous phytochemicals. A diet rich in vegetables is low in energy density. Thus, vegetable consumption can play an important role in reducing incidence of overweight and obesity. The objective of this study was to assess the attitudes and behaviors related to vegetable consumption and body weight status of adults in Kentucky. A total of 280 visitors to the 2008 Kentucky State Fair were recruited to fill out a questionnaire before they were given a free analysis of their body composition (body fat %) with a Tanita TBF‐521 body composition analyzer. Frequency of vegetable consumption was negatively correlated with current body mass index and body fat percent of the subjects. The proportion of people within the normal weight range was higher among people who grew up eating vegetables and those who considered vegetables taste good. People who thought vegetables were expensive and troublesome to prepare, or only eat lettuce raw with dressings were more likely to be overweight or obese. Our results suggest that effective educational programs are needed to improve people's attitudes toward vegetables so they may increase their vegetable consumption to reduce the risk of obesity.
Alternate day fasting is effective for weight loss and weight maintenance in obese adults (641.3)
Authors: Kroeger Cynthia , Trapanowski John , Klempel Monica , Bhutani Surabhi , Hoddy Kristin , Varady Krista
Published: June 2021

Alternate day fasting (ADF; 75% restriction fast day alternated with ad libitum feed day) is effective for weight loss in obese individuals. Whether ADF can also be used for weight maintenance, is not yet known. Accordingly, we examined the effects of modified ADF versus a conventional weight maintenance approach on body weight, visceral fat, and markers of coronary heart disease (CHD) risk. Obese subjects (n = 32) were randomized into 1 of 3 groups: 1) ADF, 2) calorie restriction (CR; 25% restriction daily), or 3) control, for a 24‐­‐week weight loss period. After weight loss, subjects began a modified ADF program (50% restriction fast day alternated with ad libitum feed day) or CR‐­‐maintenance program (100% energy intake daily) for an additional 24 weeks. During the weight loss period, body weight and visceral fat decreased (P < 0.01) in the ADF (18 ± 4 kg; 0.5 ± 0.1 kg) and CR group (16 ± 3 kg; 0.3 ± 0.1 kg). Body weight and visceral fat mass remained stable during the weight maintenance period in both groups. Plasma lipids, glucose, insulin, CRP, and blood pressure did not change after 24‐­‐weeks of weight loss in the ADF and CR groups versus control. These CHD risk parameters remained unaltered during the maintenance period as well. These findings suggest that ADF may be just as effective as a conventional weight maintenance approach for maintaining weight loss and visceral fat loss, though the effects on CHD risk are not clear.

Grant Funding Source: Supported by the National Institute of Health
Effects of pregnancy status, individual animal and age of pigs on plasma metabolome (643.4)
Authors: Moehn Soenke , Mandal Rupasri , Bjorndahl Trent , Yallou Faizath , Wishart David , Pencharz Paul , Ball Ronald , Plastow Graham
Published: June 2021

The objective was to assess the metabolome of reproducing pigs. The effect of age and individual pigs was studied in non‐pregnant vs. pregnant pigs, and in early (EG) vs. late pregnancy (LG). The effect of stage of pregnancy was studied in adolescent (parity 2) vs. adult pigs (parity 4). The metabolome of 331 plasma samples from 19 sows was analyzed by nuclear magnetic resonance, gas chromatography‐mass spectroscopy (MS) and direct injection MS. Data were evaluated using partial least square‐discriminant analysis in www.metaboanalyst.ca. Parity affected (P=0.001) the metabolome in EG and LG but not at maintenance. There were no common features for EG and LG within parity, i.e. no metabolites changed with age of pig in both EG and LG. In EG, phospholipids were important features, in LG amino acids, urea and fatty acids. The metabolome differed among individual pigs in EG and LG (P<0.001) but not at maintenance. Aspartate was the only common feature in maintenance and at both stages of pregnancy, and was greater (P=0.039) in LG than EG. Among pigs, the majority of important features in EG were (glycero‐) phospholipids and fatty acids in LG. The stage of pregnancy affected the metabolome in parity 2 and 4 (P<0.01) with palmitic and linoleic acid and galactose common important features. The increase of palmitic and linoleic acid in LG may indicate lipid mobilization due to the energy deficit of pigs in LG. The greatest impact on the metabolome was the stage of pregnancy, individual animals and the maturity of pigs. These physical characteristics need consideration when assessing the metabolome of reproducing pigs.

Grant Funding Source: Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency