bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mineral composition of commonly consumed local foods in Nigeria
Authors: Morakinyo Ayodele , Samuel Titilola , Adegoke Olufeyi
Published: June 2021

Virtually all biochemical processes in the body require dietary micro‐nutrients and imbalance in any of these essential of the diet have the potential to impair metabolic activities. Deficiencies of several mineral nutrients result in stunting, down‐regulated immune responsiveness and altered metabolic activities. Appropriate dietary intake of these mineral nutrients is currently recommended as part of a lifestyle intervention for the prevention of many metabolism‐related health problems including obesity, high cholesterol and insulin resistance. The present study was designed to analyse the mineral composition of local dishes that are widely consumed in Nigeria given the lack of such data. A list of local foods commonly consumed in Nigeria was generated; composite samples prepared from primary sample collected were analysed for dietary minerals using harmonized standard procedures. A set of new data on the Na, K, Ca, P, Mg, Mn, Cl, Fe, Cl and Zn contents of 25 local dishes were generated for the first time in this study. Overall, there were large variations in the mineral contents of the dishes analysed, ranging from 6.3 mg/kg (Jollof rice) to 22.2 mg/kg (Yam pottage with beans) for Fe; 5.0 mg/kg (Yam with omelette) to 21.6 mg/kg (Eba with Okro soup) for Na; 7.30 mg/kg (Pounded yam with Egusi) to 19.8 mg/kg (Vegetable soup) for Ca; and 2.2 mg/kg (Yam with omelette) to 6.99 mg/kg (Eba with Okazi soup) for Mn. These data will serve as an important resource in future national and international food composition surveys, inform clinicians, health professionals and dieticians to target provision of dietary advice towards the prevention of non‐communicable metabolic diseases due to critical mineral imbalances.
Dietary Protein Food Pattern is Not Associated with Muscle Mass or Strength Among Protein Replete Adults
Authors: Mangano Kelsey , Sahni Shivani , Tucker Katherine , Douglas Kiel , Dufour Alyssa , McLean Robert , Hannan Marian
Published: June 2021

Objective:

To examine the cross‐sectional relation of dietary protein food pattern with measures of muscle mass and strength among 2,990 3rd Generation Framingham Study participants.

Methods:

Appendicular lean mass (ALM) normalized to height (kg/m2) was measured by whole body dual energy x‐ray absorptiometry. Quadriceps strength (kg) was measured by hand‐held dynamometer. Diet was assessed by Willett food frequency questionnaire. Participants were clustered into 6 groups determined by major source of protein using k‐means cluster analysis. Generalized linear regression compared crude and adjusted least‐squares mean ALM and quadriceps strength across protein food clusters. Secondary analyses stratified by age (蠄50y) and sex.

Results:

Average age was 46y; total protein 93g/d. Six protein food clusters were identified (Table). In crude models ALM in the legumes, grains and healthy cluster was significantly lower compared to other protein food clusters (Table). After adjustment associations were no longer significant. Quadriceps strength was not significantly different among protein food clusters. Neither ALM nor quadriceps strength differed among protein food clusters in analyses stratified by age or sex.

Conclusions

Among protein replete middle‐aged adults dietary protein food patterns were not significantly associated with lean mass or quadriceps strength.

image

Sources of support:

NIH/NIA (T32‐AG023480), NHLBI Framingham Heart Study (N01‐HC‐25195), Framingham Osteoporosis Study (NIH R01AR041398), Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Healthy Aging award.
Effect of Adding Tai Chi to a Dietary Weight Loss Program on Bone Mineral Density in Obese Older Women
Authors: Paulin Chelsea , Benson Marisa , Beebe Nowen , Katkowski Lynn , Xu Furong , Delmonico Matthew , Lofgren Ingrid
Published: June 2021

Low bone mineral density (BMD) is common in older adults, occurring in up to 56% of women over age 50 years. This condition increases the risk for falls, fractures and restricted independence. Limited research exists on the combined effect of diet and exercise interventions on BMD in this population. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of a behaviorally‐based diet and exercise intervention on BMD in older obese women. Twenty‐six obese women (mean age 61.5±6.0 years; mean body mass index 34.3±4.0 kg/m2; mean total BMD T‐score: 1.1±0.1) were randomly assigned to either a diet education group (DE) (n=13) or a diet education plus Tai Chi group (DETC) (n=13) for 16 weeks. Both groups received 45 minutes of diet education per week for 16 weeks. Those in DETC also participated in three 45 minute Tai Chi classes three times a week. Dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) was used to evaluate total body and femoral BMD. There was no significant change in total body (DE 1.08±0.3 vs 1.09±0.3 and DERT 0.93±0.3 vs 1.00±0.3) or femoral BMD (DE 0.98±0.12 vs 0.97±0.05 and DERT 1.00±0.9 vs 1.00±0.08) in both groups. The combination of diet education and Tai Chi did not impact BMD more than diet education alone. This may be due to the short duration of the study. Further research is needed to clarify the separate and/or combined roles of diet education and Tai Chi in this population and to study the long‐term effects.
Validation of a Food Frequency‐screening Instrument to Assess Dietary Calcium Insufficiency in a Large Population in South Korea
Authors: KIM MI‐HYUN , Bae Yun‐Jung
Published: June 2021

Ca insufficiency and its related health issue have been important nutritional concerns in South Korea. Utilizing the data of 8,034 adults aged 19‐64 from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES 2010‐2011), we selected some food items from the original 63 items in the FFQ of KNHANES to develop a short FFQ‐screening instrument to assess dietary Ca insufficiency and validated the instrument. Through various simulations, 5 food items were selected, divided into three food groups, and ranked in order of priority for Ca intake. They were milk, small bony fish, and dark green vegetables. We divided the subjects into low or high intake groups according to the intake frequency: once a day and over vs. less than once a day for milk and small bony fish, and 4 times a week and over vs. less than four times a week for dark green vegetables. Based on the results, the low milk with low small bony fish and dark green vegetable group was defined as the highest risk group for Ca insufficiency and included 69.4% of the total subjects who consumed less than the estimated average requirement (EAR) for Ca. The low milk but with high small bony fish or dark green vegetable group, the second group at risk of Ca insufficiency, included 16.6% of the total subjects who consumed Ca less than EAR. The high milk but with low small bony fish and dark green vegetable group included 10.5% of the total subjects who consumed Ca less than EAR. The high milk with high small bony fish or dark green vegetable group included just 3.5% of the total subjects who consumed less than EAR for Ca. The short screening instrument may provide quick assessments of Ca insufficiency.
How Do Popular Breakfast Cereals Measure Up?
Authors: Thomas Robin , Ahuja Jaspreet
Published: June 2021

Ready‐to‐eat (RTE) breakfast cereals are consumed by approximately 90% of the American population. Fortified breakfast cereals are significant sources of essential nutrients, including some identified by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010 as nutrients of concern. This study's aim was to assess the nutrient composition, healthfulness and ability of popular RTE cereals to help meet public health needs. Eight of the top ten brands based on Nielsen unit sales and USDA survey consumption data were sampled from 12 locations nationwide via USDA's National Food and Nutrient Analysis Program. Prequalified labs analyzed the nutrient composition of six composites of each brand. The study's authors compared the resulting nutrients per serving to corresponding FDA Daily Values (DV). Dietary fiber results varied greatly among the 8 RTE cereals, with 0.1‐6.7 mg/serving, representing <1% to 27%DV. All products were good (>10%DV) or excellent (>20%DV) sources of vitamin D (38‐91 IU/serving). All were excellent sources of B vitamins, with levels ranging from 20% to 54%DV. Iron levels ranged from 5.8 mg/serving (32%DV) in honey oat rings to 10.5 mg/serving (58%DV) in multigrain flakes with oat clusters, making all 8 excellent sources. These highly consumed RTE cereals meet the FDA definition of a healthy food due to their low levels of total and saturated fat, sodium and cholesterol, and their high levels of beneficial nutrients, including some nutrients of concern. Thus, consumption of these fortified RTE cereals could help fill a nutrition gap in the US diet.
Differences between Magazine Headline Themes/Emotions that Motivate Latino and Non‐Latino Mothers to Read Women's and Parenting Magazines
Authors: Barrios P , Lozada C , Delaney C , Martin‐Biggers J , Byrd‐Bredbenner C
Published: June 2021

Print media is saturating the world with messages. Such messages can gain sympathy, inspire, mislead, cause curiosity, anger, fear, or other emotions. Emotional meaning of a word in headlines may be processed preattentively (i.e., before receiving focused attention) and elicit attention to an article despite the consumer's focus on another task. Given the limited published research examining how to stimulate initial interest in health communications, the purpose of this study was to content analyze magazine coverlines to identify themes/emotions evoked. Trained data collectors (n=4) recorded the coverlines of 17 top‐selling women's and parenting magazines of which 6 were targeted to Latino audiences (n=217 issues) from 2012‐2013. Common themes that emerged from the content analysis in both groups were: happiness/fun, easy/simple, informative/how‐to, newness/uniqueness, control/improve, and great/inspiring. Themes that were specific to Latino audiences included: power/strength, bad/negative, family/protective, beauty/health, love/passion, and dare/risk. Themes for non‐Latino audiences were: save money, indulgence, and quick/urgency. The most commonly used theme in both groups was informative/how‐to (used in 49% non‐Latino and 38% Latino magazines). Followed by control/improve and unique/special (25% and 20%, respectively) for non‐Latino and great/inspiring, beauty/health, and newness/uniqueness (27%, 22%, and 21%, respectively) for Latino magazines. Findings may help nutrition professionals better tailor health communication to enhance message relevance for different audiences. USDA NIFA #2011‐68001‐30170
Leucine and Omega‐3 Fatty Acids Regulate Cell Bioenergetics via mTOR
Authors: Baum Jamie , Shouse Stephanie , Lassiter Kentu , Bottje Walter , Dridi Sami
Published: June 2021

Obesity occurs when energy intake exceeds energy expenditure (EE). EE decreases with age, which increases obesity rates in older populations. This makes EE (e.g. cellular bioenergetics) an attractive target for treating obesity. Cellular bioenergetics occurs in mitochondria. Increases in muscle can also increase EE, possibly due to the large number of mitochondria. This study determined if 1)leucine (Leu) and ω‐3 fatty acids (O3) can alter cellular bioenergetics and improve mitochondria function in muscle cells, 2)this is an mTOR‐mediated process, and 3)age alters efficacy of treatment. Young(Y) and aged(A) C2C12 myotubes were serum and leu starved for 12 hr then treated with rapamycin or DMSO for 1 hr. Cells then received one of four physiological treatments: control, 0.5mM leu, 60μM EPA/240μM DHA, or leu+EPA/DHA for 1 hr. Cellular bioenergetics (measurement of mitochondrial function) was measured using an XF24 Flux Analyzer. Basal O2 consumption rate (represents mitochondrial OXPHO linked to ATP synthesis was not different b/w Y and A, however O2 consumption linked to proton leak was higher (P<0.05) in A. Y had more mitochondria than A. A were more responsive to nutrients and rapamycin inhibited both treatments, suggesting that Leu and O3 act via mTOR to alter mitochondrial function. NRF1 was higher (P<0.05) in A and ANT1, UCP3, SIRT1 and PGC1a were higher (P<0.05) in Y. SIRT1, ANT1 and NRF1 were increased with rapamycin (P<0.05). PGC1a was increased (P<0.05) with O3 and UCP was increased (P<0.05) with Leu and O3. Taken together, these data suggest that both Leu and O3 regulate cell bioenergetics via mTOR in Y and A. Funded by AR Biosciences Inst. and UAMS Pepper Center Pilot Grant AG028718.
The Role of Hepatic AMPK in Metabolic Adaptation under High‐Protein Diet
Authors: Chalvon‐Demersay Tristan , Even Patrick , Viollet Benoit , Chaumontet Catherine , Tomé Daniel , Foretz Marc , Azzout‐Marniche Dalila
Published: June 2021

High protein diets are recognized to reduce food intake and body fat gain. As hepatic AMPK is involved in the transduction of both amino acid signals and energy sensing, we tested the hypothesis that high protein diets can affect metabolism via this pathway. We, therefore, compared the metabolic responses of wild type and liver‐specific AMPK‐KO mice to a low, normal and high protein diet.

24 wild–type (WT) and 24 liver specific AMPK‐KO (KO) C57BL/6 mice were respectively split in 3 groups (N=8/group) fed during 3 weeks on a low (5%, LP) normal (14%, NP) and high (55%, HP) protein diet. Food intake was measured, body composition was followed by Dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry and changes in the rates of glucose and lipid oxidation were assessed by indirect calorimetry following ingestion of a calibrated test meal.

No difference in fat mass gain or food intake was observed between WT and KO mice under LP and HP diet but KO mice tended to eat more and to gain less fat mass when fed the NP diet. Results from indirect calorimetry showed that in KO mice fed the HP and LP diets the increase in glucose oxidation and decrease in lipid oxidation induced by ingestion of the test meal were of lower amplitude than in WT mice. Under NP diet, the responses were of the same amplitude but occurred with a delay of ~2 hours.

This study suggests that consequences of the knockout of liver AMPK on energy homeostasis depend on the protein content of the diet; we observed no significant effect under LP and HP despite significant alterations of post‐meal glucose and lipid metabolism. In contrast, we observed reduced energy efficiency under NP diet associated with delayed changes in fuel oxidations after meal ingestion.
FADS2 Polymorphisms Correlate with HDL‐C and Desaturase Activity in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Huang Meng‐Chuan , Chang Hsin‐Yu , Huang Pei‐Chi , Hsu Chih‐Cheng , Shin Shyi‐Jang
Published: June 2021

Genetic variations of fatty acid desaturase (FADS) genes, encoding rate‐limiting enzymes for PUFA synthesis, have been reported to correlate with blood lipids levels and desaturase activities mostly in Caucasians healthy populations. We aimed to examine whether the FADS single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) would correlate with blood lipid levels and FADS activities in type 2 diabetes in Taiwan. A total of 874 patients were recruited from the Diabetes Management through Integrated Delivery System (DMIDS) cohort at 2008. Of which, 173 patients without using lowering lipid drugs were selected in this investigation. FADS2 SNP rs174576 to serve as the tag SNP of rs174548, rs174550, rs174583 and rs2727270 was genotyped, and these SNPs were in strong linkage disequilibrium (LD) (r2蠅0.8).Tag SNP rs174576 C allele was associated with higher levels of HDL‐C, but not cholesterol,triglyceride,non‐HDL‐C and LDL‐C concentrations. The 174576 C allele carriers also showed higher Δ5 (20:4n‐6/20:3n‐6) and Δ6 (18:3n‐6/18:2n‐6) fatty acid desaturase activities. Other SNPs including rs174548, rs174550, rs174583 and rs2727270 in the same LD block also showed similar results. FADS2 SNP of this LD block was associated with higher HDL‐C concentrations as well as andΔ5 andΔ6 desaturase activities. It will be worth exploring whether genetic variations of FADS2 would exert effects on diabetic cardiovascular complications via modifying HDL‐C and desaturase activities.
Phosphorylation Regulates Caspases Using Diverse Mechanisms
Authors: Hardy Jeanne , Serrano Bay , Eron Scott , Delgado‐Velazquez Elih , Zhao Yunlong
Published: June 2021

Caspases and kinases are caught in a web of complex interplay, and the battle between them tips the scale toward cell death or survival. Each caspase is phosphorylated in different locations by different kinases, which leads to differential regulation for each caspase. For example, caspase‐9, an initiator of apoptosis, is extensively phosphorylated on all its domains by multiple kinases. In contrast, a single phosphorylation site has been identified in caspase‐6. Our work seeks to understand the molecular details and mechanisms of inhibition or activation by phosphorylation of various caspases.

We have interrogated the reported phosphorylation sites in caspase‐3, ‐6, ‐7 and ‐9 using phosphomimetic mutagenesis to pinpoint individual residues that result in altered caspase activity when phosphorylated. For example, in caspase‐9, S183E behaves dramatically differently from the wild‐type enzyme and is catalytically incompetent even when expressed in its fully processed form. In vitro phosphorylation of caspase‐9 by Protein Kinase A (PKA) revealed that the phosphorylation of S183 is the predominant inhibitory event upon the action of this kinase, and functions by blocking substrate binding. Similarly, caspase‐6 is inhibited by Ark‐5 mediated phosphorylation at S257. Our x‐ray structure of S257D suggests that phosphorylation leads to alterations in the loops that form the active site bundle.

To date, our findings suggest two major classes of effects of phosphorylation on caspase function: 1) inhibition by directly impacting substrate binding and 2) disrupting CARD domain:core domain interactions.
Elucidating Anthrax Lethal Factor Interactions with MAP Kinase Kinase Substrates
Authors: Goldberg Allison , Ngongoni Rejoice , Turk Benjamin
Published: June 2021

The metalloprotease anthrax lethal factor (LF) is the enzymatic component of a toxin produced by Bacillus anthracis and is thought to mediate bacterial dissemination and pathology associated with systemic anthrax disease. LF acts in the cytoplasm of host cells, cleaving MAP kinase kinases (MKKs). Combined inhibition of MAPK pathways abolishes host defense mechanisms and leads to vascular collapse and toxic shock in infected animals and humans. LF selectivity for MKKs is due, in part, to the recognition of specific sequences at the site of cleavage. However, LF also appears to contain an exosite distal from the cleavage site that is required for efficient cleavage of MKKs. Because of the transient, low affinity nature of the LF‐MKK complex, there is little structural insight into LF‐MKK exosite interactions. Through in silico modeling of predicted protein interaction surfaces, we have identified an allosteric site spanning two non‐catalytic domains of LF that is required for efficient cleavage of specific MKKs in vitro and in cultured macrophage cells. Relative binding experiments and kinetic analysis of LF exosite mutants suggests that this region does not substantially contribute to substrate affinity or Km, but primarily affects the maximal rate of catalysis. Interestingly, mutation of specific residues within this site has differential effects on the cleavage of MKK1/MKK2 vs. MKK3/MKK6, which may have applications in the use of engineered LF variants to treat BRAF‐driven cancers.
Mammalian Diacylglycerol Kinase Epsilon: Expression in Sf21 Cells, Purification, and Characterization
Authors: Jennings William , Doshi Sejal , Won Amy , Yip Christopher , Epand Richard
Published: June 2021

This is the first report of the purification and characterization of the arachidonoyl‐specific diacylglycerol kinase epsilon (DGKε). We have purified human DGKε and a truncated form lacking the first 40 residues (DGKεΔ40) to near homogeneity using Nickel‐affinity chromatography. Enzyme activity measurements showed that both purified constructs retained their substrate acyl chain specificity and have a specific activity comparable to N‐terminally FLAG epitope tagged forms of these proteins expressed in Cos‐7 cells. Thus, it is unlikely that the activity of DGKε is dependent on components present in cruder preparations. We observed that purified DGKε activity is lost rapidly and that freeze thawing is particularly damaging. We show that storage in 50% glycerol stabilizes DGKε significantly at 4°C, ‐80 °C and during freeze thawing. Secondary structure analyses using circular dichroism revealed that DGKε contains both α‐helical (~19%) and β‐structure (~25%), in agreement with predictive algorithms. DGKε exhibited a gradual and irreversible loss of secondary structure on heating to 100°C with slight stabilization upon adding dioleoyl‐phosphatidylcholine (DOPC). In contrast, DGKεΔ40 retained less structure at 100°C and showed a cooperative denaturation at about 80oC with DOPC present. Interestingly, atomic force microscopy shows that DGKεΔ40 forms smaller and fewer aggregates on mica and on supported lipid bilayers (SLBs) compared to DGKε, despite both forms displaying similar activity trends. Aggregation on SLBs was reduced by the addition of a preferred substrate. This study provides the first successful purification of DGKε and a partial characterization of its enzymatic and conformational properties.
Expression, Purification and Crystallization of the Xanthmonal Avirulence Protein, AvrBs1.1, and its Target in Capsicum annuum, the Transcription Factor WRKY‐1
Authors: Tesney Jessica , Hurlbert Jason
Published: June 2021

Brown spots and leaf loss of Capsicum annum, a pepper found in the Americas, are caused by prolonged activation of the plant's defense mechanisms to bacterial infection resulting in a phenomenon called the hypersensitive response. In the hypersensitive response, the plant “walls off” the infected tissue with lignin and then a variety of chemical processes occur within the lignified zone which results in the death of both bacterial and plant cells. Certain species‐specific bacterial pathogens inject effector proteins with different activities into the cytosol of the host to prevent activation of the plant's defense mechanisms. Our work focuses on the effector protein AvrBs1.1, a dual specificity protein tyrosine phosphatase produced by Xanthamonas euvesicatoria. Recent work has identified the transcription factor WRKY‐1 as a possible target for AvrBs1.1. We hypothesize that AvrBs1.1 dephosphorylates WRKY‐1 in the cytosol, thereby preventing it from entering the nucleus and activating the genes of the plant's defense response. In order to understand the molecular basis of the function of AvrBs1.1, we need to determine the x‐ray crystallographic structure of AvrBs1.1 and the AvrBs1.1/WRKY‐1 complex. We crystallized AvrBs1.1 in 2.0M (NH4)SO4, 10% PEG 400, 50mM HEPES pH 7.0, and 50mM ZnSO4. Using this condition as a base, we employed a small molecule additive screen to enhance crystal growth. Four different organic alcohols (MPD, tert‐butanol, PEG 400, and hexanediol) were found to induce the growth of single crystals of AvrBs1.1. In the future, we will screen the AvrBs1.1 crystals for x‐ray diffraction and optimize the expression of WRKY‐1 and attempt to crystallize the AvrBs1.1/WRKY‐1 complex.
Natural low molecular mass organic compound shows catalytic activity
Authors: Kobayashi Michihiko , Nishiyama Tatsuya , Hashimoto Yoshiteru , Kumano Takuto
Published: June 2021

Organocatalysts are catalysts being low molecular mass organic compounds derived from non‐metal elements. However, there is no report that organocatalysts of biological origins function in vivo. Here we report that the “natural” product, actinorhodin (ACT), produced by Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2) acts as a biocatalyst.
During the screening of a new oxidase from streptomycetes, we found that supernatant of S. coelicolor A3(2) showed catalytic activity to oxidize l‐ascorbic acid (l‐ASC). The oxidase could not be purified, but, a correlation between the depth of color and the oxidase activity was obtained. We discovered that the addition of purified ACT to the reaction mixture containing l‐ASC as a substrate led to a decrease in the O2 concentration. We characterized ACT from enzymological standpoints. As a result, (i) oxidation reactions producing H2O2 proceeded on the addition of ACT to the reaction mixture; (ii) ACT was not consumed during the reactions; and (iii) a small amount of ACT consumed an excess amount of the substrates. Even under room temperature, atmospheric pressure and neutral pH, ACT showed catalytic activity in aqueous solution. ACT exhibited substrate specificity in the oxidation reactions. These findings reveal that ACT is discovered as a new member of organocatalyst. ACT is known as an antibiotic toward some microorganisms, but the action mechanism remains unknown. We also propose that bacterial death by ACT is caused by the toxicity of H2O2 produced.
Role of store operated calcium entry in Ellagic acid induced cytotoxicity in Jurkat T cells
Authors: Kaul Shashank , Baker Mark , Thomas David , Bose Diptiman
Published: June 2021

Calcium (Ca2+) is a ubiquitous second messenger regulating a myriad of cellular processes including proliferation, metabolism, and cell death. Agents modulating Ca2+ homeostasis are currently explored as potential chemotherapeutic agents. Ellagic acid (EA), a phenolic constituent of certain fruits, has been known for its proapoptotoic and cytotoxic effects. The mechanism of action of EA and its cellular targets are not known. EA is thought to activate sarcoplasmic endoplasmic reticulum ATPase pumps (SERCA), however effects of EA on Ca2+ signaling are poorly understood. We measured changes in Ca2+ handling in Jurkat T‐cells pretreated with EA (50 µM, 12 hr). EA‐treated Jurkat cells were challenged with thapsigargin (TG, 2 µM). The addition of TG, a SERCA inhibitor, produced transient increase in cytosolic Ca2+, however the amplitude of Ca2+ transient in the EA‐treated cells were 30% lower than vehicle control cells. Furthermore, EA pretreatment induced a higher rate of Ca2+ influx after TG‐mediated store depletion. These results indicated that EA induces endoplasmic reticulum (ER)‐store depletion and enhances store operated Ca2+ entry. ER Ca2+ depletion induces ER stress leading to apoptotic cell death. Jurkat cells treated with EA produced concentration dependent increase in cytotoxicity which was further exacerbated by TG. EA treatment also increased expression of ER‐stress related proteins CHOP and caspase 12. These results indicate that EA mediated modulation of ER Ca2+ release and influx via store operated channels may be responsible for conferring the cytotoxic effects of EA.
Nano‐formulation Enhances the Anti‐angiogenic Potential of Tunicamycin
Authors: Banerjee Dipak , Banerjee Aditi , Seijo Arelis , Serrano Jesus , Perez Linyer , Linares Lorraine , Ramos Mariela , Baksi Krishna
Published: June 2021

Breast cancer is characterized by the progressive accumulation of mutations and chromosomal aberrations leading to altered growth properties and oncogenic transformations of cells. Both endogenous and exogenous factors contribute. Current understanding on the blood vessel formation has developed therapies to interrupt the angiogenic process. But, due to poor performance and inefficacy, many anti‐angiogenic/anti‐cancer treatments have been called into question. After achieving a success with tunicamycin (a biologic) in inhibiting angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo (Matrigel™ implants in nude mice) and consequently the prevention of breast tumor progression ~55‐65% in 3 weeks in athymic nude mice we have developed a nano‐formulation to increase efficacy. Tunicamycin gold nano‐particles inhibited cellular proliferation ~50% (MTT assay) within one hour of treatment. Cell cycle progression was blocked due to inhibition of either both cyclin D1 and cdk4, or cyclin D1, or the cdk4 expression as well as the expression of phospho Rb. Phosphorylation of p53 (serine‐392) was also down‐regulated. Increased expression of GRP‐78/Bip identified “ER stress”. Upregulated expression (1.6‐5.5 folds) of phospho‐PERK supported induction of unfolded protein response (upr) signaling but no apoptosis. Supported in part by grants from Susan G. Komen for Cure BCTR0600582 (DKB) and NIH/NIMHD 2G12MD007583 (KB).
The Glucose Ketone Index Calculator: A Simple Tool to Assess Therapeutic Efficacy for Metabolic Management of Brain Cancer
Authors: Meidenbauer Joshua , Seyfried Thomas
Published: June 2021

Metabolic therapy using ketogenic diets (KD) is emerging as an alternative or complementary approach to the current standard of care for management of brain and other malignant cancers. This therapeutic strategy targets the aerobic fermentation of glucose (Warburg effect), which is the common metabolic malady of most tumors. The KD targets tumor energy metabolism by lowering blood glucose and by elevating blood ketones (β‐hydroxybutyrate). Brain tumor cells, unlike normal brain cells, cannot use ketone bodies effectively for energy when glucose becomes limiting. Although plasma levels of glucose and ketone bodies have been used alone to predict the therapeutic success of metabolic therapy, daily glucose levels can fluctuate widely in brain cancer patients. This can create difficulty in linking changes in blood glucose and ketones to efficacy of metabolic therapy. A program was developed (Glucose Ketone Index Calculator, GKIC) that tracks the ratio of blood glucose to ketones as a single value. We have termed this ratio the Glucose Ketone Index (GKI). The GKIC was used to compute the GKI for data published on blood glucose and ketone levels in humans and mice with brain tumors. The results showed a clear relationship between the GKI and therapeutic efficacy using ketogenic diets and calorie restriction. Hence, the GKIC is a simple tool that can help assess the efficacy of metabolic therapy in animal models and patients with malignant brain tumors and possibly other cancers that express aerobic fermentation. The GKI may also be useful in treating other disorders that are responsive to metabolic intervention, such as epilepsy.

This work was supported by NIH grant NS055195 and the Jasse Walsh Scholarship.
Commercially produced snack food consumption among children 6‐23 months in urban Cambodia, Nepal, and Senegal
Authors: Pries Alissa , Feeley Alison , Mengkheang Khin , Adhikary Indu , Ndiaye Aminata , Huffman Sandra
Published: June 2021

Objective

Consumption of foods high in salt or sugar early in life can displace consumption of more nutritious foods during a crucial period of child growth and development. This study sought to assess consumption of commercially produced snack food products among young children in Phnom Penh, Cambodia; Kathmandu, Nepal; and Dakar, Senegal.

Methods:

A cross‐sectional survey was conducted among 222 Phnom Penh, 228 Kathmandu, and 218 Dakar mothers with a child 6‐23 months of age. Mothers were recruited from randomly sampled health facilities and dietary intake data were collected for their child.

Results:

Consumption of commercially produced snack foods (cookies/biscuits, candy/chocolate, chips/crisps, cakes/doughnuts or soft drinks) was highly prevalent. Three‐quarters (74.1%, n=169) of children in Kathmandu, 61.0% (n=133) in Dakar and 56.3% (n=125) in Phnom Penh had consumed a snack product in the day prior to interview. Almost all children had consumed a commercial snack product in the last week (91.2% [n=208] Kathmandu children, 81.2% [n=177] Dakar children; 82.0% [n=182] Phnom Penh children). When asked to name commercial baby food products, many Phnom Penh (21.6%, n=48) and Dakar (22.5%, n=49) mothers reported snack foods in this group of foods sold especially for young children. In Kathmandu, 17.1% (n=39) of mothers reported avoiding feeding commercial snack foods because they were unhealthy, however, almost all of these mothers had fed such a product in the previous week.

Conclusions

The majority of children 6‐23 months of age in this study had consumed commercial snack food products during the previous day and previous week. Given growing rates of obesity and concurrent rates of child undernutrition, high rates of snack food product consumption are of concern for nutrition interventions and policies.
Differences in Preference and Preparation of Millet Porridge (Tô) between Urban and Rural Areas in Mali and its Impact on Satiety
Authors: Diarra Mohamed , Nkama Iro , Cisse Fatimatta , Torres‐Aguilar Pablo , Hamaker Bruce
Published: June 2021

Changes in lifestyle factors have influenced the dietary habits and food preferences of the Malian populace. The objective of this study was to identify food preparation differences and preferences of millet porridges between urban and rural populations, and food preparation influence on satiety. Semi‐structured interviews and questionnaires were utilized to collect data at six different locations (n=20) (3 urban and 3 rural, paired to regions). Porridge frequency consumption, awareness of porridge thicknesses, thickness preference, ability to prepare porridge, cereal usage type and preference for preparation, and reasons for this preference were evaluated. Further, a human feeding trial using a crossover design (n=10) was conducted to determine the effect of millet porridge thickness and energy density (kcal/g) on satiety, using rice as a control. Hunger rating was monitored at 2 and 4 h after porridge consumption. Thicker porridges were consumed more frequently in rural than in urban areas (P< 0.05). Thicker porridges were more satiating than thinner ones at 2 and 4 h after consumption (P< 0.05). High energy density and highly viscous porridges, and not volume, were correlated to longer satiety. Our study shows that Malian rural subjects prefer thicker porridges and that porridge thickness creates a more satiating product. Moreover, since urban subjects tend to prefer porridges that are less satiating, such food preferences might contribute to higher food consumption and the growing prevalence of obesity in African urban centers.
Water Source and Distance is Associated with Hygiene Behaviors in Karamoja, Uganda
Authors: Ickes Scott , Pugh Laura
Published: June 2021

We investigated the relationship between distance to improved water sources and hygiene practices Karamoja Uganda. We conducted semi‐structured interviews and household observations among mothers of children under 24 months (n=56) from seven villages during the rainy season, when seasonal stream use is common. Distance to water source was estimated using a GPS monitor and total water use was estimated per‐capita by the volume of water containers used divided by the total household members. Households with a water source closer than 300 meters had significantly greater daily hand washing frequency among mothers (4.6 vs 3.6, p=.038) but not among children (3.00 versus 2.89, p=0.33). When the closest water source was a borehole compared to a stream, the daily frequency of hand washing was higher among children (3.4 vs 2.8 times, p .023) but not among mothers (4.2 vs 4.8, p=0.60). The mean per capita water use was 10.9L (SE 1.1), and 82.1% of households consumed less than 20L per person. Larger households did not account for greater water needs: households with more than 5 children had the same total water usage as households with fewer than 5 children (64.8L vs 64.1L, p=0.53). Findings suggest that children in large families may be vulnerable to poor hygiene practices owing to a lack of sufficient water for increased family size. Increasing access to boreholes may improve child hand‐washing frequency in this remote region.
Ghanaian Mothers' Complementary Feeding Practices and Perception on Children's Health
Authors: Egyir Bridget , Ramsay Samantha
Published: June 2021

Objectives: To understand factors that influence Ghanaian mothers' introduction and variety of complementary foods, and capture their perception of the implications of complementary foods on children's health, growth, and development.

Methods: Ghanaian mothers (n=99) with children 4‐24 months of age from the Central Region of Ghana were recruited to participate. Eleven focus groups interviews were conducted and a participant demographic questionnaire was administered. A focus group guide was developed to ask mothers' opinions about their complementary feeding practices. Sessions were audio recorded, and transcribed. The transcriptions were coded and analyzed to identify themes, meta‐themes, and to generate theories.

Results: Participants reported inappropriate complementary feeding practices: early introduction of solids, early cessation of breastfeeding, inappropriate cues of introducing solids, and inadequate frequency of offering complementary foods. Mothers stated factors that influenced complementary feeding: finances, time, moms' food preference, convenience, and beliefs. Finance was the major determinant to the food offered to their children, irrespective of the implication. Mothers' knowledge about food, child health, and growth outcomes motivated their feeding practices. However, motivation was affected by the lack of support from spouse, picky eating habits of children, and finances. While over 80% (85) of the moms reported some knowledge about the effects of complementary feeding, 45% (45) of the children were undernourished. Some mothers held misconceptions about the effect of food on children's health.

Implications: Ghanaian mothers identified challenges and misconceptions in complementary feeding, indicating the need for nutrition education and support.
Diarrhea In HIV‐Exposed Tanzanian Infants Is Reduced With Maternal Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Sztam Kevin , Liu Enju , Manji Karim , Kupka Roland , Kisenge Rodrick , Aboud Said , Bosch Ronald , Fawzi Wafaie , Duggan Christopher
Published: June 2021

Background

Use of maternal antiretroviral therapy (ART) is associated with higher survival among HIV‐exposed children, but data on its effect on child diarrhea, a major cause of morbidity, are limited.

Objective

To evaluate risk factors for diarrhea in HIV‐exposed infants in peri‐urban Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Methods

HIV‐exposed infants were enrolled at age 6 weeks and followed for 24 months. Mothers kept written logs of monthly diarrhea episodes. Maternal and child factors were analyzed using generalizing estimating equations, including both time‐varying maternal ART use and child HIV infection on reports of subsequent diarrhea.

Results

2387 infants were enrolled from 2004‐08 in Dar es Salaam. With ART rollout, 429 mothers initiated ART during pregnancy and 151 initiated ART postpartum. 1814 diarrhea episodes were recorded. After controlling for maternal and child factors, maternal ART initiated during pregnancy was associated with a 21% reduction in subsequent diarrhea in children (RR 0.79, 95%CI 0.68‐0.91). Using maternal ART at any time reduced diarrhea risk by 23% (RR 0.77, 95%CI 0.67‐0.89). Other factors independently associated with diarrhea included HIV infection [RR 1.29 (1.10‐1.50)], exclusive breastfeeding [RR 0.67 (0.56‐0.80)] and higher spending on food [RR 0.67 (0.59‐0.77)].

Conclusions

ART use in mothers reduces risk of diarrhea in HIV‐exposed children. Future studies should examine the effect of maternal ART on other important childhood morbidities for HIV‐exposed children.

Support

NIH R01HD043688‐01, K24HD058795
Artisanal Solar Drying of Nutritional and Medicinal Plants of High Cultural Value in Rural Panama
Authors: Bermudez Isaias , van der Have Thomas , Bermudez Odilia , dePerez Juana
Published: June 2021

Objective

Panama, a tropical country, has a long rainy season (9‐10 months) that limits the local processing of plants (e.g. drying and packaging) for use in cooking and for healing. Working with local residents from the community of El Cacao, Capira, Panama, we aimed to test a locally built solar oven for drying of nutritional and medicinal plants. The goal was to reach 60% or higher of moisture reduction.

Methods: The solar oven was built as the central component of a local processing plant. We tested this oven for drying 4 leafy plants including cilantro, oregano, rosemary and bitter melon. We collected and analyzed data about two main parameters: temperature and time to achieve the set moisture reduction.

Results: We ran initial tests of the absorption and uptake of heat by the solar oven, registering an average of 4.5 hr/day of solar radiation. The accumulated heat permitted the preliminary tests with the plants obtained from a local demonstration garden. We recorded the following drying times (hr.min) and mean temperatures (oF): rosemary, 17.15/90.0o; cilantro, 18.20/92o;oregano, 9.55/90.1o andbitter melon, 14.00/90.7o. The moisture reduction reached 83% for rosemary, 78% for cilantro, 65% for oregano and 61% for bitter melon. Unstructured testing sessions with local residents indicated that the desired organoleptic features of the dried plants were present at acceptable levels.

Discussion: Compared to published reports, we reduced moisture in the tested plants in relatively short times and those moisture reductions were close to those obtained with traditional processes of one or more weeks of sun exposure values.

Funding: CINSAG‐Panama
“Just The Facts, Ma'am”: The Gender Gap in Academia, from the Classroom to the Bank
Authors: Lee Lisa
Published: June 2021

Women are now earning the majority of advanced degrees in the US and have expanded employment opportunities. Yet deep seeded inequities still exist that affect women's roles and opportunities for advancement in academia, which ultimately impact our economy. Case in point: men still outnumber women in leadership positions in academia, and women's median annual earnings still fall short compared to their male counterparts across all education levels.

This session will begin by exploring research findings on the underlying causes of gender inequities in academia at various levels, ranging from students to the institutional leadership. The source of economic inequalities will be reviewed by highlighting gender based differences in the way men and women view money and the negotiation process, self‐worth, entitlement and mechanisms of proving self at work. These gender based differences have significant, lasting, and often negative impacts on women's careers and advancement within organization. Evidence‐based recommendations for overcoming gender gap in academia, starting from the classroom all the way to the economic issues, will be presented for supporting professional development of the attendees.
Short Sleep Duration: Effects on Nutrient Intake and Mood State
Authors: Rehagen Allison , Harris Stephanie , Cialdella‐Kam Lynn
Published: June 2021

It is unclear whether the primary mechanism for weight gain in sleep‐deprived college students is through changes in nutrient intake, negative mood states, or alterations in energy status.

Purpose

We aimed to determine short sleep duration (< 6 hours/night) effects on nutrient intake and mood state in the undergraduate college population.

Methods

The study population consisted of 62 undergraduate students at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU). Upon acceptance into the study, a link to the web‐based Automated Self‐administered 24‐hour (ASA24) diet recall and survey was administered through REDcap, a secure web‐based database. The diet recall was used to assess nutrient intake. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to investigate sleep adequacy while a profile mood state questionnaire (POMS) was used to assess mood patterns. Finally, the International Physical Activity Short Last 7 days Self Admin (IPAQ) was used to determine exercise patterns.

Results

There was no correlation (p > 0.05) between sleep duration and macronutrient intake. A direct relationship (p = 0.0111), however was seen between percent fat intake and PSQI total score. Total mood disturbance (TMD) appears to be linked to sleep duration and sleep quality; individuals with > 6 hours of sleep/night had lower TMD scores (p = 0.0091) and thus more positive mood states. BMI and physical activity was not associated with sleep duration, PSQI total score, and TMD.

Conclusions

Short sleep duration and poor sleep quality appear to have a negative effect on mood state in the college undergraduate population. Poor sleep quality also results in a higher daily fat intake in this population, although all other macronutrient intakes appear to be unaffected.
Effects of a Proprietary Spearmint Extract on Cognitive Function and Tolerance Parameters in Men and Women with Age‐Associated Memory Impairment
Authors: Cook Chad , Herringer Kelli , Nieman Kristin , Sanoshy Kristen , Fonseca Brenda , Schild Arianne , Kelly Kathleen , Lawless Andrea , Maki Kevin , Ceddia Michael
Published: June 2021

This study evaluated the effects of a proprietary spearmint extract (NeumentixTM), standardized to rosmarinic acid and total phenolic content, on measures of cognitive function, sleep, and study product tolerability in men and women with age‐associated memory impairment (AAMI). Participants (N = 90; 67% female; age = 59.4 ± 0.6 y) were randomly assigned (n = 30/group) to consume 900 mg, 600 mg, or 0 mg Neumentix once daily at breakfast for 90 days. A computerized cognitive function assessment test battery (Cognitive Drug Research [CDR] system) was completed on days 0, 45, and 90. Fasting blood samples were collected to assess tolerability and sleep was evaluated using the Leeds Sleep Evaluation Questionnaire (LSEQ) on days 0 and 90. Mean supplementation compliance over the 90 day period was 100.1 ± 0.4%, 99.1 ± 0.8%, and 98.1 ± 0.9% for the 900 mg, 600 mg, and 0 mg Neumentix groups, respectively. Quality of working memory and spatial working memory accuracy improved on the CDR test battery following supplementation with 900 mg Neumentix versus placebo (p = 0.0469 and p = 0.0456, respectively). Participants consuming 900 mg Neumentix reported improvement in their ability to fall asleep on the LSEQ, relative to the placebo group (p = 0.0046). No serious adverse events or clinically relevant findings were observed in any tolerability parameters at any dose. These results suggest the proprietary spearmint extract, Neumentix, was well tolerated and a beneficial nutritional intervention for cognitive health in older subjects with AAMI. Supported by Kemin Foods, L.C.
Effects of Body Weight Perception and Goals on Consumption Behaviour among College Students
Authors: Mardiyati Nur , Song Weixing , Opoku‐Acheampong Audrey , Miller Corey , Kidd Tandalayo , Wang Weiqun
Published: June 2021

Comfort foods and sweetened beverages consumed by college students may contribute to the overweight and obesity epidemic. The aim of this study was to assess the correlations between the perception and goals of body weight with the consumption behaviour of sweetened drinks and fried potatoes among college students. A cross‐sectional survey of 371 college students was conducted using self‐reporting questionnaire, including information related to regular soda or pop drinks, other sweetened drinks, and fried potatoes consumption behavior in the past month. The students also described their body weight perceptions and future goals. Multinomial logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the associations. The students who were satisfied with their weight were less likely than the overweight students to have a lower consumption of other sweetened drinks and fried potatoes (p<0.001). Also, those who were underweight were less likely than the overweight students to have a lower consumption of other sweetened drinks (p<0.001). No correlations were found between perception and goals of body weight with the soda and pop drinks consumption. Students who were trying to stay at the same weight were more likely to have a lower consumption of fried potatoes than those who were trying to lose weight (p<0.001). These findings suggest that college students who were at the right weight or underweight were less likely to control their consumption of comfort foods and/or sweetened beverages than overweight students.