bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating the role of AKAP12 in maintaining G protein‐coupled receptor responsiveness
Authors: Tóth Dániel J , Bojjireddy Naveen , Balla Tamas
Published: November 2023

EFR3 proteins, together with TTC7 proteins have been described as important determinants of phosphatidylinositol 4‐kinase type III alpha (PI4KA) localization and function at the plasma membrane (PM). In addition, we have reported that EFR3 proteins are required for G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) to regain their responsiveness after desensitization. The goal of the current study was to explore the possible connection(s) between PI4KA and GPCR responsiveness in the context of EFR3 function. In a proteomic study we identified A‐kinase anchor protein 12 (AKAP12) as a potential binding partner for both EFR3 and TTC7. AKAP12 is a scaffold protein that binds several signaling molecules including protein kinases and phosphatases and has previously been linked to GPCR resensitization. The N‐terminal segment of AKAP12 contains three polybasic regions and it has been suggested that these bind phosphoinositides and may play a role in the localization of the protein to the PM. To study the localization of AKAP12 and its impact on GPCR function we carried out experiments in HEK293 cells stably expressing the type 1 angiotensin receptor (AT1R). We expressed fluorescently labeled versions of either the full‐length AKAP12 protein or its N‐terminal segments of various lengths and found that while all have shown localization to the PM in resting cells, their localization increased, rather than decreased after AT1R stimulation suggesting that neither PI4P, nor PI(4,5)P2 is a major factor in the localization of these domains to the PM. RNAi‐mediated silencing of AKAP12 impaired the sustained phase of the Ca2+‐signal induced by AT1R‐stimulation similarly to the silencing of EFR3. Further studies are in progress to elucidate the functional connection between AKAP12, EFR3 proteins and receptor desensitization.
AMPK regulates nuclear trafficking of Nrf2 through phosphorylation
Authors: Joo Min Sung , Kim Won Dong , Kim Sang Geon
Published: November 2023

Nrf2 is a key transcription factor for the induction of antioxidant genes. AMPK functions as a central regulator of cell survival in response to stressful stimuli. Nrf2 should be coordinated with the cell survival pathway controlled by AMPK, but so far the mechanistic connections remain undefined. This study investigated the regulatory role of AMPK in the nuclear trafficking of Nrf2 and its activity regulation. The network integrating neighbor molecules of AMPK and Nrf2 suggested direct interaction between AMPK and Nrf2. In a cell model, AMPK activation by AICAR treatment caused nuclear accumulation of Nrf2. In the in vitro kinase and peptide competition assays, AMPK directly phosphorylated Nrf2 at Ser550 residue located in the canonical nuclear export signal. Nrf2‐S550A mutation failed to be accumulated in the nucleus by AMPK activation. Leptomycin B, a nuclear export inhibitor, did not enhance nuclear accumulation of WT‐Nrf2 by AICAR. These results demonstrate that AMPK phosphorylates Nrf2 at Ser550 residue and thereby promotes nuclear accumulation of Nrf2 by preventing its nuclear export.
β‐Hydroxypyruvate induced side chain modification of human serum albumin and the formation of advanced glycation end‐products (AGEs)
Authors: Liu Weixi , Dain Joel A
Published: November 2023

Glycation of human serum albumin (HSA) results in the formation of advanced glycation end‐productis (AGEs), a major contributor to the pathology of diabetes and aging. Recently, β‐hydroxypyruvate (β‐HP) was proposed to be a new diabetogenic factor as increased plasma levels of β‐HP were reported in diabetic mellitus. However, the exact role of β‐HP in the progression of diabetic pathology is not known. Herein, we report for the first time the in vitro HSA glycation and AGE formation by β‐HP. At physiological temperature and pH, β‐HP readily glycated HSA at concentrations ranging from 1 to 1000 μM. Modified lysine and arginine residues of HSA formed within 24 hr incubation. AGE formation was observed with prolonged incubation by florescence (FL). Intrinsic fluorescence and HPLC‐FL both detected pentosidine formation after 72 hr incubation in a concentration dependent manner. AGE formation also caused structural alteration of HSA, as measured by circular dichroism and zeta‐sizer. The content of α‐helical structure of HSA decreased 38% after 72 hr incubation with β‐HP, accompanied by an increase of β‐strands and random coil. A glycation and AGE formation of HSA by β‐HP suggest that this may contribute to the pathology of diabetes. Further studies focusing on mass spectrometry are in progress to elucidate the AGE structures formed by HSA from β‐HP.
Neurodevelopmental Gene Expression of Cannabinoid Receptor 2 (CB2R) in C57Bl/6J and BTBRT+tf/J and the CB2R Expression in Transgenic knockout mice (MUBx, DAT, DATCI, SERT)
Authors: Dennis Eugene Kobina
Published: November 2023

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) consists of receptors, ligands, and the enzymes that degrade them. Two G‐protein coupled receptors that have been identified, cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2 (CB1R and CB2R). CB1R was discovered first and has been extensively studied. It has been shown to regulate the stress response through the HPA‐axis and also has been implicated in addiction. CB2R has been shown to play a role in embryo neurodevelopment and growth. It was recently discovered that CB1R is expressed in macrophages, microglial cells, and also on neurons. CB2R has been implicated in a number of brain disorders, but its function and role in the brain is not fully understood. Part of the controversy is due the fact that CB2R is induced during inflammation. Previous studies done in our lab with whole brains showed that the autism spectrum BTBRT+tf/J mice expressed more CB2R than the wild type C57bl/6J. This experiment sought to establish a baseline for the CB2R expression in the brain at various stages in their development (D0, D7, D14, D21, D35 and D42). Brains were dissected into three main parts; the prefrontal cortex (PFC), the cerebellum (CER) and the remainder of the brain designated as the mid brain (MID). RNA was extracted from these brain samples, converted to cDNA and then using RT‐PCR the CB2R gene expression was determined using the delta‐delta CT method. Transgenic mice strains were used for the second part of this study were dopamine transporter knockout (DAT), Serotonin transporter knockout (SERT), Mu‐Opioid receptor knockout (MUBx) and the Dopamine transporter knockout cocaine insensitive (DAT‐CI). Comparisons were made between the wild type and mutants of the knockout species. However the DAT mutant and heterozygous were compared because the mutant species do not survive. The results show differences in the expression of the CB2R at different stages in development and also in the dissected brain parts. Overall the BTBR mice had more CB2R gene expression than the wild type C57. These results were consistent with whole brain studies. The transgenic study showed different levels of CB2R expression between the strains. The different expression levels in the transgenic mice indicate a possible interaction between the CB2R and the knockout pathways. Based on these results conditional knockout species are being bred for further research.

Support or Funding Information

NIH grant DA032890
Superresolution Microscopy Studies of Stx3 Clustering Mechanisms in Hippocampal Neurons
Authors: Thomson Holly , Lowenstein Sarah , Lochner Janis
Published: November 2023

N‐ethylmaleimide sensitive factor attachment protein receptor proteins (SNAREs) are the universal molecular machinery for membrane fusion. The presynaptic membrane‐bound hippocampal SNARE syntaxin 1 (Stx1) mediates synaptic vesicle release. Syntaxin 3 (Stx3) is a postsynaptic hippocampal syntaxin variant that facilitates insertion of α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid receptors (AMPARs) into the membrane during long‐term potentiation (LTP). We implemented photoactivated localization microscopy (PALM), a superresolution fluorescence microscopy technique, to elucidate Stx1 and Stx3 distribution in cultured rat hippocampal neurons. Stx1 and Stx3 each form clusters of nonuniform density in hippocampal processes with the greatest density at cluster cores. Stx1 clusters are generally larger than Stx3 clusters, and the largest Stx1 clusters contain multiple density gradients. Several mechanisms have been implicated in Stx1 cluster formation. Electrostatic interactions between lipid headgroups and a conserved syntaxin polybasic region adjacent to the transmembrane domain (TMD) facilitate Stx1 cluster formation. Additionally, the discrepancy between TMD length and lipid bilayer width, termed hydrophobic mismatch, contributes to Stx1 clustering. Hydrophobic mismatch produces an energy penalty for protein association with the membrane that may be minimized by protein clustering. To determine whether these mechanisms also drive Stx3 clustering, we have generated an array of Stx3 mutants. The distribution of each Stx3 mutant will be characterized using PALM.

Support or Funding Information

This work is supported by National Institutes of Health grant 2 R15 NS40425‐03.
Spatiotemporal Dynamics and Regulation of cAMP and PKA in Early Stage Hippocampal Neurons
Authors: Gorshkov Kirill , Ramamurthy Santosh , Mehta Sohum , Ronnett Gabrielle V. , Zhou Fengquan , Zhang Jin
Published: November 2023

Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and protein kinase A (PKA) are critical axon determinants that regulate neuronal polarity and axon formation, but the spatiotemporal dynamics of cAMP and PKA in developing neuronal subcompartments are poorly understood. Here, we use genetically encoded fluorescent biosensors to understand the compartmentalized dynamics of cAMP and PKA signaling in developing hippocampal neurons in vitro. In five‐day‐old hippocampal neurons, we detected an axon‐directed cAMP gradient dependent on phosphodiesterase activity and an axon‐directed PKA gradient dependent on the association of PKA with A‐kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs). Furthermore, disrupting PKA anchoring to AKAPs in early hippocampal neurons leads to enhanced axon elongation. This effect is correlated with an enhancement of the stimulated axon‐directed cAMP and PKA gradients. We propose that a negative feedback loop in the cAMP/PKA/AKAP signaling microdomain plays an essential role in controlling the developmental program of hippocampal neurons.

Support or Funding Information

This work was supported by NIH RO1 DK073368 (to J.Z.), DGIST Convergence Science Center grant 11‐BD‐04 (to G.V.R), NSF GRF 1232825 (to K.G.).
Sphingosine‐1‐Phosphate Signaling in Non‐Alcoholic Steatohepatitis
Authors: Cowart Lauren Ashley
Published: November 2023

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a rampant health problem, but mechanisms underlying its progression are not completely understood. Because targeting pathways that mediate inflammation and fibrosis in NAFLD could serve as novel therapeutic strategies, research in this area is of major clinical interest. NAFLD occurs in the context of metabolic disease, of which a component is lipid oversupply. Much experimental evidence has linked lipid oversupply to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and inflammation, which corresponds to progression of NAFLD to non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Our laboratory has recently found that Sphingosine Kinase 1 is induced under conditions of lipid oversupply both in primary hepatocytes and in vivo in human NASH and a mouse NASH model. Our data suggest that this occurs via activation of ER stress by fatty acids. The bioactive lipid product of sphingosine kinase 1, sphingosine‐1‐phosphate, led to proinflammatory cytokine production in hepatocytes and, in the mouse model of NASH, bona fide inflammation as indicated by production of proinflammatory cytokines as well as macrophage and neutrophil infiltration. In isolated hepatocytes, sphingosine‐1‐phosphate activated S1P receptors and promoted activation of NfkB. Palmitate also activated NfkB and cytokine production, but this did not occur in hepatocytes lacking SphK1. These data support a hypothesis by which lipid oversupply, through activation of ER stress, increases Sphingosine Kinase 1/Sphingosine‐1‐phosphate, and S1P receptor‐mediated signaling activates NfkB‐dependent inflammation.

NASH serves as a ‘gateway’ to hepatic fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma; however, mechanisms mediating this progression are unknown. We addressed by co‐culture experiments. Co‐culture of palmitate‐treated hepatocytes with hepatic stellate cells led to activation of TGF‐b‐mediated fibrogenic programs in the stellate cells, and this did not occur in stellate cells cultured with palmitate treated hepatocytes lacking SphK1. These data raise the possibility that sphingosine‐1‐phosphate generated in hepatocytes in response to lipid oversupply is transferred to stellate cells, thereby linking inflammation to fibrosis. In sum, our data suggest that ER stress links lipid oversupply to inflammation through induction of Sphingosine Kinase 1 and synthesis of sphingosine‐1‐phosphate., and that hepatocyte‐generated sphingosine‐1‐phosphate mediates cross‐talk with stellate cells to activate pro‐fibrotic programs. These findings may provide rationale for pursuit of novel therapeutic agents targeting sphingosine‐1‐phosphate signaling in NAFLD.

Support or Funding Information

This work was supported by a VA Merit Award, NIH grant 1R01HL117233, and NIH grant 5P30GM103339‐03.
Redefining caveolae as signalling platforms: specificity of interactions on endocytic caveolae in response to stress
Authors: GAMBIN Yann , SIERECKI Emma , Jung WooRam , Ariotti Nicholas , Giles Nichole , Bastiani Michele , Parton Robert
Published: November 2023

Caveolae are small invaginations of the plasma membrane, which can expand upon stimulation and be internalized as endocytic vesicles. In addition to their role in clathrin‐independent endocytosis, caveolae play a role in many different signalling pathways.

The major caveolar membrane protein, caveolin‐1 (CAV1) forms a dense coat of approx. 150 monomers assembled at the surface of the caveolae. CAV1 is believed to possess a “scaffolding domain” capable of interacting directly with numerous signalling proteins; its high oligomeric state amplifies its potency as a signalling platform.

Here we have conducted a comprehensive in vitro screen of potential interacting partners to verify this “caveolin signalling” hypothesis. We have developped a binding assay using co‐expression of interactors and CAV1 in a cell‐free system which mimics the folding and insertion of caveolin in native membranes. Electron tomography shows that CAV1 generates membrane domains of uniform size and curvature and that we can re‐create small decorated vesicles that closely resemble endocytic caveolae.

We measured binding of 40 potential interactors on these “reconstituted” caveolae using single‐molecule fluorescence and screened for interaction at the monomer level (non‐inserted CAV1) using a binding assay (AlphaScreen). We reveal exquisite selectivity of the assembled caveolae compared to monomeric CAV1. CAV1 phosphorylation, as found in cellular stress, showed amplification of binding to a subset of interactors. We further characterized binding sites by testing different mutations and truncations that alter the structure and oligomerisation state of CAV1. The results were confirmed in cells by proximity ligation assay, validating protein‐protein interactions and the effect of protein posttranslational modifications.

Taken together, our findings create a novel picture of the role of caveolae in cell signalling and stress‐response.
A research‐based biochemistry lab focused on gene expression and RNA degradation: design, implementation and outcomes
Authors: Callahan Kevin Patrick , Butler Scott
Published: November 2023

Biochemistry II (CHEM 408) is an upper level course that focuses on the structure, production and regulation of DNA and RNA, as well as the synthesis, manipulation and detection of these nucleic acids. To complement the lecture, a research‐based laboratory sequence was developed that utilized quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) to evaluate gene expression changes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae (baker's yeast). The goal of this lab is to reinforce the dynamic nature of gene regulation while providing students an opportunity to be involved in authentic research aimed at better understanding the role that RNA degradation plays in controlling gene expression. The initial stages of the project had students isolate RNA from a wild‐type strain, as well as a strain lacking an enzyme that affects gene expression, the 3′‐5′ exoribonuclease Rrp6p. The students evaluated how the expression of both non‐coding and coding RNAs changed in the rrp6‐Δ cells relative to the wild‐type using the ΔΔ Ct method for quantification. These initial experiments helped establish an in‐depth understanding of qPCR and the corresponding data analysis. Working in pairs the students were asked to develop experimental conditions that they believed would modulate gene expression, and design a well‐controlled experiment to test if RNA levels change in the wild‐type and mutant strains. Students chose a variety of conditions such as nutrient source, different phases of cell growth, exposure to reactive oxygen species and UV‐light. Students were expected to complete three replicates of the experiment. After each experiment the students would present their data to the instructor and modify the protocol if necessary. To reinforce scientific writing and analysis skills the culmination of this project was a manuscript describing their results and a final class lab meeting where each group presented their data and conclusions. Informal assessments indicated that participating in this lab increased students’ interest in attending graduate school and pursing careers in biomedical research.
Bioenergetics Education: Art Meets Gentle Science In Sickness And In Health
Authors: IYER SHILPA , Rao Raj Raghavendra , Faris Sarah , Heller Frank , Hughes Laura , Jamison Russell , Lesnefsky Edward J , Maurakis Eugene
Published: November 2023

Mitochondria play a critical role in the life of the cell as they regulate energy production. Translating the significance of Bioenergetics‐ the flow of energy within our living systems for improving mitochondrial health and vitality is critical. Recent reports have highlighted increasing proportion of energy deficiency disorders like childhood obesity, mitochondrial diseases, type II diabetes, to name a few. An important fact is that mitochondrial dysfunction is at the core of these diseases that affect energy production. Therefore our objective was to explore cross‐disciplinary educational methods to teach and engage a wide audience for explaining the complex science and provide a fundamental understanding of how the variety of disorders is related to energy failure. Faculty and students from diverse disciplines in the Arts, Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, along with community partners from the Science Museum of Virginia and patient advocates affiliated with the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation‐Virginia Chapter, researched and created unique outcomes on bioenergetics and energy deficiency disorders which were displayed over a 3‐month long exhibition to engage the public. Active learning exercises in creative expression, engineering design, digital story telling constituted collaborative, cross‐disciplinary and pedagogical methodologies that resulted in sculptures, documentaries, infographics, public service announcements, computer simulations and teacher training kits. The exhibits at the Science Museum of Virginia support our conclusion that (a) engineering, arts and medicine uniquely contribute to understanding the human condition; (b) integrative problem‐solving methods lead to innovative educational modules and exhibit experiences; and (c) creative communication practices arise from exchange of ideas across diverse disciplines. Our findings are significant, because for the first time, these cell‐to‐society interactive modules have being created to provide students with non‐linear educational experiences while explaining bioenergetics and mitochondrial health to children and adults in our communities.

Support or Funding Information

Virginia Commonwealth University Quest for Innovation Fund; Alice T. and William H. Goodwin Jr., Endowment for Engineering Education; Summer at daVinci Works Program; Dean's Office, School of Engineering; Dean's Office, School of the Arts; Pollack Society Student Scholarship; Patients and Families of the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation, Central VA Chapter; and National Institute of Health (1R15NS080157‐01A1).
The maternal domain: social support, decision‐making, psychological health and child feeding and anthropometry in Uganda
Authors: Ickes Scott , Mandel Maia P , Roberts Alison
Published: November 2023

The majority of essential nutrition interventions discussed in the “scaling up” strategies require action at the household level by mothers. Maternal capabilities, or the abilities of mothers “to be and to do”, hold potential influence over the women's adoption and successful maintenance of child caring behaviors for nutrition, including infant and young child feeding. We developed a survey that assesses five dimensions of maternal capabilities (social support, psychological health, general and health‐related decision‐making, and freedom/empowerment) to assess the associations between these domains and mothers ICYF practices and the anthropometry of their children. The survey was administered among 195 mothers of young children in western Uganda. Mothers reported substantial variation in responses to the five survey dimensions, indicating that scalar measurements of complex social constructs are possible using orally administered surveys in this context. Nearly half (49.7%) of children were stunted. Maternal social support is strongly related to multiple indicators of child and anthropometry. Mothers who reported a high level of social support were more likely to introduce complementary foods to their children in a timely manner (OR = 1.8, 95% CI= 1.00, 3.22), a minimally diverse diet (OR = 1.21, 95% CI= 1.02, 1.44), iron rich foods, and a minimally acceptable diet (OR = 1.30, 95% CI= 1.06, 1.59). Mothers who reported high levels of freedom and empowerment were more likely to feed their children iron rich foods, a minimally acceptable diet (OR = 2.65, 95% CI= 0.96, 7.31) and a minimally diverse diet (OR = 3.23, 95% CI= 1.28, 8.14). Other measures of capabilities were not significantly associated with child feeding and growth outcomes. Strengthening social support for mothers in this context holds potential for addressing an important underlying determinant of child feeding and growth. Nutrition interventions that seek to understand and potentially to strengthen maternal factors, especially social support and women's general sense of empowerment, may improve their impact on child feeding and growth outcomes.

Support or Funding Information

This study was supported by a Reves Center International Faculty Research Fellowship and a Faculty Research Grant, and a Borgenicht Foundation Grant for Health Sciences Research from the College of William and Mary.
Use of Zn Kinetics in the Design of Zn Supplementation Studies
Authors: Wastney Meryl E , King Janet
Published: November 2023

Kinetic studies in humans have been used to develop models for the absorption, distribution and excretion of zinc. Studies in normal, Zn supplemented and Zn deficient states have been used to identify the major sites of regulation that maintain Zn homeostasis. The aim of our study was to combine and convert the kinetic models into a dynamic model that would represent metabolism for any Zn intake. The purpose was to use the dynamic model as a tool to examine ways to restore Zn in Zn –depleted subjects. The conversion of the kinetic models to a dynamic model was accomplished by replacing rate constants at five sites of regulation (absorption, RBC exchange, urinary excretion, endogenous excretion and release from muscle) by functions that describe how each site changes over time in response to Zn intake. The dynamic model was used to inform a strategy for Zn administration to alleviate Zn deficiency. Zn deficiency was simulated by either inadequate intake, poor absorption, or increased Zn losses and Zn repletion was simulated by administering different amounts of Zn, at different frequencies (e.g., daily or weekly), and for varying lengths of time. Regimens that failed to restore pool sizes to normal, or which exceeded safe levels were discarded while regimens that effectively and efficiently repleted Zn‐deficient individuals were retained for future experimental evaluation We conclude that dosing regimens can be designed to restore Zn pools in Zn deficient humans by use of existing information in the form of models, and through simulation.

Support or Funding Information

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Socio‐economic variables associated with anaemia during pregnancy in Owerri Imo State, Nigeria
Authors: AFAM‐ANENE OLIVIA CHINYERE , Uwaegbute Ada C
Published: November 2023

Malnutrition especially micronutrient deficiency diseases is a public health problem in the developing countries including Nigeria. The study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of anaemia and vitamin A deficiency and the socioeconomic variables associated with it amongst pregnant women in Owerri, Imo State of Nigeria. A cross sectional survey method was used for data collection. A total of 367 pregnant women from Owerri urban were randomly selected. A well structured and validated questionnaire was used to collect information on socioeconomic characteristics and food consumption pattern of the subjects. Haemoglobin, packed cell volume and serum retinol (SR) concentration were determined on a subsample of 70 pregnant women using standard procedures. Spearman's correlation co‐efficient test was used to test for significant differences or relationship between the variables while chi‐square statistical test was used to test for significant differences or relationship in the haemoglobin and vitamin A levels. Results show that three meals per day were mostly (80.28%) consumed and 87% consumed food from more than 5 food groups. The prevalence of anaemia was 30% among the study population and there was a statistically significant association (P≤0.05) between prevalence of anaemia and education of the respondents. About 51.45% had low to deficient levels of serum retinol ((SD). Pearson's correlation coefficient shows that Hb correlated positively with PCV (r =−0.673, p≤0.01) and occupation (r=0.242, p≤0.05). Serum retinol (SR) correlated positively with spacing of pregnancy (r=0.211, p≤0.05) and place where antenatal care was received (r=0.251, p≤0.05). Evidence suggests that pregnant women are at high risks of iron and vitamin A deficiency. Anaemia is manifested by low Hb concentration and vitamin A deficiency by low serum retinol concentrations. There was low Hb and low SR concentrations among the subjects studied so there is need for dietary counseling, dietary diversification and maternal supplementation to improve the iron and vitamin A status of these pregnant women.

Support or Funding Information

No Funding for now
Assessment of Micronutrient Status in Pregnant Malawian Women Before and After Treatment for Moderate Malnutrition
Authors: Glosz Cambria M , Reaves Scott , Manary Mark , Papathakis Peggy
Published: November 2023

Background

Multiple micronutrient deficiencies are prevalent in pregnant women in developing countries, and can result in adverse effects to both the mother and infant.

Objective

The objective was to assess change in micronutrient and protein levels in moderately malnourished pregnant Malawian women after receiving one of three nutritional interventions.

Methods

Serum retinol, 25‐hydroxyvitamin D, ferritin, vitamin B12, folate, zinc, albumin and C‐reactive protein concentrations were measured in pregnant women with MUAC >20.6 cm and <23.0 cm at baseline (n=343) and 10 weeks later (n=210) after receiving either: 1) macro‐ and micronutrient fortified, peanut‐based, ready‐to‐use supplementary food (RUSF), 2) corn‐soy blended flour with a prenatal multiple micronutrient supplement (CSB‐UNIMMAP), or 3) corn‐soy blended flour with iron and folic acid (CSB‐IFA). Each provides approximately double the RDA of selected nutrients and 900 kcal/day.

Results

Baseline micronutrient levels indicated high rates of deficiency in zinc (86.9%), albumin (39.9%), vitamin B12 (35.7%), vitamin D (36.1%), and marginal retinol status (47.0%). Preliminary results show the mean changes in folate from week 0 to week 10 were 2.22, 1.80, and 4.26 ng/mL for RUSF, CSB‐UNIMMAP, and CSB‐IFA respectively (p=0.002). Mean changes in vitamin D were 6.38, 3.18, and 2.18 ng/mL for RUSF, CSB‐UNIMMAP, and CSB‐IFA respectively (p=0.004). The rates of deficiency at week 10 for vitamin B12 were 34.7%, 44.0%, and 62.8% for RUSF, CSB‐UNIMMAP, and CSB‐IFA respectively (p=0.003). The other changes in micronutrients did not reach levels of significance.

Conclusions

Deficiencies in zinc, vitamin D, vitamin B12 and albumin are common among moderately malnourished pregnant Malawian women. Preliminary data indicates significant changes in vitamin B12 deficiency and folate and vitamin D concentrations from week 0 to week 10, with the RUSF group having the greatest improvement for vitamin D and vitamin B12.

Support or Funding Information

U.S. Dairy Export Council, Dairy Research Initiative, California State University Agricultural Research Institute‐ San Luis Obispo
The Role of Caregiver Communication in Children's Liking and Consumption of Lentils
Authors: Roe Annie J , Davis Jennie N , Johnson Susan L , Ramsay Samantha A
Published: November 2023

Background

Use of repeated exposure in fostering development of a child's taste preference for previously disliked foods has been thoroughly examined, however, other techniques such as adult verbal communication have not. Child Centered Nutrition Phrases (CCNP) were developed as part of the Child Care Mealtime and Active Play Partnerships project. The efficacy of adults’ use of these developmentally appropriate, nutritionally sound messages to improve children's intake and liking of lentils has not been evaluated.

Objective

To determine whether repeated taste exposure (RE) and RE + CCNP would increase young children's liking and intake of lentils.

Methods

Children (3–6 yr; n=30) attending the University of Idaho Children's Center were offered two tasting cups of lentils (24.4 ± 0.3 grams each) up to two times a week for a total of 5 exposures. Taste preference and consumption were recorded using three faces (“yummy,” “just okay,” and “yucky”) and plate waste, respectively. Lentil consumption was measured to the nearest 0.1 g. Repeated Measure Analysis of Variance was completed using PROC MIXED in SAS with Tukey's post hoc test to adjust for multiple comparisons. Main effects of group (RE or RE+CCNP) and exposure number and the interaction between group and exposure number were considered significant at p≤0.05.

Results

There was a significant main effect of exposure on consumption (p=0.002) as children ate significantly more lentils at exposures 2–5 compared to baseline. The main effect of exposure on taste preference showed a trend to increased liking over time (p=0.07).There was no significant main effect of group on either liking (p=0.13) or consumption (p=0.56).However, there was a trend toward a significant interaction between group and exposure on consumption (p=0.09).

Conclusions

Repeated taste exposure resulted in increased liking and intake of lentils in young children, and the use of CCNPs to engage children in trying and eating a novel food appears to have some promise. In order to further explore the trend toward a significant interaction between group and exposure continued research will be conducted.

Support or Funding Information

American Pulses Association
Fortification of Yogurt with Chickpea Flour Decreases Fermentation Time and Enhances Overall Quality of Yogurt
Authors: Chen Xi , Ramanathan Ranjith , Bhargava Kanika
Published: November 2023

Yogurt is well known for its health promoting properties. Chickpea flour is a good source of prebiotics and has been suggested to increase the growth of probiotic bacteria during yogurt production. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of raw chickpea flour on the physic‐chemical, textural and sensory quality of yogurt. 2% low‐fat milk was supplemented with 1%–5% (w/v) raw chickpea flour, and stirred for 3 minutes at 1500rpm. The yogurt mix was homogenized for 3 minutes at 70 amplitude with an ultra sonicator (QSONICA) and pasteurized 90°C for 10 minutes. Then cooled it down to 42°C. Inoculated the yogurt mix with a yogurt culture (Danisco YO‐MIX 883 LYO 500 DCU), fermented at 42 °C (6 hours) and stored at 4 ºC. Moisture content, total soluble solids, pH, total titratable acidity (TTA), and microbial counts were measured over a 21‐day storage period. Color measurement, viscosity, and sensory evaluation were performed at the initial day.

The results demonstrated that chickpea flour increased the Total Soluble Solids from 7.6 to 9.0 degree Brix. On the contrary, the moisture content slightly decreased from 88.83% to 88.08%. Additionally, overall average pH decreased (from 4.2 to 3.8) and the TTA (from 0.78% to 1.18%) increased toward to the end of storage. The highest acidity was noted at the 21st day with 5% chickpea flour. The lowest mean pH was found at the 21st day with 5% chickpea flour. Both the pH and the acidity were significantly affected by the concentration of chickpea flour (P<0.05). Furthermore, the number of lactic acid bacteria was significantly enhanced from 1.6×108 CFU /ml to 8×108 CFU /ml with the addition of chickpea flour (5%, w/v) at the initial day. The microbial counts was maintained from 4×108 CFU /ml to 3.5×108 CFU /ml with the concentration of 2% chickpea flour during the 21‐day storage. The yogurt was of a white color as indicated by higher L* value, lower a* and b* value. Data did not show significant differences (P>0.05) with concentration at the initial day. The viscosity values of all the samples were almost constant and did not have a significant difference (P>0.05). The results of the sensory evaluation revealed that there was no significant influence (P>0.05) in the appearance, aroma, texture, flavor/taste, and overall preference level among the control sample, and sample with 1% and 2% of chickpea flour (P>0.05). Moreover, fortification of chickpea flour decreased the fermentation time by 1.5 to 2 hours for final pH of 4.5.

The results suggested that milk supplementation with chickpea flour increases overall quality and decreases fermentation time of yogurt. Therefore, chick pea flour could potentially serve as an ingredient for yogurt fortification.
What is a snack, why do we snack, and how can we choose better snacks? The Definitions of Snacking, Motivations to Snack, Contributions to Dietary Intake, and Recommendations for Improvement
Authors: Hess Julie , Jonnalagadda Satya , Slavin Joanne
Published: November 2023

Around the world, adults are consuming energy outside of breakfast, lunch, and dinner. However, because there is no consistent definition of a “snack,” it is unclear how these extra eating occasions should be labeled. The labels attributed to eating occasions can influence the other food choices an individual makes on the same day and their satiety after consumption as well as data collection and interpretation. Therefore, clear distinctions between “meals” and “snacks” are important for health outcomes and conducting research about them. Current literature suggests that the definition of and motivation to eat between meals depends on external factors like the time of day, type of food, food availability, and location but that definitions and motivations also vary widely even within a single population. The health impact of “snacking” also seems to be subject to considerable inter individual variation.

Despite the paucity of research on the topic, eating between meals already contributes significantly to the daily energy intake of adults and children in several countries, including Brazil, Mexico, Canada, the United States, Greece, and France. With the exception of fruit, the most popular foods consumed at these occasions, chips, desserts, and sugar‐sweetened beverages, are high in nutrients to limit. Therefore, the foods selected for “snack” are of public health concern. Yet few countries include snack recommendations in their dietary guidelines because there is little evidence about the healthfulness of eating frequently. Nutrient insufficiencies and excesses in different countries could be used to make recommendations for specific snack foods without recommending snacking as an eating occasion. The development of more health‐promoting snacks could be an important area for collaboration between food companies and nutrition scientists. Promoting “healthy” options for snack time could benefit overall dietary intake especially in areas where snacking, regardless of its definition, is already popular.

Support or Funding Information

This study was supported by research funding from Kerry, Beloit, WI.
Whole Grain Willingness Questionnaire: Examining College Students’ Attitudes Toward Consuming Whole Grains Through Exploratory Factor Analysis
Authors: Craft Brittany , Cater Melissa , Bailey Ariana , Tuuri Georgianna
Published: November 2023

Nutrition educators encourage the consumption of whole grain foods because the Dietary Guidelines for Americans promote whole grain intake to reduce the risk of chronic disease. Nutrition interventions promoting whole grain consumption may fail to demonstrate behavior change, but learning theories such as the Theory of Planned Behavior would suggest that a change in attitude (willingness) occurs before behavior change. A shift in willingness to consume whole grain items would indicate movement toward change. This study developed a “Whole Grain Willingness Questionnaire” to evaluate college students’ willingness to consume 10 whole grain foods that were identified through focus group interviews. These foods included: whole wheat roll, whole grain/brown rice, whole grain cereal, whole wheat toast, whole grain granola bar, whole wheat pasta, whole grain tortilla, whole wheat hamburger bun, multi‐grain crackers, and whole wheat bagel. 249 students 18–29 years of age attending Louisiana State University participated in the study. Students were recruited from the following classes: Principles of Management (n=146, 59%), Introduction to Nutrition (n=61, 25%), Introduction to Mass Media (n=29, 12%), and Food Theory and Skills. The students’ mean age was 20.1 ± 1.8 years. 170 (68%) were Caucasian, 41 (16%) were African American, 15 (6%) were Hispanic/Latino, 23 (9%) were from other racial groups or of mixed race, and 1 student did not provide race/ethnicity. 162 (65%) were female. Willingness data were gathered using a 4‐point Likert‐type scale ranging from “always unwilling” to “always willing,” with an option to select “never eaten.” Exploratory Factor Analysis using Principal Axis Factoring returned 1 factor, which included all the survey items and explained 58.3% of the variance. The internal consistency measured using Cronbach's alpha was .930. The “Whole Grain Willingness Questionnaire” appears to be a valuable tool to assist nutrition educators in the evaluation of participants’ attitudes toward consuming whole grain foods.

Support or Funding Information

Funded in part by Hatch Act Funds # LAB 93846.
New Classification Based on Anthropometric Indicators for Assessing Dual Burden of Malnutrition in Young Children
Authors: Sibrian Ricardo , de Fulladolsa Patricia Palma
Published: November 2023

Objective

Current classifications of nutritional anthropometry for assessing magnitude and nature of malnutrition in preschool children such as those proposed by Waterlow et al (1977), Svedberg (2000), Nandy et al (2005) and Nandy y Svedberg (2012) are insufficient for guiding food and nutrition security public policies. This study propose a new classification of nutritional anthropometry identifying normal nutrition condition and nutritional failure conditions due to deficiency as well as excess providing guidelines for actions of public food and nutrition policies.

Methods

The proposed Malnutrition Anthropometric Index (MAI) and its components are combined traditional categories of the standardized nutritional anthropometric indexes of height for age (HAZ), body mass index (BMIZ) and weight for age (WAZ). HAZ with two categories: stunting (HAZ<−2) and normal growth (HAZ≥ −2); BMIZ with three categories: wasting (BMIZ<−2), normal nutrition (−2≤BMIZ≤+2) and overweight or obesity (BMIZ>+2); and WAZ with three categories: low weight for age (WAZ<−2), normal weight for age (−2≤WAZ≤+2) and high weight for age (WAZ>+2). Using feasible combinations of HAZ, BMIZ and WAZ categories, the MAI is the summation of children with eleven malnutrition conditions over the total number of children. The analysis was performed in 426 children from six to 59 months of age from 14 rural bordering communities from Central America.

Results

Almost one half of children (48.8%) were normal, hence the MAI was 51.2%, of which 31.9% were stunted, 10.8% stunted and low in weight for their age, 3.1% stunting with overweight or obesity (dual burden), 2.8% overweight or obesity, 0.9% overweight or obese with high weight for their age, 0.5% stunting and low weight for their age with overweight or obesity (dual burden) and 1.2% of other four malnutrition conditions. Dual burden of malnutrition occurred in 3.6% of children. Overweight or obesity of children may become a public nutrition problem with 7.3% prevalence even in rural areas.

Conclusions

Anthropometric assessments must include malnutrition conditions due to deficiencies and excess as well as dual burden indicators such as the conditions of the MAI components for a better guide to policy designers and decision makers of strategies, programmes, projects and actions with impact on the food and nutrition security of populations.
Household food insecurity is associated with higher insulin resistance and blood glucose levels in Latinos with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Bermúdez‐Millán Angela , Wagner Julie A , Segura‐Pérez Sofia , Damio Grace , Chhabra Jyoti , Pérez‐Escamilla Rafael
Published: November 2023

INTRODUCTION

Household food insecurity (HFI) is associated with chronic diseases, including diabetes, among lower income Latinos. We examined the associations between HFI and blood glucose levels and insulin resistance in this population.

APPROACH

We studied a sample of 120 Latinos with type 2 diabetes who completed baseline assessments for the CALMS‐D stress management trial. HFI was measured with a 5‐item version of the US Household Food Security Survey Module (Cronbach alpha=0.87). Households were classified as either food secure, mild/moderate food insecure, or severe food insecure. We also categorized individuals as food secure versus food insecure. Fasting glucose and insulin levels were measured and the log‐transformed HOMA‐IR values were used for analyses.

RESULTS

Mean age was 61 years, 74% were female and mean HbA1c was 8.6%. Analysis of variance showed a significant (p<0.001) dose‐response association between fasting blood glucose levels and HFI severity before and after adjusting for gender, education, household income, body mass index and insulin use. The adjusted blood glucose means (SE) across HFI categories were: food secure, 144.8 (8.5); mild/moderate food insecure, 175.8 (7.2); severe food insecure, 200.5 (10.9) mg/dl. When HFI was dichotomized as food secure vs insecure, a significant relationship (p<.05) was found for logHOMA‐IR before and after adjusting for covariates. The untransformed HOMA‐IR adjusted means (SE) were: food secure, 8.9 (2.0); food insecure, 15.0 (1.4).

CONCLUSIONS

Fasting blood glucose and insulin resistance are associated with HFI among Latinos with diabetes. Food insecure individuals had higher fasting glucose and more severe insulin resistance than food secure individuals. Providers that serve disadvantaged populations with type 2 diabetes should consider routinely screening for HFI.

Support or Funding Information

This work is supported by: Stress Management Among Latinos With Type 2 Diabetes (CALMS‐D) (NIMHD R01MD005879‐01).
Insights into the Underwater Behavior, Species Interactions, and Biomechanics of Baleen Whales using Suction‐Cup Attached Video and Inertial Sensors
Authors: Goldbogen Jeremy , Cade David , Calambokidis John , Stimpert Alison , Friedlaender Ari
Published: November 2023

Bio‐logging approaches to study the biology of free‐ranging animals often focus on audio, movement, or video, but rarely are these different data streams integrated. Here we custom engineered a tag to measure the fine‐scale kinematics of cetaceans while simultaneously recording animal‐borne video from dual cameras. The movement sensors included a pressure transducer, tri‐axial inertial sensors (accelerometers, magnetometers, gyroscopes), and a paddle‐wheel speed sensor. We deployed these tags on blue whales, fin whales, and humpback whales off the coast of California during the summer months of 2014 and 2015, and 2 gray whales off the coast of Washington in April 2015. For the first time, we observed a wide‐range of behaviors of the tagged whale, conspecifics, and parasites. These included interactions between whale lice, aggregations of prey (krill, anchovies) and non‐prey species that the whales encountered, remora swimming and attachment behavior, echelon swimming formations with other whales, and feeding with other whales and sea lions. During some deployments we were able to observe how the movements of flippers and flukes are involved in facilitating different maneuvers including lunge feeding. For example, when the tags were pointed perpendicularly to the long axis of the whale's body, we could detect simultaneous movement of flipper and fluke, highlighting the fine‐scale body control and varied use of different propulsion and control surfaces. By combining video and kinematic data, this tag design serves as an important tool for understanding the biomechanics and behavioral ecology of large aquatic vertebrates.