bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibitory neuron organization and function in cerebral cortex (345.3)
Authors: Xu Xiangmin
Published: June 2021

Cortical circuits transform neural information within a stereotyped laminar architecture. These operations require the coordinated activity of excitatory and inhibitory neurons. Inhibitory GABAergic interneurons are a minority of all cortical neurons but can be crucially important in regulating spatiotemporal dynamics of both local and global circuit activities. In this lecture, I will tell our studies of functional organization and laminar interactions in cortical circuits using newly developed optical mapping tools and novel genetic methods for cell‐type specific manipulation. I will talk about our new observation that excitatory and inhibitory cortical connections are spatially and functionally balanced, and discuss how this new information is related to specific inhibitory neuronal control of a critical period of brain plasticity.
The molecular mechanism of amphetamine action (358.2)
Authors: Sitte Harald , Hofmaier Tina , Anderluh Andreas , Kudlacek Oliver , Klotzsch Enrico , Yang Jae‐Won , Geier Petra , Schicker Klaus , Böhm Stefan , Schütz Gerhard
Published: June 2021

Serotonin plays an important role as neurotransmitter in the brain in a number of circuits which can also be linked to reward and cognition. The transporters for these neurotransmitters are located in presynaptic specializations; they inactivate serotonin‐mediated neurotransmisison following exocytotic release by a simple reuptake mechanism. Recent crystallographic examination of bacterial homologs to the mammalian neurotransmitter transporters provides a structural scaffold which supports transport by an alternative access mechanism.

Serotonin transporters are the clinically relevant target of antidepressant drugs; they inhibit the reuptake of monoamines by competitively blocking the transporters. Thereby, these compounds enhance the extracellular concentration of serotonin which is relevant for clinical success. Serotonin transporters also provide a route for non‐exocytotic neurotransmitter release (efflux) triggered by amphetamines. Recent advancement in the understanding of the structural and molecular mechanisms of amphetamine‐induced efflux via serotonin transporters will be discussed. Furthermore, the mechanisms underlying the activity of the recently introduced “bath salts”, a class of amphetamine‐like compounds, will be highlighted.
Neighborhood walkability is associated with increased physical activity of women living in an urban area of Brazil (37.4)
Authors: Trude Angela , Vedovato Gabriela , Kharmats Anna , Santana Angelica , Gittelsohn Joel , Martins Paula
Published: June 2021

Physical inactivity is one of the biggest risk factors for many chronic diseases and mortality, and is one of the most pressing public health problems today. Little is known about the relationship between the built environment and physical activity in mid‐ and low‐income countries. We investigated this relationship among urban Brazilian women living in Santos, Brazil, using the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) to measure physical activity (PA) levels collected through home interviews (n = 526). The Pedestrian Environmental Data Scan (PEDS) was used to calculate neighborhood walkability scores. After adjusting for age and educational level, high neighborhood walkability scores for pedestrian walkways ‐ no path obstruction, no garage entrance and stop signs ‐ was associated with PA (OR 3.05; 95% CI 1.44‐6.46). Interestingly, the neighborhoods classified as safer through the walkability score was found to be associated with reduced PA level (OR 0.26; 95% CI 0.11‐0.64). Women living in low‐income areas had less access to PA resources than women in high‐income areas. These findings highlight the importance of an intervention program with multilevel environmental strategies to improve pedestrian walkways and to evaluate their effects on individual behavior.

Funded by: Sao Paulo State Foundation for Research Support. Process n 2011/05641‐9.

Grant Funding Source: Supported by: Sao Paulo State Foundation for Research Support. Process n 2011/05641‐9.
Xylooligosaccharide increases bifidobacteria but not lactobacilli demonstrating potential for obesity prevention and treatment (37.6)
Authors: Li Zhaoping , Finegold Sydney , Summanen Paula , Downes Julia , Thames Gail , Corbett Karen , Dowd Scot , Krak Michael , Heber David
Published: June 2021

Background: Prebiotics can alter gut bacteria in obese subjects towards patterns seen in lean individuals.

Objective: This study was conducted to determine the tolerance and effects of xylooligosaccharide (XOS) on human colonic microbiota, pH and short chain fatty acids (SCFA).

Design: Healthy adult subjects (n=32) were randomized to receive 1.4 g, 2.8 g XOS or placebo in a 12 week study consisted of a 2‐week run‐in, an 8‐week intervention,and a 2‐week washout. Stool samples were collected at baseline, after 4 and 8 weeks of intervention and 2 weeks after the intervention for culture, pyrosequencing of community DNA, pH and SCFA analyses.

Results: XOS was tolerated without significant gastrointestinal side effects. Both XOS groups achieved increases in Bifidobacterium counts compared to the placebo subjects, with the 2.8 g/day group showing significantly greater increases than the 1.4g/day group. Total anaerobic counts and Bacteroides fragilis group counts were significantly higher in the 2.8 g/day XOS group. There were no significant differences in the counts of Lactobacillus, Enterobacteriaceae and Clostridium between the three groups.XOS had no significant effect on stool pH, SCFA or lactic acid. Pyrosequencing showed no notable shifts in bacterial diversity.

Conclusions: XOS supplementation may be beneficial to gastrointestinal microbiota and 2.8 g/day may be more effective than 1.4 g/day.
Risk factors for moderate inflammation in Chinese adults with and without central obesity (370.1)
Authors: Thompson Amanda , Houck Kelly , Adair Linda , Gordon‐Larsen Penny , Popkin Barry
Published: June 2021

The relationship between lifestyle factors and inflammation varies by weight status. Whether the risk factors associated with inflammation differ with central obesity is less well understood, particularly in populations exposed to both the higher pathogen burdens and obesogenic behaviors associated with moderate elevations in C‐reactive protein (CRP). We examined the distribution of moderate inflammation (CRP 3‐10mg/L) with and without high waist circumference (WC) in 1190 adults participating in the China Health Nutrition Survey and tested whether the risk factors for inflammation differed between those with and without high WC. Men were less likely to have elevated CRP with high WC than women (43.9% vs. 72.3%, p<0.001). In men, better household sanitation was associated with greater odds of elevated CRP with high WC (OR: 1.57, 95%CI: 1.21‐2.03). In women, post‐secondary education (OR: 0.27, 95%CI: 0.11‐0.62) and high fat‐ high energy diets (OR: 0.47, 95%CI: 0.25‐0.87) were associated with lower odds of elevated CRP with high WC. Similar results were seen in household‐level analyses controlling for spousal similarities in dietary and sanitation exposures. These results document different underlying risk factors for inflammation in Chinese men and women, suggesting that sex‐specific strategies may be needed to prevent and treat inflammation.

Grant Funding Source: Supported by NIH NICHD (K01 HD071948‐01)
Nut intake is inversely related to insulin resistance and CRP levels (370.2)
Authors: EL‐Amari Salem , Jaceldo‐Siegl Karen , Rizzo Nicolino , Rajaram Sujatha , Dehom Salem , Sabaté Joan
Published: June 2021

Objective: To examine the link between nuts intake and both insulin resistance (IR) and inflammation as measured by C‐ reactive protein (CRP). Methods: Data on 773 participants (571 females and 285 males), with a mean age of 58 years from the Adventist Health Study‐2 cohort were Cross‐sectionally analyzed. Total nuts intake, including peanuts was obtained from six unannounced telephone‐based 24‐hour dietary recalls and subjects were classified by tertiles of intake. IR was determined by Homeostasis Model Assessment (HOMA‐IR), > 1.7. Multivariate logistic regression was used to compute the odds ratios (ORs) while adjusting for relevant demographic, dietary and lifestyle factors. Results: The odds of IR lowered with increased nuts intake. Compared with the lowest tertile the medium and high nut intake tertiles had an OR of 0.587 (95% CI 0.406‐0. 847, P, 0.004) and an OR of 0.523 (95% CI 0.360‐0.762, P, 0.001) respectively. This observed association was attenuated when additionally adjusting for BMI. High nut intake was linked to lower levels of CRP (OR 0.629, 95% CI 0.420‐0.960, P, 0.014, comparing higher versus lower nut intake tertiles). However, further adjustment for BMI resulted in loss of the statistical significance. Conclusion: High nut intake favorably relates to insulin sensitivity and lower inflammatory status. BMI seems to modulate some of these effects.

Grant Funding Source: The study supported by NIH/NCI Grant # 5U01CA152939
Healthful behaviors consistent with World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research guidelines for cancer prevention and breast, prostate and colorectal cancer risk in the Framingham Offspring Cohort (1991‐2008) (370.4)
Authors: Makarem Nour , Lin Yong , Jacques Paul , Parekh Niyati
Published: June 2021

We assessed whether healthful behaviors consistent with the WCRF/AICR guidelines for cancer prevention are associated with reduced breast, prostate and colorectal cancer risk. The study sample consisted of 3,710 men and women from the Framingham Offspring cohort. Cancers were identified from medical records (1991‐2008). Data on diet, anthropometric measures and physical activity, collected in 1991 was used to construct a 6‐component score consisting of body fatness, physical activity, foods that promote weight gain, plant foods, animal foods and alcohol. Cox regression models were used to estimate associations between the computed score and its components in relation to cancer risk. The overall score was not associated with cancer risk after adjusting for age, sex, smoking, menopausal status and hormone use. When score components were evaluated separately, alcohol consumption in recommended quantities was associated with 52‐66% reduced risk of breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers. Plant foods were associated with 62% reduced risk of breast cancer (HR=0.38;95%CI:0.17‐0.84). Starchy vegetable consumption in the highest tertile was associated with >2‐fold higher breast and colorectal cancer risk. In these prospective analyses, lower consumption of starchy vegetables and alcohol intakes consistent with AICR guidelines were associated with reduced risk of breast, prostate and colorectal cancers.

Grant Funding Source: Supported by the American Cancer Society Research Scholar Grant (#RSG‐12‐005‐01‐CNE)
Relationship between plasma choline metabolites and risk of colorectal cancer in the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study (370.5)
Authors: Bae Sajin , Ulrich Cornelia , Neuhouser Marian , Malysheva Olga , Bailey Lynn , Xiao Liren , Brown Elissa , Zheng Yingye , Cheng Ting‐Yuan , Miller Joshua , Lane Dorothy , Beresford Shirley , Caudill Marie
Published: June 2021

This study assessed associations between plasma biomarkers of choline metabolism [choline, betaine, dimethylglycine, trimethylamine N‐oxide (TMAO)] and CRC risk in postmenopausal women. We selected 835 matched case‐control pairs within the WHI‐OS and measured baseline choline metabolites by liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry. CRC was assessed by self‐report and confirmed by medical records over the mean 5.2 y of follow‐up. In multivariate‐adjusted conditional logistic regression models, plasma choline tended to be positively related to rectal cancer risk [OR (95% CI) for the highest vs. lowest quartile: 2.44 (0.93, 6.40); P‐trend=0.08], while plasma betaine was inversely related to CRC risk [0.68 (0.47, 0.99); P‐trend=0.01]. The ratio of plasma betaine to choline was a stronger predictor of CRC risk than either metabolite alone [0.56 (0.39, 0.82); P‐trend=0.004 for total CRC and 0.27 (0.10, 0.78); P‐trend=0.02 for rectal tumors]. Plasma TMAO was positively related to rectal cancer [3.38 (1.25, 9.16); P‐trend=0.02] and interacted with plasma vitamin B12 (P=0.01) to influence CRC risk. The positive association between TMAO and CRC risk was stronger among women with low (vs. high) plasma vitamin B12. These data suggest that alterations in choline metabolism, which may arise early in disease development, predict excess risk of CRC in postmenopausal women.

Grant Funding Source: Supported by NIH R01 CA120523, N01WH22110, HHSN26820110
Nutritional factors are associated with glycemic control among youth with type 1 diabetes (370.6)
Authors: Mayer‐Davis Elizabeth , Lamichhane Archana , Crandell Jamie , Jaacks Lindsay , Lawrence Jean
Published: June 2021

Among youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D), we have previously shown that higher baseline intakes of n‐3 fatty acids and leucine are associated with preserved insulin secretion after two years. We extended this work to report the longitudinal associations of these and other nutritional factors with glycemic control (based on hemoglobin A1c, HbA1c). We included 996 T1D youth who had baseline and follow‐up HbA1c measurements (mean ± SD age, 10.7 ± 3.9 yrs; T1D duration, 9.4 ± 6.1 mos). Nutritional factors assessed at baseline included: breastfeeding status and timing of complimentary foods introduction; food frequency questionnaire estimated intake of leucine, carbohydrate, protein, fat, and fiber; and plasma biomarkers for Vitamins D and E, and EPA and DHA (n‐3 fatty acids). We fit linear regression models adjusted for baseline HbA1c, socio‐demographic variables, diabetes‐related variables including insulin regimen and dose, time between baseline and follow‐up visits, and other potential confounders including total calories. Higher intake of EPA (β= ‐0.06, p=0.006), protein (β= ‐0.002, p=0.049) and fat (β= ‐0.003, p=0.002) were each significantly associated with better follow‐up HbA1c. Higher carbohydrate intake was associated with worse HbA1c (β= 0.001, p=0.0003). In addition to the overall role of major macronutrients, n‐3 fatty acid intake, specifically EPA, may beneficially affect glycemic control.

Grant Funding Source: NIDDK, CDC
The effect of thermogenic and appetite suppressing capsules on mice fed a high fat diet (371.2)
Authors: DiSilvestro David , Lee L James , Ziouzenkova Ouliana
Published: June 2021

Obesity affects approximately 30% of Americans. Novel treatment methods are needed when traditional methods, like diet and exercise, fail. Increasing the basal metabolic rate through increased thermogenesis should result in weight loss through increased heat production. However, the treated subject may compensate for the weight loss with increased food consumption. Furthermore, therapies that implant unprotected thermogenic cells into fat may induce the host’s immune response. We proposed a solution to these problems by encapsulating thermogenic and potentially appetite suppressing cells in a protective porous alginate‐poly‐l‐lysine membrane. We generated a thermogenic cell line by deleting the regulatory associated protein of mTOR, in 3T3‐L1 pre‐adipocytes (RKO). We stably transduced these cells with the genes for the appetite suppressing hormones, leptin and amylin, to generate the LAR cell line. We fed 12 week old wild‐type female mice a high‐fat diet (45% kcal from fat) for 132 days and treated them with cellular or acellular/empty (E) capsules. The control group (EV‐ES) received acellular capsule injections into both subcutaneous (S) and visceral (V) fat pads. Another group (RV‐ES) received RKO capsule injections into the V fat pads and acellular capsule injections into the S fat pads. The final group (RV‐LAR_S) received RKO capsules into the V fat pads and LAR capsules into the S fat pads. At 45 days post injection, the normalized weight was less in RV‐LAR_S than in control EV‐ES mice. RV‐LAR_S also exhibited a higher resting metabolic rate as measured by heat production per kg when compared to the other groups, but glucose tolerance tests yielded similar results for all groups. The food intakes for all groups were the same. The limited capsule efficacy may be due to a limited number of encapsulated cells surviving months after injection. Our results show the efficacy of encapsulated thermocytes in increasing thermogenesis and attenuating weight gain induced by a HF diet.
Factors associated to leptin longitudinal trends throughout pregnancy differ according to pre‐gestational BMI (371.4)
Authors: Franco‐Sena Ana , Oliveira Livia , Pinto Thatiana de , Farias Dayana , Vaz Juliana dos , Kac Gilberto
Published: June 2021

Objective: To assess if longitudinal trends of leptin in pregnancy are influenced by biochemical, anthropometric and lifestyle factors in women with normal weight (NW) or excessive weight (WE) pre‐gestational body mass index (BMI). Methods: Prospective cohort of 232 pregnant women followed at 8‐13th, 20‐26th and 30‐36th gestational weeks. The effect of anthropometric, biochemical, sociodemographic and life‐style variables on longitudinal behavior of plasmatic leptin concentrations, stratifying for NW (18.5‐24.9kg/m2) and EW (蠅25kg/m2) pre‐gestational BMI was assessed through longitudinal linear mixed‐effects models. Results: Leptin median values were 20.4, 32.1, and 31.6 ng/dL, respectively for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimester. The multiple regression model for women with NW revealed associations of body weight (β=0.705, SE=0.110), quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) (β=‐59.197, SE=30.361), serum HDL‐cholesterol (β=0.231, SE=0.072) and C‐reactive protein (β=‐0.140, SE=0.067) with plasmatic leptin levels. In women with EW, serum HDL‐cholesterol (β=0.441, SE=0.145), body weight (β=0.663, SE=0.116), triglycerides levels (β=‐0.061, SE=0.027) and carbohydrate intake (β=0.029, SE=0.015) were significantly associated to leptin. Conclusion: Maternal weight, lipid profile, CRP and carbohydrate intake were associated with leptin changes throughout pregnancy, but some of these factors differ according to pre‐gestational BMI.

Grant Funding Source: Supported by FAPERJ and CNPq
Boric acid activates PERK and ARE at physiological levels (372.2)
Authors: Eckhert Curtis , Yamada Kristin
Published: June 2021

We first observed the chemopreventative nature of the plant nutrient boron as a significant association between intake and reduced risk of prostate cancer in the NHANES database and in cancer incidence across a groundwater boron gradient. Our observations have since been supported by others who showed boron intake is associated with reduced risk of lung cancer and cervical dysplasia, and lower prostate volume using ultrasound measurements. The underlying molecular mechanism involves the interaction of boric acid (BA) with cyclic ADP ribose with interruption of its endogenous Ca2+ signaling function. One of the downstream modes of action is activation of ATF4 by phosphorylation of eIF2α. Our present objective was to test the hypothesis that physiological levels of BA increase phosphorylation through PERK. We tested this using MEF WT and MEF PERK ‐/‐ cells. Treatment of MEF WT cells with10 μM BA resulted in an increase in ph‐eIF2α/total eIF2α at 0.5‐1 hours. This increase was not observed in 10 μM BA treated MEF Perk ‐/‐ cells over a 6 hour time course. To further test the hypothesis that BA activates PERK, we measured Nrf2 activation, another PERK dependent pathway in DU‐145 cells. Nrf2 activation leads to translocation from the cytoplasm to the nucleus where it acts as a transcription factor for the antioxidant response element (ARE). Using immunofluorescence we showed treatment with 10 μM BA resulted in Nrf2 translocation to the nucleus at 2 hours. We measured mRNA levels of three ARE genes (HMOX‐1, NQO1, and GCLC) using real time PCR. 10 μM BA treatment resulted in an increase in mRNA levels of all three genes at 2 hours a result that is consistent with the temporal pattern of PERK activation and Nrf2 translocation to the nucleus. These results provide further definition to the underlying processes involved in boron chemoprevention.
Interactions between circadian gene variants and fatty acid intake for metabolic syndrome risk: a meta‐analysis from the Cohorts for Heart and Aging Research in Genomic Epidemiology Consortium (373.2)
Authors: Dashti Hassan , Smith Caren , Tanaka Toshiko , Ordovás José
Published: June 2021

The circadian system is the body’s endogenous clock that governs a wide range of physiological systems and behaviors, and is regulated primarily by light and food intake. Variants in genes encoding components of the system result in circadian dysregulation, and have recently been linked to metabolic syndrome (MetS). In order to identify modifiable factors to attenuate the risk of MetS in individuals susceptible to circadian dysregulation, we investigated relationships between diet and these genetic risk factors in eight studies from the CHARGE consortium (up to 10,495 European descent individuals). In fixed‐effects meta‐analyses, we evaluated interactions between fatty acid (FA) intake and 5 variants on MetS. No interaction reached significance after multiple correction testing. However, the rs1387153 variant near MTNR1B, which encodes a circadian hormone receptor, interacted nominally (P = 0.01) with polyunsaturated FA intake on HOMA‐IR (homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance). Additionally, we explored the role of sleep duration as a modulator of dietary intake. Consistent with previous studies, sleep duration was associated with total (P=0.03) and saturated (P=0.02) FA intake, only in women. The current findings inform understanding of complex relationships between circadian and metabolic physiology and may be of application for personalized recommendations to reduce MetS burden.
Towards nutrigenomics: studies to identify gene‐diet interactions affecting susceptibility to cardiovascular disease (373.4)
Authors: Bennett Brian , Corbin Karen , Smallwood Tangi , O'Connor annalouise , Zeisel Steven
Published: June 2021

Science has been revolutionized by the advent of high‐throughput technologies of the ‐omic scale. Nutrigenomics aims to identify genetic and dietary interactions that affect gene expression. A goal of nutrigenomics is to identify novel gene x diet interactions that increase susceptibility to disease. Nutrigenomics approaches can incorporate multiple scales of data, such as mRNA and metabolite levels, to identify these novel interactions. One scale of data that is particularly promising for nutrigenomic studies is metabolomics, system‐wide study of small molecule metabolites. An example of the utility of metabolomics are the recent studies identifying specific choline metabolites as predictive of cardiovascular disease. In particular, circulating levels of the trimethylamine N‐oxide (TMAO) and betaine are associated with increased atherosclerosis in humans and mice.

Our current research is aimed at developing a nutrigenomic platform. To accomplish this, we employ a systems‐genetic approach to elucidate the genetic and dietary factors affecting cardiovascular susceptibility. We have initiated a set of studies across genetically diverse mouse strains to understand basal and diet‐induced changes in choline metabolism, focused on TMAO and betaine metabolism. Initial results thus far demonstrate that choline metabolites vary by genetic background, are affected by diet and that dietary challenges elicit a genetic x diet interaction that may involve the microbiome. We have extended these studies using the Diversity Outbred (DO) mouse panel recently developed by the Jackson Laboratory to identify a novel locus regulating TMAO levels in mice. Overall, these studies offer a proof a principle for an approach to nutrigenomic studies.

Grant Funding Source: Pilot funds from the Nutrition Obesity Research Center (P30DK056350) and the NHLBI (4R00HL102223)
Ganoderma lucidum ReishiMax restored aging‐related changes in expressions of multiple gene pathways in normal aging mice (373.6)
Authors: Tan Ningzhi , Gao Ling , Xu Chi , Yang Jieying , Zhang Yan , Zhao Chunsheng , Dong Yunzi , Lu Jihong , Han Jacky , Zhu Jia‐Shi
Published: June 2021

Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) is traditionally used as a medicinal herb in China for immune enhancement, cancer prevention and adjuvant therapy. We reported that ReishiMax (RM) with enrichment of Reishi triterpenes and polysaccharides extends the lifespan of mice (FASEB J 2012, 26:373.2). We further studied molecular mechanisms of RM’s anti‐aging effect in aged mice. Aging‐induced changes in gene pathway expressions (GE) were tested via microarray on the liver, spleen, muscle and neocortex from young (5 mo), old (25 mo) and old RM treated (0.175 g/kg) mice (n=16 each). With a setting of FDR q<0.01, aging related changes in gene sets were noted as differentially expressed GOs (DEG). RM reversed those DEG, 842 of them up‐regulated and 229 down‐regulated. DEG with aging and after RM were correlated negatively: remarkably in muscle PCC= ‐0.82, or in spleen ‐0.93, but moderately in liver ‐0.53 or in neocortex ‐0.55. Cancer and metabolism pathways were highlighted. GESA analysis showed that RM down‐regulated TGF‐beta signaling pathway via altered expressions of 2 sets of transcriptional factors. In conclusion, our study shows that RM reverses multiple aging‐related changes in GE as the molecular mechanisms of the lifespan extending effects of RM. RM down‐regulates the TGF‐beta signaling pathway, which may play an important role in anti‐aging.
Indigenous status is a risk factor for co‐occurrence of stunting and overweight in Peru (378.4)
Authors: Fernald Lia , Jandali Iman , Behrman Jere
Published: June 2021

We examined the effect of indigenous status on the co‐occurrence of stunting and overweight in a sample of children aged 4‐6 in Peru using data from the Young Lives study. Multinomial regression analysis was used to examine the association between child, caregiver, and household characteristics with overweight (BMI‐for‐age z score >1SD above median) and stunting (height‐for‐age z score <‐2SD below median). Indigenous status was determined using child’s first language as a proxy measure. 226 (11.6%) of our sample of 1,963 children was simultaneously stunted and overweight. After controlling for sex, age, maternal BMI, maternal education, wealth, household size, food security, and geographic region, indigenous status was a significant predictor of the co‐occurrence of childhood overweight and stunting. The predicted relative risk of the co‐occurrence of both stunting and overweight was 2.56 for indigenous children (95% CI=1.29, 5.12; p=0.01). Significant associations were also found for child, caregiver, and household characteristics. The co‐occurrence of stunting and overweight was inversely associated with being female (RR=0.54; 95% CI=0.38, 0.78; p=0.01). Lower wealth quintile (RR=0.48; 95% CI=0.25, 0.94; p=0.05) and higher maternal BMI (RR=1.95; 95% CI=1.20, 3.17; p=0.01) were also significantly associated with the simultaneous occurrence of overweight and stunting. Larger household size (5+ members) (RR=1.68; 95% CI=1.03, 2.75; p=0.01), and residing in the Sierra region (RR=1.69; 95% CI=1.03, 2.75; p=0.01) were also significant predictors. The results of this study suggest that indigenous status is a significant risk factor for the co‐occurrence of stunting and overweight. Further research is needed to understand the pathways through which indigenous status may increase the risk for the co‐occurrence of overweight and stunting; interventions will be critically important to address the simultaneous presence of these nutritional conditions.
Social and cultural influences of maternal capacities that influence child feeding in Uganda (378.5)
Authors: Ickes Scott , Wright Timothy , Pugh Laura
Published: June 2021

We conducted in‐depth interview (n=96) and focus groups (n=10) among mothers and fathers of diverse ages in eastern and western Uganda to define the relevant domains of maternal capacities and their relationship to infant and young child feeding practices. This study was directed by a developing theory of maternal capacities that posits that the impact of health‐directed interventions may be limited by unmeasured and poorly understood maternal characteristics. Ugandan caregivers defined three major life events that constrain women's capacity for childcare: early pregnancy, close child spacing, and polygamous marriage. Women describe major constraints in their decision‐making capabilities generally and specifically to procuring food for young children. Men and women agree that fathers are the final decision‐makers in major decisions, but are amendable to greater maternal participation. Future nutrition programs may improve their impact in these settings through activities that engage household decision‐making scenarios, and that strengthen women's social support networks. Findings suggest that efforts to protect adolescent girls from becoming young mothers may be one additional way to improve nutrition outcomes in poor communities with a generally low status of women relative to men.

Grant Funding Source: Supported by William and Mary Charles Center Monroe Scholarship, Schroeder Center for Health Policy
Relationship between household structure, maternal education and undernutrition in Brazilian children (378.7)
Authors: Barrios Pamela , Hoffman Daniel
Published: June 2021

The prevalence of child malnutrition is high in many regions of the world, especially in developing countries. Previous research shows that there is a strong link between maternal education and children’s health. For example, children born to educated women are less likely to be underweight, wasted and stunted. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between maternal education and child stunting in Brazil using the Women’s National Demographic and Health Survey 2006. Maternal education was estimated by the years of schooling completed (no education to 蠅12 years) and stunting was defined by height for age Z (HAZ) 蠄 ‐2SD in children under 60 months of age. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association between maternal education and the risk of having a stunted child. From a final sample of 3,399 mother‐child dyads, 251 (7%) of the children had a height‐for‐age Z‐score < ‐2 SD. The majority of mothers were between 25‐34 years of age (48.4%) and achieved primary education level (58.3%). It was determined that for every additional year of education completed by the mother, the odds of having a stunted child decreased by 17% [(OR) = 0.83; 95% (CI) 0.70, 0.97], independent of individual (maternal age) and household (wealth) level factors. Based on the results of these data, maternal education persists as a strong predictor of a child’s nutritional status, even when controlling for confounding factors. Given that stunting is a strong predictor of human capital, improving woman’s education may contribute to an improvement in the overall health of children.
Maternal feeding styles and preschool children’s influence of sugar‐sweetened beverages and fruit juice purchases (379.2)
Authors: Guzman Melissa , Lora Karina , Sisson Susan , Anderson Michael , Mayeux Lara
Published: June 2021

Parental feeding styles have been associated with child weight status and food intake and may also be related to the extent of child influence on maternal purchasing behaviors. The purpose of the study was to examine the association of maternal feeding styles with preschool children’s influence on maternal purchases of sugar‐sweetened beverages (SSB: juice drinks, soda, and sports drinks) and fruit juice (FJ) in low‐income families. This was a cross‐sectional study of 200 mothers in Oklahoma City. Participants provided demographic information, frequency of co‐shopping with the child, and child purchasing influence of SSB and FJ. Feeding styles were assessed with the Caregiver Feeding Styles Questionnaire based on demandingness and responsiveness (low: 1, high: 5). Mothers were 52% African‐American and 20% Latino. Maternal demandingness (mean ± SD) was 2.61 ± 0.65, and responsiveness was 1.25 ± 0.19. Mothers reported more frequent influence by their child to help select and purchase SSB compared to FJ (p<0.05). Further, child influence for FJ purchases was associated with maternal responsiveness (r =0.17, p=0.014) while no significant associations existed with SSB. Higher responsiveness indicated a mother’s willingness to allow the child to help her select FJ to purchase more often. High maternal responsiveness may allow the child to influence selection of healthier beverage options.
A pilot worksite nutrition intervention improves firefighter diets and reduces body weight: results from the Firefighter Food Intervention, Research and Evaluation study (379.8)
Authors: Goheer Attia , Bailey Maryanne , Cheskin Lawrence , Gittelsohn Joel , Pollack Keshia
Published: June 2021

Over 80% of firefighters are classified as overweight or obese and the primary cause of on‐duty death is heart attacks. Previous programs designed to improve the health of firefighters have primarily focused on physical activity. Firefighters from eight fire stations across Maryland (six intervention (n=90), two control (n=25)) enrolled in a novel quasi‐experimental six‐month worksite nutrition intervention based on an analytic framework for worksite interventions suggested by the Task Force on Community Preventive Services. Monthly sessions at intervention stations included nutrition presentations and cooking demonstrations. Kitchen equipment, resource libraries, and vending machine recommendations were provided to improve station food environments, and discounts on healthier options at local restaurants were negotiated. 87% of intervention participants tried a new food or food preparation method and 71% reported changes in their home food environments. Preliminary results suggest statistically significant improvements in total caloric intake, percent empty calories, weight and percent body fat, and advancement through the Stages of Change for recommended dietary behaviors. These results suggest myriad physical, behavioral and environmental improvements which extend beyond individual fire stations. This pilot intervention can inform future worksite interventions to combat obesity.

Grant Funding Source: Supported by Dept Homeland Security, FEMA's Assistance to Firefighters Grant Prgm, EMW‐2007‐FP‐01040
Human milk plasmalogens: an unrecognized pool of novel lipid enriched in long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (38.1)
Authors: Moukarzel Sara , Dyer Roger , Innis Sheila
Published: June 2021

Ethanolamine plasmalogens (EPLas) are unique phospholipids (PL) with potential roles in development of the brain and intestine, where they are present in high amounts. PLas, like arachidonic (20:4n‐6) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n‐3) are found only in animal lipid. They are present in human milk, but not milk substitutes or intravenous lipid. Their characteristics, including fatty acid composition, are poorly understood in part due to challenges of separation and recovery from diacyl PL which differ from PLas by the lack of a carbonyl group on the sn‐1 glycerol carbon. Our objectives were to develop methodology for separation, recovery and analysis of EPLas from human and cow milk, then determine their composition together with that of milk total lipid, diacyl ethanolamine PL (PE) and phosphatidylcholine (PC). Milk PL were separated using solid phase extraction, then diacyl PE, EPLas and PC separated by HPLC, recovered and their fatty acids determined by GLC for mature milk from 25 women. Human milk EPLas were enriched in long chain n‐6 and n‐3 fatty acids, 20:4n‐6 11.2 ±1.4%, eicosapentanoic (20:5 n‐3) 1.2 ± 0.7%, adrenic acid (22:4n‐6) 2.2 ± 0.5%, and DHA 2.9 ± 1.4 % compared to 3.6 ± 0.8; 0.7 ± 0.3; 0.3 ± 0.2; and 1.5 ± 0.9%, respectively, in PE and 0.47 ± 0.07; 0.14 ± 0.09; 0.08 ± 0.02; and 0.39 ± 0.3%, respectively, in milk total lipid. We found a significant correlation between DHA in milk total lipid and PE (r =0.57) and PC (r=0.42), but not EPLas (r=0.13), suggesting little variability in EPLas with maternal diet. Intriguingly, cow milk colostrum and mature milk show similar patterns. In conclusion, our work raises the question of whether EPLas are a distinct pool of bioactive, tightly regulated milk lipids that contribute to n‐6 and n‐3 fatty acids in the breast‐fed infant.
Diet‐induced obesity compromises lactation through zinc‐mediated ER stress and autophagy, promoting premature involution (38.6)
Authors: Hennigar Stephen , Velasquez Vanessa , Kelleher Shannon
Published: June 2021

Overweight/obese mothers are less likely to initiate and maintain lactation; however, the biological mechanisms are not understood. During normal involution, the proinflammatory cytokine TNFα stimulates the redistribution of the zinc (Zn) transporter ZnT2 to lysosomes to activate autophagic cell death. Thus, we hypothesized that obesity‐associated inflammation compromises lactation by redistributing subcellular Zn pools and promoting premature involution. Female DBA/J2 mice were fed a high fat diet (HFD; 45% kcal fat) until they were >20% heavier than mice fed a control diet (CD; 10% kcal fat). Mice were mated and fed their diets until lactation day 5. 77% of HFD mice failed to nurse their pups to day 5 (CD, 39%; p<0.001). Lactating HFD mice had 55% more macrophages (p<0.001) and elevated TNFα expression (p<0.05) in the mammary gland compared with CD mice. HFD mice had greater ZnT2 abundance in lysosomes, a 41% increase in acid phosphatase activity (p<0.05) and greater LC3‐II expression. HFD mice had decreased expression of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Zn exporter ZIP7 and increased ER Zn (p<0.05) and BiP expression (p<0.05). Importantly, HFD mice had significantly higher pStat3 expression (p<0.05). Our results suggest inflammation compromises lactation by mediating Zn retention in the ER and lysosomes, activating ER stress and autophagy and promoting premature involution.
Economic resources and childhood overweight: a quasi‐experiment (380.3)
Authors: Jones‐Smith Jessica
Published: June 2021

Economic resources and childhood overweight: A quasi‐experiment
Objective: Our objective was to use a natural experiment approach to test whether increases in economic resources stemming from American Indian‐owned casinos resulted in decreased overweight risk.

Methods: We used a quasi‐experimental design with repeated cross‐sectional anthropometric measurements (n=22,863) of American Indian children (ages 7‐18) in California between 2001 and 2012. Children were considered exposed to a casino if the school district they attended encompassed a casino on American Indian tribal lands. Children in districts with tribal lands, but without a casino, were considered unexposed to casinos. We further characterized casinos according to the size of the casino and estimated size of the affiliated tribal population. Outcomes were children’s body mass index and overweight/obesity.

Results: American Indian children from school districts that gained or expanded a casino experienced a significant reduction in the probability of overweight. Every additional 10 slot machines per capita decreased the probability of overweight by 2 percentage points (β = ‐0.02 (95% CI: ‐0.03, ‐0.01)), which, for an overweight prevalence of 48%, is a 4% decline in risk of overweight.

Conclusions: Our findings support a causal role for economic resources in reducing childhood risk for overweight among American Indian children.

Grant Funding Source: Supported by NIH NICHD (K99 HD073327).
The effects of a high‐protein afternoon snack containing soy on appetite control, satiety, and subsequent food intake in young people (381.7)
Authors: Leidy Heather , Shafer Rebecca , Todd Chelsie , Ortinau Laura
Published: June 2021

Background: Nutrient‐poor snacking has substantially contributed to the obesity epidemic, particularly in young people. Purpose: To examine the effects of a nutrient‐rich, high‐protein (HP) snack vs. a typical nutrient‐poor, high‐fat (HF) snack on appetite control, satiety, and subsequent food intake in young people. Design: Thirty‐two healthy adolescents (age: 17 ± 1 y) randomly consumed 260 kcal afternoon snacks containing HP (26 g protein; 6 g fat; 27 g CHO) or HF (4 g protein; 12 g fat; 32 g CHO) or had no snack (NS) for 3 days. On day 4, the participants came to our facility 2h prior to their respective snack pattern to complete the 8h testing day. Pre and post‐snack appetite questionnaires were completed throughout the day until dinner was voluntarily requested. Ad libitum dinner and evening snacks were provided. Results: Although both snacks reduced hunger, desire to eat, and prospective food consumption and increased fullness vs. NS (all, P<0.001), the HP snack led to greater reductions in hunger vs. HF (P<0.05). Only the HP snack delayed subsequent eating vs. NS (P<0.05). Lastly, the HP snack reduced evening snacking by ‐445 ± 145 kcal, particularly from high fat and high sugar foods vs. NS (P<0.005), while HF had no effect. Conclusions: The daily consumption of a high‐protein afternoon snack containing soy led to improved appetite control, satiety, and reduced unhealthy evening snacking in young people.

Grant Funding Source: Supported by DuPont Nutrition & Health
EPA and DHA increase the frequency of murine B cell subsets and restore antibody production in obesity upon stimulation with a T‐independent antigen (382.5)
Authors: Teague Heather , Harris Mitchel , Shaikh Saame
Published: June 2021

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), the bioactive components of fish oil, exert immunomodulatory properties. The impact of EPA and DHA supplementation on murine B cell function is poorly studied. We first determined the effects of fish oil on B cell phenotypes and antibody production in obese mice upon stimulation with a T‐independent antigen. Fish oil intervention increased the frequency of transitional 1 and marginal zone B cells in obese mice. Fish oil restored the decrement in circulating IgM in obesity and increased antibody production in lean mice. We then measured the effects of EPA and DHA ethyl esters on B cell activation upon supplementation to an obesogenic diet. Ex vivo stimulation of B cells with lipopolysaccharide increased B cell activation as measured by TNF‐α and IL‐6 secretion. DHA, but not EPA, increased B cell IL‐10 production. In vivo, EPA and DHA differentially increased the frequency of transitional 1, transitional 2 and pre‐marginal zone cells. Taken together, the data establish that fish oil can boost B‐cell mediated immunity in obesity and that EPA and DHA ethyl esters exert differential effects on B cells.
Intakes of dietary fat components on the nutrition facts panel are associated with indices of body composition in children (383.3)
Authors: Bohan Brown Michelle , Fernandez Jose
Published: June 2021

Packaged food in the United States has a nutrition facts panel on the label where daily recommended values for each of the nutritional components are listed. With concerns about obesity and the role nutrition may play in obesity development, we investigated if nutritional components are associated with body composition indices and if the association is a simple association or if it can be altered by genetic predisposition for obesity. Fat mass index (FMI = fat mass/height2), lean mass index (LMI = lean mass/height2), and BMI were calculated for 279 children of European‐, African‐ and Hispanic‐American background. Fat mass and lean mass were determined using dual x‐ray absorptiometry. Total fat, monounsaturated fat (MUFA), polyunsaturated fat (PUFA), carbohydrate, sugar, fiber, and protein intakes were obtained from 24 hour dietary recall. Obesity genetic risk score (ORS) was calculated from 13 single nucleotide polymorphisms by counting the number of obesity‐risk alleles. Models evaluating the association of BMI, LMI, and FMI with dietary components, dietary components and ORS, and the interaction of ORS and nutrition components were adjusted by standard covariates. FMI was associated with the interaction of MUFA and ORS (b= ‐0.018, p=0.042). LMI was associated with the interaction of PUFA and ORS (b=0.013, p=0.049). Association of total fat intake and LMI was suppressed until ORS was added to the model (b=0.0011, p=0.036). The relationship between dietary components and indices of body composition exists with dietary fat components. Associations of dietary components with body composition were more complex than thought and this complexity should be taken into consideration in modeling of these relationships.

Grant Funding Source: NIDDK T32 DK062710, NIDDK P30DK056336, NIDDK R01 DK067426
Influence of the supply network on the availability of healthy foods in small food stores of urban, low‐income settings (384.4)
Authors: Mui Yeeli , Adam Atif , Kharmats Anna , Budd Nadine , Lee Bruce , Gittelsohn Joel
Published: June 2021

Disparities in healthy food access commonly exist in urban low‐income neighborhoods, where small food stores predominate. What is not commonly understood is the supply network of these small food stores, and how this influences the food they stock. We conducted a network analysis to assess the influence of the supply network of corner stores on food procurement patterns and stocking of essential foods (fresh produce) versus non‐essential foods (snacks and beverages). We surveyed a sample of corner stores (n=24) in low‐income neighborhoods of Baltimore City, their suppliers (wholesalers, warehouse clubs, supermarkets, superstores) and their delivery vendors that provide shipments from manufacturers. Preliminary findings showed that, on average, each corner store is connected to more delivery vendors (6) than suppliers (3), resulting in a greater supply of non‐essential foods. Furthermore, non‐essential food procurement was more likely in corner stores with greater numbers and types of delivery vendors. With few alternatives, corner stores also show more reliance on a limited number of wholesalers in procuring essential foods. Our study highlights the significance in analyzing the supply network structure to identify potential points of intervention. To improve the availability of essential foods in small food stores, efforts are needed to increase diversity and density in a corner store’s supply network.
Thirty‐year trends in alcoholic beverage consumption among U.S. adults (384.8)
Authors: Butler Lauren , Poti Jennifer , Popkin Barry
Published: June 2021

Little is known about alcoholic beverage consumption trends from 1977‐2010 among US adults. To examine if disparities exist by socio‐demographic subgroups, we used multivariable linear and logistic regression models to examine trends in daily prevalence of drinking and per‐consumer intake of alcoholic beverage calories among Americans 蠅 19 years (n=80,987) from five surveys of dietary intake from 1977‐2010. Time interactions were tested for gender, age, race/ethnicity and income. From 1977‐2010, the daily prevalence of drinking alcohol doubled for men (17% to 31%) and women (8% to 17%). Increases were greatest for Non‐Hispanic Blacks (7% to 22%), Americans aged 60+, (9% to 22%) and those from low‐income households (7% to 20%). Among consumers, mean daily calories from alcoholic beverages increased significantly from 276 to 318 kcal/d between 1977‐78 and 2007‐2010. Intake was significantly higher for males compared to females, younger age groups compared to adults 60+ years, and Non‐Hispanic Whites (NHW) compared to Mexican Americans for all survey years. Men consumed significantly more calories from beer than women from 1977‐2010, whereas women consumed higher calories from wine from 1994‐2010. Trends in alcoholic beverage intake varied by socio‐demographic factors and suggest that males, younger adults, and NHW might be vulnerable to negative health effects of high consumption of alcohol calories.

Grant Funding Source: Supported by NIH‐NRSA (Grant 5T32DK768620); Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (Grant 70017)