bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Candy vs. snacks: parent and child discussions of characteristics that define candy and snack foods (1022.4)
Authors: Bleser Julia , Rollins Brandi , Birch Leann
Published: June 2021

Despite an increasing focus on the intake of snack foods, not much research has studied variations in parents’ and children’s definitions, categorizations, and conceptualizations of candy and other snack foods. Focus groups with parents (n=35) and structured interviews with children aged 5‐8 (n=38) were conducted to examine their views and perceptions around candy and other snack foods. Parents and their children also completed a card sort task with 39 images of snack foods and candies, in which they were asked to group similar foods together. Food groupings were analyzed in Syncaps (Syntagam Ltd., UK) using hierarchical clustering. Results for the card sort tasks revealed that both parents and children separated foods traditionally viewed as candy (e.g. chocolate, lollipops) from other snack foods (cookies, chips, and natural snacks), and often grouped the candies into categories labeled “chocolate” or “candy”. When asked for characteristics that define candy in relation to other snack foods, parents tended to say that candy was less healthy, had artificial coloring and flavoring, had higher sugar content and sweetness, or had chewy, hard, or crunchy textures; data from children revealed both similarities and differences from their parents’ views on candy. Candy is considered qualitatively distinct from other snack foods by parents and children based on its nutritional and compositional characteristics. These findings suggest the need to separate candy from snack foods in diet assessment tools to better capture candy and snack consumption.

Grant Funding Source: USDA 2011‐67001‐30117 Childhood Obesity Prevention Training Program
Prevalence of anemia and iron deficiency among pregnant adolescents (1024.10)
Authors: Lee Sunmin , Guillet Ronnie , Cooper Elizabeth , Westerman Mark , Orlando Mark , Pressman Eva , O'Brien Kimberly
Published: June 2021

Pregnant adolescents may be at high risk for anemia and iron deficiency (ID) yet few data are available in this group. Longitudinal changes in iron (Fe) status and anemia were assessed in 255 pregnant adolescents (蠄 18 y) and associations between Fe status indices and hepcidin and inflammatory markers were examined (蠅 12 weeks gestation until term). Maternal serum was obtained during pregnancy (26.0 ± 3.3 weeks) and at delivery (39.8 ± 1.3 weeks) for assessment of TfR, ferritin, total body iron, hepcidin, EPO, CRP, IL‐6, IL‐10, TNF‐α. Hemoglobin data were abstracted from the medical records. Prevalence of anemia increased significantly across gestation (4‐6% in 1st and 2nd trimester), 18% (3rd trimester) and 27% (at delivery). Iron deficiency (TfR > 8.5 mg/L) at delivery was double that observed during gestation (7% vs. 14%, p = 0.04). Significantly higher levels of hepcidin (p < 0.05) and cytokines (p < 0.05) were found at delivery compared to measures during pregnancy, which confounded interpretation of serum ferritin at delivery. Of all indicators examined, EPO showed the most robust correlations with all other Fe status indicators, suggesting its utility to indicate low Fe status and increased erythropoietic activity at any time point across gestation including delivery. Early and targeted screening and monitoring of Fe status is warranted to prevent maternal anemia and provide optimal maternal Fe in support of fetal development. Supported by USDA 2005‐35200; 2008‐01857.

Grant Funding Source: USDA 2005‐35200; 2008‐01857
Development of instructions and tape measure to improve accuracy of parental report of preschool height (1024.5)
Authors: Martin‐Biggers Jennifer , Yorkin Meredith , Lozada Carolina , Alleman Gayle A , Hongu Nobuku , Worobey John , Byrd‐Bredbenner Carol
Published: June 2021

Accurate height measurements are essential to calculating BMI. An iterative process was used to develop materials to improve the accuracy with which parents in an obesity‐prevention program measured and reported child height. Phase A used brief, written, stepwise instructions that were cognitively tested, operationalized by parents using equipment provided by researchers, and refined using parent feedback and researcher observations after each of 3 testing rounds (n=6,13,5). Researcher and parent child height measurements did not differ significantly in Round 1 & 2 (mean difference within +0.18”+0.58SD). Round 3 revealed instructions were too difficult for parents with less formal education. Phase B used a brief narrated video that was tested and refined over a series of 4 rounds (n=9,13,5,5; 56% had high school or less; 44% had some college). Common errors were not verifying TM straightness, hanging TM over a baseboard, not removing child shoes, not having child breath in‐out before taking measurements, and misreading fractions. The TM was revised to label each ¼” mark. The video was refined and retested until differences between researcher and parent measurements were within +0.38”+0.48SD in the last testing round. Compared to written instructions, parents rated the video as clearer (4.88±0.34 vs 4.5±0.75SD) and felt the video would improve their child height measurements (4.98±0.09SD vs 4.09±1.16SD).

Grant Funding Source: Supported by USDA, National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Grant Number 2011‐68001‐30170
High vitamin D and calcium intakes increase bone mineral content in diet‐induced obesity (1029.3)
Authors: Song Qingming , Sergeev Igor
Published: June 2021

Obesity can be detrimental to health of the growing bone, including an increased risk of bone fractures, because it is often associated with low vitamin D and calcium status. In this study, we determined effects of vitamin D and calcium supplementation on bone mineral content and blood biomarkers of Ca2+, vitamin D and bone metabolism in diet‐induced obese mice. Four‐week‐old male C57BL/6J mice were fed for 10 weeks either a high fat (HF) diet (60% energy from fat) or HF diets containing 1.2% Ca, 10000 IU/kg vitamin D3 and their combination. The results obtained demonstrated that high Ca and vitamin D intakes increase bone Ca and P content and have no effect on bone collagen (hydroxyproline) content, as compared with the HF diet group. High vitamin D3 intake significantly increased plasma concentrations of Ca2+, 25(OH)D, 1,25(OH)2D and decreased concentration of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and osteocalcin in HF diet‐fed mice. High Ca intake suppressed PTH but also increased plasma Ca2+. These findings suggest that the vitamin D and Ca supplementation improves bone status in obesity by increasing bone mineralization and, probably, suppressing bone resorption via PTH/1,25(OH)2D axis.

Grant Funding Source: Supported by USDA 2009‐35200‐05008 and SD00H325 to I.N.S..
Differentiation effect on monolayer integrity and inflammatory response in Caco2 cells in vitro (1034.11)
Authors: Racicot Kenneth , Tanzer Elyse , Chen C‐Y. Oliver
Published: June 2021

Intestinal mucosa models using Caco‐2 cells have been utilized extensively to evaluate bioavailability of nutrients, drugs and mechanisms of inflammation and innate immune responses. However, data is absent on whether Caco‐2 differentiation will affect inflammatory and immune responses in vitro. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of cell differentiation on innate immune responses when stimulated with a pro‐inflammatory cytokine, IL‐1β and the resulting effect on monolayer integrity and permeability. Caco‐2 monolayers were established in a Transwell® system, and stimulated with 100ug/ml IL‐1β for 72h at 1, 7, 14, 21, and 28d post‐seeding. Monolayer integrity, determined by Transepithelial electrical resistance, showed maximum resistance at 21d, fluorescent dextran permeability at a minimum by 21d, and differentiation assessed by alkaline phosphatase expression maximum by 21d. Inflammatory cytokine panel via flow cytometry confirmed production of inflammatory cytokine IL‐8. Production of hBD‐1, determined via ELISA, increased significantly more than hBD‐2 and in parallel to differentiation over 28 d with an additional inducible effect due to IL‐1β stimulation. In conclusion, hBD‐1, not hBD‐2, appears to be predominant expressed antimicrobial peptide in Caco‐2 differentiated cells.

Grant Funding Source: Dept. of the Army (DA) and USDA
Development of GC‐MS method for quantification of phenolic acids after in vitro fecal fermentation (1044.4)
Authors: Quirós‐Sauceda Ana , Clark Miles , Racicot Kenneth , Polasky Daniel , González‐Aguilar Gustavo , Blumberg Jeffrey , Chen C‐Y.
Published: June 2021

Unabsorbed polyphenols are subject to metabolism catalyzed by colonic microbiota into a wide range of phenolic acids (PA) with implications for gut health. The aim of this study was to develop a reliable, sensitive method for quantification of PA generated from in vitro anaerobic fecal fermentation. Fecal ferment containing 2% fecal matter (w/v) were purified by solid‐phase extraction (SPE) using a Phenomenex Strata SDB‐L cartridge. PA in the resulting SPE eluate were derivatized sequentially by halogenation using 30% pentafluorobenzyl bromide and 10% diisopropylethylamine and by silylation using 10% trymethylchlorosilane in BSTFA. This 2‐step protocol diminished the impact of ambient humidity on derivatization reproducibility compared to silylation alone. SPE recovery averaged 70% for 25 quantified PA. The derivatized products were separated by a 0.25 mm x 0.25 µm GC column and determined by an Agilent GC‐MS operated in an electron ionization and SIM modes. The internal standard was 4’‐hydroxy‐3’‐methoxyacetophenone. The limit of detection ranged from 1 to 10 ng/mL and the limit of quantification from 10 to 100 ng/mL. The linearity of standard curves constructed from PA spiked into the fecal ferment was r² >0.99. The intra‐day coefficient of variation for authenticated PA standards was <9% and for standards spiked into the fecal ferment was <14%. (Funded by Department of Army, CONACYT, and USDA)

Grant Funding Source: Supported by Department of Army, CONACYT, and USDA
Analysis of polymethoxyflavones effects on human colon cancer cells using Raman microscopy (1045.36)
Authors: Zhang Hua , Xiao Hang , He Lili
Published: June 2021

Nobiletin and 5‐demethylnobiletin (5DN) are two major citrus polymethoxyflavones (PMFs) that have been shown to have anti‐cancer effects. However, their exact mode of action against cancer cells remains unclear. Raman spectroscopy is a molecular vibrational spectroscopy that can be used to noninvasively measure chemical signatures of a single cell without a chemical label. Herein, we determined the cellular response of human colon cancer HT29 cells to nobiletin and 5DN using Raman microscopy. The colon cancer cells were cultured and treated with nobiletin and 5DN for 48 hours. The cells were directly measured in culture media under the Raman microscope. Raman images of cells treated with nobiletin and 5DN showed significantly reduced protein peak intensity. Compared with 5DN, nobiletin induced greater reduction of nucleic acid peak intensity. In addition, the image of cells treated with 5DN show significant changes in the lipid profile with higher of lipid intensity and altered cell structure. These data suggested that 5DN may directly interact with cell membrane. The Raman data were in a good agreement with the flow cytometry data that showed nobiletin and 5DN caused cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase and G2/M phase, respectively. Our results indicated that Raman microscopy is able to provide overall biochemical profiles of a single cell, which is very useful to provide macromolecular information complementary to flow cytometry.

Grant Funding Source: Supported by USDA
Superficial neuromasts as proprioceptive receptors in poeciliid fish (1050.11)
Authors: Martinez‐Rivera Noraida , Serrano‐Velez Jose , Torres‐Vazquez Irma , Rosa‐Molinar Eduardo
Published: June 2021

The sense of position and movement of the paired and/or unpaired fins (“fin”, hereafter) is critical for executing rapid motor behavior in fishes. However, the location of the proprioceptive receptors involved in proprioception of fin movement is unknown; also unknown is whether or not afferent signals generated during fin movement are encoded to a “central body map” in the brain to reference the location of the fin in space. Here we provide results of work to describe and define the role of a mechanosensory receptor, the superficial neuromast, as a proprioceptive receptor in the male Western Mosquitofish, Gambusia affinis (“Mosquitofish”, hereafter). We sought to clarify whether or not superficial neuromasts associated with the male Mosquitofish sexually dimorphic fin serve as proprioceptive receptors for the proprioception of the fin to perform synchronous‐rapid‐rhythmic (SRR) movements essential for non‐cooperative coitus. In male Mosquitofish, we found that the number and distribution of the superficial neuromasts associated with the sexually dimorphic fin were significantly different (p = 2.6704 e‐05) from those found in female Mosquitofish. Removal of superficial neuromasts from the male resulted in significant impairment of SSR movements. These results suggest that the superficial neuromasts associated with the sexually dimorphic fin in the male Mosquitofish should be considered as a proprioceptive receptor.

Grant Funding Source: Research supported by NSF‐1137725
GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter in ganglia of the bivalve mollusc, Crassostrea virginica (1059.4)
Authors: Mathieu Sadchla , Sylvain Darlene , Walden Fatima , Catapane Edward , Carroll Margaret
Published: June 2021

In most studied bivalves, beating rate of gill lateral cilia is controlled by a reciprocal serotonergic‐dopaminergic innervation from their cerebral ganglion (CG) and visceral ganglia (VG). GABA is a major inhibitory neurotransmitter in molluscs and other animals, but its actions have not been well studied in bivalves. We previously showed GABA inhibited actions of serotonin (HT) on increasing cilia beating when both were applied to the CG of C. virginica. We hypothesize GABA is also an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the VG of C. virginica and inhibits the excitatory HT neurons there as well. We tested this by examining effects of GABA at the VG. Cilia beating rates were measured by stroboscopic microscopy in animal preparations in which innervation of the gill by the CG was cut, but the innervation of the gill by the VG was left intact. Superfusing HT (10‐6 ‐ 10‐3M) to the VG produced a dose‐dependent increase in beating from an average basal rates of 10 beats/min to 25 beats/min. Superfusing GABA (10‐6 ‐ 10‐3M) did not alter beating. Superfusing HT in the presence of increasing concentrations of GABA resulted in a dose‐dependent blockage of the HT induced response. This study in conjunction with our previous work is showing GABA is working at both the CG and VG as an inhibitory ganglionic neurotransmitter in C. virginica to inhibit the HT neurons that innervate the gill and speed up the beating of the lateral gill cilia.

Grant Funding Source: NIH‐2R25GM0600309, NYSED‐0516041071, NSF‐0622197
Hypoxic incubation alters cardiovascular response to Ang II in embryonic chickens (Gallus gallus) (1067.3)
Authors: Tate Kevin , Crossley Dane
Published: June 2021

The renin angiotensin system (RAS) is a critical regulatory mechanism contributing to cardiovascular homeostasis. Angiotensin II (Ang II) is the primary peptide of the system eliciting a strong vasopressor response. While blood volume stress has been the primary perturbation used to study the RAS during vertebrate development, hypoxia has been largely ignored. We hypothesized that the RAS activity would increase and the pressor response to Ang II would be attenuated in embryonic chickens subjected to chronic hypoxic (15% O2) stress. We investigated some of the components that underlie the Ang II cardiovascular response in chicken embryos and how 15% O2 incubation alters the response. Hypoxic incubation blunted the pressor response to Ang I, and Ang II in embryonic chickens. Following alpha‐adrenergic receptor blockade, the pressor response to Ang II was blunted in the normoxic but not the hypoxic embryos. In addition following alpha‐adrenergic blockade the Ang II pressure response did not differ between the normoxic and hypoxic incubated embryos. This suggests that hypoxic incubation blunts the pressor response to Ang II possibly attributed to saturation of the alpha‐adrenergic receptors in embryonic chickens.

Grant Funding Source: Supported by NSF career grant to DAC IBN IOS 084574
Potential bullfrog homologue to the chemosensitive mammalian retrotrapezoid nucleus (1092.4)
Authors: Reed Mitchell , Iceman Kimberly , Harris Michael , Taylor Barbara
Published: June 2021

Vertebrate breathing is controlled by a highly conserved brainstem neural network. Air breathing is generally driven by elevated CO2 in body tissues/fluids and is present in all vertebrate classes. Bullfrogs transition from water to air breathing during metamorphosis, and exhibit central CO2 sensitivity throughout development. In mammals, many sites contribute to this process, and their relative contributions vary according to CO2/pH level, arousal state, and development. Potential central CO2 sensors have been extensively investigated and described in mammals but not amphibians. The retrotrapezoid nucleus (RTN) lies on the medullary surface near the facial nucleus and is crucial for chemosensitivity in developing mammals. The locus coeruleus and classical “rostral” and “caudal” medullary chemosensitive regions have been identified in frogs. Furthermore, the “rostral” and “caudal” sites correspond to the locations of the mammalian RTN and Pre‐Botzinger Complex, respectively, suggesting potential homology. Immunohistochemical markers for the mammalian RTN include presence of Phox2b transcription factor and vesicular glutamate transporter 2 (VGLUT2), and absence of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), the enzymatic marker of dopamine synthesis. We tested the hypothesis that a chemosensitive region homologous to the mammalian RTN is present in bullfrog. We identified this area by staining for RTN markers: presence of Phox2b and VGLUT2, and absence of TH. We describe this region in different developmental stages and identify metamorphic changes. We also assessed chemosensitivity of this region with cFos, a marker of neural activity. Establishing this as a homologous chemosensory site between amphibians and mammals provides insight into evolutionary origins of chemosensory development and function.

Grant Funding Source: Supported by NSF IOS‐1022442
Leukotriene D4 dephosphorylates ASCT1 through Ca2+ dependent PKCα‐Akt pathway in intestinal epithelial cells (1095.11)
Authors: Talukder Jamilur , Wright Jaleesa
Published: June 2021

Arachidonic acid metabolite derived via Lipoxygenase pathway, leukotriene D4 (LT) inhibits Na+‐dependent alanine cotransport (ASCT1, solute carrier, SLC1A4) in intestinal epithelial cell brush border membrane (BBM) by decreasing the affinity of cotransporter. However, the intracellular mechanism of LT mediated inhibition of ASCT1 is unknown. This study was designed to investigate the intracellular mechanism of ASCT1 inhibition by LT in enterocytes. [3H]‐Ala uptake was measured in 10 days postconfluent rat intestinal epithelial cells (IEC‐6) grown on transwell plates. IEC‐6 cells were treated with different inhibitors intercepting different checkpoints of pathways for LT mediated inhibition of ASCT1 at 8 days postconfluence. LT treatment decreased ASCT1 activity and increased more than 2.5‐fold intracellular cAMP. However, protein kinase A (PKA)inhibitor did not reverse the LT mediated inhibition of ASCT1. LT increased 2‐fold cytosolic Ca2+ and PKC‐α antagonized LT effect on ASCT1 activity. In contrast, PKC‐δ and ‐θ inhibitor did not reverse LT mediated inhibition of ASCT1. Further downstream of PKC‐α pathway, tyrosine kinase (Akt) inhibitor also reversed LT mediated inhibition of ASCT1 activity. Kinetics, western blotting, and qRT‐PCR studies demonstrated that the mechanism of reversal of LT mediated inhibition of ASCT1 by Akt inhibitor was due to the restoration of affinity of the cotransporter. Immunocytochemical and dephosphorylation studies revealed that ASCT1 was dephosphorylated by LT treatment. Therefore, we conclude that LT inhibits ASCT1 activity by dephosphorylation through Ca2+‐dependent PKCα‐Akt pathway in enterocytes.

Grant Funding Source: NSF
Range of hematology and biochemistry values in open‐water, captive bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in Roatan, Honduras (1100.15)
Authors: Maiden Tracina , Pogue Connor
Published: June 2021

There is virtually little published information regarding open‐water, captive bottlenose dolphins. Few places around the world combine these environments, allowing bottlenose dolphins to experience being captive and in the open water. The Roatan Institute for Marine Science (RIMS) in Roatan, Honduras has been open since 1989 and houses around seventeen bottlenose dolphins, with ages ranging from newborn to thirty years old. Although hematology and biochemistry values are found for either open‐water dolphin or captive dolphins, there are not any values published regarding bottlenose dolphins in an open‐water, captive environment. This study was conducted to determine the range of hematological and biochemistry values in open‐water, captive dolphins. Hematological data has been collected from 2003 until 2013 from dolphins ranging in age and lineage. The ages of the dolphins being studied were between six and twelve years old. Samples of blood were drawn from the periarterial venous rete in the fluke. The goal of this study is to produce a baseline hematological and biochemistry values for open‐water, captive bottlenose dolphins.

Grant Funding Source: NSF# 1118679 Collaborative Research: Community College Undergraduate Research Initiative (CCURI)
Liver necrosis during severe heat stroke recovery is associated with activation of the complement system (1104.14)
Authors: Duran Rocio , Quinn Carrie , Leon Lisa
Published: June 2021

Severe heat stroke (HS) is associated with core temperature disturbances, coagulopathy and a systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) that often leads to organ damage and death. The mechanisms mediating these adverse responses remain unidentified. We hypothesized that severe HS induces coagulation and liver necrosis through activation of the complement system (CS). Male Fischer 344 rats displayed hypothermia (34.8±0.3°C; a marker of HS severity), and increased liver gene expression of fibrinogen (3.0‐fold; a marker of coagulopathy) and C5ar1 (3.6‐fold; a marker of CS activation) at 24 hours of severe HS recovery (N=4) compared to non‐heated controls (CON; N=10; P<0.05). Liver IL‐6 gene expression showed a tendency to be higher in severe HS than CON rats, although this did not reach statistical significance (P=0.091). High C5ar1 gene expression was associated with high plasma alanine aminotransferase (HS:1213.8±474.4 U/L; CON: 76.0±2.3 U/L; a marker of liver damage; P<0.05) with moderate to severe multifocal necrosis of the liver (H&E staining). Liver C5ar1 protein expression (Western blot) was decreased at 24 hours of severe HS recovery suggesting internalization and degradation of the receptor. These data suggest that the CS may mediate coagulopathy and liver necrosis during severe HS recovery in the rat, while IL‐6 may not be involved in these responses. Author views not official US Army or DoD policy.

Grant Funding Source: US Army Medical Research and Materiel Command
Is extreme physiology of Burmese pythons relevant to diabetes? (1108.8)
Authors: Secor Stephen , Choudhary Amit , Lundh Morten , Wagner Bridget
Published: June 2021

The Burmese python exhibits unprecedented regulatory responses during the digestion of a meal, including a doubling of organ masses, 10 to 40‐fold increases in organ performance, and as much as a 100‐fold increase in circulating hormones and metabolites. Upon the completion of digestion, many of these responses are reversed as organ performance is downregulated for the duration of fasting. The python’s pancreas with feeding doubles in mass, increases the capacity for hydrolase activity as much as 35‐fold, and generates respective 6‐ and 45‐fold increases in circulating levels of glucagon and insulin. Like the python’s heart that experiences hypertrophy with feeding and thus is considered a model for human heart disease, we are exploring the potential clinical relevance of the python’s pancreas to diabetes. We propose that during meal digestion, pythons release circulating molecules that trigger the enhancement of pancreatic function. We therefore explored the responses of mammalian beta cells to the administration of plasma from fed python. When treated with plasma from postprandial pythons, human beta cells increase in volume by 30%. These same treated beta cells, compared to non‐treated cells, experienced a 65% increase in insulin release when exposed to glucose. Whereas postprandial circulating fatty acids apparently trigger cardiac hypertrophy for pythons and rodent models, we suspect that neither peptides nor lipids act as the signal to spark the enhancement of beta cell function. Such a stimulatory molecule(s) within the python’s plasma may potentially have applicability in the clinical treatment of diabetes.

Grant Funding Source: National Science Foundation
Pupillary light response in guinea pigs and swine exposed to organophosphate agents (1143.5)
Authors: Clarkson Edward , Smith Kelly , Schulz Susan , Chandler Jessica , Rousayne Cassandra , Kolanko Christopher
Published: June 2021

Here we report a study to more precisely define and quantify the relationship between organophosphate agent exposure, including pesticides and nerve agents, with cholinesterase inhibition and the ocular biomarkers that are induced. A thorough investigation of these relationships was conducted to subsequently refine pupillary algorithms for the automated detection of organophosphate exposures with greater specificity regarding level of exposure, the extent of cholinesterase inhibition, and the temporal presentation and persistence of the ocular biomarkers. A guinea pig model was exposed to varying concentrations of parathion (pesticide), soman and VX (nerve agents) to methodically detail both the temporal and quantitative occurrence of pupillary deficits (anticholinesterase biomarkers) to determine the most sensitive, accurate diagnostic algorithms in these animal models. Dose‐response curves and temporal‐response curves for both pupillary deficits and generalized symptoms were developed for each agent used. Based upon previous studies dose ranges were conducted from the LD50 to 3000‐fold below the LD50 to incorporate lethal and sub‐lethal exposures without decreasing the potential sensitivity of the ocular biomarkers. In addition, cholinesterase assays were performed at various time points post‐exposure. The key finding of this study was that after exposure to organophosphates changes in pupillary response were detected prior to changes in acetylcholine esterase levels in guinea pigs. This opens the possibility of early detection to organophosphate exposure in a non‐invasive manner that does not require the use of enzyme markers. We are in the process of duplicating these studies in swine and swine data will be presented.

Grant Funding Source: Supported by Defense Threat Reduction Agency
The effect of shear stress, potassium, adenosine, and acidosis on alpha‐1 adrenergic vasoconstriction of rat soleus feed arteries (1170.14)
Authors: Heckle Tanner
Published: June 2021

Arteries and arterioles constrict less to sympathetic stimulation in contracting compared to resting skeletal muscle (sympatholysis). There is some uncertainty regarding the specific agents causing sympatholysis. We hypothesized that increased levels of arterial wall shear stress, potassium, adenosine, or acidosis contribute to sympatholysis, thereby reducing sympathetic vasoconstriction. Soleus feed arteries (n = 12 per group) were isolated from male Sprague‐Dawley rats and cannulated on two glass micropipettes for in vitro videomicroscopy. We measured the constriction response to the α‐1 agonist phenylephrine (PE; 10‐9 M to 10‐4 M, 0.5 log increments) in the presence of varying levels of shear stress (0 dy/cm2, 25 dy/cm2, and 135 dy/cm2), potassium (5 mM, 7.5 mM, and 10 mM), adenosine (0 μM, 0.8 μM, and 1.6 μM) and acidosis (pH = 7.4, 7.1, 6.8, and 6.5). There was no significant difference in PE induced constriction between levels of shear stress (maximum constriction 67.6 % vs. 68.1 % and 67.6 %), potassium (maximum constriction 63.1 % vs. 56.5 % and 65.0 %), or adenosine (maximum constriction 56.2 % vs. 54.3 % and 54.2 %). However, acidosis reduced constriction to PE (maximum constriction 77.6% vs. 72.0%, 66.6%, and 66.3%). We conclude that acidity, but not shear stress, potassium, or adenosine, is sympatholytic in feed arteries from the predominantly slow twitch soleus muscle.

Grant Funding Source: Supported by NSF #DBI‐1062721 and the Seaver Research Council
Gating and patterning of sequential swallowing by brainstem loci in the juvenile in situ rat (1178.10)
Authors: Bautista Tara , Dutschmann Mathias
Published: June 2021

During swallowing, aspiration of ingested material is prevented by laryngeal adduction of the vocal folds. The Kölliker‐Fuse nucleus (KF) is known to provide pre‐motor drive to laryngeal adductor motoneurons while the nucleus of the solitary tract NTS is the designated swallowing centre of the brainstem. This study investigated the roles of the KF and NTS in the gating and patterning of sequential swallowing in the in situ perfused brainstem‐spinal cord preparation of rat. Oral injection of water evoked fast sequential swallowing in situ. Inhibition of KF resulted in an increased incidence of spontaneous swallowing and loss of swallowing‐related tonic laryngeal adduction, but did not significantly alter swallowing activity per se. Disinhibition of KF resulted in exaggerated tonic activity and delayed swallows. Our results indicate that KF contributes to the gating of swallowing activity and simultaneously mediates a separate reflex identity (pharyngo‐glottal reflex) that adducts the upper airway during sequential swallowing. The latter is critical for preventing penetration of the lower airways. Finally, GABA receptor activation/blockade of NTS reveals that the: (i) the NTS circuitry is essential for generation of rhythmic swallowing in situ, and; (ii) generation of sequential swallowing depends on fast synaptic inhibition.

Grant Funding Source: ARC
Recombinant expression, purification and osmotic regulation of in vitro activity of two enzymes constituting the Mozambique tilapia myo‐inositol biosynthesis pathway (1182.5)
Authors: Villarreal Fernando , Kültz Dietmar
Published: June 2021

To cope with hyperosmotic stress cells accumulate compatible organic osmolytes, which replace harmful inorganic electrolytes while maintaining homeostasis of cell volume and intracellular ionic strength. D‐myo‐Inositol (Ins) has been shown to be an important compatible organic osmolyte for fish that are exposed to salinity stress. Two enzymes are required to synthesize Ins: (I) MIPS (Ins phosphate synthase) converts glucose‐6‐phosphate to Ins‐3‐phosphate (Ins‐3‐P), and (II) IMPase (Ins monophosphate phosphatase) dephosphorylates Ins‐3‐P to yield Ins. Both enzymes are induced in different fish species and tissues after exposure to elevated environmental salinity, the result being intracellular accumulation of Ins. We cloned MIPS and IMPase from Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus), expressed the corresponding hexa‐His tagged recombinant proteins in bacteria, and purified recombinant MIPS and IMPase using Ni affinity chromatography. We show that both enzymes are more active at basic pH. In addition, the activity of these tilapia enzymes also depends on known cofactors for mammalian MIPS (NAD+) and IMPase (Mg2+). As is common for many other enzymes, tilapia MIPS activity decreases with increasing osmotic strength in vitro due to an increase in KM at elevated osmolality and a decrease of the kcat/KM ratio. In contrast, IMPase activity increases with elevated osmotic strength, particularly when Ins‐3‐P is used as a substrate. IMPase KM as well as Vmax and kcat all increase when buffer osmolality is elevated. These data suggest that, in addition to the induction of both enzymes at mRNA and protein levels, Ins accumulation during hyperosmotic stress is promoted by direct osmotic effects on IMPase enzymatic activity. Supported by NSF grant IOS‐1049780.
Choline and choline‐related compounds are associated with cognitive performance and cerebrovascular pathology in older adults (135.5)
Authors: Roe Annie , Zhang Shucha , Crivello Natalia , Zhao Xueqing , Johnson Elizabeth , Lichtenstein Alice , Smith Caren , Zeisel Steven , Rosenberg Irwin , Scott Tammy
Published: June 2021

Choline is an essential nutrient critical to brain health. Our objective was to evaluate the association of plasma choline (Cho) and Cho‐related compounds with cognition and cerebrovascular pathology (CvP) in a subset of the Nutrition, Aging, and Memory in Elders cohort who had undergone MRI, cognitive testing, and had archived plasma (n=296, mean age=73.6, SD ± 8.1).We derived cognitive composite scores for memory, attention and executive domains, and used mass spectrometry to measure plasma concentration of free Cho, betaine, phosphatidylcholine (PC), and sphingomyelin (SM). Volumetric analysis of MRI resulted in measures of CvP (white matter hyperintensities (WHMI), small and large vessel infarcts) and brain atrophy (hippocampus, amygdala, ventricles). Statistical analyses were adjusted for demographics, co‐morbidities, and plasma concentrations of B‐vitamins, homocysteine, and cholesterol. Significance was set at p蠄0.05. Cho concentration was positively related to executive function and amygdala volume; those in the lowest tertile of Cho had higher odds of a small vessel infarct than did those in the top two combined [OR=1.71(95%CI 0.92‐3.17)]. Betaine concentration was negatively related to ventricular volume; and the ratio of SM:(SM+PC) was negatively related to the volume of WMHI. Our findings are further evidence of a role for choline in brain function and cerebrovascular health in old age.

Grant Funding Source: Supported by: USDA agreement No. 58‐1950‐0‐014; NIA grant AG21790‐01; NIH grant 2T32HL069772‐11A1
Differential morphological responses to selection for high voluntary wheel running in the scapula and os coxae of mice (17.1)
Authors: Schutz Heidi , Ordonez Genesis , Garland Theodore
Published: June 2021

Previous work has shown that the morphology of the scapula and ox coxae vary with locomotor differences. In addition, studies have also shown that chronic exercise produces a variety of long bone responses, including increased bone diameter and mass. Similar studies to voluntary exercise in flat bones, such as the major girdle elements (e.g. scapula, os coxae [hip bones]), are scarce, but show that the morphology of these elements may also respond to different forms of locomotor activity. We used laboratory mice from 4 replicate lines bred for high voluntary wheel running (HR) and 4 non‐selected control (C) lines to examine responses in these elements to 21 generations of selection for high voluntary wheel running and 8 weeks of a wheel/ no‐wheel treatment. Bone masses were taken and geometric morphometric techniques were employed to generate quantitative descriptors of 2D scapular and os coxae shape, centroid size, and a series of linear measurements. From the linear and mass data, we calculated ratios used to quantify scapular and coxal proportions. HR mice weighed less than C and wheel access reduced body mass for both groups. ANCOVA showed no statistical differences between the HR and C lines in scapular and coxal mass, centroid size, or ratios generated from linear data. However, HR and C mice were different in multivariate scapular and coxal shape, with the magnitudes of those differences greater in the scapula than in the os coxae. Wheel access significantly increased scapular but not coxal mass in both groups and produced scapular and coxal shape differences in both linetypes, but with no interaction between linetype and wheel access. HR mice with the mini‐muscle phenotype (HRmini) had significantly different linear proportions and larger centroid sizes in both elements than other mice. Finally, HRmini mice had significantly different scapular but not coxal shapes from all other mice.

Grant Funding Source: Supported by NSF IOS‐1121273 to TG
Trachea in cetacea: the inside story (17.8)
Authors: Reidenberg Joy , Laitman Jeffrey
Published: June 2021

Despite great interest in cetacean sound production, little is known about the trachea’s role. Tracheas were examined in 16 odontocete (toothed whale) and 7 mysticete (baleen whale) genera. Results indicate that all whales share incomplete ventral cartilage at the cranial end, but differ in lumen surfaces. Three patterns are observed: parallel tracheal folds (TF) in mysticetes, trabeculated surface (TS) in dolphins and porpoises, and smooth walled in sperm whales. TF and TS appear to direct airflow towards vocal folds, and thus may affect sound production. Sperm whales lack any texture, and their smooth wall correlates with a limited vocal repertoire. TF and TS may also enable stretch/recoil, thus accommodating pressure‐induced volume changes during diving/ascent. The incomplete ventral cartilage may also facilitate such volume contraction, as this portion of the tracheal wall is pliable. The mysticete trachea can accommodate even greater volume changes by collapsing the lumen along the midline. This deformation is not a complete collapse, as it preserves flow along the lateral spaces where TF are found. The trachea appears to have two major roles in most whale species: channeling airflow for sound production, and accommodating pressure‐induced volume changes during diving/ascent. The lack of TS in the deep diving sperm whales is puzzling, and warrants study of how they accommodate volume changes during diving.

Grant Funding Source: Supported by NOAA Prescott Stranding Grant Program, and Office of Naval Research
Flavonoid intakes by adults in the United States: What We Eat in America, NHANES 2007‐2008 (245.5)
Authors: Sebastian Rhonda , Goldman Joseph , Wilkinson Enns Cecilia , Martin Carrie , Steinfeldt Lois , Dwyer Johanna , Moshfegh Alanna , Milner John
Published: June 2021

Flavonoids, polyphenolic compounds found in plants, exhibit anti‐inflammatory, anti‐tumor, and antioxidant activity. This study’s objective was to calculate national intake estimates for 6 flavonoid classes (including only the 29 predominant dietary flavonoids). One day of dietary data from 5,420 adults age 蠅20 years in What We Eat in America (WWEIA), NHANES 2007‐2008 was analyzed. Based on a preliminary version of USDA’s Expanded Flavonoid Database for the Assessment of Dietary Intakes, flavonoid values were calculated for every food in USDA’s Food and Nutrient Database for Dietary Studies 4.1, the database used in WWEIA 2007‐2008. Mean total intake of the flavonoids studied was 253.3 mg/day, with flavan‐3‐ols accounting for 81% of the total. Though total flavonoid intake did not differ by gender, men’s intakes of flavones (0.9 mg) and flavonols (21.5 mg) were higher than women’s (0.8 mg and 17.5 mg, respectively; p<0.01). No significant differences were found by age group (20‐49 vs. 50+ years) within gender. Nearly all (99%) adults consumed some flavonoids on the intake day, but intake of the flavonoid classes was not universal: Only 38% of adults consumed isoflavones; 64%, flavanones; and 69%, anthocyanidins. New public‐use databases will enable researchers to quantify flavonoid intakes of the U.S. population and allow further investigation of associations between flavonoid intake and health.

Grant Funding Source: Supported by ARS, USDA, with additional funding provided by the Office of Dietary Supplements
Longitudinal trends of dietary supplement use by U.S. Army soldiers differ from the U.S. civilian population (245.6)
Authors: Austin Krista , Price Lori , McGraw Susan , Lieberman Harris
Published: June 2021

Longitudinal trends of dietary supplement (DS) use by civilians are well documented; however, similar data in subpopulations, such as the military, are not available. Therefore, this study assessed longitudinal changes in DS use among U.S. Army Soldiers. Use of DS by Soldiers was assessed in 2006‐2007 (n=989) and again in 2010‐2011(n=1196) using the same survey methods. Data were weighted for total Army demographics by age, sex, and rank. Wald tests were used to assess differences in prevalence of DS use. Changes in use of DS were compared to trends reported for the U.S. population. Unlike civilians, DS use by Soldiers increased significantly (53% + 1.6 vs. 62% + 1.6; p = <.001) over the past 3 years. Increases were primarily due to increased use of protein (19% + 1.2 vs. 26% + 1.5; p = <.001) and combination (9% + 1.1 vs. 24% + 1.4; p = <.001) products. As with the U.S. civilian population, multivitamin and mineral use did not significantly increase, but use of individual vitamins and minerals including iron, magnesium, selenium, Vitamins A, B6, B12, and D did increase (p=<.05). Herbal DS use by Soldiers did not increase (8% + 1.0 vs. 8% + 1.0; p =.93) and was less than use among civilians (~20%). Patterns of DS use by Soldiers differ from civilians and Soldiers’ use of some DS is increasing.

Grant Funding Source: (Support: US Army Medical Research & Materiel Command and DoD Center Alliance for Dietary Supplement
The risk of acute malnutrition among children aged 6‐36 months in households targeted by an emergency cash transfer program in Niger (251.2)
Authors: Bliss Jessica , Jensen Nathaniel , Thiede Brian , Shoham Jeremy , Dolan Carmel , Sibson Victoria , Fenn Bridget
Published: June 2021

Emergency cash transfer programs (CTPs) are promising nutrition‐sensitive interventions in the prevention of acute malnutrition. Identifying how the expenditure of cash transfers relates to child nutrition status is a necessary step for informed program design and targeting. We investigated the relationship between cash transfer expenditures and acute malnutrition in children ages 6‐36 months through a cohort study of 420 households enrolled in a six month unconditional emergency CTP in Niger. A set of Cox proportional hazard models was used to estimate the risk of acute malnutrition while adjusting for relevant child, household, and community characteristics. Expenditure on food was not associated with the risk of acute malnutrition (HR:0·968, p=0·54). Medical expenditures were associated with high risk among both healthy and ill children (HR: 1·379, p=0·008 and HR: 1·919, p=0·20, respectively). Risk was higher among children in the poorest households than those in wealthier households (HR: 2·714, p<0·001), and 66% lower in children with greater baseline weight‐for‐height Z scores (HR: 0·336, p<0·001). Among recipients of this CTP, food expenditures did not have a protective effect against the risk of acute malnutrition. The significance of wealth and health‐related factors suggests that a principal role of emergency CTPs is to enable medical access for ill children. The timing of emergency CTPs is an important factor in reaching at risk children, but even timeliness may not compensate for persistent poverty and undernutrition.

Grant Funding Source: Supported by the United States Agency for International Development
Lipid‐based nutrient supplements for pregnant women reduce newborn stunting in Bangladesh (256.6)
Authors: Mridha Malay , Chaparro Camila , Paul Rina , Hussain Sohrab , Vosti Stephen , Matias Susana , Harding Kassandra , Cummins Joseph , Day Louise , Saha Stacy , Peerson Janet , Dewey Kathryn
Published: June 2021

Maternal undernutrition and newborn stunting (birth length‐for‐age z‐score < ‐2) are common in Bangladesh. In the Rang‐Din Nutrition Study, a cluster‐randomized effectiveness trial underway in northwest Bangladesh, pregnant women received either a) iron & folic acid (IFA) or b) lipid‐based nutrient supplement (LNS, 20 g/d, 118 kcal) designed to enrich local diets of pregnant women with essential fatty acids, high‐quality protein and 22 micronutrients. Women (n=4011) were enrolled at 13.1 ± 3.4 wk gestation; 40% were nulliparous and 31% were underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2). In the full sample, there were significant reductions in newborn stunting [18.6 vs. 22.5%, adjusted relative risk (ARR)=0.83 (0.70, 0.96)] and small head circumference (HC z‐score < ‐2) [20.8 vs. 24.7%, ARR=0.82 (0.71, 0.95)] in the LNS vs. IFA group; the difference in low birth weight was marginally significant (36.8 vs. 39.1%, p=0.087). LNS distribution was interrupted for 10 wk in 2012; among women who gave birth before the interruption, the rates of newborn stunting and small HC in LNS vs. IFA were 16.1 vs. 23.0% [ARR=0.66 (0.50, 0.87)] and 20.9 vs. 27.3% [ARR=0.73 (0.57, 0.91)], respectively. The effects of LNS on newborn stunting were greatest in women with household food insecurity and in those 14‐24 y of age. We conclude that LNS can improve birth outcomes in Bangladeshi women, especially those at higher risk for fetal growth restriction.

Grant Funding Source: Supported by USAID through the Food and Nutrition Technical Assistance III Project (FANTA)
Magazine headline themes/emotions that motivate mothers to read nutrition education materials (262.3)
Authors: Martin‐Biggers Jennifer , Beluska Katrina , Tursi Mary , Quick Virginia , Byrd‐Bredbenner Carol
Published: June 2021

Examining and emulating strategies print media use to arouse consumer interest could result in nutrition communications that more readily gain reader attention. This study content analyzed headlines on 132 covers of 11 top‐selling women and parenting magazines from 2012 to identify themes/emotions evoked; created nutrition/health headlines using identified themes/emotions; and assessed how much headlines using each theme/emotion motivated 77 mothers of young children to read associated materials. Headline themes/emotions identified were happiness/fun, easy/simple, saving money, newness, indulgence, control/improve situation, excellence, uniqueness, and time‐saving/urgency. Nutrition communicators created 310 headlines for 12 nutrition/health topics. Participants used a 5‐point scale to rate how much each headline motivated them to read a short magazine article. Happy/fun and uniqueness themes were significantly (p<.05) more motivating than other themes. Control/improve situation themes were significantly less motivating. Motivating themes/emotions were used to create headlines for nutrition education materials, which were then cognitively tested with 128 parents. Parents indicated the headlines made them want to read the materials. Findings may help nutrition professionals create materials that better capture reader attention and lead to behavior change.

Grant Funding Source: Supported by USDA, National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Grant Number 2011‐68001‐30170