bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AMP‐activated Protein Kinase (AMPK) regulates TGF‐β1 Induced Fibronectin Expression in Renal Tubular Epithelial Cells
Authors: Thakur Sachin , Viswanadhapalli Suryavathi , Gorin Yves , Abboud Hanna E
Published: June 2021

Tubulointerstitial fibrosis is a main pathological feature of progressive renal disease. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐β) induces mesencymal cell characteristics in tubular epithelial cells including increased expression of fibronectin and α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA). We report that in cultured murine and primary human proximal tubular epithelial cells (PTECs), TGF‐β results in a decrease in AMPK phosphorylation on active site (Thr172) associated with increased fibronectin and α‐SMA. Activation of AMPK with AICAR or metformin or overexpression of constitutively active AMPK markedly reduced TGF‐β‐induced fibronectin and α‐SMA. Conversely, inhibition of AMPK with ARA or AMPK knockdown by siRNA enhanced basal as well as TGF‐β‐induced fibronectin and α‐SMA. The decrease in AMPK phosphorylation with TGF‐β was accompanied by a decrease in tuberin phosphorylation on Ser1387, the AMPK phosphorylated site that keeps tuberin active. Moreover, tuberin knockdown by siRNA in PTECs enhanced basal as well TGF‐β‐induced fibronectin and α‐SMACollectively, the data indicate that TGF‐β exerts its profibrotic actions via inactivation of AMPK and tuberin, and that AMPK activation attenuates PTECs injury. Our results suggest that AMPK activation represents a potential therapeutic target to prevent mesenchymal cell transition including extracellular matrix accumulation in progressive renal disease.

This work was supported by NIH‐NIDDK grant RO1 DK078971 to HEA.
Cell signaling in smell loss (hyposmia)
Authors: Henkin Robert I , Velicu Irina , Schmidt Loren
Published: June 2021

Perception of odors depends upon detection of olfactory stimuli by olfactory receptors. This detection depends upon the complex processes of cellular signaling. Cytokines are chemical moieties which play a critical role in cell signaling. Cytokines are part of the cellular components which comprise and control olfactory receptor function. Cytokines which play this role in olfaction are found in nasal mucus. This control mechanism involves both proinflammatory and anti‐inflammatory components. In order to understand these complex events we measured levels of cytokines in nasal mucus in patients with smell loss (hyposmia) and compared these levels with those in saliva, blood plasma and urine. We measured several cytokines including IL‐1α, IL‐1β, IL‐2, IL‐1ra, IL‐6, IL‐10, IFN‐α, IFN‐β, TNF‐α and TRAIL in patients with hyposmia by use of a sensitive spectrocolorimetric immunoassay. Results in nasal mucus indicated a physiological balance occurs between proinflammatory and anti‐inflammatory cytokines in these patients with significantly higher levels of anti‐inflammatory cytokines (IL‐1ra, IL‐10) than proinflammatory cytokines (IL‐1α, IL‐1β, TNF‐α). These results indicate that there are important physiological mechanisms in nasal mucus which control this balance, thereby controlling the homeostasis in the nasal cavity and thereby controlling olfactory receptor function, in part through control of the level of inflammation in hyposmic patients. Clinical use of knowledge of this balance between pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines emphasizes the importance of presence of these cytokines in nasal mucus and the roles they may play in correction of hyposmia in these patients.
SREBP‐1 Regulates TGFβ Signaling in Kidney Mesangial Cells
Authors: Vankrieken Richard , Chen Guang , Uttarwar Lalita , Gao Bo , Krepinsky Joan C
Published: June 2021

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the most common cause of end‐stage renal disease worldwide. A key mediator in the progression of DN is the proinflammatory cytokine TGFβ. TGFβ signals through activation of Type I and II receptors (TβR1 and TβR2), followed by activation of Smads 2 and 3. Sterol regulatory element binding protein (SREBP) is a potent transcription factor known to regulate fatty acid and cholesterol biosynthesis, which has recently been implicated in the pathogenesis of DN. The aim of our study was to determine whether SREBP influenced TGFβ signaling in primary kidney mesangial cells (MC). We found that inhibition of SREBP with the small molecule inhibitor fatostatin blocked TGFβ‐induced C‐terminal phosphorylation of Smad2/3 and of Smad3 activation as assessed by SBE‐luciferase. Overexpression of dominant negative SREBP1 also attenuated Smad2/3 phosphorylation. This inhibition was not the result of an increased rate of Smad2/3 dephosphorylation, nor of Smad2/3 degradation. Rather, SREBP inhibition resulted in the loss of TβR1 protein expression without affecting its transcript levels. This appeared to be mediated by increased recruitment of Smad7 to TβRI with increased proteasomal‐mediated degradation of the receptor. Our data suggest that SREBP‐1 regulates TGFβ signaling through effects on its type I receptor. The mechanism of this regulation is being elucidated in ongoing studies.
Extracellular Secretion of Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling (SOCS) Proteins by Alveolar Macrophages (AMs)
Authors: Bourdonnay Emilie , Penke Loka Raghu Kumar , Peters‐Golden Marc
Published: June 2021

Many proteins once thought to be exclusively intracellular have been shown to be secreted into the extracellular space via unconventional pathways. SOCS proteins serve as critical brakes on immune activation by targeting STAT proteins, and have never been identified in the extracellular space. Here we investigated i) if SOCS proteins are secreted by AMs in vitro and in vivo; ii) if secreted SOCS proteins are biologically active; and iii) if their secretion proceeds by conventional or unconventional pathways.

SOCS1 and 3 proteins were secreted constitutively by primary rat AMs and this was not explained by toxicity. In vivo, SOCS3 could be identified in BAL fluid of naïve mice. SOCS‐enriched conditioned medium from AMs inhibited IL‐6‐induced STAT3 and IFNγ‐induced STAT1 protein phosphorylation/activation in rat lung epithelial cells. Monensin, an inhibitor of conventional secretion, decreased secretion of TNF‐α but not that of SOCS proteins, suggesting unconventional secretion mechanisms are involved. Differential centrifugation revealed that SOCS3 protein was found in microparticles rather than exosomes.

These studies show that SOCS 1 and 3 are secreted from AMs in vitro and in vivo, via the release of microparticles. We speculate that this represents a novel means of intercellular communication by which AMs can modulate lung immunity, for example by inhibiting JAK/STAT pathway in epithelial cells.

This work was supported by U.S. National Institutes of Health grant HL058897 (M.P.‐G.) and an American Lung Association Senior Research Training Fellowship (E.B.).
RhoA regulates the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1)
Authors: Gordon Bradley S. , Kazi Abid A. , Coleman Catherine S. , Jefferson Leonard S. , Chau Vincent , Kimball Scot R.
Published: June 2021

The mTORC1 signaling pathway plays a vital role in integrating signals generated by hormones and nutrients to control cell growth and metabolism. The point of integration of many of the input signals from hormones is the GTPase activating protein complex TSC1/2 that acts to repress the mTORC1‐stimulatory activity of the small GTPase Rheb. In addition to its role in repressing Rheb activity, TSC1/2 has also been reported to interact with other GTPases, including members of the Rho family. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to test the hypothesis that one or more members of the Rho GTPase family modulate signaling through mTORC1. Phosphorylation of p70S6K1 on T389, a direct target of mTORC1, was used as an index of mTORC1 activity. Inhibition of Rho GTPase activity by C3 toxin enhanced p70S6K1(T389) phosphorylation 86 ± 8% (p<0.01) while activation of Rho GTPase activity repressed it 24 ± 1% (p<0.05). Moreover, p70S6K1(T389) phosphorylation was increased in response to either siRNA‐mediated repression of RhoA expression or expression of an inactive RhoA variant. In contrast, expression of constitutively active RhoA blunted both insulin and leucine‐induced stimulation of p70S6K(T389) phosphorylation by 28% to 31% (p<0.05). Overall, the results are consistent with the novel idea that the RhoA‐GTP complex represses and the RhoA‐GDP complex activates mTORC1 signaling. (Supported by grants DK‐15658 and DK‐13499)
The novel role of the matricellular protein Cyr61 in bridging LPA and integrin signaling pathways leading to cell migration
Authors: Cui Mei‐Zhen , Wu Daniel Dongwei , Zhang Fuqiang , Hao Feng , Xu Xuemin
Published: June 2021

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a potent bioactive lipid, markedly induces smooth muscle cell (SMC) migration. We identified a novel function of the de novo synthesized matricellular protein Cyr61, which bridges LPA and integrin signaling pathways leading to cell migration. LPA transiently and markedly induced Cyr61 mRNA expression and the temporal and spatial expression of Cyr61 proteins in SMCs. The de novo synthesized Cyr61 proteins promptly accumulate in the Golgi apparatus and then translocate to the extracellular matrix. Using primary SMCs from LPA receptor knockout mice, we identified that LPA1 receptor is required for LPA‐induced Cyr61 expression. Neutralization or knockdown of Cyr61 protein expression blocked LPA‐induced cell migration, indicating the novel regulatory role of the induced matricellular protein Cyr61 in LPA‐induced cell migration. LPA induces the activation of intracellular focal adhesion kinase (FAK) in SMCs. Interestingly, 1) knockdown of Cyr61 blocked LPA‐induced cellular FAK activation and cell migration, and 2) knockdown of the expression of integrins alpha6, beta1 and beta3 prevented LPA or Cyr61‐induced FAK activation and cell migration. These data reveal for the first time that a novel LPA/Cyr61 pathway controls cell migration and that the matricellular protein Cyr61 bridges LPA signaling and integrin signaling, which, in turn, activates FAK leading to cell migration.
The JAK‐STAT pathway regulation of endothelial cell migration and differentiation
Authors: Kovala A. Thomas , Clark Thomas , Rossi Laura
Published: June 2021

Cell migration and differentiation are both fundamental processes in angiogenesis. We investigated the role of the Janus kinase (JAK)‐signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway in endothelial migration and differentiation. Matrigel tube formation assays were used to examine endothelial differentiation following stimulation with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) or sphingosine 1‐phosphate (S1P), a lipid activator of angiogenesis. VEGF receptor 2 inhibitors blocked tube formation induction by both S1P and VEGF, supporting a transactivation mechanism. These inhibitors also blocked JAK activation, demonstrating the involvement of S1P‐induced transactivation of the VEGF receptor 2. A JAK inhibitor blocked differentiation induced by either ligand, implicating the JAK‐STAT pathway in regulation of the process. STAT5 inhibition significantly inhibited differentiation. Signalling pathways involve the ERK cascade, Src and NF‐κB were also found to play important roles differentiation. The migration of endothelial cells was studied using a modified Boyden chamber assay and the inhibition of the JAK‐STAT pathway blocked migration. The STAT3 and STAT5 pathways were both found to play important roles in migration. Angiogenic processes induced by both VEGF and S1P require activation of multiple signalling pathways, including JAK‐STAT pathways.
Effects of SRT1720 (SRT) and Resveratrol (RSV) on AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) and PKA‐signaling in Adipocytes: Roles for Phosphodiesterase (PDE) (3 and 4)
Authors: KHAN FAIYAZ AHMAD , Park Sung‐Jun , Chung Jay H , Manganiello Vincent c
Published: June 2021

SIRT1 activators, SRT and RSV mimic effects of caloric restriction (CR) in lower organisms and mice. In 3T3‐L1 adipocytes, SRT and RSV inhibited PDE activities in membrane and cytosolic fractions. SRT inhibits rPDEs 1,2,3,4 but not rPDE5. SRT, RSV, Cilostamide (CIL) (PDE3 inhibitor), and rolipram (ROL) (PDE4 inhibitor), increased pAMPK, cAMP/PKA signaling, decreased acetylation of PGC1, and increased lipolysis. Phosphorylation of these signaling molecules was blocked by KT5720, a PKA inhibitor, but not by SiRNA‐mediated knockdown of EPAC. The EPAC agonist, 8‐pCPT‐2′‐O‐Me‐cAMP, did not increase the phosphorylation of AMPK or activate AMPK signaling. ROL had a relatively stronger effect on phosphorylation of PKA substrates than CIL, SRT and RSV, but smaller effects on phosphorylation of AMPK, and ACC, suggesting distinct cAMP pools involved in activation of AMPK. These and other results provide evidence that in adipocytes some effects of SRT and RSV may be related to their inhibition of PDEs and, thereby, alteration of intracellular cAMP concentrations, which may not be mediated by EPAC.
Bortezomib Increases IL‐6 and IL‐8 Expression in Prostate Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Manna Subrata , Singha Bipradeb , Phyo Sai Aung , Chang Tzu‐Pei , Sanacora Shannon , Vancurova Ivana
Published: June 2021

Prostate cancer is one of the most common malignancies in men. One of the critical factors is the increased activity of NFκB, which induces synthesis of anti‐apoptotic and pro‐inflammatory genes, thus increasing cell survival, proliferation, and resistance to chemotherapy. The expression of NFκB‐regulated proinflammatory cytokines IL‐6 and IL‐8 is increased in prostate cancer, and correlates with poor prognosis. Bortezomib (BZ) is the first approved proteasome inhibitor that has a remarkable anti‐tumor activity in multiple myeloma. Although BZ has shown promising results also in the metastatic prostate cancer, it has not been used because of its limited effectiveness. However, the mechanisms are not understood. The goal of this study was to investigate the mechanism of bortezomib function in metastatic prostate cancer cells. Surprisingly, we found that while the expression of NFκB‐dependent anti‐apoptotic genes is inhibited by bortezomib, the expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines IL‐6 and IL‐8 is significantly increased. Our data show that BZ has opposing effects on p65 and p50 recruitment to IL‐6 and IL‐8 promoters. In addition, our results indicate an involvement of IKK in the BZ‐increased IL‐6 and IL‐8 expression. These data suggest that the BZ‐increased IL‐6 and IL‐8 expression may represent one of the mechanisms responsible for the decreased BZ effectiveness in prostate cancer treatment.
Bortezomib Increases IL‐8 Expression in Ovarian Cancer Cells Through IKK and EGR‐1 Pathways
Authors: Singha Bipradeb , Manna Subrata , Phyo Sai Aung , Chang Tzu‐Pei , Sanacora Shannon , Vancurova Ivana
Published: June 2021

Ovarian cancer is characterized by a high constitutive activity of NFκB that induces expression of the pro‐inflammatory cytokine interleukin 8 (IL‐8). IL‐8 has a crucial role in ovarian cancer progression as it promotes tumor cell proliferation, angiogenesis and metastasis. Proteasome inhibition by bortezomib (BZ) is a novel anti‐cancer therapy that inhibits NFκB activity by inhibiting the degradation of NFκB inhibitor, IκBα. However, the molecular mechanisms of BZ function in IL‐8 gene regulation are not fully understood. In this study, we investigated how BZ regulates transcription of IL‐8 in ovarian cancer OVCAR‐3 cells. Our data demonstrate that BZ markedly increases IL‐8 expression, while expression of other NFκB‐regulated genes is unchanged or suppressed. The mechanism consists of an increased recruitment of S536‐p65, IKK and EGR‐1 to the IL‐8 promoter. In addition, IKK inhibition and EGR‐1 suppression significantly inhibit the BZ‐increased IL‐8 expression in OVCAR‐3 cells. Together, our data indicate that IKK and EGR‐1 suppression might enhance the BZ effectiveness in the treatment of ovarian cancer and other tumors characterized by the high IL‐8 expression.
Effect of L‐NAC on IR‐induced cell adhesion of MDA‐MB‐231 cells onto fibronectin and surface expression of activated b1 integrin
Authors: Cheng Huiwen , Lee Shinhee , Wu Shiyong
Published: June 2021

Adhesion of tumor cells onto the extracellular matrix plays an important role in cancer metastasis. Previous studies have shown that ionizing radiation (IR) can induce the cell adhesion mediated by integrins, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by IR can perturb the metastasis ability of tumor cells. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of ROS scavenger N‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine (L‐NAC) on the modulation of cell adhesion to fibronectin in irradiated MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer cells and H1299 lung cancer cells, and the surface expression of integrins. Static cell adhesion assay was used and flow cytometry was used to determine the expression of activated β1 integrins on cell surface. The intracellular ROS was determined by the fluorescence dye carboxy‐ 2,7‐dichlorodihydrofluorescin diacetate. Our data showed that IR (20 Gy) significantly induced the breast cancer and lung cancer cell adhesion onto fibronectin at 24 hr post‐irradiation. And this induction of cell adhesion was markedly reduced by L‐NAC (10 mM) treatment for 24 hr post‐IR in MDA‐MB‐231 cells, but not in H1299 cells. This reduction was correlated with a down‐regulation of IR‐induced surface expression of activated integrin β1, ROS elevation and vimentin expression, an epithelial–mesenchymal transition marker (EMT). Interestingly, adding a one‐hour pre‐treatment of L‐NAC alleviated or diminished the effect of the post‐IR treatment of L‐NAC on cell adhesion or surface expression of activated integrin β1 respectively. Furthermore, the one‐hour pre‐treatment followed by a two‐hour post‐IR treatment has no effect on IR‐induced cell adhesion, but caused a significant elevation of ROS and cell surface expression of activated integrin β1 compared to IR treatment alone. Our results suggest that long‐term post‐IR treatment of L‐NAC might potentailly reduce radiation‐induced breast cancer cell adhesion, and thus metastatic potential. This work was supported by NIH RO1CA086928 (to S. Wu)
Science Choreography: Dance and Science in Education, Research, and Performance
Authors: Georgieva Elena
Published: June 2021

The main goal of my study is to understand how dance and science interact and inform each other in the fields of education, research, and performance to become, through embodiment (the kind of connection between mind and body), what I broadly name science choreography (SC)1. To understand how SC affects contemporary creators and their communities, I conducted a review on educational literature and interviews with several science researchers, science and dance educators, and artists; I led a movement exploration of SC with college students; and I taught a “Science and Dance” class with local home‐schooled students. The data indicate that participation in SC activities leads to a significant educational social impact. The results suggest that with its accessibility and impact, SC parallels John Dewey's2 very successful model for community service learning. If the importance of SC as a powerful interdisciplinary tool is recognized and implemented in fields such as science communication and learning, SC could have an immense effect on academia, research, and the arts. Further research to support this hypothesis should address the limitations of this study including: the number of interviewees, the amount of relevant historical, pedagogical, psychological, and scientific literature reviewed, and the lack of quantitative measurements in my movement explorations and teaching studies.
Sweetened‐beverages, coffee, and tea in relation to depression among older US adults
Authors: Guo Xuguang , Chen Honglei
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

Sweetened‐beverages, coffee and tea are commonly consumed worldwide and have important physical and mental health consequences.

METHODS

We prospectively evaluated consumptions of these drinks in relation to depression among 263,925 older US adults. Beverage consumptions were assessed in 1995–1996, and 11,311 depression diagnoses since 2000 were identified in 2004–2006.

RESULTS

Drinking sweetened‐beverages was associated with higher depression risk, whereas coffee drinking was related to lower risk. The odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) comparing ¡Ý4 cans/cups per day with none were 1.30 (1.17C1.44) for soft drinks, 1.38 (1.15–1.65) for fruit punches, and 0.91 (0.84–0.98) for coffee (all P for trend < 0.0001). Further analysis revealed that the higher risk for sweetened beverages was primarily due to diet drinks. The ORs between extreme categories were 1.31 (1.16–1.47) for diet versus 1.22 (1.03–1.45) for regular soft drinks, 1.51 (1.18–1.92) for diet versus 1.08 (0.79–1.46) for regular fruit punch, and 1.25 (1.10–1.41) for diet versus 0.94 (0.83–1.08) for regular iced tea.

CONCLUSIONS

This large prospective study suggests that frequent consumption of diet sweetened‐beverages increases depression risk among older adults.
Reducing stunting and obesity in young children: a quasi‐experimental design evaluation of a conditional transfer program in Dominican Republic
Authors: Unar Mishel , de Cossío Teresita González
Published: June 2021

Solidaridad is a conditional transfer program for poverty alleviation operating in Dominican Republic since 2004. It includes nutritional supplements and cash transfers conditioned to educational sessions. Its evaluation is essential to avoid unnecessary costs or adverse effects. We estimated the association between being enrolled in Solidaridad and the nutritional status (Z‐height/ age, Z‐weight/height) of children <5y and breastfeeding practices (BF) in <36m. Social Protection Evaluation Survey 2010 was used to estimate the average treatment on the treated compared to a matched control group (n=1,179), created through propensity score matching using four algorithms: (1) weighted least squares regression, (2) nearest neighbor, (3) kernel and (4) one to one. The treated had a stunting −5.6 to −7.0pp (p<0.001 except one to one), and an overweight and obesity −7.0 to −8.7pp (p<0.05 all algorithms) lower than control. No statistical association with Solidaridad was found in early initiation or duration of lactation, or on exclusive BF. Results suggest that in children <5y Solidaridad improves growth and protects from excessive weight gain, prevalent in the country, probably due to educational component and restrictions in the type of food available in defined food markets. Since BF prevalence is the lowest in Latin America, findings suggest that BF practices be enhanced to get closer to WHO recommendations.

This study was supported by Interamerican Development Bank (BID) and Dominican Republic Central Bank (BCRD) through the contest Conocer + Social Protection Evaluation Survey.
Impact of Conditional Transfer Programs in Panama on Food and Nutrient Intakes and Anthropometric Status of Ngabe Preschool Children
Authors: Koski Kristine , Halpenny Carli , Sheung Jeffrey , Valdés Victoria E , Sinisterra Odalis , Scott Marilyn E
Published: June 2021

Conditional cash transfer (CT) and food voucher (FV) programs aim to improve child nutritional status. Our goals were: (1) to describe food group and macro‐ and micronutrient intakes of 315 Ngabe preschool children whose families participated in either a CT or a FV program and (2) to determine which foods or nutrients were associated with higher HAZ scores. We collected 3–4 24‐hr dietary recalls over 16 mo along with HAZ and measured chronicity of protozoan infection and GI nematode burden. Nutrient and food group predictors of HAZ were identified using multiple linear regression while controlling for household assets, infections and program participation.

The uniformly inadequate intakes for macro‐ and micronutrients differed by program participation. Stunted children from the CT program had higher intakes of energy and carbohydrate (bread, chips/crackers, juice crystals). In contrast stunted children from the FV program had lower intakes of protein and fat. Multiple linear regression models revealed that meat, bread and juice crystals but not sweets increased HAZ in the FV region. In the CT region, pasta and corn products were positive predictors but root vegetables and green bananas were negative predictors of HAZ. However, models that included infections captured more variability (29% vs 5%) suggesting that HAZ is influenced not only by diet but also by infection. (Funding: SENACYT – Panama and IDRC – Canada)
Process evaluation of a multilevel, multicomponent obesity prevention program in 5 American Indian communities
Authors: Gittelsohn Joel , Jock Brittany , Pardilla Marla , Swartz Jacqueline , Platero Harrison
Published: June 2021

American Indians (AIs) have the highest rates of obesity and diet‐related chronic disease in the United States. The OPREVENT trial is a multi‐institutional (stores, worksites, schools, community media) obesity prevention program to improve access to healthy foods and increase physical activity for five AI communities. To evaluate program implementation, interventionists’ site visits as well as institutional checklists were evaluated to estimate fidelity, reach and dose. Preliminary analyses indicate the program is achieving moderate to high reach in terms of interactive sessions to participants (Phase 1: 19.4 (9.4), Phase 2: 40.5 (51.9)). Dose is high, with a high average number of intervention materials and giveaways handed out (Phase 1: 11.1 (28.0), Phase 2: 12.8 (32.1)), with a high number of intervention materials and giveaways given out per person across phases (Phase 1: 2.4 (1.8), Phase 2: 12.8 (32.1)) in the worksite and store components. The community media component of OPREVENT is being implemented with high fidelity. These early findings are being used to monitor and improve implementation of the program.
Microbiological Analyses of beverages: in natura orange juice, sugar cane and coffee produced and sold in streets of Sao Paulo.
Authors: Chaud Daniela Maria Alves , Abreu Edeli Simioni , Acosta Maria Beatriz Riverón , Pereira Isabela Rosier Olimpio , Maffei Ananda Joanni , Silva Anne Caroline Pegorelli , Bayer Bianca Soares , Benedetti Bruna Scatigno , Moraes Thais Regina Barca
Published: June 2021

Food and beverages products sold in street are a growing global trend. In natura products have recognized nutritional and functional proprieties; on the other hand, its sanitary aspects are a crucial concern because of the risk of food‐borne diseases, due to the lack of minimal structure at manipulating the foods.

Objective

To evaluate the microbiological quality of in natura beverages: juice, coffee and sugar cane produced and sold in streets.

Methods

It has been collected four samples of each product (orange juice, coffee and sugar cane) in the streets near the subway downtown Sao Paulo, Brazil. It has been immediately analyzed for microbial burden, fungi and yeasts, fecal and thermotolerant coliforms, and Enterobacteriaceae Salmonella and Shigella.

Results

Total coliforms have been shown in all samples, in contrast to fecal ones. Staphylococcus aureus have been observed in sugar cane. Streptococci beta‐haemolytic were absence in all samples, but alpha‐haemolytic were in sugar cane and in orange juice. In all cases the count of aerobic mesophilic was bigger then 106.

Conclusion

These results indicate the unsatisfactory microbiological quality for human intake, that denotes the lack of basic knowledge about manipulation of food and the relevant application of that.
Impact of Mid Day Meal Program on the Nutritional Status of Rural School Children: A Comparative Study with or without NGO Intervention
Authors: Dhaundiyal Geetika , Iyer Uma M
Published: June 2021

Mid Day Meal Program (MDMP) has recently seen an increased involvement by non‐governmental organizations (NGO) but its effectiveness on nutritional outcomes has not been evaluated. The objective of the study was to perform a comparative assessment of MDMP with or without NGO intervention on the growth and hemoglobin status of school children (5–14 years) in rural Gujarat. Five schools, serving mid day meal (MDM) by an NGO were compared to one school which was served MDM directly by the Government (non‐NGO). A total of 1088 children from Gandhinagar district (NGO area) and 282 children in Dehgam district (non‐NGO area) participated in the study. Weight and height were measured using standard procedures. Hemoglobin was measured on a sub sample of 168 children. After 4 months of MDMP intervention children in NGO area had a greater increase in body weight (1.19kg vs 590 g, P<0.001), BMI (0.43 kg/m2vs 0.09 kg/m2, P<0.001) and a greater reduction in prevalence of anemia (16.9% vs 1%, P<0.01). There was a significant rise of 4% in the prevalence of stunting (Height for age <−2SD) in non‐NGO area using CDC 2000 criteria (p<0.01). On the other hand NGO area had a 9% reduction in prevalence of thinness (BMI for age <−2SD) using CDC 2000 criteria (P<0.01). Our data show that NGO executed MDMP have better nutritional outcomes in school going children than MDMP executed by the Government.

Grant Funding Source: MS University of Baroda, Gujarat, India
Macronutrient Intake and Body Composition of Pulmonary TB Patients in Tbilisi, Georgia
Authors: Frediani Jennifer , Sanikidze Eka , Gegechkori Maia , Tukvadze Nestani , Kempker Russell , Hebbar Gautam , Blumberg Henry
Published: June 2021

Aim

To evaluate habitual dietary intake of macronutrients and links with body composition in TB patients in Tbilisi, Georgia.

Method

Dietary intake was obtained from patients at TB diagnosis using a tool that captures specific foods common in Georgian culture. Foods consumed during the previous 3 days were determined by one‐on‐one interviews. Food intake data was entered into the NDS‐R software program and mean daily macronutrient intake determined. Body mass index (BMI; kg/m2) and body composition by bioelectrical impedance analysis were determined. Descriptive statistics, unpaired t‐tests and linear regression methods were used.

Results

In the 199 subjects (mean age 34 y; 64% male), BMI averaged 20.9±3.5 (SD) kg/m2; fat mass was 21.7±10.7% and fat‐free mass was 78.3±10.7% of body weight. Total energy intake averaged 54±21 kcal/kg/day (35% fat, 55% CHO and 12% protein). Protein intake averaged 1.6±0.7 g/kg/day. Underweight subjects (BMI ≤ 18.5 kg/m2; n=43) consumed more total energy (64±21 vs. 51±21 kcal/kg/d; p=0.0007), protein (1.9±0.7 vs. 1.5±0.7; p=0.0008) and fat (2.4±1.0 vs. 2.0±1.0 g/kg/d; p=0.0254) vs. those with BMI >; 18.5 kg/m2 (n=149). BMI negatively correlated with calorie, fat and protein intake, respectively (p=0.001).

Conclusions

TB patients in Tbilisi, Georgia exhibited a low‐normal BMI, were generally lean and 22% were underweight. Overall, subjects consumed a high‐kcal, high‐protein diet from mixed nutrient food sources. Underweight patients consumed significantly higher amounts of macronutrients than non‐underweight patients.

Grant Funding Source: NIH D43 TW007124, D43 TW007124‐06S, K24 RR023356, UL1 RR025008, Emory Global Health Institute
Targeted technical assistance improves the quality of provincial nutrition plans in Vietnam between 2010 and 2012
Authors: Nguyen Phuong H , Hoang Lan N , Frongillo Edward A , Hajeebhoy Nemat , Menon Purnima
Published: June 2021

In Vietnam's National Nutrition Program, nutrition planning is being decentralized to provinces. Since 2010, the Alive & Thrive initiative provided technical assistance to 15 provinces to ensure that provincial plans for nutrition (PPN) are evidence‐based, integrated with other sectors, and well‐resourced. This has included development of provincial nutrition profiles, planning guidelines, and tools as well as organization of national and provincial workshops. To assess progress, content analysis of 15 PPNs for years 2010–2013 was done using an a priori coding checklist. The quality of PPNs improved from 2010 to 2012 with greater changes observed in the central and southern regions than the north. There was significant improvement in the use of data (8/15 provinces) and local context (10/15 provinces) as the evidence base and in articulation of joint actions with other sectors. These improvements have led to more feasible goals, objectives, and prioritized nutrition interventions. Resource mobilization remains a challenge due to rigid budget guidelines and insufficient skills at provincial levels to advocate for resources. Continued technical support to improve capacity for nutrition planning at decentralized levels is essential to ensure translation of national guidelines to programmatic action on the ground. Funding: Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, through Alive &Thrive, managed by FHI360.
Misreporting of BMI is associated with misreporting of dietary intake among US adults
Authors: Poti Jennifer M , Mendez Michelle A , Popkin Barry M
Published: June 2021

The association between error in body mass index (BMI) calculated from reported weight and height and dietary misreporting is unclear.

To estimate this association and its impact on diet‐disease relationships, we studied 1,405 adults 20–60 y from the 2007–08 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Error in BMI was defined as measured BMI (BMIM) minus reported BMI (BMIR). Dietary under‐reporters (26.4%) and over‐reporters (1.3%) were classified using the revised Goldberg method to compare physical activity level with energy intake from 24‐hr recalls. Multivariable linear regression estimated the association between BMI error and dietary misreporting. Estimates of BMI‐diet relations were compared using BMIM vs BMIR and with or without adjustment for dietary misreporting.

Holding BMI constant, error in BMI was significantly associated with dietary under‐reporting (β = −0.33; 95% CI = −0.59, −0.08). BMI‐diet associations were stronger using BMIM vs BMIR, but differed with adjustment for dietary misreporting among men but not women. For example, adjustment for dietary misreporting was needed to yield a significant difference in BMIM for the highest vs lowest fruit intake among men (β = −1.14; 95% CI = −2.21, −0.06) but not women (β = −2.34; 95% CI = −4.07, −0.60).

Misreporting of BMI and dietary intake are associated, but the impact of this joint error on BMI‐diet associations varied by gender and food group.

Grant Funding Source: Funding for this study comes from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (Grant 67506) and the National Institutes of Health (R01 HL104580 and CPC 5 R24 HD050924).
Development of dietary methyl score using plasma homocysteine level in the large two US cohort study
Authors: Jung Seungyoun , Je Youjin , Giovannucci Edward , Willet Walter C. , Rosner Bernard , Ogino Shuji , Cho Eunyoung
Published: June 2021

Backgrounds

One‐carbon metabolism, crucial in DNA synthesis and genomic stability, is a metabolic pathway where nutrients are networked interdependently. The development of comprehensive score integrating the interconnected nutrients within the pathway is necessary.

Methods

A total of 3,283 participants with measured plasma total homocysteine (tHCY) levels in the Nurses’ Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow‐up Study were randomly divided into the training (n=2,626) and the testing subset (n=657). Dietary methyl score predicting plasma tHCY were derived with the known one carbon metabolism related nutrients (alcohol, folate, vitamin B2, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, betaine, choline, and methionine) in the training set using the multivariate linear regression. The correlation of the dietary methyl score with plasma tHCY levels was assessed in the testing set.

Results

The known one‐carbon nutrients explained 29% of the variation of plasma tHCY in the multivariate prediction model (model r2 = .29).Vitamin B2 were the strongest predictor, followed by folate, alcohol, betaine, vitamin B6, and methionine (P<.05). Intake of choline, and vitamin B12 were non‐significant and were taken out from the score calculation. Our dietary methyl score derived from the coefficient of the multivariate prediction model was positively correlated with the plasma tHCY in the testing set (Pearson correlation r=0.28, P = <.001; plasma tHCY range= 10–14 umol/L comparing extreme deciles of the dietary methyl score).

Conclusions

Dietary methyl score predicted plasma tHCY level significantly. The complexity in the one‐carbon metabolism may be better reflected in the dietary methyl score.
Associations of Intake of Fruits and Vegetables with Hypertriglyceridemia in Korean Adults: Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (KNHANES) 2007–2009
Authors: Yuan Changzheng , Lee Hae‐Jeung , Lee Hye‐Seung H. , Willett Walter C. , Stampfer Meir J. , Kim Cho‐il , Cho Eunyoung
Published: June 2021

Background

Limited research has been conducted on the effect of intake of fruits and vegetables (FV) on hypertriglyceridemia (HTG), especially in Asia.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional evaluation of 7934 adults aged 19–64 years from the fourth Korean Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. FV intake was estimated from food frequency questionnaires for the past year. Subgroups of FV included citrus/non‐citrus fruits, cruciferous/green leafy vegetables and carotene‐rich FV. HTG was defined as fasting blood triglycerides level ≥150mg/dl.

Results

There were 2001(25.2%) cases of HTG. Total fruit intake was significantly inversely associated with the prevalence of HTG; the multivariate odds ratios (95% CIs) of HTG across increasing quintiles of total fruit intake were 1.00 (ref), 0.64 (0.53, 0.77), 0.67 (0.56, 0.80), 0.69 (0.58, 0.82), and 0.77 (0.65, 0.91). Similar inverse associations were found for citrus/non‐citrus fruits. However we found no significant association between intake of total vegetables/vegetable subgroups and HTG, the odds ratio for top vs. bottom quintile was 0.95 (0.79–1.13) for total vegetables intake.

Conclusions

Intake of fruits and fruits subgroup (but not vegetables) was strongly associated with reduced prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia. Our findings support a potential beneficial role of fruit consumption to reduce blood triglyceride levels in Asian population.

Grant Funding Source: None
Health‐related Knowledge and Attitudes Are Associated with Sugars‐Sweetened Beverages Intake among U.S. Adults
Authors: Park Sohyun , Onufrak Stephen , Sherry Bettylou , Blanck Heidi M
Published: June 2021

Due to limited information on associations between health‐related knowledge and attitudes and sugars‐sweetened beverage (SSB) intake, our study examined this question using the 2010 HealthStyles Survey data for 3,835 adults (≥18 years). Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the adjusted odds ratios (OR) for drinking SSB ≥2 times/day. About 31% of adults consumed SSBs ≥1 time/day, with 20.5% doing so ≥2 times/day. Most adults (84.5%) agreed that drinking SSB can cause weight gain. However, the majority of adults did not know the actual calorie content of 24‐oz fountain soda (19% underestimated, 17% overestimated, and 45% did not know). Only 28.2% of adults agreed that if the price for a 20‐oz regular soda increased by $0.50 but the price of diet soda remained the same, they would switch to the diet soda. After adjusting for sociodemographic factors, the odds for drinking SSBs ≥2 times/day were significantly higher among adults who neither agreed nor disagreed (neutral) that drinking SSB can cause weight gain (OR=1.70 vs. agree), adults who underestimated the calorie content of regular soda (OR=1.52 vs. do not know), and adults who disagreed that if the price for a 20‐oz regular soda increased, they would switch to diet soda (OR =1.48 vs. agree). Our findings suggest a need for health education regarding the caloric content of SSBs and menu labeling can be a form of education information.
Text messaging enhances nutrition knowledge and behavior among college students: “Mobile MyPlate”
Authors: O'Connor Lauren E , Brown Onikia , Savaiano Dennis
Published: June 2021

This study evaluated the effect of receiving repetitive educational text messages containing the MyPlate icon and USDA's Dietary Guidelines (DGs) on college students’ knowledge as well as fruit and vegetable consumption behavior through a program entitled “Mobile MyPlate”. The intervention group received biweekly text messages for 7 weeks containing the DGs and the MyPlate icon. The control group received the same information in a mailed brochure during week one. A pre‐and post‐online survey assessed the students’ knowledge of the MyPlate food groups, the DGs and fruit and vegetable consumption. The intervention resulted in a significantly greater recognition of the MyPlate food groups (p<0.05) as compared to the control and a trend toward improved knowledge of the DGs. Fruit consumption was significantly elevated (p<0.05) and there was a trend toward elevated vegetable consumption in the intervention group. There were no gender differences in the effectiveness of the intervention. Texting repeated messages appears to be an effective and efficient way to increase nutrition knowledge and behavior of college students. This research was supported by Purdue University.
Bioactive factors in the milk of a non‐human primate biomedical model
Authors: Hinde Katie , Drought Heather , Wechsler Michelle , Bernstein Robin
Published: June 2021

Mother's milk contains numerous hormones and growth factors, which have not been extensively investigated in nonhuman primate milk. Here we report values for several bioactive factors in rhesus macaque milk and describe patterns in concentration across lactation. We used 177 milk samples from 59 macaque mothers (each contributing samples from early, peak, and late lactation) housed in the outdoor breeding colony at the California National Primate Research Center. Using standard parallelism and recovery tests, we validated enzyme immunoassays (R&D Systems, Minneapolis) measuring epidermal growth factor (EGF), its receptor (EGF‐R), adiponectin, transforming growth factor beta‐2 (TGF‐ß2), and insulin‐like growth factor II receptor (IGF‐IIR). Linear mixed models, controlling for total milk volume and repeated measures, show that adiponectin, EGF, and EGF‐R all increased significantly from early to peak, and peak to late lactation. Increases from peak to late lactation were noted in TGF‐ß2 and IGF‐IIR. These results illuminate new pathways for the investigation of early life programming through the transfer of bioactives in milk. Supported by NSF‐BCS‐0921978 (KH) and a GW‐SI Opportunity Fund Grant (RB).
Anti‐diabetic effects of anthocyanins isolated from Korean purple sweet potato, “Shinzami”
Authors: Jang Hwan‐Hee , Kim Sang‐Mi , Kim Sung‐Hee , Kim Jung‐Bong , Lee Young‐Min
Published: June 2021

The purpose of our study is to evaluate the anti‐diabetic effects of and anthocyanin fraction (AF) and twelve individual anthocyanins which are major components of Korean purple sweet potato. In vitro study, the glucose uptake rate was measured by adding fluorescent D‐glucose analogue 2‐[N‐(7‐nitrobenz‐2‐oxa 1,3‐diazol‐4yl) amino]‐2‐deoxy (2‐NBDG) in C2C12 skeletal muscle cells and HepG2 hepatoma cells. AF and twelve anthocyanins were treated at concentration of 100 ug/mL and 10 μM, respectively. In C2C12 myotubes, peak 2, 3, and 11 significantly increased the uptake of 2‐NBDG compared with 1 μM insulin (p<0.05). However, the uptake of 2‐NBDG in HepG2 cells was not significantly increased by treatment of anthocyanins. In vivo study was performed using C57BL/6J mice fed 60% high‐fat diet for 17 weeks. After a single oral administration of AF (96 or 300 mg/kg), four anthocyanins (96 mg/kg), or positive control (metformin: 96 mg/kg) and then blood glucose levels were evaluated at 0, 1, 2, 4, and 6h. Although not statistically significant, blood glucose level showed a tendency of decrease in peak 9 and 14 treatment groups compared with the positive control. These results suggested anthocyanins isolated from Korean purple sweet potato can be helpful to prevent diabetes.

This study was supported by the research project (PJ008839) of National Academy of Agricultural Science, Republic of Korea.
Is Exposure to Bisphenol‐A and Phthalates Associated with Obesity, Metabolic Disturbances and Insulin Resistance among U.S. adults?
Authors: Beydoun Hind , Khanal Suraj , Zonderman Alan B , Beydoun May
Published: June 2021

Emerging evidence suggests that exposure to endocrine disruptors may initiate or exacerbate adiposity and associated health problems. This study examined the associations of urinary levels of bisphenol‐A (BPA) and phthalates with several adiposity‐related conditions among U.S. adults, namely, obesity, insulin resistance and metabolic disturbances. Secondary data analyses were performed using a sample of 3,566 participants from the 2005–2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. Levels of BPA and 15 phthalate metabolites were defined in quartiles. Multivariate linear and logistic regression models for the hypothesized relationships were constructed after controlling for age, sex, race, education, marital status, smoking status, physical activity, total dietary intake and urinary creatinine level. BPA was positively associated with body mass index and negatively associated with high density lipoprotein cholesterol and diastolic blood pressure. Moreover, a positive relationship was observed for BPA level with triglycerides ≥ 150 mg/dL and insulin resistance. By contrast, total phthalates were not associated with the outcomes of interest after controlling for confounders. Prospective cohort studies are needed to examine BPA and phthalates as determinants of obesity, insulin resistance and other adiposity‐related conditions.

Grant Funding Source: None
Body composition metabolic status and definitions of overweight in Guatemalan Children
Authors: Redondo Olga , Villamor Eduardo , Valdés Javiera , Caballero Benjamín , Ramírez Manuel , Franco Manuel
Published: June 2021

Objective

To examine correlations of body mass index (BMI) or % total body fat (%TF) with metabolic biomarkers of chronic disease risk and to explore differences in prevalence of overweight according to BMI‐based definitions by WHO, CDC, and IOTF criteria.

Methods

We measured anthropometry, %TF (DXA), lipid profile, and insulin resistance in a convenience sample of 95 Guatemalan Ladino children 7–12 y‐old. We compared Spearman correlation coefficients of BMI vs. %TF with metabolic biomarkers. Next, we compared the prevalence of overweight as estimated using WHO, CDC, or IOTF criteria.

Results

Correlations of %TF with HOMA‐IR (r=0.64), total cholesterol‐to‐HDL ratio (r=0.60), and triglycerides (r=0.55) were higher than those of BMI (r=0.60, 0.54, and 0.50, respectively). The correlation of %TF with BMI was 0.84. Prevalence of overweight according to WHO, CDC, and IOTF criteria was 44%, 38% and 40%, respectively (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Prevalence of overweight varies according to BMI‐based criteria. Since %TF is more strongly related to metabolic parameters than BMI, a formal evaluation of BMI‐based definitions of childhood overweight is warranted in this population.

Source of Research Support: Global Health Initiative, Collaborating Centers of Excellence, NHLBI