bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MyPlate analysis of central Texas child‐care centers’ lunch menus reveals improvements after Best Food for Families, Infants, and Toddlers workshop intervention (624.24)
Authors: Thompson Courtney , Crixell Sylvia , Bates Kristin , Biediger‐Friedman Lesli , Friedman BJ
Published: June 2021

Approximately 32% of US children ages 2‐19 are overweight or obese. Because most children spend up to 35 hours/week in child‐care, the child‐care center (CCC) is an optimum venue for fostering proper dietary habits to help prevent obesity. Following Institutional Review Board guidelines, 45 CCCs in central Texas were called and 32 directors agreed to participate. During the first site visit, directors and staff gave informed consent, and one month of menus was collected. Menu items for each meal served were analyzed by SuperTracker, and the output of categorized items was entered into Microsoft Excel to generate summary pie charts. During a workshop intervention, each CCC director and staff were collectively provided with their pie charts along with a pie chart depicting MyPlate guidelines. Nutrition lessons guided staff to develop goals to improve menus. After 4 months of telephone follow‐up support, new menus were collected. Pre/post comparison in SPSS of lunch menu items from 7 CCC revealed a significant decrease in the amount of starchy vegetables served (P<0.05) and a trend in increased red/orange vegetables served (P=0.073), suggesting that this MyPlate activity facilitated positive changes.
Investigation of an urban farm intervention for a low income Hispanic population with multiple risk factors for diabetes (624.3)
Authors: Centrone Stefani Monique , Humphries Debbie , Kline Rebecca
Published: June 2021

Background: Obesity and chronic disease are highly prevalent in the United States, particularly among low‐income Hispanic populations. Innovative approaches to changing social, behavioral and nutritional risk factors are crucially needed.

Objectives: To implement and refine a pilot intervention to address chronic disease risk factors in an urban low income population.

Methods: The New Haven Farms Fresh Produce Prescription program provided fresh produce, nutrition education, gardening education and cooking demonstrations weekly during sixteen weeks of the agriculture season. Participants were recruited through a community health center and came to a central urban agriculture site each week. Participants completed baseline and follow up assessments of dietary diversity, chronic disease risk, food security and physical activity, as well as weekly surveys on use of the fresh produce.

Results: 51 people completed the baseline survey, and 40 people completed the follow up survey. Preliminary analyses show that approximately 30% show some food insecurity at baseline.

Conclusions: This pilot study reports on the development of a complex intervention to address multiple chronic disease risk factors through agriculture‐based activities in an urban setting.
The importance of pregnant mother participation in Mama SASHA pregnant and lactating clubs in communities (624.7)
Authors: Wanjala Rose , Webb Amy , Grant Frederick , Okuku Haile , Cole Donald , Low Jan , Levin Carol
Published: June 2021

Antenatal clinics (ANCs) are critical for improving maternal nutrition and health knowledge. The Mama SASHA project in western Kenya delivers an orange flesh sweet potato intervention through ANC to improve the vitamin A status of women and children less than 2 years. A nested cohort study following women from pregnancy to 9 months postpartum was designed as an evaluation strategy for the Mama SASHA project. A survey was conducted at enrollment among 505 women, 10‐24 weeks gestation attending first ANC clinic visit. Of the 505 enrolled women, 72% reported they had not yet received counseling from the nurse on exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months during the current pregnancy; over 90% reported not yet receiving counseling on when to initiate breast feeding, the importance of colostrum, when to initiate complementary feeding or how long to breast feed. 70 % of participants were multiparas (N=352) of whom 91% attended ANC during their previous pregnancy. Of these only 39% reported receiving information from the health facility on breast feeding during their previous pregnancy, 35% on how to eat during pregnancy, and 44% on how to feed young children. These findings highlight that ANC is lost opportunity for providing nutrition education and counseling. There is a significant need to strengthen nutritional counseling both at the ANC as well as through community based platforms such as pregnant and/or lactating clubs.
A study on recognition and intake status of caffeinated food among high school students in Incheon region, Korea (626.1)
Authors: Kim Young A , Choi Ji‐hye
Published: June 2021

This study was conducted to provide basic data to guide students in their proper selection and taking caffeinated food. 535 high school students (254 boys and 281 girls) were surveyed in the region of Incheon, using a questionnaire.

The degree of caffeinated food was evaluated maximum 12 points, and a significant gap proved that boys recognize caffeinated food better than girls(boys 9.06, girls 8.76, p<.01). The primary factor to choose caffeinated food was taste for 75% of students, while 10% of students thought that price was most important thing. 55.7% of students didn’t check out the nutrition facts label on food, but girls tended to checkout more often than boys (boys 40.2%, girls 48%, p<.05). 42% of boys and girls were not well aware of the influence of caffeinated food on their health, similarly. 27.6% of students answered that they experienced side effects of caffeinated food such as sleeplessness(p<.001), frequent urine(p<.05), heartburn(p<.001), headache or vertigo(p<.05), and girls were found to experience more side effect for every symptoms than boys. Except cola, students tended to have caffeinated food solely with no other foods. They tended to have cola with fast foods most likely(boys 51.4%, girls 64.1%, p<.05).

Therefore, nutrition education about caffeinated food is required in home and school both to prevent students’ habit to have excessive caffeinated food for their healthy life.

Grant Funding Source: Supported by Inha University
Development of a STEM‐based school garden and nutrition education program to increase knowledge and consumption of pulse crops by school aged children (626.17)
Authors: Atterberry Kelly , Miles Carol , Riddle Lee Anne , Rueda Janice , Betz Drew
Published: June 2021

Development of a STEM‐based school garden and nutrition education program to increase knowledge and consumption of pulse crops by school aged children Kelly A. Atterberry1*,Carol A. Miles1, Lee Anne Riddle2, Janice M.W. Rueda3, and Drew Betz2.1Washington State University; Mount Vernon, Northwestern Washington Research and Extension Center; 2WSU Extension Whatcom County; 3Washington State University, Pullman, Washington.

Pulse crops, which include dry beans, dry peas, lentils and chickpeas, are nutrient dense foods rich in fiber, protein, iron, potassium and phytonutrients. Consumption of pulses is associated with increased satiety and reduced risk of chronic diseases, yet these low‐cost foods are not widely consumed among school‐aged children. Studies have shown that children who observe and participate in growing food are more likely to taste and regularly consume the targeted food. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a school garden and nutrition education intervention on consumption of pulses in a school cafeteria setting in the state of Washington. A Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)‐based curriculum combined exposure to dry beans, a pulse crop grown in the proximal area, in a school garden setting with classroom nutrition education. The lessons included in‐class nutrition education and science‐based activities, as well as experiential learning activities of harvesting and threshing dry beans from the school gardens. Fifty‐six students participated in the study, 25 in fourth grade and 31 in ninth grade. Pre‐ and post‐intervention surveys were used to assess changes in students’ knowledge about pulses foods. Students’ attitudes towards spending class time in their school garden were also assessed. Results from this pilot study will be presented.
Folate status and incident cancer morbidity among adults in the U.S. (628.6)
Authors: Hu Jing , Juan Wenyen , Sahyoun Nadine
Published: June 2021

Folate and cancer incidence among adults in the U.S. Jing Hu, Wenyen Juan, Ph.D. and Nadine R. Sahyoun, Ph.D., R.D.

Folic acid fortification of grain products in the U.S. has significantly improved population folate status and decreased incidence of Neural Tube Defects. Recently, concerns were raised that excessive folic acid intake may increase cancer risk. We tested the association between folate status and cancer incidence in post‐fortification years among NHANES 1999‐2002 participants aged 57 and over. Cancer incidence was obtained from Medicare files with 5‐8 years follow up. Cox proportional hazards modeling was used to examine the relationship between serum and RBC folate, folic acid and dietary folate equivalents (DFEs) and risk of overall cancer incidence. Over 8100 person‐years of follow‐up, 144 cancer cases were documented. Results showed that participants in the highest quartile for RBC folate (>=421.00 ng/ml) or DFE (>=818.6 µg), were at lower risk of cancer incidence. The Hazard Ratios adjusted for confounders of the highest quartile versus the second quartile of RBC folate and DFEs were 0.545 [0.312‐0.953] and 0.535 [0.300‐0.954], respectively. There were no significant associations between serum folate, folic acid intake and incident cancer. Our findings suggest a protective effect of RBC folate and DFEs against cancer. The post‐fortification consumption of folic acid in an older population did not appear to increase overall cancer risk.
Availability of consumer sources of dietary vitamin D (630.3)
Authors: Plawecki Karen , Chapman‐Novakofski Karen , Dahl Wendy , Meck Higgins Mary , Hongu Nobuko Kay , Horacek Tanya , Tobey Lauren , Belluomini Mary , Qualls Jennifer , Vadala Amanda
Published: June 2021

An environmental survey on vitamin D availability was conducted in a sample of supermarkets, and discount, high‐end and mega‐stores winter 2012‐13 in investigators’ locales. A survey was developed and pilot‐tested to identify food items fortified or with naturally occurring vitamin D. Surveyors recorded each of these foods or added additional items or brands found. Among foods with vitamin D in Nutrition Facts labels (n=4567) cereals and dairy foods were the most frequently available vitamin D options (39.8% and 33%, respectively) Vitamin D quantities in foods per serving were mainly either 40 (or 10% RDI) or 100 International Units (43.3% of foods or 22.9%, respectively). Significant difference (p<0.001) was found in mean %RDI of vitamin D content of foods based on latitude above 41° (North 17.1%±8.3, South 16.0%±8.8). Mean vitamin D %RDI was significantly lower in megastores vs. other stores (15.5%±8.4 vs. 17.1%±8.7). Diverse food sources and fortification levels reinforce the need for consumers to check labels to foster adequate intake.
Evaluating the impact of fat taxes and vegetables subsidies on specific food categories (630.4)
Authors: Hanks Andrew , Just David , Wansink Brian
Published: June 2021

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the psychological effects of framing a 10% price difference between healthy and relatively less healthy foods as a tax, subsidy, or a combination of both.

Methods: In cooperation with a Northeastern grocer, a seven‐month field study was designed in which daily, itemized transactions were tracked for 233 participants. Participants received 10% discount on grocery purchases during the first month of the study. In months two through seven, one‐quarter of the households continued to receive the 10% discount. The other households received a 15% discount on all foods considered healthy, and a 5% discount on all foods considered unhealthy. These households were also assigned to one of three price framing conditions in which the 10% price difference was called either a 10% tax on unhealthy foods, a 10% subsidy on healthy foods, or a 5% tax on unhealthy foods and a 5% subsidy on unhealthy foods. The grocer’s proprietary algorithm was used to determine the health rating of the foods. Before‐after regression methods were utilized to examine the impact of each intervention on expenditures on the following food categories: pre‐made dinners; desserts; dairy; fruit; vegetables.

Results: Participants in the subsidy condition spent $3.21 less (p<0.001) on unhealthy dinners while at the same time spending $2.25 more on the fattening desserts (p<0.001) Interestingly, these individuals spent $1.41 more (p<0.001) on fruit, though this fruit was preserved in heavy syrup. Participants in the tax condition responded by spending $4.34 more on higher calorie dairy items. When the price frame included both a tax and subsidy, participants responded by spending $3.39 less on fresh fruits. There was no effect on vegetables.

Conclusions: These findings document important psychological discrepancies in relation to the framing of price differences. Policy makers should seriously consider these responses as they design instruments to encourage healthier behaviors.
Protein and college males: knowledge, behaviors, and recommendations (633.3)
Authors: Sparks Amy , Colby Sarah , Kavanagh Katie , Hansen‐Petrik Melissa , Appelo Shanthi , Wilkerson Brittany , Monroe Courtney , Thompson Dixie
Published: June 2021

To determine protein knowledge, dietary practices, and intakes compared to recommendations, a convenience sample of non‐athlete college males (n=50), 18‐24 years old, completed 7 day dietary and physical activity records; accelerometer assessments; anthropometric assessments; knowledge and demographic surveys; and interviews. Eighteen percent of males had protein intakes below the AMDR and 0% were above the AMDR. Fourteen percent consumed less than 0.8 gm/kg and 16% consumed over 2 gm/kg. Twenty percent sought protein information from the Internet (primarily from bodybuilding.com), 20% from word of mouth, and 10% from classes. Twenty‐four percent thought they should be consuming one gram per pound of bodyweight. When asked how many grams of protein they thought they needed a day, based on grams they reported and measured body weight, 29% estimated their protein needs within a range of 0.8‐2.0 gm/kg, 22% estimated over 2 gm/kg, 29% estimated under 0.8 gm/kg, and 20% did not know how much they needed. Based on these findings, many non‐athlete college males are misinformed on protein needs, seek information from potentially unreliable sources, and may not be consuming optimal amounts of protein.
The acceptability of an innovative feeding bowl and spoon to improve maternal and child nutrition in India. (633.5)
Authors: Collison Deborah , Kekre Priya , Srikantiah Sridhar , Verma Pankaj , Melgen Sarah , Kram Nidal , Colton Jonathan , Blount Wendy , Webb‐Girard Amy
Published: June 2021

Dietary practices in India often fail to provide adequate nutrition during the first 1000 days of life. We used a life course approach to develop and qualitatively assess low cost and easy to use demarcated feeding bowls and slotted spoons to assist mothers in appropriate diet practices for themselves during pregnancy and lactation and for their children 6‐24 mo. In Samastipur, Bihar, India, we conducted 16 focus groups discussion and 8 key informant interviews to assess community acceptability and feedback on design and delivery of the bowl and spoon. Over 14 days we conducted user testing with 20 pregnant women, 20 breastfeeding women 0‐6 mo postpartum, and 20 mothers with infants 6‐18 mo. The tools were well accepted, though communities recommended manufacturing them in steel. The proportion of pregnant and breastfeeding women taking an extra portion/ day increased from 0% to 100%; number of meals increased from 2‐3 to 3‐4 / day. For children, meal frequency and the quantity and thickness of food consumed during meals increased for all age groups. All children not yet initiating complementary feeding initiated during the testing period. Simple feeding tools are culturally acceptable and have potential to improve dietary practices during the first 1000 days of life in Bihar. Further research should assess whether these tools influence practices and subsequently nutritional status over and above counseling alone.

Grant Funding Source: Bill and Mellinda Gates
Effect of chronic mushroom intake on anthropometric measures and quality of life in older men and women (640.10)
Authors: LaMacchia Zach , Williams B.T. , Marsales H.R. , Millen A.E. , Burton H.W. , Browne R.W. , Horvath P.J.
Published: June 2021

Mushroom intake has been shown to be beneficial in weight management, immune function and quality of life. To determine the effect of chronic Portabella mushroom intake on anthropometric measures and quality of life in older men and women, seventeen subjects (men=5 women=12)(age 51.6±3.0 years old, Weight 84.1±4.6 kg, BMI 30.1± 1.8, Body Fat% 29.8±2.5%) consumed two Portabella mushroom caps/wk for 12 weeks. Anthropometric measures (weight, BF%, BMI, LBM) and quality of life surveys (Yale Physical Activity survey, SF36v2 general health survey, CES depression survey, and a 3 day diet record) were taken at baseline and after 12 weeks. All subjects lost weight (P<0.02, combined) with men having a greater weight loss of 1.7 kg (P<0.03). Fasting blood glucose was decreased in all (106 to 97 mg/dL, P<0.02) with men having a greater decline (120 to 105 mg/dL), P<0.01). Quality of life measures did not change throughout the duration of the study. Chronic mushroom intake may cause weight loss in men and women and lower fasting glucose.

Grant Funding Source: Supported by Mushroom Council
Dietary variety is only Healthy Eating Index item sustained after discontinuation of a lifestyle changing protocol in a Brazilian community‐based adult cohort (641.13)
Authors: Portero‐McLellan Katia , Michelin Edilaine , Siqueira Muriel , Burini Roberto
Published: June 2021

The aim of the study was to evaluate the dietary behavioral changes and compliance of a lifestyle changing protocol (LISC) after its discontinuation. From 153 individuals that participated in a LISC protocol for 6 months, 71 were selected and divided in three groups according to perception of compliance: control (n=31), dietary compliance (n=28) and, non‐compliance (n=12). The LISC consisted of supervised exercises and dietary counseling with assessments of anthropometrics, physical activity, and dietary intake at baseline, end of intervention and after discontinuation (average of 3.4 years, excepted the control). Moments and groups were compared statistically (p<0.05). The LISC promoted weight loss, reduced caloric intake and increased legume intake. After the discontinuation participants kept the positive perception of healthy eating but referred decreased fruit intake and HEI along with slightly increase in waist circumference, unchanged energy intake and decreased physical activity. The non‐compliance group maintained physical activity and dietary intake. In the controls, body composition, physical activity, fruit intake and HEI remained unchanged, while dietary variety improved. Thus this LISC protocol promoted partial compliance on eating behavior after discontinuation of intervention.
Effects of obesity on development of oxidative stress and DNA damages in liver of the obese Zucker rat (643.1)
Authors: Hakkak Reza , Korourian Soheila , Pavliv Oleksanda , Evans Teresa , Melnyk Stepan
Published: June 2021

The obesity epidemic is continuing in the United States for two decades. Obesity leads to significant change in redox balance, targeting both systemic and targeted organs/tissues. Previously, we reported obesity promotes DMBA‐induced mammary tumor development using the obese Zucker rat model. This study’s objective was to investigate the effects of obesity on oxidative stress development and oxidative DNA damage in the rat liver. Female lean and obese Zucker rats (n=8/group) at 5 weeks of age were fed AIN‐93‐G diet for 8 weeks. Liver sample metabolites were measured using HPLC‐electrochemical detection or LC‐MS. We found lean rats have significantly (P<0.05) higher levels of reduced free Glutathione (GSH), significantly (P<0.04) lower levels of oxidized Glutathione (GSSG) and 20% lower (P<0.03) GSH/GSSG oxidative ratio compared to the obese group. Also, an indicator of oxidative DNA damage, 8‐hydroxy‐Guanosine (8‐OH‐G), was 25% (P<0.03) higher in obese rats compared to the lean group and there was a significant (P<0.03) spike in 5‐hydroxymethyl‐Cytosine (5‐hmC) in obese rats. In summary, our results shows higher levels of oxidative stress in the liver of obese rats, which corresponds to an increase in DNA damage, compared to lean rats. An increase in the formation of 5‐hmC in obese rats indicates that it can be a very reliable new marker of DNA damage in addition to 8‐OH‐G.

Grant Funding Source: UAMS Children’s University Medical Group
Obesity is associated with increased dihomo‐λ‐linolenic and with decreased nervonic and n‐3 fatty acids in plasma phospholipids (643.8)
Authors: Pickens Charles , Comstock Sarah , Harris William , Fenton Jenifer
Published: June 2021

Obesity and blood fatty acid (FA) levels are associated with inflammation and chronic disease risk. The purpose of this study was to identify associations between FA in plasma phospholipids (PPL) and body mass index (BMI). 126 Caucasian males (48‐65 years old) were categorized: lean (BMI<25), overweight (25蠄BMI<30), or obese (BMI蠅30). PPL were extracted and analyzed using a modified Rosen‐Folch method and gas chromatography. PPL from obese men were less likely to contain n‐3 FA compared to those from lean (OR 0.72). Specifically, PPL from obese men had lower content of linoleic acid (OR 0.79), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (OR 0.68), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) (OR 0.45), and EPA+DHA (OR 0.74). Nervonic acid (NA), an n‐9 FA, was less abundant in PPL from overweight (OR 0.24) and obese men (OR 0.13), while dihomo λ‐linolenic acid (DGLA), an n‐6 FA, was more abundant in PPL from overweight (OR 3.02) and obese (OR 3.70) men. DGLA was positively correlated and NA was negatively correlated with serum C‐peptide, an indicator of insulin resistance. Similar associations were observed when participants were stratified by waist circumference. Future studies should examine the potential role of NA and DGLA in obesity‐associated diseases.

Grant Funding Source: Research Support: NIH R03CA142000 and MSU CTSI
Capsaicin causes apoptosis of human small cell lung cancers cells via the TRPV6/calpain pathway (644.8)
Authors: Stevenson Cathryn , Crabtree Clayton , Dom Aaron , Lau Jamie , Brown Kathleen , Creel Rebecca , Damron C , Chen Y , Witte Theodore , Hardman W , Dasgupta Piyali
Published: June 2021

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is characterized by aggressive clinical course and a dismal survival rate. The present study examines the apoptotic activity of capsaicin (the pungent ingredient of chili peppers) in human SCLC. We observed that capsaicin induced apoptosis in a panel of human SCLC in a concentration‐dependent and time‐dependent manner. Most importantly, capsaicin caused robust apoptosis in a panel of human SCLC cell lines, but did not affect normal human lung epithelial cells. The dietary administration of capsaicin decreased the growth H69 and DMS53 human SCLC tumors in nude mice and in chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) models. The apoptotic activity of capsaicin was reversed with the generalized TRPV antagonist ruthenium red, indicating that TRPV receptors are involved in capsaicin induced apoptosis. However, antagonists to TRPV1, namely capsazepine and SB‐366791, did not affect the apoptotic activity of capsaicin, suggesting the involvement of a TRPV1‐independent mechanism. In contrast, depletion of TRPV6 by siRNA ablated the apoptotic activity of capsaicin. Capsaicin‐induced apoptosis was also inhibited by calpeptin, a chemical inhibitor of the calpain pathway. Our findings suggest that capsaicin may have potential applications as a novel therapeutic agent for SCLCs.

Grant Funding Source: Supported by an NIH R15‐Area Grant, a FAMRI YCSA Grant, and WV INBRE
Vitamin A and feeding statuses modulate the insulin‐regulated Pck1 and Srebp‐1c expression in primary hepatocytes from lean and obese rats (645.1)
Authors: Chen Wei , Li Yang , Chen Guoxun
Published: June 2021

The hepatic insulin resistance occurs with profound changes of the expression of genes for glucose and lipid metabolism. Previously, we compared insulin‐regulated gene expression in hepatocytes of Zucker lean (ZL) and fatty (ZF) rats. We found that insulin‐regulated Srebp‐1c and Pck1 expressions are impaired in hepatocytes of ZF, but not ZL, rats fed ad libitum, which can be corrected by fasting. As vitamin A (VA) deficiency causes reduction of body mass and food intake in rats, we set up a pair‐feeding experiment to study the effects of energy intake and VA status on the insulin‐regulated gene expression. Rats were fed a VA deficient (VAD) diet ad libitum (VAD‐AD) for 8 weeks. An isocaloric VA sufficient (VAS) diet equal to the amount of the VAD diet taken by the VAD‐AD rat in 24‐hour was given to the pair‐fed rats in two ways. On the last day, VAS‐PF‐AD rat was allowed to ingest the VAS diet ad libitum to avoid the fasting state. VAS‐PF‐4M rat was given one fourth of the daily ration every 6 hours. Here, we report that the insulin‐ and retinoic acid (RA)‐regulated Srebp1c and Pck1 expressions were impaired in hepatocytes of ZF rats fed ad libitum, confirming our previous results. The impairment was partially corrected in hepatocytes of ZF rats fed the VAD diet ad libitum. The ZL and ZF VAS‐PF‐AD or ‐4M rats had higher body mass and feed efficiency than their VAD‐AD controls before the reduction of food intake occurred. The VAS‐PF rats overate when enough diet was present at the end of the pair‐feeding paradigm. Insulin‐inhibited Pck1 (VAS‐PF‐AD ZL rats) and induced Srebp1c (VAS‐PF‐AD ZL and ZF rats) expressions ware partially impaired. The expressions of genes for hepatic VA metabolism were altered in those rats. VA and feeding statuses modulate the insulin‐regulated gene expression.

Grant Funding Source: Supported by AHA
13C‐phytoene from tomato cell suspension cultures for pharmacokinetic studies in healthy adults (645.15)
Authors: Moran Nancy , Cichon Morgan , Novotny Janet , Grainger Elizabeth , Riedl Ken , Rogers Randy , Schwartz Steven , Erdman John , Clinton Steven
Published: June 2021

Phytoene (C40H64) is a colorless carotenoid found in tomatoes and other plant foods and is enriched in tomato consumers’ plasma and tissues. Yet, little is known about its absorption, distribution, and clearance. To study phytoene pharmacokinetics, phytoene was 13C‐biolabeled using tomato cell suspension cultures grown with uniformly‐labeled 13C‐glucose (30 g/L media) for a 7‐d 13C‐loading and 18‐d 13C‐labeling cycle to yield 290 g cells/L culture. Uniformly labeled 13C‐phytoene was the predominant isotopomer (13C40H56; ~47%), and 蠅85% carbon was 13C across the major isotopomers. 13C‐phytoene was isolated from 2.53 kg of cells by hexane/ethanol/water biphasic extraction and purified by semi‐preparatory C18 HPLC‐PDA. Two wk before test meal consumption, 4 healthy adults (2 females, 2 males, 27.7 ± 2.3 yr, BMI 22 ± 1) began a controlled phytoene diet (1‐5 mg/d) to achieve steady‐state conditions and continued this diet for 4 wk, after 13C‐phytoene consumption. On day 0, subjects consumed 3.2 mg 13C‐phytoene in 10 mL carotenoid‐free olive oil with a low‐carotenoid breakfast. Plasma samples were collected at baseline, hourly from 1‐15 h, at 17, 19, 21, and 24 h, and 2, 3, 4, 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, and 28 d after dosing. Mean dietary phytoene intake was 2.5 ± 0.6 mg/d over 6 wk, with major dietary sources being tomato‐containing products, sweet bell peppers, and winter squash. Plasma 13C‐phytoene concentrations will be measured by HPLC‐MS/MS for pharmacokinetic analyses. Pharmacokinetic investigation of tomato phytochemicals elucidates their biological relevance and promotes development of rational dietary interventions for clinical trial investigations. NIH/NCCAM‐R21AT005166

Grant Funding Source: NIH/NCCAM‐R21AT005166
Vitamin A supplementation promotes the uptake and tissue storage of vitamin A in a kinetic study of neonatal rats (645.21)
Authors: Urbanek Joanna , Tan Libo , Ross A. , Green Michael
Published: June 2021

Previous studies conducted in our laboratory have shown that supplementing neonatal rats with a combination of vitamin A (VA) and retinoic acid increases total retinol (ROH) concentration in plasma, liver and lung. The objective of the present study was to examine the effect of VA supplementation, in the absence of retinoic acid, on the metabolism and kinetics of total ROH in plasma and liver of neonatal rats. On postnatal d 4, pups (n = 103) received an oral dose of either VA (6 μg of retinyl palmitate/g of body weight) or canola oil, both containing 2.5 μCi of [3H]retinol acting as the tracer. Subsequently, pups (n = 4/group/time) were euthanized at 13 time‐points from 30 min to 24 d after dose administration. VA supplementation transiently increased total ROH concentration in plasma, due mainly to an elevation of retinyl esters, which disappeared 15 h after dosing. In the liver, total ROH concentration remained significantly elevated in the VA group until d 18 after dosing. VA also increased the amount of [3H]retinol present in the liver from d 8 to d 12 and enhanced the clearance of [3H]retinol from plasma on d 1 following dose administration. The results indicate that VA supplementation may stimulate the uptake of VA by the liver for storage during the neonatal period.

Grant Funding Source: NIH HD‐066982
Breast milk carotenoid concentrations are decreased in obese mothers (645.5)
Authors: Vishwanathan Rohini , Panagos Patoula , Sen Sarbattama
Published: June 2021

Maternal obesity has been linked with poor neurodevelopmental outcomes in infants. We investigated the impact of maternal obesity on breast milk (BM) carotenoids. Subjects included 13 control/lean (Lc, mean BMI 21) and 9 obese (Ob, mean BMI 37) mothers who delivered healthy term babies (gestational age >37 weeks). The study was approved by Tufts Medical Center IRB and informed consent was obtained from all subjects. BM and 3‐day diet records were collected between 6 and 10 weeks postpartum. BM was analyzed using standard lipid extraction and reverse phase HPLC. Carotenoid concentrations were lower in BM from Ob compared to Lc mothers. The differences were statistically significant for lutein, α‐ and β‐carotene. Adjusting for dietary intake did not alter the significance. Lutein, along with zeaxanthin, preferentially accumulates in the macular region of the retina and may influence visual development. The provitamin A carotenoids α‐carotene and β‐carotene provide a significant source of vitamin A for the BM‐fed infant. Insufficiency of these carotenoids in BM of Ob women may affect infant neurodevelopment.

Carotenoids, nmol/L
Lc (n=13)
Ob (n=9)

Lutein
75.33 (11.7)
33.5 (5.7)*

Zeaxanthin
18.06 (3.53)
11.2 (1.71)

Cryptoxanthin
58.99 (19.34)
15.66 (3.01)

Î±‐carotene
16.6 (3.12)
4.25 (0.68)*

Î²‐carotene
118.42 (24.26)
30.22 (4.36)*

Lycopene
76.97 (17.78)
65.5 (13.26)

Values are means (SE), *P<0.05

Grant Funding Source: Susan Saltonstall Grant Program, Department of Pediatrics,Tufts Medical Center
Relationships between changes in iron status and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) after a 5 month iron‐biofortified bean efficacy trial (646.3)
Authors: Luna Sarah , Lung'aho Mercy , Gahutu Jean Bosco , Haas Jere
Published: June 2021

Objective: To examine the effects of an iron‐biofortified bean intervention on physical performance in Rwandan women assessed by VO2max.

Methods: 145 Rwandan women (18‐26 years) were randomized to receive either iron‐biofortified beans or traditional beans twice daily for 5 months. Blood biomarkers and VO2max were measured before and after the feeding period. VO2max was assessed with a mechanically braked cycle ergometer (Monark 874E). Heart rate, VO2, and VCO2 were directly measured with the Cosmed K4B2 system. Non parametric tests and general linear models were used to evaluate the effect of the intervention on blood biomarkers and VO2max.

Results: Serum ferritin significantly increased in the iron‐biofortified group (4.0 μg/l increase in median in treatment group, 2.5 μg/l increase in median in control group; p=0.04). VO2max declined in both groups over the course of the intervention with no difference between the high iron and control beans. However, in iron status responders (those with ferritin increase of 15% or more; n=122), women in the treatment group had significantly attenuated decline in VO2max compared with women in the control group (estimate 2.11 ml O2/min/kg, p=0.02).

Conclusion: Consumption of iron‐biofortified beans significantly improved iron status in Rwandan women, and improvements in iron status in the iron‐biofortified group attenuated the decline in VO2max.

Grant Funding Source: Supported by HarvestPlus
Dietary scopoletin modulates adipose tissue inflammation and lipid accumulation in chronic alcohol‐fed rats (647.12)
Authors: Lee Hae‐in , Sim Mi‐Ok , Ham Ju Ri , Choi Ra Young , Kim Sung Jin , Kim Myung‐Joo , Lee Mi‐Kyung
Published: June 2021

Chronic alcohol consumption leads to lipolysis and reduction of fatty acid uptake capacity in the adipose tissue, which is associated with dysregulation of lipid metabolism. Therefore, we investigated the dose‐response effects of scopoletin on adipose tissue lipid homeostasis and inflammation in chronic alcohol‐fed rats. Rats were fed a Liber‐Decarli liquid diet contains 5% alcohol with or without three different doses of scopoletin (0.01g, 0.02g, 0.05g/L) for 8 weeks. Normal rats were received isocaloric carbohydrate liquid diet. All doses of scopoletin did not affect the visceral fat mass, but they significantly lowered triglyceride levels compared with the alcohol control group. Scopoletin dose‐independently inhibited lipolysis target gene of adipose tissue, CIDEA, along with lipogenesis genes (PPARγ, SREBP and FASN), while it increased CPT gene level compared with the alcohol control group. Furthermore, all doses of scopoletin significantly down‐regulated mRNA levels of inflammatory markers such as TLR4, NFκB and TNFα as well as plasma TNFα and IL‐6 levels in alcohol‐fed rats. Our findings demonstrated that low‐dose of scopoletin modulated alcohol‐induced dysregulation of lipid metabolism and imflammatory response in the adipose tissue, which was mediated by regulation of TLR4 signaling pathway and lipid metabolism related gene expression.

Grant Funding Source: Supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (No. 2012R1A1A2041931).
Bioactive peptides produced from enhanced common bean cultivars inhibit angiotensin converting enzyme activity (647.14)
Authors: Mojica‐Contreras Luis , de Mejia Elvira
Published: June 2021

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is a good source of proteins (16‐33%), vitamins, minerals and complex carbohydrates. The objective was to produce, characterize and evaluate the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition and antioxidant capacity (AC) of bioactive peptides from proteins of common bean cultivars from Mexico and Brazil. Bean protein isolates were hydrolyzed by pepsin‐pancreatin and the molecular mass of the produced peptides determined by mass spectrometry. Phaseolin and lectin were the major proteins identified in the studied common beans. Forty seven abundant peptides were identified ranging from 347 to 3067 Da in beans BRS‐Horizonte, BRS‐ Pontal, Perola and Black‐Otomi; the black bean presented the highest amount of identified peptides (689.3, 713.4, 959.6, 981.6 and 1275.7 Da). Common bean Pontal showed the highest AC value (274 mmol ± 0.8 TE/g protein) and BRS‐Horionte the lowest (240 ± 3.8 mmol TE/g protein). ACE inhibition by peptides from Black‐Otomi (YG, RP, GT, GG, DG, NY, CF) was the highest (IC50 = 0.29 ± 0.08 mg /mL) and Pontal the lowest (IC50 = 0.45 ± 0.06 mg/mL), p < 0.05. Mexico and Brazil cultivars showed similar peptide pattern. Peptides from common bean showed high ACE inhibitor activity, high AC, and potential to enhance health and wellness if used as functional ingredients.

Grant Funding Source: Supported by CONACYT, Research Council for Science and Technology
Modulation of inflammatory response and mucus production through adiponectin deficiency in a murine model of DSS‐induced acute colitis (650.14)
Authors: Kaur Kamaljeet , Saxena Arpit , Larsen Bianca , Hegde Shweta , Greer Julian , Truman Samantha , Fayad Rajanikanth
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is an idiopathic disease comprising of Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, and characterized by abrasion of the colon lining and altered mucus production by goblet cells. Adiponectin (APN), an adipocytokine which is known to bind epithelial growth factor (EGF), acts as a pro‐inflammatory molecule such that, its absence has a protective role against inflammation in acute colitis. The present study establishes this role in a murine model of acute colitis. METHODS: WT and APNKO mice were given 2.5% DSS ad libidum in drinking water for 5 days, followed by normal drinking water for next 5 days to induce acute inflammation. Mice were injected with 1.5 mg/kg of recombinant APN intraperitoneally every alternative day. Clinical score parameters included weight loss, diarrhea and blood in stools. Relative numbers of epithelial and goblet cells, expression levels of pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines and mucin genes in colon tissues were studied using histochemical procedures, ELISA and Western blot. RESULTS: Administration of APN worsened the symptoms of acute ulcerative colitis in the experimental mice, leading to higher clinical scores and pro‐inflammatory cytokines, lower goblet cell numbers and reduced expression of EGFR. CONCLUSION: Absence of APN serves a protective role against DSS‐induced acute colitis.
Pharmacological blockers of STIM1 inhibit increases in intracellular calcium in horse sweat gland cells (650.2)
Authors: Robertson Jennifer , Bovell Douglas
Published: June 2021

Calcium is a key second messenger in stimulus‐secretion coupling in human and Equidae sweat gland secretory cells. Upon stimulation, calcium is released from internal stores, facilitating the opening of membrane ion channels and the subsequent formation of secretion in the lumen of the gland. Sustained secretion requires an influx of calcium from the external milieu. This calcium influx is thought to enter the secretory cells via store operated calcium channels. Little is known about store‐operated calcium entry (SOCE) and so we studied its role in horse sweat gland cells from control animals and those that had developed anhidrosis, an inability to produce sweat.

We had previously shown the presence of STIM and Orai proteins in cell lines derived from control and anhidrotic animals. The results also indicated a reduction in STIM1 mRNA and protein expression in anhidrotic sweat gland cells. The functionality of the SOCE pathway in both cell lines was investigated in response to agonist stimulation using FURA‐2AM calcium‐imaging techniques. Increases in [Ca2+]i could be abolished to varying degrees in control cells by a variety of known pharmacological blockers of SOCE. Additionally anhidrotic cells showed a significant decrease in [Ca2+]i FURA‐2 ratio in response to agonists when compared to control cells.

The results suggest that a reduction of STIM1 expression in the SOCE pathway may play a role in anhidrosis in horses.

Grant Funding Source: Supported by Glasgow Caledonian University.
Low‐cost implantable device for electrical stimulation of peripheral nerves in rodents (651.13)
Authors: Dias Daniel , Fazan Rubens , Salgado Helio
Published: June 2021

The aim of this study was to design and test a low‐cost miniaturized device for acute and chronic electrical stimulation of peripheral nerves. The device consists of a battery‐efficient electronic circuit, equipped with surface mounting devices (SMD), which allows precise adjustment of stimulatory parameters that can be changed with the device implanted in the animal. The frequency of stimulation is monitored by a microcontroller while a miniaturized battery feeds the circuit. The device is embedded in non‐toxic resin and subcutaneously implanted. Male Wistar rats (N=8) were anesthetized with a ketamine/xylazine mixture and implanted with bipolar steel electrodes in the vagus nerve at cervical level. The ECG was recorded during 5 minutes at baseline (Basal heart rate: 290±15 bpm), then the electrodes were connected to the stimulation device and square pulses (20 Hz; 0.1 ms; 3 V) were delivered to the nerve during 1 minute, followed by a recovery period of 5 minutes. It was found that electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve, using the low‐cost device fully designed in our laboratory, induces bradycardic responses (110±24 Δbpm) ceasing after electrical stimulation. This study showed that a low‐cost implantable device was successfully designed and precisely used for peripheral nerve electrical stimulation.

Grant Funding Source: Supported by FAPESP, CNPq, CAPES, NIC‐USP
Molecular mechanism of Paclitaxel‐induced degradation of SCG10: a potential neuropathy biomarker (651.14)
Authors: Cintron‐Colon Rigo , Vega Irving
Published: June 2021

Peripheral neuropathy is a major disorder found in diabetic and chemotherapy‐treated cancer patients; it is commonly due to damage to nerve axons. Paclitaxel is a drug used as chemotherapy agent for the treatment of different types of cancer. The mode of action of Paclitaxel is affecting the microtubules’ dynamic instability required for the proper function of neuronal terminals and cell division. Paclitaxel promotes death of rapid dividing cells (i.e. cancer cells) and induces peripheral neuropathy as a side effect. However, the molecular mechanism that mediates Paclitaxel‐induced neuropathy is still unknown. We showed that the abundance of SCG10 ‐ a microtubule destabilizing protein ‐ decreased in Paclitaxel‐treated neuroblastoma cells. SCG10 protein levels are maintained in PC12 cells, when calpain is inhibited, indicating an involvement in the molecular mechanism activated by Paclitaxel‐treatment. In addition, the inhibition of JNKs after mechanical injured Dorsal Ganglion Root neurons blocks the reduction of SCG10 protein. Thus, JNKs may play an important role in Paclitaxel‐induced calpain‐mediated SCG10 protein degradation. Pharmacological and biochemical approaches were used to test this working hypothesis and identified other proteins associated with Paclitaxel‐induced SCG10 protein degradation. The results will contribute to the understanding of the molecular mechanism associated with the cellular respond to Paclitaxel treatment; information that could be used to prevent peripheral neuropathy as a side effect.

Grant Funding Source: BP‐ENDURE NeuroID Program (8R25NS080687).
Tracing neuronal connections through genetic approaches (651.16)
Authors: Corcoran Sarah , Czeisler Catherine , Gygli Patrick , Catacutan Fay , Gokozan Hamza , Linn Sarah , Otero José
Published: June 2021

Premature babies are at risk for life‐threatening autonomic dysfunction, including abnormal CNS control of breathing. These problems arise in part from immaturity of the autonomic nervous system in premature babies. The transcription factor PHOX2B is a master regulator of autonomic nervous system function as well as the specification of noradrenergic neurons. All autonomic afferent and efferent circuits require normal PHOX2B function, and therefore PHOX2B‐derived neurons must have attained developmental maturity at birth for normal physiological function. Incomplete maturity and/or absence of noradrenergic and serotonergic neuron networks are a proposed mechanism of infant breathing disorders including apnea of prematurity, sudden infant death syndrome, and congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS). PHOX2B mutations result in the “chemosensation” loss characteristic of CCHS, resulting in poor respiratory drive secondary to hypercarbia (high pCO2). The developmental processes occurring during late embryonic development that permit proper respiration at birth are unknown. So that we may ultimately determine the mechanisms of respiratory neuron maturation in mammals, we validated a transgenic mouse model of neuronal circuitry development. This transgenic mouse reagent (Jackson Labs stock number 010590) shows upon cre‐mediated excision in neurons tdTomato expression in neuronal axons and somata and GFP expression at synapses. Hence, through a genetic approach, we will achieve the capacity to assay neuronal innervation between brainstem nuclei.

Grant Funding Source: R21EB017539‐01A1
Prenatal cocaine exposure initiates the release of TIMP‐1 and MMP‐9 in primary neuronal and glial cell cultures (651.21)
Authors: Johnson Marquita , Womble Tracy , Jackson Tanise , Goodman Carl
Published: June 2021

Drug addiction is a complex phenomenon that is mediated by biochemical events sequential to repeated exposure to a drug. The mechanisms underlying drug addiction include processes similar to those operating in forms of synaptic plasticity. Recently, pro‐addicitve cytokines, tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMPs) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been shown to influence neuronal plasticity consequent to repeated cocaine injections in animal models. The present study was designed to investigate the role of TIMP‐1 and MMP‐9 in the addiction neurobiology of offspring exposed to cocaine during gestation. Time pregnant Sprague‐Dawley rats were treated with 40 mg/kg of cocaine HCl on gestational day (GD) 10‐21. On postnatal day (PND) 2, the brain tissue of the pups was harvested to yield mixed primary neuronal and glial cell cultures. Primary cell cultures were also exposed to a second sub‐lethal dose of cocaine in vitro and their response was measured. An increase in TIMP‐1 and MMP‐9 expression was observed in prenatally exposed primary neuronal and glial cell cultures. Through in vivo and in vitro studies, these findings suggest that exposure to cocaine in utero initiates the release of pro‐addictive cytokines increasing the incidence of addiction in the affected offspring.

Grant Funding Source: NIH‐NIMHD G12MD007582
Orpin and its isoform are novel putative calcium binding proteins associated to intestinal and nerve regeneration in the sea cucumber Holothuria glaberrima (651.22)
Authors: Soto‐Acaba Arisnel , Ortiz‐Pineda Pablo , Hernandez‐Pasos Josue , Garcia‐Arraras Jose
Published: June 2021

Holothuria glaberrima exhibits the capacity to regenerate body parts after injury or loss. This ability is mediated by an initial blastemal formation which requires proliferation and reorganization of precursor cells. Accordingly, various molecules play key roles in different aspects of the regeneration of a body part. The use of microarrays and high‐throughput sequencing lead our laboratory to identify a series of new molecules associated to different processes of regeneration. Such is the case for the protein Orpin.

Based on an EST database, we found that Orpin gene is over expressed at early stages of intestinal regeneration. Its expression occurs concomitantly with remodeling of the extracellular matrix. Also, another isoform was identified and both sequences were present in libraries from regenerating nerve and intestinal tissues. The characterization between those sequences indicates that both encode two EF‐hand motifs. Unlike other known calcium binding proteins, they exhibit a signal peptide. The use of Orpin antibodies showed the labeling of the luminal epithelium as well as the radial nerve. Moreover, these antibodies are being used to determine the tissue and temporal specificity of Orpin and its isoform. In order to evaluate the effect of Orpin during regeneration, two His‐tagged fusion proteins are expressed to be injected into regenerating animals. Thus, determining the role of Orpin and its isoform during the regeneration process would help to elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved in different aspects of nerve and intestinal regeneration.

Grant Funding Source: NIH (1SC1GM084770)