bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A cross species exploration of nuclear morphology (786.2)
Authors: Ahlers Bethany , Hughes Erika , Richards Eric
Published: June 2021

Our knowledge and understanding of the structures and mechanisms responsible for nuclear organization are based primarily on research in animal cells. In order to address the lack of understanding of plant nuclear morphology, new research specifically targeting the nuclear organization of plants has begun. However, much of this research is limited to the popular model plant, Arabidopsis thaliana. In order to broaden the base of research in this area, this study included not only A. thaliana, but three other well‐studied plant species: Medicago truncatula (barrel clover), Nicotiana benthamiana (a tobacco relative) and Solanum lycopersicum (tomato). The main objectives of this project are to determine whether there are any differences in the nuclear morphology among these plant species in regards to cell/organ‐specificity in nuclear size and shape. In addition, we investigated whether environmental conditions could affect nuclear shape, using a transgenic A. thaliana line carrying a nuclear‐localized GFP marker. Specifically, we exposed this line to different osmotic environments and observed whether any changes in the nuclear shape or size resulted. From this project, we have shown that differentiated (non‐spherical) nuclear shapes are seen in M. truncatula, N. benthamiana and S. lycopersicum root tips, roots, hypocotyls and leaves. Our preliminary observations suggest that influencing the environmental conditions of A. thaliana does have a visual effect on the nuclear shape and size of the nuclei as the molarity of the environment increases.
Glycomics analysis of resting and activated human platelets (789.1)
Authors: Azadi Parastoo , Ishihara Mayumi , Kumagai Tadahiro , Stalnaker Stephanie , Zhang Hanrui , Park Seongha , Wells Lance , Tiemeyer Michael , Reilly Muredach
Published: June 2021

Cardiovascular diseases are the most common causes of death in developed countries and their prevalence rate is rapidly growing in developing countries. Genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) have identified associations between ABO blood group status and HLBS (heart, lung, blood, and sleep) disorders. ABO glycans are expressed on glycoproteins and glycosphingolipids (GSLs) of cells and tissues relevant to HLBS disorders,including endothelial cells and platelets. Several major HLBS disorders, particularly acute myocardial infarction and acute lung injury, are characterized by endothelium dysfunction and platelet‐driven thrombosis. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the disposition of ABO glycan expression by endothelial cells and platelets is essential for elucidating the mechanisms by which these glycans influence risk for cardiovascular disease. Toward this end, we have undertaken the structural characterization of GSL, and N‐ and O‐linked glycoprotein glycans in resting and activated platelets. The preparations of GSLs are permethylated and analyzed by direct infusion into an NSI‐LTQ/Orbitrap mass spectrometer. N‐ glycans are enzymatically released and O‐glycans are released by reductive beta‐elimination from glycoprotein preparations prior to permethylation and subsequent quantitative analysis by mass spectrometry. For GSLs, expression levels of lactosylceramide (LacCer) and of the sialylated form of LacCer, ganglioside GM3, were significantly decreased and increased, respectively, upon activation. For N‐glycans, high‐mannose structures and mono‐ and disialylated N‐glycans were significantly increased in activated platelets compared to resting platelets. These results are consistent with a systemic upregulation in human platelet glycoconjugate sialylation during activation of platelets and enhanced glycan‐mediated platelet adhesion and thrombosis.

Grant Funding Source: NIH
Glycogenome signatures in complex cardiometabolic disease (789.4)
Authors: Ballantyne Rachel , Qu Liming , Liu Jim , Nairn Alison , Li Wenyuan , Azadi Parastoo , Zhang Hanrui , Wells Lance , Tiemeyer Michael , Moremen Kelley , Christie Jason , Li Mingyao , Zhou Xianghong , Reilly Muredach
Published: June 2021

Cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs) are a leading cause of death. Because of the fundamental roles of glycogenes in cell interactions and tissue remodeling, we hypothesized that a focused interrogation of the human glycogenome in genome wide association studies (GWAS) for CMDs would reveal a role for previously unrecognized glycogenes. We defined a set of 723 human glycogenes, and annotated ~45,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms (hg 19, dbSNP build 137) into these genes, from 16 GWAS datasets for CMD traits, including coronary artery disease, plasma lipids and type 2 diabetes. At a false discovery rate of 5%, we identified 788 SNPs in 83 genes associated with one or more of 11 traits. Of these, 334 SNPs in 36 glycogenes were also significant at a Bonferroni‐adjusted p < 0.05 (unadjusted p < ~10‐6). A weighted score of SNP associations across traits revealed several glycogenes with pleiotropic associations, including COL4A3BP, ABO, PIGU, ST3GAL4, GCK, SDCBP, G6PC2, and FUT2. Our analyses suggest a role for multiple glycogenes in diverse CMDs with specific glycogenes contributing to multiple traits. Functional studies and therapeutic targeting of specific glycogenes and pathways in CMD are warranted.

Grant Funding Source: Supported by the National Institutes of Health (U01‐HL108636 and K24‐HL10763)
Tumor progression induced by integrin αvβ3 mediated anchorage‐dependent and ‐independent signaling (79.3)
Authors: Cheresh David
Published: June 2021

Tumor cell interaction with the extracellular matrix facilitates cancer progression and metastasis. Integrin αvβ3, the most promiscuous integrin, binds a wide array of provisional matrix proteins, and promotes signaling events leading to tumor cell metastasis to bone, brain, and lymph node. While integrin αvβ3 expression is a marker of tumor progression for a wide range of histologically distinct cancers, the molecular mechanism by which αvβ3 influences the growth and malignancy of cancer is poorly understood. Here, we reveal that integrin αvβ3 not only promotes matrix mediated signaling, but to our surprise this receptor in the unligated state recruits KRAS and RalB to the plasma membrane, leading to the activation of TBK‐1/RelA. These events are both necessary and sufficient to promote tumor initiation, anchorage‐independence, self‐renewal, as well as resistance to nutrient deprivation and treatment with receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) inhibitors such as erlotinib. Genetic or pharmacological inhibition of RalB or its effectors suppresses tumor initiation, self‐renewal, and resensitizes tumors to RTK inhibition. These findings not only identify ανβ3 as a marker/driver of tumor stemness but reveal that this integrin can promote both ligand dependent as well as ligand independent signals that contribute to tumor progression and metastasis.
Production of neuraminidase by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (790.3)
Authors: McClinton Anna , Cioffi Donna , Cioffi Eugene
Published: June 2021

Rationale: Neuraminidase (NA), an enzyme which cleaves sialic acids from underlying glycans, is considered a virulence factor for several pathogenic bacteria. The opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa is also known to produce NA. P. aeruginosa NA (PaNA) has been implicated in biofilm formation and colonization of respiratory epithelium in cystic fibrosis. However, a clear role for PaNA in other disease states has not been determined. In order to investigate potential roles of PaNA in infection, the NA enzyme must be isolated and purified. NA production by other bacteria, such as Streptococcus spp, correlates with the late logarithmic or early stationary phases of bacterial growth. Additionally, conditions such as growth media have been shown to influence NA production. In order to optimize production of NA by P. aeruginosa strain Pa103, growth curves were performed along with NA activity assays. Methods: P. aeruginosa strain Pa103 was grown in various broth cultures: Brain Heart Infusion (BHI), BHI +10% Newborn Calf Serum (NCS), and BHI + 10% heat‐inactivated NCS. Samples were taken hourly for NA activity assays. Results: NA activity peaked in the late logarithmic/early stationary phase of growth, regardless of serum added to the media. NA activity was not enhanced by the addition of serum. Conclusion: P. aeruginosa Pa103 produces NA in agreement with patterns observed in other NA producing bacteria.

Grant Funding Source: Supported by R01HL107778
A p21Cip1‐dependent autophagic cell death by BH3‐mimetic gossypol in mutant BRAF melanoma cells (796.4)
Authors: Jang GunHee , Lee Michael
Published: June 2021

In this study, we described the potential therapeutic effects of BH3‐mimetic gossypol on melanoma cells with acquired resistance to BRAF inhibitors. Gossypol retained its efficacy in BRAF‐V600E melanoma clones with acquired resistance to BRAF inhibitors through a mechanism independent of MEK‐ERK inhibition. Gossypol caused G2/M arrest in both BRAF mutant A375P and A375P/Mdr cells with high expression of p21Cip1, regardless of their drug resistance. Interestingly, we determined that the lack of gossypol‐induced mitotic arrest in BRAF‐WT‐harboring SK‐MEL‐2 cells was associated with a low level of p21Cip1 expression. In addition, gossypol preferentially induced autophagy and apoptosis in the gossypol‐sensitive cells and not in the gossypol‐resistant SK‐MEL‐2 cells, which suggests that apoptosis and autophagy can occur simultaneously and act as cooperative partners for the induction of cell death. Taken together, these results suggest that gossypol may exhibit potential for the treatment of BRAF inhibitor‐resistant tumors, but a functional p21Cip1 is a prerequisite for a positive response to its clinical application.
ICAM1 regulates influenza A survival in lung epithelial cells during the early stages of infection (796.5)
Authors: Othumpangat Sreekumar , Noti John , Beezhold Donald
Published: June 2021

Intercellular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (CD54 or ICAM‐1) is an inducible cell surface glycoprotein that is expressed at low levels on many cell types including leukocytes and endothelial cells. ICAM‐1 is known to serve as a receptor for rhinovirus. In this study, we examined the role of ICAM‐1 as a signaling molecule in cell survival during the early stages of influenza A infection. Exposure of A549 cells to influenza A induced 100 fold increase in ICAM1 mRNA. The specificity of this response was shown by depleting ICAM1 on the A549 cells by transfecting the cells with siRNA specific for ICAM and then exposing these cells to influenza A. Lack of ICAM1 resulted in increased influenza A copy number. Next we used ICAM1 antibody to inhibit endogenous ICAM1 which resulted in increased infection efficiency of influenza A, suggesting that the lack of ICAM1 in cells is favorable for viral replication. The tissue tropism and virus specificity in inducing ICAM1 was tested by employing different cell lines representing the human respiratory tract and using strains of influenza (H1N1,H3N2, H9N1). Early stage infection with all three strains of influenza significantly increased ICAM1 mRNA, irrespective of the cell origin. Influenza A infection in A549 cells resulted in up‐regulation of NF‐kB signaling. In conclusion, in lung epithelial cells induced ICAM1 plays a key role in disrupting the viral replication efficiency possibly through the NF‐kB pathway.
Targeting beta‐arrestins in the treatment of Parkinson's disease (796.6)
Authors: Urs Nikhil , Bezard Erwan , Caron Marc
Published: June 2021

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by the progressive loss of dopamine input to the striatum. Dopamine (DA) is a catecholamine neurotransmitter that is released by midbrain DA neurons and activates G‐protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) on postsynaptic striatal neurons. DA GPCRs are known to signal via both G‐protein‐ and beta‐arrestin2 (βarr2) dependent mechanisms and both pathways either individually or in combination, play a major role in control of movement. PD is characterized by severe locomotor deficits and is commonly treated with L‐DOPA, but its prolonged usage causes dyskinesias referred to as L‐DOPA induced dyskinesias (LIDs). Recent studies in animal models of PD have suggested that dyskinesias might be associated with G‐protein mediated signaling through DA receptors. Therefore, preventing G‐protein signaling in PD therapy may be an ideal way to eliminate associated dyskinesias. β‐arrestins have the unique ability to desensitize G protein signaling and at the same time independently activate signaling, thereby mediating locomotion. Our objective is to test the effect of over‐expression or deletion of βarr2 on L‐DOPA induced locomotion and dyskinesia potential in a rodent and non‐human primate PD model. Our results in the rodent model suggest that while the absence of βarr2 reduces the beneficial locomotor response of L‐DOPA, it enhances the manifestation of dyskinesias, presumably because it shifts the system to excessive G protein‐dependent signaling. As expected, in both the rodent and NHP model, over‐expression of βarr2 enhances the efficacy of forward locomotion (i.e on‐time) and at the same time reduces the manifestation of LIDs. Thus increasing activation of βarr2 either pharmacologically or genetically during L‐DOPA therapy may be an ideal way to overcome the motor deficits of Parkinsonian patients and ameliorate undesirable side‐effects of drug therapy.

Grant Funding Source: Supported by the Michael J. Fox Foundation for PD research
Apoptotic signaling is augmented in the preeclamptic placenta (796.9)
Authors: Horvat Darijana , Leonard Dean , Allen Steven , Jones Richard , Beeram Madhava , Kuehl Thomas , Uddin Mohammad
Published: June 2021

Objective: Preeclampsia (preE), a syndrome of hypertension and proteinuria in pregnancy, is thought to be initiated with alterations of placental function. Hypoxia and oxidative stress can lead to placental apoptosis. We assessed apoptotic signaling in tissues from patients and rats with or without preE. Methods: Samples of placenta and umbilical cord were collected from 10 normal pregnant (NP) and 10 preE consenting patients in an IRB approved prospective study. Ten rats with preE and 10 NP rats also were used. Apoptotic and stress signaling protein (Bax, Bcl2, Cox‐2) expression and p38 MAPK phosphorylation were assayed by western blot and immunohistochemistry. Comparisons were performed using ANOVA with Duncan’s post‐hoc test. Results: Expression of Bax (Placenta: 1.2 fold, Cord: 1.5 fold), Bcl2 (Placenta: 1.7 fold, Cord: 1.7 fold), Cox‐2 (Placenta: 0.8 fold, Cord: 2.5 fold) and p38 MAPK phosphorylation (Placenta: 1.5 fold, Cord: 1.7 fold) were up‐regulated (p<0.05) in placental tissues and umbilical cords of preE compared to NP patients. Apoptotic signaling was upregulated in preE rat placentas (Bax: 1.4 fold, Bcl2: 2.3 fold, Cox‐2: 2.5 fold, p38: 3.0 fold) compared to controls. Conclusions: Apoptotic signaling is augmented in preE which may lead to reduced nutrient transport capacity triggering placenta release of vascular factors that produce maternal vascular responses characteristic of this syndrome.

Grant Funding Source: N/A
Analysis of the effects of mithramycin on Ewing’s sarcoma cell lines (802.3)
Authors: Depner Mary , Namazi Daniel , Kruchten Anne
Published: June 2021

Ewing’s Sarcoma is a pediatric bone cancer that affects approximately 3 in 1,000,000 children each year. The prognosis for a Ewing’s patient can be very poor due to the extremely aggressive and metastatic nature of Ewing’s Sarcoma cells. Treatment for patients with this cancer typically includes surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy. EWS‐Fli1, the chromosomal translocation product responsible for the development of Ewing’s Sarcoma, has been shown to upregulate the transcription of the Aurora kinases, a group of serine kinases. As the drug mithramycin has been reported to inhibit expression of EWS‐Fli1, we hypothesized that mithramycin might also affect the expression and activity of the Aurora kinases in Ewing’s Sarcoma cells. Mithramycin was tested in the 1960s to determine if it was an effective chemotherapeutic agent, but it was not adopted as a treatment at that time. Recently, renewed interest has developed in using mithramycin in the treatment of solid tumors such as Ewing’s Sarcoma. We report the effects of mithramycin on Ewing’s Sarcoma cell lines RD‐ES‐1 and SK‐ES‐1 grown in cell culture. In this study, we attempted to determine a baseline effect of mithramycin on expression of the Aurora kinases and morphology of cells in culture. After treatment with a range of mithramycin concentrations over a period of time, cells were examined for changes in overall morphology and protein localization. Future studies will examine the effects of mithramycin on the global profile of protein expression and modification using 2‐D gel electrophoresis.
Characterizing intragenic suppressors of constitutively active alleles of Gs alpha (802.6)
Authors: Turcic Kyle , Dafour Alison , Carroll Julie , Rylaarsdam Robin
Published: June 2021

Constitutive activity of Gs alpha is associated with several human diseases, including McCune‐Albright Syndrome (MAS). In this genetic disorder, Arg201 is mutated to His, Cys, or Ser, resulting in inhibition of GTP hydrolysis and subsequent overactivation of adenylyl cyclase and elevated basal cAMP levels. Previous studies identified three intragenic suppressor sites that blocked the constitutive activity caused by R201H: F142, R231, and L266. These mutations did not by themselves alter the activity of Gs alpha. The intragenic suppressors were examined for their ability to block the other MAS alleles. F142S and R231C suppressed the constitutive activity of both of MAS alleles. L266N suppressed R201S, and is currently being tested for the ability to block the constitutive activity of R201C. Thus, the intragenic suppressors may be useful drug targeting sites for MAS mutations generally, not just for R201H‐caused cases of the disease.

Grant Funding Source: Supported by NIH grant 1R15ED020190‐01
Oxycodone‐induced neuronal degeneration (803.1)
Authors: Fan Ruping , Schrott Lisa , Korneeva Nadejda
Published: June 2021

Oxycodone (6‐deoxy‐7,8‐dehydro‐14‐hydroxy‐3‐O‐methyl‐6‐oxomorphine) is a semi synthetic opioid. It is most effective for treating patients with post‐surgical, cancer and chronic non‐malignant pain. Recently concern regarding effect of chronic opioid exposure on the development of neuronal degeneration has been emerged. We have investigated induction of biomarkers of brain pathology by chronic oxycodone exposure in rats. We observed significant mitochondrial dysfunction and increase in activated caspase 3 level in brain of rats treated with oxycodone. Recently, it was shown that opioid receptors may be involved in amyloid‐beta production that is one of the characteristics of Alzheimer disease. Thus, we monitored the level of amyloid beta A4 protein. We detected increased accumulation of amyloid beta A4 protein in both nucleus accumbens and cortex areas of oxycodone‐exposed rats. We also observed increase in a‐synuclein level in various brain areas after oxycodone treatment. These data indicates that chronic oxycodone exposure may contribute to premature development of neuronal degeneration in brain areas involved in motivational, memory and executive controls.
Postnatal injection of homocysteic acid leads to the development of behaviors consistent with major‐depressive disorder in female, but not male, Sprague Dawley rats (803.11)
Authors: Flores Guillermo , Johnson Jacob , Barney Christopher , Chase Leah
Published: June 2021

Recent evidence suggests that hyperfunction of N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptors (NMDA) may be an important factor in the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD). The NMDA receptor agonist, homocysteic acid (HCA), is an endogenous compound that is formed from the oxidation of homocysteine. Since hyperhomocysteinemia is a risk factor for several disorders, including MDD, we sought to test the hypothesis that elevated HCA levels in developing rats may lead to changes in NMDA receptor expression and the development of behaviors associated MDD. To test this hypothesis, we performed daily intraperitoneal injections of either HCA or saline in postnatal male and female rats for 14 days beginning at day P2. Six weeks later, we observed that female, HCA‐treated rats displayed increased risk‐taking behavior, anhedonia, deficits in pre‐pulse inhibition, and increased sensitivity to pain compared to control and male‐HCA treated rats, but no difference in motor performance or weight gain over the course of the experiment. Consistent with these findings, we observed that HCA exposure led to an increase in the expression of the NMDA E2 subunit and GAD‐67 in the cortex of female, but not male, rats. Given that MDD is sexually dimporphic and observed more often in females compared to males, these data suggest that early postnatal exposure to HCA may serve as an excellent animal model for MDD. This research was supported by the Hope College Neuroscience Program, Biology Department and Chemistry Department, and NSF‐REU # 0851194.

Grant Funding Source: NSF‐REU # 0851194
Regulation of MOR‐1 variants during chronic morphine exposure in differentiated and undifferentiated SH‐SY5Y neuroblastoma cells (803.9)
Authors: Monestime Peterson , Redmon Natalie , Goodman Carl
Published: June 2021

Morphine and other analgesic drugs play a crucial role in pain modulation therapy. Morphine is an effective analgesic that functions by binding to the mu‐opioid receptor (MOR). Chronic administration of morphine leads severe side effects such as respiratory depression and the development of tolerance. There are several hypotheses about the development of tolerance, which include internalization, down regulation, and phosphorylation. Studies have identified several MOR‐1 variants, however their function is still unclear. The present study explores the regulation of the MOR‐1 spliced variant forms Mor1A, MorB1, B2, B3, B5 and Mor1‐K1 after chronic treatment with morphine (in differentiated and undifferentiated SH‐SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. The SH‐SY5Y cells were grown in (1:1) DMEM/F‐12 media at 37°C, 95%air/5%CO2 and differentiated to a mature neuronal cell type using Retinoic acid (10μM) for six days. The cells where chronically treated with morphine (10μM) for 24 hours. Real‐time quantitative RT‐PCR is used to determine the changes in MOR‐1 and its variants expression. The results revealed that chronic morphine treatment caused a significant decrease in the MOR‐1 gene expression of differentiated SH‐SY5Y cells. Further studies will be performed to see if the expression of the MOR‐1 variants is also regulated after chronic morphine treatment in the SH‐SY5Y cells. In conclusion, these findings show that human SH‐SY5Y neuroblastoma cells serve as a useful model to investigate MOR‐1 variants and their role in opioid tolerance.

Grant Funding Source: NIH‐NIMHD G12MD007582
Design and validation of program to detect the gaps between micronutrients intake and their recommended values (804.11)
Authors: Biesalski Hans , Jati Ignasius , Widmer Christian , Gola Ute , Lambert Christine
Published: June 2021

Micronutrient malnutrition (Hidden Hunger) is a burden for both developing and developed countries. To evaluate micronutrient intake, biochemical data are not very useful and food frequency questionnaires are time consuming and need a trained interviewer. The aim of our approach was to create an innovative, easy to use, and informative web‐based application to calculate the micronutrients intake based on the traditional and locally available diet.

The Calculator of Inadequate Micronutrient Intake (CIMI) program is based on food survey data of Indonesian foods (122 foods) from 68800 household and was implemented in HTML5. CIMI was validated using data of children (n=118) and female adults (n=124) and the results were compared to data derived from using Nutrisurvey (NS).

The average intake of energy and nutrients calculated using CIMI and NS were similar. Calculation by CIMI and NS with respect to two thirds of RNI as cut‐off showed that there were subjects with inadequate intake of energy and nutrients (Vitamin A, iron, zinc). High percentage of predictive value and a strong correlation between CIMI and NS were observed.

CIMI is a simple tool to rapidly calculate the energy, nutrient intakes, and percentage of nutrient fulfillment, thus, can assist in detecting the gap between actual and required micronutrient intake and can be used to suggest changes in dietary patterns to improve nutrition quality.
Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in high Andean Ecuadorian children (804.13)
Authors: Mokhtar Rana , Hamer Davidson , Griffiths Jeffrey , Sempertegui Fernando , Estrella Bertha , Moore Lynn , Holick Michael
Published: June 2021

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is a global public health problem. Vitamin D levels in Andean Ecuador have been assumed to be sufficient given its equatorial high altitude, which is conducive to cutaneous production of vitamin D3. However, there is a dearth of data on 25(OH)D status in children in Andean Latin America.

Objective: To determine the vitamin D status of children ages 6‐36 months residing in Quito, Ecuador who were categorized into normal, mildly, or clearly underweight, based on weight‐for‐age z‐scores (WAZ).

Design: This study was conducted among a sub‐sample of subjects participating in a 2x2 factorial randomized controlled trial of Vitamin A and Zinc Prevention of Pneumonia (VAZPOP); 2400 children residing in 5 neighborhoods of northwestern Quito, received 48 weeks of supplementation with vitamin A, zinc, or both. Vitamin D insufficiency was defined as a serum 25(OH)D concentration of 20‐29 ng/mL and deficiency as < 20 ng/mL. Serum 25(OH)D levels were assayed using an automated immunoassay system (Immunodiagnostics Systems).

Results: Of the 526 children studied, 183 (35%) were vitamin D deficient and 235 (45%) were insufficient, while only 108 (20%) had adequate serum levels (>29 ng/mL). Older children (蠅12 months) were less likely to be vitamin D sufficient than infants (<12 months) (OR=0.58, 95% CI:0.33 ‐0.89). Mildly and clearly underweight children were less likely to have sufficient 25(OH)D levels compared with normal weight children (OR=0.50, 95% CI:0.31 ‐0.89) and (OR=0.51, 95% CI:0.33 ‐0.80), respectively. Socio‐economic status indicators were not significant determinants of 25(OH)D status.

Conclusions: Vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency were common (80%) in Ecuadorian children despite residence at equatorial high altitude. Pediatric supplementation with vitamin D and/or food fortification is warranted. Further studies are needed to ascertain other determinants of vitamin D deficiency in this region.

Grant Funding Source: Supported by Sight and Life
Low vitamin D intake is associated with anemia in women of reproductive age in Vietnam (804.17)
Authors: Smith Ellen , Gonzalez‐Casanova Ines , Nguyen Phuong , Nguyen Hieu , Pham Hoa , Truong Truong , Nguyen Son , Martorell Reynaldo , Ramakrishnan Usha
Published: June 2021

We used baseline data from the PRECONCEPT study (a preconceptual micronutrient trial) to examine associations between vitamin D intake and anemia (hemoglobin < 12 g/dL) in 4961 Vietnamese women of reproductive age.

Nutrient intake was estimated using a semi‐quantitative food frequency questionnaire and Vietnamese food composition tables. Linear and logistic regression models were used to assess factors associated with vitamin D intake and anemia, respectively.

Mean hemoglobin concentration was 13.0 ± 1.4 g/dL and 19.6% were anemic. Median daily vitamin D intake was 0.2 µg (IQR: 0.4), below the recommended intake of 15 µg/day. Age, being a farmer, food insecurity, and body mass index were inversely associated with vitamin D intake (p<0.001), and socioeconomic status, total energy intake, and level of education were positively associated with vitamin D intake (p<0.001) in multiple linear regression analysis with vitamin D intake as the outcome. Vitamin D intake was significantly associated with the risk of anemia and, the association remained significant after adjusting for age and total energy intake (OR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.72, 0.92).

In conclusion, vitamin D intake was associated with better social status, and greater vitamin D intake may be protective of anemia.

Supported by The Micronutrient Initiative and the Mathile Institute for the Advancement of Human Nutrition
Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of rural women from Sidama zone, southern Ethiopia concerning iodized salt, iodine and goiter (804.19)
Authors: Gebreegziabher Tafere , Stoecker Barbara
Published: June 2021

Iodine deficiency remains a public health problem in Ethiopia and in the study area despite a proclamation in 2011 that all salt for human consumption should be iodized. A community‐based cross‐sectional study assessed prevalence of goiter and KAP of 193 randomly selected women. The mean (SD) age was 25.6 (8.1) years and the mean household size was 5.7 (2.1). Of the women 48.7% had no education, 17.6% knew some reading, 25.4% had attended or completed elementary school and 8.3% attended or completed high school. Goiter was assessed in 191 women by palpation; 23% had visible and an additional 33% had palpable goiter. Of the participants, 93.8% said they didn’t use iodized salt and 87.6% didn’t know the benefits of iodized salt. Of the 24 women who reported knowing the benefits of iodized salt, 23 said it prevents goiter but none mentioned cognitive effects. The women suggested causes of goiter to be drinking dirty water, drinking tap water, drinking rain water, but only two women said lack of iodine. The only apparent source of iodine for this population was iodized salt; however the salt contained minimal and inconsistent amounts of iodine. Lack of iodized salt may be further compounded by handling, storage, and cooking techniques. Although prevalence of goiter is high and visible in the community, knowledge of causes and prevention of iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) is minimal. Education and monitoring programs are required to combat IDD in Ethiopia.

Grant Funding Source: Supported by Nestlé Foundation and Oklahoma State University
Zinc deficiency facilitates disease progression in early HIV infected adults in Botswana (804.26)
Authors: Luisi Sonya , Campa Adriana , Martinez Sabrina , Bussmann Hermann , Farahani Mansour , Makhema Joseph , Marlink Richard , Baum Marianna
Published: June 2021

Objective: Zinc deficiency facilitates HIV disease progression in late stages of the disease. We examined the association between plasma zinc levels with CD4 cell count and HIV viral load in asymptomatic, ART naïve HIV+ adults in Botswana.

Methods: A secondary analysis from the Nutrient Therapy in Botswana for zinc deficiency (plasma zinc<0.75mg/L) with CD4+ cell count, and log10 HIV viral load, used Mixed Model Linear Regressions from Baseline to 6‐months.

Results: Among the 133 participants, mean age was 33.84, 52.21% were male and CD4 cell count was 463.69±162.05 cells/µL . The prevalence of zinc deficiency was 75.94%. Those with zinc deficiency had higher baseline viral load (4.19 vs. 3.64 log10 copies/mL). Over 6 months, participants with zinc deficiency had a lower CD4+ cell count [β=46.138, p=0.0503], and higher HIV viral load [β=‐0.2299, p=0.0518] controlling for age and gender.

Conclusion: Zinc deficiency appears to have a detrimental effect on disease progression in HIV‐infected asymptomatic, ART naive adults. Further studies on the effect of normalizing zinc status and the mechanism through which adequate zinc contributes to slower disease progression are needed.

Grant Funding Source: NIDA
Vitamin D and incidence of mortality, morbidity, and growth failure among a cohort of HIV‐infected and HIV‐exposed Tanzanian infants (804.5)
Authors: Sudfeld Christopher , Duggan Christopher , Aboud Said , Kupka Roland , Manji Karim , Kisenge Rodrick , Fawzi Wafaie
Published: June 2021

Methods: Serum 25(OH)D was quantified by HPLC‐MS/MS at 5‐7 weeks of age for 253 HIV‐infected and 948 HIV‐exposed (uninfected) infants enrolled in a trial of multivitamins (not including vitamin D) conducted in Tanzania. Infants were prospectively followed at monthly clinic visits for 24 months.

Results: The association of 25(OH)D with mortality appeared to be U‐shaped for both HIV‐infected and HIV‐exposed infants. After adjustment, 25(OH)D 蠅30 ng/mL (classically defined as sufficient) was significantly associated with increased mortality as compared to 25(OH)D 蠅20 and <30 ng/mL for HIV‐infected (HR: 2.47; 95% CI: 1.13‐5.44; p=0.02) and HIV‐exposed infants (HR: 4.00; 95% CI: 1.67‐9.58; p<0.01). 25(OH)D levels <10 ng/mL also appeared to be associated with increased risk of mortality as compared to 蠅20 and <30 ng/mL in both groups, but results were not statistically significant. Among HIV‐exposed infants, 25(OH)D <10 ng/mL was significantly associated with incidence of wasting (p<0.01) and oral candidiasis (p=0.04), while 25(OH)D 蠅30 ng/mL was associated with increased diagnosis of malaria (p<0.01).

Conclusion: These results suggest a complex relationship of vitamin D with infant mortality and morbidity in the context of HIV. Trials of vitamin D supplements appear to need rigorous monitoring of safety, particularly for malaria, among those who reach high vitamin D levels in this setting.

Grant Funding Source: Supported by NICHD, NIAID and Harvard
Multi‐causal determinants of anemia among women of reproductive age in Vietnam (804.7)
Authors: Nguyen Phuong , Gonzalez‐Casanova Ines , Nguyen Hieu , Pham Hoa , Truong Truong , Nguyen Son , Martorell Reynaldo , Ramakrishnan Usha
Published: June 2021

We examined the determinants of anemia using data obtained at baseline from 4986 women of reproductive age participating in a micronutrient supplementation trial in rural, North Vietnam. Hemoglobin (Hb) was measured from capillary blood samples using Hemocue. Plasma ferritin and retinol binding protein (RBP) were measured using the ELISA method. The prevalence of anemia (Hb<12 g/l), iron deficiency (Fe<12 µg/L), insufficient iron stores (Fe<30 µg/L) and iron deficiency anemia were 19.7%, 3.5%, 14.4% and 1.9%, respectively. The results using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) techniques showed that ferritin concentration (0.29 per log‐mg/dl), number of children (‐0.19), and socioeconomic status (0.09) were directly associated with Hb concentration (p<0.05 for all). RBP was associated with Hb both directly (0.28 mg/dl) and indirectly (0.09 mg/dl) through ferritin (p<0.001), and hookworm infection was indirectly associated with Hb (‐0.11) through RBP and ferritin (p=0.025). Meat consumption, occupation, education, owning a hygienic toilet, and food insecurity however were not associated with Hb. Contrary to expectations, iron deficiency accounted for a very small proportion of anemia. These findings demonstrate the complex etiology of anemia and provide a useful framework that could be used to target and evaluate appropriate strategies for the prevention of anemia in similar settings and other populations.

Supported by the Micronutrient Initiative and the Mathile Institute for the Advancement of Human Nutrition
Anemia, vitamin B12, and folate statuses during pregnancy, and their association with obstetric outcomes among HIV‐infected Ugandan women receiving ART (804.8)
Authors: Finkelstein Julia , Plenty Albert , Mehta Saurabh , Natureeba Paul , Clark Tamara , Kamya Moses , Charlebois Edwin , Cohan Deborah , Havlir Diane , Young Sera
Published: June 2021

There are limited data on the micronutrient status or the sequelae of micronutrient deficiencies among HIV‐infected pregnant women, particularly in resource‐limited settings. Therefore, we examined the prevalence of anemia, and vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies, and their associations with pregnancy outcomes among 140 HIV‐infected pregnant women receiving antiretroviral therapy in rural Uganda (NCT00993031). Micronutrient status was assessed at enrollment in the study; binomial and linear regression models were used to evaluate the associations between maternal micronutrient status at baseline and pregnancy outcomes. Anemia was common; 45% of women were anemic (Hb<11.0 g/dL); 7% were vitamin B12 insufficient (<200 pmol/L), and 29% of women were folate deficient (<4 ng/mL) at enrollment. Maternal anemia during pregnancy predicted a two‐fold greater risk of low birth weight (RR: 2.22; p=0.03), with a 26% lower risk of low birth weight per g/dL increase in baseline hemoglobin (RR: 0.74; p=0.02). Higher maternal serum folate concentrations were associated with lower risk of preterm birth (RR: 0.85; p=0.04), and increased birth weight (mean difference per ng/mL increase in folate levels: 41.8 g; p<0.01). Anemia and folate deficiency were common in pregnancy in HIV‐infected pregnant women, and predicted increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Grant Funding Source: Supported by NIMH, NICHD, and PEPFAR.
DHA promotes presynaptic terminal maturation and function (804.9)
Authors: Nagendran Tharkika , Xiao Yan , Kuang Chenzhong , McMahon Robert , Hondmann Dirk , Marion Taylor Anne
Published: June 2021

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an omega‐3 fatty acid enriched in the brain. Several studies have shown that DHA is an essential component for proper brain development and function. Though DHA is implicated to have a strong role in learning and memory, its role in regulating presynaptic function specifically remains unclear. To test if DHA is involved in promoting presynaptic function, we used microfluidic chambers to isolate hippocampal axons and presented them with poly‐lysine‐coated beads to induce presynaptic terminal formation. Both somatodendritic and axonal compartments were treated with either 20μm DHA or Vehicle (DMSO). Presynaptic terminals in DHA‐treated chambers show increased expression of active zone and synaptic vesicle‐associated proteins, Bassoon and Synapsin I compared to controls. In addition, DHA treatment increased synaptic vesicle pool size at the boutons, assessed by using FM dyes. The functional role of DHA in synaptic transmission was tested using FM dye unloading of synaptic vesicles in response to field stimulation. DHA treatment increased the rate of FM dye unloading compared to controls at both 9 days in vitro and 14 days in vitro. These results indicate that in hippocampal neurons, DHA enrichment increases the expression of presynaptic markers, and leads to increased synaptic vesicle pool size and synaptic vesicle release. Together, the data suggest that DHA enhances presynaptic terminal maturation and function.

Grant Funding Source: Supported by Mead Johnson Nutrition
Household food security status is associated with anemia risk at 18 months among low income infants in Massachusetts (805.12)
Authors: Metallinos‐Katsaras Elizabeth , Siu Elizabeth , Colchamiro Rachel
Published: June 2021

Both household (HH) food insecurity and infancy anemia are important public health concerns. This study examined the association between food security status (FSS) over the prior 12 month period and anemia (hemoglobin (Hgb)<11.0 g/dL) at 18 (± 3) months (mos)) among low‐income infants participating in MA/WIC (2001‐2009). All infants who were not anemic at 12 months, had Hgb and HH FSS measurements at 18 mos (representing the prior 12 mos) and data on covariates were included. Multivariate logistic regression controlling for child’s gender, race, breastfeeding duration, maternal education, and HH size was used. The sample (n=17,831) was diverse (56% non‐white), 20% lived in food insecure HHs, and 12% had anemia at 18 months. Infants living in HHs reporting low food security were 42% more likely (AOR (95% CI)=1.42 (1.27‐1.60) to have developed anemia by their 18 month visit compared to those living in food secure HHs. Other predictors of anemia risk were race/ethnicity, higher HH size; and < 12 years of maternal education. Low food security appears to affect risk of infancy anemia in this low‐income population. Funding: ERS/USDA

Grant Funding Source: ERS/USDA
Food insecurity is associated with household insurance status and number of affected children among families of children with hemophilia (805.14)
Authors: Adams Elizabeth , Gloeckner Sarah , Stadler Diane , Black Anna , Helm Joanna , Recht Michael
Published: June 2021

Food insecurity (FI), the limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate and safe food, negatively affects children’s health. Households (HH) of children with hemophilia (CWH) may be at increased risk for FI due to hemophilia‐related expenses.

Objective: To quantify FI and its determinants among HH of CWH.

Methods: FI and child health status, recorded at annual hemophilia visits between 5/2012 and 6/2013, were obtained by chart review. Descriptive statistics summarized participant characteristics. ANOVA and multivariable logistic regression (MLR) quantified associations with FI.

Results: Data were obtained for 54 males aged 1 mo to 17 y. By severity, 29.6% had mild, 22.2% moderate, and 48.1% severe hemophilia. Prevalence of FI was 20.4% overall and 18.8% among HH of children with mild, moderate (8.3%), and severe disease (26.9%). FI was concentrated among HH enrolled in public (39.1%) vs. private insurance (6.5%, p<0.05). HH with >1 CWH were at higher risk for FI (71.4%) vs. others (12.8%; p<0.002). MLR revealed that having >1 CWH (OR=15.29, 95% CI: 1.96‐119.43, p<0.009) and public insurance (OR=7.62, 95% CI: 1.22‐ 47.54, p<0.03) were associated with higher odds of FI.

Conclusions: HH of CWH are at risk for FI, especially HH with public insurance and/or >1 CWH. Screening for FI in specialty clinics is a promising approach to identify and target resources to address FI among HH of CWH.
The association between beverage consumption and food security status in U.S. adults: findings from NHANES 2009‐2010 (805.17)
Authors: Yao Ruoxue , Couch Sarah , Khoury Jane , Lee Seung‐Yeon
Published: June 2021

We examined the association between beverage consumption and food security in 6,237 U.S. adults using 24‐hour dietary recalls (day 1) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2009‐2010. Food security (FS) status was assessed using the U.S. Adult Food Security Survey Module and then categorized into 4 levels: high (HFS, n=4,339), marginal (MFS, n=729), low (LFS, n=630) and very low (VLFS, n = 539). We rank‐ordered beverages from level (L) 1 to 6 based on calorie and nutrient content using the Beverage Guidance System (Popkin et al. 2006) (L1: water, L2: unsweetened coffee/tea, L3: low‐fat/skim milk and soy beverages, L4: low calorie sweetened beverages, L5: sweetened beverages with some nutrients; and L6: high calorie sweetened beverages). L1 and L3 beverages were the highest and the lowest, respectively, regarding the amount consumed among all four groups. MFS, LFS, and VLFS had higher odds of drinking L6 beverages (aOR (95% CI): 1.80 (1.65, 2.61), 1.95 (1.56, 2.43), 1.49 (1.17, 1.91), respectively) compared to HFS after controlling for age, gender, race, poverty, education, BMI, and total energy intake. MFS, LFS, and VLFS also had lower odds of drinking beverages from L2 (aOR range 0.73‐0.78), L3 (aOR range 0.32‐0.49), and L4 (aOR range 0.45‐0.67) compared to HFS. These findings suggest that adults with any food insecurity are more likely to consume high energy, nutrient poor beverages compared to food secure adults.
Mother’s nutritional status and food insecurity implications over the stunting prevalence in Mexican children (805.4)
Authors: Shamah Levy Teresa , Mundo Rosas Verónica , Morales Ruan M. del Carmen , Cuevas Nasu Lucia , Méndez Gómez‐Humarán Ignacio , Rivera Dommarco Juan A.
Published: June 2021

Objective: To assess the association between the nutritional status of the mothers and the presence of food insecurity at home level with stunting prevalence in children under five years old in Mexico.

Methods: Data comes from the National Nutrition Survey 2012 in Mexico. We obtained information from 5154 binomials mother/children (< 5y old). We used the Latin American and Caribbean household food Security measurement scale (ELCSA). Stunting (height for age) in children was determined by the z‐score for indicator using by the WHO Growth Reference, and for obesity and overweight in women we used the categories proposed by the WHO: malnutrition (<18.5 kg/m2), normal (18.5 to24.9 kg/m2), overweight (25‐29.9 kg/m2) and obesity (蠅 30 kg/m2).

A logistic regression model was constructed in order to study the effect of the mother’s nutritional status and the food insecurity level over the stunting prevalence in children under five years old. Ages from children and mother were included in the model as correction variables.

Results: 69.9% of the women from households with food insecurity suffer overweight and obesity, from them 17.4 % of their sons suffers stunting.

A significant effect was observed in the interaction of nutritional state of the mother and food insecurity level over the stunting prevalence in children under 5 years old (p = 0.066). Stunting prevalence is slightly reduced when the mother presents overweight or obesity, regarding the household food insecurity, as this condition increases the stunting also rise but is markedly reduced when overweight and obesity increases in the mothers.

Conclusions: Stunting in children is mainly associated to households with greater food insecurity and low weight mothers.
Trend in beverage consumption in U.S. adults between 2001 and 2010: findings from NHANES (805.9)
Authors: Yao Ruoxue , Couch Sarah , Khoury Jane , Lee Seung‐Yeon
Published: June 2021

In order to examine changes in beverage consumption trends over 10 years by food security status in U.S. adults (total n=26,013, aged 蠅 20 years), we analyzed 24‐hour dietary recalls (day 1) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2001‐2010. Food security (FS) status was assessed using the U.S. Food Security Survey Module and then categorized into 4 levels: high (HFS, n=20,244), marginal (MFS, n=2,536), low (LFS, n=2,317) and very low (VLFS, n=1,477). Each beverage was classified into one of 18 categories including water, sweetened/unsweetened tea or coffee, diet drinks, 100% fruit/vegetable juice, milk (whole, 2%,1%, skim, soy, and flavored), sugar‐sweetened beverages (soft drinks, fruit drinks, energy/sports drinks, and others), and alcohol. The Wilcoxon‐Mann‐Whitney test was used to specifically examine differences between periods 2001‐2002 and 2009‐2010. Among all groups soft drink consumption decreased (p< 0.01) while energy/sports drink intake increased (p<0.05). In HFS, MFS, and LFS, whole milk consumption decreased (p<0.005, for all). In HFS and MFS the consumption of sweetened coffee, diet drinks, and alcohol increased; and in LFS and VLFS adults, 2% milk intake increased (p<0.05, for all). These findings suggest that changes in soft drink and energy/sports drink consumption from 2001 to 2010 were similar across FS groups, while differences were apparent for consumption of milk by type and other beverages. FS status is associated with differences in beverage consumption trends, some of which may have health implications into the future.