bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EFFECT OF THERMONEUTRAL HOUSING ON FUNGAL‐INDUCED RESPIRATORY ALLERGIC DISEASE IN MICE.
Authors: Gordon Christopher J , Johnstone Andrew F. , Aydin Cenk , Copeland Lisa , Lehmann James R , Ward Marsha D
Published: June 2021

Climate change is projected to increase the number of fungal agents and may become a significant health impact. It is important to consider how respiratory allergic responses could be altered with global warming. Core temperature (Tc) was monitored by telemetry in female, BALB/c mice while acclimated for one week to ambient temperatures (Ta) of 22 or 30 °C. Exposure to 30 °C led to small increase in Tc that recovered in ~3 d. Mice were exposed to house dust mite (HDM) allergen that was administered by intratracheal aspiration 4X over a 4 week period at doses ranging from 1.25 to 20 ug. Airway responses to methacholine challenge were assessed 1 day following the last exposure to HDM and suggest a trend toward more elevated responses in higher dose mice housed at 30 °C. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and blood were collected 2 days after the final exposure. BALF total cell counts increased at 10 and 20 ug in mice acclimated to 22 C. Allergic responses were manifested at lower doses of HDM in mice acclimated to 30 °C. Tc appeared to be unaffected by HDM exposure at 22 and 30 °C. The data suggest that housing in a thermoneutral environment of 30 °C may exacerbate the respiratory response to allergic agents compared to housing at a Ta of 22 °C that is a mild cold stress in mice. Future studies will address how higher Ta that elevate Tc will affect respiratory allergic responses. (Abstract does not represent USEPA policy).
Effects of inspiratory resistance on cerebral blood velocity during orthostasis with dehydration
Authors: Moralez Gilbert , Romero Steven A , Ryan Kathy L , Cooke William H , Rickards Caroline A
Published: June 2021

Inspiratory resistance increases low frequency (LF) middle cerebral artery blood velocity (MCAv) oscillations and delays symptoms of pre‐syncope during lower body negative pressure, despite reductions in absolute MCAv. We tested the hypothesis that during central hypovolemia induced by combined dehydration and orthostasis (via head‐up tilt, HUT), inspiratory resistance would increase MCAv oscillations and attenuate pre‐syncopal symptoms. 10 subjects were tilted to 70° for 10‐min under euhydration (EUH) and dehydration (DEH; 40 mg of furosemide/fluid restriction) conditions, with and without inspiratory resistance (Impedance Threshold Device, ITD) in a randomized, cross‐over design. Arterial pressure (AP) and MCAv were measured continuously. DEH decreased blood (6.5±0.9%) and plasma (11.2±1.4%) volume (both P<0.01), but did not impact AP or MCAv (P≥0.25) at rest. HUT decreased AP and MCAv under both EUH and DEH (P≤0.016) with no difference between hydration conditions (P=0.498). ITD breathing did not attenuate the fall in AP or MCAv under either hydration condition (P≥0.123), and subjective pre‐syncopal symptoms were similar across all conditions (P=0.78). ITD breathing increased MCAv LF oscillations under both hydration conditions during HUT (P≤0.05). While ITD breathing increased MCAv LF oscillations during DEH and HUT, it did not attenuate the decrease in MCAv or the reporting of symptoms.
Intravenous Pyruvate for Cardiac Arrest Does Not Cause Persistent Hypernatremia
Authors: Cherry Brandon Hunter , Nguyen Anh Q , Ryou Myoung‐Gwi , Williams Arthur , Hoxha Besim , Olivencia‐Yurvati Albert H , Mallet Robert T
Published: June 2021

Intravenous infusion of sodium pyruvate can protect internal organs from ischemia‐reperfusion injury imposed by cardiac arrest and resuscitation, but this treatment may impose hypernatremia due to the sodium load. Here, the effect of sodium pyruvate infusion on plasma pyruvate, bicarbonate and sodium concentrations were assessed in Yorkshire swine subjected to cardiac arrest, closed‐chest CPR, defibrillation and recovery. Na pyruvate (n=7) or equimolar NaCl control (n=9) were infused iv during CPR and the first 60 min recovery. Table (mM; mean ± SEM; *P < 0.05 v. NaCl): Pyruvate and NaCl infusions similarly increased plasma sodium concentrations; the hypernatremia resolved by 3 h post‐pyruvate, but persisted 3 h post‐NaCl. Pyruvate infusion produced a sustained increase in bicarbonate concentration, which could potentially offset post‐arrest acidemia. Thus, pyruvate administration following cardiac arrest did not cause persistent hypernatremia.
Kinetic analysis of thermal stability of human low‐density lipoproteins: A model for LDL fusion in atherogenesis
Authors: Lu Mengxiao , Jayaraman Shobini , Gantz Donald L , Herscovitz Haya , Gursky Olga
Published: June 2021

Fusion of modified LDL (Bad Cholesterol) in the arterial wall is an important underexplored event in early atherosclerosis. Previously we showed that thermal denaturation mimics LDL remodeling and revealed kinetic origin of LDL stability. Here we report the first quantitative analysis of LDL thermostability. Turbidity data show sigmoidal kinetics of LDL heat denaturation which is unique among lipoproteins. High activation energy of LDL denaturation indicates disruption of extensive packing interactions. Size‐exclusion chromatography, gel electrophoresis and electron microscopy suggest that LDL dimerization is a novel early step in LDL fusion. Ion‐exchange chromatography suggests that a subset of electronegative LDL is responsible for dimerization. LDL fusion accelerates at pH<7, which may contribute to LDL retention in acidic atherosclerotic lesions. Fusion also accelerates upon increasing LDL concentration, which likely contributes to atherogenesis. LDL stability decreases with increasing particle size, indicating that the pro‐atherogenic properties of small dense LDL do not result from their enhanced fusion. Our work provides the first kinetic approach to measuring LDL stability and suggests that lipid‐lowering therapies that reduce LDL concentration but increase the particle size may have opposite effects on LDL fusion. This work was supported by NIH grants GM067260 and HL026335.
Structure and properties of bilayer gelatin‐based matrix
Authors: Choi soonmo , Shin Eunjoo , Zo Sunmi , Han Sungsoo
Published: June 2021

Bilayer gelatin‐based matrices were fabricated through the freeze‐drying method by using glutaraldehyde solution as crosslinker. Bilayer and monolayer matrices were prepared by using whether forming technique or not. The morphologies of bilayer porous matrices were observed via SEM and Micro‐CT. Then, the mechanical properties of scaffolds were measured by bending and tensile test of the matrices using dynamic mechanical analyzer. Thus, the bilayer matrices showed interconnected‐porous structure and desirable mechanical strength. The results suggested that the bilayer gelatin‐based matrices would be utilized as a promising matrix for tissue engineering.
Marginal zinc deficiency impairs ductal growth and alveologenesis in mammary glands leading to compromised secretory function
Authors: Bostanci Zeynep , Dempsey Colleen , Soybel David I , Kelleher Shannon L
Published: June 2021

Post‐pubertal mammary gland (MG) growth consists of ductal elongation and side‐branching. With pregnancy, mammary epithelial cells proliferate, invade the stroma and differentiate to form alveoli in preparation for lactation. Zinc (Zn) regulates cell proliferation, differentiation and invasion. Women are at risk for marginal Zn deficiency due to decreased intake of bioavailable Zn compounded by increased Zn needs during pregnancy and lactation. We hypothesized that marginal Zn intake impairs post‐pubertal MG expansion and compromises secretory capacity during lactation. We fed female mice (n=10/group) control (CON; 30 μg/g) or marginal (ZD, 15 μg/g) Zn diet for 22 wk. ZD mice had significantly greater MG Zn content, fewer terminal end buds (59 ± 26 vs. 29 ± 19, p<0.05) and thinner ducts (48 ± 12 vs. 36 ± 7 μm, p<0.05). MG from ZD mice had less myoepithelial lining and peri‐ductal collagen which was associated with decreased estrogen receptor α staining. We next fed mice (n=12/group) a CON or ZD diet for 30 d prior to pregnancy through lactation d10. MG from ZD mice had fewer alveoli, less myoepithelial lining and less peri‐ductal collagen. ZD mice had lower milk secretion (0.9 ± 0.2 vs. 0.2 ± 0.1 g, p<0.05) and milk Zn concentration (374 ± 35 vs. 320 ± 37 μmol/L, p<0.05). These studies show that Zn is critical for MG growth, differentiation and function and suggest that marginal Zn intake may compromise breast function in women.

Grant Funding Source: Intramural support from Departments of Nutritional Sciences and Surgery, NIH RO1 HD058614 to SLK
Maternal indicators and reported causes of perceived insufficient milk supply among a sample of Chinese mothers
Authors: Lou Zixin , Zeng Guo , Huang Lujiao , Wang Yu , Zhou Lan , Kavanagh Katherine
Published: June 2021

Though breastfeeding initiation is high in China, exclusivity is rare. The study objective was to explore perceived indicators and causes of perceived insufficient milk (PIM) supply among Chinese mothers. A convenience sample, consisting of 392 mothers of healthy infants (<12 months of age), completed a questionnaire in a Maternal and Child Hospital in Chengdu, China. Three hundred and forty one surveys were considered eligible for analysis. Breastfeeding initiation (defined as ever offering the breast) was high (95.3%). However, 54.2% of mothers reported experiencing PIM, with 43.9% of these mothers reporting PIM occurring within 2 days postpartum. Primary maternal indicators of PIM were not feeling the presence of milk in the breast (36.9%), perceived lack of infant satiation after feeding (33.5%), and perceived post‐nursing infant fussiness (27.8%). Over one third of mothers reported not knowing what caused PIM (34.4%), 21.1% believed PIM to be caused by poor maternal appetite, and 13.1% believed a lack of maternal liquid intake to be the cause. PIM appears to be common among Chinese mothers, especially in the early post‐partum period, and it appears that mothers are using subjective indicators to reach this conclusion. Prenatal and early post‐partum interventions, assisting mothers to correctly assess milk supply, may result in improved exclusive breastfeeding rates in China.

Grant Funding Source: The University of Tennessee, Department of Nutrition, the Office of the Dean, and the Office of Research (SARIF Award)
Perinatal and post‐weaning diets high in omega‐3 fatty acids upregulate genes involved in neurotrophin signaling
Authors: Balogun Kayode Adeniyi , Cheema Sukhinder Kaur
Published: June 2021

We investigated the effects of perinatal and post‐weaning diets high in omega (n)‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) on cerebral cortical phospholipid fatty acid composition, and the impact on mRNA expression of neurotrophins. Female C57BL/6 mice were fed semi‐purified diets (20% w/w fat) containing n‐6 to n‐3 PUFA ratios of 5:1 (high n‐3 PUFA) or 30:1 (low n‐3 PUFA) before mating, during pregnancy, and until weaning. Male offspring (n=8) continued on their mothers’ diets for four months. Brain cortex phospholipid fatty acids were determined by thin layer and gas chromatography, and mRNA expressions of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF), cAMP response element binding protein (CREB), and TrkB were measured at weaning and four months. Docosahexanoic acid and total n‐3 PUFA were significantly higher in cortical phospholipids of the high n‐3 PUFA group compared to the low n‐3 PUFA group at weaning (P<0.0001), and at four months (P<0.05). The high n‐3 PUFA group showed a trend towards an increase in mRNA expressions of BDNF, NGF, and TrKB at weaning, however a significant (P<0.0001) increase was observed at four months in the high n‐3 PUFA group compared to low n‐3 PUFA group. Our data shows that accretion of n‐3 PUFA in the brain upregulates gene expression of neurotrophins and their target receptors, thereby stimulating neuroprotection and enhanced cognitive function. Supported by NSERC

Grant Funding Source: NSERC
Maternal n‐3 Fatty Acid Supplementation Before and During Pregnancy Provides Neuroprotection after Neonatal Hypoxic‐ischemic Brain Injury
Authors: Fan Chaonan , Mayurasakorn Korapat , Ten Vadim S. , Qi Kemin , Deckelbaum Richard J.
Published: June 2021

Acute n‐3 fatty acid (n‐3 FA) injection has been shown to markedly attenuate hypoxic‐ischemic (H/I) injury in neonatal mice. We now investigated the effects of maternal n‐3 FA supplementation during pregnancy on neonatal brain survival in a model of H/I injury. C57BL/6J female mice (12 week) were fed with one of two experimental diets: an n‐3 FA deficient diet and an n‐3 FA‐rich containing diet. The feeding regimens began one month before mouse conception and continued throughout gestation. Brain fatty acid composition and expression of pro‐apoptotic Bax, and anti‐apoptotic Bcl‐x were determined in pups at 7 d of age. H/I injury was produced by right carotid artery ligation and exposure to 8% O2 for 15 minutes in pups at 10 d of age. Compared to maternal n‐3 FA deficient diets, pups from n‐3 fed mothers had 2 fold higher brain concentrations of DHA and total n‐3 FA (p < 0.05), decreased Bax by 20% and increased Bcl‐x by 50% (p < 0.05). Cerebral infarct volumes at 24 hours after H/I were decreased in pups from n‐3 fed mothers compared to n‐3 FA deficient diets, 16.4% vs. 40.3%, respectively (p = 0.03). Our findings indicate that maternal n‐3 FA diet affects brain fatty acid composition, modulates apoptosis related gene expression in the off‐spring, and that these changes improve neuronal brain survival after H/I injury.

Supported in part by NIH grants HL 40404 (RJD) and the International Training Fellowship from the Nutricia Research Foundation (2011‐T2).

Grant Funding Source: Nutrition (ASN)
Successes and Pitfalls of Teaching Medical Gross Anatomy Via Only Team‐Based Learning and Lab
Authors: Hoagland Todd M
Published: June 2021

In 2010 a Pilot Integrated Curriculum (PIC) for 28 of 204 students began and every teaching engagement was via Team‐Based Learning (TBL) or lab. This was a radical change from the lecture‐based traditional curriculum. The PIC students have taken the USMLE Step 1, NBME shelf, and departmental exams, and are now in M3 clinical clerkships. The power of TBL was evident, although faculty members struggled to master the new pedagogical approach. Some positive outcomes included: potent faculty development, superb early student mentorship, improved student problem solving skills, more active/interactive/proactive student learning, increased collaboration, and improved curriculum integration. Some challenges included: a significant increase in upfront work, coordinating activities of numerous basic scientists and clinicians from many different departments, covering the breadth of the discipline using only TBL, grading, and preventing the erosion of faculty morale. The presentation will compare students’ performances in the PIC versus traditional curriculum on numerous summative examinations. Additionally, narrative comments by students and faculty members from periodic appreciative inquiry reviews and weekly evaluations will be used to highlight important outcomes. Overall, TBL is effective when done well, and faculty development is essential for maximizing educational outcomes.
Neuroanatomical causes and social consequences of variation in facial motor control: what comparative primatology can teach us about autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Dobson Seth
Published: June 2021

A limited body of evidence suggests that people with severe Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are generally less expressive than mental age‐matched controls. The objective of my talk is to demonstrate how a comparative primatological perspective can help to elucidate the neuroanatomical and social correlates of facial expressivity. I will review research on the evolution of facial nucleus volume in a wide range of nonhuman primates. Previous studies demonstrate that species that have relatively large facial motor nuclei tend to have larger brains, live in larger social groups, and spend more time social grooming than species with relatively small facial nuclei. These observations support the notion that the facial motor nucleus is an essential part of the network of brain regions that is impaired in ASD, i.e., the “social brain.” I will also present new results of a recent pilot study examining the correlation between emotional expressiveness and serotonin transporter genotype (5‐HTTLPR) in free‐ranging rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta). Our preliminary findings suggest that female macaques with the SS genotype tend to be more expressive overall than LL individuals, even after controlling for dominance rank. This observation calls into question the hypothesis that the S allele is responsible for the relative lack of expressiveness observed in some people with ASD.
Amino acid utilization in intraerythrocytic malaria parasites
Authors: Goldberg Daniel E
Published: June 2021

The human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum meets most of its amino acid needs through the degradation of host erythrocyte hemoglobin. To do so, it has at least 11 proteases that function in a semi‐ordered pathway in its acidic digestive vacuole. Despite this robust catabolic system, the parasite must acquire isoleucine exogenously, since this amino acid is absent from adult human hemoglobin. When isoleucine is withdrawn from the culture medium of intraerythrocytic P. falciparum, the parasite slows its metabolism and progresses through its developmental cycle at a reduced rate, 40% that of fed parasites. Isoleucine‐starved parasites remain viable for 72 hours and resume rapid growth upon re‐supplementation. Starved parasites progress through the normal transcriptional program at a slowed rate and do not display any apparent stress response. Plasmodium parasites lack a TOR nutrient sensing pathway and have only a rudimentary amino acid starvation‐sensing eukaryotic initiation factor 2α (eIF2α) response that does not influence survival during isoleucine starvation. We conclude that P. falciparum, in the absence of canonical eukaryotic nutrient stress response pathways, can cope with an inconsistent bloodstream amino acid supply by hibernating and waiting for more nutrient to be provided. This finding informs strategies to disrupt nutrient acquisition for drug development against the nefarious malaria parasite.
Novel targets in advanced breast cancer in African American patients
Authors: Ambs Stefan
Published: June 2021

African American (AA) women have the highest breast cancer mortality among all U.S. racial and ethnic groups. The greatest difference in disease mortality between AA and EA patients occurs in the first 2–3 years after diagnosis, which may reflect differences in treatment or differences in the response to therapy, or both. AA patients present more frequently than EA patients with a high‐grade disease, and develop the aggressive basal‐like and triple‐negative (TN) breast cancer subtypes more commonly than other women. Basal‐like and TN tumors have few identified molecular targets for therapy. Thus, chemotherapy remains the treatment of choice for them. Ongoing adjuvant clinical trials are assessing anti‐VEGF and anti‐EGFR monoclonal therapies to treat TN breast cancer. Recent evidence suggests that basal‐like and TN tumors could be more sensitive than other breast tumors to therapy targeting DNA damage repair pathways. Our group seeks to identify tumor biology‐related causes of the survival health disparity between AA and EA patients that has not been captured by the current categorization of breast tumors into more or less aggressive subtypes. In my presentation, I will discuss research assessing the contribution of the catecholamine signaling pathway to cancer progression in AA patients and the application of metabolomics to discover druggable metabolic dependencies of the tumors in this patient group.
Ramping Up for STEM Success: New Models for Transfer
Authors: Albertine Susan
Published: June 2021

Successful transfer of students from 2‐year colleges to 4‐year institutions is critical to their ultimate success in higher education, particularly in STEM fields. In this project, the Association of American Colleges & Universities (AAC&U) and Project Kaleidoscope (PKAL) planned and held two national convenings, organized as Action Labs, of selected community college/four‐year institution partnerships from six states. The partners were focused on developing effective models for STEM student transfer success. They emphasized holistic program models that go beyond coursework articulation agreements and build partnerships, programmatic alignment, and community.

The presentation will report on findings, including key features of replicable and scalable models for STEM student success, emphasizing general education and entry into STEM baccalaureate programs.
Where do children get food? Building a searchable, visual database of food sources through ground‐truthing
Authors: Coakley Hannah , Zablotny Alexandra , Cheah Yun Sang , Mui Yeeli , Steeves Elizabeth Anderson , Glass Gregory , Hackman Andre , Sherman Michael , Gittelsohn Joel
Published: June 2021

Developing nutrition‐focused environmental interventions for youth requires accurate assessment of their food sources. We developed an innovative, technology‐based method to improve the accuracy of food source usage reporting among youth using a tablet PC and ground‐truthing methodologies. As part of the B'More Healthy Communities for Kids study, we mapped and digitally photographed all food sources within a half‐mile radius of Baltimore City recreation centers identified as “zones” for the project's intervention. Currently, 13 of the 30 total recreation center “zones” are mapped, which includes over 325 unique food sources – grocery stores, corner stores, carry‐outs, fast food chains, and restaurants. A searchable database for the tablet PCs has been developed for use during interviews with youth to: 1) search for food sources in the area using common descriptors (i.e., type of food sold, street name, awning color, etc.); and then 2) present to interviewees digital photos of potential food source options, enabling them to identify the specific food sources from which they purchase food. This novel integration of traditional data collection and technology enables researchers to gather highly accurate information on food source usage and purchasing patterns of youth in Baltimore City. Funding is provided by the NICHD U‐54 Grant #1U54HD070725–02.
Interaction effects between n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and genetic variations in genes involved in de novo lipogenesis on plasma triglyceride levels
Authors: Bouchard‐Mercier Annie , Rudkowska Iwona , Lemieux Simone , Couture Patrick , Vohl Marie‐Claude
Published: June 2021

A large interindividual variability has been observed in the plasma triglyceride (TG) response to an omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation (n‐3 PUFA). The objective was to examine the effects of gene‐diet interactions on TG response to an n‐3 PUFA supplementation.

Methods

A total of 210 participants recruited in the greater Quebec City area completed a 6 week n‐3 PUFA supplementation using 5g/day of fish oil (1.9g EPA, 1.1g DHA). SNPs in SREBF1, ACLS3, ACSL5, ACACA, ACLY and PECR genes were genotyped using TAQMAN methodology.

Results

Genotype effects on TG concentrations were observed for SNPs in ACSL5 and PECR genes. Significant gene‐diet interactions on TG response were observed for rs4674730 (ACSL3), rs2303842 (PECR), rs10193305 (PECR), rs1714987 (ACACA) and rs8071753 (ACLY). Before the supplementation, carriers of the minor allele of rs1714987 (ACACA) had higher TG levels than the wild type homozygotes, this difference was not significant post‐supplementation.

Conclusion

Interindividual variability in the plasma TG response to an n‐3 PUFA supplementation may be partly explained by SNPs in genes involved in de novo lipogenesis. CIHR (MOP229488)
THE ROLE OF AWARENESS AND MEDICATION ON HEALTH BEHAVIORS AMONG INDIVIDUALS WITH HYPERTENSION
Authors: KIM HYUN , KIM JUHEE
Published: June 2021

Diet modification and lifestyle changes can significantly reduce blood pressure among people with hypertension. This paper examines how awareness and medication status of hypertension affect food consumption and lifestyle behaviors. Once an individual is diagnosed as hypertensive, the diagnosis will act as new information to influence their dietary and healthy behaviors such as more physical activity, no smoking and moderate drinking. This awareness will help individuals with hypertension realize the higher cost of a poor lifestyle, making them more willing to devote healthy life style. Then, hypertensive individuals who take medication to reduce their blood pressure are less likely to make lifestyle changes, because they feel protected against the consequences of hypertension. The data comes from the pooled four repeated cross‐sectional waves of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2001–2008. For the empirical models, two‐stage least squares (2SLS) is used as the econometric approach by using family history about cardiovascular diseases as an instrumental variable for hypertension awareness and mediation intake. Efforts can be made to educate hypertensive individuals about the complementary effects of healthy behaviors and anti‐hypertensive medication since hypertensive individuals may take risks by substituting a medication for healthy diet and lifestyle habits.

Grant Funding Source: National Research Foundation of Korea Grant (NRF‐2011–330‐B00190)
Supplementation with Zinc Affects Serum MicroRNA (miRNA) Levels in Early Pubertal Females
Authors: Grider Arthur , Lewis Richard , Laing Emma , Wickwire Kathie
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this research was to determine whether supplementation with oral zinc near the RDA for 4 wks would alter serum miRNA levels among females in the early stages of puberty. Black and white females, 9 to 13 years of age, were given either 9 mg elemental zinc (Zn; n=75) or placebo (PL; n=71) for 4 wks. Sera were collected from subjects at baseline and 4 wks, and analyzed for zinc by atomic absorption. There were no differences in baseline characteristics between Zn and PL groups. Blacks had higher serum zinc concentrations at baseline and 4 wks. Following supplementation serum Zn increased more in the Zn group vs PL (p < 0.05). There was no difference in the serum zinc response to zinc supplementation between blacks and whites. Sera from subjects that were most responsive to zinc supplementation (n = 5) or exhibited the least change in serum Zn (n = 5) were pooled. Serum exosomes from each sample were purified using a magnetic‐bead based isolation procedure. The RNAs were analyzed using the Affymetrix GeneChip miRNA 3.0 microarrays. Thirteen and 12 miRNAs changed at least 1.75‐fold in response to zinc supplementation in blacks and whites, respectively; however, there was no overlap in miRNAs species between blacks and whites. These miRNAs may ultimately serve as serum biomarkers for assessing zinc status in young girls. However, zinc biomarkers associated with race may need to be considered.
Effect of high dietary Se intake and GPX1 overproduction on mouse susceptibility to gestational diabetes
Authors: Sun Lvhui , Lei Xin Gen
Published: June 2021

We previously reported type 2 diabetes‐like phenotypes in glutathione peroxidase‐1 (GPX1)‐overexpressing mice (OE) and gestational diabetes in rats fed a high‐Se (3 mg/kg) diet. This study was to determine if these 2 factors induced and/or exacerbated gestational diabetes in mice. An experiment was conducted with 3 genotypes of mice: OE, GPX1−/−, and wild‐type (WT) (2–6 mo, females, n = 12 per genotype by treatment) and 2 levels of dietary Se: 0.4 or 1.0 mg Se/kg (as sodium selenite in a Torula‐yeast based diet) from 3 wk before breeding to d 21 postpartum. Genotypes affected (P < 0.05) body weight, blood glucose, plasma insulin, and glucose and insulin tolerances at all 4 tested time‐points. While the OE mice had elevated (P < 0.05) body weight, blood glucose and plasma insulin compared with the WT and GPX1−/− mice, they showed better glucose tolerance throughout and improved insulin sensitivity on d 19 of gestation. The high Se diet was hyperinsulinemic and hypoglycemic (P < 0.05) and impaired insulin and glucose tolerances in the WT and OE mice on d 19 of gestation and/or d 10 postpartum. The high Se diet also decreased expression of insulin synthesis and signaling‐related genes and proteins in islets, liver, and muscle of the WT and OE mice. In conclusion, although high dietary Se intake did not induce overt gestational diabetes in the OE mice, knockout of GPX1 constrained adverse effects of high Se in this regard(NIH DK53018).
Modulating epigenetic changes during HIV infection via the selenium‐mediated inhibition of KAT3B activity in macrophages
Authors: Narayan Vivek , Kodihalli Ravindra C , Prabhu K. Sandeep
Published: June 2021

Abnormal regulation of epigenetic modifications forms the underlying basis of overexpression of inflammatory genes, and is a key component in several diseases including AIDS. A key phenomenon during HIV replication is the acetylation of the histones at the HIV‐LTR to de‐repress the promoter, and allow transcription to be initiated. It has been shown before that inhibition of the histone acetyltransferase activity of KAT3B inhibits HIV replication. The ability of nutrients to modulate epigenetic regulatory processes has offered potential explanations as to the role of diet in modifying disease risk. Supplementation of a chronically HIV‐infected, phorbol myristic acid‐stimulated human cell line (U1/HIV‐1) with Se resulted in a significant decrease in the acetylation of histones and HIV replication. We have discovered a novel mechanism of epigenetic control by the micronutrient selenium (Se) in murine macrophages that could negatively impact the progress of HIV infection. These studies add to the growing body of information regarding the mechanisms by which selenium retards HIV. This work was funded by a grant from The Campbell Foundation.
Effects of quercetin in a mouse model of colitis associated colon cancer
Authors: McClellan Jamie L , Steiner Jennifer L , Enos Reilly T , Murphy E. Angela
Published: June 2021

Numerous in vitro studies argue for quercetin's chemopreventive potential in colon cancer; however, controlled experimental studies in rodent models are limited. We examined the effects of quercetin on tumorigenesis and associated sickness symptoms in a mouse model of colitis associated colon cancer. Male C57BL/6 mice were randomized to a Placebo (Pla) or 2% Quercetin (Quer) diet. Mice were fed their respective diet from 9–20 wks of age. To induce colon cancer, all mice were administered azoxymethane (AOM) (10mg/kg i.p) at 10 wks of age and then began 3 cycles of 2% DSS (7days on and 14days off in drinking water). Body weight and symptoms were examined twice weekly. At sacrifice, colon tumor number and size were recorded, as well as colon and spleen weights. Body weight was decreased by 34% in Pla (P<0.05), and Quer blunted this decline (P<0.05). Similarly, Quer decreased symptom score by 39% (P<0.05). Tumor number was reduced by 69% with Quer (P<0.05), and specifically, large tumor number by 65% (P<0.05). Quer also blunted the increase in spleen weight and colon weight by ~50% (P<0.05). These data suggest a beneficial effect of quercetin on tumorigenesis and associated sickness symptoms, as well as provide support for further development of this bioactive food component for prevention of colon cancer.

This project was supported by funds from NCI (R21 CA135377 to E.A.M.) and AICR (10A070 to E.A.M.)
Reduced responsiveness to intraintestinal nutrients in obese‐prone rats fed high‐fat diet
Authors: Duca Frank Anthony , Covasa Mihai
Published: June 2021

Decreased sensitivity to satiation signals has been proposed to play a role in the increased energy consumption and weight gain during obesity. We have recently shown that dietary induced obese rats fed a high fat (HF) diet exhibit diminished feeding responses following intragastric lipid loads or exogenous GLP‐1. To further determine the role of gut peptides in impaired satiation responses in obesity, we examined the effects of intraintestinal nutrients on food intake, peptide release, and neuronal activation in rats prone (OP) or resistant (OR) to obesity maintained on either chow or HF diet. Intraintestinal infusions of isocaloric, glucose, intralipid, and Ensure loads (4 and 8 Kcal) resulted in a reduced suppression of food intake in OP rats compared to OR rats, only during HF‐feeding. This reduced responsiveness in OP rats was associated with altered release of gut peptides, including GLP‐1, and diminished Fos expression in the dorsal hindbrain. Additionally, pre‐treatment with a GLP‐1R antagonist, exendin‐9, failed to attenuate Ensure‐induced reduction of food intake in OP, but not OR rats, during HF feeding. These results demonstrate that susceptibility to obesity coupled with HF‐feeding results in a host of signaling deficits, ultimately contributing to excess intake and weight gain.

Grant Funding Source: INRA
Effect of soluble fiber dextrin on postprandial appetite and subsequent food intake in healthy adults
Authors: Hutchinson Christine , Hollis James
Published: June 2021

The effect of a newly developed soluble fiber dextrin on subjective appetite, satiety hormone response and food intake was investigated using a double blind, randomized cross‐over study. 41 healthy adults aged 24±4 years with a BMI of 23.4±2.5 kg/m2 ate a lunch meal with a test beverage that contained 0g, 10g or 20g fiber. Appetite questionnaires were completed and plasma samples collected immediately before, and at regular intervals following lunch. A snack was provided 150 minutes after lunch and the amount eaten recorded. Following the snack, subjective appetite was recorded each hour for the remainder of the day and food intake recorded using a food log. The consumption of the different test beverages had no effect on subjective appetite during the first 150 minutes after lunch or on food intake at the snack meal (p>;0.05). However, after leaving the laboratory, subjective feelings of hunger, desire to eat and prospective consumption were significantly lower and fullness significantly higher over the rest of the day following the test beverage containing 20g fiber (p<0.05). Plasma GIP was lower following the test beverage containing 20g fiber (p<0.05), with no effect on plasma GLP‐1, ghrelin, CCK, PYY3–36, insulin or glucose (p>;0.05). These results indicate that soluble fiber dextrin may promote satiety from 3 up to 8.5 hours after consumption.

This study was funded by Tate and Lyle Health & Nutrition Sciences.
Understanding Healthcare Workers Perceptions of Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation in Bihar, India
Authors: Wendt Amanda , Young Melissa , Marorell Reynaldo
Published: June 2021

High prevalence of anemia and low iron and folic acid (IFA) consumption among pregnant women in Bihar has been identified as an important public health issue. Surveys have shown only 30% of Bihari women indicate receiving IFA and 23% report IFA counseling during their last pregnancy. To address this, we conducted twenty in‐depth interviews and focus group discussions in two districts of Bihar with three key types of frontline healthcare workers (FLWs) to explore their knowledge and awareness of anemia and IFA counseling techniques.

FLWs attributed anemia to factors including poor diet, close child spacing, high parity, and lack of rest, which they perceived to stem from poverty, lack of awareness, low priority of women's status, and family tension. Many felt anemia was not a significant issue, estimating its prevalence as 0–20% (compared to survey estimates of 60%). FLWs tended to restrict IFA consumption to the 4th–8th month, and many reported that excess IFA intake can cause harm. In conclusion, Bihari FLWs had high knowledge of anemia causes but did not view it as a common issue in their communities. Further, their views of proper consumption windows may prevent added health benefits of IFA consumption during the 9th month and lactation from being realized. Efforts to allow IFA intake over a longer timeframe may increase the opportunity for women to receive IFA tablets and be a key step to increasing IFA consumption.

Grant Funding Source: Funding support provided by a BMGF grant through a subcontract with CARE‐India
Remote lung injury after experimental intestinal ischemia‐reperfusion in horses
Authors: Montgomery Julia Bettina , Suri Sarabjeet Singh , Johnson Laura , Wilson David , Singh Baljit
Published: June 2021

Although precise evidence is missing, lung is believed to be a target of remote injury. We addressed this issue as well as any anti‐inflammatory effects of lidocaine in an equine model of intestinal ischemia‐reperfusion (IR). Lungs were collected from non‐anesthetized (n=4) and anesthetized (n=4) control horses and those subjected to IR with administration of either Lactated Ringer's Solution (LRS) or lidocaine (n=6/group).

Lungs from control groups had normal histology and lacked inflammation compared to moderate to severe congestion and vascular, perivascular and alveolar neutrophil recruitment in IR horses. Lungs from IR horses had increased TLR4 and TLR9 staining in terminal bronchioles and vascular cells, increased vWF staining and vWF‐positive platelet aggregates in vasculature. IR horses had increase in Mac387‐positive leukocytes and TNFα lung concentrations compared to control (P<0.05). Macrophage numbers were higher in IR horses receiving lidocaine compared to the LRS group (P<0.05). Neutrophil numbers were higher in LRS‐treated IR horses compared to those administered lidocaine (P<0.05). MPO concentration was not different between IR groups. These data show IR‐associated remote lung inflammation and injury in horses, and some amelioration of lung inflammation with lidocaine.
Attitudes and behaviors of overweight or obese US Army Soldiers
Authors: Arsenault Joanne E , Noyes Michael , Funderburk LesLee
Published: June 2021

The US Army is experiencing increasing rates of overweight and obesity. Understanding the factors associated with obesity within an environment of imposed weight restrictions and physical fitness is imperative. We conducted a retrospective review of electronic medical records of 832 overweight or obese active duty US Army Soldiers attending weight loss classes at Ft Bliss, TX in 2011–2012. The data included responses to a questionnaire on attitudes and behaviors regarding weight control. The mean age of Soldiers was 28.7 ± 7.4 years and 86% were male. 67% of Soldiers were obese and 33% were overweight. Obese Soldiers were more likely to be older, male, and non‐Hispanic black (p<0.01). Obese Soldiers were more likely to binge eat (p<0.0001) and tended to consume more juice or sugar‐sweetened beverages (p=0.06) than overweight Soldiers. Obese Soldiers had greater reported prevalence of anxiety and post traumatic stress disorder (p<0.05). Past use of over‐the‐counter medications or dietary supplements for weight loss was higher among obese Soldiers (49% vs. 40%, p=0.02). Eating due to emotions or stress was higher among obese Soldiers (35% vs. 28%, p=0.03). Obese Soldiers were more likely to be in the earlier stages of readiness to change behaviors (p=0.01). These results suggest a role of stress in obesity of Soldiers, and highlight the importance of assessing individual attitudes and readiness in weight control.
Human myofibrillar fractional breakdown rate determined by the disappearance rate of water‐derived 2H alanine
Authors: Holm Lars , Reitelseder Søren , Dideriksen Kasper , Nielsen Rie H , Doessing Simon , Kjaer Michael
Published: June 2021

We validate a newly developed method to determine the protein fractional breakdown rate (FBR) in a human setting. 19 males ingested a dose of 2H2O at day0. From 6 subjects frequent blood samples and muscle biopsies were obtained over 90 days to follow the tracer appearance. 8 subjects had 15N‐phe infused on day70 and had bilateral muscle biopsies taken at day80 and day94 to calculate the FBR over the 14‐d period based on both 2H‐ala and 15N‐phe tracers. At day94, ring‐13C6‐phe was infused to obtain comparable measures of the fractional synthesis rate (FSR). 5 subjects (preliminary) exercised one leg from day80–90 where they also had bilateral biopsies taken to calculate FBR in the sedentary and exercised muscles. At day90 they received an infusion of 1,2‐13C2‐leu to obtain measures of also the FSR. The intake of 2H2O and the infusion of 15N‐phe resulted in sufficient labeling of muscle proteins of 2H‐ala and 15N‐phe, respectively, but only free 2H‐ala had dropped to negligible levels during the period of FBR‐measurement. The myofibrillar protein FBR was 0.06±0.005 %/h with no difference between legs (p>;0.05) and approximately similar to the myofibrillar protein FSR 0.08±0.01 %/h (p<0.10). Preliminary results reveal that frequent resistance training did not affect the myofibrillar protein FBR. The 2H2O‐approach seems capable in humans to determine the muscle FBR and reveal results comparable to short‐term FSR.
A temporal analysis of Canadian dietary choices using the Canadian Community Health Survey Cycle 2.2: does nutrient intake and diet quality vary on weekends versus weekdays
Authors: Yang Penny Hui Wen , Black Jennifer L. , Barr Susan I. , Vatanparast Hassan
Published: June 2021

Little is currently known on how specific days of week can impact the patterns of dietary intake. In response, this study evaluated the temporal variation in food and nutrient intake on weekdays versus weekend days in the Canadian population. Data were from participants aged >;1 year (n=34,402) in the Canadian Community Health Survey Cycle 2.2, a nationally representative survey which included 24‐hour dietary recall data. Energy‐adjusted regression models examined the weekday‐weekend variation in nutrient intake and diet quality, assessed using Healthy Eating Index‐Canada (HEI‐C). For this study, weekdays were defined as Monday‐Thursday, and weekend as Friday‐Sunday. Energy Intake was found to be 62±23 kcal higher on weekend days than on weekdays (p<0.05). Compared to weekdays, on weekend days intakes of carbohydrates, protein and the majority of micronutrients were significantly lower (ranging from 2.0–6.9% lower), while alcohol and cholesterol intakes were 67% and 10% higher, respectively. HEI‐C was also significantly lower on weekend days (57.75±0.3 vs 55.8±0.4, p<0.05). These results suggested that Canadians consume foods with a slightly less favourable nutrient profile and poorer dietary quality on weekends. Future research should focus on the determinants that shape temporal variation in eating behaviors.

Grant Funding Source: University of British Columbia Food, Nutrition and Health Vitamin Research Fund
Using smartphones to maintain engagement of youth participation in 8‐week walking program
Authors: Hongu Nobuko , Pope Benjamin T. , Martinez Cathy L. , Merchant Nirav C. , Misner Scottie L. , Roe Denise J.
Published: June 2021

With the aim of developing a smartphone walking program application and increasing physical activity in youth, we evaluated participation in an 8‐week online walking program, Walk Across Arizona (the University of Arizona, Cooperative Extension). Youth register as teams and keep a log of miles walked on a website during the program period. The website includes instant scoreboard updates of total walking miles for each team. Forty‐nine youth (age 11–14 yrs, 20 girls, 29 boys) participated and were divided into 2 groups: mobile phone (n=30) and website (n=19). All youth were given pedometers and received nutrition and physical activity newsletters via mobile phone or website, depending on their group. Youth who reported their walking miles using mobile phones walked more than youth who reported their miles on the website (median of 29.7 vs. 12.6 miles; p =0.12). Youth in the mobile phone group reported their walking miles more frequently than the website group (80% vs. 58%; p=0.10). The results suggest that using a smartphone application as an additional delivery method to a website‐delivered walking program should be further evaluated as a means of encouraging youth participation.

Funding Source: USDA
Usual nutrient intakes of infants and toddlers in San Marcos, TX reflect regional differences in nutrition risk
Authors: Thornton Hannah EB , Crixell Sylvia H , Reat Amanda M , Von Bank Julia A , Friedman BJ
Published: June 2021

Large, national studies demonstrate generally adequate nutrient intakes among infants and toddlers in the US; however, focused studies show certain racial, regional, and socioeconomic groups to be at increased risk for excessive or deficient intakes. The population of San Marcos, TX is primarily Hispanic, with a 50% incidence of overweight/obesity among middle school children. We collected feeding practice data and 24 h recalls using Nutrition Data System for Research for 203 infants and toddlers enrolled in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children. We used the National Cancer Institute (NCI) method to estimate usual intake of nutrients, and to assess the impact of characteristics such as race/ethnicity, caregiver education, and early introduction of complementary foods on usual nutrient intake. Mean caloric intake exceeded DRI recommendations by 50% and 16% among infants 4–6 and 6–12 mo, respectively. Usual intake of zinc exceeded the UL in all age groups. Usual intake of vitamin E was less than the RDA in 85% of toddlers 12–24 mo. Usual intake of calcium was less than the RDA in 100% of toddlers 12–24 mo. Consumption of cereal before age four months was negatively correlated with usual intake of vitamin B12 (P<.05) and protein (P<.05). Our results indicate that studies of small, regional populations can reveal relevant nutritional issues that may be obscured in national studies.
The Addition of Non‐Fat Dairy Products to the Routine Diet Reduces Systolic Blood Pressure in Obese Individuals
Authors: Machin Daniel R , Mouton Melissa , Lee Victor JS , Park Wonil , Fallow Bennett A , Tanaka Hirofumi
Published: June 2021

High consumption of milk and milk products is associated with reduced risk of high blood pressure (BP). Currently, it is not clear if the addition of conventional dairy products as part of the normal routine diet is capable of reducing BP. Using the randomized, controlled, crossover study design, we determined the efficacy of conventional non‐fat dairy products for lowering arterial BP in middle‐aged and older obese adults with elevated BP. Twelve adults with elevated BMI and BP (age 55±13 years, BMI 31±6 kg/m2; BP 136±6/80±13 mmHg) underwent high dairy condition (HD) or isocaloric non‐dairy condition (ND) for 4 weeks with a 2‐week washout before crossing over. Four daily servings of non‐fat dairy products and fruit products were added to their regular diet in HD and ND while keeping the total caloric intake the same. Body weight did not change throughout the study period. Reductions in systolic BP were greater (P<0.001) in the HD vs ND condition (−10±4 vs 4±7 mmHg) whereas diastolic BP did not change (0±6 vs 1±6 mmHg). We concluded that the addition of four servings of non‐fat dairy products to the normal diet is an effective strategy for reducing BP in obese individuals with elevated blood pressure. Supported by the Dairy Research Institute.

Grant Funding Source: Dairy Research Institute