bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stress and stretch of alveolar sacs and the influence in the CO2 transport
Authors: Caucha Luis Jhony , Cruz Julio Cesar , Rubio Obidio
Published: November 2023

Caucha's et al. (FASEB J. 2010, 24:1063.5) showed that the alveolar dilution of CO2 becomes more evident with the forced expiration and reveals the effect of CO2 diffusion from RV to ERV, in the expired forced maneuver (efm). Now, we are interested in simulating the accumulation of CO2 in the alveolar sacs when it is filling with room air in the efm. The alveolar geometry was taken from a terminal sac with five alveoli, where CO2 exchanges from blood to alveoli. The place where in the 23 generations in the base region of the lung. Using the Navies‐Stokes and convection diffusion equations for CO2, we simulated the fluid dynamics in these alveolar sacs and quantified the stress‐stretch in the wall and the accumulations of CO2 for different volumes in the same time of respiration. The expansion for a normal and forced maneuver were 9 and 90%, respectively, with respect to initial position. The difference for CO2 was 73×10−3 ml from the normal to forced maneuver, the stress in the wall, for a normal maneuver, changed following the pattern of respirations, like a sinusoidal curve, but in a forced maneuver, the stress did not follow the same pattern. In conclusion, the amount of CO2 in the alveolar sacs, depends upon the number of capillaries in the wall and it is not affected by the efm.

Support or Funding Information

Supported by PNICP (Programa Nacional de Innovaciòn para la Competitividad y Productividad)
Loss of the Persistent Sodium Current Elicits Homeostatic Plasticity in Respiratory Rhythm Generation
Authors: Baertsch Nathan Andrew , Ramirez Sanja Corina , Ramirez Jan Marino
Published: November 2023

The neural networks underlying the generation of breathing rhythms must remain stable and dynamic throughout the lifetime of an organism. In many neural networks, it is hypothesized that mechanisms of homeostatic plasticity regulate synaptic and/or intrinsic properties of neurons to maintain stability. The neural network giving rise to the inspiratory phase of breathing, termed the preBötzinger Complex (preBötC), utilizes a combination of intrinsic membrane conductances, such as the persistent sodium current (INaP) and the nonspecific cation current (ICAN), as well as synaptic properties to generate and shape the inspiratory rhythm. When isolated in brainstem slices, the preBötC continues to produce remarkably stable rhythmic population activity in phase with inspiratory motor output. We hypothesized that homeostatic mechanisms within the preBötC maintain stability of the inspiratory rhythm. Slices containing the preBötC were incubated overnight (~16hrs) in 10μM DNQX or 20μM riluzole to block excitatory synaptic transmission or the persistent sodium current, respectively. Upon washout, we observed that DNQX did not significantly alter the inspiratory rhythm. However, in slices incubated with riluzole, inspiratory burst amplitude was increased and frequency was decreased compared to controls (ACSF only). To explore this finding further, rhythmic activity was recorded for the duration of the riluzole exposure. Following ~30–40min, riluzole perturbed the rhythm such that inspiratory frequency dramatically slowed or stopped. Surprisingly, after ~7hrs the rhythm came back spontaneously, indicating plasticity had occurred to overcome the loss of INaP. The rhythm and burst shape were altered such that amplitude and burst rise slope were increased (~300% and 220% baseline, respectively) and frequency was slowed (~30% baseline). Following thorough washout of riluzole (1–3hrs), the new large and slow inspiratory pattern remained, suggesting long lasting changes in network properties had occurred. In a subset of preBotC slices, riluzole was reapplied following washout. In contrast to naïve slices, there was no effect on inspiratory frequency following >1hrs in riluzole, indicating that the new rhythm was insensitive to loss of INaP. However, burst amplitude was reduced suggesting INaP remained present in preBötC neurons. These studies demonstrate that the preBötC can compensate for long‐lasting changes in network properties with mechanisms of homeostatic plasticity and begin to provide a basis for understanding how the neural networks underlying breathing rhythms may adapt to maintain stability in health and disease.

Support or Funding Information

NIH RO1 HL 126523
Cross‐talk interactions between spinal 5‐HT7 and 5‐HT2A receptors regulate serotonin‐induced phrenic motor plasticity
Authors: Fields Daryl Pinion , Mitchell Gordon
Published: November 2023

Spinal serotonin receptors elicit respiratory motor plasticity, expressed as a long‐lasting enhancement in respiratory motor output; i.e. phrenic motor facilitation (pMF). While serotonin type 2 (5‐HT2A) and 7 (5‐HT7) receptors elicit phenotypically similar pMF, they do so via distinct cellular mechanisms. We previously demonstrated that low‐doses of serotonin give rise to pMF via 5‐HT2A receptors, but cross‐talk inhibition from 5‐HT7 receptors abolish pMF at higher doses indicating a “bell shaped” dose‐curve response for serotonin‐induced pMF. Thus, 5‐HT7 receptors both give rise to and constrain pMF. We have recently identified cAMP as a critical point of divergence for these contrasting effects. Specifically, 5‐HT7 receptors constrain 5‐HT2A receptor‐induced pMF via protein kinase A (PKA), but elicit pMF via exchange protein activated by cAMP (EPAC). Our working hypothesis is that selective activation of these divergent cAMP signaling pathways enables refined regulation of serotonin‐induced pMF. Further, we hypothesized that coincident 5‐HT2A receptor and EPAC activation would enhance pMF, whereas 5‐HT2A and PKA activation would constrain/eliminate pMF expression. In anesthesized, paralyzed and mechanically ventilated rats, intermittent intrathecal injections of a 5HT2A receptor agonist (DOI; 50.6 ± 3.1%; p ≤ 0.05) or EPAC activator (8pCPT; 6.2 ± 16.7%; p ≤ 0.05) alone elicited pMF; concurrent EPAC and 5‐HT2A receptor activation gave rise to additive pMF (110.9 ± 10.0%; p ≤ 0.05). In contrast, while PKA activator (6Bnz) alone gave rise to pMF (58.9 ± 8.6%; p ≤ 0.05), concurrent PKA and 5‐HT2A receptor activation abolished the capacity for either to elicit pMF (18.6 ± 6.5%; p ≥ 0.05). Thus, divergent cAMP signaling exerts contrasting effects on serotonin‐induced respiratory motor plasticity. Targeting of these distinct signaling pathways may be useful for treating diseases causing motor deficits, including spinal injury or motor neuron diseases.

Support or Funding Information

Supported by NIH HL080209 and HL69024. DPF was supported by an Advanced Opportunity Fellowship at the University of Wisconsin, NIH fellowship (1F30HL126351‐010) and the Medical Scientist Training Program (NIH T32 GM008692).
Short‐chain fatty acids, 4‐phenylbutyric acid and R‐alpha‐lipoic acid, improve mTORC1‐driven overproduction of apoB‐containing triacylglyceride‐rich lipoproteins
Authors: Moreau Regis , Roberts Joseph L. , He Bo , Erickson Anjeza
Published: November 2023

The activation of hepatic kinase mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) is implicated in the development of obesity related metabolic disorders. This study investigated the metabolic sequelae of mTORC1 hyperactivation in hepatocytes and the lipid‐regulating mechanisms of 4‐phenylbutyric acid (PBA) and R‐alpha‐lipoic acid (LA). We created three stable cell lines that exhibit low, normal or high mTORC1 activity. mTORC1 hyperactivation induced the expression of lipogenic (DGAT2, +229%) and lipoprotein assembly (MTP, +130%; APOB, +220%) genes thereby raising cellular triacylglyceride (TG, +27%) and secretion of apoB‐containing lipoproteins (+124%). LYS6K2, a specific inhibitor of the p70 S6 kinase branch of mTORC1 signaling, reversed these effects. PBA and LA decreased secreted TG through distinct mechanisms. PBA repressed apoB expression (mRNA, −38%; protein, −46%) and lowered secreted TG (−26%) without mitigation of mTORC1 hyperactivity or activation of AMPK. LA significantly decreased cellular (−27%) and secreted (−46%) TG by attenuating mTORC1 signaling independently of AMPK. LA did not regulate apoB expression but led to the secretion of TG‐poor lipoproteins via repression of lipogenic genes, (FASN, −70%; DGAT2, −81%), and upregulation of CPT1A (+319%). Our studies provide new mechanistic insight into the hypolipidemic activity of PBA and LA.

Support or Funding Information

Supported by UNL Hatch Act, Tobacco Settlement Funds, and Layman Seed Award.
Application of Cell‐MateTM 3D matrix in modeling artificial breast ductal cancer as well as control “normal” tissues
Authors: Lyden Timothy , Justen Bruna Stilpen , Loureiro Ronaldo
Published: November 2023

In collaboration with BRTI Life sciences, LLC., the UWRF TCIC has been engaged in testing and evaluating a new synthetic 3D tissue engineering matrix material product called Cell‐Mate. This new material is based on a combination of hyaluronic acid and chitosan which yields a final matrix gel that enmeshes cells at high densities to generate artificial tissue (AT) constructs. In this series of studies, breast ductal adenocarcinoma cells (MCF‐7) and “normal” breast ductal cells (MCF10A) were employed to generate significant artificial tissues based on the application of Cell‐Mate matrix materials. MCF‐7 ATs were generated from 40, 20 and 10 million cells respectively and MCF10A ATs were generated from 20 and 10 million cells. In all cases, successful ATs resulted with significant areas of tissue or tumor‐like architecture and distinct evidence of cellular differentiation as well as tumor development. MCF‐7 ATs generated evidence of tumor progression and eventual metastasis‐related spheroid, cluster and single cell release after 1–3 weeks of culture. In the case of 40 million cell seeding loads, spheroid production occurred within the first week of culture while at 20 and 10 million cell loads, the timing of spheroid generation/release was significantly longer at 2–3 weeks. However, within the first week, 20 million and 10 million cell loads did show definitive rounded features on the surfaces of the developing ATs. Interestingly, some cluster generation was also seen in the “normal” MCF10A cell line ATs as well, but at a much lower level. Also in the case of MCF10A, shed cells formed monolayers in the bottom of culture wells which displayed differentiation‐associated cells and colonies after 2–3 weeks of ATs development. These cells contrasted distinctly from those seen in the original culture monolayers which strongly supports the interpretation that ATs microenvironments induce pathway specific changes in cellular behaviors. Continuing studies are evaluating the morphology and marker expression profiles of tissues within the generated ATs as well as examining and comparing Cell‐Mate generated MCF‐7 spheroids in contrast to media induced or hanging drop culture generated spheroids. Based on studies to date, we propose the application of Cell‐Mate as an effective approach to modeling breast cancer tumors in‐vitro and expect that this will open the door to better understanding of the role of microenvironments in tumor development and progression generally.
Does the left hand know what the right hand is doing? Part I: Alignment between the AFRI Foundational Function and Efficacy of Nutrients Program and the 2010 Dietary Guidelines
Authors: Koeninga Mallory Marie , Krishnan Kavitha , Perez Crystal , Chester Deirdra N
Published: November 2023

Established in 2010, USDA's Agriculture and Food ResearchInitiative (AFRI) Foundational Area funds research grants to address national problems in Food Safety, Nutrition, and Health. This study examined the alignment between funded projects in the Function and Efficacy of Nutrients (Fxn‐Eff) program area and the five major concepts of the2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (2010 DGA); Balancing Calories to Manage Weight, Foods and Food Components to Reduce, Foods and Nutrients to Increase, Building Healthy Eating Patterns, and Helping Americans Make Healthy Choices. We utilized the topic modeling tool PushGraph to compare the text of the 2010 DGA and project proposals from the Fxn‐Eff program area requiring at least 10%similarity. Results were limited to funded projects, representing $4,428,156 total, with proposals submitted after 1 January2011, as the 2010 DGA were released in December 2010. The final sample yielded 14 Fxn‐Eff projects aligned with the 2010 DGA concepts; 100% of eligible projects. All projects had ≥15% similarity to the 2010DGA. In topic modeling 15% percent similarity is equivalent to 15% of the project proposal discussing one of the five 2010 DGA topics. Three Fxn‐Effprojects (21%) had 15% similarity, 5 (36%) had 16–20% similarity, 4 (29%) had 21–25%similarity with the 2010 DGA, and 2 (14%) had >26% content alignment. Most, 6 (43%), Fxn‐Eff projects were performing research to facilitate Americans meeting recommendations for Foods and Food Components to Reduce. One (7%) Fxn‐Eff project was related to Balancing Calories to Manage Weight, 2(14%) research projects addressed BuildingHealthy Eating Patterns, 2 (14%) were aligned with Helping Americans Make Healthy Choices, and 3 (22%) Fxn‐Effprojects performed research on Foods and Nutrients to Increase. These 14Fxn‐Eff awards were made to 13 institutions ‐‐ one institution received 2 awards. The majority of awards (12, 86%) were made to1862 Land Grant Universities, 1 (7%) was made to an 1890 Land Grant University, and 1 (7%) award was made to a private university. These data demonstrate that the NationalInstitute of Food and Agriculture, USDA Function and Efficacy of Nutrients program area achieved strong alignment with the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Future efforts continue to be made by NIFA to increase the representation of 1890 Land Grant Universities, 1994Tribal Colleges, Minority and Hispanic Serving Institutions among awarded institutions. Continued utilization of topic modeling may facilitate alignment between the Function and Efficacy of Nutrients program and the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. This methodology may enhance identification of gaps in the literature and assist NIFA in determining future research priorities.
Innovations in course design to facilitate understanding, retention, and application of Regulation of Macronutrient Metabolism
Authors: Thalacker‐Mercer Anna , Vanderlan Rob
Published: November 2023

Rationale

Regulation of Macronutrient Metabolism is a core graduate nutrition course. While students meet the course requirements for the Nutritional Sciences Graduate Program, many students are several years from their undergraduate degree and/or need reinforcement in foundational knowledge necessary for comprehension of graduate level macronutrient metabolism material. Students do not come to class prepared to build on or apply foundational knowledge, expecting to receive first exposure to course material in lecture. Further, students then learn the material in preparation for assessments. This type of learning strategy minimizes both understanding and opportunities to apply knowledge in lectures and discussions; students are unable to appropriately apply course materials in class discussions. It is well‐recognized that students (i) better retain material taught using flipped‐classroom methods and (ii) achieve higher order learning outcomes when presented with opportunities to apply knowledge. Lastly, student opportunity for reviewing and disseminating nutritional science research is limited, but important for post‐graduate careers. Recognizing the necessity of locking knowledge on macronutrient metabolism into long‐term memory and the need for engaged active learning, the following are the course design objectives for Regulation of Macronutrient Metabolism to meet the learning outcomes: (i) Facilitate better understanding of core material. (ii) Bring in‐class material together with contemporary macronutrient metabolism literature. (iii) Develop professional skills related to dissemination of nutrition education and research.

Course design

(i) Provide short, online videos and assessments that review foundational concepts for understanding macronutrient metabolism (e.g., biochemistry, physiology, molecular and cellular biology) and are essential for comprehension of in‐class lectures and participation in group discussions. (ii) Utilize in‐class activities in addition to traditional lectures. Examples in‐class activities include small and large group discussions of contemporary research related to macronutrient metabolism and analysis, interpretation, and discussion of translational research in macronutrient nutrition (i.e. bench to bedside and farm to community). (iii) A final project will consist of either a written critical review or a delivered short lecture on a topic in contemporary macronutrient metabolism research. Throughout the semester students will complete scaffolded assignments building toward the final project. The final project will not only improve the application and retention of knowledge, but will also build professional skills necessary for post‐graduate careers. Students will be evaluated based on online assessments, in‐class activities, and the final project.
The impact of Linking Immigrants with Nutrition Knowledge (LINK) initiative on improving cultural competency skills among nutrition and dietetic students in Canada
Authors: Vatanparast Hassan , Henry Carol , Mulhall Stephanie
Published: November 2023

Background

The health of culturally diverse newcomers to Canada declines rapidly in the first few years post migration primarily due to the onset of chronic diseases which is often related to poor dietary habits. On the other hand, nutrition and dietetic students usually do not have the chance to be exposed to other cultures to increase their cultural competency skills and provide nutritional advice while dealing with language barrier and/or traditional believes and practices that may interfere to healthy eating.

Methods

From 2011, we have designed and implemented a hands‐on project “Linking Immigrants with Nutrition Knowledge (LINK)” as a part of Food, Culture and Nutrition course where we pair groups of two nutrition students with an immigrant or refugee family. They were involved in several purposeful activities throughout the four‐month project. We used mixed‐methods design to evaluate the impact of LINK on cultural competency of students, both quantitatively and qualitatively. In quantitative analyses, we evaluated cultural competency skills of students before and after LINK within the last four years through a standard cultural competency questionnaire. Descriptive and regression analyses, controlling for potential confounders, were conducted. In qualitative component, we collected information and perspectives of students, former students who are currently practicing as dietitians and preceptors with regards to the impact of LINK project on their practice after graduation.

Results

After the LINK project, there was a considerably significant increase in odds of higher levels of cultural competency knowledge, skills and encounters (p <0.05) among students compared to before enrollment in LINK. From year to year, there is an increase in odds of high attitude vs. medium and vs. low attitude. The qualitative data are in complete agreement with the quantitative results.

Conclusion

Students in health disciplines are expected to have skills for effective communication and interaction with clients from a divers ethno‐cultural backgrounds. Projects that provide real‐life experience, such as LINK, are essential in increasing nutrition students’ cultural competency knowledge, skills and encounter/situation in today's multi‐cultural societies.

Support or Funding Information

University of Saskatchewan, Government of Saskatchewan
Pride, Protectionism, and Prejudice: Overcoming Hurdles in Setting‐up Pilots to Evaluate “Fix for Life”, a Low‐hazardous Embalming Method Preserving Life‐like Morphology
Authors: Van Dam Andries J.
Published: November 2023

About 5 years ago, the “Fix for Life” project was born, which aimed to develop a new low‐hazardous embalming method to preserve life‐like morphology. To achieve these goals, adult female surplus rats from the animal lab's embryo‐breeding program were used for the embalming experiments. After about twenty trials with different embalming and preservation recipes, the promising results generated enough support to transfer the procedure from the animal to the human cadaver model. One year later, the LUMC Department of Anatomy and Embryology decided to use the Fix for Life method as the standard embalming/preservation method for their body donation program and phase out their former embalming procedures based on 4% formaldehyde fixation by perfusion and 2% phenol preservation by immersion.

The results of the “Fix for Life” project were presented at the 2014 annual meeting of Dutch Anatomy Society (NAV) in Lunteren and one year later at the annual meeting of the American Association of Anatomists (AAA) in Boston. During these meetings many colleagues showed a great interest in the presented results and were very eager to perform a pilot to evaluate the method in their own institute. This presentation focuses not only on the hurdles to set‐up such pilots, but also the victories once having left them behind.
Depressive like Behavior and Changes in the Gut Microflora are Associated with a High Fat Diet in Male Sprague Dawley Rats
Authors: Chompre Gladys , Cruz Myrella L , Cruz Suheil , Yamamura Yasuhiro , Appleyard Caroline
Published: November 2023

Over the past decade, obesity has become an increasing problem worldwide according to the World Health Organization. Due to increased workload, stress, and other obligations, people tend to eat more often outside the home, frequently picking meals with a higher content of fat, and calories (called “the western diet”) resulting in increased body mass index (BMI) and obesity. In fact, several studies suggest that obesity produces gut dysfunction, inflammation, changes in the gut microflora, and mental disorders. However, it is not yet clear whether mental disorders, such as depression, can be induced in a model of obesity.

AIM

To study whether a high fat diet will cause changes in the gut microflora, which results in depression.

METHODS

Two‐month‐old male Sprague Dawley rats were fed with a High Fat diet (HFD), or Low Fat Diet (LFD), for a month. After diet, both groups were evaluated for depressive and anxiety like behaviors. Feces were evaluated to ascertain the composition of the gut microflora. Samples such serum and gut were evaluated for inflammatory markers.

RESULTS

Significant depressive like behavior was found in the HFD group compared with LFD rats, (p<0.05; n=14) however no differences were found in anxiety like behavior. Although no differences in absolute weight were found between the two groups, molecular analysis found higher epididymis fat tissue (p<0.001 n=14) and a higher expression of leptin in the blood of the HFD group compared with the LFD group (p<0.05 n=6). Moreover, metagenomics analysis of the feces revealed differences at 30 days at the family level (p<0.001 n=6); a higher percent of bacteriodes were found in the HFD animals compared to LFD.

CONCLUSION

These data indicate that weight alone is not an indicator of obesity, but the type of food consumption can initiate changes in the gut microflora and blood, which may be associated with behavioral changes such as depression

Support or Funding Information

RCMIG12 MD007579, GM103475‐12
Obesity‐prone high‐fat fed rats reduce caloric intake and adiposity and gain more fat‐free mass when allowed to separate protein from carbohydrate/fat intake
Authors: Tomé Daniel , Azzout‐Marniche Dalila , Chalvon‐Demersay Tristan , Pimentel Grégory , Chaumontet Catherine , Nadkarni Nachiket , Piedcoq Julien , Fromentin Gilles , Gaudichon Claire , Even Patrick Christian
Published: November 2023

Dietary fat is among the factors often considered responsible for the high prevalence of adiposity. Both genetic and epigenetic factors influence who in a population will develop adiposity and it is established that humans as well as rodent models are not uniformly sensitive to adiposity gain under high fat diets.

In addition it is also recognized that when placed on dietary self‐selection (DSS) conditions, most species are generally able to select an adequate diet for growth and maintenance. In most cases, caloric intake and body weight gain suggest that DSS is closely related to nutritional and physiological requirements. In one previous studies (1), when shifted from a control (low‐fat) mixed diets to DSS rats spontaneously increased protein and strongly decreased caloric intake (−40%) together with preservation of a normal growth which suggested that before DSS rats ate more food in order to increase protein intake.

The present study tested the hypothesis that in rats fed a high fat diet (HFD), and particularly in individuals prone to adiposity gain (“fat sensitive”, FS, as opposed to “resistant”, FR), a prioritisation of maintaining protein intake could be involved in the excess energy consumption and hence obesity when fed diet with a protein content considered as too low by the animal. For that purpose, male Wistar rats first received three weeks of HFD (by energy ‐ Protein 15%, Fat 42%, Carbohydrate 42%) under which they were characterised as being FS or FR and then were switched to the same HF diet but in which protein was available separately from the carbohydrate/fat mixture (DSS).

The results showed that under this DSS regimen, FR as well as FS rats maintained a similar intake of protein whereas intakes of fat and carbohydrate were reduced by 50%. Overall intake was: protein 27%, carbohydrate 37%, and fat 37%, ie caloric intake remained high in fat. All rats separated in time the ingestion of protein and that of the carbohydrate/fat mix, i.e. avoided to mix again the 3 macronutrients. In both FR and FS rats, adiposity gain was prevented and, in FS rats only, fat free mass gain was increased. Analysis of mRNA showed that enzymes expression of genes coding for lipogenesis was larger in liver and adipose tissue of FS rats.

These results show that high‐fat fed rats were able to strongly reduce food intake and adiposity gain through macronutrient selection and that this response occurred in FS rats despite maintenance of mechanisms favoring fat storage.
Effects of an Almond‐Enriched Energy Restricted Diet on Body Composition, Visceral Adipose Tissue and Blood Pressure in Obese Adults
Authors: Dhillon Jaapna , Mattes Richard
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

Almonds are a good source of protein and monounsaturated fats and their effects on differential rates of visceral and subcutaneous body fat loss, in conjunction with energy restriction, have not been widely examined. Increasing the proportion of protein in an energy‐restricted diet enhances satiety, energy expenditure and greater relative fat mass loss. In addition, monounsaturated fats are oxidized preferentially and a diet higher in the unsaturated: saturated fat ratio may reduce subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) but more importantly, visceral adipose tissue (VAT) during weight loss. The promotion of VAT loss is important clinically as this may translate into a reduction in the risk for metabolic diseases. In addition, emerging evidence indicates food‐derived peptides such as arginine reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Almonds contain a high level of arginine, a peptide that helps to reduce blood pressure (BP).

METHODS

Obese adults (n=28, age: 35.7±11.4 yr, body mass index: 33.1±2.7 kg/m2) were randomly assigned to a 12 week energy restricted (500 kcal deficit) almond‐enriched diet (AED) (n=14) or an energy restricted nut‐free diet (NFD) (n=14). Participants in the AED group were asked to consume dry‐roasted, lightly salted almonds comprising of 15% energy in the individualized energy‐restricted diet. Participants in the NFD group were asked to avoid all nuts during the intervention period. The primary outcomes for this analysis were changes in weight, body composition, VAT and BP pre‐ and post‐study. Body composition was assessed using DEXA. VAT was predicted using multivariate anthropometric models. Resting BP was assessed using automated instruments.

RESULTS

Body weight, trunk fat percent, total fat percent, VAT and systolic BP decreased after 12 weeks on energy restriction (p<0.05). Diastolic BP remained unchanged with weight loss. Both groups lost similar amounts of body weight over time. The AED group lost more trunk fat percent and total fat percent over time compared to the NFD group (p<0.05). The AED group also had a greater trend for VAT loss over time compared to the NFD group. Both groups had similar reductions in systolic BP with weight loss.

CONCLUSION

Consumption of almonds during a weight loss regimen resulted in greater improvements in trunk and total body composition compared to the nut‐free weight loss regimen. The overall improvements in body composition with almond consumption coupled with greater trend for VAT loss may help to reduce metabolic disease risk. In addition, consumption of lightly salted almonds had similar blood pressure reducing effects as the nut‐free intervention.

Support or Funding Information

Almond Board of California
The Effect of Oil Palm Phenolics (OPP) on Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) in Transgenic Mouse Model
Authors: Razalli Nurul Huda , Gowthaman Poornima , Saadat Nadia , Vemuri Shilpa , Goja Arvind , Sambanthamurthi Ravigadevi , Gupta Smiti Vaid
Published: November 2023

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an extremely aggressive form of pancreatic cancer with low survival rates partly due to late diagnosis and poor treatment outcomes. The potential curative treatment through surgical resection is only limited to early stages of PDAC while the use of chemotherapy drug, gemcitabine alone offers minimal benefits. This study aimed to explore the in vivo effects of oil palm phenolics (OPP), a water‐soluble extract from African oil palm, Elaeis guineensis, in transgenic mouse model of PDAC.

Methods

Six‐week dietary treatment was carried out on KPC (k‐ras and p53 conditional mutant) mice divided into four groups: KC (control diet), KP (5% OPP diet), KG (gemcitabine), KPG (5% OPP diet + gemcitabine). Littermates without mutations served as controls: CC (control diet) and CP (5% OPP diet). Progression of PDAC was monitored with MRI at weeks 1 and 5 of the study. Histological analysis was performed on fore stomach and pancreatic tissue slides stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) for toxicity study and PDAC staging respectively. Imunnohistochemistry with S100 Calcium Binding Protein P (S100P) and SMAD4/DPC4 proteins were used to validate the histological changes seen with H&E staining. Change in gene expression on pancreatic tissue was evaluated by real time real‐time polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Fore stomach histological analyses showed that dietary OPP did not exhibit sign of toxicity in control group (CP). OPP treated groups (KP and KPG) had a slower progression of tumor and compared to KC and KG as seen by changes in tumor volumes observed with MRI. All treatment groups (KG, KP and KPG) had a significant decrease in total number of Pancreatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia (PanIN) where the combination of OPP and gemcitabine (KPG) displayed the lowest count. Compared to the KC group, expression of matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9), cyclin D1 (CCND1), and notch homolog 1 (Notch1) genes was down regulated most significantly in KPG group. Collectively, the results demonstrate potential benefit of dietary OPP as part of combinatorial therapy against progression of PDAC.

Support or Funding Information

This study was funded by Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB).
Fortified Frogs and Skeletogenesis in the Skin: Osteoderm Development and Structure Across Tetrapods
Authors: Vickaryous Matthew K. , Gilbert Emily A.B. , Delorme Stephanie L.
Published: November 2023

Skeletal organs reinforce the skin of many vertebrates. For most tetrapods these organs are osteoderms, bone‐rich inclusions of the dermis. Although common to armadillos and various reptilian groups, osteoderms have also been reported in frogs. Here we investigate and compare the structure and development of osteoderms across tetrapods, including new data from the study of two distantly related groups of frog, neotropical tree frogs (phyllomedusines) and Asian leaf litter frogs (megophyrids). Within each group, osteoderms demonstrate an inconsistent taxonomic distribution. Similar to other osteoderm‐bearing species, frog osteoderms are one of the last skeletal elements to form and exhibit asynchronous development across the body. Osteoderms first mineralize over the head and pectoral region, before appearing in more caudal and lateral positions across the body. Skeletogenesis is initiated within the dermis at the interface between the superficial and deep layers. Whereas all skeletally mature osteoderms demonstrate a heterogeneous tissue composition, including lamellar‐fibred and woven‐fibred bone, the organization of these tissues often differs between species. Unique to some frogs, the dermis is occupied by a second skeletal organ. This calcified, glycosaminoglycan‐rich tissue, known as the Eberth‐Kastschenko layer (= EK layer; lamina calcarea), is histologically distinct from bone and may instead represent a dental tissue. Our data reveals strong developmental and structural similarities among all tetrapod osteoderms, and highlights the latent skeletogenic capacity of the dermis.

Support or Funding Information

Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) 400358
Heat transfer through skin with and without osteoderms in the American alligator
Authors: Owerkowicz Tomasz
Published: November 2023

Ability of osteoderms to participate in thermoregulation has been tacitly assumed on the basis of their relatively superficial dermal location and rich vascular supply. Osteoderms’ catholic distribution among ectothermic poikilotherms, and their general absence among most endothermic homeotherms (with exceptions), lends additional credence to this argument. Quantitative measurements of heat transfer through skin samples with and without osteoderms have been singularly lacking. Here I report results of skin surface and core body temperatures from juveniles of the American alligator (body mass range 60 g to 6 kg), and compare warming and cooling rates of dorsal scales with and without osteoderms. Animals were imaged with a thermographic camera alive and post mortem under a range of ambient conditions (10–30°C). On average, bigger alligators showed greater temperature differences between scales with and without osteoderms than smaller animals, suggesting that osteoderm size plays a role in heat transfer. Alligator hatchlings showed no significant difference in surface temperatures between the two types of scales, presumably because osteoderm ossification commences later in post‐hatching ontogeny. Histologic analysis of osteoderm microstructure found a positive correlation between osteoderm marrow cavity volume and heat transfer rate, suggesting that heat transfer is a function of the osteoderm vascular supply. There were distinct differences in surface temperature of scales with osteoderms in live and freshly euthanised alligators during warming, with osteoderms in live animals staying cooler for a longer time. This evidence supports the idea that autonomic control of blood flow to osteoderms facilitates warming of the body when alligators are below their preferred body temperature (30°C). During cooling, however, surface temperatures of scales with osteoderms in live and euthanised animals showed a similar pattern, with osteoderms cooling faster than non‐ossified scales. This suggests that structural tissue characteristics (such as the surface area‐to‐volume ratio, especially in cervical osteoderms with a prominent keel) account at least partially for the osteoderms’ capacity to radiate heat. This leads me to conclude that osteoderms in other archosaurs with more prominent osteoderms likely played a more important thermoregulatory role than osteoderms in extant crocodilians.
Current methods of thickening feeds for preterm infants with gastroesophageal reflux disease is highly variable
Authors: Koo Jenny K , Bode Lars , Kim Jae H
Published: November 2023

Background

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common problem in neonates, especially in preterm infants. The mainstay therapy for GERD begins with repositioning, adjustment of feeding rate, followed by thickening of feeds, then with pharmacologic intervention, and finally surgery. A large meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials demonstrated effective reduction of GERD symptoms in infants fed thickened feeds. Infants who received thickened feeds also demonstrated better weight gain.

Objective

To measure the viscosity effect of different thickening strategies for preterm infants with GERD

Methods

We thickened donor human milk (DHM) and formula using various thickeners: starch based thickeners (SBT) (Thick It™), xanthan gum based thickeners (GBT) (Simply Thick™, Thicken Up Clear™), carob GBT (GelMix™) or rice cereal. We also assessed formula with added starches that are marketed for reflux, including Simlac Spit Up™ and Enfamil AR™. The viscosity of each sample was measured at 0, 15, 30 and 60 minutes after the addition of thickeners. Each sample of milk or formula was thickened per manufacturer recommendations for each of the products, with a goal of achieving nectar‐thick consistency. The acidity (pH) of each sample was measured and in separate trials, 3M HCl and 0.1M HCl was added to the milk and thickener mixtures to mimic the range of acidity in the stomach. Two temperatures, room temperature and 37°C, were evaluated, DHM was tested with and without human milk fortifiers (HMF). Acidity was also controlled to mimic the range of gastric pH. Viscosity of the milk was measured using a rotary viscometer (NDJ‐1, NDJ, China) that had the ability to measure viscosity between 10 to 100,000 mPa*s +/− 5% error.

Results

Formula can be effectively thickened with all types of thickeners, and the viscosities of thickened formula quickly achieve a nectar‐thick consistency and subsequently continue to thicken over time. On the other hand, DHM does not effectively thicken with SBT. DHM went back to baseline viscosity (thin liquid) within 15 minutes of adding SBT. Both DHM and formula, when thickened with rice cereal, formed a non‐homogenous mixture that rendered viscosity readings imprecise given the vast range of viscosities within the same fluid sample. Acid ablated the effects of xanthan GBT while carob GBT retained some thickening potential. An acid pH effectively thickened anti‐regurgitation formulas.

Conclusions

Current thickening strategies of preterm infant feeding produces highly variable results in final feed viscosity. Objective measures of liquid viscosity are recommended for adequate comparisons of thickening efficacy and changes to thickening regimen. Careful consideration of acidity and time need to be observed. Human milk continues to be the most challenging feed type to thicken in a controlled manner.

Support or Funding Information

This research was supported by divisional funds.
No time for family meals – what's a family to do?
Authors: Watts Allison W , Berge Jerica , Loth Katie , Larson Nicole , Neumark‐Sztainer Dianne
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Much research has touted the health benefits of family meals for adolescents, particularly for healthier diets. However, some families experience barriers (e.g., busy schedules, lack of cooking skills) that make it difficult to have regular family meals. Parents may need guidance about other ways that they might promote healthy eating in their adolescent children. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of the home and family environment at different levels of family meal participation to see what factors are associated with adolescent fruit and vegetable (FV) intake. Results will inform recommendations regarding how other factors in the home environment may promote similar health benefits as having family meals

Methods

Data were drawn from EAT 2010 (Eating and Activity in Teens), a diverse population‐based study of 2,793 adolescents attending 20 public middle/high schools in Minneapolis/St‐Paul during 2009–2010. Adolescents completed an FFQ and survey items about home environmental factors hypothesized to be related to FV intake (FV availability, FV accessibility, parent encouragement, family communication, and family functioning). Linear regression models were used to examine: 1) individual associations between family meals, home factors and FV intake; 2) the relative influence of family meals and each home factor on FV intake; and 3) interactions between family meal frequency and the presence of other healthful home factors. Models were adjusted for age, sex, socioeconomic status, race/ethnicity and energy intake.

Results

In unadjusted models, all home factors were positively associated with FV intake. In mutually adjusted models, family meals, FV availability, FV accessibility, and parent encouragement for healthy foods were independently associated with higher FV intake. Among the 949 (35%) adolescents who reported infrequent family meals (≤2 days/week), greater home FV availability, FV accessibility, and parent encouragement were each associated with an approximately half serving increase in FV per day. Adolescents having regular family meals in addition to more favorable home characteristics had up to an additional one serving increase in FV per day.

Conclusion

Regular family meals in combination with other home environmental factors were associated with the best outcomes; however, instructing families to provide healthy foods and encouragement may lead to meaningful nutritional benefits in the absence of family meals.

Support or Funding Information

This study was supported by Grant Number R01HL084064 from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (PI: Dianne Neumark‐Sztainer). AWW was supported by a fellowship from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
If you're happy and you know it: Associations between emotion, social context, and food choices in college freshmen
Authors: Ashurst Jessica , van Woerden Irene , Bruening Meg
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

A lack of evidence exists on how food choices are related to emotional and social contexts, particularly for college freshmen who are still developing eating habits as they transition into adulthood. Ecological momentary assessments (EMAs) repeatedly assess what participants are doing at a particular moment, providing real‐time data on eating behaviors with mobile technology that does not require participants to leave their environment or reflect on past behaviors. By understanding these relationships in the context of when and why the behaviors are occurring, we can better promote healthy eating in this vulnerable population.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the association of negative, positive, and ambivalent emotions on food choices (fruits/vegetables, pizza, and sweet/salty snacks). We also examined the relationship of social context (alone vs. with others) on food choices.

METHODS

College freshmen (n=1078; 64% female; 52% non‐white) residing in campus dormitories completed up to 14 mobile‐based EMAs during the fall semester of 2015 as part of SPARC (Social impact of Physical Activity and nutRition in College), a larger, longitudinal study assessing the nutrition and physical activity choices of students. Of the completed EMAs, 2754 surveys (n=678 students; 70% female; 51% non‐white) had data on food choices, emotion (positive and negative), and social context. Mixed effects logistic regression models examined the relationship between food choices, emotions, and social context of eating, adjusting for sociodemographics, and clustering of students within dorms.

RESULTS

Reporting happiness was positively associated with fruits/vegetables (OR=1.2, 95% CI: 1.0–1.4) and sweet/salty snacks (OR=1.5, 95% CI: 1.2–1.8) (p<0.05). Students who reported feeling meh were likely to report eating pizza (OR=1.3, 95%CI=1.0–1.7;p<0.05). Feeling sad was not associated with any food choices. Eating alone was positively associated with fruits and vegetables (OR=1.2, 95% CI: 1:1.4) and negatively associated pizza intake (OR=0.8, 95% CI: 0.7–0.9), above and beyond emotional state (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Emotional status was related to both healthy and unhealthy food choices. Students who eat alone were more likely to make healthier food choices. Interventions targeting college freshmen should consider how emotional and social contextual factors impact food choices.

Support or Funding Information

The Social impact of Physical Activity and nutRition in College study (1DP5OD017910‐01; PI: Bruening) was funded by the NIH Office of the Director and the Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research. Content expressed herein are the sole responsibility of the authors, and may not reflect official views held by the NIH.
Twist1 Phosphorylation Contributes to Pulmonary Fibrosis through Angiopoietin‐Tie2 Signaling
Authors: Mammoto Akiko , Jiang Amanda , Jiang Elisabeth , Mammoto Tadanori
Published: November 2023

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic and progressive lung disease, in which microvessel remodeling is deregulated. However, the mechanism by which deregulated angiogenesis contributes to the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis remains unclear. Here we show that phosphorylation of a transcription factor, Twist1, controls angiogenesis through the angiopoietin‐Tie2 pathway and mediates fibrotic foci formation and pathological angiogenesis in a bleomycin‐induced mouse pulmonary fibrosis model. Twist1 knockdown decreases Tie2 expression and attenuates angiopoietin1‐induced endothelial cell (EC) sprouting in vitro. Angiogenesis is also inhibited in fibrin gel implanted on Tie2‐specific Twist1 conditional knockout (Tie2‐Twist1KO) mouse lung in vivo. Inhibition of Twist1 phosphorylation at the Serine 42 (Ser42) residue by treating ECs with a mutant construct (Twist1S42A) decreases Tie2 expression and attenuates angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Bleomycin treatment increases Twist1 Ser42 phosphorylation levels and expression of angiopoietin‐2 and Tie2, and induces fibrotic foci formation and increases blood vessel density in the mouse lung, while these effects are attenuated in Tie2‐Twist1KO mice. These results indicate that Twist1 Ser42 phosphorylation mediates bleomycin‐induced pulmonary fibrosis through angiopoietin‐Tie2 signaling.

Support or Funding Information

Boston Children's Hospital career development award