bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of receiving supplemental formula from WIC on a mother’s decision to discontinue breastfeeding (1016.7)
Authors: Watson Danielle , Kim Yeonsoo , Pope Janet , McCollum Heather
Published: June 2021

WIC participants have breastfeeding initiation and duration rates lower than non‐participants possibly due to the formula provided by WIC. The main objective of this study was to determine the impact of receiving infant formula on a WIC mother’s decision to discontinue breastfeeding. The research also determined mothers’ understanding of the benefits of breastfeeding and how she dealt with breastfeeding difficulties. It was a one‐on‐one interview with WIC participants at the Independence, Missouri office. The majority of the 29 participants were Caucasian (69%) and ages ranged from 17 to 29, with an average of 22.5+3.68. Only eight participants admitted that the formula impacted their decision to discontinue breastfeeding. Twenty‐eight participants indicated that breastfeeding is healthier than formula and each participant gave an average of three specific benefits. Twenty‐two participants stated they knew additional formula was needed, yet, learned by experience. Pumping was the most common way of dealing with breastfeeding complications. Formula provision may be a breastfeeding barrier for some WIC mothers, and WIC must continue to increase its breastfeeding rates, yet it is rewarding to know that participants are grateful they can feed their babies and know they can go to WIC for help for various services.
The relation between breast milk sodium to potassium ratio and maternal report of a milk supply concern at 7 days postpartum (1016.9)
Authors: Murase Masahiko , Wagner Erin , Chantry Caroline , Dewey Kathryn , Nommsen‐Rivers Laurie
Published: June 2021

It was previously shown that 27% of breastfeeding primparas report a milk supply concern at 7 days postpartum (d7). We examined whether milk Na:K, as a biomarker of progress toward mature milk production, is predicted by maternal report of a milk supply concern at d7. We used flame photometry to determine Na and K concentrations in d7 milk from the Early Lactation Success cohort, and defined elevated Na:K (↑Na:K) as >75%tile. Of 406 mothers interviewed, 257 provided a milk sample, including 62 (24%) who reported a milk supply concern. Na:K ranged from 0.24 to 13.60 (median, 0.62) and was strongly correlated with formula use (Spearman r=0.21, p=0.0009). Subsequent analyses were restricted to the 197 mothers exclusively breastfeeding (EBF) at d7 (Na:K 75%tile=0.80). ↑Na:K occurred in 15/36 (42%) vs. 33/161 (20%) of mothers with vs. without a milk supply concern, respectively (p=0.008). This relation strengthened after adjustment for ethnicity: OR (95%CI), 2.8 (1.3‐6.0); and AOR (95%CI), 3.5 (1.5‐7.9). For nearly half of exclusively breastfeeding mothers, their report of milk supply concern is corroborated by elevated Na:K.
Yogurt intake is associated with a healthier dietary pattern and is a lower contributor of energy intake in obese individuals (1018.6)
Authors: Cormier Hubert , Thifault Elisabeth , Garneau Veronique , Tremblay Angelo , Drapeau Vicky , Perusse Louis , Vohl Marie‐Claude
Published: June 2021

Objectives: To examine whether yogurt consumption is associated with Prudent or Western dietary patterns and to study associations between total, fat‐free, low‐fat (2% M.F.) yogurt intake and obesity. Methods: A 91‐items food frequency questionnaire was administered to 664 subjects from the INFOGENE study. Obesity was defined as having a body mass index > 30kg/m². A total of 564 subjects (160 obese and 404 non‐obese individuals) consumed yogurt and were then classified as “consumers”. Results: Yogurt consumption (daily servings) was positively associated to the Prudent dietary pattern (r=0.15, p=0.0001) and inversely associated to the Western dietary pattern (r=‐0.22, p<0.0001). In yogurt consumers, yogurt contributed to a lesser extent to daily energy intake in obese than in non‐obese individuals (% of total energy, 2.92±2.53% vs. 3.54±2.49% respectively, p=0.02). In addition, non‐obese subjects reported more daily servings of high‐fat yogurt compared to obese individuals (0.18±0.40 vs. 0.10±0.23, p=0.03). Conclusions: This study shows that yogurt consumption is associated with a healthier dietary pattern. Moreover, the contribution of yogurt to daily energy intake is more pronounced in non‐obese individuals.

Grant Funding Source: Danone Nutricia Research, Centre Daniel Carasso
The influence of community food environment on weight status of young children participating in the Children's Healthy Living Program in Guam (1019.1)
Authors: Matanane Lenora , Li Fenfang , Leon Guerrero Rachael , Acosta Mark , Barber Robert , Fialkowski Marie
Published: June 2021

Many studies support the influential role that the community food environment (CFE) has on children’s weight status. The purpose of this study is to determine if the CFE is associated with early childhood body mass index (BMI) in 3 communities on Guam. CFE factors, including fruit/vegetable availability, store advertising, and community readiness (CR) for change, were assessed using tools amended for the Children’s Healthy Living (CHL) Program community randomized trial. Anthropometry data of children (2 to 8 years; n=536) were collected across all communities and BMI z‐scores calculated using the 2000 CDC growth curves. Mean differences between BMI z‐score and CFE factors were examined using a general linear model and Spearman correlations evaluated associations. A total of 42 stores were surveyed of which a majority were small markets (74%) and the remaining were convenience stores (17%) and large grocery stores/supermarkets (9%). At the community level, there was a significant difference in mean BMI z‐score (p<0.001); among the CFE factors, the only significant difference was in CR score (p<0.05). A significant negative correlation was found only between mean BMI z‐score and CR score (r=‐0.31, p=0.04). High density of small markets may be an opportunity for CFE intervention but further investigation on CFE elements, including CR, with more communities is needed to understand the CFE’s influence on Guam.

Grant Funding Source: Supported by Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Grant no. 2011‐68001‐30335 from the USDA NIFA.
Current practices and strategies to improve the food environment in low‐income schools to reduce non‐communicable risk factors in children in Guatemala City: a qualitative study (1019.21)
Authors: Pehlke Elisa , Letona Paola , Gittelsohn Joel
Published: June 2021

Developing countries like Guatemala have recently undergone rapid transitions driven by globalization and development. These have accelerated the increase in prevalence of overweight, obesity and non‐communicable disease risk factors among children. Schools have been identified as effective settings for early intervention and favorable arenas in which to target children’s dietary behaviors, especially through structural approaches. The pilot phase of ¡Pilas!, a school‐based intervention developed by the Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama (INCAP), with the support of Johns Hopkins University, sought to improve children’s nutrition but was unsuccessful in its objective to facilitate positive change in school food kiosks (casetas). The aim of this qualitative study is to better understand influencing factors on nutrition within the context of low‐income elementary schools in Guatemala City and to improve the school food environment by identifying strategies targeted at casetas. In‐depth interviews with school principals (n=4) and food vendors (n=4) and focus groups involving interactive activities with children (n=48) were conducted. The current food environment is shaped by school and government regulations and enforcement, products available at casetas, food and/or money brought from home and school provided snack (refacción). Other determinants of dietary behavior include children’s preferences, product pricing, and parental time and concern for nutrition. The degree to which regulations are understood and enforced at each school, as well as evident vendor challenges, are necessary to consider in identifying appropriate intervention level and design. Hopeful strategies to be further piloted include enforcement policies, healthy and creative food preparation, price manipulation and promotions, raffles and games, as well as government and big company involvement.

Grant Funding Source: Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama (INCAP)
Listeriosis: how concerned should a pregnant woman be? (1019.27)
Authors: Fahnestock Lindsay , Gill Gagandeep , Randhawa Manjit , Soret Samuel , Rizzo Nico
Published: June 2021

Background: Every year, at least one major Listeria monocytogenes (Listeria) outbreak occurs within the United States. If pregnant women are uninformed of possible ramifications of contracting Listeria, the mother and child are at risk for health complications. One possibly effective communication approach to this population regarding prevention and risk is through Listeria Educational Materials (LEM). In order to ascertain the status and effectiveness of currently available LEM for pregnant women, a systematic literature review was conducted.

Methods: Literature searches were conducted using widely accepted public/private databases. The mesh terms used included “Listeria pregnancy”, “listeria education”, “Listeriosis”, “Listeria pregnancy prevalence” “Listeria monocytogenes”. Only articles published within the past 10 years pertaining to educational materials for pregnant women were evaluated. Articles relating to general information of Listeria, were also narrowed to specific characteristics, traits, and origin for exposure. References to Listeria in elderly and immunocompromised individuals were excluded.

Results: 4 studies involving Listeria interventions including LEM for pregnant women were identified. These studies all concluded a majority of pregnant women were still not provided with sufficient information on infection prevention of Listeria. Most educational materials provided to the women were in the form of pamphlets, and the majority of pregnant women who had heard of Listeria gathered the information through their own research efforts.

Conclusions: The current evaluation of the available studies concludes there is inadequate emphasis placed on educational interventions for pregnant women regarding Listeria risk. These interventions concluded more must be done to inform these pregnant women of the dangers of Listeria as well as on the high‐risk foods they consume on a daily basis.
The Nutrition Environment Measurement Survey‐Stores in Guatemala: measurement performance between the standard (USA) and a modified version (1019.7)
Authors: Kanter Rebecca , Alvey Jeniece , Fuentes Déborah , Garcia Rosario , Bearup Richelle , Koeppel Leah , Caplan Emily , Chang Fabian , Chomitz Benjamin , Solomons Noel W.
Published: June 2021

Background: The nutrition environment measures survey for stores (NEMS‐S) is a way to assess the consumer nutrition environment, which affects individual dietary intake. While NEMS‐S has high validity in the United States, its validity has not been tested in Guatemala. The standard US NEMS‐S was tested, modified and re‐tested in urban Quetzaltenango, Guatemala.

Objective: To compare the measurement performance between the standard NEMS‐S (USA) and the modified NEMS‐S (Guatemala), respectively.

Methods: Seven trained raters tested the modified NEMS‐S in 3 supermarkets, and returned one week later at the same time. Inter‐rater and test‐retest reliability were assessed using percent agreement and Cohen’s kappa. Measurement validity was based on how well each item was found based on the modified NEMS‐S. The reliability and validity of the modified NEMS‐S were compared to the standard NEMS‐S.

Results: Both the inter‐rater and test‐retest reliability were very high (Cohen’s kappa >0.78) and similar to the standard NEMS‐S. The validity of many standard NEMS‐S items improved in the modified NEMS‐S, especially lean meat, milk, hot dogs, and diet soda.

Conclusions: The modified NEMS‐S has a better measurement performance as compared to the standard NEMS‐S. Therefore, the modified NEMS‐S is a reliable and valid tool that can be used to measure the nutrient environment in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala.
Challenges and opportunities associated with whole grains use in Twin Cities restaurants: a food systems perspective (1019.9)
Authors: Yangas Alexander , Berkowitz Sarah , Riley Melissa , Maschoff Beth , Schroeder Natalia , Marquart Len
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this study was to understand the supply chain, food environment, and consumer food attributes so that basic, applied and translational “know how” can be used in the development and delivery of healthful foods into Twin Cities restaurants. Interviews and focus groups were conducted with a convenience sample of 24 local, national, and international food system members including grain geneticists / breeder, millers, bakers, manufacturers, chefs, food scientists, nutritionists, public health, and academic experts. A questionnaire specific to each participant’s role and function within the food system was used. Five major challenges to delivering whole grains in restaurants were taste, cost, supply chain logistics, public perception, and lack of knowledge. Participants were convened to address supply chain challenges to incorporate more whole grain foods into the restaurants. Outcomes included formation of working groups to address community interaction along with business models in support of the local food supply chain and restaurant environment.
“Alu”strious effects on human RNA metabolism: post‐transcriptional gene regulation by intermolecular and intramolecular Alu element base‐pairing (102.1)
Authors: Maquat Lynne
Published: June 2021

Staufen1‐mediated mRNA decay (SMD), which occurs when translation terminates sufficiently upstream of a STAU1‐binding site (SBS), is important for myogenesis, adipogenesis and many other developmental and homeostatic pathways1. An SBS can be created by intramolecular base‐pairing within an mRNA 3'‐untranslated region (3'UTR) or by intermolecular base‐pairing between an mRNA 3'UTR Alu element and the Alu element within a long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA), which we call a ½‐sbsRNA. Alu elements are a type of small interspersed repetitive element (SINE)2 restricted to humans and other primates. Notably, SMD in rodents is triggered by intermolecular base‐pairing between B or identifier (ID) SINEs3. Roles of STAU1 dimerization4 and the STAU1 paralog STAU25 in SMD will be discussed as will a new mechanism in which mRNAs autoelicit SMD via direct mRNA−mRNA base‐pairing between their 3'UTR Alu elements. We show that this mechanism is important for cell migration and invasion 6. This unexpected function for mRNAs, together with our discovery of how STAU1 binding to inverted repeated 3'UTR Alu elements (IRAlus) competes with nuclear retention mediated by p54nrb binding to 3'UTR IRAlus and also the repression of cytoplasmic translation mediated by protein kinase R (PKR) binding to 3'UTR IRAlus7, adds unexpected complexity to post‐transcriptional regulatory mechanisms.

1Park, Maquat (2013) WIRES 4:423‐5. 2Gong, Maquat (2011) Nature 470: 284‐8. 3Wang et al. (2013) Genes Dev, 27: 793‐804. 4Gleghorn et al. (2013) NSMB, 20:515‐24. 5Park et al. (2013) PNAS, 110: 405‐12. 6Gong et al. (2013) NSMB, in press. 7Elbarbary (2013) Genes Dev. 27:1495‐1510.
Integrating nutrition throughout a clinical presentation based medical education curriculum (1020.1)
Authors: Corniola Rikki , Suskind Robert
Published: June 2021

Medical schools have had challenges integrating nutrition into preclinical medical education. Often this “orphan” topic has been housed randomly in the curriculum. CNCUOM has developed an integrated, longitudinal nutrition program based on the Nutrition in Medicine Program (UNC Chapel Hill), recent nutrition research, and consultation with the community’s nutrition experts. Nutrition is housed in our systems‐based courses (cardiovascular, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, renal, etc.) and studied in relation to a patient’s clinical presentation (chief complaint) including but not limited to obesity, weight loss, abnormal lipids, hypertension, diarrhea, chronic renal failure, etc. Nutrition is integrated with other science disciplines to showcase its functional role in metabolism and body processes, pathological results of nutritional deficiencies and excesses, as well as the appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to many clinical problems. Specific assessments have been built in to evaluate the effectiveness of our efforts. Our goal is to make nutrition education seamlessly integrated, horizontally and vertically, within the traditional basic and clinical sciences.
Consumer knowledge of non‐nutritive sweeteners (1020.6)
Authors: Roemer Chandler , Ausenhus Blake , Pientok Anna , Roelofs Tara , Wilson Ted
Published: June 2021

Consumer knowledge of artificial/non‐nutritivesweeteners (NNS) is incompletely understood. NNS can be identified by chemical name (CN) and trade name (TN). An online survey addressing NNS knowledge was sent to 1630 university subjects with 720 completing it in 5.00 ± 0.01 min. When asked to write a NNS definition, respondents included 1.15 ± 0.99 out of four reference components. Definition score was highly correlated (p<0.0001) with ACT score, food ingredient label use, and prior nutrition education, but not BMI, gender, or attempted weight loss history. When asked to provide examples from memory, respondents could name 1.23 ± 1.07 NNS; 1.09 ± 1.0 were by TN and 0.14 ± 0.45 were by CN. A randomized click‐drag‐box was used to examine word recognition success within five categories (TN, CN, nutritive sweetener, nutrient, and decoy NNS name) containing seven examples within each category. NNS identification of TN was >60% for Sweet’N Low, Splenda, Sweet One, NutraSweet, Equal, and Stevia. No CNs, nutritive sweeteners, or nutrients were identified by >60% of respondents as NNS. Three of seven decoy NNS names were thought to be real NNS by >60% of respondents. This study demonstrates that consumers are less able to identify NNS by CN than by TN. Food ingredient labeling uses CN, therefore, consumers are inadequately equipped to know if they consume NNS in their daily diet.
Health benefits of pear (1021.13)
Authors: Reiland Holly , Slavin Joanne
Published: June 2021

Fruit consumption is universally promoted, yet consumption of fruit remains low in the US. The genus Pyrus L. consists of species of pears cultivated in Europe, parts of Asia, South America and North America. The goal of this work was to conduct a systematic review of the health outcomes associated with pear consumption. We conducted a systematic review on pear consumption and health outcomes searching both PubMed and Agricola from 1970 – present. Like most fruit, pears are concentrated in water and sugar. Pears are high in dietary fiber, containing 6 grams per serving. Like apples, pears are concentrated in fructose and high fiber and fructose in pears probably explain the laxative properties. Pears contain antioxidants and provide between 27 and 41 mg of phenolics per 100 grams. Animal studies with pears suggest that pears may regulate alcohol metabolism, protect again ulcers, and lower plasma lipids. Pears consumption is generally low, making it difficult to determine whether pear consumption is linked to health outcomes in observational studies. Additionally, human feeding studies with pears have not been conducted. Most existing literature suggests that pears play an important role in gut health and deserve further study.
The relationship between socio‐demographic characteristics of South Mississippi adults to reported fruit and vegetable intake and physical activity (1021.4)
Authors: Alakaam Amir , Townsend Davis , Lemacks Jennifer , Landry Alicia
Published: June 2021

Fruit and vegetable (FV) intake as well as physical activity (PA) participation in Mississippi is consistently lower than recommendations. The objective of this study is to examine FV intake as well as PA participation and how these variables relate to socio‐demographic factors among medically underserved adults in south Mississippi. Fat and FV intakes along with PA participation and socio‐demographic information was collected from a sample of 161 (48 male and 113 female) adults in south Mississippi. A majority (81.9%) of the participants reported consuming less than 5 servings of FV per day and 54% reported exercising less than 3 times a week. Only 14% of participants reported eating a low fat diet. Bivariate correlations revealed no significant relationships between FV and fat intakes with gender, ethnicity, income, marital status, or education. However, there were significant correlations between PA and fat intake (r=‐0.21, p=0.01) and FV intake (r=‐0.21, p=0.05). Higher PA rates were associated with decreased fat and increased FV intakes. PA activity was also higher among men (r=‐0.16, p=0.05) and positively correlated with income level (r=0.21 p=0.01). In order to effectively identify or develop strategies to improve health by promoting increased FV intake and PA, further research is needed to understand the factors that affect behavior choices regarding nutrition and PA in this medically underserved adult population.
Effects of a health promotion program for children on lifestyle and health indicators (1021.5)
Authors: Perez‐Lizaur Ana , Haua ‐ Navarro Karime , Moreno‐Landa Luz Irene
Published: June 2021

A health promotion program ‐1,2,3 Por Nuestra Salud ‐was conducted with 220 Mexican children (60% boys) with ages from 8 to 12 years. The sample included children from two elementary schools who were compared with a third school where the program was not executed. The aim of the program was to promote a healthy style through ludic activities and the acquisition of knowledge about healthy diet and physical activity. When compared to the control group, the intervention group presented significantly higher frequencies of fruit and vegetable consumption (X2, p=0.007) and non large portion selection (X2, p=0.022) and significantly lower frequencies of milk with sugar consumption (X2, p=0.003) and when buying food at school (junk food) (X2, p=0.021). The program produced successful results in variables known to be associated to overweight development but some changes should be implemented in future applications of the program in order to reach goals in variables related to physical activity where differences were not seen.

Grant Funding Source: Supported by DIFEM
Assessment of diet and physical activity of Brazilian schoolchildren: usability testing of a web‐based questionnaire (1022.11)
Authors: Di Pietro Patricia Faria , da Costa Filipe Ferreira , Schmoelz Camilie Pacheco , Davies Vanessa Fernandes , Kupek Emil , de Assis Maria Alice Altenburg
Published: June 2021

This study described the usability evaluation of the Consumo Alimentar e Atividade Física de Escolares (CAAFE) questionnaire (Food Consumption and Physical Activity Questionnaire for schoolchildren). A total of 114 schoolchildren aged 6 to 12 years took part in questionnaire usability testing carried out in computer classrooms at five elementary schools in the city of Florianopolis, Brazil. Schoolchildren used a personal computer (PC) equipped with software for recording what is on the computer screen and the children’s speech during usability testing. Quantitative and qualitative analyses took into account objective usability metrics such as error counts and time to complete a task. Data on the main difficulties in accomplishing the task and the level of satisfaction expressed by the children were assessed by the observers using a standardized form and interviews with the children. Descriptive statistics and content analysis were used to summarize both the quantitative and the qualitative aspects of the data obtained. The mean time for completing the questionnaire was 13.7 minutes. Compared to the children in 2nd or 3rd grades, those in 4th or 5th grades spent less time completing the questionnaire, asked for help less frequently, had a lower error count, and obtained a higher overall performance score. Children with a PC at home spent less time completing the questionnaire, had a lower overall error count, and had a higher performance score compared to the children without a PC at home. The majority of children reported a positive evaluation (liked a lot or liked) for the four design elements, which were evaluated. The results of the present study provided feedback to improve the final version of the CAAFE questionnaire. Quantitative data showed minor errors and system failures, while qualitative data indicated that, overall, the children enjoyed the CAAFE questionnaire. Grade levels and PC use must be taken into account in Web‐based tools designed for children.

Grant Funding Source: Brazilian Ministry of Health ‐ DECIT, CAPES, CNPq, Education Secretary Municipal Florianopolis
Comparison of food intake of vegetarian and non‐vegetarian adolescents (1024.12)
Authors: Burkholder Nasira , Siapco Gina , Haddad Tabrizi Sara , Sabate Joan
Published: June 2021

Food intake of vegetarians in the US has been evaluated, however, data on foods consumed by vegetarian adolescents is limited. The aim of this research was to compare the food intake of adolescent vegetarians and non‐vegetarians. A cross‐sectional study was conducted among adolescents ages 12 to 18 years (312 females, 241 males, mean [SD] age =15.0 [1.7] years) from 10 schools in southern California and Michigan. Dietary intake was determined by a web‐based 150‐item food frequency questionnaire. Vegetarian was defined a priori as combined intake of meats and fish < 1 serving/week. Differences were analyzed using ANCOVA adjusting for age, gender, ethnicity, BMI z‐scores, and exercise.

Vegetarians accounted for 18.6% of the study sample. Compared with non‐vegetarians, vegetarians consume significantly less servings of eggs, dairy, soda/sweetened drinks, pastries, and coffee/tea (all p’s < 0.01) but eat significantly more meat alternatives, fruits, soy beverages, cereals, legumes, and nuts (all p’s < 0.01). Intake of vegetables, bread/grains/pasta, pastries, and chips were similar for both groups.

In this adolescent population, vegetarians consume more plant‐based foods and less sugar‐sweetened and caffeinated beverages than their non‐vegetarian counterparts. Displacement of dietary animal products results in greater consumption of meat analogs and soy products, but not eggs and dairy among the vegetarians.
Snacks contribute one third of nutrient intake at three school levels in a population of Puerto Rican children (1024.7)
Authors: Preston Alan , Venegas Heidi , Rodriguez Natalie , Rodriguez Cindy , Rodriguez Rose
Published: June 2021

Recommended dietary intake of most nutrients is satisfied by a majority of Puerto Rican schoolchildren, however this is not true for all nutrients. In this presentation we examine the contribution of snacks to the total intake of two macronuitrients that achieve nutritional adequacy, namely carbohydrates and protein as well as one nutrient that does not reach nutritional adequacy, namely fiber. To this effect, we have performed multiple 24 hr dietary recall interviews with children in elemantary (E) n=101, Intermediate (I) n=116 and high (H) n=105 schools of metropolitan San Juan.Results show that snacks contribute about one third of nutritional recommendations for the macronutrients examined which adds to the already satisfied amount for carbohydrate and protein but still falls short for the recommndation for fiber.Variations were seen when comparing school levels with E and H schools being more similar than I schools. Also a slight difference was observed regarding gender with boys having higher contributuon than girls. It can be concluded that snacks can add to an overabundance of certain nutrients but also make a substantial contribution to nutrient intake of under‐consumed nutrients. This relationship should be further explored with other nutrients with low intake such as Vitamins D and E and minerals like calcium and iron.
Lifestyle behaviors in early adulthood may be important risk factors for age‐related macular degeneration (1025.12)
Authors: Buck Mike , Lewis Markita , Durham Holiday , Woods Brittany , Childress Colette , Gaitan Adriana , Drewery Merritt , Pinkston Rakyesha , Lammi‐Keefe Carol
Published: June 2021

Age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss and most prevalent in women. Previous AMD research has focused on older adults; however, we hypothesize lifestyle behaviors at younger ages may impact AMD etiology. We evaluated AMD risk factors in college‐aged students (ages 18 ‐ 28). Risk factors included body mass index (BMI), gender, dietary lutein and zeaxanthin (L&Z), and dietary docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). In addition, we evaluated macular pigment optical density (MPOD), a measure of macula thickness, as the macula is composed of DHA and L&Z. Health histories, 24‐h dietary recalls, and food frequency questionnaires were obtained and MPOD was measured using a macular metrics densitometer. Pearson correlations and ANOVA were used to evaluate MPOD and risk factors. Females (F) had lower MPOD than males (M) [Mean±SE; M=0.38±0.02; F = 0.32±0.02, p=0.04 early in life]. M consumed significantly more DHA than F [Mean±SE; M= 85.67±17.78, F=44.67±9.68; p=0.03] and consumed seafood more concentrated in DHA. There was a positive correlation between dietary DHA and MPOD (r=0.1568, p=0.04). M also tended to have higher intakes of L&Z [Mean±SE; M=1394.78±341.71, F=823.09±108.84; p=0.06]. Thus, this ongoing study indicates dietary DHA and L&Z may impact MPOD, partially explaining why women are at greater risk for AMD later in life.

Grant Funding Source: Supported by LSU College of Agriculture Undergraduate Research Award
Diet, exercise, neurogenesis and cognition (1025.4)
Authors: Gibbons Trisha , Pence Brandt , Bhattacharya Tushar , Mach Houston , Ossyra Jessica , McCusker Robert , Kelley Keith , Rhodes Justin , Johnson Rodney , Woods Jeffrey
Published: June 2021

Aging is associated with a decline in cognition in humans and rodents. Recently, these changes have been linked with decreased hippocampal neurogenesis. Physical exercise increases neurogenesis and reverses some of the cognitive deficits in elderly subjects, but the extent to which dietary supplementation may interact with physical exercise is unknown. Green tea contains high levels of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) that reduces age‐related cognitive decline. Similarly, β‐alanine (β‐Ala) may be beneficial against cognitive aging. We tested the hypothesis that exercise (voluntary wheel running) and dietary supplementation with EGCG (1.5mg/g) and β‐Ala (3.4 mg/g) would interact to improve cognition of aged mice. Balb/c mice (17 mo) served as sedentary controls or were provided access to running wheels for 4 weeks with or without EGCG + β‐Ala. The Morris water maze (MWM) and contextual fear conditioning (CFC) were used to assess learning and memory. Hippocampal neurogenesis was assessed by labeling new neurons with BrdU. Exercise improved cognition with increased platform crossings in the MWM and increased time spent frozen during CFC. Exercise also increased BDNF expression and diminished microglial activation in the hippocampus. Dietary supplementation did not affect any measurement. Collectively, these data verify that exercise has positive effects on neurogenesis and cognition of aged mice.

Grant Funding Source: Supported by a grant from Abbott Nutrition to JAW
Dietary supplementation of pomegranate reduces the brain oxidative stress in transgenic tg2576 mouse model of Alzheimer disease (1025.5)
Authors: Subash Selvaraju , Essa Musthafa , Guillemin Gilles , Al‐Adawi Samir , Al‐Asmi Abdullah , Vaishnav Ragini
Published: June 2021

Oxidative stress may play a key role in Alzheimer's disease (AD) neuropathology. Pomegranates contain very high levels of antioxidant polyphenolic substances as compared to other fruits and vegetables. Polyphenols have been shown to be neuroprotective in different model systems. Here, the effects of the antioxidant, pomegranate fruit grown in Oman were tested on the Tg2576 AD mouse model. The four month old double Swedish APP mutation (APPsw/Tg2576) mice were fed an 4% pomegranate or control diet for 15 months and then assessed for the influence of diet on oxidative stress. Significant increase in oxidative stress in terms of enhanced levels of lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyls with concomitant decrease in activity of antioxidant enzymes was observed in control diet treated Tg2576 mice. 4% pomegranate supplementation attenuated oxidative damage, as evident by decreased LPO and protein carbonyl levels and restoration in activities of the antioxidant enzymes (SOD, catalase, GPx, GSH & GST). The activity of membrane bound enzymes (Na+ K+ ATPase and AChE) was altered in control diet treated Tg2576 mice brain regions and 4% pomegranate supplementation was able to restore the activity of enzymes to comparable values observed in controls. The results suggest 4% pomegranate in the diet might be beneficial for the treatment of AD associated oxidative stress. This work was supported by a research grant from The Research Council, Oman (RC/AGR/FOOD/11/01).

Grant Funding Source: Supported by a research grant from The Research Council, Oman (RC/AGR/FOOD/11/01).
Hand‐held ultrasound device demonstrates poor reliability for assessing and tracking muscle mass in older adults (1026.10)
Authors: Tian Min , Oliver Jeffery , Mustad Vikkie , Stout Jeffrey
Published: June 2021

Muscle loss and loss of lean body mass are common features of aging. This loss may progress to the point of sarcopenia, which is difficult to reverse. Consequently, it is necessary to measure lean body mass loss reliably and easily in the aging population. Gold standard methods (e.g., dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry, DXA) are difficult and time consuming. The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether hand‐held ultrasound (HU) could reliably correlate with DXA measures in healthy elderly.

Seventy‐nine healthy elders (65+) were evaluated over a 24‐week period. Lean leg mass (LLM) was measured by DXA, and muscle thickness at thigh, calf and hamstring loci was measured via a HU device (BodyMetrix‐2000) at baseline, 12‐week and 24‐week time points.

LLM and thigh muscle thickness were weakly but significantly correlated at all time points (baseline: r = 0.30, p = 0.003; 12‐week: r = 0.31, p = 0.004; 24‐week: r = 0.23, p = 0.043). LLM was also correlated with hamstring thickness (r = 0.23, p = 0.038) and calf thickness (r = 0.24, p = 0.031) at the 12‐week time point. No correlation was found between the change of LLM and any muscle thickness over time.These data demonstrated poor reliability of the HU device for assessing and tracking muscle mass over time in older adults.

Grant Funding Source: Supported by Abbott Nutrition
Nutritional vulnerability of older adults living with their families in urban areas of Ankara, Turkey: a cross‐sectional study (1026.5)
Authors: Yabanci Nurcan , Bilgic Pelin , Simsek Isil , Tayfur Muhittin , Hongu Nobuko
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this study was to compare the dietary intakes of older adults residing with their families in Ankara, Turkey to the Dietary Reference Intake. Cross‐sectional analyses of food and beverage intakes performed for 250 men and 299 women aged 65‐92 years, with BMI of 26.7 ± 4.4 (Mean ± SD). Diet assessments were conducted through face‐to‐face 24‐hr dietary recall interviews using a food photography catalog to assist subjects with estimating the amounts of foods consumed. Average daily energy intake was 1,653 ± 597 kcal in men and 1,614 ± 613 kcal in women. Percentages of energy from carbohydrates, proteins and fats in both men and women were 50.7 ± 10.1%, 15.7 ± 5.0% and 33.3 ± 10.2% respectively. 36% of men and 27% of women did not meet recommended total energy intake. The percentages of subjects that had insufficient intake of protein, thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin B12, calcium, magnesium and zinc were 25.0%, 46.2%, 18.0%, 21.7%, 98.5%, 31.7%, 69.6%, 59.4%, and 42.3%, respectively. Despite the subjects’ healthy body weight, most are not meeting the recommended levels of protein and many micronutrients. Prevention and treatment of malnutrition needs to receive attention in this region.
Impact of exercise and/or beta‐alanine and epigallocatechin gallate on muscle function and oxidative stress in aged mice (1027.2)
Authors: Pence Brandt , Gibbons Trisha , Bhattacharya Tushar , Mach Houston , Ossyra Jessica , McCusker Robert , Kelley Keith , Rhodes Justin , Johnson Rodney , Woods Jeffrey
Published: June 2021

Exercise improves muscle function and oxidative stress in the elderly. Several dietary interventions have been evaluated for their effects. Beta‐alanine (BA) improves muscle function, while epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is an antioxidant. Little is known about the interaction between exercise and diet. We examined the effects of voluntary wheel running (VWR) and/or supplementation with BA and EGCG on muscle function and oxidative stress in aged mice. Control diet (CTRL) or diet supplemented with 1.5 mg/g EGCG and 3.43 mg/g BA was given ad lib. to 17 month old male Balb/c mice for 4 weeks, during which they ran on a wheel or remained sedentary (SED). Mice then underwent muscle function tests over 11 days, and were euthanized 24 hours after the final test for tissue collection. Mice were maintained on diet and exercise interventions during the 11 day period. Diet and VWR did not differ in impact on body weight, food intake, or body composition. VWR maintained strength (p=.027) and improved performance on a treadmill (p=.001). VWR increased Nos2 and Sod2 gene expression in the gastrocnemius. There was a diet × VWR interaction (p=.012) such that the CTRL/SED group had non‐significantly increased gastrocnemius 4‐HNE levels compared to the other 3 groups. In conclusion, VWR but not a diet supplemented with BA and EGCG increased muscle function, whereas both VWR and BA/EGCG tended to reduce oxidative stress in aged muscle.

Grant Funding Source: Supported by a grant from Abbott Nutrition.
Low intrinsic aerobic fitness increases susceptibility to OVX‐induced obesity and insulin resistance in the absence of adipose tissue inflammation (1028.3)
Authors: Welly Rebecca , Padilla Jaume , Park Young‐Min , Scroggins Rebecca , Britton Steve , Koch Lauren , Margo Myers , Jenkins Nathan , Thyfault John , Vieira‐Potter Victoria
Published: June 2021

While female rodents are protected from obesity‐associated adipose tissue (AT) inflammation compared to males, ovariectomy (OVX) (in mice) results in AT inflammation and insulin resistance (IR). The extent to which intrinsic aerobic fitness protects against inflammation and metabolic dysfunction associated with ovarian hormone loss is not known. Here, 43 normal chow diet (NC)‐fed rats selectively bred for high (HCR) and low (LCR) intrinsic aerobic fitness were followed from 16‐36 wks of age and compared for their response to OVX, performed at 25 wks of age; 11 wks later, the 4 groups (HCR‐SHM, LCR‐SHM, HCR‐OVX, LCR‐OVX) were compared for weight gain, % fat (DXA), visceral AT (VAT) mass, immune cell composition and inflammation (FACS and rtPCR for cytokines, Mφ, and T‐cell markers), and HOMA (IR). LCR‐OVX rapidly gained weight, were 73% fatter, had ~2X more VAT, and had 90% higher IR than LCR‐SHM (all grp X line interaction, p<0.01). There was no effect of OVX on any of these parameters in HCR. Despite increased adiposity and IR in LCR‐OVX, AT inflammation was not detected, suggesting that low aerobic fitness results in OVX‐associated weight gain and IR in the absence of AT inflammation within the first 8 wks following OVX on NC. Ongoing studies will determine the influence of intrinsic aerobic fitness on metabolic function in response to OVX under high fat diet conditions.

Grant Funding Source: Supported by University of Missouri Research Council Grant (to VVP), NIH R01DK088940 (to JT), ROD01
Cardiorespiratory fitness levels among U.S. adolescents (1028.4)
Authors: Gahche Jaime , Fakhouri Tala , Fulton Janet , Carroll Dianna , Wang Chia‐Yih , Burt Vicki
Published: June 2021

Physical activity (PA) can improve cardiorespiratory fitness in youth. Federal guidelines recommend children and adolescents do 60+ minutes of PA daily, with most of the activity being moderate or vigorous intensity aerobic PA. Data from 450 youth, aged 12‐15 years, who participated in the 2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) National Youth Fitness Survey (NNYFS) were used for this analysis. The NNYFS was a one‐year survey designed to collect nationally representative data on PA and fitness levels of youth in the US. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) was estimated using a submaximal treadmill test. The percentage of youth in the healthy cardiorespiratory fitness zone (HFZ, based on FITNESSGRAM performance standards) was based on the estimated VO2max values. Overall, 41.9% (SE 2.8) of youth aged 12‐15 years were in the HFZ. More boys (50.2% (SE 3.7)) than girls (33.2% (SE 2.8)) were in the HFZ. No significant differences were observed by race and Hispanic origin. Of those categorized in the HFZ, more youth of normal weight (54.3% (2.8)) compared with overweight (29.2% (SE 5.4)) or obese (17% (SE 4.6)) youth, were in the HFZ. A higher percentage of youth in the HFZ met aerobic PA guidelines (35.0% (SE 1.8)) compared with those not in the HFZ (22.6% (2.3)). Our findings indicate that while half of boys aged 12‐15 years old were categorized in the HFZ, only about one‐third of girls were categorized in the HFZ. It is important to continue to assess aerobic fitness levels in youth on a national level in order to monitor the progress of interventions and federal guidelines aimed at promoting PA in youth.
Impact of an integral health program for metabolic diseases (1028.7)
Authors: Vergara‐Jimenez Marcela , Ochoa Sonia , Ochoa Alicia , Magaña Javier , Lugo‐Vega Amos , Cardenas Jose
Published: June 2021

The modification of unhealthy behavior is one of the most important issues to control obesity and chronic diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a wellness integral program to control anthropometric, biochemical parameters and cardiorespiratory capacity in dislipidemic diabetic obese patients from Sinaloa. 41 adult obese dislipidemic diabetic participants were divided into 2 groups. One obese dislipidemic and the other obese diabetic‐dislipidemic. Those two groups were divided into 2 groups, one with pharmacological treatment and the other without. They all receive the integral program that included nutrition education physical activity skills and an hipocaloric‐hiperproteic diet for 4 weeks. All participants reduce weight, BMI and LDL‐C and TAG. Glucose concentrations was reduced in the diabetic dislipidemic obese group. All participants increased their cardio respiratory capacity due to the skill for physical activity that they received. HBP decreased in all participants. In integral program that include diet, education behavior and physical activity promotion successfully reduce all the parameters associated to obesity, dislipidemic syndrome and diabetes mellitus, therefore obese patient with metabolic disorders, must be treated using an integral program.
Unfolded protein response on renal lipogenesis in C57BL/6 mice (1029.2)
Authors: Tovar‐Palacio Claudia , Torre‐Villalvazo Ivan , Alemán Gabriela , Figueroa‐Juárez Elizabeth , Torres Nimbe , Tovar Armando , Correa‐Rotter Ricardo
Published: June 2021

It has been postulated that endoplasmic reticulum stress, which is associated with protein misfolding, may generate renal lipid accumulation. Thus the aim of this study was to demonstrate that endoplasmic reticulum stress induced by tunicamycin (T) administration up‐regulate the expression of lipogenic enzymes in mice kidney. Male C57BL/6 mice were injected with tunicamycin and studied at several time points: 1) control, 2) T8 (8h), 3) T24 (24h). Serum glucose levels showed a significant decrease in the T24 group of mice compared to the control group or T8 group. Serum triglycerides, in T8 and T24 groups significantly decreased compared to control. Gene expression of proteins involved in the unfolded protein response (UPR) such as ATF6, CHOP and GRP78 in T8 and T24 groups were significantly higher than the control group. Assessment of the PERK pathway as part of the UPR, showed that eIF2alpha‐total significantly decreased compared to the control and this effect was more evident after 24 hours of exposure to T with respect of T8 group. Finally, the state of phosphorylation of eIF‐ 2alpha protein, was significantly higher in the T8 and T24 than the control group. Changes in UPR were associated with an increase in the group T8 of renal mRNA and protein abundance of SREBP ‐1, ACC and FAS involved in fatty acid synthesis compared with the control and the T24 group.
Impaired insulin‐mediated vasodilation may contribute to hyperglycemia following high fat intake (1030.1)
Authors: Ricklefs Kristin , Simperova Anna , Reaven Peter , Sands Michelle , Sweazea Karen
Published: June 2021

Impaired insulin‐mediated vasodilation may contribute to hyperglycemia following high fat intake Ricklefs Ka, Simperova Ab, Reaven Pc, Sands Mc, Sweazea KLa,b aSchool of Nutrition and Health Promotion, bSchool of Life Sciences, Arizona State University; cCarl T. Hayden Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ

The incidence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) worldwide has increased markedly and constitutes one of the major threats to global health. Insulin resistance is a major factor in the pathogenesis of T2D. We have previously shown that feeding rats a high fat diet (HFD) results in increased adiposity as well as the development of mild hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and impaired vasodilation, all major risk factors for T2D and cardiovascular disease. While insulin sensitivity has been studied extensively in skeletal muscle, the potential impacts of HFD and impaired insulin signaling in the vasculature are less known. Additionally, impaired insulin‐mediated vasodilation may contribute to reduced postprandial tissue perfusion thereby diminishing glucose uptake. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of a HFD on the insulin‐mediated vasodilatory pathway (i.e., IRS‐1, PI3K, Akt, and eNOS) in isolated aortas from male Sprague‐Dawley rats fed a 60% HFD for 6 weeks versus rats fed standard rodent chow (5% fat). Western blot analyses indicate that protein expression of IRS‐1 and Akt, and phosphorylation of Akt(t306 and s473) were not significantly affected by HFD. In contrast, p‐IRS‐1 and p‐PI3K(p55) protein expression were significantly diminished (p=0.016 and 0.045, respectively) in HFD aortas compared to chow‐fed controls. These results suggest that endothelial dysfunction and hyperglycemia observed in these HFD rats may be attributed in part to reduced expression of insulin signaling pathway intermediates.