bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alpha‐Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone (α‐MSH) Affects Adipose Tissue Physiology in Broiler Chicks
Authors: Shipp Steven Lee , Wang Guoqing , Fu Xiangping , Cline Mark , Gilbert Elizabeth 
Published: June 2021

The melanocortin system plays an important role in whole‐body energy homeostasis. In mammals, α‐melanocyte stimulating hormone (α‐MSH) induces satiety via the hypothalamus and stimulates lipolysis in adipose tissue. In chickens, it is also highly anorexigenic, but effects on adipose physiology have not been reported in an avian species. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of exogenous α‐MSH on adipose tissue physiology in broiler chicks. We hypothesized that peripheral α‐MSH injection would be associated with changes in transcriptional regulation of the melanocortin system, and lipid metabolism‐associated factors in adipose tissue. At four days post‐hatch, using a randomized complete block design with body weight as the blocking factor, individually caged Cobb‐500 broilers were assigned to receive intraperitoneal injection of 0 (vehicle), 5, 10, or 50 micrograms of α‐MSH (n=10/treatment) and euthanized at 60 minutes post‐injection and feed intake recorded. Subcutaneous and abdominal adipose tissue and Pectoralis major were collected for quantifying mRNA abundance of adipose lipid metabolism‐associated factors, and melanocortin receptors 1–5. Additionally, an in vitro study was conducted where the stromal‐vascular fraction of cells was isolated from the abdominal fat of 14 day‐old Cobb‐500 broilers. At 80% confluence, cells were treated with 0 (control), 1, 10, or 100 nM α‐MSH (n=3 independent experiments) and total RNA isolated at 4 hours to measure mRNA abundance of the same genes. Data were analyzed by ANOVA using the Fit Model platform of JMP (SAS Institute) and the statistical model included the main effect of treatment (sex was non‐significant for all variables and removed from the model), with Dunnett's test used for pairwise comparisons. Food intake was decreased (P < 0.0001) at 60 minutes in chicks that received 50 μg of α‐MSH as compared to vehicle. MC5R mRNA was increased (P < 0.05) in subcutaneous adipose tissue of chicks that received 10 and 50 μg of α‐MSH, but was not affected in the abdominal adipose or Pectoralis major, compared to vehicle‐injected chicks, and increased in vitro in cells receiving 10 and 100 nM α‐MSH, compared to control‐treated cells. The mRNA abundance of fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) was also greater (P = 0.02) in 100 nM α‐MSH‐ than control‐treated cells. In conclusion, α‐MSH injection reduced feed intake, and was associated with increased gene expression of MC5R. Thus, in birds, peripheral α‐MSH may reduce feed intake, and effects in adipose tissue may be depot‐dependent and mediated through melanocortin receptor subtype 5.Support or Funding InformationThis research was supported by a National Science Foundation EAGER grant (IOS 1420285). Funding for this work was also provided in part, by the Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station and the Hatch Program of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Probing the Cell Cycle Significance of Cdt1 Phosphorylation at Novel Sites
Authors: Harris Regine Simone , Varma Dileep , Cook Jeanette Gowen 
Published: June 2021

The cell cycle is regulated by proteins as it goes through the phases of G1, S, G2, and mitosis. DNA replication should occur once and only once in S phase. When re‐replication occurs erroneously it can lead to genomic instability such as cancer. Cdt1 is a protein that is highly regulated in the cell cycle and Cdt1 is degraded during S phase so that DNA cannot be re‐replicated. It plays a role in recruiting DNA replication MCM helicases to the origin recognition complex (ORC) in the G1 phase of the cell cycle. Cyclin dependent kinases (CDK) are regulatory proteins that phosphorylate Cdt1 for degradation by proteasomes in the S phase. Previous studies have investigated stress activated MAP kinase phosphorylation sites within Cdt1. Findings demonstrate that when those sites are mutated, such that they can no longer be phosphorylated, changes can occur in stability and function. Cdt1 is phosphorylated at two additional sites, Serine 93 and Threonine 152, but the functions of these phosphorylations are unknown. Our goal is to mutate those two sites to alanine, which cannot be phosphorylated, express the altered Cdt1 genes in human cells, and test for changes in Cdt1 behavior in a cell cycle dependent manner. We successfully created the S93A, T152A and S93AT152A (double mutant) Cdt1 expression plasmids by first, using PCR to create our inserts, then combining each mutant with a pENTR vector by Gibson assembly. The mutant Cdt1 constructs were transferred from the pENTR plasmids to pBabe‐puro plasmids by LR reaction for gene expression. For our transient transfection we used 293T cells to express our gene. Our stable Hela cell line was produced by retroviral transfection of 293T cells, then extracting the virus for transduction of Hela cells. Western blot analysis of 293T cells transiently transfected with these plasmids did not yield conclusive results with regard to the precise nature of the expression of the Cdt1 mutants. However, we are in the process of creating stable Hela cell lines using these plasmids. Our T152A and S93AT152A Hela cell line did not become stable as opposed to our S93A Hela cell line. We therefore suspect that our T152A mutant might have a negative effect on cell viability.Support or Funding InformationNIH/NIGMS Grant #R25GM076162NSF Grant #DBI‐1038160
Water balance in desert birds ‐ challenges in a rapidly warming environment
Authors: Wolf Blair O. 
Published: June 2021

Osmoregulation in desert birds involves a complex interplay of physiology, morphology and behavior that has been carefully documented over the last five decades. Rapid warming of the Earth's surface is producing significant new physiological challenges for many species; the potential capacity for individuals and species cope with these new challenges is of significant conservation interest. Here, we examine avenues and mechanisms of water intake and loss, and how warmer environments will affect the ability of birds in deserts to effectively cope with these challenges. Increased water requirements associated with greater demands for evaporative cooling may have differential impacts across species because of differences in body size, diet, and the evaporative mechanism employed. We show that adjustments in behavior and physiology, e. g. renal, performance may fail to compensate for these increased demands and result in changes in specie's distributions and community structure.Support or Funding InformationFunding provided by NSF IOS‐122228
Potential adverse effects of polyunsaturated fatty acids: Influence of lipid oxidation on lymphatic transport of lipophilic bioactive components and cell morphology
Authors: Yao Mingfei , Kitamura Fuki , McClements David Julian , Xiao Hang 
Published: June 2021

One of the most effective ways to enhance the bioavailability of highly lipophilic food components is to facilitate their chylomicron‐based lymphatic transport by oral administration with dietary lipids. However, lipids that contain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are highly susceptible to oxidation. Ingestion of oxidized lipids is associated with numerous kinds of health risk, including diabetes, tumor development, and atherosclerosis. In addition, the oxidation of lipids may affect the absorption of other lipophilic bioactive components in foods. In this study, we compared the effect of oxidized and unoxidized linoleic acid (LA) on the transport of a highly lipophilic bioactive compound (5‐hydroxy‐6,7,8,4′tetramethoxylflavone or 5‐DMT) using a Caco‐2 cell model. Unoxidized LA improved the bioavailability of 5‐DMT by stimulating chylomicron production. Oxidized LA also enhanced the transport of 5‐DMT, however, it significantly affected the morphology of the Caco‐2 monolayer, and especially the tight junctions. Our results suggest that oxidized PUFAs may alter the transport pathway of lipophilic bioactives, which may influence their subsequent distribution and metabolism in the human body.Support or Funding InformationUSDA
Effects of a Dietary Strawberry Powder on Parameters of Vascular Health in Adolescent Males
Authors: Holt Roberta R , Djurica Dragana , Ren Jingyan , Hackman Robert M , Keen Carl L 
Published: June 2021

Previous studies have shown that the intake of freeze‐dried strawberry powder (FDSP) improves select markers of cardiovascular health in at risk individuals; whether these improvements can be observed in adolescents is unknown. A randomized, double‐blind, crossover study enrolled 25 overweight or obese males, ages 14–18 years, to consume 50g of FDSP or an isocaloric control powder, daily for 1 week. Before and after each test period, measures of microvascular function, plasma nitrate/nitrite, and platelet reactivity were collected at baseline and 1 hour after FDSP intake. After 1 week of FDSP intake, an acute increase in the Framingham reactive hyperemia index (fRHI) was observed (p < 0.03). Plasma nitrate/nitrite levels significantly increased 1 hour after consuming the FDSP on the first study day prior to daily FDSP intake (p < 0.001) and during the second visit after one week of FDSP intake (p < 0.001). This increase in plasma nitrate levels was not observed with control powder intake. Taken together, the data from the present study supports the concept that strawberries can provide vascular health benefits to overweight and obese adolescent males.Support or Funding InformationResearch funding was provided in part by the California Strawberry Commission; USDA NIFA National Needs Graduate Fellowship (Djurica); and Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Competitive Grant (Holt).
Progression of antepartum depression differs by level of perceived social support and food insecurity
Authors: Natamba Barnabas Kahiira , Mehta Saurabh , Vermeylen Francoise , Stoltzfus Rebecca Joyce , Young Sera L , Griffiths Jeffrey K 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundAntepartum depression (AD) is a risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes and may be worsened by food insecurity (FI) and lack of social support (SS). We studied the progression of AD from mid gestation to term and examined whether such progression differed by measures of SS and longitudinal measures of FI.Methods403 women were recruited (mean (±SD) gestational age =19.4 (±−3.8) weeks) and followed to term or dropout. At baseline, SS was assessed using a modified Duke‐UNC functional scale. Women were binned into 2 SS groups, based on scoring < or ≥ than the median SS value. FI (IFIAS) and AD (CES‐D≥17) were assessed at each visit using validated scales. Other variables were assessed at baseline using structured tools. Separately by SS category, we used mixed effects logistic regression models to examine the progression of AD; and, assessed whether such AD progression differed by longitudinal measures of FI.ResultsAt baseline, 55.8% of the pregnant women belonged to the higher SS group. At this time point, the prevalence of AD among women in the low SS group (80.9%) was 2 times higher than similar levels in the higher SS group (40.4%). AD in the low SS group tended to decline with increasing gestational age but was always more prevalent than AD in the high SS group. In both SS groups, the progression of AD was positively associated with longitudinal measures of FI; and, the effect of FI on the progression of AD attained statistical significance among women in the low SS group. In the adjusted analyses, the probability of AD was three times higher among food insecure women in the low SS group than it was among food secure women in the high SS category.ConclusionsWe observed high levels of antepartum depression among women in northern Uganda that differed by social support and food insecurity suggesting the need for integrating mental health services that include food security and social support components into antenatal programs in this or similar contexts.Support or Funding InformationThis research was funded in part by Cornell University Weill Medical College Intercampus Seed Funds, K01 MH098902 from NIMH and USAID Cooperative Agreement AIDOAAL1000006
What Concerns and Questions Do Current Middle‐School Children Have When It Comes to Nutrition
Authors: Green Erin , Gaines Alisha , Hill Tisa Fontaine , Dollahite Jamie 
Published: June 2021

This formative research explored the nutrition‐related questions and concerns of current middle‐school children. To date, few studies have explored nutrition and health perspectives of middle‐school aged children, an important group given that many food‐related behaviors and attitudes are being formed during this critical life stage. In‐depth semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 27 sixth to eighth grade students (12 male; 15 female) in New York State (14 rural; 13 urban). Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using conventional qualitative content analysis to examine: 1) participants’ questions regarding nutrition, 2) current sources of nutrition information, and 3) nutrition and related health concerns. Results indicated that over half the sample reported having no current questions related to food or drinks. The most frequently reported sources of nutrition information included parents and school instructors or coursework, and a few children also cited coaches or grandparents as important sources. While some children did report accessing nutrition information online, none could recall specific websites frequented, with the exception of internet search engines (i.e. Google). Children reported looking up information related to the specific contents and characteristics of foods. Common themes around nutrition and related health concerns included weight status. Dietary restrictions like food allergies and concerns about what others such as siblings or peers were eating were also reported by some children. When discussing their concerns, children often provided a rationale that was not scientifically sound, indicating the need for additional nutrition information or education. These findings suggest middle‐school children without stated nutrition‐related questions often still have important concerns that may not be adequately addressed with current nutrition information seeking behaviors. This represents a potential opportunity to 1) design and disseminate nutrition‐related information targeted to both middle‐school children and their primary information sources (i.e. parents and schools), and 2) increase awareness of appropriate platforms providing nutrition‐related information.Support or Funding InformationFunded by Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Grant no. 2012‐68001‐19604, USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Childhood Obesity Prevention: Integrated Research, Education, and Extension to Prevent Childhood Obesity – A2101
Nutrient‐Induced Metabolism Dictates Intestinal Epithelial Crypt Proliferation
Authors: Zhou Weinan , Clara Rosmarie , Mansouri Abdelhak , Langhans Wolfgang , Dailey Megan J. 
Published: June 2021

The intestinal epithelium plays an essential role in nutrient absorption, hormone release and barrier function. Maintenance of the epithelium is driven by continuous cell renewal by stem cells located in the intestinal crypts. The amount and type of diet influence this process and result in changes in the size and cellular make‐up of the tissue. We have found that glucose induces an increase in the rate of proliferation in intestinal epithelial crypts in a concentration dependent manner. The mechanism underlying this nutrient‐driven change in crypt proliferation is not known, but may involve a shift in intracellular metabolism that allows for more nutrients to be used to manufacture new cells. We hypothesized that nutrient availability drives changes in cellular energy metabolism of small intestinal epithelial crypts that could contribute to the increase in crypt proliferation. To test this hypothesis, we utilized primary small intestinal epithelial crypts from C57BL/6J mice to study the effect of glucose on crypt metabolism using a Seahorse XFe96 Extracellular Flux Analyzer for real‐time metabolic measurements. Glycolysis was determined by measuring the extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) in response to glucose and the glycolytic pathway inhibitor 2‐Deoxy‐D‐glucose (2‐DG). Glucose oxidation was determined by measuring oxygen consumption rate (OCR) in response to glucose and the glucose oxidation pathway inhibitor UK‐5099. Glucose‐induced mitochondrial respiration was determined by measuring OCR in response to glucose and modulators of mitochondrial respiration (i.e. ATP synthase inhibitor oligomycin, uncoupler FCCP, complex I inhibitor rotenone, complex III inhibitor antimycin A). The maximum respiration capacity (i.e. the capacity to oxidize any substrates present to meet metabolic challenges) was determined by measuring FCCP‐stimulated OCR. We found that glucose increased ECAR in a concentration dependent manner, and the glycolytic pathway inhibitor 2‐DG reduced glucose‐induced ECAR, indicating that glucose stimulates glycolysis of crypts. However, neither glucose nor the glucose oxidation pathway inhibitor UK‐5099 affected OCR, indicating that glucose oxidation is not active in crypts. Furthermore, glucose increased FCCP‐stimulated OCR, indicating that the presence of glucose is necessary for crypts to utilize substrates for oxidation. These data suggest that high nutrient availability drives metabolism towards utilization of glucose for glycolysis in crypts, and glucose might indirectly induce an increase in the oxidation of other nutrients (e.g. fatty acids, amino acids) in crypts. These metabolic changes may contribute to the nutrient‐induced crypt proliferation.Support or Funding InformationUSDA ILLU‐538‐926
Psychoactive Drugs as a Route to Development of Novel Anti‐parasitic Agents
Authors: Woodhouse Kristen , Chan John D , Marchant Jonathan 
Published: June 2021

Over a third of the world's population is infected with parasitic worms. One of the most burdensome infections underpins the neglected tropical disease schistosomiasis (Bilharzia) caused by parasitic flatworms of the genus Schistosoma, which afflicts ~200 million people worldwide. Consequently, there is a need to discover and develop next generation anthelmintics, active against a broad spectrum of parasitic helminths.Flatworm musculature is regulated by bioaminergic signalling: addition of exogenous 5‐HT to isolated flatworm muscle fibres causes contraction. This effect is likely mediated by engagement of serotonergic G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). For example, in free living planarians, knockdown of a serotonergic GPCR (S7.1) impairs worm motility. Here, we demonstrate that the psychoactive agent, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) acts as a agonist at the planarian S7.1 receptor (EC50 = 1.3±0.5nM, Emax 99±5% of 5‐HT response). LSD evoked contraction inhibited the motility of free living planarian worms (distance moved 16±2% versus control worms) and potently blocked bipolar regeneration evoked by praziquantel (IC50 = 0.5±0.2nM). These data raises the possibility that other psychoactive drugs, including psychotropics with known activity at human 5‐HT2 receptors, could serve as efficacious lead compounds to disrupt flatworm mobility.Therefore, we screened a variety of psychoactive agents on the motility of free living planarian flatworms, as well as the functionality of heterologously expressed S7.1 using a real time cAMP biosensor. Agents were discovered that modulated flatworm movement and regeneration, and efficacy of the screened molecules provided information about structural features necessary for activity at this abundant flatworm serotonergic GPCR. These data also identify features of ligands conveying activity at flatworm 5‐HT GPCRs.Support or Funding InformationSupported by NSF (MCB1615538, to JSM).
Prostaglandins Stimulate cAMP Generation via Serosal Membrane Receptors in Porcine Epithelial Cells
Authors: Riley Melissa , Schultz Bruce 
Published: June 2021

Cystic fibrosis is caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), a gene that codes for an anion channel that is regulated by cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and its associated kinase, protein kinase A (PKA). Numerous physiological agonists are known to stimulate the activity of adenylyl cyclase, which generates cAMP. Our previous work demonstrated that acute exposure to prostaglandin (PG) D2 or PGE2 causes a rapid and sustained increase in short circuit current (Isc), an indicator of anion secretion, across cultured pig vas deferens epithelial cells, an outcome that is consistent with PG‐induced increases in adenylyl cyclase activity. Also, it was shown that indomethacin, an agent that blocks prostaglandin synthesis, precluded the effects of the stimulant bradykinin, which suggests that all components of the prostaglandin synthesis and the response pathways are present in these cells. However, the molecular identity of the prostaglandin receptor(s), the location(s) of these receptors and second messengers that mediate the responses remain to be determined. Thus, experiments were carried out to determine to localize receptors of PGD2 and PGE2 to either the mucosal or serosal aspect of the cells. These experiments were carried out with cultured primary adult pig vas deferens epithelial (1°PVD) cells using a modified Ussing‐style flux chamber. Serosal, but not mucosal exposure of PGE2 produced a rapid increase in Isc, suggesting serosal localization of EP receptors. Similarly, PGD2 and a selective DP receptor agonist, BW 245C, produced an effect following serosal exposure. Experiments were also carried out to determine the effect of PGs on cAMP generation using a cAMP enzyme immunoassay kit with 1°PVD cells. PGE2, PGD2, and BW 245C all showed an increase in stimulation of cAMP generation. This stimulation was inhibited by the presence of DP receptor antagonist, BW A868C, and EP2/EP4 receptor antagonists, PF‐04418948 and L‐161,982. The simplest interpretation of data is that both EP and DP receptors are localized to the serosal membrane of vas deferens epithelial cells and cAMP generation is affected by inhibition of these receptors. Activation of these receptors is tightly linked to anion secretion, which would be expected to increase pH and fluid volume in the male reproductive duct.Support or Funding InformationIOS‐1238831