bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigating the Role of Antioxidants in Protecting Saccharomyces cerevisiae from Oxidative Damage
Authors: Thompson‐Van Hook Nichole , Mordan‐McCombs Sarah 
Published: June 2021

The free radical theory of aging suggests that cellular aging is due to the buildup of oxygen‐derived free radicals which damage biological molecules. These free radicals, known as reactive oxygen species (ROS), are produced as a secondary product of oxidative phosphorylation in the mitochondria. Cells maintain existing mechanisms to neutralize ROS, via both enzymatic and non‐enzymatic means. The thiol antioxidants, such as glutathione, form disulfide bonds to reduce the oxidative potential of ROS. Multiple studies have implicated alterations of the glutathione‐glutaredoxin system in tissue degeneration and cellular aging, and genetic mutations in antioxidant enzymes have been correlated with altered antioxidant capacity and lifespan in Drosophila, PC‐12 neuronal cells, and yeast. In this study, GSH2, glutathione synthetase, was deleted from S. cerevisiae to investigate the effect of altering the endogenous antioxidant balance. We hoped to mimic the changes that are believed to occur in the earliest stages of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. ΔGSH2 deletion mutants were pre‐treated with the commercially available thiol antioxidant cysteamine to determine its ability to protect the cells from oxidative damage caused by hydrogen peroxide. We hypothesized that, due to the structural similarities between cysteamine and glutathione, cysteamine would act as a substitute for glutathione when GSH2 was lost. Here we show alterations in gene and protein expression of relevant glutathione‐glutaredoxin system proteins as a result of the loss of GSH2 function.This work is supported by the Biology Department at Franklin College and by a grant from the Indiana Academy of Science.
Educator Interactions at Head Start Lunches: A Context for Nutrition Education
Authors: Swindle Taren , Whiteside‐Mansell Leanne 
Published: June 2021

Early childhood educators in center‐based care share lunch with preschool children over 150 times in a school year. Unfortunately, research shows that, in terms of nutrition education, lunch is a missed opportunity (Larson et al., 2011). Worse, educator behaviors were often negative in a landmark 2001 study of Head Start (Gable & Lutz, 2001). The current study examined Head Start educators lunchtime interactions with children with the goal of (a) updating the state of mealtimes in the Head Start setting and (b) expanding observations to a greater number of classrooms (n =21) across different centers (n= 7).Lunch observations were conducted by observers who were trained to code phrases by lead and assistant teachers into either 4 positive or 4 negative categories. A broad category related to behavior management was also recorded when firm directives, not appropriate transitions, were used. Interrater reliability of 85% or greater was obtained for all observers.Table 1 presents the mean number of times each target interaction was observed. Lead teachers were more positive than assistant teachers in their comments and generally more vocal. On average, 54% of lead teachers and 61% of assistant teachers' comments were not supportive of a healthy, nurturing food environment.Findings illustrate that a high proportion of interactions at Head Start meals between educator and child are either negative or focused on behavioral control (57% of total comments). Children were commanded to eat 4 times more frequently than they were directed to internal hunger cues. This descriptive, naturalistic, observational study highlights the continued need for improved policy and training for educators acting as role models for at‐risk children.
Table 1. Frequency of Educator Interactions by Teacher Role

LEAD
ASSISTANT
TOTAL

Positive Language

Positive comments about food served (e.g., I am really enjoying the carrots today. Yummy!)
4.64
3.29
7.93

Hunger cues (e.g., Are you full? How does your belly feel?)
1.50
1.00
2.50

Encourage trying in a positive way (e.g., Would you like to try the peas? Peas are good for our bodies.)
4.38
2.25
6.63

Exploring foods (e.g., What does it smell like? How does it feel in your mouth?)
3.39
2.15
5.54

Negative Language

Pressure to eat (e.g., Eat your food. Take a bite. Clean your plate.)
6.22
4.17
10.39

Threats to encourage eating (e.g., If you don&#39;t eat, you&#39;ll be over here by yourself.)
0.45
0.39
0.84

Discourage manipulating food (e.g., Use your manners. Eat, don&#39;t play. That&#39;s sticky and nasty.)
1.81
2.26
4.07

Hurry to finish eating (e.g., We&#39;re waiting on you. Let&#39;s hurry so we can go to recess.)
1.10
1.02
2.12

Behavior Language

Focus on behavioral control (e.g., Turn around. Sit up straight. Hands in your lap.)
6.89
5.75
12.64
Using Random Forest Method to Select Most Valued Items on a Healthy Weight [Obesity Risk] Survey for Young Children
Authors: Aden Christopher , Drake Christiana , Shilts Mical , Townsend Marilyn 
Published: June 2021

Random forest is an alternative statistical method to generalized linear models. The objective was to use and compare the two statistical methods that identify the most predictive questions for various outcomes including predicting overweight status at a later time point. Head Start and WIC parents and their young children provided data: parent self‐administered 43‐item Healthy Kids (HK) at 4 time points, nine 24‐hour diet + activity recall logs, 3 blood samples and child anthropometrics collected at 3 time points. An importance plot determined the relative importance of each question by computing the average error when the particular question is omitted from a tree. Of the 43 behavioral items tested, 16 are selected for the final model. The chosen model has a similar classification rate as the stepwise regression procedure in looking at overweight status; it also provides the most important variables in this prediction task, along with weights. The advantage of random forest is that it selected models reasonably supported by nutritional knowledge, and avoided problems faced by stepwise regression in fitting large models. Random forest has potential for use in nutritional studies.Supported by National Research Initiative #2009‐55215‐05019 & Agriculture and Food Research Initiative #2010‐85215‐20658 from USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Human Nutrition & Obesity 93330.
Effects of Consuming Dairy Fat vs Plant‐based Fat with and without Milk Fat Globule Membrane on Postprandial Inflammatory Markers in Overweight and Obese Adults
Authors: Demmer Elieke , Van Loan Marta , Rivera Nancy , Zivkovic Angela , Smilowitz Jennifer , German J , Gertz Erik , Rogers Tara 
Published: June 2021

Not all foods rich in SFA are equivalent and may vary in their effect on postprandial inflammation. Additionally, milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) is suggested to have anti‐inflammatory properties. To evaluate the effects of SFA from dairy (WC, whipping cream) vs. a plant source (P, palm oil) on postprandial inflammation markers with and without MFGM a randomized controlled 4‐way cross‐over trial was conducted. Overweight adults with 2 metabolic syndrome (MetS) traits or obese individuals consumed 4 isocaloric high‐fat meals separated by a 1‐2wk washout period. Serum was collected at 0, 1, 3, and 6hrs postprandially and analyzed for inflammatory markers (IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10, IL‐18, TNFα, CRP, SAA, sICAM, sVCAM) and metabolic markers (glucose, insulin, triglycerides, HDL‐C, and LDL‐C). Following all high‐fat mixed meals, postprandial TG concentrations rose steadily and peaked at 3hrs (p<0.005). There was a time effect for all markers, yet, no treatment effect was observed. Using incremental area under the curve sICAM, there was a treatment effect for P vs. P+MFGM (p=0.039). Using 3+ MetS traits as a covariate, insulin concentrations were lower at 1hr in response to WC+MFGM vs. P and WC (p=0.05 and p=0.01 respectively) and for P+MFGM vs. WC (p=0.04). In individuals with MetS the addition of MGFM dampened the postprandial insulin response. SFA from dairy does not trigger a greater inflammatory response than a plant SFA source.Funding:National Dairy Council
Effect of Dairy Foods on Insulin Resistance
Authors: Hilpert Kirsten , West Sheila , Harrington Emily , Kris‐Etherton Penny 
Published: June 2021

While studies have shown an inverse relationship between dairy consumption and metabolic abnormalities such as hypertension, obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance, the mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Some evidence exists that dairy‐rich diets produce an ideal ionic cellular environment which may improve insulin resistance. Adults with untreated hypertension (n=19) were fed 3 experimental diets (5 wk each) in a randomized crossover study design. Treatments included a high dairy, high fruits and vegetables diet (30% fat, 7% saturated fat [SFA], 3.4 servings [svg]/d dairy, 9.6 svg/d fruits and vegetables ( F&V)), a low dairy, high fruits and vegetables diet (30% fat, 7% SFA, 0.4 svg/d dairy, 9.6 svg/d F&V), and an average Western diet (36% fat, 15% SFA, 0.4 svg/d dairy, 3.6 svg/d F&V). Blood levels of insulin and glucose were measured at baseline and after each diet period. Insulin resistance was determined using the homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) equation and the quantitative insulin‐sensitivity check index (QUICKI). There were no significant differences between treatments for any endpoint. The addition of 3 servings of dairy did not impact markers of insulin resistance in this small study of hypertensive, non‐diabetic participants.Funding:National Dairy Council, GCRC of Penn State University NIH M01 RR10732
I say assertive, you say bossy; I say leader, you say bi***: Gender bias in academia
Authors: O'Loughlin Valerie 
Published: June 2021

Despite progressive changes in the workforce, a double‐standard still remains when it comes to assessment of competency and leadership in male and female faculty, especially in the STEM fields. The same behavior that is perceived as assertive in a male may be described as bossy in a female. This double‐standard has implications for female faculty in all aspects of their career, from negotiating the new hire to achieving full professorship.This session will begin with a brief overview of research that examines gender bias in the workforce and academia. The presenter will then discuss her personal experiences in navigating these issues, as she transitioned from a new faculty member to a leader in her mid‐career (including past‐president of the Human Anatomy and Physiology Society). For the presenter, increased maturity (a.k.a. – age) fostered increased comfort as a leader and a decreased need for external approval. Cultivating strong mentor networks can facilitate leadership development and recognition of one's self worth, despite existing gender bias. The presenter will provide advice to all about empowering yourself in all career stages.
Improvement in Provincial Plans for Nutrition through Targeted Technical Assistance and Local Advocacy in Vietnam
Authors: Harris J , Nguyen P , To Q , Hajeebhoy N , Phan L , Vu H , Frongillo E , Lapping K , Menon P 
Published: June 2021

Vietnam has been decentralizing nutrition planning to provinces, which could help with local relevance and accountability. Assessment in 2009 found a continuing top‐down approach, limited human capacity, and difficulty in integrating multiple sectors. Alive and Thrive (A&T) provided targeted assistance and capacity‐building for 15 provincial plans for nutrition (PPNs) including: developing provincial nutrition profiles, planning guidelines and tools, organization of national and provincial workshops, and local advocacy for nutrition. We aimed to 1) assess PPN content and quality improvements 2009‐2014 and 2) explain processes through which change occurred, particularly how planning support and local advocacy contributed. Data consisted of interview‐based assessments of provincial planning processes, annual PPN quality, and tracking of A&T involvement. At endline, some provinces produced higher quality plans. Local planning skills improved, but capacity remained insufficient. Awareness of and support for nutrition improved, but some policy and legal environments were contradictory. Objectives were clearer, but use of data for planning remained inconsistent. Provinces became more proactive and creative, but remained constrained by slow approval processes and insufficient funding. Targeted assistance and local advocacy can improve decentralized planning, but success depends on policy and programming contexts and ability to overcome constraints around capacity, investment, data use, and remnants of centralized planning.Funding: Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, through Alive &Thrive, managed by FHI360.
Effect of Sun‐Dried Raisins (Vitis vinifera L.) on the In Vitro Composition of Gut Microbiota
Authors: Mandalari Giuseppina , Chan Luisa , Carughi Arianna 
Published: June 2021

Our aim was to investigate the effect of sun‐dried raisins on the colonic microbiota using an in vitro batch culture seeded with representative human gut bacteria. A model of gastric and small intestinal digestion was used to simulate the upper gastrointestinal digestion. Samples collected during a time course at 0, 4, 8 and 24h were analyzed for microbial composition and organic acid concentrations by 16S V4 rDNA analysis and high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), respectively.The most abundant phylum identified across all samples was Firmicutes. Significant differences (P<0.05) in the proportional abundance of Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes were observed after 8 and 24h fermentation. The shift in the whole microbioma suggested that raisins selectively modulated gut bacteria differently from fructo‐oligosaccharides (FOS). Growth of Bifidobacterium spp. was higher (P<0.05) with raisins and FOS after 4h compared to the negative control. Amongst Clostridiales, the numbers of Blautia producta increased after 24h with raisins compared to the negative control. The highest concentration of acetate, propionate, butyrate and lactic acid in the raisin samples was detected after 24h.These findings indicate that sun‐dried raisins could beneficially alter the composition of the human gut microbiota, thus improving gastrointestinal health.
Deletion of Sorting Nexin 27 Reverses Epithelial‐Mesenchymal‐Transition in Highly Aggressive Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Li Kendy , Wu Shaopig , Playford Martin , Sun Jun 
Published: June 2021

Sorting Nexin 27 (SNX27) plays critical roles in intracellular trafficking of proteins with functions of cell motility. However, its role in cancer cell motility remains largely unknown. Here, we showed a positive correlation of SNX27 expression with the malignancy of breast cancer cells. Furthermore, we generated a stable SNX27 knockdown clone in a highly aggressive MDA‐MB‐231 cell line. Wound healing showed that SNX27 knockdown significantly decreased the cell motility and proliferation. Morphologically, SNX27 knockdown cells differentiated into round cells, whereas the parental cells had many spikes. 3D cell culture in soft agar showed that the SNX27 knockdown cells formed significantly fewer and smaller colonies than the parental cells. Depletion of SNX27 made cells adhere together and move collectively and decreased cell motility. Western blots and immunostaining showed that SNX27 knockdown led to increased E‐cadherin, β‐catenin, and F‐actin protein expression, which facilitate the adhesion formation and reverse Epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT). SNX27 Knockdown led to β‐catenin translocation to cell membrane. Furthermore, the expression levels of Vimentin and slug, the critical transcription factors of EMT, were significantly diminished in SNX27 knockdown cells. Taken together, our data at the morphological, transnational, and transcriptional levels have demonstrated that SNX27 plays a crucial role in tumor cell motility and differentiation. SNX27 is a potential target for controlling metastasis and inhibiting EMT. *KL and SW equally contribute to this study.
Renal Effect of Triolein in a Rat Model of Fat Embolism Syndrome
Authors: Hsiung Ingrid , Qin Chang , Poisner Alan , Herndon Betty , Quinn Timothy , Molteni Agostino 
Published: June 2021

Fat embolism syndrome (FES) is a lung process following bone fracture, surgery, and liposuction, expressed by inflammation, vasculitis, and fibrosis. A rat model of FES is induced by IV injection of triolein. Besides the lung damage at 48‐96 hours post injection, fat emboli were present in renal glomeruli, with vasoconstriction, glomerular and tubular hemorrhages, and increased renin secretion. Captopril and Losartan protected both organs, suggesting a role of the renin‐angiotensin system in injury pathogenesis. The pulmonary damage worsened at six weeks post injection. A second mild injury (i.p. injection of lipopolysaccharides (LPS)) exacerbated the condition. Renin was present in the lungs at this time. Reported is the renal damage following triolein at six weeks. Triolein (0.2mL IV) was given to 18 rats and saline to 18 controls. Six weeks post‐injection, each group received i.p. LPS (3mg/kg) n = 9 or saline n = 9. Two days later at necropsy, kidneys were stained for H&E and renin and damaged scored. Triolein caused severe glomerular damage with basal membrane thickening, crescents, hemorrhages, but no fat globules. Cortical arterial vasculitis with reduced lumen patency was seen in 59% of the triolein‐treated groups vs. 36% for saline (P = 0.003). Renin staining was seen in 32% of glomeruli of rats receiving saline, 53% of LPS‐treated, 54% of triolein‐treated, and 76% of those treated with triolein and LPS. Therefore, triolein not only damages the lungs, but also the kidneys up to six weeks post‐embolization. Only lungs had fat droplets. The increased glomerular secretion of renin underlines its role in the FES pathogenesis; clinically, the renal damage should also be taken in consideration.
Akt signaling in fear memory processing and depression‐like behaviors
Authors: Willock Christine , Franke Thomas 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundThe Akt/PKB family of serine/threonine kinases plays a key role in neuronal cell function. Mutations in human AKT genes are found in human schizophrenic subjects, and other neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. Genes encoding the three Akt isoforms (Akt1, Akt2, Akt3) are expressed in the mouse brain suggesting that Akt‐mutant mice are suitable models to understand the consequences of AKT gene dysfunction in the human brain.MethodsTo model the impact of Akt genotypes on fear memory processing and depression‐like behaviors, we used knockout strains for mouse Akt1, Akt2 and Akt3 to examine behavioral and biochemical phenotypes.ResultsMice deficient for Akt genes had specific behavioral phenotypes during the acquisition and processing of fear memories. To complement our results with a pharmacological approach, we also inhibited Akt with an allosteric inhibitor. Baseline anxiety levels in naive Akt‐mutant mice or wild‐type littermates with inhibited Akt signaling were not altered. Acute stress exposure of Akt‐mutant or inhibitor‐treated mice resulted in depression‐like behavioral responsiveness. Akt knockout mice exhibited an increased susceptibility to chronic stress and decreased responsiveness to antidepressant treatment.DiscussionOur data in Akt‐mutant mice converge with genetic findings in human subjects to support a critical role for Akt signaling in cognition and mood regulation. Our findings define the physiological contribution of selected Akt kinase isoforms to fear memory processing and the resilience to chronic stress. Our results support the study of Akt isoforms as diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for treatment of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders.This work is supported in part by NIH grants DA032280 and OD018339, and AFSP.
Mechanistic role of PDE4/cAMP in the development of HIV‐PI induced FasL mediated hepatotoxicity
Authors: Donde Hridgandh , Ghare Smita , Barker David , Joshi‐Barve Swati , Barve Shirish , McClain Craig 
Published: June 2021

HIV protease inhibitors (HIV‐PIs) have been successfully used in the anti‐retroviral therapy in the treatment of HIV‐1 infection in the past two decades. Hence it is highly relevant to study the underlying mechanisms in HIV‐PIs induced hepatotoxicity that can negatively impact treatment outcomes. Hence, activation of hepatotoxic Fas/FasL signaling in HIV‐PI induced hepatotoxicity was investigated.Clinically relevant combination of HIV‐PIs [Ritanovir (Rit)+Lopinavir (Lop)] significantly up‐regulated FasL and Fas expression in H4IIE rat hepatoma cell line as well as primary rat hepatocytes. Our recent work showed that PDE4 expression/cAMP metabolism plays a significant role in hepatic inflammation and injury. Hence, we examined the potential role of PDE4 expression in the HIV‐PIs mediated activation of Fas and FasL expression. Commensurate with the increase in FasL and Fas, PDE4 expression was also increased with Rit+Lop treatment. To address the causal role of PDE4 expression, cells were treated with a highly specific PDE4 inhibitor rolipram which markedly inhibited Fas and FasL mRNA and protein expression induced by HIV PIs.Increased PDE4 decreases cellular cAMP levels and downstream cAMP effector molecules (cAMP‐PKA and ‐EPAC). Hence, effect of H‐89 (PKA inhibitor) and ESI‐09 (EPAC inhibitor) was examined in hepatocytes treated with HIV‐PI and rolipram. Both inhibitors significantly reversed the rolipram protective effect leading to re‐expression of Fas and FasL. Overall, this data strongly support and identify a mechanistic role for PDE4 regulated cAMP‐EPAC/PKA in the development of HIV‐PI induced FasL mediated hepatotoxicity.
Acetaminophen (APAP) hepatocyte toxicity is associated with increased translocation of glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) to the nucleus.
Authors: Ciriaci Nadia , Vigo Belén , Rigalli Juan , Mottino Aldo , Ruiz María , Ghanem Carolina 
Published: June 2021

Previously, we have described that APAP intoxication induces nuclear translocation of GAPDH in rat liver. Recently, GAPDH nuclear traslocation was highlighted as a mediator of cell death.AimTo test if GAPDH nuclear translocation is associated with loss of viability of rat hepatocytes exposed to APAP. M&M: Rat isolated hepatocytes were exposed to different doses of APAP (0‐50 mM), for 24 h, in the absence or presence of RAS (10 µM), an inhibitor of GAPDH nuclear translocation. Cell viability was evaluated by the MTT assay and IC50 was calculated. Nuclear and cytosolic GAPDH, cytosolic cytochrome c, and mitochondrial BAX contents were evaluated by WB in hepatocytes treated with APAP (30 mM) and/or RAS (10 µM) for 24 h.ResultsIC50: RAS: 40.0±8.5 mM*; Control: 18.5±0.6 mM. Nuclear/Nuclear+cytosolic GAPDH expression ratio: APAP: 155±29*$; APAP‐RAS: 26±10*; RAS: 42±17*; C: 100±5. Cytosolic cytochrome c: APAP: 320±7.5*$; APAP‐RAS: 31±22; RAS: 19±32; C: 100±59. Mitochondrial BAX: APAP: 468±57*♦; APAP‐RAS: 342±45*♦; RAS: 152±81; C: 100±59. WB data are expressed as % of control. * P<0.05 vs C; $ P<0.05 vs RAS and APAP‐RAS. ♦ P<0.05 vs RAS.ConclusionAPAP acute intoxication increased GAPDH nuclear translocation in isolated hepatocytes. RAS blockage of such traslocation was associated with prevention in alteration of apoptotic/necroptotic marker (cytochrome C) and consequently with increased survival of the cells to APAP cytotoxicity. The data strongly suggest a link between APAP liver toxicity and GAPDH translocation.