bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modulating lipid fate controls lipotoxicity in palmitate‐treated hepatic cells
Authors: Leamy Alexandra , Shiota Masakazu , Young Jamey 
Published: June 2021

Lipotoxicity from free fatty acid overload has been implicated in a variety of diseased states including Type II Diabetes and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Our central hypothesis is that overexposure to saturated fatty acids (SFAs) leads to increased saturation of ER membrane phospholipids, which alters membrane stability, induces ER stress and ultimately leads to lipoapoptosis. Our objective is to determine how perturbations of pathways involved in lipid metabolism can modulate SFA‐induced lipotoxicity in terms of reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, caspase activation, phospholipid composition, ER stress and cell death. Stimulation of β‐oxidation with the AMPK activator AICAR reduced the lipotoxic phenotype stemming from SFA overload in H4IIEC3 hepatomas, while inhibition of this pathway with the specific CPT‐1 inhibitor Etomoxir had no positive effect on the outcome of the hepatic cells. Cells co‐treated with oleate (OA), a monounsaturated fatty acid, demonstrated increased triglyceride synthesis but almost a complete reversal of all characterizations of the lipotoxic phenotype. Our data indicates that by modulating alternative pathways of lipid metabolism in hepatic cells, the lipotoxic effects of SFAs can be significantly reduced.This work is funded by National Science Foundation Career Award 0955251.
Protein Structure in Context: The Landscape of Angiogenesis
Authors: Pellmann Elise Arielle , Goodsell David , Ramchandran Ramani , Franzen Margaret , Herman Timothy , Sem Daniel 
Published: June 2021

The aim of this work was to identify gaps in undergraduate students’ biochemistry knowledge and to create novel educational tools to address these gaps. We present a case study in which new teaching methods, including 3‐D protein models, were employed in the teaching of protein structure and function in an upper‐division biochemistry course. Final class projects on proteins in the VEGF‐angiogenesis pathway revealed that a number of students had a poor understanding of how protein functions are integrated in a signaling cascade. We thus reasoned the need for a visual device to build students’ awareness of protein biochemistry principles in their physiologically relevant context—in this case, the context of signal transduction. A collaboration among students, teachers, researchers, and a molecular artist resulted in a painting of a cellular landscape depicting VEGF signaling; we believe its construction and future classroom use in parallel with the introduction of 3‐D protein models is a powerful approach to teaching biochemistry, providing direct visual connection of macromolecular structure to cellular function.This work was supported in part by NIH research grants HL102745–01A1 and HL112639–01 and by NSF CREST grant CCLI #1022793.
Household Food Insecurity and Dietary Intake among Hispanic Women of Childbearing Age
Authors: Hilmers Angela , Chen Tzu‐An , Hilmers David C , Cullen Karen C 
Published: June 2021

ObjectivesThis study examined the impact of household food insecurity on the dietary intake of Hispanic women of childbearing age.MethodsParticipants were 707 Hispanic non‐pregnant, non‐breastfeeding women aged 26–44 years from three cities in Texas. Chi‐square tests, logistic regression and one‐way analysis of covariance tested the associations between food security status and dietary intake after controlling for participation in federal assistance programs, household income and composition, acculturation, and body mass index (BMI).ResultsAbout 77 percent of food‐insecure women participated in at least one federal assistance program. Number of children in the household was the only significant predictor of food security status with each additional child increasing the odds of being food‐insecure by 25 percent. Food insecurity was significantly associated with BMI ≥30. No significant differences in dietary intake were found by food security status.ConclusionsAmong Hispanic women, food insecurity does not affect food and nutrient intakes nor household food security always translates into consumption of nutritionally adequate foods. Public health efforts should continue to address the disparate nutritional needs of this ethnic group independent of food security status.Grant Funding Source: National Research Initiative of the USDA Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service, grant number #2004–35215‐14225
Effect of Chdh deletion on mouse fetal neurogenesis and apoptosis
Authors: Lao Sai , Johnson Amy R , Mehedint Mihai G , Teng Ya‐Wen , Zhang Shucha , Zeisel Steven H 
Published: June 2021

Choline dehydrogenase (CHDH) catalyzes the conversion of choline to betaine. Betaine is an osmolyte and an important methyl‐group donor. Previously, increased availability of choline to fetal brain resulted in increased hippocampal neurogenesis. The proposed mechanism involved epigenetic changes in genes that regulate cell proliferation. To determine if the effects of choline on neurogenesis are mediated by conversion to betaine and then donation of a methyl‐group for the methylation of DNA, we studied brain development in the Chdh−/− mouse. These animals cannot use choline as a methyl‐donor, and were expected to have abnormal hippocampal neurogenesis in the fetal brain. Chdh+/− breeding pairs fed AIN‐76A diet with 1.1 g/kg choline chloride were time‐mated. At embryonic day 17 (E17) of pregnancy fetal brain and liver were collected, and either fixed for immunohistochemistry (IHC) or frozen for gene expression and choline metabolite measures. Proliferation of neural progenitor cells in the subventricular region of the Chdh−/−and Chdh+/+ littermate control hippocampus was assessed using IHC for the mitosis marker phosphorylated histone 3. Apoptosis in this brain region was assessed by fluorescent TUNEL staining. We assessed developmental differences in Chdh mRNA expression; in E17 fetal liver expression was 46% lower than in adult liver (p < 0.01); in E17 whole fetal brain expression was 74% lower than in adult adult brain (p < 0.01). Preliminary results show no difference in neurogenesis between the genotypes. Measurements of apoptosis and choline metabolites are pending. These findings will help elucidate if choline modulates brain development via donation of methyl‐groups.Grant Funding Source: Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Grant no. 2010–65200‐20354 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
Accuracy of weight perception following KidQuest intervention in rural South Dakota elementary students
Authors: Kemmer Teresa M. , Wey Howard , McCann Anne , Jensen Becky 
Published: June 2021

The objectives were to determine: 1) accuracy of rural South Dakota 5th and 6th graders’ perception of their weight status compared to BMI and 2) if the KidQuest nutrition and physical activity program improved accuracy of weight status perception. Five schools were randomly assigned and 76 children (56% male; 47% received KidQuest intervention) participated. Children in underweight and normal categories were more likely to perceive themselves as heavier and children in overweight and obese categories were more likely to perceive themselves as lighter. Ordinal logistic regression was performed with the discrepancy score at baseline as the dependent variable and gender, intervention status, and BMI category as predictors. Males were more likely to perceive themselves as lighter than females (OR = 4.4, p < 0.01, adjusted for BMI). Compared to the normal weight category, children in the overweight and obese categories were much more likely to perceive themselves as lighter (OR = 66 for overweight and OR = 2512 for obese; both p < 0.001). For the association of intervention and change in perception, intervention females (24%) were more likely to change (p = 0.04) towards accurate perception than controls (0%) with no association for males. This suggests the intervention improved the accuracy of females’ assessment while having no influence on males.Grant Funding Source: USDA NIFA Competitive Grant 2011 67002 30202 and USDA, SD Agricultural Experiment Station Grant SD00H249–08
Obesity Prevention in Preschool‐Aged Children: The Importance of Sleep
Authors: Golem Devon , Martin‐Biggers Jennifer , Worobey John , Byrd‐Bredbenner Carol 
Published: June 2021

Home‐based behaviors, including sleep, are an understudied, yet critical factor in child weight outcomes. A comprehensive literature review, based on IOM's L.E.A.D. framework (Locate, Evaluate, and Assemble Evidence to inform Decisions) was conducted to examine relationships between sleep and obesity in preschool‐aged children. Key search terms (preschool children, obesity, overweight, sleep, and naps) yielded 73 articles from CINAHL, PsychINFO, and PubMed databases. A positive dose‐response relationship was observed between total sleep hours and overweight/obesity risk in children and adults. Evidence suggests that inadequate sleep earlier in life is associated with increased weight status later. The causal link between sleep and obesity has not been elucidated; however adult sleep deprivation studies have revealed altered leptin, ghrelin, and cortisol responses as well as impaired carbohydrate metabolism. Additionally, adult eating behavior studies indicate that restricted sleep diminishes inhibitory responses to calorically dense foods and increases activation of brain regions that positively respond to unhealthy foods. In children, increased fruit/vegetable consumption was observed with adequate sleep duration. Given the relationship between sleep and obesity, childhood obesity‐prevention efforts should help parents to learn sleep enhancement strategies.Grant Funding Source: United States Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Grant Number 2011–68001‐30170
Fathers’ Buying Habits Related to Increased Sweetened Beverage Consumption in Preschool Children
Authors: Coleman Ailton S. , Ferris Ann M. 
Published: June 2021

The Centers for Disease Control identified the reduction of sugar‐sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption as a major strategy to reduce childhood obesity in the United States. This study examined the influence of paternal involvement on pre‐school children's SSB consumption. The study involved interviews and Home Beverage Inventory with 462 caregivers (90.2% female, 9.8% male) enrolled in a nutritional education intervention. Two open‐ended survey items measured the association between child's daily SSB consumption and paternal serving and SSB purchasing behaviors. Overall, 41% of caregivers reported that fathers served beverages to their child on any given day and 31% of caregivers reported that fathers purchased beverages for family consumption. However, within married/partnered families, 74% of fathers served their children beverages and 81% of fathers purchased beverages for their household. Preschoolers with fathers that brought beverages for the household had significantly higher odds for SSB consumption (p=.04); yet, paternal serving behaviors did not affect SSB consumption (p=.06). Interventions that aim at reducing SSB consumption should target fathers’ buying habits as a potential strategy.Grant Funding Source: USDA/NRI 2008–55215‐19071
The relationship between infant‐feeding attitudes and practices and infant weight at 2 and 4 months of age
Authors: Bower Katherine Marie , Nicklas Jennifer C , Sberna Angela N , Waller Jennifer J , Burney Janie L , Greer Betty P , Kavanagh Katherine F 
Published: June 2021

The use of controlling feeding practices, such as restriction, has been linked to childhood overweight/obesity. A secondary objective of the Baby‐Mine study was to explore the relationship between infant‐feeding practices/attitudes and infant weight status among low‐income, formula‐feeding mothers. Fifty‐four mothers of healthy, term infants < 3 months of age provided complete data for this objective. At 2 and 4 months of age infant anthropometry was collected and mothers completed a questionnaire assessing maternal feeding beliefs and behaviors. As an example of results to be discussed, the item “I am very careful not to feed my infant too much”, with responses linked to a 5‐point Likert scale, was used to measure maternal restriction. At 2 months of age, there was no significant relationship found between maternal response to this statement and infant birthweight (p=.616) or weight at 2 months (p=.821). However, at 4 months of age, maternal agreement with this statement was significantly positively associated with infant weight (p=0.041), and accounted for 27.9% of the variability in infant weight. Similar relationships were found when evaluating weight‐for‐length z scores. Infant‐feeding practices and attitudes may be dynamic in the first few months of life and relationships with infant weight should be carefully explored.Grant Funding Source: USDA/NIFA/AFRI Award‐2010–85215‐20663
Changes in cardiovascular risk factors after 4‐week consumption of two diet patterns: Korean and 2010 U.S. Dietary Guidelines
Authors: Schroeder Natalia , Kang Min‐Sook , Kim Yangsuk , Ha Grace , Park Young‐Hee , Kim Haeng‐Ran , Yates Allison , Caballero Benjamin 
Published: June 2021

To our knowledge, no study has fed volunteers the current Dietary Guidelines for Americans diet pattern (DGA) evaluating its effect on CVD risk factors. This study assessed the effects of DGA, a Korean diet (KD) and a typical American diet (TD) on lipid profile and blood pressure (BP) in overweight, non‐Asian individuals with elevated LDL‐C. The study was a 3‐period crossover, controlled‐feeding study. Subjects were randomly allocated to 1 of 6 possible sequential orders for consuming the 3 diets for 4 weeks, separated by a 10‐day break. Subjects remained weight‐stable. Lipid profile, BP, insulin, glucose, and 24‐hr urinary sodium were determined at baseline and at the end of each diet period. Total cholesterol and LDL‐C significantly decreased on KD and DGA but not on TD. HDL‐C significantly decreased on all three diets. No diet had a significant effect on serum triglycerides, but an upward trend on KD and a downward trend on DGA resulted in a significant difference between these two diets. All three diets caused modest decreases in systolic and diastolic BP, which reached statistical significance only for DGA. No diet had significant effect on fasting insulin, whereas fasting glucose decreased significantly on KD and TD only. Urinary sodium output decreased significantly on DGA. In conclusion, after a 4‐week feeding period, KD and DGA patterns resulted in positive changes in CVD risk factors.Supported by RDA & USDA/ARS
Do Dietary Behaviors of Adult Preterms Explain Some of the Elevated Future Risk of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)?
Authors: Sharafi Mastaneh , Duffy Valerie B , Miller Robin J , Winchester Suzy B , Sullivan Mary C 
Published: June 2021

Prematurity may increase CVD risk via altered cortisol and hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis response. We examined if dietary behaviors could add to CVD risk in 128 adults born prematurely (67 female, P‐) and 37 full‐terms (20 female, F‐), followed since birth and tested at 23 yrs. Each completed surveys (food and non‐food preference, dietary restraint, food neophobia) and measured for adiposity, blood pressure, and serum lipids. Data were analyzed with ANCOVA (p<.05). P‐adults reported least liking for thrill‐seeking activities/foods, carrots, and protein‐rich foods, but greatest liking for high‐fat sweets or carbohydrates. P‐adults had lowest level of dietary restraint and highest food neophobia, which in turn, associated with liking a narrow range of healthy foods. Dietary behavior differences between P‐ and F‐generally were seen when excluding medical/neurological cases or small for gestational age. The birth‐term groups did not vary significantly in adiposity or serum lipids. P‐adults had higher systolic blood pressure than F‐adults, independent of adiposity.SummaryDietary behaviors observed in preterms may increase future CVD risk via energy‐dense food preference and low cognitive control on eating. Lower liking for new and thrill‐seeking activities and alcohol may correspond to avoidance of stressful situations.Grant Funding Source: NIH NINR R01 003695 & USDA Hatch Project
Baseline serum n‐3 eicosapentaenoic acid concentration is associated with subsequent mood disturbance during the acute stress of military survival school training
Authors: Farina Emily Kristin , Grohmann Kyle , Biedenkapp Joseph C. , McClung James P. , Lieberman Harris R. 
Published: June 2021

Observational data suggest positive relationships between n‐3 fatty acids (FA) and mental health. FA metabolism may be disrupted in depression, but relationships between n‐3 FAs and acute stress have not been examined. Thus, we utilized multiple regression modeling to determine associations between fasted baseline serum n‐3 FA expressed as % of total FA [α‐linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6)]; midday baseline saliva hormone concentrations; and mood among US Army Soldiers (n=59, 26.9±2.9 y) during Survive, Evade, Resist, Escape (SERE) school. Mood, assessed by the Profile of Mood States, was evaluated following an acutely stressful simulated interrogation conducted during ~12 days of intermittent sleep and food deprivation. ALA was associated with increased cortisol (p<0.01), and EPA was inversely associated with testosterone (p=0.04) and dehydroepiandrosterone‐sulfate (p=0.02), after adjustment for covariates. EPA was associated with increased total mood disturbance (p=0.01), tension (p=0.02), depression (p=0.03), anger (p=0.05), fatigue (p=0.02), and confusion (p=0.01), after adjustment for hormones and covariates. These data suggest higher EPA levels prior to stress exposure may be negatively associated with acute stress resilience.Grant Funding Source: Office of Naval Research/US Army Medical and Research Materiel Command
Impact of parenteral lipid emulsions on the metabolomic phenotype in preterm TPN‐fed piglets
Authors: Kulkarni Madhulika A , Vlaardingerbroek Hester , Stoll Barbara , Ilkayeva Olga , Newgard Christopher , Olutoye Oluyinka , Van Goudoever Johannes B , Burrin Douglas 
Published: June 2021

Lipids in parenteral nutrition provide essential fatty acids and are a major source of energy for hospitalized neonates. Intralipid (IL) is the only approved lipid emulsion in the U.S, but new generation emulsions include Omegaven (OV) and SMOFlipid (SL). There are no studies describing the metabolite profile in neonates comparing different type of lipid emulsions. Our aim was to perform metabolomic profiling of liver and muscle tissue in TPN‐fed piglets given different lipid emulsions. Preterm pigs were assigned to 4 groups (7–14 pigs/group; equal daily macronutrient intake with 5 g/kg lipid): PN+IL, PN+OV, PN+SL and an enteral group fed milk formula (EN). Plasma, muscle and liver tissue were collected after 14 d and subjected to analysis of fatty acid, amino acid and citric acid cycle metabolites by various HPLC and GC/MS methods. In liver tissue, acyl‐CoA species were most abundant for the dominant fatty acids in the respective lipid emulsions. Tissue free carnitine in EN pigs was 4‐fold higher than TPN groups and this resulted in a reduced liver, but not muscle acyl‐carnitine levels. The acyl‐CoA:acyl‐carnitine ratios were higher in liver than muscle tissue and also higher in all TPN groups vs EN. Among citric acid cycle intermediates, only citrate was higher in EN vs. all TPN groups. We conclude that metabolomic profiles revealed a carnitine deficiency in TPN groups that suggests impaired hepatic fatty acid oxidation.Grant Funding Source:USDA
Chronic distal digesting of starch reduces subsequent starch digestion through a post‐translational mechanism which reduces mucosal disaccharidase activities
Authors: Yan Like , Avery Stephen E , Vohra Firoz A , CHACKO SHAJI K , Nichols Buford L , Hamaker Bruce R 
Published: June 2021

Feeding of slowly digested starch is hypothesized to suppress glycemic responses to ingested starch.AimDetermine if location of starch digestion can regulate subsequent starch digestion rates.MethodsRice starch was encapsulated in alginate microspheres to target distal sites of digestion (Mol. Nutr. Food Res. 2009, 53, S121–S130). Groups of eight 8‐wk old mice were fed rice maltodextrin (proximal), 0.5% microspheres (middle), or 1% microspheres (distal) targeted diets for 7 d. The mice were fed low 13C‐rice diets from conception. At 10 wks age they were trained to eat from 12–12.5 after the last previous feed (hLF). 13C‐enriched maize starch (MPE: 0.1 ± 0.003) was then fed. Blood glucose was measured by glucometer and spotted on filter paper for 13C‐glucose analysis at 12, 12.5 and 14 hLF. Blood glucose was derivatized as penta‐acetate and run by GC‐C‐IRMS for 13C‐enrichment (MPE%). Activities of mucosal sucrase (S) and glucoamylase (G) were measured by Dahlqvist assays. Gene expressions were assayed by AB fluidic arrays.ResultsPrandial MPE% responses and mucosal S and G were reduced by the encapsulated starch diets (ANOVA: 0.001). The jejunal message levels for S were not changed.Conclusion7d of distal starch digestion regulated starch digestion by adaptation of S activities. The S messages remained constant suggesting a post‐translational control of sucrase activity by chronic distal starch digestion.Grant Funding Source: Whistler Center and CNRC/ARS/USDA
Reduced glycemic response to starch feeding of Mgam null mice is buffered by increased endogenous gluconeogenesis
Authors: Lin Amy Hui‐Mei , Diaz‐Sotomayor Maricela , Quezada‐Calvillo Roberto , Avery Steven E , Chacko Shaji K , Yan Li‐ke , Ao Zi‐hua , Hamaker Bruce R , Nichols Buford L 
Published: June 2021

Six digestive enzymes are required to break down starch polymers to free glucose before intestinal absorption. Understanding of the contribution of individual digestive enzymes on this process may provide a new strategy to manage prandial glucose.ObjectiveDetermine the effect of poor starch digestion causing by the absence of maltase‐glucoamylase (Mgam) on glycemia response.MethodMgam null mice and wild type (WT), 4 each, were fasted for 12 h and then fed normal corn starch. They were sacrificed at 16 h. Timed blood glucose and total free glucose, soluble oligomers, and starch residues remaining in the small intestine (SI) were measured.ResultGlycemic response to feeding in the 2 genotypes of mice was not different. However, after 4 h the persistence of indigested carbohydrates in SI of null mice (60%) was higher than WT (30%). Null and WT mice had similar amylolysis activity (oligomers/residual starch), but null mice had lower glucosidase activity, (free glucose/ residual starch: 0.4 null and 0.9 WT mice).ConclusionIt is known that Mgam null mice have lower glucosidase activity in vivo, and in vitro. Here we report that WT was associated with more complete lumenal digestion of granular starch, but the blood glucose response of null mice was fully compensated by gluconeogenesis. Reduced starch glucogenesis in null mice is buffered by endogenous glucose production which obscures the prandial glycemia response.Grant Funding Source: USDA ARS 6250–51000‐052 and the internal funding from Whistler Center for Carbohydrate Research at Purdue Univ.