bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relationship between nutritional status and the prevalence of malaria and anemia among children in the Kassena‐Nankana District of Ghana
Authors: Asare Simone Yeboaa , Paintsil Elijah , Koram Kwadwo , Atuguba Frank , Asoala Victor , Humphries Debbie 
Published: June 2021

Under nutrition, malaria and anemia are significant public health concerns in Ghana, especially among children under five years. There is growing interest in the effects of nutritional status on clinical malaria outcomes in pre‐school age children.ObjectivesTo characterize the effects of indicators of dietary risk on clinical malaria during both the wet and dry seasons.MethodsCases of clinical malaria in the previous wet season (n=49) and dry season (n=60), and matched controls (wet season n=72, dry season n=55) were identified from records of the longitudinal Birth Cohort Study. Clinical indicators (Hgb, malaria parasitemia, weight) were extracted from study records, and household questionnaires captured indicators of household hunger, dietary diversity, household food security, and malaria risk behavior.ResultsSignificantly more cases of malaria in both the wet and dry seasons came from families who reported household hunger (McNemar p‐values <0.001 for both seasons). In the wet season, 22.5% of cases reported hunger, compared to 16.9% of the controls; in the dry season, cases reported 30% compared to 18.2% of the controls.ConclusionIndependent of season, hunger is associated with higher rates of clinical malaria among preschool aged children in the KND. Study funded by Wilbur G. Downs International Health Fellowship & Office of Student Research, Yale School of Medicine.
Modifying placement and simplifying menu labels in a foodservice operation reduces the energy content purchased by patrons
Authors: Chu Yong H. , Jones Sonya J. , Frongillo Edward A. , Thrasher James F. , DiPietro Robin B. 
Published: June 2021

Restaurant patrons may have inadequate time or nutrition knowledge to use menu labels in a fast‐paced foodservice setting. This study tested two changes to menu labeling in a cafeteria setting. We changed the placement of labels (i.e., floor stand placed where patrons queued v. above the food). We also provided a simple label (i.e., entrée description and kcal) v. the Nutrition Facts Panel. The quasi‐experimental, single‐group, interrupted time‐series design allowed us to test two placements and two types of labels and compare sales data for a total of 20 weeks. We analyzed mean differences in average energy content of entrées sold among the 4 intervention conditions, accounting for secular trend over the 20 weeks. Average energy content of entrées was lowest (by −27.5 kcal) with the condition of simple menu labels placed where patrons were queued. Modification to the placement of menu labels and reducing the amount of nutrition information on menu labels may help patrons reduce average energy content of entrées purchased.Grant Funding Source : University of South Carolina
Improving Nutrition in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Leung Cindy W , Hoffnagle Elena E , Lindsay Ana C , Turrell Sophia , Willett Walter C , Blumenthal Susan J 
Published: June 2021

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the largest federal food assistance program. Using in‐depth interviews, this study explored the opinions of leading experts concerning the existing challenges and innovative strategies to improving nutrition among SNAP recipients. Twenty‐seven individuals were interviewed from academic/research organizations, government, advocacy and industry groups. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, coded, and analyzed for thematic content. Economic, political and environmental factors were identified as variables that influence nutrition among low‐income households including: the prohibitive cost of nutrient‐rich foods such as fruits and vegetables, inadequate SNAP benefit amounts and poverty‐related environmental factors. Respondents proposed multi‐level strategies to address these challenges, including providing incentives to purchase nutrient‐rich food; restricting the purchase of energy‐dense foods with minimal nutritional value with SNAP benefits; modifying when SNAP benefits are distributed; enhancing nutrition education; improving the SNAP retailer environment; and increasing state/federal coordination. Given the recent increase in SNAP enrollment, policymakers should consider implementing these strategies so the program continues to address food insecurity and provide a healthful diet for all SNAP beneficiaries.Grant Funding Source : Robert Wood Johnson Foundation; Aetna Foundation; National Institutes of Health
Fatty acid transport protein mediates macrophage polarization
Authors: Qin Yuanyuan , Sampey Brante , Sacks Gina , Freemerman Alex , Li Lei , Coleman Rosalind , Stahl Andreas , Makowski Liza 
Published: June 2021

Macrophage (MP) subtypes exist and modulate inflammation in adipose. “M1” MPs are pro‐inflammatory and rely upon glucose metabolism, while anti‐inflammatory “M2” MPs use fatty acid oxidation. The objective of this study is to investigate how fatty acid metabolism modulates MP activation. We stably overexpressed (OE) FATP1 in RAW264.7 MPs. FATP1‐dependent acyl‐coA synthetase (ACS) activity and fatty acid oxidation demonstrated functional FATP1. MPs were treated with 100ng/mL LPS to induce inflammation. qPCR and Westerns detected proinflammatory factors TNFα and MCP‐1, and glucose transporter 1(GLUT1), glucose uptake and glucose metabolism were examined. Bone marrow derived MPs (BMDM) from FATP1+/+ and FATP−/− mice were polarized to M1 and M2 subtypes and pro‐inflammatory factors, GLUT1 expression, glucose uptake and glucose metabolism were examined. Results show FATP1 OE drives ACS activity and fatty acid oxidation, and suppresses MP pro‐inflammatory responses vs. empty vector (EV). FATP1 OE blunts LPS‐induced GLUT1, glucose uptake, and oxidation. FATP1−/− BMDM display enhanced pro‐inflammatory M1 responses compared to FATP1+/+. FATP1−/− exacerbates the M1 phenotype with elevated cytokines, GLUT1 expression, and glucose uptake. In conclusion, FATP‐1 OE blunts the inflammatory response in MPs and drives M2 polarization, while FATP‐1 deficiency drives the M1 phenotype. R00 AA017376Grant Funding Source : NIH‐NIAAA
Preliminary characterization of secreted bioactive compounds from Bifidobacterium longum with modulatory activity towards enterocytic Fasting Induced Adipocyte Factor (FIAF)
Authors: Pham Priscilla , Cotten Reese , Kolinek Travis , Parker Shaniece , Vattem Dhiraj , Maitin Vatsala 
Published: June 2021

Gut bacteria have been shown to influence diet‐related obesity, mediated in part via intestinal FIAF, a circulating lipoprotein lipase inhibitor that modulates fat‐storage in the adipose tissue. Probiotic bacteria and probiotic‐derived bioactive compounds with stimulatory activity towards intestinal FIAF may thus serve a protective function against diet‐related obesity. We have previously shown that secreted factors from Bifidobacterium longum (B. longum), a resident member of the human gut and a probiotic, significantly increased the levels of FIAF secreted from enterocytes in vitro. The objective of this study was a preliminary characterization of the secreted bioactive compounds from B. longum responsible for the observed increases in enterocytic FIAF levels. Our experiments revealed that the modulatory factors were produced by B. longum primarily during exponential phase and caused a concentration‐dependent increase in FIAF‐secretion. Potent increases in FIAF levels were produced by fractions of molecular weight >50kDa isolated from B. longum cell free supernatants. Heat‐treatment did not impact their ability to increase FIAF levels but freeze‐thaw lead to loss of modulatory activity. Trypsin‐ or pepsin‐treatment of cell free supernatants also led to loss of FIAF‐increasing ability, suggesting that the modulatory factors may be secreted B. longum proteins.This research was funded in part by the Texas State University Research Enhancement Program.
Wild Blueberry consumption markedly attenuates concentration and expression of inflammatory markers in the obese Zucker rat
Authors: Vendrame Stefano , Daugherty Allison , Kristo Aleksandra S. , Klimis-Zacas Dorothy 
Published: June 2021

This study investigates the ability of a wild blueberry (WB)‐enriched diet to improve subclinical inflammatory status in the obese Zucker rat (OZR), an experimental model for the human metabolic syndrome. Twenty OZR and 20 lean controls (LZR) were fed either a control (C) or an 8% WB diet for 8 weeks. Blood levels of interleukin 6 (IL6), TNFα and adiponectin (APN) were significantly higher in OZR compared to LZR, independent of treatment. Within the OZR group, IL6 and TNFα were significantly lower in the WB group (219.3 ± 8.0 and 28.8 ± 0.8 pg/mL respectively) compared to controls (257.7 ± 7.7 and 38.7 ± 0.9 pg/mL), whereas APN levels were higher (20.7 ± 1.5 vs 17.0 ± 1.1 μg/mL). Expression of IL6, TNFα and NF‐kB was significantly lower in the WB group of OZR both in the liver (−65%, −59% and −25% respectively) and the abdominal adipose tissue (−64%, −52% and −65%). Furthermore, expression of these genes was markedly increased in OZR on C diet compared to their lean controls, and this effect was almost completely reversed by the WB treatment. Liver expression of C‐reactive protein significantly decreased in both groups following WB treatment (−16% in LZR and −25% in OZR). Expression of APN in the adipose tissue significantly increased following WB treatment in LZR (+25%), but not in OZR. In conclusion, results of this study suggest that WB consumption results in a markedly improved inflammatory status in the OZR.Grant Funding Source : Maine Wild Blueberry Commission
Gender differences in decreased ambulation and balance associated with Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: OˈMahony Erin , Schlueter Heather , Hong Junggi , Stavrianeas Stasinos 
Published: June 2021

This is a preliminary report on the effects of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) on motor function, a less‐studied effect of this debilitating disease. We analyzed gait characteristics using the Gaitrite system (n=10 F, n=7 M) and balance using the BioSway (n=4 F, n=4 M) along with a standard timed Get‐Up‐And‐Go (GG) test (n=10 F, n=9 M). All participants (aged 81.2±6.6 years) were clinically diagnosed with AD. Our results reveal that men performed significantly better than women in the GG (14.71±8.74 s vs. 32.15±18.33 s respectively, p<0.02). There were no gender differences in stride length (left leg vs. right leg p=0.06 and p=0.07 respectively) and single leg support time (left vs. right leg p=0.74 and p=0.55 respectively). Further, there were no gender differences in medial/lateral (p=0.76) or anterior/posterior balance (p=0.96). Our results indicate that men and women exhibit similar declines in ambulatory performance with AD. We are investigating whether gender differences may be attributable to muscle mass, prior levels of activity, and progressive stage of the disease.This work was supported through Willamette University iHSI and Atkinson grants to JH and SS.
High dose vitamin D is associated with decreased inflammatory markers and increased number of hospital‐free days in adults with cystic fibrosis: a pilot study
Authors: Grossmann Ruth E , Zughaier S M , Lyles R H , Liu S , Sueblinvong V , Schechter M S , Stecenko A A , Ziegler T R , Tangpricha V 
Published: June 2021

Cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease is characterized by airway inflammation and leads to respiratory failure. Vitamin D (VD) insufficiency occurs in up to 90% of CF patients. Since VD is thought to have anti‐inflammatory properties, we evaluated the impact of VD on markers of inflammation in CF adults hospitalized with a pulmonary exacerbation (PEx).30 CF adults admitted for a PEx were randomized to a single 250,000 IU oral dose of VD3 or placebo. Serum 25‐hydroxyVD (25D), IL‐6 and TNF‐α concentrations were measured on admission, at 1 week and 12 weeks.A single, high dose of VD resulted in a significant increase in 25D at 1 week and decrease in TNFα at 12 weeks; there was also a trend for decreased IL‐6 at 1 week compared to placebo. The mean changes (table) were accompanied by 32.2 more hospital‐free days (p = 0.04) and 32.5 more IV antibiotic therapy‐free days (p = 0.07) in the VD group compared to placebo.High dose VD in CF adults is associated with a decrease in markers of inflammation and an increase in hospital‐free days. VD should be evaluated as adjunct therapy for severe CF pulmonary exacerbations.Grant Funding Source : Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, National Institutes of Health, BTR Group
Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) and Amino Acids (AA) are limiting in Pasteurized Donor Milk from a Cross Sectional Sampling in The North American Milk Banks
Authors: Valentine Christina J , Morrow Georgia , Hodge Amanda , Morrow Ardythe L , Rogers Lynette K. 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundDHA and AA are important nutrients for the growing infant and have been previously shown to be limiting in a Midwestern donor bank. With the increased use of donor milk nationally, it is imperative to understand if these low values are consistent across the United States (U.S.).ObjectivesWe tested the hypotheses that the DHA and AA would be lower nationally in donor milk for the high risk infant.MethodsA prospective sampling of milk from 6 milk banks in North America‐ (New England [NE], Ohio, Michigan, Colorado, Ft Worth, Texas, and California) were collected after informed consent and IRB approval. 15‐ 16 milk samples with lactational stage 1–5.5 months were obtained from each milk bank (except NE, n=6). The samples were pooled to minimize variability. DHA was measured by GC; AA were measured by HPLC. Kruskal‐ Wallis with Dunn's Multiple Comparison was used in analysis.ResultsThe DHA content did not differ significantly across banks (median value of 29–39 mg/100 ml), but overall, provided an intake lower than the fetal accretion value for the high risk neonate. AA did not differ except for isoleucine and leucine which were significantly higher in NE (p=0.03)ConclusionNationally, donor milk is low in DHA and variable for isoleucine and leucine. Since the primary target for donor human milk is the high risk neonate, this survey should prompt nutrient supplementation strategies.
Molar surface area and mandibular mechanics: complex scaling relationships in primate masticatory systems
Authors: Holmes Megan Anne , Peburn Tara , DeLeon Valerie 
Published: June 2021

Primate evolutionary and comparative studies often rely on an understanding of scaling patterns in the primate masticatory complex. Recently, it was proposed that molar root size predicts masticatory loading and molar crown size predicts facial size. We hypothesize that root surface area (RSA) scales isometrically with mandibular strength, and crown surface area (CSA) scales isometrically with facial size. CT scans of Macaca (n=19) and Papio (n=18) were used to calculate M1 RSA, CSA and facial size (geometric mean of 9 linear distances). Mandibular strength (Zx) was calculated posterior to M1. RMA regressions were used to test scaling patterns among these properties.RSA was significantly correlated with Zx (r=0.76 and 0.69), exhibiting similar slope trajectories (p=0.182) in both species. Macaca scaled with isometry, however Papio was negatively isometric. RSA and facial size scaled isometrically in both taxa with similar slopes and elevations. In contrast, CSA displayed divergent scaling patterns relative to both Zx and facial size. For both variables, Papio possessed a significantly greater CSA slope trajectory. CSA scales isometrically with Zx and facial size in Papio, but with negative isometry in Macaca. Results partially support our hypotheses yet indicate that unique species‐specific scaling relationships exist for CSA and suggest that future studies should control for phylogenetic signals.Grant Funding Source : NIDCR (R03‐DE019816)
Swe1‐dependent and Swe1‐independent pathways controlling Hydroxyurea resistance in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: tripathi kaushlendra , Matmati Nabil , Qin Tingting , Zheng W. Jim , mohanty Bidyt K , Hannun Yusuf A 
Published: June 2021

Exposure to Hydroxyurea (HU) slows down or stalls DNA replication fork and activates the replication checkpoint. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae the replication fork component proteins Tof1, Csm3, Ctf4 and Mrc1 as well as its regulators such as Dcc1, Ctf18 and Ctf8 confer HU resistance. HU treatment of yeast cells causes actin depolarization in which several DNA integrity checkpoint proteins as well as morphogenesis controller Swe1 have been implicated. Recently we have shown that a sphingolipid gene ISC1 also controls cell morphology under HU stress by monitoring Swe1 and Cdk1 activity.Chromatin remodeling protein complexes such as Ino80 and Swr1 that function to reorganize histones during transcription and DNA repair, have recently been implicated in genotoxic tolerance in HU and methyl methanesulfonate (MMS). We have observed that although replication checkpoint proteins Mrc1, Tof1, Csm3 and Ctf4 and certain chromatin remodeling complex proteins such as Arp6 and Arp8 are involved in replication fork stalling, genotoxic tolerance and recovery from HU and MMS, their modes of action may be different. We find that they cooperate in HU/MMS sensitivity and recovery from HU/MMS.We have also observed that HU treatment causes morphological aberrations in strains lacking replication associated genes such as CTF4 and DCC1. Interestingly, although HU causes morphological aberrations in the absence of ARP8, an INO80 complex gene, it does cause any aberrations in the absence of ARP6, a component of SWR1 complex gene. First time we are showing the functional interactions among replication checkpoint proteins, nuclear actin‐related proteins of chromatin remodelers, and actin regulators in the genotoxic tolerance and genotoxin‐induced cell morphology.
Insulin disregulation and neurodegeneration: a possible role for CDK5
Authors: Khost Daniel Emerson , Cotton Renita , Aguanno Ann 
Published: June 2021

Cyclin dependent kinase 5 (CDK5) is a member of the cyclin dependent kinase family that, unlike its fellow CDKs, is not involved in regulation of the cell cycle, but is instead predominantly active in terminally differentiated neurons. CDK5's role in the developing nervous system in regards to dendrite extension, synapse formation, axonal guidance, as well as an array of other functions has been well studied over the years. It has also been implicated in Alzheimer's Disease (AD), where disregulation of CDK5 via the cleavage of its activating partner p35 to p25 contributes to the formation of neurofibrillary tangles. CDK5 activity is also found in other tissues, including the pancreas, where it is believed to play a role in insulin exocytosis. A correlation between Type II diabetes and AD has led to the hypothesis that a connection exists between insulin disregulation and neurodegeneration, and as CDK5 is active in both tissues it represents a possible common feature in the two pathologies. To study this, our lab models the developing and mature nervous and endocrine system using PC12 and AR42J cell lines, respectively. We induce transdifferentiation of both of these cells lines with various growth factors and investigate the impact of CDK5's chemical inhibition. Our results suggest a role for CDK5 in the link between insulin disregulation and neurodegenerative disease.Funding from the US Dept. of Education and the Rose M Badgely Charitable Trust
Klotho protects against oxidative damage via amelioration of phosphotoxicity
Authors: Ravikumar Priya , Flaherty Kellie L. , Esser Victoria , Hsia Connie C.W. , Moe Orson W. 
Published: June 2021

Klotho mitigates aging in various organs via a host of mechanisms including anti‐oxidation and anti‐phosphotoxicity. Organ damage in Klotho‐deficient animals can be rescued by dietary phosphate (Pi) restriction. The pulmonary epithelium is exposed to constant environmental insults. Klotho‐deficient animals exhibit alveolar airspace enlargement suggesting accelerated aging. To test the direct effects of Klotho against O2 and Pi toxicity in vitro, we exposed A549 lung epithelial cells to hyperoxia (95‐5% O2‐CO2) and increasing Pi (1, 3, 5 mM). Soluble (truncated) or transmembrane (full length) Klotho was over‐expressed by transfection. Apoptosis was measured from caspase‐8 activity (Table, nmol.[hr.104 cells]−1, mean±SD).Both hyperoxia and Pi induce apoptosis in A549 cells; the effects are synergistic (p<0.05, repeated measures ANOVA with respect to O2 and Pi). Both transmembrane and soluble Klotho overexpression markedly reduced cell apoptosis induced by Pi loading especially in hyperoxia. We conclude that Klotho exerts direct cytoprotective effects on pulmonary epithelium via anti‐oxidative and anti‐phosphotoxic effects.Support: F32 HL103043, RO1 DK091392, DK092461
Sympathovagal imbalance in type 2 diabetic (T2D) Goto‐Kakizaki (GK) rats associates with abnormal hypothalamic and brainstem gene expressions relevant to food intake
Authors: Yang Hong , Zhao Ke-Wei , Chen Ai 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundBrainstem thyrotropin‐releasing hormone (TRH) resides in nerve fibers innervating sympathetic and vagal motor neurons and regulates food intake through vagal stimulation of ghrelin release (Endocrinology, 2006). TRH induced sympathetic activation is potentiated and vagal activation is impaired in GK rats, resulting in profound visceral dysfunctions (Endocrinology, 2005, Neuroscience, 2010, Hypertension Res 2011), including reduced food intake (Endo meeting 2010).MethodHypothalamic and brainstem gene expression relevant to food intake was measured by qPCR in Wistar and GK rats normally fed, fasted for 48 h and fasted for 48 h + refed 2 h.ResultsFasting increases TRH/TRH receptor mRNA in brainstem and ghrelin in serum in Wistar rats but not in GK rats. Fasting also increased hypothalamic gene expression of NPY, AgRP, ghrelin receptor, and leptin receptor, and decreased that of POMC in Wistar rats. These changes were not found in GK rats. Differences in gene expression of brainstem NPY, POMC, leptin receptor, MC4R, and 5‐HT receptor3a, and hypothalamic TRH, Y2 receptor and MC4R were found between fasted or refed Wistar and GK rats.Conclusionsympathovagal imbalance resulting from brainstem TRH dysfunction associates with disabled hypothalamic and brainstem responses to energy demand in T2D GK rats. Supported by VA Merit Ward (Yang).