bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Novel role of bHLH proteins in synaptogenesis: Class I bHLH proteins TCF4 and Daughterless restrict synaptic branching and bouton formation via Neurexin repression in postmitotic neurons
Authors: Robinson Erin L. , Waddell Edward A. , D'Rozario Mitchell , Marenda Daniel R. 
Published: June 2021

Basic helix‐loop‐helix (bHLH) proteins encompass a highly conserved superfamily of transcription factors that serve as regulators of many developmental processes including neurogenesis. This protein family is divided into six subclasses based on tissue specification, ability to bind DNA at E‐box consensus sequences, and ability to form dimers. Transcription factor 4 (TCF4) is a class I bHLH protein which functions by homo‐ or hetero‐dimerizing with class II/V tissue‐specific bHLH binding partners to control target gene transcription. Haploinsufficiency of TCF4 has been identified as the causative factor in the rare autistic‐like neurodevelopmental disorder, Pitt‐Hopkins Syndrome (PTHS). Similarly, SNPs located in introns of TCF4 have been implemented as a risk factor associated with the psychiatric disorders Schizophrenia and Major Depressive Disorder. Despite the well‐known functions of class I bHLH proteins during development, our laboratory has identified a novel, conserved role for both Tcf4 in mice and its homolog in Drosophila melanogaster, Daughterless (Da), with which they are functioning in postmitotic neurons to restrict synaptic branching and bouton formation via restricting transcription of the presynaptic cell adhesion protein, Neurexin. Synaptic branching is one of the ways that neurons remain plastic post development and aberrant branching of the synapses has been associated with defects in neuroplasticity. This suggests that class I bHLH proteins may have a role in neuroplasticity apart from their distinguished role in neurodevelopment.Support or Funding InformationNSF Grant: IOS1256114
Whole Grain Gluten‐Free High Protein Buckwheat‐Kale Snacks
Authors: Kahlon Talwinder Singh , Avena‐Bustillos Roberto J , Chiu Mei‐Chen Maggie 
Published: June 2021

Four kinds of whole grain gluten‐free high protein Buckwheat‐Kale snacks were evaluated. The snacks were Buckwheat‐Kale (BWK), BWK‐Garlic, BWK‐Onion and BWK‐Ginger. Peanut meal as low value agricultural byproduct was utilized to increase the protein content of these snacks. The levels of dry garlic, onion and ginger were decided by consensus of laboratory personnel. The snacks were low in fat and salt. Snack dough was prepared using water nearly 1:1 as other ingredients. About 20 g of snack dough was placed on preheated Krum Kake Express 839 Baker and cooked for 2 minutes. Sixty nine in‐house volunteers judged Taste/Flavor significantly higher for BWK, BWK‐Garlic and BWK‐Onion snacks than for BWK‐Ginger snacks. Odor/Aroma for BWK‐Garlic snacks was significantly higher than for BWK‐Ginger snacks. Acceptance for BWK and BWK‐Garlic snacks was significantly higher than for BWK‐Ginger snacks. Water activity of all the snacks tested ranged from 0.35–0.38 suggesting that these snacks were crispy and would have good anti‐microbial stability. These snacks were quite light and brittle due to their expansion of 3.6–4.2 times and high (0.72–0.75%) porosity. Acceptance of snacks tested was BWK and BWK‐Garlic 94%, BWK‐Onion 86% and BWK‐Ginger 78%. These snacks contained only 4–5 ingredients and could be made in any house kitchen or commercial production. Acceptance of 78–94% is very desirable. These high protein healthy nutritious snacks offer choice for all consumers, including individuals sensitive to gluten.Support or Funding InformationUSDA‐ARS base funding
Farmers' market use is associated with fruit and vegetable consumption among low‐income populations: A cross‐sectional study from Southern Arizona
Authors: Alaofe Halimatou , Downs Navaugh , Jones Kara , Plano Abigail 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundWhile farmers' markets are identified as a strategy to increase access to fruits and vegetables (F&V), more information is needed regarding use of farmers' markets in low‐income populations. Thus, this study's purpose was to examine (1) socio‐demographic characteristics of participants; (2) barriers and facilitators to farmers' market shopping and F&V consumption; and (3) associations between farmers' market use with F & V consumption in southern Arizona.MethodsCross‐sectional surveys were conducted among 2 groups of Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients in Pima County, AZ. The farmers' market (FM) customers were interviewed using an intercept survey instrument at 2 farmers' markets while the primary household food shoppers (non‐FM) were randomly identified at Community Food Bank warehouse. All questionnaires assessed socio‐demographic characteristics, food shopping patterns, barriers to and facilitators of farmers' market shopping and F&V consumption. Linear regression analyses were used to examine associations between farmers' market use with F&V consumption, controlling for age, race, education, and gender.ResultsOur findings suggest that FM customers are more likely to be white, female, over 40 years of age and highly educated. Among FM customers, 45% reported shopping at a farmers' market at least weekly while the top 3 main motivators for shopping included variety of products, fresh food and convenient location. Frequently reported barriers to F&V consumption were price, lack of nearby options, and lack of available healthy options. Additionally, 32% and 7.5% of FM customers respectively consumed F&V less than one time per day, respectively. Finally, fruit and vegetable consumption was positively associated with use of farmers' markets.ConclusionsFarmers' markets may be a viable method to increase produce consumption in low‐income population. However, these programs to be successful should take into account barriers and facilitators to farmers' market shopping and F&V consumption.Support or Funding InformationUSDA FINI Grant Program
First trimester maternal adiposity is associated with infant body fat at age 2 weeks: a longitudinal follow‐up study
Authors: Andres Aline , Ruebel Meghan L , Krukowski Rebecca A , Badger Thomas M , Shankar Kartik , Cleves Mario A 
Published: June 2021

Maternal obesity has been shown to be associated with childhood obesity risk in both experimental and epidemiological studies. However, longitudinal studies carefully evaluating other contributors to fetal and infant body fat accretion are lacking. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of maternal adiposity on fetal fat mass accretion while controlling for gestational weigh gain, physical activity, basal metabolic rate, insulin sensitivity and depression throughout pregnancy. Pregnant women were enrolled in the Glowing Study before gestation week 10 (95 normal weight BMI and 113 overweight and obese BMI). Adiposity (Air Displacement Plethysmography, ADP), basal metabolic rate and respiratory exchange ratios (indirect calorimetry), physical activity (total activity counts by accelerometry), insulin sensitivity (ISHOMA) and maternal depression (Beck Depression Inventory, BDI) were evaluated during the first trimester of gestation. Body weight was evaluated every 6 weeks throughout gestation and at each visit participants were provided with counseling to assist them with adhering to the Institute of Medicine gestational weight gain guidelines. Infant body fat mass was measured using ADP at age 2 weeks. Multiple regression analyses demonstrate that maternal adiposity (% body fat) is significantly associated with infant body fat (%) at age 2 weeks (β=0.15, P=0.0004) when controlling for infant sex, race, gestational age, delivery method, maternal age, gestational weight gain, insulin sensitivity, total activity counts, basal metabolic rate, respiratory exchange ratio and BDI scores. Sex (P=0.03), race (P=0.02), gestational weight gain (P=0.01), delivery method (P=0.01) and gestational age (P=0.02) were also significantly associated with infant body fat (%) in this study. In conclusion, this longitudinal prospective study provides further support that maternal adiposity is significantly associated with infant body fat at age 2 weeks even after adjusting for important confounders. Ongoing follow‐up of the cohort will determine whether these effects are sustained later in life.Support or Funding InformationFunded by USDA□ARS Project 6026□51000□010□05S
Young Adult Males and Regional Appalachian Differences in Dietary Patterns across U.S. Universities
Authors: Barr Makenzie L , Charlier Camille M , Colby Sarah E , Greene Geoff , Bryd‐Bredbenner Carol , Olfert Melissa Diann 
Published: June 2021

Young adults emerging into independence brings along changes in lifestyle behaviors, specifically dietary patterns. In conjunction with this age point, gender and Appalachian differences emerge. Appalachian regions include portions of New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and all of West Virginia and include populations that tend to be health disparate. Within a sample of 1963 young adults (386 males, 751 females) from 8 universities across the United States, fruit, vegetable, and fat consumption were observed through self‐reported survey data, looking at Appalachian males specifically. The population of males were 53.78% Caucasian, 82.6% non‐Appalachian with a body mass index (BMI) of 24.60±4.32 kg/m2. Females were 59.81% Caucasian, 84.2% non‐Appalachian with a BMI of 24.80±4.26 kg/m2. Using the National Cancer Institute's Fruit and Vegetable Screener (NCI F&V) and Fat Screener (NCI Fat), participants answered survey questions and were scored on the two sections from baseline to 12 months. On a scale of 0–12, with 12 being the highest score of fruit and vegetable consumption, males had an average NCI F&V score of 2.80±0.14 SD per day and females had an average score of 2.22±1.87 SD servings per day. At 12 months, males average serving was 2.28±1.89 SD and females were 2.22+1.87 SD. The averages for NCI F&V were statistically significant across gender (p=0.0005) and time (p=0.218). On a 0–100% scale for NCI Fat, at baseline, males had an average of 30.00±2.66% SD and females had an average of 30.18±2.31% SD. At 12 months, males had an average of 29.35±2.22% SD and females had an average of 29.56±1.83% SD. The results for NCI Fat were also statistically significant across gender (p<0.0001) and approaching it for time (p=0.0664). Post hoc analysis of Appalachian males for each screener indicated no statistical differences across time or in Appalachian for the NCI Fat Screener. However, there was a statistically significant difference in Appalachian males (baseline average = 2.43±2.09 SD, 12 month average = 2.93±2.53 SD) and non‐Appalachian males (baseline average = 2.25±1.85 SD, 12 month average = 2.16±1.81 SD) for their NCI F&V across time (p=0.0072). This large sample of young adult males across the U.S. shows significant differences in gender and residence in Appalachian areas of the U.S. Further analysis of male dietary patterns should be assessed to further aid in tailoring intervention to geographic region.Support or Funding InformationApproval to use the data set was granted by the University of Tennessee Institutional Review Board prior to study implementation. This material is based upon work that is supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under award number 2014‐67001‐21851.
Human Gastrointestinal Microbes Vary Throughout the Day
Authors: Kaczmarek Jennifer L , Holscher Hannah D 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundHuman health is intricately intertwined with the composition and function of the trillions of microorganisms that make up the gastrointestinal (GI) microbiota. Habitual diet patterns, rapid changes in dietary fat and fiber composition, and consumption of dietary fibers and prebiotics have all been shown to impact the GI microbiota. Intriguingly, the impact of diet on the microbiota may not only be related to what we eat, but also to when we eat. Emerging research suggests gut microbes experience diurnal rhythms, and that the health effects of eating patterns, such as time‐restricted feeding and meal frequency, may also be related to the GI microbiota.ObjectiveWe aimed to investigate the relationship between time of day and the composition and function of the gastrointestinal microbiota in healthy adults.MethodsHealthy adult male and female participants (n=29) provided up to 9 fecal samples (189 total samples) within 15 minutes of defecation over the course of a 15 week trial. Fecal DNA extracts were subjected to 16S ribosomal RNA amplicon‐based high‐throughput sequencing to assess the composition of the microbiota. Sequences were clustered into operational taxonomic units (OTUs) using the Greengenes 13‐8 reference OTU database (97% similarity). Fecal short‐chain fatty acids (SCFA), products of microbial metabolism, were measured by gas chromatography mass spectroscopy. Dietary records were kept throughout the sample collection period and analyzed using the Nutrition Data System for Research (NDSR). Correlations were performed between sample time and bacterial OTUs, and partial correlations between sample time and SCFA concentration were performed with total dietary fiber intake normalized by energy intake as the controlling variable.ResultsTime of defecation ranged from 07:30 to 22:00, median=10:40. Concentrations of acetate, butyrate, and propionate decreased over the course of the day (r=−0.35, −0.31, −0.33, respectively, p<0.0001 for all). The abundance of Clostridium spp. also decreased throughout the day (r=− 0.20, p<0.01). Conversely, Dorea (r=0.18, p=0.01), Oscillospira (r=0.36, p<0.0001), Ruminococcus (r=0.19, p=0.01) and Butyricimonas (r=0.16, p=0.03) increased over the course of the day.ConclusionsThese novel results support and expand preclinical research findings—Oscillospira and Ruminococcus, as well as members of the Lachnospiraceae family and Clostridiales order, have been shown to exhibit diurnal oscillations in rodent models. Our findings also reveal functional changes in the microbiota over the course of the day, as evidenced by reductions in SCFA concentrations with time. In summary, these results suggest that diurnal patterns are also relevant factors for assessments and interventions aimed at modulating the GI microbiota.Support or Funding InformationSupported in part by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Hatch project ILLU‐668‐902.
A Diet Defined by its Content of Bovine Milk Exosomes Alters the Composition of the Intestinal Microbiome in C57BL/6 Mice
Authors: Zhou Fang , Paz Henry A. , Sadri Mahrou , Fernando Samodha C. , Zempleni Janos 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundExosomes play essential roles in cell‐to‐cell communication. Exosomes and their cargos such as proteins, lipids, and RNAs alter gene expression and metabolism in recipient cells. In previous studies we demonstrated that exosomes are not solely obtained by endogenous synthesis, but that dietary exosomes and their cargos are also bioavailable in non‐bovine species. We further demonstrated that the bioavailability of milk exosomes is less than 100%.HypothesisDietary intake of exosomes from bovine milk causes changes in the composition of the gut microbiota in mice.MethodsC57BL/6 mice, age 3 weeks, were fed an exosome‐depleted (E‐) AIN93G‐based diet for up to 42 weeks; controls were fed an exosome‐sufficient (E+) diet. At timed intervals (age 7, 15, 45 weeks), cohorts of mice were euthanized and colon content was flash frozen in liquid nitrogen for subsequent analysis of gut microbiota by 16S rRNA gene sequencing of the V4 region using Illumina's MiSeq platform. Microbial sequences were clustered into Operational taxonomic Units (OTUs). Non‐parametric test was used for statistical analysis.ResultsDepending on sex and age, total 51 OTUs were differentially abundant between treatment groups; See Fig. 1. for a heat map of the top 18 OTUs (P<0.05 for age 15 and 45 weeks). For example, the relative abundance of Firmicute classes Clostridia (Ruminococcaceae) and Verrucomicrobia classes Verrucomicrobiae (Muciniphila) were greater in mice fed E‐compared with E+ at age 15 weeks, whereas the relative abundance of Firmicute classes Clostridia (Clostridiales) was smaller in mice fed E‐ compared with E+ at age 45 weeks.ConclusionsConsumption of a diet depleted of bovine milk exosomes alters certain microbial taxa in the gut microbiome in mice.Future plansDetermine whether milk exosomes affect the gut bacterial ecosystem at the functional level and accounts for changes in the host transcriptome and metabolome.Support or Funding InformationNIFA 2015‐67017‐23181, NIFA 2016‐67001‐25301/NIH DK107264, NIH 1P20GM104320, the Gerber Foundation, and USDA Hatch Act and W3002.
Black Elderberry Extract Improves Serum HDL‐cholesterol and Paraoxonase‐1 Activity in Atherosclerosis‐Prone Mice
Authors: Millar Courtney L. , Winter Heather , Georgelos Jamie , Norris Gregory H , Park Young‐Ki , Blesso Christopher N 
Published: June 2021

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the most prevalent non‐communicable diseases in the United States, claiming upwards of 600,000 lives per year. Excessive plaque accumulation and atherosclerosis are hallmark characteristics of this disease. HDL is responsible for the removal of deposited cholesterol in the arteries to the liver for excretion, a process known as reverse cholesterol transport. Low levels of high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) have been correlated with increased risk for CVD in epidemiological studies. However, drug therapies targeting an increase in HDL‐C have failed to demonstrate a reduced risk. More recently, HDL particle functionality rather than HDL‐C concentration, has been suggested to be a better predictor of CVD risk. Ingestion of bioactive dietary components, such as polyphenols, may increase both HDL‐C concentration and HDL functionality. Black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) contains high amounts of anthocyanins (~1300 mg/100 g), a subclass of polyphenols, relative to other edible berries. We investigated whether the consumption of a black elderberry extract (BEE) influenced lipid metabolism, HDL functionality, and atherosclerosis in a mouse model of hypercholesterolemia (apoE−/− mice). We fed male apoE−/− (n = 12/group) ad libitum a low‐fat AIN‐93M diet supplemented with 0 or 1% (by weight of diet; ~150 mg anthocyanins/kg body weight) black elderberry extract (BEE) for 24 weeks. Supplementation with BEE significantly increased total cholesterol (+31.5%) and HDL‐C (+26%), while triglycerides were not significantly changed. Paraoxonase‐1 (PON1), a lipolactonase enzyme carried by HDL which prevents lipoprotein oxidation, was increased by 32% in the treatment group when compared to controls (p < 0.05). Analysis of hepatic gene expression revealed that BEE significantly increased expression of Nrf2 and GClc (p < 0.05), both of which are important for endogenous antioxidant defense and may be related to the significant reductions in serum alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase levels in the BEE treatment group (p < 0.05). Despite improved markers of HDL‐C and HDL function, en face analysis of aortas showed no difference in severity of atherosclerosis between groups. The current data suggests that BEE supplementation improves HDL‐C and HDL function, while also upregulating genes involved in the endogenous antioxidant defense.Support or Funding InformationSupported by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, #1005610 and Hatch project #1003343.
Comparison of Polyphenol Concentration and Composition between Genetically Diverse Cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) Accessions Selected for High Yield
Authors: Lee Andrew H , Moore Amy , Tuzo Jessica , Neilson Andrew P , O'Keefe Sean F , Ogejo Jactone Arogo , Irish Brian , Stewart Amanda C 
Published: June 2021

There is abundant evidence that consumption of cacao and dark chocolate promotes human health and that the main cacao components contributing positive health effects are polyphenols. The polyphenols in cacao bean constitute 12–18% dry weight of the whole bean and are predominantly catechins (37% w/w), procyanidins (58% w/w) and anthocyanins (4% w/w). Variation in cacao polyphenol composition and concentration can result from differences in genetic backgroud, agro‐environment and cultural practices. It is therefore important to consider several factors when selecting cacao seed (beans) for research investigating the mechanisms underlying its health benefits. In this study, dried unfermented seeds of five different cacao clones (TARS‐9, TARS‐14, TARS‐27, TARS‐30, TARS‐31) were obtained from USDA‐ARS Tropical Agriculture Research Station (TARS) located in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. These clones were developed through controlled‐pollinated hybridization for improved agronomic performance, specifically high yield. Prior sensory evaluation of 65% chocolate made from these clones revealed that each conferred distinct profiles in bitterness. We thus hypothesized that differences in polyphenol profiles would exist between these clones. To test this hypothesis, total polyphenols, total flavan‐3ols, polyphenol extraction yield, and qualitative flavanol profile were compared between the five cacao clones. TARS‐27 had the lowest total polyphenol concentration (36 ± 1.2 mg gallic acid equivalents/g cacao bean) (mean ± STDEV), whereas TARS‐14 showed highest concentration (66 ± 4.7 mg gallic acid equivalents/g cacao bean). For total flavan‐3‐ols, a similar trend was observed; TARS‐27 showed the lowest concentration (42.3 ± 1.1 mg procyanidin B2 equivalents/g cacao bean) with TARS‐9 having the highest concentration (76.7 ± 4 mg procyanidin B2 equivalents/g cacao bean). Polyphenol extraction yield (cacao extract weight/cocoa bean weight) differed among clones ranging from 0.1–0.16. Qualitative flavanol profiles obtained using normal‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) indicated that mean degree of polymerization (mDP) of polyphenols is likely similar between these clones. Further research is required to quantitatively determine mDP, and to identify and quantify individual polyphenols. In conclusion, these insights into the variability of polyphenol composition among genetically diverse cacao will help to inform targeted selection of cacao clones for future studies investigating the impact of cacao consumption on human health.Support or Funding InformationFunding was provided, in part, by the Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station and the Hatch Program of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), U.S. Department of Agriculture