bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of Na,K ATPase partial reactions by organic amines
Authors: Stanley Kevin , Artigas Pablo , Gatto Craig 
Published: June 2021

The Na,K‐ATPase (NKA) transports 3 Na ions out of the cell and 2 K ions into the cell for every one ATP molecule hydrolyzed. Two of the three ion‐binding sites within the protein reciprocally bind two K or two Na ions (shared sites), while the other site exclusively binds Na). Three modes of transport can be studied with two electrode voltage clamp (TEVC) in Xenopus oocytes to evaluate NKA function and its partial reactions involving external ion binding: 1) outward pump current (IP) induced by forward NKA cycling when extracellular K is added, 2) transient charge movement (QNa) induced by voltage‐dependent binding and release of Na, rate limited by the NKA conformational change and 3) uncoupled proton import at negative voltages without external Na or K the pump transports H down their electrochemical gradient (IH). Tetrapropylammonium (TPA) and ethylenediamine (EDA), are known competitive inhibitors of extracellular K binding and their mechanisms of action are not fully understood (particularly for EDA). We used TEVC to evaluate the effect of TPA and EDA on IP, QNa and IH. TPA acted as a competitive inhibitor of K binding by reducing its apparent affinity for IP activation in a voltage‐independent manner IC50 of 8.78 ± 0.12 mM. EDA also acted as a K competitor, but its IC50 changed from 8.96 ± 0.48 mM at −100 mV to 15.92 ± 1.84 mM a 0 mV. When evaluating QNa, the position of the charge voltage curve (Q‐V), parameterized by the curve's center voltage (V1/2) related to the apparent affinity for external Na (more negative V1/2 indicating a reduction of Na affinity and viceversa), was −54.39 ± 1.65 mV in the absence of amines, −120.88 ± 2.15 mV in the presence of 20 mM TPA and −10.49 ± 6.13 mV in the presence of 15 mM EDA. While TPA did not significantly affect the total charge moved (related to the number of pumps performing the Na binding reactions) EDA reduced it by 53.6 ± 0.3%. This indicates that TPA acts as a prototypical competitive inhibitor of external Na reducing Na apparent affinity, but EDA does not. Finally, TPA inhibited IH (~70% maximal inhibition) at both pH 7.6 and pH 6.0, while EDA had no effect on IH at pH 7.6, but increased IH (by 2 fold) at pH 6.0 at −180 mV. Our results are consistent with the larger TPA acting as a large extracellular access‐channel blocker therefore competing with Na, K and H without reaching the ion‐binding sites, while EDA reaches the shared sites domain, probably becoming occluded there, therefore making NKAs unavailable to induce QNa. The complex effects of EDA on IH may reflect the complex nature of its occlusion there and are still under evaluation.Support or Funding InformationWork supported by NIH GM 061583 to CG and NSF MCB‐1243842 to PA.
Characterization of Anthocyanins in Sweetpotato leaves
Authors: Su Xiaoyu , Griffin Jason , Chen Xi , Xu Jingwen , Wang Weiqun 
Published: June 2021

As phytochemical‐enriched edible greens, sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas L.) leaves have become popular due to potential health benefits. However, the phytochemical contents in sweetpotato leaves and their subsequent change over harvest stages and growth condition are mostly unknown. In this study we determined the anthocyanin profile and content in leaves of four sweetpotato cultivars (Bonita, Beauregard, Murasaki, and P40). Fourteen anthocyanins, including one newly discovered, were identified by HPLC‐MS/MS. The most abundant was cyanidin 3‐caffeoyl‐p‐hydroxybenzoyl sophoroside‐5‐glucoside, which comprised up to 20% of the total anthocyanins. Of the young leaves (1st and 2nd slip cuttings), Bonita contained the highest anthocyanin content followed by P40. Of the mature leaves (vine stage), Beauregard had the greatest anthocyanin (391 mg/kg DW) and total phenolic (52 GAE/g DW) content. It should be noted that the lowest anthocyanin and total phenolic content of shoots were found in P40, while tubers of P40 contain the highest content of each. Furthermore, the increase in leaf anthocyanin content over the growth stages that was observed in three of the cultivars was absent in P40. No significant difference of anthocyanin content was found in Beauregard leaves grown in the high tunnels or open field.Support or Funding Informationsupported by USDA Cooperative KS511‐1001903
Effective delivery of social‐behavioral change communication through a care group model in a supplementary feeding program: a descriptive analysis
Authors: Wilner Lauren , Suri Devika , Langlois Breanne K , Walton Shelley , Rogers Beatrice 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveA USAID/FFP‐Funded study implemented by Tufts University (Food Aid Quality Review) in Southern Malawi found that intensified social‐behavioral change communication (SBCC) in combination with an augmented oil ration resulted in an increase in proper preparation of Corn‐Soy Blend (CSB) porridge such that the full intended nutritional content reached the target population of children with moderate acute malnutrition. This analysis describes the flow of key SBCC messages delivered through a care‐group model during an intervention aimed at increasing the oil in porridge prepared by caregivers of beneficiary children, as well as the flow of these key messages among sub‐groups in this intervention – health care workers, care group volunteers, and caregivers of beneficiary children.MethodsThe intervention provided a supplementary food ration of CSB and oil and used a care group model in which healthcare workers were trained to deliver SBCC to care group volunteers who then delivered messages to caregivers of beneficiary children. Healthcare workers also delivered messages to caregivers directly. Interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with all 3 sub‐groups in order to determine the exchange of key messages about ingredient use, storage, and purpose, which were analyzed descriptively. The analysis tracked the flow of information between the groups, and ultimately to the beneficiary caregiver.ResultsAnalysis of SBCC flow and information exchange showed that 100% of caregivers reported learning about the amounts of oil and CSB to use while preparing porridge, and over 90% of caregivers, healthcare workers, and care group volunteers reported talking about it. Information flowed to caregivers along multiple lines of communication, and the reported exchange of this information was high among all groups. Focus groups confirmed an effective flow of communication amongst these 3 sub‐groups.ConclusionKey SBCC messages were provided and received according to healthcare workers, care group volunteers and caregivers; caregivers received information from multiple sources, contributing to the overall effectiveness of the intervention. While increasing the ration likely contributed to increasing the oil content in prepared CSB porridge, this analysis found that the SBCC was also an important component of the intervention.Support or Funding InformationThis research was made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents are the responsibility of Tufts University under the terms of Contract AFP‐C‐00‐09‐00016‐00 and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.
East Feliciana Parish LA Has Limited Availability of Nutritional Food Sources Which May be Associated with Obesity and Limit Individuals' Ability to Meet Dietary Recommendations
Authors: Alexis Torrey D , O'Neil Carol E , Cater Melissa , Holston Denise 
Published: June 2021

Low incomes, rural residence, high obesity rates, and limited healthy food options can increase the risk of chronic disease. Rural East Feliciana Parish (county), Louisiana (EFP) has an area of ~543 sq miles, a population of ~19,000, a per capita income of $21,370, and an obesity prevalence of 39%. With this high rate of obesity and low income, it is important to assess more fully the food environment to determine the availability of healthy food choices. The goal of this study was to assess the food sources (stores and restaurants) of EFP for the availability of healthy options using the validated Nutrition Environment Measures Survey (NEMS) Reduced Item Audit Tool. The NEMS assesses store nutrition environments such as the availability of healthier and less‐healthy options, including: milk, fresh fruit and vegetables, beverages, and whole grain bread. Restaurant assessment includes food indicators including: availability of fruit and vegetables without added sauce, whole grain bread, and beverages. EFP had 25 sites of food availability: two full‐service grocery stores (included in the descriptive analysis, but not in the statistical analysis), eight convenience stores, and six variety stores; there were five fast food, three fast casual, and one “sit down” restaurants. Data were compared using the Mann‐Whitney U test; p<0.05 (two tailed). Eight stores (50.0%) offered non‐ or low‐fat milk, and six stores (37.5%) offered whole wheat or whole grain bread. Fifteen stores offered whole fruit (13%) or 100% fruit juice (87.5%), and thirteen stores (81.3%) offered vegetable options. There were no significant differences between convenience and variety stores regarding availability of non‐ or low‐fat milk, whole or non‐whole grain bread, fresh fruit or 100% fruit juice, or vegetables. Only one restaurant (11.1%) offered non‐ or low‐fat milk, and only two restaurants (22.2%) offered whole wheat or whole grain bread. Four restaurants (44.4%) offered fruit or fruit juice options, and five restaurants (55.6%) offered healthy vegetable or salad options. Healthy food option scores for fast food restaurants did not differ significantly from fast casual restaurants, suggesting that restaurants which may be perceived as offering more healthy foods did not. There was also no significant difference between fast food and fast casual restaurants regarding nutrition information provided on menus or restaurant website or healthy eating signage inside the restaurant. This study suggested that EFP has a limited availability of nutritional food sources making it difficult for individuals to meet dietary recommendations.Support or Funding InformationSupported by the LSU College of Agriculture, the LSU AgCenter, and USDA Hatch Project LAB 94209.
Predictors of Cardiovascular Health in Older Adults: a Regression Tree Analysis
Authors: Anderson Amy , Sahyoun Nadine , Moshfegh Alanna , Loh Wei‐Yin 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundCardiovascular health is central to overall health. Studies on predictors of cardiovascular health in older adults have not fully considered potential interactions among predictor variables.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to determine the relationships of lifestyle behaviors and body composition with cardiovascular health in older adults while accounting for potential interactions among lifestyle behaviors, measures of body composition and socio demographic characteristics.MethodsThe Health, Aging and Body Composition (Health ABC)Study is a prospective cohort study of 3,075 adults aged 70 to 79 at baseline. The Generalized, Unbiased, Interaction Detection and Estimation (GUIDE) algorithm for regression tree analysis was used to predict measures of cardiovascular health, including high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR), and systolic blood pressure (SBP), of Health ABC participants based on their lifestyle behaviors, measures of body composition and socio demographic characteristics.ResultsParticipants with the highest mean HDL cholesterol had trunk lean mass ≤21.6 kg and abdominal visceral fat ≤96.2 cm2, while those with the lowest HDL cholesterol had trunk lean mass >27.8 kg. Persons with the lowest IL‐6 had a sagittal diameter ≤24.7 cm (or had missing values for sagittal diameter) and flossed their teeth at least 3 times per week, while those with the highest IL‐6 had a sagittal diameter >24.7 cm. Persons with the lowest HOMA‐IR had a BMI ≤27.4 kg/m2 (or had missing values for BMI), while those with the highest HOMA‐IR had a BMI >27.4 kg/m2 and a sagittal diameter >27.1 cm. Participants with the lowest SBP were those who were not on (or had missing data on) blood pressure medication, were from the Memphis clinical site and were white, while those with the highest SBP were those on high blood pressure medication from the Pittsburgh site.ConclusionThis study provides further evidence that abdominal adiposity is strongly linked to cardiovascular risk in older adults and supports the use of sagittal diameter as an indicator of cardiovascular health. It also suggests a strong inverse relationship between lean body mass and HDL cholesterol, which warrants further investigation.Support or Funding InformationThis research is supported by USDA‐ARS Specific Cooperative Agreement 8040‐53000‐018‐08. This study is also supported in part by National Institute on Aging (NIA) Contracts N01‐AG‐6‐2101;N01‐AG‐6‐2103; N01‐AG‐6‐2106; NIA grant R01‐AG028050, NINR grant R01‐NR012459, and by the Intramural Research Program of the NIH, NIA.
Serum markers of bone turnover change in response to depletion and repletion of fruit and vegetable intake in adults: a 28‐wk single‐arm experimental feeding intervention
Authors: Cao Jay J. , Whigham Leah D. , Jahns Lisa A. 
Published: June 2021

Data from controlled intervention trials are lacking to support observational evidence suggesting a positive association between intake of fruit and vegetable (FV) and bone health. The objective of this study was to assess serum markers of bone turnover change in response to FV depletion and repletion. Twenty‐nine subjects participated in a 28‐wk single‐arm experimental feeding intervention trial and consumed low FV diets for 6 wks (depletion phases 1 and 3), a provided high FV diet based upon the Dietary Guidelines for Americans for 8 wks (6‐cup equivalents, phase 2), and usual diet for 8 wks (phase 4). At baseline, phases 1, 2, 3, and 4, intakes of total carotenoids, the most commonly used biomarker of FV intake, were 11.5 ± 1.2, 1.4 ± 0.2, 62.3 ± 0.9, 1.5 ± 0.4, and 9.0 ± 1.0 mg/d (mean ± SE), respectively, and the calculated dietary potential renal acid loads, a measure of the acid‐base load of foods, were 19.5 ± 4.6, −16.7 ± 5.3, 20.9 ± 2.8, 21.1 ± 2.8, and 14.2 ± 3.5 mEq/d, respectively. Compared to the baseline, depletion in FV intake (phase 1) resulted in an increase (p < 0.05) in serum C‐terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen (CTX, 0.68 ± 0.05 vs 0.97 ± 0.08 ng/ml, respectively), a bone resorption marker, and a decrease in serum bone specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP, 10.7 ±0.7 vs 9.5 ± 0.8 μg/L, respectively), a bone formation maker. High FV intake (phase 2) decreased serum CTX (p < 0.05) to 0.60 ± 0.04 ng/ml and increased serum BALP to 11.3 ± 0.7μg/L (p < 0.05), compared to the depletion phase 1. These data demonstrate that increased fruit and vegetable consumption at or above federal dietary guidance is beneficial to bone health potentially through decreased dietary acidity.Support or Funding InformationThe study was supported by USDA ARS Current Research Information System no. 3062‐51000‐053‐00D and no. 3062‐51000‐051‐00D.
Structure and activity relationship of curucmin: role of methoxy group in anti‐inflammatory and anti‐colitis effects of curcumin
Authors: Yang Haixia , Du Zheyuan , Wang Weicang , Sanidad Katherine , Zhang Guodong 
Published: June 2021

Substantial studies have shown that curcumin, a dietary compound from Turmeric, has beneficial effects on inflammatory diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). A better understanding of structure‐activity relationship (SAR) of curcumin could help us to apprehend its molecular mechanism, and design better curcumin‐based drugs. While most previous studies have focused on the thiol‐reactive α,β‐unsaturated carbonyl groups of curcumin, little is known about the roles of methoxy groups in biological activities of curcumin. Here we synthesized a series of curcumin analogs with different substitution groups (R = H‐, Br‐, Cl‐, F‐, NO2‐, CH3‐, and OH‐) to replace the methoxy group, and evaluated their biological effects on inflammatory responses and NF‐κB signaling in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells, and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)‐induced colitis in C57BL/6 mice. The analogs have dramatically different effects on inflammation in vitro and in vivo, supporting that the substitution group on the methoxy position plays an important role in the anti‐inflammatory effects of curcumin. The methoxy group is a potential structural candidate to modify, in order to design curcumin‐based drugs for inflammatory diseases.Support or Funding Informationnew faculty start‐up fund, Armstrong Fund of Science Award from University of Massachusetts Amherst and USDA NIFA 2016‐67017‐24423
Intranasal Oxytocin Reduces Cocaine Conditioned Locomotion and Anxiety‐like Behaviors due to a Cross‐talk with the Endocannabinoid System within the Mesolimbic System
Authors: Molina‐Castro Gian Carlo , Figueroa‐González Almaris , Loyola‐Vélez Alejandro , Marti‐Mendoza Amanda , Torres‐Hernández Edgardo , Maldonado‐Vlaar Carmen Sara 
Published: June 2021

Oxytocin (OT) is a neuropeptide secreted by the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and commonly associated with social behaviors, stress responses and drug‐addiction. Previous studies have shown that OT has anxiolytic properties associated with cues in a cocaine‐conditioning paradigm, but the underlying mechanism remains unknown. This study aims to characterize possible mechanistic interactions between OT and the endocannabinoid system mediating cocaine conditioning and anxiety response, in particular the cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1). Rats were exposed to activity chambers after receiving systemic intraperitoneal injections of cocaine (10 mg/kg) or saline 0.9%. during five consecutive days. On the testing session (D7), rats received intranasal infusions of OT (1 μg/μL) or vehicle (saline 0.9%) 30 minutes prior being exposed to the cue‐associated environment. Our results showed that OT pretreatment reduced both cocaine‐paired conditioned locomotion and anxiety‐like behaviors. Preliminary immunohistochemical analysis showed a colocalization of OT receptors and CB1 receptors within the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and the pre‐frontal cortex (PFC) in all treated animals. However, colocalization is pronounced when animals received intranasal OT pretreatment. The proposed mechanism includes a cross‐talk between OT and endocannabinoid system within mesolimbic system that might be responsible for the anxiety modulation triggered by cocaine exposure. This preliminary data suggests intranasal OT as a novel therapeutic approach of cocaine addiction.Support or Funding InformationNIH BP‐ENDURE Neuro‐ID Program ‐ University of Puerto Rico‐Rio Piedras Campus (1R25MH092912‐01); RCMI Program (G12 MD007600); Nikon A1 Confocal Microscope (NSF DBI‐1337284); Dr. Manuel Díaz and Dr. Amelia Merced, Institute of Neurobiology, University of Puerto Rico‐Medical Sciences Campus
Gender Differences in Use of Social Media for Health‐related Information
Authors: Allison Chelsea , Wiggins Sa'Nealdra , Yan Wangcheng , Zhou Wenjun , Olfert Melissa D , Kattelmann Kendra , Mathews Anne , Brown Onikia , Kidd Tandalayo , Horacek Tanya , White Adrienne , Colby Sarah 
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUNDSocial media may be a useful tool in modifying health‐related behaviors; however, there is limited research on college students' use of health‐related social media and whether those behaviors vary by gender.METHODSIncoming first year students at eight universities were invited to complete screening surveys to determine if they were eligible to participate in Get Fruved, a study designed to decrease risk for unwanted weight gain. Eligible students (n=857) completed extensive health surveys and anthropometric measurements. Surveys included questions on social media usage and demographics. Pearson's Chi‐square tests were used to find differences in use of social media by gender.RESULTSMost participants (76.2% of females and 51.0% of males) reported they used social media to find health‐related information at least a couple of times a month, but only 10.2% of females and 4.4% of males reported using it more than four times per week. Increased time spent on social media was associated with increased use of social media to find health‐related information (p = .050) and reporting that social media impacted their view of nutrition (p = .017). Females were more likely than men to spend more time on social media (p = .003), use social media to find health‐related information (p < .001), and to report that social media impacted their view of nutrition (p < .001).CONCLUSIONResearchers need to determine if exposing college students to health‐related social media will influence behavior differently by gender.Support or Funding InformationThis abstract 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.
Alcohol Regulation of BK Channels Surface Expression via Beta‐Catenin Signaling
Authors: Garcia Jose Orlando , Burgos Alexandra , Soto Jessica , Cordero Katherine , Treistman Steven , Velazquez‐Marrero Cristina 
Published: June 2021

Alcohol tolerance development and retention has long been associated to neural mechanisms related to learning and memory. We have found a persistent component of alcohol molecular tolerance; internalization of BK channels, in both striatal and hippocampus neurons. It is further characterized by increases in β‐catenin in response to physiologically relevant concentrations of alcohol, which are necessary for BK channel internalization. Accumulation of β‐catenin was impaired in the presence of general protein synthesis inhibitors cyclohexamide and emetine, which further blocked ethanol‐induced BK channel internalization in heterologous expression system. Interestingly, BK channel dissociation from lipid raft fractions in response to ethanol exposure was not significantly affected by protein synthesis inhibition. Translational regulation of EtOH was evaluated via tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) and Western Blot analysis of de novo synthesized proteins in heterologously expressed hSloα HEK293 preparations. Results indicated that β‐catenin is increased 2.5 fold in response to alcohol compared within a subset of over seven hundred proteins assayed. Transcriptional regulation of EtOH in striatal tissue has been further studied suggesting changes in miRNA profile in response to duration of EtOH exposure. These findings suggest the canonical Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway plays a critical role in mediating a persistent form of BK channel molecular alcohol tolerance regulating BK channel surface distribution, and potentially mediating transcriptional regulation in response to EtOH.Support or Funding InformationThis work was supported by the COBRE project grant 5P20GM103642 (CV‐M), Imaging core at the Institute of Neurobiology: NSF Grant DBI‐0115825 and DoD Grant 52680‐LS‐IS, Research infrastructure support was provided in part by a grant from the National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities (G12MD 007600), and USDE Title V Cooperative Agreement grant P031S130068 (JOG).