bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigating inactive conformations of protein kinases
Authors: Hari Sanjay B , Perera B Gayani K , Leonard Stephen E , Maly Dustin J 
Published: June 2021

Protein kinases are found in countless signal transduction pathways and play key roles in the regulation of intracellular signaling events. Kinases exist in equilibria between catalytically active and inactive states. While evolutionary pressure limits kinases to one active state conformation, several inactive conformations have been described. The MAP kinase p38alpha has been shown to adopt a specific inactive conformation that appears to be inaccessible to other MAP kinases despite extensive structural homology. Seeking to understand the reason for this disparity, we found two residue positions that sensitize MAP kinases to small molecule inhibitors that are selective for specific inactive conformations. These ligands inhibit the activities of engineered mutants of p38delta and Erk2 more potently than their wild‐type counterparts by several orders of magnitude. We have determined a crystal structure of inhibitor‐sensitive Erk2 bound to one of these ligands in the active site and found that the inhibitor disrupts a key salt bridge necessary for catalysis, rendering the kinase inactive. The ability to manipulate kinases in a conformationally‐dependent manner could allow the targeted study of kinases in scaffolding complexes and other noncatalytic roles.Supported by NIH (R01GM086858) and American Heart Association (11PRE7260025)
Structural mechanism of trimeric PR70 PP2A holoenzyme: insights into Cdc6 dephosphorylation
Authors: Wlodarchak Nathan Joseph , Guo Feng , Satyshur Kenneth A , Jiang Li , Jeffrey Philip D , Sun Tingwan , Stanevich Vitali , Mumby Marc C , Xing Younga 
Published: June 2021

Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) regulates many essential aspects of cellular function via diverse families of heterotrimeric holoenzymes. A regulatory subunit from the B” family plays a role in regulating the cellular level of Cdc6, a cell cycle regulator crucial for precise control of DNA replication licensing. No previous structural information for the B” family has been reported, and elucidating the interactions necessary for holoenzyme formation is critical in understanding how PP2A interacts with specific substrates. Here we report the high‐resolution three‐dimensional structure of the PR70 holoenzyme, and we show the B” subunit is an elongated EF‐hand calcium‐binding protein that stabilizes a remarkably compact holoenzyme conformation. The second EF‐hand of PR70 directly contacts the PP2A scaffold subunit and is buttressed by a protruding hydrophobic motif. A PR70 helix near the Cdc6‐binding region directly contacts the catalytic subunit, and this contact is required for the full activity of PR70 holoenzyme in dephosphorylation of the N‐terminal destruction motif of Cdc6. In contrast to PR70 holoenzyme, the holoenzyme involving the B’/B56/PR61 subunit is nearly inactive toward Cdc6. Our studies revealed important structural bases for the B” family of PP2A holoenzymes and mechanisms for precise control of Cdc6 dephosphorylation.This work was supported by University of Wisconsin‐Madison (Y. Xing), R01 GM096060–01 (Y. Xing), and GM86560 (M.C. Mumby), and T32 CA009135 (N. Wlodarchak).
Physiological Changes in Japanese Students During a One‐Year Study Abroad Program in the United States
Authors: Cahill Caroline R. , Stavrianeas Stasinos 
Published: June 2021

We investigated changes in health and nutritional intake in a group of Japanese international students engaged in a one‐year study abroad program at a small college in the Pacific Northwest. 47 students (n= 15 M, age=19.85 and n= 32 F, age= 20.02) completed a survey that recorded changes in eating patterns, general health, and physical activity. Additionally, height, weight, BMI, body composition through bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), blood pressure, and blood lipid levels (total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, and TC/HDL ratio) were recorded at 3 time points: upon the students’ arrival, at 10 weeks and 20 weeks. Students self‐reported limited food consumption due to concerns about their health and meal point budgeting. Average weight increased (1.67±2.71 kg, p<0.01) after 7 months; most students recognized that their food intake was greater than in Japan. HDL cholesterol decreased during the same time frame (59.938±16.2 vs 48.625±16.6 mg/dL, p<0.001). 97% of students did not meet the ACSM/AHA weekly physical activity guidelines; lack of time, energy, and motivation were cited as reasons for not exercising. The results of this study indicate that it is important for host institutions to develop supportive, culturally responsive environments to enhance international students’ success while abroad and encourage healthy lifestyle behaviors through outreach interventions.Supported by a Willamette University Carson Grant to CRC.
Spatial characteristics of BMI among women in Kurdistan, Iraq
Authors: Curtin Kevin M. , Pawloski Lisa , Rasheed Taban K. , Ahmad Hamdia 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveTo describe the spatial patterns concerning BMI among women living in Kurdistan, Iraq.MethodsAnthropometric and geographic data were collected by the researchers from a sample of 1023 women working and/or studying at the University of Salahhadin in Erbil, Iraq in the spring of 2010. Spatial relationships were examined concerning BMI. These relationships included spatial statistical measures of clustering of the segments of the sample, in addition to inspection of location of significant clusters.Results44% were found to be either overweight or obese. The spatial statistics further support the findings revealing spatial patterns of obesity and home location. There was strong evidence that high BMI values (obese women) exhibit spatial clustering.ConclusionsThe findings are significant in that no such analyses have been conducted in Kurdistan concerning the nutritional status of women, nor have they been conducted using geographic methods. Further, this study suggests the need for further geographic analyses concerning the potential factors which influence nutritional status in this population. This research was supported by the Center for Global Studies, and the Provost's Office, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA.
Process Evaluation of a Community‐Based Pilot Intervention for Chronic Disease Prevention in Guatemalan School‐Aged Children
Authors: Letona Paola , Gittelsohn Joel , Chacon Violeta , Ramirez‐Zea Manuel , Caballero Benjamin 
Published: June 2021

We examined the implementation of ¡Pilas!, a community‐based intervention aimed to reduce risk factors for chronic diseases (unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, alcohol and tobacco use) in school‐age children. The intervention consisted of three components (school, food kiosk and community) that were implemented by teachers, children, food vendors, religious leaders, and government workers in two poor communities and two public schools in Guatemala City. Intervention activities included a classroom‐based program (4th–6th grade), active games during school recess, healthy recipes and marketing strategies to promote healthy foods in kiosks, and community events. Quantitative and qualitative methods (structured observations, surveys, logs) were used to examine process indicators, which included the extent of delivery (reach), proportion received by target audience (dose), fidelity of intervention protocol, and context. The school component was implemented with high reach, dose and fidelity. The kiosk component was implemented with moderate dose and fidelity, and low reach. The community component was implemented with low dose and reach. Lack of communication and organizational difficulties were identified as barriers to implementation in the kiosk and community components. These findings will be used to plan a randomized controlled trial in Guatemala City.Grant Funding Source: NHLBI ‐ HHSN 268200900028C
Relationships between overweight, inflammation, and iron status in women in the 2006 Mexican National Health and Nutrition Survey (ENSANUT)
Authors: Luna Sarah V. , Haas Jere D. , Shamah Tere , Villalpando Salvador 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveTo examine the relationships between iron status, inflammation, and body size in a nationally representative sample of Mexican women.MethodsIron status (hemoglobin, ferritin, TfR), inflammation (CRP), and anthropometric indices (BMI, waist circumference) were determined for 1353 women (18–35 y) as part of the 2006 ENSANUT survey. Linear and binomial regression models were used to evaluate the relationships between markers of iron status and body size controlling for age and demographic variables. Different criteria for overweight and obesity were tested as well as different indicators of iron deficiency.Results27% of the women were iron deficient (<15μg/l). 29% were overweight (25<BMI<30), and 35% were obese (BMI>;30). Odds of having CRP>;5mg/L were 7.53 (95% CI: 5.31,10.67) for obese and 2.51 (95% CI: 1.75,3.58) for overweight compared to normal weight women. Ferritin values were significantly higher for obese (29.80 μg/l) but not overweight (24.62 μg/l) compared to normal weight women (23.18μg/l). TfR values did not differ by weight status.ConclusionOverweight and obesity in Mexican women contribute to elevated CRP and ferritin values but not TfR values.Grant Funding Source: Cornell University
Understanding the formulation process of the Mexico and Spain school‐feeding policies
Authors: García Katia Y , Frongillo Edward A , Dresser Anahí C , Orozco Emanuel , Rodríguez Guadalupe 
Published: June 2021

Concern about health in school‐age children has led to formulation of national policies which confront technical, operational, and socio‐political challenges. This study aimed to contrast the formulation processes of the Mexico and Spain school‐feeding policies. We conducted a total of 22 in‐depth interviews with Mexican and Spanish academics, and examined the notes published from October 2004 to July 2012 in four national newspapers and two civil association websites. Analysis was done separately by country to examine the policy‐formulation process, contextual factors, actors, and content for the formulation processes. Data were triangulated by comparing and contrasting information from the interviews and published notes. Academics’ participated in the formulation processes as providers of scientific evidence, but the academics’ work was not taken fully into account by other stakeholders. Improving child health was not the only value for the formulation of the school‐feeding policies; the policy was promoted primarily with economic interests in Mexico and with political interests in Spain. The influence in Mexico of the food and beverage industry in establishing the nutrient criteria of the policy was the main factor differentiating the contexts in the two countries. Funded by Conacyt.Grant Funding Source: Nutrition
Shifts in the fecal microbial community composition are associated with dietary fiber solubility
Authors: Yang Fang , Chia Nicholas , Schook Lawrence B , White Bryan A 
Published: June 2021

The impact of diet on the microbial composition in the gastrointestinal tract has been well documented. However, quantitation of the role of diet in shaping microbial composition has been difficult due to the presence of factors such as host genetics and environment. We used two genetically identical pigs housed together as a system for isolating diet‐induced changes in the microbiome. We used a withdrawal design across four 14‐d periods with two diets having different solubility of dietary fiber to study the fecal microbial community by 454‐pyrosequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. Shifts in the fecal microbial community composition were assessed with respect to dietary correlations. Similarity analysis revealed that the gut microbiomes from the two different diets clustered separately. Taxa‐based approaches detected significantly different bacteria composition in two different diets. Diversity analysis showed that bacterial diversity was associated with the level of dietary fiber solubility. To conclude, the impact of diet on gut microbiome composition was isolated from host genetics and environment. Diet‐induced changes in gut microbiome composition were observed and found to be reversible within a short time. Our results show that genetically identical pigs can be used as a model system for assessing the influence of diet and other variables on the composition of the gut microbial community.Grant Funding Source: University of Illinois Agricultural Experiment Station, USDA AG 2008–34480‐19328, USDA AG 2008–34480‐19328, USDA/ARS AG 58–5438‐7–317l, USDA/ARS AG 58–5438‐2–307
Associations between urinary soy isoflavones and inflammatory markers in adults in the United States in 2005–2008
Authors: Nicastro Holly L. , Mondul Alison M. , Rohrmann Sabine , Platz Elizabeth A. 
Published: June 2021

We aimed to determine the association between urinary isoflavones and blood markers of inflammation in US adults using NHANES 2005–2008 (n=1683). Multivariable logistic regression was used to calculate geometric mean serum C‐reactive protein (CRP) concentrations and white blood cell counts (WBC) and to estimate the odds of high CRP (≥3mg/L) and of high WBC (≥7,900/μL) by quartile of urinary genistein (GEN), daidzein (DAZ), Odesmethylangolensin (O‐DMA), and equol. The highest quartile of GEN and third quartile of DAZ were associated with significantly decreased odds of high CRP compared to the lowest quartile (OR GEN: 0.62; 95% CI: 0.39–0.99 and OR DAZ: 0.59; 95% CI: 0.35– 0.98). The sum of DAZ, O‐DMA and equol was significantly associated with decreased CRP concentrations (p‐trend = 0.017). Increasing equol was associated with decreased WBC (p‐trend <0.0001). O‐DMA was the only isoflavone whose excretion was significantly associated with a decrease in both inflammation markers (p‐trend CRP = 0.024, p‐trend WBC <0.0001). These results suggest a possible inverse association between soy isoflavones and inflammation.Support: NIH/JHSPH
Effect of dairy intake on bone mineral density (BMD) is only beneficial with higher vitamin D (VitD) intakes: the Framingham Original Cohort
Authors: Sahni Shivani , Tucker Katherine L. , Kiel Douglas P. , Quach Lien , Casey Virginia , Hannan Marian T. 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveTo evaluate associations of milk, yogurt, cheese, cream & total dairy intakes with 4y% change in BMD at femoral neck‐FN, trochanter‐TR & lumbar spine‐LS in the Framingham Cohort; also whether VitD intake modified associations.Methods802 participants had valid FFQ & BMD (1988–89, g/cm2); while 597 had follow‐up BMD (1992–93). Multivariable linear regression estimated adjusted β‐coefficients & P values. Analyses were then split by VitD intake (lower quartiles: Q1–Q3 vs highest: Q4) & by VitD supplement use (Y/N).ResultsMean age of 77y±5, milk intake of 5.9±6.5 serv/wk & VitD intake of 333±285 IU/d. No relations were seen for dairy intakes & % change in any BMD (P range: 0.26–0.91). For Q4 of VitD intake, higher milk & total dairy intakes were protective against TR‐BMD loss (Table). While in Q1–Q3, total dairy was linked with TR‐BMD loss. VitD supplement users showed similar results. Cream intake was related with FN‐BMD loss but no relations were seen in supplement non‐users or other BMD sites.ConclusionsWe found milk & dairy intake to protect against TR‐BMD loss in Q4 of VitD intake. VitD supplement users (not non‐users) showed similar results. The relation of dairy intake with BMD appears dependent on VitD intake.Funding support: NIH AR # 053205; AR/AG41398, Framingham Heart Study (N01‐HC‐25195) & General Mills Bell Institute of Health and Nutrition
Are Physical Activity Levels Linked to Nutrient Adequacy? Implications for Cancer Risk
Authors: Csizmadi Ilona , Kelemen Linda E , Speidel Thomas , Yuan Yan , Dale Laura C , Friedenreich Christine M , Robson Paula J 
Published: June 2021

Cancer prevention guidelines recommend a healthy BMI, physical activity and nutrient adequacy from food rather than supplements. Sedentary individuals may restrict energy intake to prevent weight gain and in so doing may compromise nutritional intake. We conducted a cross‐sectional study to determine if adequacy of micronutrients is linked to physical activity levels (PALs) in healthy‐weight adults. Tomorrow Project participants in Alberta, Canada (n=5333) completed past‐year diet and physical activity questionnaires. The percent of participants meeting Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) was reported across low and high PALs and the relation between PAL and percent achieved DRI was determined using multiple linear regression analyses. Overall, <50% of healthy‐weight participants met DRIs for folate, calcium and vitamin D. Percent achieved DRI increased linearly with increasing PAL in both genders (P<0.01). An increase in PAL from 1.4 to 1.9 was associated with DRI intake that was 8%–13% higher for folate and vitamin C (men) and 5%–15% higher for calcium and iron (women). Healthy‐weight adults at higher PALs appear more likely to meet DRIs for potential cancer‐preventing nutrients. The cancer prevention benefits of higher PALs may extend beyond the usual benefits attributed to physical activity by facilitating energy balance at higher levels of energy and nutrient intakes.Funding for the Tomorrow Project was provided by the Alberta Cancer Foundation and the Alberta Cancer Prevention Legacy Endowment Fund.
Factors associated with adherence to the dietary management of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Romero‐Velarde Enrique , León‐Robles Ruth Verónica , Vásquez‐Garibay Edgar , Hunot‐Alexander Claudia , Vizmanos‐Lamotte Bárbara , Aguirre‐Salas Liuba 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveTo identify factors associated with adherence to the dietary management of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1) attending the Hospital Civil de Guadalajara “Dr. Juan I. Menchaca”.MethodsCross‐sectional study in 57 patients with DM1. Adherence to dietary management was assessed through two 24‐ hour recall dietary surveys and the instrument “Diabetes self care activities measure”; glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) was measured. We compared the characteristics of those with better vs poorer adherence in the consumption of energy recommendations, servings of carbohydrate (CH) and number of meal times during the day, with the chi square and student T tests. The protocol was approved by the Hospital Ethics Committee.ResultsMean age 12 ± 2.9 years. The average HbA1c was above 9%; 23% reported attending a diabetes education group. 24% reported adequate energy intake and 60% omitted one or more meal times during the day, collations were those more often omitted. Consumption of CH servings was poor in 70% of patients and in no case was excessive. An association was found between those who meet the prescribed servings of CH and do not omit meal times with a better match of energy recommendations.ConclusionsThe dietary adherence was poor, qualified through the fulfillment of the prescribed eating plan, self perception of compliance, and HbA1c levels.
Higher dairy calcium intake compared to other dietary sources of calcium is associated with decreased whole body and regional adiposity in adolescent girls
Authors: Vassallo Danielle Marie , Laddu Deepika , Lee Vinson , Blew Rob , Going Scott 
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUNDSkeletal muscle fat infiltration (SMFI) is strongly associated with type 2 diabetes. Insufficient calcium (Ca) intake is common in youth and has been associated with the development of obesity and lower bone mineral content. Dairy calcium (DC) is better absorbed compared to other dietary sources of calcium (OC) and has been linked to decreased adiposity.OBJECTIVETo examine the cross‐sectional (CS) and longitudinal (L) relationships between DC and OC intake with BMI, total body fat percentage (BF), android percent fat (AF), and SMFI in 201 healthy girls aged 8–13 years.METHODSMuscle density (MD) (mg/cm3), an index of fat infiltration, was measured at the 66% tibia and 20% femur sites using peripheral quantitative computed tomography. BF and AF were measured by dual energy x‐ray absorptiometry. DC and OC were assessed using the Harvard youth adolescent questionnaire (YAQ).RESULTSMultiple linear regressions with DC and OC, maturity, total energy intake, ethnicity, and activity (PYPAQ) were used to predict adiposity. In CS analysis, DC was inversely associated with BMI (P ≤ 0.05, partial r (ρ)= −0.16, β= −0.17), BF (P ≤ 0.05, (ρ)= −0.15, β= −0.17), AF (P ≤ 0.01, (ρ)= −0.18, β= −0.17), and SMFI (positively associated with MD of the calf (P ≤ 0.01, (ρ)=0.21, β=0.24) and thigh (P ≤ 0.01, ρ=0.17, β=0.20 )). OC was not significantly associated with adiposity. In L analysis, neither baseline DC or OC predicted significant measures of adiposity at 3 years.CONCLUSIONHigher DC consumption may be associated with decreased adiposity in young girls.Grant Funding Source: NIH/NICHD #HD‐050775
Association of body mass index and waist circumference with metabolic alterations in children from Arandas, Jalisco, Mexico
Authors: Romero‐Velarde Enrique , Vásquez‐Garibay Edgar M. , Miranda‐Rios Lizzete , Nuño‐Cosío Ma. Eugenia 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveTo evaluate the association of body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) with metabolic abnormalities in children attending schools in the city of Arandas.Methods180 children were included through a multistage and random sampling. A personal interview was conducted, and measurements of weight, height (to calculate BMI; kg/m2) and WC were collected. Total cholesterol (TC), HDL, LDL, VLDL, triglycerides, glucose and insulin were determined in blood samples; HOMA was calculated. Mean values of biochemical parameters were compared according to the presence of overweight, obesity or abdominal obesity. The project was approved by the Ethics Committee of the University of Guadalajara.ResultsMean age 8.1 ± 2.3 years, 52.2% male. Overweight in 21.7% and obesity in 6.7%; 8.4% with abdominal obesity (WC>; 75th percentile). We identified significant differences in all biochemical parameters (except TC) in children with normal weight vs. overweight or obesity; and with the presence of abdominal obesity (except for LDL and glucose). A positive correlation (negative for HDL) of BMI with all variables except glucose was found; WC correlated positively with VLDL, triglycerides, glucose, insulin and HOMA.ConclusionsBMI shows better association with metabolic abnormalities in this group of school children with a low prevalence of abdominal obesity.