bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dietary vitamin D3 restriction differentially alters quadriceps contractile proteins in both sexes in the transgenic G93A mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a pilot study
Authors: Milionis Angelica , Parkhomenko Egor , Solomon Jesse Adam , Gianforcaro Alexandro , Hamadeh Mazen Jamal 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundWe previously demonstrated that dietary vitamin D3 (D3) restriction hastened the decline in functional outcomes following disease onset in the G93A mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). ALS is a fatal neuromuscular disease characterized by motor neuron death, muscle weakness and progressive paralysis.ObjectiveIn this pilot study, we investigated the effects of dietary D3 at 2.5% the adequate intake (AI) in G93A mice on quadriceps contractile proteins (α‐actin; troponin C, trop C), inflammation (IL‐6), cell stress response (Hsp70), mitochondrial efficiency (UCP3) and apoptosis (CASP3 cleaved/pro ratio), mechanisms contributing to ALS pathology.MethodsStarting at age 25 d, 42 G93A mice were provided food ad libitum with either adequate (AI; 1 IU D3/g feed; 12 M, 11 F) or deficient (DEF; 0.025 IU D3/g feed; 10 M, 9 F) D3. Differences in quadriceps protein content were considered significant at P ≤ 0.10.ResultsIn males, DEF had 34% lower α‐actin (P = 0.096) and 38% higher trop C (P = 0.031) vs AI. In females, DEF had 32% lower trop C vs AI (P = 0.020). DEF males had 16% higher UCP3 (P = 0.093) and 57% higher trop C vs DEF females (P = 0.021).ConclusionDietary D3 restriction differentially alters markers of muscle contractile proteins in both sexes in G39A mice, which may explain the associated decline in functional capacity. (Supported by NSERC and Faculty of Health‐York U).Grant Funding Source : Supported by NSERC and Faculty of Health‐York U
Influence of red pepper spice and turmeric on inflammation, and oxidative stress in overweight females: a metabolomics approach
Authors: Nieman David C , Kam Lynn , Knab Amy , Shanely R. Andrew 
Published: June 2021

Red pepper spice (RP, capsaicin) and turmeric (TM, curcumin) are used as flavorings in foods and for medicinal purposes. Utilizing a randomized, doubled‐blinded, placebo‐controlled, crossover design (2‐wk washout), 4‐wks supplementation with RP (1 g/d) or TM (2.8 g/d) was tested for influences on inflammation and oxidative stress in 62 overweight/obese (BMI ≥ 27 kg/m2) females (40–75 y) with systemic inflammation (CRP ≥ 2.0 mg/L). Overnight, fasted blood samples were collected pre‐ and post‐supplementation, and analyzed for oxidative stress (F2‐isoprostanes, oxidized LDL), inflammation (CRP and 7 inflammatory cytokines), and metabolic profiles using gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry with multivariate partial least square discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA). Pre‐to‐post supplementation measures of inflammation and oxidative stress for both RP and TM did not differ when compared to placebo (all interaction effects, P>0.05), and global metabolic difference scores calculated through PLS‐DA were non‐significant (both spices, Q2Y < 0.40). These data indicate that 4‐wks supplementation with RP or TM at high culinary levels does not alter oxidative stress or inflammation in overweight/obese females with systemic inflammation, or cause a significant shift in the global metabolic profile (which may be more apparent when measured acutely).Funding, McCormick Science Institute
System Dynamics Model Simulated Consumer and Supplier Responses to Sugar‐Sweetened Beverage Taxes
Authors: Xue Hong , Chen Hsin-jen , Hobbs Benjamin F , Igusa Takeru , Wang Youfa 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundSugar‐sweetened beverage (SSB) taxes have been proposed to contribution to reducing the obesity epidemic in the US. Using a systems dynamics approach, we assess changes in SSB supply and demand in a dynamic process.MethodsA systems dynamic model simulates the interactions and dynamics of consumer and supplier responses to an SSB tax at the aggregate level.ResultsOur model predicts that a 20% tax‐induced price increase will initially cause an average daily reduction of 2.6 oz per capita SSB consumption. The reduced consumption will lead to increasing stock due to inelastic supply in the very short run. Suppliers will tend to respond by reducing both production and sales price. Consequently, price will increase first and then drop quickly accompanied by positive SSB stocks in the long run, reflecting the nonlinear tax effects and the dynamics in an equilibrium restoration process. After a sharp initial drop, SSB consumption will rebound and then show a pattern coinciding with the changing price. As a result, the long‐run impact upon SSB consumption is less than expected.ConclusionsExisting studies, which are predominately small and short‐term, may have overestimated the effect of SSB tax on reducing SSB consumption. Imposing SSB tax without accounting for the market structure and the dynamic responses of consumers and suppliers may generate unexpected results.Grant Funding Source: NIH/NICHD (U54 HD070725‐01, 1R01HD064685‐01A1) and NIDDK (R01DK81335‐01A1)
Human milk oligosaccharides enhance the growth of Staphylococci
Authors: Hunt Katherine M , Preuss Janina , Nissan Caroline , Davlin Charles A , Williams Janet E , Richardson Adam D , McGuire Michelle K , Bode Lars , McGuire Mark A 
Published: June 2021

Human milk oligosaccharides (HMO) are largely non‐digestible glycans that are abundant in human milk. Studies show that these compounds likely influence the infant's gastrointestinal microbiome; however, no work has been conducted to determine if HMO also interact with the bacterial communities present in a woman's milk. We previously reported a positive correlation between the relative abundance of Staphylococci and total HMO content in human milk. To further investigate the potential effects of HMO on Staphylococcus growth in milk, strains of S. epidermidis and S. aureus were isolated from human milk. Results indicate that addition of HMO (10 g/L) to cultures grown in minimal medium or infant formula enhanced growth of both Staphylococcal strains. However, when compared with HMO content of fresh media, there was no reduction of HMO content in culture supernatants collected after bacterial growth. These results indicate that HMO stimulate growth of Staphylococci but do not act as nutrient substrates for growth. Supported by NIH R00DK078668 (LB), P20 RR15587 (MAM) and P20 RR016454 (MAM), and the Institute for Bioinformatics and Evolutionary Studies (IBEST).Grant Funding Source : NIH P20 RR15587
Phytochemicals and cellular redox potential: Variations in measurement of glutathione levels using three assays
Authors: Marisiddaiah Raju , Wiener Doris , Gong Xiaoming , Rubin Lewis P 
Published: June 2021

PurposeGlutathione (GSH) is the principal intracellular redox couple. Several methods have been devised to measure GSHtot, GSHreduc and GSHoxid (GSSG) in biological samples. However, different techniques and assay conditions can yield conflicting results.MethodsWe measured the GSH redox couple in normal and tumor cell lines using three methods. In some experiments, we compared the GSH couple ±lycopene or lutein. We examined two methods involving fluorimetric or luminometric detection and a spectrophotometric GR:DTNB (enzymatic) recycling method.ResultsThe luminometric and spectrophotometric assays consistently yielded GSHred >> GSSG (the physiologically anticipated result). However, the fluorimetric assay yielded >90% of GSHtot as GSSG. An important element in this technique is use of perchloric acid (PCA) protein precipitation to prevent enzymatic degradation of GSH to GSSG.ConclusionThe discrepancies among glutathione assay methods may result from use of a powerful oxidizing agent (PCA), causing artificial GSSG generation. The GSH:GSSG couple is an important target of phytochemical action, including carotenoids and flavinoids. More consistent measurements of GSH homeostasis should clarify biological effects.Grant Funding Source : NIH, USF
Perceptions of the local food environment among low‐income residents of Athens, Georgia
Authors: Wilson Sarah , Lee Jung Sun 
Published: June 2021

Previous food environment research has primarily focused on objective measures of food access to find structural explanations why some people are unable to follow the dietary recommendations. This study aimed to better understand subjective measures of food access from the perspective of low‐income individuals from a college town in a persistent poverty county in GA. Qualitative in‐depth interviews were conducted in a convenience sample of low‐income housing residents in Athens, GA (n = 28, mean age 46.6±13.5, 86% female, 82% black). Interviews assessed how respondents thought about their food access, produce acquisition, food choice, and shopping behavior. Each interview was tape‐recorded, transcribed, and analyzed. Participants used multiple food resources to obtain food. Qualitative analysis showed that the patterns of food resource use in the study sample were complicated and influenced by 7 interrelated factors: money and other resources to obtain food, food resource characteristics, transportation, health and eating healthy, household composition, and daily schedule. These findings suggest that subjective measures of food access are more complicated than what objective measures may suggest, and can provide a more complete understanding on the food environment and its role on people's food related behaviors and health.Grant Funding Source : This study was funded by ADA Foundation's Amy Joye Memorial Research Award.
Mother knows best: developmental plasticity during gut development
Authors: Mango Susan , Choi Kaitlyn , Brock Trisha 
Published: June 2021

Our group studies organ formation using a simple organ, the C. elegans foregut (or pharynx), that nonetheless faces the same hurdles that confront organs in more complicated animals. Our main focus is the transcriptional processes that establish the foregut from a pool of developmentally‐plastic precursors. I will discuss two aspects of organogenesis:Pluripotency and cell‐fate acquisition. Early embryonic cells are born pluripotent, but over time their developmental choices become restricted. We study the processes that mediate the transition from developmental plasticity to cell‐fate specification, with a particular focus on the interplay between sequence‐specific transcription factors, chromatin organization and nuclear architecture.Environmental impacts on development. C. elegans worms are acutely aware of their environment and can sense a wide array of chemicals through 32 chemosensory neurons. These chemicals elicit both short‐term responses to modulate feeding or movement, but also longer‐term effects that alter adult longevity or development. Recently, we found a surprising link between chemo‐sensation and foregut development, which I will describe.
α‐Tocopherol Supplementation Reduces γ‐Tocopherol‐ Dependent Scavenging Of Reactive Nitrogen Species By Decreasing γ‐Tocopherol
Authors: Pei Ruisong , Leonard Scott W , Traber Maret G , Bruno Richard S 
Published: June 2021

γ‐Tocopherol (γ‐T) has a unique function not shared by other vitamin E forms whereby it scavenges reactive nitrogen species (RNS) to form nitro‐γ‐tocopherol (NGT). Because α‐tocopherol (α‐T) supplementation decreases plasma γ‐T, we hypothesized that α‐T supplementation would also inhibit RNS scavenging by γ‐T. Smokers (n = 11) and nonsmokers (n = 10) were provided α‐tocopheryl acetate (150 mg/d) for 6 d and then plasma α‐T, γ‐T, and NGT were measured by LC‐MS on d −6, 0, 6, 13, and 17. Baseline α‐T and γ‐T did not differ between groups, but smokers’ NGT was greater than nonsmokers’ (57 ± 44 vs. 31 ± 10; P = 0.04). α‐T supplementation increased nonsmokers’ and smokers’ α‐T by 41–50%, but decreased γ‐T by 61–70% by d 0 with no differences between groups for either T. Ts were restored to baseline levels by d 6 in both groups. On d 0, smokers’ and nonsmokers’ NGT decreased by 72% and 50%, respectively, with no group differences and was restored to baseline levels by d 6. Timedependent changes in NGT were eliminated after its normalization to γ‐T (NGT/γ‐T), but plasma NGT was correlated (P < 0.01) to γ‐T in nonsmokers (r = 0.41) and smokers (r = 0.55), supporting that γ‐T availability regulates NGT formation. Thus, α‐T supplementation may reduce the potential beneficial effects of γ‐T on RNS scavenging regardless of smoking status and improvements in γ‐T status may increase RNS scavenging capacity.Grant Funding Source : CT Department of Public Health and NIH DK59576
The Effect of Maternal Anxiety/Depression on Breastfeeding Outcomes: MAVAN (Maternal Adversity Vulnerability and Neurodevelopment) Study
Authors: Adedinsewo Demilade , Fleming Alison S , Steiner Meir , Meaney Michael J , Girard Amy Webb 
Published: June 2021

ObjectivesWe tested the hypothesis that mothers who experience substantial anxiety or depression at different time periods are at risk for reduced initiation, exclusivity and duration of breastfeeding.MethodsLongitudinal data on mental health and infant feeding were collected on 257 Canadian women from 18–23 weeks gestation through 12 months postpartum. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess whether scores on the Edinburgh Post‐Natal Depression Scale (EPDS), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) and State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were associated with breastfeeding practices.ResultsIn adjusted models, a single point increase in HAMA scores measured at 3 months postpartum was associated with an 11% reduction in the odds of exclusively breastfeeding at 6 months [aOR= 0.89, 95% (CI 0.80, 0.99)]; also a single point increase in STAI State and STAI Trait scores measured at 3 months postpartum was associated with a 4% reduction in odds [aOR= 0.96, 95% CI (0.92, 0.99)] and an 8% reduction in the odds of any breastfeeding at 12 months [aOR= 0.929, 95% CI (0.86, 1.00) ] respectively.ConclusionOur findings support a relationship between maternal anxiety and reduced breastfeeding but do not show significant associations between maternal depression and breastfeeding practices. Small sample sizes may have limited detection of significant findings.Grant Funding Source: None
Facilitators and barriers to implementing mother‐to‐mother support groups to improve breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices in the Peruvian highlands
Authors: Shaw Alina Gauntlett , Campos Manolo Quispe , Leon Lia Garcia , Girard Aimee Webb , Golding Lenette 
Published: June 2021

Mother‐to‐mother support groups (MtMSGs) provide women with a constructive environment in which they can learn about proper breastfeeding practices. Early initiation and prevalence of breastfeeding in Peru are high; however, exclusive breastfeeding and appropriate complementary feeding practices are sub‐optimal and lead to high rates of malnutrition in Andean communities. Prior to initiating MtMSGs as a key component of their infant and young child feeding (IYCF) programming in Ayacucho, CARE conducted formative qualitative research to determine implementation strategies. Three focus group discussions, 84 doer/non‐doer surveys, and ten key informant interviews took place in four communities. The data indicate that government programs such as Juntos and Vaso de Leche organize social groups for women, which could serve as a barrier to CARE's use of MtMSGs because they incentivize attendance with conditional cash transfers or cans of milk, incentives that CARE does not offer. However, women expressed interest in participating in MtMSGs even if they only received information about ways to improve the nutritional status of their families, as long as the groups had strong leadership. Moving forward, it is important for CARE to engage women in MtMSGs by providing communities with relevant IYCF content and quality group leaders who facilitate productive conversation among participants.Grant Funding Source : CARE Internatioal
Modulation of the metabolism of the carcinogen PhIP in rats by cruciferous and apiaceous vegetables
Authors: Kim Jae Kyeom , Chen Chi , Gallaher Daniel D , Peterson Sabrina 
Published: June 2021

Cruciferous and apiaceous vegetables modulate biotransformation enzymes that activate and detoxify carcinogens and may be chemopreventive. Here, we determined in rats the effects of these vegetables supplemented alone or in combination on activation and detoxification of PhIP (2‐amino‐1‐methyl‐6‐phenylimidazo [4,5‐b]pyridine; a carcinogen found in char‐grilled meat). For 7 days we fed male Wistar rats AIN‐93G diet, cruciferous diet (21% cruciferous, wt/wt), apiaceous diet (21% apiaceous vegetables), or combination diet (10.5% each cruciferous and apiaceous vegetables). On day 6, we injected rats with PhIP (10 mg/kg body weight), collected urine for 24 hr, then collected tissues. The cruciferous diet increased liver CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 activities (p < 0.05); these activities were not changed by the other diets. Using a metabolomics approach and UPLC‐TOFMS, urinary PhIP metabolites were analyzed. Consistent with the CYP1A induction, the cruciferous diet increased N2‐OH‐PhIP and 4′‐OH‐PhIP. The apiaceous diet decreased 5‐OH‐PhIP, a biomarker of PhIP‐DNA adducts. The apiaceous diet increased methylated PhIP metabolites. We detected a novel methylated PhIP metabolite not previously reported in rats and in much higher abundance than reported in mice. Apiaceous may enhance detoxification by increasing methylation; the importance of methylation in PhIP detoxification warrants further investigation.Grant Funding Source : Healthy Foods, Healthy Lives Institute, University of Minnesota
MITOCHONDRIAL DNA MUTATIONS IN LOCUS CERULEUS NEURONS OF ALZHEIMER DISEASE BRAIN
Authors: trikamji bhavesh v , Miller Bradley 
Published: June 2021

ContextThere is increasing evidence linking mitochondrial genetic mutations to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). The goal of the study is to test the hypothesis that mutations are present in the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) of neurons in areas of the brain that are affected early in AD, including the brainstem.DesignWe used laser microdissection to isolate single neurons from memory processing and influencing areas of AD and control brain tissue. The mtDNA was selectively amplified using the whole genome amplification and polymerase chain reaction techniques. Mutations were identified by direct sequencing of PCR products.ResultsWe found a significantly higher percentage of mtDNA‐mutation‐containing neurons in the brainstem monoaminergic systems versus the hippocampal and cerebral cortices.ConclusionWe have performed a detailed examination of mtDNA in the areas involved in memory processing of AD brain. We find that the mutational burden is highest in areas affected very early in AD and lowest in areas affected later. While it remains to determine whether mtDNA mutations have a causal role or are correlative, we have shown that mtDNA damage in the monoaminergic systems of the AD brain is present at the earliest stages of disease.
The sympathetic neuron autonomous role of Egr3 in sympathetic target tissue innervation and gene expression
Authors: Quach David Hon , Gao Xiaoguang , Gruner Katherine , Tourtellotte Warren 
Published: June 2021

Egr3 is a transcription factor that is essential for sympathetic nervous system (SNS) development. Our lab has previously shown that mice with germline loss of Egr3 have profound SNS defects. However, Egr3 is expressed in other cell populations in addition to sympathetic neurons, so it is still unclear whether Egr3 has a critical role specifically in sympathetic neurons. In the present study we show that Egr3 expressed in sympathetic neurons is essential since mice with specific deletion of Egr3 in sympathetic neurons recapitulated the SNS abnormalities seen in the germline Egr3 deficient mice. We also further examined how Egr3 affects sympathetic innervation into target tissues in vivo by utilizing a unique mouse model paradigm. This paradigm enabled us to trace axons from only a small subset of sympathetic neurons allowing the detailed visualization of the innervation pattern of individual axons in target tissues. Since Egr3 is a transcriptional regulator of gene expression we employed microarray analysis to elucidate the downstream genes it modulates in order to control SNS development. We identified several genes involved in both neuron development and cytoskeleton organization. Taken together, these results indicate Egr3 has a sympathetic neuron specific role in SNS development that involves modulating downstream genes affecting how sympathetic neurons innervate target tissues.Support: NINDS, NRSA
Comparative Functional Morphology of the Head Suspension of Quadrupedal Cats and the Shoulder Suspension of Bipedal Humans
Authors: Osborn Michelle L , Homberger Dominique G 
Published: June 2021

Although there exists a general tetrapod Bauplan, major transformations seem to have occurred during evolutionary history. Using biomechanical analyses, we tested our hypothesis that the drastic differences in the mastoid process, nuchal crest (or line), and clavicle of the cat and human are caused by different force regimes acting on the head‐neck‐and‐shoulder complex. In the cat, the head suspension apparatus comprises a nuchal ligament and fascias that suspend the head and that are assisted by a sternocleidomastoid‐trapezius muscle complex. The muscles of the sternocleidomastoid complex attach ventral to the Foramen magnum, while the cleidocervical (clavotrapezius) muscle attaches dorsal to it. In the human, the shoulder suspension apparatus also comprises a nuchal ligament and fascias, which, however, suspend the shoulders and which are also assisted by a sternocleidomastoid‐trapezius muscle complex. The muscles of the sternocleidomastoid complex attach at the level of the Foramen magnum, while the clavotrapezius muscle attaches posterior to it. The particular attachment sites of the muscles are responsible for the force regime of each suspension apparatus, which affects the size of the clavicle. Hence, relatively minor anatomical differences have fundamental constructional and functional consequences with macroevolutionary implications.Funding: LSU Foundation to DGHGrant Funding Source: N/A
Cellular Trafficking of Helical Rosette Nanotubes in Dendritic Cells
Authors: House Nicole , Fenniri Hicham , Singh Baljit 
Published: June 2021

Self‐assembling helical rosette nanotubes (HRNs), composed of cytosine and guanine, have multiple applications. HRN interactions with dendritic cells (DCs), sentinels of the immune system, are key in determining HRN safety and viability. Splenic classical and plasmacytoid DCs were isolated from female C57/BL6 mice using magnetic cell sorting. HRN were conjugated with the RGD (arginine, glycine, aspartic acid) peptide and the fluorophore FITC in a ratio of 1:10μM respectively. Confocal microscopy was used to visualize the endocytic pathways used, HRN intracellular localization and the real‐time uptake process. HRNs used multiple pathways to take residence within clathrin and caveolin‐coated vesicles, early endosomes, and lysosomes. Able to recognize RGD, the integrin αVβ3 is a potential receptor for receptor‐mediated endocytosis. HRNs co‐localized with major histocompatibility complexes indicating possible direct interaction leading to antigen presentation. HRN exposure stimulated DC maturation as shown by dendrite formation and maturation marker (CD40, CD83) expression. Cell viability was confirmed through microscopy and caspase 3 and 9 expression. These data demonstrate that HRN engage αVβ3 to enter DCs through multiple, presumably redundant, pathways, and interact with antigen‐presenting molecules.Grant Funding Source : National Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada