bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Slower in vivo glucogenesis from starch oligomers by mucosal sucrase‐isomaltase (1039.8)
Authors: Lin Amy Hui‐Mei , Muniandy Anbuhkani , Diaz‐Sotomayor Maricela , Avery Stephen , Chacko Shaji , Yan Li‐Ke , Quezada‐Calvillo Roberto , Hamaker Bruce , Nichols Buford 
Published: June 2021

While luminal α‐Amylase (AMY) is recognized as a starch digesting enzyme, the products require that glucose be hydrolyzed from the non‐reducing ends of the oligosaccharide produced. Two mucosal enzyme complexes are required for glucogenesis: Maltase‐glucoamylase (Mgam) is a fast and Sucrase‐isomaltase (Si) is a slow α‐glucosidase. Mgam was knocked‐out in mice with the objective of determining role of Si on in vivo starch digestion to glucose. 8 mice were fed 0.5 gm. of chow containing normal maize starch. 2 h after feeding they were euthanized and 4 segments of small bowel (SB) snap‐frozen. The segments were thawed and homogenized in water. Protein assays were by Bradford method. The homogenate was denatured in 80% ethanol at 80°C. Supernatant was collected by centrifugation. Free glucose of concentrated supernatant was determined by glucose oxidase/peroxidase. Soluble oligosaccharides were determined by diluting supernatant with buffer, pH 4.5, in 10% ethanol and 2.5 units of amyloglucosidase (AMG) added. Free glucose was assayed as above. Residual starch was assayed as glucose after hydrolysis to glucose of the gelatinized precipitate in 90% DMSO by the AMG/AMY method. Fractions were summed as total carbohydrate (CHO). All Assays were in triplicate. At 2 h wild type (WT) mice had a peak of residual starch in the distal jejunum (DJ); peak of oligomers in the proximal ilium (PI); and very little total CHO in the distal ilium (DI). Mgam nulls had significantly increased residual starch and total CHO in DI. When expressed as oligomers/starch there was significant accumulation in null DI. Compared with nulls, the free glucose/oligomers in WT was significantly increased in proximal Jejunum, PI, and DI. In conclusion, at 2 h after starch feeding the slower remaining Si activity of Mgam null can produce free glucose but precursor oligomers accumulate in DI and the total SB in vivo glucose production is significantly reduced compared to WT mice.Grant Funding Source: USDA ARS
Differential cellular uptake and metabolism of curcuminoids in monocytes/macrophages: regulatory effects on lipid accumulation (1044.5)
Authors: Nakagawa Kiyotaka , Zingg Jean‐Marc , Kim Sharon , Thomas Michael , Dolnikowski Gregory , Azzi Angelo , Miyazawa Teruo , Meydani Mohsen 
Published: June 2021

Curcumin (CUR), also known as diferuloylmethane, is obtained from the rhizome of turmeric (Curcuma Longa L.) and is present in dried turmeric powder at a concentration of 2‐5%. CUR has been shown to have several physiological activities, and we have previously shown that CUR may increase lipid accumulation in cultured THP‐1 monocytes/macrophages, but tetrahydrocurcumin (THC), an in vivo metabolite of CUR, had no such effect. In the present study, we have hypothesized that different cellular uptake and/or metabolism of CUR and THC might be a possible explanation for the previously observed differences in their effects on lipid accumulation in THP‐1. Chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry revealed that CUR was readily taken up by THP‐1 monocytes/macrophages and slowly metabolized to hexahydrocurcumin sulfate. In contrast, uptake of THC was low. In parallel with CUR uptake, an increased lipid uptake was observed in THP‐1 macrophages but not with THC or with another CUR metabolite and structurally related compounds. From these results, it is possible to deduce that CUR and THC are taken up and metabolized differently in THP‐1 cells, which determine their biological activity. The remarkable differential cellular uptake of CUR, relative to THC and other similar molecules, may imply that the CUR uptake into cells may occur via a transporter.Grant Funding Source: USDA agreement# 58‐1950‐0‐014
Chronic hypoxia increases the importance of BKCa channels to bradykinin‐mediated pulmonary vasodilation in fetal sheep (1089.18)
Authors: Blum‐Johnston Carla , Wee Chelsea , Blood Quintin , Wilson Rachael , Blood Arlin , Longo Lawerence , Wilson Sean 
Published: June 2021

Bradykinin‐induced activation of the pulmonary endothelium triggers a nitric oxide (NO)‐ signaling pathway. Pathway activation causes vasodilation and is critical to the fetal transition at birth, which regulates lung blood flow and 02 uptake. Part of this vasodilation process includes stimulation of large‐conductance K+ (BKCa) channels that hyperpolarizes the plasma membrane of myocytes. Intrauterine chronic hypoxia (CH) may reduce vasodilation in the fetal transition, and contribute to the development of pulmonary hypertension of the newborn. Thus, we examined the effects of maturation and LTH on the role of BKCa channels during bradykinin‐induced vasodilation by performing wire‐myography on pulmonary arteries (PA) isolated from fetal or adult sheep that lived in normoxia at low altitude or from sheep that lived in CH at high altitude (3,801 m) for >100 days. BKCa channels were blocked with 1mM tetraethylammonium (TEA). Interestingly, bradykinin relaxed fetal hypoxic vessels more extensively than fetal normoxic vessels, indicating a compensatory response due to CH. TEA only reduced bradykinin‐induced vasodilation in the fetal hypoxic vessels. Overall, these results suggest that LTH amplifies the importance of BKCa channels to bradykinin‐induced vasodilation in fetal sheep, and the BKCa channel has the potential for being a future therapeutic avenue to treat pulmonary hypertension of the newborn.Grant Funding Source: Supported by NSF MRI 0923559, NIH HD069746,P01HD031226, R01HD003807,5P20 MD‐006988, LLUSOM
Insights into kidney function during recovery from anoxia in the painted turtle (1099.2)
Authors: Hill Craig , Warren Daniel 
Published: June 2021

Western painted turtles (Chrysemys picta bellii) are well‐known for being able to survive anoxia for 120 days at 3°C and tolerate plasma lactate concentrations approaching 200 mM. Given that the turtle becomes hyperglycemic and accumulates lactate during anoxia, the potential to exceed the renal transport maxima for these metabolites exists. Here we assessed the role of the kidney during six hours of anoxia at 20°C and 39 hours of recovery from anoxia. Turtles received both subclavian artery and cloacal catheters for continual monitoring of plasma and urine metabolites. Our hypothesis that kidney function would decline in tandem with arterial PO2 was supported, as urinary flow rate decreased significantly by more than 90%. During the first half of recovery, there was significant appearance of lactate and glucose in the urine; the renal transport maxima for these metabolites were likely exceeded. The excretion of lactate during recovery, though energetically wasteful, may help to relieve the lactic acidosis incurred through the anoxia. This research was funded by Saint Louis University, the National Institutes of Health, and the National Science Foundation.Grant Funding Source: Supported by the National Institutes of Health, and the National Science Foundation
More is not always better: a hidden cost of the flight‐fecundity trade‐off in the hawk moth, Manduca sexta (1100.2)
Authors: Wone Bernard , Ojha Jaika , Contreras Heidy , Davidowitz Goggy 
Published: June 2021

Flight and reproduction are two energetically demanding life‐history traits, but empirical data for the existence of a trade‐off between them is equivocal. Trade‐offs are partly determined by the amount of resources available: trade‐offs are more pronounced when resources are scarce and can be undetectable when resources are abundant. Using Manduca sexta hawk moths (Sphingidae) we tested the effects of nectar concentration (0%, 6%, 12%, 24%) and flight duration (0.5 h and 2.0 h) on flight performance, fecundity and the trade‐off between these two traits. Flight performance was highest on 24% nectar with significant within‐subjects interaction effects for distance and duration with diet, flight, and days flown. Nectar concentration was positively correlated with flight metabolic rate when standardized for speed and postprandial metabolic rate increased with nectar concentration. As a consequence, moths that were fed 6% nectar produced significantly more eggs compared to unfed moths or moths fed higher concentration nectar. Muscle mass was negatively correlated with egg number suggesting a trade‐off between flight structure (but not flight performance) and fecundity. The number of eggs or muscle mass had no effect on flight performance. Most importantly, our results suggest that the high‐energy content of resources can be a hidden cost underlying the flight‐fecundity trade‐off.Grant Funding Source: Supported by NSF grant IOS‐1053318
Salt‐inducible kinase 1 knockout mice show a salt‐retaining phenotype and salt‐sensitive hypertension (1136.5)
Authors: Pinho Maria , Pires Nuno , Igreja Bruno , Brion Laura , Bertorello Alejandro , Soares‐da‐Silva Patricio 
Published: June 2021

Essential hypertension is associated with alterations of sodium homeostasis, which promote abnormal accumulation of water in the intravascular compartment leading to blood pressure elevations. Salt‐inducible kinase 1 (SIK1) belongs to the AMPK family and a single nucleotide polymorphism within the human SIK1 gene is associated with hypertension [lower SIK1 activity is associated with higher blood pressure (HBP)]. SIK1 network mediates sodium‐dependent signals that modulate the activity of the Na+,K+‐ATPase. We aimed to study the role of SIK1 in cardiovascular and renal homeostasis using SIK1 knockout (KO) mice. No differences in BP were observed between sik1‐/‐ and sik1+/+ mice under 0.3% NaCl diet; however, the sik1‐/‐ mice challenged with an acute or chronic 8% NaCl diet showed increased SBP. We found that under an 8% NaCl diet, Na+, K+ and Cl‐ excretion was significantly lower in sik1‐/‐ mice compared with wild type mice, despite similar plasma aldosterone levels. The impaired ability of sik1‐/‐ to eliminate Na+ under 8% NaCl diet was accompanied by hyperkalemia. Signs of fibrosis were observed in sik1‐/‐ mice kidneys (increased glomerular and interstitial collagen deposition) vs. wild type mice. At the molecular level, this phenotype was accompanied by an increased in collagen α1 and α4 and MMP9 mRNA, and a reduction in E‐cadherin and nephrin mRNA levels. These results indicate that the presence of SIK1 is necessary to prevent the development of hypertension.Grant Funding Source: Supported by FCT (PIC/IC/83204/2007).
Variability in mechanisms associated with tolerance to progressive reductions in central blood volume (1157.3)
Authors: Convertino Victor , Carter Robert , Hinojosa‐Laborde Carmen 
Published: June 2021

High tolerance to reductions in central blood volume has been associated with higher heart rate (HR), sympathetic nerve activity (SNA), and cardiac baroreflex sensitivity (BRS). Using subjects classified as high tolerance to lower body negative pressure (LBNP), we tested the hypothesis that subjects with BRS > 1.0 would demonstrate greater LBNPtolerance associated with higher HR, PVR, and SNA than subjects with BRS <1.0. Methods: 112 subjects underwent LBNP to presyncope. SNA was measured via microneurography (N= 19) and arterial pressure (AP) was measured by finger photoplethysmography. BRS was auto‐calculated (WinCPRS) as ∆RR/∆AP. BRS was used to dichotomize subjects into two groups (Group 1 = BRS > 1.0, N = 49, and Group 2 = BRS < 1.0, N = 67). Results: Both groups had similar tolerance times (1849±260 vs. 1839 ±253 sec), AP (78±11 vs. 79±12 mmHg), and cardiac output (4.5±1.2 vs. 4.7 ± 1.1 L/min) at presyncope. Group 1 (BRS>1.0) had lower HR (107 ± 19 vs. 131 ± 20 beats/min), higher SV (45 ± 15 vs. 36 ± 15 ml), less SNA (45 ± 13 vs. 53 ± 7 bursts/min), and less increase in PVR (4.1 ± 1.3 vs. 4.5 ± 2.6) compared to Group 2 (BRS < 1.0). Conclusions: Contrary to our hypothesis, higher HR, SNA and BRS were not associated with greater tolerance to reduced central blood volume. In a cohort of high tolerant subjects, some individuals rely on cardiac filling and vagal withdrawal to defend AP while others rely on sympathoexcitation.Grant Funding Source: Department of Defense
Cats that successfully vent gastric acid‐derived CO2 exhibit different muscle activation than those that do not (1178.13)
Authors: Held Heather , Dean Jay , Lindsey Bruce , Pitts Teresa , Rose Melanie , Mortensen Ashley , Nicholas Justine , Baekey David , Davenport Paul , Bolser Donald 
Published: June 2021

We previously reported that inhaling 10% CO2 increased efflux of CO2‐laden gas from cats’ stomachs. Anesthetized cats were surgically instrumented: we measured electromyograms (EMGs) from respiratory and oropharyngeal muscles, including crural diaphragm (CD) and upper esophageal sphincter (UES), as well as tracheal and esophageal gas flow and composition. Animals were exposed to six, 10‐min bouts of 10% CO2 breathing separated by 10 min air breathing. All animals produced gastric CO2 and expelled it during cough, but half failed to expel CO2 during normal breathing (non‐responders (NR) n=4). Responders (Re, n=4) expelled gastric CO2 during normal breathing. EMGs were compared by t‐test to determine if different levels of muscle activation were present in the two groups. EMG signals were rectified and analyzed breath‐by‐breath for inspiratory (ins) and expiratory (exp) values and are presented as mean percent of the highest value observed for that animal ± SE.Compared to Re, NR had higher UES activation during CO2 (15.7±2.1 vs. 21.0±1.9% ins; 15.5±2.1 vs. 19.0±1.1% exp). During air, only ins was different (11.9±1.8 vs. 16.8±1.8%). NR had higher CD activation during ins CO2 (43.9±1.0 vs. 49.4±3.2% ins) but lower activation during exp CO2 (16.5±1.9 vs. 5.7±0.9%) and exp air (15.2±2.0 vs. 5.7±0.9%) breathing. These results show differences in muscle activation between Re and NR, though they suggest that the diaphragmatic portion of the lower esophageal sphincter is less important than suspected.Grant Funding Source: NIH HL89104, HL103415 & ONR
Cultural context is associated with intent to pursue nutrition careers in a diverse population (118.4)
Authors: McEligot Archana , Chandler Laura , Tran Natalie , Pillazar Lyanna , Steinberg Francene 
Published: June 2021

Childhood obesity is a growing epidemic, and without an appropriate workforce training and education, the epidemic may continue to escalate. The current study focuses on increasing the number of diverse students entering childhood obesity and nutrition‐related careers via developing nutrition education curricula, integrating cultural contextual issues. Using baseline data, we assessed predictors associated with students’ intent to pursue childhood obesity and nutrition‐related careers. Undergraduate students (N = 208) at a comprehensive university completed an 82‐item survey. Factor analysis yielded seven constructs: intent to pursue future careers in nutrition/childhood obesity, knowledge of childhood obesity and social influence, knowledge of childhood obesity and cultural influence, general understanding of physical activity, understanding of children’s physical activity, knowledge of nutrition and obesity, and knowledge of foods and disease risks. The sample represented a diverse population with 41% API, 33% Latino, and 26% NHW. Results indicate that after controlling for social class, GPA, and the number of units completed in health science, those who reported higher knowledge of cultural influence on childhood obesity are more likely to have interest in pursuing nutrition/childhood obesity careers (p = .009). Further, we found a significant (p=0.02) higher intent for Latino students to pursue nutrition careers that involve cultural factors related to childhood obesity. These findings have important implications of including a curriculum focusing on the socio‐cultural aspects of childhood obesity to potentially increase the number and interest of students entering nutrition‐related fields.Grant Funding Source: Supported by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Higher Education Challenge grant, #
Fathers’ and grandmothers’ motivation to serve as volunteer peer educators to improve maternal and child nutrition in Western Kenya (119.2)
Authors: Martin Stephanie , Thuita Faith , Muhoma Terry , Bingham Allison , Mukuria Altrena 
Published: June 2021

Suboptimal maternal and child nutrition practices contribute to high rates of stunting and mortality in Western Kenya. In formative research to understand the sociocultural context of nutrition, mothers identified fathers and grandmothers as highly influential, and they, in turn, expressed a desire to better support family nutrition. We implemented a peer‐led group dialogue‐based intervention designed to engage fathers and grandmothers to improve nutrition practices. After four months, we conducted a qualitative process evaluation to document peer educators’ and group members’ experiences. In‐depth interviews with 19 peer educators and 19 focus group discussions with members were conducted and analyzed thematically. We found that father and grandmother peer educators were motivated by improved communication with mothers, increased respect and appreciation from their families, and group members’ positive changes in behavior. Fathers also reported being motivated by increased respect from the community. Findings suggest it is important to build on culturally‐defined roles for fathers as providers and grandmothers as advisers, develop targeted messages specific to these roles, and officially recognize their training and contributions as peer educators. Understanding participation and motivation is central to the success, sustainability, and scalability of peer‐led nutrition interventions.Grant Funding Source: Support for this research was provided by the U.S. Agency for International Development
Lower dietary intake of long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids predict cognitive decline (124.4)
Authors: Scott Tammy , Lichtenstein Alice , Tucker Katherine 
Published: June 2021

Docosahexanoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA) are the predominant long‐chain fatty acids (LC‐PUFA) in the brain and are important for maintaining neuronal membrane fluidity, signaling, and modulation of inflammation. The primary source for both DHA and AA, as well as for DHA’s precursor eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), is from dietary intake. Our objective was to assess whether lower dietary intake of DHA, EPA, or AA were risk factors for cognitive decline in the Boston Puerto Rican Health Study cohort (n=733; mean age = 57y, SD ± 7.5). Cognitive testing was conducted at baseline and two‐year follow‐up; composite scores for executive function and memory were derived. Cognitive decline was defined as 蠅 1 SD decrease in score. Baseline LC‐PUFA intake was determined through food frequency questionnaire. Statistical models were adjusted for baseline cognitive scores, demographics, lifestyle variables, health co‐morbidities and energy and fat intake. Quintiles of DHA, EPA, AA, and combined DHA+EPA intake were calculated. Results showed that being in the lowest four quintiles of DHA (<=.195 g), EPA (<=.101 g), AA (<.217 g), or combined intake (<=.30 g) was predictive of executive function decline over two years [OR=1.88 (95% CI 1.05‐3.37); OR=2.08 (95% CI 1.13‐3.81); OR=2.42 (95% CI 1.15‐5.10); OR=2.21(95% CI 1.21‐4.06), p<0.05; respectively]. Lower baseline DHA, EPA or AA were not predictive of memory decline.Grant Funding Source: Supported by: USDA agreement No. 58‐1950‐0‐014 and NIH grants P01 AG023394 and P50 HL105185
Calcium supplementation during pregnancy improves tibial bone density at one year post‐partum in racially diverse women (250.3)
Authors: Hacker Andrea , King Janet , Van Loan Marta , Gertz Erik , Adams Mickye , Sawyer Aenor , Fung Ellen 
Published: June 2021

Low calcium intakes during pregnancy may mobilize the maternal skeletal calcium to meet fetal needs. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of maternal calcium supplementation on peripheral cortical and trabecular bone loss during pregnancy (PG) and gain postpartum (PP). Sixty‐four women (21 African American, 20 Caucasian, 10 Hispanic, 9 Asian, 4 Other) were enrolled in the study at 16 weeks gestation and randomized to 1000 mg of calcium/day (CA) or placebo during PG. Measurements were done at 16, 26 and 36 weeks of PG and 4 and 12 months PP for osteocalcin (OST), c‐peptide of type 1 procollagen (CICP), or c‐terminal telopeptide (CTx). Trabecular and cortical bone mineral density (BMD) and content were assessed at the tibia by peripheral quantitative computed tomography. 80% of subjects have completed the study to date. Calcium intake averaged 906±596 mg /day at baseline. There was a significant difference between CA and Placebo in OST, p=0.025; CICP, p=0.012 and CTx, p=0.008 in PP time points. Using intention to treat analysis, and general linear models for longitudinal data, adjusting for baseline, the CA group had significantly greater increases in total BMD at the 4 and 12 mo PP visits (p=0.043), and a trend towards an increase in trabecular BMD (p=0.064) at 12 mo PP, compared to Placebo. These data suggest that supplemental calcium during pregnancy may improve BMD recovery in the postpartum period.Grant Funding Source: USDA #UL1RR024131
Maternal low protein diet induces muscle mitochondrial respiration impairment, catch‐up growth and PGC‐1α expression (271.6)
Authors: Claycombe Kate , Roemmich James , Johnson W 
Published: June 2021

Malnutrition during the fetal growth period followed by postnatal catch‐up growth results in obesity and the development of type 2 diabetes (T2D). To determine whether a prenatal low protein diet followed by postnatal high fat diet increase offspring’s propensity to obesity and T2D, obese‐prone female Sprague‐Dawley rats were fed 8% (low protein; LP) or 20% protein (normal protein; NP) diets 3 weeks prior to mating. Dams were fed the same diet during pregnancy and lactation. Postnatally, male offspring were fed 10% (normal fat; NF) or 45% (high fat; HF) diets for 12 weeks. Maternal LP and post natal HF diets resulted in offspring obesity and increased insulin resistance. Recent studies showed that reduction in peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐gamma coactivator‐1alpha (PGC‐1α) increases risk for T2D due to decreased mitochondria biogenesis and oxidative metabolic function. No studies have demonstrated whether maternal LP and postnatal HF diets influence muscle PGC‐1α expression, mitochondria biogenesis, and mitochondrial oxidative respiratory functions. Data showed that skeletal muscle PGC‐1α protein expression is increased while mitochondrial oxygen consumption rate is decreased by maternal LP while postnatal HF diets had no effect. Mitochondria biogenesis, mRNA expression of mitochondrial biogenic factors including nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1) and cytochrome c oxidase 1and 4 (COX‐1 and 4) were unaffected by maternal LP and postnatal HF diets. Interestingly, skeletal muscle mitochondrial expression of acetylated succinate dehydrogenase was increased which may account for the decreased skeletal muscle mitochondrial respiratory in LP offspring. Taken together these data suggest that maternal LP and postnatal HF diets increase risk for T2D and muscle catch‐up growth while decreasing oxidative metabolic function.Grant Funding Source: Supported by USDA Agricultural Research Service Project #5450‐51000‐047‐00D.