bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dysregulated affinity of lamin A to SUN1 induces nuclear and endoplasmic reticulum aberrancies in progeric laminopathies (1009.1)
Authors: Chi Ya‐Hui 
Published: June 2021

Hutchinson‐Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) is a human progeroid disease caused by a point mutation on the LMNA gene. We have previously reported that the accumulation of the nuclear envelope (NE) protein, SUN1, contributes to HGPS nuclear aberrancies. However, how the interaction between the mutant lamin A (also known as progerin or LAΔ50) and SUN1 produces HGPS cellular phenotypes requires further elucidation. Using light and electron microscopy, this study demonstrated that SUN1 contributes to progerin‐elicited structural changes in the NE and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) network. This study identified the full‐length lamin A associated with SUN1 in two domains, with the farnesylated cysteine within the CaaX motif (C661farnesyl) showing a stronger affinity to SUN1 than to the amino acids within 607 to 656 (LMNA‐SID). Farnesylation of progerin enhances its interaction with SUN1 and reduces SUN1 mobility, thereby promoting the aberrant recruitment of the ER membrane during postmitotic assembly of the nuclear envelope, and resulting in the accumulation of SUN1 over consecutive cellular divisions. These results indicate that the dysregulated interaction of SUN1 and progerin in the ER during NE reformation determines the progression of HGPS.Grant Funding Source: Supported by the National Science Concil, Taiwan
Genome‐wide microRNA and mRNA profiling in skeletal muscle aging (1009.5)
Authors: Kwon Ki‐Sun , Kim Ji Young , Lee Seung‐Min , Lee Kwang Pyo , Kim Seon‐Young 
Published: June 2021

Skeletal muscle degenerates progressively, loses mass (sarcopenia) along in years, and leads to reduced physical ability, often causing secondary diseases such as diabetes and obesity. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play critical roles in a variety of biological processes and it is also known that regulation of gene expression by miRNAs is a key event in muscle development and disease. Although there are several report to profile miRNA expression in skeletal muscle with age, these studies are typically medium scale profiling using microarray technique. Here, we performed next‐generation sequencing which allowed us to assess genome‐wide expression profiling of miRNAs during aging in combination with RNA‐Seq using mouse gastrocnemius muscle at two different ages (6‐mo‐old versus 24‐mo‐old). We found that 39 miRNAs were differentially expressed with age, 20 up‐regulated and 19 down‐regulated. We identified miRNAs, such as miR‐34, ‐206, or ‐434, which are differentially expressed in aged muscle, demonstrating that our data covers, at least in part, previous findings. Further detailed comparison of miRNA expression with its target gene expression from RNA‐Seq data revealed that miRNAs contribute to muscle aging possibly through the positive regulation of transcription, metabolic process, kinase activity. Finally, we believe genome‐wide miRNA profiling helps to expand our knowledge of miRNA function in the muscle aging process.Grant Funding Source: Supported by Grant 20110030134 from NRF of Korea
Cell survival proteins in fermented milk (1010.16)
Authors: Coria Evelyn , Payne Monique 
Published: June 2021

Cell Survival Proteins in Fermented Milk Probiotics are living microorganisms that when administered in adequate amounts can have beneficial effects to the host. Fermented milk, which contains probiotics, has shown the potential to protect against excessive oxidative/ nitrosative stress. Overproduction of nitric oxide (NO·) within the cell ultimately leads to cell death. Past studies have alluded to the idea that components produced by the microbiota may serve as growth factors for the cells. The aim of this study was to determine if fermented milk protects cells from nitrosative stress as well as identifying the active component. The results showed that proteins isolated from fermented milk aided in the recovery/survival of cells treated with NO·. Further investigation of the fermentation process revealed new proteins were produced. Identification and cloning of these protein(s) will not only help elucidate the “pro‐survival” mechanism, but may act as potential therapies for any oxidative/nitrosative based phenomenon or disease.Grant Funding Source: Supported by Title V STEM
Static high‐gradient magnetic fields affect the functionality of monocytic cells (1010.5)
Authors: Syrovets Tatiana , Schmidt Zoe , Büchele Berthold , Zablotskii Vitalii , Dejneka Alexandr , Dempsey Nora , Simmet Thomas 
Published: June 2021

Magnetic fields, different to electric fields, can intrude into deeper layers of tissue, where they could modulate biochemical processes. In this context, we explored the cellular effects of specifically designed high‐performance micro‐magnet arrays which, in contrast to conventional magnets, generate high‐gradient magnetic fields not encountered in the environment. Exposure of monocytic cells to high‐gradient magnetic fields of various strength generated by micro‐magnet arrays induced cell swelling followed by accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and inhibition of cell proliferation. High levels of ROS may damage cellular structures and induce apoptosis. Consistently, prolonged exposure of cells to high‐gradient magnetic fields induced time‐dependent translocation of phosphatidylserine to the outer leaflet of the membrane. The extent of cell swelling, ROS production, and apoptosis correlated with the degree of the magnetic field gradient. On the contrary, when cells were exposed for prolonged time to a conventional high‐performance bulk magnet, which produces a strong, yet low‐gradient magnetic field, neither ROS nor apoptosis induction became detectable. These data clearly show that the static high‐gradient magnetic fields generated by the micro‐magnet arrays do affect monocytic cell functionality and may be used to manipulate intracellular biochemical processes.Grant Funding Source: Supported by DFG; ASCR, grant M100101219; and ANR, grant ANR‐11‐BSV5‐0101.
Empowering adolescent girls against anemia in West Bengal, India (1014.6)
Authors: Chakraborty Priyanka , Bhattacharyya Indrani 
Published: June 2021

Objective: To describe the baseline characteristics (2011) and intervention strategies of the government funded scheme SABALA, an effort to empower adolescent girls (AG), 11‐18 yrs to prevent and manage iron deficiency anemia in six high priority districts of West Bengal, India.Study design and methods: This is a cohort study of AGs, selected as beneficiaries under the SABALA scheme. Target sample size (1080 AGs) was estimated using non‐probability purposive sampling for survey, final sample size was 804. For FGDs and interviewing 108 AGs and stakeholders were selected respectively. Knowledge assessment on general nutrition, cause and symptoms of anemia and awareness on IFA tablets were conducted. Information on demography and family background were also collected. Intervention strategies proposed by the scheme will include peer‐mentoring, whereby 1‐3 AGs in Anganwadi (ICDS) Centers of the districts will be trained on health and nutrition issues to promote anemia prevention strategies and motivate other AGs to join the scheme. Other interventions will include IFA supplementation, health check‐up and referral services and Nutrition and Health Education. SPSS 19.0 was used for all data analysis.Baseline characteristics (Results): Early marriage (40%) and school dropouts (50%) were among the prominent problems in all the 6 districts. While 79% of AGs were aware of anemia in Cooch Bihar district, only 25% were aware in the remaining 5 districts (p < 0.05). Other than Cooch Bihar, > 70% of AGs had never consumed IFA tablets (p < 0.05). Study results indicate stakeholders have limited knowledge and awareness on AG health issues and IFA sources, which can be potential barriers for implementing the scheme. Logistic regression results showed no significant association with nutrition knowledge and anemia prevalence among the respondents in each district.Conclusion: Results from this baseline study identify the priority areas and barriers for the successful implementation of the SABALA scheme.
Anti‐diabetic efficacy of Fenfuroœ, a novel, patented Trigonella foenum‐graecum seed extract (1019.14)
Authors: Bagchi Debasis , Swaroop Anand , Kumar Pawan , Bagchi Manashi 
Published: June 2021

Anti‐diabetic efficacy of a novel Trigonella foenum‐graecum seed extract (FenfuroTM) enriched in furostanolic saponins was investigated. Sprague‐Dawley rats were given high‐fat diet for 2 weeks followed by streptozotocin (STZ, 35 mg/kg ip). Animals were checked for plasma glucose level (PGL) 2 days post+STZ injection to confirm diabetes. Rats showed >300 mg/dl of PGL were included. FenfuroTM (150‐ and 450 mg/kg po) and glipizide (5 mg/kg po) were administered once daily for 20 days and then twice daily for 10 days over 30 days. Blood was collected on 0, 10, 20 and 30 days and estimated for fasting plasma triglyceride (PTG), TC and Insulin levels. On day 30, FenfuroTM and glipizide‐treated diabetic animals were treated with/without metformin (100 mg/kg) twice daily for the next 10 days. FenfuroTM didn’t affect the body weight, feed and water intake. FenfuroTM (150 mg/kg po) reduced the PTG levels by 22%, 24.6% and 29% on 10‐, 20‐ and 30‐days of treatment, respectively, while glipizide (5 mg/kg po) reduced the PTG levels by 57.4%, 46.2% and 39.4%. FenfuroTM (450 mg/kg) treatment exhibited significant hypoglycemic activity (31.5%) as compared to insulin (48.2% with 1 U/kg i.p.). Fenugreek (150 mg/kg po) and Metformin (100 mg/kg po) combination produced significant reduction in PGL (20.7%). These studies demonstrated the efficacy of this FenfuroTM extract in type 2 diabetes.Grant Funding Source: Supported by Cepham Inc, NJ
Healthy kids, healthy Cuba: strategies to increase healthy food access in an ethnically diverse, rural Southwest community through policy and environmental change (1019.3)
Authors: Keane Patricia , Ortega Alejandro 
Published: June 2021

Objective: The Healthy Kids, Healthy Cuba project aims to increase access to fresh, healthy food and safe places to walk and play through policy and environmental change in this small, tri‐ethnic rural community in northern New Mexico. Strategies include the development of a farmers’ market, expansion of community garden, vending policies at county fairgrounds, and promotion of backyard gardening in outlying American Indian communities.Methods: Qualitative Interviews, focus groups, field notes, environmental assessments.Results: Unique challenges in small, rural communities can be overcome to improve access to fresh healthy foods, but require persistence, identification of key champions, and innovative, culturally‐responsive approaches. Additional results will be reported.Conclusions: Healthy Kids, Healthy Cuba may serve as a model for other rural communities facing similar challenges and limited resources.Grant Funding Source: Supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Healthy Kids, Healthy Communities Initiative
Using family‐based experiential learning to improve nutrition knowledge, dietary intake, physical activity, and food purchasing behaviors among Latina WIC participants and their children: a pilot study (1021.3)
Authors: Gewa Constance , Pawloski Lisa , Kanianthra Anna , Forrester Mena , Long Erika , Legum Margaret 
Published: June 2021

Objective: To examine the impact of a family‐based nutrition education program on nutrition knowledge, diet, physical activity, and food purchasing behaviors of Latina mothers and children participating in Northern Virginia Women, Infant, Children (WIC) programs.Methods: Surveys were administered to mothers (n=15) using a pre‐test/post‐test design. The family‐based nutrition intervention included 1) Discussion and lecture on food labels, food purchasing, portion sizes, and healthy meals, 2) Experiential learning focused on preparation and storage of low‐cost, healthy meals incorporating WIC foods, and 3) A Zumba class and discussion on physical activity.Results: The data revealed improved diet such that mothers reported increased fruit and vegetable consumption, decreased juice consumption among their children. Mothers reported their children were more physically active. Further, mothers prepared more meals at home using raw ingredients.Conclusions: The findings are significant in that they support growing literature of the success of family based interventions. Further, these data show the importance of integrating experiential learning activities such as cooking and physical activity with the more traditional didactic methods.This research was supported the Virginia Department of Health and the HRSA funded Virginia Commonwealth Public Health Training Center.Grant Funding Source: Supported by the Virginia Department of Health and HRSA funded Virginia PHTC
Food frequency questionnaire as an indicator of serum essential n‐3 and n‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acids concentrations in early pregnancy, according to body mass index (1022.3)
Authors: Lepsch Jaqueline , Vaz Juliana , Pinto Thatiana , Rebelo Fernanda , Farias Dayana , Franco‐Sena Ana Beatriz , Kac Gilberto 
Published: June 2021

Objective: To investigate whether food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) is indicative of serum essential n‐3 and n‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) concentrations in early pregnancy and if correlations differ between Body Mass Index (BMI) categories. Methods: Cross‐sectional study of 248 pregnant women between 6th and the 13th weeks of gestation. Analyses comprised Spearman’s correlation (rs) for total sample and also stratified according to BMI (kg/m2) [underweight/normal weight (<25; n=139) and overweight (蠅25; n=109)]. Results: In the total sample, dietary report was significantly correlated with serum PUFA (rs=0.243, P<0.001), linoleic acid (LA, 18:2n‐6; rs=0.278, P<0.001), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n‐3; rs=0.277, P<0.001) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n‐3; rs=0.207, P<0.001) concentrations. We observed that underweight/normal weight women presented significant correlations between FFQ and serum concentrations of total PUFA (rs=0.339, P<0.001), LA (rs=0.332, P<0.001), EPA (rs=0.355, P<0.001) and DHA (rs=0.179, P=0.034) and overweight women only with alpha linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3n‐3; rs=0.195, P=0.042) and DHA (rs=0.241, P=0.011). Conclusions: FFQ may be indicative of the serum composition of essential n‐3 and n‐6 PUFAs in early pregnancy. Higher correlations were observed in the underweight/normal weight women.Grant Funding Source: Supported by FAPERJ, Cnpq and CAPES
Association between serum vitamin D and insulin resistance in African Americans with type 2 diabetes (1030.3)
Authors: Exebio Joel , Zarini Gustavo , Vaccaro Joan , Ajabshir Sahar , Cheema Amanpreet , Antwi Janet , Antwi Janet , Huffman Fatma 
Published: June 2021

The purpose of the study was to determine the association between serum vitamin D and insulin resistance measured by HOMA2‐IR index in a sample of African Americans with type 2 diabetes residing in South Florida. Subjects were recruited by community outreach. One hundred and eleven subjects (n=111) were included in the study. Fasting plasma insulin and glucose were used to calculate HOMA2‐IR. Serum vitamin D was measured with an enzyme‐immunoassay kit by absorbance. HOMA2‐IR values were log transformed to achieve normality. Unadjusted and adjusted multilinear regressions were used to determine the association between log HOMA2‐IR and serum vitamin D. Log HOMA2‐IR was the dependent variable. The mean age, BMI, A1C, energy intake, serum vitamin D, and log HOMA2‐IR values were 54.73 ± 10.21 years, 35.90 ± 8.22 kg/m2, 7.61 ± 1.92 (%), 2088.47 ± 1116.58 kcal, 19.12 ± 8.86 (ng/mL), and 0.22 ± 0.29 respectively. In the unadjusted model, serum vitamin D was associated with log HOMA2‐IR (β=‐0.203, P=0.030). However, the association did not hold after adjusting for covariates (P=0.109). Age (P=0.020), BMI (P=0.001), and A1C (P=0.002) were strongly associated with HOMA2‐IR. The association among serum vitamin D and HOMA2‐IR was confounded by age, BMI and A1C.Grant Funding Source: Supported by NIH/NIDDK sponsored grant. JE was supported by NIH/NIGMS R25 GM061347.
Organ inflammation and oxidative damages in fructose‐fed adult offspring born of fructose‐fed dams: modulation by maternal bitter melon supplementation (1033.6)
Authors: Li Edmund , Ching Rachel 
Published: June 2021

Hyperinsulinemia and dyslipidemia in offspring born of high fructose (F)‐fed dams could be reversed by supplementing bitter melon juice extract to the F dams (FBM). However, when offspring were also fed F, only serum free fatty acid but not insulin level was normalized in those born of FBM dams. This study further examined the impacts of cross‐generation F intake on organ inflammation in the offspring and the effects of maternal BM supplementation. Virgin female rats received control (C), F (60%), or BM‐supplemented fructose (FBM; 1%) diet before conception until d 21 of lactation. Weaned offspring were fed to the C or F diet for 20 wk, forming C/C, C/F, F/F, FBM/F groups. Compared to the C/F and FBM/F rats, F/F rats had higher PPARγ gene expression in adipose tissue but lower gene methylation at the promoter region. Expression of TNFα, IL‐6 and leptin followed that of PPARγ responses to maternal F and FBM. Maternal BM dampened F‐induced hepatic inflammation, lowering SOCS3 mRNA level and JNK1 phosphorylation. There were higher activities of antioxidant enzymes and lower malondialdehyde level and JNK1 phosphorylation in the brain of FBM/F compared with the F/F group. The results show plasticity of fetal programming in that maternal BM supplementation mitigated F‐induced peripheral organ dysfunction and inflammation, and exerted neuroprotective effects against oxidative damages in the brain of adult offspring.Grant Funding Source: Supported by a HKU grant
Effect of a dietary portfolio (nopal, chia, soy, oat and inulin) on serum lipoprotein profile in subjects with metabolic syndrome (1035.7)
Authors: Aguilar Miriam , Medina Isabel , Guevara Martha , Radyx Miriam , Orozco Ximena , Jimenez Edith , Flores Adriana , Castaño‐Jameson Marisol , Ayala Brenda , Vazquez Natalia , Tovar Armando , Torres Nimbe 
Published: June 2021

Approximately one of each two Mexicans adults present metabolic syndrome. The initial treatment includes changes in lifestyle, such as the consumption of specific dietary portfolio (DP). The aim of this study was to assess the effect of this DP on subjects with metabolic syndrome on serum lipoprotein profile, anthropometric measurements, blood pressure and HbA1c. Thirty‐two patients after two and a half months of dietary treatment had a significant decrease in body weight (‐3.5%), BMI (‐6.2%), percentage of fat mass (‐2.7%), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (‐7%, ‐9.8%) and HBA1c (‐1.7%). There was a significant decrease in serum total triglycerides (‐20.9%), VLDL and chylomicron triglyceride (‐6.3%), IDL particles (‐20.7), LDL particles (‐6.3%) particularly the small LDL particles (‐13.6), whereas the large LDL particles increased (29.9%). In summary, the addition of functional food to the DP may reduce the cardiovascular risk by producing a less atherogenic lipoprotein profile.Grant Funding Source: Supported by Medix (to NT) and CONACYT grant 181685 (to MG)
Iron bioavailability of low and high phytic aid maize produced via recurrent selection (1042.4)
Authors: Beavers Alyssa , Scott Paul , Moran Lauter Adrienne , Goggi Susana , Reddy Manju 
Published: June 2021

Phytic acid is a potent inhibitor of iron absorption and is abundant in staple food crops. Low phytic acid (lpa) maize mutants have been produced, but have poor germination rates. The first objective of this study was to determine if conventional breeding can be used to select for phytic acid content in maize without reductions in germination rate, and the second objective was to determine the iron bioavailability of maize produced through this method. For the first objective, the BS11 maize population was used in a recurrent selection breeding program to selectively breed for both low phytic acid (BS11LPA) and high phytic acid (BS11HPA) content, and germination tests were performed for both groups and compared with the lpa mutant. For the second objective, maize samples were subjected to in vitro digestion and then applied to Caco‐2 cells to assess iron bioavailability. Our results show that phytic acid content is significantly different among all three maize varieties, with BS11HPA>BS11LPA>lpa mutant (p<0.05). Germination rates for both BS11LPA and BS11HPA are significantly (p<0.05) greater than for the lpa mutant. Iron bioavailability was ≍35% higher in the BS11LPA maize than the BS11HPA maize (p<0.05, n=8), but there was no significant difference in bioavailability between BS11LPA and lpa mutant maize (p>0.05, n=8). This study concludes that selective breeding can produce low phytic acid maize with better germination rates than lpa mutant maize, and that this maize has similar iron bioavailability compared with lpa mutants.Grant Funding Source: Supported by USDA‐ARS
Mapping the response of hepatic human fibroblast growth factor 21 promoter to nutrient availability (1045.10)
Authors: Moreau Regis , Yi Xiaohua , Pashaj Anjeza , Xia Mengna 
Published: June 2021

The pleiotropic hormone‐like polypeptide, fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), is a major modulator of lipid and glucose metabolism and an exploratory treatment strategy for obesity related metabolic disorders. Recombinant FGF21 (rFGF21) is currently being investigated as therapeutic against high blood lipids and type‐2 diabetes. However, the high costs of producing rFGF21 and the mode of delivery by injection are important limitations to its wide therapeutic use. A cost effective and practical alternative is to stimulate endogenous FGF21 production through diet. Our research shows that naturally occurring dietary compound R‐α‐lipoic acid (LA) stimulates liver Fgf21 expression (+175%) and blood FGF21 levels (+330%) and replicates the adaptive metabolic response to fasting supported by FGF21 in vivo. In the present study, we interrogate FGF21 promoter regulation from HepG2 human hepatocellular carcinoma cells under fed and starved states and in the presence of LA. We employed Formaldehyde‐Assisted Isolation of Regulatory Elements (FAIRE)‐coupled qPCR to quantify nucleosome‐depleted regions in the promoter. Our results provide new insights into how nutrient‐responsive transcription factor binding sites regulate FGF21. The potential impact of this work is that LA may prove to be a safe and affordable means to stimulate FGF21 production.Grant Funding Source: Supported by UNL Faculty Seed Grant, and Layman Seed Award.