bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differential expression of corticotropin releasing factor and urocortins in the Schistosoma mansoni‐infected mouse ileum (214.2)
Authors: Buckinx Roeland , Bagyánszki Mária , Avula Leela , Adriaensen Dirk , Van Nassauw Luc , Timmermans Jean‐Pierre 
Published: June 2021

Corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) and urocortins (UCNs) are important ligands in the CRF signaling pathways, most well‐known from the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal stress axis. However, peripheral CRF signaling has profound effects on gastrointestinal functions. Despite the potential of the murine animal model in elucidating this complexly balanced pathway through genetic manipulation, little is known regarding the expression of CRF and UCNs in the intestinal wall of the mouse. This study therefore investigates the cellular localization of CRF and UCNs in the ileum and examines how this cellular expression is altered in intestinal schistosomiasis. The results show a diverse expression of CRF and UCNs in the enteric nervous system, granulocytes and the ileal musculature. Of special interest was the de novo expression of UCN3 in a majority of submucous vasodilator/secretomotor neurons, possibly strengthening CRF2‐mediated effects during inflammation. In conclusion, we outline for the first time the ileal expression of CRF signaling ligands in the mouse, and point to important changes of this signaling system in intestinal inflammation.Grant Funding Source: Supported by a grant of the Flemish Organization for Scientific Research (FWO G.0179.08)
Nuclear transport and gene expression (238.3)
Authors: Weis Karsten 
Published: June 2021

Nuclear export is an essential step in the expression of every eukaryotic mRNA. However, it remains poorly understood how mRNAs are unidirectionally transported across the nuclear envelope and how this process is regulated. The DEAD‐box ATPase Dbp5/DDX19 functions in mRNA export and is thought to remove mRNA export factors from the message to terminate the translocation through the nuclear pore complex (NPC). Dbp5 is localized to the NPC via an interaction with Nup159/Nup214 and is locally activated there by Gle1 together with the small‐molecule inositol hexakisphosphate (IP6). Local activation of Dbp5 at the NPC by Gle1 is essential for mRNA export in vivo but the mechanistic role of Dbp5 in mRNP export remains unlcear. We have addressed the question of how Dbp5 contributes to directional mRNA export and have analysed the function of Dbp5 biochemically, structurally and by single molecule experiments.Once mRNAs reach the cytoplasm, they can be either translated, stored or decayed. An important regulator of the transition between mRNA translation and decay is the DEAD‐box ATPase Dhh1/DDX6. We have shown that recruitment of Dhh1 to an mRNA is sufficient to move this mRNA from an active state to translational repression and to localize it into processing bodies (P bodies). Our research has focused on the question of how the ATPase function of Dhh1 is used to control whether an mRNA is translated, stored or decayed.
Fatty acid desaturase 3 null mouse biochemical phenotype (246.5)
Authors: Zhang Jiyao , Qin Xia , Liang Allison , Kim Ellen , Lawrence Peter , Kothapalli Kumar , Brenna J. 
Published: June 2021

Introduction. We report here generation of the first Fads3 knockout (KO) mouse and initial observations about its biochemical phenotype. Fatty acid desaturase 3 (FADS3) is a member of the FADS gene cluster. FADS1 and FASDS2 code for the rate‐limiting enzymes in LCPUFA biosynthesis. FADS3 has no known function.Methods. All mice (wild type (WT) and KO) were fed standard rodent chow devoid of LCPUFA. Brain and livers were harvested on day 1, 3, 7, 13, 21, and 30 of age for fatty acid and gene expression analysis. Gene expression levels were measured by quantitative and semi‐quantitative real time PCR.Preliminary Results. No differences in overt phenotypes (survival, fertility, growth rate) were observed between WT and KO. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n‐3) levels in the brain of postnatal day 1 (P1) KO mice were significantly (P<0.05) lower than the WT. No significant Fads1 and Fads2 mRNA expression changes were detected. Elovl2 is known to catalyze the conversion of C20 PUFA. Hepatic Elovl2 expression was significantly upregulated in P1 KO mice compared to WT, and the 22:6n‐3‐precursor 22:5n‐3 was about double in KO vs WT mice.Conclusion. Fads3 null mice have lower brain 22:6n‐3, greater liver 22:5n‐3, and greater liver Elovl2 expression on Day1, though all levels normalize within days. Fads3 appears to influence liver‐mediated 22:6n‐3 synthesis and brain 22:6n‐3 accretion in perinatal life in the Fads3 KO mouse.Grant Funding Source: NIH R01 AT007003
Iron and complementary feeding of breast‐fed infants (247.3)
Authors: Friel James , Qasem Wafaa , Hossain Zakir , Jorgensen Sarah 
Published: June 2021

The American Pediatric Society and Health Canada both recommend that iron fortified cereal (most iron unabsorbed) or meat (most iron absorbed) be introduced to all breast‐fed infants at six months of age to support iron stores and linear growth. Evidence suggests that the iron contained in these foods, particularly cereal, is not fully absorbed and will collect in the colon with the possibility of free radical generation and intestinal inflammation.Objectives: To assess the safety of the recommended first solid food for exclusively breast‐fed infants from a free radical perspective.Methods: Ninety exclusively breastfed infants are being randomized to 1 of 3 feeding groups: iron fortified cereal (FeCer), iron fortified cereal with fruit (FeCF) or meat (M). Urine and stool samples are collected before introduction of study foods (4‐5.5 months) and 3 weeks after introduction of these foods to assess: urinary F2 isoprostanes (LC‐MS‐MS), urinary 8OH‐deoxy guanosine, fecal calprotectin (ELISA), reactive oxygen species (ROS‐HPLC) and non‐heme iron generation (Colorimetric) in the stool, and the fecal microbiome by 16S RNA gene pyrosequencing.Preliminary results are: urinary isoprostanes (base: 10.1+7.2; after feeds 12.8 + 7.6 ng/mg/ml creatinine; n=25) did not differ over time or between feeding groups at either baseline or after feeds. ROS did not differ between groups at either sampling time nor within the FeCF and M group over time, however there was a trend to increased free radical generation in the FeCer group (base: 0.018 + 0.019; after feeds 0.037 + 0.015 RU; n=12; P = 0.087).Conclusion: Our hypothesis was that iron fortified cereals would provide unabsorbed iron that would reduce the ability of the colon to resist oxidative stress and has been supported from this preliminary subset. The newborn breast‐fed infant may not cope with large amounts of unabsorbed iron in the colon.Grant Funding Source: Supported by CIHR
4‐Hydroxynonenol is present in human milk and related to gestational age at delivery and excessive infant weight gain (247.6)
Authors: Young Bridget , Morrow Ardythe , Davidson Barbara , Geraghty Sheela , Patinkin Zachary , Krebs Nancy 
Published: June 2021

4‐hydroxynonenol (HNE; a protein adduct product of lipid peroxidation) may serve as a novel marker of oxidative stress in human milk (HM). We investigated the determinants of HNE in HM and relationships between HNE and maternal BMI, HM cytokines, and infant growth.Anthropometry was performed on 36 mothers and their healthy term (37‐42 weeks) exclusively breastfed infants at T1 (2 weeks), T2 (4 months) and T3 (6 months). HM was collected at T1 and T2 for macronutrient, HNE, IL‐6, IL‐8, and TNF‐α analysis. Infants gaining more than 0.66 weight‐for‐length Z‐scores from T1 to T3 were considered over‐gainers.HNE in HM decreased from T1 to T2 (p<0.01); this decrease was attenuated when controlling for total protein in HM (HNE:PRO) (p=0.09). HNE concentrations at T1 were positively associated with those at T2 (p=0.02, R2=0.16). Gestational age at delivery was inversely associated with HNE:PRO (p=0.02; R2=0.16). HNE:PRO (but not unadjusted HNE) was higher in HM of female infants at T1 (p=0.02) and T2 (p=0.09). HNE in HM was not related to maternal BMI or HM cytokine or macronutrient composition. HM of over‐gainers at T2 exhibited a trend for higher HNE:PRO (p=0.095) (but no difference in unadjusted HNE).These preliminary results suggest that HNE in HM may be impacted by length of gestation. HM HNE may affect infant weight gain patterns. Further research is warranted to fully characterize effects of this pro‐oxidant marker.Grant Funding Source: Supported by NIH T32 DK007658‐21, 5K24DK083772; Thrasher Research Fund; University of Colorado CCTSI
Identification of structural features of ursolic acid required to protect monocytes against metabolic stress‐induced dysfunction (249.5)
Authors: Nguyen Huynh Nga , Asmis Reto 
Published: June 2021

We showed that ursolic acid (UA), a pentacyclic triterpenoid with anti‐inflammatory properties, reduces atherosclerotic lesion size and improves kidney function in diabetic mice. We proposed that the atheroprotective effects of UA are due to its ability to protect monocytes against metabolic stress‐induced dysfunction or “priming”, i.e. the Nox4‐mediated hyper‐responsiveness to chemokine‐induced cell adhesion and migration. The aim of this study was to test eight of UA’s naturally occurring structural analogs and identify the structural features of UA required to inhibit monocyte priming. We determined in metabolically primed THP‐1 monocytes the doses (0.03 ‐ 3 μM) at which UA and its analogues blocked metabolic stress‐induced Nox4 induction and accelerated chemotaxis in response to MCP‐1. Only the UA analogs uvaol and corosolic acid protected monocytes against metabolic priming. We found that altering the position of one methyl group in position 19 of UA abolishes its protective effects. Furthermore, the carboxyl group in position 17 appears to be critical but not sufficient for UA to prevent monocyte priming by metabolic stress. In summary, our data suggest a highly selective molecular mechanism for the protective effects of UA on monocyte priming and dysfunction and UA’s anti‐atherogenic properties. Identifying the functional groups responsible for UA’s beneficial effects will allow us to develop more potent, low‐cost dietary supplements for the prevention of atherosclerosis and other monocyte‐mediated diabetic complications.Grant Funding Source: Supported by grants to RA from the NIH (R01‐AT006885)
Wheat phenolics can prevent inflammation in human umbilical endothelial cells: effects on biomarkers relevant to development of cardiovascular diseases (249.7)
Authors: Noratto Giuliana , Mohanty Indira , Alcantara Zapata Diana , Chew Boon 
Published: June 2021

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the number one cause of death around the world. Whole wheat is a source of phenolics that can protect against inflammation‐induced CVD. However, the contents of extractable (EP) and non‐extractable (NEP) phenolics among cultivars and potential for CVD prevention have not been investigated.We assessed EP and NEP in 7 wheat cultivars grown in Washington and their protective effects (2‐8 µg/mL ) on modulation of glutathione S‐transferase activity (GST) by spectrophotometry. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and expression of inflammatory genes in HUVEC challenged with E. Coli lipopolysaccharides (LPS)(2µg/mL) or glucose (G)(25 mM) were assessed with commercial kits and qPCR.Results showed that EP contents were similar (0.7‐0.8 mg GAE/g) while NEP varied significantly (0.5‐1 mg GAE/g) among cultivars. LPS challenge induced ROS in HUVEC by 1.4‐fold of control and this effect was prevented by WestBred936 (spring hard) wheat phenolics in a dose‐dependent manner up to levels found in controls not challenged with LPS. Similar trend was found in G‐challenged cells. This protection was in part due to the induction of GST up to 2‐ and 3.5‐fold of LPS‐ and G‐challenged cells, and due to downregulation of NF‐ĸB mRNA levels and NF‐ĸB‐target genes IL‐6, ICAM1, and VCAM1. We are currently validating these results in vivo. Overall, these results may be of clinical relevance in the mitigation of inflammatory conditions that mediate the onset of CVD.Grant Funding Source: Supported by Washington Grain Commission
A tailored, fortified, poultry‐based spread (Spammy™) improves vitamin D and B12 of Guatemalan preschoolers as part of an institutional menu (250.5)
Authors: Hernandez Liza , Salguero Sylvana , Bonorden Melissa , Herreid Richard , Armas Laura , Paul Ligi , Selhub Jacob , Solomons Noel 
Published: June 2021

Background: Although the early years of life inherently pose nutritional vulnerability, geographical and cultural determinants dictate distinct patterns of nutrient deficiencies. Thus, tailoring responses holds the promise of more efficient and comprehensive redress.Objective: To assess the efficacy of a poultry‐based spread, fortified with between 20% and 333% of the RDA of 12 selected micronutrients, including vitamins D and B12, both shown to be precarious among Guatemalan preschoolers in a previous survey.Methods: A total of 167 preschoolers, aged 4‐7 y were randomized to receive 43 g of fortified (FS) or unfortified (US) SpammyTM during weekdays over 20 wks as part of the institutional breakfast at a faith‐based day‐care center on the outskirts of Guatemala City in a triple‐blinded format. Circulating nutrient status indicators (ferritin, 25(OH)vit D, vitamin B12) were measured at both ends of the trial.Results: Over 75% of the offered spread was consumed on 84% of serving days with no difference between treatment groups. At baseline, blood biomarkers were abnormally low for iron in 20%, vit D in 59% and vit B12 in 19%. A significant 9% increase in vit D (p<0.0001) and 23% vit B12 (p=0.0017) with FS, unmatched in the US group, were seen.Conclusion: Regular consumption of a fortified spread during half of the school year support improvement in the status of two nutrients problematic for Guatemalan preschoolers.Grant Funding Source: Supported by McGovern‐Dole Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program and Hormel Foods
A program impact pathway‐based process evaluation helps trace program implementation processes essential to achieving changes in infant and young child feeding practices in the Alive & Thrive initiative in Bangladesh (251.4)
Authors: Saha Kuntal , Rawat Rahul , Khaled Adiba , Kennedy Andrew , Roopnaraine Terry , Bhuiyan Mahbubul , Kim Sunny , Ruel Marie , Menon Purnima 
Published: June 2021

A&T aims to improve IYCF practices through intensive interpersonal communication (IPC) by well‐trained frontline workers (FLWs) and a mass‐media (MM) campaign. A cluster‐randomized impact evaluation in 20 subdistricts comparing A&T intensive [(A&T‐I) (IPC+MM)] and A&T non‐intensive [(A&T‐NI) (MM only)] areas shows positive early impacts of A&T‐I interventions (Menon et al.2013). A PIP‐based PE was conducted to examine 5 domains: FLW training; service delivery; coverage; service utilization; and behavioral impacts. Data: Surveys of randomly selected households with children 0‐23 mo (N=1000 per group) in 2010 (baseline) and 2013; 90 in‐depth qualitative interviews. At baseline, there were no differences in any domains. In A&T‐I areas in 2013, IYCF knowledge of FLW was better; FLW home visits were higher (89% vs. 40% in last 1 mo; p<0.05); and more mothers received IYCF advice from FLW (92% vs. 50%; p<0.05) compared to A&T‐NI areas. Maternal recall of 6 MM television spots in A&T‐I areas was 45‐65% and was slightly higher than in A&T‐NI areas (n.s.). Maternal IYCF knowledge, particularly of breastfeeding and introduction of complementary foods was better (p<0.05) in A&T‐I areas. Qualitative data shows that some negative social norms still persist and that infants were rarely fed adequate diets throughout the first 2 y of life. This PIP‐based PE indicates that key program elements of coverage, quality of service and intervention reach are in place, but some household‐level factors could limit impact.Grant Funding Source: Funding: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, through Alive & Thrive, managed by FHI360.
The growing dominance of Walmart in U.S. consumers’ food shopping baskets and caloric purchases: trends from 2000‐2012 (255.2)
Authors: Smith Lindsey , Ng Shu , Popkin Barry 
Published: June 2021

Little is known about who shops at Walmart, the proportion of calories purchased there, or kcal/dollar spent relative to other food stores. Using Nielsen Homescan pooled cross‐sectional nationally representative data on household purchases, we examined changes in annual percent of calories of consumer packaged foods/beverages (CPGs) purchased at Walmart from 2000‐2012 (N=643,600). The percent of households who shopped at Walmart rose from 67% to 78% from 2000 to 2012 (p<0.01). From quantile regression, among Walmart shoppers, the percent of CPG calories purchased at Walmart increased from a median of 4% in 2000 to 15% in 2012 (p<0.01). This change was even greater at the upper end of the distribution, with the 75th percentile of Wal‐Mart shopper purchasing 11% of CPG calories at Wal‐Mart in 2000 compared to 45% in 2012 (p<0.01). From multinomial logistic regression, 54% of low‐income households purchased a high proportion of their calories from Walmart compared to 35% of high‐income households (p<0.01). Race‐ethnic minority subpopulations were less likely to be in the high shoppers group compared to Whites (p<0.01). Walmart showed a greater decline in kcal/dollar spent than other food stores, decreasing from 734k kcal/dollar in 2000 to 441kcal/dollar in 2012 (p<0.01). Walmart plays an increasingly important role in influencing US food store purchases, particularly amongst low‐income and white subpopulations.Grant Funding Source: Supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (68793) and the Carolina Population Cen
Challenges and facilitators for implementing prenatal calcium supplementation to prevent preeclampsia: formative research with health care providers and women in Kenya (256.1)
Authors: Dickin Katherine , Seim Gretchen , Young Sera , Wawire Salome , Martin Stephanie 
Published: June 2021

Prenatal calcium supplementation is now recommended by the WHO to prevent preeclampsia and eclampsia (PE/E), a leading cause of maternal mortality globally. To guide calcium supplementation programming, we conducted in‐depth interviews with 20 Kenyan health care providers and 22 pregnant women/new mothers. Interviews assessed perceptions of PE/E, antenatal care (ANC), and challenges and motivations for delivering and taking supplements such as iron‐folic acid. Interviews were analyzed thematically. Most health staff were aware of the symptoms and severity of PE/E but saw it rarely. Women had not heard of PE/E and very few knew of any danger signs. Swelling of lower limbs was viewed as normal in pregnancy, as were many symptoms of anemia. Due to confusion about “low blood” (anemia) and “presha” (high blood pressure or PE/E), even among some health workers, messages promoting pills to prevent these two conditions appeared contradictory. Adherence barriers included lack of access to supplements and information about benefits, and low ANC attendance prior to late pregnancy. Widespread concern about poor diet quality in pregnancy was expressed. While respondents stated that this would motivate women to take calcium supplements, the lack of perceived risk of PE/E suggests a need for extensive staff training and community mobilization if this efficacious measure is to achieve its potential public health impact.Grant Funding Source: Supported by The Micronutrient Initiative
Height and BMI at five years of age following prenatal supplementation with docosahexaenoic acid in Mexico (256.8)
Authors: Gonzalez‐Casanova Ines , Stein Aryeh , Hao Wei , Feregrino Raquel , Romieu Isabelle , Barraza‐Villarreal Albino , Rivera Juan , Martorell Reynaldo , Ramakrishnan Usha 
Published: June 2021

Prenatal supplementation with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) improves birth outcomes such as preterm delivery and birth size, but less is known if these differences translate into improved postnatal growth. We examined growth patterns through age 5 y in a cohort of 802 Mexican children (82% of the original cohort) whose mothers participated in a randomized controlled trial of daily supplementation with 400 mg/day of DHA or a placebo from week 18‐22 of gestation through delivery. Overall, means (standard deviation) of height for age and body mass index (BMI) for age z‐scores relative to the WHO growth reference were ‐0.49 (0.91) and 0.13 (1.11) respectively. Intent‐to‐treat analyses revealed no significant differences by treatment group (DHA‐placebo, mean, 95% confidence interval) for height (‐0.01, ‐0.42, 40 cm), or BMI (‐0.02, ‐0.26, 0.22 kg/m2) at age 5. Post‐hoc analysis revealed significant (p=0.001) heterogeneity by breastfeeding status for height: among children not breastfed at 3 months of age, those exposed to DHA were 2.20 cm (95% CI 0.62, 3.79) taller at age 5 than those in the placebo group; among children receiving mixed or exclusive breastfeeding at 3 months there was no effect of DHA supplementation on size at age 5. This same heterogeneity was observed at age 4 y but not at younger ages. Prenatal DHA supplementation may have differential long‐term effects on linear growth of children depending on breastfeeding history.Grant Funding Source: Supported by NIH grants 5R01HD043099‐06 and 5R01HD058818‐04
Dietary magnesium is positively associated with indices of skeletal muscle mass and may attenuate the association between C‐reactive protein and muscle mass (257.2)
Authors: Welch Ailsa , Kelaiditi Eirini , Jennings Amy , McGregeor Alexander , Spector Tim , Cassidy Aedin 
Published: June 2021

Background: Chronic age‐related muscle loss is one component of sarcopenia and dietary magnesium (Mg) intake may influence low‐grade inflammation, a risk factor for muscle loss. Therefore, associations between indices of skeletal muscle mass in women, and the potential attenuation by Mg of the relationship between C‐reactive protein (CRP) and muscle were investigated.Methods: A cross‐sectional study of 2570 women aged 18‐79 years with fat free mass (FFM) measured using dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry, and with circulating HsCRP in 1658 participants. Dietary Mg was calculated using an FFQ and indices of FFM (FFM, as a percentage ‐ FFM% and FFM index ‐ FFMI ‐ FFM in kg/height2) calculated according to quintile of Mg using multivariate regression, and adjusted for age, physical activity, smoking, energy intake, anti‐inflammatory medication, HRT (for FFMI with BMI).Results: Significant positive associations were found between Mg and FFM% (P trend =0.004) and FFMI (P trend=0.001) with extreme quintile differences of 1.58% for FFM% and 0.5 kg/m2 for FFMI. The association between indices of muscle mass and CRP (per quintile of CRP) was ‐1.2 % P<0.001 for FFM% and ‐0.07 kg/m2 for FFMI which was attenuated by Mg by 0.7 % for FFM% and 5.4% for FFMI.Conclusions: We found significant positive associations between Mg and indices of muscle mass, and dietary Mg attenuated the associations between CRP and muscle mass. Dietary intervention studies are needed to confirm this finding.