bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparing actual caloric value of food purchases with NHANES: what is missing?
Authors: Piernas Carmen , Ng Shu Wen , Popkin Barry M. 
Published: June 2021

Surprisingly little is known about the actual food and beverage choices that US individuals make as reflected in the food and nutrient values of NHANES.We explored and contrasted total energy intake and energy from beverage groups from two sources of data that monitor food choices in the US: measures of yearly food purchases from 67,570 US households (adults >19 y old) from the Nielsen Homescan Longitudinal dataset from 2005–2008; and intake data from store foods from one 24‐h recall from 10,333 U.S. adults >19 y from NHANES 2005–2008. We developed multiple methodological approaches to derive per‐capita estimates of daily energy intake and kcal from beverages from the Homescan dataset: a per capita, an adult equivalence scale, and a regression‐based marginal consumer approach. Survey commands were implemented in STATA 12 to account for survey design and weighting.Per‐capita daily energy intake from NHANES surveys is 300 kcal lower than per capita estimates of caloric value of food/beverage purchases from Homescan. We will explore specifics of beverage over/underreporting in depth in the analysis with a focus on rapidly increasing categories such as energy drinks. This study is the first to compare actual purchases of each specific beverage categories with NHANES. Our results add new evidence of the potential effect of recall bias on estimates of caloric intake when using national surveys in nutritional research.Grant Funding Source : UNC (R01‐CA109831, R01‐CA121152); the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (Grant 68793) and the National Institutes of Health (R01 HL104580)
The Mother‐Infant Dyad Study: A grounded theory inquiry into the day‐to‐day experiences between first‐time mothers and their infants that influence feeding practices.
Authors: Helvey Jennifer Jean , Bower Katherine M , Kavanagh Katherine F 
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this grounded theory study was to explore the experiences that influence infant feeding practices between first‐time mothers and their infants in a low‐income population in the Southeastern United States. Mothers were recruited, via printed flyers and social media websites, and screened for eligibility. Eligibility criteria included first‐time mothers of infants ≤ 12 months of age living in urban areas. In‐depth phone interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed, and entered into QDA Miner text‐analysis program to facilitate coding. Using grounded theory strategies and emergent coding techniques, transcripts were coded by two independent researchers and coding agreement compared on a predetermined schedule. Interviews were conducted until reaching saturation (n=12). Major, emergent themes include: 1) actions motivated by being perceived as a “good mom” in one's circle, 2) adoption of a feeding schedule until controlled cues are exhibited by the infant (2–4 months of age), and 3) strategies driven by maternal projection that may influence feeding practices. These results will be discussed in detail and offer valuable insight for future programs targeting this population. Funds: University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Professional Development Fund.Grant Funding Source: University Professional Development Fund
Child food consumption patterns and diet quality in rural Nepal: Effectiveness of a community development intervention
Authors: Fischer Amelia Brennan , Miller Laurie Cass , Rogers Beatrice Lorge , Lohani Mahendra , Singh Padma , Mahato Shubh Narayan , Joshi Neena 
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUNDDespite recent improvements in child health, 45% of Nepali children <5 yrs are underweight and 49% are stunted. Community development interventions focusing on household agriculture could improve child diet quality in Nepal, where 82% of the population is rural. This study assesses one such intervention.AIMS(1) Examine child diet quality by age, gender, and location in six communities. (2) Assess the early stage impacts of the intervention on child diet quality.METHODSData come from a RCT of a community development intervention in matched rural areas. Serial individual 24‐hr dietary recalls were collected (n=384 households, n=592 children). Analytical methods include multivariate probit and instrumental variables modeling.RESULTSChild diet quality varies by agroecological region. Children in agriculturally productive areas increased dietary diversity (DD) from baseline to 12‐months (p<0.001); DD decreased in less productive areas (p<0.001). In less productive regions, children in the intervention areas were more likely to have consumed an animal product in the previous 24‐hours.CONCLUSIONBenefits in the early stages of community development activities for children may include increased consumption of animal products and increased DD; effects vary by region.Grant Funding Source: Heifer International
Environmental intervention in carryouts increases sales of healthy menu items in low‐income urban setting
Authors: Lee Seung Hee , Kim Hyunju , Yong Rachel , Hamouda Mohamed , Shon Jiwon , Park Joo Hye , Gittelsohn Joel 
Published: June 2021

Low‐income urban populations are disproportionately exposed to prepared food sources (PFSs) that provide few or no healthy options. In Baltimore, the most prevalent PFSs are carryouts, yet virtually no work has been conducted to intervene in these settings. We conducted an 8‐month pilot trial in 8 carryouts (4 intervention, 4 control) using a quasi‐experimental study design.Formative research such as focus groups, customer and owner interviews, and conjoint analyis led to the development of intervention strategies. The multi‐phase intervention included: healthy menu labeling with point‐of‐purchase (POP) promotions, increase of healthy sides, and promotion of affordable healthy combination meals. Receipts were collected weekly and total sales were tracked for all carryouts. Sales of healthy menu items significantly increased across all intervention carryouts, while foods that were not promoted either decreased or stayed the same. Comparison carryouts did not show any significant changes in sales of healthy menu items. Our findings suggest that a combination of environmental and POP changes can be a part of a successful community‐based approach that positively impacts the sales and availability of healthy items in PFSs in low‐income urban areas.Grant Funding Source: The Diabetes Research and Training Center and the Center for a Livable Future, Johns Hopkins University
Biogenesis of mycobacterial cell envelope glycoconjugates
Authors: Jackson Mary , Dhouib Rabeb , Skovierova Henrieta , Larrouy-Maumus Gerald , Angala Shiva K , Wheat William H , Pham Ha , Gilleron Martine , Brennan Patrick J , Puzo Germain , Nigou Jerome 
Published: June 2021

The arabinogalactan (AG) of slow‐growing pathogenic Mycobacterium spp. is characterized by the presence of galactosamine (GalN) modifying some of the interior branched arabinosyl residues. We investigated the biosynthetic origin of this substituent and its role(s) in the physiology and pathogenicity of mycobacteria.We report on the discovery of the polyprenyl‐phospho‐N‐acetyl‐galactosaminyl synthase (PpgS) and the glycosyltransferase (GT) Rv3779 from Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb) required, respectively, for providing and transferring the GalN substrate for the modification of AG. Disruption of either ppgS (Rv3631) or Rv3779 totally abolished the synthesis of the GalN substituent of AG in M. tb H37Rv. The identification of Rv3779 ‐ which we previously had characterized as a polyprenyl‐phospho‐mannose synthase ‐ as the GalN(Ac)transferase of the system indicates that this GT‐C enzyme is endowed with at least two distinct enzymatic activities and highlights the complexity of the GT‐C enzymes responsible for much of the biosynthesis of mycobacterial cell wall polysaccharides. Interestingly, the catalytic activity of PpgS was increased 40‐ to 50‐fold when co‐expressed with Rv3632, the encoding gene of a small putative transporter. Studies aimed at comparing the virulence and immune responses triggered by the wild‐type and GalN‐deficient strains of M. tb H37Rv are in progress.
Memory performance is related to dietary, metabolic, and inflammatory parameters in older adults
Authors: Ballantyne Danielle Lynn , Shidler Marcelle D. , Krikorian Robert , Lee Seung-Yeon 
Published: June 2021

To examine the association of cognitive function to dietary intake and serum insulin and inflammatory markers, we collected data from 38 older adults (72.5±4.9 yrs) with mild cognitive impairment. More than half were females (57.9%), 94.7% were White Americans, and 89.4% had some college or above. Cognitive function was assessed using the Verbal Paired Associate Learning Test (V‐PAL) and California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT). Three day food records were entered into the Nutrition Data System for Research and nutrient intake and glycemic index were calculated. Fasting blood samples were obtained to assay serum insulin, C‐reactive protein, TNF‐α, IL‐1 β, and IL‐6. Regression analyses were conducted using SPSS 19. Vitamin D intake (p<0.001), TNF‐α (p<0.001), and glycemic index (p<0.001) explained 48.4% variance of the V‐PAL total learning score. With respect to the CVLT, the total number of intrusion errors was predicted by insulin (p<0.05, r2=11.2%) and long‐delay free recall was predicted by age (p<0.05, r2=14.2%). These preliminary findings suggest that nutritional and metabolic status may be related to cognitive function in older adults. These associations need to be examined with a larger sample.NIH/National Institute on Aging grant # R01 AG034617 and the US Highbush Council
Heavy metal scavenger metallothionein mitigates deep hypothermia induced myocardial contractile anomalies:Role of autophagy
Authors: Jiang Shasha , Ren Jun 
Published: June 2021

Metallothionein is a cysteine‐rich, low molecular weight heavy metal scavenger with potent cardioprotective properties. Deep hypothermia, if sustained, increased the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality although the underlying mechanism is unclear. This study was designed to examine the impact of cardiac overexpression of metallothionein on deep hypothermia (4°C)‐induced myocardial contractile dysfunction, if any, and the underlying mechanism involved with a special focus on autophagy. Sustained deep hypothermia (4°C for 3 weeks) increased left ventricular end systolic and diastolic diameter, suppressed fractional shortening and perfused heart contractility, the effect of which was attenuated or ablated by metallothionein. Levels of autophagy marker LC3B, Atg7 and Beclin‐1, the autophagy adaptor protein p62 were increased following hypothermia. Fluorescence‐immunohistochemistry also revealed autophagy in murine hearts. Furthermore, sustained hypothermia triggered overtly reduced phosphorylation of the autophagy inhibitory signaling molecules Akt and mTOR (without affecting that of p70s6 kinase). Protein expression of pan Akt, mTOR and p70sk was unchanged. These hypothermia‐induced changes in autophagy and autophagic signaling were mitigated by metallothionein. Collectively, these data suggested that the heavy metal scavenger may protect against hypothermia‐induced cardiac anomalies through attenuation of cardiac autophagy.This research is supported by Wyoming INBRE (P20RR016474).
Chronic high fat diet changes gene expression within the brain reward system: critical periods and sex differences
Authors: Reyes Teresa M , Carlin JesseLea 
Published: June 2021

Both the overconsumption of palatable foods and chronic drug use can result in a state of “reward hypofunction”. Previously, we have shown that chronic consumption of a high fat (HF) diet in mice alters dopaminergic and opioid gene expression within the central reward circuitry in a pattern consistent with reward hypofunction. The goal of the present study was to examine whether animals exposed during early life, adolescence or as adults would differ in their responsiveness to the high fat diet, with the prediction that early life exposure would be more potent. Three groups of mice were fed HF diet at birth, 3 weeks, or 6 weeks of age (n=6/group). After 12 weeks, target gene expression was measured in the ventral tegmental area, nucleus accumbens and prefrontal cortex. Contrary to our hypothesis, adult exposure and early exposure to the HF diet both altered gene expression within the central reward circuitry. The pattern of changes differed across regions and timepoints and varied by sex in important ways. The functional implications of these differences will be presented. In sum, we identified changes in the reward circuitry in response to HF diet exposure that parallel neuroadaptations seen in chronic drug use. These changes occur with both early life and adult exposure to HF diet, and vary by sexFunding to TMR: MH087978, MH091372
Decoupling of sexual dimorphism in the human bony pelvis and its relationship to differential selective pressures
Authors: Brown Kirsten M. 
Published: June 2021

Obstetrics and locomotion have opposing demands on the form of the human bony pelvis. Previous work has identified sexual dimorphism in the posterior spaces (PS) and non‐dimorphism in the anterior spaces (PS). This study tests the hypothesis that the AS is more influenced by locomotion, and the PS is more influenced by obstetrics. Landmarks (k = 43) were collected on articulated male (N=102) and female (N=104) pelves. Euclidean Distance Matrix Analysis was used to define distances in each space. MANCOVAs were used to test for effects of sex and body mass for each space. A significant effect of sex and a non‐significant effect of body mass would indicate that the distances are influenced more by obstetrics, while the reverse would indicate that distances are influenced by locomotion.Results from the MANCOVAs on both the AS and PS distances identified highly significant effects of both sex (p<0.001), and body mass (p<0.001), demonstrating that there are morphological adaptations related to locomotion and obstetrics in both spaces. However, a comparison of the relative proportion of variance attributed to sex and body mass demonstrated that there was a stronger influence of sex in the PS, and a stronger influence of body mass in the AS. These results suggest that decoupling of sexual dimorphism in the human bony pelvis facilitates morphological adaptations related to differential selective pressures within the pelvis.Grant Funding Source : NSF DDIG (#0925468), Sigma Xi GIAR (#G2009100302)
The Role of CD 44+ Cells in Human Heart Valve Development
Authors: Votteler Miriam , Berrio Daniel Alexandro Carvajal , Bonin Micheal , Horke Alexander , Brockbank Kelvin , Schenke-Layland Katja 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundVersican is a structural and function proteoglycan found in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of heart valve leaflets. CD44 is a well‐known cell membrane receptor for binding proteoglycans including versican. In our study, we analyzed the expression of CD44 during the late human fetal valvulogenesis.MethodsFor gene expression analyses, we used formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) human semilunar heart valve leaflets and performed a comparison of four age groups: group I – first trimester; group II – second trimester; group III – 14 to 19 years, group IV – 50 to 55 years. In addition, we analyzed protein expression using immunohistological staining. We employed antibodies for CD44 and versican using FFPE‐aortic heart valve tissues of the different developmental stages.ResultsWe revealed that the transcription of CD44 starts in the first trimester of human fetal development. We also identified that CD44‐positive cells in developing leaflets (first, second and third trimester) are located in a very distinct anatomical site at the junction between vascular wall and leaflet. In contrast, in mature valves, CD44‐positive cells are spread throughout the entire leaflet.ConclusionIn this study, we demonstrate that CD44‐positive cells represent a distinct cell population present in developing valve leaflets that is crucial for proper human valve development.Grant Funding Source: Attract 692263 Fraunhofer‐Gesellschaft
How do undergraduate students study for anatomy, and does it matter?
Authors: Barger John Bradley 
Published: June 2021

In an undergraduate anatomy class at Indiana University (A215) students are given many suggestions for methods of studying course content outside of class time. There are lists of study strategies in the syllabus and lab guides, and the course instructors spend part of the first several lecture and lab meetings discussing additional study strategies. But which of the strategies do students use most, and which yield the best results on course exams? To answer this question, we administered a survey to the class of nearly 400 undergraduates. The survey questions asked about the amount of time students spent on a variety of specific strategies. These strategies ranged from passive studying (reading text, reviewing figures) to more active approaches (drawing figures, making tables). It was found that differences in study strategies do exist between students, and that there are correlations between strategies and grades. Students that reported the most use of self‐produced study materials showed the greatest success on exams. Those students that used the fewest different types of study methods and spent the least amount of time on the material showed lower scores on exams. The pedagogical implications of these findings indicate that instructors should continue to encourage as many, and as varied, methods of revision as possible.Grant Funding Source : ‐
More than Meets the Eye: An Interactive 3D Model of the Eye for Enhanced Learning of the Oculomotor System
Authors: Allen Lauren Kathleen , Bhattacharyya Siddhartha , Wilson Timothy D 
Published: June 2021

The functional anatomy of the oculomotor system is conceptually difficult for novice students. This is problematic given that the extraocular muscles represent a common site of clinical intervention in the treatment of ocular motility disorders and other diseased states. This study was designed to develop a novel, three‐dimensional (3D) model that is paired with an electronic interface, creating an interactive 3D learning module of the human oculomotor system. Development of the 3D model utilized the Visible Human Project (VHP) Female data set and was refined using multiple forms of 3D software. Undergraduate anatomy students will be exposed to the learning module in a randomized pseudo‐crossover design. Quantitative post‐experience testing of the 3D learning module will be compared to equivalent two‐dimensional (2D) learning materials. Qualitative Likert‐scale questionnaires will be used to assess subjective opinions towards the different learning resources. It is hypothesized that the 3D learning module will enhance students’ spatial and functional comprehension on post‐test measures as well as maintain a higher level of interest, when compared to equivalent traditional 2D educational materials.Grant Funding Source: Western Graduate Scholarship
Innovation in Education: Histology and Physiology Integration
Authors: Shaw Phyllis , Hanss Basil 
Published: June 2021

In Physiology and Histology there are many areas of thematic overlap. The courses were integrated to enhance the educational value of Histology and Physiology with optimal reinforcement of course materials (structure and function). Achievement of this goal included, integration of lectures, change in format of both courses, addition of hours, and change in sequence of specific topics; changes were as follows:Histology/Physiology ended on the same day.Exams were administered concomitantly; one more exam was added.Exams were restructured. Previously there were 6 hrs of exams for physiology and 6 hrs for histology. In 2011, there were 3 exams of 5 hrs each (3 hrs combined multiple choice questions (MCQ), 1 hr histology practical, 1 hr physiology essay).Combined MCQ exam contained 20% integrated histology/physiology questions.Histology lectures and labs preceded similar topics in Physiology, and in some cases, histology and physiology lectures were fully integrated (kidney module and GI module).In those cases where lectures were presented separately, both histology and physiology lecturers consulted with each other to integrate their material as closely as possible (Respiratory System and Female Reproductive System).The Course Directors feel that the GI System, Urinary System and the Female Reproductive System worked well. Student evaluations support this: GI = 4.12/5.0, Kidney = 3.76/5.0).
Identification of Potential Enhancers in Intron 5 of the RUNX1 Gene
Authors: Gutierrez Soraya Elisa , Alarcon Ricardo , Rebolledo Boris , Fernandez Valentina , Javed Amjad 
Published: June 2021

Human RUNX1 gene is the most frequent target for chromosomal translocations associated with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL). The highest prevalence in AML is noted with (8;21) translocation; which represent s 12 to 15% of all AML cases. Interestingly, all the breakpoints mapped to date in t(8;21) are clustered in intron 5 of the RUNX1 gene and intron 1 of the ETO gene. No homologous sequences have been found at the recombination regions; but DNaseI hypersensitive sites (DHS) have been mapped to the areas of the genes involved in t(8;21). Presence of DHS sites is commonly associated with regulatory elements such as promoters, enhancers, silencers, etc. In this study we used a combination of comparative genomics, chromatin analysis and transfection studies to evaluate potential regulatory elements located in intron 5 of the RUNX1 gene. Our genomic analysis identified nine potential enhancer regions that are evolutionarily conserved. Analysis of histone modification status of these regions in myeloid cells shows a high association of marks characteristic of enhancer modules. Two of these regions were cloned in front of a reporter gene and their effect on transcriptional regulation was evaluated. Taken together our results identified two conserved non coding sequence in intron 5 of the RUNX1 gene that can regulate transcription expression of a reporter gene.FONDECYT 1100670
Hypoxia sensing by Fe2+/α‐KG dependent dioxygenases regulate hmU synthesis in trypanosome DNA, chromatin structure and Pol II transcription
Authors: sabatini robert , cliffe laura , ekanayake dilrukshi , Hirsch Gwen 
Published: June 2021

We have recently demonstrated that O‐linked glucosylation of thymine (base J) in trypanosome DNA regulates Pol II transcription initiation in organisms previously thought to lack transcriptional regulation. Trypanosome cruzi cell lines with reduced levels of base J following the deletion of the thymidine hydroxylase (JBP1) involved in J synthesis resulted in genome‐wide changes in gene expression and increased parasite virulence. Addressing the mechanism of base J function, we now find that the loss of base J coincides with decreased nucleosome abundance, increased histone acetylation and increased Pol II occupancy at promoter regions.In vivo analysis suggest the thymidine hydroxylases (JBP1 and JBP2) belong to the Fe2+/α‐KG dependent dioxygenase superfamily where hydroxylation is driven by the oxidative decarboxylation of αKG, forming succinate and CO2. We now demonstrate that recombinant JBP1 can hydroxylate synthetic DNA substrates in a Fe2+, α‐KG and oxygen dependent manner. Growth of T. cruzi in hypoxic conditions (<1% oxygen) results in a significant reduction in J levels, which is rapidly restored upon re‐exposure to oxygen, and increased parasite virulence as seen in the JBP KO's. The influence of environment upon J biosynthesis, via JBP, has exciting implications for the regulation of gene expression and parasite survival and adaptation to different host environments.Supported by NIH.