bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
“Alu”strious effects on human RNA metabolism: post‐transcriptional gene regulation by intermolecular and intramolecular Alu element base‐pairing (102.1)
Authors: Maquat Lynne 
Published: June 2021

Staufen1‐mediated mRNA decay (SMD), which occurs when translation terminates sufficiently upstream of a STAU1‐binding site (SBS), is important for myogenesis, adipogenesis and many other developmental and homeostatic pathways1. An SBS can be created by intramolecular base‐pairing within an mRNA 3'‐untranslated region (3'UTR) or by intermolecular base‐pairing between an mRNA 3'UTR Alu element and the Alu element within a long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA), which we call a ½‐sbsRNA. Alu elements are a type of small interspersed repetitive element (SINE)2 restricted to humans and other primates. Notably, SMD in rodents is triggered by intermolecular base‐pairing between B or identifier (ID) SINEs3. Roles of STAU1 dimerization4 and the STAU1 paralog STAU25 in SMD will be discussed as will a new mechanism in which mRNAs autoelicit SMD via direct mRNA−mRNA base‐pairing between their 3'UTR Alu elements. We show that this mechanism is important for cell migration and invasion 6. This unexpected function for mRNAs, together with our discovery of how STAU1 binding to inverted repeated 3'UTR Alu elements (IRAlus) competes with nuclear retention mediated by p54nrb binding to 3'UTR IRAlus and also the repression of cytoplasmic translation mediated by protein kinase R (PKR) binding to 3'UTR IRAlus7, adds unexpected complexity to post‐transcriptional regulatory mechanisms.1Park, Maquat (2013) WIRES 4:423‐5. 2Gong, Maquat (2011) Nature 470: 284‐8. 3Wang et al. (2013) Genes Dev, 27: 793‐804. 4Gleghorn et al. (2013) NSMB, 20:515‐24. 5Park et al. (2013) PNAS, 110: 405‐12. 6Gong et al. (2013) NSMB, in press. 7Elbarbary (2013) Genes Dev. 27:1495‐1510.
Effects of a health promotion program for children on lifestyle and health indicators (1021.5)
Authors: Perez‐Lizaur Ana , Haua ‐ Navarro Karime , Moreno‐Landa Luz Irene 
Published: June 2021

A health promotion program ‐1,2,3 Por Nuestra Salud ‐was conducted with 220 Mexican children (60% boys) with ages from 8 to 12 years. The sample included children from two elementary schools who were compared with a third school where the program was not executed. The aim of the program was to promote a healthy style through ludic activities and the acquisition of knowledge about healthy diet and physical activity. When compared to the control group, the intervention group presented significantly higher frequencies of fruit and vegetable consumption (X2, p=0.007) and non large portion selection (X2, p=0.022) and significantly lower frequencies of milk with sugar consumption (X2, p=0.003) and when buying food at school (junk food) (X2, p=0.021). The program produced successful results in variables known to be associated to overweight development but some changes should be implemented in future applications of the program in order to reach goals in variables related to physical activity where differences were not seen.Grant Funding Source: Supported by DIFEM
Assessment of diet and physical activity of Brazilian schoolchildren: usability testing of a web‐based questionnaire (1022.11)
Authors: Di Pietro Patricia Faria , da Costa Filipe Ferreira , Schmoelz Camilie Pacheco , Davies Vanessa Fernandes , Kupek Emil , de Assis Maria Alice Altenburg 
Published: June 2021

This study described the usability evaluation of the Consumo Alimentar e Atividade Física de Escolares (CAAFE) questionnaire (Food Consumption and Physical Activity Questionnaire for schoolchildren). A total of 114 schoolchildren aged 6 to 12 years took part in questionnaire usability testing carried out in computer classrooms at five elementary schools in the city of Florianopolis, Brazil. Schoolchildren used a personal computer (PC) equipped with software for recording what is on the computer screen and the children’s speech during usability testing. Quantitative and qualitative analyses took into account objective usability metrics such as error counts and time to complete a task. Data on the main difficulties in accomplishing the task and the level of satisfaction expressed by the children were assessed by the observers using a standardized form and interviews with the children. Descriptive statistics and content analysis were used to summarize both the quantitative and the qualitative aspects of the data obtained. The mean time for completing the questionnaire was 13.7 minutes. Compared to the children in 2nd or 3rd grades, those in 4th or 5th grades spent less time completing the questionnaire, asked for help less frequently, had a lower error count, and obtained a higher overall performance score. Children with a PC at home spent less time completing the questionnaire, had a lower overall error count, and had a higher performance score compared to the children without a PC at home. The majority of children reported a positive evaluation (liked a lot or liked) for the four design elements, which were evaluated. The results of the present study provided feedback to improve the final version of the CAAFE questionnaire. Quantitative data showed minor errors and system failures, while qualitative data indicated that, overall, the children enjoyed the CAAFE questionnaire. Grade levels and PC use must be taken into account in Web‐based tools designed for children.Grant Funding Source: Brazilian Ministry of Health ‐ DECIT, CAPES, CNPq, Education Secretary Municipal Florianopolis
Comparison of food intake of vegetarian and non‐vegetarian adolescents (1024.12)
Authors: Burkholder Nasira , Siapco Gina , Haddad Tabrizi Sara , Sabate Joan 
Published: June 2021

Food intake of vegetarians in the US has been evaluated, however, data on foods consumed by vegetarian adolescents is limited. The aim of this research was to compare the food intake of adolescent vegetarians and non‐vegetarians. A cross‐sectional study was conducted among adolescents ages 12 to 18 years (312 females, 241 males, mean [SD] age =15.0 [1.7] years) from 10 schools in southern California and Michigan. Dietary intake was determined by a web‐based 150‐item food frequency questionnaire. Vegetarian was defined a priori as combined intake of meats and fish < 1 serving/week. Differences were analyzed using ANCOVA adjusting for age, gender, ethnicity, BMI z‐scores, and exercise.Vegetarians accounted for 18.6% of the study sample. Compared with non‐vegetarians, vegetarians consume significantly less servings of eggs, dairy, soda/sweetened drinks, pastries, and coffee/tea (all p’s < 0.01) but eat significantly more meat alternatives, fruits, soy beverages, cereals, legumes, and nuts (all p’s < 0.01). Intake of vegetables, bread/grains/pasta, pastries, and chips were similar for both groups.In this adolescent population, vegetarians consume more plant‐based foods and less sugar‐sweetened and caffeinated beverages than their non‐vegetarian counterparts. Displacement of dietary animal products results in greater consumption of meat analogs and soy products, but not eggs and dairy among the vegetarians.
Lifestyle behaviors in early adulthood may be important risk factors for age‐related macular degeneration (1025.12)
Authors: Buck Mike , Lewis Markita , Durham Holiday , Woods Brittany , Childress Colette , Gaitan Adriana , Drewery Merritt , Pinkston Rakyesha , Lammi‐Keefe Carol 
Published: June 2021

Age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss and most prevalent in women. Previous AMD research has focused on older adults; however, we hypothesize lifestyle behaviors at younger ages may impact AMD etiology. We evaluated AMD risk factors in college‐aged students (ages 18 ‐ 28). Risk factors included body mass index (BMI), gender, dietary lutein and zeaxanthin (L&amp;Z), and dietary docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). In addition, we evaluated macular pigment optical density (MPOD), a measure of macula thickness, as the macula is composed of DHA and L&amp;Z. Health histories, 24‐h dietary recalls, and food frequency questionnaires were obtained and MPOD was measured using a macular metrics densitometer. Pearson correlations and ANOVA were used to evaluate MPOD and risk factors. Females (F) had lower MPOD than males (M) [Mean±SE; M=0.38±0.02; F = 0.32±0.02, p=0.04 early in life]. M consumed significantly more DHA than F [Mean±SE; M= 85.67±17.78, F=44.67±9.68; p=0.03] and consumed seafood more concentrated in DHA. There was a positive correlation between dietary DHA and MPOD (r=0.1568, p=0.04). M also tended to have higher intakes of L&amp;Z [Mean±SE; M=1394.78±341.71, F=823.09±108.84; p=0.06]. Thus, this ongoing study indicates dietary DHA and L&amp;Z may impact MPOD, partially explaining why women are at greater risk for AMD later in life.Grant Funding Source: Supported by LSU College of Agriculture Undergraduate Research Award
Diet, exercise, neurogenesis and cognition (1025.4)
Authors: Gibbons Trisha , Pence Brandt , Bhattacharya Tushar , Mach Houston , Ossyra Jessica , McCusker Robert , Kelley Keith , Rhodes Justin , Johnson Rodney , Woods Jeffrey 
Published: June 2021

Aging is associated with a decline in cognition in humans and rodents. Recently, these changes have been linked with decreased hippocampal neurogenesis. Physical exercise increases neurogenesis and reverses some of the cognitive deficits in elderly subjects, but the extent to which dietary supplementation may interact with physical exercise is unknown. Green tea contains high levels of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) that reduces age‐related cognitive decline. Similarly, β‐alanine (β‐Ala) may be beneficial against cognitive aging. We tested the hypothesis that exercise (voluntary wheel running) and dietary supplementation with EGCG (1.5mg/g) and β‐Ala (3.4 mg/g) would interact to improve cognition of aged mice. Balb/c mice (17 mo) served as sedentary controls or were provided access to running wheels for 4 weeks with or without EGCG + β‐Ala. The Morris water maze (MWM) and contextual fear conditioning (CFC) were used to assess learning and memory. Hippocampal neurogenesis was assessed by labeling new neurons with BrdU. Exercise improved cognition with increased platform crossings in the MWM and increased time spent frozen during CFC. Exercise also increased BDNF expression and diminished microglial activation in the hippocampus. Dietary supplementation did not affect any measurement. Collectively, these data verify that exercise has positive effects on neurogenesis and cognition of aged mice.Grant Funding Source: Supported by a grant from Abbott Nutrition to JAW
Dietary supplementation of pomegranate reduces the brain oxidative stress in transgenic tg2576 mouse model of Alzheimer disease (1025.5)
Authors: Subash Selvaraju , Essa Musthafa , Guillemin Gilles , Al‐Adawi Samir , Al‐Asmi Abdullah , Vaishnav Ragini 
Published: June 2021

Oxidative stress may play a key role in Alzheimer's disease (AD) neuropathology. Pomegranates contain very high levels of antioxidant polyphenolic substances as compared to other fruits and vegetables. Polyphenols have been shown to be neuroprotective in different model systems. Here, the effects of the antioxidant, pomegranate fruit grown in Oman were tested on the Tg2576 AD mouse model. The four month old double Swedish APP mutation (APPsw/Tg2576) mice were fed an 4% pomegranate or control diet for 15 months and then assessed for the influence of diet on oxidative stress. Significant increase in oxidative stress in terms of enhanced levels of lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyls with concomitant decrease in activity of antioxidant enzymes was observed in control diet treated Tg2576 mice. 4% pomegranate supplementation attenuated oxidative damage, as evident by decreased LPO and protein carbonyl levels and restoration in activities of the antioxidant enzymes (SOD, catalase, GPx, GSH &amp; GST). The activity of membrane bound enzymes (Na+ K+ ATPase and AChE) was altered in control diet treated Tg2576 mice brain regions and 4% pomegranate supplementation was able to restore the activity of enzymes to comparable values observed in controls. The results suggest 4% pomegranate in the diet might be beneficial for the treatment of AD associated oxidative stress. This work was supported by a research grant from The Research Council, Oman (RC/AGR/FOOD/11/01).Grant Funding Source: Supported by a research grant from The Research Council, Oman (RC/AGR/FOOD/11/01).
Hand‐held ultrasound device demonstrates poor reliability for assessing and tracking muscle mass in older adults (1026.10)
Authors: Tian Min , Oliver Jeffery , Mustad Vikkie , Stout Jeffrey 
Published: June 2021

Muscle loss and loss of lean body mass are common features of aging. This loss may progress to the point of sarcopenia, which is difficult to reverse. Consequently, it is necessary to measure lean body mass loss reliably and easily in the aging population. Gold standard methods (e.g., dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry, DXA) are difficult and time consuming. The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether hand‐held ultrasound (HU) could reliably correlate with DXA measures in healthy elderly.Seventy‐nine healthy elders (65+) were evaluated over a 24‐week period. Lean leg mass (LLM) was measured by DXA, and muscle thickness at thigh, calf and hamstring loci was measured via a HU device (BodyMetrix‐2000) at baseline, 12‐week and 24‐week time points.LLM and thigh muscle thickness were weakly but significantly correlated at all time points (baseline: r = 0.30, p = 0.003; 12‐week: r = 0.31, p = 0.004; 24‐week: r = 0.23, p = 0.043). LLM was also correlated with hamstring thickness (r = 0.23, p = 0.038) and calf thickness (r = 0.24, p = 0.031) at the 12‐week time point. No correlation was found between the change of LLM and any muscle thickness over time.These data demonstrated poor reliability of the HU device for assessing and tracking muscle mass over time in older adults.Grant Funding Source: Supported by Abbott Nutrition
Impact of exercise and/or beta‐alanine and epigallocatechin gallate on muscle function and oxidative stress in aged mice (1027.2)
Authors: Pence Brandt , Gibbons Trisha , Bhattacharya Tushar , Mach Houston , Ossyra Jessica , McCusker Robert , Kelley Keith , Rhodes Justin , Johnson Rodney , Woods Jeffrey 
Published: June 2021

Exercise improves muscle function and oxidative stress in the elderly. Several dietary interventions have been evaluated for their effects. Beta‐alanine (BA) improves muscle function, while epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is an antioxidant. Little is known about the interaction between exercise and diet. We examined the effects of voluntary wheel running (VWR) and/or supplementation with BA and EGCG on muscle function and oxidative stress in aged mice. Control diet (CTRL) or diet supplemented with 1.5 mg/g EGCG and 3.43 mg/g BA was given ad lib. to 17 month old male Balb/c mice for 4 weeks, during which they ran on a wheel or remained sedentary (SED). Mice then underwent muscle function tests over 11 days, and were euthanized 24 hours after the final test for tissue collection. Mice were maintained on diet and exercise interventions during the 11 day period. Diet and VWR did not differ in impact on body weight, food intake, or body composition. VWR maintained strength (p=.027) and improved performance on a treadmill (p=.001). VWR increased Nos2 and Sod2 gene expression in the gastrocnemius. There was a diet × VWR interaction (p=.012) such that the CTRL/SED group had non‐significantly increased gastrocnemius 4‐HNE levels compared to the other 3 groups. In conclusion, VWR but not a diet supplemented with BA and EGCG increased muscle function, whereas both VWR and BA/EGCG tended to reduce oxidative stress in aged muscle.Grant Funding Source: Supported by a grant from Abbott Nutrition.
Low intrinsic aerobic fitness increases susceptibility to OVX‐induced obesity and insulin resistance in the absence of adipose tissue inflammation (1028.3)
Authors: Welly Rebecca , Padilla Jaume , Park Young‐Min , Scroggins Rebecca , Britton Steve , Koch Lauren , Margo Myers , Jenkins Nathan , Thyfault John , Vieira‐Potter Victoria 
Published: June 2021

While female rodents are protected from obesity‐associated adipose tissue (AT) inflammation compared to males, ovariectomy (OVX) (in mice) results in AT inflammation and insulin resistance (IR). The extent to which intrinsic aerobic fitness protects against inflammation and metabolic dysfunction associated with ovarian hormone loss is not known. Here, 43 normal chow diet (NC)‐fed rats selectively bred for high (HCR) and low (LCR) intrinsic aerobic fitness were followed from 16‐36 wks of age and compared for their response to OVX, performed at 25 wks of age; 11 wks later, the 4 groups (HCR‐SHM, LCR‐SHM, HCR‐OVX, LCR‐OVX) were compared for weight gain, % fat (DXA), visceral AT (VAT) mass, immune cell composition and inflammation (FACS and rtPCR for cytokines, Mφ, and T‐cell markers), and HOMA (IR). LCR‐OVX rapidly gained weight, were 73% fatter, had ~2X more VAT, and had 90% higher IR than LCR‐SHM (all grp X line interaction, p<0.01). There was no effect of OVX on any of these parameters in HCR. Despite increased adiposity and IR in LCR‐OVX, AT inflammation was not detected, suggesting that low aerobic fitness results in OVX‐associated weight gain and IR in the absence of AT inflammation within the first 8 wks following OVX on NC. Ongoing studies will determine the influence of intrinsic aerobic fitness on metabolic function in response to OVX under high fat diet conditions.Grant Funding Source: Supported by University of Missouri Research Council Grant (to VVP), NIH R01DK088940 (to JT), ROD01
Impaired insulin‐mediated vasodilation may contribute to hyperglycemia following high fat intake (1030.1)
Authors: Ricklefs Kristin , Simperova Anna , Reaven Peter , Sands Michelle , Sweazea Karen 
Published: June 2021

Impaired insulin‐mediated vasodilation may contribute to hyperglycemia following high fat intake Ricklefs Ka, Simperova Ab, Reaven Pc, Sands Mc, Sweazea KLa,b aSchool of Nutrition and Health Promotion, bSchool of Life Sciences, Arizona State University; cCarl T. Hayden Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Phoenix, AZThe incidence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) worldwide has increased markedly and constitutes one of the major threats to global health. Insulin resistance is a major factor in the pathogenesis of T2D. We have previously shown that feeding rats a high fat diet (HFD) results in increased adiposity as well as the development of mild hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and impaired vasodilation, all major risk factors for T2D and cardiovascular disease. While insulin sensitivity has been studied extensively in skeletal muscle, the potential impacts of HFD and impaired insulin signaling in the vasculature are less known. Additionally, impaired insulin‐mediated vasodilation may contribute to reduced postprandial tissue perfusion thereby diminishing glucose uptake. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of a HFD on the insulin‐mediated vasodilatory pathway (i.e., IRS‐1, PI3K, Akt, and eNOS) in isolated aortas from male Sprague‐Dawley rats fed a 60% HFD for 6 weeks versus rats fed standard rodent chow (5% fat). Western blot analyses indicate that protein expression of IRS‐1 and Akt, and phosphorylation of Akt(t306 and s473) were not significantly affected by HFD. In contrast, p‐IRS‐1 and p‐PI3K(p55) protein expression were significantly diminished (p=0.016 and 0.045, respectively) in HFD aortas compared to chow‐fed controls. These results suggest that endothelial dysfunction and hyperglycemia observed in these HFD rats may be attributed in part to reduced expression of insulin signaling pathway intermediates.
Effects of onion peel extract on body composition changes in overweight Korean adults (1031.1)
Authors: Yim Jung‐Eun , Choue Ryowon , Kim Young‐Seol , Lee Kyung‐Hea , Cha Yong‐Jun 
Published: June 2021

Anti‐obesity effects of quercetin‐rich onion peel extract (OPE) were suggested in rats, but the information from human studies was limited. This study was performed to investigate the effects of OPE on body composition in overweight subjects.This study was conducted a 12‐week, randomized, double blinded, placebo‐controlled, parallel clinical trials in overweight Korean subjects (BMI 26.5±3.0 kg/m2). Randomly assigned subjects were instructed to take either the placebo (male 6, female 30) or 100 mg quercetin‐OPE capsules each day (male 5, female 31). Body composition was measured by bioimpedance and dual X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) methods. Resting energy expenditure (REE) and respiratory quotient (RQ) were evaluated by indirect calorie methods. Fasting blood levels of glucose, insulin, lipids, leptin, visfatin, and adiponectin were determined. Urinary malondialdehyde (MDA) was measured at baseline and after quercetin supplementation.Quercetin‐rich OPE supplementation significantly reduced weight and body fat percents measured by DXA (p < 0.05), whereas these effects were not shown in the placebo group. Blood glucose, leptin, and urinary MDA were decreased in both groups (p<0.05). Significant increases were observed in REE and blood levels of adiponectin in both groups (p < 0.05).Quercetin‐rich OPE changed body composition in overweight subjects, and this results suggested a beneficial role for quercetin as anti‐obesity effects in human subjects.Grant Funding Source: Supported by Korea Institute of Planning and Evaluation for Technology in Food, Agriculture, Forest
Comparison of body composition and body mass index on health status indicators (1031.13)
Authors: Julander Kayli , Litchfield Ruth 
Published: June 2021

Employees (n=176) from three Midwest companies completed a worksite health assessment. Mean age was 40 years (range 20‐76) with equal distribution by gender. Weight status was assessed by Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) and Body Mass Index (BMI) with results classified as underweight, healthy/normal, overweight, or obese.Weight status classifications by BIA and BMI were: underweight (2 vs. 3); healthy/normal (28 vs. 35); overweight (45 vs. 57); and obese (100 vs. 78), respectively. Classifications were significantly different (p<0.05) with BIA identifying more as overweight and obese.Both methods identified differences by weight classification in MET scores, LDL, non‐HDL, HDL/LDL ratio, flexibility, and disease risk (waist to hip ratio). Weight classification by BIA identified differences in blood glucose, food security, and muscular endurance. In contrast, BMI classification identified differences in age, HDL, triglycerides, and diastolic blood pressure.Results confirm previous findings that weight status/adiposity negatively impact biochemical parameters, measures of physical fitness, diastolic blood pressure, and disease risk. Both classifications similarly identified differences in several of these health status indicators. Results suggest BMI is a reliable measure to assess health status while being a cost effective, less invasive method.Grant Funding Source: Supported by the Center for Industrial Research and Service