bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Regulation by unsaturated fatty acids of the expression of key genes involved in HDL metabolism
Authors: Kuang Yu‐Lin , Lichtenstein Alice H. , Lamon‐Fava Stefania 
Published: June 2021

In humans and animal models, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) have been suggested to influence the expression and/or activities of proteins involved in the metabolism of high‐density lipoprotein (HDL). The current study determined the effects and the mechanisms of action of different PUFA on genes regulating HDL metabolism in human hepatoma cells (HepG2). HepG2 cells cultured for 24 hr in 200 uM docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid or arachidonic acid (AA) had lower mRNA levels of apolipoprotein A‐I (apo A‐I) (30‐40 %, P = .01), ATP‐binding cassette A1 (ABCA1) (35‐50%, P = .05), lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) (40‐50%, P = .001), and phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) (25‐40%, P = .05) compared to those exposed to palmitic acid, as determined by real‐time PCR. In transfection assays, 200uM AA or DHA promoted peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR) and suppressed liver X receptor activities. HepG2 cells transfected with plasmids containing serial deletions of the apo A‐I promoter showed that the element mediating the PUFA‐related transcriptional repression is located in the ‐192 to ‐41 region of the promoter. In conclusion, very long‐chain n‐3 and n‐6 PUFA slowed the formation and the maturation of HDL particles. These FA also downregulated apo A‐I mRNA level and promoter activity via mechanisms other than PPAR activation. Funded by USDA and Unilever Health Institute.Grant Funding SourceUSDA
The onset and magnitude of cardiovascular drift depend on exercise intensity in competitive cyclists.
Authors: Murphy Kristi , Winger Jena , Stavrianeas Stasinos 
Published: June 2021

PURPOSETo examine the potential effects of cardiovascular drift (CVD) on aerobic and anaerobic metabolism.METHODCompetitive cyclists (n=11, age 40.3±10.9years, height 176±10cm, weight 70.9±11.6kg, VO2max 56.31±8.48ml▸kg−1▸min−1) performed 5 tests on a cycle ergometer 3‐5 days apart: a VO2max test (2‐min stages to exhaustion), a Maximal Lactate Steady State (MLSS), and 3 prolonged (90 min) submaximal bouts at 95%, 100%, and 105% of the MLSS (average: 190W, 199W, and 209W). HR, and VO2 were recorded continuously during the first 2 tests, the first 35 min and every 10 min thereafter for the 3 longer bouts. Blood lactate was measured at the end of each stage for the first 2 tests, and every 10 min for the 3 longer bouts.RESULTSOnly 3 cyclists completed the 105% MLSS bout, so comparisons were only made over 35 min. Onset of CVD was different for every participant at each intensity. Small changes in load (<10W) yielded differences (p < 0.05) across the 3 intensities in CVD amplitude (6 BPM, 8 BPM, and 9 BPM for the 95%, 100%, and 105% MLSS), VO2 (no change, 2 ml▸kg−1▸min−1, and 4 ml▸kg−1▸min−1), and blood lactate (0.3 mmol▸L−1, 0.5 mmol▸*;L−1, and 0.9 mmol▸L−1) between plateau and minute 30.CONCLUSIONWe successfully measured the small changes in the metabolic cost during CVD. The onset of CVD is affected by the intensity of exercise and the amplitude of CVD is greater as exercise intensity increases.Supported by the Mary Stuart Rogers Foundation and an NSF grant (DUE 0511219).
Knowledge and attitudes about traditional African vegetables are related to their consumption in Kenya and Tanzania
Authors: Herforth Anna , Low Jan , Kaguongo Wachira , Pletziger Stefan , Njenga Mary 
Published: June 2021

This study compares the frequency of consumption of traditional African vegetables (TAVs) in Kiambu, Kenya, and Arusha, Tanzania, as it relates to attitudes about the status of these vegetables, and knowledge about their nutritional value. The study is done within the context of a program promoting TAVs (Amaranthus spp., Solanum spp., Cleome gynandra, Vigna unguiculata, Ipomoea batatas) based on their nutritional attributes, including high micronutrient content and potential to improve overall diet quality. A baseline survey was administered in 2007 to 360 small farmer households, some of whom had been previously exposed to the promotion of traditional vegetables. The survey, as well as focus group discussions, gathered information on knowledge and attitudes about the vegetables, and diet. Survey data show that greater nutritional knowledge and more favorable attitudes about the TAVs are highly significantly predictive of TAV consumption at the household level. Qualitative data support these associations, and indicate that knowledge and attitude changes precede consumption changes. These findings suggest that promotion of crops based on nutrition and image is likely to be successful in increasing consumption of those crops among small farmer households in the study regions.Funding sources: Kilimo Trust; NSF; HE Babcock Chair and Einaudi Center, Cornell University
Determining retinol and 3‐hydroxy‐retinol concentrations in fish liver and fish liver oils
Authors: La Frano Michael , Neidlinger Terry R , Patil Kavita , Burri Betty J 
Published: June 2021

Fish, and especially fish liver oils, are known as excellent sources of vitamin A (VA). While it has long been recognized that fish livers contain VA in forms of retinol (ROH) and retinal (RA), some fish synthesize and use a VA‐like product (3‐hydroxy‐retinol; 3OHVA). Despite its possible presence, previous measurements of 3OHVA concentrations in fish liver are rare, and most of the data available is limited to fresh water species from India and Bangladesh. Meanwhile, there is a significant lack of knowledge regarding North American native fish sources of 3OHVA, a nutrient with potential health benefits. We have developed a reversed‐phase HPLC method for analyzing VA and 3OHVA in fish liver and fish liver oils. The method is a YMC Carotenoid column, 25cm, C‐18 gradient method varying from 100% acetonitrile to 80:20 acetonitrile:water using a diode array detector. Reproducibility ranged from 3–5% 3OHVA, 2–14% ROH, and 4–5% RA. Retinoid concentrations ranged widely, from <1–53 ug/g 3OHVA, 6–381 ug/g ROH, and 19–1794 ug/Kg RA. Tilapia, silver carp, catfish, and rainbow trout had varying amounts of 3OHVA, but it was not detected in the bass or steelhead. All fish contained ROH and RA.Western Human Nutrition Research Center, USDA, supported this research.
Omega‐3 fatty acids and lipoprotein associated phospholipase A2 (Lp‐PLA2) in healthy older adult males and females
Authors: Nelson Tracy L , Hokanson John E , Hickey Matthew S 
Published: June 2021

Background and AimsLipoprotein associated phospholipase A2 (Lp‐PLA2) is a novel inflammatory factor that has been independently associated with stroke and CVD. Omega‐3 fats have been implicated in reducing inflammation associated with CVD. The aim of this study was to determine if an 8‐week isocaloric diet supplemented with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) or α‐linolenic acid (ALA) would alter Lp‐PLA2 among healthy adults ages 50 years and older.Methods and ResultsFifty‐nine healthy adults (75% female, average age 61 years) were randomized to one of three groups: the control group (n=19) who consumed olive oil capsules; the ALA group (n=20) who consumed flaxseed oil capsules and the EPA/DHA group (n=20) who consumed fish oil capsules. Fasting blood samples were obtained before and after the 8‐week intervention for determination of Lp‐PLA2 mass and activity. We did not find any significant changes in Lp‐PLA2 mass or activity in any of the groups; however, change in oxidized LDL was associated with change in Lp‐PLA2 mass (r=0.37, p<0.01).ConclusionSupplementing the diet with omega‐3 fatty acids for 8‐weeks did not influence Lp‐PLA2 activity or mass among older adults; altering oxidized LDL levels may be necessary to see changes in Lp‐PLA2 levels.Supported by USDA, Agriculture Experiment Station, CSU
Whole grain and dietary fiber intake and prostate cancer aggressiveness by race
Authors: Tabung Fredoline , Steck Susan E. , Su L. Joseph , Arab Lenore , Fontham Elizabeth T.H. , Bensen Jeannette , Hebert James R. , Zhang Hongmei , Mohler James L. 
Published: June 2021

Dietary fiber and whole grains are implicated in prevention of cancer, but have been studied rarely with regard to prostate cancer aggressiveness. The associations among intake of whole grains, refined grains and total dietary fiber and aggressiveness of prostate cancer were examined among African Americans (AA, n=667) and Caucasian Americans (CA, n=820) in a population‐based, case‐only study (the North Carolina‐Louisiana Prostate Cancer Project). Highly aggressive cases were defined as Gleason sum ≥8, or PSA>20ng/ml or Gleason sum=7 and stage cT3‐cT4, and low/intermediate aggressive cases were defined as all others. Logistic regression was utilized to test for associations of prostate cancer aggressiveness with intake of refined grains, whole grains and dietary fiber, stratifying by race. There was a non‐significant positive association between refined grains and risk of aggressive prostate cancer for AA (OR, 1.52; 95% CI, 0.82–2.82 for the 4th quartile compared to the 1st quartile of intake). A borderline significant inverse association between whole grain intake and prostate cancer aggressiveness was observed among CA (OR, 0.52; 95%CI, 0.27, 1.00). No other significant associations were observed. These results suggest that refined grain, whole grain and fiber intake are unlikely to be related substantially to prostate cancer aggressiveness.Grant Sponsor: Department of Defense “DAMD 17‐03‐2‐0052”
Tumor progression locus 2 deletion attenuates alcohol‐induced hepatic inflammatory foci and cytokine expression in mice
Authors: Peach Camilla Anne , Hussain Sajid , Liu Chun , Wang Xiang-Dong , Greenberg Andrew S 
Published: June 2021

The pathogenesis of alcohol‐induced fatty liver disease involves the interaction of several inflammatory signaling pathways. Tumor progression locus 2 (TPL2) is a kinase that functions as a critical regulator of inflammatory pathways by up‐regulating production of inflammatory cytokines. The present study aims to fill the gap in knowledge regarding the involvement of TPL2 in the mechanism of alcohol‐induced hepatic inflammation. In this study, male TPL2 knockout (TPL2KO) mice and wild‐type (WT) mice were pair‐fed with Lieber‐DeCarli liquid diet (LD) or alcoholic liquid diet (ALD, 27% energy from ethanol) for 4 weeks. Results show that the deletion of TPL2 significantly reduced inflammatory foci in the liver of mice consuming both LD and ALD as compared to their respective WT controls. This reduction was associated with suppression of hepatic inflammatory gene expression of interleukin‐6, tumor necrosis factor‐α, and interleukin‐1β. Histological analysis of livers showed TPL2 deletion significantly decreased steatosis in mice fed LD, but not in mice fed ALD, as compared to their respective WT controls. The demonstration that TPL2 deletion attenuates alcohol‐induced hepatic inflammation provides evidence for a novel role for TPL2 in the pathogenesis of alcohol‐induced fatty liver disease.Grant Funding Source : NIDDK RO1‐DK‐082574/USDA 1950‐51000‐064S
Pregnancy status and choline intake alter DNA integrity, epigenetic marks and gene expression
Authors: Jiang Xinyin , Yan Jian , West Allyson , Perry Cydne , Malysheva Olga , Bar Haim , Wells Martin , Devapatla Srisatish , Pressman Eva , Caudill Marie 
Published: June 2021

This study sought to systemically elucidate the effects of pregnancy and maternal choline intake on genomic markers. Healthy third trimester pregnant (n=26, wk 27 gestation) and non‐pregnant (n=21) women were randomized to controlled choline intakes of 480 or 930 mg/day for 12‐wk. Leukocyte samples were acquired at wk 0 and 12. Pregnant women had higher DNA damage compared to non‐pregnant women (P < 0.001), suggesting insufficient defense against oxidative stress. Genome‐wide transcript profiling revealed the up‐regulation of genes related to immune response, consistent with an activated host defense system towards the end of pregnancy. Pregnant women responded to the higher choline intake with increased (P < 0.05) histone 3 lysine 4 di‐methylation (H3K4me2), a marker of transcription activation. In sum, pregnancy altered markers of genomic stability and modulated the expression of immune‐related genes in leukocytes. The epigenetic modification of histones among pregnant women consuming varied choline intakes may have downstream effects on chromatin restructuring and gene transcription.Grant Funding Source: Funded in part by USDA, ENC and the Beef Checkoff through NCBA
Implementing the Dietary Guidelines for Americans Using New Technologies as a Channel for Nutrition Education: Evidence From Research and Best Practices
Authors: Blum-Kemelor Donna Michele , Spahn Joanne M. , Obbagy Julie E. , Fungwe Thomas V. , Olson Sara L. , Samuels Sarah E. , Yoshida Sallie , Shen Ted 
Published: June 2021

A systematic review documented the potential value of using nutrition education delivered via digital media and technology to improve dietary behaviors among youth. This project was designed to complement the systematic review with qualitative research describing the use of and opportunities for leveraging new technologies in schools and communities for child‐focused nutrition education. Systematic review conclusions were based on review of the peer reviewed literature. Qualitative research data was collected via in‐depth searches to find pertinent unpublished and published articles with outcomes other than diet‐related behavior. A market research review and environmental scans found that while new technologies have been integrated into school curricula, their use in nutrition education is limited. Some technological nutrition education applications found were interactive websites and lessons, nutrition blogs, and smart phone programs. Ethnographic research, in which 30 semi‐structured interviews and 6 site visits with nutrition education experts are conducted, will yield best practices for maximizing the use of technologies to educate children about nutrition in settings such as school gardens and cafeterias. These research findings will highlight strategies that practitioners can use to creatively communicate Dietary Guidelines principles using new technologies.Supported by USDA.
Regulation of Jaw Size During Development and Evolution
Authors: Ealba Erin L , Yu Jane , Jheon Andrew H , Butcher Kristin D , Schneider Richard A 
Published: June 2021

The jaw shows great evolutionary variation in size. Our recent work demonstrates that skeletal cells derived from neural crest mesenchyme (NCM) control jaw size. Yet mechanisms by which NCM accomplishes this task remain unclear. One scenario is that interactions between NCM and adjacent cells, such as osteoclasts, play a critical role in determining jaw size. Unlike NCM‐derived osteoblasts that make bone, osteoclasts come from the hematopoietic lineage and resorb bone. A finely tuned balance between osteoblast and osteoclast activities may ultimately establish jaw size. Factors known to mediate these interactions include members and targets of the TGFÎ2 signaling pathway. To test if NCM controls jaw size through TGFÎ2 signaling and osteoclasts, we employ a quail‐duck chimeric transplant system. Previously, we have shown that quail donor NCM makes bone by executing autonomous molecular programs within duck hosts. Here, we perform transplants and gain‐ and loss‐of‐function experiments. We find that NCM controls jaw size through TGFÎ2 signaling and by regulating osteoclasts. Funded by NIDCR T32 DE007306 and K08 DE021705A to ELE; NSF DGE‐0648991 to JY; CIHR Fellowship to AHJ; and NIDCR R01 DE016402 to RAS.Grant Funding Source : NIH
Enhancing Student Engagement in an Advanced Protein Structure, Function & Biophysics Class
Authors: Bell Ellis 
Published: June 2021

Junior and Senior majors in a biochemistry and molecular biology major take advanced courses in the discipline yet have often only been exposed to traditional lecture based courses. As a result they are often ill‐prepared to think about foundational concepts or apply them to new situations and are not adept at the various skill sets necessary for them to compete in graduate school or future professions. To counter these effects a dynamic and active classroom engages students more fully in their own education. In an upper level protein structure, function and biophysics course which revolves around three major themes, Protein Structure and Flexibility, Energy Barriers and ways to overcome them, and Function and Regulation, a variety of active learning strategies including small group discussion and peer teaching, literature discussion and presentation, original summary synthesis of topics from the literature, challenging problem sets containing real data, and a fully integrated laboratory experience where students have to design their own experiments and interprete data replace traditional lectures and labs. Although students take a while at the start of the course to adapt to such a different teaching and learning style, pre and post testing using tools designed to assess foundational knowledge and skills shows significant gains in student understanding.This work is supported by NSF Grant MCB 0448905 to EB
Group III metabotropic glutamate receptors activate selectively pancreas‐projecting neurons in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus that control endocrine secretions
Authors: Babic Tanja , Travagli Renato Alberto 
Published: June 2021

We have shown that pancreas‐projecting vagal preganglionic neurons (DMV) can be distinguished as exocrine vs endocrine‐controlling based on their response to either cholecystokinin (CCK) and pancreatic polypeptide (PP) or glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1), respectively. We have also shown that the group III metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR) agonist L‐AP4 decreases synaptic inputs to pancreas‐projecting DMV neurons. However, in an in vivo preparation, microinjections of L‐AP4 into the DMV have no effect on pancreatic exocrine secretion.Here we aim to determine whether L‐AP4 can be used to distinguish central vagal circuits controlling pancreatic exocrine vs endocrine secretions.Whole‐cell patch‐clamp recordings in identified pancreas‐projecting rat DMV neurons show that perfusion with L‐AP4 (100μM) decreased the frequency of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents in 8/9 neurons tested. None of the L‐AP4‐responsive neurons responded to CCK (100 nM) and 1/5 neurons tested responded to PP (100 nM). In contrast, 4/5 L‐AP4‐responsive neurons also responded to GLP‐1 (100 nM).Since CCK and PP regulate exocrine‐, whereas GLP‐1 regulates endocrine‐pancreatic secretions, our findings support the hypothesis that distinct central vagal circuits control exocrine vs endocrine secretions and suggest that activation of group III mGluRs in the DMV regulates selectively endocrine functions.Supported by: NSF IBN‐104‐9618 to AT
Protein splicing facilitated by highly similar inteins from two extreme thermophiles
Authors: Williams Jennie E. , Reitter Julie N. , Mills Kenneth V. 
Published: June 2021

Protein splicing is a post‐translational event by which an intervening polypeptide, the intein, facilitates its own excision from the flanking polypeptides, the exteins, and the ligation of the exteins. Splicing of the Pyrococcus abyssi (Pab) PolII intein is initiated by an increase in temperature, which allows us to measure the rate of individual steps of the splicing reaction in vitro. We explored the rate of the first step of splicing for versions of the Pab PolII intein modified by mutation at conserved residues Asp74 and Ser166. We found no influence on the rate of the first step of splicing, but mutations at Ser166 influence the efficiency of the overall splicing reaction. The Pyrococcus horikoshii PolII intein has 71% sequence identity with the Pab PolII intein, but lacks an unstructured loop found in the Pab PolII intein. We hypothesize that this loop plays a role either in protein stability or in allowing for a mechanism‐linked conformational change to coordinate the steps of splicing. We will compare the temperature dependence of the rate and extent of splicing reactions and of the overall fold for both inteins.This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under grant MCB‐0950245 and by the Camille and Henry Dreyfus Foundation.
Do the Inter‐Nucleotide Domain loops act as an Entropy Sink in the Catalytic Activity and Regulation of 3‐phosphoglycerate Dehydrogenase?
Authors: Meehan Cristina , Falk Bradley , Bell Ellis 
Published: June 2021

Proteins can take on an array of conformations determined by regional flexibility of the protein. This may play critical roles in catalysis and allosteric regulation. The relationship between structure and function was studied to determine the contributions particular amino acids in 3phospho‐glycerate dehydrogenase. (3pGDH), may play in flexibility and the protein's function. Based upon available crystal structures a number of amino acids were identified by analysis of the temperature factors that may show altered flexibility in response to serine binding. In addition in conjunction with analysis of the temperature factors of bound cofactor (NAD(H)) we observe that two of the 4 central loops in the tetramer structure are more flexible than the other two and that this correlates with increased affinity for the cofactor. This creates an entropy sink that can be used to harness flexibility changes for catalysis and allosteric regulation. Various point mutations of specific amino acid residues involved in this “entropy sink” were created and the expressed proteins purified using Ni‐NTA affinity chromatography. Preliminary results suggest significant effects on activity. Our observations suggest the presence of an entropy sink which contributes to cofactor binding cooperativity and possibly catalysis.This work is supported by NSF Grant MCB 0448905 to EB
Probing Subunit Interactions in 3‐Phosphoglycerate Dehydrogenase
Authors: Falk Bradley , Bell Ellis 
Published: June 2021

3‐Phosphoglycerate Dehydrogenase is a homotetramer with three types of subunit interfaces; between adjacent regulatory domains, cofactor domains, and across the central cavity of the tetramer. A single tryptophan per subunit lies at the cofactor interface and crosses over between adjacent subunits. Collisional quenching approaches using steady‐state and lifetime measurements with both charged and neutral quenchers have been used to investigate the effects of ligands on exposure and asymmetry of this interface in native enzyme and a truncation mutant lacking the serine binding domain. NADH and á‐ketoglutarate decrease overall accessibility of the tryptophan possibly through the rotation of an interface‐spanning loop while serine primarily affects the charge environment around the tryptophan. Rotation of this loop may orient residues at the interface to form cross interface interactions necessary for communication. A K141Q/L mutations shows a decrease in acrylamide quenching as well as a reversal in iodide and cesium quenching. Ligand binding has less effect than with native. Thermal melts indicate a decrease in stability in these mutants while the minimal effects of ligands suggests changes in flexibility. Lifetime measurements indicate upward curvature seen in some Stern‐Volmer plots results from static quenching.This work is supported by NSF Grant MCB 0448905 to EB