bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Choline affects placental vascular function and development in a dose response manner
Authors: Jiang Xinyin , Jones Sara , Ganti Anita , Andrew Benjamin , Brannon Patsy , Roberson Mark , Caudill Marie 
Published: June 2021

This study explored the role of choline in placental vascular function. In a 12‐week controlled feeding study among third trimester pregnant women, the higher choline intake group (930 vs. 480 mg/d) had lower (P=0.05) placental and circulating levels of soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1 (sFLT1), an anti‐angiogenic factor that predicts preeclampsia risk. The effect of choline on placental cell function was further investigated using immortalized HTR‐8/SVneo trophoblasts cultured in different choline concentrations (28, 13 and 8 μM) for 96 hours. The decrease in choline concentrations led to a graded increase (P<0.01) in the gene expression and secretion of sFLT1, expression of the proinflammatory markers [e.g. interleukin 1 beta (IL1B)], apoptosis and oxidative stress. Cellular phosphatidylcholine dramatically decreased (50%, P<0.01) in the lower choline group, whereas the protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms δ and ε, activated by breakdown products of phosphatidylcholine, increased (P<0.01). The addition of a PKC inhibitor partially rescued the increased expression of sFLT1 and apoptosis. In conclusion, choline influences placental vascular function partially via PKC.Grant Funding Source: USDA NIFA AFRI003397
Identification of colonic metabolites of 5‐hydroxylnobiletin and their roles in colon cancer inhibition
Authors: Zheng Jinkai , Song Mingyue , Charoensinphon Noppawat , Xiao Hang 
Published: June 2021

Previously, we reported that oral administration of 5‐ hydroxylnobiletin (5HN, a citrus flavonoid) potently inhibited colon carcinogenesis in mice. To further understand the molecular mechanism involved, we investigated colonic metabolism of 5HN in mice after oral administration for 16 weeks. Utilizing HPLC, UV spectroscopy, 1H and 13C NMR, and mass spectroscopy, we identified 8 metabolites of 5HN in the colon. They are mono‐, di‐, or tri‐demethylated derivatives of 5HN. We synthesized 3 major metabolites i.e. 5,3′‐didemethylnobiletin (M1), 5,4′‐ didemethylnobiletin (M2), and 5,3′,4′‐tridemethylnobiletin (M3), and compared their bioactivities with those of 5HN. All 3 metabolites showed stronger anti‐proliferative and pro‐apoptotic effects on colon cancer cells than 5HN, especially M1 was more than 50‐fold stronger than 5HN. M1 showed similar antiinflammatory effects as 5HN in lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated macrophages, while M2 was 3‐fold more potent in anti‐inflammation than 5HN. Moreover, M1 showed more than 10‐fold stronger anti‐angiogenic activities than 5HN in a capillary tube formation assay of human umbilical vein endothelial cells. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that colonic metabolites of 5HN had potent activities in inhibiting cancer cell growth, suppressing inflammation, and decreasing angiogenesis, which may contribute significantly to colon cancer inhibition.Grant Funding Source: NIH, AICR and USDA
Vitamin E reverses age‐associated susceptibility to Streptococcus pneumoniae lung infection
Authors: Ghanem Elsa Bou , Du Xiaogang , Wu Dayong , Camilli Andrew , Leong John , Meydani Simin Nikbin 
Published: June 2021

Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) infections in the elderly create a considerable health and economic burden in the USA. The objective of this study was to test whether vitamin E, a potent immune‐regulator, can be used as a preventive strategy to mitigate the age‐associated decline in resistance to pneumococcus. To test that, young (4‐mo) and old (22‐mo) mice were fed a diet containing 30 PPM (control) or 500 PPM (supplemented) vitamin E for 4 weeks and then intra‐tracheally challenged with the pneumococcal strain TIGR4. Results showed that, on the control diet, old mice were significantly more susceptible to pneumococcal infection than young mice. Remarkably, this age‐related difference was completely reversed by vitamin E supplementation: supplemented old mice had drastically lower bacterial burdens in their lungs and did not suffer systemic spread of pneumococci. The protective effect of vitamin E correlated with a decrease in neutrophil influx into the lungs. This effect was further modeled in vitro, where vitamin E inhibited neutrophil egress across polarized lung epithelial cells in response to pneumococcal infection. Since neutrophils in excess can be potent mediators of tissue destruction in pneumonia, our findings suggest that vitamin E reverses age‐associated susceptibility to pneumococcus by potentially modulating inflammatory neutrophil influx into the lungs.Grant Funding Source: Supported by Tufts Collaborates #M230169 and USDA contract #58–1950‐0–014
Linking the pro‐oxidant influences of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) to intestinal cholesterol metabolism via alterations in sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) using Caco‐2 cells
Authors: Wegner Casey J , Kim Bohkyung , Yang Yue , Park Youngki , Koo Sung I , Lee Jiyoung 
Published: June 2021

The intestine has emerged as a dynamic regulator of whole body cholesterol homeostasis. Pro‐oxidant effects by phenolics may influence intestine‐specific cholesterol regulation. In this study, we link the pro‐oxidant nature of EGCG to its effects on intestinal cholesterol metabolism using Caco‐2 cells. Significant and sustained (0.5–1.5 h) increases in H2O2 formation were observed after EGCG additions to culture media in the absence of cells. This corresponded to a significant increase in reactive oxygen species in Caco‐2 cells after 9 h EGCG treatments (100 μM). EGCG treatments at 50 and 100 μM concentrations decreased mitochondrial DNA copy numbers, which may reflect mitochondrial oxidative damage and/or decreased mitochondrial biogenesis. Nuclear content of SIRT1, a protein deacetylase critically involved in mitochondrial biogenesis, was altered following EGCG treatments. SIRT1 has also been shown to directly deacetylate sterol regulatory element binding protein 2 (SREBP‐2), subsequently reducing SREBP‐2 transcriptional activity. Accordingly, SREBP‐2 target genes, i.e. LDL receptor protein and HMG‐CoA reductase, were upregulated in differentiated Caco‐2 cells after 100 μM EGCG treatments. These results suggest that EGCG‐driven pro‐oxidant effects may alter intestinal cholesterol metabolism by regulating SREBP‐2 activity via SIRT1 inhibition or redistribution.Grant Funding Source: USDA Hatch
Family Meal (FM) Behaviors and Cognitions among Parents of Preschoolers
Authors: Martin‐Biggers Jennifer , Hongu Nobuko , Worobey John , Byrd‐Bredbenner Carol 
Published: June 2021

This study assessed FM behaviors, cognitions, barriers, and methods for coping with barriers of parents of preschoolers. Survey results (n=132) indicate >;50% ate FMs≥6 times/week and≤10% ate FM ≤2/week. Those with high school education or less ate FM significantly less often than those with more education. Days/week on which ≥2 different vegetables were eaten did not differ by education, but those with the most and least education ate ≥2 different fruits significantly less often. The highest education group had sugar‐sweetened drinks significantly less often and were most likely to allow children to decide portion sizes. Nearly all parents looked forward to FMs and valued positive FM environments. Focus group parents (n=25) reported that sharing FMs improved feelings of family connectedness, communications, and food choice healthfulness. Common barriers to FM frequency were time conflicts and differing food preferences of family members. Parents who overcame barriers to FM did so by planning meals and creating FM routines. Common barriers to positive FM environments were stress and eating issues (e.g., picky eaters); parents who overcame these talked about current events, avoided stressful topics, played simple word games at meals, and served foods kids enjoy. Results indicate parents could benefit from interventions that help them have healthier, more frequent, and more positive FMs.Grant Funding Source: United States Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Grant Number 2011–68001‐30170
Evo‐Devo of Specialized Bone Joints Formed During Pre‐Natal and Post‐Natal Ontogeny in Turtles With Shell‐Closing Systems
Authors: Cordero Gerardo Antonio , Stearns Samantha , Janzen Fredric 
Published: June 2021

The evolution of complex skeletal traits is often the result of functional variation in developmental genes during pre‐natal life stages. However, in some vertebrates, the development of such traits extends into post‐natal ontogeny, during which the relationship between functional genetic variation and phenotypic change is less clear. The objective of this study was to characterize pre‐natal and post‐natal development of a complex skeletal trait in turtles. We focused on phylogenetic comparisons of turtles with shell‐closing systems, an adaptation that enables some turtles to fully conceal appendages during predator attacks. We combined classical embryological approaches with modern geometric morphometrics to describe and quantify developmental change in bone tissues of deeply divergent lineages. We validated previous observations on the embryonic development of a specialized bone joint that articulates the dorsal scapula with the ventral shell. This joint is critical for the function of shell‐closing systems and forms via secondary subdivision of cartilage tissue. We then quantified a dramatic anatomical transformation associated with the post‐natal development of an external bone joint on the ventral shell of a lineage with the most derived form of the shell‐closing phenotype. This joint was not present in neonate turtles but likely developed in sub‐adult/adult age classes via tissue remodeling that was mechanically induced (due to muscle abduction). Remarkably, the turtle shell‐closing system is a complex skeletal trait that could feature both genetically‐ and epigenetically‐activated developmental programs. We are currently studying the genetic basis of this phenotype but will explore options to test hypotheses on epigenetic mechanisms.Grant Funding Source: NSF
Evaluating the relationship between fruit and vegetable intake using plasma and dermal biomarkers and reported dietary intake in 4th grade children
Authors: Nguyen Lori , Scherr R E , Linnell J , Nicholson Y , Spezzano T , Brian K , Briggs M , Ermakov I , Gellermann W , Keen C , Miyamoto S , Smith M , Steinberg F , Young H M , Zidenberg‐Cherr S 
Published: June 2021

The objective of this study is to evaluate the relationship between biomarkers of fruit and vegetable intake comparing plasma and dermal carotenoids to reported intake. It is important to have a valid, objective, and non‐invasive method to assess nutritional status in children and a feasible data collection method. As part of the multi‐component nutrition education intervention Shaping Healthy Choices, a health fair was hosted to collect biochemical data from 4th graders. Dermal carotenoids were measured using Resonance Raman Spectroscopy (RRS). Plasma carotenoids were quantified using High Performance Liquid Chromatography. Dietary intake was assessed using the Block Food Frequency Questionnaire. Total plasma carotenoids strongly correlated with RRS values when corrected for BMI (R2=0.80; P<0.01; n=10). RRS values strongly correlated with FFQ orange and leafy vegetable servings (R2=0.80; P<0.03 and R2=0.83; P<0.02, respectively). This study shows that a health fair is a feasible model to collect valid biomarker data assessing fruit and vegetable intake. RRS is a valid, non‐invasive method for determining carotenoids and correlates with reported intake. This validation work serves as justification for larger sample sizes in future studies. This model will be used to gather biomarker data at postevaluation and in future nutrition intervention studies.Grant Funding Source: UCANR and USDA 2011–38420–20082
Friends Matter: Food safety cognitive and behavioral influences among youth
Authors: Quick Virginia , Heller Rebecca , Corda Kirsten , Martin‐Biggers Jennifer , Byrd‐Bredbenner Carol 
Published: June 2021

Do perceptions of food safety cognitions and behaviors of friends differ from one's own perceptions? This study examined youths’ food safety cognitions and behaviors and perceptions of their friends’ food safety cognitions and behaviors. Data were collected using an online survey based on Health Belief Model, Theory of Reasoned Action, and social norms theory constructs. Youth (n=227; mean age 12.8±0.7y; 59% female) were recruited from 4 middle/high schools in 4 states. Paired t‐tests revealed significant differences (P<0.001); compared to themselves, youth felt that their friends perceived themselves to be less susceptible to food poisoning, were less likely to handle food safely, had more negative food safety attitudes, and had less food safety self‐efficacy. Findings suggest that youth believe they have more positive food safety cognitions and behaviors and have greater recognition of their susceptibility to food poisoning than their peers do. Findings suggest that food safety behavior change interventions should consider coupling perceptions of friends’ food safety cognitions and behaviors with concern for friends as a method for leveraging positive peer pressure to promote food safety behavior change in their social networks.Grant Funding Source: USDA, National Food Safety Initiative and in part by the intramural research program of the National Institutes of Health, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.
Pica behavior is prevalent and associated with low iron status in pregnant adolescents
Authors: Lumish Rachel Allison , Young Sera L , Lee Sunmin , Cooper Elizabeth M , Pressman Eva , O'Brien Kimberly O 
Published: June 2021

A relationship between iron deficiency, pregnancy, and pica (the craving and purposive consumption of non‐food items) has been frequently observed. However, few studies have related pica behaviors to biomarkers of iron status, and little is known about pica prevalence in pregnant adolescents. To address this, we undertook a longitudinal study examining iron status and pica behaviors among a group of 158 pregnant adolescents (≤ 18 y). Approximately two‐thirds of the participants were African American and 25% were Hispanic. Maternal iron status [hemoglobin (Hb), transferrin receptor (TfR), serum ferritin (SF), total body iron (TBI), and hepcidin (Hep)] was assessed at mid‐gestation (~26 weeks) and delivery. Pica and other characteristics were assessed up to three times across gestation. Among the 158 adolescents, 45% reported engaging in pica at some point during pregnancy. Substances ingested included ice, starches, powder, and plastic. At mid‐gestation, mean SF, TBI, and Hep values in the pica group were significantly lower (p<0.05) than those in the non‐pica group. The prevalence of anemia (Hb≤10.5 g/dL) at mid‐gestation was significantly higher (p<0.002) in the pica group (27.8%) than among those who did not report pica (6.5%). While further studies must address the etiology of these relationships, our findings suggest that pica could be an inexpensive method for screening for iron deficiency.Grant Funding Source: USDA 2005–35200 and 2008–01857
Acetyl‐CoA carboxylases are checkpoints in adipocyte differentiation
Authors: Cordonier Elizabeth Lyn , Teixeira Daniel Camara , Han Zhonghi , Pannier Angela K , Zempleni Janos 
Published: June 2021

Acetyl‐CoA carboxylases (ACC) 1 and 2 depend on biotin as a coenzyme and catalyze the carboxylation of acetyl‐CoA to malonyl‐CoA. Malonyl‐CoA produced by cytoplasmic ACC1 and mitochondrial ACC2 is a precursor in fatty acid (FA) synthesis and an inhibitor of mitochondrial FA oxidation, respectively. We hypothesized that ACCs are checkpoints in adipocyte differentiation, and used human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) and murine 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes to test our hypothesis. The expression of ACC2 increased by 1500% in differentiating hMSC compared with non‐differentiating hMSC, judged by qRT‐PCR and western blot. This increase preceded the increase of adipocyte marker genes FABP4 and PPARy. Treatment of hMSCs with grape leaf extract (GLE) inhibited the differentiation into adipocytes judged by the abundance of PPARy/FABP4 mRNA and staining of lipid droplets with Oil Red‐O. Likewise, treatment of 3T3‐L1 cells with the microbial ACC inhibitor soraphen A inhibited differentiation, judged by decreased lipid accumulation. Treatment of transgenic fruit flies, predisposed to storing excess body lipids, with GLE decreased body lipids by ~50%. In future studies, we will use mutagenesis to determine which of the two ACCs is the critical checkpoint in differentiation. We conclude that ACCs are checkpoints in adipocyte differentiation and that manipulation of ACC activity decreases body fat.Grant Funding Source: ARD Hatch, NIFA, and NIH
Adolescent traumatic stress experience shapes adulthood fear conditioning and extinction responses
Authors: Moore Nicole LT , Gauchan Sangeeta , Genovese Raymond F 
Published: June 2021

A traumatic stress paradigm (underwater trauma, UWT) was used to model an intense developmental stress event during adolescence, and evaluate effects on fear and stress response lasting into adulthood. Adolescent rats (P37) were exposed to UWT or swim without submersion. Rats were then allowed to reach adulthood (P114) and fear conditioned using light and sound (conditioned stimulus), with or without footshock (unconditioned stimulus). After a three‐week fear incubation period, rats were given one extinction trial per day for five consecutive days using an operant behavior conditioned suppression task. Preliminary results suggest that adolescent traumatic stress experience shapes some aspects of adulthood stress response severity, and residual fear responses after five extinction trials.This work is supported by the Military Operational Medicine Research Program, US Army Medical Research and Materiel Command.
Peptide bond cleavage adjacent to aspargine or glutamine
Authors: Urbanski Laura M. , Chin Stacy L. , Reitter Julie N. , Mills Kenneth V. 
Published: June 2021

Protein splicing is a post‐translational, self‐catalyzed process in which an intervening polypeptide, the intein, is self‐excised from the flanking polypeptides, or exteins. The third step of the splicing process is the cyclization of Asn or Gln coupled to peptide bond cleavage. We have studied this cyclization in model peptides with an N‐terminal Abz fluorophore and a C‐terminal Lys‐DNP quencher. Cyclization of Asn or Gln coupled to peptide bond cleavage results in fluorescence, which allows us to measure the rate of cyclization. The cyclization and cleavage can also be followed by HPLC and high resolution LC‐MS. Initial data suggest that the rate of Asn cyclization is significantly faster than Gln cyclization, that the rate of cyclization is increased by the influence of an upstream His, and that the cyclization is pH dependent.This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under grant MCB‐0950245 and by the Camille and Henry Dreyfus Foundation.
Protein splicing of inteins from Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002 and Trichodesmium erythraeum
Authors: Siegart Nicolle M. , Urbanski Laura M. , Karanja Kevin , Colelli Kathryn M. , Reitter Julie N. , Mills Kenneth V. 
Published: June 2021

Protein splicing is a four‐step intramolecular reaction, in which an intein flanked by N‐ and C‐terminal exteins is removed, resulting in ligation of the exteins. We are studying inteins that interrupt genes from the cyanobacteria Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002 (Ssp 7002) and Trichodesmium erythraeum (Tery). The Ssp 7002 intein has a highly conserved C‐terminal Asn, unlike an intein from Tery that has a C‐terminal Gln but also has 63% sequence identity with the Ssp 7002 intein. Both inteins splice with their native C‐terminal residue. Initial data suggest that Asn can substitute for Gln with the Tery intein, but Gln cannot substitute for Asn in the Ssp 7002 intein. Each intein also has conserved Cys residues that result in splicing controlled by disulfide bond formation in inteins from archaebacteria; we are currently determining if such redox‐state regulation is relevant with these cyanobacterial inteins as well.This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under grant MCB‐0950245 and by the Camille and Henry Dreyfus Foundation.
Seeing Terrestrial Avian Locomotion with X‐ray Eyes
Authors: Kambic Robert , Gatesy Stephen 
Published: June 2021

Birds, like humans, are obligate bipeds. Although most can fly, many birds are able walkers and runners. Avian terrestrial locomotion has implications for understanding structure and function in organisms, reconstructing how extinct dinosaurs lived, and pathological models. However, until recently, studying avian locomotion has been hampered by our inability to accurately measure joint and bone motion. Here we present 3‐D kinematics data from a chicken‐like bird, the helmeted guineafowl (Numida meleagris), using a new motion analysis method known as XROMM (X‐ray Reconstruction of Moving Morphology).XROMM combines CT or laser‐scanned bone models with bi‐planar fluoroscopy to reconstruct six‐degree of freedom motion for skeletal elements. These highly accurate animations provide our first look at how birds move in 3‐D.We find that long axis rotation of the femur and tibiotarsus is an important and underappreciated component of both steady and maneuvering locomotion. Understanding this rotation is critical to understanding how birds move through their environment, how hind limbs are designed, and how extinct theropods may have moved.Grant Funding Source: NSF
Composition of Beverages in the Homes of Low‐Income Families in Greater Hartford, CT
Authors: Wakefield Dorothy B , Ferris Ann , Lora Karina 
Published: June 2021

Baseline data from a longitudinal study describes an inventory of available beverages in the homes of 462 multicultural low‐income caregivers of 3–5 y. old children. Caregivers provided demographics and completed a home beverage inventory (HBI) at baseline, 3 and 6 months. HBI categories included 100% fruit juice (FJ), milk (flavored/unflavored/soy milk), juice drinks (juice drink, iced tea, energy drinks) (JD), regular and diet soda, bottled water (BW), low calorie 100% juices (LCFJ), and other (coffee/tea/supplements). The average HBI was comprised of 23% milk, 21% FJ, 18% JD, 17% BW, 8% regular soda, 3% LCFJ, 1% diet soda, and 9% other. The composition of the HBI was associated with caregiver's age. Older caregivers had more FJ, milk, and diet soda; and less JD and regular soda than younger caregivers (p<0.05). Families on SNAP had more milk (p=0.01) and less regular soda (p=0.01) than families not on SNAP. There were differences in JD (p=0.001), LCFJ (p=0.03), regular (p<0.001) and diet soda (p<0.001) by ethnicity (African American, Latino, White, West Indian, Other). Caregivers with <HS education had more regular soda than those with more education (p=0.01). Caregivers who were overweight/obese (p=0.01) and caregivers who were food secure (p=0.007) had less BW than underweight/normal or food insecure caregivers. Caregiver characteristics are associated with the composition of the beverages in the home.Grant Funding Source: Funding: USDA/NRI 2008–55215‐19071