bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Left‐Right Patterning and Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Yost H. Joseph 
Published: November 2023

It has been known for centuries that most external anatomical features of the human body are bilaterally symmetric, and that many of the internal organs have highly conserved Left‐Right (LR) asymmetries. However, we are only beginning to understand the developmental mechanisms that coordinate and execute bilateral symmetry and LR asymmetry. This lecture will provide a brief overview of LR developmental pathways that impact cardiovascular and neural development, and a view toward the future, in which the LR development field will impact basic sciences, human genetics and clinically relevant biomedical research.Support or Funding InformationResearch in the Yost Lab is currently funded by a NHLBI Bench‐to‐Bassinet Consortium (http://www.benchtobassinet.com) grant to HJY (UM1HL098160), and has previously been funded by other grants from NHLBI and from the American Heart Association.
The Path to Anatomy via Molecular Biology
Authors: Gordon Marion K 
Published: November 2023

Prior to the advent of Maxam and Gilbert DNA sequencing and Sanger, Nicklen and Coulson DNA sequencing, I was a student in an RNA sequencing laboratory. The experience taught me the proper paranoia for isolating and handling RNA. This was useful when, in the 1980s, I joined the lab of Bjorn Olsen at Rutgers Medical School, now called Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. There I learned the most current procedures in molecular biology, DNA sequencing and cloning. Bjorn was a great mentor, and he was an interesting guy. One day, another student and I found his histology notebook on his bookshelf‐‐he had hand drawn and colored every tissue section he had viewed so that he could study them for his histology exams. They were beautiful, accurate works of art, so intricate that I wished I could draw like that. Bjorn's passion about his work was contagious, and as a consequence, I fell in love with the family of collagens, which consisted of only 9 or 10 members then. A postdoc in the Olsen lab, Yoshifumi Ninomiya, had a role in determining the structure of type IX collagen by making a cDNA library from cartilage mRNAs and isolating the cDNAs corresponding to the collagen IX polypeptide chains. I was in awe of the idea that there were molecular biology strategies that could be used to identify and characterize new collagens, all because these triple helical molecules had repeating Gly‐Xxx‐Yyy sequences. The thrill of potentially being able to discover a new collagen made me love this type of science even more, and I put my whole heart into it. Around that time, a postdoc from Elizabeth Hay's lab visited Bjorn's lab, and this led to my meeting one of the best friends I'll ever have. That person, Kathy Svoboda, is not only partially responsible for Bjorn being hired by Betty Hay, chair of the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology at Harvard Medical School, but her suggestion meant my life would change too! If Bjorn went to Boston, my husband Don and I would also get to go. And we did! It was an exciting experience to be in that department. Kathy, Betty, Bjorn and other faculty would talk about the American Association of Anatomists, and Kathy convinced me that AAA had investigators and educators that covered just about any topic in the biological sciences that could possibly interest me. She talked me into attending one of the annual meetings. I joined AAA sometime in the late 1980s or early 1990s, and, finding that what Kathy had said was true, I wanted to play a role in the society. I began serving on a committee as a guest member in 1999, and by 2001 I was committed to giving back to the Association since I had gotten so much from it. As I met more and more of the AAA members, I realized I now had greatly extended my “family” of scientists from this society, and that they played a big role in my being happy in my career.Support or Funding InformationSupported by National Eye Institute EY009056, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases U54AR055073, and National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences P30ES005022
From dividing cells to helping students overcome socio‐economic barriers
Authors: Robinson Douglas N. 
Published: November 2023

Our lab investigates how cells form the shapes required for the specialized functions necessary for human health. Our effort is designed to decipher cellular morphogenesis from molecular and biophysical perspectives and to identify broad principles relevant for healthy and disease states. By applying forward genetics, quantitative cell biology, biochemistry and cell biophysics with computational approaches, we are developing understanding of cell morphogenesis that has predictive power. A major goal then is to be able to predict how cell and tissue systems will operate under diverse contexts and in response to a variety of insults. Because mechanics are central to cell behavior, we also seek to identify novel small molecule modulators of cell mechanics. Towards this goal, we have already utilized our amoeboid system to identify one such compound, 4‐HAP, which increases cortical myosin‐II and cortical elasticity. We are now testing 4‐HAP in animal models of three different cancers types. Finally, we are advancing our comparative effort, focusing on a range of mammalian systems and disease models, including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and degenerative motor neuron disease, where cell mechanics and architecture play a prominent role.Using our research environment, we have also built a pipeline initiative to develop scholars from economically and educationally disadvantaged backgrounds into future professionals in medicine and biomedical research. Our pipeline includes high school, undergraduate and postbaccalaureate programs and has now served ~110 scholars from across all levels with our first cohort starting to apply to medical and/or graduate schools. Our program provides scholars with intensive academic development, mentored research experience, and professionalism training.Support or Funding InformationBaurenschmidt, DARPA, Hay Family, HRSA, JHU INBT, NHLBI, NIGMS, Sol Goldman Foundation, Thomas Wilson Foundation
Dynamics of autophagy and mitophagy in neurons
Authors: Holzbaur Erika L.F. 
Published: November 2023

Neurons are large, polarized, and very long‐lived cells. In order to maintain cellular function over decades, neurons are highly dependent on homeostatic mechanisms such as autophagy. Autophagy is a cellular pathway for the degradation of aggregated proteins and dysfunctional organelles such as mitochondria, which are degraded by mitophagy. Mutations in proteins required for autophagy or mitophagy including PINK1, Parkin, Optineurin and TBK1 are sufficient to cause neurodegeneration, indicating the importance of this pathway to maintain neuronal function. We are using live cell imaging in cell models and in primary neurons to study the dynamics of autophagy and mitophagy, in order to define the underlying molecular mechanisms and to better understand how defects in this pathway lead to neurodegenerative diseases such as Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Parkinson's disease.Support or Funding InformationSupported by a Javits Neuroscience Investigator Award to E. Holzbaur (NIH R37 NS060698)
A novel enzymatic DNA modification on methylcytosine
Authors: Xu Guoliang 
Published: November 2023

DNA methylation at cytosines plays various roles in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. In the course of the search for novel DNA modifications, we found a bulky side chain of 90 Daltons conjugated to methylcytosine in the genomic DNA of an unicellular green alga, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. The enzyme responsible for this modification, called Cmd1 (cytosine modifying enzyme 1) shows little homology to the proteins in databases. The modification reaction appears to require oxygen and Fe2+, as the dioxygenases of the Ten‐Eleven Translocation (TET) family do and depends on the presence of 5‐methylcytosine in the DNA substrate. 2‐oxoglutatate, an essential co‐substrate for TET enzymes, is however not required. Strikingly, vitamin C is used a donor for the modification. Data on biochemical and functional characterization of this new type of DNA modification will be presented. This modification and the Cmd1 enzyme might find applications in the detection of 5mC in DNA samples.Support or Funding InformationNational Science Foundation of China
Serum Branched Chain and Aromatic Amino Acids Are Associated to Overweight, Obesity and Metabolic Alterations in School‐Aged Children
Authors: Ocampo‐Medina Elvira , Moran‐Ramos Sofia , Macias‐Kauffer Luis , Lopez‐Contreras Blanca E , Villamil‐Ramirez Hugo , Leon‐Mimila Paola , Villarruel‐Vazquez Ricardo , Ibarra‐Gonzalez Isabel , Vela‐Amieva Marcela , Canizales‐Quinteros Samuel 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundChildhood overweight and obesity are risk factors for metabolic alterations that could ultimately lead to pathological states. Metabolomics has emerged as a powerful tool to identify biomarkers for metabolic alterations. Multiple metabolomics studies have associated childhood obesity to serum amino acids and acylcarnitines, particularly to an increase in branched chain amino acids (BCAA). Despite these findings, so far there are no studies evaluating the serum amino acid profile in Mexican children. Therefore we aimed to identify amino acids associated to overweight, obesity and its metabolic alterations in Mexican school‐aged children.MethodologyAnthropometric and biochemical measurements were conducted in 845 children (6–12 years old) from a cross‐sectional study in Mexico City. Targeted metabolomics was performed by mass spectrometry. Children were classified according to their BMI percentile (BMIp) as low weight (LW; BMIp<5th), normal weight (NW; 5th<BMIp<85th), overweight (OW; 85th<BMIp<95th) and obese (OB; 95th<BMIp).ResultsOW and OB children had higher serum levels of BCAA and aromatic amino acids (AA) than NW and LW children (p<0.001). BCAA and AA correlated with higher HOMA (r=0.11, p=0.002 and r=0.15, p<0.001, respectively) and serum triglycerides (r=0.18, p<0.001 and r=0.19, p<0.001, respectively), after adjusting for age, sex and BMI percentile. Since insulin resistance (IR) and hypertriglyceridemia (hTG) are the most common metabolic alterations in Mexican children, those with both abnormalities were classified as Metabolically Compromised (MC), while those with none of these as Metabolically Healthy (MH). In NW, BCAA and AA were higher in MC than in MH children (p<0.001), concomitant to an increase in adiposity, suggesting that the higher levels of amino acids could respond to the higher degree of adiposity. However in OW children, BCAA an AA were also higher in MC children than in MH children (p<0.002), despite same percentage of adiposity between these two groups. Previous studies have suggested that a dysfunctional adipose tissue plays a role in the accumulation of these amino acids in serum and, in the development of metabolic complications. Thus we hypothesize that in OW children the adipose tissue functionality could be playing a role in the presence of metabolic complications, however the latter requires further research.ConclusionsBCAA and AA are associated to higher degree of overweight, likely related to a higher adiposity. However, their association with IR and hTG seems to be related to other factors besides adiposity. This highlights the importance of BCAA and AA in differentiating MH children from MC children.Support or Funding InformationThis work was supported by CONACYT grant 248765 to SM‐R
A Shotgun Fingerprinting Approach to Document Compliance With an Almond Consumption Intervention
Authors: Dhillon Jaapna , Ferreira Christina R , Sobreira Tiago Jose Paschoal , Mattes Richard D 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionAlmonds are an extremely rich source of unsaturated lipids and flavonoids and increased consumption may be recommended to achieve various health benefits. However, there are no known analytical methods to document compliance to chronic almond consumption.ObjectiveTo develop an analytical approach that identifies metabolic profiles associated with long‐term almond intake to ascertain compliance with prescribed consumption.MethodsA shotgun fingerprinting strategy was designed to isolate metabolic changes in erythrocytes after 12 weeks of almond consumption in a weight‐loss study. Representative samples (pools) of erythrocytes from individuals consuming almonds or no almonds were screened by flow injection mass spectrometry. Data based on scan modes for shotgun lipidomics, and m/z values compatible with almond flavonoid content were collected. Specific ion pairs and m/z values detected in pooled samples were combined into single ion monitoring and multiple reaction monitoring methods intended for individual sample screening. Values of ion intensities were normalized by total ion current to obtain relative ion intensities.ResultsOut of the 243 values of m/z monitored by both methods, 5 ratios and combinations of specific ions with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves AUC>0.89 had sensitivity of 74.2% and specificity of 90%. Eight out of the 31 participants (25.8%) in the almond group and 3 out of the 30 (10%) participants in the control group were misclassified by all 5 ratios.ConclusionRatios and combinations of specific ions mainly related to membrane lipids were discriminatory of almond consumption from the nut‐free diet. The relationship between these metabolites indicates almond‐induced changes in the metabolomics profile and the misclassifications observed as a result of ratio performance evaluation could be indications of possible non‐compliance as supported by analysis of dietary intake data.Support or Funding InformationAlmond Board of California
Maternal Vitamin D supplementation significantly improved maternal plasma 25(OH)D but not infant 25(OH)D or bone turnover markers in Ethiopian lactating women and their infants
Authors: Girma Meron , Tilahun Birkneh , Mulugeta Biruk , Reta Fikadu , Stoecker Barbara J 
Published: November 2023

We have reported Vitamin D insufficiency in Ethiopian women despite proximity to the equator, but responses to oral vitamin D supplementation in this population are not known. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of vitamin D3 supplmentation on maternal and infant plasma 25(OH)D concentrations and markers of bone turnover. We conducted a randomized, placebo controlled, double blind trial (NCT02210884) in Sidama Zone (7°N, 38°E), Southern Ethiopia. Lactating women (n=126) were enrolled within 2 weeks postpartum and were randomized to receive vitamin D3 (15,000 IU/week) or placebo for 12 months. Plasma 25(OH)D, bone specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP), osteocalcin (OC) and C‐telopeptide for type 1 collagen (CTX) were determined. Skin reflectance, dietary intake and individual UVB exposure also were measured. Median (IQR) 25(OH)D concentrations were not significantly different between vitamin D and placebo groups at baseline [47 (37, 57) nmol/L vs 45 (38, 55) nmol/L, p=0.78]. 25(OH)D concentrations were significantly higher in the vitamin D group at one year [109 (93, 121) nmol/L vs 62 (50, 81) nmol/L, p < 0.0001]. All women in the vitamin D group were vitamin D sufficient (> 50 nmol/L) by the end of the study. Furthermore, 95% had attained 25(OH)D concentrations > 75 nmol/L compared to 39% in the placebo group. Infant 25(OH)D concentrations at one year were not significantly different between groups. Maternal BAP and OC concentrations increased between 2 weeks post‐partum and 12‐month follow up in both groups (P< 0.001). No significant differences by group were seen for all bone turnover markers. Weekly Vitamin D3 (15,000 IU/week) supplementation safely eliminated vitamin D insufficiency in the study population.Support or Funding InformationSupported by the Nutricia Research Foundation, OAES Regional Project W‐3002 and Pure Encapsulations Inc, Boston, USA.
Raspberries modulate postprandial glycemia and markers of lipid oxidation and inflammation in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Schell Jace , Betts Nancy , Basu Arpita 
Published: November 2023

Postprandial dysmetabolism of glucose and lipids contributes to endothelial dysfunction and vascular complications in diabetes. Dietary berries have been previously shown to ameliorate meal‐induced excursions in glucose and lipid profiles in non‐diabetic individuals. Emerging research suggests a role of raspberries in reducing cardio‐metabolic risk profiles, though its effects in type 2 diabetes (T2D) is not known. Thus, we examined the hypothesis that dietary red raspberries will improve postprandial rise in glucose and lipids following a high‐fat fast food style meal challenge in participants with established T2D. Participants (n=25) were randomized to receive a high‐fat breakfast meal with or without raspberries (250g frozen) on two separate days, at least one week apart, and blood draws were conducted at fasting, 1, 2 and 4 hours postprandial time points. In addition, participants received a thrice/week dose of raspberries (250g frozen) for two weeks following which blood samples were collected to examine biomarkers of lipid peroxidation and inflammation. We found raspberry supplementation to significantly reduce hyperglycemia compared to the control group at 2 and 4 hours postprandial (p<0.05). However, we did not observe any changes in lipid profiles and vascular measures at any of the postprandial time points between the raspberry and control groups. At two weeks of follow up period from the acute intervention, raspberry supplementation caused a decrease in serum malondialdehyde and interleukin (IL)‐6 levels supporting the antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory effects in participants with T2D (p<0.05). Thus, dietary raspberries deserve further investigation in the nutritional management of diabetes.Support or Funding InformationNational Processed Raspberry Council
Consumption of 2 eggs per day as compared to an oatmeal breakfast increases plasma carotenoids and markers associated with reverse cholesterol transport in young, healthy individuals
Authors: Missimer Amanda C , DiMarco Diana M , Murillo Ana Gabriela , Millar Courtney L , Blesso Christopher N , Fernandez Maria Luz 
Published: November 2023

Despite the fact that the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015–2020 withdrew the previous restriction on dietary cholesterol (300 mg/day), consumption outside of this range is met with resistance from the public. Eggs are a primary source of cholesterol in the diet, and are a good source of high quality protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant carotenoids. Therefore, we investigated the effects of two different isocaloric breakfasts, either two eggs/day or one bowl of oatmeal/day, on lipid metabolism and HDL functionality to compare the impact of regular consumption of these two foods. In the randomized, cross‐over intervention, participants included 26 women and 24 men, aged 18–30 y, with a BMI of 23.3 ± 3.2 kg/m2, and normolipidemic profile. Blood was collected at the end of each period to assess apolipoproteins and carotenoid concentrations, and paraoxonase‐1 (PON1), lecithin cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) and cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) activities. Our initial findings reported no increase in LDL/HDL ratio, as both LDL‐C and HDL‐C increased, while there were no significant increases in plasma triglycerides, glucose or liver enzymes following consumption of 2 eggs for breakfast every day for four weeks. However, we sought to further examine the effects of regular egg consumption on markers of HDL metabolism and HDL functionality. Apolipoproteins were assessed using a magnetic bead‐based multiplex assay. While there was no difference in apolipoproteins A‐II, B, C‐II, C‐III, or E between groups, apoA‐I was significantly increased following egg consumption (p < 0.05). ApoA‐I is the primary apolipoprotein associated with reverse cholesterol transport (RCT), the transfer of excess cholesterol from extrahepatic tissues to HDL for clearance. Plasma lutein and zeaxanthin concentrations were increased following egg consumption (p < 0.001), which suggests increased presence of antioxidants in circulation. There was no difference in PON1 activity or CETP activity between groups. Additionally, LCAT, the enzyme responsible for converting free cholesterol into cholesteryl esters in HDL, was significantly increased following consumption of eggs as compared to an oatmeal breakfast (p < 0.05). These findings demonstrate that, compared to oatmeal, regular egg consumption (2/day) at breakfast may result in improvements in markers of HDL functionality in healthy populations.Support or Funding InformationFunding: award to MLF by the Esperance Family Foundation and Egg Nutrition Center Dissertation Fellowship awarded to ACM.
The Association between Socio‐demographic and Anthropometric Variables and Food Literacy Scores in Elementary School Children
Authors: Skeaff Sheila , Ware Lara , Davis Nicola , Power Daisy , Russell Kristina , Cameron Claire , Skeaff Murray 
Published: November 2023

Good food literacy is necessary to navigate an increasingly complex food environment. Food literacy is the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors required to achieve both a healthy and environmentally sustainable diet. The objective of this study was to measure the food literacy of school children and to identify predictors of food literacy. Schools in New Zealand's three largest cities were randomly selected and children in Year 6 (Grade 5; aged 9–11 years) were invited to complete a validated 37‐item online questionnaire designed to measure food literacy. Socio‐demographic information, height and weight was obtained from each child. Children (n=858) from 44 schools took part in the study, which took place from February to April 2016. Data were analyzed by linear regression. The mean (SD) food literacy score of all children was 68% (12). Because food literacy scores increased by age (3% (95%CI: 1 to 5) per year; P=0.004), subsequent analyses were adjusted for age. The food literacy score of boys was 66% which was significantly lower than the 69% score of girls (mean difference of 3% (95%CI: 1 to 5); P=0.004). Children who were of Māori and Pasifika ethnicity had food literacy scores that were 6% (95%CI: 4 to 9; P=0.001) and 11% (95%CI: 7 to 14; P=0.001) lower, respectively, than the scores of children of European (i.e. Caucasian), Asian, Middle Eastern, African, South American, South‐east Indian and other ethnicities. Children who attended low decile schools (i.e. schools with the highest proportion of children from low socioeconomic backgrounds) had food literacy scores that were 10% (95%CI: 7 to 12; P=0.001) lower than children who attended medium and high decile schools. Children with a BMI that classified them as overweight and obese had food literacy scores that were 4% (95%CI: 2 to 6; P=0.001) and 6% (95%C: 2 to 9; P=0.001) lower, respectively, than scores of children who were normal weight. To our knowledge, this is the first study that has assessed food literacy in elementary school children, showing that sex, ethnicity, socioeconomic status and body weight were significant predictors of food literacy.Support or Funding InformationNew Zealand Lottery Health Research