bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Organelle‐specific Regulation of V‐ATPase Activity by Inositol Phospholipids
Authors: Kane Patricia M. , Banerjee Subhrajit 
Published: November 2023

All eukaryotic cells have multiple acidic compartments, including lysosomes, endosomes, the Golgi apparatus, and regulated secretory granules, that are tuned to distinct pH ranges essential for their functions. It is not fully understood how precise organelle pH ranges are established and maintained in vivo. We have found that organelle‐specific isoforms of the yeast V‐ATPase, the proton pump primarily responsible for organelle acidification, specifically interact with phosphoinositides (PIs) characteristic of the organelles where they reside. V‐ATPases in the yeast lysosome‐like vacuole contain the Vph1 isoform of the Vo a‐subunit, the largest integral membrane subunit of the enzyme. The Vph1 isoform interacts specifically with the late endosome/vacuole‐specific lipid PI(3,5)P2, and V‐ATPase activity in the vacuole increases under conditions that trigger an increase in PI(3,5)P2, such as salt shock (Li et al (2014) Mol. Biol. Cell 25:1251). Recently we have found that the Golgi isoform of this subunit, Stv1, interacts specifically with PI(4)P, a PI lipid enriched in Golgi membranes. Both Stv1 and Vph1 contain N‐terminal cytosolic domains attached to an 8‐helix, C‐terminal transmembrane domain critical for proton transport. In yeast cells, an engineered cytosolic domain of Stv1 (Stv1NT) is recruited from the cytosol to the membrane in a PI(4)P‐dependent manner. In vitro, bacterially expressed Stv1NT binds specifically to PI(4)P‐containing liposomes in a flotation assay. Neither Vph1 nor Stv1 contain canonical PI binding sites, but we have identified a single point mutation in Stv1NT that compromises Stv1NT binding to PI(4)P‐containing liposomes. Introduction of this mutation into full‐length Stv1 in yeast cells has little effect on Stv1 localization, but reduces V‐ATPase function. This suggests that PI(4)P is required for activity of Stv1‐containing V‐ATPases at the Golgi apparatus. Consistent with this, a pik1ts mutation, which compromises PI(4)P synthesis at the Golgi, also compromises function of Stv1‐containing V‐ATPases. Taken together, these data suggest that isoforms of the V‐ATPase Vo a‐subunits interact with specific PI head groups, and that these interactions provide organelle‐specific input into V‐ATPase function. Mammalian cells express four isoforms of the Vo a‐subunit, corresponding to yeast Vph1/Stv1. In vitro experiments with expressed cytosolic domains of the human Vo a‐subunit isoforms reveal that some of these isoforms also interact with specific PI lipids. Specifically, the Vo a2 isoform, shown previously to function at the Golgi, binds specifically to PI(4)P. These data indicate that the extent of organelle acidification may be determined in part by resident Vo a‐subunit isoforms and their interactions with specific phosphoinositides, which provide both organelle identity and regulatory signals.Support or Funding InformationSupported by NIH GM50322
Stressing Interdisciplinarity to Mold the Undergraduate Experience
Authors: Keller Chelsea M , Bridges Britney E , Roney James N , Dries Daniel R 
Published: November 2023

In the tradition of the liberal arts, Juniata College promotes an environment conducive to interdisciplinary exploration. Many students, however, spend their early academic years taking discipline‐specific courses, leaving non‐disciplinary electives for their junior and senior years. In order to introduce freshmen to interdisciplinary thinking, two undergraduate students and two faculty mentors worked together to co‐develop a pilot course titled “From Lab to World”. As a freshman‐level seminar, this course has the unique opportunity to shape how freshmen will approach the rest of their college career. “From Lab to World” stresses to freshmen the necessity of interdisciplinarity both when working in scientific research teams and when addressing the local and global problems we face as citizens. The class is composed of two modules: personalized genomics and infectious diseases. Within each module, students worked through two problem‐based learning projects and two essays. For stimulation of interdisciplinary thought, the course utilized external speakers, Juniata professors from departments across campus, and various supplementary sources, including film and popular literature. The combination of these media empowered the students to take a hand in their own learning and develop the skills necessary to think critically and constructively regarding social issues. Creating and presenting this course has allowed for our own development both professionally and academically. This experience has ultimately fostered an environment that not only harbors interdisciplinary collaboration but also allows students to realize the necessity of addressing social justice and public health.Support or Funding InformationThis project was supported by a grant to Juniata College from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute through the Precollege and Undergraduate Science Education Program.
Bioaccessibility and intestinal cell uptake of astaxanthin from salmon and commercial supplements
Authors: Chitchumroonchokchai Chureeporn , Failla Mark L. 
Published: November 2023

We compared the bioaccessibility of astaxanthin (Ast) in uncooked and cooked wild and aquacultured salmon, Ast‐supplements and krill oil. Salmon flesh contained free E‐ and Z‐Ast, whereas Ast esters were predominant in commercial supplements and krill oil. Wild salmon contained ~10 times more Ast than aquacultured salmon; canthaxanthin was abundant (79.5 ± 4.6% of total keto‐carotenoids) in the latter. Cooking wild and acquacultured salmon using common home styles decreased Ast content by 48–57% and 35–47%, respectively. The efficiency of transfer of Ast into mixed micelles during simulated digestion of uncooked wild salmon was 43%, but only 12% for uncooked acquacultured salmon. Cooking wild salmon decreased the bioaccessibility of Ast, although it remained significantly greater than that for uncooked and cooked acquacultured salmon. The bioaccessibility of Ast (41–67%) after digestion of soft‐gel supplements containing Ast was ≥ that in uncooked wild salmon; bioaccessibility of endogenous Ast in phospholipid‐rich krill oil supplement was 68%. Greater than 95% of bio accessible Ast in digested supplements was unesterified. Apical uptake of E‐Ast in micelles generated during digestion of uncooked and cooked wild salmon was similar. Apical uptake and basolateral secretion of E‐Ast by Caco‐2 cells was greater after exposure to micelles generated during digestion of Ast‐enriched krill oil than digested uncooked wild salmon, suggesting that digestion products of phospholipid‐rich krill oil enhance Ast bioaccessibility and bioavailability. Because wild salmon contains health promoting components such as omega‐3 fatty acids and bioactive peptides in addition to Ast, it should be considered as a dietary source of bioavailable Ast.Support or Funding InformationThe Ohio State Agriculture Research and Development Center
Uptake and Metabolism of Dietary β‐Apocarotenoids by Caco‐2 Intestinal Cells
Authors: Durojaye Boluwatiwi O , Riedl Kenneth M , Curley Robert W , Harrison Earl 
Published: November 2023

Absorption and metabolism of dietary provitamin A is important, especially in populations whose vitamin A intake is obtained solely from carotenoids in plant based diets. We have detected low but significant quantities of β‐apocarotenoids in high β‐carotene foods. Nothing is known about the extent or mechanisms of intestinal absorption of β‐apocarotenoids, products of β‐carotene cleavage with potent biological activities. This research aimed to determine the kinetics of absorption, transport and metabolism of β‐apo‐8′‐carotenal, β‐apo‐10′‐carotenal and β‐apo‐13‐carotenone using Caco‐2 intestinal cells as a model. There was rapid uptake of β‐apo‐8′‐carotenal into the cells. After uptake, β‐apo‐8′‐carotenal was rapidly converted to a major metabolite identified by HPLC‐UV and LC/MS as β‐apo‐8′‐carotenoic acid. Similarly, β‐apo‐10′‐carotenal was rapidly taken up by the cells and converted to two major metabolites. Their identities are still under investigation. Finally, the cellular uptake of β‐apo‐13‐carotenone was rapid and this compound was quickly degraded to products undetectable by HPLC‐UV analysis. Understanding mechanisms of absorption and metabolism of these compounds relative to their quantities in foods is critical in exploring their functions and may help further understanding of the metabolic effects of β‐carotene.Support or Funding InformationNIH Grant R01‐HL049879 and funds from the Virginia M. Vivian Graduate Student Research Award
An open label study to evaluate the effect of Kaempferia parviflora in support of erectile function and male sexual health among overall healthy males 50–70
Authors: Hirsh Steven , Huber Luke , Stein Richard , Schmid Kira , Swick Andrew , Joyal Steven 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundKaempferia parviflora (KP) is an herbaceous plant from the family of Zingiberaceae. The KP rhizomes contain numerous flavonoids, two of which, 5,7‐dimethoxyflavone (DMF) and 5,7,4‐trrimethoxyflavone (TMF), are major constituents. Studies on isolated rat aortic rings revealed DMF causes endothelium‐dependent relaxation and vasodilation, effects partly mediated by the NO‐cGMP and cyclooxygenase pathways. In vitro studies noted an increased mRNA and protein expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), which is present in the endothelium of the penile vasculature and sinusoidal endothelium within the corpora carvernosa, and concluded this may result in an improvement in endothelial function. Experiments on rats suggested this plant extract may enhance copulatory behavior partly via the induction of hypothalamic dopaminergic D1 receptor expression. Additionally, a study on healthy elderly male volunteers revealed KP may increase blood flow to enhance penile circumference, length, and rigidity.ObjectivesThe primary objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of KP on erectile function among overall healthy males aged 50–70 utilizing the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire. Secondary objectives included assessment of mean changes in blood levels of free testosterone, total testosterone, estradiol, DHEA‐S, PSA, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, as well as mean response to the Global Assessment Question. Also assessed were changes in health‐related quality of life scores and mean changes in body weight.MethodsEach subject received a formulation containing KP for 30 consecutive days. Assessments, questionnaires, and laboratory testing were completed on Day 30. Baseline and Day 30 values were compared for all subjects who completed the clinical trial.ResultsA total of 13 subjects completed the trial. The Day 30 analysis showed a statistically significant mean increase in scores attained on the IIEF questionnaire related to total score, erectile function domain, intercourse satisfaction domain, and orgasmic function domain. For the Global Assessment Question, 61.5% of subjects noted the product improved their erections. There were no statistically significant changes observed for the other parameters measured.ConclusionThe treatment demonstrated improvement in certain study parameters related to erectile function and male sexual health. Results point towards the need for additional controlled studies with larger sample sizes. The study treatment was generally well tolerated.Support or Funding InformationSupplement Formulators, Inc.
Vitamin D receptor and megalin gene polymorphisms are associated with longitudinal cognitive change among African‐American urban adults
Authors: Beydoun May A , Tajuddin Salman M. , Dore Gregory A , Canas Jose A , Beydoun Hind A , Evans Michele K. , Zonderman Alan B 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundThe link between longitudinal cognitive change and polymorphisms in the vitamin D receptor (VDR) and megalin genes remains unclear, particularly among African‐American adults.ObjectivesWe aimed at evaluating associations of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) for vitamin D receptor [VDR(1)rs11568820(CdX‐2:T/C); 2)rs1544410(BsmI:G/A);(3)rs7975232(ApaI:A/C);(4)rs731236(TaqI:G/A)] and Megalin[(1)rs3755166:G/A;(2)rs2075252:C/T;(3) rs2228171:C/T] genes with longitudinal cognitive performance change in various domains of cognition.DesignData from 660 to 797 African‐American urban adult participants in the Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity Across the Lifespan were used. Latent class (LC) and haplotype (HAP) analyses were conducted creating gene polymorphism groups that were related to longitudinal annual rate of cognitive change (LARCC) predicted from mixed‐effects regression models.ResultsAmong key findings, rs3755166:G/A megalin SNP was associated with faster decline on the Mini‐Mental State Exam overall (β=−0.002; p=0.018) and among women. VDR2 (BsMI/ApaI/TaqI: G‐/A‐/A‐) SNP latent class (SNPLC) (vs. VDR1 [ApaI:”AA”]) was linked to faster decline on verbal fluency‐category (VFT‐C) in women. Among men, Megalin2 (rs228171 “TT”) SNPLC (vs. Megalin1:rs228171: “CC”) was associated with faster decline on Trails B but slower decline on DS‐B. Moreover, among men, VDR1 SNPHAP (GCA:baT) was associated with slower decline on Trails B, while Megalin1 SNHAP (GCC) was associated with faster decline on DS‐B, reflected as faster decline on cognitive domain 2 (“visual/working memory and executive function”).ConclusionSex‐specific VDR and Megalin gene variations can alter age‐related cognitive trajectories among African‐American urban adults, specifically in global mental status and domains of verbal fluency, visual/working memory and executive function.Support or Funding InformationThis research was supported entirely by the Intramural Research Program of the NIH, National Institute on Aging.
Relationship between whole grain consumption and selective attention
Authors: Evensen Jackson , Edwards Caitlyn , Thompson Sharon , Holscher Hannah , Khan Naiman 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionGreater habitual diet quality has been associated with weight regulation and reduced risk for chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease and Type‐2 diabetes. Previous studies have outlined the role of markers of diet quality ‐ wholegrain consumption in particular ‐ in reducing the risk for these diseases. However, the role of wholegrain consumption in cognitive function remains unclear. Studying these relationships may contribute to the body of literature linking whole grain consumption to improved physical and mental health.MethodsAdults between 25–45 years (N=76, 32 males) reported their dietary intake using the National Cancer Institute's (NCI) Diet History Questionnaire II (DHQII). Overall diet quality was assessed using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI‐2010) and whole grain consumption was measured using the whole grain component of the HEI‐2010. Selective attention was assessed using a modified Eriksen flanker task. Overall intellectual ability (IQ) and whole body adiposity (%Fat) was measured using the Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test and dual energy x‐ray absorptiometry, respectively.ResultsPartial correlations were conducted to examine relationships between whole grain consumption and flanker task variables following adjustment of age, sex, IQ, and total HEI‐2010 score. Whole grain consumption was positively related to accuracy in the both the congruent (r=0.37, P<0.01) and incongruent task conditions (r=0.28, P=0.02). Further, although no significant relationships were observed for mean response time (all Ps> 0.26), greater whole grain component scores were related to lower intraindividual variability (coefficient of variation) in reaction time during the incongruent (r=−0.33, P<0.01) but not congruent condition (r=−0.18, P=0.13).ConclusionThese data indicate that individuals with greater whole grain intake exhibited superior selective attention, as indicated by higher response accuracy and reduced variability in response time. Given that these relationships persisted even after adjusting for overall diet quality and important health and demographic factors provides support for the selective importance of whole grain intake for cognitive function. Future experimental studies are necessary to determine the impact of changes in whole grain intake on changes in cognitive function.Support or Funding InformationFunded by the Department of Kinesiology and Community Health at the University of Illinois and the Hass Avocado Board.
Seedy Business: Adding Healthy Additives Transforms Indulgence to Health Food in Consumers' Minds
Authors: Tal Aner , Wansink Brian 
Published: November 2023

This study explores whether adding healthy seeds to high‐calorie foods makes them appear healthier in consumers' evaluation. Adding healthy foods to a meal is known to affect calorie estimation (Chernev and Gal 2011). Here, we explore this effect on the ingredient level.Participants (N = 111) were recruited on Amazon Mechanical Turk. Participants viewed six foods: muffins, croissants, cookies, carrot cake, peanut‐butter bars, and pancakes. Foods were all high‐calorie, and generally perceived as low healthiness. Participants rated calories (open measure) and healthiness (9‐point likert from not at all healthy to very healthy) in each food. For each food, half of the participants rated the food as is, and half with an added healthy ingredient included in the description. These included blueberries, flax‐seeds, brown‐sugar, carrots, hemp‐seeds, and quinoa, respectively. Flax seeds significantly improved healthiness ratings (p = .003) and calorie estimates (p = .02) of croissants. Similarly, hemp seeds significantly improved health ratings (but not calorie estimates) of peanut‐butter bars (p = .056). There were also borderline significant effects (.05< p <.1) for calorie estimates of cookies with brown sugar, healthiness of cake with carrots, and healthiness of pancakes with quinoa. For other foods, there were directional, though non‐significant, effects.Ingredients perceived as healthy can generate health halos (Chandon and Wansink 2007; Wansink and Chandon 2006) and lead to healthier food evaluations. Seeds (Chia, Flax) appear to be especially effective at increasing estimated healthiness. This might operate regardless of the quantity of seeds added. These findings indicate a commercial strategy that may lead to adverse health effects, as adding healthy seeds can “health wash” a food, leading to increased consumption of foods that remain at basis unhealthy (Finkelstein and Fishbach 2010).
More of a Bad Thing: How Consumers Ignore Pollutant Levels
Authors: Tal Aner , Wansink Brian 
Published: November 2023

ObjectiveAssess whether consumers neglect consideration of pollutant quantity in determining food healthiness. In the current work, we argue that consumers heuristically consider the mere presence of a harmful ingredient in making healthiness judgments. The mere presence of a harmful food ingredient generates an emotional impact that leads consumers to see an ingredient as unhealthy. Contrary to that, the quantity of a harmful pollutant may be neglected, as it does not factor in to its emotional impact.MethodsParticipants (N = 98 Mechanical Turk participants) evaluated the healthiness of a depicted apple said to contain pesticide. Participants were randomly divided into three groups. One group was not told the apple contained pesticide called Carbaryl. The second group was told the apple contained 7.4 microgram of pesticide, and the third group was told the apple contained 4200 microgram of pesticide. The rated the healthiness of the apples on 9 point likert scales anchored by not at all healthy and very healthy.ResultsThere was a significant effect of pesticide on health evaluation: F(1, 98) = 18.94, p < .0001. Planned contrast revealed differences between presence and absence of pesticide: F(1, 98) = 37.88, p<.0001, but no difference between the different levels of pesticide: F(1, 98) = .03, p = .87.ConclusionConsumer assessment of the healthiness of foods containing pollutants acts in an all‐ or‐nothing manner, considering the presence of a pollutant, but not its level. Consumers display an insensitivity to the quantity of a pollutant in assessing product healthiness. This might result from their inability to discriminate between different levels of the pollutant, and the fact that most of its impact is an emotional outcome of its mere presence.
Limited Access to a Palatable High Fat Diet Promotes Binge‐Like Food Intake and Addiction‐Like Dopamine Terminal Adaptations in the Nucleus Accumbens Core of Mice.
Authors: Fordahl Steve , Jones Sara 
Published: November 2023

Consumption of palatable food engages the mesolimbic dopamine system, and chronic exposure causes dopamine terminal adaptations that resemble changes observed with drug abuse. We previously reported that limited access (3d per week for 2hrs per day) to a high fat diet increased the behavioral response to repeated amphetamine (AMPH) exposures. Increased behavioral sensitization was accompanied by elevated dopamine transporter (DAT) protein content in the cytosol, compared to the plasma membrane, and attenuated DAT function in the nucleus accumbens core (NAc). The current study examined whether acute AMPH exposure redistributes the DAT from the cytosol to the membrane, thereby increasing AMPH potency at dopamine terminals, and putatively augmenting behavior. We show in C57BL/6 mice that limited access to high fat caused binge‐like intake during the first 30 mins of access, which increased from 27% to 48% of their daily kcals over the 6‐week period, a behavior similar to escalated intake of self‐administered drugs or alcohol. After six weeks of limited high fat exposure, mice were then given intraperitoneal AMPH (0.5 mg/kg) one hour before slice voltammetry experiments to characterize dopamine terminal changes in the NAc. Compared to chow‐fed control mice, binge‐like intake of high fat reduced basal dopamine uptake (−0.67 μM/sec, Vmax), attenuated AMPH potency (−5.8 μM, Km), and enhanced dopamine D2/D3 autoreceptor sensitivity to quinpirole (−9.22 nM, IC50). Acute AMPH, however, significantly increased basal dopamine reuptake in high fat bingeing mice (+2.05 μM/sec, Vmax), but not control mice (+0.21 μM/sec, Vmax), and significantly increased AMPH potency at the DAT (+7.6 μM, Km), as well as D2/D3 autoreceptor sensitivity to quinpirole (−4.55 nM, IC50) to more closely resemble control mice. Our data suggest that acute AMPH improves dopamine terminal deficits following binge‐like high fat intake, possibly by redistributing the DAT to the plasma membrane. These findings align with previous reports showing AMPH potency is linked to DAT density. Overall, binge‐like intake of a high fat diet reduces dopamine terminal function, which can be reversed by acute AMPH. A significantly larger shift in AMPH potency compared with controls, coupled with reduced D2/D3 sensitivity, may contribute to the enhanced behavioral response to AMPH we observed previously using this binge‐feeding paradigm.Support or Funding Information(SCF) T32AA007565, P50DA006634 Pilot Grant(SRJ) AA0014091, AA021099, DA021325, DA030161 and DA006634