bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polyphenolic compounds of Purple Sweet Potatoes (Ipomoea batatas) show anti‐inflammatory effects in colon myofribroblast CCD‐18Co cells
Authors: Cipriano Paula , Kim Hyemee , Mertens‐Talcott Susanne , Talcott Steve
Published: June 2021

Acylated anthocyanins from purple sweet potatoes are used as natural food colors. Digestion impacts their stability and composition due to enzymatic hydrolysis and thus requires additional study for biological activity. Anthocyanins were alkali hydrolyzed and fractionated to create distinctive polyphenolic isolates to simulate digestive processes and evaluate anti‐inflammatory effects in CCD‐18Co colon cells and selective cell proliferation in HT‐29 cancer cells. A 40% cell inhibition was observed for HT‐29 cells for all anthocyanin‐containing fractions. Anthocyanins with and without hydrolysis suppressed TNF‐α induced ROS at 10 CAE mg/L, while phenolic acids alone promoted it on HT‐29 cells. Hydrolyzed anthocyanins and phenolic acids served to down‐regulate mRNA, protein expressions of inflammatory markers (IL‐6, IL‐1b, TNF‐α, and NF‐κB), compared to non‐hydrolyzed anthocyanins. Results indicated the importance of polyphenolic composition and hydrolysis effects on physiological relevant anthocyanin moietes, and serves to provide valuable knowledge to the natural color industry for healthier alternatives for food colors.
Strenuous exercise and quercetin intake stimulates aortic NFkB signaling
Authors: Mahini Halleh , Ainsworth Gregory , Garelnabi Mahdi
Published: June 2021

NF‐kB belongs to a family of structurally related inducible transcription factors known to be activated in the vessel wall in atherosclerosis and other diseases NF‐kB activation is mediated by diverse extracellular signals including oxidized LDL, and inflammatory cytokines. In the current study we combined quercetin and exercise to examine the effect of the combination.

Study Design and Methods

We investigated the combination of exercise and quercetin intake in C57BL6 normal male mice fed normal mouse chow. Mice were divided into four groups. These groups are as follows: Control mice, left untreated; control quercetin group, orally supplied with 100 μg/day of quercetin without exercising; exercise group without quercetin, and exercise group with quercetin supplements. The exercise groups were run on a treadmill for 30 minutes, 30m/m/ 5 days/week for 60 days. At the end of the study, mice were sacrificed tissues such as the aorta, adipose and livers were collected for gene expressions for genes associated with NFkB signaling, inflammation, and lipoprotein metabolism were analyze.

Results and Discussion

NFkB mRNA levels was significantly (P<0.05) upregulated with the combination of exercise and quercetin intake, however on the other hand exercise or quercetin intake alone have resulted in significant (P<0.05) down regulation of its mRNA levels.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that quercetin intake with exercise modulate NFkB signaling and its associated genes.
DCAP: A Broad‐spectrum Antibiotic that Targets the Cytoplasmic Membrane of Bacteria
Authors: Heinrich Victoria , Hurley Katherine , Santos Thiago , Weibel Douglas
Published: June 2021

Slow‐ and non‐growing persistent bacteria infections are not susceptible to most currently available antibiotics that target rapid‐growth cell mechanisms. The synthetic antibiotic 2‐((3‐(3,6‐dichloro‐9H‐carbazol‐9‐yl)‐2‐hydroxypropyl) amino)‐2‐(hydroxymethyl) propane‐1,3‐diol (DCAP) and its analog 1‐(3,6‐dichloro‐9H‐carbazol‐9‐yl)‐3‐[(3‐methylbutyl)amino]propan‐2‐ol (i‐DCAP) are broad‐spectrum antibiotics that inhibit growth of bacteria by disrupting membrane potential and permeability. Treating E. coli cells with DCAP and i‐DCAP and imaging with epifluorescence microscopy in the presence of impermeable Sytox green DNA stain reveals an increase in the membrane permeability. Permeabilization of the membrane by DCAP is localized at the septum, resulting in lysis. i‐DCAP uniformly enhances permeability across the membrane, rarely resulting in lysis of the cell. Co‐dosing studies with i‐DCAP and ampicillin indicate that targeting the cell wall in two ways displays some antibiotic synergy. The activity of DCAP and i‐DCAP is affected by the cellular environment and phospholipid composition of the membrane. The presence of divalent cations, Mg2+ and Ca2+, represses the antibacterial activity of i‐DCAP. Rising concentrations of CaCl2 and MgCl2 in solution led to an increase in minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of i‐DCAP against E. coli. Dye release assays of in vitro calcein‐encapsulated liposomes suggest that the phospholipid composition of liposomes containing DOPE has a greater susceptibility to disruption by i‐DCAP.
Serum lncRNA Detection as Potential Biomarker of Lung Cancer
Authors: TIAN SONG , Rulli Samuel , Lader Eric
Published: June 2021

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death and the second most common cancer among both men and women in the United States. Early detection using a simple, blood‐based screening method could greatly contribute to decreasing the mortality rate. Along with other nucleic acid candidates, lncRNAs have been linked to cancer development and their potential use as tumor biomarkers has been suggested. Unfortunately, limited analyses have been performed on the presence of lncRNAs in serum/plasma samples of lung cancer patients. Here, we explored the possible use of serum lncRNA as a specific lung cancer biomarker. Human cancer‐related lncRNAs were evaluated in serum samples from non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients and healthy controls (n=3 and n=24, respectively) with a simple real‐time RT‐PCR strategy. Several serum lncRNAs (normalized to three reference assays) were found to be significantly up‐regulated in samples from NSCLC cancer patients. For example, PVT1, an lncRNA previously linked to prostate, breast and colorectal cancer as well as RMRP and SNHG16 showed clear up‐regulation (fold difference>4, p<0.001). In contrast, other potential serum/plasma biomarkers for hepatocellular carcinoma and multiple myeloma (for example, HULC and TUG1) showed no clear change (fold difference<3, p>0.5). We are currently exploring whether the lncRNAs from our initial serum samples reside in exosomes which can be enriched as a potential biomarker source.
Optimization of Cell Isolation from Human Milk
Authors: Hassiotou Foteini , Savigni Donna , Hartmann Peter , Geddes Donna
Published: June 2021

Breastmilk contains a plethora of bioactive factors, including biochemical and cellular components, providing not only nutritional, but also immunological and developmental support to the breastfed infant. Maternal cells in breastmilk comprise a heterogeneous population of epithelial cells, leukocytes, progenitor and stem cells that dynamically respond to maternal and infant needs. Although cellular analyses have been previously conducted in breastmilk, optimization of the methodology to isolate and process cells from breastmilk is lacking. In this study, we examined the effect of breastmilk storage and centrifugation on the cell content and integrity of breastmilk. Freshly expressed breastmilk was collected from lactating women and was centrifuged within 30 min from expression using 5 different centrifugation speeds (500, 800, 1600, 2300, 3300 g). Cells were washed in sterile PBS after the initial fractionation and were counted using a Neubauer haemocytometer with Trypan Blue exclusion for measurement of cell viability. Of all centrifugation speeds tested, 800 g yielded the highest cell counts as well as cell viabilities, which markedly decreased above this speed. Storage of whole breastmilk at room temperature or in the refrigerator or freezer was also tested. It was shown that cell counts and viability are preserved within the first 3 hours of storage at all these conditions, but then decrease upon further storage. These findings provide a standardization of the methodology to isolate and process cells from breastmilk for future lactation studies.
Maternal obesity alters gut microbial ecology in offspring of NOD mice
Authors: Zhu Meijun , Kang Yifei , Du Min
Published: June 2021

Background

Gut microbiota (GM) are increasingly recognized as a significant factor in the pathogenesis of T1D. High Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes (B/F) is associated with the development of T1D. Previously we reported that maternal obesity (MO) increases the incidence of T1D in the offspring of nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice, and the current study investigated the possible link of GM to the exaggerated insulitis in offspring due to MO. Methods: 4‐wk‐old female NOD mice were fed either a control or a high fat diet for 8 weeks before mating. Mice were maintained in their respective diets during pregnancy and lactation. All offspring were fed the control diet to 16‐wk‐old.

Results

Pyrosequencing examination revealed that GM of offspring born to obese mothers was distinct from those of control mothers. At phylum level, MO increased Bacteroidetes, Defferibacteres and Proteobacteria, while decreased Firmicutes in offspring GM, resulting in increased B/F ratio in GM of obese offspring. Family level analysis indicated that GM of offspring from obese mothers had increased levels of Deferribacteraceae, Bacteroidaceae, Desulfovibrionaceae, Helicobacteraceaev, and Porphyromonadaceae. Reciprocally, the abundance of Rikenellaceae and Lachnospiraceae‐Ruminococcaceae were decreased in offspring from obese mothers. The analysis at the genus level revealed that Bacteriodes, Barnesiella, Desulfovibrio and Mucispirillum were more abundance, while Alistipes, Clostridium XIVa, Dorea and Osillibacter were less abundance in offspring of obese mothers.

Conclusion

MO resulted in a dysbiosis in offspring, suggesting a GM‐mediated mechanism on diabetogenesis by MO (NIH R15HD073864).
Postprandial Hyperglycemia‐Induced Vascular Endothelial Dysfunction is Unaffected by a Green Tea Containing Starch Confection
Authors: Sapper Teryn , Mah Eunice , Ahn‐Jarvis Jennifer , Vodovotz Yael , Bruno Richard
Published: June 2021

Postprandial hyperglycemia (PPH) induces vascular endothelial dysfunction (VED) by increasing oxidative stress. Green tea lowers cardiovascular disease risk, possibly through its catechins that reduce oxidative stress and/or PPH consistent with a lowering of α‐amylase activity in vitro. We hypothesized that a green tea‐containing starch confection would protect against VED by suppressing PPH‐mediated oxidative stress that lowers nitric oxide bioavailability. In a double‐blind, randomized, cross‐over study, healthy men (n=15) ingested a starch‐based confection (50 g starch) containing 0 or 1 g of decaffeinated green tea extract (GTE) prior to evaluating brachial artery flow‐mediated dilation (FMD), plasma glucose, and markers of nitric oxide (NO) status and lipid peroxidation at 30 min intervals for 3 h. Plasma glucose increased at 30 min and returned to baseline at 90 min, and FMD decreased at 60 min, relative to baseline (P<0.05) in both groups regardless of GTE (P>0.05). Data for both trials were then collapsed to better define PPH‐induced VED in response to the starch confection. Plasma malondialdehyde increased at 30 min and remained elevated for 3 h whereas asymmetric dimethylarginine relative to arginine was increased at 60 min only. Collectively, a starch‐based confection induced VED in association with PPH regardless of GTE incorporation, which occurred consistent with increases in oxidative stress that reduce NO bioavailability. Supported by OSU Food Innovation Center.
PARADOXICAL ROLES OF PARP‐1 IN COLON INFLAMMATION AND TUMORIGENESIS
Authors: Tarhuni Abdelmetalab , Errami Youssef , El‐Bahrawy Ali , Al Khami Amir , Naura Amarjit , Brim Hassan , Ashktorab Hassan , Rodriguez Paulo , Ochoa Augusto , Boulares Hamid
Published: June 2021

Important causes of colon cancer in humans are chronic colon inflammation and the accumulation of mutations. PARP‐1 is involved in genomic stability and inflammatory processes, which are anti‐ and pro‐cancer phenomenon, respectively. We investigated these opposing roles of PARP‐1 in colon carcinogenesis using different models of the disease. Our results show that partial PARP‐1 inhibition by gene heterozygosity conferred a significant protection against ApcMin‐driven intestinal tumor burden. Surprisingly, complete PARP‐1 gene knockout not only did not protect against ApcMin‐driven intestinal tumorigenesis, it actually increased the tumor burden in mice. Inhibition of PARP by a low dose (5mg/kg) of olaparib (an inhibitor used in clinical trials) reduced moderately (although not statistically significant) the tumor burden; however, a higher dose (25 mg/kg) aggravated the tumor burden in ApcMin mice. These opposing outcomes occurred despite the anti‐inflammatory effects provided by either genetic or pharmacological PARP inhibition (assessed by ICAM, INOS, and TNF levels). Interestingly, in the carcinogen/inflammation model, both pharmacological and genetic inhibition of PARP reduced tumor burden in treated mice. In the xenograft model, PARP‐1 gene knockout reduced the size of MCA‐38‐generated tumors demonstrating, potentially, a role for PARP‐1 in the host response to tumor development. Our results demonstrate a complexity in the role of PARP‐1 in colon tumorigenesis and that its paradoxical role in such process should be carefully considered prior to using its inhibition as a therapeutic strategy against colon cancer

Funds: ACS and NIH
A Novel Transgenic Mouse Model for Congenital Obstructive Nephropathy
Authors: Lee Amanda , Polgar Noemi , Lui Vanessa , Tamashiro Kadee‐Kalia , Napoli Josephine Andrea , Lipschutz Joshua , Fogelgren Ben
Published: June 2021

Congenital obstructive nephropathy (CON) is the most common cause of chronic kidney disease and end stage renal disease among infants and children. The most common cause of CON is obstruction of the upper ureter at the ureteropelvic junction (UPJ), where the renal pelvis transitions into the ureter. Studying prenatal UPJ obstructions is difficult because the causes are unknown and there are no non‐surgical animal models that recapitulate the disease's development in utero. The protein Sec10 is a central component of the eight‐protein exocyst complex that some cells use to regulate polarized exocytosis of specialized subsets of proteins to the plasma membrane. We have created a Sec10 conditional knockout mouse model, the first conditional allele for any exocyst component. Sec10 inactivation in ureteric bud derived epithelial cells with the Ksp‐Cre mouse strain resulted in bilateral hydronephrosis, complete anuria, and neonatal death. Embryonic analyses of Sec10 conditional knockout mice (Sec10‐CKO) show obstructions develop at the UPJ between E17.5 and E18.5. Immunohistochemical analyses of ureter cross‐sections show the blockage occurs because of a breakdown of the urothelial layer and an overgrowth of the surrounding mesenchymal cells. The Sec10‐knockout urothelial cells failed to maintain a uroplakin barrier, suggesting the exocyst is necessary for uroplakin trafficking. Our results suggest that Sec10 and the exocyst are important in the establishment and maintenance of the urothelial barrier, and breakdown of this urothelial barrier may be a major factor in human CON and UPJ obstructions.
The K+:Cl‐ Cotransporter KCC4 is Activated by Deacetylation Induced by the Sirtuin7 (SIRT7)
Authors: Mercado Adriana , Melo Zesergio , Tovar Armando , Rajaram Renuga , Cruz‐Rangel Silvia , Ryu Dongreyol , Torres Nimbe , Staub Olivier , Gamba Gerardo , Noriega Lilia
Published: June 2021

KCC4 is expressed at the basolateral membrane of α‐intercalated cells where modulates pH balance. KCC4 expression in increased by metabolic acidosis and the absence of KCC4 causes renal tubular acidosis. The analysis of 41 recombinant inbred mouse strains kidney transcripts (GeneNetwork database) showed a positive correlation between KCC4 and SIRT7 mRNA expression, suggesting a link between these two proteins. Thus, in the present study we determined the intrarenal distribution of SIRT7 and analyzed its effect on KCC4 expression, acetylation and activity. In presence of nicotinamide (NAM) KCC4 is acetylated and its activity and protein levels are significantly reduced in Xenopus laevis oocytes and HEK‐293 cells. On the contrary, the presence of SIRT7 and its cofactor NAD+ promote KCC4 deacetylation, increasing the protein levels and activity. Additionally, KCC4 and SIRT7 interact and the presence of NAD+ enhances the process in HEK cells. Similar to KCC4, metabolic acidosis increased the protein levels of SIRT7 and its co‐localization with KCC4 at the basolateral membrane of α‐intercalated cells of mice‐collecting duct. In these cells, under metabolic acidosis, SIRT7 is translocated from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, where it can interact with KCC4. Finally, SIRT7 deficient mice have diminished KCC4 protein levels in the kidney and altered renal electrolyte excretion. Our data reveal that acetylation/deacetylation processes can regulate KCC4. SIRT7 co‐localize and interacts with KCC4 up‐regulating its activity by deacetylation. The positive effect of SIRT7 on KCC4 suggests a role for this sirtuin in acid‐base and renal electrolyte handling.
Neuraminidase Enhances Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Secretome Disruption of the Rat Pulmonary Microvascular Endothelial Cell Monolayer
Authors: McClinton Anna , Cioffi Donna , Cioffi Eugene
Published: June 2021

Neuraminidase (NA), an enzyme that removes sialic acids and is produced by many pathogenic organisms, has previously been shown to cause endothelial barrier disruption. P. aeruginosa strains secrete a variety of proteins, including NA, into the extracellular environment, the collection of which may be termed the secretome. Many of these proteins are virulence factors and expression can vary across strains, as well as over the course of growth and in response to environmental factors. For example, strain PAO1 expresses LasB, an elastase which has been previously implicated in disruption of endothelial monolayers by cleaving VE‐cadherin, which is sialylated, but strain Pa103 does not. This study investigates the role of NA in P. aeruginosa secretome disruption of the pulmonary microvascular endothelial cell (PMVEC) monolayer. PMVEC monolayers were treated with secretome from various P. aeruginosa strains including the wildtype PAO1, a NA deleted strain, PAO1Δ2794, and the wildtype strain Pa103. Secretomes from the different strains caused gap formation in the PMVEC monolayer at differing times. Large gaps were observed at 18 hours after treatment with PAO1 secretome, while similar damage from the PAO1Δ2794 secretomes was not observed until 26 hours after treatment. Only minor damage was observed upon treatment with Pa103 secretome at any time point. The delay in damage observed between the wild‐type secretome treatment and the NA‐deleted secretome lead to the conclusion that NA enhances disruption of the PMVEC barrier by P. aeruginosa PAO1 secretome. Supported by R01HL107778.
The long term impact of maternal multiple micronutrient supplementation, infant nutrition and health on visual acuity of 9‐12 year old children in Indonesia
Authors: siddiq sudirman , Apriatni Mandri , Prado Elizabeth , Santyowibowo Siti , Lestari Yeni , Sitorus Rita , Shankar Anuraj , Muadz Husni
Published: June 2021

The impact of the prenatal nutrition and neonatal health on visual acuity (VA) remains unknown. We investigated the long term relative impact of maternal multiple micronutrient (MMN) versus iron‐folic acid (IFA) supplementation on VA of 9‐12 years old school children, and explored the long term effects of birth weight, preterm birth, and stunting on VA. We assessed VA of 3,398 children of mothers who had participated in the Supplementation with Multiple Micronutrients Intervention Trial (SUMMIT), a cluster‐randomized trial of MMN versus IFA in Indonesia. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess whether of MMN, child age, gender, socio‐economic status (SES), preterm birth, birth weight or stunting were related to VA. There was no siginificant long term impact of maternal MMN supplementation on VA in school age children. We found significant effects of birth weight on VA of the left eye (p=0.03) and left eye with pinhole assessments (p=0.01), and effects of stunting on VA of the left eye (p=0.04) and for both eyes (p=0.04), and of SES on VA for the right eye (p=0.04). No significant effects were observed for preterm birth, age and gender. There were no siginificant effects of maternal MMN and IFA supplementation on VA in 9‐12 years old school children, but there were significant effects of birth weight, stunting and SES on VA.
Effectiveness of a multicomponent environmental intervention on adiposity and behavioural measures in middle school adolescents: a randomized school‐based controlled study
Authors: corsi romanelli massimiliano marco , ermetici federica , briganti silvia , zelaschi roberta , dozio elena , morricone lelio , malavazos Alexis
Published: June 2021

In the present study 487 adolescents (11‐15 years) were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The experimental group underwent a 2 school‐years intervention including school environment changes (alternative healthy vending machines, educational posters) and reinforcement tools (school curriculum lessons, textbook, text messages, pedometers, reusable water bottles). BMI z‐score and waist‐to‐height ratio (WHtR) were measured.

A decrease in BMI z‐score was found as an effect of the intervention (between‐group difference in change from baseline ‐0.09±0.04, p=0.03), mainly in overweight/obese subjects (‐0.17±0.05, p<0.001). WHtR decreased in the experimental, as compared with the control group (between‐group difference in change ‐0.038±0.002, p<0.001; overweight/obese subgroup ‐0.047±0.004, p<0.001). An increase in physical activity as well as a decrease in sugar‐sweetened beverages and high‐energy snacks consumption was found in both normal weight and overweight/obese adolescents as an effect of the intervention.

Our study demonstrates the effectiveness of a multicomponent intervention including school environment changes and individual reinforcement tools at reducing adiposity and improving physical activity‐related and diet‐related behaviours in adolescents.
INTEGRATING NUTRITION IN LOCAL GOVERNANCE STRUCTURES: AN EXAMPLE FROM SUAAHARA PROGRAM NEPAL
Authors: Neupane Bishow
Published: June 2021

Study Objectives:

This abstract presents the multi sector nutrition approach of integrating nutrition through the local governance structures at the district and village level and mobilization of these groups to commit resources to ensure the sustainability of integrated nutrition activities to support 1,000 days families.

Methods:

Suaahara worked closely with National Planning Commission Ministry of Health and Population, Ministry of Urban Development, Ministry of Agriculture Nepal and Ministry of Federal Affairs and Local Development for envision especially the planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluation. Suaahara facilitated to establish Nutrition and Food Security Steering Committees in 20 project districts and 884 VDC level Committee in 884 Village Development Committee (VDC) out of 955 VDC of 20 districts.

Suaahara mobilized district, Village Development Committee (VDC), Ward Citizen Forum (WCF), Citizen Awareness Centers (CAC) community based groups, forums and households to generate awareness and advocate about the importance of nutrition, provision of VDC block grants for women and disadvantaged communities to increase their access to the grant for integrated nutritional programs. This evidence has been taken through the revision of district and VDC planning documents, meeting minute's revision, key informant interviews with VDC Secretaries and Local Development Officers and implementation of VDC block grants utilization in 20 program implemented districts.

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Results:

Due to these joint efforts in social mobilization and governance activities by political stakeholders at the district and village level, 13 districts (142 VDCs) allocated a budget for integrated nutrition activities from their respective VDC block grant fund. The total allocated amount was $128,906 for 2014/ 2015. Of these funds $105,794.00 already used for the implementation of several integrated nutrition activities targeting 1,000 days mothers and their child. As a result more than 10,000 pregnant women and children under 2 years have benefited from the block grant. It ensures governance for improving nutrition outcomes in Nepal, through the active involvement of local government structure, development actors, donors, civil society and the private sector in sustaining political commitments.

Conclusion

Integration, coordination, collaboration, and Implementation action of nutrition measures at all levels; districts and local community are expected to play an increasingly important role, which includes directly assisting communities and grass roots groups with identifying their priorities and implementing corresponding actions and achieving expected results.
Evaluation of dietary behavior and nutrient intake in patients with Tourette Syndrome
Authors: Liang Hui , Sun Xue , Ma Aiguo , Liu Ying
Published: June 2021

This study is aim to know the dietary behaviour, food variety and nutrients intake in patients with Tourette Syndrome. Forty‐eight patients with TS were enrolled in this survey. Their dietary intake within 24 hours and dietary behaviors were surveyed and analyzed. In the respect of dietary behavior, 87.50% patients had three meals every day and 87.50% patients had four meals every day, 60.00% patients liked snacks, and 55.36% patients ingested less food owing to snacks. The total energy intake of the patients was low compared to the energy recommended. 52.25% TS patients had low levels of protein intake compared to recommended nutrient intake. And the ratio of carbohydrate and fat were inappropriate. The intake of calcium, zinc, retinal, thiamine, riboflavin and vitamin C were low compared with the intake recommended by the Chinese Nutrition Society, and their NAR were 0.37, 0.71, 0.68, 0.78, 0.67 and 0.78 respectively. The vitamin E was high compared with the intake recommended by the Chinese Nutrition Society, and their NAR was 1.23. The mean of DDS was (5.21±1.18). These results indicated that patients with TS had some bad dietary behaviour needed to abandon. The nutritional intake of patients with TS was unbalanced.Nutritional dietary guildline based on TS patients should be formulated and the guardian of TS patients offer balanced diet in order to ensure TS patients get adequate nutrition.
Relationship Between Intestinal Microbiota and Clinical Characteristics of Patients with Early Stage Breast Cancer
Authors: Bard Jean‐Marie , Luu Huyen Trang , Dravet Francois , Michel Catherine , Moyon Thomas , Pagniez Anthony , Nazih Hassan , Bobin‐Dubigeon Christine
Published: June 2021

Gut microbiota is involved in numerous physiopathological situations including cancers. Our objective is to evaluate the relationship between the composition of microbiota and the clinicobiological characteristics of patients with breast cancer.
Clinical data and faeces from 32 patients with early stage breast cancer were collected, before any therapeutic intervention. Bacterial DNA extracted from faeces was amplified by PCR targeting 16S rRNA gene sequences specific to different bacterial phyla. Expression was compared in groups of patients defined by clinical stages of the disease as well as BMI.
Most patients suffered of invasive ductal (81%), clinical stage 0 (46.9%), with histological grading II (62.5 %), ER/PgR (80%) and HER2 (15%). About 28.1 % and 12.5 % of patients were overweight and/or obese, respectively.
Significant differences were observed for absolute numbers of total bacteria and for some studied bacterial groups (F prausnitzii, Firmicutes, Blautia and Egerthella) according to BMI. Compared with patients with grade I (n=5), patients with grade III (n=7) had increased absolute numbers of Blautia sp. (9.8±0.2 vs 9.5 ± 0.2 log copies.g‐1, p=0.048), for example. Furthermore, absolute numbers of Bifidobacterium and Blautia, and proportions of F Prausnitzii and Blautia, were significanly different according to clinical stages.
Our study highlighted that, in these patients, intestinal microbiota composition differs according to clinical characteristics and BMI. These results should be confirmed to clarify the link between breast cancer and intestinal microbiota.
Phytochemical Characterization And Anti‐inflammatory Activity Of The Mexican Fruit Styrax ramirezii Greenm
Authors: Timmers Michael , Guerrero‐Medina Jorge , Lila Mary Ann
Published: June 2021

With an increasing demand on health care systems due to metabolic syndrome‐related conditions, fruits as part of a healthy diet can provide a proactive means to counter the chronic inflammation associated with these diseases. A Mexican species, locally valued as a functional fruit, Styrax ramirezii Greenm, was examined in this study to gauge phytochemical profile and anti‐inflammatory activity. Following extraction of the dried drupes with acidified 80% ethanol, it was determined that the total phenolic content of the crude extract was 18 mg/g DW gallic acid equivalents (GAE) using the Folin‐Ciocalteu assay. Proanthocyanidin levels were 4.9 mg/g DW as procyanidin A2 equivalents using the DMAC assay and anthocyanin levels were 6.5 mg/g DW as cyanidin‐3‐glucoside equivalents from HPLC analysis. Like other members of the Styrax family, norneolignans were found to be present, which are known to possess biological activity such as cytotoxicity, anti‐bacterial and anti‐inflammatory activity. Two major norneolignans were isolated. The crude extract and the norneolignans egonol and homoegonol (all at 50 µg/ml), were found to reduce nitric oxide levels by 90%, 49% and 45% respectively compared to the negative control, suggesting that a combination of inherent phytoactive compounds potentiated bioactivity. The crude extract, egonol and homoegonol were also found to lower ROS presence by 27%, 19% and 18% respectively. These results support the potential for the drupes from S. ramirezii as a rich source of polyphenolic compounds to promote health and help against obesity related inflammation.
Characterization of Serum and Urinary Zearalenone and its Metabolites (Z) and its Association with Dietary Intake
Authors: Mauro Tara , Buckley Brian , Schneider Stephen , Pop Claudia , Liu Min , Chang Brian , Shapses Sue
Published: June 2021

The environmental estrogen, zearalenone (ZEA), is found in the food supply from Fusarium contamination in grains and zeranol is sometimes used as a growth promoter in beef cattle. Circulating concentrations of Z metabolites [ZEA, a‐zearalenol, zeranol, b‐zearalenol, b‐zearalanol and zearalanone] have not been previously examined in adults and could have an estrogenic effect. Our goal was to characterize the free and total Z metabolite concentrations in human serum and fasting urine samples.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional analysis in 48 women (31‐65 years, body mass index of 25 ± 5 kg/m2). We used HPLC/MS/MS to analyze for Z metabolites and a 24‐hour food diary to assess intake.

Results

The total (free and conjugated) Z metabolite concentration (pg/mL) was 4.34 ± 0.372x104 for urine (corrected for specific gravity) and 1.26 ± 0.875x103 for serum. The detection of urinary Z metabolites ranged from 13‐88% for free and 46‐100% for total metabolites. In serum, detection ranged from 2‐92% and 17‐100% for free and total, respectively. ZEA showed the highest detection rate of all the Z metabolites. We also examined within subject variability and found consistent values 6 weeks apart in 3 subjects. Women with highest vs lowest meat intake (10‐17 oz/d vs 0‐4 oz/d) had higher total serum Z metabolite concentrations (2.03 ± 0.930x103) compared to those with low intakes (1.09 ± 0.840x103) (p<0.05).

Conclusion

There is a wide range of Z metabolites present in the serum and urine and total serum concentrations are associated with meat intake. Support:NIEHS P30ES005022 (Shapses/Buckley).
Epigenetic Regulation of Pgc1α Splice Variants in Response to Dietary Quercetin Supplementation
Authors: Jones Aarin , Taylor Erin , Henagan Tara
Published: June 2021

Dietary quercetin‐induced increases in Pgc1α occur in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner and may prevent insulin resistance through an epigenetic mechanism resulting in beneficial mitochondrial adaptations in skeletal muscle. We previously reported that 9 weeks of quercetin supplementation increases skeletal muscle mitochondrial number and whole body insulin sensitivity; however, these effects occurred despite a decrease in Pgc1α. Here, we report on the expression levels of splice variants of Pgc1α and DNA methylation status in muscle of C57BL/J mice fed different diets; low fat (LF), high fat (HF) and high fat + quercetin (HF+Q). Bisulfite conversion with pyrosequencing revealed a higher degree of Pgc1α methylation in HF compared to LF (P < 0.05) and HF+Q (P < 0.05), with the expression of all known splice variants of Pgc1α being decreased (P < 0.05) or unchanged with the exception of N‐truncated Pgc1α (Ntpgc1α) which was increased in LF and HF+Q compared to HF (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively). The expression of the unique Ntpgc1α splice variant may compensate for decreases in other splice variants, may be epigenetically regulated by DNA methylation and may be the key to attenuation of high fat diet‐induced insulin resistance.
Diverse Career Opportunities for Scientists
Authors: Coughlin Bridget
Published: June 2021

Bridget Coughlin, PhD, is vice president of strategic partnerships and programs and adjunct curator at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Bridget is responsible for the Museum's strategic fundraising and membership activities as well as overseeing a diverse array of innovative and engaging education programs. In this regard, Coughlin works collaboratively with dozens of individuals and organizations to ensure the Museum is financially sound and sustainable for generations to come. Her passion is creating engaging museum experiences that bring out everyone's inner scientist.
Coughlin joined the Museum in 2005 after working for five years at the National Academy of Sciences in Washington, D.C. At the Museum, she served as the curator and science advisor on the team that conceived, designed, and built the award‐winning exhibition, Expedition Health. She holds a bachelor of arts from Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois, and a doctorate in biochemistry from the University of Iowa Howard Hughes Medical Institute.

Coughlin will present on the decisions and opportunities she has pursued in her career. She will share advice for mentoring students to broaden the pathways that scientists can pursue in their careers.
Tylophorine compounds exert anti‐cancer activity by targeting a ribonucleoprotein complex containing caprin‐1 and c‐Myc mRNA
Authors: Qiu Ya‐Qi , Yang Cheng‐Wei , Lee Yue‐Zhi , Yang Ruey‐Bing , Lee Chih‐Hao , Hsu Hsing‐Yu , Chang Chien‐Chung , Lee Shiow‐Ju
Published: June 2021

Tylophorine and its derivatives exhibit anti‐cancer activities, but their cellular targets remain to be elucidated. We used a biotinylated tylophorine derivative to probe for the interacting cellular target(s) of tylophorine. Tylophorine targets and sequesters caprin‐1, G3BP1, c‐Myc mRNA and cyclin D1/D2 mRNA‐associated ribonucleoprotein complexes to the polysomal fractions, thereby repressing the protein expression of the associated mRNA‐transcripts. Gene expression profiling and gain‐of‐c‐Myc‐function experiments in tylophorine‐treated carcinoma cells revealed that the down‐regulation of c‐Myc contributes to the anti‐oncogenic effects of tylophorine. Furthermore, the potent tylophorine derivative dibenzoquinoline‐33b elicited a similar effect, as c‐Myc protein levels were also decreased in xenograft tumors treated with dibenzoquinoline‐33b.Thus, tylophorine compounds exert anti‐cancer activity predominantly by targeting and sequestering the caprin‐1 protein and c‐Myc mRNA associated ribonucleoprotein complex.(This work was funded by the National Science Council of Taiwan [NSC 102‐2628‐B‐400‐002‐MY3], the National Health Research Institutes, Taiwan, R.O.C., and the Ministry of Economic Affairs, R.O.C. “102‐EC‐17‐A‐02‐04‐1099” & “103‐EC‐17‐A‐22‐1099”.)
Evolution of the iron‐containing alcohol dehydrogenase in animals
Authors: Gaona‐López Carlos , Julián‐Sánchez Adriana , Riveros‐Rosas Héctor
Published: June 2021

Iron‐containing alcohol dehydrogenases (Fe‐ADH) were initially found only in microorganisms. These enzymes catalyze different reactions, all of them assorted as dehydrogenases‐reductases. Later, a Fe‐ADH was discovered in humans and animals. This Fe‐ADH has been characterized in rats and humans displaying activity as a hydroxyacid‐oxoacid transhydrogenase (HOT), however, its metabolic role is not completely understood. The aim of our study was obtain insights to understand how an ancient iron‐containing dehydrogenase/reductase was converted into a HOT in animals. Our study included an exhaustive bioinformatic analysis that comprise structural, phylogenetic and synteny analyses, as well as intracellular location prediction and positive selection analysis.

Fe‐ADH sequence analysis in animals showed that these enzymes possess three amino acids insertion, probably related to the new HOT function developed by these enzymes, since these insertion are absent in other non‐eukaryotic Fe‐ADHs. Phylogenetic analysis results suggest that animal Fe‐ADH comprise a monophyletic group (with a high bootstrap support), that originated before the fungi/animal split. Fe‐ADH in animals, without exceptions, corresponds to a single‐copy gene, in spite of the several whole genome duplications that took place during the evolution of vertebrates. Subcellular predictions, as well as experimental data, show that all animal Fe‐ADH are mitochondrial, and synteny analysis shows that the genomic context of Adhfe1 gene is highly conserved only in vertebrates. Finally, positive selection analysis shows that 32 residues from animal Fe‐ADH are subjected to selection.

Supported by DGAPA‐UNAM grant IN216513
Resveratrol‐Induced Inhibition of Endothelial Cell Growth in Vitro Is Dependent on VACM‐1/CUL5 NEDD8ylation Status
Authors: DeBruine Zachary
Published: June 2021

Expression of the VACM‐1/CUL5 gene, a subunit of an E3 ubiquitin ligase complex, inhibits cellular proliferation in endothelial cell lines in vitro through a mechanism involving its post‐translational modification by an ubiquitin‐like protein, NEDD8. Factors that regulate VACM‐1/CUL5 NEDD8ylation have not been investigated. We have shown that Resveratrol, a naturally occurring phytoalexin, enhances the antiproliferative effect of VACM‐1/CUL5. In this study, we investigated the effect of Resveratrol on VACM‐1/CUL5 and NEDD8 expression and localization in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVEC) in vitro. To determine if the antiproliferative effect of Resveratrol is dependent on VACM‐1/CUL5 NEDD8ylation, we used NEDD8‐aldehyde (N8a), an inhibitor of de‐NEDD8ylation. Our growth assay results showed that Resveratrol decreased cell growth, while N8a increased cell growth at 24 hours. Importantly, Resveratrol attenuated the proliferative stimuli of N8a (n = 4, p < 0.05). Immunocytochemistry results showed that after four hours of treatment with Resveratrol, total VACM‐1/CUL5 was increased while NEDD8 signal was decreased (n = 5, p < 0.05). N8a treatment decreased both NEDD8 and VACM‐1/CUL5 nuclear localization (n = 3, p < 0.05). Finally, in cells treated with both Resveratrol and N8a, VACM‐1/CUL5 expression was increased whereas N8a was decreased (p < 0.05, n = 3). In conclusion, our results suggest that the antiproliferative effect of Resveratrol may be dependent on VACM‐1/CUL5 NEDD8ylation status. This work was supported by the Hope College Departments of Biology and Chemistry Summer Hope Academic Research Program.
Pregnancy Outcome and Breastfeeding Pattern among Vegans, Vegetarians and Non‐vegetarians
Authors: Pawlak Roman , Ding Qin , Savyanhadi Marta
Published: June 2021

Objective

To assess prevalence of low birth weight among infants born to women in different diet groups and to evaluate pattern of breastfeeding.

Design

Mean birth weight and prevalence of low birth weight (<2500g) was assessed among infants born to vegan, vegetarian and non‐vegetarian women. Also, mean length of breastfeeding was assessed for individuals in each of the diet groups.

Subjects

Participants included members of the Seventh‐Day Adventist Church and individuals who were members of a web‐based vegan forum.

Results

The mean birth weight by diet group but was not statistically significant (3.54, 3.38 and 3.32kg, for vegan (n = 47), vegetarian (n = 199) and non‐vegetarian (n = 350), respectively, (p = 0.255). Low birth weight was reported in 0, 4.7, and 7.1% in vegan, vegetarian and non‐vegetarian diet group, respectively (p = 0.127). The mean (SD) length of breastfeeding was 12.8 (10.2), 8.6 (6.9) and 6.6 (8.6) months, for vegan, vegetarian and non‐vegetarian mothers, respectively (p = 0.000). Higher percentage of vegan mothers breastfeed their children at initiation, 6‐months and 12‐month period, followed by vegetarian and non‐vegetarian mothers, statistically significant difference (p = 0.0001).

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Conclusions

Although the difference was not statistically significant, children born to women who adhere to a vegan diet during pregnancy were reported to have lower prevalence of low birth weight compared to children born to vegetarian and non‐vegetarian women. Vegan women have higher percentage of breastfeeding in all stages of infancy compared to vegetarian and non‐vegetarian women.
Sedentary Behavior and CVD Risk Factors in Year 25 of the CARDIA Study
Authors: Carpenter Katie , Pereira Mark , Odegaard Andrew , Jacobs David , Sternfeld Barbara , Reis Jacob , Gabriel Kelley
Published: June 2021

Sedentary time may have implications for chronic disease risk, independent of total physical activity. The objective of this study was to examine sedentary time in relation to cardiometabolic risk in 3302 black and white adults of the CARDIA Study. A sedentary index (hrs/day) was derived from a questionnaire including the following activities while sitting: driving or passenger in car, computer use, listening to music, arts, crafts, reading, paperwork, telephone, and television. Cardiometabolic risk (CR) was estimated with a sum of z‐scores for the following risk factors: blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, HDL‐cholesterol (negative), and waist circumference. Multivariable linear regression was used to regress CR on quintiles of the sedentary time index, adjusted for age, sex, race, education, total physical activity, alcohol, and smoking. We observed a graded dose‐response positive association between the sedentary index and CR (p<.0001). Adjusted means for the five quintiles were as follows: ‐0.72, ‐0.19, 0.16, 0.23, 0.56 (s.e. ~ 0.12 for all). Total physical activity was inversely associated with CR in the model (p<.0001). Although cross sectional, results suggest that sedentary time is independently associated with cardiometabolic risk factors independent of total activity. Prospective and intervention studies are warranted.
Global Prevalence and Differentials of Continued Breastfeeding at 1 and 2 Years
Authors: Kay Melissa , Bentley Margaret , Adair Linda
Published: June 2021

Breastfeeding is associated with decreased morbidity and mortality and is an important determinant of child survival in developing countries. Longer duration breastfeeding is associated with short and long term benefits for both mother and child. We analyzed Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data collected in 23 countries between 1992‐2012 to describe changes and differentials in prevalence of breastfeeding at 1 and 2 years (n=418,730). The data suggest the proportion of infants breastfed in developing countries has declined over the past twenty years by 3.4% at 1 year (86.2 v 83.3) and 13.3% at 2 years (57.3 v 49.7). Mothers 35 and older and those residing in rural settings had higher prevalence of breastfeeding at 1 and 2 years. First‐born infants and those with mothers with 12 or more years of education and in the highest quintile of wealth had lower prevalence of continued breastfeeding at 1 and 2 years. Targeted interventions supporting longer breastfeeding duration in accordance with WHO recommendations are necessary, particularly for identified populations at risk.
Analysis of Dietary Fatty Acids Intake and its Correlation with Body Fat Accumulation in Korean College Students
Authors: Bu So Young
Published: June 2021

Recent findings indicated that rather than amount of energy consumption, type and compositional balance of energy‐deriving nutrients significantly contributes body fat accumulation and consequential diseases. This study was conducted to investigate the status of nutrition intake including fatty acids, lipids and lipid soluble nutrients between obese and lean college students and to analyze the relationship between intake of individual fatty acids from diet and body fat accumulation. Anthropometric assessment including BMI and body composition was performed and a 24hr dietary recall with questionnaires for dietary behaviors was collected for total of 114 Korean college students in Gyeongbuk area. As a result intake of total calorie and total lipids from daily diet were not significantly different between obese and lean subjects in both male and female students. However male obese subjects eat more plant lipids and palmitic acids (C16:0) from their diet (p<0.05) while female obese subjects consumed more linolenic acids (C18:3) compared to lean subjects (p<0.01). Correlation analysis revealed that the consumption of palmitoleic acid (C16:1) and lipid soluble Vitamin D were negatively (p<0.05) correlated with body fat accumulation in all subjects and these findings were supported by simple linear regression analyses for those variables. These results implicate that rather than only considering the amount of lipids, suggesting a proper type of lipids or lipid metabolites can be suggested in nutrition counseling or education.

This study was financially supported by a 2013 start‐up grant for junior faculty from Daegu University.
Moringa oleifera inhibit neuroinflammation in LPS activated BV2 microglia
Authors: Bakre Adewale , Basar Norazah , Velagapudi Ravikanth , Sarker Satyajit , Ademowo Olusegun , Olajide Olumayokun
Published: June 2021

Moringa oleifera has been used for centuries to treat a variety of inflammatory disorders. In this study, we evaluated the effects of a crude extract and some bioactives isolated from M. oleifera in LPS‐activated BV2 microglia. Neuroinflammation was induced with LPS (100 ng/ml) in the presence or absence of test substances. After 24 h, levels of nitrite, TNFα, IL‐6, and PGE2 were determined in cell supernatants using specific immunoassays. Expression of cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) and inducible nitric oxide (iNOS) protein expressions were determined using western blots. Bioactivity guided fractionation of an ethanol extract of the leaves of M. oleifera yielded five compounds. Three of the compounds were identified by MS‐NMR as rutin (F50‐3), quercetin (F50‐4) and kaempferol (F50‐5). To determine the effects of the isolated compounds on NF‐κB transactivation, a reporter gene assay was carried out in HEK 293 cells stimulated with TNFα. Results show that the crude extract (150 and 200μg/ml) produced significant (p˂0.05) reduction in nitrite, PGE2, TNFα and IL6 production. Isolated compounds F50‐3, F50‐4 and F50‐5 (15.26, 4.2 and 3.6μg/ml) produced significant reduction in COX‐2 and iNOS protein expressions in LPS stimulated BV‐2 cells. These compounds also inhibited TNFα‐stimulated NF‐κB transcriptional activation in HEK 293 cells. These results suggest that Moringa oleifera leaves contain compounds that inhibit neuroinflammation in LPS activated microglia.