bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploratory Brain Metabolomics: Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
Authors: Garvey Sean M. , Aggarwal Vasudha , Lai Chron‐Si , Lieblein‐Boff Jacqueline C. , Kuchan Matthew J.
Published: November 2023

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden, unexplained passing of an infant during sleep within the first year of life. The diagnosis of SIDS is one of exclusion, with no plausible explanation following autopsy and investigation of the death scene. Most of our present understanding of SIDS comes from epidemiological studies, and much is less known about molecular etiology. One candidate mechanism is that abnormalities in brainstem biochemistry cause altered neural control of breathing, leading to rousing defect and apparent SIDS. The objective of this study was to identify novel brain biochemicals associated with SIDS. Postmortem human infant brain tissue specimens from 28 decedents underwent comprehensive metabolomic profiling (SIDS, n=15; non‐SIDS, n=13). A total of 87 brain specimens were collected from 4 different regions of the brain associated with learning and memory, including the auditory cortex (AC, n=11), frontal cortex (FC, n=27), hippocampus (HC, n=22), and occipital cortex (OC, n=27). The contributions of both SIDS status and age to differential abundance of biochemicals were determined using Wilcoxon rank sum and Spearman correlation tests. A total of 247 known biochemicals were detected. Between SIDS and non‐SIDS specimens, 2 biochemicals in the AC, 12 in the FC, 9 in the HC and 10 in the OC were detected at significantly different levels (p<0.05). The most striking metabolomic pattern in SIDS vs. non‐SIDS specimens was attributed to changes in the urea cycle. Urea levels were 34% and 45% lower in the OC and HC, respectively, from SIDS brains, suggesting hyperammonemia. Also related to urea cycle, SIDS specimens showed changes in spermidine (−29% in OC), citrulline (+94% in HC), aspartate (+49% in FC and +35% in HC), arginine (+17% in FC) and 4‐guanidobutanoate (+31% in HC), relative to non‐SIDS specimens. Carbohydrate metabolism was altered, as glucose, fructose and sorbitol levels trended downward in all 4 SIDS brain specimens. Changes in both fructose (−70% in OC) and sorbitol (−59% in FC) achieved significance. Protein metabolism was also altered. The tryptophan metabolite kynurenine and the valine metabolite α‐hydoxyisovalerate were 37% and 74% lower in SIDS OC, while cysteine (+2.1‐fold) and cysteine‐glutathione disulfide (+2.2‐fold) increased in SIDS FC. Pseudouridine was ~30% decreased in each of FC, HC and OC from SIDS brains, suggesting differences in tRNA metabolism. Additionally, correlation analysis of biochemical levels vs. age of infant showed remarkable differences between SIDS and non‐SIDS. For example, non‐SIDS HC and OC age correlated with 7 and 22 biochemicals, respectively, while SIDS HC and OC age correlated with 29 and 49 biochemicals. In sum, we have identified several new candidate brain biochemicals and pathways, such as the urea cycle, associated with SIDS.

Support or Funding Information

Funding for this study was provided by Abbott Nutrition.
Neck circumference cut‐off values as prognostic variable of childhood overweight/obesity by sex and age
Authors: VARELA‐MOREIRAS GREGORIO , Sanchez‐Campayo Elena , Angulo‐Diaz‐Parreño Santiago , Avila José Manuel , Partearroyo Teresa
Published: November 2023

Background

Early detection of childhood obesity play a crucial role in the prevention of diseases during adulthood. At present, the most commonly used screanning tool for detecting overweight/obesity in children is the body mass index for age percentile, although this rate is not able to provide information on fat distribution. An emerging marker of obesity indicative of central body fat distribution is the neck circumference (NC). However, the neck cut‐off in relation to Spanish children suffering the overweight/obesity in Spanish children has not been well elucidated.

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential differences between different diagnostic criteria at national and international level (Orbegozo Foundation (OF), IOTF and WHO) to define overweight and obesity in order to establish the optimal cut‐off values of NC in Spanish children aged 3 to 12, and finally to determine if the NC could serve as a variable prognosis of childhood obesity.

Methods

This school‐based cross‐sectional study was carried out during academic course 2014–15, surveyed schoolchildren aged 3 to 12 years old of both genders (n=2725), from the town Villanueva de la Cañada (Madrid, Spain) already included in the THAO‐Child Health program (Global EPODE).

NC, waist circumference (WC), weight and height were measured according to the ISAK criteria. References used of the international cut‐offs to define overweight or obesity were the ones from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF), but also the national BMI cut‐offs from the Orbegozo Foundation (OF).

Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and area under the curve (AUC) were analyzed with Matlab (R2010a) software version 7.11 programmed by the group research.

Results

The NC cut‐off points varied from 0.733 to 0.940, sensibility (50–100%), specificity (61–100%) according to IOTF criteria, from 0,666 to 0,950, sensibility (50–97%), specificity (64–100%) according to WHO criteria and from 0.438 to 1.000, sensibility (70–100%), specificity (43–100%) according to OF criteria.

Conclusion

The Cut‐off points proposed in the present study between different diagnostics criteria at national and international level are the first reference data on Spanish Children's NC. These new references seem to be an alternative method more easy to manage and valid as criterion diagnosis of childhood overweight/obesity.
LIM Homeobox 2 (LHX2) is a Downstream Intermediate of FGF in the Induction of SHH Expression in the Developing Limb
Authors: Watson Billy A , Pira Charmaine U , Real Daniel M , LaBarba Dean J , Oberg Kerby C
Published: November 2023

Limb development involves the integration of signaling events along three interconnected axes. Growth and patterning along the proximal‐distal and anterior‐posterior axes are directed by a positive feedback loop between Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) and Sonic hedgehog. Loss of either morphogen leads to a reduction in the expression of the other. Thus, we hypothesize that downstream targets of FGF signaling act as intermediaries to regulate SHH expression in the developing limb bud.

Overexpression of FGF in the posterior region of the developing limb bud results in ectopic SHH expression. DNA microarray analysis, following FGF bead application, revealed ~260 gene targets upregulated >1.5 fold. One target, LHX2 (LIM Homeobox 2), encodes a transcription factor that is highly conserved across species, is expressed in the distal limb mesenchyme, and implicated in the integration of signaling inputs from the apical ectodermal ridge ‐ FGFs, zone of polarizing activity ‐ SHH, and the dorsal ectoderm ‐ WNT7a. Furthermore, LHX2/LHX9 double knockout mice show a marked reduction in SHH expression, confirming a role for LHX2 in regulating the signals that direct limb patterning and growth.

Our results indicate that LHX2 is a primary response target of FGF signaling and participates in the induction of SHH expression, but LHX2 overexpression alone is not sufficient to induce SHH. LHX2 overexpression in the presence of an FGF bead results in enhanced ectopic SHH expression suggesting that FGF signaling also induces a protein partner necessary for the LHX2‐modulation of SHH expression. This finding is consistent with the fact that the LIM homeodomain transcription factor family generally requires a protein partner to elicit its effects. We therefore propose that LHX2 is a necessary collaborative intermediate in the FGF‐to‐SHH pathway.
Gelidium elegans, a Metabolite of red alga, inhibits adipocyte differentiation in 3T3‐L1 cells
Authors: Choi Jia , Koh Eun‐Jeong , Lee Yeon‐Joo , Hwang Ji‐Hyun , Song Ji‐Hyeon , Seo Young‐Jin , Lee Boo‐Yong
Published: November 2023

Gelidium elegans is originated from a plan red alga, which mostly grows in North East Asia. We investigated the effect of Gelidium elegans lipid accumulation in 3T3‐L1. Our data show that Gelidium elegans decreased lipid accumulation and early adipogenic factors in a dose‐dependent manner. Gelidium elegans inhibited the protein expression of early adipogenic transcription factors, such as CCAAT/enhancer‐binding protein beta(C/EBP β), C/BEP homologous protein‐10 (CHOP10) and late adipogenic transcription factors, such as peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), C/EBPα and fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) compared with control. In addition, the anti‐adipogenic effect of Gelidium elegans was evidenced by the downregulation of triglyceride synthesizing. Collectively, our data suggest that Gelidium elegans is anti‐adipogenic effect of 3T3‐L1.
Serum vitamin D as a potential nutritional biomarker relating to the risk of schizophrenia
Authors: Yang Soo Jin , Lim So Young , Kim Sung‐Wan
Published: November 2023

Nutrient and physiological imbalance is associated with the development of schizophrenia. One noticeable phenotype of subjects with schizophrenia is the increased prevalence of metabolic syndrome. Its underlying mechanisms have not yet clearly identified; however, medications and unhealthy lifestyle choices including physical inactivity and unbalanced diet may be contributing factors for developing metabolic syndrome. In this study, we investigated whether dietary factors and blood nutritional biomarkers are associated with the prevalence of schizophrenia in Korean adults. Forty seven subjects with schizophrenia were voluntarily participated and age/sex‐matched controls were utilized as controls. Dietary habits and intakes from foods were assessed with modified questionnaires for dietary guideline adherence score and semi‐quantitative food frequency questionnaires. Dietary intakes of energy and nutrients were estimated using a computer software program based on the standard tables of food composition. Also, nutritional biomarkers were analyzed in serum samples. Dietary intakes of cholesterol, vitamin D, and sodium were higher in subjects with schizophrenia compared with controls. Decreased levels of HDL cholesterol and vitamin D and increased concentrations of serum triglyceride and higher activities of AST and ALT were shown in serum samples from schizophrenic subjects compared with controls. These serum data suggest that schizophrenic subjects are at higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome and they may have higher metabolic turnover of vitamin D, which suggests that vitamin D needs to be considered as potential nutritional biomarker of the risk of schizophrenia.
Study of the Genesis of Persistent Fetal Vasculature through Clinical Observations of Two Pediatric Patients
Authors: Dong BaiXia , Wang Long , Hong Ying , Chen Huijin , Ma Zhizhong
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Persistent fetal vasculature (PFV) is a rare congenital disease caused by fetal blood vessels remaining in the eyes, with various residues and persistent hyperplasia. A series of observations in 2 typical PFV were conducted to better understand fatal development in normal eyes and to illustrate involved controversies.

Methods

Case One was an 11‐month girl who was found to have leukocoria accompanied by black spherical goiter in the right eye approximately 50 days after birth. Case Two was a 3‐year old girl who was found to have leukokoria at birth. IN both cases, image data prior to surgery and series of photographs during the procedures were carefully colliaected and reviewed comparatively with surgical video record. Novel tissue samples obtained from surgeries were observed histopathologically. Comprehensive analysis was carried out with literature review,

Results

Majority of the abnormal signs were concomitant with those that Goldberg described in Jackson Memorial Lecture emphasizing the congenital anomalies caused by different degrees of PFV, which seemingly existed in isolation, but were intrinsically syntrophic. Pigment epithelium layer of iris detoured over stoma through pupil to adhere with the back surface of cornea, which manifested as an iris cyst. Trace of fatal development supplied a hard evidence that corneal endothelium was originated from neuroectodermal cells. Network profile of persistent papillary membrane tended to be formed by anterior tunica vasculosa lentis while the remnants were coated by iris stromal tissues which were believed to be originated from neural crest cells.

Conclusions

Close relation between corneal endothelium and pigment epithelium of iris at early stage of fatal development was evidenced by clinical observations in the two pediatric cases. Corneal endothelium and Descemet's membrane were most possibly originated from neuroectodermal and spread with the manner migrated from centre to periphery. Neural crest cells went forward to center from periphery via the staggered gap between developing endothelium and anterior surface of optic cup to form stroma of iris. Mechanism of persistent pupil membrane formation could be a result of mutualism between anterior tunica vasculosa lentis and stroma of iris.
Changes in Adherence to Dietary Guidelines for Hypertension: The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys 1998–2012
Authors: Park Kyong , Cho SuKyung
Published: November 2023

Objectives

We compared levels of adherence to the non‐pharmacological guidelines between patients with and without hypertension diagnoses, and examined changes in adherence during recent decades.

Methods

We used data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1998–2012), and 13,768 Korean hypertensive patients aged ≥30 years were categorized as with and without hypertension diagnoses based on blood pressure and self‐reported information. Adherence to the guidelines was calculated based on 6 components, including dietary and lifestyle habits. Multivariate generalized linear regression was used, accounting for a complex survey design.

Results

The proportion of hypertensive patients aware of their condition increased from 33.4% in 1998 to 74.8% in 2012 (p for trend<0.001), although these increments plateaued during the recent survey years. Patients with hypertension diagnosis were older, female, and had lower education levels than those without hypertension diagnosis for most survey years. Overall adherence levels were poor (approximately 2 of 6 points), and levels of adherence to any of recommended non‐pharmacological habits were not significantly different between patients with and without hypertension diagnoses. However, overall adherence levels improved significantly among patients with hypertension diagnosis: from 2.09 in 1998 to 2.27 in 2012 (p=0.007), particularly regarding sufficient vegetable/seaweed consumption (p = 0.03), maintaining a normal weight (p = 0.03), and avoidance of smoking (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Awareness of hypertension is increasing, but Korean hypertensive patients have not been adequately educated in terms of disease management. Thus, there is a need for educational programs with continued implementation after patients are diagnosed with hypertension

Support or Funding Information

This research was supported by Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) funded by the Ministry of Science, ICT & Future Plannin(NRF‐2014R1A1A3049866).
Plasma Alkylresorcinol Concentrations as a Novel Measure of Compliance to a Gluten‐Free Diet
Authors: Lind Mads V , Madsen Mia L , Rumessen Jüri J , Vestergaard Henrik , Gøbel Rikke J , Hansen Torben , Lauritzen Lotte , Pedersen Oluf B , Kristensen Mette , Ross Alastair B
Published: November 2023

Background

Many celiac disease (CD) patients experience difficulties in adherence to a gluten‐free diet. Methods for testing compliance to a gluten‐free diet are costly and cumbersome.

Objective

A simple biomarker of gluten intake is needed in a clinical setting and will be useful for epidemiological studies investigating wider effects of gluten intake. The aim was to evaluate plasma total alkylresorcinols (AR) concentrations as a measure of gluten intake.

Design

This randomized, controlled, cross‐over intervention study in 52 Danish adults with features of the metabolic syndrome compared eight weeks gluten‐rich and gluten‐poor diet separated by a wash‐out period of at least six weeks. We measured fasting plasma concentrations of AR to determine if they reflected differences in gluten intake. Additionally, we investigated in 118 Danish adults the cross‐sectional association between self‐reported gluten intake and plasma AR in this and a similar study at baseline.

Results

Total plasma AR decreased more during the gluten‐poor period compared to the gluten‐rich period −124.8 (−156.5; −93.0) vs. −31.8 (−63.1; −0.4) nmol/L, respectively, p<0.001. Based on the plasma AR‐profile we built a classification tree to objectively determine compliance and found an overall misclassification error of participants of 3.9%. The cross‐sectional study showed a 5.6% (2.4; 8.9) increase in total plasma AR per 1 g‐increase in reported gluten intake (p<0.001).

Conclusion

We propose plasma AR as a new tool to monitor compliance to a gluten‐free diet to support clinical work with CD, as well as to help investigations on the possible effects of gluten in the wider population.

Support or Funding Information

Funded by the Innovation Fund Denmark, grant no. 0603‐00487B (11‐116163). Some intervention products were sponsored by Kohberg, Lantmännen, AXA, Wasa, Urtekram, Finax, and Doves Farm. MVL is part sponsored by Cereal Partners Worldwide with an unrestricted grant. The study sponsors played no role in the design, methods, data‐management and analysis or in the decision to publish.
Dried Plum Consumption and Bone Mineral Density Retention in Postmenopausal Women: a Follow‐up Study
Authors: Arjmandi Bahram H. , Johnson Sarah A. , Pourafshar Shirin , Navaei Negin , Hooshmand Shirin , Chai Sheau C.
Published: November 2023

Osteoporosis is a chronic condition characterized by low bone density and an increased risk of fracture. Although it affects both women and men, there is a much greater incidence in postmenopausal women. Certain lifestyle and nutritional factors are known to reduce the risk of osteoporosis and thereby the risk of fracture. In terms of nutrition, dried plum has been shown to be one of the most efficacious interventions in preventing and even reversing bone loss in postmenopausal women. In 2010, we finished a study in which we examined the effect of consuming 100 g dried plum versus a comparative control fruit (75 g dried apples) daily for one year in 160 postmenopausal women with osteopenia. Our published data indicated that women consuming dried plum had significantly higher bone mineral density (BMD) of the ulna and spine in comparison with those consuming dried apple. The purpose of the present study was to conduct a follow‐up evaluation on the extent to which individuals who received the dried plum intervention were able to retain BMD compared with those who received the dried apple intervention. A total of 20 participants were available for this follow‐up evaluation. BMD of the lumbar spine, forearm, hip, and whole body were assessed using DXA. Results showed that those who were in the dried plum group had significantly higher values of BMD of spine (P=0.012; %6) and ulna (P=0.002; %23) compared with those in the dried apple group. Importantly, participants in either group did not regularly consume dried plums as noted in their diet history. Our findings suggest that women in the dried plum group retained their BMD to a greater extent than those in the dried apple group, even after a 5‐year period in the absence of regular dried plum consumption. Our observations suggest a long‐lasting bone‐protective effect of dried plum; however, other dietary, lifestyle, and pharmaceutical factors need to be evaluated.

Support or Funding Information

California Dried Plum Board
Comparing the Effects of Dairy Saturated Fatty Acids from Butter and Cheese on Non‐Lipid Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Men and Women
Authors: Brassard Didier , Tessier‐Grenier Maude , Rajendiran Ethendhar , She Yongbo , Ramprasath Vanu , Gigleux Iris , Levy Emile , Tremblay Angelo , Jones Peter , Couture Patrick , Lamarche Benoit
Published: November 2023

OBJECTIVE

The primary objective of this study was to compare the impact of dairy saturated fatty acids (SFA) provided as cheese (CHEESE) or butter (BUTTER) on blood pressure, fasting glucose and C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels. The impacts of SFA from CHEESE were also compared to low SFA diet with either high monounsaturated (MUFA), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and carbohydrate (CHO) content.

METHODS

These are preliminary data from 57 men and women, with abdominal obesity and with relatively low HDL‐C concentrations, enrolled in an on‐going multicenter randomized crossover controlled trial consisting of 5 isoenergetic diets of 4 weeks each (table 1): 1) a diet rich in SFA from cheese (CHEESE); 2) a diet rich in SFA from butter (BUTTER); 3) a diet rich in mono‐unsaturated fatty acids (MUFA); 4) a diet rich in poly‐unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA); and 5) a low‐fat, high carbohydrate diet (CHO). All foods were provided to participants in the context of this full feeding study. Fasting blood samples, office systolic (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and anthropometric measurements were taken at the end of each intervention.

RESULTS

Mean age (±SD) of participants was 40.6 ± 13.6 years. Mean waist circumference was 107.7±11.3 cm in men and 94.9 ± 13.7 cm in women. No difference in body weight was observed among treatments. CHEESE compared with BUTTER had no significant impact on SBP (p=NS), DBP (p=NS), CRP (p=NS) and fasting glucose (p=NS) levels. CHEESE compared with the PUFA, MUFA and CHO diets also had no impact on these risk factors. There was also no statistically significant effect of diets on SBP (p=NS), DBP (p=NS), CRP (p=NS) or fasting glucose (p=NS) levels.

CONCLUSIONS

As part of an overall healthy diet, these results suggest no deleterious short‐term effects of SFA from dairy, irrespective of the source (butter or cheese), on non‐lipid cardiovascular risk factors in men and women with abdominal obesity and with relatively low HDL‐C levels.

Support or Funding Information

Dairy Research Cluster Initiative (Dairy Farmers of Canada, Agriculture and Agri‐Food Canada, the Canadian Dairy Network and the Canadian Dairy Commission)

Macronutrient (% energy), calcium and sodium content of experimental diets

CHEESE
BUTTER
MUFA
PUFA
CHO

Lipids (%)
32
32
32
32
25

SFA (%)
13
13
6
6
6

MUFA (%)
14
14
21
14
14

PUFA (%)
5
5
5
12
5

Carbohydrates (%)
52
52
52
52
59

Proteins (%)
16
16
16
16
16

Calcium (mg/2500 kcal)
1261
812
812
812
842

Sodium (mg/2500 kcal)
2482
2480
2479
2479
2485
Long‐Term Effects of Early‐Life Exposure to Olanzapine
Authors: George Brianna , Ramalingam Latha , Menikdewella Kalhara , Soto Paul , Moustaid‐Moussa Naima
Published: November 2023

An increasing number of children and young adults are prescribed antipsychotic medications, such as olanzapine, which is known to cause excessive weight gain and other metabolic issues. This has raised concerns of long‐term complications such as obesity, diabetes and heart disease. We propose to use fish oil, with known triglyceride lowering effects and potential anti‐obesity properties, to counteract obesity and other metabolic complications associated with antipsychotic drugs. Hence, we designed this project to test the effects of olanzapine and fish oil, individually or in combination in mice fed high fat diets. Specifically, male C57BL/6J mice (N=32) were given plain cookie dough or cookie dough with olanzapine (3 and then 6 mg/kg/day) from postnatal day (PND) 35 to 63. Mice were maintained on a high fat (HF)‐high sucrose (HS) diet, with or without fish oil (FO) supplementation, resulting in four groups of mice (n=8 per group): HF‐HS, HF‐HS with olanzapine, HF‐HS‐FO, and HF‐HS‐FO with olanzapine. Body weight and food consumption were measured daily. Glucose and insulin tolerance were assessed in adulthood (≥ PND 90). Mice exposed to FO and olanzapine had lower body weights compared to HF‐HS diet alone, despite equivalent amounts of food consumed between the groups. Glucose clearance rates were higher in the HF‐HS with olanzapine and FO supplementation group compared to HF‐HS fed mice. In conclusion, the results demonstrated long‐lasting effects of early‐life exposure to olanzapine on body weight and metabolism that were comparable to fish oil effects. Gene expression analyses of genes related to lipid metabolism, obesity, and diabetes, as well as triglyceride content in the liver are currently underway to determine the mechanisms mediating long‐term effects of olanzapine on body weight and liver metabolism.

Support or Funding Information

Texas Tech University Presidential Cluster Hire Tier 2 and Obesity Research Cluster Pilot and Feasibility Award
lncRNA with DNA Motive Putative Epigenetic Regulators in Atherosclerosis
Authors: Flores Fabiola Estefania Tristan , Martinez Guillermo Antonio Silva , Ríos Dalia Rodríguez , Caudillo Yolanda Alvarado , Villate Plinio Guzmán , Lund Gertrud , Zaina Silvio
Published: November 2023

Atherosclerosis is characterized by lipid infiltration into the arterial wall accompanied with inflammation. In previous studies, a DNA motif called differential methylation motive (DMM) which is involved aberrant methylation changes was identified in atherosclerotic aortas. We pretend to identify the role of the DMM in atherosclerosis. Hypomethylation in advanced lesions compared with middle lesions in long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) with DMM in, also identified one binding protein to DMM is LXRβ involved in reducing atherosclerotic plate. We demonstrated that LXRβ is binding to intergenic lncRNA that containing the DMM, further stimulus with the agonist of LXRβ regulates the expression of lncRNA adjacent to target genes of LXRβ. Also, we identified an inverse expression patterns in atherosclerotic aorta between lncRNA adjacent gene, suggesting the regulation in cis on genes.

Support or Funding Information

CONACyT
Morphological Characterization of Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Jogalekar Manasi P , Serrano Elba E
Published: November 2023

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is characterized by the lack of receptors for estrogen (ER), progesterone (PR) and human epidermal growth factor (HER2). Reports suggest that cancer cells maintained in three‐dimensional (3D) cultures are biologically more similar than monolayer cultures to in vivo tumor tissue. We undertook the current study to enable design of a 3D platform that may afford success in developing interventions to treat TNBC. To this end, we determined the morphological impact of growing a triple negative breast cancer cell line, HCC70 in monolayer culture on tissue culture polystyrene, as compared with growth in 3D culture using extracellular matrix Geltrex™. When we analyzed the morphology of cells in culture at the resolution of light microscopy using phase contrast and laser confocal imaging methods, we found that monolayer cells appeared flat, adhered to the polystyrene surface, and formed clusters with neighboring cells. In contrast, matrix‐organized cells formed compact spheroids. Ultra‐structural characterization was achieved using quantitative analysis of images captured with transmission electron microscopy. Our results showed that the 3D cultures had a higher number of mitochondria, autophagic vacuoles and intercellular junctions than those present in monolayer cultures. In addition, 3D cultures had membrane protrusions which were not present in monolayer cultures; we hypothesize that these structures may play an important role in matrix invasion. Our results demonstrate that the morphology of triple negative breast cancer cells is influenced by the surrounding environment. Our results suggest that 3D culture systems may provide a useful alternative platform for testing anti‐cancer treatments in triple negative breast cancer cell lines as compared to monolayer culture systems.

Support or Funding Information

NIH grant P50GM068762 and the New Mexico State University's (NMSU) Manasse Endowment to Dr. Elba Serrano.
Effect of probiotics and Atractylodes/Taraxacum against DSS‐induced colitis in mouse
Authors: Park Min young , Kwon Oran
Published: November 2023

By constituting barrier surfaces, intestinal epithelial cell plays a critical role on maintenance of gut health. Dysregulated immune responses and destruction of cell in intestine causes breakdown in intestinal balance. Dextran sulphate sodium (DSS) is the most widely used chemical for induction of colitis in animal. Thus its treatment induces colonic inflammation, acute diarrhea, and shortening of intestine length with clinical and histological similarity to human ulcerative colitis (UC). Recent researches have shown that probiotics could support gut health by providing good gut microbes and playing beneficial roles in gut. And Atractylodes/Taraxacum was used as oriental medicine for intestinal function. So we hypothesized that probiotics lactobacillus gasseri BNR17 (BNR17) and Atractylodes/Taraxacum could help enhancing gut health through reducing destruction of colon tissue and pro‐inflammatory cytokine increased in DSS treated mouse. Female Balb/c mice (7 weeks old, n=20) were acclimated for 1 week and randomized into 4 groups; normal control group (NC), DSS treated group (positive control, DSS), DSS + BNR17 (DP) and DSS + Atractylodes/Taraxacum treatment at 100 mg/kg B.W. (DA) groups. Materials were treated by gavage for 14 days. 3% of DSS in drinking water was provided and Disease activity index (DAI) was estimated during the last 7 days. Mice were fed chow diet ad libitum. At the end of experimental period, colon length and weight were measured followed by H&E staining to determine the level of mucosal inflammation, cell destruction, and mucin secretion. Body weight, DAI and colon length of DSS group were significantly different with NC group. Colon length was also decreased in DSS induced group. In material administration groups, body weight and DAI tended to increase in DA compared to DSS group. Inflammation and cell destruction of colon tissue observed in histopathology were reduced in DP and DA. Mucin secretion was increased in DA group. These results suggest that probiotics and Atractylodes/Taraxacum has capability of alleviating DSS‐induced colitis by reducing damage and inflammation of colon tissue in mouse. We will examine immunohistochemistry and measure target gene expression relate with immune response, cell proliferation/destruction, and mucin secretion with matching morphological data in further study.

Support or Funding Information

This work was supported by the Ministry of Science, ICT & Future Planning (Bio‐synergy Research Project NRF2012M3A9C4048761) and BK21 PLUS through the National Research Foundation.
Flavonoid Intake and Mortality from Cardiovascular Disease and All Causes: A meta‐analysis of prospective cohort studies
Authors: Kim Youngyo , Je Youjin
Published: November 2023

Background

Accumulating studies have suggested that flavonoid intake is associated with a decreased risk of coronary heart disease and cardiovascular disease (CVD). There are many epidemiological studies on flavonoid intake and mortality, but no comprehensive investigation has yet been conducted.

Objective

To quantitatively assess the association between flavonoid intake and mortality from CVD and all‐causes, we performed a meta‐analysis of prospective cohort studies.

Design

Eligible studies were identified by searching PubMed and Web of Science databases for all articles published up to June 2015 and via hand searching. Study‐specific estimates adjusting for potential confounders were combined to calculate a pooled relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) using a random‐effects model.

Results

A total of 15 publications that examined the association between flavonoid intake and mortality from CVD and all‐causes were identified. The pooled RR of CVD mortality for the highest versus lowest category of flavonoid intake was 0.85 (95% CI: 0.74, 0.98). By subclass of flavonoids, all classes showed significant inverse associations, except flavonols and isoflavones. For total mortality, high flavonoid intake is weakly associated with lower total mortality (pooled RR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.72, 1.01). The associations did not differ substantially by sex and geographical region.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that higher intake of flavonoids is associated with a reduced risk of mortality from CVD and all causes in men and women. These results support current recommendations of high fruit and vegetables intake as a part of a healthy diet.

Support or Funding Information

This work was supported by the Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea, funded by the Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning (NRF‐2015R1A1A1A05001362).
Effect on One Time Application of Functional Cerebrospinal Therapy (FCST): A Retrospective Clinical Survey
Authors: Jung Jeeyoun , Lee Somin , Jerng Ui Min
Published: November 2023

Objectives

The aim of this study was main symptoms of outpatient in Lee young Jun clinics who developed the functional cerebrospinal therapy and to investigate the therapeutic effects on one time application of functional cerebrospinal therapy (FCST).

Methods

Patients who visited at least twice at an oriental medical clinic and treated with FCST were included. They were asked to write 216 numeric rating scale(NRS)‐based questionnaire about degree of various symptoms at each visit. Prevalence and degree decrease of all reported symptoms were analyzed.

Results

Total of 744 outpatients were included. There were fourteen symptoms of which more than half of all patients complained. All symptoms were significantly reduced after one administration of FCST. About four to seven percent of patients reported at least five‐point reduction on NRS in each symptom after FCST.

Conclusion

FCST might have potential immediate effect not only TMJ related symptoms, but also all sorts of pain, psychological symptoms, and fatigue‐related symptoms.

Support or Funding Information

This work was supported by grants from Korea Institute of Oriental Medicien(C15110)
The association between dietary pattern and weight status among elementary school students in Taiwan
Authors: Tsai Shu‐Mei
Published: November 2023

The prevalence of childhood and adolescence obesity are rising year by year. The report of WHO indicates that childhood obesity may have impacts on health, for example, low self‐esteem, depression and an increased risk of chronic diseases in later life. There are several reasons contribute to childhood obesity, including changes in dietary pattern and lifestyle, and then cause to increase of energy intake and decease of energy depletion. The factors that affect dietary intake are age, physical activities, socioeconomic factors and so on. However, there are no research investigate the association between dietary pattern and weight status among elementary students in Taiwan. ‘Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan (NAHSIT)’ is to build the national investigation mechanism and to monitor the change trend of nutritional and health status in the whole population in Taiwan and to be the references on nutrition and health policies deciding for government. In this research, it will use the questionnaires of basic information, 24 hours recall, dietary habits, physical activities and anthropometric data of 2012 ‘NAHSIT’, and use the age, gender, living area, physical activities and socioeconomic factors as covariances. Besides, dietary pattern will be conducted by principal component analysis (PCA). Result showed that the prevalence of overweight and obesity were 27.58% and girls had higher obesity rate than boys. Besides, obesity rate had positive association with age and negative association with parental education level. Daily mean calories intake was 1864.1 ± 665.4 kcal. In addition, it also showed that the intake of vitamin E and calcium were below Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) and sodium was over‐intake. In conclusion, Taiwanese elementary school students had high prevalence of overweight and obesity and poor dietary intake and the relationship between obesity and dietary intake is worth to discuss.
Diet and Health Status of Elderly Women According to Residence Type
Authors: Kang Myunghwa , Kim Mi‐Hyun , Choi Mi‐Kyeong
Published: November 2023

This study aimed to evaluate the diet and health status of elderly women according to their residence type. A total of 307 elderly women participated in this study and they were divided into one of three groups according the their residence type: Residing with spouse (RSP; n=88), residing with son or daughter (RSD; n=119), and residing alone (RAL; n=100). Chi‐square test was used to assess dietary habits and health status of the subjects by the residence types. Results demonstrated significant differences in eating regular meals, person preparing meals, coffee intake, and bone fracture experience. Among the three groups, the RSP and RAL groups had a higher percentage for preparing meals by themselves (p<0.001) than the RSD group. The RAL group had a lower percentage for eating regular meals (p<0.01) but a higher percentage for bone fracture experience (p<0.05) than the other groups. There were no significant differences in allowance a month, self‐estimated health status, physical activity, exercise, drinking, and dietary habits such as eating frequency of dairy, beans, eggs, fish, meats, fruits, and vegetables among the three groups. The results showed that elderly women residing alone without a son, daughter, or spouse had more diet and health problems such as irregular meals and high bone fracture experience. These findings suggest that elderly women residing alone need more attention.
Anti‐adipogenic effects of various traditional bioresources in Korea during the differentiation of 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes
Authors: CHOI SUNIL , Lee Jong Seok , Lee Sarah , Oh Ji‐Won , Kim Jae‐Min , Jung Tae‐Dong , Shin Gi‐Hae , Lee Jin‐Ha , Cho Myoung‐Lae , Yang Hee‐Sun , Yeo Joohong , Kim Jong‐Yae , Lee Ok‐Hwan
Published: November 2023

The aim of this study was to investigate the anti‐oxidant and anti‐adipogenic effects of various traditional bioresources. The results revealed that Castanea crenata Siebold & Zucc. showed the higher total flavonoids content (47.90±0.92 mg QE/g) and ABTS radical scavenging activity (28.15±1.16 IC50) than those of other traditional bioresources. Furthermore, Cornus officinalis Siebold & Zucc. showed the higher than those of other traditional bioresources in reducing power (0.74±0.04). All of the traditional bioresources markedly reduced lipid accumulation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in 3T3‐L1 cells. It was investigated by Oil red O staining and NBT assay. In addition, traditional bioresources inhibited the expression levels of adipogenic transcription factors such as a PPAR‐γ and C/EBP‐a. These results indicate that traditional bioresources exerts the anti‐oxidant and anti‐adipogenic effects through a mechanism(s) that may involve downregulation of adipogenesis.
Dietary intake and 24‐hour urinary excretion of silicon in Korean adults
Authors: Kim Yi‐Yeong , Choi Mi‐Kyeong
Published: November 2023

There are evidences that silicon(Si) is an important trace element in human physiology related to bone health, antioxidant capacity, and anti inflammatory action. However, limited study had investigated daily intakes and excretions of Si as a nutrient. The purpose of this study was to assess dietary intake and 24‐hour urinary excretion of Si in healthy adults. Anthropometric assessment, dietary intake survey, and 24‐hoururine collection and analysis of Si were performed among 80 healthy adults in Chungnam, Korea. Daily intake and 24‐hour urinary excretion of Si were 20.7 mg and 9.5 mg, respectively. Crude retention of Si calculated using its daily intake and urinary excretion was 11.2 mg/day and percentage of urinary excretion to dietary intakes of Si was 58.5 %. In the correlation analysis, Si intakes showed a significant and positive correlation with its urinary excretion in both male (p<0.01) and total subjects (p<0.05). Crude retention of Si showed significant correlations with its daily intake positively (p<0.001) and urinary excretion negatively(p<0.05), respectively. These findings suggest that further studies focusing on bioavailability and balance status to set up requirement and assess nutritional status of Si as a nutrient are required.
Resveratrol Increases Catecholamine Synthesis in Macrophages: Implications on Obesity
Authors: Parmar Ashish , Mula Ramanjaneya V.R , Azhar Yusra , Shashidharamurthy Rangaiah , Rayalam Srujana
Published: November 2023

Sympathetic activation of white adipocytes results in the transdifferentiation of white adipocytes into brown like thermogenic adipocytes called beige adipocytes. White adipose tissue (WAT) is composed of several cell types including macrophages and activation of anti‐inflammatory M2 macrophages was recently shown to induce beiging of WAT in rodent models. M2 macrophages secrete catecholamines which play a predominant role in the induction of beiging in WAT. In the current study, we demonstrate novel anti‐obesity effects of resveratrol (RES), a phytoalexin, mediated through catecholamine synthesis in RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line. RES significantly increased the mRNA expression of tyrosine hydroxylase, phenylalanine N‐methyl transferase, dopamine beta hydroxylase and phenyl alanine hydroxylase expression in these cells. In addition, RES increased arginase, a marker for M2 phenotype and decreased LPS‐induced iNOS (inducible nitric oxide synthase), a marker for M1 phenotype. Furthermore RES decreased nitric oxide production from LPS‐treated RAW264.7 cells. To demonstrate the effect of RES on catecholamine secretion, we examined the cell culture supernatant from RES treated RAW264.7 cells for catecholamine levels. The results indicate that RES significantly increased catecholamine production in LPS‐treated RAW264.7 cells. Finally, upregulation of thermogenic markers was seen in mature 3T3‐L1 adipocytes incubated with conditioned media from RAW264.7 cells treated with RES. These studies suggest a novel anti‐obesity mechanism for RES by increasing catecholamine production in macrophages.

Support or Funding Information

This work was supported by the Biomedical sciences graduate research program at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine – GA Campus.
Flavonoid‐Profiling Of Herbs And Spices As Functional Food Ingredient In Meat Products Using LC‐MS
Authors: Sagi‐Kiss Virag , Kuhnle Gunter Georg Christian
Published: November 2023

The aim of this study was to evaluate commercially available plant extracts for their flavonoid content and their suitability as functional food ingredient in meat products.

There has been increased interest in the use of plant extracts as functional ingredient in foods. Of particular interest are flavonoids, a group of polyphenolic compounds that are ubiquitous in plants. Recently, it has been shown that flavonoids can scavenge reactive nitrogen species and thereby prevent the endogenous formation of nitroso compounds. Furthermore, these compounds have antimicrobial properties and have been shown to protect colonic cells against nitrosamine‐induced damage in vitro. The endogenous formation of nitroso compounds has been identified by IARC as one of the potential mechanisms by which processed meat increases the risk of colorectal cancer. Because of their properties, flavonoid‐containing plant extracts are therefore an interesting functional ingredient for processed meat products.

The tested plant extracts were added to 4 different meat products resulting in a total of 18 samples. Plant samples were extracted and analyzed before and after the addition to determine the composition changes after the meat production. The method was developed using an HPLC system with a reversed‐phase C18 column connected to a Waters Quattro Ultima triple quadrupole MS instrument; parameters for analysis were set using both negative and positive ion modes. The aim was to screen as many compounds as possible while also quantify a few key flavonoid compounds. The ESI source conditions were optimized by flow injection analysis using quercetin, quercetin‐3‐O‐rutinoside, (−)‐epicatechin, (−)‐epigallocatechin gallate, apigenin‐7‐O‐glucoside, taxifolin, isorhamnetin, luteolin‐glucoside, apigenin standards. We used different Multi Reaction Monitoring channels to identity and quantify flavonoids. Unknown analytes were identified by comparing their combined positive and negative ion mode fragmentation spectra with the respective literature data when commercial standards were not available.

The flavonoid content and composition of plant extracts was evaluated before and after addition to different meat products. The limit of quantification was 40 nM for epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate and (−)‐epicatechin, and 100 nM for most other compounds. Our results showed that most flavonoids remained stable after addition to meat products and that there were no significant changes in quantitative and qualitative composition.

Support or Funding Information

This work was supported by an FP7 grant of the European Union, PHYTOME.
Effects of lowered dietary calcium on the production performance, meat quality and adipogenic marker gene expression in Korean Hanwoo beef cattle
Authors: Vergara Emil Joseph Sanvictores , Oh Young Kyoon , Kim Doo Hyun , Hong Suk Won , Hwang Seong Gu
Published: November 2023

Marbling is one of the most important characteristics in the production of high quality beef. In practice, nutritional manipulations are frequently performed in order to achieve better marbled, and thus higher quality beef. Our previous studies have shown the molecular mechanism upon which low extracellular calcium causes an increase in the adipogenesis of fat precursor cells. The experiment was designed in order to determine the effect of lowered dietary calcium on the meat quality of Korean Hanwoo beef cattle. Dietary calcium was reduced through the decrease of limestone content in the feed formulation. Sixty animals were divided into 3 groups (n=20); control (1.32% limestone), treatment 1 (1.02% limestone) and treatment 2 (0.72% limestone). After six months of feeding trial, the animals were slaughtered and the carcass characteristics and production performance were obtained. In addition, RNA samples were isolated from muscle samples collected from the cervical area and the expression of adipogenic marker genes (PPARγ, CEBP/α, aP2 and SREBPc) were measured through reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Results have shown that lowering the dietary calcium level causes no improvements or changes in the production performance, carcass quality, serum biochemical parameters, and mRNA expression of adipogenic marker genes. In addition, no significant changes were seen in the calcium content of the serum suggesting a tight regulation for the mineral by the calcium homeostasis system of the animal. In conclusion, a lowered dietary calcium at the level used in this study does not result in increased carcass characteristics in Hanwoo beef cattle. Information derived from this study can serve as a basis for the design of future experiments for nutrient manipulations involving calcium.