bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The associations of apoB/apoA1 ratio, insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome in Korean type 2 DM patients
Authors: Lim Hae Mi , Kim Jung Eun , Sook Lee Hyun , Ju Choi Young , Bum Huh Kap , Young Kim Wha
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this study is to examine the association of apoB/apoA1 ratio, insulin resistance, and MetS in Korean T2 DM patients. Subjects were 812 T2DM patients and were classified into quartiles based on apoB/apoA1 ratio. The prevalence of MetS in Q1(the lowest apoB/apoA1 ratio group) was 25.5% foe male and 39.2% for female, however, in Q4(the highest apoB/apoA1 ratio group) was 71.7% and 84.5% respectively. Subjects in Q4 showed significantly higher MetS prevalence than in Q1 for both gender. Q4 also showed visceral obesity, dyslipidemia, high blood pressure, insulin resistance and inflammatory status than Q1. In female subjects, Q4 showed significantly higher carbohydrate intake, however, significantly lower intakes of protein, lipid, Ca, Fe, Zn, and Vit B2 than Q1(per 1000kcal). Q4 with high insulin resistance showed significantly higher MetS prevalence than Q1 with low insulin resistance for both gender. In conclusion, high apoB/apoA1 ratio with insulin resistance significantly associated with MetS in T2DM patients and it seems that nutrient intake play a role especially in female subjects.(This work was supported by second stage of BK21 project in 2007 and by Seoul R&BD. Program, NO. 10526)
Dietary habits and cardiovascular disease risk factors in Hispanics with type 2 diabetes mellitus enrolled in the DIALBEST trial. Preliminary results
Authors: Calle Mariana C , Vega‐López Sonia , Pérez‐Escamilla Rafael , Chhabra Jyoti , D’Agostino Darrin , Damio Grace , Fernandez Maria Luz
Published: June 2021

Anthropometrics, plasma lipids, glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C) and 24h recalls were analyzed for Hispanic subjects diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at the time of enrollment in the DIALBEST trial (n = 15 men and 65 women) aged 32–76 y. Plasma glucose levels were 187.2 ± 68.4 mg/dL for men and 204.8 ± 90 mg/dL for women with a range of 113–542 mg/dL. HbA1C values were 10.4% for men and 11.4 % for women. Mean BMI and waist circumference (WC) for women were 33.7 and 106.3 cm, respectively while men had a BMI = 33 and WC = 109.6 cm. Self reports of activity levels suggested little or no physical activity at baseline evaluation. Plasma LDL cholesterol concentrations were 110.2 ± 43.2 mg/dL for women and 84.8 ± 26.0 mg/dL for men (P <0.05). Mean plasma triglycerides were above 150 mg/dL for both men and women. Plasma HDL cholesterol was 51.6 ± 14.2 mg/dL for women and 47.0 ± 18.5 mg/dL for men. There was a significant positive correlation of plasma glucose with plasma TG (r = 0.504, P < 0.0001), and between WC and diastolic blood pressure (r = 0.350, P < 0.01). Dietary analysis indicated that carbohydrate represented the major source of energy ranging from 23 to 94% with a mean of 55% of total energy intake. Mean total sugar consumption was 60 g/d. These results indicate that this population is at high risk for cardiovascular disease and other complications associated with diabetes. In addition, the anthropometric parameters, plasma glucose and plasma lipids suggest that women are at a higher risk than men.

[Supported by NIH‐NCMHD EXPORT Center grant P20MD001765].
Availability, Consumption, And Energy/Nutrient Contributions Of Competitive Foods In Schools
Authors: Fox Mary Kay , Gordon Anne , Nogales Renee , McKinney Patricia
Published: June 2021

The IOM Committee on Prevention of Childhood Obesity concluded that obesity prevention requires an “environmental‐behavioral synergy.” To achieve this synergy in schools, food and physical activity environments and policies must echo and support core behaviors targeted in health promotion/nutrition education curricula and activities. Recently, there has been considerable interest in competitive foods—foods sold outside of the school meal programs on an a la carte basis or through vending machines, snack bars, school stores, and other venues. Data from the School Nutrition Dietary Assessment Study (SNDA‐III) show that the availability of competitive foods is widespread, particularly in middle and high schools. Consumption of competitive foods varies by age and is greatest among high school students. Lower‐bound estimates reveal that, overall, students who consume competitive foods consume an average of 150–200 calories from foods that are low in nutrients and high in energy. Among high school students, the average exceeds 225 calories. These “unnecessary” calories may be an appropriate target for efforts to improve the healthfulness of school environments.
Quantitative ultrasound (QUS) measurements in small versus appropriate birth weight for gestation neonates
Authors: Koo Winston
Published: June 2021

Background: Small for gestation (SGA) neonates have lower birth weight (<10th percentile) and lower bone mass compared to those born with appropriate birth weights (AGA, 10th to 90th percentile). QUS measurements are thought to reflect multiple parameters in addition to bone mass which contributed to bone strength and there are limited data on QUS measurements in SGA infants.

Hypothesis: SGA infants will have lower QUS measurements compared to AGA neonates.

Methods: Speed of sound (SOS) measurements were obtained at left tibia with a commercial axial transmission QUS device using manufacturer (Sunlight Omnisense 7000S Bone Sonometer) supplied neonatal software and CR and/or CS probes. CV of duplicate measurement was 0.6% of mean. None of the SGA infants had any known intrauterine infectious or genetic disorders. All measurements were performed within a few days after birth. Based on the expected lower birth weight and bone mass of SGA infants, this study was powered to detect a 10% difference in SOS between AGA and SGA neonates.

Results:

Conclusion: There were no significant differences in QUS SOS measurements between SGA and AGA neonates.
Carnitine compartmentalization in surgery patients
Authors: George Wesley , Borum. FSHN Peggy R.
Published: June 2021

Carnitine, an amino acid derivative, is involved in the transport of fatty acids into the mitochondrial matrix for βoxidation. Plasma carnitine is often used as a clinical indicator of the carnitine status throughout the body, but the carnitine concentration in organs and the relationship of carnitine compartments within the body are usually not known. We measured plasma carnitine collected before (PC) and during anesthesia (Surg‐PC), red blood cell carnitine collected before (RC) and during anesthesia (Surg‐RC), muscle carnitine (MuC) collected during general anesthesia, and in approximately half of the patients liver carnitine (LC) collected during general anesthesia. Total carnitine values of the various compartments are shown in the table below.

Surg‐PC was lower than PC (p<.05), but RC and Surg‐RC did not differ. Correlations of MuC or LC with any of the blood carnitine parameters indicated that less than 15 percent of the tissue carnitine concentration could be predicted by the blood carnitine parameters. Neither plasma carnitine nor red blood cell carnitine appears to be a strong predictor of carnitine status in tissue compartments.
Accuracy of predictive equations for estimating resting metabolic rate (RMR) in overweight women
Authors: Jones Lynnette , Paulin Jonathon , Legge Michael
Published: June 2021

Caloric restriction is used as a cornerstone of weight reduction in overweight individuals. To estimate an individual's minimal energy requirement, predictive equations of RMR are frequently used. Agreement between predicted and measured RMR can vary in different sectors of the population. The aim of this project was to assess the accuracy of established predictive equations against measured RMR in overweight women. Method: RMR in 34 overweight women (BMI >25 kg/m2) was measured by indirect calorimetry and compared to the equations of Harris‐Benedict, Livingston, Mifflin St‐Jeor, and Robertson & Reid. Statistical analyses used to compare measured and predicted RMR were prediction accuracy (±10%), Bland Altman analyses, and intra‐class correlation coefficients. Results: The Livingston equation had the highest prediction accuracy (59%), while Mifflin St‐Jeor had the largest intra‐class correlation coefficient (0.482) and smallest bias (46.2 kcal/day). The 95% confidence intervals of all equations were wide suggesting a large variability in the level of agreement. The limits of agreement were > 400 kcal/day in each equation showing a large variation between predicted and measured RMR. Conclusions: No equation accurately predicted RMR to an acceptable standard in the present study. Further studies need to be undertaken to develop accurate RMR equations for use in the overweight female population.
Sex steroid hormones affect carnitine concentrations of blood and organs in rats
Authors: McDonald David , Borum Peggy R.
Published: June 2021

Males and females exhibit different rates of central obesity, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Furthermore, altered concentrations of sex steroid hormones can lead to altered rates of these diseases in the afflicted populations, suggesting these hormones can affect metabolism and, in the long term, have clinical repercussions. Carnitine, an amino acid derivative involved in fat oxidation, was used to examine differences in metabolism between the sexes based on changes in the hormonal milieu. Rats (178 males and 176 females) were administered one of the following treatments: estradiol injection, testosterone injection, castration, and hypophysectomy. Total carnitine was measured in plasma, liver, heart, muscle, and epididymis. In both sexes, estradiol appears to increase liver carnitine while decreasing plasma, muscle and heart carnitine; testosterone, on the other hand, increases plasma, muscle and heart carnitine. In males, estradiol decreases and testosterone increases epididymis carnitine. Hypophysectomy decreased carnitine in all compartments for males and all compartments except for heart and muscle in females. This study demonstrates that estradiol, testosterone and the pituitary gland greatly influence carnitine concentrations of the body and are key to the observed sex differences in carnitine.
Evaluation of dyslipidemia and diet prescription of patients on ketogenic therapy for seizures
Authors: Little Lauren E. , Borum Peggy R.
Published: June 2021

Ketogenic therapy (KT) has been shown to be effective against seizures, but requires a fat intake (80–90% of calories) much higher than is recommended by the American Heart Association (AHA). There is conflicting evidence in the literature as to whether or not dyslipidemia is an adverse effect of KT. Currently there are no available feeding options that provide a balanced fatty acid profile similar to what is recommended by the AHA. KT prescription is designated as a ratio of grams of fat to grams of carbohydrate plus protein. 76 patients who had been on KT for at least 1 year were stratified according to fat ratio and no effect of ratio on blood lipids was observed. During therapy, oral fed patients usually receive a diet high in saturated fatty acids (SF) and tube fed patients usually receive a diet high in omega 6 fatty acids (w6). When the patients were stratified between the high SF oral diet and the high w6 tube‐fed diet, the following data were obtained using a t‐test assuming unequal variances.

The type of fat appears to be more important than the amount of fat for increasing the risk of dyslipidemia on patients receiving KT for seizures.
Macronutrient composition modulates plasma adiponectine and appetite hormones during a weight loss intervention
Authors: Ata Shymaa , Vaishnav Ushma , Puglisi Michael , Lofgren Ingrid , Mahan Elizabeth M , Fernandez Maria Luz
Published: June 2021

To evaluate the effects of moderate carbohydrate restriction and increased physical activity on inflammation markers and appetite hormones, we recruited 70 premenopausal women with a body mass index (BMI) between 26–35 kg/m2. Plasma adiponectin, intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1), vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (VCAM‐1) and ghrelin levels were assessed at baseline and after 10 wk of the weight loss intervention. All the food with the following macronutrient energy distribution: 40% carbohydrate, 30% fat and 30% protein was provided to the women during the 10 wk intervention. In addition, subjects progressively increased the number of steps taken per day for a total of additional 3 miles at the end of the intervention. Subjects reduced body weight by 4.5%, waist circumference by 6.4% and trunk fat by 4.6%. Plasma adiponectin was increased by 11% following the intervention (P< 0.05). ICAM‐1 levels were decreased (P < 0.05) while VCAM‐1 concentrations did not change after 10 wk. A negative correlation was found between final weight and adiponectin levels post‐intervention (r= −0.293, P < 0.025). Plasma ghrelin levels were increased by 17% following the intervention (P <0.001) indicating an increase in appetite associated with weight loss. Plasma ghrelin concentrations were negatively correlated with both leptin (r = −0.278, P< 0.05) and insulin (r= −0.279, P< 0.01) post‐intervention. These studies indicate that macronutrient composition and moderate physical activity modulate the hormonal and inflammatory response to weight loss.
Effects of Life Stress on Serum Corticol and Lipid Concentrations in College Students
Authors: Chang Kyung Ja , Sung Min Jung , Pant Asha
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of life stress on serum cortisol and lipid concentration in college students. Life stress levels for last 1 year were determined using a self‐administered life stress questionnaire in 406 college students. It was divided into 3 subgroups by scores distribution based on total life stress scores [the top 25%: high stress group (HSG), the low 25%: low stress group (LSG) and middle range: middle stress group (MSG)]. From 406 college students, fifty college students’ blood (high stress group: n=23, middle stress group: n=9, low stress group: n= 18) were sampled for this study. Serum cortisol level as a stress biomarker and serum triglyceride, total cholesterol and HDL‐cholesterol concentrations were measured. LDL‐cholesterol concentration and atherogenic index (AI) were calculated. Mean life stress level of HSG, MSG, LSG were 138.04 ± 36.3, 58.6 ± 8.7 and 16.3 ± 7.2, respectively. Serum cortisol level was not significantly different among 3 subgroups and there was no significant correlation between serum cortisol level and lipid concentrations. But serum HDL‐cholesterol concentration and AI were significantly different among 3 subgroups and there was significantly negative correlation between life stress level and HDL‐cholesterol concentration (p< 0.01), and there was significantly positive correlations between life stress level and AI (p< 0.01). These results suggested that high life stress level may have adverse effects on cardiovascular disease through decreasing serum HDL‐cholesterol concentration and increasing AI. Also serum cortisol level may not be a biomarker for chronic life stress.
“WESTERN” DIET INDUCES APOPTOSIS IN THE HEART OF A RAT MODEL WITH DIET‐INDUCED OBESITY
Authors: BALLAL KALPANA , WILSON CHRISTOPHER ROBERT , SALAZAR REBECCA LYNN , TAEGTMEYER HEINRICH
Published: June 2021

Background: We proposed that excess fuel supply in a rat model of diet‐induced obesity leads to cell damage due to increased oxidative stress and apoptosis.

Methods and Results: Male Wistar rats (n=8/group) were fed either low fat, western or high fat diets (10%, 45%, or 60% calories from fat, respectively) for acute, short, intermediate, or long term. Hearts were treated with 2, 4‐dinitrophenylhydrazine, and protein carbonyl formation was measured spectrophotometrically. Increased protein carbonylation was discovered with all diets in the intermediate term, but was reduced in the long term, which suggests upregulation of antioxidant defense mechanisms. Antiapoptotic BCl‐2 protein expression in the heart was markedly reduced with western diet, (85%, p<0.0001), but not with high fat diet. Decrease in BCl2 was associated with an increase of the mitochondrial transcription factor A (mtTFA) with western diet. Induction of mtTFA suggests compensatory mitochondrial biogenesis in the face of increased mitochondrial damage due to oxidative stress with western diet. Lastly, we also observed decreased expression of cardiac SERCA2a protein with western diet confirming similar observations in animal models of diabetes.

Conclusion: Downregulation of BCl2 and increased mitochondrial biogenesis are mediators of oxidative stress‐induced apoptosis in hearts of obese animals fed a western diet.
Human apolipoprotein B100 transgenic and brown adipose tissue deficient (hApoBtg/BATless) mice as a model of perturbed HDL metabolism in obesity‐induced insulin resistance
Authors: Ehlers Sarah Jean , Larson Stephanie M , Rasmussen Heather E , Park Young‐Ki , Lee Ji‐Young
Published: June 2021

Obese and diabetic humans display decreased levels of plasma high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) and an increased risk for coronary heart disease (CHD). As a strong inverse relationship exists between plasma HDL‐C level and the risk of CHD, perturbed HDL metabolism in obese and diabetic population could predispose these individuals to developing CHD. To develop a mouse model for altered HDL metabolism in obesity and insulin resistance, we crossed hApoBtg and BATless mice and generated hApoBtg/BATless obese mice. For phenotypic characterization, male and female mice of the control hApoBtg and hApoBtg/BATless mice were maintained on either a chow diet or a diet high in fat and cholesterol (HF/HC, 21% fat, 0.2% cholesterol, wt/wt) for 24 weeks. Body weight was recorded and blood samples were collected monthly after 4‐hr fast. Liver samples were harvested at 24 weeks of age. In both males and females, the hApoBtg/BATless mice fed HF/HC have significantly higher body weights than the hApoBtg mice from week 8 on and their liver weights were also significantly higher than the control mice. Lipoprotein distribution demonstrated by fast protein liquid chromatography revealed that in both genders, HDL peaks were noticeably reduced in hApoBtg/BATless mice fed HF/HC compared with control mice. This data validates the usefulness of hApoBtg/BATless mice as a model for studying perturbed HDL metabolism in obesity.
Plasma lipids and body composition: A comparison of lacto‐ovo vegetarians and non‐vegetarians
Authors: Segovia‐Siapco Gina , Burns‐Whitmore Bonny , Sabate Joan , Rajaram Sujatha
Published: June 2021

Plant‐based diets have been shown to be protective against several chronic diseases compared to meat‐based diets. Serum lipids and body composition measures are commonly used indicators of risk for many chronic diseases. In a cross‐sectional analysis of baseline data from two clinical studies conducted at Loma Linda University for other purposes, we compared the serum total cholesterol (TC), HDL‐cholesterol (HDL‐C), LDL‐cholesterol (LDL‐C), triglycerides (TAG), BMI, fat mass (FM), and fat free mass (FFM) of a group of lacto‐ovo vegetarians (LOVs) and non‐vegetarians (NVs). Overall, the LOVs (18 females & 7 males, mean age=43 y) have significantly lower TC, LDL‐C, HDL‐C, BMI, and FM compared to the NVs (25 females & 10 males, mean age=48 y); however, after age adjustment, significant differences disappeared for HDL‐C and BMI. Female LOVs have significantly lower TC, LDL‐C, and FM compared to their counterparts, but the difference for FM disappeared after age adjustment. Male LOVs have significantly lower TC, LDL‐C, and HDL‐C compared to male NVs, which remained significant even after age adjustment. Our findings suggest that LOVs have a more favorable serum lipid profile but may be similar in body composition compared to the NVs.
Application of the Hegsted Equation to Low Carbohydrate‐Low Fat Diet Comparisons
Authors: Volk Brittanie M , Feinman Richard D , Quann Erin E , Puglisi Michael J , Forsythe Cassandra E , Labonte Cherise C , Fernandez Maria‐Luz , Kraemer William J , Volek Jeff S
Published: June 2021

The Keys and Hegsted equations continue to be used to predict serum total cholesterol (TC) or LDL‐C based on dietary saturated fat (SFA), polyunsaturated fat (PUFA) and cholesterol (Chol). The equations frequently give good fit but are limited in that they are primarily descriptive without an underlying mechanism. As predictors of CVD risk, TC and LDL‐C are also not optimal: LDL particle size (and its surrogate TG/HDL‐C) are generally better. Carbohydrate restricted diets (CRD) effectively reduce the more atherogenic small LDL, due to the role of insulin in lipid metabolism. Because the Hegsted equations are still used, we evaluated their predictive value in subjects who consumed a CRD (n = 16: 1504 kcal, %CHO:fat:protein=12:59:28) and a low‐fat diet (n = 18: 1478 kcal,%CHO:fat:protein=56:24:20). The actual change in fasting serum lipid values after 12 weeks of diet was compared to predicted values using recent versions of the Hegsted equation:

[ΔTC = 2.10 ΔSFA − 1.16 ΔPUFA + 0.067 ΔChol and LDL‐C = 1.74 ΔSFA − 0.766 ΔPUFA + 0.0439 ΔChol]

TC and LDL‐C were weakly predicted for low‐fat diets (R = 0.22, 0.10) but not CRD (R = −0.12, 0.01). In distinction, we found that dietary carbohydrate was a good predictor of LDL particle size or TG/HDL‐C (R = 0.52, 0.51) and may be more generally useful in the assessment of the influence of diet on CVD risk than those indicators, like the Hegsted equations, based primarily on lipid components.
The physical form of hazelnuts does not alter their effect on plasma cholesterol
Authors: Tey Siew Ling , Brown Rachel , Chisholm Alexandra , Delahunty Conor
Published: June 2021

Diets high in nuts have been shown to reduce cholesterol, probably through their favorable lipid profile. However, the physical form of the nut may be important. For example, the cell wall of intact nuts may limit the hypocholesterolemic effect of nuts by reducing lipid bioavailability. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of incorporating three different forms of hazelnuts into the usual diet on risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Forty‐eight participants were recruited to take part in a randomized, crossover study with three phases. During each phase participants were asked to consume 30g of either ground, sliced or whole hazelnuts for four weeks. Body weight, plasma triglycerides, total, LDL‐ and HDL‐cholesterol were measured at baseline and at the end of each dietary phase. There were no significant differences in plasma lipids, lipoproteins or body weight between the different forms of nuts. However, consuming hazelnuts for three months significantly increased HDL‐cholesterol (1.21mmol/L vs 1.25mmol/L, p=0.023), and reduced total cholesterol (5.88mmol/L vs 5.68mmol/L, p<0.001), LDL‐cholesterol (4.01mmo/L vs 3.79mmol/L, p<0.001), and total:HDL ratio (5.23 vs 4.94, p<0.001). In conclusion, the ingestion of three different physical forms of hazelnuts equally improves the lipoprotein profile in mildly hypercholesterolemic individuals.
Dietary docosahexaenoic acid modulates hippocampal development in mouse
Authors: Rai Kiranmai Sesappa , Sanders Lisa Merle , Parikh Komal , Zeisel Steven H
Published: June 2021

Dietary docosahexaenoic acid modulates hippocampal development in the mouse

Phosphatidyl‐N‐methyl transferase (PEMT) catalyzes the biosynthesis of phosphatidyl choline (PtdCho), and prefers incorporation of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) into PtdCho. We previously reported that the PEMT knock out mouse has altered hippocampal development. The present study explores if changes in membrane DHA species of PtdCho mediate the observed effects on brain development. Timed pregnant CBL57 wild type (WT) mice and PEMT knock‐out (KO) mice were kept on control diet. A subgroup of dams, were given DHA, from embryonic day E11 to E17.Brains of fetuses collected on E17 were processed for immunohistochemistry. Results show increased neural progenitor cell proliferation in the ventricular lining of the developing hippocampus in fetuses from WT dams (92± 29 mitotic cells in DHA treated vs 33±11on control diet, p<0.05), but no change seen in calretenin expressing neurons in the dentate gyrus (DG). In addition, while fetuses of KO dams versus WT dams on control diet showed increased cell proliferation (144± 21 mitotic cells in KO vs 33±11 in WT, p<0.001), fetuses of KO dams on DHA diet did not.In addition, fetuses from KO dams on DHA diet had increased calretenin neurons in DG (3± 0.4 mean optical density in DHA treated vs −0.1 ± 0.2 on control diet, p<0.05) while fetuses from WT dams on DHA diet did not. These data suggest that, maternal dietary DHA, and PEMT‐mediated PtdCho‐DHA in brain can alter hippocampal development.
Introducing zinc in childhood diarrhea management: formative research helps address stakeholder concerns in the Philippines
Authors: Acuin C.S. , Vargas A.
Published: June 2021

Formative research on the introduction of zinc in childhood diarrhea management aims to assess its feasibility and operational needs, as well as develop and test messages for mothers to use zinc appropriately. Interviews, focus group discussions, and behavioral trials were conducted in a metro‐Manila government hospital. Baseline interviews revealed that home remedies focused on changing the child's diet as diarrhea is perceived by mothers to be primarily food‐related. Messages developed focused on the actions of zinc on the gut, and built on commonly held perceptions about strengthening the child's resistance (pampatibay ng resistensya) and the popularity of vitamins (bitamina para sa tiyan). Mothers perceived diarrhea was cured faster, child's appetite and activity improved with zinc. There was excellent adherence to the 14 day zinc regimen even as diarrhea resolved within 2‐3 days on average. Additional concerns regarding the duration of treatment and side effects of zinc were raised during the trials and addressed through individual counseling. ORT use was not perceived to be affected by zinc intake in this urban setting where mothers have an understanding of dehydration's effects. Formative research is a useful preliminary phase for addressing specific program and stakeholder concerns through the development of appropriate communication strategies for a given setting. Support for this study was provided by WHO‐CAH.
Imaging the cellular behaviors and interactions governing zebrafish palatogenesis
Authors: Eberhart Johann Karl , Swartz Mary E , Kimmel Charles B
Published: June 2021

As in amniotes, zebrafish neural crest cells that migrate around the eye to condense upon the oral ectoderm form the palate. We have found that Pdgf signaling mediates crest cell migration and that Shh signaling regulates crest condensation. Mutation of pdgf receptor a (pdgfra) causes cleft palate and loss of oral ectodermal gene expression. Time‐lapse microscopy demonstrates that crest cells fail to migrate to the oral ectoderm in pdgfra mutants. Genetic mosaics show that crest require reception of Pdgf signaling for proper migration. Additionally, loss of oral ectodermal gene expression in pdgfra mutants is a secondary defect caused by the absence of crest, demonstrating that crest‐derived signals induce oral ectodermal gene expression. Mutation of the Shh receptor smoothened causes failure of crest condensation and loss of oral ectodermal gene expression. Genetic mosaics show that wild‐type oral ectoderm transplanted into smoothened mutants rescues crest condensation, demonstrating crest cells require signals from the oral ectoderm to condense. Cyclopamine treatment demonstrates that the oral ectoderm requires Shh signaling at the end of gastrulation, prior to crest cell migration. Collectively, these results suggest a model where Shh establishes competence of the oral ectoderm to respond to crest‐derived signals, following Pdgf mediated cell migration to the oral ectoderm.
Cardiovascular risk in young adults
Authors: Lofgren Ingrid , Burke Joanne , Morrell Jesse , Reilly Ruth
Published: June 2021

The Young Adult Health Risk Screening Initiative is an ongoing cross‐sectional study of young adults (18–24 years of age) at the University of New Hampshire. Complete data for 1228 participants (27% males) was collected on anthropometric, biochemical, and clinical data from August of 2005 through July of 2007. The mean BMI for females was 23.8 kg/m2 and for males was 25.2 kg.m2, classifying the average male participant as overweight. The mean female systolic blood pressure (SBP) is 114.9 mm Hg where as the mean male SBP is 132.2 mm Hg. The mean diastolic blood pressure (DBP) for both males and females was less than 80 mm Hg. The average male participant is prehypertensive according to the Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure, in which prehypertension was defined as SBP of 120–139 mm Hg and/or DBP as 80–89 mm Hg. The mean plasma lipid profile for females was within the optimal National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) levels. The mean plasma lipid profile for males was within the NCEP optimal levels except for low density lipoprotein cholesterol at 112.0 mg/dL. This data suggest that young adult males have multiple risk factors for cardiovascular disease and should be making lifestyle modifications in order to reduce their risk.
Estimated intake of antioxidants from supplements in the U.S.
Authors: Chun Ock K. , Chung Chin‐Eun , Chung Sang‐Jin , Song Won O.
Published: June 2021

Accurate estimation of total antioxidant intake including those from supplements is important to establish public benefits from antioxidant intake. We have recently reported the estimated intake of dietary flavonoids of US adults. In this study we estimated the intake of antioxidants from supplements in the US adults based on dietary supplement data of 8,809 US adults aged 19+ yrs in NHANES 1999–2002. The individual vitamin intakes from supplements were calculated using the supplement counts, supplement records and supplements composition. 48% of the subjects took at least one supplement a day; and daily intake averaged 112 mg vit C, 13 mg α‐tocopherol, 30 RAE carotenes, 14 μg selenium, and 3 mg flavonoids. The prevalence of antioxidant supplement use was higher in women (Vit C, Vit E, and flavonoids), older adults (except for flavonoids), Caucasian, and higher income subgroups than those in their counterparts (p<0.05). Antioxidant intake from supplements differed among sociodemographic subgroups in the US population. Estimated total antioxidant intake from both diets and supplement is a prerequisite to investigating the implicated relation between the antioxidant intake and the prevalence of chronic diseases within a population and its subgroups.
Effect of Niacin and Prostaglandins D and E on Heat Shock Protein Gene Expression in Bovine Mammary Epithelial Cells In Vitro
Authors: Zimbleman Rosemarie B , Collier Jayne L , Ben Abdallah Mheni , Collier Robert J
Published: June 2021

Niacin induces peripheral vasodilatation via prostaglandin D (PGD) and E (PGE) release by Langerhans cells in skin. We evaluated if niacin alone or in combination with PGD and PGE alters expression of heat shock proteins (HSP) 27 and 70. Bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMEC) were cast in collagen in 24‐well plates containing growth media (GM) composed of DMEM/F‐12, insulin, EGF, IGF‐I, BSA and antibiotics at 37°C, 5% CO2. Cultures grew into ductal structures with media changes at 48 hr intervals. On day 8 cultures were divided into Controls (C) receiving GM, GM with niacin (0.5, 1.0, or 10.0 mM), PGD2 (10 or 24 uM), PGD2 with PGE1 (both at 24uM) alone or in combination with niacin. Half were placed into incubators at 37°C (TN) and the remainder at 42°C (HS) for 8 h. At 0h and 8h, replicates were pooled, placed in TRIzol and stored at −80°C until extracted for RNA. Isolated RNA was reverse transcribed into cDNA. Expression of HSP's‐27 and 70 was measured by q‐ PCR. Addition of PGD increased HSP‐27 and 70 gene expression in HS, (P<.0001). Peak fold increases in HSP‐70 expression at 8 hr over time zero differed between C and PGD, (−2.4 vs. 9.3, P<.0001) and were greater for Hsp‐27 (−115 vs +10, P<.0001). Addition of PGE increased HSP‐27 and 70 expression compared to C and PGD alone (P<.05). We conclude that niacin with PGD or PGD+PGE alters HSP‐27 and Hsp‐70 gene expression in BMEC during HS.
An in vivo oriented and modified model of the warfarin sensitive vitamin K‐dependent gamma‐carboxylation system
Authors: Wallin Reidar
Published: June 2021

Vitamin K in its reduced form is a cofactor for gamma‐carboxylase in post translational modification of proteins converting them to gamma‐carboxylated Glu (Gla) calcium binding proteins. The nutritional quinone form of vitamin K and the metabolite vitamin K 2,3‐epoxide (Vit.K>O) is reduced by the warfarin sensitive VKOR enzyme of the vitamin K cycle. The gamma‐carboxylation system consists of integral membrane proteins, and new knowledge of the system at the molecular level has expanded exponentially over the last years. The discovery of the VKORC1 gene and our experimental demonstration of the thioredoxin redox CxxC center in the protein opened up for new research on the molecular design of the system in the ER. We have provided strong data which indicate that VKORC1 is a subunit formed with PDI, a red/ox chaperone which reduces the CxxC redox center in VKORC1. This finding adds strong support to identification of the physiological reductant of the system. SiRNA silencing of PDI and PDI inhibitors provided the convincing data. Lately we have also challenged the existing model on warfarin inhibition of VKOR activity. We have used a highly specific disulfide reducing phosphine in experiments which provide evidence that warfarin binds both to the reduced and the oxidized CxxC redox center, which changes the current model of the system. Furthermore we have discovered calumenin as the first known in vivo inhibitor of the gamma‐carboxylation system. We have also demonstrated that VKORC1 is Ser‐phosphorylated which may be a regulatory mechanism in synthesis of vitamin K‐dependent proteins. Supported by NIH grant HL69331
Search for Dietary Anti‐inflammatory Compound to Improve Nutritional and Immune Response using Irradiation‐induced Inflammatory Rat Model
Authors: Kim Kyoung‐Ok , Kim Hyun‐Hee , Chun Mi‐Son , Kang Seung‐Hee , Sung Mi‐Kyung , Kim Hyun‐Sook
Published: June 2021

Most cancer patients are treated with surgery, chemotherapy or radiation as anticancer therapies. Especially in the case of radiation, it produces adverse effects such as weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, normal cell damage and malabsorption. Our previous studies revealed that radiation treatment had decreased serum protein levels, and increased lipid levels. The major goal of our study was to determine the effectiveness of dietary anti‐inflammatory compounds which were minimizing the adverse effects of radiation. The researching materials were Elm bark(Ulmus davidiana var. japonica) and AG(Agaricus blazei murill) as food source or dietary supplements, and HBT3(Haedokbangamtang3) which is a kind of herbal medicine mixture composed of thirteen different herb as herbal medicine. As compounds were investigated on luteolin, quercetin, hesperidin, resveratrol and DHA. The effectiveness was investigated on immune reaction through splenocyte proliferation, proinflammatory cytokine level, and PFC, and nutritional assessment by blood levels in the irradiation‐induced inflammatory rat model. This work was supported by the Brain Korea 21 project in 2007 and the SRC program of KOSEF (Research Center for Women's Diseases).
Mechanistic Aspects of Termination of E. coli DNA Replication
Authors: Dixon Nicholas E.
Published: June 2021

Complexes of the Tus terminator protein with Ter DNA sites in the terminus region of the E. coli chromosome block replication forks when they approach from one direction, but not the other. The first arriving fork is thus trapped between oppositely oriented Ter sites, where it stalls, awaiting the arrival of the second fork [1]. Two mechanisms have been proposed to explain polarity of action of the Tus‐Ter replication fork block. One involves specific interactions of the replicative DnaB helicase at the fork‐blocking (non‐permissive) face of the Tus‐Ter complex [2]. The other [3] depends on strand separation by DnaB at the front of the replisome: approach of the replisome from the permissive direction leads to displacement of Tus from Ter, while approach from the non‐permissive direction results in formation of a remarkably stable “locked” complex. “Lock” formation requires a conserved cytosine residue in Ter, which moves 14 Å from its normal position to bind in a cytosine‐specific pocket on the surface of Tus. The roles of the two mechanisms in determining polarity of action of the Tus‐Ter block will be reviewed.
Antioxidative Effect and Quality Characteristics of Yukwa(Puffed Rice Snack) Made with Lycii fructus powder
Authors: Park Bock Hee , Cho Hee Sook , Yang Hyo Hyun
Published: June 2021

Yukwa(Puffed Rice Snack) is a popular Korean traditional fried rice snack. Lycii fructus was found that it has antioxidative characteristics. Therefore We are trying to make Yukwa added with Lycii fructus powder(LFP). The purpose of this study was to investigate the antioxidative effects and quality characteristics of Yukwa made with 0%, 3%, 5% and 7% LFP. The Yukwas were stored at 50¡É 40 days. Yukwa with 5% LFP had the highest pH value, density and volume compared with the other groups and control. Lightness decreased by the addition of LFP, while redness and yellowness increased. Texture measurement showed that hardness was the highest in the Yukwa with 7% LFP. The results of sensory evaluation showed that the Yukwa with 5% LFP was the best in appearance, taste and overall acceptability. The stability of Yukwa in lipid oxidation was determined by acid value(AV), peroxide value(POV) and thiobarbituric acid(TBA) value during the storage. As the storage time increased, the AV and TBA values of experimental and control group increased. The POV of experimental and control group increased up to 30 days and then decreased. The AV, POV and TBA value were the lowest in Yukwa with 5% LFP.
Developmental Ontogeny of Adipose Cellularity and Gene Expression in the Neonatal Piglet
Authors: Schantz Brooke B. , Cimafranca Melissa A. , Cooke Paul S. , Donovan Sharon M.
Published: June 2021

Childhood obesity has reached epidemic proportions and its prevention is a public health priority. Postnatal weight gain may be a determinant for the development of obesity. The piglet is a common preclinical model for the human infant; however, little is known about adipocyte development and lipogenic gene expression in neonatal piglets. Subcutaneous and renal adipose tissue were obtained from sow‐reared piglets (n = 12 female; n = 12 male) at d2, 7, 14 and 21 postpartum. No effect of gender was found, so data were pooled by day. Adipocyte number and size were determined using a Coulter counter and gene expression measured by real‐time PCR. Subcutaneous adipocyte cell number/mg tissue was greater (p<0.05) at d2 than d7, 14 or 21 due to an increase in cell size with age. The smallest sized cells (20–30 μm) represented 72% of adipocytes on d2, but only 21% by d21. Cells sized 50–70 μm increased (p<0.05) from 4% to 32% between d2 and d21. The greatest changes occurred between d2 and d7 postpartum. The mRNA expression of CEBP‐α, C/EBP‐β and LPL in renal adipose tissue increased over time. GLUT‐4 and PPAR‐γ mRNA expression were greater at d21 than d7 and d14. In summary, piglets displayed rapid changes in adipocyte cell size, which was reflected in the pattern of adipogenic and lipogenic gene expression. These findings are similar to the human and emphasizes the utility of the porcine model. Funded by the Illinois Soybean Association.
Effect of β‐carotene and retinoic acid on PPARγ expression during bovine white adipose tissue differentiation in vitro.
Authors: García‐Rojas Patricia , Antaramián Anaid , González Laura , Villarroya Francesc , Shimada Armando , Varela‐Echavarria Alfredo , Mora Ofelia
Published: June 2021

White adipose tissue is the main source of mammalian metabolic energy. Adipocytes are important in animal production as the presence of fat is correlated to carcass quality. PPARγ is a transcription factor expressed in the final process of adipose differentiation. Our objective was to study the effect of β‐carotene and 9‐cis‐retinoic acid on the expression of PPARγ during bovine adipocyte differentiation. Samples were collected at slaughter from subcutaneous adipose tissue and processed in a solution containing 1 mg/mL Type II collagenase for 2 h at 37°C. Cells were re‐suspended with a basal medium, DMEM containing 5% fetal bovine serum, seeded in 24‐well culture plates at a density of 1×104 cells/cm2 and incubated at 37°C under a humidified 5% CO2 atmosphere. Before reaching confluence, preadipocyte differentiation was induced by treatments: basal; differentiation medium (2.5 μg/mL insulin); rosiglitazone (20 μM); β‐carotene (10, 20, 30 μM); 9‐cis‐retinoic acid (0.5, 0.75, 1 μM). PPARγ expression was identified purifying RNA from differentiated cells and using the RT‐PCR. Total RNA was extracted from the cells by QIAGEN™ protocol (RNeasy Kit). RT was made using oligo (dT)12–18 primer; Real Time PCR with PPARγprimers: Forward 5′‐CATCTTCCAGGGGTGTCAGT; Reverse 5′‐GGATATGAGGACCCATCCT. The results show that β‐carotene does not stimulate the process (P>0.1), however 9‐cis‐retinoic acid does (P<0.05).
Intestinal and renal Type II NaPi co‐transporter gene expression patterns in growing pigs fed with different levels of dietary Ca
Authors: Yin Yulong , Wang Shunxiang , Kang Ping , Hu Qin , Xing Fang‐fang , Li Tie‐jun , Huang Ruilin , Kong Xiangfeng , Hou Rongqing
Published: June 2021

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of different levels of dietary calcium on the patterns of NaPi‐II co‐transporter mRNA expression in growing pigs. 25 barrow pigs (20.9 ?0.95 kg) were fed a diet containing 5 different levels of Ca (0.29, 0.44, 0.60, 0.75, and 0.91%) by using different supplementations of limestone powder. Each trial lasted for 35 days and the pigs were slaughtered on the last day. Jejunum and kidney samples were collected to measure the mRNA expression of NaPi‐IIc and NaPi‐IIa using real‐time PCR. Compared with the calibrator Ca level of 0.60% according to the NRC (1998), pigs fed diets with Ca level of 0.44%, 0.75 % and 0.91% had higher mRNA expression of NaPi‐IIc in jejunum (1.49, 13.60 and 7.65) and NaPi‐IIa in kidney (2.15, 6.53 and 8.48). Pigs fed with Ca level of 0.29% had lower mRNA expression of NaPi‐IIa. These results suggest that high levels of dietary calcium increase mRNA expression of NaPi‐II in jejunum and kidney, while low level of dietary calcium decrease the mRNA expression of NaPi‐IIa.
Pharmacokinetics of alpha‐lipoic acid in dogs
Authors: Gross Kathy Lynn , Zicker Steven C.
Published: June 2021

The objective of this study was to evaluate effect of dose and method of delivery on pharmacokinetics of orally administered dl‐alpha‐lipoic acid (ALA) in 27 healthy dogs. Three different doses of ALA (2.5, 12.5 or 25 mg/kg bodyweight) and three variations of oral administration were evaluated (capsule form after 12 hours of fasting, capsule form given with a food meal (control food), co‐manufactured in the process of a complete extruded food meal). The control food without ALA was fed throughout the study period. A three period Latin square design was used to create a 3x3 factorial arrangement of treatments with dogs assigned to a group following a planned treatment assignment. Serum was collected at 1 minute before ALA dose and 15, 30, 45, 60 and 120 minutes after ALA dosing. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using a non‐compartmental model and analyzed using non‐parametric tests of WinNonlin 4.1 in SAS v9.1. There was a significant effect of dose for all delivery methods (P<0.05). In addition, there was a significant effect of delivery method (p<0.05) with ALA incorporated in a food meal resulting in lower maximum serum concentrations and area under the curve.
Demonstration of eNOS uncoupling, altered protein‐protein association and impaired vascular reactivity:CRP‐mediated effects in vascular endothelium
Authors: singh uma , Hein Travis , Kuo Lih , Vasquez‐Vivar Jeannette , Devaraj Sridevi , Jialal Ishwarlal
Published: June 2021

High C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels are associated with increased cardiovascular events and endothelial dysfunction. CRP has been reported to decrease endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity in endothelial cells (ECs). In present study, we explored measurement of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), eNOS dimer: monomer, association of hsp90/caveolin‐1 to eNOS and vasoreactivity by CRP treatment. Human aortic ECs were treated with CRP (0–25ug/ml) for 12 hrs. Separately, control and CRP treated cells were stimulated with VEGF (100 ng/ml for 0–15 min). Lysates were prepared, immunoprecipitated with eNOS Ab and blotted for hsp‐90/caveolin‐1. eNOS dependent and independent vasoreactivity of rat mesenteric arterioles was examined with acetylcholine [ACH] and Na nitropruside [SNP] respectively following intraluminal CRP treatment (7ug/ml for 1 hour). CRP resulted in significant decrease in BH4 levels and eNOS dimer: monomer (p<0.05) compared to control supporting eNOS uncoupling. CRP treatment led to decreased and increased association of hsp90 and caveolin‐1 respectively with eNOS following basal and VEGF stimulation. ACH mediated vasodilation was significantly inhibited confirming CRP‐mediated eNOS inhibition. To conclude, CRP uncouples eNOS via altering BH4 levels, eNOS dimer: monomer, protein‐protein association (hsp‐90 and caveolin‐1 with eNOS) resulting in an impaired vasoreactivity.
ACTIVATION AND INTERNALIZATION OF CORONARY ENDOTHELIAL LUMINAL MEMBRANE (CELM) AT1 RECEPTOR CAN BE DISSOCIATED
Authors: Rubio Rafael , Castillo‐Hernandez Jesus , Torres‐Tirado David , Barajas‐Espinosa Alma , Ramiro‐Diaz Juan
Published: June 2021

Intracoronary prolonged infusion of Ang II and Ang II‐POL; a non diffusible large agonist cause a AT1R‐mediated positive inotropic effects with different time courses; Ang II‐POL effects are sustained and reversible, while Ang II's are transient indicating desensitization. In addition, Ang II induce tachyphylaxis to Ang II and Ang II‐POL, but Ang II‐POL does not. In vitro, desensitization and tachyphylaxis are associated with AT1R internalization. Thus, transient effects of sustained intracoronary Ang II result from gradual internalization of CELM's AT1R, not being the case for Ang II‐POL. To test this hypothesis we measured AT1R levels on CELM. CELM proteins were isolated from hearts perfused with Ang II for 0 to 10 min and from hearts perfused with ang II‐POL 0 to 15 min. AT1R band was identified by Western blot and its mass measured as band optical density (BOD) as respect to 0 time (BOD control = 1.0). Ang II perfusion caused a time‐dependent CELM's AT1R decrease that reached a value of 0.5 at 6 min which rose to reach 1.0 at 10 min. In contrast, Ang II‐POL CELM's AT1R values at various times remained as 1.0, i.e. there was not internalization. These results indicates that: Ang II activates CELM's AT1R and induces its internalization; while Ang II‐POL activates CELM's AT1R without inducing internalization