bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antimicrobial activity of a high‐pressure enzymatic extracts using Prunus mume
Authors: Jang Jong‐Hwa , Oh Tae‐Jin
Published: November 2023

The most common oral diseases are dental cavities and periodontal diseases, which are infectious diseases. Antimicrobial agents for the prevention and treatment of oral disease as alternatives to conventional oral antimicrobial agents, such as chlorohexidine, have been investigated. Numerous natural compounds have been reported to be effective in preventing and treating oral infections, and in maintaining good oral health. Among them, Prunus mume, known as Japanese apricot, is used as a traditional medicinal food in Korea, China, and Japan. However, the common methods of Prunus mume extraction, including solvent or aqueous thermal‐based extraction, result in low yields, long extraction times, and traces of organic solvents. Enzymatic extraction of bioactive compounds from plants is a potential alternative to conventional solvent or aqueous thermal‐based extraction. Enzymatic treatment is used in the food industry due to its low operating temperature and ability to increase extraction yields. High‐pressure processing is a novel technology that has shown potential for extraction of bioactive components. Therefore, the bioactive components are more easily washed out, such as flavonoids, alkaloids, vitamins, saponins and pigments. The high‐pressure extraction technique is associated with a short extraction time, high extraction yield and lower levels of impurities. Our goal was to evaluate high‐pressure processing combined with enzymatic treatment for extraction of Prunus mume by determining the optimum extraction conditions for the antimicrobial activity against oral bacteria. The maximum antimicrobial activity of Prunus mume extract obtained using Novozym 33095 was at pH 7.0, 45°C, 20 h, and 5 v/v%. Minimum inhibitory concentration values were 3.125 to 12.50%. These results indicated that high‐pressure enzymatic extraction yielded Prunus mume extract with antimicrobial activity which has the potential for improving oral environment.

Support or Funding Information

Acknowledgement:

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 Planning (2014R1A1A3051084) and was supported by Business for Cooperative R&D between Industry, Academy, and Research Institute funded Korea Small and Medium Business Administration in 2014 (C0190937). In addition, this work was carried out with the support of “Cooperative Research Program for Agriculture Science & Technology Development (Project No. PJ01045705)” Rural Development Administration, Republic of Korea.
Type 2 Diabetes‐Associated Variants Disrupt Function of SLC16A11, a Proton‐Coupled Monocarboxylate Transporter, Through Two Distinct Mechanisms
Authors: Hoch Eitan , Rusu Victor , Schreiber Stuart L. , Florez Jose C. , Jacobs Suzanne B. R. , Lander Eric S.
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) affects more than 415 million people and is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. While T2D is influenced by environmental factors, it is also a highly heritable disorder, with genetic variation contributing to a disparity in T2D prevalence across populations. An example of this disparity is observed within American populations, where the prevalence of diabetes in individuals of Mexican or Latin American descent is approximately twice that of US non‐Hispanic whites. Through a genome‐wide association study, we recently identified a variant haplotype in SLC16A11 that explains ~20% of the increased T2D prevalence in Mexico.

Objective

To follow up on the genetic association at SLC16A11, in order to delineate mechanisms underlying T2D risk at this locus.

Results

Using a combination of molecular, biochemical, cellular, and physiological approaches we identify two distinct mechanisms that lead to reduced SLC16A11 function. First, we observe a significant reduction in SLC16A11 expression ‐ in a dose‐dependent manner ‐ in carriers of the T2D risk haplotype, in human liver. Second, we demonstrate that T2D risk‐associated coding variants in SLC16A11 attenuate activity by disrupting a key interaction with an ancillary protein, thereby reducing plasma membrane localization. These two independent mechanisms by which T2D‐associated coding and non‐coding variants impact SLC16A11 expression levels and subcellular localization implicate perturbation of SLC16A11 as causal at this locus, and suggest reduced SLC16A11 activity as the T2D‐relevant direction‐of‐effect.

To gain insight into how disruption of SLC16A11 function impacts T2D risk, we investigate the activity of this previously uncharacterized transporter and establish that SLC16A11 functions as an H+‐coupled monocarboxylate transporter.

Conclusion

Our findings illustrate the path from genetic association to therapeutic hypothesis, through defining the molecular mechanisms by which genetic variation affects SLC16A11 action, and suggest that increasing SLC16A11 function could be therapeutically beneficial for people with T2D.

Support or Funding Information

This work was conducted as part of the Slim Initiative for Genomic Medicine, a project funded by the Carlos Slim Foundation in Mexico
Right Time to Sprinkle Pepper
Authors: Lee Jee Yeon , Choi A‐ri , Kim Dohee , Yon Miyong , Nam Jiwoon , Park Seungjoo , Lee Haeng‐Shin , Lee Gae Ho , Lee Kyung Jun , Kim Cho‐il
Published: November 2023

Acrylamide (AA) in foods was first identified by the Swedish National Food Authority in 2002. Since then, WHO, EU, US, and others conducted AA monitoring on foodstuff and found high levels in potato chips, french‐fries, coffee, etc. Although AA is produced unavoidably by heating foods of high carbohydrate and low protein content at high temperature, it deserves special public health attention because the International Agency for Research on Cancer of WHO has classified AA as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1). Therefore, we conducted total diet study (TDS) to estimate AA exposure of the Korean population using the dietary intake data collected by 24‐hr recall method from Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). Data from 2008 through 2013 KNHANES were merged to increase the statistical power while giving equal weights to each year data and analysed to extract the representative food (RF) list for AA analysis. Foods consumed most by Koreans were lined up by intake amount and frequency and a list of 543 foods covering 97.4 % of mean intake was constructed. Based on the foods/dishes for which these RFs were used as ingredients, cooking method for each ingredient food was coupled to make ‘food □ cooking method’ samples. A total of 1224 ‘food □ cooking method’ samples were prepared using foods collected by nationwide sampling from 9 metropolitan cities for AA analysis. AA was analysed by LC/MS after solid phase extraction. AA was detected in 8.8% of analysed samples and black pepper samples showed the highest content. Top 5 on the list were all black pepper samples; ‐baked (12,029.1 ppb), ‐fried (3,595.6 ppb), ‐stir‐fried (1,313.2 ppb), ‐boiled (1,169.4 ppb), and ‐pan‐fried (1,083.7 ppb). Granulated instant coffee (507.0 ppb), french‐fries (463.7ppb), and potato chips (344.8~394.1 ppb) followed while black pepper‐ as is (324.1 ppb) showed a relatively low content. That is, heating in different cooking methods resulted in a 3 to 37 fold increase in AA production. This may explain why previous attempts to correlate AA exposure with the incidence of cancer were not quite successful. On the other hand, this information is valuable to the food industry and to individual consumers seeking to reduce AA levels in food. Mean AA exposure of the Korean population was estimated to be 0.09 μg/kg BW/day corresponding to 1/6 –1/11 of the values reported in US or Australia. The right time to sprinkle black pepper is 『just before consumption, at the table!』.

Support or Funding Information

This research was supported by a grant (16162MFDS116) from Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in 2013–2016.
Breastfeeding counseling improves maternal‐infant feeding interaction in those exposed to controlling behavior or emotional violence: MINIMat study in Bangladesh
Authors: Frith Amy , Ziaei Shirin , Frongillo Edward , Khan Ashraful , Ekstrom Eva‐Charlotte , Naved Ruchira
Published: November 2023

Good quality maternal‐infant interaction is foundational for infant health and development, but domestic violence may impede on women's ability to interact well during feeding. Further, while breastfeeding counseling benefits breastfeeding duration, its influence on maternal‐infant feeding interaction is unknown in vulnerable populations.

We aimed to determine if the influence of breastfeeding counseling on maternal‐infant feeding interaction depended on maternal exposure to controlling behavior or emotional violence during pregnancy. We used data from 180 mother‐infant dyads (infants 3–4 m old) who were part of a sub‐study of the Maternal and Infant Nutrition Intervention (MINIMat) study in Matlab, Bangladesh. Women were randomly assigned at 30 weeks of gestation to 1 of 2 counseling groups: usual health message counseling (UHM) or exclusive breastfeeding counseling with usual health message counseling (BFC). Lifetime exposure to controlling behavior and pregnancy exposure to emotional violence were measured by the modified version of Conflict Tactic Scale at 30 wk gestation. NCAST scales (total, maternal or infant total, and maternal sensitivity and social‐emotional fostering scales) were used to measure maternal‐infant feeding interaction.

There were interactions of counseling and exposure to controlling behavior on total NCAST (P‐interaction < 0.08) and maternal total (P‐interaction < 0.05), sensitivity (P‐interaction < 0.04), and social‐emotional fostering (P‐interaction < 0.02) scales. After controlling for food security, there were interactions of counseling group and exposure to emotional violence during pregnancy on total NCAST (P‐interaction <0.05), maternal total (P‐interaction <0.04), maternal sensitivity (P‐interaction <0.1), and maternal socio‐emotional fostering (P‐interaction <0.04). For those who had experienced controlling behavior or emotional violence during pregnancy, BFC improved maternal‐infant feeding interaction to a greater extent than in those who did not experience these forms of violence, or those who had but were in the UHM group.

Breastfeeding counseling is beneficial to maternal feeding behaviors that promote infant development for those who are vulnerable because they have experienced domestic violence.

Support or Funding Information

Source of funding: The MINIMat research study was funded by ICDDR,B, United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), UK Medical Research Council, Swedish Research Council, Department for International Development (DFID), Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative (CHNRI), Uppsala University and United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
Nutrient assessment of Chinese pregnant and lactating women: the intakes and food sources of Folic acid, Vitamin A, Iron and Calcium
Authors: Zhao Wenzhi , Ning Ke , Zheng Yingdong , Zhao Ai , Wang Peiyu , Zhang Yumei
Published: November 2023

Objective

To describe the intakes of folic acid, vitamin A, iron and calcium and make comparison with Chinese Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) to find the main problem. To analyze the food sources of the four micronutrients.

Methods

Samples were taken from a nutritional survey conducted in 8 cities of China, including 4 first‐tier cities and 4 second‐tier cities, with a total of 479 pregnant women of 3 trimesters and 576 lactating mothers of 6 stages included in the analysis. Micronutrients intakes were calculated based on 24h dietary record and then were compared with DRIs. Food items from 24h dietary record were classified into food groups according to Chinese food composition.

Results

The intakes of folic acid, iron and calcium of pregnant women were significantly higher than those of lactating women. When analyzed in terms of trimesters, there were significant differences in the intakes of folic acid, vitamin A, iron and calcium between 4 groups of women. Specifically, folic acid intakes of pregnant women of three trimesters were higher than those of lactating women, and vitamin A and iron intakes of pregnant women in the third trimester were higher than those of lactating women and pregnant women in the first trimester, and calcium intakes of pregnant women in the second and third trimester were higher than those of lactating women and pregnant women in the first trimester. The percentages of women whose micronutrients intakes reached different indicators of DRIs among 4 groups were significantly different. Compared with pregnant women groups, the percentages of lactating women groups whose micronutrients intakes were lower than Estimated Average Requirements (EAR) were higher, while the percentages of lactating women groups whose micronutrients intakes were higher than Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) were lower. The main food sources of the four micronutrients were different between pregnant women and lactating women, and pregnant women absorbed more folic acid from supplements and more calcium from dairy.

Conclusions

The intakes of folic acid, vitamin A, iron and calcium of pregnant and lactating women were not enough, and indeed the main problem was micronutrients deficiency. The deficiency problem was severer in lactating women. Both the micronutrients intakes and food sources of micronutrients of lactating women were far less than pregnant women. Optimizing the dietary constitutes maybe the best way for nutritional intervention of Chinese pregnant and lactating women.

Support or Funding Information

There is no special funding.
Protective Effects of Fermented Milk with Selected Probiotics Against Acute Upper Respiratory Tract Infections by Enhancement of Immunity of the Elderly: An Open‐Label Trial
Authors: Pu Fangfang , Guo Yue , He Fang , Zhu Hong , Wang Shijie , Shen Xi , He Miao , Li Ming
Published: November 2023

Background and Objective

Ageing caused immunosenescence and malnutrition would down‐regulate the immunity of the elderly. Such changes in the immunity can greatly increase the susceptibilities to attack by infective agents. Recent studies have observed that some fermented milk containing special probiotics might enhance the host immunity by which to protect the elderly from the infections. This study was conducted to evaluate the possible influence of fermented milk containing a selected probiotics, Lactobacillus paracasei N1115 (N1115), on the susceptibility to acute upper respiratory tract infections(URTI) and related immune function in the middle‐aged and the elderly.

Methods

Volunteers aged ≥45 years were recruited and selected by a three‐step screening test. The selected subjects were randomly assigned to intervention group and control group. The intervention group received fermented milk made from N1115 (3.6×107CFU/mL) 300mL per day for 12 weeks, while the control group could not intake any probiotics supplements. Information such as URTI symptoms, defecation, diet, exercise and antibiotic usage were recorded weekly. Blood samples were collected to test serum proteins, immunoglobulins and T cell subsets before and after intervention.

Results

Compared to the control group, both the number of persons diagnosed with an acute URTI and the number of URTI events were significantly higher in the intervention group (P=0.038, P=0.030, respectively). The risk of URTI in the intervention group was 55% of those in the control group evaluated (RR=0.55, 95%CI: 0.307~0.969). The change of percentage of CD3 cell subsets from baseline in intervention group was significantly higher than that of control group (P=0.038). Percentage of CD4 and CD8, immunoglobulin(Ig) A and IgM were almost the same in both groups (P>0.05). Additionally, there was no significant difference in total protein, albumin, globulin and prealbumin in two groups (P>0.05).

Conclusions

Fermented milk containing selected probiotic strain such as N1115 could enhance T cell mediated natural immune deference by which to reduce the risk of acute upper tract infections in the elderly.
Relationship Between Vitamin D Status and Cardio‐Metabolic Risk
Authors: Lopez Johanna , Campa Adriana , Huffman Fatma G , Liuzzi Juan P , Li Tan , Farooqi Ashar , Rasul Ammar , Simoes Herbert , Lantigua Laura , Atlas Steven , Konefal Janet , Woolger Judi , Lewis John
Published: November 2023

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between vitamin D status, measured as serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), and markers of cardiac autonomic function, arterial stiffness and a composite cardio‐metabolic risk score (CMRS), using a novel non‐invasive system. The study enrolled 101 participants, and six were excluded due to missing data (n=95). Participants completed demographic and health history questionnaires, and assessments that included serum 25(OH)D, anthropometrics and CMRS computed by using the ANS‐1 software, which combines three devices (ES‐BC, TM‐Oxi and SudoPath) that use bioelectrical impedance, galvanic skin response, spectrophotometry and an oscillometric blood pressure device to measure body composition, endothelial function, and autonomic nervous system activity markers. Using spearman's correlations, independent t‐tests and multiple linear regressions we found that vitamin D insufficient participants (25(OH)D)<30ng/ml, n=44), compared to vitamin D sufficient individuals (>=30ng/ml, n=51), had significantly lower heart rate variability, and higher photoplethysmography analysis markers and CMRS. These results indicate that vitamin D insufficient participants had decreased cardio‐protective parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) activity, increased endothelian dyfunction markers and were thus, at higher risk of cardio‐metabolic risk, suggesting vitamin D may play a significant role in cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Support or Funding Information

None
The effect of a high fat meal containing a culinary dose of spices on postprandial endothelial function
Authors: Petersen Kristina S. , West Sheila G. , VanEvery Hannah L. , Oh Ester S. , Rogers Connie J. , Kris‐Etherton Penny M.
Published: November 2023

Including large quantities of spices (>11g/meal) in a high fat meal blunts postprandial triglyceride levels, which may reduce vascular impairment. The effect of lower quantities of spices, found in many meals and recipes, has not been investigated. A 3‐period randomized controlled crossover study was conducted to investigate the effect of a high fat meal with spices on postprandial endothelial function, lipids/lipoproteins, immune function, and plasma markers of antioxidants and oxidative stress. In random order, participants consumed either a high fat meal (1000kcal, 45g fat) or a high fat meal containing 2g of spices or a high fat meal containing 6g of spices. Participants were overweight/obese, nonsmoking males with increased waist circumference (≥ 94 cm) and at least one other cardiovascular risk factor. After an overnight fast and following baseline flow mediated dilation (FMD) measurement and blood draw, participants consumed the test meal within 15 minutes. After meal consumption, blood was drawn hourly for 4 hours and FMD was measured at 2 and 4 hours. Results from three subjects who completed one visit are reported; the study will be completed in December 2016. Pre‐meal FMD was 4.48 ± 0.73 % and at 2 and 4 hours after meal consumption FMD was 2.69 ± 1.24% and 5.22 ± 2.93%. Although it is not possible to detect treatment effects at this time due to the small number of participants studied to date, the high fat meal did impair endothelial function at 2 hours. A very preliminary analysis shows FMD was higher at 4 hours after the meals with spices, compared with the high fat meal without spices. This study will demonstrate whether lower doses of spices ameliorate the lipemia and vascular impairment that occurs after a high fat meal.

Support or Funding Information

This study is funded by McCormick Science Institute
Quality Improvement Project in Veterans with Prediabetes Enrolled in a Diabetes Self‐Management Education Program
Authors: Wong Maggie , Lavani Rushi Bharat , Moy Matthew Winston , Julius Mary , Turcoliveri Maria , Cialdella‐Kam Lynn
Published: November 2023

Veterans with prediabetes are referred to a Diabetes Self‐Management Education (DSME) to provide them with the skills, knowledge, and ability to adopt lifestyle behaviors that will prevent the onset of diabetes.

Purpose

To evaluate the impact of goal setting and behavior changes on body weight (BW; kg), hemoglobin A1C (A1C; %), and systolic blood pressure (SBP; mmHg) in Veterans with prediabetes.

Methods

Secondary data analysis was conducted on de‐identified data collected on Veterans with prediabetes who attended DSME at Louis Stokes Cleveland Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. BW, SBP, and A1C were assessed pre‐ and post‐DSME and then compared as follows: 1) Behavior Changes: Veterans who followed the American Association of Diabetes Educators 7 (AADE7; n=16) self‐care behaviors vs. those who did not (C; n=40); 2) Goal Setting (Diet and Exercise): Veterans were grouped and compared according to goals of diet only (Diet, n=51), exercise only (Ex; n=34), diet and exercise (Diet+Ex; n=27), or control (i.e., no goals set; n=9); and 3) Goal Setting (Objective vs. Subjective): Veterans with objective (n=57; i.e., goals measured by changes in biomarkers) vs. subjective (n=27; i.e., goals measured by changes in lifestyle behaviors) goals. The changes in BW, A1C, and SBP were evaluated utilizing two‐way analysis of variance (Group × Time). Dunnett's Test was used to evaluate if goal setting groups (Diet, Ex, and Diet+Ex) differed from control.

Results

The change in BW, A1C, and SBP were similar between AADE7 (change in BW=−1.3±4.9kg, A1C=−0.2±0.4%, and SBP=3±18mmHg) and C groups (change in BW=−1.9±7.8kg, A1C=−0.0±0.4%, and SBP=2±17mmHg; p>0.05). Goal setting choices for diet and exercise were not associated with changes in BW (Diet=−0.8±3.8kg, Ex=−1.1±3.7kg, Diet+Ex=−1.7±5.7kg, and control=−5.5±22.1kg; p>0.05) and A1C (Diet=−0.2±0.3%; Ex=0.0±0.3%; Diet+Ex=0.0±0.4%; and control=−0.1±0.2%; p>0.05). Lastly, the changes between the subjective group (change in A1C= −0.1±0.4%; BW= −2.2±20.3kg; SBP=2±32mmHg) and the objective group (change in A1C= −0.1±0.4%; BW= −2.2±7.4kg; SBP=1±17mmHg) were also similar (p>0.05).

Conclusion

Behavior changes and goal setting choices were not associated changes in BW, A1C, or SBP in Veterans with prediabetes participating in DSME program. The incorporation of self‐monitoring devices (e.g., fitness trackers and continuous glucose monitors). which provide immediate feedback, may aid Veteran with prediabetes in making recommended lifestyle changes to prevent the onset of diabetes.
The Effect of Dietary MUFA's on Resting Energy Expenditure in Individuals with Pre‐Diabetes
Authors: Swope Dana J , Huebner Grace , Brannan Rebecca , McCormick Samuel , Morgan‐Bathke Maria , Gibson Karen
Published: November 2023

Research has revealed that there may be a positive association between increased monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) intake and increased resting energy expenditure (REE). Increases in REE could aid in weight loss, which is the most effective intervention to prevent the progression to T2DM. Results from this study will indicate whether or not increased MUFA intake is a valid dietary approach for improving REE in individuals with pre‐diabetes.

In clinical practice, predictive equations are the most practical means to estimate a patient's REE. The most common equations are the Mifflin St. Joer and Harris Benedict equations, however reliability of the predictive equations remains unknown. This study aims to determine the accuracy of the REE predictive equations for the pre‐diabetic population.

Study participants include adults ages 18–70, with a BMI of 25–45 kg/m2, that have been diagnosed with pre‐diabetes. Pre‐diabetic fasting blood glucose level is defined as 100–125 mg/dL. The REE was measured using the Cosmed and compared to the Mifflin St. Jeor and Harris Benedict predictive equation. This comparison will allow us to determine if the equation method provides an accurate REE estimate.

Participants were split into an intervention group, who consumed 1 ½ ounces of pecans between 8am and 2pm daily for 8 weeks and a control group. The REE was measured pre and post intervention.

The MUFA intervention did not significantly change REE measured via Cosmed. The mean measured REE pre MUFA intervention 1535.8 ± 386.1 and 1764.4 ± 594.2 post intervention. We found no significant correlation between Measured REE and the Mifflin St. Joer and the Harris Benedict predictive equations (r = 0.19, p = 0.29).

While we did not find a significant difference, MUFA intake slightly increased REE in individuals with pre‐diabetes. A higher number of participants may yield a significant change in REE with daily MUFA intake, therefore providing an effective dietary approach to aid in weight loss of individuals with pre‐diabetes.

The lack of correlation between both predictive equations and measured REE is substantial in practice. Predictive equations are used to determine caloric needs as a measure to induce weight loss. Inaccurate measurements will impede weight loss goals. Therefore, measured REE, rather than predicted REE, should be used in this population to aid in weight loss.

Support or Funding Information

Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship

Texas Pecan Growers Association
Gamma‐Oryzanol in Rice Bran Oil Play a Significant Role in the Anti‐inflammatory Action by Modulating NF‐κB p65 Translocation and Reducing the Expression of Inflammatory Markers in Rat Peritoneal Macrophages
Authors: Yalagala Poorna Chandra Rao , Dhavamani Sugasini , Lokesh Belur R.
Published: November 2023

Dietary Rice bran oil (RBO) is reported to exhibit anti‐inflammatory activity by inhibiting the activation of NF‐κB p65. However the role of γ‐Oryzanol (γ‐ORY), ferulic acid esters present in RBO in this process is not well established. To study this, male Wister rats were fed AIN‐93 diet containing RBO with γ‐ORY (RBO‐N), Minor Constituents Removed RBO (RBO‐MCR), RBO‐MCR supplemented with Unsaponifiable Fraction from Rice Bran Oil (UFRBO), RBO‐MCR supplemented with γ‐ORY, for a period of 60 days. The macrophages form rats fed a diet containing RBO with oryzanol or RBO –MCR supplemented with γ‐ORY or with UFRBO showed significant down‐regulation in the expression of NF‐κB p65, and that of inflammatory markers such as Matrix Metallo Proteases (MMP‐9) and Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein (MCP‐1) as compared to those fed diet containing RBO‐MCR. The present study indicated that pure γ‐ORY or ORY present in unsaponifiable fraction of RBO contributes to the anti‐inflammatory action of dietary RBO by inhibiting the translocation of NF‐κB p65 and down‐regulating the levels pro‐inflammatory markers.

Support or Funding Information

CSIR‐CFTRI
Antioxidant Effect of Açaí and Juçara Juice on Healthy Subjects
Authors: Di Pietro Patricia Faria , Cardoso Alyne Lizane , de Liz Sheyla , Farah Ana Carolina Aguiar , Vieira Francilene Gracieli Kunradi , Venske Débora Kurrle Rieger , da Silva Edson Luiz , de Assis Maria Alice Altenburg
Published: November 2023

The genus Euterpe originates a specie of palm popularly known as juçara palm (Euterpe edulis). The juçara palm grows in the Atlantic Forest in Brazil. The fruits of juçara have sensorial and nutritional properties similar to açaí (Euterpe oleracea). Juçara and açaí are fruits rich in phenolic compounds, especially anthocyanins. Studies have shown that intake of fruits and vegetables rich in phenolic compounds attenuate oxidative stress state and may reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases. This study evaluates the effect of acute intake of juçara and açaí juices on oxidative stress biomarkers in eleven healthy volunteers in a cross‐over trial. Blood samples were collected before and after 1 and 2 hours of juçara juice, açaí or control drink (water). The biomarkers of oxidative stress analyzed were: glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total oxidant status (TOS). The juçara and açaí juices decreased TOS significantly after 1h and 2h of ingestion. The CAT activity increased after 1h of juçara juice ingestion and after 2h after açaí consumption. Açaí juice was able to increase GPx activity significantly after 2h of ingestion, in relation to the baseline values. These results demonstrate a positive effect of juçara and acai juice intake on the antioxidant capacity and attenuation of oxidative damages in healthy individuals.

Support or Funding Information

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (MCT/CNPq 14/2012, number 483929/2012‐3 under the protocol number is 8454 189979648178)
Preliminary analysis of eight brands of green tea commercially available in Kuwait
Authors: Thomson Martha , Al‐Qattan Khaled K , Jayasree Divya , Ali Muslim
Published: November 2023

Green tea is known for its beneficial effects and content of polyphenols. However, no data is available on the composition of the brands of green tea available in the Kuwaiti market. Limited analysis of components in 8 locally available brands of green tea was carried out. The analysis included total phenol content, bioactive polyphenols (catechins), caffeine and antioxidants, as well as analysis of ascorbic acid, fatty acids and trace metals. Total phenols ranged between 6.46–40.40 mg/g dry weight (DW). (−)‐epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and (−)‐epicatechin (EC) contents ranged from 162–654 and 78–386 mg/g DW, respectively. Magnesium was the major metal in all brands of green tea with heavy metals, such as cadmium having variable levels (0.7–15.4 mg/kg DW). Five fatty acids (palmitic, oleic, linoleic, 11‐eicosaenoic, cis‐15‐tetracosenoic) were found in most of the brands of green tea analyzed. Ascorbic acid levels ranged from 0.650 to 0.904 mg/g DW and total antioxidants were between 2.10 and 3.25 mmole/g DW. We report that the 2 brands of green tea having the highest levels of phenols, polyphenols and antioxidants are Al‐Wazzah and Lipton. The major catechin, EGCG, was purified by preparative HPLC and assessed for anti‐diabetic activity in streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetic rats during a 4 week daily treatment experiment. EGCG (100 mg orally daily) was effective in limiting weight loss and lowering blood glucose levels of diabetic rats. In addition, EGCG was effective in decreasing polydipsia and hypertension typical of diabetic rats.

Support or Funding Information

The study was supported by KU grant #SL 01/15.
Conversion of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells into Cardiac Progenitor Cells for Heart Repair
Authors: Xuan Wanling , Ali Ailia , Ashraf Muhammad
Published: November 2023

Objective

Cardiac progenitor cells (CPCs) may offer a promising avenue for cardiac repair due to their ability to proliferate and multiply. However, generating abundant and functional autologous CPCs for transplantation remains to be a significant challenge. Here, we explore a novel strategy for human CPCs generation from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) in large numbers for their high reproducibility, high purity, and ease of production.

Methods and Results

We screened for small molecules, which highly induced Nkx2.5 expression in Human iPSC cell line (ACS‐1021™) by RT‐PCR. A novel small molecule MD1 was identified, that dramatically induced the expression of CPCs related genes (Nkx2.5, GATA4, Tbx5, ISL‐1 and Mef2c) for 7‐day treatment in monolayer human iPSC. Briefly, monolayer iPSCs were cultured in RPMI/B27 minus insulin medium supplemented with MD1(20μM) for 7 days. Immunofluorescence staining demonstrated that cardiac transcription factors (Nkx2.5, GATA4 and ISL‐1) were highly expressed in hiPSC with MD1 treatment. FACS analysis showed that about 96.5±2.5% cells were Nkx2.5 positive in MD1 treated human iPSC. Furthermore, these Nkx2.5 positive cells were multipotent and directly differentiated into all three cardiovascular lineages, including cardiomyocytes (CMs), endothelia cells (ECs) and smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in basal differentiation conditions without any specific induction signaling molecules. These cardiac cells expressed CM‐, EC‐ and SMC‐specific proteins detected by immunofluorescence staining. FACS analysis revealed a high proportion of cardiac lineage cells from these induced CPC. We were able to obtain about 95.2±2.1% CMs, 90.3±2.5% ECs and 92.3±1.8% SMCs in basal differentiation medium respectively. In addition, we demonstrated the differentiated ECs exhibited a similar phenotype and function like primary ECs. Moreover, these induced CPCs exhibited cytoprotective effects under hypoxic condition.

Conclusion

We successfully generated highly pure human CPCs in large numbers from iPSC by a single small molecule, which might be an efficient methodology for providing an unlimited source of cells for cardiac regeneration.

Support or Funding Information

NIH grant HL126516
Targeted RNA Sequencing of FFPE Prostate Biopsies and Matched Prostatectomies
Authors: Sharma Nitya V. , Pellegrini Kathryn L. , Osunkoya Adeboye O. , Gillespie Theresa , Petros John , Huang Eugene , Sanda Martin G. , Moreno Carlos S.
Published: November 2023

One of the significant challenges with management of prostate cancer is discriminating between aggressive and indolent disease at the time of diagnosis, in order to make clinical decisions on the optimal course of therapy. While biopsies are critical for definitive diagnosis of prostate cancer, it is not known whether RNA biomarker signatures that have been developed using prostatectomy tissues are adequately represented by biopsy specimens. Additionally, the fact that prostate cancers are subject to significant clonal heterogeneity adds to the challenge of applying prognostic signatures to biopsy‐derived RNA. To interrogate whether it is feasible to use prognostic RNA signatures with biopsy tissues, we employed targeted RNA‐Seq on 24 matched biopsy‐radical prostatectomy (RP) pairs and 70 unmatched biopsies. We optimized the Agilent Sure Select Targeted RNA‐Seq protocol to enable targeted RNA‐seq of FFPE RNA, and generated 135 sequencing libraries. Our targeted sequencing panel included 295 genes derived from multiple published prognostic RNA signatures, including our own published 24 gene signature (Sig24), which is prognostic of biochemical recurrence following radical prostatectomy. We identified a subset of 9 out of 295 genes, 1 of which belonged to the Sig24 signature, that were consistently expressed among biopsies and exhibit a relatively high correlation in matched RPs. We also found insignificant gene expression variation among multiple biopsies within the same patient. We calculated Sig24 scores for each matched biopsy‐radical prostatectomy pair, and found that only 8 out of 24 patients had biopsy‐RP pairs with consistent grouping, suggesting that non‐targeted biopsies may not reliably reflect the gene patterns expressed in corresponding primary tumors. Taken together, these data support the use of targeted biopsies and demonstrate the feasibility of targeted RNA‐seq of FFPE biopsy samples.

Support or Funding Information

Atlanta Clinical and Translational Science Institute (ACTSI) NIH UL1TR000454‐06 ACTSI, NIH U01CA113913‐suppl, Winship Prostate Pilot Award, NIH Cancer Center Support Grant P30CA138292.
Investigating Methylated Arginine Residues in PGC‐1α
Authors: Cuala Janielle Miguel , Osuji Immaculeta Miguel , Zurita‐Lopez Cecilia
Published: November 2023

Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC‐1α) participates in the regulation of both carbohydrate and lipid metabolism and is activated by insulin. For these reasons, it has been implicated in obesity and diabetes. PGC‐1α is subjected to many post‐translational modifications including phosphorylation of Ser570 by protein kinase B (Akt/PKB), which stops gluconeogenesis and fatty acid oxidation. In addition, PGC‐1α is methylated by protein arginine methyltransferase 1 (PRMT1) at several arginine residues, including Arg665, Arg667 and Arg669 which enhance its regulation. Evidence for additional arginine methylated sites have been found, but the exact sites remain unknown. We set out to identify methylated arginine residues on PGC‐1α. PRMT1 and truncated constructs corresponding to PGC‐1α were expressed and purified. Next, in vitro methylation reactions were carried out, followed by detection of methylated arginine residues by various methods including immunoblot and autoradiography. Identification of the methylated arginine residue(s), will enhance our understanding of PGC‐1α with the broader goal of determining its regulation in the context of obesity and diabetes.

Support or Funding Information

Minority Biomedical Research Support‐Research Initiative for Scientific Enhancement (MBRS‐RISE) Fellowship. Grant: R25 GM061331
Variation in Food Group Availability and Nutrient Composition Across Food Pantry Inventories
Authors: Andersen Catherine J. , Ragonesi Nicholas , Cintron‐Rivera Layra , Murray Kristina , Cerrito Brianna , Melville Jamie , Dupree Lydia , McCabe Michelle
Published: November 2023

Food insecurity has been linked to an increased risk of nutrition‐related health disparities and dependency on emergency food assistance programs, including food pantries. Given the diverse nature by which food pantries operate and acquire food inventory, we aimed to investigate variations in food group availability and overall nutrient composition of inventories at three food pantries in different districts of Bridgeport, Connecticut (Pantry 1, zip code 06604; Pantry 2: zip code 06605; and Pantry 3: zip code 06606). Foods were categorized as grains (refined or whole), vegetables (dark‐green leafy, red & orange, legumes, starchy, or other), fruits, protein, dairy, or oils, as defined by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015–2020. Nutrient composition of food items was further analyzed to determine total and saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, total sugar, and fiber content of pantry inventories. We observed that Pantry 1 had the largest variety of food items (n = 115 different products), as compared to Pantries 2 (n = 40) and 3 (n = 35). Grains were found to be the most predominant food type at all pantries, representing 38.3%, 57.5%, and 45.7% of all products in Pantries 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Of all grain products, refined grain foods were most abundant at Pantries 1 (70.5%), 2 (78.3%), and 3 (87.5%), as compared to whole grain products (29.6%, 21.7%, and 12.5%). Aside from oil products, which were not present at any pantries, fruit (10.4%, 5%, and 2.9%) and dairy (1.7%, 5%, and 11.4%) products represented the smallest proportion of food items, albeit to varying degrees. Variation in the prevalence of vegetable type was additionally observed across pantries, with Pantry 1 supplying an assortment of legumes (14.3%), and dark‐green leafy (2.4%), red & orange (42.9%), starchy (16.7%), and other (23.8%) vegetables. In contrast, Pantry 2 only supplied dark‐green leafy (40.0%), red & orange (10.0%), starchy (10.0%), and other (40%) vegetables, whereas Pantry 3 inventory lacked dark‐leafy vegetables and legumes. In comparing nutrient compositions of all inventory foods across pantries, we observed that Pantry 1 food items contained significantly lower amounts of total and saturated fat, total sugar, cholesterol, and increased fiber per average serving when compared to the inventory foods of Pantry 3. Together, these findings suggest that food selection and nutritional quality varies significantly across food pantries within a single city.

Support or Funding Information

Fairfield University College of Arts and Sciences
Accessibility and Availability of Food Store in Urban Area of Korea
Authors: Jang Mi Jin , Kim Seong‐Ah , Chung Sangwon , Joung Hyojee
Published: November 2023

Food stores are known to play an important role in food choice of people and thus may also be critical determinants for their nutrition and health status. The aim of this research was to assess accessibility and availability of food store in a city. A total of 73 food stores, including 13 chain supermarkets, 17 non‐chain supermarkets, 17 convenience stores, 9 marketplaces (including farmer's market, street market from truck), and 17 specialty stores (butcher's, organic or produce shop) were recruited from the list of telephone directory and search engine between 2013 and 2014 in urban area of Hwaseong‐si, Korea. A structured questionnaire previously developed was applied to collect information on general characteristics and accessibility of food store and availability of selling products. The store size of chain supermarket was predominantly bigger than other food stores (p<0.01), and the majority of the customers in food store were female except non‐chain supermarket and convenience store. The age group of major customers were 30–40' in supermarkets, 40–50's in marketplace and specialty store, and 20–30's in convenience store.. The ‘best‐selling product’ in the chain supermarket were unprocessed food such as vegetables, fruits, meats and milk, but ‘ready‐to‐eat products’ like beverages, milk, snack and noodles were highly ranked in other type of food stores. All food stores showed high accessibility to parking lot (82~100%) as well as to public transportation (78~100%), but chain supermarket and specialty store had the easiest accessibility with home delivery as well as convenient order system by phone and internet. Healthy food options such as whole or mixed grain, low/no sodium, low fat, low calorie products were widely available in the chain supermarket, while was mostly limited in convenience stores. However, over half of convenience stores were available for low fat milk, low calorie noodle and soda. Chain supermarket offers the greatest variety in vegetables and fruits, but convenience store, marketplace and specialty store do considerably lower diversity of produce (p<0.001). This study showed that accessibility and availability of food stores are different from store type in urban area. Further researches to evaluate food stores in other areas are required to develop food environment intervention programs.

Support or Funding Information

This work was supported by the ‘Development of Agriculture Science Technology’ projected from the Rural Development Administration (PJ008995).
Transmission Electron Microscopy Analysis of Visceral and Subcutaneous Lymph Nodes: High Fat Diet‐Induced Morphological Changes
Authors: Foster Michelle , Vanderpool Kimberly
Published: November 2023

Inflammation, induced by excessive adipose tissue accumulation, appears to link obesity to disease risk yet little attention has been devoted to the lymphoid tissues embedded within adipose tissue. These structures are the primary site for the development of protective immunity, including antibody and cellular immune responses. Hence, any disease process that affects lymphoid tissues will also directly impact immunity, including responses to pathogens, infections, cancer and vaccines. We examined how obesity alters secondary lymphatic tissue structure and immune cells encapsulated within. 4 month C57BL/6 male mice were fed standard rodent Chow (n = 3) (Harlan – 7002: 18% of calories from fat and 49% from carbohydrates) or Western high fat diet (n = 3) (HFD, Harlan ‐ TD.88137: 42% of calories primarily from saturated fat from milkfat and 42% from sucrose) for 6 months. Body mass was recorded for the duration of the study. Because visceral, but not subcutaneous, adipose tissue accumulation is highly associated with metabolic disease, visceral and subcutaneous lymph nodes were analyzed via transmission electron microscopy. HFD‐induced obesity caused numerous morphology changes to immune cells and sinus space in both visceral and subcutaneous lymph nodes. Lymph nodes of HFD mice contained large amounts of cellular debris indicative of damaged or dead cells. Large engulfing macrophages where associated with debris dense regions. HFD intake also increased collagen and microfibrils within lymph nodes. These structural proteins are products of dysregulated enlarged fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs). Under normal conditions, FRC network maintains T cell homeostasis and cellular interactions needed for a proper immune response. Disruption of this network was associated with increased sinus spacing between immune cells. Overall, HFD‐induced obesity caused cellular death and macrophage activation. We postulate obesity associated inflammation causes FRCs to‐induce fibrosis within lymph nodes and likely contributes to increased sinus spacing and subsequently reduced immune cell interactions. The consequential outcomes on immune regulation would likely contribute to the immunosuppression and lymphatic vessel dysfunction demonstrated to occur during obesity.

Support or Funding Information

NIH R03DK099425
Thanks For The Memories: Cocaine Cue Reactivity and the 5‐HT2A receptor (5‐HT2AR) System
Authors: Holliday Erica , Sholler Dennis J , Fox Robert G , Stutz Sonja J , Dineley Kelly T , Anastasio Noelle C , Cunningham Kathryn A.
Published: November 2023

Success in recovery from cocaine use disorder (CUD) is challenged by vulnerability to relapse, propelled in part by exposure to cocaine‐linked cues (‘cue reactivity’; Anastasio et al., Neuropharmacol 76 Pt B:460, 2014). The memory for the association between environmental cues (e.g., drug paraphernalia, people, places) and cocaine‐taking engages the serotonin (5‐HT) 5‐HT2A receptor (5‐HT2AR) system in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) (Penkowski et al., Psychopharmacol 213:307, 2011), a region importantly involved in associative learning processes (Harvey, Learn Mem 10:355, 2003). In the present experiment, we hypothesized that an engineered loss of the 5‐HT2AR in the mPFC would alter cocaine cue reactivity as well as cued fear learning. A short hairpin RNA (shRNA) that efficiently knocks down over 90% of 5‐HT2AR mRNA in vitro was designed, validated, and packaged into an adeno‐associated viral (AAV) vector; the non‐silencing control (NSC) hairpin had no effect on 5‐HT2AR mRNA expression. Rats acquired cocaine self‐administration (0.75 mg/kg/inf) to stability prior to bilateral microinfusion of 5‐HT2AR‐shRNA‐eGFP AAV or NSC‐eGFP‐AAV into the mPFC (AP: +3.0 mm; ML: +1.4 mm; DV: −5.1, −4.1, −3.1 mm; relative to Bregma) (n=10–12/group). One month after microinfusions, rats were returned to the chambers and cue reactivity was assessed as lever presses for drug‐associated cues. In a second cohort, microinfusion of 5‐HT2AR‐shRNA‐eGFP AAV or NSC‐eGFP‐AAV into the mPFC occurred one month prior to the acquisition of trace fear conditioning (n=5–7/group). Acquisition consisted of two presentations of a conditioned stimulus (white noise; 85dB) and a 500 ms trace interval before presentation of the unconditioned stimulus (foot shock; 0.75 mA). Freezing in the context or upon presentation of the auditory cue served as measures of hippocampal and mPFC involvement, respectively. Western blot analysis indicated that 5‐HT2AR protein expression was significantly reduced following 5‐HT2AR shRNA vs. NSC (p<0.05). The knockdown of the 5‐HT2AR in the mPFC significantly augmented cue reactivity (p<0.05 vs. NSC) and increased freezing upon exposure to the auditory cue (p<0.05 vs. NSC), with no difference in acquisition or freezing to the context. These data suggest that loss of tone in the 5‐HT2AR system in the mPFC results in dysregulation of cue‐associated behavior in two distinct paradigms of associative learning. Future studies will explore the molecular mechanisms through which decrements in 5‐HT2AR mPFC signaling affect cue‐mediated behavior.

Support or Funding Information

T32DA07287 (EDH, DJS), P50DA033935 (KAC/NCA), K05DA020087 (KAC)