bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Low dietary sodium intake is associated with enhanced vascular endothelial function in older adults with elevated baseline systolic blood pressure
Authors: Jablonski Kristen L , Gates Phillip E , Pierce Gary L , Seals Douglas R 
Published: June 2021

Aging and elevated systolic blood pressure (SBP) are associated with impaired endothelium‐dependent dilation (EDD) and increased salt sensitivity. High dietary sodium impairs EDD in young rodents. We hypothesized that otherwise healthy middle‐aged and older adults (MA/O) with elevated systolic blood pressure (SBP; 130‐159 mmHg) consuming lower dietary sodium (DS) would demonstrate enhanced EDD compared with peers consuming higher DS. EDD was measured using flow‐mediated dilation (FMD) in MA/O (65±1 yr, mean±S.E.) who self‐reported lower (n=12; 73±6 mmol/d) or higher (n=13, 144±6 mmol/d) DS intake. Subjects were matched for potentially confounding characteristics including age, body mass, body mass index, SBP, diastolic BP, plasma lipids, fasting glucose, daily activity, peak oxygen uptake, and non‐DS related dietary profile. Brachial artery FMD was 34% higher (5.0±0.5 vs. 3.3±0.5 %, p<0.05) in subjects consuming low sodium, whereas endothelium‐independent dilation (brachial dilation to sublingual nitroglycerine) did not differ between groups (p=0.24). In the overall sample, FMD was inversely related to DS intake (r=‐0.53; p<0.01). These results suggest that DS intake may modulate EDD in M/O adults with elevated SBP. DS restriction may be an effective intervention to preserve vascular endothelial function with aging.NIH AG013038, AG022241, AG006537, AG000279
Repeated taste exposure increases preferences for vegetables in elementary school aged children
Authors: Lakkakula Anantha , Zanovec Michael , Mann Nadine , Murphy Ellen , Pierce Sarah , Tuuri Georgianna 
Published: June 2021

Children's food preferences play a major role in their food choices and consumption. This study aimed to increase children's preferences for fruit and vegetables by offering repeated opportunities to taste less liked vegetables. A total of 370 fourth and fifth grade students (44% boys; 61% fourth graders) attending low‐income, public elementary schools in southeastern Louisiana volunteered to participate. Once a week for 10 weeks children were given a taste of carrots, peas, tomatoes and bell peppers, and then asked to record their preference for each vegetable using a Likert‐type response scale. The percent of children that tasted all 10 times was 26% for carrots, 20.3% for peas, 19% for tomatoes, and 18.5% for bell peppers. Repeated measures ANOVAs indicated that repeated tasting improved preferences for all four vegetables: carrots (p<0.01); peas (p<0.01); tomatoes (p<0.01); bell peppers (p<0.05). A minimum of 6 tastings were needed to observe a change in preference score. At the end of 10 opportunities to taste, the percentage of children who had tasted at least 6 times was 74% for carrots, 70% for peas, 63% for tomatoes, and 60% for bell peppers. Repeated taste exposure is a promising strategy for promoting liking of less liked vegetables in children. This project was funded by the Baton Rouge Area Foundation, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation, and the LSU AgCenter.Grant Funding SourceBaton Rouge Area Foundation adn Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana
Effect of G‐CSF on pulmonary emphysema
Authors: Ito Hiromichi , Matsushita Shonosuke , Ishikawa Shigemi , Sakakibara Yuzuru 
Published: June 2021

PurposeG‐CSF is a cytokine to stimulate the bone marrow to produce granulocytes and stem cells. Recently it has demonstrated that G‐CSF mobilize the endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) to peripheral circulation and pluripotency of EPC for tissue repair, we investigated the effect of G‐CSF on pulmonary emphysema (PE).MethodsMale Wistar Rat (6 wks, n=18) were divided into two groups; Control (PE; n=9) group and G‐CSF group (PE treated with G‐CSF; n=9). PE was induced by the injection of porcine elastase (200 U/kg) through trachea. G‐CSF was injected subcutaneously (100 microgram/kg/day, 12 days). Number of EPCs in peripheral blood was calculated at 13 days after initiation of G‐CSF injection by flow cytometry. Seven weeks after from injection of elastase, rats were sacrificed and evaluated by histopathology (HE and Elastica Van Gieson stain). PE was evaluated by the number of crossing alveolar wall in lattice with 100 micrometer.ResultsEPC was significantly increased by the use of G‐CSF (G‐CSF 4822 vs. Control 2814 per micro liter, p<0.05). The number of crossing alveolar wall is significantly preserved in G‐CSF treated rats compared with non‐treated rats (G‐CSF 2.660.29 vs. Control 1.660.33, p<0.0005).ConclusionG‐CSF preserved the alveolar structure in pulmonary emphysema significantly at least in part due to increase of endothelial progenitor cells in peripheral circulation.
Hypoxia upregulates arginase 2 in human endothelial cells
Authors: Krotova Karina , Zharikov Sergey , Patel Jawaharlal M , Block Edward R 
Published: June 2021

We studied the effects of hypoxia on arginase expression and activity in human endothelial cells (EC). We found that in human lung microvascular EC and human pulmonary artery EC only one isoform‐ arginase 2 (Arg2) ‐is expressed and hypoxia upregulates the activity as well as mRNA and protein levels of Arg 2.In EC arginase shares and competes for the substrate L‐arginine with nitric oxide synthase (NOS). Through regulation of substrate availability for NOS arginase is able to modulate nitric oxide (NO) production. To evaluate the role of Arg 2 in regulation of NO production under hypoxia we compared NO output (RFL‐6 reporter assay) in cells with normal and silenced Arg 2. Cells treated with the arginase inhibitor BEC or with an Arg 2 siRNA produced more available NO both in normoxia and especially in hypoxia.We sought to determine the signaling pathways involved in the upregulation of Arg 2. Since HIF is a family of transcriptional factors activated by hypoxia, we tested the possibility of involvement of HIF‐1 and HIF‐2 in regulation of Arg 2 under hypoxia. The silencing of HIF‐2 but not HIF‐1 prevented the activation of Arg 2 by hypoxia.This work was supported by Florida DOH (KK), VA and NIH (JMP).
Human serum as an alternative for amniotic fluid stem cells culture media for clinical use
Authors: Duarte Sergio , Debes Adriana de Aguiar , Cavaglieri Rita de Cássia , Janz Felipe de Lara , Lopes Marco Antonio Borges , Bydlowski Sérgio Paulo , Zugaib Marcelo 
Published: June 2021

Objectiveto examine growth, phenotypic characteristics, gene expression and differentiation of amniotic fluid stem cells (AFSC) using human serum in culture media.IntroductionAFSC are promising candidates for cell‐based therapies. They are obtained by prenatal screening, without raising the ethical concerns associated with human embryonic research. One major obstacle for their clinical use is the biosafety of fetal calf serum (FCS).MethodsAmniotic fluid cells obtained from 2nd trimester amniocentesis were grown in α‐MEM+human serum20%. Attached cells were cultured and counted under microscope, investigated about the expression of Oct‐4, SOX2 and Nanog, by RT‐PCR and about phenotype by FACS‐analysis. Induced osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation were confirmed with Alizarine Red and H&E stains respectively.ResultsAFSC showed high proliferation ratios; expressed Oct‐4, SOX2 and Nanog; stained positive for CD29, CD44, CD90, CD105 and negative for CD14, CD31, CD34, CD45, CD106 and CD133; showed osteogenic and chondrogenic potential.ConclusionsGrowth of AFSC in a FCS‐free medium is feasible. Can be isolated easily, proliferate quickly, show a mesenchymal phenotype and have osteogenic and chondrogenic potential. Moreover, Oct‐4, SOX2 and Nanog, expressed by AFSC, are associated with the pluripotency and for the maintenance of stem cells.
Physiological Significance of a Coronary Stenosis Assessed from Pulsatile Resistance Index at Baseline Flow
Authors: Siebes Maria , Kolyva Christina , Verhoeff Bart‐Jan , Nolte Froukje , Spaan Jos A.E. , Piek Jan J. 
Published: June 2021

Coronary pressure and flow waveforms change in the presence of a stenosis. We exploited the pulsatile nature of these hemodynamic signals to assess functional coronary stenosis severity.In 29 patients, aortic pressure (Pa), and distal coronary pressure (Pd) and flow velocity (v) were recorded at rest and during maximal hyperemia in a diseased vessel. An index of the dynamic signal energy per cycle was defined as the root mean square of the recorded time‐varying signal after removing the mean. The Pulsatile Velocity Index (PVI) and respective Pulsatile Pressure Indices (PPIa and PPId) were calculated and a stenosis Pulsatile Resistance Index was derived as PRI = (PPId ‐ PPIa)/PVI. Average stenosis resistance SR = (Pa‐Pd)/v and fractional flow reserve (FFR) = Pd/Pa during maximal hyperemia served as gold standards.Hyperemic SR was a major determinant of PPId (p<0.0001), while PVI remained relatively unaffected (r = 0.3). PRI at rest was strongly correlated to both hyperemic SR (p<0.0005) and FFR (p<0.002), with separate relationships for left and right coronary arteries, reflecting different compression of intramural vessels.We conclude that the pulsatile energy of v, Pa and Pd can be utilized to characterize the functional significance of a coronary stenosis without inducing vasodilation. A practical advantage is that PRI is not affected by pressure drift.(Support: NHF grants 2000.090 and 2006B145)
The effects of successive air and trimix dives on human cardiovascular function
Authors: Dujic Zeljko , Marinovic Jasna , Ljubkovic Marko , Obad Ante , Bakovic Darija , Breskovic Toni 
Published: June 2021

The use of trimix has significantly increased among diver population. However, the data indicating how the field trimix dives at most common depths affect the cardiovascular function are sparse. The purpose of this study was to investigate the cardiovascular effects of trimix dives and compare them with the air dives, as well as determine whether the repetition of dives in successive days affects their extent. Eight professional divers performed four dives in consecutive days where the dive depth was progressively increased to the maximum of 55 m, and the divers used air in the 1st dive, nitrox 25 for the 2nd, and trimix 20/30 for the 3rd and 4th dive. After each dive, a significantly decreased left ventricular ejection fraction and fractional shortening, as well as increased end‐systolic volume without a change in end‐diastolic volume were found, indicating a depressed systolic function of the left heart. Assessment of the ratio between pulmonary artery acceleration time and right ventricular ejection time revealed an increase in PAP after all the dives. The current study shows that the cardiovascular effects of trimix dives do not differ from those of the dives with compressed air. However, it suggests that even a very safe and conservative trimix diving profile exerts significant cardiovascular effects.This study was supported by the Croatian Ministry of Science, Education and Sports.
Effect of milk and non dairy creamer on human bioavailability of coffee phenolic acids
Authors: Renouf Mathieu , Marmet Cynthia , Guy Philippe , Fraering Anne‐Lise , Moulin Julie , Enslen Marc , Cavin Christophe , Barron Denis , Dionisi Fabiola , Williamson Gary , Steiling Heike 
Published: June 2021

Chlorogenic acids are antioxidants found in coffee. They are becoming of interest for their health promoting effects, but their human bioavailability is not well known.We hypothesized that adding whole milk or non dairy creamer to instant coffee might alter the bioavailability of coffee phenolics. Nine healthy subjects were asked to drink in a cross‐over design instant coffee, instant coffee and 10% whole milk or instant coffee, non‐dairy creamer and sugar already pre‐mixed. Blood was collected for 12h after ingestion and plasma samples extracted via a liquid‐liquid method that included a full enzymatic cleavage to break down all chlorogenic acids into smaller phenolic acids. Hence, we focused our LC‐ESI‐MSMS detection and quantification on caffeic (CA), ferulic (FA) and isoferulic acid (iFA). Compared to a regular black cup, the addition of milk did not significantly alter the area under the curve (AUC), maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) or the time needed to reach Cmax (Tmax). Cmax of CA and iFA were significantly lower and T max of FA and iFA significantly longer for the non dairy creamer group compared to black coffee. However, the AUCs were not significantly different. As a conclusion, adding whole milk did not alter the overall bioavailability of coffee phenolic acids. Adding non dairy creamer affected the time and maximum concentration but not the overall plasmatic delivery of coffee phenolics.
Dietary Supplement Use Among Endurance Athletes
Authors: Talbott Shawn M , Talbott Julie A 
Published: June 2021

Existing surveys of dietary supplement use among the general population suggest that 50‐75% of adult Americans are "regular users" of dietary supplements. Use among athletes is less clear, with some reports indicating 100% usage among bodybuilders, and other estimates indicating 30‐50% usage among endurance athletes.We examined dietary supplement usage patterns among a sample of 326 triathletes ‐ 176 "Ironman" distance (IM, 71 females, 103 males) and 152 "Olympic" distance (OD, 63 females, 89 males) via a 50‐question survey.Results showed that triathletes at both OD and IM distances are avid users of dietary supplements (d/wk usage = 6.1d IM / 4.5 OD), with IM using more supplements for "recovery" (+20%) and "endurance" (+22%) and also greater use "after" exercise (+35%), compared to OD. Primary sources of information about supplements comes from Friends and Training Partners (89% IM/83% OD), the Internet (92% IM/95% OD), and Coaches/Trainers (65% IM/53% OD). A high percentage of triathletes indicated difficulty finding accurate information (88‐90%) and wanting more information (89‐90%) about supplements.These data show a high usage of dietary supplements among competitive triathletes, as well as a desire for additional information regarding their use. Future research is warranted to elucidate how to best educate endurance athletes about the pros and cons of dietary supplements usage.
Depression and Hardiness and their Association with Appetite in Older Adults
Authors: Engel Julia , Sahyoun Nadine , Jackson Robert , Siewerdt Frank 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundPoor appetite leads to increased morbidity in older adults, and can be influenced by many factors, including chronic disease and depression. However, the direction of influence of depression on appetite is unclear in this population. Hardiness is believed to be another risk factor that may influence appetite in older adults, and is defined as an ability to manage stress and having a positive outlook on life.PurposeThe aim of this research is to examine the associations of hardiness, depression, and emotional well‐being with appetite in older adults.MethodsA survey evaluating hardiness, depression and appetite was administered to 292 adults (≥60 years) in assisted‐living facilities or attending senior centers in the Washington D.C. area.ResultsIn univariate models, depression, hardiness, and emotional well‐being are associated with appetite. Fair/poor emotional well‐being increases risk for poor appetite (OR=5.13, 95% CI: 2.47‐10.67) whereas commitment (a dimension of hardiness which indicates an individual's involvement in life) is inversely associated with risk of poor appetite (OR=0.81, 95% CI: 0.68‐0.95). Both variables emerged as the strongest predictors of appetite in multivariate models.ImplicationsThese strong associations may further elucidate the components of mental health which contribute to poor appetite in this population. Funding provided by: ADA HADPGGrant Funding SourceADA HADPG Student Research Award
Protein intake, weight loss, and bone mineral density in postmenopausal women
Authors: Tang Minghua , Weaver Connie M. , Martin Berdine R. , Jackson George S. , Campbell Wayne W. 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundHigher‐protein diets are promoted for effective weight loss. Striated tissues in omnivorous diets contain high‐quality protein, but there is a paucity of data regarding their effects on bone.ObjectiveTo examine the effects of weight loss and protein intake on bone mineral density (BMD) in overweight postmenopausal women.Design28 women consumed a 750 kcal/d energy deficit diet with either 18% of energy from protein via lacto‐ovo‐vegetarian sources (NP, n=16) or 30% of energy from protein with 40% of total protein from lean pork (HP, n=12, omnivorous) for 12 wk. Total body BMD was measured pre‐ and post‐intervention using DXA. Subsequently, one woman (case study) who was pre‐dosed with 41Ca consumed the NP and HP diets during randomized, sequential 8‐wk periods and BMD and bone resorption were assessed from DXA and urinary 41Ca/Ca ratio, respectively.ResultsWith weight loss (NP ‐11.2%; HP ‐10.1%) BMD was not significantly changed (‐0.005 ± 0.003 g/cm2, ‐0.4%) in NP and decreased (‐0.016 ± 0.004 g/cm2, ‐1.3%) in HP (group‐by‐time P = 0.05). In the case study, BMD changed by 0.003 g/cm2 (0.2%) and ‐ 0.014 g/cm2 (‐1.1%) after the NP and HP periods, respectively. The 41Ca/Ca ratio was 15.5% higher during HP vs. NP (P = 0.05).ConclusionsConsumption of a higher‐protein, omnivorous diet promoted decreased BMD, possibly due to increased bone resorption, after weight loss in overweight postmenopausal women.Grant Funding SourceThe National Pork Board
Dietary lipids and curcumin interact to affect gene expression in a mouse model of DSS induced chronic colitis
Authors: Jia Qian , Weeks Brad R , Goldsby Jennifer S , Lupton Joanne R , Chapkin Robert S , McMurray David N 
Published: June 2021

Both fish oil (FO) and curcumin have potential as anti‐tumor and anti‐inflammatory agents. To explore their combined effects on dextran sodium sulphate (DSS) induced colitis, C57BL/6 mice were randomized to four diets (2x2 design) differing in the type of fat with or without curcumin supplementation (FO, FO+2% curcumin, corn oil (control, CO) or CO+2% curcumin). Following 2 cycle DSS exposure to induce chronic intestinal inflammation, addition of curcumin promoted mucosal injury/ulceration only in CO fed mice. Compared to other diets, interaction of FO and curcumin enhanced the resolution of chronic inflammation and suppressed (p<0.05) a key inflammatory mediator, NF‐kB, in colon mucosa. Examination of global gene expression profiles revealed that FO and curcumin combination blocked the expression of 38 genes induced by DSS treatment. Select genes represent non‐classical mediators of inflammation including ZBP1, PTHrP, Onecut2, Htra3, CCK, ZPF185, CSTAD and Syt15. These results suggest that dietary lipids and curcumin interact to regulate mucosal homeostasis to modulate chronic inflammation in the colon.Grant Funding Source: NIH grants DK071707 and P30ES09106.
Assessment of serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] status and its predictors in healthy toddlers aged 12‐20 months
Authors: Houghton Lisa A , Deng Xiaolan , Bailey Karl B , Heath Anne‐Louise M , Ferguson Elaine L , Szymlek‐Gay Ewa A , Skeaff C Murray 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundSuboptimal vitamin D status is common in many populations worldwide, however, vitamin D status of young children remains poorly described.ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to measure serum 25(OH)D status and its predictors in toddlers aged 12‐20 mo.DesignSerum 25(OH)D concentrations were measured in 193 toddlers living in the South Island of New Zealand (45°S). Sociodemographic, anthropometric and dietary intake data were collected. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to determine the predictors of serum 25(OH)D concentrations.ResultsThe median concentration of 25(OH)D was 55 nmol/L (interquartile range: 40 to 71 nmol/L) ranging from 42 nmol/L during the winter months to 69 nmol/L during the summer. Eighty‐seven of 193 participants (45%) had 25(OH)D concentrations less than 50 nmol/L and the majority of participants [151 of 193 (78%)] had levels below 75 nmol/L. Winter [Ratio of Means (RoM) 0.57, P < 0.001] and spring (RoM 0.77, P = 0.01) compared with summer, female sex (RoM 0.87, P = 0.01) and current breastfeeding (RoM 0.84, P < 0.05) were independently associated with decreased 25(OH)D concentrations. Ethnicity and body mass index were not associated with vitamin D status.ConclusionsA high prevalence of serum 25(OH)D concentrations below 50 nmol/L was observed in this group of healthy toddlers. Significant predicators of vitamin D status were season, sex and breastfeeding.Supported by Otago Medical Research Foundation [Laurenson Award]
Assessing the status of vitamin D in a family medicine clinic in the fall
Authors: Khandalavala Birgit 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveTo determine the status of Vitamin D in patients presenting to a suburban family medicine clinic among life‐stage groups in the fall.BackgroundVitamin D deficiency has been reportedly low in most of the US population with the majority, up to 78% of the population having inadequate levels due to low dietary intake and limited sun exposure. Depending on the cutoffs, the low status is found to vary and 25 ‐hydroxyvitamin D levels of 35‐40 ng/ml are hence considered adequate and a reasonable goal.MethodsRetrospective review of 73 ambulatory patients presenting to a suburban family medicine clinic in a Midwest city at latitude 41° were evaluated for their vitamin D status using the 25‐hydroxyvitamin D concentration and were grouped into 3 lifestages of 20‐49, 50‐69 and greater than 70 years of age. The Vitamin D levels were recorded in the fall when the level after the summer sun exposure should be at their highest. The results of Vitamin D levels were delineated as 0‐11 ng/mL, 12‐19 ng/mL, 20‐31 ng/mL, and above 32 ng/mL. None of the patients were housebound or incapacitated.ResultsA majority of the patients were found to have Vitamin D levels that were low‐ only 14 out of the 73 or 19.17%, had a level of optimum Vitamin D of greater than 32 ng/mL, with the large majority, 80.93%, being low.ConclusionVitamin D deficiency was confirmed to be endemic and universal across the life‐stages with the older cohort having less deficiency, probably as a result of more supplementation with increasing age and/or time for sun exposure. Younger cohorts had surprisingly the most severe deficiency probably as a result of limited sun exposure. The prevalence of low levels in the fall, following usual maximum sun exposure over the summer months indicates that the prevalence probably can be suspected to be more pronounced and that programs for widespread supplementation will be required across all age groups to optimize vitamin D status.