bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study on Mechanism of Cholesterol Metabolism in Leydig's Cells of Rats with Lower Serum Testosterone due to Intermittent Anaerobic Swimming Training
Authors: Yi Yan , Xie Minhao 
Published: June 2021

The effect of cholesterol metabolic block of leydig's cell on the testosterone production during is still not well known.PurposeTo compare the effect of different intermittent anaerobic swimming training time on the mRNA expression of HMG‐CoA reductase, SR‐BI, LDL‐R, StAR .MethodsAfter the five‐week intermittent anaerobic swimming training(1 hour per day, with 5% body weight load, TA), TC group stopped training for one week, TD group continue one week training. TE group was trained 2 times per day. TF group was trained with 6% body‐weight load. The serum testosterone (T), the mRNA expression of HMG‐CoA reductase, LDL‐R, SR‐BI and StAR protein in Leydig's cells were examined by the real‐time PCR.ResultThe results showed that the serum T of TA group decreased significantly (1.44±0.42 vs. 8.83±4.57 ng/ml, p<0.01) due to the five‐week training, the LDL‐R mRNA in Leydig's cells increased significantly (p<0.05). Compared with TA group, TC group serum T (4.54±1.60 ng/ml, p<0.01) was increased significantly, but still under the normal level, the SR‐BI mRNA expression in Leydig's cells increased significantly too (p<0.01)l. After one week training, the serum T in TD and TF groups had a further decrease, but their were no significant difference between TA, TD (1.05±0.36 ng/ml) and TF(1.10±0.27, ng/ml) groups. In TE group, there was a further significant decrease in serum T (0.99±0. 29 ng/ml, p<0.05). The LDL‐R mRNA expression, in TD group, had a significantly decrease (p<0.05). In TE, TF groups, the mRNA expression of LDL‐R, SR‐BI, HMG‐CoA reductase in Leydig's cells, were also decreased significantly(p<0.01).ConclusionThe cholesterol metabolic block in Leydig's cells was not the original reason of exercise inducing lower serum testosterone. The decrease of mRNA level of HMG‐CoA reductase, LDL‐R, SR‐BI and StAR in Leydig's cells would accelerate the decrease of serum T due to exercise.
Stability and functionality of HL heteropolymer ferritins responsible for a hereditary ferritinopathy disorder
Authors: McNally Justin , Arosio Paolo , Bou-Abdallah Fadi 
Published: June 2021

Mammalian ferritins typically consist of 24 structurally similar but functionally different subunit types named H and L capable of accommodating up to 4500 Fe atoms per molecule. Heteropolymer ferritins having mutations on the L‐subunit cause hereditary ferritinopathy, a neurodegenerative disease characterized by abnormal accumulation of ferritin and iron in the central nervous system. Here, we characterize three pathogenic L‐ferritin mutants (L154fs, L167fs, and L148fs also known as Ln1, Ln2 and L442P) and one non‐pathogenic variant (L135P) for their iron uptake, oxidation and release properties. Overall, the data show iron loading capacity ranging between 1800–2400 Fe/shell for all HL samples with Ln2 holding the least amount of iron. The order of stability of the HL samples is HL > H‐chain > L135P > Ln2 > Ln1 > L442P. The rates of Fe oxidation were similar in all HL samples with a consistently noticeable higher rate with L442P. The mechanism of Fe oxidation appeared to proceed mainly via a ferroxidation reaction with about ~ 2:1 Fe:O2 ratio and slowly climbing to ~ 3:1 at higher iron loadings. Ln1 and L442P had a higher rate of Fe mobilization consistent with the onset of neuroferritinopathy.This work is supported by a Kilmer Apprenticeship and a Cottrell College Science Award (ID # 7892) from Research Corporation.
Operation Invisible Dead: A Blind Study to Compare Molecular Fingerprints of Soil Samples between Crime Scene and Criminal's Shoe
Authors: Patel Niraj , Larson Sabreena , Freeman Victoria , Bailey Cheryl 
Published: June 2021

Capillary electrophoresis can separate fragments of nucleic acids using single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) This method has been increasingly used in microbial ecology to develop fingerprints of the microbial community within soil. SSCP detects mutations in DNA fragments due to changes in the secondary structure of single‐stranded DNA fragments. Molecular fingerprinting can have a wide application in Forensics. It is important to find if a soil fingerprint from a criminal's shoe can be matched to the fingerprint found in the database. This is a blind study comparing the possible use of CESSCP in Forensics. The soil samples are collected from two locations by two people. Each individual acted as a “criminal” by digging the soil, walking over the soil and buried a small object. One shoe was removed at the “crime scene” and the other shoe was worn home. The soil was collected from the shovel and both of the shoes for each individual. All the soil samples were air dried for 48 hours before DNA was extracted. The samples were then run through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify and fluorescently tag the genes of interest. The samples will be processed in the Genetic Analyzer using the CE‐SSCP. The results can very well show that CE‐SSCP will not produce similar fingerprints for the shoe worn home and the database, thus inapplicable to Forensics.Supported by National Institute of Justice (25‐6228‐0159‐001).
Extension of poly‐N‐acetyllactosamine chain in human cancer cell lines is under src regulation
Authors: Hwa KuoYuan , Liu Hsuan-Chen , Chou Teh-Ying 
Published: June 2021

Alternation of glycan synthesis is an important process in cancer metastasis. And, the extent of poly‐N‐acetyllactosamine chains on tumor cells has been implicated for their metastatic potential. β1,3‐N‐acetylglucosamonyltransferase‐2 (β3GnT2) and β1,3‐N‐acetylglucosamonyltransferase‐8 (β3GnT8) are two of the glycosyltransferases responsible for the synthesis of poly‐N‐acetyllactosamine. Since Src is a well‐known oncogene, which has been implicated in pathways regulating cell proliferation, angiogenesis, invasion and metastasis, we had generated a stable mouse cell line expressing v‐Src. First, we had examined the expression of the two genes in stable transformed v‐Src and wild‐type NIH/3T3 cell lines. And, we found that the cell line with overexpressed Src had higher level β3GnT8 transcripts than the normal NIH/3T3 cell line. To further illustrate the regulatory role of Src on the two genes, we had investigated the expressions of β3GnT2 and β3GnT8 in SW620 and H23 by treating the cells with bosutinib, a Src inhibitor. We found that the decrease of the expression of β3GnT2 was not significant, but the expression of β3GnT8 was significantly decreased by the Src inhibitor. Furthermore, we had found that the surface expression of poly‐N‐acetyllactosamine was altered by the Src inhibitor, by FACS analysis.This work is supported by the National Taipei University of Technology to KYH (NTUT 100‐140‐01, NTUT 99‐140‐04).
The burden of malnutrition among school children in Kelantan, Malaysia
Authors: Lee Yi Yi , Muda Wan Abdul Manan Wan , Suzuki Masashige 
Published: June 2021

The Third Malaysian National Health and Morbidity Survey conducted in 2006 reported that 15% of children aged 1 to 18 years were undernourished. This figure reflects a worrying public health problem in the country whereby there are still sizable number of children who are not achieving a healthy body weight during their growing years. Undernourished children are unable to meet their full genetic potential because their growth, immune functions, cognitive, psychological and intellectual developments are affected. A cross‐sectional study was carried out among school children aged 10 to 12 years‐old living in the district of Bachok, Kelantan, a rural district located in the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of malnutrition and its relationship with the children's academic achievements, socioeconomic conditions and dietary intakes. Results revealed that positive correlations between academic achievement and socioeconomic conditions with the children's nutritional status. The findings from this study can be used to develop suitable prevention strategies or intervention programs for parents, teachers, as well as governmental and non‐governmental agencies to promote healthier growth and development among children in Malaysia, especially those from poor households.Grant Funding Source: Prof Masashige Suzuki
Food‐related behaviors of international college students
Authors: Dixon Zisca , Vaccaro Joan A. , Tellez Christine , Harper Meredith , Huffman Fatma G. 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveTo examine adherence to dietary requirements in first‐time residential students.MethodsAnalysis of variance using data from 24‐hour recalls and MyPyramid tracker was performed for multiethnic students (N= 219) with informed consent.ResultsThe ethnic composition was 46% Hispanic, 26% White non‐Hispanic, 22% Black non‐Hispanic, and 6% other. The majority of students did not adhere to the recommended guidelines (DGA) for daily calories (n=89, 65% females; n=63, 77% males) and sodium intake (n=93, 68% females; n=66, 81% males). Lack of adherence to DGA differed by ethnicity for female students: Black non‐Hispanic females consumed 149 Kcal more; whereas, White non‐Hispanics and Hispanic females consumed less [−3.0, – 250 Kcal, respectively (p=0.006)]. DGA differences in females by ethnicity were for meat and beans (p=0.009), carbohydrates (p=0.003), and sodium (p=0.002).ConclusionsThe results of this study suggest the need for campaigns on college campuses to promote healthy eating, targeting freshmen. These findings imply that restrictions for the amount of sodium in prepared foods on campus may need to be considered as a policy change.
Physiological effects of Polydextrose (PDX) and Soluble Corn Fiber (SCF) in a randomized, placebo‐controlled, study of healthy adults
Authors: Timm Derek , Thomas Will , Williamson-Hughes Patricia , Boileau Thomas , Slavin Joanne 
Published: June 2021

We have previously shown that PDX and SCF positively affect gut health by increasing fecal weight. In this study, we evaluated the ability of PDX and SCF to be fermented in the gut as measured by fecal short chain fatty acids (SCFA), fecal pH, breath hydrogen production, and stool consistency. Subjects (n = 36) consumed 20 grams of study fibers daily for 10 days and collected fecal samples during the final 5 days of each treatment. Total SCFA concentrations were significantly higher in the control (56 ± 17 μmol/g wet weight) compared to PDX (46 ± 16 μmol/g wet weight), but similar to SCF (50 ± 16 μmol/g wet weight). PDX had a lower (p = 0.02) fecal pH (6.37 ± 0.39) and SCF trended (p = 0.07) toward lower (6.41 ± 0.50) pH than the control (6.55 ± 0.36). Breath hydrogen levels were significantly higher for PDX and SCF compared to the control. The PDX caused a significantly softer stool consistency than the SCF and control treatments. We postulate that increased fecal weight from PDX and SCF consumption may have diluted the fecal SCFA concentrations, accounting for the higher total SCFA concentration in the control treatment. Despite this, our results show significantly increased fermentation measures of PDX and SCF with good tolerance compared to the control and demonstrate a physiological benefit of these functional fibers. This study was supported by General Mills Inc. and Tate & Lyle Health & Nutrition Sciences.Grant Funding Source : General Mills and Tate & Lyle
Within subject variation of satiety hormone responses to a standard lunch
Authors: Forester Shavawn M. , Witbracht Megan , Horn William , Laugero Kevin , Keim Nancy L. 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundInsulin (Ins), leptin (Lep), GLP‐1, and glucagon (Glg) are known regulators of glucose metabolism and food intake, but reproducibility in response to a meal challenge is not well characterized. We assessed within‐subject variation of these hormones in 14 young adult women.MethodsSubjects were studied on 2 days during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. On test days blood was drawn at 20, 35, 50, 65 & 125 min after a standard lunch meal. Meso Scale Discovery assay system was used to measure the hormones in a multiplexed sandwich immunoassay.ResultsAnalysis of variance revealed that there were no differences between test days for all 4 hormones. Correlations between values for test days 1 & 2 were significant for Ins (r = 0.68; p < 0.0001), Lep (r = 0.86; p < 0.0001) and GLP‐1 (r = 0.97; p < 0.0001) but not for Glg (r = 0.18; p = 0.143). Mean within‐subject variation (% of mean value at each time point) was 42, 37, 48, and 87 for Ins, Lep, GLP‐1 and Glg, respectively. Averaging values for 5 time points, to represent postprandial response, reduced within‐subject variation to 30, 37, 23, and 35% of mean value, respectively.DiscussionDespite controlled test meals, we observed large within‐subject variation that was partly reduced by using summary measures. Other contributors to variation may include pre‐test diet intake, environmental influences, or analytical error. Funding: USDA CSREES 2009‐35215‐05364.
Comparison of dietary supplementation with lutein diacetate and lutein
Authors: Landrum John , Bone Richard , Mendez Vanesa , Valenciaga Anisley , Babino Darwin 
Published: June 2021

ProblemThe responses of subjects taking a 20 mg/day lutein diacetate supplement were compared with that for a 20 mg/day crystalline lutein or a placebo.MethodsTen subjects, assigned to each of three groups, lutein diacetate (group 1), lutein (group 2), and a placebo (group 3), were supplemented for 24 weeks. Groups 1 and 2 consumed a dose equivalent to 20 mg per day of free lutein. Serum samples, collected at baseline, and at weeks 6, 12, 18, and 24 were analyzed by HPLC. Macular Pigment Optical Density (MPOD) was obtained by heterochromatic flicker photometry at baseline and weeks 6, 12, 18 and 24..ResultsThe average serum lutein concentrations for weeks 6 to 24 expressed as a ratio to the baseline value (±SD) were 5.52 ± 2.88 for group 1, 4.43 ± 1.61 for group 2, and 1.03 ± 0.25 for group 3. The median rate of macular pigment increase (milli‐absorbance units/week) for groups 1, 2, and 3 were 2.35, 1.55, and 0.19 mAU/wk, respectively. P‐values for these serum and MPOD increases are both highly significant when compared to placebo.ConclusionsThe average serum response was ~25% higher for group 1 compared with group 2 and, the median MPOD response was 52% higher for group 1 than group 2. P‐values calculated for the differences in these increases were, p = 0.066, marginally significant, for serum, and p = 0.09 approaching significance, for MPOD. Financial Support: Industrial Organica S.A. de C.V.
Melatonin can attenuate HOCl‐mediated hemolysis, free iron release and heme degradation from hemoglobin
Authors: Maitra Dhiman , Abdulhamid Ibrahim , Diamond Michael P. , Saed Ghassan M , Abu-Soud Husam M 
Published: June 2021

In inflammatory diseases, where hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is elevated, iron homeostasis is disturbed, resulting in iron accumulation. Free iron is toxic since it can lead to generation of other free radicals through the Fenton reaction. Recently, we have shown that HOCl binds to the heme moiety of hemoglobin (Hb) and generates a transient ferric species in which ultimately leads to heme destruction, free iron release and protein aggregation. HOCl is generated by myeloperoxidase, utilizing chloride and hydrogen peroxide as substrates. Melatonin, a neurohormone, has been shown to act as an inhibitor of MPO and is also know to scavenge HOCl. Here we show that HOCl mediated Hb heme destruction can be partially or completely prevented by pre‐incubation of Hb with increasing concentrations of melatonin prior to the addition of HOCl, as judged by UV‐Vis spectrophotometry and in‐gel heme staining. Melatonin also prevented HOCl‐mediated free iron release and protein aggregation. Similarly, pre‐incubation of erythrocytes with increasing concentrations of melatonin prior to the treatment with HOCl prevented HOCl‐mediated loss of erythrocyte viability, indicating the biological relevance of this finding. Melatonin prevents HOCl‐mediated Hb heme destruction by direct scavenging of HOCl or through the destabilization of the higher Hb oxidative states intermediates, ferryl porphyrin radical cation Hb‐Fe(IV)=O+π• (Compound I) and Hb‐Fe(IV)=O (Compound II), that are formed through the reaction of HOCl with Hb. This work also indicates that Hb/melatonin system can function as a catalytic sink for HOCl, establishing a direct mechanistic link between melatonin and its protective effect in chronic inflammatory diseases.Grant Funding Source: NIH
Tracing iron balance from mouse to human
Authors: Wang Fudi 
Published: June 2021

It is estimated that nearly one quarter of population worldwide are suffered from iron deficiency anemia. In contrast, iron overload induces hemochromatosis. Therefore, maintenance of iron homeostasis is crucial for human health. To explore the mechanistic network of iron regulators in maintenance of iron homeostasis, we initiated our investigations in functional characterization of iron exporter Fpn1 in mice. We generated tissue‐specific Fpn1 deletion mice, which lack Fpn1 in hepatocytes and macrophages. Our data suggest Fpn1 mediates iron mobilization, iron storage, and iron absorption to maintain systemic iron homeostasis. In addition, we observed metalloreductase Steap3 coordinates with TLR4 to regulate systemic iron homeostasis and inflammatory responses. Furthermore, in a large cohort of Chinese population study, we discovered the polymorphisms of TMPRSS6, which encodes protein matriptase‐2, is not only significantly associated with lower iron levels and hemoglobin level in sera, but also captured iron deficiency as high genetic risk factors in anemia and reduced risk to type 2 diabetes. From mouse to human, we aim to shed light on the molecular mechanisms of iron homeostasis in diseases. We believe our studies pave ways to translate the findings to therapeutic target stratification in iron related diseases.Grant Funding Source: The MOST of China (2009CB941400, 2011CB966200), NSFC of China (10979071, 30970665, 31030039), CAS (KSCX2‐YW‐R‐141) and Science & Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality grant (10JC1416800)
Saturated fat intake interacts with HDL‐c genes to influence plasma HDL‐c of Filipino women
Authors: Zubair Niha , Adair Linda , Feranil Alan 
Published: June 2021

Low HDL‐c is highly prevalent among Asian populations. We aimed to determine whether a HDL‐c gene score interacts with dietary intake of saturated fat, non‐saturated fat, and carbohydrates to influence fasting HDL‐c levels in Filipino women participating in the 2005 Cebu Longitudinal Health and Nutrition Survey (n = 1,687, age =35.7–68.8 y). The gene score summed the number of effect alleles (range: 5–14) in 8 genes shown previously to be associated with higher HDL‐c in this sample. HDL‐c (mean = 41.0 mg/dL) was regressed on gene score, macronutrient intake, and the interaction of score with macronutrient, adjusting for age, physical activity and BMI. In a main effects model, gene score was positively related to HDL‐c (1.69 mg/dL per risk allele, 95% CI: 1.36–2.02; p = 0.00). Gene score significantly interacted with saturated fat intake (p =0.03), but not non‐saturated fat or carbohydrate intake. Predicted HDL‐c levels did not differ between low and high saturated fat intake among women with a low gene score. In contrast, with a high gene score (=12), HDL‐c was 4 mg/dL higher when saturated fat was at the 15thvs. the 85th percentile of population intake (difference of 6 g/d). The more favorable HDL‐c levels seen in women with higher gene score and higher saturated fat intake may reflect the intake of coconut oil, the main source of saturated fat in the Filipino diet, which has been previously shown to relate to higher HDL‐c levels.Grant Funding Source : National Institutes of Health DK078150, HL085144
Identification of biotin‐ and holocarboxylase synthetase‐dependent microRNAs in human fibroblasts
Authors: Wijeratne Subhashinee Samudra , Malkaram Sridhar Achary , Zempleni Janos , Pabian Michael Dylan , Granatowicz Andrew Daniel 
Published: June 2021

MicroRNAs (miRs) regulate their target genes by binding to the 3′‐UTR. Previously we reported that the expression of miR‐539 depends on biotin, thereby regulating the expression of holocarboxylase synthetase (HCS) in human kidney cells. HCS appears to be part of a multiprotein gene repression complex in human chromatin. We hypothesized that both biotin and HCS play important roles in regulating miRs. IMR‐90 primary human fibroblasts were cultured in media containing deficient, normal, and high biotin concentrations; in addition, HCS mutant fibroblast were cultured in high biotin medium to mimic the scenario in HCS‐deficient patients receiving biotin supplements. miRs were sequenced using the SOLiD platform. Expression analyses were performed using edgeR, R software. The expression of miR‐378 and miR‐34a* was greater in biotin‐deficient and ‐supplemented IMR‐90 cells, respectively, compared with biotin‐normal controls (p < 0.01). The expression of miR‐2110 and miR‐150 was lower, in biotin‐deficient and supplemented cells, respectively, compared with controls (p < 0.01). The expression of 58 miRs increased or decreased in HCS‐mutant fibroblasts compared to IMR‐90 cells in biotin‐normal medium (p < 0.01). We conclude that HCS activity is of greater importance than biotin supply in regulating miR expression. (SSW and SAM contributed equally.)(UNL ARD Hatch Act, NIH DK063945, DK077816, and DK082476)
Collapsing Glomerulopathy in Two Renal Transplant Recipients: A Rare Pattern of Glomerular Injury
Authors: Sheikh Umer N , Herman Sara , Qu Hong 
Published: June 2021

IntroductionCollapsing Glomerulopathy (CG) can be seen in native and allograft kidneys and is characterized by collapsing glomerular capillaries with hypertrophic and hyperplastic podocytes. It can occur idiopathically or as a secondary process associated with HIV infection.MethodsWe describe two cases of CG in renal allografts. The patients were 57 and 69 years of age and presented 5 and 2 years after transplantation, respectively. Both patients had high creatinine levels but only modest proteinuria. Both patients were on sirolimus, tacrolimus, and mycophenolate.ResultsRenal biopsies showed GBM collapse with cellular lesions in a few glomeruli. There were diffuse interstitial neutrophilic and lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates. There was arteriopathy with focal neo‐media formation suggestive of chronic rejection. EM showed total effacement of podocytic foot processes with microvillous transformation. Immunohistochemical stains were negative for C4d in peritubular capillaries and viral nephritis.ConclusionsThe morphologic pattern of CG in renal allografts cannot be defined by mere presence of collapsing glomeruli. Instead CG represents a pattern of glomerular injury which may morphologically mimic crescent formation or acute pyelonephritis. These findings emphasize that CG may result from diverse pathogenic mechanisms including drugs, such as sirolimus.