bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epigallocatechin Gallate Inhibits Endothelin‐1 Stimulation of 3T3‐L1 Adipocyte Glucose Uptake
Authors: Liao Kuo-Yu , Hsu Yung-Chia , Huang Yao-Ming , Ho Low-Tone , Wu Liang-Yi , Kuo Yow-Chii , Kao Yung-Hsi 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveThis study was designed to investigate whether epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) modulated the acute (30 min) and chronic (6 h) effects of endothelin (ET)‐1 on glucose uptake and glucose transporters in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes.MethodsGlucose uptake was assayed to measure the uptake of 3H‐2‐deoxyglucose. Western blot analysis was performed to measure levels of Gluts and ET‐1 signaling molecules.ResultsEGCG at 10 μM for 2 h was found to inhibit the acute effects of ET‐1 on glucose uptake and the translocation of glucose transporter (Glut)‐4 from the cytosol to the plasma membrane. EGCG had no effects on the translocation of Glut1 and total levels of Glut‐1 and Glut‐4 proteins. But, we observed that EGCG prevented the chronically ET‐1‐increased levels of glucose uptake and Glut‐1 protein expression, and it had no effects on the ET‐1‐altered levels of Glut‐1 and Glut‐4 translocation. The actions of ET‐1 were shown to be mediated through the extracellular signal‐regulated kinases (ERKs) and protein kinase B (PKB) pathways, but signaling was demonstrated to be prevented by EGCG pretreatment.ConclusionsThese data suggest that EGCG mediates the acute and chronic effects of ET‐1 on 3T3‐L1 adipocyte glucose uptake via the respective alteration of Glut‐4 translocation and Glut‐1 protein levels and via the ERK and PKB pathways.
The Biochemistry of hemolymph and the concentration of some heavy metals in the exoskeleton of the Helix aspersa snail in two localitites in Kosovo
Authors: Grapci Linda , Bislimi Kemajl , Bojniku Hazbije , Gashi Agim , Halili Jeton , Mazreku Ilir , Bajraktari Ismet , Halili Fetah 
Published: June 2021

The concentration of Pb, Cd, Zn and Fe in the soil, their bioaccumulation in the exoskeleton of the Helix aspersa snail, as well as the concentration of total proteins and hemocyanin in its hemolymph was researched.Snails of the (N=24) sample group were collected in the close vicinity of the “Sharrcem“ Hani i Elezit (N=24) cement factory whereas, those of the (N=24) control group were taken in the village of Zhur near Prizren. The weight of the snails was approximately the same.The analysis of heavy metals was done with the Perkin Elmer – ICP OES Optima 2100 DV equipment whereas, the concentration of hemocyanin has been indirectly measured through copper with the sodium diethyldithiocarbamate.The research results show that compared to the location of Zhur, the concentration of lead, cadmium, iron and zinc (ppm) in the soil samples and the exoskeleton of snails from the contaminated location (Sharrcem) snails, are 2–6.5 times higher whereas, the quantity of total proteins (P<0.01) and the hemocyanin, (P<0.05) ) in their hemolymph, is significantly lower.The preliminary analysis of the results show that the biochemistry of the hemolymph depends on the accumulation level of heavy metals in the orgranism, while exoskeleton of the snail Helix aspersa has a higher capacity for the accumulation of Zn (about 5–20 times more than its concentration on the soil), but not for the Pb, Cd and Fe.
Postural change during hyperthermia modifies thermal perception in men
Authors: Takeda Ryosuke , Okazaki Kazunobu , Imai Daiki , Suzuki Akina , Naghavi Nooshin , Matsumura Shinya , Miyagawa Toshiaki 
Published: June 2021

Increase in skin and esophageal temperature (Tsk and Tes) enhances heat dissipative responses and induces behavioral thermoregulatory responses with the perception of both temperatures. We assessed whether the perception of both temperatures was modified with postural change from supine (SUP) to sitting (SIT) during hyperthermia (HT) which attenuates heat dissipative responses.MethodsEleven healthy young men underwent measurement of noticeable increase/decrease (± 0.1°C/sec) of skin temperature (warm/cold threshold) at forearm and chest by using a thermode(6.25 cm2), and of subjective thermal sensation (visual analogue scale) in SUP and SIT in normothermia (NT, Tes; 36.6 ± 0.2°C) and HT (Tes; 37.3 ± 0.1°C, lower legs immersion in 42°C water). Tes, Tsk, cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC) and sweat rate (SR) at forearm and chest were measured continuously.ResultsCold threshold at both sites were decreased and subjective thermal sensation, CVC and SR were increased in HT compared with NT (P < 0.05). In HT, cold threshold at forearm was decreased and subjective thermal sensation was increased while CVC at forearm was decreased in SIT compared with SUP (P < 0.05). Warm threshold at both sites remained unchanged.ConclusionsPostural change from SUP to SIT during hyperthermia attenuates cold threshold and enhances subjective thermal sensation which is accompanied by attenuated heat dissipative responses.
Quantifying heat balance components in neonates nursed under radiant warmers in neonatal intensive care
Authors: Molgat-Seon Yannick , Daboval Thierry , Chou Shirley , Jay Ollie 
Published: June 2021

Neonatal intensive care units use radiant warmers (RW) to maintain stable body temperatures in many newborns. This study examined whether the rate of radiant heat required for heat balance (Rreq) is equal to the rate of radiant heat provided by the RW (Rprov). A systematic evaluation of time‐dependent changes in heat balance components was conducted in 10 newborns (mass: 2829±636 g; age: 9.2±11.0 days; BSA: 0.19±0.03 m2) nursed under RW. Metabolic rate, evaporative heat loss, convective and conductive heat flow, rectal temperature (Trec) and mean skin temperature (Tsk) were measured continuously for 105 min. The rate of body heat storage (S) was calculated using a two‐compartment model of ‘core’ (Trec) and ‘shell’ (Tsk) temperatures. Mean Rprov (1.28±2.59 W) and Rreq (1.25±2.51W) were not significantly different (P=0.63). However, while the resultant mean change in body heat content after 105 min was low (+0.46±2.79 kJ) and not significantly different from zero (P>0.05), an acute time‐dependent change in body heat storage was evidenced by a mean positive heat storage component of +6.64±2.98 kJ and a mean negative heat storage component of −6.17±2.64 kJ. Accordingly, the mean difference between maximum and minimum values for Trec and Tskwere 0.71±0.37°C and 2.18±0.81°C respectively. In conclusion, while RW maintain astable core temperature over a prolonged period, they induce acute bouts of heat imbalance.Supported by a NSERC Discovery Grant (O. Jay) & a CHEO Dept. of Surgery Research Grant (S. Chou).
Haplotype association mapping for exercise training in inbred mice
Authors: Avila Joshua James , Kim Seung Kyum , Massett Michael P. 
Published: June 2021

The genetic factors determining the magnitude of the response to exercise training are poorly understood. Therefore, the aim of this study was to characterize the response to exercise training in inbred mouse strains and to identify novel quantitative trait loci (QTL) for changes in exercise capacity. Male mice from 15 inbred strains (n ≈ 6/strain) completed a graded exercise performance test before and after 4 weeks of treadmill running. Changes in time and work (post minus pre) were used to determine training responses. Haplotype association mapping was performed using SNPster to identify QTL. Changes in time and work varied significantly across inbred strains. 129S1 mice showed the greatest increase in time (9.6 ± 1.0 min), which was ~10 fold greater than NZW (−0.7 ± 1.0 min). The difference between these strains for the change in work was approximately 110‐fold (129S1 = 2.01 ± 0.23 kg·m; NZW = 0.02 ± 0.23 kg·m). Eleven significant QTL on four different chromosomes were identified for the change in exercise time. Fifteen significant QTL on nine different chromosomes were identified for the change in work. QTLs were found for both delta work and time on the same chromosomes however; no QTL were common to both phenotypes. The novel QTLs identified in the current study provide new targets for investigating the underlying mechanisms for variation in exercise training responses.Supported by NIH grant HL085918 to MPM
TNF‐á inhibits stimulation of apolipoprotein A‐IV expression induced by linoleic acid (LA) in Caco2 cells
Authors: Li Xiaoming , Xu Min , Liu Min , Li Yong , Tso Patrick 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundChronic feeding of a HF diet significantly reduces intestinal as well as hypothalamic apolipoprotein A‐IV (apoA‐IV) gene expression by fat feeding. Since apoA‐IV suppresses food intake, this blunting of gut & hypothalamic responses to fat feeding may contribute to diet‐induced obesity. It is well established that the circulating pro‐inflammatory cytokines are increased by HF feeding.AimThe following study was conducted to determine if pro‐inflammatory cytokines are involved in blunting the apoA‐IV responses to fat feeding.Results & DiscussionsLA, an important dietary fatty acid, was used to stimulate apoA‐IV expression in human intestinal Caco2 cells. Cells were pre‐treated with or without human recombinant TNF‐á, IL‐6 or both before the addition of LA to stimulate apoA‐IV expression. ApoA‐IV mRNA levels were measured by real‐time RT‐PCR. LA stimulated apoA‐IV expression markedly in a dose and time dependent manner. Pre‐treatment with the cytokines for 48 or 72 h, especially with TNF‐á, significantly reduced the mRNA of apoA‐IV induced by LA.ConclusionsWe conclude that pro‐inflammatory cytokines, especially TNF‐á, are responsible for blunting of apoA‐IV response to fat feeding. Because of apoA‐IV's role in satiety, this interaction between circulating pro‐inflammatory cytokines and apoA‐IV may contribute to diet‐induced obesity. Supported by NIH DK 59630, DK 92138, and DK 76928.
Human Stn1 protects telomere integrity by promoting efficient lagging‐strand telomere synthesis
Authors: Huang Chenhui , Dai Xueyu , Chai Weihang 
Published: June 2021

Telomeres are critical for maintaining genome stability. The length of telomere is regulated by telomere specific and non‐specific proteins. Stn1, a component of Ctc1/Stn1/Ten1 complex, is known as DNA polymerase α‐accessory factor and plays an unclear role in telomere maintenance. In our studies, Stn1 depletion causes elongated G‐overhang and persistent ssDNA at G‐rich strand in both telomerase‐positive and negative cells. Stn1 depletion shows an increase of fragile telomeres in strands replicated by lagging strand synthesis, implicating that Stn1 is important in efficient replication of lagging strand telomeres. Consistently, BrdU incorporation into lagging telomeres is reduced when Stn1 is depleted. In addition, Stn1 depletion leads to rapid telomere shortening. Cell cycle‐regulated G‐overhang dynamics showed that deficiency of hStn1 delays and compromises C‐strand synthesis that occurs in the late S/G2 phase, leading to persistent lengthening of G‐overhangs at lagging daughter telomeres. We also found that Stn1 interacts with Polα throughout the cycle. ChIP experiments showed that Stn1 depletion results in increased and prolonged Polα association with telomeres, but does not affect the association of Pot1 with telomeres. Our data indicate a key role of Stn1 in telomere replication and maintenance.Supported by NIH R15GM099008 and American Cancer Society grant IRG‐77‐003‐32
Use of calcium isotope tracers for screening potential treatments for osteoporosis
Authors: Hohman Emily E , Martin Berdine R , McCabe Linda D , McCabe George P , Jackson George S , Peacock Munro , Weaver Connie M 
Published: June 2021

Determining the efficacy of novel osteoporosis therapies and preventive interventions (ie. dietary supplements) is costly and time consuming when using the traditional endpoints of bone mineral density (BMD) or fracture prevention. Calcium isotope tracers offer a relatively cheap and rapid technique to screen potential osteoporosis therapies in both humans and animals. We have developed methods to screen potential anti‐osteoporosis therapies using 41Ca in humans and 45Ca in rats. Following a single dose of the tracer and an equilibration period through one bone remodeling cycle (150d in humans and 30d in rats), the blood and urine clearance of tracer reflects bone turnover, and changes in urine tracer excretion in response to therapy measure changes in net bone turnover. Using this method, efficacy of potential anti‐osteoporosis therapies can be determined in as few as 50 days in humans and 10d in rats, and multiple therapies can be sequentially screened in the same individual. We have utilized this method to compare efficacy of antiresorptives, including bisphosphonates, estrogen, and soy isoflavones, in both humans (Weaver et al. 2009 J Clin Endocrinol Metab) and in rats and have recently confirmed that this method is also suitable for comparing anabolic therapies. These methods will be used in future planned studies to screen botanical products and drug/botanical combination therapies.Grant Funding Source: NIH, Purdue University
New formulation with potential for the prevention and treatment of Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis
Authors: Torrent Anna , Montell E. , Vergés J. , Ruhí R. , Dalmau P. , Carceller M.C. , Blanco A. , Terencio M.C. , Ferrándiz M.L. , Alcaraz M.J. 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a new formulation in a combined rat model of Osteoporosis (OP) and Osteoarthritis (OA). The nutraceutical formulation (BIS073) contains mainly mucopolysaccharides, a source of calcium and Vitamin D3.MethodsOP was induced by ovariectomy in female Wistar rats (n=15 rats/group) and 2 weeks after OA was induced by Anterior Cruciate Ligament Transection (ACLT). BIS073 was administered daily (oral gavage) at two doses (93.3 mg/kg/day and 280 mg/kg/day) from week 0 until week 12 after ovariectomy. A Control Group and Vehicle Group were also included. After week 12, animals were sacrificed. For the assessment of OA, histology was performed and cartilage degeneration was evaluated by means of the OARSI score. Bone microarchitecture and density were assessed by microCT.ResultsBIS073 has been shown to induce a statistically significant reduction (approximately 40%) of the cartilage degradation according to the OARSI score. MicroCT revealed that this treatment exerted a positive effect in bone structure, especially at the high dose. In addition, a significant reduction in the pro‐inflammatory cytokines IL‐1β and IL‐17 was observed.ConclusionOur data demonstrate that treatment with BIS073 could be an effective strategy to control the progression of experimental Osteoarthritis and Osteoporosis.Supported by BIOIBERICA S.A, Barcelona, Spain.
Influence of leadership on the systematic identification of child food insecurity in schools
Authors: Fishbein Eliza M. , Fram Maryah S. , Frongillo Edward A. 
Published: June 2021

Many of the more than 20% of US children living in a food‐insecure household experience hunger, and currently there is no system to identify these children. Schools are existing systems that could be used for identification because they already confront and respond to food insecurity. This research examined how school leadership influenced whether or how schools could systematically identify children who are food‐insecure. In 3 elementary and middle schools in one school district, we assessed among key actors current practices and attitudes towards food issues, challenges, and leadership. All students (n=763) participated in an assessment about their experiences related to food insecurity. Follow‐up in‐depth interviews with children who affirmed food insecurity guided responses by the schools to resolve the problem through a regular take‐home backpack of food and/or linking the family to other resources. We found that collaborative school leadership promoted buy‐in and ownership from all actors. Top‐down leadership promoted buy‐in but limited ownership, and disinterested leadership allowed individual beliefs to determine practices. School systems provide a scalable way to identify children who are food‐insecure that can contribute to ending child hunger. Funded by Nord Family Foundation.Grant Funding Source: Nord Family Foundation
The distribution of food insecurity in Mexico
Authors: Levy Teresa Shamah , Mundo‐Rosas Verónica , Cuevas‐Nasú Lucía , del Carmen Morales‐Ruan Ma , Rivera Dommarco Juan A. 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveTo estimate the proportion of Mexican households those suffer food insecurity and their association with some interest variables.MethodsData comes from the National Nutrition Survey in Mexico. We used the Latin American and Caribbean household food Security measurement scale (ELCSA) and their association with an index of welfare conditions, allowing categorize households by poverty level, also we included if the head of household or spouse speak an indigenous language.ResultsInformation from 40,809 ‐that nationwide expanded represents 29,099,600‐ households was included. From this data we classify 41.6% of such households in the mild food insecurity (FI) category, 17.7% as moderate and 10.5% as severe. Adding the ciphers from the two lowest categories (moderate and severe) it is observed that in the three months prior the interview date, about 8,322,486 households had to reduce the consumed food amount, or in the worst scenario an adult or a children in such house was left without any food throughout the day. Analyzing the data by urban and rural condition we found a 34.5% and 26.2% of moderate and severe food insecurity respectively. Four out of ten households classified as indigenous and belonging to the lower tertile of welfare conditions index reported suffering moderate or severe food insecurity in the three months prior to the scale application.ConclusionsThe proportion of FI in Mexico is high. It is necessary to analyze and redesign the strategies implemented by the State in order to ensure food security in Mexico.
Determining the gut microbiota‐independent effects of prebiotic fiber in diet‐induced obese rats
Authors: Bomhof Marc , Skochylas Heather , Reimer Raylene 
Published: June 2021

Prebiotics, which are indigestible carbohydrates that are selectively fermented in the gut, have been shown to improve glycemia, inflammation, satiety, and body weight. The health benefits elicited by prebiotics are believed to be mediated through compositional changes in gut microbiota and associated metabolic activity. The extent to which prebiotics are dependent on gut microbiota for improved metabolic health is not clear. Our aim was to examine the gut‐microbiota independent effects of prebiotics on body weight, adiposity, intestinal permeability, and glycemia in a model of antibiotic‐induced intestinal decontamination. Diet induced obese male Sprague Dawley rats were randomized into 1 of 6 groups: 1) High energy (HE) ; 2) HE+Ampicillin (AMP); 3) HE+AMP+Neomycin (NEO); 4) HE+10% oligofructose (OFS); 5) HE+OFS+AMP; 6) HE+OFS+AMP+NEO (n=10 rats/gp). Decontamination of the gut with AMP and NEO did not limit classical prebiotic effects including reduced body fat and food intake and improved glucose tolerance (P<0.05). Decontamination with AMP, which is known to decrease the beneficial bacteria associated with OFS consumption, prevented prebiotic‐mediated improvements in adiposity and intestinal permeability (P<0.05). Taken together, this data suggests that prebiotics elicit both microbiota‐independent and microbiota‐dependent effects on metabolism in obesity. Funded by CIHR, NSERC, and AIHS.Grant Funding Source: Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Lathosterol to cholesterol ratio in serum predicts cholesterol lowering response to plant sterol therapy in a dual center, randomized, single‐blind placebo controlled trial.
Authors: MacKay Dylan Stapenhorst , Gebauer Sarah , Baer David , Jones Peter 
Published: June 2021

Plant sterol (PS) therapy for LDL‐C lowering has highly variable efficacy across individuals. It has been suggested that cholesterol synthesis levels may affect PS response. A study was conducted to test lathosterol to cholesterol ratio (L/C), a marker of cholesterol synthesis, as a predictor of response to PS consumption. 63 mildly hypercholesterolemic adults, with high (n=24, L/C = 2.03 ± 0.39) or low (n=39, L/C =0.99±0.28) L/C ratio at baseline, consumed either 0 or 2g/d (free sterol) of PS ester in margarine for 28 days in a dual‐center, single‐blind, randomized, crossover design. Plasma lipids, non‐cholesterol sterols, and 7‐α hydroxy‐cholesterol (7αHC) a marker of bile acid (BA) synthesis, were measured at the end of each phase. PS consumption significantly lowered LDL‐C, with a significant interaction with L/C ratio. LDL‐C was lowered in the low L/C group (−0.29 mmol/L 95% CI [−0.39, −0.19] p=<0.0001), but not the high L/C group (−0.04 mmol/L 95% CI [−0.18, 0.09] p=0.4904). 7αHC after PS consumption correlated with LDL response in high L/C group (r=−0.59, p=0.002), but not in the low or combined L/C groups. The L/C ratio predicts reductions in LDL‐C in response to PS consumption. BA synthesis may be associated with PS response in individuals with high cholesterol synthesis. These findings could help in identifying non‐responders to PS therapy. Registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01131832.Grant Funding Source: CIHR
A randomized controlled trial of genetic information on dietary intake
Authors: Nielsen Daiva , El‐Sohemy Ahmed 
Published: June 2021

Personal genetic information has become obtainable as a result of commercial genetic tests, but its effect on dietary change is not clear. We compared the effects of providing DNA‐based dietary advice with general recommendations on dietary intake using a randomized trial. Subjects aged 20–35 years (n=102) completed a baseline food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and were randomized to an intervention (I) or control (C) group. Subjects in the intervention group were genotyped for the angiotensin‐I converting enzyme (ACE) gene, which has been associated with salt‐sensitive hypertension, and were given personalized advice for sodium intake based on their ACE genotype. The control group was given a general recommendation for sodium intake without genetic information. A second FFQ was collected 3 months later. A significant reduction in sodium intake was observed in subjects in the intervention group who were informed that they carried the risk allele for ACE when compared to the control group (−174.9±89.1 mg/day [I] vs. 225.5±123.5 mg/day [C]; p = 0.008). No difference was observed between subjects who were informed that they did not carry the risk allele and controls (111.2±145.0 mg/day [I] vs. 225.5±123.5 mg/day [C]; p = 0.48). The results suggest that personalized advice based on genetic information may be superior to general advice in motivating individuals to adopt dietary changes.Grant Funding Source: Advanced Foods and Materials Network