bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Histological and lectin histochemical characterization of the efferent ductules in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius)
Authors: Hafez Shireen Abdelgawad , El‐Shafey Samir , Caceci Thomas 
Published: June 2021

To study the microscopic anatomy of the ductuli efferentes in the dromedary camel, tissue sections were stained with H&E and a combination of Masson's trichrome and Verhoeff's stains. Efferent ductules showed variations in diameter. Two morphologically distinct types of epithelium were detected, both including ciliated and non‐ciliated cells. Close to the rete testis, the lining epithelium was a low pseudostratified columnar. Close to the epididymal duct the epithelium varied in height from place to place similar in appearance to the initial portion of the epididymal duct; however, the nuclei maintained their specific pattern pertaining to the efferent ductules and not to the initial part of the epididymal duct. Each tubule was surrounded by a delicate circular layer of smooth muscle cells with loose connective tissue interspersed between the tubules. Histochemical characteristics of epithelial cells were investigated using an array of six lectins: Con‐A, DBA, MAA, SBA, SNA‐1, and WGA. Specific sugar residues of MAA and SNA‐1 were not detected. Carbohydrate binding of Con‐A and WGA was readily detected. Binding of SBA and DBA was mild. Regional variations in binding of these lectins are discussed and they suggest a high degree of functional compartmentalization of the epithelium of the efferent ductules.Grant Funding Source: Professional Development
A pH‐dependent Switch Regulates Chaperone Activity
Authors: Rajagopal Ponni , Jehle Stefan , Dove Katja , Pierini Chris , Delbecq Scott , Klevit Rachel E 
Published: June 2021

Hypoxic conditions often found in cancerous and ischemic cells induce the over‐expression of a non‐ATP dependent stress chaperone, αB‐Crystallin (αB). Investigation of αB's response to hypoxia can help develop therapeutic strategies to combat disease. αB is a polydisperse oligomer, ~ 580 kDa in size and composed of ~28 subunits. We have used solution‐state and solid‐state NMR, SAXS, EM data, and computational methodologies to determine a structural model of the oligomer. NMR data show that there is an increased exposure of substrate binding sites in αB at lower pH (acidification is a consequence of hypoxia) presumably to confer protection to proteins and enhance cellular survival. αB has a conserved α‐crystallin domain flanked by variable N‐ and C‐ terminal regions. The α‐crystallin domain forms a homodimeric (20 kDa) building block of the oligomer and the inter‐subunit interactions of the N‐ and C‐termini leads to higher order oligomers. The truncated α‐crystallin domain has proved to be a good functional mimic of the oligomer and we are using the domain to identify the basis of the pH‐dependent behavior. We have identified critical residues that are responsible for the sharp pH‐dependent switch by determining pKa values and using mutational analysis. Mutations that abrogate this pH‐dependent switch have an adverse effect on the chaperone activity of αB.Funding from NIH‐1R01EY017370 is acknowledged.
Chronic exposure of clonal pancreatic β‐cells (INS‐1 832/13) to acetoacetate inhibits glucose‐induced insulin secretion
Authors: Burritt Nathan E. , Ferrante Thomas C. , Corkey Barbara E. , Deeney Jude T. 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveType 2 diabetes (T2D) occurs when pancreatic β‐cells fail to compensate for insulin resistance. Insulin resistance can be caused by a sustained elevation in insulin secretion, which may develop through a mechanism independent of the well‐established pathway described for fuel‐stimulated secretion. We hypothesize that nutrient availability can alter the redox state (NAD(P)H/NAD(P) ratio) leading to increases in reactive oxygen (or nitrogen) species (ROS) ultimately affecting insulin secretion.MethodsTo test this hypothesis we have incubated clonal pancreatic β‐cells (INS‐1 832/13) in increasing concentrations of acetoacetate (Acoc) (oxidizer) (1–20 mM) or in varying ratios of Acoc and β‐hydroxybutyrate (reducer) (βOHB) for 18–48 hrs in order to modify the REDOX capacity of the cell. Insulin secretion (HTRF), O2 consumption (multiwell plate analyzer), REDOX (autofluorescence), and intracellular lipid accumulation (Nile red) were measured.ResultsAcoc exposure decreased insulin secretion in a concentration dependent manner with a maximal inhibition of 60% occurring at 5 mM. REDOX and O2 consumption were not significantly altered after exposure to 5 mM Acoc while lipid accumulation was increased 2‐fold.ConclusionChronic exposure of INS‐1 cells with Acoc inhibits insulin secretion without affecting glucose‐induced REDOX changes or respiration. This research was supported with funds from the NIH.
Cardiovascular health promotion in a Mexican population
Authors: Pérez‐Lizaur Ana B , Fernandez Ana Cecilia , Balcazar Hector 
Published: June 2021

Health Cardiovascular promotion allows the formation of a community's own resources. The aim of the study was to adapt, validate and develop “Salud para su Corazón” program. The program took place in Alvaro Obregon district in Mexico City. 22 promoters were trained for providing cardiovascular health education and conduct follow‐up sessions of 2 hours per week over a period of 6 months to 225 people of low socioeconomic status. Knowledge and behavior (validated instrument α> 0.6) of the participants were evaluated pre and post, also anthropometric measurements, blood pressure and blood glucose levels.• ResultsObesity decreases at the end of the workshops (of 48.9% to 43.4%, respectively), increases the overweight (34.0% to 38.6%). Change is observed (p <0.01) in the habits and food consumption and increased physical activity time and frequency. Participants felt that “to be taking action” with regard to their health doubled after the workshops (31.3% to 63.0%) and participants who felt that “fail to take the first step” decreased to a third party after workshops (25% to 6.8%).ConclusionsPromontion on cardiovascular health is an effective strategy to increase self‐care in this mexican study population
Potential Biological Activities of the Xanthophyll Excentric Cleavage Product 3‐OH‐β‐apo‐10’‐carotenal in vitro
Authors: Mein Jonathan Ryan , Hu Kang‐Quan , Wang Xiang‐Dong 
Published: June 2021

Xanthophyll carotenoids, such as lutein and zeaxanthin, may provide potential health benefits in humans against chronic and degenerative diseases. We recently demonstrated cleavage of the xanthophylls lutein and zeaxanthin by carotene‐9’,10’‐monooxygenase (CMO2) at the 9’,10’ and 9,10 double bonds, producing 3‐OH‐β‐apo‐carotenoids. In the present study, we investigated the potential biological activity of the xanthophyll metabolite 3‐OH‐β‐apo‐10’‐carotenal (3‐OH‐ACL) in vitro. We found that incubation of 3‐OH‐ACL with BEAS‐2B, A549 and HepG2 cell lines dose‐ and time‐dependently decreased cell viability. Utilizing High Content Screening (HCS) analysis, we observed that 3‐OH‐ACL treatment significantly increased cytochrome C release and nuclear swelling and decreased mitochondrial potential in HepG2 cells. We further explored the effect of 3‐OH‐ACL on the LPS‐stimulated TNFα, MCP1 and IL‐6 expression in THP‐1 human monocyte/macrophage cells. 3‐OH‐ACL significantly inhibited LPS‐stimulated MCP1 and IL‐6 gene expression but at higher concentrations increased TNFα gene expression in THP‐1 cells. These data indicate that 3‐OH‐β‐apo‐10’‐carotenal may induce apoptotic pathways of cellular death.Grant Funding Source: R01CA104932
Consumption of a tomato carotenoid containing diet reduces UV‐induced inflammation and DNA damage in a Skh‐1 hairless mouse model
Authors: Kopec Rachel E , Schick Jonathan , Tober Kathleen L , Riedl Ken M , Francis David , Oberyszyn Tatiana M , Schwartz Steven J , Oberyszyn Tatiana M 
Published: June 2021

Ultraviolet (UV) light exposure is a primary risk factor in the development of skin cancer. Human studies have shown that the consumption of a tomato containing diet for ≥10 weeks reduces the intensity of a UV‐induced sunburn. We hypothesize that deposition of tomato carotenoids in skin might be responsible for this effect. Tangerine tomatoes, containing higher levels of UV‐absorbing carotenoids, were used for this study. Four week old hairless mice (40 females, 40 males) were divided into two feeding groups (0 % or 10 % tangerine tomato powder) and two UV exposure groups (w/ or w/o UV exposure), and maintained on their respective diets for 10 weeks. At week 11, the UV group was exposed to a single dose of UVB radiation. Animals in all groups were sacrificed 48 hrs. post‐UV exposure. Carotenoid levels in backskin samples were analyzed by HPLC‐MS/MS. Amounts were significantly greater in females as compared to males. In addition, carotenoid levels were significantly greater in UV‐exposed animals as compared to no UV exposure. Cyclopyrimidine dimer levels (a marker of direct DNA damage) were lower in both males and females in the 10% tomato group as compared to the 0 % tomato group, and consumption of the 10% tomato diet reduced myeloperoxidase activity (an inflammatory measure) in males. These results support the hypothesis that skin carotenoids may reduce UV‐induced skin damage and ultimately reduce risk of skin cancer.Grant Funding Source: Center of Advanced Functional Foods Research and Entreprenuership (CAFFRE)
A Prooxidant Based Anticancer Mechanism Of Plant Derived Polyphenolic Nutraceuticals
Authors: Zubair Haseeb , Khan Husain Yar , Ullah Mohd Fahad , Hadi SM 
Published: June 2021

Plant polyphenols are recognized as antioxidants but also act as prooxidants in the presence of transition metal ions, such as copper. Using a cellular system of lymphocytes isolated from human blood and Comet assay we have shown that polyphenols cause oxidative DNA breakage in cells. We have also shown that polyphenols generate oxidative stress in lymphocytes which is inhibited by scavengers of reactive oxygen species. Incubation of lymphocytes with neocuproine (cell membrane permeable Cu(I) chelator) inhibited DNA degradation, confirming that Cu(I) is an intermediate in the DNA cleavage reaction. Bathocuproine, a cell impermeable analogue of neocuproine, did not cause such inhibition. Polyphenols are able to degrade DNA in cell nuclei and that such DNA degradation is inhibited by neocuproine as well as bathocuproine (both permeate the nuclear pore complex) but not by compounds that specifically bind iron and zinc. Similarly, the polyphenol genistein induced apoptosis in breast cancer cells is also inhibited by the copper chelator neocuproine. The results support our hypothesis that anticancer mechanism of polyphenols involves mobilization of endogenous copper, possibly chromatin bound, and the consequent prooxidant action. Such a common mechanism would better explain the anticancer effects of polyphenols with diverse chemical structures as also the preferential cytotoxicity towards cancer cells.Grant Funding Source: UGC‐BSR, New Delhi
Carnosic acid alleviates colon tumor formation in obese mice
Authors: Kim Yun‐ji , Kim Jong‐Sang , Seo Young‐Rok , Sung Mi‐Kyung 
Published: June 2021

Carnosic acid has been implicated to suppress adipocyte differentiation and the proliferation of several cancer cell lines. Objectives of this study were 1) to investigate carnosic acid on the growth of HT‐29 colon adenocarcinoma cells co‐cultured with adipocytes and 2) to determine the effect of carnosic acid on AOM‐DSS induced colon tumor formation in high‐fat fed obese A/J mice. Study results indicated that 3T3L1 co‐culture accelerated HT‐29 cell proliferation. Carnosic acid treatment (1 and 10 ¥ìM) decreased adipocyte‐stimulated proliferation of HT‐29 cells through cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. In vivo study results indicated that carnosic acid supplementation reduced the number of colon tumors, and decreased the circulating concentrations of leptin, adiponectin, insulin and IGF‐1. The colonic expressions of ObR, IR, p‐Akt, p‐ERK, Bcl‐xL and CyclinD1 protein were also suppressed. These results suggest that carnosic acid alleviates adipocity‐related acceleration of colon tumor formation.[This research was supported by Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea funded by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (2009‐0083853)]
Metabolic Syndrome and C ‐ reactive protein Levels among Mexican American Adults: Findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, 1999–2006
Authors: Sarafrazi Neda , Jackson Robert T , Momen Bahram 
Published: June 2021

Several studies have found associations between low grade inflammation and metabolic syndrome (MetS) risk factors, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes mellitus. Little information is available on C‐reactive protein (CRP) distribution and its relation with MetS in Mexican Americans (MA). We investigated the association between CRP and MetS in MA adults. We also compared the odds ratios (ORs) of developing MetS or its components according to quartiles of CRP. Data from 3265 MA adults who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2006, were used. Regression analysis was addressed the associations between log transformed CRP with the components of MetS after adjusting for the relevant confounders. Logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratios of developing MetS according to quartile of CRP after controlling for confounders. Significant associations were observed between CRP and MetS components. In multiple logistic regression analysis with age, gender, drinking, smoking, marital status, medication use, arthritis and all the components of MetS, only central obesity and gender were significant predictors of elevated CRP concentration. Mexican Americans with MetS and low grade inflammation might be at higher risk for developing CVD and diabetes. Appropriate approaches for prevention, treatment and management of MetS and/or chronic inflammation are needed.Grant Funding Source: N/A
Nutritional predictors of muscle protein metabolism and function in older adults
Authors: Markofski Melissa M , Timmerman Kyle L , Fry Christopher S , Dickinson Jared M , Walker Dillon K , Rasmussen Blake B , Volpi Elena 
Published: June 2021

Sarcopenia contributes to frailty in older adults and is associated with alterations in muscle protein metabolism. The purpose of this research was to examine the potential predictors of muscle protein synthesis and function in elders.MethodsWe report preliminary data from a subset of 8 healthy, sedentary subjects (69.5±3.4 yrs, BMI ≤30kg·m−2) enrolled in a larger study who met their dietary requirements. Linear regressions were carried out on the following variables: muscle protein fractional synthetic rate (FSR), muscle function tests, VO2peak, daily step count, dual energy x‐ray absorbometry (DEXA), 3‐day food diary, and blood biochemical analyses.ResultsThe best linear regressors of FSR were soluble fiber (R2=−0.59, P=0.03) and vitamin D intake (R2=0.60, P=0.01). The best multiple regressors were soluble fiber and leucine intake (R2=0.85, P=0.009). When the subjects were divided by BMI into overweight (n=4) or normal weight (n=4), the overweight subjects had a lower relative lean body weight (62.2±6.2% vs. 70.4±8.3) and slower 20‐meter load carry with weight time (11.4±2.2 sec vs. 10.9±1.1).SummaryIn a group of healthy older adults who are meeting their recommended nutritional requirements, dietary factors influence FSR. Further, overweight subjects have additional negative health and functional outcomes. This study was supported by NIH R01 AG030070 and P30 AG024832.
Dietary L‐Trp supplementation increased hypothalamic serotonin without affecting aggressive behavior of pigs
Authors: Shen Yanbin , Voilque Gwendoline , Kim Sung Woo 
Published: June 2021

Tryptophan (Trp) as a precursor of cerebral serotonin can affect behavior of animals. This study was to determine the optimal level of L‐Trp that would maximize the biological effects on regulating aggression. Pigs (n = 72, 6 wk old) were housed individually and allotted to 6 treatments (n = 12) representing supplementation with 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, or 1.0% L‐Trp to corn‐soybean meal based diets fed for 15 d. On d 5 and 10, pigs within a treatment were paired in pens for 2 d as their behaviors were recorded. On d 15, pigs were euthanized to obtain hypothalamus. Pigs with 0.8 and 1.0% L‐Trp had increased (P < 0.05) hypothalamic serotonin (939 and 616 μg/g protein) and 5‐hydroxyindoleacetic acid (2.9 and 2.2 mg/g protein) compared with pigs without L‐Trp (263 and 903 μg/g protein, respectively). Frequency of lying, eating, and standing was not affected by L‐Trp. However, pigs with 0.8 and 1.0% L‐Trp had increased (P < 0.05) frequency of standing (0.46 and 0.56%) and drinking (1.32 and 1.25%) compared with pigs without L‐Trp (1.36 and 0.74%, respectively). Aggressive behaviors were not affected during d 5 to 7. Pigs with 0.4% L‐Trp had increased (P < 0.05) frequency and duration of inverse parallel pressing compared with pigs with 0.2, 0.6, 0.8, and 1.0% L‐Trp. Overall, dietary L‐Trp increased hypothalamic serotonin production but aggressive behaviors of pigs were not affected by increased L‐Trp supplementation.Grant Funding Source: CJ Bio, Inc
Examination of an Abbreviated Household Food Security Survey in Rural Uganda
Authors: Stefani Monique Centrone , Charles Dustin , Garber Eden , Masinde Dorothy , Mazur Robert , Humphries Debbie 
Published: June 2021

Household food security has been used to screen participants and evaluate program effectiveness for an agriculture and economic development project implemented by Volunteer Efforts for Development Concerns (VEDCO) in Kamuli District, eastern Uganda.ObjectivesThis study examines the validity of The Latin American Household Food Security Measurement Scale (ELCSA) for use in an African region.MethodsStratified random sampling was used to select 70 households with children under the age of 6 yrs within six geographic parishes. Female caregivers (n = 70) in the household were interviewed for one to two hours.ResultsThe 16‐item instrument is valid for this region (Cronbach's alpha= 0.94). However, a much smaller subset of questions, the ‘hunger’ domain consisting of four questions from the survey, achieves a comparable level of validity (Cronbach's alpha= 0.90) in assessing households at risk of food insecurity. Factor analysis of the 16‐item assessment tool confirms the hunger items as having core importance in the survey, in line with other recent literature.ConclusionsThe use of an abbreviated measurement tool would reduce participant burden in food security assessment. Research Support: The Wilbur G. Downs International Student Health Travel Fellowship and the Office of Student Research at the Yale School of Medicine.
Increments in Physical Activity in the “En Balance” Diabetes Education Program in Type 2 Hispanic Diabetics
Authors: Mendivil Francisco , Beeson Lawrence , Schulz Eloy , Firek Anthony , Balcazar Hector , De Leon Marino , Cordero‐MacIntyre Zaida R. 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveTo assess the effect of “En Balance” on body composition and types of physical activity in participants.MethodsThe Family Habits Frequency Questionnaire was used to evaluate Hispanic subjects (n=9 males, 25 females) who participated in a 3 month education intervention with baseline and 3 month assessments. The Wilcoxon sign‐rank test was used to analyze changes in physical activity. The one within, one between ANOVA procedure was used to assess which type of physical activity had a significant influence on blood sugar control and body composition using fan beam dual X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA); Hologic Discovery A (software v. 12.6).ResultsAmong Hispanic females, those who performed 30 minutes of daily physical activity showed a significant decreased in hemoglobin A1c levels (p=0.03). They also showed a significant increase in physical activity with dancing being the preferred method (p=0.02). Participation in soccer among male subjects had a significant influence on total fat reduction (p=0.04) and HDL level increments (p=0.02).ConclusionThe culturally sensitive diabetes education program led to a significant improvement in body composition and blood sugar control with a significant influence of dancing among females and soccer involvement among males in this population of Hispanics with diabetes.Grant Funding Source: CMS grant 03‐00335 and NIH award 5P20MP001632
A Systematic Review of the Impact of Nutrition Education and Counseling on Anemia Prevalence and Iron Status in Women of Reproductive Age
Authors: Olude Oluwafunke , Webb‐Girard Amy , Ramakrishnan Usha , Reynaldo Martorell 
Published: June 2021

Using modified GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) and CHERG (Child Health Epidemiology Reference Group) approaches, we systematically reviewed the scientific evidence of the impact of nutrition education and counseling (NEC) delivered to females 11–49 years of age on anemia and iron status. From a systematic search of Pubmed, Embase, Popline, Web of science and CINAHL, we identified 6 randomized controlled and 7 quasi‐experimental studies. Of the 13 studies reviewed 5 provided NEC only; 2 provided NEC as part of a comprehensive package of behavior change messages; and 6 provided NEC with nutrition support. Three studies were in developed and 10 in developing countries. Of the 11 studies with data on anemia prevalence, 6 reported significant reductions in the intervention group compared to the comparison group. Six of 8 studies reported significant increases in mean hemoglobin levels. Of the 7 studies reporting on iron status, none reported a significant impact. These observations were consistent for pregnant and nonpregnant women and different categories of NEC. Variability in the exposure outcome precluded the use of meta‐analysis.ConclusionNEC delivered alone or with nutrition support appears to positively impact anemia prevalence and hemoglobin levels but not iron status in women and adolescent girls.Funding provided by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
Perceptions related to dietary supplements among college students
Authors: Brown Beth Rohling , Kavanagh Katherine , Paulus Trena , Spence Marsha 
Published: June 2021

The aim of this study was to increase understanding of how college students perceive dietary supplements, including their experiences with and attitudes about these substances. This study used a qualitative case study design and content analysis of web log (blog) posts completed as an assignment in an undergraduate nutrition course. Students were asked to submit one initial post and at least five comments about dietary supplements using a blogging tool. Blog posts were coded and analyzed. The most commonly mentioned categories were explored, which revealed four main categories: supplements discussed and/or used, rationale for use, sources of information, and perceptions of the safety of supplements. The most commonly mentioned supplements were multivitatmins, diet pills, and protein supplements. The most frequently reported reason for supplement use was a perceived lack of nutrients in the diet. Information about dietary supplements came mainly from friends' or family members' experiences. Many students had misconceptions about supplements, were not familiar with them, and/or questioned their effectiveness. Based on the study findings, educational programs for college students should focus on common misconceptions; the safety and efficacy of supplements, especially diet pills and protein supplements; critical analysis of supplement information; and the appropriateness of supplement use.Grant Funding Source: none