bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of Leptin Receptor Gene Polymorphisms with Body Fat Distribution in Multiethnic Adolescent Girls of Hawaii
Authors: Vijayadeva Vinutha , Grove John , Novotny Rachel , Le Marchand Loic , Daida Yihe 
Published: June 2021

Genetic polymorphisms that alter leptin levels have been associated with obesity. Little information is available on genetic polymorphisms and body fat distribution. In addition, central adiposity is an important risk factor for chronic metabolic diseases. We investigated the association of the Gln223Arg variant in the Leptin receptor gene (LEPR) with trunk‐to‐peripheral fat mass ratio (TPFR) measured by Dual energy X ray absorptiometry (DXA). This study was part of a larger study (Female Adolescent Maturation Study) that followed 349 multiethnic adolescent girls (ages 9–14yrs at baseline) and studied an additional 180 girls at the 3rd examination. Genotyping used DNA, obtained from mouthwash or blood. The frequency of the A allele was greater in Whites (0.6) than in Asians (0.1). Being an homozygote (AA) for the rarer allele was associated with a lower DXA TPFR and waist‐to‐hip circumference after adjusting for ancestry and age, LEPR Gln223Arg was not associated with other DXA body fat variables (including total fat mass), BMI, abdominal and hip circumferences. The relationship between LEPR polymorphisms and body fat has been studied widely, but not with the body fat distribution. Trunk‐to‐periphery fat ratio is a measure of the distribution of body fat acquired with DXA measures of fat of the body trunk and of the body periphery. In conclusion, the LEPR Gln223Arg polymorphism was associated with body fat distribution but not total body fat.Grant Funding Source: FASEB MARC
The Pro‐Adipogenic Effect of Advanced Glycation End‐Products (AGEs) in Adipogenesis
Authors: Chen Chih yu , Martorano Allison , Kim Kee‐Hong 
Published: June 2021

Obesity is a public health problem in the United States and globally. Adipogenesis plays a critical role in regulation between obesity and metabolic failure diseases. Advanced glycation end‐products (AGEs), through its receptor (RAGE), are known to induce oxidative stress, inflammation, and aging‐related chronic diseases including diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The inhibition of the AGE‐RAGE interaction has been proposed as a target for treatment and prevent of these diseases, however little is known about the effect in obesity. The objective of this study was to determine the role of AGE during adipogenesis of 3T3‐L1 cells. We found that adipogenesis is associated with induction of endogenous AGE and RAGE mRNA. We also observed that the passage number of 3T3‐L1 cells directly affected the cellular levels of endogenous AGE, RAGE mRNA expression and oxidative stress. Using bovine serum albumin glycated with methylglyoxal as an in vitro model of AGE, we revealed that exogenous AGE increased adipogenesis and the mRNA level of RAGE. The pro‐adipogenic effect of AGE was more effective to higher passage number cells. These results suggest that AGE function and/or the AGE‐ RAGE axis might play a critical role in augmenting the development of adipose tissue. This project is partially funded by USDA‐AFRI grant and The Showalter Trust Fund Award.Grant Funding Source: USDA‐AFRI and The Showalter Trust Fund Award
Effects of agave nectar versus sucrose on weight gain, adiposity, blood glucose, insulin and lipid responses in mice
Authors: Nemoseck Tricia , Cole Sarah , Petrisko Yumi , Kern Mark 
Published: June 2021

Agave nectar is a liquid sweetener derived from a cactus plant and is often promoted as a low glycemic alternative to refined sugar. However, little scientific research has been conducted in animals or humans to determine its metabolic and/or health effects. The aim of this study was to explore the influence of agave nectar versus sucrose on weight gain, adiposity, fasting plasma blood glucose, insulin and lipid levels. Twelve male ICR mice (33.8 ± 1.6g), were equally divided by weight into two groups (n=6) and provided free access to one of two diets of equal energy densities differing only in a portion of the carbohydrate provided. Diets contained 20% carbohydrate (by weight of total diet) from either raw agave nectar or sucrose. After 34 days, epididymal fat pads were excised and blood was collected. Weight gain (4.3 ± 2.2 vs 8.6 ± 4.2 g), fat pad weights (0.95 ± 0.54 vs 1.75 ± 0.68 g), plasma glucose (77.8 ± 12.2 vs 111.0 ± 27.9 mg/dl) and insulin (0.61 ± 0.29 vs 1.46 ± 0.81 ng/ml) were significantly lower (p≤0.05) for agave nectar‐fed mice compared to sucrose‐fed mice, respectively. No significant differences in total cholesterol, triglycerides or HDL‐C were detected. These results suggest that in comparison to sucrose, agave nectar may have a positive influence on weight gain and glucose control. However, more research with a larger sample of animals and/or with human subjects is warranted.Sponsored by American Heart Association
Dietary intake, drug use and symptomatology in HIV infected individuals
Authors: Hatsu Irene , Campa Adriana , Sales Sabrina , Johnson Paulette , Lai Shenghan , Baum Marianna K 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveThe objectives of this study were to (1) determine whether adequate energy intake is associated with frequency of signs and symptoms in HIV+ adults, and (2) if illicit drug use influences sign and symptom frequency.MethodsAfter consenting 231 HIV‐infected patients, physical examinations were conducted to determine the presence of symptoms such as headaches, fever and diarrhea. Structured clinical, demographic, and illicit drug use questionnaires were administered. Dietary intake was analyzed for each participant and was considered adequate at ≥ 2000 kcal as per FDA Daily Values.ResultsParticipants were 73.2% males. Mean age and caloric intake were 42.7± 7.0 yrs and 2119±1226 kcals respectively. Cocaine (73.2%) and marijuana (35.1%) were the most frequently used illicit drugs. Individuals who consumed ≥ 2000 kcal but used drugs had more symptoms than those who were drug free (Mean=2.3±SD2.6 vs. 1.2±SD 1.7, p<0.011). Individuals consuming <2000 kcal had more symptoms than those eating ≥2000 kcal, though not statistically significant (Mean=2.7±SD3.0 vs. 2.1±SD2.4, p<0.08).ConclusionAbusing drugs and adequacy of caloric intake influences the manifestation of signs and symptoms in HIV infected patients. Further research needs to be done to confirm and identify the specific effect of drugs of abuse on type and frequency of pathologic symptoms.Funded by NIDA
Creatine synthesis: the origin of creatine in rat milk
Authors: Lamarre Simon G , Edisson Erica E. , Wijekoon Enoka P. , Brosnan Margaret E. , Brosnan John T. 
Published: June 2021

Creatine serves as an important energy buffer and shuttle system in cells. Approximately 1.7%/day of the body's creatine pool is spontaneously converted to creatinine and excreted in the urine. This must be replaced by a combination of diet and synthesis. During lactation there may be an additional requirement due to the provision of creatine to the milk. Our objectives were (1) to quantify milk creatine in lactating rats, (2) to determine the origin of milk creatine, and (3) to determine the activities of the enzymes of creatine synthesis in lactating rats. We determined the origin of milk creatine by administering 14C‐creatine to lactating rats, followed by determination of its isotopic enrichment in milk and plasma. Since these isotopic enrichments were identical, we conclude that milk creatine is extracted from the blood. Supporting this is our failure to find significant activities of the enzymes of creatine synthesis in mammary glands. Milk creatine amounted to about 13 μmol/day, which is equivalent to 25% of the creatine lost by conversion to creatinine. The first and limiting enzyme in creatine synthesis was not increased in activity during lactation; neither was the renal output of guanidinoacetate. We conclude that there is only a modest increase in the need to provide creatine during lactation and that this may be largely provided by hyperphagia when creatine is present in the food. Supported by CIHR grant 97851.Grant Funding Source: Canadian Institute for Health Research
Validation of Nutrition Standardized Language Using Fehring Model
Authors: Ritter‐Gooder Paula , Lewis Nancy M 
Published: June 2021

The objective of this study was to validate the content of a nutrition diagnostic term, involuntary weight loss, by nutrition experts. A validation instrument, based upon the Ferhing Diagnostic Content Validity Model was developed. Based upon concept analysis of current published literature, 9 additional items were added. Surveys were mailed to Certified Specialists in Gerontological Nutrition (CSG). Diagnostic Content Validity Score (DCV) for each definition, etiology, and sign/symptom were determined. Each item was classified into major characteristics (≥ 0.80), minor characteristics (0.50 to 0.799), or non‐relevant to the diagnosis (below 0.499). Results indicated that 63% of the CSG (n=110) participated. The DCV score was 0.80 ± 0.17 (mean ± SD) for the definition, 0.63 ± 0.08 for the etiologies, and 0.69 ± 0.12 for the signs/symptoms. The mean total DCV score of the diagnostic term was 0.69 ± 0.11. In conclusion, the majority of the definition, etiologies and signs/symptoms were content validated, however the term needs refinement to reflect the seven added items that were validated and to remove the non‐relevant items.Partial funding support was provided by the American Dietetic Association.
Tracking the Effectiveness of Various Combinations of Diet Tips: Results of the National Mindless Eating Challenge
Authors: Patterson Richard Wells , Payne Collin Richards , Wansink Brian 
Published: June 2021

What determines the degree to which a person complies with tailored weight‐loss suggestions? Two studies examine the effectiveness of an interactive web‐based weight‐loss resource. The first study (n=1000) investigated the predictors of compliance, showing that nearly 60% of the variance in compliance can be determined by how effective and easy people rate the tip before beginning the program. The second study (n=200) investigates the resulting link between individual ratings of the tip effectiveness and the resulting impact compliance and weight loss. Implications for promoting greater compliance – in person and on the web – are then outlined.Grant Funding Source: none
Responses to a Health Survey in Preparation for a Cancer Awareness and Prevention Program
Authors: Dawkins Norma L , Carter Vivian , Howard Barbara 
Published: June 2021

Macon County is one of the twelve Black Belt counties located in Alabama with a cancer rate or 258.7 compared to 216.2 for the state of Alabama. The objective of the survey was to assess health knowledge, health status and behaviors of potential participants in a cancer awareness and prevention program.A survey instrument was designed to elicit individual opinions regarding cancer awareness and prevention. The instrument consisted of four major sections: demographic information, health knowledge, health behavior and health status. It was pilot‐tested for validity and reliability, r = 0.88. The data was analyzed using SPSS 17.0.Results indicated that 62% of respondents were female, 56% were college graduates, and 47 % earned an average annual income of $11,000 to $35,000. Participants (79 %) were willing to take part in a cancer awareness and prevention program.Responses to health questions indicated that 85% associated moderate exercise and healthy diet with disease prevention, 82 % believed that consuming 5 servings of vegetables a day can lower blood pressure and reduce the prevalence of obesity. Respondents (74%) associated water intake with health, fewer associated losing weight with fasting, and 26% used some form of dieting product to lose weight. Approximately 24% rated their health as either fair or poor while 62% indicated that their mental health was good. Respondents' willingness to participate in a cancer awareness and prevention program is a forward step in addressing health problems in rural Black Belt counties.
Infant and Early Childhood Feeding Difficulties are Not Associated with Anorexia Nervosa Subtype
Authors: Dellava Jocilyn E. , Strober Michael , Thornton Laura M. , Kaye Walter , Bulik Cynthia M. , Consortium Genetics of Anorexia Nervosa 
Published: June 2021

Infant and childhood feeding may be associated with adult weight. Picky childhood eating has been associated with development of Anorexia Nervosa (AN). AN has been divided into distinct subtypes; little was known about differential predictors of subtype. The aim of the current study was to explore the relation between AN subtype and infant feeding, gastrointestinal (GI) problems prior to AN, and picky‐eating in early childhood. Three AN subtypes were identified: restrictive type, purging type (no binging), and binging type. The study sample was 325 women from the Genetics of Anorexia Nervosa study who had a lifetime history of AN and whose mothers provided retrospective information regarding feeding from the infant and childhood feeding questionnaire. Three stepwise logistic regressions were applied to predict AN subtype. The predictors were: breastfed, feeding schedule, and age solid food was introduced; infant vomiting, colic, GI problems before AN onset; and picky eating at 1 year and picky eating between ages 1–5. No model predicted AN subtype in this sample. Infant and childhood feeding factors are unlikely to be predictive of AN subtype.Funding: NIH (MH66117), T32MH07669403.
AUTISM LINKED TO NUTRITION
Authors: Shamberger Raymond Joseph 
Published: June 2021

Autism rates in the United States are increasing at a rate of 15% per year. Autistic children are diagnosed by age three and have problems communicating and interacting socially. This study utilizes nutritional epidemiology to link the possible cause of autism to nutrition by creating autism rates for the 50 states of America and comparing them to published measures of infant nutrition such as duration of exclusive breast feeding and Participation in the WIC (Womens, Infants and Children) program.The 50 states with the highest Participation have significantly lower autism rates. Similar results were observed in 21 New Jersey counties.Increasing autism rates were observed in women exclusively breast feeding. These mothers total milk intake is lower in thiamine and vitamin D and much less than the MDR (Minimal Daily Requirements)of those vitaminsResults indicate that autism may be nutritionally related to possible vitamin deficiencies of the cognative vitamins such as thiamine or vitamin D.
Strategies to remediate vitamin D deficiency in Mongolian children
Authors: Ganmaa Davaasambuu , Sumberzul Nyamjav , Holick Michael , Willett Walter , Frazier Lindsay , Rich‐Edwards Janet 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveTo compare efficacy of supplements vs. fortified milk to correct vitamin D deficiencyMethodsA randomized, 45‐day study among 744 children age 9–11 comparing 5 interventions delivering the equivalent of 300 IU/day: daily supplements; “seasonal” supplement (13,700 IU at study start); fortified U.S., Mongolian, or substitute milk. Controls drank unfortified milk. T‐tests were used to compare the changes in serum 25‐hydroxy vitamin D (25OHD) levels.ResultsPrior to the intervention, 98% of children had 25OHD levels <20 ng/ml (mean, 8.0 ± 4.3 ng/ml). Although the mean 25OHD levels of children receiving supplements or fortified milk rose by 12.9 ± 8.1 ng/ml, compared with 0.2 ± 3.8 ng/ml for children drinking unfortified milk, 52% of children in the supplement/fortification arms remained <20 ng/ml. Levels of 25OHD levels did not differ between children receiving a daily supplement or fortified milk (p=0.15). However, among children who received the seasonal supplement, even though 25OHD levels were higher at end of study than levels in those who drank unfortified milk, 98% were deficient.ConclusionAlthough 300 IU daily, either as a supplement or as fortified milk, ameliorated severe vitamin D deficiency, higher doses would be required to attain optimal levels. A seasonal strategy that uses intermittent supplementation would require a larger dose and/or shorter dosing interval to achieve repletion.
Mouse Genotype Alters Palatal Fusion Response to Nicotine
Authors: Serrano Maria J. , Svoboda Kathy K.H. 
Published: June 2021

OBJECTIVEOur previous work demonstrated that nicotine inhibited palatal fusion in vitro in a dose dependent manner. We asked if the mouse genotype would affect palatal fusion when exposed to nicotine. The objective of this study is focused on understanding the risk of maternal smoking as a factor for facial cleft defects.METHODSPalatal shelves from mouse strains (CD1, ND4, C57and 129S) at age E13.5 were cultured in serum free media (control), and nicotine (0.6 mM and 6 mM). Palates were harvested at 24 hours, 48 hrs and 72 hrs. Tissue was fixed in 4%PFA for paraffin embedding and H&E sections. In vivo study was done using pumps with nicotine in the four different mouse strains. Embryos mice were harvested at E15.5. Palatal tissue was harvested and fixed in 4% PFA for paraffin embedding and H&E sections.RESULTSThe different mouse strains responded to the nicotine in different degrees. All palates exposed to nicotine failed to fuse. CD1 and ND4 strains were consistent in the palatal fusion pattern within litters. C57 and 129S had variable palate fusion. Some of the embryos had fused palates at embryonic day 13.5, while other embryos had undeveloped palatal shelves. The organ cultured palates from CD1 and ND4 mice treated with 0.6mM nicotine fused, while palatal shelves from C57 and 129S didn't fuse. The results in the in vivo experiment showed that the patterns in fusion occurred differently anterior to posterior especially in CD1 mice, the shelves were not fused in the posterior region.CONCLUSIONThe genetic background of mice influenced nicotine responses in palatal tissues.Grant Funding Source: March of Dimes
Amelioration of STZ induced Type I diabetic nephropathy in rats by a phytomedicine: Gmelina arborea
Authors: Kulkarni Yogesh Anant , Veeranjaneyulu Addepalli 
Published: June 2021

Diabetic nephropathy is one of the main causes of end stage renal disease (ESRD) leading to morbidity and mortality. Gmelina arborea is an important phytomedicine used in traditional system for treatment of diabetes. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of methanol extract of Gmelina arborea bark (ME) in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic nephropathy in rats.Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin (55 mg/kg, i.p.) in Wistar rats. After 4 weeks of STZ administration, the animals were divided into three groups‐ Group I diabetic control, Group II and III, ME treated (250 and 500 mg/kg/day, for 4 weeks). Age matched control rat received sodium citrate buffer.Different biochemical parameters like glucose, albumin, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine were assessed. The oxidative stress was measured by renal malonaldehyde, reduced glutathione and the anti‐oxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase. The histopathological study of kidney was carried at the end of the treatment. Results indicated significant improvement in BUN, creatinine, albumin and glucose after treatment with ME. Treatment for 4 weeks with ME significantly reduced the oxidative stress parameters. The kidneys of diabetic rats showed marked histological changes like glomerular thickening, tubular vacuolations and moderate interstitial fibrosis. The treatment with ME at selected doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg decreased the glomerular and interstitial alterations diabetic kidney. The results of the present study suggested, Gmelina arborea treatment can be effective in diabetic nephropathy.
Toll‐like receptor 4 deficiency attenuates insulin resistance and endothelial dysfunction associated with obesity and diabetes in mice
Authors: Liang CF , Xu Aimin , Vanhoutte Paul M 
Published: June 2021

The present study analyzes, in mice with loss‐of‐function mutation of TLR4, the role of TLR4, a target for saturated fatty acids, in modulating metabolism and endothelial function.A type‐2 diabetes model with double knockout (DKO) of leptin receptors (Lepr) and TLR4, was obtained by crossing Leprdb/+ and TLR4−/−− mice. Glucose and insulin tolerance tests were performed. Isometric tension was measured in carotid artery rings with or without endothelium.DKO mice had lower fasting serum levels of glucose, triglycerides and cholesterol and better insulin sensitivity than Leprdb/db control mice. Acetylcholine‐induced endothelium‐dependent contractions (EDCF‐responses) of the carotid arteries were enhanced by genetic obesity, but were attenuated in DKO mice. They were inhibited by indomethacin and SC560, suggesting the involvement of COX‐1. Apocynin, MnTMPyP, catalase, DPI, DETCA, but not deferoxamine and tiron inhibited EDCF‐responses, suggesting a role for H2O2. Inhibitors including SP600128 [JNK], PD98058 [ERK] and SB203508 [MAPK] reduced the contractions in arteries of control but not of DKO mice indicating a mechanism downstream of TLR4. Rotenone and antimycin A inhibited the EDCF‐response implying that mitochondria are involved.Thus, TLR4 deficiency can prevent insulin resistance and endothelial dysfunction possibly by decreasing oxidative stress in mitochondria.
Ruboxistaurin attenuates hypertriglyceridemia in diabetic rats: Comparison with the antioxidant N‐acetylcysteine
Authors: Liu Yanan , Lei Shaoqing , Liu Hui‐min , Mao Xiaowen , Wong Gordon T , Vanhoutte Paul M , Irwin Michael G , Xia Zhengyuan 
Published: June 2021

Hyperglycemia‐induced oxidative stress plays a critical role in the development of diabetic metabolic complications including hypertriglyceridemia. The beta isoform of Protein kinase C (PKCβ) is over‐expressed in various organs of diabetic rodents and can cause or exacerbate oxidative stress by activating NADPH oxidase, a major source of superoxide production in the cardiovascular system. We postulated that selective PKCβ inhibition with ruboxistaurin (RXT) may attenuate hypertriglyceridemia in diabetes by reducing oxidative stress. Control or streptozotozin‐induced diabetic rats were either untreated (C, D) or treated with RXT (1 mg/kg/day, D+RXT) or with the antioxidant N‐acetylcycsteine (NAC) (1.5g/kg/day, D+NAC) delivered by oral gavage for four weeks. Levels of 15‐F2t‐isoprostane (IsoP), a specific marker of oxidative stress, were significantly increased in D group in both the myocardium and plasma. This was accompanied by a marked increase in plasma triglycerides (P<0.05 vs. C). RXT and NAC, respectively, prevented the increase of IsoP and significantly attenuated the increases of triglycerides. However, triglycerides in the D+NAC group was lowered further than that in the D+RXT group (P<0.05). Despite similar antioxidant properties, ruboxistaurin seems to be inferior to NAC in reducing hypertriglyceridemia in diabetes.Supported by RGC/GRF grants (781109 M to ZX, 766709 M to MGI).