bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Carotenoids and Apocarotenals in the Dorsal Fin of Mosquito Fish
Authors: Landrum John T. , Mendez Vanesa , Baez Ian , Giery Sean , Layman Craig 
Published: June 2021

IntroductionMosquitofish from The Bahamas, Gambusia hubbsi, and south Florida, Gambusia rhyzophorae, were observed to exhibit yellow‐orange coloration in their dorsal fins. Extracts from dorsal fins were analyzed by HPLC and a number of the pigments have been identified as carotenoids or carotenoid derived species.MethodsDorsal fins were extracted with hexane/acetone and the resulting solution concentrated under nitrogen. Extracts were analyzed by resolution in methanol/acetonitrile and chromatography using reversed phase C‐18 HPLC coupled with UV/visible detection at 450 nm was used to separate the components.ResultsAnalysis of extracts obtained from dorsal fins of 3–5 animals provided sufficient amounts of pigment for HPLC detection. Typical extracts are dominated by polar components and include lutein, epoxy carotenoids, and apo‐carotenals. In several samples a component was detected that exhibits a spectrum consistent with 3‐hydroxy‐10’‐apo‐carotenal.ConclusionPresence of 3‐hydroxy‐10’‐apo‐carotenal in the dorsal fins of mosquitofish appears to be consistent with CMO2 (carotenoid monooxygenase II) expression and carotenoid cleavage in the tissue. The function 3‐hydroxy‐10’‐apo‐carotenal may have in the fin is not immediately apparent but its unique presence suggests that it has an important role.
Antioxidant intakes are lower in older adults with depression
Authors: Payne Martha E , Steck Susan E , Steffens David C 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveTo examine the cross‐sectional associations between depression and intakes of antioxidants, fruits and vegetables in a cohort of older adults.MethodsAntioxidant, fruit and vegetable intakes were assessed in 288 elderly subjects (150 with depression, 138 without depression) using a Block 1998 food frequency questionnaire. Subjects were age 60 or over.ResultsVitamin C, lutein and cryptoxanthin intakes were significantly lower among depressives than in comparison subjects (p<0.05). In addition, fruit and vegetable consumption, a primary determinant of antioxidant intake, was lower in depressed individuals. In multivariable models, controlling for age, sex, education, vascular comorbidity score, body mass index, total dietary fat, and alcohol, vitamin C, cryptoxanthin, fruits and vegetables remained significant. Antioxidants from dietary supplements were not associated with depression.ConclusionsAntioxidant, fruit and vegetable intakes were lower in individuals with late‐life depression than in comparison subjects. These associations may partially explain the elevated risk of cardiovascular disease among older depressed individuals. In addition, these findings point to the importance of antioxidant food sources rather than dietary supplements.This project was funded by a NARSAD Young Investigator Award and the following NIMH grants: MH54846, MH60451 and MH70027.
Retention and bioaccessibility of B‐carotene (BC) in biofortified cassava
Authors: Failla Mark L. , Chitchumroonchokchai Chureeporn , Siritunga Dimuth , de Moura Fabiana F. , Fregene Martin , Sayre Richard 
Published: June 2021

Cassava root represents a primary caloric source for many rural African communities despite its very low content of βC. Roots from wild type (WT, 0.9 μg βC/g DW) and transgenic lines with increased βC (22, 29 and 30 μg βC/g DW) were cooked according to traditional styles to assess retention. Mean relative retention of βC in root from biofortified lines after boiling (86%) and in fufu (wet fermentation + boiling; 93%) exceeded that for boiled WT cassava (67%) and WT fufu (83%). In contrast, retention of βC in gari (dry fermentation + roasting) was only 28% for both WT and transgenic cassava. Bioaccessibility of βC in cooked cassava was determined by simulated digestion. Efficiency of βC micellarization during digestion of WT boiled root, fufu and gari was 27, 31 and 28%, respectively, whereas micellarization during digestion of biofortified boiled root, fufu and gari was 34, 39 and 36%, respectively (p<0.05). Caco‐2 cells were used to confirm the accessibility of micellarized βC. Apical uptake of micellar βC (as %) was independent of genotype and style of cooking. βC content in Caco‐2 cells incubated with micelles prepared from the biofortified cassava was approx. 65 times greater than in cells exposed to micelles generated during digestion of similarly cooked WT cassava. These results suggest that retention during cooking and bioaccessibility of βC in biofortified cassava root are proportionally greater than that in WT roots.Supported by the Ohio Agriculture Research And Development Center.
Notch‐1 down‐regulation by delta‐tocotrienol is associated with the inhibition of cell growth and the induction of apoptosis in non‐small cell lung cancer cells
Authors: Ji Xiangming , Geamanu Andreea , Gupta Smiti V. 
Published: June 2021

Lung cancer is the leading cause of death among all the cancers. Non‐small cell lung cancer accounts for 80% of lung cancer with a five‐year survival rate of 16%. Notch pathway, especially Notch‐1 is upregulated in a subgroup of Non‐small cell lung cancer patients. Since Notch‐1 signaling plays an important role in cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis, down‐regulation of Notch‐1 may exert anti‐tumor effects. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of delta‐tocotrienol on non‐small cell lung cancer cell lines (A549, H1299) via Notch signaling. Treatment with delta‐tocotrienol resulted in a dose and time dependent inhibition of cell growth (p<0.05), cell migration, tumor cell invasiveness, and induction of apoptosis (p<0.05). Western blot analysis showed that apoptosis induced by delta‐tocotrienol was associated with decrease in Notch‐1, Hes‐1, Survivin, and BCX‐XL expression. This was confirmed by real‐time PCR by a decrease in the gene expression of Notch1, Hes‐1, MMP‐9, and VEGF was observed. In addition, this was accompanied with a decrease in NF‐κB‐DNA binding activity. These results suggest that down‐regulation of Notch‐1, especially by delta‐tocotrienol could provide a novel approach for the prevention of tumor progression, which is likely to be mediated via downregulation of NF‐κB signaling pathways in Non‐small cell lung cancer.Grant Funding Source: Across Societies (EB)
Effects of Daidzein and Vincristine on Medulloblastoma Cell Proliferation
Authors: Stout Jessica Mae , Sierman Audrey R , Cheatwood Joseph Laton 
Published: June 2021

Medulloblastoma – the most common type of childhood brain cancer – is a malignant tumor of the cerebellum that can spread throughout the central nervous system. Currently, the primary treatment for MB patients is chemotherapy, but its use is limited due to its negative side effects, which include cognitive and neurological dysfunctions, growth impairment of the brain, and immune system compromise. Previous studies with the isoflavone genistein determined that a diet high in soy could potentially reduce the amount of chemotherapy drugs necessary to treat MB, which would consequently reduce the risk of harmful side effects while maintaining or improving disease control. Unlike genistein, daidzein – another key soy isoflavone with high bioavailability – has not been studied. Therefore, we sought to detail the effects of vincristine coupled with daidzein on MB cell lines. For this, HTB‐186 cells were treated with daidzein and varied concentrations of vincristine. Cells in all treatment groups were incubated for 1 week. After the study period, the viable cells in each group were enumerated via a dye exclusion assay.Grant Funding Source: Saluki Scholars Research Opportunity
The effect in humans of ingesting different dietary proteins on plasma tryptophan, tyrosine, and the amino acid ratios that predict their brain uptake
Authors: FERNSTROM JOHN D. , LANGHAM KATHRYN A. , MARCELINO LYNDSEY M. , FERNSTROM MADELYN H. , KAYE WALTER H. 
Published: June 2021

Overnight‐fasted healthy males (n=6) with venous catheters ingested on four mornings 12oz V‐8 Juice containing 40 g of α‐lactalbumin (LAC), wheat gluten (GLUT), zein or starch. Blood was taken before ingestion and at 30 min intervals for 4 hr. Tryptophan (TRP), tyrosine (TYR) and other large neutral amino acids (LNAA) were assayed by HPLC. Predictors of brain TRP and TYR uptake (plasma TRP/∑LNAA, TYR/∑LNAA) were calculated. 0‐Time plasma TRP was ≈50 nmol/ml; TRP/∑LNAA was ≈0.010. LAC increased plasma TRP (3‐fold) and TRP/∑LNAA (50%) within 2 hr; starch did not change either TRP variable, while GLUT caused modest (25%) and zein larger reductions (50%) in both variables. The peak difference in plasma TRP/∑LNAA between LAC and zein was ≈3‐fold. Changes in TYR/∑LNAA were minimal. Plasma TRP/∑LNAA predicts brain TRP uptake and serotonin (5HT) synthesis from TRP in rats. The results thus suggest that in humans, LAC ingestion may raise and zein ingestion lower 5HT synthesis in/release by brain neurons, and perhaps produce 5HT‐mediated changes in mood and behavior.Supported by the Peterson Foundation and the UPMC Weight Management Center.
Maternal exercise during pregnancy in swine programs gene expression in intestine of offspring
Authors: Arentson Emily , Buhman Kimberly K , Cabot Ryan , Newcomer Sean , Donkin Shawn S 
Published: June 2021

Metabolic programming events induced by changes in maternal environment during gestation have marked effects on fetal outcomes. Aerobic exercise is known to alter maternal metabolism, however the consequences on fetal metabolic programming are unknown. To determine the effects of aerobic exercise training during pregnancy on metabolic programming of the offspring, pregnant commercial sows were limit fed a chow diet and exercised on a treadmill (EXER; n=5) for 30–45 minutes per day, 5 days a week at 65 –85% of maximal heart rate or allowed normal activity level (SED; n=4) for 15 weeks. Total RNA isolated from duodenum (DUO), jejunum (JEJ) and ileum (IL) mucosal of two piglets per litter was analyzed for abundance of expression for key transcripts involved in energy metabolism. PPAR gamma coactivator‐1α mRNA abundance was elevated (P < 0.01) in the JEJ and IL of EXER vs. SED offspring (JEJ: 2.24 vs. 1.01, IL: 2.03 vs. 0.81, CI [0.04, 0.43]) and carnitine palmitate transporter 1α was increased (P < 0.01) in the EX vs. SED offspring (1.34 vs. 0.93, CI [0.99,1.23]). The data indicate programming of genes for intestinal energy metabolism in offspring in response to maternal aerobic exercise during pregnancy.Grant Funding Source: NIDDK
Calcium intake in the United States from dietary and supplemental sources across adult age groups: new estimates from NHANES 2003–2006
Authors: Mangano Kelsey McKee , Walsh Stephen J , Insogna Karl L , Kenny Anne M , Kerstetter Jane E 
Published: June 2021

Adequate lifelong calcium intake is essential in optimizing bone health. Recent National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data were used to quantify variation in calcium intake across adult age groups, to relate these changes with energy intake, to assess differences in dietary calcium intake between supplemental calcium users and non‐users, and to evaluate associations between age and calcium density in the diet. This cross‐sectional analysis determined calcium and energy intake for 9,475 NHANES respondents during the 2003–06 period. Nutrient density was represented using calcium:energy ratios. When compared to the 19–30 y age group, median dietary calcium intake was lower in the 81+ age group by 23% in men (p<0.001) and by 14% in women (p=0.003). These reductions coincided with 35% and 28% decreases, respectively, in median energy intake (p<0.001). Although the frequency of calcium supplement use increased with age (p<0.001), among female supplement users, the decline in dietary calcium intake was greater than in non‐users (p=0.02). Calcium density in the diet increased relative to age in men and women (p<0.001); however, calcium:energy ratios were insufficient to meet target ratios inferred by adequate intake standards after age 50. Overall, although calcium supplementation and density were highest in older age groups, intakes remain insufficient in meeting recommended levels.Grant Funding Source: Nutrition Pilot Grant Program of the Patrick and Catherine Weldon Donaghue Medical Research Foundation
High fat diet‐induced obesity leads to proinflammatory response associated with higher expression of NOD2 protein
Authors: Kim Min Soo , Han Sung Nim 
Published: June 2021

Obesity has been reported to be associated with low grade inflammatory status. We studied the inflammatory response of immune cells and signaling molecules associated with inflammatory responses in diet‐induced obesity. C57BL mice were fed diets containing 5% fat (Control) or 20% fat and 1% cholesterol (HFD) for 24 wks. Splenocytes (1 × 107 cells) were stimulated with 10 μg/mL of LPS for 6 or 24 hrs. Production of IL‐1β, IL‐6 and TNF‐α and expression levels of NOD2, STAT3, pSTAT3 were determined. Consumption of HFD resulted in significantly more weight gain (28.2±0.6g in HFD vs. 15.4±0.8g in control). After stimulation with LPS for 6 hrs, production of IL‐1β and TNF‐α were significantly higher in HFD group. After 24 hrs of LPS stimulation, splenocytes from HFD group produced significantly higher levels of IL‐6 (10.02 ± 0.66 ng/mL in HFD vs. 7.33 ± 0.56 ng/mL in control) and IL‐1β(121.34 ± 12.72 pg/mL in HFD vs. 49.78 ± 6.58 pg/mL in control). There were no significant differences in STAT3 and pSTAT3 expression levels between HFD and control groups. However, expression level of NOD2 proteins determined by western blot analysis was significantly higher in HFD group (60% higher in HFD group compared with control, p<0.05). NOD2 contributes to the induction of inflammation by activation of NF‐κB. These findings suggest that diet‐induced obesity is associated with increased inflammatory response of immune cells and higher expression of NOD2 may contribute to these changes.Supported by Korea Research Foundation Grant funded by the Korean Government(KRF‐331‐2008‐1‐C00305) and the Basic Science Research Program funded by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (2009‐0063409).
Regulation of adipose tissue function and whole body metabolism by biglycan
Authors: Ward Meliza , Ajuwon Kolapo 
Published: June 2021

Biglycan (Bgn) is a component of the extracellular matrix that can signal through toll‐like receptor 4, leading to increased inflammation. Therefore, increases in Bgn expression in adipose during obesity may contribute to obesity‐induced inflammation. In our study, we compared Bgn knockout mice (bgn‐KO) with wild‐type mice (WT) during high fat diet induced obesity. Mice of both genotypes were fed a low‐fat (LFD, 10% fat calories) or a high‐fat diet (HFD, 60% fat calories) for 10 weeks. Expression of Bgn was increased in the brown fat, mesenteric, and epididymal fat of WT mice on HFD when compared to WT mice on LFD (p<0.05). Wild type animals had a higher body weight than bgn‐KO (p<0.05). There was no difference in BMI between genotypes (p>0.05). Likewise, percent adiposity, expressed as weight of epididymal, subcutaneous and retroperitoneal fat pads over body weight was not different between genotypes (p>0.05). Wild type mice had higher levels of fasting insulin than bgn‐KO (p<0.05). Gene expression of IL‐6 was lower in the subcutaneous fat of bgn‐KO mice when compared to WT (p<0.05), while expression of adiponectin was higher in the epididymal fat of bgn‐KO mice (p<0.05). Our data indicate that bgn‐KO mice may have an improved metabolic and inflammatory phenotype, despite comparable adiposity relative to WT. This supports a role for Bgn in the regulation of insulin sensitivity and inflammation in adipose tissue.Grant Funding Source: Purdue University
Seasonal variations in vitamin D status in Bangladesh: a preliminary look at the potential role of aerosol pollution
Authors: Roth Daniel E. , Al‐Mahmud Abdullah , Kimlin Michael , Arifeen Shams El , Raqib Rubhana , Black Robert E. , Baqui Abdullah H 
Published: June 2021

Vitamin D deficiency is common in South Asia, but the causes are unclear. Particulate air pollution interferes with ultraviolet (UV) irradiation of the earth surface, but the effect of UV‐absorbing aerosols on vitamin D status is unknown. Associations among vitamin D status (serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D, [25(OH)D]), UV radiation exposure and UV‐absorbing aerosols in Dhaka were explored based on observations of 34 non‐pregnant and 13 pregnant women in July‐Oct 2009, and 28 pregnant women in Feb 2010 (N=75). Average [25(OH)D] was lower in winter vs. summer/fall; among the pregnant women, mean [25(OH)D] was 12 nmol/L lower in Feb vs. Aug‐Oct (95% CI, 1 – 22 nmol/L). Seasonal differences in [25(OH)D] could be largely explained by variations in personal UV exposure estimated using polysulphone (PS) badges worn on the shoulder, averaged over 2–3 days within ~2 months of [25(OH)D] assessment (N=72). UV exposure by PS dosimetry and [25(OH)D] were both inversely associated with the estimated UV aerosol index (UVAI) for Dhaka, based on satellite‐generated data downloaded from an on‐line NASA database (OMI/Aura). The UVAI peaked in early spring (before the monsoon season), when average UV exposures by PS dosimetry were lowest. These preliminary observations suggest that UV‐absorbing aerosols may have important effects on UV‐induced cutaneous vitamin D synthesis in South Asia and merit further research.Grant Funding Source: Center for Global Health, Johns Hopkins University; Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Development of a database for anatomical terms via web
Authors: Barros Mirna Duarte , Carrare Ana Paula G , Curcio Daniella Franco 
Published: June 2021

INTRODUCTIONThe international anatomical terminology is the foundation of the scientific terminology in the health field and its main purpose is to standardize the vocabulary employed in the identification of structures of the human body.OBJECTIVETo develop a database containing information of the anatomical terminology, translations, eponymous and clinical terms, with open access via web.METHODThe system was developed with interface to web environment and database in MySQL. The structure of the data respected the hierarchic order of the terms, allowing visualization of the term within its context. The system forecasts generation of reports with diverse configurations.RESULTSThe first version of the system is concluded and in the stage of data feed. Beyond the data of the international anatomical terminology, the systems allows for the inclusion of eponymous, clinical terms and translations into other languages. The search may be performed by typing the term inside a search‐box or by hierarchic visualization. The access to the database via web provides agility to retrieve information as well as to implement updates that might be officially adopted.CONCLUSIONSThe role of the anatomical terminology depends on its application in the didactic, clinical and scientific practice and an open database via web contributes to widen the access to its information and to spread its usage in the health field.
Ano1 as a regulator of proliferation
Authors: Stanich Jennifer E. , Gibbons Simon J. , Eisenman Seth T. , Bardsley Michael R. , Rock Jason R. , Harfe Brian D. , Ordog Tamas , Farrugia Gianrico 
Published: June 2021

Ano1 is a Ca2+ activated Cl− channel expressed in several proliferating cell types including various epithelia, gastrointestinal stromal tumors, interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) and CFPAC‐1 cells. The aim of this study was to determine if Ano1 regulates proliferation. ICC from Ano1(−/−) and Ano1(+/+) mice were cultured with Cl− channel inhibitors or in low Cl− media. CFPAC‐1 cells grown in low Cl− media were pulsed with EdU for 1 h. Incorporation was measured by flow cytometry. For immunoblots on mouse jejunum, antibodies to pRb, phospho(Ser773)‐pRb and GAPDH were used.Fewer proliferating ICC were detected in Ano1(−/−) cultures (15 ± 3.5% Ki67+ ICC vs 25 ± 4% in Ano1(+/+), mean ± SEM, n = 4, p < 0.05). Cl− channel inhibitors DIDS (10 μM), niflumate (10 μM) and tamoxifen (1 μM) decreased ICC proliferation by 53, 53 and 59%, respectively (p < 0.05). This effect was reduced in cultures from Ano1(−/−) mice (29% and 19 % decrease, 22% increase, p > 0.05). Fewer proliferating ICC and CFPAC‐1 cells were detected in low Cl− media (% EdU+ ICC: 120 mM; 19.8 ± 5.3, 12 mM; 8.5 ± 3.2, n = 4, and % EdU+ CFPAC‐1: 120 mM; 29.5, 12 mM; 14.3 p < 0.05). Proportionally less Ser773‐phosphorylated pRb was detected in jejunum from Ano1(−/−) mice (Ano1(+/+); 5.98 ± 0.78, Ano1(−/−); 3.60 ± 0.49, mean ± SEM, n = 7, p < 0.05). In conclusion, Ano1 regulates proliferation possibly by promoting the G1/S transition of the cell cycle. Support: DK57061 and DK68055.
Cell death in the atrioventricular canal myocardium determines ventricular activation patterns
Authors: Nanka Ondrej , Grim Milos , Sedmera David 
Published: June 2021

We hypothesize that apoptosis in the AV myocardium influences maturation of atrioventricular conduction axis. We thus blocked apoptosis in chick embryonic heart and analyzed the effects of this treatment on cell death and ventricular activation patterns.ED4 chick embryos were treated with the caspase inhibitor zVAD by intrapericardial injection. Spontaneously beating hearts isolated at ED8 were stained with voltage‐sensitive dye and imaged with a high‐speed camera. Amount of apoptotic cells was analyzed at ED 7 by whole mount LysoTracker Red or active caspase immunostaining and confocal microscopy. Hearts of embryos treated with zVAD showed a significantly increased proportion of immature (base to apex) activation patterns at ED8, including ventricular activation originating from right AV junction, a pattern never observed in control hearts. The number of apoptotic cells in AV canal myocardium was decreased at ED7 in the treated hearts. Apoptosis in the AV canal myocardium is thus an important contributor to activation pattern development. Its inhibition at critical stages can lead to persistence of accessory AV connections, which form a morphological substrate for ventricular pre‐excitation.Supported by project of MSMT VZ 0021620806, LC 06061.
Sensitivity of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) cells to a urokinase‐activated recombinant anthrax toxin
Authors: Abi‐Habib Ralph Joseph , Timsah Zahra , Darwich Manal , Alfano Randall , Liu ShiHui , Leppla Stephen , Frankel Arthur 
Published: June 2021

We tested efficacy of a urokinase‐activated recombinant anthrax toxin (PrAgU2/FP59) on 11 human AML cell lines. PrAgU2/FP59 consists of PrAgU2, the cell binding domain in which the furin activation site is replaced by a urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) activation site and FP59, the catalytic domain, consisting of Pseudomonas aeruginosa exotoxin A. PrAgU2 binds cells, is cleaved by uPA, heptamerizes, binds 3 molecules of FP59 and undergoes endocytosis releasing FP59 in the cytosol. FP59 ADP ribosylates EF2 causing protein synthesis inhibition and cell death. Introduction of the uPA activation site selectively targets this toxin to tumor cells expressing an active uPA system.7/11 AML cell lines were highly sensitive to PrAgU2/FP59 (IC50 = 0.5–33 pM, % cell kill > 95%) while 4/11 cell lines were moderately sensitive to PrAgU2/FP59 (IC50 = 160–410 pM, % cell kill > 70%). Addition of pro‐uPA increased AML sensitivity to PrAgU2/FP59 by an average of 40 fold. Addition of a neutralizing anti‐uPA antibody decreased toxicity of PrAgU2/FP59 to AML cells by an average of 14 fold, demonstrating requirement for active uPA for selective activation of PrAgU2/FP59.AML cells are sensitive to the cytotoxic effects of a urokinase‐targeted recombinant anthrax toxin with sensitivity depending on the expression of active uPA. PrAgU2/FP59 is a promising tumor selective therapeutic for the potential treatment of AML.