bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetically encoded probes for phosphatidic acid
Authors: Vitale Nicolas , Kassas Nawal , Tryoen‐Toth Petra , Pelletan Leonardo , Bailly Yannick , Grant Nancy , Belmonte Silvia 
Published: June 2021

During the last two decades, it has become evident that cellular lipids not only form bilayers to separate compartments, but also participate in vesicular trafficking and signal transduction. Phosphoinositides have received major attention at this respect, but other phospholipids such as phosphatidic acid (PA) are quickly emerging as signaling molecules. The spatiotemporal distribution of cellular PA appears tightly regulated by localized synthesis and quick degradation. Although it has been reported that PA plays key roles in key cellular functions, it remains unknown when and where PA is produced in the living cells. Hence we have decided to characterize biosensors that specifically bind to PA through relatively compact binding domains.After protein expression and purification, their interaction with PA was characterized using PIP strips and liposomes assays. The results confirm that they have high specificity for PA, but we also found that chain length and saturation affected interaction with membranes. Finally we used these probes to visualize the dynamic of PA in various cell models and found that the various probes had also different affinity for PA in cells. In conclusion, the use of a large choice of probes may be required to adequately follow the complex dynamic of PA in various cell types, subcellular compartments and cellular processes.
Biochemical and structural characterization of the activation of soluble Guanylate Cyclase
Authors: Seeger Franziska , Laffly Emmanuelle , Garcin Elsa D 
Published: June 2021

Soluble Guanylate Cyclase (sGC) is a heterodimeric enzyme converting GTP to cyclic GMP. Each subunit contains an N‐terminal, heme‐containing regulatory domain (HNOX: Heme Nitric oxide OXygen), a dimerization PAS (Per/Arnt/Sim) and coiled‐coil (CC) domain, and a C‐terminal catalytic domain (GC). Controlling crucial physiological functions such as vasorelaxation, a low turnover of sGC causes cardiovascular pathologies. Binding of nitric oxide (NO) to HNOX maximally activates sGC and alleviates a presumed inhibitory effect of HNOX on GC. However, the isolated GC exhibits low activity excluding HNOX as the only brake on catalytic turnover.To elucidate the activation mechanism and identify the domains required for maximum activity, we are studying truncated bovine sGC constructs. These include GC, CC‐GC, and PAS‐CC‐GC as well as the HNOX‐PAS and HNOX‐PAS‐CC heterodimers.We report preliminary SAXS (Small Angle X‐ray Scattering) ab initio envelopes on HNOX‐containing constructs and present activity assays for the GC‐containing constructs.Combinations of activity measurements, SAXS, and x‐ray crystallography have been used to elucidate the activation mechanism of sGC. These studies will provide a foundation for structure‐based drug design of novel sGC activators.Work supported by American Heart Association Scientist Development Grant (E. Garcin) and NIH CBI Training Grant NIH T32 GM066706‐06.
Adaptation to and Intake Patterns of Traditional Foods Made from Biofortified Orange Maize (Zea mays) in Rural Zambia Children
Authors: Nuss Emily Taylor , Arscott Sara A , Bresnahan Kara , Pixley Kevin V , Rocheford Torbert , Hotz Christine , Siamusantu Ward , Chileshe Justin , Tanumihardjo Sherry 
Published: June 2021

Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) persistently plagues much of the world, propagating poor health outcomes related to reproduction, growth, sight, and immunity. Biofortification of staple crops is a novel strategy for combating VAD in high‐risk groups. Many African populations are proposed beneficiaries for provitamin‐A biofortified maize (Zea mays), often called “orange maize” due to distinct yellow/orange kernels. Its color challenges cultural acceptance by maize‐consuming communities that traditionally eat white varieties. This study explores adaptation to, and intake patterns of, traditional foods made with orange maize compared with white in rural Zambian children (n = 189) during a 3‐mo intervention. Subjects were fed maize porridge breakfast, maize nshima with relish lunch, and snack. Consumption of menu items, except snacks, increased significantly by week (P<0.0084). Orange porridge and nshima intakes equaled white from week 2 onward. During the trial, 3 orange maize meals were fed: 2009 freezer (O1), 2009 cold room (O2), 2010 fresh (O3). Subjects consumed uniform amounts of porridge and nshima prepared from O1 and O2, but intakes became significantly higher after O3 maize meal substitution (P<0.014 porridge; P<0.013 nshima). Results demonstrate quick adaptation to orange maize, preference for fresh, and an optimistic outlook for similar adaption patterns in other orange‐maize target countries.Grant Funding Source: HarvestPlus 8217
Community exercise program improves blood pressure and activity level for those with and at‐risk for diabetes
Authors: Turner Carol W. 
Published: June 2021

MethodsThe On the Road: Keep Moving Keep Healthy (KMKH) program targets people with diabetes (PWD), plus family and concerned loved ones to attend, thus attracting high‐risk individuals socially and biologically related to PWD.ResultsAmong 300 participants at baseline, 66.0% had income <$25,000, 79.3% were Hispanic, 39.1% had no health insurance, and 28.7% were PWD. Of the 203 people without diabetes, 98 (48.3%) had baseline A1C>=5.7, or ‘people with pre‐diabetes' (PWPD). Mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) was 142.2±20.9 in PWD, and 129.3±19.1 in PWPD. 200 (66.7%) participants returned for the three month follow‐up, of which 180 had complete data for analysis. Those who did not follow‐up were generally younger with no significant difference in baseline A1C or SBP compared to those who returned. Returning PWD and PWPD showed significant improvement in days of self‐reported exercise (2.5 to 3.6 days, p<0.001) and SBP (140.6 to 131.1 in PWD, p<0.001; 130.6 to 125.6 in PWPD, p<0.017). PWD and PWPD who reported increased days exercised had a mean SBP change of −10.4 versus −3.7 in those who reported no change or fewer days exercised, p<0.031.ConclusionKMKH demonstrates that an exercise program can successfully target both people with and at‐risk for diabetes and result in improvement in both physical activity and SBP.
Can small changes in a summer camp program for the rural impoverished make a difference in healthy eating?
Authors: Champagne Catherine M , McCabe‐Sellers Beverly J , Allen Raymond , Bogle Margaret L 
Published: June 2021

The current epidemic of obesity now affects children, both rural and urban. Rural nutrition education efforts are challenging due to inability to work with children/families closely. The Delta Obesity Research Prevention Unit (DOPRU) has worked Phillips County, AR via a summer camp program. In 2007, DOPRU reviewed camp menus and identified changes needed. Subsequent years introduced more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and dairy. Camp included access to food and sessions on nutrition and physical activity conducted by DOPRU trained interns. To assess diet, campers consented to 24‐hour dietary recalls at beginning and end of camp in 2007 (n=120), with a third collection one month post camp in 2008 (n=73) and 2009 (n=36). Total HEI scores averaged 45.2% in 2007, 43.6% in 2008, and 45.0% in 2009, compared to a reported HEI score for children 6–11 years of 54.7% reported nationally. These children, compared to US, consumed fewer fruits, vegetables and milk; and high in fat, saturated fat, other discretionary calories and sodium. Emphasis on whole grains in 2009 doubled the HEI score from 0.4, to 0.5, to 1.0 in years 2007, 2008 and 2009 respectively. Despite small changes with positive results, Delta children still have lower HEI scores compared to US. Increasing awareness of healthy diets is desperately needed and plans are in place to bring families on board with nutrition education efforts.USDA/ARS 6251 5100 008 00D
Spirulina can Increase the Total Body Vitamin A Storage of Chinese Children
Authors: LI LEI , HU YUMING , ZHAO XIANFENG , WANG JIE , MUZHINGI TAWANDA , SUTER PAOLO M , YIN SHI‐AN , TANG GUANGWEN 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveTo assess the efficacy of spirulina supplement rich in β‐carotene on vitamin A status of Chinese school‐age children.MethodTwo hundred and twenty eight children (6–11 y) were randomly divided into 3 groups and ate their meals at school with 0, 2 or 4 g of spirulina in their breakfast 5 day /wk for 10 wk. Before and after intervention, each child was given 0.5 mg [2H4] retinly acetate and [2H8] retinyl acetate, respectively. Blood samples (3 mL) were collected on 3rd and 21st days after each labeled vitamin A doses. Concentrations and enrichments of retinol and β‐carotene in serum samples were determined by using HPLC and a mass spectrometer.ResultsAfter 10 wk intervention, serum β‐carotene concentrations of children with 2 g or 4 g spirulina supplement increased from 0.06 mg/L to 0.14 and 0.27 mg/L, respectively. Total‐body vitamin A stores increased significantly with a median increase of 0.227 and 0.397 mmole, respectively.ConclusionSpirulina is a good dietary source of β‐carotene and retinol, which can improve vitamin A status of Chinese school‐age children. (Funded by the Nestle Foundation, Lausanne, Switzerland)
Ginkgo biloba extract and saikosaponin a suppress lipopolysaccharide‐induced inflammatory cytokines in human U‐937 monocytes
Authors: Huang Li‐Ting , Chao Jane C‐J , Jiang Bo‐Shu , Ho Hsin‐Jung 
Published: June 2021

Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761) contains a large number of flavonoids, ginkgolides and bilobalide, and many studies have reported its activities on enhancing antioxidative defense, increasing blood flow, and improving memory. Saikosaponin a (SSa), one of Bupleurum's major active ingredient, was found to have anti‐inflammatory effect. This study investigated the effects of EGb 761 and/or SSa on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced inflammatory responses in differentiated human monocyte U‐937 cells. The differentiation from monocytes to macrophages was induced by 160 nM phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate for 48 hours. Cells were then incubated with 200 μg/ml EGb 761 (EGb group), 5 μg/ml SSa (SSa group), or 200 μg/ml EGb 761 and 5 μg/ml SSa (combined group) for 24 hours, and 1 μg/ml LPS was added to the medium for another 24 hours to induce inflammation. The results showed that all treatment groups significantly decreased the secretion of LPS‐induced tumor necrosis factor‐α, (TNF‐α), interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), IL‐10, and prostaglandin E2 and protein expression of cyclooxygenase‐2 (p<0.05). Additionally, EGb treatment alone or combination treatment with SSa significantly scavenged NO compared with the control group (p<0.05). The combined treatment had synergistic inhibitory effect on TNF‐α secretion and NO scavenging ability. In conclusion, 200 μg/ml EGb 761 and 5 μg/ml SSa alleviate inflammation via scavenging NO and inhibiting inflammatory cytokines produced by LPS‐induced U937 macrophages. Combined EGb and SSa have synergistic inhibitory effects on inflammatory responses.Sponsored by the National Science Council (NSC97‐2320‐B‐038‐034‐MY3)
NAFLD and Celiac Disease in adult patients
Authors: Trovato Guglielmo M. , Trovato Francesca M , Pirri Clara , Martines G. Fabio , Pennisi Alessia , Puglisi Claudia , Catalano Daniela 
Published: June 2021

Celiac Disease (CD) is a syndrome affecting any age, with a prevalence of 1/100–150. Non‐Alcoholic‐Fatty‐Liver‐Disease (NAFLD) is a condition related to metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance and nutritional behavior as steatogenic factors. Fatty liver in CD was ascribed to malnutrition. The aim is to investigate relationship of nutritional state and insulin resistance in newly diagnosed adult's CD and NAFLD.Methods1941 adult patients referred both for comprehensive Ultrasound procedure assessment and nutritional counseling were studied; NAFLD and CD diagnosis were made according to established criteria, including biopsy. Malnutrition was assessed by Bio‐impedance and anthropometry, bio‐markers (Albumin, B12 Vit., Folic Acid) and insulin resistance, using the Homeostasis Model Assessment (HOMA; cut off value for HOMA at 1.7).Resultsthe prevalence of CD is 21/1941, 1.17%, (i.e. 1/85). The prevalence of NAFLD is 219/1941, 11.28%, (i.e. 1/9); NAFLD prevalence is 3/21 (14.3%) CD patients (p: n.s.). No sign of malnutrition is observed in CD‐NAFLD patients. Greater BMI (29,67±4,72 vs. 23,84±4,61; p<0.0001) and slightly greater insulin resistance, assessed by HOMA (2.31±1.04 vs. 1.84±1.01; p: 0.051) are overall present in NAFLD vs. CD.ConclusionNAFLD and insulin resistance are observed in CD without clear signs of malnutrition. This suggests the possible involvement of other steatogenic factors.
Point‐of‐care technology for early detection of Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: To Wilson James , Wakizaka Jason , Chen Peter , Cheung Anthony 
Published: June 2021

This study introduces innovative application technologies into mobile healthcare by pairing a widely‐available smartphone platform with computer‐assisted intravital microscopy (CAIM) to provide cost‐effective point‐of‐care analysis of the in vivo microcirculation to detect diabetic microangiopathy in children in developing countries. In diabetes mellitus, symptoms or pathologies present themselves only after significant vasculopathic damages have occurred. Since it has been previously shown that changes in the microcirculation are reflective of early changes that manifest in a disease, it would be during this small time window that the greatest potential exists for ameliorating and managing the deleterious effects of the disease.CAIM is an objective and quantitative real‐time technology designed to non‐invasively capture in vivo video images of the conjunctival microcirculation. The design concept uses state‐of‐the‐art image processing algorithms for visual detection of active adjustments in blood vessel tone (morphometry –diameter and tortuosity) and subsequent changes in flow dynamics (velocity). A simple user interface allows clinicians to easily navigate the application to calculate vessel tortuosity and diameter, and simultaneously determine blood flow velocity on a mobile device. By providing a robust platform to view, analyze and detect vasculopathy on a device that spans across various socioeconomic boundaries, healthcare can be provided to low‐resource environments in order to improve the overall welfare of the community.This study was partially funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Sequencing the mitochondrial ATP6 synthase gene: comparing variations in Limulus and Argopecten to human SNPs
Authors: Ferrara Austin , Cisto Rachael , Finnucan Kate , Fusco Sarah , Geer Emily , Lacourciere Lauren , Messologitis Katerina , Mitchell Kyle , Popolizio Christina , Vogel Briana , Paolella Mary Jane 
Published: June 2021

Mt‐ATP6 is a highly conserved gene belonging to the ATPase family, a group of enzymes required for cellular respiration in the electron transport chain. Human mutations in this gene result in neuropathy, ataxia, retinitis pigmentosa, and Leigh Syndrome. Target organisms: Argopecten irradians and Limulus polyphemus, are declining in Long Island Sound (LIS) respectively affecting the fishing industry and the availability of Limulus blue blood used in medicine.After extracting DNA from Limulus hemocyanin and Argopecten adductor muscle, two sets of overlapping primers were designed to encompass the approximate 700 base pairs of the ATP6 gene using the mitochondrial genome GenBank entries (NC_003057 and NC_012977) as templates. PCR protocols were constructed accordingly; subsequent electrophoresis revealed appropriate products which were then purified, diluted and quantitated using a biophotometer.At this writing, the primer sets will be further diluted to sequencing concentrations and the 38 templates of more than 400 base pairs each will be sequenced using the school's ABI Prism 310 Genetic Analyzer, a single capillary automated sequencer. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and translated protein sequences will be compared to the control GB entries, to each other, and to the human mt‐ATP6 gene using NCBI, ClustalW, the SNP Database, and MITOMAP data files.Women's Seamen's Friend Society of CTApplied BiosystemsWhatmanNOAA, Milford CTCarmela Cuomo, Ph.D
Impact of dietary protein (PRO) intake and high‐intensity interval exercise on abdominal obesity (AbOb) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) risk in premenopausal women
Authors: Pilolla Kari , Sweat Whitney , Maddalozzo Gianni , Manore Melinda 
Published: June 2021

PurposeTo evaluate a16‐wk energy (En)‐restricted diet with 2 levels of PRO, plus high‐intensity interval exercise (Zumba®), for reducing AbOb and MetS risk in women.MethodsSedentary, overweight, women (n=35, age=35.3±10.2y) were randomly assigned to −300kcal/d En‐restricted, Exchange‐based diets with either 15% PRO (15PRO) or 25% PRO including 20g/d supplemented whey PRO (25PRO). Exercise was 45min/d, 3d/wk of Zumba® and 45min/d, 2d/wk of self‐selected moderate‐intensity aerobic exercise. Body weight (BW), waist circumference (WC), body fat, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), trigylcerides (TG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C), and resting blood pressure (RBP) were assessed pre‐ and post‐intervention.ResultsThere were significant time, but not group, differences between 15PRO and 25PRO, respectively, in BW (−5.8±2.7kg;−4.5±2.4kg, p=0.0141), WC (−8.0±3.6cm; −6.7±3.5cm, p<0.001), abdominal fat (−5.9±2.6%; −4.5±2.5%, p<0.0001), total body fat (−3.8±1.3%; − 2.9±1.8%, p=0.0002), and TG (−37.0±61.0mg/dl; −14.3±42.1mg/dl, p<0.05). There were no differences for time or group for FPG, HDL‐C, or RBP.ConclusionBoth diets effectively reduced AbOb; thus, increasing PRO intake did not improve AbOb or MetS risk beyond En‐restriction, healthy eating and food selection behaviors, and high‐intensity exercise. Funded by Standard Process, Inc and USDA Nat'l Needs Graduate Fellowship.Grant Funding Source : Standard Process, Inc
Impact of iron‐containing micronutrient supplementation on high hemoglobin concentration during pregnancy
Authors: Li Hong-tian , Mei Zuguo , Ren Aiguo , Serdula Mary , Cogswell Mary , Liu Jian-meng 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveWe aimed to examine the impact of prenatal iron‐containing micronutrient supplementation on high hemoglobin (Hb) level during the second trimester and postpartum.MethodsWe conducted a randomized controlled trial among nulliparous Chinese pregnant women with Hb ≥100g/L. Women were enrolled before 20 weeks gestation and randomized to receive daily folic acid (FA), iron + folic acid (IFA), or iron, folic acid, + 13 other micronutrient (MN). Hb was measured at enrollment, 24–28 weeks gestation, and 4–8 weeks postpartum. High Hb was defined as Hb≥132g/L. Of 18,775 women randomized, 13,992 remained in the analysis after excluding 4102 women with baseline Hb ≥132g/L and 681 women without subsequent Hb tests.ResultsBaseline characteristics and adherence did not differ by groups. The rate of high Hb during 24–28 weeks gestation for FA, IFA, and MN group was 5.9%, 5.8%, and 6.4%, respectively; corresponding rate during 4–8 weeks postpartum was 11.9%, 12.3%, and 13.1%, respectively. Compared to FA, the relative risk (95% CI) of high Hb during 24–28 weeks was 0.96 (0.82, 1.13) for IFA and 1.09 (0.93, 1.28) for MN; corresponding relative risk at 4–8 weeks postpartum was 1.03 (0.93, 1.15) and 1.10 (0.99, 1.22).ConclusionCompared with FA, IFA or MN supplementation was not associated with high Hb concentration during pregnancy or postpartum.The study is funded by a cooperative agreement between PUHSC and CDC.Grant Funding Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Hyposmotic Stress‐induced Cytoplasmic Calcium Increase Involves TRPV4 and Src Family Kinase Activation
Authors: Mandal Amritlal , Shahidullah Mohammad , Delamere Nicholas A 
Published: June 2021

Many cells respond to osmotic stress by releasing ATP that acts as an extracellular signal for purinergic receptors. Receptor‐triggered increases of calcium and activation of Src family tyrosine kinases (SFKs) have previously been observed in lens epithelium. Here we examined the effect of hyposmotic stress on cytoplasmic calcium [(Ca2+)i] response.Hyposmotic solution caused an immediate increase in (Ca2+)i. The selective Src Family Kinase (SFK) inhibitor PP2 suppressed the calcium increase. Hyposmotic solution was found to cause SFK activation which is significantly suppressed by RN 1734, a selective TRPV4 antagonist. The hypotonicity‐induced (Ca2+)i increase also was prevented by RN 1734 or HC 067047. TRPV4 agonist, GSK1016790A or 4á‐PDD caused similar increase in (Ca2+)i as that caused by hyposmotic stress. Expression of TRPV4 was confirmed by western blot. Pertussis toxin pretreatment for 24h blocked the calcium response. The calcium response points to the involvement of P2‐purinoceptors and G protein. Consistent with this notion, intact lenses released ATP when exposed to hyposmotic solution.The results suggest that the hyposmotic stress‐induced (Ca2+)i increase is the result of an interaction between purinergic P2 receptors and SFK. TRPV4 activation induced calcium entry could be the early mechanism for the complex signaling pathways in the lenses response to osmotic stress.
Aging and the effect of autonomic blockade on central and peripheral pulse wave velocity
Authors: Harvey Ronee , Casey Darren P. , Hart Emma C. , Charkoudian Nisha , Curry Timothy B. , Joyner Michael J. , Barnes Jill N. 
Published: June 2021

Pulse wave velocity (PWV) and sympathetic nerve activity increase with age. However, it is unknown if the age‐related increase in sympathetic activity influences PWV. We determined the effect of autonomic blockade on peripheral and central arterial stiffness in young (23 ± 4 yr) and older, postmenopausal (57 ± 3 yr) women before and during administration of trimethaphan camsylate. Arterial tonometry was used to measure carotid‐radial (peripheral) and carotid‐femoral (central) PWV. The groups did not differ in height, weight, BMI, or mean arterial pressure (MAP). At baseline, peripheral PWV did not differ between the groups. However, central PWV was significantly greater in older women compared with young women (8.2 vs. 6.1 m/s, respectively; p<0.05). Trimethaphan infusion caused a substantial drop in MAP; therefore, we corrected PWV for the change in MAP. Peripheral PWV was greater in older women compared with young women (0.12 vs. 0.08 m/s·mmHg−1; p<0.05). In addition, central PWV remained higher in older women during trimethaphan infusion (0.11 vs. 0.08 m/s·mmHg−1 in young; p<0.05). In conclusion, central PWV was greater in older women before and during autonomic blockade, whereas peripheral PWV was only higher in the older women after autonomic blockade. This suggests that peripheral PWV is influenced by sympathetic activity to a greater extent in young vs. older women.Funded by NIH