bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of the Anillin‐related Protein Mid1 With Actin
Authors: Jakubowski Jennifer L , Hart Dawn M Clifford 
Published: June 2021

Schizosaccharyomyces pombe, like human cells, divide symmetrically through constriction of an acto‐myosin ring. The conserved protein Mid1 plays a key role in the early assembly of the ring. Cells lacking mid1 form acto‐myosin rings that are non‐centered and disorganized, resulting in unequal division of the cellular contents. In human cells a Mid1 related protein called anillin regulates contraction of this ring. Anillin contains an actin binding domain that is necessary for the protein's direct association with actin. Unlike anillin, Mid1 does not contain an actin binding domain, and its ability to interact directly with actin has not been previously reported. However, previous studies show that anillin depleted and Mid1 depleted cells show similar defects in ring placement, ring formation, and cytokinesis. To assess whether or not Mid1 directly associates with actin, in vitro actin binding assays were performed. To further characterize the relationship between Mid1 and the acto‐myosin ring, we tested the ability of actin to bind GST‐Mid1 fragments with and without targeted mutations. Determining which members of the acto‐myosin ring associate directly with actin, an essential ring component, will provide significant insight into the molecular details of cytokinesis.Research supported by NSF‐Advance and GVSU.
Bardet‐Biedl Sydrome (BBS) proteins play a role in Centrosome Amplification
Authors: Teixeira Miguel G , Zhang Qihong , Sheffield Val C , Kooyman David L 
Published: June 2021

Many cancers result from mitotic or apoptotic abnormalities. We and others have previously shown that BBS proteins are involved in centrosome organization and regulation. We observed centrosomal clusters in renal epithelial primary cells obtained from BBS mutant mice. Along with the extra centrosomes, we observed a marked increase in the amount of gamma‐tubulin in BBS renal epithelial cells compared to wild type controls. It was unclear if these phenomena were related to the cell culture or a hallmark of BBS mutations. Therefore, we compared BBS mutant and wild type primary renal epithelial cells in culture with kidney sections of the same mice. Although the culture of cells exacerbates the phenotype, we demonstrate a definitive increase in centrosome number within cells in fixed kidneys obtained from BBS mutant mice as compared to wild type controls. We hypothesize that BBS proteins are involved in the regulation or transport of proteins destined for proteosome degradation. Specifically targeting cancer cells with multiple centrosomes presents a viable and novel therapy. Confirming BBS proteins role in centrosome regulation may help to better understand tumorigenesis.This work was supported by the NIH and HHMI.
Flavin‐dependent N‐hydroxylating enzymes from Mycobacterium smegmatis and Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Sobrado Pablo , Chocklett Wyatt , Robinson Reeder 
Published: June 2021

Siderophores are iron‐binding molecules required for virulence by several human pathogens. M. tuberculosis and A. fumigatus siderophores contain hydroxamate groups that are essential for iron binding. Hydroxamate‐containing siderophores are synthesized via the hydroxylation of the amino groups on the side chains of lysine and ornithine by flavin‐dependent N‐hydroxylating enzymes. The N6‐lysine hydroxylase from Mycobacterium smegmatis (MbsG) and the N5‐ornithine hydroxylase from Aspergillus fumigatus (SidA) have been shown to be essential for virulence in these organisms and, thus, represent attractive drug targets. Currently, there is no biochemical or structural information about these enzymes. We present the cloning, expression, and characterization of MbsG and SidA. These enzymes are expressed in the active form containing tightly bound FAD. Kinetic characterization with NADPH, NADH, and various amine containing substrates is also presented and we demonstrate that dinucleotide‐induced conformational changes are required to stabilize the peroxyflavin in this family of enzymes.This research was partially funded by grants from the Oak Ridge Associated Universities and the Virginia Academy of Sciences.
Electrochemical and Spectroscopic Studies of Stellacyanin of Japanese Lacquer Tree Sap from Oku‐kuji, Japan
Authors: Takahashi Rika , Terakado Hideto , Kohzuma Takamitsu 
Published: June 2021

Stellacyanin from Japanese lacquer tree is a member of blue copper protein, which shows an intense absorption at ~600 nm. The electrochemical and spectroscopic properties of stellacyanin have been investigated by cyclic voltammetry, electronic absorption, and resonance Raman (RR) spectroscopy. Stellacyanin was extracted and purified from the acetone powder of the lacquer tree sap provided by Oku‐Kuji Laquer Tree Sap Union. Cyclic voltammograms of stellacyanin were recorded at various promoter modified gold electrodes to know the electron transfer manner of the protein. Stellacyanin showed well defined quasi‐reversible electrochemical behavior at 4, 4_f‐pyridinedisulfide (4‐PDS), 3‐dithiopropionate (3‐DTP), or mercaptosuccinate (MSA) modified Au electrode, and the reduction potential of stellacyanin from Oku‐Kuji was estimated to be 161 mV at pH 7.0. The quasi‐reversible behavior of stellacyanin was not observed at a diethylaminoethanethiol (DEAET) at pH 7.0 and 3‐DTP or MSA/Au electrode at pH 11.0. These results could be concluded that the surface conserved lysine residue of stellacyanin is important for the electron transfer. Related spectroscopic studies will be reported.This work was supported by the Project of Development of Basic Technologies for Advanced Production Methods Using Microorganism Functions by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO).
Development of an ELISA‐based screening assay for the selection of α‐Synuclein Phosphorylation modulators
Authors: Arteaga Alexandra , Luzardo Melissa , Segatori Laura 
Published: June 2021

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of dopaminenergic neurons. Affected neurons typically present accumulation of misfolded proteins into insoluble amyloid‐like aggregates (Lewy bodies). The most abundant protein present in Lewy bodies is α‐synuclein (α‐syn), a naturally unfolded monomeric protein that at high concentrations oligomerizes to form protofibrils, which can further aggregate in the form of fibrils and precipitate into Lewy bodies. α‐syn is hyperphosphorylated in brain tissue of PD patients, suggesting a role for phosphorylation of α‐syn in PD pathogenesis. However, the causative correlation between α‐syn phosphorylation, the formation of soluble oligomers and insoluble deposits, and cellular toxicity is still unclear. In order to investigate the correlation between α‐syn phosphorylation and cellular toxicity, we are developing an ELISA based assay for the detection of phosphorylated and non‐phosphorylated α‐syn. This assay will be optimized for the screening of small molecule libraries, particularly kinase and phosphatase inhibitors.This research was made possible by the Minority Access to Research Careers program for funding this wonderful opportunity, and the Alliances for Graduate Education and the Proffesoriate at Rice University.
Angiogenic and Inflammatory activities are modulated in vivo by polyphenol supplemented beer
Authors: Negrão Rita , Costa Raquel , Duarte Delfim , Taveira‐Gomes Tiago , Mendanha Mário , Soares Raquel 
Published: June 2021

Angiogenesis is deregulated in pathologies like cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Hops used in beer production contain xanthohumol (XN), converted to other products during beer production. XN seems to influence inflammation and angiogenesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vivo effect of a XN supplemented stout beer on angiogenesis and inflammation. Wistar rats drank stout beer or stout beer supplemented with XN, during 30 days. Then longitudinal incisions were created on the dorsal skin. Animals continue to ingest the beverages for 7 days. Treatment with stout beer supplemented with XN seem to diminish the number of vessels formed in wounded tissue (vWF) and decrease N‐acetylglucosaminidase activity, NO release and also IL‐1fÒ in the serum. These findings suggest that XN supplemented beer may affect the wound healing process, diminishing inflammation and angiogenesis, by gastrointestinal administration, resulting in systemic effects. They also provide clues to the development of useful preventive or therapeutic nutritional supplementation, against inflammation‐ and angiogenesis‐associated pathologies.Supported by FCT (SFRH/BD/41888/2007), iBeSa (P10‐08) and University of Porto/Santander Totta.
Tea and policosanol act through different mechanisms to activate AMP‐kinase and suppress HMG‐CoA reductase to inhibit cholesterol synthesis
Authors: Banerjee Subhashis , Porter Todd D 
Published: June 2021

Policosanol is a mixture of long‐chain primary alcohols that has been reported to decrease serum cholesterol in animals and in man. Similarly, green and black tea consumption has been associated with lower serum cholesterol levels in both clinical and epidemiological studies. Our laboratory has shown that these botanicals decrease cholesterol synthesis in cultured hepatoma cells by activating AMP‐kinase, a key metabolic regulatory enzyme, which then phosphorylates HMG‐CoA reductase, the regulatory step in cholesterol synthesis, to suppress its activity. The present studies were undertaken to identify the mechanism by which these substances activate AMP‐kinase. Treatment of rat hepatoma cells with green or black tea extract or policosanol increased the phosphorylation of AMP‐kinase by 6.6‐, 3.3‐ and 3‐fold, respectively, and increased the phosphorylation (inactivation) of HMG‐CoA reductase by 2.5‐fold. Phosphorylation of LKB1, thought to be the principal activator of AMP‐kinase, was increased by greater than 4‐fold by treatment with either tea extract, but was not significantly affected by policosanol. Current data further suggest that phosphorylation of LKB1 by green tea is mediated by PKCζ, while LKB1 activation by black tea involves PKA. In contrast, treatment of cells with policosanol increased the amount of phosphorylated CaMKK, which can directly activate AMP‐kinase. siRNA‐mediated suppression of fatty aldehyde dehydrogenase, fatty acyl CoA synthase 4, or β‐ketothiolase in hepatoma cells prevented the phosphorylation of AMP‐kinase and HMG‐CoA reductase by policosanol, indicating that metabolism of these long‐chain alcohols to fatty acids and subsequent peroxisomal β‐oxidation is necessary for their suppression of cholesterol synthesis.Grant Funding Source: NIH AT 003488
Regulation of cathepsins in adipose tissue and macrophages in obesity
Authors: Hannaford Jennifer Elyse , Chen Xiaoli 
Published: June 2021

Obesity and its related chronic inflammation are major risk factors for developing metabolic disturbances. The roles of cathepsins, cysteine proteases, have been tied to adipogenesis, inflammation, and atherosclerosis. The objectives of this study were to examine the regulation of cathepsins in adipose tissue and macrophages in genetic and diet‐induced obesity, and explore cathepsin activity with cholesterol metabolism macrophages. We found cathepsins to be upregulated in obese Zucker rats compared to lean counterparts, especially in the stromal vascular (S‐V) fraction of adipose tissue. Mice fed high fat diet compared to low fat diet showed increased cathepsin protein expression in adipose tissue; this affect was attenuated with a PPARγ agonist. TNFα did not affect cathepsin L expression in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes, but LPS simulation significantly increased cathepsin L expression in Raw264.7 macrophages. This supported in vivo data that the S‐V fraction accounted for increased cathepsin expression in obesity. In regards to cholesterol metabolism, LPS inflammatory stimulation of macrophages lead to an increased expression of NPC2, a cholesterol trafficking protein; NPC2 expression was decreased with cathepsin inhibitors in basal and LPS‐stimulated states in macrophages. In conclusion, cathepsins appear to be involved in the inflammatory response and in cholesterol metabolism.Grant Funding Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Grant No. 2 P30DK050456 (Minnesota Obesity Center)
Influence of honey versus sucrose on glucose, insulin and lipid responses in mice
Authors: Nemoseck Tricia , Cole Sarah , Petrisko Yumi , Hong Mee Young , Kern Mark 
Published: June 2021

We previously reported that honey may reduce weight gain and adiposity compared to sucrose in adult rats. Our goal was to determine the influence of honey versus sucrose on adiposity and plasma concentrations of glucose, insulin and lipids in weanling mice. Thirty male ICR mice (34.0 ± 2.4g) were equally divided into two groups and fed ad libitum one of two isoenergetic diets differing only in a portion of the carbohydrate provided. Diets contained 20% carbohydrate (by weight of total diet) from either clover honey or sucrose. After 34 days, fat pads were excised and blood was collected. Weight gain and fat pad weights were similar (p>.05) between mice fed honey and sucrose. Non‐fasting plasma glucose and fasting glucose and insulin levels were lower (p≤.05) by 11%, 21% and 33%, respectively, for honey‐fed mice compared to sucrose‐fed mice. Total cholesterol was 18% higher (p≤.05) for mice fed honey versus sucrose: however, no differences (p>.05) in triglyceride or HDL‐cholesterol levels were detected. These results suggest that in comparison to sucrose, consuming a diet containing honey may promote better glucose control but worse cholesterol concentrations while not altering adiposity in young, growing mice. More research is necessary to better understand the possible health influences of honey versus refined sugars following acute and long‐term exposures.Sponsored by American Heart Association
Practices of obstetricians regarding early mother‐to‐newborn skin‐to‐skin contact, early initiation of breastfeeding and delayed cord clamping
Authors: Begum Khadija , Dewey Kathryn G. 
Published: June 2021

Early mother‐to‐newborn skin‐to‐skin contact (SSC) promotes early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF), which in turn decreases neonatal mortality. Delayed cord clamping (DCC) improves iron status of infants, but may be erroneously regarded as incompatible with early SSC. Despite international recommendations for these evidence‐based practices, data are lacking on their adoption by obstetricians. We conducted a survey of 142 obstetricians from 60 countries who attended the 2009 FIGO World Congress of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Although early SSC and BF within 1 h of birth were facilitated by 79% and 82%, respectively, of the obstetricians, adherence to DCC practice was lower (12%).

World region
Early SSC (%)
BF within 1 h (%)
DCC ≥ 3 min (%)

Africa
81
87
5

Americas
87
80
20

Eastern Mediterranean
39
46
0

Europe
90
88
27

Southeast Asia
60
90
5

Western Pacific
91
73
0

Total
79
82
12

Significant regional variation was observed for each of these practices, with p values of .001, .014 and .009 respectively for early SSC, EIBF and DCC. Facilitation of early SSC was > 90% in both Europe and Western Pacific region, but adherence to DCC was more common in Europe. We conclude that DCC has not been well integrated into current obstetric practice. Identification of the obstacles preventing integration and implementation of these three practices is needed, especially in regions with high neonatal morbidity and mortality.Supported by UC Davis
B12 vitamin and folate nutritional status in Mexican children under five years old.
Authors: Cuevas‐Nasu Lucia , Shamah‐Levy Teresa , Villalpando Salvador , Gómez‐Humarán Ignacio Méndez 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveTo evaluate the prevalence of B12 vitamin and folate deficiency in Mexican population under five years old.Methodsthe data used in the present study was obtained from the National Health and Nutrition survey 2006. Venous blood samples were collected from a subset composed by 2674 randomly selected children (weighted 7,796,342 children). Deficiencies were categorized as Vitamin B12 <203 pg/mL, folate <4ng/mL. Logistic regression models were tested, adjusting by age, sex, socioeconomic status and to be beneficiary of the “Oportunidades” governmental program.ResultsB12 vitamin deficiency was 10%; urban localities (7.4%) vs rural localities (12.2%), the South Region of the country shown the highest prevalence of deficiency (13.7%) vs North and Center. Socioeconomic level, dietary fiber and age were all factors positively associated with B12 deficiency. Folate deficiency prevalence was 2.9 % at national level, South Region presented the highest prevalence (3.5%) in contrast with the North 2.3% and Center 2.5%.ConclusionsB12 Vitamin and folate deficiency in children under 5 years old was higher in rural areas and the south region of the country were the poorest families inhabit. Due to this to carry out actions like fortify foods focused in this age group that prevent deficiencies of this micronutrients must be a first concern in order to promote a healthy growth and development.
Reproducibility regarding the age of introduction of complementary foods to infants as self‐reported by urban and rural low‐income mothers in Guatemala
Authors: Soto María José , Campos Raquel , Hernández Liza , Vossenaar Marieke , Solomons Noel W 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundMany published reports in complementary feeding practices rely on a 1‐time maternal response regarding introduction of foods to the breast‐fed infant's diet.ObjectiveTo determine the consistency over 3 separate administrations of the responses to a questionnaire regarding first introduction of 10 selected complementary foods.MethodsAs part of a larger study among 6–12 mo old infants (n=50, rural; n=64 urban), mothers were interviewed on 3 occasions within an interval of 2 to 14 wks, and asked the age of their infant on introduction of: Incaparina, oatmeal, rice, fruits, vegetables, white roll, sweet roll, prepared baby food, potato and coffee. A score of 3 (full repetition), 2 (2 of 3 consistent) and 0 (3 distinct answers) was given for each food (“food score”), and summed across all foods for a “maternal score”.ResultsThe mean maternal scores for overall reproducibility were 20±6 (urban) and 22±5 (rural), out of a maximal score of 30 (p=0.01). The same 4 foods (white rolls, sweet rolls, baby food, and coffee) were the most reproducible for both settings.ConclusionsThe high degree of consistency in the responses adds confidence to the proposition that published data on age of complementary food introduction is generally valid.
Sex differences in response to a Mediterranean diet on cardiovascular risk profile
Authors: Bédard Alexandra , Riverin Mélissa , Dodin Sylvie , Corneau Louise , Lemieux Simone 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveTo investigate differences between men and women with regard to changes in metabolic parameters associated with cardiovascular risks in response to a 4‐week eucaloric controlled nutritional intervention based on the traditional Mediterranean diet.MethodsParticipants were men and premenopausal women who had a slightly elevated plasma LDL‐cholesterol concentration (between 3.4 and 4.9 mM) and at least one factor of the metabolic syndrome. During the intervention, all foods and drinks concordant with the traditional Mediterranean diet were provided to participants. Metabolic parameters were measured before and after the controlled intervention. These preliminary analyses included data from 23 men and 16 women.ResultsCompared with baseline, plasma concentrations of total cholesterol, LDL‐cholesterol and apolipoprotein‐B significantly decreased in both men and women (respectively 9%, 10% and 9% for men and 9%, 9% and 12% for women; P<0.05). Significant decreases in area under the insulin curve and a significant improvement in insulin sensitivity were observed only in men (P<0.05).ConclusionAccording to our preliminary results, consuming a traditional Mediterranean diet leads to significant changes in plasma lipid‐lipoprotein profile in both men and women. Significant improvements in plasma glucose–insulin homeostasis were observed, but in men only.Supported by CIHR and HSFC
Effect of almond consumption on the serum fatty acid profile: a dose response study
Authors: Kendall Cyril WC , Nishi Stephanie , Yoon Ana‐Maria , Esfahani Amin , Bazinet Richard P , Lapsey Karen G , Jenkins David JA 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundStudies indicate that diets high in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) can improve the blood fatty acid profile, by elevating oleic acid concentrations, and as such, relate to a decreased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). Almonds are a good source of MUFA.ObjectiveTo assess the dose‐response effect of almonds compared to low‐fat muffins on the blood fatty acid profile and blood lipid risk factors of CHD in hyperlipidemic subjects.DesignIn a randomized controlled crossover study, 27 hyperlipidemic men and women consumed three iso‐energetic (mean 423 kcal/d) supplements in one‐month phases. The supplements consisted of full‐dose almonds (50–100g/d), half‐dose almonds with half‐dose muffins, and full‐dose muffins. Fasting blood was obtained at weeks 0 and 4 of each treatment.ResultsOn both the half‐ and full‐dose almond supplements, there were significant increases in the oleic acid fraction of the blood lipid fractions. In addition, significant reductions were seen, respectively, for Total‐C (P=0.035; P=0.002), LDL‐C (P=0.021; P<0.001), Total:HDL‐C (P=0.003; P<0.001) and LDL:HDL‐C (P=0.002; P<0.001) with increases in HDL‐C (P=0.021; P=0.014).ConclusionAlmond consumption significantly increased the oleic acid content of the blood lipid fractions and significantly improved blood lipid risk factors for CHD.(Funded by the Almond Board of California)
L‐4F Rescues the Metabolic Syndrome Phenotype of HO‐2 Null Mice via Insulin, Adiponectin, & LKB1 Signaling Pathways
Authors: Angevine Kristine Rose , Burgess Angela P , Vanella Luca , Kim Dong Hyun , Sodhi Komal , Peterson Stephen J , Abraham Nader G , Mensah‐Osman Edith 
Published: June 2021

The development of apoA‐I mimetic peptides, such as 4F, has been shown to decrease ROS and adiposity. Studies suggest that CYP‐derived epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) decrease adiposity and participate in vascular protection. We hypothesized that the apolipoprotein mimetic peptide, L‐4F, may reduce adiposity and oxidative stress in mice lacking heme oxygenase‐2 genes, which displays obesity and metabolic syndrome via an increase in EET synthesis.Wild type and HO‐2−/− Mice were divided into three groups: Vehicle treated, L4‐F treated, and L4‐F + SnMP (antagonist to HO‐1), and injected with 2mg/kg via IP daily for 8 weeks.L‐4F‐mediated increases in EETs levels were associated with increases in adiponectin, pLKB‐1, pAMPK and NO levels in HO‐2−/− mice. Suppression of HO activity by administration of SnMP to L4‐F‐treated HO‐2−/− mice reverses adiposity and decreases adiponectin levels. The anti‐obesity effects of L‐4F are manifested by a decrease in visceral fat content with reciprocal increases in adiponectin, LKB‐1 and pAMPK.The increase in adiponectin, LKB‐1 and pAMPK resulted in restoration of vascular dysfunction as seen by a decrease in adiposity and improved insulin sensitivity, suggesting the L4‐F may have beneficial effects on obesity, diabetes, and atherosclerosis.