bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Selenium compounds activate early barriers of tumorigenesis
Authors: Wu Min , Kang Mandy M , Schoene Norberta W , Cheng Wen‐Hsing 
Published: June 2021

Selenium chemoprevention by apoptosis has been well studied, but it is not clear whether selenium can activate early barriers of tumorigenesis, namely senescence and DNA damage response. To address this issue, we treated normal and cancerous cells with a gradient concentration of sodium selenite, methylseleninic acid and methylselenocysteine for 48 hours, followed by a recovery of 1–7 days. Here we show that doses of the selenium compounds ≤LD50 can induce cellular senescence, as evidenced by the expression of senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase and 5‐bromo‐2‐deoxyuridine incorporation, in normal but not cancerous cells. In response to clastogens, ATM is rapidly activated, which in turn initiates a cascade of DNA damage response. We found that the ATM pathway is activated by the selenium compounds, and the kinase activity is required for the selenium‐induced senescence response. Pre‐treatment of the MRC‐5 cells with an antioxidant, N‐acetyl cysteine, prevents the Se‐induced ATM activation and senescence. Taken together, the results suggest a novel role of selenium in the activation of tumorigenesis barriers specific in non‐cancerous cells, whereby selenium induces an ATM‐dependent senescence response that depends on reactive oxygen species.Grant Funding Source: University of maryland
Transmembrane topology of the mammalian Zip14 metal‐ion transporter
Authors: Zhao Ningning , Knutson Mitchell 
Published: June 2021

Zip14 belongs to the SLC39A family of metal‐ion transporters. Similar to general topology models of SLC39A proteins, Zip14 has been predicted to have 8 transmembrane domains with extracellular N‐ and C‐termini. In the present study, we used epitope tagging to investigate the topology of mouse Zip14. We inserted into Zip14 small antigenic FLAG peptides in the N‐terminus, C‐terminus, as well as the large extramembrane domain containing a histidine‐rich motif. The tagged proteins were expressed in HEK293 cells, and the polarity of the FLAG tags with respect to the plasma membrane were determined by immunofluorescence analysis of intact and permeabilized cells. Furthermore, glycosylation sites were identified by mutating each of the 5 potential N‐linked glycosylation sites, followed by Western blotting. Based on our analyses, combined with computer‐derived models, we conclude that mouse Zip14 has 7 transmembrane domains, an intracellular histidine‐rich region and c‐terminus, and an extracellular N‐terminus that is glycosylated at asparagines 52, 75, 85 and 100. The empirically determined structure of Zip14 will help to guide structure‐function analyses of this zinc/iron transporter.Grant Funding Source: national institute of health
Slowly digestible starch diets alter proximal glucosidase activity and glucose absorption
Authors: Yan Like , Avery Stephen E. , Chacko Shaji K. , Fraley J. Ken , Vohra F. , Nichols Buford L. , Hamaker Bruce R. 
Published: June 2021

Sucrase‐isomaltase (Si) and maltase‐glucoamylase (Mgam) are mucosal glucosidases required for digestion of starch to glucose. Ablation of maltase‐Mgam reduces in vivo starch digestion.AimTest whether slowly digestible starch diets induce changes in glucosidase activities.MethodsRice starch was encapsulated in alginate microspheres to target small intestinal sites of starch digestion. Three groups of eight 8‐wk old mice were given a maize 13C‐starch test feed. Then they were fed rice maltodextrin, 0.5% rice starch microspheres, or 1% rice starch microspheres diets for 7 d, and a second maize 13C‐starch test feed. Blood 13C‐glucose produced from fed maize 13C‐starch was measured by GC‐MS. Activities of sucrase, maltase, and glucoamylase were measured by Dahlqvist assays.ResultsAbsorption of glucose from 13C‐starch was suppressed by feeding slowly digestible starch diets (ANOVA 0.000). Correlation was found between jejunal Si and Mgam activities and glucose absorption from 13C‐starch (R2 0.64, 0.67). Jejunal Si and Mgam activities were correlated (R2 0.74).Conclusions1. Slowly digestible starch diets down‐regulate jejunal Mgam and Si activities. 2. Negative feedback on Si and Mgam activities regulates subsequent absorption of glucose from starch.Grant Funding Source: internal funding
Molecular comparison of WT and F92A Caveolin‐1: Direction towards increasing Nitric Oxide bioavailability
Authors: Sharma Arpeeta , Yu Carol , Bernatchez Pascal 
Published: June 2021

INTRODUCTIONEndothelial dysfunction is characterized by the loss of endothelial cell (EC)‐derived Nitric Oxide (NO) release and increased superoxide anion (O2−). Endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) is the enzyme that synthesizes NO and O2− in physiological and pathological settings, respectively. Caveolin‐1 (Cav‐1) is the major coat protein of caveolae that binds to and inhibits eNOS NO release, and we have shown that Cav‐1 F92 is the amino acid that inhibits NO release (Bernatchez, PNAS 2005). Interestingly, our unpublished observations show that F92A Cav‐1 mutant can INCREASE NO release.OBJECTIVETo determine how F92A Cav‐1 increases NO releaseMETHODSWe performed a biochemical comparison of WT vs F92A Cav‐1 to determine if the F92A mutation affects its activity. We also looked at Cav‐1 F92A substitution on eNOS O2− release.RESULTSWT Cav‐1 (25kDa) targets to caveolae and oligomerizes into high MW homo‐oligomers (350–600 kDa). Interestingly, F92A Cav‐1 enrichment in caveolae and homo‐oligomers are identical to WT Cav‐1, and by GST pulldown assays we show that WT and F92A Cav‐1 bind identically to eNOS. However, we have observed that F92A Cav‐1 can decrease O2− release as compared to WT Cav‐1.CONCLUSIONThese data show that F92A Cav‐1 binds eNOS, prevents WT Cav‐1 inhibition of eNOS and decreases O2− release, and suggest that eNOS‐Cav‐1 interaction is a therapeutic target for improving NO bioavailability.
Low‐tech anatomy ‐ Bringing back games, music and art!
Authors: Elzie Carrie 
Published: June 2021

Many of the great, new teaching initiatives in gross anatomy have centered on technology. While I am strong proponent of technology‐driven teaching activities, I, like many anatomists, work in an anatomy lab devoid of any technology with little hope of change in today's economic climate. As dreary as that may sound, I would like to offer solace in the form of low‐tech teaching ideas for anatomy – games, music and art. Games are an easy low‐stress way to reinforce anatomy concepts and classical teaching techniques. For example, learning the foramina by which cranial nerves exit the head is a staple in anatomy, which is usually taught with pipe‐cleaners and skulls. I have prefaced this activity with a competition bean bag toss with the cranial nerves as the bean bags and the holes as the foramen. Other games that can be employed in the anatomy lab include scavenger hunts, twister, Pictionary and plinko. Practical directions on how to incorporate many types of games, music and art will be discussed in details for a low‐cost, low‐tech way to enhance anatomy teaching. While these activities may be low‐tech, they do not fall short on education or fun and offer a welcome change of pace to medical curricula.Grant Funding Source: none
A novel seven‐layered approach to teaching body wall anatomy
Authors: Barker Jordan P , Livdahl Nicholas S , Morton David A 
Published: June 2021

The anatomy of the body wall is traditionally presented as a vast litany of anatomic structures (i.e. Endothoracic fascia, Scarpa's fascia). Our objective was to show that the body wall could be more effectively presented using a seven‐layered pattern, which incorporates the litany of anatomic structures. From superficial to deep the seven layers consist of the skin, hypodermis, external muscle fascia, muscle, internal muscle fascia, extra‐coelomic tissue, and coelomic sac. To demonstrate this pattern, we constructed a 30‐minute PowerPoint presentation detailing the seven‐layered pattern in the thorax, abdomen, pelvis, perineum, and scrotum. The presentation was given to 84 medical and dental students who had previously been taught body wall anatomy using a traditional approach. Students completed a survey assessing their perception of the seven‐layered pattern. Results showed preference to the seven‐layered pattern over a traditional method when learning body wall anatomy. We conclude that it would be beneficial to incorporate this seven‐layered pattern into anatomic pedagogy to better help students see consistency between body wall regions and simplicity in trunk design.Grant Funding Source: AAA
Brain morphology of children with cleft lip and/or palate
Authors: Chollet Madeleine Blair , Nopoulos Peg , Conrad Amy , DeLeon Valerie 
Published: June 2021

Children with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) may suffer from specific cognitive deficits in rapid verbal labeling, verbal fluency, and short‐term memory, and ~35% have a reading disability that is similar to developmental dyslexia. Two recent neuroanatomical studies reported that children with CL/P have a smaller total brain volume than their peers, with a reduced cerebellum and frontal lobe and an enlarged occipital lobe, suggesting that cognitive deficits may be related to abnormal brain structure and development. The purpose of this study was to compare the brain shape of children with cleft lip and palate (CLP), cleft palate only (CP), and matched controls (n = 26), and to determine the effect of reading disability on brain shape. We used geometric morphometrics to analyze brain shape based on cortical and subcortical landmarks (k = 15) from MR data. Significant differences were found between controls and CLPs (α < 0.05), but not between controls and CPs or CLPs and CPs using Goodall's F‐test. Shape differences in CLP brains are due primarily to reorientation of the cerebellum and lengthening of the corpus callosum. Among CPs, brain shape differs between those with and without reading disability (p < 0.0005). This study is the first to characterize brain shape in children with CL/P and to document the association of reading disability and brain shape in children with CL/P.Grant Funding Source: none
Like parent, like child: do children eat like the adults in the household?
Authors: Kranz Sibylle , Wagstaff David , Smiciklas‐Wright Helen 
Published: June 2021

This study is based on data from a nationally representative sample of U.S. households in the Continuing Survey of Food Intake by Individuals (CSFII 1994–96) to examine the relationship between the dietary intakes of the female heads of household (FHH) and 2–18 years old children residing in the same household (n=3144). Association between FHH's diet on childrens' intake was investigated by fitting multiple regression models controlling for socio‐demographic variables. Analysis was conducted by in STATA 10.1. FHH intake levels were only associated with those of male and female children for few food groups or nutrients: Regression coefficients were statistically significant between FHH's and male children's vegetables (0.63 (p‐value<0.001)) and vitamin A (0.65 (p‐value<0.001)) intakes while significant correlation coefficients between FHH's and female children's intake for vegetable intake was only 0.54 (p‐value<0.001) and meat (0.47 (p‐value<0.001)). This study indicates that correlations between dietary intakes of FHH and the intakes of the children residing in the same household were lower than anticipated. Further research is needed to understand the importance of adult modeling of dietary intake behavior on childrens' diets.Support from NIH grant number: R503HD050239
Omega‐3 Fatty‐Acid Intake in Relation to Serum Lipid Concentrations in African‐Americans: Jackson Heart Study (JHS)
Authors: Landry Latrice Goosby , Taylor Herman A. , Carithers Teresa , Lichtenstein Alice H. , Tucker Katherine L. 
Published: June 2021

Diets high in ω‐3 fatty‐acids (FA) are associated with healthier lipid profiles. This study examines the relationship between ω‐3 FA intake and serum lipids in a cohort of African‐Americans. Using SAS 9.1, we calculated mean intake of total ω‐3 FA, α‐linolenic (ALA), eicosapentaenoic (EPA), and docasahexaenoic (DHA) from a FFQ. We examined the association between percent of energy from ω‐3 FA(s) with high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglyceride (TG) concentrations. Multiple regression adjusting for age, sex, and BMI was done including 4,771 members of JHS. Average intake of DHA+EPA was <0.5g/day and intake of ALA averaged 1.5g/day. Omega‐3 FA intake was not associated with LDL concentration. Percent ALA showed a marginally positive association with HDL cholesterol (p=0.06). A strong negative association was found between ALA (p=0.006) and TG concentration. No significant associations were found with DHA and EPA and serum lipids. The data show strong negative associations between ALA and ω‐3 with TG and a weaker positive association with HDL. Consistent with the literature, TGs were the most affected by ω‐3 intake. Clinical implications of this research should focus on increasing ω‐3 intake in this population to improve lipid profiles. Due to data limitations, supplemental intake of FA or lipid lowering medications were not controlled which could affect the results.Grant Funding Source: N01HC95170
Influences of diet and physical activity on the change in body mass index and waist circumference in urban middle‐aged Chinese adults
Authors: Ma Jiantao , Hu Xiaoqi , McCrory Megan A , Ba Lei , Pan Hui , Ma Guansheng 
Published: June 2021

We measured diet and physical activity at baseline and to investigate their relationship to changes in body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) from 1998–2000 to 2002–2003 in 105 adults (51 men and 54 women) aged 35–49y at baseline and living in urban Beijing. Food intake was assessed with a 3‐day weighed food record, and physical activity was assessed by combining data from two activity monitors with a physical activity record. Both methods were validated in this population against the doubly labeled water method in our laboratory. Gender‐specific models were used because of clear overall interactions between gender and all predictors of BMI change (p=0.043) and WC change (p=0.053). For men, a higher physical activity level at baseline was associated with a decrease in WC (p=0.024) and a decrease in BMI (p=0.056). For women, physical activity was not a significant predictor of change in BMI or WC, but an increase in caloric beverage consumption was associated with gains in both BMI (p=0.042) and WC (p=0.022), and increased dietary protein was associated with a decrease in BMI (p=0.044). These findings suggested a gender effect on the relationship between diet, physical activity and weight change over time. Whereas physical activity was a significant predictor of 3‐year weight change in men, only dietary variables were significant in women in this population.Research support: Nestle Foundation.
Obesity and microglial activation: potential for synergism in neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Sheridan Patricia A 
Published: June 2021

This study examines high fat diet feeding and obesity as a factor leading to the uncontrolled production of neuroinflammatory molecules by microglia, a hypothesized mechanism in the development of neurodegenerative diseases. We hypothesize that the inflammation resulting from a high fat diet and obesity activate microglia in the brain leading to increased neurodegeneration and will potentiate the neuroinflammation from a CNS insult. Weanling male mice were placed on a low fat (LF) or a high fat (HF) diet. After 4 weeks on the diet there is a modest, but significant, increase in leptin receptor expression on microglia from HF mice. In addition, there is a significant increase in the expression of toll‐like receptor (TLR) 2 on HF microglia. After 8 weeks, microglia from HF mice have significantly more TLR4/MD‐2 than LF microglia. MHC II is present on cells from both LF and HF mice at levels that are normally seen in young, healthy mice and there is no difference in MHCII expression between LF and HF microglia at these early time points. These data indicate that several cell surface proteins associated with microglial priming and activation are up‐regulated after only 4–8 weeks on a HF diet. As our population ages and becomes increasingly obese, the implications of diet on age related neurological conditions are a significant public health concern.This study was supported by the UNC NORC Grant DK56350.
Intermittent Bolus Feeding Has a Greater Stimulatory Effect on Protein Synthesis in Skeletal Muscle than Continuous Feeding in Neonatal Pigs
Authors: Gazzaneo Maria C , Torrazza Roberto Murgas , Suryawan Agus , Orellana Renán A. , Srivastava Neeraj , Nguyen Hanh V. , Wilson Fiona A. , Fiorotto Marta L. , Davis Teresa A. 
Published: June 2021

Feeding by orogastric tube, using either continuous or intermittent bolus delivery, is common for infants for whom normal feeding is contraindicated. To determine the impact of different feeding modalities on muscle protein anabolism, neonatal pigs (5–7 day old) received a balanced enteral formula either by intermittent bolus (B, n=7) every four hours or were continuously fed (C, n=5). Fractional protein synthesis rates and translational control mechanisms in skeletal muscle were examined at 0, 24 and 25.5 hours. Plasma amino acid and insulin levels were modestly increased in the continuously fed group and in the bolus group mimicked the pulsatile pattern of meal feeding. Feeding increased protein synthesis by 53% in the continuous group, by 63% in the bolus group before a meal, and by 126 % after a bolus feed. The activation of eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF) 4E binding protein (4EBP1), rp S6 kinase 1 (S6K1), protein kinase B (PKB), dissociation of 4EBP1‐eIF4E complex, and formation of the active eIF4E‐eIF4G complex were unaffected by continuous feeding but were increased more than 10 fold after a bolus meal. These results suggest that intermittent bolus feeding increases muscle protein synthesis to a greater extent than continuous feeding by stimulating translation initiation. (Supported by NIH grants AR‐44474 and AR‐51563 and USDA/ARS 6250510000‐33).Grant Funding Source: NIH grants AR‐44474 and AR‐51563 and USDA/ARS 6250510000‐33
Polydextrose enrichment of infant formula acts as a prebiotic by increasing ileal lactobacilli and lactic acid concentration and decreasing pH
Authors: Herfel Tina M , Jacobi Sheila , Lin X , Walker D C , Jouni Z E , Odle Jack 
Published: June 2021

Oligosaccharides, the 3rd largest component in human milk, are virtually absent from cow's milk and most infant formula. Polydextrose (PDX) is a proposed substitute for human milk oligosaccharides. One‐day old pigs were fed a cow‐milk‐based formula supplemented with PDX (0, 1.7, 4.3, 8.5 or 17 g/L) for 18 days (n=13). Additional reference groups included 12 pigs sampled at day 0 and 12 sow‐reared pigs sampled at day 18. Ileal lactobacillus CFU, but not bifidobacteria, increased linearly with increasing PDX (P = 0.02). Short chain fatty acids did not differ among treatments, but lactic acid increased linearly with PDX (P = 0.001). Lactic acid increased ten‐fold over control pigs in those supplemented with 8.5 and 17 g/L PDX. Accordingly, digesta pH decreased linearly (P < 0.05) as PDX increased, with a maximal reduction approaching 0.5 pH units in those fed 17 g/L. Ileal villus height, crypt depth, maltase, myeloperoxidase and the number of intraepithelial lymphocytes were not affected by dietary PDX (P > 0.1). Polydextrose enrichment of infant formula acted as a prebiotic by increasing lactic acid production and decreasing pH. Research supported by Mead Johnson Nutrition.Grant Funding Source: Mead Johnson Nutrition
Plasma quercetin response to 12‐weeks supplementation: a randomized community clinical trial
Authors: Jin Fuxia , Nieman David C , Shanely R. Andrew , Knab Amy M , Austin Melanie D 
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this study was to determine if plasma quercetin response in humans is related to gender, age, body mass index (BMI), and other demographic and lifestyle factors. Subjects (N=1,002, ages 18 to 85 years, 60% female and 40% male) were recruited from the community and randomized to one of three groups, with supplements administered using double blinded procedures: Q‐500 (500 mg/day), Q‐1000 (1000 mg/day), or placebo. Fasting blood samples were obtained pre‐ and post‐study, analyzed for plasma quercetin, and then compared between and within groups by gender, age group (<40, 40–59, and ≥60 years), BMI (<25, 25–29.9, and ≥30 kg/m2), self‐reported physical fitness level and diet intake (food group servings). A subgroup of 170 subjects provided additional fasting blood samples after one and two months supplementation. Quercetin supplementation over 12 weeks caused a significant increase in overnight‐fasted plasma quercetin, with a net increase of 332±21.0 and 516±30.8 μg/L for Q‐500 and Q‐1000 compared to 53.6±6.4 μg/L for placebo (interaction effect, P<0.001). The increase in plasma quercetin was achieved within the first month and maintained for the rest of the study. The increase in plasma quercetin was highly variable within each quercetin supplementation group, but was unrelated to age, gender, BMI, fitness levels, or dietary intake.Supported by grants from Coca‐Cola and Quercegen Pharma.
Perceived barriers for consumption of fruits and vegetables
Authors: Fitzgerald Nurgul , Czarnecki Nicole , Mathew Teena , Hallman William 
Published: June 2021

Limited access to affordable fruits and vegetables can be a barrier against healthful eating patterns, and farmers markets can help improve this access. This study, which was conducted during the development of a farmers market, describes the perceived barriers towards eating fruits and vegetables in an urban setting with high proportions of minorities and low‐income individuals.Participants (n=542, 25% male, 74% female) were recruited at the New Brunswick Community Farmers Market, surrounding neighborhoods, and community organizations/events. About 48% of the participants were Hispanic, 26% were black, and 19% white. About 47% of the participating households were highly/marginally food secure, 33% indicated low food security, and 20% indicated very low food security. The most highly cited barrier was the expensiveness of fruits and vegetables (50% and 39%, respectively). Limited variety (38%), inadequate freshness (32%), and limited availability (21%) were also cited by the participants. Perceived barriers were reported more by the participants with household food insecurity (vs. high/marginal food security) (p<0.05). Inadequate variety and freshness, and high prices (rather than general availability) seem to be more commonly perceived barriers to eating fruits and vegetables among adults, especially among those with food insecurity, in this urban setting. Funded by Johnson & Johnson.