bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biomechanics of the primate craniofacial skeleton and its relevance to human evolution
Authors: Wang Qian 
Published: June 2021

Since J.T. Robinson's pioneering dietary interpretations of facial morphology in australopiths, studies on biomechanics of skulls have been reshaping our understanding of human evolution. Hypotheses concerning function and evolution in early human forms can be developed and tested through various theoretical and experimental biomechanical approaches, such as mechanical design modeling, geometric analysis, in vivo and in vitro strain gage experiments, and Finite Element Analysis (FEA). As an engineering technique used to analyze how objects of complex design resist load, FEA is particularly useful in examining biomechanics of craniofacial skeletons. Our recent discovery that elastic properties of cortical bones of craniofacial skeletons in closely related species demonstrate similar patterns of variation has allowed the precise extension of FEA to fossils. With Finite Element skull models from both extant and fossil primate species, we are able to investigate global synchronous stress and strain patterns in craniofacial skeletons, examine how they structurally adapt to resisting stress during mastication and other activities, and draw biologically meaningful information on mechanical advantages and evolutionary processes of various features in facial skeletons, e.g., anterior pillar in robust australopiths.Supported by National Science Foundation HOMINID grants 0725183 and MEDCEN 23750.
The skeletal muscle transcript profile reflects accommodative responses to inadequate protein intake in younger and older males
Authors: Thalacker‐Mercer Anna Elizabeth , Fleet James , Craig Bruce , Campbell Wayne 
Published: June 2021

The effects of dietary protein and age on the skeletal muscle transcript profile were assessed in 12 younger (21–43 y) and 10 older (63–79 y) men who completed three controlled feeding trials with protein intakes of 63% (P63), 94% (P94), and 125% (P125) of the recommended dietary allowance (RDA). On d 12 of each trial, a fasting state sample of the vastus lateralis was obtained and Affymetrix U133A Plus 2.0 genechips were used to assess global changes in mRNA levels. 958 transcripts (TR) were differentially expressed (P<0.05) with diet and 853 with diet‐by‐age (P<0.05) using ANOVA. Independent of age, at P63 TR associated with ubiquitin‐dependent protein catabolism and muscle contraction were up‐regulated (UP). At P63 and P94 TR related to apoptosis were UP and TR related to cell differentiation; muscle and organ development; extracellular space; and responses to stimuli and stress were down‐regulated. The diet‐by‐age effect on protein modification (folding) TR was consistent with the older males being less responsive to anabolic stimuli (lower protein synthesis at P125) and more responsive to a catabolic state (protein breakdown at P63). In summary, changes in skeletal muscle mRNA levels to protein intakes near or below the RDA are indicative of an early accommodative response in both age groups, and especially older males.Support: USDA 03‐35200‐13779 & 98‐35200‐6151; NIH R01 AG15750, and Purdue Research Foundation.
Studies on the Regulatory Roles of the Yeast V‐ATPase Subunit C
Authors: Gonzales Kristen , Parra Karlett J. 
Published: June 2021

V‐ATPases are highly conserved ATP‐driven pumps. Located at the membrane of acidic intracellular organelles such as lysosomes and vacuoles, V‐ATPases pump protons from the cytosol and acidify the luminal pH. They consist of two domains; a peripheral domain (V1) and a membrane‐bound domain (Vo). V1 is responsible for ATP hydrolysis, and Vo functions as the pore for the transfer of protons. V‐ATPases are dynamic molecules. The V1Vo complex is assembled when glucose concentrations in the growing medium are high. However, as glucose is consumed, the complex disassembles into three components: V1 without subunit C, Vo, and subunit C. Disassembly inactivates the V‐ATPase pump, and readdition of glucose triggers reassociation of the three components, as well as reactivation of the enzyme. Since subunit C dissociates from the rest of the complex upon glucose depletion and reassociates in the presence of glucose, it is proposed that this subunit regulates interactions between the V1 and Vo domains. The purpose of this study is to determine the role of subunit C in V‐ATPase regulation. We tagged the C‐terminus of subunit C with GST in order to perform pull‐down experiments. We will then determine if subunit C interacts with other molecules upon dissociating from V1 Vo. In the long‐term, this study will provide new insights into the mechanisms that control V‐ATPase function, organelle acidification, and glucose‐triggered responses.Supported by NIH‐IMSD and NSF
Effects of Vitamin A Deficiency on Retinoid and Energy Metabolism in Liver and White Adipose Tissue
Authors: Brun Pierre‐Jacques , McGrane Mary 
Published: June 2021

The liver and white adipose tissue (WAT) play important roles in the metabolism, storage and transport of retinoids. We assessed the effect of vitamin A on expression of genes of retinoid and related metabolism in liver and WAT. Real Time‐PCR was used to assess a panel of genes in vitamin A sufficient (VAS) versus vitamin A deficient (VAD) mice at 9 weeks and 30 weeks of age. Crbp1, Crabp1 and Rbp4, genes involved in retinoid transport, were upregulated in VAD liver but were down regulated in WAT at 9 and 30 weeks. Lrat, Cyp26a1 and b1 genes were repressed in VAD liver and WAT. In liver, the Pparα gene was repressed in VAD; whereas, Pparγ gene expression was not changed at 9 weeks but was downregulated at 30 weeks. In WAT, Pparγ gene expression was repressed in VAD and Pparα gene expression was down regulated at 30 weeks. Over time, there is a decrease in fat mass in VAD which may be caused by a decrease in WAT differentiation as seen by our measured decrease in Pparγ and C/ebp‐α expression in VAD WAT. Leptin and adiponectin are decreased at the mRNA and protein level in VAD WAT. Furthermore, the decreased expression of Lrat and Rbp4 in VAD WAT are markers of its lost capacity to store and secrete retinol. Finally, the combination of decreased fat mass, fatty liver, glucose intolerance and changes in plasma adipokines that we measure in VAD mice, are often associated with lipodystrophy, a condition with severe metabolic outcomes.USDA Grant #2003‐00883
Adaptive Response with Oxidative Stress from CT Scans and Exercise in Mice
Authors: Phan Nghi , De Lisio Michael , Parise Gianni , Boreham Doug 
Published: June 2021

We speculated that oxidative stress produced by repeated low dose diagnostic CT scans (10 mGy/scan, 2d/wk, 10 wk) would induce an adaptive response (AR) in C57BL/6 mice. We postulated that additional oxidative stress produced by exercise (1hr, 3d/wk, 10wk could further enhance the AR. We analyzed DNA double strand break (DSB) levels and genomic damage to stem cells via gH2AX foci and micronucleated reticulocytes (MN‐RET) flow cytometric assays, respectively. Following a challenge dose (1 Gy) in vitro, cells from CT mice had a significant increase (14%) in DNA DSBs compared to control and CT/exercised mice (p<0.035). A higher 2 Gy challenge dose showed that there was a significant reduction (16%) in DNA DSBs in CT/exercised mice (p = 0.002). When genomic damage was assessed, mice that had CT scans had significantly higher levels of MN‐RET (46% higher) compared to controls (p < 0.009). Interesting, the CT/exercise mice did not have any detectable increase in MN‐RET levels. After an in vivo 2 Gy challenge dose, control mice and CT mice had similar high levels of induced MN‐RET but there was a significant reduction (14%) in MN‐RET levels in the CT/exercise mice (p< 0.025). This research shows that CT scans can induce an AR in mice; however, this response is significantly modified by exercise.This research was supported by US DOE, Low Dose Research Program (DE‐FG02‐07ER64343) and NSERC.
Intake of lutein and zeaxanthin differs with age, gender and ethnicity
Authors: Johnson Elizabeth J. , Maras Janice E. , Rasmussen Helen M. , Tucker Katherine L. 
Published: June 2021

Lutein (L) and zeaxanthin (Z) are taken up into the macula where they may protect against age‐related macular degeneration (AMD).OBJECTIVE: To determine intakes of L and Z, separately, in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003–2004, using data from our laboratory on their levels in foods.METHODS: The top 80 major food sources for L+Z intake in NHANES 2001–2002 were analyzed for L and Z by HPLC. Results were applied to dietary data from NHANES 2003–2004. Foods with L+Z were separated into L and Z in the nutrient database. Mean intakes from two non‐consecutive 24‐hr dietary recalls were grouped into food groups, based on nutrient composition; these were matched to the new database and L and Z intakes were calculated separately.RESULTS: Among all age groups, both genders, and all ethnicities, L intakes were greater than Z. Relative intake of L to Z (L:Z) increased with age, with a L:Z ratio being greater in females. L:Z in Mexican Americans was 2‐ to 5‐fold lower than other ethnicities (other Hispanics, non Hispanic white, non Hispanic black, other).CONCLUSIONS: Intakes of L and Z intakes differed among age groups, gender and ethnicities. Higher L:Z ratios were measured in groups at risk for AMD (older subjects, females). Estimates of intakes of L and Z are needed for determination of their individual role in eye health. (supported by USDA #581950‐7‐707, Chysantis, Inc)
The effects of a discretionary food allowance during a caloric restriction regimen with provided food
Authors: Gilhooly Cheryl Hajduk , Das Sai Krupa , Golden Julie K. , McCrory Megan A. , Dallal Gerard E. , Saltzman Edward , Kramer F. Matthew , Roberts Susan B. 
Published: June 2021

The effects of self‐selected discretionary foods in a structured energy restricted diet on adherence to a caloric restriction (CR) regimen, dietary satisfaction, and weight loss were studied in 32 healthy, overweight (BMI 25–30 kg/m2) adults, aged 20–42y participating in the CALERIE trial. Subjects were randomized to either a high or low glycemic load diet at 70% of ad lib intake with food provided for 24 wks. During CR wks 15–20, subjects were randomized to receive 1000 kcal/wk of foods of their own choosing as part of their CR regimen (+C), or to receive no choice when the same amount of energy was provided as part of the meal plan (−C). Outcome measures included energy intake (EI), weight change, dietary satisfaction and eating behaviors. The +C group had significantly increased %EI from alcohol (p=0.04) and decreased %EI from protein (p=0.004) during the 6‐wk randomization compared to the −C group. No statistically significant differences were found between groups for changes in total EI, hunger, dietary satisfaction, eating behaviors or weight loss and there was no long‐term difference in weight change over time. These data suggest no detrimental effects of modest amounts of discretionary foods within a structured CR diet on weight loss, EI or dietary satisfaction. Due to high variability in the data and small sample size, further studies are needed to better understand how discretionary foods affect weight management.Support NIH U01‐AG20480, the USDA 58‐1950‐4‐401
Spectral fingerprints for authentication and identification of variation in foods and botanical materials
Authors: Harnly James M , Luthria Devanand , Chen Pei , Lin Longze 
Published: June 2021

Spectral fingerprints were acquired using ultraviolet/visible (UV/Vis), infra‐red (IR), near infra‐red (NIR), and mass spectrometry (MS) for broccoli, dry beans, and Ginkgo biloba with no prior chromatographic separation of the samples. Patterns were elucidated from the complex overlapping spectra using analysis of variance‐principal component analysis (ANOVA‐PCA). Using this approach, it was possible to detect differences in the chemical composition of the samples attributable to experimental factors such as the cultivar, growing conditions, growing site, plant‐to‐plant variability, and analytical variability. In addition, it was possible to determine the fraction of variance arising from each of the factors. All four analytical methods, including UV/Vis, were found to be equally effective for these analyses, although each focuses on different chemical components. An aqueous methanol extract was used for the UV/Vis and MS analyses, while finely powdered solid samples were used for IR and NIR. Only MS provided sufficient resolution to allow tentative identification of specific compounds.This research was funded by USDA and the Office of Dietary Supplements at the National Institutes of Health.
A Fluorometric Assay to Determine Antioxidant Activity of Both Hydrophilic and Lipophilic Components in Plant Foods
Authors: Li Lei , Chen Chun Yen Oliver , Chun Hye‐Kyung , Cho Soo‐Muk , Park Ki‐Moon , Lee‐Kim Yang Cha , Blumberg Jeffrey B. , Russell Robert M. , Yeum Kyung‐Jin 
Published: June 2021

We established a fluorometric method to determine total antioxidant activity of plant foods, green leafy vegetables and beans, after extracting [1] hydrophilic components (H) with acidified methanol (methanol:glacial acetatic acid:water = 50:3.7:46.3), [2] lipophilic components (L) with methanol followed by tetrahydrofuran (THF), or [3] both H + L using sequential extraction of acidified methanol and THF together. Both the hydrophilic assay (using a hydrophilic radical initiator, AAPH,10 mmol/L, and hydrophilic probe, DCFH, 2 μmol/L), and the lipophilic assay (using a lipophilic radical initiator, MeO‐AMVN, 2 mmol/L, and the lipophilic probe, BODIPY, 2 μmol/L) were used to measure antioxidant activity. The inhibition of BODIPY oxidation was significantly increased (p< 0.01) when both H + L were extracted using acidified methanol and organic solvent as compared to those extracted by organic solvent alone. In addition, the rate of DCFH oxidation was significantly delayed (p<0.05) when both components were present as compared to the H alone. The combination of H + L in these plant foods showed significantly greater antioxidant activity than that of either H or L alone. Thus, both H & L in plant foods and their interactions should be considered when determining antioxidant activity of plant foods.[Supported in part by USDA #58‐1950‐7‐707 USA & BioGreen 21 Program (Code #20070301034009) RDA, Korea]
Transcriptional suppression of lipid‐induced apoptosis in skeletal muscle in vivo
Authors: Turpin Sarah Maggie , Ryall J G , Southgate R J , Darby I , Febbraio M A , Kemp B E , Lynch G S , Watt M J 
Published: June 2021

Lipotoxicity occurs when fatty acid (FA) delivery exceeds the storage capacity of non‐adipose tissues, causing cell dysfunction and/or death by apoptosis. FA metabolites accumulate in skeletal muscle (SM) in obesity and cause lipid‐induced apoptosis in vitro.AIM: To determine the lipotoxic effects of FAs in SM in vivo.SM lipotoxicity was investigated in 3 models of FA oversupply: C57Bl/6 mice fed a high fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks, genetically obese ob/ob mice, and acutely via 5 h Intralipid infusion in mice. Muscles were dissected then morphological, apoptotic and autophagic markers were assessed.The Intralipid infusion increased plasma FAs 3‐fold and increased caspase 3 activity. HFD and genetic obesity induced adiposity and muscle triglyceride accumulation but did not induce apoptosis as assessed by TUNEL staining and caspase 3 activity. There was no evidence of SM regeneration or atrophy in HFD or ob/ob mice. The expression of 31 pro‐apoptotic genes were decreased by HFD. Autophagy was assessed by measuring LC3[alpha] and [beta] gene expression (conversion of [alpha] to [beta] represents autophagic activity). LC3[beta] was increased 3‐fold in ob/ob mice but there was no evidence of autophagy in HFD.While lipid‐induced apoptosis occurs in vivo, these data suggest that SM adapts to chronic lipid oversupply by decreasing pro‐apoptotic gene expression to prevent cell death. Funded by: ARC, NHMRC
The association between oxidative stress and pregnancy‐related symptoms of illness among vitamin A‐deficient women
Authors: Cheng Ting‐Yuan David , Schulze Kerry J , Arguello Margia A , Cui Hongjie , Khatry Subarna K , Christian Parul , West Keith P 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundVitamin A (VA) and beta‐carotene (BC) supplementation reduced pregnancy‐associated mortality and morbidity, as well as oxidative stress levels, in women of rural Nepal. This study examines the link between oxidative stress and symptoms of morbidity during pregnancy.MethodsSerum malondialdehyde (MDA) was measured in a subset (n = 547) of women participating in a maternal VA or BC supplementation trial. Seven‐day frequencies of 21 symptoms were assessed within a month of blood collection. Total number of morbidity symptoms (0, 1, or =2), number of symptom‐days (0, 1‐9, or =10), and symptom clusters were modeled as dependent variables in multivariate logistic regressions.ResultsSerum MDA was lower among women with symptoms <20 weeks gestation, but higher among symptomatic women at =20 weeks. One square‐root unit increase in MDA (μmol/l) was associated with any symptoms (odds ratio [OR], 3.17; 95% CI, 1.04‐9.68) and upper gastrointestinal tract infection or nausea and vomiting (OR, 3.67; 95% CI, 1.07‐12.51) at =20 weeks of gestation. MDA was associated with number of symptoms (OR, 3.76; 95% CI, 1.45‐9.73) and symptom‐days (OR, 3.40; 95% CI, 1.36‐8.49). This trend held in three supplementation groups (VA, BC and placebo), but the effects were diminished in the VA group.ConclusionOxidative stress was associated with morbidity symptoms. Supplementing VA/BC may mitigate the illnesses through reducing oxidative stress in this population. Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA and the US Agency for International Development (USAID).
Differential Osteogenic Effect of Phytase Supplementation to a Low Zinc Diet in Rats
Authors: Antczak Amanda Jayne , Catrambone Daniel E , Loban Adrei , Hendrickson Nathan R , Young Andrew J , Scrimgeour Angus S 
Published: June 2021

Adding vitamin D to a low calcium diet is known to effect trabecular but not cortical bone. Although adding phytase (P) to a low zinc (Zn) diet improves overall bone strength by increasing the bioavailability of Zn and other micronutrients, it is unknown if this supplementation has a differential effect on cortical and trabecular bone.PurposeExamine the effect of P‐supplementation to a low Zn diet in cortical and trabecular bone in both, L‐4 vertebrae and tibiae of rats.MethodsMale Sprague‐Dawley rats were fed a diet containing either 5ppm Zn (ZnLo) (n=10), 5ppm Zn+1,500FTU/kg P (ZnLo+P) (n=10), or 30ppm Zn (ZnAd) (n=10) for 9 wks. In vivo peripheral quantitative computed tomography was used to scan right tibiae at 10% (trabecular parameters) and 50% (cortical parameters) of total. The L‐4 vertebrae were scanned at the 40, 50, and 60% of total length; an average of these represented the mid‐20% vertebral region. One way ANOVA determined group differences for cortical and trabecular bone mineral content (BMC), bone area (BA) and bone mineral density (BMD).ResultsCortical parameters at the L‐4 were significantly higher in rats fed ZnLo+P compared to ZnLo diets. There was no significant difference between groups in trabecular parameters.ConclusionIn contrast to the vitamin D:calcium relationship, P‐supplementation of a low Zn diet exhibited a positive effect on cortical BMD, BMC and BA at the L‐4 site, but had no effect on trabecular or tibial parameters.The study was funded by the U.S.Army MRMC
Properties and Mechanism Studies of 5′‐Adenylylsulfate Reductases
Authors: Patel Raj B. , Kim Min K. , Kim Sang Gon , Kim Sung‐Kun 
Published: June 2021

5′‐adenylylsulfate (APS) reductases is essential for cysteine biosynthesis in bacteria and plants catalyze the formation of sulfite from APS using either glutathione or thioredoxin. APS reductases from the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PaAPR) and the green alga Enteromorpha intestinalis (EiAPR) and the archaeon Methanocaldococcus janishii were studied. EiAPR has a bipartite primary structure consisting of a domain with homology to PaAPR, and C‐terminal domain with homology to glutaredoxin. Iron and acid‐labile sulfide analysis indicated these enzymes both contain one [4Fe‐4S] cluster. Resonance Raman experiments confirmed the presence of a [4Fe‐4S] cluster. Redox titrations show that the EiAPR contains two disulfide/dithiol pairs with midpoint potential (Em) values of ‐290 mV and ‐140 mV, respectively. PaAPR contains only a single disulfide/dithiol cysteine pair with an Em value identical to that observed for the more negative component found in EiAPR. C‐terminal domain of EiAPR itself shows an Em value (i.e., ‐140 mV), consistent with the more positive EiAPR component, which is closer to that of E.coli glutaredoxin (i.e., ‐198 mV) than it is to E.coli thoredoxins (i.e., ‐270 mV). These results suggest that EiAPR has two different disulfide couples; one is like PaAPR and the other (i.e., the C‐domain site) may function in a manner similar to a glutaredoxin.Supported by a grant from USDA and the Baylor University Undergraduate Research and Scholarly Activities Small Grant Program and the Vice Provost for Research.
Role of SsuF in the alkanesulfonate monooxygenase system from Pseudomonas putida
Authors: Millwood Mary Beth , Ellis Holly R. 
Published: June 2021

The alkanesulfonate monooxygenase system from Pseudomonas putida enables the organism to utilize sulfonates and sulfate esters from the environment. The alkanesulfonate monooxygenase system is comprised of an FMN reductase (SsuE) and flavin‐dependent monooxygenase (SsuD). Although this system from Escherichia coli has been studied, the alkanesulfonate system from P. putida has not been evaluated. The system in P. putida possesses a third protein, SsuF, but the role of SsuF in the desulfonation mechanism has not been determined. SsuF has shown to have a high identity to a molybdopterin binding protein within E. coli. Previous studies have shown that SsuF is required for growth with sulfate esters and sulfonates, but the exact function of this protein has not been determined.As P. putida possesses the additional SsuF protein, it is possible that the alkanesulfonate monooxygenase system may operate under an alternative mechanism than the E. coli system. Following the expression and purification of SsuF, several spectroscopic techniques were employed to analyze the structural and functional characteristics of the proteins. Further evaluation of SsuF was performed to determine the substrate range of SsuD and SsuE in the presence and absence of SsuF. Based on these studies, a functional role for SsuF in the desulfonation mechanism has been established.Work supported by NSF Grant MCB545048.