bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Autofluorescence of lymphocytes induced by manual acupuncture (1186.1)
Authors: Cabrita António , Peixoto Ana , Loureiro Estela , Santos Paulo , Alves Vera , Rosa Manuel 
Published: June 2021

The leukocytes are specialized blood cells participating in the defense of the organism against pathologic factors. They produce molecules that modulate humoral and tissular actions. The common mechanism of action includes for most of them the activation of the cell by a specific stimulus. Autofluorescence of Leucocytes has been described and associated with activation and may be used for detection of this cellular phenomena. In this study the autofluorescence in a group of volunteers with no knowledge stimulus of etiologic factors for the activation of these cells was evaluated and submitted to manual acupuncture.In this study 17 healthy volunteers of both sexes, aged between 19 and 22 years were submitted to the puncture of Dazhu (11UB), Geshu (17UB), Shenshu (23UB) and Xuangzhong (39GB), 3 times a week during 3 weeks, for 15 minutes each session. Before the first puncture and two days after the last one, blood was collected to evaluation of lymphocyte autofluorescence. Autofluorescence has similar excitation and emission of Fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) and R‐Phycoerythrin (RPE). Therefore, autofluorescence was evaluated on a FITC/RPE dot plot using a BD FACSCanto II flow cytometer. The volunteers with clinical signs of pathology where excluded.The values found before the application of Acupuncture was 0.02±0.025, and after the Acupuncture procedure were 0.062± 0.048. In these series there was a significant increase of autofluorescence of the lymphocytes.The significant increase in the autofluorescence of de lymphocytes is a clear sign of the stimulation of this group of cells. The points selected were based on the indications of Traditional Chinese Medicine.To better characterize the activation of these cells it is now justified to evaluate the plasmatic level of proteins released by them during the study. This study shows a clear action of these selected points on the activation of the lymphocytes.
Risk factors for folate deficiency differ from those for vitamin B12 deficiency in Cameroonian women and children (119.7)
Authors: Shahab‐Ferdows Setareh , Engle‐Stone Reina , Hampel Daniela , Ndjebayi Alex , Nankap Martin , Brown Kenneth , Allen Lindsay 
Published: June 2021

To assess nutritional status and risk factors for deficiency prior to a national fortification program, a nationally representative survey was conducted in 3 ecologic zones of Cameroon (South, North, and Cities). 24h dietary recall data were collected from 10 households (HH) in each of 30 randomly selected clusters/zone.. In a subset of women of reproductive age and their 12‐59 mo old children (n= 396 pairs), plasma B12 &amp; folate were analyzed by radioassay. Based on plasma values, 17% and 29% of women and 8% and 30% of children were folate (<10nm/L) and B12 (<221pm/L) deficient respectively. Folate deficiency did not differ among zones, but B12 deficiency was higher in the North/ vs. Cities. Folate and B12 dietary intake patterns were similar for women and children. Risk factors for folate and B12 deficiency differed: plasma folate was higher in the South; B12 was higher in the Cities. Folate intake was higher in the North vs. South/Cities and among those with low SES vs. high SES. B12 intake was highest in Cities and among those with higher SES, and lower in the rural vs. urban areas. Breast milk B12 was lowest in the North vs. Cities and South and correlated with B12 intake. Overall inadequate folate status is a problem in the Cities while low B12 intake and status are more common in poor and rural zones. The differing risk factors for folate and B12 deficiency have implications for folic acid and B12 fortification.Grant Funding Source: Michael and Susan Dell Foundation, UNICEF and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Plasma amino acid concentrations following a beef‐rich lunch meal and the effects on appetite control and satiety in healthy adults (120.1)
Authors: Ortinau Laura , Lasley Tyler , Douglas Steve , Leidy Heather 
Published: June 2021

Background: The consumption of dietary protein leads to improved appetite and satiety. However, it is unclear as to the actual nutrient signal that elicits these responses. Purpose: To identify the amino acids (AAs) that serve as nutrient signals for appetite and satiety following a beef‐rich lunch meal. Methods: Twenty‐three adults (age 23 ± 1 y; BMI: 23.4 ± 0.6 kg/m2) consumed a 400 kcal beef‐rich lunch meal containing 34 g of protein. Questionnaires and blood samples were collected at baseline and every 60 min thereafter for 180 min. Post‐lunch outcomes included perceived hunger and fullness and plasma ghrelin, GLP‐1, PYY, and AA concentrations. Results: Multivariate regression analyses revealed that post‐lunch plasma AAs concentrations accounted for only 10% of the variability in hunger (p<0.01) and 16% of the variability in fullness (p<0.001). However, post‐lunch plasma AAs concentrations accounted for 57% of the variability in PYY (p<0.001), 69% of the variability in GLP‐1 (p<0.001), and 52% of the variability in ghrelin concentrations (p<0.001). The essential AAs eliciting these effects were threonine, lysine, phenylalanine, and valine. Conclusion: Although plasma AA concentrations following a beef‐rich lunch meal elicit very little effect on perceived sensations, they do exert a substantial effect on the gastro‐intestinal hormones associated with appetite control and satiety in healthy adults.Grant Funding Source: Supported by: The Beef Checkoff
Formula use in a breastfeeding culture: changing perceptions and patterns of young infant feeding in Vietnam (131.6)
Authors: Henry Megan , Christian Parul , Kim Sunny , Pham Van , Nguyen Nam , Nguyen Phuong , Rawat Rahul , Menon Purnima 
Published: June 2021

Previous research identified an increase in formula use as a barrier to exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) in Vietnam. In the context of a process evaluation (PE) of the Alive &amp; Thrive program to promote EBF, 121 in‐depth interviews with rural mothers, fathers, and grandmothers of infants 0‐12 mo formed the basis of a case study analysis (n=48 families). While 79% of mothers had heard about EBF and breastfeeding was universal, EBF prevalence was only 2%. Two‐thirds of infants were formula fed (FF) before 6 months (40% at birth, 12% at 1‐3 mo, and 15% at 4‐6 mo). Stopping and restarting FF was common. Among early starters, families reported a desire to support the mother, “what I could do for her was feed our baby with formula,” often sua non (bovine colostrum formula) sold in the hospital. All 6 cesarean sections FF at birth. Mothers were reluctant to FF but felt they had “no choice” when infants were “crying because of hunger”. For families introducing FF at 1‐3 mo, perception of insufficient milk (PIM) drove use. For the category of 4‐6 mo, introduction of complementary food (CF) was also early due to pressure from grandmothers, or returning to work, or under the perception that infants need to be prepared to accept CF. High awareness of formula advertisements, conflicting advice from health professionals, and a universal perception that insufficient maternal diet led to poor breastmilk supply also influenced FF despite the high cost. Families valued and practiced BF, but require targeted support for BF initiation and PIM, as well as appropriate and timely CF.Grant Funding Source: Alive & Thrive, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and managed by FHI360
Development and piloting of a multi‐level obesity prevention program for low income African American children: The B’More Healthy Communities for Kids study (132.4)
Authors: Gittelsohn Joel , Anderson Steeves Elizabeth , Mui Yeeli , Kharmats Anna , Dennis Donna , Henry JaWanna , Hopkins Laura , Wyse Ransom 
Published: June 2021

Multi‐component interventions are needed in low income urban settings to address the complex environmental, economic, and social issues driving obesity. Low income neighborhoods in Baltimore can be described as “food swamps,” with few supermarkets and many small food outlets stocking unhealthy foods. After a decade of focused work in specific food source types (e.g. corner stores) in Baltimore, we are developing and implementing a multi‐level intervention to prevent childhood obesity. Substantial formative research has been conducted to develop the B’More Healthy Communities for Kids (BHCK) program, including in‐depth interviews (n=24) with children, parents and store owners, focus groups (n=4), and direct observations (n=7). We piloted structural incentives for small sources, a farm to store component, and a peer mentored cooking program. The BHCK program will be implemented at the policy, wholesaler, corner store, carryout, recreation center, family and individual levels. The program will use a four‐fold strategy to improve healthy eating behavior ‐ including environmental interventions to increase access to healthy foods, behavioral nudging to make choosing healthier options easier, interactive nutrition education opportunities to increase consumer demand, and policies (informed by systems models) to increase long‐term sustainability. Detailed process and impact evaluations will take place at each intervention level.Grant Funding Source: NIH U54
Folic acid in a high multivitamin diet during pregnancy increases post‐weaning weight gain and PPAR gene expression in adipose and liver of Wistar rat dams (135.2)
Authors: Pannia Emanuela , Cho Clara , Sanchez‐Hernandez Diana , Huot Pedro , Poon Abraham , Kubant Ruslan , Anderson G 
Published: June 2021

High multivitamin (10‐fold, HV) or folic acid (Fol) intake alone during pregnancy leads to an obesogenic phenotype in the offspring but its effects on the later post‐weaning (PW) weight gain of the dams has not been reported. This study investigated whether Fol alone as a component of a HV gestational diet affects PW weight gain and associates with expression of peroxisome‐proliferator activated receptor isoforms (PPAR‐α/β/γ) involved in lipid metabolism and adipocyte differentiation. Wistar rat dams were fed an AIN‐93G diet during pregnancy containing either: 1) Recommended vitamin (RV); 2) HV; or 3) HV with recommended Fol (HVNF) content (n=15/group). Dams were fed a RV diet during lactation and then switched to a high fat (RV with 60% fat) diet for 16 weeks. Dams fed the HV diet during pregnancy gained 30% more weight over time from weaning (p<0.05) and had increased PPAR‐γ (3.8‐fold, p<0.05) and PPAR‐α (1.2‐fold, p<0.05) mRNA expression in visceral adipose and liver respectively compared to RV dams. Reducing Fol to recommended quantities modulated these effects as HVNF dams did not gain weight over time and had similar PPAR‐γ and ‐α mRNA expression relative to RV dams. Food intake and muscle PPAR‐α /β expression was not affected by any dietary treatment during pregnancy. In conclusion, high vitamin content, perhaps due to folate alone, in the gestational diet increases the obesogenic phenotype of the mothers in later life.Grant Funding Source: Supported by Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Institue of Nutrition, Metabolism and Diabetes
Effects of brewed green and black tea on inflammation, apoptosis and oxidation in men with prostate cancer (136.3)
Authors: Henning Susanne , Wang Piwen , Carpenter Catherine , Aronson William , Heber David 
Published: June 2021

Preclinical and epidemiologic studies suggest chemopreventive effects of green tea (GT) and black tea (BT) in prostate cancer. We conducted a phase II randomized controlled trial in which 93 men diagnosed with prostate cancer consumed six cups of brewed GT, BT or water (control) daily prior to radical prostatectomy (RP). GT consumption resulted in lower early pro‐apoptotic events (decreased Bcl‐2 staining (p=0.02)) and lower pro‐inflammatory nuclear staining of nuclear factor kappa B in prostatic tumor epithelial tissue compared to water consumption (p=0.03). Tea consumption did not affect proliferation (Ki67) and showed a non‐significant trend to decreased oxidant DNA damage (8OHdG) in the RP tissue. Tea polyphenols were detected in prostate tissue from 32 of 34 men consuming GT but not in the other groups. BT polyphenols (theaflavins) were not found in prostate tissue from men consuming BT and no significant changes in tissue biomarkers were observed in the BT group. Evidence of a systemic antioxidant effect was observed as a decrease in urinary 8OHdG only with GT consumption. GT, but not BT or water, also led to a small but statistically significant decrease in serum prostate‐specific antigen levels. Given the GT‐induced changes in inflammation, oxidation, and early apoptotic events, future studies are warranted to further examine the role of GT for prostate cancer prevention and treatment.Grant Funding Source: Supported by RO1CA116242 and P50CA092131
Pre‐diagnostic plasma unmetabolized folic acid and the risk of colorectal cancer (136.5)
Authors: Cho Eunyoung , Townsend Mary , Selhub Jacob , Paul Ligi , Rosner Bernard , Fuchs Charles , Willett Walter , Giovannucci Edward 
Published: June 2021

Objective: To investigate the association between pre‐diagnostic plasma unmetabolized folic acid levels and risk of colorectal cancer (CRC).Methods: We evaluated pre‐diagnostic plasma levels of unmetabolized folic acid in relation to the risk of CRC in nested case‐control studies within two prospective cohort studies, Nurses’ Health Study (NHS) and Health Professionals Follow‐up Study (HPFS). Blood samples were collected prior to folic acid fortification (in 1989‐1990 in NHS and 1993‐1995 in HPFS). A total of 618 cases of CRC up to 2010 follow‐up and 1215 matched controls (344/680 women and 274/532 men) were included in the analysis.Results: Unmetabolized folic acid was detected in 22 % of the controls and 21% of the CRC cases. Among those detected, the median value of unmetabolized folic acid was 0.61 nmol/L in both controls and cases. Overall, pre‐diagnostic plasma levels of unmetabolized folic acid were not associated with CRC risk. Compared to those undetected, the multivariate relative risks (RRs) of CRC were 1.14 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.79‐1.65) for <0.5 nmol/L and 1.13 (95% CI, 0.79‐1.60; P for trend, 0.30) for 蠅0.5 nmol/L. When we stratified the association by sex, there was a positive association between unmetabolized folic acid levels and CRC risk among men (RR=1.58 [95% CI 1.01‐2.49] for 蠅0.5 nmol/L vs. undetected) but not among women (RR=0.64 [95% CI 0.39‐ 1.05] for the same comparison; P for interaction=0.05). The association was also positive among those with methylene‐tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) CT/TT genotype (RR=2.20 [95% CI 1.24‐3.90] for 蠅0.5 nmol/L vs. undetected) but not among those with CC genotype (RR=0.49 [95% CI 0.22‐1.08] for the same comparison; P for interaction=0.03) Conclusions: Pre‐diagnostic plasma levels of unmetabolized folic acid from pre‐fortification period were not associated with the risk of CRC. The positive association in some subgroups of the population needs to be further explored.Grant Funding Source: Supported by CA136950, CA87969, and CA55075
Resolvin D1 protects from neutrophil mediated joint destruction in inflammatory arthritis (146.5)
Authors: Norling Lucy , Headland Sarah , Dalli Jesmond , Serhan Charles , Perretti Mauro 
Published: June 2021

Dietary supplementation with omega‐3 PUFA is efficacious in reducing joint pain, morning stiffness and NSAID usage in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Yet there is an unmet need to determine how they exert beneficial effects. Recent discoveries have determined that omega‐3 PUFA can be enzymatically converted in vivo to novel pro‐resolving bioactive lipid mediators, termed resolvins. We recently showed that resolvin D1 (RvD1) limits PMN recruitment in experimental peritonitis via its receptor ALX (PMID:22499990), yet whether RvD1 exhibits anti‐arthritic effects remains to be determined. In an inflammatory arthritis model; mice were administered veh (0.1% EtOH, i.p.) or treated with 17R‐RvD1 (100ng, i.p. daily) either prophylactically (day 0) or therapeutically (ensuing overt signs of arthritis; day 4), and graded for arthritis severity (max score 12). Prophylactic treatment with RvD1 significantly lowered the clinical score and hind paw oedema, and attenuated leukocyte infiltrate and prostanoids within the paw. Importantly, therapeutic treatment reduced the peak in arthritis severity and shortened the resolution interval. Protective actions of RvD1 were abolished in ALX (fpr2/3) null mice, indicating the crucial role of this GPCR in RvD1 joint protective actions. These studies indicate that the pro‐resolving mediator RvD1 offers a valuable therapeutic approach for inflammatory joint diseases including rheumatoid arthritis.Grant Funding Source: Supported by Arthritis Research UK Fellowship 19909 to LVN and The Wellcome Trust 086867/Z/08/Z
The role of prion protein sequence in cross‐species prion transmission (153.2)
Authors: Kurt Timothy , Bett Cyrus , Fernández‐Borges Natalia , Jiang Lin , Eisenberg David , Castilla Joaquin , Wüthrich Kurt , Aguzzi Adriano , Sigurdson Christina 
Published: June 2021

Prion diseases are fatal neurodegenerative diseases caused by the conversion of normal cellular prion protein, PrPC, to a misfolded isoform known as PrPSc. Zoonotic prion transmission was reported during the bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) epidemic, yet assessing the risk of cross‐species prion transmission remains challenging. We and others have studied how specific amino acid residue differences between species impact prion conversion, and have found the β2‐α2 loop region of the prion protein (residues 165‐175) markedly influences transmission. Here we examined the impact of amino acid substitutions within the loop on cross‐species prion transmission in vivo and in vitro. We found that transgenic mice expressing β2‐α2 loop substitutions completely resisted infection with two strains of mouse prions and with deer CWD prions. To investigate the impact of individual amino acid residues on conversion, we used an in vitro conversion assay and found that substitutions at certain residues within the loop, such as position 169, dramatically reduced conversion whereas other substitutions had no effect. We propose a model based on steric zipper interactions to explain these results. These studies indicate that the β2‐α2 loop modulates cross‐species prion transmission and suggest this region as a target for rational therapeutic design.Grant Funding Source: NS055116, NS069566, and U54AI0359
Development of the hyoid‐larynx complex and its variants: significance for clinical and forensic studies (17.7)
Authors: de Bakker Bernadette , de Bakker Henri , Soerdjbalie‐Maikoe Vidija , Moorman Antoon 
Published: June 2021

Anatomical variations of the hyoid‐larynx complex occur in 4‐28% of the general population. The embryonic development of this complex, however, has been poorly described, and it is unclear whether current descriptions, which form the basis for the explanation of the development of these variants, are based on observations of original human embryos or on comparative embryology.To obtain more insight in the development of the hyoid‐larynx complex, we analyzed histological sections of human embryos from the Carnegie Collection. Three‐dimensional models were prepared in a novel interactive portable format providing crucial spatial information and facilitating interpretation. Furthermore we analyzed a forensic‐radiological database with 300 dedicated scans of the hyoid‐larynx explantates.In contrast to current theories, we observed that the body of the hyoid bone originates from a single growth center, without overt contributions from the second and third pharyngeal arch cartilages. The thyroid and cricoid cartilages develop from mesenchymal packaging, instead of pharyngeal arch cartilages. Most variants are not important in a clinical setting, however they are important in forensic setting if a fracture of the hyoid bone is suspected. In those cases it is of utmost importance to discern between a fracture of the hyoid bone or the thyroid horns and malfusion of those parts.
A mass spectrometry‐based proteomics approach to identify novel host proteins in enteropathogenic E. coli pedestals (214.3)
Authors: Law H.T. , Chua Michael , Hipolito Kevin , Foster Leonard , Guttman Julian 
Published: June 2021

The human intestinal pathogen enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) is a major cause of infantile diarrhea and early childhood mortality, particularly in developing countries. A hallmark of these infections is the formation of pedestal‐like morphological structures at sites where EPEC attaches to the host cell surface. Despite their known presence during these infections, their precise role in the disease process remains uncertain. Protein components that have been confirmed at pedestals are limited. Consequently, we hypothesize that undiscovered host proteins are present within EPEC pedestals and that some may play crucial roles in the pathogenesis of EPEC. To test our hypothesis, we developed a novel technique that can separate and concentrate EPEC pedestals from epithelial cells. We then utilized mass spectrometry (proteomics) to identify the protein constituents within these structures. From our screen, we identified 68 proteins with high confidence scores. Among these proteins, 24 corresponded to known and 44 are considered novel pedestal proteins. We have confirmed 9 novel pedestal proteins and have demonstrated the underlying molecular mechanisms in which they are hijacked by EPEC.Grant Funding Source: NSERC
Wound healing of cutaneous nitrogen mustard injuries by dynamic modulation of gap junction communication using connexin43 antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (216.6)
Authors: Chang Yoke‐chen , Wang James , Hahn Rita , Chang Hui‐Ying , Gordon Marion , Gerecke Donald 
Published: June 2021

Gap junction communication is tightly regulated in skin wound healing. Studies showed that targeting of connexin43 (Cx43) improves skin wound repair in diabetes. Vesicant induced skin injury results in dermal‐epidermal junction disruption and delayed wound repair. We treated Cx43 antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (asODN) on NM exposed SKH‐1 mouse dorsal skin to evaluate the wound healing response. We examined markers of basal keratinocytes, keratin5 (K5); epidermal differentiation, keratin10 (K10); proliferation, Ki67; and basement membrane, laminin 332 (LM332). Immunofluorescent (IF) studies showed reduced K5 expression, loss of K10 and Ki67, and an interrupted LM332 pattern of expression 1 day after NM exposure. By day 3, K10 reappeared in a diffuse pattern. By day 7, the LM332 appearance was thick and continuous. By day 10, there was intense expression of Ki67, accompanied by extreme hyperplasia. Animals treated with Cx43AsODN after NM exposure had an accelerated wound rate and improved reepithelialization so that the skin marker patterns above appeared at earlier timepoints. RT‐PCR and Western blot analysis showed significant reduction of Cx43 at days 3 and 7. IF studies also showed that Cx43 asODN treatment successfully reduced Cx43 expression and modulated higher Cx26 expression in the wound margin by day 3. The use of Cx43asODN may alter Cx expression and accelerate vesicant wound repair.Grant Funding Source: Supported by ES005022, EY09056, and NIAMS U54AR055073