bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of nutrition knowledge on dietary attitude and self‐efficacy of senior elementary school students
Authors: Chung Hyun-Jung , Park Hee-Jung 
Published: June 2021

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of nutritional knowledge on dietary attitude, eating behavior, and dietary self‐efficacy in elementary school children in Incheon, Korea to improve nutrition education in a practical class. To the question of nutritional knowledge, most students answered ‘little knowledge’. Their information resources on nutrition knowledge were from ‘TV, radio, books (except text books)’, ‘internet’, and ‘class of school’ in order. In terms of the nutritional knowledge, the mean awareness was 82.6%, and the mean accuracy was 84.6%. There was a significant difference among the level of nutritional knowledge, the sources of nutritional knowledge, and the awareness of knowledge (p<0.001, p<0.05). Regarding the questions on ‘reduced‐fat or fat‐free food and body weight’, ‘obesity and adult disease’, and ‘taking vitamins’, girls showed significantly higher scores than boys (p<0.001). The average score of eating behavior was 40.98 out of 55. The question about ‘brushing teeth’ showed a significant gender difference (p<0.001). Boys were more punctual than girls in having a dinner (p<0.001). The reason for skipping breakfast was because they were too busy in the morning. The dietary self‐efficacy scored 71.11 out of 90. Girls’ scores were significantly higher than boys’ (p<0.05). Nutritional knowledge affected the elementary school students on their dietary attitude (p<0.01), eating behavior (p<0.01), and self‐efficacy (p<0.001). In conclusion, accessible and continuous dietary education help improve dietary attitude, eating behavior, dietary self‐efficacy as well as nutritional knowledge of students. Dietary education at an elementary school should consist of various well‐organized programs to improve appropriate dietary attitude, eating behavior, and dietary self‐efficacy.Grant Funding Source: Inha University
Dietary protein, skeletal muscle mass, and obesity risk in adolescent girls
Authors: Hasnain Syed Ridda , Buendia Justin G , Bradlee M. Loring , Moore Lynn L 
Published: June 2021

Adolescence is a critical period for acquisition of skeletal muscle mass (SMM) as well as the development of obesity. Prospective data on the effect of dietary protein on these outcomes are sparse. The goal of the study is to estimate the effects of dietary protein on adolescent body composition, using data from the National Growth and Health Study, a prospective study of 2379 9–10 year old girls followed for 10 years. 3‐day records were used to assess diet during 8 years of follow up. Bioelectrical impedance data from annual clinic visits were combined with age and height to estimate percent of total body weight from SMM. Analysis of covariance and logistic models were used to control for potential confounding by age, race, SES, height, activity, TV/video viewing time, and age at menarche. Percent body fat in late adolescence declined linearly with increasing quintiles of protein intake (in g/kg/day) in early adolescence (37.2, 32.4, 29.9, 28.7, 27.4 % body fat, respectively, for quintiles 1–5; p‐trend<0.0001). Percent SMM increased from 28.9% to 36.6% with increasing quintile of intake. Compared with the lowest quintile of intake, there was a striking 96% reduced risk (95% CI: 0.02–0.05) of being overweight (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) at end of follow up. These results suggest that higher dietary protein intakes may benefit acquisition of SMM and reduce the risk of acquiring excess body fat during adolescence.Grant Funding Source: NIDDK and a small grant
Cholesterol‐lowering effects of Northern wild rice in LDL receptor knockout mice
Authors: Moghadasian Mohammed , Le Khuong , Zhao Zhaohui , Nicholson Tiffany , Goh Chunyan , Moghadasian Paymahn , Askarian Fatemeh , Beta Trust 
Published: June 2021

We have recently reported that Northern wild rice produced in Manitoba, Canada possesses higher antioxidant properties as compared to conventional white rice. This observation plus other data from available literature suggest that Northern wild rice may have anti‐atherogenic properties. The objective of the current study was to investigate potential lipid‐modifying and anti‐atherogenic properties of Northern wild rice in LDL receptor knockout mice. Sixteen 4‐week male LDL receptor knockout mice were divided into two groups of 8 each. These experimental groups received a semi‐synthetic diet containing 0.06% (w/w) cholesterol; carbohydrates in this diet were replaced with Northern wild rice and used for the “treated group.” The experiment will be carried out for 24 weeks. Plasma total cholesterol and triglyceride levels were estimated at baseline and every four weeks using standard enzymatic kits. Body weight and estimated 24‐hour food consumption were recorded. These data are summarized in the following Table.Data suggest strong cholesterol‐lowering activities for Northern wild rice in this animal model. It is most likely that such reductions in total cholesterol levels will lead to significant reductions in atherogenesis by the end of the study.This study was supported by Agriculture Research and Development Initiative (ARDI), Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
Effect of tomato and Tocopherols intake on IgE level
Authors: Godoy María Fernanda , Slobodianik Nora , Carrari Fernando , Insani Marina 
Published: June 2021

The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of tomato and tocopherols intake on IgE level in Lamina Propria of intestinal villi.An experimental rat model of protein malnutrition at weaning was used. Rats of Wistar strain were fed a protein‐free diet until they lost 25% of their initial body weight. This feeding procedure develops an allergic state. Re‐feeding was performed by the administration of an experimental diet containing 20% casein as the only source of protein (Re‐nourished group=R). Other experimental groups received this diet plus tomato (R+T) – equivalent to 200g/day for an adult man of 70kg‐ or plus a tocopherols mix (á, â, ã, ä) equivalent to those present in tomato fruit (R+Tph), added to drinking water during 35 days.Results showed that Lamina Propria of intestinal villi of R+T group presented higher % of IgE+ B cells compared to R (99±8; 62±11) and intake of tocopherols mixture reverted that situation lowering the levels to 31±6. These results would suggest that tomato could be an allergenic food as tested in this model. Instead, tocopherols were effective to alleviate the basal allergic status.
Reported changes in feeding practices during and after illnesses in 6 to 23 month old children receiving continued breastfeeding in the Western Highlands of Guatemala
Authors: Vossenaar Marieke , Garcia Rosario , Doak Colleen M , Solomons Noel W 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundThe WHO recommends that fluid intake be increased during illness and that foods be offered more often after illness.ObjectiveTo describe feeding practices during and after illness in a sample of young Guatemalan children aged 6–23 mo.MethodsMothers of 300 young children attending two public health centers in the Western Highlands of Guatemala were interviewed regarding past feeding practices with a structured questionnaire.Results238 mothers (79%) reported offering the young child additional liquids when ill; the most commonly reported liquids were water (offered by 41% of mothers), ritual fluids (28%), oral rehydration solutions (17%) and breastmilk (7%). 85 mothers (28%) offered different foods during illness. 132 mothers (44%) reported withholding certain foods, whereas some foods were specifically offered during child illness by 88 mothers (29%). Most commonly avoided foods were beans, eggs, fatty‐foods and other items culturally believed to be “cooling” to the body (“cold foods”), as well as coffee. Most commonly promoted foods were soups, broths, ritual fluids, foods low in fat and breastmilk. Only 99 mothers (33%) reported offering the child more foods in convalescence.ConclusionA substantial proportion of mothers appropriately adapt feeding practices surrounding child illness in accordance with WHO guidance.Funded by Sight and Life, Switzerland
Tackling poverty through private sector microcredit programs in Ghana: Does infant and young child nutrition improve?
Authors: Friesen Valerie , Marquis Grace S. , Fallon Kathleen , Colecraft Esi K. 
Published: June 2021

Low income is a barrier to optimal feeding practices of infants and young children (IYC). Microcredit programs for rural Ghanaian women aim to improve incomes and may have the additional benefit of improving IYC nutrition. A cross‐sectional study was conducted in the Upper Manya Krobo District in Ghana to determine the association between a mother's participation in a rural bank microcredit program and IYC dietary quality and nutritional status. Participants included 102 active microcredit member mothers and 102 non‐microcredit member mothers and their youngest child (6–23 mo). Non‐members were matched to the microcredit group by community and child age. Information was collected on IYC feeding practices, length and weight and household socio‐demographic characteristics. IYC in the microcredit group (MC) consumed more dairy products (p < 0.01) and iron‐fortified foods (p < 0.05) while IYC in the non‐microcredit group (NMC) consumed more legumes and nuts (p < 0.05). Overall, more MC than NMC children (57 % vs. 43 %; p < 0.05) met minimum dietary diversity recommendations (≥ 4 food groups). Weight‐for‐age z‐scores tended to be higher among MC vs. NMC children (−0.43 ± 1.13 vs. −0.69 ± 1.03; p = 0.09). Microcredit programs may contribute to improving IYC nutrition in Ghana; longitudinal studies are needed to understand the role that this component of the private sector plays.Funding: IDRC #1045519‐017 & McGill U.
CIKS is critical mediator of isoproterenol/β‐AR induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Murray David R , Valente Anthony J. , Siebenlist Ulrich , Chandrasekar Bysani 
Published: June 2021

Chronic inflammation and persistent activation of sympathetic nervous system play critical roles in the pathophysiology of the hypertrophied failing heart. CIKS (connection to IKK and JNK), also known as Act1, mediates agonist‐induced NF‐κB and AP‐1 activation. Since the β‐AR agonist isoproterenol (ISO) induces the prohypertrophic interleukin (IL)‐18 via NF‐κB and AP‐1, we investigated whether ISO‐induced, IL‐18‐mediated, cardiomyocyte growth is CIKS‐dependent.ResultsISO‐induced hypertrophy of wild type (WT) mouse cardiomyocytes in vitro was significantly attenuated by CIKS knockdown. Importantly, ISO failed to induce hypertrophy in cardiomyocytes isolated from CIKS null mice. ISO‐induced IKK and JNK activation, NF‐κB and AP‐1 DNA binding and reporter gene activation, Il18 transcription, and IL‐18 mRNA expression and protein secretion were all markedly attenuated by CIKS knockdown. Pre‐treatment with IL‐18BP or IL‐18 neutralizing antibodies also blocked ISO‐induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Infusion of ISO for 7 days induced myocardial hypertrophy in wild type but not CIKS null mice. Myocardial levels of phospho IKK, JNK, p65 and c‐Jun, NF‐κB and AP‐1 DNA binding activity and IL‐18 expression were all markedly attenuated in ISO‐infused CIKS null mice compared to WT mice in vivo.ConclusionsCIKS is a critical mediator of β‐AR‐induced, IL‐18‐mediated myocardial hypertrophy and failure.
Modulation of AMPA and kainate receptors by galectins
Authors: Bhangoo Sonia , Copits Bryan , Nakamura Yuka , Frausto Shanti , Robbins John , Gill Martin B , Smith Caleb , Ogawa Tomohisa , Muramoto Koji , Sakai Ryuichi , Swanson Geoffrey T. 
Published: June 2021

N‐glycans covalently attached to integral membrane proteins on neurons act as a reservoir for considerable structural diversity and represent potential sites of modulation by oligosaccharide‐binding proteins known as lectins. We found that galectins, a family of galactose‐binding lectins, act as allosteric modulators of ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs) and engage signaling pathways that lead to alterations in dendritic structure. These proteins could potentially impact synaptic transmission and likely have diverse effects on neuronal signaling in the mammalian CNS.Natural galectins isolated from a marine sponge and the Conger eel, as well as recombinant human galectin‐1, exhibited diverse activity on iGluRs. Several types of receptors, including GluA4 AMPA and GluK2 kainate receptors, responded with slowed desensitization kinetics and increased steady‐state currents. Peak current amplitudes from homomeric GluA1 AMPA and GluK1 kainate receptors were reduced. AMPA and kainate receptors assembled with their respective auxiliary proteins, stargazin and NETO, also were sensitive to allosteric modulation. Galectin modulation of GluK2 receptor function was eliminated by mutation of three extracellular asparagines near the ligand‐binding domain. Hippocampal neurons exposed to galectin‐1 exhibited rapid activation of the MAPK/Erk signaling pathway and longer‐term alterations in neuronal morphology. This spectrum of effects suggests that galectins could impact neuronal function through actions on a variety of signaling pathways. Because they are secreted at high levels in several pathological states, their activity on neurons could potentially exacerbate excitotoxicity.
Three‐month omega‐3 fatty acid supplementation does not improve cardiac diastolic function in healthy older adults
Authors: Gao Zhaohui , Feehan Robert P. , Sinoway Lawrence I. , Monahan Kevin D. 
Published: June 2021

Cardiac diastolic function declines with age. Animal studies suggest that the magnitude of the decline can be attenuated by omega‐3 fatty acid (n‐3) supplementation. Whether n‐3 supplementation improves cardiac diastolic function in healthy older humans is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine whether 3 months of n‐3 supplementation (1.9 and 1.5 g EPA and DHA/day) improved echocardiographic indices of cardiac diastolic function (including traditional Doppler, tissue Doppler imaging, and 2D speckle tracking imaging) in healthy older adults. Echocardiographic examinations were performed on 11 healthy older volunteers (average age: 66±3 yrs, 5 females) before and after n‐3 supplementation. Diastolic functional parameters, including mitral inflow velocities (E and A), myocardial diastolic velocity (Em and Am) and longitudinal early and late diastolic strain rates (E‐sr and A‐sr), were measured at rest. n‐3 supplementation had no effect on blood pressure and heart rate. Moreover, measures of diastolic function were unchanged (all P>0.05). These data suggest that daily ingestion of high doses of n‐ 3 supplements for 3 months is not effective in improving measures of cardiac diastolic function in healthy older adults.Supported by P01 HL096570 (LIS); R01 HL070222 (LIS); HL092309 (KDM); AG024420 (KDM); UL1 RR033184 (LIS).
Effect of Aortic Stenosis on Coronary Perfusion Studied with Wave Intensity Analysis
Authors: Siebes Maria , Rolandi M. Cristina , Yong Ze-Yie , Spaan Jos A.E. , Baan Jan 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundAn aortic stenosis (AS) can cause angina despite normal coronary arteries. We used wave intensity (WI) to elucidate mechanisms underlying adaptation of the coronary microcirculation to AS. WI distinguishes between contributions of left ventricular (forward, FW) and microcirculatory (backward, BW) origin and between compression waves during contraction (BCW and FCW resp.) and expansion waves (FEW and BEW resp.) during relaxation.MethodsDuring cardiac catheterization we simultaneously measured aortic pressure, coronary pressure (Pd) and flow velocity (U) at rest and at maximal hyperemia in 12 patients without and in 10 patients with severe AS. WI was calculated as (dPd/dt)(dU/dt) and the energy of separated BW and FW contributions was derived.ResultsU at rest was about 20 cm/s in both groups. Compared to no AS, Pd was 17% lower (p< 0.01) with AS, while microvascular resistance (MR=Pd/U) was 30% lower (p<0.05). Hyperemic Pd and MR did not differ, while U was 20% lower (p<0.05) in AS. Compression wave energy remained similar. However, FEW in AS was 43% lower at rest and 66% lower at hyperemia (p<0.05). The BEW in AS was 50% higher at rest (p<0.05), correlating with the lower MR (p<0.05, r=0.45), and not different at hyperemia.ConclusionAS primarily affects the expansion waves and hence hampers coronary perfusion during cardiac relaxation.Support: FP7‐ICT 2007224495 (euHeart)
Cardiac Myocyte Exosome Stability and Function: Role of HSP60
Authors: Kuo Tiffany , Malik Zulfiqar , Kott Kayleen S. , Chen Le , Knowlton Anne A. 
Published: June 2021

Exosomes are small lipid vesicles, which are released from cells, and have been implicated as mediators of intracellular signaling, as well as a mechanism to remove material from the cell. We have shown that heat shock protein (HSP)60 is released from cardiac myocytes via exosomes. We investigated the stability of exosomes, as free HSP60 causes apoptosis.MethodsExosomes were isolated from cardiac myocyte media and purified with Exoquick. Acetyl choline esterase activity, protein content and exosome sizing were used to verify the quality of preparation.ResultsExosomes were incubated 18 h under different conditions: heat (4, 25, 37, and 42C), ethanol (21 and 65 mM) and acidosis (pH 6.6, 7.1, 7.4). Exosome stability was unchanged under these conditions based on the lack of release of HSP60. To further characterize the role of HSP60, we used biotinylation to determine whether HSP60 was on the intact exosome surface. Biotinylated protein was purified by affinity column, and then tested by western for HSP60. The results show that there is surface HSP60.ConclusionExosomes are stable under physiologic variations seen with disease. HSP60, which is toxic to myocytes when extracellular and is released by cardiac myocytes through exosomes, is present on the surface of the exosome. Ongoing work is investigating whether the exosomes are toxic to cells. Supported by HL077281.
Anticancer effects of α, β Momorcharin and its mechanism of action on different cancer cell lines
Authors: Singh Jaipaul , Manoharan Gunasekar 
Published: June 2021

The protein α β Momorcharin extracted from the tropical plant, Momordica charantia, was shown to possess anti‐cancer and anti‐HIV properties. This study investigated both time and dose dependent effects of α β Momocharin on the viability of 1321N1, Gos‐3, U87‐MG, Sk Mel, Corl‐23 and Weri Rb‐1, 6 cancer cell lines and L6 cells in the absence and presence of either temozolomide or vinblastine. The study also determined the mechanism(s) via which α β Momorcharin can exert its effect on cell death measuring the activities of caspase‐3 and −9, cytochrome c release and intracellular free calcium concentrations [Ca 2+]i.The results show that α β Momocharin can evoke both time (800 μM) and dose‐dependent (200 μM ‐ 800 μM) decreases in cell viability over a period of 24 h following incubation compared to untreated cells or healthy L6 cells. Combining α β Momocharin with either temozolomide (80 μM‐320 μM) or vinblastine (10 μg‐40 μg) resulted in significant (p< 0.05) decreases in cell viability. Incubation of the different cancer cell lines with α β Momocharin (800 μM) for 24 h resulted in significant (p< 0.05) increases in the activities of caspase‐3 and −9, cytochrome c release and elevation in [Ca2+ ]i in all the cell lines compared to untreated and L6 cells. The results indicate that α β Momocharin can evoke cancer cell death via apoptosis and cellular Ca2+ homeostasis.
Microparticle enlargement is a key point of vascular injury caused by decompression stress
Authors: Yang Ming , Milovanova Tatyana N , Bogush Marina , Bhopale Veena , Thom Stephen R 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveStudies in a mouse model have shown that decompression stress increases the number of circulating microparticles (MPs), which precipitate neutrophil activation and vascular damage. Our objective was to discern whether their size was a strong contributor to pathophysiological changes caused by decompression stress.MethodsMPs were isolated from mice subjected to 790 kPa air pressure for 2 hours. MPs size was measured by a multi‐photon microscope. MPs were injected into naïve mice via tail vein. Vascular injury was documented as elevations of vascular permeability and cleaved caspase 3.ResultsIn control animals, 0.6±0.1 % of annexin V positive particles had diameters > 2.0 μm, while in 2 hours post‐decompression group this fraction increased to 9.8±1.8 % (p<0.05, n=5) and in 24 hours group 14.6±4.9 % (p<0.05, n=3). When 2 hours post‐decompression MPs samples were hydrostatically recompressed at 790 kPa pressure for 1 hour, the fraction of diameters > 2.0 μm was significantly reduced compared to without hydrostatic recompression group (p<0.05, n=5). When MPs with or without recompression were injected into naïve mice, both neutrophil activation and vascular damage were much less in those injected with recompression MPs.Conclusionwe conclude that enlargement of annexin V positive microparticles plays an important role in tissue injury caused by decompression stress.This work was supported by a grant from the U.S. Office of Naval Research.
The Skeletal Muscle Metaboreflex is Attenuated in Healthy Older Adults
Authors: Greaney Jody L , Edwards David G , Fadel Paul J , Farquhar William B 
Published: June 2021

A previous study reported that healthy aging attenuated the exercise pressor reflex (EPR); however, whether this is due to alterations in the metabolic or mechanical component of the EPR remains unclear. Thus, the goal of this study was to comprehensively assess the influence of age on the metabolic component of the EPR using graded intensities of muscle metaboreflex activation. In young (n=18; 23±1 yr; resting blood pressure (BP) 111±3/69±3 mmHg) and older (n=23; 60±1 yr; resting BP 112±1/69±2 mmHg) normotensive subjects graded isolation of the muscle metaboreflex was achieved by post exercise ischemia (PEI) following moderate (PEI‐M) and high (PEI‐H) intensity static handgrip performed at 30% and 40% maximum voluntary contraction, respectively. BP (Finometer) and muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA; peroneal microneurography) were measured continuously. The increases in mean BP and MSNA burst frequency were significantly less in older subjects compared to younger subjects during both PEI‐M (15±2 young v 10±1 older mmHg and 13±3 young v 2±2 older bursts/min; both P<0.05) and PEI‐H (20±2 young v 13±1 older mmHg and 12±3 young v 4±2 older burst/min; both P<0.05). These data indicate that older normotensive adults have blunted neurocirculatory responses to PEI compared to young adults, suggesting that the metaboreflex is attenuated in healthy aging.Supported by NIH Grant HL‐074851‐02 and 2 P20 RR016472‐11 (to W.B.F.); HL‐093167‐03 (to P.J.F.); AHA 11PRE7580029 (to J.L.G.)