bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Variability of Oxidant Status in Women of Childbearing Potential
Authors: Artz Tamara , Jalili Thunder , Goodman Michael , Murtaugh Maureen A 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveOxidant status may influence conception after in vitro fertilization, maternal health during pregnancy, and fetal outcomes including birthweight. However, few reports exist of oxidant status in women of childbearing potential. Therefore, we describe the range of oxidant status in a group of potentially fertile women (n=96).MethodsWe conducted a cross‐sectional study of dietary supplement intake and blood and urine biomarkers of oxidative status (serum total glutathione (TGLUT) Oxis Research and urinary 8‐isoprostane (8‐ISO) Cayman Chemical Co. Statistics were run using SAS version 9.2 using log transformed variables where appropriate.ResultsWomen averaged 31 years (range 18 – 49, sd=8.5) with up to 4 live births. Sixty‐one women reported using any supplement, 23 used multivitamins and 11 prenatal vitamins. TGLUT varied four fold (mean=818.0 uM, 95%CI=201.5–1907.8). Urine 8‐ISO varied 80‐fold (mean=115.0 pg/mL, 95%CI=4.5–458.5T). TGLUT and 8‐ISO were positively correlated (r=0.24, p<0.02). TGLUT was higher among women using vitamin C, vitamin E, lutein, lycopene, carotenoids (p=0.03) vs. non‐users.ConclusionsThe positive correlation of vitamin C supplementation with total glutathione concentrations suggests that vitamin C may be an effective strategy for augmenting plasma glutathione in women of childbearing potential.
Formate metabolism in the folate‐deficient rat
Authors: Morrow G. P. , Lamarre S. G. , Brosnan M. E. , Brosnan J. T. 
Published: June 2021

Formate may arise from amino acid metabolism (serine, glycine, histidine, tryptophan, and methionine), from demethylation reactions, and methanol catabolism. Plasma [formate] is approximately 50 μM in rats. We have shown that plasma and urinary formate are increased up to 6‐fold in either folate‐deficient or Vitamin B12‐deficient rats, and may be a useful marker for remethylation defects. We therefore determined formate production rates in folate‐deficient and control rats. Rats were fed a folate‐deficient diet for 18 days; controls received a folate‐replete diet. Formate appearance was determined by means of a constant infusion of NaH13CO2. Plateau isotopic enrichment in formate was determined via GC‐MS. The rate of formate production in folate‐deficient rats was 43±4 umol/hr/100g compared to 76±16 umol/hr/100g for control rats (P<0.001). This decreased rate of formate production in the face of elevated [formate] implies an appreciable impairment in formate removal. In control rats, formate production amounted to 40% of the total potential one‐carbon groups generated from the diet. We conclude that formate production is a major, though unrecognized, motif in amino acid catabolism.Grant Funding Source: Canadian Institutes for Health Research and Memorial University of Newfoundland
Vitamin A supplementation in low birth weight piglets using a vitamin A depleted swine model
Authors: Heying Emily , Arscott Sara , Tanumihardjo Sherry 
Published: June 2021

Current vitamin A supplementation methods for infants in vitamin A deficient populations have no specific dosing regimen regarding birth weight. A proposed intervention is to administer 50,000 IU retinyl palmitate to newborn infants to reduce mortality risk. Low birth weight and normal birth weight piglets were dosed with two different amounts of vitamin A to compare liver vitamin A reserves and overall vitamin A status at 12 and 24 hours after supplementation. Sows (Sus scrofa domesticus) were fed a vitamin A deficient wheat diet throughout gestation and lactation. Sibling‐pair piglets weighing <1 kg and >1.5 kg were given 25,000 IU or 50,000 IU retinyl palmitate at birth, with blood collection occurring at varying time points after dose. Piglets were killed at 12 and 24 hours after the dose for organ and serum collection. Serum, liver, kidneys, spleen, lungs, adrenals, and pooled intestinal content were analyzed for vitamin A using HPLC methods. The results of this study will lend support to research currently being performed in developing countries where liver reserves and tissue distribution of vitamin A of infants are not accessible.Funded by the World Health Organization.
Selenium supplementation as a cure for leukemia – Eradication of Leukemic Stem Cells
Authors: GANDHI UJJAWAL H. , Hegde Shailaja N. , Kaushal Naveen , Paulson Robert , Prabhu K. Sandeep 
Published: June 2021

The micronutrient selenium (Se) has been demonstrated to have anti‐leukemic effects but there are no studies showing the ability of Se to affect leukemia stem cells (LSC), which are responsible for maintenance and relapse. We hypothesize that Se can specifically target LSCs via their ability to shunt arachidonic acid metabolism towards cyclooxygenase (COX)‐derived pro‐apoptotic metabolite, 15d‐prostaglandin (PG) J2 in vivo. We have used three murine models of leukemia involving transplantation of BCR‐ABL‐transduced LSCs, MLL‐AF9‐transduced LSCs, or infection with Friend virus. In all these models, mice on Se‐deficient (0.01 ppm selenite) or Se‐adequate (0.1 ppm selenite) diets succumbed to leukemia; while the mice maintained on Se‐supplemented (0.4 ppm selenite) diets displayed absence of disease with normal WBC counts and spleen size, and an absence of LSCs (Kit+Sca+). These effects of Se were blocked when the mice were treated with a COX‐inhibitor, indomethacin, suggesting that COX metabolites play a pivotal role. Furthermore, upon comparing the effect of conventionally used chemotherapeutic agent imatinib with that of Se supplementation, mice in the former group showed relapse of disease upon discontinuation of therapy. All these studies show that Se taken in supplemental quantities can potentially cure leukemia by selectively eradicating LSCs via anti‐proliferative COX metabolites. NIH DK077152Grant Funding Source : NIH DK077152
Dietary canola oil and growth of implanted drug‐resistant MCF‐7 human breast cancer in Balb/c nude mice
Authors: Mabasa Lawrence , Cho Kyongshin , Bae Sajin , Walters Mark William , Park Chung S 
Published: June 2021

The objective of the project was to determine the extent to which dietary canola oil (CAN) increases susceptibility of drug resistant human breast cancer cells to treatment. Treatment of doxorubicin (DOX)‐resistant MCF‐7 breast cancer cells in vitro with DOX plus CAN significantly suppressed cell proliferation as compared to the control, DOX, or CAN‐treated cells. To determine the effect of CAN on tumor growth and sensitivity to treatment in vivo, nude mice were fed either a soybean oil‐containing diet (SOY) or CAN diet and then implanted with DOX‐resistant human breast cancer cells to grow cancer. The CAN diet reduced tumor growth and also improved the tumor growth inhibitory effect of DOX on drug‐resistant cancer cells. Using qPCR, we observed that mRNA expression of both the P‐glycoprotein‐encoding multidrug resistant 1 gene and the mouse double minute 2 gene in tumor tissues were reduced by the CAN diet. Our findings suggest that a CAN diet inhibits tumor growth and sensitizes drug‐resistant breast cancer cells to treatment, due in part to alteration of gene expression. Overall, these novel findings advance the understanding of the role of dietary fat in breast cancer treatment, and future studies aimed at elucidating the detailed mechanism through which CAN affects drug resistant cancer cells are warranted. Research was funded by United States Department of Agriculture‐ National Institute of Food and Agriculture.Grant Funding Source : USDA‐NIFA
Sage (Salvia Officinalis) ameliorates experimentally induced neurodegeneration in C. elegans
Authors: Jamison Brandon Y , Gomada Yuki , Maitin Vatsala , Vattem Dhiraj A 
Published: June 2021

Dysregulation of neuronal stress response signaling has been implicated in neurodegenerative pathologies and is an emerging target for drug discovery. Sage was previously reported to beneficially modulate stress response signaling in C. elegans and may have therapeutic potential in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the in vivo neuroprotective effects of sage extracts in experimentally induced neurodegeneration in C. elegans. For AD, time to thermally induced Aβ1–42 aggregation mediated paralysis was evaluated in transgenic C. elegans (CL4176). For PD, MPP+ induced neurodegeneration was qualtified by loss in motility and degradation of GFP signal in wild type and transgenic C. elegans. Evaluation with fractionated sage extract characterized by HPLC/DAD/ELSD/MS suggests polar acidic fraction to be most effective and reduced Aβ1–42 induced paralysis by 15%. In the MPP+ induced neurodegeneration for PD, bioactive compounds in polar acidic fraction were most effective and decreased paralysis in wild type worms by 17%.Grant Funding Source : VRDÜR FOUNDATION
USE OF A MIXTURE OF PROBIOTIC STRAINS AGAINST SHIGA TOXIN‐PRODUCING ESCHERICHIA COLI (STEC) COLONIZATION IN SHEEP
Authors: Rigobelo Everlon C , Maluta Renato P , Maestá Sirlei A , Lemos Manoel Victor Franco , Avila Fernando A 
Published: June 2021

Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli (STEC) strains are food‐borne pathogens that cause human diseases, and ruminants are usually important reservoirs of STEC. The first step of enteric infection is colonization of the host's gut mucosal surface by pathogenic strains of bacteria. Probiotic bacteria can decrease the severity of infection by competing for receptors and nutrients and by synthesizing an acid that creates an unfavorable environment for the growth of several bacterial species. The aim of this study was to determine whether the inoculation of sheep with a mixture containing 3 × 108 (CFU) of Bacillus cereus, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Enterococcus faecium strains decrease the colonization of STEC. Sheep that received oral inoculums containing 2 × 109 viable bacteria of STEC carriers of stx1, stx2 and eae genes were compared with others groups that did not receive inoculums. When mixture was inoculated together with the STEC, the numbers of STEC in a population were lower than the group did not receive during the 3a, 5a, 6a and 7a weeks post‐inoculation. Thus, we conclude that this mixture likely presented a potential protective effect in reducing colonization by STEC and can be used as an alternative method to decrease STEC infection in sheep, thereby reducing transmission to humans.Financial Support: Fapesp Process: 2009/14923‐8
EFFECT OF SOY NUTS ON INFLAMMATION, ENDOTHELIAL FUNCTION, GLUCOSE, AND INSULIN IN ADULTS WITH METABOLIC SYNDROME
Authors: Reverri Elizabeth J. , LaSalle Colette D. , Kappagoda C. Tissa , Steinberg Francene M. 
Published: June 2021

Metabolic Syndrome (MetS), a clustering of risk factors for CVD and T2DM, has been increasing in prevalence. Inflammation and endothelial dysfunction represent early phases in the pathophysiology of these chronic diseases. A paucity of studies have examined soy consumption with MetS. This randomized controlled crossover trial investigated a commercially available soy snack (soy nuts) in menopausal women and older men with MetS. The hypothesis was that the soy snack would significantly attenuate inflammatory biomarkers, improve endothelial function, and achieve better glucose and insulin control. 9 adults with MetS were assigned in random order to the snack interventions for 4 weeks each: soy nuts and a macronutrient‐matched control (cookies baked in‐house). Outcome measurements included RH‐PAT, blood samples, anthropometrics, and food records. Preliminary baseline characteristics include 3M and 6F, 55.3±4.9 years, BMI 31.5±3.4 kg/m2, and 3.7±0.7 of 5 MetS criteria. Current results show no significant differences between snack interventions, time, and order. Equol status, NO, ET‐1, IL‐10, and food records will also be analyzed. Collectively, the enrollment goal is 18 and statistical analysis at that time will better reveal effects of soy nuts on inflammation, endothelial function, glucose, and insulin in adults with MetS.Grant Funding Source : UC Davis Departmental Funds and Henry A. Jastro Research Award
Effect of Soy Nut dietary intervention on cardiovascular disease biomarkers in adults with cardiometabolic syndrome
Authors: LaSalle Colette D , Reverri Elizabeth J , Kappagoda C Tissa , Steinberg Francene M 
Published: June 2021

Intake of bioactive compounds (such as isoflavones in soy) has been shown to ameliorate cardiovascular dysfunction. Consumption of soy products is correlated with improvement of lipid profiles, oxidative reactions and vascular functions. This study aimed to determine effects of soy nut intake on biochemical risk factors associated with cardiometabolic syndrome. The ongoing randomized controlled crossover study has completed 14 of the 18 planned subjects. Each 4 week intervention included either 70 g/d soy nuts (101 mg isoflavones) or milk‐protein based nutrient matched food, with treatments separated by a 2 wk washout period. Plasma levels of VCAM, ApoB100, oxidized LDL, lipid panel and clinical labs were measured. Based on preliminary analyses of the first 9 (3M, 6F; Age 55 ±4.8; yrs; BMI 30.3 ± 2.3) subjects (meeting Metabolic Syndrome criteria) soy nut treatment resulted in non significant reduction in glucose and calcium. The matched food led to significant decreases in cholesterol and serum calcium with a trend for reduced systolic blood pressure. Both treatments produced a significant decrease in uric acid. Initial results suggest that clinical lab values remained within normal limits and neither soy nor the matched food were significantly better at reducing biomarkers of lipid metabolism and endothelial function in cardiometabolic syndrome.Support: Departmental research funds
Low papaya consumption increases risk for low high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol in Mexican college applicants
Authors: Mosley Michelle Ann , Andrade Flavia CD , Morales Juan Manuel Vargas , Aradillas-Garcia Celia , Teran-Garcia Margarita 
Published: June 2021

Raising high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) via nutrition intervention is a challenge. Papaya fruit contains Carica papaya lipase, which may influence lipid metabolism. Our objective was to determine whether individuals consuming less papaya were at greater risk for low HDL‐C or other dyslipidemias. We focused on a subset of 339 Mexican college applicants (50.7% females) aged 18–25 years with complete data on a Mexican‐adapted Willett food frequency questionnaire and blood lipid profiles. Overall prevalence of low HDL‐C was 48.4%. Subjects were split into two consumption groups: <3 or >3 weekly papaya servings (mean intake 0.38 vs. 4.3 servings/week, P<0.0001). There were no differences in blood lipid profiles between the two groups; however, females who consumed less than 3 servings of papaya per week were at 1.52 times greater risk (95%CI: 0.99–2.32, P=0.05) of having low HDL‐C after adjustment for age and family history of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. These findings were not observed in males. We did not observe risk for other at‐risk blood lipid measures. Consumption of at least 3 servings of papaya per week may prevent low HDL‐C in female Mexican college applicants.Grant Funding Source: This study was sponsored by C09‐PIFI‐030606 (UASLP); UIUC Center for Health Aging and Disability grant; and USDA NIFA Hatch Projects.
Wild blueberry diets attenuate phenylephrine (Phe)‐induced vasoconstriction via NO‐sGC‐cGMP signaling, but not the COX pathway in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR)
Authors: Kristo Aleksandra S. , Kalea Anastasia Z. , Schuschke Dale A. , Klimis-Zacas Dorothy 
Published: June 2021

The role of wild blueberries on the NO and COX pathways was examined in 20 week‐old SHRs after eight weeks of a control (C, n=10) or an 8% wild blueberry (WB, n=10) diet. Phenylephrine‐induced vasoconstriction was examined in aortic rings in the absence or presence of LNMMA (10−5M), ODQ (10−5M) and sildenafil (10−5M), inhibitors of NO synthase (NOS), soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) and phosphodiesterase‐5 (PDE5) respectively; or MFA (10−5M), TCP (10−5M) and dazoxiben (10−5M), inhibitors of COX, prostaglandin I2 (PGI2) synthase and thromboxane A2 (TXA2) synthase, respectively.The maximum force of contraction (Fmax) was lower in the WB, 0.79±0.01g, than in the C rats, 0.96±0.01g, (p≤0.05). Application of LNMMA led to a higher but similar Fmax in both groups, whereas inhibition of sGC resulted in a higher Fmax in the WB, 1.61±0.01g vs 1.52±0.01g in the C group (p≤0.05). Sildenafil application decreased Fmax to a similar level in both groups. Additionally, concentration of aortic cGMP was higher in the WB‐fed SHRs, 5.49□0.20 vs 4.07□0.20 pg/ml/mg, (p≤0.05). A similar reduction of Fmax in both groups was elicited by MFA, TCP or dazoxiben, indicating that COX is not involved in the reduced Phe vasoconstriction in the SHRs fed a WB diet.Therefore, wild blueberries modulate NO‐sGC‐cGMP signaling, without a significant effect on the COX pathway in the SHR model.
The effect of adiponectin on the phenotype and function of Jaws II cells
Authors: Collins Shawntawnee , Turbitt William J , Finch Emily R , Rogers Connie J 
Published: June 2021

Many adaptive immune responses are impaired by obesity. Adiponectin is an anti‐inflammatory adipokine that may play a role in mediating the immunoregulatory effects of obesity. The goal of the present study was to determine if adiponectin alters the phenotype and function of dendritic cells (DCs), potent antigen presentation cells important in activating antigen‐specific T cells. In vitro studies were performed utilizing an immortalized murine dendritic cell line, Jaws II, which responds to cytokine stimulation and presents antigen similarly to bone marrow‐derived DCs. Jaws II cells were evaluated at baseline or stimulated with LPS for 24 hours to induce maturation, and treated with vehicle or two forms of adiponectin (mouse recombinant and globular domain) at 1 and 10 μg/mL for 48 hrs. At baseline, and following LPS stimulation, Jaws II cells were harvested, counted and MHCI, MHCII, and CD80 expression was quantified with and without adiponectin treatment by flow cytometry. IL‐6 production was also quantified in the harvested supernatants. Adiponectin treated Jaws II cells had a significantly greater LPS‐induced increase in MHC class II expression (20–130%) and IL‐6 production (<50%) as compared to vehicle treated control cells. These results suggest that adiponectin alters the phenotype and function of DCs and may play a role in antigen presentation or other important functions of DCs.Grant Funding Source : Penn State internal funding
Culture is central: a framework for incorporating cultural influences in promoting exclusive breastfeeding
Authors: Reinsma Kathryn Reona , Bolima Nancy , Fonteh Florence , Okwen Patrick , Yota Daniel , Montgomery Susanne 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundSince 2003, the World Health Organization has recommended exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for the first 6 months of life. In the Northwest Region of Cameroon approximately 90% of women initiate breastfeeding, yet only 34% of these women EBF for the recommended 6 months.Study ObjectiveTo understand the influences on women's EBF practices in the Kumbo West Health District, Northwest Region, Cameroon.Aim and MethodsUsing qualitative grounded theory methodologies, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 6 women and 6 men followed by focus group discussions with 3 groups of women and 3 groups of men all selected using theoretical sampling to assure triangulation for a total of 37 female and 41 male participants.ResultsThree themes emerged that influence EBF practices: woman's readiness to EBF, cultural influences towards EBF, and perceived constraints to EBF.ConclusionThese emergent themes were used to create a theoretical framework, which provides a guide for developing a breastfeeding health behavior change intervention in non‐Western settings that are less individualistic and more heavily influenced by peer and family norms and cultural beliefs.Grant Funding Source: Nestle Foundation
Agroecological Zone is Associated with Stunting in Children Aged 12–59 Months in Kenya
Authors: Smith Laura Elizabeth , Stoltzfus Rebecca , Mutiga Samuel 
Published: June 2021

The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between agroecological zones (AEZ) and stunting in children aged 12–59 months in Kenya. Kenya has 7 AEZ, ranging from humid to very arid. Aflatoxin exposure has been associated with child stunting and studies have found that aflatoxin contamination of grain varies by AEZ with aflatoxin highest in AEZ with moderate rainfall (600–1000mm). GPS data from the 2009 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey and an AEZ GIS map of Kenya were used to calculate AEZ for children (n=3015 children). Mean HAZ was −1.58 (range= −1.44 in very arid to −1.93 in semi‐arid). A hierarchical linear model was used to predict height‐for‐age Z score (HAZ) and child stunting (z<‐2). After controlling for known predictors of child stunting (sex, diet diversity, wealth index, and maternal height, weight and education), there were no significant differences in HAZ among zones except for the semi‐arid zone (rainfall ranging from 450–900mm) where children are 47% more likely to be stunted (OR = 1.47, CI (1.063,2.033)) with a difference of almost 0.4 Z scores (ΔHAZ =‐0.358 compared to mean HAZ in other zones, P= 0.011). These findings suggest that a characteristic of AEZ‐potentially aflatoxin contamination of grain‐is associated with child stunting in Kenya.Grant Funding Source : None
Mothers Perceptions and Responsiveness to Malnutrition among HIV‐positive and HIV‐negative Children in Ghana
Authors: Dieumegarde Tanya Marie-Averill , Anderson Alex Kojo 
Published: June 2021

The objective of this study was to assess mothers’ perceptions of the causes of their child's malnutrition and thus their responsiveness to the child's condition. This was a qualitative study. In‐depth interviews were conducted with mothers of children diagnosed with organic (n=2) and inorganic (n=6) malnutrition, as well as reviewing their medical chart for data extraction in the only Children's Hospital in Ghana. This was done in concurrence with the nutritional rehabilitation program of the Nutrition Rehabilitation Clinic. Of the 8 mothers with malnourished children observed and interviewed, only 1 correctly attributed poor nutrition as the cause of malnutrition and admittance to the hospital while the remaining 7 did not have any idea of the role of nutrition. Overall, mothers of the organic cases were more responsive to the nutritional care of their child at the clinic, while some of the mothers of the inorganic cases withheld the PlumpyNut supplied by the clinic. This observation was consistent with the rate of recovery of the 2 organic cases compared to their inorganic counterparts according to their medical charts. Our observation and interaction with the mothers suggested a lack of nutrition knowledge and awareness in child feeding. There is therefore a need for nutrition education in the area of child feeding in resource poor areas and a rehabilitation program that strictly require mothers’ involvement.Grant Funding Source : None