bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reduced weight gain and improved insulin sensitivity in high‐fat fed mice by treatment with a mixture of a reduced isohumulones from hops and an extract from acacia
Authors: Tripp Matthew L , Vroegrijk Irene , van Diepen Janna A , Darland Gary , Konda Veera R , Bland Jeffrey S , Voshol Peter J 
Published: June 2021

Bioactive natural products obtained from foods may be safely incorporated into a lifestyle program and help mitigate metabolic disturbances caused by a westernized high fat diet. Previously we screened 200+ botanicals and discovered that a mixture of an extract of Acacia nilotica (ANE) and reduced iso‐alpha acids (RHO) from Humulus lupulus increased insulin sensitivity in a 3T3‐L1 adipocyte model of lipogenesis. Subsequent studies in db/db mice established that META352, a 5:1 mixture of RHO:ANE, was optimal for reducing fasting insulin and glucose. We evaluated META352 in a model of high fat diet (HFD) induced obesity in which C57BL mice were maintained on a diet that included 45% lard for 12 weeks. HFD fed mice supplemented with META352 (100 mg/kg body weight) exhibited a significant reduction in weight gain (~20%); subcutaneous and gonadal fat were reduced by 50% and fasting glucose and insulin were reduced by 25% and 80%, respectively (p<0.05). Oral glucose tolerance test and insulin sensitivity test showed that META352 improved insulin sensitivity in the META352 supplemented mice (p<0.05) compared to the HFD fed mice. In conclusion, META352, a proprietary combination of RHO and ANE, reduced elevated plasma insulin and glucose in the db/db mice, reduced weight gain, body fat, and improved insulin sensitivity in high‐fat fed mice.Supported by MetaProteomics, LLC.
Effect of a Novel Eicosapentaenoic Acid‐Rich Oil on Serum Cholesterol in Man: Comparison to Docosahexaenoic Acid
Authors: Gillies Peter , Asztalos Ivor , Gleason Joi , Horvath Katalin , Dansinger Michael , Schaefer Ernst 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundFish oil and DHA raise LDL cholesterol (LDL‐C); the effects of EPA are less defined.Study Design121 healthy volunteers were recruited into a randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐arm, 6 week study. The placebo group received olive oil; the low dose EPA group (EPA600) received 600 mg/day of a yeast derived EPA; the high dose EPA group (EPA1800) received 1800 mg/day, and the DHA group (DHA600) received 600 mg/day of an algal derived DHA. Notably, the EPA oil did not contain any DHA and the DHA oil did not contain any EPA.Results110 subjects completed the study. The study population was 21–70 yrs of age, 67% male, 33% female, with an average BMI of 27.4. Subjects were not allowed lipid‐lowering medications or omega‐3 dietary supplements during the study and were counseled to maintain their normal diet and exercise programs. The number of subjects who remained free of fishy aftertaste or eructation was 92% for placebo, 85% for EPA600, 72% for EPA1800, and 61% for DHA600. The placebo group exhibited a 6% decrease in LDL‐C (n=26, P<0.01); the EPA600 group a 3% decrease in LDL‐C (n=27, NS), the EPA1800 group a 2% decrease in LDL‐C (n=29, NS); in contrast, the DHA group exhibited a 14% increase in LDL‐C (n=28, P<0.02). HDL and TG levels were relatively unaffected.ConclusionDHA, but not EPA, raised LDL‐C in normal lipidemic subjects at a dietary intake of 600 mg/day for 6 weeks. Funded by DuPont.
Dynamic changes in extracellular matrix gene regulation in adipose tissue and impact on preadipocyte proliferation and apoptosis
Authors: Ward Meliza Grace , Adapala Jitendra , Adedokun Sunday , Ajuwon Kolapo 
Published: June 2021

Adipose expansion occurs by hypertrophy and hyperplasia which may be influenced by the extracellular matrix (ECM). In the current study, we observed adipose depot specific changes in ECM expression under diet induced obesity. We examined ECM transcript and protein levels in C57BL/6 mice fed a control or high fat diet for 4, 8, and 12 weeks. We report that the transcript levels of collagen1A1, collagen VI, and biglycan display increased expression in the high fat diet mice that shifts from the subcutaneous adipose to the epididymal adipose over time. Protein levels of collagen1A1 and collagen VI do not correlate with transcript levels. We saw changes in the expression of MMPs 3 and 13 (P < 0.05) in mice fed a high fat diet, suggesting that ECM degradation by MMPs may be a reason for the disparity between protein and transcript levels. This study indicates that ECM genes are differentially regulated in different depots. Also, transcripts and proteins of the ECM may not correlate in obesity, perhaps due to degradation by MMPs. In a separate study, we treated preadipocytes with biglycan, decorin and fibronectin to evaluate their effects on preadipocyte proliferation. Decorin and biglycan caused a significant reduction of preadipocyte proliferation (P < 0.05), while fibronectin stimulated preadipocyte proliferation (P < 0.05). Thus, we provide evidence that ECM genes may directly regulate preadipocyte proliferation.Grant Funding Source: Purdue University
Study of Multiple Renal Arteries Using Corrosion Casts and CT Angiography
Authors: Zahoi Delia Elena , Miclaus Gratian Dragoslav , Alexa Aurora , Sztika Dorina , Farca Mioara 
Published: June 2021

This study evaluated the vascular territories of multiple renal arteries according to their trajects and distances between their origins.The materials used were 200 renal corrosion casts, made by injecting the vascular and ductal elements with a plastic compound and corroding the parenchyma with hydrochloric acid, and 100 CT angiographies conducted with a Siemens Somatom Sensation 64 CT.There was a 22% frequency of multiple renal arteries. The CT angiographies were used to analyze the distances between the arteries' origin points and their trajects. The distances varied between 0.1–5.7 cm and the trajects of the additional arteries, in comparison to that of the main artery was parallel (above or below) in 42% of cases, ascending in 31% of cases, descending in 19% of cases and crossing in 9% of cases. Arteries only crossed when the distance between their origins was less than 0.8cm (9.53% of cases). The corrosion casts were used to determine intraparencymatous division and vascular territories. The superior renal artery is the main one in 76.2% of cases, the middle one in 2.38% of cases and the inferior one in 16.66% of cases. In 4.76% of cases, there are two main arteries – superior and middle or superior and inferior (equal occurrences).Combining the two methods of study allows a more complex analysis of morphological parameters, the trajects and vascular territories in the cases where multiple renal arteries are present.
An anatomic study of the genicular arterial anastomosis – a dissection and 3D model
Authors: Sabalbal Maher , McAlister Vivian 
Published: June 2021

What is it about the arterial supply to the lower limb that allows tissues to remain perfused despite a diseased superficial femoral artery? It is well known in the literature that the profunda femoris artery has great anastomotic possibilities as it passes down the thigh. This has implications during vascular surgeries when a diseased arterial segment needs to be bypassed. The arterial anatomy of this anastomosis has not been well‐documented since the late 1800s. This study combines dissection with 3D imaging to delineate the arteries involved in the genicular anastomosis. Data from the Visible Human Project was utilized in the 3D imaging software, AMIRA, and a stereoscopic model of this arterial circulation was created. Moreover, CT angiograms of the lower limb were used in the imaging software OSIRIX to reconstruct a similar 3D model. Finally, arterial supply to the lower limb was dissected in 10 cadavers from the inguinal ligament to the point of trifurcation of the popliteal artery. Arteries involved in the genicular anastomosis were photographed and documented. Describing the specific arteries involved in the genicular anastomosis may benefit vascular surgeons concerned with lower limb salvage.Grant Funding Source: Internal
Functionality of bundle branches in developing hearts of Cx40 deficient mice
Authors: Benes Jiri , Sankova Barbora , Sedmera David 
Published: June 2021

Connexin40 (Cx40) is a major gap junction protein that is strongly expressed in His‐Purkinje system. We focused on the impact of Cx40 deficiency on development of murine His‐Purkinje system, specifically on the function of bundle branches (BB). We used optical mapping of ventricular activation at different embryonic stages of Cx40 deficient mice and compared them with data from Cx40(+/−) and WT mice.We found that RBB function, evidenced by presence of epicardial breakthrough near the apex of the right ventricle, was not affected by Cx40 deficiency at the early developmental stages (12.5 and 14.5 dpc). In contrast, LBB function was significantly impaired by Cx40 deficiency and its development seemed to be delayed (Chi square, p>0.05, at 14.5dpc). This finding differs from previous studies on adult Cx40 deficient mice, where RBB function was predominantly impaired (slowed conduction up to RBB block). We speculate that this discrepancy is due to developmental changes in Cx40 and Cx43 levels in working and conduting myocardium as well as differences in absolute conduction velocity, tissue insulation and geometry.
Biometric iris recognition system evaluation
Authors: Latman Neal S , Herb Emily 
Published: June 2021

The automatic, computerized recognition of an individual based on measurements of their unique anatomical, physiological, or behavioral characteristics is referred to as “biometrics.” The iris of the eye appears to satisfy the requirements for a good biometric system. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a biometric iris‐scanning recognition system: “Mobile‐Eyes” (Retica Systems, Inc., Waltham, MA.).The enrollment, verification, and identification applications were evaluated for accuracy and reliability on 277 subjects. Subjects' age range was 18 to 86 years; 36 had a current medical eye condition; 37 had a surgically corrected prior eye condition. A sub‐set of 35 subjects had drug‐induced nystagmus. There were 2,675 verification and identification attempts.The Mobil‐Eyes successfully enrolled 100% of subjects on first attempt. All subjects were successfully verified and identified on the day of enrollment. None of the current or prior eye conditions prevented enrollment, verification, or identification. All of the subjects with drug‐induced nystagmus were successfully verified and identified. There were no false verifications or false identifications.In conclusion, the Mobile‐Eyes biometric iris recognition system appeared to exhibit accurate and reliable enrollment, verification, and identification applications in this study.
Regulation of the Transcription of the UbD Promoter and Identification of ISRE Sequence
Authors: Oliva Joan , Bardag‐Gorce Fawzia , French Samuel W. 
Published: June 2021

Mallory‐Denk bodies (MDBs) are found in the liver of patients with alcoholic and chronic nonalcoholic liver disease, and human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). DDC is used as a model to induce the formation of MDBs in mouse liver. Previous studies showed that DDC induced the expression of UbD. The mechanism of transcriptional regulation of the gene UbD is unknown, but previous publication showed that inflammatory cytokines played a key role. The understanding of this regulation is very important because UbD is a liver preneoplastic marker, over expressed in 70–90% of the HCC. In presence of serum in the cell culture media, the mRNA of the specific immunoproteasome genes and UbD were down regulated by PS‐341. In the absence of serum, the TNFa and IFNg cotreatment increased the expression of 3 immunoproteaomes proteins and the expression of UbD. Similar results were found using luciferase reporter gene downstream of the UbD promoter. In the presence of the p53 consensus sequence, the cytokine cotreatment didn't induce the activity of the promoter. In the absence of p53 sequence, the cytokine cotreatment induced the activity of promoter. The analysis of the UbD promoter sequence reveals the presence of an ISRE sequence (Interferon Sequence Responsive Element) in the activated promoter by cytokine cotreatment. TNFa and IFNg increased the expression of UbD through the ISRE sequence present on the UbD promoter. The identification of the cytokines pathway activating UbD expression could help to determine a way to down regulate it and, thus, to prevent the HCC formation.The study was supported by NIH/NIAAA grants 8116 and the Alcohol Center Grant on Liver and Pancreas P50‐011999, including the morphology core.
Temporally and Functionally Mapping the SV40 Epigenome
Authors: Milavetz Barry , Gefroh Amanda , Balakrishnan Lata 
Published: June 2021

Histone modifications are thought to play a significant role in regulating the life cycle of Simian Virus 40 (SV40). In order to determine the specific function of these modifications in the biological events occurring during a viral infection, we are mapping the SV40 epigenome. Specifically we are using modified Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP) procedures to determine which forms of histone modifications are present in the functional forms of SV40 minichromosomes present during an infection. To date we have analyzed minichromosomes for the presence of unmodified H3, hyperacetylated H3, H3K4me1, H3K4me2, H3K4me3, H3K9me1, H3K9me2, H3K9me3, unmodified H4, hyperacetylated H4, H4K20me1, H4K20me2, and H4K20me3. While the studies are ongoing, we have already observed several examples of specific associations between a histone modification and a time during infection or form of SV40 minichromosome. Our results suggest that there is significant specificity with respect to the combination of modified histones present in the various forms of SV40 minichromosomes present during the course of an infection. These results also demonstrate that SV40 will be a useful model to study epigenetic regulation.This work was funded by the National Institutes of Health grant GM074811 and AI070193 to B.M.
Exploring Caspase Specificity with a Physical Three‐Dimensional Model
Authors:   Galileo SMART team, Colton Shannon , Herman Tim , Giles Kurt , Koo Ben , Jeske Sabine , Crawford Emily , DeBella Stan 
Published: June 2021

Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is critical for many facets of multicellular life, including embryonic development, immune system function, tumor formation and neurodegeneration. Destruction of an unneeded, damaged or infected cell is carried out by a set of proteases called caspases. Caspases act as cellular demolition experts, cleaving key proteins so that the cell is destroyed in a safe and efficient manner. Although structures of caspases have been solved, and details of their catalytic mechanism are known, much remains unexplained about how caspases recognize their specific set of substrates. In order to better understand caspase substrate recognition, we have used the rapid prototyping technology at the Milwaukee School of Engineering's Center for BioMolecular Modeling to construct a physical three‐dimensional model of caspase‐3 in complex with a short inhibitory peptide. Students have used this physical model to visually explore how caspase‐3 might interact with its substrates, and to generate testable hypotheses about how mutations on the surface of caspase‐3 could affect substrate specificity.The SMART (Students Modeling A Research Topic) program was established by the Center of BioMolecular Modeling at the Milwaukee School of Engineering and involves partnerships between university researchers and local high schools. This work is funded by NIH‐NCRR‐SEPA and HHMI.
Vitamin D dose response study in Canadian infants: 25‐hydroxy‐vitamin D status during a 20 week intervention
Authors: Gallo Sina , Vanstone Catherine A , Comeau Kathryn , Agellon Sherry , Rodd Celia , Sharma Atul , Weiler Hope A 
Published: June 2021

The Canadian Paediatric Society (CPS) recommends breastfed infants receive vitamin D supplementation (400 to 800 IU/d) in support of optimal plasma 25‐hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D), defined as 75 nM. The objective of this study was to establish a dosage of vitamin D that would support optimal status in 97% of young infants. Healthy term born infants from Montreal (32 girls, 46 boys) were randomized to 400, 800 or 1200 IU vitamin D3 daily from age 4 wk and plasma 25(OH)D (RIA, Diasorin Inc.) measured at baseline, 4, 8 and 20 wk (NCT00381914; clinicaltrials.gov). Blinded treatments were re‐coded. Repeated measures ANOVA (by ITT) accounting for within‐subject serial correlations demonstrated season of birth, weight, time, treatment and treatment‐time interaction as significant (p<0.01) predictors of 25(OH)D. Table 1 shows estimated means by time and treatment. Mean 25(OH)D concentrations were higher over time (p<0.01) in dose regimen A vs. other treatments. Using 25(OH)D categories, overall 32% were above 75 nM after the 20 wk intervention. These results suggest that daily dosages of vitamin D from 400 to 1200 IU support a mean 25(OH)D concentration above that associated with deficiency, but the majority do not reach optimal status by 20 wk of supplementation.
Estimated mean 25(OH)D ± SE (nM) [% reaching 75 nM].

Time points
Treatments

A (n=25)
B (n=25)
C (n=28)

Baseline
47.8 ± 3.7 [0.0]
42.8 ± 3.7 [0.0]
41.7 ± 3.8 [4.0]

4 wk
63.4 ± 2.8† [28.6]
44.3 ± 2.8‡ [0.0]
40.8 ± 2.8‡ [0.0]

8 wk
57.6 ± 2.4 [5.3]
47.1 ± 2.3‡ [0.0]
51.7 ± 2.2 [8.7]

20 wk
84.0 ± 5.3† [38.9]
76.7 ± 5.3† [23.5]
77.0 ± 4.6† [33.3]

p<0.05 vs treatment‐specific baseline,
p<0.05 vs treatment A at same time.

Grant Funding Source: Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Differential modulation of biomarkers of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) in C57BL/6J mice by isomers of tocopherol
Authors: Sundaresan Sinju , Mills Nathaniel , Prasad Chandan , Juma Shanil , Vijayagopal Parakat , Imrhan Victorine 
Published: June 2021

Antioxidant activities of tocopherols are well documented. However, it has become evident they also exhibit other biologic activities. We investigated the effects of alpha (α) and gamma (γ) tocopherol on biomarkers of MetS in mice including, adipocyte peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR‐γ), uncoupling protein (UCP), fatty acid binding protein 4 (fabp4), CD36, hepatic PPAR α, and acyl CoA oxidase (ACO) expressions. C57BL/6J mice (n=75) were divided into 5 groups and placed on five different dietary regimens as follows. Groups 1 and 5 (control): low‐fat (LF) and high‐fat (HF) diets for 25 weeks, respectively; groups 2–4: HF diet for 15 weeks followed by 10 weeks on HF supplemented with αT, γT, αT + γT, respectively. Animals were sacrificed at the end of 25 weeks. α‐T and αT + γT significantly reduced weight gain and improved insulin sensitivity indices. Protein and mRNA expressions of adipocyte PPAR‐γ, UCP, fabp 4, CD36, hepatic PPAR α, and ACO were significantly increased with α‐T and αT + γT but not γT alone. ACO and fatty acid synthetase expressions in treatment groups were not different from HF controls. αT alone and in combination with γT led to modulation of biomarkers of MetS in mice. The study for the first time demonstrates the ability of αT to function as dual PPAR agonist in modulating biomarkers of MetS in vivo.Supported by grants from Texas Department of Agriculture, Human Nutrition Fund
Altered nutrient status in alcohol‐exposed pregnant women
Authors: Uriu‐Adams Janet Y. , Gross Heidrun B. , Chambers Christina D. , Green Kerri , Ensunsa Jodi L. , Le Anh , Yevtushok Lyubov , Wertelecki Wladimir , Keen Carl L. 
Published: June 2021

This ongoing collaborative study investigates the nutrient and oxidative stress status of alcohol‐exposed Ukrainian pregnant women and whether micronutrient supplementation with and without choline, a nutrient critical for brain development, will reduce Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders in the offspring. Analysis to date of maternal baseline plasma samples shows that alcohol‐exposed women (N=49) had lower Zn and Cu concentrations, and Total Radical‐trapping Antioxidant Potential (TRAP) vs. controls (N=40). There were no differences in Fe, ferritin, Mg, Ca, or ceruloplasmin activity. Methyl‐donor nutrients (choline, betaine, DMG, folate, Vit B12, and homocysteine), Vit A, E and select carotenoids, and oxidative stress (TBARS, protein carbonyls) and inflammation (hsCRP) indices were similar. Absolute oz. of alcohol/drinking day during the 2 wks prior to interview was associated with higher Vit A and ferritin, and lower Vit B12. The low Zn, Cu and Vit B12 in ethanol‐exposed women may contribute to adverse fetal development. It has been reported that alcohol increases body Fe stores, which can lead to oxidative stress. In our study, alcohol intake was associated with increased ferritin in pregnant women, which, when coupled with lower TRAP, may increase oxidative stress‐induced teratogenesis. These data will be updated as sample size requirements are met.Supported by NIAAA‐U01‐AA014835‐05 and HD01743.
Evidence of in vivo Immune Modulation with Vitamin D3 and Calcium Supplementation in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Kimball Samantha M , Vieth Reinhold , Bar‐Or Amit , Gagne Donald , Dosch Hans Michael , Cheung Roy , O'Connor Paul G , Burton Jodie 
Published: June 2021

We have recently established that high‐dose oral vitamin D3 is safe in MS with apparent clinical benefit. Our objective was to characterize the immunological profile in patients receiving pharmacological doses of vitamin D3 with calcium. A prospective controlled 52‐week trial matched MS patients for demographic and disease characteristics, with randomization to treatment and control groups. Treatment patients received escalating doses of vitamin D3 (4,000–40,000 IU/d) with calcium (1,200mg/d) for one year, and control patients none. PBMC proliferation in response to antigenic stimulation was measured and T cell stimulation (TCS) scores calculated. PBMC proliferation was markedly reduced in treatment patients after one year (WSRT p<0.002) and unchanged in controls. TCS dropped significantly in treatment patients (p=0.0023), but not in controls. The proportion of patients with a TCS below the pre‐determined positive threshold was greater in treatment patients (p=0.0318). There were no differences detected between groups for other inflammatory markers. Patients with MS receiving high dose vitamin D3 with calcium supplementation had significantly reduced PBMC proliferative responses to self‐antigen. Such effects may explain clinical improvement seen in treatment patients.Funding was provided by Direct MS and the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada.
Dietary sitosterol, stigmasterol, and stigmastanol stearate esters elicit similar responses on hepatic and plasma lipids and cholesterol absorption in Syrian hamsters
Authors: Ash Mark M , Hang Jiliang , Dussault Patrick H , Carr Timothy P 
Published: June 2021

Plant sterol/stanol esters (PSE) have been shown to decrease the atherosclerotic risk factor LDL cholesterol (LDL‐C). However, the significance of the individual sterol species has not been studied. To investigate the sterol contribution, stigmasterol (Sg), sitosterol (Si), and stigmastanol (Sn) stearate esters were synthesized and administered to male Syrian hamsters fed an atherosclerotic diet (high cholesterol, high saturated fat); an atherosclerotic diet without PSEs served as the control (Cn). There were no significant differences in the plasma HDL or non‐HDL cholesterol concentrations. Cholesterol absorption was equivalent among the diets: Cn 61.6±10.4%, Sn 59.9±8.8%, Sg 63.0±6.6%, and Si 66.2±10.3%. Liver esterified cholesterol, triglyceride, and phospholipid concentrations were similar. The sitosterol and stigmastanol diets significantly reduced the free cholesterol concentration in the liver in comparison to the control and stigmasterol: Cn 4.7±0.3 and Sg 4.5±0.2 vs. Sn 4.2±0.3 and Si 4.2±0.3 μmol/g of liver (P<0.05). Our findings indicate only minor unique cholesterol‐lowering properties of the individual sterol species studied.Grant Funding Source: USDA‐NRI competitive grant no. 2007‐35200‐18298