bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Food frequency questionnaires (FFQ) for children under the age of two years: two validation studies
Authors: Neufeld Lynette M , Mejía‐Rodríguez Fabiola , Ponce‐Castañeda MVeronica , Selhub Jacob , Paul Ligi , Cújar C , Hernández A , Orjuela Manuela 
Published: June 2021

AimTo validate a FFQ using questionnaires of complementary feeding practices (CFP), a 24‐hour recall (R24‐Hr), and blood nutrient levels in healthy children under the age of 2 yrs.MethodsWe interviewed 90 mother‐child pairs using CFP at ages 3,6,9 months and R24‐Hr given on 2 nonconsecutive days at 12,18 and 24 months of ages and a FFQ administered 4–6 years later, querying on diet in the 1st (YR1) and 2nd yr (YR2) of life. We queried 61 additional Mothers with FFQ and measured blood from their healthy child (age 1–5 years) for plasma B6, B12 and erythrocyte (RBC) folate levels with microbial & radio‐immuno assays. Data analysis used Spearman correlation and Wilcoxon tests.ResultsCFP correlated highly with FFQ for age of introduction of food and type of food consumed in YR1. In YR2 of life, energy intake in the R24‐Hr and FFQ were similar, and correlations after energy adjustment were significant for B12 (r=0.25, p<0.05) and borderline for B6 (r=0.18,p=0.9). After including supplement intake, correlations were: r=0.74 for folate, r=0.81 for B6 and r=0.29 for B12 (p<0.001 for each). RBC folate correlated with FFQ folate in YR2, (r=0.29, p<0.06). Correlations for Plasma and FFQ B6 were r=0.28(p<0.03) in YR1, r=0.31 (p<0.02) in YR2; for B12 r=0.51(p<0.001) in YR1 and r=0.38, (p=0.003) in YR2. This FFQ administered at ages 4–6 years provides a reasonable estimate of intake of key micronutrients during the first 2 yrs of life.
Effects of Oligonol Supplementation on the Appearance of Skin Photo‐aging, Wrinkles, Hyperpigmrntation and Lentigines
Authors: Fujii Hajime , MacKenzie Albert R. , Kitadate Kentaro 
Published: June 2021

Research has documented the oligomerized flavonoid Oligonol's positive effects on oxidative stress prevention, signal transduction, blood circulation and metabolic syndrome. This may result in skin improvement due to changes in endothelial function and cytokine profiles. We conducted a three month clinical pilot study in the United States to evaluate the effects of the oral supplementation of Oligonol on the appearance of skin photo‐aging, wrinkling, hyperpigmentation and lentigines.The outcome (n=eleven), confirmed known positive effects and the discovery of other possible effects: (A) Six subjects showed improvement in CRP levels, a marker for in vivo inflammation, IL‐6 and other cytokines. (B) Cross‐polarized DermLite® photographs showed a decrease in fine lines on eight subjects. Deeper wrinkles were lessened in two subjects. (C) There was a consistent overall lightening and brightening of complexion, less redness and blotchiness, fading of freckles and brown pigmented blotches. (D) Optical profilometry on skin molds supported subjective and observer noted improvement of fine lines in two cases. (E) Three subjects noted that their hair felt thicker, believed they had more hair and noted new hair growth along their hairline. (F) Positive results were noted on participants’ final questionnaire on overall health including mental functioning. Study research sponsor is Amino Up Chemical Co., Ltd.
EFFECT OF NUTRITION SUPPLEMENTS ON MALONDYALDEHYDE CONCENTRATIONS IN HEAVY SMOKERS
Authors: Bamonti Fabrizia , Novembrino Cristina , De Giuseppe Rachele , Vigna Luisella , Gregori Dario , Cighetti Giuliana 
Published: June 2021

Long‐term cigarette smoking can cause lipid peroxidation generating molecules such as malondialdheyde (MDA). MDA exists both in free form (fMDA), chemically active and potential damaging agent, and bound (bMDA), excreted in urine, index of an old injury.To evaluate effects of two different encapsulated formulas, consisting of primarily mixed juice powder concentrate, a randomized double blind placebo‐controlled study was performed on 101 heavy smokers (>20 cigarettes/d, duration >10y, median age 47; 41–57 y, 63 M) before and after 3‐m supplementation. Subjects were randomized into three groups, well matched for sex and age: A‐placebo; B‐fruit/vegetable; C‐fruit/vegetable/berry. In 75 (46 M) compliant (>95%) subjects plasma total MDA (tMDA= fMDA+bMDA) and fMDA concentrations were measured by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry with isotopic dilution and bMDA was calculated.Median values were compared (t‐test for paired data); data are reported as mean delta values (± standard deviation).Compared to placebo both active groups showed a significant decrease in fMDA levels accompanied by a slight increase in bMDA concentrations, probably due to fMDA conjugation.Support: NSA, Collierville, TN

A (placebo)
B (fruit/veg)
C (fruit/veg/berry)

tMDA (μmol/L)
0.23 (±0.90)
0.04 (±0.85)
0.26 (±0.75)

fMDA (μmol/L)
0.26 (±0.45)
−0.14 (±0.45)*
−0.11 (±0.36)*

bMDA (μmol/L)
−0.03 (±0.9)
0.18 (±0.9)
0.37 (±0.89)

p<0.01 vs placebo
Proximity to Food Stores May Not Predict Use
Authors: Hurvitz Philip M , Moudon Anne V , Aggarwal Anju , Drewnowski Adam 
Published: June 2021

Proximity to supermarkets at the census tract level has been linked to improved diet quality and better health.The Seattle Obesity Study examined the key distinction between the nearest supermarkets and those reported as primary food stores using a stratified random sample of 2001 households in King County, WA. The survey asked about locations of two primary stores, food expenditures, shopping habits, demographics, and health outcomes. The addresses of all supermarkets in King County as well as the respondents’ home and work addresses were geocoded GIS network analysis generated closest paths from respondents’ home and work locations to their self reported food stores, as well as to their nearest supermarket.Results showed that only 15% of respondents shopped for food within their home census tract. Although the closest supermarket was only 2.0 km from home, the mean distance to the primary supermarket was 4.8 km. Nonwhite respondents lived the same distance to the closest supermarket than Whites, but traveled further to their primary store. College graduates lived closer to supermarkets and shopped closer to home than non‐graduates. No significant effects were found by income.These findings suggest that the proximity to supermarkets may not predict exposure. Studies of the impact of the built environment on health should include measures of individual food shopping behavior.Supported by NIH Grant 5R01DK076608.
Farmers’ Market Use among Families in North Carolina
Authors: Racine Elizabeth , Laditka Sarah B 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundThe number of farmers’ markets (FM) has more than tripled in the last 15 years. Little is known about factors that influence FM use.ObjectiveTo examine the relationship between FM use, dietary behavior, participation in supplemental nutrition programs, and demographic characteristics.DesignWe conducted a cross‐sectional analysis using the 2008 North Carolina Child Health Assessment and Monitoring Program (CHAMPS) data (n= 2,932). We examined the relationship between use of FM 12+ times in the past year by WIC participation, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participation, Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) participation, fruit consumption, vegetable consumption, and race/ethnicity.ResultsFamilies with children who eat 3+ servings of vegetables a day were more likely to use FM (p<.0001). FM use among families participating in WIC or SNAP was not significantly different from FM use among those who did not participate. Children in families enrolled in WIC and living in counties that offer the FMNP were more likely to eat 3+ servings of fruit a day compared with those not enrolled in WIC and not in a county participating in FMNP (34.3% vs. 18.2%; p=.007).ConclusionsFM use and availability of FM subsidies in the form of FMNP vouchers may positively impact fruit and vegetable consumption among children.This analysis was not funded.
Nutrient profiling as a tool to improve diet quality: Impact on energy and nutrient intakes and diet quality using an NHANES‐based segmentation model
Authors: Kovacs Eva M.R. , Barraj Leila M. , Murphy Mary , Bi Xiaoyu , Balentine Douglas A. 
Published: June 2021

Nutrient profiling is a scientific approach aimed at helping to identify better food choices. A recent example is the Smart Choices Program (SCP). SCP was developed by a coalition of academics, industry partners and NGO's facilitated by the Keystone Group. This study evaluated nutrient intakes and diet quality in the U.S. based on the fraction of the diet obtained from foods meeting SCP category‐specific criteria. The Healthy Eating Index (HEI) provided a measure of diet quality. Using dietary recall data in NHANES 2005–06 (2+ y), all SCP eligible foods were classified as SCP‐non compliant or SCP‐compliant. Low and High consumers of SCP foods were identified based on the lower and upper quartile distributions of g of SCP‐compliant foods per total 1000 kcal. The mean % of energy from SCP‐compliant foods by Low and High SCP consumers was 8 and 25%, respectively. Mean energy intake was lower in the High vs. Low SCP group (1720 vs. 2355 kcal). Mean intakes of nutrients to limit (total fat, saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, added sugar, sodium) were lower in the High SCP group, while the reverse was true for nutrients to encourage (fiber, magnesium, potassium, vitamins A, E & C) other than calcium. The total HEI score was 66.0 in the High SCP group and 49.8 in the Low SCP group. These findings support the hypothesis that nutrient profiling can be an effective tool for helping to improve diet quality.Research supported by Unilever.
The liver regeneration of land snail Helix lucorum
Authors: Dzidziguri Diana , Chiladze Natalia , Modebadze Irina , Mchedlidze Tamar , Tumanishvili Teimuraz , Kudryavtsev Boris 
Published: June 2021

Study of regenerative peculiarities in organisms standing on the various steps of phylogenesis is important in order to establish the common biological meaning and basic pattern of regeneration.The aim of the work was to study the regeneration characters of the mollusc liver so called hepatopancreas which is the analogue of vertebrate liver.Experiments were carried out on a land snail Helix lucorum using the experimental model elaborated by us. The transcriptional activities within the liver cell nuclei were studied using by test‐system of RNA‐synthesis. To evaluate the mitotic activity of the liver tissue 5–7 μm paraffin sections were used under the light microscope.The rhythmic character of RNA‐synthesis was revealed in the liver cells of intact snail during the day. The live resection induced the growth control genes activation like in rodents. The peak of transcriptional activity of these genes was appeared at 9th hour after the operation. Thereby the first peak of mitotic activity within the liver tissue was observed at 27th hour after the operation. The liver mass was regenerated after a week from the resection. The quantitative correlation of the main cell types (digestive, calcium and excretory ‐ 8:1:1) within the liver lobes remained stable.On the basis of our results we conclude that the initial stages of reparative processes carry the similar character in phylogenetically distant organisms.
Protective effects of Red/Near Infrared Radiation on Murine Cardiac Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Spagnolli Ester , Anderson R. Rox , Hamblin Michael R. , Nagasaka Yasuko , Bloch Kenneth D. , Zapol Warren M. 
Published: June 2021

Red/Near infrared radiation (R/NIR) has been reported to reduce myocardial infarct (MI) size in rabbits after ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury (Lohr N.L, JMCC 2009). The precise mechanisms responsible for the cardioprotective effects of R/NIR are incompletely understood. We sought to identify the most beneficial wavelengths in the R/NIR light spectrum for limiting murine cardiac I/R injury. Anesthetized and ventilated mice underwent left coronary artery ligation for 60 min followed by reperfusion. R/NIR was applied for three min at the beginning of reperfusion. Area at risk (AAR) and MI size were measured at 24h of reperfusion.We investigated several wavelengths at varying levels of irradiance. A 19% decrease of MI/AAR was observed in wild mice when hearts were irradiated with red light (690 nm) at 0.06 W/cm2 of irradiance for 3 min at the time of reperfusion (59 ± 9% control group, n=7, vs 47 ± 7% irradiated group, n=6, P<0.05).The cardioprotective effect of light appears related to both the specific wavelength and the level of irradiance across the broad spectrum of R/NIR radiation. By defining the specific wavelengths that provide maximal cardioprotection, genetically altered mice will further provide the precise mechanisms underling the cardioprotective effect of R/NIR.This work was supported by NIH grant R01AI050875 and laboratory royalties from licensed patents.
S1P triggers cerebral vessel constriction through the store‐operated calcium entry pathway
Authors: Hopson Kristen Park , Truelove Jessica , Wang Yumei , Waeber Christian 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveTo characterize signaling pathways by which sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P) modulates vascular tone.MethodsThe role of store‐operated calcium entry (SOCE) in S1P‐induced Ca2+ entry in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and vessel constriction was assessed using ratiometric Ca2+ measurements, quantitative RT‐PCR and isolated arteries.ResultsIn VSMCs, S1P triggered STIM1 puncta formation, and SOCE activated by S1P was inhibited by 2‐aminoethoxydiphenylborate (2‐APB), diethylstilbestrol and gadolinium. In VSMCs prepared from S1P3 receptor knockout mice, the initial calcium rise triggered by S1P was abolished, but SOCE was still present suggesting that S1P acts via multiple signaling pathways. S1P‐induced SOCE was larger in proliferative than in contractile VSMCs, correlating with increases in STIM1, Orai1, S1P1 and S1P3 receptor mRNA. STIM1, S1P1 and S1P3 receptor mRNA expression were larger in freshly isolated brain vessels than in aorta. These data, and the fact that 2‐APB inhibits S1P‐induced cerebral artery constriction, suggest that SOCE modulates S1P‐induced vasoconstriction in vivo.ConclusionThese data support a role for SOCE in S1P induced calcium entry and vessel constriction. The relationship between increased S1P signaling and SOCE in proliferative VSMCs suggests a role of S1P in disorders associated with vascular proliferation, such as atherosclerosis or vasospasm.
The defensive effect of nitric oxide on the pathogenesis of steroid‐induced femoral head osteonecrosis
Authors: Kenji Tateda , Okazaki Shunichiro , Watanebe Satoshi , Katada Ryuichi , Mizuo Keisuke , Nagoya Satoshi , Yamashita Toshihiko , Matsumoto Hiroshi 
Published: June 2021

ObjectivesFemoral head osteonecrosis(ON) is observed in patients treated with steroids. However, the pathogenesis of ON remains unclear. Nitic oxide(NO) is known to be related to the pathogenesis of osteonecrosis. Last year we established a rat model with ON by injecting lipopolysaccharide(LPS) and MP, and this was associated with a disruption of the innate immune system. In the present study, we investigated the effects of NO on pathogenesis of ON in our rat model.MethodsMale Wistar rats were injected intravenously with 2mg/kg LPS on days 0 and 1 and intramascularly with 20mg/kg MP on days 2, 3 and 4, and then intraperitoneally with 50mg/kg NG‐nitro‐L‐arginine methyl ester(L‐NAME), an NO synthase inhibitor, on days 5,6 and 7 in group A, and on days 11,12 and 13 in group B. The animals were sacrificed 2 weeks after the last MP injection. Blood cytokines and other factors were performed by multiplex analysis system using Luminex.ResultsON was observed in 67% of group A, not observed in group B. The plasma AST and ALT concentrations were increased in group A and B. The plasma IFN‐gamma concentrations were significantly higher in group A and B compared with control. The plasma IL‐17 concentrations were significantly higher in group B than control, while IL‐17 levels in group A were not different from those in control.ConclusionsInhibition of NO production just after MP injection caused ON in the rat model. IL‐17 levels were decreased in the rats with ON indicating that NO and IL‐17 may have defensive effects on pathogenesis of ON.
Improvements in Methods for Detection of Properties of High Density Lipoprotein
Authors: Yousefian Omid , Hough Greg , Hama Susan 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveWe have developed an assay in which monocyte migration through filters, determines the level of inflammatory properties of low density lipoprotein (LDL) and high density lipoprotein (HDL) protective capacity. Automated monocyte enumeration demonstrated this property of HDL.MethodsCultured artery wall cells were exposed to either media alone, media plus LDL, or media plus LDL and HDL. The media from the treated cells was assayed in a monocyte chemotaxis assay. Image‐Pro Plus 5 software was used to automate the quantification of migrated monocytes. The accuracy of the data obtained from automated counting of images with 20X objective was compared with manual counting and tested by a two‐tailed paired t‐test. An integrated tool, Macro, was used to perform the automated enumeration on several images with 4X objective (the entire field).Summary of ResultsHDL, when presented to co‐cultures of artery wall cells together with LDL, significantly reduced the increased monocyte transmigration due to LDL alone. The statistical results, comparing the manual and automatic enumeration, demonstrated accuracy and precision (p=0.02, df=11, α= 0.05).ConclusionThe results demonstrate that automated counting can replace manual counting, which should result in higher‐throughput of measurement of monocyte chemotaxis being used to determine the level of HDL proinflammatory or anti inflammatory properties.
Hematologic analysis of students in the region of Ferronikel smelter in Gllogovc
Authors: Bislimi Kemajl , Gashi Agim M , Bajraktari Ismet D , Grapci Linda , Orana Ilirjana , Halili Fetah M 
Published: June 2021

The experiment involved students (N = 20) of the same age group (18–20 year old) from region polluted by smelter of Ferronikeli in Gllogovc and students from Gjakova (N = 20), located far from the source of pollution. In blood was investigated the number of red blood cells, the concentration of hemoglobin, hematocrit values, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and leukocyte formula. The analysis were done with devices SYSMEX KX21N.Statistical processing and analysis of preliminary results showed that compared to control group, in blood of students from Gllogovc the number of leucocytes is higher, whereas the number of platelets, red blood cells, the hematocrit values, hemoglobin concentration and MCV, MCH, MCHC are lower.Leukocyte differential analysis of students in the contaminated region shows an increase in the number of lymphocytes, reduction of MXD (mixed forms of leucocytes) and neutrophils.
Morphometric evaluation of masticator muscles after experimental administration of a carcinogen
Authors: Loureiro Marco , Farinha Rodrigo , Rebelo Diana , Cabrita António Silvério 
Published: June 2021

In developed countries, over 80% of the cancers in the oral cavity are attributable in part to tobacco smoking. This study evaluates the morpho‐histologic effects in masticator muscles of 7,11‐dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA), a carcinogen present in tobacco smoke, being administered in a solution by gavage. Sixteen Wistar rats were used, randomly distributed in two groups. The control group had no manipulation. The test group had an experimental administration of DMBA by gavage 3 times in a week, in a dosage of 25 mg/kg. After two weeks, the animals were sacrificed and fragments from the masseter and temporal muscles were collected and analysed in a morphometric program, ImageJ®.At morphometric evaluation, the masseter muscle from the control group had an average area of muscle fibers (A) of 10704±6835 for a 95% confidence interval (CI), while the test group had an A of 9503±4283 for a CI of 95%. The temporal muscle from control group had an A of 8103±2398 for a CI of 95%, while the test group had an A of 16282±7315 for a CI of 95%.
Thalidomide: A Boon to Dermatology? Current Indications and Concerns
Authors: Kumar Uma Senthil , Rajasekaran Senthil Kumar 
Published: June 2021

Thalidomide is a drug with a complex past. Initially marketed as a sedative and anti‐emetic for use in pregnancy, thalidomide was linked to embryologic defects and was withdrawn from the market. However, it has since made a comeback for the U.S. FDA‐approved use in the treatment of erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL).This presentation analyses the publications made between 2000 and 2009 obtained by searching the pubmed database using key words “thalidomide and dermatology and uses”.Thalidomide's effect on immune system include; suppression of the production of IgM antibodies inhibition of tumour necrosis factor‐α, inhibition of IL‐8, IL‐12, enhancement of IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐5, inhibition of cytokine‐induced NF‐κB gene expression and decrease of B lymphocytes in the spleen.Currently, thalidomide is known to be effective in unresponsive dermatological conditions such as actinic prurigo, adult Langerhans cell histiocytosis, aphthous stomatitis, Behçet's syndrome, graft‐versus‐host disease, cutaneous sarcoidosis, erythema multiforme, Kaposi sarcoma, lichen planus, lupus erythematosus, melanoma, prurigo nodularis, pyoderma, gangrenosum and uraemic pruritus.While there are undoubted benefits with use of thalidomide in the field of dermatology, the more serious adverse drug reactions such as teratogenecity, peripheral neuropathy and the relatively uncommon side‐effects like neutropenia, mood changes, thromboembolic complications, such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism must be watched for. As most of the dermatological conditions require a long term administration of thalidomide, these adverse drug reactions must be thoroughly screened for. Further studies on the exact mechanism of action of thalidomide may help us in identifying the potential therapeutic benefits of this drug even further.
Cell‐based screening for discovery of prostaglandin (PG) E1 agonist and PGE2 antagonist from dietary TMC herbs
Authors: Chillar Annirudha J , Mohite Anita J , Ruan Ke‐He 
Published: June 2021

Cell‐based screening for discovery of prostaglandin (PG) E1 agonist and PGE2 antagonist from dietary TMC herbsAnnirudha J Chillar, Anita J Mohite, Ke‐He RuanCentre for Experimental Therapeutics and Pharmacoinformatics, Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, and Houston, Texas 77004The prostaglandin (PG) E1 (PGE1) and PGE2 acting through EP receptors (EP1, EP2, EP3 and EP4) are involved in a variety of biological functions. PGE1 is a potent anti‐inflammatory molecule whereas PGE2 is inflammatory and cancer mediators. Little information is available for the dietary herbs with PGE1 agonist or PGE2 antagonist properties. In this study, a HEK293 cell line expressing EP1 receptor stably was created by gene transferring and G418 screening. A highly sensitive fluorescence calcium signaling mediated by the EP1 receptor expressed in the cell line was created and used as indicator for identification of the dietary TMC herbs with PGE1 agonist and PGE2 antagonist activities. Six herbs that demonstrated PGE2 antagonist activity inhibited the PGE2 signal and seven herbs with PGE1 agonist activity, mimicked PGE1 signaling were identified by a wide range screening started from 96 TMC dietary herbs. In conclusion, the established cell line stably expressing EP1 receptor can be used as a cell‐based target screening for discovery of PGE1 agonist and PGE2 antagonist. Many anti‐inflammatory and anti cancer ingredients are present in the dietary TMC herbs, which have potential to be further developed into preventive and therapeutic interventions against inflammation and cancers.Funded by NIH grant‐ R01HL56712 (For KHR); RO1HLO79389 (For KHR).