bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prostaglandin D2 enhances interleukin ‐1β‐induced cyclooxygenase‐2 expression in osteoarthritic cartilage
Authors: Zayed Nadia , Chabane Nadir , Elmansouri Fatima Ezzahra , Martel‐Pelletier Johanne , Pelletier Jean‐Pierre , Fahmi Hassan 
Published: June 2021

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) on interleukin‐1β (IL‐1beta)‐induced cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2 expression in human cartilage and the signalling pathways involved in these effects.METHODSchondrocytes were stimulated with IL‐1 in the presence or absence of PGD2, and expression of COX‐2 protein was evaluated by western‐blotting. Messenger RNA (mRNA) expression was analyzed by real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction. The role of the PGD2 receptors D prostanoid receptor 1 (DP1) and chemoattractant receptor‐like molecule expressed on Th2 cells (CRTH2) was evaluated using specific agonists.RESULTSPGD2 increased in a dose‐dependent manner IL‐1‐induced COX‐2 protein and mRNA expression. DP1 and CRTH2 were expressed and functional in chondrocytes. The effect of PGD2 was mimicked by DK‐PGD2 and Indomethacin, selective agonists of CRTH2, but not by BW245C, a selective agonist of DP1. Furthermore, treatment with an anti‐CRTH2 antibody reversed the effect of PGD2, indicating that the stimulatory effect of PGD2 is mediated by CRTH2. Activation of CRTH2 is consistent with the activation of a receptor coupled to a phosphoinositide‐specific phospholipase, suggesting that the effect of PGD2 is mediated by the CRTH2/PIP2/PKC.CONCLUSIONPGD2 stimulates IL‐1‐induced production of COX‐2 by chondrocytes through the CRTH2/PIP2/PKC signalling pathway.
Effects of kaempferol on the release of proinflammatory mediators by macrophages stimulated with lipopolysaccharide from Prevotella intermedia
Authors: Kim Sung‐Jo , Choi Eun‐Young , Jin Ji‐Young , Lee Ju‐Youn , Choi Jeom‐Il , Choi In Soon 
Published: June 2021

In this study, we investigated the effects of kaempferol on the production of inflammatory mediators by murine macrophage‐like RAW264.7 cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Prevotella intermedia, a major cause of inflammatory periodontal disease, and sought to determine the underlying mechanisms of action. LPS was prepared from lyophilized P. intermedia ATCC 25611 cells by the standard hot phenol‐water method. Kaempferol suppressed the production of nitric oxide (NO) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) at both gene transcription and translation levels in P. intermedia LPS‐activated RAW264.7 cells. Kaempferol did not reduce NF‐κB transcriptional activity at the level of IκB‐α degradation. Kaempferol blocked NF‐κB signaling through inhibition of nuclear translocation and DNA binding activity of NF‐κB p50 subunit and suppressed STAT1 signaling. Although further research is required to clarify the detailed mechanism of action, we conclude that kaempferol may contribute to blockade of the host‐destructive processes mediated by these two proinflammatory mediators, and could be a highly efficient modulator of host response in the treatment of inflammatory periodontal disease.“This research was supported by Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) funded by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (2010‐0010325)”
Th2 lymphocyte potassium channels in asthma
Authors: Koshy Shyny , Porter Paul , Hu Xueyou , Atik Mustafa A , Hanania Nicola A , Corry David B , Beeton Christine 
Published: June 2021

Asthma is characterized by episodes of breathlessness and airway hyper reactivity, often when provoked by allergens. T‐helper type 2 (Th2) lymphocytes are the predominant T cell population in the lungs of patients with asthma and have been linked to asthma pathogenesis. These Th2 cells represent an attractive target for the treatment of asthma. The use of immunomodulators selective for disease‐relevant T cells that do not affect the bulk of the lymphoid compartment would reduce the risk of side effects. We propose Kv1.3 potassium channel blockers for the preferential targeting of lung‐infiltrating Th2 cells. T lymphocytes express two types of potassium channels, Kv1.3 and KCa3.1 during Th1‐mediated chronic inflammatory diseases. We have used whole‐cell patch clamp to show that Th2 cells isolated from induced sputum of patients with asthma up‐regulate Kv1.3 channels upon activation. In contrast, T cells isolated from induced sputum of healthy controls remained Kv1.3low upon activation. In functional assays, we found that T cells stimulated with an allergen are sensitive to a selective Kv1.3 channel blocker. Selective Kv1.3 channel blockers represent attractive targets for the treatment of allergic asthma.This study is funded by an R56 AI084981‐01A1 from NIH/NIAID to Christine Beeton.
Evaluating Antioxidant Efficacy via Changes in the Oxidized Protein Profile in the Zucker Diabetic Fatty Rat
Authors: Myracle Angela Denise , Madian Ashraf , Burgess John R , Ferruzzi Mario , Regnier Fred E , Janle Elsa M 
Published: June 2021

Chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus are associated with increased levels of oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of antioxidant supplements to reduce oxidative stress using a newly developed proteomics technique. Zucker diabetic rats were dosed daily with water, ascorbic acid, green tea or ascorbic acid and green tea for 6 weeks. Oxidized plasma proteins were labeled with biotin hydrazide and separated from the abundant non‐oxidized proteins by affinity chromatography. Oxidized proteins were identified by mass spectrometry and quantified via isobaric‐tag for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ). One hundred and twenty oxidized plasma proteins were identified and quantified in 5 sets of supplemented animals. F2 isoprostane values were significantly different from control rats at 6 weeks for ascorbic acid and green tea supplemented groups. The study found several acute phase proteins, which are secreted from the liver during the inflammatory state, are decreased with green tea or ascorbic acid in comparison to the control. This proteomics approach may prove useful in evaluating the efficacy of antioxidant supplements to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.Supported by a pilot grant from the Purdue University‐University of Alabama at Birmingham Botanical Center for Age Related Diseases funded by the Office of Dietary Supplements and NCCAM Grant P50 AT 00477
The LIM‐homeodomain transcription factor LMX1B supports the maintenance of differentiated podocytes by modulating the actin cytoskeleton
Authors: Burghardt Tillmann , Kastner Juergen , Suleiman Hani , Kubitza Marion , Rascle Anne , Spang Rainer , Wegener Joachim , Moser Markus , Mierke Claudia , Witzgall Ralph 
Published: June 2021

Mutations in the LMX1B gene cause a rare autosomal‐dominant disorder affecting the development of the limbs, eyes, brain and kidneys, called nail‐patella syndrome. In order to determine the role of LMX1B in the differentiation and maintenance of the renal filtration barrier we generated inducible podocyte‐specific Lmx1b knockout mice. Already one week after inactivation of Lmx1b in adult mice foot process effacement and rising proteinuria were detectable underlining the physiological significance of LMX1B in the maintenance of differentiated podocytes.Using a variety of different biophysical assays such as electric cell‐substrate impedance sensing, nano‐scale particle tracking, magnetic tweezer measurements and adhesion assays we were able to demonstrate that LMX1B affects the organization of the actin cytoskeleton. These findings were corroborated by micro array data which reveal LMX1B‐regulated genes encoding actin cytoskeleton‐associated proteins. Our data highlights the importance of LMX1B in fully differentiated podocytes and describes an essential role of LMX1B for the maintenance of an appropriately structured actin cytoskeleton in podocytes. This work was supported by the German Research Council through SFB 699.
Vitamin B12 is inversely correlated with latency of multifocal visual evoked potential in healthy older adults
Authors: Miller Joshua W , Green Ralph , Wilheim Reva , Songster Chris , Green Ari J 
Published: June 2021

The visual evoked potential (VEP) is the electrical potential recorded with scalp electrodes over the occipital cortex after sensory stimulation of the visual field. The latency of VEP response is dependent on the integrity of the myelin sheath. Vitamin B12 deficiency causes demyelination that affects peripheral and central nervous system axons leading to varied neurophysiological and neuropathological manifestations. We investigated the relationship between B12 status and multifocal VEP (mfVEP) in healthy older adults without overt neurological deficits (n = 97; age 70 ± 5y). Serum B12 was measured by automated chemiluminescence assay. mfVEPs were performed using a VERIS‐6 system with 120 sectors per recording. Mean B12 for the cohort was 415 ± 221 pmol/L (range: 135–1401 pmol/L). Only one subject had deficient serum B12 (<148 pmol/L). Mean latency of VEP was 123 ± 5 msec (range: 110–139 msec). In subjects with serum B12 <400 pmol/L (n = 54), B12 was inversely correlated with mfVEP latency (r = −0.325; p = 0.02) after controlling for age and sex. These results suggest that serum B12 within the low normal range (148–400 pmol/L) is a significant determinant of VEP latency in healthy older adults. Whether low B12 status predicts increasing VEP latency over time and whether B12 supplements improve VEP latency in older adults remains to be determined.Funding: NIH CTSA KL2 RR024130, Private Foundation
Acute effects of pistachio consumption on postprandial glucose and insulin levels, oxidative stress, gut satiety hormone responses and endothelial function
Authors: Kendall Cyril W.C. , Campbell Janice , Jenkins Alexandra L. , Jenkins David J.A. 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundNut consumption has been found to decrease risk of CHD, to improve control of type 2 diabetes and to promote healthy body weights, possibly related to their favorable fat, protein and antioxidant profiles. Previous studies have demonstrated that pistachios when included in meals decrease the postprandial glycemic response of carbohydrate foods.Methods20 subjects, 40–65y, BMI>30kg/m2, with metabolic syndrome as defined by NCEP ATP III guidelines were recruited. Each subject participated in a total of 5 breakfast study meals over 5–10wks. Study meal order was randomized and were consumed after an overnight fast. Meal 1 was a control meal of white bread (50g available CHO). Meals 2 (white bread, butter and cheese) and 3 (white bread plus 3oz pistachios) had similar macronutrient profiles. Meals 4 (white bread) and 5 (3oz pistachios alone) had the same amount of available CHO (12g). Capillary finger‐prick and venous blood samples were taken and subjective satiety measures via a visual analogue scale were assessed along with endothelial function over the 3h study periods. Differences were assessed by least squares means with a Tukey adjustment for multiple comparisons.
Energy Expenditure in Urban African‐American Congregants: Baseline data from Healthy Body, Healthy Souls initiative
Authors: Kodish Stephen , Deka Sidhartha , Martins Paula , Rowan Megan , Suratkar Sonali , Gittelsohn Joel 
Published: June 2021

It is well documented that many ethnic minorities do not meet national physical activity (PA) recommendations, but it is unclear what factors are related to this inactivity. This cross‐sectional study used baseline data from Healthy Bodies, Healthy Souls, a 3‐year trial to reduce the risk for diabetes in a low‐to‐moderate income, urban African‐American (AA) population centered on churches. We evaluated whether a cohort of non‐diabetic, AA adults (N = 136) from a larger randomized group trial are meeting recommended levels of PA as defined by the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Heart Association. Participants self‐reported PA using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, long form. Data analysis revealed that the majority (63.2%) of participants did not expend the recommended > 7.5 MET (metabolic equivalents) hours/week (median = 3.48 METs) and there were no differences by gender or age. The data indicated a significant relationship (p = 0.015) between income (>$30,000/year) and PA (OR=3.1, 95%CI=1.2–7.8) demonstrating that while individual risk factors play a role in predicting health‐seeking behaviors, there are larger social patterns associated with engagement in PA.Grant Funding Source: American Diabetes Association Clinical Research Award
Registered Dietitian Involvement in Interdisciplinary Rounds and its Effects on Intervention of Nutrition Support in Adult Ventilated Patients
Authors: Frazier Elizabeth , Gonzales Dana , Hays Nicholas , Hakkak Reza 
Published: June 2021

Study ObjectiveTo determine the effectiveness of Registered Dietitian involvement in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Interdisciplinary Rounds on the implementation of nutrition support compared to an ICU where no interdisciplinary rounds take place.MethodsA chart review was conducted on seventy adult mechanically ventilated patients. Differences between the number of days to initiation of nutrition support between the two groups were evaluated using the independent sample t‐test as well as the mean number of days on the ventilator and length of stay in ICU between both critical care units. A multiple regression analysis was used to predict the correlation between the time elapsed prior to initiation of tube feeding and length of stay in ICU and time spent on the ventilator.ResultsPatients in MICU where interdisciplinary rounds take place received nutrition support 0.5 days sooner (p=.033). In addition, patients who received nutrition support earlier also received two more days of nutrition (p=.104), were extubated one day sooner (p=.015), and were discharged from the MICU one day sooner (p=.023), than those patients whose nutrition support was delayed.ConclusionRegistered Dietitian involvement in interdisciplinary rounds in the ICU setting can result in earlier initiation of nutrition support, increased time on nutrition support, and decreased length of stay in the ICU.
The association of food purchasing and body mass index (BMI) among African American church members in urban Baltimore, MD
Authors: Robb Katherine , Rubin Michelle , Budd Nadine , Surkan Pamela , Martins Paula , Gittelsohn Joel 
Published: June 2021

Diabetes and obesity is highest among African Americans and is associated with increased chronic disease risk and healthcare costs. We aimed to examine food purchasing patterns among African‐American churchgoers in relation to BMI. In 2010, we surveyed 139 adults from churches in urban low‐income neighborhoods of Baltimore. A food purchasing questionnaire was used to assess food items in eight categories (e.g. dairy products, beverages). Items were designated as unhealthy or healthy relative to their fat and sugar content and summed (mean=38.7(19.8); α=0.71 for 38 items; mean=16.23(11.4); α=0.77 for 16 items, respectively). A Mann‐Whitney test was used to determine differences in scores for each food group, for total of healthy foods, and total of unhealthy foods comparing respondents with higher BMI (≥ 25 kg/m2; n=116) and lower BMI (<25 kg/m2; n=23). Respondents with higher BMIs had higher total unhealthy food scores (mean=16.8, p=0.04) than those with lower BMIs (mean=13.3, p=0.04). Both unhealthy (mean=2.9 v. 1.9, p=0.01) and healthy (mean=0.5 v. 0.2, p=0.04) condiments, unhealthy beverages (mean= 3.9 v. 2.5, p=0.03), and healthy meats (mean=9.1 v. 6.4, p=0.02) were purchased more frequently among those with higher BMIs. Results suggest that food choice is important for BMI and that focusing on food choice may be important in efforts to reduce obesity in this population.Grant Funding Source: American Diabetes Association
Body composition analysis by DXA in a pre‐school population of Argentina
Authors: Rodriguez Patricia N. , Lifshitz Fima , Bermudez Enrique , Suarez Cristina , Argentieri Angela , Reinoso Josefina Martinez , Exeni Ramon , Friedman Silvia 
Published: June 2021

Obesity and osteoporosis are worldwide problems causing high mortality and Public Health costs; pediatricians should play an important role in the early recognition by the evaluation of body fat and mineral content. DXA has considered one of the most precise and applicable method for body composition. Good reference data, which is ethnic, age, gender and manufacture specific, are required.ObjectiveTo obtain bone mineral content (BMC) and density (BMD), and fat mass (FM) reference values in healthy children aged 2 to 5.Hundred twenty one children (males=62, females=59) from La Matanza, Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina, attending a day care center, were included. There were healthy according to anthropometric (WHO, 2007) and clinical evaluation. BMC (g) and BMD (g/cm2) less head and %BF were measured by Lunar DPX‐L, pediatric software.ResultsBMD and BMC were significantly increased with age (p < 0.000001); independently of gender. Conversely, girls but not boys showed a significant decreased in FM% depending on age. FM% was significantly high in girls (p < 0.000001).ConclusionBecause the prevention of adult disease is a central goal of pediatrics, it is necessary to establish body composition reference values, in healthy children by DXA.Awarded by UBACyT O 015.
Adolescents improve healthy‐eating outcome expectancy: Impact of the Baltimore Healthy Eating Zones study
Authors: Shin Ahyoung , Dennisuk Lauren , Martins Paula , Yong Rachel , Rowan Megan T , Cook Micaela , Coutinho Anastasia , Gittelsohn Joel 
Published: June 2021

The Baltimore Healthy Eating Zones (BHEZ) study was designed to address the rising prevalence of childhood obesity in low‐income communities in Baltimore City. During the 9‐month intervention, various food‐related activities and materials including taste tests, cooking demonstrations, giveaways, shelf labels, and point‐of‐purchase posters and flyers were introduced in recreation centers and local corner stores to improve food‐related psychosocial indicators and the overall food environment in low income areas of Baltimore. The study was evaluated in 242 African‐American youths aged 10 to 14 and their caregivers recruited from 14 local recreation centers (7 control + 7 intervention). The impact of the intervention on psychosocial indicators was assessed using a survey informed by Social Cognitive Theory, and analyzed through the t‐test in SPSS. When comparing pre‐ and post‐intervention data, we found that youths in intervention zones significantly improved their healthy‐eating outcome‐expectancy scores (p=0.027, Cronbach's α=0.69) compared to those who are in control zones (p=0.953). No significant improvement was observed for healthy‐eating self‐efficacy (p=0.503 for intervention, p=0.472 for control, Cronbach's α=0.60). These preliminary findings show that the intervention was successful in improving certain psychosocial factors among adolescents. Funding: Robert Wood Johnson: 63149.Grant Funding Source: The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
The Wichita “One‐Ton” Weight Loss Program: Community Weight Loss and the National Mindless Eating Challenge
Authors: Wansink Brian , Tal Aner , shimizu mitsuru 
Published: June 2021

Community level programs of weight loss have had mixed results due to differing levels involvement, contact, and self‐efficacy of the participants. As a test of concept, a six‐month program was developed for 1000 individuals in the Wichita School District that was based on the National Mindless Eating Challenge. For each of six months, each individual was given three different environmental weight loss suggestions (such as use smaller plates, eat dinner without watching TV, drink 12 ounces of water before every meal and snack, and so on) based on their answers to a series of questions. They received weekly reminders and a $100 insurance rebate for completing 6 months of the program.Dependent variables included monthly measures of absenteeism, medical expenses, doctor visits, along with self‐reported weight loss and well‐being. Analyses will be presented on what types of individuals were most influenced by the program as well as which specific tips are – in combination with others – most associated with self‐reported weight loss.
High bioavailability of zeaxanthin from deuterium labeled spirulina in humans
Authors: Yu Bolan , Wang Jie , Wang Zhixu , Wang Yin , Suter Paolo M , Russell Robert M , Grusak Michael A , Yin ShiAn , Tang Guangwen 
Published: June 2021

Zeaxanthin is a predominant xanthophyll in human eyes and its consumption may reduce the risk of cataracts and age‐related macular degeneration. To determine zeaxanthin bioavailability from spirulina, it was grown in nutrient solution with deuterium oxide for carotenoid labeling. A single servings (4.0–5.0 g) containing 2.6–3.7 mg of zeaxanthin were consumed by 14 healthy male volunteers (4 US Caucasian and 10 Chinese) with 20 g fat. Serum concentrations of total zeaxanthin were measured by using HPLC and enrichment of labeled zeaxanthin was determined by using LC‐APCI‐MS. The intrinsically labeled spirulina zeaxanthin in the circulation was detected at levels as low as 10% enrichment for up to 45 days after intake of spirulina. The average 15‐day area under the serum zeaxanthin response curve to the single dose of spirulina was higher in the US Caucasian subjects 293 nmole‐day/μmole than in the Chinese subjects 197 nmole‐day/μmole (P<0.001). It is concluded that spirulina can serve as a rich source of dietary zeaxanthin with high bioavailability in humans and that there may be racial differences in this bioavailability. (Supported by Nestle Foundation, Lausanne, Switzerland and by the USDA 58‐1950‐7‐707 and 58‐6250‐6‐001).Grant Funding Source: Nestle Foundation
CMO‐II KO mice display altered lipid metabolism compared to CMO‐I KO and wild‐type mice
Authors: Elsen Amy Christine , Ford Nikki Ann , Erdman John W 
Published: June 2021

Adult mice lacking the β‐carotene central cleavage enzyme, carotene‐15,15'‐monoxygenase (CMO‐I), have altered lipid metabolism, but little is known about the lipid metabolism in carotene‐9′10′‐monooxygenase II knock‐out (CMO‐II KO) mice. The objective of this study was to examine lipid metabolism in female CMO‐I KO, CMO‐II KO and wild type (C57BL/6Jx129x1/SvJ) mice fed AIN‐93G based diets for 30 days: 20mg lycopene/kg diet from lycopene beadlets, 10% tomato powder, or placebo beadlets. CMO‐II KO mice were significantly smaller (p <.0001) and gained less weight (p <.0001) compared to CMO‐I KO and wild‐type mice. Hepatic lipid content of CMO‐II KO mice was significantly greater compared to CMO‐I KO and wild‐type mice (p <0.05), but serum cholesterol levels were lower in both CMO‐II KO and CMO‐I KO mice compared to wild‐type mice (p <.0001). Expression of adipogenic genes, PPAR‐γ and Acox‐1 was measured in liver and adipose tissue. Hepatic PPAR‐α and adipocyte protein 2 were also measured. Differences were primarily seen between genotypes suggesting that diet did not affect gene expression. Adipose PPAR‐γ expression was greater in CMO‐II KO mice (p <.0001), whereas ap2 gene expression was lower (p <0.05). These results suggest that CMO‐II KO mice have altered lipid metabolism compared to CMO‐I KO mice and wild‐type mice. (Funded in part by NIH grant PHS‐1‐RO1 CA125384.)Grant Funding Source: NIH