bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validation of the use of digital photography for estimating portion sizes
Authors: Goodell L. Suzanne , Tseui Eugenia , Hughes Sheryl O. , Nicklas Theresa A. 
Published: June 2021

There is no consensus and the data are scarce on the best method for assessing diets of young children. The purpose of this study was to validate the use of digital photography as a dietary assessment method for use with preschool children. Researchers prepared and photographed 23 foods presented as ten versions of six meals. Investigators selected foods used in the estimations from a Head Start preschool lunch menu. As researchers added individual foods to a plate, they weighed each food portion to determine actual weight. From photographs on the computer, five raters estimated portion sizes for the servings of food, using a library of reference photos representing each food in 10‐gram increments. Raters viewed the meal photos and selected what they believed to be the corresponding portion size reference photo for each food on the plate. The average correlation between estimated weights across raters was 0.65. The mean difference in actual versus estimated weight of food was 1.92 grams across raters. This small mean gram difference suggests that the difference between actual and estimated nutrient analysis of foods would be very small. Thus, this method is a valid approach to collecting nutrient intake data. In the future, researchers will validate the use of this method for application in community settings including Head Start classrooms and participants’ homes.Funded by NIH grants T32 HD007445 and R01 CA107545
Longitudinal association between waist circumference, waist‐to‐height ratio and incidence of hypertension among Chinese adults
Authors: Nguyen Tuan T , Popkin Barry M 
Published: June 2021

Longitudinal study examining the association between waist circumference (WC), waist‐to‐height ratio (WHtR), and risk of cardiovascular disease among Asians is lacking. We are the first to determine cutoffs for WC and WHtR to address the increased incidence of hypertension among 18–65‐year‐old Chinese adults, using data from a China Health and Nutrition Survey 2000–2004 cohort (n = 4492). Cumulative incidence was calculated by dividing new cases of hypertension by the total at‐risk population, aged 18–65 years, in 2000. We used sex‐specific receiver operating characteristic curves to assess the sensitivity and specificity of the WC and WHtR as predictors of hypertension outcome. Four‐year cumulative incidences of hypertension, 13% and 19% for women and men, respectively, were significantly related to increase in WC and WHtR in both crude and age‐adjusted models (P for trend < 0.001). Area under the curve for the prediction of hypertension by WC or WHtR was 0.64 in crude and 0.70 in age‐adjusted models for both women and men. WC levels of 78 cm and 80 cm, WHtR levels of 0.49 and 0.48 for women and men, respectively were associated with the increased incidence of hypertension. The study shows that WC and WHtR are predictors of hypertension and that the Asian develops non‐communicable diseases at a lower WC and WHtR compared to the Westerner. WC of less than 80 cm and WHtR of less than 0.50 should be maintained by Chinese adults.Grant Funding Source: Vietnam Educational Foundation (VEF) and NIH (R01‐HD30880, DK056350, and R01‐HD38700)
Protection against autoimmune diabetes by viral infection
Authors: Filippi Christophe , Oldham Janine , Bresson Damien , Christen Urs , Wolfe Tom , von Herrath Matthias 
Published: June 2021

Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease that results from the selective destruction of insulin‐producing beta cells in the pancreas. While it is generally believed that viral infections are responsible for inducing autoimmunity in individuals at risk, experimental evidence indicates that viruses can efficiently prevent T1D. We have identified two mechanisms by which acute lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infection hampers autoimmune diabetes development in the mouse.The first mechanism is the direct consequence of the early release of inflammatory mediators following LCMV challenge which rapidly confer leukocytes from infected mice the capacity to diminish T1D. The second mechanism involves longer‐term modification of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells which become capable of preventing both spontaneous and virally induced T1D as a consequence of TGF‐beta production. Importantly, hampering of autoimmunity by viral infection does not appear to impair antiviral immunity and viral clearance.These findings provide novel mechanistic insight into the ability of viral infection to abort autoimmune diabetes. Induction of such mechanisms during infection may account for the capacity of viruses to prevent T1D as well as other autoimmune disorders.
Addressing Health Disparity Concerns among Residents at risk for Cardiovascular Disease in an Alabama Black Belt County
Authors: Pace Ralphenia Diggs , Dawkins Norma L 
Published: June 2021

The occurrence and the disparities of chronic diseases among African Americans continue to be areas of concern among nutrition and health researchers. Cardiovascular disparities in the Black Belt counties are higher than the state and the national averages. This survey was designed to 1) determine the readiness of individuals to participate in a community faith‐based nutrition education program; and 2) to uncover what were the perceived health concerns of residents in the community. In preparation for implementation of a nutrition education intervention program designed to reduce cardiovascular disease among African Americans, a community opinion questionnaire (COQ) was pilot tested and mailed to potential participants.Ninety‐nine (99%) of the respondents perceived community programs to be important. While 96.1% felt comfortable participating in a community outreach program and 89.3% expressed their commitment to the end. The trust factor for research still posed a problem but 87.5% agreed to participate if it was conducted by Tuskegee University. They relied on physicians (35.8%), churches (28.5), and their respective spouse (14.5%) to obtain information about their health. Approximately eighty six percent (85.9%) desired to change dietary habits with 54.3% worried about their health; however, only 47.5% exercised regularly.
Contemporary Pattern of Colostrum Consumption, Complementary Food Introduction and Dietary Diversity among Infants of a Rural Guatemalan Village.
Authors: Hernandez Liza , Campos Raquel , Solomons Noel W. 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundAs the food pattern and micronutrient content of complementary foods is widely deficient in low‐income societies, uncovering opportunities for favorable interventions is vital.ObjectivesTo describe colostrum use, introduction of complementary foods, and dietary diversity after 6 mo in a rural, Guatemalan setting.Methods70 mothers of infants aged 6–11 mo in Santo Domingo Xenacoj, Guatemala were enrolled, interviewed with a structured questionnaire, and underwent 24‐h recalls of the infant's intake of foods and beverages (other than human milk {HM}) on 3 occasions.ResultsThe 70 infants averaged 8.3+/−2.0. mo at enrollment. 62 of 70 infants (89%) reportedly had consumed colostrum. 19 different items were reported as the initial food, with white rolls (19%), formula (13%), rice (10%), potato (9%) and Incaparina gruel (7%), constituting the 5 most common first foods. 40 infants completing three 24‐h diet records consumed from 2 to 23 different non‐HM items over the 72 h covered. These items provided from 65 to 540 kcal/d, complementing the energy provided by HM (which was not measured).ConclusionsComplementary feeding practices and the nutrient delivery from complementary foods require improvement in this community setting.Sponsored by Sight & Life
Deficit of Prepulse Inhibition in Mice Caused by Dietary n‐3 Fatty Acid Deficiencies.
Authors: Fedorova Irina , Hussein Nahed , Salem Norman 
Published: June 2021

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n‐3) is the most abundant polyunsaturated fatty acid in the brain and plays an important role in learning and memory. It was shown that profound DHA deficiency led to modification in dopamine and serotonin systems. Prepulse inhibition is deficient in psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia and can be disrupted in animals by dopamine and serotonin agonist administration. DHA and eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n‐3) are biosynthesized from α‐linolenic acid (LNA, 18:3n‐3), a shorter chain n‐3 fatty acid precursor or obtained with a diet.Sensorimotor gating was measured by prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the acoustic startle response in C57Bl6 mice. Mice were fed for two generations four diets with different levels of n‐3 fatty acids: n‐3 deficient, containing 0.07% of LNA; low LNA (0.38% of total fatty acids); high LNA (4.8%); and high n‐3 diet, containing 0.38% of LNA, 2% DHA and 2% EPA. N‐3 deficient and low LNA diets caused a substantial deficit in PPI compared to the high n‐3 diet, whereas the high LNA diet induced a less pronounced, but significant PPI reduction. These are the first data that differentiate in rodents the effects of a high LNA diet from one with added EPA/DHA. The rather small increment in brain DHA content is thus associated with a functional difference manifested in sensorimotor behavior.
Correlation between adiponectin polymorphisms and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease with or without metabolic syndrome in Chinese population
Authors: Wang Zhongli , Xia Bing 
Published: June 2021

Background: To investigate the effect of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) 45 and 276 of the adiponectin gene on non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) with or without metabolic syndrome.Methods: A total of 165 NAFLD, 83 NAFLD with metabolic syndrome and 160 healthy controls were investigated from Chinese population. Genotypes were assayed by PCR‐restriction fragment length polymorphism. Plasma adiponectin and insulin levels were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and radioimmunoassay, respectively. Insulin resistance (IR) was evaluated by using HOMA‐IR (homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance).Results: NAFLD with metabolic syndrome had further extent of IR and hypoadiponectinemia. No association of SNP45 or SNP276 was found in NAFLD or NAFLD with metabolic syndrome. In various subgroup analysis, subjects carrying the G allele of SNP45 showed higher levels of triglyceride (TG), fasting blood sugar (FBS), HOMA, body mass index (BMI) and alanine transaminase (ALT), as well as lower plasma adiponectin levels. In normal weight group of SNP276, subjects carrying the G allele showed higher HOMA and subjects carrying the T allele showed lower BMI.Conclusions: Our study observed further hypoadiponectinemia and IR in NAFLD with metabolic syndrome. The T45G and G276T of the adiponectin gene may not be the important determinants of NAFLD in Chinese people, but some of them still influence serum ALT, BMI, IR, lipid and glucose metabolism and plasma adiponectin concentration
Examination of blood‐brain barrier (BBB) integrity in a mouse brain tumor model
Authors: On Ngoc Hong , Mitchell Ryan , Savant Sanjot , Miller Donald Wayne 
Published: June 2021

The present study examines, on a functional and biochemical level, brain tumor‐induced alterations in capillary endothelial cells forming the blood‐brain barrier (BBB). Tumors were induced by injecting Lewis Lung carcinoma (3LL) cells into the right hemisphere of female Balb/c mice. Changes in BBB permeability were assessed at various stages of tumor development, using both magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and radiolabeled permeability markers. The expression of P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) in the BBB was also evaluated using Western Blot. Median mouse survival following 3LL injection was 15 days. Tumor volume progressed from 1.38 mm3 on day 7 to approximately 78 mm3 on day 15. Histological and MRI analysis indicated the resulting tumor mass was restricted to the right hemisphere. The permeability of the BBB to 3H‐mannitol was similar in both hemispheres at 7 and 10 days post‐injection. At day 12 and 15, significant increases in BBB permeability was observed. The alterations in BBB permeability were associated with an increase in cerebral vascular volume, but P‐gp expression was unaffected at all stages of tumor development. The BBB is largely intact during tumor development with disruptions only observed at the later stages. Furthermore, the BBB expression of P‐gp is unaffected by tumor progression despite an increased angiogenesis in the tumor bearing hemispheres.Funding support provided by PHS Grant R01‐CA93558.
Circulating Bone Marrow‐Derived Mesenchymal Precursors Robustly Contribute to Lung Vascular Remodeling in Pathogenesis of Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Frid Maria G , Gnanaskharan Meena , Burke Danielle L , Iivanainen Antti , Niku Mikael , Stenmark Kurt R 
Published: June 2021

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is characterized by marked fibroproliferative changes in the pulmonary artery (PA). We studied if circulating bone‐marrow (BM)‐derived mesenchymal precursors contribute to vascular remodeling in PH. In rat and calf models of PH, chronic hypoxia induced a robust influx of circulating mesenchymal precursors (fibrocytes) into the PA wall. Their in vivo depletion in circulation resulted in attenuation of PA remodeling. BM origin and differentiation fate of these cells were studied in female freemartin calves, natural XX‐XY BM chimeras. In hypoxic freemartins, numerous Y‐chr+ (BM‐derived) cells were observed in the PA, some differentiated into mesenchymal cells. Using laser capture microdissection and RT‐PCR, we observed an early, persistent, and pulmonary‐specific upregulation of factors potentially involved in recruitment, retention and differentiation of fibrocytes (C5, FIZZ‐1, MCP‐1, IL‐18, ‐6, VEGF, SDF‐1, MMP‐9, ET1, TGFb1). In culture, fibrocyte‐like cells from PA of hypoxic, but not control, calves exhibited augmented growth, migratory capabilities, and secreted potent mitogens for resident PA SMC. These data demonstrate that circulating BM‐derived fibrocytes robustly contribute to pulmonary vascular remodeling in PH, and could serve as a selective pharmacological target in the treatment of PH.Funding: (1) NIH HL084923‐1, HL014985‐35; (2) (210978/10.11.2004)
Fenoterol derivatives show multitarget interactions with beta2 adrenergic and 5‐HT receptors
Authors: Jozwiak Krzysztof , Wainer Irving W 
Published: June 2021

Stereoisomers of fenoterol and eight fenoterol derivatives modified at the N‐alkyl moiety (Fig. 1) have been synthesized to determine their binding affinities for the β2 adrenergic receptor (β2–AR) and the subtype selectivity relative to the β1–AR. Sub‐micromolar affinities were observed for (R,R)‐fenoterol, the (R,R) isomer of the p‐methoxy, (R,R) and (R,S) isomers of 1‐naphthyl and (R,R) and (R,S) isomers 4‐methoxy‐1‐napthyl derivatives. Most of these compounds show also high β2/β1 subtype selectivity. Off‐target screening panel revealed that some naphtyl derivatives show additional high binding affinities towards 5‐HT2 and 5‐HT3 subtypes of serotonin receptor determined in radioligand displacement assays.The binding data were analyzed using 3‐D QSAR and the resulting pseudo‐receptor models identified binding fields responsible for asymmetric recognition of diastereoisomers. The steric restriction on the second chiral center is responsible for observed β2/β1 subtype selectivity. Molecular models of β2‐AR and β1‐AR macromolecules were used to analyze ligand‐receptor interactions. Docking and molecular dynamics simulations on the β2‐AR model revealed that S204, S207 and T118 residues form the network of hydrogen bonds interacting with the catechol moiety; residues N293 and D113 mainly affect the asymmetric recognition of diastereoisomers and T308 and H296 residues are responsible for β2/β1 subtype selectivity profile of studied compounds. Molecular modeling investigations of ligand interactions with serotonin receptors were also performed.The data from the binding and modeling studies indicate that this set of compounds can be used to explore a wide variety of ligand‐GPCR binding mechanisms.
Investigation of the site of action of McN‐A‐343 at the M1 muscarinic receptor based on the binding profile of its nitrogen mustard analogue.
Authors: Figueroa Katherine Wendy , Ehlert Frederick J 
Published: June 2021

To date, the precise location of the binding site for McN‐A‐343 on the M1 muscarinic receptor has yet to be determined, although prior studies on the M2 receptor suggest binding to both the orthosteric and allosteric sites. To address this question, we investigated the mode of interaction of a nitrogen mustard derivative of McN‐A343 (BR384; 4‐[(2‐bromoethyl)methyl‐amino]‐2‐butynyl N‐(3‐chlorophenyl)carbamate) with the M1 receptor using radioligand binding methods. The modulatory effects of known competitive and allosteric muscarinic ligands on the irreversible alkylation of the receptor were investigated in stably transfected CHO‐K1 cells and homogenized tissue. In both brain tissue homogenates and CHO‐K1 M1 cells gallamine exhibited allosteric inhibition of M1 receptor alkylation by BR384, whereas N‐methylscopolamine, atropine and Mc‐N‐A‐343 competitively inhibited alkylation. WIN 62,777 had no significant effect on the rate of M1 receptor alkylation by BR384. Our data suggest that both BR384 and McN‐A‐343 bind to the orthosteric site of the M1 receptor.Supported by NIH grant 69829 (Frederick J. Ehlert) and Pre‐Doctoral Fellowship from The PhRMA Foundation (Katherine W. Figueroa).
High Salt Diet During Pregnancy Alters Kidney Renin Granules In The Adult Rats Offspring.
Authors: Costa Nauilo Lima , Ramos Débora Rothstein , Lopes Karen Lucasechi , Furukawa Luzia Naoko Shinohara , Heimann Joel Claudio 
Published: June 2021

Objective: To study the influence of dietary salt diet during pregnancy on body weight (BW), blood pressure (BP) and the kidney renin granules (RG) of the adult offspring Wistar rats.Methods: Dam groups were fed with normal salt – NSD (1.3%), high salt 1‐ HSD1 (4%) or high salt 2 HSD2 (8% NaCl, ) since 8‐week‐old and pregnancy until delivery day. Female and male offsprings were fed standard salt diet since birthday to 12 week‐old. The BW was measured weekly and BP every 2 weeks. Low salt diet (LSD – 0.15% NaCl) + captopril (100mg/kg) in drink water [LSD+C]; LSD + furosemide (1mg/kg, one dose) [LSD+F] and HSD2 tests for 7 days carried out at 12 week‐old. The kidney was removed and RG were quantified.Results (mean±SEM, p<0.05, n=7): The BP and BW did not differ among offsprings from dams fed different salt diet. Positive arterioles RG in HSD2 (70±3.4%‐LSD+C; 59.3±4.9%‐LSD+F; 59.8±5.0%‐HSD2); and HSD1 (63.8±3.4%‐LSD + C; 50.7±5.2%‐HSD2) female offsprings were higher in three and two tests respectively compared to NSD (44.3±3.0%‐LSD + C; 37.2±1.9%; LSD +F, 34.2±3.3%‐HSD2). However, the same did not occur on the male offspring.Conclusion: Modifications of salt dietary content for pregnancy on dams can program differently RG secretion in both genders of offspring through adult late life.Support by FAPESP
BAROREFLEX IMPAIRMENT IS CORRELATED WITH HIGH SUPEROXIDE DISMUTASE ACTIVITY IN METHIONINE‐TREATED RATS
Authors: Mendes Roberta Hack , Candido Georgia Orsi , Mostarda Cristiano , De la Fuente Raquel Nitrosi , Jorge Luciana , Silva Ivana C.M. , Belló‐Klein Adriane , Rigatto Katya , Irigoyen Maria Claúdia Costa 
Published: June 2021

Introduction:Homocysteine (Hcy) is a suphur amino acid in methionine‐cysteine metabolism. Hyperhomocysteinemia is an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis.Purpose:To evaluate the effect of methionine treatment (ME) on systolic arterial pressure (SAP), heart rate (HR), baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity.Methods:Male wistar rats (n=5/group) were treated by gavage for 9 weeks (water=CO or ME=0,1g/kg in water). After treatment, rats were cannulated for cardiovascular measurements. BRS was evaluated by bradycardic (BR) and tachycardic responses (TR) to vasoactive drugs. Rats were killed and blood samples were collected, prepared and stored at −80ºC for SOD activity measurements.Results: Our results showed that ME increased SAP (117±8 vs 136±9 mmHg) and there was no difference in HR between groups (CO=324±13; M=337±11bpm). TR and BR in ME were decreased (2.4±0.4 vs 1.4±0.6; 1.9±0.5 vs 1.3±0.2 bpm/mmHg, respectively). SOD activity was higher in ME (14.8±1.8 vs 13±1.9 USOD/mg protein) and it was negatively correlated with BRS for both, TR (r=−0.8) and BR (r=−0.7).Conclusion: These data suggest that ME treatment increased SOD activity and induced a decrease on BRS, leading to an impairement on blood pressure control. Therefore, superoxide anion may participate in the baroreflex impairment.
Inhibiting vascular ceramide synthesis prevents arterial dysfunction and hypertension in mice with diet‐induced obesity
Authors: Symons J. David , Holland William , Tanner Jason , Kearns Devin , Cahoon Judd , Palionyte Milda , Duncan Bradlee , Losee Jason , Narra Krishna , Hillas Elaine , Rohrwasser Andreas , Abel E. Dale , Summers Scott 
Published: June 2021

Ceramide accumulation in vascular smooth muscle might contribute to obesity‐related arterial dysfunction and hypertension. To test this hypothesis, mice were treated with myriocin (M), an inhibitor of an enzyme required for ceramide biosynthesis (i.e., serine palmitoyltransferase). 10‐week old mice consumed chow containing 45% (HF, n=20) or 10% (Con, n=20) fat ± M (0.3 mg/kg i.p., n=10) or vehicle (V; saline i.p., n=10) for 14 weeks. Mean (MAP), systolic (SBP), and diastolic (DBP) blood pressures then were recorded via telemetry for 6 × 24‐h periods followed by excision of the aorta and femoral arteries. Vascular ceramide (pmol ceramide/mg aorta) increased (p<0.05) from 17±4 in Con‐V mice to 30±3 in HF‐V animals, and was suppressed in HF‐M animals (10±1). Elevated (*p<0.05) MAP, SBP, and DBP in HF‐V vs. Con‐V mice was prevented in HF‐M animals. Values in the Table represent the mean±SE of 6 dark/active cycles. Impaired (*p<0.05) acetylcholine (ACh)‐evoked vasorelaxation (wire‐myography) in femoral arteries from HF‐V vs. Con‐V mice was prevented in HF‐M animals. Sodium‐nitroprusside‐evoked vasorelaxation was similar among groups. ACh values represent % vasorelaxation.These results suggest that vascular ceramide accumulation may contribute to arterial dysfunction and hypertension in mice with diet‐induced obesity. AHA GIA 06‐55222Y
Density of the oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (OX‐LDL) receptor, LOX1, correlates with OX‐LDL reactivity of various arterial muscles
Authors: Odya Erin C. , Dominguez Maria H. , Dominguez Jesus H. , Rice Ami E. , Temm Constance J. , Packer C. Subah 
Published: June 2021

The causal relationship of the hypertension associated with metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) is unknown. Elevated OX‐LDL, characteristic of NIDDM causes dose‐dependent arterial muscle contraction but the signaling pathway is not understood. The OX‐LDL receptor (LOX1) has been identified on arterial smooth muscle but its role is unknown. Interestingly, the caudal artery, a muscular systemic vessel, is more reactive to OX‐LDL than is either the conduit aorta or the low pressure pulmonary artery in the rat. The purpose of the current study was to quantify the relative LOX1 density on the three arterial muscles using Metamorph software (Universal Imaging) analyses of immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy images of sections treated with a polyclonal antibody raised in rabbits against recombinant LOX1. Although quantitative analysis did not yield statistically significant differences, qualitative data suggests that LOX1 density on the three arterial muscles correlates with OX‐LDL reactivity. Larger sample sizes are needed for quantitative confirmation that vascular smooth muscle LOX1 density correlates with OX‐LDL reactivity supporting a role for LOX1 activation in mediating OX‐LDL induced vasoconstriction.(Supported, in part, by a VA Merit Award, PI: JH Dominguez. EC Odya is a 2007‐08 APS Frontiers in Physiology Professional Development Fellow)