bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of breast milk vitamin A concentration as an indicator of population vitamin A status in a national survey in Cameroon
Authors: Engle‐Stone Reina , Haskell Marjorie J , Nankap Martin , Ndjebayi Alex O , Brown Kenneth H 
Published: June 2021

Breast milk vitamin A (BMVA) has been proposed as an indicator of population VA status but has rarely been applied in large surveys or compared with conventional VA biomarkers. We assessed the prevalence of, and risk factors for, low BMVA and its relationships with VA intake, plasma retinol‐binding protein (pRBP) and markers of inflammation in a national survey in Cameroon. We randomly selected 30 clusters in each of 3 strata (South, North, and Cities). Casual milk samples were collected from 5 women per cluster (n = 437 total). pRBP, C‐reactive protein (CRP), α1‐acid glycoprotein (AGP), and VA intake were assessed in a subset (n = 269). Mean BMVA was 3.80 (95% CI: 3.54 – 4.06) μmol/L and 23.4 (22.0 – 24.8) μg/g fat. Low BMVA was infrequent: 7.3% (4.7 – 9.9) of values were < 1.05 μmol/L and 9.4% (5.9 – 12.9) were < 8 μg/g fat, consistent with the low prevalence of pRBP < 0.78 μmol/L (< 5%). Risk factors for both low BMVA and pRBP included living in the North and low maternal education. BMVA was positively associated with inflammation‐adjusted pRBP among women in the lowest VA intake tertile (< 114 μg RAE/d, P < 0.01), but not in the highest tertile (>; 462 μg RAE/d, P >; 0.6). Controlling for milk fat, BMVA was negatively associated with CRP (P = 0.011) but not AGP (P = 0.53). BMVA and pRBP provide similar estimates of VA deficiency prevalence and identify the same risk groups among women in Cameroon. Data from populations with lower VA status are needed.Grant Funding Source: Michael and Susan Dell Foundation; Sight & Life
No difference in protein leverage affecting energy intake between soy and whey protein
Authors: Martens Eveline , Lemmens Sofie , Westerterp‐Plantenga Margriet 
Published: June 2021

The protein leverage hypothesis requires evidence that protein intake is regulated stronger than energy intake. Ad libitum energy intake, body weight changes and appetite profile were determined in response to protein to carbohydrate+fat ratio over 12 consecutive days, and in relation to type of protein. A crossover study was performed (n= 40/39 (m/f); age 34.0 ± 17.6 y; BMI 23.7 ± 3.4 kg/m2), using diets containing 5, 15, and 30 energy percent from soy or whey protein. Protein‐content effects did not differ by type of protein. In the soy and whey protein groups, total energy intake was lower in the high (7.21 ± 3.08 MJ/d) vs. the low (9.33 ± 3.52) and normal protein conditions (9.62 ± 3.51, p=0.001), predominantly from a lower energy intake from meals (p=0.001). Protein intake varied directly with the level of protein in the diet (p=0.001). AUC of appetite ratings did not differ; yet fluctuations in hunger (p=0.019) and desire to eat (p=0.026) over the day were attenuated in the high vs. the normal protein condition. Evidence supporting the protein leverage hypothesis has been obtained in that individuals, irrespective of type of protein, under‐ate relatively to energy balance from diets containing a higher protein to carbohydrate+fat ratio. No evidence for protein leverage effects from diets containing a lower ratio of protein to carbohydrate+fat was obtained. This may be due to the replacement of protein with carbohydrate, and might be different if fat‐replacement would have been applied. Supported by grants from the European Union Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007–2013) under grant agreements n° 266408 (Full4Health) and by food products from Kellogg's Nederland, FrieslandCampina, and Solae, LLC.Grant Funding Source:Supported by grants from the European Union Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007–2013) under grant agreements n° 266408 (Full4Health) and by food products from Kellogg's Nederland, FrieslandCampina, and Solae, LLC.
Comparison of Watermelon and Carbohydrate Beverage on Exercise‐Induced Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Immune Dysfunction, and Augmentation Index
Authors: Shanely R. Andrew , Nieman David C. , Knab Amy M. , Perkins‐Veazie Penelope , Henson Dru , Cialdella‐Kam Lynn , Sha Wei , Meaney Mary Pat 
Published: June 2021

Watermelon (WM) is a rich source of carbohydrate (CHO) and L‐citrulline. WM may support exercise (EX) performance and act as a countermeasure to EX‐induced inflammation, oxidative stress, and immune dysfunction, and arterial stiffness. Cyclists (n = 20, 48±2 y) participated in a randomized, placebo controlled, crossover study. Subjects completed two 75km time trials after either 2 wk ingestion of 980 mL/d WM or no treatment. Subjects drank either 0.2 gm/kg CHO from WM or 6% CHO drink every 15 min during EX. Augmentation index (AIx) was calculated from radial artery waveforms using applanation tonometry pre‐study and pre‐, post‐, 1h post‐EX. WM ingestion vs no treatment for 2 wk did not alter blood biomarkers but decreased AIx 38% (p= 0.007). EX performance did not differ between WM or 6% CHO (p= 0.194). WM vs 6% CHO resulted in a similar pattern of increase in blood glucose, and greater increases in post‐EX FRAP (13%), ORAC (12%), and total nitrate (29%) (all p< 0.017), but did not alter the pattern of change in the other biomarkers. EX resulted in lower central and peripheral pressures and WM attenuated the 1hr post‐EX decrease in augmentation pressure and AIx (all p< 0.01). In conclusion, 2 wk WM decreased resting AIx, fully supported the energy demands of EX, and increased post‐EX blood anti‐oxidant capacity and total nitrate. Counter to our hypothesis, WM blunted the post‐EX drop in AIx.Funding, National Watermelon Promotion Board
Low‐dose methotrexate (MTX) inhibits methionine S‐adenosyltransferase (MAT) in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Wang Yi‐Cheng , Chiang En‐Pei 
Published: June 2021

MAT catalyzes the only reaction that produces the major methyl donor in mammals. Low‐dose MTX is a commonly used DMARD. We tested the hypothesis that MTX inhibits MAT in vitro and in vivo. HepG2 cells were cultured under folate restriction or low‐dose MTX with and without folate or methionine supplementation. Mice received MTX regimens that reflected low‐dose clinical use in humans. We found that methionine or folate supplementation greatly improved SAM in folate‐depleted cells but not in cells preexposed to MTX. MTX but not folate depletion suppressed MAT genes, proteins and activity. Low‐dose MTX inhibited MAT1A and MAT2A genes, MATI/II/III proteins and MAT enzyme activities in mouse tissues. Concurrent folinate supplementation with MTX ameliorated MAT2A reduction and restored SAM in cells. However, posttreatment folinate rescue failed to restore MAT reduction or SAM level in cells preexposed to MTX. We provide both in vitro and in vivo evidence that lowdose MTX inhibits MAT genes, proteins, and enzyme activity independent of folate depletion. Because polyglutamated MTX stays in the hepatocytes, if MTX inhibits MAT in the liver, the efficacy of clinical folinate rescue with respect to maintaining hepatic SAM would be limited. The study raise concerns on perturbed methylation reactions in humans on low‐dose MTX. Well‐designed trials for optimizing SAM and methylation status in patients taking MTX are warrantedGrant Funding Source: National Science Council
The effects of folate, choline and betaine on transmethylation in a methionine restricted piglet
Authors: Robinson Jason L , McBreairty Laura E. , Brunton Janet A. , Bertolo Robert F. 
Published: June 2021

Methionine is an essential amino acid that is incorporated into protein and is also the primary methyl donor for transmethylation reactions via S‐adenosylmethionine (SAM), SAM is demethylated to S‐adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) with the majority of methyl groups either being transferred to DNA or used for synthesis of creatine (CR) and phosphatidylcholine (PC). SAH is converted to homocysteine (HCY) which can be oxidized or remethylated back to methionine by the methyl donors folate and choline (via betaine). 4–8 d old neonatal piglets were fed a diet devoid (n=8) or replete (n=7) of these methyl donors. After 5 d, dietary methionine was reduced to 80% of requirement. On day 8, animals received a constant infusion of [3H]methyl‐methionine for 6 h to measure flux to PC, CR, and DNA. Methyl deficient pigs had a lower SAM/SAH ratio and higher plasma HCY (p<0.05). Methylation to CR, but not PC and DNA, was lower in methyl deficiency, suggesting this methylation reaction is most sensitive to methyl supply. Moreover, methylation of phosphatidylethanolamine to PC tended to be higher with methyl deficiency suggesting this pathway is upregulated when choline is deficient. Severe restriction of remethylation in piglets reduces methionine availability for creatine synthesis. (CIHR funded).Grant Funding Source:CIHR
Influence of lactation and choline intake on one‐carbon biomarkers in women
Authors: Davenport Crystal , Shields Kelsey , Yan Jian , Jiang Xinyin , Malysheva Olga , Caudill Marie , Stabler Sally , Allen Robert 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveWe sought to quantify the effects of lactation and maternal choline intake on maternal indicators of one‐carbon metabolism.MethodsLactating (n = 28; 30‐d post‐partum) and nonlactating (NL, n = 21) women were randomized to choline intakes of 480 or 930 mg/d for 10 weeks. Blood and urine were collected at baseline, study midpoint, and study end for analysis of one carbon metabolites.ResultsCompared to NL women, lactating women exhibited elevated plasma choline (p=0.04) and decreased urinary dimethylglycine losses (p=0.008). Within lactating women, a higher choline intake yielded greater plasma betaine (p=0.015), greater plasma dimethylglycine (p=0.037), greater plasma methylglycine (p=0.036), and decreased plasma cystathionine (p=0.012). However, higher choline intake did not affect plasma concentrations of homocysteine, cysteine, methionine, or glycine.ConclusionsLactation and choline intake influence biomarkers of 1‐C metabolism with some evidence of a greater demand for choline during lactation and a positive effect of a higher choline intake on methyl group supply.
Lipopolysaccharide increases agonist‐induced contractile responses in Sprague Dawley rat corpus cavernosum
Authors: Stallmann‐Jorgensen Inger Susanne , Webb R. Clinton 
Published: June 2021

Chronic inflammatory conditions are frequent co‐morbidities of erectile dysfunction (ED) and elevated lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels may increase inflammation via Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) activation. An imbalance between vascular dilatation and contraction underlies ED. We hypothesized that LPS increases the agonist‐induced contractile response in corpus cavernosum (CC). The CC tissues were isolated, incubated for 6 hours in tissue culture media with 1 ug/mL LPS or vehicle, before being mounted in a muscle strip myograph for studies of isometric force generation. Contraction to 120 mM KCl did not differ between LPS and vehicle treated CC. KCl‐induced contraction data were used to normalize contraction data from the serotonin concentration response curve (30 nM‐100 uM). The CC tissue exposed to LPS exhibited enhanced contraction to serotonin (as % of KCl contraction) compared to control values. At 30 uM concentration: 67.34±5.15 vs. 43.34±6.67% (p<0.05), and at 100 uM: 77.61±5.4 vs. 56.61±6.98% (p<0.05). These results show that treatment with the TLR4 ligand LPS increased the contractile response to serotonin in rat corpus cavernosum. Thus, TLR4 activation may play a role in the etiology of ED which is a condition that has been shown to predict cardiovascular disease.Support: NIH and SMSNA.
Where are kids getting their empty calories? The role of stores, schools, and fast food restaurants
Authors: Poti Jennifer M , Slining Meghan M , Popkin Barry M 
Published: June 2021

Little is known about the contribution of stores, schools, and fast food restaurants to excess empty calorie intake for US children. This analysis studied children aged 2–18 years (n=22,103) from 5 nationally representative surveys of dietary intake to identify the top sources of empty calories for each location and to compare trends from 1994–2010 by location for these key food groups.The percent of total intake from empty calories at stores (33%), schools (32%), and fast food restaurants (35%) was not significantly different in 2009–2010. Sugar sweetened beverages (SSBs), grain desserts, high fat milk, pizza, and sandwiches were top sources of empty calories at all three locations. From 1994–2010, improvements occurred as the % empty calories in milk, pizza, fries, and SSBs decreased at schools and stores. SSBs from schools were lower in % added sugar than fast food SSBs as schools replaced caloric colas with fruit juice drinks. However, large increases in the % added sugar in school‐bought milk resulted in higher % empty calories for school compared to store‐bought milk across time. Fries from schools were higher in % solid fat than store‐bought fries, and school pizza was no better than fast food pizza in % empty calories.In 2009–10, schools resembled fast food restaurants in their contributions to empty calories; nevertheless, stores remain the major source of empty calorie intake (436 ± 8.4 kcal/d) for US children.Grant Funding Source: Funding for this study comes from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (Grant 67506) and the National Institutes of Health (R01 HL104580 and CPC 5 R24 HD050924).
The role of reactive oxygen species in the apoptotic effects of curcumin and simvastatin on lung cancer cell line
Authors: Lee Sang Haak , Kim In Kyoung , Lee Hye In , Lee Hwa Young , Ban Woo Ho , Kim Sei Won , Kang Hyeon Hui , Moon Hwa Sik 
Published: June 2021

Curcumin is known to have anti‐inflammatory properties and induce apoptosis of cancer cells. The statins have been proven as effective anticancer agents through inhibition of cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis. However, the precise molecular anticancer mechanisms and synergic effects of these agents have not been elucidated in lung cancer cells.Curcumin and simvastatin caused morphologic changes in A549 cells and inhibited the growth of the cell in a concentration dependent manner, especially the synergistic inhibition of cell proliferation with simvastatin (1 uM) and curcumin (20 uM). Curcumin promoted the expression of apoptosis related genes such as active caspase‐3, 9, p53 and p21 after 24 hrs. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were significantly increased after treatment with curcumin and simvastatin up to 24 hrs in a dose dependent manner. Cells were treated with antioxidant N‐acetyl‐L‐cystein (NAC) before the simvastatin and curcumin, and the results showed that NAC decreased the intracellular ROS level and reversed the decreased cellular viability induced by the agents.Our data indicates that combination of curcumin and simvastatin has synergistic anti‐proliferative effects. Therefore, we suggest that curcumin and simvastatin may have anticancer and potential chemopreventive actions through ROS‐mediated apoptosis pathway.
Pharmacological evaluation of Cissus quadrangularis fractionated extracts for bronchodilatory activity using Guinea pigs
Authors: Patil Savita Dattatray , Kumavat Narender Kumar 
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEThe bronchospasm in bronchial smooth muscle was the most studied feature of asthma and COPD. In the present study, we characterized the pharmacological activity of successively extracted CQME and CQEAE.MATERIALS AND METHODSThe Bronchodilatory activity of CQME and CQEAE were investigated in a guinea pig bronchoconstriction model using restrained double chamber plethysmograph respectively.RESULTSHistamine induced bronchoconstriction in guinea pigs, exhibited marked inhibitory activity against histamine challenge with specific airway resistance (RxV) 3.07, and 4.12 in comparison to RxV of salbutamol 1.87 and histamine control group 6.48 on CQME and CQEAE administration.CONCLUSIONThese results demonstrate that CQME induced remarkable bronchodilator activity, so CQME may be beneficial in treating airway obstructive pulmonary diseases.
Electroacupuncture and Moxibustion Hinder the Progression of Renal Disease by Modulating Systemic and Renal Renin‐Angiotensin System (RAS)
Authors: Naves Marcelo Andery , Paterno Josne Carla , Jara Zaira palomino , Fernandes Fernanda Barrinha , Casarini Dulce Elena , Sales Elizabeth Oliveira , de Paulo Castro Teixeira Vicente 
Published: June 2021

INTRODUCTION AND AIMSSystemic and renal RAS are pivotal for the development and maintenance of renal disease. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is increasingly recognized as an effective therapy in several fields of medicine. Among its therapeutic strategies are eletroacupuncture (EA) and moxibustion (MO). We investigate the effects of EA and MO on RAS in an experimental model of hypertensive and progressive renal disease.METHODSMale wistar rats were submitted to 5/6 nephrectomy (5/6 nx) and studied along eight weeks. There were threee groups: 5/6 nx (NX), 5/6 nx and sham EA (NX‐AS); 5/6 nx and EA‐MO session real acupuncture points (NX‐AM). We evaluated 24h‐proteinuria, plasma and renal Ang I, Ang II and Ang1–7 and plasma renin activity.RESULTS

Groups
Ang I (ng/mL)
Ang II (ng/mL)
Ang 1–7 (ng/mL)
Renin Activity

NX
50 ± 13.5ψ
58.7 ± 19.9ψ
4 ± 2.1
22.9 ± 7.2

NX‐AS
25 ± 6.6
22.5 ± 6.2
5 ± 1.3
40.1 ± 0.9

NX‐AM
88 ±21.6#
32 ± 9.1#
15.8 ± 7.2*
29.8 ± 4.6*

(p=<0,05) vs NX and NX‐AS;
(p=<0,05) vs NXAS;
(p=<0,05) vs NX‐AS and NX‐AM

CONCLUSIONSEA‐MO modulated RAS leading to higher production of systemic and renal Ang1–7. Since A1–7 is protective against endothelial dysfunction and has vasodilatory and antifibrotic effects, our findings suggest that it could be contribute to the improvement of the progression of renal disease in this model.
Sex‐specific actions of the Prostaglandin E type 4 (EP4) receptor to attenuate salt sensitivity and hypertension
Authors: Herrera Marcela , Koller Beverly , Coffman Thomas M 
Published: June 2021

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is the major prostanoid produced by the kidney, mediating its actions via four distinct E‐prostanoid receptor isoforms: EP1‐EP4. The EP4 receptor (EP4R) induces closure of the ductus arteriosus (DA) and triggers macula densa stimulation of renin, but can also induce vasodilation. Thus, the net impact of the EP4R on BP regulation is not clear. Deletion of EP4R causes post‐natal lethality due to failure of DA closure. Therefore, conditional deletion of the EP4R was carried out by crossing EP4flox/flox mice with a mouse line bearing a Cre‐recombinase transgene with tamoxifen‐inducible expression in all tissues. After 2 weeks of tamoxifen induction, efficient excision of the EP4R was documented in kidney, aorta and spleen. Using radiotelemetry in male mice, we found that EP4R deletion increased resting BP by 5±1mm Hg (p<0.001), caused an exaggerated response to high salt feeding (118±1 vs. 108±1mmHg; p<0.001), and enhanced the severity of angiotensin II‐dependent hypertension (149±1 vs. 133±1mmHg; p<0.001). These BP differences were not apparent in female mice. We conclude that the actions of PGE2 to attenuate salt‐sensitivity and hypertension are mediated by EP4Rs. However, their impact on blood pressure differs between sexes.Source of research support: K99HL109167 (to MH) and R01 DK069896 (to TMC).
Acute kidney injury following orthopedic trauma in obese Zucker rats
Authors: Mittwede Peter , Xiang Lusha , Clemmer John , Lu Silu , Gowdey Andrew , Hester Robert 
Published: June 2021

An increased incidence of multiple organ failure occurs following trauma in obesity, but the extent and mechanism of exacerbated damage to specific organs is not understood. The kidney, in particular, is susceptible to organ failure. We hypothesized that there would be impairment in renal function following trauma in obesity. Lean (LZ) and obese (OZ) Zucker rats (11–13 wk, n=6 per group) were used. Orthopedic trauma was mimicked with bilateral hind limb soft tissue injury, followed by an injection of crushed bone components to the area. Twenty‐four hours after trauma, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), renal plasma flow (RPF), blood pressure (BP), and urine albumin measurements were taken. RPF was similar in all groups. LZ and OZ exhibited similar basal BP (122 ± 3 vs. 125 ± 5 mmHg, respectively) and GFR (1.51 ± .15 vs. 1.70 ± .13 ml/min/g). Trauma resulted in a significantly decreased BP (108 ± 3 mmHg) and GFR (0.89 ± .07 ml/min/g) in OZ with no changes in LZ (115 ± 3 mmHg, 1.40 ± .20 ml/min/g). As compared to pre‐trauma values, urine albumin excretion was significantly increased in the twenty hours following trauma in OZ (.63 ± .30 vs. 1.60 ± .51 mg), but not in LZ (.27 ± .05 vs. .51 ± .12 mg). These results show that in our model of orthopedic trauma, acute kidney injury occurs in obese but not in lean rats. This model will allow us to elucidate the mechanisms of trauma‐induced renal damage in obesity.Supported by NIH HL‐51971, HL‐89581, AHA‐12SDG12050525
Autonomic Reflexes May Contribute to the Symptomatology of Mal de Debarquement Syndrome
Authors: Wilson Thad E. , LePorte Andrew D. , Toma Kumika , Thomas James S. , Clark Brian C. 
Published: June 2021

Mal de debarquement syndrome (MdDS) is the phantom perception of self‐motion triggered by a passive motion event such as sea or air travel. To test the hypothesis that autonomic reflexes are altered in MdDS, head‐down rotation (HDR) was used to test vestibular reflexes and 60° head‐up tilt (HUT) was used to test combined baroreceptor and vestibular reflexes in 9 female MdDS patients and 9 age‐ and sex‐matched controls. Heart rate (HR, ECG), arterial blood pressure (ABP, finger photoplethysmography), and cardiac output (CO), stroke volume and systemic vascular resistance (SVR) were calculated (Modelflow) in 6 min bins for steady‐state and dynamic (FFT) analysis during baseline, perturbation (HDR or HUT), and recovery. HDR decreased stroke volume and CO in both groups, but SVR increased in MdDS. No changes in the ABP power spectrum were observed during HDR. HUT increased mean ABP, HR, and SVR while decreasing pulse pressure, stroke volume, and CO in both groups. Increases in mean ABP and SVR in MdDS were augmented compared to controls. HUT increased the ABP low frequency spectral power and R‐to‐R interval low frequency/high frequency ratios in both groups. These pilot data identified exaggerated vascular resistances to a postural change in MdDS possibly due to increased sympathetic reflex gain. Thus, altered autonomic reflexes appear to be a part of MdDS symptomatology.Funding: MdDS Balance Disorder Foundation