bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cross‐Linking of a DOPA‐Containing Peptide Ligand into its G Protein‐Coupled Receptor
Authors: Umanah George E. , Son Cagdas D , Ding FaXiang , Naider Fred , Becker Jeffrey M 
Published: June 2021

The interaction between a 3,4‐dihydroxylphenylalanine (DOPA) labeled analog of the tridecapeptide α‐factor and Ste2p, a Saccharomyces cerevisiae model G protein‐coupled receptor (GPCR), has been analyzed by periodate‐mediated cross‐linking. Chemically synthesized α‐factor with DOPA substituting for tyrosine at position 13 and biotin tagged onto lysine7 [Lys7(Biotin),Nle12,DOPA13]α ‐factor (Bio‐DOPA‐α ‐factor) was used for cross‐linking into Ste2p. The biological activity of Bio‐DOPA‐α ‐factor was about one‐third that of native α‐factor and exhibited about a ten‐fold lower binding affinity. Bio‐DOPA‐α ‐factor cross‐linked into Ste2p, and cross‐linking was inhibited by native α‐factor. The Ste2p‐ligand complex was purified using a metal ion affinity column, and after cyanogen bromide treatment, avidin affinity purification was used to capture Bio‐DOPA‐α ‐factor‐Ste2p cross‐linked peptides. Mass‐spectrometric analyses of the cross‐linked fragments showed that Bio‐DOPA‐α ‐factor reacted with the Phe55‐Met69 region of Ste2p. Cross‐linking of Bio‐DOPA‐α ‐factor was reduced by 80% using a cysteine‐less Ste2p (Cys59Ser). These results suggest an interaction between position thirteen of α‐factor and residue Cys59 of Ste2p. This study is the first to report DOPA cross‐linking of a peptide hormone to a GPCR and the first to identify a residue‐to‐residue cross‐link between Ste2p and α‐factor.Supported by NIH GM‐22086 and GM‐22087 1
FIZZ1 binds to B7‐H3 on fibroblasts and activates myofibroblast differentiation
Authors: Hu Biao , Wu Zhe , Phan Sem H. 
Published: June 2021

Found in inflammatory zone 1(FIZZ1) is a secreted protein involved in regulation of a wide range of biological processes, such as angiogenesis, apoptosis, cell proliferation and cell differentiation. However, its cognate receptor on target cells, such as the fibroblast, remains to be identified. To address this issue and seek out the putative receptor of FIZZ1, a FIZZ1‐AD fusion protein was constructed and used as the "bait" to screen against the mouse cDNA library fused with the BD domain in a yeast two‐hybrid system. This yielded several clones that interacted positively with the FIZZ1 bait, and which were found to contain B7‐H3, a new member of the B7 family. This FIZZ1‐B7‐H3 interaction was confirmed by co‐immunoprecipitation and FRET assays. B7‐H3 expression by fibroblasts was confirmed by immunostaining and real time PCR. Further studies indicated that FIZZ1 induced the phosphorylation of B7‐H3. In contrast to wild type fibroblasts, B7‐H3 deficient cells from knockout mice failed to undergo myofibroblast differentiation in response to FIZZ1 treatment. Taken together these data suggest that B7‐H3 may serve as the cognate receptor for FIZZ1 on fibroblasts, which mediates the downstream signaling associated with myofibroblast differentiation.Supported by NIH grants HL28737, HL31963 and HL52285.
Synergistic effects of Curcumin and Garcinol on human pancreatic cancer cells
Authors: Parasramka Mansi A. , Wrubel Jennifer Ann , Gupta Smiti V. 
Published: June 2021

Pancreatic cancer (PaCa) is the fourth leading cause of cancer related death worldwide with a low five year survival rate of <1% due to its aggressive local invasion and early metastases. Thus early detection and evaluation of novel therapeutic agents is crucial for a favorable prognosis. Curcumin and Garcinol from the plants, Curcuma longa and Garcinia indica respectively have proven anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticarcinogenic activity in several cancer types. The objective of this study was to investigate the synergistic effect of these two chemopreventive dietary agents in PaCa cells. For this, PaCa cells (BxPC‐3 and Panc‐1: K‐ras wild and mutant) were treated with Curcumin (0‐50µM) and Garcinol (0 ‐ 40µM) and in combination for 24, 48 and 72hrs to examine viability, antiproliferative and apoptotic effects using MTT, Trypan Blue, cytoplasmic histone‐DNA fragment quantification and DAPI staining. The molecular mechanism was investigated by Western immunobloting, targeting different apoptotic signaling moieties. Synergistic effect of these compounds was tested using Isobologram analysis. Cell cycle phase analysis was done by Flow Cytometry. Both compounds individually and in combination significantly enhanced the anti‐proliferative and apoptotic effect in these cells relative to untreated control cells. This is first report on therapeutic effect of Garcinol on PaCa cells.Grant Funding SourceGraduate Teaching Assistantship
Red wine polyphenolics have anti‐cancer effects in colon‐cancer and target oncogenic microRNAs as potential underlying mechanisms
Authors: Del Follo Armando , Mertens‐Talcott Susanne 
Published: June 2021

Red wine has been identified as a food with anti‐cancer properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti‐cancer effect of a Texas red wine from Black Spanish grapes (Vitis labrusca) in colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (HT‐29). A polyphenolic extract prepared from the wine was tested (20‐300 mg/L) regarding anti‐cancer effects and underlying mechanisms related to apoptosis and angiogenesis. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) increased up to 6.5‐fold at 300mg/L and mRNA of p53 was increased up to 1.9‐fold compared to the control and caspase‐3 activity was increased up to 1.8 fold within the same concentration‐range, indicating pro‐apoptotic activity of the wine extract. The oncogenic specificity protein Sp1 was significantly decreased, where the zinc‐finger protein ZBTB10 a transcription factor which has been found to inhibit Sp1 was increased up to 1.3‐fold with the wine extract. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA a target of Sp1 was decreased up to 3.7‐fold, indicating anti‐angiogenic effects. Additionally, the pro‐oncogenic microRNAs 21 and 27a were significantly decreased within an extract concentration range of 37‐300 mg/L, and 75‐300mg/L, respectively. In conclusion, since ZBTB10 is a relevant target for miRNA 27a, the reduction of miRNA27a may be responsible for a ZBTB10‐involved reduction of the oncogenic Sp1 causing decrease in VEGF and inducing apoptosis as underlying mechanism.Grant Funding SourceTexas A&M University
Effects of dietary supplementations of tomato extract vs. lycopene on nonalcoholic steatohepatitis related hepatocarcinogenesis in rats
Authors: Wang Yan , Ausman Lynne M , Greenberg Andrew S , Russell Robert M , Wang Xiang‐dong 
Published: June 2021

Higher intake of tomatoes enriched in lycopene (LY) has been associated with lower risk for a variety of cancers. We recently showed that high‐fat diet (HFD) induced nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and promoted diethylnitrosamine (DEN)‐initiated hepatocarcinogenesis in a rat model (Wang Y et al., Int. J. Cancer 2009). Using the same model, we investigated the efficacy of equivalent dosage of dietary LY from either tomato extract (TE) or purified LY against NASH related early hepatocarcinogenesis. Six groups of rats (n=8/group) were injected with DEN and then fed either Lieber‐DeCarli control diet or HFD with or without TE or LY for 6 weeks. Results showed similar plasma and hepatic LY concentrations between TE and LY groups, moreover, both TE and LY supplementations in the HFD groups significantly reduced altered hepatic foci multiplicity, lipid peroxidation, expressions of PCNA and cyclinD1, phosphorylated‐ERK, and nuclear NF‐kB p65 subunit in the liver, as compared with the HFD alone. However, TE, but not LY, inhibited HFD‐upregulated inflammatory foci and mRNA levels of proinflammatory cytokines (TNFalpha, IL‐1beta, IL‐12, CD14) in the liver. These data indicate that both TE and LY inhibit NASH related early hepatocarcinogenesis whereas TE provides an additional anti‐inflammatory potency due to a possible synergistic effect of multiple constituents in tomatoes (Supported by NIH grant R01CA104932).Grant Funding SourceNIH grant R01CA104932
How do we assess the nutritional status in patients with breast cancer?
Authors: Tsutsumi Rie , Katayama Erika 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundThe population of breast cancer is increased remarkably and now top of the number in all the cancer in women. Although patients with cancer during treatment usually claim poor appetite, vomit or diarrhea, many women with breast cancer do not and we dietitian have few chance to intervene their nutritional status.ObjectiveWe evaluated assessment tools to assess and understand their nutritional status and examined what indicator would be appropriate to improvement their QOL and not to have recurrence.DesignWe enrolled 50 patients, performed anthropometric measurements and assessed other factors, BMI, food intake, side effects and incidence of recurrence.ResultsPatients with breast cancer in treatment tended to maintain their body weight and appetite but showed anemia and decreased blood protein. Patients with high BMI had little side effects and problems like decreased white blood cells, but most of them did not improve their meal and kept high fat diet. The patients in normal range of BMI had lower incidence of recurrence and prognosis.ConclusionsThe patients with high BMI achieve the treatment but showed higher incidence of recurrence, especially in patients with high fat diet. We need individualized consultation to improve the diet and BMI. Fat intake and BMI are deeply associated with increased recurrence and deteriorated prognosis.
Synergistic effect of Zyflamend® and hormone ablation therapy on prostate cancer regression: adjuvant therapy for standard care
Authors: Huang E‐Chu , McEntee Michael F , Baek Seung J , Whelan Jay 
Published: June 2021

Zyflamend® is an extract of 10 medicinal herbs. We demonstrate that Zyflamend® may be an effective treatment for prostate cancer when used with hormone ablation therapy (HAT) to induce tumor regression and disease remission. We examined the mechanisms responsible for the synergistic effects of Zyflamend® and HAT in vivo. Human prostate cancer cells (CWR22) were seeded into sixty nude mice and randomly divided into two dietary groups. Following tumor growth, testosterone was withdrawn (HAT) to induce regression and mice were placed on diets ± Zyflamend® at a human equivalent dose. Zyflamend® significantly enhanced tumor regression (p<0.0001) and the response was more consistent compared to controls (R2=0.998). In vitro, Zyflamend® inhibited CWR22Rv1 prostate cancer cells growth in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner, by increasing cell cycle inhibitors, p21 and p27, mediated by the MAPK (Erk and JNK) and AKT pathways, along with reducing pro‐tumorigenic androgen receptor and insulin‐like growth factor 1 receptor‐a. Finally, Zyflamend® increased apoptosis in a caspase‐dependent manner (↓ procaspase‐3 expression). These results suggest Zyflamend® provides an additive advantage against prostate cancer progression and increases tumor regression when used with HAT via multiple molecular actions. The research was funded by New Chapter, Inc. Brattleboro, VT and the TN Agricultural Experiment Station.Grant Funding SourceNewChapter, Inc.
Digestive tolerance, fecal characteristics, total tract nutrient digestibility, and blood chemistry profiles of dogs as affected by alpha‐cyclodextrin supplementation
Authors: Guevara Marcial Antonio , Garleb Keith A. , Fahey George C. 
Published: June 2021

The objective was to examine digestive tolerance, nutrient digestibility, and blood chemistry profiles of dogs as affected by alpha‐cyclodextrin (ACD) supplementation. Nine mixed‐breed hounds were used in a crossover design with 3 periods of 10 d each, including 6 d for diet adaptation and 4 d for fecal collection. Dogs were fed twice per day a diet with poultry by‐product meal and brewer's rice as the main ingredients, and chromic oxide (0.2%) was included as a digestion marker. Dogs were supplemented with either 0, 3, or 6 g of ACD diluted in 15 ml of water twice per day for a total of 0, 6, and 12 g of ACD per day. Average daily food intake, fecal production, and fecal scores were not significantly different among treatments. Body weight and condition score, and blood triglycerides and cholesterol concentrations, remained unaltered throughout the duration of the experiment. Dry matter, organic matter, and fat digestibility coefficients were lower (p<0.05) for both treatment groups compared to control. Alpha‐cyclodextrin lowered fat digestibility somewhat without affecting blood lipid concentrations or outcomes related to tolerance. Supported by Abbott Nutrition.Grant Funding SourceAbbott Nutrition
The dietary intake of 2‐year‐old children born to overweight/obese mothers
Authors: Street Erin , Lovelady Cheryl , Ostbye Truls , Pendzich Margaret , Fuemmeler Bernard 
Published: June 2021

Dietary intakes of 2 yr olds born to overweight/obese mothers (mean BMI = 32.8 ± 7.5 kg/m2) were studied. Two 24‐hr dietary recalls were obtained with Nutrition Data System for Research. 243 children participated; 50% white, 44% African American, and 6% other race. Using WHO growth standards, 23% were at risk for overweight (85th‐94.9th percentile) and 22% were overweight (= 95th percentile). ANOVA was used to compare the diet of normal weight, at risk for overweight, and overweight children. Among all groups, average servings of fruits, vegetables, and fats were less than recommended by MyPyramid. In addition, average consumption of sweetened beverages was 1/3 cup/d, fast food was eaten once during the 2 days, and soft drink consumption was minimal. Overweight children consumed more vegetables (p=0.07), 100% juice (p=0.06), and desserts (p=0.03). Overweight children consumed more kcal/d; however, normal weight children consumed more kcal/kg body weight (106 ± 31 vs 90 ± 24). After adjusting for kcal intake, there were no significant differences in nutrient intakes between groups. Average intake of all nutrients met the DRI's except dietary fiber. Low consumption of fruits and vegetables may contribute to the low fiber intake. The high kcal/kg intake of normal weight children suggests they are more physically active. Desserts and 100% juice may be contributing factors to overweight in 2 yr olds.Supported by R01‐DK064986
Academic performance in urban schoolchildren with metabolic syndrome
Authors: BENITEZ ALEJANDRA , VALDES‐RAMOS ROXANA , TLATEMPA‐SOTELO PATRICIA , JAIMES‐AVILES MARIA‐GUADALUPE , MARTINEZ‐CHAVEZ CYNTHIA , FLORES‐ROMERO JUAN , GARCIA‐ABARCA ANNARZHVAELIG 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveTo describe the effect of Metabolic Syndrome (MS) on Methods: Cross‐sectional evaluation of 910 children, 6‐12 years, 460 girls (F) and 450 boys (M) from two public and one private schools. Informed consent from children and their parents. Anthropometry (weight & height for Body Mass Index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) for abdominal obesity (AO), Biochemistry (glucose (G), triglycerides (TG), HDL‐cholesterol (HDL‐chol), and systolic blood pressure (BP) were obtained by trained personnel. We used ATPIII modified criteria for metabolic syndrome (MS). Academic performance (AP) was categorized using official parameters "bad", "regular", "good" and "very good". Data are described in means and standard deviations. Independent sample t‐test, ANOVA and Chi‐squared tests were used. Frequencies and proportions were used for categorical variables.ResultsMS was present in 10.9% (12.4% F, 9.3% M). Significant differences were found in AO according to gender (t=3.24,p<0.001); between children with and without MS in AP. (AP mean in F with MS = 8.8 + 0.7 ; in M with MS = 8.4 + 0.87). In children without MB, AP in girls and boys was 8.8 + 0.67, mean=8.8 and 8.7 + 0.71 mean=8.6 respectively. AP categorized as "regular" was considered in this study as "low academic performance", and was higher in children with MB, (t‐student 2.0, p<0.05).ConclusionChildren with MS had lower academic performance
Fruit and vegetable intake in the Mexican population: Results from the National Health and Nutrition Survey, 2006
Authors: Ramírez‐Silva Claudia Ivonne , Rivera‐Dommarco Juan 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveTo quantify fruit and vegetable (F&V) intake in the Mexican population, ages 1 to 59 years. Material and methods: Using dietary information (Semiquantitative 7‐days Food Frequency Questionnaire) from the Mexican National Health and Nutrition Survey, 2006, F&V intake (grams) was computed, and compliance with international (WHO and AHA) recommendations (CIR) was ascertained. Linear regression and ordinals models were used to calculate intake and compliance, considering the study design effect.ResultsThe average dietary intake ranged 70‐100g for fruits, and 14‐50g for vegetables, for different age groups. The average F & V intake was 88.3g in preschool‐age and, 92.5 in school‐age children, 129.2g in adolescent and 155.4g in adults. The subgroups with the lowest intakes and compliance were the northern region, rural areas, and the quintile with the lowest wellbeing conditions. Relative to the CIR, the intake of F&V amounted to 26.7% in adolescents, 35% in adults and preschoolers, and 18% in school‐age children.ConclusionsLess than one third of the Mexican population had an adequate intake of F&V. School‐age children had the lowest intake, relative to CIR, of all the subgroups. Given the high prevalence of overweight and obesity in all age groups, developing and implementing strategies and programs aimed are increasing the intake of these food groups is a national priority.
Prevention of Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD) in Mexico: An overall successful story, but some lessons to be learned
Authors: Martinez Homero , Pineda‐Lucatero Alicia Getzabel , Avila‐Jimenez Laura , Castañeda‐Limones Ruty , Ramos‐Hernandez Rosa Isela 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveTo identify causes of persistence of endemic goiter in specific areas in Mexico, despite a mandatory salt iodination program established since the early 1960s.ResultsIn the mountainous state of Hidalgo school‐age children (SAC) had a prevalence of goitre between 6% (capital city) ‐ 21.2% (tropical low‐lands). Prevalence of low (<50 µg/L) urinary iodine excretion (UIE) ranged between 28% ‐ 52%. 97% of families consumed iodized table salt; only 50% of the samples were adequately iodized (>50 ppm). Goitrogens included consumption of yucca, sweet potato, broccoli and cauliflower; 24% of the population consumed water from wells contaminated with E. coli or heavy metals (arsenic and mercury). In the coastal state of Colima, goiter in SAC had a prevalence of 21 4%, with low UIE in 19.5% and high UIE in 32.0%. 92% of the population used coarse‐grain ocean salt, with 86.8% of locally‐iodized salt samples <50 ppm. Goitrogens included consumption of peanuts (31.5%), cabbage (30.1%), broccoli (27.7%) and cauliflower (25.7%). Median counts of colony‐forming units/100ml of drinking water were: 207.5 (well water), 151 (cisterns), 52 (private homes), 25 (elementary schools) and 12 (kindergartens). Percentile (P) IQ scores were: P5 (low): 48.5%; P5 to P25 (below average): 24 2%; P25 to P75 (average): 18.8%; P75 to P95 (above average): 3.6%; P95 (high): 4 9%. Moderate ID was associated with a 4.26 times higher risk of low IQ.
mir30e is a downstream target for the beta‐catenin/TCF4 transactivation pathway
Authors: Liao Yalin , Lönnerdal Bo 
Published: June 2021

Maintenance of the small intestinal epithelium is based on a supply of specialized villous cell lineages differentiated from progenitors in the crypts. The Wnt/beta‐catenin/TCF4 signaling pathway plays critical roles in this process, but little is known about its downstream targets. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous, non‐coding RNAs ~22 nt in size, down‐regulating protein translation by binding to their target mRNA 3'UTRs. We identified mir‐30e as an immediate downstream target activated by beta‐catenin/TCF4. Bioinformatics analysis revealed clustered beta‐catenin/TCF4 binding sites within a 2000 bp promoter region of mir‐30e gene for human, mice, and rats. This promoter region was cloned into pGL3‐control luciferase reporter vector, with the enhancer region removed. Transfection of pCMV‐SPORT6‐beta‐catenin expression vector dose‐dependently increased luciferase activity, and co‐transfection of pCMV‐SPORT6‐TCF4 further enhanced promoter activity. Dexamethasone induced differentiation of IEC‐6 cells caused a 2‐fold increase in mir‐30e expression, and upon beta‐catenin siRNA transfection, mir‐30e increased 1.3‐fold. Binding of beta‐catenin/TCF4 complexes from IEC‐6 nuclear extracts to the 4 putative sequences in the human mir‐30e promoter was confirmed by EMSA. These results demonstrate that beta‐catenin/TCF4 transactivates mir‐30e during intestinal cell differentiation.Grant Funding SourceInternal
Modulating the gut flora alters amino acid metabolism in neonatal pigs
Authors: Puiman Patrycja , Burrin Douglas , van Goudoever Johannes , Boehm Günther , Stoll Barbara 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveIntestinal microbes consume and produce amino acids (AA). This may impact intestinal threonine (THR) metabolism necessary for adequate gut function. We hypothesized that modulating the gut flora results in an alteration of intestinal THR utilization and hence whole body AA metabolism.MethodsNeonatal pigs were randomized to one of 3 groups (n=7/group): Control (C), Probiotics (PRO) or antibiotics (AB). After 9 days, piglets received an isotope tracer infusion with intravenous (iv) [15N2] Urea, and 2 days later with iv [1‐15N] THR and intragastric [U‐13C, 1‐15N] THR. Piglets were euthanized and blood, intestinal contents and tissue samples collected.ResultsModulating the gut flora resulted in lower gut weight, protein and DNA concentration, and protein synthesis rate in AB and PRO. PRO increased liver weight, but lowered liver DNA concentration. AB decreased urea flux and increased plasma levels of urea cycle products ornithine and citrulline. In AB, THR flux and plasma levels were increased. THR splanchnic uptake was similar amongst treatment groups.ConclusionsModulating the microbial flora decreases gut protein metabolism and affects the urea cycle. Alterations in total AA metabolism may be due to decreased protein breakdown or decreased urea production from ammonia. This might impact growth and health in neonates that have a high protein requirement and are often treated with antibiotics.
A test of HPLC cation exchange resolution of venom major peaks
Authors: Price Joseph A. , Sanny Charles G. 
Published: June 2021

To find a first step method for high resolution multiple dimension compositional analysis of venom proteomes using mild conditions to preserve enzymatic activity, a systematic analysis of HPLC cation exchange resolution of venom major peaks was done in the pH range 7.5‐5.5, which has not been previously reported. Test Crotalid venoms (A. p. piscivorus, C. adamanteus, C. atrox) loaded on the column with the void peak ranging from 35‐75% of total chromatogram absorbance. The amount of column loading varied substantially with pH for C. atrox, but not for the others. The loaded material resolved during elution gradient to varying extents, typically into 4‐6 peaks of 5% or greater of total absorbance and many small peaks. This approach's data, new to proteomics of snake venom, suggest that when optimized with column choice and elution salt, this methodology using mild acidic conditions to preserve activity will prove to be a useful first step in a 2‐D chromatographic separation of whole venoms, a key step in elucidating the biochemistry of unknown venom agents.This work was done with departmental funds.