bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
p38 MAPK Regulates Sulfur Mustard‐Induced Cytokines Independent of NF‐κB, and Does Not Regulate Sulfur Mustard‐Induced Cell Death
Authors: Ruff Albert Leonard , Dillman James Franklin 
Published: June 2021

Cutaneous and ocular injuries caused by sulfur mustard (SM, bis‐(2‐chloroethyl) sulfide) are characterized by severe inflammation and death of exposed cells. Given the known roles of p38 and NF‐κB in inflammatory cytokine production, and the known roles of NF‐κB and p53 in cell fate, these pathways are of particular interest in the study of SM injury. In this study, we utilized inhibitory RNA (RNAi) targeted against p38α, the p50 subunit of NF‐κB, or p53 to elucidate SM‐induced signaling mechanisms in normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK). Analysis of culture supernatant from 200 µM SM‐exposed cells showed that inflammatory cytokine production was inhibited by p38α RNAi but not by NF‐κB p50 RNAi. These findings further support the critical role that p38 plays in SM‐induced inflammatory cytokine production in NHEK and suggest that NF‐κB does not play a role in the SM‐induced inflammatory response of this cell type. Inhibition of NF‐κB by p50 RNAi did, however, partially inhibit SM‐induced cell death, implying a role for NF‐κB in SM‐induced apoptosis or necrosis. Interestingly, inhibition of p53 by RNAi potentiated SM‐induced cell death, indicating that the role of p53 in SM injury is in cell survival and not cell death.This research was supported by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency ‐ Joint Science and Technology Office, Medical S&T Division.
EPA and DHA status and indicators of atrophy on MRI scans of older adults
Authors: Arsenault Lisa Nicole , Scott Tammy M , Folstein Marshall F , Rosenberg Irwin H , Tucker Katherine L 
Published: June 2021

Omega‐3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Brain atrophy, particularly of the cortex and medial temporal lobe, indicates tissue pathology and is commonly seen on MRI scans of dementia patients. Our aim was to examine the cross‐sectional association between these fatty acids and MRI indicators of atrophy in 331 elderly home care clients in Boston, MA. Dietary intake was estimated from a validated, interviewer‐administered FFQ. Plasma phospholipid fatty acid profiles were assessed on a subset of subjects. Outcomes were based on clinical MRI measurements. After adjustment for major dementia risk factors, positive associations with total brain volume were seen for dietary EPA+DHA (β=0.84, P=0.02) and plasma phospholipid DHA (β=2.25, P=0.03). Higher sulcal grades, indicating more cortical atrophy, were negatively associated with dietary EPA+DHA (β=‐0.22, P=0.03) and plasma phospholipid DHA (β=‐0.56 (P=0.06). Hippocampal volume was positively associated with dietary EPA+DHA (β=0.007, P=0.01), but not with plasma fatty acids. EPA and DHA may play a role in preserving neuronal tissue, particularly the cortex, from damage and atrophy commonly seen in Alzheimer's disease. Longitudinal studies are needed to establish causality and confirm these associations.This study was supported by NIA AG21790‐01, GCRC‐NIH MO1‐RR00054, and USDA‐ARS agreement 58‐1950‐7‐707.
Low energy reporting by adults in What We Eat In America, NHANES 2003‐2006
Authors: Rhodes Donna G , Nowverl Alvin B , Murayi Theophile , Moshfegh Alanna J 
Published: June 2021

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Automated Multiple Pass Method (AMPM), a 5‐step method for collecting 24‐hour dietary recalls, was recently validated in a large doubly labeled water study and shown to be effective for collecting accurate group energy intake of adults. Since the AMPM is used to collect dietary intakes in What We Eat In America, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), the objective of this research is to assess energy reporting accuracy in this nationally representative sample of the U.S. population. NHANES data were merged for the periods 2003‐2004 and 2005‐2006 and included men (n=4239) and non‐pregnant women (n=4084), 20 years and older. Energy reporting was assessed by computing a ratio of reported energy intake (EI) to estimated basal metabolic rate (BMR). EI was obtained from Day 1 dietary data and BMR was estimated using age and sex specific Schofield equations. The mean (95% CI) EI:BMR was 1.43 (1.41, 1.46) for men and 1.26 (1.24, 1.29) for women. Overall, for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) in the healthy weight category (18.5 to <25) the EI:BMR was 1.50 (1.47, 1.53). Using a Goldberg cutoff value of <0.9, 17% of men and 25% of women were classified as a low energy reporter (LER). For healthy weight individuals, less than 14% were LERs. The prevalence of low energy reporting was highest in women and in obese individuals (BMI=30). Other characteristics of LERs will be presented.Funding source for this study is USDA
Food forms and beta glucans contents in sorghum, fonio and rice can influence their glycemic indexes
Authors: Traore Djibril , Ndoye A , Hamaker Bruce R. , Stoecker Barbara , Betts Nancy , Guiro A. T. 
Published: June 2021

Several studies have shown that beta‐glucans have positive effects on cholesterol, glucose and insulin metabolism. In this present study we wanted to know whether beta‐glucan contents in cereals and their food forms could influence glycemic indexes (GI). For that purpose, we determined the glycemic indexes of three cereals grown in Africa alleged to display positive effects on diabetes.Samples of fonio, sorghum, and rice as reference, were processed into their porridge and couscous forms and given to 15 Senegalese young adult males (22‐25 of age) for Glycemic indexes assessment following the World Health Organization guidelines. Prior to, beta‐glucan contents in selected cereals were determined in previous studies, and during the trial, total bioavailable sugar was assessed using the Megazyme enzymatic method developed by Mc Cleary.Fonio, which had an overall lower glycemic index (GI =66), contained higher beta‐glucan content than others. Sorghum (GI =72) that ranked second had a higher Beta‐glucan content compared to rice (GI = 95). In addition, this study showed that cereals porridges displayed lower glycemic indexes than their couscous forms, indicative of the fact that food forms may play a critical role in glucose metabolism.Grant Funding SourceUSDA/Institute of Food Science Technology Dakar
Measurement of Menadione in Urine by HPLC
Authors: Al Rajabi Ala , Choi Sang‐Woon , Peterson James , Booth Sarah L 
Published: June 2021

Mammals convert phylloquinone to MK‐4, with menadione as a possible intermediate. We developed and validated a method measuring urinary menadione. A high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method with a C30 column, fluorescence detection and post‐column zinc reduction was developed. The mobile phase was composed of 95 % methanol and 5 % DI H2O. Aqueous solution (2 M zinc chloride, 1 M acetic acid, and 1 M sodium acetate) was added to both methanol and H2O. MK‐2 was used as an internal standard. The standard calibration curve was linear with a correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.99 for both menadione and MK‐2. Sample preparation involved hydrolysis of menadiol conjugates and oxidizing the released menadiol to menadione. Menadione was then extracted using iso‐octane. Drying extraction solvent prior to HPLC injection resulted in high menadione losses. This was resolved by avoiding complete evaporation. We were able to detect < 0.05 pmole menadione/ injection. Menadione was detected in archived urine samples from subjects receiving 500 µg/d phylloquinone. The assay was validated by "spiking recovery" and by removing the zinc column and observing the disappearance of the menadione peak. This HPLC method presents a sensitive and reproducible way to detect menadione in urine, and can be used to elucidate the role played by menadione in MK‐4 formation. Research support: USDA ARS Cooperative Agreement 58‐1950‐7‐707.Grant Funding SourceUSDA ARS Cooperative Agreement 58‐1950‐7‐707
Evolutionary implications of sexual dimorphism in the human midcarpal joint
Authors: Kivell Tracy Lynne , Guimont Isabelle 
Published: June 2021

Research has revealed significant size differences between human male and female carpal bones but it is unknown if there are significant shape differences as well. Since humans have a relatively low degree of body mass dimorphism, differences in shape would not be expected but, if present, may (1) represent a phylogenetic retention from our more sexually‐dimorphic evolutionary relatives or (2) imply subtle functional differences in the male and female wrist. This study investigated allometry and shape variation in carpals in extant hominoids. We found that the human midcarpal joint displayed twice as many significantly sexually dimorphic shape variables compared to other hominoids. Human midcarpal morphology was generally great ape‐like, not solely Pan‐ or African ape‐like, and often followed a sex relationship (e.g., females larger than males) that was found only in Asian apes. Human scaphoid morphology was the unique relative to other hominoids while the human lunate showed the most sexual dimorphism, which together may imply variation in radiocarpal joint function. Although some sexual dimorphism was also found in other hominoids, the morphological patterns displayed in humans suggest the development of the new shape variation rather than phylogenetic lag. The functional implications, if any, are important for the locomotor reconstruction of Australopithecus and the origin of human bipedalism.Grant Funding SourceNSF
Total Fat, n‐3 Fatty Acids and Vitamin D3 in Selected Fish Species Sampled Under USDA's National Food and Nutrient Analysis Program (NFNAP)
Authors: Exler Jacob , Byrdwell W. Craig , Holden Joanne M. , Lemar Linda E. , Patterson Kristine Y. , Pehrsson Pamela R. , Phillips Katerhine M. 
Published: June 2021

As part of the USDA's National Food and Nutrient Analysis Program (NFNAP), new analytical data were determined for the 20 most frequently consumed raw fish identified for FDA's voluntary nutrition labeling. Samples of 21 fish species were purchased from 12 supermarkets nationwide according to a statistical sampling plan. The samples were processed at Virginia Tech (a cooperator of USDA's Nutrient Data Laboratory), and detailed information on each sample was recorded. Sample composites and QC materials were analyzed by qualified laboratories. Because fish are a natural source of n‐3 fatty acids and vitamin D3, data for these nutrients and total fat are being reported. Results for n‐3 fatty acids show that the highest amounts were found in salmon and rainbow trout, closely related species, and lower amounts were in shrimp, scallops, and tuna. Preliminary results for vitamin D3 in wild salmon species show that values vary from 10 mcg/100g or less in foreign caught samples to between 10 and 20 mcg/100g in domestic caught samples. Nutrient profiles for these species will be released to the USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference (http://www.ars.usda.gov/nutrientdata), which is used to support the USDA/NHANES food consumption surveys, food and nutrition policy, and consumer education.Support by USDA, NIH #Y1CN5010, FDA, and the Beverage Institute for Health & Wellness (Coca‐Cola, Inc.)
Parathyroid hormone (PTH) values, Vitamin D status, Fetal bone Growth and Placental RANK‐L expression among Pregnant Adolescents
Authors: Essley Bridget Victoria , Foehr Marisa , Cooper Elizabeth , McIntyre Allison , Kent Tera , McNanley Thomas , Witter Frank , Harris Zena , Lafond Julie , O'Brien Kimberly 
Published: June 2021

Pregnant adolescents may be at risk for suboptimal vitamin D status and bone loss across pregnancy. RANK/RANK‐L/OPG interactions are integral to osteoclast activity and alterations in RANK‐L expression may be associated with the critical balance between maternal bone loss and fetal bone growth during pregnancy. To assess these issues, vitamin D status (25‐hydroxyvitamin D) was monitored in pregnant adolescents (<18 years old) and their neonates in relation to longitudinal measures of fetal femur and humerus growth, and placental expression of RANK‐L. Fetal femur and humerus length was obtained by sonogram three times across gestation to assess fetal bone growth. Blood samples were collected from each adolescent mid‐gestation and at parturition when cord blood and placental tissue were also obtained. In 25 adolescents studied to date, expression of soluble RANK‐L in the placenta approached significance as a predictor of fetal bone growth (p=.066). At delivery, 71% (n=17) of teens had elevated PTH (>46 pg/mL). 41% (n=43) of teens and 63% of neonates (n=38), had suboptimal vitamin D levels (<20 ng/mL). Recruitment and analyses are on‐going and additional relationships between serum osteoprotegerin (OPG), maternal bone loss, and fetal bone accrual across pregnancy will be explored.Grant Funding SourceUSDA Grant No: 2008‐01857
Obesity is more common among women in the most rural places within rural counties
Authors: Olson Christine M , Strawderman Myla S 
Published: June 2021

While it is well‐known that the prevalence of obesity is higher among women living in rural areas compared to urban areas, little is know about the geographic distribution of obesity within rural areas of the US. This study addressed whether obesity was more prevalent in childbearing women who lived in the most rural locations in 8 rural counties in Upstate New York. The zip codes of 552 healthy pregnant women who entered prenatal care were determined and classified into one of three area types: a city; those with incorporated villages; and those with no incorporated areas (the most rural areas). The number of women in each group was 63, 314, and 175, and the prevalence of obesity was 24%, 21% and 36%, respectively (p = 0.001). The risk of obesity in early pregnancy was then examined by type of geographic area, controlling for individual‐level covariates: education, income, parity and age. Women living in the most rural areas were 2.20 (95% CI: 1.46, 3.33) times more likely to be obese than women in the other zip code groups and women who were college graduates were only about half as likely to be obese as women with less education (95% CI: 0.29, 0.77). Within rural communities, obesity is more prevalent among women in the most rural places.Supported by NIH Grant No. HD29549 & USDA Grant No. 2005‐35215‐15427
Spt4 and Spt5 cooperatively suppress transcription coupled DNA repair through binding to RNA polymerase II in the absence of Rad26
Authors: Ding Baojin , Chen Xuefeng , Ruggiero Christine , LeJeune Danielle , Li Shisheng 
Published: June 2021

Rad26, the yeast homolog of human CSB protein, and Rpb9, a nonessential subunit of RNA polymerase II (Pol II), mediate two subpathways of transcription coupled nucleotide excision repair (TC‐NER). However, the deletion of Spt4, a transcription elongation factor, makes both Rad26 and Rpb9 dispensable, suggesting Spt4 works as a suppressor in the modulation of TC‐NER. To examine the molecular mechanism of this modulation, NER activities of different mutants were analyzed by running sequencing gel. The protein‐protein interactions were explored by immunoprecipitation (IP) and Western blot. Here we show that deletion of spt4 increases TC‐NER in rad26 cells but does not affect repair in RAD26+ cells, regardless of the presence of Rpb9. Spt4 protects Spt5 from degradation and enhances the association of Spt5 with Pol II. Overexpression of Spt5 restores the UV sensitivity and partially suppressed NER activity. Moreover, TCR rates in rad26 cells are inversely correlated with the level of Spt5 associated with Pol II. Our results suggest that Spt4 and Spt5 cooperatively suppress TC‐NER only in the absence of Rad26. By binding to Pol II, Spt5 plays a more direct role in the suppression, whereas Spt4 is indirectly involved in the suppression by stabilizing Spt5 and by enhancing the binding of Spt5 to Pol II.This study was supported by NIH grant ES012718 and NSF grant MCB‐0745229.
Compositional analysis and apparent macronutrient digestibility of four raw meat diets in domestic cats
Authors: Kerr Katherine R , Beloshapka Alison , Dikeman Cheryl , Simmons Lee G , Swanson Kelly S 
Published: June 2021

The popularity of feeding raw diets to pets has increased over the past several years. However, little nutritional or metabolic information has been collected from domestic cats fed such diets. Additionally, meat types and sources may vary greatly in composition. The objective of this study was to evaluate the differences in apparent digestibility of four raw meat based diets: beef (BE; 19% fat, 66% crude protein (CP)); bison (BI; 38% fat, 49% CP); elk (E; 6% fat, 79% CP); and horse (H; 26% fat, 60% CP). Eight intact female cats were fed to maintain BW in a crossover design. Estimated metabolic energy intake was greater (P<0.05) in cats fed BI vs those fed BE, E, and H. Fecal output (g DM) was lower (P<0.05) in cats fed H vs those fed BE and E, and lower (P<0.05) for BI than E. Fecal DM percentage was lower (P<0.05) for cats fed BE vs those fed BI, E, and H. Apparent DM and OM digestibilities were lower (P<0.05) for cats fed BE (84.1%; 87.4%) vs those fed BI (88.1%; 90.4%) and H (87.1%; 89.8%), and lower (P<0.05) for those fed E (84.3%; 87.6%) vs BI. Apparent fat digestibility was lower (P<0.05) for cats fed E (88.7%) vs those fed BE (94.4%), BI (96.8%), and H (96.9%), and was lower (P<0.05) for cats fed BE vs those fed BI and H. Apparent CP digestibility was lower (P<0.05) for cats fed BE (96.6%) vs those fed E (97.3%). Although dietary macronutrient composition was highly variable and statistical differences were noted, all diets were highly digestible.Grant Funding SourceUSDA‐CSREES (project ILLU‐538‐396)
How accurate are reported energy contents of prepared foods in restaurants and supermarkets in the US?
Authors: Urban Lorien E. , Dallal Gerard E. , Robinson Lisa M. , Ausman Lynne M. , Saltzman Edward , Roberts Susan B. 
Published: June 2021

Recent media reports suggest that restaurants may substantially under‐report the energy contents of typical menu items. We examined the accuracy of reported energy contents of 31 items from fast food and chain restaurants and 10 supermarket frozen meals in Massachusetts suitable for weight loss based on their low energy contents posted on websites. Food was analyzed for gross energy (GE) content using a validated bomb calorimetry system accurate to ±1.9% for individual food samples and values were compared to reported information normalized to equivalent GE content. Mean reported energy for restaurant foods and supermarket meals were respectively 16% and 8% higher than reported values, and some individual restaurant items were up to 100% greater than reported energy. When free side dishes were provided and included in the comparison, mean provided energy was 245% of reported values for the purchased items. These findings suggest a tendency for restaurants to under‐report meal energy content, and highlight the major impacts that variability in reporting accuracy and free side dishes have on provided energy. Further studies are needed to determine the extent of underreporting of energy, which has implications for both emerging policy initiatives requiring reporting of food energy at the point of purchase and individual efforts to use provided information for self‐monitoring for weight control.Grant Funding SourceNIH grant HL069772‐06 and the USDA under agreement no. 58‐1950‐4‐401
Using Physiological Structure to Integrate across Biological Scales
Authors: Ayati Bruce 
Published: June 2021

We present a modeling and simulation approach for integrating smaller scale biological processes into studies of larger scale systems. We use so‐called structured variables, which represent physiological traits such as age, size or senescence, to integrate the important properties of the smaller scale into mathematical models of the larger scale. The methodology allows for hypothesis‐based modeling and simulation by permitting the inclusion of significantly more information with a modest increase in computation.We discuss our approach in the context of understanding the role phenotypic diversity plays in the development of bacterial biofilms, and the role of cell heterogeneity in tumor invasion.The author is partially supported by the NSF under award DMS‐0914514.
Chronic Enteral Leucine Supplementation of a Low Protein Diet Increases Skeletal Muscle Protein Synthesis in Neonatal Pigs by Stimulating mTOR‐Dependent Translation Initiation
Authors: Torrazza Roberto Murgas , Suryawan Agus , Gazzaneo Maria C. , Orellana Renan A. , Nguyen Hanh V. , Davis Teresa A. 
Published: June 2021

Leucine appears to be the key amino acid that positively regulates mTOR signalling. We hypothesized that prolonged feeding (24 hours) of a Leu supplemented low protein (LP) diet in neonatal pigs will increase protein synthesis in skeletal muscle to a rate similar to that of a high protein diet (HP). Fasted 5‐d‐old piglets (n=17) were gavage fed every 4 hours either: 1) LP diet, 2) low protein diet supplemented with Leu (LP+L) to equal HP diet, or 3) HP diet. Diets were isocaloric and lactose was equal. Fractional protein synthesis rates and translational control mechanisms were examined after 24 hours. Protein synthesis increased in the skeletal muscle of the LP+L group compared to LP group alone and did not differ from HP group. LP+L and HP increased the phosphorylation of S6K1 and 4E‐BP1, decreased inactive 4E‐BP1 eIF4E complex abundance, and increased active eIF4E eIF4G complex formation in skeletal muscle. Our results suggest that chronic feeding of a low protein diet supplemented with leucine stimulates and maintains the protein synthesis response in skeletal muscle to a rate similar to that achieved by feeding a high protein diet and this stimulation involves increased eIF4F complex assembly. (Supported by Ajinomoto Amino Acid Research Program and USDA 58‐6250‐6‐001).Grant Funding Source: Ajinomoto Amino Acid Research Program and USDA 58‐6250‐6‐001
High‐frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) associated with inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) attenuates oxidative lung injury in a saline‐lavaged rabbit model of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
Authors: Ronchi Carlos Fernando , Fioretto Jose Roberto , Ferreira Ana Lucia dos Anjos , Campos Fabio Joly , Kurokawa Cilmery Suemi , Carpi Mario Ferreira , Moraes Marcos Aurelio , Bonatto Rossano Cesar , Defaveri Julio , Yeum Kyung‐Jin 
Published: June 2021

ARDS has been associated with high mortality rate despite a better understanding of its pathophysiology and recent advances in treatment.ObjectiveTo compare protective conventional mechanical ventilation (CMV) and HFOV associated or not with iNO for lung oxidative stress.MethodsLung injury was induced by tracheal infusion of warm saline. Fifty rabbits were randomly assigned to: a) Control (CG): without ARDS + CMV; b) ARDS + CMV (MVG); c) ARDS + CMV with iNO (MVGNO); d) ARDS + HFOV (HFG) and e) ARDS + HFOV with iNO (HFGNO). In addition, ten rabbits were used for oxidative stress analysis without ARDS and MV treatment, Healthy group (HG). Lung oxidative stress was assessed by total antioxidant performance (TAP) assay.ResultsAll ARDS groups showed worse PaO2/FiO2 (CG: 438.4±87.1 > MVG: 79.9±12.7 = MVGNO: 80.7±24 = HFG: 66.2±34.2 = HFGNO: 56±21; p<0.05), as compared to those of CG. After 4 hours of MV, HFOV groups showed better oxygenation (PaO2/FiO2: CG: 465.9±30.5 = HFG: 399.1±98.2 = HFGNO: 326.9±119 > MVG: 232.7±104 = MVGNO: 218.3±118; p<0.05) and reduced oxidative stress in lung (TAP, % protection: HG: 67.3±4.21 = HFG: 69.0±4.99 = HFGNO: 68.9±4.14 > MVG: 47.6±2.58 = MVGNO: 56.3±2.40 = CG: 59.4±4.52, p<0.05) compared to CMV groups.ConclusionHFOV improves oxygenation and attenuates oxidative lung injury in saline‐lavaged rabbit model of ARDS. [Supported by FAPESP: 2008/08199‐2, USDA 1950‐51000‐065‐08S]