bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetics of Serum Carotenoid Levels and Obesity Related Traits in Mexican American Children
Authors: Farook Vidya S. , Reddivari Lavanya , Puppala Sobha , Arya Rector , Fowler Sharon P. , Chittoor Geetha , Mohan Birunda , Jenkinson Christopher P. , Lynch Jane L. , DeFronzo Ralph A. , Blangero John , Hale Daniel E. , Duggirala Ravindranath , Vanamala Jairam 
Published: June 2021

Serum carotenoid status is a putative biomarker for fruit and vegetable consumption. The objective of this study was to determine the genetics of serum carotenoid levels and their correlations with obesity related traits in Mexican American (MA) children. We measured serum α‐ and β‐carotenoid levels in 670 non‐diabetic MA children, aged 6–17 years, using UPLC‐PDA. We determined heritabilities for both carotenoids and assessed genetic correlations between them and obesity‐related traits. Carotenoid values were transformed for these analyses, and adjusted for significant effects of age and sex terms. Carotenoid levels were highly heritable (α‐carotene: h2=0.81, P = 6.7 × 10−11; β‐carotene: h2=0.90, P = 3.5 × 10−15). We found significant (P < 0.05) negative phenotypic correlations between carotenoids and four obesity‐related traits: BMI, waist circumference, fat mass (DXA), and triglycerides (range: α‐carotene = −0.19 to −0.12 and β‐carotene = −0.24 to −0.13), and positive correlations with HDL‐cholesterol (α‐carotene = 0.17 and β‐carotene = 0.24). However, all genetic correlations were significantly negative for β‐carotene and these four obesity related traits (range: −0.30 to −0.23), but positive for HDL‐cholesterol (0.31). These results suggest that common genetic factors influence β‐carotene and obesity‐related traits in MA children.Grant Funding Source: This study was supported by grants from the National Institute of Health (R01 HD049051, HD041111, DK53889, DK42273, P01 HL45522, DK47482, MH59490 and M01‐RR‐01346), Voelcker Foundation and National Research Initiative Grant 2009–55200‐05197 from the USDA National Institute for Food and Agriculture (2009–2012).
Effects of Perfluorocarbon emulsions on microvascular blood flow and O2 transport in a model of severe arterial gas embolism
Authors: Torres Luciana , Spiess Bruce , Filho Ivo Torres 
Published: June 2021

Perfluorocarbon emulsions (PFC) have been advocated as a potential treatment of arterial gas embolism (AGE). We hypothesized that PFC can enhance blood flow and oxygenation in massive AGE, due to the surfactant properties of fluorocarbons. We studied systemic and microvascular parameters in cremaster muscle of anesthetized rats via intravital microscopy. Microhemodynamics as well as microvascular and tissue oxygenation were determined before and after treatment with two commercial PFC (Oxycyte, Oxygen Biotherapeutics Inc.; and PHER‐O2, Sanguine Corporation) compared with saline. Blood pressure and heart rate were similar among the groups. Systemic PO2, O2 content and glucose were higher in PFC than in saline group while hematocrit significantly dropped after treatment but was not different among the groups. Arteriolar blood flow went up 58% and 45% with PFC vs. 12% with saline after treatment. In both PFC groups, arteriolar and tissue PO2 were significantly higher compared to control as well as the arteriolar O2 content and O2 delivery. In conclusion, administration of PFC in severe AGE is superior than saline primarily attributable to the surfactant properties which increased considerably air bubble reabsorption. As an additional beneficial effect, arteriolar blood flow was restored, reducing diffusional resistance of O2 in the plasma to yield more O2 to tissues.Supported by Office of Naval Research.
Effects of resuscitation fluids on endothelial glycocalyx (EG) and coagulation in severe hemorrhagic shock (HS)
Authors: Torres Luciana , Sondeen Jill , Ji Lisa , Dubick Michael , Filho Ivo Torres 
Published: June 2021

To study the effects of resuscitation fluids on changes in coagulation and EG in HS, we studied venules of cremaster muscle of anesthetized rats subjected to 1h of HS (40% of blood volume, HEM only) followed by 1h resuscitation with Hextend (HEX), Ringer's lactate (RL), or fresh frozen plasma (FFP). EG thickness was estimated using dextrans of different molecular weights labeled with FITC or Texas Red. Blood gases, hematocrit, cell count, coagulation tests (ROTEM) were performed. EG thickness was 50% lower in HEM, RL and HEX groups. EXTEM: clotting time [CT] was longer for RL compared to other groups. Clot strength [G] in HEM was higher at post‐resuscitation compared to baseline. FIBTEM: maximal clot elasticity [MCE], maximum clot formation [MCF], thrombin generation and G were lower in RL and HEX groups than the others. Resuscitation with FFP was superior in reverting coagulopathy (no differences in CT, G and MCE compared to Sham) and restoring EG thickness. Resuscitation with RL and HEX reestablished mean arterial pressure and tissue perfusion but caused EG shedding and altered coagulation by reducing clot strength and elasticity, and diluting coagulation factors, in contrast to FFP. We showed that ROTEM can indentify changes in coagulation function in massive blood loss and HS‐associated coagulopathy in a rat model that also displayed microvascular changes.Supported by US Army Medical Research & Materiel Command.
Effects of Resuscitation Fluids following Hemorrhagic Shock on Venular Glycocalyx in Rats
Authors: Filho Ivo Torres , Torres Luciana , Sondeen Jill , Ji Lisa , Dubick Michael 
Published: June 2021

The protection mechanisms of resuscitative agents after hemorrhagic shock (HS) are still unclear. For instance, fresh frozen plasma (FFP) may exert its positive effects by replacing lost coagulation factors and by acting upon the endothelium. We compared different resuscitation fluids in their ability to restore the structural integrity of anesthetized rat cremaster venular endothelial glycocalyx (EG) in vivo, as estimated by its thickness using intravital microscopy and fluorescent dextrans. After 1 h of HS (bleeding target: 40% of total blood volume), rats were randomized into 4 groups (6–8 rats/group): HEM‐ no resuscitation; LR– lactated Ringer's; HEX–Hextend and FFP. Baseline EG averaged 0.425 ± 0.015 μm (n=121). After resuscitation, EG was reduced by nearly 70% in HEM, LR and HEX groups to an average 0.132 ± 0.010 μm. However, in rats that received FFP, EG recovered to a thickness of 0.532 ± 0.060 μm, not significantly different from baseline. Syndecan‐1 plasma levels also rose significantly in all groups except in rats that received FFP, where levels returned to baseline. All groups showed significant reductions in venular blood flow, but only HEX rats showed full recovery of flow. The data suggest that plasma but neither colloid nor crystalloid resuscitation support vascular stabilization by reconstitution of EG after HS‐mediated degradation.Supported by US Army Medical Research & Materiel Command.
NADPH oxidase‐4 mediated ROS generation modulates C2C12 differentiation via ERK1/2 pathway
Authors: Acharya Suresh , Peters Alexander M. , Norton Ann S. , Murdoch Gordon K. , Hill Rodney A. 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundNADPH oxidase 4 (Nox4) enzymatic activity is a major source of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and plays an important role in balancing oxidation‐reduction within skeletal muscle cells. We hypothesize that changes in Nox4 mediated ROS generation affects the proliferation and differentiation of skeletal muscle cells. Further, ROS plays an important role in cell signaling pathways and this is dependent on the concentration of endogenous ROS in the cells.ApproachUsing mouse myogenic (C2C12) cells, Nox4 concentrations were manipulated via either plasmid mediated over‐expression or siRNA silencing resulting in increased or decreased endogenous ROS concentrations, respectively. Real time RT‐PCR and Western blot demonstrated effective modulation of Nox4 isoform and endogenous ROS production was measured using flow‐cytometry. We further quantified Nox4 protein expression and myogenin using immunofluorescence microscopy. ERK1/2 phosphorylation was determined by Western blot.ResultsModulation of Nox4 and endogenous ROS concentrations decreased the expression of myogenic differentiation markers, Myf5, Myogenin, MyoD1 and Pax7. This is associated with a decrease in cell differentiation percentage in the early stages of myogenesis. These changes are associated with altered MAPK pathway activation; specifically phosphorylation of ERK1/2. In both over‐expression and silencing of Nox4, we observed significant decreases in ERK1/2 phosphorylation.ConclusionNox4 activity determines optimum levels of ROS that are important for cellular processes including proliferation and differentiation of C2C12 myoblasts. Changes in myogenic differentiation pathways in response to Nox4 modulation are mediated via MAPK activation.Funding: USDA/NIFA award number 2010–34479‐20715 “Increasing Shelf Life of Agricultural Commodities, ID”
HU decreases diffusible supercoiling density in bacterial chromosome
Authors: Agbleke Andrews Akwasi , Rovinskiy Nikolay , Chesnokova Olga , Higgins Patrick N 
Published: June 2021

HU is an abundant protein in bacterial chromosome. It binds DNA and constrains negative supercoiling as well. In E.coli and Salmonella, it exists as a heterodimer composed of alpha and beta subunits. To study in vivo supercoiling that exists in hupA, hupB and hupAhupB double mutants, we employed the gamma delta resolution assay. Supercoil sensors were placed eight sites around the chromosome and resolution assay done to determine diffusible supercoil densities at these sites. Our studies showed that in addition to constraining supercoiling HU also enhances diffusible supercoiling either by its direct interaction with the chromosome or through gyrase activity. Supercoil density was measured to be − 0.035±0.002 in WT then reduced to −0.027±0.006, −0.022±0.007 and 0.013±0.004 in hupA, hupB and HupAhupB double mutants respectively. We observed significant differences between hupA and hupB subunits as well with hupA dimers constrains supercoiling better than hupB. We then measured transcription elongation rates in these mutants using beta galactosidase assay. HU double mutants have reduced transcription elongation rates 26 nuc/sec from WT 38–70 nuc/sec. Though hupA and hupB have similar reduced elongation rates (37 – 46 nuc/sec) alpha‐dimers had a slightly higher rate than beta‐dimers. Taken together, we were surprised that unlike eukaryotes where histone loss activates transcription, in bacteria this seems the opposite.This work was supported by National Science Foundation
Transcriptional regulator MftR from Burkholderia thailandensis participates in oxidative stress responses
Authors: Gupta Ashish , Grove Anne 
Published: June 2021

Burkholderia thailandensis encodes the major facilitator transport regulator (MftR), which is a member of the multiple antibiotic resistance regulator (MarR) protein family. The genomic locus predicts that MftR regulates expression of genes encoding MftR and major facilitator transport protein (MFTP). MFTP is a drug efflux pump, which belongs to the major facilitator superfamily. It is predicted to extrude phenolic compounds and detergents, which can be harmful to this bacterium. Sequence conservation and biochemical analysis has shown that MftR binds the ligand urate, and that urate attenuates DNA binding. Molecular docking was used to identify the ligand binding site, predicting that W11 and R63 are involved in the ligand binding. These residues were also present in the ligand binding site of a homologous transcription factor encoded by Deinococcus radiodurans. By quantitative RT‐PCR it was observed that MftR represses its own expression and that of MFTP, and that this repression is relieved in the presence of urate. MftR also regulates expression of other transcriptional regulators annotated as LysR and SoxR homologs. Since urate is generated under conditions of oxidative stress, and since SoxR is predicted to function in oxidative stress responses, our data suggest a role of MftR in such events.Source of research support: funded by National Science Foundation
Identify PCBP1‐interacting protein and its novel functional role on human MOR gene expression
Authors: Nahar‐Gohad Pranjal , Sultan Hamidah , Esteban Ysabella , Stabile Alyda , Ko Jane 
Published: June 2021

PCBP1 is an expressional regulator of the mu‐opioid receptor (MOR) gene. We hypothesized the existence of a PCBP1 co‐regulator modifying human MOR gene expression by protein‐protein interaction with PCBP1. A human brain cDNA library was screed using the two‐hybrid system with PCBP1 as the bait. RACK1 protein, containing WD domains, was identified. PCBP1‐RACK1 interaction was confirmed via in vivo validation, and by co‐immunoprecipitation with anti‐PCBP1 antibody using human neuronal NMB cell lysate, endogenously expressing PCBP1 and RACK1. Single and serial WD domain deletion analyses demonstrated that WD7 of RACK1 is the key domain interacting with PCBP1. RACK1 overexpression resulted in a dose‐dependent decrease of MOR promoter activity using p357 plasmid containing human MOR promoter and luciferase reporter gene. Knock‐down analysis showed that RACK1 siRNA decreased the endogenous RACK1 mRNA level in NMB, and elevated MOR mRNA level as indicated by RT‐PCR. Likewise, a decrease of RACK1 resulted in an increase of MOR proteins, verified by binding assay. Collectively, this study reports a novel role of RACK1, physically interacting with PCBP1 and participating in the regulation of human MOR gene expression in NMB cells.*This research was supported by NIH research grant, NSF MRI grant and SHU Biological Research.
Home food gardening, fruit and vegetable intake, and weight status in pre‐kindergarten children
Authors: Martin Roanna Gail , Partington Susan N , Lacombe Donald , Waterland Nicole 
Published: June 2021

Lack of access to fruits and vegetables in the home and low intake of fruits and vegetables have been associated with poor dietary quality and obesity in children. The objective of this study was to determine the associations among existence of a home food garden, intake of fruits and vegetables, and weight status in young children.Anaylses included survey data (food gardening questions from the 2009 National Gardening Survey, the Block Kids FFQ, family socio‐demographic characteristics), and height and weight for 124 pre‐kindergarten children, participants in the West Virginia Early Childhood Obesity Prevention Project. Comparisons of group means (t‐test, p≤ 0.05) were used to examine differences in fruit and vegetable intake and associated micronutrients and weight status of children between families with and without a home garden.Children in families with a home garden consumed significantly more cups of dark green vegetables (0.20 ± 0.03 vs 0.11 ± 0.01) and deep yellow and orange vegetables (0.10 ± 0.01 vs. 0.06 ± 0.01) per day. Associated micronutrients; vitamin K, beta‐ and, alpha‐carotene were also significantly greater. Mean weight status (CDC 2000 BMI percentiles for age and gender) was not significantly different. Home food gardening has the potential to positively impact the diet quality of young children. This project was supported by USDA AFRI grant #2011–68001‐30049.
Impact of DHA status on serum markers of obesity and inflammation in pregnant women (1001.4)
Authors: Chekal Jessica , Harris Mary , DiRusso Concetta 
Published: June 2021

Different dietary fatty acids impact disease prevention and susceptibility. Among these, the N‐3 (omega‐3) long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids are essential nutrients and are proposed to be health promoting while saturated fatty acids are often associated with obesity, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease. Omega‐3 fatty acids are critical for fetal and newborn neurodevelopment and must be acquired from the mother by placental transfer. The purpose of this research was to examine the effects of omega‐3 fatty acid status in pregnant women on biomarkers of obesity and inflammation. RBC fatty acid composition and a complete dietary assessment was employed to determine DHA status and intake. Total fatty acid analysis was also performed on blinded maternal plasma samples. The levels of specific fatty acid species were then compared with the levels of the targeted biomarkers of obesity and inflammation. We found significant correlations between: palmitate and leptin levels; palmitate and insulin levels; and DHA and lipocalin 2 levels. This research is of value to understand the impact of DHA status in mid‐pregnancy on adipogenic biomarkers.Grant Funding Source: Supported by: Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation, USDA Hatch and NIFA
Longitudinal association of dairy consumption with changes in blood pressure and incident hypertension (1018.3)
Authors: Wang Huifen , Troy Lisa , Fox Caroline , Meigs James , McKeown Nicola , Jacques Paul 
Published: June 2021

We examined the longitudinal association between dairy consumption and changes in blood pressure (BP) and incident hypertension (HTN) among Framingham Heart Study Offspring Cohort members who were free of HTN and participated in up to 4 study exams from 1998 to 2008. At each exam, dietary intake was assessed by a validated food frequency questionnaire, BP was measured using standardized procedures, and anti‐hypertensive medication use was obtained by physician‐elicited self‐report. HTN was defined as systolic BP (SBP) 蠅140mmHg, or diastolic BP (DBP) 蠅90mmHg, or anti‐hypertensive medication use. We used repeated‐measure regression and discrete‐time hazard regression to examine the associations of dairy consumption with the annualized BP change (n=2075) and the risk of incident HTN (n=2340). Adjustments included demographic, lifestyle and metabolic factors, and/or medication use, as appropriate. Greater intakes of total dairy, total low fat/fat free dairy, low fat/skim milk, and yogurt were significantly associated with smaller annualized SBP increments; only total low fat/fat free dairy intake was inversely related to changes in DBP. Over an average of 15‐year follow‐up, 1026 participants developed incident HTN. Each serving consumption of yogurt was associated with 6% (1%‐10%) reduced risk of incident HTN. Dairy consumption, as part of a healthy diet pattern, may benefit BP control and HTN prevention.Grant Funding Source: Supported by NHLBI NO1‐HC‐25195 and USDA agreement 58–1950–0‐014
Is eating breakfast associated with increased fruit and whole grain intake in young women? (1021.11)
Authors: Widaman Adrianne , Souza Elaine , Forester Shavawn , Keim Nancy 
Published: June 2021

Two key recommendations from the 2010 Dietary Guidelines (DG) focus on increasing fruit (F) and whole grain (WG) intake. However, only 15% of adult Americans meet the daily WG recommendation of 3 oz equivalents (eq). In addition, 58% of adults consume less than the DG F recommendation. Our study strictly defined breakfast eaters (BE) as consuming 蠅 15% of energy intake between 4‐10am. Breakfast skipping (BS) was defined as no food intake between 4‐10am for 蠅4 d/wk. Dietary intake was measured with 3 multi‐pass, 24 h recalls. A median split was used to separate high from low consumers of WG and F. Independence was tested with Pearson’s Chi‐squared. Consumption of WG oz eq averaged 2.11 ± 0.17 or 1.19 ± 0.25, for BE or BS respectively. Mean total F intake was 1.99 ± 0.23 servings in BE and 0.98 ± 0.16 servings in BS. BS was associated with lower intake of WG (p=0.012) and lower total F consumption (p<0.0005). Regularly eating breakfast is associated with a diet more aligned with the DG. Randomized control trials are needed to determine if a causal relationship between BE and better diet quality exists.Grant Funding Source: Supported by NIFA grant #2009‐35215‐05364 and USDA intramural funds Project #5306‐51530‐019‐00D
Weekend intake is associated with poorer diet quality, and increased intake energy and nutrients to limit and poorer food choices in adults: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001‐2008 (1023.4)
Authors: Ledet Taylor , O'Neil Carol , Nicklas Theresa , Fulgoni Victor 
Published: June 2021

National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data (2001–2008) were used to assess the differences between weekend and weekday intake by adults (19y+; N=18,988). Intake was determined using a single 24 hour recall. Diet quality was determined using the Healthy Eating Index‐2005 (HEI). Covariate (DRI age group, gender, ethnicity, poverty index ratio level, physical activity level, and weight status) adjusted regression analyses were conducted to generate beta coefficients. Weekend intake was associated with a lower (p<0.001) HEI score (‐2.2±0.3 [SE]), and lower (p<0.001) intakes total fruit (‐0.1±0.02 cup eq) and milk (‐0.1±0.02 cup eq). Weekends were also associated with higher (p<0.001) intakes of energy (103±20 kcal), total fat (4.7±1.0 g), SFA (1.5±0.4 g), MUFA (2.0±0.4 g), PUFA (0.8±0.2), solid fat (4.3±0.7 g), cholesterol (30.2±4.3 mg), SoFAAS (95.8±11.4 kcals; 2.1±0.3% total energy), alcohol (4.2±0.6 g), and total egg (0.1±0.02). Since data suggest that weekend eating was associated with poorer diet quality and increased consumption of some nutrients to limit, it is important to determine weekend and weekday intake when characterizing the intake of a population.Grant Funding Source: Supported by LSU College of Agriculture and USDA.
Intake of trans fatty acid isomers found in ruminant fat versus industrial sources differentially impact concentrations of fatty acids in erythrocytes (1025.17)
Authors: Gebauer Sarah , Matthan Nirupa , Lichtenstein Alice , Baer David 
Published: June 2021

Evidence suggests concentration of trans fatty acids (TFA) in erythrocyte (RBC) membranes is strongly predictive of coronary heart disease (CHD) risk. Some data suggest a direct association with industrially‐produced TFA (iTFA) and CHD risk, and an inverse or no association with naturally‐occurring TFA in ruminant fat (rTFA). Differential incorporation of TFA isomers in RBC membranes from iTFA and rTFA may account for differences in CHD risk reported between the two sources; however, controlled dietary interventions comparing iTFA and rTFA have not measured RBC TFA isomers. In a double‐blind randomized‐controlled crossover feeding trial healthy adults (N=106; 47M, 59F) were fed 4 diets for 24 days each: 0.1% en mixed isomers TFA (control), 3.0% en highly‐purified vaccenic acid (VA), 3.0% en mixed isomers iTFA, and 1.0% en c9,t11‐CLA. Total fat (34% en) and other macronutrients were matched across diets. RBC VA was highest following the VA diet (P < 0.05), while elaidic acid was highest following the iTFA diet (P < 0.05). RBC c9,t11‐CLA was highest after the CLA diet (P < 0.05), followed by the VA diet (P < 0.05), indicating some conversion of VA to c9,t11‐CLA resulting from the dietary VA. In conclusion, highly‐purified dietary VA and c9,t11‐CLA differentially impact RBC fatty acid profiles compared to iTFA. Differences in RBC fatty acids impact membrane fluidity which may explain differences of rTFA and iTFA on CHD risk.Grant Funding Source: Supported by: USDA, Nestle, National Dairy Council, Dairy Australia