bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determination of glutamate requirement in growing rats by indicator amino acid oxidation
Authors: Sakai Ryosei , Kuwahara Tomomi , Kawamata Yasuko , Uneyama Hisayuki , Torii Kunio , Nakamura Hidehiro 
Published: June 2021

Although many studies have investigated requirements for essential amino acids both in animals and human, few have done for non‐essential amino acids (NEAAs). This study aimed to determine requirement for glutamate (Glu), the most abundant NEAA in food proteins, in growing rats by the indicator amino acid oxidation (IAAO) method.Wistar strain male rats (6wks old) were given fixed amount of diets containing varied doses of amino acid (AA) mixture with NRC 1995 composition (56–214 g/kg) hourly. Dietary labeling with an indicator AA ([1‐13C]leucine) started at 3h of feeding period and 13C‐enrichments of breath CO2 were monitored. Relation between dietary AA contents and IAAO (= average 13C‐enrichments from 4 to 7h) was analyzed to determine a breakpoint as its requirement. Similarly, relation between dietary Glu content and IAAO was analyzed in rats fed diets containing graded doses of Glu (0–100 g/kg).In both experiments, increase of AA or Glu contents at lower doses reduced IAAO, but did not further at higher doses. Apparent breakpoints were determined in their biphasic relations, indicating 173 and 45 g/kg diet of requirements for AA and Glu, respectively. Glu requirement estimated in this study was almost identical with the value determined by nitrogen‐balance study. These results indicated the existence of Glu requirement and suggested importance of dietary Glu as one of components of protein nutrition.
Effect of Chlorella vulgaris on serum cholesterol‐regulation in healthy subjects and hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Ryu Na Hee , Kim Sang Mi , Park Ji Eun , Lee Yoon Jung , Kim Ji Yeon , Kwon Oran 
Published: June 2021

Recently, patients with hyperlipidemia including hypercholesterolemia have increased steadily as dietary habit has been changed to western style based on high‐fat diet. Since hypercholesterolemia can develop serious cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial infarction, stroke and atherosclerosis, studies to prevent and treat this have been consistently reported. Chlorella contains a variety of nutrients such as chlorophyll, vegetable protein, essential amino acids, vitamins and dietary fiber. And its function has been approved in the aspects of its antioxidant capacity and enhancement of immune function. In the previous study, cholesterol level reducing effect has been confirmed in animal.Therefore, this study aimed to confirm that ingestion of chlorella for normal subjects interferes with the absorption of cholesterol coming from high cholesterol diet and lowers the blood cholesterol level. Additionally, it aimed to confirm the reduction of blood cholesterol level before and after ingestion of chlorella for patients with hypercholesterolemia. This study is a randomized, parallel‐group, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial.Besides cholesterol level, in order to confirm the extent of systemic absorption of carotenoids, the major active component of chlorella, we analyzed the level of lutein, zeaxanthin, alpha‐carotene, beta‐carotene, lycopene by HPLC in the serum before and after ingestion of chlorella.
Palm olein increases plasma cholesterol moderately compared with olive oil in healthy individuals
Authors: Tholstrup Tine , Hjerpsted Julie , Raff Marianne 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundDespite the high content of palmitic acid, palm olein was demonstrated to have a neutral effect on plasma cholesterol concentration when compared with olive oil, suggested to be due to palmitic acid in the sn‐1 and sn‐3 position.Objectiveto investigate the effects of a diet rich in palm olein (fractionated palm oil), olive oil and lard on plasma blood lipids, inflammatory markers, glucose and insulin.in a controlled double‐blinded, randomized 3 × 3 weeks crossover dietary intervention study, including 32 healthy men, who daily replaced part of their habitual dietary fat intake with approximately 17 energy percent (E%) from palm olein, olive oil or lard, respectively.ResultsCompared with intake of olive oil, palm olein and lard increased total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol (P < 0.0001). Palm olein resulted in a lower plasma triacylglycerol (TAG) concentration than olive oil (P < 0.01). No difference in effects was observed in plasma HDL cholesterol, high sensitive C‐reactive protein (hsCRP), plasminogen activator 1 (PAI‐1), insulin and glucose concentrations.ConclusionThe present study did not support findings of palm olein being neutral compared to olive oil in regard to total plasma cholesterol and LDL cholesterol in healthy individuals with normal plasma cholesterol concentrations. Thus, the sn‐positioning was not confirmed to be important in regard to effect on plasma cholesterol.
Effects of high‐fat high‐fructose diet and EPA supplementation on adipose tissue gene expression in adult rats
Authors: Leray Véronique , Jonchère Camille , Zaman Muhammad-Quaid , Nguyen Patrick 
Published: June 2021

The study of expression of genes involved in obesity‐related disorders provides a tool to elucidate the links between obesity, loss of insulin sensitivity (IS), and dyslipidemia. Our aim was to measure the effects of a high‐fructose diet and EPA supplementation on metabolic status and mRNA expression of genes involved in insulin‐signaling pathway, and glucido‐lipid metabolism in rats.Rats were given for 10 wk either control diet or high‐fat high‐fructose diet (40% fructose, 40% lipid cal), supplemented or not with EPA (120 mg/d). At the end of the 10‐wk period, body composition and IS were assessed, lipid plasma were assayed, and mRNA expression of insulin receptor, IRS1, perilipin, leptin, ACC, FAS, HSL, LPL, GLUT, TNFα, SREBP‐1c, PPARγ was semi‐quantified from adipose tissue biopsies.In rats fed with high‐fat high‐fructose diet, plasma cholesterol level was higher than in control rats, as well as ACC and FAS mRNA levels. In rats fed with the same diet plus EPA, plasma cholesterol level was lower and PPARγ mRNA level higher compared with the rats fed with high‐fat high‐fructose diet.Our results show changes in expression of lipogenic genes in rats fed high‐fat high‐fructose diet, that could reflect the obesogenic effect of such a diet. They also show that EPA could stimulate the transcription of PPARγ that could account for its beneficial effect on lipidemia.
Antioxidant capacity of tomato paste is stable during growing season and shelf‐life
Authors: Meckna Brian , Reimers Kristin , Mark Andon 
Published: June 2021

Few data exist regarding the effect of growing season and shelf life on the stability of the antioxidant capacity of foods. To assess these factors in commercially available tomato paste, the sum of lipophilic and hydrophilic antioxidant capacity [oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), Brunswick Laboratories, Norton, MA] was measured in composite samples comprised of production lots prepared from tomatoes harvested during early, middle, and late growing season periods early in their shelf life (± 6 months) and at 12 and 18 months post‐production. All composites comprised 12 individual consumer units from the same production lot and where measured in duplicate. ORAC for tomato paste produced from early growing season tomatoes was 1341 (μmole Trolox equivalents/100 g). Values for composites made from tomatoes from middle and late growing season harvest were 109% and 118% greater, respectively. Compared to composites measured within 6 months post‐production, ORAC values were 105% and 109% greater at 12 and 18 months post‐production, respectively. These data demonstrate neither within season growing period, nor storage time, adversely affects the antioxidant capacity of tomato paste.Supported by ConAgra Foods
Changes in lipid soluble antioxidants after computer tomography in children
Authors: Franke Adrian A. , Halm Brunhild M , Lai Jennifer F , Morrison Cynthia M , Custer Laurie J , Cooney Robert V 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveComputer tomography (CT) involves ionizing Xray‐radiation which can form free radicals. CT use has risen dramatically due to its high speed and diagnostic value but it leads to an estimated lifetime cancer risk of up to 4% with highest risk for children. We tested whether free radical scavenging antioxidant levels in children change after CT.Methods17 children aged 0.25–6 years and scheduled for medically indicated CT donated blood immediately before and 1 hour after a CT exam (93–526 mGy cm). Blood was immediately processed after the second blood draw and heparin plasma was frozen until analysis. HPLC with photodiode‐array (carotenoids, tocopherols, retinols) or electrochemical (coenzyme Q10) detection was applied. Significance was determined by paired t‐tests.ResultsIn post versus pre CT plasma levels of carotenoids increased: lutein/zeaxanthin (−4%), cryptoxanthins (−8%), lycopenes (−8%), and total carotenes (−8%), as did those for tocopherols (a, −6%; B+y, −6%). Reduced (+24%), oxidized (+8%), and total (+22%) Q10 levels were higher (p>0.1) and retinol level was unchanged. After data were logged only cryptoxanthins and lycopenes lost significance.ConclusionsThe decrease of main lipid soluble antioxidants after CT in children may be due to free radical scavenging, thereby preventing damage. The increase in plasma Q10 levels after CT could be due to greater cell death.
The Effect of Dietary Zinc Level over the IgG response in a Murine Model of Giardiasis
Authors: Iñigo-Figueroa Gemma , Maldonado-Fonllem Gabriela , Quihui-Cota Luis , Mendez-Estrada Rosa Olivia , Velasquez-Contreras Carlos , Canett-Romero Rafael , Rascon-Duran Lucila , Garibay-Escobar Adriana , Robles-Zepeda Ramon , Astiazaran-Garcia Humberto 
Published: June 2021

Zinc is an essential micronutrient influencing growth and affecting the development and integrity of the immune system. It was of interest to evaluate the effect of varying dietary zinc level on host resistance to infection. The parasite Giardia lamblia, which infects millions of people around the world was chosen as a model for the study. CD1 mice (80 male 6–8wk old) were fed ad libitum on either low‐zinc, adequate, supplemented 1 or supplemented 2 diet (12.8, 24.6, 57.9 and 309.3 mg Zn/kg diet respectively). After 10 days on the experimental diets, part of the mice from each group were infected with 5×106 G. lamblia trophozoites. Body weight gain was recorded throughout the study. Serum zinc and IgG levels were measured. In all infected dietary groups, seric zinc levels and body weight gain were reduced in comparison to their uninfected counterparts (P=0.03). However, the effects were more pronounced in the low diet group irrespective of the infection. Within 2 weeks following immunization, the mice in all four dietary groups responded by producing significant levels of specific IgG antibodies. Greater IgG antibody response was observed in the zinc supplemented groups when comapred to the low or adequate ones (P<0.05). It appears that zinc supplementation triggers a higher production of IgG and so suggests that zinc was effective in up‐regulating the host's immune response against this parasite.CONACyT 151287
Nutritional risk factors for hookworm infection among school age children in the Kintampo North Municipality, Ghana
Authors: Humphries Debbie , Simms Benjamin , Davey Dylan , Otchere Joseph , Quagraine Josephine , Berg Elyssa , Newton Samuel , Harrison Lisa , Boakye Daniel , Wilson Michael , Cappello Michael 
Published: June 2021

Hookworm is highly prevalent in the Kintampo North Municipality of Ghana, and a previous study identified a significant relationship between BMI and infection status in adults.ObjectivesTo investigate the role of nutritional status and dietary risk factors on hookworm infection and response to deworming treatment in school‐age children.MethodsChildren (n=812) ages 6 to 11 years attending 16 schools were screened for participation on the basis of HAZ scores (low and high). Household level food security and socioeconomic variables, child‐level dietary diversity, hookworm and malaria infection status and response to albendazole were measured in a cross sectional sample (n=286).ResultsPrevalence of hookworm was 39%, and anemia was 62%. Significant risk factors for hookworm infection included lower consumption of protein‐rich food groups (p<0.05), malaria co‐infection (p<0.05), access to health care (p<0.01), and household geographic location (p<0.05) after controlling for age, gender, household wealth, and recent deworming. The degree of stunting and anemia did not correlate with hookworm infection status.ConclusionsDietary diversity may influence the risk of hookworm infection in Ghana. In areas of high prevalence but low intensity infection, hookworm may not cause traditionally recognized clinical sequelae such as anemia and stunting.
Perspectives of Nigerian policy actors concerning NCDs
Authors: Adeyemi Olutayo Adedayo , Pelletier David 
Published: June 2021

Previous studies have documented the increasing burden of non communicable diseases (NCDs) in developing countries, including Nigeria. The WHO and other bodies have emphasized the need for a “sound and explicit government policy” as fundamental for the prevention and control of NCDs. The formulation of such a policy, in turn, requires a certain level of awareness, understanding and concern among policy makers. This research assessed the perspectives of federal and state policy actors in Nigeria about NCDs, where preliminary research revealed some limited policy awareness of NCDs but no official policy document. Key policy actors were identified using the snowball sampling technique. The perspectives of participants were assessed using the Q‐methodology and interviews. Three dominant groups were identified. All groups believe that NCDs are a serious problem in Nigeria and that effective action, which has been slow till date, is possible within the system. However, there were differences in the emphasis of each of the groups. One group emphasized collective action, another focused on individual responsibility, and the third group stressed the effectiveness of local institutions. The study found that some type of policy attention on NCDs is likely in the immediate future, but it may not be the concerted multi‐sectoral efforts urged by global authorities.Research support: Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University; Mario Einaudi Center for International Studies, Cornell University; First Presbyterian Church in Ithaca International Hunger Student Grant
The Use of Mixed Methods Evaluation for Effective Program Scale up
Authors: Phillips Erica Lyn , Pelletier David , Gervais Suzanne , Stoltzfus Rebecca , Young Sera , Michaud Lesly 
Published: June 2021

Many international nutrition programs struggle with achieving effectiveness at scale. Requisites for program success at scale include sound program theory, the ability to be adapted by varied implementing organizations in diverse contexts and timely monitoring and evaluation.Our purpose was to identify and resolve bottlenecks for a large maternal and child health mobile clinic program in rural Haiti before national scale up. A participatory workshop based on the Program Assessment Guide was held with staff from all program levels to systematize contextual knowledge of the delivery systems for iron folic acid (IFA) supplements and related behavior change communication. Workshop participants produced an operations research agenda which was implemented in addition to a survey of program beneficiaries and an assessment of anemia prevalence.This research uncovered important constraints that need to be remedied before effective scale up, such as irregularities in the IFA supply chain, inconsistent implementation of clinics and gaps in the monitoring and evaluation system. The operations research clarified the reasons for these problems and the survey characterized clinic access and attendance and IFA behavior. Mixed methods and triangulation of results were critical for insight and staff participation was instrumental for the utilization of findings.Research support: USAID, NIH/NIDDK
Does High Blood Pressure Increase Perceived Healthiness of Foods with Sodium Claims on the Label?
Authors: Wong Christina L. , Mendoza Julio , L'Abbé Mary R. 
Published: June 2021

This study measured Canadian consumers’ perceived clarity of the wording and the healthiness perception of food products carrying different types of claims related to sodium and examined the effect of having high blood pressure (BP) on these perceptions. Online panellists (n=803) were randomly assigned to one of four identical mock canned soup labels carrying the same Nutrition Facts table, differing only by the claim on the label: 1) nutrient content (NC), 2) function claim, 3) disease risk reduction (DRR) claim, or 4) ‘tastes great’ claim acting as a control. Overall, panellists, regardless of BP, rated the NC claim as the most clear, while the function claim was found to be the least clear (p<0.001). DRR and taste claims were intermediate. Despite the NC claim being the most clear, participants perceived the product with the DRR claim as the healthiest, and all 3 sodium claims were perceived healthier than the taste claim (p<0.001). Those with high BP (n=226) consistently rated all products with sodium related claims healthier compared to those with normal BP (p=0.02); furthermore products with sodium claims, irrespectively of the type, were perceived as healthier than the one with the taste claim. This study demonstrates that, although clarity was rated similarly irrespective of BP, having high BP increases the perceived healthiness of products carrying claims mentioning sodium. Supported by: AFMNet; CIHR STIHRGrant Funding Source : AFMNet; CIHR Strategic Training Program in Public Health Policy (CW); University of Toronto McHenry Chair (ML)
Macrophages from patients affected by Lysinuric Protein Intolerance (LPI) exhibit an impaired phagocytosis
Authors: Rotoli Bianca Maria , Barilli Amelia , Visigalli Rossana , DallˈAsta Valeria 
Published: June 2021

Lysinuric Protein Intolerance (LPI) is a recessive aminoaciduria caused by defective cationic amino acid transport in epithelial cells of intestine and kidney. SLC7A7, the gene mutated in LPI, codifies for the y+LAT1 subunit of system y+L amino acid transporter. LPI patients frequently display severe complications, such as pulmonary disease, haematological abnormalities and disorders of the immune response, that can not be explained by the transport defect.Aim of the study is to investigate the consequences of SLC7A7 mutations on specific macrophage functions, so as to elucidate the role of macrophage dysfunction in the development of pulmonary and immunological complications of LPI.Peripheral blood monocytes were isolated from 3 LPI patients and 5 normal healthy donors and cultured for 7 days in the presence of GM‐CSF so as to obtain monocyte‐derived macrophages (MDM). System y+L activity appears markedly compromised in LPI monocytes and macrophages, as measured both as an influx or efflux route of 3H‐arginine. Moreover, LPI macrophages display a significant impairment of the phagocytic activity, detected by the internalization of fluorescent latex beads. These results demonstrate that SLC7A7/y+LAT1 mutations lead to a defective phenotype of macrophages, supporting the pathogenetic role of these cells in the development of LPI‐associated complications.
Relationship of neuronal NOS to HIF‐1alpha induction in acetaminophen toxicity in mice
Authors: Chaudhuri Shubhra , McCullough Sandra S , Brown Aliza T , Hinson Jack A , James Laura P 
Published: June 2021

The contribution of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) to oxidative stress in APAP toxicity was previously suggested by in vitro studies showing that treatment with the nNOS inhibitor 7‐nitroindazole reduced toxicity and protein nitration in hepatocytes exposed to APAP (Burke et al., 2010). In addition, nNOS KO mice were recently shown to be less sensitive to APAP in the early stages of toxicity (Agarwal, in press, 2011, JPET). We previously reported the induction of hypoxia inducible factor‐1 alpha (HIF‐1α) in APAP toxicity in mice. To examine the relationship of nNOS to HIF‐1α induction in APAP toxicity, male B6129SF2/J mice (WT) and 6129S4Nos1tm1Plh/J mice (nNOS KO) were treated with APAP (200 mg/kg IP) and sacrificed at 1, 4, 8, 12 and 24 h. Control mice received saline. Mean (± SE) values for ALT were 1113 (± 238) IU/L and 357 (±181) IU/L for WT and KO at 4 h (p≤0.05), suggesting early protection from toxicity. By 8 h, mean ALT in the KO mice was 2808 (± 672) IU/L compared to 803 (± 327) IU/L in WT mice (p≤0.05). ALT levels were comparable between the two groups of mice at 12 and 24 h. Reduced necrosis was present in the KO mice at 4 h, but greater levels of hemorrhage were observed at 4 and 8 h in the KO mice, compared to the WT mice. Hepatic glutathione and APAP protein adducts were comparable in the WT and KO mice at 1 and 4 h. HIF‐1α induction was absent in the nuclear extracts of KO mice at 1 and 4 h and reduced by 70% at 8, 12 and 24 h compared to WT mice (p≤0.05). Cumulatively the data suggest a role for nNOS in HIF‐1α induction in the early stages of APAP mediated hepatotoxicity.This work is supported by NIDDK grant (075936).
Pathogenesis of renal fibrosis: Role of Proteinase‐activated Receptor‐2
Authors: Chung Hyunjae , Muruve Daniel , Hollenberg Morley 
Published: June 2021

OBJECTIVESTo evaluate the role of proteinase‐activated receptor‐2 (PAR2) in renal fibrosis.METHODSWe used both cultured acutely isolated human‐derived proximal tubular cells (HPTCs) and an in‐vivo murine unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) model of renal fibrosis, with wild‐type and PAR2 null mice (Jackson Labs). HPTCs at passage 3 were activated with a PAR2‐activating peptide (PAR2‐AP) and trypsin without or with co‐stimulation by transforming growth factor‐ β (TGF‐ β) and the expression level of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) was measured by western blot analysis. Cells were activated with and without the signal pathway inhibitors for MAPKinase (PD98059) and Rho‐kinase (Y‐27632). Kidneys from wild‐type and PAR2‐null mice with or without (sham) UUO were obtained at 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after UUO. Renal tissue was fixed and evaluated histopathologically for morphology (H & E), collagen deposition (Masson's Trichrome) and biochemically (western blot) for α‐smooth muscle actin.RESULTS(1) PAR2‐AP activation of HPTCs alone significantly upregulated CTGF expression and did so synergistically to augment TGF‐β‐induced CTGF production. This synergy was reduced by MAPKinase but not Rho‐kinase inhibition. (2) PAR2 null UUO mice had less tubular injury and fibrosis and reduced alpha‐smooth muscle actin at day 7 but not at 28 days.SUMMARYOur results support a role for PAR2 in acute renal fibrosis.
Educational Uses of Molecular Visualization
Authors: Craig Paul A , Michel Lea V. , Bateman Robert C 
Published: June 2021

As biochemists, one of our most captivating teaching tools is the use of molecular visualization. It is a compelling medium that can be used to communicate structural information much more effectively in 3D than in 2D. While some of us have tried using true 3D visualization (with the help of stereo glasses), many of us have attempted to incorporate some aspect of molecular visualization in our classrooms, labs or online course materials. A survey and a series of interviews were conducted with the goal of compiling information on the educational uses of molecular visualization. We used a series of questions, but the two overarching issues wereHow does molecular visualization impact student learning?How can we assess this learning effectively?Results of the survey (n > 100) and the interviews (n ≥ 10) will be presented, as well as a perspective on developing an assessment rubric.