bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Myeloid Depletion of SOCS3 Enhances LPS‐Induced Acute Lung Injury through CCAAT/Enhancer Binding Protein delta Pathway
Authors: Gao Hongwei , Yan Chunguang , Wang Ximo 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveSOCS3 is an important negative regulator of IL‐6‐type cytokine signaling. SOCS3 is induced in lung during LPS‐induced lung injury. The objective of this study is to test the hypothesis that SOCS3 is a critical regulator of LPS‐induced ALI.MethodsWe created mice lacking SOCS3 expression in macrophages and neutrophils (LysM‐cre SOCS3fl/fl). We evaluated the lung inflammatory response to LPS in both LysM‐cre SOCS3fl/fl mice and the wild type mice (SOCS3fl/fl). We also determined the role of CCAAT/enhancer‐binding proteins (C/EBP)β and ‐δ in LPS‐induced ALI by using C/EBPβ and ‐δ mutant mice.ResultsLysM‐cre SOCS3fl/fl mice displayed significant increase of the lung permeability index (lung vascular leak of albumin), lung neutrophil accumulation (MPO activity), neutrophils and proinflammatory cytokines/chemokines in bronchial alveolar lavage (BAL) fluids compared to wild‐type mice. These phenotypes were consistent with morphological evaluation of lung, which showed enhanced inflammatory cell influx and intra‐alveolar hemorrhage. We further identify C/EBPδ, but not C/EBPβ, as a critical downstream mediator of SOCS3 in LPS‐induced ALI.ConclusionsResults indicate that SOCS3 has a protective role in LPS‐induced ALI by suppressing C/EBPδ activity in the lung. Elucidating the function of SOCS3 and C/EBPδ would represent prospective targets for a new generation of drugs needed to treat ALI.
Higher blood pressure in 5‐ to 7‐year‐old children born preterm as compared to children born at term
Authors: Landmann Eva , Huke Verena , Brugger Markus , Strauch Konstantin , Berthold Lars Daniel , Rudloff Silvia 
Published: June 2021

Premature birth which is associated with impaired pulmonary and renal function implies higher cardiovascular risk by developing elevated blood pressure early in life. In this study, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was determined from 236 children aged 5 to 7 years, i.e., 116 children born preterm (gestational age 29.8 ± 2.6 (30; 24–33) weeks [mean ± SD (median; range)]) and 120 children born at term using an automated oscillometric device. Being born small‐for‐gestational age (SGA) was defined as birth weight < 10th percentile. All analyses were performed with in‐ and exclusion of children born SGA. Length‐adapted SBP and DBP were significantly higher in preterms compared to children born at term (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.0003, respectively). Multiple regression analyses including further variables with potential influence on blood pressure confirmed the independent association between prematurity and SBP and DBP. Being born preterm was associated with an increase in SBP by 3.2 mmHg (p=0.0022) and in DBP by 2.1 mmHg (p=0.0077). This study indicates blood pressure to be significantly higher after preterm birth as early as at the age of 5 to 7 years. Identifying mechanisms underlying higher blood pressure in individuals born preterm is crucial for developing preventive strategies.[Supported by the German Research Foundation (DFG grant no. LA 2428/1–1)]
Severe thermal trauma alters adipose tissue mitochondrial function in children
Authors: Porter Craig , Chondronikola Maria , Herndon David N , Børsheim Elisabet , Sidossis Labros S 
Published: June 2021

Severe thermal trauma results in a hypermetabolic stress response. Whether altered mitochondrial function plays a role in this response remains unknown. Here, coupled and uncoupled mitochondrial O2 consumption rates (Mito‐VO2) were determined in subcutaneous adipose tissue (AT) samples obtained from healthy children and children with severe burns.Maximal Mito‐VO2 was determined in Digitonin permeabilized subcutaneous AT samples from healthy children (7.8±2.3 years old, n=5), and children with severe burns (12.1±2.4 years old, 42±28 days post‐burn, 55±17% total body surface area burned, n=9) (mean±SD), in the presence of excess substrates (octanoyl‐carnitine, pyruvate, malate, glutamate, and succinate) and ADP. State 4 respiration was determined following the addition of oligomycin.Mito‐VO2 was 2.5‐fold greater in AT samples from children with severe burns relative to healthy children (2.04±0.34 vs. 0.79±0.23 pmol/(mg*sec), P<0.05). In addition, AT state 4 respiration (when Mito‐VO2 is uncoupled from ATP production) was 5‐fold greater in severely burned children relative to healthy children (2.06±0.39 vs. 0.42±0.15 pmol/(mg*sec), P<0.05) (mean±SEM).These data are the first to show that severe burn injury alters subcutaneous AT mitochondrial function; where mitochondria have a greater capacity for uncoupled respiration in patients with severe burns. This suggests that altered AT mitochondrial function may play a role in the hypermetabolic response to burn injury.Supported by the National Institutes of Health grant P50‐GM60338 and Shriners Hospitals for Children grants 84090 and 84080.
Baby‐Friendly Hospital Practices and Birth Costs
Authors: Allen Jessica , Longenecker Holly B. , Perrine Cria G. , Scanlon Kelley S. 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveDescribe the association between the number of breastfeeding supportive practices a hospital has in place and the cost of an uncomplicated birth.MethodsData from hospitals in 20 states that participated in the 2007 Maternity Practices in Infant Nutrition and Care (mPINC) survey and Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project's (HCUP) State Inpatient Databases (SID) were merged to calculate the average median hospital cost of uncomplicated vaginal and C‐section births by number of ideal practices indicating the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding. Linear regression analyses were conducted to estimate change in birth cost for each additional ideal practice in place.ResultsUnadjusted analyses of uncomplicated births revealed a significant increase in the cost of C‐section births ($98) with each additional practice in place, but no significant increase in the cost of all births or vaginal births ($44 and $35, respectively). The adjusted model showed no significant difference in cost per additional practice among any of the birth groups (all births, $19; vaginal, $15; C‐section, $40).ConclusionsOur results revealed that the number of breastfeeding supportive practices a hospital has in place are not significantly associated with higher birth costs. Concern for higher birth costs is not necessarily a barrier for improving maternity care practices that support women who choose to breastfeed.
Neutrophil slow rolling and intravascular crawling is dependent on the guanine‐exchange factor P‐Rex1
Authors: Herter Jan Michael , Rossiant Jan , Block Helena , Stadtmann Anika , Welch Heidi , Zarbock Alexander 
Published: June 2021

Integrin activation is a hallmark for the function of leukocytes and concise trafficking. Here, we investigated the role of P‐Rex1, a Rac‐specific guanine nucleotide exchanging factor, in integrin activation and leukocyte recruitment. We used intravital microscopy of the M. cremaster and the kidney cortex supplemented by in vitro assays of P‐Rex1 knock‐out mice to determine the role of P‐Rex1 in the different steps of leukocyte recruitment and assessed Rac1 activation in a GTP pulldown approach. Finally we subjected P‐Rex1−/− mice to a model of ischemia‐reperfusion induced acute kidney failure to assess physiological consequences of our findings. We report that P‐Rex1 is required for inducing selectin‐mediated LFA‐1 extension, which corresponds to the intermediate affinity conformation and induces slow leukocyte rolling, whereas P‐Rex1 is not involved in the induction of the high‐affinity conformation of LFA‐1 obligatory for leukocyte arrest. Furthermore, we demonstrate that P‐Rex1 is involved in Mac‐1‐dependent intravascular crawling. Mice deficient in P‐Rex1 are protected from ischemia‐reperfusion induced kidney failure.This study was supported by grants from the German Research Foundation (AZ 428/3–1, AZ 428/6–1, SFB 1009/A5 to A.Z and HE‐6810/1–1 to J.H.).
Quercetin encapsulated nanocarriers: effects on breast cancer cell growth, apoptosis, and uptake in vitro and bioavailability in vivo
Authors: Sun Ming , Nie Shufang , Pan Xuan , Fan Zhaoyang , Wang Shu 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundQuercetin, a natural flavonoid, has a potential against many breast cancer cells, but its low solubility and bioavailability in the body make administering it in therapeutic dose unrealistic. We have successfully synthesized quercetin encapsulated nanocarriers (NanoQ). Our hypothesis is that NanoQ can enhance quercetin stability and solubility, increase quercetin bioavailability in vitro and in vivo, decrease the viability of breast cancer cells, and induce their apoptosis.MethodsThe stability, solubility and cellular uptake of quercetin in MCF7 and MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer cells were measured using a high performance liquid chromatography system. The viability and apoptosis of breast cancer cells were measured using a 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and Annexin‐V/propidium iodide assay, respectively. The pharmacokinetics of NanoQ was measured in SD rats.ResultsNanoQ were about 30 nm in diameter. Nanoencapsulation significantly increased the stability and solubility of quercetin, and increased quercetin cellular content 3.9 times and 9.3 times in MCF7 and MDA‐MB‐231 cells, respectively. NanoQ also significantly lowered the viability of both breast cancer cells and induced their apoptosis as compared to free quercetin at the same concentrations.ConclusionNanoQ is a promising approach for the prevention and treatment of breast cancer.Grant Funding Source: TTU research incentive funding
Effects of vitamin C and vitamin D on mood and distress in acutely hospitalized patients
Authors: Wang Yifan , Liu Xing Jian , Robitaille Line , Eintracht Shaun , MacNamara Elizabeth , Hoffer L John 
Published: June 2021

Hypovitaminosis C and D are highly prevalent in acute‐care hospitals, but their clinical implications have not been investigated. Because deficiencies of these vitamins can adversely affect mood, we conducted a double‐blind randomized clinical trial to determine the effect of vitamin C (500 mg twice daily) or D (5000 IU daily) supplementation on psychological status, as assessed using two different validated instruments. At baseline, 73% of patients had a subnormal plasma vitamin C concentration (< 28.4 μM) and 79% had a subnormal plasma 25OHD concentration (< 75 nM). Vitamin C provision for a mean of 8.2 days (n = 26) normalized plasma vitamin C concentrations (P < 0.0001) and resulted in a 71% reduction in Profile of Mood StatesR total mood disturbance score (from 24.0 ± 18.2 to 6.9 ± 14.4, mean ± SD; P = 0.0002) and a 51% reduction in psychological distress as measured using the Distress Thermometer (from 4.5 ± 2.9 to 2.2 ± 2.2; P = 0.0002). By contrast, high‐dose vitamin D provision for a mean of 8.1 days (n = 26) increased plasma 25OHD concentrations (P < 0.0001), but not into the normal range, and had statistically insignificant effects on mood (21.7 ± 17.3 to 14.6 ± 17.7; P = 0.067) and distress (3.7 ± 2.6 to 3.4 ± 2.8; P = 0.45).ConclusionHypovitaminosis C and D are highly prevalent in acutely hospitalized patients. Vitamin C supplementation improves mood and reduces distress in these patients. Supported by the Lotte and John Hecht Foundation and a Faculty of Medicine student research bursary.Grant Funding Source: Lotte and John Hecht Foundation
DUSP1 gene polymorphisms are associated with obesityrelated metabolic complications and gene methylation levels in severely obese patients
Authors: Guénard Frédéric , Bouchard Luigi , Tchernof André , Deshaies Yves , Hould Frédéric‐Simon , Lebel Stéfane , Marceau Picard , Vohl Marie‐Claude 
Published: June 2021

DUSP1 is a member of the dual‐specificity phosphatase family involved in the regulation of innate immune function and inflammation. In a previous study, DUSP1 gene was found to be underexpressed in visceral adipose tissue from severely obese men with the metabolic syndrome.ObjectiveTo verify the association between DUSP1 polymorphisms, gene expression and methylation levels and obesity‐related metabolic complications.MethodsAssociation of tagging SNPs (tSNPs) with obesity‐related complications was tested in a cohort of 1900 severely obese individuals. Impact of tSNPs on CpG site methylation and correlations between DNA methylation and gene expression were computed in a subset of 14 samples.ResultsFollowing adjustment for the effects of age, sex and BMI, heterozygotes for rs881150 had lower HDL‐cholesterol levels and homozygotes for rs13184134 and rs7702178 had increased fasting glucose levels. rs13184134 was associated with methylation levels of CpG sites located ~1800 bp upstream the transcription start site. Methylation levels for 3 CpG sites located in this region were inversely correlated with DUSP1 gene expression.ConclusionThese results suggest that polymorphisms in DUSP1 modulate plasma glucose and HDL‐cholesterol levels in obese patients potentially through alterations of gene methylation and expression. Funding: CIHR
Sugar‐sweetened Soda Intake and Obesity among Korean adults: the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) 2007–2009
Authors: Lee Hye‐Seung Heather , Lee Hae‐Jeung , Stampfer Meir J. , Willett Walter C. , Lee Yoonna , Kim Choil , Cho Eunyoung 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundWe examined the association of sugar‐sweetened soda intake with overall (BMI) and abdominal adiposity (waist circumference) in Korea.MethodsA national sample of 11,201 Koreans aged 19–64 was examined with cross‐sectional surveys (KNHANES) in 2007–2009. We conducted logistic regression analyses.ResultsWe documented 3,477 cases of overall obesity (BMI =25kg/m2, 31%) and 3,899 cases of abdominal obesity (34.8%). Multivariate prevalence ORs of soda intake (never, =1 time/mo, 2–3 times/mo, 1 time/wk, >;1 time/wk) with overall obesity were 1.00 (ref), 1.02(95% CI 0.92–1.14), 1.06 (95% CI 0.91–1.22), 1.12 (95% CI 0.97–1.29), and 1.41 (95% CI 1.22–1.62, p for trend <0.0001). Soda intake was also positively associated with abdominal obesity (multivariate‐adjusted ORs for the same categories of soda intake: 1.00 (ref), 1.05 (95% CI 0.94–1.16), 1.11 (95% CI 0.95–1.28), 1.30 (95% CI 1.12–1.50), and 1.46 (95% CI 1.27–1.69, p for trend <0.0001). The associations were stronger among women than men. In addition, the positive association between soda intake and abdominal obesity was limited to those under 50 years old.ConclusionsSoda intake was positively associated with both overall and abdominal adiposity in this population. Policy makers should recommend reducing the intake of sugar‐sweetened beverage such as soda for adults as well as children.
Household Food Insecurity and Obesity Risk in an Urban Slum in Brazil
Authors: Peterson Krysta , de Sousa Ribeiro Guilherme , dos Reis Mitermayer Galvão , Paploski Igor A.D. , Ko Albert , Salles‐Costa Rosana , Pérez‐Escamilla Rafael 
Published: June 2021

Chronic diseases are growing among the poor. Household food insecurity (HFI) may partly explain this trend as individuals experiencing it may cope by consuming low‐cost high‐calorie meals with little nutritive value. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of HFI and assess its relationships with obesity, health status and dietary intake among participants recruited in an urban slum in Salvador, Brazil. Risk for overweight and abdominal obesity was defined per WHO guidelines. HFI was evaluated using the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale (EBIA). A total of 147 heads‐of‐households, defined as those responsible for household food preparation (39.8 ± 10.3 years) were interviewed to assess HFI, self‐reported health and diet, and anthropometry. HFI affected 82.3% of the sample (95% CI: 76.1–88.6%), with 20.4% experiencing severe HFI. A total of 69.3% of the population was either overweight or obese, abdominal obesity affecting 66.4%. Abdominal obesity was significantly associated with severe HFI (p=0.012) and BMI ≥ 25 was marginally associated with moderate (p=0.094) and severe HFI (p=0.069). Moderate/severe HFI was associated with lower fruit intake (p=0.022). Findings suggest that moderate and severe HFI is a risk factor for being overweight/obese and for unhealthy dietary behaviors in this disadvantaged community.This project was funded by the Wilbur G. Downs Fellowship.
Quantitative measures of forearm skin color and self‐reported sun exposure scores predict serum 25(OH)D concentrations in a young multi‐ethnic population living in South Florida, US.
Authors: Ajabshir Sahar , Exebio Joel C , Zarini Gustavo G , Podesta Cinthia , Vaccaro Joan A , Huffman Fatma G 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the association between serum 25(OH)D level and quantitative measures of skin color along with a self‐reported sun exposure score.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study assessed the serum 25(OH)D level among 75 multi‐ethnic adult males (n=39) and females (n=36), aged 18–36 years living in South Florida. The skin color was quantified by a SMARTPROBE400 scanner and 25(OH)D was measured by ELISA method. A sun exposure questionnaire was used to determine the average annual sun exposure score. A linear regression model adjusted for age, gender, race, body mass index, alcohol consumption, tobacco use and years living in US was run.ResultsTotal sun exposure score and forearm skin color were predictors of serum 25(OH)D level (P=.004 and P=.004 respectively). This association held after controlling for covariates (B=.292, P=.027 for forearm and B=.385, P=.005 for total sun exposure score). The model explained 24.6% of the variation in 25(OH)D.ConclusionThe outcome of this study suggested skin color measures and sun exposure scores can be used as an indirect non‐invasive tool to estimate serum 25(OH)D level.
Novel sorghum brans containing bioactive compounds alter colon microbiota in response to a DSS‐induced chronic inflammatory state
Authors: Ritchie Lauren E , Sturino Joseph M , Azcarate‐Peril M Andrea , Turner Nancy D 
Published: June 2021

We have shown that sorghum brans influence colon injury during inflammation, and bacterial metabolites (e.g., butyrate), suggesting alterations to the microbiota. To determine if the microbiota was altered, rats (n=80) were fed diets containing 6% fiber from cellulose (C), or black (B, 3‐deoxyanthocyanins), sumac (S, condensed tannins), or high tannin black (HT, both) sorghum bran. Inflammation was induced in 40 rats with three exposures to 3% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS), and the microbiota was characterized post DSS by pyrosequencing. There was no difference in bacterial diversity post DSS#2, yet, there were lower Chao species richness in S and HT compared to C and B rats (p<0.05). Post DSS#3 there was an increase in diversity (13.6–25%) and Chao (39–62%) compared to post DSS#2. Post DSS#3, C and B DSS rats had a lower and S and HT DSS rats had a higher Chao compared to controls (p<0.05). Post DSS#3, the proportion in the Clostridiales order was reduced (56%–79%) relative to post DSS#2, and there were diet effects post DSS#2 and #3 for bacteria in the Bacteroidales (both p<0.0001) and Clostridiales orders (p<0.0001 and p=0.039). The data indicate the microbiota is affected by DSS and polyphenol‐rich sorghum brans, which influence species richness and diversity. Thus, these sorghum brans may protect against reduced microbial diversity and richness typically observed in chronic inflammation. Funded by USCP Roo31A‐09.Grant Funding Source: USCP Roo31A‐09
Ellagic acid inhibits hyperplastic conversion of human adiposederived stem cells through histone deacetylase‐dependent mechanisms
Authors: Kang Inhae , Kim Da Mi , Gourninei Vishinu , Zhao Bo , Shay Neil , Gu Liwei , Chung* Soonkyu 
Published: June 2021

We have previously reported that Muscadine grape polyphenols (MGP) reduced high fat diet‐mediated visceral obesity in vivo. However, underlying mechanisms by which MGP reverses visceral obesity is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the novel inhibitory roles of MGP on hypertrophic (increase in size) or hyperplastic (new fat cell formation) obesity. Consistent with reduced fat mass, epididymal adipocyte size was significantly smaller in MGP group compared to the HF‐control, suggesting that MGP reduces hypertrophic obesity. We also investigated the effects of MGP on adipogenesis using human adipose‐derived stem cells (hASCs). After fractionating MGP into anthocyanin and non‐anthocyanin fractions, only the non‐anthocyanin fraction inhibited adipogenic conversion of hASCs in a dose‐dependent manner. Among the non‐anthocyanidin polyphenols, ellagic acid has been identified as the responsible polyphenol that exclusively represses the adipogenesis. Ellagic acid repressed adipogenesis by blocking the obligatory reduction of histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity for adipogenic gene transcription. Both TSA‐sensitive and ‐ insensitive HDAC activities were modified by ellagic acid with selective increases of HADAC 1, 2 and 4, but not HADC3. Collectively, these data suggest that ellagic acid attenuates hyperplastic conversion of hASCs via HDAC activity mediated‐epigenetic modification.Grant Funding Source: Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Service, Viticulture Research Program
Science and Me: An interactive program between science student and adult communities
Authors: Alexander Hannah 
Published: June 2021

We present a course called “Science Outreach: Public Understanding of Science,” which trains student to communicate science in lay language. Students from a wide range of disciplines generate a series of presentations – the “Science and Me” series – in which each student prepares a 40‐minute, lay‐language presentation about an everyday topic, depicting the role that basic scientific research plays in that issue.Students refine their talks by presenting them to their classmates and receiving extensive in‐class critiques. They then take their presentations to adult audiences in the community, in independent living facilities, the public library, or the Alumni Center. Colorful tri‐fold brochures, depicting the main points of the talks, are given to the audience at the end of each talk, and have proven to be a very popular aspect of the program.We have adapted this course for graduate students, for upper level undergraduates, or high school students. Our experience shows that there is an adult audience that appreciates the interaction with “young scientists,” learning about science in lay‐language, and being provoked to think about how much basic science has affected their lives. For the students, this has been a unique opportunity to learn to communicate science in simple language, to gauge first hand the public's perception of science, and to make a direct, positive impact on the lives of adult residents in our community.