bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Activated STAT5A interacts with the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex in adipocytes
Authors: Stephens Jacqueline , Richard Allison 
Published: June 2021

STAT5 (5A and 5B) mediates signaling by diverse cytokines and growth factors and plays crucial roles in many cellular processes. It is highly expressed in adipocytes, and numerous studies have demonstrated its adipogenic capabilities. Despite recent studies identifying target genes of STAT5 proteins in fat cells, the specificity of action of STAT5 is not well understood. To test the hypothesis that identifying novel STAT5‐interacting proteins would increase our understanding of STAT5 specificity, we affinity purified STAT5A from fat cells under different conditions and used mass spectrometry to discover interacting proteins. One of the proteins identified by this non‐biased approach was PDC‐E2, the E2 subunit of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC) that is responsible for the conversion of pyruvate to acetyl‐CoA within the mitochondrial matrix. We validated this interaction in murine and human cultured fat cells and in adipose tissue in vivo. Multiple subunits of PDC interacted with hormone‐activated STAT5A in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner that coincided with STAT5 tyrosine phosphorylation. Using subcellular fractionation and immunogold electron microscopy, we also observed that STAT5A localized within adipocyte mitochondria. We propose that mitochondrial STAT5A acts as a transcriptional regulator of mitochondrial gene expression. Moreover, it was recently demonstrated that PDC translocates from mitochondria to the nucleus, where it is enzymatically active and capable of generating acetyl‐CoA, which can serve as a substrate for histone acetylation. Currently, we are investigating the role of the nuclear STAT5‐PDC complex in chromatin remodeling and transcriptional regulation within adipocytes. This work was supported by grant R01DK52968 from NIH to JMS.
Regulation of cAMP‐dependent Protein Kinase A by Src Family Tyrosine Kinases
Authors: Deming Paula , Ballif Bryan , Mann Jacqueline , Weir Marion 
Published: June 2021

cAMP‐dependent protein kinase A (PKA) regulates cellular processes including proliferation, survival, differentiation and migration in response to a variety of extracellular cues. Here we report that the catalytic subunit of PKA (PKA‐C) is regulated by Fyn, a member of the Src family of tyrosine kinases (SFKs). PKA‐C was found to be tyrosine‐phosphorylated in cells overexpressing active Fyn. Furthermore, in vitro kinase assays revealed that PKA‐C is indeed a direct substrate of Fyn. Mass spectrometry studies identified tyrosine 69 as the major, if not only, site phosphorylated by Fyn. Mutation of tyrosine 69 to phenylalanine blocked Fyn‐mediated phosphorylation of PKA‐C in cells. Importantly, Fyn‐mediated phosphorylation of PKA‐C altered PKA kinase activity. Kinetic analysis with purified proteins revealed that PKA‐C subunits phosphorylated by Fyn displayed enhanced catalytic efficiency as compared to unphosphorylated control PKA‐C subunits. In cells, overexpression of active Fyn but not kinase‐dead Fyn increased the phosphorylation of endogenous PKA substrates as monitored by western blot using a phospho‐ PKA substrate antibody. Finally, PKA kinase activity was markedly enhanced in cellular extracts prepared from active Fyn‐expressing cells as compared to those prepared from cells overexpressing a kinase‐dead allele of Fyn. Taken together, these results reveal a novel mechanism whereby Fyn can contribute to the regulation of PKA activity through direct phosphorylation of PKA‐C subunits.This project was supported by a Scientist Development Grant from the American Heart Association to P.B.D.
Determining the Genotype‐Phenotype Relationship of atg18 Mutants
Authors: Fischer Matthew , Selva Erica 
Published: June 2021

8J16 and 9E6 are two independent allelic point mutations in Drosophila melanogaster autophagy‐specific gene 18a (atg18a) located in introns three and four, respectively, of its 5 exon locus at 66B11. The atg188J16 and atg189E6 intronic mutations are not in sequences expected to disrupt transcript processing, yet these mutations cause pupal lethality and neurodegenerative phenotypes by an unknown molecular mechanism. The purpose of this research is to examine the genotype‐phenotype relationship of atg188J16and atg189E6on neuronal maturation using the Drosophila eye as a model. RT‐PCR analysis revealed no detectable effects on atg18 mRNA splicing in either mutant background. In adults, atg188J16 and atg189E6 homozygous mutant eyes are small and display a rough eye phenotype. To understand the basis of this phenotype, homozygous mutant larval imaginal eye discs were examined. ELAV, a pan neuronal marker, showed that photoreceptors differentiate normally, but those that differentiate early are being lost by apoptosis as determined by the increased cleaved caspase 3. These mutations also caused significant death at the morphogenetic furrow, which may result in a smaller pool of photoreceptor progenitors. Hence, autophagy may have roles in both photoreceptor differentiation and maintenance and its absence leads to apoptotic death. Senseless and Prospero expression showed that photoreceptors R8 and R7, respectively, are more refractory to apoptosis as these photoreceptors predominate near the optic stalk. This suggests autophagy is more important for the maintenance of photoreceptors R1, R2, R3 R4, R5 and R6 than R7 and R8.Acknowledgements given to the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and University of Delaware Undergraduate Research Program for financial support.
Differential Role of Nonmuscle Myosin II Isoforms in Bleb Formation in MCF‐7 Cells
Authors: Dey Sumit , Saha Shekhar , Jana Siddhartha 
Published: June 2021

Previous reports suggest that cortical tension plays an important role in bleb formation. Bleb formation has been correlated with Nonmuscle myosin II (NM‐II) activity as inhibition of NM‐II activity leads to decrease in cortical tension and thereby inhibits bleb formation. Whether, three isoforms of NM‐II (NM‐IIA, ‐IIB, and ‐IIC) have same or differential role in bleb formation is not well understood. Here, we report that ectopically expressed GFP‐tagged NM‐II isoforms exhibit different types of membrane protrusions such as multiple blebs, lamellipodia, and combination of both or without having any protrusions in a human breast tumor cell line MCF‐7 as revealed by time lapse video microscopy. Quantification suggests that 49% of GFP‐NM‐IIA, 26% of GFP‐NM‐IIB and 19% of GFP‐NM‐IIC1 expressing MCF‐7 cells show multiple bleb formation. Interestingly, expression of phospho‐dead mutant of regulatory light chain (RLC), but not the phospho‐mimic or wild‐type, could reduce the multiple bleb formation to 8% in MCF‐7 cells. When we induce the bleb formation by disruption of cortex using 405 nm laser light, we find that all the three GFP‐tagged NM‐II isoforms can re‐appear and form filaments at different degree into the growing bleb. GFP‐NM‐IIB can form filament into the blebs in 48 % of GFP‐NM‐IIB expressing cells compared with GFP‐NM‐IIA and ‐IIC1 which form filament only in 10 % and 3 % of GFP‐NM‐IIA and GFP‐NM‐IIC1 expressing cells, respectively. These studies suggest that myosin IIs have differential role in bleb dynamics.Source of research support:Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, India
Amino Acids in Tanzanian Children with Sickle Cell Disease: Baseline results of the Vascular Function Intervention Trial (V‐FIT)
Authors: Marealle Alphonce , Makani Julie , Kirkham Fenella , Prentice Andrew , Cox Sharon 
Published: June 2021

Poor nutritional status is common in SCD but there are no strategies to improve nutrition. Vascular function is also impaired and may underlie SCD related complications. V‐FIT (NCT01718054) is a double blind, random order, cross over trial of a daily ready‐to‐use supplementary food (RUSF) (500 kcal, 1 RDA vits & minerals, 1mg folate, Nutriset) and the same RUSF fortified with arginine & citrulline (RUSFv, 0.2g/kg/d & 0.1g/kg/d), designed to improve growth and vascular function. Here we report baseline amino acid profiles, nutritional status and their association in children enrolled in V‐FIT.
imageMethodsChildren (N=119) with SCD aged 8‐11.9 y (Fig 1) were enrolled. Blood samples were collected, height, weight and whole body fat free mass (WBFFM) measured by impedance (Tanita BC418). Blood samples were processed within 2h and amino acids measured (Biochrom 30).ResultsStunting (height for age Z score [HAZ] <‐2) and wasting (BMI for age Z score [BMIZ] <‐2) were common: 53% & 37%. Mean HAZ = ‐2.09 (SD=1.01) & BMIZ = ‐1.71 (SD=0.88). Amino acid concentrations (μmol/L) are shown in Table 1. Mean (+/‐ SD) Z‐scores compared to reference values are shown in Fig 2. Associations between amino acids and degree of stunting, wasting & WBFFM by linear regression adjusted for age & sex are shown in Table 2.

Amino acid
Mean
95% CI

tau
64.0
60.5 ‐ 67.5

thr
111.7
105.8 ‐ 117.6

ser
117.9
113.5 ‐ 122.3

glu
31.0
29.4 ‐ 32.6

gln
590.3
574.9 ‐ 605.7

pro
182.9
172.7 – 193.0

gly
269.4
258.7 ‐ 280.1

ala
281.0
265.5 ‐ 296.4

citr
28.7
23.4 ‐ 33.9

val
146.3
140.6 ‐ 152.1

cys
44.0
41.1 – 47.0

met
26.0
24.9 ‐ 27.0

ile
44.8
42.3 ‐ 47.1

leu
87.3
83.6 ‐ 90.9

tyr
67.8
65.1 ‐ 70.4

phe
51.3
49.4 ‐ 53.1

orn
75.6
65.8 ‐ 85.5

lys
112.3
105.9 ‐ 118.7

his
41.1
39.6 ‐ 42.5

arg
85.4
72.4 ‐ 98.5

adma
0.84
0.78 ‐ 0.89

image

Amino Acid
Stunting
Wasting
WBFFM

thr
r=0.012 P&lt;0.001
‐
r=0.030 P&lt;0.001

ser
r=0.012 P=0.001
‐
r=0.027 P=0.001

gly
r=0.002 P=0.085
r=0.003 P=0.025
r=0.009 P=0.006

ala
r=0.002 P=0.025
‐
r=0.004 P=0.043

cit

r=0.066 P=0.062

cys
‐
r=0.012 P=0.05
r=0.039 P=0.020

met
r=0.028 P=0.007
‐
r=0.073 P=0.003

ile
r=0.018 P=0.005
‐
r=0.054 P&lt;0.001

leu
r=0.008 P=0.065
‐
r=0.025 P=0.013

orn
r=0.010 P=0.068
‐
r=0.024 P=0.068

lys
r=0.011 P&lt;0.001
‐
r=0.025 P&lt;0.001

his
r=0.028 P=0.002
‐
r=0.068 P=0.001

arg
r=0.012 P=0.028
‐
r=0.035 P=0.009

ConclusionsChildren with SCD display amino acid profiles significantly different from reference data. Concentrations of several amino acids are positively associated with improved nutritional status.
Risk factors associated with low 25(OH)D concentrations in Kekchi‐Mayan and Garifuna adolescents from Guatemala
Authors: Bermudez Odilia , Naqvi Ali , Campos Raquel , Soto Maria , Romero Maria , Armas Laura , Solomons Noel 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveTo assess vitamin D status and the influence of risk factors for low levels of this vitamin among Kekchi‐Mayan and Garifuna adolescents from Guatemala.Methods: We recruited 86 adolescents, boys and girls, 43 from each ethnic group, in 2 communities from theprovince of Izabal: Kekchis from Rio Dulce, and Garifunas, of African descent, from Livingston. We obtained data on demographics plus sun protection and exposure practices. Blood samples were collected to assess 25(OH)D concentrations as nanograms per milliliter (ng/ml). Descriptive statistics were generated and regression models were tested to explain differences between groups.Results: Mean 25(OH)D levels were 26 and 30 ng/ml (p=0.01), for Kekchis and Garifunas, respectively. 21% of Kekchis vs. 5% of Garifunas were identified as vitamin D deficient. About 51% of both ethic groups had insufficient vitamin D, while those with normal values included 28% of Kekchis and 43% of Garifunas. We found that age, being Garifuna, being male, and >2 hrs spent outside were strong predictors of Vitamin D concentrations. However, with multivariate analysis only time >2 hrs spent outside and being male were predictive of Vitamin D concentrations.ConclusionsDespite residing in an optimal geographic location to receive adequate sunlight exposure, nearly 65% of adolescents from Kekchi and Garifuna ethnicities were either Vitamin D insufficient or deficient. This finding of low vitamin D levels in adolescents is relevant as low 25(OH)D during adolescent years has been implicated in a number of health conditions during adulthood.
Serum cytokine levels in healthy Mongolian school‐age children randomized to either vitamin D or placebo.
Authors: Davaasambuu Ganmaa , Enkhbold Yaruuna , Boldbaatar Ninjin , Furtado Jeremy 
Published: June 2021

Objectiveto examine the effects of daily supplements of vitamin D on specific cytokine levels that play a role in the host inflammatory responseMethods: Double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled feasibility pilot study among120 healthy Mongolian children in Ulaanbaatar to assigned either to 800IU of vitamin D daily or identical‐looking placebo. The follow‐up was 6 months. We measured levels of 21 different cytokines (IL‐1b, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12p70, 13, 17a, 21, 23, GM‐CSF, IFN‐γ, TNF‐α, ITAC, Fractalkine, MIP1a, MIP1b, MIP3a) in the subsamples of serum of participants at baseline and the follow‐up visit.Results: The baseline 25(OH)D level was 7±4 ng/mL. The cytokine levels were not different between placebo group and vitamin D group at baseline. After 6 month of follow up the cytokine levels were not statistically significant except the levels of Granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) between vitamin D and Placebo group post‐treatment (p=0.03).ConclusionsOur preliminary data show that vitamin D repletion does not change background T cell parameters in Mongolian school age children although this conclusion is limited by its small sample size and perhaps kit sensitivity issue in measuring cytokine levels in children.
Evaluation of Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Major Camel Muscles
Authors: Al‐Owaimer Abdullah 
Published: June 2021

An experiment was performed to assess physical and chemical properties of ten major muscles of Arabian one‐humped camel. Eight young (8‐10 months) Saudi Najdi camels were used for this purpose. The animals were raised under similar feeding regimen and husbandry practices for 60 days. After that, they were slaughtered, dressed and kept for 24 hrs at 4º C. Then, each carcass was split into two halves and twelve major muscles were removed from the right side of the carcass. These are Semitendinosus, Rectus femoris, Biceps femoris, Infraspinatus, Gluteus medius, Semimembranosus, Supraspinatus, Psoas major, Longissimus lumborum and Longissimus thoracis. The separated muscles were cut into steaks of 2.5 cm, packaged under vacuum and stored at – 10º C for later analysis. These included pH, color, cooking loss (CL), shear force (SF), and myofibril fragmentation index (MFI). The results showed that Psoas major and Supraspinatus had the lowest SF values (P< 0.05), while Semitendonosus had the highest value. Gluteus medius and Longissimus thoracis obtained the highest MFI values (P< 0.05), contrary, Rectus femoris had the lowest value. It is observed that Semitendonosus and Longissimus thoracis had the highest lightness value (L*), whereas Infraspinatus had the lowest. On the other hand, Semitendonosus and Supraspinatus had the highest numerical redness value (a*), while Rectus femoris had the lowest value. The results obtained out of this study shed light on the variation in some chemical and physical properties of camel muscles which in turn lay a basis for further investigations to improve quality characteristics of camel meat.Physical and chemical characteristics of ten major camel muscles

Muscle
SF (kg)
MFI
CL%
pH
L*
a*
b*

Semitendinosus
5.4a
34.52bcd
42.61a
5.23cd
37.48a
16.67ab
5.45a

Rectus femoris
5.06ab
26.14d
34.53bc
5.42a
35.03bcd
4.32cd
4.32cd

Gluteun medius
4.88ab
56.40ac
40.45ab
4.26ac
32.96ef
15.90abc
5.03bc

Biceps femoris
4.81ab
41.50abcd
36.03abc
5.19c
33.11def
14.39cd
4.88bcd

Longissimus lumborum
4.77ab
36.72bcd
36.49abc
5.26bc
35.78ab
14.48cd
4.66bed

Longissimus thoracis
4.67abc
51.10ab
41.26ab
5.22cd
36.23ab
14.15cd
4.48cd

Infraspinatus
4.3c
44.62abcd
39.72abc
5.45ab
32.16f
15.41bd
4.55cd

Semimembranosus
3.81cd
37.5abcd
33.69bc
5.35ab
34.41bcde
14.16cd
5.32b

Supraspinatus
3.56d
46.52abc
38.81abc
5.43a
33.33cdef
17.52a
5.03bc

Psoas major
3.41d
48.77abc
37.13abc
5.22cd
35.19bd
15.58bc
4.96bed

abcdef Means in the same column followed by different subscripts are significantly different at P < 0.05
Effect of Gynura procumbens Water Extract on Enzymes Activities Related with Glucose Metabolism in HepG2 Cell
Authors: kim Dae Jung , Kang Yun Hwan , Kim Tae Woo , Kim Kyoung Kon , Choe Myeon 
Published: June 2021

Gynura procumbens, fast growing herbaceous plant, is widely found in Africa and South‐ East Asia, especially Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand, and extensively used in folk medicines as remedy for eruptive fevers, rash, kidney diseases, and hypertension. The present study was designed to investigate the antidiabetic effect of Gynura procumbens water extract (GWE) by regulation of activities of hepatic glucose‐regulating enzymes, such as glucokinase (GK), pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH), ATP‐citrate lyase (ACL) and glycogen synthase kinase‐3beta (GSK‐3β). GK and PDH activity in HepG2 cells were determined by enzyme activity assay kit. Protein expression of ACL and pGSK‐3β in HepG2 cells were detected by western blotting. Because of α‐glucosidase enzymes metabolize non‐absorbable oligosaccharides into absorbable monosaccharides, α‐glucosidase inhibitor is usually used to prevent and treat type II diabetes; thus, evaluated for inhibitory effects of GWE against α‐glucosidase.GK (3.0 fold), PDH (1.4 fold) activities were significantly (p<0.05) increased compared with the control. pACL (3.4 fold) and pGSK‐3β (1.5 fold) protein expression were significantly higher than control. Compared to the anti‐diabetic drug acarbose, which was used as a positive control, GWE exhibited high α‐glucosidase inhibition activity (32.2% in 3mg/ml). Take together, our suggest that GWE exerted antihyperglycemic potency, is thought to be mediated through activation of GK, PDH and induction of protein expression of pACL, pGSK‐3β related to glucose metabolism directly or indirectly.
Factors Associated with Meeting Public Health Recommendations for Beverage Intake in Young Children
Authors: Mesa Tatiana , Wright Julie , Lindsay Ana 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveTo examine factors associated with meeting public health recommendations for the consumption of various beverages: no sugary drinks (SSB), 4‐6 ounces/day 100% fruit juice (FJ), and 2.5 cups/day of milk.Methods:A survey study of 203 parents or legal guardians who identified as a primary care giver of a child between the ages 4‐10 years of age. Questions included the amount of beverages consumed on a typical day. Backward stepwise logistic regression (WALD) was used to examine factors associated with meeting the recommendations. Factors entered were race (non‐hispanic white v. non‐hispanic black), household income (蠄40K v. >40K), marital status (not married v. married), and child age (4‐5 v. 6‐10 yrs).Results:Of the 203 parents, 52% Black, 88% female, 51% 蠄 40K, 43% married, mean age 38.6 (8.1) yrs, and mean child age 7 (2.1) yrs. For FJ, 49% met the recommendation. Whites were 2.4 times more likely to report meeting the recommendation than blacks (95% CI = 1.2 ‐ 4.7, p=.01) and high income was 2.6 times more likely than low income (95% CI =1.3 ‐ 5.2, p = .006). For SSB, 27% met the recommendation, but only marital status was a significant covariate (OR, 2.43, 95% CI = 1.2 ‐ 5.0, p= .02). For milk, 89% met the recommendation, but only child age was a significant covariate (OR, 2.57, 95% CI = 1.0 ‐ 6.4, p= .04).ConclusionThe results highlight a disparity in meeting recommendations for limiting 100% FJ with race and income being significant factors. The results for SSB suggest that single parents struggle more with limiting sugary drinks. Further analyses should examine factors within these disparity groups to understand how to develop interventions that help promote a healthful intake of beverages.
Young Children's Physical Activities (PA) in the US Affiliated Pacific (USAP): The Children's Healthy Living (CHL) Program
Authors: Ettienne Reynolette , Boushey Carol , Yonemori Kim , Nigg Claudio , Leon Guerrero Rachael , Bersamin Andrea , Castro Rose , Martin Ursula , Novotny Rachel 
Published: June 2021

Little is known about the activities of children in the USAP. Our objectives were to examine the top 10 activities most frequently reported by the CHL jurisdictions (Hawaii (HI), Alaska (AK), American Samoa (AS), Guam, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI)) and compare jurisdictional differences. Children (2‐8 y) were recruited from selected communities within the jurisdictions. Parents/caregivers completed PA logs for their children to include a description of each activity for two 24‐hour periods. This report represents 1,746 children. Upon removing the “default for additional minutes”, eating was most frequently reported, followed by sleeping, watching TV and riding in a car. The average time spent in PA was 39 minutes. Jurisdictional differences in the PA reported frequently occurred. In CNMI, light running/jogging was one of the top PA reported. For Alaska, child dressing and undressing and getting ready for bed were within the top 10, while AS included child taking notes/class discussion. In this sample, sedentary and light PA behaviors were predominant. Moderate and vigorous PA were reported less frequently. There exists opportunities to promote active lifestyles across the USAP. Supported by: USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Coordinated Agricultural Program Grant no 2011‐68001‐30335
Effects of Acai berry supplementation on exercise adaptation of mice
Authors: Minagawa Hidehiro , Matsunaga Yutaka , Takei Naoya , Hatta Hideo 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundDietary antioxidant supplementation is now a matter of debate in sports science. Traditionally, vitamin supplementation has been widely used by athletes, for the purpose of recovering from fatigue or enhancing performance. However, recent research shows conflicting data about the effectiveness of antioxidant supplementation, and some research even indicates antioxidant supplementation inhibits adaptation response to endurance training. The antioxidant used in these studies, however, is only limited to antioxidant vitamins or single type of antioxidant. Since a body of data indicate antioxidants work synergistically, we used whole food Acai berry as antioxidant supplementation.【Method】We divided 32 male ICR mice (7wk old) into four groups, Acai‐fed group (Ac), trained group (Tr), Acai‐fed and trained group (AcTr), and control group (Cn, n = 8 for each group). Ac group and AcTr group were fed normal chow (MF, Oriental Kobo) mixed with freeze‐dried Acai powder (10% in weight, Amazonia) for 6 weeks. Tr group and AcTr group were trained on a treadmill for 60 min/day, 5 days/wk (20 m/min). After 6 weeks of the intervention, mice were sacrificed and citrate synthase activities of the skeletal muscle were measured.【Result and Discussion】There are no differences in exercise performance between Tr and AcTr groups. The citrate synthase activities are higher among trained group (compared with non‐trained groups, p < 0.01), but not in Acai‐fed group (compared with normal chow groups). Therefore, our current data don't support the idea that whole food antioxidant‐rich Acai berry supplementation is beneficial for athletes.