bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Claudin‐5 increases alveolar permeability in alcoholic lung syndrome by destabilizing claudin‐18/zonula occludens‐1 interactions (716.4)
Authors: Schlingmann Barbara , Ward Christina , Molina Samuel , Overgaard Christian , Guidot David , Koval Micheal 
Published: June 2021

We found that alcohol abuse increases the severity of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) by impairing alveolar epithelial cell (AEC) tight junctions. In a rat model of chronic alcohol ingestion, decreased AEC barrier function was accompanied by increased claudin‐5 (cldn‐5) and claudin‐18 (cldn‐18) expression. Immunofluorescence of model type I AECs cultured on Transwell permeable supports showed that paracellular leak in cells from alcohol fed rats was accompanied by disrupted tight junction morphology. We then used Stochastic Optical Reconstruction Microscopy (STORM) which increases the resolution of immunofluorescence to 20 nm. STORM revealed that alcohol caused a significant decrease in co‐localization between AEC cldn‐18 and ZO‐1 along with increased co‐localization between cldn‐18 and cldn‐5. Thus, cldn‐5 binding to cldn‐18 inhibits binding to ZO‐1 which destabilizes tight junctions. We found that shRNA targeting to decrease cldn‐5 expression improved AEC tight junction morphology and function. Conversely, transfecting cells to increase expression of YFP‐tagged cldn‐5 altered tight junction morphology and impaired barrier function. Thus, increased cldn‐5 was necessary and sufficient to inhibit cldn‐18 assembly and function. These data suggest that targeting cldn‐5 may provide a therapeutic strategy to improve barrier function in ARDS.Grant Funding Source: Emory URC, NIH‐NIAAA, NIH‐NHLBI, DAAD
Histologic and biochemical alterations predict mechanical dysfunction in aging and chronically inflamed mice (717.4)
Authors: Massa Christopher , Groves Angela , Laskin Debra , Gow Andrew 
Published: June 2021

Aging produces structural and biochemical alterations to the lung, which impact work of breathing. Mice deficient in surfactant protein D (SP‐D) develop progressive inflammation characterized by increased tissue destruction/remodeling, surfactant composition alterations and retention of foamy macrophages. We have previously reported such alterations in 8, 27 and 80 week old C57BL/6 and congenic SP‐D‐/‐ mice (Groves et al., 2012). In prior studies, alterations to pulmonary function have been inferred from changes in estimated parameters from simple models, however interpretation has been confounded by the simultaneous presence of conflicting pathophysiologic processes. In contrast to the inverse modeling approach, this study uses first‐principles simulation from experimental observations to recapitulate how aging and inflammation alter respiratory impedance (Zrs) at airway opening. An anatomic computational model was developed based on airway morphometry in the literature and Zrs simulated between 0.5 and 20 Hz. Upper airway dimensions were derived from microCT (Thiesse et al., 2010), while lower airways were based on casts (Gomes and Bates, 2002). Airway caliber and patency varied with end expiratory pressure and parenchymal tethering based on elastance changes. Tissue elements were simulated using the constant phase model of viscoelasticity. Baseline elastance was estimated in 8 wk WT mice, and varied for each experimental condition based on alteration in parenchymal composition, alveolar geometry and surfactant composition. Reduction in model error is weighed against increasing model complexity to determine essential features underlying mechanical pathology and their contribution to Zrs.Grant Funding Source: NIH HL086621, ES004738, ES007148
High‐throughput screening of natural products for NGF mimetic effects on neurite outgrowth in dopaminergic PC‐12 cells (727.5)
Authors: Georges Beatrice , Mazzio Elizabeth , Soliman Karam 
Published: June 2021

The capacity of the human brain to enable growth of neurons occurs through neural stem cell differentiation guided by trophic factors such as brain‐derived neurotrophic factor or nerve growth factor (NGF). Elevated levels of NGF are believed to play a protective role in preventing a diverse range of age related neurodegenerative conditions. Moreover, PC‐12 dopaminergic cells are a valuable model for evaluating neuroprotective / trophic agents relevant to Parkinson's disease. In this study, we screened 1145 compounds [29 flavonoids, 168 synthetic drugs, 948 herb, fruit and vegetable extracts] for NGF mimetic effects in PC‐12 cells in the absence of NGF. The data indicate that 2 natural products of the 1145 tested at sub‐lethal concentrations had capacity to initiate neurite outgrowth comparable to NGF, which acquired properties of sympathetic neurons. Differentiation was analyzed by fluorescent immunocytochemistry Alexa (488)‐conjugated phalloidin / propidium iodide nuclear counterstain and contrast microscopy in live cells. These data support very unique properties of few natural products to mimic the effects of NGF.Grant Funding Source: Supported by NIMHD G12 MD007582 and P20 MD006738
Bile acid sequestrants activate novel signaling pathways in the kidney and prevent obesity‐induced renal disease (767.10)
Authors: Luo Yuhuan , Wang Xiaoxin , Levi Moshe 
Published: June 2021

Bile acid sequestrants (BAS) are orally administered nonabsorbable polymers that decrease serum cholesterol and serum glucose in patients and animal models with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The effects of BAS on renal dysfunction in obesity and insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes mellitus have not been studied. Our goal was to evaluate the effect of BAS on metabolic and renal parameters in diet induced obesity. Our studies were performed in C57BL/6J male mice fed a control low fat (LF) diet (10 kcal% fat) or high fat (HF) diet (60 kcal% fat). The diets were supplemented with a) no addition or b) 2% sevelamer a BAS. Treatment with BAS prevented HF diet induced body weight gain, improved fasting blood glucose and glucose tolerance, and prevented the increases in serum cholesterol as well as insulin and leptin levels in HF mice. BAS prevented the increase in urine albumin excretion and decreased the PAS staining in the kidney of HF mice. Treatment with BAS decreased the renal lipid accumulation as shown by oil red O staining. HF diet induced upregulation of profibrotic genes (TGF‐β, CTGF, and PAI‐1) and proinflammatory genes (MCP‐1, TLR2, and TLR4) in the kidney which were decreased by treatment with BAS. In addition BAS induced downregulation of extracellular matrix protein fibronectin and macrophage marker CD68 expression in the kidney. The beneficial effects of BAS were also associated with decreases in renal gluconeogenic gene expression (PEPCK and G6Pase) and renal glucose transporter (SGLT2). Treatment with BAS also and most notably increased renal expression of Nrf1, SIRT1, PGC‐1a,SIRT3, ERRa, that mediate mitochondrial biogenesis, MCAD and LCAD, that mediate fatty acid oxidation, and Nrf2, HO‐1, and SOD, that mediate anti‐oxidative stress. In summary, our study showed a novel renoprotective role for bile acid sequestrant treatment in mice with diet induced obesity, insulin and leptin resistance.Grant Funding Source: NIH, VA, Genzyme, Daiichi Sankyo
p‐Aminosalicylic acid prevents the loss of immunofluorescence emissions of postsynaptic dopamine D2 receptors due to manganese treatment (796.1)
Authors: Chekayev Yelena , Loney‐Walsh Kurt , Carroll Margaret , Catapane Edward 
Published: June 2021

Manganese (Mn) a neurotoxin causing Manganism, a Parkinsons‐like disease, disrupts dopamine (DA) neurons. The neurotoxic mechanism is not fully resolved. It’s postulated more related to dysfunction of DA D2 receptors than degeneration of DA neurons. Crassostrea virginica gill lateral cells are innervated by DA nerves and have D2 post‐synaptic receptors. Mn blocks cilio‐inhibition of DA. PAS (p‐aminosalicylic acid) blocks the effects of Mn. It’s questioned if Mn decreases the number of DA D2 receptors in brain. We used 1̊ antibodies against D2 receptors and FITC‐linked 2̊ antibodies to quantify DA D2 receptors to test if Mn decreases the number of receptors in gill of C. virginica and if PAS prevents the decrease. We treated animals with 500 µM of Mn for up to 6 days. Sections were viewed on a fluorescence microscope, intensity was quantified with ImageJ software. Control gills had bright fluorescence corresponding to lateral and other gill cells. Intensity from animals treated up to 6 days with Mn showed a decrease up to 36% of controls. Animals co‐treated with Mn and PAS did not show reduced fluorescence. The study shows negative correlation between fluorescence intensity of DA D2 receptors in Mn treated animals vs controls and PAS negates effects of Mn. Whether intensity loss is due to decrease in D2 receptor number or altering of protein conformation and ligand binding site of D2 receptors needs to be further explored.Grant Funding Source: NIH‐ 2R25GM06003, NSF‐ 0622197, NYSED‐ 0516041071
Amphetamine exposure during development causes epigenetic trans‐generational changes in drug sensitivity in Caenorhabditis elegans (803.8)
Authors: McCowan Talus , Safratowich Bryan , Ohm Joyce , Carvelli Lucia 
Published: June 2021

It’s well known that psychostimulants like amphetamine (AMPH) increase the amount of dopamine in the synaptic cleft. In C. elegans, it has been shown that a dopamine increase in the synapses causes a unique behavior named swimming induced paralysis (SWIP). Previous studies demonstrated that SWIP is a valid tool to investigate the effect of addictive drugs. Here, we explored the response to AMPH in C. elegans adult animals following previous exposure to the drug during development, as well as the second generation to see if a change in response was passed to progeny. Our results show that adult animals (F0) exposed to AMPH during development had a higher AMPH‐induced SWIP with respect to control‐exposed animals. Further, we found an elevated SWIP response in the second generation (F1) of animals originated from maternal lines that were exposed to AMPH during development. Epigenetic mechanisms were investigated to explain the inherited change in response to AMPH. Histone3 Lys4 trimethylation (H3K4me3) and histone3 Lys27 (H3K27me3) are promoter‐specific histone modifications associated with active transcription and gene repression, respectively. To test if H3K4 or H3K27 methylation were a contributing factor in the increased SWIP response seen after AMPH exposure, we performed western blot assays against H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 in protein samples collected from F0 and F1 animals. Our data shows that AMPH exposure during development decreases H3K4me3 expression in the F1 generation, while no change is seen in H3K27. These results suggest that epigenetic mechanisms underlie the trans‐generational effects induced by AMPH. Other epigenetic markers are currently under investigation.Grant Funding Source: Supported by P20 GM104360‐1 NIH Grant
Knowledge of foodborne illnesses in people living with HIV in Miami (806.5)
Authors: Antoine Lovely , Campa Adriana , Martinez Sabrina , Luisi Sonya , Fleetwood Christina , Baum Marianna 
Published: June 2021

Background: Food‐borne illnesses are more severe and fatal in HIV‐infected persons. This study field‐tested a questionnaire on food safety knowledge in HIV+ adults.Methods: After consenting, 92 participants completed the questionnaire on food safety. The questionnaire included 12 mutually excluding knowledge questions. Passing score was >70% (or >9 correct questions out of a possible 12 points).Results: Mean age was 41.1±17.1 years and 59% were male; 80.4% had insufficient scores on the questionnaire; 20.7% had no knowledge of the foodborne illnesses listed; 15.2% were able to identify at least one foodborne illness from the list; 64 % were able to identify two or more foodborne illnesses; and only 3.3% percent were able to identify all listed food‐borne illnesses. The question with the highest percentage of correct answers was on “frequent hand‐washing,” (91% correct answers) the most incorrect answers were on recognizing appropriate “defrosting process,” (10% with correct answers).Conclusion: This study demonstrated the need to address the weak points revealed by the questionnaire and to develop educational programs that include Food Safety for this population at high risk of foodborne illnesses.Grant Funding Source: Ronald E. McNair Post Baccalaureate
Is it time for father‐focused childhood obesity prevention programs for low‐income families? A needs assessment and feasibility study (808.19)
Authors: Mobley Amy , Adamsons Kari , Vollmer Rachel , Rose Andrew , Smith Jaime 
Published: June 2021

Fathers (n=35) of children ages 3‐5 years old participated in focus groups (n=10) to determine 1) perceived key barriers and resources needed to improve nutrition and physical activity of their child, and 2) interest and feasibility of a father‐focused childhood obesity prevention program. Focus group questions were based on social cognitive theory. Each group was audio taped, transcribed verbatim and evaluated using thematic analysis. Participants were on average 36 ± 8 years old, 38% with high school or less education, 40% Hispanic, 38% black race, and 49% married. Key response themes indicated a need to improve: 1) self efficacy as it relates to cooking and increasing physical activity for their child, 2) behavioral capability in increasing their child’s vegetable and water consumption, and 3) problem solving as it relates to mealtime challenges and feeding practices. Fathers were generally interested in a program just for them. Based on focus group results, a father‐focused childhood obesity prevention program was piloted with father/child pairs (n=5) in a community setting over four interactive sessions. Topics focused on improving diet, cooking and, physical activity related self efficacy and skills. Qualitative program feedback was positive but future quantitative evaluation is needed to evaluate the impact on father/child health.Grant Funding Source: University of Connecticut
Effects of childhood obesity prevention programs on blood pressure and lipids: a systematic review and meta‐analysis (808.25)
Authors: Cai Li , Wu Yang , Wilson Renee , Cheskin Lawrence , Kim Miyong , Wang Youfa 
Published: June 2021

Aims: Assess effects of childhood obesity prevention programs on blood pressure (BP) and blood lipids in high‐income countries. Methods: We searched databases up to April 22, 2013 for intervention studies. Studies were included if they applied a diet and/or physical activity intervention(s) and were followed for 蠅1 y (or 蠅 6 months for school‐based interventions); excluded if targeted at only overweight/obese subjects or other patients. Results: We found 23 studies for BP and 17 for blood lipids, which overall showed desirable effects on BP and lipids. Pooled intervention effect was ‐1.64 mmHg (95% confidence interval (CI): ‐2.56, ‐0.71; P=0.001) for systolic BP, ‐1.44 mmHg (95% CI: ‐2.28, ‐0.60; P=0.001) for diastolic BP, ‐0.97 mg/dL (‐3.26, 1.32; P=0.408) for total cholesterol, ‐6.06 mg/dL (‐11.09, ‐1.02; P=0.018) for LDL‐C, 1.87 mg/dL (0.39, 3.34; P=0.013) for HDL‐C and ‐1.95 mg/dL (‐4.94, 1.04; P=0.202) for triglycerides. Thirteen interventions (46.4%) had a similar effect on both adiposity outcomes and BP; while 11 interventions (39.3%) showed a significant desirable effect on BP, but not on adiposity outcomes. Most of interventions (70%) had similar effects on adiposity outcomes and blood lipids. Conclusions: Obesity prevention programs have desirable effects on BP, LDL‐C and HDL‐C. Measuring BP and lipids is recommended to fully capture intervention program effects.Grant Funding Source: Supported by AHRQ (Contract No.HHSA‐290‐2007‐10061‐I)
Obesity and lack of nutrition knowledge in Mexico urban areas (810.28)
Authors: Cuevas‐Nasu Lucia , Shamah Levy Teresa , Gaona‐Pineda Elsa , Rodríguez‐Ramírez Sonia , Gómez‐Acosta Luz 
Published: June 2021

Objective: To estimate the overweight (OW) and obesity (OB) prevalence in Mexican urban areas population and its relationship with nutrition knowledge levels.Methods: The present is a cross‐sectional, probabilistic and multi stage study, representative at Mexican urban population level, data was obtained from “Food consumption in Mexican population” study. OW and OB prevalence was estimated using the Body Mass Index according to WHO cutoff points. Population was categorized as follow: familiar feeding responsible (mothers of 14 years or younger individuals), teenagers (15‐19 y) and adults (20‐79 y). Percentages of the population with correct, basic and unclear nutrition knowledge were estimated, the topics were the body functions of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, iron and calcium.Results: Prevalence of OW + OB was 3.8%, 42% and 69% for individuals younger than 5, from 5 to 19 and 20 to 79 years old respectively. More than 65% of the population mentioned to know the food groups. 33% of the familiar feeding responsible ignored the fats and protein functions. For overall groups the fiber functions remain unclear. Regarding the vitamins and its functions there was basic or unclear knowledge; however about the calcium more than 90% of the individuals have a correct knowledge about its functions. More than 40% of the teenagers reported to ignore the iron functions in the body.Conclusions: Results shows high OW and OB prevalence and deficient knowledge about nutrition topics. This could be a limiting factor for the population in order to identify healthy feeding options and therefore its consumption.Grant Funding Source: Supported by Nestlé México
Perception of weight status in children and adolescents: findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005‐2010 (811.3)
Authors: Sarafrazi Neda , Hughes Jeffery , Borrud Lori , Burt Vicki , Paulose Ryne 
Published: June 2021

Weight misperception in children and adolescents may lead to unhealthy or excessive weight control practices among overweight, underweight or normal weight individuals. Accurate self‐perception of weight status has been linked to appropriate weight control behaviors in youth.The objective of this study was to examine gender and racial/ethnic differences in prevalence of weight misperception among children and adolescents.We used data from 4355 children and adolescents aged 8‐15 years who participated in NHANES 2005‐2010. Accuracy of weight perception status was determined by comparing self‐reported weight status (overweight, about right and underweight) to actual weight status based on measured height and weight. The weight misperception prevalence was estimated and compared among age, gender and race/ethnic groups.Nearly, 29% of children and adolescents have misperception of their weight status. Weight misperception is more common among boys than girls and among children than adolescents. The prevalence of weight status misperception was lowest among non‐Hispanic white children and adolescents (26.5%) compared to non‐Hispanic black (33.4%) and Mexican‐American (33.3%) children and adolescents.Current estimates of weight perception status in children and adolescent may be useful in developing obesity prevention programs and in promoting healthy weight control behaviors.
Association between dietary intake status and purpose of exercise in Korean adults (811.4)
Authors: Shin Yoonjin , Ju Minjeong , Kim Yangha 
Published: June 2021

This study investigated the dietary behaviors and nutritional status according to purpose of exercise. A total of 214 subjects, 20 to 30 years of age, who visited fitness centers in Seoul were enrolled. Anthropometrics, exercise habits, nutritional knowledge, and eating behaviors were analyzed using a questionnaire. Nutritional status was assessed by the diet record method. The subjects were divided into two groups based on their purpose of exercise: increasing muscle (Muscle growth, n = 107) or losing body weight (Weight loss, n = 107). The Muscle growth group contained a higher percentage of men, whereas the Weight loss group contained a higher percentage of women. The Muscle growth group showed significantly higher scores of nutritional knowledge and eating behaviors compared to the Weight loss group. The Muscle growth group also had a significantly higher intake of energy and protein compared to the Weight loss group. In fact, the intake of energy in the Weight loss group was lower than the estimated energy requirement (EER) for both men and women subjects. The intake of protein in the Muscle growth group was twice as much as the recommended nutrient intake (RNI). In conclusion, those who exercised with the aim of increasing muscle took excess dietary protein and those who exercised with the aim of weight loss had a lower energy intake than the EER.Grant Funding Source: This work was supported by the Brain Korea 21 plus project funding (No. 22A20130012143)
Serum metabolic profile of the 7,12‐dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)‐induced mammary tumor in obese Zucker rat model (824.1)
Authors: Hakkak Reza , Korourian Soheila , Pavliv Oleksanda , Melnyk Stepan 
Published: June 2021

Obesity is epidemic and can effect the metabolic profile in animals and humans. Obesity is linked to breast cancer development. We reported that obesity significantly lower serum level of S‐adenosylmethionine (SAM) and lower methylation ratio compare to lean rats. We investigated the serum profile of tumor vs. non‐tumor rats for methylation cycle and oxidative stress metabolites using DMBA‐induced obese zucker rat. Twenty (20) six‐week‐old obese female Zucker rats were gavaged at age 50 days with 65 mg DMBA/kg body weight and were sacrificed 155 days later. Serum concentration of tumor and non‐tumor bearing rats were measured for oxidative stress and methylation cycle metabolites: SAM, S‐adenosylhomocysteine (SAH), Methionine, reduced glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG), Cysteine and Cystine by using HPLC and LC‐MS. We found a significant (P=0.004) decrease of GSH/GSSG ratio and significant (P=0.022) increase of Cystine/Cysteine ratio in tumor bearing rats. Despite a slight increase in concentration of free GSH and free Cysteine serum concentration also we found a significant higher (P=0.014) concentration of Methionine and SAM (P=0.038) in non‐tumor rats. Our results suggest that tumor bearing rats has higher level of oxidative stress which can affect methylation capacities of tumor bearing rats by decreasing concentration of amino acid Methionine and SAM concentration.Grant Funding Source: Arkansas Bioscience Inst