bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
“En Balance” Program Successfully Improves Blood Glucose Control and Body Composition in Hispanics with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Salto Lorena Mariori , Beeson Lawrence , Firek Anthony , Shulz Eloy , DeLeon Marino , Cordero‐MacIntyre Zaida 
Published: June 2021

O: Assess the impact of a culturally‐appropriate diabetes education program for Hispanics with diabetes.M: Subjects participated in a 3‐month study. Blood glucose, cholesterol levels, anthropometric and DXA values were obtained at baseline and 3‐months. Paired t‐tests were used to compare baseline and 3‐month means. Group 1 (n=34) finished the study 2 years before Group 2 (n=26).R: Group 1 (n=34) had a baseline mean age of 52yrs ±9.56, mean wt of 81.25kg ±17.91, and mean BMI of 32.18kg/m2 ±7.02. In both genders, %HbA1c (7.87 ± 0.2 vs. 7.08 ± 1.6, p≤0.001), fasting blood glucose mg/dL (166 ± 65.9 vs. 143.21 ± 57.8, p=0.003), leptin μg/mL (19.55 ± 14.9 vs. 16.34 ± 12.6, p=0.002), body wt(kg) (81.22 ± 17.90 vs. 80.31 ± 17.95, p=0.015), & total body fat(kg) (30.41 ± 10.68 vs. 29.50 ± 10.52, p≤0.001) decreased. Group 2 (n=26) had a baseline mean age of 54yrs ± 12.7, mean wt of 81.9kg ± 16.3, and mean BMI of 31.3kg/m2 ± 6.5. In both genders, %HbA1c (8.5% ±2.3 vs. 7.6% ±1.6 p=.007) & hip circumference (cm) decreased (107.2 ±14 vs. 105.8 ±13 p=.044). C: The En Balance Diabetes Education Program improved blood glucose control and body composition in Hispanics with Type 2 diabetes.
Endorsing healthier nutritional choices on a college campus: Perceptions of and by student athlete endorsers
Authors: Ressler William Harris , Williams Wenmouth , Lindberg Michael , McCabe Rebecca 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundPast research has examined target audience reactions to celebrity endorsement, but has rarely studied reactions of the endorsers themselves.MethodCollege athletes designed and appeared in point‐of‐purchase advertising at campus vending machines. Interviews with the athlete endorsers, before and after the campaign, explore their reasons for and reactions to participating in the promotion. Surveys of student athletes and non‐athletes, along with focus groups conducted with (a) non‐athletes and (b) athletes who did not participate in the campaign, provide peer reactions to the campaign and to the athletes’ role in it.ResultsThe data expose athletes’ perceptions of social responsibility, social learning, and social identity. They underscore the effects of visibly promoting a cause on athletes’ self‐esteem and social identities on campus, an important but understudied consequence of athletes’ endorsing healthier nutritional choices.ConclusionOverall, the results offer directions for (a) effectively building athletes’ self‐esteem and social identification, by engaging them in activities such as nutritional promotion, and (b) designing more effective nutrition education interventions, by learning how better to engage endorsers.
Decoupling the Independent Effects of Multiple Simultaneous Behavior Changes in on Weight Loss
Authors: Patterson Rich , Payne Collin Richards , Wansink Brian 
Published: June 2021

When offering weight loss guidance, multiple suggestions are often tailored in different ways to an individual. Because each set of advice may be unique, it is difficult to estimate the individual impact of any single recommendation. This study provided 200 individuals with three of 30 different diet‐related behavior changes and tracked their self‐reported daily compliance and their weight change over one to three months. Different statistical methods are compared in their ability to separate out the individual impact of these 20 behavior changes on weight loss. The results are useful for researchers who want to better assess which of multiple suggestions are most directly tied to a behavior change, such as weight loss.Grant Funding Source: non
Caffeine intake and HIV viral burden in HIV+ drug users in Miami
Authors: Ramamoorthy Venkataraghavan , Campa Adriana , Sales Sabrina , Li Yinghui , Jayaweera Dushyantha T , Page Bryan J , Baum Marianna K 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveCaffeine intake adversely affects sleep patterns in HIV‐infection. This study examines the effect of caffeine intake on parameters of HIV disease progression.MethodsAfter consenting 231 HIV+ adults, medical history, drug use questionnaires and 24‐hour dietary recalls were collected. Blood was drawn for CD4 cell count and viral load, and urine toxicology was performed.ResultsMean age was 42.7±7.0yrs, 73.2% were men, and 37.6% were not on antiretrovirals (ART). Caffeine intake was significantly correlated with viral load (r=0.3, p=0.008) in participants not on ART (N=87) but not in those on ART (N=144). In those not on ART, caffeine was also correlated with heroin (r=0.24, p=0.037) and speed ball (r=0.25, p=0.028) use, BUN/creatinine ratio (r=0.24, p=0.04), and energy intake (r=0.26, p=0.02). There were no significant correlations between caffeine and CD4 cell count or other drugs of abuse. There was a dose‐response relationship between caffeine intake and increased viral load in those not on ART (β=597, p=0.008), a relationship that strengthened (β=739, p=0.004) by controlling for other significant variables.ConclusionCaffeine intake adversely affects HIV viral burden in this cohort of drug abusers who were not on ART. This relationship is not apparent in those on ART. Further studies are needed to elucidate mechanisms for caffeine action on HIV viral load.Funded by NIDA
Impact of Calcium Intake on Body Weight in Obese Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Metghalchi Shiva , Duran Rebecca , Rivera Maribet , Cordero‐MacIntyre Zaida 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of calcium intake on the body composition in postmenopausal women.DesignA partial crossover design was used to study a weight loss treatment consisting of Phentermine hydrochloride (Fastin®, SmithKline Pharmaceuticals, Philadelphia, PA) therapy plus a low energy diet (5040 kJ/d). Forty‐seven obese, postmenopausal Caucasian women (BMI of 30–38 kg/m2) were randomized into two groups, both of which received drug and diet treatment over 6 months. Body composition was assessed by anthropometry and dual energy x‐ray absorptiometry, and food frequency dietary records were collected from all participants at baseline, 3, and 6 months.Resultsall study subjects lostbody weight and body fat due to the drug therapy and a low calorie diet (5040 kJ/d). There were no differences in weight, BMI and total fat between Group I and Group II at baseline. However, mean calcium intake differ significantly between two groups at baseline (P < 0.05). The participants had a 5.12% and 5.90% weight loss (P=0.001) at three months and six months compare to baseline. Compared to baseline BMI was reduced by 5.2 % and 6.00 % at three months and six months. Total fat mass decreased by 5.60% and 13.34% (P=0.001) at three and six months respectively. These results indicate that the weight reduction program was effective for all participants. However, no significant correlation was observed between change in calciumintake from baseline to 6 months and change in weight, BMI and total bodyfat.Center for Health Research, Loma Linda UniversityGrant Funding Source: Center for Health Research, Loma Linda University
Trajectories of weight change from late adolescence to late middle age for lean and obese individuals
Authors: Flood Andrew , Renehan Andrew , Adams Kenneth , Leitzmann Michael , Hollenbeck Albert R. , Schatzkin Arthur 
Published: June 2021

To identify and better understand trajectories of individual weight change associated with increasing age, we analyzed longitudinal data from a cohort of older Americans (171,711 men and 122,563 women). Subjects entered the cohort in 1996 at a mean age of 62.5 years and they reported current height and weight, and weight at ages 18, 35, and 50 years. At study entry in 1996, prevalences of overweight and obesity among men were 49.6% and 19.9%, respectively. Across 9 categories of current BMI (from <18.5 kg/m2 to ≥35 kg/m2) there was no difference in mean BMI at age 18 (all categories of current BMI had a mean BMI at age 18 of between 21.4 and 21.6 kg/m2). Likewise, mean BMI at age 35 was almost identical across the 9 categories of current BMI. However, BMI at age 50 was strongly associated with current BMI (19.8 kg/m2 in the bottom category with a monotonic increase to 33.2 kg/m2 in the top category). Results for women were essentially identical to those in men. In this cohort of subjects that was primarily lean at late adolescence, neither BMI at age 18 nor BMI at age 35 were associated with current BMI despite high prevalences of overweight and obesity at late middle age. Weight gain between ages 35 and 50, however, was highly predictive of overweight and obesity in late middle age.Funding: NIH K07 CA108910‐01A1 to A.F., and NCI Intramural Research Program.
The role of V Leiden, prothrombin G20210A and C677T MTHFR mutations as risk factors for venous thrombosis and recurrent pregnancy loss
Authors: Thani Asma Al , Badii Ramin , Al‐Jaber Masheal , Almarii Noura , Fahad Sara 
Published: June 2021

Determination of risk factors in venous thrombosis will help to prevent the veno‐occlusive events and minimize its complication. So the aim of this prospective study is to determine the frequency of Factor V Leiden, prothrombin G20210A and C677T MTHFR mutations in patients with thromboembolic events. Patients’ clinical data were classified into three groups; G1:deep vein thrombosis 133 patients,( 59 females and 74 males), G2: recurrent pregnancy loss 77 females and G3: pulmonary embolism 34 patients (18 females and 14 males).In G 1; Factor V Leiden mutation was found heterozygotes (25%), homozygotes (10%) and wild type (65%). Factor II prothrombin G20210A mutation, only 3% were heterozygous, none were homozygous and 97% were wild type. The C677T MTHFR analysis showed that 41% were heterozygous, 4% were homozygous and the remaining 55% were wild type.In G2; 25% were heterozygous, 4% homozygous, and 71% wild type for Factor V Leiden. Factor II prothrombin G20210A showed that, 4% were heterozygous, none were homozygous and 96% were wild type. With respect to C677T MTHFR, 32% were heterozygous, 2% homozygous and 66% wild type.In G3; Factor V Leiden mutation was present in 16% of heterozygotes 3% of homozygotes and 81% were wild type. Only 3% were heterozygous for Factor II prothrombin G20210A mutation and the remaining 97% were wild type. Furthermore, For C677T MTHFR mutation the results indicated that 21% were heterozygous, 7% homozygous and 72% were wild type. Establishing the role of these genetic factors in thromboembolic events in Qatari population will require conducting an association study with a larger sample size and a healthy control population.
Arterial Function and Flow Related Arterial Remodeling during DOCA‐salt Hypertension
Authors: Lemkens Pieter , Nelissen Jelly , Fazzi Gregorio E. , Janssen Ben J. , De Mey Jo G.R. , Schiffers Paul M.H. 
Published: June 2021

HypothesisThe DOCA‐salt Hypertensive rat (DOCA), a model of enhanced function of endothelin‐1 (ET‐1), displays: 1. Increased importance of endogenous ET‐1 in vasoreactivity 2. Altered flow‐related arterial remodeling.Methods1. 2nd order rat mesenteric artery (MrA) reactivity was assessed using wire‐myography. 2. Flow modifying surgery was performed as described by Pourageaud and De Mey (1997) and arteries were analysed by pressure arteriography and histology.Results1. the endothelin‐receptor antagonist Bosentan endothelium‐dependently reduced contractile responses to K+‐induced depolarization in arteries of DOCA but not SHAM. 2. No outward hypertrophic remodeling occurred in high flow (HF) arteries of DOCA. Arteries exposed to low flow (LF) conditions, showed inward remodeling, hypertrophy, and infiltration of ED‐1 (monocyte/macrophage‐marker) positive cells. DOCA MrA's showed a marked reduction in calculated distensibility. α‐Smooth muscle actin staining of LF vessels showed development of “collaterals” in the adventitia.ConclusionDOCA MrA's show increased contribution of endogenous ET‐1 to K+‐induced vasomotor responses, impaired outward remodeling, arterial stiffening and hypertrophy. LF MrA's show infiltration of inflammatory cells and development of “collaterals” in the adventitia.This study was performed within project T2–108 of the Dutch Top Institute Pharma.
No Distinct Address and Message Domains Involved in Endothelin‐1/ETA‐mediated Arterial Contractions
Authors: Compeer Matthijs G , Meens Merlijn JPMT , Hackeng Tilman M , De Mey Jo GR 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveMany peptidergic GPCR agonists contain distinct binding (address) and activating (message) domains. We evaluated whether this is also the case for the vasomotor effects of calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) and endothelin‐1 (ET‐1).MethodsContractile and relaxing effects of commercial peptides and locally synthesized loop‐fragments were recorded in 2nd order rat mesenteric arteries by wire‐myography under conditions excluding the endothelium and the sensory‐motor nerves.ResultsIn arteries contracted by 16 nM ET‐1, 0.1–100nM CGRP1‐37 caused relaxations that were antagonized by 1μM CGRP8‐37; neither effect was modified by 1μM CGRP1‐7. 1–16 nM ET‐1(1–21) caused ETA‐mediated contractions that were neither mimicked nor antagonized by 1μM Ala1,3,11,15ET‐1 (1–21), ET‐1(11–21), ET(16–21) or ET‐1(1–15). Intact ET‐3(1–21) caused contractions of similar amplitude with 30 times lower potency.ConclusionWhile distinct domains of CGRP take part in its binding and vasodilator effects, both the intact N‐terminal loop and the C‐terminal tail of ET‐1 are required for high affinity binding and activation of vasoconstrictor ETA‐receptors.This study was performed within the frame of TIPharma project T2‐301.
Hydrogen Sulfide Stimulates Cyclic AMP Formation In Mammalian Retina Through the Adenylyl Cyclase Pathway
Authors: Njie‐Mbye Ya Fatou , Kulkarni Madhura , Opere Catherine A , Ohia Sunny E 
Published: June 2021

We tested the hypothesis that Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) stimulates the formation of cyclic AMP (cAMP) in neural retina of pigs and cows via activation of the adenylyl cyclase pathway.MethodsIsolated bovine and porcine retina were exposed to H2S donors, NaHS, Na2S, the cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitor, IBMX and/or the diterpene activator of adenylate cyclase, forskolin and prepared for cAMP content by EIA.ResultsThe PDE inhibitor, IBMX (2 mM) caused a two‐three fold increase in basal cAMP levels in bovine and porcine retina respectively. The combination of both IBMX and forskolin (10 μM) produced a synergistic increase (p < 0.001) in cAMP levels over basal. NaHS (10 nM‐1 μM), and Na2S (10 nM‐100 μM) increased cAMP in both tissues. For instance, 100 nM NaHS caused an increase of 20% in bovine retina whilst 1 μM NaHS produced a 15% increase in porcine retina. In bovine and porcine retina, the effects caused by forskolin on cAMP production were not potentiated by addition of low or high concentrations of NaHS or Na2S.ConclusionsBoth NaHS and Na2S significantly increased cAMP levels in bovine and porcine retinae indicating that this nucleotide serves as a mediator of effects caused by H2S. Furthermore, effects produced by forskolin on cAMP formation were not additive with those elicited by H2S donors postulating that these agents may share a common mechanism in their action on the adenylyl cyclase pathway.
Mechanistic exposure‐response model of combination rituximab chemotherapy in murine lymphoma xenografts
Authors: Mager Donald E. , Harrold John M. 
Published: June 2021

ObjectivesTo develop a model for describing rituximab effects (CD20 antibody), alone and in combination with fenretinide or rhApo2L, in murine Ramos cell xenografts.MethodsPharmacokinetic (PK) and tumor growth data were extracted from the literature. Drug exposure driving functions were derived, and rituximab dynamics were set proportional to antibody‐dependent cell‐mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) and complement‐dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) driven by CD20 occupancy. Combination regimen effects reflected changes in Bcl‐xL (rhApo2L) and NFÎºB (fenretinide) expression, and a series of transit compartments were evaluated for capturing signal transduction. All model parameter estimation and simulations were performed in MATLAB.ResultsCompartmental models well described fenretinide, rhApo2L, and rituximab PK. Efficacy and potency parameters of CDC and ADCC signals were estimated with good precision. Fenretinide and rhApo2L combination regimens required modified cell kill terms modulated by Fas induction and decreased Bcl‐xL expression. For validation, the model based on single agents was able to predict combination therapy synergism.ConclusionA mechanism‐based model of rituximab combination chemotherapy has been developed which is capable of predicting observed synergistic responses.This research was funded by the Center for Protein Therapeutics at the University at Buffalo
Histone Deacetylases Play a Critical Role in Regulating IFNα‐mediated Anti‐HCV Gene Expression
Authors: Mathews Stephanie , Ademosu Folasade , Joshi‐Barve Swati , McClain Craig , Barve Shirish 
Published: June 2021

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of chronic liver disease, which is a huge burden on the United States healthcare system. The FDA‐approved standard of treatment is pegylated interferon‐alpha (IFNα) in combination with ribavirin; however up to 60% of patients do not respond to this therapy. An understanding of the regulatory mechanisms that play an essential role in the expression of IFNα anti‐HCV genes may lead to the development of therapeutic options that increase the effectiveness of IFNα. The present work was carried out to examine the potential role of histone deacetylases (HDACs) in the regulation of IFNα‐stimulated anti‐HCV genes.Two HDAC inhibitors (HDACi) were used to treat human hepatoma cells or primary human hepatocytes prior to stimulation with IFNα. HDACi pretreatment inhibited induction of several IFN‐mediated antiviral genes, as analyzed by real‐time PCR. Additionally, HDACi led to retention of phospho‐STAT1 in the cytoplasm potentially due to its altered acetylation, and corresponded to inhibited antiviral protein expression. Immunoprecipitation analysis of lysates from IFNα‐stimulated cells identified HDAC1 binding to STAT1 in the nucleus and this interaction was inhibited by HDACi. Taken together, the data from these experiments reveal a unique requirement for HDACs in regulating IFNα‐mediated anti‐HCV gene expression in hepatocytes.
Ethanol Inhibits Lipid Raft‐Dependent TCR Signaling and IL‐2 Expression: Potential Mechanism of Alcohol‐Induced Immune Suppression
Authors: Joshi‐Barve Swati , Ghare Smita , Patil Madhuvanti , Hote Prachi , Suttles Jill , McClain Craig , Barve Shirish 
Published: June 2021

Alcohol abuse has long‐term deleterious effects on the immune system, and results in reduced function of CD4+T lymphocytes, which regulate both innate and adaptive immunity. T lymphocyte activation via T‐cell receptor (TCR) involves the plasma membrane lipid raft‐dependent aggregation of proteins into the immunological signalosome, which in turn, triggers a signaling cascade resulting in interleukin‐2 (IL‐2) production. IL‐2 is a critical cytokine that regulates the proliferation/clonal expansion of activated T‐cells, and is essential for an effective immune response.The present work examines the mechanisms underlying ethanol‐induced dysfunction of CD4+T lymphocytes, and demonstrates for the first time, that physiologically relevant concentrations of ethanol inhibit lipid raft‐dependent TCR signaling and decrease production of IL‐2 in both primary and cultured human CD4+T lymphocytes. Specifically, ethanol substantially down‐regulates lipid raft colocalization and activation/phosphorylation of Lck, ZAP70 and LAT, resulting in a marked decrease in DNA‐binding activity of NFAT and IL‐2 mRNA and protein. Importantly, inhibition of ethanol metabolism prevented these inhibitory effects. Overall, our findings have clinical relevance in alcohol abuse‐associated immune dysfunction, especially in conditions such as HIV and HCV infection where alcohol abuse is a known comorbidity.
Determination of fractional breakdown rate of slow turnover proteins
Authors: Holm Lars , O'Rourke Bruce , Ebenstein David , Toth Michael J , Kjaer Michael , Matthews Dwight E 
Published: June 2021

OBJECTIVETo develop and test a method to measure fractional breakdown rate (FBR) of proteins using deuterium exchange from water.DESIGN4‐wks old rats weight 77±1g (mean±SE) were grown for 42 days while drinking 8% 2H2O to label free alanine that is incorporated into body proteins. After the labeling period, the rats were given unlabeled water for 21 days to remove 2H from both body water and free alanine. At this point, rats were sacrificed at 21, 22, 23, and 25 days to follow the rate of decrease in protein bound 2H‐alanine with time, which represents FBR.RESULTSThe decrease in protein bound 2H‐alanine enrichments over 4 days were modeled to determine the FBR of mixed liver protein (5.00±1.50%/d), heart left ventricle myofibrillar (5.30±0.88%/d) and collagen protein (3.64±0.61%/d), extensor digitorum longus myofibrillar protein (3.27±0.66%/d), soleus myofibrillar (3.35±0.79%/d) and collagen protein (2.99±0.66%/d), patella tendon collagen protein (0.66±0.28%/d), femur bone head collagen (0.93±0.71%/d) and shaft collagen protein (0.46±0.37%/d).CONCLUSIONThe measured FBR values were slightly lower than the fractional synthesis rates (FSR) reported by others from similar tissues/protein fractions, which was expected as the rats were still growing. This approach using 2H2O and 2H‐alanine labeling determines FBR in slow turnover proteins.Grant support: NIH R01‐DK038429
Lung Apoptotic Signalling and Oxidative Stress During Sub‐Chronic Administration of Doxorubicin to Wistar Rats
Authors: Machado Nuno Gabriel , Oliveira Paulo Jorge 
Published: June 2021

Besides oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, including induction of the permeability transition pore (MPTP), inhibition of respiration and apoptosis has been implicated in Doxorubicin (DOX) cardiotoxicity. The aim of the present work was to determine if DOX causes an increase in selected apoptotic proteins and oxidative stress in the lung. Lungs from male Wistar rats subchronically treated with vehicle or DOX with seven weekly injections (2 mg/Kg) were collected and analyzed by Western Blotting for a) subunits of the mitochondrial respiratory chain b) selected proteins of the MPTP and c) selected pro and anti‐apoptotic proteins. Caspase 9‐ and 3‐like activities and protein carbonyls were also studied. After DOX treatment, no differences in protein carbonyls or caspase 9‐ and caspase 3‐like activities were observed. No alterations were also observed in proteins involved in the mitochondrial permeability transition pore, respiratory chain and in the apoptotic processes studied. The data demonstrate that sub‐chronic DOX treatment apparently does not trigger apoptosis or oxidative stress in the lungs. For this treatment schedule, we conclude that differences exist regarding the susceptibility of the heart and lung tissue for DOX treatment, although lung mitochondrial function must still be evaluated.Supported by research grant PTDC/SAU‐OSM/104731/2008 from the Portuguese FCT (to PO).