bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The nutritional status and quality of life of home parenteral nutrition patients during one year of observation
Authors: Lysiak‐Szydlowska Wieslawa , Urbanowicz Krystyna , Malgorzewicz Sylwia 
Published: June 2021

The aim was to determine the nutritional status and the quality of life of patients on home parenteral nutrition during one year of observation.MethodsThe group of 30 patients (17 F, 13 M, range of age 22‐85 years old) was analyzed. SGA (Subjective Global Assessment), BMI (Body Mass Index), TLC (total lymphocyte count) and plasma albumin concentration were used for nutritional assessment.The quality of life was assessed by SF‐36 questionnaire and WHOQOL‐100 test.ResultsAt the beginning of treatment one of the patients presented good nutritional status, 3 patients ‐ mild malnutrition, 13 patients severe malnutrition and 13 were cachectic. After one year of treatment an improvement of SGA scoring was observed in 77 % of patients; no change in 23 % of patients and no case of deterioration was noticed. Weight gain was observed in 30 % of patients; TLC showed improvement in 27% and decrease in 20% of cases.The increase of albumin concentration was observed in 40% of patients. After a year of parenteral nutrition 80% of patients declared an improvement in majority of domain of the SF‐36 questionaire and WHOQOL‐100 test. Awarness of "actual state of health" was significantly influenced by nutritional status (p<0.05).ConclusionsThe state of nutrition has been improved within the first year of parenteral feeding program. The quality of life is not a constant and permanent value but it is a dynamic process, variable in direction and dependent on an element of quality of life being considered individually.
Metrological tools to enhance the accuracy of copper, iron and zinc content of infant formula
Authors: Castanheira Isabel , Raimundo Inês , Santiago Susana , Sanches‐Silva Ana , Iyengar Venkatesh 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveTo apply metrological tools such as Quality Control Materials (QCM) and Proficiency Testing (PT) schemes to enhance the reliability of the measurement process of Cu, Fe and Zn in food matrices.To generate high quality analytical data to minimize errors by computing values for daily dietary intakes for specific population groups.Materials and methodsCu, Fe and Zn were determined in infant formula using atomic absorption spectrophotometric method (AOAC Official Method 985.35).ResultsThe content of select minerals were determined after an independent method validation. A QCM was successfully prepared compiling with homogeneity and stability requirements. Traceability to basic SI units was achieved using Standard Reference Materials prepared by NIST. The participation in PT schemes revealed a consistent good laboratory practice. According to the results, the levels of Cu, Fe and Zn in infant formula were 0.28‐0.36, 5.79‐6.24, and 3.49‐3.91 mg/100g infant formula, respectively.ConclusionsDue to the unequivocal role of Cu, Fe and Zn in the biological systems, it is important to know the accurate levels of these minerals in foodstuffs. The use of QCM and PT schemes allow guaranteeing data quality, which is a crucial issue to monitor food/ health relationship.Funding DisclosureProject LMARSA POR/3.1.015/DRELVT and European Food Information Resource Network (EuroFIR) (FP6‐513944).
Protein quality evaluation of meat and fish substrates using ileally cannulated dogs
Authors: Faber Trevor A , Hernot David C. , Parsons Carl M. , Swanson Kelly S. , Smiley Scott , Bechtel Peter J. , Fahey George C. 
Published: June 2021

Three meat substrates (beef loin, pork loin, and chicken breast) and two fish substrates (pollock fillet and salmon fillet) were evaluated for protein quality and amino acid bioavailability using the ileal cannulated dog assay. Pollock contained the highest amount of protein, total essential amino acids (TEAA), and total non‐essential amino acids (TNEAA) (dry matter basis) at 96.9, 43.5, and 45.3%, respectively. Salmon contained the second highest amounts at 92.8, 40.5, and 40.5% followed by chicken (90.3, 40.5, 38.8%). Beef loin had the lowest protein content (82.7%), but higher TEAA and TNEAA (38.0, 37.9%) than pork (86.2, 37.6, 37.2%). Dogs assigned to a 5x5 Latin square design were fed five different diets with each substrate as the sole protein source. No significant differences were found in ileal digestibility of protein. Values ranged from 88.9% for chicken to 90.5% for pork loin and pollock fillet. Ileal TEAA and TNEAA digestibility values were not different among sources with values between 92.3‐93.2% and 88.1‐89.8%, respectively. Total tract protein apparent digestibility values ranged from 94.4 to 94.8%, with no differences noted among treatments. These data suggest that, both in the small and large intestines of the dog, there is no difference in crude protein, TEAA, and TNEAA digestion between high quality meat and fish substrates, or within meat and fish substrates themselves.Research support; USDA/CSREES through the University of Alaska, Fairbanks
Dietary blueberry attenuates obesity‐associated insulin resistance by reducing adipocyte death and macrophage pro‐inflammatory activation in adipose tissue of high fat‐fed mice
Authors: DeFuria Jason , Bennett Grace , Strissel Katherine J , Perfield James W , Greenberg Andrew S , Obin Martin S 
Published: June 2021

Adipose tissue (AT) inflammation promotes insulin resistance (IR) and other obesity complications. AT inflammation and IR are associated with AT oxidative stress, adipocyte death, and the scavenging of dead adipocytes by M1‐polarized CD11c+ AT macrophages (ATMs). We test the hypothesis that blueberry (BB) supplementation of an obesigenic diet protects against these AT events. Male C57B/6j mice were fed one of three diets for 8 weeks: 10% fat (LF), 60% fat (HF) or HF containing 4% (w:w) BB powder (1:1 V. ashei and V. corymbosum). We assessed energy intake, metabolic rate, insulin resistance (insulin tolerance tests), body and AT weights, adipocyte size, adipocyte death, as well as AT gene expression by Q‐PCR of CD11c, inflammatory mediators and markers of oxidative stress (GPx3). Relative to the HF cohort, mice fed the HFB diet were significantly protected from insulin resistance. This protection was associated with enhanced antioxidant (GPx3) gene expression, reduced adipocyte death, attenuated expression of CD11c, and abrogation of ATM expression of TNF‐α and iNOS. BB supplementation had no effect on HF diet‐associated alterations in energy intake, metabolic rate, body / AT weight, adipocyte size or markers of alternative (M2) ATM activation. BB's salutary effect on IR may reflect beneficial actions of BB anthocyanins on antioxidant and inflammatory gene expression in adipocytes and ATM.Grant Funding SourceNIH (1RO1DKO74979) and the Highbush Blueberry Council
Relationship among fatty liver, adipose tissue distribution and metabolic profile in moderately obese children
Authors: Jirillo Emilio , Chiloiro Marisa , Riezzo Giuseppe , Chiarappa Salvatore , Correale Mario , Guerra Vito , Amati Luigi , Noviello Marisa 
Published: June 2021

We examined the relationship between moderate obesity and glucose metabolism, insulin sensitivity and suspected fatty liver.Methodsz‐score body mass index( zBMI), caliper skinfold tickness, fasting blood glucose, insulin, HOMA score, lipid profile and transaminases (ALT, AST) were measured in 94 participants (mean age 9.7 ±2.2 years). Fatty liver and skinfold tickness were evaluated by ultrasound.ResultsThe zBMI was 2.01 ± 0.39 (mean ± SD), and the duration of obesity was 4.3±3.03 years. Caliper and US skinfold thickness correlated for tricipital (r = 0.33; p= 0.003) and sovrailiac skinfold (r= 0.34; p=0.003). Fatty liver was diagnosed in 64% of children and it was positively related to anthropometric measurements. The three groups ‐ group 0 (normal US liver and normal transaminases); group 1 (US fatty liver and normal transaminases); group 2 (US fatty liver and elevated transaminases) showed difference in zBMI , insulin and HOMA parameters (Tukey test: zBMI group 1 vs group 0 and 2 vs group 0; serum insulin: group 2 vs group 1 and group 2 vs group 0; HOMA IR: group 2 vs group 1 and group 2 vs group 0).DiscussionModerately obese children with steatosis exhibited a clear increase of insulin and insulin resistance, indices of a future metabolic syndrome. Transaminases levels seems to be not adequate for the diagnosis of fatty liver.
Predictors of under‐ nutrition and overweight among children under age 5 years in India.
Authors: Chakraborty Priyanka , Anderson Alex Kojo 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveAlthough, undernutrition has prevailed in developing countries for years, prevalence of overweight among children has been on the rise in recent years. This study aims to assess the present trend of nutritional status of Indian children.MethodSecondary data from the 2005‐2006 Demographic and Health Survey for India was examined. Secondary analysis was performed to identify trends of underweight and overweight of children under age 5.ResultStunting and wasting (HAZ, WHZ z scores <‐2.0) were widely prevalent among index children. While, 18% children were wasted, >38% children were stunted. At the same time, about 8% of urban and rural children were overweight (BMI z‐score >2.0). Analysis with respect to SES showed the difference of BMI‐for‐age between poorest and wealthiest households to be significantly different (mean= ‐0.52; 95% CI= ‐0.60 to ‐0.43; p<0.001). Multivariate regression analysis, (adjusted for birth weight) revealed that higher birth order and prolonged duration of breastfeeding had a negative impact on HAZ and BMI for age z‐scores of the index child. On the other hand maternal BMI was found to be positively associated with HAZ, WHZ and BMI‐for age z‐scores.ConclusionFurther research and public health programs need to focus on these predisposing factors associated with nutritional status of under‐five children in India.Grant Funding SourceFaculty Development Grant
Clustering of health and behavioral risk factors for cardiovascular disease in Alaska Native youth
Authors: Bersamin Andrea , Mohatt Gerald V , Zidenberg‐Cherr Sheri , Stern Judith S , Luick Bret R 
Published: June 2021

Evidence indicates that rural youth are more likely than their urban counterparts to participate in risky behaviors, many of which translate into a higher burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Alaska Native youth may be at particularly high risk. Our objective was to evaluate the clustering of health and behavioral risk factors for CVD in 315 Alaska Native youth and young adults (ages 14‐25 years) who participated in the Center for Alaska Native Health Research Study. The prevalence of health risk factors (overweight, hypertension and high HDL, low glucose, and high triglyceride concentration) was estimated using age and gender appropriate criteria. Behavioral risk factors (diet and smoking) were assessed using computer assisted 24‐hour recalls and standardized questionnaires. Clustering of risk factors was common. Approximately 75% of the sample had 0‐1 health risk factors; the remaining 25% had 2‐3 risk factors. The most prevalent risk factors were overweight (40.3%), low HDLs (26.3%) and high triglycerides (21.3%). More than 30% reported smoking regularly. Added sugars and saturated fat contributed substantially to energy intake (19% and 11%, respectively). The risk of CVD increases with each additional risk factor. To promote healthy aging among Alaska Native youth the development of ecologically appropriate CVD prevention programs is essential.NIH (P20 RR16430)
RNAi‐Mediated Knockdown of DNMT3b in Hypermethylator Breast Cancer Cell Lines Leads to Normalization of Gene Expression Patterns
Authors: Roll J Devon , Rinkenbaugh Amanda L , Sandhu Rupninder , Rivenbark Ashley G , Coleman William B 
Published: June 2021

A subset of breast cancer cell lines express a hypermethylation defect characterized by DNMT hyperactivity, overexpression of DNMT3b, and silencing of numerous genes. To investigate the role of DNMT3b in the hypermethylation defect, we examined the effect of RNAi‐mediated DNMT3b knockdown on expression of methylation‐sensitive genes in model hypermethylator cell lines: MDA‐MB‐453 and BT549. Western blot analysis confirmed reduction of DNMT3b in cells transfected with the DNMT3b RNAi targeting construct. RT‐PCR was used to analyze expression of six methylation‐sensitive genes (CEACAM6, CST6, ESR1, SCNN1A, GNA11, CDH1 and/or MUC1) that are methylated and exhibit diminished or no expression in parent cell lines compared to MCF12A. In MDA‐MB‐453 cells, all six genes were reexpressed or increased expression in response to DNMT3b knockdown. CEACAM6, CST6, ESR1, and GNA11 were expressed at normal levels, while MUC1 and SCNN1A were expressed at low but detectable levels. In BT549 cells, CEACAM6, CST6, ESR1, GNA11, and SCNN1A were reexpressed or increased expression in response to DNMT3b knockdown, whereas CDH1 was not expressed. These results strongly suggest that CEACAM6, CST6, ESR1, GNA11, SCNN1A, and MUC1 are direct methylation targets for DNMT3b. Further, these results suggest that DNMT3b overexpression governs the hypermethylator defect associated with some breast cancer cell lines.Support: NIH CA78343
Aβ Oligomers Induce Neurotoxicity: Effects of HDACs and Nrf2 Modulation
Authors: Ebenezer Philip J. , Weidner Adam , LeVine Harry , Keller Jeffrey 
Published: June 2021

The 40‐42 amino acid amyloid βpeptide (Aβ) contributes to one of the central neuropathologic features of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Recent evidence suggests that the oligomeric forms of Aβ may play a role in AD. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the morphological and neurochemical effects of oligomers in primary rat neuronal cells. Neuronal cells were exposed to different doses of soluble Aβ oligomers (0‐90 nM) and analyzed for multiple indices of neuronal homeostasis. Our results indicate that Aβ oligomers promote morphological alterations, neurotoxicity and oxidative stress. The effects of histone deacetylase inhibitors and modulators of the Nrf2 pathway were analyzed for their ability to inhibit the toxicity of Aβ oligomers. Our studies indicate a role for Aβ oligomers as mediators multiple aspects of AD pathogenesis and outline the effects of potentially novel therapeutic strategies as mediators of neuroprotection against Aβ oligomer toxicity.This work was supported by a grant from the Alzheimer's Association and NIA (P01AG005119) to Dr. Jeffrey Keller.
Zebrafish as a model to study cardiovascular functions
Authors: Horvat Christine M , Behler James H , AbouAlaiwi Wissam A , Mell Blair M , Williams Frederick E , Nauli Surya M 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundZebrafish have been used as a model for studying vertebrate development and genetics, including the cardiovascular system. Our project aims to monitor heart contraction and cytosolic calcium using a Fura‐2 probe to monitor calcium oscillations with regard to heart contraction.Methods and ResultsUsing high resolution DIC and calcium imaging microscopy, we show that dopamine and verapamil alter calcium signals and muscle contraction in 6‐14 day old anesthetized zebrafish. Dopamine at 100 μg/mL increases heart rate. On the other hand, 40 μg/mL of verapamil decreases heart contraction, but it does not decreases heart rate. Interestingly, no significant difference in calcium in the heart is observed in the zebrafish treated with dopamine or verapamil.ConclusionOur preliminary data indicates that dopamine alters heart rate independent from cytosolic calcium. Furthermore, verapamil decreases heart contraction independent from the changes in cytosolic calcium. We propose here that zebrafish can be used as a model to study cardiovascular functions.
Rapid vascular effects of estrogen and aldosterone on MAP kinase activation: A role for GPR30.
Authors: Gros Robert , Ding QingMing , Chorazyczewski Jozef , Feldman Ross D 
Published: June 2021

Recent studies have suggested that for EST, the rapid and non‐genomic effects may in part be mediated through the GPR30 receptor. However, the role of GPR30 in VSMC MAP kinase regulation is unclear. Therefore, we examined the role of GPR30, MR and ERa in mediating the rapid effects of EST and ALDO on ERK activation via western blotting.In native VSMCs maintained in primary culture, short‐term exposure to ALDO stimulated ERK activation (146±7% of control), whereas EST inhibited of ERK phosphorylation (62±5% of control). Both GPR30 and MR gene transfer enhanced the effect of ALDO to stimulate ERK phosphorylation (GPR30:172±10% of control; MR: 156±6% of control). Interestingly, GPR30 gene transfer reversed the effect of EST from ERK inhibition to ERK activation (149±11% of control), whereas gene transfer of ERa further inhibited ERK activation (45±6% of control). Additionally, in freshly isolated aortic tissue, which express higher endogenous levels of GPR30 (as compared to cultured VSMCs), EST exposure mediated ERK activation‐ consistent with a GPR30‐predominant effect.Overall, these data support the hypothesis that the vascular expression of GPR30 plays an important role in mediating the common and rapid vascular effects of ALDO and EST. Further, the net effect of EST to regulate ERK activation is dependent on the balance between ERα‐mediated signaling and GPR30‐mediated signaling in VSMCs.
Ex vivo and in vivo changes in function of the serotonin 2C receptor due to RNA editing
Authors: Canal Clinton Ernest , Watt Erin Elizabeth , Sanders‐Bush Elaine 
Published: June 2021

In vitro, RNA editing of the serotonin 2C receptor (5HT2CR) alters its signal transduction efficiency. Fully edited (VGV) 5HT2CR's show low constitutive and agonist‐stimulated activity, whereas non‐edited (INI) 5HT2CR's exhibit the converse pattern. To test whether 5HT2CR editing alters its function ex vivo, 125‐I DOI and 3‐H mesulergine autoradiography was performed on brain sections from mice solely expressing either the INI or VGV receptors. Similar to in vitro observations, VGV receptors exhibited decreased, whereas INI receptors exhibited increased high affinity G‐protein coupling relative to wild‐type (WT) receptors. In addition, relative to WT mice, INI expressing mice showed greater increases in plasma corticosterone following treatment with the 5HT2CR agonist, MK‐212. INI expressing mice did not show alterations in expression of glucocorticoid receptor, suggesting that changes in the stress circuit did not account for the differences in 5HT2CR agonist‐induced corticosterone release. These data show that editing of the 5HT2CR alters its function in vivo.Supported by: NIH T32‐MH065215 (CEC) and R01‐MH34007 (ESB)
Beyond Prozac: Generation and characterization of SSRI Insensitive Transgenic Mice
Authors: Thompson Brent J, , Jessen Tammy , Henry L. Keith , Gamble Karen L. , Chisnell Peter J. , McMahon Douglas G. , Blakely Randy D. 
Published: June 2021

Altered activity of the serotonin transporter (SERT) transporter has been hypothesized to contribute to major depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, and autism. A principal component of this theory is the belief that SERTs are the primary target for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)‐class antidepressants, as well as many tricyclic antidepressants (TCA's). Cross‐species analysis of SERT has identified a substitution (I172M) that, in vitro, results in a dramatic loss of affinity for cocaine, several SSRI's and TCA's with no appreciable effect on 5HT transport (Henry, L.K., et al., 2006). We have introduced the I172M substitution into the SERT locus of 129S6 mice by homologous recombination. As predicted this substitution has no impact on 5HT transport and these animals exhibit no overt behavioral phenotype. Behavioral studies revealed a reduction in responsiveness to citalopram in the tail suspension test, as well as reduced responsiveness to fluoxetine and citalopram in the forced swim test. Ex vivo analysis of forebrain synaptosomal 5HT transport from mice carrying this substitution demonstrate ~1,000 fold shift in citalopram potency, ~12 fold shift in fluoxetine potency and ~32 fold shift in cocaine potency. In contrast, paroxetine displayed less than a 2 fold shift in potency. These findings are complemented by ex vivo midbrain slice recordings of serotonergic neurons in the dorsal raphe, which show a significant shift in SSRIs induced autoinhibition of neuronal firing. Ongoing efforts aim to define the full impact of the I172M mutation on in vivo and ex vivo SERT pharmacology as well as the effect this loss of SSRI potency has on SSRI induced behavior.Grant Funding SourceNARSAD Distinguished Investigator Award, NIDA Award (DA07390) and The Silvio Conte Center for Neuroscience Research at Vanderbilt University (MH078028)
Elucidating the molecular mechanisms controlling GPR54 expression
Authors: DeFino Mia C. , Wacker Jennifer L. , Lyssand John S , Wang Edith , Stella Nephi , Hague Chris 
Published: June 2021

Increasing evidence suggests that the G‐protein coupled receptor GPR54, together with its endogenous peptide ligand kisspeptin (KP), play pivotal roles in the initiation of puberty and reproduction. For example, previous studies report blood plasma concentration of kisspeptin increases by ~9000 fold during pregnancy, and is accompanied by an immediate return to pre‐pregnancy levels postpartum, suggesting that expression of KiSS‐1, the gene encoding KP, is tightly controlled. Thus far, studies have implicated SP1 and estrogen as important regulators of KiSS‐1 gene expression (Mitchell et al, 2007). However, no research to date has examined the mechanisms of GPR54 regulation at the DNA, RNA or protein level. Hence identification of specific factors that regulate GPR54 expression at the DNA and protein level will provide critical information about the GPR54‐KP signaling system in reproduction. In our studies, we have utilized luciferase reporter assays and inducible expression vectors to characterize the mechanisms regulating GPR54 expression, and propose that sex steroids play a critical role in this key physiological process.Supported by NIH 5 T32 GM07750.
Pharmacological vasodilation improves the anabolic response of muscle protein synthesis to insulin in elders
Authors: Lee Jessica L. , Timmerman Kyle L. , Fujita Satoshi , Dreyer Hans C. , Fry Christopher S. , Dhanani Shaheen , Rasmussen Blake B. , Volpi Elena 
Published: June 2021

Loss of muscle with aging (sarcopenia) contributes to disability in elders. Aging is associated with an insulin resistance of muscle protein anabolism, which correlates with impaired insulin‐induced muscle vasodilation and nutrient delivery.We hypothesized that pharmacological restoration of muscle perfusion to youthful values during hyperinsulinemia would improve the response of muscle protein synthesis and anabolism in older subjects.We measured blood flow (BF), anabolic signaling, and muscle protein synthesis (Rd) and breakdown (Ra) with stable isotope tracers at baseline and during insulin infusion in one leg in 12 healthy, non‐diabetic older subjects (71 ± 2 yrs) divided in two groups: CTRL (insulin only) and SNP (insulin + sodium nitroprusside to double blood flow above baseline).Blood flow and phenylalanine delivery increased significantly (P<0.05) in SNP only. Muscle protein synthesis (nmol·min−1 ·100mL leg−1) increased in SNP (35 ± 4 to 102 ± 26), but not in CTRL (34 ± 10 to 45 ± 10), while breakdown did not change in either group. Akt/PKB phosphorylation increased in both groups but to a larger extent in SNP (P<0.05) and S6K1 phosphorylation tended to increase more in SNP (P = 0.068).In conclusion, pharmacological restoration of muscle perfusion and nutrient delivery during hyperinsulinemia increased muscle protein synthesis in elders.Funded by NIH R01 AG018311 and P30 AG024832