bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Zinc status and DNA damage in pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Phoonlapdacha Phanphen , Pakakasama Samart , Kalpravidh Ruchaneekorn W , Suthutvoravut Umaporn , Chongviriyaphan Nalinee 
Published: June 2021

Zinc is an important element in numerous transcription factors, antioxidant enzymes, and DNA repair proteins. Leukemia is a neoplastic disease that is susceptible to oxidative stress and alteration of essential elements. This study was conducted to determine the status of zinc and DNA damage in pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).Ten patients, aged 1–12 years, who were newly diagnosed with ALL and 10 age‐matched healthy children (as controls) were recruited in the study. Plasma zinc and 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG) from DNA were evaluated.We found that patients with ALL had lower plasma zinc (9.52 ± 0.64 vs. 13.21 ± 2.11 μmol/mL, p < 0.001), but they had higher levels of 8‐OHdG than controls (2.12 ± 0.37 vs. 0.59 ± 0.15 μg/mL DNA, p < 0.001).In conclusion, pediatric patients with ALL have higher DNA damage but lower levels of zinc than healthy counterparts. The importance of maintaining optimal zinc status in patients may help to reduce DNA damage.This study was funded by The Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital Research Grant
Carbohydrate nutrition and cataract
Authors: Taylor Allen 
Published: June 2021

Studies suggest dietary carbohydrates play a role in cataractogenesis. Objective: examine the cross‐sectional associations between total carbohydrate intake, dietary glycemic index and the risk for cortical and nuclear cataract.1609 eligible non‐diabetic participants in the Melbourne Visual Impairment Project were used. Dietary information derived from a food frequency questionnaire and cataract status graded by the Wilmer protocol were collected. Using generalized estimating approach to logistic regression to account for the lack of independence between two eyes of an individual, we examined the associations between dietary carbohydrate and risk for cataract for eyes with no or a single type(pure) of cataract.After multivariate adjustment, pure cortical cataract was significantly associated with total carbohydrate intake (odds ratio comparing the highest quartile with the lowest quartile = 3.19, 95% confidence interval 1.10, 9.27; P for trend = 0.017). The OR for nuclear cataract (366 eyes) comparing the third quartile of dGI with the first quartile, but there was not a consistent dose‐response association.Carbohydrate intake may be optimized to prolong eye lens function
High‐fat diet with adequate methionine and choline levels induces hepatic insulin resistance via Akt signaling pathway in a rodent model for Non‐alcoholic Steatohepatitis.
Authors: Sundaresan Sinju , Vijayagopal Parakat , Mills Nathaniel , Imrhan Victorine , Prasad Chandan 
Published: June 2021

Signaling pathways involved in hepatic insulin resistance that develops in animal models of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) have not been adequately investigated. In this study hepatic insulin resistance was investigated in livers of C57BL/6J mice by determining protein and gene expressions of insulin receptor (IR), insulin receptor substrate (IRS), Akt and their phosphorylated forms (p‐IR, p‐IRS, and p‐Akt). Forty C57BL/6J mice, divided into control and high‐fat groups were fed low‐fat diet or HFD ad libitum for 20 weeks. At the end of 20 weeks animals were sacrificed and assays were performed for blood biomarkers typical of human NASH. As reported earlier, HFD led to increased triglyceride accumulation in the liver and induced histopathological features of human NASH including hepatic steatosis, ballooning, inflammation and fibrosis. At the end of 20 weeks, ratio of p‐IR/IR, p‐IRS/IRS, and p‐Akt/Akt expressions were significantly lower in the HF group than controls along with decreased expression's of total and phosphorylated forms. Significant reductions in the gene expressions of IR, IRS‐2, Akt and their phosphorylated forms were observed in the HF group compared to controls. Thus, hepatic insulin resistance in this NASH model is mediated via Akt signaling pathway.Supported by Research Enhancement Program, TWU and Texas Department of Agriculture
Suppressed cytokine production in whole blood culture is partially corrected following weight reduction in morbidly obese women
Authors: Tussing‐Humphreys Lisa , Braunschweig Carol , Pini Maria , Fantuzzi Giamila 
Published: June 2021

Obesity is associated with increased adipose cytokine production, systemic inflammation and possibly defective immune response to infection. Impaired cytokine production by blood mononuclear cells may cause this dysfunction. Our objective was to assess basal and stimulated cytokine production from whole blood cultures obtained from obese and non‐obese women and change 6 months post‐bariatric surgery in the obese women.MethodsBasal and stimulated [Concanavalin A, Zymosan (ZY) and Lipopolysacchride (LPS)] production of IL‐2, 6, 10, 17, 22, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α), and interferon gamma (IFN‐γ) from heparinized whole blood was assessed in 17 obese (BMI: 46.62 ±7.93kg/m2) and 19 non‐obese (BMI: 22.47 ± 3.04 kg/m2) women at baseline. Obese women were also assessed 6 months post‐ surgery.ResultsAt baseline LPS and ZY stimulated IL‐6, 17, and TNF‐α were significantly lower and IL‐22 higher in the obese compared to the non‐obese women. Basal and stimulated IFN‐γ levels were 3–5 times lower in the obese women. Six months post‐surgery, mean weight reduction in the obese women was 24.8 kg. LPS and ZY stimulated IL‐6 and TNF‐α were normalized with weight loss. Stimulated IFN‐ γ improved but remained suppressed at follow‐up.ConclusionObesity is associated with suppressed whole blood cytokine production. Weight reduction enhanced whole blood cytokine stimulation which may improve immune function.
Anti‐obesity effect of blumea balsamifera extract in 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes and adipocytes
Authors: Kojima‐Yuasa Akiko , Kubota Hiroaki , Matsui‐Yuasa Isao 
Published: June 2021

IntroductionObesity, the leading metabolic disease in the world, is a serious health problem in industrialized countries. Blumea balsamifera is a medicinal plant that grow in regions in Southeast Asia such as South China and the Philippines. Its leaves are also used as a tea, and as a cure for certain disorders such as rheumatism and hypertension. We investigated the anti‐obesity effect of blumea balsamifera extract on adipocyte differentiation of 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes and anti‐obesity effect of 3T3‐L1 adipocytes.ResultsBlumea balsamifera extract suppressed lipid accumulation and glycerol‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase activity without affecting cell viability in 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes and adipocytes. Furthermore blumea balsamifera extract brought about significant attenuation of expression of key adipogenic transcription factors, including peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR)γ, CCAAT element binding protein (C/EBPs) and leptin, but induced up‐regulation of adiponectin at the protein level in 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes and adipocytes.ConclusionThese results suggest that blumea balsamifera extract may block adipogenesis, at least in part, by decreasing key adipogenic transcription factors in 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes and may have antiatherogenic, anti‐inflammatory, and antidiabetic effects through up‐regulation of adiponectin in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes.
Effects of Vitamin B6 Deficiency on Lipid Metabolism in HepG2 Cells
Authors: Zhao Mei , da Silva Vanessa , Ralat Maria , Gregory Jesse F 
Published: June 2021

We previously observed a decrease of plasma arachidonate (C20:4 n‐6) and an increase of erythrocyte oleate (C18:1 n‐9) in human volunteers with marginal vitamin B6 (VB6) deficiency. The objective of our current study was to investigate whether VB6 deficiency affects lipid metabolism in HepG2 cells and mechanisms involved. HepG2 cells were cultured for 6 wk in regular minimal essential medium (RMEM) containing 2.2 μM pyridoxal (PL) or VB6 – free MEM containing 10 nM, 20 nM, and 50 nM PL. After 6 wk, the intracellular pyridoxal 5′ – phosphate was 73 % lower for cells cultured in MEM containing 10 nM PL versus 2.2 μM PL. Total fatty acids increased 21%, the proportion of total arachidonate decreased from 4.3% to 3.6% (p < 0.05), and that of total oleate increased from 32% to 35% (p < 0.05) in VB6 –deficient cells cultured in medium with 10 nM PL compared to cells cultured in RMEM. Moreover, membrane lipid analysis showed that the proportion of arachidonate and dihomo‐γ‐linoleate (C20:3 n‐6) decreased respectively from 5.1% to 4.5% (p = 0.01) and from 0.9% to 0.6% (p < 0.001) in cells cultured in 10nM – PL medium compared to cells in RMEM. Our study demonstrated that VB6 deficiency moderately affects fatty acid profiles in HepG2 cells. Further investigation will focus on fatty acid metabolic kinetics in HepG2 cells with VB6 deficiency. Supported by NIH grant DK072398.Grant Funding Source: NIH grant DK072398
Fatty acids of plasma phospholipids and erythrocytes are reliable biomarkers of n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation
Authors: Rudkowska Iwona , Plourde Mélanie , Julien Pierre , Lemieux Simone , Couture Patrick , Vohl Marie‐Claude 
Published: June 2021

The availability of reliable biomarkers to assess the efficacy of dietary interventions is a prerequisite of meaningful clinical studies with n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA).ObjectiveTo determine the suitability of using either plasma phopholipids (PL) or erythrocytes fatty acids (FA) composition as indicators of n‐3 PUFA status.MethodsWe measured FA % in erythrocytes and plasma PL obtained from 28 men supplemented daily with 3g of n‐3 PUFA (1.9 g eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and 1.1 g docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)) during 6 weeks.ResultsAfter supplementation, EPA, DHA and EPA+DHA in plasma PL or erythrocytes increased by 334%, 43%, 174% and 195%, 16%, 29%, respectively (p<0.05 versus baseline for all analyses). EPA in plasma PL was correlated to EPA in erythrocytes at baseline (r=0.77, p<0.01) and after supplementation (r=0.63, p<0.01). In addition, a correlation (r=0.47, p=0.02) was seen between the combined EPA+DHA in plasma PL and erythrocytes after supplementation.ConclusionEven tough differences do exist in the FA composition of plasma PL and erythrocytes, both biomarkers significantly increased with n‐3 PUFA supplementation over 6 weeks suggesting that they are both reliable biomarkers of n‐3 PUFA status after supplementation. Funding provided by a CIHR Operating Grant.
Dietary patterns affected the increase of Bone Mineral Content in Korean girls.
Authors: Noh Hwa Young , Song YoonJu , Park Min Kyung , Li Shan Ji , Joung Hyojee , Paik Hee Young 
Published: June 2021

The aim of this study is to identify the dietary patterns among Korean girls and explore its relationships with change of body mass index (BMI), body fat, and bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral contents (BMC) during 22 months. Girls aged 9–11 yr were recruited and 3‐day dietary data was collected four times and anthropometric values were measured baseline and 20 months later. Reduced rank regression (RRR) was used to derive dietary pattern using the change of BMI, body fat, BMD and BMC as response variables. Two dietary patterns were identified and the first was characterized by low intake of nuts & seeds, processed meat, potatoes, and the eastern grains and the second was characterized by high intake of fruits, nuts & seeds and milk & dairy products and low intake of vegetables, mushrooms, and kimchi. In the change of BMI and body fat, two dietary patterns had similar trend, but the change of BMC was different by dietary patterns. First dietary pattern was negatively correlated with the change of BMC (r=−0.49, p<0.01), while second dietary pattern was positively correlated with the change of BMC (r=0.25, p<0.01). The higher RRR score of the second dietary pattern was associated the larger change of BMC. Our results suggest that high intake of fruits, nuts & seeds, and milk & dairy products may contribute to increasing the peak bone mass among young girls. This work was supported by the Korean Science & Engineering Foundation.Grant Funding Source: the Korean Science & Engineering Foundation
Effect of Natural Plant Water Extracts Suppressed Melanin Production In Human skin cell(CCD‐986sk)
Authors: Jang Jung Yeong , Chung Mi Ja , You Jin kyoun , Kim Dae Jung , Seo Dong Joo , Kim Tae Hyuk , Choe Myeon 
Published: June 2021

Melanin is the pigment responsible for the color of human skin. Tyrosinase is known to be a key enzyme that catalyzes the synthesis of melanin in melanocytes. Therefore, we intend to verify the effect of whitening using these natural plant water extract (MH: Ephedrae, Santalum album, BDH: Agrimonia pilosa ledeb,SHC: Houttuyniae herbal, ESC: Houttuynia cordata Thunberg, JGP: Sorbus amurensis Koehne, TSJ: Coscuta japonica chois ). The effect of natural water extracts on antioxidant activities, tyrosinase activity, melanin biosynthesis have been studied in a human skin cells or in a cell‐free system. The tyrosinase activity and melanin content was assessed using the RT‐RCR, western blotting and spectrophotometric methods. The results show that the SHC has a greater ability to inhibit tyrosinase activity than tested five extracts. MH, SHC, and JGP significantly suppressed melanin production in a human skin cells.(Following are results of a study on the “Human Resource Development Center for Economic Region Leading Industry” Project, supported by the Ministry of Education, Science & Technology(MEST) and the National Research Foundation of Korea(NRF).)
Do organic snack foods taste healthier because of their label?
Authors: Lee Jenny Wan‐Chen 
Published: June 2021

In contrast with past ‘health halo’ studies, which focused on the perceptions associated with organic labels, this study investigated the influence of organic labels on behavior and post‐consumption evaluations. Fifty‐four subjects, ages 20 to 28, were presented with cookies and potato chips labeled either ‘organic’ or ‘non‐organic.’ After consuming them, subjects rated the snacks based on a number of sensory, nutritional, and value dimensions. Participants consuming snacks labeled ‘organic’ reported higher levels of taste experience (p=.011), appearance ratings (p=.023), and estimated nutritional values (p=.006) than those who consumed snacks without the label. By generating a more positive consumption experience, such labels may stimulate greater consumption of organic foods overall—including foods which are not necessarily healthy or nutritious. Interestingly, the participants most influenced by such labels also self‐reported higher preferences of recycling (r=.477, p=.01) and a greater appreciation of nature (r=.413, p=.036). Identifying those segments particularly susceptible to these labels may serve as accurate predictors of post‐consumptive behavior.Grant Funding Source: none
Bovine pituitary extract interferes with SARS‐CoV replication
Authors: Jelesijevic Tomislav , Uhl Elizabeth , Michel Frank , Hogan Robert Jeffrey 
Published: June 2021

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) was the first pandemic of the 21st century, and the causative agent was found to be a novel RNA coronavirus virus (SARS‐CoV). Unlike other human coronaviruses, which induce mild respiratory disease, SARS‐CoV infection was characterized by age‐dependent differences in mortality rates. The mortality rate for people over 60 was around 50%, while in those under 24 years of age it was under 1%. With this in mind, we hypothesized that the observed differences in mortality between young versus elderly people may be due to differences in the secretion of pituitary gland bioactive molecules. To test this hypothesis, the effects of bovine pituitary extract (BPE) on SARS‐CoV replication were examined in vitro by adding various amounts of BPE to African green monkey kidney epithelial cells (Vero E6). Interference with SARS‐CoV replication was observed via TCID50 assays and plaque assays. Results of both assays indicated significant, BPE dose‐dependent inhibition of SARS CoV replication. Future studies are aimed at identifying the molecules that mediate the observed responses and their mechanism(s) of action.Research is supported by NIH grant 1R21AI071109‐01A1 (RJH).
Low immunohistochemical expression of MGMT in ACTH secreting pituitary tumors of patients with Nelson syndrome
Authors: Salehi Fateme , Scheithauer Bernd W , Moyes Veronica J , Drake William M , Syro Luis , Manoranjan Branavan , Sharma Soniya , Horvath Eva , Kovacs Kalman 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveMGMT expression in brain and pituitary tumors has been correlated with temozolomide treatment. Few medical therapies are available in patients with Nelson Syndrome. The aim of the present study was to assess immunohistochemical expression of MGMT in ACTH‐secreting pituitary adenomas in patients with Nelson Syndrome.MethodsOur material consisted of specimens from ACTH‐secreting pituitary adenomas from patients with Nelson Syndrome. Immunohistochemical staining for MGMT was performed using the streptavidin‐biotin‐peroxidase complex method. MGMT immunoreactivity was assessed microscopically and recorded as an estimated percentage of nuclear MGMT immunopositivity. (0=none, 1=<10%, 3=<50%, 4=>50%)ResultsMale:Female ratio was 3:5, with average patient age being 62 (range 57–66). Five of the eight specimens (65%) exhibited no MGMT immunoreactivity, with two out of eight cases (25%) showing slight MGMT immunopositivity and one out of eight cases (12%) demonstrating moderate MGMT immunopositivity (<25%).ConclusionsTemozolomide therapy may be useful in patients with Nelson Syndrome. Absent or low MGMT staining in brain and other neoplasms has been shown to correlate with successful treatment with temozolomide, and recent reports assessing aggressive pituitary adenomas suggest similar outcome.
Sensory Dysesthesia: Rare Presentation of Subependymoma
Authors: KURUKUMBI MOHANKUMAR , Ramidi Ganga , SAMINENI SWETHA , JAYAM‐TROUTH ANNAPURNI , DABI ALOK 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundSubependymomas are uncommonly encountered ependymal tumors, accounting for less than 1% of all intracranial neoplasms and distinguished from ordinary ependymomas because of their generally better prognosis. Here we present a case of subependymoma with rare clinical presentation.Case presentation19 year old male student presented to us with complaints of persistent left sided pain and numbness for one month duration following herpes zoster over left face. Clinical examination was normal except decreased perception of pain and touch on the whole left side of the body.MRI with gadolinium of the brain revealed a posterior fossa mass almost occluding the fourth ventricle with infiltration to the right side immediately behind the pontine tegmentum probably impinging on the right spinothalamic tract causing the patient symptoms. Post operative tumor histopathology revealed the classical appearance of subependymoma with characteristic clusters of nuclei in a dense fibrillary background.ConclusionPost operatively patient remained pain free at six month follow up. Supependymoma is generally asymptomatic. In this patient whole left sided dysesthesia raised the suspicion of central pathology than unlikely post herpetic etiology. This case is reported for the interesting atypical presentation and the importance of diagnosing benign tumor which can change the prognosis.
Sphingosine 1‐phosphate‐induced autophagy is mediated through activating endoplasmic reticulum stress response in human prostate cancer PC‐3 cells
Authors: Shih Chih‐Jen , Huang Yuan‐Li , Chang Chi‐Lun , Huang Wei‐Pang , Lee Hsinyu 
Published: June 2021

Sphingosine 1‐phosphate (S1P) is a bioactive lysophospholipid that binds to a family of G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs), termed S1P1~S1P5. Our previous study has reported that S1P inhibits PC‐3, a human prostate cancer cell, proliferation through activation of autophagy. In addition, S1P‐induced autophagy plays a prosurvival role in PC‐3 cells. Accumulating evidences have studied that the cytoprotective effect of autophagy can be triggered by ER stress induction. Thus, we attempted to investigate whether S1P‐induced autophagy is resulted from triggering ER stress in PC‐3 cells. By monitoring XBP‐1 mRNA splicing, a characteristics of ER stress, we demonstrated that S1P triggers ER stress in a concentration and a time‐dependent manner. In addition, we also showed that S1P1 and S1P5 are required for S1P‐induced ER stress by using RNA interference experiments. Furthermore, signaling analyses revealed that PI3K, PLC, and ROS production were involved in S1P's effects on ER stress induction. On the other hand, knockdown of XBP‐1 significantly abolished S1P‐induced autophagy. In summary, our results demonstrated for the first time that S1P‐triggered ER stress is responsible for autophagy in PC‐3 cells.Support by: Institute of Zoology
Contractions Of The SHR Aorta To High Doses Of Epigallocatechin Gallate Are Due To Vasoconstrictor Prostanoids
Authors: LI ZHUOMING , KOO MARCEL W.L. , MAN RICKY Y.K. , VANHOUTTE PAUL M. 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveRegular consumption of green tea is believed to be beneficial for the cardiovascular system. However, high concentrations of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a catechin of green tea, cause contractions of the aorta of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). The present studies were designed to investigate the mechanisms underlying these EGCG‐induced contractions.MethodsIsometric tension was measured in isolated aortic rings from 36‐weeks‐old male SHR. The release of prostanoids end‐products was measured with enzyme immunoassay kits. The intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) concentration was measured by confocal microscopy.ResultsFrom 10−6 to 10−4 M, EGCG induced concentration‐dependent contractions in preparations with and without endothelium. These contractions were abolished by cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor indomethacin or the thromboxane‐prostanoid (TP) receptor antagonist S18886, and reduced by antioxidants. The release of prostaglandin F1α, prostaglandin F2α and thromboxane B2 was significantly increased by 10−4 M EGCG. A burst of ROS was observed upon exposure to 10−4 M of EGCG.ConclusionsThe EGCG‐induced contractions involve the production of ROS, activation of COX, production of prostanoids and stimulation of TP receptors. This study indicates a possible adverse effect of EGCG administration and tea consumption at high concentrations.