bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Maternal and breastmilk vitamin B12 correlated with infant status but was not influenced by maternal supplementation among HIV‐infected Malawian women in the Breastfeeding, Antiretrovirals and Nutrition Study (BAN)
Authors: Shahab‐Ferdows S , Allen LH , Hampel D , Bentley ME , Adair LS , Flax VL , Kayira D , Chasela CS , Kacheche Z , Tegha G , Kourtis AP , Jamieson DJ , van der Horst C 
Published: June 2021

Vitamin B12 is important for infant growth and supplementation to lactating mothers could increase intakes to exclusively breastfed (EBF) infants in areas where maternal diet is poor in B12. HIV+ mothers in the Breastfeeding, Antiretrovirals, and Nutrition study were randomized to receive a lipid‐based nutrient supplement (LNS), containing the RDA for B12 (2.6μg), or no LNS. We examined the relationships among maternal and infant plasma (MP, IP) and breastmilk (BM) concentrations of B12 in a sub‐sample (n=521) at 2 or 6 wk (baseline) and 24 wk. At baseline MP B12 was positively correlated with BM (r=0.36) and IP (r=0.42), and IP and BM B12 were correlated (r=0.32) (all p<0.001). At 24 wk the relationships remained significant: MP B12 with BM (r=0.42) and IP (r=0.32), and IP with BM (r=0.29). At baseline there were no differences between LNS and no LNS in MP, BM or IP B12 concentrations. At 24 wk MP and BM B12 were higher in the LNS vs. no LNS group (p<0.005).However IP B12 was not increased by LNS despite strong correlation among IP, BM and MP. IP B12 is likely explained by maternal status in pregnancy. Maternal supplementation with 1 RDA of B12 was insufficient to improve IP concentrations through breast milk in this population, suggesting that higher levels of supplementation may be necessary.Grant Funding Source: CDC (U48‐DP000059–01); Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (OPP53107); Carolina Population Center (NICHD 5 R24 HD050924); USDA, ARS‐WHNRC.
Egg intake increases peripheral blood mononuclear cell expression of ATP‐binding cassette transporter A1 in parallel with toll‐like receptor 4 as a potential mechanism to reduce cellular inflammation in metabolic syndrome
Authors: Andersen Catherine J. , Blesso Christopher N. , Lee Jiyoung , Fernandez Maria Luz 
Published: June 2021

We investigated the effects of excess dietary cholesterol from eggs on peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) expression of inflammatory mediators and HDL‐associated lipid transporters in metabolic syndrome (MetS). Thirty‐seven men and women consumed either 3 eggs (EGG, additional 534 mg of dietary cholesterol) or the equivalent amount of a cholesterol‐free egg substitute (SUB, 0 additional mg of cholesterol) in combination with a carbohydrate‐restricted diet for 12 weeks. All participants reduced body weight an average of 4.0 ¡Ó 2.8% with no difference between groups. While PBMC mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor ƒÑ (TNF‐ƒÑ), interleukin 6 (IL‐6), and interleukin 1ƒÒ (IL‐1ƒÒ) did not change, toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) increased in EGG only (+75.3% vs. −6.2% in SUB). Changes in TLR4 expression were positively correlated with nuclear factor £eB (NF‐£eB) p65 DNA binding activity. ATP‐binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) expression increased in EGG only (+127.0% vs. +31.5% in SUB) while ABCG1 did not change. Interestingly, changes in ABCA1 were positively correlated with changes in IL‐6, IL‐1ƒÒ, and TLR4 in EGG only, as were changes in ABCG1 and IL‐6 and IL‐1ƒÒ. These findings suggest that the increase in PBMC ABCA1 expression from egg intake is potentially due to an effort to reduce cellular inflammation in MetS. Supported by the American Egg Board and USDA Grant No. 2012–67011‐19914Grant Funding Source: USDA Grant No. 2012–67011‐19914
Effect of almonds on cardiovascular risk factors in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: study design (1035.1)
Authors: Chen Chiao‐Ming , Li Hung‐Ta , Liao Yen‐Yin , Liu Jen‐Fang , Chen C‐Y. 
Published: June 2021

Almonds have shown to improve glucose control and lipid profile and ameliorate oxidative stress and inflammation in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). The main objective of this study is to further substantiate health benefits of average 60 g/d almond consumption on cardiovascular risk factors in the same population. We hypothesize that consumption of ~60 g/d almonds for 3 mo will improve glucoregulation, adipokine regulation, inflammation, endothelial function, lipid profile, and oxidative stress. We design a randomized, cross‐over, placebo controlled clinical trial with all meals being provided to all subjects. During the 2‐wk run‐in period, subjects will receive a control diet resembling typical Taiwanese diets, prepared based on the NCEP Step 2 guidelines. Subsequently, subjects will be randomized to receive either the control diet or the control diet with whole almonds incorporated to replace 20% calories. After a 2‐wk washout, subjects will receive the alternate diet for the other 3 mo. Biochemical biomarkers will include lipid profile, HbA1c, glucose, insulin, nitric oxide, e‐selectin, endothelial‐1, and intracellular adhesion molecule‐1, adiponectin, leptin, and resistin, hsCRP, IL‐6, IL‐10, retinol binding protein‐4, TNF‐α, oxidized LDL, and protein carbonyls in fasting serum, oral glucose tolerance test, brachial artery flow mediated dilation, and urinary isoprostanes.Grant Funding Source: Supported by Almond Board of California and USDA
Increased expression of sodium transport proteins and Na,K‐ATPase activity in the outer medulla of kangaroo rat is related to its greater urine concentrating ability compared to Sprague‐Dawley rat (1137.7)
Authors: Aw Mun , Evans Kristen , Pannabecker Thomas 
Published: June 2021

The kangaroo rat (Dipodomys merriami), a desert rodent, is able to concentrate its urine to more than 6,000 mosmol/kg water, nearly twice that of the SD rat. We hypothesize that active sodium reabsorption in the thick ascending limb (TAL) of the kangaroo rat outer medulla (OM) is greater than that of the SD rat, and plays a critical role in generating a steeper corticopapillary osmotic gradient. The OM was dissected and prepared for semi‐quantitative western blotting. We measured a four‐fold greater abundance of Na,K‐ATPase α‐1 subunit protein (NKA‐α1) (n=5, p<0.0001), and nearly two‐fold greater abundance of NKCC2 cotransporter and NHE3 protein expression in OM homogenates of kangaroo rat compared to SD rat (n=3, p<0.01). Three‐day water restriction in SD rat (water reduced to 40% of normal consumption) did not significantly affect NKA‐α1, NKCC2, and NHE3 expression (n=3, p>0.1). Na,K‐ATPase (NKA) activity was measured as the difference in ATP hydrolyzed in the absence and presence of ouabain, as determined by measuring release of inorganic phosphate. OM NKA activity in kangaroo rat was significantly higher than in control SD rat, 7778 ± 973 and 4886 ± 296 nmoles ATP hydrolyzed/mg protein/30 min respectively (n=3). However, the volume of mitochondria per unit inner stripe TAL cell volume is identical in both species. We conclude that the greater urine concentrating ability in kangaroo rat compared to the SD rat is associated with greater expression of active Na transport proteins and higher NKA activity, which increases sodium reabsorption in the TAL of the OM.Grant Funding Source: APS, NSF IOS‐0952885 and NIH DK08338
The toxic effects of manganese on dopamine D2 receptor activation is not due to inactivation of the phospholipase C receptor signal transduction component (1143.7)
Authors: Rogers Keisha , Beaubrun Isaac , Catapane Edward , Carroll Margaret 
Published: June 2021

Manganese (Mn), a neurotoxin causing Manganism a Parkinsons‐like disease, disrupts dopamine (DA) neurons, but the neurotoxic mechanism is not fully resolved. Reports postulate it more related to DA neuron dysfunction than degeneration. Lateral gill cilia of Crassostrea virginica are controlled by serotonergic‐dopaminergic innervations from their ganglia. DA causes cilio‐inhibition, serotonin (HT) cilio‐excitation. We showed post‐synaptic DA receptors in gill lateral cells are D2 type and Mn blocks effects of DA by blocking DA post‐synaptic receptors. The adenylyl cyclase component of the D2 signal transduction pathway was not effected by Mn. Phospholipase C (PLC), another component of the D2 signal transduction pathway, is inactivated by DA. We hypothesized PLC is not effected by Mn. We measured cilia beating using stroboscopic microscopy. Adding HT (10‐6 ‐ 10‐3M) to gill increased beating to 25 beats/min. Adding DA (10‐6 ‐ 10‐3M) decreased rates to 0. Mn (100 µM) prevented the cilio‐inhibitory response. m3M3FBS (10‐6 ‐ 10‐3M), a PLC activator, increased beating. U73122 (10‐6 ‐ 10‐4M), a PLC inhibitor, decreased beating. Mn (100 µM) had no effect on the actions of either drug. The study helps elucidate the neurotoxic mechanism of action of Mn by showing Mn disrupts dopamine’s actions at D2 post‐synaptic receptors, but not at the level of adenylyl cyclase or PLC in the signal transduction pathway.Grant Funding Source: NIH‐ 2R25GM0600309, NSF‐ 0622197, NYSED‐ 0516041071
5‐Demethylnobiletin inhibits colon carcinogenesis in azoxymethane/dextran sulfate sodium‐treated mice (123.3)
Authors: Song Mingyue , Wu Xian , Zheng Jingkai , Xiao Hang 
Published: June 2021

Our previous studies have demonstrated inhibitory effects of 5‐demethylnobiletin (5DN, a unique citrus flavonoid) in cultured colon cancer cells. Herein, we determined effects of 5DN on colitis‐associated colon carcinogenesis in azoxymethane/Dextran Sulfate Sodium ‐treated mice. Our results demonstrated that oral administration of 5DN significantly lowered colon tumor incidence by 54% and decreased overall tumor size by 49%. immunohistochemical analysis showed that 5DN had strong anti‐proliferative and pro‐apoptotic effects on colonic tumors. ELISA results demonstrated that 5DN suppressed the levels of IL‐1 and IL‐6 in colonic tissue by 89% and 87%. Immunoblot assay showed that 5DN significantly decreased the expression level of iNOS and COX‐2 in mice colon. HPLC analysis showed that oral administration of 5DN resulted in high levels of 5DN and its metabolites, i.e. 5,3'‐didemethylnobiletin, 5,4'‐didemethylnobiletin, and 5,3', 4’‐tridemethylnobiletin in the colonic tissues. Cell culture study showed that these metabolites, especially 5,3’‐didemethylnobiletin had much stronger inhibition on human colon cancer cells than 5DN. Flowcytometry analysis indicated that 5DN and its metabolites induced extensive cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that oral administration of 5DN significantly inhibited colitis‐associated colon carcinogenesis in mice and these effects can be partially attributed to the colonic metabolites of 5DN.Grant Funding Source: This work was supported by funding from NIH, AICR and USDA.
Health professionals’ experiences providing care for obese women who breastfeed (131.2)
Authors: Garner Christine , Ratcliff Stephannie , Devine Carol , Thornburg Loralei , Rasmussen Kathleen 
Published: June 2021

Obese women tend to stop breastfeeding (BF) earlier than normal‐weight women. Health professionals (HPs) are in a unique position to help obese women with BF, however, little is known about HPs’ strategies for assisting and experience providing BF care for obese women. To explore these issues, 34 HPs who care for pregnant or BF women were recruited in central New York. Qualitative interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed and verified for accuracy; content analysis was used to identify themes. Across professions, HPs described providing care for obese women as requiring more time and physical work, and as being challenging. General strategies that HPs used included treating them the same as other women, using normalizing techniques, and treating them with dignity. The HPs disagreed about specific strategies to help obese women with BF including: discussing the benefits of weight loss, proper nursing positions and “making an air pocket” when putting baby to breast, and using nipple shields/shells. They agreed about emphasizing the benefits of BF for infant weight, that more could be done prenatally to prepare obese women for BF, and that home visits postpartum may benefit them. Providing care for obese women in a setting in which HPs feel like they don’t have enough time requires more resources. Comprehensive strategies are needed to provide consistent messages and assistance to help obese women breastfeed.Grant Funding Source: Supported by grants from NIH (5T32HD007331) and USDA (Hatch 399449)
Sustaining dietary ketosis to improve blood flow and wound healing in young and aged Fisher rats (734.7)
Authors: Kesl Shannon , Jung Michelle , Prather Jamie , Sherwood Jacob , Gould Lisa , D'Agostino Dominic 
Published: June 2021

Increasing evidence shows that limited energy and nutrient exchange is associated with age‐related impairment of wound healing. Ketone bodies, including β‐Hydroxybutyrate (βHB), are naturally occurring energy substrates, which may augment wound healing. We hypothesized that oral ketone supplementation without dietary restriction would enhance wound closure in young and aged Fisher rats by improving blood flow and supplying an alternative energy substrate. In our preliminary studies, we measured the magnitude and duration of ketosis following administration of a single 6.5g/kg dose of ketone precursors: R,S‐1,3‐Butanediol (KS1), Na+/K+ βHB salt and medium chain triglyceride (MCT) oil 1:1 mixture (KS2), or water in young and aged fisher 344 rats (n=6). Substances were administered through an intragastric gavage and whole blood samples (10 μl) were acquired for analysis of glucose and βHB at 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 4, 8, and 12 hours following administration. Using an ischemic wound‐healing model, the ketogenic supplements were added to a standard diet fed ad libitum for 28 days. Laser Doppler imaging of the ischemic peri‐wound tissue every 7 days demonstrated significantly increased blood flow in young rats (n=10) fed KS1 at day 14 and 28 (p<0.001) and KS2 at day 7, 14, and 28 (p<0.01). In aged rats, blood flow was significantly increased in KS1‐fed at day 14 and KS2‐fed at days 7 and 14 (p<0.05). Wound size was significantly smaller in young rats fed KS1 and KS2 at 11 and 14 days following wound creation (p<0.05). In aged rats, KS1‐fed wounds were significantly smaller at days 11 and 14 (p<0.05) and in KS2‐fed at days 11, 14, and 28 (p<0.05). Wound healing improved by 3 days in aged KS1‐fed, 7 days in young KS2‐fed, and 10 days in aged KS2‐fed.Grant Funding Source: Funded by the Office of Naval Research
Peptide bond cleavage through cyclization of asparagine (768.4)
Authors: Giaccone Zachary , Urbanski Laura , Siegart Nicolle , Reitter Julie , Mills Kenneth 
Published: June 2021

Protein splicing is the post translational modification by which an internal peptide, or intein, separates itself from the surrounding residues, known as exteins. In the third step of the mechanism, asparagine cyclization, coupled to peptide bond cleavage, cleaves the intein from the neighboring exteins. We have studied this cyclization in two ways. The first is by a model peptide assay by which the cyclization of Asn is coupled to fluorescence. We observed that an increase of temperature correlates to a faster cyclization reaction, while a decrease in the dielectric of the solvent slows the cleavage of the peptide. The second way we studied cyclization is through the inteins from Trichodesmium erythraeum and Syncechococcus sp. PCC 6803. The intein from T. erythraeum ends in a Gln as opposed to the highly conserved Asn. By making mutations to the last residues, Asn or Gln, we revealed that T. erythraeum intein can complete C‐terminal cleavage with either amino acid, whereas Syncechococcus sp. PCC 6803 requires the asparagine in order to cleave. This supports the hypothesis that a naturally occurring cyclization with Gln could also be completed if the residue was mutated to the more kinetically favorable Asn. However, it is unlikely that a natural Asn cyclization would be able to react in the same way if mutated to Gln.Grant Funding Source: Supported by the National Science Foundation under grant MCB‐1244089 and by the Dreyfus Foundation
Fresh pear consumption is associated with a better nutrient intake profile, better diet quality, and lower risk of obesity in adults (19+ y): NHANES (2001‐2010) (810.16)
Authors: O'Neil Carol , Nicklas Theresa , Fulgoni Victor 
Published: June 2021

The association between fresh pear consumption with nutrient intake, dietary quality, and risk of obesity was examined in adults using data from NHANES (2001‐2010). Consumers (n=492) were defined by consumption of any amount of fresh pears using a 24‐hour diet recall. Means and ANOVA (covariate adjusted) were determined using appropriate sample weights. Logistic regression was used to determine odds ratios. The Healthy Eating Index‐2010 (HEI) was used to determine diet quality. Mean intake of fresh pears in consumers was 170±7.0 g/d. Intake of total sugars 133±3.0 v 123±0.8 g/d), fiber (23.9±0.6 v 16±0.1 g/d), vitamin C (105±6.6 v 87±1.3 mg/d), copper (1.6±0.1 v 1.3±0.01 mg/d), magnesium (333±11 v 293±1.5 mg/d), and potassium (3006±58 v 3722±12 mg/d) was higher (p<0.01) in fresh pear consumers than in non‐consumers. Intake of added sugars (16±0.6 v 19.2±0.2 tsp eq), total fat (75±1.3 v 82±0.3 g/d), MUFA (27.6±0.6 g/d v 30±0.1 g/d) and SFA (23±0.5 v 27±0.1 g/d) was lower (p<0.01) in fresh pear consumers than non‐consumers. The total HEI score was higher (p<0.01) (58.8±1.2 v 46.7±0.2) in pear consumers than in non‐consumers.The likelihood of being obese was 35% lower (p<0.01) in fresh pear consumers than non‐consumers. Fresh pear consumption was associated with better nutrient intake, diet quality and weight parameters in adults and consumption should be encouraged.Grant Funding Source: Supported by Pear Bureau Northwest and USDA.
Biomechanics of Locomotion in Antarctic Sea Spiders (Pycnogonida)
Authors: Roberts Stephen , Mahon Andrew , Halanych Kenneth 
Published: June 2021

Eight‐legged locomotion within chelicerates and other arthropod groups allows a diverse array of maneuvers (e.g. variable speeds; forwards, sideways and backwards walking; low turning radius turns) on uneven substrate. During straight path locomotion, an alternating tetrapod gait cycle (R1, R3, L2, L4 to L1, L3, R2, R4) is characteristic in terrestrial eight‐legged species. However, far less is known about octopod locomotion in aquatic or marine arthropods which, like their terrestrial relatives, face highly uneven and variable substrates, but also live in a highly resistant fluid medium. While aboard the RV Laurence M. Gould, we investigated the walking kinematics of Antarctic sea spiders (Pycnogonida) in the genera Pallenopsis, Colossendeis, Nymphon, and Austropallene collected from the Southern Ocean near the Antarctic Peninsula. In all groups, absolute and relative walking speeds were comparatively slow, with absolute walking speed ranging from 0.05 to 0.2 cm/sec, and relative walking speed ranging from 0.07 to 0.11 body lengths/sec. While footfall patterns sometimes approximated an alternating tetrapod gait, the gait pattern was variable and often non‐symmetrical, with leg pairs commonly transitioning from out of phase to in phase within the same individual. Extremely cold temperatures, low relative muscle mass, and a resistant fluid medium likely contribute to the extremely slow walking speeds of sea spiders, while their variable gait patterns compared to those of terrestrial spiders suggest that aquatic and terrestrial habitats impose different selective pressures on central pattern generators controlling leg movements and walking.Support or Funding InformationA.R.M. and S.P.R. were supported by research grant ANT‐1043670 by the US National Science Foundation (NSF). K.M.H. was supported by research grant ANT‐1043745 by the NSF.
Fibrin Hydrogels Prevent Contraction and Deliver Adipose Stem Cells to Debrided Deep Partial Thickness Burns for Accelerated Angiogenesis
Authors: Burmeister David M , Stone Randolph , Wrice Nicole L , Becerra Sandra C , Natesan Shanmugasundaram , Christy Robert J 
Published: June 2021

Autografts for wound coverage often have limited availability, and result in donor site morbidities. Many different tissue engineering strategies have been explored to minimize and/or circumvent the need for grafting, however none have proven adequate. One promising technologyis PEGylated fibrin (PEG‐fibrin) hydrogels that have previously been shown to deliver adipose‐derived stem cells (ASCs) for enhanced angiogenesis. Here, we investigate the effectiveness of the combination of ASCs and PEG‐fibrin hydrogels in a porcine model of debrided burn wounds. We hypothesized that the scaffolding provided by PEG‐fibrin would mitigate the contraction seen upon meshing of autografts, while ASC delivery would accelerate wound healing. Deep‐partial thickness burns were created on the dorsum of anesthetized Yorkshire pigs, and subsequently debrided on post‐injury day 4. After debridement, wounds were treated with: split thickness skin grafts (STSG);meshed STSG at 1:1.5 (mSTSG); and mSTSG + PEG‐fibrin with ASCs at 0, 1×105,5×105, and 1×106 cells per 3cm diameter wound. Photographs and biopsies were taken on post‐burn days 10, 14, 21, and 42, with euthanasiaon post‐burn day 42. Excised tissue was processed for routine histopathology and western blot analysis. Treatment with mSTSG resulted in significantly more contraction of wounds (88.9 ± 5.6 % of original area) compared to those treated with STSG (109.3 ± 5.0% of original area) and mSTSG + PEG‐fibrin (110.6 ± 6.9% of original area) out to day 42 post‐burn. When ASCs were delivered to the wounds in PEG‐fibrin, the size of blood vessels counted via histopathology on day 10post‐injury increased in a dose dependent fashion. Furthermore, the size oxblood vessels significantly correlated with CD31 protein levels (r=0.69, P<0.0042). Surprisingly, there was no effect on reepithelialization of the wounds. The current report describes a dual‐action adjunct therapy to autografting which can be administered in situ. Specifically, PEG‐fibrin hydrogels act not only as scaffolding, which prevents the ensuing contraction after skin autografts are meshed but also as delivery vehicles for ASCs, which ultimately accelerate angiogenesis in a dose‐dependent fashion. This platform may be used to deliver other cell types or growth factors for accelerating wound closure and improving wound outcomes. The ultimate goal in investigating the combination of ASCs and PEG‐fibrin is to generate vascularized skin equivalents to for enhanced graft integration and reduced scarring.Support or Funding InformationMedical Research and Materiel Command (MRMC) provided funding for this project.