bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bioaccessibility and cellular uptake of carotenoids, carotenoid precursors and a‐tocopherol in biofortified golden potatoes (Solanum tuberosum)
Authors: Chitchumroonchokchai Chureeporn , Diretto Gianfranco , Giuliano Giovanni , Failla Mark L 
Published: November 2023

Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) transformed to overexpress bacterial phytoene synthase and phytoene desaturase genes and Erwinia lycopene β‐cyclase gene in a tuber‐specific manner have a “golden” phenotype and contain as high as 50% of the RDA of vitamin A per 250g serving. Boiled tubers from two independent transgenic lines of golden potato (16 and 22 μg total carotenoids/g wet wt) and wild type (2 μg/g total carotenoids) were subjected to simulated oral, gastric and small intestinal phases of digestion to estimate the bioacessibility of carotenoids, phytoene, phytofluene and αTC. Retention of compounds of interest after boiling golden potato exceeded 75% with the exception of phytofluene (40%). Partitioning of total carotenoids, provitamin A carotenoids, all trans‐lutein, phytoene, phytofluene and αTC in the mixed micelle fraction was 17–20%, 16–27%, 26–38%, 20–32%, 15%, and 24%, respectively. Apical uptake of the phytochemicals from micelles generated during simulated digestion of boiled potatoes by monolayers of Caco‐2 cells was 14–21% for carotenoids, 43–45% for phytoene, 23–27% for phytofluene, and 53% for aTC after 4h incubation. Results further support the potential of “golden” potato as a staple food for improving vitamin A status of those at risk for deficiency and the bioaccessibility of carotenoid precursors.Support or Funding InformationOhio Agricultural Research and Development Center
Dietary deprivation of each essential amino acid induces differential systemic adaptive responses in mice
Authors: Kamata Shotaro , Yamamoto Junya , Karube Katsuhito , Ohkubo Rika , Kasahara Tadashi , Ishii Isao 
Published: November 2023

Research purposeDietary deprivation of essential amino acids (EAAs: His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Thr, Trp, and Val) in mammals is known to cause reductions in food intake and body weight. The aim of this study was to determine whether and how mice respond to deprivation of individual EAA species.Methods and resultsThe complete (amino acid) diet was formulated to contain all proteinogenic amino acids that quantitatively matched the amino acids of the standard rodent dry diet CE‐2 (Japan Clea); their basic composition and calorie contents were equivalent and mice grew well on the complete diet. Deprivation of any single EAA (not non‐EAA) from the complete diet led to progressive weight loss in the order of Ile− > Val− > Thr− > Leu− > Trp− > His− > Phe− > Met− > Lys− after two weeks, which correlated with the reduction in food intake. Decreased levels of the deprived EAAs as well as increased levels of all or some of the other amino acids were detected in the serum, although these levels differed among the diets examined. Serum biochemistry identified significant increases in CPK, BUN, ALT, and AST, and decreases in glucose and triglycerides; computed tomography revealed a marked reduction in abdominal/femoral fat and muscle depots; histology identified diffuse myofiber atrophy in the rectus femoris muscle, all in that approximate order. In contrast, marker genes for amino acid response (Asns), autophagy (LC3b), and ubiquitination (Atrogin‐1) as well as amino acid transporter genes (Slc38a, Slc7a5, Slc7a1) were induced in both deprived EAA‐specific and tissue (skeletal muscle, liver, heart, kidney, and small intestine)‐specific manners. When mice were deprived of food for 12 hr and then fed the Ile− diet or the Ala− diet, decreased food intakes were evident as early as 30 min with the Ile− diet, and rapid decreases in serum Ile concentrations preceded it (~10 min).ConclusionDietary deprivation of individual EAAs induced systemic adaptive responses that differed in magnitude and molecular machinery.Support or Funding InformationJPSP KAKENHI Grant Numbers 22590292, 23117716, and 25220103
Overexpression of the Cannabinoid Receptor CB1 in Mouse Astrocytes Related to Prolonged Intake of Commercial Sweeteners
Authors: Estrada Jose Antonio , Moriyama‐Estrada Zumiko , Olin‐Carbajal Stephanie , Díaz‐Casasola Luis , Contreras Irazu 
Published: November 2023

Sweeteners approved for commercial use are considered harmless. However, recent studies have shown that chronic use of these compounds may have an impact on human health. The addition of these additives to an increasing number of daily‐consumed products makes it relevant to question their effects on the human body. The cannabinoid system is recognized as a key mediator of energy homeostasis, feeding behavior and the immune response, and its effects in the central nervous system are primarily related to orexigenic effects and incentives for food intake by its action on the hypothalamus and the limbic system. Although these processes are regulated by neurons, astrocytes play a key role in the regulation of neuronal function. The objective of this project is to study the effects of dietary modifications, particularly the ingestion of commercial sweeteners, on the cannabinoid system. We supplemented adult Balb/c mice with different sweeteners in their drinking water (sucralose, sucrose and steviols) for 8 weeks. After supplementation, we obtained nervous tissue samples and analyzed the expression of the CB1 receptor on astrocytes by immunohistochemistry. Our preliminary results show increased CB1 expression by astrocytes from mice supplemented with sucralose, compared to controls without supplementation. Our results provide evidence for alterations in CB1 expression in astrocytes in the brain after continuous commercial sweetener intake, which suggest possible effects in the regulation of appetite and lipid storage in the organism, as well as implications for the development of chronic metabolic disease, such as obesity and diabetes.Support or Funding InformationThis project was partially funded by COMECyT (Consejo Mexiquense de Ciencia y Tecnologia)
Preliminary evaluation on the effects of feeds on the somatic and cardiac parameters of zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Vargas Rafael A , Vásquez Isabel Cristina , Sánchez Jesús Armando 
Published: November 2023

The aim of this work was to examine the effects of diets varying amount of lipids in zebrafish (danio rerio). The diets were: for control group a commercially available tropical fish diet (normal‐fat diet) and for the experimental group the same commercially available tropical fish diet plus crude vegetable oil (high‐fat diet). Two groups of adult young zebrafish (three‐month‐old zebrafish) were fed diets containing either normal‐fat diet or high‐fat diet and were tested during sixteen months. The control group (n=10) received 15 mg per fish of normal‐fat diet; a total meal for this group was 150 mg/day. The experimental group (n=10) received a total amount of 150 mg/day of normal‐fat diet plus 40 mg of crude vegetable oil (high‐fat diet). The size and weight were measured monthly in both groups. The mortality rate was not considerably influenced by dietary fatty acid composition throughout the period evaluated. The weight was highly affected by high‐fat diet after third month. No differences in the body size were observed between groups.Support or Funding InformationThis work was supported by Research Grant from the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia. Project: 5605, budget code 120112Z0401200.
Dietary Supplementation with Montmorency Tart Cherry Prevents the Alterations in Gut Mucosal Immunity that occurs with Ovarian Hormone Deficiency
Authors: Crockett Erica Kay , Graef Jennifer L. , Ouyang Ping , Clarke Stephen L. , DeSilva Udaya , Lucas Edralin A. , Smith Brenda J. 
Published: November 2023

Postmenopausal women are at risk for a number of diseases linked to dysregulation of the immune response, including autoimmune diseases, osteoporosis and certain cancers. The decline in ovarian hormones that occurs with menopause is known to alter immune cell function and activation, but few studies have examined its specific effects on the gut mucosal immune response. Moreover, foods rich in phenolic compounds may provide a means of countering the effects of ovarian hormone deficiency due to their proximity to the gut mucosa and immunomodulating properties. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the alterations in the gut immune response induced by ovarian hormone deficiency and the extent to which dietary supplementation with dried tart cherries prevents this response. Five month old C57BL/6 female mice (n=10/group) were either sham‐operated (SHAM) or ovariectomized (OVX). OVX mice were then randomly assigned to treatments consisting of either control diet (OVX; AIN‐93M) or control diet supplemented with 5% (w/w) Montmorency cherry powder (CH; Van Drunen Farms); SHAM mice received the control diet. All diets were adjusted to have similar macronutrient, fiber, calcium and phosphorus content. Body weights were monitored throughout the study. At the end of the 28 day treatment period, a dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry scan was performed to assess body composition and the spleen, thymus, cecal contents and lamina propria (LP) from the colon were isolated. Body weight, lean mass and percent fat increased in the OVX group (P< 0.05) as expected, and cherry supplementation had no effect on this response. No differences were observed in cecal content and thymus weights among the groups. The OVX group experienced an increase (P< 0.05) in spleen weight, and cherry supplementation prevented this response to some extent (OVX=CH=SHAM). Following total RNA extraction from the LP, RT‐PCR was performed to assess the relative abundance of RNA for inflammatory mediators. Gene expression of interferon (IFN)‐γ was upregulated with OVX (P<0.05), and cherry supplementation restored IFN‐γ expression to that of the SHAM group. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α tended to be increased (P=0.0526) in the OVX group compared to the SHAM group, and cherry supplementation normalized this response. Additionally, the OVX‐induced suppression (P<0.05) of interleukin (IL)‐10, an anti‐inflammatory cytokine, was restored in CH group to that of the SHAM group. These data demonstrate that in a postmenopausal animal model, ovarian hormone deficiency promotes a pro‐inflammatory environment within the lamina propria of the colon and dietary supplementation with tart cherries provides a means of countering these responses.Support or Funding InformationCherry Research Committee of the Cherry Marketing Institute
The Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on Blood Lipids in Minorities with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Exebio Joel , Ajabshir Sahar , Zarini Gustavo , Huffman Fatma 
Published: November 2023

The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of supplemental vitamin D intake (4000 IU/day or 6000 IU/day of vitamin D3 over a 6 month period) on blood lipids in a sample of African Americans and Hispanics with type 2 diabetes and vitamin D insufficiency (25(OH)D<30 ng/ml) living in South Florida. Subjects were recruited from two clinics and screened for vitamin D insufficiency. Ninety two participants were screened. Seventy five qualified for the intervention (n=50 for 4000 IU/day treatment and n=25 for 6000 IU/day treatment). Participants in both groups were required to take either 4000 IU or 6000 IU of Cholecalciferol per day given in the form of a pill in a single daily dose. Each participant was seen 4 times; at screening, baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Serum vitamin D and blood lipids were measured by ELISA. Mixed model was used to compare treatment effects. Bonferroni multiple comparison test was used to detect significant changes over time. Significant changes in serum 25(OH)D levels were seen from baseline to 3 month and 6 months, respectively in both treatments (from 22.25 ± 7.19 to 37.34 ± 12.31 and 37.99 ± 13.22, P<0.05 in the 4000 IU group; from 23.74 ± 5.09 to 43.20 ± 15.94 and 40.62 ± 19.39, P<0.05 in the 6000 IU group). A significant decrease in total cholesterol (from 193.88 ± 41.03 to 180.48 ± 27.53 mg/dl, P=0.040) and triglycerides (from 201.44 ± 91.35 to 172.92 ± 76.87 mg/dl, P=0.037) was found for the 6000 IU group at 6 months. The significance was lost after adjusting for confounders. The positive effect of vitamin D supplementation on blood lipids may be mediated by other cofactors related to vitamin D metabolism.Support or Funding InformationFunding for this research was provided through a grant from NIH/NIDDK
Elevated systolic blood pressure is associated with low serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D concentrations of children in the United States: NHANES 2005–2006
Authors: Moore Carolyn , Liu Yan 
Published: November 2023

Although a negative association between 25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations and blood pressure has been found in adults, a limited number of studies have examined the relationship in children. Therefore, the purposed of this study was to determine if serum 25(OH)D concentrations of children were correlated with blood pressured (BP) and the risk of prehypertension and hypertension. Using a nationally representative sample of children age 8–18 year from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005–2006 (n=2277), serum 25(OH) concentrations were compared to diastolic, systolic, and mean arterial BP. Prehypertension was defined as BP ≥ 90th to < 95th percentile and hypertension as ≥ 95th percentile by age, height and gender national BP percentiles norms for children. All statistical analyses were conducted using the Statistical Analysis Software (SAS) (version 9.4, SAS Institute Inc, Cary, NC, 2010–12). The overall statistical significance was set at level of less than .05 (α <.05). Based on serum 25(OH)D levels, 7.0 ± 1.2% of the children were vitamin D deficient (<12 ng/mL) and 71.7 ± 2.4% were vitamin D sufficient (>20 ng/mL). Vitamin D deficient children had higher systolic blood pressure (111.4 ± 0.8 mmHg) than vitamin D sufficient children (106.8 ± 0.6 mmHg) (P< 0.05). Analysis of covariance (n=2277; 8–18 yr) controlling for age, gender, ethnicity, and income indicated that serum 25(OH)D concentrations were negatively associated with systolic BP (standardize β = −0.061; P = 0.02), but not associated with diastolic or mean arterial BP. Overall, a relatively small percentage of the children age 8 – 18 yr had prehypertension (10.8 ± 1.0%) or hypertension (8.4 ±1.1%). However, a higher percentage of vitamin D deficient children had prehypertension (12.6%) or hypertension (16.4%) compared to the percentage of vitamin D sufficient children with prehypertension (9.1%) or hypertension (7.4%). In conclusion, low serum 25(OH)D concentrations in children were associated with elevated systolic BP and an increased risk of prehypertension and hypertension.Support or Funding InformationTexas Woman's University Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences
Circulating Levels of Small Nucleolar RNAs (snoRNA) Are Affected by Zinc Supplementation in Early Pubertal Females
Authors: Grider Arthur , Lewis Richard D. , Laing Emma M. 
Published: November 2023

The objective of this research was to determine the effects of zinc supplementation on the levels of small nucleolar RNA (snoRNA) in plasma. The subjects (early pubertal females 9 to 13y) consumed 9 mg elemental zinc (n=110) or placebo (n=102) for 4 wks. Plasma was collected from subjects at baseline and 4 wks. Following analysis by zinc atomic absorption, samples were pooled from 5 subjects exhibiting either the greatest change in plasma zinc (zinc supplemented [Zn]) or the least change in plasma zinc (placebo [P]). Total RNA from these samples ([P] baseline n=2; [P] 4wk n=2; [Zn] baseline n=2; [Zn] 4wk n=2) was isolated, and the small, non‐coding RNA in plasma was analyzed by microRNA microarray. The data (log2 expression) were separated into unsupplemented (UnS; n=6) and zinc supplemented (ZnS; n=2) groups. For each snoRNA, the UnS group exhibited a coefficient of variation ≤ 30%, and the ZnS group exhibited average expression levels ≥ 1.5‐fold higher or lower than the average of the UnS group. Seven snoRNAs were affected by Zn supplementation: SNORD13 (chromosome 2 – 1.5× decrease, chromosome 5 – 1.6× decrease, chromosome 11 – 1.7× decrease, chromosome 10 – 1.6× increase); HBII‐52 (chromosome 15 – 1.6× decrease); 14q(0) (chromosome 7 – 1.5× increase); SNORD81 (chromosome 7 – 1.6× increase). These results indicate that changes in Zn nutriture affects the circulating levels of this class of small, non‐coding RNAs involved with the post‐transcriptional maturation of ribosomal RNA. Moreover, further research will determine if they are candidates for biomarkers of Zn status.Support or Funding InformationGeorgia Agriculture Experiment Station (GEO00682) to AG; National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (R03 HD54630) to RDL.
In vitro therapeutic index application in high throughput screening of the anti‐inflammatory effects of natural products evaluation in different cell lines
Authors: Mazzio Elizabeth A , Bauer David , Taka Equar , Soliman Karam F. 
Published: November 2023

One thousand and four hundred crude organic extracts from natural plants, botanical chemicals were evaluated for anti‐inflammatory activity LPS treated cell lines: BV‐2 microligal cells, RAW 264.7 macrophages and C6 glioma cells. LPS is commonly used to invoke in vitro inflammation. However, studies using immortalized macrophages, microglia or astrocytoma (malignant phenotype) could result in an interfering variable when evaluating natural products which are both anti‐inflammatory and anti‐cancer (pro‐apoptotic) at similar/close concentrations. In this study, a high throuput HTP study was conducted on inflammatory parameters using an in vitro therapeutic index (iTI) = ratio of toxicity (LC50) / anti‐inflammatory potency (IC50) compared to reference controls (e.g. hydrocortisone, dexamethasone, iNOS inhibitor N6‐(1‐iminoethyl)‐L‐lysine (L‐NIL) and other OTC NSAIDs). Preliminary profiling studies showed (1) LPS activation of BV2 cells resulted > 10‐fold rise in IL‐6, MIP‐2, MIP‐1g, RANTES and nitric oxide (NO); (2) LPS activated RAW 264.7 cells generated > 10‐fold rise in sTNFR2, MCP‐1, IL‐6, GCSF, RANTES and NO (3) LPS/IFN‐g activated C6 glioma initiated >10‐fold rise in MCP‐1, CINC1, CINC2a, CINC3 and NO. Using NO2‐ production as a guideline molecule for HTP screening, the data show that of all compounds tested : the highest anti‐inflammatory differential LC50/IC50s (Ti ) with efficacy < 250μg/mL occurred in the presence of Ashwaganda, Elecampane, Feverfew, Tansy, Turmeric, Bayleaf, Rosemary, Green Tea, Yerba Santa and Centipeda Herb. Likewise, naturally derived substances with the highest anti‐inflammatory differential LC50/IC50s (Ti ) were established for cardamonin and to a lesser extent: butein, apigenin, EGCG, curcumin and quercetin. These substances had capacity to reduce NO, downregulate iNOS protein expression, significantly attenuate IL‐6 in activated RAW/BV2 cells and reduce levels of cytokine‐induced neutrophil chemoattractant CINC‐1/3, in C6 cells. These particular natural substances seem to hold therapeutic value above many others tested, with possible applications for future prevention of neuro inflammatory conditions / treatment of general inflammatory chronic disorders and possibly drug development for strategies to prevent multi‐organ damages associated with endotoxic shock.Support or Funding InformationNIMHD Grants G12MD007582 and Grant Number 1P20 MD006738
Reprogramming factor Oct4 is crucial for Trans differentiation of Hepatocytes to Biliary epithelial cells
Authors: Doffou Mboya , Adams George , Michalopoulos George , Bhave Vishakha 
Published: November 2023

Trans differentiation of liver epithelial cells (hepatocytes and biliary cells) into each other provides a rescue mechanism in liver disease under situations where either cell compartment fails to regenerate by itself. The mechanisms underlying such trans differentiation of terminally differentiated epithelial cells are not fully elucidated. Recently we reported that adult rat liver expresses reprogramming factors Oct4, Nanog, and KLF4, and their expression is important for hepatocyte proliferation and liver regeneration. To test if reprogramming factor Oct4 plays a role in trans differentiation of hepatocytes to BECs, we used the hepatocyte organoid culture: an in vitro hepatocyte to biliary trans differentiation model. In this model, primary hepatocytes when plated on collagen coated roller bottles and cultured in presence of HGF, EGF, and dexamethasone, trans differentiate to form BECs between 6–15 days in culture. We found that Oct4 is upregulated at day 6 in this model as assessed by mRNA and protein levels suggesting its possible involvement in trans differentiation. When expression of Oct4 was blocked in hepatocytes using adenovirus containing Oct4 shRNA, there was a significant decrease in the number of biliary cells as compared to controls as assessed by biliary marker HNF1‐beta, strongly supporting the role of Oct4 in trans differentiation of hepatocyte to biliary epithelial cells. Moreover, Oct4 inhibited group shows significantly less SOX9, YAP, and Notch (also shown to be involved in trans differentiation) expression as compared to controls. Experiments to investigate mechanisms through which Oct4 might regulate trans differentiation are under way.Support or Funding Information

Center for Chronic Disorders of Aging.
American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy New Investigator Award.
Decade Long Study in HIV‐1+ Puerto Ricans Finds Reduction in Average Drug Resistance Per Individual, Changes in Antiretroviral Medication Resistances and Shifts in Mutations Expression
Authors: Cubano Luis , Roger María Luisa , Rishishwar Lavanya , Sepúlveda‐Torres Lycely del C. , Ríos‐Olivares Eddy , Jordan I. King , Boukli Nawal 
Published: November 2023

The objective of this study was to determine if changes in the patterns of expression of antiretroviral resistance and associated mutations could be detected in a population of HIV‐1+ Puerto Ricans.The data collected from 2002 to 2011 was obtained from 4,475 (1,397 female, 2,581 male and 497 anonymous) patients. The samples were analyzed using the TRUGENE HIV‐1 Genotyping Kit and the OpenGene DNA Sequencing System.The average number of resistances per individual decreased from 6.0 in 2002 to 2.1 in 2011. The average number of reverse transcriptase mutations decreased from 2.8 to 0.9. In contrast the average number of protease inhibitor mutations increased from 2.5 to 3.3.The most prevalent antiretroviral medication resistances changed from Zalcitabine, which was the dominant one from 2002 to 2006, to Emtricitabine from 2007 – 2010 with declining percentages during that time from 44.7% to 27.9%. In 2010 the predominant resistance was a tied between Efavirenz and Nevirapine (18%). In 2011 the predominant resistance was Saquinavir + Rinonavir at 27.4%The most prevalent reverse transcriptase mutation was M184V but its percentage of expression decreased from 47.3% in 2004 to 10.1% in 2010. In the year 2011 K103N became the dominant reserve transcriptase mutation in the population examined with 16.1%. In 2011 the percent of M184V was 8.1%.The most prevalent protease inhibitor mutation during the decade was L63P. Similarly to M184V, L63P percentage of expression decreased but not as dramatically with a decrease from 73.9% in 2002 to 62.9% in 2011.Data show a descending trend for most of the mutations, accompanied by an increase in the incidence of minority mutations. This was reflected by a shift in the most prevalent antiretroviral medication resistances.Support or Funding InformationThis research was supported by grant G12MD007583 from the National Institutes of Health and grants P031M105050 and P031S130068 from the US Department of Education.