bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metabolic Differences in Essential Amino Acid Plasma Concentrations in High‐ and Low‐Active Mice
Authors: Letsinger Ayland C. , Granados Jorge , Ten Have Gabriella A. M. , Deutz Nicolaas E. P. , Lightfoot J. Timothy 
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUNDWith current health problems such as obesity and Type II Diabetes attributable to both physical inactivity and metabolic disorders, there continues to be a lack of information regarding physiological mechanistic interactions between physical activity and metabolism.PURPOSETo conduct basic metabolic analysis on mice either high‐ active (HA) (C57L/J) or low‐active (LA) (C3H/HeJ), and determine basic metabolic differences between essential amino acids (EAA) in these activity types.METHODSAll procedures were approved by the TAMU IACUC. At 12wks of age, 20 HA male mice (body weight: 27.5±1.2g; lean mass: 22.5±1.3g; fat mass: 2.5±0.7g; food intake: 3.4±0.8g) and 23 LA male mice (body weight: 25.8 ±1.2g; lean mass: 21.0±1.1g; fat mass: 2.5±0.5g; food intake: 3.0±1.0g) (Jackson Labs) under anesthesia had a catheter placed in the right jugular vein for blood sampling. Plasma EAA concentrations were determined by LC‐MS/MS. Data were analyzed using unpaired t‐tests for each EAA.RESULTSLA mice had significantly higher EAA for THR, VAL, MET, ILE, LEU, TRP and HIS (Table). LYS was the only essential AA with a significantly lower concentration.CONCLUSIONWe hypothesize that the consistent higher EAA plasma concentrations in LA strain mice indicate a modified essential AA metabolism that is linked to their lower activity levels.Support or Funding InformationStudy funded by research development grant from the Vice‐President of Research, Texas A&M University

Amino Acid
Low Active (n=20)
High Active (n=23)
Difference
P

Threonine (THR)
206.7 ± 9.8
161.4 ± 6.7
−45.3 ± 11.9
0.0005

Valine (VAL)
187.9 ±7.1
156.8 ± 4.9
−31.1 ± 8.6
0.0008

Methionine (MET)
60.9 ± 2.7
47.3 ± 1.5
−13.6 ± 3.1
0.0001

Isoleucine (ILE)
57.7 ± 2.3
48.5 ± 1.9
−9.2 ± 3.0
0.0041

Leucine (LEU)
144.8 ± 6.4
125.2 ± 4.8
−19.6 ± 8.0
0.0184

Tryptophan (TRP)
71.1 ± 3.0
58.2 ± 2.3
−13.0 ±3.8
0.0016

Phenylalanine (PHE)
86.7 ± 4.3
77.5 ± 2.4
−9.2 ± 4.9
0.0724

Histidine (HIS)
109.3 ± 3.9
92.4 ± 2.8
−16.8 ± 4.8
0.0011

Lysine (LYS)
379.9 ± 17.2
481.4 ± 18.2
101.5 ± 25.0
0.0002

Sum EAA
1305.0 ± 56.7
1248.7 ± 45.5
−56.3 ± 73.1
0.9139

Plasma concentrations in μm. Data are mean ± SE.
Ethanol Extract of Phlomis Tuberosa L. Promotes Glucose Uptake in 3T3‐L1 Preadipocytes via Insulin Signaling Pathway
Authors: Baatar Delgerzul , Sukhbaatar Otgonpurev , Oyungerel Baatartsogt , Hwang Seong Gu 
Published: November 2023

Phlomis tuberosa L. (Lamiaceae) has been used as traditional medicine for treating diabetes, gastric ulcer, hemorrhoids, inflammation and other wounds in Asian countries. In this study, we investigated anti‐diabetic effect of Phlomis tuberosa L. ethanol extract (PTL) through the glucose transporting mode of action in 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes. Effect of PTL ethanol extract was evaluated in following concentration: 25, 50, 100, 200 μg/mL. Cell viability was measured by CCK‐8 assay. Differentiated 3T3‐L1 cells were stained with Oil Red O and triglyceride (TG) content was measured. Adipocytes differentiation related mRNA and protein expression was analyzed by RT‐PCR and Western Blot (IRS‐1, GLUT‐4, PPARγ and C/EBPα). Our findings showed that PTL had no cytotoxic effect on cell viability. Intracellular lipid accumulation was significantly increased in a dose dependent manner. RT‐PCR and Western Blot analysis showed that PLT promoted glucose uptake by increasing the expression of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT‐4) and insulin receptor substrates‐1 (IRS‐1). PTL also upregulated the expression of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ (PPARγ) and CCAAT‐enhancer‐binding protein‐α (C/EBPα) dose dependently. Our result suggest PTL promotes glucose uptake by activating insulin signaling pathway through the upregulation of PPARγ. Phlomis tuberosa L may be used to develop potential therapeutic agent for Type II Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM).Support or Funding InformationThis work was carried out by the support of the Rural Development Administration Grant (Project No. PJ01268703).
Development of an interdisciplinary undergraduate research training program to improve retention and future success of women in STEM
Authors: Nogaj Luiza A , Roberts Lia , Deprele Sylvine 
Published: November 2023

In response to the national need to produce skilled and globally aware STEM students, Mount Saint Mary's University, Los Angeles developed an interdisciplinary undergraduate research program with an international fieldwork experience in the summer. The goals of the program are: (1) to train undergraduates in interdisciplinary research methodologies (cancer laboratory techniques, cross cultural survey research, and policy analysis); (2) to collect real fieldwork data in Peru and the U.S.; (3) to analyze and present the results in professional conferences and publications; and (4) to develop leadership skills and teamwork necessary for student success and retention in STEM fields.Students enrolled in the program spend two semesters doing course work. In the first semester they learn about the molecular, environmental and nutritional causes of cancer from MSMU's STEM faculty and about the disparities in policy and healthcare access in the U.S. and Peru from political science faculty members. In the second semester, the students develop research skills in both STEM disciplines and the social sciences: laboratory research skills in biology and chemistry, and survey methodology in political science. The students develop an evidence gathering plan, design a survey, and seek an IRB approval in preparation for their global research experience over the summer.During the summer, the students first interview women in urban and rural areas of California and Peru about factors contributing to their health, such as access to healthcare and nutritional habits. For the remainder of the summer, they analyze their data and study target natural products in the chemistry and biology laboratories.During the culminating, third semester of the program, the students continue doing research, as they turn their focus to the interpretation of data, presentation of their results at conferences, and future directions for the project. Perhaps most importantly, participants in this program develop leadership skills and examine barriers to success for women in STEM. We expect this combination of regular course work with a summer research component, international field study, and leadership training to be an effective way to increase success and retention rates of undergraduate students in the STEM fields at MSMU.This program is a model for future research topics thus creating a sustainable and meaningful undergraduate research training.
The Role of MeCP2 Mutations in a Reg‐Rett‐Able Syndrome
Authors: Arnholt Mark , Bertucci H. , Bertucci M. , Dorosz T. , Hart T. , Heimermann A. , Lentz M. , Rusch T. , Schultz J. , Weber N. , Weiss H. , Makky G. 
Published: November 2023

Rett Syndrome affects about one in every 10,000 to 15,000 births. It is a genetic neurodevelopmental disorder that mainly occurs in females. Affected males die in infancy because the syndrome exhibits an X‐linked dominant pattern of inheritance. Rett Syndrome is caused by mutations in the X‐linked Methyl CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2) coding gene. MeCP2 is necessary for epigenetic regulation of gene expression. This protein represses transcription by acting as a molecular bridge between methylated DNA and a complex of co‐repressor proteins including histone deacetylases and Sin3A. Mutations of MeCP2 cause overexpression of several genes during brain development. MeCP2 is a 52‐kDa protein with two functional domains: the transcriptional repressor domain (TRD) and the methyl‐CpG binding domain (MBD). Four notable amino acids found within the MBD are Arg106, Arg133, Phe155, and Thr158. Mutations at these four locations result in a decreased binding affinity of MeCP2 to methylated DNA: 2‐fold for mutated Thr158 and 100‐fold for the remaining mutated amino acids. The MBD has three beta sheets with Thr158 located on the c‐terminal end. Here, hydrophilic residues interact specifically with the methylated DNA. The Hartford Union High School SMART (Students Modeling A Research Topic) Team designed a model of MeCP2 using 3D printing technology to represent the MBD‐methylated DNA complex. The model highlights the amino acids involved in the interaction between MeCP2 and methylated DNA. Modeling the structure of MeCP2 allows for a more detailed understanding of the interaction between MeCP2 and DNA. This information will be crucial for designing treatments or interventions to improve the quality of life for Rett syndrome patients.Support or Funding InformationThis work was supported by the National Institutes of of Health Science Education Partnership Award (NIH‐SEPA 1R25OD010505‐01) and the National Institutes of Health Clinical and Translational Science Award (NIH‐CTSA UL1RR031973).
Effect of a High Protein, High Fiber Dietary Supplement on Subjective Appetite Ratings and Subsequent Ad Libitum Energy Intake in Overweight Men and Women
Authors: Sharafi Mastaneh , Wilson Michael , Alamdari Nima , Glynn Erin L. 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundProtein and fiber have evidence supporting their function to promote satiety and improve subjective appetite ratings.ObjectiveTo determine the effect of a high protein, high fiber dietary supplement preload on appetite ratings and subsequent energy intake compared to an isocaloric high carbohydrate, low protein, low fiber placebo.MethodsParticipants (n = 25 male, 25 female) receive the dietary supplement (Shakeology) and the placebo on separate occasions, separated by at least 6 days, in a randomized, double‐blind crossover design. Subjects consumed the test product following a 12‐hour fast, and reported appetite ratings at 10, 20, and 30 min (visual analog scale (VAS)), followed by an ad libitum pizza meal to assess energy intake.ResultsThirty‐eight individuals have completed the study. There were significantly greater reductions in VAS ratings of hunger, desire to eat, and composite appetite score, and a trend for reduction in ad libitum energy intake when subjects consumed the dietary supplement compared to the isocaloric placebo.ConclusionA high protein, high fiber dietary supplement (Shakeology) improves subjective appetite ratings in overweight men and women.Support or Funding InformationThis study was funded by Beachbody, LLC and conducted by an independent laboratory.
Effects of Maternal High Folate and Low Vitamin B12 on DNA Methylation in Cord Blood Mononuclear Cells
Authors: Fard Anne , Plumptre Lesley , Tammen Stephanie , Akbari Mohammad , Sohn Kyoung‐Jin , Masih Shannon , Visentin Carly , Ly Anna , Berger Howard , Croxford Ruth , Choi Sang‐Woon , O'Connor Deborah , Kim Young‐In 
Published: November 2023

DNA methylation is an important epigenetic determinant in gene expression, with potential consequent effects on disease susceptibility. During embryogenesis, new DNA methylation patterns of the fetus are established, which renders this period highly susceptible to environmental modifiers. Maternal dietary intake of folate and vitamin B12 has the potential to modulate DNA methylation via the provision of S‐adenosylmethionine. Maternal high folate and low B12 status has been linked to an increased risk of obesity and insulin resistance in the offspring. Using a cohort from the PREnatal FOlic acid exposuRe on DNA Methylation in the newborn infant (PREFORM) study (n=291 mother‐child pairs), global (total 5‐methylcytosine [5mC] content) and gene‐specific DNA methylation in cord blood mononuclear cells between newborn infants born to mothers with high RBC folate (>2860 nmol/L) and low B12 (<167 pmol/L) concentrations and controls born to mothers with lower RBC folate (<2860 nmol/L) and higher B12 (>167 pmol/L) concentrations were investigated using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS‐MS) and Illumina CpG methylation microarray, respectively. Infants from ‘high folate/low B12’ mothers had 6.2% lower 5mC content than infants from ‘moderate folate/marginal to adequate B12’ mothers (5.16±0.277 % vs. 5.50±0.411 %; p=0.0069). Furthermore, infants from ‘high folate/low B12’ mothers were 9% heavier than infants from ‘moderate folate/marginal to adequate B12’ mothers (3697±455 g vs. 3393±S451 g; p=0.001). These data suggest that maternal folate and B12 status can influence global DNA methylation in the developing fetus and can potentially induce phenotypic changes in the newborn infant. Studies are underway to determine gene‐specific DNA methylation changes in cord blood mononuclear cells associated with maternal folate and B12 status and their functional ramifications.Support or Funding InformationFunded by: CIHR (MOP# 106446)
Pentosidine, an Advanced Glycation End Product, Is a Negative Predictor of Cortical Bone Geometric Endpoints in Children
Authors: Kindler Joseph M , Liu Weixi , Dain Joel , Laing Emma , Lewis Richard M 
Published: November 2023

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are suspected to contribute to the increased fracture risk in adults with type‐2 diabetes. In addition to being directly implicated in skeletal fragility, AGEs may adversely influence bone turnover, and consequently, bone mass and geometry. To date, no AGE and bone data have been reported in children. Therefore, the objective of this pilot study was to examine relationships between the AGE pentosidine and cortical bone geometric outcomes in children. Participants were 39 black and white boys and girls (ages 8–13 years) who were in the early stages of sexual maturation. Tibia and radius cortical bone (66% site relative to the distal growth plate) was assessed via peripheral quantitative computed tomography. In fasting sera, insulin (via RIA), glucose (via enzymatic Autokit glucose method), and pentosidine (via ELISA) were measured. The homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) was calculated. Linear regression analyses were performed to predict metabolic and cortical bone endpoints from pentosidine. All analyses included race, sex, and sexual maturation rating stage as covariates. For analyses involving cortical bone, muscle cross‐sectional area was included as an additional covariate. Serum insulin (β = 0.346, P = 0.034), but not glucose (β = −0.03, P = 0.866) or HOMA‐IR (β = 0.317, P = 0.056), was a positive predictor of pentosidine. Pentosidine was a negative predictor of tibia cortical bone mineral content (β = −0.266, P = 0.043) and cortical bone area (β = −0.282, P = 0.028), as well as radius total bone area (β = −0.248, P = 0.024), cortical bone area (β = −0.254, P = 0.040), periosteal circumference (β = −0.236, P = 0.033), and polar strength strain index (β = −0.220, P = 0.048). In contrast, pentosidine was positively correlated with radius cortical volumetric bone mineral density (β = 0.347, P = 0.045). We report the first data in children to show inverse relationships between the AGE pentosidine and metabolic and cortical bone geometric endpoints. The role of AGEs, such as pentosidine, warrants further investigation within the context of the increased fracture risk in obese children.Support or Funding InformationThis research was supported by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Grant RO1HD057126, by the Allen Foundation grant 2.008.319, and by the University of Georgia Agricultural Experiment Station, HATCH projects GEO00797 and GEO00700.
Determining Toxic Levels in Pre‐implantation Mouse Embryo Development from Exposure to Electronic Nicotine Delivery System (e‐Cig) Carrier Fluid
Authors: Hamm David Michael , Pietrangelo Michael Anthony , Swanson Robert James 
Published: November 2023

Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS or e‐cig), are increasingly popular, despite not well FDA regulated. With increased trends in ENDS usage, especially as a “safer” alternative to cigarettes, the potential damage due to other chemicals in the ENDS carrier fluid (CF) must be determined in the absence of nicotine for both non‐vaporized (NCF) and vaporized (VCF) material. The main components of this CF are propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, and flavor additives. Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectroscopy was used to determine the components of ENDS/NCF and ENDS/VCF. Our data establish a relationship between pre‐implantation embryo exposure to ENDS NCF and VCF relative to embryo development in a murine model. ENDS/NCF was placed in the e‐cig and then removed; ENDS/VCF was placed in the e‐cig, vaporized, and then condensed back to fluid using a glass‐bead‐filled, 7mm diameter × 7m long, copper coil at 2°C. A single 2‐cell embryo was placed in each well of a 96 well culture plate, in triplicate experiments, with modified Krebs bicarbonate‐buffered embryo growth medium (mKBBM) as mKBBM/NCF or mKBBM/VCF mixtures. The mKBBM/NCF was initially tested at 0.0% (control), 0.1%, 0.3%, and 0.5% concentrations by volume. The mKBBM/VCF was tested at 0.0, 0.001, 0.01, 0.6, 1.6, 2.6, and 3.6 percent concentrations by volume. Embryos were incubated for 96 hours (hrs) during continuous exposure and morphological observations were made every 24 hrs. This mouse embryo assay (MEA) has been used for IVF toxicity testing with passing minimum values of 20% morula‐65% blastocyst (85% combined) growth rate at 96 hrs. In the NCF group, control embryos passed the MEA (89%) while 0.1%, 0.3%, and 0.5% failed (84%, 0%, and 0% respectively). In the VCF group, 0.0, 0.001, 0.01 and 0.6% embryos passed the MEA (100% for all but 0.6% which was 87%) while the 1.6%, 2.6%, and 3.6% failed the MEA (80%, 80%, and 16% respectively). Experiments with identical percentages for both NCF and VCF are currently being performed. Additionally, a one‐way ANOVA with TUKEY posthoc, α = 0.05, was performed to evaluate null hypothesis of no difference based on exposure and viability. This revealed significant differences between groups at 24, 72, and 96, but not at 48 exposure hrs. These results indicate an initial developmental delay in the first 24 hrs with an adaptive catch‐up growth phase from 24–48 hrs followed by a drop‐off in growth post 48 hrs of CF exposure. Farsalinos, et al., 2015, estimated 3mL of e‐liquid/day; 0.00000375% per 80kg man, well below our concentrations but we did not include nicotine in our experiments. Study animals were on IACUC‐approved protocol #11.161107.Support or Funding InformationCenter for Research, Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine
The Effects of Mixed Nuts on Lipid Profiles, Glucose, Oxidative Stress, and Antioxidant Capacity in Atherogenic‐Diet Fed Rats
Authors: Groven Shauna L , Corwin Caitlin , Marx Amanda , Messervy Luke , Hooshmand Shirin , Kern Mark , Lee Yoonhee , Hong Mee Young 
Published: November 2023

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) has become the leading cause of death in the United States, and is primarily caused by atherosclerosis, which occurs when LDL‐cholesterol is oxidized within endothelial walls of the arteries. Animal and human studies have both demonstrated that dietary intake of nuts improves blood lipid profiles, which may decrease CVD risk. Contributing factors include low saturated fat to high unsaturated fat ratios in nuts, as well as high concentration of fiber and various vitamins, minerals, and polyphenols. While numerous studies have examined the effects of certain types of nuts, limited research exists regarding the potential benefits of nut mixture consumption. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the effects of mixed nuts on lipid profiles, glucose, oxidative stress, and antioxidant capacity in rats fed atherogenic diets. Thirty male Sprague‐Dawley rats (21‐days old) were randomly divided into three groups of ten based on initial body weight, consuming either an isokilocalorie control diet (no nut), 8.1% pistachio diet (single nut), or 7.5% mixed nut (almonds, cashews, pecans, pistachios, walnuts, peanuts, macadamia nuts, and brazil nuts) diet for 8 weeks. Initial body weight, final body weight, weight gain, daily food intake, and daily water intake were not statistically different between the three groups. Both pistachio and mixed nut groups significantly decreased triglycerides (p=0.023), total cholesterol (p=0.037), LDL‐cholesterol (p=0.010), and oxidative stress (p=0.014), and increased total antioxidant capacity (p=0.046) compared to the control group. No significant differences in organ weights, albumin, blood glucose, HbA1C, or HDL‐cholesterol were found between groups. No significant differences existed between pistachio and mixed nut groups. Therefore, this study suggests that consumption of nut mixtures yields similar benefits to those reported for various individual types of nuts with regard to risk factors for CVD, including lipid profiles, oxidative stress, and total antioxidant capacity in atherogenic‐diet fed rats.Support or Funding InformationThe study was funded by American Heart Association (16GRNT31360007) and supported by San Diego State University N302L Advanced Nutrition Laboratory.
Establishment of Rat Model of Hyperuricemia and Efficacy Evaluation of Positive‐Control Drugs
Authors: Huo Jiao , Lu Yedan , Yang Hua , Ma Sijia , Cheng Weibo , Chen Jinyao , Zhang Lishi 
Published: November 2023

ObjectiveHyperuricemia, caused by dietary, environmental and genetic factors, has been recognized as a high risk factor for gout, cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases. Most hyperuricemic animal models were carried out on rats with short‐term treatment (<1~15 days), which were not appropriate for screening of drugs with long‐term mechanisms of action. The aim of this study was to explore the strength and weakness of different doses and combination of several hypericemia‐inducing drugs that can be used for establishment of chronic hyperuricemia model in rats, and to screen the effective positive control drugs, therefore to provide a test platform for hyperuricemia prevention and control.Methods130 male SD rats were randomly divided into 10 groups, i.e. a control group, 3 model groups and 6 positive groups. The rats were administrated with different model drugs in different doses by oral gavage. Model 1 was administrated with 100.0 mg/kg.bw adenine+1.50 g/kg.bw oteracil potassium; model 2 was administrated with 50.0 mg/kg.bw adenine+1.50 g/kg.bw oteracil potassium; model 3 was administrated with 1.50 g/kg.bw oteracil potassium only. Each model group has two positive drug intervention sub‐groups (allopurinol 27.0 mg/kg.bw and benzbromarone 4.5 mg/kg.bw respectively), together 6 groups. The model drugs were administrated at 9:00 am and the positive control drugs were administrated at 3:00 pm in all groups for continuous 45 days. Serum uric acid (UA), creatinine (CR) and urine nitrogen (BUN) were detected on day 15, 30 and 45. Histopathological analysis of liver and kidney was carried on day 45 after sacrificing.ResultsThe level of serum UA in the three model groups was significantly higher than in the normal control group in a time‐dependent pattern. Levels of CR and BUN in model 1 and model 2 control sub‐groups were significantly higher than those in the normal control group. Allopurinol could reduce serum uric acid levels in all three models, while benzbromarone only had effect on model 3. Obstructive nephropathy was discovered in model 1 and model 2. However, the kidney injury, to some extent, could be reversed by allopurinol.ConclusionThe results from this study indicated that combination of 50.0 mg/kg.bw adenine and 1.50 g/kg.bw oteracil potassium could be available to establish a stable chronic hyperuricemia rat model, and allopurinol could be an appropriate positive drug for hyperuricemia relieving in this model.Support or Funding InformationThis work was supported by science and technology projects for youth of traditional Chinese medicine, Sichuan province [Grant Number 2016Q045]