Physical and Mental Health Experiences among African American College Students.

Transitioning from home to college life can lead to changes in dietary and physical activity behaviors. Approximately 12% to 50% of college students meet criteria for one or more mental disorders. When compared to others, African Americans typically have poorer health outcomes and experience greater rates of cardiovascular-related diseases and depression.

High circulatory leptin mediated NOX-2-peroxynitrite-miR21 axis activate mesangial cells and promotes renal inflammatory pathology in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

High circulatory insulin and leptin followed by underlying inflammation are often ascribed to the ectopic manifestations in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) but the exact molecular pathways remain unclear. We have shown previously that CYP2E1-mediated oxidative stress and circulating leptin in NAFLD is associated with renal disease severity. Extending the studies, we hypothesized that high circulatory leptin in NAFLD causes renal mesangial cell activation and tubular inflammation via a NOX2 dependent pathway that upregulates proinflammatory miR21.

Lgr5+CD44+EpCAM+ Strictly Defines Cancer Stem Cells in Human Colorectal Cancer.

Background/aims: Although EpCAM+CD44+ cells exhibit more stem-like properties than did EpCAM-CD44- cells, the specificity of EpCAM combined with CD44 in defining CSCs needs further improvement. Lgr5 is used as a biomarker to isolate cancer stem cells (CSCs) in colorectal cancer. However, it remains unclear whether Lgr5, along with EpCAM and CD44, can further identify and define CSCs in colorectal cancer.

Hydrothermal carbonization of food waste for nutrient recovery and reuse.

Food waste represents a rather large and currently underutilized source of potentially available and reusable nutrients. Laboratory-scale experiments evaluating the hydrothermal carbonization of food wastes collected from restaurants were conducted to understand how changes in feedstock composition and carbonization process conditions influence primary and secondary nutrient fate. Results from this work indicate that at all evaluated reaction times and temperatures, the majority of nitrogen, calcium, and magnesium remain integrated within the solid-phase, while the majority of potassium and sodium reside in the liquid-phase.

Deficiency of KLF4 compromises the lung function in an acute mouse model of allergic asthma.

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways and the mechanisms are not fully understood. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a heterogeneous group of monocytes, granulocyte and myeloid cells at early stage of differentiation. They possess phenotypic plasticity and regulate airway inflammation.

Proton Transfer in Molten Lithium Carbonate: Mechanism and Kinetics by Density Functional Theory Calculations.

Using static and dynamic density functional theory (DFT) methods with a cluster model of [(LiCO)H], the mechanism and kinetics of proton transfer in lithium molten carbonate (MC) were investigated. The migration of proton prefers an inter-carbonate pathway with an energy barrier of 8.0 kcal/mol at the B3LYP/6-31 G(d,p) level, which is in good agreement with the value of 7.

Increased ethanol drinking in "humanized" mice expressing the mu opioid receptor A118G polymorphism are mediated through sex-specific mechanisms.

The A118G single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the mu-opioid receptor gene (Oprm1) has been implicated in mediating the rewarding effects of alcohol. Clinical and preclinical studies suggest that the G allele may confer a genetic vulnerability to alcohol dependence, though it remains unknown whether these effects are sex-specific. We used male and female mice homozygous for the "humanized" 118AA or 118GG alleles to determine whether the A118G SNP potentiates ethanol consumption in a sex-specific manner in both the two-bottle choice and drinking-in-the-dark (DID) paradigms.

Identification of bovine sperm acrosomal proteins that interact with a 32-kDa acrosomal matrix protein.

Mammalian fertilization is accomplished by the interaction between sperm and egg. Previous studies from this laboratory have identified a stable acrosomal matrix assembly from the bovine sperm acrosome termed the outer acrosomal membrane-matrix complex (OMC). This stable matrix assembly exhibits precise binding activity for acrosin and N-acetylglucosaminidase.

Morphine-induced antinociception and reward in "humanized" mice expressing the mu opioid receptor A118G polymorphism.

The rewarding and antinociceptive effects of opioids are mediated through the mu-opioid receptor. The A118G single nucleotide polymorphism in this receptor has been implicated in drug addiction and differences in pain response. Clinical and preclinical studies have found that the G allele is associated with increased heroin reward and self-administration, elevated post-operative pain, and reduced analgesic responsiveness to opioids.

DFT Study of Oxygen Dissociation in Molten Carbonate.

Using density functional theory method, we have studied the oxygen dissociation in alkali molten carbonate at the B3LYP/6-31G(d) level. The calculated energies were then verified by MP4 and CCSD(T). A four-formula cluster (M2CO3)4, M = Li, Na, and K was used to describe the molten carbonate.

Lactate dehydrogenase regulation in aged skeletal muscle: Regulation by anabolic steroids and functional overload.

Aging alters the skeletal muscle response to overload-induced growth. The onset of functional overload is characterized by increased myoblast proliferation and an altered muscle metabolic profile. The onset of functional overload is associated with increased energy demands that are met through the interconversion of lactate and pyruvate via the activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH).

Identification and Characterization of TEX101 in Bovine Epididymal Spermatozoa.

Several studies exhibit the presence of Ricinus Communis Agglutinin I (RCA) binding glycocalyx in mammalian spermatozoa. However, the molecular characterization of RCA binding glycocalyx in sperm membranes and its mechanism of action are poorly understood. The objective of the study was to identify and to characterize RCA binding glycoprotein of the bovine sperm plasma membranes (PM).

The 55 kDa tissue transglutaminase cross-linking active isoform TG induces cell death.

Transamidations are calcium-dependent reactions catalyzed by transglutaminase enzymes. Tissue transglutaminase (TG2 or TGC) is a multifunctional protein with a controversial role in apoptosis. The cross-linking function of transglutaminase enzymes has been shown to play a role in cell death.

Induction and translocation of tissue transglutaminase isoforms increased phosphorylation in retinoic acid treated erythroleukemia cells.

Tissue transglutaminase (TGC, TG2, 80 kDa) is inactive in cross-linking reactions and is converted in vitro and in vivo to the TG (55 kDa) active isoform (Fraij in J Cell Biochem 112:2469-2489, 2011). Two isoforms of human TGC were cloned from human erythroleukemia (HEL) cells induced with retinoic acid (RA) and termed TGH, 63 kDa (Fraij et al. in J Biol Chem 267:22616-22673, 1992) and TGH2, 37 kDa.

Differential effects of fluoranthene and benzo[a]pyrene in MCF-7 cells.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants, which are suspected carcinogens and may affect the reproductive system as potential endocrine disruptors. Therefore, we tested fluoranthene (FL) and benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) on human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7 cells) to determine possible toxic effects. The cells were incubated in the presence of medium, medium containing 0.

Decomposing Black-White differences in child maltreatment.

This article examines conflicting visions of the racial composition of the maltreated populations. The National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System (NCANDS) data shows Blacks are overrepresented among reported and substantiated abuse and neglect cases, while the National Incidence Study of Child Abuse and Neglect (NIS) shows no apparent overrepresentation of children of color. To understand the conflicting evidence, the authors produce from NIS approximate measures of maltreatment rates in NCANDS.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon-induced cytotoxicity in cultured rat Sertoli cells involves differential apoptotic response.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous and persistent environmental contaminants. Some PAHs are carcinogens and may affect the male reproductive system. Therefore, we exposed cultured rat Sertoli cells to a variety of PAHs to determine possible direct toxic effects on the cells of the seminiferous epithelium.

The impact of health insurance status on emergency room services.

This study presents evidence from a major hospital that the uninsured received less care than privately insured patients when they came for emergency treatment, even when the insured and uninsured had similar diagnoses. Uninsured emergency patients were also less likely to be admitted to the hospital than insured emergency patients. Among those treated and released, the uninsured have lower discharge costs than privately insured patients.

Toxic effects of polychlorinated biphenyls on cultured rat Sertoli cells.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are ubiquitous and persistent environmental contaminants. In mammals, PCBs affect spermatogenesis and may be associated with Sertoli cell changes. Therefore, our aim was to evaluate in vitro toxic effects of hydroxylated PCB (PCB-22; 2',3',4',5'-tetrachloro-4-biphenylol) and PCB congener (PCB-77; 3,3',4,4'-tetrachlorobiphenyl) on Sertoli cells isolated from 19- to 21-day-old male rats.

Toxic effects of octylphenol on cultured rat spermatogenic cells and Sertoli cells.

Alkylphenols, including the estrogenic 4-tert-octylphenol (OP), are environmental pollutants. Because administration of OP to adult male rats impairs spermatogenesis and OP has been shown to be toxic to aquatic animals and to mammalian splenocytes in vitro, we studied whether OP exerts direct toxic effects on cultured spermatogenic cells and Sertoli cells isolated from male rats. Cell viability was assessed with a Live/Dead Eukolight viability/cytotoxicity kit.

The effects of sample selection bias on racial differences in child abuse reporting.

Objective: The aim was to examine whether design features of Wave 1, 1980 National Incidence Study (NIS) data resulted in sample selection bias when certain victims of maltreatment were excluded.

Method: Logistic regression models for the probability of child abuse reports to the child protective services (CPS) were estimated using maximum likelihood methods for Black (n = 511) and White (n = 2499) child abuse cases. The models were estimated with and without correction for selection bias using a two-step procedure proposed by Heckman.

Chronic polychlorinated biphenyls exposure on three generations of oldfield mice (Peromyscus polionotus): effects on reproduction, growth, and body residues.

Effects of chronic dietary exposure to low levels of PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) on reproduction, growth and whole body burdens were investigated in three generations of Peromyscus polionotus. Mated pairs were maintained on a diet containing 5 mg/kg PCBs (Aroclor 1254) for 12 months, beginning exposure as young adults; matched controls received a similar diet without PCBs. Offspring were maintained on the parental regime and paired at maturity with non-siblings in the same group.

Intestinal leucine aminopeptidase and alkaline phosphatase: genetic regulation and development in mice.

Intestinal and serum leucine aminopeptidase (LAP) and alkaline phosphatase (AKP) were characterized by electrophoresis for eight inbred strains of laboratory mice. Intestinal LAP and AKP of adult mice were expressed concordantly within strains, as banded or diffuse, and concordantly for rate of migration within strains that had diffuse isozymes. All strains, except DD/S, had a single band of serum LAP and a single, diffuse zone of serum AKP.