Small Angle X-Ray Scattering of Hydrated Wheat Starch Granules

Wheat starch:water (1:2) dispersions were studied by small angle x-ray scatter diffractometry (SAXS), and by light, polarizing microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). X-ray scatter data were collected in the 64-661 A range. Radii of gyration (Rg) of spherically shaped regions and d-spacings were calculated for samples that were treated as follows: 25° C and run at 25° C; heated to 88° C and run at 82° C; heated to 88° C, stored at 25° C for 2 h or 3 days and run at 25° C; heated to 88° C, stored at 2° C for 3 days and run at 6° C. Samples comparable to those used for SAXS experiments were stored without x-ray irradiation to evaluate the effects of x-ray exposure on starch structure. All samples were evaluated for differences in granule morphology and loss of birefringence using light, SEM and polarizing microscopy. SAXS results indicated that a well-defined d-spacing that was seen between 260-296 A in unheated granules is related to birefringence of the starch granule and was not found again after heating, cooling, and storage. These observations indicate that a more random order was present after heating. The 260-296 A spacing fits the 3 cluster, ordered model for amylopectin in which an extended amylopectin molecule has a diameter of 500 A. The Rg data further support this model because an Rg value for unheated starch was found at 249 A. A maximal Rg change occurred for starch heated to 88° c and stored for 3 days at 2° C (Rg 175 A). These data suggest that heating, cooling and storage result in a molecular reorganization extending over a relatively large distance and involving both a loss of order (shown by loss of the 260-296 A spacing) and a tightening of the structure (shown by the decrease in the Rg values)

Rare manifestation of a c.290 C\u3eT, p.Gly97Glu VCP mutation

Introduction. The valosin-containing protein (VCP) regulates several distinct cellular processes. Consistent with this, VCP mutations manifest variable clinical phenotypes among and within families and are a diagnostic challenge. Methods. A 60-year-old man who played ice hockey into his 50’s was evaluated by electrodiagnostics, muscle biopsy, and molecular genetics. Results. With long-standing pes cavus and toe walking, our patient developed progressive weakness, cramps, memory loss, and paresthesias at age 52. An axonal sensorimotor neuropathy was found upon repeated testing at age 58. Neuropathic histopathology was present in the quadriceps, and exome sequencing revealed the VCP mutation c.290 C>T, p.Gly97Glu. Conclusions. Our patient reflects the clinical heterogeneity of VCP mutations, as his neurological localization is a spectrum between a lower motor neuron disorder and a hereditary axonal peripheral neuropathy such as CMT2. Our case demonstrates a rare manifestation of the c.290 C>T, pGly97Glu VCP mutation

Pennsylvania Folklife Vol. 21, No. 2

• The Pennsylvania Germans: A Preliminary Reading List • Spatial Development of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Plain Dutch Community to 1970: Part I • Palatine Emigrants of the 18th Century • Winter Album • Emigrants from Dossenheim (Baden) in the 18th Century • Farm Layouts and Building Plans: Folk-Cultural Questionnaire No. 22https://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/pafolklifemag/1046/thumbnail.jp

EFFECTS OF KAATSU TRAINING ON UPPER EXTREMITY SIZE AND STRENGTH

poster abstractConventional resistance training involves lifting heavy loads (~70% max-imal strength), which can be poorly tolerated or contraindicated in many clinical populations. KAATSU training is a novel training mode from Japan that combines muscle blood flow restriction with low load lifting (~20% max-imal strength). The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a KAATSU training program on upper extremity size and strength. Forty healthy subjects ages 18 to 30 were divided into exercise (EX) or control (CON) groups. Subjects reported to the laboratory three times per week for eight weeks. The EX group performed 3 sets of 15 repetitions of unilateral bicep curls and triceps extensions lifting loads equivalent to 20% of their predetermined maximal strength while wearing a pneumatic cuff to restrict blood flow on one arm (CUFF) and nothing on the other (NCUFF). The CON group did not perform any exercises but wore the cuff on one arm for a time comparable to the EX group. CUFF and NCUFF arms were randomly as-signed. Strength, girth, skin folds and tomography scans were taken pre-, during, and post-eight weeks. In the EX group, bicep curl (17.4% +4.1% and 18.7% +4.9%) and triceps extension (15.8% +3.4% and 10.7% +2.7%) strength increased significantly over the 8-week period for both the CUFF and NCUFF arms, respectively. No significant differences in strength occurred between the CUFF and NCUFF arms within the group. No strength changes were noted in the CON group for the CUFF and NCUFF arms. Arm girth and muscle cross-sectional area (mCSA) increased significantly in the EX subjects compared to the CON subjects, however no significant differ-ences were found when within group comparisons were made between the CUFF and NCUFF arms. This study indicates that KAATSU training can in-crease muscle strength and mCSA

Hepatocyte growth factor and MET support mouse enteric nervous system development, the peristaltic response, and intestinal epithelial proliferation in response to injury

UNLABELLED: Factors providing trophic support to diverse enteric neuron subtypes remain poorly understood. We tested the hypothesis that hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and the HGF receptor MET might support some types of enteric neurons. HGF and MET are expressed in fetal and adult enteric nervous system. In vitro, HGF increased enteric neuron differentiation and neurite length, but only if vanishingly small amounts (1 pg/ml) of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor were included in culture media. HGF effects were blocked by phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase inhibitor and by MET-blocking antibody. Both of these inhibitors and MEK inhibition reduced neurite length. In adult mice, MET was restricted to a subset of calcitonin gene-related peptide-immunoreactive (IR) myenteric plexus neurons thought to be intrinsic primary afferent neurons (IPANs). Conditional MET kinase domain inactivation (Met(fl/fl); Wnt1Cre+) caused a dramatic loss of myenteric plexus MET-IR neurites and 1-1\u27-dioctodecyl-3,3,3\u27,3\u27-tetramethylindocarbocyamine perchlorate (DiI) labeling suggested reduced MET-IR neurite length. In vitro, Met(fl/fl); Wnt1Cre+ mouse bowel had markedly reduced peristalsis in response to mucosal deformation, but normal response to radial muscle stretch. However, whole-bowel transit, small-bowel transit, and colonic-bead expulsion were normal in Met(fl/fl); Wnt1Cre+ mice. Finally, Met(fl/fl); Wnt1Cre+ mice had more bowel injury and reduced epithelial cell proliferation compared with WT animals after dextran sodium sulfate treatment. These results suggest that HGF/MET signaling is important for development and function of a subset IPANs and that these cells regulate intestinal motility and epithelial cell proliferation in response to bowel injury. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The enteric nervous system has many neuronal subtypes that coordinate and control intestinal activity. Trophic factors that support these neuron types and enhance neurite growth after fetal development are not well understood. We show that a subset of adult calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-expressing myenteric neurons produce MET, the receptor for hepatocyte growth factor, and that loss of MET activity affects peristalsis in response to mucosal stroking, reduces MET-immunoreactive neurites, and increases susceptibility to dextran sodium sulfate-induced bowel injury. These observations may be relevant for understanding and treating intestinal motility disorders and also suggest that enhancing the activity of MET-expressing CGRP neurons might be a useful strategy to reduce bowel inflammation

The Ursinus Weekly, April 10, 1975

How to Succeed is Spring production • New Who\u27s who in religion lists Williamson • S.F.A.R.C. studies U.C. campus issues • Computer careers night a big success • Newman Society sponsors mass • Travelin\u27 VIII concert showcase for talent • Letters to the editor • Alarmed by alarms • Education at Ursinus • Casino Night success: Union production a big hit; Gamblers parley thousands into big prizes • Phils win East, Dodgers win West; Oakland repeats, Yanks win East • Preview of \u2775 Wings • Record review: Song for America, Kansas • Come out: See them!https://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/weekly/1034/thumbnail.jp

The Ursinus Weekly, October 30, 1975

16 U.C. seniors named to Who\u27s who • Prof. presides • U.C. Founder\u27s Day to honor church • Dr. Isaac Asimov named speaker • Editorial: Ursinus\u27 infirmary is ailing! • Letters to the editor: Soccer regrets; Speaking out; Resident vs. day; An open letter to Richard J. Whatley • Newest P.E. prof • Visitor notes strange customs • Renowned sculptor presents project • Forum review: Lisa A. Richette speaks at Ursinus • Ursinus wins! • We\u27re no. 1! • Between inningshttps://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/weekly/1044/thumbnail.jp

KAATSU TRAINING: PERCEPTIONS AND COMPLIANCE TO AN UPPER ARM EXERCISE PROGRAM

poster abstractKAATSU training is a novel Japanese training mode involving low load (~20% maximal strength) weightlifting combined with blood flow restriction to the muscles. Little is known about the sensations experienced during KAATSU training and whether clients will tolerate it. The purpose of this study was to assess perceived sensations, exertion rates, and compliance to an upper arm KAATSU training program. Forty healthy subjects ages 18 to 30 were divided into exercise (EX) or control (CON) groups. Subjects report-ed to the laboratory three times per week for eight weeks. The EX group performed 3 sets of 15 repetitions of unilateral bicep curls and triceps exten-sions lifting loads equivalent to 20% of their predetermined maximal strength while wearing a pneumatic cuff on one arm (CUFF) and nothing on the other (NCUFF). The CON group did not perform any exercises but wore the cuff on one arm for a time comparable to the EX group. CUFF and NCUFF arms were randomly assigned. Sensations (burning, aching, pressure, pins & needles) and perceived exertion were assessed using visual analog scales that included emotions and verbal cues. Compliance (percentage of subjects completing the pre- and post-testing) and adherence (percentage of ses-sions completed) were tracked to provide an indication of training tolerance. Compliance was 85.4% and 97% for the EX and CON groups, respectively. EX subjects completed 85.4% of their workouts while controls attended 90.4% of their sessions. The prominent sensation reported in the CUFF arm was pressure (moderate; 3.2 +0.6) followed by aching (weak; 1.7 +0.4). Ratings of perceived exertion were higher for the CUFF (3.2 +1.0, 5.1 +1.8, and 7.0 +2.5) versus NCUFF (1.5 +0.3, 2.4 +0.3, and 3.3 +0.4) arm for sets 1, 2, and 3, respectively. KAATSU training is well tolerated by those performing it and a viable alternative to conventional resistance exercise

The Ursinus Weekly, October 10, 1974

Gov. candidate Drew Lewis fields questions at U.C. • Achatz discusses news media role at Ursinus forum • Parents\u27 Day events slated • USGA continues action policy • Editorial: Ursinus was a people place • Pages from Ursinus past: Radical changes in store for Ursinus by year 1970! • Pumpkin eater\u27s greenery • Personals • A letter to the Weekly • Institute helps pre-meds abroad • Ursinus student publishes histories • Story leaks out • X-country defeated by King\u27s College • Bears will win Saturday! • Hockey team plans tour of Englandhttps://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/weekly/1021/thumbnail.jp

The effects of quercetin on SW480 human colon carcinoma cells: a proteomic study

BACKGROUND: High fruit and vegetable intake is known to reduce the risk of colon cancer. To improve understanding of this phenomenon the action of different phytochemicals on colon cells has been examined. One such compound is quercetin that belongs to the group known as flavonoids. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of quercetin on the proteome of the SW480 human colon adenocarcinoma cell line, specifically to identify proteins that could be the molecular targets of quercetin in its amelioration of the progression of colon cancer. To this end, two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry were used to identify proteins that underwent a change in expression following treatment of the cells with 20 μM quercetin. This could elucidate how quercetin may reduce the progression of colon cancer. RESULTS: Quercetin treatment of the SW480 human colon cancer cells was found to result in the decreased expression of three proteins and the increased expression of one protein. The identified proteins with decreased expression were type II cytoskeletal 8 keratin and NADH dehydrogenase Fe-S protein 3. The other protein with decreased expression was not identified. The protein with increased expression belonged to the annexin family. CONCLUSION: Several proteins were determined to have altered expression following treatment with quercetin. Such changes in the levels of these particular proteins could underlie the chemo-protective action of quercetin towards colon cancer