@article{manavi_alston-mills_thompson_2020, title={History of tobacco, vitamin D and women}, volume={90}, ISSN={["1664-2821"]}, DOI={10.1024/0300-9831/a000640}, abstractNote={ Abstract. Tobacco usage kills more than 8 million people a year. Approximately 7 million of those deaths are the result of direct tobacco use, while approximately 1.2 million are the result of non-smokers being exposed to second-hand smoke. About 200 million of the world’s one billion smokers are women and usage among women is increasing in some countries. Nicotine from smoking tobacco, specifically its metabolite cotinine, has negative effects on human health causing lung cancer, COPD and non-respiratory problems. Over a billion people worldwide are Vitamin D deficient or insufficient, which is prevalent across all age-groups, geographic regions, and sunlight. With the discovery of Vitamin D in 1919, a new chapter in the prevention of rickets was introduced opening the door to its therapeutic properties for other diseases. Since 1919, there have been many clinical and epidemiolocal studies performed globally on the effect of the vitamin on prevention of other diseases, including but not limited to, cancer, autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and osteoporosis. Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke has been associated with reduced levels of Vitamin D in the blood stream and sinus tissues. Manavi et al. (2015) demonstrated that among three smoking categories (heavy, light, non-smokers), black female heavy smokers have lower vitamin D (13.374 ng/ml), than Hispanic (19.213 ng/ml) or white (24.929 ng/ml) females correlating to higher levels of cotinine. Therefore, blood serum concentrations of cotinine contribute to decreased Vitamin D concentrations in addition to other factors such as gender and ethnicity. Further information is provided in the text. }, number={5-6}, journal={INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR VITAMIN AND NUTRITION RESEARCH}, author={Manavi, Kiano Reza and Alston-Mills, Brenda Pauline and Thompson, Marvin Paul}, year={2020}, month={Oct}, pages={389–394} }
 @article{manavi_alston-mills_thompson_allen_2015, title={Effect of serum cotinine on vitamin D serum concentrations among American females with different ethnic backgrounds}, volume={35}, number={2}, journal={Anticancer Research}, author={Manavi, K. R. and Alston-Mills, B. P. and Thompson, M. P. and Allen, J. C.}, year={2015}, pages={1211–1218} }
 @article{alston-mills_lepri_martin_2011, title={Modulation of mammary gland development in pre-pubertal mice as affected by soya and milk protein supplements}, volume={106}, ISSN={["1475-2662"]}, DOI={10.1017/s0007114511000389}, abstractNote={The objective of the present study was to determine the effects of soya and whey milk protein, α-lactalbumin (α-LA), on mammary gland morphology and the structural support of the gland, in pre-pubertal mice after 7 d of treatment. In Expt 1, weaned (day 21) CD1 mice were given one of the four treatments, three included dietary supplements: (1) control diet, casein, (2) soya, (3) α-LA and (4) subcutaneous injection of 2·5 μg oestradiol benzoate in 20 μl maize oil and fed the control diet. All diets were isoenergetic with equal protein concentrations. All groups that were not treated with oestradiol received the vehicle. Whole-mount analyses were performed to determine longitudinal ductal growth and terminal end bud development. DNA was extracted from the gland and assessed by spectrophotometry (260/280 nm). Tissue extracts for extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2), tissue inhibitor of MMP2 (TIMP2), and serum oestradiol and mammary tissue epidermal growth factors (EGF) were measured by immunoassays. Expt 2 utilised the Her2/neu transgenic strain, with the same protocols. Statistical significance was determined by one-way ANOVA. From Expt 1 and 2, soya and α-LA significantly increased ductal elongation when compared with the oestrogen and control groups. These results were corroborated by data on total DNA and the ratio of MMP2:TIMP2. The ratio of MMP2:TIMP2 was affected by α-LA. Serum oestradiol was decreased only in the oestradiol-treated groups in both experiments. Soya is known to be oestrogenic and can act on epithelia directly. The mechanism by which α-LA affects glandular development is by modulating the ECM or by promoting the synthesis/activity of EGF.}, number={4}, journal={BRITISH JOURNAL OF NUTRITION}, author={Alston-Mills, Brenda and Lepri, J. J. and Martin, C. A.}, year={2011}, month={Aug}, pages={502–509} }
 @article{bottone_alston-mills_2011, title={The Dietary Compounds Resveratrol and Genistein Induce Activating Transcription Factor 3 While Suppressing Inhibitor of DNA Binding/Differentiation-1}, volume={14}, ISSN={["1557-7600"]}, DOI={10.1089/jmf.2010.0110}, abstractNote={Various chemopreventive compounds alter gene expression, possibly explaining their biological activity. One gene induced by a variety of chemopreventive compounds is the one coding for the transcription factor activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3). In this study, we performed microarray analysis on mRNA isolated from human colorectal cancer cells overexpressing ATF3 to ascertain the biological activity of this gene in cancer. As a result, 64 genes were induced or repressed. One gene identified by microarray analysis as repressed by overexpression of ATF3 was inhibitor of DNA binding/differentiation-1 (Id1). Id1 is important to cell growth and proliferation and therefore may represent an important downstream target of ATF3 responsible for the biological activity of ATF3. Id1 interacts with ATF3, thereby sequestering its activity, making it an ideal candidate for further study. The induction of ATF3 and repression of Id1 in these cells were confirmed at the mRNA and protein levels by semiquantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis, respectively. To determine if the repression of Id1 seen following microarray analysis of these cells occurred following treatment with dietary compounds with known chemotherapeutic activity, human colorectal cancer cells were treated with resveratrol and genistein, and their expression was determined. As a result, ATF3 was induced, and Id1 was repressed, by these compounds and by sulindac sulfide, a positive control, at the mRNA and protein level. Further work is needed to determine the molecular mechanism(s) responsible for the regulation of Id1 and to determine if biological activity of ATF3 overexpression is mediated by repression of Id1 by these compounds.}, number={6}, journal={JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL FOOD}, author={Bottone, Frank G., Jr. and Alston-Mills, Brenda}, year={2011}, month={Jun}, pages={584–593} }
 @article{comstock_alston-mills_grant_2007, title={Research ethics education: beyond RCR training}, volume={2}, journal={FCTL Newsletter}, author={Comstock, G. L. and Alston-Mills, B. and Grant, C.}, year={2007}, pages={1–4} }
 @article{allen_allen_boyd_alston-mills_fenner_2006, title={Determination of membrane lipid differences in insulin resistant diabetes mellitus type 2 in whites and blacks}, volume={22}, ISSN={["0899-9007"]}, DOI={10.1016/j.nut.2006.07.007}, abstractNote={Insulin resistance in diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2) can result from membrane lipid alterations. Blacks are at a higher risk of developing DM2; therefore, we investigated whether membrane lipid differences exist between blacks and whites and if differences contribute to impaired insulin binding in diabetes. Subjects were recruited from four groups: white control (n = 10), black control (n = 10), white diabetic (n = 5), and black diabetic (n = 10). Diabetic subjects who had DM2 with insulin resistance on insulin monotherapy were matched by age and sex. The following determinations were made: fasting serum glucose, fasting serum insulin, plasma lipid profile, red blood cell (RBC) membrane lipids and cholesterol, and RBC insulin binding. The membrane lipid analysis showed racial differences in phosphatidyl ethanolamine (PE) and phosphatidyl choline (PC). The plasma membrane of whites showed higher PE and lower PC levels than that in blacks. The RBC rheologic (PE/phosphatidyl serine) properties (deformability) were lower in diabetics and black subjects. The saturated nature of RBC ([sphingomyelin + PC)/(PE + phosphatidyl serine]) was the lowest in white control subjects (P < 0.056). The combination of increased saturated/polyunsaturated fatty acids, increased saturated nature, and increased cholesterol/phospholipid can contribute to decreased membrane fluidity, resulting in insulin resistance. Also, decreased RBC deformability can make oxygen delivery through the capillaries difficult, create tissue hypoxia, and contribute to some of the known complications of diabetes. Membrane lipid alteration may be one of the reasons for a higher incidence of diabetes among blacks.}, number={11-12}, journal={NUTRITION}, author={Allen, Hengameh G. and Allen, Jonathan C. and Boyd, Leon C. and Alston-Mills, Brenda P. and Fenner, Gregory P.}, year={2006}, pages={1096–1102} }
 @article{sutton_alston-mills_2006, title={beta-lactoglobulin as a potential modulator of intestinal activity and morphology in neonatal piglets}, volume={288A}, ISSN={["1552-4884"]}, DOI={10.1002/ar.a.20327}, abstractNote={Abstract}, number={6}, journal={ANATOMICAL RECORD PART A-DISCOVERIES IN MOLECULAR CELLULAR AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY}, author={Sutton, LF and Alston-Mills, B}, year={2006}, month={Jun}, pages={601–608} }
 @article{bottone_moon_kim_alston-mills_ishibashi_eling_2005, title={The anti-invasive activity of cyclooxygenase inhibitors is regulated by the transcription factor ATF3 (activating transcription factor 3)}, volume={4}, ISSN={["1538-8514"]}, DOI={10.1158/1535-7163.MCT-04-0337}, abstractNote={Abstract}, number={5}, journal={MOLECULAR CANCER THERAPEUTICS}, author={Bottone, FG and Moon, Y and Kim, JS and Alston-Mills, B and Ishibashi, M and Eling, TE}, year={2005}, month={May}, pages={693–703} }
 @article{bottone_moon_alston-mills_eling_2005, title={Transcriptional regulation of activating transcription factor 3 involves the early growth response-1 gene}, volume={315}, DOI={10.1124/jpet.089607}, number={2}, journal={Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics}, author={Bottone, F. G. and Moon, Y. and Alston-Mills, B. and Eling, T. E.}, year={2005}, pages={668–677} }
 @article{stokes_alston-mills_teng_2004, title={Estrogen response element and the promoter context of the human and mouse lactoferrin genes influence estrogen receptor alpha-mediated transactivation activity in mammary gland cells}, volume={33}, DOI={10.1677/jme.101456}, number={2}, journal={Journal of Molecular Endocrinology}, author={Stokes, K. and Alston-Mills, B. and Teng, C.}, year={2004}, pages={315–334} }
 @article{bottone_martinez_alston-mills_eling_2004, title={Gene modulation by Cox-1 and Cox-2 specific inhibitors in human colorectal carcinoma cancer cells}, volume={25}, ISSN={["1460-2180"]}, DOI={10.1093/carcin/bgh016}, abstractNote={Cox-1 and Cox-2 specific inhibitors exert chemo-preventative activity. However, the exact mechanisms for this activity remain unclear. Increasing evidence suggests that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs regulate gene expression, which may be responsible, in part, for this activity. In this study, human colorectal carcinoma HCT-116 cells were treated with the Cox-1 specific inhibitor SC-560 and the Cox-2 specific inhibitor SC-58125 to evaluate their ability to induce apoptosis, inhibit cell proliferation, inhibit growth on soft agar and modulate gene expression. The Cox-1 specific inhibitor, SC-560 significantly induced apoptosis and inhibited the growth of HCT-116 cells on soft agar, an in vitro assay for tumorigenicity. SC-58125 moderately induced apoptosis and inhibited growth on soft agar at higher concentrations than were required for SC-560. Previously, we reported that the potent chemo-preventative drug sulindac sulfide altered the expression of eight genes including several transcription factors that may be linked to this drug's chemo-preventative activity. HCT-116 cells were treated with various concentrations of SC-560 or SC-58125 and changes in the expression of these eight genes were determined by real-time reverse transcription- polymerase chain reaction. SC-560 modulated mRNA expression of the eight genes studied. In contrast, SC-58125 required approximately 5-10-fold higher concentrations to achieve similar degrees of gene modulation in six of eight genes. Changes in protein expression by SC-560 also occurred for five of these genes with antibodies available (NAG-1, ATF3, C/EBPbeta, MAD2 and MSX1). In conclusion, this is the first report to suggest that like sulindac sulfide, the Cox-1 specific inhibitor SC-560 appears to elicit chemo-preventative activity by altering gene expression, while the chemo-preventative effects of SC-58125 are complex and probably work through these and other mechanisms, such as the inhibition of Cox-2.}, number={3}, journal={CARCINOGENESIS}, author={Bottone, FG and Martinez, JM and Alston-Mills, B and Eling, TE}, year={2004}, month={Mar}, pages={349–357} }
 @article{allen_allen_boyd_alston-mills_2003, title={Can anthropometric measurements and diet analysis serve as useful tools to determine risk factors for insulin-resistant diabetes type 2 among white and black Americans?}, volume={19}, ISSN={["0899-9007"]}, DOI={10.1016/S0899-9007(03)00090-X}, abstractNote={Central obesity is implicated in the development of insulin resistance by increasing insulin demand and eventually leading to hyperinsulinemia. Anthropometric measurements have been helpful in determining the risk factors in developing diabetes mellitus type 2. In this study we investigated whether anthropometric measurements differ among diabetics of different races. We also evaluated whether nutrient intake of these individuals was related to anthropometric measurement changes.Subjects were recruited from four groups: white control (n = 10), black control (n = 10), white diabetic (n = 5), and black diabetic (n = 10). The diabetic subjects had type 2 diabetes with insulin resistance on insulin monotherapy (age and sex matched). The following determinations were made: diet analysis, body mass index (kg/m(2)), the ratio of waist (umbilical level) to hip (maximum at buttocks) circumference, the ratio of waist to thigh (mid-thigh), and body fat percentage.The micronutrient consumption was fairly similar in all groups with the exception of vitamin A (greatest consumption in the white control group, P < 0.05; and the lowest consumption in the black control group, P < 0.05). The data also suggested that central obesity (greatest waist-to-hip ratio) was present in the individuals with type 2 diabetes. The higher total fat, including saturated, monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, and cholesterol, intake in the diabetic groups were observed.The type of fat consumed may be as important as the total fat consumption in the development of insulin resistance. The diet analysis can provide valuable information about the dietary habits of an individual and the possible causes of metabolic problems leading to a disease state. However, genetic factors must be considered when looking at diabetes incidence in different ethnic groups. For example, even though the black diabetic group consumed less fat in comparison with the other groups, their body fat percentages were higher. Therefore, we cannot conclude that high fat intake is primarily responsible for increased body fat percentage. Although anthropometric measurements are a useful tool in risk assessment, researchers should consider anatomic differences among different racial groups as covariables. Diet analysis when used in conjunction with anthropometric measurements can serve as a useful tool to detect whether metabolic alterations are related to dietary habits.}, number={7-8}, journal={NUTRITION}, author={Allen, HG and Allen, JC and Boyd, LC and Alston-Mills, BP}, year={2003}, pages={584–588} }
 @article{alston-mills_iverson_thompson_2000, title={A comparison of the composition of milks from Meishan and crossbred pigs}, volume={63}, ISSN={["0301-6226"]}, DOI={10.1016/s0301-6226(99)00114-1}, abstractNote={Because of low energy reserves at birth, piglets are dependent on the sow’s milk for survival. Breed differences can influence milk composition. The objective of this study was to examine litter characteristics, milk composition including calcium and the water holding capacity of casein, solvation, between the highly prolific Meishan breed and lean crossbred pigs. Samples were collected by hand-milking at early (days 3–5) and late (days 20–21) lactation. Milk fat percentage for Meishans was higher than for the crossbred, especially during early lactation (10.72±0.5>8.91±0.4 (crossbred); P<0.0005). During late lactation, Meishans had 8.60±0.49>6.49±0.39 (crossbred); P>0.05. No differences were observed between breeds for lactose or protein at either sampling time. Calcium concentration (mg/dl) was higher in Meishan milk than in crossbred milk at early lactation (0.204±0.01>0.178±0.01; P<0.05). There were no differences at late lactation. Crossbred solvation values (g water/g protein) were the same (2.18±0.12) as Meishan (2.36±0.16). Those values were also similar at late lactation. The mean litter size for the Meishans was higher than that of the crossbred (13.8±0.1>11.1±0.7; P<0.05). Mean birth weights (kg) were less for Meishans (0.91±0.09<1.4±0.07; P<0.05) and similarly, weaning weights (4.78±0.41<5.94±0.31; P<0.05). Milk from Meishans might provide an early advantage to improve survivability of piglets by supplying more fat and higher calcium for bone development than traditional breeds.}, number={1}, journal={LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION SCIENCE}, author={Alston-Mills, B and Iverson, SJ and Thompson, MP}, year={2000}, month={Mar}, pages={85–91} }
 @article{alston-mills_parker_eisen_wilson_fletcher_1999, title={Factors influencing maternal behavior in the hubb/hubb mutant mouse}, volume={68}, ISSN={["0031-9384"]}, DOI={10.1016/S0031-9384(99)00149-3}, abstractNote={We examined the maternal behavior of hubb/hubb mutant mice and normal control (+/hubb) siblings. From previous observations we noted that mutants groom their pups less, suckle less than normal, and often cannibalize the young. To date, these observations had not been quantified. Although prolactin (PRL) is linked to maternal behavior, it was difficult to measure because of the hyperirratibility of the mutant mice. Consequently, dopamine (DA) and its metabolite, dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), were measured in the median eminence in brains of both normal and mutant mice. Tyrosine hydroxylase, the rate-determining step in dopamine synthesis, was localized in the brain by immunohistochemistry. Five mutant and nine normal dams were observed for pup retrieval and crouching. Mean time for pup retrieval was slower (p < 0.06) for mutants (28.09 s) than for normal dams (18.49 s). Crouching was the same for both strains. Mutant pups were cold to the touch, and not well groomed. Brains from both strains were examined at Day 11 and Day 18 of gestation and Day 2 and Day 11 of lactation. Qualitatively, tyrosine hydroxylase localization in the arcuate nucleus and median eminence was the same in both strains for the gestation samples. The decrease in staining observed from gestation to lactation in the normal mice was increased in the mutants. Dopamine was similar in both strains at all stages, but DOPAC was significantly higher at early lactation in the mutants. We do not assume an absolute inverse relationship between dopaminergic activities and prolactin, but it is likely that the increase in DOPAC in the mutant reflects a decrease in prolactin, which could contribute to the diminished maternal care in the mutants.}, number={1-2}, journal={PHYSIOLOGY & BEHAVIOR}, author={Alston-Mills, B and Parker, AC and Eisen, EJ and Wilson, R and Fletcher, S}, year={1999}, month={Dec}, pages={3–8} }
 @misc{alston-mills_hepler_sternhagen_allen_meshaw_1998, title={Alpha-lactalbumin as a modulator of mammary cellular activity}, volume={34}, DOI={10.1007/s11626-998-0026-9}, number={10}, journal={In Vitro Cellular & Developmental Biology. Animal}, author={Alston-Mills, B. and Hepler, C. D. and Sternhagen, L. and Allen, J. C. and Meshaw, K. A.}, year={1998}, pages={747–750} }
 @article{alstonmills_allen_sternhagen_hepler_1997, title={Effects of whey-milk proteins on Caco-2 and HT-29 intestinal cell lines}, volume={50}, ISSN={["0301-6226"]}, DOI={10.1016/S0301-6226(97)00085-7}, abstractNote={The objective of this study was to determine whether α-lactalbumin (α-LA) and β-lactoglobulin (β-LG) affect proliferation of intestinal cells. As a consequence of intake of milk, epithelial cells of the intestine may be subjected to small concentrations of undergraded milk proteins. The question was whether α-LA or β-LG have growth promoting or inhibiting properties in the intestinal epithelial cell model systems, Caco-2 and HT-29. Cells were grown as recommended by ATCC. Native bovine α-LA, or 2 and 4% trypsin hydrolyzed α-LA were added to cultures of Caco-2 cells in dosages of 0 to 50 ng/mL. After 24 to 120 h of culture, cell proliferation assays were done. By using the XTT cell proliferation assay, by visually counting cells in selected microscope fields, and by counting trypsinized cell suspensions in a hemocytometer, α-LA consistently increased cell replication rate with a peak response at approximately 20 ng/mL. For example, the HTT assay showed 85% increased mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity in the 15 ng/ml treatment relative to control. Higher concentrations were either less effective or ineffective growth stimulators in both cell lines. At 2% α-LA hydrolysis, there was a slight stimulation (7%) and no effect at 4% hydrolysis. There was no response using bovine β-LG as supplement. Variance from plating to plating was high, but percent changes from dose to dose within a plate were consistent over the replicates (C.V. < 5%). These data suggest that concentrations of α-LA that might escape digestion could alter the rate of proliferation or maturation of intestinal cells. We have not yet determined the mechanism for the α-LA effect.}, number={1-2}, journal={LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION SCIENCE}, author={AlstonMills, B and Allen, JC and Sternhagen, L and Hepler, CD}, year={1997}, month={Oct}, pages={147–148} }
 @article{alston-mills_thompson_1996, title={A theoretical approach to possible biological functions of the milk-whey proteins, alpha-lactalbumin and beta-lactoglobulin}, volume={3}, number={3}, journal={Comments on Agricultural and Food Chemistry}, author={Alston-Mills, B. P. and Thompson, M. P.}, year={1996}, pages={175} }