bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expression and function of tenascin‐C during colorectal enteric nervous system development
Authors: Nagy Nandor , Akbareian Sophie , Steiger Casey , Molnar David , Barad Csilla , Goldstein Allan M
Published: June 2021

The intestinal microenvironment contains several extracellular macromolecules that play important roles during enteric nervous system (ENS) development. Tenascin‐C is an extracellular matrix glycoprotein that regulates cell migration, possibly by modulating the adhesiveness of neural crest cells to their substratum. The role of tenascin‐C in enteric neuronal development is unknown. In this study we show that tenascin‐C is dynamically expressed during ENS development in the chick gut. It is absent from the cecal region prior to the arrival of crest‐derived cells, and then is found to colocalize with the migrating wavefront. Experimentally generated aganglionic hindgut leads to loss of tenascin‐C expression in the submucosal area. Analysis of FACS‐sorted neural crest cells by qRT‐PCR and generation of chick‐rat intestinal chimeras both demonstrate that vagal‐derived enteric neural crest cells produce tenascin‐C, whereas sacral‐derived crest cells do not. Based on vitro migration assays, we find that tenascin‐C promotes the migration of enteric neural crest cells. We conclude that vagal‐derived enteric neural crest cells produce tenascin‐C to promote their migration during ENS development.

Grant sponsor: NIH: R01DK080914 (AG); Bolyai Fellowship (NN)
Cold‐inducible RNA binding protein in breast development and disease
Authors: Hartley Rebecca S , Garcia Selina , Ruan Lucy , Herrera Gloria , Mitchell Therese A , Howard Tamara , Hathaway Helen J
Published: June 2021

Cold‐inducible RNA binding protein (CIRP) is upregulated and relocalized from the nucleus to the cytoplasm in response to cellular stress, allowing cells to adapt by regulating translation. CIRP is overexpressed in all breast cancer cell lines examined and in 30% of primary breast tumors. Our long term goal is to determine if CIRP overexpression contributes to breast cancer and if it functions in normal breast development. To determine its developmental function, we produced transgenic mice expressing CIRP in the mammary epithelium. Results indicate that CIRP regulates proliferation during mouse mammary gland development. To begin to investigate its role in breast cancer, CIRP level and localization in 25 matched tumor and normal breast tissues of three tumor subtypes is being correlated with proliferation, subtype, and patient outcome. Immunofluorescence analysis showed that nuclear CIRP is significantly higher in ER+PR+HER2− and ER−PR−HER2− tumors compared to matched normal tissues. In addition, nuclear CIRP is significantly higher in HER2− tumors as compared to HER2+ tumors. These results suggest that CIRP level and localization correlate with HER2 status. Supported by DHHS/NIH/NCRR grant #1UL1RR031977–01, University of New Mexico, Clinical and Translational Science Center and New Mexico Tobacco Settlement Funds to RSH.
Empirical development of a histological protocol for whole brain sectioning to characterize neuropathological patterns in human specimens
Authors: Chan Kelly Marissa , Schmalz Naomi A. , Choy Kristi , Nguyen Anthony , Pham Tracie N. , Stark Elena , Dong Hongwei , Toga Arthur W. , Vinters Harry V. , Wisco Jonathan J.
Published: June 2021

This project describes the empirical development of a histological protocol for preparing whole brain sections in order to map gross patterns of microinfarctions, deposition of amyloid beta, and neurofibrillary tau tangles. Typical neuropathology biopsy procedures sample areas of the brain restricted in size by the dimensions of small cassettes; thus, histological protocols rarely provide explicit guidelines to address challenges faced when preparing large tissue sections for microscopic observation and image acquisition. Formalin‐fixed, coronal and sagittal human blocks were prepared for paraffin sectioning. These samples exceeded the recommended thickness and area guidelines in existing protocols for typical paraffin‐based procedures, so protocols for processing, embedding, sectioning, and mounting were modified. By deconstructing and defining this process, we ultimately intend to revive this rare practice of whole brain histology and enhance our understanding of the pathogenesis of cerebrovascular and Alzheimer's disease.

Grant Funding Source: NIH/NIA, NIH/NCRR, Translational Research Fund (UCLA), McGinty Family Foundation
Analysis of the Yeast De Novo Protein YNR034W‐A
Authors: Shi Aishan , Cordes Matthew
Published: June 2021

The general model for gene evolution is that new genes are derived from old genes by speciation or duplication. Recently however, a large number of de novo genes have been discovered. YNR034W‐A is a yeast gene that has two alleles. The long sequence is partial de novo protein that is 24 residues longer than the ancestral protein (98 residues) with a different sequence after residue 65. This project aims to understand the effects of the frameshift mutation in the ancestral gene on protein folding of the partial de novo protein. Both alleles were codon‐optimized, sub‐cloned into N‐terminal polyHis‐tagged vectors, and over‐expressed in E. coli. Protein was purified by lysis, nickel affinity chromatography, and dialysis into refolding buffer. Far UV circular dichroism determined secondary structure and thermal melts were used to determine thermal stability. The longer protein is less stable in solution and more aggregation prone due to the C‐terminal tail. Further studies include truncation of the long protein at positions 65 and 98. The data support the hypothesis that de novo proteins are intrinsically disordered; these proteins provide a useful platform for understanding protein folding and evolution.
Antiparallel β structure in Aβ42 oligomers
Authors: Gu Lei , Liu Cong , Guo Zhefeng
Published: June 2021

Mounting evidence suggests that soluble Aβ oligomers, instead of mature amyloid fibrils, are the primary neurotoxins in Alzheimer's disease. A diverse array of Aβ oligomers has been identified in both in vivo and in vitro systems. However, the structures of these oligomers have not been well characterized. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy is a powerful technique for studying structurally ill‐defined systems, but its application in oligomer structure study has not been systematically explored. Here we report a comprehensive structural study on a toxic Aβ42 oligomeric form. Transmission electron microscopy shows that these oligomers are globular structures with diameters ~8 nm. Circular dichroism shows primarily β‐structure. X‐ray powder diffraction suggests a highly ordered intra‐sheet hydrogen‐bonding network and a heterogeneous inter‐sheet packing. Residue‐level mobility analysis of spin labels introduced throughout Aβ sequence shows structural heterogeneity at all labeling positions. N‐terminal residues 1–10, although more flexible than other residues, adopt an ordered structure. Mobility analysis also identifies the turn at residues 26–29 and 37. Inter‐molecular distance measurements show that the repetitive inter‐spin distance is in a narrow range of 11.5–13.5 Å for most labeling sites. We propose that the Aβ42 oligomers adopt an antiparallel structure for adjacent β‐strands in the β‐sheet, but parallel structure for alternating β‐strands. The research is supported by American Health Assistance Foundation.
Red light, Green light, Switch on, switch off: Problems in Cell Regulation
Authors: Burwash Andrew , Eid‐Ricci Alessandro , Zhang Bessie , Wall Susan , Wakarchuk Warren
Published: June 2021

Cell division is a tightly regulated process during embryonic development. If a gene switch is turned on outside of embryonic development, mitosis and cell differentiation are disrupted, which may cause unregulated cell division, potentially leading to cancer. An important step involves the glycosylation of cell surface glycans by sialic acid, which is critical for cell communication and differentiation during embryonic development. Changes in the glycosylation of the glycoconjugates by sialyltransferase (ST) are regulated at the tissue and temporal level. If temporal specificity is reset by the inappropriate switching on of the gene for ST production, the cell then expresses an inappropriate cell surface marker, correlated with increases in some cancers. The mechanism has yet to be determined. The Ashbury SMART Team (Students Modeling A Research Topic) modeled ST using 3D printing technology to highlight the important bonding features. There are four main amino acid sequence motifs classified by size and used to identify and clone STs. Although the sequence and structure for one enzyme is known, the structure of the others in this family remains a mystery. Although the production of this enzyme cannot be controlled at the genetic level, researchers hope to explore novel therapeutic inhibitors that could stop the functioning of the excess ST. Supported by a grant from NIH‐SEPA.
Teaching regional anatomy to undergrads: Too much or more relevant preparation for postgraduate clinical education
Authors: Spudich Elizabeth A , Stanford Jennifer S
Published: June 2021

Transitions from undergraduate to postgraduate studies in clinical/health professions (medicine, dental, etc.) can be stressful for several reasons; 1) postgraduate courses cover an amount of material for which they are unprepared, 2) anatomy is often the first course in these curricula and students are unfamiliar with the discipline as it is not required for matriculation to many programs, and 3) any previous exposure to anatomy likely used a systems based approach (i.e. anatomy and physiology), not the regionally‐based approach used in the health professions. As such, time in the first year of a clinical program may be wasted learning how to learn anatomy instead of being used to integrate anatomy with clinical perspectives. A 10 week course modeled after a med school anatomy course was offered to upper‐level undergraduates. To date 145 students planning careers in health professions have completed the course. End of course evaluations suggest students learned a lot but felt the pace/volume of the course was unrealistic. Following graduation students were surveyed on how the specific aspects of the course affected their transition into a health professions program. Preliminary data suggests students felt more confident and less stressed at matriculation into a clinical program after the course, and the course structure positively affected first year performance. Research supported by respective departments.
Conformational conversion, fibril growth and the ordering of the fibril core occur simultaneously during tau aggregation into amyloid fibrils
Authors: Ramachandran Gayathri , Milán‐Garcés Erix A. , Puranik Mrinalini , Udgaonkar Jayant B.
Published: June 2021

Amyloid fibril formation by the microtubule‐associated protein tau is a hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. The aggregation mechanism is known to involve substantial conformational conversion and growth since the intrinsically disordered monomer converts into ordered, β‐sheet rich fibrils. The focus of this work is to determine if these processes occur simultaneously or sequentially. The polymerization mechanism of tau in the presence of ligands, deciphered using probes such as thioflavin T fluorescence and light scattering, has been described in the past as ligand‐induced nucleation‐dependent polymerization. These probes cannot, however, distinguish the processes of conformational conversion and fibril growth. In this study, we employ UV Resonance Raman spectroscopy to look directly at signatures of changes in secondary structure and side chain packing, during fibril formation by the functional domain of tau in the presence of the inducer heparin, at pH 7 and at 37 °C. By examining changes in the positions and intensities of the amide and aromatic Raman bands, we find direct evidence for the conclusion that the processes of conformational conversion, fibril growth and the ordering of the fibril core occur simultaneously.

This work was funded by the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research and the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India.
Teaching Critical Thinking in Medical Biochemistry to First‐Year Medical Students through Concept Mapping
Authors: Sadik Amina , Fulop Csaba , Bondarenko Vladimir
Published: June 2021

Demonstrating the importance of basic science in the practice of medicine presents a challenge for the majority of medical science educators. A curriculum change of medical biochemistry was implemented to include concept mapping as a visual strategy to enhance the analytical and critical thinking skills during clinical case‐based workshops. A rubric is used to give detailed feedback and provides guidance to students. A number of clinical cases are judiciously selected to illustrate specific topics. Each learning team of students (five to seven) meets with a faculty member to discuss the concept map prior to the workshop. During such meetings, all members are asked to participate in explaining their reasoning and decision‐making and to thereby justify the flow of the concept map. This activity gives students the opportunity to demonstrate their capacity to visualize their knowledge using concept map construction. This additional method of teaching has contributed to the increased scores on board exam. Indeed, the school's average biochemistry board exam score (COMLEX step 1) went from below the national average before the change of the curriculum to above the national average after the change was implemented. We firmly believe, as indicated in other studies, that having included a formative assessment using concept mapping has helped increase students’ deep understanding of the major concepts of medical biochemistry and equipped our students with critical thinking skills.
CourseSource: A New Open‐access Journal of Scholarly Teaching
Authors: Wright Robin , Bruns Peter J , Blum Jessamina E.
Published: June 2021

One recommendation of the 2011 report, Vision and Change in Undergraduate Biology Education, was to create a peer‐reviewed repository of student‐centered teaching resources. HHMI has sponsored development of CourseSource, which: (1) Applies the current understanding of how people learn; (2) Organizes activities and assessments into courses, with learning outcomes determined by corresponding professional societies; (3) Is easily navigable and searchable by instructors; (4) Acknowledges different levels of understanding (i.e. Bloom's Taxonomy) and modalities; and (5) Provides authors with the opportunity to publish teaching materials in a high‐quality, open access format suitable for documentation of educational scholarship. To date, we have incorporated learning objective frameworks for cell biology from ASCB, genetics from GSA, plant biology from ASPB and BSA, developmental biology from SDB, and microbiology from ASM. Framework development continues through 2013, along with solicitation of instructional materials for review. The site will go live to the public in January 2014. Funded by a grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Fermentation improved gene modulatory effects of soy milk to lower serum triglyceride and elevate HDL‐cholesterol in SD rats on high cholesterol diets.
Authors: Kim Yunhye , Lee Seung‐Min , Choi Hyejung , Choi Jina , Yi Yue , Yoon Sun
Published: June 2021

Soy is known to improve blood lipid profiles and fermentation was implicated to increase bioavailability of isoflavones. Here we aimed to investigate the effects of soy milk (SOY) or fermented soy milk (FSOY) on lipid profiles and expression of genes in cholesterol and triglyceride (TG) metabolism in rats fed high cholesterol diets : Control AIN76A diet, high cholesterol (CHOL) diet containing 1% cholesterol, SOY diet (a CHOL diet with SOY substituting 20% of casein), and FSOY diet (a CHOL diet with FSOY substitution). We examined blood lipid profiles, lipid contents in liver and feces, and gene expression levels in liver and adipose tissues. SOY and FSOY lowered liver total cholesterol (TOTAL‐C) compared to CHOL but failed to affect serum TOTAL‐C and LDL‐C. This effect was associated with clear reduction of HMG‐CoAR mRNA levels in FSOY. Serum HDL‐C elevation detected in only FSOY was related to increased ABCA1 mRNA levels in adipose tissue in comparison to CHOL. CHOL‐elevated serum TG levels were markedly reduced by SOY or FSOY, which didn¡ t affect SREBP1c mRNA in the liver. Instead a slight recovery of CHOL suppression of VLDLR, Lrp1, or UCP2 transcript levels in adipose tissues was observed by SOY, which effect was much greater in FSOY. Our data suggested that FSOY may be more effective in improving CHOL‐induced aberrant lipid metabolism than SOY via greater changes in gene expression in liver and adipose tissues.
Heavy metals content of selected key foods in Bangladesh
Authors: Shaheen Nazma , Rahim Abu Torab Md. , Mohiduzzaman Md. , Tukun Avonti Basak , Islam Saiful , Ahmed Kawser
Published: June 2021

Background and objectives

Despite the well‐known essential and/or potentially toxic roles of heavy metals there is a lack of valid and reliable data on heavy metals concentration of key foods in Bangladesh. This study aimed at estimating the concentrations of selected heavy metals from prioritized key foods.

Methods

The heavy metals content were estimated from nationally representative samples using ICPMS.

Results

The concentrations of toxic metals detected ranged from 0.008 to 2.53, 0.006 to 34.22, and 0.06 to 20.61□μg/100g of edible portion (EP) on fresh weight basis for Cd, As and Pb, respectively. Among the key foods, the highest level of Cd was detected in brinjal while that of As and Pb in tilapia fish and mango, respectively. The content of potentially toxic heavy metals per 100g of EP on fresh weight basis ranged from 1.01 (carrot) to 40.77 (wheat flour), 8.92 (milk) to 910.63 (lentil), 7.37 (banana) to 52.6 (pangas fish), 0.22 (pangas fish) to 108.13 (lentil), 0.16 (banana) to 14.54 (bean), 11.44 (pangas fish) to 2782.71 (wheat flour), 0.18 (chicken breast) to 90.70 (lentil), 0.012 (egg) to 0.52 (rice), 0.67 (pangas fish) to 394.85 (wheat flour), and 0.001 (chicken leg) to 2.53 μg (brinjal) of Se, Cu, Cr, Mo, V, Mn, Ni, Sb, Ba and Ag, respectively.

Conclusion

Chronic dietary exposure through key foods particularly brinjal, tilapia fish, mango, pangas fish, lentil, wheat flour, and rice may offer potential health risk as an added burden of malnutrition to Bangladeshi population.
DETERMINATION OF THE CHROMIUM CONTENT IN SOME SELECTED VEGETABLES IN SOUTH‐WEST ZONE, NIGERIA
Authors: Temitope Odufuwa kuburat , Bamidele Salau A
Published: June 2021

Chromium is necessary for insulin function and aids nutrient uptake by cells, regulation of blood sugar, moderation of serum cholesterol levels, contribution to leans muscles mass, enhancement of protein synthesis and boosting of immune system amongst many others.

Vegetables constitute the cheapest source of essential trace element for the majority of people living in developing countries. The main objective of this work is to determine the chromium content in twelve selected common vegetables in Southwestern Nigeria

Chromium concentration was determined in the fresh vegetables and the vegetable extracts. Result indicated that in the fresh samples, the level of chromium range from 2.3750×10−4 ± 3.0923×10−5 mg/L to 5.8×10−4 ± 4.6904×10−5 mg/L while the chromium content in vegetable extracts range from 1.2868×10−5 ± 9.704×10−6 mg/L to 3.650×10−5 ± 1.2868×10−6mg/L respectively. A notable difference was observed in the concentration of chromium, as the fresh samples were significantly higher in chromium content when compared with the extract (juice) vegetable samples. The level of chromium was highest in Vernonia amygdalina juice extracts while Curdoscololus aconilofolius fresh samples contained the highest level of chromium among the fresh samples. The recommended dietary daily allowance of chromium according to the United Nation is 50–200ug which shows that the vegetables studied are all good sources. Eating these vegetables will therefore be beneficial most especially to those with insulin resistance, stroke, cardiovascular and cancer disease.
Developmental morphology and age at fusion of the lateral clavicle epiphysis in modern Americans
Authors: Shirley Natalie R.
Published: June 2021

The lateral clavicular epiphysis has received scant attention in the anatomical literature. While some texts state that no epiphysis forms at the lateral clavicle, others claim the opposite is true (Scheuer & Black 2000). Existing sources state that the lateral epiphysis unites at age 19–20 and fuses within months of forming (Todd & D'Errico 1928, McKern & Stewart 1957, Gardner 1968). Sometimes this epiphysis appears as a separate flake of bone, whereas in other cases it simply glazes over the diaphysis as bone is laid down such that a true separate epiphyseal entity may never exist (Todd & D'Errico 1928). This study uses a subset of the University of Tennessee's McCormick Clavicle Collection (n=131, ages 11–24 years), a documented sample from autopsies performed from 1986–1998. The epiphysis was scored using 3 phases: unfused, fusing, or fused. Transition analysis (probit regression) was performed with a proportional odds model to obtain maximum likelihood estimates (MLEs) of the average age at transition from one phase to the next. The MLEs were used to evaluate fusion age and sex dimorphism. Results agree roughly with the existing literature: the average age at which the epiphysis transitions from “unfused” to “fusing” is 17 years, and from “fusing” to “fused” is 19 years; there is no significant sexual dimorphism in fusion age. The earliest age at which fusion began was 17 years; all individuals were fused by age 23.
Pleiotrophin loaded halloysite nanoparticles as chemoattractants for osteoblasts
Authors: Banda Nikhileshwar , Mills David
Published: June 2021

Tissue engineering is being seen as the ultimate solution to replace tissues which are seriously damaged. Damaged bones in certain disorders may take prolonged time to heal by body's natural mechanisms. The osteoblasts regenerate the bone by producing the osteoid matrix and mineralizing it. The bone healing process can be accelerated if more osteoblasts are employed at the site of bone damage. This study's principal intention is to determine whether the halloysite clay nanotubes would attract osteoblasts when loaded with growth factors as chemotactic clues. The halloysite clay nanoparticles vacuum‐loaded with the growth factor pleiotrophin and osteoblasts are to be dispersed in the collagen hydrogel. The osteoblasts in the hydrogel construct will be periodically assessed for cell proliferation and mineralization by conducting assays during the cell culture. If the hypothesis is correct, the proximity between halloysites and osteoblasts should increase due to the latter's movement. Also the osteoblast cell proliferation should occur in the direction of the halloysite and the resulting cells should grow and differentiate close to the halloysite nanoparticles’ surface.

Funding provided by the State of Louisiana Governor's Biotechnology Initiative.
Osseous head in a roebuck (Capreolus capreolus) : seriated CT‐scan in the 3 planes and reconstructions
Authors: LE FLOCH‐PRIGENT Patrice Pierre , VERDEILLE STEPHANE
Published: June 2021

An osseous head of a roebuck (without the mandible) probably 3 year old, of unknown origin, was CT‐scanned (CIMOP, Siemens 64 bars) in a systematical manner. The encumbrancy measurements were 19 cm long, 9 cm wide and 9 cm high. The cross‐sections were in the three perpendicular planes. The horizontal plane of reference had been chosen as the orbito‐meatal one. The plane of acquisition was the frontal one The views were interesting on the descriptive and topographical aspects. The reconstructions brougth interesting details and also the possibility to move the sample without any hand manipulation. Some measurements of density were performed on the vertical horns (19 cm long).
Body weight recovery after rapid weight loss may relate to meal frequency or time in wrestlers
Authors: Kondo Emi , Motonaga Keiko , Ozawa Satoko , Ishii Yoshiko , Sato Akiko , Nakajima Kohei , Wada Takahiro , Asakura Toshio , Kamei Akiko , Kawahara Takashi
Published: June 2021

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between food and fluid consumption and changes in body weight (BW) during rapid weight loss (RWL) and weigh‐ins (Win). Male collegiate wrestlers (n=7, BW 60–74 kg) completed 56‐h rapid weight loss (6% of BW), and 15‐h weigh‐ins by their own way. Measurement of BW and blood and urine sampling were conducted at pre RWL (PRE), post RWL (POST) and post Win. The subjects recorded all the food and fluid they consumed. BW decreased significantly at POST (66.3±5.1 kg) compared with PRE (70.5±5.4 kg), and increased at Win (69.1±5.4 kg) compared with POST, but did not regained to the level at PRE. Plasma total protein, albumin, vasopressin and urinary specific gravity (USG) at POST were higher than at PRE, which suggested that water accounted for a significant portion of the weight reduction and these parameters except for USG recovered at Win to the level of PRE. The BW decrement was uncorrelated to energy intake, macronutrient, and food and fluid weight during RWL period, while those who consumed energy, protein, carbohydrate and weight of food and fluid in large amounts recovered more BW, especially those who had taken time to eat. These results suggested that the BW regain after RWL was related to not only energy and macronutrient consumption but also food and fluid weight, frequency, and time.
Acute consumption of 100% pure orange juice reduces hunger in healthy adults.
Authors: Saunders Caroline Jane , Harkness Laura , Spencer Jeremy , Sargent Laura
Published: June 2021

Overview

Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination study, 2003–2006, suggests that consumption of 100% pure orange juice is associated with a decreased risk of obesity which may in part be explained by research that suggests that oranges have a strong satiating effect. The objective of this study was to understand the effects of 100% pure orange juice on self reported ratings of hunger and fullness.

Methods

In this randomised cross over design study, 24 normal weight adult subjects (M=17,F=7) fasted for 12 hours and then consumed a standardized breakfast of toast and water followed by an 8 floz portion of either a water control or 100% pure orange juice. Self reported ratings of hunger and fullness (4 questions), measured by Visual Analogue Scales, were collected at baseline and every 15 minutes up to 2 hours.

Results

Area under the curve (AUC) analysis (figure 1) revealed that, compared to the control, consumption of 100% orange juice resulted in a significant decrease in all 4 ratings of hunger and fullness (p<0.01).

Conclusion

Compared to a water control 100% pure orange juice has the ability to reduce hunger ratings and increase fullness ratings. These observations may, in part, explain the decreased risk of obesity evident in consumers of this beverage, however consideration also needs to be given to the additional calories consumed from the orange juice. Further investigations would be required to determine the role of 100% pure orange juice in weight management.
Soy Protein Supplementation May Play a Role in Decreasing the Risk of Bone Fracture through Affecting Hematopoietic Factors in Young and Old Men
Authors: Akhavan Neda S , Pourafshar Shirin , Navaei Negin , Arjmandi Bahram H.
Published: June 2021

Osteoporosis is a health problem which is associated with bone fracture and bone fragility. Bone loss is an accompaniment of aging which occurs at about age of 50 in men. Several studies have suggested that populations with high dietary soy intake have a lower prevalence of osteoporosis and bone fracture. Soy protein (SP) is a rich source of phytoestrogen which has been shown to diminish the loss of bone mineral density as well as decrease the risk of fracture. In this study, we have focused on 3‐month SP supplementation in young and old men in order to investigate the effect of SP on hematopoietic factors. Healthy men (59.2±17.6y) were assigned to consume 40g of either SP or milk‐based protein (MP) daily for 3 months in a double blind, randomized, controlled, paralleled design. ANOVA and paired t‐test were used to determine whether there were statistical significances in hematopoietic variables of interest. Red blood cells and hematocrit either increased (P=0.04) or tended to increase (P=0.09) in those who consumed SP, respectively. On the other hand basophil (BAS) value tended to increase (P=0.07) in those who were on MP diet. This suggests that MP may not be able to prevent the rise in BAS associated with aging. Increased apoptosis of BAS observed as a result of aging may be due to persistent inflammation. The findings of this study suggest that SP consumption may inhibit the age‐associate rise in certain hematopoietic parameters.
The nutrition transition in Egypt: the double burden of over‐ and undernutrition at the household level examining mother‐child pairs
Authors: Masterson Amelia Reese , Sipsma Heather , Bradley Elizabeth
Published: June 2021

Egypt has seen an increase in overweight and obesity over the last two decades. This study aims to identify current prevalence and associated risk factors for an intra‐household double burden of over‐ and undernutrition in Egypt by examining mother‐child pairs using 2008 Egypt Demographic and Health Survey data. This study reports contemporary data on the nutrition transition in Egypt by looking at overweight and obesity (BMI ≥ 25) in mothers age 19–49 alongside stunting (height‐for‐age z‐score <‐2) and underweight (weight‐for‐age z‐score <‐2) in children age five and under within the same household. Using bivariate and multivariate analyses, we found an 8.8% prevalence of an intra‐household double burden of malnutrition in a total sample of 16,527 mothers. Of all mothers who were overweight/obese (47.5%), 18.5% had at least one stunted child, 5.1% had at least one underweight child, and 3.2% had both a stunted and underweight child. Multiple demographic and dietary factors may contribute to this double burden, including infant feeding practices, socio‐economic status, area of residency, and number of children. This study demonstrates a clear double burden of over‐ and undernutrition at the household level, and emphasizes the continued importance of addressing factors related to the nutrition transition in Egypt. Support for this research comes from the Global Health Leadership Institute at YSPH.
Alcohol consumption and breast cancer risk by family history of breast cancer and folate intake: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Kim Hyun Ja , Jung Seungyoun , Chen Wendy , Willett Walter C. , Cho Eunyoung
Published: June 2021

Objectives

To evaluate the association between alcohol consumption and breast cancer risk by family history of breast cancer and folate intake.

Methods

We followed 90,433 premenopausal women aged 26 to 46 years in the Nurses’ Health Study II who provided alcohol intake data at baseline of 1991. Cumulative alcohol and folate intake was measured by a food frequency questionnaire, which was repeated every 4 years.

Results

During 18 years of follow‐up, we documented 2,420 incident cases of invasive breast cancer. Alcohol consumption was not significantly associated with breast cancer risk overall. However, when the association was stratified by family history of breast cancer, alcohol consumption was associated with risk of breast cancer among those with a family history of breast cancer in a 1st degree relative. Compared with non‐drinkers, the multivariate relative risks (RR) of breast cancer for alcohol consumption of ≥ 10g/day was 1.54 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09–2.16) among those with family history and 1.01 (95% CI, 0.86–1.18) among those without family history. Among those with positive family history, the positive association was largely limited to those with low folate intake (<400mcg/d) (RR, 2.02; 95% CI, 1.13–3.60 for alcohol consumption ≥ 10g/day vs. non‐drinkers).

Conclusions

In this population of largely premenopausal women, alcohol consumption was associated with an increased breast cancer risk among those with family history of breast cancer, especially when folate intake was low.
The relationship between fruits consumption and body composition in postmenopausal women
Authors: JafariNasabian Pegah , Akhavan Neda Sara , Carter Ashley Noel , Chai Sheau Ching , Hooshmand Shirin , Arjmandi Bahram
Published: June 2021

After the onset of menopause, women experience excess body weight gain due to adiposity. The present study evaluated the relationship between fruit consumption, total body weight, and lean mass in postmenopausal women. One hundred and sixty postmenopausal (≤ 10 years) women participated in this study. Participants were randomized into two groups: dried apple or dried plum in a parallel control study. Women consumed either 75 grams of dried apple or the equivalent amount of dried plum for one year. The results of this study are presented below.

Relative changes in body weight and lean mass

Measures
Dried Apple
Dried Plum

Change in Body Weight(kg)
*−1.5
−0.5

Change in Lean Mass(kg)
*+0.457
+0.244

The relative changes are statistically significant (P<0.05) in comparison with corresponding baseline values.

Although consumption of both fruits reduced mean body weights, these decreases reached significance only in those who consumed dried apple. The mean value of relative changes of lean mass in the dried apple group was significantly higher compared to its corresponding baseline value (1.20%). Women in the dried plum group also gained 0.65% lean mass, albeit not significantly. Overall, the findings of this study suggest that postmenopausal women can benefit from consuming either of the fruits as these fruits are associated with improved cardiovascular health and bone health.

United States Department of Agriculture

California Dried Plum Board
The independent and additive effects of yogurt and its probiotics on serum lipid profile: a meta‐analysis and randomised controlled trial
Authors: Lee Ivey Kerry , Hodgson Jonathan Marcus , Lewis Joshua Richard , Kerr Deborah , Thompson Peter L , Prince Richard Lewis
Published: June 2021

Dyslipidaemia leads to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Probiotic yogurt contains both probiotic bacteria and biologically active agents produced during bacterial fermentation of milk. However the effects of products of bacterial fermentation compared to isolated probiotic bacteria on metabolism remain uncertain.

Preliminary data from our Cochrane Collaboration approved meta‐analysis of clinical trials have demonstrated that probiotic yogurt and probiotics can reduce total cholesterol by 0.12 mmol/L (P=0.009).

Consequently, we undertook a randomized, double‐blinded, parallel, factorial, placebo‐controlled trial of the independent and additive effects of a daily dose of >; 3 × 109 of L. acidophilus La5 and B. lactis Bb12 as capsules or as fermented milk. 155 men and women over 55 y with features of metabolic syndrome were randomized to one of four 6 week intervention groups receiving both a dairy product (either yogurt or the placebo milk), and capsules (either probiotic or placebo). Change in serum lipid profile was assessed. The clinical trial is nearing completion, following which the randomization codes will be accessed and results of the clinical trial will be prepared for presentation at the 2013 ASN. By using identical strain and dose of probiotic bacteria, the results of our RCT will directly compare the effect mode of probiotic administration has on lipid outcomes.
Differential response of vulvar cancers to treatment with the ultrapotent corticosteroid, Clobetasol.
Authors: Lewis Jani Elizabeth , Spelman Megan E. , Dominguez Travis , Mehta Mehek , Foster David C.
Published: June 2021

Vulvar cancer is an aggressive cancer often masked by diseases such as the vulvar rash known as lichen sclerosis (LS). Ultrapotent corticosteroids such as Clobetasol are commonly used to treat LS but there is debate over the safety of long‐term Clobetasol use and development of vulvar cancer. Growing cells from LS biopsies has proven difficult so our objective was to decipher if Clobetasol promotes changes in vulvar cancers in vitro that parallel the formation of more aggressive cancer types. We have shown that Clobetasol, actually promotes transformation of one vulvar cancer cell line into a more aggressive phenotype. Clobetasol treatment of additional vulvar cancer cell lines indicate that there are two broad catagories of vulvar cancers; one that shows robust growth and one that shows growth inhibition, in the presence of Clobetasol. Our results indicate some genes of interest related to this differential growth response as well as identifying the reversibility of Clobetasol treatment in each of these cell lines.
Immunolocalization of Interleukin‐17 and Interleukin‐23 within human aortic aneurysms
Authors: Ippoliti Flora , Ricci Serafino , Azzara Gabriella , Di Gioia Cira , Di Cristofano Claudio , Massoni Francesco , Onofri Emanuela , Cassese Mauro , Businaro Rita
Published: June 2021

STUDY OBJECTIVE

Much recent experimental evidence suggests that inflammatory reactions are involved in aneurysm formation and progression. Vessel wall weakening has been attributed to the infiltration of a variety of cells, which leads to the upregulation of multiple cytokines. A growing interest is currently focused in the definition of cytokines associated with the final stage of the disease that precedes the rupture.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In the present study full aortic segments were collected from patients with thoracic aortic aneurysms, according to the declaration of Helsinki. Control aorta tissue from organ donors was included as reference. Microtome sections of paraffin embedded samples were analyzed for the presence of IL‐17 and IL‐23 positivity. Aortic sections were also stained with hematoxylin and eosin and Verhoeff‐Van Gieson for elastin.

RESULTS

Immunohistochemistry detected IL‐17 and IL‐23 positive cells at the level of adventitia and muscle cell layer.

CONCLUSION

Our data reinforce previous results showing that IL‐17 plays a central role in the promotion of vascular inflammation. The identification of main cytokines released during inflammatory processes underlying aneurysm formation and progression may lead to the set up of pharmaceutic strategies that may prove effective for the stabilization of aortic aneurysms.
Origin and function of the repair macrophage in the murine sterile wound
Authors: Crane Meredith J. , Daley Jean M. , van Houtte Olivier , Henry William L. , Albina Jorge E.
Published: June 2021

Experiments were performed to define the phenotype and origin of repair macrophages (mφ). Wound cells were isolated from 1 to 14 days following subcutaneous insertion of sterile polyvinyl alcohol sponges in mice and examined for monocyte/mφ markers by flow cytometry. F4/80+Ly6Chi cells with an inflammatory monocyte signature appeared early, followed by accumulation of F4/80+Ly6Clow/int repair‐like mφ. Ly6Chi wound monocytes expressed CD64 but not the mφ marker Mer tyrosine kinase (MerTK), similar to blood monocyte precursors. In contrast to blood monocytes, wound monocytes upregulated CD14 and had a proinflammatory cytokine production profile. F4/80+Ly6Clow/int mφ were CD64+MerTK+ and produced cytokines associated with repair including VEGF and TGF‐β. Examination of CX3CR1‐GFP mice and selective labeling of circulating monocyte subsets demonstrated that Ly6Chi monocytes preferentially migrated from the blood to the wound. Analysis of cells from adoptively transferred sponges suggested that Ly6Chi monocytes mature within the wound to become Ly6Clowmφ. Overall, these studies functionally and phenotypically distinguished wound monocyte/mφ subsets and identified MerTK as a potential marker for repair mφ during sterile inflammation. Research supported by R01 GM042859, K08 GM079227 and the RIH Department of Surgery.
Biochemical and pharmacological differentiation of dabigatran, apixaban and rivaroxaban
Authors: Fareed Jawed , Kahn Daniel , Syed Daneyal , Hoppensteadt Debra , Cunanan Josephine , Jeske Walter , Walenga Jeanine M
Published: June 2021

Dabigatran (D), apixaban (A) and rivaroxaban (R) have been approved for various indications at specific dosages. This study was designed to compare the biochemical and pharmacologic profile of these drugs in a battery of standardized tests. Powdered forms of commercially available active D, A and R were dissolved at 250 ug/ml and diluted for various testing. Global anticoagulant assays, interactions with fibrinolytic agents, effect on thrombin anti‐thrombin complex and prothrombin fragment F1.2 activation, thrombin generation studies using functional and immunologic methods, platelet aggregation, whole blood clotting studies and in vivo bleeding studies were carried out. In the global anticoagulant assays, D produced strong anticoagulant effects followed by R. A produced relatively weaker effects. In the thrombin generation assays D was a relatively weaker inhibitor in comparison to both A and R. None of these agents produced any inhibition of agonist induced aggregation except D which inhibited thrombin induced aggregation and activation responses in platelets. In the whole blood assays, each agent produced it's own profile. D was stronger than A and R. In the in vivo bleeding studies, D produced stronger effects in comparison to both A and R. The currently available new oral anticoagulant drugs exhibit distinct biochemical and pharmacologic profiles which may impact their safety and efficacy outcomes.
c‐Fos expression in the piriform cortex and periaqueductal gray after hecogenin acetate administration on carrageenan‐induced hypernociception test
Authors: de Souza Siqueira Quintans Jullyana , Antoniolli Angelo , de Lucca Waldecy , Santana‐Filho Valter , Brito Renan , Silva Juliane , Oliveira‐Júnior Raimundo , Almeida Jackson , Branco Alexsandro , Quintans‐Junior Lucindo
Published: June 2021

We evaluate the c‐Fos expression in the mice central nervous system areas (CNS), piriform cortex and periaqueductal gray (PAG), after acute administration of hecogenin acetate (HC) on carrageenan‐induced nociception test. So, carrageenan‐induced hypernociception model was performed in mice as reported by Guimarães et al. (2012); c‐Fos analysis was held according to Brito et al. (2013) and grip strength test according to Meyer et al. (1979. Protocols were approved by the Animal Care and Use Committee at the UFS (CEPA/UFS # 04/12). Ninety minutes after the HC intraperitoneal injections (5, 10, or 20 mg/kg), the mice submitted to hypernociception induced by carrageenan (300 μg/paw), the average number of neurons showing Fos protein was increased in PAG area and only in higher dose produced increase in olfatory bulb area. HC not produced significant alterations in piriform cortex area. Interestingly, systemic administration of HC, in all tested doses, produced an anti‐hypernociceptive effect in this model. So, such results were unlikely to be provoked by motor abnormality when evaluated in grip strength test. Our results provide evidence to propose that HC produced a lack activation of olfatory bulb, but induced a strong PAG‐activation, at the all tested doses, indicates a possible involvement in descending pathways that modulate pain.
Effects of acute caffeine dosage on fixed‐ratio rate of responding on goldfish
Authors: Li Anita , Pritchard Josh
Published: June 2021

Caffeine is a common drug that is consumed by humans and non‐humans; humans consume it after processing, and non‐humans ingest as a byproduct of horticulture. As such, its effects are readily available for study without adversely affecting an organism through long‐term health sequelae or permanent behavior change. Behavioral pharmacology allows researchers to examine the effects of drugs on behavior. Dews (1955) pioneered the methodology for these types of examinations in behavioral pharmacology by linking the study of drug effects to operant techniques. The typical subjects for these drug studies include rats, pigeons, and humans; as such, there have been little to no research to date on the study of drug effects on goldfish using operant methodology. This paper will provide an overview of caffeine as a drug, techniques used in behavioral pharmacology, and the experimental basis for studying goldfish and caffeine.
New tools of regenerative medicine to promote wound healing
Authors: Ippoliti Flora , Canitano Nicoletta , Azzara Gabriella , Cannizzaro Cristina , Corsi Mariangela , Capoano Raffaele , Salvati Bruno , Businaro Rita
Published: June 2021

STUDY OBJECTIVE

The rationale of our study was to test the potential of the autologous elements of peripheral white blood cells and platelets to promote neoangiogenesis, thereby overcoming hypoxemia, the major obstacle to the regeneration of the tissue.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An highly innovative technique, based on an autologous leuco‐platelet preparation, applied by direct infiltration to the ulcer was employed to treat 65 patients with ulcers of different etiologies. Hyaluronic acid was used as a scaffold, supplemented with autologous cells. Patients were followed up until complete healing of the lesions. Morphometric analysis was perfomed on histologic sections to determine the presence of neoangiogenesis.

RESULTS

The wound healing was obtained in all cases after 2 until 22 months with this treatment (median time is 11.4 months). More than half of the patients recovered completely within the first 12 months. Morphometric analysis on histologic sections determined the presence of an abundant neovasculature in the close proximity of the infiltrations of leuco‐platelet concentrate.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data show that autologous leucoplatelet preparation layered onto ischemic ulcers may improve neoangiogenesis leading to wound healing. These findings suggest that this cell‐based therapy may be a useful tool for the treatment for intractable skin ulcers resulting from diabetes, ischemia and collagen diseases
Anti‐Angiogenic Effect of Evening Primrose Oil and Celecoxib in Experimental Rheumatoid Arthritis:Novel role of angiopoieten‐1
Authors: El‐Azab Mona , Mohamed Rehab , Moustafa Yasser
Published: June 2021

The current study was carried out to evaluate the antiangiogenic, antiinflammatory, and antioxidant effects of evening primrose oil (EPO), either alone or in combination with aspirin or celecoxib, on adjuvant‐induced arthritis in rats. Arthritis was induced by sc injection of CFA in right hind paw of albino rats. All treatments were administered orally from day 0 (EPO) or day 4 (celecoxib, aspirin) till day 27 after CFA injection. In the arthritic group, the results revealed significant decrease in the body weight and increase in ankle circumference, plasma ANG‐1, and TNF‐α levels. Antioxidant status was suppressed as manifested by significant decline in reduced glutathione (GSH) content along with decreased enzymatic activity of super oxide dismutase (SOD) and increased lipid peroxidation. Administration of EPO exerted normalization of body weight, ANG‐1, and TNF‐α levels with restoration of anti‐oxidant machinery and blunting MDA levels. Moreover, histological examination demonstrated that EPO significantly reduced the synovial hyperplasia and inflammatory cells invasion in joint tissues, an effect that was enhanced by combination with aspirin or celecoxib. It is concluded that the joint use of natural oils, which possess antiangiogenic, antiinflammatory, and antioxidant activities, with traditional analgesics represent a promising strategy to restrain the progression of rheumatoid arthritis.