bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cardiovascular and autonomic responses to stressors following 6 hours of water immersion
Authors: Florian John P , Simmons Erin E , Chon Ki H , Faes Luca , Shykoff Barbara E
Published: June 2021

The physiological responses to water immersion (WI) are known; however, the responses to stress following WI are not well‐characterized. Ten healthy men were exposed to three stressors before and after completing a 6‐hr resting WI: 1) 2‐min cold pressor test (CP), 2) static handgrip test (HG) to fatigue at 40% of max strength followed by forearm occlusion, and 3) a 15‐min 70° head‐up tilt test (HUT). Heart rate (HR), blood pressure (SBP, DBP), cardiac output (Q), limb blood flow (BF), stroke volume (SV), systemic, calf, or forearm vascular resistance (SVR, CVR, FVR), baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), and frequency (low, LF; high, HF; normalized, n) domain measures of heart rate variability (HRV) were measured. CP: Post‐WI HR, SBP, SV, Q, calf BF, LFnHRV, and LF/HFHRV were lower, and CVR and HFnHRV were higher, than pre‐WI values (p<0.05). HG: Max strength and endurance was not affected by WI. HR, SBP, SV, Q, and calf BF were lower, and SVR and CVR were higher, than pre‐WI values (p<0.05). During occlusion, HFnHRV increased from baseline after WI only, and post‐WI LFnHRV was lower than pre‐WI values (p<0.05). HUT: Post‐WI SBP, DBP, SV, forearm BF, and BRS were lower, and HR, FVR, LF/HFHRV, and LFnHRV were higher, than pre‐WI values (p<0.05). The changes suggest differential activation/depression during CP and HG (↓sympathetic/↑parasympathetic) and HUT (↑sympathetic/↓parasympathetic) following WI.

Support: ONR and NAVSEA DSBDP
Hypercapnic augmented exercise ventilation in dead space loading: effect of virtual (illusory) airway CO2 load in respiratory chemosensing
Authors: Poon Chi‐Sang
Published: June 2021

Patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) suffer increased alveolar dead space, yet they demonstrate compensatory augmentation of ventilation such that arterial PCO2 remains remarkably normal (isocapnic) from rest to maximal exercise despite their decreased exercise tolerance. This paradoxical effect suggests that the control law governing isocapnic exercise ventilatory response is not merely determined by metabolic CO2 output per se but is responsive to an apparent (real‐feel) metabolic CO2 load that also accounts for the adverse effect of physiological VD/VT on pulmonary CO2 elimination. By contrast, healthy individuals subjected to dead space loading with increased series dead space also experience augmented ventilation at rest and during exercise as with increased alveolar dead space in CHF, but the resultant response is hypercapnic instead of isocapnic, as with CO2 breathing. The ventilatory effects of dead space loading are therefore similar to those of increased alveolar dead space and CO2 breathing combined. These observations are consistent with the hypothesis that the increase in total VD/VT in dead space loading adds to the apparent metabolic CO2 load as with increased alveolar dead space in CHF, but this is through rebreathing of CO2 in dead space gas thus creating a virtual (illusory) airway CO2 load in respiratory chemosensing that mimics CO2 breathing. (Supported by HL067966 and RR028241)
Becoming an Effective Teacher Requires an Understanding of Student Attitudes, Beliefs and Motivations
Authors: Cortright Ronald N. , Lujan Heidi L. , Cox Julie H. , DiCarlo Stephen E.
Published: June 2021

Our students have a robust, innate propensity and desire to learn and to actively assimilate knowledge. They are naturally curious, with powerful intrinsic motives to understand their world. Accordingly, we, as teachers, must capitalize on this inherently active and curious nature so that learning becomes a joy and an activity to be sought out. Achieving this goal requires an understanding of student attitudes, beliefs, characteristics and motivations. This requires a profound motivation and focus on understanding the learner. Sadly, faculty often neglects to obtain knowledge of the learner and his/her motivations and do not acknowledge the importance of this vastly underutilized approach to improving classroom instruction. However, there are many attitudes, beliefs and characteristics that students bring to the classroom, and we must deal with all of these human factors if we want our students to learn. To achieve this goal, we administered The Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (IMI), a multidimensional measurement device, to assess our students’ intrinsic motivation for our undergraduate exercise physiology class. Furthermore, we assessed the relationship between factors influencing motivation with class attendance and performance. The desire for autonomy, competence and relatedness to the instructor were most strongly correlated with class attendance and performance. These results have powerful implications for both classroom practice and educational reform policies.
Pre‐service Biology Teachers’ Tree Thinking Difficulties in the USA and China
Authors: Kong Yi , Pelaez Nancy
Published: June 2021

Evolutionary trees are commonly portrayed in textbooks but many students struggle to make sense of them. Students with different cultural and religious backgrounds like in China might have different difficulties when compared with American students. Moreover, pre‐service biology teachers play an important role in teaching and cultivating the future generation, so their conceptions towards evolutionary trees will shape their teaching and influence their students’ learning of evolutionary trees. This study characterized evolutionary tree difficulties that undergraduate students who are pre‐service biology teachers have in the USA and China. An interview technique developed in 2009 was used to identify student ideas about a tree thinking survey. Four preservice biology teachers from a Midwestern university of USA and thirteen pre‐service biology teachers from a Midwestern university in China were interviewed. The results demonstrate that only a portion of the difficulties are similar between the two groups of pre‐service teachers. Different educational background, cultural factors, and natural history experiences in China compared with the USA may explain the different difficulties with evolutionary trees.
Integrating active learning into a large introductory course: Preparing students for success in science
Authors: Elliott Emily Rebecca , Howell Stephen H , Sakaguchi Donald , Reason Robert D , Coffman Clark R
Published: June 2021

Introductory biology courses offer an opportunity to cultivate student skills and attitudes early in their careers. Research indicates that student‐centered learning enhances interest, concept understanding, and science process skills. However, transitioning large courses with multiple sections away from lecture poses unique challenges. Many large courses occur in stadium‐seating classrooms and are taught by multiple instructors. Faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate teaching assistants at Iowa State University have collaborated within a faculty learning community to design and implement active‐learning techniques for Biology 212, a large introductory course. Activities range from clicker questions to group projects, and vary across sections. To determine the most effective formats, we are comparing student outcomes in three areas; 1) content knowledge, 2) science process skills, and 3) attitudes towards biology. Ongoing assessments include previously validated concept inventories, science process skills tests, and attitudes towards biology surveys, as well as evaluations of current and future course performance. The data from Fall 2012 will give insight into which approaches are effective, straightforward to implement, and feasible within the constraints of a large lecture hall. This research is supported by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.
Use of a composite scoring system as a predictor of success in graduate school in a Hispanic‐serving institution
Authors: Appleyard Caroline B , Pacheco Wendy I , Noel Richard J , Porter James T
Published: June 2021

Individual basic criteria (eg. GRE, GPA) commonly used by graduate school admissions committees are often not suitable predictors for success at our institution, possibly due to differences in language and culture. Therefore we developed a composite score (CS) which uses evidence‐based predictors of success to evaluate our incoming applicants to better identify high caliber candidates that are likely to succeed in our program.

Aim

Test the validity of our CS to predict student success in graduate school.

Methods

We developed a CS that assigns numerical values for GPA, GRE, research experience, advanced coursework/degrees, presentations, and publications. We calculated CS for students admitted into our program (2002–2010) and compared these to successful outcomes.

Results

The average CS was significantly higher in those students completing the graduate program versus drop‐outs (p<0.003) and correlated with success in competing for fellowships and a shorter time to thesis defense. In contrast GPA, SGPA, or GRE did not predict these outcomes.

Conclusions

The CS provides us with a quantitative measure of some of the qualitative factors that better determines the success of the students in our program and allows improved evaluation and selection of the most promising students. R25GM082406
logic of healthy lifestyle and preventive medicine
Authors: Dalenov Erbolat , Abduldayeva Aigul , Slivkina Nataliya
Published: June 2021

Examination the practice of medical control and prevention of diseases in the Northern region of Kazakhstan (based on survey of 25,000 people.), allows us to offer the following specific theoretical and practical measures to maintain health, and to prevent diseases, depending on health status of each person :

further improvement of the theoretical and practical foundations of a healthy lifestyle among the population;

study the individual health status(diagnostics of health, psychological status, state valeostasis, valeogenezis and valeokinezis);

prenozoologic diagnosis (adaptive capabilities, in terms of diagnosis the functional systems, prediction of individual health);

creation of conception for primary, secondary and tertiary prevention;

improving the prevention of critical periods of health deviation (a) rejection and maintain health during the prenatal period, b) postnatal development, c) reject the health of preschool aged children, d) the deviation of school‐age children's health, and e) the deviation in the health of adolescents and young people; e) deviation of reproductive health, g) deviations health during retirement age, h) the deviation of health in old and senile).

Creating a system of improvement based on the individual health state;

creation of a new level the organizational, educational, scientific foundations of integrated and preventive medicine.
Humeral condylar differences between sexes may be used for forensic determination of sex.
Authors: Davies Cara , Rhoades Derek , Straub Melissa
Published: June 2021

Anatomic differences in size of skeletal elements between men and women exist; these differences can be used forensically to determine sex of unidentified human remains. Femora are the most commonly used long‐bone for this purpose; little data exists on sex differences between humeri. Twenty‐two cadaveric donors, 12 male and 10 female, were evaluated with anthropometric measurements to determine if differences of humeral condyles exist between sexes. The males were taller and had longer bones than their female counterparts; preliminary analysis indicates the size of the humeral condyles collectively, as well as the capitulum or trochlea individually in females is statistically smaller than in males. These results were confirmed post‐hoc via one‐way ANOVA analysis (p < 0.001). Taken together, these differences may be an application for forensic sex determination, particularly in the case of partial or scattered remains, where other bones typically used for sexing are not available.
The influence of the back muscles and azygos valves on thermoregulation of the spinal cord
Authors: Vorster Willie , Visscher Arjan P , Van der Heiden Jaap , Hoogland Piet VJM
Published: June 2021

The internal vertebral venous plexus (IVVP) is a valve less plexus in the spinal canal and is known to play an important role influencing the temperature of the spinal cord. The veins from the back muscles have connections with the IVVP and valve like structures might play a role in the direction of the blood flow in these connections. The aim of this study is to investigate if the heat generated by the back muscles is transported to the IVVP and if blood flow is controlled by valve like structures to the spinal cord. Ten unembalmed human fetuses and 3 unembalmed adult cadavers injected with latex, as well as one 2 months old baby and two non latexed adult cadavers were used. The veins from the back muscles and their connections with the posterior intercostal veins, azygos and IVVP were investigated. Veins from the thoracic part of the erector spinae muscles drain via the posterior intercostal veins towards the azygos system. Where the latex formed clots and bulges in these connections, histological analysis showed a variety of valve like structures. The morphology of these valves suggests that the blood from the posterior intercostal veins flows away from the IVVP towards the (hemi) azygos. The veins from the deeper muscles seem to drain to the IVVP which can influence the temperature of the spinal cord.
Anatomical variability of the sphenopalatine artery region
Authors: Polev Georgy Alexander , Dydykin Sergey Sergeevich
Published: June 2021

The aim of this study was anatomical description of sphenopalatine foramen region during endoscopic dissection on cadaveric specimen and modification of endoscopic approach to the sphenopalatine artery and its variable branches. Special attention was dedicated to find stable anatomical landmarks, allowing surgeon to orientate in such complex region. Every dissection was performed transnasally endoscopically in a submucoperiosteal fassion. Following anatomical structures were estimated:

Presense and structure of palatal bone perpendicular plate ethmoidal crest (crista ethmoidalis).

Location and shape of shpenopalatine foramen (SPF), containing sphenopalatine vasculonervous bundle.

Presense and location of accessory foramen (foramen accessorium).

Amount and location of sphenopalatine artery (SPA) branches.

Results

Ethmoidal crest of different size and shape appeared in 100% cases, in most cases anteriorly from the sphenopalatine foramen. Sphenopalatine foramen appeared to localize on the boundery between middle and inferior meata in 87%, ethmoidal crest assumed as a border, partially dividing the foramen. Second most often location of SPF was superior meatus (13%), in these cases ethmodial crest located anteriorly from the SPF.

In 35 of 60 cases (58,3%) sphenopalatine artery appeared as a single vessel, running through the SPF. In 11 cases (18,3%) 2 branches revealed in SPF, in 14 cases (23,3%) – 3 branches. Herewith the biggest branch located just behind the ethmoidal crest, and accessory branches – in the superior meatus, posteriorly to it.

Knowledge of the sphenopalatine artery region anatomical variability will improve endoscopic surgical procedure effectiveness in cases of nasal cavity tumours and posterior epistaxis surgery.
The sternalis muscle and its clinical significance
Authors: Snosek Michael , Tubbs Shane , Loukas Marios
Published: June 2021

The sternalis muscle is a well documented but rare muscular variation of the anterior chest wall. It lies between the superficial fascia and the pectoral fascia, and is found in 3–6% of the population. It presents in varied morphological variants both in unilateral and bilateral fashion and has no apparent physiological function. Much disagreement still exists about its nerve supply and embryological origin. With the advent of medical imaging and thoracic surgery the clinical importance of this muscle has been re‐emphasized. The sternalis muscle has been implicated in misdiagnosis of breast masses on routine mammograms due to its parasternal location and relative unfamiliarity with radiologists. When undetected prior to any thoracic surgery, it has the potential to interfere with and prolong such procedures. When present and detected it can be used as a muscular flap in reconstructive surgeries of the breast and neck. The aim of this study was to conduct a meta‐analysis on the sternalis muscle with special emphasis on its anatomy, embryology, clinical implications and potential iatrogenic complications.

Grant Funding Source: SGU
Two cases of absence of the celiac trunk highlighted using MDCT angiography
Authors: MATUSZ Petru , MICLAUS Gratian , IACOB Nicoleta , PLES Horia
Published: June 2021

Usually the celiac trunk divides into three branches: left gastric artery, common hepatic artery, and splenic artery. The anatomical variations of the branching pattern are quite common. On a series of 1,500 cases examined by multidetector‐row computed tomography (MDCT) (64‐slice MDCT system; SOMATOM Sensation, Siemens Medical Solutions, Forchheim, Germany), we highlighted two cases of absence of the celiac trunk. The left gastric, splenic, and common hepatic arteries arising independently from the abdominal aorta. This anatomical variation of the unpaired branches of the abdominal aorta are due to developmental changes in the ventral segmental arteries. Knowledge of the anatomical variations of the celiac trunk is essential for clinical practice.
Effects of mobile phone radiofrequency waves (RFW) on embryonic stem cells
Authors: Siddiqi Najam , Heming Thomas
Published: June 2021

There is growing concern about the possible effects of radiation associated with mobile phone use on the developing fetus and children. The fetus and children may be more radiosensitive than adults, due to the presence of embryonic stem cells. During the developmental process, embryonic stem cells rapidly proliferate, differentiate, migrate, and undergo apoptosis. Many biological effects of RFW have been reported previously for adult cells. The present study investigated the effects of mobile phone RFW on embryonic stem cells. Fertilized chicken eggs were incubated in a commercial egg incubator and exposed to RFW of a mobile phone (SAR US: 1.10 W/kg head, 0.47 W/kg body) in silent vibration disable mode, for a total of 20 minutes per day. Control embryos were handled identically, but were not exposed to RFW. The embryos were sacrificed at day 10 and 15 post incubation. Embryo wet weight, body dimensions, morphology, and histology were studied. The RFW group at day 10 showed a decrease in wet body weight versus the control. However, at day 15, the RFW group had an increased wet body weight versus control. The same trend was observed for antero‐posterior head‐to‐rump length. Histology revealed cellular necrosis in cardiac muscle and changes in liver tissue of the RFW group. Growth retardation in the RFW group at day 10 could reflect chromosomal aberrations, stress of reactive oxygen species, and apoptosis. The increased weight at day 15 could indicate production of stress proteins and altered calcium influx across cell membranes producing a carcinogenic effect. We conclude that exposure to the RFW associated with mobile phone use has potential cytotoxic and teratogenic effects on embryonic stem cells.
Assessing the Effect of Eye Regression on Light‐Mediated Activity in a Model Fish Species
Authors: Carlson Brian Matthew , Gross Joshua B.
Published: June 2021

Coordination of biological processes with external cues is necessary for the success and survival of most organisms. Diverse taxa employ sunlight to entrain rhythmic clock gene expression, influencing patterns in activity and other biological outputs. Visual systems play an important role in receiving and transducing photic signals. Damage, malformation or regression of the eyes can reduce or eliminate an organism's capacity to integrate such cues, potentially causing a decoupling of biological outputs from photic cycles and a breakdown in circadian rhythmicity. We aimed to assess the effect of eye regression on coordination of activity patterns with light cycles in Astyanax mexicanus. This model fish system consists of a blind cave‐dwelling morphotype and a surface morphotype with a functional visual system. Our results indicate cave morphs retain the ability to sync activity with photic cues, though responses differ from the surface form in amplitude and polarity. These results suggest that, despite visual system regression, cavefish retain the capacity for extraocular photoreception. Research supported by University of Cincinnati University Research Council and Dept. of Biological Sciences.

Grant Funding Source: University of Cincinnati
P2X7 Expression Changes After Injury in Corneal Epithelium
Authors: Minns Martin , Rich Celeste , Trinkaus‐Randall Vickery
Published: June 2021

Purinergic signaling is an important early event in corneal wound healing. The P2X7 receptor has been shown to play a role in epithelial cell migration after injury in scratch wounds after knockdown with siRNA. We have shown that a truncated variant of P2X7, known for its role in cell death, alters receptor function to promote proliferation after wound healing. Our goal in this study is to determine the regulation of P2X7 expression in a healing cornea. To conduct these studies we used a rat organ culture cornea model and removed 3mm diameter circles of epithelium, leaving the basal lamina intact. After 20 hours the wounds were 80–90% healed, and the cells that migrated into the region and cells back from the leading edge were collected and compared to unwounded epithelium. Total P2X7 was elevated at the leading edge of the wound at 0.5, 4, 10, and 18 hours after injury using immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy. At this time we have not detected any difference in uptake of dye. However, total P2X7 mRNA levels 20 hours after injury are not significantly different from those in unwounded corneas. These data suggest that P2X7 may play a role in cell migration. Variant forms are being investigated. Further investigation may help reveal the mechanisms of P2X7 receptor action at the leading edge of corneal epithelial wounds. Funding for this research is provided by NIH EY06000 and Mass. Lion's Eye Research Fund, Inc.
Identification of a novel transcription factor impacting iron homeostasis
Authors: Miller Kyle Lamar , Theisen Christopher , Cone Brian , Williams John , Logsdon Derek P , Costa Flavia C , White Robert A
Published: June 2021

Severe morbidity and early mortality from iron overload remains a key problem in transfusion‐dependent diseases. The goal of this study is to identify proteins partners to TTC7 which is associated with urinary iron excretion observed in mutant fsn mice in which an abnormal TTC7 protein (7 kDa larger) is produced. The fsn mouse suffers from a severe anemia accompanied by iron deficiency that results from excessive urinary iron excretion. Identification of the normal role of TTC7 protein is critical to understanding the causation of urinary iron excretion. We have identified elements of a leucine‐zipper motif in TTC7 suggesting a role in gene expression. TTC7 is localized to the nucleus of cells suggesting a role in gene regulation. We have generated CMV promoter driven FLAG‐TTC7 transgenic mice for immunoprecipation studies of FLAG‐TTC7 and its partner proteins. These precipitates are used to identify proteins involved in gene expression in association with TTC7 (identified by mass spectrophotometry). The transcriptional mechanism by which the fsn Ttc7 gene defect brings about this loss of urinary iron is expected to unveil novel therapeutic approaches for treatment of iron overload.
Understanding the combinatorial post‐translational modifications associated with histone H3 methylation in yeast
Authors: Quasem Ishtiaque , Fuchs Stephen
Published: June 2021

Histone post‐translational modifications (PTMs) recruit effector molecules to chromatin, which in‐turn regulate DNA‐templated processes including replication, gene expression, and DNA repair. Many recent reports have highlighted the importance of combinatorial PTMs, on one or more histone tail, for coordinating the binding of protein factors. However, the patterns of PTMs that might exist within a nucleosome are still not well understood. Lysine methylation on histone H3 is known to recruit both lysine acetyltransferases and deacetylases to chromatin. In this study, we examined what overlap exists between lysine methylation and acetylation on all four histones within a single nucleosome in budding yeast. Variant combinations of modifications found suggest recruitment of effector molecules is dictated by interaction with more than one histone within a nucleosome.
Expanding the Transcriptomes at Unstable Tandem Repeat Loci
Authors: Ladd Paula Dianne , Dubinsky Amy N , Lomas Nicole S , Ko Hyeon A , La Spada Albert R
Published: June 2021

Unstable tandem repeats are responsible for at least 30 inherited neurodegenerative diseases, developmental disorders, and muscular dystrophies, where the causative factor is dynamic repeat instability with subsequent expansion beyond a threshold repeat size. Genome‐wide transcriptome studies reveal that antisense transcripts are present at most, if not all, non‐expanded tandem repeat gene loci, indicating that repeat expansions impact both sense and antisense transcripts. Since only a handful of tandem repeat loci have been fully characterized, the functional significance of antisense transcription is not yet known. We hypothesize that the activity of bidirectional transcription is directed by genomic context, thus the consequence of repeat expansion on the antisense transcript varies for each locus. Here we provide uniform characterization of multiple additional tandem repeat gene loci, using single molecule real time sequencing. We demonstrate that for many human tandem repeat genes, the local transcriptome is conserved in the mouse locus, suggesting functional significance. Furthermore, we distinguish gene loci that produce functionally independent bidirectional genes from loci that generate multiple transcriptional units to regulate the local chromatin structure, transcript stability, and/or translation. These distinctions enhance our understanding of disease pathogenesis.
Disruption and therapeutic rescue of a human pluripotent stem cell derived model of Niemann Pick type C1
Authors: Ordonez Maria Paulina , Goldstein Lawrence SB
Published: June 2021

Successful development of effective therapeutic interventions for neurodegenerative diseases will require a deeper understanding of mechanisms of disease initiation and progression. In this respect, an unresolved issue about many neurodegenerative diseases is why neurons are particularly sensitive to defects in ubiquitous cellular processes. One example is Niemann Pick type C1 (NPC1), caused by defects in cholesterol trafficking in all cells, but where neurons are preferentially damaged. Understanding this selective failure is limited by the difficulty of obtaining live human neurons from affected patients. To solve this problem we generated neurons with decreased function of NPC1 from human embryonic stem cells (hESC) and from NPC1 patient specific induced pluripotent stem cells (IPSC), and used them to test the hypothesis that defective cholesterol handling leads to enhanced pathological phenotypes in neurons. We found that human NPC1 neurons have strong spontaneous activation of autophagy, but downstream processing of autophagic intermediates is impaired, which induces accumulation of mitochondrial fragments. We were able to rescue these abnormal phenotypes in NPC1 neurons by inhibiting autophagy, and by mobilization of cholesterol from the lysosomal compartment. Our data highlight the central role that autophagy failure plays in the selective neuronal failure observed in NPC1, and provides the first example of a process that causes preferential neuronal defects in this devastating childhood neurodegenerative disease.
Protection of Cigarette Smoke‐Induced Lung Injury in Guinea Pigs by Inhalation of Aerosolic All‐Trans Retinoic Acid
Authors: Mukherjee Shyamali , Schaeffer Michael W , Roy Somdutta Sinha , Das Salil K
Published: June 2021

Both mainstream (MS) and secondhand (SH) cigarette smoking are known to cause abnormality in lung function. We reported earlier that both MS and SH cigarette smoke exposure to guinea pigs caused lung injury associated with accumulation of retinol. The accumulation of retinol in lung was later found to be associated with a decrease in the levels of retinoic acid implying an abnormality in lung retinoid metabolism and signaling. The objective of the present study was to investigate whether inhalation of aerosolic all‐trans retinoic acid (ATRA) immediately smoke exposure can protect against lung damage. Four weeks old male guinea pig were exposed twice daily for 6 weeks to MS or SH smoke from 3 1R3F cigarettes. The sham control group (SC) received a treatment identical to smoke‐exposed groups but in the absence of cigarettes. Four animals from each group received either aerosolic ATRA (2.78mM) or vehicle twice for 20 min/day after smoke exposure. Morphological analysis of lungs showed deleterious alterations in the morphology of the lungs in both MS and SH groups. ATRA treatment showed significant protection against lung damage; however the protection was more evident in MS than SH groups. The mechanism by which ATRA aerosol protects lung against deleterious effects of cigarette smoke is under investigation. (Supported by NIH grant: 1R03HL095419–01A1).
The serum homocysteine and lipid levels at patients with ischemic stroke and vascular dementia
Authors: Serdarevic Nafija
Published: June 2021

The study covered 600 patients, aim of our study was to investigate serum concentration of homocysteine and lipids at patients with ischemic stroke and vascular dementia. We determined concentrations of homocysteine, creatinine and blood lipids in patients’ serum. Homocysteine concentration reading in serum was measured by AxSYM apparatus, lipids and creatinine were determined directly by DIMENSION LxR. Mean concentrations of homocysteine in patients was higher then in healthy subjects. Our results show that the concentration of HDL cholesterol was significantly lower in the patients group than in the control group. In the group with ischemic stroke, the concentration of LDL cholesterol was higher than 4.3 mmol/L in about 56% of patients, whereas in the group with vascular dementia, was higher than the upper reference value in 60 % of patients. The Pearson correlation coefficient have show significant negative difference between serum homocysteine with HDL cholesterol concentrations in patients groups for p<0.05. Our results showed that homocysteine concentration is inversely proportionate to HDL cholesterol concentration, i.e. as homocysteine concentration in serum increases, HDL concentration falls. Homocysteine concentration increases with LDL cholesterol concentration in serum of the patients with vascular dementia, which points to homocysteine impact in further atherosclerosis development.
Synthesis of Multivalent Ligands Designed to Disrupt HIV‐1 Tat‐peptide/TAR‐RNA Interactions
Authors: Scott Shakara L , Allgaier Josh , Kosinski‐Collins Melissa
Published: June 2021

Multiple targets exist in the development of HIV‐1 anti‐viral drugs, one of which includes the interaction between the transcriptional activator protein (Tat) and the Trans Activation Response (TAR) element of RNA. During transcription, TAR RNA, a 59‐base stem‐loop structure, located at the 5'end of all HIV‐1 mRNAs recruits Tat. Prior research has shown that the arginine rich motif (ARM) of Tat is integral to the binding interaction between the Tat‐peptide and TAR‐RNA. In the absence of Tat, the transcription machinery is rendered inept and the polymerase releases the DNA prematurely. We sought to design synthetic polymers that would disrupt the necessary interaction between Tat and TAR‐RNA, hindering HIV replication. To target the TAR‐RNA, we sought to replicate the basic ARM of Tat by functionalizing the polymer scaffolds derived from the Ring‐Opening Metathesis Polymerization (ROMP) with arginine and agmatine molecules. A Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) assay is being developed to evaluate the inhibitory effects of these multivalent guanidinium displays. Continued work includes optimization of the assay and synthesis of other multivalent ligands designed to target TAR‐RNA.
Proteomic Study of Reversible Cysteine Oxidation in Catalase Overexpressing Mice on a Western Diet
Authors: Yao Chunxiang , Behring Jessical B. , Humar Vikas , Siwik Deborah A. , McComb Mark E. , Costello Catherine E. , Colucci Wilson S. , Cohen Richard A. , Bachschmid Markus M.
Published: June 2021

The C57BL/6J mouse fed a Western diet high in fat and sucrose (HFHS) develops obesity, metabolic syndrome, and cardiac dysfunction. Cardiac overexpression of catalase (CatTG), an enzyme that detoxifies cellular hydrogen peroxide, may protect heart from metabolic disease. Hydrogen peroxide introduces oxidative post‐translational modifications on cysteine residues, which significantly impact cardiovascular pathophysiology. Using novel cysteine reactive iodo‐tandem mass tags (iodoTMT) in a switch assay combined with high resolution mass spectrometry, global changes in reversible cysteine oxidation of cardiac proteome were observed in heart lysates from wild type (WT) mice fed a control or HFHS diet for 8 months. By measuring the total amount of available and reversibly oxidized cysteines, we determined the site occupancy, which correlates to the regulatory role of the modified cysteine. Our initial studies indicated that mitochondrial proteins were the preferred target, with major thiols redox perturbations in the tricarboxylic acid cycle and the mitochondrial electron transport chain component proteins. The current study assesses whether changes are altered in CatTG animals. Our studies are providing new insights into targets of oxidative post‐translational modification on cardiac proteins that may serve as potential biomarkers for metabolic cardiovascular disease.

NHLBI HHSN268201000031C
Protective effect of Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on lipotoxicity –induced cell death: implication of PI3K/AKT and MAPK pathways
Authors: Descorbeth Magda , Figueroa Karen Figueroa , Serrano‐Illan Miguel , De Leon Marino
Published: June 2021

Overload of saturated fatty acids results in lipotoxicity and induces cell and tissue damage which has been associated with several pathologies in the nervous system. We have reported that palmitic acid (PA) overload induces Schwann cell (SC) apoptotic cell death in both euglycemic (EG) and hyperglycemic (HG) conditions. In this study, we investigated the potential protective effects of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on inhibiting PA‐induced lipotoxicity (PA‐LTx) in SC. PA (PA:BSA, 2:1) reduced cell viability in both EG and HG conditions at 48 hrs. However, co‐treatment with DHA stimulates cell viability to control levels by reversing apoptosis (nuclear condensation) observed in SC after PA‐LTx. Further, we examined whether PI3K/AKT, P38 and JNK pathways are involved in the protective effects of DHA treatment. We determined the levels of phosphorylated AKT, P38, and JNK proteins in SC under PA‐LTx with or without DHA co‐treatment using Western blots. We found that PA‐LTx decreased p‐AKT and increased p‐P38 and p‐JNK levels in a time‐dependent manner. Interestingly, DHA co‐treatment restored p‐AKT and p‐P38, but not p‐JNK to normal levels. Furthermore, LY294002 (20 μM and 40 μM), a PI3K/AKT pathway inhibitor, diminished the protective effect of DHA in SC under PA‐LTx in EG and HG conditions. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that DHA is able to protect SC from PA‐LTx by regulating the PI3K/AKT and P38 pathways. Founded by NIH award no. 1P20MD006988.
cAMP represses LPIN1 protein expression in human adrenocortical cells
Authors: Betancourt‐Torres Andres , Sewer Marion B.
Published: June 2021

cAMP signaling induces cortisol production in adrenocortical cells by increasing the nuclear production of phosphatidic acid (PA), a ligand for the nuclear receptor steroidogenic factor 1 (SF‐1). Nuclear production of PA is dependent on diacylglycerol kinase theta (DGKQ), which catalyzes the conversion of diacylglycerol (DAG) to PA. Given that cAMP signaling saincreases DGKQ‐dependent PA production, we sought to determine the role of the cAMP signal transduction cascade in the catabolism of PA. Lipins (LPINs) are a family of PA phosphatases that dephosphorylate PA, thereby forming DAG. Thus, we treated H295R human adrenocortical cells with dibutyryl cAMP (dbcAMP) and assessed the effect on LPIN expression. We found that dbcAMP decreased the protein expression of LPIN1, with no significant effect on the mRNA expression of this gene. Further, the dbcAMP‐mediated decrease in LPIN1 protein expression was dependent on protein kinase A, suggesting a role for cAMP signaling in the stimulating the degradation of LPIN1. Finally, we show that LPIN1 is expressed in the both cytoplasmic and nuclear compartments of H295R cells and that cAMP signaling promotes the import of LPIN1 into the nucleus. Collectively, our studies identify a novel role for the cAMP signaling pathway in regulating the subcellular localization and stability of LPIN1 in the adrenal cortex. This project is supported by NIH DK084178.
Evidence that E2F1‐mediated upregulation of Bim, a proapoptotic BH3‐only protein, functions as a prosurvival molecule in cancer
Authors: Chandra Dhyan , Gogada Raghu , Liu Junwei , Zhang Dianmu , Tang Shaohua , Aldaz C Marcelo , Tang Dean , Yadav Neelu
Published: June 2021

Proapoptotic BH3‐only protein Bim plays an important role in Bax/Bak‐mediated cytochrome c release and apoptosis. Here we provide evidence for a novel prosurvival function of Bim in cancer cells. Bim was constitutively overexpressed in multiple prostate and breast cancer cells as well as in primary tumor cells. Quantitative real time PCR analysis showed that Bim was transcriptionally upregulated. We have identified eight endogenous E2F1‐binding sites on the Bim promoter using in silico analysis. Luciferase assay demonstrated that Bim expression was E2F1‐dependent as mutation of E2F1‐binding sites on the Bim promoter inhibited luciferase activities. In support, E2F1 silencing led to the loss of Bim expression in cancer cells. Bim primarily localized to mitochondrial and cytoskeleton‐associated fractions. Bim‐silencing or microinjection of anti‐Bim antibodies into the cell cytoplasm resulted in cell rounding, detachment, and subsequent apoptosis. We observed upregulation of prosurvival proteins Bcl‐xL and Mcl‐1, which sequester Bim in cancer cells. In addition, phosphorylated form of Bim was also elevated in cancer cells. These findings suggest that the constitutively overexpressed Bim may function as a prosurvival molecule in epithelial cancer cells, and phosphorylation and association with Bcl‐xL/Mcl‐1 block its proapoptotic functions.
Dietary variety is associated with Metabolic Syndrome in a community‐based sample of adults
Authors: Gonçalves Lívia Souza , Burini Roberto Carlos , McLellan Katia Cristina Portero
Published: June 2021

Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of pathologies having inadequate diet as a major risk factor. The aim of this paper was to establish properly cut off points for HEI components for a brazilian‐community adults eating frequent monotonous inadequate diet in association with the presence of MetS. Cross sectional study 645 adults (52.8±10.9 years old, 78.3% of women) were selected for a lifestyle changing program. Anthropometric, clinical, biochemical and dietary assessments were undertaken in all participants. MetS diagnosis was based on NCEP ATPIII criteria. Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) curve were used to identify the sensitivity and specificity of the best cut off point for servings of food and dietary variety as a predictor of MetS. Statistical analysis were performed with p<0.05. Dietary variety was positively associated with MetS and plasma glucose concentration. Logistic regression showed a protective effect of variety against MetS (OR: 0.622; CI: 0.413–0.935) even after adjusted for confounders such as sex, age and total caloric intake (OR: 0.618; CI: 0.409–0.936). ROC curve identified the best cutoff point for variety of 11.5 items to predict MetS (58% sensitivity, 54% specificity). These findings suggest that the new cutoff point for variety for the AHEI was more effective to predict MetS for this community‐based sample.

Supported by: CAPES, CNPq
Impact of Menu Labeling on Food Choices of Southern Undergraduate Students
Authors: Prins Amber , Gonzales Dana , Crook Tina , Hakkak Reza
Published: June 2021

Americans consume more meals away from home at fast‐food and dine‐in restaurants. The restaurant foods are notorious for their energy density and large portion sizes. The objective of our study was to determine whether or not the addition of calorie information to a restaurant menu affects the calorie content of meals ordered by college students. Study participants were selected from a random sample of 1,025 undergraduate students (≥18 years old). Data analyses included descriptive statistics and both paired‐samples and independent‐samples t‐tests. Our data analysis found a significant difference between the number of calories chosen from the first menu (without calorie labels) versus the second menu (with calorie labels) (p = .001, 2‐tailed). Analysis also showed that there was no significant difference in calories ordered from the first menu versus the second menu for those who had taken a college‐level nutrition class and those who had not (p = .051, 2‐ tailed). Our findings suggest that menu calorie labels can positively affect college students’ meal selections making them lower in calories; however, no particular group of students was more likely than any other to change their menu selections after seeing the calorie labels. Further research is needed to determine if use of calorie labels will decrease the number of calories ordered at fast‐food and dine‐in restaurants among other populations.
Antecedents of school meal consumption patterns among primaryschool children
Authors: Nichols Selby SD , Paul‐Morris Natalie , Francis Marlon
Published: June 2021

Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine the antecedents of meal consumption patterns among recipients of lunches provided by the National Schools Dietary Services Limited (NSDSL) of Trinidad and Tobago.

Method

A random 10% of schools in one of the four zones served by NSDSL participated in the investigation. Weighed records were made of 60 specially marked lunch boxes from the total meal quota for each. Students receiving these boxes were asked to return them to the NDSL personnel on completion of their meal. The amounts of meat, staple/grain and vegetable remaining were weight ant this was subtracted from the original amounts to determine the amounts of the particular components consumed.

Result

650 students participated in the survey. Overall 63% of participants consumed 75% or more of lunches. Males were significantly more like than females to consumer over 75% of meals. Participants ranked taste smell and appearance as major determinants of them liking the meal. Consumption of meal components varied in decreasing order as follows: meat, staple/grain and vegetables. Meals consumption pattern was also associated with age of the child, racial/ethnic group and the menu served.

Conclusion

Overall consumption of school lunched among participants was associated with type of meals served, age of recipient, racial/ethnic group, and gender.
Parent‐Child Resemblance in Dietary Intakes, Body Mass Index and Blood Pressure in China
Authors: Wu Yang , Du Shufa , Wang Huijun , Zhang Bing , Wang Youfa
Published: June 2021

Aims

To study parent‐child resemblance in eating, body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure (BP), and test effect modification and the association of parent‐child gender dyads, residence, child age, parent‐child age difference and family SES with the resemblance in diet, BMI and BP.

Methods

Cross‐sectional data from the 2009 China Health and Nutrition Survey were used, which covered nine provinces in China. Dietary intakes were assessed using three 24‐hour recalls. BP and BMI were measured by research staff. Final analysis included 1409 children and 2239 parents. Spearman correlation, kappa and logistic regression analysis were conducted.

Results

There were moderate resemblance in intakes (r=0.35–0.79) and a weak one in BMI (0.04–0.38) and BP (0.03–0.21), which varied across population groups. Those being younger, in rural areas, and being closer to their parents’ ages had stronger resemblance. Older children had greater odds of resembling their parents than younger children in fat intake (OR=1.66, 95% CI: 1.11–2.48 for 6–12 y; OR=2.15, 95% CI: 1.40–3.30 for 13–18 y vs. 2–5 y).

Conclusions

A moderate parent‐child resemblance in dietary intakes and a weak one in BMI and SBP existed in China. Resemblance in diet was stronger in children being older, living in rural areas and having a closer age as their parents than their counterparts. Such resemblance is critical in preventing chronic diseases in younger generations.

Grant Funding Source: NIH U54 center grant (U54HD070725)
Food consumption pattern and associated factors in Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen P H , Strizich G , Lowe A L , Nguyen H , Pham H , Truong T , Nguyen S , Reinhart G A , Harding K B , Neufeld L M , Martorell R , Ramakrishnan U
Published: June 2021

Women's nutrition before and during pregnancy is an important determinant of maternal, neonatal and child health outcomes. We examined the adequacy and determinants of energy and macronutrient nutrient intakes of 5011 women of reproductive age (WRA) who have been enrolled in a study of preconceptual micronutrient supplementation (PRECONCEPT) being conducted in 20 rural communes in Thái Nguyên province, Vietnam. Dietary intakes were determined using a validated 107‐item (semi‐quantitative) food‐frequency questionnaire that was administered by trained field workers. More than 50% failed to meet the minimum recommended energy intake. Carbohydrate, protein and fat constituted 65.6%, 14.8%, and 19.5% of total calories, respectively. Protein and fat intakes were below recommended levels in 7.6% and 56.5%, respectively. Only 3.2% and 11.8% had adequate intakes of n‐3 and n‐6 long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that low education, low socioeconomic status, and food insecurity were significant predictors of low energy (overall and animal sources) and macronutrient intakes. This suggests that nutrition programs should be linked with social development, education and behavior change counseling in order to improve the nutritional status of WRA in Vietnam.

Funding: The Mathile Institute and the Micronutrient Initiative