bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gastrin release in a mucosal organ culture model exposed to a simulated digest of an equine dietary supplement
Authors: MacNicol Jennifer L. , Pearson Wendy 
Published: April 2020

Horses are prone to GI diseases including colic, colitis, and gastric ulcers. Equine dietary supplements are commonly used as a means of supporting optimal equine gastrointestinal health. G’s Formula (manufactured by G’s Organic Solutions INC., BC, CAN) is an equine dietary supplement composed of dried cabbage, carrot, oat flour, and hemp meal, formulated to promote optimal GI health in horses. The objective of the current study was to investigate the impact of a simulated gastric digest of GF on gastrin (Gt) release in an in vitro mucosal organ culture model. Porcine stomachs were collected from a local abattoir (Reist and Weber, ON, CAN). A section of mucosa from the pyloric antrum was isolated and the smooth muscle removed. A 4mm punch biopsy was used to divide the mucosa, and 2 biopsies were placed into each well of a 24‐well culture dish. Each well was filled with 1.5 ml of media supplemented with glutamine. Media was changed at 24h, at which time 100 ul of either a simulated gastric digest of GF (GF), a simulated gastric digest blank (BL), or PBS (CO) was added into sample wells. Media and digests were refreshed at 48h, at which time wells were either stimulated with 10−5M carbachol (GF‐s, n=12; BL‐s, n=12; CO‐s, n=11) or sham stimulated with PBS (GF‐n, n=9; BL‐n, n=13; CO‐n, n=10). This process was repeated at 60h, and the experiment was terminated at 72h. Gt release in the media was assessed using a porcine Gt ELISA (MyBioSource INC., SD, USA) and standardized /g tissue. Data was analyzed using a repeated measures ANOVA in SAS 9.4 using PROC GLIMMIX (SAS Institute, NC, USA). There was a difference between the treatments GF and BL (16534±797 vs 14072±723 pg/ml/g, p=0.03) and a trend towards a difference between GF and CO (14581±794 pg/ml/g, p=0.09). At 60h GF‐n was higher than CO‐n (17475±1784 vs 12164±1688 pg/ml/g) and GF‐s was higher than BL‐s (16903±1543 vs 12434±1544 pg/ml/g). GF‐s was higher at 72h compared to 48h (18289±1543 vs 14051±1543, p=0.03). In conclusion, a simulated gastric digest of GF added into an in vitro organ culture of porcine pyloric antrum appears to enhance tissue Gt release.Support or Funding InformationThis project was funded by G’s Organic Solutions INC.J.L. MacNicol was funded by NSERC.
Reduced sympathetic baroreflex sensitivity in individuals with multiple sclerosis during the Valsalva maneuver
Authors: Trotter Claire E. , Huang Mu , Keller David M. , Davis Scott L. 
Published: April 2020

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurodegenerative autoimmune disease characterized by demyelination in central nervous system leading to potential impairments in the autonomic control of cardiovascular function. We have previously demonstrated individuals with MS exhibit a diminished ability to increase blood pressure in response to a simulated hypotensive stimulus (carotid neck pressure) compared with healthy controls likely due to impaired sympathetic modulation of the vasculature. The aim of the current investigation was to test the hypothesis that individuals with MS have a blunted muscle sympathetic nerve response (MSNA) to drops in arterial blood pressure induced via a Valsalva maneuver compared to matched healthy controls. Four patients with relapsing‐remitting MS (2 females/2 males, EDSS < 4) and 4 sex‐, age‐ and mass‐matched healthy controls were instrumented for MSNA (peroneal nerve), arterial blood pressure (Finometer), and heart rate. Participants performed a Valsalva maneuver (VM) at 40 mmHg for a 15 s after a normal inspiration. Sympathetic baroreflex function was assessed by relating all sympathetic burst occurring during the 15 s straining period of the VM to the maximum fall in DBP measured from highest values (Phase I) to the nadir prior to the end of the VM (Phase III). Drops in diastolic pressure during the Valsalva were similar between groups (MS: −31 ± 10 mmHg: CON: −25 ± 15 mmHg; P = 0.30). Individuals with MS produced less total MSNA bursts during the 15 s VM compared to healthy controls (MS: 8.3 ± 4.1 bursts/15 s; CON: 15.0 ± 4.1 bursts/15 s; P = 0.003). Sympathetic baroreflex sensitivity was reduced in individuals with MS (MS: −0.32 ± 0.25 bursts/15 s/mmHg) vs. CON: −0.77 ± 0.43 bursts/15 s/mmHg; P = 0.048). Individuals with MS have a reduced ability to increase MSNA in response to decreases in blood pressure during the VM confirming previous speculations of abnormal sympathetic baroreflex control of arterial blood pressure in this clinical population.Support or Funding InformationNIH R15HL117224; National MS Society RG4696A3
Perception of overall health, weight status and gaining weight in relationship with BMI among high school students
Authors: Khanna Deepesh , Kahar Payal 
Published: April 2020

IntroductionCorrect perception of weight status and gaining weight are important motivational factors for physical activity among overweight and obese children. However, misperception is common.MethodsA face‐to‐face validated survey based study was conducted among high school students. Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated based on the self‐reported height and weight to compare with perceived weight status based on a question: “Do you consider yourself to be underweight, overweight, about right or obese”? Participants were asked to rate their health and how much they worry about gaining weight. Descriptive and Chi‐Square tests were used for analysis. Level of significance was 0.05.ResultsMales who reported normal BMI, 23.1% considered themselves underweight and 11.5% considered overweight (c2 = 20.305, P=0.016). Females who reported normal BMI, 6.9% considered themselves underweight and 17.2% considered overweight (c2 = 31.613, p=0.000). Males who considered themselves overweight, 40% think they are not obese and 35% think they are obese (c2 = 30.322, p=0.000). Females who considered themselves overweight, 55.6% think they are not obese and 29.6% think they are obese (c2 = 11.415, p=0.076). Only 6% of students in the overweight BMI range, reported their overall health is poor (c2 = 21.266, P=0.047). In the BMI range of overweight, 40% of females and 6.3% of males worry all the time of gaining weight (c2 = 13.470, p=0.336).ConclusionFemale students being more likely to perceive themselves overweight and worried about gaining weight. A low percentage of male and female students rate their overall health poor.
Neonatal Inflammation Sex‐dependently Impairs Adult, Spinal Microglia
Authors: Beyeler Sarah A. , Plunkett Deanna L. , Huxtable Adrianne G. 
Published: April 2020

Neonatal inflammation is common and disrupts adult respiratory control, yet the mechanism(s) underlying the impairments are not well understood. Since microglia are key mediators of central inflammation and are important in the lasting effects of neonatal inflammation in non‐respiratory brain regions, we hypothesized lasting dysfunction in microglia underlie impairments in adult respiratory control. Specifically, we hypothesized neonatal inflammation would increase the number of and inflammatory gene expression in adult microglia. Since adult respiratory motor plasticity in the cervical spinal cord is impaired after neonatal inflammation, we analyzed immunomagnetically isolated microglia from the ventral cervical spinal cord. Interestingly, the number of microglia measured by flow cytometry calibrated with counting beads from adults after neonatal inflammation (LPS; 1 mg/kg, i.p.; postnatal day 4) were unchanged in males (LPS: 14,488 ± 4000, n=4; saline: 12,784 ± 4000, n=4, p=0.97) or females (LPS: 14,611 ± 4500, n=4; saline: 9,062 ± 4500, n=5, p=0.79). Additionally, the number of microglia was not significantly different between males and females (p>0.05). Despite no changes in microglia number, we hypothesized microglia function was impaired by neonatal inflammation. Preliminary transcriptomic analysis suggests neonatal inflammation in adult females (n=2) up‐regulated 7 genes and down‐regulated 1 gene, and in adult males (n=3) down‐regulated 1 gene. Gene ontology revealed these differentially expressed genes are associated with inflammatory signaling. While neonatal inflammation has no impact on the number of microglia, it sex‐dependently increases inflammatory‐related gene expression in females with surprisingly few changes in adult males. Thus, adult, female microglia likely contribute to the lasting impairments in respiratory control following neonatal inflammation. Further, the lasting impairments in adult males are likely mediated by a sex‐specific distinct mechanism. Understanding the sex‐specific inflammatory mechanisms impairing respiratory control is crucial to developing treatment strategies to promote breathing during ventilatory control disorders.Support or Funding InformationSupported by NIH HL141249 (AGH)
Solution Structural Behavior of UBAN Domains Revealed by Coarse‐Grained Computer Simulations
Authors: Wilderman Ross 
Published: April 2020

Proteins containing a Ubiquitin‐binding domain in ABIN and NEMO (UBAN) have a broad range of biological roles. Much of the control of ubiquitin recognition by individual UBAN‐domain containing proteins is based on protein structure. Ubiquitin recognition is further modulated by post‐translational modifications. X‐ray crystal structures of UBAN domains display coiled‐coil dimers in the absence or presence of M1‐linked ubiquitin. However, the solution structural behavior of these UBAN domains is not well understood. Extensive coarse‐grained molecular dynamics simulations of UBAN domains from NEMO, optineurin (OPTN), CEP55, and ABIN1 using a predictive energy landscape based model reveal unique signatures of solution structural conformational heterogeneity in NEMO and ABIN1 but a much more homogeneous distribution of highly extended OPTN conformations. Simulating phosphorylation of OPTN S473, a known post‐translational modification that increases M1‐linked ubiquitin affinity for OPTN, greatly increases OPTN conformational heterogeneity. Furthermore, phosphorylation of ABIN1 S442, a likely post‐translational modification in vivo, shifts the ABIN1 conformational distribution. These results indicate the conformational distribution of UBAN domains provides a means to tailor cellular response in specific biological roles, and post‐translational modifications in combination with conformational heterogeneity provide a rheostat‐like means to control cellular signaling pathways.Support or Funding InformationThis work was supported by internal funding from the University of Connecticut to James Halpert.
Fibularis Longus with a Brevis Slip
Authors: Hurley Mary 
Published: April 2020

Fibularis longus is the superficial muscle of the lateral compartment, overlying the fibularis brevis muscle. Fibularis tertius is a muscle of the anterior compartment.The left leg of one of the cadavers of this semester’s gross anatomy course was discovered to have a slip on the anterior side of the fibularis longus muscle break off the muscle and attach to the tuberosity of metatarsal V immediately superior to the tendon of fibularis brevis. No other cadaver in this group was seen to have this version of the muscles.
Development of RFLP and qPCR Assays to Detect the Human C/T‐13910 SNP, which Is Associated with Lactase Persistence
Authors: Carpenter Susanne M. , Weisblatt Alyssa N. , Dahlquist Kam D. 
Published: April 2020

Human infants, like those of other mammals, express the lactase enzyme to digest the lactose sugar in mother’s milk. After weaning, the lactase‐phlorizin hydrolase gene (LCT) ceases to produce lactase, resulting in the lactase non‐persistence (LNP) phenotype. However, in 35% of the world’s population of humans, expression of the lactase enzyme continues into adulthood, known as lactase persistence (LP). The LP phenotype occurs when an individual has one of more than 20 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located near the lactase gene. The most commonly studied SNP is the “European” SNP, C/T‐13910, which occurs in an enhancer region upstream of the LCT gene in intron 13 of the neighboring MCM6 gene. The T allele correlates with LP, as it results in a higher expression of lactase due to increased binding of the Oct‐1 regulatory transcription factor and/or prevention of gene silencing. Several studies have been conducted in non‐European, isolated populations to determine the frequency of LP within the ethnic group. However, fewer studies have been conducted in ethnically diverse locations such as the US. To lay the groundwork for such a study, we have successfully implemented a restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) assay reported in Morales et al. (2011, doi:10.1136/bmjopen‐2011‐000125) to detect the C/T‐13910 SNP in human cheek cell lysate, confirming the results by direct sequencing of the DNA. We used the TOPO cloning technique to generate control plasmids containing inserts with either the “C” or “T” genotype to use as positive controls in future assays. We confirmed that the sequence of the control plasmid inserts match the original target sequence. We are using the control plasmids to optimize a SYBR green quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) genotyping assay based on Weinlander et al. (2010, doi:10.1002/bmb.20357) as an alternate method of genotyping. Finally, we have curated a list of SNPs from the literature and public databases that are known to affect the LP phenotype in different world populations.Support or Funding InformationLoyola Marymount University Summer Undergraduate Research Program (S.M.C., A.N.W.), Loyola Marymount University Honors Summer Research Fellowship (S.M.C.)
Call for Educational Consistency: The Need to Establish Gross Anatomy Learning Objectives for the Entry Level Physical Therapist
Authors: Carroll Melissa A. , Tracy-Bee Mary , McKenzie Alison 
Published: April 2020

Background and ObjectivesGross anatomy guidelines and recommendations are available for pre‐clinical medical faculty, however there is no consensus regarding anatomy student learning objectives for physical therapist education (PTE) programs. The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) requirements for gross anatomic content are vague and leave room for misinterpretation. This results in varied anatomical curricular content among PTE programs at different institutions. Faculty, whether seasoned or new, can benefit from guidelines and recommendations when making decisions during curricular reform or when prioritizing and emphasizing anatomic content for the curriculum. As such, developing recommended anatomy objectives to serve as a curricular guide may foster more consistent student outcomes, while preserving instructional autonomy.Position and RationaleAnatomy faculty in PTE, who may or may not be physical therapists, would benefit from evidence‐based, objective, and consensus‐driven curricular recommendations to ensure that the most appropriate and clinically relevant anatomy is taught. Anatomy course content is often chosen as the material core faculty (which may or may not include anatomists) deem most important. Importance may be determined due to prior training, personal experience, and pedagogical views of anatomy content. Since all students must pass the same licensure exam, determining the key anatomy content for PTE will promote consistency and reduce ambiguity among faculty. Recommendations must also allow for instructional and programmatic autonomy.MethodSimilar to the approach used to create anatomy learning objectives published by the Education Affairs Committee of AAA for pre‐clinical medical students, we suggest that anatomic content be identified, collaboratively vetted by basic science faculty and clinicians, affirmed, and recommended for adoption. Involvement of members in key professional organizations, such as the Anatomy Education Special Interest Group of the American Physical Therapy’s Academy of Physical Therapist Education, the American Association for Anatomy, and the American Association of Clinical Anatomists is paramount.Discussion and ConclusionWe are advocating for collaboration amongst anatomy faculty in PTE to create specific and measurable anatomy learning objectives, guidelines, and recommendations that are peer‐reviewed and evaluated by both educators and clinicians, and that reflect a global consensus.
Pre‐Steady State Kinetic Analysis of DnaE Polymerase Illuminates the Limited (But Essential) Role It Performs in Gram‐Positive DNA Replication
Authors: Fagan Sean , Pata Janice 
Published: April 2020

PolC and DnaE are the essential C‐family replicative polymerases in the Gram‐positive pathogen Staphylococcus aureus. Both PolC and DnaE have fast catalytic rates on DNA (PolC kpol, 500–1000 s−1; DnaE kpol, 300–400 s−1) however, we know PolC performs the bulk of genome replication. PolC is unable to initiate synthesis from RNA primers and relies on DnaE to perform this role before taking over replication. What remains to be determined is where and how this polymerase switching occurs. Using rapid quench‐flow we have performed detailed pre‐steady state kinetic analysis of DnaE on both a DNA‐ and RNA‐primed substrate. We have determined key kinetic properties that explain why DnaE has been confined to its role of replication initiation. DnaE shows a comparable affinity for both DNA‐ and RNA‐primed templates (Kd: 7 nM vs. 18 nM), but DnaE falls off an RNA‐primed template 50‐fold faster than a DNA‐primed template (koff: 5.34 s−1 vs. 0.11 s−1). Additionally, when incorporating a nucleotide on an RNA‐primed template, DnaE demonstrates a slower catalytic rate (kpol: 120 s−1), reversible chemistry, and a rate‐limiting pyrophosphate release rate (kPPi: ~20 s−1), which is not observed on a DNA‐primed template. These critical kinetic characteristics explain the limited role DnaE plays in genome replication. When extending from an RNA‐primed substrate DnaE is slow and falls off the substrate rapidly after adding a few nucleotides. This provides a critical juncture for PolC to compete for binding and finish replicating the template.Support or Funding InformationNational Institute of General Medical SciencesProject Number: 5R01GM080573‐09
Essential Anatomy for General Pediatrics in the Undergraduate Medical Curriculum
Authors: Cotter Meghan , Lopez Lisa , Carpenetti Tiffany , Downs Mary Beth , Keim Sarah , Hankin Mark , Marzban Hassan , Kirera Francis , Topping Daniel , Mork Amy , Wineski Lawrence , Brooks William , Latacha Kimberly , Zumwalt Ann , Harrell Kelly , Sanky Charles , Laitman Jeffrey , Reidenberg Joy S. , Lewis Steven , Farias Anna , Granite Guinevere , McWhorter David , Royer Danielle , Martindale Jim , Harmon Derek 
Published: April 2020

IntroductionTo prepare medical students for clinical training and practice, it is critical to understand the anatomical knowledge considered most important for different clinical specialties.AimTo address this issue, a consortium of anatomists in the US and Canada is collecting data from clinical educators in Pediatrics clerkships and electives to identify the anatomy they consider essential.MethodsAn IRB‐approved, online survey (Qualtrics, Seattle, WA) was used to assess the importance of 98 anatomical topics in seven body regions. The study first examined the percentage of Pediatrics clinical educators (clerkship/elective directors and attending physicians) that considered each anatomical region important to their specialty. Second, the study examined the rank assigned to each anatomical topic using an ordinal scale from 1 (not important) to 4 (essential).ResultsAt the time of abstract submission, data had been collected from 66 Pediatrics clinical educators at 20 medical schools. The percentage of Pediatrics clinical educators that considered each anatomical region important to their specialty were (highest‐to‐lowest): Abdomen (100%), Head & Neck (98%), Lower Limb (96%), Thorax (96%), Pelvis & Perineum (94%), Upper Limb (93%), and Back (83%). Further data analysis has identified the highest ranked anatomical topics in each body region for the Pediatrics clerkship/elective.Discussion and ConclusionThis database provides detailed information regarding the most clinically relevant anatomical topics as identified by Pediatrics clinical educators. This information can aid in focusing preclinical learning to best prepare medical students for success in their undergraduate and graduate clinical experiences.
Anti‐inflammatory Effect of Hydrolyzed Jujube Ethanolic Extract
Authors: Kim Yoonsu , Oh Jisun , Kim Jong-Sang 
Published: April 2020

Air pollutants, commonly derived from combustion reaction, are correlated with systematic inflammation, causing bronchial and asthmatic disorders. Therefore, it is very important to develop the ingredients which protect people from pulmonary damage caused by air pollutants. This study aimed at examining the anti‐inflammatory activity of Zizyphus jujube extract. Jujube fruit harvested from Gyeongsan region, Republic of Korea was ground, heated, and extracted in aqueous ethanol with or without enzymatic hydrolysis using Viscozyme® L (Novozyme, Bagsvaerd, Denmark). The jujube ethanolic extract prepared after treatment with heat and the enzyme (HJE) was found to effectively scavenge radicals as well as contain the considerable levels of total phenolics and flavonoids compared to non‐hydrolyzed extract (NHJE). In vitro studies using various types of cell lines demonstrated that HJE (1) decreased nitric oxide (NO) production from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐treated Raw 264.7 murine macrophages in a concentration‐dependent manner, (2) lowered secretions of pro‐inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) from O‐tetradecanoylphorbol‐13‐acetate (TPA)‐treated THP‐1 human monocytes, and (3) reduced expressions of inflammation‐associated proteins, such as cytoplasmic COX‐2, iNOS, and nuclear NF‐κB in A549 human lung epithelial cells. To further examine the anti‐inflammatory effect of dietary HJE in animal, C57BL/6J mice were orally fed HJE for 2 weeks, followed by induction of lung inflammation by i.p. administration of benzo(a)pyrene (50 mg/kg B.W). A total of forty eight C57BL/6J mice (6‐week old male, 20–25 g) were divided into 6 groups (n = 8) as follows: (1) control, (2) B(a)P alone, (3) B(a)P+NHJE‐L (0.75 g/Kg B.W), (4) B(a)P+NHJE‐H (1.5 g/Kg B.W), (5) B(a)P+HJE‐L (0.75 g/Kg B.W), and (6) B(a)P+HJE‐H (1.5 g/kg B.W). Oral supplementation of HJE notably diminished the B(a)P‐induced elevation of pro‐inflammatory cytokine levels in the plasma and attenuated B(a)P‐induced pulmonary inflammation as evaluated by histological observation. These findings suggest that HJE can protect the lung epithelial cells from B(a)P‐induced injury presumably through attenuating macrophage‐associated inflammatory response and could be developed into the agent that suppresses air pollutant‐induced lung inflammation.Support or Funding InformationThis study was funded by the Forest Resources Development Institute of Gyeongsangbuk‐do, and the National Research Foundation of Korea grant (Grant No. 2017R1A2B4005087) by the Ministry of Science and ICT, Republic of Korea.