bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Malnutrition in a probabilistic sample of Mexican elderly population
Authors: Gómez Luz María , Villalpando Salvador , Shamah Teresa , Cuevas Lucia 
Published: June 2021

Malnutrition in elderly population is a growing problem in Mexico. The objective of this investigation is to describe the prevalence and distribution of malnutrition and its association with some potential determinants in a probabilistic sample of 5430 adults 60 years of age and older from the Mexican National Nutrition Survey (ENSANUT‐2006). Specific questionnaires for demographic information, depression and physical disabilities were applied and height and weight were measured. Malnutrition was defined as a BMI less than or equal to 18.5. The prevalence progressed with age reaching 5% in adults older than 80 years. In a logistic regression higher risks for malnutrition were associated with age (OR 3.39, CI95% 1.86, 6.20) and low socioeconomic status (OR 4.06 CI95% 1.91, 8.63). Depression and physical disabilities were not associated with the risk for malnutrition (OR 0.63 CI95% 0.20, 1.94) and (OR 0.61, CI95% 0.25, 1.48).Our results alert about a public health problem in a rapid growing elderly population demanding prompt interventions to control it.Supported by Ministery of Health, Mexico.
Effectiveness of folic acid (FA) supplementation in Mexican women with genetic methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) polymorphisms
Authors: De Regil Luz Maria , Casanueva Esther , Ramírez Arlete , Meza Carlos , Hernández‐Guerrero César , Viteri Fernando E 
Published: June 2021

In Mexico 1 of 250 newborns has a neural tube defect (NTD) and 70% of population has a mutation in the gene C677T that synthesizes MTHFR, a key enzyme in FA metabolism.Objective. To evaluate the effectiveness of FA supplementation in ensuring an adequate folate nutritional status in women of childbearing age with different MTHFR gene mutations.96 healthy women stratified according to their C677T genotype [CC (wild type), CT or TT] entered a double‐blind clinical trial. They were supplemented with 400μg FA/day. Red cell (RBC) folate and homocysteine were measured at baseline, after 30 days of FA supplementation and 30 days after it was stopped. Data were analyzed by Repeated Measures ANOVA.3% had NTD history. Independent of genotype, baseline RBC folate and plasma homocysteine were similar and FA equally increased RBC folate even after stopping supplementation. A quadratic reduction (p = 0.001) in homocysteine levels occurred independent of genotype. The highest reduction was found in the TT group, but in all cases basal homocysteine levels were reestablished 30 days after ceasing FA.Conclusion. FA is effective in increasing RBC folate and in reducing homocysteine levels, independently of the C677T genotype. Partially supported by UC_MexUS.
Thyroid hormone induces artery smooth muscle cell proliferation: discovery of a new TRα1‐Nox1 pathway
Authors: Wang Xiuqing , Sun Zhongjie 
Published: June 2021

HypothesisThyroid hormone (T3) induces artery smooth muscle cell proliferation by up‐regulating NOX1 dependent on thyroid hormone receptor subtype α1 (TRα1).Methods and ResultsImmunofluoresence confocal microscopy was used to visualize the sub‐cellular localization of NOX1 and TRα1 in rat aorta smooth muscle (RASM) cells. TRα1 and NOX1 co‐localized in the nuclear periphery. T3 induced RASM cell proliferation as determined by the fact that T3 significantly increased cytokinesis cells, proliferating cellular nuclear antigen (PCNA), and smooth muscle α‐actin (SM α‐actin). T3 increased NOX1 expression at both the transcription (mRNA) and translation (protein) levels. T3 also increased the intracellular ROS production. RNAi silence of TRα1 or NOX1 abolished T3‐induced intracellular ROS generation and PCNA and SM α‐actin expression, indicating that TRα1 and NOX1 mediate T3‐induced RASM cell proliferation. Notably, RNAi silence of TRα1 blocked the T3‐induced increase in NOX1 expression whereas silence of NOX1 did not affect TRα1 expression, suggesting a new pathway, i.e., T3‐TRα1‐NOX1‐cell proliferation.ConclusionsTRα1 expressed in RASM cells. TRα1 and NOX1 colocalized in nuclear periphery. T3 induced RASM cell proliferation by up‐regulating NOX1 in a TRα1‐dependent manner.
Chronic inhibition of rho‐kinase augments contractions in diabetes
Authors: Lamping Kathryn Griffin , Nuno Daniel W. 
Published: June 2021

Objective: Acute inhibition of rho‐kinase decreases augmented contractions of arteries in diabetic animals. The objective of this study was to determine if chronic inhibition of rho‐kinase with fasudil would prevent enhanced contractions of arteries from diabetic mice.Methods: Non‐diabetic (ND) and streptozotocin‐induced diabetic (D) male mice (Strep 100–150 mg/kg ip) were treated with fasudil (100mg/kg/day) in their drinking water for 12–14 weeks. Responses of isolated aortic rings to serotonin (5HT, 0.01–10 microM), thromboxane mimetic U46619 (0.01–1 microM), KCl (25–75 mM), and acetylcholine (Ach, 0.1–10 microM) were compared to age‐matched untreated ND and D mice.Results: Fasudil had no effect on weights or glucose levels of ND (mg/dl minus fasudil 213±10; plus fasudil 200±8) or D mice (mg/dl minus fasudil 428±56; plus fasudil 458±55). 5HT, U46619 and KCl produced concentration‐dependent contractions of aorta from ND. Contractions to 5HT and KCl but not U46619 were increased in D arteries compared to ND. Surprisingly, fasudil increased contractions to 5HT and KCl in ND and D. Relaxation to ACh was not altered in D but was decreased similarly in both ND and D by fasudil.Conclusion: We conclude that chronic fasudil does not protect arteries of diabetic mice from development of abnormal vasoconstriction.This study was supported by grants from the Dept of Veterans Affairs and American Diabetes Association.
Inhibitory modulation of the defense response in the dorsal periaqueductal gray
Authors: Dean C , Kumaraswamy M 
Published: June 2021

The defense response, which includes an increase in sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) and blood pressure (BP), is used as a model for imposed stress, and the dorsal periaqueductal gray (dPAG) is a key integrative site for this response. Background data suggests that 5‐HT and GABA have an inhibitory influence on the defense response at the level of the midbrain. The role of these neurotransmitters in the modulation of SNA was examined with the aim of understanding the dPAG neurocircuitry involved in the mediation of the autonomic responses to stress.The synaptic excitant d,l‐homocysteic acid (DLH) was microinjected into the dPAG of anesthetized rats to identify a site from which sympathoexcitatory and pressor components characteristic of a defense response could be evoked. The effects of 5‐HT1A and GABAA receptor antagonists at the identified site on baseline and DLH‐evoked responses in renal SNA and BP were determined. The GABA antagonist gabazine and the 5‐HT1A receptor antagonist WAY‐100635 evoked a slight increase in baseline SNA, enhanced the DLH‐induced renal sympathoexcitation and induced twitching of the whiskers and movements indicative of a defense response. These data suggest that neurons mediating the autonomic components of the defense response in the dPAG are under tonic GABAergic and serotonergic inhibition. Supported by the AHA‐Greater Midwest Affiliate.
Role of voltage‐gated potassium channels in the response to oxygen in chicken embryo ductus arteriosus
Authors: Cobeño Laura , Villamor Eduardo , Cogolludo Angel , Frazziano Giovanna , Moral Javier , Zoer Bea , Moreno Laura , Perez‐Vizcaino Francisco 
Published: June 2021

Inhibition of voltage‐gated potassium (Kv) channels by O2 has been reported as a central mechanism involved in ductus arteriosus (DA) closure in mammals. Herein, we have investigated the role of Kv channels in the developmental and regional responses to O2 in chicken embryo DA. Experiments were performed in the pulmonary or aortic sides of the DA isolated from chicken embryos incubated for 15 or 20 days and in myocytes isolated from these tissues. Under control conditions, the amplitude of the potassium currents were similar in myocytes from the pulmonary or aortic sides of the 20‐day DA and around two fold higher than in 15‐day DA myocytes. The increase in O2 tension from 0 to 21% induced a partial (30±4%) and a total (96±4%) reduction of the current (measured at 0mV) in myocytes isolated from the pulmonary side of 15‐day and 20‐day DA, respectively. No effects were observed in myocytes isolated from the aortic side of the 20‐day DA. Addition of DPO‐1, a selective inhibitor of the Kv1 channels subfamily, markedly reduced the contraction induced by O2. Our results indicate that, like in mammals, inhibition of Kv channels (especially of the Kv1 subfamily) is involved in the contraction of chicken DA by oxygen. This inhibitory effect augments with maturation and is restricted to the pulmonary side of the DA.Supported by SAF2005‐03770 and Fundacion Mutua Madrileña
Expression of VEGF and correlation of MVD and TIDC in periampullary adencocarcinoma tissues
Authors: Wang Shu‐Qing , Liu Cheng‐Wei , Kang* Yu‐Ming , Lv Da‐Ming , Wang* Shu‐Qiu 
Published: June 2021

The present study was undertaken to investigate the relationship between VEGF, MVD, S‐100+, CD83+, TIDC and the metastasis and the degree of malignancy in periampullary adencocarcinoma.Method: The expression of VEGF, MVD, S‐100+, CD83+ and TIDC were detected in oncologic tissues by streptavidin peroxidase immunohistochemistry from 25 patients who caught with periampullary adencocarcinoma.Results: The expression of VEGF in periampullary adencocarcinoma tissues was higher than normal control (p<0.05). A positive correlation was observed between the expression of VEGF and MVD. S‐100+, TIDC was correlated with pathological type of tumor and lymphatic metastasis, but it was unrelated with sex and age. Compared with control, more S‐100+, TIDC and fewer CD83+, TIDC were in periampullary adencocarcinoma. The expression of VEGF was negatively correlated with S‐100+ TIDC, and it inhibited the maturation of TIDC.Conclusions: Upregulation of VEGF expression in periampullary adencocarcinoma might play an important role in tumor angiogenesis.TIDC was found in periampullary adencocarcinoma and maturation of TIDC was inhibited by VEGF.
Fe and Zn bioavailability from red (merlot) and white (great northern) bean‐based (Phaseolus vulgaris) diets fed to anemic young pigs
Authors: Tako Elad , Glahn R. P. , Welch R. M. , Lei X. , Laparra J. M. , Rutzke M. , Miller D. D. 
Published: June 2021

Beans contribute significant amounts of Fe in the diets of many populations. A major cause of Fe deficiency is poor Fe bioavailability from plant ‐ based diets containing Fe absorption inhibitors such as polyphenols. Our objective was to compare Fe and Zn bioavailability between red and white beans which differ in their polyphenol content.Anemic piglets at age 4 wks were allocated into 2 treatment groups (n=10) and fed corn/bean rations containing either 37% white or 37% red beans. Diets had no supplemental Fe. Pigs were given a meal containing intrinsically labeled (58Fe, 70Zn) beans followed by an intravenous (i.v.) injection of 54Fe and 67Zn on day 7 and again on day 21 of the experiment to assess Fe and Zn absorption. Blood samples were taken periodically. On day 35, animals were killed and duodenal sections were collected for DMT1 gene expression analysis. Fe absorption was calculated from 58Fe concentrations incorporated in hemoglobin. Zn absorption was calculated from the ratios of 70Zn to 67Zn in plasma. Fe absorption was 14% and 16% from the 1st meal and 9% and 10.5% from the 2nd meal for the white and red beans, respectively (P>.05). Zn absorption was 34% and 30% from the 1st meal (P>.05) and 28% and 37% from the 2nd meal (P<.05) for the white and red beans, respectively. DMT1 gene expression did not differ between treatments. These results show that Fe and Zn bioavailability from red/white bean‐based meals is similar.
Efficacy of iron folic acid tablets vs. a powdered mixture of mineral and vitamins to control anemia during pregnancy
Authors: Hyder Ziauddin , Choudhury Nuzhat , Zlotkin Stanley 
Published: June 2021

Introduction: A powdered mixture of mineral and vitamins (PMV) in a small sachet, Sprinkles™, is effective in controlling anemia in young children. A similar mixture targeted to pregnant women might be appropriate.Objective: To determine the efficacy of a PMV packaged in single serving sachets compared to IFA in pregnant women.Method: A cluster randomized trial was carried out in 42 antenatal care centers operated by BRAC in Bangladesh. Anemic women aged 15–45 years, gestational age 14–20 weeks and Hb 70–110 g/L were allocated to either tablets (n=92) or PMV (n=121). Each tablet and PMV sachet contained 60mg elemental iron and 400μg folic acid. Data collection was done at baseline and at gestational weeks 24, 28 and 34. Hb was measured using HemoCue®. Adherence was assessed by counting the number of sachets or tablets consumed.Results: Hb did not differ significantly between the tablet and PMV groups at 24 and 28 weeks. However, at week 32, mean Hb was higher in tablet (110.2 g/L, SD 11.1) compared to PMV group (105.6 g/L, SD 11.1) (P<0.05). At week 32, mean percent adherence was 76% in tablet and 58% in PMV group (P<0.05). After controlling for adherence, however, the Hb response did not differ between the groups.Conclusion: Efficacy of iron and folic acid delivered by tablet or PMV in a sachet was comparable when adherence was controlled for.
Cost estimations of different types of micronutrient supplements for children and pregnant women
Authors: Colchero Arantxa , Neufeld Lynnette 
Published: June 2021

Few studies have attempted to compare the cost of different types of micronutrient supplements that are commonly used in public health programs. The objective of this study was to assess the costs of three types of nutritional supplements with identical micronutrient content: fortified food (FF) currently provided to children and pregnant and lactating women in Mexico's Oportunidades program; syrup (SY) for children or tablets for women and; Sprinkles for children and women (SK). We estimated the cost per recommended dose of acquiring (with delivery in Mexico City) and distributing the supplements, assuming distribution by the public sector. Indirect costs to beneficiaries or families were not assessed. Sensitivity analysis was conducted on uncertain parameters. The average cost per dose of FF for children was US$0.13 and US$0.19 for women. The average cost for SY was US$0.17 and the tablets US$0.07 and average cost per dose of SK was US$0.03 (for children or women). The information obtained in this analysis is a necessary complement to impact and acceptability data to assist decision makers regarding the most appropriate and feasible micronutrient supplement for public programs.The Oportunidades program funded this research and holds the rites to the data obtained.
Health‐Related Quality of Life by Socioeconomic Factors and Health‐Related Behaviors of the Elderly in Rural Area
Authors: CHOE JEONG‐SOOK , KWON Sung‐ok 
Published: June 2021

Objectives:This study was to identify socioeconomic factors and health‐related behaviors influencing on HRQOL (health‐related quality of life) for the older adults in rural area.Methods:483 subjects aged over 65 years responded a direct interview, which covered HRQOL, BMI(Body Mass Index), socioeconomic characteristics, and health‐related behaviors including smoking, drinking, and exercise.Results:The mean healthy days were 15.1 days/month and not significantly different by sex. Men didn't show a significant difference in HRQOL by age group. But women reported lower levels of healthy days and higher levels of activity limitation and physical unhealthy days with increasing age. Results from ANCOVA showed HRQOL to be significantly associated with education, job, and family type. Men presented no significant difference in HRQOL by health‐related behaviors, but women who have been drinking, or have less number of chronic diseases reported higher mean healthy days and lower activity limitation days, physical unhealthy days, and mental unhealthy days. Older adults who reported good to excellent self‐rated health were higher healthy days and lower activity limitation, physical unhealthy days, and mental unhealthy days than those who reported fair to poor health status.Conclusions:The HRQOL for the older adults in rural area was related to socioeconomic characteristics, health‐related behaviors and self‐rated health status. A better understanding of factors related to HRQOL would help to improve the older adults' quality of life.
Cooperation between IgG receptors (FcγRIIa) and TLR4 in human neutrophils
Authors: Fudala Rafal , Stankowska Dorota , Krupa Agnieszka , Kurdowska Anna 
Published: June 2021

Previous studies from our laboratory revealed that the presence of anti‐IL‐8 autoantibody:IL‐8 complexes in lung fluids from patients with ALI/ARDS is an important prognostic indicator for the development and outcome of ALI/ARDS. Further, we showed that purified anti‐IL‐8 autoantibody:IL‐8 complexes trigger chemotaxis of neutrophils, induce activation of these cells, and prolong the lifespan of neutrophils via IgG receptors, FcγRIIa. Sepsis is considered the major risk factor for development of ALI/ARDS, and LPS has been recognized as a causative factor for progression to ALI/ARDS. In the current study we demonstrated that the expression of FcγRIIa is increased in human neutrophils after LPS treatment. TLR4 and FcγRIIa co‐localize in LPS stimulated neutrophils but not in unstimulated cells. The interaction between TLR4 and FcγRIIa was confirmed by FRET (Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer). Treatment with LPS also enhances the pro‐inflammatory activity of anti‐IL‐8:IL‐8 complexes in neutrophils. We observed a substantial increase in the amount of myeloperoxidase in neutrophils pre‐treated with LPS and simulated with the complexes, elevated activation of NFκB and ERK. Our findings indicate that LPS affects activity of anti‐IL‐8:IL‐8 complexes by increasing expression of FcγRIIa, and evoking structural changes that lead to TLR4 and FcγRIIa clustering.Supported by the NIH grant HL073245.
SN79, A Novel Sigma (σ) ‐ 2 Receptor Antagonist, Attenuates Cocaine‐Induced Behaviors In Mice
Authors: Kaushal Nidhi , Croom Caroline , Shaikh Jamaluddin , Narayanan Sanju , Mesangeau Christophe , Poupaert Jacques H , McCurdy Christopher R , Matsumoto Rae R 
Published: June 2021

Cocaine is highly addictive and its abuse is involved in more emergency room visits than any other illicit drug. Unfortunately, there is no effective pharmacotherapy to treat it. Cocaine interacts with both sigma (σ)‐1 & 2 receptors. The role of σ‐1 receptors in attenuating cocaine‐induced behaviors has been established using pharmacological antagonists and antisense oligonucleotides. In contrast, the role of σ‐2 receptors in the treatment of cocaine abuse is unclear due to the lack of σ‐2 selective compounds. In the present study, radioligand and behavioral studies were conducted to characterize SN79, a putative σ‐2 selective compound. Radioligand binding studies showed that SN79 has nanomolar affinity for σ‐2 receptors and negligible affinity for σ‐1 receptors. In behavioral studies, pretreatment of male, Swiss Webster mice with SN79 (0.1–10 mg/kg) significantly attenuated the effects produced by a convulsive (70 mg/kg) or locomotor stimulant (20 mg/kg) dose of cocaine. SN79 also significantly blocked the development and expression of the sensitized response to subchronic treatment with cocaine. Alone, SN79 had sedative effects at acute higher doses, which disappeared upon repeated exposure. These results point towards the importance of targeting σ‐2 receptors in the development of an effective anti‐cocaine therapy, and also establish SN79 as the most σ‐2 selective compound to date.(Support: DA013978, DA023205)
Attenuation of responses of ANP release to adrenergic receptor agonists in cold exposed rats
Authors: Yuan Kuichang , Park Woo Hyun , Kim Sung Zoo , Kim Jong Hun , Kim Suhn Hee 
Published: June 2021

It has been known that chronic cold exposure resulted in a sustained increase in blood pressure in rats. The aim of the present study was to define the direct effects of adrenergic receptors agonists on atrial hemodynamics and ANP release in cold exposed rats. Cold exposure for 2 weeks resulted in marked increases in urine volume and water retention. Plasma renin activity was decreased and plasma level of ANP was increased by cold exposure. Phenylephrine increased the ANP release from isolated perfused beating rat atria whereas isoproterenol decreased the ANP release with positive inotropism in a dose‐dependent manner. The amounts of cAMP in perfusate were not affected by phenylephrine, but increased by isoproterenol. The effects of phenylephrine on atrial ANP release was attenuated in cold exposed rats. Isoproterenol‐induced decrease in ANP release, positive inotropy and increase in cAMP production were also attenuated in cold exposed rats. Real‐Time PCR analysis showed £\ƒ¡a and £]ƒ¡ ƒnadrenergic receptors mRNA levels were significantly decreased in cold exposed rats. These results suggest that £\ƒ¡a and £]ƒ¡ adrenergic receptors differently regulate atrial ANP release and hemodynamics, and the attenuation of response to adrenergic receptor agonists in cold exposed rats may be partly related to the downregulation of £\ ƒnandƒn £] ƒ{adrenergic receptors.Supported by the KOSEF R01‐2006‐000‐10554‐0.
Murine and rat cavernosal responses to endothelin‐1 and urotensin‐II
Authors: Carneiro Zidonia Nunes , Carneiro Fernando Silva , Giachini Fernanda R.C. , Lima Victor Vitorino , Webb R. Clinton , Tostes Rita C. 
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) and urotensin‐II (U‐II) are the most potent and long‐lasting constrictors of human vessels. Although the cavernosal tissue is responsive to ET‐1, and penile smooth muscle cells not only respond to, but also synthesize ET‐1, no information exists on the effects of U‐II on cavernosal function.Aim: To characterize ET‐1 and U‐II responses on rat and mouse corpora cavernosa.Methods and Results: Male Wistar rats (R) and C57/BL6 mice (M) were used at 13 weeks (n=5 and 6, respectively). Cumulative concentration‐response curves to ET‐1, U‐II and IRL‐1620 (ETB agonist) were performed. ET‐1 induced a rapid and sustained increase in force generation in strips from mice and rats, but no responses to U‐II were observed in the presence or absence of L‐NAME (Figure 1). In addition, contractile responses to U‐II were not observed in strips pre‐stimulated with KCl 20mM. Similarly, IRL‐1620 did not induce cavernosal contraction even in presence of L‐NAME. Although relaxation responses to U‐II were not observed in cavernosal strips pre‐contracted with phenylephrine, IRL‐1620 induced cavernosal relaxation with a bigger response in rats than mice (R: 68±3 vs M: 26±3, %).Conclusion: ET‐1 causes contractile responses on cavernosal strips from rats and mice and ETB receptors activation produce relaxation. In contrast U‐II does not induce contraction or relaxation in corpora cavernosa from mice or rats.