bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Angiotensin type 1a receptors (AT1a) in the subfornical organ (SFO) are involved in leptin‐induced sympathetically‐mediated brown adipose tissue thermogenesis
Authors: Young Colin N. , Morgan Donald A. , Butler Scott D. , Mark Allyn L. , Davisson Robin L. 
Published: June 2021

The adipocyte‐derived hormone leptin acts within the central nervous system to influence body weight regulation. We have shown that AT1a receptors in the SFO are involved in the central weight‐reducing effects of leptin, but the precise mechanisms remain unclear. Here we tested the hypothesis that AT1a receptors in the SFO are critical in central leptin‐induced brown adipose tissue (BAT) sympathetically‐mediated thermogenesis. An adenovirus encoding Cre‐recombinase (Cre) was targeted to the SFO to selectively delete AT1a receptors in AT1a flox mice; viral delivery of LacZ served as control. After 7 days, mice were instrumented for recordings of BAT sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) and leptin was administered intracerebroventricular (ICV; 2ug). ICV leptin caused a robust increase in BAT‐SNA over 4 hours in control mice. This response was completely abolished with SFO‐targeted Cre (%Δ BAT‐SNA 4hr: 290±53 vs. 68±58 spikes/s; LacZ vs. Cre, p<0.05, n=5–6). In line with this, chronic ICV leptin over 4 days resulted in a smaller increase in body temperature in Cre‐treated, compared to LacZ mice, and analysis of BAT revealed reduced thermogenic markers with ablation of AT1a in the SFO (e.g; uncoupling protein 1 mRNA 0.67±0.20; Cre fold LacZ, p=0.056, n=6–7). These findings suggest that AT1a receptors in the SFO play a role in leptin‐induced BAT sympathetically‐mediated thermogenesis.HL063887, HL084207
Central chemoreflex activation resets the setpoint pressure of baroreflex without compromising its function
Authors: Saku Keita , Hosokawa Kazuya , Sakamoto Takafumi , Onitsuka Ken , Sakamoto Kazuo , Tobushi Tomoyuki , Fujino Takeo , Ide Tomomi , Miyamoto Tadayoshi , Sunagawa Kenji 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundHypercapnia activates central chemoreflex and induces sympathoexcitation. However, how the chemoreflex modulates baroreflex (BR) function remains unknown. We hypothesized that the chemoreflex resets the BR setpoint pressure without compromising BR function.Methods and ResultsIn vagotomized rats (n=5), we vascularily isolated the bilateral carotid sinuses and changed carotid sinus pressure (CSP) from 60 to 170 mmHg. We measured celiac sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) and arterial pressure (AP) with or without central chemoreflex activation. Increases in CSP sigmoidally suppressed SNA, whereas the SNA suppression linearly decreased AP. Hypercapnia (inhalation of 3%CO2, PaCO2 from 39.0±1.9 to 56.9±2.4 mmHg, p<0.001) markedly increased AP ( ▵ AP=31.5±1.4 mmHg, p<0.001) and SNA (▵SNA=57.7±5.5%, p<0.001) irrespective of CSP indicating a parallel upward‐shift of the CSP‐SNA relation. Hypercapnia increased the estimated setpoint pressure from 176.1±10.1 to 194.2±9.0 mmHg (p<0.05). In contrast, hypercapnia did not alter the SNA‐AP relation.ConclusionCentral chemoreflex modulates hemodynamics by resetting the BR setpoint pressure without compromising its function. The chemoreflex induced pressor response may improve central perfusion and in turn contribute to neural regulation of central metabolic homeostasis. This study was supported by MEXT and MHLW, Japan.
Perivascular blood induces substantial constrictions of isolated basilar artery, which can be reversed by high pCO2
Authors: CSEPLO Peter , Torok Orsolya , Vamos Zoltan , Kosa Dalma , Springo Zsolt , Hamar Janos , Koller Akos 
Published: June 2021

The vasoconstrictor mechanisms in acute intracerebral hemorrhage have not been fully clarified. We hypothesized that perivascular hemolysed blood (HB) has substantial effects on the tone and vasomotor responses of isolated cerebral arteries.Basilar artery (BA) from male rats was isolated and placed in a pressure‐myograph chamber. The diameters of vessels were measured by videomicroscopy. After administration of HB the vasomotor function of vessels was studied in responses to acetylcholine (Ach), sodium‐nitroprusside (SNP), nifedipine (Nife) and CO2, which were obtained in control condition, in the presence of HB, and after washout of HB.The active diameters of BA were 277±11 μm. HB reduced the basal diameters of BA (to 164±11 μm; 59±4% of AD). After washing out of HB, the active diameters of BA reached the control level: 284±9 μm. In control, Ach, SNP, Nife and CO2 elicited substantial dilations in cerebral arteries (20±2%, 26±2%, 32±3% and 26±2%). In contrast, HB decreased the dilation to ACh, SNP, but not to nifedipin and CO2 (7±1%, 12±2%, 28±3% and 30±2%). After washout of HB NO‐dependent dilations were significantly reduced compared to control (ACh: 6±1%, SNP:14±2%).Findings of the present study show that extraluminal HB elicits substantial constrictions and inhibits NO‐dependent dilations, but does not affect Ca‐channel blocker and CO2‐induced dilations.
Exercise and neuroprotection in an animal model of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Pryor Bill , White Lesley 
Published: June 2021

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system resulting in accumulated loss of cognitive, sensory, and motor function.PURPOSETo evaluate the neuropathological effects of voluntary exercise in mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of MS.METHODSTwo groups of C57BL/6J mice were immunized with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) and then randomized to a cage with a running wheel or a locked wheel.RESULTSExercising EAE mice exhibited less severe neurological disease score (0.95 ± 0.97 exercise, 1.51 ± 0.85 sedentary), and later onset of disease when compared to sedentary EAE animals (14.83 ± 0.75 days, exercise, 12.67 ± 0.82 days, sedentary). Immune cell infiltration in the ventral white matter tracts of the lumbar spinal cord was reduced in the EAE exercise group by 47.5% when compared to sedentary EAE animals. Neurofilament immunolabeling in the anterior corticospinal tract displayed a more random distribution of axons and apparent loss of smaller diameter axons with a 44% greater loss of fluorescence immunolabeling in the sedentary EAE animals.CONCLUSIONOur findings provide evidence that voluntary exercise results in reduced and attenuated disability, reductions in autoimmune cell infiltration, and preservation of axons within the lumbar spinal cord of mice with EAE.
Exposure to air pollution during pregnancy influences placental growth
Authors: de Fátima Soto Sônia , dos Santos Letícia Pereira , Veras Mariana Matera , Heimann Joel Claudio 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveTo evaluate the consequences of exposure to air pollution during the pre‐gestational or gestational period.MethodsFemale Wistar rats were exposed to filtrated (F) or polluted (P) air in a concentrator of atmospheric particles during 3 weeks before or during pregnancy. At 12 weeks of age, the female rats were mated with adult males and were divided in four subgroups exposed to F or P before or during pregnancy (FF, FP, PF, PP). At the 19th day of pregnancy, the animals were euthanized and placentas and fetus were collected. Weekly dams weight (W), placenta (Pl), deciduous (Dc) and fetus (F) mass were measured.Results(mean±SEM – p<0.05): W was higher in FF (282,3) and PP (289,2) than in PF (271,1). Pl mass was higher in FP (0.4640±0.009) than FF (0.4348±0.006), PF (0.4222±0.006) and PP (0.4364±0.005). Dc mass was higher in FP (0.1882±0.013) than FF (0.1442±0.006), PF (0.1501±0.007) and PP (0.1403±0.01). No difference was observed in fetus mass among all experimental groups.ConclusionsExposure to air pollution during pregnancy causes high placental weight, but does not affect fetal weight gain. Supported by FAPESP and CNPq.
Low RIP140 expression rescues basal FA uptake via differential expression of FATP1 and CD36 in skeletal muscle cells exposed to high palmitate
Authors: Constantinescu Silvana , Turcotte Lorraine P 
Published: June 2021

We have shown in L6 skeletal muscle cells that high fatty acid (FA) exposure decreases basal FA uptake and oxidation and that low receptor interacting protein 140 (RIP140) increases FA uptake. To provide mechanistic insights for this adaptation, we measured the expression of proteins and genes involved in the regulation of FA metabolism under high FA availability. L6 myotubes were silenced using RNAi sequences for either RIP140 (RIP) or a negative control (NC) and incubated ± palmitate (HF: 400μM) in the basal state. siRNA treatment reduced (P<0.05) RIP140 mRNA (55%) and protein (75%) levels. HF treatment reduced (P<0.05) mRNA expression of markers of oxidative capacity by 48–64% (COX4, MCAD, CPT1, PGC‐1α) but increased CPT1 protein levels (56%) in NC cells. Low RIP140 in HF‐treated cells restored COX4 mRNA and CPT1 protein levels back to control levels. HF treatment increased (P<0.05) FATP1 mRNA (100%) and total CD36 protein content (95%) but decreased (P<0.05) CD36 mRNA (63%) and FATP1 protein (59%) expression. Low RIP140 in HF‐treated cells restored CD36 mRNA and protein content back to control levels but did not affect the already high FATP1 mRNA levels. Plasma membrane CD36 content was not affected (P>0.05) by either treatment. HF treatment increased (P<0.05) basal pAKTser473 (443%), pAKTthr308 (126%) and pPKC‐ζ (96%) in NC cells. Low RIP140 in HF‐treated cells restored pPKC‐ζ back to control levels and reduced (P<0.05) pAKTthr308. Our data suggest that the rise in basal FA uptake induced by low RIP140 expression in HF‐treated cells is partially mediated by an increase in FATP1 mRNA expression.USC Women in Science and Engineering, USC Integrative and Evolutionary Biology and USC Zumberge Research Innovation Fund
The effects of passive heating and subsequent exercise in the heat on lipid metabolism
Authors: OˈHearn Katharine Jean , Pinet Bernard M , Mauger Jean-Francois , Haman Francois 
Published: June 2021

The goal of this study was to examine the effects of heat exposure on lipid metabolism during passive heating and subsequent exercise in the heat by focusing on changes in whole‐body lipid utilization and plasma lipids. Male participants (n=8) were passively heated for 120 min at 42°C, then exercised on a treadmill in the heat at 50% VO2peak for 30 min (HEAT), and on a separate occasion followed the same procedure at 23°C (CON). Results showed that whole‐body lipid utilization rates were not different between HEAT and CON during passive heating and during exercise. At rest, non‐esterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations were significantly higher following passive heating (618 ± 59 μmol/l) compared to CON (391 ± 51 μmol/l). The same trend was observed following exercise (2036 ± 183 μmol/l and 1350 ± 147 μmol/l for HEAT and CON respectively). Triglyceride, phospholipid and cholesterol levels were not different between HEAT and CON following passive heating or exercise. We conclude that heat exposure results in higher circulating NEFAs both at rest and during exercise without significant changes in whole‐body lipid utilization.CIHR graduate student scholarship and NSERC to F. Haman
Lipophilic And Hydrophilic Statins Differentially Modulate Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Response In Cardiac Myocytes
Authors: Godoy Joseph C. , Asfaw Elizabeth K. , Alvarez Erika A. , Dalton Nancy D. , Niesman Ingrid , Patel Hemal H. , Zemljic-Harpf Alice E. 
Published: June 2021

Statins inhibit HMG‐CoA reductase, target mevalonic acid synthesis, and limit cholesterol biosynthesis. HMG‐CoA reductase is expressed in the membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Statins are prescribed to prevent cardiovascular events.In cultured neonatal mouse cardiac myocytes the lipophilic statin atorvastatin and the hydrophilic statin pravastatin both up‐regulated PDI, indicating unfolded protein response (UPR) meant to relieve ER stress. Only atorvastatin increased ER stress, growth arrest, and induced apoptosis via induction of CHOP, Puma, active Caspase‐3 and PARP. Dose‐dependent release of LDH was only observed in atorvastatin treated cells (1–10 μM). Hearts of mice treated with atorvastatin (5mg/kg/day for 7 months) showed protein aggresomes and autophagosomes when compared to vehicle treated controls. While atorvastatin changed mitochondrial ultrastructure, no differences in cardiac function, exercise ability or creatine kinase levels were found.We show differential activation of ER stress by atorvastatin and pravastatin in cardiac myocytes. Our results provide a novel mechanism through which specific statins therapeutically modulate the balance of UPR/ER stress responses thereby possibly influencing cardiac remodeling.
Physiological Pathways tool allows intuitive linking of genotype and phenotype data to biological processes in a graphical format
Authors: Munzenmaier Diane H. , Liu Weisong , Jacob Howard J. 
Published: June 2021

The Rat Genome Database (RGD) has recently developed a new feature called Physiological Pathways that graphically depicts various physiological systems, allowing intuitive and informative linking of physiological processes to related phenotype and genotype information. These pathways are designed to complement and integrate with the existing molecular pathway features in RGD, allowing coverage of processes that occur within and between cells, tissues, and organs. The user can begin with a pathway of interest and drill down to find information on involved genes, as well applicable strain reports, phenotype data, etc. Alternatively, one can begin at the level of a gene of interest and zoom out to determine physiological and pathological context for the associated gene product.Physiological Pathways are continually growing and being updated with new pathways in a variety of organ systems. Pathways are currently being added in a manner that attempts to cover a wide range of processes including those in the areas of cardiovascular (vasoconstriction), renal (vasopressin‐mediated water reabsorption), and neuroendocrine (insulin release regulation and action). This new feature promises to be an effective and user‐friendly tool with which to access and retrieve physiological and genomic data for researchers who use the rat as a model to study biological processes and their modulation.
A Cat among the Wolves: An attempt to reveal the identity of a felid‐like humerus misidentified as Canis dirus from Rancho La Brea
Authors: Koper Lindsey 
Published: June 2021

There have been many kinds of animals found at Rancho La Brea located in Los Angeles, California; both carnivore and herbivore alike. The most common species found in the tar pits are the predators of the area such as Canis dirus (Dire wolf), Smilodon fatalis (saber‐tooth cat), and Canis latrans (American coyote). Other large carnivores that are not as common but still prevalent include Panthera atrox (American lion), Puma concolor (mountain lion), Panthera onca (jaguar), and Arctodus simus (short‐faced bear). Multitudes of these fossil specimens have been excavated from Hancock Park since the 1870s, and the University of California, Berkeley, was the first institution to house these fossils. Since these early dig operations in the 1900s, University of California, Berekely has traded fossil specimens with other large institutions, including the Field Museum of Natural History located in Chicago, Illinois. It was during a recent visit to the Field Museum to study the La Brea specimens in the Geology collection, that I found a misidentified limb bone. The bone is a humerus which was labeled Aenocyon dirus (Canis dirus). This humerus shows some characteristics that hint toward it belonging to a felid of some kind rather than a large canid. The most likely taxa include Panthera onca and Puma concolor.Grant Funding Source: Nothern Illinois University
Positive selection on mitochondrial M7 lineages among the Gelong people in Hainan
Authors: Li Dongna , Yang Kun , Jin Li , Li Hui , Consortium Genographic 
Published: June 2021

Selections on human mitochondrial variations are difficult to examine. In this study, we found possible signs of selection on mitochondrial M7 lineages among the Gelong people who migrated from Guizhou to Hainan throughout the last 1000 years. The genetic structure of the Gelong people shows an obvious sex‐biased population admixture pattern with only 4.9% paternal contribution but 30.7% maternal contribution from indigenous Hlai people. According to frequency spectrum tests for deviation from neutrality and mismatch tests of demographic expansion, part of the maternal mitochondrial M7 lineages among the Gelong came from the Hlai had spread quickly and therefore might have undergone positive selection. In the future, whole mitochondrial genome sequencing might reveal the functional advantage of the M7 lineages.The research was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (30860124), Natural Science Foundation of Hainan (061014)Grant Funding Source : the research was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (30860124,), Natural Science Foundation of Hainan (061014)
Midline Angular Relationships between the Hard Palate and Cribriform Plate: Implications for Surgical Access to the Pituitary Fossa
Authors: Golubovskaya Yevgeniya , Lawson William , Fisher Juliya , Pagano Anthony S , Caceres Noel , Marquez Samuel 
Published: June 2021

Understanding of the regional anatomy and craniometric landmarks surrounding the pituitary fossa are of important use in locating the pituitary gland during endoscopic sinus surgery and in preventing complications that may arise from damage to the adjacent structures. One important anatomical relationship cited in most anatomical textbooks is that the cribriform plate is parallel to the hard palate in the midline plane. However, the cribriform plate appears inferoposteriorly oriented and the hard palate is posterosuperiorly oriented in midsagittal and parasagittal views. To better assess their orientation, we quantified the angle made by the intersection of two chords between; 1) the anterior nasal spine (ANS) and posterior nasal spine (PNS) and 2) the anterior‐ and posterior‐ midline points on the cribriform plate (ACP, PCP). In a sample of 15 bisected cadaveric heads metal rods were used to approximate the extents of the two chords. The bisected heads were photographed with the rods in place and the photographs were analyzed in the computer program Image J where the angle of intersection between the ANS‐PNS and ACP‐PCP chords was calculated. Results show that the chords are oriented an average of 7.35 degrees from each other with a range between 4 and 15 degrees. ENT surgeons must be aware of these angular relationships to ensure proper and safe access to the pituitary gland during transsphenoidal hypophysectomy.Grant Funding Source : AAA
To Assess and compare the standing lumbar curve in relation to the two chair designs used at the School of Physiotherapy in Jamaica
Authors: singh keerti , Myrie carolyn , martin sharmila roopchand 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveTo determine which of the two chair designs at School of Physiotherapy (UWI Mona) most approximates the normal degree of standing lumbar curve.Design and MethodsA non‐equivalent control group experimental study design was used in which 34 of the 61 subjects participated. The degree of lumbar curvature of each subjects was measured in standing and sitting in a standard desk arm chair. The lumbar curvature was measured using a flexible ruler moulded to the spine of each each subject. The landmarks of the lumbar curve from the second sacral spinous process to the third lumbar spinous process were palpated and marked with skin pencil. The corresponding landmarks of the lumbar curve were marked on the flexible ruler. The flexible ruler was used and moulded to the skin overlying these spinous processes. The curve from the ruler was traced on paper. The degrees of lumbar curvature were calculated.ResultsNeither of the two chair designs ( the standard chair or the desk‐arm chair design) provided correct sitting posture. However, the standard chair design yielded the better lordotic curve.ConclusionsProvision should be made for correct sitting posture to prevent possible back injury of future physical thrapists.Grant Funding Source : University of West Indies
Hypertrophy of the Subclavius Muscle Accompanied by Atrophy of the Pectoralis Muscles Post‐mastectomy
Authors: Carey Fred , Jones Beth Moody 
Published: June 2021

Musculoskeletal impairments of the upper extremity following mastectomy are well documented, although the cause of these impairments is not always known. In this case study, asymmetry of the shoulder girdle musculature was found during anterior chest wall dissection of a female cadaver with a history of a left mastectomy at age 45 (age at death: 96). The left pectoralis major and minor muscles were markedly smaller than the contralateral pectoralis muscles, while the converse was apparent for the subclavius muscles (i.e. left larger than right).In situ measurements of the depth of the bellies of the subclavius muscles at distances of 5 and 7 cm from the sternoclavicular joint demonstrated that the left subclavius depth was nearly twice that of the right (at 5 cm: R=5mm, L=10mm; at 7 cm: R=8mm, L=15 mm). Measurements of the length and wet weight of the muscles confirmed both the increased size and mass of the left subclavius (length: R=8.5 cm, L=10.5 cm; weight: R=1.2 g, L=3.3 g).The pattern of atrophy of the pectoralis muscles suggests that the medial pectoral nerve was damaged during surgery or during post‐operative treatment. How this led to the apparent hypertrophy of the left subclavius muscle is unclear. It is possible that because of the atrophy and associated weakness of the left pectoralis muscles, the left subclavius muscle took on a greater role in shoulder girdle stabilization, increasing in size and mass over time.
Radiofrequency reduces fibrosis in experimental tendon lesions
Authors: Akamatsu Flávia , Teodoro Walcy , Saleh Samir , Andrade Mauro , Jacomo Alfredo Luiz 
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUNDCalcaneous tendon injuries are commonly seen as consequences of sports trauma. Ideal management should provide rapid healing so early mobilization can avoid tissue adhesions. Radiofrequency (RF) produces heat by molecular friction caused by polarity changes and its therapeutic use aims reduction of the local inflammatory response. We investigated the action of the RF on the fibrosis produced after experimental lesions of the calcaneous tendon in rats.METHODS AND MATERIALThirty adult male Wistar rats weighing 250 to 300 g were surgically submitted to bilateral partial transverse section of the calcaneous tendon. The right tendon was treated with RF whereas the left tendon served as control. On the third postoperative day, the rats were divided into three experimental groups consisting of ten rats each which were treated with monopolar RF (Tonederm™) adjusted to 650 kHz and 1–2w, for two minutes twice a week, until they were sacrificed on the 7th, 14th and 28th days, respectively. Tendons were weighed and histological specimens were studied for inflammatory cell content and fibrosis was evaluated by hidroxyprolin content.RESULTSNo difference was observed concerning inflammatory cells in all groups, but significant reduction in collagen content on day 14 was related to RF treatment, as well as tendon weight as compared to controls.CONCLUSIONRF treatment can reduce fibrosis in experimental tendons injuries healing and clinical studies may include RF among the therapeutic tools in tendinous lesion management.