bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
New insights into a decerebrate feline model of swallow‐breathing coordination
Authors: Horton Kofi‐Kermit , Segers Lauren , Nuding Sarah , O'Connor Russell , Alencar Pierina , Davenport Paul , Lindsey Bruce , Morris Kendall , Gestreau Christian 
Published: June 2021

In the medulla, the swallow and respiratory central pattern generators (CPGs) interact to coordinate swallow initiation and permit swallow execution during the expiratory phase of breathing. Disruption of swallow‐breathing coordination can result in dysphagia, which is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in many neuro‐muscular diseases, especially stroke. Despite extensive study, the precise mechanisms of swallow‐breathing coordination are not known. We tested the hypothesis that both central inspiratory activity and vagal feedback from the lungs are key elements for effective swallow‐breathing coordination. Swallows were triggered by electrical stimulation of the superior laryngeal nerves (SLN) or by injection of water into the pharyngeal cavity in decerebrate, paralyzed and artificially ventilated cats while motor activities were recorded from phrenic, hypoglossal, lumbar and vagal nerves. Mechanical ventilation was either triggered by central inspiratory activity or set independently from the phrenic activity to alter the timing of bronchopulmonary vagal afferent input and allow analysis of its influence on swallow‐breathing coordination. We observed two types of swallows that produced opposite effects on central respiratory‐rhythm resetting across all conditions: post‐Inspiratory type swallows disrupted central I activity without affecting expiration, whereas expiratory type swallows prolonged expiration without affecting central inspiratory activity. Repetitive swallows observed during apnea reset the E2 phase of central respiration and produced facilitation of swallow motor output. Moreover, swallow initiation was negatively modulated by vagal feedback and was reset by lung inflation. Collectively, these findings support a reciprocal inhibition between central inspiration and the swallow CPG and they are consistent with a role for pulmonary stretch receptors in the coordination between brainstem CPGs for breathing and swallowing. They may also prove relevant for healthcare management of dysphagia.Support or Funding InformationOT2OD023854‐01, HL109025This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Membrane curvature and pore formation induced by antimicrobial peptides
Authors: Lee Hwan Kyu 
Published: June 2021

Amphiphilic peptides of different lengths were simulated with lipid bilayers composed of 1,2‐ dimyristoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine (DMPC) and 1‐myristoyl‐2‐hydroxy‐sn‐glycero‐3‐ phosphocholine (lysoMPC) at different ratios. Simulations of lipid bilayers without peptides show that the bilayers with more lysoMPC become more disordered and thinner. Amphiphilic peptides added to this simulation do not insert into the DMPC bilayer at low peptide/lipid ratio (P/L ≤ 1/50), while they do insert to the DMPC/lysoMPC bilayer and form a toroidal pore even at such a low P/L ratio, where the pore edge is surrounded by lysoMPC rather than by DMPC. In particular, upon pore formation, peptides migrate toward the edge of a pore and become tilted, showing transmembrane alignment regardless of the peptide length, in qualitative agreement with experiments. This pore formation occurs more frequently in larger bilayers that allow greater curvature, indicating that bilayer curvature is important for pore formation. These indicate that the addition of lysoMPC induces the thinner bilayer with greater curvature, and thus the bilayer with lysoMPC can be more easily penetrated by peptides, leading to the formation of a toroidal pore stabilized by peptides and lysoMPC. These findings help explain experimental observations of the effect of the inverted cone‐shaped lyso‐lipid on pore formation and peptide orientation, and also support the experimental suggestion regarding the formation of an iris‐like ring of helices lining a toroidal pore.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
The Hydrophobic Domain of ENV9 is a Lipid Droplet Localization Signal in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Ricci Anthony , Valencia Sara , Siddiqah Ikha , Manandhar Surya , Gharakhanian Editte 
Published: June 2021

Lipid droplets (LDs) are dynamic organelles involved in the storage of neutral lipids for membrane biogenesis and metabolism. Malfunction of LDs has been associated with diabetes, obesity, and cancer, whereas proper organelle and cell function is mediated through cellular trafficking. Therefore, uncovering the mechanism by which proteins that are necessary for LD function are transported is essential for understanding the development of these diseases. We have found Saccharomyces cerevisiae Env9 to be a novel oxidoreductase that is conserved and involved in LD morphology. It contains a hydrophobic domain (HD) sequence (aa241‐265) that we have previously reported as necessary for Env9 localization to the LD membrane. For a sequence to be categorized to a specific pathway it needs to be demonstrated as both necessary and sufficient. We hypothesize that the HD is a LD localization signal and is therefore sufficient to direct proteins to the LD. Here, we are testing if the HD sequence is sufficient to direct a reporter protein to the LD membrane that typically would not localize to the LD. The protein we chose is Env7, a protein kinase that normally anchors to the lysosomal vacuole by palmitoylation of a triple cysteine stretch at its N‐terminus. A new plasmid construct was engineered where the Env9 HD sequence was integrated into GFP tagged Env7 (C13‐15S) plasmid. Cells expressing ENV7 (C13‐15S)‐HD‐GFP were investigated using confocal microscopy to confirm localization of Env7. The HD of Env9 was seen to mediate the localization of Env7 (C13‐15S) to the LD membrane. Thus, the HD is sufficient for localization and is therefore a LD targeting signal. Biochemical analysis is being done to further confirm membrane association of Env7 (C13‐15S) to the LD. Thus far, this research could provide a better insight into LD protein trafficking mechanisms.Support or Funding InformationThis work was supported by NIH AREA #R15 GM85794‐02 to EG and by NSF‐MRI grant DBI0722757 for confocal microscopy. As well as, BUILD grants given by National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health under Award Numbers; 8UL1GM118979‐02; 8TL4GM118980‐02; 8RL5GM118978‐02This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Scientific Community Outreach: Promoting Science to Students at the K‐12 Level and STEM Students in ASBMB UPR‐RP
Authors: Navarro Edwin D. , Perez‐Oquendo Mabel G. , Ramirez‐Lugo Juan 
Published: June 2021

ObjectivesThe American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) Student Chapter at the University of Puerto Rico‐Rio Piedras Campus (UPR‐RP) is devoted on promoting science in communities inside and outside of our university. The primary goals of the chapter are: 1) to increase the interest in science of students in the K‐12 level and 2) to provide STEM students in the University with the tools and guidance to improve their academic and professional development.MethodsTo do this we offer outreach activities to students at the K‐ 12 level. These activities are comprised of experiments related to different fields of science such as biology, chemistry, physics, biotechnology and environmental science. The idea is to illustrate scientific concepts in an easy, and hands‐on way. Therefore, students can better understand these concepts, making biochemistry and molecular biology accessible to all. Aside of the outreach activities offered in schools, we also collaborate with other associations, such as the American Chemistry Society (ACS) and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), in local activities at the ACS Chemistry Festival and AAAS Annual Meeting, respectively. Members of the ASBMB student chapter are also encouraged to participate in all outreach events so they can develop their oral presentation skills. For students in STEM fields, we offer a variety of workshops and seminars including: how to make personal statements and curriculum vitae, how to seek out research opportunities and internship opportunities, graduate and professional school panels, as well as journal clubs.Conclusion/Future DirectionThe collection of the activities and experiences that we offer to students in K‐12 level, STEM students and ASBMB members result in a successful promotion of science community at a variety of levels. Our hope is to develop an interest in science in students at the K‐12 level who are involved in our outreach activities and to facilitate the professional development of college students (both STEM students and ASBMB members).Support or Funding InformationASBMB Regional Meeting AwardThis abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Patterns of Conduit Artery Shear Stress Across the Menopause Transition
Authors: Somani Yasina B , Moore David J , Kim Jin‐Kwang , Gonzales Joaquin U , Elavsky Steriani , Proctor David N 
Published: June 2021

IntroductionDisturbed patterns of conduit artery shear, characterized by greater oscillatory (bi‐directional) and retrograde (backward) shear are associated with endothelial dysfunction. Moreover, declines in endothelial function can take place rapidly across the menopause transition, placing women at heightened risk for development of cardiovascular disease.MethodsConduit artery shear patterns were measured in women at varying stages of the menopause transition. Resting brachial artery and common femoral artery mean blood velocities and diameters were measured via Doppler ultrasound in early perimenopausal, late perimenopausal, and early postmenopausal women.ResultsBrachial artery oscillatory shear was significantly higher in early postmenopausal women (n=15, 0.17 ± 0.08 a.u.) than both early (n=12, 0.08 ± 0.05 a.u., p=0.002) and late (n=8, 0.08 ± 0.04 a.u., p= 0.007) perimenopausal women, and retrograde shear was significantly higher in early postmenopausal vs. early perimenopausal women (−9.74 ± 6.48 s−1 vs. −4.81 ± 3.05 s−1, p= 0.03). Femoral artery retrograde and oscillatory shear were greater, respectively, in early postmenopausal women (n=15, −6.78 ± 2.91 s−1; 0.19 ± 0.08 a.u.) than early perimenopausal women (n=14, −4.07 ± 2.21 s−1, p=0.03; 0.11 ± 0.08 a.u., p=0.01). Further, Pearson correlation analyses revealed significant associations between follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and both retrograde and oscillatory shear, respectively, in the brachial (R=−0.37, p=0.04; R=0.5, p=0.005) and common femoral artery (R=−0.4, p=0.03; R=0.45, p=0.01).DiscussionOur findings suggest that increases to conduit artery retrograde and oscillatory shear take place during the menopause transition and these increases are associated with FSH, a marker of reproductive age.Support or Funding InformationSocial Sciences Research Institute and Center on Population Health and Aging at Penn State, M01 RR‐10732 (General Clinical Research Center), K12 HD055882This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Effect of Spearmint Extract Containing Rosmarinic Acid on Physical and Executive Functioning Following a Tactical Operation
Authors: Hoffman Jay R. , Ben‐Moshe Yuval , Hoffman Mattan W. , Ostfeld Ishay 
Published: June 2021

This investigation examined the effect of a proprietary spearmint extract containing rosmarinic acid (PSE) on physical, cognitive and executive functioning following a high‐risk tactical operation while sleep deprived for 24‐hours. Ten operators (35.1 ± 5.2 y; 177.6 ± 5.3 cm; 81.3 ± 9.3 kg) from an elite counter‐terrorism unit volunteered to participate in this randomized, double‐blind, parallel design study. Participants were randomized into either PSE or placebo (PL) group and ingested 900 mg·day−1 of PSE or an equivalent amount of PL for 17‐days. PRE testing occurred prior to supplementation, while POST testing occurred within 1‐hour of the operation's conclusion. Magnitude based inferences indicated that differences between PSE and PL in jump power, reactive agility, eye‐hand coordination, and cognition were unclear. However, subjective feelings of energy, alertness and focus were very likely, likely and possibly better for PSE than PL, respectively. No difference (p = 0.64) in identifying the correct target was noted between groups, however all participants in PSE correctly identified the target, while only 60% of participants in PL correctly identified the target at POST. Although the results of this study do not provide conclusive evidence in regards to the efficacy of PSE, it does suggest that further research is warranted using a larger sample of participants.Support or Funding InformationThis study was supported by Kemin Foods, L.C. (Des Moines, IA).This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Crystal structure of an assembly intermediate of respiratory Complex II
Authors: Sharma Pankaj , Maklashina Elena , Cecchini Gary , Iverson Tina 
Published: June 2021

In approximately 10% of flavoenzymes, the flavin is covalently attached. Despite the importance of this covalent cofactor for a number of biological functions, the mechanism of covalent flavinylation is currently poorly understood. In this work, we determined the crystal structure of a captured assembly intermediate of covalent flavinylation using the Escherichia coli Complex II FrdA subunit crosslinked with its assembly factor, SdhE. Two global conformational changes in FrdA subunit were observed as compared to prior structures of the assembled Complex II protein: rotation of the capping domain, and the destabilization of two large loops proximal to the active site of the FrdA subunit. Together, these changes create a tunnel to the active site. This FrdA‐SdhE structure was used as a basis to develop a mechanism of covalent flavinylation that is supported by spectroscopic and kinetic analyses.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
L‐lactate Increases Apoptosis in Dopaminergic‐Like PC12 Cells
Authors: LaLonde Zoë M , Behnke Jessica E , Chapp Andrew D , Shan Zhiying Jenny , Chen Qing Hui 
Published: June 2021

Lactate has been shown to be excitatory through activation of ligand gated calcium channels. Studies have demonstrated that extracellular lactate is capable of activating N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptors (NMDAR), acidifying neurons and glial cells, which may contribute to excitotoxicity. Since cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) lactate concentrations are elevated in several neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson's disease, we tested the hypothesis that increased L‐lactate may be a contributing factor to excitotoxicity of dopaminergic like PC12 cells. Nerve growth factor derived PC12 cells were exposed to increasing concentrations of L‐lactate (0mM, 1.5mM, 2mM, 3mM, 4mM and 8mM) for 4 hrs which increased cell death in a dose dependent manner, analyzed via flow cytometry using propidium iodide (PI) exclusion. The (EC) 50 value was found to be 3.30 mM. The percent of cells staining positive for PI were significantly increased (P < 0.05): control, 0 mM L‐lactate, 15.0 +/− 0.5 % (n=4) and 4 mM L–lactate, 31.6 +/− 4.6% (n=4). This data suggests that elevated CSF lactate may be a contributing factor to dopaminergic cell death in Parkinson's disease.Support or Funding InformationFunding support: AHA 16PRE27780121, Andrew Chapp, R15‐HL129213, Zhiying Shan; R15‐HL122952, Qing‐Hui Chen. Michigan Technological University Undergraduate Research Internship Program.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Increased Levels of Interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) in Andean Males with Chronic Mountain Sickness and Sea‐Level Participants After One Day at High Altitude May Reflect Differences in IL‐6 Regulation
Authors: Heinrich Erica C , Anza‐Ramirez Cecilia , Macarlupu Jose‐Luis , Corante Noemi , Vizcardo‐Galindo Gustavo , Villafuerte Francisco C , Powell Frank L , Simonson Tatum S 
Published: June 2021

The gene encoding interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) shows signals of evolutionary selection in Tibetans and Andeans and could be a target of convergent adaptation to high altitude. Furthermore, IL‐6 is elevated in sea‐level residents upon acute high‐altitude exposure, is involved in both the inflammatory and hypoxia‐response pathways via HIF‐1a and NFκB regulation, and plays a role in regulating hematopoiesis. We hypothesized that high‐altitude adapted populations have variants associated with reduced IL6 expression that prevent chronic systemic inflammation in response to chronic hypoxaemia. We examined the sequence of the IL6 gene region in both Tibetans (n = 27) and and Andeans (n = 32) and measured IL‐6 protein levels in male Andean highlanders with and without Excessive Erythrocytosis (EE) (Hb ≥ 21 g/dL) in Cerro de Pasco, Peru (CDP, 4,350 m) as well as healthy male sojourners before and after travel to Barcroft Station, White Mountain Research Center (3,800 m). Plasma IL‐6 was significantly higher in Andean men with EE (healthy: 1.0 ± 0.4 pg/mL, EE: 2.5 ± 2.0 pg/mL; p = 0.02). IL‐6 levels also increased in sea‐level participants from 1.2 ± 0.6 to 2.3 ± 0.7 pg/mL (p = 0.01) after one day at altitude. Elevated IL‐6 protein in Andeans with EE could result from increased IL‐6 release from monocytes and vascular cells in response to more severe hypoxemia, the degree of inflammatory responsiveness, and/or increased blood vessel sheer stress imposed by increased blood viscosity. Elevated IL‐6 could also exacerbate CMS by further stimulating hematopoiesis. Sequence data revealed an uncommon promoter gain of function (rs1800795, c.‐237C>G, c.‐274C>G) and promoter loss of function (rs1800797, c.‐661A>G, c.‐698A>G) variant present in all 27 Tibetans as well as a shared missense variant (rs13306435, c.258T>A, c.486T>A) in 11/37 Andeans and 3/27 Tibetans; analysis of sequence data from subjects at White Mountain are underway. Since EE is uncommon in Tibetan highlanders, it is possible that these unique variants may afford protection against inflammatory responses and/or polycythemia at high altitude.Support or Funding InformationThis study was supported by an NIH NRSA Individual Postdoctoral Fellowship (Parent F32) to ECH (F32HL131218), NIH R00HL118215 and American Physiological Society Giles F. Filley Memorial Award to TSS. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the NIH. The UPCH team was supported by a Wellcome Trust PHTM grant (107544/Z/15/Z) to FCV.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Ganoderma lucidum extract decreases inflammatory breast cancer progression via translational control
Authors: Martinez‐Montemayor Michelle M. , Schneider Robert J. , Zhang Chunling , Andrade Jorge , Suarez‐Arroyo Ivette J. 
Published: June 2021

Inflammatory Breast Cancer is a highly aggressive and chemo/radiation resistant cancer in which cells invade the vascular and lymphatic systems via generation of tumor emboli; a process regulated by selective mRNA translation. Accordingly, our objective is to characterize the role of Ganoderma lucidum extract (GLE) in translational regulation. In IBC, the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is hyperactivated, while the eukaryotic initiation factor 4G (eIF4GI) is overexpressed. mTOR regulates translation initiation, and together with eIF4G, both regulate resistance to therapy of IBC cells, cancer cell survival and invasion. We previously showed that GLE reduces cap‐dependent mRNA translation in part through the inactivation (dephosphorylation) of mTOR, thereby activating eIF4E sequestration in IBC cells and tumors. GLE also induces cancer cell death, inhibits cancer cell invasion and synergizes with conventional chemotherapy to reduce IBC progression, while not affecting non‐cancerous cells. However the role of GLE on translational control in advanced BC has not been studied. We hypothesize that GLE regulates translation via translation initiation inhibition. Genome‐wide translation and transcription profiling was conducted in SUM‐149 IBC cells treated with vehicle or GLE for 24h. Analysis of actively translated mRNAs revealed that 689 genes showed differential expression by GLE treatment. Ingenuity pathway analysis revealed that the majority of these mRNAs are involved in the eIF2 and mTOR pathways, which control translation. Future directions include performing quantitative PCR arrays to validate the microarray results. This study is relevant to our long‐term goal of contributing to the discovery of therapeutics to reduce mortality of IBC.Support or Funding InformationThis project was sponsored by Title V PPOHA and Title‐V‐Cooperative #P031S130068 US Department of Education #P031M105050, NIH/RCMI #8G12MD007583, NIH/NIGMS #1SC3GM111171 to MMM, NCI #R01CA178509 to RJS, and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF‐16–143) to RJS. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the supporting agencies.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.