bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Liver necrosis during severe heat stroke recovery is associated with activation of the complement system (1104.14)
Authors: Duran Rocio , Quinn Carrie , Leon Lisa 
Published: June 2021

Severe heat stroke (HS) is associated with core temperature disturbances, coagulopathy and a systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) that often leads to organ damage and death. The mechanisms mediating these adverse responses remain unidentified. We hypothesized that severe HS induces coagulation and liver necrosis through activation of the complement system (CS). Male Fischer 344 rats displayed hypothermia (34.8±0.3°C; a marker of HS severity), and increased liver gene expression of fibrinogen (3.0‐fold; a marker of coagulopathy) and C5ar1 (3.6‐fold; a marker of CS activation) at 24 hours of severe HS recovery (N=4) compared to non‐heated controls (CON; N=10; P<0.05). Liver IL‐6 gene expression showed a tendency to be higher in severe HS than CON rats, although this did not reach statistical significance (P=0.091). High C5ar1 gene expression was associated with high plasma alanine aminotransferase (HS:1213.8±474.4 U/L; CON: 76.0±2.3 U/L; a marker of liver damage; P<0.05) with moderate to severe multifocal necrosis of the liver (H&E staining). Liver C5ar1 protein expression (Western blot) was decreased at 24 hours of severe HS recovery suggesting internalization and degradation of the receptor. These data suggest that the CS may mediate coagulopathy and liver necrosis during severe HS recovery in the rat, while IL‐6 may not be involved in these responses. Author views not official US Army or DoD policy.Grant Funding Source: US Army Medical Research and Materiel Command
Is extreme physiology of Burmese pythons relevant to diabetes? (1108.8)
Authors: Secor Stephen , Choudhary Amit , Lundh Morten , Wagner Bridget 
Published: June 2021

The Burmese python exhibits unprecedented regulatory responses during the digestion of a meal, including a doubling of organ masses, 10 to 40‐fold increases in organ performance, and as much as a 100‐fold increase in circulating hormones and metabolites. Upon the completion of digestion, many of these responses are reversed as organ performance is downregulated for the duration of fasting. The python’s pancreas with feeding doubles in mass, increases the capacity for hydrolase activity as much as 35‐fold, and generates respective 6‐ and 45‐fold increases in circulating levels of glucagon and insulin. Like the python’s heart that experiences hypertrophy with feeding and thus is considered a model for human heart disease, we are exploring the potential clinical relevance of the python’s pancreas to diabetes. We propose that during meal digestion, pythons release circulating molecules that trigger the enhancement of pancreatic function. We therefore explored the responses of mammalian beta cells to the administration of plasma from fed python. When treated with plasma from postprandial pythons, human beta cells increase in volume by 30%. These same treated beta cells, compared to non‐treated cells, experienced a 65% increase in insulin release when exposed to glucose. Whereas postprandial circulating fatty acids apparently trigger cardiac hypertrophy for pythons and rodent models, we suspect that neither peptides nor lipids act as the signal to spark the enhancement of beta cell function. Such a stimulatory molecule(s) within the python’s plasma may potentially have applicability in the clinical treatment of diabetes.Grant Funding Source: National Science Foundation
Pupillary light response in guinea pigs and swine exposed to organophosphate agents (1143.5)
Authors: Clarkson Edward , Smith Kelly , Schulz Susan , Chandler Jessica , Rousayne Cassandra , Kolanko Christopher 
Published: June 2021

Here we report a study to more precisely define and quantify the relationship between organophosphate agent exposure, including pesticides and nerve agents, with cholinesterase inhibition and the ocular biomarkers that are induced. A thorough investigation of these relationships was conducted to subsequently refine pupillary algorithms for the automated detection of organophosphate exposures with greater specificity regarding level of exposure, the extent of cholinesterase inhibition, and the temporal presentation and persistence of the ocular biomarkers. A guinea pig model was exposed to varying concentrations of parathion (pesticide), soman and VX (nerve agents) to methodically detail both the temporal and quantitative occurrence of pupillary deficits (anticholinesterase biomarkers) to determine the most sensitive, accurate diagnostic algorithms in these animal models. Dose‐response curves and temporal‐response curves for both pupillary deficits and generalized symptoms were developed for each agent used. Based upon previous studies dose ranges were conducted from the LD50 to 3000‐fold below the LD50 to incorporate lethal and sub‐lethal exposures without decreasing the potential sensitivity of the ocular biomarkers. In addition, cholinesterase assays were performed at various time points post‐exposure. The key finding of this study was that after exposure to organophosphates changes in pupillary response were detected prior to changes in acetylcholine esterase levels in guinea pigs. This opens the possibility of early detection to organophosphate exposure in a non‐invasive manner that does not require the use of enzyme markers. We are in the process of duplicating these studies in swine and swine data will be presented.Grant Funding Source: Supported by Defense Threat Reduction Agency
The effect of shear stress, potassium, adenosine, and acidosis on alpha‐1 adrenergic vasoconstriction of rat soleus feed arteries (1170.14)
Authors: Heckle Tanner 
Published: June 2021

Arteries and arterioles constrict less to sympathetic stimulation in contracting compared to resting skeletal muscle (sympatholysis). There is some uncertainty regarding the specific agents causing sympatholysis. We hypothesized that increased levels of arterial wall shear stress, potassium, adenosine, or acidosis contribute to sympatholysis, thereby reducing sympathetic vasoconstriction. Soleus feed arteries (n = 12 per group) were isolated from male Sprague‐Dawley rats and cannulated on two glass micropipettes for in vitro videomicroscopy. We measured the constriction response to the α‐1 agonist phenylephrine (PE; 10‐9 M to 10‐4 M, 0.5 log increments) in the presence of varying levels of shear stress (0 dy/cm2, 25 dy/cm2, and 135 dy/cm2), potassium (5 mM, 7.5 mM, and 10 mM), adenosine (0 μM, 0.8 μM, and 1.6 μM) and acidosis (pH = 7.4, 7.1, 6.8, and 6.5). There was no significant difference in PE induced constriction between levels of shear stress (maximum constriction 67.6 % vs. 68.1 % and 67.6 %), potassium (maximum constriction 63.1 % vs. 56.5 % and 65.0 %), or adenosine (maximum constriction 56.2 % vs. 54.3 % and 54.2 %). However, acidosis reduced constriction to PE (maximum constriction 77.6% vs. 72.0%, 66.6%, and 66.3%). We conclude that acidity, but not shear stress, potassium, or adenosine, is sympatholytic in feed arteries from the predominantly slow twitch soleus muscle.Grant Funding Source: Supported by NSF #DBI‐1062721 and the Seaver Research Council
Gating and patterning of sequential swallowing by brainstem loci in the juvenile in situ rat (1178.10)
Authors: Bautista Tara , Dutschmann Mathias 
Published: June 2021

During swallowing, aspiration of ingested material is prevented by laryngeal adduction of the vocal folds. The Kölliker‐Fuse nucleus (KF) is known to provide pre‐motor drive to laryngeal adductor motoneurons while the nucleus of the solitary tract NTS is the designated swallowing centre of the brainstem. This study investigated the roles of the KF and NTS in the gating and patterning of sequential swallowing in the in situ perfused brainstem‐spinal cord preparation of rat. Oral injection of water evoked fast sequential swallowing in situ. Inhibition of KF resulted in an increased incidence of spontaneous swallowing and loss of swallowing‐related tonic laryngeal adduction, but did not significantly alter swallowing activity per se. Disinhibition of KF resulted in exaggerated tonic activity and delayed swallows. Our results indicate that KF contributes to the gating of swallowing activity and simultaneously mediates a separate reflex identity (pharyngo‐glottal reflex) that adducts the upper airway during sequential swallowing. The latter is critical for preventing penetration of the lower airways. Finally, GABA receptor activation/blockade of NTS reveals that the: (i) the NTS circuitry is essential for generation of rhythmic swallowing in situ, and; (ii) generation of sequential swallowing depends on fast synaptic inhibition.Grant Funding Source: ARC
Choline and choline‐related compounds are associated with cognitive performance and cerebrovascular pathology in older adults (135.5)
Authors: Roe Annie , Zhang Shucha , Crivello Natalia , Zhao Xueqing , Johnson Elizabeth , Lichtenstein Alice , Smith Caren , Zeisel Steven , Rosenberg Irwin , Scott Tammy 
Published: June 2021

Choline is an essential nutrient critical to brain health. Our objective was to evaluate the association of plasma choline (Cho) and Cho‐related compounds with cognition and cerebrovascular pathology (CvP) in a subset of the Nutrition, Aging, and Memory in Elders cohort who had undergone MRI, cognitive testing, and had archived plasma (n=296, mean age=73.6, SD ± 8.1).We derived cognitive composite scores for memory, attention and executive domains, and used mass spectrometry to measure plasma concentration of free Cho, betaine, phosphatidylcholine (PC), and sphingomyelin (SM). Volumetric analysis of MRI resulted in measures of CvP (white matter hyperintensities (WHMI), small and large vessel infarcts) and brain atrophy (hippocampus, amygdala, ventricles). Statistical analyses were adjusted for demographics, co‐morbidities, and plasma concentrations of B‐vitamins, homocysteine, and cholesterol. Significance was set at p蠄0.05. Cho concentration was positively related to executive function and amygdala volume; those in the lowest tertile of Cho had higher odds of a small vessel infarct than did those in the top two combined [OR=1.71(95%CI 0.92‐3.17)]. Betaine concentration was negatively related to ventricular volume; and the ratio of SM:(SM+PC) was negatively related to the volume of WMHI. Our findings are further evidence of a role for choline in brain function and cerebrovascular health in old age.Grant Funding Source: Supported by: USDA agreement No. 58‐1950‐0‐014; NIA grant AG21790‐01; NIH grant 2T32HL069772‐11A1
Differential morphological responses to selection for high voluntary wheel running in the scapula and os coxae of mice (17.1)
Authors: Schutz Heidi , Ordonez Genesis , Garland Theodore 
Published: June 2021

Previous work has shown that the morphology of the scapula and ox coxae vary with locomotor differences. In addition, studies have also shown that chronic exercise produces a variety of long bone responses, including increased bone diameter and mass. Similar studies to voluntary exercise in flat bones, such as the major girdle elements (e.g. scapula, os coxae [hip bones]), are scarce, but show that the morphology of these elements may also respond to different forms of locomotor activity. We used laboratory mice from 4 replicate lines bred for high voluntary wheel running (HR) and 4 non‐selected control (C) lines to examine responses in these elements to 21 generations of selection for high voluntary wheel running and 8 weeks of a wheel/ no‐wheel treatment. Bone masses were taken and geometric morphometric techniques were employed to generate quantitative descriptors of 2D scapular and os coxae shape, centroid size, and a series of linear measurements. From the linear and mass data, we calculated ratios used to quantify scapular and coxal proportions. HR mice weighed less than C and wheel access reduced body mass for both groups. ANCOVA showed no statistical differences between the HR and C lines in scapular and coxal mass, centroid size, or ratios generated from linear data. However, HR and C mice were different in multivariate scapular and coxal shape, with the magnitudes of those differences greater in the scapula than in the os coxae. Wheel access significantly increased scapular but not coxal mass in both groups and produced scapular and coxal shape differences in both linetypes, but with no interaction between linetype and wheel access. HR mice with the mini‐muscle phenotype (HRmini) had significantly different linear proportions and larger centroid sizes in both elements than other mice. Finally, HRmini mice had significantly different scapular but not coxal shapes from all other mice.Grant Funding Source: Supported by NSF IOS‐1121273 to TG
Trachea in cetacea: the inside story (17.8)
Authors: Reidenberg Joy , Laitman Jeffrey 
Published: June 2021

Despite great interest in cetacean sound production, little is known about the trachea’s role. Tracheas were examined in 16 odontocete (toothed whale) and 7 mysticete (baleen whale) genera. Results indicate that all whales share incomplete ventral cartilage at the cranial end, but differ in lumen surfaces. Three patterns are observed: parallel tracheal folds (TF) in mysticetes, trabeculated surface (TS) in dolphins and porpoises, and smooth walled in sperm whales. TF and TS appear to direct airflow towards vocal folds, and thus may affect sound production. Sperm whales lack any texture, and their smooth wall correlates with a limited vocal repertoire. TF and TS may also enable stretch/recoil, thus accommodating pressure‐induced volume changes during diving/ascent. The incomplete ventral cartilage may also facilitate such volume contraction, as this portion of the tracheal wall is pliable. The mysticete trachea can accommodate even greater volume changes by collapsing the lumen along the midline. This deformation is not a complete collapse, as it preserves flow along the lateral spaces where TF are found. The trachea appears to have two major roles in most whale species: channeling airflow for sound production, and accommodating pressure‐induced volume changes during diving/ascent. The lack of TS in the deep diving sperm whales is puzzling, and warrants study of how they accommodate volume changes during diving.Grant Funding Source: Supported by NOAA Prescott Stranding Grant Program, and Office of Naval Research
Flavonoid intakes by adults in the United States: What We Eat in America, NHANES 2007‐2008 (245.5)
Authors: Sebastian Rhonda , Goldman Joseph , Wilkinson Enns Cecilia , Martin Carrie , Steinfeldt Lois , Dwyer Johanna , Moshfegh Alanna , Milner John 
Published: June 2021

Flavonoids, polyphenolic compounds found in plants, exhibit anti‐inflammatory, anti‐tumor, and antioxidant activity. This study’s objective was to calculate national intake estimates for 6 flavonoid classes (including only the 29 predominant dietary flavonoids). One day of dietary data from 5,420 adults age 蠅20 years in What We Eat in America (WWEIA), NHANES 2007‐2008 was analyzed. Based on a preliminary version of USDA’s Expanded Flavonoid Database for the Assessment of Dietary Intakes, flavonoid values were calculated for every food in USDA’s Food and Nutrient Database for Dietary Studies 4.1, the database used in WWEIA 2007‐2008. Mean total intake of the flavonoids studied was 253.3 mg/day, with flavan‐3‐ols accounting for 81% of the total. Though total flavonoid intake did not differ by gender, men’s intakes of flavones (0.9 mg) and flavonols (21.5 mg) were higher than women’s (0.8 mg and 17.5 mg, respectively; p<0.01). No significant differences were found by age group (20‐49 vs. 50+ years) within gender. Nearly all (99%) adults consumed some flavonoids on the intake day, but intake of the flavonoid classes was not universal: Only 38% of adults consumed isoflavones; 64%, flavanones; and 69%, anthocyanidins. New public‐use databases will enable researchers to quantify flavonoid intakes of the U.S. population and allow further investigation of associations between flavonoid intake and health.Grant Funding Source: Supported by ARS, USDA, with additional funding provided by the Office of Dietary Supplements
Longitudinal trends of dietary supplement use by U.S. Army soldiers differ from the U.S. civilian population (245.6)
Authors: Austin Krista , Price Lori , McGraw Susan , Lieberman Harris 
Published: June 2021

Longitudinal trends of dietary supplement (DS) use by civilians are well documented; however, similar data in subpopulations, such as the military, are not available. Therefore, this study assessed longitudinal changes in DS use among U.S. Army Soldiers. Use of DS by Soldiers was assessed in 2006‐2007 (n=989) and again in 2010‐2011(n=1196) using the same survey methods. Data were weighted for total Army demographics by age, sex, and rank. Wald tests were used to assess differences in prevalence of DS use. Changes in use of DS were compared to trends reported for the U.S. population. Unlike civilians, DS use by Soldiers increased significantly (53% + 1.6 vs. 62% + 1.6; p = <.001) over the past 3 years. Increases were primarily due to increased use of protein (19% + 1.2 vs. 26% + 1.5; p = <.001) and combination (9% + 1.1 vs. 24% + 1.4; p = <.001) products. As with the U.S. civilian population, multivitamin and mineral use did not significantly increase, but use of individual vitamins and minerals including iron, magnesium, selenium, Vitamins A, B6, B12, and D did increase (p=<.05). Herbal DS use by Soldiers did not increase (8% + 1.0 vs. 8% + 1.0; p =.93) and was less than use among civilians (~20%). Patterns of DS use by Soldiers differ from civilians and Soldiers’ use of some DS is increasing.Grant Funding Source: (Support: US Army Medical Research & Materiel Command and DoD Center Alliance for Dietary Supplement
The risk of acute malnutrition among children aged 6‐36 months in households targeted by an emergency cash transfer program in Niger (251.2)
Authors: Bliss Jessica , Jensen Nathaniel , Thiede Brian , Shoham Jeremy , Dolan Carmel , Sibson Victoria , Fenn Bridget 
Published: June 2021

Emergency cash transfer programs (CTPs) are promising nutrition‐sensitive interventions in the prevention of acute malnutrition. Identifying how the expenditure of cash transfers relates to child nutrition status is a necessary step for informed program design and targeting. We investigated the relationship between cash transfer expenditures and acute malnutrition in children ages 6‐36 months through a cohort study of 420 households enrolled in a six month unconditional emergency CTP in Niger. A set of Cox proportional hazard models was used to estimate the risk of acute malnutrition while adjusting for relevant child, household, and community characteristics. Expenditure on food was not associated with the risk of acute malnutrition (HR:0·968, p=0·54). Medical expenditures were associated with high risk among both healthy and ill children (HR: 1·379, p=0·008 and HR: 1·919, p=0·20, respectively). Risk was higher among children in the poorest households than those in wealthier households (HR: 2·714, p<0·001), and 66% lower in children with greater baseline weight‐for‐height Z scores (HR: 0·336, p<0·001). Among recipients of this CTP, food expenditures did not have a protective effect against the risk of acute malnutrition. The significance of wealth and health‐related factors suggests that a principal role of emergency CTPs is to enable medical access for ill children. The timing of emergency CTPs is an important factor in reaching at risk children, but even timeliness may not compensate for persistent poverty and undernutrition.Grant Funding Source: Supported by the United States Agency for International Development
Lipid‐based nutrient supplements for pregnant women reduce newborn stunting in Bangladesh (256.6)
Authors: Mridha Malay , Chaparro Camila , Paul Rina , Hussain Sohrab , Vosti Stephen , Matias Susana , Harding Kassandra , Cummins Joseph , Day Louise , Saha Stacy , Peerson Janet , Dewey Kathryn 
Published: June 2021

Maternal undernutrition and newborn stunting (birth length‐for‐age z‐score < ‐2) are common in Bangladesh. In the Rang‐Din Nutrition Study, a cluster‐randomized effectiveness trial underway in northwest Bangladesh, pregnant women received either a) iron & folic acid (IFA) or b) lipid‐based nutrient supplement (LNS, 20 g/d, 118 kcal) designed to enrich local diets of pregnant women with essential fatty acids, high‐quality protein and 22 micronutrients. Women (n=4011) were enrolled at 13.1 ± 3.4 wk gestation; 40% were nulliparous and 31% were underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2). In the full sample, there were significant reductions in newborn stunting [18.6 vs. 22.5%, adjusted relative risk (ARR)=0.83 (0.70, 0.96)] and small head circumference (HC z‐score < ‐2) [20.8 vs. 24.7%, ARR=0.82 (0.71, 0.95)] in the LNS vs. IFA group; the difference in low birth weight was marginally significant (36.8 vs. 39.1%, p=0.087). LNS distribution was interrupted for 10 wk in 2012; among women who gave birth before the interruption, the rates of newborn stunting and small HC in LNS vs. IFA were 16.1 vs. 23.0% [ARR=0.66 (0.50, 0.87)] and 20.9 vs. 27.3% [ARR=0.73 (0.57, 0.91)], respectively. The effects of LNS on newborn stunting were greatest in women with household food insecurity and in those 14‐24 y of age. We conclude that LNS can improve birth outcomes in Bangladeshi women, especially those at higher risk for fetal growth restriction.Grant Funding Source: Supported by USAID through the Food and Nutrition Technical Assistance III Project (FANTA)
Magazine headline themes/emotions that motivate mothers to read nutrition education materials (262.3)
Authors: Martin‐Biggers Jennifer , Beluska Katrina , Tursi Mary , Quick Virginia , Byrd‐Bredbenner Carol 
Published: June 2021

Examining and emulating strategies print media use to arouse consumer interest could result in nutrition communications that more readily gain reader attention. This study content analyzed headlines on 132 covers of 11 top‐selling women and parenting magazines from 2012 to identify themes/emotions evoked; created nutrition/health headlines using identified themes/emotions; and assessed how much headlines using each theme/emotion motivated 77 mothers of young children to read associated materials. Headline themes/emotions identified were happiness/fun, easy/simple, saving money, newness, indulgence, control/improve situation, excellence, uniqueness, and time‐saving/urgency. Nutrition communicators created 310 headlines for 12 nutrition/health topics. Participants used a 5‐point scale to rate how much each headline motivated them to read a short magazine article. Happy/fun and uniqueness themes were significantly (p<.05) more motivating than other themes. Control/improve situation themes were significantly less motivating. Motivating themes/emotions were used to create headlines for nutrition education materials, which were then cognitively tested with 128 parents. Parents indicated the headlines made them want to read the materials. Findings may help nutrition professionals create materials that better capture reader attention and lead to behavior change.Grant Funding Source: Supported by USDA, National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Grant Number 2011‐68001‐30170