bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Computational Modeling of the Impact of Inflammation on Renal Hemodynamic Function
Authors: Dent Elena , Clemmer John , Ryan Mike , Pruett William 
Published: June 2021

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic multi‐system autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation and alternating periods of flares and remission. Hypertension is a common comorbidity observed in SLE affecting up to 74% of this patient population. Lupus nephritis (LN) is a common manifestation of SLE but whether flare and remission impacts renal hemodynamic function or contributes to hypertension remains unclear. Mathematical modeling is an experimental approach that can provide valuable insight for predicting pathophysiological mechanisms. We hypothesize that developing a mathematical model of SLE flares will provide predictive mechanistic insight into renal hemodynamic changes that drive subsequent hypertension via inflammatory pathways. This study utilizes physiological simulation to test whether episodes of inflammation impair renal hemodynamic function and increase long‐term blood pressure. A previously described model of LN and renal inflammation by Budu‐Grajdeanu et al. (PMID: 20478032) was modified and incorporated into HumMod, a large integrative model of human physiology. To model SLE flares and remission, moderate or high inflammatory insults were given for 28 days followed by remission for 28 days for a total of 12 months. Glomerular filtration rate decreased during inflammatory episodes, and returned towards normal as inflammation subsided; however, it trended downward throughout the year (Figure 1). The number of sclerotic and non‐functional nephrons increased over the course of the simulation. Blood pressure was unchanged in both cases (Figure 2). These results suggest repeated inflammatory insults can impact renal hemodynamics and renal injury and may have the potential to eventually increase blood pressure. Longer simulations and further validation are needed to accurately model the chronic damage and loss of nephrons during SLE flares and remission and the impact of inflammatory mediators on renal hemodynamics, tubular function, and long‐term blood pressure control.Support or Funding InformationVA Merit Award (BX002604‐01A2)This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Enteric Neuroinflammation Driven by Exposure to Pyridostigmine Bromide is a Possible Contributing Factor to Gulf War Illness
Authors: Hernandez‐Rivera Siomara , Grubišiæ Vladimir , Fried David , Gulbransen Brian D. 
Published: June 2021

Gulf War Illness (GWI) is a chronic disorder characterized by a spectrum of six symptoms that include gastrointestinal disorders. Exposure to the anti‐nerve gas drug pyridostigmine bromide (PB) is linked with the development of GWI, but the exact mechanisms remain unclear. We hypothesize that PB disrupts gut functions by creating persistent neuroinflammation within the enteric nervous system (ENS). We tested the acute effects of PB on the ENS in situ with calcium imaging recordings and in vivo by exposing mice to 9 μg/mL or 90 μg/mL PB (low‐ or high‐PB) for 7 days and subsequently assessing gut function using in vivo and ex vivo tests of colonic motility and barrier function. Neurochemistry of the ENS was assessed by immunohistochemistry. Our results show that glial calcium responses were significantly increased in the presence of PB (181.0%, p<0.001) when compared to ADP response. Mice exposed to high‐PB exhibited increased fecal pellet output (80.7%, p<0.05), higher fecal fluid content (19.1%, p<0.05), slower colonic bead expulsion (218.3%, p<0.001), altered neuromuscular control, and neurodegeneration in the ENS (18.3% neuronal loss, p<0.05) in comparison with control. Mice exposed to low‐PB showed an increase in the proportion of inhibitory enteric neurons (35%, p<0.05), while PB treatment caused reduced colon length (10.4%, p=0.0704 low‐PB; 9.8%, p=0.0908 high‐PB) and increased colonic fluid transport (31.0% low‐PB, 32.7% high=PB, p<0.05 both) regardless of the dose. Our results show that the acute exposure to PB significantly alters the anatomy and functions of the ENS. We propose that these changes contribute to the pathophysiology of GWI.Support or Funding InformationDepartment of Defense (DOD) W81XWH1610631This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Ca2+‐ activated Cl− secretion in murine distal colon is inhibited in acute dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)‐induced inflammation via down‐regulation of TMEM16A
Authors: Nickerson Andrew , Minor Emily , Rottgen Trey , Rajendran Vazhaikkurichi 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundMouse colonic epithelium exhibits Ca2+‐activated Cl− conductance (CaCC), which is mediated in large part by a Cl− channel known as TMEM16A (a.k.a. ANO1). Dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)‐ treated mice have been previously shown in the literature to have a dramatically reduced CaCC when treated with carbamoylcholine (CCH; a muscarinic receptor agonist). However, this finding predates the identification of TMEM16A as the primary mediator of CaCC, and was thus attributed to dysfunctional Na‐K ATPase and/or basolateral K+ channel activity. To date, the effects of DSS treatment on TMEM16A itself have not been determined. Furthermore, a cytokine involved in DSS pathology, transforming growth factor β (TGF‐β), has been shown to suppress TMEM16A expression in epithelial cell lines (T84 and HAEC). It is therefore plausible that DSS treatment causes a decrease in TMEM16A protein expression in mouse colon, and this phenomenon is potentially mediated by the effects of TGF‐β.Hypotheses1.) DSS‐induced inflammation causes a down‐regulation of TMEM16A expression, contributing significantly to reduced CaCC. 2.) Increased TGF‐β signaling in DSS‐induced inflammation results in suppression of TMEM16A.MethodsBALB/c mice were given water with or without 5% DSS for 7 days, followed by 1 day of regular water. Disease Activity Index (DAI) scores, colonic length measurements and inflammatory cytokine profiles were recorded. Distal colonic epithelium was harvested either for short‐circuit current (ISC) recordings in an Ussing chamber or for qRT‐PCR and Western blot analyses. T84 cells were grown into monolayers and treated with one of a series of DSS‐associated cytokines for 48 hours. ISC recordings from T84 monolayers were taken and cells were subsequently used for qRT‐PCR and Western blot analyses.ResultsWe found that DSS‐treated mice exhibit a substantially reduced secretory response to CCH compared to control (−1.4 vs 13.4 μA/cm2), which was corroborated by a decrease in TMEM16A protein (70%) and mRNA (81%) expression. T84 cells treated with TGF‐β, but not other DSS‐associated cytokines, also showed a reduction in CCH‐induced Cl− secretion (109.71 vs 170.1 μA/cm2), as well as TMEM16A protein expression (32%) compared to control.ConclusionsDSS‐induced inflammation suppresses the expression of TMEM16A in mice at the transcript and protein level. We speculate that this effect is potentially mediated by TGF‐β signaling in the colonic epithelium.Support or Funding InformationNIH 10019896.1.1006856RThis abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Curcuma longa L. Supplementation Ameliorates Hepatic Steatosis and Insulin Resistance in Rats Submitted to Fructose Consumption
Authors: Hasimoto Fabiana Kurokawa , Francisqueti Fabiane Valentini , Garcia Jessica Leite , Alves Pedro Henrique Rizzi , Ferron Artur Junio Togneri , Corrêa Camila Renata 
Published: June 2021

AimTo evaluate the effect of Curcuma longa L. supplementation on hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance in animals submitted to fructose consumption.Methods36 male Wistar rats (30 days of age) were used. Initially, the animals were assigned to receive standard diet + water (C group, n = 12) or standard diet + water with 30% fructose (F group, n = 24) for 16 weeks. After this period, rats were assigned into 3 groups to receive water or Curcuma longa L. (80 mg) via gavage for 8 weeks: Control (C group, n=12), Fructose (F group, n=12) and Frutose + Curcuma longa (F+CL group, n=12). Food (FC) and water (WC) consumption were measured daily and body weight (BW) weekly. At week 24, all animals were euthanized. Blood samples were collected for biochemical assays: plasma triglycerides (TG). Insulin resistance was calculated according to homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR). Steatosis was assessed in hematoxylin‐eosin stained liver sections. Statistical analysis were performed with ANOVA one way, p<0,05.ResultsThere was no significant difference among the final weight (FW) and TG of the groups (p>0,05). About the comorbidities, fructose elevated the levels of HOMA‐IR in F group and Curcuma longa L. supplementantion improved this parameter (C = 9,80 ± 5,5; F = 25,72 ± 10,41; F+CL = 12,77 ± 5). Histological analysis revealed steatosis in F group characterized by the presence of larger drops. At the same time, in F+CL group supplementation was able to improve steatosis since it was possible to verify smaller drops. C group didn't show liver alterations.ConclusionThe results showed that Curcuma longa L. is effective in ameliorating hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance leaded by fructose consumption.Support or Funding InformationFapesp 2016/18461‐2
Potential prebiotic effects of rice wine on Lactobacillus and Streptococcus
Authors: Xu Xiao , Yuan Biao , Xia Xiudong , Zhou Siduo , Han Yanhui , Xiao Hang , Dong Mingsheng 
Published: June 2021

Rice wine has been associated with multiple health benefits due to various functional compounds it contains such as short‐chain fatty acids, organic acids, oligosaccharides and peptides. Lactobacillus and Streptococcus are considered as beneficial probiotics with protective effects on gastro‐intestinal health. In this study, rice wine was subjected to the simulated gastrointestinal digestion consisting of mouth, stomach and small intestinal phases. The final digesta was used to determine its potential prebiotic effects on probiotics, including Lactobacillus helveticus MB2‐1, Lactobacillus plantarum 70810, Lactobacillus plantarum D1501, Streptococcus thermophilus M5, Lactobacillus bulgaricus 1‐4, Lactobacillus plantarum 17‐1, Lactobacillus casei subsp. rahamnosus LS‐8, Lactobacillus plantarum B1‐6. Chemical analysis revealed that rice wine contained a considerate amount of citric acid, succinic acid, malic acid, lactic acid, acetic acid, propanoic acid and formic acid. The rice wine digesta dose‐dependently promoted the growth of probiotics. For example, the lag phase of Lactobacillus helveticus MB2‐1 was shortened from 10 h to 7 h, and μmax was increased by 16% due to the treatment of rice wine digesta. Similarly, the growth of Streptococcus thermophilus M5 and Lactobacillus bulgaricus 1‐4 was increased by addition of rice wine digesta, which was evidenced by shortened lag phase and increased maximum growth rate and maximum OD600. This is the first report on the prebiotic effects of rice wine digesta, which provided a basis to use rice wine and related products as prebiotics.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Impact of mood after cognitive fatigue on gait in older adults
Authors: Avolio Abby , Goodwin Aurora , Fulk George , Martin Rebecca , Boolani Ali 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to examine the relationship between self reported mood (fatigue, vigor, motivation, trait physical energy (TPE), trait physical fatigue (TPF), trait mental energy (TME), trait mental fatigue (TMF)) and gait.MethodsSubjects (N=12, age= 75.39±6.67 yrs, height=176.01±51.94 cm, weight=61.97±12.61 kg)) were involved in 2 days of a 2‐hour protocol of cognitively fatiguing tasks, after which they were administered the Profile of Mood Survey (POMS) and Trait Mental and Physical Fatigue and Energy surveys (TS), tasked to complete a 6MWT at their normal speed, and then the POMS and TS were re‐administered. Gait speed (GS), step length (SL) and stride length (StL) were measured using the OptoGait™ during the 6MWT. Gait was measured the first and last 30 seconds of the 6MWT. A bi‐variate Pearson correlation was used to determine the relationship between mood scores before the 6MWT to GS, SL, and StL in the first 30 seconds of the 6MWT and mood scores after the 6MWT to GS, SL, and StL in the last 30 seconds of the 6MWT.ResultsThere were no relationships between all self reported mood variables and gait variables during the first 30 seconds of the 6MWT. However, there was a significant relationship between self reported fatigue and GS (p=.044, R=−.371); vigor and GS (p=.016, R=.437), SL (p=.020, R=.422), StL (p=.023, R=.415); TME and GS (p=.029, R=.400), SL (p=.023, R=.415), StL (p=.024, R=.410) in the last 30 seconds of the 6MWT. Which ones were there no relationship between last 30 seconds of the 6MWT.ConclusionResults indicate that self‐reported feelings of fatigue and energy play a role in gait performance during prolonged walking activity. These results suggest that mood in older adults who are cognitively fatigued may be related to gait. It seems that feelings of mental energy impact gait however, feelings of physical energy don't. We need to further evaluate why feelings of physical energy and fatigue are not related to gait. We also need to further evaluate whether changes in mood also change gait speed, stride length and step length.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Relationship between higher and lower level serial subtraction task performance and gait during a 6‐minute walk test
Authors: Rogers Emily , Avolio Abby , Goodwin Aurora , Vaccaro Rachael , Fulk George , Martin Rebecca , Boolani Ali 
Published: June 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between cognitive fatigue as measured by performance on the serial subtract 3 (S3) and 7 (S7) at the end of a two‐hour protocol and walking performance as measured by step length (SL), gait speed (GS), and stride length (StL) in the first 30‐seconds of a 6‐minute walk test (6MWT) immediately following a cognitively fatiguing protocol.MethodsHealthy older adults (N=12, age= 75.39±6.67 yrs, height=176.01±51.94 cm, weight=61.97±12.61 kg) were involved in 2 days of a 2‐hour protocol of cognitively fatiguing tasks (S3 and S7, continuous performance task (CPT), rapid visual input processing (RVIP),) after which they were tasked to complete a 6MWT at their normal speed. Gait speed, step length and stride length were measured using the OptoGait™. A bi‐variate Pearson correlation was used to determine the relationship between scores on the serial subtract 3 and 7 (after 2‐hours of cognitively fatiguing tasks) and GS, SL and StL for the first 30 seconds of the 6MWT.ResultsThere was a positive significant relationship between S3 number correct and SL (R=.512, p=.018), GS (R=.457, p=.037), and StL (R=.481, p=.027) and S3 number of attempts and SL (R=.474, p=.030), GS (R=.434, p=.050), StL (R=.450, p=.041). There was no significant relationship between S3 number incorrect and S7 number correct, number incorrect and total attempts and gait parameters (p>.05).ConclusionResults suggest that after cognitive fatigue there is a relationship between lower level cognitive tasks and gait. Results suggest that showing lower level unique and characteristic errors in arithmetical reasoning may reflect underlying impairment in certain cognitive functions involved in gait. However, more challenging cognitive tasks (S7) was not related to gait. This may suggest that lower level executive function is involved in walking performance in older adults. Further research needs to be conducted to explore the exact relationship between higher and lower level cognitive tasks and single task gait and the neural circuitry involved.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Sex Based Variability in Spatial Memory and Synaptic Transmission Occur Following Chronic Intermittent Hypoxia (CIH)
Authors: Barnard Jasmine Elizabeth , Nwakudu Chinwendu , Khuu Maggie , Garcia Alfredo 
Published: June 2021

Sex is a key biological variable that has been shown to influence both physiology and disease. A growing body of research suggests that sex differences occur in respiration and brain physiology. This study examines how sex impacts changes in spatial memory and hippocampal synaptic plasticity following CIH, a model of sleep disordered breathing. Adult mice (>P30) of both sexes were either exposed to 0 days (control) or 10 days of CIH. On the final four days of CIH, mice were trained and tested in a Barnes maze apparatus. Glutamatergic synaptic transmission in area CA1 was recorded in hippocampal brain slices harvested from control and CIH mice. CIH exposure increased the latency for locating the exit in both sexes during the probe trial; however, only females showed increased variability in performance. Following CIH, long term potentiation (LTP) was depressed in both male and female mice. While no sex differences were observed in LTP, our ongoing experiments suggest that paired pulse facilitation (PPF) after CIH increases in females.Support or Funding InformationThe University of Chicago, Faculty Diversity Career Advancement GrantThis abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Dark Chocolate (70% Cacao) Modulates Gamma Wave Frequencies in Vigorously Active Individuals
Authors: Silver Sasha , AlTikriti Ranea , Jin Nicole , Hodgkin Georgia , Bains Gurinder , Dhuri Sayali , Patel Krisha , Bradburn Jessica , Miller Josh , Bruhjell Kristin , Berk Lee 
Published: June 2021

IntroductionVisualization and the demand to increase cognitive function to improve performance is an area of growing interest in athletes and physically active individuals. Modulatory control of acute action from cacao flavonoids on brain state remains unknown. The cacao flavonoid, epicatechin, can cross the blood brain barrier and accumulate in the hippocampal region of the brain, having a direct association with cognition, learning, and memory. Gamma (25–48 Hz) waves, the fastest of the brainwave frequencies, are optimal for cognitive function.PurposeDetermine if savoring and ingestion of dark chocolate (70% cacao) can modulate gamma wave frequencies between visualization at a state of rest and a state of exercise performance via electroencephalography (EEG) in vigorously active individuals.MethodsTen vigorously active, healthy adults were enrolled. Participants consisted of 5 females and 5 males with a mean age of 23.7 ± 2.2 years. Vigorous activity was defined by the Centers for Disease Control and American College of Sports Medicine. Participants' visualization of rest and exercise were assessed by EEG Power Spectral Density (PSD) during three 60‐seconds trials: without cacao (1.4g of 70% cacao bar, Parliament Chocolates, Redlands, CA) consumption, savoring cacao, and after fully ingesting cacao. EEG wave band activity was recorded from nine cerebral cortical scalp locations using the EEG B‐Alert X10 System, Carlsbad CA. A Z‐score, using a reference baseline at visualization of rest without cacao, was utilized.ResultsDuring visualization of rest, there was a 541.5% increase in gamma wave frequency when comparing no cacao to savoring cacao and a 169.3% increase when comparing no cacao to after ingestion of cacao. During exercise visualization, there was a 207.5% increase in gamma wave frequency when comparing no cacao to savoring cacao and a 45.7% increase when comparing no cacao to after ingestion of cacao. When savoring cacao, there was a 13.8% increase in gamma wave frequency when comparing rest visualization to exercise visualization. After fully ingesting cacao, there was a 28.5% increase in gamma wave frequency when comparing rest visualization to exercise visualization.ConclusionWe suggest that EEG gamma waves are heightened during savoring and ingestion of 1.4 g of cacao, when visualization of rest and exercise take place. Our study demonstrates the potential increase in cognitive function for vigorously active individuals to achieve a level of peak performance. Further research is needed to expand these positive findings.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Molecular mechanisms of spinal cord regeneration
Authors: Echeverri Karen 
Published: June 2021

Humans have very limited regenerative capacity especially in the central nervous system. In contrast, salamanders like the axolotl can functionally regenerate nervous tissue after injury throughout their life. After spinal cord injury (SCI) in the axolotl a population of cells, called glial cells adjacent to the injury site proliferates and migrates to reconnect the injured spinal cord and direct subsequent axon regeneration. This is in stark contrast to the mammalian response to SCI whereby injured astrocytes become reactive and contribute to glial scar formation and inhibition of axon regeneration. A major gap in knowledge exists regarding the molecular mechanism promoting a pro‐regenerative glial cell response to injury. Previously we identified the transcription factor c‐Fos as an essential regulator of the pro‐regenerative glial cell response to injury. However, c‐Fos functions as an obligate heterodimer with JUN family members to regulate gene expression. In mammalian astrocytes, up‐regulation of c‐Fos and c‐Jun after injury promotes reactive astrogliosis. Here I will present molecular data that identifies the molecular circuitry that must be carefully regulated to direct axolotl glial cells towards a regenerative response.Support or Funding InformationWork in the Echeverri lab is funded by grants from NIH NICHD and Regenerative Medicine Minnesota.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.