bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intervertebral Canals of Cervical Spine
Authors: Zhandarov Kirill 
Published: June 2021

RelevanceIn our abstract we give characteristics and make a research of intervertebral canals of cervical spine.ObjectiveTo give anatomical characteristics of intervertebral canal and to make a research of cervical spine canals.Material and Methods37 anatomical preparations were studied, which included 185 intervertebral canals aged 58 ‐ 78 years old (mean age was 52 years old). The complex of the preparations was an intact block of the skull base and cervical spine to the C6‐level. Histological research of connective canal structures was provided.Lateral and medial apertures particular forms, borders, sizes and diameters were studied, anatomical structures of canal walls were described. Ligaments were found and researched in most of canal areas.ResultsThe true cervical intervertebral canals are 5 pairs in segments C2 ‐ C7. Intervertebral canals were measured: medium‐statistical parameters are as follow ‐ length is min 1.46 max 2.0 mm, external aperture is min 0.8 – max 1.4, internal aperture is min 0.4 – max 0.8. Histological research of found structures we discovered gives the right to call their ligaments, the ligaments sizes are as follow: diameter is from 0,1 ‐ to 0,3; length is from 0,4 ‐ to 0,6. Canals studied can be divided into three groups: with clearly identified true ligament (46%); the ligament with matted together false ligaments (fibrotic bands), which compress spinal nerve (43 %); canals without ligament but with the presence of bone and fibrous growths (ossifications), which compress spinal nerve (11 %).ConclusionThe characteristic of “intervertebral canals of cervical spine” anatomical structures was given. Discovered ligaments introforaminalis can be an additional factor of spinal roots compression.
An epigenetic switch of let‐7 targeted oncofetal genes
Authors: Jnbaptiste Courtney , Gurtan Allan , Lu Victoria , Bhutkar Arjun , Sharp Phillip 
Published: June 2021

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are post‐transcriptional regulators that fine‐tune gene expression. Despite the modest 2‐fold repression that miRNA activity generally confers on a target, miRNAs are critical for many biological processes.By regulating core transcription factors and their downstream effectors, miRNAs modify transcriptional networks. However, description of the interactions between miRNAs and transcriptional networks has been limited, and the magnitude of these interactions has not been investigated.We sought to investigate the transcriptional programs regulated by miRNAs in adult murine fibroblasts. We previously reported that Dicer deletion results in up‐regulation of let‐7 targets. For some targets, the magnitude of up‐regulation is 50‐100 fold, much greater than that typically reported for miRNA‐mRNA interactions, suggesting effects additional to the loss of post‐transcriptional repression by miRNAs. The activation of these let‐7 targets upon Dicer loss correlated with H3K4me3 and H3K36me3 chromatin marks, indicating enhanced transcription. Further studies indicate that despite complete restoration of the expression and post‐transcriptional activity of miRNAs, the transcriptionally activated let‐7 targets fail to revert to their original wildtype expression levels. Furthermore, these genes maintain a chromatin signature consistent with enhanced transcription. Thus in fibroblasts, global miRNA loss leads to epigenetic changes of an oncofetal gene network, that continue in the absence of the initiating event. Ongoing studies involve experimental and computational strategies to identify mediators of the observed transcriptional effect.This work was funded by USA Public Health Service grant RO1‐CA133404 from the NIH to Dr. Phillip Sharp.
Characterizing Polyadenylated uaRNAs Suggests a Potential Role for Pabpn1
Authors: Chiu Anthony , Wu Xuebing , Subtelny Alexander , Sharp Phillip 
Published: June 2021

Divergent transcription is observed at most active mammalian promoters, yet productive elongation is primarily limited to the mRNA in the downstream sense direction. The upstream antisense RNAs (uaRNAs) tend to be shorter and have lower steady state levels than the corresponding sense transcripts. We previously proposed that a U1‐PAS axis flanking gene promoters might regulate promoter directionality, in which early termination near the TSS of uaRNAs lowers their steady state whereas sense mRNAs tend to terminate later due to U1‐mediated suppression of promoter‐proximal polyadenylation signal (PAS) motifs.Given that the polyadenylated uaRNA transcripts are unstable (half‐lives less than 30 minutes), we sought to understand what additional factors may be regulating the degradation of these PAS‐containing transcripts. Treatment with polyA inhibitor cordycepin suggested that the polyA tail may be promoting destabilization of some uaRNAs. Moreover, genome‐wide polyA‐tail length sequencing revealed that while mRNAs tend to peak at approximately 80 adenosine residues, uaRNAs terminating at PAS‐motifs appeared to be more widely dispersed, some of which have longer polyA tails than mRNAs. To identify what proteins may be involved, we knocked down various factors using shRNAs and found Pabpn1 knockdown stabilized several uaRNAs. We speculate that Pabpn1 may be playing an important role on destabilizing certain categories of noncoding RNAs and are now investigating that hypothesis genome‐wide.This work was funded by USA Public Health Service grant PO1‐CA042063 and R01‐GM34277 from the NIH to Dr. Phillip Sharp.
Status of Lipid Peroxidation and the Immune System in the Remote Period after a Sublethal Dose Of Gamma Radiation
Authors: Ilderbayeva Gulzhan , Abduldayeva Aigul , Utegenova Aigul , Ilderbayev Oralbek 
Published: June 2021

We studied the intensity of free radical processes in organs (liver, spleen, thymus, lymph nodes of the small intestine, and adrenal glands) and cells (lymphocytes) and immunity system in the remote period to a sublethal dose of γ‐radiation (6 Gy). To investigate the immunity system and the lipid peroxidation of laboratory animals (white rats) in two series of experiments. All rats were divided into 2 groups: I – controls, II group – animals exposed to radiation.As opposed to the said tissues in hepar, there were material changes. MD sustentation was at the level of intact animals exponent (there is the tendency to rise). Given fact show that there are big compensation abilities of hepatic tissues which enables abnormalities arresting of free‐radical processes induced by the effect of ionized irradiationIn such a manner, at the irradiated rats in the remote period were revealed decrease in the main indicators of immunity, the quantity of T‐lymphocytes, a supressiya of nonspecific phagocytic protection of an organism defense. There was CYC increase in blood serum. Perhaps, it was the result of uprising of organism autoimmune response on conjugated antigen. After the radiation effect, in remote period, there were abnormalities in the peroxidation process of lipids in mainly under investigation immunocompetent organs and tissues.
Hyperglycemia Hinders First Trimester Cytotrophoblast Migration and Induces Apoptosis
Authors: Cawyer C , Yuen S , Pantho A , Drever N , Beeram M , Zawieja D , Kuehl T , Uddin M 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveApproximately 20% of the diabetic pregnant women develop preeclampsia (preE). In a recent study, we have shown that hyperglycemia impairs CTB function via stress signaling. In the present study, we assess the CTBs apoptotic signaling.Study Design:Human extravillous CTBs were treated with 0, 100, 200, 300 or 400 mg/dL glucose for 48h. Some cells were pretreated with a p38 inhibitor or a peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) ligand. Other cells were treated with D‐Mannitol. Cell migration was performed by Matrigel migration kit. Cell lysates were utilized to measure PPARγ, p38 MAPK phosphorylation, and apoptotic signaling proteins; Bcl‐2‐associated X protein (Bax), anti‐apoptotic Bcl‐2 and caspase‐9 and cyclooxygenase‐2 (Cox‐2) by western blot.ResultsCTBs migration was inhibited by 蠅 150 mg/dL of glucose compared to basal (100 mg/dL) (p<0.05). The p38 MAPK phosphorylation and PPARγ were upregulated (p<0.05) in CTBs treated with >150 mg/dL glucose. The expression of Bax/Bcl‐2, Cox‐2, caspase‐9 were up‐regulated (p<0.05) in CTBs treated with 蠅100 mg/dL glucose. The SB203580 or rosiglitazone pretreatment showed an attenuation of hyperglycemia‐induced apoptotic signaling proteins. D‐Mannitol had no effect on CTBs.ConclusionsHyperglycemia inhibited the migration of CTBs and induced the apoptotic signaling in CTBs. The attenuation of hyperglycemia‐induced apoptotic signaling suggests the involvement of apoptotic signaling mechanisms in CTBs dysfunction.
Extracellular Substrate Stiffness Alters Macrophage Morphology and Function
Authors: Gruber Erika , Sinha Siddhartha , Ehrlich Emma , Leifer Cynthia 
Published: June 2021

Macrophages participate in immunity, tissue repair, and tissue homeostasis, and also mediate pathologic conditions including atherosclerosis and cancer. Depending on microenvironmental cues, macrophages may adopt a pro‐inflammatory or anti‐inflammatory phenotype. Tissue stiffness influences the behavior and differentiation of cells, yet little is known about how the physical extracellular environment influences macrophage function. To study the role of substrate stiffness in determining macrophage phenotype, we cultured murine macrophages on tunable polyacrylamide gels that approximate different tissue stiffnesses. Macrophages on rigid surfaces had larger surface area and reduced circularity compared to macrophages on compliant gels. On rigid surfaces, phagocytosis was increased, but lipid uptake was decreased. Cytokine secretion differed in macrophages grown on compliant versus rigid surfaces. Differences in response to the toll‐like receptor ligands CpG oligonucleotide and lipopolysaccharide were also noted. The distribution of vinculin, a component of mature focal adhesions that mediate mechanosensing, was punctate in macrophages grown on glass and diffuse in macrophages grown on compliant gels, suggesting a fundamental difference in the quantity and/or character of the focal adhesions. Together, our studies demonstrate that the mechanical properties of the extracellular environment have a direct impact on macrophage behavior and function. Furthermore, these findings have important implications for a variety of pathologic conditions that involve both macrophages and altered tissue stiffness such as fibrosis, atherosclerosis, and neoplasia.The studies were supported by NIH T32 Comparative Medicine Training Grant.
In Vitro Modeling of Extracellular Trap Release and Association with LL‐37 Peptide in THP‐1‐Derived Macrophages
Authors: Stone Sophia , Craig Maria 
Published: June 2021

Leukocyte‐derived extracellular traps (ETs) are DNA webs coated with histones and antimicrobial peptides that ensnare and kill bacteria in a phagocytosis‐independent manner. The cell death pathway resulting in ET release (ETosis) has been studied extensively in neutrophils, but it is now known to occur in other immune cell types via similar mechanisms. Antimicrobial peptide LL‐37 is a potent DNA‐binding peptide that facilitates ETosis in neutrophils and protects neutrophil ETs (NETs) from degradation by bacterial nucleases. Here, quantification of extracellular DNA was performed using immunocytochemistry and fluorimetric analysis to study immunogenic species that may activate ETosis in THP‐1 monocyte‐derived macrophages. We will also investigate a potential role for LL‐37 in the formation and antimicrobial activity of monocyte/macrophage ETs (METs). Shared ETotic mechanisms exist between multiple leukocyte lineages, but cooperative targeting of diverse microbial species via specialized mechanisms could contribute to broad‐spectrum innate immune defense, as well as inflammatory tissue damage in human diseases.This work was supported by a grant from the TriBeta Research Scholarship Foundation.
Seeing Is Believing: Visualizing Hydrolysis and Inhibition of an Epoxide Hydrolase Virulence Factor
Authors: Hvorecny Kelli , Bahl Christopher , Bomberger Jennifer , Moreau‐Marquis Sophie , Kitamura Seiya , Morisseau Christophe , Hammock Bruce , Stanton Bruce , Madden Dean 
Published: June 2021

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the third leading cause of death in the US, results in poor mucociliary clearance and increased lung colonization by opportunistic pathogens, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa). Pa drives a decrease in levels of the ion channel CFTR, which regulates the fluid balance at the air‐liquid interface of the lungs for proper mucociliary clearance. Pa acts on CFTR through the secretion of an epoxide hydrolase, CFTR Inhibitory Factor (Cif). Here we show that Pa decreases mucociliary transport in vitro. Deletion of the Cif gene from Pa prevents this decrease. Cystic fibrosis patients, a group chronically infected with Pa, harbor serum antibodies to Cif, indicating that Pa secretes Cif in situ. Further work ties Cif's hydrolase activity to the decrease of CFTR and thus to the observed mucociliary transport defect. To gain an understanding of Cif's substrate selectivity and enzyme kinetics, we employed hydrolase null mutants and small molecule inhibitors. Utilizing a combination of X‐ray crystallography and fluorogenic reporter assays, we can describe Cif's steric requirements for substrates and the cross talk occurring between the monomers of the dimer during hydrolysis and inhibition. This work provides a rare look into the enzymatic intermediates of a bacterial toxin, and produces structural insights key to the development of second‐generation inhibitors with the potential to act as a complement to antibiotic and disease therapiesFunding: NIH and CFF
What's up with catch‐up? No evidence of population‐level catch‐up growth in children under 5 years of age when using height‐for‐age difference (HAD) instead of height‐for‐age z‐scores (HAZ)
Authors: Leroy Jef , Ruel Marie , Habicht Jean‐Pierre , Frongillo Edward 
Published: June 2021

Studies conducted in past decades showed little or no population‐level linear catch‐up growth (defined as reductions in absolute height deficit) in children after 2 y of age. Recent studies, however, have reported catch‐up growth in groups of children using height‐for‐age z‐scores (HAZ). We assessed whether population‐level catch‐up growth is found when height‐for‐age difference (HAD; child's height compared to standard in cm) is used instead of HAZ.Using data from Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS), Young Lives (YL), and the Consortium on Health‐Oriented Research in Transitional Societies (COHORTS), we compared changes in HAD and HAZ in populations of children between 2 and 5 y. We show that HAZ is inappropriate to measure changes in linear growth as populations of children age because they are constructed using SDs from cross‐sectional data, which increase with age. Using HAD, we find not only an absence of population‐level catch‐up growth, but a continued deterioration reflected in a decrease in mean HAD between 2 and 5 y; HAZ shows either no change (DHS) or an improvement in mean HAZ (YL, COHORT) as groups of children age.We show no evidence of population‐level catch‐up in children between 2 to 5 y when using HAD. The continued widening of the height deficit after 2 y does not challenge the current focus on the first 1,000 days, but raises questions regarding prevention of continued deterioration and the potential of children to benefit from nutrition interventions after 2 y of age.Funded by the CGIAR Research Program on Agriculture for Nutrition and Health (A4NH), led by IFPRI.
Factors Associated with Subclinical Mastitis (SCM) Among Indigenous Mothers in the Western Highlands of Guatemala
Authors: Wren Hilary , Solomons Noel , Scott Marilyn , Koski Kristine 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundSCM is an asymptomatic inflammatory condition of the lactating breast where a breast milk ratio of Na/K>0.6 is the current indicator. Our objective was to determine maternal and infant factors associated with an increased or decreased likelihood of SCM.MethodsBreast milk samples were collected from 105 lactating Mam‐Mayan mothers with infants < 6 mo. Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry measured Na and K. A structured in‐depth questionnaire for independent factors including socio‐demographic characteristics, maternal and infant health status, breastfeeding (category, initiation, feeding frequency), cultural practices and beliefs, and maternal physical activity that might be associated with SCM was administered to mothers; anthropometry of both mother and infant was measured.ResultsFourteen‐percent had a breast milk Na/K ratio >0.6. SCM was associated with maternal age (OR=1.1, p=0.011), parity (OR=1.3, p=0.011), walking (OR=1.7, p=0.008), breastfeeding frequency (OR=1.1, p=0.024), and infant weight‐for‐age (WAZ) score (OR=0.57, p=0.049)ConclusionResults suggest that interventions to decrease the prevalence of SCM should be targeted to older mothers with high parity. Interestingly, breastfeeding frequency and walking were associated with SCM whereas cultural practices and beliefs were not in our population. Our findings were consistent with previous research where maternal SCM was associated with decreased infant weight.FundingMcGill University International Mobility Travel Award
Food consumption during screen time in adolescents
Authors: Sichieri Rosely , Rodrigues Renata , ESTIMA Camilla , Yokoo Edna , Gombi‐Vaca Maria Fernanda 
Published: June 2021

Oveweight and obesity are increasing in Brazilian adolescents and this nutritional imbalance is a result of high caloric consumption associated with low energy expenditure. The goal of the present study is to assess foods consumed during screen use in adolescents. Four hundred and forty four students from public schools in the city of Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, attending 6th and 7th grades participated in the study. Students were from both gender and mean age were 12 years old. Foods and drinks consumed while watching tv and use of computer and videogames were assessed through a questionnaire developed for the study.Half of the sample reported used screen more than three hours a day. Almost all sample (92%) eat while watch television, 55% when play videogames and 65% when use computer. Foods/drinks most consumed were sugar sweetened beverages, such as industrialized fruit juices (73%) and soda (72%), followed by fruits (64%), popcorn (51%) and cookies (50%). Adolescents should be discouraged to associate food consumption while use sedentary behaviors such as use of screen time, since both behaviors contribute to weight gain, eating in absence of hunger and eating as habit. Policy makers should address these issues in nutrition recommendation and guidelines.
Low‐Calorie Sweeteners and Health
Authors: Wang Ding Ding , Shams‐White Marissa , Bright Oliver‐John , Chung Mei 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveTo summarize existing evidence on Low‐Calorie Sweeteners (LCSs) and selected health outcomes using evidence mapping, a new method that systematically characterizes the range of research activity into broad topic areas.MethodsA comprehensive search strategy on Ovid Medline (through July 2014) was employed to identify peer‐reviewed, published, interventional and prospective cohort studies of LCSs and the following outcome areas: body weight or composition, hunger or satiety mechanisms, altered energy sensing by the brain, and gut hormone responses. Descriptive analyses were performed.ResultsThe literature search yielded 12,899 citations, which were screened based on pre‐defined study eligibility criteria. Information on Populations, Interventions or Exposures, Comparators, and Outcomes (PIECO) was extracted from a total of 109 eligible studies. Of the included studies, 85% were conducted in adults. The most commonly used LCS interventions were aspartame (40%), saccharin (17%) and sucralose (9%). The most commonly studied health outcome was body weight. The outcome measures for hunger or satiety mechanisms were heterogeneous.ConclusionsSome commonly used LCSs, such as polyols, sucralose, and steviol glycosides, are understudied. By systematically identifying existing interventions and research gaps in the current literature, evidence mapping proved to be a useful method to inform researchers, funders, and policy makers of important topics for future research.Funding source: International Life Science Institute North American Branch
The snack consumption habit and its contribution to the 24h diet and the prevalence of obesity in Mexican population
Authors: De La Cruz Vanessa , Contreras Alejandra , Villalpando Salvador 
Published: June 2021

IntroductionIn Mexican population the snack intakes has been associated with unhealthy body weight and obesity in adults.ObjectiveTo compare the intake of foods consumed as snack; the 24h dietary intakes of snack and non‐snack consumers and the contribution of the prevalence of overweight and obesity between the two groups.MethodsThe dietary and anthropometric data were collected from a 24h recall questionnaire and the general information of ENSANUT 2012, a probabilistic surveys with national representativity. The adequacy of energy and macronutrients were estimated from the IOM. The statistical analysis were calculated by the STATA SE v13 and adjusted by survey design.ResultsSnack consumers were preschoolers (72.8%, n=2,109), scholars (64.3%, n=2,751), adolescents (57.1%, n=2,005) and adults (46%, n=3,173). Fries, sweets, fruits, sodas and cookies were the most consumed snacks in all age groups. In all age groups the snack consumers had larger adequacies of energy and carbohydrates (sugar in particular). The contribution of snacks to the total energy intake was preschoolers 21%, scholars 18%, adolescents 19.9% and adults 20%. These contributions were inadequate for carbohydrates and sugars. No differences were found in the mean of BMI or prevalence of unhealthy weight, except in preschoolers who had a greater BMI z‐score in snack than in non‐snack consumers (0.7 vs 0.4 SD, p<0.05).ConclusionSnack consumers showed larger intakes of energy and macronutrients. Snacks contributed to larger intakes of macro and micronutrients but were not associated with unhealthy weight except in preschoolers.