bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Potential Therapies with Adult Stem/Progenitor Cells from Bone Marrow (MSCs) and the Proteins They Produce in Response to Injuries from Injured Tissues
Authors: Prockop Darwin J 
Published: June 2021

Therapeutic benefits in a number of models for human disease have been reported with administration of the adult stem/progenitor cells from bone marrow referred to as mesenchymal stem cells or mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). We observed that intravenously administered MSCs improved myocardial infarction in mice by being trapped in lung where they created microemboli that activated the cells to synthesize TSG‐6, and the TSG‐6 reduced the excessive inflammatory response that damaged cardiomyocytes (Lee et al. Cell Stem Cell 2009). We also observed that intraocular administration of TSG‐6 reduced the excessive inflammatory response that damaged the cornea in a rodent model for chemical injury of the eye (Oh et al. PNAS 2010). In parallel experiments we observed that retinal degeneration was decreased in a rat model for retinitis pigmentosa by intravitreal administration of STC‐1 (Roddy et al. ARVO abstract, 2011), an anti‐apoptotic protein produced by hMSCs in response to signals from apoptotic cells (Block et al. Stem Cells 2009). The results indicate that some but not all the therapeutic benefits observed with administration of MSCs in disease models can be explained by the cells being activated to express either TSG‐6 or STC‐1.Supported in part by NIH grants HL 073755, PO1 RR 17447, and 1R21EY020962
Effectiveness, Adaptation, and Health Risks of Embalming Fluids: Just what is the Solution?
Authors: Sparey Kate 
Published: June 2021

The use of embalming fluids to preserve tissues, organs, and whole cadavers has changed significantly over thousands of years. From mummification in ancient Egypt, Da Vinci's use of wax injection, through to modern day use of formaldehyde and subsequent adaptations. The process of tissue preservation and the technology behind formulation of embalming fluids is important from both an efficacy and health perspective.Formaldehyde remains the current fixative of choice in embalming solutions due to its ability to remove the food source for tissue degrading bacteria by permanently denaturing cellular proteins. This ensures long term survival of the tissue for use in teaching Anatomy, but there are some limitations in using this method; most notably flexibility of the tissue. Specimens become heavy and unwieldy, and do not accurately convey some of the movements, tensions, and strengths of certain tissues in vivo. There are also certain health risks to formaldehyde use, particularly relating to skin contact, inhalation and its potential carcinogenic effects. Alternative embalming solutions currently in use and adaptations being developed in order to improve on this technology will be discussed.
The CRISPR‐Cas system: small RNA‐guided invader silencing in prokaryotes
Authors: Terns Becky , Hale Caryn , Carte Jason , Elmore Joshua , Majumdar Sonali , Glover Claiborne V.C. , Graveley Brenton , Terns Michael 
Published: June 2021

CRISPR‐Cas systems are recently discovered, RNA‐based immune systems that control invasions of viruses and plasmids in archaea and bacteria. Prokaryotes with CRISPR‐Cas immune systems capture short invader sequences within the CRISPR loci in their genomes, and produce small RNAs from the CRISPR loci (crRNAs) that recognize the invading nucleic acids and guide Cas proteins to degrade (or otherwise silence) the invader. There are multiple variations of the pathway mediated by distinct components and mechanisms that we are now delineating.Pyrococcus furiosus has 3 CRISPR‐Cas systems populated by 27 Cas proteins and 200 crRNAs. We have found that CRISPR transcripts are “diced” into individual invader‐targeting crRNAs by Cas6, a sequence‐specific riboendonuclease. The mature crRNAs contain a signature sequence element that is important for function. The CRISPR‐Cas systems in P. furiosus target invaders at both the RNA and DNA level. We have identified 3 distinct potential crRNA‐Cas protein effector complexes (arising from the 3 systems), and have determined that one, the Cmr complex, cleaves complementary RNAs at fixed intervals along the region of complementarity between the crRNA and target RNA. We have also initiated efforts to direct Cmr complexes to cleave novel target RNAs (a la prokaryotic RNAi).This work was supported by NIH grant RO1GM54682 (including ARRA funds) to B.T. and M.T.
Differential regulation of pancreas digestive enzymes during the development of diet‐induced‐obesity of C57BL/6J mice
Authors: Birk Ruth Z , Rubio-Aliaga Isabel , Boekschoten Mark V , Müller Michael , Daniel Hannelore 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundPancreatic enzymes are essential for digestion of dietary components and regulated by them. Dietary high fat (HF) consumption is a contributing factor in diet‐induced‐obesity (DIO) and requires pancreas adaptation.ObjectivesInvestigating the effects of chronic HF diet on pancreatic digestive enzymes transcripts in DIO C57BL/6J mice.MethodologyMice were fed diets containing 10% or 45% of energy derived from fat for 12 weeks (10 mice/group). Pancreas digestive enzymes transcripts were analyzed (0, 4 and 12 weeks) using quantitative RT‐PCR.ResultsC57BL/6J mice fed HF diet developed obesity, hyperleptinemia, hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia. Pancreatic Lipase, Pancreatic Lipase Related Protein‐2 and Pancreatic PhospholipaseA2 transcripts were initially elevated; however, they were down‐regulated to basal control levels at 12 weeks. Amylase transcripts increased in response to higher dietary carbohydrate content. Proteases transcripts did not change. Elastase1 transcripts increased on the HF diet.ConclusionDIO C57BL/6J mice down‐regulate expression of specific lipases. This suggests a regulatory mechanism to reduce fat digestion, absorption and storage.Study funded partly by NuGO
The effect of tomato powder, soy germ, or a combination on prostate carcinogenesis in TRAMP mice
Authors: Zuniga Krystle , Clinton Steven , Thomas-Ahner Jennifer M. , Erdman John W. 
Published: June 2021

Epidemiological and laboratory studies support the hypothesis that diets rich in soy or tomato food products may reduce the risk of prostate cancer (PCa). The objective of this study was to investigate the in vivo effect of diets containing tomato powder, soy germ, both, or neither, on the progression of PCa in the transgenic adenocarcinoma of mouse prostate (TRAMP) model. Four‐week old male TRAMP mice (n=118) were randomized to consume experimental diets: AIN‐93G control, 10% tomato powder (TP), 2% soy germ (SG), or 10% tomato powder + 2% soy germ (TP+SG) until 18 weeks of age. Body weight and food intake were similar. The prostate‐seminal vesicle (P‐SV) complex weights among each of the three dietary intervention groups were non‐significantly reduced compared to the control group. Prostate pathology shows a range of PIN to invasive carcinoma, with grading and staging underway. Our results with P‐SV weights suggest that dietary interventions with tomato or soy may reduce TRAMP cancer burden.Grant Funding Source: NIH under Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (1 F31 CA153804‐01A1)
Arterial Stiffness and Blood Pressure are Reduced After Watermelon Supplementation in Obese With Prehypertension and Hypertension
Authors: Figueroa Arturo , Sanchez-Gonzalez Marcos Angel , Wong Alexei , Arjmandi Bahram H 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveTo examine the effects of watermelon supplementation on arterial stiffness (brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity, baPWV) and aortic blood pressure (BP) in obese adults.MethodsFifteen middle‐aged (58±1 y) obese individuals (BMI: 37.3±1.8 kg/m2) with high BP (151±4 mmHg) were randomly assigned to receive watermelon powder containing 6 g daily of L‐citrulline/L‐arginine or placebo powder (PL) in a 6‐week cross‐over study with a 2‐week washout period. Subjects were evaluated before and after the interventions to assess changes in baPWV, BP, aortic augmentation index (aAIx), and plasma angiotensin II levels.ResultsbaPWV (−1.3±0.3 m/s), brachial systolic BP (SBP, −13±3 mmHg), brachial diastolic BP (DBP, −7±1 mmHg), aortic SBP (− 9±3 mmHg), aortic DBP (−7±1 mmHg), and angiotensin II (−10±2 pg/ml) significantly (p<0.01) decreased after watermelon compared with PL. Although aAIx was not affected, wave reflection amplitude decreased (−9±3 mmHg, p<0.01) after watermelon compared with PL.ConclusionWatermelon supplementation caused a marked decrease in arterial stiffness, peripheral BP, and aortic BP in obese individuals with prehypertension and hypertension. Our findings suggest that watermelon supplementation may improve arterial function through attenuation of the vascular effects of angiotensin II and improved wave reflection amplitude.
Hypolipidemic effect of a blue‐green alga, Nostoc commune var. Sphaeroides Kützing, is attributed to algal residue but not lipid extract in C57BL/6J mice
Authors: Ku Chai Siah , Kim Bohkyung , Pham Tho X. , Yang Yue , Park Youngki , Carr Timothy , Weller Curtis , Lee Jiyoung 
Published: June 2021

We previously reported a hypolipidemic effect of an edible blue‐green alga (BGA), Nostoc commune var. Sphaeroides Kützing (NO) in mice. To further evaluate whether the lipid‐lowering effect of NO is attributable to algal residue or lipid extract (LE), male C57BL/6J mice were fed an AIN‐93M diet supplemented with 2.5% and 5% by wt of whole algae or LE equivalent amount present in 5% whole algae for 4 wk. Spirulina Platensis (SP), the most common BGA for human consumption, was also tested for comparison. Plasma total cholesterol and triglyceride were significantly lowered in whole NO‐fed animals but not in NO LE and SP groups. Hepatic total cholesterol and triglyceride levels were not significantly different between groups but free cholesterol was higher in NO 2.5% and all SP‐fed groups. Expression of hepatic genes for cholesterol metabolism, such as HMG CoA reductase and sterol regulatory element binding protein‐2, was significantly increased in 5% NO group. Lipogenic gene expression in the liver was not altered in all groups whereas carnitine palmitoyl transferase I and acyl‐CoA oxidase mRNA levels were induced in 5% NO group. Significant reduction in intestinal cholesterol absorption was also observed in whole NO groups. In conclusion, NO algal residue contains bioactive components that inhibit intestinal cholesterol absorption and consequently exert a hypolipidemic effect in mice.Grant Funding Source: NIH R21AT005152
What influences the sustainability of community‐based child nutrition programs in the Peruvian highlands?
Authors: Kim Sunny S , Creed-Kanashiro Hilary , Bartolini Rosario , Constas Mark A , Habicht Jean-Pierre , Stoltzfus Rebecca J 
Published: June 2021

Long‐term viability of health and nutrition programs is a desired goal of donors and program implementers, yet little evidence exists on how to influence sustainability in developing countries. We previously assessed sustainability of 2 community‐based child nutrition programs (ADRA and CARE) in Peru, 2 yrs after project termination, and found few activities were sustained. With 94 interviews with program delivery actors and 22 focus groups with mothers in 21 communities of the 2 programs, we used pattern matching to test theoretical propositions (related to the initial program, local organizations, and community) against observed patterns of factors associated with sustainability. Forms and types of influential factors on sustainability reflected the forms and types of sustained activities, with common factors between programs. We found 3 factors of the initial program (broader community participation, positive perception of impact, and intentional actions at exit); 6 organizational factors (integration, external coordination, higher skills and training, positive perceived value of work, strong work motivation, and champions for child nutrition); and 4 community factors (perception of problem, integration, valuing of child nutrition, and champions). Addressing the contextual factors in program design and implementation is needed to achieve sustainability. Funders: NIH and Cornell University.Grant Funding Source : NIH and Cornell University
Developing a food policy council through community‐based participatory research
Authors: Fitzgerald Nurgul , Finston Lisanne , Morgan Kathleen , Hallman William 
Published: June 2021

Environmental factors and policies influence dietary intake patterns. This study aimed to establish a food policy council (FPC) through community‐based participatory research (CBPR) to influence food‐related policies and alleviate food insecurity. CBPR approach was used to build on the strengths of the community, develop partnerships, obtain funding, and establish a food policy council. Formative planning phase included 7 semi‐structured expert interviews and 3 community forums which were designed to inform the stakeholders, stimulate interest, integrate community's knowledge and priorities, and serve as co‐learning processes. These processes were used to develop the structure of the FPC, a community information toolkit, and initial focus areas for the FPC's strategic planning regarding the food system and policy recommendations. These focus areas included access to healthier foods, food‐related job creation, food safety nets, school food environments, and nutrition education. CBPR approach was incorporated into the structure of the FPC to support the sustainability of the initiative. This project indicated that CBPR was a feasible method to successfully develop a FPC that focuses on food systems and policy changes to support a healthier food environment.Funded by the USDA Hunger‐free Communities Initiative.
Carotenoids and lipid peroxidation in human brains with and without Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Roe Annie J. , Scott Tammy M. , Chen Chung-Yen O. , Vishwanathan Rohini , Eggert Emily M.R. , Schalch Wolfgang , Wittwer Jonas , Johnson Elizabeth J. 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundOxidative stress may be involved in the development and progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Carotenoids are lipophilic antioxidants found in human brain, and may protect against lipid peroxidation.ObjectiveTo determine carotenoid concentrations and the magnitude of lipid peroxidation in brain tissue of decedents with and without AD.MethodsCarotenoids in brain tissue were analyzed by HPLC. Lipid peroxidation was assessed by determining malondialdehyde (MDA) using a HPLC method. Data were expressed by wet weight. Carotenoid and MDA concentrations were log transformed to obtain normal distributions, and concentrations were compared between age‐ and sex‐matched AD (n=15) and non‐demented (n=15) groups using a Student's t‐test. Pearson's correlations were used to assess the relationship between MDA and carotenoid levels.ResultsLutein, zeaxanthin, and lycopene concentrations were not different between groups. Cryptoxanthin and beta‐carotene concentrations were higher in the AD brains (p <0.01). There was no significant difference in MDA between groups or correlation with carotenoid concentrations within either group.ConclusionsElevated concentrations of cryptoxanthin and beta‐carotene in AD brains suggest that carotenoids may play a role in this disease. This pilot study was limited by the sample size, but demonstrates the feasibility of exploring these relationships in a larger study.Support: USDA#51000‐073‐02S; DSM Nutritionals
Elevated dairy fat intake by lactating women increases milk fat and alters fatty acid profile, but does not change gene expression in the milk fat globule transcriptome
Authors: Hunt Katherine M , Brooker Sarah L , Williams Janet E , McGuire Michelle K , McGuire Mark A 
Published: June 2021

Previous work has demonstrated that increased intake of dairy fat by lactating women increases milk fat percent and alters milk fatty acid profile. To investigate the effects of dairy fat consumption on cellular function in the mammary gland, we provided 15 lactating women with diets rich in full‐fat or non‐fat dairy products for 14 d in a randomized, crossover design. Milk fat was reduced when women consumed the non‐fat dairy diet compared to when they consumed the full‐fat dairy diet (2.41 ± 0.31 vs. 3.35 ± 0.28%, mean ± SEM, P < 0.05); concentrations of over 20 fatty acids also differed. Microarray analysis of gene expression in the milk‐fat globule transcriptome performed on samples from 6 of the subjects demonstrated only minor changes. Subsequent rt‐PCR validation of potential genes of interest revealed no alterations in gene expression. These data suggest that, despite treatment effects on milk fat percent and fatty acid profile, alterations in gene expression in the lactating mammary gland as a result of increased dietary dairy fat intake are minimal. Funded by the United Dairymen of Idaho.Grant Funding Source : United Dairymen of Idaho
Aldehyde Dehydrogenase‐2 (ALDH2) Ameliorates Chronic Alcohol Ingestion‐Induced Hepatic Steatosis and Inflammation
Authors: Guo Rui , Ren Jun 
Published: June 2021

ObjectivesMitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2) plays a critical role in the detoxification of the ethanol metabolite acetaldehyde. Chronic alcohol intake has been shown to result in alcoholic liver disease although the precise mechanism of action is still elusive. This study was designed to examine the impact of global ALDH2 overexpression on chronic alcohol ingestion‐induced hepatic steatosis and inflammation.MethodsFVB and ALDH2 mice were placed on a 4% alcohol or control diet for 12 weeks. Serum levels of AST/ALT and total bilirubin, levels of hepatic triglyceride, hepatic histology on steatosis, fat metabolism‐related proteins and inflammatory factors were examined.ResultsChronic alcohol intake led to enhanced levels of total bilirubin and hepatic triglycerides, increased fat deposition as evidenced by H&E and Oil‐Red‐O stainings, elevated fatty acid synthase, stearoyl‐CoA desaturase 1, phospho‐acetyl‐CoA carboxylase‐1, PPAR γ, PGC‐1α, IL‐6 and phosphorylation of AMPK and Stat3, decreased phosphorylation of mTOR as well as unchanged levels of G6Pase‐α, TNF‐α and IL‐1β, the effects of which were overtly attenuated or ablated by ALDH2, with the exception of fatty acid synthase, G6Pase‐α, TNF‐α and IL‐1β expression.ConclusionsIn summary, our results revealed that ALDH2 may effectively ameliorate chronic alcohol ingestion‐induced hepatic steatosis and inflammation.
Role of cAMP‐PKA/CREB pathway in regulation of AQP 5 production in rat nasal epithelium
Authors: Zheng Ming , Wang Weiwei 
Published: June 2021

ObjectivesAquaporin 5 (AQP5) is a water‐specific channel protein. In this study, we investigated the possible role of the cyclic adenosine monophosphate‐protein kinase A/cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein (cAMP‐PKA/CREB) pathway in the regulation of AQP5 in nasal epithelial cells.MethodsRat nasal epithelial cells were cultured and treated with the PKA inhibitor H89 or cAMP inducing medicine forskolin for 12 or 24 hours in vitro. AQP5 and phosphorylated CREB (p‐CREB) at serine133 (Ser133) were detected by immunocytochemistry, Western blotting or real‐time PCR. Experiments were repeated 10 times.ResultsAfter treatment with H89 for 12 or 24 hours, the number of cells positive for AQP5 and p‐CREB (Ser133) were decreased, p‐CREB (Ser133) and AQP5 protein decreased, and AQP5 mRNA decreased. After treatment with forskolin for 12 or 24 hours, the number of p‐CREB (Ser133) and AQP5 positive cells increased, p‐CREB (Ser133) and AQP5 protein increased, and AQP5 mRNA was increased.ConclusionBoth H89 (PKA inhibitor) and forskolin (cAMP inducing medicine) regulate AQP5 production through the cAMP‐PKA/CREB pathway, which could influence the secretary function of the submucosal glands in nasal epithelium.
Analysis of Study Logs in an Anatomy Learning Skills Course
Authors: Schutte Audra 
Published: June 2021

At Indiana University, MSCI M100: Improving Learning Skills in Anatomy is a 1‐credit hour course which supplements Anatomy A215: Basic Human Anatomy. MSCI M100 was developed in 2010 to help Anat A215 students by teaching them effective approaches to learning anatomy and becoming better regulators of their learning process.While time management is one component of regulation of learning many Anat A215 students utilize their study time inefficiently, as evidenced by the author. One MSCI M100 assignment is the study log (adapted from Classroom Assessment Techniques). Students complete a daily study log, three days prior to each of the four Anat A215 exams. Students record when and where they study, and rate their productivity during that time on a scale ranging from one to four (1=not productive, 4=very productive).Analysis of the study logs was performed to see if students’ time management changed while enrolled in MSCI M100. Preliminary results indicate there is an improvement in students’ time management between studying for the first and second Anat A215 exams. Specifically, 2nd exam study logs showed students studied, fewer hours overall (p<.000), but logged significantly more productive hours (p<.000). Student feedback (via weekly blogs for M100) indicates study logs raised student awareness of how they utilize their time. These results also support the efficacy of MSCI M100 in improving student learning skills.Grant Funding Source : NA
Cloning and characterization of EF‐Tu and EF‐Ts from Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Palmer Stephanie , Rangle Edna , Montalvo Albert , Mugica Diego , Bullard James 
Published: June 2021

IntroductionElongation factors (EF) facilitate many steps in the process of the biosynthesis of proteins. EF‐Tu in particular plays a central role in the GTP‐dependent placement of aminoacylated tRNA at the A site on the ribosome. EF‐Ts acts by catalyzing the change of EF‐Tu from a GDP‐bound inactive state to a GTP‐bound active state.ResultsAnalysis of both P. aeruginosa EF‐Tu and EF‐Ts showed they are 84% and 55% identical to their E. coli counterparts, respectively. Both P. aeruginosa EF‐Tu and EF‐Ts were cloned and over‐expressed in E. coli and purified to greater than 95% homogeneity. EF‐Tu was shown to be active when assayed for activity using the GDP exchange assay. Kinetic parameters for the interaction of EF‐Tu with its substrate GDP were calculated to be: KM = 33 μM, Vmax = 0.125 μM/min, kcat = 1.65 × 10−3 sec−1. The specific activity of EF‐Tu was calculated to be 45 μM min−1 per mg of EF‐Tu. At a 1:20 ratio of EF‐Ts:EF‐Tu, EF‐Ts stimulated the exchange of GDP by EF‐Tu 10‐fold.ConclusionEF‐Tu and EF‐Ts identified in P. aeruginosa were cloned, expressed and purified and shown to be functional in GDP exchange assays suggesting that each is functional in protein synthesis.
Inhibition of PC1/3 and PC2 by 2,5‐dideoxystreptamine derivatives
Authors: Vivoli Mirella , Caulfield Thomas R. , Martínez-Mayorga Karina , Johnson Alan T. , Jiao Guan-Sheng , Lindberg Iris 
Published: June 2021

The prohormone convertases PC1/3 and PC2 are eukaryotic serine proteases involved in proteolytic maturation of peptide hormone precursors and implicated in a variety of pathological conditions, including obesity, diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases. In this work, we screened 45 compounds obtained by derivatization of a 2,5‐dideoxystreptamine scaffold. We found four promising PC1/3 competitive inhibitors and three PC2 inhibitors exhibiting various inhibition mechanisms with sub‐ and low micromolar inhibitory potency against a fluorogenic substrate. Low micromolar concentrations of certain compounds blocked the processing of the physiological substrate proglucagon. Interestingly, we identified compounds that were able to stimulate both 87 kDa PC1/3 and PC2 activity. Molecular modeling studies revealed interactions of the PC1/3 inhibitors with the active site that suggest structural modifications to further enhance potency. In support of experimental data suggesting that PC2 inhibition likely occurs via an allosteric mechanism, we identified several possible allosteric binding sites using computational searches.This work was supported by DA050854 to Iris Lindberg.