bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Blood pressure, blood flow and oxygenation in the clipped kidney of long‐term Goldblatt hypertensive rats
Authors: Palm Fredrik , Onozato Maristela , Welch William J , Wilcox Christopher S 
Published: June 2021

Angiotensin II (Ang II) maintains blood flow (RBF) and oxygenation (pO2) in the clipped kidney of early two‐kidney, one clip Goldblatt hypertensive rats (2K,1C). However, most cases of human renovascular disease are chronic. The involvement of Ang II declines whereas oxidative stress increases during progression of 2K,1C hypertension. We hypothesized that acute administration of drugs to inhibit reactive oxygen species (ROS; tempol), angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE; enalaprilat), Ang II type 1 or 2 receptors (AT1 or AT2; candesartan or PD‐123,319) lower mean arterial pressure (MAP), RBF and pO2 in the clipped kidney of chronic 2K,1C. Twelve months after left renal artery clipping, MAP, RBF and pO2 were measured after acute administration these drugs. MAP of 2K,1C was unchanged by PD123,319, reduced by ACE inhibition and AT1 blockade, and especially by tempol. Only tempol increased RBF and pO2 in clipped kidneys.In conclusion, only tempol effectively reduces MAP and increases RBF and pO2 in the clipped kidneys in the chronic model of Goldblatt hypertension. These beneficial renal effects of tempol can not be achieved by conventional interventions directed to the renin‐angiotensin system.
Voltage‐dependent calcium channels in human renal arteries
Authors: Hansen Pernille B , Walter Steen , Marcussen Niels , Jensen Boye L , Skott Ole 
Published: June 2021

Several types of voltage‐dependent calcium channels (VDCC) Cav1.2 (L‐type), Cav2.1 (P/Q‐ type) and Cav3.1/ Cav3.2 (T‐ type) are expressed in vascular smooth muscle cells from rodents and are important for renal resistance. We examined whether human renal arteries express several types of VDCC and assessed their functional importance. The expression of Cav 1.2, mRNA was demonstrated in all human renal and interlobular arteries tested whereas Cav 2.1, Cav 3.1 and Cav 3.2 only were observed in some patients. Immunolabeling revealed expression of Cav1.2 and Cav2.1 in human arteries. Using a myograph set‐up, the functional importance of different types of VDCC was investigated in freshly isolated human interlobular arteries. High K+ led to a dose‐dependent constriction of the arteries. Nifedipine blocked the K+ (70 mM) induced constriction with an EC50 of 1.2 × 10−8 M. Blockade of T‐type channels by mibefradil inhibited the constriction with an EC50 of 6.8 × 10−7 M. The response was very variable between individual patients. Blocking P/Q‐type channels using ω‐agatoxin IVA (10−8 nmol/L) had no significant effect (14.8 ± 5.0 % decrease) on the constriction.We conclude that all human renal arteries express functionally significant L‐type, VDCC while there is a more variable presence and significance of P/Q‐ and T‐type VDCC.Research Support: Lundbeck Foundation, Danish Medical Research Council, Danish Heart Foundation
Cardiovascular function and plasma lipid profiles in rats exposed to petroleum products and water contaminated with hydrocarbons
Authors: Anigbogu Chikodi Nnanyelu , Ojo Olumide Alaba 
Published: June 2021

Diffuse and chronic exposure to petroleum products and contamination is increasing both in the rural areas and urban areas especially with increased use of petroleum products for power generation in domestic and industrial environment. Acute exposure also occurs following spillages, blowouts, and pipeline vandalisation and tanker accidents. This study therefore investigated the effects of diesel, kerosene, petrol and their water soluble fractions on cardiovascular function and lipid profile and organ weights in experimental animals.Contaminated water and petroleum products were administered via the oral route to various groups of Sprague Dawley rats for three weeks. The rats were anaesthetised and cannulated for recording blood pressure and heart rate while samples of blood were taken from the venous catheter for plasma lipid profiling.The results showed that while most petroleum products had no significant effect on systolic blood pressure, the diesel‐water fraction (WSFD) lowered systolic blood pressure (80 ±10.6mmHg vs. 120±4.9mmHg), increased pulse pressure and heart rate (p<0.05). Diastolic pressure was reduced by most fractions (p<0.05). It was also observed that total cholesterol, HDL‐ cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol where lowered while plasma triglycerides increased. The organ weight index was increased. These results suggest that acute exposure to these petroleum products and their water soluble components may affect aspects of cardiovascular function and other organs of the body.This work was supported by University of Lagos, Postgraduate intramural fund.
Scapular Anastomoses: the Nature of Vascular Blood Flow Around the Scapula
Authors: Obourn Chelsea Ann , Qureshi Naema , Márquez Samuel 
Published: June 2021

Documenting normal variation of neurovascular structures continues to be of great value to the surgeon as they formulate and implement surgical strategies during pre‐operative preparation. Scapular anastomoses (SA) are a network of streams that generate variable arterial patterns of blood supply whose origins are from multiple sources (i.e., dorsal scapular, suprascapular and circumflex scapular arteries). These ensure adequate delivery of nutrients to the 17 scapular muscles. This study examined the arterial supply pattern of 19 scapulas (cadaveric material n=10 from College of Medicine at SUNY Downstate). The pattern of SA saw the majority of our sample (86.7%) exhibiting the typical pattern of branching as described in anatomy texts. An anastomosis of the dorsal scapular artery with an intercostal artery was observed in four specimens. One arterial pattern saw the suprascapular and dorsal scapular branching from the transverse scapular artery. Another variant saw two branches of the transverse cervical artery that looped around the clavicle joining together before bifurcating, with one targeting the trapezius muscle and the other forming the dorsal scapular. This study showed SA to be highly intricate arterial patterns connecting each subclavian and the corresponding axillary artery and allowing blood to flow past the joint regardless of the position of the arm.Grant Funding SourceNA
Evidence of microscopic clusters of neuronal cell bodies along the spinal accessory nerve
Authors: Hovorka Michelle S. , Uray Nandor J. 
Published: June 2021

Our objective was to examine the accessory nerve for the presence of microscopic clusters of sensory neuronal cell bodies. This study was prompted by recent articles which show a few cases of a grossly visible ganglion along a communication between the spinal accessory nerve and the C1 spinal nerve. Our research has not found any studies that have indicated previous findings of microscopic clusters of neuronal cell bodies. We dissected the upper cervical spinal cord, nerve roots, and accessory nerve out of embalmed cadavers. The accessory nerve was separated from the rest of the tissue and serially sectioned. Histological examination of the cervical contribution of the accessory nerve consistently shows clusters of neuronal cell bodies along it, thus constituting a ganglion, although not grossly discernable. Funding is provided by the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine Graduate Program.Grant Funding SourceKirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine Graduate Program
MRI Assessment of Amygdalar Size Based on a Single Plane Measurement in Patients with Clinical Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Brabec Jiri , Horinek Daniel , Krasensky Jan , Seidl Zdenek , Rulseh Aaron , Hort Jakub , Petrovicky Pavel 
Published: June 2021

MRI volumetry of the amygdala is a relevant marker of the severity of dementia in Alzheimer's disease. To evaluate the changes of amygdalar volume, there are many manual tracing techniques, which are time‐consuming for clinicians. On the basis of our previous studies, we developed an easy method which allows estimation of the total volume of the amygdala from a simple referential section (frontal section in the level of the anterior pole of the hippocampus). Boundaries of the amygdala in this level are clear and can be easily distinguished from neighboring structures. This protocol was developed with a sample of 70 healthy brains (anatomical preparations and MRI's of healthy volunteers). The average area of the sections through the amygdala in the reference level was 1.64 cm2 (SD=0.23). In normal brains, the referential section correlated highly with the total volume (r=0.65). A sample of 20 patients with the clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease showed the correlation even higher (r=0.82). In patients with the Mild Cognitive Impairment (n=16), the correlation was 0.87. Using our protocol, clinicians can be informed about amygdalar size within a few minutes without the requirements of lengthy measurement.Supported by grants IGA MZ 2006 NR8931‐4, and No. 0021620806 from the Ministry of Education of the Czech RepublicGrant Funding SourceIGA MZ CR NR8931‐4 ,
Reconstitution of uracil DNA glycosylase initiated base excision repair in herpes simplex virus‐1
Authors: Boehmer Paul E , Bogani Federica , Chua Chian New 
Published: June 2021

Herpes simplex virus‐1 is self‐sufficient in a number of genome transactions. Hence, the virus encodes its own DNA replication apparatus and is capable of mediating recombination reactions. We recently reported that the catalytic subunit of the HSV‐1 DNA polymerase (UL30) exhibits AP and 5′‐deoxyribose phosphate lyase activities that are integral to base excision repair (BER). We have mapped the lyase activity to the C‐terminal polymerase domain of UL30. This domain lacks polymerase activity but binds DNA. Candidate lysine residues in this fragment will be mutagenized to identify the lyase active site. We have also reconstituted a system with purified HSV‐1 and human proteins that performs all the steps of uracil DNA glycosylase initiated BER. In this system, nucleotide incorporation is dependent on the HSV‐1 uracil DNA glycosylase, AP endonuclease and UL30. Completion of BER is mediated by DNA ligase IIIα/XRCC1, which also confers specificity onto the reaction in as much as it allows ligation to occur in the presence of the HSV‐1 DNA polymerase processivity factor and prevents BER from occurring with heterologous DNA polymerases. These findings demonstrate that the HSV‐1 proteins in combination with cellular factors are capable of performing BER and have implications on viral genome maintenance during lytic replication and reactivation from latency.This work was supported by grant GM 062643 from the NIH.
Conformational Changes of Eukaryotic Chaperonin TRiC/CCT in the Nucleotide Cycle Revealed by CryoEM
Authors: Cong Yao , Schroeder Gunnar F. , Jakana Joanita , Reissmann Stefanie , Levitt Michael , Ludtke Steven J. , Frydman Judith , Chiu Wah 
Published: June 2021

TRiC/CCT is a mammalian chaperonin made up of eight distinct polypeptides arranged in two rings. TRiC changes conformation in an ATP‐dependent manner which is critical to promote protein folding in the eukaryotic cell. Unlike prokaryotic chaperonins, substrate encapsulation within the central chamber of TRiC is triggered by ATP‐induced closure of a built‐in lid.Our single particle cryo‐EM studies, including both reference‐free 2D analyses and 3D reconstructions, show the conformation variations of TRiC in different nucleotide states in the protein folding cycle. The observed changes are consistent with various biochemical evidences. Based on comparative modeling in combination with flexible fitting, pseudoatomic models have been built for each conformational state. Interestingly, in the most physiological related ATP hydrolysis transition (ADP‐AlFx) state, TRiC adopts an one ring open and one ring closed conformation. The closed ring is obviously expanded comparing to that in the closed (ATP‐AlFx) state. Notably, the inter‐domain motions in TRiC appear differently from those of prokaryotic chaperonins, despite their overall structural similarity.This research is supported through NIH Roadmap Nanomedicine Initiative grant (PN2EY016525).
The effect of aging on the metabolic function and structure of mitochondria in Hamster oocytes
Authors: simsek‐duran fatma , li fang , ford wentia , swanson r. james , duran hakan e , jones howard w , castora frank j 
Published: June 2021

In human oocytes there is a significant variation in the pregnancy potential. This lowproportion of fruitful couplings appears to be influenced by changes in mitochondrial structure and function. Hamster ova resemble human oocytes in size and fertility success rate and so serve as a model for understanding the human oocyte. ATP from the oocytes of young and aging hamsters was measured by a luciferase/luciferin reaction. On average, individual hamster oocytes from young animals (91 eggs from 6 animals) contain 144 ± 9.1 fmoles of ATP (0.16 uM). There is a 21% (P = 0.01) decrease in ATP (114 ± 10.1 fmoles, 0.14 uM in concentration) in old hamsters (88 eggs from 6 animals) comparedto young hamsters. RT‐ PCR was used to quantitate mtDNA in individual oocytes. This analysis indicated that there is also a decrease in mtDNA molecules per oocyte as the animal ages (11,466 ± 2,025 (young) vs 7,544 ± 2,507 (old), P= 0.07). The morphology of oocytes of young and old hamsters was examined by transmission electron microscopy. TEM indicated that mitochondrial morphology undergoes distinct changes as the hamster ages. In old hamsters, the cristae are decreased in number and length compared to those in young animals. In hamsters, the decrease in ATP levels seen in aged oocytes is correlated with a similar decrease in the number of mtDNA molecules. The consequence of these changes is a reduction of 25% in ATP concentration. Such a dramatic decrease in mitochondrial energy production could compromise normal oocyte biogenesis and contribute to the reduced pregnancy potential seen in aged mammalian oocytes.
RGS::GFP expression in endocrine pancreas during development and regeneration
Authors: Wilkie Tom , Villasenor Alethia , Wang Zhao , Hatten Mary E , Scherer Philipp , Cleaver Ondine 
Published: June 2021

Regulation of G protein signaling provides a promising approach for managing beta cell replication and neogenesis. RGS proteins are intracellular GTPase activating proteins (GAPs) that terminate ligand‐activated G protein coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling. We characterized expression of a GFP‐reporter gene integrated into two distinct RGS genes, Rgs8 and Rgs16, in embryonic and adult pancreas. Rgs16::GFP and Rgs8::GFP were expressed in pancreatic endocrine progenitor cells in embryos, neonates and weanlings but their expression was normally quiescent in adulthood. Rgs16 expression was reactivated in four different models of beta cell expansion: i) weanlings, ii) mid gestation pregnant females, iii) during islet regeneration in PANIC‐ATTAC mice, a model of type 1 diabetes and iv) in islets of obese, hyperglycemic ob/ob mice, a model of type 2 diabetes. Our results suggest that Rgs16 and Rgs8 control GPCR signaling during islet progenitor cell activation, differentiation, and beta cell expansion in embryos and metabolically stressed adults.Research support: NIGMS & Welch Foundation.
Differential protein expression between normal and myxomatous canine mitral valves
Authors: Lacerda Carla MR , Orton Christopher 
Published: June 2021

Each year, valvular heart disease accounts for over 20,000 deaths in the U.S. Myxomatous valve disease (MVD) is the most common heart valve disease in humans and dogs. MVD is pathologically identical in these species, and its pathogenesis is poorly understood. The study objectives were to 1) develop proteomic methodology suitable for analysis of extracellular matrix‐rich heart valve tissues, and 2) survey over‐ and under‐expressed proteins that could provide mechanistic clues into the pathogenesis of MVD.METHODSNormal, early‐stage and late‐stage myxomatous mitral valves from dogs were studied. A shotgun proteomic analysis of extracted proteins with iTRAQ labeling to determine differential protein quantification was employed. Proteins were classified by function and clustered according to differential expression patterns.RESULTSMore than 300 proteins, with 115 of those being differentially expressed, were identified. Sample clustering showed that early‐ and late‐stage valves were closely‐related, when compared to normal valves.CONCLUSIONSShotgun proteomic analysis of matrix‐rich canine heart valves is feasible, and should be applicable to human heart valves as well. Differential protein expression provides a basis for future investigations into the pathogenesis of canine and human MVD. Research supported by Heart to Heart foundation.
Improving In Vivo Retention of Bioscavengers In Blood
Authors: Calderon Frances Suiyin , Campbell Amy J. , Moorad‐Doctor Deborah , Garcia Greg E. 
Published: June 2021

We are developing technologies to increase the in vivo retention times of bioscavengers by attaching them to red blood cells (RBCs) using cell‐penetrating peptides (CPPs). CPPs are short peptides of 5‐40 amino acids, with the ability to translocate inside the cells by different mechanisms including direct physical transfer through the lipid bilayer. CPPs can either anchor the bioscavnegers to the cell surface, or internalize them by associated transport. Our results show that conjugation of the bioscavenger butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) to CPPs differently affected the enzymatic activity. Conjugation of Buforin I impaired the BChE activity by 50%. In contrast, the HIV Tat‐protein transduction domain (Tat) reduced the BChE activity by 11% in comparison to the unconjugated BChE. Tat was also found to significantly increase the association of BChE activity to RBC. Association of Tat to RBCs was also monitored by confocal microscopy using fluorescent microspheres. In addition, we are using artificial liposomes mimicking the RBC membrane composition as a further way to test CPP association to biological membranes. We are also investigating the capability of other RBC‐interacting peptides to associate bioscavengers. We expect that such technologies increase the effectiveness of protein therapeutics, or prophylactics, in blood borne treatments.Supported by DTRA#1.D0011_08_WR_C.
Biased agonism reveals new G protein‐independent AT1a receptor signals
Authors: Kendall Ryan Thomas , Lee Mi‐Hye , El‐Shewy Hesham M. , Janech Michael G. , Luttrell Deirdre K. , Luttrell Louis M. 
Published: June 2021

The angiotensin II analog [Sar1, Ile4, Ile8]AngII (SII) is a biased AT1a receptor agonist that stimulates receptor phosphorylation, βarrestin recruitment, internalization and βarrestin‐dependent ERK1/2 activation‐without activating heterotrimeric G proteins. To determine the scope of G protein‐independent AT1a receptor signaling, we performed a phosphoproteomic analysis of SII‐induced signaling in HEK cells stably expressing AT1a receptors. A total of 26 differentially abundant proteins were analyzed by phosphostaining 2D gels and identified by peptide mass fingerprinting. Phosphorylation of two peptide inhibitors of protein phosphatase 2A (I1PP2A and I2PP2A), prostaglandin E synthase 3 (PGES3) and casein kinase (CK2β) was confirmed by immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting with phospho‐specific probes. Functionally, SII stimulation produced rapid and transient inhibition of PP2A activity in HEK cells and stimulated PGE2 synthesis in primary vascular smooth muscle. These findings suggest that AT1a receptors regulate a robust G protein‐independent signaling network that affects protein phosphorylation and autocrine/paracrine prostaglandin production, and that these pathways can be selectively modulated by biased ligands that antagonize G protein activation.This work was supported by NIH grants HL07260 (R.T.K.) and DK55524 (L.M.L.) and a Department of Veterans Affairs REAP Awards.
Standardized Curcuminoids Extract (Curcuma longa L.) Protects against inflammation in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVEC)
Authors: Angel‐Morales Gabriela , Noratto Giuliana , Mertens‐Talcott Susanne 
Published: June 2021

Vascular inflammation is suggested to play a key‐role in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. Turmeric, used as medicinal agent in India, contains polyphenolics known as curcuminoids, including curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin. This study investigated the potential protective effects of standardized curcuminoid extract (SCE) against vascular inflammation induced by high glucose in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). SCE was characterized by HPLC‐PDA. In this study, high glucose (Glc) (25 mM) increased vascular cell adhesion‐1 (VCAM) interleukin (IL‐8), tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐kB) expression up to 2.1, 1.9, 1.7 and 3.0 fold, respectively, compared to the control and treatment with SCE for 24 h inhibited their mRNA expression by up to 50, 70, 40 and 60%, respectively in a dose dependent manner (0‐25 mg/L), these effects were not due to decreased cell viability as assessed by the MTT test. SCE reversed Glc‐and lypopolysacharide (LPS) induced increase of microRNA 146a, the NF‐kB‐dependent gene up to levels found in control cells (6.25‐25 mg/L).In addition, treatment with SCE for 1h incubation at 25 and 50 mg/L blocked formation of Glc‐induced oxygen species (ROS) by 50 and 70% respectively. The present data suggest that SCE could suppress high glucose induced vascular inflammation generation of ROS in HUVEC.Grant Funding SourceTexas A&M University
Survey of functional food molecules in prickly pear cactus, bitter gourd, and guava for the dietary management of the Type II diabetes
Authors: Syu Kai‐lo , Tam William , Tam Gregory , Tam Chick 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveIdentify functional food molecules found in prickly pear cactus (Opuntia dillenii), bitter gourd (Momordica charantia), and guava (Psidium guajava) with hypoglycemic properties in the dietary management of Type II diabetes.MethodUse internet research, peer‐reviewed published papers and books that deal with biochemical components of these fruits and vegetables.ResultPrickly pear cactus has mucilage, a polysaccharides that showed hypoglycemic properties. Bitter gourd helps regulate blood sugar levels because it contains gurmarin, a polypeptide. It also contains alkaloid momordicine, the bitter component in the gourd. The aqueous extract of guava leaves has a good effect to lower blood glucose. Flavonoid glycosides such as pedunculagin, strictinin, and isostrictinin are the effective constituents that have been used in clinical treatment of diabetes to improve the sensitivity of insulin.ConclusionThe available data suggest that prickly pear cactus, bitter gourd, and guava have the potential to become a component of the diet or a dietary supplement for diabetic and prediabetic patients. These biochemical components from prickly pear cactus, bitter gourd, and guava open new possibilities of improve and/or prevent the Type II diabetes and/or its clinical complications.