bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Manipulation of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) with repetitive trans‐spinal magnetic stimulation in healthy adult humans
Authors: Paxton Roger John , Malcolm Matthew P. , Newsom Sean A. , Rynn Grant M. , Maddox Hal W. , Strevey Daniel , Little Suzanne K. , Richards Jennifer C. , Supon Ryan J. , Heulin Kara R. , Bell Christopher 
Published: June 2021

Trans‐cranial magnetic stimulation (TCMS) is a non‐invasive, pain‐free technique used to stimulate and study the human brain and is able to elicit brief (< 5 s) changes in SNS activity. Use of TCMS to elicit longer‐term changes in SNS activity is problematic because magnetic stimulation of the cortex does not directly activate SNS control centers, and prolonged magnetic brain stimulation increases the risk of seizure. Repetitive trans‐spinal magnetic stimulation (rTSMS) represents a novel application of the same technology that avoids the risks associated with TCMS. We have examined the utility of rTSMS for modulation of SNS in adult humans. 32 adults (age: 18–47 yr) were randomly assigned to receive either rTSMS (1 Hz; n = 6, 10 Hz; n = 10, or 20 Hz; n = 8 at 50% intensity of stimulator output) or sham stimulation (SS; n = 8). Skeletal muscle SNS activity (MSNA; microneurography), R‐to‐R interval (RRint; ECG) and standard deviation of RRint (SDRRint; a marker of heart rate variability) were measured prior to, during, and post rTSMS or SS with the magnetic coil aligned with the spinous processes of the 6th and 7th cervical vertebrae. Compared with SS, rTSMS at any frequency did not affect any of the dependent variables: condition/time interaction ‐ MSNA: P = 0.89, RRint: P = 0.15, or SDRRint: P = 0.87. These preliminary data suggest that rTSMS does not influence SNS in adults.Support: NIA AG022053, CSU College of Applied Human Sciences
Dose‐dependent effects of DOCA treatment on cardiovascular function and brain sodium content in the rat
Authors: Abrams Joanna M , Dubinsky Janet M , Guzman Pilar Ariza , Osborn John W 
Published: June 2021

Rats were uninephrectomized, implanted with transmitters for the measurement of arterial pressure (AP), and given either water or 0.9% NaCl to drink. Fluid ingestion (FI) and Na balance were calculated daily. Rats were implanted with a silicone pellet containing 0, 50, or 100 mg DOCA, resulting in 4 groups: control (n=6)saline: 0 mg DOCA + 0.9% NaCl (n=8)50 mg: 50 mg DOCA + 0.9% NaCl (n=9)100 mg: 100 mg DOCA + 0.9% NaCl (n=9)DOCA treatment increased AP, FI, and Na balance (p<0.05). Although 50 mg and 100 mg rats had identical increase in AP, 100 mg rats consumed 2‐fold more saline. Positive Na balance was observed in both DOCA groups, but not in control animals; however, only 100 mg rats showed a significant increase in Na balance as compared to saline rats.We analyzed Na content of several brain regions, including hypothalamus, brainstem, cortex, and, as a measure of overall brain Na content, homogenized half‐brain. Na content was constant across all regions with the exception of the hypothalamus. DOCA treatment increased Na content in the hypothalamus in a dose‐dependent manner.Our results indicate that while increasing DOCA dose from 50 mg to 100 mg has no effect on AP, other variables showed dose‐sensitive modulation. In particular, brain handling of increasing sodium load may be region‐dependent, and the hypothalamus may play a unique role in driving responses to DOCA‐salt treatment. HL064178.
Failure Mode Effects Analysis (FMEA) of Cryospray Ablation in the Airways of Swine
Authors: Krimsky William , Sarkar Saiyad , McKenzie Karen , Petras Robert , Cartledge Jennifer , Askew Timothy 
Published: June 2021

Background: Cryospray Ablation (CSA) evokes tissue necrosis, allowing the regeneration of healthy tissue. In order to determine feasibility and safety of CSA for human lung disease, we tested FMEA in swine.Methods: Three swine were tested to cardiopulmonary collapse defined as the absence of tissue perfusion and oxygenation. Physiologic measurements were continuously assessed, including pulmonary artery pressure, end tidal (EtCO2), pulse oximetry, EKG, BP, and fluoroscopy of the chest. The cryospray catheter was placed into the airway via the bronchoscope and a closed system was maintained. Cryospray was delivered into the airway until cardiopulmonary collapse (CPC).Results: The appearance of barotrauma on fluoroscopy defined as a visible pneumothorax did not result in substantive change of hemodynamic or gas exchange parameters. However, progressive increases in intrathoracic pressure from the continued delivery of the cryospray resulted in CPC secondary to right heart failure. The heralding event of collapse in all animals was the eventration of the right ventricle on fluoroscopy followed rapidly by the development of a non‐perfusing rhythm, the loss of a waveform on the pulmonary artery catheter (PAC), and the loss of EtCO2 and pulse oximetry data. Using pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) as a surrogate for intrathoracic pressure, PAC data suggested it was necessary to raise PASP to greater than 70mmHG (baseline values ∼20mmHG) to achieve the above result. Cardiac function could be restored to normal upon the retardation of cryospray. There was no evidence of airway disruption.Conclusion: FMEA of the CSA system in the airway suggests the potential to safely use this modality for the treatment of human lung diseases.
Reductions in adipose tissue mitochondrial content in high fat diet‐induced obesity and lean models of insulin resistance
Authors: Sutherland Lindsey Nicole , Capozzi Lauren C , Taylor Donna J , Dunichand‐Hoedl Abha R , Bell Rhonda C , Wright David C 
Published: June 2021

Insulin resistance is associated with reductions in adipose tissue mitochondrial content. It is not known how rapidly these changes occur and how they relate to changes in glucose homeostasis. In order to establish the temporal relationship between diet‐induced adipose tissue insulin resistance and mitochondrial content, rats were fed a high fat (HF) diet for 2, 4, or 6 weeks. We found that 6 weeks of HF feeding was necessary for reductions in mitochondrial content in epididymal adipose tissue to occur, as demonstrated by decreases in the protein content of cytochrome C and COXIV, reduced Mitotracker staining, and reductions in mitochondrial size as estimated by electron microscopy. Similar results were seen in dexamethasone treated rats, a model of lean insulin resistance. Intraperitoneal Glucose Tolerance Tests (IPGTT) were completed at 4 and 6 weeks to determine whole‐body insulin action. At 4 weeks and 6 weeks, the integrated AUC for glucose and insulin was higher in the HF fed rats versus control. Although reductions in mitochondrial content did not appear to precede changes in whole‐body insulin action, it did appear to be associated with a worsening of insulin sensitivity, a phenomenon that can occur in both lean and obese models of insulin resistance.Funding: Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, Alberta Diabetes Institute
Comparison of Physical Fitness in Type 1 Diabetic and Healthy Children Matched by Age, Gender, and BMI
Authors: Lee Jane Soyoun , Oliver Stacy R. , Rosa Jaime S. , Pontello Andria M. , Graf Scott C. , Galassetti Pietro R. 
Published: June 2021

Physical activity is important in the growth and development of children and long‐term prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Children with chronic diseases, such as diabetes, with increased risk for CVD, may display altered exercise adaptations requiring individually tailored exercise regimens. While assessment of physical fitness is a crucial component in the design of exercise strategies, conflicting conclusions exist concerning fitness in type 1 diabetic (T1DM) children (with both normal and reduced levels reported), possibly due to difficulty in recruiting closely‐matched controls. Our study aimed to compare fitness in 40 T1DM (19 F, ages 11–15) children and 40 healthy controls rigorously selected as one‐on‐one matches for gender, age (0.13 years mean difference) and BMI (1.5 mean difference). Maximal aerobic capacity (VO2peak) was determined through a standard incremental exercise test on a cycle ergometer. VO2peak was comparable across groups (38 ± 1 vs. 37 ± 1 ml/min/kg, NS), even when subdivided by gender (T1DM vs. control: girls 34 ± 2 vs. 35 ± 2; boys 44 ± 2 vs. 40 ± 2 ml/min/kg). Physical fitness was similar between T1DM and rigorously‐matched healthy children, suggesting that T1DM does not intrinsically limit a child's ability to fully derive the physiological health benefits associated with exercise.Support: NIH grants M01‐RR00827–28; K‐23 RR018661–01; & JDRF #11–2003–332
Phrenic long‐term facilitation is induced by acute intermittent hypoxia despite systemic ATP receptor antagonist attenuation of hypoxic phrenic response in rats
Authors: Sibigtroth Christine Marie , Mitchell Gordon S. 
Published: June 2021

Phrenic long‐term facilitation (pLTF) is a form of respiratory plasticity induced by acute intermittent hypoxia (AIH; Mitchell et al., 2001). Although pLTF is elicited in carotid denervated rats, its magnitude is reduced in proportion to the reduction of the hypoxic phrenic response (~35% normal; Bavis and Mitchell, 2002). Thus, the role of residual chemosensory afferent activity and hypoxic phrenic responses in pLTF induction remains unclear. Since ATP is necessary for hypoxic stimulation of carotid chemoafferent activity and the hypoxic ventilatory response (Rong et al., 2003), we tested the hypothesis that systemic P2X receptor antagonism would block both the hypoxic phrenic response and pLTF following AIH in anesthetized rats. Pyridoxal‐phosphate‐6‐azophenyl‐2',4'‐disulfonic acid (PPADS; 100 mg/kg IV), a non‐selective P2X receptor antagonist, was administered to anesthetized, vagotomized, paralyzed and ventilated male Sprague‐Dawley rats prior to AIH (3, 5‐min episodes of 10% O2; 5 min intervals). Although PPADS strongly attenuated the hypoxic phrenic amplitude response (3 ± 5% baseline), significant pLTF was observed in phrenic burst amplitude 60 min post‐AIH (34±8% baseline, n=4; p < 0.05). Thus, AIH initiates mechanisms of pLTF independently from the hypoxic phrenic response and, presumably, chemoafferent neuron activation.Supported by: NIH HL80209 and T32RR17503
Ventilatory efficiency during pregnancy: the influence of obesity
Authors: Steinback Craig Douglas , Davenport Margie H , Mottola Michelle F 
Published: June 2021

We examined the effect of pregnancy and obesity on ventilatory efficiency at rest and during exercise in women of child‐bearing age. We hypothesized that obesity would have a detrimental effect on ventilatory efficiency compared to the normal weight pregnant and non‐pregnant populations.Forty pregnant women (20 normal weight, PG; and 20 obese, PGOB) between 16 and 20 weeks of gestation and 14 non‐pregnant controls (NP) performed a progressive treadmill test to volitional fatigue. Oxygen consumption (VO2), minute ventilation (VE) and an index of ventilatory efficiency (VE/VCO2 ratio) were compared at rest and at peak exercise (PKE).PGOB exhibited a hyperventilation at rest (VE = 14.5±2.5 L/min) compared to PG (12.7±2.7 L/min, P<0.001) and NP (11.5±1.6 L/min, P<0.001) despite a lower VO2 (P<0.05). Ventilatory efficiency was reduced (higher VE/VCO2 ratio) in obese subjects at rest (4.1±0.7) and at PKE (3.0±0.4) compared to NP (2.3±0.3 and 1.8±0.2 respectively; P<0.001) and PG (2.7±0.3 and 2.1±0.2 respectively; P<0.001). Further, BMI was inversely related to efficiency across all subjects at rest (r2=0.83, P<0.001) and at PKE (r2=0.72, P<0.001).These data indicate that obesity results in a hyperventilation and decreased ventilatory efficiency that is unrelated to pregnancy. This may have implications for exercise capacity and fetal health during pregnancy.Funded by HSFO, OGS and CIHR.
Activation of T lymphocytes by polysaccharide‐protein complex from a Chinese medicinal nutrient, Lycium barbarum L
Authors: Chen Zhisong , Tan Kwong Huat , Tay Samuel SW , Chan Soh Ha 
Published: June 2021

Lycium barbarum fruit, also known as wolfberry, is a Chinese medicinal nutrient containing many micronutrients and phytochemicals, such as essential vitamins, beta‐carotene, zeaxanthin, and polysaccharides. We report that polysaccharide‐protein complex from Lycium barbarum L (LBP) enhances immunity by activating T lymphocytes. Crude LBP was isolated from Lycium fruit and purified to five homogenous fractions, designated as LBPF1, LBPF2, LBPF3, LBPF4, and LBPF5. We found that LBP significantly stimulated mouse splenocyte proliferation. The active fractions were LBPF4 and LBPF5. The proliferation proved to be of T cells, but not B cells. Crude LBP, LBPF4, and LBPF5 markedly enhanced CD25 expression, activated transcription factor NFAT and AP‐1, and induced IL‐2 and IFN‐¦Ã gene transcription and protein secretion. LBP significantly induced T cell proliferation by i.p. and p.o. administration. Both in vitro and in vitro data indicate that LBP is capable of activating T cells. We conclude that activation of T lymphocytes by LBP may contribute to its immuno‐enhancement function.This work was supported by funds from the WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Immunology, National University of Singapore (R‐188‐000‐001‐731).
Developing a mechanism to measure the absorption of bacterially‐synthesized folate across the colon: Testing of caplets with a pH‐sensitive coating designed for colon targeting
Authors: Aimone Ashley , Connolly Bairbre , Chaudhary Surinder , Lugtu Jamie , Martinuzzi Frank , O'Connor Deborah L 
Published: June 2021

We hypothesize that bacterially synthesized folate in the large intestine may significantly influence the folate status of humans and, specifically, colonocytes. Research in this area has been limited due to the absence of a non‐invasive means to quantitatively deliver test doses of folate to the colon. The purpose of this study was to design and test the effectiveness of two pH‐dependent coatings in delivering intact placebo caplets to the large intestine. Barium sulphate caplet cores (19.1 x 9.7mm) were coated with Eudragit® L100 and S100, in either a 1:0 or 3:1 ratio. Each formulation was administered to ten healthy volunteers, and monitored in‐vivo via serial abdominal fluoroscopic images. Test caplets with 3:1 coating formulations had 40% higher colon‐targeting specificity compared to 1:0 caplets, and tended to begin dissolving at a later time after administration (p=0.09). The total time from administration to complete dissolution was also significantly longer for 3:1 coated caplets (p=0.003). These results suggest that barium sulphate caplets with a 3:1 (Eudragit L100:S100) coating formulation ratio would be a suitable delivery system for investigating the absorption of folate across the large intestine.Sponsored by NSERC and the CIHR Training Program in Clinical Research.
Dietary intake of fat in urban Guatemalan schoolchildren
Authors: Toher Claire , Montenegro‐Bethancourt Gabriela , Vossenaar Marieke , Mathias Paul M. , Solomons Noel W. , Bermudez Odilia I. 
Published: June 2021

Background:Altered food habits in nutritional transition have implications for health and disease patterns that start in childhood.Objectives:To evaluate the total fat (TF) and fatty acid (FA) intake among 3rd and 4th grade schoolchildren in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala.Methods:We studied 449 children of both sexes, 230 in private and 219 in public schools. Intake estimation comprised a single 24‐h pictorial self‐recording, supplemented by a dietitian interview to quantify amounts. TF and FA intakes were calculated using the USDA as well as INCAP food databases, and compared with their 2003 WHO recommended nutrient intakes (RNI), expressed as a percentage of total energy.Results:The median intake of TF (29%), saturated fat (SF) (10%), total PUFA (6%) and omega‐6 FA (6%) for all children were within WHO guidelines, whereas that for omega‐3 FA (ω‐3) (0.5%) was below the 1.0–2.0% RNI. Intakes of SF (p<0.01) and total ω‐3 (p<0.05) were significantly higher in the private school sample. Median TF consumption was 8.3 g higher when calculated using the USDA database, as compared to the INCAP table.Conclusion:With the exception of ω‐3, current TF and FA intakes are acceptable in the study population, although long‐term monitoring would be prudent.
Early B‐cells recruitment and activation of NF‐κB in adipose tissue are early features of postprandial vascular endothelial dysfunction
Authors: Magné Joëlle , Fischer Romy , Mariotti François , Mathé Véronique , Giraudet Flore , Tomé Daniel , Huneau Jean‐François 
Published: June 2021

In the postprandial state, a low‐grade inflammatory response may contribute to the adverse effects of high‐saturated fat /high‐sucrose meals on vascular endothelial function, a hallmark of early atherogenesis. In the present study we investigated whether a high‐fat load (HFL), a model of postprandial vascular dysfunction in the rat, induces very early (1) the expression of endothelial adhesion markers on blood leukocytes and (2) the nuclear translocation of NF‐κB, a key transcription factor in the inflammatory cascade. The expression of CD11B, CD62L and CD45RA on blood leukocytes was determined by flow cytometry in 10 healthy rats before and 2 hours after a HFL or a water load (WL). Rats were killed 2h after the load, and visceral adipose tissue was sampled.The neutrophil count markedly increased 2h after the HFL, while remaining steady after the WL. The HFL decreased B‐cell count and expression of the activation marker CD62L. In nuclear extracts of adipose tissue, an increase of activated NF‐κB was observed after the HFL.As far as we know, this is the first study evidencing an acute, postprandial (1) meal‐specific decrease in blood B‐cells and (2) activation of the NF‐κB pathway in adipose tissue. Because they happen very early after the meal, these pro‐inflammatory features probably play a central triggering role in the activation of the complex postprandial proatherogenic phenotype.
Implication of new WHO growth standards on estimated prevalence and identification of early risk factors for malnutrition in rural Malawian infants
Authors: Prost Marc Andre , Jahn Andreas , Floyd Sian , Mvula Hazzie , Mwaiyeghele Eleneus , Mwinuka Venance , Mhango Thomas , Crampin Amelia C , McGrath Nuala , Fine Paul E. M. , Glynn Judith R. 
Published: June 2021

We assessed how switching from NCHS to new WHO child growth standards affects estimated prevalence of wasting, underweight and stunting, and the identification of risk factors. Malawian children (n=1328) were visited at 0–4 months and 11–15 months. Demographic, socio‐economic, health history, anthropometry, maternal nutritional status and feeding practices variables were collected. Weight‐for‐length, weight‐for‐age and length‐for‐age were calculated using both references. In early infancy, prevalence estimates were 2.9, 6.1, and 8.5 folds higher for stunting, underweight and wasting respectively using WHO standards compared to the NCHS reference (p<0.001 for all). At one year wasting and stunting did not differ significantly according to reference used but prevalence of underweight was half that with the NCHS reference (p<0.001). Patterns of risk factors for malnutrition at one year were similar between growth references for all outcomes. Results suggest differences in prevalence estimates depend on population's nutritional status and should not be assumed from previous findings. Adopting the new standards will have implications for feeding programs targeting lactating mothers. Risk factors identified with WHO standards remain comparable to those previously found with NCHS reference in similar settings.This work was supported by the Wellcome Trust.
Increasing age lowers whereas being Mexican American increases overall diet quality in children
Authors: Kranz Sibylle , Findeis Jill 
Published: June 2021

The Revised Children's Diet Quality Index (RC‐DQI) was used to determine overall diet quality in a nationally representative sample of 2–5 year olds (n=1,521; NHANES 1999–2002). Self‐reported socio‐demographic and activity data was used in linear regression models examining the effect of age, gender, ethnic group, income (poverty income ratio (PIR)), and other variables on RC‐DQI scores. Models for the full sample and stratified by income‐eligibility for the WIC (PIR<1.85, N=861) and Food Stamp Program (FS, PIR<1.3, N=676) were developed. Analysis was conducted using survey routines in STATA 9.2. Increasing age was associated with lower and being Mexican American with higher RC‐DQI score (referent: Non‐Hispanic white). In the full sample, increased PIR was associated with better diet quality (^‐coefficient 1.22, p‐value<0.001). Boys had better diet quality than girls (^‐coefficient 1.87, p‐value<0.04) the WIC‐eligible group. Food program participation indicated trends to better diet quality but was not statistically significant. Interventions to improve diet quality should target young children, especially in low‐income families. Future analysis of diet quality should focus on differences in food groups and nutrients consumed by Mexican American children compared to other ethnic groups.Support from USDA RIDGE Grant #K981834‐21 and a College of Health and Human Development seed grant.
Lymph Nodes and Cancer Treatment.
Authors: Read William Lewis 
Published: June 2021

The extent of regional lymph node involvement is a critical variable in the staging of all adult solid tumors. The TNM (Tumor, Node, Metastasis) staging system assigns N stage based on the careful evaluation of regional nodes. We will discuss how lymph nodes are evaluated for several different common solid tumors, and discuss how technological advances are minimizing the morbidity of this evaluation. In patients who present with involved lymph nodes, treatment for cure necessitates not only treatment of the local tumor but also treatment aimed at eradicating regional disease. Surgery, radiation or both can be used for this purpose, and we will discuss how these decisions are made and how newer treatments can improve regional disease control and survival.Lymph node involvement on diagnosis portends a greater risk of developing distant metastatic disease, and we will discuss cases in which the presence or absence of nodal involvement is the key factor in deciding whether systemic adjuvant chemotherapy will increase the chance for cure.Lymphoma is different from solid tumors in that it primarily affects lymph nodes as is often without a dominant primary tumor. We will discuss the diagnosis, staging and treatment of lymphoma and how this differs from that of common solid tumors. We will also discuss solid tumors that do not involve lymph nodes and how this affects staging and treatment.