bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 vaccination and dialysis patients: why the variable response
Authors: Yen J -S , Wang I -K , Yen T -H 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Uremia affects all parts of the immune system. Since hemodialysis patients travel to the dialysis center three times per week and are surrounded by many other patients and staffs, these could predispose them to a greater risk of coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) infection. Mortality associated with COVID-19 infection is high in patients receiving dialysis. Currently, the World Health Organization has approved six types of vaccines (ChAdOx1-S, Ad26.COV2.S, BNT162b2, mRNA-1273, BBIBP-CorV and CoronaVac) for COVID-19. Literature data regarding the response rate toward COVID-19 vaccination in dialysis patients is inconclusive. The published response rates varied from 29.6% to 96.4%. The variable response rates across these clinical trials may be explained by different vaccine types, vaccine doses, criteria for positive immune response, timings of antibody detection, races and ethnicities. Side effects of COVID-19 vaccination comprise of pain at injection site, fatigue, myalgia, headache, low fever, syncope, pericarditis, etc. Clinical predictors of positive response toward COVID-19 vaccination include age, previous infection, immunosuppressive therapy, body mass index and serum albumin level. No one is safe until everyone is safe. Therefore, vaccination against COVID-19 infection in dialysis patients is an urgent issue of worldwide concern.
Intravenous prostanoids in systemic sclerosis-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension: a single-centre experience
Authors: Vlachou Maria , Fayed Hossam , Dawson Adele , Reddecliffe Sally , Stevenson Alexander , Thomson Ross J , Schreiber Benjamin Emmanuel , Coghlan J Gerry 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Objectives
The current study evaluates survival rates among SSc-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension (SSc-PAH) patients on i.v. prostanoids, and short-term impact of i.v. prostanoids on clinical and haemodynamic parameters.

Methods
Baseline demographics, invasive and non-invasive data, European Society of Cardiology (ESC) score and REVEAL score of 81 SSc-PAH patients (median age 61 years, interquartile range 54–67 years, 84% females) were prospectively recorded, from November 2006 till November 2020, before initiation of i.v. prostanoids, and at first formal reassessment. Survival data were retrieved from National Health Service Spine and hospital databases.

Results
Significant improvements in clinical and haemodynamic parameters in response to i.v. prostanoid therapy were documented. Functional class (FC) (16.6% improved by 1FC, P =0.041), mean pulmonary arterial pressure (−6.5 mmHg, P =0.036), pulmonary vascular resistance (−2.6 WU, P =0.012), cardiac index (Q/m2) (+0.7 l/min/m2, P =0.003) and mixed venous oxygen saturation (SvO2) (+3%, P =0.036) improved. Estimated survival for CTD-PAH patients on i.v. prostanoids was 64%, 31% and 18%, at 1 year, 3 years and 5 years, respectively. Independent baseline predictors of mortality were older age (HR: 1.043, 95% CI: 1.011–1.075, P =0.007), higher N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels (HR: 2.191, 95% CI: 1.131–4.243, P =0.020), and lower SvO2 levels (HR: 0.962, 95% CI: 0.926–0.998, P =0.039). High ESC risk or high and very high REVEAL score was associated with significantly worse survival compared with patients with lower risk scores, both at baseline and when reassessed after a median of 6.5 months.

Conclusions
Survival among SSc-PAH patients on i.v. prostanoids remains poor, risk scoring at baseline and after 6.5 months of therapy improves prognostication.
The Pristimantis trachyblepharis species group, a clade of miniaturized frogs: description of four new species and insights into the evolution of body size in the genus
Authors: Zumel Daniel , Buckley David , Ron Santiago R 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Species richness in the genus Pristimantis is underestimated due to the existence of morphologically cryptic species. This is worsened by the low sampling effort and the lack of studies using genetic markers. Here, we use molecular and morphological data to determine the phylogenetic relationships of a clade of Pristimantis distributed throughout montane tropical forests in the eastern Andes, from central Ecuador to northern Perú. We name this clade the Pristimantis trachyblepharis species group. Our results show that it comprises nine species, of which four are formally described and five are new. Four of these undescribed species are formally described here. The group is composed of miniaturized species, such as Pristimantis nanus sp. nov., currently the smallest known species of the genus and the smallest vertebrate in Ecuador. As a first approach to understanding the evolutionary origin and implications of body-size reduction in Pristimantis, we here study the phylogenetic signal and evolutionary trends of body size within the genus. We also provide the first record of P. aquilonaris in Ecuador and we show, for the first time, the phylogenetic position of P. albujai, P. aquilonaris, P. minimus and P. trachyblepharis, which are also members of the P. trachyblepharis species group.
Multidrug resistance P‐glycoprotein/ABCB1/MDR1 protects against apoptosis by reducing cellular ceramides (Cer) induced by cadmium (Cd)
Authors: Lee Wing‐Kee , Torchalski Blazej , Chakraborty Prabir K , Thévenod Frank 
Published: June 2021

Cd damages the kidney by apoptosis, but chronic Cd exposure also leads to cancer. Previously, we showed Cd apoptosis mediated by ceramide‐calpain signaling (Lee, W.‐K., Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2007), but also Cd‐induced upregulation of the multidrug resistance transporter P‐glycoprotein (MDR1) to promote kidney proximal tubule cell (PTC) survival (Thévenod, F., J Biol Chem 2000). The aim of the study was to investigate mechanisms of MDR1 dependent survival of Cd exposed cells. In MDR1 overexpressing kidney cells (MDR1‐MDCK), toxicity of 10–20 μM Cd and 10–50 μM C6 Cer (by MTT assay and nuclear staining) was significantly reduced by up to 75% and 60%, respectively, which was abolished by the MDR1 blocker PSC833. Electrical measurements (ECIS) of MDCK and MDR1‐MDCK monolayers ± Cd showed similar effects. Efflux of 109Cd was not enhanced in MDR1‐MDCK and unaffected by MDR1 inhibitors (PSC833, C219). A diacylglycerol kinase assay revealed lower basal total Cer levels in MDR1‐MDCK (0.31 ± 0.04 μM) than controls (0.49 ± 0.07 μM). Cer levels were increased by 67.2 ± 16.0% in MDCK but only a 21.9 ± 4.8% increase in MDR1‐MDCK by 3 h Cd. Furthermore, induction of MDR1 expression by Wnt signalling (transfection of β‐catenin and TCF4) reduced cell death by Cd in PTC. Rather than exporting Cd, MDR1 seems to confer its protective effects by reducing cellular Cer levels or by efflux of Cer metabolites.Funded by DFG TH 345/10‐1 and TH 345/11‐1
Evaluation of MRSA Detection By Genetic v/s Chromogenic v/s Conventional Methods in New Admission to SICU/TICU/NICU Units at Hamad Medical Corporation
Authors: Doiphode Sanjay , Thani Asma Al , Al‐Remaihi Hanan , Yagoob Aisha , Al‐Moklf Fatema 
Published: June 2021

Methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is usually acquired during exposure to hospitals and other healthcare facilities, and causes a variety of serious health care associated infections. The aim of this study is to evaluate, compare and detect MRSA using genetic, chromogenic and conventional methods in admission to SICU/TICU/NICU at Hamad Medical Corporation. A total of 30 specimens were collected from patients admitted to SICU/TICU/NICU and each specimen was performed in 4 different methods including 1‐ conventional method using: Mannitol salt agar (MSA), 2‐ chromogenic using CHROMagar and 2 genetic methods; 3‐Smart Cycler BD GeneOhm™ MRSA and 4‐ GeneXpert® MRSA Assay. The results indicated that MRSA was detected in 10% of the study population. The distribution of positive samples using MSA Vs CHROMagar Vs Gene OHM Vs GenXpert methods was as following: 28%, 18%, 27% and 27% respectively.So we can conclude that traditional methods for screening of MRSA with the conventional and chromogenic methods are still useful to determine the type of MRSA and both methods are complementary to each others and introducing the genetic methods had a great advantage in solving problems facing the hospital with turnaround time.
Fenofibrate (FEN), a peroxisome proliferator activated receptor alpha (PPAR α) agonist, decreases dietary fat absorption and alters triglyceride (TG) metabolism in enterocytes of mice
Authors: Uchida Aki , Slipchenko Mikhail N. , Cheng Ji‐Xin , Buhman Kimberly K. 
Published: June 2021

FEN activates PPARα and lowers blood TG concentrations. The mechanism is complex and involves decreasing hepatic secretion of TG via increasing fatty acid oxidation (FAO) and increasing clearance of blood TG via lipolysis. We hypothesized that FEN may also lower blood TG conc. via altering dietary fat absorption and intestinal TG metabolism. We fed mice a high‐fat diet for 2 wks and then orally administered FEN (800 mg/kg bw/d) or vehicle (VEH) for 5 d and investigated TG metabolism in the small intestine. FEN effectively lowered fasting blood TG conc. compared to VEH (21±1 vs 27±2 mg/dL, P=0.02, n=7). Dietary fat absorption was lower in FEN compared to VEH mice as evidenced by fecal fat percent (10.7±0.6 vs 2.3±0.2% fat, P=0.003, n=4–5). Intestinal FAO was determined ex vivo by measuring the production of 3H2O from 3H‐oleate. FAO in FEN was 1.5 fold higher compared to VEH mice (P=0.03, n=11–12). TG storage was imaged by coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering microscopy. Very little to no TG storage was found in enterocytes of FEN compared to abundant TG storage in VEH mice. We determined TG secretion from enterocytes in chow fed mice orally administered FEN or VEH. We measured blood TG conc. before, 1, 2, and 3h post oil oral gavage. The AUC was interestingly, greater from FEN than VEH mice (P=0.045, n=7–10). These results confirm that FEN decreases dietary fat absorption and alters TG metabolism in enterocytes of mice.Grant Funding Source: American Heart Association
Australopithecus afarensis and the Evolution of the Human Cranial Base
Authors: Kimbel William , Rak Yoel 
Published: June 2021

Differences in ape and human cranial base form are usually attributed to a combination of an enlarged brain, retracted face and upright locomotion in humans. Relative to the apes, the human foramen magnum is anteriorly inclined and, with the occipital condyles, is forwardly located on a broad, short and flexed base; the petrous bones are coronally rotated; the glenoid region is topographically complex; the nuchal lines low; and the nuchal plane horizontal. The proximate causes of these innovations are accessible through the fossil record, the only data source on the temporal pattern of trait evolution in the human lineage.Australopithecus afarensis (3.7‐3.0 Ma) is the earliest hominin species in which the cranial base can be assessed comprehensively. It shows that in small‐brained, bipedal hominins the foramen magnum and occipital condyles are anterior, as in humans, but without the foramen's forward inclination. In some skulls this is associated with a short, broad base and an inferiorly rotated occipital – novelties shared with later australopiths and humans. In others, including a recently recovered female, a more primitive morphology is present: while the foramen and condyles reside anteriorly on a short base, the nuchal lines are high, the nuchal plane is steep, and the base is relatively narrow.We explore implications for sexual dimorphism and functional integration in the hominin cranial base.
Fatty acid intake and bone mineral density, structure and strength; measured by pQCT in young girls
Authors: Laudermilk Monica Janeene , Going Scott B , Thomson Cynthia A , Houtkooper Linda 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundDiet may influence maximum growth rates and accrual of BMD during pre‐adolescence. In vivo, in vitro and human studies linking fat intake and bone status reveal biphasic effects dependent on fatty acid quantity and composition.ObjectiveTo assess the relationship of fatty acid intake and bone parameters in young girls.DesignCross‐sectional study of 363 girls age 8–12 y.MethodsGirls completed the Harvard Youth/Adolescent Food Frequency Questionnaire. Bone parameters were measured by peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) in the non‐dominant leg.Results4th grade: Fat intake was a negative correlate of periosteal circumference, trabecular and cortical area, and bone strength. Polyunsaturated fat and ω6 were positive correlates of femur cortical density. Monounsaturated fat was a positive predictor of tibia trabecular area. 6th grade: ω6:ω3 intake was inversely associated with tibia trabecular and cortical area and periosteal circumference. ω6:ω3 was a negative correlate and predictor of femoral bone strength. Total fat, saturated fat, ω3 and ω6:ω3 predicted cortical densities, trabecular area, endosteal and periosteal circumferences of the tibia and femur.ConclusionCross‐sectional fat intake is related to bone status measured by pQCT and can have a type dependent, regio‐specific impact that may vary through maturation. The Jump‐In study was funded by NIH: HD050775.Grant Funding Source: NIH: HD050775
Interleukin‐18 disrupts tight junctions in gastric and intestinal epithelial monolayers
Authors: Lapointe Tamia K , Hirota Christina L , Menard Daniel , MacNaughton Wallace K , Buret Andre G 
Published: June 2021

Chronic inflammatory conditions of the gut including Helicobacter pylori gastritis and the inflammatory bowel diseases ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are characterized by compromised epithelial barrier function and tight junction alterations. Both conditions are associated with increased mucosal levels of the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin‐18 (IL‐18). The role of IL‐18 in epithelial barrier defects has yet to be investigated.AIMThis study assessed the effect of IL‐18 on gastric and intestinal epithelial barrier structure and function.RESULTSHuman gastric (HGE‐20) and colonic (Caco‐2) epithelial monolayers challenged with IL‐18 showed redistribution of tight junctional proteins claudin‐4 and occludin. This was accompanied by a matrix metalloproteinase‐9 independent decrease in claudin‐4 and occludin expression. Despite disrupting epithelial tight junction structure, IL‐18 treatment did not affect apical‐to‐basolateral fluxes of 3000MW FITC‐dextran, suggesting no effect of IL‐18 on transepithelial permeability to small molecules.CONCLUSIONThese findings demonstrate that IL‐18 disrupts epithelial barrier structure in gastric and intestinal monolayers without affecting transepithelial permeability. Future studies will assess the significance of IL‐18 ‐mediated tight junction disruption with respect to leukocyte transmigration across epithelia. Funded by CIHR.
An Anatomical Comparative Study of Lower Limb Discrepancy and Scoliosis
Authors: Santoriello Lisa Marie , Aibinder William Reuben , Pagano Anthony , Márquez Samuel 
Published: June 2021

Lower limb (LL) discrepancy (LLD) and Scoliosis (S) are two conditions found within the general population that afflict a variety of polytypic individuals. This study compares tibial, femoral, and total LL length among scoliotic (S) and non‐scoliotic (NS) donor bodies (n=22) representing an urban population. Seven of the individuals exhibited various degrees of scoliosis. Femoral length was measured from the lateral condyle to the greater trochanter. Tibial length was measured from the medial malleolus to the medial condyle. Individual components of the left and right LL were compared within and between the S and NS groups. T‐tests revealed no significant LLD difference (p < 0.05) between S and NS groups or within a pooled sample. Despite a lack of significant differences found between S and NS groups in each of their individual bony components of the LL, no individual in the pooled sample was identically symmetrical in femoral or total LL length. Only one individual presented with a left and right tibia of equal length measuring 36.6 centimeters. These results suggest that the presence of LLD transcends scoliotic condition and may be the anatomical norm for humans. The biomechanical response to LLD on gait and posture remains unresolved and requires further investigation.Grant Funding Source: AAA
The Role of Non‐Synonymous ZnT2 Gene Polymorphisms in Cellular Zn Homeostasis in Mammary Epithelial Cells
Authors: Seo Young Ah , Kelleher Shannon L 
Published: June 2021

ZnT2 plays a major role in Zn export from the mammary gland into milk. Recently, we determined that ZnT2 is associated with secretory vesicles reflecting its role in Zn secretion during lactation. Herein, we identified two distinct single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in ZnT2 (SNP1: rs35235055, leucine to proline (Leu23Pro); SNP2: rs35623192, arginine to cysteine (Arg340Cys). We examined the localization and function of each SNP in cells generated to express mutants‐ and wild type‐HA fusion proteins. SNP1 was localized to the lysosome while SNP2 was localized to the Golgi. This mislocalization suggest that role of ZnT2 in Zn secretion might be affected. Importantly, FluoZin‐3 fluorescence (indicator of labile vesicular zinc pools) was significantly higher in cells expressing SNP1 (+ 35%) and SNP2 (+25%) compared with cells overexpressing wild type ZnT2. Moreover, Zn secretion was significantly lower in cells expressing SNP1 (−49%) and SNP2 (−28%) compared with cells overexpressing wild type ZnT2. Furthermore, expression of SNP1 was associated with decreased cytoplasmic Zn levels (−66%), suggesting that SNP1 depleted total cellular Zn pools. Taken together, our data indicate that SNPs in ZnT2 may result in significant differences in cellular Zn homeostasis in humans and suggest that dysregulation of mammary gland Zn metabolism may be implicated in human health and disease. Supported by NIH #HD058614 to SLK.Grant Funding Source: NIH
Effects of consumption of honey, sucrose and glucose on satiety and postprandial metabolism in healthy subjects
Authors: Nemoseck Tricia , Cholish Dana , Petrisko Yumi , Kern Mark 
Published: June 2021

We recently demonstrated that consuming a 240‐kcal portion of honey produces an attenuated glycemic response in healthy adults compared to glucose but not sucrose and that honey reduces food intake compared to sucrose in rats. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of consuming honey, sucrose and glucose at a greater energy load on satiety and plasma glucose, insulin and ghrelin. In a randomized, crossover design, 14 healthy subjects consumed 400‐kcal solutions containing honey, sucrose or glucose following a 10‐hr fast. Visual analog scales for satiety assessment and fingerprick blood samples were collected over a 2‐hr period. Satiety area under the curve (AUC) and plasma ghrelin area over the curve did not differ significantly among the sweeteners consumed. Intake of honey resulted in lower (p≤.05) plasma glucose and insulin AUCs (mean ± SEM: −33.3±6.1% and −11.1%±1.6%, respectively) than the AUCs induced by glucose consumption (p≤.05). Consumption of honey elicited lower (p≤.05) plasma glucose AUC (−16.4%±6.2%) compared to sucrose but resulted in similar insulin AUCs. These results suggest that at the given energy load, honey promotes a potentially healthier response than sucrose and glucose with regard to postprandial glucose metabolism. However, there appears to be no difference in satiating power among honey, sucrose and glucose.Sponsored by a grant from the American Heart Association
Impact of a 16‐week behavioral weight loss program on diet quality
Authors: LEE EUNKYUNG , WEBBER KELLY H 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundBehavioral weight loss programs are effective for short‐term weight loss but there is a lack of literature which deals with the impact of these programs on changes in diet quality that they may produce. The Healthy Eating Index (HEI)‐2005 was developed as a summary measure of diet quality by U.S. Department of Agriculture.ObjectiveTo explore changes in participants’ diet quality, as measured by the HEI‐2005, over the course of a 16‐week Internet behavioral weight loss program.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsA single‐center randomized controlled trial conducted from August 2008 to December 2008 in Lexington, KY. Sixty‐six women whose mean (SD) age was 48.6 (10.8) years and body mass index was 31.8 (3.7) kg/m2 completed all dietary measures.InterventionsParticipants received two face‐to‐face group sessions with a dietitian, at baseline and 4‐weeks, in addition to 16 weekly behavioral weight loss lessons delivered via an Internet website.Main Outcome MeasuresDietary intake was measured using the 2005 Block food frequency questionnaire.ResultsParticipants showed a significant reduction in energy intake (1854.2±771.7 Vs 1372.9±423.7; p<0.001), and a significant increase in diet quality score as measured by the HEI‐2005 (52.5±10.3 Vs 56.2±10.9; p =0.0016).ConclusionParticipation in an Internet behavioral weight loss program significantly improved diet quality in adult women.Funding Disclosure: Funding for this study was provided by startup funds of the second author.
Dried plums consumed twice daily increase antioxidant capacity after two weeks in adult women
Authors: Kaper Stacy , Howarth Leslie S , Petrisko Yumi , Furchner‐Evanson Allison , Nemoseck Tricia , Hong Mee Young , Kern Mark 
Published: June 2021

Consumption of an antioxidant‐rich diet is associated with a lower incidence of heart disease and is thought to be involved with preventing cancer and other inflammatory diseases. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of twice daily consumption of dried plums as snacks for two weeks on antioxidant capacity and C‐reactive protein in humans compared to cookie consumption. Twenty‐seven women aged 25–54 years were provided with twice daily 100 kcal servings of either dried plums or low‐fat cookies for separate two‐week feeding trials with a two‐week washout period. After an overnight fast, blood samples were collected prior to initiating each feeding trial and after two weeks of each trial. Serum C‐reactive protein was measured using an ELISA assay. The Trolox‐equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) assay was used to measure antioxidant capacity. Two weeks intake of 100 kcal dried plums resulted in an increase in antioxidant capacity (P<0.05) compared to two weeks intake of 100 kcal cookies. Antioxidant capacity was increased after two weeks of dried plum snack (P=0.039) but decreased with cookie snacks (P=0.018). C‐reactive protein levels did not differ significantly between the two feeding trials. These results suggest that choice of snack may impact health by influencing antioxidant status.This study was supported by the California Dried Plum Board.