bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Parasitic infection among young children in Mwami catchment area, Chipata District, Eastern Zambia
Authors: Mukaire Pamela E , Katuli Sozina , Ormsby Gail M , Cordero‐MacIntyre Zaida 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveTo assess the prevalence of malaria and intestinal parasitic infections, as well as hemoglobin levels in a sample of children.MethodsWe screened for P. falciparum, Ascaris lumbricoides, helminthiasis, hookworms and hemoglobin levels from blood and stool samples collected among 138 children aged 2–7 years from five rural villages. Blood was obtained by finger prick or drawn from the arm. Blood slides were assessed using Field's Stain A&B staining and screened with an electric microscope for malaria species identification. Fifty fields were examined on each slide. Grade of malaria parasitemia was reported based on the average number of parasites seen per field. Stool was examined using direct wet mount method and the formalin‐ethyl acetate concentration method in the laboratory. Hemoglobin (Hb) levels were diagnosed using a hemoglobimeter. We used Pearson correlation to compare Hb level to malaria status.ResultsOf this study population, 52.8% tested positive for malaria; all cases were identified to be caused by P. falciparum. The mean level of hemoglobin was 10.0 ± =1.3 mg/dl. Pearson correlation comparing Hb level to malaria status was not significant (−0.068). Hookworm infection was found in less than 5%; Ascaris lumbricoides was found in only 2% of the children.ConclusionOver half of the children tested positive for malaria. Findings for helminthiasis were lower than expected.
Theranostic Nanoparticles for Targeting Drug Resistant Triple Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Miller‐Kleinhenz Jasmine , Qian Weiping , Zhou Hongyu , Wang Y Andrew , Mao Hui , Yang Lily 
Published: June 2021

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive breast cancer subtype and more than 60% of TNBCs are resistant to chemotherapy. To effectively treat chemoresistant TNBC we have developed uPAR‐targeted magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) carrying therapeutic agents. uPAR is highly expressed in aggressive and invasive breast cancer tissues. Our goal is to determine whether uPAR–targeted theranostic IONPs selectively deliver drugs into CD44+/CD24‐cancer stem cells (CSC) and enhance therapeutic effects in those cells. Using an orthotopic primary human TNBC xenograft model derived from surgically resected drug resistant TNBC tissues in nude mice, we have demonstrated the effect of tumor growth inhibition following systemic delivery of the targeted IONPs. Histological analysis of post‐chemotherapy TNBC and primary tumor xenograft tissues with or without uPAR‐targeted IONP‐Doxorubicin (Dox) treatment shows high expression levels of CD44 and uPAR in primary TNBC tissues and human tumor xenografts. Primary TNBC xenografts treated with conventional Dox have increased levels of CD44 and uPAR. Conversely, the tumor tissues from the uPAR‐targeted IONP‐Dox treated group show decreased levels of CD44 and uPAR expression. These results support further investigation of theranostic nanoparticles as an approach to overcome drug resistance in TNBC.Research supported by NIH grant R01 CA154129A‐01
Use of a Recombinant Fluorescent MMP‐2 as a Reporter for Tracking the Involvement of This Protease in Target Organ Damage Found in Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: do Prado Alejandro Ferraz , Azevedo Aline , Castro Myrella Lessio , Gerlach Raquel Fernanda 
Published: June 2021

Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 (MMP‐2) is elevated in hypertensive heart and vessel remodeling, being also highly expressed in organs that show function change and structural damage due to hypertension and atherosclerosis. Expression of MMP‐2 alone caused structural and functional changes in heart and kidney. It is not known yet which are the consequences of increased circulating MMP‐2 in vivo. To investigate this, we constructed a clone containing the MMP‐2 cDNA encoding MMP‐2's catalytic domain fused to the green fluorescent protein (GFP). Recombinant protein was expressed in bacteria, purified and checked for integrity and activity. Zymography, SDS‐PAGE and western blotting (WB) analyses were used for characterization. The purified protein was injected into ApoE Knockout mice (ApoE−/−) and controls (C57BL6) for four weeks. Whole organs (arteries, brain, heart, and kidneys) were excised to check for the presence of MMP‐2 according to the level of fluorescence using the IVIS spectrum imaging system. Homogenized organs levels of MMP‐2 were checked in a fluorimeter, being those further confirmed by Western Blot against the GFP protein. Results suggest spread of MMP‐2 via circulation to organs that display funtional and structural damage in cardiovascular diseases.This study was supported by The State of Sao Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP)
EFFECTS OF EXERCISE TRAINING ON CARDIAC AND RENAL OXIDATIVE PROFILE IN AN EXPERIMENTAL MODEL OF RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATION
Authors: de Oliveira Brito Janaina , Bernardes Nathalia , Conti Filipe Fernandes , da Palma Renata Kelly , Lemos Guilherme , Irigoyen Maria Claudia , De Angelis Kátia 
Published: June 2021

The aim of study was to verify the effects of exercise training (ET) on hemodynamic parameters and on cardiac and renal oxidative stress (OE) in hypertensive ovariectomized rats submitted to fructose overload. Females Wistar (n=8) and SHR (n=32) rats were divided into: normotensive (N), hypertensive (H), hypertensive ovariectomized (HO), hypertensive ovariectomized submitted to fructose overload (HOF) and trained hypertensive ovariectomized submitted to fructose overload (THOF). The ET was performed on treadmill (1h/day;5d/wk;8wks). The arterial pressure (AP) was directly recorded. The OE profile was verified by thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) protein carbonylation (CARB) and antioxidant enzymes activities. AP was increased by association of risk factors, and was reduced by ET. Tachycardia was observed in the HFO group compared to THOF group (343±16 vs. 398±14 bpm). The hypertension increased TBARS (H:2.78±0.39;HO:4.78±0.4;HFO:3.87±0.23 vs. C:1.69±0.09 umol/mg prot) and CARB in renal tissue when compared to C group, which were attenuated by ET. The cardiac catalase and superoxide dismutase were reduced in the hypertensive groups, but the ET normalized the catalase. The superoxide dismutase activity was higher in the THOF group in renal tissue. Concluding, the ET attenuated hemodynamic dysfuctions and cardiac and renal oxidative stress caused by the association of risk factors, suggesting benefits of this non‐pharmacology approach after ovarian hormones deprivation.Financial Support:FAPESP (2010/17188–4; 2007/57595–5; 2011/15828–9).
Chronic Intermittent Hypoxia Induces Airflow Limitation in a Rodent Model of Allergen‐Induced Lower Airway Inflammation
Authors: Broytman Oleg , Braun Rudolf K , Pegelow David F , Hsu Pei‐Ning , Mei Linda Song , Koya Ajay K , Bates Melissa L , Morgan Barbara J , Eldridge Marlowe , Sorkness Ronald L , Teodorescu Mihaela 
Published: June 2021

RationaleObstructive sleep apnea (OSA) aggravates asthma, but the mechanisms are unclear. Chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) is one hallmark feature of OSA. We tested the effects of CIH on lower airways in an ovalbumin (OVA) rodent model.MethodsFour groups (n=5–6/group) of Brown‐Norway rats underwent CIH (10% FiO2, 30 episodes/h, 10h/day for 30 days) vs. normoxia (NORM) and OVA vs. vehicle (VEH). Lung physiology and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) WBC differentials were compared between groups, 2 days after last challenge.ResultsOn lung physiology: 1) CIH reduced the Forced Expiratory Volume in 0.1 second (FEV0.1) to Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) ratio (FEV0.1/FVC) (p=0.008) and peak expiratory flow (p=0.03); OVA did not affect these measures. 2) FVC was increased by CIH (p=0.0009), but reduced by OVA (p <0.0001). In the BAL: 1) CIH did not change total cell counts (p = 0.25); 2) CIH induced a 2.3‐fold reduction in % eosinophils (p = 0.001); 3) In OVA‐challenged rats, CIH increased neutrophil fraction among infiltrating granulocytes (p = 0.03, Figure).ConclusionsCIH induces airflow limitation even in the absence of inhaled allergen. CIH induces a more neutrophil‐predominant response to allergen. These findings highlight the potential of OSA to aggravate lung dysfunction in patients with pre‐existent airway inflammation.Supported by UW‐Madison Department of Medicine Pilot Funding.
Cardioprotection by Poloxamer 188 is Mediated by Nitric Oxide Synthase
Authors: Salzman Michele , Cheng Qunli , Matsuura Timothy , Yannopoulos Demetris , Riess Matthias 
Published: June 2021

INTRODUCTIONThe tri‐block copolymer Poloxamer 188 (P188) attenuates myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in porcine models of acute regional myocardial infarction and cardiac arrest. We tested its cardioprotective effects in a rat isolated heart model.METHODS:After 35 minutes baseline perfusion, Langendorff‐prepared hearts from Brown Norway rats were subjected to 30 minutes global no‐flow ischemia. On reperfusion, hearts were randomized to receive vehicle, P188, the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor Nω‐Nitro‐L‐arginine methyl ester (L‐NAME), or P188+L‐NAME for 120 minutes. Left ventricular pressure (LVP), its derivatives, and coronary flow (CF) before, during and after I/R and infarct size (IS) were measured. RESULTS:Functional improvement and IS reduction by P188 were abolished by L‐NAME.Table: Coronary & myocardial function and tissue viability after I/R

Vehicle
L‐NAME
P188
P188+L‐NAME

SysLVP
65.4±1.9
62.2±2.6
59.0±1.1
62.9±5.5

DiaLVP
32.3±4.1
33.4±3.1
19.3±2.2*†‡
29.8±2.5

DevLVP
30.7±2.1
34.5±4.3
45.4±2.2*†‡
30.4±6.4

dPdtmax
38.8±3.7
39.9±5.5
54.5±2.4*†‡
35.5±7.8

CF
64.6±5.3
77.7±3.3*†
73.0±2.5*†
64.0±4.3

IS
39.1±4.0
32.4±2.2
18.5±1.4*†‡
31.1±3.4

[Sys: systolic; Dia: diastolic; Dev: developed; all data are % baseline at 120 minutes reperfusion (except for DiaLVP in mmHg and IS in %); statistics: ANOVA and SNK, alpha .05, *vs Vehicle, †vs P188+L‐NAME, ‡vs L‐NAME]DISCUSSIONMaintaining cell membrane integrity is critical for preservation of cellular and subcellular functions and to prevent cell death. P188 offers an efficient way to attenuate I/R injury when given upon reperfusion. Direct or indirect release of nitric oxide appears to play a decisive role.Supported by Department of Veterans Affairs (CARA‐026‐10F), NIH and institutional funds.
Circulating Cells Contribute to Cardiac Regeneration in The Axolotl
Authors: Lauridsen Henrik , Pedersen Michael 
Published: June 2021

IntroMyocardial infarction (MI) is a leading cause of death globally. Traditional mammalian biomedical animal models all respond relatively similar to MI as humans. On the other hand salamanders, such as the axolotl, have the capacity to fully regenerate cardiac structures. Cardiac regeneration in basic animal models (i.e. salamander and zebrafish) has previously been described to rely primarily on local cardiomyocytes. To test for contribution of any circulating cells we developed a heterotopic heart transplantation (HHT) model in the axolotl in which any contributing cells originating outside the heart express GFP.M&M: Donor hearts were excised from non GFP (GFP÷) axolotls and transplanted to the abdominal cavity of axolotls globally expressing GFP (GFP+). Inflow and outflow vessels of the transplanted heart were anastomosed to the abdominal vein. Proper conjunction of the heterotopic heart to the circulation was tested by echocardiography. MI was induced on the heterotopic heart by cryoinjury. Hearts were harvested at 3, 7, 14, 30 and 60 days post infarction, cryosectioned and thoroughly examined with confocal microscopy for GFP+ cells in the regenerate.Results & DiscussionGFP+ cells were observed to inhabit the regenerate as elongated cells lining GFP÷ cardiomyocytes. No GFP+ cells expressed cardiomyocyte markers. The HHT model dictates that GFP+ cells in the regenerate must originate from circulating cells in the host animal, however the exact phenotype of the cells remains to be determined. These results indicate that the axolotl apply a resource of circulating stem cells and cardiac regeneration is not merely a local phenomenon.
Dose to the Mother Method: Milk Intake and Vitamin A Transfer to the Lactating Infant of Mexican Mothers, Using Stable Isotopes
Authors: Lopez Teros Veronica , Limón‐Miró Ana , Villegas‐Valle Rosa , Antunez‐Roman Lesley , Tortoledo‐Ortiz Orlando , Astiazaran‐Garcia Humberto , Valencia Mauro 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveTo assess the breast milk intake and transfer of vitamin A (VA) from the mother to the breastfed child in lactating Mexican women from rural and urban areas.MethodsMilk intake was assessed with the dose to the mother method, briefly deuterated water is administered to the mother and the appearance of the isotope is measured in the breastfed child's and mother's saliva; deuterium enrichment (stable isotope) is analyzed by FTIR. Breast milk retinol (BMR) concentration was determined by HPLC and the cutoff to define VA deficiency was 1.05 µmol/L.ResultsSubjects were 27 and 32 women‐child pairs from urban and rural areas of northwest Mexico, respectively. Mean breast milk intake 727.35 ± 224 mL and it was significantly lower in children from the rural area (P=0.04). Mean BMR concentration was 1.11 μmol/L and 53% of women had VAD. BMR concentration was lower for the rural area (P=0.038). By combining both determinations (DTM and BMR), results showed that breastfed children from the rural and urban area reached only 47% and 64% of their VA recommended dietary intake (P=0.051), respectively.ConclusionVAD is still a public health problem in Mexico and requires new approaches to fight it effectively.Study supported by Universidad de Sonora.
Are Food Processing and Convenience Linked with the Nutritional Quality of Foods Purchased by US Households?
Authors: Poti Jennifer , Mendez Michelle , Ng Shu Wen , Popkin Barry 
Published: June 2021

Processed foods' contribution to US diet and nutrient content have not been accurately assessed. Our objective was to develop a multi‐dimensional classification system for food processing, determine nationally representative trends in processed and convenience food purchasing, and compare nutrient profiles of less vs more processed foods. We analyzed food and beverage purchases of 157,142 households from the 2000‐2012 Homescan longitudinal panel. We classified each of 1.2 million items by level of processing and separately by convenience using barcode‐specific details and ingredients. We used quantile and logistic regression to compare nutrient content and adherence to nutrient recommendations.Over 3/4 of calories purchased by US households came from processed (15.9%) and ultra‐processed (61.0%) foods and beverages in 2012 (939 kcal/d per capita). By convenience, ready‐to‐eat (68.1%) and ready‐to‐heat (15.2%) products supplied the majority of calories, with a significant upward trend in ready‐to‐heat foods between 2000 and 2012. The adjusted proportion of household‐level food purchases exceeding recommended maximums for saturated fat, sugar, and sodium densities simultaneously was significantly higher for ultra‐processed (60.4%) and ready‐to‐eat (27.1%) food purchases compared to purchases of less‐processed foods (5.6%) or foods requiring cooking (4.9%). The unshifting dominance of ultra‐processed and ready‐to‐eat foods as major calorie contributors to US diet and their poor nutrient profile support the need to incentivize food manufacturers to improve the nutritional quality of their products.Funding source: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (67506, 68793, 70017, 71837), NIH (R01DK098072), CPC 5 R24 HD050924
BV‐2 Microglial Cells Used in a Model of Neuroinflammation
Authors: Ackerman Kirsten , Fiddler Joanna , Soh Traces , Clarke Stephen 
Published: June 2021

Microglial cells are the resident macrophages of the central nervous system (CNS). These cells are a primary form of active immune defense in the CNS. In neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, microglia are chronically activated and promote the release of pro‐inflammatory cytokines which further disrupt normal CNS activity. There is considerable interest in examining the extent to which bioactive food components can mitigate the effects of inflammation by decreasing oxidative stress and/or by decreasing pro‐inflammatory gene expression.In this study, BV‐2 cells were treated with Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 4 or 24 hours and total RNA was isolated from the cells for gene expression analyses. A control group was also present. The LPS‐treated BV‐2 cells did not show the robust induction of IL‐1β and TNFα that was expected at either 4 hours or 24 hours. To determine if other cells would respond to LPS, a previously characterized LPS‐responsive cell line (RAW 264.7) was examined. In RAW 264.7 cells, LPS treatment increased the expression of IL‐1β, iNOS, and TNFα. Since current research on microglial cells suggests a much larger response to LPS, additional experimentation should be done to show consistent results.
N‐acetylcysteine prevents in vivo oxidation of native low‐density lipoprotein
Authors: Cui Yuqi , Narasimhulu Chandrakala , Liu Lingjuan , Zhang Qingbin , Hao Hong , Li Xin , Xiao Yuan , Zhang Jia , Xie Xiaoyun , Liu Patrick , He Guanglong , Cui Lianqun , Parthasarathy Sampath , Liu Zhenguo 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveLow‐density lipoprotein (LDL) is not atherogenic. Oxidized LDL (ox‐LDL) produces reactive oxidative species (ROS) and is critical to atherosclerosis. N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) has anti‐atherosclerotic effect with largely unknown mechanisms. The present study aimed to determine if NAC could attenuate LDL oxidation in vivo.Approach and ResultsMeasurable serum level of human ox‐LDL was detected 30 min after a single dose intravenous injection of human native LDL into male C57BL/6 mice, reached the peak in 3 hours, then started to decline, and became undetectable in 12 hours. NAC treatment significantly reduced serum ox‐LDL level with no detectable serum ox‐LDL 6 hours after injection. No difference in ox‐LDL clearance was observed in NAC‐treated animals. NAC treatment also significantly decreased serum ox‐LDL level in patients with coronary artery disease and hyperlipidemia with no effect on LDL level. Intracellular and extracellular ROS production was significantly increased in the mice treated with native LDL, or ox‐LDL that was completely prevented with NAC treatment.ConclusionNAC attenuated native LDL in vivo oxidation and ROS formation from ox‐LDL.Sources of fundingNIH R01 HL094650
Gsk3a is Essential for Sperm Function and Male Fertility
Authors: Bhattacharjee R , Goswami S , Popkie A , Phiel C , Kline D , Vijayaraghavan S 
Published: June 2021

The signaling enzyme glycogen synthase kinase 3 exists as two isoforms – GSK3A and GSK3B. GSK3 is part of key signaling pathways in several cells and tissues. We have previously shown that both isoforms of GSK3 are present in sperm and testis. Increase or decrease in sperm motility in vitro resulted in changes in GSK3 phosphorylation. The enzyme was also shown to activate a mammal specific protein phosphatase isoform PP1γ2, a key enzyme essential for sperm function. Here we examined the role of Gsk3a in male fertility using a targeted gene knockout approach. Gsk3 (+/‐) male and female mice are fertile. However, global knockout of Gsk3a results in male infertility, while females are normal. Testis weights and sperm numbers of Gsk3a (‐/‐) mice are comparable to the fertile Gsk3a (+/‐) controls. However sperm motility in Gsk3a (‐/‐) appears to be compromised. Strikingly, forward motility of mutant sperm is altered, characterized by markedly attenuated amplitude of flagellar beat. Sperm ATP levels were lower in Gsk3a (‐/‐) mice compared to wild type animals. PP1γ2 protein levels were unaltered, but its catalytic activity was elevated in KO sperm. Remarkably, capacitation associated changes in tyrosine phosphorylation of proteins are absent or significantly lower in Gsk3a (‐/‐) sperm. Moreover the glycolytic enzyme, hexokinase, which is constitutively tyrosine phosphorylated in WT sperm, is not phosphorylated in Gsk3 (‐/‐) sperm. The GSK3B isoform was present and unaltered in testis and sperm of Gsk3a (‐/‐) mice suggesting that GSK3B is not able to compensate for the loss of GSK3A in testis and sperm. Our studies show that GSK3A, which has a highly conserved glycine rich N‐terminus in mammals, is essential for sperm motility and male fertility.Supported by NIH grant R15 HD068971
Effects of Walnut Intervention on Endothelial Function among People with Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Djousse Luc , Petrone Andrew , Gaziano John 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundLimited data are available on the effects of an intervention with small amount of walnuts on endothelial function in subjects with type 2 diabetes (DM).ObjectiveTo test the hypothesis that a 12‐week intervention with one ounce (28 g) of walnuts per day improves endothelial function in people with prevalent DM when compared to usual diet.Methods:A randomized controlled trial of 26 subjects aged 30+ years with prevalent DM. Participants in the walnut group were provided with a 12‐week supply of small walnut bags, and instructed to consume one bag per day as a snack or with a meal. Participants in the control group were instructed to maintain their regular diet. Endothelial function was measured non‐invasively at baseline and after 12 weeks using endoPAT2000. We used ANOVA for repeated measures to examine the effects of the intervention on reactive hyperemia index (RHI), a measure of endothelial function.Results:The mean age at baseline was 64.8 ± 11.6 years, and 61.5% of participants were female. All participants had DM and 15.4% of them also had coronary disease. At baseline, mean ± SE of log‐transformed RHI were 0.64 ± 0.13 in the intervention group and 0.44 ± 0.13 in the control group. At 12 weeks, corresponding values were 0.73 ± 0.07 and 0.63 ± 0.07 suggesting no difference in slope (p =0.12) nor in time‐by‐visit (p=0.58)imageConclusionsOur results do not support an improvement of endothelial function with daily intake of one ounce of walnuts during 12 weeks among subjects with DM.
Effect of Maternal Multiple Micronutrients Supplementation on the Apgar Score of Indonesian Neonates
Authors: Iskandar William , Smith Emily , A Aditiawarman , Apriatni Mandri , Tjiong Roy , Shankar Anuraj 
Published: June 2021

IntroductionMaternal multiple micronutrients (MMN) supplementation as compared to iron‐folic acid (IFA) can increase birth weight and decrease infant mortality, but the physiological basis remains unclear. We examined Apgar scores to assess the impact of MMN on the dynamic process of neonatal adaptation after birth.MethodsWe selected 3667 singleton live births from the Supplementation with Multiple Micronutrients Intervention Trial (SUMMIT) of maternal MMN versus IFA (ISRCTN34151616) with Apgar scores at the 1st and 5th minute, after excluding those with midline anomaly, inborn diseases and if not a spontaneous vaginal birth. Mixed effect multiple linear regression models were used to adjust for clustered randomization, covariates and interactions.ResultsOverall, there were no significant differences between Apgar scores of children from the MMN and IFA groups at the 1st (adjusted β ‐0.416, 95% CI ‐0.339‐0.047) or 5th minute (adjusted β 0.077, 95% CI ‐0.097‐0.252), or changes from 1 to 5 minutes (adjusted β 0.003, 95% CI ‐0.065‐0.072), nor were there effects on specific component scores. In subgroup analysis, MMN decreased the 1st minute score for full term and small for gestational (SGA) neonates, and MMN increased improvement from 1 to 5minutes in full term and SGA neonates, and those born of well‐nourished mothers (upper arm circumference > 23.5 cm).DiscussionWe observed certain subgroups of neonates of mothers given MMN tended toward lower 1st minute Apgar scores and greater improvement of Apgar scores from the 1st to 5th minute. MMN supplementation may enhance the dynamic adaptive processes of certain neonates after delivery, thereby improving infant survival.