bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Convergence of visceral and somatic sensory information in the sacral cord: morphologic evidence for referred pain
Authors: Li Yun‐Qing , Zhang Ming‐Ming , Kou Zhen‐Zhen 
Published: June 2021

The somatic foci of pelvic organs referred pain are often and mainly distributed along the anteriolateral aspect of the lower limbs. Our study was designed to investigate the neural pathways and their transmitters for the pelvic visceral referred pain. By using tracing techniques, we observed that neurons in the sacral dorsal commissural nucleus (SDCN) innervated by primary afferents originated from both pelvic nerve and sciatic nerve and projected to parabrachial nucleus (PBN). Excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) were elicited by the electrical stimulation of the pelvic or sciatic nerves in the SDCN neurons tested by patch clamp recording. After visceral noxious stimulation, there were more Fos‐immunopositive (Fos‐ip) neurons in the SDCN than that in the dorsal horn. SPR‐ip neurons with FOS‐ip nuclei projected to the PBN and contacted with SP‐ip terminals. Under electron microscope, we found that SP‐ip terminals or ENK‐, GABA‐, Gly‐ip terminals to make synapses with SDCN neurons projected to the PBN. These results indicated that: (1) SDCN might be the convergence point of the referred pain associated with pelvic visceral organs to lower limbs; (2) The projection from the SDCN to the PBN might contribute to the pelvic visceral information transmission; (3) SP, ENK, GABA and Gly are important for the pelvic visceral information transmission and regulation.National Natural Science Foundation of China
An immunohistochemical study on the arrangement of sympathetic fibers within the human common fibular nerve
Authors: Tompkins Rebecca , Melling Jamie , Shoemaker J Kevin , Wilson Timothy D 
Published: June 2021

Physiologists often use muscle sympathetic neural activity (MSNA) in the common fibular nerve (CFN) to measure sympathetic drive within lower limb peripheral nerves. It is understood that significant alterations in MSNA activity occur with age, diabetes, and vascular disease. Little is known, however, about sympathetic fiber distribution in the lower limb nerves of humans. In order to describe the general sympathetic arrangement in the CFN, immunohistochemical techniques were used on 5μm transverse sections of formaldehyde‐fixed CFN taken from human cadavers within 24 hours of death. By staining for tyrosine hydroxylase the arrangement and number of sympathetic fibers can be determined. From microneurographic records it is hypothesized that the sympathetic fibers are arranged in randomly dispersed bundles, each of approximately 10–40 fibers. Results from this study will quantify autonomic fiber distribution in the CFN. This will better enable physiologists to relate autonomic neuroanatomy to microneurographic outcomes in the CFN.Grant Funding Source: Departmental
The augmentative action of taurine on the differentiation of C2C12 cells to myotube
Authors: Miyazaki Teruo , Honda Akira , Ikegami Tadashi , Shirai Mutsumi , Miyakawa Shumpei , Matsuzaki Yasushi 
Published: June 2021

Background/AimIncomplete muscular development is induced by deficiency of taurine that is endogenously and abundantly supplied thought placenta and milk via a specific transporter (TAUT). This study investigated the influence of taurine on the differentiation of myoblast.MethodConfluent mice myoblast (C2C12) cell was exposed to up to 20mM taurine with a differentiation medium for up to a week. The differentiation markers were evaluated by RT‐qPCR, fluorescence immunohistochemical stain or Western blot. The influences of cellular taurine uptake inhibition on the myoblast differentiation were also examined.ResultThe fusion index and maximal diameter in the MHC‐positive myotubes were significantly increased, in particular 6‐fold in 20mM taurine, compared to those in 0mM taurine. The phosphorylations of Akt and p38MAPK were increased and decreased, respectively, by taurine. Furthermore, the expression of myostatin protein was suppressed by taurine exposure. The differentiations in exposing to 20mM taurine were significantly inhibited by taut siRNA or β‐alanine; a taurine transport competitor.ConclusionExogenous taurine might play a key role on the skeletal muscle differentiation during development period. The effects of taurine should contribute the recovery from muscle damages and differentiation of satellite cells.
Clathrin‐associated Endocytic Proteins Eps15 and Epsin are Crucial for the Formation of Enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) pedestals
Authors: Lin Ann E. , Benmerah Alexandre , Guttman Julian A. 
Published: June 2021

Enteropathogenic E.coli (EPEC) are primarily extracellular pathogens that cause severe infantile diarrhea. The hallmark of EPEC pathogenesis is the generation of actin‐rich structures known as pedestals. Surprising evidence has revealed that while they persistently reside at an extracellular space, EPEC require the receptor‐mediated endocytosis protein, clathrin, for pedestal formation. In order to understand the strategies EPEC utilize to usurp endocytosis, we examined the roles of three major endocytic components: AP‐2, Eps15 and epsin, during pedestals formation. We found that pedestal formations required the recruitment of Eps15 and epsin, but not AP‐2. AP‐2 is known to provide linkage between Eps15, epsin and clathrin during the clathrin‐coated pit assembly process to complete endocytosis. Together, these results reveal a novel endocytic protein manipulation strategy employed by EPEC, supporting the recent paradigm that endocytic proteins are important for EPEC‐mediated disease.Grant Funding Source: CIHR
Genome‐wide screen identifies genes required for Francisella invasion in non‐phagocytic cells
Authors: Lo Karen Y , Nano Francis E , Guttman Julian A 
Published: June 2021

The intracellular bacterium Francisella tularensis subspecies tularensis (F. tularensis) is the causative agent of tularemia, a disease that can result in 30–35% mortality if left untreated. Due to F. tularensis' high infectivity and lethality the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has classified it as a Biosafety Level 3 pathogen and a Category A Select agent. F. tularensis host cell invasion is crucial for their pathogenesis as without invasion disease does not occur. Upon entry into their host, the bacteria colonize both macrophages and epithelial cells. Despite significant research advances in macrophage infections, the study of epithelial infections has lagged behind. To investigate F. tularensis genes involved in epithelial cell invasion, we utilized a biosafety level 2 bacterial surrogate called F. tularensis subspecies novicida (F. novicida). A F. novicida transposon mutant library was screened to assess their invasion in hepatocytes. We selected for mutants with reduced intracellular growth using gentamycin‐based invasion/survival assays and confirmed our results microscopically using a subset of mutants. We discovered 232 mutants had significantly reduced invasion/survival levels as compared to wild type F. novicida infections. Ultimately our findings open a new door to the discovery of novel targets for the development of therapeutics and prophylactics.Grant Funding Source: CIHR and NSERC
α‐II‐spectrin as a marker for the striated organelle in inner ear hair cells
Authors: Chidavaenzi Robstein L , Vranceanu Florin , Lysakowski Anna 
Published: June 2021

Located in the subcuticular zone of vestibular and auditory hair cells, the striated organelle's form, occurrence and function remain largely unknown. Studying its architecture by employing serial section transmission electron microscopy, intermediate voltage electron microscopy and electron microscope tomography, we have come to recognize that the striated organelle (SO) is a cytoskeletal apparatus shaped like an inverted cone that is made up of alternating thin and thick filaments. It is associated with microtubules, endoplasmic reticular and large mitochondria that have polarized, lamellar cristae. It is attached to both stereociliar rootlets and the cell membrane, raising the prospect of an active role in hair cell mechanotransduction. As we attempt to answer questions pertaining to its function, unraveling its protein composition is essential. In this study we examined the development of α‐II‐spectrin immunoreactivity in rats (aged P1 to adult). Our confocal data show cuticular plate labeling in both type I and II hair cells in the cristas, utricules and saccules. More telling is the localization of α‐II‐spectrin in the region where the SO occurs. The staining pattern here is less intense in younger animals and more pronounced in the adult.Grant Funding Source: NIH R01‐DC02521
ApolipoproteinA1 promote resolution of lung inflammation and fibrosis in experimental silicosis
Authors: park sung woo , Lee Eun‐hee , lee eun‐joo , Park choon sik 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundInhalation of silica particles induces silicosis, inflammatory lung disease and eventually generating multiple fibrotic silicotic nodules. Silica is often used as experimental lung fibrosis model.ObjectivesTo evaluate Intranasal treatment of Apolipoprotein A1(ApoA1) have prevent and/or resolving effect on the developing experimental lung silicosis.MethodsBALB/C mice were assigned into four groups. Silica suspension(SiO2; 20mg/50ml in saline) is intratracheally instilled at Day 0. ApoA1 was treated at Day 7,8,9 (APOA1_P group) to investigate its prevention effect of silicosis. ApoA1 was treated at Day 16, 17, 18(APOA1_R group) to evaluate its therapeutic effect. The Mice were sacrificed at day 30. Histology, collagen assay and cytokine measurement including TGF‐b1 were performed. Apoptosis were analyzed using TUNEL assay.Measurement and ResultsBoth ApoA1_P and ApoA1_R group have significant reduce the silica‐induced increased in number of inflammatory cells, silicotic nodule fractions and collagen deposition in sham‐ treated mice. TGF‐b1 level in BALF is significantly decreased in both ApoA1 treated group compare to Silica group. TUNEL assay shows that silica induced increased apoptotic cell numbers are significantly reduced in ApoA1 treated lung.ConclusionsLocal treatment with Apo A1 have preventive and pro‐resolving effect on the experimental lung silicosis.
Influence of Nutrient Timing Following Resistance Exercise on RQ and Glucose Two Hours After Supplement Ingestion in Young Men with a Family History of Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Gutierrez Jean Lorraine , Gribok Andrei , Stevens Michelle , Rumpler William , Tadros Maryann , DiPietro Loretta 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveTo examine the affect of post‐resistance exercise supplement timing on glucose and respiratory quotient (RQ) for two hours after nutrient ingestion.MethodsYoung male participants (n=6) underwent two 48‐h stays in a whole‐room calorimeter. The first 24‐h served as a control day, and on the second day participants completed a 40‐min novel resistance exercise protocol and consumed 600g of 1% chocolate milk either immediately after (IPEN) or 3‐h after completing resistance exercise (3h‐PEN). RQ was measured continuously throughout the 48‐h period and glucose concentrations were determined by a continuous glucose monitoring system.ResultsMean RQ following the exercise bout, as compared to the same 2‐h time period of the control day, was significantly lower following IPEN (0.77±0.02 vs. 0.81±0.05; p= 0.02), but was not different after 3h‐PEN condition (0.79±0.02 vs. 0.78±0.02 p= 0.15). Mean glucose during the same period following the exercise day, as compared to the control day, was significantly higher following IPEN (107±10 vs. 96±16 mg·dL−1; p= 0.04), but not after 3h‐PEN (103±3.3 vs. 104±14mg·dL−1; p= 0.79).ConclusionsPreliminary results indicate that lipid metabolism persists in the presence of higher than normal circulating glucose when a high‐carbohydrate drink is consumed immediately after resistance exercise. This study was funded by the GWU Department of Exercise Science.
Intake of CLA‐fortified butter decreases serum levels of leptin in healthy subjects
Authors: Penedo Leticia , Nunes Juliana C , Gama Marco A S , Quirico‐Santos Thereza , Torres Alexandre Guedes 
Published: June 2021

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) might promote changes on body composition and on the components of the metabolic syndrome. We aimed to investigate the effect of supplementation of 1g/day of CLA, through the daily intake of a fortified butter, on the lean and fat body mass, and on serum levels of the adipokines adiponectin, leptin, and TNF‐α of healthy young adults. Sixteen men and women aged 23 to 36 years were studied, and the experimental design consisted of a baseline collection, a washout period of 8 weeks and the 8 week supplementation period. Supplementation with CLA did not alter body fat mass (P= 0.1884; one way ANOVA) assessed by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry analysis (DXA). However, consumption of the CLA‐fortified butter reduced (P= 0,0004) serum levels (average ± SD) of leptin, from 8.16 ± 2.99 to 4.80 ± 1.93, but did not change significantly serum levels of adiponectin and TNF‐α. Our results indicate that naturally CLA‐enriched butter promoted benefits concerning the management of serum leptin levels, which might help the control of adiposity and to prevent obesity.Financial support: CNPq, FAPERJ, CAPES (Brazil)
D1 Dopamine Receptor Modulation of Breathing in Young Hypothyroid Female Hamsters
Authors: Schlenker Evelyn , Wilson Marysa 
Published: June 2021

Previously we noted in 8 month old female hamsters hypothyroid (H) for 5 months that administration of the dopamine D1 receptor antagonist SCH 23390 (SCH) in saline increased ventilation (VE) while animals were exposed to air, hypoxia and air following hypoxia (PH) relative to saline. These ventilatory responses to SCH were dissimilar to those observed in euthyroid age‐matched females (E). The increased VE's were due to increased tidal volumes (VT), but not frequency of breathing (F). In the present study effects of SCH on VE were studied in 15 four month old female hamsters rendered H for two months by administration of propylthiouracil in drinking water. Fifteen age and gender matched female E hamsters served as controls. Ventilation was measured in conscious hamsters using plethysmography. Relative to saline, 0.025 mg/kg SCH decreased VE during exposure of the H hamsters to air, PH and hypercapnia by decreasing F (due to increases of inspiratory & expiratory times), without affecting VT. Similar decreases in VE occurred in E hamsters exposed to air and hypercapnia. Hypoxic responsiveness, lower in H saline‐treated hypothyroid hamsters, was increased by SCH to levels comparable to those in E hamsters. No effects of SCH were noted on hypercapnic responsiveness. Thus, age and the length of hypothyroidism affect D1 receptor modulation of ventilation in female hamsters.Funding: COBRE Pilot Grant
The Cardioprotective Effect of Dexamethasone through Activation of RISK Pathway
Authors: Ma Yina , Wang Jinli , Techiryan George , Sun Wanqing , Wang Yanqing , Li Ji 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundTreatment of ischemic heart disease, mainly focuses on returning blood flow back to the ischemic area. However, irreversible cell damage caused by reperfusion is the main risk of these approaches. The reperfusion injury salvage kinase (RISK) pathway can be targeted to decrease cell death and restore cell function during ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). Glucocorticoids are part of the feedback mechanism in the immune system that inhibits inflammation. Their intracellular effect is mediated by binding to the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). Dexamethasone(DEX) is a corticosteroid medicine used for anti‐inflammation which has a higher affinity to the GR than cortisol.MethodsThe effects of DEX was studied in an acute I/R injury model in which the left anterior descending coronary artery was occluded. Ex vivo mouse heart perfusion Langendorff system was used to measure the effects on glucose receptor 4 (GLUT4) translocation.Results‐Significant recovery of cardiac function was observed following DEX pretreatment during I/R injury. DEX activated the protective RISK pathways (includes ERK, AKT, and AMPK) significantly in a time and dose dependent manner. Furthermore, AMPK's translocation into nucleus was found after DEX treatment compared with I/R only. To deeply investigate the reason of AMPK translocation, immunoprecipitation was conducted. Results showed GR could interact with AMPK and recruit Sestrin 2‐LKB1 complex during I/R, which helped AMPK's phosphorylation and translocation during I/R. Moreover, one of AMPK's downstream effects ‐ stimulating GLUT4′s translocation to cell surface ‐ was also triggered after DEX stimulation.ConclusionDEX's cardioprotective function is achieved by activating the RISK protective signaling pathways during I/R.
The Calcium‐Activated Chloride Channel, Anoctamin‐1, is a Critical Regulator of Proliferation in Amphibian Tail Regeneration and This Effect is Mediated via p44/42 MAPK Phosphorylation
Authors: Franklin Brandon , Voss S , Osborn Jeffrey 
Published: June 2021

Urodele amphibians have a unique ability among vertebrates to regenerate entire appendages including muscle, bone, neural and connective tissues. A better understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in this process is critical for the advancement of translational therapies in regenerative medicine. We have recently shown that chloride channel inhibition, via 4,4′‐Diisothiocyano‐2,2′‐stilbenedisulfonic acid (DIDS), 4,4 '‐Dinitro‐stilbene‐2,2. '‐disulfonic acid (DNDS), T16a(inh)‐A01 or Cl‐ free environment effectively inhibits or delays tail regeneration in larval Ambystoma mexicanum salamanders. Proliferation was assessed via EdU incorporation assay, which revealed that this effect was manifested through regulation of mesenchymal cell proliferation, with all 3 pharmacological treatments reducing proliferation rate in the mesenchyme (Control: 33.5±3.2%; DIDS: 18.13±2.25%; DNDS: 19.64±3.79%; T16a(inh)‐A01: 19.65±1.85% EdU+ cells). There is no effect on proliferation in either neural or epidermal tissues. Western blot analysis reveals that there is a down regulation of p44/42 MAPK phosphorylation in response to anoctamin‐1 blockade (T16a(inh)‐A01). These results indicate that upon amputation the calcium activated chloride channel, anoctamin‐1, is activated and, through unknown intermediary signaling mechanisms, regulates proliferation via p44/42 MAPK. Further studies will investigate the effect of anoctamin‐1 inactivation on intracellular Ca+ dynamics in an attempt to elucidate the pathway between anoctamin‐1 and p44/42 MAPK.Supported by Biomedical Sciences Research Group, LLC.
Tissue‐Specific Abundance of NAMPT, CLOCK, and BMAL1 Proteins in Murine Tissues
Authors: Lupolt Alex , Brandauer Josef 
Published: June 2021

Circadian Locomotor Output Cycles Kaput (CLOCK) and Aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator‐like (BMAL1) are nuclear transcription factors that regulate protein expression oscillations in peripheral tissues. CLOCK and BMAL1 form a heterodimer complex that initiates the transcription of circadian‐regulated genes like nicotinamide phosphoribosyl transferase (NAMPT), the rate‐limiting enzyme in NAD biosynthesis. The abundance of these molecular clock proteins likely varies in a tissue‐ specific manner. We investigated protein abundance of CLOCK, BMAL1, and NAMPT in mammalian tissues.10 male ICR mice were euthanized at ∼11:00AM. Various skeletal muscles (quadriceps (Q), gastrocnemius (G), extensor digitorum longus (EDL), soleus (S)), heart (H), liver (L), brown adipose tissue (BAT), visceral adipose tissue (VAT), and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) were removed and immunoblots for NAMPT, BMAL1, and CLOCK were performed.Relative CLOCK protein abundance was high in liver tissue, while BMAL1 expression was most highly expressed in mouse subcutaneous adipose tissue, visceral adipose tissue and heart. We detected statistically significant elevations in NAMPT protein concentrations in mitochondria‐dense murine tissues (soleus muscle, heart, liver, brown adipose tissue).In conclusion, relative CLOCK and BMAL 1 protein abundances are not clearly correlated within tissues, even though these proteins form a heterodimer complex to initiate transcription of circadian‐regulated genes. These data could indicate that these proteins have additional functions within the cell that do not require their interaction. Highly oxidative tissues contained the highest amount of NAMPT, which may suggest that circadian variations are especially pronounced in mitochondria‐dense tissues.
Cognitive Development in Rural Gambia: Relating Behavior and Growth from 6 – 24 Months of Age
Authors: Lloyd‐Fox Sarah , Halliday Drew , Begus Katarina , Vellekoop Perijne , Maris Helen , Sanyang Lamin , Drammeh Saikou , Darboe Momodue , Prentice Andrew , Moore Sophie , Elwell Clare 
Published: June 2021

The goal of our project is to establish assessments to evaluate the efficacy of nutritional interventions during the first 1000 days of life. Here we examine behavioral performance on a standardised developmental assessment scale (Mullen Scales of Early Learning; MSEL) and anthropometric growth indices in infants at a research station in West Africa. The MSEL is a developmental assessment battery for use from birth to five years of age. We adapted the MSEL for use in The Gambia. A committee of native, dual‐language speakers and trained MSEL administrators reviewed and adapted the measure where appropriate (i.e. linguistic translation of the item‐by‐item verbal prompts, as well as the substitution of stimuli that were deemed culturally inappropriate). 225 infants ranging from 6 – 24 months of age were assessed and their MSEL scores compared with an age‐matched group of infants tested in the UK. Relative to the U.K infants, scores of cognitive development declined over the first two years of life, particularly for the language subscales of the MSEL. An analysis of the relationship between growth and cognitive development revealed that height for age z‐scores correlated with scores on the MSEL. In particular for infants in their second year of life lower scores of cognitive development (MSEL) were related to lower height for age scores.
The Cardiovascular System for Fourth Graders: Heart Rate and Physical Activity during PhUn Week
Authors: Brown Jaylyn , Jarrett Steven , Miller Breena , Hayslip Rachel , Gurovich Alvaro 
Published: June 2021

Physiology Understanding (PhUn) week is the APS K‐12 outreach program that helps increasing awareness about STEM education. Here, we combined PhUn week and health education to show the cardiovascular system (CV) and how the heart rate (HR) increases through physical activity, integrated into the 4th grade science curriculum. The activity was divided in 5 different sessions, one per room, in two different days, reaching 116 elementary school students. Each room was divided in small 4‐student groups with the following general activity set‐up was: 1) brief presentation about the CV system, 2) measuring HR during 3 different conditions, 3) analyzing collected data, and 4) discussing obtained results. Two children per group were connected to an EKG via Biopac MP40 system and data was analyzed with the Biopac Science Lab software. Electrodes were placed on the right wrist, right ankle, and left ankle. Resting, hula hooping, and running EKGs were recorded. After collecting EKGs, other two students analyze the data, using the computer, to determine HRs during each activity. The students recorded these values in a data table that they would later use in their science class to plot and compare HR values. Finally, a discussion was performed to integrate findings with CV physiology. By the end of PhUn week, 4th graders collected data from 40 class mates and each teacher had enough HR data to enhance their science curriculum. Overall, we expect that the goal of enhancing the elementary students' knowledge of the cardiovascular system was achieved; however, we are sure that at least they have ‘PhUn’.Supported by IU AHEC 14/15 #PIU081 and APS PhUn week program