bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Docosahexaenoic acid supplementation from mid‐pregnancy through parturition influenced breast milk fatty acid composition at 1 month post‐partum in a double‐blind randomized controlled trial in Mexico
Authors: Imhoff‐Kunsch Beth C , Stein Aryeh D , Villalpando Salvador , Martorell Reynaldo , Ramakrishnan Usha 
Published: June 2021

Omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), including docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are essential for neural development and accumulate extensively in the fetal and infant brain. Studies have shown that DHA concentration in human milk (HM) increases with maternal supplementation with fish oil during pregnancy and/or lactation, but the benefits of prenatal supplementation with DHA alone are unknown. We investigated the effect of prenatal DHA supplementation on PUFA concentrations in HM at 1 mo post‐partum (PP). In a double‐blind RCT in Mexico, 1040 pregnant women received 400 mg DHA or placebo daily from 18‐22 weeks' gestation through parturition. Fatty acid (FA) concentrations (% of total FA) were determined using gas liquid chromatography in HM obtained from 174 women at 1 mo PP. Women receiving DHA had higher mean HM DHA and alpha‐linolenic acid (ALA) concentrations, expressed as % of total FAs, compared to placebo at 1 month PP. Mean HM DHA concentrations in DHA and placebo groups were 0.20 (SD=0.06) and 0.17 (SD=0.07), respectively (Δ=0.02, 95% CI=‐0.04, ‐0.004), and mean ALA concentrations were 1.38 (SD=0.47) and 1.24 (SD=0.46), respectively. Concentrations of other FAs such as eicosapentaenoic and arachidonic acid did not differ between groups (P>0.05). Prenatal DHA supplementation increased concentrations of DHA and ALA in HM 1 month PP, providing a mechanism through which breastfed infants might benefit.Grant Funding SourceNIH (HD043099)
L‐Cysteine supplementation lowers blood glucose, CRP, MCP‐1 and inhibits NFkB and Akt activation in liver of Zucker diabetic rats
Authors: Jain Sushil K. , Velusamy Thirunavukkarasu , Rains Justin , Croad J L , Bull R 
Published: June 2021

Many proteins, including insulin contain free sulfhyryl groups that are considered to be pivotal for their biological functions. L‐Cysteine is a semi‐essential amino acid with a free sulfhyryl group. This study examined the hypothesis that L‐cysteine supplementation can lower insulin resistance, glycemia and markers of vascular inflammation in type 2 diabetes using Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats.Starting at the age of 6 wks, ZDF rats were supplemented orally (daily gavages for 8 more wks) with saline‐placebo (D) or L‐cysteine (LC, 1mg/KgBW), and fed with a high calorie diet. ZDF rats of 6 wks age without any supplementations were considered as baseline (BL). Blood was collected by heart puncture using anesthesia from BL, D and LC supplemented rats.D rats showed elevated levels of fasting blood glucose, HbA1, CRP, MCP‐1, when compared to BL rats where there is no onset of diabetes. LC supplementation significantly lowered blood glucose (18%, p=0.05), HbA1 (8%, p=0.02), CRP (23%, p=0.02), MCP‐1 (32%, p=0.01) and HOMA index of insulin resistance (25%) when compared to D. There were no changes in blood GSH and lipid peroxidation levels between D and LC. While LC did not change blood hematocrit or levels of transaminases, however it did lower alkaline phosphatase (29%, p=0.01) levels in comparison to D. Western blotting analyses of liver showed increased activation of NFkB (50% pNFkB) and Akt (20%, pAkt) in D when compared with BL. LC supplementation reversed these effects (17% pAKT, 18% pNFkB). Thus, L‐cysteine supplementation can lower glycemia and markers of vascular inflammation, apparently by preventing NFkB activation, in ZDF rats.
Development and evaluation of an intervention to promote in‐home ready‐to‐use food (RUF) consumption in a supplemental feeding program for undernourished and stunted children in western Uganda
Authors: Ickes Scott Bradley , Chamiec‐Case Linda , Jilcott Stephanie B , Ammerman Alice S 
Published: June 2021

OverviewSupplemental feeding programs (SFP) have reported low frequency and overall intake of ready‐to‐use food (RUF) rations, which may affect growth outcomes. Efforts are needed to improve feeding frequency and intended RUF dosage.MethodsSemi‐structured interviews were conducted among caregivers (n=32), health center staff (n=8), and RUF producers (n=8) to identify the barriers to in‐home RUF consumption. Following analysis of the interviews, feeding messages to promote RUF consumption were developed and used in the 10 week program curricula. To evaluate the effect of these messages on RUF intake, dietary data were obtained using two 24‐hour recalls conducted within 10 days at caregiver homes or at health clinics. Group means (SE) of RUF feeds per day and frequency of RUF inclusion in total meals were compared between Pre‐Intervention (n=18) and Feeding Education (n=18) cohorts.ResultsThe Feeding Education group reported 1.9 (0.2) RUF feeds per day, compared with 1.3(0.2) in the control group (t=‐2.3, p<0.05). The frequency of RUF inclusion in meals was 0.57 (0.06) in the EC group and 0.39 (0.05) in the control (t=‐2.1, p<0.05).ConclusionMessages to promote RUF consumption can have positive effects on RUF dosage and feeding frequency, which may contribute to improved energy intake and growth outcomes among malnourished children in SFPs.Grant Funding SourceGlaxoSmithKline UNC‐Duke Student Research Grant; Carolina Center for Public Service Entrepreneurship in Public Service Fellowship
Expression of Aquaporin 4 mRNA during Acute Stage of Traumatic Brain Injury in Rats
Authors: Hao chunyan , Duan hubin , Li shuzhen 
Published: June 2021

Backgroud and purposeThe aquaporin 4 (AQP4) water channel is abundant in rats brain and this protein plays a major role in the control of water flow within the central nervous system. This study is to investigate the expression of AQP4 mRNA and its correlation with brain edema during the acute stage of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in rats.Methods56 adult male Wistar rats were randomized into the TBI group and control group.TBI group were again stratified into 7 sub‐groups according to the time after injury (0.5,2,6,12,24,48 and 72 h).Severe injury models (2.5‐3.0atm ) was produced with the fluid percussion brain injury (FPI) technique in anesthetized adult rats equipped with a closed cranial window.At each time spots, the water contents in the brain tissues were measured by wet‐to‐dry weight ratio and the expression of AQP4 mRNA was assessed by semi‐quantitative RT‐PCR.ResultsThe expression of AQP4 mRNA was up‐regulated 0.5 hours after injury,progressively enhanced from 2h to12 h, peaked at 24 h(P<0.05) and remained a high level at 72 h.A similar change was noted for water contents in brain tissues. The expression of AQP4 mRNA was positively correlated with brain water contents(r=0.095,P<0.05).ConclusionThe changes in AQP4 mRNA expression may be closely related to formation and progression of brain edema during the acute stage of severe traumatic brain injury.AQP4 may be playing an important role in brain edema after severe TBI.
Low Serum Insulin‐Like Growth Factor 1 Potentiates Atherosclerotic Plaque Development in APOE‐/‐ Mice: Potential Mechanism of Accelerated Atherosclerosis in Aging
Authors: Shai Shaw‐Yung , Kelly James , Higashi Yusuke , Sukhanov Sergiy , Delafontaine Patrice 
Published: June 2021

Aging is associated with reduced serum insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) and an increased risk of atherosclerosis, but whether lower IGF‐1 plays a causative role is unknown. To determine the relation between serum IGF‐1 levels and atherosclerotic burden independent of age, a congenic mouse strain with 20% reduction in IGF‐1 (C3H.B6‐6T [6T]) was bred into the ApoE ‐/‐ background to obtain C3H.6T +/+/ ApoE ‐/‐ (6T/E) mice to mimic the clinical state of low IGF‐1. Serum IGF‐1 levels in 6T/E mice were similar to those of 6T (6T/E: 208.81 + 58.33 ng/ml vs 6T: 221.41 + 58.33 ng/ml, p=0.6); but lower than those of ApoE ‐/‐ (354.49 + 76.33 ng/ml, p<0.01). 8‐wk old 6T/E, 6T and ApoE ‐/‐ mice were fed normal chow (NC) or western diet (WD) for 12 wks and aortic plaque burden quantified. Plaque area was higher in 6T/E mice than ApoE ‐/‐ whether on NC or WD (% total plaque/aorta, 6T/E, NC: 7.54 + 2.21, ApoE ‐/‐, NC: 4.91 + 3.18, p<0.018; 6T/E, WD: 14.87 + 8.81, ApoE ‐/‐, WD: 8.71 + 3.13, p=0.0005). Body weight gain and blood pressure in 6T/E and ApoE ‐/‐ mice were the same. Thus, in this novel mouse model that mimics age‐related low IGF‐1, a decrease in serum IGF‐1 is accompanied by a diet‐independent increase in aortic atherosclerosis. These results are consistent with epidemiological data indicating that lower IGF‐1 levels are associated with an increased risk for ischemic heart disease, and strongly suggest causality.Supported by NIH HL 70241
Association of Hexokinase and Voltage Dependent Anion Channel in Cardiac Hypertrophy
Authors: Saran Varun , Saeedi Ramesh , Wambolt Richard , Allard Micheal F. 
Published: June 2021

Glycolysis is accelerated in pathologic cardiac hypertrophy but the cellular mechanism(s) responsible are not yet fully understood. Binding of hexokinase (HK), a key enzyme in control of glycolysis in heart and other tissues, to mitochondrial voltage dependent anion channels (VDAC) is viewed as a major factor responsible for insulin‐induced glucose uptake in skeletal muscle and acceleration of glycolysis in malignant neoplasms. We hypothesized that binding of HK to VDAC is increased in pathologically hypertrophied heart muscle cells and hearts. Binding of HK to VDAC was assessed by co‐immunoprecipitation and immunoblot analysis of lysates from cultured H9c2 cells hypertrophied by exposure to arginine vasopressin (AVP) and from hypertrophied hearts in mice with an abdominal aortic constriction (AAC). Cells unexposed to AVP and sham‐operated mice served as Controls. AVP‐treated H9c2 cells and hearts from mice with an AAC were hypertrophied 20 to 30% with rates of glycolysis 30 to 50% greater than Controls. Co‐immunprecipitation experiments indicated that association of HK with VDAC was significantly increased in hypertrophied H9c2 cells and in hypertrophied mouse heart tissue. This supports the concept that binding of HK to VDAC is increased in the setting of pathologic cardiac hypertrophy and may play a role in the acceleration of glycolysis observed.Supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Phenotype‐transformed interstitial cells in canine and human myxomatous mitral valves express tryptophan hydroxylase 1
Authors: Orton Christopher , Disatian Sirilak , Lacerda Carla 
Published: June 2021

Tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (TPH1) is the limiting enzyme for peripheral serotonin synthesis. Expression of TPH1 by valve interstitial cells (VIC) could implicate an autocrine serotonin signaling mechanism in the pathogenesis of myxomatous valve disease (MVD). The study objectives were to: 1) determine expression of TPH1 in canine and human myxomatous mitral valves, and 2) identify VIC phenotype expressing TPH1.METHODSExpression of TPH1 was determined by immunoblot (IB) and immunofluorescence microscopy (IFM). TPH1 expression was co‐localized with markers of VIC phenotype transformation; α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) and embryonic non‐muscle myosin (SMemb).RESULTSCanine and human myxomatous mitral valves strongly expressed TPH1 on IB and IFM analyses. α‐SMA and SMemb exhibited distinctly different expression patterns that were similar in canine and human myxomatous valves. TPH1 expression co‐localized with SMemb+ phenotype VIC, but not α‐SMA+ phenotype VIC.CONCLUSIONSTPH1 expression by canine and human myxomatous mitral valves implicates autocrine serotonin signaling in the pathogenesis of MVD. TPH1 expression is associated with VIC phenotype transformation. Autocrine serotonin signaling could form the basis of a unifying hypothesis for the pathogenesis of spontaneous MVD and serotonergic drug‐induced valvulopathy. Research supported by the Heart to Heart foundation.
Bone Marrow derived stem cell subpopulations that show specific homing abilities
Authors: Curcio Francesco , Moretti Massimo , Toller Matteo , Spelat Renza , Ferro Federico , Bottecchia Moira , Bergamin Natasha , Beltrami Antonio Paolo , Cesselli Daniela , Beltrami Carlo Alberto , Ambesi‐Impiombato Francesco Saverio 
Published: June 2021

Bone marrow derived stem cells (BMSCs) are able to generate many different cell types. Understanding biological significance and molecular mechanisms underlying adult stem cell trafficking seems crucial. Currently though, the real potential of BMSCs is not yet fully accepted and data reported after injection in uninjured animals are contradictory. This may be due to the use of total BMSCs, which may contain at variable rate and percentage different subpopulations with specific homing properties.We isolated from the BM of C57B1/6‐Tg(UBC‐GFP)30Scha/J adult mice, 4 different populations according to molecular markers or culture methods: CD105+, MSC, floaters (D. Trisler's method) and buffy coat. After extensive immunophenotyping and microarray analysis, they have been injected in the tail vein of C57B1/6 wildtype mice. Animals have been sacrificed 2 days later and different tissues harvested. In each tissue, the presence of GFP+ cells has been analyzed by PCR and immunohistochemistry. Here we present data indicating not only specific homing of the subpopulations in different tissues, but even preferential localization within each tissue.
The development of taste buds in two morphs of Astyanax mexicanus
Authors: Franz‐Odendaal Tamara Anne , Varatharasan Nirupa , Croll Roger P 
Published: June 2021

The Mexican tetra, Astyanax mexicanus, is a fish that exists as two morphs of the same species; one sighted and one blind. Several regressive and constructive changes have been identified within blind tetra compared to their sighted ancestors. Of particular note here are the taste buds. Using immunohistochemical markers for receptor cells, basal cells and innervating axons (calretinin, serotonin, and zn‐12/tubulin), we have documented the distribution, number and development of taste buds on the upper and lower lips of the blind versus sighted Mexican tetra. We detected a difference in taste bud morphology between the two morphs as well as substantially more taste buds in blind versus sighted tetras. We show that as early as 5dpf blind tetra larvae have more taste buds on their lips than sighted tetras. The significance of this constructive evolutionary change in concert with the regressive change of losing eyesight will be discussed. This study is the first to document the timing of development of constructive changes which accompany the loss of eyes in the Mexican tetra and lays the foundation for future studies on gene expression patterns which mediate these changes. Research Support: NSERC, CanadaGrant Funding SourceNSERC, Canada
Three‐dimensional engineering of the nervous system
Authors: Berthod Francois 
Published: June 2021

The nervous system is the target of various diseases or injuries that could lead to major handicaps or be life threatening. Innovative strategies using tissue‐engineered nerve conduits or in vitro models could help to understand and repair these disorders. To bridge the gap between nerve stumps after a peripheral nerve injury, we developed a tissue‐engineered neural tube to promote nerve repair. This living nerve conduit made of fibroblasts was prepared to serve as a nerve guide to enhance recovery of sensory and motor functions of the transected nerve.The nervous system is also the target of life threatening neurodegenerative diseases such as the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. We developed a tissue‐engineered model mimicking the spinal cord in vitro to better understand the pathogenesis of these disorders. Motor neurons were cultured on the top of a fibroblast‐populated sponge mimicking the connective tissue through which motor axons elongate in vivo. This model promoted axonal migration and the spontaneous formation of numerous thick myelin sheaths wrapping around motor fibers in presence of Schwann cells.The 3D engineering of the peripheral and the central nervous systems by tissue engineering could help to better understand the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, to find curative treatments and to repair peripheral nerve damage or even spinal cord injuries.
Unsuspected infection of laboratory animals with human adenovirus‐36 compromises experimental findings
Authors: Atkinson Richard L. , He Jia , Abbott David H. , Whigham Leah D. 
Published: June 2021

Human adenovirus‐36 (Ad‐36) affects biochemical functions and induces obesity in chickens, mice, rats, monkeys, and humans. The viral E4orf1 gene directly affects lipogenic enzymes to produce adiposity. Ad‐36 infection alters lipid & glucose metabolism, gene expression, and body composition. Serum antibodies (AB) assayed by serum neutralization (SN) are specific evidence of infection. We determined prevalence of unsuspected (natural) Ad‐36 infection in multiple laboratory species and report how experimental data are affected. We obtained serum from 40 rats (Harlan Labs, IN); 15 rhesus monkeys in the Aging Study, Wisconsin National Primate Res Ctr; 8 rabbits from US Biological (MA) & 6 cows (culture media serum). We fed rats a 36% or 48% kcal fat diet and measured wt gain and body fat. 25% of rats arrived at the lab with unsuspected Ad‐36 infection. Hi fat feeding induced greater wt gain (36.6 vs 9.6 g, p<.02) and 51% more body fat (82 vs 54 g, p<.02) in infected vs uninfected rats. 100% of monkeys became Ad‐36+ over the 7 yr study; all gained wt and lowered serum cholesterol (p<.05). 50% of rabbits were Ad‐36+ on arrival. Antibodies were present in 4 of 6 bovine sera and interfered in the SN assay.ConclusionsUnsuspected Ad‐36 infection occurs in lab animals from suppliers and in university vivariums. Laboratory animals should be tested for Ad‐36 status before experiments are performed as Ad‐36 may compromise outcomes.
Production of a nanocomposite for tissue repair application requiring viscoelasticity
Authors: LIU JIE , Argenta Louis , Morykwas Michael , Carroll David , Wagner William 
Published: June 2021

The production of repair materials where an elastic component is required is lacking due to the difficulty of incorporating insoluble elastin. Poly (1, 8‐octanediol citrate) (POC), a synthetic, biodegradable, elastomeric, and hydrophilic material may be used as a substitute for the elastic fiber. To simulate extracellular matrix (ECM), five composite fibers were fabricated using electrospinning technology: Collagen Type I (I), I +Collagen Type III (III), I+POC, I+III+POC, and I+Versican+Decorin+POC. Fiber sizes in all samples ranged from 200nm to 600nm mimicking ECM fibers. By atomic force microscopy, a single fiber of I, I+III, I+POC, I+III+POC, and I+Versican+Decorin+POC had respectively a Young's modulus of 1.37±0.20 (mean ± SD) GPa, 1.21±0.14 GPa, 0.63±0.07 GPa, 0.44±0.12 GPa, 0.62±0.18 GPa. On the average, comparing samples with POC and without POC, elasticity increased 3.2 fold and maximum stress only decreased by 1.3 fold. Fibroblasts in culture had high affinity for all fibers and proliferated during the 7 days period of study. The study demonstrates the usefulness of POC in the production of an ECM‐like viscoelastic nanocomposite for tissue repair.Grant Funding SourceDepartment of Plastic Surgery
Disruption of Development in the Intestinal Epithelium Leads to a Metabolic Syndrome in Adult Rats
Authors: Dlugosz Malgosia A. , Zong Haihong , Pessin Jeffery E. , Gad Ashraf , Larson Janet E. , Cohen J Craig 
Published: June 2021

Several lines of evidence suggest that CFTR (the gene defective in cystic fibrosis) plays a role in proper development of the intestine. To analyze temporal aspects of CFTR requirement for post‐natal phenotype, we transiently suppressed CFTR expression in the intestine of rat fetuses using antisense in utero gene therapy.Depending on the gestational age of the fetus, transient reduction of CFTR function resulted in phenotypes ranging from meconium ileus and subsequent death to obesity. Of particular interest are animals treated during day 17 (E17) of embryonic development. After birth, these animals display dysregulated production of hormones and neuropeptides responsible for promoting satiety, leading to increased food intake and excess body fat. We also observed significant peripheral tissue resistance to insulin, as indicated by clamp studies. Microarray analysis showed changes in gene expression in the intestine both before and after birth, and the results were confirmed by immunofluorescent staining. These data demonstrate that weight gain and insulin resistance in adults can result solely from subtle changes in gene expression during gestationexpression during intestinal development results in a metabolic syndrome in the adult animal.
Evaluation of a comprehensive neuroanatomy website in a distributed medical curriculum
Authors: Krebs Claudia 
Published: June 2021

A neuroanatomy website (www.neuroanatomy.ca) was created as a resource for all students and as a means of bridging the access to information and specimens gap between all sites in a distributed medical curriculum.The website includes a web atlas with both photos and diagrams, an imaging section with MRI scans, a section with 3D MRI reconstructions, a stroke section and course specific sections such as a weekly quiz. Web 2.0 elements were incorporated such as a wiki and podcasts.A survey was given to the students at the end of the lab block to evaluate the use and usefulness of the website.85% of students used the website, both at home and during the lab sessions.The sections used primarily were the atlas and the 3D reconstructions. This could be attributable to the uniqueness of the 3D section and the scarcity of prosections to study with. Both the stroke section and the quiz section also showed a good usage by the students. The wiki was poorly received, this might be due to perceived difficulties with the technology or the use of other, preferred means of communication by the class such as online message boards.While most respondents found the website to be a useful tool during the lab sessions (54%), a smaller percentage found the website useful for other curricular objectives in the block (45%).Overall the students rated the website as being a useful learning tool, it was easy to navigate and information was easy to find.
Anatomy students' initial perceptions about learning anatomy
Authors: Notebaert Andrew , Park Soonhye , Hand Brian 
Published: June 2021

Knowledge about a student's approach to learning is essential to anatomy curricular changes. Understanding how students prefer to learn can help create anatomy courses that move away from rote memorization and minimal understanding of anatomy. We conducted a research study using interviews of both students and instructors and survey instruments to describe their perceptions of learning. Data were collected at the beginning of the course and at the end to determine if there are changes made during the length of the course. The initial student survey included several open ended questions aimed at identifying general perceptions of learning and how they thought they would learn anatomy. Fifty‐six initial surveys were completed from students in four different anatomy courses. Preliminary results indicate that students preferred either an apprenticeship or a practice model for general learning. Students indicated that they would learn anatomy by repetition/memorization, reading, attending lecture, and studying notes. Although anatomy students believed that they learned better in an active learning environment, many indicated that they perceived learning anatomy in passive and behaviorist approaches. Instructors should approach curriculum development around student ideas of ideal learning environments in order to move towards deeper understanding. This project was not funded.Grant Funding SourceNone