bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Body fat and fat‐free mass normalization by height
Authors: Rodríguez Patricia , Bermúdez Enrique , Macri Elisa , Ponce Graciela , Gamba Carlota , Juiz Natalia , Zeni Susana , Exeni Ramón , Friedman Silvia 
Published: June 2021

Measurement of children's body composition has become increasingly common. However, attention has been focused on methods, and less on the way in which data is expressed.Objectiveto study the relationship between height (Ht) with fat mass (FM) and fat‐free mass (FFM), measured by DXA in preschool children; and calculate an independent index (FMI and FFMI) of Ht. Seventy five children (males= 31, females= 44) aged 3 to 5, from La Matanza, Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina, attending a day care center, were included. There were healthy according to anthropometric (WHO, 1999) and clinical evaluation. Ht data were collected and FM and FFM were measured using a Lunar DPX‐L, pediatric software. Pearson's correlation was used to examine the association between FM, FFM, FMI and FFMI with Ht, and linear regression to determine what power of height (Hty) results in a zero correlation between body composition and Ht.ResultsFM and FFM are associated with Ht (p=0.0222 and p< 0.0001, respectively) without differences between sexes. The slope of the regression line relating lgFM to lgHt was 1.49, while that for lgFFM to lgHt was 2.12. Thus, FM/Ht and FFM/Ht2 are uncorrelated with Ht (p=0.4063 and p=0.3695, respectively).Conclusionto compare children's body composition, normalization for body size is required. The indices FMI (FM/Ht) and FFMI (FFM/Ht2) would be appropriate for this purpose.Awarded by UBACyT O‐008 and 015.
Dietary patterns of children aged 0‐59 months in Ukambani region of Kenya
Authors: Ndiku Mueni , Sabaté Joan , Singh Pramil , Jaceldo‐Siegl Karen 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveSevere drought struck Northern and Eastern Kenya in 2006 that forced ~10% of Kenyan population to face starvation, and subsequent malnutrition in children. We assessed the dietary patterns of children aged 0‐59 months in Mwingi (MW) and Makueni (MA), two drought‐stricken districts in Eastern Kenya. Mwingi district uses pearl millet as the main staple cereal while Makueni uses maize (corn).MethodsWe interviewed 403 mothers to collect dietary information about their children from 4 randomly selected locations in MW and MA. Surrogate 24‐hr recalls from 614 children (300 boys and 314 girls) were obtained, and subsequently entered using NDSR 2008. Nutrients were transformed to achieve normality. Intake of selected nutrients and food groups were compared between the two districts using t‐test.ResultsAverage (mean ± SD) energy intake (1064+499 kcal) in MW was significantly higher compared to MA (966 + 470 kcal) (p<0.05). Intake of carbohydrate, protein, iron and most B vitamins were significantly higher in MW compared to MA; fat, animal protein and vitamin A were significantly higher in MA. On average, grains contribute 55‐60% of total energy intake in both districts. The contribution to total energy from grains, vegetables and milk were significantly higher in MW compared to MA.ConclusionOverall, children in Mwingi have higher nutritional intake compared to Makueni.
Serum phosphate predicts early mortality in HIV patients on ART in Zambia
Authors: Heimburger Douglas C , Nyirenda Christopher , Kabagambe Edmond K , Potter Dara , Bosire Claire , Zulu Isaac , Chisembele‐Taylor Angela 
Published: June 2021

ObjectivesAntiretroviral therapy (ART) programs in developing countries report high mortality rates in the first 90 days of ART. We hypothesize that acute hypophosphatemia, analogous to refeeding syndrome, occurs & is a risk factor for mortality.MethodsWe enrolled 148 adults with BMI <16 kg/m2 or CD4 <50/μL at ART initiation in Lusaka, Zambia. Serum phosphate, diet and anthropometrics were recorded 6 times in 12 weeks of ART.Results2.4% of participants had serum phosphate <0.65 mmol/L (<2 mg/dL) at baseline; this increased to 10.9% after 1 week but decreased again after another week. Mean phosphate dropped ‐0.16±0.33 mmol/L (p<0.001) between weeks 0 & 1. In median 86 days of follow‐up, 28 participants died (93/100 person‐yr). Higher baseline phosphate predicted improved survival (HR 0.15; 95% CI: 0.04‐0.56). This remained significant after adjustment for sex, BMI, & CD4 (HR 0.21; 0.06‐0.82). Sex (HR men vs. women 2.54; 1.05‐6.16) & BMI (HR/unit ↑ in BMI 0.74; 0.59‐0.93) also significantly predicted early mortality, but CD4 count did not. Baseline serum phosphate correlated with CD4 & intakes of protein & fat but not with sex, BMI, appetite, or intakes of energy or carbohydrate.ConclusionsHypophosphatemia occurs in persons with HIV/AIDS in Zambia and may worsen early in ART. Higher phosphate concentrations at ART initiation strongly predict improved survival during ART. Support: UAB CFAR, CIDRZ, NIH AI 076430.
Puma is a critical regulator of acute ethanol‐induced neuroapoptosis
Authors: Ghosh Arindam , Klocke Barbara J , Roth Kevin Aaron 
Published: June 2021

Intrauterine exposure to ethanol causes a dysmorphogenic neuropathological syndrome in humans. The toxic effects are most pronounced during the synaptogenesis period of nervous system development that predominantly occurs prenatally in humans but postnatally in rodents. To define the critical upstream pro‐apoptotic mediators of acute ethanol‐induced neuroapoptosis, we examined the effects of ethanol administration in wild type mice and mice with targeted gene disruptions in puma, bax, noxa and p53.Apoptosis as evidenced by a robust increase in cleaved caspase‐3 like immunoreactivity was observed at 6 hours post treatment. Bax deficient mice however did not show an increase in cleaved caspase‐3 levels indicating that Bax deficiency is protective in this process. Puma knockout mice also did not show an elevation in cleaved caspase‐3 levels after treatment with ethanol, though p53 deficient animals treated with ethanol showed comparable caspase‐3 levels as p53 heterozygous mice or wild type mice.These results indicate that acute ethanol‐induced neurodegeneration is mediated by Puma and Bax and is independent of regulation by p53.The transcription factor that mediates this process remains to be determined.This work was supported by UAB Neuroscience Core facilities (NS 47466 and NS57098) and NIH grant NS35107 (KAR)
Intravital imaging in a transgenic mouse model of breast cancer
Authors: Resau James H , Williams Bart , Lindvall Charlotta , Zylstra Cassandra , Looyenga Brendan , VandenBeldt Kristin , West Rich 
Published: June 2021

Currently there are few ways to complete intravital imaging of well characterized transgenic mouse models. We are developing an assay to monitor by fluorescence, a transgenic, murine, mammary carcinogenesis model of breast cancer that expresses the well characterized beta‐galactosidase marker. We are utilizing a method to observe the marker in cells, and will apply the method to developing lesions and histology preparations without terminating the biologic development of the tumor and hopefully treatment induced regression in order to determine efficacy.We have crossed MMTV WNT 1 mice with mice expressing the β‐galactosidase transgene under the control of a β‐catenin‐responsive promoter (Bat‐Gal). These animals have a well characterized, developmental pattern that originates in the mammary fat pad. The β‐catenin protein is stabilized in MMTV‐Wnt1‐induced mammary tumors. Building on Tung et al (2004), we quantified Wnt1‐induced mammary tumors by measuring the activity of β‐gal with DDAOG, a red fluorescent signal. Our model uses instruments (cri‐inc.com) designed for multispectral, in‐vivo fluorescence imaging. We un‐mix the image cubes and separate the DDAO and background components. We can quantify expression by using software programs (Kort et al, 2003). Upon sacrifice, the animals will be further characterized using spectral and confocal microscopes to develop 3D reconstructions of the tumors.
AAV‐mediated vascular smooth muscle‐specific knockdown of Cav1.2 as a long‐term anti‐hypertensive therapy
Authors: Pang Li , Sonkusare Swapnil , Thakali Keshari , Melchert Russell , Roberto Kerrey , Palade Philip 
Published: June 2021

Hypertension is a chronic disease, but currently all antihypertensive drugs have relatively short half‐lives. To improve patient compliance, we hypothesize that AAV‐mediated Cav1.2 siRNA gene therapy which selectively reduces the abnormal expression of Cav1.2 in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) will provide a long‐term antihypertensive effect. We previously reported a miRNA‐based shRNA expression cassette driven by a VSMC‐specific enhancer/promoter significantly reduced Cav1.2 expression and function in cultured VSMCs but not in non‐VSMCs tested. In this study, we subcloned the VSMC‐specific siRNA expression cassettes into an AAV vector and injected the viruses into angiotensin II‐induced hypertensive mice by tail vein injection. Compared to control virus‐treated mice, blood pressure of AAV/Cav1.2 siRNA‐treated mice decreased ~30 mm Hg and remained reduced for = 4 weeks. L‐type Ca currents from isolated mesenteric artery VSMCs significantly decreased in AAV/Cav1.2 siRNA‐treated mice (‐4.58±1.51 pA/pF vs. ‐10.96±1.89 pA/pF in control virus‐treated mice, p<0.05). Expression of Cav1.2 siRNA was VSMC‐selective since GFP (an expression marker, driven by the same promoter as the Cav1.2 siRNA) mRNA was only detected in arteries, but not in heart, brain, or liver.ConclusionAAV‐mediated VSMC‐specific knockdown of Cav1.2 may provide a long‐term therapy for hypertension. Supported by NIH HL63903.
GHB‐ and baclofen‐induced hypothermia in mice: interactions with the GABA‐B receptor positive modulator CGP7930, the GABA‐B receptor antagonist CGP35348, and the NOS inhibitor L‐NAME
Authors: Koek Wouter , Campos Peter S. , France Charles P. , Cheng Kejun , Rice Kenner C. 
Published: June 2021

CGP7930, a GABA‐B receptor positive modulator, enhances GABA‐B receptor agonist‐induced loss of righting in mice (Carai et al., 2004). The present study examined the generality of CGP7930's ability to enhance in vivo effects of GABA‐B receptor agonists.Baclofen and GHB both produced hypothermia (ED50: 4.8 and 270 mg/kg, resp.). When given alone, CGP7930 also produced hypothermia, but was less potent (ED50: 100 mg/kg) and less effective than baclofen. CGP7930‐induced hypothermia was not attenuated by the GABA‐B receptor antagonist CGP35348, which blocked baclofen‐induced hypothermia. CGP7930 did not enhance the hypothermic effects of baclofen and GHB. In contrast, the NOS inhibitor L‐NAME had no effect on body temperature when given alone but enhanced baclofen‐ and GHB‐induced hypothermia.The finding that CGP7930 produced hypothermia when given alone, and that this effect was not attenuated by CGP35348, suggest that, in vivo, CGP7930 may behave as an allosteric agonist at GABA‐B receptors. However, the results do not provide evidence that CGP7930 also behaves as a positive modulator at GABA‐B receptors mediating baclofen‐ and GHB‐induced hypothermia. Together with previous findings, the present results confirm the utility of CGP7930 for examining the role of GABA‐B receptor modulation in the in vivo effects of GABA‐B receptor agonists.Supported by DA15692 (WK), DA17918 (CF)
Alterations in D2 dopamine receptor internalization in the presence of the Na+/K+‐ATPase
Authors: Hazelwood Lisa A , Free R Benjamin , Cabrera David M , Sibley David R 
Published: June 2021

Using a co‐immunoprecipitation assay for dopamine receptors (DARs) coupled with mass spectrometry (MS) sequencing, we previously identified the Na+/K+‐ATPase (Na+ pump, NKA) as a member of both the D1 and D2 DAR signalplexes. Using fluorescent‐labeled D2 DAR and NKAα1 constructs in confocal microscopy experiments, co‐localization of the two proteins was observed at the plasma membrane. Dopamine stimulation of RFP‐tagged D2 DAR‐expressing cells resulted in marked DAR internalization twenty minutes after drug treatment. Interestingly, when GFP‐tagged NKAα1 was co‐expressed, the D2 DAR internalization twenty minutes after dopamine treatment was diminished. To achieve a more quantitative assessment of receptor expression, cell‐surface binding assays were performed in the presence and absence of over‐expressed NKA. These assays revealed a 45% decrease in cell‐surface D2 DAR number twenty minutes after dopamine treatment, and a 30% decrease in receptor number when the NKA was also present. Longer dopamine incubations enhanced D2 DAR internalization, but co‐expression of NKA prohibited complete internalization as compared to D2 DAR alone. Current studies are underway to determine the impact of the DAR‐NKA complex on receptor recycling, and the role of NKA in lipid rafts on receptor activation and internalization.Support contributed by the NINDS intramural program.
Selective colonic irradiation induces urinary bladder overactivity
Authors: Zabbarova Irina , Epperly Michael , Greenberger Joel , Kanai Anthony 
Published: June 2021

Afferent cross‐sensitization is considered to be one of the major factors contributing to the pathologies involved in pelvic pain although the precise mechanism is unknown. We have developed a mouse model for studying afferent cross‐sensitization of the colon and the urinary bladder. This was accomplished by momentarily withdrawing and selectively irradiating a section of the descending colon. The irradiation beam (2 ‐ 10 Gy) was focused on the gut without affecting other organs. Using this model we have demonstrated that selective colonic irradiation induces bladder overactivity. At 1 to 2 weeks following irradiation, cystometric studies on decerebrated mice demonstrated non‐voiding contractions (3 to 6 per contractile interval) and decreased intercontraction intervals (from 12±3 min in controls to 1±0.5 min in irradiated mice).We have previously reported on the protective effects of mitochondrially targeted or intravesical nitric oxide synthase (NOS) antagonists during bladder irradiation. NOS activation is hypothesized to be a primary event in irradiation induced damage. However, the mechanism of cross‐sensitization may involve antidromic release of transmitters from bladder afferents in that NOS antagonists were not protective when the gut was irradiated. Accordingly, ongoing studies are directed at characterizing the mechanism of bladder‐colon cross‐sensitization. Funded by NIH DK07108.
Characterization of α1A‐adrenergic receptor splice variants in human aortic and pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells
Authors: Aungst Timothy Dy , Bachman Adam , Prinster Steven C. , McCune Dan F. 
Published: June 2021

Three α1‐adrenergic receptor (AR) subtypes have been cloned and characterized, the α1A‐, α1B‐, and α1D‐AR. Additionally, 16 splice variants of the α1A‐AR have been isolated in various human tissues. We characterized the expression and function of α1‐ARs in human aortic and pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells. The expression α1‐AR mRNA was assessed with RT‐PCR utilizing subtype and splice variant specific primers. Response to agonist was assayed by measuring increases in intracellular calcium ion concentrations in cells loaded with Fura‐4. Both aortic and pulmonary cells express mRNA for the α1A‐, α1B‐, and α1D‐ARs. Interestingly, message for α1A‐AR splice variants 1‐3, but not 4, was detected in both cell types. Both cell types displayed increases in intracellular calcium in response to treatment with the α1‐AR selective agonist phenylephrine, suggesting functional receptor expression. Simultaneous expression of all three α1‐AR subtypes is consistent with previous reports, while the significance of α1A‐AR splice variant expression is currently unknown. Further study of these cell types with a variety of agonists and antagonists to explore multiple signal transduction pathways is required.Supported by a Type I grant, Wilkes University
Comparison of the effects of agonists and antagonists at peroxissome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma and angiotensin II receptors on murine preadipocytes and cardiac sympathetic neurons
Authors: Pinheiro Helder , Bastos Ricardo , Silva Filipa , Calhau Conceição , Moura Daniel 
Published: June 2021

The angiotensin II (AngII) receptor antagonist telmisartan, activates the peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) which is a binding site for the antidiabetic thiazolidinedione. The aim of this study was to characterize the action of different AT1 receptor antagonists on PPARγ‐mediated effects and, reversely, to characterize the action of the PPARγ agonist, rosiglitazone (Rz), on AngII receptor‐mediated effects. Adipogenesis (Oil red O staining) in a preadipocyte cell line (3T3‐L1) was used to test the actions of several AT1 antagonists on PPARγ. Facilitation of tritiated noradrenaline (3H‐NA) release induced by rat sympathetic nerve stimulation was studied to test the actions of Rz on AngII receptors. Rz (300 nM) but also ZD7155 (1 μM) and candesartan (10 μM) promoted adipogenesis which was blocked by the PPARγ antagonist GW9662 (3 μM). Neither losartan nor eprosartan had any effect on adipogenesis. Rz (30‐300 nM) caused a concentration‐dependent facilitation on the evoked overflow of 3H‐NA. These results suggest that ZD7155 and candesartan promote PPARγ‐mediated adipogenesis, while losartan and eprosartan are devoided of this action. Conversely, the facilitatory action of Rz on 3H‐NA release from sympathetic nerve terminals suggests that Rz and AngII may share binding sites or signal transduction pathways.Supported by "Investigação na Pré‐graduação, Universidade do Porto‐CGD"
Descending outer medullary vasa recta are constricted by perfusion with iodinated contrast media
Authors: Sendeski Mauricio Michalak , Patzak Andreas , Pallone Thomas L. , Cao Chunhua , Persson Erik , Persson Pontus B. 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveContrast induced nephropathy (CIN) is a frequent complication of coronary angiography. Outer medullary descending vasa recta (DVR) are contractile microvessels supplying blood flow to the renal medulla ‐ the area of kidney at risk for CIN. Our objective was to test whether perfusion of DVR with a contrast medium (CM) modifies DVR vasoactivity.MethodsDVR from rats were microscopically isolated and perfused with iodixanol (23 mg iodine/ml, calculated after usual doses of CM). DVR luminal diameter was determined by microscopy and nitric oxide (NO) was measured by fluorescent techniques.ResultsCM led to 50% reduction of luminal diameter, and increased vasoconstriction of DVR by angiotensin II (ANG II). Dismutation of superoxide by Tempol prevented these effects. CM also decreased NO bioavailability by >60 percent.DiscussionOur data suggest that CM may lead to renal circulatory derangements described in CIN through a direct effect on DVR. This effect seems to happen via increased oxidative stress. Scavenging of reactive oxygen species might exert a therapeutic effect on CIN by mildering such derangements.Supported by the German Research Foundation, Werner Jackstaedt Foundation, and NIH
In vivo glycocalyx degradation induces proteinuria and insulin resistance without affecting atherogenesis in apoE knockout mice on a Western‐type diet
Authors: van den Berg Bernard M , Meuwese Marijn C , Stroes Erik S G , Vink Hans 
Published: June 2021

Four weeks of hyaluronidase (HYAL) infusion was used to study the role of the endothelial glycocalyx in vascular circulatory‐ and barrier properties, and atherogenic lesion progression in apoE knockout (apoE−/−) mice on a Western‐type diet (HFC). Male apoE−/− on HFC for 10 weeks and Hyal (10 U/hr, i.v. in the last 4 weeks) revealed a significantly reduced systemic endothelial glycocalyx volume of 11.3 ± 7.7 mL/kg BW, compared to pre diet‐ and Hyalinactive groups (21.6 ± 6.3 and 17.9 ± 9.8 mL/kg BW, respectively). Red blood cell volume (27.6 ± 4.0 vs. 27.9 ± 1.6 and 30.5 ± 6.0 mL/kg BW, Hyal vs. pre diet and Hyalinactive, respectively) and hematocrit (0.43 ± 0.03 vs. 0.45 ± 0.02 and 0.41 ± 0.03) were not changed. Hyal infusion induced a significant renal protein leakage (urine protein/creatinin ratio 0.27 ± 0.02 vs. 0.06 ± 0.03 and 0.15 ± 0.01), without changes in renal morphology, and increased insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR 6.6 ± 5.7 vs. 1.7 ± 0.1 and 3.3 ± 2.5). There was no effect on atherogenic lesion progression (innominate artery lesion area 14.9 ± 6.2 vs. 0.74 ± 1.0 and 16.4 ± 9.1 x 10,000 µm2 ). Our findings indicate that accelerated glycocalyx degradation in an atherogenic mouse model contributes to loss of glycocalyx volume and in turn modest changes in renal function and insulin homeostasis without affecting atherogenesis.Supported by NHF 2005T037 to H. Vink
Sensitivity of neuromuscular junctions to unloading and pre‐habilitation
Authors: Sherman Elizabeth Grace , Glass Emily , Deschenes Michael 
Published: June 2021

It has been well documented that muscle unloading elicits significant decrements in muscle strength and size. In contrast, the effects of muscle unloading on the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) are less elucidated and the potential of pre‐habilitative conditioning remains unknown. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of unloading on the NMJs of aged rats, as well as the capacity of pre‐habilitation to affect those synapses. Thirty aged (25 mo) male Fischer 344 rats were assigned to 3 groups; 1) control, 2) unloaded (UL), 3) pre‐habilitation before unloading (PH‐UL). UL rats were subjected to hindlimb suspension for 2 weeks, and PH‐UL rats completed a 2 week (5days/wk) treadmill running program before 2 weeks of hindlimb suspension. Following all interventions, all rats were euthanized and soleus muscles were removed and frozen at resting length. Cytofluorescent techniques were used to visualize pre‐synaptic nerve terminal branching, and post‐synaptic acetylcholine receptors. Confocal microscopy was used to collect images of pre‐ and post‐synaptic morphology. Our results indicated that neither pre‐ nor post‐synaptic morphological parameters were altered in UL or PH‐UL rats. Thus, a 2 week unloading period is insufficient to modify synaptic structure among aged rats. Moreover, the combination of 2 weeks of run training and 2 weeks of unloading also failed to provoke changes in NMJ morphology.Supported by the National Institute on Aging, and The Foundation for Aging Studies and Exercise Science Research.
Effect of prenatal Betamethasone (B) exposure on sodium excretion in response to intrarenal infusions of Angiotensin II (Ang II) and its antagonist in male sheep.
Authors: Bi Jianli , Contag Stephen , Figueroa Jorge , Chappell Mark , Rose James C 
Published: June 2021

Prenatal exposure to clinically relevant doses of Betamethasone (B) reduces nephron number in adult sheep, but its effects on renal function are unknown. Therefore, we evaluated if prenatal B exposure alters sodium excretion (UNa) in response to intrarenal infusions (IRI) of angiotensin II (AII) with or without its antagonists (Candesartan (C) [type 1] and PD123319 (PD) [type 2] receptor blockers) in adult male sheep.1.5 year old male sheep which were exposed to B (n=6) or vehicle (V, n=6) at 80‐81 days gestation and born at term received renal arterial infusions of AII (1ng/kg/min) with or without antagonists for 24 hours. Na excretion (UNa) was measured during the infusions. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and T‐test were used for data analysis.AII infusion decreased UNa from 0.39±0.07 to 0.14±0.04mM/hr/Kg (p<0.01) in B sheep, and from 0.37±0.06 to 0.18±0.05 in V sheep. AII plus PD decreased UNa in V sheep but not in B sheep (decreases were ‐0.27±0.09 in V sheep and ‐0.09 ±0.04mM/hr/Kg in B sheep, p=0.059). In presence of C, UNa initially decreased in both groups (from 0.39±0.09 to 0.13±0.03 in V and from 0.26±0.07 to 0.12±0.03mM/hr/Kg in B sheep), and then increased. The increase was 0.39± 0.09 in vehicle sheep and 0.25±0.05 in B (p=0.05).The data suggest that the natriuretic response to stimulation of the AII type 2 receptor is converted to an antinatriuresis by prenatal B exposure. Supported by NIH grants HD 047584 and HD17644