bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modulation of Beta 2, Beta 3, and AlphavBeta3 Integrins in Chronic Experimental Colitis Induced by Iodoacetamide and Enteropathogenic E. coliββ
Authors: Jurjus Abdo Romanos , Saliba Jessica L. , Ghanem Simona , Jurjus Rosalyn Abdo , Hussein Inaya Abdallah Hajj 
Published: June 2021

Many integrins have been implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease.This work studied the modulation of expression of ß2, ß3, and αvß3 integrins in a rat model of IBD.A total of 160 adult male Sprage‐Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups and inoculated intrarectally on a weekly basis, unless otherwise specified, for 56 days with (1) methylcellulose 1% (MC), (2) iodoacetamide 6% (IA), (3) Enteropathogenic E. coli 4x108 colony factor (B), and (4) Iodoacetamide plus E. Coli (IA+B). The treatments were discontinued after 1 month in half of the animals. Daily observation for diarrhea and gross changes was performed. On days 3, 7, 14, 28, 42, and 56 open biopsies were removed from the intestines for RNA extraction, and for microscopy, and immunohistochemistry which was performed for ß2, ß3, and αvß3 on paraffin section from the descending colon using FITC conjugated goat antimouse IgG and RNA was extracted for Real Time PCR performed on αvß3.Results showed an increased expression 3 to 5 times of ß2 integrin in the IA and IA+B groups, mostly in the mucosa and submucosa. ß3 levels were also elevated in the experimental groups of IA and IA+B compared to controls. The highest values were in the combination groups. αvß3 expression behaved the same way both by immunohistochemistry and RT‐PCR.In conclusion, the chronic release of inflammatory molecules may have caused the precancerous profile of integrins expression.
Insights Derived from the Structure of Human Adenovirus
Authors: Davidson Samantha , Debenham William , Wilson Kristy , McCraine Kyrsten , McCarthy Jared , McCarthy Aaron , Lee Libby , Davidson Katie , Galea‐Martinez Sandra A. , Reddy Vijay 
Published: June 2021

Human adenoviruses are non‐enveloped, double stranded DNA viruses responsible for many upper‐respiratory infections and eye infections. It is composed of a spherical capsid that surrounds the viral genome. The trimeric fiber protein, exposed on the capsid exterior, is unique to adenoviruses and facilitates the attachment to the host cell via interactions between the knob domain and cell surface proteins. After entry into the host the virus is carried to the nucleus, where the capsid disassociates and the DNA passes through the nuclear pore. The adenovirus is of particular interest for the role it may play in targeted gene therapy as a vector.Further study of the virus' structure, specifically the knob domain located on the fiber protein, may allow for genetic alterations to specific cell surface proteins and to circumvent neutralizing antibodies. In addition, knowledge of the structural details provides ways to disrupt their assembly and disassembly, thereby interfering with their natural lifecycle and associated infections. The structural details can also be used to re‐target the adenoviruses to the cells of interest and deliver specific genes, thus making it a useful delivery vehicle. The El Capitan SMART (Students Modeling A Research Topic) Team modeled the fiber protein using 3D printing technology. Supported by a grant from the HHMI Pre‐College Program
Effect of drop‐dead mutations on fertility and embryogenesis in Drosophila
Authors: Knight Kendall , Blumenthal Edward M 
Published: June 2021

Mutations in the Drosophila gene drop‐dead (drd) cause reduced female fertility. Females homozygous for severe alleles are sterile. In contrast, females homozygous for the mild allele drdG3 are fertile, but it is not known whether fertility is reduced. We found that 87% of eggs laid by drdG3 homozygotes hatched into larvae; this rate was not reduced relative to heterozygous controls. Therefore, drdG3 does not appear to affect fertility.In a screen for modifiers of drd, we had identified the deficiency Df(2R)Jp1 as an enhancer of adult lethality: drdG3;Df(2R)Jp1/+ males have significantly shorter lifespans than mutants lacking the deficiency. In the current study, we measured fertility of drdG3/drdG3; Df(2R)Jp1/+ females. Only 33% of eggs laid by mutant flies with the deficiency hatched, compared with 71% of eggs laid by mutant flies without the deficiency. There may be a common biochemical pathway underlying the effects of drd on both adult survival and embryogenesis.We have previously found that eggs laid by females homozygous for the most severe alleles of drd arrest before gastrulation. We have now studied embryos laid by females homozygous for the moderate allele In(1)drdX1. These embryos appear to develop normally through gastrulation. By midway through development, however, the embryos appear to be severely abnormal, and they do not survive to hatching. Supported by 1R15 GM080682 to EMB and an NSF REU site.
Anatomic variations of the dorsalis pedis artery: A cadaveric study
Authors: Cassidy Keely , Khan MA 
Published: June 2021

The dorsalis pedis artery (DPA), along with its variable branching pattern, was examined in cadaver feet. The occurrence and anatomical relationships of the DPA and its branches is of importance to clinical health care professionals for the vital role it plays in many diagnostic and corrective procedures. The DPA, a direct continuation of the anterior tibial artery, provides a lateral tarsal, a media tarsal and an arcuate branch before terminating in the 1st interosseous space by giving rise to the plantar and the dorsal metatarsal arteries.In this study, the DPA was present in all 18 feet examined as a continuation of the anterior tibial artery. Its first branch, the lateral tarsal, was noted in 94% of the cadaveric feet and originated an average of 22 mm distal to the origin of the DPA. The medial tarsal was found in 89% of the feet and originated an average of 49 mm to the origin of the DPA. The arcuate artery was the most variable branch, being present in 9 of the 18 feet examined. The two terminal arteries (first dorsal metatarsal and deep plantar) were present 94% and 89% of the time. In summary, the arcuate artery was the most variable of those studied, and the lateral tarsal artery was the most consistent branch of the DPA.
Effect of vitamin B12 supplementation on plasma homocystein levels in Taiwanese vegetarians
Authors: Chiu Tina Hsueh‐Ting , Lin Ming‐Nan , Huang Hui‐Ya , Chen Kuan‐Ju , Lin Chin‐Lon 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveElevated plasma homocystein (Hcy), a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, has been observed in vegetarians in countries with limited vitamin B12 fortified foods. We investigated the effect of vitamin B12 supplementation on Hcy.MethodsIn a double‐blind placebo‐control trial, 65 vegetarians (age 54±9) with Hcy >12μmol/L were randomly assigned to receive either a daily supplementation of 500μg vitamin B12 or placebo, for 6 months. Fasting serum vitamin B12 and Hcy were measured at month 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12.ResultsVitamin B12 group, compared with control, had a 35% reduction in Hcy in 3 months: month 0 (18.1±7.2 vs. 17.9±6.4 μmol/L), month 3 (11.7±2.4 vs. 17.8±7.7 μmol/L, p<0.001), with no further decrease after 3 months. During supplementation, serum vitamin B12 increased correspondingly as Hcy decreased. Upon cessation of supplementation, Hcy levels in the B12 group were maintained until month 12, while serum vitamin B12 dropped in month 9.ConclusionThis is the first trial to show that vitamin B12 supplementation alone is effective in treating Taiwanese vegetarians with hyperhomocysteinemia. A supplementation of 500μg of vitamin B12 for 6 months resulted in a sustained reduction of Hcy 6 months after cessation, despite the earlier drop in serum vitamin B12. Serum vitamin B12 may be more sensitive, than Hcy, to recent reduction in vitamin B12 intake.This study was supported by Tzu Chi Hospital.
Fortified product intake attenuates the relationship between complementary feeding diet diversity score and a measure of nutrient adequacy among peri‐urban Filipino infants
Authors: Acuin Cecilia , Habicht Jean Pierre , Pelto Gretel 
Published: June 2021

We examine the question “How well can diet diversity (DD) indicators predict dietary quality for Filipino infants 6 to 11 months old from an urban poor municipality?” Dietary data was collected monthly from 6 to 11 months of age, using a 24 hour recall method, from a sample of 1013 infants in peri‐urban Manila. Dietary diversity (DD) was calculated from the sum of 8 food groups with at least 1 g consumed over a 24 hour period. Mean DD score over the 6 month period was 2.1 for breastfed (BF) and 2.7 for non‐breastfed infants (BBF). Nutrient adequacy was measured as mean micronutrient density adequacy (MMDA). Mean MMDA for BF was 49.8 and 58.6 for NBF. In the combined sample the correlation between DD and MMDA is significant (p<0.01, r=0.523) for the period 6–11 mos. However, fortified food product intake attenuates this relationship between DD and MMDA, and the interaction between fortified product intake & DD significantly affects MMDA. Therefore in populations where fortified foods are common, DD is not a useful indicator of diet quality.Support was provided by WHO.
Best Practices and Strategies Utilized in Phase I of a Comprehensive District‐Wide Edible Schoolyard Garden and Nutrition Science Education Curriculum at the Primary and Secondary Education level to Reduce the Prevalence of Childhood Obesity
Authors: Wallace Sharonda , Ilkay Jasmin , Cota Rick 
Published: June 2021

Childhood overweight and obesity is at a record high. This has been the impetus for recent federal legislation to improve K‐12 cafeteria menus and environments. According to United States Department of Agriculture, low fruit and vegetable intake may be associated with overweight. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to reduce the prevalence of overweight and obesity in a Southern California School District utilizing edible schoolyard gardens and nutrition education. The 4‐phase program objectives: (1) to plant edible gardens throughout the district; (2) create district‐wide marketing campaign; (3) to develop education curriculum incorporating foods grown from the gardens; (4) to create a healthier menu options for the students; (5) to increase students ‘consumption of fruits and vegetables; (6) to increase nutrition knowledge regarding the benefits of fruit and vegetable consumption. Phase I was implemented Summer 2010.Methodscollege students, community volunteers, and staff, participated.Resultsat the end of Phase I, a clear marketing campaign was developed, 5 gardens planted, and planting menus created.Conclusionstudent and community engagement, campus partnerships, and business community outreach proved to be effective strategies for the creation of healthier school environments.
Association between Body Fat and Metabolic Abnormalities in Lebanese Children and Adolescents
Authors: Hwalla Nahla Chawkat , Nasreddine Lara 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveThis study was conducted to investigate the relationship between obesity and various components of the metabolic syndrome (MS) among children and adolescents in Lebanon.MethodsA total of 260 children and adolescents (161 obese, 50 overweight, 49 normal weight) were recruited from private and public schools in Lebanon. Anthropometric, biochemical and blood pressure measurements were performed.ResultsThe number of metabolic abnormalities and their clustering increased with obesity. According to the modified Adult Treatment Panel III definition, the MS was identified in 26.4% and 28.4% of obese children and adolescents, respectively, exceeding rates reported from developed countries such as Italy (13.5%; 16.5%) and Spain (18.0%), while being lower than those reported from the United States (48.8%; 42.0%), the United Arab Emirates (44.0%) and Iran (41.9%).The most common abnormalities among obese children and adolescents were elevated waist circumference (83.9%; 90.5%), high triglycerides (TG) (42.5%; 24.3%) and low HDL (33.3%; 40.5%). The TG/HDL ratio appeared as the strongest predictor of the MS (OR=2.24; OR=4.40).ConclusionThis study shows that obese children and adolescents in Lebanon may be at increased risk of metabolic abnormalities. The TG/HDL is a useful tool to predict the clustering of cardiometabolic risk factors in the Lebanese pediatric population.
Investigation of microRNA‐146a and microRNA‐218 expression in cervical cancer
Authors: Wang Hong‐Wei , Terinate Paul , Gao Youfang , Kalra Krishan L. 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundCervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women worldwide. However, information about miRNAs in cervical cancer remains limited.ObjectiveTo examine miR‐146a and miR‐218 expression patterns in cervical cancer, and to determine their value as biomarkers for cervical cancer.MethodsCervical cancer tissue microarray (TMA) samples (BioGenex TS‐4215) were used in this study. Probes for miR‐146a and miR‐218 were labeled with 5’‐Fluorescein. Fully automated Xmatrx system (from slides baking, denaturation, hybridization, detection, and final coversliping) was used for the experiments.ResultsAmong the 33 cervical cancer TMA samples, upregulated cytoplasmic expression of miR‐146a in cancer cells was observed in 22 tissue samples (66.7%). There were 11 cervical cancer samples that exhibited basal level expression (33.3%). Only 8 out of 33 cervical cancer samples demonstrated elevated levels of miR‐218 (24.2%), 19/33 (58%) showed basal level expression, and there were 6/33 samples (18%) displayed low expression level.ConclusionsmiR‐146a expression is upregulated in cervical cancer. This may be used as a biomarker for the molecular diagnosis of cervical cancer. Future determination of the expression level and clinical prognosis is of importance for developing miR‐146a as a potential novel therapeutic agent against cervical cancer. (Supported by BioGenex Laboratories)
Increased oxidative stress in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery predicts a higher coronary risk
Authors: Tejerina Teresa , Gonzalez‐Correa Jose‐Antonio , Carnero Manuel , Munoz‐Marin Javier , De la Cruz Jose‐Pedro , Navarro‐Dorado Jorge , Ramajo Marta , Redondo Santiago 
Published: June 2021

IntroductionWe studied multiple oxidative stress related products in patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).MaterialsWe measured 2 hours before and 24 after CABG the concentration of malondialdehidic acid (MDA), nitrates, and peroxynitrites (prooxidative markers); and reducted glutation and mitochondrial superoxide dismutase (SOD‐Mn) (antioxidative markers).Results119 patients were included. Statistically significant differences were detected in the plasmatic MDA concentration before (0.148 mM) and after (0.283 mM) surgery (p<0.001). A trend towards higher concentrations of peroxynitrates (p=0.443) and nitrates (p=0.078) was also noted. A trend towards lower levels of reducted glutation and SOD‐Mn was noted (p=0.94 and p=0.070). Hematite MDA and nitrite levels were predictors of greater Framingham/ATP III score (B=32.146 points/mM/ml (IC 95% 24.132–40.16); B=0.326 points/μM/g (IC 95% 0.049–0.604). GSH levels were inversely related to Framingham/ATP III score (B= −0.175 points/μM/g (IC 95%=−0.344‐ −0.005)).ConclusionsCABG surgery worsens the oxidative stress profile in patients with coronary disease by increasing oxidation/ antioxidation balance.
Sex‐specific gene responses to estrogen and androgen in human osteoclasts
Authors: Stern Paula H , Wang Jun 
Published: June 2021

Estrogen and androgen are both critical for maintenance of bone, but the target cells, mechanisms and responses could be sex‐specific. To compare sex‐specific actions of estrogen and androgen on osteoclasts (OC), mononuclear precursor cells from adult Caucasian males (n=3) and females (n=3) were differentiated into OC and then treated for 24 h with 10nM 17β‐estradiol (E2) or testosterone (T), or ethanol (control). Gene expression was studied with a custom designed qPCR array containing 94 target genes related to bone and hormone action. Genes changed > 2 fold with p<0.05 were considered significantly modified. In untreated OC, 4 genes showed significant gender differences. E2 significantly affected 12 genes in OC from females and 6 genes in OC from males. 15 of the 18 E2‐responsive genes differed in cells from the two sexes. 2 of the genes affected by E2 in both sexes were regulated oppositely in the two sexes. T significantly affected 6 genes in OC from females and 2 genes in OC from males; all except one gene were different in the two sexes. The findings indicate that 1) OC from both sexes are affected by both E2 and T; 2) within the genes examined, more were affected in OC from females than males; 3) effects of both E2 and T differ in the two sexes; 4) E2 and T largely affect different genes, suggesting that conversion of T to E2 has a limited role in the gene responses.Support: Northwestern Univ. Institute for Womens Health Research.
Interaction of 5‐HT3R ligands with acetylcholine binding protein by surface plasmon resonance
Authors: Rideout Shane Alexander , Harms‐Smyth Abe E , Ataian Yeganeh , Schulte Marvin K 
Published: June 2021

The field of Ligand Gated Ion Channels (LGIC) has benefited greatly over the last several years due to the discovery of the Acetylcholine Binding Protein (AChBP) from snail Lymnaea stagnalis and Aplysia californica. Studies have utilized docking simulations, crystal structure and radio ligand binding data of the AChBP to better understand the function of ligand binding. The AChBP has also been used to characterize other cys‐loop super family LIGC including the serotonin type 3 receptor (5‐HT3R). Although homology models for the AChBP and 5‐HT3R exist there is a lack of information describing how 5‐HT ligands interact with the AChBP.Understanding how 5‐HTR ligands interact with the AChBP binding pocket is crucial knowledge for comparing the functional relationship between AChBP and 5‐HT3R ligand binding site. The goal of this work was to obtain binding data for 5‐HT3R ligands using radio‐ligand binding experiments and Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) as well as confirm validity of 5‐HT3R antagonist binding models based on AChBP. We evaluated the binding of 5‐HT3R agonists, partial agonists and antagonists to the AChBP. Results showed binding affinities for 5‐HT3R agonist were 500–30,000 times lower on the AChBP compared to 5‐HT3R. Binding affinities for 5‐HT3R antagonists were 2–30 lower on the AChBP compared to the 5‐HT3R (>KD). The interaction of antagonists to AChBP is similar to those present in 5‐HT3R while those residues interacting with agonists show less homology. Our docking studies supported these conclusions.
CB1 Cannabinoid Receptor Location and CRIP1a
Authors: O'Neal Jeremy , Blume Lawrence C. , Bass Caroline E. , Howlett Allyn C. 
Published: June 2021

CB1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1R) is a Gi/o linked GPCR that influences psychological processes such as mood and memory. Cannabinoid Receptor Interacting Protein (CRIP1a) has been shown to interact with the C‐terminal tail of the CB1R, leading to the hypothesis that CRIP1a could influence receptor localization and trafficking. The goal of this study was to identify the role of CRIP1a in CB1R localization using N18TG2 wild type (WT) and CRIP1a over‐expressing neuroblastoma cell clones as a model system. Cells were transfected with green fluorescent protein‐tagged CB1 receptors (GFP‐CB1R). GFP‐CB1R and CRIP1a were imaged using confocal microscopy, and the localization was identified using nuclear (HCS nuclear mask) and early endosome (Cell‐Lights) molecular probes. N18TG2 WT cells displayed CRIP1a uniformly in the cell cytosol. At basal conditions, the GFP‐CB1Rs in WT cells are primarily expressed on the plasma membrane surface. On cell Western studies using an N‐terminally‐directed CB1 antibody, revealed that stable over‐expression of CRIP1a reduced the density of CB1R's on the plasma membrane, when compared to WT cells. During agonist (WIN55212‐2)‐challenge, internalization of CB1 receptors occurs in WT cells, but not in CRIP1a‐overexpressing clones. Upon exposure to the CB1 antagonist rimonabant, the density of cell‐surface CB1 receptors increased in both WT as well as CRIP1a‐overexpressing cells. These studies suggest the CRIP1a influences CB1R trafficking and localization during basal and agonist conditions, and provides a mechanisms for regulating CB1 receptor availability at the plasma membrane.Supported by: GM‐GM064249, RO1‐DA03690, R21‐DA025321
Circulating matrix metalloproteinases levels and their inhibitors in clinical and experimental hypertension
Authors: Fontana Vanessa , Silva Pâmela Souza , Belo Vanessa Almeida , Antonio Raquel Carros , Ceron Carla Speroni , Biagi Celso , Gerlach Raquel Fernanda , Tanus‐Santos José Eduardo 
Published: June 2021

The aim of this study was to evaluate circulating levels of metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors, tissue inhibitor of MMP (TIMP) and alpha‐2‐macroglobulin (A2M), in human and experimental hypertension. MMP‐2, MMP‐8, MMP‐9, TIMP‐1, TIMP‐2 and A2M plasma levels were determined in 38 untreated hypertensive patients and 33 normotensive subjects. We also assessed plasma levels of MMP‐9 and MMP‐2 and A2M in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats (SHR) and in Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats. We found no significant differences in MMP‐2, MMP ‐8, TIMP‐1, TIMP‐2 and A2M levels between the groups. However, hypertensives patients had higher levels of MMP‐9 (p≤0.05) than normotensives. In addition, MMP‐9/A2M and MMP‐8/A2M ratio are significantly higher in hypertension group. Similarly to human hypertension, no change in MMP‐2 and A2M plasma levels was observed in SHR compared to WKY. Also, significantly higher MMP‐9 levels and MMP‐9/A2M ratio were found in hypertensive group. Briefly, our findings show abnormal net plasma MMP‐9 activity in untreated hypertensive patients and in experimental hypertension, reinforcing the relevance of MMPs in pathophysiology of hypertension.Financial Support: CNPq, FAPESP and CAPES
Tissue‐specific metabolic regulations of respiration and ROS production of the heart, brain and spinal cord mitochondria
Authors: Panov Alexander , Dikalov Sergey , Dambinova Svetlana 
Published: June 2021

In vivo mitochondria oxidize several metabolites simultaneously. Therefore, changes in metabolic condition associated with age (menopause in women) or disease (diabetes) may have distinct effect on mitochondria from different organs. We tested this hypothesis by analysis of heart (HM), brain (BM) and spinal cord (SCM) mitochondria isolated from young Sprague Dawley rats using Percoll purification step. Pyruvate, glutamate, malate, succinate, palmitoyl‐carnitine and their mixtures were used as substrates. Clark electrode and Amplex Red method were used to measure respiration and ROS generation. HM oxidized palmitoyl‐carnitine or succinate alone very poorly in State 3, and respiration was inhibited upon uncoupling. Combination of palmitoyl‐carnitine with any other mitochondrial substrate increased the rates of oxidative phosphorylation and uncoupled respiration by 40 to 70%, State 4 respiration by 64%, and ROS production increased 3–4 folds. BM and SCM did not oxidize palmitoyl‐carnitine. However, when palmitoyl‐carnitine was mixed with glutamate, pyruvate or succinate, the rates of ROS generation increased 4‐fold as compared with glutamate + malate.ConclusionsRat HM, BM and SCM show distinct substrate preferences for maximal rates of oxidative phosphorylation and ROS production. Thus changes in metabolic conditions or food supplements such as carnitine may affect oxidative stress in a tissue‐specific manner. Research was supported by RFFI grant N 09‐04‐01376.