bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Long Term Exercise on Age‐related changes in Cardiac Fibrosis and Cell Death Profiles
Authors: Akins Tiffany , Barton Greg , Hoffman Marie , Aiken Judd , Diffee Gary 
Published: June 2021

Aging results in changes to cardiac structure and function but the mechanisms underlying these effects are not well understood. Exercise training appears to have some positive effects on age related functional changes, but the effects of exercise on age‐related structural changes have not been well explored. We characterized cardiac remodeling in response to aging and exercise in male FBN rats, starting with rats age 24 mo and continuing until age 36 mo. Rats were divided into 3 groups; high intensity (H), and moderate intensity (M) treadmill exercise, and sedentary (S). M and H animals trained at 13 m/min for 30 min/day, with the H group at 5% incline. At the end of training, hearts were excised, embedded and sectioned. Sections were stained with H&E and Masson's Trichrome. Cardiac sections were analyzed via immunohistochemistry for autophagy (using an anti‐Becilin antibody) and necrosis (using an anti‐C5b9 antibody). Fibrosis deposition significantly increased with age, but was decreased by exercise training. The number of cells positive for C5b9 and Becilin were significantly higher in aged hearts, but this number was decreased with exercise training. These results show that aging increases fibrosis deposition and markers for autophagy and necrosis. Prolonged endurance exercise training into advanced ages appears to minimize a number of these age‐related changes.Supported by: NIH AG030423
Exercise regulates obesity‐induced chemerin expression in a tissue‐dependent manner
Authors: Keslacy Stefan , Gladstone Miriam , Kim Yuho 
Published: June 2021

Chemerin has been involved in obesity‐induced inflammation and insulin resistance and is preconized as a new biomarker for diabetes. We previously showed that exercise modulates systemic chemerin, but the underlying mechanism is still unknown.PurposeTo determine the source of the exercise‐induced changes in obesity‐related chemerin expression.Methods44 mice (DIO C57Bl/6J) were separated into 2 cohorts: high fat diet (HFD) and normal diet (ND). Following a 12 week‐feeding period, diabetes‐relevant tissues (adipose, muscle, pancreas and liver) have been harvested. Chemerin gene expression and protein levels were assessed using pcr and western blot respectively.ResultsHFD resulted in enhanced chemerin gene expression in fat and muscle (P<0.005) as well as its receptor ChemR (P<0.05), but not in pancreas. Following exercise chemerin gene expression in fat did not change in ND but increased in HFD (P<0.05). We did not observe changes in chemerin or its receptor in muscle and pancreas following exercise. Our preliminary data suggested that exercise modulates chemerin protein expression in adipose tissue.ConclusionOur data suggest that the effect of exercise on obesity‐increased chemerin expression could be explained by adipose tissue. While chemerin gene expression increased in muscle with obesity, the effect of exercise seemed specific to adipose tissue. Study supported by Syracuse University.
Effect of aerobic training on the capillary and arteriolar remodeling in heart and skeletal muscle of hypertensive rats
Authors: Alves Tatiana Pereira , El Chaar Laiali Jurdi , Batista Alvaro Martins , Barboza Tatiane Evelyn , Lima Cintia Taniguti , Michelini Lisete Compagno , Lacchini Silvia 
Published: June 2021

We evaluated if aerobic training improves blood pressure and if determine capillary and arteriolar remodeling in heart and skeletal muscle of hypertensive rats.We used SHR and WKY male rats submitted or not to aerobic training (AT, 1hr, 5 times per week, in treadmill). Rats were trained for 1, 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks or kept sedentary for 0 and 12 weeks (n=8/group). At the end of each time, artery was catheterized for mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) measurements. Heart, soleus and temporalis skeletal muscles were harvested for histologic evaluation, with capillary density and arteriolar wall/lumen ratio measurements.Both SHR and WKY improved physical performance after 12 weeks of AT (S0:1.02±0.3 vs 1.62±0.4, T12:1.92±0.4 vs 2.40±0.4km/h, WKY vs. SHR). AT induced a rest bradycardia in WKY (326±4 to 294±3bpm), and in SHR (385±7 to 357±2bpm). Only SHR reduced MAP after AT (174±2 to 164±1mmHg). AT decreased arteriolar wall/lumen ratio in SHR in the second week of training in soleus (−0.23±0.03μm), and in the fourth week in heart (−0.06±0,02 μm) and temporalis (−0.09±0.02μm). AT also induced fast (week 1) capillary increase in the heart of WKY (+31.1%) and SHR (+202.8%), and in soleus of WKY (+22%) and SHR (+110%).The data indicates that AT induced beneficial vascular remodeling after hemodynamic adjusts, improving arteriolar wall/lumen ratio and capillary density, more pronounced in hypertensive rats.
Difference in bone metabolism beetwen experienced SCUBA divers and controls
Authors: Bozic Josko , Kurir Tina Ticinovic , Novak Anela , Supe‐Domic Daniela , Salamunic Ilza , Jurin Zdravka , Bilopavlovic Nada , Valic Maja , Valic Zoran 
Published: June 2021

The bones of divers are subjected to stress from water pressure, from the forces generated when their muscles resist water pressure, and from weightlessness. Several previously published studies have shown conflicting results. The aim of this study was to determine bone mineral density (BMD) and biochemical markers of bone turnover in experienced SCUBA divers. In this study we included 10 experienced SCUBA divers with a mean age of 47±2.4 years (mean±SEM). The average number of diving years was 26.1 with 381 diving hours per year. The control group included 10 healthy man who were matched by age, weight, and height. The BMD of lumbar spine and hip regions was assessed by dual energy x‐ray absorptiometry and biochemical markers of bone turnover were measured. The BMD value for total lumbar spine in divers was 1.252±0.031 vs. 1.136±0.041 g/cm2 in control group and for total hip was 1.172±0.047 vs. 1.102±0.041 g/cm2 in control group. T scores were 1.54±0.28 vs. 0.42±0.37 and 1.05±0.27 vs. 0.45±0.28 for lumbar and hip regions, respectively. There were no significant differences in bone turnover markers between groups, except in sRANKL concentration (in divers group 1322±466 vs. 2316±1046 pmol/L in control group. In conclusion, our results show that middle aged, experienced divers have increased BMD and decreased sRANKL levels.This study was supported by Croatian Ministry of Science, Education and Sports.
Deterioration of mouse femur microstructure by heavy cigarette smoking and the effect of smoking cessation
Authors: Chan Ruby Lok Yi , Cho Chi Hin 
Published: June 2021

Smoking is a risk factor of osteoporosis. To investigate the dose effect of smoking, mice were subjected to ambient air, 2% or 4% cigarette smoke exposure for 14 weeks. To evaluate the effect of smoking cessation, ambient air or 4% cigarette smoke were given to mice for 20 weeks, while the smoking cessation group stopped smoking in the last 6 weeks. Urine and serum bone turnover markers; as well as femora and tibias mineral content, histology and microstructure were assessed.Deoxypyridinoline (DPD), minerals excretion in urine and serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity increased after heavy smoking. Bone weight and mineral contents had no difference in all groups. Relative bone volume and trabecular thickness were lower with elevation in structure model index after 4% smoking. Smoking cessation returned body weight to control level. Serum ALP activity decreased after smoking cessation. Urine DPD level in smoking groups were significantly higher. Less intact trabecular structure in distal femur and reduced femur growth plate thickness were found in smoking groups.To conclude, chronic heavy smoking increases bone turnover and deteriorates bone microstructure in mice. Smoking cessation does not reverse the ill effects of chronic heavy smoking. The study was supported by research funds from the Jockey Club Centre for Care and Control and the Direct Grant, the Chinese University of Hong Kong.
The effect of Insulin Like Growth Factor I on matrix synthesis in engineered human tendon tissue
Authors: Herchenhan Andreas , Schjerling Peter , Bayer Monika Lucia , Kjaer Michael 
Published: June 2021

Growth factors are essential during tissue formation and maintenance. In tendon tissue, insulin like growth factor I (IGF‐I) plays a key role in cell response to mechanical loading by increasing the production of extracellular matrix proteins. However, its role in formation and regeneration of human tendon is unknown. We hypothesized that IGF‐I improves neoformation of human tendon and particularly collagen synthesis. To study this, we engineered tendon‐like tissue from adult human tendon cells and exposed the tissue to medium with or without IGF‐I, respectively, supplemented with either 0.5% or 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS). The cells increased collagen type I, scleraxis and tenomodulin gene expression, and the total collagen protein content rose with supplementation of IGF‐I (p<.05). This increase can be partially explained by a higher collagen fibril diameter in the presence of IGF‐I (p<.05). It is intriguing that 10% FBS had an inhibitory effect on tendon matrix formation compared to 0.5% FBS and suggests that serum proteins inhibit matrix synthesis. These results demonstrate that IGF‐I enhances collagen production in human tendon‐like tissue and implicates potential treatment options following tendon injuries. The suppressive effect of highly concentrated FBS illustrates the challenge in subjecting cells to high dosages of various growth factors.(Financial Support: Nordea Fondation, Danish Medical Research Council)
The choroid plexus regulation of cerebrospinal fluid pH
Authors: Christensen Henriette Lajgaard , Damkier Helle Hasager , Brown Dennis , Praetorius Jeppe 
Published: June 2021

The choroid plexus epithelium (CPE) lines the ventricular spaces of the brain and secretes the majority of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Changes in blood pCO2 are efficiently transmitted to the CSF, which lack protein buffers. Nevertheless, the CSF pH fluctuates significantly less than would be predicted from the pCO2 changes. This ascertains a proper respiratory center response.Despite the clear clinical importance, strikingly little is known about the molecular mechanisms behind CSF pH control. The aim of this study is to determine whether the CPE is involved in CSF pH regulation.As a first step, we wished to identify the types of putative pH, HCO3− or CO2 sensor proteins and luminal acid‐base extruders expressed in the CPE. RT‐PCR on mouse choroid plexus revealed mRNA encoding the sensor proteins TDAG8, OGR1, Gpr4, Ptprg, and sAC. We have also demonstrated mRNA expression of the putative luminal acid‐base extruders NHE1 and NBCe2, as well as the A, B2, C1, C2, d1 and d2 subunits of the vacuolar H+‐ATPase (V‐ATPase). NHE1 and NBCe2 are known luminal proteins in the CPE, while preliminary immunolocalization of the V‐ATPase suggests a mainly vesicular distribution.In conclusion, the CPE expresses a molecular machinery that may well confer both acid‐base sensing and potent transport capacity to regulate CSF pH within suitable limits.
The electroneutral Na+HCO3− cotransporter NBCn1 plays an essential role in duodenal acid/base balance and colonic mucus layer build‐up in anaestetised mice
Authors: Seidler Ursula Elisabeth , Singh Anurag Kumar , Xia Weiliang , Riederer Brigitte , Juric Marina , Li Junhua , Zheng Wen , Xiao Fang , Bachmann Oliver , Praetorius Jeppe , Aalkjaer Christian 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundDuodenal mucosa needs efficient defence strategies against gastric acidity, while colonic mucosa counteracts damage by pathogens through the build‐up of an adherent mucus layer.AimThis study delineates the significance of the electroneutral Na+HCO3− cotransporter NBCn1 (Slc4a7) for duodenal defence against acid and for colonic mucus release.Methods and ResultsNBCn1 was localised to the basolateral membrane of duodenal villous enterocytes and of colonic crypt cells. Duodenal villous enterocyte pHi was studied before and during a luminal acid load by two‐photon microscopy in exteriorised, vascularly perfused, pH indicator‐loaded duodenum of anaesthetised mice. Acid‐induced HCO3− secretion was measured in vivo by single‐pass perfusion and pH‐stat titration. After a luminal acid load, NBCn1‐deficient duodenocytes were unable to rapidly recover from intracellular acidification and could not adequately respond with a protective HCO3− secretory response. Colonic mucus layer build‐up was delayed, and a decreased thickness of the adherent mucus layer was observed, suggesting that basolateral HCO3− uptake is essential for optimal colonic mucus release.ConclusionsThe electroneutral Na+HCO3− cotransporter NBCn1 is essential for intestinal mucosal protective functions, such as pHi‐recovery and HCO3− secretion after an acid load in the duodenum, as well as mucus secretion in the colon.
miRNA‐21 and miRNA‐133b are decreased in hyperthyroidism‐induced cardiac hypertrophy – Critical role of Type 1 Angiotensin II receptor (AT1R)
Authors: Diniz Gabriela Placoná , Takano Ana Paula C , Barreto‐Chaves Maria Luiza Morais 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveTo investigate the miRNA‐21 and miRNA‐133b levels in T4‐induced cardiac hypertrophy, as well as the potential influence exerted by AT1R in this response. Hyperthyroidism was induced by daily intraperitoneal injections of 0.100 mg/kg of T4 for 14 days. The T4 group was then subdivided into two groups: T4 and T4 plus Losartan, which was administrated in the drinking water once a day for 14 days (200mg/L). The analysis of miRNA expression was assessed by MicroRNA Stem Loop RT‐PCR.ResultsCardiac hypertrophy in T4 group confirmed by the higher heart weight, heart weight to tibia length ratio, as well as by the increase of ANF and skeletal‐alpha actin levels, was prevented by Losartan. In addition, T4‐induced cardiac hypertrophy was accompanied by decreased miRNA‐21 and miRNA‐133b levels (P<0.01, vs control). However, the AT1R inhibitor blocked the reduction of miRNA‐21, as well as attenuated the reduction of miRNA‐133b promoted by T4.ConclusionsConsidering that increased miRNA‐133b was able to prevent the cardiac hypertrophy development, and that miRNA‐21 inhibition promoted cardiac growth, it is possible that the modulation of these miRNAs may exert an important role to the cardiac hypertrophy development induced by T4, as well as to the prevention of the cardiac growth evidenced by the AT1R blockade. Research support: Supported by Foundation for the Support of Research in the State of São Paulo.
Students’ satisfaction with their 1st year: cross‐sectional study at the new Medical Studies in English Program at the University of Split School of Medicine
Authors: Valic Zoran , Malicki Mario , Bradaric Kristina , Bozic Josko , Ljutic Dragan , Valic Maja 
Published: June 2021

Students’ satisfaction with their studies grants institutional prestige, attracts prospective students, and helps the institutions set and improve their educational goals. Aim of this study was to assess students’ perceptions of the first year at the new Medical Studies in English Program at the USSM. We conducted a designed student satisfaction survey and a Course section of the Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire (QLESQ) to students at the beginning of their second year. In total 16 out of 19 students (9 male and 7 female), aged 19 to 24 (M=21±1.5) and with a GPA of M=3.4±0.5 returned the completed questionnaires. Most students (n=9, 60%) rated their overall satisfaction with the USSM as above average, with 12 (75%) students giving that same grade to the quality of their first year teaching. Lowest rated item was opportunities for extracurricular activities with 9 (56.3%) students rating the item poor. Students overall score on the course section of the QLESQ survey was 35.3±3.5. Using two different satisfaction questionnaires we showed that students which enrolled at the new Medical Studies in English Program where highly satisfied with their first year of study. As the most negative aspects of the Program were extracurricular activities, the USSM included obligatory physical education course and language activities for students.This study was supported by University of Split School of Medicine.
The vascular basis of perforator flaps of the upper abdominal wall: an anatomical study
Authors: Duscher Dominik , Tinhofer Ines , Huemer Georg M. , Schmidt Manfred 
Published: June 2021

IntroductionPedicled perforator flaps in the trunk such as the DIEAP (deep inferior epigastric artery perforator) flap have increasingly been used for reconstructive purposes. However perforator flaps of the upper abdominal wall derived from the SEA (superior epigastric artery) and DIEA have not been widely reported. The aim of this study was to investigate the vascular basis of perforator flaps of the upper abdominal wall based on the epigastric vascular axis and to describe the location and size of the individual flaps.Material and MethodsThe superior and deep inferior epigastric artery perforators of the supraumbilical abdominal wall of ten fresh cadavers were injected with methylene blue solution or india ink. The location and size of the labelled skin area was observed. The arterial perforators were dissected and the length, diameter and the distance of the midline, xiphoid process and umbilicus to the perforation point was recorded.ResultsThe SEAPs and DIEAPs supplied the ventromedial skin of the lower thoracic and supraumbilical abdominal wall in a sequential order. The mean size of all injected skin areas was 65,8 ± 33,7 cm2 (9,9 × 8,8 cm). A mean number of 9,8 ± 4,2 perforators was identified. The mean external diameter of the dissected perforators was 0,8 ± 0,3 mm (range 0,5 – 1,9 mm). The perforator length until arborisation averaged 3,6 ± 1,1 cm (range 2 – 7 cm). Most Perforators were located in an area 4–6 cm from the midline and 5–10 cm below the xiphoid process.ConclusionsA reliable anatomy of SEAP and DIEAP flaps of the upper abdominal wall could be demonstrated. Especially subcostal SEAP flaps are of clinical interest. These flaps may be rotated cranially for lower chest wall reconstruction or deflected caudally for abdominal wall reconstructive purposes. The harvest site could be closed directly or via a reverse abdominoplasty procedure.Grant Funding Source: AAA
The effects of resveratrol on bone and growth plate cartilage in leptin‐deficient mice
Authors: Cooley Joseph , Broderick Thomas L , Al‐Nakkash Layla , Plochocki Jeffrey H 
Published: June 2021

In this study, we tested the effects of resveratrol treatment on bone and cartilage tissue in wild‐type and ob/ob mice. Ob/ob mice are leptin‐deficient and serve as an animal model for obesity and diabetes and exhibit reduced bone mass relative to controls. Resveratrol is a phytoestrogen that has been shown to maintain bone mass by inhibiting osteoclastogenesis and stimulating osteoblast activity. Our findings indicate ob/ob mice have reduced bone strength relative to controls. However, ob/ob mice treated with resveratrol exhibited significantly greater cortical area and resistance to torsion than untreated ob/ob mice (p < 0.05). A similar pattern was observed with resveratrol treatment of wild‐type control mice. In both wild‐type and ob/ob mice, resveratrol treatment reduced the thickness of the calcified layer of the proximal tibia growth plate (p < 0.05), but the overall thickness of the growth plate remained unchanged. Our results suggest resveratrol treatment affects bone and cartilage tissue in the mouse model for obesity and diabetes.Grant Funding Source: AZCOM Summer Research Fellowship
Anterior and posterior reactive postural responses in healthy elderly and Parkinson disease
Authors: Smith Lorinda K. , Singer Madeline L. , Foreman K. Bo , Dibble Leland E. 
Published: June 2021

Postural instability in Parkinson disease (PD) results in coordination deficits that contribute to a high incidence of falls (>; 70% fall each year, 13% fall >; once per week). To investigate the characteristics of reactive postural responses in PD, we examined lower extremity biomechanical variables during induced anterior and posterior falls. Ten males with mild to moderate PD (mean age=68.7±6.9 y) on medications, and 10 healthy male controls (mean age =66.8± 6.3 y) underwent motion analysis laboratory measurement of the following kinematic variables: reaction time, step length, step time, peak center of mass (COM) velocity, and recovery time. Anteriorly and posteriorly directed reactive responses were provoked through falls generated with an electromagnetic tether‐release system. Between group comparisons were performed using separate Mann‐Whitney U tests (p≤0.01). During anterior falls, PD subjects demonstrated decreased step length (p<.01) and decreased peak COM velocity (p<.01). No significant differences were found for posterior falls. In this study, PD subjects demonstrated hypokinetic and bradykinetic (decreased and slowed) reactive responses (anterior >; posterior) during falls compared to controls. Future research is necessary to clarify the effects of therapeutic interventions (rehabilitation, medication, surgery) on reactive responses and falls in PD.Grant Funding Source: Univ. of Utah College of Health
A Study of the Origin, Length, and Prevalence of the Meniscofemoral Ligaments in Comparison to the Cruciate Ligaments
Authors: Callier Dylan Michael , Zacher Joseph Edward , Tren Vinh , Steinkoenig Colleen , Bruzzini Kristen 
Published: June 2021

Research regarding the data of the meniscofemoral ligaments has been poorly described; although it is probable that they have functional and clinical significance. This study investigated the prevalence, placement, and size of the meniscofemoral ligaments and their relationship with the cruciate ligaments. The measurements were made using the traditional digital caliper method on cadaveric specimens with formaldehyde preservation. All measurements were recorded by multiple observers and averaged for consistency and accuracy.Grant Funding Source: None
Histological classification of the lateral patellofemoral ligament
Authors: McIntyre Michael B , Marberry Kevin , Kondrashov Peter 
Published: June 2021

The knee joint capsule is a complex structure comprised of connective tissue, ligaments, vasculature, and nerves. The histological structure of the knee joint capsule has not been well documented. The aim of this study was to classify the histological structure of the lateral patellofemoral ligament (LPFL), which is the thickest portion of the lateral patellofemoral retinaculum. We then compared the LPFL to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), and the quadriceps tendons (QT). The ACL served as an example of a “true” ligament. The LPFL was compared to the QT to determine its validity as an autograft in LPFL reconstruction. Samples of the LPFL, ACL, and QT were harvested from six cadaveric knees, embedded in paraffin, sectioned, and stained with H&E, Masson's trichrome, or orcein. Representative samples were obtained throughout the entire LPFL and analyzed using light microscopy. Our data shows that the LPFL is composed of multiple elements including dense connective tissue, loose connective tissue, vasculature, elastin, and nerve fibers. Presence of these elements differentiates LPFL from the ACL and QT. Unlike the ACL and QT, the LPFL is not uniformly composed of dense regular connective tissue. Documenting the histological structure of the LPFL may contribute to the understanding of the pathoetiology of patellofemoral pain syndrome.Grant Funding Source: N/A