bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical significance of organs vascularization: The role of vascular grafts for revascularization surgeries
Authors: Cabral Richard Halti , de Prates Nadir Eunice Valverde Barbato 
Published: June 2021

The use of vascular grafts to bypass occluded arteries is still an important therapeutic option for revascularization surgeries. However, it is still not clear which factors may play positively for the longer durability of the grafts. The objectives of the present study is to identify morphological and structural parameters which may explain the different behavior between the most frequently used vascular grafts and also help choosing the best conduit for myocardial revascularization.We have studied the morphology and the constitution of the extracellular matrix of the wall from the following vessels: coronary, internal thoracic, radial and gastromental arteries and saphena magna vein. Light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and confocal microscopy were used for histological and morphometric study. The analyses of the vessel wall under different staining added to the information provided by the immunohistochemistry, allowed us to evaluate the extracellular matrix constitution of the arterial and venous grafts.The three arterial grafts presented the same architectural pattern except for differences in layer thickness and also in the extracellular matrix distribution pattern. The proximal segment of the internal thoracic artery showed a double elastic layer in the adventicia, and the distal segment showed multiple elastic membranes in the media. Radial artery presented a collagen distribution pattern similar to the saphenous vein. No outer elastic limitant was seen in the venous conduit; however it presented lots of elastic fibers and two layers of smooth muscle cells in the media. It is worthy saying that the saphenous vein presented a wavy intima which could enhance its contact with platelets, facilitating thrombosis. In none of the of the studied vessel it was possible to identify vasa vasorum in the media layer.We can conclude that there is not a major single factor that makes a vessel become the perfect graft. A combination of morphological features may help in the understanding of grafts behavior and give some clues of how we can deal with them to achieve better results.
Anthropometry in achondroplasia adults
Authors: Henry Bobbie , Koerner Celide , Alade Yewande , Schulze Kerry , Hoover-Fong Julie 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundAchondroplasia is the most common short stature skeletal dysplasia with macrocephaly, lordosis, and rhizomelia. Elevated hypertension prevalence and earlier median cardiovascular disease death are prompting research to elucidate the cause in this population. Standardized anthropometry methodology, for correlation with health outcomes, is needed for accurate assessment of body measurements in achondroplasia.Methods20 adults with achondroplasia (11 M,9 F) had extensive anthropometric evaluation.ResultsAberrant skinfolds, displaced anatomic landmarks, and excessive body fat necessitated modification of most measures and dismissal of triceps and subscapular skinfolds and iliac crest waist circumference. Reliable measurements requiring minimal or no modifications included maximal hip, umbilical and neck circumference, height and weight. Stratified by gender, only hip circumference (male 91.9±10.9 cm, female 109.6±9.3 cm) was statistically significantly different (p = 0.001).DiscussionThese measures were readily accessible without specialized equipment. Novel standardized methodology are now established for the clinical setting and future health outcomes research in achondroplasia.Research support from the Alan and Kathryn Greenberg Center for Skeletal Dysplasias, McKusick‐Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University
A moderate carbohydrate‐restricted diet results in weight loss and improves clinical parameters of metabolic syndrome in adult men and women and addition of egg yolk further improves inflammation
Authors: Blesso Christopher N , Andersen Catherine J , Barona Jacqueline , Volk Brittanie , Volek Jeff S , Fernandez Maria Luz 
Published: June 2021

Men and women (n = 18) with metabolic syndrome (MetS) were instructed to follow a carbohydrate (CHO)‐restricted diet (<30% energy) and randomly assigned to consume either 3 whole eggs (EGG, n = 9) or egg substitute (SUB, n = 9) per day for 12 wk. Dietary intake, parameters of MetS, inflammatory markers and body composition by DXA were assessed at baseline, wk 6 and wk 12. Total calories (p<0.0001), total CHO (p<0.0001), % CHO energy (p<0.001), and glycemic index (p<0.0001) decreased in all subjects over time. Reductions in weight (p<0.0001), body mass index (p<0.0001), fat mass (p<0.0001), and trunk fat (p<0.0001) were also observed. MetS parameters were improved with increases in plasma HDL‐cholesterol (p<0.01) and decreases in waist circumference (p<0.01), plasma glucose (p<0.05) and plasma triglycerides (TG) (p<0.01) with no differences between groups. Reductions in total CHO correlated with reductions in weight (0.484, p<0.05) and plasma TG (0.483, p<0.05). The EGG group consumed more cholesterol (p<0.0001) and choline (p<0.0001) than the SUB group. There was a greater reduction in plasma tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNFα) in EGG vs. SUB groups (p< 0.05) and increases in adiponectin (0.419 vs 0.014 mg/L). These results suggest that the addition of egg yolk does not suppress the beneficial effects of carbohydrate‐restriction in MetS and may modulate plasma TNFα and adiponectin. [Supported by the American Egg Board].Grant Funding Source: American Egg Board/Egg Nutrition Center
Body weight reduction by exercise is more effective than by dietary restriction even when dietary condition is equal except for energy
Authors: Yamada Tetsuo , Kurasawa Shin-ichi , Matsuzaki Masami , Tanaka Akira 
Published: June 2021

Composition of reducing diet during weight‐loss programs has not been examined in detail. We investigated the effects of reducing body weight by exercise and by dietary restriction on lipid metabolism and nutritional status.MethodsIn crossover trial 1, six adult male volunteers participated in two experiments over ten days. The first five days were an adjustment period (energy intake, 2,656 kcal/day; mean). During the second five days, the participants either exercised on a bicycle ergometer to consume 886 kcal/day or reduced their energy intake to 1,770 kcal/day by reducing all foods in proportion to the energy intake. In crossover trial 2, similar experiments were carried out reducing only carbohydrate and lipid for dietary restriction.ResultsIn trial 1, serum lipid levels were significantly improved more after exercise (Ex) than after dietary restriction (DR), but total protein and albumin levels unchanged. Whereas nitrogen and potassium balances were significantly more positive during Ex than during DR in only trial 1, urinary 3‐methylhistidine, adrenaline and nor‐adrenaline excretion levels were larger during Ex than during DR in both trials.ConclusionsBody weight reduction by exercise brings larger muscle protein turnover and more vigorousness than by dietary restriction even when dietary condition is equal except for energy. This study was supported by a grant from Kanto Gakuin University.
Anti‐hyperglycemic Effect of 2 Amadori Rearrangement Compounds, Arginyl‐fructose and Arginyl‐fructosyl‐glucose
Authors: Kwon Young-In , Ha Kyoung Soo , Jo Sung-Hoon , Apostolidis Emmanouil , Jang Hae-dong , Lee Mee sook 
Published: June 2021

During the heat processing of raw ginseng to produce red ginseng, amino acid derivatives such as arginyl‐fructose (AF) and arginyl‐fructosyl‐glucose (AFG) are formed at high levels, through Amadori rearrangement, the early step of Maillard reaction, from arginine and glucose or maltose, respectively. However, very limited information is available about the effect of structural difference between AF and AFG on various biological activities. This is the first report of the mode of action and effect of AF and AFG on the type 2 diabetes management related inhibition of postprandial hyperglycemia in vitro and in animal model. In our previous study, standards AF and AFG were chemically synthesized and in this study their inhibitory activities against rat intestinal α‐glucosidases and porcine pancreatic α‐amylase were investigated in vitro. The effect of AF and AFG on postprandial blood glucose increase after meal was investigated in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats fed on starch or sucrose meals. Both Amadori compounds significantly reduced the postprandial blood glucose levels after starch or sucrose loading. These results indicate that AF and AFG, Maillard reaction products, may have anti‐diabetic effect by suppressing carbohydrate absorption in the gastrointestinal level, and thereby reducing the postprandial increase of blood glucose.Grant Funding Source: National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF)
Effect of n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) expression in adults
Authors: Rajaram Sujatha , Sabaté Joan , Mohan Subburaman 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundN‐3 fatty acids play a role in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease via lowering blood lipids and suppressing inflammation. Whether or not the anti‐inflammatory effects are mediated through alteration in gene expression is not known. Our objective was to determine the effect of varying dietary ratio of n‐ 6: n‐3 fatty acids on the expression of PPAR‐γ.MethodsA factorial design approach was used to test the effect of 4 diets on gene expression: 10:1 and 2:1 n‐6: n‐3 fatty acid ratio diets with and without a supplement (S) of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids (EPA/DHA). This study was part of an original randomized cross‐over feeding study (8‐week period each with a washout between periods) on 24 healthy adults. Subjects consumed eucaloric diets [10:1 (Control), 2:1 (α‐linolenic acid, ALA; 6–7g/2400 kcal/d), 10:1+S (0.20/0.72g EPA/DHA per 2400 kcal/d), and 2:1+S. At the end of each diet period, samples of subcutaneous tissue was collected from the abdominal region and used for measurement of PPAR‐γ mRNA levels by real‐time polymerase chain reaction with actin as an internal standard.ResultsPreliminary analyses of the fold changes in PPAR‐γ expression between diets was not statistically significant.ConclusionOur initial analyses did not show an effect of dietary ratio of n‐6: n‐3 fatty acids with or without the supplement on the expression of PPAR‐γ for the 8‐week study period.Funded by the Center for Health and Nutrition Research, University of California, Davis.
Validation of a Novel Food/Nutrient Intake Instrument in Georgian Tuberculosis Patients
Authors: Frediani Jennifer K , Tukvadze Nestani , Sanikidze Ekaterine , Kipiani Maia , Hebbar Gautam , Ramakrishnan Usha , Martorell Reynaldo , Ziegler Thomas R 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveTo validate a novel food/nutrient intake assessment tool in patients with tuberculosis (TB) in Tbilisi, Republic of Georgia.MethodsThe instrument was designed to capture specific foods and meal patterns common in Georgian culture, and involved a 3‐day food recall conducted by an interviewer in a questionnaire format (n= 40). Food intake data was entered into Nutrient Database System for Research (NDS‐R) and mean daily intake of specific nutrients determined. Data were compared with data from three 24‐hour recalls conducted on the same days of the week 7 days apart from the food intake recall interview. Paired t‐tests and Pearson correlations were used.ResultsPearson correlations were P<0.05 for: calories, total fat, total carbohydrate, total protein, cholesterol, saturated fat, monounsaturated fat, total fiber, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B6, total folate, vitamin D, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, zinc, selenium, sodium and potassium. T‐tests showed similar concordance between methods for most nutrients.ConclusionsThis novel food/nutrient intake tool is valid for nutrient intake assessments in TB patients in Tbilisi, Georgia.Grant Funding Source : NIH grants D43 TW007124, K24 RR023356, UL1 RR025008 and the Emory Global Health Institute.
Perceptions of diabetic/hypertensive patients and primary healthcare providers regarding disease management (San José, Costa Rica ‐ Chiapas, México)
Authors: Alvarado Nadia , Dengo A. Laura , López Erika , Castro Maricruz , Peña Liz , de Beausset Indira , Martínez Homero , Murillo Sandra 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveTo understand why patients have difficulty managing chronic diseases, we studied the perceptions of type 2 diabetic/hypertensive (DM2/HTN) patients and health personnel regarding services offered at primary healthcare (PHC) centers.MethodsFocus group discussions were conducted with patients (10 groups, total n=76) and PHC staff (4 groups, total n=25) from 4 urban communities (San José=2; Chiapas=2). We focused on: perceived knowledge and attitudes about disease, self‐care practices, PHC quality, and communication issues.ResultsPatients affirmed that having DM2 and HTN is a physical, financial and emotional burden both to them and their families. Family members were not perceived as supportive, resulting in feelings of isolation. Genetics was considered the main risk factor for DM2, above modifiable lifestyle factors. Most patients stated not knowing how to manage their DM2/HTN. Patients and staff lacked nutritional education; however, they acknowledged the role of nutrition in disease management. PHC staff should encourage more proactive self‐care skills but did not feel prepared to deal with patients’ attitudinal and know‐how issues.ConclusionsThese results will be used to tailor an intervention to strengthen patient‐staff communication, facilitate a bi‐directional learning process, and empower patients to take control of their health.Funding: NHLBI‐HHSN 268200900028C
Embryonic caffeine acts via A1 adenosine receptors to induce adverse effects in adulthood
Authors: Wendler Christopher Charles , Buscariollo Daniela , Fang Xiefan , Greenwood Victoria , Rivkees Scott 
Published: June 2021

Previous research demonstrated that caffeine exposure during pregnancy had long‐term effects into adulthood, including altered cardiac function and increased body fat. Caffeine is a non‐selective adenosine receptor antagonist and adenosine A1 receptor (A1AR) is the predominant adenosine receptor expressed during early embryogenesis. The purpose of our current study is to determine whether A1ARs mediate the long‐term effects of caffeine.A1AR knockout mice were mated and injected at E8.5 with 20 mg/kg of caffeine or vehicle. Dams gave birth and offspring were examined at 8–10 weeks of age. Male A1AR+/+ mice treated with caffeine were heavier than controls but there was no difference in percent body fat. Using echocardiography, we revealed that A1AR+/+ caffeine mice had altered cardiac function and morphology as adults. Caffeine caused an increase in % fractional shortening, while also leading to increased thickening of the left ventricle wall concurrent with decreased left ventricle inner diameter. Next, we examined methylation patterns of DNA isolated from adult left ventricles. Methylation arrays from Nimblegen revealed that caffeine increased methylation of DNA in A1AR+/+ hearts compared to A1AR+/+ controls.Since all parameters examined were only altered when A1AR was expressed and not when A1AR had been deleted, we conclude that long‐term effects of in utero caffeine exposure are mediated by A1ARs.
Despite Pharmaceutical Equivalence, Generic Versions of Enoxaparin May Differ in Their Pharmacodynamic Actions. Potential Clinical Implications
Authors: Jeske Walter , Walenga Jeanine M , Hoppensteadt Debra , McGeehan Elizabeth , Harenberg Job , Ramacciotti Eduardo , Fareed Jawed 
Published: June 2021

IntroductionThis study compared available generic enoxaparins with the branded version (Sanofi‐Aventis) in various assays and investigated their pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic behavior in a primate model.MethodsCutenox, Lupenox, enoxaparin Sandoz and Lovenox were compared in terms of molecular weight profiling, NMR profile and in vitro anticoagulant activity. Groups of primates (n=8–10) were administered LMWH (1 mg/kg subcutaneously) and blood samples were drawn over a 24 hour period to measure pharmacodynamic effects. Antithrombotic and bleeding effects were studied in rat models of jugular vein clamping and tail transection, respectively. Complexation studies with PF4 were carried out using a SELDI‐MS method.ResultsAnti‐Xa potency ranged from 86–110 U/mg and anti‐IIa potency ranged from 27–35 U/mg. Mean molecular weight of these LMWHs ranged from 4.2–4.5 kDa. Despite comparable pharmaceutical profiles, some of these products showed differences in the pharmacodynamic effects in terms of TFPI release, TAFI modulation, thrombin generation inhibition and protamine neutralization.ConclusionAlthough the generic enoxaparins are pharmaceutically equivalent, their pharmacodynamic profiles differ from the branded product. Thus, each generic product should be considered as a distinct LMWH and individual safety/efficacy data should be considered prior to its clinical use.
Left ventricular torsion based on 2D speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) is preload insensitive
Authors: Gao Zhaohui , Drew Rachel C. , Momen Afsana , Ndukwu Ifesinachi , Muller Matthew D. , Mast Jessica , Blaha Cheryl , Leuenberger Urs A. , Sinoway Lawrence I. 
Published: June 2021

Left ventricular (LV) torsion plays an important role in myocardial performance. 2D special tracking echocardiography (STE) has emerged as a promising tool for LV torsion analysis. It is unknown if LV torsion is affected by alterations in preload. We sought to determine whether acute preload reduction by Lower Body Negative Pressure (LBNP) affects 2D STE derived LV torsion parameters. LV apical and basal rotation and peak early diastolic torsional rate were measured by 2D STE in 12 healthy subjects (26±1 yrs, 6 females) before and during LBNP to −10, −20, −30, −40 and −50 mmHg levels. LV total torsion was calculated as the net difference between systolic apical counterclockwise rotation and basal clockwise rotation. Peak early diastolic torsional rate was also measured. Compared to baseline, LBNP caused significant decreases in LV end‐diastolic volume (P<0.05) and stroke volume (P<0.01) while heart rate increased (P<0.01). Interestingly, multiple indices of LV torsion including LV total torsion, apical and basal rotation and peak early diastolic torsional rate, were unaffected by LBNP (all P>0.05). These data support the concept that LV torsion parameters assessed by 2D STE are preload‐independent indices of myocardial function. Quantification of LV torsion by 2D STE may, therefore, provide a relatively load‐independent measure of myocardial performance.Supported by P01 HL096570 (LIS); UL1 RR033184 (LIS).
Contribution of prostacyclin regulation in the vascular tone of angiopoietin like‐2 deficient mice
Authors: Yu Carol , Farhat Nada , Thorin Eric 
Published: June 2021

Vascular tone, in response to acetylcholine (ACh), is controlled by various endothelium‐derived relaxing factors, which include nitric oxide (NO), prostacyclin, and endothelium‐derived hyperpolarizing factor. In turn, contribution of each factor may be influenced by pathologies. As such, in the insulin resistant state, NO production is impaired. Angiopoietin like‐2 (Angptl2), a member of the angiopoietin‐like protein family, was shown to cause insulin resistance related to obesity (Tabata, 2009).ObjectiveAn Angptl2 knock‐down (KD) mouse model was generated to study the role of Angptl2 in endothelial function in the femoral artery.ResultsFemoral arteries of 4‐month old Angptl2 KD and wild‐type (WT) mice showed that NO was responsible for the sensitivity of ACh‐mediated vasodilation in both groups, while prostacyclin contributed to maximal dilation in KD but not in WT. Femoral artery wall thickness of KD (20±1μm) at physiological pressure was smaller than that of WT (25±1μm; P<0.01, n=7), while constriction to phenylephrine was similar in both groups. Although KD and WT mice displayed similar metabolic parameters including fasting glucose level, KD mice showed a higher fasting insulin level (P<0.05, n=7–8).ConclusionKnock‐down of Angptl2 may lead to differences in the prostacyclin signaling pathway in the femoral arteries between the two genotypes of mice. Supported by CIHR MOP14496 and NSERC.
Losartan prevents body weight gain in diet induced obese rats
Authors: Smith Pauline M , Hindmarch Charles C.T. , Murphy David , Ferguson Alastair V. 
Published: June 2021

The renin angiotensin system (RAS), best known for its involvement in the regulation of cardiovascular function and salt/water balance, has recently been suggested to play a role in the regulation of energy homeostasis as interference with systemic RAS activity has been shown to decrease body weight and fat. The present study was undertaken to determine whether losartan, a non‐peptide ATII Type 1 receptor blocker, would influence daily body weight gain in diet induced obese (DIO) rats.Male Sprague Dawley rats (125–150g) were exposed to either a HFD or fed standard rat chow. After 10 weeks, rats on HFD were divided into DIO or diet resistant (DR) and at 18 weeks, body weight, and food and water intake were measured daily for 5 weeks. After a 14 day control period, rats were administered losartan (30mg/kg) in drinking water for 14 days, followed by return to tap water for an additional 7 days and effects on body weight and food and water intake assessed.There was no difference in daily body weight gain during in the control period between chow fed (2.6±0.5g, n=8), DR (2.1±0.5g, n=8) or DIO rats (3.4±0.4g, n=8, p=.18, one way ANOVA). Although losartan treatment attenuated daily body weight gain in chow fed rats (1.25±0.5g, n=8), it completely abolished daily weight gain in DR (−0.65±0.3g, n=8) and DIO (−0.43±0.7g, n=8) rats. Upon return to normal tap water, all rats gained weight as they had prior to losartan administration (chow 3.3±0.2g, DR 2.9±0.5g, DIO 3.8±0.5g).Our data demonstrate that losartan attenuates body weight gain in rats fed either a HFD (DR and DIO) or chow diet, an effect which was more pronounced in animals fed the HFD. These data suggest that the RAS plays a role in body weight homeostasis and that pharmacological agents that interfere with the functioning of the RAS may have be useful in the treatment for obesity.
Non‐invasive integrative analysis of cardiac energetics, translation to human heart in vivo
Authors: Diolez Philippe Henri , Deschodt-Arsac Veronique , Chapolard Mathilde , Hocini Meleze , Jais Pierre , Haissaguerre Michel 
Published: June 2021

We propose MOCA, an inovative non‐invasive clinical analysis of heart energetics, based on the combination of non‐invasive MRS & MRI techniques and the analytical background of metabolic control analysis. MoCA brings new informations on the links between ATP demand and supply and delivers the description of heart function through integrated internal regulations, currently not accessible clinically. We anticipate that these informations may be of great help in the future for diagnosis and therapeutics follow‐up in human heart pathologies.By combining 31P‐NMR spectroscopy with direct measurement of heart contractile activity, we applied MoCA approach to beating Langendorf perfused rat heart and demonstrated the parallel activation of mitochondrial activity and myofibrils ATPases by Ca2+, which explains the energetic homeostasis of the heart. Further, we could describe quantitatively the global action of modulators of heart contraction (adrenaline, levosimendan) or of a pathology (hypoxia), and the relative importance of the different routes within the heart by which the effects are transmitted.Application to the study of contraction energetics in healthy and pathological heart in human may be a key to the understanding of the links between molecular events in pathologies and whole organ function/dysfunction.