bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The genetics and epigenetics of extreme healing: hypertrophic scars and diabetic ulcers (337.4)
Authors: Gibran Nicole 
Published: June 2021

Hypertrophic scars and non‐healing diabetic ulcers represent wound complications on opposite ends of a continuum of healing. In spite of years of research, few breakthroughs in understanding the pathophysiology or developing therapeutic advances have relieved patient misery and health care costs for either chronic disease.We combine in vitro endothelial studies and an in vivo diabetic murine model to elucidate epigenetic effects of a high fat Western diet on diabetic wound healing and cellular responses. We use in vitro fibroblast studies, a porcine model of fibroproliferative scarring and a translational clinical trial to correlate single nucleotide polymorphisms with long term scarring after burn injury. Together these approaches offer novel perspectives on cutaneous responses to injury.
Different responses to soy and estradiol in the reproductive system of prepubertal male rats and neonatal male pigs (373.5)
Authors: Ronis Martin , Hennings Leah , Gomez‐Acevedo Horacio , Badger Thomas 
Published: June 2021

Concerns have been raised regarding the safety of soy infant formula based on phytochemical components such as genistein, structurally similar to estradiol (E2). To examine potential estrogenic actions on male development, we fed weanling male rats casein‐based or soy protein isolate (SPI)‐based diets (PND21‐PND33) and neonatal male piglets cow’s milk or soy infant formulas (PND2‐PND21) or treated the animals with E2. E2 reduced testis and prostate weight and serum testosterone (P<0.05) in both species. Soy diet had no effects. In the piglet, E2 increased testis tubule area, Sertoli cell and germ cell number (P<0.05) and decreased expression of CYP19 and StAR mRNA. Soy increased germ cell number (P<0.05). The major effect of E2 is to change gene expression in reproductive tissues. E2 changed expression of 2645 genes in rat testis vs. 312 genes changed by SPI >1.5‐fold. 74% of the SPI genes were common to E2. In contrast, 353 genes were changed by E2 and only 116 by feeding soy formula in piglet testis with only 34 genes (29%) in common. These data suggest that soy diets are not estrogenic in the male reproductive system but may interact with a small subset of estrogen‐regulated genes in a species and developmental stage‐specific manner.Grant Funding Source: USDA‐ARS CRIS 6251‐51999‐007‐04S
Milk glycan composition mediates gut microbiota, growth, and morbidity outcomes in Gambian infants (38.4)
Authors: Zivkovic Angela , Bernstein Robin , Huang Jincui , Totten Sarah , Lewis Zachery , Mills David , Prentice Andrew , Moore Sophie , Lebrilla Carlito 
Published: June 2021

Human milk contains a variety of bioactive molecules that guide the development and growth of the newborn infant. Among them are various complex sugars or glycans, both as free oligosaccharides and as glycans bound to glycoproteins. Glycans in milk from mothers in the Gambia were examined in relation to infant gut microbiota, growth, and morbidity outcomes. Infants who were fast growers had higher relative concentrations of bifidobacteria, and were fed milks with higher % sialylated but not fucosylated oligosaccharides. On the other hand, the higher the % fucosylated oligosaccharides the less sick days the infant experienced. Growth rate was higher with increasing total oligosaccharide content of the milk. Higher levels of certain glycans on specific sites of two antibacterial proteins, lactoferrin and immunoglobulin A (IgA), were found in infants who had no sick days and low levels of fecal calprotectin, a measure of gut inflammation. In summary, glycosylation in human milk is an important mediator of gut microbiota composition, growth, and morbidity in developing infants.Grant Funding Source: Supported by Gates Foundation Grand Challenges Explorations to R. Bernstein, #OPP1046163
Low‐income children feel safer walking/biking to school: physical activity‐related perceptions differ by income status in 5th graders (380.2)
Authors: Cardel Michelle , Gunnarsdottir Thrudur , Beck Jimikaye , Peters John , Hill James 
Published: June 2021

Objectives: We examined baseline health‐related behaviors and perceptions by income status in children participating in 5th Gear Kids, a multi‐level childhood obesity prevention program in 5th Graders. Methods: Participants included a diverse group of children (41.44% White, 27.85% Hispanic, 16.77% African American, and 13.94% other) from two school districts in Colorado (n=6679; age 10.07). Anthropometrics were measured and health‐related behaviors and perceptions were assessed with a validated questionnaire (n=3023). Free/reduced lunch (FRL) prevalence in each school was used to group schools into income levels (HIGH <33% FRL; MED33‐66% FRL; and LOW >66% FRL). Results: Overweight/obesity was significantly more prevalent in LOW when compared to HIGH (35.8% vs. 13.0%). Over 90% of the total sample reported eating healthy was important to them. Though more LOW children reported they were more likely to pick the healthiest food option when it was made available to them, they consumed significantly more fast food and sugar‐sweetened beverages relative to HIGH. Significantly more HIGH children reported that physical activity (PA) was important to them and reported increased PA relative to LOW children. Nevertheless, HIGH children walked/biked to school significantly less than LOW and were significantly more likely to perceive walking/biking to school as dangerous. Conclusions: The importance of healthy eating did not differ between income groups; however, LOW children reported a higher prevalence of many dietary behaviors typically associated with obesity. Physical activity was rated higher in importance in the HIGH children, concurrent with significantly higher physical activity levels relative to LOW children. Interestingly, LOW children were more likely to bike/walk to school and were less likely to perceive walking/biking to school as dangerous. Differing perceptions across the socioeconomic gradient will be researched further in our longitudinal intervention.Grant Funding Source: Colorado Health Foundation
The effects of whey protein supplementation on body composition and physical performance tests in men (381.2)
Authors: Bilgiç Pelin , Ersoy Gulgun , Ergun Nevin , Hongu Nobuko 
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of whey protein supplements on total and regional body compositions and physical performance tests in response to 10 weeks of resistance training. Twenty‐four men aged 18‐32 years, mean age 23 ± 3.4 years, were randomly divided into Protein (P) group, with whey protein supplementation (70 g/day on training days and 35 g/day on non‐training days) or Control (C) group, without supplementation. Daily mean total protein intakes of P and C groups were 118.2 ± 27.3 g (2.25 ± 0.26 g / kg BW) and 66.3 ± 15.0 g (1.16 ± 0.26g /kg BW), respectively (p < 0.001). All subjects trained 3 days/week for 10 weeks. At 0 and 10th weeks, subjects underwent bioelectrical impedance for total and regional body composition measurements and physical performance tests; i.e., one repetition maximum (1RM) strength, hand grip, and wall sit time tests. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and presented as mean ±SD changes from baseline. No significant group x time interaction effects were observed among groups in changes in any variable. A significant time effect was observed for lean mass (P:2.3 ± 3.6 kg; C:0.8 ± 0.9 kg), mid‐upper arm area (P:8.0 ± 5.5 cm2; C:0.9 ± 2.5 cm2), bench press 1RM (P:18.5 ± 7.5 kg; C:11.4 ± 6.7 kg), wall sit time test (P:5.9 ± 18.4 sec; C:20.5 ± 31.2 sec), and handgrip test (P:4.9 ± 3.8; C:2.5 ± 2.2,) (all, p < 0.001). During resistance training, daily supplementation with whey protein was effective for promoting gains in lean mass and muscle strength.Grant Funding Source: Supported by Hacettepe University Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit
Consumption of an egg‐based breakfast reduces hunger and increases postprandial energy metabolism in normal weight and overweight school‐aged children (381.4)
Authors: Binns Ashley , Gray Michelle , Seo Han‐Seok , Zhang Baoyue , Luckett Curtis , Smith Keyona , Baum Jamie 
Published: June 2021

In the US, one in every three children ages 2‐19 is overweight or obese. Although multifactorial in nature, obesity is primarily attributed to a mismatch between energy intake and energy expenditure (EE). One factor that influences this balance is thermic effect of food (TEF). Diets higher in protein have been shown to increase TEF. Breakfast is a key component of a healthy diet and can positively impact children’s health. It has been suggested that skipping breakfast may lead to greater hunger later in the day, resulting in greater overeating. The objective of this study was to determine if an egg/protein (PRO)‐based breakfast (22% PRO, 48% carbohydrate (CHO), 30% fat) would enhance TE, improve glycemic control and reduce hunger in NW (n=14) and OW (n=11) school‐aged children compared to an isocaloric CHO‐based breakfast (5% PRO, 65% CHO, 30% fat). Twenty‐three children (8‐12 y) completed both the PRO and CHO breakfast trials. EE was determined via indirect calorimetry at 0, 30, 60, 120, and 240 min postprandial (PP). Blood glucose (BG) was collected at 0, 15, 30, 60, 120, and 240 min PP and levels of hunger were assessed using a visual analog scale at same interval. At 240 min, an ad libitum buffet lunch was provided. Results indicate no significant difference in PP BG values between groups. However, PRO significantly reduced PP hunger (p<0.05) compared to CHO in NW and OW children. Consumption of PRO resulted in lower caloric intake at lunch (~100 kcal) compared to CHO. Relative to body weight, NW burn more calories per min compared to OW. NW have significantly higher TEF compared to OW (CHO p<0.001, PRO p=0.001). There was a trend (p=0.068) for higher TEF (10%) with PRO compared to CHO in OW. These data suggest that consumption of a PRO‐based breakfast has the potential to modulate PP energy metabolism in OW children through increased TEF, improved BG regulation, and decreased hunger.Grant Funding Source: Supported by the American Egg Board/Egg Nutrition Center.
Vitamin B12 supplementation during pregnancy and postpartum increases maternal plasma anti‐influenza IgA and ameliorates infant’s plasma AGP response (392.8)
Authors: Siddiqua Towfida , Ahsan Khalid , Ahmed Shaikh , Allen Lindsay , Raqib Rubhana 
Published: June 2021

There is no information about effects of vitamin B12 supplementation during pregnancy and postpartum on immune function in mothers and their offspring. Women (n=66, 18‐35 y, Hb <115 g/L, 11‐14 wk pregnant) were randomized to receive 250 μg B12/d or a placebo through 4 mo postpartum. Both groups also received 400 μg folic acid + 60 mg Fe. Women were immunized with HINI vaccine at 26‐28 wk gestation. Vitamin B12, HINI‐specific IgG and IgA antibody responses in plasma, and IgA responses in colostrum/breast milk; acute phase response proteins, High sensitivity C‐reactive protein (HsCRP) and acid glycoprotein (AGP) were analyzed in plasma. At baseline, 26% of women were B12 deficient, and 39% had marginal status. Supplementation led to B12 adequate status in 94% mothers. In both groups combined, cord plasma H1N1 IgG was correlated with maternal (r=0.25, p=0.04) and infant (r=0.41, p=0.001) H1N1 IgG at 4 mo. Pre and post immunization H1N1‐specific maternal plasma IgG were similar in both groups. Supplementation significantly increased geometric mean titers of H1N1‐specific IgA in mothers at 4 mo postpartum compared to placebo group (p=0.03). Maternal supplementation reduced plasma AGP concentrations in infants at 4 mo compared to placebo group (0.75 vs. 0.62 g/L; p=0.05). Supplementation of 250 μg B12/d through pregnancy and lactation improved humoral immune function in response to antenatal influenza immunization, and reduced acute phase response.Grant Funding Source: Nestle Foundation
Estrogen deficiency induced intestinal inflammation and permeability is linked with osteoporosis (488.8)
Authors: Raehtz Sandra , Fedorko Alyssa , McCabe Laura 
Published: June 2021

One out of two post‐menopausal women will experience an osteoporotic fracture. Osteoporosis is characterized by decreased bone density and increased fracture risk, over 2 million annually. We and others previously demonstrated an association between intestinal inflammation and bone loss. Given that menopause is associated with bone inflammation, we hypothesized that intestinal inflammation contributes to bone inflammation and loss associated with estrogen depletion. We performed ovariectomy surgeries to induce an estrogen deficient state in female mice. As expected, micro‐computed tomography demonstrated that distal femur trabecular bone volume was decreased by 26% as compared to sham control mice. Gene expression analysis of the small intestine demonstrated increased levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interferon gamma (IFNg)) and decreased anti‐inflammatory cytokines (interleukin‐10 (IL‐10)). Consistent with increased inflammation, estrogen depletion increased intestinal permeability. This was observed functionally as indicated by serum endotoxin levels that were increased by 29%. This was further demonstrated by decreased expression of key gap junction genes (claudin 15 (CLDN15) and junction adhesion molecule 3 (JAM3)). Pearson correlations demonstrate a positive association between intestinal inflammation and the extent of bone loss. Together, our studies indicate that intestinal inflammation is linked to bone loss. Understanding this association will identify new therapeutic targets to increase bone density and health.Grant Funding Source: Michigan State University
Progressive digestion of limb‐specific Shh regulatory region reveals critical sequences necessary for enhancer activity (541.5)
Authors: Treto Jessica , Bailey Traci , Pira Charmaine , Oberg Kerby 
Published: June 2021

Regulation of anterior‐posterior patterning of the limb bud during development is mediated by Sonic hedgehog (Shh), expressed in the zone of polarizing activity in the distal posterior region. Upstream of Shh lies a 1.8 kb limb‐specific Shh regulatory region (LSSRR) that regulates the expression of Shh. LSSRR can be subdivided into four highly conserved regions, A, B1, B2, and B3. Our goal is to determine which sequences within LSSRR are necessary for enhancer activity.We progressively digested the LSSRR sequence from the 5’ end and the 3’ end. We generated expression constructs for each fragment containing the minimal HSV‐tk promoter linked to a green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter. These constructs were electroporated into the chick presumptive limb bud. After 48 hrs, we visualized and recorded the GFP fluorescence to determine enhancer activity.Removal of 217 3’ bases abolishes enhancer activity, while even after removal of 1161 bases from the 5’ end activity persists. Our progressive digestions indicate that enhancer activity is retained within 107 base pairs of the B3 conserved region.This region contains three highly conserved motif clusters and is rich with potential binding sites including overlapping sites for retinoic acid receptor/NFB/ETS and sites for E‐Box and Blimp1.Although other sequences may be required for inhibiting activity and chromatin looping, we conclude that this 107 base pair region is essential for LSSRR enhancer activity.Grant Funding Source: Institutional
Epiploic bypass flap: a new method of limb salvage; anatomical bases and clinical application (547.9)
Authors: Settembre Nicla , Malikov Serguei , Branchereau Alain , Magnan Pierre‐Edouard , Braun Marc 
Published: June 2021

Aim: The incidence of critical limb ischemia increases with the ageing of the population. Revascularization decreases the rate of amputation. The wounds infected with exposure of the tendons, bones or articulations cannot heal in spite of a bridging and local debridement. Surgery associating a distal venous bypass or recanalisation and a free flap makes it possible to treat the losses of substances and presents a hemodynamic advantage, by increasing the flow of the bypass, thanks to the vascular bed added by the flap. It is a complex surgery because of the multiplicity of anastomoses on the same arterial axis, with a risk of thromboses and complications related to the venous autograft. To mitigate these disadvantages, we proposed a new surgical method based on the use of a single anatomical unit, the epiploic bypass flap (BF), based on the gastroepiploic artery (GEA) as the inflow for a bypass and a free flap. The aim of this work was to analyze the anatomical feasibility of an epiploic bypass flap and to determine its limits.Material and methods: 100 anatomical preparations were carried out with a measure of the internal and external diameters and the lengths of GEA and its branches as well as an X‐ray after injection of a radiopaque product. A first clinical application was carried out.Results: our study confirm the anatomical feasibility of a bypass flap. The average available length of GEA is 245 mm (210‐280 mm). The average proximal diameter is 3 mm and the distal one is 1.5 mm. The most distal epiploic branch which feeds the bypass is approximately 180 mm (161‐195 mm) of the origin of the gastroepiploic artery. The anatomical unit based on the GEA provides an arterial graft relatively long and a large flap, malleable and resistant to infection.Conclusions: Epiploic bypass flap is a surgical technique which allows distal revascularization and a simultaneous cover of the limb extremity. This technique can be useful in patients requiring a distal revascularization associated with a cutaneous cover.
Comparative genomics of the response to cold shock in Saccharomyces paradoxus and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (589.3)
Authors: Dahlquist Kam , Harmon Nicolette , Amakiri Chidinma , Sherbina Katrina , Rohacz Nicholas , Fitzpatrick Ben 
Published: June 2021

The growth rate of a wild species of yeast, Saccharomyces paradoxus, was compared to the domesticated species, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, when both were subjected to different temperatures and inhibitory drugs. We found that S. paradoxus had a shorter doubling time than S. cerevisiae at both 30 and 13°C, and that S. paradoxus grew significantly faster at the cold temperature than was expected by its warm temperature growth rate. Furthermore, S. paradoxus was more resistant to the growth‐inhibitory drugs, rapamycin and caffeine, than S. cerevisiae. To determine the gene expression changes responsible for resistance to cold shock, we performed a DNA microarray experiment on S. paradoxus. Cells were grown to early log phase at 30°C, then shifted to 13°C for 60 minutes, and then shifted back to 30°C for another 60 minutes. Samples were collected before cold shock (t0), after 15, 30, and 60 minutes of cold shock (t15, t30, t60), and after 30 and 60 minutes (t90, t120) of recovery at 30°C. Labeled aRNA from cold shock and recovery timepoints were paired with labeled aRNA from the t0 timepoint. Four independent replicates of the experiment were performed with dye swaps for two of the replicates. Cluster analysis shows two dominant patterns of expression: up‐regulation during cold shock followed by down‐regulation during recovery and vice‐versa. Genes involved in ribosome biogenesis show the former pattern of expression, similar to the pattern observed in S. cerevisiae. Further analysis is being performed to discern differences in expression between the two species.Grant Funding Source: Supported by NSF RUI 0921038
Cadmium determinant 1 is a putative heavy‐metal transporter in Arabidopsis thaliana (617.4)
Authors: Aksoy Emre , Salazar Jose , Koiwa Hisashi 
Published: June 2021

Cadmium (Cd) is a non‐essential toxic heavy metal for most organisms. Accumulation of Cd is toxic to plants, and it also causes serious health concerns in humans as plants are the major staples in human diet. In A. thaliana, cadmium is mainly accumulated in the roots suggesting that root‐to‐shoot Cd translocation is restricted at the xylem loading. Up to date, two members of HEAVY METAL P1B‐ATPase (HMA) family of transporters, namely HMA2 and HMA4, and some YSL transporters have been shown to be responsible for Cd loading into the xylem. Here we present data suggesting CADMIUM DETERMINANT 1 (CDM1) as a previously uncharacterized putative heavy‐metal transporter in plants. Expression of CDM1 was induced under Cd treatment in wild‐type seedling roots. Elemental analysis of two alleles of cdm1 mutant by ICP‐MS showed that the mutants accumulated less Cd and Zn both in shoots and roots after Cd treatment. In addition, root growth of cdm1 mutants showed higher tolerance to Cd toxicity. These data suggest that CADMIUM DETERMINANT 1 (CDM1) functions in Cd distribution in plants. Interestingly, preliminary confocal microscopy analyses of seedlings overexpressing CDM1:GFP indicated that CDM1 localized to the plastids. Further characterization of CDM1:GUS and CDM1 overexpression lines are in progress.Grant Funding Source: Supported by NSF‐MCB 0950459
Impacts of erythropoietin combined with granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor on neural function after traumatic brain injury in rats (618.6)
Authors: Duan Hubin , Hao Chunyan , Li Shuzhen , Lu Gui , Fan Yimin 
Published: June 2021

Objective: To investigate the effect of erythropoietin (EPO) and granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor (G‐CSF) combination therapy on functional recovery and nerve cell regeneration after TBI. Methods: The rats model with TBI was prepare by Feeney’s methods. 100 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into Sham operation group(Sham group), traumatic brain injury group (TBI group), EPO treatment group(T+E group ), G‐CSF treatment group(T+G group), and EPO combined G‐CSF group(T+E+G group), and then each group was sub‐divided into 5 subgroups according to the time 1,3 ,5,7 and 14 days after TBI.(Each subgroups n=4). Each treatment group rats were immediately given corresponding intervention measures after TBI for 3 days. Neurological function was assessed using a modified neurological severity score(mNSS) before rats were sacrificed at 1,3,5,7 and 14 days post TBI . Immunofluorescence measurement was used to detect newly proliferation cells number and its direction of differentiation by BrdU single positive cells and BrdU/NeuN or BrdU/GFAP double positive cells. Results: The mNSS scores of each treatment group was significantly lower than TBI group, and T+E+G group was also significantly lower than T+E group or T+G group at 5 ,7 and 14 days of surgery (P < 0.05); The BrdU positive cells number in T+E+G group was significantly higher than other groups starting from 3 days after TBI, and the peak at 7 days (P < 0.05). Compare the groups of brain tissue BrdU/NeuN and BrdU/GFAP double positive cells number, T+E+G group were significantly higher than other groups, T+E group and T+G group were significantly higher than Sham group and TBI group (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Combined use of EPO and G‐CSF can obviously improve functional recovery and promote the brain nerve cell regeneration differentiating to neurons and astrocytes in the injury boundary zone.Grant Funding Source: This study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation Youth (Fund No.30600637)