bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Supplementation of Lactulose Modulates Intestinal Environment
Authors: Kim Kwang Min , Han Kisoo , Kim Jae Hwan , Suh Hyung Joo , Park Yooheon 
Published: June 2021

Lactulose, a non‐digestible carbohydrate composed of a galactose and a fructose, is widely used as a food and pharmaceutical ingredient for common health issues such as chronic constipation, hyperammonemia and hepatic encephalopathy. Production of lactulose has been divided into chemical reaction and enzymatic reaction. Most of chemical reaction has some safety issues such as residual catalyst and colored by‐products. In this study, we prepared lactulose by using enzymatic reaction process and investigated the effect of lactulose on in vitro growth of selected strains of probiotic bacteria. We also confirmed whether oral administration of lactulose affected the growth of fecal bifidobacteria by determining the cecal short chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels, intestinal glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) and peptide YY (PYY) mRNA expression. As a result, we proposed that prebiotic properties of lactulose could be a potential functional ingredient for food application.This research was supported by a grant from the Fundamental R&D Program for Technology of World Premier Materials funded by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, Republic of Korea
Vitamin C Supplementation and Immune System: a Metaregression Analysis on leukocyte chemotactic responsiveness
Authors: Vecchio Maria Gabriella , Minto Clara , Gregori Dario 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundVitamin C is an important antioxidant. Study conducted revealed that vitamin C can alter certain cellular immune functions and humoral factors both in vivo and in vitro. The aim of this study was to evaluate, through a meta‐analysis of clinical studies, the association between Vitamin C supplementation and leukocyte chemotaxis.MethodsArticles published until December 2014 were identified by searching the database Pubmed, using the string “Vitamins”, limited to “clinical trials” and “humans”. 18091 records were retrieved. Out of them, studies with detailed information of supplementation of Vitamin C and chemotactic index were retrained for the analysis. A meta‐regression model for leukocyte chemotaxis has been estimated using Generalized Least Squares, accounting for within‐study correlation (assuming a Continuous Auto‐Regressive of first order structure) and weights proportional to study variance and study size. Effect of dose has been estimated as Cumulative Effect (dose in mg per day over the days of study duration).Results4 studies (42 patients) followed for an average time of 33 days were included in the meta‐analysis for leukocyte chemotaxis evaluation. A non‐significant dose‐response relationship has been found between Vitamin C supplementation and Chemotactic index.

Num. Studies
Effect
S.E.
p‐value

Dose on leukocyte chemotaxis
4
‐0.0000024
0.000019
0.901

ConclusionThe results suggest that Vitamin C supplementation may not have beneficial effects on leukocyte chemotaxis. However, given the high variability in study estimates, further researches are necessary to confirm the present conclusion.
No Association between Body Composition and Activity Level in Obese Children and Adolescents Due to Low Overall Activity Level
Authors: Holmbäck Ulf , Berglund Marie , Forslund Anders 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundPhysical activity is known to have positive effects on body composition in the normal population. However, within the pediatric obese population, the impact of physical activity on body composition is less studied.AimTo investigate whether the level of physical activity is associated to body composition and the effect of age and gender.Methods203 children (87 girls and 116 boys), age range from 4 to 18 yrs, BMI above 30 were studied. The following data were collected 1) body composition = % body fat from BodPod®; 2) basic anthropology; and 3) four‐day activity level = total activity counts and % of time in the different activity categories (sedentary, light, moderate and vigorous) measured with Actical® accelerometers. Data was analyzed with t‐tests and scatterplots.ResultsAge affected activity pattern; young children were more active than older children. Sedentary and light activity represented more than 80% of the time, and vigorous activity accounted for less than 1% of the time. There were no associations between % body fat and physical activity in the whole sample or after stratification for age and gender.ConclusionWe could not find any association between body composition and activity level in obese children and adolescents. Most probably obese do not reach a sufficient level of activity for it to have a positive influence on body composition.
Design of Pilot Scale for Measuring the Security of Access to Water in Guanajuato, Mexico
Authors: Monroy Torres Rebeca , Naves‐Sánchez Jaime , Melgar‐Quiñonez Hugo 
Published: June 2021

IntroductionFood security is the state in which all persons have always access to the food needed to meet their dietary requirements, but food security cannot be achieved without considering the access to water (water security – WS). Considered a human right, water must meet the following criteria: sufficient, safe, acceptable, available, and accessible (FAO, 2002).ObjectiveTo identify the state of food security and access to water in Mexican households.MethodsWater security was assessed using a pilot scale. The scale was applied as part of a survey in 458 households, containing also an experience‐based food security scale (Escala Latinoamericana y Caribeña de Seguridad Alimentaria).ResultsThe water security scale contains 17 items addressing four domains concerning water: one for sufficiency, six for safety, one for acceptability, four for availability and five for access, concerning costs and physical access (FAO, 2002).ConclusionsWater Security is a human right, internationally recognized. The proposed scale represents an instrument that allows assessing issues related to the lack of appropriate access to water.
Smooth Muscle Actin (SMA1) Stain Lungs and Heart on a Strain of CUX‐1 Transgenic mice
Authors: Kesh Susamita , Buursma Julie , Livingston S , Kearn Don , Dasari Supriya , Herndon Betty , Vanden Heuvel Gregory , Baybutt Richard , Molteni Agostino 
Published: June 2021

Cux‐1 is a gene controlling G1‐S phase by repressing cyclin‐kinase inhibitors p21 and p27. CUX mice develop fibrotic damage in kidneys, testis, and liver by aberrant repression of p27. These mice showed pulmonary inflammation, vasculitis, bronchitis, bronchiectasis, and fibrosis (trichrome staining) in the bronchial basal membrane and arterial media. The heart shows inflammation, small myocardial infarctions, and a reduction of the lumen patency of coronary arteries with increase of media thickness.For fibrosis, the expression of the same conditions in lungs and heart are reported by using SMA stain. Wild type mice were controls. An average of 7 photographs at 400x were taken on both organs of each mouse.Histopathologically, with SMA1 stain, damage was present in lungs with staining in the bronchial musculature, epithelium, and media of small caliber arteries, and alveolar septa.Measurement of lumen patency of lung arteries of CUX1 mice indicated a significant reduction of their lumena. Adventitia showed fibroblasts and macrophages. The myocardium showed presence of macrophages in the myocardial fibers, coronary vasculitis with a reduced lumen patency.In conclusion, SMA1 staining, another indicator of fibrosis was seen in both lungs and heart of these mice. Differences in the thickness of these arteries, especially the adventitia was seen when SMA1 stain was compared to H&E. Little amount of collagen was seen in the coronary arteries of the mice, while present in lung vessels. No collagen was seen in the coronary arteries of controls.
HPV 16 Variants in Invasive Cancers in the US Prior to HPV Vaccine Implementation
Authors: Unger E , McMullen A , Lin J‐M , Rajeevan M , Steinau M , Saraiya M 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundFew studies have examined genetic variants of HPV 16 in cancers other than cervical. MethodsResidual DNA extracts from samples collected from seven cancer registries as part of a pilot study to determine type‐specific HPV prevalence in US cancers prior to vaccine introduction were used. Of the 1395 histologically confirmed tumors with HPV PCR results, 1045 (74.9%) were HPV 16 positive. Valid E6 pyrosequencing allowed variant determination in 836 (80%) of the HPV 16 tumors (107 anal, 337 cervical, 30 penile, 25 vaginal, 69 vulvar and 268 oropharyngeal). Variants were designated using both geographic and group terminology for lineages. Age, sex and race/ethnicity were obtained from the registry data. ResultsEuropean (A) lineages were the most prevalent in all cancer sites, ranging from 77.5% for penile to 95.7% for anal cancers. Within the A lineage, the E‐p and E‐T350G variants were the most common, ranging from 28‐41% and 20.5 – 33% respectively. Other non‐European variants (lineage B, C, D) were distributed in similar levels among the different cancers, with prevalence rates of less than 10% (except for AA/NA‐1 (D) lineage variants in cervical cancers‐ 12.2%). The odds ratio of European to non‐European variants was 2.8 in anal compared to cervical cancer [95% Confidence Interval 1.40 – 5.86]. Variant association with race ethnicity was: European (A) with white non‐Hispanic (NH); Eur‐AS with Asian, Pacific Islander, Af1 (B) with black NH, and AA/NA‐1 (D) with Hispanic. ConclusionsRace/ethnicity is associated with HPV 16 variants. HPV 16 European (A) variants were predominant in cancers from all primary sites.
Dynamics of stem cells in skin flaps subjected to ischemia reperfusion injury
Authors: Tang Ya Hui , Pennington Lindsey , Scordino Jessica , Alexander J , Lian Timothy 
Published: June 2021

Reconstructive surgery of the head and neck in cancer or trauma patients frequently involves the use of soft tissue flaps. Ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) is an important cause of failure in skin flaps. In a mouse model we have previously reported that treatment of skin flaps subjected to IRI with bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC) decreases tissue injury and enhances of wound healing resulting in improved flap survival.ObjectiveCharacterization of BMSC and leukocyte dynamics within the microvasculature of skin flaps subjected to IRI using fluorescence and intravital microscopy in an established mouse model.MethodsSkin flaps based on the inferior epigastric artery were raised on C57BL/6 mice and were subjected to 3.5 hours of ischemia and then reperfused. Leukocytes labeled with rhodamine‐6G. BMSC labeled with (CFSE) were administered intravenously. The rolling and firm adhesion of both cell populations was monitored in arterioles and venules.ResultsBoth leukocytes and BMSC were noted to accumulate in the skin flap vasculature after IRI; however, may more leukocytes were recruited than BMSC. The appearance of BMSC and leukocytes in the postischemic flap microvasculature was associated with a diminished vessel perfusion rate compared to controls.ConclusionBMSC are recruited to skin flaps subjected to IRI. The characteristics of BMSC and leukocyte activity in the microvasculature of skin flaps defined in this study may be utilized to further investigating the mechanism of action BMSC in skin flaps subjected to IRI.
Rapid isolation of rabbit umbilical cord stem cells from rabbit umbilical cords and their early differentiation into chondrocytes.
Authors: Rachakatla Raja , Perugino Drew 
Published: June 2021

Back ground: Every year nine million U.S. adults are diagnosed with arthritis and 600,000 joint replacements are performed due to the deterioration of cartilage. Cartilage defect therapies existing today range from pharmacological pain relief to invasive surgery, however, these therapies do not correct the underlying problem. Aim: The broad, long‐term objective of this lab is to use umbilical cord stem cells to regenerate lost cartilage relieving the underlying problems found in Osteoarthritis. We have identified the most appropriate method of isolating rabbit umbilical cord stem cells (rUCSCs). Three explant culture methods were compared with regards to time for primary culture, cell number, and cell morphology. The explant culture methods used are: 1) whole umbilical cords allow to dry and stick on to the tissue culture plates and later supplemented with cell culture media; 2) umbilical cord cut into smaller pieces and added directly to the culture plates with media; 3) cut smaller umbilical cord pieces allowed to dry and stick to the culture plate and later supplemented with media. rUCSCs isolated using smaller pieces of umbilical cords and dried on the tissue culture plates explant method led to shorter primary culture time, higher numbers of isolated cells, and higher proliferation rates compared with other isolation methods. Secondly we determined if these harvested umbilical cord stem cells had the ability to differentiate into chondrocytes (cartilage cells) in‐vitro.ConclusionIn this study, we found that a large quantity of rUCSCs cells can be obtained from the umbilical cords of rabbits. We found that that rabbit umbilical cord stem cells are able to differentiate into cartilage in‐vitro.
Propofol and vascular regulation: Role of TRPA1 and TRPV1 ion‐channels
Authors: Sinha Roy Pritam , Sinha Sayantani , Bratz Ian , Damron Derek 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundTransient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels of the A1 (TRPA1) and V1 (TRPV1) subtypes are key regulators of vasomotor tone. Propofol, an intravenous anesthetic known to cause vasorelaxation. Our aims were to examine the extent to which TRPA1 and/or TRPV1 ion channels mediate propofol‐induced depressor responses in vivo and to delineate the signaling pathway(s) involved.MethodsMice were subjected to surgery under 1.5‐2.5% sevoflurane gas with supplemental oxygen. After a stable base‐line in MAP was achieved propofol (2.5, 5.0, 10.0 mg/kg/ min) was administered to assess the hemodynamic actions of the intravenous anesthetic. The effect of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibition with L‐NAME and/or calcium‐gated K+ channel (BKCa) inhibition with Penetrim A (Pen A), alone and in combination, on propofol‐induced decreases in mean arterial pressure (MAP) were assessed in control C57Bl/6J, TRPA1‐/‐, TRPV1‐/‐ and TRPAV‐/‐ miceResultsPropofol decreased MAP in control mice and this effect was markedly attenuated in TRPA1‐/‐ and TRPAV‐/‐ mice but unaffected in TRPV1‐/‐mice. Moreover, pretreatment with L‐NAME or Pen A attenuated the decrease in MAP in control and TRPV1‐/‐ mice, and combined inhibition abolished the depressor response. In contrast, the markedly attenuated propofol‐induced depressor response observed in TRPA1‐/‐ and TRPAV‐/‐ mice was unaffected by pre‐treatment with Pen A or L‐NAME when used either alone or in combination.ConclusionThese data demonstrate for the first time that propofol‐induced depressor responses in vivo are predominantly mediated by TRPA1 ion channels with no involvement of TRPV1 ion channels and includes activation of both NOS and BKCa.channels.
The Effect of Cocaine on C6 Glial Cells and its Modulation of Oxygen Consumption, Growth and Transcription Factors
Authors: Agharahimi Maryam , Goodman Carl , Badisa Ramesh 
Published: June 2021

Cocaine is a widely abused and addictive psychostimulant drug that acts on the central nervous system (CNS). Glial cells may be the first to experience the toxic effects of cocaine in the mammalian brain, since glial cells outnumber neurons by 10–1. Glial cells were grown in 10% FBS (fetal bovine serum) in Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium (DMEM) and penicillin/streptomycin (100 Units/0.1 mg per ml). Treatment of glial cells with cocaine for 24 and 48 hours caused significant loss of cell viability. We investigated the expression of Hypoxia Inducible Factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) in 1, 2, 3 and 4 mM of cocaine exposure and also in control samples of glial cells. Preliminary data from different studies indicated that hypoxia is a potent inducer of VEGF in vitro partly because of an increased transcription rate, mediated by binding of HIF‐1 α to a hypoxia responsive element, VEGF gene. Thus following cocaine treatment of various concentrations mentioned above and RNA isolation, real time PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction ) was carried out using the IQ Sybr Green Super mix. Expression of HIF‐1 α followed by VEGF observed in each concentration compared to control and Flow Cytometry and Elisa experiments confirmed the expression. Oxygen consumption study showed significant reduction in higher concentrations of cocaine. We concluded that cocaine may cause hypoxia in rat C6 glial cells via expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).Acknowledgment: This research was supported by National Institute on Minority Health Disparities of the National Institute of Health under award number G12MD007582,FAMU RCMI, Pharmaceutical Research Center
Exercise‐Like Mechanical Stimulation of Soleus Feed Arteries (SFA) Attenuates Age‐Induced Endothelial Dysfunction
Authors: Seawright John , Luttrell Meredith , Woodman Christopher 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveTo determine the mechanism of exercise‐induced attenuation of the detrimental effects of aging on endothelial function. We tested the hypothesis that exercise‐like mechanical stimulation of aged SFA with an acute increase in intraluminal pressure in combination with an increase in intraluminal shear stress would induce greater improvements in endothelium‐dependent dilation than an acute increase in intraluminal pressure alone. Methods: SFA from young and old, Fischer 344 rats were pressurized at 90 cmH20 or 130 cmH20 (P130). P130 arteries were exposed to no shear stress (0 dyn/cm2) or high shear stress (~65 dyn/cm2) for 1 h. Following the 1 h treatment period, pressure in the P130 arteries was reduced to 90 cmH2O for examination of endothelium‐dependent [acetylcholine (ACh)] and endothelium‐independent [sodium nitroprusside (SNP)] dilation.ResultsACh‐induced vasodilation was impaired in old SFA compared to young SFA. Mechanical stimulation with increased pressure for 1 h improved ACh‐induced dilation in old SFA. Stimulation of old SFA with an increase in pressure plus shear stress also improved ACh‐induced. There were no between‐group differences in SNP‐induced dilation.ConclusionThese results indicate that stimulation with an acute increase in intraluminal pressure alone or in combination with an acute increase in shear stress improves endothelium‐dependent dilation. Research support: AHA grant 0765043Y, AHA grant 4150031, The National Space Biomedical Research Institute through NCC 9‐58 and a Sydney and JL Huffines Institute of Sports Medicine Graduate Student Research Grant.
Renin‐Angiotensin System in Trained Hypertensive Women During Climacteric Period
Authors: Zanesco Angelina , Sponton Carlos , Jarrete Aline , Anaruma Chadi , Fernandes Tiago , Fernandes Fernanda , Oliveira Edilamar , Casarini Dulce , Esposti Rodrigo 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundEpidemiological studies have shown that the incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in women increases dramatically during climacteric phase. However, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood.AimsTo evaluate the components of renin‐angiotensin system (RAS: ANG I, ANG II, ANG‐(1‐7) and ACE activity at baseline and after aerobic exercise training in hypertensive comparing with age‐matched normotensive women.MethodsAerobic exercise training (AET) consisted of 24 sessions in treadmill, 3 times/week, 30/40 minutes for each session, iAnthropometric, cardiovascular and biomarkers parameters were measured.ResultsHypertensive women (HT) showed higher levels of Ang I, Ang II and Ang‐(1‐7), (232, Δ=240%; 365 Δ=90% and 320 pmol/mL, Δ=140%) as compared with normotensive group (NT). No changes were found in ACE activity at baseline for both groups. In the HT group, AET was effective in lowering blood pressure, systolic (5.4%) and diastolic (5.7%), accompanied by a reduction in Ang I and Ang II levels as well as increased activity of SOD and catalase, respectively. In the NT group, we found a reduction in systolic blood pressure accompanied by an increase in SOD activity and decrease in Ang II after AET. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring showed a reduction in systolic blood pressure in normotensive women after AET that was accompanied by reduction in ACE activity.ConclusionsOur findings show that RAS is up‐regulated in HT women. In addition, AET was efffective in lowering blood pressure with significant reduction in RAS components in both groups.Financial Support: FAPESP
Physical Activity Assessed with Accelerometer is an Accurate and Independent Predictor of Mortality in Patients with Advanced Heart Failure
Authors: Rullman Eric , Gustafsson Thomas 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundIt is generally acknowledged that in the population as whole, larger volumes of physical activity and a high physical capacity is associated with longevity. In heart failure, physical capacity expressed as peak VO2, is one of the most, robust prognostic factors established. Recent work has put forward the volume of physical activity in daily life as a relevant prognostic aspect in heart failure. Patients with heart failure often display a distinct pattern of walking characterized of short step‐length and frequent short pauses. In the present study we test if this 1) can be assessed using accelerometers and 2) can be used in a prognostic model.Methods: 60 patients with advanced heart failure (NYHA III, peak VO2 <20 ml/kg and LVEF <35%) underwent exercise test with peak VO2, echocardiography and routine chemistry. Daily activity was assessed by an accelerometer worn attached to the waist during waking hours for 7 consecutive days. Mortality over 5‐years was 52%. The analysis focused on episodes with high‐recorded activity, which was identified by calculating a rolling mean. From these episodes information on average activity was calculated along with measures of variance. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to analyze the data.Results: Peak activity variance was strongly and independently correlated with mortality and increased accuracy when added to peak VO2 and the Heart Failure Survival Score prognostic model.ConclusionPeak activity variance is a promising novel prognostic marker in heart failure and it is a measure of physical activity independent of physical capacity.
Regulation of DAPK activity attenuates neuronal cell death in transient focal cerebral ischemic rats
Authors: Won Jinyoung , Hong Yonggeun 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundDeath‐associated protein kinase (DAPK), a positive mediator of many forms of cell death, is activated by glutamate excitotoxic signaling pathways after events such as cerebral ischemia. Purpose: We herein explored whether DAPK was an essential component of programmed neuronal cell death, by downregulating the activity thereof using an oxazolone‐based DAPK inhibitor. Results: In a focal cerebral ischemic (MCAO) model, rats exhibited brain injury accompanied by morphological changes, and altered molecular expression patterns, indicative of neuronal cell death. However, during DAPK inhibition, morphological differences in the dendrites of pyramidal neurons, and differences in programmed cell death, were observed compared to MCAO vehicle‐only rats. Significant decreases in Bax, caspase‐6, and LC3 expression levels were observed. In addition, a significant increase in Bcl2 expression was observed in the DAPK‐downregulated group compared to MCAO vehicle‐only rats, whereas the ischemic injury brain volume was reduced in MCAO rats treated with DAPK inhibitor vs. vehicle (P < 0.05). Suggestion: These data indicate that DAPK inhibition confers protection against neuronal cell death and cerebral ischemic injury. Accordingly, DAPK downregulation exhibits a therapeutic potential in treatment of transient focal ischemia and neurodegenerative diseases.Funding: 2012R1A1A2005089, 2013R1A2A2A01067169, KGM4611512