bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Posterior cranial fossa dimension and descent of cerebellar tonsils after arachnoid cysto‐peritoneal shunting
Authors: Osuagwu Ferdnand C , Salamon Noriko , Lazareff Jorge 
Published: June 2021

Background Descent of cerebellar tonsils (CT) has been reported following shunting of supratentorial (ST) arachnoid cyst. The phenomenon has been attributed exclusively to a difference in pressure gradient between ST space and the posterior fossa (PF). We aimed our study at determining the association between the posterior cranial fossa volume (PCFV) in this phenomenon.Materials and Methods We compare posterior fossa volume in two children with shunted left arachnoid cyst but Chiari like condition in one.Results The PCFV was 137.7c.c in the chiari 1 patient compared with 145.6cc in the control group peer. The PCFV area in the chiari 1 patient was 204.9cm2 while the control had 207.9cm2.The supratentorial volume (SV) measured 1055.1c.c in the chiari 1 patient compared with 898.2c.c in control group peer. The area of the supratentorial region was 742.9cm2 in the chiari 1 patient versus 687.7cm2 in the control. The prepontine and pre‐medullary cistern measured 4.4mm in the chiari 1 patient while control was 6.3mm and 7.7mm respectively.The percentage ratio of the posterior cranial fossa volume to the supratentorial volume (PCFV/SV X 100) in the chiari 1 patient was 13.0 versus 16.4 in the control.Conclusion Our findings emphasize the relevance of skull anatomy on the development of Chiari like condition.
Association of IκB‐α of polymorphism with development of asthma
Authors: Park Se‐Min , Chang Hun‐Soo , Park Choon‐Sik , Rhim Tae Youn , Jang An‐Soo , Lee Mi‐Young , Park Byung Lae , Uh Soo‐Taek , Shin Hyoung Doo , Chung Il Yup 
Published: June 2021

The development of asthma is determined by the interaction between host susceptibility and a variety of environmental exposures. NF‐κ B activates many immunoregulatory genes. The I κB‐α is an endogenous inhibitor of NF‐ κB. This study examined the association between I κB‐ α gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to asthma.The SNPs were genotyped by single base extension method in Korean population. RT‐PCR and luciferase reporter assay were performed. Iκ B‐α activity was evaluated with EMSA.One novel SNP (+3075 G>A) was discovered, and the five reported SNPs were found in the Korean population. The frequency of rare allele (−689 A>T) was significantly lower in asthmatics than normal controls (OR = 0.516, p=0.037), especially in atopic subject (p=0.007). The mRNA level was significantly higher in B cell lines of I κB‐α −689 TT type than those of AA type (p=0.024). The luciferase activity of c.‐689 T type of I κB‐α promoter was significantly higher than that of A type (p= 0.002). A nuclear protein showed stronger DNA binding affinity with a probe containing c.‐689 A than that of T.Our data suggest that the I κB‐α −689 A>T SNP participates in the regulation of I κB‐α expression by providing a potential binding site for a repressor, and that the I κB‐α −689 A>T SNP may predict asthma phenotypes.Funded By: the Korea health 21 R&D project. Ministry of Health & Welfare. Republic of Korea (01‐PJ3‐PG6‐01GN04‐0003).
Partial LXR agonist reduces atherosclerosis in ApoE‐deficient mice without inducing liver steatosis and hypertriglyceridemia
Authors: Kratzer Adelheid , Buchebner Marlene , Becker Tatjana M. , Pfeifer Thomas , Uray Georg , Ebner Birgit , Rathke Nora , Ahammer Helmut , Trauner Michael , Hoefler Gerald , Levak‐Frank Sanja , Levi Moshe , Kostner Gerhard M. , Kratky Dagmar 
Published: June 2021

Most LXR agonists not only activate genes relevant for the reverse cholesterol transport but also increase lipogenesis. We treated ApoE‐deficient mice with the partial steroidal LXR agonist N,N‐dimethyl‐3β‐hydroxy‐cholenamide (DMHCA). Long‐term administration of DMHCA reduced lesion formation by 20% in male and 22% in female ApoE‐null mice without inducing hypertriglyceridemia or liver steatosis. DMHCA treatment slightly reduced not only plasma total cholesterol, but also plasma triglyceride (TG) concentrations and did not increase hepatic TG levels in male nor female ApoE‐deficient mice. The gene expression levels of ATP binding cassette transporters ABCA1 and G1 and cholesterol 7α‐hydroxylase were increased, while SREBP‐1c mRNA and protein quantity was unchanged. Thus, our data provide evidence that DMHCA is a useful therapeutic agent for the treatment or prevention of atherosclerosis. Currently, we are also evaluating a) potential target genes which are differentially regulated between DMHCA and the non‐steroidal LXR agonist T0901317 and b) short‐ and long‐term treatment of DBA mice with DMHCA.This work was supported by the Austrian Federal Ministry of Education, Science, and Culture, GOLDII, C6.
Role of Integrins in Angiotensin II‐induced Proliferation of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Bunni Marlene A , Kramarenko Inga I , Walker Linda , Raymond John R , Garnovskaya Maria N 
Published: June 2021

Angiotensin II (AII) binds to G protein‐coupled receptor (GPCR) AT1 and stimulates extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK), leading to vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) proliferation. Proliferation of mammalian cells is tightly regulated by adhesion to the extracellular matrix (ECM), which occurs via integrins.To study a crosstalk between GPCR‐ and integrin‐induced signaling, we hypothesized that integrins are involved in AII‐induced proliferation of VSMC. Using quantitative RT‐PCR, we established that messages for α1, α5, αv and β1 integrins are predominant in VSMC. VSMC were cultured on plates coated with ECM or poly‐D‐lysine (which promotes electrostatic cell attachment). AII significantly induced an ERK‐dependent proliferation only in VSMC grown on collagen or fibronectin. VSMC grown on ECM demonstrated ∼400% increase in AII‐induced ERK phosphorylation, whereas VSMC grown on poly‐D‐lysine showed only minor (∼30%) ERK activation, supporting the importance of integrin‐mediated adhesion. AII‐induced ERK activation was reduced by ∼60% by RGD peptides that inhibit α5β1 integrin, and by ∼40% by the KTS peptide specific for integrin α1β1. Silencing of α1, α5, and β1 expression by transfecting VSMC with siRNAs also resulted in decreased AII‐induced ERK activation.These data demonstrate specific roles for integrins (most likely α5β1 and α1β1) in AII‐induced proliferation of VSMC.
Significant IFNγ production by early effector T cells signifies development into memory
Authors: Ellis Jason Scott , Bell J. Jeremiah , Guloglu F. Betul , Zaghouani Habib 
Published: June 2021

The mechanism underlying transition of T cells from effector to memory remains largely undefined. It is believed that this transition occurs as a result of exposure to residual suboptimal antigen found in lymphoid tissues as the effector phase wanes. This led to the interpretation that memory arises from slightly activated late effectors producing reduced amounts of IFNγ. Herein, an in vivo model suitable for tracking memory transition was developed and shows that highly activated early effector CD4 T cells transit to memory. Moreover, effector T cells that have undergone 4 divisions expressed significant IL‐7R, produced IFNγ and yielded rapid and robust memory responses. Cells that divided three times which had marginal IL‐7R expression and no IFNγ raised base level homeostatic memory while those which have undergone only two divisions and produced IFNγ yielded conditioned memory despite low IL‐7R expression. These findings indicate that highly activated early effectors generated upon exposure to optimal antigen in vivo develop into memory and such transition is dependent on a significant production of the cell's signature cytokine, IFNγ.Research supported by grant 2RO1AI48541‐08 from the NIH. JSE and JJB were supported by training grant DHHS2T32GM08396‐16A1 from the NIGMS.
Hypoxia inhibits the maturation and function of murine bone marrow‐derived dendritic cells
Authors: Zhang Lining , Wang Qun , Liu Chunmei , Wang Xiaoyan , Zhu Faliang , Sun Wensheng 
Published: June 2021

Hypoxic is a prominent characteristic of inflammatory tissue lesions and solid tumor microenvironment. Under hypoxia condition, the changes of phenotype and function of infiltrated immune cells will affect the disease development and prognosis. It has been suggested that hypoxia might inhibit the production of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) and the migration of human monocyte‐derived dendritic cells. However, the effects of hypoxia on murine bone marrow‐derived DC (BM‐DC) remain unclear. The present study is designed to compare the effects between hypoxic and normoxic conditions on the maturation and function of murine BM‐DC. We show here that hypoxia down‐regulated the expression of MHC II molecules and costimulatory molecules CD80, CD86 and CD137 on murine BM‐DC stimulated with LPS compared to that treated with normoxic condition, indicating that hypoxia inhibited the maturation of DC. Furthermore, hypoxia suppressed the expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines (IL‐1, IL‐6, IL‐12 and TNF‐γ) and cell migration‐related gene (MMP9) in murine BM‐DC, but increased the levels of chemokine receptor (CCR7). Importantly, the hypoxia‐treated BM‐DC had reduced ability to stimulate the allogeneic CD4+T cell proliferation compared to normoxia‐differentiated BM‐DC. Thus, hypoxic microenvironment suppresses the maturation and function of murine BM‐DC demonstrated by downregulation of MHC Π and co‐stimulatory molecules and pro‐inflammatory cytokines, suggesting hypoxic DC as a possible target for tumor therapy.This work was supported by grants from the Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 30628015) and (No. 30671976) and National “973” program (No. 2006CB503803).
Gastric Th Cells Express CD39 and CD73 Leading to Adenosine Accumulation that Suppresses Helicobacter‐induced Gastritis by Modulating Th Cell Function
Authors: Alam Mohammad Samiul , Kurtz Courtney C. , Reuter Brain K. , Crowe Sheila E. , Ernst Peter B. 
Published: June 2021

Background. Helicobacter pylori is a life‐long infection in humans that causes chronic gastritis and gastric cancer. Adenosine is an anti‐inflammatory mediator that limits tissue damage during inflammation. The surface enzymes CD39 and CD73 synthesize adenosine. We studied expression of CD39 and CD73 in human Th cells and evaluated the role of CD73 in regulating Helicobacter felis‐induced gastritis.Methods. Human Th cells from blood and gastric tissue were assayed for expression of CD39/CD73 mRNA and protein. The function of CD73 was investigated by examining its effects on proliferation and cytokine production as well as its effect on H. felis infection in CD73−/− mice.Results. CD73 was expressed on Treg from peripheral blood and gastric tissue, usually in association with CD39. Activation of Th cells increased CD73 with little effect on CD39 which remained associated with Foxp3+ Th cells. Gastric Treg had highest expression of CD39/CD73. CD73 antagonists partially reversed Treg suppressive ability in vitro and increased IFN‐γ production. H. felis infection exacerbated gastritis, increased production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and reduced bacterial load in CD73−/− mice.Conclusion. These data indicate that CD73 expression by Th cells contributes to adenosine accumulation and attenuates gastritis. Adenosine accumulation may impair immunity to Helicobacter infection and favor persistence.
T‐cell responses to influenza vaccination among patients with heart failure
Authors: Moran John Joseph McDonald , Hayney Mary S. , Sweitzer Nancy K. , Vardeny Orly 
Published: June 2021

Purpose: The objective of this study was to measure T cell response in patients with heart failure (HF) compared to healthy controls (HC) following influenza vaccination using the trans vivo delayed‐type hypersensitivity (DTH) assay, which mimics physiologic conditions.Methods: Eighteen HF subjects and 16 HC were immunized with influenza vaccine. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated from blood drawn 4–6 weeks post immunization. PBMC were mixed with influenza vaccine antigens (H1N1, H3N2, and B), and injected into the footpads of SCID mice. The resulting swelling is an index of human T cell sensitization. To detect a difference of 50 μm (α=0.05 and power = 95%) 15 per group were needed.Results: All subjects mounted an antibody response to the influenza vaccine. T cell responses to the B antigen were similar between the HF and HC groups (75±8 vs. 66±9 μm; p=0.49). Responses to the newest vaccine antigen, H3N2, were less vigorous in the HF participants compared with the HC response (mean 65±8 vs. 89±6 μm; p=0.031; t test), and there was a trend toward a reduced response to the H1N1 antigen by the HF group (mean 58±7 vs. 81±10 μm; p=0.06).Conclusions: HF pts demonstrated reduced T cell responses to influenza vaccine, due to lower response to the newest vaccine antigen compared with HC. Lower T cell responses may be a reason that HF patients are at increased risk for influenza and its complications.Funded by the NIH.
OX40 Signals Determine the Fate of Memory CD8+ T cells following Listeria monocytogenes Infection
Authors: Mousavi Seyed Fazlollah , Soroosh Pejman , Yoshikai Yasunobu , Shen Hao , Sugamura Kazuo , Ishii Naoto 
Published: June 2021

A TNF receptor super‐family molecule OX40 on T cells regulates several T cell responses including expansion, survival and cytokine secretion. Accumulating evidences have demonstrated the importance of OX40 on generation of memory CD4+ T cells. Although the significance of OX40 signals in CD8+ T cell responses to tumors and acute viral infection have been reported, the precise function of OX40 in the generation of memory CD8+ T cells is still unclearWe carried out several types of adoptive transfer experiments using Ova‐specific OT‐I‐TcR transgenic T cells and recombinant Listeria monocytogenes expressing OVA (Lm‐Ova). To generate antigen specific effector and memory CD8+ T cells, OT‐I or OT‐I/OX40‐KO T cells were transferred into congenic wild‐type mice following infection with Lm‐Ova. Our preliminary results demonstrated that presence or absence OX40 signals have a negligible effect on the frequency and effector function of donor CD8+ T cells during priming phase. In contrast the frequency of OX40‐deficient memory CD8+ T cells and their effector function were dramatically reduced. In addition, the lack of OX40 signals in the donor OT‐I cells significantly suppressed the re‐expansion of the memory CD8+ T cells during recall responses. Ongoing study has revealed that blockage of OX40‐OX40L interaction during the priming phase seems to be sufficient to inhibit generation of long‐lived memory CD8+ T cells.
“Nibbling here and there”: The what, when, and why of snacking
Authors: Kinney Rachel Ann , Springer Cary , Raynor Hollie , Spence Marsha , Jahns Lisa 
Published: June 2021

Objective: A consistent definition for snacks has not been developed in dietary research despite snacking's significant contribution to overall dietary intake. The purpose of this research was to examine self‐reported definitions of a snack.Methods: 663 18–19yo entering freshman responded to the question, “How would you define the word “snack”?” Qualitative Analysis was completed using SPSS Text Analysis for Surveys software and manually categorizing responses into themes.Results: The three largest snack categories were Not a Meal (72%), Small Portion (39%), and Hungry (26%). Twenty‐eight percent of respondents’ snack definitions were counted in two of the three categories and 12% were counted in all three. Additional categories include Types of Food (16%), Not Hungry at Intake (4%), Quick and Easy (3%), and Caloric Amount (1.5%). Not a Meal was less likely to be reported by African Americans than Whites (55% vs. 74%, p<0.01). Small Portion and Hungry were less likely to be reported by males than females (34% vs. 43%, p= 0.02) and (22% vs.30%, p=0.03), respectively. Reported weight status was not related to snack definitions.Conclusion: Defining a snack appears to have multiple criteria that may be influenced by the participant's gender and race. Providing a clear, universal definition of a snack may be difficult in dietary research.
Protein requirements in healthy school‐age children determined by using the indicator amino acid oxidation technique
Authors: Elango Rajavel , Humayun Mohammad A , Ball Ronald O , Pencharz Paul B 
Published: June 2021

Protein (PRO) requirements in school‐age children were determined by the indicator amino acid oxidation (IAAO) method. Four, healthy children (8 – 11 yr) each randomly received a minimum of three PRO intakes below 0.9 and three intakes above 0.9 g/kg/d; range = 0.16 – 1.84 g/kg/d. The diets were isocaloric and provided energy at 1.7 X REE. PRO was given as an amino acid mixture based on egg protein composition, except phenylalanine which was maintained constant across intakes. PRO requirements were determined by measuring the oxidation of L‐[1‐13C]‐phenylalanine to 13CO2 (F13CO2). Breath and urine samples were collected at baseline and isotopic steady state. Linear regression crossover analysis identified a breakpoint (requirement) at minimal F13CO2 in response to different PRO intakes.Preliminary results indicate the mean and population‐safe PRO requirements to be 1.35 and 1.59 g/kg/d, respectively. These results are significantly higher than the mean and population‐safe PRO requirements of 0.76 and 0.95 g/kg/d, respectively, currently recommended by the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI 2005) for macronutrients This study is the first to directly estimate protein requirements in children and suggests that the current recommendations, based on a factorial method are severely underestimated. (CIHR supported)
Methionine splanchnic uptake is increased in critically ill children.
Authors: Sy Jama , Gordon William E , Verbruggen Sascha , Wu Manhong , Castillo Leticia 
Published: June 2021

During critical illness the splanchnic area is profoundly affected. There is no information on splanchnic uptake of amino acids in vivo, in critically ill children.Hypothesis:Methionine splanchnic uptake in critically ill children will differ from estimates in healthy adults.Methods:We studied 24 critically ill children. Eight infants (age 6±3months; wt 6±1.4 kg), eight children (age 5±2 y; wt 14±3 kg and 8 adolescents (15±1.94 y; wt 63.3±21kg), who received continuous enteral feedings, providing protein and energy intake at full maintenance needs. We conducted a simultaneous, intravenous, primed, constant, 9h tracer infusion of L‐[2H3methyl] methionine at 2.5 μmol.kg −1h1 and enteral infusion of L‐[13C] methionine at 5μmol.kg−1h1.Results:Plasma methionine fluxes obtained with the enteral 13C and the intravenous 2H3 labels were 85±13 and 30±8, 71±5 and 41±15, and 68±7 and 35±7 μmol.kg−1h−1, respectively for infants, children and adolescents. First pass disappearance of methionine tracer, respectively, was 63, 43 and 47%. The rates of intestinal methionine oxidation were 24±10, 18±6 and 23±8 μmol.kg−1h1Conclusions:Methionine splanchnic uptake is higher in critically ill infants when compared to children and adolescents (p<0.05), and higher than values of about 15% reported in healthy adults. NIH DK‐62363, T32 HD‐007445, Ajinomoto 3‐ARP; USDA/ARS 25337387, Sophia Foundation for Scientific Research
Stratifin as a Mediator of Epithelial/Mesenchymal Cross Talking in Skin;
Authors: Ghahary Aziz 
Published: June 2021

It is well established that any delays in epithelialization during the process of wound healing, due to either infection or severity of injury, increases the frequency of developing fibrotic conditions. This signifies that in the absence of epithelialization, the ECM continues to accumulate until fibroblasts receive signal(s) from epidermal cells to slow down the dynamic process of healing that leads to maturation and remodelling of the healing wound. Here, we provide a compelling evidence that: 1) there exist a cross‐talking between epithelial and fibroblasts using a co‐culture system, 2) Keratinocytes release two sets of ECM modulating factors that are important in controlling the healing process, 3) One set of this factors, namely stratifin, increases the expression of MMP‐1, 3, 8 and 24 in fibroblasts, 4) the other set reduces the expression of type I and type III collagen in fibroblasts, 5) On the hand, fibroblasts release some unknown factors that control the expression of keratinocyte derived anti‐fibrogenic factors (KDAF). Finally the mechanism by which these factors are released from keratinocytes will also be discussed.In conclusion, Keratinocyte releasable factors upon epithelialization may function as stop signals for matrix production by fibroblasts and that would slow down the dynamic process of healing wound.
Zinc and Lead Hair Levels in Children Ages 6‐60 Months Living in Three Refugee Camps along the Thailand/Burma Border
Authors: Kemmer Teresa M , Geisler Karen , Reeves Philip G 
Published: June 2021

Long term subsistence on refugee rations, with minimal amounts of animal protein, put children at increased risk for zinc (Zn) deficiency. In addition, lead (Pb) levels have never been reported in refugee children. The study objectives were to determine 1) the prevalence of Zn deficiency, 2) associations with Zn deficiency and 3) prevalence of elevated Pb levels.Using 2‐stage cluster sampling, hair samples from 377 children ages 6–60 months living in Bon Don Yang, Mae La, and Tham Hin refugee camps were obtained and analyzed. Zinc deficiency was defined as Zn levels <70 μg/g and Zn inadequacy as levels between 70–100 μg/g. A very high Pb level was defined as >25 μg/g.Prevalence of Zn deficiency was 17.9 % and Zn inadequacy was 17.6%. Mean Zn was 136.19±75.95 μg/g. 100% of the children had a very high Pb level (Mean 143.97±35.69 μg/g). By using logistic regression and controlling for age and gender, Zn < 100 μg/g was associated with female gender (P< 0.01), mothers with some education (P< 0.01), lived in camp > 1 yr (P<0.05) and increasing Pb levels (P<0.001).Hair analyses confirmed that the children had a high prevalence of Zn deficiency and extremely high Pb levels. Rations containing adequate Zn are indicated and sources of Pb should be evaluated. A fortified blended food with Zn (10.0 mg/100g) has since been added to the ration; therefore, a second analysis should be conducted to determine the impact of the fortified ration.
Body Composition by DXA in pre‐school children
Authors: Rodriguez Patricia Noemi , Bermudez Enrique Feliz , Macri Elisa Vanesa , Ponce Graciela , Zeni Susana Noemi , Exeni Ramon Alfonso , Lifshitz Fima , Friedman Silvia Maria 
Published: June 2021

Measurements of body composition in children is becoming more widespread. Many technologies are available, but DXA's use is increasing in the last years due to its accuracy. The current obesity epidemic lead us to studied the relationship between body fat mass and bone, due to some evidence that in adolescents and young adults adipose tissue is not beneficial to bone structure.Objective: To compare body fat mass % (BF%) and bone mineral content % (BMC%) in boys and girls aged 3 to 5. Eigthy five children (males‐ M=40, females‐F=45) from La Matanza, Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina, attending a day care center, were included. There were divided in 6 groups according to weight/length Z scores (WLZ) and gender: 1M and 1F) −1.5 to 1.5, 2M and 2F) 1.5 to 2.0 and 3M and 3F) >2.0 WLZ. BF% and BMC% were measured by Lunar DPX‐L, pediatric software.Results: BF% and BMC% in: 1M were 18.4±4.6 and 37.7±7.0, 2M 27.9±7.7 and 38.4±6.2, 3M 30.6±6.2 and 34.1 ±4.8, 1F 25.6±5.0 and 41.1±5.2, 2F 35.3±5.7 and 35.7±4.5, and 3F 34.1±7.3 and 401.0±6.2, respectively.Conclusion: these results suggest that BMC in children aged 3 to 5 remained unchanged, regardless of high BF%. Awarded by UBACyT 004‐003.