bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The dynamics of neuropeptide Y protein expression in the developing mouse heart
Authors: Sverkunova Anna , Dedkov Eduard I 
Published: June 2021

The current study investigates the spatio‐temporal pattern of neuropeptide Y protein expression in coronary vessels and cardiac nerves during development of the mouse heart. The hearts of the C57BL/6 mice were collected on embryonic days 16 to 19 and on postnatal days 3 to 21. They were immersion‐fixed with 4% PFA/PBS and processed for cryo‐sectioning. The serial histological cross‐sections through the heart ventricles were immunostained with an antibody against NPY alone or in combination with Griffonia simplicifolia IB4 lectin, the antibodies against α‐smooth muscle (SM) actin and 150 kDa neurofilaments. We found that during embryonic and postnatal development, the coronary vessels demonstrated a high level of variability in the intensity of NPY immunostaining. Furthermore, whereas during embryogenesis, NPY was primarily expressed in the endothelial cells (ECs) of the coronary vessels, in postnatal period, the NPY immunostaining was typically detected in vascular SM cells. More importantly, the disappearance of NPY expression in ECs closely correlated with a significant expansion of NPY‐containing perivascular nerves. Therefore, our findings suggest that NPY has distinct dynamics of expression within the cells of developing coronary vessels and perivascular nerves, indicating its potential involvement in regulation of coronary vessel formation and/or function during development of the mouse heart.Grant Funding Source: Internal Award from the NYCOM Office of Research
Feasibility of in vivo 3D microCT imaging of cortical bone vascular porosity in the rat
Authors: Pratt Isaac Vorster , Cooper David Michael Lane 
Published: June 2021

Cortical bone is a dynamic tissue which undergoes adaptive and pathological changes through life. An improved understanding of the spatio‐temporal nature of these changes holds great promise for aiding the study of bone development, maintenance and senescence. Commercial in vivo microCT scanners operate with maximal resolutions in the 10–20 um range producing doses of 0.5–1 Gy for trabecular bone imaging. As dose scales exponentially with resolution, in vivo visualization of cortical microarchitecture remains beyond the reach of these systems. This study explored the feasibility of utilizing synchrotron propagation phase contrast microCT to resolve vascular porosity in the cortex of rat bone with doses suitable for in vivo imaging. We imaged ex vivo rat distal limbs at the Canadian Light Source synchrotron, determined the optimal propagation distance and used ion chamber and thermoluminescent dosimetry to measure dose. We found that 10 um resolution with 0.6 m of propagation distance at 37 keV was sufficient to visualize cortical pores with doses in the range of 2–4 Gy. Further optimization of the scan protocol promises to reduce dose to levels comparable to conventional trabecular bone scans.Grant Funding Source: NSERC
Depicting Structure and Function of Complex Skeleto‐Muscular Systems in 3D: The Singing Behavior of a Songbird, Cardinalis cardinalis, as a Model for Human Speech
Authors: Blevins Caroline E. , Ge Jinghua , Suthers Roderick A , Homberger Dominique G 
Published: June 2021

Functional and kinetic analyses of complex skeleto‐muscular systems with multiple semi‐independent parts have traditionally been a challenge. We have used recent developments in x‐ray CT scanning, 3D reconstruction, imaging, computation, animation, and anatomy to analyze such a system: The vocal apparatus of a songbird, the Northern Cardinal, as a model for human speech. In a 3D reconstruction and visualization through the software Avizo of an x‐ray CT scan, the shoulders, neck, skull, upper jaw apparatus, mandible, hyoid apparatus, trachea, and laryngeal apparatus were segmented (i.e., individually marked). This 3D model was imported into the software Maya to be animated by the computer animation technique called “character rigging”. To match the movements of the animated 3D model to those of a living bird, proper kinematic constraints were applied to the rig. The 3D model was then animated frame by frame by pose matching to the image sequence of an x‐ray video of a singing bird. The correct position of the skeletal elements was checked in various views to account for variations in roll, yaw, and pitch. By adding the sound‐track of the x‐ray video, we matched the exact anatomical configuration of the complex 3D model to each syllable of the song. This method requires more investment at the front end, but allows the modeling of various movements once the 3D model has been constructed. Supported by NIH grant NINDS R01 NS029467 to RASGrant Funding Source: NIH grant NINDS R01 NS029467
Mapping the anatomical connectivity in the language‐specific cerebrocerebellar network
Authors: George Ian , Christ Shawn , Aldridge Kristina 
Published: June 2021

Human language requires a network of specialized areas and connections in the brain to process this complex function. The classical neuroanatomical model of human language includes two cerebral areas (Broca's & Wernicke's) serving speech production and comprehension, respectively. Functional neuroimaging studies have demonstrated that the cerebellum is also involved with overt speech planning and production, rather than its motor execution. The functional and anatomical connections of this network however, are poorly understood. In this study we define the structural connectivity of the language‐specific cerebrocerebellar network (LSCN) between the cerebrum and cerebellum. Using a combination of high resolution structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to map the the complex morphology of LSCN in five healthy adults. The LSCN includes the right lateral cerebellum, the primary language centers in the left cerebrum, and the white matter pathways between them connecting through the thalamus. This robust network analysis of the language centers of the brain provides a powerful normative framework of comparison to uncover the basis and possible causes of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders that affect language, as well as the anatomical framework for the evolution of language.Grant Funding Source: MU Life Sciences Fellowship and DODC‐DMRP #AR093087
TNFR2 induces IRF‐1 dependent IFNβ autocrine signaling in endothelial cells to promote monocyte recruitment
Authors: Venkatesh Deepak A , Ernandez Thomas , Rosetti Florencia , Batal Ibrahim , Cullere Xavier , Zhang Yuzhi , García‐Cardeña Guillermo , Stavrakis George , Horwitz Bruce , Mayadas Tanya N 
Published: June 2021

Endothelial mechanisms of neutrophil recruitment are well studied but the signals that promote mononuclear cell influx remain unclear. We discovered that acute TNF stimulation of murine microvascular endothelial cells, which express TNFR1 and TNFR2 strongly induced mononuclear CXCR3 chemokines through Interferon regulatory factor‐1 (IRF‐1) induced IFNβ synthesis, and subsequent autocrine signaling via the IFNα/β‐receptor and STAT1. Both TNFR2 and TNFR1 were required for IRF‐1‐IFNβ signaling induced by soluble TNFα. A role for TNFR2 in the induction of IRF‐1, IFNβ and CXCR3 chemokines was confirmed following its overexpression and ligand independent activation in human endothelial cells. In vivo, acute renal inflammation induced by intravenously administered recombinant TNF resulted in neutrophil and monocyte recruitment in the kidney that required TNFR1, while the TNFR2‐IRF‐1‐IFNβ autocrine loop was essential only for monocyte/macrophage accumulation. In a chronic model of anti‐glomerular basement membrane nephritis, IRF‐1 and renal expressed TNFR2, but not TNFR1, were essential for sustained macrophage accumulation. Thus, our data identify a previously unrecognized signaling pathway in endothelial cells that is responsible for selectively recruiting monocytes during a TNF‐induced inflammatory response.This work was supported by the NIH PO1HL036028, RO1 DK51643 ( T.M.)
Lack of nuclear BMP‐2 causes reduced spleen size
Authors: Olsen Daniel S , Bailey K Tyson , Nichols Brandt A , Bridgewater Laura C 
Published: June 2021

Nuclear bone morphogenetic protein 2 (nBMP2) is a nuclear variant of the secreted growth factor BMP‐2. Experiments in nBmp2NLStm mutant mice, which lack nBMP2 in the nucleus, revealed that nBMP2 affects intracellular calcium transport in skeletal muscle and hippocampal neurons. The objective of this study was to determine whether nBMP2 affects the immune system, since activation of lymphocytes and other immune cells depends on intracellular calcium transport. We found that spleens in nBmp2NLStm mutant mice were 28% smaller than in wild type mice. When mutants and wild types were challenged with an intravenous infection of 107 CFU of S. aureus, wild type mouse spleens increased in mass by an average of 63%, while mutant mouse spleens increased by 76% by the third day after infection. Liver and kidney mass were not different between mutant and wild type, either before or after infection. The white pulp of the spleen contains many immune cells, particularly B and T lymphocytes and reduced spleen size in the nBmp2NLStm mutant mice could be caused by a reduced number of lymphocytes migrating to the spleen. Samples of blood, liver, spleen, kidney and lymph nodes cultured three days after infection showed no difference in post infection bacterial load between mutant and wild type, suggesting that the innate immune response is functional in nBmp2NLStm mice.Supported by NIH #AR048839
Effects of dietary protein quantity on sleep quality in energy‐restricted overweight and obese adults
Authors: Zhou Jing , Armstrong Cheryl LH. , Campbell Wayne W. 
Published: June 2021

Research suggests ingesting protein before sleep may improve sleep quality, but the effect of habitual protein intake on sleep quality is not well known. For this pilot study, nine overweight/obese people (6F:3M, age 59 ± 11 y, BMI 30.0 ± 1.6 kg/m2, mean ± SD) consumed lacto‐ovo vegetarian diets with an energy restriction (ER) of 750 kcal/d below need for 3 months. During this time, each person randomly completed three consecutive 4‐wk periods with the diets containing 10, 20 or 30% of total energy from protein. At baseline and the end of each ER period, global sleep quality (GSQ) was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index questionnaire. GSQ scores range between 0–21 arbitrary units (au) with a higher value representing worse GSQ during the preceding month. At baseline, 78% of the participants were classified with poor GSQ (>;5 au), and 44%, 56%, and 11% had poor GSQ while consuming 10%, 20%, and 30% protein during ER, respectively. During ER, GSQ was lower when 30 vs. 10% protein was consumed (4.38 ± 1.51 vs. 5.78 ± 2.59, P = 0.05), with 20% protein intermediate (5.67 ± 2.69). When expressed as change from the previous month, delta GSQ was larger for 30% (−1.75 ± 1.49) vs. 20% (−0.11 ± 0.78) and 10% (0.13 ± 1.13) protein (P = 0.0179). These results suggest that consuming a greater proportion of energy from protein may improve global sleep quality during weight loss.Grant Funding Source: The Beef Checkoff, National Pork Board, and NIH RR025761
Effect of multiple micronutrient supplementation on the neurodevelopment of HIV‐exposed Tanzanian infants
Authors: McDonald Christine , Manji Karim , Kupka Roland , Okuma James , Bosch Ronald , Kisenge Rodrick , Aboud Said , Bellinger David , Fawzi Wafaie , Duggan Christopher 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundMicronutrient deficiencies are common in sub‐Saharan Africa and are associated with impaired infant neurodevelopment. Exposure to HIV in utero may also adversely affect neurodevelopment.ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of daily multiple micronutrient supplementation on the neurodevelopment of HIV‐exposed Tanzanian infants.MethodsInfants were randomized to receive daily oral supplementation of multiple micronutrients (vitamins B complex, C, and E) or placebo from 6 weeks of age for 24 months. The Bayley Scales of Infant Development, 3rd edition (BSID‐III) were administered a subset of 192 infants at age 15 mo. Multivariate regression models were used to compare the difference in scores between treatment groups.ResultsThe prevalences of male sex, preterm birth, and low birthweight were 52.6%, 16.2%, and 5.2%, respectively. After adjusting for sex and BSID‐III administrator, there were no significant differences in raw cognitive, gross motor, expressive or receptive language scores. There was a trend toward improved fine motor skills among infants in the micronutrient group (difference in means = 0.38; 95% CI = −0.01, 0.78; p=0.06).ConclusionsDaily multivitamins did not significantly improve the neurodevelopment of HIV‐exposed infants. Alternative strategies to improve child development should be explored in the context of HIV.
Academic Experts’ Perceptions Related to a Positive Mealtime Environment in Childcare Settings.
Authors: Isgrig Hunter Adams , Mita Satoko C , Goodell L Suzanne 
Published: June 2021

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics states, “Child‐care providers should be knowledgeable about… strategies for creating a positive mealtime environment.” However, the position paper does not define or describe a positive mealtime environment. To assess how academic experts define a positive mealtime environment, researchers interviewed experts across the country specializing in child feeding practices or childhood development. Analysis of transcripts revealed a relationship between the physical and psychosocial environments in the classroom, which contribute to the development of a positive mealtime environment. The physical environment includes subjects such as the architecture of the room, child‐friendly utensils, as well as age‐appropriately prepared food. The psychosocial relationship depends on the teachers’ ability to utilize her knowledge, confidence, and resources to construct a positive mealtime environment. Our results will be used to develop educational materials for preschool teachers, showing them how to construct and understand the benefits of a positive mealtime environment.Grant Funding Source: none
Nutrition Messages in Mainstream and Ethnic Minority Women's Magazines Over Three Decades: A Content Analysis
Authors: Landman Rissa , Yeh Ming‐Chin , Keeney Melissa , Leung May May , Navder Khursheed 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveEditorial content in mainstream (Glamour) and ethnic minority (Essence) women's magazines was examined to identify trends and compare nutrition and health‐related messages to dietary recommendations.MethodsFour years in each decade (1980s, 1990s, 2000s) and three issues in each year were examined for both magazines. Editorial content focusing on food, nutrition, and physical activity was included. Messages were tallied for each theme for each decade. A percentage was calculated for each theme to compare the two magazines. Inter‐rater reliability index of 0.96 was obtained using the coefficient of agreement.ResultsGlamour was more likely to advise about caloric counting and restriction than Essence across all decades (18.1 vs.12.5%, 21.1 vs. 2.3%, 27.8% vs. 4.2%). In the first two decades, Essence was more likely to write about dietary fiber and whole grains than Glamour (18.8 vs. 11.1%, 13.9 vs. 7.9%). During the 2000s, Glamour covered the topic more often (14.8%) than Essence (4.2%). Both magazines emphasized proper nutrition messages, such as consuming adequate fiber and fruit and vegetable intake, moderating fat intake and limiting saturated fat consumption.ConclusionsDespite slight differences in theme emphasis, the magazines appear to be an acceptable source of nutrition information that is in line with dietary recommendations. No funding to disclose.
Post‐feeding serum metabolic responses to extensively hydrolyzed whey (WPH) or native whey concentrate (WPC) in rats
Authors: Roberts Michael D. , Cruthirds Clayton , Lockwood Christopher , Pappan Kirk , Company Joseph M. , Brown Jacob E. , Booth Frank W. 
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this study was to compare how feeding extensively hydrolyzed whey protein (WPH) versus its native whey protein concentrate (WPC) in 8‐h fasted rats transiently affects serum metabolic profiles. Male rats (~300 g) were fed an isonitrogenous amounts of WPH or WPC and sacrificed 15 min‐, 30 min‐and 60 min post‐gavage for serum extraction. Rats fasted for 8–9 h were used as controls (CTL). Serum biochemicals were detected using GC/MS and LC/MS/MS. 333 serum metabolites were detected amongst all groups. Both WPH and WPC increased several amino acids (1.2–2.8‐fold), branched chain amino acids (BCAAs, 1.2–1.7‐fold), and serum peptides (1.1–2.7‐fold) over the 60 min time course compared to CTL rats (p < 0.05). However, WPH feeding rapidly (at 15‐min post) increased select amino acids (including BCAAs) and peptides compared to WPC and CTL feedings (p < 0.05). WPH and WPC led to increases in numerous free fatty acids (FFAs) over the post‐feeding time course compared to CTL rats (up to 6‐fold increases, p < 0.05). However, WPH feeding uniquely resulted in a 30‐min post‐feeding elevation in numerous FFAs compared to WPC feeding (p < 0.05), which may be due the WPH‐induced increase in circulating epinephrine compared to CTL and WPC (p < 0.05). These data provide a unique postprandial time‐course perspective as to how WPH versus WPC feedings affect circulating biochemicals.Supported by Bionutritional Research Group
PLASMA VITAMIN D LEVEL AMONG WOMEN WITH AND WITHOUT POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME
Authors: Abdi Jemilla , Redinger Derek , Broughton K Shane 
Published: June 2021

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine problem in women of reproductive age. While Vitamin D is involved in calcium and phosphorus homeostasis, evidence indicates an association between vitamin D deficiency and metabolic syndromes in PCOS.This study evaluated plasma vitamin D levels in polycystic and non‐polycystic women following supplementation with long chain omega‐3 PUFA and Vitamin D3. Twelve polycystic and 8 non polycystic women consumed 2.3g n‐3 PUFA for three months and 1000IU of Vitamin D3 and n‐3 PUFA for an additional two months. Fasting blood samples were collected monthly with plasma Vitamin D levels assessed by HPLC.Plasma Vitamin D3 was not affected by supplementation in either group nor was there a difference in plasma Vitamin D3 between PCOS and non‐PCOS at baseline. Plasma Vitamin D2 was 2‐fold higher in PCOS than non‐PCOS at baseline. Plasma vitamin D2 was reduced with exclusive n‐3 PUFA ingestion and further reduced with Vitamin D3 supplementation. However, plasma vitamin D2 levels remained over 2‐fold higher in PCOS than non‐PCOS throughout (P≤ 0.05). Vitamin D3 supplementation may not be critical for women with PCOS. However, as Vitamin D2 was significantly higher in polycystic versus non‐ polycystic women, and was responsive to n‐3 PUFA ingestion, D2 supplementation may value in both groups.
Cardiometabolic risk factors are influenced by Stearoyl‐CoA Desaturase‐1 (SCD1) polymorphisms and n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids supplementation
Authors: Rudkowska Iwona , Julien Pierre , Couture Patrick , Lemieux Simone , Vohl Marie‐Claude 
Published: June 2021

Polymorphisms (SNPs) in the stearoyl‐CoA desaturase‐1 (SCD1) gene may play a role in the development of the metabolic syndrome.ObjectiveTo determine if SCD1 gene SNPs are associated with cardiometabolic risk factors prior and after n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) supplementation.Methods210 subjects completed a 2‐wk run‐in period followed by 6‐wk supplementation with 5g of fish oil (1.9g EPA and 1.1g DHA). Risk factors were measured pre‐ and post‐ supplementation. FA composition of plasma phospholipids was analyzed by gas chromatography and the desaturase indices were calculated SCD16 (16:1n‐7/16:0) and SCD18 (18:1n‐9/18:0). Genotyping of 8 SNPs of the SCD1 gene was performed.ResultsN‐3 PUFA supplementation decreased plasma triglycerides (TG), SCD16 and SCD18 ratios with an increased plasma glucose levels. In repeated measures analysis of variance, where the effects of interest were SNP, supplementation and interaction between the SNP*supplementation on cardiometabolic risk factors, SNPs in SCD1 modified: TG (rs508384), interleukin‐6 (rs3071), C‐reactive protein (rs3829160) and SCD18 ratio (rs2234970). Interaction effects were observed for plasma glucose (rs508384) and insulin levels (rs508384 and rs3829160).ConclusionCardiometabolic risk factors are modulated by genetic variations in the SCD1 gene alone or in combination with n‐3 PUFA supplementation.Funding: CIHR.
Association of dietary and supplemental folate intake and polymorphisms of the MTHFR, MTHFD1, and TYMS genes and colorectal cancer in a population‐based study
Authors: Ashmore Joseph H. , Berg Arthur , Gallagher Carla , Miller Paige , Muscat Joshua , Zhu Junjia , Hartman Terryl , Lazarus Philip , Lesko Samuel 
Published: June 2021

We evaluated the role of dietary and supplemental folate and 40 polymorphisms from three genes involved in folate‐mediated one‐carbon metabolism (FOCM) on colorectal cancer (CRC) risk in a population‐based case‐control study in Pennsylvania. Cases and controls reported dietary intakes and supplement use for the year before diagnosis or interview, respectively, via a modified food frequency questionnaire. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using unconditional logistic regression to assess the effect of folate from the diet and supplements and from FOCM genes (MTHFR, MTHFD1, and TYMS) on CRC risk among 686 incident cases and 740 controls. After multivariate adjustment, CRC risk was not significantly associated with dietary or supplemental folate intake. However, compared to no use, folate supplement use was inversely associated with colon cancer risk (OR = 0.77; 95% CI = 0.59–1.00). In preliminary analysis, only the rs17824591 MTHFD1 polymorphism was significantly associated with CRC risk (OR per allele = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.01–1.45). Further investigation of gene‐environment interactions is needed to elucidate the impact of diet and FOCM‐related genes on CRC risk. Partial support by the Pennsylvania Department of Health – Grant #4100038714.Grant Funding Source: Pennsylvania Department of Health
Sexual dichotomy in calcium buffering capacity may be dependent on the severity of endoplasmic reticulum stress in the skeletal muscle of the vitamin D3 deficient transgenic G93A mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Shahsavar Shayan , Taheri‐Shalmani Siavash , Solomon Jesse Adam , Gianforcaro Alexandro , Hamadeh Mazen Jamal 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundWe previously demonstrated that dietary vitamin D3 (D3) restriction hastened the decline in functional capacity following disease onset in the G93A mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). ALS is a progressive neuromuscular disease characterized by the degeneration and death of motor neurons.ObjectiveIn this pilot study, we analyzed the quadriceps of G93A mice following dietary D3 restriction at 2.5% the adequate intake for vitamin D receptor and markers of intracellular calcium trafficking (calbindin d28k, calretinin), endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress (SERCA2, CHOP) and apoptosis (bax/bcl2 ratio, caspase 12 cleaved/pro ratio).MethodsBeginning at age 25 d, 42 G93A mice were provided food ad libitum with either adequate (AI; 1 IU D3/g feed; 12 M, 11 F) or deficient (DEF; 0.025 IU D3/g feed; 10 M, 9 F) D3. At age 113 d, the quadriceps were analyzed for protein content. Differences were considered significant at P ≤ 0.10.ResultsIn females, DEF had 30% lower calbindin d28k (P = 0.075), 69% higher cleaved/pro caspase 12 ratio (P = 0.100), and 103% higher bax/bcl2 ratio (P = 0.057) vs. AI. DEF males had 67% higher CHOP (P = 0.048) vs. AI.ConclusionDietary D3 at 2.5% the AI reduces calcium buffering capacity and increases prolonged ER stress‐induced apoptosis in female, but not in male, G93A mice. We hypothesize a reciprocal interaction between ER stress and calcium buffering. (Supported by NSERC and Faculty of Health, York University)Grant Funding Source: NSERC and Faculty of Health, York University