bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bilateral vascular and ductal renal anomalies. Case report
Authors: Zahoi Delia Elena , Baderca Flavia , Alexa Aurora , Daescu Ecaterina 
Published: June 2021

During the routine dissection of a 62 year‐old male within the laboratory of the Department of Anatomy, several vascular and ductal renal anomalies were discovered. The subject had not had any kidney‐related health issues during his lifetime, and no other anomalies were discovered.For the left kidney, three arteries, two veins and two urethers were found. Of the three arteries, the main one originated on the lateral side of the aorta (L1), the superior one – 1.5cm above the main one and the inferior one, which was a polar artery, 3cm below the main one, on the anterior side of the aorta. The veins were also unequal, the smaller one (inferior) had a diameter of 0.2cm and spilled into the left testicular vein, 5.5cm before its’ joining of the main renal vein. The left testicular vein also crossed path with the testicular artery, 3cm below its’ joining the renal artery. The two urethers ran parallel to each other but joined at the point of entry into the bladder.The right kidney had a signle artery, originating in the aorta above the left main artery. It had a single vein, which was joined by the right testicular artery at 0.4cm before the inferior vena cava.The presence of such vascular anomalies cannot be ignored. Knowledge of such anomalies is a necessity for the success of urological surgery and can serve as a guide in endovascular procedures.
A dot‐blot based assay to quantify collagen from large arteries
Authors: Condezo-Hoyos Luis A. , España-Caparros Gabriel , de Pablo Angel L López , Rodríguez-Rodríguez Pilar , Gutierrez-Arzapalo Perla Y. , Ancer Jesús , Gonzalez M. Carmen , Arribas Silvia M. 
Published: June 2021

AIMTo develop a densitometric method based on dot blot and sirius red staining to quantify vascular collagen, using gelatin as standard, compatible with elastin purification.METHODSAortae and carotid arteries from adult rats were dried 5 min, weighted and incubated in 0.1N boiling NaOH for 45min. NaOH extracts were tested by dot blot on nitrocellulose or PVDF membranes. We established the optimal conditions for: 1) Sirius red concentration, incubation time and temperature, 2) washing time and composition of washing solution, 3) linearity and specificity of the assay. The compatibility of this method with elastin purification and integrity was assessed by confocal microscopy (488 excitation, 520–600 emission nm, autofluorescent properties).RESULTSOptimal conditions for the densitometric method were: 1) Sirius red concentration 0.00125% w/v, 30 min at 4ºC, 2) tricloroacetic acid and acetone included in the washing solution increased signal/noise ratio, being compatible only with PVDF membranes and 3) gelatin concentration linearity range was 0–0.5 &#61549;g. Collagen content was quantifiable in carotid and aortae NaOH extracts. Purified elastin has a similar organization to intact arteries.CONCLUSIONWe have developed a quick, simple, cheap and specific method to quantify collagen in vascular samples compatible with elastin purification. FINANCIAL SUPPORT: MICINN (FEM2009‐13434‐C02‐02).
Structured self‐directed learning using whole‐body dissection
Authors: Kuo Kuo-Hsing 
Published: June 2021

The decreased use of whole‐body dissection has led to variations in students’ anatomical knowledge therefore hindering student learning during their clinical years, particularly those who continue on to surgical disciplines. To address the diverse needs of anatomical knowledge we piloted a project allowing students to self direct their learning according to their clinical interests.In the design of structured self‐directed learning, anatomical knowledge is grouped into two levels. General knowledge is aimed at training in the medical disciplines, thus encompassing surface anatomy and associated structures for clinical physical examination. Advanced knowledge is aimed at training in the surgical disciplines, thus learning anatomical structures encountered during invasive procedures. General knowledge is obtained by adopting mini tutorials utilizing pre‐dissected human cadavers and advanced knowledge through whole‐body dissection.Final assessment was conducted using spot examination. Results indicate that structured self‐directed learning is able to address the diverse needs of learning anatomical knowledge. A large scale investigation is needed to confirm the impact on students’ performances in the clinical setting.
Short chain fatty acid absorption in lean vs obese humans
Authors: Rozenbloom Sari Rahat , Fernandes Judlyn , Wolever Thomas MS 
Published: June 2021

Short chain fatty acids (SCFA) produced during the colonic fermentation of dietary fiber may reduce risk for obesity and type 2 diabetes. Our objectives were to determine if fecal SCFA concentration and absorption differ and/or are correlated in lean and overweight/obese (OW) subjects. Lean (n=11) and OW (n=11) subjects were recruited. After completing a 3‐day diet record subjects provided a fresh fecal sample to measure SCFA concentration. Subjects then inserted a rectal dialysis bag filled with 10ml of SCFA solution for 30 min. The procedures were repeated after two weeks. Fecal SCFA was higher in OW than lean subjects (80±6 vs 56±6 mmol/kg, p=0.02). The rate of SCFA absorption was similar and proportional to the SCFA concentration in the dialysis bag in both groups. There was a significant positive correlation between the SCFA absorption and fecal SCFAs for the OW group (r 0.44, p=0.04), but not for the lean group (r −0.22, p= 0.33) (difference in slopes, p=0.03). Since SCFA absorption from the dialysis bag was concentration dependent in the groups, OW people may absorb more colonic SCFA from their own feces. Within the OW group, the positive correlation between SCFA absorption and fecal SCFA concentration may be a result of upregulation of transporter expression for ionic diffusion.This work was supported by a grant from the Canadian Institutes for Health Research.
Acute airway access and maintenance during anatomy dissection: An interprofessional teaching exercise integrating basic and clinical sciences
Authors: Berglund Andy , Benninger Brion 
Published: June 2021

INTRODUCTIONAcute airway access and management is a critical skill for healthcare professionals. Majority of healthcare professional trainees are classically taught on manikin and animal models, but rarely on human tissue. The objective of this study is to investigate whether the access and management of temporary airways could be taught during an anatomy course.METHODSLiterature search was conducted on journals, texts, and websites regarding temporary access and maintenance of emergency airway management using cadavers during the first year anatomy course. Medical students conducted surgical airway access, maintenance and intubations on cadavers. Upon course completion, a questionnaire was used to assess the efficacy of the activity.RESULTSLiterature search revealed no studies addressing airway acquisition and management to first year medical students (MS1) during anatomy cadaver lab. Anatomy faculty, flight surgeons, paramedics and flight nurses provided airway tutorials and demonstrations to 108 MS1's.DISCUSSIONAirway management is a critical skill. In this study, students reported that airway access and management was one of the most intimidating procedures. MS1's successfully acquired airway access and management under supervision of the emergency experts.CONCLUSIONThis study suggests that airway management should be taught to first year medical students during cadaver lab.
Alternate day fasting combined with exercise: An effective treatment for weight loss and cardio‐protection in obese humans
Authors: Bhutani Surabhi , Varady Krista A , Klempel Monica C , Kroeger Cynthia M 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundThe effect of alternate day fasting (ADF) combined with endurance exercise (Ex) on body weight, body composition, and lipid levels, has never been tested.ObjectiveThus, this study examined whether the combination of ADF plus exercise produces greater changes in the above‐mentioned variables, when compared to each treatment alone.MethodsSixty‐four obese subjects were randomized to 1 of 4 groups: 1) ADF+Ex, 2) ADF, 3) Ex, or 4) control, for 12 weeks.ResultsBody weight was reduced (P < 0.05) by 7.1 ± 1.0%, 5.8 ± 1.0% and 1.4 ± 0.5% in the ADF+Ex, ADF and Ex group, respectively. Fat mass decreased (6.3 ± 1.5%, P = 0.001) and fat free mass increased (6.7 ± 2.3%, P = 0.015) in the ADF‐Ex group only. Waist circumference was reduced (P < 0.001) in all the intervention groups. LDL cholesterol decreased (7.0 ± 8.0%, P = 0.04) while HDL cholesterol increased (12.0 ± 10%, P = 0.04) in the ADF‐Ex group only.ConclusionThese findings suggest that the combination of ADF plus exercise is the most effective treatment in reducing body weight, and improving body composition and plasma lipids, when compared to each intervention alone. This project was funded by The American Heart Association.
A novel genetic risk factor linking choline to skeletal muscle fragility
Authors: Kohlmeier Martin , Contreras-Sesvold Carmen , Deuster Patricia A 
Published: June 2021

Earlier controlled feeding studies have demonstrated that men with the common MTHFD1 variant 1958A have a much higher choline requirement than men without it (Kohlmeier et al., PNAS 2005). With choline intakes below their needs, creatine kinase (CK) activity increased greatly in some of these men as a sign of muscle dysfunction. We wanted to know whether physically active and fit men with elevated CK activity were more likely to carry the MTHFD1 1958A allele associated with increased choline requirement.CK activities were measured in 145 Caucasian men prior to their entry in a physically challenging officer candidates’ training course and related to their MTHFD1 1958 genotypes. Genotype distribution (25 AA, 82 AG, 38 GG) indicated Hardy‐Weinberg equilibrium. Following our previous practice, we used the 90th percentile to distinguish between normal and high CK values. Men with high CK levels were much more likely to have one or two A alleles than men normal levels (odds ratio 6.03, p=0.04). The attributable risk for exceeding the 90th percentile related to the presence of an MTHFD1 1958 A allele was 81%.Whether the men with signs of muscle damage were choline‐deficient is not known. Nonetheless, the more common presence of the A allele suggests that men with a high CK activity are more likely to be choline deficient. Higher choline intake may help them maintain muscle integrity during times with high‐intensity exercise.
Deletion of NALP3 protects against hyperoxia‐induced acute lung injury
Authors: Fukumot Jutaro , Fukumoto Itsuko , Huynh Bao , Cox Ruan , Parthasarathy Prasanna Tamarapu , Ho Matthew , Ramanathan Gurukumar Kollongod , Venugopal Rajan Babu , Lockey Richard F. , Kolliputi Narasaiah 
Published: June 2021

ObjectivesTo determine whether NALP3 deletion has the ability to ameliorate hyperoxia‐induced acute lung injury.MethodsC57BL/6 mice and age‐matched NALP3 KO mice of the same genetic background were exposed to 100% oxygen. 24–72 hours after exposure to hyperoxia, mice were sacrificed to collect bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BAL fluid) for cell counts, cytokine measurement with ELISA, and TUNEL staining on BAL fluid cells. Additionally, after 48–72 hour exposure, lung tissues were collected for H&E and TUNEL staining on lung tisue sections, and also for Western blot analysis of Ceaved Caspase‐3 expresssion in lung tissue.ResultsCell count in BAL fluid showed that infiltration of macrophages and neutrophils into lung parenchyma was significantly suppressed in KO mice. The pro‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐1β, TNF‐α, MCP‐1 and MIP‐2 levels in BAL fluid are all significantly suppresed in KO mice. Semi‐quantitative histological evaluation of H&E‐stained lung tissue sections revealed that lung pathological severity score was notably less in KO mice. TUNEL staining on lung tissue sections showed that lung epithelial cell apoptosis in NALP3 KO mice was markedly suppressed when compared to WT mice.ConclusionsThe deletion of NALP3 gene protects against hyperoxia‐induced acute lung injury. This result suggest that inflammasome platform can be a novel target for the treatment of acute lung injury.
Mast cell role in pulmonary hypertension in rat models
Authors: Lawrenz Josh M , Baybutt Richard , Baidoo Cletus , Dim Daniel , Chang Quin , Herndon Betty , Poisner Alan , Molteni Agostino 
Published: June 2021

Elevated numbers of mast cells were found in a rat model of fat embolism and pulmonary vasculitis and fibrosis where the vasculitis was related to increased secretion of angiotensin II. Our early work suggests that this increase could be consequent to an increase in renin secretion produced by an increased number of mast cells. This study reports mast cell response in another lung damage model also associated with severe vasculitis and fibrosis: Bleomycin administration.Twenty four rats were divided between diets receiving 15% flax seed oil or corn oil controls. The groups were further divided to receive intratracheally 8 units/kg of bleomycin or vehicle. After 7 days, rats were euthanized and lungs harvested for histological studies. Arteries were measured for lumen patency and the ratio of media/adventitia diameter. Mast cells were counted in Evans Blue stained sections.Bleomycin induced marked reduction of vascular lumen patency and media/adventitia ratio (p< 0.01), similar to that obtained with fat embolism. Mast cell number, however, was not increased. Flax seed oil treatment markedly reduced vasculitis and fibrosis without influencing mast cell number and location (mostly around peribronchial arteries and subpleural septa). Contrarily to what was observed in the fat embolism model mast cells did not correlate with vasculitis and fibrosis, suggesting a different pathogenic mechanism.Wheaton College
Morphometric analysis of the intestinal villi in experimental administration os semicarbazide
Authors: Cabeças José Ricardo , Marques Pedro , Farinha Rodrigo , Silva Fernando Capela , Cabrita António Silvério 
Published: June 2021

The objective of this study was to evaluate the morphologic changes of the small intestine related to lathyrism.Thirty animals were randomly distributed by three groups of ten animals each.The control group (CP), had no manipulation. In the groups 2 and 3 we incorporated semicarbazide in the diet, in the doses of 3 and 6mg/kg, respectively, during 4 weeks. By the 30th day, all animals were killed with an overdose of anesthetics and the complete necropsy was performed. Histopathological processing and analysis of the small intestine was made.Pictures of routine stained slides were taken and the length of the small intestine villi was measured using the software ImageJ.The intestinal villi were distributed over 5 classes (very small‐VS, small‐S, medium‐M, big‐B and very big‐VB) using the average and standard deviation, for the CP.In the CP the percentage of each class was: 2 VS; 16 S; 64 M; 16 B; 2 VB. In the group 2: 87 VS; 13 S; 6 M; 1 B; 0 VB. In the group 3: 73 VS; 24 S; 3 M; 0 B; 0 VB.Significant changes were found, with the increase of the number of small villis in groups 2 and 3. These results suggest that an adequate collagen synthesis is necessary to maintain the intestinal villi length.
Monitoring of the small animal cage environment at the bioterium
Authors: Cabeças José Ricardo , Farinha Rodrigo , Cabrita António Silvério 
Published: June 2021

Monitorization of small animal's cages environmental variables is a major concern in animal experimentation. The access to variables such as the temperature and humidity of the cage allows greater control over animal welfare during an experimentation and can help improve the environmental conditions.The purpose of this work is to create a means for controlling the environment in the animal's cage, using temperature, humidity and gas sensors connected to a microprocessor. The microprocessor will connect to a server where the data will be stored.Using an array of sensors in each cage one can monitor the environment inside the cage individually, managing the information from each sensor, processing that information and triggering events that will help the researcher throughout the experiments.With this project we want to create a system that can help the researcher monitor the animals without having to be physically present. This system will gather all the information in a server which will have limited access.With the implementation of this system we expect to optimize the time and the resources spent in the maintenance of the small animal's cage, while getting real‐time information about the environment of each cage.
Canine coronary microvascular resistance at vasodilation depends on coronary perfusion pressure
Authors: van den Wijngaard Jeroen , van Horssen Pepijn , Hoefer Imo , Spaan Jos , Siebes Maria 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveWe tested the premise of a constant microvascular resistance at full vasodilation (Rm) that underlies the concept of fractional flow reserve.MethodsIn 7 anesthetized dogs, we measured aortic (Pa) and venous (Pv) pressure, flow in the left anterior descending (LAD) artery, distal pressure (Pd) in the left circumflex (LCX) artery. During LCX occlusion, wedge pressure (Pw) was measured and μspheres infused into the LAD at full vasodilation. In one dog, the RCA contribution was determined by left atrial injection of differently colored μsph. Hearts were analyzed using a high‐resolution 3D imaging cryomicrotome. The mass of LCX and LAD perfusion territories was obtained. Assuming equal resistance per gram tissue for LAD and LCX, the weight‐normalized Rm of LCX was determined at Pd and Pw. Collateral flow was calculated as the ratio of μsph in LCX and LAD territories multiplied by LAD flow.ResultsAccounting for the added 30%RCA contribution to the collateral flow obtained from LAD injection, Rm was 2.3 ± 1.9 times higher at low (Pw= 15.7+4.8 mmHg) compared to normal pressure (Pd=69.3+12.4 mmHg) (p<0.05). Collateral flow from LAD to LCX was 8.6% + 5.3% of LAD hyperemic flow.ConclusionsOur data confirm the pressure‐dependence of coronary Rm at vasodilation, which suggests a reason for pressure‐based overestimation of collateral flow. Supported by the Netherlands Heart Foundation (2006B226)
A proteomic approach to identify proteins involved in Redox regulation of inflammation and immunity
Authors: salzano sonia , Coppo Lucia , Bowler Lucas , Cervellini Ilaria , Mengozzi Manuela , Ghezzi Pietro 
Published: June 2021

To better understand the role of redox regulation in immunity, we studied the glutathionylation of proteins secreted in response to inflammatory stimuli such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS). These proteins were detected by cell labeling with biotinylated glutathione ethyl ester (BioGEE) and identified by one‐dimensional gel electrophoresis, subjected to tryptic digestion followed by mass spectrometry analysis. Several proteins were identified in supernatants from Raw 264.7 cells (murine macrophages) stimulated with 100 ng/ml LPS for 24 hours.We focused our study on Peroxiredoxin 2 (Prx2), an antioxidant enzyme involved in cells protection against oxidative stress which breaks down H2O2. Following its identification, we studied secretion of Prx2 by Raw 264.7 cells using Western blot. In vivo studies were also performed to measure Prx2 levels in serum from mice injected intraperitoneally with saline (vehicle) or with 400 μg/mouse LPS (LPS‐treated mice). On the basis of our Western blot data, we confirmed higher levels of secreted Prx2 in Raw 264.7 cells after LPS stimulation. Increase in Prx2 levels were also observed in serum from LPS‐treated mice.Supported by BSMS and interreg TC2N
THE INTEGRATIVE MODEL OF NERVOUS SYSTEM FOR NEW BREATH CONTROL AND REGULATION OF BREATH
Authors: Sun Xingguo 
Published: June 2021

INTRODUCTIONTraditional breath control mechanism could not explain why we do breathe one‐by‐one while our mean PaO2, PaCO2 and [H+]a are stable and constant at rest because of we always incorrectly simplified the complex, dynamic and integrative model of central nervous system (CNS). Since APS/EB 2011 (and 2012), we introduced a new theory of respiration‐circulation integrative control and regulation. It requests for the clear understanding of CNS dynamic integrative working model.HYPOTHESISSimilar to the functions of audio‐speaker system, fast peripheral sensors play as microphone, long time delay central censors play as amplifier and breathing system plays as speakers, in which microphone and amplifier have different delay time.MODEL OF CNSlung breath generated O2, CO2 and [H+] oscillations generates the next breath via two fast sensors (carotid and aorta), which are the primary initiator for next breath, and the mean levels of blood O2, CO2 and [H+] at central medullar censors control the gain/sensitivity of breath with longer time delay in collaboration with an integrative respiratory‐circulatory center at CNS.CONCLUSIONSThe CNS integrative center integrates signals from all fast (2–3s) peripheral chemical sensors, combine with the sensitivity/gain adjustment by 15–20s ago mean PaO2, PaCO2 and [H+]a via slow (15–20s) medulla chemical sensors, to control and generate next breath.
Restoring the trafficking of pathological mutants of the kidney anion exchanger 1
Authors: Chu Carmen Yin Shan , Cordat Emmanuelle 
Published: June 2021

The kidney anion exchanger 1 (kAE1) regulates physiological pH by facilitating Cl−/HCO3 − exchange. It is expressed as a dimer on the basolateral membrane of the α‐intercalated cells in the collecting duct, responsible for fine‐tuning of HCO3 − reabsorption. Mutations in kAE1 can lead to distal renal tubular acidosis (dRTA), characterized by inability to acidify urine pH < 5.5, nephrocalcinosis, hypokalemia, bicarbonaturia and eventually failure to thrive. Often, lack of Cl−/HCO3 −exchange is due to inappropriate localization of kAE1, not complete abolishment of function. We seek to rescue trafficking mutants of kAE1 using chemicals (DMSO, glycerol), 30°C, and inhibitors/potentiators of chaperones that prevent/aid mutant trafficking. The mutants studied are two recessive mutants, C479→W and G701→D; and a dominant mutant, R589→H. DMSO improved trafficking of G701D kAE1 (GD): Increase in the complex glycosylated form of GD was seen on western blot. Surface detection via immunofluorescence and flow cytometry showed a modest increase in GD at the plasma membrane (PM). A functional assay monitoring the Cl−/HCO3 −exchange in cells expressing GD showed significant increase in activity upon treatment. Our data demonstrate that some dRTA mutants can be functionally rescued at the PM, raising the hope that dRTA can be treated by correcting the molecular defects in these patients.Alberta Innovates Health Solutions, Canadian Foundation for Innovation, CIHR, The Kidney Foundation of Canada, Women & Children's Health Research Institute