bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Feeding style and toddlers' dietary intake in two agro‐ecological zones of Ghana
Authors: Kakpovbia Voke , Marquis Grace S , Colecraft Esi 
Published: June 2021

In sub‐Saharan Africa, childhood malnutrition can be attributed in part to sub‐optimal feeding practices. Study objectives were to (1) examine caregivers' feeding behaviors in two agro‐ecological zones of Ghana and (2) determine the association between caregiver feeding style and child dietary intake. Events during one meal for children 1–3 y of age were observed in households in the Forest‐Savanna Transitional (n=60) and Guinea Savanna zones (n=71). A multi‐item feeding behavior instrument was used to code caregivers' actions. All served foods and all food left on the child's plate were weighed. Anthropometric measures were taken. The prevalence of stunting among all children was 21%. There was a significant difference in the median energy intake of children who refused at least one mouthful (24%) versus children who did not refuse any mouthfuls (115 vs 214 kcal, respectively; p<0.05). Caregivers in the Transitional zone were more likely to remove the child's food following a refusal than caregivers in the Guinea Savanna (p< 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in child median energy intake between zones (204 vs 173 kcal, respectively; p=0.27). Practical, hands‐on interventions are needed to help caregivers learn to respond effectively to food refusals by young children. Funded by Jim Ellis Mentorship Program and GL‐CRSP/USAID #PCE‐G‐00‐98‐00036‐00.Grant Funding Source: US‐AID
Partially hydrogenated vegetable oils from different sources have divergent effects on lipoprotein metabolism in male F1B hamsters
Authors: Kraft Jana , Preseault Courtney , Rice Beth , Lock Adam 
Published: June 2021

The objective of the present study was to examine the effects of two partially hydrogenated vegetable oils (PHVO, 50% total trans‐fatty acids) from different sources on plasma lipids, lipoproteins and lipoprotein subclass distribution in a hamster model. Thirty‐three male F1B hamsters were fed diets containing 0.12% cholesterol and 15% added fat as: 1) 15% Western diet fat (Control, CON), 2) 10% Western diet fat + 5% partially hydrogenated high‐oleic sunflower oil (PH‐SUN), and 3) 10% Western diet fat + 5% partially hydrogenated safflower oil (PH‐SAF) for 4 weeks. The addition of PHVO's to the diet increased plasma total cholesterol concentrations by 20% relative to CON (P<0.05), but only PH‐SUN increased plasma ratios of total:HDL‐cholesterol and non‐HDL:HDL‐cholesterol compared with CON (P<0.05). PH‐SUN resulted in higher concentrations of total and large VLDL relative to CON and PH‐SAF. In addition, PH‐SUN reduced the number of total LDL particles and small LDL subclass particles relative to CON and PH‐SAF (P<0.05). Long‐term consequences of the divergent effects of PHVO's on lipoprotein metabolism require further investigation.Grant Funding Source: Dairy Australia
Vitamin D supplementation reduces C‐reactive protein and insulin resistance in women with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Flores Mario , Barquera Simon , Macias Nayeli , Salmeron Jorge , Greenberg Andrew , Wood Richard , Long Kurt , Meydani Simin 
Published: June 2021

A randomized, double blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of vitamin D supplementation on C‐reactive protein (CRP) and insulin resistance in 104 postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Participants received a vitamin D capsule –cholecalciferol 4,000 IU‐ (n=52) or placebo (n=52), daily during 6 mo. The study was approved by the Ethics committee at NIPH. All participants signed an informed consent.ResultsMedian CRP concentration was 5.0 mg/L (ir: 1.0, 8.5). HOMA index at baseline was 7.13 ± 3.8. Serum 25‐OH‐D at baseline was 54.5 ± 15.7 nmol/L. 93% of patients had 25‐OH‐D levels <80 nmol/L, and 40% <50 nmol/L. Experimental groups were similar on most variables at baseline. After 6 months, there was an increase in serum 25‐OH‐D of 25 ± 2.6 nmol/L in the supplemented group, and an increase of 0.8 ± 2.2 nmol/L in the placebo group (p<0.001). There was a 64% reduction on CRP among supplemented women who had baseline CRP concentrations >5.0 mg/L (p<0.05). A 24% reduction in HOMA‐IR after 6 months was observed among supplemented women who had a baseline HOMA >6.0 (p=0.06).ConclusionVitamin D supplementation during 6 months reduced CRP levels and insulin resistance among diabetic, postmenopausal women with high HOMA index and elevated CRP levels.Supported by Ellison Medical/INF, Boston.
Maternal fructose consumption programs gene expression pattern in intestine of male offspring
Authors: Arentson Emily , Zou Mi , Teegarden Dorothy , Buhman Kimberly K , Donkin Shawn S. 
Published: June 2021

Metabolic programming of insulin‐sensitive processes by maternal diet has been demonstrated for liver, pancreas, and muscle of offspring, but has not been evaluated for small intestine. To determine the effects of maternal (MAT) and postweaning diet (PWT) on intestinal programming, male offspring of Sprague Dawley females fed either a 60% starch diet (CON), 60% fructose diet (FRU) or protein restricted diet (LP) throughout pregnancy and lactation were weaned to either a CON, FRU or a 30% fat diet (FAT). Intestinal mRNA expression was evaluated at 18 weeks for all nine MAT×PWT groups. Glucose 6 phosphatase (G6Pase) was elevated in FRUFAT compared with FRUCON offspring (3.98 ± 0.70 vs. 1.16 ± 0.53, P < 0.05) with a similar tendency for PEP carboxykinase (PCK1) (2.95 ± 0.62 vs. 1.53 ± 0.47, P=0.07). G6Pase and PCK1 mRNA levels in offspring from CON and LP dams were not affected by the FAT diet (G6Pase: CONFAT vs. CONCON, 0.46 ± 0.50 vs. 1.17 ± 0.64, LPFAT vs. LPCON, 0.84 ± 0.56 vs. 1.92 ± 0.56, PCK1: CONFAT vs. CONCON, 0.57 ± 0.44 vs. 1.33 ± 0.53, LPFAT vs. LPCON, 0.95 ± 0.53 vs. 0.82 ± 0.53). Collectively, offspring from FRU dams had more (P < 0.05) PCG‐1α mRNA compared with offspring of CON or LP dams (1.31 ± 0.14 vs. 0.89 ± 0.13 or 0.85 ± 0.14, respectively). These data indicate a persistent adaptive response for intestinal gene expression in offspring that is sensitive to maternal fructose consumption and amplified with postweaning fat intake.Grant Funding Source: NIH DK077581
Voltage‐dependent K+ channels in Immunogenic and Regulatory Functions of Lung Dendritic Cells
Authors: Wang Xiang , Shao Zhifei , Agrawal Devendra K. 
Published: June 2021

Dendritic cell (DC) subsets display different functional roles in regulating immune responses. We identified two DC populations, CD11clowCD11bhigh and CD11chighCD11blow, in the lungs of asthmatic mice. The DC subsets show distinct expression patterns in their surface markers and chemokine receptors. Since K+ channels modulate the function of T‐lymphocytes and mast cells, we examined ion channel expression of both DC subsets using whole‐cell voltage‐clamp techniques. At least two types of voltage‐dependent K+ currents were detected in both DCs, demonstrated by differential inhibitory effects of the selective Kv1.3 blocker, margatoxin, and the non‐selective voltage‐sensitive Ca2+‐activated K+ channel blocker, charybdotoxin. Voltage‐dependent proton currents were also detected in both DCs, and this was blocked by 10 mM Zn+. This suggests the potential role of lung DCs in the phagocytosis through activating the NADPH oxidase. The CD11clowCD11bhigh DCs exhibited significantly larger amplitudes in all current than CD11chighCD11blow DCs (p<0.01), suggesting that CD11clowCD11bhigh DCs possess a higher ion channel expression level in the membrane. This differential expression level of ion channels may shed light on the distinct functional properties between the two DC subsets and their migration to the lymph node during allergic immune response.(Supported by LB506 DHHS State of Nebraska cancer and Smoking‐related Disease Program)
Matrix tethered EGF promotes survival of MSC secondary to preferential activation of surface‐restricted signaling pathways
Authors: Rodrigues Melanie , Sanchez Edgar , Griffith Linda , Wells Alan 
Published: June 2021

Multipotential stromal cells (MSC) are being tested to replace traditional tissue transplantations. However, the major loss of MSC seen after implantation may be due to non‐specific inflammation killing these cells. Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) promotes MSC expansion but does not cause MSC differentiation and when covalently tethered on an engineered biomaterial surface (tEGF) offers a survival advantage to MSC in the presence of FasL, while soluble EGF (sEGF) increases death. Thus, we hypothesize that tEGF by restricting signaling of EGF receptor to the plasma membrane changes the persistence and balance of intracellular signaling pathways towards survival in MSC. Our results show caspase8 and caspase3 activation upon treatment with FasL. Addition of sEGF to these cells shows enhanced apoptosis in line with earlier findings. However a key question is what occurs as MSC differentiate into the desired tissue. We now propose that as MSC differentiate their susceptibility to death signals diminish. Preliminary studies show reduced apoptosis in response to FasL as MSC are driven down the osteogenic lineage. Studies with tEGF are underway. Still, the early findings of relative resistance to death of the differentiating cells suggest that the tEGF survival signal need not persist which allows for a degradative scaffold to be used to repair wounds including non‐healing bone lesions.Funding: NIGMS (AW), NIDCR (LG)
Passion and Technology: Separation of Egyptian Conjoined Twins
Authors: Salyer Kenneth E 
Published: June 2021

Advances in technology in the last 30 years have exponentially improved accuracy in the diagnosis, treatment, and delivery of technically advanced surgery. Craniofacial surgery has become safer and more precise by using 3‐D models. These models are produced by using CT scan and MRI data which is stereographically or digitally implemented to provide anatomical reconstruction, which serves as a road map for the surgical team. Accurate pre‐operative sequencing, timing, and approaches can be planned out in detail before the surgery is performed.Dismal results over the last 400 years have prompted some critics to condemn surgical attempts at separation of craniopagus twins. Alice Dreger says, “They shouldn't be separated; society needs to change its attitude about deformity.” Very few craniopagus twins have been successfully separated, and functioned in society.Two Egyptian boys attached extensively at the head, shared their brain at the motor cortex. Their skulls were fused completely and shared their mutually conjoined head anatomy.Extensive studies, including complete anatomic body models with 3‐D brain, venous system, and other vital anatomic structures, were produced from CT and MRI data. Ultimately, a complete step by step 36 hour operation was planned and executed, leading a team of 50 medical caregivers. This on‐going story will be relayed in detail during this presentation.
The digital reconstruction process and the assessment of hard tissue structure and mechanics
Authors: Zapata Uriel , Wang Qian , Opperman Lynne A , Dechow Paul C 
Published: June 2021

Modern scanning methods have made anatomical digital reconstruction critical for assessing skeletal function. Hard tissues from the crania of 4 different species were used to assess digital reconstruction for accurately modeling relationships between shape and function. Digital information from humans, alligators, dogs, and rhesus monkeys were collected by using computed tomography scans. DICOM files were processed by using segmentation methods to separate tissues. Once hard tissue shapes were obtained, functional conditions were assigned to the morphology, and biomechanical characteristics were considered to evaluate the functional load effects. Three‐dimensional morphologies were obtained in every case. However, acquiring tissue separation was a challenging process affected by both the precision of data collection and experience with the software. Interestingly, biomechanical features, material properties, and physiological actions were very important in modeling function. The digital reconstruction of hard tissues is the first step to understanding the relationship between function and morphological features. But the process is incomplete without a comprehensive definition of functional actions, material, and biomechanical characteristics of the anatomical elements. Supported by NSF BCS 0725126, NIH/NIDCR DE017259‐DE015437, and COLCIENCIAS (Bogotá, Colombia).Grant Funding Source: NIDCR DE017259 ‐ DE015437
Lipid transporters and binding proteins; MsbA and NPC1
Authors: Sharom Frances J. 
Published: June 2021

Understanding the molecular mechanism of proteins that translocate or transfer lipids presents a special challenge. The bacterial ABC protein, MsbA, is a homodimeric “half‐transporter” of known structure, which is thought to act as an outwardly‐directed ATP‐driven flippase for lipid A and possibly some phospholipids. We have purified MsbA with high ATPase activity and established its binding affinity for putative substrates using fluorescence spectroscopic tools. Reconstituted MsbA displays a high level of flippase activity for certain phospholipids, providing an excellent opportunity to explore the mechanism of lipid translocation at the molecular level.Mutations in NPC1 cause Niemann‐Pick Type C disease, a fatal neurodegenerative condition characterized by accumulation of cholesterol and glycolipids in the late endosomes. NPC1 is a 190 kDa integral protein found in the late endosomal membrane. It is known to be a key player in intracellular cholesterol trafficking, but the nature of its substrates and its exact role remain enigmatic. Recent studies on purified NPC1 have shown that it binds several sterols, and the binding site has been localized to the N‐terminal luminal domain, which has been crystallized in sterol‐bound form. NPC1 may accept sterol from NPC2, a small soluble protein in the lumen of late endosomes, and transfer it to either the membrane, or an as yet unidentified cytoplasmic acceptor.
Distribution of mucusal surface area in nasal and paranasal spaces of a monkey and mouse lemur
Authors: Smith Timothy D , Eiting Thomas P , Rossie James B 
Published: June 2021

Internal nasal anatomy differs markedly between the two major groups of primates. Strepsirrhines (e.g., lemurs) have more numerous turbinals and recesses compared to haplorhines (e.g., monkeys). However, no detailed quantitative comparisons have been made. Using adult mouse lemurs (Microcebus sp) and tamarins (Saguinus sp), we measured nasal and paranasal surface area (SA) in two serially sectioned heads and digitally reconstructed the airways using two dry crania. Olfactory SA was also quantified. Measurements reveal that mucosal SA on turbinals is 17% greater in Microcebus than in Saguinus. The ethmoturbinal complex of Microcebus accounts for half of the total olfactory mucosa in the nasal airway. In contrast, most (61%) olfactory mucosa in Saguinus is distributed on other surfaces (e.g., nasal septum). Paranasal spaces account for 17% of total internal nasal SA in Microcebus and 26% in Saguinus, perhaps revealing different degrees of secondary pneumatization. Taken together, these results suggest different patterns of mucosal distribution between haplorhines and strepsirrhines. The distribution of mucosa between these two groups may reflect differences in airflow through the nose, and particularly, into and out of the olfactory region. Under the constraint of a reduced ethmoid region, haplorhines may have redistributed, rather than reduced, olfactory mucosa.This study was funded by the National Science Foundation, # BCS‐0820751.
Supernumerary lumbar rib in human prehistory
Authors: Eaves‐Johnson K Lindsay 
Published: June 2021

Unlike their cervical counterparts, supernumerary lumbar ribs are generally considered to be of little clinical significance, though they do constitute a topic of anthropological interest. The two most complete Neandertal lumbar regions (Kebara 2 and Shanidar 3) both show evidence of articular facets for bilateral lumbar ribs and a high incidence of the condition has been reported in the prehistoric Sadlermiut Eskimo. This pilot study tests the association of bi‐iliac breadth with the presence of supernumerary lumbar rib in two wide‐bodied prehistoric populations: Pt. Hope Inupiat (n=25), Tierra del Fuegan/Aonikenk (n=25), and one narrow‐bodied prehistoric population: South African Zulu (n=25). Moreover, as mouse models have shown a correlation between 12th rib length and lumbar rib presence, this was also investigated. Of the populations studied, only the Pt. Hope Inupiat evinced lumbar ribs (16%) even though their bi‐iliac breadth was not significantly greater than that seen in the Tierra del Fuegan/Aonikenk. Additionally, significantly longer ribs were observed for the Pt. Hope Inupiats in agreement with the predicted model. These results suggest that the presence of supernumerary lumbar rib in human prehistory is indicative of other basic alterations of the axial skeleton and is most likely related to population history.Grant Funding Source: National Science Foundation Doctoral Dissertation Improvement Grant #0752723 and the Wenner‐Gren Foundation for Anthropological Research.
Regulator of G protein Signaling 3 Modulates Wnt5b Calcium Dynamics and Somite Patterning
Authors: Freisinger Christina M , Slusarski Diane C 
Published: June 2021

We have identified Ca2+ release as an output of Wnt signaling network and are investigating the mechanisms and context by which this Wnt signal mediates its biological effect on the developing embryo. We have determined that the early Ca2+transients are, in part, modulated by Wnt‐5 and require G‐protein signaling. To identify potential intracellular regulators of calcium release dynamics, we are characterizing Rgs3, a member of the Regulators of G‐protein Signaling (RGS) protein family.This work integrates molecular, genetic and physiological approaches to investigate the mechanism and context mediating calcium release dynamics and the biological effect on developing zebrafish embryos in vivo. Using loss of function analysis, we demonstrate that Rgs3 is necessary for proper gastrulation and somite patterning during zebrafish development. These actions of Rgs3 require its ability to interact with and accelerate the rate of GTP hydrolysis by G proteins, as revealed by studies employing an Rgs3 mutant defective in these activities. This study identifies a previously unknown genetic interaction between RGS and the non‐canonical Wnt signaling network.Grant Funding Source: March of Dimes (5‐FY99‐806); NIH (RO3 HD045488‐01), RO1 (GM067881‐01); and American Heart Association Predoctoral Fellowship
Discovering Interactions Present During the Growth and Development of a Craniofacial Bone
Authors: Duench Kellie Lynn , Franz‐Odendaal Tamara 
Published: June 2021

The study of skeletal (bone and cartilage) development includes the investigation of intramembranous bones of the head and facial skeleton as well as endochondral bones (e.g. long bones) of the body. The development of skeletal tissues often relies on an interaction between the mesenchyme and the epithelium. Bone is formed by signalling interactions between these two tissues. Often these signals experience cross‐talk, where one signal is inducing or inhibiting another signal. When it comes to scleral ossicles (an example of intramembranous bone), it has recently been shown by our lab that the Hedgehog gene family is involved in its development. Using whole mount in situ hybridization further investigation was performed to discover if multiple members of the Hedgehog family are involved, and also to determine the location and distribution of the Patched (Ptc) receptor. Bead implantations using a common Bone morphogenetic protein inhibitor, noggin, were performed to determine the involvement of the BMPs during ossicle development. The relationship and interactions between these two genes families (BMP, and Hedgehog) during scleral ossicle development will be discussed. These investigations have allowed for further understanding of the mechanism of development for the ocular skeleton and intramembranous bones, in general.Grant Funding Source: NSERC
Multiphoton Microscopy for Detection of GFP labeled Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Porcine AAA Model
Authors: Shah Tejas Rajendra , Shin Hyun Joo , Han Daniel K , Galende Eliza Yaniz , Malik Rajesh K , Salloum Alexander , Faries Peter L 
Published: June 2021

IntroductionMultiphoton microscopy has transcended from a picture‐taking novelty to a powerful tool used to detect excitation fluorescence. This abstract aims to assess the ability to detect green fluorescence protein (GFP) labeled porcine mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) that were infused into aneurismal aortic tissue.Methods/ResultsMSCs were isolated from Yorkshire swine bone marrow and infected with GFP + lentivirus. An aortic aneurysm was created in the pig (by mechanical and chemical degradation) and GFP labeled MSC were introduced into the aneurismal aorta. 24 hours after implantation, the pig was sacrificed and the aorta was removed. The tissue was secured in agar and sent for multiphoton imaging. Imaging was performed at 0, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hrs after harvest. Multiphoton imaging detected GFP labeled cells with high fluorescence excitability in the aortic tissue up to 72hrs after tissue harvest. With second harmonic generation, collagen molecules were imaged and were distinctly different from the GFP excited cells. Presence of GFP positive cells was confirmed with subsequent immunohistochemistry and western blot.ConclusionsMultiphoton microscopy is useful in tracking GFP labeled MSCs infused into the aneurismal aorta of swine. These cells can be tracked up to 72hrs after tissue harvest with presence of GFP by western blot. This powerful tool can be applied to in vitro tracking of in vivo placed MSCs.Grant Funding Source: National Institute of Health K08HL073313
Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Evaluation of Tumoral Lesions of the Heart
Authors: Miclaus Gratian Dragoslav , Catau Gabriela , Zahoi Delia Elena , Ples Horia 
Published: June 2021

Most frequent tumor lesions of the heart are represented by benign tumors and metastatic tumors. A primary tumor lesion of the heart represents a very rare pathology; with an incidence 20–40 times lower than metastatic tumors of the heart.Magnetic resonance imaging is the method of choice used to confirm the diagnostic suspicion raised by other imaging techniques, to have additive morphologic and information on the signal behavior of the mass, and to exclude/confirm the neoplastic nature of a mass.We examined a female patient with symptoms of fatigue, dispnoea and loss of weight. She was examined before with transthoracic and transesofageal ultrasonography with diagnostic presumption of myxoma.We found a mass that involved left atrium, lateral wall of the left ventricle and invasion thru the cardiac sinus in the right atrium. After the administration of gadolinium behavior of the tumor was highly suggestive for malignant lesion (lymphoma or angiosarcoma).In conclusion, magnetic resonance imaging of the heart represents a powerful tool in noninvasive evaluation of the cardiac tumor pathology.