bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of kinase and RGS activity of GRKs in regulating the dopaminergic signaling in hemiparkinsonian rats
Authors: Ahmed Mohamed Rafiuddin , Gurevich Vsevolod V , Gurevich Eugenia V 
Published: June 2021

L‐DOPA is the treatment of choice for Parkinson's disease (PD) but prolonged exposure to the drug often leads to exaggerated signaling via dopamine (DA) receptors and motor complications such as L‐DOPA‐induced dyskinesia (LID). DA receptors are desensitized via activation‐dependent receptor phosphorylation by GRKs followed by the binding of arrestins, which stops further signal transduction. We previously reported that elevated expression of GRK6 in the striatum (Ahmed et al, 2010, Sci Trans Med, 2(28), 28ra28) ameliorated LID by promoting desensitization of DA receptors. Now we confirm that GRK6 acts via phosphorylation, since kinase‐dead protein mutant was without effect. Another GRK isoform, GRK3, potently inhibited L‐DOPA‐induced contralateral rotations in hemiparkinsonian rats. In contrast to GRK6, kinase‐dead GRK3 mutant suppressed rotations as effectively as wild type GRK3. This had prompted us to test the hypothesis that the GRK3 act via its RGS domain known to down regulate the signaling by sequestering Gaq/11. To address this question we used separate GRK3 RGS domain and RGS dead GRK3 constructs in the unilateral 6‐OHDA lesioned rat model. GRK3 RGS countered the rotational behavior, whereas the RGS‐dead GRK3 was ineffective. The data demonstrate that GRK3 regulates dopaminergic signaling and behavioral sensitization to L‐DOPA via its RGS domain.Grant Support: NS45117 and NS065868 to EVG
Uridine enhances in vivo acetylcholine release in rat striatum
Authors: Cansev Mehmet , Yaylagul Esra Orenlili , Orhan Fulya , Turkyilmaz Mesut 
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of parenteral uridine administration on acetylcholine release by in vivo microdialysis in striatum of freely‐moving rats.Microdialysis probes inserted into left striatum of rats were perfused with artificial cerebrospinal fluid. After collection of 3 basal microdialysate samples, uridine was injected intraperitoneally. In additional experiments, P2Y receptor antagonism was achieved by intracerebroventricular injection of suramine 15 min prior to uridine administration. Levels of uridine nucleotides, choline and acetylcholine in microdialysate samples were analyzed by High Performance Liquid Chromatography.Intraperitoneal administration of uridine enhanced brain extracellular uridine diphosphate (UDP), uridine triphosphate (UTP) levels and acetylcholine levels, while extracellular choline levels decreased after uridine. Suramine, a non‐selective P2Y receptor antagonist, blocked the alterations in extracellular acetylcholine and choline levels.Our data provide the first in vivo evidence for the existence of pyrimidinergic transmission in the brain which can be enhanced by exogenous uridine administration. We also show for the first time that increased pyrimidinergic transmission enhances cholinergic neurotransmission, possibly by activating P2Y receptors.This work was supported by grants from TUBITAK 108S354.
Prenatal hypoxia causes long‐term retina dysfunction in rats
Authors: Bourque Stephane Louis , Kuny Sharee , Sauve Yves , Davidge Sandra T 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundEvidence indicates that prenatal stressors, such as hypoxia, can induce phenotypic changes in the fetus which increase its predisposition to age‐related complications. We hypothesized that aged offspring exposed to prenatal hypoxia would exhibit exacerbated age‐related functional decline of the retina.MethodsFemale Sprague‐Dawley rat offspring (that were maintained at either 11% O2 [hypoxic] or 21% O2 [normoxic] from gestational day (GD)15 to GD21, term=GD22) had their retina function assessed 2 and 14 months of age by electroretinophy (ERG). Anatomy was assessed by immunofluorescence microscopy.ResultsDark‐adapted mixed a‐wave (rod and cone function) and b‐wave (bipolar cell activity) amplitudes were diminished in hypoxic offspring; these effects were most apparent at 14 months. Young and aged hypoxic offspring also had fewer mixed a‐wave threshold responses, and mixed b‐wave responses were markedly reduced in light adapted conditions. Light‐adapted flicker fusion frequency was also reduced in aged hypoxic versus age‐matched normoxic controls. There was no evidence of reduced photoreceptor cell numbers, although there was evidence of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) accumulation in aged IUGR offspring, providing evidence of photoreceptor damage.ConclusionsPrenatal hypoxia causes both intrinsic and age‐related changes in retina function.
A herbal medicine decoction, Sibjotang, increases ANP secretion
Authors: Kwon Oh Jeong , Kim Hye Yoom , Kho Joung Hyun , Tan Rui , Cho Kyung Woo , Kang Dae Gill , Lee Ho Sub 
Published: June 2021

Sibjotang (SJT), which was first documented in the Shanghanlun, has been prescribed for the remedy of body fluid disorders. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of SJT on Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) secretion, atrial dynamics and the possible mechanisms in beating rabbit left atria paced electrically. SJT significantly increased ANP secretion and atrial dynamics such as stroke volume and pulse pressure in a concentration‐dependent manner in perfused atria. EK or DG, components of SJT, also significantly increased ANP secretion and atrial dynamics, whereas, there were no significance on ANP secretion and atrial dynamics by treatment of EP or ZJ, respectively. Interestingly, the SJT‐induced increase of ANP secretion was significantly higher than the sum of each EK‐induced increase and DG‐induced increase of ANP secretion (p<0.01). SJT‐induced increase in ANP secretion was attenuated by GO6976, PKC ¥á/¥â inhibitor. In addition, LY333531, PKC ¥â inhibitor, also decreased SJT‐induced ANP secretion.In conclusion, SJT‐induced ANP secretion was potentiated by combination with 4 components in beating rabbit atria. It provides an evidence for synergy effects of a herbal medicine decoction consisting of two or more components. Also, the data suggest that SJT‐induced ANP secretion was related with the activation of PKC ¥á/¥â signaling in perfused beating rabbit atria.
Insulin sensitivity and pancreatic function in type 2 diabetics with and without insulin treatment
Authors: Gavin Timothy P , Ernst Jacob M , Kehe Sarah E , Dohm G Lynis , Pories Walter J , Dar Moahad , Reed Melissa A 
Published: June 2021

As type 2 diabetes (T2D) progresses, often the addition of insulin is required along with oral glycemic medications for glycemic control. We questioned if pancreatic function, insulin sensitivity, or both were lower in T2D using insulin (INS: N=9) vs. oral glycemic agents alone (OGA: N=12). Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) was measured. An insulin modified intravenous glucose tolerance test (modified‐IVGTT) was performed and the acute insulin response to glucose (AIRg) and insulin sensitivity (SI) were calculated using minimal model analysis. HbA1c (INS: 8.1±0.5 %; OGA: 6.5±0.2 %; p < 0.01) was higher in INS vs. OGA. AIRg (INS: 13±10 μU/ml; OGA: 131±45 μU/ml; p = 0.04) and SI (INS: 0.6±0.2; OGA: 1.9±0.3; p < 0.01) were lower in INS vs. OGA. Multiple stepwise linear regression revealed that SI explained 47% and AIRg 14% of the variance in HbA1c. These results suggest that both pancreatic function and insulin sensitivity are lower in T2D patients whose medications include insulin compared to patients on oral glycemic agents alone and that differences in insulin sensitivity explain more of the variance in glycemic control than differences in pancreatic function in type 2 diabetics.Supported by an East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute (ECDOI) grant.
Low RIP140 expression rescues insulin‐mediated FA oxidation via a rise in MCAD gene expression in skeletal muscle cells exposed to high palmitate availability
Authors: Constantinescu Silvana , Turcotte Lorraine P 
Published: June 2021

We have shown that in L6 cells incubated with high palmitate, low Receptor Interacting Protein 140 (RIP140) expression alters the regulation of muscle fatty acid (FA) uptake and FA oxidation under insulin‐mediated conditions. To provide mechanistic insights for these metabolic changes, we measured mRNA and/or protein expression of several genes involved in the regulation of FA uptake and oxidation. Cells were incubated with insulin (1000 nM) ± palmitate (400 μM) and with siRNA sequences for either RIP140 or a negative control. Under insulin‐mediated conditions, short‐term incubation with palmitate decreased (P<0.05) FA uptake (24%) and oxidation (42%). Under these conditions, low RIP140 expression reduced (P<0.05) FA uptake (35%) and restored FA oxidation so that it was not different (P>;0.05) from the control rate. Incubation with palmitate increased (P<0.05) CD36 (70%) and FATP1 (224%) mRNA, decreased (P<0.05) CPT1 (45%) mRNA and did not change MCAD (P>;0.05) mRNA. High palmitate was accompanied by reductions (P<0.05) in protein content for FATP1 (68%) and total (59%) and plasma membrane (31%) CD36 but it did not affect (P>;0.05) CPT1. Under those same conditions, low RIP140 expression was accompanied by a rise in the mRNA expression of MCAD (83%; P<0.05) and FATP1 (38%; P=0.08) but no change (P>;0.05) in mRNA expression of CPT1 and CD36. Protein content of CPT1, FATP1, CD36 (total and plasma membrane) were not affected (P>;0.05) by low RIP140 expression. Our results indicate that low RIP140 expression in the context of high palmitate availability increases gene expression of MCAD and that this may in part explain the restoration of insulin‐mediated FA oxidation.USC Women in Science and Engineering, USC Integrative and Evolutionary Biology and USC Zumberge Research Innovation Fund
Female sex steroid effects on basal muscle protein synthesis rates in postmenopausal women
Authors: Smith Gordon I , Reeds Dominic N , Burrows Rachel E , Kampelman Janine A , Mittendorfer Bettina 
Published: June 2021

We recently reported a greater basal, postabsorptive rate of muscle protein synthesis (MPS) in post‐compared with premenopausal women. This finding suggests that ovarian hormones suppress MPS. In the current study, we tested this hypothesis by measuring the basal rate of MPS (by using stable isotope‐labeled tracer methods) in postmenopausal women before and after treatment with either estradiol (Mylan Pharmaceuticals; 0.1 mg/d delivered transdermally; n=6) or progesterone (Endometrin®; 100 mg/d delivered vaginally; n =5). The MPS rate was unaffected by estrogen treatment (0.063±0.006 vs. 0.063±0.010 %/h, before and after treatment respectively; P=0.99) but was markedly increased after progesterone treatment (0.102±0.018 %/h vs. 0.055±0.007; P=0.02). We conclude that the menopause associated decline in ovarian female sex hormone production is not responsible for the age‐associated increase in MPS in old women.Supported by grants from the NIH.
Impact of Food Label Indications on Cooking Common Recipes: An Experimental Study on Chilean Mothers.
Authors: Gregori Dario , Vecchio Maria Gabriella , Ballali Simonetta , N2C Study Group  
Published: June 2021

The portion size of food and drink products is an important consideration when providing nutrition information for labeling purposes. No data are available on how food label indications translate into real cooking strategies. An experimental trial was performed on Chileans mothers and a relative. Participants were asked to prepare two meals with ingredients measured only with kitchen tools. Participants were randomized to two groups: one receiving information using portion size (PSG) indications and the other using “per 100 gr” (100G) indications. Subsequently, participants were interviewed with a questionnaire assessing nutritional and portioning knowledge. Actual usage of ingredients was assessed using a high‐precision scale.117 mothers and grandmothers participated. Oil usage was the same in both groups (p=0.124), for chapalele, about 4.25 g (2.975–6.481) in the 100G group and 5.56g (3.05–9.20) in the PSG group. For pasta, oil usage was 4.88g (3.08–7.75) in the 100G group and 5.35g (3.74–9.94), not resulting significantly different (p=0.425).Food label indication does not seem to influence attitudes toward the amount used for basic ingredients in cooking common traditional recipies.
Human Cardiovascular Progenitor Cells Positive for Flt1 and Flt4 Surface Cell Markers Differentiate Into All Three Cell Types of the Cardiovascular Lineage
Authors: Nsair Ali 
Published: June 2021

IntroductionHeart disease remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. One of the major limitations in cardiovascular cell therapies are the poorly characterized cell types used so far, which have limited capacity for robust cardiac differentiation.Purpose of studySurface markers that characterize cardiac progenitor cells (CPCs) are not well‐defined. To identify cell surface markers to identify this population of cells, we performed a microarray analysis on CPCs isolated from mouse cells. Combinatorial testing of candidate cells surface marker revealed that a combination of Flt1 and Flt4 best identified CPCs.ResultsFlt1+/Flt4+ progenitors in human fetal hearts demonstrated expression of CPC‐specific genes but no markers of differentiated cardiovascular cells. Flt1+/Flt4+ population from human pluripotent cells developed spontaneously beating colonies with cardiomyoctyes and smooth muscle and endothelial cells.ConclusionThe capability of pluripotent stem cell‐derived human Flt1+/Flt4+ cells to differentiate into all three cell types of the cardiovascular lineage suggests that this progenitor cell might be a good candidate for regenerative therapies.
Decaffeinated green tea extract and voluntary exercise alters the expression of genes related to lipid metabolism and mitochondrial biogenesis in liver and skeletal muscle in high fat‐fed mice
Authors: Sae‐tan Sudathip , Rogers Connie J , Lambert Joshua D 
Published: June 2021

Obesity is a significant health problem. Studies have reported the beneficial effects of green tea for weight loss and exercise for weight management. We have previously reported the combination of decaffeinated green tea extract (GTE) and voluntary exercise (Ex) has greater effects on high fat diet‐induced obesity and comorbidities in male C57BL/6J mice than either treatment alone. Here, we report that the combination alters gene expression in the liver and skeletal muscle. mRNA levels of sterol regulatory element‐binding protein‐1c and sterol‐coenzyme A desaturase‐1, genes related to fatty acid synthesis, were increased by 1.4‐ and decreased by 0.5‐fold, respectively, by GTE+Ex treatment in the liver. Hepatic mRNA expression of peroxisome proliferatoractivated receptor‐α and carnitine palmitoyltransferase‐1α, genes related to fatty acid oxidation, were increased by 2.2‐ and 1.3‐ fold, respectively, by GTE+Ex treatment. GTE+Ex treatment also increased the mRNA expression of proliferator‐activated receptor‐ γ coactivator −1α, cytochrome b, cytochrome C oxidase subunit III by 1.5‐, 1.5‐, and 1.3‐fold, respectively, in the skeletal muscle. Our results suggest that the combination of GTE and Ex modulates the expression of several genes related to lipid metabolism and mitochondrial function. These changes may underlie the obesity preventive effects of this combination.Grant Funding Source: NIH Grant (AT004678)
Parental Recognition and Perception of Commercially Available Foods and Beverages Containing Non‐nutritive Sweeteners
Authors: Sylvetsky Allison Cara , Greenberg Mitchell J , Rother Kristina I 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveOur study aimed to examine parental attitudes toward providing NNS containing items to their children and to explore parental ability to recognize NNS in packaged foods and beverages.Methods120 parents (≥ 18 years old) of children (≥1 year old) completed brief questionnaires upon entering or exiting a local grocery store. Grocery selection and NNS recognition were assessed using a 142 item grocery shopping simulation activity. Demographic information and parental attitudes toward NNS were assessed using an interviewer‐assisted survey.ResultsA factor analysis generated 3 subscales of from the NNS attitude questionnaire; nutrition and health awareness (NHA), NNS acceptance (NNS‐ACCEPT), and child sweet liking (SL). Overall our findings demonstrated that the majority of parents (72.3%) did not believe that NNS were safe to provide to their children, yet overall ability to recognize NNS was low (mean percentage of items correctly = 22.9%). Accurate parental identification of NNS containing foods and beverages was associated with heightened negative attitudes towards provision of NNS to their children.ConclusionFuture well‐designed studies must be conducted to assess the short‐ and long‐term metabolic effects of NNS in order to formulate conclusive recommendations promoting the use or avoidance of NNS. Nutrition education promoting ingredient list and nutrition facts panel comprehension, as well as food claim literacy is required to reduce misguided nutrition beliefs among parents.
Student‐Generated Content in the Gross Anatomy Laboratory:
Authors: Doubleday Alison French 
Published: June 2021

Common challenges for faculty include finding ways to motivate students to stay on task and remain engaged with course content, as well as encouraging students to work collaboratively with their peers. The increased adoption of new technologies into the classroom provides unique opportunities to take advantage of existing applications in order to address these challenges. This presentation provides an example of how tablet (iPad)‐based applications were integrated into a human gross anatomy lab at University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Dentistry. Student‐generated photo and video data were used for formative assessment of student understanding by course faculty. A mobile scavenger hunt was also employed to increase student engagement and collaboration within the laboratory. Details and challenges of logistical planning, as well as implementation of the project are addressed. Additionally, results of student surveys highlighting student impressions and patterns of use demonstrate that careful integration of tablet‐based applications into the classroom can impact collaborative activity and engagement. This study illustrates a novel and innovative use of tablets within the gross anatomy laboratory and provides an example of the use of best practices for incorporating technology into a course.Grant Funding Source: American Association of Anatomists
Which skinfold percent body fat equation performs best in American children?
Authors: Roberts Amy , Truesdale Kimberly P , Cai Jianwen , Stevens June 
Published: June 2021

Many skinfold percent body fat (%BF) equations are available for specific groups and research settings; however, there is no standard equation for children.Using a nationally representative sample of children (8–18y), we compared 16 published skinfold %BF equations with DXA measured %BF.Selected equations contained variables available in the 1999–2004 NHANES (n=6,565). We tested equations using the overall sample and a subsample matching the demographics of the sample used for equation development. R2, and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) were calculated based on DXA measured %BF regressing on predicted %BF using linear regression with appropriate sampling weights and DXA imputation procedures. Bland‐Altman plots were inspected.Nine equations had a R2 ≥0.80 in any category, but 13 performed better than BMI (Girls: R2=0.63; Boys: R2=0.33). The Bray 2001 triceps and subscapular equation had the highest R2 and lowest RMSE (matched subsample: R2=0.82 RMSE=3.28; overall: R2=0.73 RMSE=4.23). Conversely, the Slaughter 1988 equation for 8–18y with skinfolds >; 35mm performed the most poorly for both boys (R2=0.12 RMSE=5.40) and girls (R2=0.40 RMSE=3.55). We found large differences in the performance of published skinfold %BF equations with the Bray 2001 performing the best in NHANES. While substantially better than BMI, %BF equations are needed that perform well in a variety of subpopulations.NIH 3U01HL103561Grant Funding Source: NIH 3U01HL103561
Toddler Obesity Prevention Study (TOPS) increases toddler health‐promoting behaviors
Authors: Black Maureen M , Hurley Kristen , Wang Yan , Candelaria Margo , Latta Laura , Caulfield Laura , Hager Erin 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveTo examine if an 8 session RCT grounded in social cognitive theory (SCT) and focused either on maternal diet and physical activity (PA) or on responsivity and behavior management increases toddler health promoting behaviors.Method274 low‐income mother‐toddlers completed a baseline evaluation: PA (ankle accelerometer worn 7 days, average time/day in moderate/vigorous physical activity), diet (USDA Automated Multi‐Pass Method), video‐taped meal (Emotional Availability Scales), weight & height (converted to age & gender‐specific z‐scores). Randomized to MOM TOPS: maternal diet and PA, TOT TOPS: responsivity and behavior management, or SAFE TOPS: toddler safety (placebo). Follow‐up at 6 months. Intent‐to‐treat longitudinal mixed modeling and generalized estimating equations, adjusted for baseline.ResultsBaseline: 17% toddlers and 51% mothers were obese, 70% Black, 2% Hispanic, & 22% White. At follow‐up, MOM TOPS/TOP TOPS improved over SAFE TOPS in fruit intake (0.49 and 0.93 servings, p=0.014, 0.014) and PA (14.7 and 14.6 minutes, p=0.025, p=0.025. TOT TOPS improved significantly over MOM TOPS in 5 of 6 EAS categories (child involvement & responsively, parent sensitivity, structure, & parent non‐hostility).ConclusionsA brief intervention built on principles of SCT is effective in increasing toddler health‐promoting behaviors of diet, PA, and mealtime responsivity.
The low level of EPA in brain phospholipids is maintained by multiple compensatory mechanisms
Authors: Chen Chuck Tzu‐Huan , Domenichiello Anthony F , Trepanier Marc‐Olivier , Liu Zhen , Masoodi Mojgan , Bazinet Richard P 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveTo examine if mitochondrial fatty acid beta‐oxidation is necessary for maintaining low EPA levels in brain phospholipids.MethodsAdult male free‐living Sprague Dawley rats were administered vehicle or methyl palmoxirate (MEP), a carnitine palmitoyltransferase I (CPTI) antagonist prior to being infused intravenously with 150 μCi/kg of 14C‐radiolabeled palmitate, DHA or EPA. Blood samples were collected during the five minute infusion via the jugular vein. At 5 minutes with continual radiotracer infusion, rats were subjected to high‐energy, head‐focused microwave irradiation and brains were collected for radioactive and biochemical analyses.ResultsUsing equations from our fatty acid model, we found that that incorporation coefficient (k*) into the aqueous fraction (marker of β‐oxidation) decreased significantly in MEP‐treated brains compared to vehicle controls for palmitate (3.8‐fold) and EPA (2.2‐fold) but not DHA. This was accompanied by a significant increase in the k* into total phospholipids of MEP‐treated brains as compared to controls for 14C‐EPA infused rats (1.5‐fold) but not 14C‐palmitate and 14C‐DHA infused rats. However, after identification and correction for metabolized 14C‐EPA, the increase in k* was attributed to an increase in synthesis of the EPA elongation product, n‐3 docosapentaenoic acid. Furthermore, the incorporation (Jin) and recycling (FFA) of EPA into brain phospholipids were significantly lower than palmitate and DHA by up to 56‐fold and 9‐fold, respectively.ConclusionThe low level of EPA in brain phospholipids is maintained via beta‐oxidation, elongation and rapid metabolisms.Grant Funding Source: NSERC