bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electrical stimulation of the cervical vagus nerve protects against renal ischemia/reperfusion injury
Authors: Abe Chikara , Inoue Tsuyoshi , Okusa Mark , Guyenet Patrice 
Published: June 2021

The inflammatory reflex acts via connections between the CNS and lymphoid organs, inc the spleen, to suppress the production of inflammatory cytokines. Such reflex can be elicited by electrically stimulating the cervical vagus nerve (VN) or merely its peripheral end. Vagal preganglionic neurons (VPGNs) do not appear to directly innervate the spleen, therefore an excitatory synaptic connection between vagal preganglionic efferents and splenic nerve efferents has been proposed. To examine this, we recorded splenic sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) and stimulated the uncut left VN in anesthetized rats. Electrical stimulation of the uncut VN (0.1 mA, 1 ms, 1 Hz) evoked a robust response with two distinct activation peaks (latencies: 109 ± 2 and 186 ± 5 msec). Stimulating the peripheral end of the cut VN evoked no response confirming the absence of detectable synaptic connection between vagal efferents and splenic nerve (Martelli et al. Auton Neurosci 2014). We also examined whether VN stimulation reduces ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) in mice. We electrically stimulated the uncut left cervical VN (0.1 mA, 5 Hz, 10 min), its peripheral end or its central end in 3 groups of mice 24 hrs before IRI (26 min). The three stimulation modalities produced equal protection against IRI as judged by a large and significant reduction of plasma creatinine concentration measured 24 hrs after ischemia.Conclusionsstimulating either end of the cut vagus nerve protects the kidney from IRI, presumably by reducing inflammation. Proximal vagal stimulation may cause anti‐inflammation by increasing splenic SNA. How peripheral VN stimulation produces renal protection is unclear.
Carotid Chemoreceptor Desensitization Improves Baroreflex Control of Blood Pressure During Hypoxia in Humans
Authors: Mozer Michael , Joyner Michael , Curry Timothy , Limberg Jacqueline 
Published: June 2021

There are known interactions between the chemoreflex and baroreflex. The purpose of the present investigation was to examine the contribution of the carotid body chemoreceptors to changes in baroreflex control of blood pressure with exposure to hypoxia. Low‐dose dopamine blunts carotid body afferent activity and can thus be used to examine the contribution of the carotid chemoreceptors to reflex responses during hypoxia.HypothesisSpontaneous cardiac baroreflex sensitivity (scBRS) will be reduced with hypoxia and this effect will be blunted when the carotid chemoreceptors are desensitized with low‐dose dopamine.MethodsSeven subjects (4M/3F) completed 2 visits randomized to IV dopamine (individualized dose shown to result in a nadir hypoxic ventilatory response, 1‐4 μg/kg/min) or placebo (saline). Subjects were exposed to 5‐min normoxia (99±0% SpO2), followed by 5‐min hypoxia (83±2%SpO2). Blood pressure (intra‐arterial catheter) and heart rate (ECG) were measured continuously and sCBRS was assessed by spectrum analysis. The relative (%) change in sCBRS with hypoxia [(Hypoxia‐Normoxia)/Normoxia x 100)] was compared between dopamine and placebo.ResultsscBRS was reduced with hypoxia (saline p<0.01; dopamine p<0.01). The fall in scBRS with hypoxia was blunted with dopamine (saline: ‐58±7 %, dopamine: ‐42±9 %, p=0.02).ConclusionThese data are consistent with a reduction in scBRS with chemoreceptor activation. Furthermore, we show this effect is partially mediated by the carotid body chemoreceptors, given the fall in scBRS is attenuated when the chemoreceptors are desensitized with low‐dose dopamine.Funding NIH DK090541 (Joyner)
Overtime Growth and Spatial Distribution of Fast Food Industry in China during 2005‐2012
Authors: Cheng Xi , Wang Youfa , Xue Hong , Qu Weidong 
Published: June 2021

ObjectivesFast food (FF) industry and obesity rate have increased rapidly in China the past 2 decades. This study examined overtime growth and spatial distribution patterns of FF industry in China and the key social economic factors that might contribute to the growth. MethodsUsing government reported longitudinal data from 21 provinces and cities in China for 2005‐2012 we visualized temporal and geographic distributions of FF outlets using ArcGIS. We conducted cross‐sectional and longitudinal spatial analysis to assess associations between macroeconomic conditions, population dynamics, and the growth and distributional changes of FF industry (assessed by number of FF outlets and FF revenue) across China. ResultsFF industry grew faster in southeast coast areas (more economically developed) since 2005 than other regions. FF industry development (FF outlets and revenue) was: 1) highly correlated with Gross Domestic Product (GDP, or per capita GDP) (Person correlation coefficient r =0.65 and 0.67 for FF outlets and revenue, respectively; 2) highly correlated with per capita disposable income for urban residents, r=0.70 (FF outlets) and 0.76 (FF revenue); 3) moderately correlated with urban population, r=0.38 (FF outlets) and 0.36 (FF revenue); 4) not correlated with increase of population size (r=0.10 of FF outlets, 0.05 of FF revenue). The mean center of FF industry shifted westward during 2005‐2012 with mean center of GDP moved in the same direction, while mean center of population shifted eastward.ConclusionsFF industry grew rapidly in China during 2005‐2012 with large temporal and spatial variations. Development of local economy has fueled FF growth.Funding: NIH U54 center grant, HD070725
Higher Red Blood Cell n‐3 Fatty Acid Composition Prospectively Relates to Lower Depressive Symptomatology
Authors: Bigornia Sherman , Tucker Katherine , Falcon Luis , Harris William 
Published: June 2021

IntroductionPuerto Rican adults report greater levels of depressive symptomatology compared to other Latino and non‐Latino groups. Dietary n‐3 fatty acid intake may improve symptoms of depression, but results are inconsistent. We examined the prospective relationship between biomarkers of n‐3 fatty acid consumption and depressive symptomatology.MethodsCohort (Boston Puerto Rican Health Study) of 1,067 participants with mean age 57 y (SD: 8) and 72.3% female. Degree of depressive symptomatology was obtained at baseline and 2 y (IQR 2.0‐2.2) using the Center for Epidemiology Studies Depression Scale (CES‐D). We measured red blood cell (RBC) membrane fatty acid composition at baseline. N‐3 fatty acid index was defined as the sum total of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid expressed as a percent of total RBC fatty acid content.ResultsIn multivariate models, n‐3 fatty acid index was inversely associated with 2 y CES‐D score , adjusting for baseline score [mean (95% CI); Q1 19.9 (18.6, 21.2) vs. Q4 18.3 (17.0, 19.6); P‐trend<0.05, Table Model 5]. Results remained consistent after accounting for saturated, trans‐, n‐6 polyunsaturated, or monounsaturated fatty acid content (P‐trend=0.03‐0.08) or excluding those who changed n‐3 supplementation from baseline (P‐trend<0.05).ConclusionUsing an objective measure of n‐3 fatty acid intake, our data suggest that n‐3 fatty acid consumption may be beneficial in the management of depressive symptomatology.

Table. Prospective relationship between baseline n‐3 fatty acid index and CES‐D score at 2 y follow‐up (n=1067)

Baseline n‐3 RBC fatty acid index

Q1 3.1±0.5%
Q2 4.0±0.2%
Q3 4.7±0.2%
Q4 6.0±0.9%

n=266
n=267
n=267
n=267

Model
Covariates
mean (95%CI)
mean (95%CI)
mean (95%CI)
mean (95%CI)
P‐trend

1
baseline CES‐D score, anti‐depressive medication use, time between visits
20.4 (19.2, 21.6)
18.7 (17.5, 19.9)
17.7 (16.5, 18.9)*
17.7 (16.4, 18.9)*
&lt;0.001

2
+ sex, age, BMI, smoking status
20.0 (18.8, 21.3)
18.5 (17.3, 19.8)
17.8 (16.5, 19.1)*
18.2 (16.8, 19.5)
&lt;0.05

3
+ high school education status
20.0 (18.8, 21.3)
18.5 (17.3, 19.7)
17.8 (16.5, 19.1)*
18.2 (16.9, 19.6)
&lt;0.05

4
+ physical activity score
20.0 (18.8, 21.3)
18.5 (17.3, 19.7)
17.8 (16.5, 19.1)*
18.3 (17.0, 19.6)
&lt;0.05

5
+ Healthy Eating Index 2005 score excluding healthy oil component
19.9 (18.6, 21.2)
18.4 (17.1, 19.6)
17.7 (16.4, 19.0)†
18.3 (17.0, 19.6)
&lt;0.05

†P=0.05 to &lt;0.1, *P&lt;0.05 compared to Q1
Validation of Stable Isotope Ratios as Biomarkers of Meat, Fish, and Soda Intake
Authors: O'Brien Diane , Votruba Susanne , Krakoff Jonathan 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveThe objective of our study is to test whether stable isotope ratios of carbon (13C/12C) and nitrogen (15N/14N) can distinguish intakes of fish, meat, and soda.MethodsSixteen men (42±9 yrs, BMI 26.4±3.8 kg/m2) were inpatients at the NIDDK in Phoenix, AZ, for 14 weeks. Dietary effects on plasma and RBC 13C and 15N were tested using a factorial design, with three intake variables (meat/fish/ soda) present at two levels (present/absent), against a common, background diet (50%cho, 30%fat, 20%pro). Blood was drawn biweekly and hair was sampled post diet intervention. Measurements were conducted via continuous flow IRMS. Plasma and RBC data were analyzed with factorial ANCOVA, including week as a covariate and diet X week interactions. Only significant main effects are presented here. Hair data were analyzed with factorial ANOVA.ResultsThe carbon isotope ratio of plasma was elevated when diets included soda (ß = 0.22 ± 0.05, P < 0.0001) and meat (ß = 0.19 ± 0.05, P = 0.0001). The nitrogen isotope ratio of plasma was elevated when diets included fish (ß = 0.28 ± 0.03, P < 0.0001) and meat (ß = 0.22 ± 0.03, P < 0.0001). Results were similar for RBC. In hair, the carbon isotope ratio was elevated when diets included soda (ß = 0.77 ± 0.3, P = 0.02), and the nitrogen isotope ratio was elevated when diets included fish (ß = 0.4 ± 0.2, P = 0.02) and meat (ß = 0.5 ± 0.2, P = 0.005).ConclusionsThese results indicate that natural enrichment of 13C/12C and 15N/14N in plasma, RBC, and hair may serve as biomarkers for meat, fish and soda intake, and establish a role for stable isotopes in distinguishing longer term dietary patterns. This research was supported through intramural funds of the NIDDK.
The Relationship of Breast Milk Intake as Assessed with Deuterium Dilution on Growth and Body Composition of Infants in Jamaica
Authors: Whyte Sherine , Royal‐Thomas Tamika , Badaloo Asha , Reid Marvin 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundThe WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months of age. Jamaica is a lesser developed country which is undergoing an epidemiological transition. Recent evidence suggests a relationship between breastfeeding, infant growth and chronic diseases in later life.ObjectiveThis study sought to determine the relationship between breast milk consumption with the pattern of growth and body composition in Jamaican infants at 3 months.MethodA longitudinal and observational study including 35 child‐mother pairs, recruited from the post natal ward of the University Hospital of the West Indies. Body composition and breast milk intake were measured at 6 weeks using the mother to child deuterium dilution method. Standard anthropometric methods were used to assess growth at 6 weeks and 3 months.ResultsThirteen (37%) of the women were found to be exclusively breastfeeding with mean breast milk consumption of 956 ± 304 g day‐1. This contrasted with 22 women who were not exclusively breastfeeding with mean consumption of 704 ± 349 g day‐1 of milk intake and 526.7 ± 512.7 g day‐1of non‐milk intake. In the 35 infants, higher breast milk intake was positively associated with higher length, weight and fat free mass (p=0.01) at both time points. Exclusive breastfed infants were taller (p=0.02) and had larger head circumference (p=0.03) at 6 weeks and 3 months when compared with mixed fed infants.ConclusionThe data suggests that exclusive breastfed infants are less likely to be shorter than mixed fed infants. Infants who had greater intake of breast milk had a higher proportion of lean body mass. The effect of breast milk on length and lean tissue deposition could be related to less risk of developing obesity later in life.
Stimulating the Resolution of Tumor Debris to Control Medulloblastoma
Authors: Barksdale Chantal , Sulciner Megan , Ramon Sesquile , Colas Romain , Bandopadhayay Pratiti , Huang Sui , Kieran Mark , Serhan Charles , Panigrahy Dipak 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundTumor recurrence occurs in one‐third of patients with medulloblastoma. Current clinical approaches to reduce medulloblastoma tumor burden, including chemotherapy, may contribute to relapse by creating tumor cell debris. The debris of dead cancer cells can act as a source of tumor stimulation via inflammation. A new direction has emerged in inflammation research with the discovery of endogenous specialized pro‐resolving lipid mediators. We hypothesize that resolvins and protectins represent a novel modality in medulloblastoma treatment by pharmacologically promoting the clearance of tumor debris.ResultsFlow cytometry confirmed that the chemotherapy cisplatin and the targeted therapy JQ‐1 generated medulloblastoma tumor cell debris. Chemotherapy‐ and targeted therapy‐induced tumor debris stimulated primary tumor growth. Protectins enhanced macrophage phagocytosis of medulloblastoma tumor debris and counter‐regulated secretion of pro‐inflammatory cytokines. Medulloblastoma tumor progression resulted in loss of resolvin levels. Resolvins inhibited medulloblastoma growth at nanogram levels without toxicity.ConclusionsOur results demonstrate that enhancing endogenous clearance of tumor debris by resolvins and protectins represents a new biological target for medulloblastoma treatment.Research Support: RO1 01CA170549
Facebook in Anatomy Education: Why and How?
Authors: Jaffar Akram 
Published: June 2021

With the rapid development in information technologies various changes have been made in terms of the methods in the teaching and learning process. The popularity of social networking sites (SNSs) provided a newly emerging tool of e‐learning. Facebook is currently the leading SNS on which students spend a considerable time every day; therefore, it is the logical place to start when integrating SNSs into education.A faculty administered Facebook platform was used to supplement anatomy education of medical students for three academic years. A vivid model of this use is provided here. The aim is to establish Facebook penetration among students, justify its educational use, highlight its potentials, validate its capabilities, recognize its limitations, support its effectiveness in contributing to learning, and describe patterns of students' engagement with educational posts.Facebook can deliver more media richness which students expect in their anatomy learning. A wider educational use of Facebook should be adopted not only because students are embracing its use, but for its effectiveness in boosting learning. Facebook is no more a site merely for social activities; it offers the opportunity for the students to be highly engaged with educational content outside the classroom boundaries. Our students are willing and prepared to embrace the new technology. Are we, as their teachers, equally ready?
Technology and Innovation in Histology: Adapting to a Changing Landscape of Teaching in Medical Microanatomy
Authors: Goldman Haviva , Churchill Judy , Hanau Cheryl 
Published: June 2021

The teaching of medical microanatomy has shifted in recent years, with virtual microscopy now regularly utilized to supplement or replace microscope‐based laboratories. This, combined with increasing pressure to integrate curricula, reduce course hours, and enhance student self‐directed and active learning, introduces new opportunities and challenges for histology teaching. Here we describe how we have utilized technology to deliver histology content to students and facilitate active learning sessions within a Problem Based Learning curriculum (‘PIL’) at Drexel University College of Medicine.Microanatomy in the PIL curriculum is a stand‐alone course, integrated with Gross Anatomy, Physiology and Neuroscience in a Block format. While students are introduced to some topics through lecture, particularly early on in the year, much of the course content is delivered online through web‐based tutorials packaged as interactive presentations or as recorded powerpoint lectures. Students also access web‐based laboratory assignments with annotated virtual slides and a guide to EM images. Students then meet in groups for laboratory sessions that consist of scavenger hunt exercises and faculty led, interactive review. Application exercises with pathological images are incorporated into these sessions once students begin to study organ systems. Support for struggling students is provided through live Histohelp sessions and guidance to all students is accomplished through an online course blog. Analysis of student feedback demonstrates more student participation relative to previous formats, and a more positive perception of microanatomy.
Diet, the Gut Microbiome and Cardio‐Metabolic Risk
Authors: Lovegrove Julie 
Published: June 2021

The gut microbiome has been implicated as a potential mediator of diet‐related effects on cardio‐metabolic risk. There is evidence to suggest that diet can alter human physiology and disease risk by influencing the composition and activity of the gut microbiota, via mechanisms that may include the production of short chain fatty acids, bile acid deconjugation and polyphenol metabolism. There is substantial variation in the microbiota, with greater variation in fecal bacterial composition between individuals than within an individual, a finding that might underlie variance in the expression of risk factors for chronic diseases.This presentation will examine evidence that dietary modification of cardio‐metabolic risk is mediated, in part, through the gut microbiome. It will address the impact of dietary fatty acids, carbohydrates, prebiotics in novel functional foods, and increased consumption of fruits and vegetables on the gut microbiome and metabolic risk in randomized controlled trials (RCT).The ‘RISCK’ study was a multi‐centred RCT which was designed to evaluated the impact of the amount and quality of dietary fat and carbohydrate on cardio‐metabolic risk in a population at risk of metabolic syndrome. Low fat, high carbohydrate diets increased fecal Bifidobacterium, and reduce fasting glucose and cholesterol. Diets containing high glycaemic index carbohydrates also increased fecal Bacteroides, while high carbohydrate low glycaemic index diets increased Faecalibacterium prausnitzii. In other studies, a high intake of fermentable fibre and plant polyphenols were shown to regulate microbial activities within the gut. In conclusion, these findings provide further evidence for the impact of diet on the gut microbiome, the significance of these effects on cardio‐metabolic risk remain to be confirmed.
Wnt Modification by Tiki Proteins
Authors: He Xi 
Published: June 2021

We focus on understanding the molecular mechanism of Wnt signaling in vertebrate development, stem cell regulation, and human cancer and diseases. We are interested in canonical Wnt/b‐catenin signaling and noncanonical Wnt signaling pathways. We employ molecular, structural, cellular, and developmental approaches in Xenopus, mice, and human cell culture.Using functional cDNA expression screening, we identified Tiki1, a transmembrane protein that is expressed specifically in the Spemann‐Mangold Organizer in Xenopus embryos and is required for anterior development. Tiki1 antagonizes Wnt function by acting as a metalloprotease to cleave a few amino terminal residues of a Wnt protein, resulting in oxidized Wnt oligomers that exhibit normal secretion but minimized receptor‐binding capability. Tiki1 is the first known Wnt inactivating enzyme, and is conserved from invertebrates to vertebrates including humans. I will discuss our ongoing study of the function, Wnt cleavage specificity and regulation of Tiki proteins.
Effect of High Linoleic Acid Diet on Carbohydrate‐stimulated Expression of Lipogenic Genes
Authors: Axen Kathleen , Harper Marianna , Edupghanti Tushara , Brown JoAnn , Thomas Kadeem , Axen Kenneth 
Published: June 2021

Linoleic acid, an ω‐6 PUFA, has been proposed to inhibit de novo lipogenesis (DNL) by decreasing expression of SREBP‐1c, a major regulator of DNL. To investigate whether previous intake of a high linoleic acid diet inhibits carbohydrate‐stimulated SREBP‐1c expression and DNL in vivo, we compared the expression of SREBP‐1c and its lipogenic targets in the fasted and post‐meal states in male Sprague‐Dawley rats fed: 1) a 55% fat (78% linoleic acid) diet (n=15, P); 2) a 55% fat (linoleic acid‐free) diet (n=15, S); or 3) a no‐fat diet (n=15, N) for 1 wk. All rats were fasted for 24 h; liver samples were obtained at fasting, 16h after refeeding on a 74% carbohydrate, fat‐free meal, or 45 min after injection with insulin + glucose. Body weights and liver lipid levels were greater in P and S than N rats (P=S>N; p< .01) but % body fat was higher in P than S rats (P>S=N, p< .01). Refeeding increased mRNA for SREBP‐1c and the lipogenic enzymes Acetyl CoA Carboxylase, Steroyl CoA Desaturase 1, and Pyruvate Kinase compared with fasting in all groups similarly, but expression of Fatty Acid Synthase was lower in the P vs. S group (p< .02). In all groups, refeeding or insulin decreased Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxykinase mRNA and increased Glucokinase mRNA, indicating normal insulin sensitivity. Refeeding decreased expression of INSIG2, a protein which inhibits maturation of SREBP‐1c, in the S and N groups (p< .002), but not the P group.The minimal reduction in the stimulation of lipogenic gene expression seen in the high‐linoleic acid group was not associated with decreased expression SREBP‐1c, but was associated with lack of suppression of INSIG2 expression, suggesting that ω‐6 PUFA may impair processing rather than expression of SREBP‐1c.
Food Metabolome in Clinical Nutrition Research: from Dietary Patterns to Discovering Disease Risk Biomarkers. Evidence from PREDIMED Study
Authors: Andres‐Lacueva C , Llorach R , Urpi‐Sardà M , Tulipani S , Vazquez‐Fresno R , Khymenets O , Lupianez‐Barbero A , Garcia‐Aloy M 
Published: June 2021

Diet plays an important role in the prevention and development of chronic diseases. Interventional and observational studies have provided evidence of the health benefits of dietary bioactive compounds. The assessment of dietary intake has been estimated using self‐reported questionnaires, which provide less reliable data than nutritional biomarkers. Nutrimetabolomics has been proposed as a tool for discovering new biomarkers of exposure.Different clinical studies provides complementary information about dietary exposure, and thus in the discovery of new biomarkers. In the current study we applied an HPLC‐Q‐ToF‐MS untargeted metabolomics strategy followed by multivariate analysis (OSC‐PLS‐DA) to characterize the urinary metabolome of subjects who followed an acute or chronic intervention of the food item or dietary pattern, as well as in a free‐living population from the PREDIMED cohort (www.predimed.org). Discriminating metabolites were associated with complex metabolic pattern linked to fatty acids, microbial metabolites, compounds from tryptophan & serotonin pathway, phytochemicals, processing‐derived compounds and endogenous metabolites. Diet‐related differences in urinary metabolome were associated with food digestion, microbiota metabolism and endogenous metabolism.Nutrimetabolomics has the potential to unveil the metabolic signature that differentiates healthy from metabolically perturbed subjects, access unexplored metabolic pathways impacted by diet, and elucidate the inter‐individual differences in the effects of dietary interventions.