bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expression and function of tenascin‐C during colorectal enteric nervous system development
Authors: Nagy Nandor , Akbareian Sophie , Steiger Casey , Molnar David , Barad Csilla , Goldstein Allan M 
Published: June 2021

The intestinal microenvironment contains several extracellular macromolecules that play important roles during enteric nervous system (ENS) development. Tenascin‐C is an extracellular matrix glycoprotein that regulates cell migration, possibly by modulating the adhesiveness of neural crest cells to their substratum. The role of tenascin‐C in enteric neuronal development is unknown. In this study we show that tenascin‐C is dynamically expressed during ENS development in the chick gut. It is absent from the cecal region prior to the arrival of crest‐derived cells, and then is found to colocalize with the migrating wavefront. Experimentally generated aganglionic hindgut leads to loss of tenascin‐C expression in the submucosal area. Analysis of FACS‐sorted neural crest cells by qRT‐PCR and generation of chick‐rat intestinal chimeras both demonstrate that vagal‐derived enteric neural crest cells produce tenascin‐C, whereas sacral‐derived crest cells do not. Based on vitro migration assays, we find that tenascin‐C promotes the migration of enteric neural crest cells. We conclude that vagal‐derived enteric neural crest cells produce tenascin‐C to promote their migration during ENS development.Grant sponsor: NIH: R01DK080914 (AG); Bolyai Fellowship (NN)
Empirical development of a histological protocol for whole brain sectioning to characterize neuropathological patterns in human specimens
Authors: Chan Kelly Marissa , Schmalz Naomi A. , Choy Kristi , Nguyen Anthony , Pham Tracie N. , Stark Elena , Dong Hongwei , Toga Arthur W. , Vinters Harry V. , Wisco Jonathan J. 
Published: June 2021

This project describes the empirical development of a histological protocol for preparing whole brain sections in order to map gross patterns of microinfarctions, deposition of amyloid beta, and neurofibrillary tau tangles. Typical neuropathology biopsy procedures sample areas of the brain restricted in size by the dimensions of small cassettes; thus, histological protocols rarely provide explicit guidelines to address challenges faced when preparing large tissue sections for microscopic observation and image acquisition. Formalin‐fixed, coronal and sagittal human blocks were prepared for paraffin sectioning. These samples exceeded the recommended thickness and area guidelines in existing protocols for typical paraffin‐based procedures, so protocols for processing, embedding, sectioning, and mounting were modified. By deconstructing and defining this process, we ultimately intend to revive this rare practice of whole brain histology and enhance our understanding of the pathogenesis of cerebrovascular and Alzheimer's disease.Grant Funding Source: NIH/NIA, NIH/NCRR, Translational Research Fund (UCLA), McGinty Family Foundation
Conformational conversion, fibril growth and the ordering of the fibril core occur simultaneously during tau aggregation into amyloid fibrils
Authors: Ramachandran Gayathri , Milán‐Garcés Erix A. , Puranik Mrinalini , Udgaonkar Jayant B. 
Published: June 2021

Amyloid fibril formation by the microtubule‐associated protein tau is a hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. The aggregation mechanism is known to involve substantial conformational conversion and growth since the intrinsically disordered monomer converts into ordered, β‐sheet rich fibrils. The focus of this work is to determine if these processes occur simultaneously or sequentially. The polymerization mechanism of tau in the presence of ligands, deciphered using probes such as thioflavin T fluorescence and light scattering, has been described in the past as ligand‐induced nucleation‐dependent polymerization. These probes cannot, however, distinguish the processes of conformational conversion and fibril growth. In this study, we employ UV Resonance Raman spectroscopy to look directly at signatures of changes in secondary structure and side chain packing, during fibril formation by the functional domain of tau in the presence of the inducer heparin, at pH 7 and at 37 °C. By examining changes in the positions and intensities of the amide and aromatic Raman bands, we find direct evidence for the conclusion that the processes of conformational conversion, fibril growth and the ordering of the fibril core occur simultaneously.This work was funded by the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research and the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India.
Heavy metals content of selected key foods in Bangladesh
Authors: Shaheen Nazma , Rahim Abu Torab Md. , Mohiduzzaman Md. , Tukun Avonti Basak , Islam Saiful , Ahmed Kawser 
Published: June 2021

Background and objectivesDespite the well‐known essential and/or potentially toxic roles of heavy metals there is a lack of valid and reliable data on heavy metals concentration of key foods in Bangladesh. This study aimed at estimating the concentrations of selected heavy metals from prioritized key foods.MethodsThe heavy metals content were estimated from nationally representative samples using ICPMS.ResultsThe concentrations of toxic metals detected ranged from 0.008 to 2.53, 0.006 to 34.22, and 0.06 to 20.61□μg/100g of edible portion (EP) on fresh weight basis for Cd, As and Pb, respectively. Among the key foods, the highest level of Cd was detected in brinjal while that of As and Pb in tilapia fish and mango, respectively. The content of potentially toxic heavy metals per 100g of EP on fresh weight basis ranged from 1.01 (carrot) to 40.77 (wheat flour), 8.92 (milk) to 910.63 (lentil), 7.37 (banana) to 52.6 (pangas fish), 0.22 (pangas fish) to 108.13 (lentil), 0.16 (banana) to 14.54 (bean), 11.44 (pangas fish) to 2782.71 (wheat flour), 0.18 (chicken breast) to 90.70 (lentil), 0.012 (egg) to 0.52 (rice), 0.67 (pangas fish) to 394.85 (wheat flour), and 0.001 (chicken leg) to 2.53 μg (brinjal) of Se, Cu, Cr, Mo, V, Mn, Ni, Sb, Ba and Ag, respectively.ConclusionChronic dietary exposure through key foods particularly brinjal, tilapia fish, mango, pangas fish, lentil, wheat flour, and rice may offer potential health risk as an added burden of malnutrition to Bangladeshi population.
DETERMINATION OF THE CHROMIUM CONTENT IN SOME SELECTED VEGETABLES IN SOUTH‐WEST ZONE, NIGERIA
Authors: Temitope Odufuwa kuburat , Bamidele Salau A 
Published: June 2021

Chromium is necessary for insulin function and aids nutrient uptake by cells, regulation of blood sugar, moderation of serum cholesterol levels, contribution to leans muscles mass, enhancement of protein synthesis and boosting of immune system amongst many others.Vegetables constitute the cheapest source of essential trace element for the majority of people living in developing countries. The main objective of this work is to determine the chromium content in twelve selected common vegetables in Southwestern NigeriaChromium concentration was determined in the fresh vegetables and the vegetable extracts. Result indicated that in the fresh samples, the level of chromium range from 2.3750×10−4 ± 3.0923×10−5 mg/L to 5.8×10−4 ± 4.6904×10−5 mg/L while the chromium content in vegetable extracts range from 1.2868×10−5 ± 9.704×10−6 mg/L to 3.650×10−5 ± 1.2868×10−6mg/L respectively. A notable difference was observed in the concentration of chromium, as the fresh samples were significantly higher in chromium content when compared with the extract (juice) vegetable samples. The level of chromium was highest in Vernonia amygdalina juice extracts while Curdoscololus aconilofolius fresh samples contained the highest level of chromium among the fresh samples. The recommended dietary daily allowance of chromium according to the United Nation is 50–200ug which shows that the vegetables studied are all good sources. Eating these vegetables will therefore be beneficial most especially to those with insulin resistance, stroke, cardiovascular and cancer disease.
Pleiotrophin loaded halloysite nanoparticles as chemoattractants for osteoblasts
Authors: Banda Nikhileshwar , Mills David 
Published: June 2021

Tissue engineering is being seen as the ultimate solution to replace tissues which are seriously damaged. Damaged bones in certain disorders may take prolonged time to heal by body's natural mechanisms. The osteoblasts regenerate the bone by producing the osteoid matrix and mineralizing it. The bone healing process can be accelerated if more osteoblasts are employed at the site of bone damage. This study's principal intention is to determine whether the halloysite clay nanotubes would attract osteoblasts when loaded with growth factors as chemotactic clues. The halloysite clay nanoparticles vacuum‐loaded with the growth factor pleiotrophin and osteoblasts are to be dispersed in the collagen hydrogel. The osteoblasts in the hydrogel construct will be periodically assessed for cell proliferation and mineralization by conducting assays during the cell culture. If the hypothesis is correct, the proximity between halloysites and osteoblasts should increase due to the latter's movement. Also the osteoblast cell proliferation should occur in the direction of the halloysite and the resulting cells should grow and differentiate close to the halloysite nanoparticles’ surface.Funding provided by the State of Louisiana Governor's Biotechnology Initiative.
Acute consumption of 100% pure orange juice reduces hunger in healthy adults.
Authors: Saunders Caroline Jane , Harkness Laura , Spencer Jeremy , Sargent Laura 
Published: June 2021

OverviewData from the National Health and Nutrition Examination study, 2003–2006, suggests that consumption of 100% pure orange juice is associated with a decreased risk of obesity which may in part be explained by research that suggests that oranges have a strong satiating effect. The objective of this study was to understand the effects of 100% pure orange juice on self reported ratings of hunger and fullness.MethodsIn this randomised cross over design study, 24 normal weight adult subjects (M=17,F=7) fasted for 12 hours and then consumed a standardized breakfast of toast and water followed by an 8 floz portion of either a water control or 100% pure orange juice. Self reported ratings of hunger and fullness (4 questions), measured by Visual Analogue Scales, were collected at baseline and every 15 minutes up to 2 hours.ResultsArea under the curve (AUC) analysis (figure 1) revealed that, compared to the control, consumption of 100% orange juice resulted in a significant decrease in all 4 ratings of hunger and fullness (p<0.01).ConclusionCompared to a water control 100% pure orange juice has the ability to reduce hunger ratings and increase fullness ratings. These observations may, in part, explain the decreased risk of obesity evident in consumers of this beverage, however consideration also needs to be given to the additional calories consumed from the orange juice. Further investigations would be required to determine the role of 100% pure orange juice in weight management.
Alcohol consumption and breast cancer risk by family history of breast cancer and folate intake: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Kim Hyun Ja , Jung Seungyoun , Chen Wendy , Willett Walter C. , Cho Eunyoung 
Published: June 2021

ObjectivesTo evaluate the association between alcohol consumption and breast cancer risk by family history of breast cancer and folate intake.MethodsWe followed 90,433 premenopausal women aged 26 to 46 years in the Nurses’ Health Study II who provided alcohol intake data at baseline of 1991. Cumulative alcohol and folate intake was measured by a food frequency questionnaire, which was repeated every 4 years.ResultsDuring 18 years of follow‐up, we documented 2,420 incident cases of invasive breast cancer. Alcohol consumption was not significantly associated with breast cancer risk overall. However, when the association was stratified by family history of breast cancer, alcohol consumption was associated with risk of breast cancer among those with a family history of breast cancer in a 1st degree relative. Compared with non‐drinkers, the multivariate relative risks (RR) of breast cancer for alcohol consumption of ≥ 10g/day was 1.54 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09–2.16) among those with family history and 1.01 (95% CI, 0.86–1.18) among those without family history. Among those with positive family history, the positive association was largely limited to those with low folate intake (<400mcg/d) (RR, 2.02; 95% CI, 1.13–3.60 for alcohol consumption ≥ 10g/day vs. non‐drinkers).ConclusionsIn this population of largely premenopausal women, alcohol consumption was associated with an increased breast cancer risk among those with family history of breast cancer, especially when folate intake was low.
The relationship between fruits consumption and body composition in postmenopausal women
Authors: JafariNasabian Pegah , Akhavan Neda Sara , Carter Ashley Noel , Chai Sheau Ching , Hooshmand Shirin , Arjmandi Bahram 
Published: June 2021

After the onset of menopause, women experience excess body weight gain due to adiposity. The present study evaluated the relationship between fruit consumption, total body weight, and lean mass in postmenopausal women. One hundred and sixty postmenopausal (≤ 10 years) women participated in this study. Participants were randomized into two groups: dried apple or dried plum in a parallel control study. Women consumed either 75 grams of dried apple or the equivalent amount of dried plum for one year. The results of this study are presented below.
Relative changes in body weight and lean mass

Measures
Dried Apple
Dried Plum

Change in Body Weight(kg)
*−1.5
−0.5

Change in Lean Mass(kg)
*+0.457
+0.244

The relative changes are statistically significant (P<0.05) in comparison with corresponding baseline values.
Although consumption of both fruits reduced mean body weights, these decreases reached significance only in those who consumed dried apple. The mean value of relative changes of lean mass in the dried apple group was significantly higher compared to its corresponding baseline value (1.20%). Women in the dried plum group also gained 0.65% lean mass, albeit not significantly. Overall, the findings of this study suggest that postmenopausal women can benefit from consuming either of the fruits as these fruits are associated with improved cardiovascular health and bone health.United States Department of AgricultureCalifornia Dried Plum Board
The independent and additive effects of yogurt and its probiotics on serum lipid profile: a meta‐analysis and randomised controlled trial
Authors: Lee Ivey Kerry , Hodgson Jonathan Marcus , Lewis Joshua Richard , Kerr Deborah , Thompson Peter L , Prince Richard Lewis 
Published: June 2021

Dyslipidaemia leads to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Probiotic yogurt contains both probiotic bacteria and biologically active agents produced during bacterial fermentation of milk. However the effects of products of bacterial fermentation compared to isolated probiotic bacteria on metabolism remain uncertain.Preliminary data from our Cochrane Collaboration approved meta‐analysis of clinical trials have demonstrated that probiotic yogurt and probiotics can reduce total cholesterol by 0.12 mmol/L (P=0.009).Consequently, we undertook a randomized, double‐blinded, parallel, factorial, placebo‐controlled trial of the independent and additive effects of a daily dose of >; 3 × 109 of L. acidophilus La5 and B. lactis Bb12 as capsules or as fermented milk. 155 men and women over 55 y with features of metabolic syndrome were randomized to one of four 6 week intervention groups receiving both a dairy product (either yogurt or the placebo milk), and capsules (either probiotic or placebo). Change in serum lipid profile was assessed. The clinical trial is nearing completion, following which the randomization codes will be accessed and results of the clinical trial will be prepared for presentation at the 2013 ASN. By using identical strain and dose of probiotic bacteria, the results of our RCT will directly compare the effect mode of probiotic administration has on lipid outcomes.
Immunolocalization of Interleukin‐17 and Interleukin‐23 within human aortic aneurysms
Authors: Ippoliti Flora , Ricci Serafino , Azzara Gabriella , Di Gioia Cira , Di Cristofano Claudio , Massoni Francesco , Onofri Emanuela , Cassese Mauro , Businaro Rita 
Published: June 2021

STUDY OBJECTIVEMuch recent experimental evidence suggests that inflammatory reactions are involved in aneurysm formation and progression. Vessel wall weakening has been attributed to the infiltration of a variety of cells, which leads to the upregulation of multiple cytokines. A growing interest is currently focused in the definition of cytokines associated with the final stage of the disease that precedes the rupture.MATERIALS AND METHODSIn the present study full aortic segments were collected from patients with thoracic aortic aneurysms, according to the declaration of Helsinki. Control aorta tissue from organ donors was included as reference. Microtome sections of paraffin embedded samples were analyzed for the presence of IL‐17 and IL‐23 positivity. Aortic sections were also stained with hematoxylin and eosin and Verhoeff‐Van Gieson for elastin.RESULTSImmunohistochemistry detected IL‐17 and IL‐23 positive cells at the level of adventitia and muscle cell layer.CONCLUSIONOur data reinforce previous results showing that IL‐17 plays a central role in the promotion of vascular inflammation. The identification of main cytokines released during inflammatory processes underlying aneurysm formation and progression may lead to the set up of pharmaceutic strategies that may prove effective for the stabilization of aortic aneurysms.
New tools of regenerative medicine to promote wound healing
Authors: Ippoliti Flora , Canitano Nicoletta , Azzara Gabriella , Cannizzaro Cristina , Corsi Mariangela , Capoano Raffaele , Salvati Bruno , Businaro Rita 
Published: June 2021

STUDY OBJECTIVEThe rationale of our study was to test the potential of the autologous elements of peripheral white blood cells and platelets to promote neoangiogenesis, thereby overcoming hypoxemia, the major obstacle to the regeneration of the tissue.MATERIALS AND METHODSAn highly innovative technique, based on an autologous leuco‐platelet preparation, applied by direct infiltration to the ulcer was employed to treat 65 patients with ulcers of different etiologies. Hyaluronic acid was used as a scaffold, supplemented with autologous cells. Patients were followed up until complete healing of the lesions. Morphometric analysis was perfomed on histologic sections to determine the presence of neoangiogenesis.RESULTSThe wound healing was obtained in all cases after 2 until 22 months with this treatment (median time is 11.4 months). More than half of the patients recovered completely within the first 12 months. Morphometric analysis on histologic sections determined the presence of an abundant neovasculature in the close proximity of the infiltrations of leuco‐platelet concentrate.CONCLUSIONSOur data show that autologous leucoplatelet preparation layered onto ischemic ulcers may improve neoangiogenesis leading to wound healing. These findings suggest that this cell‐based therapy may be a useful tool for the treatment for intractable skin ulcers resulting from diabetes, ischemia and collagen diseases
Echocardiographic evaluation of Hif‐1α knock‐out mice in the early stage of diabetic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Papousek Frantisek , Bohuslavova Romana , Kolar Frantisek , Sedmera David , Skvorova Lada , Neckar Jan , Pavlinkova Gabriela 
Published: June 2021

This study examined the role of hypoxia inducible factor 1α (HIF‐1α) in cardiac responses to diabetes. Functional, geometrical and morphological changes of left heart ventricle were evaluated after 5 weeks of streptozotocine‐induced diabetes using wild type and heterozygous Hif1a knock‐out (Hif1a+/−) male and female mice. Transthoracic echocardiography followed by the measurement of systemic blood pressure was performed under isoflurane (2%) anesthesia. Hearts were dissected and left ventricles were processed for subsequent RT‐qPCR and morphological analyses. Echocardiography did not reveal any difference between both genotypes in non‐diabetic mice, while diabetes resulted in a significant decrease of fractional shortening (by 11%) in Hif1a+/− mice of both sexes. The morphological analysis did not show any significant difference among the groups. However, the combination of diabetes and HIF‐1α insufficiency affected the gene expression profile of the heart including reduced vascular endothelial growth factor A expression. These results suggest that HIF‐1α deregulation during early stage of diabetes contributes to the development of cardiomyopathy.Supported by grants PIRG02‐GA‐2007–224760, GACR 301/09/0117 and AV0Z50520701.
NRF‐1 and its target genes are increased by exercise: Potential role of NRF‐1 in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Mukwevho Emmanuel 
Published: June 2021

Nuclear respiratory factor (NRF)‐1 is a mitochondrial transcriptional factor whose function of late shown to be involved in glucose transport (Ramachandran et al., 2008, Baar et al., 2003) and set it as a potential therapeutic modality in the treatment and management of type 2 diabetes. In this study we sought to access NRF‐1 and its target genes expression during exercise which are crucial in glucose transport and lipid oxidation.Five to six weeks old male Wistar rats were exercised to identify the time points for optimum increase in the levels of NRF‐1 and its target genes. Gastrocnemius muscle was harvested after 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 15 hours (h) post exercise and non‐exercise rats (control). Primers were used to amplify the region of following genes: Nrf‐1, Glut 4, Carnitine palmitoyltransferase (Cpt‐1& Cpt‐2), Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma co‐activator 1 (Pgc‐1), Mef2a, Acetyl‐CoA Carboxylase‐1 (Acc‐1). Relative mRNA expression was normalized to actin reference gene.Cpt‐1, Nrf‐1, Mef2a, Glut4, Cpt2 and Pgc‐1 showed 2.5, 8, 1.2, 4.1, 4.6, 3.5 fold increases respectively after 8h post exercise compared to control whereas Acc‐1 showed 3.1 fold decrease in gene expression ratio after 6 h post exercise compared to control. NRF‐1 binding to cpt‐1 and mef‐2 increased 3 and 3.5 fold respectively 6h post exercise compared to controls.These results show that NRF‐1 was increased by exercise and also its binding to target genes which has huge implication in emeliorating type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance.