bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Concentration of milk free fatty acids is increased during lactational mastitis
Authors: Hunt Katherine Mary , Williams Janet E , Hunt Martha K , Ting Robert , Behre Rebecca , McGuire Michelle K , Shafii Bahman , McGuire Mark A 
Published: June 2021

Free fatty acids (FFA) are minor constituents of human milk lipids, but may have important antibacterial properties. The objective of this study was to investigate whether lactational mastitis alters the total lipid (TL), FFA, and phospholipid (PL) contents of human milk. Participants (n = 13) were women with diagnosed mastitis referred to us by physicians and lactation consultants. Complete breast expressions were collected from infected and non‐infected breasts, with the healthy milk of each sample pair serving as the control. TL was extracted from each sample and fractionated using solid phase extraction. TL, FFA, and PL were then converted into methyl esters and analyzed by gas chromatography. Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon Signed‐Rank Test. There was no difference in the fatty acid profiles or overall amounts of TL and PL. However, percent FFA was greater (P = 0.0007) in infected milk compared with the non‐infected milk (1.33 ± 0.195 vs 1.07 ± 0.122%, respectively). This was accompanied by minor changes in the fatty acid profile of the FFA fraction with a decrease (P < 0.05) in lauric acid (12:0) and an increase in α‐linolenic acid (18:3ω3) in infected milk. This increase in FFA and the lack of change in TL indicate the potential role of increased lipolysis during mastitis as either a promoter of or response to inflammation. Supported by NIH‐NRRI grant P20 RR15587.Grant Funding Source: NIH‐NRRI grant P20 RR15587
The effects of acculturation on the health status of Haitian‐American mothers
Authors: Filemon Johane Morose , Chakraborty Priyanka , Anderson Alex Kojo 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveTo examine the effects of acculturation on the health status of Haitian‐American mother living in the United StatesMethodThis was a cross‐sectional study of 81 women of Haitian origin residing in Georgia and Florida. Information on various acculturation variables and health outcomes were obtained by trained bilingual/bicultural interviewers.ResultAverage age of the participants was 46.8±10.6 yrs with 98.8% identifying themselves as 1st generation American. Average number of yrs lived in the United States (US) was 15.3 yrs. Participants self identified themselves as Black (12.3%), Haitian‐American (13.6%) or Haitian (74.1%). The majority (64.0%) of the Haitian‐Americans were obese as compared to Blacks (30.0%) and Haitians (50.8%). While hypertension (high blood pressure) prevalence was similar in all the 3 groups, a higher proportion of Black (60.0%) and Haitian‐American (54.5%) participants were diabetic (higher blood glucose) as compared to Haitians (35.0%). Analysis with respect to number of yrs lived in the US showed that obesity and diabetes were equally prevalent amongst all the participants. On the contrary, hypertension was more prevalent (66.7%) among those who have lived in the US for < 5yrs.ConclusionThese findings suggest that while acculturation may increase the risk of obesity and diabetes, it has a protective effect against hypertension among Haitian women living in the US.Funding: Dept of Foods & Nutr, UGA
Food insecurity in female Vietnamese marriage immigrants in South Korea
Authors: Choi Ha Ney , Lee Yo A , Hwang Ji‐Yun , Chung Hey Won , Kim Wha Young , Chang Namsoo 
Published: June 2021

Previous studies have reported that the nutritional status of Vietnamese female marriage immigrants in Korea is inadequate; however no study has been conducted on food insecurity or insufficiency among them. This study presents food insecurity data from 322 Vietnamese female immigrants recruited from 8 local health centers between May and August in 2009 as part of a larger study of the Cohort of Intermarried Women in Korea. Four food insecurity questions of economic reasons and lack of adjustment to unfamiliar Korean foods were asked by face to face interviews. About 34.5% of subjects cut the size of meals or ate less than they felt and 40.7% of them ever skipped meals, because there was not enough money for food in the last one year. About 30.1% of subjects felt hungry and 46.3% of them had ever skipped meals (especially 10.6% of subjects skipped meals almost every month), because there was no food that they wanted to eat or no food for their appetite at home in the last one year. Both economic and adjustment difficulties may make these females food‐insecure. Our results point to the need for program outreach for low income, immigrant Vietnamese females in Korea.This work was supported by the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Brain Korea 21 project.
Human intestinal ischemia/reperfusion‐induced inflammation characterized: experiences from a new translational model
Authors: Lenaerts Kaatje , Grootjans Joep , Derikx Joep PM , Matthijsen Robert A , de Bruïne Adriaan P , van Bijnen Annemarie A , van Dam Ronald M , Dejong Cornelis HC , Buurman Wim A 
Published: June 2021

A new unique in vivo human model was used to investigate the inflammatory response following intestinal ischemia/reperfusion (I‐IR).In this model, an isolated part of jejunum, to be removed during a standard surgical procedure, was exposed to 45 minutes of ischemia, followed by 30 and 120 minutes of reperfusion. At all time points tissue and blood was collected.Histology revealed intestinal barrier integrity loss after ischemia, which further aggravated during reperfusion. This was reflected by massive leakage of intestinal fatty acid binding protein and soluble cytokeratin 18 (p<0.01) from damaged enterocytes, accompanied by increased arteriovenous concentration differences of endotoxin (p<0.05). Western blot for C3c and immunohistochemistry for activated C3 revealed complement activation after IR. During reperfusion, enhanced tissue mRNA expression of interleukin (IL)‐6 and IL‐8 (p<0.05) was accompanied by increased IL‐6 and IL‐8 release into the circulation (p<0.01). Furthermore, expression of intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 was markedly increased, facilitating the observed influx of neutrophils into damaged villus tips.This study shows for the first time the sequelae of human I‐IR‐induced inflammation, which is characterized by complement activation, production and release of cytokines into the circulation, endothelial activation, and neutrophil influx into IR‐damaged tissue.
Expression profiling of intestinal ischemia/reperfusion: first human in vivo findings
Authors: Lenaerts Kaatje , Grootjans Joep , Derikx Joep PM , van Dam Ronald M , Dejong Cornelis HC , Buurman Wim A 
Published: June 2021

To better understand the molecular mechanisms associated with intestinal ischemia/reperfusion (IR) in man, gene expression profiles were studied in a unique in vivo human experimental model.In this model, an isolated part of jejunum, to be removed during a standard surgical procedure, was subjected to 30 or 45 minutes of ischemia, followed by 30 and 120 minutes of reperfusion. Jejunal tissue exposed to IR as well as control tissue was collected. Total RNA was prepared and whole‐genome expression was assessed using Illumina HT‐12 expression beadchips containing 48,803 probes. GeneSpring X10 was used to identify differences in gene expression.Expression of 661 genes was significantly changed (p<0.05) during intestinal IR with a fold change of at least 1.5. The most highly upregulated genes code for heat shock proteins and members of the Fos and Jun families. Accordingly, overrepresented gene ontology categories (p<0.05) in the list of genes include stress response and regulation of cell proliferation. Furthermore, mapping changed genes within a pathway database showed that the EGFR1, TGFBR and TNFalpha/NF‐kB pathways are significantly affected in response to IR.This is the first study that examines global gene expression changes in the human intestine in response to IR. Identification of these transcriptional changes provides new targets to reduce intestinal IR‐associated morbidity and mortality.
Stathmin expression in breast cancer patients treated with anti‐tubulin drugs
Authors: Lu Ting‐Wei , Beedupalli Kavitha , Johnson Wendy , Luduena Richard , Yeh I‐Tien 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveStathmin is a protein that inhibits microtubule assembly and is over expressed in highly aggressive and tubulin‐drug resistant breast cancers. This study examines stathmin expression in breast cancers from patients treated with anti‐tubulin chemotherapy.MethodsWe reviewed breast cancers from 44 women enrolled in a randomized trial of neoadjuvant doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide +/− docetaxel, including 39 with invasive ductal carcinoma and 5 with invasive lobular carcinoma. Microarray blocks were constructed from pre‐ and post‐treatment tissues and assayed for stathmin by IHC. Analyses of the stained slides were performed using Aperio Scanscope CS/GL® and TMALab® software. Tissues were evaluated for % staining of strong positive cells, with 4% used as a cut‐off value for high vs. low expression.ResultsThe percentage of strong positive staining of stathmin in invasive ductal carcinomas ranged from 0.5% to 62% with mean 14.4%. Invasive lobular carcinomas had significantly less strong positive stathmin staining, from 0.07% to 3.3% (p = 0.00016, Student's t‐test, two‐tailed). Comparison of the recurrences in high vs. low stathmin was 47% to 21%. There was no correlation with survival or response to chemotherapy.ConclusionInvasive lobular carcinomas had lower intensity stathmin expression than ductal carcinomas. Stathmin expression tended to be higher in tumors that recurred.
Age‐Associated Decline in Erectile Function: The Confounding Influence of Obesity
Authors: Maio Maria Tina , Komolova Marina , Smallegange Corry , Adams Michael A 
Published: June 2021

Although there is a well‐established link between aging and erectile dysfunction (ED), the differential contribution of obesity, specifically visceral adipose tissue (VAT), as a causal factor in ED at a given age has not been determined. Caloric restriction (CR) can prolong lifespan and is a powerful tool that we use in our research to delineate the effects of aging on erectile function distinct from obesity.Methods3 groups of male Sprague‐Dawley rats (10–30 wks) were used: (10 and 20% CR), and ad libitum (control) Body weigh (Bwt), length, and abdominal girth (AG) were taken throughout. Full body MRI, was performed at 4 time points. The apomorphine bioassay (80 ug/kg, s.c.) was used to assess erectile function at 30wks of age in Study 1, whereas cavernous nerve stimulation was used in Study 2. Total VAT fat pads were weighed upon sacrifice.ResultsFinal Bwt.'s (30wks) were Study 1/2: 659/660g (control), CR10% 537g, and CR20% 410/400g. VAT (% Bwt.) was Study 1/2: 6.2/7.5%(control), CR10% 5.8%, CR20% 3.8/2.2%. Erectile responses were 0.6±0.7 in controls, 0.9±1.1 in CR10% and 1.8±1.0 in CR20%. The CR‐induced reduction in VAT was well correlated with centrally mediated erectile responses (R2=0.7).ConclusionsThe age related decline in erectile responses was prevented via CR20%. There was a positive correlation between a reduction in VAT and improvements in sexual function. (Funds: HSFO, MK:CIHR‐DRA)
C‐peptide restores mitochondrial complex 1 activity and lowers superoxide levels in high glucose‐treated murine renal microvascular endothelial cells
Authors: Vejandla Himani L. , Dabkowski Erinne R. , Hollander John M. , Brock Robert W. 
Published: June 2021

C‐peptide has been shown to protect against renal dysfunction and other diabetic microvascular complications. High glucose‐mediated microvascular damage, in endothelial cells, is based on excess generation of mitochondrial superoxide. The mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) and the amplitude of electrochemical proton gradient regulate superoxide production. The main objective of this study was to determine the effect of C‐peptide on overall mitochondrial function as well as the levels of superoxide in renal microvascular endothelial cells exposed to high glucose (HG ‐ 25 mM) for 24 and 48 h. Using JC‐1 to assess Δψm, we observed that C‐peptide (6.6 nM) restored the HG‐induced hyperpolarization at 24 h, and depolarization at 48 h, back to the normal Δψm levels measured with low glucose (5.5 mM). Respiratory control ratio, a measure of electrochemical coupling determined by polarography, was significantly higher in HG cells treated with C‐peptide compared to HG alone (24 h: p<0.0002 and 48 h: p<0.0155). C‐peptide also prevented HG‐mediated superoxide (p<0.05), as measured by mitosox red fluorescence using flow cytometry. In addition, C‐peptide ameliorated HG‐induced reductions in mitochondrial complex 1 activity. Together, these data demonstrate that C‐peptide protects against endothelial mitochondrial dysfunction during hyperglycemia.Funded, in part, by NIH Grant RO1 DK067582.
MicroRNA Regulation of Hsp70.3 Protein Expression in Late Ischemic Preconditioning
Authors: Helsley Robert Nathaniel , Tranter Michael , Paulding Waltke , Ren Xiaoping , McGuinness Myc , Jones Keith 
Published: June 2021

IntroductionWe showed that the Hsp70.3 isoform is induced by NF‐κB after late ischemic preconditioning (IPC) and contributes to cardioprotection. However, the nearly identical Hsp70.1 isoform does not contribute to IPC induced cardioprotection. We propose that the functional differences between the twoHSP70s are due to post‐transcriptional regulation involving the 3' UTRs, which are divergent.ResultsThough NF‐κB inhibition completely reduces protein expression, it only partially reduces Hsp70.3 mRNA levels, showing that Hsp70.3 is regulated by both pre‐ and post‐transcriptional mechanisms after IPC. We hypothesized that an IPC stimulus reduces expression of Hsp70.3‐suppressing miRNA(s) allowing for post‐transcriptional stabilization of Hsp70.3 mRNA and increased Hsp70.3 protein levels. We assessed in vivo levels of 356 miRNAs in a mouse model of IPC, to identify miRNAs that are; 1) downregulated after IPC, and 2) predicted to target Hsp70.3. We identified miR‐378* as the only miRNA of those surveyed to meet these criteria and demonstrated functional inhibition of Hsp70.3 by miR‐378*.DiscussionThis work demonstrates post‐transcriptional (via miRNA) regulation of Hsp70.3. It appears that coordinated transcriptional upregulation (promoter) as well as suppression of targeting miRNAs are involved in increasing Hsp70.3 protein expression after IPC. This work was supported by the American Society of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (ASPET) with funds generously provided by ASPET and the University of Cincinnati.
Early Pattering in the Zebrafish Inner Ear
Authors: Riley Bruce B , Padanad Mahesh 
Published: June 2021

It is well established that Fgf signaling is essential for otic placode induction, but downstream mechanisms are still poorly characterized. In zebrafish, pax8 expression marks an early response to Fgf signaling. We show that pax8 mediates two key functions. First, it is necessary and sufficient to activate expression of fgf24 in newly specified otic cells. This appears to expand the otic field through ongoing recruitment. Second, pax8 cell‐autonomously represses foxi1, one of the co‐factors initially required to activate pax8. In addition to activation pax8, foxi1 plus Fgf also activate sox3, though in broader domain including both otic and epibranchial placodes. We find that failure to down‐regulate Foxi1 in prospective otic cells causes them to transfate to epibranchial fate. Thus, pax8 simultaneously maintains otic fate by blocking epibranchial fate and expands the otic territory by augmenting Fgf signaling.Supported by NIH‐NIDCD R01‐DC03806.
Oxygen Uptake Efficiency Plateau during Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing Is Best Predictor of Early Death in Heart Failure Patients
Authors: Sun Xingguo , Hansen James E 
Published: June 2021

Our goal was to identify better predictors of early death in patients with chronic left ventricular heart failure (CHF). Potential predictors, derived from cardiopulmonary exercise tests (CPX), were compared with other commonly used cardiovascular measurements. The prediction of early death in CHF patients remains challenging.METHODS & RESULTS508 patients with CHF due to systolic dysfunction had resting cardiovascular measurements, six‐minute walking tests and CPX. The peak O2 uptake (VO2), peak O2 pulse, anaerobic threshold (AT), ratio of ventilation to CO2 output (VE/VCO2), VE‐vs‐VCO2 slope, and oxygen uptake efficiency plateau (OUEP, i.e. Highest VO2/VE) were ascertained. Outcomes were six‐month mortality (all cause death). During six‐month follow‐up, 19 patients died and 489 patients survived. The single best predictor of early mortality was the decreased OUEP (<65%pred)(OR=12.8). The lowest VE/VCO2, VE‐vs‐VCO2 slope, peak VO2, AT and peak O2 pulse alone were strong predictors, their best OR values were 9.4, 7.6, 6.0, 5.1 and 4.3 respectively (p<0.001). No non‐exercise measurements (i.e. NYHA, QRS duration, ejection fraction, blood pressure, cardiac output and stroke volume) discriminated mortality.CONCLUSIONSCPX parameters are powerful prognosticators of early mortality in CHF patients, especially the reduced OUEP.
Orthostatic Tolerance and Breast High Compression Garments
Authors: Evans Joyce M , Schneider Rebecca S , Platts Steven H , Brown Angela K , Stenger Michael B , Knapp Charles F 
Published: June 2021

Orthostatic intolerance (OI) is observed in ~25% of astronauts after spaceflight. Although astronauts wear an antigravity suit (AGS) during re‐entry, OI is still a concern after this suit is removed. NASA recently determined that thigh high compression stockings were effective against OI, but to a lesser degree than the AGS. We evaluated stockings with added abdominal compression as a countermeasure to post‐spaceflight OI.METHODSTen healthy volunteers (6M, 4F) participated in three 80° head‐up tilts on separate days: (1) normovolemic, (2) hypovolemic with breast‐high compression stockings (BCS), or (3) hypovolemic without BCS. To simulate plasma volume (PV) changes seen in space flight, hypovolemia was induced by IV infusion of furosemide (0.5 mg/kg) and 48 hr of a low‐salt diet. Hypovolemic testing occurred 24 and 48 h after furosemide. One‐way repeated measures ANOVA was used to test for differences in blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) responses to head‐up tilt. Time to presyncope was compared with Kaplan‐Meyer survival analysis.RESULTSHypovolemia reduced PV by 8%. BCS significantly prevented tilt‐induced presyncope (p=0.015), excessive decreases in BP (p<0.04) and increases in HR (p=0.02) in hypovolemic test subjects.CONCLUSIONBCS is an effective countermeasure to OI in this hypovolemic model of space flight. These stockings are readily available, inexpensive, and can be worn for days after spaceflight as astronauts readapt to Earth gravity. Supported by KY NASA EPSCoR.
Weightbearing In Simulated 1/6th and 1/3rd Gravity Does Not Prevent Cancellous Bone Loss
Authors: Macias Brandon Richard , Swift J M , Lima F , Greene E S , Allen M R , Bloomfield S A 
Published: June 2021

The effect of partial gravity (G) (as on the Lunar surface) on weight bearing bone remains undefined; a new model (the partial G mouse) provides for graded reductions in weight bearing. We hypothesized that mice exposed to 1/6th G and 1/3rd G will experience significant reductions in cancellous bone mass and altered microarchitecture as compared to ambulatory control animals but that the magnitude of these changes would be less than in 0 G mice.MethodsForty‐three female BALB/cByJ mice were randomly assigned to cage control (1G), “zero‐gravity” hindlimb unloaded (0G), 1/6th gravity (G/6), or 1/3rd gravity (G/3) groups for a 21‐day suspension protocol. In vivo peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) scans were conducted at the proximal tibia metaphysis on days 0 and 21 to measure volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD). Ex vivo micro‐CT scans were conducted at the distal femur to quantify bone volume (BV/TV), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), and trabecular number (Tb.N).ResultsBody mass decreased significantly (7.6%) in 0G mice and non‐significantly in the G/3 or G/6 groups (−3.9%). In vivo total vBMD at the proximal tibia decreased significantly in the 0G (20%), G/6 (14%), and G/3 (14%) groups compared to 1G mice (−3%). Relative to the 1G group, distal femur BV/TV, Tb.Th, and Tb.N in the 0G, G/6 and G/3 groups were lower (24%, 12%, 14%, respectively). Mineral density gray scale of distal femur cancellous bone was significantly lower only in 0G (−2.6%) vs. 1G mice.ConclusionThese data suggest that partial weight bearing (as high as 1/3rd G) does not provide enough mechanical loading to prevent the significant deterioration of cancellous bone observed in the 0G non‐weight bearing condition. Funded by NSBRI via NASA Cooperative Agreement NCC 9‐58.
An Anatomic Study of Coronoid Cartilage Thickness with Special Reference to Fractures
Authors: Rafehi Samah , King Graham , Athwal George 
Published: June 2021

Current classification systems of coronoid fractures are based on plain radiographic and/or CT measurements where cartilage is radiolucent and therefore not taken into account. Hence, during surgery, coronoid fracture fragments are much larger than anticipated for when viewed on CT. The main goal of this research is to determine the ulnar coronoid cartilage thickness in order to aid surgeons and clinicians in the proper classification and operation of coronoid bone fractures. Thirty ulnas have been dissected from embalmed cadaveric upper extremities and placed into a 30% diluted hypaque cartilage contrasting agent prior to CT. Using OsiriX (3.6–64 bit), 3‐D models for each ulna were constructed. Using the OsiriX point tool, 12 identifiable landmarks were placed onto the ulnar coronoid process, and then translated onto 2D orientation slices. This serves the purpose of measuring cartilage thickness from coronal, sagittal, and axial coronoid CT slices. Knowing the cartilage thickness will not only allow for proper classification of ulnar coronoid fractures by surgeons/clinicians, but will also allow for the accurate engineering of coronoid head prostheses in cases of irreparable coronoid process fractures. Moreover, discrepancies between biomechanical/anatomical studies and clinical outcome studies could then be resolved.Grant Funding Source: Internal
The effect of astragalus polysaccharide on the expression of VEGF in Müller cell cultured in high level of glucose
Authors: Ke Min , Dai Bo , Wang Lin 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveTo investigate the molecular mechanism of diabetes mellitus retinal injury and the protective role of astragalus polysaccharide ( APS ) on it.MethodsSeparated the retinal tissue from 5 days Wistar rat using trypsinase digest methods and cultured in 1640 with 20% FBS, at 37°C in humidified air with 5% CO2. The cells were identified by glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP) using immuocytochemistry methods. The second generation, GFAP positive Müller cells were divided into 4 groups: 1) control group: cultured in the normal culture medium; 2) APS group: cultured in the normal culture medium with 400ug/ml APS; 3) high glucose group: cultured in the normal culture medium with 20mmol/L glucose; 4) high glucose APS group: cultured in the normal culture medium with 400ug/ml APS and 20mmol/L glucose. Three days later, the expression of vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF) in Müller cells were detected by immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) methods respectively.ResultsThe expression of VEGF in Müller cells of high glucose APS group was significantly decreased comparing with that of high glucose group. There is no significantly difference between other groups.ConclusionAPS may prevent and treat diabetic retinopathy by reduced the expression of VEGF in Müller cells.