bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of continuous positive airway pressure on time to fatigue and hemodynamics during sustained heavy exercise in healthy subjects
Authors: da Silva Soares Pedro Paulo , Gonçalves Thiago Rodrigues , Barros Rogério Barbosa , de Tarso Veras Farinatti Paulo 
Published: June 2021

The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on time to exhaustion (TLIM), rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and cardiovascular hemodynamics. Healthy male subjects (n= 10, 24±3 years old and VO2max= 41.09 ± 7.37 mL.kg−1.min−1) performed sustained heavy cycling exercise (80%VO2max) with CPAP (20cmH2O of inspiratory and 0cmH2O of expiratory pressures) and without CPAP (NO‐CPAP). There were two days for protocol adaptation (M1 and M2) and two experimental exercise sessions (M3 and M4) executed in NO‐CPAP and CPAP modes, in random order. Exercise days M3 and M4 were used for calculations. Heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and cardiac output (CO) were obtained by infrared photopletysmograph. The RPE was determined (Borg, 0–10) for dyspnea (B.dys) and for locomotor muscles (B.loc). With CPAP, TLIM increased (555±67 to 639±127 sec, p<0.05) and B.Dys (8±3 to 6±2, p<0.05) and B.Loc (9±2 to 8±2, p<0.05) were reduced as compared to NO‐CPAP. No differences were found for HR (174±13 and 176± 12 bpm, p> 0.05), SBP (210± 32 and 211±21 mmHg, p> 0.05) and CO (16±5 and 15±5 L.min−1, p> 0.05) for NO‐CPAP and CPAP situations, respectively. CPAP during heavy exercise increased TLIM without presenting hemodynamic changes in healthy subjects.Financial support: CNPq 481434/2008‐9 and FAPERJ E‐26/111.345/2011
Impaired cavernosal relaxation in Angiotensin‐ II infused mice is improved by deletion of Toll like receptor 4 (TLR4)
Authors: Nunes Kenia Pedrosa , Bonfim Gisele F , Carvalho Maria H , Webb R. Clinton 
Published: June 2021

TLRs are important contributors of the innate immune system. TLR‐mediated signaling is involved in inflammatory responses and TLR4 has been associated with cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Erectile dysfunction (ED) is an early marker for CVD. Upregulation of angiotensin II (Ang‐II) is linked with CDV and ED. Ang II is found in human corpus cavernosum (CC) and abnormal levels induce vasoconstriction and endothelial dysfunction. We hypothesize that deletion of TLR4 contributes to improve mice cavernosal relaxation impaired due to Ang‐II infusion. TLR4 knockout (KO) mice and wild type (WT) were infused with Ang II (42 ng/min) for 2 weeks. Functional responses of cavernosal tissue were performed. Cavernosal strips from Ang II WT mice exhibited increased contraction to phenylephrine (PE, 10−8 to 10−4M) and electrical field stimulation (EFS, 1–32 Hz) compared to WT control (CTL), which is attenuated around 25 ± 4.5 % in Ang II TLR4 KO compared to Ang II WT mice. Impaired endothelium‐dependent relaxation to acetylcholine (Ach, 10−9 to 10−5M) in CC from Ang II was improved almost 20 ± 3.7% compared to Ang II TLR KO mice. Furthermore, TLR4 deletion enhanced nitrergic‐induced relaxation in penile tissue from Ang‐II infused mice. In conclusion, these results suggest that TLR4 contributes to impaired penile relaxation and contraction in response to pathological stimulation such as upregulation of Ang‐ II.Financial support: NIH, AHA.
Growth hormone response to the strenuous training in professional skiers has longer recovery time than expected
Authors: Kõks Sulev , Unt Eve , Tillmann Vallo , Fischer Krista , Alaver Mati , Kiudma Tarvo , Terasmaa Anton 
Published: June 2021

According to literature, 20–30 minutes recovery period is considered sufficient to normalize growth hormone (GH) levels after exercise stimulation. Aim of our study was to analyze GH response in elite athletes after strenuous training and after 2 hours recovery. We used longitudinal (different years, repeated measures) GH secretion data of 15 skiers (altogether 78 measurements) after very intensive training. Training lasted 3.5 hours with following structure: 0…1 h Lactate (La) <2.5; 1…2h La <3; 2&#8230;2:45 La<4; 2:45…3:30 La<8. Exercise induced very high increase in GH level. Mean basal level of GH was 0.9 mU/L (range 11.2 ), after exercise GH level was 22.1 mU/L (range 103.7). After 2 h recovery, GH level was 3.1 mU/L (range 18.7, p < 005 compared to the basal level). Our results show that depending on intensity and individual variability, GH responses to exercise in elite athletes can be much higher than described in the literature.ConclusionGH level after strenuous training in professional skiers remain still significantly higher after 2‐hour recovery period compared to the pre‐exercise level. The European Regional Development Fund together with the Archimedes Foundation supported this study.
Dietary supplementation of Lessertia frutescens (Sutherlandia) enhanced host defense against Listeria monocytogenes in BALB/c mice
Authors: Lu Chi-Hua , Lei Wei , Browning Jimmy D , Eichen Peggy Ann , Fritsche Kevin L 
Published: June 2021

IntroductionSutherlandia (SU) is a South African botanical that has been widely used in treatments of cancer, HIV and infections. The goal of this study was to examine the impact of dietary supplementation of SU using a Listeriosis model.MethodsBALB/c mice (n=72) were fed for 4 weeks one of the AIN93G diets containing 0%, 0.25% and 1% (w/w) dried and ground SU leaves and stems. Three day prior to sacrifice, mice were challenged i.v. with live Listeria monocytogenes (4×104 cfu for bacterial clearance, 5×106 cfu for cytokine/chemokine). The bacteria loads in spleen and liver, and 24 cytokines and chemokines in sera were measured.ResultsThe bacteria loads in spleens averaged 2.2×107 (0%), 2×107 (0.25%), and 1.3×107 (1%) cfu/g. The bacteria load of the 1% treatment group was significantly lowered compared with control (p<0.06). For livers, the bacteria loads are averaged 5.2×103 (0%), 1.1×104 (0.25%), and 4.2×103 (1%) cfu/g. The bacteria load of the 1% treatment group was significantly lowered compared with 0.25% treatment group (p<0.05). Among 24 cytokines and chemokines, including: IFN‐gamma, IL‐1, IL‐6, TNF‐alpha, MCP‐1, IP10, significant differences were not observed among dietary treatment groups.ConclusionDietary Sutherlandia modestly enhanced bacterial clearance of Listeria monocytogenes from spleen without affecting the production of cytokines and chemokines assayed.Grant Funding Source: NIH P50 AT006273‐01
Chronic hypoxia decreases fasting glucose and improves glucose tolerance in obese rats
Authors: Villafuerte Francisco Carlos , Macarlupu Jose Luis , Rojas Percy , Anza Cecilia , Gamboa Jorge Luis 
Published: June 2021

People living at high‐altitude have lower fasting glucose levels and apparently lower incidence of type 2 diabetes. In lean mice, 4 weeks of hypoxia also decreases glucose levels and increases insulin sensitivity in skeletal muscle. However, the effect of chronic hypoxia on glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity in obese and glucose intolerant rodents is unknown. We hypothesized that chronic hypoxia decreases fasting glucose level and improves glucose tolerance in obese rats. In order to test this hypothesis, Sprague‐Dawley rats were fed with normal chow diet or high‐fat diet (45% Kcal from fat) for 24 weeks in a normoxic environment. Rats were then exposed to hypobaric hypoxia(simulated altitude of 4500m)for 3 weeks. Fasting glucose (6h) and glucose tolerance test were measured before and after the hypoxic exposure. Chronic hypoxia reduces fasting glucose in both groups:37% decrease in lean rats (from 107.8±6.1 to 68.4±11.5, p<0.001) and 32.9% decrease in obese rats (from 111.8±13.9 to 75.0±13.6, p<0.001). Glucose tolerance curve shifts downward in both groups (lean and obese) after chronic hypoxia (figure). This result suggests that chronic hypoxia not only increases glucose utilization in lean but also in obese rodents. Further studies are required to evaluate the effects of chronic hypoxia on insulin sensitivity in obesity.Supported by a grant from FINCyT (No 046‐FINCyT‐PITEI‐ 2010).
The Effect of Dietary Pulses on Lipids in Controlled Feeding Trials: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Ha Vanessa , de Souza Russell J , Sievenpiper John L , Jayalath Viranda H , Beyene Joseph , Jenkins David JA , Kendall Cyril WC 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundAlthough there is evidence from controlled feeding trials that dietary pulses (beans, peas, chickpeas, and lentils) may benefit lipid control, cardiovascular guidelines have not addressed dietary pulses in their recommendations.AimA systematic review and meta‐analysis was conducted to assess the effect of dietary pulses on established therapeutic lipid targets for cardiovascular risk reduction.MethodsWe searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, and CINAHL databases through June 13 2011 and included human trials of at least 3 weeks in duration. Data were pooled by the generic inverse variance method using random effects models and expressed as mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals. Heterogeneity was assessed (Chi2) and quantified (I2). Study quality was assessed using the Heyland Methodological Quality Score (MQS).Results24 isocaloric trials (n= 808) met the inclusion criteria. Diets supplemented with dietary pulses significantly lowered LDL‐C levels (MD= −0.22 [95% CI: −0.32, −0.12]) and non‐HDL‐C (MD= −0.24 [95% CI: −0.37, −0.11]) compared with isocaloric control diets. No significant effects were observed for TC:HDL, ApoB, and ApoB:ApoA.LimitationThe majority of trials were of low quality.ConclusionsPooled analyses demonstrated that dietary pulses significantly improved LDL‐C and non‐HDL levels.Funding: Pulse Canada, Saskatchewan Pulse GrowersGrant Funding Source : ASN
Excess pregnancy weight gain and early energy‐rich environment in swine program offspring for indications of metabolic syndrome
Authors: Arentson Emily J , Potu Ramesh , Ragland Darryl , Buhman Kimberly K , Ajuwon Kolapo , Donkin Shawn S 
Published: June 2021

Many pregnancies in the United States result in weight gain in excess of recommendations. Few data exist on the impact of maternal weight gain on offspring despite evidence demonstrating that early life environment precipitates risks for metabolic syndrome. Excessive gestation weight gain and postnatal diet were assessed using a swine model of human health. Offspring from Landrace x Duroc gilts fed a normal (mNE) or a high energy diet (mHE) to induce a 30% increase in gestation weight gain were weaned to either a normal (wNE) or high energy (wHE) diet. At 3 months of age piglets fed wHE had increased (P < 0.05) backfat compared with wNE and suppressed (P < 0.05) hepatic and intestine (1.51 vs. 0.48 and 0.85 vs. 0.47, respectively for wNE vs. wHE) PEPCK‐C abundance. Intestine PGC‐1α abundance was significantly lower in offspring from mHE gilts (0.94 vs. 0.60 for mNE vs. mHE). Offspring from mHE gilts weaned onto a wHE diet had elevated (P < 0.05) blood glucose (102 vs. 64 mg/dl), insulin (0.10 vs. 0.21 ng/ml) and lower NEFAs (0.62 vs. 0.31 mmol/L) compared to mHEwNE offspring. Postnatal wHE did not induce the same metabolic perturbations in the mNE offspring (GLU 70 vs. 80 mg/dl, ILN 0.16 vs. 0.13 mg/dl, NEFA 0.43 vs. 0.43 mmol/L for mNEwNE vs. mNEwHE). These data show gestational weight gain of 30% in excess of recommendations and a nutrient‐rich postnatal environment precipitate indications of metabolic syndrome.Grant Funding Source : Showalter Trust Fund
Concordance with the WHO guidelines for early child feeding through the first six months of life in a sample of infants of the Guatemalan highlands
Authors: van Beusekom Ilse , Vossenaar Marieke , Montenegro-Bethancourt Gabriela , Doak Colleen M , Solomons Noel W 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundThe WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) through the first 6 mo of life. EBF is defined as having received only breast milk during the previous day. Predominant breast feeding (PBF) allows the infant to receive certain liquids such as water, juices and ritual fluids.ObjectiveTo evaluate EBF and PBF rates in a sample of infants from a low‐income, urban Guatemalan population using 3 different interview methods.MethodsMothers of 154 infants (77 boys) in their 6th mo of life, attending a public health center, were recruited and interviewed on a single occasion regarding previous day (as suggested by the WHO), current, and past (since birth) feeding practices.ResultsUsing the previous day recall, EBF was reported by 86 (56%) of the mothers. Estimated EBF rates were much lower when based on current feeding practice questions (20%) and even lower when based on feeding practices since birth (9%). Using the less stringent recommendation allowing certain liquids, we observed PBF rates of 58%, 49% and 31% based on previous day, current and past reported feeding practices, respectively.ConclusionThe WHO method overestimates the EBF rate compared to the recall since birth. Overall, adherence to the WHO guidelines for feeding in the first semester of infancy was much less than ideal and in need of strengthening.Funded by the Nestlé Foundation, Switzerland
Leucine modulation of sirtuins and AMPK in adipocytes and myotubes
Authors: Liang Chunzi , Bruckbauer Antje , Zemel Michael B 
Published: June 2021

Previous data from this lab demonstrates that leucine stimulates Sirt1 expression and activity, as well as downstream mitochondrial biogenesis and fatty acid oxidation in myotubes. We have now investigated the effects of leucine and its metabolites on both Sirt1, mitochondrial Sirt3 and AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) in 3T3‐L1adipocytes. Leucine (0.5 mM) stimulated Sirt1 expression ~2‐fold (p=0.009) but not activity, while it's metabolites (α‐keto isocaproic acid [KIC] and β‐hydroxy‐β‐methyl butyrate [HMB]) exerted little effect; neither valine nor alanine (controls) exerted any effect. In contrast, leucine exerted little effect on Sirt3 expression, while both leucine and HMB (50 μM) increased Sirt3 activity (p=0.006); this was associated with a marked increase in P‐AMPK protein expression. Both leucine and HMB, but not KIC, stimulated ~2‐fold increase in PGC1α expression (p=0.004). In C2C12 myotubes, leucine and HMB both stimulated Sirt1, Sirt3 and AMPK activity (p<0.01). To mimic the effects of fasting and feeding, myotubes were exposed to reduced (5.5 mM) and high (11.1 mM) glucose; leucine stimulated Sirt1 under both conditions (p=0.003), but increasing glucose decreased Sirt1 under basal conditions and blunted the response to leucine. These data suggest that sirtuins, AMPK and downstream signals are sensitive to leucine in adipocytes as well as myotubes.Grant Funding Source: Nutraceutical Discoveries, Inc.
Dietary wolfberry increases hepatic insulin sensitivity in obese mice
Authors: Lin Dingbo , Jiang Yu , Wark Logan , He Hui , Willard Lloyd , Medeiros Denis 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveTo determine whether dietary wolfberry reverses insulin resistance in obese mice.MethodsMale C57BL/6J mice, at 6 weeks of age, were divided into 3 groups, 15 mice for each group, for a 28‐week dietary study. Three different diets were 10 kcal % fat diets as a low fat diet control, 45 kcal % fat diets (high fat diet), and high fat diets with 1 % (kcal/kcal) wolfberry fruits. Food consumption, body weight and fasting blood glucose were monitored weekly. At termination of study, 6 mice from each group were subjected to test of oral glucose tolerance and insulin resistance. The rest mice were euthanized for biochemical analysis. Liver oxidative stress was determined by production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Uncoupling protein UCP2, ER stress biomarkers, IRS‐1 and IRS‐2, AKT, and acetyl‐CoA carboxylase (ACC) were determined by Western blotting.ResultsMice fed high fat diets developed obesity, hyperlipidemia, and hepatic steatosis. High fat diets induced elevation of ROS levels, decreases of UCP2, activation of ACC and ER stress. Dietary wolfberry attenuated oxidative stress and ER stress, and increased insulin sensitivity. However, hepatic steatosis was not altered.ConclusionsWolfberry at 1 % (kcal/kcal) increases hepatic insulin sensitivity in obese mice most likely through attenuating cellular oxidative stress and subsequent ER stress. Hepatic insulin resistance is independent of steatosis. Grant Funding Source: National Institutes of Health COBRE Grant P20‐RR‐017686
Protective effects of berries and walnuts against the accelerated aging and age‐associated stress caused by irradiation in critical regions of rat brain
Authors: Poulose Shibu M , Bielinski Donna F , Gomes Stacey M , Carrihill-Knoll Kirsty , Rabin Bernard M , Shukitt-Hale Barbara 
Published: June 2021

The occurrence of neurodegenerative disease substantially increases with age, which, in part, may be due to increased susceptibility to oxidative stress, inflammation and loss of autophagy (neuronal housekeeping). Polyphenols and ω‐fatty acids, abundant in berries (e.g., blueberry, strawberry, or acai fruit) and walnuts, have been shown to protect brain cells in culture and animals against oxidative stress/inflammation, with enhanced memory and cognitive function in animals. We have investigated whether feeding rats with blueberry‐ or strawberry‐supplemented diets, followed by irradiation with high energy and charge (HZE) particles, a model for accelerated aging, would elicit any protective effects in the brain. HZE irradiation disrupted key proteins in the hippocampus and striatum. Feeding animals with either berry diet, prior to irradiation, protected these brain regions against inflammation, oxidative stress and loss of autophagy. Moreover, autophagy activation was mediated by inhibiting the phosphorylation of mTOR and activating other proteins. Walnuts also elicited similar effects on the normal aging process when fed to aged animals. These molecular effects were further corroborated in vitro using BV2 microglia, HT22 neurons and E18 neuron‐astrocyte cultures. This study extends molecular evidences for the health‐promoting properties of berries and walnuts.Grant Funding Source: USDA intramural grant
Increase in physical activity among Central Brooklyn residents participating in an incentive‐based walking program
Authors: Hoy-Rosas Jamillah , Klein Brett 
Published: June 2021

IntroThe “Brooklyn‐Stay Well, Enjoy Life” (B‐SWEL) program is a grant funded initiative sponsored by the Office of Minority Health that will provide 1,200 Central Brooklyn residents with screening, education, and diabetes prevention services over 3 years. B‐SWEL aims to help pre‐diabetics avoid disease progression and diabetics successfully manage their illness. Clients receive individual case management and group services to help them achieve weight loss, reduce blood pressure and control blood sugar.MethodsB‐SWEL participants enrolled in a 6‐month walking program. They received an accelerometer that tracked their daily steps for 7 days. Participants were offered 3 occasions per week to participate in an hour‐long neighborhood group walk. Participants received cash incentives for achieving the highest number of steps per week and per month.Results20 participants enrolled. 95% of participants were Black, 65% were obese, 55% had high blood pressure, 20% were pre‐diabetic and 45% were diabetic. Average number of weekly steps of the participants at the onset of program was 60,291. After 1 month, the average number of weekly steps increased to 63,956.ConclusionIncentive‐based walking programs conducted in community‐based settings are an important way to increase physical activity among high‐risk populations.
Mechanisms involved in the disruption of the intestinal barrier during Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)
Authors: Bein Amir , Schwartz Betty 
Published: June 2021

Objectives and MethodsCharacterize cellular mechanisms involved in development of NEC. Assessments were conducted in in vitro systems measuring differential response of mature intestinal epithelial cells (IEC6) versus non mature cells (FHs74Int – embryonic cells) to NEC associated stress.Establish how NEC‐associated stress perturbs intestinal tissue functionality. Evaluations carried out in an ex‐vivo novel organ culture model mimicking NEC developed for these studies.Compare events of abovementioned in vitro and ex vivo NEC models to evaluations obtained in intestinal specimens from premature healthy and NEC affected infants.ResultsOccludin was down regulated in mature cells exposed to NEC (hypoxia and LPS); in embryonic cells only minor alternations occurred. Embryonic cells expressed TLR4 but were devoid of junction structures. NHE1 was down regulated and a shift of β‐catenin from the cytosol to the nucleus was observed in both cell lines exposed to hypoxia. Transcription and translation of ZO1 was significantly down regulated in organ culture model exposed to NEC conditions were applied to, similarly to intestinal specimens from NEC affected infants.ConclusionsNEC affects tight junctions, Wnt‐pathway and functional intestinal proteins.
Disruption of the epithelial barrier upon Shigella flexneri infection
Authors: Maldonado-Contreras Ana , Mumy Karen , McCormick Beth 
Published: June 2021

Shigella is one of the most communicable bacterial pathogens and causes the disease shigellosis. Shigella invades the colonic mucosa from the basolateral surface, but how Shigella gets to the basolateral domain is incompletely understood. We have shown that S. flexneri alters the cell‐cell junction complex facilitating paracellular passage of the organism across the epithelial barrier. To understand the mechanism by which this bacterium alters the intestinal epithelial junctions, we focused on SepA, a bacterial protein associated with tissue invasion and destruction upon infection. To test the hypothesis that SepA is involved in altering the intestinal epithelial barrier function, polarized monolayers of human intestinal epithelia or xenotransplanted human intestine were infected with wild‐type S. flexneri or an isogenic SepA mutant strain. We found that absence of SepA lead to a less severe disturbance on the intestinal barrier, which correlate with not only a decrease in bacterial invasion, but also significant reduction of neutrophils transepithelial migration. Functionally, we found SepA to elicit cleavage of the intracellular domain of E‐cadherin, which we speculate contributes to the observed cell‐cell junction permeability, and in turns permits S. flexneri access to the basolateral domain to invade and trigger the intense inflammatory response, a hallmark of this disease.NIH