bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CASE REPORT: Cadaveric finding of mucocele appendix
Authors: Farias Anna C , Webber Christine A 
Published: June 2021

INTRODUCTIONThis case report describes an abnormally enlarged cadaveric appendix subsequently identified as a mucocele. An appendicular mucocele is defined as a general macroscopic dilation of the appendicular lumen caused by abnormal accumulation of mucous (Persaud, 2007). There has been no previous published report of an appendicular mucocele in the cadaver. Of the 608 cadavers dissected in the last 8 years at the University of Alberta this was our first observation.CASE REPORTThe recorded cause of death for this 86 year old female patient was congestive heart failure. Routine dissection of the gastrointestinal system revealed an extremely large vermiform appendix. It was untethered and presented in the pelvic position i.e., directed toward the pelvic brim. Apart from of the usually large size, there were no overt signs of inflammation of the appendix or its surrounding tissue. The mesoappendix did not display any pathology and as expected, it contained the appendicular vessels.CONCLUSIONThis is the first reported case of an aberrantly enlarged mucocele appendix in the cadaver.Grant Funding Source: Professional Expense Allowance
Soft Tissue Relationships of the Multifidus Muscle at the Lumbosacral Junction and the Sacroiliac Joint
Authors: Jones Beth Moody , Carey Fred 
Published: June 2021

Impairment of the lumbosacral multifidus muscle has been identified as a significant factor contributing to low back pain. This report describes the anatomical relationships of the sacral portion of the multifidus to neighboring soft tissue structures in the lumbosacral (LS) and sacroiliac (SI) regions.The LS regions of sixteen embalmed cadavers were examined by means of traditional anatomical dissection. Detailed dissections of the thoracolumbar fascia, erector spinae tendon (EST), gluteus maximus proximal attachments, multifidus and the sacral supraspinous ligaments were performed. The depth of the sacral supraspinous ligament at the LS junction was measured.In all cadavers, the multifidus had attachments to the posterior sacroiliac ligament, to the sacrum, to the sacral supraspinous ligament and to the inferior aspect of the EST. There was a broad attachment of the gluteus maximus to the superior surface of the EST. The depth of the sacral supraspinous ligament from the erector spinae to the LS junction was grossly 2.5 cm (N=11).The sacral component of the multifidus muscle was found to have complex relationships with muscles and connective tissue associated with the LS junction and the SI joint. An understanding of these soft tissue relationships is critical for the clinician who wishes to use anatomical evidence to guide treatment of injuries in this region of emerging clinical importance.Grant Funding Source: none
Transcription alters Chromatin to Negatively Influence Replication Initiation
Authors: Carlile Candice Marie , Cook Jean Gowen 
Published: June 2021

DNA replication begins at many defined sites in the genome called origins of replication. These origins must be spaced throughout the genome to complete DNA replication in a timely manner, but it's clear that origin activity is excluded from certain regions of the genome, such as gene bodies. Here, we show that chromatin modifications contribute to preventing replication initiation within gene bodies.We recapitulated previous findings that transcription through an origin inhibits replication initiation from that origin. We examined if transcription machinery inhibits replication by: (1) physically displacing replication factors or (2) constructing a chromatin environment incompatible for replication initiation. Interestingly, we eliminate this inhibition of origin activity by deleting Set2, a histone methyltransferase that co‐transcriptionally adds methyl groups to histone H3 K36. These data suggest that methylation at H3K36 impedes replication initiation. In addition, artificially tethering Set2, but not catalytically dead Set2 near a plasmid‐born origin of replication, inhibits the ability of that origin to initiate DNA replication. These results suggest that transcription‐induced chromatin changes prevent replication initiation from an origin of replication. Mechanistic studies will elucidate how this methylation impacts the recruitment of replication proteins to prevent initiation.
Exploring microRNA targets of angiogenin
Authors: Mir Aamir , Devaraj Tanuja , Dickson Kimberly Anne 
Published: June 2021

Angiogenin (ANG) is a pancreatic‐type ribonuclease that induces neovascularization and facilitates tumor metastasis. In addition, mutations in ANG are associated with both familial and sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Although relatively weak, the ribonucleolytic activity of ANG is essential for its function: catalytically inactive variants of ANG do not induce blood vessel growth, and impair neuronal health. ANG degrades tRNAs in cultured cells exposed to high levels of stress, yet the RNA targets relevant to angiogenesis have not been identified. In this study, we examined the effect of ANG on the relative abundance of microRNAs (miRNA) in HeLa and human umbilical vein endothelial (HUVE) cells. Using real‐time PCR, we measured the abundance of 4 miRNAs relative to a spliceosomal U6 RNA control. We observed significant increases and decreases in miRNA abundance in both HeLa and HUVE cells, suggesting that ANG might modulate miRNA expression, maturation, or degradation.The Lawrence University Excellence in Science Fund supported this work.
Effects of whey protein supplements and exercise training on body composition and dietary compensation in middle‐aged overweight/obese adults
Authors: Weinheimer Eileen M , Conley Travis B , Kobza Vanessa M , Sands Laura P , Lim Eunjung , Janle Elsa M , Campbell Wayne W 
Published: June 2021

PurposeThis double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled, community‐based 9‐month study assessed the effects of whey protein (WP) and exercise on body composition and dietary compensation in middle‐aged overweight/obese adults.MethodsMen (n = 88, 48 ± 8 y, 30.6 ± 2.8 kg/m2) and women (n = 133, 48 ± 8 y, 29.8 ± 2.7 kg/m2; mean ± SE) consumed 200 kcal supplements with 0 (n = 84), 10 (n = 82), 20 (n = 25), or 30 (n = 30) g WP twice daily. All subjects performed resistance (2 d/wk) and aerobic (1 d/wk) exercise.Results24‐h urinary urea nitrogen output was progressively higher with greater WP, consistent with increasing total protein intake (group‐by‐time, p=0.009). Among all subjects, from pre to post strength (1RM) increased 15 ± 1 % (65.8 ± 3.8 kg, p<0.001), VO2max increased 9 ± 1 % (2.9 ± 0.4 ml·kg−1·min−1, p=<0.001), body weight was unchanged (0.1 ± 0.3 kg, p=0.8), lean body mass increased 1.9 ± 0.2 % (1.0 ± 0.1 kg, p<0.001) and fat mass decreased 2.6 ± 0.7 % (−0.9 ± 0.2 kg, p=0.001). Non‐supplement energy intake decreased 331 ± 49 kcal/d (p<0.001), thus the subjects maintained body weight by compensating for the 400 kcal/d supplements. WP amount did not influence these responses.ConclusionWhey protein supplementation did not promote exercise‐induced changes in strength, aerobic capacity and body composition.Grant Funding Source: US Whey Protein Research Consortium; NIH T32AG025671 and UL1 RR025761
Analysis of intracellular localization of viral RNA sensor, RLR
Authors: Onomoto Koji , Yoneyama Mitsutoshi , Fujita Takashi 
Published: June 2021

Type I interferons (IFNs) play a pivotal role for antiviral innate immunity and subsequent modulation of adaptive immunity. Normally IFN genes are not expressed, however upon viral infection, the genes are transiently activated, and the secreted IFNs inhibit viral replications through induction of a series of IFN stimulated genes.Viral RNA appearing in cells as a result of viral infection is detected by cytoplasmic sensors, retinoic acid inducible gene‐I (RIG‐I)‐like receptors (RLRs). RLRs, which are DExD/H ‐ box containing RNA helicases, consist of RIG‐I, melanoma differentiation‐associated gene 5 (MDA5), and laboratory of genetics and physiology 2 (LGP2). All RLRs contain a conserved C‐terminal domain, which is responsible for specific recognition of the viral RNAs. Although the domain structure of RLRs for detection of non‐self RNA has been elucidated, it has been unclear how RLRs encounter viral RNA and trigger signaling.To address this issue, we made specific antibodies against RLRs and examined their intracellular localization in virus‐infected cells by immunostaining using confocal fluorescence microscope. When cells were infected with Influenza A virus (IAV) deficient for its Non‐structural protein 1 (NS1), RIG‐I accumulated as granular‐like pattern in the cyotosol and colocalized with viral Nucleocapsid protein. Moreover, RIG‐I colocalized with MDA5, LGP2 and several antiviral proteins such as PKR and OAS. We also detected similar localization patterns of RIG‐I in cells‐infected with various RNA viruses such as HCV and NDV. We are going to discuss relationship between the subcellular localization of RLRs and viral detection in detail.
Gating of Pannexin‐1 Channels by P2X7R‐Induced Inflammation or Apoptosis in Macrophages
Authors: Antonopoulos Christina H. , Dubyak George R. 
Published: June 2021

Pannexin‐1 hemichannels (Panx1) function as ATP efflux or dye influx channels and in inflammatory cascades initiated by P2X7 ATP receptors. Caspase‐mediated cleavage of the Panx1 C‐terminus is a gating mechanism for this channel in apoptotic cells. This study is testing whether Panx1 channel activity is similarly triggered by the delayed caspase‐3‐dependent apoptotic response to P2X7R activation in naïve macrophages versus the immediate caspase‐1‐dependent inflammatory response to P2X7R activation in endotoxin‐primed macrophages. Naïve or endotoxin‐treated J774 murine macrophages were transiently (10 min) stimulated with ATP to activate P2X7R and then incubated in ATP‐free medium for varying times prior to analysis of ethidium+ influx as an index of gated hemichannels. Increased ethidium+ influx was observed in endotoxin‐primed cells after 10 min of P2X7R stimulation followed by 10 min of ATP‐free incubation. In contrast, enhanced ethidium+ influx in naïve cells required more prolonged ATP‐free incubation following the 10 min P2X7R stimulation. Current experiments are comparing these responses in primary macrophages from control, Panx1‐knockout mice, and caspase‐1 knockout mice. Secondary activation of macrophage Panx1 hemichannels by P2X7R‐triggered apoptotic or inflammatory caspases may facilitate ATP‐induced ATP release as a feed forward loop for amplifying innate immune responses.Support: R01‐GM36387
Amyloid beta peptide internalization induces Myosin Vb redistribution
Authors: de Oliveira Leandro Teixeira , Matos Priscila A. , Provance D. William , de Andrade Leonardo Rodrigues , Mello Fernando G. , Sorenson Martha M. , Salerno Veronica P. 
Published: June 2021

The fundamental amyloid hypothesis suggests that extracellular senile plaques formation precedes and leads to the neuronal abnormalities that underlie dementia. Recently the accumulation of Aβ has been demonstrated to occur within neurons prior senile plaques formation and is associated with alterations in the axonal trafficking and morphological abnormalities. Furthermore, intraneuronal Aβ accumulation has been reported to be critical to observed synaptic and cognitive dysfunction in AD. Myosin Vb is an actin‐based molecular motor implicated mainly in organelle transport of cargos in actin‐rich cortical regions, dendritic spines and axon terminals. Here we show by confocal microscopy and immunohistochemistry the intracellular accumulation of Aβ. The pattern of Aβ during the time course of incubation is reminiscent of the endocytic pathway. After an extended period of time, their distribution pattern converges and redistribute from the axon to cell body. We verified that internalization and pathern of distribution after cytoskeleton suggests an actin‐dependent process and a change in Aβ distribution was related to microtubule disruption. These observations are consistent with internalized Aβ disrupting intracellular trafficking by impacting myosin Vb which could influence the balance between Aβ production and Aβ clearance.Supported by FAPERJ, CNPq, CAPES and PRONEX.
Lafora disease: Convergence of neurodegeneration with plant starch metabolism
Authors: Gentry Matthew Shawn , Vander Kooi Craig W. , Taylor Adam O. , Pace Rachel , Meekins David A. , Guo Hou‐Fu 
Published: June 2021

Reversible phosphorylation modulates many proteins involved in glycogenesis and glycogenolysis. Recent results from mammalian cells, mouse models, eukaryotic algae, and plants have identified a new phosphorylation target in glycogen metabolism, the glucan itself.Mutations in EPM2A lead to Lafora disease, a fatal neurodegenerative disease. EPM2A encodes laforin, a bimodular protein with an amino‐terminal carbohydrate binding module and a carboxy‐terminal dual specificity phosphatase domain. We recently demonstrated that laforin removes phosphate from phosphoglucans.Starch Excess 4 (SEX4) encodes a similar phosphatase in plants, and we demonstrated that laforin and SEX4 are the founding members of the glucan phosphatases. Multiple groups have now shown that these phosphatases dephosphorylate phosphoglucans, but the physical basis for the function of laforin and SEX4 is unclear.We determined the crystal structure of SEX4, and found that it contains a phosphatase domain (DSP), carbohydrate binding module (CBM), and a previously unknown carboxy‐terminal domain. Hydrogen‐deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (DXMS) identified regions of the DSP domain that interact with glucans. Cumulatively, these results reveal the unique tertiary architecture of SEX4 that provides the physical basis for its function as a glucan phosphatase and present a model for the function of laforin.
Baltimore Healthy Eating Zones program significantly improves food preparation methods among adult caregivers of low‐income African American youth
Authors: Yong Rachel , Rowan Megan T , Shin Ahyoung , Christiansen Karina , Coutinho Anastasia , Lwin Julia , Sharma Sangita , Martins Paula , Gittelsohn Joel 
Published: June 2021

The Baltimore Healthy Eating Zones (BHEZ) study, conducted in low income Baltimore City corner stores and recreation centers, was a youth‐targeted multi‐level environmental intervention trial to promote healthy food consumption. The trial included increased availability of healthy foods and interactive health communication strategies. Impact was assessed on a sample of 83 of the 242 youth and their primary caregivers. Pre‐ and post‐intervention, caregivers were asked about their preparation methods for chicken, pork, ground beef, eggs, and greens. Scores were based on the degree to which the preparation method added or reduced fat content of the cooked food. Deep frying or pan frying was given a score of −1; baked, grilled, or steamed were given +1; pan‐fried, drained then rinsed was given +2. The change in pre‐ and post‐intervention score was calculated. The control group averaged a change in score of +1.76 ±1.86 and the intervention group averaged +2.31 ±2.02. Once this calculated score was stratified to < 2 or > 2, caregivers in the intervention group were found to significantly decrease the use of fat in cooking as compared to those in the control group (Pearson Chi‐Square, p‐value= 0.033). This preliminary finding suggests that BHEZ was effective in promoting healthier cooking methods among caregivers; thereby potentially improving the healthiness of foods provided to youths at home.Grant Funding Source: The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
The accuracy of the Figure Rating Scale in reflecting BMI among health professionals, limited‐income adults and children ages 6–11
Authors: Bagwell Rebecka , Wong Siew Sun 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveTo determine the accuracy of figure rating scale (FRS) in reflecting the actual BMI either self‐reported or selected by parents for their children ages 6–11.Method50 health professionals (H) in nutrition and 35 parent‐and‐child pairs were surveyed in a 1‐time, individual, face‐to‐face interview. Demographic, monthly food expense, height, and weight data were collected. Self‐reported body size was collected using an adult FRS chart for adults, and a gender and ethnic‐specific child FRS chart for children. Correlations between self‐reported body size and actual BMI were calculated.ResultsSignificant, positive correlations were found in HP (r=0.75), mothers (r=0.73), children (r=0.39 self‐reported vs. r=0.66 when mother selected a FRS for the child), normal BMI mothers (r=0.51), normal BMI children (r=0.66 when FRS selected by mother), obese children (r=1.0 self‐reported). HP with graduate degree(s) had the highest correlation (r=0.97) compared to HP with college degree and RD. Single mothers had higher correlation than mothers living with a spouse (r=0.98 vs. r=0.73).ConclusionAdult FRS was effective in estimating adult BMI but the child FRS was not effective in children ages 6–11. It is more accurate to measure the children's height and weight directly, or ask the mothers to report their child's body size.This study was funded by USU Extension.Grant Funding Source: USU Extension
Household Food Insecurity and Dietary Intake among Women and Children in Rural Uganda
Authors: Garber Eden , Charles Dustin , Stefani Monique Centrone , Masinde Dorothy , Mazur Robert , Humphries Debbie 
Published: June 2021

Household food security has been used to screen participants and evaluate program effectiveness for an agriculture and economic development project implemented by Volunteer Efforts for Development Concerns (VEDCO) in Kamuli District, eastern Uganda.ObjectivesThis study was conducted to investigate dietary intake patterns and anthropometry as they relate to household food security among program participants.MethodsStratified random sampling was used to select 70 households with children under the age of 6 yrs within six geographic parishes, and dietary intake (24 hour recall) and anthropometry were measured on female caregivers (n = 70) and children under the age of six (n = 127).ResultsPrevalence of HAZ≤−2.0 in children was 28.6% and 29.5% of the caregivers were overweight (BMI≥25.0). Lower household food security and lower absolute wealth index were related to increased dietary fiber intake in the women and children (p<0.05), and decreased lipid intake in women (p<0.05) in bivariate analysis.ConclusionsChanges in dietary quality with increased household food insecurity demonstrate household level strategies in the face of insecurity. These results will be used in the planning and evaluation of nutrition‐focused interventions in Kamuli and beyond. Research Support: The Wilbur G. Downs International Student Health Travel Fellowship and the Office of Student Research at the Yale School of Medicine.
A human milk oligosaccharide (HMO) influences cell proliferation in transformed human intestinal cells (CaCo‐2Bbe & HT‐29)
Authors: Holscher Hannah D , Davis Steven R. , Tappenden Kelly A. 
Published: June 2021

This study aimed to determine the time course of impact of a model HMO on proliferation and differentiation in HT‐29 and CaCo‐2Bbe cells. Pre‐confluent HT‐29, pre‐confluent Caco‐2Bbe, confluent Caco‐2Bbe, and post‐confluent Caco‐2Bbe cells were used to model various stages of cell kinetics and differentiation along the crypt‐villus axis. Cells were randomized to 1 of 5 treatments: HMO at 0, 100, 200 or 400 mg/L or control (carbohydrate) for 24, 48 and 72 hrs. Dependent variables were cell proliferation via BrdU and cellular differentiation via alkaline phosphatase (AP). Compared to control, HMO decreased cell proliferation in pre‐confluent CaCo‐2Bbe at 72 hrs (p< 0.01) and pre‐confluent HT‐29 cells at 48 hrs (p<0.05) and 72 hrs (p<0.01). AP activity increased over time of incubation and was highest in post‐confluent CaCo‐2Bbe cells (p<0.01). AP activity was not significantly different among the treatment groups at any time point. A 72 hr incubation time was identified as the most appropriate to measure treatment effects on cell proliferation and differentiation. The HMO decreases cell proliferation in pre‐confluent states but the impact on cell differentiation is less clear. These results demonstrate that HMO influences growth related characteristics in transformed human intestinal cells, which suggests that HMO may have a role in promoting maturation of the neonatal gut.Research funded by Abbott Nutrition.
Dietary protein upregulates fractional intestinal iron absorption and directly increases DMT1 transcript and protein expression
Authors: Cucchi Carrie Elizabeth , Gaffney‐Stomberg Erin , Sun Ben‐hua , O'Brien Kimberly , Kerstetter Jane , Insogna Karl 
Published: June 2021

Iron (Fe) deficiency is endemic worldwide. We have recently found that increasing dietary protein dose‐dependently improves Fe balance in rats. This change is associated with increased DMT1 transcript expression, a key regulator of intestinocyte Fe uptake. To confirm the Fe balance results, Fe absorption studies were performed in rats fed either a 20% (control) or 40% (high) protein diet for 1 wk. Rats on the 40% protein diet absorbed 30±9% of ingested Fe while those on the 20% protein diet absorbed 18±8% (p= 0.005). To determine if DMT1 protein expression is also increased with increasing dietary protein, Western analyses were undertaken using duodenal mucosal lysates prepared from rats on the 20% and 40% protein diets. There was a trend towards higher DMT1 protein levels on the 40% diet (1.7±1.1 fold; p=0.46). To evaluate if amino acids could directly increase DMT1 transcript expression, Caco‐2 Bbe cells were exposed to either a mixture of amino acids or amino acid‐free media for 6 hrs. Amino acid treatment induced DMT1 mRNA by 1.6±0.3 fold as determined by qPCR (p<0.02). These data indicate that increasing dietary protein increases intestinal Fe absorption in part by upregulation of DMT1. Further, there appears to be a direct effect of amino acids on DMT1 transcript expression.This work was supported by a HATCH grant from the Univ. of CT.
Comparison of predictive equations for resting energy expenditure (REE) in obese and nonobese children and adolescents
Authors: Kim Myung‐Hee , Kim Eun‐Kyung 
Published: June 2021

The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of predictive equations for REE in obese and nonobese young people. Subjects were 137 healthy Korean students (51 obese, 86 nonobese) aged 7–18y. REE(MREE) was measured by indirect calorimetry. Predicted REE(PREE) was calculated using the 9 equations(Schofield‐W/WH, WHO‐W/WH, Henry‐W/WH, IOM, Maffeis, and Kim equation). MREE of obese students (1558±308 kcal/day) was significantly higher than nonobese (1232±238 kcal/day). The validity of the equations was evaluated on basis of prediction accuracy (the percentage of subjects predicted within 10% of the MREE), difference, RMSPE, % difference, and limits of agreement of Bland‐Altman method between PREE and MREE. The most accurate for nonobese students was the Maffeis equation (prediction accuracy 61%, difference 0±161 kcal/day, RMSPE 109 kcal/day, % difference 2±12%). Although the WHO‐WH equation was the most reliable in obese (difference 113±164 kcal/day, RMSPE 165 kcal/day, % difference 7±10%), the prediction accuracy of the equation was only 53% and noteworthy errors exist. Thus, this study suggests that a new obesity‐specific predictive equation should be derived to estimate REE for obese students accurately.This research was supported by Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea(NRF) funded by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology(2010‐0004472).