bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evidence for swallowing reflexes evoked by acid and mechanical stimulation of the vagal afferent nerves innervating the larynx in anesthetized guinea pigs
Authors: Tsujimura Takanori , Canning Brendan J 
Published: June 2021

PurposeSwallowing protects the lungs from aspiration and is evoked from the upper airways (UA) by activation of pharyngeal afferent nerves. We have tested the hypothesis that laryngeal (LX) afferent nerve activation may also evoke swallowing.MethodsSternohyoid muscle EMGs and UA airflow were used to detect swallows in anesthetized guinea pigs (GPs). Citric acid (CA; 0.01M, 50μL), applied topically to the LX mucosa, and UA pressure distensions, both applied 5× repetitively in 5 min intervals and delivered rostrally via the trachea, were used to evoke swallows.ResultsRepetitive LX CA challenge evoked swallowing (13±5 swallows; n=7). Severing both the recurrent (RLN) and superior (SLN) laryngeal nerves nearly abolished LX CA evoked swallows (0.3±0.3; n=4). Severing just the RLNs also nearly abolished the LX acid‐evoked swallows (1.3±0.9; n=4). By contrast, swallows evoked by 30sec pressure distensions of the UA were not prevented by RLN transection, with all intact (50±5; n=4) and RLN transected (26±3; n=4) GPs swallowing in response to each of 5 distensions. RLN transection did, however, delay the onset of UA distension evoked swallows (4.0±1.3s and 13.6±1.4s in intact and RLN transected GPs; n=4 each). A single, subsequent LX CA challenge evoked swallows in all 4 of these control GPs (4±1) but in none of the GPs with RLNs cut (0±0).ConclusionsLaryngeal vagal afferent nerve activation initiates swallowing.
Anticancer effects of Garcinol in pancreatic cancer transgenic mouse model
Authors: Saadat Nadia , Akhtar Sarah , Gill Aminder , Razalli Nurul , Vemuri Shilpa , Goja Arvind , Geamanu Andreea , David Doina , Gupta Smiti 
Published: June 2021

Poor prognosis in Pancreatic cancer (PC) is attributable to weak diagnostic and treatment options. Surgical resection is possible for 20% of diagnosed cases while current chemotherapy (Gemcitabine) has a 15% response rate. Previously, we reported that Garcinol, a polyisoprenylated benzophenone, from Garcinia indica, shows a favorable dose dependant response in PC cells, alone and in combination with Gemcitabine. In this study we report the invivo effects of dietary Garcinol in transgenic pancreatic cancer mouse model (KPC).MethodsKPC (k‐ras and p53 conditional mutant) mice were divided into 4 groups: KC‐cancer control; KGr− 0.05% Garcinol diet; KGm‐Gemcitabine injected; KGG− Garcinol+Gemcitabine. Littermates without KPC mutations served as controls. PC progression was monitored by MRI and confirmed by tissues stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin. Blood smears were probed for changes in lymphocytes.ResultsThe KGr group showed improved survival rate. MRI scans showed reduction in tumor volume in KGr, KGm and KGG groups. This was supported by the reduced number of Pancreatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia 3 (PanIN 3) in KGr and KGG groups as compared to the KC group. In addition, an increase in NK (natural killer) cells was observed in KGr group.Taken together, our data indicates that dietary Garcinol decreased pancreatic cancer progression in transgenic pancreatic cancer mice.Funded by Intramural funds.Grant Funding Source: Intramural funds
Dietary wolfberry up‐regulates BCDO2 and enhances mitochondrial biogenesis in the retina of db/db type 2 diabetic mice
Authors: Lin Dingbo , Ji Hua , Medeiros Denis M 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveTo investigate whether wolfberry regulated β,β ‐ carotene 9′,10′‐dioxygenase 2 (BCDO2) expression and enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis in the diabetic retina.MethodsMale db/db and wild‐type mice at 6 weeks of age were fed the control or wolfberry diets for 8 weeks. At study termination, the retina tissues were collected for analysis by transmission electron microscopy, real‐time PCR, immunoprecipitation, and Western blot.ResultsWolfberry up‐regulated expression of retinal BCDO2 transcript and protein. Wolfberry induced activation and nuclear enrichment of retinal AMP‐activated protein kinase α2. Wolfberry attenuated hypoxia and mitochondrial stress by declined expression of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α, vascular endothelial growth factor, and heat shock protein 60. Wolfberry reversed mitochondrial dispersion in the retinal pigment epithelium, increased mitochondrial copy number, elevated citrate synthase activity, and upregulated the expression of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ co‐activator 1 α, nuclear respiratory factor 1, and mitochondrial transcription factor A.ConclusionsAnimal data suggest that increased consumption of dietary wolfberry enhances mitochondrial biogenesis leading to retinoprotection in diabetes. Grant Funding Source: National Institutes of Health COBRE Grant P20‐RR‐017686
A Single Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry Method for Detection of Individual Enantiomers of a Broad Spectrum of G‐Type Chemical Warfare Nerve Agents
Authors: Kajih Takwen , Smith John , Rusek Tom , Kasten Shane , Cerasoli Douglas 
Published: June 2021

The organophosphorus (OP) nerve agents are among the most toxic chemical compounds known. A subset of OP nerve agents known as G‐series compounds (including GA (tabun), GB (sarin), GD (soman) and GF (cyclosarin)) all share a chiral center at the phosphorus atom, resulting in a pair of stereoisomers designated as P(+) and P(−); the in vitro capacity to inhibit acetylcholinesterase as well as the in vivo toxicity of G‐agents is associated predominantly with the P(−) isomer of each compound. We have developed a gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) method to analyze the stereoisomers of all four G‐series nerve agents using a single chiral GC column. This approach allows successful baseline (or near baseline) resolution of each enantiomer of the G‐series agents under the same chromatographic conditions. Based on a variety of approaches, we have assigned each isomer peak as P(+) or P(−). The utility of the method (and variations thereof) was demonstrated by using this approach to determine the stereospecific rates of hydrolysis of GF as catalyzed by the enzyme OPH (from B. diminuta). The method described here will be generally applicable for screening enzymes to identify candidates that promote rapid hydrolysis of G‐agents, and thus may be effective as Bioscavengers of OP nerve agents.Research support: Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA).
The Use of Pyrosequencing to Analyze Microbial Populations in Poultry Management to Minimize Downstream Food Contamination
Authors: Guttala Vamsy Priya , Bray Joey , Medrano Enrique Gino , Clack Beatrice A 
Published: June 2021

The use of antibiotics in animals grown for human consumption has been banned in many parts of the world and is becoming less favorable in the US. With less or no antibiotics fed, the risk of microbial contamination of food is higher when processed. In the current study, the objective was to identify and compare the effect of both ceca and litter microbial communities present before and after treatment. The treatments consisted of 1) challenging newborn chicks at 3 days and then again at 38 days with either Salmonella enteritidis or Campylobacter jejuni or no bacteria in the presence of or without probiotics added to the feed and 2) windrow composting or no composting of litter as part of poultry house management. Aseptically ceca and litter samples were collected and stored at 4°C until processed. Bacterial genomic DNA was isolated from both sets of samples using either the Promega SV Wizard Genomic DNA Purification kit (Ceca) or Zymo‐spin soil microbe DNA midiprep kit (litter). The DNA from each sample was then amplified using 16s universal forward and reverse primers containing the specific Roche defined library‐L specific sequences as well as Multiplex Identifiers (MID) to allow for automated software identification of the samples after pooling, multiplexing and sequencing. We report the bioinformatic pipeline and the microbial distributions at the genus and species level for each treatment.. Pyrosequencing can be used to obtain valid comparisons between effects of various treatments on pathogenic versus beneficial bacteria in growth and management of animals used for human consumption.Funding: Office of Research and Sponsored Projects, Stephen F. Austin State University; Ed and Gwen Cole, Nacogdoches, TX.
Use of HOMA indexes for the identification of metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance among Cuban‐Americans
Authors: Exebio Joel C , Ajabshir Sahar , Zarini Gustavo G , Shaban Lemia , Huffman Fatma G 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveTo determine cut off points for HOMA‐1 and HOMA‐2 to identify insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome.MethodsSubjects without diabetes residing in South Florida were enrolled (n=168, age 37 to 83 years). The HOMA‐1 and HOMA‐2 90th percentile in the healthy group (n=89) was used as the cut‐off point for insulin resistance. A ROC curve was constructed to determine the cut‐off point for metabolic syndrome.ResultsHOMA indexes were significantly correlated with fasting plasma glucose, central obesity, triglycerides and HDL cholesterol (P < 0.01). The cut‐off points for insulin resistance for HOMA‐1 and HOMA‐2 were >; 4.27 and >; 2.4 and for metabolic syndrome were >; 2.98 (69% sensitivity and 70.7% specificity) and >; 1.55 (65.4% sensitivity and 63.3% specificity), respectively.ConclusionHOMA cut‐off points may be used as a screening tool to identify insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome among Cuban‐Americans living in South Florida.
Maternal mid‐upper arm circumference (MUAC) is associated with lower birth weight among HIV‐exposed but not unexposed infants in a peri‐urban antenatal clinic in northwestern Tanzania
Authors: Wilkinson Amanda L , Pedersen Sarah H , Urassa Mark , Mkwashapi Denna M , Andreasen Aura , Todd Jim , Kinung'hi Safari , Changalucha John M , McDermid Joann M 
Published: June 2021

Women in rural and semi‐urban areas of Africa face additional healthcare access barriers affecting birth outcomes and HIV‐exposed infants have a poorer prognosis compared to unexposed infants. Our objective was to characterize associations between maternal nutritional status during pregnancy and birth outcomes of HIV+ and HIV− women enrolled in a semi‐urban antenatal clinic cohort in northwestern Tanzania. Of the 46 HIV+ and 72 HIV−women enrolled, 21 HIV+ and 36 HIV− women delivered at/returned to clinic within 48 hours and were included in the analysis. Maternal anthropometrics were assessed at 20–36 weeks gestation, and HIV+ women were receiving antiretroviral therapy by delivery. Twenty nine percent of HIV+ and 22% of HIV−women had evidence of malnutrition (MUAC <25cm), but neither MUAC nor tricep skinfold (TSF) thickness differed by HIV status. HIV‐exposed neonates had lower birth weight and length compared with unexposed infants. Despite similarities in maternal anthropometrics, maternal MUAC and TSF predicted infant birth weight only in HIV‐exposed infants. Findings suggest that in HIV+ pregnant women living in rural or semi‐urban areas, maternal nutritional status based upon simple‐to‐measure anthropometry is an important determinant of infant anthropometrics among HIV‐exposed infants, and maternal MUAC identifies HIV+ women at higher risk of delivering low birth weight infants in this setting.Grant Funding Source: Cornell University Unrestricted Grant
The proof is in the pudding: creation of an evidence‐based medical school nutritional education curriculum with cooking demonstrations
Authors: Joo Esther , Monlezun Dominique , Birkhead Andrew , Leong Benjamin , Abu‐Shamat Layla , Kay Danielle , Sarris Leah , Harlan Timothy 
Published: June 2021

Inadequate nutritional education can result in what Vetter et al. (2008) demonstrated as only 14% of responding physicians reporting confidence in patient nutritional counseling. Wash et al. (2011) of Harvard Medical School report their integrated nutritional curriculum was unable to produce changes in medical student attitude and nutritional competence. Tulane School of Medicine recently responded to this growing need by creating its innovative medical student curriculum through the Tulane Center for Culinary Medicine. The curriculum includes pre‐session peer‐reviewed readings, lecture sessions, live cooking demonstrations, and clinical discussions. Medical students then translate clinically relevant culinary lessons into leading their own community‐based cooking demos. Curriculum validation is accomplished through longitudinal collection of participant surveys of competence and nutritional attitudes, correlated with their standardized board exams in their third and fourth clinical years, as well as their graduate medical education as residents. Research support: Tulane University Center for Culinary MedicineGrant Funding Source: Tulane University Center for Culinary Medicine
Role of Beta 3 Adrenergic Receptor in Facultative Thermogenesis
Authors: Preite Nailliw Zanini , Nascimento Bruna Pascarelli Pedrico , Lancellotti Carmen Lucia Penteado , Ribeiro Miriam Oliveira 
Published: June 2021

Obesity, characterized by an increase in body fat, is related to a defect in facultative thermogenesis (FT). Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is the main site of this FT and is activated by Sympathetic Nervous System through the release of norepinephrine (NE) that binds to Beta adrenergic receptors (B‐ADR). Our goal was to evaluate the role of B3 isoform of B‐ADR in diet and cold‐induced FT. B3 knockout mice (KOB3) kept their body temperature normal when exposed to cold (4°C) and BAT thermogenic capacity was also normal when stimulated by NE i.v. infusion. In spite of a normal BAT activity, the absence of B3 receptor worsens diet‐induced obesity, with body weight gain significantly higher in KOB3 when compared to wild‐type (WT) mice (16g ± 1,4 vs. 12g ± 3,7) and larger epididymal adipocytes area (13079,81μm2 ± 10611,7 vs. 4501,55μm2 ± 1996,61). Also, a significant macrophages and neutrophils infiltration was observed in white adipose tissue (WAT), indicating inflammatory process in this tissue. Our results suggest that B3 receptor is not important in cold induced FT but it is fundamental to regulation of the body weight. It also indicates that this isoform mediates NE induced lipolysis since its absence results in very large adipocytes and inflammation in WAT.Supported by CAPES.
Dermial®: A new natural ingredient with anti‐aging and regenerative properties for skin
Authors: Torrent Anna , Montell E. , Vergés J. , Ruhí R. , Ubía A. , Romero J. , Zurbano M.J. 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveTo determine the anti‐aging and regenerative effect of Dermial®, a new ingredient with Cosmetic and Nutricosmetic potential.Dermial® is a natural product rich in glycosaminoglycans, mainly hyaluronic acid, and also type I collagen, both beneficial for skin health.MethodsThe anti‐aging action was determined using a culture of human dermal fibroblasts (HDF). Skin hydration effect was quantified by measuring the synthesis of hyaluronic acid. The potential to increase skin elasticity was determined quantifying elastin levels. Effects on proliferation and migration of HDF were also tested.ResultsDermial® showed a hydrating effect at the 3 tested concentrations in a dose‐dependent manner. This nutricosmetic ingredient was able to increase skin moisture up to 30% and to induce a statistical significant effect on the elastin synthesis up to 16%. In addition, this new ingredient was a potent inductor of fibroblast migration and was also able to increase up to 100% the proliferation index compared to the baseline culture.ConclusionsThese data demonstrate that Dermial® exhibits antiaging properties due to its hydrating action and its stimulating effect of elastin production. Moreover, it shows a powerful regenerative activity. All together, these results suggest that Dermial® may be useful as an anti‐aging treatment.Supported by BIOIBERICA S.A., Barcelona, Spain.
Knowledge, belief and attitude of low‐income postpartum women about anemia and iron supplementation
Authors: Mitra Amal K , Khoury Amal J 
Published: June 2021

Prevalence of anemia after childbirth is high in low‐income women. As part of treatment of anemia in low‐income women after delivery, we assessed women's knowledge, beliefs and attitudes about anemia, sources of iron, and effect of iron deficiency. Using a cluster sampling design, 959 women were assigned to one of the three treatment strategies: 1) Controls, who were offered the conventional selective anemia screening among high‐risk women after delivery; 2) Group I (Universal anemia screening): All low‐income women were screened for anemia, and anemic women were given iron tablets; 3) Group II (Universal supplementation): All women in this group received a 60 mg iron tablet daily for 2 months, irrespective of their hemoglobin status. Nearly 45% women knew that anemia is common in women after delivery. More than 55% women mentioned that vitamin C helps in iron absorption, whereas 72% were wrong saying that foods lose iron when cooked in large amounts of water. Their knowledge about sources of iron was mixed. They correctly mentioned dried beans (75%) and green vegetables such as broccoli, peas and spinach (85%) as good source of iron. However, only 25% mentioned it correctly that chicken meat is a good source of iron. Majority of the women knew that low iron increases chance of infection (76%), makes people tired (83%), and decreases their memory (83%). They also believed that low iron does not help them deliver a healthy baby (84%). Nearly 78% of women expressed that all pregnant women should take iron supplements.The study was supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC‐NCCDPHP‐TS‐0780).
Activation of plasma kallikrein‐kinin system mediates synovial recruitment of endothelial progenitor cells in arthritis
Authors: Dai Jihong , Yang Aizhen , Colman Robert W , Wu Yi 
Published: June 2021

OBJECTIVEThis study aimed at determining whether activation of the plasma kallikrein‐kinin system (KKS) mediates synovial recruitment of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in arthritis.METHODSEPCs were isolated from Lewis rat bone marrow, and expression of progenitor cell‐lineage markers and functional properties were characterized. EPCs were injected intravenously into Lewis rats with arthritis, and their recruitment and formation of de novo blood vessels in inflamed synovium were evaluated. The role of plasma KKS was examined using plasma kallikrein inhibitors. A transendothelial migration assay was used to determine the role of bradykinin and its receptor in EPC mobilization.RESULTSEPCs from Lewis rats exhibited a strong capacity to form tubes and vacuoles and expressed increased levels of bradykinin type 2 receptor (B2R) and progenitor cell markers CD34 and Sca‐1. In Lewis rats with arthritis, EPCs were recruited into inflamed synovium at the acute phase of disease and formed de novo blood vessels. Inhibition of plasma kallikrein significantly suppressed synovial recruitment of EPCs and hyperproliferation of synovial cells. Bradykinin stimulated transendothelial migration of EPCs in a concentration‐dependent manner. This was mediated by B2R, as demonstrated by the finding that knockdown of B2R with silencing RNA completely blocked bradykinin‐stimulated transendothelial migration. Moreover, bradykinin selectively up‐regulated expression of the homing receptor CXCR4 in EPCs.CONCLUSIONThese observations demonstrate a novel role of plasma KKS activation in the synovial recruitment of EPCs in arthritis, acting via kallikrein activation and B2R‐dependent mechanisms. B2R might be involved in the mobilization of EPCs via up‐regulation of CXCR4.
Cellular and molecular response of mouse subcutaneous tissue to a triantibiotic intracanal medication
Authors: Faria Gisele , Pereira Maristela S.S. , Cardoso Cristina R. , Silva João S. , Kuga Milton C. , Silva Lea A.B. , Rossi Marcos A. 
Published: June 2021

Substances containing a combination of antibiotics have been investigated as intracanal medication although without precise establishment of their real effects on the biological systems. The aim of this study was to characterize the response of mouse subcutaneous connective tissue to triple antibiotic paste (TAP) consisting of metronidazole, ciprofloxacin and minocycline. Polyethylene tubes containing TAP or calcium hydroxide (CH) ‐ control group, were implanted in mouse subcutaneous tissue. After periods of 7, 21, and 63 days, the implants were subjected to histological processing and analyzes were performed. The gene expression of IL‐1β, TNF‐α, IL‐17, TGF‐β, VEGF and HIF‐1α was detected by real‐time PCR. The results were compared using Student's t test and ANOVA and Tukey's test (α = 0.05). TAP induced exuberant inflammatory and angiogenic response, with higher numbers of inflammatory cells, higher vascular area and density and lower relative percentage of collagen compared to CH. In general, the expression of genes involved in inflammation and angiogenesis was higher in the TAP group compared to CH. We concluded that the response of mouse subcutaneous connective tissue to TAP was characterized by persistent and exacerbated inflammatory and angiogenic responses along with absence of repair.Financial support: Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo – FAPESP (11/19511–0) and PROPe ‐ UNESP.
ESTROGEN‐RESPONSIVE NEURONS IN THE MEDIAL AMYGDALA PREVENT STRESS‐INDUCED HYPERTENSION
Authors: Hinton Antentor Othrell , Xu Pingwen , Yan Xiaofeng , Reynolds Corey L. , Xu Yong 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundHypertension is the leading cause of cardiovascular disease worldwide. The etiology of essential hypertension is unknown. Psychological stress contributes to development of hypertension in humans. Estrogen has been shown to prevent stress‐induced hypertension in rodents with unknown mechanisms. Amygdala neurons have been implicated in controlling blood pressure. Abundant estrogen receptors, including estrogen receptor‐α (ERα), are expressed in the medial amygdala (MeA). Thus, we hypothesize that ERα expressed by MeA neurons mediates the anti‐hypertensive effects of estrogen during stress.MethodsWe use the Cre‐LoxP system to remove ERα from specific MeA neurons in mice (ERαlox/lox/SIM1‐Cre). Female ERαlox/lox/SIM1‐Cre mice and controls (ERαlox/lox) were subjected to bilateral ovariectomy (OVX), given a vehicle (V) or 17‐β‐Estradiol pellet (E2), and inserted with telemetry probes on day one. After a seven‐day recovery, blood pressure was recorded for 3 hours to establish baseline and then mice were subjected to 1 hour stress restraint.ResultsERαlox/lox OVX + V mice showed increased mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) and systolic arterial blood pressure (SAP) in response to stress, whereas this stress‐induced hypertension was blunted in ERαlox/lox OVX + E mice. Interestingly, ERαlox/lox/SIM1‐Cre OVX + E and OVX + V group both showed increased MAP and SAP in response to stress.ConclusionsOur results suggest that ERα in the MeA is required to mediate estrogenic actions to prevent stress‐induced hypertension.