bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Over‐the‐counter prenatal multivitamin/mineral products: chemical analysis for the Dietary Supplement Ingredient Database (809.3)
Authors: Gusev P , Andrews K , Palachuvattil J , Dang P , Roseland J , Holden J , Savarala S , Pehrsson P , Dwyer J , Betz J , Saldanha L , Bailey R , Costello R , Gahche J , Hardy C , Emenaker N , Douglass L 
Published: June 2021

Many women use OTC prenatal MVM products to optimize nutrient intake before pregnancy, during pregnancy and lactation. Most prenatal MVM are purchased as prescription products, but the OTC market has increased, especially in the natural health and direct sales channels. Using a statistical sampling plan, 71 DS products were purchased, with 16 from mass market, 45 from natural health and 33 from direct channels. Multiple lots of each product were sent to qualified labs with quality control materials for the analysis of vitamins and minerals. Analytical results were compared to label and evaluated by regression across a range of labeled levels. The predicted mean % differences from label at the most common level ranged from 0 to <10% above label for 12 nutrients (iron, magnesium, zinc, copper, selenium, manganese, riboflavin, folic acid, vitamins A, B‐12, C, E); 10 to <20% for vitamin D and calcium; 20 to <30% for iodine and potassium, and >40% for chromium. The predicted mean % differences for thiamin, niacin and vitamin B‐6 were in the ‐10 to 0% range. For most ingredients, predicted mean analytical values are similar to and above the label, but some are significantly different. These data will be released in DSID‐3 (http://dsid.usda.nih.gov) and can provide researchers with more accurate estimates of nutrient intake from OTC prenatal MVM.Grant Funding Source: Supported by USDA‐ARS and NIH‐ODS
Intestine‐specific inactivation of acyl CoA: monoacylglycerol acyltransferase 2 protects mice from diet‐induced obesity (822.12)
Authors: Yen Chi‐Liang Eric , Nelson David , Gao Yu , Yen Mei‐I 
Published: June 2021

Acyl: CoA: monoacylglycerol acyltransferase (MGAT)2 catalyzes the re‐esterification of triacylglycerol in the enterocytes, a step required for fat absorption. Mice without functional MGAT2 enzymes (Mogat2‐/‐) are protected from diet‐induced obesity but, surprisingly, absorb normal amount of dietary fat and exhibit increased energy expenditure. MGAT2 is expressed in tissues besides intestine, including the kidney and adipose tissues in both mice and humans. To test the hypothesis that intestinal MGAT2 regulates systemic energy balance, in this study, we generated and characterized mice deficient in MGAT2 exclusively in the small intestine (Mogat2IKO). We found that, like Mogat2‐/‐ mice, Mogat2IKO mice showed delayed in fat absorption, a transient decrease in food intake when first exposed to a high‐fat diet, and a propensity to use fatty acids as fuel. Though to a lesser extent than Mogat2‐/‐ mice, Mogat2IKO mice also exhibited a persistent increase in energy expenditure and are protected against diet‐induced weight gain, excessive expansion of body fat, and associated comorbidities, including hepatic steatosis, hypercholesterolemia, and glucose intolerance. These findings illustrate that intestinal lipid metabolism plays a crucial role in the regulation of systemic energy balance. In addition, they also suggest that MGAT activity in tissues beside intestine may also contribute to energy metabolism.Grant Funding Source: Supported by NIH DK088210
Impact of processing on the bioavailability and vascular effects of blueberry (poly)phenols (831.12)
Authors: Rodriguez‐Mateos Ana , George Trevor , Heiss Christian , Spencer Jeremy 
Published: June 2021

Blueberries are a rich source of flavonoids and phenolic compounds. Currently, little information is available regarding the effects of processing on the bioactivity and bioavailability of berry (poly)phenols. Two randomized, controlled crossover trials were carried out to assess the effects of a blueberry drink and a blueberry baked product on endothelial function measured as flow‐mediated dilation (FMD), and in (poly)phenol absorption and metabolism in healthy individuals. Significant increases in %FMD at 1, 2 and 6 hours after consumption of both blueberry products were observed when compared with controls. The changes were correlated with the appearance of plasma blueberry (poly)phenol metabolites. Although some changes were observed on the bioavailability of blueberry (poly)phenols after processing, blueberry delivered as a drink or as a baked product improved endothelial function in healthy volunteers.Grant Funding Source: Alpro Foundation
Effect of Q‐VD‐OPh on neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation of sarin‐exposed mice (877.6)
Authors: Shah Ekta , Grunwald William , Garrett Teresa , Lucot James , Brown Thomas , Cool David 
Published: June 2021

Organophosphates (OP) cause CNS hyperstimulation resulting in seizures, convulsions and brain damage. Sarin is a toxic nerve agent used in Syria, the Gulf War and in terrorist attacks in Japan. Exposure to sarin is associated with presence of dead neurons, activation of astrocytes, microglia and NI. Since, cell death and NI are found in sarin exposed animals, we evaluated the efficacy of Q‐VD‐OPh, a pan spectrum caspase inhibitor that prevents cell death and has anti‐inflammatory properties. Currently, treatment for sarin exposures is effective only if administered within 30‐40 minutes of exposure. In this study, adult female C57BL/6 mice were subjected to an injection of 1.5 mg/kg CBDP before a 0.04mg/kg injection of sarin followed by 20 mg/kg injection of Q‐VD‐OPh 30 minutes later. Mice were sacrificed at two and fourteen day time points followed by BioPlex (Bio Rad) cytokine analysis of amygdala, hippocampus and piriform cortex. At two days, there was a significant increase (p<0.05) in IL‐2, IL‐10, IL‐1b, MIP‐1b and MCP‐1in sarin exposed mice, and a significant decrease in the same when injected with Q‐VD‐ OPh. Q‐VE‐OPh did not appear to have an effect. The data strongly suggests that Q‐VD‐OPh provides anti‐inflammatory properties in mice exposed to sarin. This project was supported by a grant from the NIH R21NS072103‐03. Dr. Cool and Dr. Brown have an equity interest in Apoptrol, LLC (Vice President and President, respectively) which supplied the Q‐VD‐OPh and Q‐VE‐OPh for the study.Grant Funding Source: NIH R21NS072103‐03
Proteolytic cleavage of SPAK by a kidney protease (893.36)
Authors: Markadieu Nicolas , Spiller Benjamin , McDonald Hayes , Welling Paul , Delpire Eric 
Published: June 2021

The Ste20 kinase SPAK is a major regulator of sodium reabsorption in the distal nephron. Recently, SPAK fragments have been detected in the mouse kidney, and particularly in the thick ascending limb of Henle (TAL). These truncated fragments have been demonstrated to inhibit the activity of the Na+‐K+‐2Cl‐ cotransporter, NKCC2, and thereby decrease sodium transport across the TAL. Here we show that mouse kidney lysates possess protease activity that leads to the specific cleavage of a SPAK, as we observed a precise and reproducible cleavage pattern with a GST‐SPAK fusion protein, but not a GST‐OSR1 fusion protein. This activity is not observed with brain, liver, or spleen lysates. The activity is insensitive to PMSF, leupeptin, aprotinin, and pepstatin, but inhibited by DTT and EDTA. In an effort to identify the protease, we performed ion exchange chromatography. The proteolytic activity was detected in an elution fraction corresponding to 250 mM NaCl. The fraction was subjected to MS/MS analysis and 1119 proteins were identified at 95% threshold. Among these proteins, we identified 44 peptidases and proteases. Gel permeation chromatography experiments determined that the protease is larger than 100 kDa. Effort will be made to determine the identity of the protein involved in the cleavage of SPAK and to identify the sites of cleavage.Grant Funding Source: RO1 DK0935010
Functional characterization of a putative disaccharide membrane transporter in crustacean intestine (908.7)
Authors: Likely Rasheda , Ahearn Gregory 
Published: June 2021

Mechanisms of transepithelial absorption of dietary sucrose in the American lobster, Homarus americanus, were investigated to determine if disaccharide sugars can be transported across an animal gut intact. Intestines were mounted in a perfusion chamber to measure mucosal to serosal (MS) 14C‐sucrose transport. MS sucrose transport was a hyperbolic function of luminal sugar concentration, suggesting the presence of carrier‐mediated transport. Sodium‐dependent glucose transport inhibitor, phloridzin, partially decreased MS 14C‐sucrose transport, suggesting hydrolysis of 14C‐sucrose to glucose during transport. Phloretin, an inhibitor of Na+‐independent basolateral glucose transport, partially decreased MS 14C‐sucrose transport, suggesting that some 14C‐sucrose radioactivity may be transported to the blood as 14C‐glucose. Decreased MS 14C‐sucrose transport also occurred in the presence of the disaccharide trehalose. Thin‐layer chromatography (TLC) was used to identify the chemical nature of radioactively‐labeled sugars in the bath following transport and revealed that 14C‐sucrose was transported across the intestine largely as an intact molecule. Results suggest that disaccharide sugars may be transported intact across crustacean intestine and provide support for the occurrence of a disaccharide membrane transporter that has not previously been functionally characterized.Grant Funding Source: This project was supported by Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Competitive Grant no. 2010‐65
Identification and characterization of the molecular interactions of persistent organic pollutants with the multidrug resistance transport protein ABCB1 (974.4)
Authors: Nicklisch Sascha , Bonito Lindsay , Sandin Stuart , Hamdoun Amro 
Published: June 2021

Multidrug resistance (MDR) transporters, from the ATP binding cassette (ABC) superfamily, are thought to act as determinants of chemical accumulation in cells. Despite a long history of research on the interactions of MDR proteins with pharmaceuticals, little is known about the molecular basis of their interactions with environmental compounds such as persistent organic pollutants (POPs). This research is urgently needed to further understanding of substrate recognition by the transporters and to test the hypothesis that pollutant persistence relates to predictable patterns of interaction with the major MDR transporter ABCB1.We use purified recombinant P‐glycoprotein (ABCB1) from mouse and yellowfin tuna to measure pollutant‐transporter interaction kinetics via ATPase stimulation and fluorophore knock‐off experiments. These kinetic will be compared to what is observed with ABCB1 overexpressed in whole cells. Previously analyzed data on “real‐world” pollutant levels in the cosmopolitan and widely consumed fish species of yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) was used to guide the selection of persistent pollutants. The preliminary results of this study show that the majority of the selected persistent pollutants found in tuna are inhibitors of mouse ABCB1 efflux pump. Thereby, isomeric forms of the same pollutant can differ in their IC50 values up to an order of magnitude while reaching inhibition coefficients in the range of the model inhibitor cyclosporine A.These studies aim at determining the conservation of pollutant‐transporter interactions across marine and mammalian ABCB1 transporters. In addition, we want to investigate whether common structural features of ABC transporters and pollutants govern their interactions. These results will shed light on the question of how transporters can direct pollutant movement through the environment and will lead to new avenues for design of more potent pharmaceuticals and safer industrial chemicals.Grant Funding Source: Supported by NIH and the WAITT Foundation
Poly‐ubiquitin chains paradox: development of novel and selective poly‐ubiquitin binding domains (LB184)
Authors: Brubaker Valerie , Loch Christian , Longenecker Kathryn , Strickler James 
Published: June 2021

Ubiquitylation occurs through isopeptide linkage between the C‐terminus of Ub and the ε‐amino group of a lysine residue on the target substrate. Ub itself has seven Lys residues (K6, K11, K27, K29, K33, K48, and K63), each of which can participate in further ubiquitylation, generating poly‐Ub chains. The ability of Ub to form polymers through various lysines as well as the NH2‐terminus appears to be central to the versatility of this system in regulating cellular processes. The most extensively characterized of these polymers are linked through either K48 or K63. K48‐linked polyUb predominantly targets proteins for proteasomal degradation, whereas K63‐linked polyUb appears to regulate protein function, subcellular localization, or protein‐protein interactions. A growing body of evidence now implicates K11‐linked polyUb in mitotic regulation and endoplasmic reticulum associated degradation (ERAD). It is apparent from the above, that different poly‐ubiquitin linkages convey different information to the cell and suggests strongly that the cell contains elements capable of decoding this information, i.e. linkage specific ubiquitin binding domains. Development of Poly‐Ubiquitin selective tools will revolutionize the field of ubiquitin. Most UBDs described to date show little ability to discriminate between different linkages; although, it is possible to construct linkage specific tandem ubiquitin binding entities (TUBEs) by manipulating the spacing and rigidity of the linkers between tandem UBDs. We and our collaborators have constructed a series of K63‐specific UBDs and demonstrated their utility for Far Western blotting and “pull‐down” type experiments for evaluating the levels and identities of proteins bearing K63‐linked polyubiquitin chains under a variety of treatments. We will describe the results of proteomic experiments in which we identified new classes of UBDs. When validated, this information will have a major impact on our understanding of the functioning of the Ubiquitin‐Proteasome Pathway and suggest new targets for intervention.Grant Funding Source: Supported by R43CA165561
AMPK and PTP‐1B stand at the gates of immunity, metabolism and egg formation in mosquitoes. (LB224)
Authors: Silva‐Neto Mario Alberto , Nunes Rodrigo , Moretti Debora , Cudischevitch Cecilia , Daumas‐Filho Carlos Renato , Medeiros‐Castro Priscilla , Jablonka Willy , Ventura‐Martins Guilherme , Capurro Margareth , Mesquita Rafael , Ahuja Lalima , Atella Georgia 
Published: June 2021

Mosquitoes are major vectors of human diseases. This is mainly due to their requirement for a blood meal to lay eggs which allows the transmission of pathogens to the human being. Our aim is to identify proper molecular targets in order to block blood feeding and impair egg formation.In their early days of adult life mosquitoes feed on vegetal fluids and their midgut is continuously loaded with several bioactive compounds including polyphenols. We observed that polyphenol‐fed mosquitos dramatically increase their average lifespan (Control T 1/2 ± 15‐18 days, Polyphenol‐fed T1/2± 20‐32 days). Polyphenols also reduced the body triglyceride content from 20‐75 %. They trigger midgut autophagy which leads to a 40 % decrease on bacterial loads. Such mechanisms are mimicked by the activation of the mosquito AMPK and abolished by RNAi‐mediated silencing of this gene. Thus the presence of polyphenol on early mosquito meals optimizes mosquito metabolism and immunity and its chances of finding its first blood meal. After a blood meal digestion will take place in mosquito midgut. Blood‐derived nutrients allow yolk synthesis and egg formation. Blood feeding affects the expression of the mosquito PTP‐1B (AaPTP1B) in tissues critically involved in the synthesis and storage of vitellogenin (Vg), the major yolk protein. The protein tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor sodium orthovanadate or the PTP substrate DiFMUP decreased Vg synthesis and egg production. Also, silencing of AaPTP1B using by RNAi assays suppressed by 30 % egg production.In conclusion, the above results show that mosquito signaling pathways regulated by AMPK and PTP1B are proper targets to block blood feeding and egg formation. Future research strategies should be designed to generate novel cell signaling‐based insecticides that simultaneously decrease mosquito lifespan and reproduction.Grant Funding Source: Supported by CNPq, INCT‐EM, FAPERJ
Using the Amira software to Reconstruct a 3D Kidney Model (LB25)
Authors: Pavlov Anna , Chen Jian , Yang Tong , Lynch James , Cui Dongmei 
Published: June 2021

Amira is a powerful software for bioscience research that anatomists can use to create 3D structures from CT, MRI, and other diagnostic images. Amira allows us to view 3‐dimensional structures not only from outside but also from the inside of the kidney. In this project, we reconstructed the right‐sided kidney through an ultra‐thin MRI. The structures of the cortex, medulla, calyces, urethra, and renal artery and vein were assigned pseudocolor to simplify identification. We demonstrated how Amira can be used by our students to view multiple displays of 3D kidney models and internal viewing of the cortex and medulla. Amira carries a handful of tools for easily reconstructing CT/MRI images into 3D structures, saving time from tedious segmental outlining and giving a better and more detailed view of the kidney in cross‐section.Grant Funding Source: UMC
Age‐Related Changes Heart Function in the Female SHR, a Model of Postmenopausal Cardiovascular Physiology (LB712)
Authors: McCarthy Joseph , Ramirez Rolando , Novak Jacqueline 
Published: June 2021

Age‐Related Changes Heart Function in the Female SHR, a Model of Postmenopausal Cardiovascular Physiology. Joseph McCarthy1, Rolando J.J. Ramirez1, Jacqueline Novak2. 1Biology, The University of Akron, Akron, OH, 2Department of Math and Sciences, Walsh University, N. Canton, OH.Women have a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease compared to men until after menopause when the risk is similar between men and women. The mechanism for cardioprotective effect is unclear. In order to study the physiological changes which occur in the cardiovascular system of women after menopause, it is necessary to identify animal models. One model of post‐menopausal physiology is the aged spontaneously hypertensive female rats (SHR). The endocrine and blood pressure changes have been previously recorded by Reckelhoff and colleagues; however, the cardiac function has not been examined via isolated heart techniques. The purpose of this study was to compare the contractility of hearts isolated from postmenopausal rats (aged SHR females) compared to young SHR controls. . Hearts studied using an isolated Langendorff system. The contractility measurements were recorded at 3 different ventricular volumes (0.05, 0.10, and 0.15ml) using a pressure transducer and the data were collected using WinDaq (DI‐720‐Di‐7x0). Contractility was calculated by the change in pressure over the change in time(dP/dt). A significant increase in contractility was shown between the young and old SHR models at the three different volumes. For example, at 0.15ml, the contractility was 6.19 1.49 in the post‐menopausal rats compared to 4.03 0.91 in the young SHR. These results indicate that there are significant age‐related changes in the isolated heart of aged SHR which is further evidence that this is an important model for studying post‐menopausal changes in heart function.Grant Funding Source: Supported by NIH 1R15HL097343‐01A2
Use of Soft Contact Lens for Esthetic and Functional Rehabilitation
Authors: de Paula Yoneda Patrícia , Schellini Silvana A. , Padovani Carlos R. , Silva Virgílio F. 
Published: June 2021

Objective:
To report the outcomes and complications of colored soft contact lenses (SCLs) to improve esthetic or eye function in visually impaired (VI) or blind patients.

Methods:
This retrospective study enrolled consecutive patients with unilateral or bilateral VI or blindness who had received colored SCLs to improve appearance or ocular function. Data were collected on demographics, complaints, complete ophthalmological examinations, types of SCL, follow-ups, and complications.

Results:
The study sample was comprised of 109 patients (ages 4–80 years). Eighty-six patients (78.89%) had unilateral blindness, and 14 patients (12.84%) had functional disorder. Most of the patients presenting for improved esthetic had anterior segment pathology (74/67.88%), mainly secondary to trauma (55/50.5%) resulting in leukoma (73/66.97%). Patients with functional VI (19/17.43%) received filtered SCLs for color blindness (7/6.42%), diplopia (7/6.42%), or photophobia (5/4.58%). No serious complications were observed in any cases, and 94.49% of patients were satisfied with the SCLs.

Conclusion:
Colored SCLs can cover ocular surface imperfections in VI or blind eyes of patients who are seeking better cosmesis or improvement functional VI. Soft contact lenses with only one filter can cover imperfections of the ocular surface and improve vision in functional VI. Appropriate follow-up of these patients can reduce complication rates, resulting in good cosmesis and patient satisfaction with a positive impact on the lives of patients suffering from functional VI or blindness.
Validation of the BPro radial pulse waveform acquisition device in pregnancy and gestational hypertensive disorders
Authors: Jakes Adam , Wade Julie , Vowles Zoe , Seed Paul T. , Shennan Andrew H. , Chappell Lucy C. , Nzelu Diane 
Published: June 2021

Objective
To validate the BPro blood pressure (BP) wrist device for use in pregnancy and preeclampsia according to the Universal Standard protocol.

Participants and methods
BP was measured sequentially in 45 pregnant women (including 15 with preeclampsia, 15 with gestational hypertension and 15 who remained normotensive) alternating between a mercury sphygmomanometer and BPro device.

Results
The BPro is accurate in pregnancy with a mean device-observer difference of −1.7 ± 6.1 and 0.1 ± 4.6 mmHg for SBP and DBP, respectively. In women with preeclampsia, BPro also met the validation criteria for the Universal Standard protocol with a mean device-observer difference of −2.7 ± 7.1 and 0.3 ± 4.7 mmHg for SBP and DBP, respectively. However, the number of absolute BP differences within 5 mmHg was considerably fewer in those with preeclampsia when compared to the other two subgroups.

Conclusion
The BPro device can be recommended for BP measurement in pregnancy but should be used with caution in those with confirmed preeclampsia.