bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The nasal salt gland of extant birds: anatomical structure and its relevance for inferring the behavior and habitat preferences of extinct birds
Authors: Caggiano Emily G. , Cerio Donald , Porter Wm. Ruger , Ridgely Ryan C. , Witmer Lawrence M. 
Published: June 2021

The kidneys of extant sauropsids (birds, crocodylians, turtles, lepidosaurs) tend to be less efficient at removing excess salt from the blood than are those of mammals, and consequently, sites of extrarenal salt excretion are common in sauropsids. In birds, the nasal gland is involved with concentrating and excreting salt from the blood. In many marine birds (e.g., charadriiforms, procellariiforms), the nasal gland is hypertrophied and occupies a supraorbital position, but other positions are known in birds, such as within the orbit (e.g., suliforms). The basic physiology of avian nasal salt glands has been well‐understood for generations, but the detailed anatomy, particularly with regard to its osteology, is poorly documented. We present the results of our preliminary survey of nasal gland structure in birds to better resolve the osteological correlates of the gland, its ducts, and its vascular supply. The resulting osteological correlates (e.g., bony fossa, supraorbital process of the lacrimal, foramina/grooves for ducts) allow a more rigorous and informed assessment of the presence, position, and size of the nasal gland in extinct birds, potentially allowing rough assessments of salt loads and hence habitat preferences (e.g., marine vs. terrestrial). The extant studies emphasize marine and aquatic birds (e.g., albatrosses, shearwaters, gulls, gannets, cormorants, anseriforms), among others, such as, non‐marine outgroups (e.g., ostrich), drawing on the following anatomical approaches: (1) gross dissection, (2) diceCT (iodine enhanced microCT), and (3) radio‐opaque vascular injection followed by microCT. These studies allow not only detailed information about the relevant soft tissues and their osteological correlates, but also permit quantification of gland volumes and other metrics for comparative analysis. These extant studies shed new light on the interpretation of the nasal glands of extinct birds. Study of original fossil material and microCT scan data provide more refined information on the nasal glands of the Cretaceous marine toothed birds Hesperornis and Ichthyornis. The flightless diver Hesperornis had enormous nasal glands, suggesting that it was forced to consume seawater exclusively, whereas the volant and hence more vagile Ichthyornis had smaller salt glands suggesting that it perhaps also had access to fresh water sources. The Paleogene anseriform bird Presbyornis, typically regarded as inhabiting saline soda lakes, also was sampled and provides new evidence for a modest nasal salt gland.Support or Funding InformationUS National Science Foundation (IOB‐0517257, IOS‐1050154, IOS‐1456503), the Ohio University Honors Tutorial College, and the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine
Obesity‐Mediated Regulation of the Cardiac Acetylome
Authors: Romanick Samantha S , Hostler Andrew , Schlauch Karen , Quilici David , Feng Yumei , Ferguson Bradley 
Published: June 2021

Lysine residues undergo diverse and reversible post‐translational modifications that include acetylation, ubiquitylation and methylation. Lysine acetylation has traditionally been studied in the regulation of gene expression, where acetylation of histone tails alters electrostatic interactions of nucleosomal DNA. However, recent proteomic studies have identified ~4,000 proteins that can be acetylated on ~10,000 lysine residues, suggesting a more complex role for the acetylome in biological function. In the heart, treatment with histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors and thus increases in lysine acetylation have been shown to be cardioprotective. Here we examined the impact of obesity on the regulation of lysine acetylation. In this study, male and female c57BL/6J mice fed a high fat diet (60% kcal from fat) had a significant increase in body weight, heart weight and left ventricle weight compared to mice fed a control diet (10% kcal from fat). Of interest, immunoblot analysis demonstrated that lysine acetylation of the left ventricle was markedly altered in both male and female mice in response to diet‐induced obesity. Moreover, these phenomena appeared to be cardiac tissue specific as no differences in lysine acetylation were observed in skeletal muscle, liver or white adipose tissue in response to obesity. As such, we recently performed isobaric tagging and mass spectral analysis to identify and quantitatively analyze changes in protein abundances as well as lysine acetylation in response to obesity. We postulate that our investigations will demonstrate, with statistical significance, the impact of obesity on regulation of the cardiac acetylome and uncover biological pathways regulated by protein acetylation potentially involved in cardiac pathology.Support or Funding InformationThe project described was supported by a grant from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (GM103440). This work is supported by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (Hatch‐NEV00727).
Identification of yeast deletions strains that alter the efficacy of antifungal drugs
Authors: Bataba Eudoxie , Serratore Nina D. , Briggs Scott D. 
Published: June 2021

In recent years, a significant increase in mortality of patients with fungal infections has been observed. This is primarily due to a higher incidence of individuals who are immunocompromised including HIV‐infected patients, patients undergoing cancer therapy, organ transplant recipients, and patients with advanced stages of diabetes. A complication in treating patients with fungal infections is the development of drug resistant fungi. With the limited number of effective antifungal drugs and the increase of drug resistance, fungal infections and pathogenesis is a major threat to human health. The proposed studies help to solve this issue by identifying genes that alter antifungal drug sensitivity. Our central hypothesis is that a subset of transcriptional regulators are needed for pathways critical for altering antifungal drug resistance. This project used growth assays to determine the effects of the antifungal drugs, ketoconazole and amphotericin B, on yeast deletions strains. Overall, the proposed work will have an impact on human health related to fungal pathogenesis and drug resistance.Support or Funding InformationNational Science Foundation
Factors that differentiate Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) patients from Post‐Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) patients among Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) veterans
Authors: Miller Stacy‐Ann , Gautam Aarti , Chakraborty Nabarun , Sowe Bintu , Hoke Allison , Yang Ruoting , Hammamieh Rasha , Jett Marti 
Published: June 2021

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) has become the “signature wound” of Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF). Due to the increased use of improvised explosive devices by the insurgent forces and the unavoidable facial exposure of our combat troops, even when wearing protective gear, estimates suggest that as many as 20 % to 30 % of returning soldiers may eventually exhibit symptoms of TBI. Post‐Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), as defined by the American Psychiatric Association, is a serious behavioral health disorder, and it has been estimated that 17.1 % of soldiers returning from Iraq, and 11.2 % of those returning from Afghanistan, have experienced major depression, generalized anxiety, and/or PTSD. As a part of the present effort, investigators within the Integrative Systems Biology Program (ISB), at US Army Center for Environmental Health Research (USACEHR), are working with collaborators from the Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center (DDEAMC) to screen for potential biomarkers associated with neuronal injury. In this pilot study, blood samples were collected at DDEAMC from patients diagnosed with PTSD, TBI, or both, and shared with USACEHR for multi‐omics analysis for identification of candidate genes/proteins distinguishing between TBI and PTSD. The candidate gene/protein approach is viewed as only a first step toward identifying molecular mechanisms that are likely to be involved in the physiologic consequences of TBI/PTSD. Gene expression, DNA methylation, and targeted proteomics analysis have been completed with these samples. Functional pathway predictions indicate possible overlaps of networks enriched by differentially expressed genes and methylated genes. The advancements realized through the current findings need to be validated using larger sample sizes, and it will be important to include a gender/age/ethnicity‐matched control. The results of this research will be leveraged in multiple ways to improve the health and treatment of returning soldiers diagnosed with TBI/PTSD.Support or Funding InformationDISCLAIMERS: Research was conducted in compliance with all Federal Requirements. The views expressed are those of the authors and do not constitute endorsement by the U.S. Army.
Phosphatidic Acid‐Protein Phosphatase 2A Interactions Regulate Haloptropic Bending in Rice
Authors: Han Eun Hyang , Petrella Dominic , Lin Jinshan , DeLong Alison , Blakeslee Joshua J. 
Published: June 2021

Rice production, which accounts for roughly 20% of the world's caloric intake, is increasingly threatened by drought or salinity stresses resulting from the depletion of freshwater reserves, the use of contaminated well water, or the aggregation of agricultural fertilizers. The root system is generally the first part of the plant to experience the osmotic and ionic trauma induced by salt stress. One method by which rice roots adapt to salt stress is through tropic growth away from regions with increased salt concentrations (i.e., halotropism). Tropic bending of roots is caused by asymmetrical re‐distribution of auxin, which results in part from stress‐induced re‐localization of PIN efflux proteins, and may also involve modulations of auxin metabolism. While halotropism has been demonstrated in several dicot species (Arabidopsis thaliana and soybean), it has not yet been examined in rice. Here we discuss the development of a multi‐tiered metabolomics platform to dissect salt stress responses (i.e. halotropic bending) in rice or other plant species. Using this platform, we have demonstrated that rice roots exhibit halotropic growth, and that this growth involves the coordinated production of phosphatidic acid, the regulated activity of the protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) enzyme complex, and changes in the local accumulations of auxins and other phytohormones. Our data allow the generation of a model in which salt‐stress induced production of phosphatidic acid functions, at least in part, to regulate PP2A activity, modulating halotropic growth responses.Support or Funding InformationThis material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0446039, and USDA Grant #2007‐35304‐18418. Salaries and research support provided by state and federal funds appropriated to The Ohio State University, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (SEEDS Grant 2012‐027).
A New Link Between Stress and Infection
Authors: Sule Nitesh , Pasupuleti Sasikiran , Kohli Nandita , Menon Rani , Dangott Lawrence , Manson Michael , Jayaraman Arul 
Published: June 2021

We have known for a long time that stress increases the risk of bacterial infections by weakening the immune system. However, that is only one side of the story. Could bacteria be actively sensing stress to identify where and when to invade?During conditions of stress, key markers such as the hormones norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine are secreted into the gut by gut associated lymphoid tissue (GALT). Under normal circumstances, these tissues function as the watchtowers of the immune system. However, numerous studies have shown that GALTs are also the preferred sites for initiation of infections in the gut. We therefore hypothesized that bacteria might specifically locate GALTs by sensing the hormones as chemoattractants and this formed the basis of our studies.We conducted chemotaxis assays with wild‐type and mutant strains of E. coli K12 (RP437) and found that NE is not a chemoattractant. Instead, we discovered that these bacteria convert NE to 3,4‐dihydroxymandelic acid (DHMA), and that DHMA is a highly potent chemoattractant. We have shown that E. coli use TynA and FeaB to convert NE to DHMA, and Tsr to sense DHMA as a chemoattractant (Pasupuleti et al. (2014) J Bacteriol. 196, 3992).In this report, we show that DHMA is not only an attractant for enterohemorrhagic E. coli O157:H7, but it also induces virulence in this pathogen. Exposure to DHMA increased expression of LEE genes up to 35‐fold and increased attachment to HeLa cells over two‐fold. We also show that DHMA is present in the gut and that it is likely produced by gut microbiota. Using LC‐MS, DHMA could be detected and quantified in metabolite extracts from fecal samples as well as cecal contents of normal mice whereas no DHMA could be detected in fecal extracts of germfree mice.Our studies lead us to hypothesize that normal gut microbiota convert stress hormones such as NE into DHMA. This DHMA then acts as a beacon to other bacteria, including pathogens, directing them to NE rich sites such as the GALTs, thus playing an important role in initiating infections during stress. We are now investigating the detailed molecular mechanisms involved in the activity of DHMA as a chemoattractant and a virulence factor. Our studies could help identify new strategies to fight against intestinal infections.Support or Funding InformationNational Science Foundation award MCB 1121916
Low Plasma Carotene Concentrations Are Associated with an Increased Risk of Acute Coronary Syndrome in a Korean Population
Authors: So Jisun , Walker Maura E , Matthan Nirupa R , Lichtenstein Alice H , Han Sung Nim , Chung Ick‐Mo , Johnson Elizabeth J 
Published: June 2021

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) includes acute myocardial infarction and unstable angina, which are manifestations of coronary atherosclerosis. Circulating concentrations of carotenoids have been suggested to exert a protective effect in the development of coronary heart disease. We investigated whether plasma carotenoids – xanthophylls (lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta‐cryptoxanthin) and carotenes (alpha‐carotene, beta‐carotene, and lycopene) – were related to the risk of developing ACS in middle‐aged Korean adults. Included were 30 subjects diagnosed with ACS (cases) and 30 age‐ and sex‐matched control subjects. Plasma concentrations of carotenoids were measured by high performance liquid chromatography. The odds ratio (OR) of each plasma carotenoid was estimated by a logistic regression model adjusted for waist circumference.Compared to the controls, the cases had a significantly greater waist circumference (85.0 ± 8.6 cm vs. 80.6 ± 8.3 cm; p < 0.05) and lower HDL cholesterol concentration (45.9 ± 11.9 vs. 51.6 ± 11.7 mg/dl; p < 0.05). Plasma concentrations of carotenes, but not xanthophylls, were significantly lower in the cases as compared with controls (alpha‐carotene: 0.11 ± 0.05 vs. 0.17 ± 0.18 umol/l, p < 0.05; beta‐carotene: 1.00 ± 0.62 vs. 1.54 ± 0.88 umol/l, p < 0.05; lycopene: 0.21 ± 0.16 vs. 0.62 ± 0.39 umol/l, p < 0.001). After adjusting for waist circumference, plasma concentrations of beta‐carotene (OR = 0.92, 95% CI 0.85–0.99; p = 0.025) and lycopene (OR = 0.57, 95% CI 0.42–0.79; p < 0.001) were associated with lower risk of ACS. No significant association with the risk of ACS was observed for plasma xanthophyll concentrations.This study provides evidence for inverse associations between plasma beta‐carotene and lycopene and the risk of developing ACS, suggesting that consumption of fruits and vegetables (especially, carrots, winter squash, tomatoes) may play a protective role in the development of ACS in the Korean population.Support or Funding InformationThis research was supported by Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) funded by the Ministry of Education (NRF‐2012R1A1A2008597) and USDA 1950‐51000‐087.
A multi‐level risk factor assessment for stunting: Evidence from a national sample in Nepal
Authors: Dorsey Jamie , Manohar Swetha , Neupane Sumanta , Shrestha Binod , Thorne‐Lyman Andrew , Webb Patrick , Klemm Rolf DW , West Keith P 
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUNDDespite marked improvement in child undernutrition, especially stunting, in Nepal over the past decade, stunting prevalence remains high at 41% thus generating an urgent need to understand factors associated with childhood stunting.OBJECTIVEIdentify individual, household and community level factors associated with stunting in Nepali children 6–59 months of age.METHODSThe Policy and Science for Health, Agriculture, and Nutrition (PoSHAN) Community Studies has established a national agriculture‐to‐nutrition surveillance system in a representative sample of ~5500 households in 63 wards across 21 districts, 7 in each of the 3 agro‐ecological zones of the country. This study presents cross‐ sectional data collected in 2013 among a sample of 4853 children to determine factors associated with under‐five stunting, indicated by a height‐for‐age (HAZ) < −2. Using mixed effects logistic regressions to estimate adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), we examined individual, household and community level risk factors associated with stunting, adjusting for the multi‐level clustering design.RESULTSThe national prevalence of stunting among children < 5 years was 37.5%. Children living in less developed communities had a higher odds of stunting than those who lived in more developed communities [AOR (95% CI): 2.38 (1.36, 4.14)]. Female household headship was associated with lower odds of stunting [0.78 (0.64, 0.95)]. The presence of 3 or more under‐five year old children in a household was associated with an increased risk of stunting risk [1.19 (1.44, 2.52)] versus households with only one <5 year old. Monthly expenditure (below the 20th vs above the 80th%ile of household expenditure) was associated with an increased stunting risk [1.68 (1.27, 2.24)]. At the individual level, wasting of the child [1.52 (1.24, 1.86)], high fever in the last 30 days [1.28 (1.03, 1.59)], and maternal factors such as a lack of formal education [2.09 (1.48, 296)] and short stature [2.52 (1.96, 3.25)] were associated with an increased risk of stunting.CONCLUSIONThis study identifies risk factors at community, household and individual maternal and child levels associated with preschool child stunting that may assist in targeting programs to highest risk groups in the future.Support or Funding InformationUSAID, Feed the Future Lab for Nutrition
Igniting Youth to Create Healthier Communities: Year 4 Policy Changes
Authors: Kattelmann Kendra , Chen Biyi , Erickson Megan , Zies Susan , Jess Marcia , Li Yijing , Muturi Nancy , Lindshield Erika , Remley Daniel , Kidd Tandalayo 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveThe growing rate of childhood overweight and obesity suggests a need for more effective obesity prevention programs. Community‐Based Participatory Research (CBPR) is a collaborative approach to research that includes equal contributions from community members, organizational representatives and researchers in all facets of the research process. The approach allows participants to share their expertise in order to enhance knowledge and develop interventions that benefit the community. Ignite is five‐year, multiple‐state (Ohio, South Dakota and Kansas) program using the CBPR process to address overweight and obesity among 6–8th grade youth. As part of the Ignite program, virtual dialogues were held with key stakeholders (community leaders, school administrators, and adolescents) who were actively involved in the CBPR project to identify policy and program changes attained during Ignite implementation.Study Design, Setting, and ParticipantsAt the end of year four of programming, a virtual forum with steering committee members (7 school administrators and staff, 2 community members, 10 youth) and 11 researchers from the three intervention communities was conducted. Participants identified priority issues and program implementation associated with Ignite.Outcome, Measures and AnalysisVirtual forum discussion was recorded, transcribed, and thematically analyzed using NVivo software (QSR International Pty Ltd. Version 10, 2012).ResultsPolicy and program changes that support healthful eating behaviors and physical activity (PA) were identified. The school food and nutrition policy changes included enhancing availability of breakfast and healthful snacks and adding nutrition education to physical education (PE) class. The PA policy changes included increasing the number of programs to support walking and more physical activities. In addition, policy changes related to both nutrition and PA included incorporating wellness into curriculum, devoting time and space to wellness, and exploring funds for sustainability of programing beyond the grant.Conclusions and ImplicationsCBPR programming promoted positive policy and program changes related to healthier dietary and physical activity environment in the intervention schools and communities.Support or Funding InformationThis material is based upon work that is supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under award number 2012‐68001‐19619
Effectiveness of the Children's Healthy Living (CHL) Multilevel Multicomponent Community Intervention Program in 5 US affiliated Pacific Jurisdictions
Authors: Novotny Rachel , Wilkens Lynne R , Nigg Claudio R , Braun Kathryn , Butel Jean , Areta Aufai , Coleman Patricia , Belyeu‐Camacho Tayna , Greenberg Joshua , Bersamin Andrea , Guerrero Rachael Leon , Barber Leroy Robert , Fialkowski Marie Kainoa , De la Cruz‐Talbert Elise 
Published: June 2021

The Children's Healthy Living (CHL) program, a collaboration among Pacific Land Grant Colleges, was developed and implemented with 27 communities across the US affiliated Pacific region in a 24 month community randomized intervention trial to prevent young child obesity. The multilevel, multisite, community‐based intervention consisted of 4 cross‐cutting functions (initiate or strengthen school wellness policies; partner and advocate for environmental change; promote CHL messages; and local capacity building) with 20 activities addressing 6 targeted behaviors (physical activity, sedentary behavior, sleep, fruit and vegetable intake, sugar sweetened beverage intake, and water intake). A common intervention template and outcome measures were developed and implemented; IRB approval or ceding of approval was obtained at each of the 5 collaborating institutions. Controlling for age and sex of 2–10 year old children and accounting for the randomization units and clustering, the CHL intervention communities had significant changes in the following variables compared to control communities: prevalence of acanthosis nigricans (change of −0.1% vs +0.2%), child overweight plus obesity (−3.0% vs +1.7%), child waist circumference (+0.2cm vs +9cm), and daily screen time (−2.4min vs +3.0mins). Accelerometry and food related variables (fruit and vegetable intake, sugar sweetened beverage intake, water intake) are still being analyzed. The results indicate that community‐based multilevel multi‐component interventions can impact young child overweight and obesity and related behaviors and conditions.Support or Funding InformationUSDA/NIFA grant 2011‐68001‐30335