bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cranberries Modulate Postprandial Metabolism in Obese Participants with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: MORRIS STACY , BETTS NANCY , LYONS TIMOTHY , BASU Arpita 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundCranberries have been shown to lower risks of type 2 diabetes, and improve features of the metabolic syndrome, and lower postprandial glucose in a few clinical studies. Purpose: We investigated the postprandial effects of dried cranberries vs. control (bananas) in obese participants with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), in a randomized crossover trial. Methods: Blood draws and vascular measurements were conducted at fasting, 1, 2, 3 and 4 hours (h), following consumption of a fast‐food style high‐fat breakfast (50g fat, 766 kcal). Results: Analyses of our study data (n=25; BMI (kg/m2) (mean±SD) =39.5±6.5; Age (years) =56±6) revealed that postprandial changes in HDL‐cholesterol tended to be lower in the cranberry vs. control up to 4h (p<0.1), while postprandial changes in glucose were significantly lower in the cranberry vs. control at 1 & 2h (p<0.05). Among vascular parameters, no significant differences were noted in mean arterial blood pressure and systolic and diastolic blood pressure, as well as in small and large artery elasticity indices.ConclusionsOverall, cranberries were shown to exert modest but notable effects in high‐fat breakfast induced postprandial glucose and lipid levels in participants with T2DM. These findings define the role of whole cranberries in postprandial blood glucose management and need further investigation.
Meta‐Regression Analysis of the Effect of Trans Fatty Acids (TFAs) on LDL‐Cholesterol
Authors: Vincent Melissa , Allen Bruce , Liska DeAnn , Dourson Michael , Haber Lynne 
Published: June 2021

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published a Federal Register notice tentatively determining that partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs, the primary dietary source of industrial TFAs – iTFAs) are no longer generally recognized as safe (GRAS) when used in food. This determination was based on the conclusion that there is no threshold intake for iTFA that would not increase an individual's risk of coronary heart disease, based primarily on research showing iTFAs increase LDL‐cholesterol (LDL‐C) at high levels of intake. A meta‐regression analysis was conducted on the relationship between changes in TFA intake and changes in plasma LDL‐C, building on an evidence map designed to capture all relevant data. The purpose of this analysis was to describe the dose‐response in the range of the human data, particularly the low‐intake region. An advantage of the weighted regression (i.e., meta‐regression) is greater accuracy, since studies with smaller variance are given more weight. A variety of different mathematical expressions were fit to the data to determine which one best fit the data. Variability was very large, particularly at low TFA intake, indicating TFA intake is not the primary determinant of LDL‐C levels at low TFA intake. No significant differences were found in the mathematical fit of models across a wide range of shapes, from very flat initial slope to very steep initial slope. Thus, the mathematical modeling cannot inform our understanding of the shape of the dose‐response curve even in the range of human data, and determine whether a threshold exists. Instead, as is generally the case, one needs to rely on a mode of action evaluation.This work was sponsored by the ILSI North America PHO Task Force.
Role of Heat Shock Proteins in Modulating ECM Deposition
Authors: Leavitt Jeffrey , Whalen Rachel , Veraldi Kristen , Binder Robert , Yates Cecelia 
Published: June 2021

AbstractObjectiveThe hallmark feature of systemic sclerosis (SSc) is excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) in skin and other affected organs that leads to fibrosis. The accumulation of ECM is caused by pathologically activated fibroblast that releases collagen, fibronectin, and other ECM components. Strong evidence suggests transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐β) plays a pivotal role in fibroblast activation and induces excessive ECM production. In addition, heat shock protein (HSPs) have been implicated in SSc such that pharmacological inhibition of hsp90 blocks the pro‐fibrotic effect of TGF‐β. In this study we evaluate the role of hsp90 and hsp70 on TGF‐β signaling and ECM production in human dermal fibroblasts.MethodExpression of hsp90 and hsp70 were quantified by immunoblot and immunofluorescence microscopy following TGF‐β induction of dermal fibroblasts. The effect of hsp90 and hsp70 inhibition on TGF‐β‐induced ECM expression was analyzed in dermal fibroblasts.ResultsExpression of hsp90 and hsp70 increased in a TGF‐β‐ dependent manner 48 hours after treatments following a marginal, proteasomal‐dependent decrease at 24 hours. Inhibition of hsp90 by 17‐allylamino‐17‐demethoxy‐geldanamycin (17‐AAG) blocked the effects of TGF‐β on fibronectin and alpha‐smooth muscle actin and myofibroblast differentiation. In turn, there was an increase in antifibrotic matrix decorin.ConclusionOur data suggest a critical role for hsp90 in TGF‐β signaling. We propose the use of hsp90 inhibitors as potential antifibrotic treatments. Our data suggest a critical role for hsp90 and hsp70 in TGF‐β signaling. Blockade of TGF‐β‐mediated myofibroblast differentiation by 17‐AAG suggests that hsp90 inhibitors merit additional study as novel antifibrotic agents.
Garlic (Allium sativum) Modulates the Expression of the Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Product (RAGE) Isoforms in Renal Tissues of Streptozotocin‐Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Al‐Qattan Khaled , Mansour Mohamed , Thomson Martha , Ali Muslim 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundThe up‐regulation of the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) has been implicated as a major mediator in the development and progression of diabetic nephropathy.ObjectiveThe present study was designed to investigate the potential of garlic to modulate the level of expression of RAGE in renal tissues of diabetic rats.MethodThree groups of rats were studied after 8 weeks following diabetes induction: normal, streptozotocin‐induced diabetic (control diabetic), and garlic‐treated diabetic rats.ResultsA polyclonal antibody of proven specificity to RAGE indicated in immunohistochemical assays that RAGE labeling was significantly increased in renal tissues of control diabetic rats compared to the normal group. The increased RAGE labeling involved mesangial cells in the majority of glomeruli, which also exhibited signs of mesangial expansion, mesangial nodule formation and glomerulosclerosis. In 2‐dimensional Western blots, RAGE expression in renal tissues was dominated by a heterogeneous group of charge variants, represented by 46‐50 kDa isoforms with an obvious shift towards more basic pIs compared to their counterparts in normal rats. Compared to control diabetic rats, RAGE labeling in the garlic‐treated diabetic group was significantly reduced throughout renal regions and was marked by the expression of 43‐50 kDa acidic charge variants comparable to those observed in normal rats.ConclusionThe capacity of garlic to modulate diabetes‐induced up‐regulation of selective RAGE polymorphic variants may be implicated in attenuating the detrimental consequences of excessive RAGE signaling manifested by diabetes‐associated disorders.
Double Inferior Venacava with Anomalous Hemiazygos Vein – A Case Report
Authors: Sakthivelavan Sumathilatha , Castellanos Bedia , Rich Sushama , Goldberg Robert , Quinteros Carlos , Baez Ramona 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveDuplication of the inferior venacava (IVC) is a rare variation that is caused by an alteration in the embryogenesis of the cardinal venous system. It is found in 0.3 to 3% of the population. There are various types of double IVC and this case is reported since it is unique among them.Materials and methods: During dissection of an eighty seven year old female cadaver, presence of an IVC was noted on either side of the abdominal aorta. The course and the termination of both the IVCs were dissected. The azygos and the hemiazygos veins were traced into the thoracic cavity till their termination.Results: In the posterior abdominal wall, the right IVC was found to be the continuation of the right common iliac vein and its course and termination was normal. On the left, the common iliac vein continued as the left IVC. Both the IVCs were connected by a venous bridge which coursed deep to the abdominal aorta. The left IVC passed through the medial arcuate ligament and entered the thoracic cavity as the hemiazygos vein. It was the only hemiazygos vein and drained into the azygos vein which was smaller than the hemiazygos vein.ConclusionThe most common type of the double IVC is the termination of the left IVC in the left renal vein which drains into the right IVC. This case had a normal termination of the right IVC and continuation of the left IVC as the hemiazygos vein, which is a rarely reported variant. Double IVC is usually asymptomatic but if unnoticed, may lead to severe hemorrhage in the retroperitoneal surgeries. In the imaging studies, a thrombosed left IVC might mimic retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy. Adequate knowledge of this variant aids in the proper interpretation of radiological images and avoids intraoperative complications.
Effects of Green Tea and Coffee Polyphenols on Cardiometabolic Function in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Tomatis Virginia , Wassell Sara , Venables Michelle , Walker Celia , Ray Sumantra , Siervo Mario , Griffin Julian , Bluck Les 
Published: June 2021

Green tea (catechins, GTC) and coffee polyphenols (chlorogenic acids, CGA) have been associated with reduced diabetes and cardiovascular risk. However, detailed investigations in at risk populations are needed to corroborate their efficacy and understand the underlying mechanisms. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a combined supplementation of GTC and CGA on insulin sensitivity (SI), nitric oxide (NO) production and cardiometabolic risk factors in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition characterized by insulin resistance, endothelial dysfunction and increased cardiometabolic risk. In a 16‐week, single‐blind, unilateral crossover trial, 12 PCOS women (mean ± SD: age, 28 ± 10 y; BMI, 35 ± 7 kg/m2; fasting insulin, 97 ± 52 pmol/L) underwent 8 weeks of placebo treatment followed by 8 weeks of active treatment (tablets providing 2093 mg GTC and 220 mg CGA/day). At baseline, post‐placebo and post‐active treatments participants undertook glucose tolerance and oral nitrate tests for isotopic assessment of SI and NO production and additional cardiometabolic risk factors were measured. The polyphenol intervention did not improve SI and NO production, but it was associated with reduced waist circumference (MD: 2.4 cm; P = 0.02), altered eicosanoid profile and non‐significant trends for reductions in diastolic blood pressure, total and LDL cholesterol. Combined intake of GTC and CGA may modulate eicosanoid pathways, thereby reducing inflammation and abdominal adiposity. These changes may prove cardioprotective in at risk populations, in longer term intervention studies. [MRC UK]
Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation on Serum Adiponectin: a Metaregression Analysis of Clinical Trials
Authors: Minto Clara , Vecchio Maria Gabriella , Gregori Dario 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundVitamin D deficiency has been related to cardiometabolic risk factors. Recent studies suggest a potential association between low Vit D levels and adiponectin, a protein associated with obesity, T2DM and atherosclerosis. Present study evaluates, through a meta‐analysis, the association between serum vitamin D and adiponectin after vitamin supplementation.MethodsArticles have been collected through PubMed using the search string “(vitamin D) AND adiponectin” limiting the results to “clinical trials” and “humans” and including papers published until December 2014. 6 articles have been chosen for the analysis. A meta‐regression model for plasmatic adiponectin has been estimated using Generalized Least Squares, accounting for within‐study correlation (assuming a Continuous Auto‐Regressive of first order structure) and weights proportional to study variance and study size. Effect of dose has been estimated as Cumulative Effect (Dose per day over the weeks of study duration).ResultsA total of 6 studies (175 patients) followed for an average time of 23 weeks were included in the meta‐analysis for serum adiponectin evaluation. A significant dose‐response relationship has been found between vitamin D3 supplementation and adiponectin levels.

Num. Studies
Effect
S.E.
p‐value

Dose on serum adiponectin (µg/mL)
6
0.0000039
0.00000047
<0.0001

ConclusionsData suggest a potential increase of serum adiponectin after vitamin D intake. This result supports the assumption that vitamin D could play a role in the prevention of several diseases involving adiponectin variations. However, given the variability of sample characteristics and the variety of diagnostic tests, more research is needed to confirm present conclusion.
Development and Evaluation of Highly Specific Monoclonal Antibodies against Human LGR5 for the Identification of Colon Cancer Stem Cells
Authors: Fu Wei , Yuan Kehu , Chen Caiwei , Wei Haitao , Lu Hsiangmin Emily , Ren Qi , Logis Evelin , Kelly Sean , He Wei‐wu , Ma Donghui 
Published: June 2021

The cancer stem cells is a subpopulation of cancer cells which is responsible for cancer initiation, development and metastasis. Detection and identification of cancer stem cells have been considered as one of the most important objectives for clinical diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Research evidences indicated that Leucine‐rich repeat containing G‐protein‐coupled receptor 5 (LGR5) is one of the biomarkers specifically expressed on colon cancer stem cells, which is activated by extracellular Wnt molecules to trigger canonical Wnt signaling and gene expression related to cancer development. Therefore, it is critical to develop an LGR5 antibody with great sensitivity and specificity to detect endogenous LGR5 expression in cancer stem cells.In this research, several LGR5 mouse monoclonal antibodies were generated for multiple applications. These LGR5 antibodies are also highly sensitive for flow application on LGR5 stable expression cells and proved to be highly specific with our proprietary high density protein microarray chip assay. Furthermore, we also performed immunohistochemistry assays on colon cancer tissue blocks for diagnostic application. These newly generated LGR5 antibodies could provide new tools for earlier diagnosis and therapeutic guidance on colon cancers.
Exercise Training is More Effective Than The Ability of 17‐β‐Estradiol to Reverse Glucose Intolerance in Ovariectomized (OVX) Rats
Authors: MacDonald Tara , Ritchie Kerry , Davies Sarah , Hamilton Melissa , Cervone Daniel , Wright David , Dyck David 
Published: June 2021

IntroductionLoss of estrogen in females increases the risk for insulin resistance. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is often prescribed to treat estrogen deficiency but has several detrimental side effects. Exercise is suggested as an HRT substitute since it improves insulin sensitivity, but the efficacy of exercise vs. HRT on glucose tolerance is unknown. The purpose of this study was to compare exercise training to 17‐β‐estradiol (E2) supplementation on restoring glucose tolerance (GT) in ovariectomized (OVX) rats.Methods30 OVX and 20 SHAM rats consumed a phytoestrogen free diet, ad libitum. Glucose tolerance tests (GTT) were performed at 10 weeks. Blood samples were drawn to assess serum insulin. Rats were randomly assigned to one of five 4 week treatment groups: SHAM sedentary (sed) or exercise (ex; 60 min, 5x/wk), OVX sed, ex or E2 (28 ug/kg/day). GTTs and blood sampling were repeated at 15 weeks. Glucose uptake in soleus and EDL muscle was assessed, and basal and maximal insulin‐stimulated EDL, soleus, adipose and liver samples were frozen for analysis.ResultsOVX rats were glucose intolerant at 10 weeks relative to SHAMs. After treatment, GT in OVX ex rats was entirely recovered, but only partially in OVX E2 rats. Insulin secretion at 15 min. during the 15 week GTT was significantly higher in OVX sed vs. OVX E2 or ex groups; however maximal insulin‐stimulated glucose uptake in soleus or EDL was unaffected.ConclusionsExercise restores GT in OVX rats more effectively than E2. Whole‐body improvements are not reflected by alterations in muscle maximal insulin response. This suggests adipose or liver as primary effectors of E2 or exercise treatment in OVX rats.Supported by NSERC
Extracellular Nucleic Acids in the Blood of Patients with Secondary Home Pneumonia with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Bakirova Ryszhan , Muravlyova Larissa , Molotov‐Luchanskiy Vilen 
Published: June 2021

Insufficiently studied the role of extracellular nucleic acids. It is now established that the content of the circulating nucleic acids varies with diabetes, myocardial infarction, systemic lupus erythematous, rheumatoid arthritis, glomerulonephritis and hepatitis.The aim of our study was to investigate the content of vkNK and acid precursors in plasma and adsorbed on erythrocytes of patients with secondary home pneumonia on a background of COPD.Definition vkNK and RHA performed no later than one hour after blood collection. Statistical research methods included: payment median and mode, the mean square deviation. To determine the reliability of the indicators used F ‐ Fisher's exact test.The first group consisted of 29 patients with secondary, home pneumonia, shared or with the defeat of two or three segments and the NAM II. The second group (n=20) included patients with no prior home pneumonia bronchitis or COPD background. The groups were matched by age and sex: the average age of the surveyed first was 54,8±16,5 years, the second ‐ 59,8±19,3 years, the control group ‐ 57,6±14,9 years. In all groups, dominated by men: the first ‐ 22 (75,8±7,9%), the second ‐ 17 (85±7,9%), in the control group ‐ 19 (76±8,5%).In 8 (27,6±8,3%) patients of the group identified COPD stage II, and 21 (72,4±8,3%) ‐ III stage. The mean value of the duration of COPD group was 10,4±8,7 years. The frequency of exacerbations of COPD equal 2,2±1,2 years.In the red blood cells of patients with secondary home pneumonia against a sharp increase in COPD CRF adsorbed on erythrocytes. Thus, the totality of our data allows us to offer the extracellular nucleic acids are considered as a separate component of the molecular patterns associated with damage with pneumonia
A Critical Evaluation of “The Ear that Hears Badly” in the Ebers Papyrus
Authors: Mudry Albert , Young John Riddington 
Published: June 2021

Objective:
The Ebers papyrus (1,550 BC) is one of the most complete medical papyri of Ancient Egypt. It contains a few paragraphs about otology, about both treatments of the external ear and ideas concerning the ears and deafness. Over the years, many scholarly interpretations of these paragraphs have been made by learned Egyptologists and academic historians of otology. They do not always agree and have often been critical of each other. This historical review compares and contrasts all the main published academic translations of the Ebers papyrus by looking at the original document and their interpretations.

Methodology:
Historical research, based on the various translations of the Ebers papyrus.

Results:
Eight complete translations of the whole Ebers manuscript have been analyzed. Four of these contain transliteration of the hieroglyphics. The hieroglyph associated with the ear is a pictogram of a cow's ear. It has two possible interpretations. It can mean the ear itself but it can also be used to denote either deafness or hearing.

Conclusion:
Insights into the early Egyptians perception of the ear may be obtained, but study of primary references shows that there is scant evidence of knowledge of anatomical details in the Ebers papyrus.
Inflammatory Pseudotumor of the Temporal Bone Leading to Atypical Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence Syndrome: A Novel Case Report
Authors: Smith Blaine D. , Cunningham Calhoun D. 
Published: June 2021

Objective:
Inflammatory pseudotumor of the temporal bone is a benign idiopathic inflammatory process that is rarely encountered in clinical practice. We describe a novel case of a patient who developed superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome in the setting of active inflammatory pseudotumor of the temporal bone.

Patient:
One female patient found to have inflammatory pseudotumor of the temporal bone. After treatment with mastoidectomy and steroids, she subsequently developed superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome.

Intervention(s):
The patient initially underwent myringotomy and pressure equalization tube placement for a unilateral effusion. Imaging with computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a lytic mastoid mass. A complete mastoidectomy was diagnostic for inflammatory pseudotumor and the patient was treated with adjuvant long-term corticosteroids. After this procedure, she was discovered to have new development of symptomatic superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome. She eventually underwent a trans-mastoid repair of her superior semicircular canal dehiscence.

Main Outcome Measure(s):
The patient's clinical course is described with emphasis on the development of superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome in the setting of active inflammatory pseudotumor of the temporal bone.

Results:
The patient's radiographic and clinical history were found to be consistent with inflammatory pseudotumor of the temporal bone. She underwent a therapeutic mastoidectomy with long-term post-operative corticosteroids. During her post-operative course, she developed symptoms of vertigo, hearing loss, and autophony. She was subsequently diagnosed with superior semicircular canal dehiscence and treated with a trans-mastoid repair of the dehiscence. Her symptoms satisfactorily resolved after this surgery.

Conclusions:
Inflammatory pseudotumor of the temporal bone is a rare benign inflammatory process. We present what is to our knowledge the first description of superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome developing in the setting of inflammatory pseudotumor.
Nurse Burnout Syndrome and Work Environment Impact Patient Safety Grade
Authors: Montgomery Aoyjai P. , Patrician Patricia A. , Azuero Andres 
Published: June 2021

Background:
Burnout impacts nurses' health as well as brain structures and functions including cognitive function, which could lead to work performance and patient safety issues. Yet, few organization-level factors related to patient safety have been identified.

Purpose:
This study examined nurse-reported patient safety grade and its relationship to both burnout and the nursing work environment.

Methods:
A cross-sectional electronic survey was conducted among nurses (N = 928) in acute care Alabama hospitals.

Results:
In multilevel ordinal mixed-effects models with nurses nested within hospitals, all burnout dimensions of the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (OR for +1 SD ranging 0.63-0.78; P < .05) and work environment (OR for +1 SD ranging 4.35-4.89; P < .001) were related to the outcome of patient safety grade after controlling for nurse characteristics.

Conclusions:
Results indicate that health care organizations may reduce negative patient safety ratings by reducing nurse burnout and improving the work environment at the organization level.