bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal morphometric study of the cervical vagus nerve in young Wistar‐Kyoto rats
Authors: Fontanesi Lucas Baptista , Schiavoni Maria Cristina Lopes , Salgado Helio Cesar , Fazan Valéria Paula Sassoli 
Published: June 2021

Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) are widely used as a model for essential hypertension in humans and the vagus nerve morphology in this model was already investigated [1]. Nevertheless, there is no description of the vagus nerve histological characteristics in the SHR normotensive counterparts, the Wistar‐Kyoto rats (WKY), except for a study of the vagus vascularization [2]. We investigated the cervical vagus nerve in 30 days old WKY. Rats were systemically perfused with a fixative solution and had their cervical vagi nerves prepared for light microscopy study. Proximal, medium and distal segments of the left vagus nerve were morphometrically evaluated with the aid of computer software. Comparisons were made between segments in order to evaluate possible longitudinal changes along the nerve. Differences were considered significant when p < 0.05. Fascicle morphometric parameters evaluated were area, number and density of myelinated fibers and number and density of Schwann cell nuclei. None of these parameters were different between segments. This is the first description of vagus nerve morphometry in WKY and these data will provide morphological basis for further studies involving functional investigations of the efferent arm of the baroreflex in SHR.Grant Funding Source: FAPESP, CNPq and FAEPA
The morphology and clinical significance of the meningovertebra ligaments in the lumbosacral epidural space
Authors: Ding Zihai , Shi Benchao 
Published: June 2021

IntroductionTo determine the morphology and morphometry of the dorsal meningovertebral lig. in the lumbosacral segments and to discuss its clinical significance.Methods30 adult embalmed cadavers were used. The vertebral canal was divided to expose the dural sac and the spinal nerve roots. The morphology, quantity and attachment of the dorsal meningovertebral lig. in lumbosacral region was observed, and the length, width or diameter and thickness of the lig. was measured with a vernier caliper.ResultsThe dorsal meningovertebral lig. in lumbosacral region connected the dura to lig. flava or lamina. The attachment points on lig. flava were relatively larger, the frequency was 97% at L5/S1. The greatest thickness of lig. was at L5, S1 vertebrae. The length of lig. varied from 6.0 to 40.24 mm, and the orientation of lig. was craniocaudal. The shape of lig. was divided into five types.ConclusionThe dorsal meningovertebral lig. are the anatomical factor of dura laceration and epidural hemorrhage in flavectomy and laminectomy, they should be identified and deal with carefully in operation.
Do anatomical axes and physiologic activity correlate in rat endopiriform nucleus and claustrum?
Authors: Orman Rena , Rozenberg Inna , Scalia Frank 
Published: June 2021

The endopiriform nucleus and claustrum are brain regions that are anatomically and functionally situated between the insular cortex and subcortical structures such as striatum. Subregions of these structures have been defined with various anatomical tracing methods and suggest a crude topographic relation of subregions with neocortical or subcortical (thalamic) areas. We studied endopiriform and claustral cells staining and morphology in male Sprague Dawley rats. The patterns of dendritic branching by cells suggest an alternative view of the overall orientation of these brain regions. The main dendritic branches of these predominantly bipolar neurons tend to run in a rostro‐dorsal to caudo‐ventral axis, angled off the horizontal plane. Fewer dendrites extended in the plane orthogonal to this axis. We have followed the same planes of section in our electrophysiological studies of field potentials in acute brain slices. We find that anatomical and physiological data are consistent with segregation of activity along the angled rostro‐caudal axis described above and suggest a basis for integrating inputs to and distributing the output of endopiriform nucleus and claustrum.Grant Funding Source: Multiple Sponsors
Cadaveric Research: Informing Current Heart Surgery Techniques
Authors: Losenno Katie L , Johnson Marjorie , Chu Michael 
Published: June 2021

Cadavers have long been used in the anatomy lab as teaching tools however, they can also provide valuable research that addresses common surgical problems. Aortic root enlargement (ARE) procedures are employed to facilitate the implantation of larger valve prostheses however, published evidence remains largely anecdotal with respect to the specific increases achievable with these techniques. We sought to design a study using a cadaveric model that will allow for a controlled experiment to evaluate the efficacy of commonly employed ARE techniques. We harvested 20 adult hearts and stratified them into four groups based on aortic annular diameter. Each heart underwent a bileaflet mechanical valve implantation following four ARE techniques with the appropriate reversals between procedures. Annular diameters and implanted prosthesis sizes were recorded following each enlargement technique. We performed all four techniques on each heart with little disruption to the remaining aortic root tissue. In light of the study design, each heart served as its own control. We were also able to provide data as to the increases in implanted prosthesis size achieved with the four ARE techniques. Despite the limitations, cadaveric specimens can play a key role in cardiac surgical research. They provide important data for preoperative planning and allow for experimental research without patient risk.Grant Funding Source : Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarship in Science and Technology
Bortezomib Inhibits Expression of Immunosuppressive Cytokines IL‐10 and TGFβ in Cutaneous T Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Chang Tzu-Pei , Sanacora Shannon , Manna Subrata , Singha Bipradeb , Ramaswami Sitharam , Vancurova Ivana 
Published: June 2021

CTCL is characterized by the clonal expansion of helper T cells that release the immunosuppressive cytokines IL‐10 and TGFβ, thus suppressing the immune responses. NFκB is constitutively activated in CTCL and many other cancers, where it plays a crucial role in cell survival and resistance to apoptosis. While NFκB regulation of pro‐inflammatory and anti‐apoptotic genes has been studied extensively, the NFκB regulation of immunosuppressive genes is incompletely understood. Bortezomib is the 26S proteasome inhibitor, which has shown promising results in several forms of cancer, including CTCL. We have demonstrated that bortezomib inhibits NFκB activity and expression of anti‐apoptotic genes by inducing nuclear translocation of IκBα in CTCL Hut‐78 cells. In this study, we investigated whether bortezomib inhibits expression of IL‐10 and TGFβ in Hut‐78 cells, and we analyzed the underlying mechanisms. Our results show that bortezomib inhibits both IL‐10 and TGFβ expression in Hut‐78 cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analyses indicated that bortezomib inhibits NFκB recruitment to the promoter regions of IL‐10 and TGFβ genes. Since a variety of malignancies utilize the immunosuppressive cytokines IL‐10 and TGFβ to evade the immune surveillance and facilitate tumor growth, a better understanding of the mechanisms regulating transcription of these cytokines may lead to more effective cancer therapies.Funded by: NIH grants GM079581 and AI085497 to I.V.
Asymmetry in activator ring opens up Sigma54 dependent transcription in bacteria
Authors: CHOWDHURY SAIKAT , De Carlo Sacha , Diaz-Avalos Ruben , Rice William , Nixon B Tracy 
Published: June 2021

Bacterial transcription requires the recruitment of the core RNA‐polymerase (RNAP) to specific promoter by a σ factor. This usually leads to rapid isomerization from un‐melted DNA (closed) to a melted state (open), from which transcription can begin. Unlike this, σ54 cannot spontaneously isomerize from closed to open complex state. This requires the system to be remodeled by bacterial Enhancer Binding Proteins (bEBPs). They belong to AAA+ ATPases superfamily. These activators are known to act as rings, but how this architecture assists them to perform mechanical work on targets is unknown. Conformational changes occur in the ring during nucleotide binding and hydrolysis. Recent crystal structures have shown heterogeneous nucleotide occupancy in the ring and co‐operative extension of the surface loops, which are believed to contact and remodel the polymerase. Here we present variations in the bEBP structure in the context of closed complex, by transmission electron microscopy. They have shown persistence of ring asymmetry, in the form of a split ring and hints at two possible sequential hydrolysis mechanisms in which the gap propagates around the ring in a constant or varied position relative to the rest of the asymmetric complex. Thus, it helps us to advances our understanding of how bEBPs use ATP binding and hydrolysis to regulate gene expression in bacteria.This work has been supported by NIH.
The studies of self‐assembled xylose derivative on gold nanoparticles
Authors: Chang Shu-Mei , Chang Chia-Ying , Lin Yung-Lun , Hwa KuoYuan 
Published: June 2021

The fast development of metal nanoparticles capped with organic monolayer is offering the possibility to create a whole new variety of products with novel characteristics, functions and applications. Among these, the nanoparticles covered with carbohydrates (glyconanoparticles) constitute a good bio‐mimetic model of carbohydrate presentation at the cell surface and are currently centered on many glycobiological and biomedical applications. In this paper, a series of novel D‐xylose gold nanoparticles with the linkers of alkyl or polyethylene glycol have been synthesized via D‐xylosethiols formed self‐assembled monolayers with gold nanoparticles (circa 5 nm diameter). D‐xylosethiols were characterized by FTIR, NMR. The characterizations of Xylose‐modified gold nanoparticles by TEM, UV‐Vis, FTIR and colorimetry techniques and bioassay are investigated.This work is supported by the National Taipei University to SMC and KYH (NTUT 100‐140‐01, NTUT 99‐140‐04)
CB2 receptor‐mediated Regulation of Prostate Cancer Cell Migration: Involvement of RhoA and Stress fiber formation
Authors: Jha Shalini , Jones Victoria , Burridge Keith , Mukhopadhyay Somnath 
Published: June 2021

One of the earliest responses of cancer cells to extracellular factors is a rapid re‐organization of their actin cytoskeleton. Two distinct types of actin cytoskeleton reorganization in relation to cell migration have been observed on addition of growth factors: i) changes in the number of actin stress fibers, and ii) accumulation of actin filaments at the plasma membrane forming membrane ruffles. These processes are regulated by small g proteins known as Rho family of GTPases. Rho family GTPases serve as molecular switches that transduce signals from the extracellular environment via transmembrane receptors to elicit a cascade of spatiotemporal signaling responses leading to cell migration.In the current investigation, we have extended these studies to characterize the molecular mechanism of CB2 receptor‐mediated cell migration. We have found that in androgen sensitive human prostate cancer cell, CB2 receptor activation produced RhoA activation and stress‐fiber formation in a time‐dependent manner. Further, we also found that blockade of RhoA activation attenuated CB2 receptor‐mediated inhibition of cell migration in prostate cancer cells. Collectively these results suggest that CB2 receptor‐mediated signaling cross‐talks with RhoA activation pathway regulates prostate cancer cell migration.
Genome reduction in yeast involves programmed cell death
Authors: Hurton Matthew , Roblee Emily , DiBiasio Eric , Bennett Richard , Austriaco Nicanor 
Published: June 2021

Genome reduction is often associated with cell death. For example, in the yeast, Candida albicans, tetraploid strains undergo significant cell death when cultured on media that induce them to reduce their genomes to the diploid state. To investigate the mechanism of death in these cells, we have examined them to determine if the manifest any of the markers associated with programmed cell death. Dying cells were stained with dihydrorhodamine 123 and the FLICA reagent and imaged with a Zeiss 700 LSM confocal microscope. Both assays revealed that these dying cells contained reactive oxygen species (ROS) and activated caspases ‐‐ two markers for apoptotic cell death in yeast ‐‐ suggesting that these dying tetraploid cells are undergoing programmed cell death. Similarly, we have discovered that diploid Saccharomyces cells undergoing sporulation also stain positive for increased ROS and caspase activation. To better understand the mechanism of death, we are currently testing the ability of mutants lacking several apoptosis‐related genes to die as they undergo genome reduction.This research has been funded by the following grants to N. Austriaco: a faculty research (CAFR) award from Providence College, a faculty development award from the Rhode Island‐INBRE program, and by grant R15 GM094712 from the NIGMS.
ATP release is altered in a mouse model for Duchenne muscular dystrophy and signals for proteins that promote cell death
Authors: Valladares Denisse , Almarza Gonzalo , Pavez Mario , Jaimovich Enrique 
Published: June 2021

Several reports have described changes in ATP signaling in models for muscular dystrophy; nevertheless, none of them has been directly related with the dystrophy pathology. To study this pathway we used muscle fibers from flexor digitorum brevis isolated from normal and mdx mice. ATP was measured using luciferase, protein expression by Western blots and mRNA by qPCR. The basal ATP release occurs in bursts peaking every 5 minutes in fibers from both mice, being several fold more important in mdx fibers. We also studied the expression of different components of this pathway in isolated triads. We found that P2Y2 receptor and pannexin‐1 are increased and P2Y1 receptor is decreased in mdx fibers. Moreover, ‘selective’ dye uptake suggests that the activity of pannexin channels is elevated in dystrophic fibers. Upon stimulation with extracellular ATP, we found that a number of genes are differentially expressed between normal and dystrophic fibers. Among these genes, over expression of proapoptotic genes as Bax, Bim and PUMA in mdx fibers contrast to the repression of the same genes seen in normal fibers. This study suggests that ATP signaling is altered in mdx fibers and this pathway appears to be involved in the activation of a mechanism related with muscle cell death in muscular dystrophy.FONDAP‐15010006, AFM‐14562, FONDECYT‐1110467, CONICYT‐PhD fellowship (DV)
Identification of Host Factors to Block Vascular Leakage after Exposure to Staphylocococcal enterotoxin B using the siRNA Approach
Authors: Abegunrin Oladimeji O. , Hoke Allison , Gautam Aarti , Day Agnes , Hammamieh Rasha , Jett Marti 
Published: June 2021

Staphylocococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) is a toxin that induces an intense and rapid release of cytokines such as interferon‐γ, interleukin‐6, and tumor necrosis factor‐α. The induced “cytokine storm” results in vascular leakage of the endothelium and multiorgan failure. In this study, human lung microvascular endothelial cells (HMVEC‐L) transfected with siRNA were treated with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) infected with SEB at 4 hours and overnight incubation. Initially, viability of PBMC after infection with varying concentrations of SEB was performed. The results showed less than or exactly 20% cytotoxicity of SEB to PBMC regardless of SEB concentration after overnight incubation. PBMC without SEB treatment had very minimal, less than 20%, cytotoxic effect on HMVEC‐L at a 1:1 ratio of PBMC to HMVEC‐L. Vascular permeability of HMVEC‐L cell monolayer after treatment with PBMC shows a gradual increase at all concentrations of SEB. Real‐time PCR and statistical analysis showed significant knockdown of these genes. These studies indicate that siRNA transfection is a novel approach, with significant implications as a therapeutic treatment for vascular leakage induced by SEB. Research support is through DTRA, TMTI.DRUG.02.10.WR.023.“The views, opinions, and/or findings contained in this report are those of the authors and should not be construed as official Department of the Army position, policy, or decision, unless so designated by other official documentation.”
Breakfast Consumption Among Mexican American Adolescents
Authors: Maximo Ilane , Hernandez Ladia , Dong Yongquan , Wilkinson Anna V , Strong Larkin , Bondy Melissa , Spitz Margaret R , Forman Michele R 
Published: June 2021

Obesity prevalence is disproportionately higher among Mexican Americans (MA) than non‐Hispanic whites. Omitting breakfast (BKF) has been associated with risk for overweight and obesity, and teens are less likely to consume BKF than children. The aim of this study was to examine how BKF consumption among MA teens varied by gender, BMI and maternal BMI. We also analyzed whether nutrient intakes differed among teens who reported consuming BKF on three diet recalls (regular BKF eaters) v. those who missed 1–2 BKFs (irregular BKF eaters). Teens were selected from an ongoing cohort study of MA teens, and 112 completed three 24‐hr diet recalls. Those who never reported BKF, were pregnant or sick were excluded; final sample size=100, mean age 14 yrs. Boys were more likely to consume BKF than girls, but the difference was not significant. Regular BKF eaters did not differ from irregular BKF eaters by level of parental education, teen and maternal BMI percentile, nativity, smoking and exercise. Regular BKF eaters consumed more vitamin C, and less carbohydrate, sodium, cholesterol and phosphorous. Consistent with previous findings, girls were more likely to skip 1–2 BKFs than boys, and regular BKF eaters consumed more energy throughout the day than irregular BKF eaters, but these differences were not significant perhaps due to the small sample size. Further analysis will be conducted to determine BKF food eating patterns in MA teens.Grant Funding Source : NCI R01 CA105203
Seasonal change in antioxidant intakes and major food sources in overweight postmenopausal women
Authors: Yang Meng , Wang Ying , Davis Catherine G. , Lee Sang-Gil , Fernandez Maria Luz , Koo Sung I. , Cho Eunyoung , Chun Ock K. 
Published: June 2021

Despite the emerging evidence on antioxidant benefits, no studies have documented seasonal variation of antioxidant intakes from diet. This study aimed to document seasonal change in antioxidant intakes and major food sources from usual diet using antioxidant food frequency questionnaires (Aox‐FFQ). Forty overweight postmenopausal women residing in Farmington, CT participated in a 9‐month observational study and completed an Aox‐FFQ every season. Seven‐day food records (FR) and 12‐h fasting blood samples at the first visit were collected for testing validity of Aox‐FFQ. Individual antioxidant intakes estimated by averaged 7‐d FR and the FFQ were moderately to highly correlated (r=0.34–0.78, P<0.05). Total α‐tocopherol and dietary carotenoid intakes were correlated with corresponding plasma concentrations (P<0.05). Intakes of most antioxidants assessed by the repeated FFQ were consistent over 9 months (p<0.05). Leading food sources contributing to antioxidant intakes, such as vegetables for carotenoids, fruits, fruit juices and vegetables for vitamin C, fruits, fruit juices, tea, vegetables and wine for flavonoids, fruits, fruit juices, tea and wine for proanthocyanidins were not affected by seasonal change, although the minor food contributors were fluctuated in different seasons. To conclude, there was no significant seasonal change in antioxidant intakes and major food sources in this study.Grant Funding Source: Donaghue Nutrition Research Program
Socio‐cultural factors associated with child feeding practices among Hmong, Latino and white parents
Authors: Zhao Yanling , Roche Abigail , Wolff Cindy , Goto Keiko 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveTo examine parent perceptions of healthy feeding practices and to identify the association between socio‐cultural factors and child feeding practice among Hmong, Latino, and white parentsMethodsSix focus groups were held with parents separated by gender and ethnicity from Hmong, Latino, and white communities. Transcribed and translated data were analyzed using the Nvivo9 software program. Focus groups interviews were independently coded by two trained researchers based on the principles of grounded theory.ResultsFour themes were identified in the study: 1) attitude toward local foods; 2) acceptance of food from other culture; 3) food culture preservation; 4) barriers to healthy child feeding practices. White mothers were accepting of new and local food. Hmong parents highly valued traditional food. Latino and Hmong mothers were traditionally responsible for determining children's meals and teaching them how to cook while white fathers were more involved in child feeding practices. All parents valued feeding fruits and vegetables to their children but had different barriers to promoting them to their children, such as financial struggles noted by Latino fathers.ConclusionsIdentifying and promoting cultural assets for healthy child feeding among different cultural groups may be important for future studies. This research was funded by the USDA Agriculture and Food Research Initiative.
The effect of beverage choice at an ad libitum meal caloric intake and post‐meal appetite and glycemia in healthy young men
Authors: El Khoury Dalia , Panahi Shirin , Luhovyy Bohdan L. , Anderson G. Harvey 
Published: June 2021

We hypothesized that milk with meals lowers food intake and post meal blood glucose and appetite when compared with other beverages. In a randomized crossover design, 15 men (age: 22.1±0.5 years; BMI: 22.6±0.4 kg/m2) consumed one of five beverages, 1% milk (110 kcal/250 ml), orange juice (110 kcal/250 ml), regular cola (110 kcal/250 ml), diet cola (0 kcal), and water (0 kcal), at a pizza meal. Blood glucose and subjective appetite were measured at baseline and at 20, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 105 and 120 min. Pizza intake was not affected by beverage, but total energy intake (P<0.0001) and postprandial appetite suppression (P=0.02) were higher with milk, orange juice and regular cola compared to water and diet cola. Ad libitum consumption of milk and pizza resulted in the highest intakes of proteins (P=0.012), vitamins and minerals and less total carbohydrate, sugars and caffeine (P<0.0001). Blood glucose area under the curve after milk was reduced by 31% and 36% compared to orange juice and regular cola, respectively (P=0.0003), with no difference between water, milk and diet cola. Glucose peaks at 30 min were lower after milk and diet cola (P<0.0001) and after only milk at 60 min (P=0.004) compared to orange juice and regular cola. While milk did not reduce meal time food intake, its contribution to nutrient balance at the meal and its lowering of post meal glycemia and appetite suggest that it is the preferred caloric meal‐time beverage.Grant Funding Source: Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada‐Collaborative Research and Development, Dairy Farmers of Ontario and Kraft Canada