bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oral administration of anti‐sPLA2‐IB antibodies reduces sepsis mortality in murine endotoxemia
Authors: Sand Jordan , Butz Daniel E , Tsao Francis , Cook Mark E 
Published: June 2021

Annually 750,000 people develop severe sepsis and 215,000 die at a cost of more than $28 billion. Evidence suggests sepsis progresses when bacteria translocate across a compromised intestinal epithelial barrier. Secretory intestinal phospholipase (sPLA2‐IB) may play an important role in regulation of gutmediated inflammation. The objective of this study was to demonstrate reduced sepsis mortality by oral administration of antibodies against sPLA2‐IB. We made peptide antibodies to ten 8 amino acid sequences of the sPLA2‐IB molecule and tested their efficacy in inhibiting sPLA2 enzyme activity and in reducing endotoxin (LPS) induced TNF production in RAW264.7 macrophages in vitro. Three antibodies inhibited sPLA2 activity and four antibodies decreased LPS induced TNFα by more than 50%. We orally administered these antibodies to female Balb/c mice given 10mg/kg LPS. Mice fed antibody that inhibited TNF (anti‐ TYSYSCSG) had 100% endotoxin‐induced mortality while antibody that inhibited PLA2 activity (anti‐VPYNKEYK) had 0% mortality and mice receiving no oral antibody had 45% mortality. Antibody #6 is so specific that changing the primary sequence target by 4 amino acids in either the amino or carboxyl direction makes it ineffective. In summary, oral administration of an antibody that inhibits sPLA2‐IB enzyme activity prevents sepsis related mortality caused by endotoxemia.Research supported by a Draper Technology Innovation Fund Grant.
GALLIC ACID MODIFIES THE EXPRESSION OF INTESTINAL MALTASE‐GLUCOAMYLASE mRNA BUT NOT ENZYME ACTIVITY
Authors: Simsek Meric , Hamaker Bruce R , Nichols Buford L , Quezada‐Calvillo Roberto 
Published: June 2021

Natural polyphenols modify the expression of mRNA coding for proteins involved in nutritional, metabolic or immune processes. Gallic Acid (GL) inhibits competitively the activities of intestinal Maltase‐Glucoamylase (Mgam) and Sucrase‐Isomaltase (Si). However, it is not clear whether GL also regulates the expression of mRNA coding for Mgam and Si.ObjectiveTo explore the possibility of GL regulates the expression of mRNA coding for Mgam.MethodsSmall intestinal explants from 8 weeks old BALB/c mice were cultured 24 h in DMEM − 10% FBS media, with or without 0.1 or 0.5 mM GL. Maltase activity, molecular size distribution and quantity of Mgam mRNA were determined in the tissues.ResultsNo changes in maltase activity were induced by GL. However, qRT‐PCR showed a increment of Mgam mRNA induced by 0.1 mM GL. Western Blot analysis showed that 0.5 mM GL modified the proportions of the different molecular forms of Mgam, suggesting an effect on their posttranslational processing.ConclusionsGL modifies the expression of mRNA and the postranslational processing of Mgam. However, these modifications have no effects on the expression of maltase activity derived from Mgam in the intestinal epithelium.Grant Funding Source: CONACYT, Mex
Biochemical and Physical Correlates of Serum [25(OH)D] and the IGF system in Men
Authors: Darr Rachel L , Savage Kathleen J , Wilding Gregory , Wu Dawei , Millen Amy , Burton Harold , Browne Richard W , Horvath Peter J 
Published: June 2021

Serum [25(OH)D] and IGF system components are shown to have relationships with one another and physical performance capabilities. Fasting blood specimens, anthropometric (body mass index [BMI], waist circumference [WC], body fat 7 sites [%BF]) and physical fitness measures (% body weight lifted for one‐repetition maximum bench press [%BP], predicted VO2), were taken from 36 healthy middle‐aged men (mean age 45.8±9.7 years). Serum [25(OH)D] and IGF system measures (Free IGF‐1, IGFBP‐3) were determined by CMIA and ELISA, respectively. Pearson correlation coefficients (r) were estimated. Free IGF‐1 correlated negatively with BMI (p=0.04, r=0.35), but there were no associations with %BF (p=0.08, r=0.3) or WC (p=0.11, r=0.26). Serum [25(OH)D] correlated positively with IGFBP‐3 (p=0.04, r=0.35) and predicted VO2 (p=0.02, r=0.41), but not with %BP (p=0.6, r=0.08). Consequently, individuals with a higher BMI present with lower levels of circulating Free IGF‐1 available to tissues. As Serum 25(OH)‐Vitamin D levels increase, greater levels of IGFBP‐3and a higher aerobic oxygen capacity are present; speculating more IGFBP‐3 present in aerobically inclined individuals.Grant Funding Source: University Funds
Purified recombinant human β‐carotene 15–15′‐oxygenase 1 (BCO1) cleaves β‐apocarotenals and lycopene
Authors: Sena Carlo dela , Narayanasamy Sureshbabu , Curley Robert W , Harrison Earl H 
Published: June 2021

β‐Carotene 15–15′‐oxygenase 1 (BCO1) cleaves provitamin A carotenoids at the 15–15′ bond to produce retinal (vitamin A). This study aimed to elucidate the substrate specificity using pure BCO1, rather than partially purified preparations as used in previous studies. The enzyme was cloned into an expression vector with a C‐terminal His‐tag, expressed in E.coli, and purified using Co2+ ion affinity chromatography. The pure enzyme is soluble in detergent‐free buffer, however greater enzyme activity was observed if Triton X‐100 was present during purification and storage. BCO1 cleaved ß‐carotene, ß‐cryptoxanthin, α‐carotene, ß‐apo‐8′‐ carotenal, ß‐apo‐10′‐carotenal and ß‐apo‐12′‐carotenal to yield retinal. BCO1 cleavage of lycopene yielded acycloretinal. Lycopene and ß‐apo‐12′‐carotenal were previously reported to be unreactive with BCO1. BCO1 did not catalyze cleavage of lutein or zeaxanthin. We have calculated apparent kcat and KM values for each substrate; however, some substrates yielded kinetics that did not fit well with Michaelis‐Menten kinetics. However, among 40 carbon substrates activity was greatest with ß‐carotene, followed by ß‐cryptoxanthin, α‐carotene, and lycopene. For the ß‐apocarotenals activity decreased with decreasing length of the molecule.(NIH Grant R01‐HL49879 and a grant from the Ohio Agricultural Research Development Center (OARDC)).
Bioinformatics analysis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis‐specific genomic regions to identify immunodominant proteins and peptides
Authors: Mustafa AbuSalim 
Published: June 2021

This study was aimed to identify immunodominant proteins and peptides encoded by Mycobacterium tuberculosis‐specific genomic regions of differences (RDs) by using bioinformatics to predict for HLA‐DR binding regions. The analysis of RD proteins and peptides by in silico methods (using computational programs to predict major and HLA‐promiscuous antigenic proteins and peptides) and wet‐lab experiments (using peripheral blood mononuclear cells and sera from TB patients and BCG‐vaccinated healthy subjects to asses antigen‐specific cellular and humoral immune responses in vitro) identified several major antigens and peptides. To evaluate them for in vivo reactivity, the genes of immunodominant antigens were cloned and expressed in DNA vaccine vectors (pUMVC6 and pUMVC7) and mycobacterial hosts, i.e. BCG, M. vaccae and M. smegmatis. Immunizations of mice and guinea‐pigs with the recombinant constructs induced antigen‐specific cellular and humoral immune responses in these animal models of TB. Each of these proteins had several T and B cell epitopes scattered throughout the sequences, which confirmed their strong immunogenicity and appropriateness for diagnostic and vaccine applications.Supported by Kuwait University Research Administration grants MI01/10 and GM01/01.
ENDOCARDIAL FIBROLASTOSIS IN CHICK MODEL OF HYPOPLASTIC LEFT HEART SYNDROME
Authors: Pesevski Zivorad , Stopkova Tereza , Sedmera David 
Published: June 2021

Endocardial fibroelastosis (EFE) is a diffuse thickening of the ventricular endocardium, causing myocardial dysfunction and presenting as unexplained heart failure in infants and children. It is believed to be caused by persistent and increased wall tension in the ventricles. . Its frequent association with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) lead us to hypothesize abnormal hemodynamic loading is an important factor in its pathogenesis. We have tested this theory in a chick model of HLHS induced by left atrial ligation (LAL). At ED8 and 12 modifications of myocardial architecture and fibrosis were studied by histology and immunoconfocal microscopy, and the amount of collagen was quantified by image analysis.Histology with H&E / Alcian Blue staining did not reveal any significant fibrosis in the LAL hearts with the exception of cardiac skeleton and valves. Immunohistochemistry with collagen I antibody clearly showed a thickening of the layer of subendocardial fibrous tissue. Quantification of staining area normalized by endocardial circumference showed a significant increase at ED12, but not ED8 in the LAL group. We conclude that abnormal hemodynamic loading stimulates fibrous production in the subendocardium of the hypoplastic left ventricle. Therefore, EFE in HLHS clearly appears to be a secondary effect of abnormal hemodynamics.Grant Funding Source: Supported by Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports PRVOUK‐P35/LF1/5, Academy of Sciences RVO: 67985823, and Grant Agency of the Czech Republic P302/11/1308
Acceptance of modified food by low income audiences
Authors: Roy Heli , Urala Nina , Cater Melissa , Thomas Bipin 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveWe assessed the acceptance of modified foods by low income audiences before and after nutrition education sessions.MethodsParticipants were recruited trough the on‐going community nutrition education programs to assess the intake of modified foods (low salt, whole wheat products, low fat milk, yogurt with probiotic bacteria, and fruit and vegetable intake) by flyers at client recruitment sites in 15 parishes. The intake and liking of modified and non‐modified food products, eating‐related attitudes, and eating choices were assessed by a questionnaire. The subjects were randomized into intervention and control groups receiving either 4–6 lessons on nutrition or on family financial management.Results211 urban and rural participants were recruited in the control group and intervention group. The urban participants had a significant increase in vegetable intake after the intervention (P=0.0049). In the rural participants, there was a significant decrease in whole milk intake (P=0.0442), and a significant increase in probiotic yogurt intake.ConclusionLow income audiences adjust their food intake of modified foods after 4–6 nutrition educational sessions.
Leucine‐enriched essential amino acid mixture suppresses muscle soreness induced by eccentric exercise in rats
Authors: Kato Hiroyuki , Mimura Masako , Suzuki Hiromi , Inoue Yoshiko , Sugita Mayu , Suzuki Katsuya , Kobayashi Hisamine 
Published: June 2021

Exercise‐induced muscle damage causes to muscle fatigue, muscle soreness, and so on. Recovery of the muscle damage may be accelerated by an enhancement of skeletal muscle protein synthesis (MPS). Leucine‐enriched essential amino acid mixture (LEAA) increases MPS. Therefore, we investigated the effect of LEAA on MPS and on the muscle soreness after eccentric exercise in rats.LEAA (1 g/kg BW), in which 40% of total amount of amino acids was leucine, or water as control was orally administered after running exercise (−13.5°, 17 m/min for total of 130 min). MPS (%/h) in vastus lateralis muscle was measured by the incorprating L‐[ring‐2H5]phenylalanine into protein 20 minutes following LEAA administration. LEAA significantly increased MPS (Control : 0.084±0.006, LEAA : 0.119±0.007 %/h, p < 0.05).Muscle soreness, which was induced by eccentric contraction (EC) to the tibialis anterior muscle (TA), was investigated by means of the behavioral pain test (Randal‐Selitto test applied to the TA) 1 to 3 days after EC. LEAA (1 g/kg BW) was orally administered 30 minutes before and 1 hour after EC. LEAA significantly suppressed muscle soreness (Control : 85.1±2.5, LEAA : 92.8±1.7 % of the value before exercise, p < 0.05).These data suggest that LEAA improves muscle soreness following eccentric exercise by enchancement of MPS.
Macrophage Dysfunction and Impaired Wound Healing in Corneas of Heme Oxygenase (HO)‐2 Deficient Mice
Authors: Bellner Lars , Marrazzo Giuseppina , Castellano Kirkland , Dunn Michael W , Schwartzman Michal L 
Published: June 2021

Corneal epithelial injury in HO‐2 null (KO) mice leads to delayed wound healing, exaggerated inflammatory cell infiltration, unresolved inflammation, ulceration, perforation and neovascularization. We examined the effect of systemic macrophage (MØ) depletion, using clodronate liposomes, on corneal wound healing in WT and KO mice. The corneal epithelium was removed in control and MØ‐depleted WT and KO mice. MØ depletion of WT mice delayed corneal wound healing when compared with the control group by 15% at day 4 after injury (p<0.05). Surprisingly, MØ depletion of KO mice had no additional effect on an already impaired corneal wound healing. Furthermore, MØ depletion caused a 100% (p<0.05) increase in the number of PMNs in the corneas of WT mice, whereas no significant change in the number of accumulating PMNs was observed in the corneas of KO mice. HO‐2 silencing of RAW 264.7 MØ using HO‐2 shRNA reduced phagocytic capacity by 40% (p<0.05), whereas HO‐induction using SnCl2 increased phagocytic capacity by 85% (p<0.05). Together these data indicate that HO‐2 deletion impairs MØ function and that an intact HO‐2 is required for ordered inflammatory and repair response.Supported in part by NIH grant EY06513 (MLS).
Chronic Absence of Baroreceptors Induces Left Ventricular Dysfunction and Reduced Coronary Blood Flow in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Souza Pamella R , Moreira Edson D , Mostarda Cristiano , Jorge Luciana , Monteiro‐de‐Moraes Wilson Max , Guimarães Fabiana , Oliveira Edilamar Menezes , Flues Karin , Silva Maikon Barbosa , Irigoyen Maria Claudia 
Published: June 2021

Hemodynamic and cardiac morphological variables were measured in normotensive Wistar (N), intacts hypertensive (H) and SHR submitted to sinoaortic denervation (DH) to evaluate the chronic baroreceptor dysfunction on left ventricular (LV) functions and coronary blood flow. Blood (BP) and end‐diastolic pressure (PD2) were obtained by direct quantification. The coronary blood flow was measured by the infusion of colored microspheres. The ratio of left ventricular weight to body weight, natriuretic atrial peptide (ANP), alpha‐skeletal actin (α‐skelectal), alpha and beta myosin heavy chain (α‐MHC, β‐MHC) genes mRNA expressions were evaluated by real time PCR to assess ventricular hypertrophy. The results were reported as means ± SEM. DH rats did not change BP values compared to H. PD2 of DH (9.91±1.78) was higher than H group (4.30±0.53) while an inverse result regarding coronary blood flow was observed (0.94±0.15 vs 1.80±0.25, respectively). The LV adaptations in DH were higher than in H (2.98 ±0.07 vs 2.15±0.05), as well as the expression of ANP (3.35±0.19 vs 2.39 ± 0.74), β‐MHC (3.36±0.18 vs 2.39 ± 0.37). The α‐MHC genes expression also were decreased (0.62±0.10 vs 0.79±0.10). Therefore, the chronic absence of baroreflex control by sinoaortic denervation induces left ventricular dysfunction and reduced coronary blood flow in SHR.Financial support: CAPES
Does Vitamin D add to the effect of 12‐weeks resistance training? A randomized controlled trial on healthy untrained young and elderly men
Authors: Agergaard Jakob , Trøstrup Jeanette , Uth Jacob , Vestergård Jonas , Boesen Anders , Schjerling Peter , Langberg Henning 
Published: June 2021

IntroductionVitamin D (VitD) intake has shown to improve skeletal muscle function in VitD insufficient frail elderly. However, if VitD intake may improve the effect of resistance training (RT) in healthy individuals is unknown.Material and Methods20 healthy untrained young (age 22.8 ± 2.0) and 20 elderly (age 67.3 ± 4.3) men were randomized to 16 week daily supplementary intake of either 48 μg VitD + calcium (VitD‐group) or calcium (Placebo‐group), and underwent progressive RT of quadriceps muscle for the last 12 weeks. Pre and post 12 weeks RT cross sectional area (CSA), and isometric strength of quadriceps muscle was measured. Muscle fiber type morphology was analyzed from muscle biopsies taken pre and post training.ResultsVitD intake increased serum 25(OH)D levels in young and elderly to an extent that were different from the respective placebo group. RT increased CSA and isometric strength and improved skeletal muscle morphology of quadriceps muscle. However, no additive effect was seen from VitD intake in young or elderly.Conclusion12 weeks of RT altered CSA, strength and fiber type morphology of quadriceps muscle as expected. However, VitD intake did not add to the positive effect of RT.
Time‐dependent muscle‐specific protein oxidation in a mouse model of chronic hypoxia
Authors: O'Halloran Ken , Sheehan David , Lewis Philip 
Published: June 2021

Respiratory muscle redox homeostasis is altered by chronic hypoxia (CH). Protein oxidation potentially contributes to respiratory muscle dysfunction in respiratory‐related diseases where hypoxia features. The objective of this study was to determine the type and extent of respiratory and limb muscle protein oxidation temporally in a mouse model of CH.C57/Bl6J mice were exposed to hypoxia (1, 3 and 6 weeks; 10% FiO2) or normoxia. Following treatment, excised respiratory and limb muscles were homogenised and incubated with carbonyl‐ or thiol‐reactive fluorophores before gel electrophoresis and fluorescence scanning. Optical density (OD) of fluorescence was normalised to total protein, determined by colloidal coomassie staining.Diaphragm free‐thiol content increased ~9‐fold after 1 week of CH. By 6 weeks, both diaphragm and sternohyoid free‐thiol content were significantly decreased (40% and 80% decrease from control respectively; n=6–8 per group; P=0.0046 and P<0.0001, Student's unpaired t‐test) whereas there was a significant increase in the extensor digitorum longus (232%; P=0.0007) and in soleus (143%; P<0.0001). Diaphragm carbonyl content was unchanged after 1 week of CH, but was increased significantly by 3 weeks and was increased further again after 6 weeks. The extent of carbonylation was different between muscle groups.We conclude that CH exposure causes differential time‐dependent protein oxidation in respiratory and limb muscles.
Interactive video animations as a study guide for the human skeleton: 1. The scapula
Authors: Casey Gregory Patrick , Oliver Peter David , Cork Robert John 
Published: June 2021

We have started to develop a series of teaching modules on the human skeleton. Each of these modules will have three components, a short instructional video, interactive Flash animations, and a self‐testing unit. The first module in this ‘Interactive Atlas of the Human Skeleton” is about the Scapula. The narrated video highlights the general orientation of the scapula and introduces the key bony landmarks to the new student. The interactive animations allow the student to rotate the scapula and locate all of the landmarks and the sites of muscle attachment. The animations can be used as a reference resource with the labels turned on, or can be viewed in self‐testing mode with labels that pop‐up when the mouse is scrolled over a region. The self‐testing aspect of the module can be expanded further by adding more Flash animations with ‘drag‐and‐drop’ labeling of the images.These teaching modules will be implemented as part of the undergraduate ‘Human Anatomy’ course to give to the nursing students at LSUHSC where it will replace existing anatomy videos and printed ‘bone worksheets’. The student's performance on scapula related exam questions, with and without these modules will be compared.Grant Funding Source: LSUHSC ‐ Department of Cell Biology & Anatomy
Antral and Duodenal Myoelectric Activity Changes Around the Day, Effect of Obestatin and Ghrelin in Conscious Suckling Piglets
Authors: Woliński Jarosław , Słupecka Monika , Ochniewicz Piotr 
Published: June 2021

Myoelectrical activity of the GI tract during early postnatal period in mammals is still little known. The present study aims to examine the pre ‐ and postprandial patterns of GI tract myoelectric activity during suckling period and impact intra gastric ghrelin and obestatin admission (15μg/kg b. wt., every 8 hours). Another objective was to estimate the postsurgical time of MMC reemergence. Conscious suckling piglets (7 days old, n=10) were fed every 75minutes by artificial sow system in laboratory condition. During right–side laparotomy platinum bipolar electrodes were sutured on the antrum, duodenum and jejunum. Electrodes were connected to a telemetry implant (DSI, USA) fixed extraperitoneally in a pocket made between the abdominal muscles. The recording was begun immediately after surgery. Signal acquisition was carried out by an RMC ‐ 1 receiver coupled to a DL10 analogue output (DSI, USA). Signal was filtered (hi cut–off 50Hz, low cut–off 10Hz) and amplified. PowerLab/4e and a computer outfitted with LabChart software (ADInstruments) were used to record and analyze the data. Mean values of amplitude and frequency described the pre‐ and postprandial patterns present. Root mean square and mean power frequency values were also extracted from the data. Values were tested with the Student's t – test.The first full MMC cycle was recorded 28±5 hours after the surgery in all animals involved in the experiment. No relevant differences were observed between pre‐ and postprandial patterns of antral and duodenal myoelectrical activity after the admission of obestatin and ghrelin.Project of National Science Centre Poland 2012/05/B/NZ9/00901.
Cortical Activation Patterns in Response to Respiratory Transient Occlusions
Authors: Chan Pei‐Ying , Ju Ya‐Jhih , Wu Yi‐Jhen 
Published: June 2021

Cortical awareness of respiratory stimulation can be tested with the transient respiratory occlusions. This mechanism has been investigated by the respiratory‐related evoked potential method with scalp surface electrodes. The above evidence suggests the corresponding cortical areas of neuronal activation in response to inspiratory interruptions. The electrophysiological method provides excellent temporal evidence but little spatial information with regards to the cortical areas activated with respiratory sensory gating. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to systematically investigate the effect of inspiratory occlusions on respiratory sensation. We hypothesized that the stimulation paradigm would result in cortical activation patterns in the thalamus, somatosensory, and parietal cortex.We tested this hypothesis in a group of healthy adult participants. During the experimental recordings, one run of 40 inspiratory interruptions was presented to the participants. Inspiratory interruptions of 150‐msec were provided every 2 to 4 breaths. During each scanner run, the individual was instructed to keep breathing in until the end of their regular inspiratory phase even after they detect the inspiratory interruption.Our preliminary data showed that single inspiratory occlusions elicited brain activation including the inferior parietal gyrus, parietal and central opercular gyrus. The finding is consistent with our hypothesis and more participants are needed in order to confirm the areas of interests activated by the inspiratory occlusion paradigm.