bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of previous inflammation on the susceptibility of the colon to subsequent physical restraint stress‐induced changes
Authors: Santiago Olga I. , Cruz Mirella L. , Cuevas Marielly , Isidro Raimond A. , Appleyard Caroline B. 
Published: June 2021

Stress can influence the systemic and local immune systems of the intestine, and we have previously shown the susceptibility of the colon to psychological water avoidance stress. Aim: Determine the effect of previous intestinal inflammation on restraint stress‐induced changes in the colon.MethodsFour groups of female rats were used: normal; control‐RS (restraint stress ‐ stress alone); colitis, (trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid 30 mg in 50% ETOH ic) which was allowed to heal for 2 weeks); and colitis‐RS (colitis, then RS 2 weeks later). RS was induced by placing the animals in a wire restrainer for 3hrs, during 3 consecutive days. The colons were examined for damage and levels of IL‐10, IL‐4 and IFN gamma, colonic mast cells and bacterial levels in MacConkey, blood agar and lactobacillus media were measured.ResultsPrior inflammation caused increases in colonic propulsive activity, mast cells, macroscopic and microscopic damage in the animals exposed to RS. There were lower numbers of lactobacillus. No significant changes in total bacterial load or cytokine levels were found.ConclusionPrior inflammation increases the susceptibility of the colon to respond to physical stress.
Characterization of label retaining intestinal cells: demonstration of quiescence
Authors: Garrison Aaron P. , von Allmen Doug C. , Speck Karen E. , Dekaney Christopher M. , Helmrath Michael A. 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundRetention of DNA analogues is a long‐accepted marker of intestinal stem cells (ISC). To date, characterization of the proliferative status and the potential contribution of secretory lineages to this population of cells in non‐damaged intestine have not been published. In this study we utilized our reproducible murine model of ISC expansion following ileo‐cecal resection (ICR) to test the hypothesis that label retaining cells (LRC) are undifferentiated, proliferating cells that co‐label with known ISC markers.MethodsThe thymidine analogue IdU was administered orally to control and ICR mice (n = 2‐4) for 7d preceding and following surgery. 8wks later, a second analogue (CldU) was given 3d prior to harvest. Tissue was analyzed using dual fluorescent antibodies to IdU, CldU, Lysozyme, Chromogranin A (ChrgA), PCNA, and potential markers of ISC DCAMKL‐1 and p‐ser552 β‐catenin.ResultsFollowing ICR, IdU+ cells occurred in 91/237 (0.38) crypts, compared to 63/248 (0.26) crypts in controls. 94% of the IdU+ cells were Lysozyme or ChrgA+, whereas 100% in the control group were of secretory lineage. All LRC were negative for CldU, PCNA, DCAMKL‐1, and p‐ser552 β‐catenin.ConclusionsContrary to our hypothesis, most LRC are either long‐lived Paneth or enteroendocrine cells. The rare non‐secretory LRC are quiescent and did not co‐label with ISC markers.Research support: NIH T32 GM08450‐14 (APG), NIH R03 DK078796‐01 (MAH)
The Dysferlin homolog fer‐1 is required for efficient cholinergic synaptic transmission in C. elegans
Authors: Krajacic Predrag , Mosqueira Matias , Hermanowski Jane , Lozynska Olga , Shen Xiaoning , Arratia Paulo , Khurana Tejvir S. , Lamitina Todd 
Published: June 2021

Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy 2B (LGMD2B) is a progressive and incurable muscle disorder. Mutations in the Dysferlin gene cause LGMD2B, but the molecular mechanisms underlying disease pathogenesis are unclear. To better understand the pathogenesis of this disease, we studied the C. elegans Dysferlin homolog fer‐1. Previous studies have characterized fer‐1 only with regards to its roles in spermatogenesis. We found that fer‐1 is also expressed in muscle, where it regulates the localization of post‐synaptic acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction, suggesting a new role for Dysferlin as a regulator of cholinergic synaptic transmission. Consistent with these data, fer‐1 mutants were resistant to drugs that increase cholinergic signaling, and electrophysiological approaches confirm that fer‐1 mutants have a defect in acetylcholine‐dependent synaptic signaling. Acute administration of a cholinesterase inhibitor improved the excitability and functional properties of fer‐1 muscle. Given the strong evolutionary conservation in synaptic physiology between C. elegans and humans, these data suggest that disruption of cholinergic signaling may contribute to LGMD2B pathology and that drugs enhancing cholinergic signaling might be an effective therapeutic strategy for treatment.Supported by NIH Training Grant in Muscle Biology (T32 AR‐053461‐02) and ITMAT (UL1RR024134) grant.
Dengue virus modulates mitochondrial dynamics during its replication
Authors: Sripada Samatha , Srivastava Nidhi , Dayaraj Cecilia 
Published: June 2021

Research over the past few years showed that mitochondrial morphology is a key player in regulation of vital cell physiological processes right from respiration to regulation of apoptosis. Recently the role of mitochondria in virus morphogenesis is gaining importance. In this study, the interaction of dengue virus (DENV) with mitochondria during its replication was investigated, with special emphasis on the association of specific viral proteins with mitochondria. By live cell imaging, it was seen that within an hour of infection, mitochondria showed rapid fission and fusion, indicative of high energy state in the cells. This was followed by recruitment of mitochondria on microtubules to perinuclear region and colocalization with viral factories. As infection progressed, there was circularization and disintegration of mitochondria. In conclusion, our observations suggest a basic dichotomy in the functioning of mitochondria in replication of DENV. Initially, during replication, mitochondria provide energy to ongoing virus replication; while at later stages cells are characterized by mitochondrial dysfunction leading to apoptosis. Of special interest is the implication of viral core protein in induction of apoptosis.The present study is supported by CSIR (F.NO. 9/698(9)/2004‐EMR‐I) and ICMR, India.
Novel salivary and genetic biomarkers of risk for NEC or death in premature infants
Authors: Morrow Ardythe Luxion , Jiang Xi , Meinzen‐Derr Jareen , Huang Pengwei , Schibler Kurt , Newburg David , Warner Barbara 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveNecrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) or death often occur in very low birthweight (VLBW, <1500 g) infants. Intestinal maturation and normal bacterial colonization, which help prevent these outcomes, induce FUT2 ["secretor"] and dampen sialyltransferase gene expression. We tested whether a low secretor, high sialylglycan phenotype predicts risk of NEC or death.MethodsSalivary secretor and sialylglycans and FUT2 genotype, indirect measures of intestinal phenotype, were analyzed in 385 VLBW infants. Saliva samples collected on day 9 were analyzed by enzyme immunoassay using monoclonal antibodies. Risk cut‐points were identified by Classification and Regression Tree analysis. NEC was defined as Bell's stage >2.ResultsNEC or death occurred in 39 infants. Of infants with low secretor (H‐2), high sialyl (sialyl Lewis a [sLea ], n=104), 23% developed NEC and 18% died; of those with the reciprocal phenotype (high H‐2/low sLea, n=73), no NEC or death occurred; risk was intermediate when H‐2 and sLea were both high or low (p<0.0001; predictive value=0.73). FUT2 genotype was strongly associated with death (13% of non‐secretors [AA], 5% of heterozygotes [AG], 1% of secretor dominant [GG], p=0.001) but not NEC.ConclusionsSalivary glycans and FUT2 genotype are associated with risk of NEC and death in VLBW infants, and provide powerful biomarkers for clinical research and practice.
Assessing student understanding in the molecular life sciences using a concept inventory
Authors: Wright Tony , Hamilton Susan , Rafter Mary , Howitt Susan , Anderson Trevor , Costa Manuel 
Published: June 2021

Concept inventories are rigorously validated web‐based instruments designed to evaluate the nature and quality of student understandings of key concepts. Such tests provide students and educators with vital feedback about learning and teaching. This poster describes the process used to develop and validate a concept inventory as a diagnostic tool for introductory university courses in the molecular life sciences and is being trialled in three countries. The project has involved the identification of big conceptual ideas unique to the molecular life sciences and captures, in a comprehensive and future‐oriented way, thinking by experts in the field. These were used to identify key concepts that underpin understanding of these ideas. The concepts include; dynamic equilibrium, macromolecular structure, energy transformations, information coding, catalysis and cellular compartmentalisation. Refined sets of questions have been developed for these concepts and tested for validity and reliability.Students' correct responses to individual items range from 20 ‐ 80%, highlighting specific areas of conceptual weakness. The results to date indicate that although many students entering molecular life science courses can recognise the concepts from enabling sciences, their ability to apply the concepts in new contexts is highly variable.
Effect of Ketogenic Diet on Survival of Magnocellular Neurons Following Infundibular Nerve Crush Injury
Authors: Leiphon Laura , King Todd , Veech Richard , Watt John 
Published: June 2021

Our experimental objectives were to first determine the effect of two ketogenic diet (KD) formulations on neuroendocrine function and determine the extent to which these ketogenic diets increase plasma ketone levels in rats. Second, we sought to determine the effect of KD and its specific metabolites on alleviation of traumatic brain injury (TBI) ‐induced diabetes insipidus (DI) and the survival of compromised supraoptic magnocellular neurons that are selectively vulnerable to TBI insult.Methods utilized included immunocytochemical and metabolic analysis, stereometric assessment of neuronal survival, analysis of plasma ß‐hydroxybutyrate and acetoacetate levels, and infundibular nerve crush.Our results demonstrate that after a 4 week administration of 18% protein KD, plasma ketone levels of β‐hydroxybutyrate and acetoacetate were significantly increased over control diet values in the absence of caloric restriction. Plasma ketone body levels were also significantly increased with 8% protein KD although there was marked caloric restriction associated with this formulation. Interestingly, the 18% protein KD had substantially higher ketone body levels than the 8% protein KD. However, despite increased ketone body levels, no improvement in survival of magnocellular supraoptic neurons was observed following infundibular nerve crush. Nor was there any dietary effect on alleviation of injury induced DI.
PAF receptor activation in hippocampal plasticity induced by SE
Authors: Hutcherson Lori Elizabeth , Musto Alberto Eugenio , Bazan Nicolas Guillermo 
Published: June 2021

One of the defining characteristics of epilepsy is abberant mossy fiber sprouting (MFS) in the dentate gyrus. These axonal projections within the granule cell layer of the dentate gyrus create a hyperexcitable network and lead to spontaneous seizures. Growth‐associated protein 43 (GAP‐43), a presynaptic marker that is expressed during development and axonal growth, has been preveiously implicated in the abnormal MFS found in epileptic models. The purpose of our study is to investigate the role of platelet activating factor (PAF) receptor‐mediated signaling in abnormal MFS by evaulating GAP‐43 immunoreactivity. PAF is a mediator of inflammation, a potent gene expression inducer and a modulator of long term potentiation (LTP), synaptic plasticity, and memory formation. PAF abnormally accumulates in the brain during seizures, or injuries, contributing to neuroinflammation and neurotoxicity. Using the novel PAF receptor antagonist, LAU‐0901, in the rat pilocarpine model of epilepsy, we found a positive correlation between a decrease in spontenous seizure activity and an increase GAP‐43 immunoreacitivy in our treated group, suggesting that PAF receptor activation is involved in the abberant plasticity associated with epilepsy.Source of support: This work was supported by NIH/NCRR grant P20 RR016816.
Effect of Standardized Lycium barbarum (Goji) Juice, GoChi® Intake on Resting Metabolic Rate and Waist Circumference: Randomized, Placebo‐controlled, Double‐blind Clinical Studies
Authors: Amagase Harunobu , Nance Dwight M 
Published: June 2021

We examined the effects of consuming Lycium barbarum fruit juice (GoChi®, 120 ml/day) on morphometric parameters and resting metabolic rate (RMR) in healthy human adults in 2 separate randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical studies. GoChi juice is standardized for its main active constituents, Lycium barbarum polysaccharides, based on the amount of fresh berries traditionally used.Study‐1Under free‐living conditions, subjects (average age=33.6, body mass index (BMI) =29.3kg/m2) took either GoChi or placebo samples in a 30‐day intervention trial. Waist circumference in the placebo group (N=19) increased significantly by 2.2 cm on Day 30 at post‐intervention compared to pre‐intervention. GoChi group (N=20) maintained pre‐intervention measurements. Changes in waist circumference per caloric intake in GoChi group tended to be lower than placebo group. Body weight and other parameters were not significantly different between groups or pre‐ and post‐intervention.Study‐2The effect of a single bout of consuming either GoChi or placebo control samples on RMR was investigated by hand‐held indirect calorimeter (average age=34.5, BMI=28.2 kg/m2). GoChi intake (120 ml) (n=6) significantly increased RMR 53% more than placebo (n=10) at 2 hours after consumption.These results suggest that GoChi may have metabolic effects which are reflected in waist circumference.
Generation and characterization of a novel, cardiac‐specific, inducible RGS2 transgenic mouse model to modulate Gq‐mediated cardiac hypertrophy
Authors: Park Cindy , Zhu Ming , Chaves Leonard , Zhang Peng , King Michelle , Mende Ulrike 
Published: June 2021

Receptor signaling via heterotrimeric Gq proteins leads to hypertrophy, which is a risk factor for heart failure. Among Regulators of G‐protein Signaling (RGS), only RGS2 selectively inhibits Gq signaling and hypertrophy in cardiomyocytes in vitro. Our objective was to generate a mouse model that is suitable to test the hypothesis that RGS2 can modulate hypertrophy development and reversal in vivo. Using a doxycycline (Dox)‐responsive α myosin heavy chain promoter, we generated transgenic mice with cardiac‐specific, conditional RGS2 expression (TG) and established a Dox regimen that prevents RGS2 expression during development and ensures re‐expression by adulthood. Transgenic RGS2 was restricted to the myocardium, localized to both the particulate and cytosolic fraction, and dose‐dependently regulated by Dox in two independent lines. RGS2 expression did not alter heart weight, morphology and function under baseline conditions. Importantly, Gq‐mediated phospholipase Cβ activation was diminished in RGS2‐expressing ventricles. Our data indicate proper expression, regulation and function of transgenic RGS2 with no compensatory changes in other RGS proteins. Thus, this novel transgenic mouse model can now be used to determine the effect of RGS2 on Gq‐mediated pressure overload hypertrophy in vivo, using echocardiography and hemodynamic measurements.Supported by NIH grant HL80127.
Stress and religiosity: Modulators for cardiovascular disease risk
Authors: Berk Lee , Bornheimer Joseph , Nelson Bruce , Shaw Sally Fontamillas , Prowse Michelle , King Dana E 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundClinical evaluation for cardiovascular disease (CVD) typically includes assessment for eight primary symptoms (e.g. chest pain) and hs‐C‐reactive protein (CRP) testing. This study assessed the relationship between stress, religiosity, and factors indicating high CVD risk: at least two reported symptoms and CRP levels >3 mg/L.MethodsParticipants completed a risk survey that integrated traditional and lifestyle psychoneuroimmunology factors, including perceived stress and religiosity defined as regular church, synagogue or temple attendance. A cohort of 1,023 adults, ages 18 to 89, completed an eight‐primary‐symptoms survey. Serum CRP levels were also analyzed.ResultsThose who commonly felt overstressed were twice as likely to report at least two symptoms indicating CVD risk (p<0.01) and 1.4 times more likely to have CRP levels >3 mg/L (p<0.01). Conversely, those who regularly attended church, synagogue or temple were 49% less likely to report at least two symptoms (p<0.01) and 26% less likely to have CRP levels >3 mg/L (p<0.05). When stress and religiosity were combined, the effect on the number of reported symptoms and CRP remained significant (p<0.05).ConclusionThere may be clinical relevance suggesting that religiosity reduces the negative effect that stress has on individual health in their reported number of CVD symptoms and on elevated CRP levels. UniHealth Foundation grant.
Evaluating the effectiveness of the Personal Nutrition Planner: an online intervention aimed at women ages 21‐65
Authors: Wallace Sharonda P. , Robertson Trina P. , Mouttapa Michele , Weiss Jie 
Published: June 2021

The Personal Nutrition Planner (PNP) is an interactive computer based nutrition intervention that provides nutrition recommendations based on age, gender, activity level, ethnicity, risk factors for current disease and current medical conditions. The purpose of this research project was to determine PNP's effectiveness in helping women make nutritious dietary choices.Participantsfemale staff members at 2 California State Universities recruited through email advertisement. Study design: pre‐test assessment, the PNP, 4‐weekly emails, one week post‐test, and a post test follow up after 2‐months. A total of 307 women were randomly assigned to control and treatment groups. Areas assessed: psychosocial variables related to diet (stages of change, knowledge items, self efficacy for eating a healthy diet, propensity towards eating a healthy diet); and dietary intake. Posttest minus pretest scores were used to determine changed over time. Many of the scores trended towards significance; yet, no statistically significance outcomes were identified. However, Repeated Measures ANOVA analyses revealed that relative to the control group, the intervention group decreased their intake of sugared beverages and extra foods, increased intake of dairy servings, and lost significantly more weight across the study period. The PNP may have increased obese women's motivation to seek additional assistance regarding food choices relative to other participants in the study. The on‐line Personal Nutrition Planner appears to be a valuable tool for helping women make better dietary choices overall.This research was supported by the Dairy Council of California
Improving analytical reasoning skills in the gross anatomy classroom
Authors: Morton David A , Bradshaw William S , Alder Stephen C , Foreman K Bo , Bell John D 
Published: June 2021

Experienced physicians indicate the need to improve analytical reasoning skills as opposed to memorizing volumes of factual minutia. To address this need at the University of Utah School of Medicine we sought to improve the gross anatomy course by implementing active learning exercises in the classroom and increasing the rigor of our exams. Students were instructed to learn the basic facts outlined for each lecture prior to class by studying the provided objectives. Class sessions included a variety of short lectures with additional group application exercises focusing on clinical problem solving scenarios related to the lecture material. The didactic principle was to engage students in active learning exercises such as Socratic dialogue or small group discussions. Homework and midterm exams challenged students to analyze anatomic information in a clinical setting. Results demonstrated that students enjoyed active learning as opposed to passive learning. In addition, students responded well to clinical problem solving as opposed to regurgitation of information. We hope to statistically demonstrate that active learning exercises in the classroom and increased rigor of assessments improve students' analytical reasoning skills.[Supported by the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) and the Dept. of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Utah]
Dietary resveratrol induces protective changes in protein levels of transthyretin and drebrin but does not affect plaque burden in a transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Varamini Behzad , Sikalidis Angelos , Brenna J. Thomas , Bradford Kathryn 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveTo determine protective effects of resveratrol, a polyphenol with anti‐amyloidigenic effects in vivo, in a mouse model of Alzheimer's Disease (AD).BackgroundAD is the most common form of dementia, characterized by progressive memory losses with neuritic plaques and hyperphosphorylated tau. Dietary resveratrol decreases amyloid production in vitro but has not been tested in a transgenic mouse model of AD.ProcedureFourteen month old wild type and AD transgenic mice were fed either control diet or resveratrol diet in a 2x2 design for 15 weeks to sacrifice. Hippocampal plaque was quantified by immunohistochemistry using MetaMorph 7.1 software. Protein levels were measured using western blot.ResultsResveratrol diet did not decrease plaque burden in AD mice. Resveratrol‐fed mice demonstrated 2‐fold increases in drebrin, losses of which are associated with clinical AD, and 3.3‐fold increases in transthyretin, a beta‐amyloid scavenger.ConclusionDietary resveratrol did not inhibit plaque formation in this transgenic model of AD, but increased the levels of neuroprotective proteins drebrin, transthyretin, and glycogen synthase kinase 3‐beta‐phospho. Funding: NIH DK07158.
Acute hypoglycemia causes extended anhedonia in mice
Authors: Park Min Jung , O'Connor Jason C. , Lavin Desiree N. , Dantzer Robert , Kelly Keith W. , Freund Gregory G. 
Published: June 2021

In humans, hypoglycemia is associated with a variety of mood changes including a reduction in hedonic tone and energetic arousal and an increase in tense arousal. While these clinical symptoms are well characterized, their underlying mechanism is not. C57BL/6J mice were administered insulin that generated a blood glucose nadir of 56 ± 6 mg/dl 0.75 h after injection. At 4 h post insulin administration blood glucose had returned to normal (151 ± 19 mg/dl). Saccharin preference testing 24 h post hypoglycemia showed that insulin receiving mice had saccharin aversion (30 % vs 81 % of total fluid consumption) that took 72 h to resolve. In addition, insulin administered mice (24 h post hypoglycemia) had decreased mobility in the forced swim test and the tail suspension test that took 48 h to rectify. Importantly, activity and burrowing were not impacted 24 h post hypoglycemia. Taken together these data indicate that anhedonia and depressive‐like behavior are induced by hypoglycemia and resolve much more slowly than hypoglycemia, itself, or behaviors associated with locomotion and tunnel maintenance.This research was supported by grants from National Institutes of Health (DK64862 and NS58525 to G.G.F.) and University of Illinois Agricultural Experiment Station (to G.G.F.).