bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Pilot Study to Examine the Impact of the Farmers' Market Nutrition Program
Authors: Racine Elizabeth Fussell , Vaughn Ashley 
Published: June 2021

This pilot study examined WIC participants' use of farmers' markets. As well as evaluating the impact of the Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) on the consumption of fruits and vegetables.Participants were American born, Black, pregnant women in Washington, DC (DC) and Charlotte, NC who enrolled in WIC. The sample included women who completed the pre and post survey at their WIC offices in DC (n=44) and Charlotte (n=39) during the spring/summer 2007 and fall/winter 2007. In addition to receiving the standard WIC vouchers, women in DC also received $30 in FMNP vouchers while women in Charlotte did not.Paired t test was used to examine differences in intake from spring to fall. A two sample independent t test was used to compare the difference in intake and sociodemographic characteristics between women in Charlotte and DC.Women in DC were more likely to ever use farmers' markets; 56.8% in DC vs. 33.3% in Charlotte (p= 0.008). Two thirds (66%) of women in DC used their FMNP vouchers; these women were older than those who did not use their vouchers. Fruit and vegetable intake decreased from pre to post test among both groups, there was no difference in this decrease between groups.This study demonstrated that women in a city with the FMNP were more likely to use farmers' markets. It also found that nutrition education to encourage fruit and vegetable consumption in the fall/winter is warranted.
Toddler‐feeding practices in Latinos: an early start in obesity prevention
Authors: Chaidez Virginia , Kaiser Lucia , Vosti Stephen 
Published: June 2021

The goal of this research is to examine the relationships between child‐feeding practices, dietary intake, and growth status in Latino toddlers. Data collection consisted of in‐depth interviews with Latino mothers with toddlers (n=94) to collect information on demographics, child‐feeding practices, toddler's dietary intake and anthropometrics. Current feeding practices were assessed using a newly developed Toddler Feeding Questionnaire (TFQ) which contains two subscales; the TFQ Indulgent Subscale (TFQIS) and the TFQ Authoritative Subscale (TFQAS). Only the TFQIS revealed a positive correlation with toddler dietary variables, while neither subscale was associated with any of the toddler anthropometrics. Results of stepwise regressions indicated that only the TFQIS remained significantly associated with total energy of toddlers (β=8.885, P=0.020, Adjusted R2=0.0477). Maternal birthplace (β= ‐9.707, P=0.0111) and the TFQIS (β=0.495, P=0.0046) were both associated with total fat (grams), (Adjusted R2=0.1149, overall model P=0.0015). Maternal birthplace (β= ‐5.840, P=0.0019) and the TFQIS (β=0.176, P=0.0335) were both associated with percentage of calories from fat, (Adjusted R2=0.1131, overall model P=0.0018). Findings suggest indulgent practices are occurring early in Latino toddlers and may contribute to obesogenic eating patterns.Grant Funding SourceNational Research Initiative of the Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service, USDA, Grant # 2006‐55215‐16720; the University of California Institute for Mexico and the United States (UCMEXUS); the Western Center for Agricultural Health and Safety; the Food Stamp and Nutrition Education Program (FSNEP); and the Gustavus and Louise Pfeiffer Research Foundation
Leucine supplemented meals improve muscle protein synthesis in older adults
Authors: Casperson Shanon , Sheffield‐Moore Melinda , Paddon‐Jones Douglas 
Published: June 2021

Protein‐energy supplementation is routinely employed to combat the sarcopenia of aging. However, many regimens are impractical or ineffective due to issues including increased satiety, poor palatability, cost and compliance. To this end, we conducted a 14 day study in which we supplemented regular daily meals of community dwelling elders (n=8, 63‐76 yrs) with a small amount of the key regulatory amino acid leucine (4 g per meal; 3 meals per day; days 2‐13). Stable isotope studies consisting of a primed continuous L‐[ring‐13C6] phenylalanine infusion, arterialized blood samples and vastus lateralis muscle biopsies were performed on days 1 and 14. Mixed muscle fractional synthesis rate (FSR) was measured during the post‐absorptive state and following ingestion of a standardized test meal containing 10 g of carbohydrate and 7 g of mixed essential amino acids. Leucine supplementation significantly increased postabsorptive FSR (Day 1: 0.061 + 0.005 vs. Day 14: 0.074 + 0.006 %/hr; p=0.003) and the response to the standardized meal (Day 1: 0.073 + 0.006 vs. Day 14: 0.100 + 0.007 %/hr; p=0.02). These data suggest that a low volume leucine supplement may provide a minimally disruptive and efficient means of chronically stimulating muscle protein synthesis and improving the anabolic response to meals ingested by older adults.Grant Funding SourceFunded by the UTMB Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center # P30 AG024832. Studies conducted on the GCRC at UTMB funded by grant M01 RR 00073 from the National Center for Research Resources, NIH, USPHS.
Genetic variability of cytochrome b5 and NADH cytochrome b5 reductase: SNP discovery and characterization
Authors: Sacco James Carmel , Trepanier Lauren A 
Published: June 2021

NADH cytochrome b5 reductase (b5R) and cytochrome b5 (b5) catalyze the reduction of sulfamethoxazole hydroxylamine (SMX‐HA) to the parent drug sulfamethoxazole. SMX‐HA and a spontaneous nitroso metabolite are thought to contribute to sulfonamide hypersensitivity. Variability in hydroxylamine reduction could therefore contribute to drug toxicity. The aim of this study was to characterize variability in SMX‐HA reduction in 111 human livers, and investigate the functional significance of non‐synonymous polymorphisms (SNPs) in b5R and b5 cDNA. Hepatic SMX‐HA reduction displayed a 19‐fold variability (0.09‐1.69 nmol/min/mg protein), with the Vmax for the reaction varying 5‐fold between low‐activity and high‐activity outliers. The expression of immunoreactive b5 and b5R were significantly correlated to each other (p<0.0001). SMX‐HA reduction activity increased with increasing b5 and b5R protein content (p=0.003, p=0.0239). A novel S5A SNP in b5 was associated with very low activity and protein expression. Two novel b5R SNPs (R59H, R297H) displayed biphasic SMX‐HA reduction kinetics, with the mutant enzyme contributing to the lower affinity component, and, in the case of the R59H SNP, contributing to a reduction in activity. The b5 S5A and b5R R297H SNPs are associated with reduced SMX‐HA reduction in human liver and work is ongoing to clone, express, and characterize these mutant b5 and b5R proteins.Supported by National Institutes of Health grant GM61753
A probe for chaperone/multiprotein complexes and inhibitors in biological matrices
Authors: Moaddel Ruin , Sanghvi Mitesh , Marszall Michal , Kole Sutapa , Bernier Michel , Wainer Irving W. 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveHsp90α was immobilized onto the surface of magnetic beads and used to extract small ligands and client proteins from chemical mixtures and biological matrices.MethodsHsp90α was immobilized through the N‐terminus, Hsp90α‐NT‐MB or C‐terminus, Hsp90α‐CT‐MB. Ligand fishing experiments were carried out using C‐terminus binders (CA1, NOVO), N‐terminus binders (17‐AAG, GM) and non‐binders (nicotine, propanolol). Protein fishing experiments were performed with recombinant eNOS, p60 Hop and Hsp70. The supernatants and eluates were analyzed using lc‐ms (small ligands) or Western blot analysis (proteins). The effect of ATP and Hsp90α thiol modifications on multiprotein complex formation was also studied.ResultsData indicated that Hsp90α‐CT‐MB selectively bound N‐terminus ligands and Hsp90a‐NT‐MB selectively bound C‐terminus ligands. With isolated proteins, Hsp90α‐NT‐MB formed complexes with eNOS and p60 HOP but not Hsp70. All three proteins were extracted when Hsp90α‐NT‐MB was incubated with a mixture of proteins and p60 Hop was isolated from KU‐812 cellular extracts using Hsp90α‐NT‐MB. Hsp90α‐protein complex formation was reversibly reduced by ATP/MgCl2 and thiol modification.ConclusionsThe Hsp90α‐MBs can be used to isolate small molecule ligands and client proteins from complex chemical and biological matrices and to study Hsp90α multiple conformations.
Novel Rho Kinase Inhibitors with Bronchodilator and Anti‐inflammatory Properties Suitable for Treatment of Respiratory Diseases
Authors: Navratil Tomas , Wells Grace , Fulcher Emilee , Sorensen Scott , Bodnar Wanda , Crean Chris , Lampe John , Peterson Ward 
Published: June 2021

Novel Rho kinase (ROCK) inhibitors were tested for attenuation of airway hyperreactivity (AHR) and pulmonary inflammation. Two distinct profiles of molecules were explored: orally bioavailable molecules, represented by INS117758, suitable for oral product development; and orally nonbioavailable molecules, represented by INS117509, suitable for development as an inhaled product with limited systemic exposure. INS117758 and INS117509 potently inhibit ROCK2 (Ki values of 3.8 and 3.3 nM, respectively). While INS117758 is orally bioavailable in rats following 10 mg/kg p.o. dosing (Cmax= 5.6 μM, Tmax = 0.83 hours, T1/2 = 1.55 hours), INS117509 was not detectable in rat plasma following p.o. dosing. INS117758 and INS117509 relaxed carbachol‐precontracted tracheal rings (242 nM and 103 nM IC50s, respectively). Dosing of INS117758 p.o. at 5 mg/kg and INS117509 intratracheally (i.t.) at 1.5 mg/kg fully reversed AHR and reduced eosinophilia in OVA‐sensitized mice and neutrophilia in LPS‐exposed mice. In conclusion, Inspire novel ROCK inhibitors are suitable for treatment of respiratory diseases with AHR and pulmonary inflammation via oral route of delivery as well as inhaled route of delivery with limited systemic exposure.Funded by Inspire Pharmaceuticals.
Renin from activated mast cells mediates the systemic inflammation of alveolar hypoxia
Authors: Chao Jie , Blanco V Gustavo , Wood John G. , Gonzalez Norberto C. 
Published: June 2021

Alveolar hypoxia (FIO2 = 0.1) produces widespread systemic inflammation in rats. Recent data suggests that a mediator(s) released from alveolar macrophages (AM) activates mast cells (MC) and initiates an inflammatory cascade that includes activation of the local renin‐angiotensin system (RAS).ObjectiveTo determine whether MC degranulation leads to local RAS activation, and whether this is due to renin released from MC.MethodsIntravital microscopy was used to study the rat mesentery microcirculation. Immunocytochemistry was used to detect the presence of renin in primary cultured AM, peritoneal macrophages, and peritoneal MC.Results1. Topical Angiotensin II (Ang II) caused leukocyte‐endothelial adherence (LEA) but not MC degranulation in the mesentery. 2. The MC secretagogue C4880 produced MC degranulation and LEA; Ang II receptor blockade inhibited C4880‐induced LEA but not MC degranulation. These combined observations suggest that RAS activation is downstream of MC degranulation. 3. Anti‐renin antibody detected the presence of renin in peritoneal MC, but not in peritoneal macrophages or AM.ConclusionsThe results support the hypothesis that renin released from MC activates the local RAS during alveolar hypoxia. Previous data indicate that MC activation, in turn, is the result of a circulating mediator released from AM during alveolar hypoxia. Supported by NIH HL 39443‐18 and AHA 0815652G
Radical gain and loss of CEACAM/PSG family genes in vertebrates
Authors: Hsu Sheau Yu Teddy , Chang Chia Lin 
Published: June 2021

In placental mammals, a family of recently evolved tumor suppressor genes, carcinoembryonic antigen cell adhesion molecules (CEACAMs), and related pregnancy‐specific glycoproteins (PSGs) are critical to the regulation of tumorigenesis, fetal‐maternal interaction, and pathogen transmission. Despite having important roles in many basic physiological processes, these genes were believed to be "eutherian‐specific"; how they evolved remains a mystery. Based on syntenic mapping analyses, we reveal that, surprisingly, a large number of diverging CEACAM orthologs is present from teleosts to marsupial mammals. In addition, based on the deduced ancestral genotypes, we infer that the CEACAM gene family evolved from a couple of ancestral genes in the common ancestor of teleosts and tetrapods. Taken together, contrary to the conventional view that CEACAMs are placental mammal‐specific, our study reveals that CEACAM family genes represent an independent branch of the immunoglobulin superfamily that evolved early in vertebrates. Furthermore, while the observed accelerated gene gain of CEACAMs in therian mammals could be partly attributed to the presence of repetitive sequences and a lower genetic constraint associated with cell surface receptors, we propose an alternative evolution model to account for the radical changes in the CEACAM gene inventory.The abstract was partly supported by the Taiwan National Health Research Institute grant HMRPG380011 and the NIDDK grant DK70652.
Role of MLCP in relaxation of rat cavernosal smooth muscle
Authors: Leipheimer Robert E , Jackson Erin M , Toepfer James R 
Published: June 2021

Calyculin A, a direct inhibitor of myosin light chain phosphatase (MLCP), was used to investigate the role of MLCP in mediating nitric oxide (NO)‐induced relaxation in rat corpus cavernosal smooth muscle. Isometric tension of rat cavernosal tissue was recorded and analyzed during contraction and relaxation in vitro. Strips of corpus cavernosum were placed in water‐jacketed tissue chambers filled with physiological buffered saline solution at 37oC and attached to force transducers. The buffer was continuously bubbled with 95% O2, 5% CO2 to maintain oxygenation and pH. After a 1 hour equilibration period, tissue samples were contracted by the addition of norepinephrine (10−4M) followed twenty minutes later by Calyculin A (10−6M) or dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO, 10−5M) to experimental or control groups, respectively. Tissues were relaxed by adding the NO donor, sodium nitroprusside (SNP, 10−3M). Data were collected using the PolyVIEW data acquisition and analysis software system (Astro Med, Inc.). Results demonstrated that Calyculin A significantly inhibited SNP‐induced relaxation in corpus cavernosum (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the data suggest that MLCP plays a critical role in mediating the cellular mechanisms that regulate relaxation of corpus cavernosal tissue.Supported by the Department of Biological Sciences, YSU.
Enhanced heat loss despite blunted renal sympathoexcitation in diabetic rats during heat stress
Authors: Leite Laura Hora Rios , Zheng Hong , Coimbra Candido Celso , Patel Kaushik 
Published: June 2021

In the present study we investigated the effect of hyperthermia on the regulation of sympathetic activity and blood flow redistribution in diabetic rats. Renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA), mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), body (Tb) and tail (Ttail) temperatures were recorded in α‐chloralose‐ and urethane‐anesthetized control and streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetic rats (n=6/group) during heat stress. Heat stress was induced by a heating pad with increases in temperature from 37 to 43°C during 30 min. This heat stimulus resulted in blunted RSNA, MAP and HR in diabetic rats compared with controls. The highest values were attained at the end of heat stress (ΔRSNA: 46.4 ± 10.0% vs. 155.6 ± 22.1%; MAP: 91 ± 5mmHg vs. 114 ± 5mmHg; HR: 395 ± 11bpm vs. 460 ± 11bpm; Diabetic vs Control, p< 0.05), suggesting a decreased renal vasoconstriction. Diabetic animals also showed lower Tb during the first 13 min of heat stress and decreased heat storage rate (HSR: 15.9 ± 1.6cal.min−1 Diabetic vs. 22.0 ± 0.9cal.min−1 Control; p< 0.01). These results may be due to improved heat dissipation shown by diabetic rats as indicated by a decreased ΔTb until tail vasodilation (0.3 ± 0.1°C Diabetic vs. 0.7 ± 0.1 °C Control; p< 0.02). In conclusion, although diabetic rats have a decreased RSNA response (renal vasoconstriction), the tail vasodilation was sufficient to decrease Tb and HSR to heat stress.Supported by: CNPq , NIH (HL‐62222)
Isolated effects of elevated local temperature on sweating in humans
Authors: Wingo Jonathan E , Low David A , Keller David M , Brothers R Matthew , Shibasaki Manabu , Crandall Craig G 
Published: June 2021

This study tested the hypothesis that elevated local skin temperature (Tsk), independent of skin blood flow (SkBF) and nitric oxide (NO), augments sweating. Two microdialysis membranes were placed in posterior forearm skin in 7 subjects. Each site was instrumented for the measurement of local sweat rate and SkBF, and the control of Tsk. After insertion trauma subsided, an NO synthase inhibitor (L‐NAME) was administered at each site, while Tsk was clamped at 34 °C. Then, one site was locally heated to 40 °C. After ~20 min, progressively increasing doses of methacholine (MCh) were administered (6 min/dose) to stimulate sweating. Despite 40 °C local heating at one site, cutaneous vascular conductance was not different between sites prior to and across all doses of MCh (P=0.844). Non‐linear regression analysis revealed no difference (P=0.63) between sites in the effective drug concentration causing 50% of the peak sweating response (log [M] EC50 = ‐2.59±0.56 and ‐2.73±0.87 for the 34 °C and 40 °C sites, respectively). Likewise, no main effect of site or interaction between sites and drug dose for absolute sweat rate (P=0.59 for main effect and P=0.58 for interaction) or percent peak sweat rate (P=0.07 for main effect and P=0.30 for interaction) were detected. These results indicate that elevated local skin temperature to 40 °C, independent of SkBF and NO, does not modulate MCh‐induced sweating.Supported by NIH grants 61388 & 84072.
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) stabilizes intrinsic cardiac neurons to reduce neurally induced atrial fibrillation
Authors: Gibbons David D. , Richer Louis‐Philippe , Southerland E. Marie , Vinet Alain , Kus Teresa , Armour J. Andrew , Ardell Jeffrey L. 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveTo determine the contribution of discrete neuronal inputs to the intrinsic cardiac nervous system for targeted reduction of the atrial arrhythmogenic substrate.MethodsIn 15 anesthetized dogs, trains of electrical stimuli (1 mA, 1ms) were delivered during the atrial refractory period to mediastinal nerves associated with the superior vena cava to induce atrial tachyarrhythmias. Neuronal activity was recorded in the right atrial ganglionated plexus (RAGP). For SCS, the dorsal aspect of the T1‐T3 spinal cord was stimulated electrically (50 Hz; 0.2 ms; 90% of motor threshold).ResultsMediastinal nerve stimulation caused an abrupt increase in RAGP neuronal activity (~5 fold) that was maintained for the duration of transient neurally‐induced atrial fibrillation. SCS reduced basal neuronal activity and mitigated any mediastinal nerve‐induced increases in RAGP neuronal activity. Prior to SCS, mediastinal nerve stimulation evoked atrial fibrillation/atrial flutter (AF/Afl) from 95% of sites. After SCS, atrial rhythms induced by mediastinal nerve stimulation were 38% AF/Afl, 56% bradycardia/sinus rhythm, and 6% sinus tachycardia. SCS likewise reduced dispersion in early pacemaker breakthrough loci secondary to mediastinal nerve stimulation.ConclusionsNeuromodulation with dorsal cranial thoracic SCS stabilizes elements within the intrinsic cardiac nervous system to reduce the atrial arrhythmogenic substrate to its excessive neural inputs. (Supported by HL71830)
Intracellular signaling mechanisms underlying the activity and internalization of the neuronal norepinephrine transporter by endothelin‐3 in the rat posterior hypothalamus
Authors: Hope Sandra , Bianciotti Liliana , Vatta Marcelo 
Published: June 2021

Brain norepinephrine (NE) is involved in relevant physiological functions regulated by the hypothalamus. We previously reported that endothelins (ET) participate in the short term regulation of NE uptake in the anterior and posterior hypothalamus by changing the kinetic and internalization of the neuronal NE transporter (NET). In the present work we studied the mechanisms involved in the regulation of NET by ET‐3 in the rat posterior hypothalamic region (PHR). Experiments were performed in vitro and neuronal NE uptake and nisoxetine binding were used as indexes of activity and internalization of NET, respectively. Results showed that ET‐3 reduced neuronal NE uptake through the activation of a non conventional ET receptor involving PKC, PKA and PKG pathways. Furthermore ET‐3 enhanced NET internalization. However incubation with inhibitors of PKC (GF‐109203x), PKA (H‐89) or PKG (KT5823) inhibited ET‐3 response on NET internalization. Present findings suggest that the effect of ET‐3 on NET in the rat PHR is mediated by a non‐conventional ET receptor coupled to various intracellular pathways including PKC, PKA and PKG.(UBACyT B079, CONICET‐PIP 5929, ANPCyT PICT‐38333)
Striatal interneurons in dissociated culture
Authors: Schock Sarah C , Jolin‐Dahel Kheira , Staines William , Arbuthnott Gordon , Garcia‐Munoz Marianela 
Published: June 2021

There are 4 interneuron types in the striatum. Three contain GABA and either parvalbumin, calretinin or NOS/NPY/somatostatin. The fourth is cholinergic. Most studies characterizing the striatum use rat organotypic cultures, in part because cholinergic interneurons don't survive in late embryonic dissociated striatal cultures. Our aim was to produce a dissociated striatal culture containing cholinergic interneurons and to characterize them after 35 days in vitro. Cholinergic neurons from E12.5 CD‐1 mice were combined with striatal neurons and cortical neurons from E14.5 CD‐1 mice using cryopreservation technical support from QBM Cell Science.We evaluated the characteristics of striatal interneurons after 35 days in vitro in cultures of striatal neurons alone or in corticostriatal cocultures. Inclusion of cortical neurons increased dendritic branching and axon terminal outgrowth of the interneurons compared to striatal cultures alone. Cortex from GFP transgenic mice enabled identification of cortical versus striatal neurons. Interneurons showed extensive GABAergic and glutamatergic innervation. Since we are able to obtain cultures with and without the cholinergic neurons we now can study the contribution of the giant aspiny neurons to the network properties of the striatum.Funded in collaboration with OISTpc.
Pre‐ and Postsynaptic Effects of Adenosine on Spinally Projecting Paraventricular Neurons
Authors: Li De‐Pei , Pan Hui‐Lin 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAdenosine produces depressor effects in various brain areas. However, the cellular mechanisms underlying the depressor effect of adenosine remain unclear. The presympathetic neurons in hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) play an important role in the regulation of arterial blood pressure and sympathetic outflow through projections to spinal cord and brainstem. In this study, we performed whole‐cell patch‐clamp recordings on retrogradely labeled PVN neurons projecting to the intermediolateral cell column of the spinal cord in rats. Adenosine (10‐100 μM) dose‐dependently decreased the firing activity with a significant hyperpolarization in 12 of 26 neurons tested. Blockade of A1 receptors with DPCPX or intracellular dialysis of GDP‐β‐s eliminated the inhibitory effects of adenosine. Also, blocking ATP‐dependent K+ (KATP) channel with glibenclamide (50 μM) or tolbutamide (200 μM) abolished the effect of adenosine on the firing activity of PVN neurons. Furthermore, glibenclamide or tolbutamide significantly decreased the outward K+ current elicited by adenosine. In addition, adenosine decreased the frequency of glutamatergic and GABAergic postsynaptic currents in labeled PVN neurons. Collectively, these data suggested that adenosine inhibits the excitability of PVN presympathetic neurons mainly through postsynaptic A1 receptors and opening of KATP channels.