bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Localizations of 11ß‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 and mineralocorticoid receptors in the rat hypothalamus
Authors: Wilson Remi Aleaha , Shelton Lee G. , Haque Masudul , Wandrey Narine E.J. , Wilson Lori L , Teruyama Ryoichi 
Published: June 2021

Mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) was found in vasopressin (VP) and oxytocin (OT) synthesizing magnocellular neurosecretory cells (MNCs) in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and the supraoptic nucleus (SON) in the hypothalamus. Aldosterone exerts its biological effect via MR; however, glucocorticoids also have high binding affinity to MR and substantially higher concentrations than aldosterone concentrations in the brain. An enzyme, 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11β‐HSD2), converts glucocorticoid into inactive metabolites that increases aldosterone selectivity. The presence of 11β‐HSD2 has been identified in the hypothalamus; however, the specific cell types are not known. The present study which used immunocytochemical and single‐cell RT‐PCR techniques, was conducted to elucidate whether 11β‐HSD2 and MR are co‐localized in VP and OT synthesizing MNCs. Double immunofluorescence confocal microscopy demonstrated that MR and 11β‐HSD2 immunoreactivities were found in both VP‐ and OT‐immunoreactive MNCs. In addition, MR and 11β‐HSD2 mRNAs were detected in cDNA libraries derived from single MNCs. Co‐localization of MR and 11β‐HSD2 in VP and OT MNCs suggests that aldosterone directly affects the activity of VP and OT neurons through MR.NIH grant: R21 HL093728
A comparison of medical student and undergrad study skills in anatomy lab courses
Authors: Barger J. Bradley , Husmann Polly 
Published: June 2021

Anatomy lab courses form a crucial yet challenging part of the curriculum for medical students and many undergraduates. There is a pervasive and destructive opinion that memorization is the only skill needed for success in anatomy courses. The instructors in our anatomy courses spend a lot of time trying to change this opinion. This research uses a survey to investigate the study habits of our students, and compare these skills to final course grades.In this study we surveyed a group of medical students and undergraduate students from two institutions about their study skills for anatomy lab exams. These study skills were then compared to the final grades in the course to find which skills correlate most strongly with success in learning lab content, as defined by final grades. Medical students do appear to use more effective learning strategies, but also spend more total hours studying for anatomy. We plan to show these results to future semester of undergrads to help them plan their studying. While this may not break the memorization paradigm, it will suggest more useful ways to spend study hours for anatomy.Grant Funding Source: none
Serum Citrulline does not Predict Stunting or Environmental Enteric Dysfunction in Tanzanian and Malawian Infants
Authors: Gosselin Kerri , McDonald Christine , Kellogg Mark , Manji Karim , Kisenge Rodrick , Aboud Said , Maleta Ken , Benzoni Nicole , Fawzi Wafaie , Manary Mark , Duggan Christopher 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundSerum citrulline (CIT) is a marker of gastrointestinal mucosal mass and function. Environmental enteric dysfunction (EED) is associated with suboptimal child growth, but robust biomarkers for EED are lacking. We sought to determine if CIT at age 6 weeks predicts stunting (height‐for‐age Z‐score < ‐2) at 18 months, and if CIT correlates with lactulose to mannitol (L:M) ratio, a measure of EED.MethodsIn 413 non‐stunted infants from Tanzania, blood was obtained at age 6 weeks, and anthropometrics measured monthly for 18 months. In 102 Malawian children between age 1‐3 years, dual‐sugar absorption tests were performed. CIT was analyzed in both studies by quadrupole mass spectrometer.ResultsIn Tanzanian infants, mean (SD) CIT at 6 weeks was 18.0 (5.8) µmol/L. Compared to infants with CIT in the lowest quartile, the Hazard Ratio of time to first stunting for the highest quartile was 1.07 (95%CI: 0.64, 1.78). In Malawian children, mean (SD) CIT in stunted children was 18.2 (9.8) vs. 19.4 (9.5) in non‐stunted children (p=0.60). There was no association between L:M and CIT (r=‐0.04, p=0.65) or height‐for‐age Z‐score and CIT (r=‐0.10, p=0.31).ConclusionCIT did not predict subsequent stunting in Tanzania or correlate with markers of EED in Malawi. Biomarkers for adverse nutritional outcomes in children are needed.Funding NICHD (R01 HD048969; K24HD058795), Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (OPP1066203)
Two Functions of Lysyl Oxidases: Extracellular Matrix Maturation and Cell Proliferation
Authors: Trackman Philip , Saxena Debashree , Bais Manish 
Published: June 2021

Lysyl oxidases are enzymes which catalyze the final enzymatic modification of ε‐ amino groups of lysine residues of elastin, and lysine and hydroxylysine residues of collagens, to form peptidyl‐aldehydes required for biosynthetic cross‐linking and extracellular matrix maturation and function. This family includes lysyl oxidase (LOX) and lysyl oxidase‐like 1 – 4 (LOXL1 – LOXL4). CCN2 contributes to fibrosis development in gingival overgrowth caused by the anti‐seizure drug phenytoin, though the mechanism CCN2 is unclear. Here we investigate the hypothesis that CCN2 could up‐regulate LOXL2 to promote gingival fibroblast insoluble collagen deposition.CCN2 up‐regulated LOXL2 protein levels in primary human gingival fibroblast cultures. shRNA‐mediated knockdown of LOXL2 blocked collagen accumulation in CCN2‐treated and non‐treated primary human gingival fibroblast cultures determined by Sirius Red staining. DNA in cell layers was also strongly diminished in cell layers. Cell proliferation was decreased in LOXL2 shRNA transduced cells, while apoptosis was not affected. Active LOXL2 enzyme addition promoted both increased proliferation and cell layer collagen accumulation.LOXL2 has two important functions in the development of gingival fibrosis: its known role in promoting collagen maturation, and the new role of promoting cell proliferation. The mechanism of promotion of proliferation of gingival fibroblasts by LOXL2 is under investigation.Supported by R01 DE11004.
Using Participatory Community Workshops to Develop Salient Communications Strategies for Introducing a Small‐Quantity LNS in Rural Malawi and Mozambique
Authors: Kodish Stephen , Aburto Nancy , Dibari Filippo , Mlambo Trust , Gittelsohn Joel 
Published: June 2021

Study ObjectiveWe sought to identify barriers and preferred behavior change communication (BCC) strategies for introducing a 20‐gram lipid‐based nutrient supplement (LNS) for children 6 – 23 monthsMethodsThe formative research had 3 iterative phases, including participatory community workshops (CW) among male and female participants over 8 weeks in each setting. In Malawi, 8 CW were conducted with a total of 136 people. In Mozambique, 13 CW were carried out among Macua (n = 6) and Mwani (n = 7) participant groups with a total of 228 people. Each CW included 13 ‐ 23 participants (mean = 17.2) and served as a forum for brainstorming and voting for BCC strategies. Simple frequencies were tallied for analysis.ResultsIn Malawi, community members put the onus on female caregivers to ensure LNS would be used appropriately and preferred to receive messages about LNS through community groups (Care Groups) and health workers. In Mozambique, Macua community members preferred personal forms of BCC whereas Mwani participants preferred less personal means. While both cultural groups agreed that village chiefs, activistas, and traditional healers should be central to BCC efforts, Macua communities preferred interpersonal channels such as “associations of caregivers” but Mwani community members voted for radios and megaphones as preferred channels.ConclusionUsing participatory CW in a bottom‐up approach to intervention development may enhance likelihood of community engagement and ownership, and contribute to successful nutrition outcomes among vulnerable populations.Funded by Children's Investment Fund Foundation
Cardiac Vagal Afferent Response in Rats during Cardiac Contractility Modulation (CCM)
Authors: Sengupta Jyoti , Kannampalli Pradeep , Belligoli Alberto , Rousso Benny , Ben‐Haim Shlomo , Gutterman David 
Published: June 2021

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is responsible for substantial cardiac morbidity and mortality. Cardiac Contractility Modulation (CCM) delivers non‐excitatory endocardial electrical pulses during the refractory period. CCM enhances cardiac contractility, ejection fraction, and quality of life in patients. The underlying mechanism of action for these benefits is not fully understood. Since similar impulses delivered to the gut increase muscle contraction leading to activation of vagal afferents, we tested the effect of CCM on vagal afferent activity in the heart.HypothesisCCM results in an increase in activity of cardiac vagal afferent nerves. Since CCM is non‐excitatory, we speculate that CCM reflexly activates vagal afferents via increases in contractility, reducing excessive efferent sympathetic tone in CHF.MethodsAdult male Sprague‐Dawley rats under pentobarbital anesthesia were instrumented for extracellular recordings of cardiac vagal afferent firing during CCM stimulation of the left ventricle (4V or 7.5V for 60s).ResultsIn 18 vagal nerve fibers with cardiac receptive fields, CCM produced an intensity dependent increase (p<0.05) in firing frequency of 10 fibers (4.2 ± 1.2 Hz at 7.5V vs. 1.4 ± 0.66 Hz at baseline). 6 neurons were not affected by CCM. In two neurons, 4V stimulation increased while 7.5V had no effect on single fiber firing.ConclusionCCM, a new therapy for CHF elicits activation of cardiac vagal afferents. This likely results from a reflex increase in regional contractility, contributing to the clinical benefit of CCM via an increase in vagal afferent and reduced sympathetic tone. Supported by Impulse Dynamics, Inc.
Novel Behavioral Assays to Model Neurodevelopmental Disorders in the Xenopus laevis Tadpole
Authors: Ramirez‐Vizcarrondo Carolina , Hasan Mashfiq , Gu Jenny , Khakhalin Arseny , Aizenman Carlos 
Published: June 2021

Experimental behavioral assays and animal models are essential to elucidate the mechanisms that underlie behavioral phenotypes associated with disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorders and Fragile X Syndrome. The Xenopus laevis tadpole has long been used as a model to study the mechanisms that underlie development of brain circuits. We aim to use this organism as a model for understanding the etiology of neurodevelopmental disorders. Their simplified nervous system and well‐characterized stages of development are some advantages that make Xenopus an efficient organism to model these disorders. In this study, we develop and validate a comprehensive suite of behavioral experiments to assess normal and abnormal neurodevelopment in Xenopus tadpoles. Behavioral assays include visual avoidance behavior (a type of behavior in which the animal avoids objects engaging at a collision trajectory), acoustic startle reflex habituation (a form of non‐associative memory that relies on hindbrain circuitry), pre‐pulse inhibition (a type of hindbrain‐mediated short‐term sensory processing in which a weaker pre‐stimulus inhibits the effects of a subsequent strong stimulus), propensity to seizures, and schooling behavior. We show that Xenopus tadpoles express several innate behaviors that can be manipulated and used to infer normal and abnormal neural circuit development. In combination with existing electrophysiological and neuroanatomical assays, this study will help to firmly establish the Xenopus tadpole as a useful model for studying basic biological mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental disorders.Funding Sources: APS IOSP Fellowship (NSF IOS‐1238831), NEI (NIH), and Brown University
A step by step visual guide to using the Sectra Visualization Table for 1st and 2nd year medical students
Authors: Barrack Daniel , Horn David , Benninger Brion 
Published: June 2021

INTRODUCTIONThe Sectra Visualization Table (SVT) is a computer that allows a user to view CT and MRI imaging rendered in 3D, which can be rendered in a tissue specific manner and manipulated using a touch screen for educational and clinical purposes. SVT is an extremely useful medium, but unclear how long it takes for a novice operator to become proficient. The objective of this study was to develop a training document which includes strong visual cues for efficient processing of the SVT's use while addressing andragogical methods.METHODSLiterature search was conducted regarding SVT and 1st year medical student (MS) curriculum. 60 MS were given 15 minutes to read the guide composed of illustrations with minimal text. Guide included step by step demonstrations of tools, used to manipulate the CT/MRI image. Subsequently, they were allowed to manipulate images with the touch screen. Their proficiency of manipulating 3‐D images was assessed. Likert Scale questionnaire was administered post test.RESULTSNo obvious studies were identified regarding the use of SVT with MS. MS successfully interpreted the guide, and used the tools associated with manipulating images. The Likert Scale scores were positive regarding aiding the MS in understanding stereostructural anatomy.DISCUSSIONFollowing an anatomy dissection or didactic course, having access to manipulate 3‐D CT/MRI images would enhance MS’ understanding of stereostructural anatomy. MS will be exposed to their patients' imaging anatomy. SVT guide proved to be a shallow learning curve for students rotate and magnify an actual CT/MRI on a 46 inch touch screen.CONCLUSIONThis study revealed that a visual heavy teaching guide can enable MS to manipulate 3D CT/MRI images with minimal training.
A Study of The 2001 Anthrax Terror Attacks and the History of Biological Warfare
Authors: More Roland 
Published: June 2021

In the following abstract we will review the history, data and some first person accounts of the 2001 Anthrax attacks in the United States. We will also review the history of biological warfare and discuss accidental releases of anthrax spores in the former Soviet Union during the closing days of the cold war. We will also analyze in‐depth the extent of the former Soviet Union Bioweapons program and the USSR's response to the United States‐ Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) or Stars Wars program. The USSR's response was code named the “ Death Star “ program.Epidemiologic investigation indicated that the outbreak, in the District of Columbia, Florida, New Jersey, and New York, resulted from intentional delivery of B. anthracis spores through mailed letters or packages. We describe the clinical presentation and course of these cases of bioterrorism‐related inhalational anthrax.In 1979, in Sverdlovsk, former Soviet Union, an apparent aerosol release of B. anthracis spores from a military facility resulted in the largest outbreak of inhalational anthrax in the 20th century .Before October 2001, the last case of inhalational anthrax in the United States had occurred in 1976. Identification of inhalational anthrax in a journalist in Florida on October 4, 2001, marked the beginning of the first confirmed outbreak associated with intentional anthrax release in the United States. We describe the clinical presentation of the first 10 cases of this bioterrorism‐related outbreak. Also in this investigation will be the data compiled by the Centers for Disease Control as well as archival data form the Soviet Anthrax accident in Sverdlovsk 1979.Reference sources omitted due to limited submission space .
Simple Liking Survey Associates with Weight Loss Success in a Worksite Intervention
Authors: Sharafi Mastaneh , Faghri Pouran , Huedo‐Medina Tania , Duffy Valerie 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveTo assess the utility of diet and physical activity surveys to evaluate a worksite weight loss intervention.MethodParticipating in a tailored education program were 58 females with elevated risk of type II diabetes from 4 long‐term care facilities. Diet and physical activity were measured by liking and frequency surveys at baseline and post‐intervention (wk 16); adiposity was measured each time and follow‐up (wk 28). A latent variable approach was used to test factor structure of derived diet quality and physical activity scores. Repeated measure analysis of covariance measured change in dietary and physical activity scores; effects on weight loss were measured by ANCOVA and nested regression analysis.ResultsAverage weight loss was 3% by wk 16 and 2% by wk 28. Restrained eaters (reporting high liking but low intakes of energy‐dense foods) at baseline achieved greater weight loss. By wk 16, females reported increases in liking for and intakes of healthier foods, yet only liking increases associated with more weight lost. Females who reported increases in both healthy food liking and intake had greater weight loss; those who reported greater intake but not liking (possible misreporting) gained weight by wk 16. Physical activity liking and frequency scores had parallel increases with the intervention yet were not predictive of weight loss by wk 16 or 28.ConclusionSurveying food and physical activity likes/dislikes is a simple and feasible approach to evaluate behaviors in a worksite intervention. Improvements in liking for healthy foods best associated with weight loss success. Examining food liking versus intake may identify behaviors that associate with (dietary restraint) or against (misreporting) intervention success.Funding Source: USDA Hatch grant
Influence of exercise training on markers of tumor microenvironment in breast cancer: a comprehensive meta‐analysis from 15 trials
Authors: Ramirez Velez Robinson , Meneses‐Echávez José , González Jímenez Emilio , Río‐Valle Jacqueline , Correa‐Bautista Jorge 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveTo establish the influence of exercise interventions on tumor microenvironment‐related markers, including inflammatory cytokines, C‐reactive protein (CRP) and Insulin‐like growth factors (IGF's) in breast cancer survivors.MethodsPRISMA statement was followed. MEDLINE, Ovid, EMBASE and CENTRAL were searched for randomized controlled trials until February 2014. Heterogeneity was measured by using the I2 statistics. A random‐effects models was used in presence of high statistical heterogeneity (I2>50%). Meta‐regression analyses were also conducted.ResultsData from 15 studies were pooled (n=1,447; mean age= 51.6 years old). Exercise interventions resulted in positive effects for CRP, IL‐2, IL‐10, IGF‐I, IGF‐II and IGFBP‐3 (p<.05). Non‐significant differences were found for IL‐6 and TNF‐α. Meta‐regression models showed that duration (>40 minutes/session) and training intensity (>70% maximum heart rate) of the exercise were predictors of the effects on tumor markers (p<.05)
imageConclusionsExercise training exerts favorable effects on tumor microenvironment in breast cancer survivors by improving systemic pro‐inflammatory profile and the serum concentrations of growth markers linked to tumorigenesis. The reductions found for IL‐10 suggest an immunostimulating role of exercise in women with breast cancer.
Sugars and Citric Acid Differently Modulate DPPH Antioxidant Activity in Polyphenol‐rich Fruit Juices
Authors: Kranz Sarah , Bolling Bradley 
Published: June 2021

The objective of this study was to further characterize the interactions of citric acid, sorbitol, sucrose on the DPPH (2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl) antioxidant activity of polyphenol‐rich juices. Polyphenols were isolated from aronia, raspberry, apple, grape, and cherry juices. Polyphenols were recombined with various levels of citric acid (0 to 1%, w/v) and sugars (0 to 30%, w/v) and DPPH scavenging was subsequently measured near the IC50 value of polyphenol fractions. Sorbitol and citric acid inhibited DPPH activity up to 15 and 10%, respectively in aronia polyphenols. Sorbitol had differential effects on DPPH activity of juice polyphenols. Sorbitol increased DPPH inhibition by 1, 4, and 5% for cherry, grape and raspberry polyphenols, while it was decreased apple juice by 58.1%. Sucrose reduced DPPH inhibition of apple and grape polyphenols 25 and 29% while it increased by 8.0 and 5.6% for raspberry and cherry polyphenols. Citric acid increased apple and raspberry juice polyphenol antioxidant activity by 7.4 and 11%, but did not affect cherry or grape juice polyphenols. Therefore, common sweeteners and citric acid differentially affect in vitro DPPH antioxidant activity of fruit juice polyphenols. This implies that non‐polyphenol components of fruit juices significantly contribute to a widely‐used in vitro measure of antioxidant capacity.This work was supported by an Undergraduate Research Award to Sarah Kranz from the University of Connecticut Office of Undergraduate Research.
Quinoa (Chenopodium Quinoa) Peptides Protect Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVEC) Against Risk Markers For Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)
Authors: Ravisankar Shreeya , Campos Gutierrez David , Chirinos Rosana , Noratto Giuliana 
Published: June 2021

Dietary bioactive compounds can help to prevent CVD, a major cause of death around the world. Our objective was to investigate the cardioprotective underlying molecular mechanisms modulated by peptides produced from the Andean pseudocereal quinoa.Quinoa peptides were produced by enzymatic proteolysis and assessed for bioavailability in vitro using Caco‐2 colon monolayer cells, for their anti‐hypertensive activity, and for their protective effects against pro‐inflammatory conditions exerted by E. coli lipopolysaccharides (LPS) challenge in HUVEC using standard analytical and molecular biology techniques.Results show that quinoa peptides were able to cross the CaCO‐2 colon monolayer barrier and inhibit 60% of the angiotensin converting enzyme activity. This was correlated with downregulation of the angiotensin receptor in LPS‐challenged HUVEC and reduction of reactive oxygen species down to basal levels in controls not challenged with LPS. Quinoa peptides also downregulated gene and protein levels of nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) transcription factor and its target genes TLR‐4, TNF‐α, adhesion molecules, and interleukins. Furthermore, quinoa peptides were found to activate the peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR‐γ) anti‐inflammatory transcription factor as the underlying anti‐inflammatory mechanism inhibiting NF‐κB cell signaling.These results strongly suggest the potential of quinoa peptides as a natural supplement to regulate blood pressure and prevent endothelial dysfunction, thus reducing the risk of CVD.