bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Core Performance Workplace Wellness: Positive impact on cardiovascular disease risk and fitness
Authors: Carlson‐Phillips Amanda , Campbell Bill , Woolf Kathleen 
Published: June 2021

PurposeTo compare the effectiveness of two worksite wellness programs.MethodsEmployees participated in a 14‐week cohort‐randomized trial comparing a Traditional Worksite Wellness Program [TWP] and the Core Performance Training and Nutrition Program [CPTNP]. The TWP included a health check, an online health assessment and a meeting with a wellness coach. The CPTNP consisted of the TWP plus a supervised exercise (3 times/wk) and nutrition program (4 meetings). Peak VO2, functional movement, and blood markers of cardiovascular risk were assessed before and after the 14‐wk study. Data were analyzed via a 2x2 repeated measures ANOVA & significance was set at p<0.05.ResultsParticipants in the TWP (n=66; 39.5 ± 7.8yrs; 29.2 ± 6.8 kg/m2) and the CPTNP (n=73; 39.1±6.5yrs; 28.6 ± 5.02 kg/m2) were matched for age, gender and activity level. Peak VO2 & functional movement improved by 20% & 5% and 23% & 5% for the CPTNP & TWP programs, respectively. Triglycerides, total &LDL cholesterol concentration decreased 22% & 7%; 5% & 0%; 6% & 0% for the CPTNP & TWP programs, respectively. HDL cholesterol increased by 10% &1% for the CPTNP & TWP programs, respectively. For each variable, a significant interaction was observed demonstrating that the CPTNP had greater improvements compared to the TWP group.ConclusionParticipants in the CPTNP had significantly better improvements.Research support from Intel®
High‐resolution spatial quantification of canine coronary collaterals in endo‐ and epicardial layers
Authors: van Horssen Pepijn , van den Wijngaard Jeroen PHM , Siebes Maria , Spaan Jos AE 
Published: June 2021

Ischemia and subsequent infarction may occur when blood supply to the heart is impeded by coronary artery disease. Stimulating coronary collateral formation may provide a therapeutic option in patients that cannot be successfully revascularized by conventional surgery. However, detailed information on the mechanism of collateral formation is needed.In this study an imaging cryomicrotome was used to acquire high resolution data of collateral connections. Coronary arteries in 5 canine hearts were prepared with fluorescent cast material and cut serially at 20μm slices. After each cut, the surface of the remaining material was imaged. Skeletonization of the 3D vasculature allowed defining connectivity and collateral connection identification. On average, 800 collaterals were identified for each heart, diameters ranging from 40 – 200 μm. The number of collaterals was approximately twofold higher in the endocardium compared to the epicardium, even though the measured volume of the endocardium was on average 2.5 times smaller than the epicardial volume. The diameter and length distributions of the collateral segments appeared equal for the two myocardial layers. These characteristics may provide a better understanding of the mechanisms of collateral formation. Supported by the Netherlands Organization for Health Research and Development (ZonMw 91105008and 91611171), and by FP7‐ICT 2007224495 (euHeart).
Mineralocorticoid receptor blockade does not affect arterial compliance in middle‐aged and older adults with and without metabolic syndrome
Authors: Yoo Jeung‐Ki , Hwang Moon‐Hyon , Luttrell Meredith J. , Cernosek Molly M. , Meade Thomas H. , English Mark W. , Christou Demetra D. 
Published: June 2021

Aging and metabolic syndrome (MS) are associated with decreased arterial compliance but the underlying mechanisms are not completely understood. Aldosterone and activation of the mineralocorticoid receptors (MR) are thought to be elevated in MS and may contribute to reduced arterial compliance. We hypothesized that chronically elevated activation of MR is partly responsible for reduced arterial compliance in aging/MS and that MR blockade would lead to greater improvements in carotid artery compliance (CAC: high resolution ultrasonography and applanation tonometry) in middle‐aged (MA) and older (O) adults with vs. without MS. To test this hypothesis, we administered 100 mg of Eplerenone (MR blocker) or placebo per day for 4 weeks in a randomized, double blind, crossover design, in 6 MA/O adults with and 14 without MS. At baseline, brachial blood pressure (BP) was higher (mean BP: 98±2 vs. 90±3 mmHg, P=0.03) and CAC was lower (0.12±0.02 vs. 0.19±0.03 mm2/mmHg, P=0.03) in the MS group. MR blockade reduced brachial BP similarly in both groups (delta mean BP: −6±2 vs. −3±1 mmHg, P=0.1, with vs. without MS) but it did not affect CAC in either group (delta CAC: −0.01±0.01 vs. −0.02±0.03 mm2/mmHg, P=0.4, with vs. without MS). In conclusion, arterial compliance in MA/O adults with or without MS is not affected by short‐term MR blockade.Supported by AHA Grant 0865117F and NIH Grant AG032067.
ATP stimulation of volume regulation in cultured human astrocytoma cells
Authors: Woods Megan , Olson James 
Published: June 2021

IntroductionUnderstanding cell volume control of brain cells will lead to better treatments for patients suffering from brain edema following trauma and other conditions. We examined the role P2Y receptors play in cell volume regulation using cultured 1321N1 human astrocytoma cells.MethodsCells were removed from the growth surface and suspended in isoosmotic phosphate buffered saline (Iso‐PBS) containing (in mM): NaCl (147), KH2PO4 (0.5), Na2HPO4 (3.2), CaCl2 (1), MgCl2 (0.5), dextrose (5), and KCl (2.7) (pH=7.3, osmolality=290 mOsm) at 37 °C for 30 min. Cell volumes were determined using the Coulter method at various times after cells were resuspended in Iso‐PBS or similar solutions with osmolalities altered by changing concentrations of NaCl.ResultsWe observed a linear relationship of initial volume versus (osm)−1 for cells in osmolalities ranging from 150 mOsm to 600 mOsm with an intercept at 45.3±1.3% of the volume measured in Iso‐PBS. Maximal cell swelling in 150 mOsm PBS occurred 3–5 min after suspension. After 10 min and 30 min in this hypoosmotic condition, cell volume had recovered by 18.3±5.1% and 48.4±2.2%, respectively. When 100 μM ATP was added to the 150 mOsm PBS solution, the rate of volume recovery was significantly faster.Conclusion132N1 cells demonstrate regulatory volume decrease in hypoosmotic conditions which may be stimulated by purinergic receptors. Supported by NIH R25GM086257.
Dietary Cholesterol Affects Skeletal Muscle Protein Synthesis Following Acute Resistance Exercise
Authors: Lee Chang Woock , Lee Teak V , Chen Vincent CW , Bui Steve , Riechman Steven E 
Published: June 2021

We have previously shown that high cholesterol (CL) intake resulted in greater lean mass gains in elderly men and women after 12 weeks of resistance training. However, little is known about the effects of CL on protein synthesis rates in skeletal muscle. We examined the effects of CL consumption on muscle protein synthesis in response to acute bouts of high intensity resistance exercise (RE).Two groups of 20–28 year old, healthy, untrained adults underwent 10 days of either high CL (HC: 14mg/kg lean/day, ~800mg/day, n=8) or low CL (LC: 3.5mg/kg lean/day, <200mg/day, n=7) diet followed by acute bouts of high intensity unilateral leg exercises (leg press & extension: 5 sets, reps to failure, 85% of max strength, emphasis on eccentric contraction) where one leg was exercised while the other leg served as the non‐exercise control. Biopsies were taken from vastus lateralis muscle 22h after exercise and cumulative myofibrillar protein synthesis (FSR) was measured using 2H2O as a tracer.A significant difference in FSR (relative to control) was observed between the groups (HC: 94.6±23% vs. LC: −65.4±25%, p<0.01) with ANCOVA analysis (covariates: exercise history, lean mass, & degree of muscle soreness after RE). Our data suggest that CL may affect the anabolic response to RE possibly through its effect on membrane stability, inflammatory response, and lipid rafts/cell signaling.
Platelet inhibition with clopidogrel augments cutaneous reactive hyperemia
Authors: Dahmus Jessica D , Bruning Rebecca S , Manning Keefe B. , Holowatz Lacy A. 
Published: June 2021

Platelet inhibition through the administration of aspirin (ASA) or clopidogrel are widely‐used methods for the primary and secondary prevention of atherothrombotic disease. ASA and clopidogrel inhibit platelet function through different mechanisms and attenuate reflex cutaneous vasodilation (VD). We hypothesized that systemic ASA and clopidogrel would attenuate shear‐induced cutaneous VD. Five healthy men and women (55±3 years) were given systemic ASA (81mg), clopidogrel (75mg), or placebo for 7 days in a double‐blind fashion with 2 weeks of washout between treatments. A reactive hyperemia protocol was performed to assess shear‐induced cutaneous VD. Skin blood flow (SkBF) was measured using laser‐Doppler flowmetry (LDF). Cutaneous vascular conductance was calculated (CVC=LDF/MAP) and normalized to max (%CVCmax: 43°C). Clopidogrel augmented the SkBF area under the curve with reactive hyperemia (AUCclopidogrel = 4111.1 ± 381.2 vs. AUCplacebo = 3559.0 ± 259.0 %CVCmax·s; p<0.05) but there was no change with ASA (AUCASA = 3373.7 ± 567.3 %CVCmax·s). Clopidogrel had a similar effect on the total hyperemic response (THRclopidogrel = 2280± 358 vs. THRplacebo = 1765 ± 212 %CVCmax·s; p=0.05). Contrary to our hypothesis, clopidogrel augmented cutaneous reactive hyperemia, suggesting that platelet ADP‐receptor inhibition may improve cutaneous shear‐induced VD.Supported by NIH grant 1R21HL098645‐01
Wingless homolog Wnt11 suppresses bacterial invasion and inflammation in intestinal epithelial cells
Authors: Sun Jun , Liu Xingyin , Wu Shaoping , Xia Yinglin , Li Xi Emma 
Published: June 2021

The Wnt pathway controls cell fate during development and homeostasis in self‐renewing tissues. Wnt signaling is involved in the activation of proinflammatory mediators in inflammatory disorders. However, these studies are focus on the responses of the monocytes to the inflammatory cytokines. How Wnt modulates the host responses to bacteria is unexplored. We reported here that Wnt11 expression was elevated after Salmonella infection in intestinal epithelia cells. We further demonstrated that pathogenic bacteria Salmonella regulate Wnt11 expression and location in vivo. Moreover, we found less Salmonella invasion in the cells with Wnt11 overexpression comparing to the normal cells. Whereas IL‐8 in the Wnt11 transfected cells was undetectable, it was easily detectable in the cells with low level of Wnt11. Inhibition of Wnt led to higher IL‐8 expression comparing to the normal cells after Salmonella infection. Functionally, Wnt11 overexpression inhibited the Salmonella‐induced apoptosis and suppressed the inflammatory NF‐kappaB and JNK activities. AvrA is a bacterial protein that stabilizing beta‐catenin, the down‐stream of Wnt. We found that Wnt11 expression and transcriptional activity were regulated by Salmonella AvrA. Overall, Wnt11 is a novel and important contributor to intestinal homeostasis and host defense.This work was supported by the National Institutes of Health (DK075386‐0251, R03DK089010‐01), the American Cancer Society (RSG‐09‐075‐01‐MBC), and the IDEAL award from the New York State's Empire State Stem Cell Board (N09G‐279) to Jun Sun.
The effects of heat treatment on AMPK activation in skeletal muscle in type 2 diabetic rats
Authors: Tsuzuki Takamasa , Kobayashi Hiroyuki , Naito Hisashi , Katamoto Shizuo 
Published: June 2021

In previous study, heat treatment and AMPK activation by exercise improved glucose tolerance in rat.PURPOSETo determine the effects of heat treatment on AMPK activation in skeletal muscle in type 2 diabetic rats.METHODSOtsuka Long‐Evans Tokushima Fatty rat (OLETF: n=16, 305.3±11.4g), an accurate animal model for human type 2 diabetes, and their counter parts (LETO: n=8, 226.7±14.1g) were used. Sixteen OLETF rats were divided into two groups; Control (n=8: CON) and Heat treatment (n=8: HT). HT received a lower‐body heat treatment (41 °C for 20 min) using water bath under anesthesia once a week for twelve weeks. An intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test was performed for each group in week‐11. In week‐12, the soleus muscles were removed 48 h after the last heat treatment. Phospho‐AMPK and total‐AMPK in the muscle was determined by Western blot analysis.RESULTSAt 120 min after glucose injection, blood glucose levels of CON and HT were significantly higher than LETO, whereas blood glucose level of HT was lower than CON. AMPK phosphorylation ratio in the soleus muscle of CON was significantly lower than LETO. However, heat treatment significantly increased AMPK phosphorylation ratio in HT compared with CON, and there was no significant difference between LETO and HT.CONCLUSIONOur results indicate that weekly heat treatment for twelve weeks could increase AMPK activation in skeletal muscle in type 2 diabetic rats.
Time course of diaphragm function recovery after mechanical ventilation in an animal model
Authors: Thomas Debby , Maes Karen , Agten Anouk , Decramer Marc , Gayan‐Ramirez Ghislaine 
Published: June 2021

Several studies have shown that controlled mechanical ventilation (CMV) results in rapid and severe diaphragmatic dysfunction. The recovery response of the diaphragm to normal function after mechanical ventilation is not known, although these data may have an impact on weaning from the ventilator. We examined the time‐course of diaphragm function recovery in an animal model of CMV.Anesthetized rats were submitted to 24h of CMV followed by either 1h, 2h or 3h of spontaneous breathing (SB) or to 24–27h of CMV.There were no differences in blood pressure, blood gases, body weight or muscle weights between the four groups. The in vitro diaphragm force‐frequency curve was similar in the CMV group and in the CMV groups followed by 1h or 2h of SB. Three hours of SB after CMV resulted in a significant improvement of the diaphragm force compared to all other groups. Diaphragm cross sectional area (CSA) of the type I and type IIa fibers was similar in all groups, while the CSA of the type IIx/b fibers was significant increased in the CMV + 3h SB group (+27%, p<0.05) compared to CMV. No differences were observed in the activity of calpain and caspase‐3 between the four groups.These data show that reloading the diaphragm for 3h after CMV results in a significant improvement of the diaphragm force together with an increase in the CSA of the type IIx/b muscle fibers.Supported by FWO‐Flanders G.0893.11 and AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals
Sphingomyelinase promotes atrophy in C2C12 myotubes
Authors: Schwagerl Peter Jerome , Talbert Erin E. , Nguyen Linda M.‐D. , Powers Scott K. , Ferreira Leonardo F. 
Published: June 2021

Chronic heart failure, sepsis, and cancer chemotherapy lead to skeletal muscle atrophy. In all these conditions, the activity of sphingomyelinase (SMase) in the plasma is elevated. SMase has been shown to activate proteolytic pathways in non‐muscle cells. We tested the hypothesis that exogenous SMase promotes atrophy in skeletal muscle cells. Differentiated C2C12 myotubes were exposed to SMase (0.5 U/ml) or vehicle every 24 hrs for 48 hrs. We used brightfield microscopy to acquire images for measurement of myotube width (3 images per well). All myotubes within each field of view were analyzed (total: SMase 112 and vehicle 101 myotubes). Myotube widths were compiled to provide an average per well (n = 3/group). Initial analysis showed that SMase decreased myotube width by ~25% (mean±SD; vehicle 25.3±2.4 μm, SMase 18.9±1.2 μm; P < 0.05). Our data suggests that SMase promotes skeletal muscle atrophy. This is consistent with activation of proteolytic pathways.Funding support: NIH/NHLBI 1K99HL098453‐01
O‐GlcNAc levels modulate adipocytokine transcription
Authors: Wollaston‐Hayden Edith E. , Harris Ruth B. , Wells Lance 
Published: June 2021

Increased flux through the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway and the corresponding increase in intracellular glycosylation of proteins via O‐GlcNAc is sufficient to induce insulin resistance (IR) in multiple systems. Previously, our group used shotgun proteomics to identify multiple rodent adipocytokines whose levels are modulated upon the induction of IR by indirectly and directly modulating O‐GlcNAc levels. We have validated the relative levels of several of these adipocytokines using immunoblotting. Since adipocytokines levels are regulated primarily at the level of transcription and O‐GlcNAc alters the function of many transcription factors, we hypothesized that elevated O‐GlcNAc levels on key transcription factors are modulating adipocytokine expression. Here, we show that upon the elevation of O‐GlcNAc levels and the induction of IR in mature 3T3‐F442a adipocytes, the steady‐state transcript levels of multiple adipocytokines, as measured by quantitative RT‐PCR, reflect the modulation observed at the protein level. We have gone on to validate the adipocytokine transcript levels in mouse models of diabetes. Using inguinal fat pads from the severely IR db/db mouse model and the mildly IR diet‐induced mouse model, we have confirmed that the adipocytokines regulated by O‐GlcNAc modulation in cell culture are likewise modulated in the whole animal upon a shift to IR.R01DK075069(LW)
Characteristic features of human catalytic light chain, 22F6, showing the suppression of influenza virus infection by the different way
Authors: Fujimoto Naoko , Hifumi Emi , Uda Taizo 
Published: June 2021

We found unique human catalytic light chains in which #4 clone showed a substantial effect on the suppression of infectivity of influenza virus A type (H1N1). Interestingly, 22F6 clone also showed a unique characteristic to prevent from the infection of influenza virus by the quite different way.Generally, in vitro assay, the virus and the antibody was first mixed and then the solution was incubated for one hour with MDCK cells in medium. Then, the plaques were counted for estimating the infection efficacy. In this study, we employed a new method in which only antibody was incubated with MDCK cells for one hour. After that, the medium solution containing the antibody was discarded and the well was washed out with the medium. Then the influenza virus dissolved in the medium without an antibody was put into the wells, followed by counting the number of plaques.C179 monoclonal antibody has been used in world widely as a famous neutralizing mAb against influenza virus H1N1 and H2N2 types. For the general in vitro assay, the mAb could completely suppress the infection of the virus against MDCK cells as expected but not in our new method. #4 clone showed the similar result. Surprisingly, 22F6 clone could lower the infectivity of the virus in our method. Namely, the functional mechanism of 22F6 clone is quite different from the neutralizing activity of C179 mAb and the catalytic activity of #4 clone.
Stable isotope markers of sweetened beverage consumption: relationships with health outcomes in a Yup'ik Eskimo study population
Authors: Nash Sarah Heather , Bersamin Andrea , Kristal Alan R , Boyer Bert B , OˈBrien Diane M 
Published: June 2021

The objective of this study was to develop and apply stable isotope markers of sugar sweetened beverage (SSB) intake in the Yup'ik Eskimo population of Southwest Alaska. Biomarkers of SSB intake are of interest in this population, which is experiencing a nutrition transition that includes increased consumption of sugars. The carbon isotope ratio (δ13C) is high in sweeteners based on corn or sugar cane, and has been associated with SSB intake in non‐Native US populations. We show that soft drink intake is associated with the δ13C values of RBC (r = 0.47), hair (r = 0.52) and plasma (r = 0.57) in a community‐based sample of 68 Yup'ik Eskimos. However, δ13C is also associated with traditional and commercial animal protein sources. Thus, this marker cannot be used as an indicator of SSB specifically, but indicates intake of market foods generally. We then examine the relationship between RBC δ13C and markers of chronic disease in a larger study population (n = 1003). In models adjusted for age, sex, BMI and marine intake, δ13C values were positively associated with fat mass, waist circumference, Apo‐A2, triglycerides, and diastolic blood pressure. They were negatively associated with ghrelin, LDL and HbA1c. We conclude that increased intake of market foods has a negative impact on chronic disease risk factors.Grant Funding Source : NIH NCRR COBRE: P20 RR16430‐10, and NIH NIDDK R01DK07442
Development of an atlas of food photographs with visual references and evaluation study on its use for assisting to estimate food weight in dietary recall
Authors: Wang Zhixu , Sun Zhongqing , Zhong Chunmei , Wu Jieshu , Fan Ping , Li Zuwen 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveThis project is aiming to generate a new photographic tool used for assisting dietary assessment.MethodsAbout 200 most common food items were included to make illustrative pictures. In a picture, a series of 4–10 portions were put in a platform, with three set of visual references: lining up horizontally with sequence of portion size from small to large, background grid in centimeters, and well‐known articles for every person. A self‐controlled and a randomized controlled weight estimation experiment were carried out both upon the subjects of 200 urban residents and 200 young college students, without and with assistance of the food pictures.ResultsTotal 659 food pictures were produced and compiled into a Food Atlas. The results from the evaluation experiments, both by the self‐controlled and the randomized controlled methods, indicated that estimation differences by urban residents had been reduced 7.3%~24.6% of actual weight when picture assistance. The young students gave 19.6%~33.0% more accurate estimations when assisted with the pictures than the controls.ConclusionThe new developed food pictures could be used as an effective tool for assisting dietary recall.
Relationship between adipokines, lipid profile, and insulin sensitivity in older African Americans: Adiponectin as a potential cardioprotective mediator
Authors: Lemacks Jennifer Lynn , Ernst Jasminka Ilich , Ralston Penny A. , Coccia Catherine , Young-Clark Iris , Wickrama Kandauda , Harris Cynthia M. 
Published: June 2021

Research examining endocrine communication involving leptin, adiponectin and obesity in African Americans (AAs) is sparse. Our objective was to examine relationships between lipid profile (HDL, LDL, TotalChol, TG, VLDL), insulin sensitivity (by QUICKI), and adipokines in 71 mid‐life/older African Americans enrolled in a church‐based health intervention project. Participants were (MEAN±SD) 59.5±10.1y old with BMI 34.9±9.2kg/m2, and 73% female. Log‐transformed variables were utilized in calculations and the data were analyzed using SPSS19.0. Pearson's correlations revealed association between adiponectin and HDL (r=0.26, p=0.03), TG (r=−0.32, p<0.01), and QUICKI (r=0.48, p<0.001); as well as leptin and LDL (r=−0.21, p=0.07) after controlling for BMI, age, and gender. Regression analysis revealed adiponectin to be a significant predictor of HDL (β=0.28, p<0.01) and TG (β=−0.36, p=0.001), after controlling for BMI, age, and gender. Adiponectin was also a significant predictor of QUICKI (β=0.24, p=0.01) after controlling for BMI, age, gender, insulin, and glucose levels. There were no relationships between leptin, lipid profile, and insulin sensitivity. Based on these results, adiponectin may have cardioprotective benefits as an endocrine mediator by improving insulin sensitivity and lipid profile in older AAs. Funded by: NIH Institute on Minority Health & Health Disparities (R24MD002807‐02)Grant Funding Source : NIH