bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predicting Body Fat in College Students
Authors: Notte Dana Renae , Tyzbir Robert S. 
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this study is to determine which anthropometric variables can be used to develop equations that best predict body fatness in college age students. The body mass index (BMI), waist to hip ratio (W/H), and conicity index (Ci), was calculated for men and women participating in an elective nutrition course from 1992 to 2007. These calculations were used to develop the following linear regression prediction equations using SPSS:These equations were then used to predict body fat for male and female students in 2008 and results were compared to the percent body fat measured using bioelectrical impedance (BEI). Our results indicate that in males the equation using W/H ratio is the best predictor of body fat followed by equations using BMI and Ci. However, in females, the BMI equation is the best predictor of body fat followed by W/H and Ci respectively. We conclude that equations derived from different anthropometric variables should be used when predicting body fat in males verses females. In males, the equation using W/H is best at predicting body fat while, in females, the equation using BMI is the best.
Flaxseed combined with ultra low‐dose estrogen therapy preserves bone mass in ovariectomized rats
Authors: Sacco Sandra Maria , Jiang Jessica Ming Yi , Reza‐Lopez Sandra , Ma David WL , Thompson Lilian U , Ward Wendy Elizabeth 
Published: June 2021

Flaxseed, rich in phytoestrogens and alpha‐linolenic (ALA) acid, that may modulate bone metabolism, is commonly consumed by postmenopausal women in combination with pharmaceuticals such as estrogen replacement therapy. We determined if a 10% FS diet modulates the effect of ultra‐low dose estrogen therapy (ULD) on bone mineral density (BMD) and biomechanical bone strength, a surrogate measure of fracture risk, using the ovariectomized rat model of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Ovariectomized rats (n=48) were randomized to: i. basal diet (BD, AIN93M); ii. BD+ULD implant; or iii. BD containing 10% FS+ ULD for 12 weeks. A sham‐operated control group was fed BD. BMD and strength properties of the lumbar vertebrae (LV), femurs and tibias were analyzed by dual energy x‐ray absorptiometry and biomechanical strength testing, respectively. Bone fatty acid composition was determined by gas chromatography. Unlike ULD, FS+ULD resulted in greater (p<0.05) LV BMD and strength compared to ovariectomy alone, and higher (p<0.05) n‐3 fatty acid levels and lower n‐6 fatty acids levels in LV and tibias compared to all groups. ALA (r=0.52, p=0.03) and total n‐3 fatty acid (r=0.52, p=0.03) levels in LV were positively correlated with LV strength. In conclusion, FS enhances the effect of ULD at the lumbar spine and these benefits are associated with changes in fatty acid composition.Grant Funding SourceSupported by NSERC Discovery Grant (W. Ward), NSERC Postgraduate Scholarship (S. Sacco), CONACyT Scholarship (S. Reza‐Lopez).RC
Canine Adipose Tissue Transcriptome Changes Following Four Weeks of Rapid Weight Gain
Authors: Grant Ryan W. , Vester Brittany M. , Ridge Tonya K. , Graves Thomas K. , Swanson Kelly S. 
Published: June 2021

Changes that occur in organs and tissues during the early stages of weight gain prior to the onset of clinical obesity remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to characterize adipose tissue transcriptome changes occurring after 4 wk of rapid weight gain and relate these changes to circulating metabolites. Intact female beagles were fed a commercially available high‐fat diet and randomized to either ad libitum feeding (n=5) or weight maintenance (n=4). Adipose tissue biopsies and blood samples were collected at baseline and at 4 wk. Transcriptome changes were assessed using Affymetrix Canine 2.0 microarrays and analyzed using the Limma package with an FDR = 0.05. After 4 wk, BW, body fat mass, and blood leptin and fasting glucose concentrations were elevated (P<0.05) in dogs fed ad libitum, but blood NEFA, triglyceride, insulin, adiponectin, CRP, and TNF‐α concentrations were unchanged. 139 gene transcripts were differentially expressed in adipose tissue following rapid weight gain. The majority of these changes were observed in 5 functional classes: metabolism, apoptosis/cell cycle regulation, cell adhesion, redox state, and transport. These results indicate that major changes associated with cell growth, metabolism, and redox status occur during rapid weight gain and adipose tissue expansion in the absence of systemic low‐grade inflammation. Funding: Illinois CFAR # CF071‐003‐SENGrant Funding SourceIllinois CFAR # CF071‐003‐SEN
Interferon‐gamma inhibits hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF) in intestinal epithelial cells through transcriptional repression of HIF‐1 beta
Authors: Glover Louise Elaine , Irizarry Karina , MacManus Christopher , Scully Melanie , Colgan Sean 
Published: June 2021

Hypoxia and inflammation occur coincidentally in mucosal diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) has been implicated as a regulatory pathway under such conditions. HIF is a transcription factor critical to adaptation to low oxygen states and several studies have indicated that intestinal epithelial HIF provides protection in murine models of colitis. We therefore hypothesized that inflammation‐relevant mediators may influence intestinal epithelial expression and function of HIF.Guided by an initial screen of relevant inflammatory mediators, we analyzed the influence of IFN‐γ on HIF expression and transcriptional activity in intestinal epithelial cells. Epithelial exposure to IFN‐γ resulted in a concentration‐dependent repression of HIF activity (p<0.025) that was reversible in the presence of transcriptional inhibition. A real‐time PCR screen revealed prominent inhibition of HIF‐1β, but not HIF‐1α expression, by IFN‐γ. Analysis of the human HIF‐1β promoter confirmed the inhibitory influence of IFN‐γ on HIF‐1β activity. Taken together, these studies demonstrate that HIF activity and expression in intestinal epithelial cells is specifically repressed by IFN‐γ through a mechanism involving transcriptional repression of the HIF‐1β promoter. These observations may be relevant to the pathophysiology of colitis. (NIH, USA)
HSV‐2 infection induces NF‐kB‐dependent cytokines in human cervical epithelial cells
Authors: Li Hui , Li Xiaoling , Wei Yun , Tan Yun , Wu Xinxing 
Published: June 2021

Herpes Simplex Virus type 2 (HSV‐2) is one of the most common sexually transmitted pathogen and can establish lifelong latency infection. Our previously studies have shown that HSV‐2 infection up‐regulates TLRs expression and activates NF‐kB signaling in human cervical epithelia (HCE) cells. In this study, we examined the cytokines production of HCE cells in response to HSV‐2. HCE cells were infected with HSV‐2 at 3 MOI and cultured for the certain period of times. The result showed that the secretion of IL‐6 and IFN‐beta increased dramatically after HSV‐2 infection and maintained high levels during the course of experiment . We asked whether or not the induction of cytokines requires NF‐¿B activity. To this end, we treated cells with Isohelenin and harvested the supernatants for ELISA assay. The presence of NF‐¿B inhibitor, Isohelenin significantly blocked the production of both IL‐6 and IFN‐beta in response to HSV‐2 compared to the untreated control. Thus, our data provide the direct evidence that the production of both IL‐6 and IFN‐beta induced by HSV‐2 in HCE cells was NF‐¿B dependent suggesting a critical role of NF‐¿B as a key regulator of cytokine production in response to HSV‐2 infection in its natural host cells.This work was supported by grant from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 30500465, No. 30810103052)
Metabolic and structural remodeling of heart‐derived H9c2 cells by AMPK activation
Authors: Dai Jiazhen Minnie , Saeedi Ramesh , Sharma Vijay , Saran Varun , Parsons Hannah , Dyck Jason , Allard Michael 
Published: June 2021

AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK), a kinase involved in control of cellular metabolism, inhibits pathologic cardiac hypertrophy development but also plays a role in skeletal muscle adaptation to exercise. We tested the hypothesis that AMPK activation per se results in structural and metabolic remodeling of heart muscle cells characteristic of that seen in physiologic cardiac hypertrophy. Adenoviral‐mediated over expression of a constitutively active form of AMPK (CA‐AMPK) was used to increase AMPK activity in H9c2 cells, a cell line from embryonic rat heart ventricle. Then, indices of cellular hypertrophy and substrate use were measured 48 hrs later. AMPK activity was ~40‐50% higher in CA‐AMPK treated cells than in untreated cells. This was accompanied by a ~20‐25% increase in total protein content and phenylalanine incorporation without a measurable increase in atrial natriuretc peptide expression. CA‐AMPK stimulated fatty acid oxidation and glycolysis, but did not significantly alter glucose oxidation. Thus, AMPK activation causes structural and metabolic remodeling in heart muscle cells different from that seen in pathologic settings, indicating AMPK activation alone leads to a physiologic form of hypertrophy in heart muscle cells and may alter the reciprocal relationship between fatty acid and glucose utilization.This research project is funded by Canadian Institute of Health Research.
Effect and mechanism of auricularia auriculajudae polysaccharide in hippocampus of streptozotocin‐induced diabetic cognitive impairment rats
Authors: Fei Jiaqian , Fan Ying , Zhang Xiaoming , Ye Tingmei , Chen Yingying , Shen Yueliang , Wang Linlin 
Published: June 2021

AimTo investigate the effect and mechanism of auricularia auriculajudae polysaccharide(APP) in the hippocampus of streptozotocin‐induced diabetic cognitive impairment rats.MethodsAPP group was treated with intragastric administration of APP (150mg/day) for 4 weeks after intraperitoneal streptozotocin(STZ) injection (60 mg/kg). Their capacity for learning and memory were detected by the Morris water maze. Microstructural and ultrastructural changes were also analysed by transmission electron microscope (TEM). Thrombospondin‐1 (TSP‐1) expression in the CA1 and dentate gyrus (DG) hippocampal area was examined by immunohistochemistry and RT‐PCR.ResultsFour weeks after STZ induction, the diabetic rats showed decreased capacity for learning and memory. However, the cognitive impairment was significantly less severe in APP group as indicated by decrease in the time spent in the target quadrant (P < 0.05) and the number of crossings of the previous location of the platform (P < 0.05). TEM also revealed that APP group had less swollen of mitochondria, decreased heterochromatin accumulation and increased synaptic contacts when compared with the diabetic group. Morever, TSP‐1 expressions in the CA1 and DG were significantly lower in APP group than in diabetic group.ConclusionAPP could alleviate the impairment of memory and cognition in diabetic rat, which may be mediated by decreasing the expression of TSP‐1 in the hippocampus.
Induced deficit in hippocampal‐dependent spatial memory development of pups from lithium treated pregnant rats
Authors: Dyer Rayon Martino , Gossell‐Williams Maxine , Young Lauriann 
Published: June 2021

Lithium carbonate is routinely used in the treatment of patients suffering from bipolar disorder, but can decrease the availability of phosphatidylcholine and choline. Both nutrients are important during pregnancy and are required for foetal brain development. This study aims to assess the effect on memory development of pups from lithium treated dams (LTD). Pregnant Sprague‐Dawley rats were administered water (control) or lithium carbonate 30mg/kg/day by oral gavage throughout the course of pregnancy until birth and access to food and water ad libitum. Pups were given access to food and water ad libitum. After 4 months, offspring were tested in the cued and spatial version of the Morris water maze task, and their rate of acquisition and retention were compared. Pups from the LTD exhibited a cognitive deficit in hippocampal‐dependent spatial memory, however no significant difference was seen in the rate of acquisition of cued task. It can therefore be concluded that lithium therapy during pregnancy can impair the memory development in offspring, an effect that may be related to choline and phosphatidlycholine supply.Source of research support: Graduate Studies & Research U.W.I Mona.
Blockade of Pancreatic Digestive Proteases in Severe Hemorrhagic Shock Enhances Long‐term Survival Rate
Authors: DeLano Frank A , Schmid‐Schönbein Geert W 
Published: June 2021

Our evidence suggests that the inflammation encountered in physiological shock may involve pancreatic digestive enzymes in the intestine. Once digestive enzymes breach the mucosal barrier they generate inflammation and organ dysfunction. Blockade of digestive enzymes in the intestine with protease inhibitors reduces inflammation. But no long‐term studies have tested the utility of pancreatic protease blockade as a measure to reduce multi‐organ failure and enhance survival. We exposed mature rats to acute hemorrhagic shock (30 mmHg mean arterial pressure for 120 min) by hemorrhage from the femoral artery followed by an observation period of two weeks until complete recovery and normal whole weight gain. Blockade of the digestive serine proteases after 60 min of hypotension in the lumen of the small intestine (tranexamic acid, 0.3 mM, in polyethylene glycol‐3350, 60 g/L) from the duodenum to the cecum by injection of equal aliquots directly into the intestinal lumen (~every 5cm with a total of 15 ml solution) lead to increase in survival rate (7/7) as compared without enzyme blockade (2/7; P<0.01). The treated but no untreated rat had low levels of tissue damage in several organs. These results showed a significant protection against multi‐organ failure by intraluminal blockade of digestive enzymes in the small intestine after severe hypotension.(Supported by an unrestricted gift from Leading Ventures)
Parameter Estimation for Models of NH4+ Transport by the Renal Na‐K‐2Cl Cotransporter
Authors: Marcano Mariano , Yang Hun‐Mo , Nieves‐González Aniel , Clausen Chris , Moore Leon C. 
Published: June 2021

An optimization algorithm was used to compute parameter values for kinetic models of NH4+ transport by the renal Na‐K‐2Cl cotransporter (NKCC2). The optimization method finds model off‐binding and translocation rate constants by minimizing the difference between model unidirectional fluxes and published data on NH4+‐ dependent 86Rb+ uptake by the NKCC2 cotransporter in transfected Xenopus oocytes. By using different symmetry assumptions, which reduces the number of parameters, five different models were optimized. The computed parameters for each model yielded fluxes consistent with the experimental curves, and the fittings of the five models exhibited residual errors that were not significantly different from each other. However, a systematic exploration of the parameter space revealed that, in some models, different parameter sets yield essentially identical fits to the data. With the identified parameters, the NKCC2 models show K+/NH4+ exchange, and enhancement of Na+ uptake by NH4+ binding when external [K+] is low. Further, for the A, B, and F isoforms, the optimization method identified parameter sets that differ only in off‐binding affinities, a result that is consistent with a published mutagenesis analysis of the molecular and structural bases for differences in 86Rb+ uptake between isoforms.This research was supported in part by NIH grants SC1GM084744 and DK042091.
Role of ERK1/2 and Rho A/Rho kinase in PKC‐induced contractions in ovine cerebral arteries: A developmental study
Authors: Mittal Ashwani , Goyal Ravi , Shi Lijun , Wedhas Nia , Longo Lawrence D. 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveWe tested the hypotheses that developmental maturation is associated with significant alterations in PKC mechanisms in Ca2+‐independent vascular contraction. In fetal and adult ovine cerebral arteries, in response to PKC stimulation, we quantified both total and phosphorylated levels of several proteins and tension and intracellular [Ca2+]i.ResultsIn both adult and fetus, PDBu‐induced contractions were 65% and 25% of Kmax, respectively, and ERK1/2 inhibition by U‐0126 decreased these contractions 40%. The ROCK inhibitor Y‐27632, decreased the response 50% in fetus but not adult. In adult cerebral arteries, PDBu increased phosphorylation of ERK1/2, ERK1/2‐dependent CaDSer789, CPI‐17Thr38, but not Rho A. In contrast, in fetal cerebral arteries activated Rho A, but not CaDSer789 or CPI‐17Thr38. By co‐immunoprecipatation, in adult, but not fetal, cerebral arteries PDBu‐simulated interaction between PKCα andCPI‐17, and PKCα and caldesmon.ConclusionsIn cerebral arteries, maturation with increasing myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity by MLCP regulation is associated with a transition from a PKC‐ERK1/2, Rho A‐dependent pathway in the fetus to one of CaDSer789‐ and CPI‐17Thr38‐dependent phosphorylation and increased myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity in the adult. In the immature organism, these differing signaling pathways may be associated with dysregulation of cerebral blood flow. (USPHS HD 03708)
Nitric oxide contributes to the augmented vasodilation during hypoxic exercise
Authors: Casey Darren P , Madery Brandon D , Elvebak Rachel L , Curry Timothy B , Eisenach John H , Wilkins Brad W , Joyner Michael J 
Published: June 2021

We previously reported that augmented skeletal muscle vasodilation during mild hypoxic forearm exercise includes beta‐adrenergic mechanisms. Furthermore, hypoxic vasodilation at rest is known to include beta‐adrenergic mediated nitric oxide (NO) production. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that NO contributes to augmented vasodilation with hypoxic exercise. Twelve subjects (6M/6F; 26 ± 2 years) breathed hypoxic gas to titrate arterial O2 saturation to 80% while remaining normocapnic via a rebreath system. Subjects performed incremental forearm exercise (10% and 20% of maximum) during saline infusion (control) and NO synthase inhibition (NG‐monomethyl‐L‐arginine; L‐NMMA) under normoxic and hypoxic conditions. Forearm vascular conductance (FVC; ml/min/100mmHg) was calculated from blood flow (ml/min) and blood pressure (mmHg). During the control condition, the rise in FVC (Δfrom normoxic baseline) due to hypoxic exercise was 211 ± 23 and 367 ± 34 (10% and 20% respectively). Infusion of L‐NMMA during hypoxic exercise attenuated ΔFVC at 10% (174 ± 20; P < 0.001) and 20% (317 ± 32; P < 0.01) compared to control condition. Our data indicate that NO contributes to the augmented vasodilation observed during hypoxic exercise.Supported by NIH HL‐46493 (MJJ) and AR‐55819 (DPC) and by CTSA RR‐024150.
The Effect of Reactive Oxygen Species on Bone Mineral Density and Bending Stiffness in Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) Knockout Mice
Authors: Smietana Michael J , Kaushik Amit , Arruda Ellen M , Faulkner John A , Larkin Lisa M 
Published: June 2021

CuZn‐SOD knockout mice Sod1−/− have elevated oxidative stress and decreased body mass, musculoskeletal mass , and whole muscle strength compared to wild‐type mice Sod1+/+. We tested the hypothesis that bone bending stiffness (EI; Nmm2) is also diminished in the Sod1−/− compared to the Sod1+/+ mice. Femurs were obtained from male and female Sod1+/+ and Sod1−/− mice at 8 mo of age (n = 3 per gender and genotype) and analyzed for bone mineral density (BMD; mg/cc) using Micro Computed Tomography and bending stiffness using a three‐point bending test. There were no significant differences in BMD or EI with respect to gender in either genotype. Sod1−/− mice exhibited a significant decreases in BMD and EI in both males and females as compared with Sod1+/+mice, P=0.004 and 0.005 respectively.Values are Means + SD. These data suggest that like muscle strength, the increase in reactive oxygen species may play a role in decreasing bone bending stiffness and mineralization in the Sod1−/− mice. Supported by PO1 AG20591.
Estrogen modulation of intracellular Ca2+ in airway smooth muscle inflammation
Authors: Townsend Elizabeth , Prakash Y S 
Published: June 2021

Gender disparity in incidence and severity of asthma is clinically recognized. While estrogen‐induced vasodilation is well‐known, effects on airway smooth muscle (ASM) are controversial. In human ASM, we found that both estrogen receptors (ERs), ERα‐66 and ERβ‐47 are expressed, as are two truncated ERα isoforms (ERα‐36 and ERα‐47). In fura‐2 loaded human ASM cells, acute exposure to 17β‐estradiol (17βE2; 1nM) blunts intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) response to ACh and histamine, effects prevented by ER antagonist. We tested the hypothesis that ERα is the main receptor involved in nongenomic Ca2+ regulation. Real‐time calcium imaging showed greater decrease in [Ca2+]i with ERα specific agonist R,R THC (10nM) compared to 17βE2. TNFα (50ng/ml; 24h) upregulated ERα‐66 but downregulated ERα‐36 expression. TNFα‐induced increase in its receptor TNFRI was blunted by 17βE2. Finally, TNFα‐induced enhancement of [Ca2+]i response to histamine was attenuated by ERα activation. These data suggest that in human ASM: 1) nongenomic [Ca2+]i regulation by E2 involves ERα; b) ERα activation may be beneficial in attenuating inflammatory response to TNFα. Overall, ERs may be a novel therapeutic target in airway diseases such as asthma.Supported by Mayo Graduate School and NIH grant UL1RR024150.
The Value of Autopsy in Medical Education
Authors: Yagoda William D , Severson Elizabeth 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundBy allowing medical students the opportunity to observe and assist in autopsies, the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences Pathology Club has created a beneficial learning experience. The students' outlook on the experience was collected which reflected the positive influence that this learning tool has in medical education.DiscussionAutopsy, as an experimental learning tool, has been underutilized in the medical education curriculum.1 In light of this fact, the Pathology Club at Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences has implemented a program that provides students with a different perspective on clinical medicine that is currently not being employed. By allowing students the opportunity to engage in spatial learning, we have introduced the art of medicine from a different viewpoint. The advantages of spatial or experimental learning include a hands‐on approach in real time by working in an atmosphere emphasizing clinical pathological approach by increasing understanding and retention.ConclusionStudents who participated in our study found the experience to be instrumental in relating clinical medicine to death and disease. Based on our findings, observing or participating in an autopsy is a valuable learning experience that enhances the quality of students' education.