bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A comparison of American and Canadian RBC folate concentrations
Authors: Colapinto Cynthia K , Tremblay Mark S , Aufreiter Susanne , Bushnik Tracey , Pfeiffer Christine M , O'Connor Deborah L 
Published: June 2021

In North America, folic acid fortification and supplementation policies have improved folate status and reduced the incidence of poor birth outcomes. This research aimed to compare RBC folate (RBF) concentrations in two nationally representative surveys: the 2007–2008 US NHANES and the 2007–2009 Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS). RBF was assessed in participants aged 6 to 79 years and in a subset of women of childbearing age (WCBA). Two different folate assay methods were employed— microbiologic assay (NHANES) and Immulite 2000 immunoassay (CHMS)—necessitating the application of a conversion equation to adjust the CHMS RBF data. T‐tests were used to examine country differences. RBF concentrations ≥906 nmol/L (considered optimal for neural tube defect risk reduction) were explored with a multiple logistic regression model. Median Canadian RBF (adjusted) were lower than those of Americans (988 nmol/L and 1106 nmol/L, respectively), but unadjusted Canadian median RBF values were higher (1248 nmol/L). Canadian WCBA (adjusted RBF) were less likely than American WCBA to have RBF ≥906 nmol/L (OR 0.58; 95% CI 0.37, 0.92), though Canadian WCBA with unadjusted RBF values were more likely to achieve this cut‐off than American WCBA (OR 1.90; 95% CI 1.03, 3.49). Harmonization of folate measurement procedures in future surveillance efforts would support comparisons and inform policy directions.Grant Funding Source: Canadian Institutes for Health Research Fellowship (180375) to C.K.C and Operating Grant (218776) to M.S.T, D.L.O and C.K.C.
Effects of milk and carbonated beverage consumption on ambulatory blood pressure and cardiovascular responses to stress: a pilot study
Authors: Kynast‐Gales Susan Anne , Johnson Emily Carolyn , Massey Linda K. 
Published: June 2021

Bioactive components of milk (Ca, K, Mg, a‐lactalbumin) reduce blood pressure (BP) and reactivity to stress. This study was undertaken to similarly explore effects of milk consumption versus a common alternative, soda. In a randomized crossover, 10 prehypertensive men consumed either 3 servings of milk or noncaffeinated regular soda daily for 2 wk with their customary diet. Free‐living 24 h ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) was recorded. In an exercise physiology laboratory, automated BP was measured at baseline; after 2‐min isometric handgrip pre‐ and post‐prandial, and post‐caffeine; and during submaximal cycle ergometry. Individual mean 24‐h ABPs clustered into 2 response categories, with participants displaying lower systolic ABP with milk (MC, n=4) or with soda (SC, n=3) consumption, and a non‐responding category (n=3). Applying the 24‐h ABP categorization, data collected in response to dynamic cycle ergometry substantially reflected the bimodal response to beverage. Isometric handgrip exercise elicited greater BP differences between beverages and in reactivity in MC after fasting; post‐prandial responses and reactivity were reversed.ConclusionResults suggest heterogeneous BP response to beverage in pre‐hypertensive men.Supported by Washington Dairy Products Commission
The Efficacy of Some Common Vegetables in Ameliorating the Impact of Cement Dust Selected Enzymes in Wild and Laboratory Rats.
Authors: Okpuzor Joy Elizabeth , Tajudeen Yahaya 
Published: June 2021

Cement dust poses a great problem to humans and the environment as a result of constant emission of dust and gas from cement facility. Exposure to cement dust could cause myriad of diseases including multi‐organ damage. Therefore, the effect of some food plants on the hepatic and antioxidant enzymes were investigated.The phytoconstituents from Hibiscus sabdariffa, Moringa oleifera, Zingiber officinale, Telfairia Occidentalis were extracted with 95% ethanol. Two sets of rats referred to as the wild rats collected from the vicinity of the cement factory and normal laboratory rats Rattus norvegicus were used for the study. They were distributed into six groups each. Different plants extract and a mixture of all the plants extract were administered to the rats at a dose of 200 mg kg −1 for 180 days.The results showed that there were significant decreases in the levels of ALT, AST and ALP of both the wild and laboratory rats that received all the plant extracts compared to the negative control that received no extract. However, the highest decrease in enzyme activity was observed in the rats the received the mixture of all the extracts followed by the rats that received only Zingiber officinale. The activity of GST in some of the extract treated rats was elevated compared control.The study affirms that these plants have a positive influence on the hepatic and antioxidant enzyme of rats in cement polluted environments.
EXPRESSION OF CARDIOLIPIN BIOSYNTHESIS AND REMODELING ENZYMES IN ADULT HEART FAILURE
Authors: Grudis Jonathan E. , Chatfield Kathryn C. , Sparagna Genevieve C. , Hijmans Jamie , Sobus Rebecca D. , Sucharov Carmen C. , Miyamotto Shelley D. , Stauffer Brian L. 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundCardiolipin (CL) is a unique phospholipid that is an essential component of the inner‐mitochondrial membrane critical for normal energy metabolism. Biosynthesis of CL occurs via an enzymatic pathway or through remodeling of existing CLs. The content of total CL and (18:2) 4CL (tetralinoleic form, normally predominant in the heart) are lower in ventricular tissue from adults with heart failure secondary to idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDC).PurposeThe aim of this study was to determine the expression levels of CL biosynthetic and remodeling enzymes associated with CL content changes in IDC.MethodsmRNA was isolated from the left ventricle (LV) of adult IDC patients at transplant (n= 27; mean age = 51±14) and non‐failing control LV from donor hearts (n= 15, mean age = 43±8). RT‐PCR was used to measure expression of CL biosynthesis and remodeling enzymes.ResultsExpression of biosynthetic enzymes, CDP diacylglycerol synthase 2 and phosphatidylglycerolphosphate synthase, were both 33% lower in IDC LV (p<0.05). Remodeling enzymes, monolyso‐CL acyltransferase and tafazzin, were also down‐regulated (66% and 43% respectively, p<0.01) in IDC LV compared to controls.ConclusionsThese results demonstrate that biosynthetic and remodeling CL abnormalities are present in failing IDC hearts and may contribute to mitochondrial CL abnormalities in heart failure. Supported by NIH/NCATS Colorado CTSI Grant Number UL1 TR000154.
Effect of AXOS on fecal water cytotoxicity and genotoxicity: a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, cross‐over study
Authors: Windey Karen , De Preter Vicky , Broekaert Willem , Herman Jean , Louat Thierry , Verbeke Kristin 
Published: June 2021

This study evaluated the effect of wheat bran derived arabinoxylan‐oligosaccharides (AXOS) on fecal water (FW) cytotoxicity and genotoxicity in healthy subjects.Twenty healthy subjects performed a double‐blind, cross‐over RCT in which they ingested AXOS (10g/d) or placebo (maltodextrine, 10g/d) for 3 weeks. The intervention periods were separated by a 3‐week wash‐out period. At the end of the run‐in, intervention and wash‐out periods the subjects collected feces for 72h. Metabolite profiles were analyzed in fecal samples using GC‐MS. FW cytotoxicity was assessed using the WST‐1 assay and FW genotoxicity using the Comet Assay. Metabolite profiles were correlated to cytotoxicity and genotoxicity using cluster analysis.AXOS did not differentially affect FW cytotoxicity and genotoxicity as compared to placebo. Cluster analysis of metabolite profiles in fecal samples according to both cytotoxicity and genotoxicity revealed a separation between the high toxicity samples and the low toxicity samples. The separation according to cytotoxicity was mainly due to the presence of alcohols and acids in the high toxicity samples, while the separation according to genotoxicity was mainly due to the presence of aldehydes and branched chain fatty acids in the very genotoxic samples.Presence of specific fermentation metabolites was associated with FW cytotoxicity and genotoxicity.Support: Fund for Scientific Research‐Flanders, Belgium (FWO project G.0674.10)
Prescription analysis for patients with upper respiratory tract infections at tertiary referral center in Anand
Authors: Patel Kartik J , Leuva Alpa , Rangoonwala Arohi 
Published: June 2021

It is a cross sectional study conducted at outpatient department (OPD) in Shree Krishna Hospital, Anand, Gujarat during the month of September to October, 2012. Patients, who have temperature greater than or equal to 99°F analyzed by the physician in Medicine OPD.A total of 451 medicines were prescribed to 101 patients during the 2 months study period. The mean number of medicines per prescription was found to be 4.46. Oral route was the most preferred mode of administration. Monotherapy therapy (95.50%) was more prevalent than combination therapy (4.50%). An overwhelming tendency for prescribing medicines by brand names (58%) was observed by the physicians. The most frequently prescribed class of medicines were antipyretics>;antihistaminic>;anti‐ulcer >;antimicrobials >; gargles >; expectorants. Non traditional methods of treatment such as warm saline gargles and steam inhalation was profoundly practiced.There is a considerable scope of improvement in the existing prescribing practice, especially prescribing by generic names, needs to be encouraged and a hospital formulary has to be upgraded accordingly. The number of medicines to be included per prescription should be judged and polypharmacy ought to be curbed. Usage of medicines also needs to be rationalized as over usage may lead to the drug interactions and noncompliance.
N‐Acetyl‐Seryl‐Aspartyl‐Lysyl‐Proline (Ac‐SDKP) Prevents the Progression of Renal Dysfunction in Mice with Lupus (MRL/lpr)
Authors: LIAO TANG‐DONG , NAKAGAWA PABLO , D'AMBROSIO MARTIN , RHALEB NOUR‐EDDINE , YANG XIAO‐PING , CARRETERO OSCAR 
Published: June 2021

Ac‐SDKP is a natural regulator of hematopoiesis. We have reported that Ac‐SDKP attenuates inflammation and fibrosis in autoimmune myocarditis. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that Ac‐SDKP prevents renal inflammation and fibrosis in normotensive mice with autoimmune lupus (MRL/lpr). Ac‐SDKP (800μg/kg/day) or vehicle were infused via osmotic mini‐pump starting at 12 weeks and continued until 32 weeks of age. The MRL/lpr‐given vehicle develops severe albuminura, renal inflammation and fibrosis, and decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR) without changing blood pressure. Treatment with Ac‐SDKP ameliorates all of these pathological changes. Furthermore, Ac‐SDKP also attenuates the facial rash developed in the MRL/lpr mice. These findings suggest that Ac‐SDKP treatment may be a novel and useful therapeutic strategy for the treatment of progressive systemic lupus erythematosus diseases.

Parameters
Ctrl + Vehicle
Ctrl + Ac‐SDKP
MRL/lpr + Vehicle
MRL/lpr + Ac‐SDKP

Albuminuria (ug/24 hrs)
16.6 ± 3.6
17.3 ± 3.0
469 ± 107**
81.7 ± 14.5§§

GFR (μl/min/100mg kidney weight)
115 ± 19
108 ± 25
19 ± 7**
64 ± 14§

Renal collagen content (μg/mg dry weight)
19.4 ± 2.3
20.7 ± 2.2
33.8 ± 3.6*
22.0 ± 0.8§

Renal macrophage infiltration ( #/mm2)
174 ± 12
146 ± 10
543 ± 53**
163 ± 20§§

Facial rash scores
1.2 ± 0.1
1.6 ± 0.3
2.9 ± 0.4**
1.7 ± 0.2§§

p < 0.05,
p < 0.01, MRL/lpr + Veh vs Ctrl + Veh;
p < 0.05,
p < 0.01, MRL/lpr + Veh vs MRL/lpr + Ac‐SDKP
Nitric oxide impacts on angiotensin AT2 receptors modulation of high‐pressure baroreflex control of renal sympathetic nerve activity in rats
Authors: Abdulla Mohammed H. , Johns Edward J. 
Published: June 2021

To investigate the interaction of NO with AT2 receptor activation in the modulation of high‐pressure baroreceptor regulation of renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA). Experiments were carried out in chloralose/urethane anaesthetised rats and baroreflex gain curves were generated using intravenous phenylephrine and sodium nitroprusside following intracerebroventricular (I.C.V.) saline, CGP42112 (CGP), PD123319 (PD), AT2 receptor agonist and antagonist, and then in combination with L‐NAME, an NO synthase inhibitor. I.C.V. saline, PD and CGP did not change baseline mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR) or RSNA (86±3 vs. 85±3 mmHg, 328±11 vs. 326±10 beat/min, 0.79±0.15 vs. 0.75±0.14 μV.s, respectively). The slope of the baroreflex gain curve for RSNA was increased by 64% and 107% following L‐NAME and CGP respectively but decreased by 19% following PD (all P<0.05). In the group where PD preceded L‐NAME or when PD followed L‐NAME, the slope of the baroreflex gain curve during PD plus L‐NAME infusion was reduced by about 35% (P<0.05) compared to the infusion of PD or L‐NAME alone. L‐NAME decreased the slope of the baroreflex gain curve following CGP I.C.V. administration by 33% (P<0.05). These findings suggest that NO exerts a facilitatory action allowing the normal high‐pressure baroreceptor reflex regulation of RSNA mediated through central AT2 receptor activation.Funded by the Wellcome Trust
Respiratory influences on muscle sympathetic nerve activity and limb vascular conductance in the steady‐state
Authors: Limberg Jacqueline K , Morgan Barbara J , Schrage William G , Dempsey Jerome A 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundIn patients with hypertension, volitional slowing of the respiratory rate has been purported to reduce arterial pressure via withdrawal of sympathetic tone.MethodsWe examined the effects of paced breathing at 7, 14, and 21 breaths per minute with reciprocal changes in tidal volume, on blood pressure, muscle sympathetic nerve activity, forearm blood flow, and forearm vascular conductance in 21 adults (8 F/13 M, 36±14 years).ResultsAlterations in breathing frequency and tidal volume did not affect steady‐state levels of blood pressure, sympathetic activity, blood flow, or vascular conductance (all p>;0.05) despite a frequency‐dependent alteration in within‐breath modulation of sympathetic outflow (i.e. increased modulation during low frequency/high volume breathing) (p=0.000). These findings were consistent across wide ranges of: 1) resting blood pressure, 2) baseline sympathetic activity, 3) cardiovascular disease risk factors.ConclusionResults from the current study challenge the notion that slow, deep breathing lowers arterial pressure by suppressing average sympathetic outflow and calls into question the concept that changes in sympathetic activity via volitional slowing of the respiratory rate is potentially beneficial in the treatment of hypertension. Support: AHA 10PRE3870000(JKL), NIH R01HL105820(WGS), NIH R01HL15469(JAD)
Molecular Mechanisms of PDGF‐D‐Induced Cardiac Fibrogenesis
Authors: Zhao Tieqiang , Zhao Wenyuan , Chen Yuanjian , Li Victoria S , Sun Yao 
Published: June 2021

Our previous study showed that Platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF)‐D and its receptors PDGFR‐β are significantly increased in fibroblasts of the infarcted heart. The role of PDGF‐D on cardiac fibrogenesis remains unknown and is explored in this study.Methods and ResultsCardiac fibroblasts were isolated from Sprague Dawley rats and treated with PDGF‐D for 24 hr. The effect of PDGF‐D on fibroblast growth, phenotype change, collagen synthesis and degradation were investigated. Compared to controls, fibroblast proliferation increased six‐fold in cells treated with PDGF‐D. PDGF‐D stimulates fibroblast differentiation into myofibroblasts. PDGF‐D treatment significantly enhanced type I collagen secretion. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐1, MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 levels were also significantly elevated by PDGF‐D treatment, which were coincident with increased expressions of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)‐1 and TIMP‐2. Finally, PDGF‐D significantly enhanced transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1 synthesis in fibroblasts.ConclusionsThese observations indicate that PDGF‐D promotes cardiac fibrogenesis by stimulating fibroblast proliferation, differentiation and collagen synthesis. Co‐elevations of MMPs and TIMPs counteract the effect of PDGF‐D on collagen degradation. The fibrogenic role of PDGF‐D in cardiac fibroblasts may be mediated through activating TGF‐ β1 pathway.
HIF‐1α Increases Glutamatergic NMDA receptors in the PVN during chronic heart failure
Authors: Sharma Neeru , Cunningham Craig , Liu Xuefei , Zheng Hong , Patel Kaushik 
Published: June 2021

Increased sympathetic outflow is a common feature of chronic heart failure (HF). Potentiation of glutamatergic tone (increase in N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA)‐type1 (NR1) receptors expression) within the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) has been related to the increased sympathetic drive in HF. However, the underlying molecular mechanism(s) for the upregulation of NR1 remains unclear. Immunohistochemistry of the PVN of rats with HF (coronary artery ligation‐induced) revealed upregulation of Hypoxia‐Inducible‐Factor 1α (HIF‐1α) compared to Sham. We hypothesized that increased HIF‐1α may contributes to the augmentation of the NR1 expression in the PVN of rats with HF. Initially, using an in vitro neuronal cell line (NG108–15), we found 2‐fold increase in HIF‐1α expression after 12h of hypoxia treatment in chambers. Concomitantly, hypoxia also showed significant increases in NR1 mRNA at 4h (6.5 fold) and 8h (7.2 fold) and protein levels after 12h (40%). Silencing of HIF‐1α in NG108 neurons led to decrease in expression of NR1. Taking this in vitro data to the whole animal studies, HIF‐1α knockdown in the PVN of rats with HF ameliorated the increased sympathoexcitation to NMDA (57.4±5.3 vs. 27.0±1.3). Taken together, these results suggest a contributory role for HIF‐1α in the regulation of NR1 expression, providing a novel mechanistic insight for the modulation of sympathoexcitation induced by the PVN in HF.Supported by NIHHLS2222.
Reduced transepithelial glucose movement in metformin‐treated airways correlates with inhibition of hyperglycemia‐induced bacterial growth
Authors: Garnett James P , Baker Emma H , Tregoning John S , Baines Deborah L 
Published: June 2021

Raised blood glucose elevates airway glucose and promotes respiratory infection. We investigated the effect of metformin on airway Staphylococcus aureus growth.Inoculation of H441 monolayers with 5×105 CFU/cm2S. aureus (8325–4) for 7h reduced transepithelial electrical resistance and enhanced paracellular glucose flux (assessed using 14C‐L‐glucose; P<0.05 and P<0.0001 respectively, n=8). 1 mM metformin attenuated these changes (P<0.001). Apical S. aureus growth increased with basolateral glucose concentration (10–40 mM). Growth was impaired by metformin pre‐treatment (P<0.05, n=9). Metformin had no effect on H441 monolayer 14C‐D‐glucose uptake or S. aureus growth in microbial culture.6–10 week old db/db mice (leptin receptor deficient; blood glucose 17.7±1.6 mM, n=10) intranasally inoculated with 107 CFU S. aureus had 382±57% more CFU in their bronchoalveolar lavage after 24h (P<0.001, n=10), compared to WT mice (C57BL/6; blood glucose 7.4±0.1 mM, n=10). Treatment with 40 mg/kg metformin for two days prior to infection reduced S. aureus CFU in db/db mice by 50±9% (P<0.01, n=10) compared to PBS‐treated db/db mice, without reducing blood glucose levels. Metformin reduced paracellular glucose flux across ex vivo mouse tracheas by 40±5% (P<0.05, n=3).These data indicate that metformin inhibits hyperglycaemia‐induced S. aureus growth by reducing paracellular diffusion of glucose into the airways.
Markers of acute cardiovascular inflammation induced by angiotensin II in a murine model
Authors: Santana Andre Bento Chaves , Souza‐Oliveira Thais , Barauna Valério , Souza Leandro , Irigoyen Maria Claudia , Campos Luciene , Krieger José Eduardo , Lacchini Silvia 
Published: June 2021

Angiotensin II has important physiological functions for the homeostasis of the cardiovascular system and may also induce to inflammatory responses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effetc of subpressor angiotensin II (AngII) on expression of inflammatory markers in cardiac vessels.Were used C57Bl/6J male mice, treated with subpressor dose of AngII (30ng/kg IP), confirmed by carotid catheterization and arterial pressure measure after 10, 30, 60min, and 2 and 6hours of AngII injection (n=5/saline; n=5/AngII). Inflammatory markers were evaluated in cardiac vessels (TGF‐beta, IL‐6 and iNOS) by western blot, and localized in vessels by immunohistochemistry. Mice were evaluated after 1 and 24 hours to identify acute responses. Results were compared by ANOVA, using p≤0.05 as significant.Blood pressure measurements showed no changes in arterial pressure and heart rate. Protein analysis showed an increase of inflammatory markers in cardiac tissue after 1 hour TGF‐beta (84%), IL‐6 (90%) and iNOS (70%). However, these markers were unchanged after 24 hours. Immunohistochemistry analysis showed a specific increase in these markers associated to cardiac vessels.The results suggests that, independently on hemodynamic influences, Angiotensin II leads to expression of inflammatory markers in cardiac vessels in a short period, and this may represent a direct pro‐inflammatory action mediated by angiotensin II.
Role of cytosolic glucocorticoid receptor and Annexin‐A1 on neutrophil traffic from bone marrow into blood: SDF‐ 1alpha/CXCR‐4/CXCR‐2 axis
Authors: Farsky Sandra Helena Poliselli , Machado Isabel Daufenback , Santin Jose Roberto , Ferraz Viviane Paula , Gil Cristiane Damas , Oliani Sonia Maria , Perretti Mauro 
Published: June 2021

AimsInvestigate the role of the glucocorticoid cytosolic receptor (GCR) and ANXA1 on neutrophil traffic between bone marrow (BM) and blood (PB), focusing on SDF1alpha/CXCR‐4/CXCR2 axis.MethodsBM perfusate and PB were collected from ANXA1‐ null (ANXA1−/−) and Balb/C wild‐type mice. Balb/C were pretreated with the GCR antagonist (RU38486; RU). Leukocyte numbers, CXCR‐2, CXCR‐4 and ANXA1 expressions, SDF‐1alpha and G‐CSF levels, chemotaxis, and phagocytosis of senescent neutrophils by BM macrophages were quantified.ResultsRU and ANXA1−/− presented accelerated granulocyte maturation in BM and neutrophilia, and ANXA1−/− showed increased number of mature granulocytes in BM. ANXA1 expression on BM neutrophils is reduced in RU. RU and ANXA1−/− presented increased CXCR‐4+ and reduced CXCR‐2+ cells in BM and PB, respectively. These cells presented reduced migration to SDF‐1alpha. BM SDF‐1‐alpha levels were reduced in ANXA1−/− and BM GCSF levels were reduced in RU and ANXA1−/−. BM macrophages collected from RU or ANXA1−/− phagocyted lesser number of senescent neutrophils.ConclusionEG, via GCR, and ANXA1 modulates the granulocyte maturation, neutrophil locomotion between BM/PB/BM and the phagocytosis of senescent neutrophils by BM macrophages.