bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Contributions of mitochondrial dysfunction to baroreflex and cardiac dysregulation in hepatic encephalopathy
Authors: Wu Jacqueline C.C. , Tsai Ching‐Yi 
Published: June 2021

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a common neurocognitive complication of acute and chronic liver failure and is associated with 50–90% mortality without liver transplantation. Despite a highly challenging clinical problem, systematic evaluations of the cellular mechanisms of HE‐related mortality are still lacking. Clinical studies showed that the degree of baroreflex dysregulation is related to the severity of HE. At the cellular level, oxidative stress resulting from mitochondrial dysfunction in brain stem nuclei in the baroreflex circuit, including nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) and rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM), and in the heart are known to result baroreflex dysregulation and cardiac dysfunction. This study investigated whether the same mechanism underlies the high mortality in HE. An azoxymethane (AOM)‐induced acute liver failure model of HE employing C57BL/6 mouse was used. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) or magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) of the brain stem was performed, together with blood pressure, heart rate and indices of baroreflex recorded by radiotelemetry. Animals died within 24–30 h after AOM (100 μg/g, ip) injection. DTI further revealed that the connectivity between the NTS and nucleus ambiguus (NA), the origin of the vagal innervation of the heart, was progressively disrupted though sustained, concurrent with impaired but persistent cardiac vagal baroreflex. On the other hand, the connectivity between NTS and RVLM was progressively disrupted until its disappearance, coincidental with the abolition of baroreflex‐mediated sympathetic vasomotor tone that signifies brain death clinically. Results from 31P MRS obtained from mouse brain stem showed reduced ratio between phosphocreatine and γATP, indicating mitochondrial dysfunction in HE. Furthermore, there was a decrease in cardiac contractility, alongside an elevation of reactive oxygen species and necrotic cell death and a reduction in ATP level in the NTS or RVLM. Our results showed that impairment of baroreflex and cardiac function takes place during the progression towards death in HE, and bioenergetic failure, oxidative stress and necrotic cell death are the culprits.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Adenosine A2a Receptor Mediated‐inhibitory Effects of Electroacupuncture on Sympathoexcitatory Reflexes Are Associated with Opioids in the Rostral Ventrolateral Medulla of Rats
Authors: Guo Zhi‐Ling , Samaniego Tracy , Malik Shaista 
Published: June 2021

It has been largely demonstrated that electroacupuncture (EA) lowers high blood pressure (BP). However, mechanisms underlying EA's effects on elevated BP remain unclear. Our previous studies have shown that EA attenuates reflex elevation in BP induced by gastric distension (GD) through its influence on rostral ventrolateral medulla (rVLM). Although adenosine is released during neuronal activation in the rVLM, its role in acupuncture‐cardiovascular regulation is unknown. Adenosine A2a rVLM receptors are known to contribute to depressor responses. The action of A2a receptor stimulation in the central nervous system may be regulated through an opioid mechanism. However, it is uncertain whether in the rVLM this putative action occurs. We hypothesized that adenosine in the rVLM contributes to EA modulation of sympathoexcitatory reflexes through an A2a‐opioid receptor mechanism. Repeated GD every 10 min was performed in Sprague‐Dawley male rats under ketamine and α‐chloralose anesthesia. EA (2 Hz, 0.5 ms, 1–4 mA) or sham‐EA (identical procedures as EA without electrical stimulation) was applied at the P5‐6 acupoints, overlying the median nerve, for 30 min after establishing two consistent reflex responses to GDs. We observed that EA (n=5) but not sham‐EA (n=5) at P5‐6 markedly (P<0.05) reduced GD‐induced elevations in BPs. EA modulation of sympathoexcitatory cardiovascular responses was reversed significantly after rVLM microinjection of an A2a receptor antagonist, SCH 58261 (1 mM in 50 nl; n=8; P<0.05), but not by the vehicle (5% dimethylsulfoxide; n=6). Furthermore, microinjection of an A2a receptor agonist, CGS‐21680 (0.4 mM in 50 nl) into the rVLM enhanced EA's inhibitory action (n=8; P<0.05). Blockade of opioid receptors with naloxone (0.1 μM in 50 nl) in the rVLM reversed EA's inhibitory effects on GD‐induced pressor responses and blunted the CGS‐21680‐associated enhancement of EA inhibition (n=6; P<0.05). Neurons labeled with adenosine A2a receptors were co‐localized with neurons stained with enkephalin as well as delta‐opioid receptors in the rVLM. These data suggest that the involvement of rVLM adenosine A2a receptors in EA modulation of GD‐induced pressor reflexes is, at least in part, dependent on the presence of opioids.Support or Funding InformationNCCIH grant, R01 AT009347This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Profiling RNA‐Associated Proteins for Vasopressin‐Mediated Translation in Kidney Collecting Duct Cells
Authors: Jung Hyun Jun , Yang Chin‐Rang , Knepper Mark A 
Published: June 2021

Vasopressin‐mediated gene expression changes in the renal collecting duct has been intensively studied over the last decade. Prior studies were focused on transcriptional regulation as a mechanism of regulation of transport by vasopressin. However, post‐transcriptional regulation at the RNA level has not been studied. To identify vasopressin‐mediated RNA modulators, 1) a comprehensive list of RNA‐associated proteins was curated, and 2) vasopressin‐regulated genes from this list were identified using RNA‐seq in mouse mpkCCD cells exposed to vasopressin for various times.The curated database of RNA‐associated proteins was generated by mining information from multiple databases as follows. RNA processing‐related proteins were identified from Gene Ontology (GO) ‘Molecular Function’ and ‘Biological Process’, KEGG pathway, RNA modification database and Reactome. In addition, proteins that have RNA‐binding domains were identified from five different databases (RBPDB, ATtRACT, RBPmap, InterPro and UniProt). A total of 1369 proteins are listed in the current database of RNA‐associated proteins (https://hpcwebapps.cit.nih.gov/ESBL/Database/RNAprocessing_Proteins/). Among these proteins, 646 proteins have known RNA‐binding domain structures and 723 proteins were identified with annotated molecular functions related to RNA processing. 371 proteins were identified by both criteria.RNA‐seq was carried out in mpkCCD cells treated with the vasopressin analog dDAVP (10−10 M) for 3, 6 and 12 h. Relative transcript abundance was estimated using transcripts per million (TPM) and change of transcript abundance was presented as Log2 of the dDAVP:vehicle TPM ratio at each time point. Interestingly, we found that transcript abundance of genes coding for ribosomal proteins (60S ribosomal proteins and 40S ribosomal proteins) and translation initiation proteins (eukaryotic translation initiation factors) were extensively changed by dDAVP at all time points. These results indicate that vasopressin‐mediated gene expression includes changes mediated by abundance changes of translation‐associated proteins. Beyond this, the current study provides new resources for further study of RNA‐associated processes in the kidney.Support or Funding InformationThe work was supported by the Division of Intramural Research, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute projects ZIA‐HL001285 (to MAK) and ZIA‐HL006129 (to MAK).This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Saudi Population's Adherence to the Healthy Food Palm: A Cross‐sectional Study
Authors: Halawani Reham , Jaceldo‐Siegl Karen , Heskey Celine , Bahjri Khaled 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundThe Healthy Food Palm (HFP) was developed based on the culture and eating habits of Saudi Arabians to preserve and enhance nutrient adequacy and improve health by emphasizing foods and food groups that attenuate the risk of chronic diseases. Limited work has been done to assess the diet quality of Saudi Arabians based on the HFP. Therefore, our objective was to assess adherence to the guidelines among Saudi Arabians.MethodsA total of 612 Saudi males and females, aged 18 and above, were enrolled in this cross‐sectional study. Demographics and social eating practices were obtained using an online questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements including height, weight, and waist circumference of all participants were also obtained. We applied the HFP recommendations for intake of eight food groups using 24‐hour dietary recall (24HDR) and developed a scoring system to assess the adherence of the participants to this dietary guideline. The scoring was based on those that met the guidelines (within recommended range) and those who did not meet the guidelines (below and above recommended range). Two 24HDR were initially obtained from the study subjects. However, only 248 (41%) completed the second 24‐hour recall. Since the percent agreement in adherence to the food groups for both recalls was high (77%), we used the first recall. Descriptive statistics were obtained for all socio‐demographic factors, health characteristics, and the participants' adherence to HFP.ResultsOur results showed that overall level of adherence to HFP is 26%. For the vegetables, dairy, fruits, grains, water, protein and sugar groups, the majority of participants reported intake below the recommended range (98%, 91%, 88%, 88%, 78%, 62% and 54% of subjects respectively). For the fat group, most subjects (98%) met the recommended intake. When compared to the males, the intake of females was lower than the recommended range. Other groups with intake lower than the recommended range were undergraduate students, single individuals, and those with a normal BMI.ConclusionsIn this study, the results show that Saudi Arabians do not adhere to HFP. Educational interventions should be planned to improve diet quality.Support or Funding InformationNoneThis abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Determining Risk Factors for Triple Whammy AKI using Computational Models of Long‐ Term Blood Pressure Regulation
Authors: Leete Jessica , Ahmed Sameed , Lopez Hernandez Francisco J , Layton Anita 
Published: June 2021

Concurrent use of diuretics, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI)/angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB), and nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) increases the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI). AKI resulting from use of all three drugs is referred to as “triple whammy”. Diuretics and ACEI/ARB are often prescribed in tandem for the treatment of hypertension while some NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, are available over the counter. As such, concurrent treatment with all three drugs is common.To address the critical need to better understand the mechanisms behind the increased risk of AKI and to identify potential risk factors, we use computational models of long‐term blood pressure regulation we developed previously. We hypothesize that individual variations in tubuloglomerular feedback, renal sympathetic nervous activity, and vasoactive hormones such as angiotensin II will determine whether or not triple whammy patients develop AKI. Other circumstances that we hypothesize to influence AKI development include hypertension, salt ingestion and sensitivity, and genetic polymorphisms in enzymes (ACE) or receptors (angiotensin type 1).The computational models used include variables describing the heart and circulation, kidney function, sodium and water reabsorption in the nephron, and the renin angiotensin system (RAS) and is fit separately for male and female humans.Support or Funding InformationThis research was supported by the Canada 150 Research Chair program and by the National Institutes of Health: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, grant R01DK106102.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Increased exposure to acrylamide compromises the integrity of the gastric mucosa
Authors: Ige Abayomi , Martins Osah , Emediong Idara , Odetola Anthony , Adele Bernard , Adewoye Elsie 
Published: June 2021

Acrylamide maybe formed in food cooked at very high temperature. Its role on gastric mucosa defenseis not fully elucidated. Hence the role of acrylamide consumption on gastric mucosal integrity was investigated. Fifty‐four animals (150–200g) were divided into 3 groups of 18 rats: Group 1 ‐ control (distilled water 0.2ml), Groups 2 (7.5mg/kg acrylamide) and 3 (15mg/kg acrylamide). All treatments were done orally for 28 days. Post‐treatment, gastric juice (modified pylorus ligation method) was obtained per group (n=5) and analysed for gastric acidity. Gastric antioxidants status (superoxide dismutase, glutathione, catalase, lipid peroxidation), tissue bicarbonate and prostaglandins‐E2 were assayed per group (n=5). Blood was collected via cardiac puncture for haematological indices and gastric mucus content was evaluated per group (n=5). Cell counts (parietal and mucous) and gastric histology was evaluated per group (n=3) using haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Periodic acid Schiff (PAS) stains. Mucus content, bicarbonate, prostaglandins‐E2, superoxide dismutase, glutathione, catalase, mucous cell count were reduced (p<0.05) in the acrylamide groups compared to control. Gastric acidity, nitric oxide, parietal cell count and lipid peroxidation were increased (p<0.05) in the acrylamide groups compared to control. White blood cell count in group 2 was increased but decreased in group 3 compared to control (p<0.05). Acrylamide treatment groups had gastric epithelial cells with poor architecture, lamina propria and submucosa inflammatory cell infiltration. Vascular congestion and limited production of mucus was observed. This study suggests that acrylamide consumption causes a dose‐dependent degeneration of gastric mucosa integrity via reductions in gastric protective factors which thus predisposes the gastric mucosa to erosions and lesions.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Retrieval Practice Enhances the Recall and Transfer of Learning of Physiology Information
Authors: Dobson John , Linderholm Tracy 
Published: June 2021

It is well‐documented that retrieval practice can improve the recall of both simple and complex information when compared to more common methods of learning such as repeated studying (i.e., reading). Recent evidence also indicates that retrieval practice can improve higher orders of thinking, such as the ability to critically evaluate research articles (Dobson, Linderholm and Perez, 2018) and transfer of learning (Butler, 2010). One aim of this study was to investigate the effects of retrieval practice on transfer of learning with physiology information. A second aim was to compare recall and transfer of physiology information following retrieval practice versus a judgment of learning task (JOL) that may be easier for students to utilize on their own. Participants were randomly assigned to learn three short (~500 words) physiology texts using each of the following strategies: 1. studying a text four times (SSSS), 2. studying and then retrieving a text two times (SRSR), and 3. studying a text four times while completing multiple JOL during the second and fourth repetitions (SJSJ). Recall and transfer of learning were assessed one week after the participants learned the texts, and the results were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVAs. The SRSR strategy resulted in significantly greater recall than the SSSS strategy (21.35 ± 1.08 vs. 17.35 ± 0.86, p<0.05), and both the SRSR and SJSJ strategies facilitated significantly greater transfer than the SSSS strategy (44.60 ± 2.55 and 41.79 ± 2.63, respectively, vs. 36.07 ± 2.40, p<0.05). These results indicate that retrieval practice may enhance both recall and higher order thinking about physiology information and that covert retrieval, as experienced in a JOL task, may provide similar benefits.Support or Funding InformationNoneThis abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Using Primary Research Literature as a Teaching Tool in an Undergraduate Human Anatomy and Physiology Course
Authors: Marvar Sarah Knight , Doperalski Adele 
Published: June 2021

The level of exposure of science undergraduate students to primary literature is varied, despite evidence that it is a useful tool to teach factual information and critical thinking skills1. Reading and interpreting primary literature is a skill that is required in many scientific careers and these skills which are developed when analyzing primary literature are transferable to many areas. In an undergraduate Human Anatomy and Physiology course we incorporated weekly discussions and presentations of primary research articles as a tool to accomplish our course goals. These course goals included exploring current research in the physiology of organ systems being studied as well as developing critical thinking on a topic. In our course students were required to read a total of five primary research articles selected by the course instructors. Students were then required to write a brief 100‐word synopsis of each article prior to class. Then each week in class, students took turns in small groups to be responsible for leading a class discussion of the article. Students were responsible for discussing articles five times during the semester and leading the article discussion once during the semester. Students perceptions of the complexity and usefulness of the exercise were surveyed at the beginning and at the end of the semester.We observed that at the start of the semester 50% of students felt confident in presenting and leading a discussion on a primary research article, compared with 67% at the end of the semester. Just 17% expected to enjoy the exercise, whereas at the end of the semester 32% reported having enjoyed it. At the start of the semester 85% of students believed that developing skills in reading primary research literature was important for their future careers. We found the level of understanding of primary literature and quality of discussion to vary greatly between students.In conclusion we propose that the development of skills in reading primary research literature in undergraduate students enrolled in a Human Anatomy and Physiology course are valuable. We found that the students felt that the skills developed during this exercise are useful for their intended future careers and they enjoyed the exercise more than they expected. Our future plans include finding ways to improve upon student satisfaction and enjoyment of the activity.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Cashew gum protects the intestinal mucosa from morphological changes promoted by the aggression of 5‐Fluorouracil
Authors: Cerqueira Gilberto Santos , Leal Luzia Kalyne Almeida Santos Moreira , de Souza Pimentel Paulo Vitor Santos , de Santos Souza Luan Kelves Miranda , de Sousa Fideles Lázaro , Feitosa Amanda Alves , de Miranda João Antônio Leal 
Published: June 2021

Intestinal mucositis is a frequent complication in the treatment of cancer with the chemotherapeutic agent 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU). So far there is still no effective treatment of this condition. Cashew gum (CG) has been reported as a potent anti‐inflammatory. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of Cashew gum (Anacardium occidentale L.) on 5‐fluorouracil‐induced intestinal mucositis in Swiss mice. The mice (25–30g) were secreted into 5 groups (n = 6): Saline group (NaCl 0.9%), 5‐FU group, CG group (90mg/kg CG, vo), CLX group (Celecoxib ip), CLX + CG group (Celecoxib ip, 90mg/kg GC). All animals except Saline group received 5‐FU at the concentration of 450mg/kg in the first experimental protocol. Duodenal portions were removed for evaluation of mucositis by histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis for cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2). The results of the histopathological analysis demonstrated that 5‐FU promoted structural alterations of the intestinal mucosa, evidenced by the reduction of villi height, deepening of the crypts, and intense inflammatory infiltrate, in comparison to the Salina group, characterized by the integrity of the villi and crypts and absence of inflammatory infiltrate. CG animals showed a significant reversal of the effects promoted by antineoplastic in the villi, crypts and inflammatory cells infiltration in comparison to the 5‐FU group. CLX group, as well as CLX + GC, were able to significantly prevent (p <0.05) destruction of crypts, shortening of villi with cellular vacuolization, and inflammatory infiltrate. Regarding the immunoblotting for expression of COX‐2, it can be observed that the saline group showed subtle immunostaining when compared to the 5‐FU group (p <0.05), in which intense and generalized immunostaining was observed. In the CG, CLX and CLX + CG groups, there was a decrease in the immunostaining when compared to the 5‐FU lesion group. In addition, the amount of COX‐2‐immunolabelled cells in the CLX + CG group was lower than the CG treated group. It is concluded that CG prevented the intestinal mucosa promoted by the 5‐FU antineoplastic, in addition to decreasing the expression of the COX‐2 enzyme, an important element in the onset and exacerbation of inflammation.Support or Funding InformationThis study received funding of CNPQ and CAPESThis abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.