bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between vitamin D status, cardiometabolic risk factors and metabolic syndrome in Puerto Rican adults
Authors: Palacios Cristina , Perez Cynthia , Guzman Manuel , Ortiz Ana Patricia , Suarez Erick 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveVitamin D status has been related to several risk factors in Whites. This pilot study assessed the association between vitamin D status and cardiometabolic risk factors in Hispanics from Puerto Rico.MethodsSecondary analysis of a household survey with a representative sample of 859 adults of San Juan. Serum 25(OH)D levels were measured with HPLC‐MS and categorized as <30 or ≥30 ng/ml. Age‐adjusted partial correlations were calculated between serum 25(OH)D and blood pressure, HDL‐C, non HDL‐C, LDL‐C, triglycerides, fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, hs‐C reactive protein, fibrinogen and plasminogen. The association between categories of serum 25(OH)D and risk factors was assessed using test‐based methods.ResultsPreliminary results in 91 adults (53 females; 38 males) showed that mean serum 25(OH)D was 36.3±7.5 ng/mL, and it was significantly lower in females (34.8 vs 38.3 ng/mL; p=0.01). Only 17.6% had levels below 30 ng/ml. Serum 25(OH)D was significantly correlated with HDL‐C (r=0.28; p=0.03) and number of metabolic syndrome components in females (r=−0.30; p<0.05) and WHR in men (r=−0.35; p=0.04). Only females with levels <30 ng/ml had higher odds of metabolic syndrome compared to those with levels ≥30 ng/ml (OR=4.93, p=0.03).ConclusionsThese findings suggest that low serum 25(OH)D is associated with increased odds of metabolic syndrome in females.
Effects of high‐dose antenatal 3rd‐trimester vitamin D supplementation (35,000 IU/week) on maternal and newborn vitamin D status: a randomized placebo‐controlled trial in Dhaka, Bangladesh
Authors: Roth Daniel E , Al Mahmud Abdullah , Raqib Rubhana , Baqui Abdullah H 
Published: June 2021

Maternal‐infant vitamin D status in South Asia may be suboptimal. Yet, high dose prenatal vitamin D supplementation dose regimens have not been widely studied. In a double‐blinded randomized controlled trial in Dhaka, 160 pregnant women were assigned to vitamin D3 35,000 IU/week (VD) or placebo (P) from 26–29 weeks gestation to delivery. The primary biochemical efficacy outcome was serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D concentration (25(OH)D) and the primary safety measure was maternal serum calcium. Mean maternal 25(OH)D was similar in the VD and P groups at baseline (45 vs. 44 nmol/L; P=0.66), but significantly differed at delivery (134 vs. 39 nmol/L, P<0.001; N=133). Women were more likely to attain >=50 nmol/L and >=80 nmol/L at delivery with VD (100% & 97%, respectively) vs. P (22% & 5%, respectively). Cord 25(OH)D was significantly higher with VD vs. P (103 vs. 39 nmol/L; P<0.001; N=132), and significantly more newborns had cord 25(OH)D>=50 nmol/L with VD vs. P (95% vs. 19%; P<0.001). VD did not cause documented maternal hypercalcemia or other supplement‐related serious adverse events. In conclusion, prenatal 3rd‐trimester supplementation with 35,000 IU vitamin D3/week prevented perinatal vitamin D insufficiency and was well tolerated. Further trials are needed to determine if increases in 25(OH)D due to high‐dose VD supplementation are safe and lead to maternal‐infant health benefits.Support: Thrasher Research Fund
Strictly regulated blood glucose oscillations linked to rat mortality after severe burn injury
Authors: Zhang Xing , Cai Xiaoqing , Li Jia , Yan Wenli , Gao Feng 
Published: June 2021

AimTo investigate the relation of acute hyperglycemia to rat mortality after severe burn injury.ResultsStrictly regulated blood glucose oscillations were found in rats after severe burn injury (full‐thickness third‐degree burn injury comprising >40% of total body surface area). Within 12 h post burn injury, two peaks of blood glucose were detected at 30 min (increased 13%, p<0.05) and 3 h (increased 35%, p<0.01) respectively, coupled with increased serum insulin, glucagon and corticosteroid levels. More importantly, the second peak of blood glucose was in a highly linear relation to the first one (r2=0.78). Blood glucose of rats dying within 12 h was significantly higher in both peaks compared with those still alive after 12 h (p<0.05), while no peaks has been found in rats within 12 h after slight burn injury with extremely low mortality. In addition, early insulin treatment (2.5 IU/kg, immediately after burn injury) which suppressed the first peak and then removed the second one, largely decreased mortality via enhancing insulin sensitivity.ConclusionThese strictly regulated blood glucose oscillations are highly related to rat mortality after severe burn injury. Early insulin treatment which suppresses blood glucose oscillations exerts protective effect.Supported by the State Key Program of National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 81030005)
Integrating emerging technologies into formal education for assessment
Authors: Clase Kari Lynn , Halverson Kristy , Rickus Jenna , Heyden Robin 
Published: June 2021

Our project used an interdisciplinary approach integrating computer science and biology to explore the use of emerging technology in the classroom and address the following research questions:

How do college students represent a genome when provided interactive instruction via a virtual world environment (VWE)?
How do students react to using a VWE as an instructional intervention for improving visual comprehension of a genome?
We integrated interactive virtual world learning activities into an interdisciplinary classroom composed of students from multiple STEM majors. Each student engaged in activities related to visualizing genomes, kept records of their experiences in an electronic lab notebook, and posted about their experiences in a blog. Following this course, we interviewed students to understand how they learned to represent a genome and assess their interaction with the VWE.We found that the VWE offered new ways to explore questions of representation that were transparent in the types of representations students later generated. The collaborative and social environment also contributed to student learning. In conclusion, our investigation provides evidence that learning outcomes valued in science education can be taught through VWE.This research was supported by a visionary Grant from the Gordon Research Conference on Visualization in Science And Education (2009) and by the HHMI SEA.
Glutamatergic Neurons of the Rat Epicardial Ganglia
Authors: Wang Ting , Miller Kenneth E. 
Published: June 2021

Some epicardial ganglion neurons may have a sensory function, transmitting information from the heart surface to the ganglia. In dorsal root ganglia, all somatic and visceral sensory neurons are glutamatergic, therefore, we asked if glutamatergic markers could identify sensory neurons in the rat epicardial ganglia. We examined vesicular glutamate transporter 2 (VGLUT2) and glutaminase (GLS) immunoreactivity in the rat epicardial ganglia. Tissue sections of epicardiac fat and atria were processed for VGLUT2 or GLS immunoreactivity along with peripherin. Immunoreactive (ir) VGLUT2 and GLS neurons were present in epicardiac ganglia and contacted by VGLUT2 and GLS ir nerve fibers. VGLUT2 and GLS nerve fibers occurred in adjacent atrial myocardium. Cell bodies and nerve fibers were peripherin ir. These results indicate that many rat epicardiac ganglion neurons are glutamatergic in nature. They contain GLS, enzyme for glutamate production, and VGLUT2, transporter for glutamate storage. Investigation of the glutamatergic phenotype of epicardiac ganglion cells may help in understanding the function of epicardial neurons in physiological and pathological conditions.Grant Funding Source : NIH AR047410
Right aberrant subclavian artery in a 12‐year old with dysphagia and thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS)
Authors: Collins James D. , Saxton Ernestina H. , Gelabert Hugh , Ahn Samuel S. , Carnes Alfred 
Published: June 2021

A left aortic arch with aberrant right subclavian artery is the most common congenital aortic arch anomaly.We have demonstrated aberrant right and left subclavian arteries on MRI of the brachial plexus in adults presenting with symptoms of TOS: arm and hand pain with paresthesias; hand muscle weakness, headache; autonomic vascular and temperature changes; whooshing sounds in the ear, ear pressure pain; jaw pain, and visual “floaters”.A 12‐year old girl presented with complaints of problems swallowing solid foods since age seven years. She recently developed pain in the right chest wall with inspiration, in addition to common TOS complaints of headache, dizziness, hand pain, tingling and numbness, muscle pains in the neck and shoulders and back, along with jaw pain and whooshing sounds in the ears.Bilateral MRI/MRA/MRV display venous and neurovascular compression in TOS patients without the use of contrast material. Bilateral multiplanar imaging was conducted on a 1.5 Tesla GE Signa LX (Clin. Anat.1995; 8:1–16), with the field of view modified to include the dural sinuses and demonstrated a right aberrant subclavian artery with a left aortic arch and displacement of the esophagus but no significant tracheal displacement, as seen in adults. Management of these patients will be discussed.
Helping students help themselves: evaluating the effectiveness of undergraduate study techniques in human anatomy
Authors: Eleazer Courtney , Scopa Kelso Rebecca K. 
Published: June 2021

A significant challenge of teaching undergraduate anatomy is effectively communicating to students the amount of time and effort required to perform well in such a rigorous course. While the effectiveness of study methods vary individually, it would be beneficial to guide students in maximizing their study time with the best techniques for learning the course material. In some cases, poor performance might be avoided by providing students with data from previous semesters demonstrating study methods that are associated with the retention of anatomical knowledge. Questionnaires (n=183) were administered to students enrolled in undergraduate anatomy in the Fall of 2011 at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. This survey asked students about the study methods they used (e.g., flashcards, textbooks, diagrams), as well as time spent studying for class. These methods were correlated with scores from exams taken throughout the course. Results show that course performance was not correlated with any particular study technique but was significantly and positively correlated with the total hours spent studying. In addition, students who altered their study habits after the first exam exhibited the greatest improvements in performance. This indicates the benefit of encouraging students early in the course to utilize a greater variety of study methods and invest more time studying than they have in prior courses.Grant Funding Source : NA
Glutathione peroxidase‐1‐deficiency enhances age‐dependent vascular dysfunction
Authors: Steven Sebastian , Schuhmacher Swenja , Oelze Matthias , Bachschmid Markus , Doppler Christopher , Daub Steffen , Schuff Alexandra , Scholz Alexander , Torzewski Michael , Schulz Eberhard , Lackner Karl J. , Münzel Thomas , Daiber Andreas 
Published: June 2021

GoalWe investigate, whether glutathione peroxidase (GPx‐1) deficiency enhances ageing‐dependent vascular dysfunction and the formation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS).Methods2, 6 and 12 months old mice were used. Vascular function was assessed via isometric tension studies. RONS were assessed by optical, immunohistochemical and immunoblotting‐based techniques. Function of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) was assessed by phosphorylation and S‐glutathionylation pattern.ResultsGPx‐1−/−‐mice had significantly impaired vascular function, compared to wild type‐mice. RONS in mitochondria, heart‐tissue and serum was enhanced with increased age, but not significantly different compared to wild type‐mice. eNOS dysfunction due to S‐gluthationylation and phosphorylation at Thr495 and Tyr657 was increased in GPx‐1−/−‐mice.ConclusionGPx‐1−/−‐mice were expected to display a higher level of H2O2. However, we could only detect minor differences between RONS in GPx‐1−/−‐mice and wild type‐mice, which could not explain the differences observed for vascular function with increasing age. The dramatic endothelial dysfunction in old GPx‐1−/−‐mice may be due to phosphorylation and S‐glutathionylation dependent inactivation/uncoupling of eNOS. Further investigations will focus on the expression of other antioxidant proteins and the role of GPx‐1 for vascular inflammation.
Prolactin Receptor loss with Leydig Cell Apoptosis after EDS treatment of Adult Rats
Authors: Singhal Barkha , Dutta Dibyendu , Park In , Sang Samuel , Mills Nathaniel 
Published: June 2021

Prolactin receptors (Prlr) are reported to be localized to plasma membranes of testicular interstitial cells including Leydig cells. Prlr is also present in Sertoli cell and cells of germinal epithelium (spermatogonia, spermatocytes and elongating spermatids) in the testis. Ethylene dimethane sulfonate (EDS) eliminates Leydig cell in adult rat testes leading to testosterone depletion and germ cell loss. In this study, two Prlr transcript variants (Prl1r & Prl2r) were investigated at times 6, 15, 24 hr, and 5 and 7 days (d) following EDS using RT and qPCR. Rate of Leydig cell loss was evaluated by analysis of insulin‐like peptide 3 mRNA (Insl3), a Leydig cell‐specific marker. Prl2r and Insl3 were less than 1% of normal values in 5 & 7 d EDS‐treated rats. Similar profiles for Prl2r and Insl3 were observed at earlier time points (6, 15 & 24hr). Testosterone replacement after EDS, however, did not restore the levels of Prl2r and Insl3 mRNAs suggesting they are localized to only Leydig cells. In contrast, Prl1r only declined to 40% of normal levels in EDS‐treated rats suggesting that this receptor variant is located in cells of germinal epithelium, as well as Leydig cells.Texas Woman's University‐Research Enhancement Program & Dept. of Biology
High selectivity purification screening of histidine‐tagged proteins using small sample preparation formats containing cobalt IMAC media
Authors: Björner Maria , Lundqvist Jon , Hedlund Helena 
Published: June 2021

The histidine‐tag is commonly used to facilitate purification of recombinant proteins. For immobilized metal‐ion affinity chromatography (IMAC) the most used metal ion is nickel. However, also cobalt has been shown useful obtaining high purity with good yield of his‐tagged proteins in IMAC applications.We have designed three formats containing cobalt IMAC media, convenient for rapid and simple small‐scale purification and screening of his‐tagged proteins. The formats, a gravity flow column, a spin column and a 96‐well plate, all allow efficient parallel purification of proteins in μg to mg scale within 40 minutes using fast and easy protocols to help ensure pure target proteins. His‐tagged green fluorescent protein expressed in E. coli was used as model protein to demonstrate the functionality of the formats. The results show that recovery and purity is > 80 % using all formats. The repeatability has proven to be high for all formats with < 10 % difference from average for each run. A comparison between cobalt and nickel IMAC media was performed and our products containing cobalt IMAC media show higher purity compared to products containing nickel IMAC media while still maintaining a high yield.
Expresso® Cloning and Expression Systems streamline recombinant protein expression
Authors: Sen Saurabh , Sternard Heather , Franz Laura , Drinkwater Colleen , Sheets Lynne , Niebauer Chris , Mead David , Godiska Ron , Steinmetz Eric J 
Published: June 2021

The Expresso® Cloning and Expression Systems use Expressioneering™ Technology, an in vivo recombinational cloning strategy, to dramatically increase the speed, efficiency and success of target gene cloning and soluble protein expression in E. coli and mammalian system. Expressioneering allows directional cloning of PCR products into pre‐processed expression vectors without sample clean‐up or enzyme treatment. Expresso System vectors were constructed with various inducible promoters, N‐ or C‐terminal 6xHis tags, and an optional cleavable SUMO tag for improved recombinant protein solubility in bacterial systems.The Expresso T7 System uses an IPTG‐inducible T7‐lac promoter and the Expresso Rhamnose Systems features the tunable, rhamnose‐inducible, rhaPBAD promoter, and uses a single host strain for both cloning and expression.The new Expresso CMV system for mammalian protein production utilizes the same Expressioneering technology to provide rapid, precise, and directional insertion of fragments into the cloning site. The small size of the pME‐HA vector (3.4 kb) and minimal amount of bacterial DNA sequence supports robust protein expression, higher transfection efficiency and simplifies subsequent manipulations. The Expresso CMV vector allows addition of the HA tag for immono‐detection or affinity purification.
Selecting target populations for community nutrition intervention using spatial analyses
Authors: Bryant Jordan E. 
Published: June 2021

Target populations for community‐based interventions are often selected using subjective methods, despite interest in increasing objective, quantifiable methods in public health intervention design. The purpose of this study was to determine if spatial patterns exist among the environmental influences on childhood obesity and to establish the effectiveness of spatial analyses in determining areas in need of nutritional intervention. Three environmental risk factors for childhood obesity were selected; socioeconomic status, the proximity of grocery stores with healthy options, and the walkability of the study area. Prevalence data from each influence was mapped for each census tract in Berkeley County, West Virginia using the ArcGIS program (ESRI). The resulting maps showed clustering of risk factors and by ranking each census tract by degree of prevalence it was possible to highlight a single census tract with the greatest cumulative risk for obesity in children, with respect to the selected risk factors. In conclusion, this study has found an effective, quantifiable method with which to determine the target population in highest need for nutrition intervention.Funding source: USDA Agriculture and Food Research Initiative
Shaping college‐age eating behavior in an institutionally derived food setting with a simple, interactive computer spreadsheet
Authors: Crowder Todd A. , East Whitfield B. 
Published: June 2021

Many higher educational, institutional food settings offer set menus created by RD's yet students are allowed choices on amounts and food selections. Our institution has a goal of providing < 30% fat for each meal yet allows freedom of choice.PurposeCreate a simple, user friendly computer spreadsheet that will assist students with higher quality food selections and enhance overall nutrition.MethodsAn interactive computer program was created, allowing students to build a daily nutrition plan based on total energy expenditure (TEE); macronutrient planning based on meat, dairy, bread, vegetables, starches, fruits, dessert; and diet tracking based on consumption during breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks. The overall program (originally joint produced with RD) was designed to shape eating behaviors, with the goal of decreasing fat consumption, increasing fiber consumption, and consuming a more nutrient‐dense diet. Students consumed one “normal” (n) day then one “planned” (p) day using the interactive software to create the “planned” day dietary intakes by food category. A diet analysis was conducted on each day and results analyzed.ResultsForty one college‐age students (male = 35, female =6) completed all facets of the investigation.Additionally, the consumption of carbohydrates expressed in g/kg body mass increased for both men (5.32 to 5.8, p = .06) and women (2.87 to 3.73, p=.16).

Status
Kcal n
Kcal p
Fiber (g) n
Fiber (g) p
Fat (g) n
Fat (g) p

Men
3026
2983
25.6
40.3*
99.9
81.6#

Women
1920
2014
15.1
19.5**
66.3
65.6

p < .0001,
p < .02;
p =.17

ConclusionAn interactive, computer software program appears to assist in shaping positive nutritional behavior practices in college‐age students.
Osteocalcin is significantly higher in Caucasian pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Tabatabaei Negar , Giguère Yves , Charland Marc , Forest Jean-Claude , Rodd Celia , Kremer Richard , Weiler Hope 
Published: June 2021

Lower 25(OH)D and higher osteocalcin (OC) concentrations have been observed at mid‐gestation in pregnant women with gestational diabetes (GDM) compared to those without. We aimed to investigate simultaneously 25(OH)D and OC throughout pregnancy in a nested case‐control (48–48) study in Caucasians living in Quebec City (matched for age, season, BMI and length of pregnancy). Maternal serum 25(OH)D and OC were measured by chemiluminescence and ELISA, respectively at 13–16 and 24–28 weeks gestation and at delivery. Differences in concentrations were tested using a MIXED model repeated measures ANOVA. We conclude that 25(OH)D was not significantly different (p=0.260) while OC was significantly higher (p=0.024) in GDM vs healthy pregnant women. Both 25(OH)D and OC increased significantly with time (p<0.001), but there were no interactions between health state with time (p=0.092, p=0.434, respectively). Funded by CIHR.Grant Funding Source : Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Metabolites in human breastmilk identified as markers for sample storage quality
Authors: Hartmann Peter , Lui James K , Piper Kristin , Rawlinson Catherine , Maker Garth L , Trengove Naomi J , Trengove Robert D 
Published: June 2021

Detailed understanding of how storage temperature affects specific breastmilk metabolites is scarce. Current storage recommendations of expressed breastmilk for either scientific or domestic use is based exclusively on studies of bacterial growth and immuno capacity. Metabolomic profiling could reveal significant changes in metabolite levels in breast milk due to different exposure conditions that may affect the overall transfer of metabolites from the mother to the infant, ultimately affecting the health of the newborn.A pilot study was conducted using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) to determine the milk metabolite profile under different storage temperatures over a 24‐hour period. Milk expressed from 5 lactating mothers, between 3 to 7 months post‐partum was collected, aliquoted, then stored immediately at room temperature, 4°C, −20°C or −80°C, before sample processing and analysis by GC‐MS.Levels of specific metabolites in stored milk samples were found to have changed at room temperature and/or 4°C but not at −20°C or −80°C in the first 24 hours. These results established the need for breastmilk storage at < −20°C for both scientific and/or domestic use. Moreover, changes in metabolite levels could potentially serve as biomarkers/indicators for breast milk sample integrity.Funded by Medela AG. Switzerland.