bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Hepatic Steatosis and Fibrosis in Embalmed Cadavers
Authors: Kwong Allison J , Chu Edward , Mak Ki M 
Published: June 2021

Human cadavers used for teaching Anatomy are embalmed in a fluid (75% ethanol, 20% propylene glycol, 2% phenol, 2% formalin, 1% sodium acetate) that is not routinely used in histological fixation. This study assessed quality of tissue preservation and incidence of steatosis and fibrosis, two significant liver diseases, in embalmed livers. Livers from 34 cadavers (age 64–100 yrs) with diverse causes of death were embedded in paraffin, sectioned and stained with H&E for histology, Sirius red for collagen and á‐smooth muscle actin (á‐SMA) antibody for hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and myofibroblasts. Tissue preservation was graded as good in 12 livers, fair in 12 and poor in 10. Despite these variations, steatosis was seen in 12 livers, central vein fibrosis in 21, perisinusoidal fibrosis in 25, portal tract fibrosis in 16, fibrous septa in 12, bridging septa in 10 and cirrhosis in 1. Eleven livers had lobular inflammation and 14 had portal inflammation. Tumors were noted in 3 livers. Only 3 livers showed minimal change. á‐SMA immunostaining revealed HSCs in the space of Disse and myofibroblasts in central veins, portal tracts and septa, consistent with their fibrogenic role. Conclusions: Embalmed livers provide valuable tissue for histopathology. Steatosis and fibrosis are prevalent in the elderly; though not indicated as the primary cause of death, this pathology may have exacerbated the health of this population.Grant Funding Source: Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Hepatopancreaticobiliary pathology in the PCK model of ARPKD
Authors: Mason Stephen Bruce , Eggleston‐Gulyas Tracy , Lai Xianyin , Witzmann Frank A. , Gattone Vincent H. 
Published: June 2021

Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease (ARPKD) results in renal and hepatic fibrocystic pathology. This study evaluated hepatobiliary pathology in PCK rats, an orthologous model of slowly progressive ARPKD. Male and female rats were evaluated from 4–35 weeks, quantifying organ growth, serology, bile flow rates, histology, Microfil organ casts and bile proteomics. PCK hepatofibrocystic disease is progressive (liver weight as % of body weight and hepatic fibrocystic volume), which after 18 weeks was more severe in females vs. males. A retrograde Microfil cast of hepatopancreaticobiliary ducts demonstrated widespread fusiform bile duct cysts. Pancreatic ducts open into the grossly dilated common hepatic duct. Bile flow rate for 12–15 week and 25 week PCK rats was greater than that seen in normal 15 week rats. The bile proteome from females using 2D gels identified significant differences. MS/MS protein identification of 32 spots found overexpressed proteins (triacylglycerol lipase, pancreatic amylase, chymotrypsinogen B and apolipoprotein A‐1) and numerous albumin fragments, i.e., pancreatic enzymes and fragmented proteins. Biliary pathology and proteomic findings suggest that the grossly dilated hepatic duct cause choledochal sphincter incompetence. The reflux of pancreatic enzymes into the biliary tree might exacerbate the hepatobiliary fibrosis and could also occur in human ARPKD.Grant Funding Source: NIH
Morphology of longissimus thoracis and its clinical applications
Authors: Kumka Myroslava , Truszkowski Stephen R 
Published: June 2021

Current interest in understanding of spinal mechanics, etiology of back pain, and increased use of complex musculoskeletal models require detailed knowledge of the morphology of Longissimus Thoracis (LT) muscle.MethodsThis study utilized 28 embalmed cadavers using traditional anatomical dissections.ResultsDirect connections between LT and thoracic facet fibrous capsules were not found. Superior tendinous attachment of LT was at T2 vertebra in all specimens. At T2, T5 and T8 the LT medial tendons attached at the lateral third of the inferior margin of the transverse processes, whereas lateral tendons were found between the angle and tubercle of the ribs. Myofascial continuity of LT to posterior cervical musculature was found in all specimens. Lateral branches of the dorsal primary rami of the thoracic spinal nerves coursed through the muscle substance of LT in 31.5% of the identified nerves.ConclusionOur findings suggest that the LT does not have direct attachments to the fibrous capsules of thoracic facets, a point that should be considered in experimental models of thoracic facet joint structure. Continuity between the LT muscle and posterior cervical musculature suggests a mechanism of myofascial pain or mechanical dysfunction of these muscles. Perforation of LT by the lateral branches of the thoracic spinal nerves may provide a mechanism for neurogenic back pain associated with LT hypertonicity.
Correlation between hard and soft tissue dimensions of the human foot
Authors: Narvaez Francisco Alberto , Cardona Jessica , Pagano Anthony Santino , Marquez Samuel 
Published: June 2021

During locomotion, the metatarsals create a sturdy lever for forward thrust while affording flexibility in stance phase. However, their exposure to impact with the substrate during touchdown of the foot renders the metatarsals a common site for traumatic foot injuries. The greater lengths of the metatarsals relative to other foot bones may exacerbate this condition. Thus a strong correlation of total foot length with the respective lengths of metatarsals (MT's) I, II, and III may suggest a relationship between foot length and risk of metatarsal injury. It is hypothesized that the metatarsal of the greatest length will show the strongest correlation with total foot length. This study examined 48 feet from 24 donor bodies. Measurements were collected by all authors and averaged to reduce inter‐observer error. Both left and right feet were measured and the mean of the two was used to control for asymmetry. MT II was longer than MT's I and III but the length of MT I had a higher correlation coefficient with total foot length than did the lengths of MT II or III. All correlations were positive but none were significant (p>.05). The greater correlation between total foot length and first metatarsal length may be related to the medial transmission of weight during stance phase. While the high p value could be a product of unaccounted variation in tarsal and digit length, these factors warrant further investigation.Grant Funding Source: AAA
Geometric morphometric investigation of size and shape in prosimian molar morphology: incorporating phylogeny into allometric analyses
Authors: St Clair Elizabeth , Boyer Doug , Baab Karen , Perry Jonathan 
Published: June 2021

Previous published statistical analyses of allometric variation in primate molar form have not included phylogenetic information. Some primate clades and dietary groups differ in average body size; thus, observed associations between size and morphological variation might be due to evolutionary history and/or diet. We examined 3D μCT generated surfaces of mandibular second molars of 26 prosimian taxa (n=69) to test if shape variation is correlated with size variation taking phylogeny into account. We positioned 41 landmarks and semilandmarks on cusps and crests. After superimposition via generalized Procrustes analysis, principal components (PC) analysis was used to explore shape variation. Species means were then calculated for the first 10 PCs. In a phylogeny‐free least squares analysis, PC1 (37.7% of the variance) and PC3 (12.0%) were significantly correlated with tooth size (= ln centroid size). In a Phylogenetic Generalized Least Squares analysis, only PC3 had a statistically significant relationship with tooth size (R2 = .2496, p<0.05). This result suggests that some resemblances in molar shape among taxa of similar tooth size may reflect shared phylogenetic history rather than size‐required constraints on shape. Phylogenetic relationships should be considered in future analyses of allometric variation in the dentition.Grant Funding Source: American Society of Mammalogists grant to ESC, Evolving Earth Foundation Grant and NSF DIG (BCS‐062254) to DB
The jaw adductor resultant vector in primates
Authors: Perry Jonathan M. G. , Logan Rachel L. 
Published: June 2021

To optimize bite force, the jaw adductor resultant force is predicted to pass directly behind the last molar, crossing the jaw at 30% of jaw length from the joint (Greaves, 2000). We estimated the location, orientation, and magnitude of the resultant in strepsirrhine and platyrrhine primates using empirical data. To estimate vector location and orientation for each muscle (temporalis, masseter, and medial pterygoid) we outlined areas of attachment on lateral images of skulls. To estimate vector magnitude for each muscle we used published data on muscle cross‐sectional area. Individual muscle vectors were summed to obtain the resultant. In all cases, the resultant passes significantly posterior to the 30% mark (mean = 21%) and posterior to the last molar. This suggests that bite forces are less than optimal and joint reaction forces are greater than optimal. However, this vector location lowers the risk of dislocating the jaw joint and increases the potential for gape. The magnitude of the resultant scales with significant negative allometry to species mean body mass. Thus larger primates might be at a disadvantage for generating bite force.Grant Funding Source: Master of Biomedical Science Program, MWU
Efficacies of DNA and Protein‐Based Gamma‐glutamyl cysteine synthetase (γGCS) Vaccines from Leishmania donovani on the Cutaneous Lesions in Leishmania major infected Balb/c Mice
Authors: Alawa Judith Nkiruka , Nok Andrew Jonadi , Kwanashie Helen O. , Alawa Clement B. 
Published: June 2021

Gamma‐glutamyl cysteine synthetase (GCS) is an enzyme that catalyses the rate limiting step in glutathione synthesis. In this study the efficacies of the DNA and protein vaccines of GCS from L. donovani was evaluated against cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by L. major. Balb/c mice immunized with plasmid containing the full gene sequence for GCS (pVAX‐GCS) or plasmid alone (pVAX) or the recombinant protein (rGCS) or PBS (control) were challenged with high dose of L. major promastigotes in the shaven rump and the degree of protection was evaluated. by lesion progression, histopathological outcome of lesions and immunological profile. Vaccination of mice with the recombinant protein resulted in protection as demonstrated in the delay in lesion expansion and accompanied by an improved histopathological outcome of the skin lesions with little tissue destruction compared to the control. Furthermore, immunological analysis of the antibody isotypes showed high levels of IgG2a compared to IgG1 which is suggestive of a TH1 immune response and also characterized by the induction of significantly high levels of gamma interferon production with little or no IL‐4 production. Vaccination with DNA plasmid or the plasmid alone did not confer any protection. These results demonstrate that the recombinant protein of γGCS from L. donovani induced cross immunoprotection with improved histopathological outcome against cutaneous leishmaniasis suggesting that it represents a good candidate for use as a vaccine.Grant Funding Source: Carnegie Corperation/ABU Fellowship Award
Assessment of a time‐frame for postnatal changes in the aerodigestive tract during the first year of life
Authors: Raja Harish , Laitman Jeffrey T 
Published: June 2021

The goal of this study is to provide the first comprehensive assessment of the timing and sequencing of developmental change in the human aerodigestive tract (ADT) during the first year of postnatal life. We hypothesize that a period of identifiable change occurs in this interval. The ADT serves as the anatomic crossroads for the functions of olfaction, breathing, swallowing, and vocalization. It undergoes anatomic restructuring marked by descent of the larynx and disengagement of the epiglottis from the soft palate. This transition period has also been associated with sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Although proper configuration of these structures is vital for normal function, little is known about the exact timing of events. We performed an extensive multimodal analysis of the current literature to determine whether there is a period of identifiable change within the first year. Imaging (MR, CT, US, 3D‐CT, 3D–MR) and physiologic studies were assessed as they relate to visualization and timing of ADT positional changes. Results suggest that an identifiable period of change occurs between the 2nd and 6th months based on a matrix of functional and imaging data. This period is cotemporaneous with increased frequency of SIDS, obstructive sleep apnea, and aspiration during suckling. Future research will center on developing a more robust database of normal values and establishing patterns of normal variation.Grant Funding Source: Mount Sinai Summer Research Fellowship
A craniosynostosis‐syndrome related Fgfr2 mutation promotes early craniofacial defects in chick
Authors: Li Xin , Tropp Stephen , Marcucio Ralph 
Published: June 2021

In addition to premature suture closure, patients with craniosynostosis have a variety of structural deformities in the brain and face. Whether brain and face malformations result from premature suture closure, or are caused directly by disease‐causing mutations are unknown. Gain‐of‐function mutations in Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptors (FGFRs) account for ~20% of craniosynostosis syndromes, and mice harboring a ubiquitously expressed, disease‐causing allele of FGFR2 recapitulate craniosynostosis phenotypes. To test the hypothesis that facial malformations result directly from activation of FGFR2 in the face, we introduced the human Fgfr2C278F mutant allele into chick embryos using the RCAS virus. RCAS::Fgfr2C278F particles were injected into mesenchyme adjacent to the forebrain after neural crest emigration form the neural tube was complete (stage 10). After 72 hrs embryos were harvested for analysis. Infected embryos were microcephalic, appeared to have widened faces, and had more prominent and hypertrophic nasal pits compared to controls. Consistent with FGF activation, we observed increased pErk staining. Infected embryos also had fewer proliferating cells. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that activation of the FGF pathway produces dysmorphology independent of premature suture fusion that resembles the facial phenotype of people with craniosynostosis.Grant Funding Source: NIH
VEGF Induces Cervical Epithelial Proliferation in Mice: A Molecular and Morphological Study
Authors: Scott Kelsey M , Kephart Samantha D , Rhyne Scott B , Mowa Chishimba N 
Published: June 2021

Cervical remodeling is a physiological inflammatory process associated with and possibly regulated by proliferating cervical epithelial. We have previously shown by SEM that administration of VEGF recombinant protein increases cervical epithelial folds in the cervix of pregnant and non‐pregnant rodents. In the present study, we show by SEM that VEGF blocker attenuates the epithelial folds and disfigures the epithelial cells. We also show by real time PCR that levels of PCNA, a marker for cellular proliferation, was up regulated in VEGF‐treated non‐pregnant mice versus control. The proliferating cell types were identified by histology and confocal microscopy. We conclude that VEGF plays a role in cervical remodeling, in part, by promoting proliferation of cervical epithelial cells and endothelial cells during angiogenesis.Grant Funding Source: Appalachian State University
Binge alcohol inhibits hepatic class I and II histone deacetylases (HDACs): Potential mechanism for alcohol induced liver injury
Authors: Kirpich Irina , Gobejishvili Leila , Kharebava Giorgi , Zhang Jingwen , McClain Craig , Barve Shirish 
Published: June 2021

IntroductionBinge, as well as chronic, alcohol consumption affects global histone acetylation and gene expression. It is becoming increasingly evident that these histone associated epigenetic modifications play a significant role in the development of hepatic pathology. The present work examined the effect of binge alcohol exposure on the expression of class I and II HDACs and their relevant contribution to histone acetylation changes.MethodsC57/BL6 mice were gavaged 3 times (12 h intervals) with ethanol at a dose of 4.5 g/kg. Liver injury was evaluated by histopathology and plasma ALT activity. Hepatic HDAC gene expression was assessed by RT PCR.ResultsMice binged with ethanol developed microvesicular liver steatosis with elevated serum ALT levels (49.07±5.61 U/L compared to 17.93±0.82 U/L in control group), and significantly increased liver triglycerides (48.02±3.83 vs. 19.90±3.48 mg/g liver). Notably, HDACs 1, 7, 9, 10, and 11 were down regulated while HDAC 3 was found to be up regulated. Suppression of both class I & II HDACs was associated with increased histone H3 acetylation.ConclusionInhibition of both class I & II HDACs and consequent changes in histone H3 acetylation and gene expression by binge alcohol consumption potentially plays a significant role in the development of hepatic steatosis and injury. This work was supported by NIH grants.
Manipulation of protein splicing side‐reactions to facilitate protein purification and expressed protein ligation
Authors: Nadelson Adam C. , York Daniel J. , Dorval Deirdre M. , Lewandowski Katherine T. , Connor Katherine R. , Reitter Julie N. , Mills Kenneth V. 
Published: June 2021

The PolII intein from Pyrococcus abyssi can be modified by mutation to facilitate cleavage of either the flanking N‐extein or C‐extein in a temperature dependent fashion. Taking advantage of cleavage at the intein N‐terminus, we have created a fusion protein with a target protein at the N‐terminus, followed by the intein and a C‐terminal His tag. The fusion protein is bound to an affinity resin via its C‐terminus, and cleavage is induced such that the N‐terminal target protein is highly purified in one step. We have also designed a fusion protein that takes advantage of the C‐terminal cleavage side‐reaction. This fusion protein has an N‐terminal affinity domain, followed by the intein and the C‐terminal target protein. The fusion protein is bound to an affinity resin via its N‐terminus, and the C‐terminal segment is cleaved and purified. As this C‐terminal segment may have an N‐terminal Cys, the purified protein can serve as a nucleophile for expressed protein ligation.This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0320824 and CAREER grant No. 0447647.
Investigating the Chaperone Ability of Two sHsp Isoforms Based on Protection of a Model Substrate
Authors: Klein Roger D. , Pett Virginia , Bouchard Robert 
Published: June 2021

ZmHsp17.0‐CII and ZmHsp17.8‐CII are Class II small heat shock proteins (sHsps) found in maize (corn). These highly conserved sHsps protect client proteins from irreversible aggregation in times of stress. Each sHsp was expressed as a fusion protein with a chitin‐binding domain on the C‐terminus that allows for chitin affinity column purification. The increase in light scattering of the model substrate citrate synthase (CS) after heat shock at 43 °C in solution was measured using a fluorescence spectrophotometer to detect protein aggregation. By comparing the light scattering curves of CS alone with a solution containing CS plus varying amounts of ZmHsp17.0‐CII and ZmHsp17.8‐CII, a clear, consistent reduction in aggregation was seen for all molar ratios of sHsp monomer: CS monomer of 1:1 and greater, with greater reduction at higher concentrations. In addition, more efficient substrate protection was seen in ZmHsp17.8‐CII than in ZmHsp17.0‐CII, which could indicate different substrate specificity or different chaperone capability of the two proteins. These results demonstrate that ZmHsp17.0‐CII and ZmHsp17.8‐CII are concentration‐dependant molecular chaperones.This work was supported in part by a grant from The College of Wooster, and from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute through the Undergraduate Science Education Program.
Short‐term feeding effects of origanum syriacum crude extract on blood constituents in rats
Authors: Al‐Qirim Tariq , Shahwan Moyad , Bader Ammar 
Published: June 2021

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of the whole crude extract of Origanum syriacum on different biochemical parameters in blood using animal model. The aerial parts of Origanum syriacum were extracted with petroleum ether, chloroform, methanol and water, all these extracts were combined to prepare the whole extract then administrated orally in two doses 100mg/kg and 400mg/kg. The results obtained indicate that the extract showed a significant decreasing effect on low density lipoprotein (LDL‐cholesterol), triglycerides and glucose in both doses, while a non significant increase of urea and high density lipoprotein (HDL‐cholesterol) was observed as compared to normal saline treated controls. This study showed that the whole extract of Origanum syriacum possess a potential pharmacological activity in lowering the major lipid profile parameters in which we have reported for the first time.This work is sponsored by Al‐Zaytoonah University of Jordan.
Effects of fatty acids on the growth of beta‐cells and on albumin‐mediated cholesterol effflux from endothelial cells
Authors: Tuei Vivian C. , Ha Ji‐Sook , Bhagavan Nadhipuram V. , Ha Chung‐Eun 
Published: June 2021

There is mounting evidence that free fatty acids (FFAs) plays a role in the pathogenesis of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. However, the effects of human serum albumin (HSA)/FFA complexes on ß‐cells as well as on HSA‐mediated cholesterol efflux are not well known. Thus, we exposed the insulinoma ß‐cells, HIT‐TI5 to different HSA/FFAs complexes for 24hrs followed by assessment of insulin secretion and cell viability. Also, a human endothelial cell line, EA.hy926 was used as the model system to study cholesterol efflux. In the presence of HSA, palmitate and stearate induced significant cell death at 0.1mM or higher, which was not significantly inhibited by the two apoptosis inhibitors, cyclosporin A and ZVAD‐FMK. In contrast, myristate, palmitoleate, oleate, and elaidate bound to HSA showed minimal effects on cell viability. Additionally, insulin secretion was significantly reduced by HSA/oleate complexes. We also found differential effects on cell viability by HSA mutants/FFAs complexes. For efflux studies, HSA complexed to oleate or palmitate at 1:5.3 molar ratios showed significant reduction in cholesterol efflux but not with arachidonate. In summary, this study showed that FFA‐induced changes of cellular functions are dependent upon the types and concentrations of FFAs which might be modified by HSA variants.[Funding: Hawaii EXPORT Centre, HCF, and an award from the American Heart Association].