bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Aquaporin Expression and Function in the Malpighian Tubules of the Larval Mosquito, Aedes aegypti
Authors: Misyura Lidiya , Donini Andrew 
Published: November 2023

The mosquito, Aedes aegypti, is the primary vector for the arboviral diseases Zika, dengue fever, chikungunya, and yellow fever that affect millions of people worldwide. The larvae of A. aegypti reside in hypo‐osmotic freshwater habitats, where they face dilution of bodily fluids due to the influx of water. The Malpighian tubules (MTs) are one of the major contributors to osmoregulation, whereby, they function in concert with the rectum, to remove excess water from the hemolymph, thus maintaining ionic homeostasis. The epithelium of the Malpighian tubules actively transports ions from the hemolymph into the lumen which creates an osmotic gradient that drives paracellular and transcellular water movement in the same direction. Our previous study has shown that this transcellular water transport occurs through at least one of the six aquaporins (AQP) that A. aegypti possesses, AQP5. In the present study, the function of other AQPs with high relative mRNA abundance in the MTs were studied with the aid of double stranded RNA knockdown. The MT fluid secretion rate and ionic composition of secreted fluid were assessed using Ramsay assay and ion selective microelectrode (ISME), respectively. Hemolymph ion concentrations and larval survival were measured to gauge effects of AQP knockdown on osmoregulation in the larvae. Water transport across the Malpighian tubules of the larval mosquito is a critical physiological process because it is the first essential step in eliminating the excess water, a consequence of living in hypo‐osmotic habitats. Our study sheds light on the relative contribution of AQPs in this vital process.Support or Funding InformationNatural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) discovery grant awarded to Andrew Donini
EXAMINATION OF CHANGES IN INTESTINAL MICROBIOTA INDUCED BY HIGH FAT FEEDING IN MALE ADOLESCENT RATS
Authors: Crawford Melisa Shaunte , Whisner Corrie , Sweazea Karen 
Published: November 2023

The gut microbiome has a significant physiological impact in both health and disease. In a healthy individual, microbes influence metabolism, offer protection against pathogens and train the immune system. The dominant bacterial phyla in the human digestive system are gram‐positive Firmicutes and Actinobacteria as well as gram‐negative Bacteroidetes. Recent metagenomic studies show that obesity is associated with reduced Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes while an increase in Actinobacteria is observed. Additionally, the gut microbiome is implicated in the regulation of host metabolic processes, which include producing the short‐chain fatty acids (SCFA), butyrate, acetate, and propionate. However, previous research has shown that prolonged consumption of a Westernized diet can drastically alter gut microbiota and increase the risk of obesity and other metabolic diseases in adults. Although it is known that energy dense foods can alter microbial diversity, less is known about the physiological effects of diet induced changes in the gut microbiome on cardiovascular disease risk in adolescents. Six‐week‐old periadolescent male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into two groups (n=6 each) and fed either a standard rodent chow (18.9% protein, 57.33% carbohydrates, 5% fat) or a high‐fat diet (HFD) (20% protein, 20% carbohydrates [6.8% sucrose], 60% fat) for 6 weeks. Following the diets, fecal pellets were collected and sequenced at the Microbiome Analysis Lab at Arizona State University. Although not significant, the fecal taxonomy analyses suggest changes in the relative abundance of Firmicutes (Chow: 86.3±4.6%; HFD: 80.8±5.0%), Bacteroidetes (Chow: 5.6±2.4%; HFD: 15.0±4.9%), and Actinobacteria (Chow: 0.42±0.17%; HFD: 1.62±0.72%) following the HFD protocol. Understanding how the gut microbiome is altered with poor nutrition may elucidate potential treatment strategies for adolescent overweight and obesity as well as prevention of cardiovascular disease.Support or Funding InformationSigma Xi Grant‐in‐Aid Research Program
CD44v9 Emerges in Response to Injury and Contributes to the Regeneration of the Gastric Epithelium
Authors: Bertaux‐Skeirik Nina , Wunderlich Mark , Teal Emma , Mahe Maxime , Sundaram Nambirajan , Gabre Joel , Hawkins Jennifer , Jian Gao , Engevik Amy C , Yang Li , Wang Jiang , Goldenring James R , Qualls Joseph , Helmrath Micheal A , Diwan Tayyab , Mulloy James C , Zavros Yana 
Published: November 2023

Cluster‐of‐differentiation gene 44, in particular CD44 variant isoforms (CD44v), emerges during regeneration of the gastric epithelium in response to injury. In particular, CD44v9 is expressed within Spasmolytic Polypeptide/TFF2‐Expressing Metaplasia (SPEM) glands during gastric repair, but the function is unknown. Here we tested the hypothesis that CD44v9 marks a regenerative cell lineage that plays a functional role in gastric repair. Acetic acid injury was induced in CD44‐deficient (CD44KO) and C57BL/6 (BL6) mice. Mouse‐derived gastric organoids expressing CD44v9 were transplanted at the ulcer site of CD44KO mice. Ulcers, expression of CD44v9, proliferation and histology were measured at days 1, 3, 5 and 7 post‐injury. Human‐derived gastric organoids from elderly patients (>55 years) or young patients (14–20 years) were generated and transplanted into the stomachs of NOD scid gamma (NSG) mice post‐injury. Ulcers were induced in NRGS mice expressing human‐derived immune cells (huNRGS) and the immune phenotype analyzed by CyTOF. CD44v9 expression emerged at the ulcer margin during gastric ulcer repair. Compared to BL6 mice that healed within 7 days post‐injury, CD44KO mice exhibited loss of ulcer repair and gastric epithelial regeneration. Transplantation of CD44v9‐expressing gastric organoids into the stomachs of CD44KO mice promoted ulcer repair. Compared to NSG mice exhibiting loss of CD44v9 expression and gastric repair in response to injury, transplantation of human‐derived gastric organoids from young stomachs promoted repair. Transplantation of organoids derived from aged stomachs did not promote repair. Compared to NRGS mice, huNRGS animals exhibited smaller ulcer sizes and an infiltration of human CD163+ macrophages that correlated with an emergence of CD44v9 expression. Thus, CD44v9 marks a regenerative cell lineage. Macrophages infiltrating the injured gastric mucosa may induce the emergence of CD44v9 during regeneration of the epithelium.Support or Funding InformationThis work was supported by NIH 2 R01 DK083402‐06A1 grant, College of Medicine Bridge Funding Program (Zavros), and the University of Cincinnati Graduate School Dean's Fellowship, Albert J. Ryan Fellowship and 2T32GM105526‐04 (Bertaux‐Skeirik).
Genistein is Associated with Increased Colonic Occludin Expression in Female ob/ob mice
Authors: Chompre Gladys , Hernandez Jayna , Cerda Jean , Seguinot Innevy , Hernandez Siomara , Al‐Nakkash Layla , Appleyard Caroline 
Published: November 2023

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention statistics from 2014, one third of U.S. citizens are obese increasing the risk of other diseases such as metabolic disorders and cardiovascular diseases. Studies have reported that obesity is characterized by inflammation of the intestinal epithelial barrier. One of its components are the Tight Junction (TJ) proteins including Claudin and Occludin, which mainly function as a physical barrier against diffusion of pathogens, toxins and other antigens. Damage in Claudin‐5 and Occludin is associated with gastrointestinal epithelial inflammation. Interestingly, it has been shown that a diet high in genistein, an estrogen agonist, could have a protective function for the TJ barrier against oxidative stress, bacteria and its products, and inflammatory cytokines. Besides, it can increase vitamin D receptor (VDR) expression in cancer colon cell lines. However, the impact of genistein on gender differences in obesity is not well understood.AIMGenistein treatment in female and male leptin‐deficient mice will enhance Claudin‐5, Occludin, and VDR gene expression in proximal colon, whereas IL‐1β gene expression will decrease in both sexes.METHODSFemale and male leptin knockout mice (ob/ob mice) and wild type littermates (control group) were fed standard rodent chow or genistein‐enriched diet for 4‐weeks. Animals were euthanized and organs were collected including colon. Proximal colon tissue samples were evaluated for microscopic damage and mRNA was extracted for expression of Claudin‐5, Occludin, VDR and IL‐1β.RESULTSThere was an increase in occludin in ob/ob female mice treated with genistein (p=0.03) compared with control group. Female wild type mice fed genistein had increased VDR, IL‐1β, and microscopic damage (p=0.03) compared with standard chow. Interestingly, VDR and IL‐1β expression was significantly lower in female ob/ob mice fed with genistein compared with the wild type mice fed with genistein (p<0.01). In contrast, male animals did not show any differences in these parameters.CONCLUSIONSOur results suggest an association between genistein treatment and enhanced expression of Occludin in ob/ob mice which implies a potential therapeutic effect on permeability function via TJ proteins in the proximal colon in obesity. However, a high genistein diet could have the opposite effect in non‐obese individuals. In summary, genistein supplement in overweight people might provide some beneficial effects.Support or Funding InformationSupported by NIGMS/INBRE P20 GM103475‐14
Purple Potato Extract Promotes Intestinal Barrier Function and Differentiation by Activating AMP‐activated Protein Kinase
Authors: Sun Xiaofei , Du Min , Navarre Roy , Zhu Mei‐Jun 
Published: November 2023

Perturbation of the gut epithelial barrier function induces inflammation and other associated health problems. Purple potato contains a high content of polyphenolic compounds that is known for its beneficial effects. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of purple potato extract (PPE) on intestinal barrier function and differentiation, and explore its underlying mechanism in Caco‐2 cells. PPE increased transepithelial electrical resistance and decreased FITC‐dextran paracellular flux in Caco‐2 cells, which were associated with strengthened intestinal epithelial differentiation and tight junction assembly. Furthermore, PPE treatment enhanced AMP‐activated Protein Kinase (AMPK) activity, concomitant with increased expression of CDX2, a key transcriptional factor regulating intestinal epithelial differentiation. Knocking down AMPK using the CRISPR/Cas9 system downregulated the positive effects of PPE on intestinal barrier function and differentiation, in parallel with reduced expression of CDX2. In conclusion, PPE improved gut epithelial differentiation and barrier function via activating AMPK.Support or Funding InformationNorthwest Potato Research Consortium
The Location of the Rib‐Cartilage Interface‐Importance in Autologous Costal Cartilage Grafting
Authors: Rickards Allen A , Holmes J Scott , Russell Michelle L , Bender‐Heine Adam N , Zdilla Matthew J. , Lambert H Wayne 
Published: November 2023

Identification of the rib‐cartilage interface is often done intraoperatively. However, it would be of benefit to understand the locations of the joint lines for pre‐operative planning. Therefore, we conducted a study wherein the rib‐cartilage junctures were identified from 16 cadaveric rib cages. Geometric morphometric analysis was then performed in order to determine a consensus shape of the joint lines. Principle component analysis revealed the most common variations in the locations of the joint lines. The results suggest that the consensus shape, when aligned with the easy‐to‐palpate second costal cartilage, can aid in the identification of joint lines, especially in individuals with little overlying tissue. These results provide a better understanding of the location of joint lines and may aid in the preoperative planning of autologous costal cartilage grafting.Support or Funding InformationWV Research Challenge Fund [HEPC.dsr.14.13]; WVU Initiation to Research Opportunities (INTRO) Summer Research Program
Rare Bilateral Variation of the Extensor Carpi Radialis Longus Muscle
Authors: Yuan Justin C , Brisson Ryan J , Barremkala Malli , Venuti Judith M , Thompson Brent J 
Published: November 2023

ObjectiveThe extensor carpi radialis longus (ECRL) is a superficial extensor muscle with a single muscle belly and tendon. In humans, the ECRL is found on the lateral forearm and serves to extend and abduct the hand at the wrist. While anatomical variations of the musculature of the extensor forearm are uncommon, it is essential for physicians working in this area of the body to be aware of possible variations.MethodsDissections of 68 upper limbs from 34 cadavers were performed and the musculature and neurovasculature of the lateral forearm was assessed.ResultsOne cadaver displayed an accessory muscle belly bilaterally with a long slender tendon arising from the ECRL muscle and inserting distally near the wrist. Both the accessory muscle on the right upper limb and left upper limb inserted on the abductor pollicis brevis muscle.ConclusionThis is a rare instance of a bilateral presentation of an accessory ECRL muscle, also known as the extensor carpi radialis accessorius (ECRA). Due to its infrequency, awareness of this accessory muscle and tendon may help physicians avoid improper muscle recognition when visualizing the area. As it is likely that the ECRA only weakly assists with the extension function of the ECRL, when present it may be used as an attractive autograft option for reconstructive surgery with minimal adverse effects.
A Rare Case of Proximal Focal Femoral Deficiency with Overlapping Phenotype of Müllerian Duct Irregularity: An Anatomical and Embryological Anomaly
Authors: Melovitz‐Vasan Cheryl , Kitoh Hiroshi , Vasan Nagaswami 
Published: November 2023

Proximal focal femoral deficiency (PFFD) is a rare congenital deformity with various degrees of involvement of the femur with or without other skeletal or organ involvement. Aitken (1969) described and ranked four classes (A‐D) of PFFD severity (least to most severe). In class D the severely shortened femoral shaft appears as an irregularly ossified tuft of bone proximal to the distal femoral epiphysis. During physical examination of a donated body we observed extreme hypoplasia of the left femur with other musculoskeletal anomalies. The donor was a 77‐year old Caucasian female, who died of coronary artery and peripheral vascular disease. Dissection of the cadaver revealed unilateral hypoplasia of the left femur with an aplastic acetabulum, femoral head and patella. Further detailed dissection revealed the absence of the uterus, Fallopian tubes, uterine cervix and the upper part of the vagina. The ovaries were small and atrophied. The external genital structure was normal with blind ending vagina. We also observed involvement of vascular structures. Coexistence of a proximal focal femoral deficiency and congenital absence of the uterus, Fallopian tubes, uterine cervix and vagina is a rare defect (Müllerian duct irregularity) that has not been reported. There is a similarity in the musculoskeletal deformity between the class D phenotype of PFFD we have observed and those with Al‐Awadi‐Raas‐Rothschild syndrome and Fuhrmann syndrome. We report here a rare case of Al‐Awadi‐Raas‐Rothschild syndrome and Fuhrmann syndrome with overlapping phenotype of Mayer‐Rokitansky‐Kuster‐Hauser (MKRH) syndrome typifying congenital absence of the uterus, fallopian tube, cervix and vagina‐Müllerian duct anomaly.Support or Funding InformationSupported by the department of Biomedical Sciences, CMSRU.
Bilateral Accessory Lung Fissures with a Variant Left Bronchial Tree
Authors: Cohen Samuel , Rajan Benjamin , Zhandosova Annette , Velavan Sumathilatha Sakthi 
Published: November 2023

Accessory lung fissures are commonly noted, while bronchial branching abnormalities are less frequently found and are proposed to occur in 0.1–2% of the general population. Multiple accessory fissures, variant normal fissures of both lungs, and an altered left bronchial tree are unique to this case and is being reported due to its clinical significance. During a routine dissection of the thoracic cavity of an 85‐year‐old female cadaver, abnormal fissures were noted on both the right and left lungs, which were photographed. The bronchial branching was further dissected by tracing the bronchus from the hilum to the lung tissue. The right lung had a normal oblique fissure, while the horizontal fissure was shallow and incomplete. The left lung had a normal oblique fissure, and a minor fissure was noted running along the junction of the anterior (S3) and superior lingular (S4) bronchopulmonary segments. Accessory fissures were noted on both right and left lungs. The left bronchus was short and displayed an early division into upper and lower divisions. The dissection of the bronchial tree of the left lung showed trifurcation of the upper division into apicoposterior, anterior, and lingular bronchi. The lower division was normal. The right bronchial tree showed normal division. Examination of the heart revealed an atrial septal defect. The other thoracic and abdominal structures were examined and appeared normal. Knowledge of accessory fissures in the lung have importance in the clinical diagnosis of lobar pneumonia versus atelectasis with imaging and during resection of bronchopulmonary segments. Understanding this bronchial variation and anomalies have implications in diagnosis and endobronchial treatment, including airway stenting, bronchoscopy, endoscopy biopsy, and laser therapy.Support or Funding InformationTouro College of Osteopathic Medicine, Department of Anatomy
Rare Bilateral Morphological Variant of the Renal and Gonadal Blood Vessels. A Case Report.
Authors: Zahoi Delia Elena , Sztika Dorina , Enache Alexandra , Dăescu Ecaterina 
Published: November 2023

During the routine dissection of a 68‐year old male cadaver within our Department of Anatomy‐Embryology, a number of anomalies of the renal and gonadal vessels were observed. Each of the kidneys had two renal arteries and two renal veins. On the left side, the superior renal artery gave birth to a superior polar artery and an accessory gonadal artery. The left renal veins formed a ring around the abdominal portion of the aorta. The superior vein (with a preaortic path) had, as tributaries, the first left lumbar vein and an accessory gonadal vein, along with the suprarenal and left gonadal veins. The inferior vein (with a retroaortic path) had two lumbar veins as tributaries. The inferior renal artery and vein were both situated behind the ureter. The left testicle was drained by three veins – one main testicular vein, opening into the left renal vein, and two accessory veins, one also opening into the left renal vein and one directly into the inferior vena cava. On the right side, the two renal arteries ran parallel to each other. The superior artery gave birth to a superior polar artery, while the inferior one gave birth to the right gonadal artery. Both renal veins opened into the inferior vena cava. Awareness of such morphological variants in both renal and gonadal vessels is key to successful surgical interventions and avoiding of associated hemorrhages.Support or Funding InformationN/A
Natural Antioxidants and Colorectal Cancer: A New Approach
Authors: Jurjus Abdo , Geagea Alice Gerges , Al‐Kattar Sahar , Harmouche Melissa , Harakeh Steve , Diab‐Assaf Mona , Azar Rania , Eid Assad , Massade Liliane , Manfredi Rizzo 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionColorectal cancer (CRC) is a multifactorial disease; genetic epigenetic and environmental factors as well as oxidative stress could be responsible for its onset and progression. Several studies have documented the importance of natural antioxidants in countering oxidative stress and thus preventing colorectal carcinogenesis.ObjectiveThis study aimed to test the protective effect of a mixture of antioxidants against CRC progression in a colorectal cancer mouse model at cellular, microscopic and macroscopic levels.MethodsMale C57BL/6 mice were divided into 4 groups, Group 1 given the mixture (M) which contains Curcumin, Resveratrol, Quercetin, EGCG and Cruciferex PB (0.1 mg/mL + DSS (1.5%) + AOM (10mg/kg)). Group 2, M (1 mg/mL + DSS (1.5%) + AOM (10mg/kg)). Group 3, M (1 mg/mL) and Group 4, (DSS (1.5%) + AOM (10mg/kg)). Body weight, intake of drinking water and diet were recorded every day. Two sacrifices were made (week 7 & 14) and biopsies of the liver, small intestine, colon and kidneys were collected and processed for histology and histochemistry.ResultsThe mixture (M) improved the clinical signs and symptoms of the animals after the DSS cycle by decreasing the bleeding, diarrhea, inflammation and regaining the weight lost during the past week. Macroscopically, PB was able to decrease the formation of intestinal polyps, vessels vasodilation, inflammation and necrosis of the colon with respect to the controls. Microscopically, PB at both concentrations was able to decrease the infiltration of inflammatory cells, including mast cells and the formation of polyps, compared to the controls.ConclusionThe mixture (M) seems to have an effect in halting the progression of CRC at the macroscopical and microscopical levels. Further studies are needed to validate its effect at the molecular level.
Geometric Morphometric Analysis of Costal Cartilage: Considerations for Autograft Selection in Rhinoplasty
Authors: Russell Michelle L , Bender‐Heine Adam N , Rickards Allen A , Holmes J Scott , Armeni Mark A , Lambert H Wayne , Zdilla Matthew J 
Published: November 2023

Costal cartilage grafting is commonly utilized in rhinoplasty. Despite the common utilization of costal cartilage autografts, there are differing opinions regarding which costal cartilage levels provide the most ideal grafts. The shapes of costal cartilages are thought to lend themselves to the shapes of certain grafts; however, there has been little study of the shapes of costal cartilages, and most reports have been anecdotal. Therefore, this study aimed to detail the average shapes and most common shape variation of the fifth, sixth, and seventh costal cartilages. A total of 96 cadaveric costal cartilages were analyzed through geometric morphometric techniques. The fifth costal cartilage was determined to have the straightest shape, in general, and would therefore be particularly suitable for nasal dorsum onlay grafting. Likewise, the medial aspects of the sixth and seventh cartilages tend to be straight and are, likewise, suitable for reconstruction of the nasal dorsum. However, surgeons should be aware that the sixth and seventh costal cartilages tend to have an acute curvature in the coronal plane approximately four‐fifths of their total length away from the sternum.Support or Funding InformationWV Research Challenge Fund [HEPC.dsr.14.13] andWVU Initiation to Research Opportunities (INTRO) Summer Research program