bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Successful Diagnosis and Treatment of a Case of Arterial Adventitial Cystic Disease (ACD)
Authors: Liu Ye , Wang Long , Zhang Feng 
Published: November 2023

PurposeArterial adventitial cystic disease (ACD) is a rare type of non‐atherosclerotic peripheral vessel disease which results in intermittent claudication. There has been only a few cases reported in the past 50 years and its pathogenesis has been poorly understood. In ACD, it is the challenging goal of surgeons to reach a quick and correct diagnosis operation. A series of observations and treatment in one case of typical ACD were conducted to better understand the development and the diagnostic procedure of ACD.MethodsA 55‐year‐old female patient visited the hospital with a complaint of claudicating on the right lower extremity that had begun three months earlier. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) was performed for exact diagnosis. Tissue samples obtained from surgeries were observed histopathologically.ResultsThe patient was admitted in hospital for suspecting occlusive artery on right lower extremity based on a physical examination and CTA and the treatment plan for arterial occlusion was stent placement. After carefully reviewed the result of CTA, the authors found the intima of popliteal artery was smooth and a mass with uniform density could be seen near the adventitia. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) was further performed for exact diagnosis and the result indicated adventitial cystic disease as well. Thus, a cystic mass excision was performed. Stent‐graft bypass implantation was performed because the cyst was 8cm long which was not fit for partial excision repair. In the end, a cystic mass obtained from surgeries were observed histopathologically and final ACD diagnosed based on the macroscopic findings. The patient was recovered and the claudicating on the right lower extremity was resolved.ConclusionsArterial adventitial cystic disease is a rare type of non‐atherosclerotic peripheral vessel disease. It could be misdiagnosed as occlusive artery and stent placement would aggravate the condition. Therefore, the diagnosis is critical for ACD and the cystic mass excision must be performed.
Development and Delivery of Robust Biosensors for Measuring Signal Transduction in Living Cells
Authors: Tillo Shane , Tewson Paul , Martinka Scott , Hughes Thom , Quinn Anne Marie 
Published: November 2023

We present a set of robust, easy to use, genetically encoded sensors for the detection of cyclic AMP (cAMP), diacyl‐glycerol (DAG), and PIP2 in a variety of living cell types. The sensors fluoresce in either the green or red part of the visible spectrum, and they can be combined with one another, or other colored sensors, for the simultaneous detection of multiple components of signal transduction pathways. The sensors are packaged in BacMam, a modified baculovirus, under the control of CMV, synapsin, EF1a, or CAG promoter systems for ease of use in a wide variety of cells.We present examples of the simultaneous imaging of cAMP and DAG, cAMP and PIP2, and DAG and PIP2 kinetics. We use the cAMP sensors to detect, quantify, and compare Gi and Gs mediated signaling across CHO, HEK293, and NIH 3T3 cells. The cAMP sensor is remarkably sensitive, and it can be used to detect either Gs activation of adenyl cyclase or Gi inhibition of adenyl cyclase in the same cells. Notably, our technology allows for Gi detection without the need for forskolin or IBMX pre‐treatment. These sensors are not only easy to use on standard microscopes, but they excel on automated plate readers, producing Z’ values > 0.8.
Competency‐Based Biochemistry Education in an Online Format ‐ Interactive and Quantifiable
Authors: Jovic Marko 
Published: November 2023

The primary objective of our competency‐based biochemistry program is to enable each and every student to acquire and demonstrate full competency in biochemistry. Competency is determined by a predefined set of standardized requirements, as formulated by Subject Matter Experts and quantified by the Modified Angoff approach. The required demonstration of competency ensures that each student possess the necessary proficiency in biochemical concepts.The interactive, online format of our competency‐based biochemistry program makes it particularly conducive to in‐depth performance analysis, and enables the identification of the most effective delivery and outreach approaches for our student population. With over 10,000 students enrolled in the program each year, we were able to effectively utilize parameters such as the pass rate, course completion rate and average task assessment submission to identify the most effective delivery methods for our biochemistry material. In particular, we identified competency sections with less than 80% passing rate, and with targeted changes we improved the passing rate above the 80% cutoff in 2 out of 4 sections.In addition, such a large dataset enabled us to determine the best outreach strategies, aimed at identifying students in need of additional guidance through one‐on‐one mentoring. The Initial metric used for student performance evaluation is based on the random forest algorithm, created based on 1,600 parameters for academic performance. Interestingly, a timely outreach to biochemistry students of different performance categories was equally effective in improving student performance in the course, as measured by the average number of days spent in the course. Overall, in the first two months of the outreach study 954 student outreach calls were made, with 32% of students responding to the outreach. Over the course of the study the course completion rate showed a statistically significant increase of 7% for all students enrolled. More specifically, such a large data set enabled us to identify outreach patterns that have led to more targeted outreach approaches. These approaches may be more broadly applicable in both online and traditional classroom settings.While our educational model was useful in identifying effective delivery and outreach strategies in an interactive online setting, our findings go beyond the competency‐based biochemistry model alone. Taken together, these approaches can be applied to biochemistry education in general, creating conditions for the ultimate personalization of biochemistry education, based on the student's educational background, academic strengths, and learning strategies.
Selective Action of Aqueous Maté Extract on Human Breast Cancer
Authors: Nguyen Catherine , Nisbett Kenisha , Halvorsen Vanessa , He Calvin , Sadik Amina 
Published: November 2023

Ilex paraguariensis, Yerba Maté, is a subtropical plant native to South America, where it is consumed several times daily as a tea made with roasted leaves. Several studies have been conducted to elucidate the beneficial effects of this beverage. A recent study has shown that saponins isolated from Yerba Maté extract induce apoptosis in human colon cancer cells, while another study indicated that the consumption of Maté tea causes higher incidence of esophageal cancer. Our study looked into the effects Yerba Maté extract had on human breast cancer cells and non‐cancer cells from the same tissue. The findings showed a decrease in viable T47D breast cancer cells after treatment with crude Maté extract in a dose‐dependent manner, whereas the normal cells, MCF12A, seem to be equally affected by Maté extract and PBS/water. To elucidate the mechanism by which Maté extract causes breast cancer cells to die, and how the non‐cancerous cells die regardless of the media content, we quantified different markers of apoptosis. Caspase 3‐AF 647 and p53 FITC assays allowed us to detect an increase in both caspase 3 and p53 concentrations using flow cytometry. These findings suggest that the treatment with Yerba Maté extract results in an upregulation of pro‐apoptotic markers in breast cancer cells, thereby decreasing their viability through apoptosis, which is a programed cell death mechanism, whereas the non‐cancerous cells do not respond to Maté treatment in any particular manner. Consequently, Maté extract seem to kill cancerous cells in a selective manner.Support or Funding InformationBasic Science Department at Touro University Nevada
Hydration status of healthy college students in a large Southwestern university
Authors: Zemek Kate , Johnston Carol 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionWater is an essential but often overlooked nutrient, and mild dehydration can adversely impact mood and cognitive function. Those living in hot climates are particularly at risk for dehydration due to increased heat stress and water loss via sweat. No intervention trials that target fluid consumption have been conducted among healthy U.S. college students attending a large Southwest university. To inform if there is need for such an intervention, we examined hydration status in this population.MethodsCollege students aged 18–40 years with a BMI of 18.5–35 kg/m2 were recruited from a large Southwest university. Hydration assessment was measured using urine specific gravity (USG; euhydration <1.020) and a validated color chart [color intensity numbered 1 to 8; color matches 4 to 8 indicate dehydration].ResultsThus far, 24 college students (21 F; 23.6±5.3 y) have been tested, and 25% of students assessed were dehydrated (n=6) using a score ≥4 on the color chart or ≥1.020 USG. An additional 37.5% (n=9) showed signs of dehydration (USG >1.010; color >2). Additionally, the urine specific gravity measure and urine color chart categorization were highly correlated (r=0.867).Discussion/ConclusionConsidering the cognitive demands of a student, potentially 62.5% (n=15) of students assessed could benefit from increased fluid consumption, thus giving need to an intervention study.Future stepsWe plan to conduct additional assessments (n=75) and develop an intervention appropriate for our population for a future study.Support or Funding InformationASU Graduate and Professional Student Association
Does shark liver oil have a potent antithrombotic effect in spontaneously hypertensive rats?
Authors: Jeon Hyejin 
Published: November 2023

The present study was conducted with the aim to investigate the favorable effect of dose‐dependent effect of shark liver oil (SLO) on the improvement of blood circulation by enhancing endothelial function and antithrombotic effects against spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Rats were randomized into 5 groups (n=10/group): Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rat control; SHR control; SLO1 (45% squalene; 400mg/kg body weight); SLO2 (98% squalene; 400 and 1,020mg/kg). The test materials were administered orally on a daily basis with a normal diet for 8 weeks. 6‐week‐old male SHRs were given test materials by gavage feeding and blood pressure was recorded on a weekly basis. Blood pressure was significantly reduced in SHRs fed the 98% squalene high dose (1,020 mg/kg B.W) group compared to vehicle group (p<0.05). Platelet aggregation induced by thrombin and adenosine diphosphate was significantly reduced in SHRs fed the 98% squalene low dose (400 mg/kg B.W) group compared to vehicle group. However, prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time had no significant differences. Plasma prostaglandin‐I2 and thromboxane‐B2 levels were significantly different between WKY and SHR, however, there was no significant different between SHR and SLO‐treated SHRs. These finding suggests that SLO might have a favorable effect for improving blood pressure control and platelet aggregation regardless of dose dependency. In further study, phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase‐Akt‐eNOS signaling pathway will be observed to elucidate the mechanism of the blood pressure response to SLO.Support or Funding Information* This work was supported by the Ministry of Science, ICT & Future Planning (Bio‐synergy Research Project NRF2012M3A9C4048761) and BK21 PLUS through the National Research Foundation.
Defining diets: Definitions of diet composition used in human research
Authors: Najm Nadia , Milanes Jillian , Brown Michelle Bohan 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundThe importance of dietary research as it pertains to health outcomes has become increasingly important in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. However, dietary compositions used in studies on human health appear to vary widely in their definition.PurposeThe objective of this study was to examine author's description of diet composition in published manuscripts.MethodsWe searched the Web of Science database for six diet types: high/low versions for carbohydrate, fat, and protein respectively and obesity related outcomes. Inclusion Criteria: Randomized controlled trials in humans with obesity outcomes and articles in the English language.ResultsThe search for high fat diet and obesity related outcomes yielded 560 articles, 12 met the inclusion criteria. Of the 12, three articles gave no definition for a high fat diet, 5 articles gave a partial definition, and 4 articles gave a full definition for a high fat diet. Of the 9 studies that provided any definition for the high fat diet, the percentage of fat ranged from 43% to 70%.ConclusionNo clear definition of a high fat diet in humans was found. The specifications for diet composition in human studies were ambiguous and/or variable, making the comparison and application of the existing evidence difficult.
Taste Testing in a Pediatric Case of Congenital Aglossia
Authors: Valent Franziska , Wang Long , McMicken Betty , Rock Cheryl 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundCongenital aglossia (CA) is a rare inborn condition characterized by the complete absence of the tongue. This study aimed to determine gustatory function in a pediatric female subject with CA. The study was built on previous research on taste discrimination of a 44‐year‐old female subject with isolated congenital aglossia (ICA) and anecdotal reports of individuals with CA possessing the ability to discern taste stimuli.MethodsIn this randomized, double‐blinded, controlled trial, a total of 78 samples were presented to an 11‐year‐old female subject with CA in the presence of her parents. Triplicate samples of sucrose (sweet), citric acid (sour), sodium chloride (salty), caffeine (bitter), and monosodium glutamate (umami) solutions at five concentration levels each were tested, in addition to three water samples. Stimuli solution concentrations ranged from 0.5 M to 5.0×10−4 M for sweet, 3.2×10−4 M to 2.0×10−5 M for sour, 0.1 M to 1.0×10−3 M for salty, 1.0×10−3 M to 1.0×10−5 M for bitter, and 1.0×10−2 M to 1.0×10−4 M for umami. Data was analyzed using SPSS 22. The recorded responses were used to develop contingency tables and descriptive statistics were run to determine percentage of accurate stimuli identification and frequency of substitutions. Correct identification was set at a threshold value of ≥66.6% accuracy (two out of three). Cross‐tabulations of taste identification accuracy versus actual taste, stimuli concentration, and presentation order were developed and tested for statistically significant association (p≤0.05) using chi‐square testing.ResultsOut of the five stimuli, sour and umami were correctly identified by the participant. Umami was accurately identified 100% of the time at 5.0×10−3 M and sour 66.66% of the time at 1.6×10−4 M. Correct identification threshold criteria were not met for sweet, salty, and bitter samples at any concentration. Statistically significant association could not be determined between taste identification accuracy and particular taste [X2(5)=7.674, p=.175], individual stimuli concentration levels (sweet p=.645; sour p=.558; salty p=.484; umami p=.061), or presentation order [X2(5)=55.000, p=.437]. The most commonly recorded substitution was bitter as sour (n=5), followed by bitter as salty (n=4).ConclusionThis study supports previous findings indicating that sour is one of the stimuli that may be accurately identified by a person with CA, though at a lower threshold than previously found in the ICA trial or in persons without CA. This study also indicated accurate taste discrimination of umami stimuli, a new finding compared to the previous trial. As with sour, umami identification occurred at a lower threshold than found in persons without CA. These lower discrimination thresholds, as well as the misidentification of the sweet, salty, and bitter stimuli, may indicate possible gustatory dysfunction among individuals with CA compared to persons born with a tongue.
Relationship Between Sweet Taste Preference and Dyslipidemia in Korean Women
Authors: Kim Seog‐Young , Shin Yoonjin , Lee Seohyun , Kim Yangha 
Published: November 2023

This study investigated the daily nutrient intake and the risk of dyslipidemia, based on the preference for sweet taste. Subjects were participants from the Anseong and Ansan Cohort Study, which was a part of the Korean Genome Epidemiology Study (KoGES) in 2001. A total of 4148 women aged 40s–60s were included in this study. Data was collected using self‐administered questionnaires, anthropometric measurements and blood chemical analysis. Nutritional status was assessed by a semi‐quantitative food‐frequency questionnaire of 103 food items. Daily intake of carbohydrate and fat were significantly higher in subjects who liked the sweet taste than in those who disliked it (p for trend < 0.0001). The serum levels of total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglyceride were higher in subjects who liked the sweet taste than in those who disliked it (p for trend < 0.0001). Also, subjects who liked the sweet taste had a significantly higher risk of dyslipidemia (OR=1.20 [1.04–1.39]), hypercholesterolemia (OR=1.22 [1.00–1.50]), and hyper‐LDL‐cholesterolemia (OR=1.34 [1.09–1.64]) as compared with those who disliked it. These findings suggest that preference for sweet taste may be related to high consumption of carbohydrate and fat with the increased risk of dyslipidemia in middle‐aged Korean women.Support or Funding InformationThis work was supported by the Brain Korea 21 plus project funding (No. 22A20130012143).
The Effects of a Ketogenic Diet and Physical Activity on Adipose Tissue Characteristics
Authors: Holland A. Maleah , Kephart Wesley C. , Mumford Petey W , Lowery Ryan P , Mobley C. Brooks , Healy James , Shake Joshua J , Patel Romil K , Roberts Michael D. , Wilson Jacob M. 
Published: November 2023

Very low‐carbohydrate (ketogenic) diets are becoming increasingly popular as weight loss interventions. This study examined the effects of ketogenic (KD), Western (WD), and standard chow (SC) control diets in sedentary (SED) and physically active (EX) rats on adipocyte size and beiging in three fat depots.METHODSMale Sprague‐Dawley rats (~9–10 weeks of age) were provided isocaloric amounts of either a KD (5.2 kcal/g, 20.2% protein, 10.3% carbohydrate, 69.5% fat; n=50), WD (4.5 kcal/g, 15.2% protein, 42.7% carbohydrate, 42.0% fat; n=66), or SC (3.1 kcal/g, 24.0% protein, 58.0% carbohydrate, 18.0% fat n=10) for 6 weeks with daily food intake and body weights recorded. EX rats were provided a voluntary resistance running wheel and daily distances ran were recorded. After the animals were sacrificed, three fat depots including omental (OMAT), inguinal subcutaneous (SQ), and brown adipose tissue (BAT) were weighed and preserved for histological analyses which included H&E staining to determine adipocyte size and immunohistochemistry (IHC) for uncoupling protein‐1 (UCP‐1) protein quantification as a beiging characteristic.RESULTSOMAT absolute mass was greater in WD than KD (1.39 ± 0.15 g vs 0.73 ± 1.09 g, respectively, p < 0.001) and greater in SED than EX (1.24 ± 0.11 g vs 0.81 ± 0.07 g, respectively, p < 0.005); relative mass was greater in WD than KD (2.79 ± 0.28 mg/g vs 0.73 ± 0.09 mg/g, respectively, p < 0.001) and greater in SED than EX (2.62 ± 0.20 g vs 1.77 ± 0.15 g, respectively, p < 0.005); and average adipocyte diameter was greater in WD and SC than KD (57.23 ± 2.46 um and 56.36 ± 2.74 um vs 44.38 ± 1.44 um, p < 0.005 and p < 0.01, respectively). SQ absolute mass was greater in WD than KD (6.44 ± 0.60 g vs 4.12 ± 0.41 g, respectively, p < 0.001) but there were no differences in SQ relative mass or adipocyte diameter. In BAT, absolute mass was greater in WD than KD (0.67 ± 0.04 g vs 0.54 ± 0.03 g, respectively, p < 0.05) and greater in SED than EX (1.42 ± 0.06 g vs 1.21 ± 0.05 g, respectively, p < 0.01) but there were no differences in relative mass. BAT average adipocyte diameter was greater in WD than SC (21.89 ± 0.95 um vs 18.21 ± 0.77 um, respectively, p < 0.01). Regarding UCP‐1 IHC, greater expression was observed in the OMAT and BAT of EX than SED (OMAT: 30.99 ± 1.28 % vs 27.65 ± 1.05 %, respectively, p < 0.05; and BAT: 62.98 ± 2.20 % vs 46.96 ± 1.67 %, respectively, p < 0.001).CONCLUSIONThese rodent data suggest that a ketogenic diet and exercise, independently, are favorable for reducing adipose tissue and cell size. However, exercise appears to enhance adipose tissue beiging in OMAT and BAT independent of diet.
Assessment of physiological response to an acute exercise challenge in a nutritional intervention study
Authors: Kim You Jin , Choi Sungkyoung , Park Taesung , Kim Ji Yeon , Kwon Oran 
Published: November 2023

Combination of an exercise challenge model with a multi‐omics approach can be considered as a sensitive methodology to undertake a more holistic analysis of physiological responses to nutritional intervention. Few human studies have been reported which addresses the response to nutritional intervention when exposed to exercise challenge. However, it has not been reported yet how physiological response to acute exercise challenge differs from resting state when combining a multi‐omics approach. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to elucidate the mechanical response to a single bout of moderate exercise by combining omics profiling data in a nutritional intervention study. In randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study, 48 sedentary participants with body mass index (kg/m2) between 23 and 30 ingested either black raspberry (n=21) or placebo (n=24) for 4 weeks. At baseline and at the end of the study, each subject underwent an acute bout of treadmill exercise at 60% VO2max for 30 min and blood and urine samples were taken at fasting and post‐exercise state. Via next‐generation sequencing and 1H‐NMR metabolomic profiling, change in gene expression and endogenous metabolites in blood and urine was identified in response to an exercise challenge. Furthermore, integrative protein‐gene‐metabolite network would provide additional support for a deeper understanding to mechanical response to an exercise challenge test.Support or Funding InformationSupported by the Ministry of Science, ICT & Future Planning through the National Research Foundation (Bio‐synergy Research Project NRF2012M3A9C4048761).