bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acrylic drawers: an alternative for teaching sectional anatomy
Authors: de Carvalho Arthur Teixeira , Borges Carlos Augusto Servato , Júnior Valdir Mazzucato , Savoldi Marcelo , Bim Waldeci Roberto , Fazan Valéria Paula Sassoli 
Published: November 2023

There is no question about the importance for medical students to learn and understand sectional anatomy, since imaging methods play an important role in medical diagnosis and therapeutic planning. The interpretation of these images, particularly CT scans and MRIs, requires a comprehensive and deep knowledge of sectional anatomy. After the development of the plastination technique, plastinated sections have been widely used to teach sectional anatomy. Nevertheless, plastination is still expensive and not readily available in most of the anatomy laboratories in medical schools in Brazil. Thus, we created an alternative method to teach cross sectional anatomy in the School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto – University of São Paulo. The method consists in building a transparent acrylic box that holds several acrylic drawers inside. The box is closed on top by a lid and filled up with the fixative solution. The acrylic drawers go inside this box. They are completely closed but perforated on the corners, so the fixative solution can get in contact with the human body cross section that will fit closely inside the drawer. When the students use the specimens, they can be washed with running water to remove the fixative from the tissue and reduce the unpleasant fixative smell. The box can be filled up with water while the specimens are being used in the laboratory, so they will not get dry. After exposing our students to the method, we understand that the acrylic drawers method is not so utterly efficient as the plastination, presenting some disadvantages. For instance, the human body cross sections used in the drawers are thicker than those used in plastination; the anatomy specimens used are wet and not as durable compared to plastination; and touching the cross sections inside the acrylic drawers is not possible. However, the acrylic drawers strategy was shown, indeed, to be an affordable and viable method which helps our future medical doctors not only to understand minute details of human anatomy, but also to scrutinize the anatomic syntopies and relative position of body structures. In spite of some specific disadvantages, the acrylic drawers method is an outstanding inexpensive solution for studying cross sectional anatomy, which is vital to the medical interpretation of imaging procedures.Support or Funding InformationFAEPA, CNPq, FAPESP
Restoring Antiendotoxin Activities of Inactive Antimicrobial Peptides
Authors: Cheng Jya‐Wei , Chu Hung‐Lun , Chih Ya‐Han , Wu Chih‐Lung , Yu Hui‐Yuan , Chou Yu‐Ting 
Published: November 2023

Gram‐negative bacteria cell wall is composed of two layers: the inner phospholipid membrane and the outer membrane with a highly conserved unique lipid called lipopolysaccharide (LPS; endotoxin). LPS acts as a permeability barrier against a number of bactericidal agents. Furthermore, LPS is well known as a potent inducer of the immune system when it is released to blood and often causes septic shock syndromes in human. Some but not every antimicrobial peptide can neutralize LPS stimulated proinflammatory responses. We have developed an easy method to restore antiendotoxin activities of inactive antimicrobial peptides by linking two inactive α‐helical peptides with the AGP sequence. Antibacterial activities were determined by the standard broth micro‐dilution method of National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards. Toxicities of the peptides were determined from measuring cell death by the MTT assay against human fibroblast (HFW cells). Dynamic light scattering (DLS) was used to measure the size increase of LPS in the presence of the peptides. The ability of LPS neutralization in vitro was measured by Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) assay. LPS can induce nitrite oxide (NO) and TNF‐α production in macrophage cells. Experimental mouse endotoxemia model was used to test the antiendotoxin activities of the peptides. Significant antiendotoxin effects were observed in vitro and in vivo with the AGP linked variant of the short α‐helical peptides KR12 and WR6. The results will be used to help us design more potent antimicrobial peptides for clinical application in the future.Support or Funding InformationGrant Number 103‐2113‐M‐007‐009‐MY2, Ministry of Science and Technology, Taiwan
Rapid differentiation of astrocytes from human ESCs
Authors: Han Baek‐Soo , Kim Won‐Kon , Lee Cheon Ok , Byun Jeong Su , Lee Sang Chul 
Published: November 2023

Astrocytes are the most abundant cells of the human brain and have the role of biochemical support of endothelial cell, supply of nutrients to the nervous tissue and maintenance of extracellular ion balance etc. In development of nervous tissue, the differentiation of astrocytes is later than neurons. In vitro, it takes more time and more techniques to obtain mature and pure astrocytes.In this study, we developed the protocol to gain mature and pure astrocytes from human embryonic stem cells. To keep the quality of the differentiated astrocytes and to decrease the variations of the cell properties between batch to batch, we first tried to get neural progenitor cells (NPCs) and expand the cell number. The first step of astrocyte differentiation from neural progenitor cells were performed in astrocyte induction media containing EGF and heparin. Next, the cells were attached to coated plate in astrocyte defined media containing CNTF for 23 days. And then we checked the cell property with immunocytochemistry and western blot using antibodies for astrocyte specific marker proteins. To validate the functional property of the astrocyte, IL‐6 release from astrocytes was tested. By FACS analysis, we found that the percentage of astrocytes among the cells differentiated from NPCs was over 90%. Taken together, with our protocol, we can obtain the mature and pure astrocytes within 4 weeks from NPCs and we have the plan to make micro‐environment with neurons, astrocyte and endothelial cells.Support or Funding InformationThis work was partly supported by grants from KRIBB and the Korea National Research of Foundation (No. 2012M3A9C7050101, 2011‐0030028 and 2013M3A9A7046301).
The Sterilized Fermented Feed Improves Intestinal Barrier Function and Immune Function in Chicken
Authors: Zhang Jun , Zhu Jianjin , Sun Jin , Jiang Rong , Rahman Md Ramim Tanver 
Published: November 2023

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary addition of fermentation metabolites by Sterilized fermented feed(SFF) as a replacement for fermented feed(FF) and antibiotics on expression of genes related intestinal barrier function and immune parameters in chicken. Three hundred and ninety‐six 1‐d‐old broilers with body weight of 41.27 ± 0.49 g were randomly allotted into 4 dietary treatments: 1) Positive control: PC (basal diet + bacitracinzinc80 mg/kg feed + colistin sulfate 20mg/kg feed), 2) Negative control: NC (basal diet), 3) FT (basal diet + 2.0% FF), and 4) SFT (basal diet + 2.0% SFF). After trial, 8chickens from each treatment were randomly selected to collect serum and intestinal samples. Chickens in the PC groups had a decrease (P < 0.05) in serum concentrations of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) compared with the NC, FT and SFT group, and there were no difference among group NC, FT and SFT. In the ileum, supplementation with SFF and FF down‐regulated (P<0.05) the mRNA levels of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) andIL‐6 compared with the NC and PC group. Besides, supplementation with SFF up‐regulated(P<0.05) the mRNA levels of Claudin‐1, Claudin‐3, Claudin‐5, zonula occludens1 (ZO‐1), zonula occludens 2 (ZO‐2), Toll‐like receptor 2 (TLR2), Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4), defensins AVBD‐9, mucin 2 (MUC2), secretory IgA (sIgA) and IL‐18 compared with the NC group. Furthermore, the mRNA levels of TLR2, AVBD‐9, Claudin‐3 and Claudin‐5 in group SET were lower (P<0.05) than that of group FT but higher than (P<0.05) group PC. And there were no difference on occluding among all groups. Collectively, the current results indicate that dietary addition of SFF has a beneficial influence on the health condition of chicken by improving intestinal barrier function and immune function. That indicated the probiotics is not the only ingredient that works and the fermentation metabolites should be paid more attention.Support or Funding InformationSanzhi Biotechnology Co. Ltd., Shanghai, China
Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) Genotype and Probiotics Modify the Association between Early Infant Feeding and Islet Autoimmunity in the TEDDY Study
Authors: Uusitalo Ulla , Lee Hye‐Seung , Aronsson Carin Andren , Vehik Kendra , Yang Jimin , Hummel Sandra , Silvis Katherine , Lernmark Åke , Rewers Marian , Hagopian William , She Jin‐Xiong , Simell Olli , Toppari Jorma , Ziegler Anette G. , Akolkar Beena , Krischer Jeffrey , Virtanen Suvi , Norris Jill ,   The TEDDY Study Group
Published: November 2023

Several studies have examined the duration of breastfeeding and timing of introduction of complementary foods in the development of type 1 diabetes (T1D) related islet autoimmunity (IA). The results have varied by country. This is the first attempt to study the association in a multi‐country setting.The Environmental Determinants of Diabetes in the Young (TEDDY) study prospectively follows 8676 children with T1D‐associated human leukocyte antigen (HLA) DR‐ and DQ‐alleles in the U.S., Finland, Germany, and Sweden. Blood samples were collected every 3 months from birth to evaluate the primary outcome of IA, defined as appearance of one or more of the islet cell antibodies to insulin, glutamic acid decarboxylase or insulinoma antigen‐2, confirmed in two laboratories at two consecutive visits. The age at introduction of solid foods was categorized: < 4, 4–5.9, and ≥ 6 months. Reported probiotic exposure via infant formula or via dietary supplements during the first year of life was collected. Children followed at least 1 year (n=7481) were included in the study. We used Cox regression model adjusting for country, family T1D status, HLA‐DR‐DQ genotype, and sex of the child to study the risk of IA.Significant interactions between the HLA‐DR‐DQ genotype, probiotic exposure before 6 months, and timing of solid foods (pinteraction=0.036) and gluten containing cereals (pinteraction=0.015) in relation to IA risk were detected. Early introduction of any solid food was associated with increased risk of IA (<4 months versus ≥6 months: HR 2.46; 95% CI 1.43, 4.22, p=0.001, and 4–5.9 months versus ≥ 6 months: HR 2.32; 95% CI 1.36, 3.94, p=0.002) if the child had DR3/4 genotype and had not received probiotics during the first 6 months of life. However, if probiotics were given before 6 months of age the risk of IA was lower among those with DR3/4 genotype: introduction of solid foods before 4 months of age: HR 0.44; 95% CI 0.20, 0.99, p=0.047 and at 4–5.9 months: HR 0.35; 95% CI 0.16, 0.77, p=0.009, respectively, when compared with introduction of solid foods at 6 months or later.We conclude that timing of solid food introduction may be associated with IA in TEDDY in a manner linked to HLA genotype and to the exposure of probiotics during the first 6 months.Support or Funding InformationFunded by NIH, NIDDK, NIAID, NICHD, NIEHS, JDRF and CDC.
Serum Trimethylamine N‐Oxide (TMAO), Diet, and Colorectal Cancer Risk
Authors: Guertin Kristin A , Graubard Barry I , Goedert James J , Li Xin‐Min , Hazen Stanley L , Sinha Rashmi 
Published: November 2023

ObjectiveCholine and carnitine are two compounds that are found in human diets and can be metabolized to trimethylamine (TMA) and, ultimately, to Trimethylamine N‐Oxide (TMAO) by the gut microbiota. There is evidence that individuals with higher serum TMAO concentrations may have subclinical inflammation and greater risk of deleterious health outcomes, including heart disease. There is limited research on the potential role of TMAO in colorectal risk, and no studies that consider dietary intake of choline‐ and carnitine‐containing foods simultaneously with TMAO and colorectal cancer risk. We evaluated the association between serum TMAO and colorectal cancer risk (total, proximal, distal, and rectal colorectal cancers) in a nested case‐control study.MethodsWithin the Alpha‐Tocopherol Beta‐Carotene (ATBC) Study, a cohort of male smokers, we incidence‐density matched 644 incident colorectal cancer cases (median 14 years after baseline) and 644 controls. We selected baseline fasting serum samples and used liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) to measure TMAO and stable isotope dilution LC‐MS/MS to measure carnitine and choline. Spearman correlations describe the association between these serum biomarkers and the association between the biomarkers and self‐reported dietary intake of choline‐ and carnitine‐containing foods (e.g., meat, eggs). Logistic regression models estimate the adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for colorectal cancer by quartile of each serum biomarker and, separately, by choline‐ and carnitine‐containing foods.ResultsColorectal cancer risk was not associated with serum TMAO [ORhighest vs. lowest quartile=1.20; 95% CI=0.86–1.68], carnitine [ORhighest vs. lowest quartile=1.03; 95%CI=0.73–1.44], or dietary intake of choline‐ and carnitine‐containing foods. Individuals with higher serum choline had greater risk of colorectal cancer, with about a 3‐fold greater risk for the highest compared to lowest quartile in models adjusted for age, batch, and smoking [OR (95% CI)=3.38 (2.37–4.80); P‐trend<0.0001]; results were similarly robust for all anatomical subsites (P‐trend<0.0001 for proximal, distal, and rectal colon cancers).ConclusionsThis study provides strong evidence that alterations in choline metabolism, here investigated as higher serum choline concentrations, may be a marker of increased colorectal cancer risk. There was no evidence of an association between serum TMAO and risk of colorectal cancer. The strength of the associations between choline and colorectal cancer risk and the consistency of the risk estimates across all examined anatomical subsites strongly supports a role of altered choline metabolism in colorectal cancer pathogenesis.Support or Funding InformationIntramural Research Program of the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health
Comparing the Impact of Saturated Fatty Acids from Different Dairy Sources on Plasma Lipids: Preliminary Data from a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Tessier‐Grenier Maude , Brassard Didier , Rajendiran Ethendhar , She Yongbo , Ramprasath Vanu , Gigleux Iris , Levy Emile , Tremblay Angelo , Jones Peter , Couture Patrick , Lamarche Benoît 
Published: November 2023

ObjectiveTo investigate the impact of saturated fatty acids (SFA) from different dairy products, namely cheese and butter, on plasma lipid levels in men and women.MethodsThis multicenter randomized crossover trial study involved 90 men and women with abdominal obesity and relatively low HDL‐C levels from the Quebec City and Winnipeg metropolitan areas. Subjects were randomized to sequences of 5 diets of 4 weeks each, with a 4 week washout between diets. The 5 isocaloric diets were the following: 1) a diet rich in SFA from cheese (CHEESE); 2) a diet rich in SFA from butter (BUTTER); 3) a diet rich in mono‐unsaturated fatty acids (MUFA); 4) a diet rich in poly‐unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA); and 5) a low‐fat, high carbohydrate diet (CHO). The macronutrient, calcium and sodium content of each diet is shown in Table 1. All foods were provided to participants in the context of this feeding study.Preliminary resultsPreliminary results are presented for a total of 57 participants recruited in Quebec City. There was no significant change in anthropometric measurements among the five diets. BUTTER significantly raised serum LDL‐C and HDL‐C (+7.1% and +8.0% respectively, p<0.01) while CHEESE only raised serum HDL‐C (+5.3%, p<0.05) compared with CHO. Serum LDL‐C concentrations were higher with BUTTER than with CHEESE (+2.5%, p=0.02) while serum TG were higher with CHEESE than with BUTTER (+9.5%, p=0.007). Lowest serum LDL‐C concentrations were seen after the MUFA and the PUFA diets.ConclusionPreliminary data from this carefully controlled feeding study suggest that the cardiometabolic change induced by consumption of SFA may be influenced by its food source. SFA from cheese may have less of an effect on serum LDL‐C but may be associated with increased plasma TG levels compared with SFA from butter. This suggests that the food matrix may influence the impact of constituent nutrients on health. The impact of such findings in terms of cardiovascular risk needs to be investigated further.Support or Funding InformationDairy Research Cluster Initiative (Dairy Farmers of Canada, Agriculture and Agri‐Food Canada, the Canadian Dairy Network and the Canadian Dairy Commission)
Macronutrient (% energy), calcium and sodium content of experimental diets

CHEESE
BUTTER
MUFA
PUFA
CHO

Lipids (%)
32
32
32
32
25

SFA (%)
13
13
6
6
6

MUFA (%)
14
14
21
14
14

PUFA (%)
5
5
5
12
5

Carbohydrates (%)
52
52
52
52
59

Proteins (%)
16
16
16
16
16

Calcium (mg/2500 kcal)
1261
812
812
812
842

Sodium (mg/2500 kcal)
2482
2480
2479
2479
2485
Comparison of Different Tissue Clearing Methods and 3D Imaging Techniques for Visualization of GFP‐expressing Mouse Embryos and Embryonic Hearts
Authors: Kolesova Hana , Capek Martin , Janacek Jiri , Sedmera David 
Published: November 2023

AimsTo find a suitable tissue clearing protocol preserving GFP fluorescence for whole mount imaging of embryonic and adult hearts of transgenic mice.MethodsWe tested various published organic solvent‐based or water‐based clearing protocols claiming to preserve GFP fluorescence in central nervous system: tetrahydrofurane dehydration and dibenzyl ether protocol (DBE), SCALE, CLARITY, and CUBIC to evaluate their use for embryonic heart tissue. Tissue transparency and preservation of GFP fluorescence was evaluated in hearts of Cx40:GFP knock in mice at stages: ED10.5 – ED18.5, and adults. We also tested several imaging techniques and evaluated their use for embryonic hearts visualization. We compared an Upright Single Photon Confocal Microscope (Olympus) with 4×, 10×, and 25× objectives after mounting the specimens into cavity slides or custom imaging chambers with an Optical Projection Tomography (OPT, custom made) and with a Single Plane Ilumination Microscopy (SPIM) (constructed according to the OpenSPIM project).ResultsDespite careful control of all critical parameters, DBE clearing protocol did not preserve GFP fluorescence; in addition, it caused considerable tissue shrinking and deformation. The SCALE clearing resulted in good tissue transparency up to ED12.5; at later stages and in the adults the useful depth of imaging was limited by tissue light scattering. The CLARITY method considerably improved tissue transparency at later stages, but also decreased GFP fluorescence intensity. The CUBIC method resulted in very well cleared specimens even at the adult stages, and GFP fluorescence was also preserved. In addition, it decolorized the blood and myocardium by removing iron from the tissues. High‐resolution images were thus obtained even from deep tissue layers with a confocal microscope with a Scale View immersion 25× objective. Simultaneously, intact specimens were imaged with OPT and SPIM that have lower resolution, but are more suitable for observing large samples.ConclusionsFrom the tested methods, the CUBIC protocol turned out to be the best for whole mount GFP cardiac specimens. SCALE technique is also suitable for younger embryos. Confocal microscopy is needed for detailed view, while OPT and SPIM enable to observe larger samples. These protocols will be used for three dimensional reconstructions of normal and abnormal specimens to visualize the developing cardiac conduction system and coronary vasculature.Support or Funding InformationSupported by 13‐12412S from the Czech Science Foundation, Ministry of Education PRVOUK P35/LF1/5, institutional support RVO:67985823, and Charles University UNCE.
Assessment of an Educational Intervention on Blood Pressure Knowledge and Risk Factor Practices in Collegiate Football Athletes
Authors: Armstrong Sarah , Jackson Loreto , Sharp Julia , Cason Katherine , Haley‐Zitlin Vivian 
Published: November 2023

Hypertension is a serious health problem affecting approximately one‐third of the adult population in the US. While athletes work to maintain high levels of fitness, they too, are affected by this disease. American–style football is the most popular sport in which adolescents within the US participate. This translates into many individuals pursuing collegiate football activities. Few studies have examined blood pressure and football relationships. However, an increase in blood pressure was observed within the first season of playing football, with a diagnosis of hypertension in >10% of individuals assessed. Interestingly, some training‐related behaviors associated with athletes’ regimens to enhance performance such as intense resistance training, a relative lack of aerobic exercise, and weight gain have been suggested to play a role in professional football players’ diagnoses of hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy, as well as premature CVD‐related mortality. Lifestyle choices have been identified that increase the risk for hypertension. Education of college‐age athletes regarding these risk factors has the potential to result in better blood pressure control. Sixty‐six college‐aged football athletes were queried on blood pressure knowledge and diagnostic criteria along with selected dietary habits and training activities via a pre‐test. An educational intervention in the form of a Fact Sheet was delivered via paper copy (most preferred method) and e‐mail per the preferences expressed by the athletes. A post‐test was delivered to assess changes in knowledge of hypertension and change in hypertension‐related dietary practices. Pretest results indicated variability in the knowledge of the collegiate football athletes regarding hypertension and a need for educational intervention. The pretest and post‐test results will provide evidence of the effectiveness of the intervention.Support or Funding InformationNA