bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of 5‐hydroxytryptophan on Glucose Tolerance and Lactation in Dairy Cows
Authors: Pszczolkowski Virginia L. , Connelly Meghan K. , Beard Adam D. , Laporta Jimena , Hernandez Laura L. , Arriola Apelo Sebastian I. 
Published: May 2022

IntroductionPeripheral serotonin is an important regulator of many aspects of lactation. Administration of the serotonin precursor, 5‐hydroxytryptophan (5‐HTP), has been shown to alter some aspects of energy metabolism and endocrine signals in dairy cattle. However, neither the effect of 5‐HTP on insulin sensitivity nor the long‐term effect on milk production have been studied in ruminants.The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of intravenous (IV) infusion of 5‐HTP on response to an IV glucose tolerance test (GTT) and on lactation performance in dairy cows. We hypothesized that 5‐HTP would alter insulin sensitivity and improve lactation performance.Twenty‐four Holstein cows were assigned to IV infusion of either 5‐HTP (1 mg/kg/day) or saline in a 2‐period crossover design. Treatments were infused via jugular catheters for 1 h/day, with 3 days of infusion followed by 4 days of rest, repeated through the 21‐day period. The GTT was performed immediately after IV infusion on day 3.For the GTT, differential effects were observed for glucose, insulin, and free fatty acids (FFA). Neither maximal glucose nor area under the curve (AUC) were affected by 5‐HTP (P≥0.15). On the other hand, basal insulin (difference of 0.116 µg/L, P=0.004) and AUC (P=0.04) were both decreased for 5‐HTP, with maximal insulin tending to be decreased by 0.35 µg/L (P=0.06). Basal FFA concentration was unaffected by treatment (P =0.55), but both minimal (difference of 82 µmol/L, P=0.015) and AUC (P=0.034) FFA were increased by 5‐HTP treatment. During the final 7 days of the period, feed intake was decreased by 4.0 kg/day during infusion days for 5‐HTP cows (P<0.01), but not on rest days (P=0.34). Milk yield was decreased for 5‐HTP cows only during infusion days (4.4 kg/day, P<0.01), returning to control levels on rest days (P=0.69). Similarly, milk protein yield was decreased (80 g/day, P<0.01) and milk fat yield tended to be decreased (140 g/day, P=0.06) by 5‐HTP on infusion days, recovering on rest days. Over the 21‐day period, 5‐HTP cows lost 0.87 kg/day of body weight, while control cows gained 0.45 kg/day (P<0.01).Given the glucose and insulin responses during the GTT, it is evident that less insulin was required to clear the same glucose load for cows receiving 5‐HTP. However, it is unclear if the lack of responsiveness in FFA to glucose challenge is due to effects of serotonin on the adipose tissue, or if there is a relationship between these FFA and decreased synthetic capacity of the mammary glands. Overall, this level of 5‐HTP altered insulin sensitivity, and acutely but transiently depressed production. More work is needed to delineate the effects of 5‐HTP on energy metabolism and production.
Influence of High‐Polyphenol Sorghum on Benzo[a]pyrene‐Metabolizing Enzymes
Authors: Lascarez Cynthia , Kamagate Zeguela , Smolensky Dmitriy , Tsuji Petra 
Published: May 2022

Colorectal cancer ranks among the top five most common types of cancer in the United States. Lifestyle, diet, and environmental factors are correlated to the increased risk of colon cancer. One of those environmental factors is the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAHs) Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), formed by the incomplete combustion of organic material. Human exposure to BaP occurs through air pollution, tobacco smoke, engine exhaust, and the consumption of BaP‐exposed foods. BaP crosses cellular membranes, and it becomes metabolically activated by Phase I enzymes, primarily cytochrome P450s (CYPs) and Epoxide Hydrolase, and subsequently has the potential to bind to DNA. The binding of BaP to DNA may result in adverse genotypic alterations, which may result in tumorigenesis. On the other hand, cellular Phase II enzymes play a role in the inactivation of BaP and its metabolites, which can facilitate the excretion of these molecules. Polyphenols, a group of plant micronutrients known for their antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties, have been suggested to contribute to the prevention of colon cancer. Extracts from two types of Sorghum bicolor were provided by the USDA ARS Kansas. Preliminary studies in our lab suggest that polyphenol‐rich varietals of the grain Sorghumaffect pathways in carcinogenesis. Specifically, mRNA expression of UDP‐glucuronosyl transferase (UGT) 1A1, a Phase II PAH‐bioinactivating enzyme, is significantly increased in high‐polyphenol sorghum treated HCT116 cells. Therefore, we propose to investigate the impact of high‐polyphenol sorghum on BaP‐exposed colon cancer cells, assessing the expression and activity of Phase I and Phase II enzymes in particular. Our hypothesis is that compared to controls, high polyphenol sorghum extracts will decrease expression and activity of Phase I, and increase expression and activity of Phase II enzymes in BaP‐treated colon cancer cells.Human colorectal cancer HCT116 cells were incubated with either 0, 1, 2, or 5 µM BaP alone, Sorghum extracts alone, or in the presence of high‐polyphenol sorghum and Benzo[a] pyrene for up to 48 hours. RNA was extracted and reverse‐transcribed to cDNA. mRNA expression of carcinogen activating and inactivating enzymes was measured using qPCR. BaP alone increased mRNA expression of CYP1A1 as expected. Our high polyphenol Sorghum extract dramatically decreased mRNA expression of the Phase I enzyme CYP1B1, but also moderately increased mRNA expression of Epoxide Hydrolase. We plan to complete assessment of the expression and catalytic activity of Phase I and Phase II enzymes in the presence of high‐polyphenol sorghum and Benzo[a] pyrene. Our initial results suggest that high‐polyphenol Sorghum may be able to shift the balance of Phase I and Phase II enzymes in BaP‐exposed cells, and thus provide an avenue of a dietary approach to support chemoprevention.
The Efficacy of Digital Media in Teaching Anatomy During the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Gheysari Aryan , Chang Lucas , Xu Wendy , Kianpoor Kiana , Doroudi Majid 
Published: May 2022

IntroductionThe traditional method of teaching anatomy has been through live in person lectures and dissection labs as well as textbooks and other course materials. However, during the COVID‐19 pandemic, these resources were no longer available due to health and safety protocols. With the advancement of technology, it was possible to create anatomy walkthrough videos for the students to supplement the traditional methods of teaching anatomy.GoalTo investigate the effectiveness of a video based guide to learning gross anatomy of the boney pelvis and the viscera.MethodsTwo videos were created covering the boney pelvis and the viscera for the first and second year medical students. The videos were presented by an anatomy professor and filmed and edited by Medical Students. The video covers the curriculum outline, labels relevant parts of the anatomy, and provides extra information relating to form and function. The videos included a quiz at the end for students to test their knowledge. The videos were made available online on Youtube to an international audience, along with a feedback survey.ResultsFeedback was collected on the boney pelvis and the viscera videos. The respondents watched the videos for the purpose of preparing for anatomy labs and dissections, preparing for anatomy lectures and preparing for examinations. The majority of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that the videos presented assisted them in fulfilling their indicated purpose (89.1%), that a combination of video and written materials should be used for effective learning of anatomy (95.7%), and that they would like to see videos for other anatomical regions (95.7%).ConclusionIn summary, digital media in the form of video‐based anatomy guides may be useful in instances when in person teaching is not possible and may be a useful tool to be incorporated into the educational curriculum in combination with traditional teaching methods. Future goals include implementing student feedback and reaching a broader audience.
Evaluation and adjustment of screening algorithms for HBV, HCV, HIV and syphilis in an anatomical donation program for undergraduate education
Authors: Willaert Wouter , D'Herde Katharina 
Published: May 2022

Study objectiveUndergraduates and other users of anatomical donors are at risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens. This study evaluated screening algorithms for hepatitis B and C virus, human immunodeficiency virus and Treponema pallidum during donor allocation and assessed the impact of postmortem time on hemolysis and how hemolysis affects test results and donor discard rate.MethodsFrom 2011‐2018, demographic data of donors, time of postmortem blood sampling, presence of sample hemolysis, serological test results (negative; active infection; false reactive screening test; historic infection; inconclusive; technically impracticable) and the actual donor allocation were collected.ResultsDonors (n=537) had a mean age of 77.53±13.67 year. Nine (1.68%) had test results indicative for active infection for hepatitis B (n=1) and C virus (n=2), human immunodeficiency virus (n=5) and Treponema pallidum (n=1). Negative screenings ranged from 74.67 to 97.58%, depending on the pathogen. Based on the screening algorithms, 479 (89.20%) donors should have been accepted. In practice, a donor acceptance rate of 91.20% was found. Analysis of potential donor allocation interpretation obstacles resulted in simplification of the testing algorithms and addition of a nucleic acid test to increase the reliability for identification of active (acute) human immunodeficiency virus infection. Hemolysis was more common when sampling was performed more than 24 hours after death (p<0.001). Hemolytic samples more frequently showed a reactive or indeterminate human immunodeficiency virus test result (p<0.001). Screening for human immunodeficiency virus and Treponema pallidum was technically more impracticable when hemolysis was present (p=0.042 and p=0.003, respectively). Donors with hemolytic blood samples were more often discarded (46.88%) compared to bodies with non‐hemolytic samples (6.32%) (p<0.001).ConclusionsDespite the use of screening algorithms, many bodies used for undergraduate education have an inconsistent allocation. Simplified algorithms were made and are currently prospectively assessed. Early postmortem blood sampling is key as hemolysis can influence certain test results and donor allocation.
Comparison of Excess Post‐exercise Oxygen Consumption between Continuous, Interval, and Accumulated Workout with Equalized Exercise Volume in Healthy Women
Authors: Sun Yerin , Jung Won‐Sang , Kim Sung‐Woo , Kim Jisu , Park Hun‐Young , Lim Kiwon 
Published: May 2022

PurposeThe primary purpose of the present study was to compare the EPOC during different exercise modalities including continuous exercise (CE), interval exercise (IE), and accumulated exercise (AE) that spent the equalized energy expenditure during exercise in healthy women.MethodsForty‐four healthy women (36.09 ± 11.73 years), who did not participate regular exercise, were included in the present study. All participants visited the laboratory four times at intervals of one week during experimental period. During the first visit, they underwent body composition test and graded exercise test. On the second, third, and fourth occasions, the participants underwent a randomized crossover experimental trial consisted of CE, IE, and AE with equalized energy expenditure. CE was performed for 30 min at 60%VO2max and AE was conducted 3 times for 10 min at 60%VO2max. IE was performed for 26 min and exercise protocol was structured as follows: 6 times of 80%VO2max for 3 min + 40%VO2max for 1 min and 1 time of 80%VO2max for 2 min. Heart rate (HR), minute ventilation (VE), oxygen consumption (VO2), carbon dioxide excretion (VCO2), and respiratory exchange ratio (RER), carbohydrate oxidation (CHO), fatty acid oxidation (FAO), and energy expenditure (EE) were measured during exercise and after exercise.ResultsIn exercise session, IE showed a significantly higher RER, CHO and a lower HR, FAO than CE. AE showed a significantly lower RER and a higher FAO than IE, and it showed a significantly lower VE than CE. In addition, there was no significant difference in EE between the three trial sessions, confirming that exercise volume homogenization was well performed. In EPOC session, IE showed a significantly higher HR, VE, VO2, VCO2, CHO, FAO, EE than CE. AE showed a significantly a higher HR, VE, VO2, VCO2, RER, CHO, EE than CE and IE, and it also showed a higher FAO than CE. In total (exercise plus EPOC session), IE and CE have a similar EE, but IE showed a significantly higher RER, CHO and a lower FAO than CE. AE showed a significantly higher HR, VE, VO2, VCO2, CHO and EE than CE and IE. In addition, AE showed a significantly higher RER than CE and AE showed a significantly higher FAO than IE.ConclusionThe present study confirmed that the EE in EPOC session after three types workout using a ergometer with homogenized exercise volume was showed in the order AE, IE, and CE, in particular, AE showed a higher EE in total than CE and IE. Therefore, we suggest that AE is the most effective strategies in maximize EE compared to CE and IE, and IE is also effective than CE in increasing EE via EPOC.
The Effect of the Klim Feed Additive on Cortisol Levels in Cows During Stress
Authors: Aleksandrova Ekaterina , Lukoyanova Lubov , Kriyachko Oksana , Gaponova Viktoriya , Shafiev Aleksei , Anisimova Kseniya 
Published: May 2022

Currently, intensive animal breeding techniques are actively applied. It is absolutely impossible to avoid a technology stress under such conditions. Therefore, development of methods of correction of animal stress levels (especially during critical periods of animal life) is crucial.The objectiveof this research is to determine the effect of the Klim feed additive based on organic acids on cortisol levels during different technological periods.In the course of this research, 2 groups of cows (n=10 heads) were selected in one of livestock enterprises of the Leningrad region. Each cow had an average productivity, age of 3.5 to 4 years and second pregnancy; each cow was apparently healthy. By the moment of 21 days before the estimated calving date, each cow from the experimental group has been receiving the Klim feed additive mixed with a feed (dosage of 10 g per head: 5 g of active substance and 5 g of vanilla filling) daily for 50 days (the drug has been administered in an individual manner). Before administering the drug, each animal has undergone a clinical examination, blood sample of each animal has been collected for further research. No valid difference between parameters of the experimental and control groups has been identified at the moment of the research initial phase.Research results. One day after calving, in order to determine the stress level, the level of cortisol in blood has been identified for cows from the experimental and control groups. The research results prove that the level of cortisol in blood of the cows from the group that received the Klim feed additive was 62.72 ± 12.1 nmol/l, and the level of cortisol in blood of the cows from the control group was 96.62 ± 19.3 nmol/l. Such cortisol level shows that the animals from the control group have a high level of stress, which ultimately can result in negative effect on productivity and clinical status of these cows. Meanwhile, the cortisol level of the cows from the experimental group did not exceed standard limit values (20 – 80 nmol/l) – this verifies our assumption that the Klim feed additive relieves the manifestations of stress at early stage. One day after the rearrangement of cows (25 days after calving), the level of cortisol in blood of the animals from both groups has been identified. The level for the cows from the experimental group was 36.3 ± 8.4 nmol/l, the level for the cows from the control group was 50.18±11.7 nmol/l – this proves that these cows have a higher level of stress.In view of the above, it has been identified that the Klim feed additive had a positive effect on the adaptation capabilities of animals during stressful situations (pregnancy period and change of environment (rearrangement)).
Is there a Role of Anti‐platelet Aggregation Agents in the Management of Primary Hypertension: An In‐Vivo Study
Authors: Goyal Manjeet K. , Vuthaluru Ashita R. , Lal Mahesh 
Published: May 2022

INTRODUCTIONHypertension is a leading identifiable and reversible risk factor for myocardial infarction, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, aortic dissection, peripheral arterial disease, stroke, kidney failure, etc with thrombus being the culprit lesion. South Asian ethnicity predisposes to higher mortality and morbidity from cardiovascular disease than other ethnic groups and is estimated to cause 7.5 million deaths, which accounts for 57 million disability‐adjusted life years (DALYs).Hypertension causes changes in platelets (shape, size, expression of P‐selectin, and sensitivity to catecholamines,) However, the data on platelet aggregation is sparse, inconclusive, and has shown contradictory results in Asian Indians. Therefore, this study is designed to study the platelet aggregation in Indian hypertensives and to investigate if platelet aggregation is determined by the level of blood pressure.MATERIALS AND METHODSThe study was conducted at the tertiary health center in 50 primary hypertensives & compared with age & sex‐matched healthy controls. After ethics approval from IRB, an informed and written consent was taken. All subjects completed a physical and cardiovascular system examination. Blood pressure recordings were done as per JNC‐VIII Guidelines and were further divided into sub‐groups as per the JNC‐VIII classification. Platelet rich plasma was used to estimate aggregation using a Chronolog aggregometer based on the principle of light transmission. ADP (5 µM) & Epinephrine (2µM) were added to PRP to induce platelet aggregation. The normal value of platelet aggregation was compared between study subjects and controls using Independent t test and Mann‐Whitney Test.RESULTSAfter comparing platelet aggregation to ADP and epinephrine in primary hypertensives and healthy controls, 28 cases had stage I and 22 had stage II hypertension. The mean platelet aggregation to ADP in normotensives and primary hypertensives was 31.32±6.64 and 73±10.07, respectively (p value<0.0001). Similarly, the mean platelet aggregation to Epinephrine in normotensives and primary hypertensives was 24.82±5.51and 50.94±12.19, respectively (p value<0.0001). (Fig 1) Furthermore, platelet aggregability was found to be significantly increased in primary hypertensives as compared to controls. Moreover, it was further raised in stage II hypertensives in comparison to stage I hypertensives.(Fig 2)CONCLUSIONSThis study is the largest prospective study conducted on plasma from hypertensives and implicates platelet aggregation as a the causative factor leading to cerebrovascular accidents, ischemic heart diseases in primary hypertensives. Hence, any anti‐hypertensive drug which confers additional anti‐platelet aggregation properties may benefit in the management of hypertension especially in the Indian population. However, further larger studies are recommended to verify the same.
miR‐106b‐25 Dysregulation in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Contributes to T Cell Dysfunction
Authors: Wickman Jason , Shenoda Botros , Van Duyne Rachel , Klase Zachary , Ajit Seena 
Published: May 2022

BackgroundComplex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a debilitating chronic pain disorder with no effective treatments. Growing evidence implicates aberrant immune regulation in the skin and T cell dysfunction in CRPS pathology. MicroRNA (miRNA) show promise in identifying biomarkers and disease mechanisms. miRNA cluster miR‐106b‐25 is dysregulated in CRPS patient whole blood and serum derived small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) compared to healthy controls. miR‐106b‐25 members are predicted to target several immune genes related to T cell function including CD69. We hypothesize that miR‐106b‐25 cluster plays a role in T‐cell dysfunction by regulating members of CD69 signaling pathway. Here we examine miR‐106b‐25 mediated signaling in sEVs, whole blood, and skin from the tibia fracture model (TFM) of CRPS.MethodsMouse TFM was generated, and pain hypersensitivity was confirmed by von Frey and dynamic weight bearing. Serum, whole blood, and hind limb skin were collected from TFM and control mice. sEVs were isolated by differential centrifugation and characterized using nanoparticle tracking analysis, transmission electron microscopy and western blotting. miRNA from sEVs were assessed through HTG EdgeSeq. T cells were isolated from single cell suspensions of hind limb skin. Whole blood samples were obtained from CRPS patients or healthy controls. miRNA and gene expression changes in blood and T cells were assessed by qPCR. Luciferase reporter assay was used to confirm miR‐25 binding to CD69. Jurkat cells were transfected with miR‐25 mimic or inhibitor to assess regulation of gene expression by qPCR and flow cytometry. T cell phenotypes and expression of CD69 and other residency markers were determined by flow cytometry.ResultsCharacterization of sEVs showed no difference between TFM and control mice. miRNA analysis of TFM sEVs confirmed dysregulation of 30 miRNA previously associated with CRPS patients including miR‐106b‐25. There was an inverse correlation of miR‐25 and CD69 in blood samples from CRPS patients compared to controls. Reporter assay confirmed miR‐25 binding to CD69. miR‐25 nucleofection in Jurkat cells downregulated CD69 as measured by flow cytometry. Analysis of miR‐106b‐25 and target gene expression in TFM whole blood and skin T cells and T cell flow cytometry experiments are ongoing.ConclusionsmiRNA signatures in CRPS patients and TFM mice show common alterations including miR‐106b‐25. miR‐25 can regulate CD69 expression in vitro. miR‐25 may contribute to localized T cell dysfunction in the skin in CRPS.
The Visible Ape Project: a free, comprehensive, web‐based anatomical atlas designed to raise public awareness about apes
Authors: Barger Nicole , Martín José S. , Boyle Eve K. , Richmond Marli , Diogo Rui 
Published: May 2022

Based at a Howard University, the Visible Ape Project (www.visibleapeproject.com) aims to provide free, publicly accessible anatomical educational resources suitable for classrooms from K‐12 and beyond. It is designed to comprehensively illustrate anatomy and anatomical variation within and between extant ape species. It contains photographs, MRI, CT scans, and 3D models to explore homologies and variations in soft and hard tissues across hylobatids, orangutans, gorillas, chimpanzees, bonobos, and humans. These include detailed, labeled 3D artist renderings of the musculoskeletal system as well as 3D models of the skeletal and central nervous system based on radiological imaging of apes. They can be manipulated or downloaded and 3D printed to explore anatomy interactively, promoting active learning. Additional educational materials are available, including information about non‐human ape species, lesson plans, and a glossary of evolutionary and anatomical terms.The primary goals of the project are to promote human and ape evolutionary anatomy, broadly, and to integrate and disseminate to communities underrepresented in anthropology and evolutionary biology, specifically. Accordingly, the VAP incorporates outreach activities to disseminate science and promote awareness of apes, forming partnerships with veterinarians and conservationists in Africa and Asia. Additionally, we include many resources in Spanish. The site has been accessed by individuals from many countries across the globe, including many Spanish speaking countries, and nearly all US states. In this presentation, we will introduce the website to illustrate how this accessible, evolving resource can support research and education in human and comparative anatomy.