bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Framework for the Predictive Modelling of Public Health Nutrition Strategies
Authors: Pigat Sandrine , O' Mahony Cian 
Published: June 2021

Research QuestionsWithin public health nutrition, it is of crucial importance to monitor adequate as well as safe nutritional intakes within a population. Food policy initiatives around dietary intakes include voluntary industry reformulation, portion size reductions, food fortification and consumer behavioral changes. Predictive intake models can be used to assess the likely impact of such policies before their implementation.MethodsCreme Nutrition®, a web based dietary intake software which combines national food consumption and food composition data, includes various models to assess the impact of different strategies, including probabilistic food substitution, portion size modification, and food reformulation. A case study was used to demonstrate the model for sodium reduction using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2008‐2010. In this model, sodium content in bread was reduced by 20%, soups were replaced by low sodium soups containing no more than 120mg/100g and pretzel consumption was substituted by one apple at a replacement probability of 70% to model partial consumer adherence probabilistically.ResultsAfter modelling sodium intakes in the US population, mean total daily sodium intakes in adults decrease from 3671.9±34.1mg/day to 3512.9±33mg/day. For the high sodium consumers (97.5%ile) total daily sodium intakes are reduced from 7337.85±185.6mg/day to 7090.7±170.8mg/day.ConclusionsThe proposed approach demonstrates the viability of assessing and combining different scenarios to predict the impact of a change on a population's or a sub‐population's diet via public health initiatives.
The impact of Tubaramure, a food‐assisted integrated health and nutrition program in Burundi, on household food consumption and maternal and child dietary diversity
Authors: Leroy Jef , Olney Deanna , Bliznashka Lilia , Ruel Marie 
Published: June 2021

Tubaramure is a food‐assisted integrated health and nutrition program that targets pregnant women and their child up to 2 y of age (first 1000 d) in two highly food insecure provinces in Burundi. Monthly food rations include corn‐soy‐blend (CSB) and vit A‐ and D‐fortified oil. We evaluated the program's impact using a cluster randomized controlled study, where 60 villages were assigned to one of 4 study groups who received benefits for different durations: T24: pregnancy up to 24 m; T18: pregnancy to 18 m; TNFP: same as T24, but without food rations during pregnancy; and Control. We estimated the program's impact on household energy consumption (HHEC), women's dietary diversity (WDD) and children's (6‐24 m) minimum dietary diversity (MDD), using repeated cross‐sectional data collected at baseline and again 2 y later.Compared to the control group, program beneficiaries had significantly greater HHEC (by ~ 600 kcal/d/adult equivalent), due to greater consumption of foods from the rations, and of fruits. The program had a small positive impact of ~0.3 food groups on WDD, mainly driven by a large increase in the proportion of mothers consuming legumes (~16 pp) (from CSB). The program led to a ~10 pp increase in the proportion of children fed MDD, but had no effect on the proportion consuming any one food group. Differences between treatment groups will be discussed. Our effectiveness trial showed that Tubaramure's positive effect on HH and individual diets was mostly due to the direct impact of the food rations in this severely food insecure population.Funded by USAID's Food and Nutrition Technical Assistance Project & CGIAR Research Program on Agriculture for Nutrition and Health (A4NH), led by IFPRI.
Cost‐effectiveness of Mama‐SASHA: a project to improve health and nutrition through an integrated orange‐fleshed sweetpotato production and health service delivery model
Authors: Self Julie , Webb Girard Amy , McFarland Deborah , Grant Frederick , Low Jan , Cole Donald , Levin Carol 
Published: June 2021

The Mama‐SASHA project aims to improve the health and nutrition of pregnant/lactating women and children <2 years through an integrated orange‐fleshed sweetpotato (OFSP) and health service strategy in Western Kenya. We analyzed the cost effectiveness from a societal perspective. We estimated the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) of the intervention, which includes OFSP vouchers provided at antenatal care (ANC) visits, nutrition education, and pregnant women's clubs, compared to status quo ANC services. Effectiveness data from a quasi‐experimental study were used to estimate DALYs associated with changes in vitamin A deficiency, stunting, wasting, anemia, diarrhea, and mortality for children <2 years and their mothers. We used ingredients based micro‐costing to estimate economic costs of agriculture, health and community interventions, including opportunity costs of labor for health workers, community volunteers and participants. Net economic cost over three years was US @445,151. 77 DALYs were averted per year, mostly attributable to improvements in stunting and anemia. The ICER was US @1,919 per DALY averted, which is two times Kenya's GDP per capita (@994 per person) and meets cost‐effectiveness criteria set by WHO. Benefits not convertible into DALY's include improved sweetpotato yield, food security, extension services and nutritional knowledge.
Docosahexaenoic Acid Status of Pregnant and Lactating Women in Coastland, Lakeland and Inland of China
Authors: Zhou Yu‐bo , Wang Linlin , Ge Hua , Li You , Li Hong‐tian , Liu Jian‐meng 
Published: June 2021

Objectives: We aimed to assess the docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) status in Chinese pregnant and lactating women, since there has been lack of reliable data during the past decade in China.Methods: A cross‐sectional study was conducted in coastland (Weihai), lakeland (Yueyang) and inland (Baotou) of China from May to July 2014. 1210 women who were at the 2nd trimester (17±2 wks), the 3rd trimester (39±2 wks) or lactating (42±7 d postpartum) were enrolled equally from the three regions. Dietary DHA was assessed via an iPad‐based food frequency questionnaire. Fatty acid profiles were assayed by capillary gas chromatography; DHA levels were expressed as a percentage by weight of total fatty acids.Results: The overall median DHA intake was 17.5 (IQR: 7.0‐41.8) mg/d, and the highest was in coastland (27.8 mg/d), followed by lakeland (19.4 mg/d) and the lowest in inland (9.0 mg/d). The mean plasma DHA was 2.24±0.70; the highest was also in coastland (2.66), followed by lakeland (2.22) and the lowest in inland (1.86). The erythrocyte DHA was 6.17±1.49, which also declined from coastland to inland; corresponding levels were 6.91, 6.25 and 5.37. The trend tests across three regions for DHA intake and the levels of DHA in plasma and erythrocyte were all significant (p values <.0001).ConclusionThe DHA intake is substantially inadequate compared to the authoritative recommendation. However, in comparison to other populations in literature, plasma and erythrocyte DHA for Chinese women in coastland and lakeland ranks higher, and for inland at medium level.
The Effects of Hypogonadism and Conjugated Linoleic Acid on Regional Adipose Tissue and Fatty Acid Composition in Male Guinea Pigs
Authors: Santosa Sylvia , Yang Susan , Weiler Hope , DeGuire Jason , Agellon Sherry 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundAging in men is associated with gains in body fat, which are due in part to the age‐related decline in testosterone. Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has been consistently shown to reduce body fat or fat gain in animal models through a similarly suggested mechanism as testosterone. Therefore, CLA may counteract the progressive body fat gain that occurs with testosterone decline.Objectives.To determine whether CLA modulates changes in body fat, regional fat distribution and adipose tissue fatty acid composition in hypogonadal male guinea pigs.Methods.Male, retired breeder guinea pigs (n=40, 70‐72 wk) were block randomized by weight into 4 groups: 1) SHAM/ CTRL, 2) SHAM/ CLA diet (1%), 3) Orchidectomy (ORX)/ CTRL diet, 4) ORX/ CLA diet. Dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry scans were performed at baseline and 16 wk to analyze body composition. Visceral and subcutaneous adipose fatty acids were extracted and methylated for gas chromatography (GC) analysis to determine fatty acid composition.Results.In ORXCTRL guinea pigs, percent body fat increased by 6.1% and percent lean mass decreased by 6.7 % over the 16 wks while no significant changes in percent body composition were observed in ORXCLA guinea pigs. Guinea pigs fed CLA diet gained less % total body fat and % upper and lower body fat than those fed CTRL regardless of surgical treatment. Regional adipose tissue of fatty acid composition showed that it was reflective of dietary fatty acids.ConclusionHypogonadism in male guinea pigs results in increased fat mass and decreased lean mass. CLA is effective in reducing fat gain and maintaining lean mass in both hypogonadal and intact guinea pigs.
The effect of EGCG and EGCG nanoparticles on body weight and body composition in LDL receptor null mice
Authors: zu yujiao , zhang jia , nie shufang , wang shu 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveWe successfully synthesized epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) encapsulated nanoparticles (Enano), and incorporated macrophage‐targeting ligands on the surface of Enano (L‐Enano). The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of EGCG, Enano and L‐Enano on body weight, food intake and body composition of LDL receptor null mice (LDLr‐/‐ mice).Method: Male LDL r‐/‐ mice were fed with an atherogenic diet and received intravenously administration of 1×PBS, EGCG, Enano, or L‐Enano dissolved in 1×PBS at EGCG dose 25 mg/kg body weight for 22 weeks. Food intake and body weight were measured weekly by manual weighing using an electronic laboratory balance, body composition was measured at week 0,10 and 22 using EchoMRI Body Composition Analyzer.Results: Food intake was similar among all groups. As compared to 1×PBS group, all treatment groups decreased body weight, body fat mass and body fat percentage. L‐Enano compared to Enano decreased body fat percentage. Mice treated with EGCG had less body weight and body fat mass than mice treated with Enano or L‐Enano.ConclusionLDLr‐/‐ mice treated with free EGCG lost more body weight and body fat mass than mice treated with EGCG nanoparticles.
Elevated Umbilical Cord Cytokines are Related to Birth Size in HIV‐exposed and Unexposed Infants
Authors: Wilkinson Amanda , Pedersen Sarah , Urassa Mark , Michael Denna , Andreasen Aura , Todd Jim , Kinung'hi Safari , Changalucha John , McDermid Joann 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundInfection causes immune activation and inflammatory cytokines may be mediators of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). While infection and IUGR are common in developing regions, the intrauterine cytokine environment and its impact on birth size is undefined. Understanding the fetal environment mediated by multiple cytokines may inform interventions targeting birth anthropometry.
ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between umbilical cord cytokines and birth size.
MethodsUmbilical cord cytokines (IFN‐γ, IL‐1β, IL‐2, IL‐6, TNF‐α, IL‐12p70, IL‐10, IL‐13) were multiplexed from 50 singleton deliveries of women residing in rural Tanzania (38% HIV‐positive). Birth weight and length were assessed using linear regression models adjusted for maternal age, nutritional status, HIV, and infant gender. ResultsCord IFN‐γ, IL‐1β, TNF‐α, IL‐12p70, and IL‐10 were each associated with reduced birth weight (grams; ‐532, P<0.01; ‐372, P=0.04; ‐315, P=0.03; ‐721, P<0.01; ‐278, P=0.04; respectively) and IFN‐γ, TNF‐α, and IL‐12p70 with reduced length.imageimageCord cytokines were not associated with gestational age at delivery and did not differ based on maternal HIV status. ConclusionsElevated cord blood cytokines, which suggest intrauterine immune activation and inflammation, were associated with clinically important reductions in birth weight and length. Understanding these relationships may be key to optimizing fetal growth outcomes in this setting.
Interactions between calcium intake and polymorphisms in genes essential for calcium reabsorption and risk of colorectal neoplasia in a two‐phase study
Authors: Zhao Jing , Shrubsole Martha , Ness Reid , Zhu Xiangzhu , Hibler Elizabeth , Cai Qiuyin , Long Jirong , Jiang Ming , Kabagambe Edmond , Zhang Bing , Hou Lifang , Smalley Walter , Edwards Todd , Giovannucci Edward , Zheng Wei , Dai Qi 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundCalcium homeostasis plays a key role in cell proliferation and apoptosis. We hypothesized that polymorphisms in the SLC8A1 and other four calcium‐regulating genes interact with calcium intake in relation to the risk of colorectal neoplasia.DesignA two‐phase (discovery and replication) study was conducted within the Tennessee Colorectal Polyp Study, including a total of 1275 cases and 2811 controls.ResultsIn this two phase study, the interaction between rs4952490 (SLC8A1) and calcium intake in relation to adenoma risk was identified and replicated. We found an inverse association between calcium intake (1000‐2000 mg/day) and colorectal adenomas, particularly for multiple/advanced adenomas, among the G‐allele carriers but not among homozygous carriers of the common variant (A) in rs4952490. In the joint analysis of SLC8A1, KCNJ1and SLC12A1SNPs, carriers of variant alleles in at least two genes and with calcium intake above the DRI (1000 mg/day) were approximately 40‐60% less likely to have adenomas than those whose calcium intake was below the DRI. The association was stronger for multiple/advanced adenomas. No association was found among those who did not carry any variant alleles in these genes.ConclusionsThese findings, if confirmed, may provide a new avenue for the personalized prevention of colorectal adenoma and cancer.
Blockade of Tim‐4 Aggravates Atherosclerosis
Authors: Foks Amanda , Engelbertsen Daniel , Alberts‐Grill Noah , Kuperwaser Felicia , DeKruyff Rosemarie , Freeman Gordon , Lichtman Andrew 
Published: June 2021

IntroductionProteins of the transmembrane T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain (Tim) family are expressed by numerous immune cells, recognize phosphatidylserine (PS) exposing cells and exert either a costimulatory or coinhibitory role. Tim‐4, present on macrophages and antigen‐presenting cells, has been shown to play a critical role in the clearance of apoptotic cells, regulates the number of PS‐expressing activated T cells, and is genetically associated with triglyceride levels. Since both apoptosis and the presence of activated T cells contribute to atherosclerotic lesion formation, we investigated whether interference in Tim‐4 function would affect atherosclerosis.Methods and ResultsLDLr‐/‐ mice were fed a Western‐type diet for 4 weeks while being treated twice a week i.p. with an anti‐Tim‐4 (21H12) mAb that blocks PS recognition and phagocytosis or an isotype control (rat IgG1). Treatment with anti‐Tim‐4 increased the area of atherosclerotic lesion in the aortic root by 52% (8.58±1.40%) compared with control mice (5.69±0.51%, P<0.01), independent of plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Anti‐Tim‐4‐treated mice showed increased activated T cell numbers and ‘late’ apoptotic cells in the circulation. Additionally, anti‐Tim‐4 treatment induced splenomegaly, enhanced splenocyte proliferation and increased IFNγ+ (Th1) and IL‐4+ (Th2) cells.ConclusionBlockade of Tim‐4 aggravates atherosclerosis likely by prevention of phagocytosis of PS‐expressing apoptotic cells and activated T cells by Tim‐4‐expressing cells.
KRIT1 Depletion Modifies Endothelial Cell Behavior Through Increased VEGF Signaling
Authors: DiStefano Peter , Kuebel Julia , Sarelius Ingrid , Glading Angela 
Published: June 2021

Disruption of endothelial cell‐cell contact is a key event in many cardiovascular diseases, and a characteristic of pathologically activated vascular endothelium. The CCM family of proteins (KRIT1, PDCD10, and CCM2) are critical regulators of endothelial cell‐cell contact and vascular homeostasis. Here, we show novel regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling in KRIT1‐depleted endothelial cells. Loss of KRIT1 and PDCD10, but not CCM2, increases nuclear β‐catenin signaling and up‐regulates VEGF‐A protein expression. In KRIT1‐depleted cells, increased VEGF‐A levels led to increased VEGFR2 activation and subsequent alteration of cytoskeletal organization, migration, and barrier function, and to in vivo endothelial permeability in KRIT1 deficient animals. VEGFR2 activation also increases β‐catenin phosphorylation, but is only partially responsible for KRIT1 depletion‐dependent disruption of cell‐cell contacts. Thus, VEGF signaling contributes to modifying endothelial function in KRIT1 deficient cells and microvessel permeability in Krit1+/‐mice, however VEGF signaling is not the primary cause of disrupted endothelial cell‐cell contacts in the absence of KRIT1.Sources of Funding:AHA 14PRE20380009 to Peter DiStefanoNIH HL117885‐01 to Angela Glading
Vascular Smooth Muscle Sirtuin‐1 Protects Against Aortic Dissection During Angiotensin II Infusion
Authors: Fry Jessica , Shiraishi Yasunaga , Gao Yuan , Weisbrod Robert , Maziuk Brandon , Weng Xiang , Morgan Kathleen , Cohen Richard , Seta Francesca 
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUNDSirtuin‐1 (SIRT1), an NAD+‐dependent deacetylase, is a key enzyme in the cellular response to metabolic, inflammatory, and oxidative stresses, however the role of SIRT1 in vascular smooth muscle (VSM) is unclear.
OBJECTIVETo study the role of VSM SIRT1 in the physiological response of the aortic wall to angiotensin (Ang) II, a potent oxidant and inflammatory stimulus.METHODSWe generated a VSM cell specific SIRT1 knock out mouse (SMKO) and infused AngII (1 mg/kg/d) by osmotic minipump and evaluated endpoints after 14 days.RESULTSSMKO mice had a drastically high mortality (70%) caused by aortic dissection, at both thoracic and abdominal sites, as early as 6 days after infusion of AngII, but not after equi‐pressor norepinephrine (10 mg/kg/d). Aortas from AngII‐treated SMKO mice had severely fragmented and disorganized elastic lamellae with frequent elastin breaks compared to WT/AngII and increased aortic stiffness measured ex vivo. Metalloproteinase (MMP)‐2 expression was increased in the aortas of both saline‐ and AngII‐treated SMKO mice compared to WT littermates. In gel zymography on whole aortic homogenates confirmed increased MMP activity in SMKO. Similarly, VSM cells isolated from SMKO aortas exhibited increased expression of MMP2, indicating a VSM rather than myeloid source.CONCLUSIONSThe high incidence of aortic dissection in AngII‐treated SIRT1 SMKO mice (80%) indicate that endogenous SIRT1 in aortic smooth muscle is required to maintain the structural integrity of the aortic wall in response to oxidant and inflammatory stimuli. The SMKO infused with AngII is a novel model of aortic dissection. Research Support: NHLBI grant HL105287
Distinct Roles of the Mucus Layer and Microbiota in Conferring Innate Host Defense and Susceptibility to Disease
Authors: Leon‐Coria Aralia , Moreau France , Surette Michael , Chadee Kris 
Published: June 2021

The human intestine has approximately 100 trillion microorganisms, mainly bacteria that form the microbiota. These microorganisms play a key role in digestive health as well as in the development of a balanced immune system. The intestinal mucosa is covered by MUC2 mucus that acts as a protective barrier. Alteration in microbiota composition (dysbiosis) and the mucus barrier is common in several gastrointestinal pathologies. The distinct contribution of the microbiota and the mucus barrier play in the pathogenesis of colitis is not well understood. The aim of this study was to determine whether shifts in microbiota could alter the onset and progression of colitis in Muc2 mucin deficient and sufficient mice. F2 littermates Wt (Muc2+/+) and homozygous (Muc2‐/‐) mice were gavaged with antibiotics, fecal transplanted with their littermate stool and susceptibility to dextran sulphate sodium (DSS) was quantified. Fecal samples pre‐ and post‐antibiotic was analyzed by MiSeq lll lluminar sequencing. Intestinal permeability was assessed using FITC‐dextran. DNA analysis showed clear phyla differences in microbiota composition between the two groups of mice. Muc2+/+ mice that received Muc2‐/‐ microbiota were highly susceptible to DSS‐induced colitis and showed increased mortality as compared to controls. As predicted, these animals had higher histopathological scores as compared to Muc2+/+ receiving their own microbiota. Surprisingly, Muc2‐/‐ mice showed no increase/decrease in disease susceptibility receiving Muc2+/+ microbiota. Our results establish that Muc2‐/‐microbiota is highly colitogenic and is capable of exacerbating DSS‐induced colitis in Wt mice with an intact Muc2 layer.Grant: Crohn's and Colitis Canada
Control of Lung Cancer with Aspirin‐Triggered Stimulation of Resolution
Authors: Gilligan Molly , Sulciner Megan , Ramon Sesquile , Colas Romain , Huang Sui , Serhan Charles , Panigrahy Dipak 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundInflammation in the tumor microenvironment is now recognized as a promoter of tumor growth. While substantial epidemiological evidence suggests that the anti‐inflammatory drug aspirin reduces cancer risk, the underlying mechanism remains unclear and toxicity has limited its clinical use. Aspirin increases resolvins ('aspirin‐triggered' resolvins (AT‐Rvs)) in humans, providing a novel pathway to explain the anti‐cancer activity of aspirin. We hypothesize that AT‐Rvs may partially account for the chemopreventive activity of aspirin in lung cancer via novel anti‐inflammatory and pro‐resolution mechanisms.ResultsFlow cytometry confirmed apoptotic/necrotic lung tumor cell debris by cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents etoposide, cisplatin or with the targeted therapy erlotinib (Tarceva). Cisplatin‐induced Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) debris stimulated tumor growth in mice in a dose‐dependent manner. AT‐Rvs enhance macrophage phagocytosis of lung tumor cell debris at nanomolar concentrations. To determine whether resolvins could inhibit spontaneous metastasis, we used a well‐established model in which resection of LLC stimulates spontaneous lung metastasis. Resolvins potently inhibited lung metastases and lung weight compared to vehicle‐treated mice.ConclusionsAspirin triggers the human body's production of resolvins. AT‐Rvs may provide a novel pathway and molecular mechanism to explain how aspirin reduces cancer risk so broadly.Research Support: RO1 01CA170549