bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Child growth from age 1 to age 8 y in four low‐and middle‐income countries: Young Lives
Authors: Lundeen Elizabeth A , Behrman Jere , Crookston Benjamin , Dearden Kirk , Engle Patrice , Georgiadis Andreas , Penny Mary , Stein Aryeh 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveWe characterized child growth patterns in four countries and assessed the degree of recovery from linear growth retardation.DesignWe analyzed length/height at ages 1, 5, and 8 y for a cohort of 7,259 children in Ethiopia, India, Peru and Vietnam.ResultsMean height‐for‐age z score (HAZ) at age 1 y ranged from −1.83 (Ethiopia) to −1.14 (Vietnam). From ages 1 to 5 y, mean HAZ increased by 0.34 in Ethiopia and decreased among the other countries (range: −0.20 to −0.30). From 5 to 8 y, mean HAZ increased in all the countries (range: 0.20 to 0.38). Stunting prevalence at 1 y ranged from 21.4% (Vietnam) to 46.5% (Ethiopia). From 1 to 5 y, stunting prevalence decreased 15.1 percentage points (PP) in Ethiopia and increased in the other countries (range: 3.1 to 5.3 PP). From 5 to 8 y, stunting prevalence decreased in all the countries. Among children stunted at 1 y, 45% (Vietnam and India) to 66% (Ethiopia) were non‐stunted by 8 y. 40–71% and 26–45% of variance in HAZ at 5 and 8 y, respectively, was not predicted by HAZ at earlier ages.ConclusionsHAZ at age 1 y is predictive of HAZ at ages 5 and 8, but after age 1 there is substantial increase in HAZ overall and substantial unpredicted variation in HAZ change that might be amenable to household interventions and caretaker behaviors after age 1.Source of research support: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Eunice Shriver Kennedy National Institute of Child Health and Development.
Effect of grape seed extract delivered in a beverage on blood pressure in individuals with pre‐hypertension
Authors: Park Eunyoung , Wuchner Brittany , Huang Yancui , Joseph Shama , Edirisinghe Indika , Burton‐Freeman Britt 
Published: June 2021

Hypertension (HTN) is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Extracts derived from grape seeds are known to reduce blood pressure (BP). The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of grape seed extract (GSE) in a beverage on BP in individuals with pre‐HTN.Ambulatory (12 hr, day) BP before and after 6 week consumption of GSE beverage (300 mg/day) or placebo beverage was measured in randomized parallel design (n=36, 1:1). Means of age, BMI and initial systolic (S)/diastolic (D) BP were 42±10 y, 32±8 kg/m2, and 128±8/83±7 mmHg, respectively.Significant reductions in SBP (GSE −7.4±2.3 vs placebo 1.6±1.9 mmHg, p=0.003) and DBP (GSE −3.8±1.6 vs placebo 0.7±1.3 mmHg, p=0.03) were observed after 6 weeks GSE beverage compared to the placebo beverage. The effectiveness of GSE was improved in subjects with SBP above the median (≥ 125 mmHg) (GSE −14 ± 2.5 vs placebo −0.6±2.2 mmHg, p<0.05) and in subjects with DBP above the median (≥ 83 mmHg) (GSE −5.7±1.9 vs placebo 0.7±1.4 mmHg, p<0.05). Changes in insulin (p=0.07) and significant changes in HOMA value (p<0.05) were found after 6 weeks GSE beverage compared to the placebo beverage.The present study supported the use of GSE as a functional ingredient in a low calorie beverage to reduce the risk of HTN and may aid in glucose control through improved insulin sensitivity; the latter requires further investigation.Grant Funding Source: Polyphenolics Inc., Madera, CA
Acute Administration of n‐3 Triglyceride Emulsion Provides Marked Cardioprotection After Ischemia/Reperfusion
Authors: Zirpoli Hylde , Abdillahi Mariane , Quadri Nosirudeen , Ananthakrishnan Radha , Zhu Zhengbin , Wang LingJie , Li Qing , Deckelbaum Richard J , Ramasamy Ravichandran 
Published: June 2021

n‐3 fatty acids may decrease cardiovascular disease risk. We questioned if acute intervention of n‐3 triglyceride (TG) emulsion (48% of fatty acids = EPA+DHA) is protective and improves cardiac function after ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). n‐3 TG were administered after I/R in two models: a) hearts (C57BL/6 mice) were perfused ex‐vivo using the Langendorff technique (LT); b) hearts with acute occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) in vivo. After LAD occlusion n‐3 TG emulsion (1.5g/kg body weight) was injected intraperitoneally at the end of ischemia and 1h later. In the LT model of I/R, perfusion with KREBS‐Hensleit buffer (KH) led to markedly decreased left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP) (by 60%) and arrhythmias, but reperfusion with KH+ n‐3 TG (300mg/100ml) improved LVDP recovery. In the LAD model, near normal echo‐and electrocardiograms were maintained 48hrs after I/R and left ventricular infarct size was reduced by 80% in TG treated animals vs control. For both I/R models, markers of injury, lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase, were significantly reduced in n‐3 TG treated mice. After I/R, in LT model, n‐3 TG increased a marker of apoptosis Bcl‐2 (by 50%), reduced markers of autophagy beclin 1 (by 60%) and HIF1 (by 80%). We conclude that an acute n‐3 TG injection after ischemia provides cardioprotection. This may provide a novel therapy after acute myocardial infarction in humans.Grant Funding Source: Nutrition (ASN)
Evaluating Mass in Motion Kids (MiM Kids): A Multi‐Sector Intervention to Reduce Childhood Obesity Using a Community‐Clinical Partnership
Authors: Falbe Jennifer , Davison Kirsten K. , Taveras Elsie M. , Gortmaker Steven L. , Anand Shikha G. , Blaine Rachel E. , Criss Shaniece R. , Perkins Meghan , Kwass Jo‐Ann , Land Thomas , Smith Lauren A. 
Published: June 2021

MiM Kids is one of three 4‐year projects funded through the CDC's Childhood Obesity Research Demonstration Project to reduce obesity and improve health behaviors in children ages 2–12 years. Implemented in two low‐income communities in Massachusetts, MiM Kids uses evidence based interventions in clinics, schools, after‐school programs, child care, and the community at large. Using a combination of pre‐post time series and quasi‐experimental designs and comparing two intervention communities to one control community, the effectiveness of MiM Kids is examined in reference to individual lifestyle behaviors, change in body mass index (BMI), satisfaction with health care, and quality of life. Data collection integrates robust and efficient clinical and community data acquisition processes including school BMI data, electronic medical record extraction, parent surveys, environmental audits, document reviews, and community stakeholder interviews. In addition to the local evaluation, common measures developed in coordination with an evaluation center will be utilized across CORD sites. Community interventions hold great promise, but there is limited evidence for the effectiveness of multi‐sector interventions. MiM Kids and its evaluation advances community nutrition intervention science by filling this gap. Findings may inform local and state policy and future community interventions.Grant Funding Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: U18DP003370–01. This work is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not represent the official views of the CDC.
Exploring the Relationship between Perceived Stress and Weight Loss
Authors: Shen Mary Rebecca , Nezami Brooke T. , Crane Melissa , Tate Deborah F 
Published: June 2021

Research shows perceived stress (PS) is related to weight gain, but few studies have examined PS during a weight loss attempt. We hypothesized that higher PS would be associated with lower treatment adherence and less weight loss and we explored how change in PS during treatment is associated with weight loss.This data is from a 4‐month weight loss RCT intervention delivered via Internet and monthly in‐person sessions (N=192, 46.3±10.8 yrs, BMI 37.9±8.5, 91% women, 51% African‐American). Percent weight loss (WL) was calculated from measured weight and PS by the Perceived Stress Scale (range 0–40) at baseline and 4 months. Adherence was defined as website logins and group attendance. Intent‐to‐treat analyses (BOCF) controlled for group, race and education.Overall, PS decreased over time (17.1±5.8 to 14.3 ±6.7). Among women (n=175), baseline PS did not predict WL (p=.56) but decreases in PS were associated with greater WL (p<.01). In an exploratory analysis of men (n=17), baseline PS predicted WL (p<.01) but there was no association between PS change and WL (p=.80). Adherence was associated with WL (p's<.01), but baseline PS was not associated with adherence (p's >;.20).Baseline PS was associated with WL in men while reductions in PS were associated with WL in women. It is unclear how PS changes affect WL as PS was not associated with adherence. These results suggest the relationship between PS and WL may vary by gender.Grant Funding Source: Office of Undergraduate Research at UNC‐Chapel Hill
High dietary protein intake results in lower intra hepatic lipid content in healthy humans on a hypercaloric high‐fat diet
Authors: Rietman Annemarie , Schwarz Jessica , Siebelink Els , Kok Frans , Tomé Daniel , Mensink Marco 
Published: June 2021

High‐protein diets may improve regulation of body weight and glucose homeostasis and, at least in animals, reduce intra hepatic lipid content. Our objective was to reduce intra hepatic lipids (IHL) in healthy humans, by increasing protein (P) intake at the expense of carbohydrates (CH), in a high‐fat‐hypercaloric‐diet.A strictly controlled dietary intervention was performed in lean healthy subjects, who were randomly assigned to the intervention groups. One group received a balanced‐diet (BD‐group; n=10) (28 en% fat; 17 en% P; 55 en% CH) for 4 weeks. The other group (n=17) received a hypercaloric high‐fat diet (HD‐group; + 2 MJ per day, 40 en% fat) in a 2‐week cross‐over design, with a high protein content (HP; 26 en% P) or a normal protein content (NP; 15 en% P) and vice versa.On the HD diet there was a trend for lower IHL on HP compared to NP (difference 0.2 %, p=0.08); and a trend for increased IHL after BD compared to HD was seen (difference 0.13 %, p=0.06). Body weight did not differ between HP and NP, however fat mass was lower (−0.27 kg, p=0.02) and lean mass was higher (+0.52 kg, p=0.003) on HP compared to NP. Fasting insulin sensitivity and plasma triglyceride levels did not differ between protein diets.To conclude, high dietary protein intake, at the expense of carbohydrates, resulted in lower IHL in healthy humans, receiving a hypercaloric high‐fat diet. This research was supported by the Dutch Dairy Organisation (NZO).
Age and gender specific characteristics of spongy bone architectonic in lumbar vertebral bodies
Authors: Mavrych Volodymyr , Bolgova Olena , Sankova Larisa 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundA spine is one of the most often places of fractures in patients with an osteoporosis. Approximately 25% of all women in the world at the age of 70 and 50% of women at the age of 80 years have individual or plural compression fractures of vertebral bodies. The purpose of the research was to establish the age and gender related features of trabecular architectonic in human lumbar vertebra bodies.Methods212 lumbar vertebrae (0 – 88 years old) were utilized. On the digital images of the sagittal sections 3rd lumbar vertebrae were investigated length and diameters vertical and horizontal trabeculae, width of intertrabecular spaces using computer complex “Morpholog” (Fig.1).ResultsOur data suggests that all investigated parameters have a significant age correlation (p<0.0001). During the life time the length of horizontal and vertical trabeculae increases continuously for male and female, as well as, the width of the intratrabecular spaces. Diameters of vertical (Fig.2) and horizontal trabecules (Fig.3) increase from 175.3±6.8 and 73.2±8.2 microns in newborns and reach its peak in late adulthood from 247.8±28.6 and 124.2±10.9 microns; later it diminishes to 243.3±36.0 and 101.4±11.7 microns in elderly stage.ConclusionsUntil elderly age growth of trabeculae was evident. During involution in elderly age, the height of vertebral bodies and trabecular diameters decreases due to osteoporosis.
To Be Or Not To Be A Wolf During The Pleistocene, That Is The Question
Authors: Koper Lindsey 
Published: June 2021

At the end of the Pleistocene (10,000 years ago), there was a worldwide megafaunal extinction that included both large carnivores and herbivores. Before the extinction event, two kinds of wolf‐like canids lived along side each other for a couple hundred years in North America. This coexistence is well‐documented, based on the multitudes of fossil specimens of Canis dirus and Canis lupus from the Rancho La Brea tar pits in Los Angeles. The larger of the two, C. dirus, died out during the megafauna extinction whereas C. lupus still lives and thrives today as a top predator. It is not known why certain species went extinct during this time while others survived but the diet of C. dirus and C. lupus may have been responsible. According to the literature, C. dirus is more of a hypercarnivore compared to other canids or shows more characteristics of having a diet that is more exclusively meat based. C. lupus is a more generalized carnivore based on its dentition and varied diet. The difference between these carnivores can be seen in the size and shape of the carnassial teeth and the more posterior dentition. My study, analyzes the surface area of the dentition of both C. dirus and C. lupus to determine if they indeed had slightly different diets. If so, then I hypothesize that C. lupus was and is a more adaptable carnivore, allowing it to expand its diet during the megafaunal extinction, giving it advantage over the now extinct C dirus.Grant Funding Source: Northern Illinois University
Doxorubicin‐induced Cardiomyopathy in the giant danio is associated with Apoptosis, Inflammation, and Collagen Accumulation
Authors: Johnson Adedoyin , Manalo Trina , Tomamichel Wendy , Lafontant Pascal J 
Published: June 2021

Doxorubicin (Dox), an antineoplastic anthracycline used in the treatment of childhood leukemia, is associated with late‐onset cardiomyopathy. The mechanisms of Dox‐induced cardiac dysfunction are an area of intense investigations. Using light and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), we studied the effects of Dox on the heart of giant danio (GD), a small fish closely related to zebrafish. We compared short‐term high‐dose to long‐term low‐dose effects of Dox administrations. We found that short‐term (4 days) high‐dose Dox induced little inflammation or collagen accumulation in the GD myocardium. By contrast long‐term (4 weeks) low‐dose Dox induced apoptosis (TUNEL, TEM) and inflammation (MPO, TEM) in the ventricular myocardium. The number of MPO‐positive cells increased by 2 folds and 4 folds in Dox‐treated hearts, at 1 and 4 weeks respectively, with cell cycle activity (Edu) in cardiac myocytes (CM) and increased fibrosis (Trichrome, TEM). Interestingly, we found a spatially‐restricted pattern of fibrosis in the compact heart (CH). Consistent with this finding we observed by TEM that activated fibroblasts in the CH contributed to collagen accumulation. This data suggests that, except for marked cell cycle activation in CM, the GD heart response to Dox treatment appears analogous to that of human. Thus the GD may serve as an important model for the study of Dox‐induced cardiomyopathy.Grant Funding Source: FDC
Gene expression analyses of a regenerative cardiac model system in Ciona intestinalis
Authors: Manning Caitlin LaShea , Pardhanani Pooja , Barth Jeremy , Evans‐Anderson Heather 
Published: June 2021

Ciona intestinalis is a useful invertebrate animal model system for studying the role of evolutionarily conserved genes among Chordates. In contrast to most vertebrates, Ciona hearts have the capacity for regeneration throughout their lifespan. An injury model system was used to stimulate regeneration in Ciona hearts. In order to identify genes that are involved in regeneration of the Ciona heart, microarray analysis was conducted on RNA from adult hearts with normal or damaged myocardium using custom Affymetrix GeneChips. Initial results indicate significant changes in the expression of 223 genes in hearts damaged by ligation in comparison to control hearts (fold change >;2, p<0.01, Student's t‐test) with limited false discovery (5.8%). Among these 223 genes, 117 have known orthologs to vertebrates, of which 68 genes were up‐regulated and 49 genes were down‐regulated. Altered orthologous genes were validated by RT‐PCR. In addition, expression patterns of genes identified in the microarray study are currently being identified via in situ hybridization in juvenile and adult Ciona hearts. Genes of interest include: ciFGF 9/16/20, ciFoxO, and ciFoxP. In combination, these studies will help to elucidate the genetic basis of myocardial regeneration in Ciona and provide further insight into the role of orthologous genes in the regulation of cardiac myocyte proliferation.Grant Funding Source: NIH R15 Area Grant
Comparing CT to surface digitization‐based measurements of cartilage thickness
Authors: Yeung Celine , Willing Ryan , Shannon Hannah , Lalone Emily , Johnson Marjorie , King Graham , Athwal George S. 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundKnowledge of cartilage thickness distribution is important for understanding the biomechanical properties of different joints. In recent studies, various techniques for measuring cartilage thickness have been assessed.ObjectiveCompare the reliability of computed tomography (CT) and surface digitization‐based methods for measuring cartilage thickness.MethodsSix cadaveric radii were CT scanned in air, barium sulfate, and iopamidol to determine which medium enabled optimal cartilage visualization. Images of cartilage in the best medium were used to generate three dimensional (3D) models for measurement. The radial heads were then digitized using an infrared motion tracking system. Cartilage thickness was measured as the distance from the deepest point on the cartilage surface to the bone. Both CT‐ and surface digitization‐based values were compared to physical measurements acquired using a digital caliper to determine which technique was most reliable for assessing cartilage thickness.ResultsCT and surface digitization had mean differences of −0.01±0.06mm (mean ± standard deviation) and 0.00±0.35mm, respectively. Surface digitization‐based measurements, however, had larger individual errors and a greater range of error (−0.42 to +0.62mm) compared to CT‐based measurements (−0.07 to +0.08mm).ConclusionsCT is a more reliable technique for assessing cartilage thickness.Grant Funding Source: Departmental
Loss of redoxin proteins exacerbates LRRK2‐mediated Parkinson's disease phenotype in C. elegans
Authors: Johnson William Marshall , Yao Chen , Chen Shu , Wilson‐Delfosse Amy L. , Mieyal John J. 
Published: June 2021

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease worldwide, and oxidative stress is considered a major contributor to PD pathogenesis. Recently, we and others found that pathogenic mutations in the leucine rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) gene linked to familial PD promote increased ROS generation in model neuronal cells in culture.The redoxin family of proteins, including peroxiredoxin and glutaredoxin, provides defenses against oxidative stress through peroxide‐scavenging and protein repair mechanisms. Hence, we hypothesized that loss of Prdx‐3 or Grx1 would result in exacerbation of the mutant LRRK2‐dependent PD phenotype.Previously we demonstrated that expression of mutant human LRRK2 in dopaminergic neurons of C. elegans resulted in impaired dopamine‐dependent behavior and age‐dependent loss of dopaminergic neurons. Here we report that mutant LRRK2 expression concomitant with embryonic knockout of Prdx‐3 or Grx1 exacerbates the impairment of dopamine‐dependent movement and increases the loss of dopaminergic neurons. Notably, knockout of Prdx‐3 alone results in a PD phenotype. Thus, Grx1 and Prdx‐3 may act as novel PD suppressors in vivo. Current studies are focused on molecular mechanisms by which Grx1 and Prdx‐3 may mediate neuronal protection in vivo. Supported in part by NIH grants 5R21NS073170 (SGC & ALW) and T32GM008803 (WMJ), and VA grant BX000290 (JJM).
Ebselen: a covalent inhibitor of the Antigen 85 complex from Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Favrot Lorenza , Lajiness Daniel H. , Marvin Rachel , Isailovic Dragan , Ronning Donald R. 
Published: June 2021

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported 8.7 million new cases of tuberculosis (TB) and 1.4 million deaths in 2011. Co‐infection with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), as well as the appearance of multidrug and extensively drug‐resistance tuberculosis (MDR‐TB or XDR‐TB), stress the need of discovering new drugs to treat TB. The antigen 85 complex (Ag85) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb) includes three mycolyltransferases: Ag85A, Ag85B and Ag85C, involved in the cell wall biosynthesis. The enzymes catalyze the transfer of mycolic acids to trehalose monomycolate (TMM) producing the cord factor trehalose dimycolate (TDM) through a transesterification reaction. The Ag85 complex appears as a valuable drug target to treat TB as inactivation of one of the enzymes affects mycobacterial cell growth in the host; cell wall organization is disrupted and an increase in sensitivity to drugs targeting the cell wall biosynthesis is observed. This study aims to improve methods for inhibitor screening using Ag85C. We report the development of a new high‐throughput assay using resorufin butyrate as an acyl donor. This fluorescence‐based assay provided a Z′ value of 0.82, validating the assay for inhibitor screening. The screening of the NIH clinical collection identified ebselen as a potent inhibitor of M. tb Ag85C. Initial dose‐dependence studies suggested an inhibitory activity in the nanomolar range. However, characterization using mass spectrometry and X‐ray crystallography, gave further insight into the mechanism of action; ebselen binds covalently to the lone cysteine located near the active site of Ag85C, locking the enzyme in an inactive conformation.Funding from the National Institutes of Health (R15AI089653–01) supported this work.
Obesity induced fibrinogen formation and its effect on adipocyte inflammation and glucose uptake
Authors: Paton Chad M 
Published: June 2021

Obesity and insulin resistance are associated with increased fibrinogen production and inflammation, yet the effect of fibrin degradation products (FDP‐E and FDP‐D) on glucose disposal is completely unknown. We hypothesize that FDP‐E will decrease glucose disposal by increasing inflammation and cytokine production in macrophages.First, we determined the effect of obesity on fibrinogen expression and fibrin deposition. WT B6 mice fed a high fat diet for 15 weeks increased plasma fibrinogen content along with hepatic fibrinogen expression and FDP‐E content increased 4‐fold. Next, we injected FDP‐E directly into S.C fat which induced inflammation and apoptosis. In fibroblasts, FDP‐E reduced cell viability and induced pro‐fibrotic gene expression. 3T3‐L1 adipocytes were treated with FDP‐E or conditioned media (CM) from FDP‐E treated peritoneal macrophages. We found that FDP‐E and CM suppressed glucose uptake in adipocytes and caused a significant increase in M1 proinflammatory biomarkers such as TNF‐á and IL‐6 in macrophages and mature adipocytes with no appreciable effect on M2 antiinflammatory gene expression.Fibrinogen expression and deposition is increased with obesity. The increase in fibrinogen expression and fibrin deposition leads to increased adipocyte inflammation and macrophage infiltration which suppresses glucose uptake and may promote adipose tissue fibrosis.