bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fish oil modulates cytolytic lymphocytes during H. hepaticus‐induced colitis in mice
Authors: Rondini Elizabeth A , Gardner Elizabeth M , Fenton Jenifer I 
Published: June 2021

Increasing evidence suggests an important role for natural killer (NK) cells in providing innate defense against pathogenic bacteria. We reported that feeding fish oil enriched with decosahexaenoic acid (DFO) exacerbated colitis and promoted colonic dysplasia in SMAD3−/− mice following infection with H. hepaticus. Flow cytometric analysis of secondary lymphoid tissues suggested alterations in NK cell populations. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of DFO on cytolytic lymphocyte infiltration at the local site of inflammation/dysplasia by immunohistochemistry. Mice were fed AIN‐93G diets modified to include corn oil (CO) or DFO (0.75–6.0 %) as the fatty acid source for 8 wks, gavaged with H. hepaticus to induce colitis, then euthanized 4 wks post‐infection. Colons were removed and processed for analysis of cytolytic cells (DX5 and CD3) as well as the granzyme B by immunohistochemistry. We found a progressive increase in tumor associated CD3+ and DX5+ lymphocytes as well as granzyme B staining as dietary DFO increased, consistent with increased colitis scores. However, despite significant infiltration of cytolytic cells in the 6% DFO group, the intensity of granzyme B staining was reduced. These data imply that high levels of DFO may impair activation of cytolytic lymphocytes potentially contributing to accelerated tumor formation previously reported.Grant Funding Source: n/a
Low energy intake is related to high body fat percentage in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Kim JaeHee , Hwang Ji‐Yun , Choi Young Ju , Huh Kap Bum , Chang Namsoo 
Published: June 2021

Previous studies have reported that type 2 diabetes is associated with increased risk of physical disability and loss of muscle mass. This study was conducted to determine whether there is an association between energy intake and body composition in patients with type 2 diabetes. A total of 877 subjects were recruited from the Huh's Diabetes Clinic in Seoul from 2005 to 2010. Dietary intake was assessed by a validated food‐frequency questionnaire. Subjects were divided into three groups on the basis of daily energy intake. The groups were: low energy intake [below 75% Korean estimated energy requirement (EER)], adequate energy intake (from 75% to 125% EER) and high energy intake (above 125% EER). After adjustment for age, sex, exercise and BMI, skeletal muscle was significantly lower in the low energy intake group than in the adequate energy intake group (p = 0.0122). The low energy intake group had significantly lower fat free mass percentage than the adequate energy intake group (p = 0.0124). However, body fat percentage was significantly higher in the low energy intake group compared with the adequate energy intake group (p < .0001). A careful attention should be also paid to inadequate energy intake of patients with type 2 diabetes.This work was supported by the Brain Korea 21 project.
Short sleep duration is associated with increased risk of obesity in Filipino young adults
Authors: Borja Judith B. , Adair Linda S. , Agustin Sonny S. , Kuzawa Christopher W. 
Published: June 2021

For young adults transitioning to life after school, sleep duration may be compromised to accommodate many lifestyle changes. Recent studies show that short sleep duration creates metabolic and hormonal changes that increase the risk of obesity. We examined whether sleep duration relates to BMI in 1799 20–22 yr old Filipino men and women from the 2005 Cebu Longitudinal Health and Nutrition Survey. Number of hours of sleep was based on reported usual wakeup and bed times. Multivariable regression models that adjusted for socioeconomic status, energy intake, activity levels, and other potential confounders showed that number of hours of sleep was negatively associated with BMI [β=−0.13, 95% CI(−0.21, −0.04)]. Compared to those who usually slept 6–10 hours, those with <6 hours sleep were at greater risk of being overweight or obese [Odds ratio: 1.75, 95% CI (1.07 to 2.88)]. About 55% of the sample were men and a likelihood‐ratio test showed no significant gender‐sleep interaction. Wake‐up time other than in morning hours (4–10AM) was not associated with any measure of obesity nor did it modify the BMI‐ sleep duration relationship. Findings from this community‐based study contribute to the increasing research on sleep deprivation as another possible pathway to obesity.NIH Grant No. 5R03TW008133‐03
Preterm piglet model for investigation of preterm human neonatal co‐morbidities
Authors: Allen Hannah , Smith Kristin , Khuddus Nausheen , Islam Saleem , Jones Lauren L. , Zanganeh Tatiana , Panjeton Geoffrey , Lennon Dylan , Veling Amanda , Borum Peggy R. 
Published: June 2021

Piglets have anatomy and physiology similar to humans, but published reports state that piglets less than 90% gestation are non‐viable even with intensive care. The objective was to provide proof of principle that a piglet in the Piglet Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (PNICU) less than 90% gestation can be viable and exhibit co‐morbidities frequently observed in preterm neonates in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). A piglet was delivered by caesarian section at 87% gestation, admitted to the PNICU, surgically implanted with an endotracheal cannula and a double lumen jugular vein catheter, and provided 24 hour NICU level of care including ventilation and parenteral nutrition. The piglet received periodic hyperoxia treatments during the course of PNICU care. On day 9 tissues and bodily fluids were collected. The piglet became ventilator dependent and had several episodes of oxygen desaturation and elevated heart rate accompanied by unusual rhythmical movements of the head, eyes and legs. Gross morphology of lungs was consistent with pulmonary damage associated with prematurity. Visual examination revealed some areas of the jejunum had luminal blood present. The retina was classified as immature by retinal exam performed by an ophthalmologist using NICU methods. A piglet less than 90% gestation can be used to investigate the co‐morbidities of preterm human neonates.Supported by Mead Johnson Nutrition Company
Children experiencing food insecurity and hunger live adult roles
Authors: Bernal Jennifer , Herrera Héctor A , Frongillo Edward A , Rivera Juan A 
Published: June 2021

Strong evidence exists that children are adversely affected by food insecurity and hunger (FIH), but how children respond to living with FIH has been little studied. We investigated how children respond when living in a FIH environment. We used a mixed‐methods approach with children aged 7 to 17 y, located in peri‐urban areas in Venezuela. Seven focus groups (42 girls and boys), 13 in‐depth interviews, and 131 quantitative interviews with children were conducted. The interviews covered children's own and others' experiences of FIH during periods of food shortage, and activities that they do in response. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed. Children with FIH sometimes live adult roles. They have to do more activities related with household chores such as ironing, washing, cooking, and taking care of siblings than do children without FIH. They engage in child labor, and engage in fewer activities related with school, recreational, and resting time. They sacrifice time for activities that would increase their knowledge, learning, and quality of life. FIH situations compromise children's opportunity to fulfill their developmental need and right to study, play, rest, and live a happy childhood.Grant Funding Source: International Nutrition Council
Association between household food insecurity and infant growth in rural Bangladesh
Authors: Na Muzi , West Keith , Shamim Abu Ahmed , Mehra Sucheta , Labrique Alain , Klemm Rolf , Christian Parul 
Published: June 2021

Food insecurity is a global concern, yet its association with child growth is not fully understood. This study in rural Bangladesh explored associations between household food insecurity, using standardized questions, and infant growth. We asked a published 10‐item, 6‐mo household food insecurity questionnaire at 6 and 12 mo postpartum to 6,333 mothers participating in an antenatal micronutrient supplementation trial. Child weight, length and mid‐upper arm circumference (MUAC) were measured at 6 and 12 mo. We compared growth to ordinal individual item and summed scores. Infant weight, length and MUAC at 6 and 12 mo of age were associated in a dose‐response direction with graded responses to each of 3 questions related to having few square meals, worrying about food, and needing to buy rice often (all p <0.05). Differences in mean weight, length and MUAC across the scale at 6 and 12 mo were 0.51 and 0.48 kg, 1.63 and 0.87 cm, and 0.64 cm and 0.39 cm, respectively. Updated surveillance data will be presented. Food insecurity is associated with poorer infant growth in rural Bangladesh.Grant Funding Source: Gates Foundation, Sight and Life, and a DSM doctoral fellowship for international micronutrient research
Offspring Born of Dams Receiving Green Tea Extract During Pregnancy and Lactation Had Reduced Central Oxidative Stress and Improved Peripheral Insulin Sensitivity
Authors: Yeung Oi Yee , Li Edmund Tsze Shing 
Published: June 2021

Maternal over‐nutrition could compromise insulin sensitivity (IS) of offspring through programming. Excess central reactive oxygen species via sympathetic excitation may lead to insulin resistant. This study examined the hypothesis that supplementing green tea extract [GT, >90% (−)‐epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate] to dams fed a high fat (HF) diet would improve oxidative status and IS of offspring. Female rats were assigned to one of four diet groups 8 wk prior to mating and continued with the diet till the end of lactation: low fat (LF), HF, 0.75%GT or 1%GT added to HF (HT1, HT2). Post‐weaning diets were HF, HT1 or HT2. Male HF rats born of GT supplemented dams had improved IS at wk 13. But, GT given post‐weaning to rats of HF dams had no effect. In HF offspring born of HT2 dams, activities of brain catalase and superoxide dismutase were enhanced when compared to pups of HF dams (p<0.05). Hypothalamic sirtuin 1 and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 alpha gene expression, which play roles in oxidative stress reduction, in HF offspring of both HT1 and HT2 dams were significantly higher than those of HF dams (p<0.05). Hence maternal exposure to GT improves HF offspring's ability to handle oxidative stress centrally. These results support the notion that maternal exposure to certain bioactive food components could have long lasting impact on offspring via fetal programming.Grant Funding Source: HKU grant
Maternal depressed mood during pregnancy, MTHFR C677T genotype, and vitamin B12 status
Authors: Wei Julia J , Brain Ursula , Green Timothy J , Oberlander Tim F , Devlin Angela M 
Published: June 2021

Depression occurs in ~15% of pregnant women, and 1/3 are taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) as antidepressants. Disturbances in methyl metabolism have been found in adults with depression. A variant (C677T) in the gene for methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), an enzyme in methyl metabolism, is also associated with depression. However, the role of methyl metabolism and the MTHFR C677T variant in depression during pregnancy is unknown. We investigated if disturbances in methyl metabolism are associated with maternal depressed mood during pregnancy. Pregnant women (n=176) with the MTHFR 677TT genotype had greater depressed mood (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, EPDS; and Symptom Questionnaires, SQ) in the 2nd trimester and 5–6 days postpartum (P<0.05) than women with the MTHFR 677CC genotype. In a subset of women, serum vitamin B12 levels at delivery correlated with infant vitamin B12 levels at birth (P<0.01). Serum vitamin B12 levels were lower in infants and their mothers at birth who had depression compared to infants and their mothers without depression or those with depression and treated with SSRIs (P<0.01). These findings suggest that the MTHFR 677TT genotype and low serum vitamin B12 levels are associated with depressed mood during pregnancy and may contribute to the pathology of depression during pregnancy.Grant Funding Source: Interdisciplinary Women's Reproductive Health Research Training Program, and Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
Vitamin D status is associated with sun exposure, vitamin D and calcium intake, and acculturation in immigrant East Asian women living in Sydney, Australia
Authors: Brock Kaye E , Ke Liang , Yip Augustus , Tseng Marilyn , Clemson Lindy , Koo Fung K , Jang Haeyoung , Cant Rosemary Vivian , Siebel Marcus J , Mpofu Elias , Fraser David R , Mason Rebecca Sarah 
Published: June 2021

Determinants of vitamin D status (25(OH)D nmol/L), are exposure to sunlight and intake of vitamin D. The aim of this study was to investigate acculturation along with known predictors of vitamin D status in East Asian immigrant women living in Sydney, Australia (aged 18‐92).In this cross‐sectional study (n=114) 25(OH)D levels were measured by RIA in blood collected in early summer.. Demographics, dietary intake, sun exposure patterns and acculturation factors were measured by questionnaire.In early summer (n=114), 10% and 53% of women had serum 25(OH)D levels <50 nmol/.. Predictors of deficient vitamin D status (< 50nmol/L 25(OH)D) were younger age, higher education, less acculturation to Australian lifestyle, more skin protection habits, fewer minutes of sun exposure on weekends and low vitamin D and calcium intake through foods or supplements. After multivariate analysis, those who had: no intake of vitamin D supplements: less sunlight exposure on weekends and less acculturationto Australian lifestyle had six, three and two fold risk of being deficient in vitamin D: OR=5.6, CI=1.4‐22; OR=2.7, CI=1.0‐7.3; OR=2.5, CI=1.0‐6.3, respectively.Thus, East Asian immigrant women in Sydney may be at risk of vitamin D deficiency, if not acculturated to Australian customs. Interventions could be encouraging increased safe sun exposure and vitamin D and calcium intake.Research support: USYD ISS Grant 2010
Transplantation of allogeneic hepatocyte‐like cells differentiated from adipose tissue mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) in rat models of liver regeneration and cirrhosis
Authors: Brückner Sandra , Dollinger Matthias , Stock Peggy , Hempel Madlen , Zipprich Alexander , Christ Bruno 
Published: June 2021

It has been demonstrated that MSC may differentiate to hepatocyte‐like cells, which after syngeneic transplantation into a host liver persist in the parenchyma. Evidence emerges that MSC display tolerogenic attributes. Therefore, we investigated acceptance of allogeneic MSC transplants in rat models of liver regeneration and cirrhosis.MSC were isolated from adipose tissue of CD26 wildtype DA rats and cells either undifferentiated or after hepatocyte differentiation transplanted into the livers of CD26‐deficient Fischer rats via portal vein. After 10 weeks, small clusters of allogeneic donor cells were visible in the host parenchyma. Compared with undifferentiated cells, clusters were seemingly larger when differentiated cells were used but were by far smaller as compared to the transplantation of syngeneic MSC. When cells were applied systemically via tail vein injection, small clusters of allogeneic donor‐derived cells were visible in the host liver parenchyma after 5 days in animals challenged with partial hepatectomy and with CCl4‐induced liver cirrhosis. This demonstrates that allogeneic MSC home to the liver after acute and chronic liver injury. They integrate into the host liver indicating their acceptance by the host immune system at least in the short term range. This offers the opportunity to use allogeneic MSC for the therapy of liver diseases avoiding immune suppression.
Evolutionary conservation of Tino/Quaking network suggests its impact to cell polarity control in ontogenesis and oncogenesis
Authors: Lulli Matteo , Granucci Irene , Loffredo Rosa , Witort Ewa , Capaccioli Sergio 
Published: June 2021

Loss of cell polarity is very common in invasive and metastatic tumours, but also in early stages of oncogenesis. In C. elegans the conserved Par genes control several proteins transducing polarity cues in the embryo. One of these transducers is the RNA‐binding protein ceMex‐3, an essential translational regulator involved in embryo development. Its human ortholog is Tino, firstly identified in our lab as a post‐transcriptional regulator, able to bind to the AU‐Rich Element (ARE) of bcl‐2 mRNA. The high conservation between ceMex‐3 and Tino suggests that also Tino could have an impact on mammalian embryogenesis, cell polarity and cancer. Par‐4 is a ceMex‐3 post‐translational regulator, its human ortholog LKB1 is responsible, if mutated, for the Peutz‐Jeghers cancer syndrome. Another liaison dangereuse co‐involves ceMex‐3 with gld‐1 gene, whose mammal ortholog is Quaking (Qki). Both ceMex‐3 and GLD‐1 co‐regulate common targets and if mutated induce onset of teratomas during gametogenesis.Here we show that QKI contributes to the negative regulation of Tino, confirming our hypothesis of evolutive conservation of Tino pathway. Furthermore, identification of Tino's target mRNAs and their consensus reveals that 50% of these mRNAs contains also Qki consensus, underlying the possibility that QKI and Tino co‐regulate common targets.Research supported by AIRC, MIUR and ECRF.
Introducing the Competency‐Based Medical Curriculum to Pre‐Medical Students
Authors: Able David 
Published: June 2021

Competency‐Based Medical Curricula are intended to produce altruistic, humane, and knowledgeable healthcare providers who know their strengths and limitations.CBMC are being adopted by an increasing number of medical schools, but even advanced pre‐medical students are frequently unaware that this sort of curriculum exists. I introduced a modified version of the competency‐based curriculum used at the Indiana University Medical School, Bloomington IN, to my undergraduate Gross Anatomy students in the form of four writing exercises in which students explore and develop their ideas about studying and practicing medicine. One exercise has as its focus a simple sleep latency test, through which students can learn about their level of sleep deprivation and its consequences (The “Self‐Care and Personal Growth Competency”). Another encourages them to explore their ideas about how medical care should be paid for (“The Social and Community Contexts of Medicine Competency”). Another allows them to explore their understanding of topics in medical ethics (“The Moral Reasoning and Ethical Judgment Competency”). By lecture‐based introductions to the topics, and by working through these issues, students are not only made aware of the Competency Based‐Medical Curriculum, but actually experience it. The survey instruments I used and the students' responses are available for inspection.
25‐Hydroxycholesterol sulfation regulates lipid metabolism in vivo in mice
Authors: Ren Shunlin , Bai Qianming , Xu Leyuan , Pandak William M 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundOxysterol sulfotransferase, SULT2B1b, catalyzes sulfation of 25‐hydroxycholesterol (25HC). The product 25‐hydroxycholesterol‐3‐sulfate (25HC3S) was found to decrease cellular lipids in human aortic endothelial cells, macrophages, and hepatocytes via inactivation of LXR/SREBP‐1c signaling. 25HC3S appears to be a potent regulator of lipid metabolism with regulatory properties opposite to those of its precursor 25‐HC.HypothesisOxysterol sulfation, by determining the balance between 25HC and 25HC3S, could play an important role in lipid homeostasis.ResultsFollowing transfection, the SULT2B1b gene was successfully overexpressed in liver, aorta and lung tissues, but not in heart or kidney. SULT2B1b overexpression significantly decreased hepatic triglycerides by 30%, total cholesterol by 28%, and free cholesterol by 18%, as compared to control, while fatty acids were unchanged. Gene expression analysis showed that increases in SULT2B1b expression were accompanied by reduction in key regulators and enzymes in lipid metabolism, including SREBP‐1, SREBP‐2, acetyl‐CoA carboxylase‐1 and fatty acid synthase.ConclusionOverexpression of SULT2B1b, accompanied by 25HC administration, suppresses SREBP‐1 and ‐2 and decreases serum and hepatic lipids in cholesterol‐fed mice. This finding supports the hypothesis that 25HC3S is an important endogenous regulator of lipid biosynthesis. This pathway may represent a novel target for pharmacological intervention in NAFLD.
Effect of different meal timing on postprandial energy expenditure and sympathetic nervous system activity in adult Japanese men
Authors: Taira Takuya , Fujii Hisao 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to compare changes in EE (Energy Expenditure ) at breakfast, lunch, and supper using the indirect human calorimeter (IHC) for 24 hours in order to clarify the effect of difference in meal timing on postprandial EE.MethodsWe measured EE, LF/HF(Low Frequency/ High Frequency), HF(High Frequency) in adult Japanese men (n=13, 21.0 ± 0.3 years). EE was measured using the IHC for 24 hours. The activity of sympathetic nervous system was assessed by real‐time analysis system of heart rate fluctuation.ResultsPostprandial EE at supper time was significantly higher than that at breakfast time during the first 60 minutes after ingestion (p < 0.05) and that at lunch time during the first 50 minutes after ingestion (p < 0.05). However, preprandial EE was also significantly higher at supper time than those at breakfast time and lunch time (p < 0.05). Preprandial LF/HF was significantly higher at lunch time than at breakfast time (p < 0.05). The time course of LF/HF was significantly lower at supper time than at breakfast time at periods of 10, 30, and 80–90 minutes after ingestion (p < 0.05).ConclusionThe increase in EE induced by intake of breakfast and lunch may affect preprandial EE at supper time. Food intake may be one of the factors in the diurnal rhythm of EE.
Modeling the potential of lysine biofortification of maize to improve protein quality and reduce risk of protein inadequacy in Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Suri Devika , Strutt Nicholas R. , Ghosh Shibani , Gunaratna Nilupa S. 
Published: June 2021

IntroductionPopulations dependent on starchy staple crops are at risk of protein inadequacy due to limited lysine content. Previous work found 31% risk of protein inadequacy in Sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). We examined the potential of lysine biofortified maize to reduce protein inadequacy in countries with high maize dependence.MethodsFAO food balance sheets and USDA nutrient data were used to determine mean nutrient supply and estimate the population risk of protein inadequacy (PRPI), adjusting for protein quality using the PDCAAS method. We modeled a 60% increase in lysine in maize to bring the amino acid score to 1 as per WHO/FAO 2008 adult protein requirements. The new PRPI was calculated based on 2005 food supply, assuming 100% substitution with biofortified maize.ResultsLysine biofortified maize decreased PRPI by more than 10 percentage points in Mozambique (77% to 60%), Zimbabwe (43% to 28%), Togo (53% to 40%), Malawi (31% to 18%), Zambia (44% to 33%) and Lesotho (13% to 3%), equating to 10 million fewer people at risk for protein inadequacy. No other amino acid was limiting in the diet.ConclusionLysine biofortification of maize has the potential to significantly reduce PRPI in countries with high dependence on maize. The model should be applied to individual‐level dietary data to assess PRPI in at‐risk populations.