bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantifying the Connectivity of the Language‐Specific Cerebrocebellar Network (LSCN)
Authors: George Ian , Beversdorf David , Aldridge Kristina 
Published: June 2021

Language was arguably a key influence in the evolution of the human brain and the evolution of this behavior in humans was likely associated with gross morphological changes and novel neural networks. Our previous research examined one such network and verified anatomical connectivity between regions of the cerebellum, thalamus, and frontal lobe active during language using a combination of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). The results of the DTI analysis and fiber tracking support the hypothesis that there is discrete anatomical connectivity in a language‐specific network.Our current study is designed to characterize and quantify this anatomical connectivity in the language‐specific functional network between the cerebrum and cerebellum. We analyzed the language‐specific cerebrocerebellar network (LSCN) in 30 right‐handed neurotypical males through DTI images. Our results show the white matter tracts in the LSCN have greater connectivity than that of the white matter in the whole brain, indicating that there is a discrete network between the cerebrum and cerebellum exclusively for language. Information about the anatomical connectivity in this neural network can now be used in conjunction with behavioral measures to shed light on the evolution of the human brain, evolution of language, and pathologies that affect language production.This research was funded by the Wenner‐Gren Foundation, the MU Life Sciences Fellowship, Pearson, and the MU Brain Imaging Center.
Understanding the Mechanisms Driving Ectopic Bone Formation in a Zebrafish FOP Model
Authors: LaBonty Melissa , Yelick Pamela 
Published: June 2021

Introduction: The zebrafish Type I TGFβ family member receptor, Alk8, modulates BMP/TGFβ signaling to promote cartilage and bone formation. Activating mutations in the human ortholog of Alk8, ACVR1 (ALK‐2), are associated with the disease Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP), characterized by the gradual ossification of fibrous tissues. The objective of this study is to develop a zebrafish model to identify and characterize molecular mechanisms underlying FOP.Methods: Gateway cloning, transgenesis, Alcian blue stain, Alizarin Red Stain, μCT, IHCResults: Gateway cloning was used to generate Tol2 vectors containing a heat shock promoter driving the expression of mCherry tagged wild type (WT), dominant negative (DN), or constitutively active (CA) Alk8. The Tol2 vectors were co‐injected with Tol2 transposase mRNA into single cell staged BMP response element reporter (BRE:GFP) zebrafish to produce transgenic animals. Transgenic lines were subjected to short term (1‐3 weeks) or long term (1‐3 months) daily heat shock intervals to induce variant Alk8 expression. μCT, Alcian blue, and Alizarin red staining were used to characterize changes in mineralization patterns. CA‐Alk8‐expressing zebrafish exhibited enhanced mineralization and ectopic bone formation as compared to WT and non‐heat shock controls. In contrast, DN‐Alk8‐expressing animals exhibited reduced mineralization. IHC analyses of phosphorylated SMADs and other BMP and TGFβ downstream targets are being used to identify the molecular and cellular mechanisms driving aberrant mineralization.ConclusionsHeat shock inducible Alk8 variants in Zebrafish provide informative models for ectopic bone formation in human FOP.Support: NSF GRFP NS9344 (ML), NIH/NIDCR R01 DE016962 (PCY), R01 DE018043 (PCY), and R21 HD085013 (PCY).
The Holistic Review Approach to Admissions
Authors: de la Rosa Jose 
Published: June 2021

This presentation will review the reasons medical schools have begun to change their admissions processes in order to develop compliance with their admissions policies. It is recognized that schools of medicine wished for methodologies to access non‐cognitive abilities desired in future physicians. The process of “holistic review” provides a methodology to review applicants.Beginning with the decision to invite an applicant for interview, an assessment must be made of both cognitive and non‐cognitive abilities of the candidate. Traditionally the interview has been the non‐cognitive instrument for assessment of non‐cognitive abilities. This presentation will review the development of rubrics and other techniques to assess other non‐cognitive abilities, including the new medical college admissions test, the M.M.I. and secondary applications. A question and answer period will be entertained to assist in the understanding of the objectives.
Ultra‐processed and Ready‐to‐eat Food and Beverage Purchases Differ by Race, Education, and Income in a Longitudinal US Study
Authors: Poti Jennifer , Mendez Michelle , Ng Shu Wen , Popkin Barry 
Published: June 2021

It is not clear whether processed foods contribute to sociodemographic disparities in the diets of Americans. Our objective was to determine whether race/ethnicity, education, and income were associated with ultra‐processed or ready‐to‐eat food and beverage purchases among US households. We analyzed data from the 2000‐2012 Homescan panel (n=157,142). We classified 1.2 million barcoded products by level of food processing and convenience. Longitudinal random effects linear and multinomial logistic regression models were used to examine time‐varying associations.The calorie contribution of ultra‐processed products to food purchases was 蠅58% for all subpopulations. Inverse associations of ultra‐processed food purchases with education and income emerged across time as households of higher, but not lower, socioeconomic status (SES) shifted away from these foods. Compared to white households, black households had higher ultra‐processed beverage purchases yet lower ultra‐processed food purchases. Blacks were more likely than whites to be in the highest quartile for purchases of moderately processed foods (predicted probability: 45.8% vs 21.0%) and foods requiring cooking (41.3% vs 21.7%) and purchased more cooking oils and table sugar. Black race and lower education were associated with lower ready‐to‐eat convenience food purchases. Findings suggest that ultra‐processed foods among low SES households and ultra‐processed beverages among blacks may contribute to US diet disparities. Sociodemographic differences in patterns reflective of greater home‐cooking warrant further study.Funding source: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (67506, 68793, 70017, 71837), NIH (R01DK098072), CPC 5 R24 HD050924
Country and Region of Origin Predict Risk of Food Insecurity among Hispanic‐born in US
Authors: McClain Amanda , Dickin Katherine , Dollahite Jamie , Gurak Douglas 
Published: June 2021

Reports on food insecurity often lump Hispanics together, ignoring potential geographical and cultural differences that may be important for identifying and targeting at‐risk populations. The objective of this analysis was to determine the influence of Hispanic country and region of origin on US household and child food security status.We analyzed data from the December 2013 supplement of the Current Population Survey. We tested logistic regression models of household and child food insecurity among persons born in a Hispanic country versus the US, the reference group. Models controlled for significant predictors of food insecurity: income, number of children < 18y, education, marital status, and Hispanic ethnicity. We adjusted estimates with survey weights for persons.Persons originating from Mexico (p=0.00; OR=1.22) and Puerto Rico (p=0.02; OR=1.39) were at significantly higher risk of household food insecurity than US‐born. Mexico‐born persons (p=0.00; OR=1.28) were at significantly higher risk of child food insecurity than US‐born. Central American, South American, and Dominican‐born persons did not differ from US‐born. SNAP and WIC participation were associated with increased risk and attenuated differences between US‐born and Mexican‐born, and US‐born and Puerto Rican‐born persons.Findings suggest that country and region of origin for Hispanics, particularly Mexican‐born, may influence food insecurity risk and be an important factor for targeting interventions to reduce food insecurity among Hispanics. Promoting WIC and SNAP participation may be one effective approach.[Funding: Research Innovation and Development Grants in Economics (RIDGE) Doctoral Dissertation Research Grant]
Effect of iron supplementation with or without vitamin E (VE) on gut microbiome (MB) in iron deficient (ID) infants and toddlers
Authors: Tang Minghua , Frank Daniel , Ir Diana , Krebs Nancy 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveTo assess the impact of VE on the efficacy of therapeutic iron and on gut MB in infants and toddlers with ID.DesignThis is a randomized, double blind efficacy trial of 8 weeks of iron therapy (6 mg/kg/d) alone or with VE, in 9‐24 mo old infants and toddlers with ID. Profiles of fecal gut MB were measured by 16S sequencing before and after treatment.Results32 infants (14 ± 4 mo) completed the study with pre‐ and post‐trial stool samples collected (IG: Iron Group n=18; IVEG: iron +VE Group n=14). Over time, allparticipants improved iron status. Compared with IG without group difference. Compared with IG, the IVEG had increase in serum vitamin E concentration (Δ1.3 ± 6.1 mcg/ml, P < 0.05). Microbial diversity increased overtime (P < 0.01) among all participants. Firmicutes increased (P < 0.05) and Bacteroidetes decreased (P < 0.05) in relative abundance (RA) in the IVEG, compared with IG. A group‐by‐time interaction was observed in which Bacteroidaceae (P = 0.07) and Bacteroides (P = 0.07) decreased, while the potential butyrate producers Lachnospiraceae (P = 0.01 and Roseburia (P = 0.04) increased in RA in the IVEG. Among all participants, correction of ID was associated with decreased Escherichia from 1.4% to 0.4% (P =0.01). Age and breastfeeding exposure had no impact on the results.ConclusionImproving iron status in U.S. infants and toddlers with ID reduced the abundance of putative pathogens. Adding VE to iron supplement beneficially affected the gut microbiome.Sponsored by: The Gerber foundation, NIH/NIDDK (K24 DK083772), Colorado CTSI, UCD Microbiome Research Consortium
Interactive Effects of Protein Deficiency and Intestinal Nematode Infection During Pregnancy on Expression of Growth Genes in Placenta of Mice
Authors: Starr Lisa , Scott Marilyn , Koski Kristine 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundProtein deficiency (PD) and intestinal nematode infection during pregnancy impair distinct aspects of fetal growth. We used microarrays to test the hypotheses that maternal PD and nematode infection have interactive effects on placental functions related to growth and that this would be evident in altered placental gene expressionMethodsPlacentae were obtained on day 18 of pregnancy from CD‐1 mice fed protein sufficient (24% protein) or protein deficient (6% protein) isoenergetic diets and either uninfected or infected every 5 days with Heligmosomoides bakeri beginning on day 5 of pregnancy. Pathway analysis was performed on differentially expressed genes identified by Affymetrix GeneChip 2.0 ST mouse arrays.ResultsIn response to H. bakeri, 323 transcripts were differentially expressed, including oxidative phosphorylation, ATP binding and hemopoiesis genes. In response to PD, 272 transcripts were differentially expressed, including endopeptidase activity and hemopoiesis genes. A significant interaction was observed for 248 transcripts, including several genes with functions in fetal growth. Notably, infection prevented PD‐induced down‐regulation of IGF‐1 receptor, insulin receptor substrate and prolactin.ConclusionIn addition to their independent effects, the interaction of maternal PD and intestinal nematode infection had antagonistic effects on placental genes involved in fetal growth. These results highlight the complexity of fetal growth regulation during combined malnutrition and infection.Funding Natural Science and Engineering Council of Canada
Dietary Protein Quantity and Source Impact Weight and Body Composition of Older Adults: Analysis of NHANES 2001‐2006 Data
Authors: Campbell Wayne , Kim Jung Eun , Chen Ningning , Fulgoni Victor 
Published: June 2021

We assessed the effect of dietary protein on weight and body composition (BC) of older adults using dietary (food records) and BC (DXA) data from NHANES 2001‐2006. Data from 5,102 men and women, aged 50+ y, were analyzed using multiple linear regressions with age, sex, ethnicity, BMI, and carbohydrate and fat intakes as co‐variables and protein intake as a categorical variable separated into quartiles. Among all subjects, the 5th, 25th, 50th, 75th, and 95th percentiles of total protein intake (TPro, g•kg‐1•d‐1, mean±SE) were 0.51±0.01, 0.73±0.01, 0.92±0.01, 1.14±0.01, and 1.51±0.03, respectively. Higher TPro predicted lower weight, fat mass (FM, kg), FM%, FM index (kg/m2) and non‐bone lean mass (LM, kg), and higher LM% and LM index (kg/m2) for all subjects (all P‐values <0.007). Total bone mineral content (BMC, kg) and bone mineral density (BMD, g/cm2) were not influenced, and BMC index (kg/m2) was higher with higher TPro. Relationships between sources of protein (dairy, non‐dairy animal, and plant) and these BC parameters were varied. In general, the protein intake‐related patterns for weight and the indices of soft tissue BC related to TPro also were shown for non‐dairy animal and plant protein, but not dairy protein. For bone, higher intakes of dairy, non‐dairy animal, and plant protein intakes were not associated with BMC or BMD, while higher dairy protein intake predicted higher BMC index. These epidemiological results underscore the importance of dietary protein for weight control and improved adiposity and bone among older adults in the United States.Support: Dairy Res. Inst.
Effect of Prebiotic Fiber‐Induced Changes in Gut Microbiota on Adiposity in Obese and Overweight Children
Authors: Nicolucci Alissa , Hume Megan , Reimer Raylene 
Published: June 2021

Childhood obesity has dramatically increased. Unfortunately, excess weight tends to persist into adulthood therefore therapies which target childhood obesity are essential in halting the obesity epidemic. Our objective was to determine if prebiotic fiber intake reduces body fat, pro‐inflammatory cytokines and insulin levels in overweight and obese children and to examine if this is due to a shift in gut microbiota composition. Overweight and obese children (蠅85th BMI percentile) aged 7‐12y (n=39) were randomized to consume 8g/day of prebiotic fiber (1:1 inulin:oligofructose) or equicaloric placebo for 16 weeks. Body fat (measured by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry), pro‐inflammatory cytokines and insulin (quantified from fasted blood serum), and gut microbiota (quantified from stool) were measured at baseline and week 16. Statistical significance was determined using non‐parametric Mann‐Whitney U‐Test at p蠄0.05. The first cohort (n=13) have completed the study with the final n=26 to finish December 2014. There was a trend for prebiotic fiber to reduce trunk body fat compared to placebo (‐1.42% vs +0.37%; p=0.15). Waist circumference (‐2.22 vs +0.03 cm), interferon gamma (‐1.4 vs +2.1 pg/mL) and fasted insulin levels (‐53.6 vs +155.3 pg/mL) were reduced with prebiotic and increased with placebo but not significantly. Bifidobacteria abundance significantly increased with prebiotic (p=0.03). Prebiotic fiber is a potential non‐invasive treatment option to reduce body fat in obese and overweight children by gut microbiota modulation.Funded by BMO Financial Group/Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute and Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
Preference for Energy Dense Snack Foods in Healthy and Overweight Minority Preschool Children
Authors: Charvet Andrea , Brogan Hartlieb Kathryn , Yeh Yulyu , Jen K‐L Catherine 
Published: June 2021

Snacking is an important eating episode for energy and development of food preferences in children. The purpose of this study was to describe the quality and quantity of snack intake in minority preschool children enrolled in the Head Start Program in four centers in Detroit, Michigan, and investigate differences by child weight status. This secondary data analysis used anthropometric and snack time food observation data from a convenience sample of 58 children (43% girls, 46±7.85 months old). BMI‐for‐age percentiles were used to separate children into weight categories according to CDC guidelines. Snack intake data (servings/snack) was converted into USDA food group portions and averaged for each child. Based on BMI‐for‐age percentiles, 70.7% of the sample was under/healthy weight and 29.3% was overweight/obese. Average snack time intakes of milk (0.74±0.33) and combined fruits/vegetables (0.77±0.33) were significantly lower than one USDA snack serving, while average intakes of energy dense foods such as grains (1.99±0.89), meat/meat alternates (2.20±1.91) and other foods (1.43±1.06) were significantly higher than one serving (p蠄0.05). Children ate more when offered canned fruits versus fresh fruits (0.93±0.57 vs. 0.65±0.37, p=0.007). Except for a significantly higher milk intake in the under/healthy weight group compared to the overweight/obese group (0.81±0.34 vs. 0.58±0.24, p=0.005], no relationship was found between snack food intake and weight category. A preference for energy dense foods was observed. Continued efforts should be made to provide nutrient dense foods at the preschool settings to promote healthier food habits. AC support: NIH/NIGMS R25 GM061347
Connecting Early Life Undernutrition to Hearing Loss: Evidence from Nepal
Authors: Emmett SD , Schmitz J , Khatry SK , Wu L , LeClerq S , Karna S , Pillion J , West KP 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveAssess influences of early life undernutrition on young adult hearing loss in Nepal.Design: Ear health was assessed in 2378 Nepalese young adults (14‐23 y) who as preschoolers participated in a 4‐monthly placebo‐controlled, randomized vitamin A (VA, 200,000 IU) supplement trial ('89‐'92). At baseline, children were measured for WT, HT and MUAC. Parents were queried about ear discharge at each visit. Sixteen years later, audiometry and tympanometry were performed, blinded to original supplement receipt. Hearing loss was defined as pure‐tone average>30dB (0.5,1,2,4kHz) and middle ear dysfunction (MED) as abnormal tympanometric peak height (<0.3‐>1.4mmho) or width (<50‐>110daPa). Children were classified as stunted (<‐2 HAZ) or wasted (<‐2 MUAC & <‐2 BMI‐for‐age Z).Results: Hearing loss and MED affected 5.9% and 16.6% of subjects, respectively. Wasting was associated with odds ratios of 1.8‐2.2 for hearing loss and 1.4‐1.8 for MED, and stunting with ORs of 2.2‐1.7 for hearing loss, irrespective of MED (all 95% lower CL>1). For subjects with preschool ear discharge, VA receipt was protective against hearing loss, OR=0.58 (95% CI 0.37‐0.92). Further, we posit human antenatal VA deficiency may cause MED‐independent hearing loss (S Emmett, Med Hypotheses 2014;82:6), as reported in animals, similar to that associated with stunting.ConclusionPreventable early childhood and possibly fetal undernutrition, including VA deficiency, may predispose children to permanent hearing loss. Hearing loss should be considered a nutrition‐related public health burden.Funded by Gates Foundation (OPP614)
Do We Have The Wrong End Of The Stick On Reducing Undernutrition? Insights On Determinants Of Subnational Trends In India
Authors: Menon Purnima , Cyriac Shruthi , Kadiyala Suneetha 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundStudies of national trends in undernutrition have identified underlying determinants (education, sanitation, poverty, food security) as key drivers of change. We aimed to understand the role of immediate & underlying determinants of subnational trends in underweight between 2002 & 2011 in India.DataWe constructed a district‐level dataset from 2 surveys, 9y apart, of children <5y in 100 poor districts in India, using variables common across surveys & including additional variables from other district data sources. Outcome variable: percent change in district‐level prevalence of underweight (weight‐for‐age <‐2 z‐scores) between 2002 & 2011 (stunting trend data not available). Regressions included variables capturing immediate and underlying factors & initial underweight levels.ResultsMean underweight decline was 15.10±12.10 pp. Improvements in maternal education (p<0.1), household assets (p<0.05), access to toilets (p<0.05), household diet quality (% of food expenditures spent on cereals) (p<0.001), poverty (share of food expenditures out of total) (p<0.001) & rural roads (p<0.1) were associated with underweight declines (R2=0.83). Change in immediate determinants (breastfeeding, immunization & diarrhea) was not associated with declines, possibly due to poor measurement or an incomplete set of available determinants.ConclusionsOur results point to improvements in social equity‐related factors as primary drivers of nutrition change in poor areas. They also highlight a need to invest in better integrated datasets for robust analysis of the balance of immediate and underlying determinants. Funding: UKAID, through Transform Nutrition, led by IFPRI.
Vision‐Based Spatial Abilities and Pictures of Objects Recognized from Haptic Perception
Authors: Langlois Jean , Dagenais Yvan , Martin Marcel , Lemieux Renald , Lecourtois Marc , Yetisir Elizabeth , Bellemare Christian , Bergeron Germain , Hamstra Stanley , Wells George 
Published: June 2021

Objective. As a basis for an application in anatomy education, vision‐based spatial abilities have been previously correlated with a drawing score based on haptic perception of objects. The objective of the current study was to determine whether a picture could replace a drawing in correlating haptic perception of objects with vision‐based spatial abilities tests.Methods. A cohort of 48 medical graduates was enrolled in a prospective study. Spatial abilities were measured with a redrawn Vandenberg and Kuse Mental Rotations Tests in two (MRTA) and three (MRTC) dimensions and a Surface Development Test (SDT). Twenty‐five objects constructed from various shaped parts glued together were identified on a picture by participants after haptic perception. The maximum score was 24 for each of MRTA and MRTC, 60 for SDT, and 25 for the picture score. Descriptive statistics included median and lower and upper quartiles. Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to compare the picture score to MRTA, MRTC and SDT scores.Results. The picture score [18 (12, 21)] was correlated with MRTA [14 (9, 17)], MRTC [9.5 (6.5, 12)] and SDT [44.5 (36, 53)] scores with a correlation of 0.427 (p = 0.0025), 0.539 (p < 0.0001) and 0.429 (p = 0.0024), respectively.ConclusionsVision‐based spatial abilities tests were correlated with pictures of objects recognized from haptic perception. Individual differences in spatial abilities as related to haptic perception have implications for education in the anatomy laboratory.This study was supported by an internal grant from the Department of Surgery, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.