bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determinants of anemia among school‐aged children in Colombia and the United States (LB456)
Authors: Syed Sana , Addo O. Yaw , Ziegler Thomas , Suchdev Parminder 
Published: June 2021

Anemia globally affects a quarter of all school‐aged children (SAC) and is frequently ascribed to iron deficiency (ID). Other nutritional, demographic and socio‐economic factors are often unmeasured. We obtained data from two national cross‐sectional surveys – 2010 Encuesta Nacional de Nutrición Situación Colombia and the 2003 to 2006 US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. We analyzed data for 10570 Colombian and 3605 US children aged 5 to 15 years. Associations were studied using survey regression methods with adjustment for inflammation, potential confounders and complex survey design effects. Colombian data showed 51% males, 85% non‐minority status, 13% stunted, 4% wasted, 4% overweight, 0.5% obese. Prevalence of anemia was 1.6%; ID was 9.2%. US data showed 52% males, 59% non‐Hispanic White, 2% stunted, 2% wasted, 19% overweight, 5% obese. Prevalence of anemia was 0.8%; ID 12%. In Colombia, anemia was associated with serum ferritin levels (OR 0.98, 95%CI=0.96–1.00, p=0.056) and socio‐demographic factors (age p<0.001, gender p=0.04, ethnicity p=0.02). In the US, anemia was associated with soluble transferrin receptor levels (OR 2.3, 95%CI=1.5–3.7, p<0.001), serum retinol levels (OR 0.06, 95%CI 0.01–0.28, p<0.001) and ethnicity (p<0.001). Growth was not associated with anemia in either country. Prevalence of anemia among SAC in both countries was extremely low. In general, ID was associated with anemia with inconsistent associations with socioeconomic factors between countries which need to be explored further. Additional countries (Malawi and Pakistan) are planned for future analyses.Grant Funding Source: Supported by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, CDC, GAIN, NICHD, NIH ACTSI.
A Comparison of Nutritional Status of Children Under the Age of Five Years, in 1999 and 2010 in Matobo District, Zimbabwe. Results From a district survey and the National Nutrition Survey. (LB458)
Authors: Katuli Sozina , Sun Xuyang , Husain Zuhair , Cordero‐MacIntyre Zaida , Beeson Lawrence 
Published: June 2021

This study compares nutritional status of children under‐five years in two time periods using results of January 1999 district survey and January 2010 National Nutrition survey.Objectives. To explore the changes of nutritional status of children 6‐59 months in 1999 and 2010 and identify underlying reasons for the changes.Methods. 614 children were evaluated in 1999 and 563 were evaluated in 2010. We used 30 x10 cluster in 1999 and 30 x 20 cluster design in 2010. Thirty clusters were selected from all villages in Matobo district and ten household surveyed in 1999 and 20 households were surveyed in 2010. Data were collected using a semi‐structured questionnaire and children were weighed and measured for nutrition assessment using WHO standards for stunting, wasting and underweight.Results: We observed a significant improvement in nutritional status during the two time periods. Severe (< ‐3 z‐scores stunting was reduced from 10% in 1999 to 5.5% in 2010; below cut off stunting decreased by 5.3%. Severe wasting remained unchanged while below cut off (< ‐2 z‐scores) wasting decreased by 2.9%. Severe underweight decreased by 3.6%) underweight below cut off (< ‐2 z‐scores) declined by 4.3%.Conclusion: Acute malnutrition improved over the 10 year period. However, chronic malnutrition slightly increased possibly due to food insecurity.Key words: nutritional status, children under five, cluster survey, WHO standardsGrant Funding Source: Zimbabwe Ministry of Health and Social Walfare
Contextual and cultural influences on parental feeding practices among Hispanics (LB465)
Authors: Mena Noereem , Gorman Kathleen , Greene Geoffrey , Tovar Alison 
Published: June 2021

Contextual and cultural influences on parental feeding practices among Hispanics Hispanic preschoolers in the United States are at greater risk for obesity compared to non‐Hispanic whites. Obese children are more likely to be obese adolescents and adults thus, early prevention is critical. Growing evidence has addressed the role of caregivers’ indulgent or restrictive feeding practices in children’s eating behaviors and negative weight outcomes. However, the mechanisms driving these associations are largely unknown; including what influences these feeding practices among Hispanics. Therefore the goal of this qualitative study was to explore contextual and socio‐cultural influences on parental feeding. Four focus groups (n=37) were held with Hispanic parents of preschool‐aged children at two day care centers in Rhode Island. Audio recordings were transcribed and translated, and themes extracted. Parents commented that their childhood experiences of not being allowed to waste food influenced how they currently feed their children. They reported making conscious decisions not to use the same feeding strategies as their own parents and on the contrary, reported using different practices related to encouragement of healthy foods and promotion of self‐regulation. Parents reported wanting to feed their children healthy foods but other influences such as peer‐social interactions posed as challenges for example, some mother’s reported only buying juice after their child was exposed to it in daycare. Husband’s food preferences and grandparent’s indulgent behaviors were also viewed as a challenge to promoting healthy foods in the home. Understanding how cultural and environmental factors influence parental feeding and may help tailor obesity prevention efforts among Hispanics.Grant Funding Source: Supported by the University of Rhode Island
Prenatal breastfeeding confidence is not associated with infant feeding method at one month postpartum (LB479)
Authors: Chezem Je Carol , Bolin Jocelyn 
Published: June 2021

Background and Objective: Previous studies have observed a positive relationship between breastfeeding confidence and breastfeeding duration. The objective of this study was to describe associations between prenatal confidence and breastfeeding at one month postpartum.Methods: Expectant mothers planning to breastfeed for the first month postpartum were recruited from clinics and physicians’ offices. Maternal breastfeeding confidence was assessed in the third trimester of pregnancy using a 10‐item written survey developed by O’Campo et al. Pattern of infant feeding (fully formula fed or partially/fully breastfed) was determined at one month postpartum by telephone interview.Results: Of the 60 subjects who completed all study requirements, most were White (85%), educated beyond high school (72%) and married (73%). Initially, survey structure and reliability were assessed by exploratory factor analysis and Cronbach’s alpha. Results indicated a unidimensional solution was optimal with a Cronbach’s alpha value of 0.839 indicating good internal consistency. The mean confidence score was 4.6 + 0.82. At one month postpartum, 22 mothers (37%) reported formula‐feeding and 38 (63%) reported breastfeeding their infants. There was no significant difference in confidence score between mothers who formula‐fed and those who breastfed their infants.Conclusion: Findings from the current study are not in agreement with previous research on breastfeeding confidence. Differences may be due to the limited time frame and/or small sample size in the current study.
Thyroid hormone modulates CaMKII δ levels in cultured neonatal cardiomyocytes (LB48)
Authors: Taniguti Ana Paula , Barreto‐Chaves Maria Luiza 
Published: June 2021

Previous studies have implicated that intracellular calcium ion (Ca2+) is a mediator in the regulation of cardiac remodeling. Changes in intracellular Ca2+ concentration regulate the activity of several kinases, including Ca2+/calmodulin dependent kinase II δ (CaMKII δ), the predominant cardiac form involved to hypertrophy. Disorders in Ca2+ homeostasis, cardiac hypertrophy and contractile dysfunction are important features observed in hyperthyroidism, however, the contribution of CaMKII δ in cardiomyocyte growth mediated by thyroid hormones (TH) was not been elucidated yet. In the present study, we evaluated the non‐genomic and genomic effects of TH on CaMKII δ levels in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. Cardiomyocyte primary cultures (n=3) were obtained from 1‐ to 3‐day‐old Wistar rat by enzymatic disaggregation. At 72 h after platting, the ventricular cardiomyocytes were treated for 5 min, 10 min, 15 min, 30 min or 24 h, with serum‐free medium (control cells) or serum‐free medium containing T3 (triiodothyronine, 10ηM, Sigma Aldrich). CaMKII δ expression of was evaluated by Western blot and normalized to GAPDH expression. Data were analyzed by two‐way ANOVA. We found that T3 induced a significant increase (2 fold) on CaMKII δ expression levels only after 24 h of treatment (p蠄0.05 vs. control), but no effect was observed after rapid treatment with T3. The involvement of this kinase on cardiac hypertrophy induced by TH will be evaluated lately.Grant Funding Source: Supported by the Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) and the Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)
Platelet‐activating factor‐receptor in chemotherapy mediated acquired resistance of melanoma (LB495)
Authors: Sahu Ravi , Ocana Jesus , Ferracini Matheus , Konger Raymond , Travers Jeffrey 
Published: June 2021

Pro‐oxidative stressors suppress host immunity via generating oxidized lipids with Platelet‐activating Factor‐receptor (PAF‐R) agonist activity. Since many chemotherapeutic agents are potent pro‐oxidative stressors, the present studies investigated if chemotherapy could thwart host anti‐tumor immunity against melanoma via PAF‐R activation. We demonstrate that treatment of melanoma cell lines and tumors with chemotherapeutic agents generates PAF‐R‐agonists. In a dual tumor model, we show that intratumoral chemotherapy with melphalan or etoposide of one tumor significantly augments the growth of other (untreated) tumor in wild‐type but not in PAF‐R‐deficient hosts. Chemotherapy‐mediated PAF‐R‐dependent increased tumor growth is blocked by systemic administration of antioxidants and cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) inhibitors. In addition, depleting antibodies against regulatory T cells (Tregs) significantly attenuated chemotherapy‐mediated enhanced tumor growth, suggesting the role of Tregs. Moreover, using FoxP3EGFP transgenic mice, we show that COX‐2 inhibitor blocked intratumoral Tregs, indicating that Tregs are downstream to COX‐2. Finally, PAF‐R agonists were identified in perfusates of melanoma patients undergoing isolated limb perfusion with melphalan chemotherapy. These findings provide evidence for a novel pathway by which PAF‐R agonists produced via chemotherapy modulate tumor growth via COX‐2‐Treg pathway. These studies explain some instances of chemotherapy treatment failure and provide potential therapeutic targets that could enhance the overall anti‐tumor effectiveness of chemotherapy.Grant Funding Source: NIH R01 HL062996, AICR 09A062, ACSIRG 4185607, Showalter Research Trust Fund 4485602
Lung inflammation associated with acute necrotizing pancreatitis in dogs (LB513)
Authors: Vrolyk Vanessa , Wobeser Bruce , Al‐Dissi Ahmad , Carr Anthony , Singh Baljit 
Published: June 2021

There is evidence that dogs suffering from acute necrotizing pancreatitis (ANP) can develop respiratory disease. However, there are no data describing the lung histopathology in clinical cases of ANP in dogs. Therefore, we hypothesized that lungs of dogs that died due to ANP (n=21) will be inflamed along with recruitment of PIMs, a pro‐inflammatory cell normally present in ruminants and equines, compared to lungs of control dogs (n=6). Histologic sections of the pancreas graded independently by two blinded pathologists showed the presence of necrosis and infiltration of inflammatory cells (scores 3‐10) whereas control dogs received a score of 0. Lungs from ANP dogs showed no (score of 0/6) to moderate (score 3/6) inflammation, but there was no statistical difference between the lung histological score of the control (median ± SEM: 0.5±0.3) and the ANP (median ± SEM: 1.5±0.2) dogs. However, immunohistochemistry revealed an increase in the numbers of septal macrophages/monocytes in lungs of ANP dogs (median ± SEM: 138±49) compared to control dogs (median ± SEM: 1.5±0,2; p<0,01). There was a moderate correlation (r=0.46) between the recruitment of macrophages/monocytes in the lungs and the total inflammatory cells score in the pancreas of ANP dogs. Only ANP dogs showed expression of vWF in alveolar septal capillaries and septal inflammatory cells. iNOS was expressed only in alveolar macrophages of ANP dogs. TLR4 and IL6 were variably expressed and localized in alveolar macrophages and septal inflammatory cells in lungs from both ANP and control dogs. We conclude that dogs suffering from ANP have pronounced lung inflammation along with recruitment of PIMs and increased expression of vWF. The PIMs may increase the susceptibility of the host to lung inflammation in response to circulating endotoxins.Grant Funding Source: Supported by Companion Animal Health Fund
Kidney hyperfusion induces immunological reactions in glomeruli (LB525)
Authors: Tang Qunye , Li Zheng , Zhao Zhonghua , Zhang Zhigang , Lu Limin , Zhu Tongyu , Vanhoutte Paul , Shi Yi 
Published: June 2021

Objectives. Endothelium is the first line of contact with immune system. It is known that activated lymphocytes impair endothelial functions. However, whether endothelial dysfunction could initiate immune reaction remains unclear.Methods. C57/BL6 mice were randomly grouped into sham‐operated (2K), 1 kidney removal (1K) and 5/6 nephroectomy groups (5/6K‐off). Mouse glomeruli were collected for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunohistochemistry study.Results. Four weeks after nephrectomy 5/6K‐off mice had a significantly higher level of renal blood flow, compared with 2K and 1K groups. Urine protein levels, which were normalized with remaining glomeruli, were similar in the three groups. There were no significant increase in levels of macromolecules in urine samples of 5/6K‐off group. Glomerular filtration experiments also supported it. These results suggested that glomeruli of 5/6K‐off group have normal function. In PCR experiments, the expressions of major histocompatibility complex Q lotus, but not the major histocompatibility complex T lotus, were significantly increased in both 1K and 5/6K‐off groups. mRNA expression of both CD80 (B7‐1) and CD86 (B7‐2), costimulatory signals for T cells, were significantly increased in 1K and 5/6K‐off groups. These finding suggests that kidney hyperfusion could initiate immune reaction. Complement component 5a receptor mRNA expression was increased, whereas complement decay‐accelerating factor (also known as CD55) expression was decreased in 5/6K‐off group.Conclusion. The present study suggests that kidney hyperfusion induces immunological reactions in glomeruli. The complement pathway plays important roles in these reactions. Further experiments will focus to identify the underlying mechanisms.Grant Funding Source: National Natural Science Foundation of China 81373412
The bystander and systematic adverse effects of senescent preadipocytes (LB54)
Authors: Xu Ming , Stout Michael , Pirtskhalava Tamar , Giorgadze Nino , White Thomas , Jensen Michael , LeBrasseur Nathan , Tchkonia Tamar , Kirkland James 
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Senescent cells with essentially irreversible loss of replicative potential accumulate in various tissues with aging. Cellular senescence is associated with a pro‐inflammatory senescence‐associated secretory phenotype which the Janus‐associated kinase (JAK) pathway plays a role in. We hypothesized that senescent preadipocytes contribute to age‐related dysfunction of healthy cells.Methods: Preadipocytes from lean subjects were X‐irradiated to induce senescence. We co‐cultured non‐senescent cells with senescent cells or cultured them in conditioned medium (CM) from senescent preadipocytes to test the inflammation, differentiation and insulin sensitivity. Macrophage migration in response to CM was assayed as well. Moreover, we treated old or obese mice with Ruxolitinib, a JAK1/2 inhibitor, to test the beneficial effect.Results: The adipogenesis of preadipocytes was impaired by exposure to senescent cells. Macrophage migration was greater in response to senescent preadipocytes. Inflammation was increased in both adipose tissue and preadipocytes exposed to CM from senescent cells. All these adverse effect could be partially rescued by JAK inhibitor. In addition, senescent preadipocytes inhibited insulin‐induced phosphor‐AKT in adipose tissue and HepG2 cells. Insulin‐induced glycogen synthesis was also inhibited in HepG2 cells. Two months of Ruxolitinib treatment reduced inflammation, reversed age‐related lipodystrophy and improved physical function in frail, 24 month old mice. It also improved insulin sensitivity in diet‐induced obese mice.Conclusion: Senescent preadipocytes contribute to age‐related impairment in adipogenesis, fat tissue inflammation, and insulin resistance.Grant Funding Source: supported by NIH AG13925 and Robert and Arlene Kogod Center on Aging in Mayo Clinic.
U‐bang‐haequi tang, an herbal prescription ameliorates acute inflammation through inhibition of NF‐kB in vivo and in vitro (LB550)
Authors: Kim Sang Chan , Jung Ji Yun , Hwangbo Min , Jee Seon Young , Jegal Kyung Hwan , Park Sang Mi , Cho Il Je , Kim Young Woo 
Published: June 2021

Inflammation is a key response of the immune system to infection, and also a complex biological symptom of specific tissues to harmful injury, which is often caused by invading pathogens. U‐bang‐haequi tang (UBT) is an herbal prescription containing Arctii fructus and Forsythia suspensa as its main components. It has been used in traditional Korean medicine to treat a variety of diseases such as fever, infection, and inflammatory disorders. Although UBT has long been used as an herbal remedy, the underlying mechanism of its beneficial effects has not been clearly verified. This research investigated the effects of UBT against an acute phase of inflammation. We measured induction of both nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) expression as well as levels of related proteins in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated macrophage cell line. Further, paw swelling was measured in carrageenan‐treated rats. Protein expression levels were determined by immunoblot analyses, and production of NO and PGE2 was assessed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Carrageenan treatment promoted infiltration of inflammatory cells and paw swelling, whereas oral administration of 0.3 or 1 g/kg/day of UBT inhibited the acute inflammatory response. UBT also inhibited mRNA and protein expression levels of iNOS. UBT treatment inhibited NO and PGE2 production, nuclear accumulation of NF‐κB, and elevation of Iκ‐Bα phosphorylation, all of which were induced by LPS. Moreover, UBT treatment significantly blocked the ability of LPS to induce phosphorylation of p38 and c‐Jun NH2‐terminal kinases. In conclusion, UBT prevented both acute inflammation in rats as well as LPS‐induced NO and iNOS gene expression in RAW264.7 cells via inhibition of NF‐κB.Grant Funding Source: This work was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea grant funded by the Korea government [MEST](No.2012‐0009400).
Methanol extract of Artemisia apiaceae Herba attenuates acute inflammation via NF‐κB pathway (LB552)
Authors: Cho Il Je , Park Sang Mi , Ryu Ji Cheol , Jee Sun Young , Kim Young Woo , Kim Sang Chan 
Published: June 2021

Artemisia apiaceae Herba is one of the most widely used herb for the treatment of malaria, jaundice and dyspeptic complaint in oriental medicine. In the present study, we have investigated the effects of methanol extracts of A. apiaceae Herba (MEAH) on the induction of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and pro‐inflammatory mediators by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in Raw264.7 macrophage cells, and also evaluated the in vivo effects of MEAH on carrageenan‐induced paw edema in rats.MEAH treatment in Raw264.7 cells significantly decreased LPS‐inducible nitric oxide production and the expression of iNOS in a concentration dependent manner, while MEAH treatment (up to 100 μg/ml) showed no cytotoxic activity.Results from immunoblot analyses and ELISA revealed that MEAH significantly inhibited the expressions of cyclooxygenase‐2, tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukine‐1β, interleukine‐6 and prostagrandin E2 in LPS‐stimulated cells. As a plausible molecular mechanism, increased degradation and phosphorylation of inhibitory‐κBα, and nuclear nuclear factor‐κB accumulation by LPS were partly blocked by MEAH treatment. Finally, MEAH treatment decreased the formation of paw edema and infiltration of inflammatory cell induced by carrageenan in rats. These results demonstrate that MEAH has an anti‐inflammatory therapeutic potential, which may result from inhibition of nuclear factor‐κB activation, thereby decreasing the expression of pro‐inflammatory genes.Grant Funding Source: This work was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea grant funded by the Korea government [MEST] (No.2012‐0009400).
Pioglitazone Regulation of Glucose in a High‐Salt‐Fed db/db mice. (LB553)
Authors: Obih Patience , Ezebuenyi Michael , Jimoh Akeem 
Published: June 2021

Estimates from the World Health Organization indicate that there are some 347 million people diagnosed with diabetes worldwide. Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia, and associated with abnormalities in carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism. Complications of diabetes include microvascular, macrovascular, and neuropathic problems. A recent study showed that more than 30% of people recently diagnosed with type 2 Diabetes had hypertension. Diabetes is also the leading cause of end‐stage‐renal disease which manifests as disturbances in the ability of the kidneys to handle sodium. The thiazolidinediones (TZDs) e.g. pioglitazone introduced for the treatment of type 2 Diabetes are ligands for peroxisome proliferator activated gamma receptors (PPAR gamma). They reduce glucose level by reducing insulin resistance. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of high‐salt‐diet on pioglitazone treated db/db mice. Groups of 6 weeks‐old db/db mice obtained from Jackson Laboratory were given either pioglitazone (0.02% ) in diet or pioglitazone (0.02%) plus high salt‐diet (8% NaCl) for twelve weeks. Control groups received either pioglitazone or high salt diet. During the course of treatment, urine volume, urine sodium, protein, creatinine and blood glucose were monitored in the animals. There was a significant reduction in blood glucose in the db/db mice that received pioglitazone. There was also a more significant reduction in blood glucose in the animals that received pioglitazone plus high‐salt diet than those that received only pioglitazone. The mice on a high salt diet excreted more sodium than those on normal food. Does salt play a role in glucose regulation and in the presence of an antidiabetic agent like pioglitazone? From our results, high salt diet seems to play a role in glucose regulation in the presence of pioglitazone in db/db mice. However, more studies are needed to elucidate this observation.Grant Funding Source: NIH SCORE2