bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differences in Correlates of Energy Balance in Normal Weight, Overweight and Obese Adults
Authors: Drenowatz Clemens , Jakicic John , Blair Steven , Hebert James , Hand Gregory 
Published: June 2021

OBJECTIVE. This study compared normal weight, overweight and obese adults on energy expenditure (EE), energy intake (EI) and diet quality.METHODS. The analysis included data from 430 adults (27±4 years; 49% male) who were classified as normal weight, overweight, or obese based on BMI. Body weight and height was measured according to standard procedures and percent body fat was determined based on dual x‐ray absorptiometry. EE was assessed via the SenseWear Armband® over a period of 10 days. EI and diet quality were calculated from multiple 24‐hour recalls.RESULTS. %BF increased with increased BMI (p<.001). Weight adjusted EI and total daily EE were significantly lower in overweight and obese adults compared to their normal weight peers (p<.001) and obese women had a lower diet quality (p=.006). Overweight and obese adults had a higher proportion of EE in sedentary and in light PA (p<.001), while the proportion of EE in moderate‐to‐vigorous PA (MVPA) was lower compared to their normal weight peers (p<.001). The inverse relationship between BMI or %BF and EE in MVPA was stronger than the positive association between BMI or %BF and EE in sedentary or light PA (rMVPA= ‐.51 to ‐.66 vs. rSedentary= .33 to .52 / rlight= .36 to .47; p<.001).CONCLUSIONSThese findings emphasize that MVPA is an important determinant in weight management.Funding for this project was provided through an unrestricted grant from The Coca‐Cola Company.
Breastmilk Vitamin B12 Concentration is Low among Women in Western Kenya and is Not Associated with Animal Source Food Intake or Food Insecurity
Authors: Williams Anne , Chantry Caroline , Young Sera , Null Clair , Stewart Christine 
Published: June 2021

Breastmilk (BM) vitamin B12 concentration varies with maternal diet, and may be inadequate in regions where animal source food (ASF) consumption is infrequent. Our objective was to measure B12 in mature BM, and examine associations with food insecurity (FI) and recent ASF intake.Between June and Aug 2014, 160 women 1‐6 mo postpartum (PP) in W. Kenya hand expressed BM one minute into a feed, following 90‐minutes of observed non‐breastfeeding. Vitamin B12 was measured using a competitive protein‐binding assay, which has been validated for BM. Food intake in the last week was measured using a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). An ASF score was based on frequency of 10 items on the 7‐day FFQ (range 0‐70).Mean (SD) age, mo PP, and parity were 26 (6) yr, 3.7(1.4), and 3.7(2.0), respectively. Median (Q1,Q3) B12 concentration was 151 (78,247) pmol/L; 87% were <330 pmol/L, the estimated adequate level. Moderate FI prevalence was 34%; the ASF score ranged from 0‐30 (M (Q1,Q3) = 9 (5,13)). Controlling for age, education, parity, SES, dietary diversity and mo PP, FI and ASF score were not significantly associated with BM B12. Although not statistically significant, there was a trend for older mothers (p=0.09) to have higher BM B12.The vast majority of women had BM B12 concentrations currently considered inadequate, suggesting that ASF intake in this population may be insufficient among breastfeeding mothers. Neither FI nor frequency of ASF intake over the last week was associated with BM B12 concentration among women in W. Kenya.
Linoleic and α‐Linolenic Acid Prevent Insulin Resistance in Obese Zucker Rats but have Different Impacts on Skeletal Muscle Metabolism
Authors: Holloway Graham , Matravadia Sarthak , Herbst Eric , Jain Swati , Chabowski Adrian , Mutch David 
Published: June 2021

The use of long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC‐PUFAs) to prevent the development of insulin resistance (IR) has recently gained considerable interest. However, the roles of essential PUFAs (i.e., linoleic acid, LA; α‐linolenic acid, ALA) remain poorly understood. We investigated the efficacy of diets enriched with either LA or ALA on preventing IR in obese Zucker rats. After the 12‐wk intervention, both LA‐ and ALA‐enriched diets protected against IR compared to obese control animals. The maintenance of whole‐body glucose homeostasis was linked to the preservation of muscle‐specific insulin sensitivity. LA and ALA differentially regulated markers of skeletal muscle mitochondrial content, respiratory function and H2O2 emission. However, both LA and ALA prevented increases in 4‐HNE content (i.e., a marker of oxidative stress) compared to obese control animals. Collectively, the protective effects of LA and ALA appear independent of mitochondrial bioenergetics, but may involve improvements in oxidative stress. Subsequent lipid profiling in skeletal muscle by gas chromatography revealed that LA and ALA increased omega‐6 and omega‐3 PUFA content, as expected. However, diacylglycerol (DAG) and ceramide accumulation was similar between obese control, LA and ALA groups; suggesting that preservation of skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity occurred independent of changes in reactive lipid content. Overall, LA and ALA are efficacious in preventing obesity‐related IR, but further work is necessary to elucidate the mechanism(s) of action.Grant Funding Source: Supported by OMAFRA
Shelter Expenditures Increase Vulnerability to Household Food Insecurity
Authors: Fafard Andree‐Anne , Tarasuk Valerie 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveIncome is a strong predictor of food insecurity, but the income necessary for food security is a function of household expenditures. The objective of this study is to characterize the relationship between income, shelter expenditures and food insecurity in Canada.MethodsData from Canada's 2010 Survey of Household Spending were converted into budget shares (expenditure‐to‐income ratio) for food, utilities and housing (rent or mortgage). Logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between budget shares and food insecurity, defined as any affirmative response to the 10‐item adult food security scale. Among food insecure renters, linear regression was used to test the association between budget shares and severity of food insecurity, defined by a raw score of 1 to 10. All models were adjusted for sociodemographic factors.ResultsRenters were 3 times more likely to be food insecure than homeowners. Having a mortgage doubled the odds of food insecurity for homeowners. For every 1% increase in the proportion of income allocated to utilities, the odds of food insecurity increased by 5.2% for renters and 6.6% for homeowners. The odds of food insecurity also rose with the budget share for rent among renters and with the budget shares for mortgage and food among homeowners, but these effects were much weaker. Among food insecure renters, a 1% increase in the proportion of income allocated to utilities and rent increased the food insecurity raw score by 3.9 and 1.2 points, respectively; food budget share did not affect severity of food insecurity.ConclusionSmall increments in shelter expenditures, particularly utilities expenses, appear to contribute substantially to the risk of household food insecurity and to severity of food insecurity. Funded by Canadian Institutes of Health Research (115208).
Stakeholders' Perspectives on the Effect of a multi‐level, multi‐sector Intervention on Parent Engagement in and Awareness of Childhood Obesity Prevention and Control
Authors: Ganter Claudia , Aftosmes‐Tobio Alyssa , Chuang Emmeline , Land Thomas , K. Davison Kirsten 
Published: June 2021

MethodsWe conducted 40 semi‐structured interviews with stakeholders from five community sectors (school, afterschool, WIC, health clinics, Park & Recreation) in two cities participating in the Massachusetts Childhood Obesity Research Demonstration project (MA‐CORD). Interviews were transcribed verbatim, coded using grounded theory, and analyzed in NVivo 10.0. ResultsStakeholders reported that parent initiative, motivation and willingness to engage in intervention programming had increased since MA‐CORD was launched two years earlier: ”They're more engaged when they come in for the visit…asking questions, asking for brochures, [this] never happened before.” Stakeholders described several mechanisms through which parent engagement and awareness improved. At the family level, stakeholders reported that children “educated” their parents by bringing home healthy messages and behaviors. At the community level, stakeholders noted that cross‐sector strategies have normalized healthy behavior through consistent messaging and visibility of the problem of childhood obesity. ConclusionThe analysis shows an increase in parent awareness about and engagement with childhood obesity efforts, as reported by stakeholders. Across interviews it became clear that parents want their children to be healthy and progress has been made to engage parents, however parents may not have the means to actualize behavior change. Future interventions in childhood obesity prevention should address parents directly.
Anti‐Atherogenic Effects of Lesion‐Targeted Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) ‐ Loaded Nanoparticles
Authors: Zhang Jia , Nie Shufang , Hossen Md Nazir , Sun Ming , Martinez‐Zaguilan Raul , Sennoune Souad , Wang Shu 
Published: June 2021

ObjectivesMacrophages are determinant cells for atherosclerotic lesion formation. The objectives of this study were to incorporate macrophage target ligands on the surface of biocompatible and biodegradable epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)‐loaded nanoparticles (Enano), to evaluate their target specificity to macrophages and anti‐atherogenic effects in vitro and in vivo.MethodThe target specificity to macrophages (in vitro) and to atherosclerotic lesions in low density lipoprotein receptor knockout (LDLr‐/‐) mice was measured using a fluorescence microscopy and IVIS® in vivo imaging system, respectively. Macrophage cholesterol content was determined using a HPLC method, and macrophage monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP‐1) release was measured using an ELISA kit. After treating LDLr‐/‐ mice with EGCG, untargeted Enano, targeted Enano, void untargeted nano, void targeted nano, or saline via weekly intravenous injection for 20 weeks, atherosclerotic lesion area and inflammatory response were determined.ResultsAs compared to untargeted Enano, targeted Enano significantly increased their binding affinity to THP‐1 macrophages, increased macrophage EGCG content and decreased macrophage cholesterol content and macrophage release of MCP‐1imageThe targeted Enano improved the target specificity to atherosclerotic lesions, and decreased atherosclerotic lesion area and inflammatory response in LDLr‐/‐ miceimageConclusionsTargeted nanoparticles represent a potential breakthrough in molecular imaging of atherosclerosis and have a potential for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis.
Novel Assessment of Built Environment Assets and Barriers to Healthy Eating and Active Living in Rural Communities
Authors: Messing Jennifer , Connor Leah , King Abby , Sheats Jylana , Winter Sandra , Buman Matthew , Seguin Rebecca 
Published: June 2021

A community's built environment can influence key health behaviors. Rural populations experience significant health disparities, yet built environment studies in these settings are limited. In this qualitative study, we aimed to understand characteristics of the rural built environment using the Stanford Healthy Neighborhood Discovery Tool, a novel, participatory, tablet‐based assessment tool.Men (n=10) and women (n=14) aged 39‐89 years (mean, SD = 65±13) were recruited from four rural towns in New York (6 per town). Participants used the Discovery Tool to take pictures and record audio narratives about community features perceived as assets or barriers to healthy eating and active living. Identified assets, barriers, and opportunities for change were discussed during follow‐up focus groups.Commonly reported assets included parks, trails, and seasonal access to local produce. Groups shared frustration over high costs of healthy foods and poor sidewalk and crosswalk conditions. Residents identified numerous opportunities for community improvement projects.In contrast to Discovery Tool data from urban communities, trails were a commonly mentioned rural asset while trash—a common urban concern—was not raised by our rural residents. Our results support the need for individual community assessments and the importance of hearing residents' perspectives when considering environmental and policy change interventions.This research was supported by the Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research.
A Metabolic Profile of Doctor‐Diagnosed Overweight Children
Authors: Twarog John , Patel Nikita , Zhang Jian 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundThe opportunity of early identification of children with weight issues has not yet been fully utilized in the clinical setting. For more effective utilization of office‐based prevention strategies, we conducted this study to identify the metabolic risk factors increasing the likelihood of doctor's early notification of child's weight issue.Data and MethodWe used data collected from six cross‐sectional biennial surveys (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999‐2012) with un‐weighted total samples of 14,966 (including 5,617 overweight/obese) children aged 8‐17 years.ResultsOver 85% of the overweight children had been seen by a healthcare provider at least once within the past year, yet only 29.7% (SE=0.83) of all overweight/obese children had been notified as being overweight by the healthcare providers that saw them. The metabolic factor consistently associated with being notified as overweight was BMI equal or above 95 percentile (obese) [OR =5.32 (95%CI=4.17, 6.79) vs. overweight]. Hypertension increased the likelihood of appropriate notification only for boys [4.47 (1.84, 10.9) vs. normal BP]. Compared with overweight peers free of hypertension, hypertensive overweight girls had an equal likelihood of being appropriately notified by their doctor about excessive body weight [1.04 (0.35, 3.13) vs. normal BP].ConclusionsSeverely overweight children were more likely to be notified by a healthcare provider of their unhealthy weight. Comorbidity with hypertension significantly increased the likelihood among boys but not girls. Additional studies are warranted to examine the gender difference and to explore effective strategies to improve the issue of early identification of obesity in a clinical setting.
Apple Consumption Protects Sprague Dawley Rats Against High Fat Diet‐induced Metabolic Disorders Associated With Obesity
Authors: yuan jialing , chew Boon , noratto giuliana 
Published: June 2021

Apples contain non‐digestible compounds including fiber and phenolics reported for their benefits associated with prevention of chronic diseases. Our objective was to investigate the effects of apple consumption in prevention of obesity and obesity‐related metabolic disorders in vivo. Freeze dried Granny Smith apple previously identified for its enhanced content of non‐digestible bioactive compounds was used to supplement a high fat diet at 7% (60% calories from fat, HFA), the control HF was supplemented with corn starch to maintain isocaloric diets. Sprague Dawley rats were fed ad libitum for 6 weeks. The collected blood and adipose tissues at the end of study were analyzed for biomarkers of obesity, inflammation, and metabolic disorders using standard analytical procedures.Results show that body mass index (BMI) data distribution in HFA was below the lower interquartile range of HF group. Adiposity index values were significantly lower in HFA (4.1%) compared to HF group (7.7%). Apple consumption improved significantly glucose tolerance by decreased area under curve in 8% compared to HF. This was correlated with decreased plasma total cholesterol from 190.4 to 159 mg/dL, triglycerides from 72.6 to 54 mg/dL, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) from 71.31 µM to 40.90 µM. Overall, these results strongly indicate that apple consumption can protect from development of metabolic disorders associated with obesity. We are currently investigating the relationship between plasma metabolic and inflammatory makers and changes in fecal bacteria.
Inflammatory leukocytes exhibit distinct rhythms in their recruitment to arteries and veins
Authors: de Juan Alba , Druzd David , Kraus Kerstin , Scheiermann Christoph 
Published: June 2021

Acute cardiovascular complications occur predominantly at the onset of the behavioral activity phase and are the major cause of death in humans. Recent evidence points to a critical role for rhythmic leukocyte recruitment in the onset of vascular diseases. Whether rhythmically distinct leukocyte interactions between arteries and veins can drive vessel‐type‐specific cardiovascular complications is unknown. Here, we demonstrate rhythmic differences in the ability of leukocytes to adhere to arteries and veins in an acute inflammatory scenario. Using TNFα in combination with i.v. injected fluorescent antibodies, we performed in vivo imaging analyses of the carotid artery and the jugular vein of the same mice at different time points. Our data indicate that leukocyte recruitment to the jugular vein followed a robust rhythm (~3‐fold difference between day and night) whereas leukocyte adhesion to the carotid artery exhibited an altered oscillatory pattern. While similar circadian rhythmicity was detected in the expression of CD11b integrin levels on leukocytes adherent to both artery and vein, we observed an inverse oscillation in the expression of ICAM‐1 and VCAM‐1 between endothelial cells of these vessels. Altered rhythmicity resulted in a heightened susceptibility to vaso‐occlusion at different times (vein: 10 min at Zeitgeber time (ZT, time after light onset) 2 vs 5 min at ZT8; artery: 11 min at ZT2 vs 20 min at ZT8). Together, our data indicate distinct mechanisms that induce rhythmic leukocyte recruitment to arteries and veins and their potential implications in driving time‐of‐day‐dependent cardiovascular complications.Funded by the Emmy‐Noether‐Program of the German Research Foundation (DFG)
An Approach to Teaching Histology and Embryology Efficiently in English in China
Authors: Sha Ou , Guan Youfei , Xie Miao , Liu Zhigang , Fan Xinmin 
Published: June 2021

AimsThe aim of this article is to encourage further discussion on different approaches to equip students in a non‐English environment to study medical topics in English by reporting on the initial experience and valuable lessons learned teaching Histology and Embryology in English at the medical school of Shenzhen University of China.
MethodsThe course contents of traditional histology and embryology were rearranged into integrated general and system courses, and were taught in English. Various initiatives have been introduced to increase the teaching and learning efficiency. The histology and English teaching staff collaborated to support the teaching of histology and embryology in English. The final students mark was analyzed. Three questionnaires were designed to evaluate from an academic perspective and the student's attitude and perception of the efficacy of methods employed.ResultsThe majority of the students (85%) reported they understood the histology lecture in English and (79%) hoped to continue to learn histology in English. Communicating in a social setting with English speaking people ranked as the primary aim to learn English, achieving a high GPA (grade point average) score second. 98% agreed that it is important to learn histology in English for their professional careers, 67% prefer to be exposed to the topic and terminology in English lessons prior to or at the same time as the histology lesson. Discussing in English a related topic, labeling diagrams, and analyzing the anatomy of medical terms ranked as the top three preferred tasks.ConclusionThe experience gained thus far at Shenzhen Medical School has been very valuable and provides a sound foundation to further explore this important topic (GDJG20141144, 0000233202).
Analysis of the Helicase Activity of Escherichia Coli RNase R
Authors: Sk Tofajjen Hossain , Deutscher Murray P. 
Published: June 2021

RNase R, which belongs to the RNB family of enzymes, is a 3′ to 5′ hydrolytic exoribonuclease able to digest highly structured RNA without the help of an added RNA helicase. It was previously reported that RNase R possesses an intrinsic helicase activity that is independent of its ribonuclease activity. However, the basis of this helicase activity and whether it has any relation to the ribonuclease activity is not yet known. Here, we identify a P‐loop domain consisting of Walker A and Walker B motifs present in the E. coli RNase R sequence, and show that it is responsible for ATP binding and the helicase activity. Interestingly, the Walker A motif is located in the C‐terminal region of RNase R while the Walker B motif is in the N‐terminal region indicating that the two parts of the protein must interact to generate a functional ATP binding site. Detailed analysis of the helicase activity of RNase R revealed that it is dependent on binding of ATP, but that ATP hydrolysis is not required. Thus, both ATP‐γ‐S and AMP‐PNP can function for helicase activity. While the nuclease activity of RNase R is not needed for the helicase activity, the helicase activity is important for the nuclease activity against a dsRNA substrate, particularly at lower temperatures. Although there is little effect of the helicase activity at 37⁰C, its stimulation of the nuclease activity becomes much more pronounced as the temperature is lowered. Mutation of either the Walker A or Walker B motifs or the absence of ATP eliminates stimulation of the nuclease activity confirming the role of each motif in the helicase activity. These findings indicate that the helicase activity plays an important role in the catalytic function of RNase R.This work was supported by Grant GM16317 from the National Institute of Health.
A Quick, Affordable Method for the Quantification of Gene Isoforms
Authors: Bistulfi Gaia , Sutherland Catherine 
Published: June 2021

Most genes are transcribed as several variants known as isoforms. Isoforms are transcripts from the same locus with either a different transcription start site or post‐transcriptional modifications, for example alternative splicing. As a result, isoforms might be characterized by different functions and/or stability. The differences between gene isoforms span from a few bases to several kilobases. In some cases, no region of the transcript might be specific to only one isoform, making quantification problematic. We devised a quick, reliable, one‐step method for the accurate quantification of gene isoforms, even in the latter case. We compared the isoforms' sequences using bioinformatic tools freely available online. We analyzed RNA samples with a one‐step real‐time RT‐PCR protocol, using primer sets specific to one or more isoforms and RNA standard curves as a reference. Differential analysis of the data provided reliable information on the copy number of each isoform in the original sample. This method might provide a first step in understanding the importance of differential expression of gene isoformsThis work was supported by a D'Youville College research grant.