bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Community‐based multidisciplinary weight management program in Mexico: Metabolic profile of patients at baseline
Authors: Kaufer‐Horwitz Martha , Vázquez Verónica , Reynoso Ricardo , Zamora Margarita , Soriano Ruth , Manjarrez Iliana , González Lizbeth , Rocha Ingrid , Soto Valeria , García‐García Eduardo 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundMultidisciplinary interventions for the management of obesity have become the most accepted model of treatment.ObjectiveTo determine the metabolic profile of patients attending a 6 month multidisciplinary weight management program at the National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition in Mexico City.Subjects and methods1216 obese patients who voluntarily entered a 6 month multidisciplinary weight management program (Feb. 2003 to Sept. 2007) were evaluated. Assessment at baseline included anthropometrical (BMI), clinical (blood pressure), and metabolic (glucose, lipid profile) measurements. Cardiometabolic abnormalities (diabetes mellitus, glucose =100mg/dL, triglycerides (TG) =150 mg/dL, cholesterol =200mg/dL, HDL <40/50mg/dL in males and females, LDL =100mg/dL, HOMA =5.13 and blood pressure (BP) =130/85mmHg) were assessed at baseline, and patients were considered "metabolically normal" with 0‐1 abnormalities.ResultsPatients were 38.8±11.7 years old with a BMI of 43.8±8.4; 896 (74%) were female; 62.9% of participants had BMI=40. Prevalence of diabetes was 27.6%. Abnormal values in glucose, TG, cholesterol, HDL, LDL, HOMA and BP were 41.3%, 52.7%, 33.2%, 87.5%, 71.1%, 45.9% and 62.3%, respectively. Only 91 patients (7.5%) were "metabolically normal".ConclusionsA high prevalence of metabolic abnormalities was found in the obese population attending the program. "Metabolically normal" subjects should be studied further.
Provision of a school snack improves vitamin B12 and iron status of school children in Bogotá, Colombia
Authors: Arsenault Joanne E. , Mora‐Plazas Mercedes , Forero Yibby , Lopez‐Arana Sandra , Marin Constanza , Baylin Ana , Villamor Eduardo 
Published: June 2021

In 2004, Bogotá's Secretary of Education initiated a school snack program in public primary schools. A mid‐morning food ration was provided free of charge to children in order to supplement 30% and 50% of their daily requirements of energy and iron. To examine whether the snack program improved children's nutritional status, we conducted a longitudinal study of 3202 children ages 5‐12 y measuring micronutrient levels, anthropometry, and reported morbidity. After adjusting for socioeconomic status and other school interventions, children receiving the snack (SN, n=1803) had greater increases in plasma vitamin B12 (17 pmol/L; P<0.0001), ferritin (2.2 ug/L; P=0.02), and hemoglobin (0.1 g/L, P=0.05) after 3 months than children not receiving the snack (NOSN, n=1399). SN children reported significantly fewer days with morbidity symptoms (e.g. cough with fever, diarrhea with vomiting) and 37% fewer doctor visits (p=0.04) during the school year than NOSN children. There were no effects on height or BMI. Compliance with the snack was high, with more than half of the ration consumed on 94% of the days. Improvements in children's iron stores and vitamin B12 status with a school snack are encouraging; continued monitoring of its effect on ponderal growth is warranted as the rates of child overweight are increasing in Colombia.Funding: Bogota's Secretary of Education, Harvard DRCLAS, National Univ of Colombia, Colombian NIH
Women from food insecure households have lower prevalence of overweight in rural Mexico
Authors: Mejia‐Rodriguez Fabiola , Mendez Gomez‐Huran Ignacio , Dominguez‐Islas Clara Penelope , Neufeld Lynnette M 
Published: June 2021

Objectiveto evaluate the relationship between household food security (FS) and the prevalence of overweight in poor women from rural Mexico.MethodsData were collected as part of a large survey conducted in small rural communities in 9 states in Mexico. A 14 item FS questionnaire was applied to 5,399 non‐pregnant women for whom height and weight measurements were available. For the present analysis households were classified as food secure or food insecure and the relationship with overweight (BMI ¡Ý 25.0) examined using logistic regression after adjustment for age.ResultsA total of 1,177 households (21.8%) were classified as food secure and 4,222 (78.2%) as food insecure. The prevalence of overweight was not significantly different (p=0.38) in unadjusted analysis between women from food secure (51.4%) and food insecure (49.95%) household. After adjustment for age, women from insecure households were less likely than those food secure households from to be overweight (OR 0.84, 95%CI 0.73‐0.95, p<0.01)ConclusionsUnlike what has been reported in some developed countries, food insecurity in poor women from rural Mexico is associated with a lower risk of overweight. Further studies are required to understand how patterns in dietary intake and/or activity may be associated with this difference. Supported by program evaluation funds from the Oportunidades.
Poor dietary diversity in Mexican poor households
Authors: Rodríguez‐Ramírez Sonia , González‐Castell Dinorah , Hernández‐Prado Bernardo , González‐Cossío Teresa 
Published: June 2021

Household (HH) Dietary Diversity (DD) relates to health and nutritional status.ObjectiveTo evaluate the association between DD and healthy food consumption with socioeconomic variables in poor Mexican households HHs.MethodsInformation from 2153 HHs from the National Nutrition & Food Supply Survey (Feb‐March, 2008) was used to estimate HH consumption (Yes/No) of 65 food items 7 d before the interview. Foods were classified in 21 groups and number of food groups (FGs) consumed was used as an indicator of DD. We estimated the percentage of HHs consuming particular FGs within studied groups. Differences in FG consumption by dwelling (urban/rural), ethnicity (if a person >8 y spoke an indigenous language) and community marginality (development indicator, National Population Council) were estimated. t tests were used to identify differences in FGs consumption between categories and ÷2 for differences in percentage of HHs consuming healthy FGs (meat, milk, fortified milk, fruits and vegetables).ResultsUrban, non‐indigenous HHs and HHs with low marginality consumed more FG (p<0.05) than their counterparts. Overall, healthy FGs were consumed by a low percentage of HHs, the lowest consumption being in rural, indigenous and HHs with high marginality.ConclusionsThese data show that the poorest in Mexico consume a non diverse diet, especially poor in nutritious foods.
Protection Against Pulmonary Injury after Exposure to Blast by N‐Acetylcysteine Amide
Authors: Chavko Mikulas , Adeeb Saleena , Ahlers Stephen T. , McCarron Richard M. 
Published: June 2021

Lung contusion is a common problem from blunt chest trauma caused by mechanical forces and by exposure to blast overpressure, often with fatal consequences. Lung contusion is also a risk factor for the development of pneumonia and severe clinical acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Infiltrating neutrophils are considered to be central mediators of lung injuries after blunt trauma. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of the antioxidant N‐acetylcysteine amide (NACA, ThiolTech, NY) on progression of lung inflammation after exposure to a moderate level of blast overpressure 140 kPa.Rats were administered with NACA (i.p.100 mg/kg) or placebo (PBS) 30 and 60 min after exposure and then 24 h later. Non‐blasted sham‐injected animals served as controls.Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in the lung was significantly increased 2 days after blast and returned to controls at 8 days. This increase corresponded with activation of CD11b mRNA and lung inflammatory chemokine mRNA expression (MIP‐1, MCP‐1, and CINC‐1). At 8 days, all inflammatory mediators returned to control levels. In addition, expression of heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) mRNA increased at 2 days after exposure.NACA significantly reduced infiltration of neutrophil and CD11b mRNA activation in lungs, and completely blocked activation of MIP‐1, MCP‐1 and CINC‐1 mRNA. The relatively higher inhibition of chemokine mRNAs compared with reduction in MPO activity and CD11b is in accordance with an antioxidant effect of NACA on reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, rather than by an effect on neutrophil sequestration. The inhibition of HO‐1 mRNA activation after blast was likely also related to the drug antioxidant effect.This work was supported by Office of Naval Research Work Unit 601153N.04508.518.A0406.
A structure‐guided design strategy to develop ligands with subtype selectivity for human nicotinic acetylcholine receptors
Authors: Yamauchi John G , Nemecz Ákos , Ho Kwok‐Yiu , Fotsing Joseph R. , Weide Timo , Grimster Neil , Stump Bernhard , Park John F. , Nayyar Deepika , Talley Todd T. , Fokin Valery V. , Sharpless K. Barry , Taylor Palmer 
Published: June 2021

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are pentameric ligand gated cationic channels expressed in both neurons and muscles, where they mediate action potentials and neurotransmitter release. Obtaining structural information is limited due to the nature of the receptors being membrane bound. However, discovery of soluble acetylcholine binding proteins (AChBPs) identified in mollusks (Aplysia Californica and Lymnaea Stagnalis), have been amenable as structural surrogates for the receptor extracellular domain. In collaboration with K. Barry Sharpless, we have generated a small library of compounds (~500) utilizing chemical synthesis or in situ "Freeze‐Frame Click Chemistry" on the AChBP templates. The building blocks emphasized starting with bicyclic amines (tropanes), isoquinoline, and cumarine chemical entities. Here we report the binding constants of these compounds on the AChBP and functional responses with different neuronal receptors. The binding affinities (kd) for the AChBP ranged from 3547‐0.04 nM. Our studies continued to with x‐ray crystallography for compounds showing tight affinities to the AChBPs.Support from (R37‐GM18360, UO1‐NS 06856, GM07752‐29)
Effects of Peritoneal Dialysis Solutions on the Murine Peritoneal Microcirculation
Authors: Quinn Kathleen , Fox‐Robichaud Alison 
Published: June 2021

Peritoneal dialysis is often used as a treatment for patients with end‐stage renal disease, however it is limited by the development of progressive fibrosis. This study uses intravital microscopy to examine the acute impact of clinically available dialysis solutions on the peritoneal inflammatory response.To test whether dialysis fluids elicit, or inhibit an inflammatory response, mice (C57Bl/6) were given either saline or TNF intraperitoneally (IP). Three hours later, the test solution was administered IP. After a 60‐minute dwell, the peritoneal microvasculature was examined. This study compares dextrose‐based, lactate buffered Dianeal 1.5%, 2.5%, and 4.25%, as well as the glucose‐based, bicarbonate‐buffered Physioneal 3.86% to Ringer's Lactate.In non‐TNF stimulated mice, Dianeal 4.25% was associated with a 5‐fold increase in leukocyte rolling, compared to Ringer's Lactate (9.1± 3.7 vs 49.1± 11.2, p<0.0001). This effect was not seen with Physioneal 3.86%. In the TNF‐stimulated mice, reduced leukocyte rolling was observed in all groups, except for Physioneal 3.86%. The cytokine‐induced increase in leukocyte adhesion within the peritoneal venules was not altered by the presence of TNF, except when treated with the Physioneal 3.86%.The acute presence of lactate‐buffered high glucose peritoneal dialysis fluid is associated with a marked increase in leukocyte rolling, but not adhesion, in the peritoneal microcirculation. This effect is not exacerbated in the presence of the cytokine TNF. The use of a bicarbonate buffer alleviates the pro‐inflammatory properties of high glucose and TNF stimulation.
Intravital Microscopy of the Murine Urinary Bladder Microcirculation
Authors: Kowalewska Paulina , Burrows Lori , Fox‐Robichaud Alison 
Published: June 2021

Catheter associated urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common nosocomial infections. The objective of this study was to establish an in vivo mouse model of the urinary bladder microcirculation to study the inflammatory response to UTI.Female C57Bl/6 mice were challenged intravesically with 0.1, 0.5, 1, 5 or 7 mg/kg of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or saline. 3.5 hrs later, the right jugular vein was cannulated, a catheter was inserted into the bladder, the urine drained and 100 μl of warm saline injected. The bladder was gently exteriorized and the bladder microcirculation was recorded for the next hour. In some mice, leukocyte endothelial cell interactions were observed after exposure to anti‐P‐selectin or anti‐α4‐integrin Ab.LPS at a dose of 5 and 7 mg/kg resulted in a significant increase in leukocyte adhesion and rolling. Leukocyte adhesion at 4 and 4.5 hrs post saline stimulation was 0.9±1.0 and 2.7±1.0 cells/field of view, respectively, and the flux of rolling leukocytes was 21±6.4 and 47±22 cells/min. Leukocyte adhesion at the two time points after 5 mg/kg of LPS stimulation was 17±7.8 and 21±8.0 cells/field of view, respectively, and the flux of rolling leukocytes was 74±17 and 116±56 cells/min. Blockage of α4‐integrin had no effect on leukocyte rolling, whereas the use of a P‐selectin Ab significantly inhibited leukocyte rolling (54.0± 26.0 to 1.25±0.97 cells/min, p<0.05).These results demonstrate that baseline conditions are maintained within the first half‐hour of microcirculatory observations. Leukocyte rolling within the bladder microcirculation is P‐selectin dependent but α4‐integrin independent. This model can be used to decipher the molecular mechanisms of leukocyte recruitment into the bladder as well as to examine in vivo responses to catheter materials and bacterial infection.
Intestinal ischemia‐reperfusion injury: reversible and irreversible damage imaged in vivo
Authors: Guan Yanfang , Worrell Roger T , Pritts Timothy A. , Montrose Marshall H. 
Published: June 2021

Early events in an intestinal ischemic episode have been difficult to evaluate. In vivo microscopy was used to continually report the effects of short (15 min) or long (50 min) ischemia with subsequent reperfusion (IR) on mouse jejunal epithelium. IR was imposed by an inflatable vascular occluder. Blood flow was monitored with confocal imaging. During short ischemia, villus NAD(P)H contents rapidly increased (23%; confocal autofluorescence) and the intracellular pH (BCECF) showed a biphasic response, quickly alkalinizing from 6.8+0.1 to 7.1+0.1 but then strongly acidifying to 6.3+0.1. Upon reperfusion, the pH normalized. In contrast, during long ischemia one‐third of the villus cells remained viable with reversible changes upon reperfusion, but remaining cells lost membrane integrity (Lucifer Yellow uptake) and were shed from the villus. This damage became more pronounced during reperfusion. Irreversible effects of IR mainly occurred at the anti‐mesenteric jejunal side, most likely due to incomplete restoration of blood flow upon reperfusion (stereo microscopy).In conclusion, adverse effects of short ischemia on the jejunum mucosa are fully reversible by reperfusion but after long ischemia, reperfusion cannot reverse such effects in the majority of cells, which deteriorate further. Our results may help defining the mechanism causing cells to transit from a reversible to an irreversible state during IR.
Epicatechin‐induced cardiac protection is opioid receptor dependent
Authors: Kawaraguchi Yoshitaka , Horikawa Yousuke T. , Tsutsumi Yasuo M. , Yokoyama Takaakira , Panneerselvam Mathivadhani , Villarreal Francisco J. , Patel Piyush M. , Roth David M. , Patel Hemal H. 
Published: June 2021

IntroductionEpicatechin, a polyphenolic plant metabolite and primary constituent of dark chocolate, has antioxidant properties at high doses and can reduce injury caused by stroke and cardiac ischemia; however, a receptor mediated effect has not been proposed. Epicatechin and other flavonoids are structurally similar to opioids and have opioid receptor activity. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that low‐dose (sub‐antioxidant) epicatechin mediates cardiac protection via opioid receptors.MethodsMice were randomly assigned to the following four groups: control, epicatechin, naloxone (non‐selective opioid antagonist), and epicatechin+naloxone. Epicatechin was administered by oral gavage daily (1mg/kg) for 10 days. Naloxone was administered by intraperitioneal injection daily (5mg/kg) for 10 days. On day 11, mice were subjected to 30 min coronary artery occlusion followed by 2 h of reperfusion. Infarct size was determined via planimetry.ResultsInfarct size was significantly reduced in epicatechin treated mice compared to control (17.8+2.5 vs. 35.5+1.9%, n=8, P<0.001, respectively). Epicatechin‐induced protection was blocked by naloxone (39.6+1.7%).ConclusionWe show that sub‐antioxidant doses of epicatechin produce cardiac protection via opioid receptors, thus defining a receptor mediated mechanism of epicatechin action.
Progressive augmentation and long term facilitation of ventilation is enhanced in participants with sleep apnea compared to control and is mitigated by reductions in oxidative stress
Authors: Lee D S , Badr M S , Miller R E , Hadden T J , Mateika J H 
Published: June 2021

PurposeTo determine whether progressive augmentation (PA) and long‐term facilitation of minute ventilation (vLTF) is enhanced in participants with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) compared to control. Moreover, to determine whether treatment with an antioxidant cocktail (AOX) mitigates PA and vLTF in OSA participants.Methods13 OSA and 13 controls completed two trials. During both trials participants were exposed to intermittent hypoxia (IH) which included 12‐4 minute episodes of hypoxia (PETO2 ‐ 50 mmHg, PETCO2 ‐ 4 mmHg above baseline) followed by 30 minutes of recovery. During the trials participants were administered, in a randomized fashion, either an AOX or a PLB before IH.ResultsDuring the PLB trial, baseline minute ventilation was similar between OSA and control (18.8 ± 2.1 vs. 14.8 ± 0.5 L/min). PA was evident in both groups; however it was enhanced in the OSA group compared to control (last hypoxic episode ‐ 36.9 ± 2.8 vs. 27.7 ± 2.2 L/min; p = 0.002). During end‐recovery vLTF was greater in the OSA group compared to control (27.7 ± 2.2 vs. 20.2 ± 1.2 L/min; p = 0.01). PA and vLTF were reduced in the OSA group following AOX compared to PLB (PA ‐ 30.6 ± 2.0 vs. 36.9 ± 2.8 L/min, p = 0.02; vLTF 22.3 ± 1.3 vs. 27.7 ± 2.2 L/min, p = 0.002).ConclusionsPA and vLTF is enhanced in participants with OSA compared to control. PA and vLTF is mitigated after treatment with an antioxidant cocktail.Funding: NIH (HL‐085537)
Arterial baroreflex control of sympathetic nerve activity in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Davis Scott L , Keller David M , Fadel Paul J , Remington Gina M , Korkmas Melissa A , Frohman Elliot M 
Published: June 2021

Up to 50% of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience symptoms of orthostatic intolerance. The aim of this study was to determine if this higher incidence is potentially due to altered arterial baroreflex (ABR) control of muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) or heart rate (HR). Five patients with relapsing‐remitting MS (4 females/1 male) and 3 healthy age‐matched controls (2 females/1 male) were instrumented for MSNA, arterial blood pressure (Finometer), and HR. ABR gain was calculated from linear regression slopes of both MSNA (relative burst amplitude) and HR plotted against diastolic and systolic pressure (3‐mmHg bins), respectively, during venous administration of sodium nitroprusside followed by phenylephrine (i.e., modified Oxford technique). Baseline burst frequency (number of bursts/min; BF) and burst incidence (number of bursts/100 heartbeats; BI) were significantly lower (P<0.01) in MS patients (BF=5±1, BI =8±1;n=5) compared to controls (BF=25±10, BI=41±13;n=3). ABR control of MSNA may be attenuated (P=0.09) in MS patients (gain=‐1.1±0.7; n=4) compared to controls (gain=‐2.1±0.7; n=3). ABR control of HR is similar (P=0.61) in MS patients (gain=‐0.7±0.3; n=5) and controls (gain=‐0.6±0.4; n=3). These initial findings suggest that impaired ABR control of MSNA may contribute to the higher incidence of orthostatic intolerance in MS patients.Funded by National MS Society (PP1440)
Intracellular recording from cardiac ganglion neurons receiving functional vagal inputs
Authors: Pickering Anthony Edward , McAllen Robin M , Harper Alexander A , Paton Julian F 
Published: June 2021

Cardiac vagal tone is an important indicator of cardiovascular health, and its loss is an independent risk factor for arrhythmias and cardiac mortality. Thus, it is important to elucidate the factors that modulate cardiac vagal ganglionic transmission. Using the working heart‐ brainstem preparation (Paton 1996, J.Neurosci Meth. 65, 63‐), we report the first intracellular recordings from functionally connected cardiac vagal ganglion cells in situ. The atria were dissected from the ventricles, pinned out, stabilized with a nylon mesh foot, and ganglion cells (n=33) were impaled with sharp microelectrodes (0.5M KCl; 80‐120 MOhm). Spontaneous EPSPs and action potentials (AP) occurred most commonly in post‐inspiration. Activation of bradycardic reflexes (baro‐, chemo‐, nasotrigeminal) increased dramatically EPSP frequency producing AP and atrial rhythm slowing. Spontaneous and reflexly‐evoked AP were mostly triggered by suprathreshold unitary EPSPs rather than by summation of subthreshold EPSPs. Stimulation of the right cervical vagus evoked EPSPs with a latency of 30‐40 ms. Thus, it is possible to record intracellularly from functionally intact cardiac vagal ganglion cells, which exhibit appropriate patterns of ongoing and reflex excitatory synaptic drives. Future studies will elucidate how cardiac vagal transmission may be modified in health and disease.RMcA holds an NHMRC Principal Research Fellowship; JFRP holds a Royal Society Wolfson Research Merit Award; AEP is a Wellcome Trust Advanced Clinical Fellow
Obesogenic Western diet changes fatty acid composition in failing rat heart
Authors: Harmancey Romain , Wright Nathan R. , Algahim Mohamed F. , Wilson Christopher R. , Taegtmeyer Heinrich 
Published: June 2021

We have previously found that 'Western' diet (WD), but not high fat diet (HFD), adversely affects cardiac function in rats. We now tested the hypothesis that the deleterious effects of WD may be driven by unique alterations in cardiac lipid content. We analyzed intracardiac lipid parameters after 1 week (acute), 8 weeks (short), 24 weeks (intermediate) and 48 weeks (long term) of diet.Resultstriacylglycerol and diacylglycerol levels increased transiently with WD and HFD, while ceramide and cholesterol levels were unchanged. Lipid peroxide levels increased both with WD and HFD, and were accompanied by reduced plasma membrane fluidity. However, only WD led to an increase of the saturated and monounsaturated long chain fatty acyl‐coenzyme A species. This change was followed by a decrease in the ratio of unsaturated to saturated fat, and by greatly reduced levels of the cytoprotective, insulin‐sensitizing, palmitoleate species (p<0.05).ConclusionWD induces changes in cardiac fatty acid composition, with a robust enrichment in saturated species and a loss of protective monounsaturated fat. We speculate that these changes contribute to contractile dysfunction. (Supported by NIH‐R01‐HL073162)