bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Aging and Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection on the uPA/Plasmin System in Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Gharaee‐Kermani Mehrnaz , Gyetko Margaret , Macoska Jill 
Published: June 2021

RationaleIdiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a serious disease often resulting in death. Aging, infection, pulmonary type 2 (Th2) immune responses and impaired fibrolytic activity play central roles in IPF. We hypothesize that aging and viral infection reduces lung urokinase (uPA) levels and increases uPA inhibitor PAI‐1 and that this leads to altered immune responses and TGF‐beta signaling, resulting in worsened fibrosis.MethodsWe compared the severity of bleomycin‐induced pulmonary fibrosis (BLM‐IPF) in mice deficient for uPA (uPA‐/‐) and its receptor (uPAR‐/‐) to wild type (WT) young and aged mice in the presence or absence of RSV infection.ResultsWT mice have diminished uPA expression following infection and BLM challenge, uPA activity levels and uPA total antigen levels diminished in the serum and lung tissues of infected BLM challenged WT aged mice compared to young mice. Whereas the PAI‐1 expression was significantly higher in uPA‐/‐ or uPAR‐/‐ aged BLM challenged mice compared to the WT mice. uPA or uPAR deficient viral infected and BLM treated mice showed increased fibrosis compared to WT as shown by hydroxyproline, total lung collagen, lung histology, and increased TGF‐beta expression. Lung T cells from infected uPA‐/‐ or uPAR‐/‐ aged mice produced lower levels of Th1, Th17 and higher levels of Th2 cytokines compared to WT mice.ConclusionsThis novel study provided both in vivo and in vitro data that showed how age‐infection‐related changes in the uPA/plasmin system impact the development of IPF. Supported by a VA Merit Review Grant (MRG.)
Evaluation of YAP as a therapeutic target in HCC and CCA
Authors: Bai Haibo , Nguyen Quy , Zhu Qingfeng , Alpini Gianfranco , Anders Robert 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundFor Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), the outcome is dismal; incidence is rapidly increasing, and mechanistic understanding is limited. YAP, the effector of Hippo signaling pathway, is an oncoprotein that promotes cell proliferation and inhibits apoptosis. Genetic manipulation of YAP results in biliary hamartoma and HCC. Therefore, we hypothesize that YAP is driver of liver cancer and a potential therapeutic target. MethodsExpression of YAP and its transcriptional targets GPC3 and Survivin was surveyed in normal human liver and primary liver cancer tissues. Efficacy of YAP inhibitor Vertepofin and Survivin inhibitor YM155 was tested in HCC and CCA cell lines with MTT assay.ResultsCompared to the non‐tumor tissue, nuclear YAP expression significantly increased in both HCC and ICC specimens. Nuclear YAP levels significantly correlate with nuclear Survivin levels in HCC and ICC tissues, but not with GPC3 in HCC tissues. We also found that verteporfin and YM155 suppressed HCC and CCA cell proliferation in vitro and had an additive effect to sorafenib treatment. Moreover, HCC cell lines with higher YAP expression were more sensitive to verteporfin treatment.ConclusionsOur findings suggested that YAP contributes to primary liver tumorigenesis and likely mediates its oncogenic effects through modulating Survivin expression. Small molecules that target YAP and Survivin activity could be a promising therapeutic strategy for treatment of HCC and CCA with high YAP expression.
Structural Basis of Broad Neutralization of Viral Pathogens
Authors: Wilson Ian 
Published: June 2021

Ian A. Wilson, Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037 USA.HIV‐1, Influenza, and Hepatitis C viruses constitute significant threats to global health. These viruses are all highly variable and provide challenges to our immune system to find solutions to prevent infection against the diverse strains and subtypes of these viruses. Increasing our knowledge of how the human immune system can respond to infection by these viruses can aid in design of novel vaccines. Recently, many human antibodies have been identified that can broadly neutralize HIV‐1 and influenza viruses through binding to functionally conserved sites, such as the receptor binding site or the fusion domain. My laboratory has determined atomic structures of a wide range of broadly neutralizing antibodies in complex with the envelope proteins of HIV‐1, influenza and hepatitis C viruses. This structural information is now being used in structure‐assisted vaccine design for HIV‐1 and HCV, and for design of a more universal flu vaccine. IAW is supported by NIH grants AI100663, AI082362, AI84817, AI099275 and GM094586 and the Crucell Vaccine Institute.
Human Precision‐Cut Tissue Slices as a Tool to Study Fibrosis and the Efficacy of Antifibrotic Compounds
Authors: Mutsaers Henricus , Westra Inge , Stribos Isabel , Oosterhuis Dorenda , Olinga Peter 
Published: June 2021

Fibrosis is a common endpoint of a multiplicity of chronic diseases resulting in scarring and loss of organ function. To improve and accelerate antifibrotic drug discovery, there is an urgent need for reliable and reproducible human in vitro methods that also include the cellular diversity that epitomize specific organs. The objective of our study was to investigate fibrogenesis in precision‐cut tissue slices (PCTS) from human liver and kidney. Moreover, we strove to elucidate the effect of imatinib ‐ a promising antifibrotic compound in rat ‐ in the early stages of liver fibrosis.PCTS were successfully prepared from human livers and kidneys, and cultured up to 72 hours. Viability of PCTS was assessed by the ATP content of the slices. Furthermore, gene expression of several fibrosis markers was determined. The antifibrotic effect of imatinib was studied at the maximal non‐toxic concentrations.Both liver and renal PCTS were viable up to 72 hours. Furthermore, after 48 hours of incubation, the early onset of fibrosis was observed in liver PCTS, as demonstrated by an increased expression of Pro‐Collagen 1A1 and Heat Shock Protein 47. Moreover, treatment with imatinib for 48 hours did neither impact the gene expression of fibrosis markers nor the protein expression of collagen I in human liver PCTS. Which is in stark disparity to the antifibrotic effects observed in animal models. The gene expression profile of renal PCTS during incubation is currently being evaluated.Thus, human PCTS can be used to study the onset of fibrosis, are promising models to test the efficacy of antifibrotic compounds and can reveal species differences in fibrosis.
The Low Density Lipoprotein Receptor Modulates the Effects of Testosterone on White Adipose Tissue Metabolic Activation through Estrogen Independent Mechanisms
Authors: Constantinou Caterina , Natsos Anastasios , Karavyraki Marilena , Papakosta Eugenia , Kypreos Kyriakos 
Published: June 2021

AIMThe aim of the study was the delineation of the role of estrogens in the functional cross‐talk between LDL receptor (LDLR) and testosterone (T).METHODSIn vivo indirect calorimetry studies, and metabolic and biochemical analyses were performed.RESULTSThough sham operated male Ldlr‐/‐ mice fed western‐type diet for 12 weeks became obese, their castrated littermates were resistant to diet‐induced obesity. T replacement confirmed that TD was crucial in the resistance in diet‐induced body weight gain of castrated Ldlr‐/‐ mice. Sham operated Ldlr‐/‐ mice treated with exemestane, a third generation irreversible aromatase inhibitor, showed a similar body weight gain to placebo‐treated animals, providing a first indication that the resistance of castrated Ldlr‐/‐ mice towards diet‐induced obesity was specific to TD and not due to estrogen deficiency. Ovariectomized female Ldlr‐/‐ mice further confirmed that the resistance of castrated Ldlr‐/‐ mice towards diet‐induced obesity is directly due to TD. Additionally, these experiments showed that estrogen counteracts the functions of testosterone in the regulation of plasma triglyceride levels in Ldlr‐/‐ mice. The observed elevated metabolic activity of castrated Ldlr‐/‐ mice was directly attributed to the markedly increased mitochondrial cytochrome c and UCP1 protein levels in white adipose tissue (WAT) of castrated mice providing strong evidence of metabolic activation (browing) of WAT.CONCLUSIONSOur data indicate that LDLR modulates the effects of testosterone on WAT metabolic activation through estrogen independent mechanisms.
Kinetics of Biofilm Formation by Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Zellmer Timothy , Heuertz Rita 
Published: June 2021

Biofilms are structured communities attached to surfaces that have been implicated in increasing antimicrobic resistance and infections that are chronic or medical device‐associated. This study focused on quantitative assessment of biofilm formation by S. aureus (either MRSA, methicillin‐resistant or MSSA, methicillin susceptible) and P. aeruginosa in a kinetic manner. Bacteria assessed were ATCC strains and clinical isolates from an area hospital laboratory and incubation conditions were static or shaking (250 rpm) during incubation (2‐48 hours). A microplate assay allowed for quantitative spectrophotometric (A590) evaluation of crystal violet‐stained biofilm adherent to microwells at indicated time points. Results indicated that clinical isolates of MRSA and MSSA produced different amounts of biofilm (with MRSA producing twice as much as MSSA) but had similar timing of biofilm peaks and declines. Clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa produced less biofilm than MRSA but as much as MSSA. Interestingly, results suggested that half of the P. aeruginosa were delayed biofilm producers indicating kinetic diversity that differed from a striking similarity among the S. aureus, especially clinical MRSA isolates. Results suggested that ATCC strains closely approximated results of clinical isolates from hospitalized patients thereby justifying use of ATCC strains for future studies. Finally, results indicated that there was no difference between shaking and static incubation conditions for biofilm formation. Future studies will focus on reversible versus irreversible bacterial adherence to better define steps of biofilm formationFinancial support for TDZ was received from the DeNardo Education and Research Foundation.
Nutritional Status of Children in Primary Schools in the Oio and Cacheu Regions in Guinea‐Bissau
Authors: Schlossman Nina , Saltzman Edward , Shea M Kyla , Balan Ela , Fuss Paul , Batra Payal , Pruzensky William , Griffith John , Coglianese Nicole , Wood Lauren , Santoso Marianne , Roberts Susan 
Published: June 2021

There has been no survey of nutrition status among primary school children in Guinea‐Bissau. To fill this gap, a USDA funded pilot project and Cluster Randomized Control Trial to improve nutrition in the population were conducted. We assessed weight‐for‐age, height‐for‐age, BMI‐for‐age Z‐scores (WAZ, HAZ, BAZ) and anemia in 4,807 children. Nutrition status of children in primary school is a concern (23.8% WAZ <‐2, 6.9% WAZ <‐3, 16.0% HAZ <‐2, 3.8% HAZ <‐3, 15.7% BAZ <‐2, 3.5% BAZ <‐3, 18% mild anemia, 21.6% moderate anemia, and 5.5% severe anemia). Boys scored worse than girls on all measures. 40.0% of children surveyed were older than the expected age range (6‐12 years old); up to 18 years. These 12‐18 year‐old boys have a much worse nutrition status (p<0.05) compared to those aged 6‐12 years on all measures and compared to 12‐18 year old girls. Nutrition status of 12‐18 year old girls was similar to those aged 6‐12 years of age. Nutrition status among boys and girls aged 6‐12 years was similar. There is a high rate of malnutrition among children in primary school in rural Guinea‐Bissau. A larger than expected number of children in primary schools were older than 12 years of age. Those planning nutrition programs for primary school in rural Guinea‐Bissau should be prepared to address the special nutrition needs of adolescents. The school platform can be an important channel to address nutrition in this age group that is often underserved by the public health system.
Comparison of a Novel Brief Nutrition Screening Tool and the Nutrition Subjective Global Assessment at Bach Mai Hospital (BMH), Hanoi, Vietnam
Authors: Manders A J , Lien TKD , Ly LN , Quoc Anh N , Henry EG , Young LS , Oliver L , Collier SB , Tham TT , K DA , Hien TT , Phuong HN , Mai NT , Tuyet CT , Lenders CM 
Published: June 2021

MethodsA cross‐sectional, retrospective chart review of 300 adults admitted to the ICU, nephrology or endocrinology wards between 9‐12/2013. Data included questions from a novel screening tool (Fig. 1), questions from the SGA (weight change, change in dietary intake, gastrointestinal symptoms), ward, current age, height, weight, gender; and usual body weight. Patients with SGA score B or C were considered at risk for malnutrition. Sensitivity, specificity, and ROC analyses were performed.Results300 inpatients age 47.5 ± 13.7 y were studied, 171 (57%) were male, 120 (40%) were admitted to the endocrinology ward, 120 (40%) to the nephrology ward, and 60 (20%) to the ICU. Rates of underweight, moderate and severe thinness were 16.7%, 6.7%, and 5%. For patients with SGA score B or C, sensitivity of the novel screening tool was 83.3%, specificity 86.7%. Area Under Curve (AUC) was 0.85. Oral intake 蠄 50% than typical was also predictive of SGA score B or C, sensitivity 80.8%, specificity 79.4%, AUC 0.80. Other combinations of parameters were studied, but AUC were well below 0.80.ConclusionThis brief novel nutrition screening tool may be clinically relevant in hospitals in Vietnam.
imageSupport provided by Abbott Fund.
Breastfeeding Intentions and Practices among Women in the U.S. With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Doughty Kimberly , Reeves Katherine , Ronnenberg Alayne , Qian Jing , Sibeko Lindiwe 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveTo compare breastfeeding intention and behaviors in women with and without gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in a U.S. sample.MethodsWe used chi square tests to investigate the associations between GDM, intention to breastfeed exclusively, ever breastfeeding, and ever exclusively breastfeeding. To assess associations between GDM and duration of any breastfeeding, duration of exclusive breastfeeding, and breastfeeding intensity, Wilcoxon rank‐sum tests were used. Further analysis using multivariable regression modeling with adjustment for potential confounders will be undertaken.ResultsSignificantly fewer pregnant women with GDM planned to exclusively breastfeed their infants (49.7% vs. 57.9% in women without GDM, p=0.005). Compared with new mothers without GDM, fewer women with GDM pregnancies initiated breastfeeding (79.6% vs. 85.8%, p=0.02) and breastfed exclusively for any period of time (29.1% vs. 44.9%, p<0.001). Likewise, breastfeeding intensity in the infant's first 6 months of life was lower among women with GDM (p=0.02). GDM was significantly associated with duration of exclusive breastfeeding (p<0.001), but not duration of any breastfeeding (p=0.14).ConclusionsOur findings suggest that pregnant women with GDM were less likely than their counterparts without GDM to intend to breastfeed exclusively. After delivery, these women were also less likely to initiate breastfeeding and to breastfeed exclusively for any length of time. We plan to explore the factors that mediate these relationships in subsequent analyses.
Anthropometric & Lifestyle Outcomes after a Family‐Based Lifestyle Intervention
Authors: Baker Bryan , Briggs Early Kathaleen , Sorrells Robert , Yi‐Frazier Joyce , Gottlieb Kate 
Published: June 2021

IntroductionACT is an evidence‐based family‐centered behavioral intervention developed by Seattle Children's Hospital. In 2012, Yakima WA was identified as the 4th fattest US city with 14% obesity rate among 8th graders. ACT was brought to Yakima due to a large Hispanic population where a culturally appropriate program was needed.MethodsParticipating kids with BMI‐for‐age 蠅85th%tile were referred by providers. ACT was held at the YMCA in English and Spanish x 12 weekly sessions. Anthropometrics were recorded at baseline and follow‐up. Diet and physical activity were assessed via Block screeners. SPSS v22 was used to calculate all descriptive and inferential statistics using a mixed ANOVA with a priori post‐hoc tests of simple effects.ResultsEighty‐eight percent completed the intervention (n=128), which included 84 kids (8‐14 years) and 61 adults (29‐51 years). Most participants were Hispanic (74%) and 48% participated in Spanish. Both kids and adults significantly improved waist circumference (p<.001), BMI (p=.017) and body fat (p=.007). Kids significantly reduced saturated fat (p = .024), calorie (p = .026), and carbohydrate intake (p=.022). Estimated total energy expenditure for both kids (p=.032) and adults (p=.006) improved. ConclusionsACT improved eating and activity behaviors and anthropometrics among both Spanish and English groups, indicating the program is culturally appropriate. Low‐cost interventions in partnership with hospitals and community stakeholders are an effective way to improve health outcomes among families with obesity in this community.
Gestational diabetes and large for‐gestational age (LGA) infants are common in a multiethnic population of low‐income pregnant women in Montreal.
Authors: Menard Veronique , Weiler Hope 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundPregnancy is a critical period where maternal nutrition and lifestyle choices have major influences on maternal and child health. Low income, prevalent in single parents who tend to be women (19.7%) and recent immigrants (16.4%), increases the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. These pregnant women may not have resources to afford food, shelter and other necessities and may experience health inequities that impact pregnancy. Community‐based interventions using the Higgins' method aim to improve pregnancy outcomes in low‐income women through education and provision of food and supplements, although its consequences on pregnancy outcomes are not clear.ObjectivesThe objective of this study is to describe frequencies and temporal shifts of adverse pregnancy outcomes between 2008 and 2013 in women attending the Montreal Diet Dispensary.MethodsA retrospective chart review was undertaken to establish the frequency of pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), maternal anemia as well as low birth weight (LBW) and large‐for‐gestational age infants.ResultsBetween 2008 and 2013, 5689 pregnancies were reviewed. Pregnancy complications included 1272 (22%) women with maternal anemia, followed by 683 (12%) and 424 (7%) with GDM and LGA infants, respectively but prematurity (n=231; 4%), LBW (175; 3%), high blood pressure (n=155; 2.7%) and preeclampsia (n=6; 0.001%) were below the general population frequency.ConclusionThese data suggest that prevention of LBW and prematurity are well supported by the Higgins method and outcomes such as GDM and LGA infants need to be addressed in low‐income pregnancies.
WAVE Pilot Study: Comparison of High School Soccer Players and Parents' Confidence, Expectations, and Practices in Food and Nutrition to Support Youth Sports Performance
Authors: Meng Yu , Wong Siew Sun , Manore Melinda 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveThe WAVE Pilot Study, a 2yr obesity prevention intervention for high‐school soccer players (14‐19y) aim to understand the knowledge and skills needed by high school soccer players and parents to support sports performance.MethodsForty‐two parent and child dyads independently completed a self‐administered survey about their confidence, expectations, and applications of food and nutrition knowledge and skills, healthy life habits, including screen time. Parent‐child agreements were compared to identify potential needs for the WAVE Pilot Study to meet.ResultsThe top three skills that children (n=55) rated themselves lacking include: gardening (63%), cooking (47%), and grocery shopping (40%). Parents (n=42) rated themselves lacking in gardening skills (46%), sports nutrition knowledge (38%), and meal planning ideas for before/during/after game (31%). The highest agreement in the dyads was parental role modeling of healthy eating (57%). The two lowest dyad agreements were: 1) parents setting rules and expectations for what their children should eat (29%), and 2) how long children are allowed to spend on screen time (29%).ConclusionsThese results help identify key topics of interest for active children and parents, which can be expanded on to promote targeted healthy living messages. Areas of disagreement open up further discussion and opportunities for targeted intervention to prevent childhood obesity.SponsorNIFA AFRI Award No. 2013‐67001‐20418
Indices Of Sleep Disturbances Among Children With Autism In Oman: A Case Control Study
Authors: Al‐Farsi Yahya , Al‐Farsi Omar , Al‐Sharbati Marwan , Waly Mostafa , Al‐Adawi Samir 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundAmong developing countries, there is dearth of information related to sleep problems among children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their sequel on parents health.ObjectiveTo explore indices of sleep disturbances among children with ASD compared to control groups, and the association between sleep disturbances and stress among parents.MethodsA population‐based case control study was conducted among 122 cases of children with ASD children (ASD group), and randomly‐selected two control groups: 81 children with intellectual disabilities other than ASD (ID group) and 90 typically developed children (TD group). Standardized and validated Arabic versions of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Children's Sleep Habit Questionnaire (CSHQ), and Parental Stress Scale (PSC) have been used to asses sleep behavior of children and parental stress.ResultsOverall, the mean score of CSHQ for ASD group was higher compared to ID group and TD group (51.3, 50.0, and 46.9; P‐value 0.002), which indicated that ASD children had less quality of sleep compared to control groups. Proportionately, more incidences of bed resistance, sleep onset delay, parasomnia, and day time sleepiness were reported among ASD group compared to control groups. The correlation was significant between parenting stress and ASD children poor quality of sleep (P‐value=0.001, r2=0.2). ConclusionsThe study provides a suggestive evidence that children with ASD in Oman are at higher risk of suffering from sleep disturbances and consequential parental stress compared to non‐ASD children.