bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cultural definitions of healthy eating: views from poor Salvadorian communities
Authors: Fuster Melissa , Messer Ellen , Houser Robert F. , Palma Patricia , Deman Hedi , Bermudez Odilia I. 
Published: June 2021

Global nutrition transitions are driving the rise in chronic, diet‐related diseases, mostly affecting the poor. While food availability and access are essential for healthy eating (HE), perceptions concerning HE can influence food choices leading to diet quality. This study presents an assessment of cultural definitions and barriers related to HE in four resource‐poor Salvadorian communities using focus groups, interviews, and an evaluation of the food environment. Cultural definitions of HE were compared to the national Salvadorian dietary guidelines recommendations, revealing areas of overlap (including the importance of dietary variety, fruits, and vegetables, among others) and omission (mention of limiting sweets/candy, salt, sugar, and alcohol). Informants expressed concerns over the origin of their foods and whether it contained harmful chemicals. Identified barriers to HE included competing household priorities, food availability, loss of cooking knowledge, and personal factors (motivation and food preferences). The study underscores a dilemma between nutrition knowledge and preference for foods classified as unhealthy, prestigious and/or more convenient affecting food choices in this resource‐poor setting, which increases the risk of diet‐related conditions.Grant Funding Source: PRESANCA
A cardiovascular risk reduction intervention in patients with hypertension and/or type 2 diabetes in San José, Costa Rica and Chiapas, México
Authors: Martinez Homero , Fort Meredith , Dengo Ana Laura , Castro Maricruz , Peña Liz , Alvarado Nadia , de Beausset Indira , Ramírez‐Zea Manuel , Murillo Sandra 
Published: June 2021

Given the growing epidemics of chronic diseases in developing countries, we launched an intervention to reduce cardiovascular risk in adult men and women diagnosed with hypertension and/or type 2 diabetes mellitus, in Chiapas and Costa Rica.Intervention (INT) consists of 6 educations sessions to promote healthy life styles, offered by primary health care workers on a monthly schedule. INT is compared with standard care (SC) following a quasi‐experimental design. All participants are followed up at the clinic for 8‐months.We have 95 INT participants and 90 SC participants in Chiapas, and 84 INT and 86 SC in Costa Rica. Almost 80% of all participants are overweight or obese in both countries. The INT group in Costa Rica presents 50% co‐morbidity of hypertension and diabetes, and 9% co‐morbidity in Chiapas. INT participants present systolic blood pressure of 134 ± 23 mmHg in Chiapas and 140 ±20 mmHg in Cost Rica; and fasting glucose levels of 144.2 ± 66.5 mg/dl in Chiapas and 119.0 ± 48.4 mg/dl in Costa Rica. Over 90% of participants report taking medication. Baseline CVD risk is lower in both groups from Chiapas compared to INT and SC groups in Costa Rica.Most INT participants in both countries present uncontrolled metabolic risk factors, offering an opportunity for the intervention to demonstrate a beneficial effect as compared to those receiving standard care. Challenges include limited attendance to education sessions.
Soluble corn fiber modulates calcium absorption by altering colonic microbiota
Authors: Whisner Corrie Marie , Nakatsu Cindy H , Martin Berdine R , McCabe Linda D , McCabe George P , Weaver Connie M 
Published: June 2021

Soluble corn fiber (SCF) has been shown to increase calcium (Ca) absorption. Animal models suggest colonic bacteria can influence Ca absorption; the mechanism is not understood in humans. This study assessed the effect of SCF on fecal microbiota in relation to Ca absorption in a racially diverse group of teens. Twenty‐four boys and girls (12–15 y; 45.8% Asian, 25% Hispanic, 29.2% Multiracial) participated in two 3‐week metabolic Ca balance studies testing 0 and 12 g/d SCF on a low Ca diet (600 mg/d), characteristic of usual intakes. Microbial community composition, evaluated in fecal samples collected during each treatment, was assessed with 454 pyrosequencing of PCR amplified 16S rRNA genes. Ca absorption increased by 12% with SCF consumption compared to no SCF. This increase correlated with a decrease in other Erysipelotrichaceae (P<0.04) and increases in Bacteroides (P<0.03), Alistipes (P<0.05), Butyricicoccus (P<0.04), Oscillibacter (P<0.008) and Dialister (P<0.003) but not changes in Lactobacillus (P=0.07) and Parabacteroides (P=0.07). These bacterial genera have been identified as short chain fatty acid producers while Bacteroides is capable of fermenting fibers like SCF. The bacterial changes suggest SCF may increase Ca absorption through fermentation. This is the first study to show that increases in specific bacteria were significantly correlated with the observed increase in calcium absorption.Grant Funding Source: Tate & Lyle Health & Nutrition Sciences
Title: The impact of preschoolers on household food and beverage purchases changed significantly between 2000 and 2011
Authors: Ford Christopher Nicholaus , Ng Shuwen , Popkin Barry M. 
Published: June 2021

We examine differences in household purchases of consumer packaged foods/beverages among those with and without preschool children in 2000 and 2011This analysis included 152,008 households from years 2000 and 2011 of a nationally representative survey of household purchases (Nielsen Homescan). Foods and beverages with universal product codes were linked with nutrition facts panel data to compute total calories and volume purchased for key food and beverage categories corresponding to top sources of per capita calorie intake among preschoolers (from NHANES). Random‐effects longitudinal models examined differences in per capita household food and beverage purchases by race among those with and without preschoolers (children 2–5 y) for each food/beverage group.Preschool households in 2011 purchased less milk (−24 kcal), sweet snacks (−42 kcal), juice (−15 kcal) and carbonated beverages (−22 kcal) per capita/d than those in 2000. White preschool households decreased the most in purchases of sweet snacks (−48 kcal/d). Hispanic preschool households had the greatest decrease in purchases of milk per capita (−25 kcal/d, vs. −23 kcal/d for White); the decrease in purchases of milk was lowest among Blacks (−21 kcal/d). Whites saw the greatest decrease in savory snacks (−17 kcal).There were major declines in purchases of milk as well as foods/beverages that are major sources of empty calories between 2000 and 2011 for households with preschoolers.Grant Funding Source: We thank the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (Grant 67506) and the National Institutes of Health (R01 HL104580 and CPC 5 R24 HD050924) for financial support. We also wish to thank Dr. Phil Bardsley for exceptional assistance with the data management and programming, Ms. Frances L. Dancy for administrative assistance, Mr. Tom Swasey for graphics support, and Carmen Piernas for assistance in this effort.
The effects of the acute phase response on biomarkers of iron status differ in the presence of malaria infection
Authors: Wessells Ryan , Hess Sonja , Ouedraogo Zinewende , Rouamba Noel , Erhardt Juergen , Ouedraogo Jean‐Bosco , Brown Kenneth 
Published: June 2021

Plasma ferritin (pF) is affected by the acute phase (AP) response, independent of iron (Fe) status. To remove the confounding effect of subclinical inflammation in the assessment of Fe deficiency, a correction method has been proposed, based on the ratios of log pF among groups with different stages of infection, as classified by AP proteins (APP): C‐reactive protein (CRP) >;5 mg/L (incubation); α‐1‐acid glycoprotein (AGP) >;1 g/L and CRP >; 5mg/L (early convalescence); AGP >; 1g/L (late convalescence); and non‐elevated CRP and AGP (reference). It is unknown whether malaria affects these relationships, so we compared pF conc in relation to CRP, AGP, and presence of malaria antigenemia among 451 asymptomatic children aged 6–23 mo in Burkina Faso. Correction factors for pF based on aforementioned categories of APP were 0.57, 0.23, 0.49 and 1, respectively. 48.5% of children had current or recent malarial parasitemia (histidine rich protein II (HRP2) >; 0.75 ng/mL); these children had higher geometric mean (± SE) pF conc than children without malaria, even after adjusting for APP (23.5 ± 1.5 vs. 11.1 ± 0.8 μg/L, p<0.001). The estimated prevalence of Fe deficiency after adjusting for APP was 24.1% and 52.0% in those with and without elevated HRP2, respectively. Adjusting pF based only on APP (CRP >;5 mg/L and/or AGP >; 1 g/L) may underestimate the prevalence of Fe deficiency in settings with a high prevalence of malaria and inflammation.Grant Funding Source: Nutsiset, SAS (Malaunay, France); Henry A. Jastro Graduate Research Scholarship Award (UC Davis); Bristol‐Myers Squibb Freedom to Discover Award
Dietary protein requirement of 65–75 year old adult males using indicator amino acid oxidation (IAAO) technique
Authors: Courtney‐Martin Glenda , Rafii Mahroukh , Chapman Karen , Elango Rajavel , Campbell Wayne W , Ball Ronald O , Pencharz Paul B 
Published: June 2021

Current dietary protein requirement for adult males aged 65–75 are based on nitrogen balance data and suggest no difference in requirement between the elderly and young adults. Recent studies in young adult males using IAAO technique suggest that nitrogen balance estimates are too low. The objective of this study was to determine the protein requirement of elderly men using the IAAO technique with L‐[1‐13C]‐phenylalanine as the indicator. Preliminary studies have been conducted in 3/7 (65–75 year old) men. Each received a minimum of 7 protein intakes (0.2 – 1.8 g.kg−1.d−1) in random order after a 2 day adaptation providing energy at 1.7 times measured resting energy expenditure and protein at 1.0 g.kg−1.d−1. Oxidation study day diets were amino acid based liquid diets patterned after egg protein. The mean protein requirement was determined by visual inspection of the preliminary F13CO2 obtained from the oxidation of L‐[1‐13C]‐phenylalanine in response to graded protein intakes. Preliminary estimates suggest a mean protein requirement of 0.8 g.kg−1.d−1. This preliminary data suggest that the mean protein requirement of elderly men aged 65–75 years is 20% higher than current recommendations.This study was supported by a grant from the Canadian Institute for Health Research (CIHR).
Low‐fat dairy intake improves endothelial function in subjects with pre‐hypertension or stage I hypertension and impaired endothelial dysfunction
Authors: Maki Kevin , Rains Tia , Schild Arianne , Dicklin Mary , Lawless Andrea , Kelley Kathleen , Park Keigan 
Published: June 2021

This was a subgroup analysis of subjects with baseline endothelial dysfunction [EndoPAT reactive hyperemia index (RHI) ≤1.67] from a randomized crossover trial which assessed the effects of 5 wk consumption of low‐fat dairy (1 serving/d each of 1% fluid milk, low‐fat cheese and low‐fat yogurt) vs. non‐dairy products (1 serving/d each of apple juice, pretzels and cereal bar) on vascular function, systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressures, and plasma lipids. Subjects were 14 men and women (mean age 56.7 yr, body mass index 29.5 kg/m2) with pre‐hypertension or stage I hypertension (mean resting SBP/DBP 128.1/79.5 mm Hg) while not receiving antihypertensive medications. At the end of each treatment period, a standard breakfast meal challenge including 2 servings of study products was administered. Pre‐meal RHI was significantly higher in the dairy vs. non‐dairy condition (2.32 vs. 1.50, p = 0.002), but 2‐hr post‐meal RHI (2.34 vs. 2.27) did not differ. Mean SBP and DBP values from pre‐meal to 3.5‐hr post‐meal (SBP, 124.1 vs. 121.3; DBP, 75.5 vs. 73.1 mm Hg) did not differ significantly between treatments. Higher pre‐meal RHI after 5 wk of dairy consumption is consistent with the hypothesis that dairy foods might be of value in those with endothelial dysfunction and further research is warranted to investigate this possibility.Funded by Dairy Research Institute
L. reuteri NCIMB 30242: A Probiotic with Benefits
Authors: Jones Mitchell L. , Martoni Christopher J , Prakash Satya 
Published: June 2021

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of probiotic bile salt hydrolase‐active Lactobacillus reuteri NCIMB 30242 on cholesterol lowering, mechanism of action and gastrointestinal (GI) symptomatology in hypercholesterolemic adults.Methods127 subjects consumed either L. reuteri NCIMB 30242 or placebo capsules over a 9‐week intervention period in a randomized controlled trial.ResultsL. reuteri NCIMB 30242 capsules reduced LDL‐cholesterol by 11.6% (P=0.001), total cholesterol by 9.1%, (P<0.001), non‐HDL‐cholesterol by 11.3% (P<0.001), apoB‐100 by 8.4% (P=0.002) and cholesteryl ester saturated fatty acids by 8.8% (P=0.002) relative to placebo over the intervention period. Treated subjects showed a significant increase in plasma deconjugated bile acids (P<0.05), indicating increased intraluminal deconjugation, and a significant decrease in plasma plant sterols (P<0.05). hs‐CRP was reduced by 1.05 mg/l (P=0.005) in treated subjects relative to placebo with changes positively correlated to interleukin‐6 and tumor necrosis factor‐α. Further, a higher proportion of treated subjects reported improved symptoms for diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome and unspecified functional bowel disorders (P<0.05).ConclusionsL. reuteri NCIMB 30242 capsules should be considered as an adjunctive therapy for hypercholesterolemia and may be useful for promoting GI health.
Helium inhalation induces caveolin secretion to blood
Authors: Weber Nina Claudia , Schilling Jan M , Finley J Cameron , Irvine Megan , Kellerhals Sarah E , Niesman Ingrid R , Roth David M , Preckel Benedikt , Hollmann Markus W , Patel Hemal H 
Published: June 2021

Caveolae are cholesterol and sphingolipid enriched invaginations of the plasma membrane and are considered a subset of lipid rafts. Caveolins (Cav), the structural proteins essential for caveolae formation, are critically involved in isoflurane‐induced protection of the heart. The noble gas helium (He) mimics isoflurane‐induced cardioprotection but the molecular mechanisms is unknown. We hypothesize that He influences Cav signaling in vivo in mice. C57BL/6 mice inhaled either 70% He (n=8) or 30% oxygen (n=8) for 20 min. Thirty min or 24 h after inhalation hearts were excised. Cav‐1/3 expression was determined after sucrose density fractionation of whole heart tissue. A cholesterol assay of whole heart samples was performed. Serum of these animals was tested for Cav‐1/3.He inhalation decreased Cav‐1 (0.4±0.1) and 3 (0.7±0.1, vs con 1.7±0.3 and 1.2±0.2, respectively, p<0.05) expression after 24 h. Buoyant Cav enriched fractions supported the results showing lower Cav‐1 and 3 levels. Cholesterol levels where significantly lower after He inhalation (1.7±0.1 vs con 2.4±0.3). Subcellular fractions showed lower levels of Cav‐1/3 mostly in cytosolic and mitochondrial fractions. In contrast, Cav‐1/3 showed accumulation in serum in He mice 24 h after exposure.These data indicate that Cav‐1 and 3 are secreted into the blood after He inhalation in mice, suggesting circulation factors may be involved in inducing organ protection by He.
Evidence of NSAID partitioning into splanchnic lymphatics: Possible route to avoid first‐pass hepatic metabolism
Authors: Lichtenberger Lenard Michael , Phan Tri , Dial Elizabeth 
Published: June 2021

Aspirin and related NSAIDs rapidly undergo hydrolysis in blood and first‐pass hepatic metabolism. To better understand aspirin bioavailability in rodents we investigated whether a significant fraction of the drug may directly partition into the splanchnic lymphatics to promote NSAID circulatory half‐life and activity.MethodsFasted male Sprague Dawley rats, some of which were orally pretreated 0.5, 1 and 5 hrs earlier with aspirin (pulverized Immediate‐release Walgreens OTC aspirin in water at doses of 40 and 100 mg/kg), were placed under isoflurane anesthesia and after laparotomy the splachnic lymphatic was cannulated and lymph collected for the subsequent 60–120 min. At euthanasia, blood was also collected. Samples of lymph and blood were analyzed for the presence of salicylic acid (SA) and platelet thromboxane (TxB2) conc, using established colorimetiric and RIA procedures.ResultsWe determined that lymph SA conc increased in a time‐ and dose‐dependent fashion after oral administration of aspirin and represented ~60% of circulating SA levels (using the 1 hr time point). Furthermore, aspirin dosing inhibited both lymph and plasma TxB2 conc by >;80%, 5hrs post‐treatment.ConclusionA significant fraction of intragastrically administered aspirin partitions into the lymphatic circulation in rats, which may be a critical factor in assuring the drug's bioavailability and therapeutic activity.
The occurrence and management of pediatric poisonings in Lenasia, South Africa
Authors: Ahmed Ayesha Yusuf , Moch Shirra 
Published: June 2021

Gauteng is South Africa's most populated and urbanized province. There is no local Poison Information Centre (PIC), and poisoning rates are unknown, as the failing healthcare system precludes adequate record‐keeping with regard to rate and classification of incidents. The time necessary to obtain accurate poisoning statistics through a prospective, multi‐hospital longitudinal study could leave the province underserviced for several years. It was thus decided to conduct a cross‐sectional survey in a single suburb, Lenasia (population 150 000) as a case‐study approach to establish an estimate of the occurrence and management of poisonings in this region.Self administered questionnaires were distributed to parents/guardians of children attending a random sample of creches and primary schools in Lenasia. Questions concerned the number and storage level of poisonous household substances stored, rate of ingestion of the substances by the children, management of poisoning cases and knowledge of PIC's.A total of 4530 questionnaires were handed out, 1730 (38.1%) were returned completed and 175 (10.1%) participants reported 256 cases of accidental poisoning. Medication, household detergents, rat poison, and paraffin were the most common substances ingested. There is a lack of knowledge of PIC's, and prevention and management of poisoning, suggesting there should be more public education on this issue.
A novel role for GABA and glutamate in pericyte‐mediated regulation of medullary blood flow
Authors: Dunn Kadeshia Natasha , Kelley Stephen P , Crawford Carol , Wildman Scott S P , Peppiatt‐Wildman Claire M 
Published: June 2021

GABA and its synthesising enzyme, glutamate decarboxylase, have been detected in the rat kidney [1–2]. GABA has also been found in human plasma and urine [3–4] and most recently, a renoprotective role for GABA has been suggested [5]. We are systematically investigating functional roles for GABA and glutamate in the mammalian kidney.Contractile pericytes regulate vasa recta diameter in response to a number of endogenous vasoactive agents and in doing so regulate medullary blood flow (MBF) [6]. We have utilised the live kidney slice model [6] to demonstrate GABA‐mediated constriction of vasa recta that was significantly greater at pericyte sites than at non‐pericyte sites (p< 0.01). Conversely, the GABA substrate glutamate (100 μM) caused a significantly greater vasodilation of vasa recta at pericyte sites compared to non‐pericyte sites (p< 0.05).Data presented here identifies a novel role for GABA and glutamate in pericyte‐mediated regulation of vasa recta diameter and thus MBF.
Telomere uncapping causes cellular senescence and inflammation in arteries: implications for arterial aging
Authors: Morgan Richard G , Ives Stephen J , Lesniewski Lisa A , Cawthon Richard M , Andtbacka Robert HI , Noyes R Dirk , Denchi Eros L , Richardson Russell S , Donato Anthony J 
Published: June 2021

Telomere shortening has been associated with age‐related cardiovascular diseases. However, the uncapping of telomeres may have a greater impact on arterial aging, as it leads to cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 1A (P21)‐induced senescence and subsequent inflammation. In arteries from 61 younger (YA) and older adults (OA), we assessed age‐related telomere uncapping (ChIP: p‐H2A.X (ser139) localization to telomeres), senescence (P21 mRNA) and inflammation (TNFA, MCP1 mRNA). Aging leads to greater telomere uncapping (YA: 1.0±0.1 vs OA: 2.3±0.5, P = 0.02), as well as greater senescence (P ≤ 0.04) and inflammation (both P < 0.06). Telomere uncapping was not associated with telomere shortening in human arteries (r = −0.09, P = 0.20). To provide proof of concept that telomere uncapping induces senescence and inflammation, we utilized a transgenic mouse model of inducible telomeric repeat factor 2 (trf2) deletion that results in telomere uncapping (trf2+/+: 3.0±1.1 vs trf2−/−: 4.7± 0.5, P = 0.07). There was greater senescence (P < 0.03) and inflammation (P ≤ 0.08) in aortas from trf2−/− (n = 6) compared with trf2+/+ mice (n = 8), despite no change in telomere length (P = 0.49). Here we are the first to demonstrate age‐related telomere uncapping in human arteries and, using a novel mouse model of terf2 deletion, demonstrate that telomere uncapping induces senescence and inflammation in arteries.Support: NIA‐AG040297, U. CoA
Increased expression of ER stress genes in patients with limited cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis and Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Lenna stefania , Farina Alessandra G , Martyanov Viktor , Christmann Romy B , Wood Tammara A , Faber Harrison W , Scorza Raffaella , Whitfield Michael L , Lafyatis Robert , Trojanowska Maria 
Published: June 2021

ObjectivePrevious studies have implicated ER stress and UPR in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.The goal of this study was to assess whether markers of ER stress/UPR are present in PBMCs from limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis (lcSSc) patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).MethodsPBMCs were purified from healthy controls (HC n=36) and lcSSc patients (n=38 with PAH and n=39 without PAH).Gene expression in HC PBMCs stimulated with ER stress inducer, thapsigargin (TG) was analyzed by DNA microarray.Expression levels of select ER stress/UPR genes and inflammation genes were analyzed by qPCR.ResultsER stress/UPR genes, including BiP, transcription factors ATF4 and ATF6, and a spliced form of XBP1 were upregulated in lcSSc PBMCs, with the highest levels in patients with PAH.TG induced expression of HSPs and IFN‐regulated genes in control PBMCs.Selected HSP genes, particularly DNAJB1, and IFN‐related genes were significantly elevated in lcSSc PBMCs.There was a positive correlation between DNAJB1 and severity of PAH disease (PAP) (r = 0.59, p<0.05) and between BiP and IL‐6 levels (r = 0.64, p< 0.0001) in lcSSc PBMCs.ConclusionThese studies demonstrate a possible association between ER stress/UPR gene activation and lcSSc‐PAH suggesting that ER stress/UPR contribute to the interferon signature and altered function of circulating immune cells in patients with lcSSc.