bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Real time imaging of tri‐molecular protein interactions in live cells by Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) microscopy
Authors: Kuo Hsiang‐Ling , Chang Nan‐Shan 
Published: November 2023

Malignant cancer cells frequently secrete significant amounts of transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐beta), hyaluronan (HA) and hyaluronidases to facilitate metastasizing to target organs. In a non‐canonical signaling, TGF‐beta binds membrane hyaluronidase Hyal‐2 for recruiting tumor suppressors WWOX and Smad4, and the resulting Hyal‐2/WWOX/Smad4 complex is accumulated in the nucleus to enhance SMAD‐promoter dependent transcriptional activity. Yeast two‐hybrid analysis showed that WWOX acts as a bridge to bind both Hyal‐2 and Smad4. When WWOX‐expressing cells were stimulated with high molecular weight HA, an increased formation of endogenous Hyal‐2/WWOX/Smad4 complex occurred rapidly, followed by relocating to the nuclei in 20–40 min. In WWOX‐deficient cells, HA failed to induce Smads relocation to the nucleus. To prove the signaling event, we designed a real time tri‐molecular FRET analysis and revealed that HA induces the signaling pathway from ectopic Smad4 to WWOX and finally to p53, as well as from Smad4 to Hyal‐2 and then to WWOX. An increased binding of the Smad4/Hyal‐2/WWOX complex occurs with time in the nucleus that leads to bubbling cell death. In contrast, HA increases the binding of Smad4/WWOX/p53, which causes membrane blebbing but without cell death. In traumatic brain injury‐induced neuronal death, the Hyal‐2/WWOX complex was accumulated in the apoptotic nuclei of neurons in the rat brains in 24 hr post injury, as determined by immunoelectron microscopy. Together, HA activates the Hyal‐2/WWOX/Smad4 signaling and causes bubbling cell death when the signaling complex is overexpressed.Support or Funding InformationMinistry of Science and Technology, Taiwan
Frequency of Antenatal Care Visit is a Key Modifiable Determinant of Low Birth Weight in Malawi
Authors: Chikakuda Aaron T , Song SuJin , Song Won O. 
Published: November 2023

Background/ObjectivesLow birth weight (LBW) is an important public health indicator for infant morbidity, mortality, and risk for cardiovascular diseases in the later stages of one's life. A LBW prevalence (12%) in Malawi is on a high side with higher disparities in the central region (15%). With this high prevalence rate in Malawi, little is currently known about determinants of LBW in Malawi. We aimed to examine the determinants of LBW in Malawi using the 2010 Malawi Demographic and Health Survey (MDHS) data.MethodsThe MDHS data are collected every 5 years from nationally representative samples. A total of 9,039 women (15–49 y) who had children aged up to 59 mo were included in the study. Samples with biologically implausible birth weights (<500g or >6,000g) and with no data on antenatal care and supplement use were excluded from the analysis. Data on socio‐demographics, antenatal care visit (ANC), and iron and folic acid (IFA) supplement usage of women were collected using a set of questionnaires. Hemoglobin level of women at the time of survey was measured using the HemoCue. Children's birth weights were obtained from their health records or mothers' recall. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify determinants of LBW.ResultsMost women (82%) lived in rural areas and had primary or less education level (79%). Teenagers and older women were more likely to have LBW babies. Maternal height, education and income level, number of children, IFA supplement usage, number of ANC visits, timing of the first ANC attendance were significantly associated with LBW (p < 0.05). Frequency and timing of the first ANC visits were positively associated with the number of IFA supplements taken during the pregnancy (p<0.001). Women who had <2 ANC visits had higher odds ratio for LBW (OR=1.42, 95% CI=1.09–1.86) compared to those who visited >5 ANC visits after adjusting for maternal age at birth, region, education, wealth index, and birth order of the child.ConclusionThe frequency of ANC visits is a key modifiable determinant of LBW in Malawi and is associated with use of the IFA during one's pregnancy. We recommend further investigations on barriers of ANC attendance and IFA supplement usage to improve the risk of LWB in this population.
Influence of Maternal Stress, Number of Children, and Marital Status on Maternal Restrictive Feeding Practices of Preschool‐Age Children
Authors: Smith Chelsea Lynn , Swyden Katheryn , Weedn Ashley , Salvatore Alicia L , Terry Robert , Sisson Susan B. 
Published: November 2023

Maternal feeding practices contribute to children's development of healthy eating behaviors. Feeding practices, such as restricting certain foods, may be influenced by concern for child weight and maternal stress. While having multiple children in a household may contribute to higher maternal stress, it may be protective against unhealthy feeding practices. Dual parent households may also decrease maternal stress through shared parental demands.OBJECTIVEThe purpose of this study was to examine the collective influence of maternal stress, number of children, and marital status on maternal restrictive feeding practices.METHODSThis cross sectional study used online surveys of mothers of 2‐to‐5‐year‐old children to examine associations between maternal stress (Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale), number of children, marital status, and feeding practices (Child Feeding Questionnaire). The Child Feeding Questionnaire also evaluated the feeding factor of concern‐for‐child‐weight. Multivariate linear regression was used to assess the relationship between maternal stress, number of children, marital status, and restrictive feeding practices while adjusting for concern‐for‐child‐weight. Structural equation modeling with confirmatory factor analysis was also used to evaluate the multivariate regression model.RESULTSMothers (n=278) were 73% Caucasian, 70% employed full time, 32.5+5.1 years old and the mean number of children in household was 2.0±0.9 children. In individual models, maternal stress contributed to restrictive feeding practices (β=0.017, SE=0.004, p=0.001). Number of children and marital status were not associated with restrictive feeding practices. In multivariate linear regression and structural equation models, maternal stress and number of children in household individually contributed to higher feeding restriction, while their interaction resulted in lower feeding restriction. Concern for child weight also contributed to more restrictive feeding practices in both models.CONCLUSIONSMothers with more children and higher levels of stress exhibited lower feeding restriction. The number of children itself may not protect against restrictive feeding practices, but may contribute to a collective environment where restrictive feeding practices are practiced less often by the mother.
Novel Allele‐Specific Epigenetic Effects Shape Genetic Architecture in the Brain
Authors: Gregg Chris , Huang Wei‐Chao , Ferris Elliott , Cheng Tong , Stacher‐Horndli Cornelia , Gleason Kelly , Tamminga Carol , Wagner Janice , Boucher Ken , Christian Jan 
Published: November 2023

Interactions between genetic and epigenetic effects shape brain function, behavior and the risk for mental illness. Random X‐inactivation and genomic imprinting are epigenetic allelic effects that influence genetic architecture and disease risk; however, less is known about other possible epigenetic allelic effects in vivo in the mouse and primate brain. Here, we devised genomics, in situ hybridization and mouse genetics strategies to uncover diverse allelic effects in the brain that are not caused by imprinting or genetic variation. We found allele‐specific expression (ASE) effects that are developmental stage and cell‐type specific, prevalent during neonatal stages of brain development, and cause mosaics of monoallelic brain cells that differentially express wild‐type and mutant alleles for heterozygous mutations. ASE effects are enriched in specific biological pathways, are significantly conserved between primates and mice, and impact risk genes for mental illness in the macaque and human brain. Our findings have potentially broad implications for mammalian brain genetics.Support or Funding InformationNIH 1R01MH109577‐01 (C.G.), a Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative Explorer Award (C.G.), a University of Utah Seed Grant (C.G.), a New York Stem Cell Foundation Robertson‐Neuroscience Award (C.G.), and NIH P40RR021380 (JDW).
Development of an Obesity Risk Score for Mothers of Young Children
Authors: Martin‐Biggers Jennifer , Quick Virginia , Byrd‐Bredbenner Carol 
Published: November 2023

Mothers are key family food gatekeepers and role models for their young children; research indicates that maternal weights, behaviors, characteristics, and environments affect their children's health and weight. Thus, this study aimed to develop a maternal obesity risk score to help identify non‐obese mothers at risk. Score development was based on a comprehensive survey comprised of valid, reliable instruments that assessed 120 weight‐related behavioral, psychographic, demographic, and home environment characteristics of 550 mothers of preschool children (72% White, 37% with college degree). The Home Obesogenicity Measure of EnvironmentS (HOMES) survey scale scores of all independent variables were entered into a Pearson correlation matrix; the 54 maternal independent variables that were not highly intercorrelated (r2<.5) were entered into a binomial logistic regression model. Maternal weight status, the dependent variable, was dichotomized into not obese and obese. The 54 independent variables explained 60.5% of the variance of maternal obesity. The final model was carefully examined to ensure no multicollinearity by again running Pearson correlations for all independent variables included in the final regression model. The characteristics significantly associated with increased obesity risk were: African American race, lower education, higher number of children, general health rating, more weight teasing history, more concern about child's overweight risk, more conflict in the home, and more body dissatisfaction. These 8 independent variables predicted 53 percent of maternal risk for obesity. Stepwise and hierarchical linear regression were conducted to confirm results of the binomial logistic regression. Both Stepwise and hierarchical linear regression methods confirmed that independent variables significantly predictive of obesity in the binomial logistic regression were significant predictors of maternal obesity risk using other methods. Data were transformed to account for directionality of the variable in the regression model and a summative obesity risk score (possible range 0–8) was calculated for non‐obese mothers (n=384). Mothers were divided into tertiles based on their obesity risk score. Obesity risk scores ranged from 0 to 7, with an average of 5.15±1.64 SD. A comparison of BMI among obesity risk tertile using ANOVA and post‐hoc tests revealed that all tertile pairs differed significantly, with BMI increasing with risk (Low risk BMI 22.3±2.8 SD; Moderate risk 23.4±3.2 SD; High risk 24.6±3.2 SD). Additionally, mothers in the highest tertile had significantly higher intrapersonal, interpersonal, and home environment obesogenic characteristics. This score may be useful in identifying mothers at increased risk of future obesity.Support or Funding InformationUSDA NIFA #2011‐68001‐30170
Modeling how Prognosis Levels of Kidney Disease in Diabetic African American Males Relate to Factors of Fresh Food Availability and Frequency of Communication with Healthcare Providers
Authors: Hopkins‐Harrington Cameron T. , Ongeri Elimelda Moige , Harrison Scott H. 
Published: November 2023

Critical factors relating to health disparities have included the degree to which patients may advocate for their own care within a healthcare setting, and the degree to which other factors promoting health are available within the nearby community. Diabetes is a disease that can lead to serious health complications, and has a strong association with diet. We sought to evaluate the progression of diabetic kidney disease in patients having type 2 diabetes, relative to estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFRs) corresponding to standardized levels of prognosis (G1 to G5). We evaluated the level of communication of patients with their healthcare provider, and the availability of fresh, unprocessed food within their community. Our study examined aggregate data from eight different healthcare providers across the state of North Carolina to evaluate these factors in 4996 African American males ranging in age from 18 to 64 years old. We evaluated for two factors: (i) sources of fresh, unprocessed food that were within three miles of a healthcare provider; and (ii) frequency of telephone calls between patients and their healthcare facilities. These data showed that the two healthcare provider locations that were generally lacking sources of nearby fresh, unprocessed food within a three‐mile radius also had reduced levels of communication with patients having normal or only mildly decreased eGFR activity (G1 and G2; OR=1.75, p<0.05). Further data are needed to examine for how eGFR activity relates to availability of fresh food, but exploratory data analysis has indicated to us some nonlinear interaction across the two factors. We are therefore planning a national study to better evaluate for this kind of specific effect across a larger number of locations of healthcare providers. Overall, our study has indicated the value of a combined study for investigating the relevance of both geographic and communication factors to how healthcare providers are serving African American males having type 2 diabetes.Support or Funding InformationThis study was supported by the Minority Men's Health Initiative (MMHI) through NIH/NIMHD Center Award #U54MD008621 (CFDA 93.307), sub‐award #HU 140004.
Between Tradition and Health: Comparing Community and Expert Perceptions of Hispanic Caribbean Diets in New York City
Authors: Fuster Melissa , Bank Elina 
Published: November 2023

Nutrition and health disparities are prevalent among Hispanics in the US. While dietitians can serve as vehicles to promote dietary improvements in this population, there is a paucity of research concerning how these experts perceive the diets of the diverse communities they serve. In addition, most of the research and interventions addressing Hispanics tend to focus on the Mexican‐American population or tackle Hispanics as a homogeneous group, failing to acknowledge the variety of dietary practices and traditions in this population. Addressing these research gaps, the present study sought to (1) evaluate dietitians' perceptions and knowledge concerning traditional Hispanic Caribbean (HC) diets, and (2) compare these perceptions with how members of the HC community evaluate the healthfulness of their diets. The study involved key informant interviews with dietitians working with the HC community in clinical and community settings (n=15), and interviews with members of the HC community (23 adults self‐identified as Puerto Rican, Cuban or Dominican) in NYC. Verbatim transcripts were analyzed using Atlas.ti. The analysis revealed areas of overlap concerning unhealthful aspects of the HC diet (incl. high fat and carbohydrate consumption, low consumption of fruits and non‐starchy vegetables, and the importance of portion control). Community respondents discussed motivations for dietary change, which were compared with dietitians' notions about barriers and best practices to address nutritional issues in this community. The study also identified potential education needs for future nutrition practitioners working with diverse communities. The results from the study contribute to future clinical and community interventions addressing health disparities affecting Hispanic communities, by providing insight on the dietitians' role and approach when working with a specific segment of the Hispanic population.Support or Funding InformationResearch support provided by the City University of New York PSC‐CUNY Award # 69195–00 47 and the NYU Post‐Doctoral Fellowship for Academic Diversity.
Differential Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on Natural Killer Cell Activity in Normal and Obese Mice
Authors: Lee Ga Young , Cha Kyeong Sun , Park Chan Yoon , Lee Seung Eun , Pae Mun Kyong , Han Sung Nim 
Published: November 2023

Vitamin D has an immunomodulatory effect on both innate and adaptive immune responses. Vitamin D has been reported to induce differentiation of monocytes into macrophages, inhibit maturation and differentiation of dendritic cells, and suppress adaptive immunity. Although there are some in vitro studies which showed that vitamin D suppressed Natural Killer (NK) cell activity and IFN‐γ secretion, little is known about the in vivo effect of vitamin D on NK cell functions. In this study, we investigated the in vivo effect of vitamin D on NK cell functions by measuring NK activity, cytokine secretion, activating receptor expression, and degranulation capacity in mice fed control or high‐fat diets containing different levels of vitamin D. Five week‐old C57BL/6 mice were divided into 6 groups by fat amount (10% or 45% kcal fat, CD or HFD) and vitamin D content (50, 1000, or 10000 IU/kg of diet, DD, DC, or DS), then fed diets for 12 weeks. NK cell activity was assessed using radioisotope 51Cr release assay against YAC‐1 target cells. Splenocyte subpopulation was measured by flow cytometry (FACS) analysis. Intracellular expression of IFN‐γ by NK cell, CD4 T cell, and CD8 T cell and proportions of NK cells and CD8 T cells expressing NKG2D and CD107a were determined by FACS analysis upon stimulation of splenocytes with PMA (50 ng/mL)/ionomycin (0.5 μM) for 4 hours. NK activity was significantly higher in NDDS group than HFDDS group at effector to target (E:T) ratios of 100:1, 50:1, and 12.5:1. NDDS group showed significantly higher NK activity compared with NDDD and NDDC groups at E:T ratios of 100:1 and 50:1, whereas there was no significant difference in NK activity among HFDDD, HFDDC, and HFDDS groups. Splenic CD11b‐ NK cell population was significantly higher in NDDS group than HFDDS group, while splenic CD11b+ NK cell population tended to be higher in NDDS group compared with HFDDS group (p=0.057). Percentage of splenic NKT cell was significantly higher in NDDS group than HFDDS group. There were significant differences in the splenic population of CD4 T cell, CD8 T cell, and B cell between ND and HFD groups (p=0.042, p=0.001, p<0.001). Intracellular expression of IFN‐γ and surface expressions of NKG2D, and CD107a in NK cells were not affected by the different levels of vitamin D. However, there were significantly higher surface expressions of CD107a by CD8 T cells in NDDD group compared with NDDS group. In conclusion, vitamin D supplementation enhanced splenic NK activity in control mice, whereas this effect of vitamin D was not observed in high‐fat diet‐induced obese mice. Alternation in splenic NK cell population might have partially contributed to increased NK activity by vitamin D supplementation.Support or Funding InformationSupported by the grant from the National Research Foundation (NRF) of Korea (NRF‐2015R1D1A1A01059679).
Pre‐hispanic Mexican diet reduced dysbiosis and inflammation mediated by LPS in diet induced obesity
Authors: Avila‐Nava Azalia , Aguilar‐López Miriam , Sanchez‐Tood Monica , Tovar Armando R , Torres Nimbe 
Published: November 2023

Obesity is considered a chronic inflammation state accompanied of dysbiosis in the gut microbiota. The purpose of the present work was to study the effect of a combination of foods based on the prehispanic Mexican diet (PMD) (corn, black beans, nopal, tomato, chia and pumpkin seeds on parameters associated with inflammation and gut microbiota. Rats were fed a high fat diet for 6 months, after that, a group of rats were fed the PMD during 3 months, and the rest continued with the high fat/sucrose diet (HFS). At the end of the protocol, feces were collected and DNA was extracted for 16S ribosomal gene sequencing using the MiSeq plataform and a blood sample was collected to determine biochemical parameters. Our results showed that PMD modified the composition of gut microbiota increasing the abundance of Lactobacillus reuteri and Prevotella copri by 30‐fold, Bifidobacterium pseudolongum by 17‐fold and Akkermansia muciniphila by 1.5‐fold with respect to HFS group. On the other hand, PMD decreased the abundance of Staphilococcus epidermis by 70 fold, Bacteroidetes eggerthii by 29 fold, Escherichia coli by 25 fold and Helicobacter apodemus by 6 fold compared to rats fed HFS. Changes in the gut microbiota with the PMD were accompanied with a reduction the inflammatory response by decreasing serum lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels by 52%. Our results showed that the presence of different compounds such as soluble and insoluble fiber, polyphenols and w‐3 fatty acids with a prebiotic effect, and vegetable protein in the PMD are able to modify gut microbiota decreasing inflammation mediated by LPS caused by obesity.Support or Funding InformationFinancial support by INCMNSZ.