bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nutrition Messages in Picture Book Fiction for 4 to 8 Year Old Children
Authors: Matvienko Oksana A. 
Published: November 2023

This study conducted a content analysis to examine the types of food and nutrition messages communicated in fictional stories aimed at children 4 to 8 years of age. The foundation of healthy eating is established at a young age. Parents play an instrumental role in the process of home‐based nutrition education. Picture books are uniquely positioned to inform young children about food, nutrition and related behaviors because they can be read multiple times and at parents’ convenience. Some reports indicate that 80 to 87 percent of parents read to their young children three or more times a week. Evidence suggests that an adult‐guided exposure to a single book makes a significant short‐term impact on child's food intake. Thus, it can be hypothesized that an assortment of age‐appropriate, engaging books may have a profound, long‐lasting influence on a child's eating habits. While some studies have examined types and frequencies of foods depicted in children's books, a comprehensive overview of a variety of food and nutrition messages in children's literature is lacking. This study attempted to fill this gap in knowledge. The Children's Core Collection and other databases were searched independently by three research assistants for fictional picture books in which food and nutrition were the main focus of the storyline. The final sample included 270 books published between 2000 and 2015. Stories were systematically coded using holistic, provisional, data‐driven, and evaluation coding methods, as discussed in The Coding Manual for Qualitative Researchers (Saldana, 2013). The mixed‐method analysis revealed four major messaging themes: food (history, life cycle, production, purchase, preparation) that represented 40% of the sample; food and nutrition behaviors (food preferences, table/dining manners, lifestyle choices, weight management), 29%; values (social skills, individuality, diversity, family, religion, food‐related traditions), 22%; sensations and emotions (hunger, food fears, cravings, enjoyment, comfort), 8%. Additionally, the examined books varied substantially in terms of their educational merit. Messages ranged from straightforward and positive to subject to interpretation/misinterpretation to questionable and potentially counterproductive, as the latter featured poor behaviors and vocabulary that some adults may find not suitable for their children. In conclusion, while there is a great variety of fictional picture books to facilitate the development of healthy eating habits in young children, the quality of their messaging about food and nutrition varies widely. Parents and educators are advised to carefully select and preview children's books to ensure that the language and information communicated in those books are consistent with one's personal values and child's maturity level.Support or Funding InformationNone
Perceived Barriers to Physical Activity during Pregnancy among Participants of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) in Southern California
Authors: Koleilat Maria , Vargas Nancy , Kodjebacheva Gergana 
Published: November 2023

Regular exercise during pregnancy is known to be associated with many benefits for the mother and her baby. Pregnant women are recommended to engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity on most days of the week. Nonetheless, a large number of pregnant women do not engage in the recommended amounts. Not receiving the recommended amounts of physical activity may lead to excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) and maternal obesity. Barriers to physical activity among low‐income pregnant women are not yet well understood. The objective of this study was to identify barriers to physical activity among pregnant WIC participants in Southern California using a qualitative approach and the socioecological framework. We conducted four focus groups (FGs) with pregnant participants aged 18 years or older in either their 2nd or 3rd trimester at the WIC Fullerton center. To take acculturation and BMI differences into account, the four FGs were held according to preferred language (English vs. Spanish‐speaking) and BMI category (self‐reported pre‐pregnancy body weight: Normal BMI < 25 kg/m2 and high BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2). A total of 28 participants (5–10 participants per focus group) met our study criteria and were recruited to participate. We used Atlas. Ti to analyze the focus group transcripts. The majority of the participants were married, lived with the baby's father, were working, and had another child. The Spanish‐speaking groups had at most a high school diploma while the English‐speaking participants had at most a bachelor's degree. Eighty‐six percent of participants mentioned intrapersonal factors as barriers to physical activity. The most mentioned factors were pain and other health factors, lack of motivation and energy, and concerns about exercise safety. Eight‐three percent of participants mentioned interpersonal factors as barriers to physical activity. The most mentioned factors were lack of support from their spouse and family and lack of advice from their doctor. Seven percent of participants reported the weather as an environmental barrier. Physical activity during pregnancy helps pregnant women achieve appropriate GWG and reduce the amount of postpartum weight retention. Interventions to help low‐income pregnant women overcome physical activity barriers should be guided by social ecology & family systems theories. Interventions may focus on strategies to increase motivation and social support for pregnant women. Primary care providers should provide information to pregnant women on the type and frequency of safe exercise.Support or Funding InformationThis research is supported by a CSUF intramural incentive grant.
Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMP)‐28 Activates Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 1 to Induce Macrophage M1 Polarization
Authors: Lindsey Merry L. , Cannon Presley L. , Flynn Elizabeth R. , Jung Mira , Iyer Rugmani Padmanabhan , DeLeon‐Pennell Kristine Y. , Ma Yonggang 
Published: November 2023

Pro‐inflammatory M1 and anti‐inflammatory M2 macrophages are involved in cardiac repair after myocardial infarction (MI). Mice with matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐28 deletion display decreased inflammation at day 7 post‐MI. Accordingly, we hypothesized that MMP‐28 polarizes macrophages to a pro‐inflammatory M1 phenotype. In this study, we stimulated peritoneal macrophages isolated from 3 to 6 month old male C57/BL6J mice with MMP‐28 recombinant protein and evaluated cell phenotype. By quantitative RT‐PCR, the MMP‐28 catalytic domain only protein dose‐dependently upregulated pro‐inflammatory markers (Ccl3, Ccl5, Il1β, Il6, Il12a, and Tnfα, all p<0.05) 100–10,000 fold and downregulated anti‐inflammatory M2 markers (Arg1 and Tgfβ1, all p<0.05) 4–7 fold. This indicated that MMP‐28 is a potent activator of macrophage M1 polarization. Interestingly, the pro‐MMP‐28 full length recombinant protein demonstrated similar M1 polarization responses, demonstrating that MMP‐28 activity was not required. To evaluate if MMP‐28 can function as a signaling molecule to induce M1 polarization independent of its enzymatic activity, we measured the transcription factors nuclear factor (NF)‐κB and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 1, which are known M1 polarization signaling pathways. MMP‐28 catalytic domain‐stimulated macrophages demonstrated a significant activation of STAT1, evidenced by increased phospho‐STAT1 (400 fold, p<0.05). In contrast, NF‐κB activation was not significantly affected by MMP‐28 treatment. This indicates that the MMP‐28 effect is mediated through the STAT1 pathway. This study, for the first time, demonstrates that MMP‐28 functions as a signaling molecule and potently induces macrophage M1 polarization through activating the STAT1 pathway.Support or Funding InformationThis work was supported by the National Institutes of Health [HHSN268201000036C (N01‐HV‐00244), HL075360, and GM114833 to M.L.L., and P01HL051971 and P20GM104357]; the Biomedical Laboratory Research and Development Service of the Veterans Affairs Office of Research and Development Award [5I01BX000505 to M.L.L.]; and American Heart Association [14POST18770012 to R.P.I.] and [15SDG22930009 to Y.M.].
Leukocytes exhibit discrete rhythms in their recruitment patterns to arteries and veins
Authors: de Juan Alba , Druzd David , Zuchtriegel Gabriele , Kraus Kerstin , Reichel Christoph , Scheiermann Christoph 
Published: November 2023

Leukocyte recruitment exhibits circadian, ~24h oscillations, which is dependent on local input by the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). Sympathetic nerves reach tissues alongside arterioles. Since smaller veins are devoid of sympathetic innervation but are the main site of leukocyte recruitment, it is unclear how these adrenergic stimuli reach veins to regulate leukocyte infiltration to tissues. Here, we demonstrate rhythmic differences in the ability of leukocytes to adhere to arteries and veins in an acute inflammatory scenario. Using quantitative in vivo imaging analyses after acute TNFα stimulation at different time points of the day, we observed a ~3‐fold circadian variation in leukocyte recruitment in carotid artery and jugular vein vessels, but with opposed phases. While peak recruitment in the artery was detected in the morning (Zeitgeber time (ZT) 1, i.e. 1h after lights on), peak recruitment in the vein occurred at night (ZT17, 5h after lights off). The same held true for the microcirculation of the cremasteric muscle, demonstrating that these inverted rhythms also occur within the same tissue. After systemic SNS denervation via 6‐OHDA treatment, oscillations were ablated in arteries and veins indicating the importance of sympathetic control. Interestingly, similar observations were found in Ng2Cre x Bmal1flox/flox mice, in which the core clock gene Bmal1 is selectively deleted in arteriolar pericytes. Thus, although arteriolar pericytes were the focus of the circadian disruption, leukocyte adhesion rhythms ceased to exist in both arteries and veins. However, when targeting myeloid cell rhythms genetically, using a Lyz2Cre x Bmal1flox/flox line, oscillations in recruitment to the carotid artery were disrupted but not in the jugular vein. In addition, expression rhythms of leukocyte adhesion molecules (CD11a and CD11b) on adherent leukocytes was in phase in both vessels types, indicating distinct contributions of the microenvironment and the leukocyte for rhythmicity in the adhesion process. Together, our data point to an important role of arteries in regulating venular leukocyte recruitment.Support or Funding InformationFunded by the German Research Foundation (Emmy Noether SCHE 1645/2‐1 and SFB914 project B09).
Sepsis‐Associated Proteinase 3 Induces Endothelial Permeability
Authors: Patterson Eric K , Cepinskas Gediminas , Inoue Ken , Fraser Douglas D 
Published: November 2023

Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response to known or suspected infection, and associated with microvascular dysfunction and capillary leak. The cause of capillary leak may be due to substances released by activated polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) that adhere to microvascular endothelial cells. Following binding, PMN often degranulate releasing azurophilic enzymes (e.g. elastase and proteinase 3 (PR3)) at the endothelial surface and into plasma. We hypothesized that the actions of these enzymes, particularly PR3 contribute to the loss of endothelial integrity.Patients with severe sepsis (sepsis with evidence of at least one organ dysfunctioning), were recruited on admission to the intensive care unit. Patient samples were paired with age and sex‐matched controls. The mean age was 50 ± 14 years, 3/10 males for both sepsis and controls. Septic patient pathogens were determined to be 4 gram positive, 4 gram negative and 2 culture negative; survival outcomes were 9/10 patients surviving. We employed ELISAs to determine plasma PR3 concentrations and in vitro permeability assays using Texas Red‐Dextran flow to determine the effect of PR3 on human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) monolayer integrity.The sepsis plasma PR3 concentration was significantly higher (p < 0.001) compared to controls (55.4 ±8.8 vs 7.7 ±2 ng/mL). For in vitro permeability assays, we employed concentrations of PR3 higher than the plasma measurements in order to more closely mimic conditions at the site of degranulation. 1 hour of PR3 treatment (5 μg/mL) significantly increased HUVEC permeability to Texas Red‐Dextran compared to controls.The loss of endothelial integrity secondary to PR3 release by adhered PMNs could result in microvascular dysfunction and capillary leak. Endothelial injury could also exacerbate further PMN recruitment. Since other enzymes are contained in the same granules as PR3, they may also have significant actions on endothelial cells, these will be studied in the future.We conclude that neutrophil degranulation, as evidenced by increased PR3 plasma concentrations, can lead to increased endothelial permeability through a mechanism which in part involves the actions of PR3.Support or Funding InformationFunded by the Lawson Health Research Institute Internal Research Fund.
STAT3 regulates endothelial permeability downstream of the pro‐inflammatory cytokines IL6 and TNF‐α
Authors: Alsaffar Hiba , Martino Nina , Vincent Peter , Adam Alejandro , Lowery Anthony 
Published: November 2023

The barrier function of endothelial cells (ECs) is regulated by the action of pro‐inflammatory cytokines. In human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HDMECs), TNF‐α can induce loss of barrier function in a dose‐dependent manner. Similarly, IL6 can increase endothelial permeability in HDMECs in the presence of its soluble receptor, sIL6Rα. Activation of Src family kinases (SFKs) rendered ECs susceptible to permeability changes in response to a very low dose of TNF‐α. Correspondingly, SFK activation promoted IL6‐induced loss of trans‐endothelial electrical resistance (TEER) even in the absence of its soluble receptor. This loss of permeability in HDMEC correlated with sustained phosphorylation/activation of the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT3), as well as an increase in the mRNA expression of its downstream target SOCS3. siRNA‐mediated STAT3 gene knockdown prevented the increase in endothelial permeability in response to treatment of TNF‐α or IL6 with SFK activation. Consistently, pretreatment of HDMECs with ruxolitinib, a JAK kinases inhibitor, blocked STAT3 activation and the increase in permeability in response to TNF‐α or IL6 in the presence of active SFKs. Based on our findings, we conclude that STAT3 activity mediates the change in endothelial monolayer permeability in response to the pro‐inflammatory cytokines TNF‐α and IL6.Support or Funding InformationSupported by an AHA SDG grant 13SDG17100110 to APA
Cardiac Mechanics, Hemodynamics, and Embryonic Heart Development
Authors: Rugonyi Sandra 
Published: November 2023

Heart development is orchestrated by genetic programs, which are modulated by biochemical and hemodynamic conditions. Because the embryonic heart starts beating and pumping blood soon after formation of the primitive tubular heart, important cardiogenesis processes, such as formation of heart valves and chambers, occur under blood flow. Normal hemodynamic conditions are essential for proper cardiac development, and altered blood flow at early embryonic stages leads to congenital heart defects. Under normal conditions, the developing heart is constantly adapting to hemodynamic changes that accompany embryonic growth: volume flow rates continuously increase to support the development of the embryo, while ventricular blood pressure also increases to support pumping of a larger volume of blood. Abnormal blood flow conditions alter this balance and lead the heart into detrimental pathways that result in cardiac malformations. Cardiac tissue adaptations (growth and remodeling) in response to changes in blood flow during early embryonic stages are only recently starting to emerge. This is in great part thanks to advances in imaging and computational technologies that are enabling a better characterization of the mechanical and biological changes that occur in the tiny embryonic heart under normal conditions and when blood flow is altered.To elucidate how the embryonic heart grows and remodels under normal conditions and in response to changes in hemodynamics, we use chicken embryos as animal models of cardiovascular development. We employ a combination of in vivo imaging, physiological measurements, immunohistochemistry, and computational techniques in an integrative approach to determine cardiac mechanics and how heart tissues are affected by hemodynamics. In chick embryos, cardiac beating starts at Hamburger‐Hamilton (HH) stage 10 (33–38 hrs of incubation), and septation occurs after HH24 (day 4). We focus on the looping stages of heart development, HH13 to HH24, when the heart is still tubular. During looping stages the heart is very sensitive to hemodynamic conditions, and thus this period has important repercussions for valve and chamber formation. The heart outflow tract (OFT), in particular, is a critical cardiac segment, as it gives rise to the intraventricular septum, pulmonary and aortic outlets, and their valves, and it is the site of origin for a large proportion of cardiac defects observed in human babies. We have developed techniques to reconstruct the 4D motion of the heart OFT, simulate the hemodynamics in the beating OFT, and map OFT hemodynamics and remodeling. Our results, and those of others, are starting to elucidate how hemodynamics affect early embryonic cardiac development. These new data is leading to a better understanding of embryonic cardiovascular adaptations to blood flow, and revealing how cardiac adaptations could also lead to congenital heart defects.Support or Funding InformationNIH R01 HL094570
Divide and Conquer: On Demand Anatomy in the Medical School Curriculum
Authors: Rosenberg Martina , Hartley Rebecca 
Published: November 2023

Anatomy is fundamental to clinical practice, a rite of passage in becoming a physician and key to professional identity formation. Curricular gaps in content and process combined with LCME requirements for self‐directed learning, clinical reasoning and problem‐solving prompted anatomy integration into the organ system blocks at the UNM School of Medicine. Previous reports document more positive attitudes and perceptions to teaching anatomy in context, as compared to an independent course. Yet, the effects of teaching anatomy in and out of context on anatomical knowledge has not been assessed. Although systems‐based teaching may prevent a coherent view of whole body anatomy, cognitive psychology calls for integration of new into existing knowledge (scaffolding) following the constructivist framework. We compared two medical student cohorts to determine if anatomy integration changes 1) mastery of and confidence with anatomical concepts, and 2) metacognitive awareness and professional identity. In a pre‐, post and follow up design, methods included content assessments, confidence probes, the Metacognitive Awareness Inventory, and attitude surveys informed by focus groups. Cohorts are of similar size, mean MCAT scores and study skills self report items. Results thus far show the cohorts performed comparably in pre‐instruction assessment. Data from the first cohort indicate differential gain in mastery of specific anatomical concepts. Anatomical knowledge is gained and retained. Confidence levels with anatomical concepts increased, but were not sustained at the same level. Results from surveys and focus groups highlight the impact of anatomy on learning, reflective practices and awareness of professional identity. Ongoing studies with the second cohort will reveal the impact of curricular reform on this baseline data.Support or Funding InformationUNM Scholarship in Education Allocation Committee Grant
Experimental Evidence of a Hypertensive Neuropathy: Is it a new disease?
Authors: Fazan Valeria Sassoli 
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUNDThe sural nerve has been widely investigated in experimental models of neuropathies but information about its involvement in hypertension was not yet explored. The aim of the present study was to compare the morphological and morphometric aspects of different segments of the sural nerve in male and female spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) and normotensive Wistar‐Kyoto (WKY) rats. Rats aged 20 weeks (N = 6 in each group) were investigated. After arterial pressure and heart rate recordings in anesthetized animals, right and left sural nerves were removed and prepared for epoxy resin embedding and light microscopy. Morphometric analysis was performed with the aid of computer software, and took into consideration the fascicle area and diameter, as well as myelinated fiber number, density, area and diameter.RESULTSSignificant differences were observed for the myelinated fiber number and density, comparing different genders of WKY and SHR. Also, significant differences for the morphological (thickening of the endoneural blood vessel walls and lumen reduction) and morphometric (myelinated fibers diameter and G ratio) parameters of myelinated fibers were identified. Morphological exam of the myelinated fibers suggested the presence of a neuropathy due to hypertension in both SHR genders.CONCLUSIONSThese results indicate that hypertension altered important morphometric parameters related to nerve conduction of sural nerve in hypertensive animals. Moreover the comparison between males and females of WKY and SHR allows the conclusion that the morphological and morphometric parameters of sural nerve are not gender related. The morphometric approach confirmed the presence of neuropathy, mainly associated to the small myelinated fibers. In conclusion, the present study collected evidences that the high blood pressure in SHR is affecting the sural nerve myelinated fibers.Suplementary dataA history of the beginning of the investigation of the “hypertensive neuropathy” will be presented with first results from the aortic depressor nerve and the evolution of the knowledge about how nerves are affected by hypertension, including results on the vagus nerve and phrenic nerve, and the association between hypertension and aging and hypertension and diabetes.Support or Funding InformationFAPESP, CNPq and FAEPA