bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Household Food Insecurity but not participation in a Nutrition Assessment and Counselling Support (NACS) program is significantly associated with current BMI in People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana
Authors: Sackey Joachim , Aryeetey Richmond , Zhang Fang Fang , Rogers Beatrice , Wanke Christine 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundGhana has about 230,000 adults living with HIV. Nutrition plays a key role in the management of HIV. The NACS program developed by USAID's (U.S. Agency for International Development) FANTA (Food and Nutrition Technical Assistance) project seeks to enhance access to nutrition services for PLWHA in developing countries, including Ghana.Objectives
To determine whether Ghanaian PLWHA participating in NACS differ from non‐participants by age, sex, BMI, and food insecurity.
To determine factors associated with BMI among this group of PLWHA.
MethodsSeventy‐seven adult PLWHA participating in NACS at three district hospitals in Accra and 75 not participating in NACS, in three comparable district hospitals in the same region were recruited into this study in 2015. Participants’ height and weight were measured using a stadiometer and digital scale, respectively. Food insecurity was assessed using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale. Analysis of covariance was used to evaluate baseline characteristics by participation in NACS, and the association between food insecurity and BMI.ResultsAmong 152 participants (mean age=39.9yrs; 84% female), 26.5% were overweight (BMI=25–29 kg/m2) and 20.5% obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m2). Over a third (36.2%) were classified severely food insecure by the guidelines of the HFIAS. Participants in NACS did not differ from those who were not in NACS in age, sex, food insecurity and BMI. Amongst all participants, food secure PLWHA had a BMI 4.2 kg/m2 higher compared to severely food insecure (p=0.0002) after multivariable adjustments.ConclusionFood insecurity is associated with a lower BMI in this group of PLWHA. Interventions to improve BMI among PLWHA in this region should consider including components which will improve food security.Future stepsParticipants will be followed for the next 6 months with measurements repeated at 3 and 6 months to prospectively assess the impact of the NACS program on their BMI.Support or Funding InformationBrown/Tufts/Miriam Fogarty AIDS International Training and Research Program (2D43TW000237)
Novel Association Of Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate With NKAIN2 Gene Variants In Hispanic Children
Authors: Chittoor Geetha , Haack Karin , Laston Sandra , Mehta Nitesh R , Cole Shelley A , Comuzzie Anthony G , Butte Nancy F , Voruganti V. Saroja 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundObesity has been associated with reduced kidney function and increased chronic kidney disease risk, in both adults and children.ObjectiveTo identify genetic loci contributing to the variation in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) using genome‐wide association (GWAS) approach in 789 Hispanic children of the Viva La Familia Study (VFS).MethodsWe conducted a GWAS using SOLAR after accounting for familial relationships. Empirical thresholds for genome‐wide significant and suggestive associations were set at p <1 × 10−7, and p <1 × 10−6, respectively. The eGFR was estimated by the ‘Bedside Schwartz Equation’, which is specially developed for children.ResultsMean± SD values of serum creatinine and eGFR were 1.79 ± 0.97 mg/dL and 39.3 ± 14.7 mL/min/1,73m2, respectively, and were significantly different (p <3×10−15) between obese (2.06 ± 1.09; 35.64 ± 14.45) and non‐obese children (1.52 ± 0.75; 43.02 ± 13.82). eGFR, adjusted for age, age*sex, and BMI z‐scores, was significantly heritable (51%, p <1×10−16). The GWAS identified rs2689886 (p <9 ×10−8, minor allele [G] frequency [MAF] of 0.42) of Na+/K+ Transporting ATPase Interacting 2 (NKAIN2 located on chromosome 6) to be strongly associated with eGFR. This variant also showed suggestive evidence of association with serum creatinine. NKAIN2 is a membrane enzyme that energizes the Na‐pump and evidence suggests that it has a significant role in thermogenesis, energy balance, and weight regulation. Other NKAIN2 gene variants that showed suggestive evidence of association with eGFR include rs1973961 and rs2689887, p <5×10−7, MAF (A) of 0.42 and 0.48. These NKAIN2 variants were not in LD, thus signifying that a number of functional variants may exist in NKAIN2 influencing variation in eGFR. Suggestive associations with eGFR were also observed for gene variants (rs10954465, rs10279045, and rs2347709) in LOC102724947 located on chromosome 7.ConclusionsChildren and adolescents, particularly obese, of the VFS exhibit significantly lower eGFR. Additionally, for the first time, we have shown the association of the NKAIN2 gene with eGFR and serum creatinine in Hispanic children warranting future functional studies pertaining to this gene and renal function in pediatric cohorts.Support or Funding InformationR01DK092238
Trends in Obesity and Non‐Communicable Chronic Diseases in China and Projected Future Situation for 2030
Authors: Zhu Jinzhou , Zhang Yong , Xue Hong , Wang Limin , Wang Yaogang , Wang Youfa 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundChina, the world's second largest economy, has experienced rapid economic development and many social and environmental changes including people's lifestyle and disease patterns in the past 40 years.MethodsBased on nationally representative data, we studied trends of obesity and non‐communicable chronic diseases (NCDs) in China and projected future situation for 2030.ResultsThe past two decades witnessed an increase in overweight and obesity in Chinese adult (aged ≥ 18 y). During 1992–2012, based on WHO standard of body mass index (BMI)≥25, the combined prevalence of overweight and obesity increased from 14.6 to 32.3%, while it increased from 20.0 to 42.0% based on Chinese standard of BMI≥24. Assuming the future trends would be similar as what observed in the past, we projected it will reach 51.2% and 61.5% in 2030 by WHO and Chinese BMI cut‐points, respectively. In school age children (7–18 y), the prevalence of obesity increased from 0.1% in 1985 to 5.0% in 2010, and will reach 9.7% by 2030. In terms of NCDs, between 1993 and 2008, the morbidity of cardiovascular diseases increased from 31.4 to 85.5‰, and will be 153.8‰ by 2030, while diabetes increased from 1.9 to 10.7‰, and will reach 22.3‰. Although the proportion of mortality attributable to major NCDs presented no remarkable change during 1990–2012, that due to malignant tumors increased from 18 to 22%, and cardio‐/cerebral‐vascular diseases increased from 27 to 36%. The proportion of respiratory diseases decreased from 21 to 12%. Alarmingly, the percentages of awareness, treatment and control of hypertension and diabetes remain very low in China. The figures for hypertension were 46.5%, 41.1% and 13.8% in 2012, increased from 26.6%, 12.2%, and 2.9% in 1991. The figures for diabetes increased from 28.5%, 24.7% and 9.4% in 2000 to 36.1%, 33.4% and 11.6% in 2012.ConclusionsIn the past two decades China saw a steady increase in obesity and NCDs, but awareness, treatment and control of related diseases like hypertension and diabetes remain very low. Future effective national programs and policies are needed to fight the epidemic.Support or Funding InformationFunding: NIH, U54HD070725
Cost efficiency of nutrient delivery to primary school recipients of National Dietary Services Limited (NDSL) lunches in Trinidad
Authors: Nichols Selby , Francis Marlon 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundIn Trinidad, the National Schools Dietary Services Limited (NSDSL) uses contracted caterers to provide over one hundred and forty thousand meals daily to its recipients. This government sponsored programme cost taxpayers approximately 2 40 million TT6 dollars annually. The programme aims to meet approximately one third the nutrient needs at of its recipients, encourage regular school attendance and stimulate the production of local agricultural produce through its inclusion on planned menu cycles.ObjectivesWe investigated the cost efficiency of various menus to deliver carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamin A, iron, calcium and fiber to recipients.MethodologyMenus served on the NSDSL were randomly selected and standardized recipes were analyzed using Food Works College Edition dietary analysis software. Cost of the production and delivery of one meal was determined by adding the cost of each meal paid to the caterer plus the cost in administrative overheads incurred by NDSL per meal served. We used a cut‐off of 25% and greater of meal components not consumed as our definition of wastage. We multiplied this fraction be the cost producing the particular menu component and divided by the total major macronutrient level to determine a cost per unit of the nutrient wasted.ResultsOur results suggest that that chicken was superior to fish, processed meats and legumes in delivering the protein component of the meals. While bread was superior to rice and rice mixed with vegetables, and cassava in delivering the carbohydrate component of the diet. Menus with legumes and vegetables as part of the meal were better than menus that included one or none of these components in delivering fiber to recipients.ConclusionOur results suggest that certain menus are better than other at delivering key nutrients in this school meal programme. These finding should be considered in planning menus that give good value per unit of nutrient delivered.Support or Funding InformationNot Applicable
Platinum Resistance in High‐Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer: an Intratumoral Collagen Fiber Implication
Authors: Pavanello Marina , de Andrade Natal Rodrigo , Ramalho Susana , Vassallo José , de Angelo Andrade Liliana Aparecida , Derchain Sophie , Sarian Luis Otávio 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionOverall survival of women with high‐grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is highly related with platinum resistance. Parameters of collagen can be used as potential new prognostic biomarkers, since their relation with tumor growth, invasion and metastasis has been demonstrated. These parameters are (1) quantity which is the amount of fibers deposited, (2) uniformity which refers to how collagen fibers are closely deposited side by side and (3) organization refers to how the fibers are arranged.AimTo evaluate the association of intratumoral collagen fiber parameters with platinum resistance in HGSOC patients.Methods35 women with HGSOC, 14 platinum resistant and 21 platinum sensitive were included. Their samples of paraffin embedded human were sectioned (4 μm) and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Three intratumoral regions of interest were analyzed by second harmonic generation microscopy, in a Zeiss LSM 780‐NLO confocal (Carl Zeiss AG, Germany). The images were captured (1024×1024 format; 40×/1.3 NA oil) with an excitation wavelength of 890 nm, a pulse length of approximately 100 fs, and emission filter centered at 445 nm with a 20 nm bandwidth (Semrock, Rochester, New York) (Figure 1). Each image was divided in 16 regions (256 × 256) and analyzed in an independently way, using the ImageJ (NIH, Bethesda, USA). Intratumoral collagen fiber parameters were compared considering platinum resistance status using t‐tests. Sensitivity and specificity were analyzed using receiver operator characteristics (ROC) curves.ResultsThere was a significant association between platinum resistance and thick collagen fiber quantity (p=0.04) and a trend of association with thin collagen fiber quantity (p=0.06). Further, intratumoral thick and thin collagen fiber uniformity also were associated with platinum resistance (p=0.02 and p=0.02, respectively). There was no association between intratumoral thick and thin collagen fiber organization with platinum resistance (p=0.29 and p=0.27, respectively). ROC curves demonstrated the highest area under the curve using thin collagen fiber uniformity as parameters, in this case it was found 47.6% of sensibility and 92.9% of specificity to determine platinum resistance (Figure 2).ConclusionOur preliminary results are encouraging since there was an association between intratumoral thick and thin collagen fiber quantity and uniformity with platinum resistance status in women with HGSOC.Support or Funding InformationPartially financed by Cnpq number 306583/2014‐3.
PRKCA, PTPN1 and ZYX Are Possible Markers to Target CD133+ GBM Stem Cells
Authors: Ozkanca Seyma , Bal Merve Gulsen , Yukselten Yunus , Yildiz Dilara Akcora , Ugur Hasan Caglar , Demircan Kadir , Sunguroglu Asuman 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionGlioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) accounts for more than %75 of malignant brain tumors. GBM stem cells (GSCs) have a crucial role in tumor formation, development, chemo‐resistance and recurrence. CD133, the first discovered cell surface marker for GBM, is a pentaspan transmembrane glycoprotein. In this study, it is aimed to investigate new therapeutic targets within cell adhesion molecules to select and eliminate CD133+ GSCs effectively.MethodsTen primary GBM cells were isolated from freshly obtained GBM tissue samples and they were cultured. CD133+ and CD133− cells were seperated by MACS method via anti‐CD133 (AC133) antibody from those GBM primary cells and cell lines. Following RNA isolation from CD133 positive and negative cells, cDNA synthesis was performed. Finally, by applying micro array protocol for cell adhesion molecules, mRNA expression levels of 88 genes were detected. Proper results were collected and analysed statistically.ResultsAccording to the results of microarray; it has been found that CD133+ cells express 8,73 fold PRKCA, 2,17 fold PTPN1 and ZYX 5,29 fold when they are compared with CD133− cells.ConclusionsPRKCA (Protein Kinase C, Alpha) is a serine‐threonine kinase that regulates PI3K‐Akt pathway. This gene has been reported to have a role in proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, migration and adhesion, angiogenesis and therefore tumorigenesis. It also activates MAPK pathway, which leads to cell proliferation.PTPN1 (Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase, Non‐receptor Type 1) is a tyrosine phosphatase. It dephosphorylates kinases like EGFR, JAK2 and TYK2. By inhibiting MAPK pathway PTPN1 promotes cell proliferation.ZYX (Zyxin) is a zinc‐binding phosphoprotein that concentrates at focal adhesions and along the actin cytoskeleton. It has a proline rich domain which may interact with SH3 domains of proteins that have a role in signaling pathways. Moreover, ZYX has a role in cell migration. High expressions of zyxin might mean higher motility of malignant tumors and therefore tumor initiation, progression and metastasis.To conclude, since PRKCA, PTPN1 and ZYX are related with tumorigenesis and malignant cell motility, and are highly expressed on GBM CD133+ cells, it seems that PRKCA, PTPN1 and ZYX may be essential markers to target CD133+ GBM stem cells.Support or Funding InformationThis research has been supported by The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (No:114S189)
Functional Analysis of the Synthetic Compatible Solute Homoectoine in the Stabilization of Intestinal Epithelial Barrier During Inflammation
Authors: Ochoa Karla Fabiola Castro , Robles Hilda Vargas , Madrid Alí Francisco Citalán , Schnoor Michael , Galinski Erwin A. 
Published: November 2023

Background and AimInflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a multifactorial disorder that comprises Ulcerative Colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) affecting millions of people worldwide with alarmingly increasing incidences every year. Dysfunction of the intestinal epithelial barrier has been associated with the pathogenesis of IBD. IBD therapies include anti‐inflammatory drugs that enhance intestinal barrier function but they frequently have adverse side effects. Compatible solutes such as bacterial ectoines have been shown to stabilize cell membranes and proteins. Here, we test if homoectoine (4,5,6,7‐tetrahydro‐2‐methyl‐1H‐(1,3)‐diazepine‐4‐carboxylic acid), a synthetic derivative of ectoine, prevents excessive intestinal epithelial permeability during inflammation.MethodsConfluent Caco‐2 cells in transwell filters were incubated with the inflammatory cytokines TNF‐α and IFN‐γ with or without parallel administration of homoectoine. In order to observe changes in epithelial permeability, transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) was measured every 24 hours. Paracellular flux of 4kDa FITC‐dextran was measured when differences in TEER were observed. For in vivo experiments, homoectoine was administered orally to C57BL/6 mice in parallel to the induction of colitis with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) during 7 days. To determine the clinical severity of colitis, the disease activity index (DAI) was evaluated and hematoxylin/eosin stainings of colon tissues were analyzed. Intestinal epithelial permeability was determined by means of an Evans Blue assay.ResultsIn vitro assays showed that homoectoine protects against the increase of epithelial permeability induced by pro‐inflammatory cytokines such as TNF‐α and IFN‐γ as indicated by increased TEER. We also observed that cells receiving homoectoine were able to recover faster from inflammation. However, paracellular flux of macromolecules was not improved significantly. In vivo, homoectoine treatment alone did not affect the DAI suggesting that homoectoine has no negative effects on healthy mice. Importantly, homoectoine treatment in colitic mice significantly reduced the DAI score with greater effects on intestinal bleeding and stool consistency. Moreover, intestinal epithelial permeability was reversed to control levels in the group of colitic mice receiving homoectoine. Histologically, homoectoine reduced edema formation, leukocyte influx and tissue damage induced by DSS.ConclusionsHomoectoine has protective effects on the epithelial barrier during inflammation and may thus serve in the future as diet supplementation in IBD patients to reach or extend phases of remission.Support or Funding InformationCONACyT Grants; 179895, 207268 and 233395
Allosteric HSP70 Family Inhibitors Block Proinflammatory Signaling and Toxicity in an In Vitro Non‐Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Model
Authors: Khachatoorian Ronik , Ganapathy Ekambaram , Shao Hao , Gestwicki Jason E , French Samuel W 
Published: November 2023

Endoplasmic reticulum stress is associated with steatosis of the liver and progression to steatohepatitis in a significant number of patients. This can ultimately lead to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. In this study, we sought to determine the effect of a number of allosteric heat shock protein (HSP) 70 family inhibitors (AHIs) on lipid‐induced inflammation and injury in hepatocytes. Briefly, Huh7 cells were treated with 300 μM palmitic acid and immediately treated with a number of AHIs or DMSO as negative control. Then, 72 hours after treatment, the cells were harvested and the levels of phospho‐JNK and total JNK were determined through Western analyses. The results indicated that a subset of the AHIs significantly blocked activation of JNK. Further MTT assays showed the same AHIs completely blocked lipotoxicity. These results implicate HSP70 family members in fatty acid‐mediated inflammation and toxicity and raise the possibility of utilizing AHIs as therapeutic agents.Support or Funding InformationNIH R01DK090794, SWF NIH NS059690, JEG
Profiles and biological analysis of lncRNAs in RAW264.7 macrophages infected by space mutagenized Escherichia coli after simulated microgravity
Authors: PEI Xuefeng , ZHANG Xiaoyi , YAO Jing , LIU Rong , WANG Jingyu , YUAN Min , YUAN Ming 
Published: November 2023

ObjectiveTo explore the difference expression of long non‐coding RNAs(LncRNAs) of RAW264.7 macrophages infected by space mutagenized Escherichia coli(E.coli) after simulated microgravity.MethodsRAW264.7 macrophages were randomly divided into four groups. G1 and G2 were cultured in normal gravity for 72 hours. G3 and G4 were cultured in simulated microgravity for 72 hours, then G2 and G4 were infected for 6 hours by space mutagenized E.coli in Shenzhou 10 spacecraft, G1 and G3 were cultured for 6 hours in normal culture media. Total RNA was extracted from the cells in four groups. The profile of lncRNAs were detected with SBC‐lncRNA chips and the significant difference expression of lncRNAs were screened (fold change≥2; P≤0.05). The significant signaling pathways were enriched from the different expression of gene in G2 vs G2 and G4 vs G1. The Pathway‐Network was constructed based on the pathways with significant differences to get the key signaling pathway. The gene network graph was constructed based on the expression values of G2 and G4 to screen the key genes in the coexpression network.ResultsDifferently expressed lncRNAs were detected as follows(fold change≥2, P≤0.05): there were 5843 lncRNAs detected totally in G2 vs G1, in which there were 2140 up‐regulated lncRNAs and 3703 down‐regulated lncRNAs. G4 vs G1 detected totally 7187 lncRNAs, in which 3230 lncRNAs were up‐regulated and 3957 lncRNAs were down‐regulated. G4 vs G2 detected totally 31 lncRNAs, in which there were 27 up‐regulated and 4 down‐regulated lncRNAs. The Csf3, Ripk2, A130077B15Rik were recognized as key genes in coexpression network. The most different expression gene was Csf3, which only existed in G2 but not existed in G4, and related with PI3K‐Akt signaling pathway, Cytokine‐Cytokine receptor interaction and Jak‐STAT signaling pathway. Ripk2 is related with immunologic function and can induce cell apoptosis by activating the NF kB signaling pathway. A130077B15Rik, as a LncRNA, might be associated with immunity and inflammation.ConclusionOur work explored the difference expression of LncRNAs in RAW264.7 macrophages infected by space mutagenized E. coli after simulated microgravity, which established the basis for the research of LncRNAs mechanisms of bacterial pathogenicity in spaceflight.Support or Funding InformationFunded by National Basic Research Programs of China, No.2014CB744404