bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High Burden of Vitamin D Deficiency in Pregnancy and its Association with Low Birth Weight in a Prospective Cohort in South India
Authors: Mehta Saurabh , Dwarkanath Pratibha , Finkelstein Julia L. , Joseph Siji , Thomas Tinku , Kurpad Anura V. 
Published: November 2023

ObjectiveThis study was conducted to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in a prospective cohort of pregnant women and its association with birth outcomes in Bangalore, India.MethodsPregnant women (n=419) were recruited in their first trimester to a perinatal cohort study between 2008 and 2014 and followed up until delivery. Vitamin D status was assessed through determination of serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) using tandem liquid chromatography mass spectrophotometry (LCMS/MS, CV 1.6%) in maternal samples at enrollment and in cord blood at delivery. Binomial and linear regression models were used to evaluate the associations between maternal and infant vitamin D status and with birth outcomes, including infant birth weight and preterm birth.ResultsThe mean serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D concentration in both maternal and cord blood was 37 ± 19 nmol/L with nearly 82% of mothers having vitamin D deficiency (25(OH)D <50 nmol/L). The mean birth weight of children born in this study was 2915 ± 431 grams with 13% of the children being classified as having low birth weight (<2,500 grams). Children born to women with serum vitamin D concentrations in the lowest quintile had significantly lower birth weight, compared to children born to women with vitamin D concentrations in the highest four quintiles (mean difference: 148 grams; 95% Confidence Interval: 45, 252 grams; p‐value <0.01).ConclusionsVitamin D deficiency is present in four out of five pregnant women in our cohort in an urban tropical setting and is associated with adverse birth outcomes such as lower birth weight. Studies with longer follow‐up are urgently needed to determine impact of poor vitamin D status on functional outcomes during childhood, and if vitamin D supplementation should be a part of standard antenatal care.Support or Funding InformationDivision of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University
Extended‐Synaptotagmins as Lipid Transporters at ER‐PM Contact Sites
Authors: Reinisch Karin M , Schauder Curtis , Wu Xudong , Saheki Yasunori , Narayanaswamy Pradeep , Torta Federico , Wenk Markus , De Camilli Pietro 
Published: November 2023

Growing evidence suggests that close appositions between the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and other membranes, including appositions with the plasma membrane (PM), mediate exchange of lipids between these bilayers. The mechanisms of such exchange, which allows lipid transfer independently of vesicular transport, remain poorly understood. The presence of a synaptotagmin‐like mitochondrial‐lipid‐binding protein (SMP) domain, a proposed lipid‐binding module, in several proteins localized at membrane contact sites raised the possibility that such domains may be implicated in lipid transport. SMP‐containing proteins include components of the ERMES complex, an ER–mitochondrial tether, and the extended synaptotagmins, which are ER–PM tethers. We present at 2.44 Å resolution the crystal structure of a fragment of human extended synaptotagmin 2 (E‐SYT2), including an SMP domain and two adjacent C2 domains. The SMP domain has a β‐barrel structure like protein modules in the tubular‐lipid‐binding (TULIP) superfamily. It dimerizes to form an approximately 90‐Å‐long cylinder traversed by a channel lined entirely with hydrophobic residues, with the two C2A–C2B fragments forming arched structures flexibly linked to the SMP domain. Importantly, structural analysis complemented by mass spectrometry revealed the presence of glycerophospholipids in the E‐SYT2 SMP channel, indicating a direct role for E‐SYTs in lipid transport. These findings provide strong evidence for a role of SMP‐domain‐containing proteins in the control of lipid transfer at membrane contact sites and have broad implications beyond the field of ER‐to‐PM appositions.Note that this abstract is very similar to that in our initial report in Nature, 2014, 510:552–555.Support or Funding InformationThis work was supported by the National Institutes of Health (GM080616 to K.M.R., R37NS36251 and DK082700 to P.D.C.). M.R.W. and F.T. are funded by grants from the National University of Singapore via the Life Sciences Institute (LSI) and the Biochemical Research Council (BMRC‐SERC Diag‐034). C.M.S. was recipient of an National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship (DGE‐1122492). Y.S. was supported by the Uehara Memorial Foundation and the Japanese Society for Promotion of Science.NIH GM808
Role of Pregnancy Body Composition Changes on Pregnancy Outcome, and Infant Feeding on Infant Growth and Body Composition
Authors: Anderson Alex Kojo , Smith Jessica , Birch Leann L 
Published: November 2023

ObjectiveThis project will evaluate the relationship between pregnancy weight gain and maternal body composition (fat mass, fat free mass, percent body fat and percent lean body mass) changes on pregnancy outcome (type of delivery, birth weight and birth length), and infant feeding on newborn adiposity and growth.MethodsThis a prospective observational study of healthy pregnant women, new mothers and their newborns followed up to 16 weeks postpartum. Mothers are required to keep a 24 hour feeding log of infant intake every 2 weeks up to 12 weeks postpartum. Pregnant women complete self‐administered questionnaires and their body composition (via BOD POD) is measured at ≤16, 24 and 36 weeks gestation. New mothers also complete self‐administered questionnaires and their body composition is measured at <4, 8 and 16 weeks postpartum. Newborn anthropometric and body composition (via PEA POD) measurements are conducted at <4, 8 and 16 weeks postpartum. The primary outcomes are pregnancy outcome (type of delivery, birth weight and birth length), and infant adiposity (fat mass, fat free mass, percent body fat, percent lean mass, fat mass index and fat free index) and growth (weight‐for‐age, length‐for‐age, weight‐for‐length, and rate of weight gain).ConclusionFindings from the study will add to our understanding of the role of gestational weight gain and particularly, changes in pregnancy body composition on pregnancy outcome and postpartum body composition. This work will also contribute insight into the effects of infant feeding on early childhood adiposity and growth.Support or Funding InformationGeorgia Agricultural Experiment Stations (HATCH: GEO00701)
Labeling of Genetically Modified Food Products and Consumer Behavior
Authors: Wunderlich Shahla M , Gatto Kelsey A , Vecchione Melissa 
Published: November 2023

Consumers rely on food labels to obtain information about food products beyond sensory characteristics and price, such as nutritional information, ingredient lists, allergen warnings, use of organic production, and most recently the exclusion of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). Consumers desire labeling of modified foods in order to make informed decisions while purchasing food. Surveys were administered to adult consumers and supermarket representatives in northern New Jersey to assess their knowledge of GM‐containing foods, awareness of labeling, and the impact of labeling on purchasing behavior. In the survey of customer service representatives (n=17), the majority of supermarket employees believed that the presence of non‐GMO labeling influenced consumer behavior in some way, with 52.9% reporting that it impacted all consumers, 17.6% asserting that it mattered to those who were knowledgeable and interested in food without genetic modification, and only 5.9% feeling that their clientele would not be interested because of its demographics. Service representatives may not be reliable resources for those interested in purchasing non‐GMO foods, as only 35.3% of respondents had noticed non‐GMO labeling themselves. With regard to consumer inquiries about GMOs, several consumer service representatives indicated that “consumers have never asked about GMOs.” However, some respondents also believe that “non‐GMO labels would influence consumer purchases for the organic and healthy eating customers” and for consumers who “read labels and want to know what they are eating.” This dichotomy is interesting because even though the customer service representatives indicated that consumers haven't asked about GMO and non‐GMO products, service representatives still believe that some consumers will alter their purchasing habits based on the presence of a non‐GMO label. A survey of adult consumers (n=331), however, found only a moderate correlation between knowledge and purchasing behavior regarding non‐GMO foods (Pearson's r=0.593, p<0.001). There was a stronger correlation between attitude and purchasing behavior (Pearson's r=0.701, p<0.001), indicating that attitude towards products may predict purchasing more than pure knowledge of genetic modification. Labeling of GMO‐containing products is done on an entirely voluntary basis in the United States, leading to absent or inconsistent package labels provided by third‐party examiners such as the Non‐GMO Project. Labeling of organic products, which are inherently non‐GMO, is strictly regulated by the United States government and utilizes a standardized “Certified Organic” seal for identification.Support or Funding InformationSupported by the Montclair State University Faculty Scholarship Program.
Consumption of a Cracker and Salty Snack Dietary Grain Pattern is Associated with Greater Intake of Certain Food Groups to Encourage in US Children and Adolescents: Results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2005–2010
Authors: Papanikolaou Yanni , Fulgoni Victor L 
Published: November 2023

Crackers represent a grain food product that can be popular with children and adolescents due to the palatability, acceptability and convenience attributes. The purpose of this study was to compare various food group intakes in children and adolescents (2–18 years of age, n=8,367) consuming a predominantly crackers and salty snack dietary grain pattern and compare to those who did not consume grain foods. To develop food patterns of grain consumption we used cluster analyses, which is a statistical procedure that analyses large data sets to develop various patterns while trying to maximize differences among the patterns. The USDA food coding system was used to define main categories of grain foods. Cluster analysis using data from What We Eat in America, 2005–2010, the dietary intake component of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, identified 26.1% of the population that reported consuming 53% of their total daily grains from crackers and salty snacks. Total grain intake was significantly higher for children and adolescents consuming a crackers and salty snack grain pattern relative to children and adolescents not consuming grains (6.90±1.0 vs. 5.13±0.2 oz equivalents, p<0.01). Similarly, children and adolescents consuming crackers and salty snacks had greater whole grain intake in comparison to those individuals not consuming grains (0.66±0.03 vs. 0.08±0.2 oz equivalents/day, p<0.01). Furthermore, children consuming a cracker and salty snack dietary grain pattern had significantly greater intake of whole fruit (0.64±0.03 vs. 0.49±0.05 cup equivalents/day, p<0.01), and total fruit (1.11±0.04 vs. 0.87±0.06 cup equivalents/day, p<0.01), and lower intakes of discretionary solid fat (37.0±1.0 vs. 40.6±1.0 g/day, p<0.01) vs. children and adolescents not consuming main grain foods. No differences were observed for daily intake of added sugar, sodium, discretionary oil, dark green leafy vegetables, meat, legumes or milk. The current preliminary data support that consumption of a crackers and salty snack dietary grain pattern in children and adolescents was associated with improved whole grain and fruit consumption, and lower discretionary solid fat intake. While more research is needed, incorporating both whole and refined grains, while limiting nutrients to avoid, may prove beneficial in the diets of US children and adolescents.Support or Funding InformationSupported by Grain Foods Foundation.
Comparison of Five Malnutrition Screening Tools in a Cohort of Acutely Ill Older Adults
Authors: Deer Rachel R , Volpi Elena 
Published: November 2023

Over the last decades numerous nutrition screening tools have been developed. Currently there is no international consensus on a single ‘best tool’ to determine the prevalence of malnutrition in acutely ill older adults.We examined the prevalence of malnutrition in a cohort of older adults (>65 years) hospitalized on the Acute Care for Elders unit at UTMB using five commonly used screening tools: (Malnutrition Screen Tool (MST), Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form (MNA‐SF), Subjective Global Assessment (SGA), Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NRS‐2002), and Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST)). These tools were compared to a pre‐set definition of malnutrition risk based on the presence of either BMI <20kg/m2 or >5% unintentional weight loss in the last 6 months. For this analysis, nutritional status was scored as either “normal” or “at‐risk/malnourished.”The prevalence of malnutrition varied greatly depending on which nutritional assessment tool was used, indicating a vast difference in specificity and sensitivity of the tools. According to the pre‐set definition 25.7% of our cohort was at‐risk of malnutrition/malnourished. Using the five screening tools, the highest prevalence of subjects “at‐risk/malnourished” was obtained with MNA‐SF (74.3%), followed by NRS‐2002 (60.8%), SGA (55.4%), MUST (31.1%) and finally MST (21.6%). Sensitivity and negative predictive values was adequate in all five tools (>75%). MNA‐SF, NRS‐2002, and SGA had poor specificity and low positive predictive values (<55%).These preliminary data (n=74) from an ongoing study, indicate that malnutrition in acutely ill older adults varies greatly depending on which tool is used for diagnosis (21.6–74.3%). MST and MUST had acceptable sensitivity and specificity and would be appropriate screening tools to be used in acutely ill older adults. Further research is necessary to determine the most valid and practical nutritional screening tool for use in this specialized population.Support or Funding InformationThis study was supported by the Dairy Research Institute (1229) and the Claude D. Pepper OAIC (P30‐AG024832).
Accuracies of the nutrition screening tools.

Sensitivity
Specificity
Positive Predictive Value
Negative Predictive Value

MST
75%
88%
63%
93%

MNA
100%
35%
35%
100%

MUST
95%
91%
78%
98%

NRS
100%
53%
42%
100%

SGA
84%
55%
39%
91%

Malnutrition Screen Tool (MST), Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form (MNA‐SF), Subjective Global Assessment (SGA), Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NFS‐2002), and Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST)
Older adult stunting in Guatemala assessed with total vs. knee height adjusted stature
Authors: Bermudez Odilia I. , Engle Brian , McManus Jenny , García‐Meza Rosario , Escobar Martha , Solomons Noel W. 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundStunted adults have higher risk for chronic diseases, but scarce information on its prevalence exists in Guatemala.ObjectiveOur aim was to assess prevalence of stunting estimations using total vs. height adjusted with knee height (KH) in older (≥60 y) Guatemalan adults. We also aimed at estimating body mass index (BMI, kg/m2) with both sets of height estimators.MethodsWe recruited 52 men and 72 women from Quetzaltenango City, Guatemala. We measured their total (TH) and KH in cm and weight in kg. T‐tests and correlation models were tested to assess differences in stunting prevalence using TH or KH, plus BMI (kg/m2) estimates using either TH or KH. Adult stunting was defined as height below 150 cm and 145 cm in men and women, respectively.ResultsKH (cm) for men and women (M/W) were 48.7±2.3/44.4±2.1, p<0.001, and TH adjusted by KH were 157.4+4.3/144.4+4.2, p<0.001, as compared to measured TH of 156.3±6.6/144.0±6.4, p<0.001. Weights (kg) were 58.7±10.7/55.2±13.2, p>0.05. BMI (kg/m2) with TH as compared to the KH adjusted, were 23.8 vs. 23.5 for men and 26.4 vs. 26.3, with p>0.05 in both cases. Correlation coefficients for TH and KH were 0.90, p<0.01, and for BMI‐TH vs. BMI‐KH resulted in 0.96, p<0.001. Stunting prevalence was 52.8% for women and 13.7% for men. Stunted vs. non‐stunted women, had a significantly higher torso:leg ratio, an indication of short legs. This was not replicated with men.ConclusionsEstimates of stature and BMI with TH or KH were not significantly different. Women, as compared to men, had higher rates of stunting, and probably relatively shorter legs to their trunks. Average BMI in women was above normal. These findings are relevant and require correction at earlier life stages, as adult stunting and obesity are linked to adversities in survival, adult‐health, learning‐ capacity and physical productivity.
American Major Dietary Patterns and Age‐related Cataract
Authors: Chiu Chung‐Jung , Gensler Gary , Taylor Allen 
Published: November 2023

ObjectiveWe aimed to evaluate the associations between major American dietary patterns and risk for cortical and nuclear cataract.MethodsDietary consumption data of 37 food groups were collected by a 90‐item Block food frequency questionnaire administered at the baseline Age‐Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS). Using the AREDS System for Classifying Cataracts, 2007 eyes with pure nuclear lens opacity, 1281 eyes with pure cortical opacity, and 2491 eyes without lens opacity were identified from 7,575 eligible eyes. Associations between dietary patterns and pure lens opacities were examined by using the generalized estimating approach to logistic regression.ResultsTwo major dietary patterns were identified by principle component analysis and named Oriental and Western patterns. The Oriental pattern was characterized by higher intake of vegetables, legumes, fruit, whole grains, tomatoes, and seafood. The Western pattern was characterized by higher intake of red meat, processed meat, high‐fat dairy products, French fries, refined grains, and eggs. We ranked our participants according to how closely their diets line up with the two patterns by calculating the two pattern scores for each participant. For all nuclear opacity (grade >2), the multivariate‐adjusted odds ratio (OR) comparing the highest to lowest tertile of the Western pattern score was 1.36 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.06–1.76; Ptrend=0.03), and for mild nuclear opacity (grade <4 but >2) the OR was 1.45 (1.12–1.89; Ptrend=0.01). No other significant associations were noted.ConclusionsOur data indicate that consuming a Western dietary pattern is significantly associated with increased odds of early nuclear opacity.Support or Funding InformationFinancial support for this project has been provided by the RO1EY021826 (C‐J.C.) from the National Institutes of Health, the United States Department of Agriculture under agreements, 1950‐5100‐060‐01A (C‐J.C., A.T.), and RO1EY013250 and RO1EY021212 (A.T.). Correspondence to Chung‐Jung Chiu, Jean Mayer United States Department of Agriculture Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, 711 Washington Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, e‐mail: CJ.Chiu@tufts.edu
Vitamin B‐6 supplementation might mediate antioxidant capacity by reducing plasma homocysteine concentration in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after tumor resection
Authors: Huang Yi‐Chia , Cheng Shao‐Bin , Liu Hsiao‐Tien 
Published: November 2023

Deficient vitamin B‐6 status might be a causative factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development, it would be useful to determine whether vitamin B‐6 supplementation would have a preventive effect in reducing plasma homocysteine, or indirectly increasing glutathione and its dependent antioxidant enzyme capacities in patients with HCC. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether vitamin B‐6 supplementation had a significant effect on plasma homocysteine, oxidative stress, and antioxidant capacities in HCC patients following tumor resection. Thirty‐three HCC patients were included in the study. Patients were randomly assigned to either the placebo (n = 16) group or the vitamin B‐6 50 mg/d (n = 17) group for 12 weeks. Plasma homocysteine in the vitamin B‐6 group was significantly decreased at week 12, while the level of trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) was significantly increased at the end of the intervention period. Vitamin B‐6 supplementation had significant reducing effect on the change of plasma homocysteine (β = −2.4, p = 0.02) but not on the change of TEAC level after adjusting for potential confounders. The change of plasma homocysteine was significantly associated with the change of TEAC after adjusting for potential confounders (β = −162.0, p = 0.03). Vitamin B‐6 supplementation seemed to mediate antioxidant capacity via by reducing plasma homocysteine rather than having a direct anti‐oxidative effect in HCC patients who had recently undergone tumor resection.Support or Funding InformationThis study was supported by the Ministry of Science and Technology, Taiwan (MOST 104‐2320‐B‐040‐009‐MY3).
Effect of Weight Loss on Leptin, Insulin, HOMA, TG/HDL and CRP Levels in Overweight and Obese Subjects
Authors: Zago Liliana , Felipoff Ana Lía , Weisstaub Adriana , Dupraz Hernán , Presner Natalia , Perdomo Clara , Río María Esther , Maselli María C , Ortiz Victoria , Pandolfo Marcela , Infantino Carlos González 
Published: November 2023

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of weight loss on metabolic markers, insulin resistance and inflammation. 59 women (20–73 years) were incorporated into a weight reduction program based on changes to healthy diets and physical activity just to avoid sedentary. Patients were evaluated at T0 and 3 months later (T3) by anthropometric and biochemical measurements. In this study we analyze variation of serum insulin (INS), leptin (LEP), HOMA ((Glucose × Insulin)/405), TG/HDL ratio, and ultrasensitive C‐reactive protein (CRPu), as a consequence of weight loss, expressed as percentage of weight loss relative to initial weight (WL%). The initial BMI was 31.6 ± 4.31 kg/m2(Overweight: 41%, Obesity I: 39%, II: 12%, III: 8%). At T3, the patients were divided according WL% into 4 groups: WL% 0–4%: 18 patients; WL% 4‐ <7%: 17 patients; WL% 7–15%: 15 patients. The 4th group corresponded to 9 patients who maintained or increased their weight. LEP was the parameter which suffered the biggest changes, decreasing significantly between T0 and T3 in the groups with WL% 4‐ <7% (16.2 ± 9.53 vs 10.4 ± 6.11; P = 0.0006) and with WL% 7–15% (14.1 ± 6.9 vs 12.10 ± 8.38; P = 0.0038) ng/ml. INS and HOMA values decreased significantly only in the group with WL% 7–15%: INS (8.4 ± 5.37 vs 6.2 ± 3.43; P = 0.0093) μU/ml and HOMA (2.1 ± 1.46 vs 1.4 ± 0.78; P = 0.0082). TG/HDL ratio and CRP showed no significant changes in all groups, although percentage of patients with CRP> 3 mg/L, compatible with high risk of coronary heart disease, decreased from 47% to 33% in the group with the highest WL%. The obtained results suggest that a weight loss higher than 7% is required to achieve favorable changes in the studied metabolic markers, even when a weight loss of 4‐<7% may produce a significant reduction in leptin levels.Support or Funding InformationSupported by UBACyT 20720130100006BA