bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Height, Weight and Body Mass Index in low‐ and middle‐high‐income urban preschoolers in the Western Highlands of Guatemala
Authors: García‐Meza María Rosario , Doak Colleen M. , Beintema Joni Jade Serena , Orozco Mónica N. , Gwaltney Rebecca , Rolker Heike B. , Solomons Noel W 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundOverweight and obesity prevalences are emerging rapidly among children in low‐ and middle‐income countries, especially in urban environments. In this population of urban Guatemala, chronic undernutrition is prevalent in low Socio‐Economic Status pre‐schoolers (46%) but only 6% in the higher SES children. Little is known about overweight and obesity in urban pre‐schoolers from high and low SES settings.ObjectiveTo compare height, weight and BMI by socio‐geographical location in two urban settings in the Western Highlands of Guatemala.MethodsA cross‐sectional study collected data from private and public urban preschool centres of Quetzaltenango and Sololá, respectively. Informed consent was attained from the parents, and a total of 249 children, 4–7 years old, were measured. The contrast in socioeconomic status (SES) was captured by selecting public pre‐schools from a low socio‐economic area of Sololá and private pre‐schools from the relatively affluent Quetzaltenango. WHO growth references (≥5y) and standards (<5y) were used to calculate BMI‐for‐Age z‐scores. Age appropriate definitions were used, with overweight and obesity for children < 5y defined as ≥ 1 SD WHO BMI‐for‐Age Z score and for > 5y defined as ≥ 2 SD WHO BMI‐for‐Age Z score).ResultsChildren from the high SES public private were on average 6.7 cm taller and 3.2 kg heavier than children from the low SES public preschools. In the youngest age group, the higher SES children had high prevalent overweight (9.6%) whereas the lower SES children had virtually no overweight (0.9%) in the same age group. The same pattern was seen in the >5y children, with 20.9% overweight in the high SES children and less than half that prevalence (9.6%) low SES children of the same age.ConclusionIn this population of urban Guatemala, preschool children from a high SES environment are taller and heavier in comparison to their low‐SES counterparts. These results show a growing public health concern of overweight and obesity in higher SES preschool children.
Parenting Behaviors and Weight Status of Junior High School Students in China
Authors: Tian Zhengqi , Wen Ming , Wang Weidong , Xue Hong , Min Jungwon , Wang Youfa 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundThe influence of parenting behaviors on children's weight status is evident based on research in western world. However, in developing countries under dramatic economic and social changes, such as China, the parenting behaviors and related effects on Children's BMI and weight status remain understudied.AimsThis study aimed to assess the relations between parenting and junior high school students’ weight status in contemporary China.MethodsWe used nationally representative baseline wave data from the China Education Panel Survey: the Junior High Cohorts, which was collected during 2013–2014, using stratified, multistage probability proportional to size sampling among all county level units (N=2,870) in China by the National Survey Research Center at Renmin University in China. Data on parenting and adolescent development was collected from students (N=19487) in 112 schools and from their parents (N=19007). Parenting was measured by parents’ answers to questions about their attitude and specific parenting behaviors interacting with their children; parenting was classified according to Baumrind's parenting typology as authoritative, authoritarian, permissive and neglecting; behaviors regarding family rules were categorized into strict and non‐strict. Child BMI was calculated using self‐reported weight and height. Association between parenting behaviors and child BMI and risk of overweight and obesity (defined based on the IOTF BMI reference) were studied using mixed models adjusting for age, sex, region, parental education level, birth weight and if the child being the only child in the family. This analysis included 18769 subjects (student–parent pairs).ResultsThe prevalence of overweight and obesity among the students was 12.5% with large sex difference, 16.7% in boys and 8.0% in girls. Compared to children of authoritarian parents (5.6%), children of authoritative parents (85.54%) had a lower BMI (18.91±3.36 vs. 18.96±3.65, p=0.7) and lower risk of being overweight (OR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.69,1.07). Child BMI differs significantly by family rules on Internet use (strict vs. non‐strict rule: 18.83±0.06 vs. 19.15±0.09, p<0.001). According to the estimates from mixed linear and logistic models after adjusting for age, parental education and household income level, birth weight and if the subject is the only child, parenting styles did not show significant association with child BMI.ConclusionsAmong parents of junior high students in China, authoritative parenting is the predominant style. Parenting behaviors such as imposing rules on child Internet use reflecting strictness of parenting is significantly and negatively associated with child BMI.Support or Funding InformationFunding: NIH U54 center grant, HD070725.
Early Interventions: Promoting Success to Prevent Remediation
Authors: Schutte Audra , Kalb Elizabeth 
Published: November 2023

Remediation in medical education is a widely discussed topic with limited research to support the best approaches to successfully remediate medical students in basic science courses. In the present study, two faculty‐led sessions were held with first year medical students in the first half of the fall semester in an attempt to aid students with their learning strategies. The first session was held during the second week of the semester, and attendance was voluntary. It discussed study strategies that current evidence suggests are beneficial. The second session was held during the week following the first set of examinations. Attendance was required for any student who failed an exam; students who did not fail an exam were still invited to attend the session. A few days prior to the second session students voluntarily completed a short post‐exam survey, consisting of five open‐ended questions, which was utilized to shape the second study strategies session.In this study a thematic analysis of survey results was conducted to generate a codebook of student concerns and misconceptions following their first round of exams. The codebook allowed for quantification of these trends in student comments. Additionally, aggregate remediation trends in fall first year basic science courses from the past several years were analyzed. These remediation trends were compared to the current academic year to determine the effectiveness of these intervention sessions. As the school of medicine prepares to implement a new integrated curriculum in the 2016–2017 academic year, continued data collection and analysis will be utilized to shape future interventions.
The Methyl Donor Betaine Prevents Congenital Defects Induced by Prenatal Alcohol Exposure
Authors: Watanabe Michiko , Karunamuni Ganga , Doughman Yong Qiu , Sheehan Megan M , Ma Pei , Peterson Lindsy M , Linask Kersti K , Jenkins Michael W , Rollins Andrew M 
Published: November 2023

Over 500,000 women per year in the USA drink during pregnancy, and 1 in 5 of them binge drink. 20–50% of live‐born children with prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) present with congenital heart defects including outflow and valvuloseptal anomalies that can be life‐threatening. We established a model of PAE (modeling a single binge drinking episode during the first trimester) in the avian embryo and used optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging to assay early‐stage cardiac function/structure and late‐stage cardiac defects. We previously reported that at early stages, alcohol/ethanol‐exposed embryos had smaller cardiac cushions and increased retrograde flow. At late stages, they presented with gross morphological defects in the head and chest wall, and smaller or abnormal atrio‐ventricular (AV) valves, thinner interventricular septae (IVS), and smaller vessel diameters for the aortic trunk branches. In other models, the methyl donor betaine (found naturally in foods such as wheat bran, quinoa, beets and spinach) ameliorates neurobehavioral deficits associated with PAE but the effects on heart structure are unknown. In the current study using this model of PAE, betaine supplementation (23.5 ng per egg) led to a reduction in gross structural defects and certain types of cardiac defects such as ventricular septal defects and abnormal AV valvular morphology. Furthermore, great vessel diameters, IVS thicknesses and mural AV leaflet volumes were normalized while the septal AV leaflet volume was increased. In summary, betaine supplementation in our PAE model can improve survival rates and reduce gross morphological defects including cardiac defects, indicating its potential as a safe periconceptional supplement for prevention of alcohol‐induced congenital defects. Future studies will focus on whether DNA methylation levels in our PAE model are being altered by alcohol and subsequently normalized with betaine. Our findings could have significant implications for public health, especially for pregnant women who are not responsive to folic acid (already present in prenatal vitamins to prevent birth defects) and require an alternative.Support or Funding InformationResearch was supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) award numbers R01HL083048; R01HL126747; R21HL115373. Ganga Karunamuni was supported by14POST19960016 from the American Heart Association (AHA). The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the views of the NIH or the AHA.
CEREBELLAR NEUROTOXICITY OF ARTEMETHER‐LUMEFANTRINE IN PROPHYLACTIC, SUPPRESSIVE AND CURATIVE EXPERIMENTAL MALARIA MODELS
Authors: Edagha Innocent Asuquo , Ekandem Gabriel J , Ekanemesang Udoudo M 
Published: November 2023

Artemether‐lumefantrine (AL) is drug of choice for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria in most African and Asian countries, though cases of Plasmodium resistance have been reported. Diagnosis of cerebellar ataxia has been associated in some patients taking artemether‐lumefantrine. Here we report the potential neurotoxicity of this drug on the cerebellar histomorphology and glial pathology of Plasmodium infected mice in prophylactic, suppressive and curative experimental malaria models. All procedures adhered to the guiding principles of care and use of laboratory animals, and institutional ethics committee. 30 Swiss male mice were randomized into 6 groups, 2 groups each for the 3 models representing; the control and test. Prophylactic groups received 0.9% normal saline, and AL 5 mg/kg respectively for 3 days before inoculation with parasite; suppressive groups were inoculated with parasite, and treated immediately; while curative groups were inoculated, and treated 5 days later. Result of routine H&E for prophylactic control showed atrophy and loss of purkinje neurons, but test showed clumping of granule cells and lesions in molecular layer; suppressive control showed widespread lesions in molecular layer, atrophy and loss of purkinje cells, while test showed moderate purkinje neuronal shrinkage with mild lesions, and curative control showed severe distortion of cerebellar cell layers with severe clumping of granule cells, atrophy of purkinje cells and degeneration of neuropil in molecular layer; and test showed less severe distortions. Glial pathology of prophylactic model reveals mildly expressed glial fibrillary acidic protein; suppressive model had moderately expressed GFAP; while reactive astrogliosis was severely expressed in the curative model. In conclusion, severe cerebellar distortion and expression of GFAP in malaria models of artemether‐lumefantrine treated Plasmodium infected mice is dependent mainly on degree of parasite exposure than due to drug toxicity; still caution should be applied in the use of artemether‐lumefantrine.Support or Funding InformationTETFUND, Nigeria
Extracellular Vesicles Derived From Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Treatment of Ocular Surface Injuries
Authors: Ritter Thomas , Lal Cerine , Treacy Oliver , O'Malley Grace , Naughton Maura , Naicker Serika , Lohan Paul , Subhash Hrebesh Molly , Ryan Aideen , Fahy Gerry , Leahy Martin , Griffin Matthew Dallas , Rani Sweta 
Published: November 2023

Mesenchymal stem (stromal) cells (MSCs) are adult multipotent cells with the ability to differentiate into several cell types such as chondrocytes, adipocytes or osteocytes. However, much of the current interest in therapeutic applications of MSCs to various disease settings can be attributed to their immunomodulatory and anti‐inflammatory properties. One of the key mechanisms in MSC immunomodulation is the secretion of soluble factors with paracrine actions. Recently it has emerged that the paracrine functions of MSCs could, at least in part, be mediated by extracellular vesicles (EVs). EVs are predominantly released from the endosomal compartment and contain a cargo that includes miRNA, mRNA and proteins from their cells of origin. Compared to their parent cells, EVs may have a superior safety profile and can be safely stored without losing function thus indicating their potential as cell free therapy.EVs were isolated from human mesenchymal stem cells derived from healthy volunteers by ultracentrifugation. After extensive quality control EVs were tested for their potential to stimulate the migration and wound healing in human corneal endothelial (HCEC) and epithelial cell (HEC) lines in vitro and corneal wound closure in a rat alkali burn injury model. We could show that EVs significantly enhanced the migration of HCEC and HCE cells leading to accelerated wound closure in vitro. Moreover, treatment of rats after alkali burn of the ocular surface led to enhanced re‐epithelisation and also maintained physiological integrity of the eye via modulating innate immune cell migration in the diseased corneas and in the draining lymph nodes.In summary we show that EVs derived from MSCs stimulate wound healing both in vitro and in vivo and may have significant potential as a novel alternative to whole cell therapies.Support or Funding InformationThe authors are supported by grants from the Health Research Board of Ireland [grant numbers HRA_POR/2013/341 (SR, MDG and TR) and HRA_HSR/2010/63 (MDG)]; the Irish Cancer Society [grant number CRF12RYA (AER)]; Science Foundation Ireland [grant numbers 09/SRC/B1794 (MDG, TR) and 12/IA/1624 (TR)]; the European Union Framework 7 programme [Health Collaborative Project VISICORT, grant number 602470 (MDG,TR)] and by the European Regional Development Fund.
Understanding The Regulation Of Ferroptosis
Authors: Dixon Scott 
Published: November 2023

Cancer cells accumulate high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and as a consequence appear especially sensitive to perturbation of intracellular antioxidant networks compared to non‐transformed cells. The tripeptide glutathione (γ‐L‐glutamyl‐L‐cysteinylglycine), present at millimolar concentrations in the cytosol of most eukaryotic cells, is a crucial intracellular antioxidant required to prevent oxidative damage and cell death. We find that blockade of the cell surface cystine/glutamate antiporter system xc− results in the rapid depletion of intracellular glutathione and the onset of a non‐apoptotic, oxidative, iron‐dependent form of cell death termed ferroptosis. Interestingly, unlike apoptosis and other forms of cell death, ferroptosis does not involve activation of caspase or cathepsin proteases but rather the destruction of plasma membrane lipids by a poorly understood oxidative mechanism. We are currently exploring the biochemical regulation of this pathway and how sensitivity to ferroptosis may be regulated by the deletion of specific metabolic and tumor suppressor genes.Support or Funding InformationThis work is supported by an R00 award (R00CA166517) from the National Cancer Institute.
Integrative Methods for Elucidating the Structure & Function of Cellular Machines
Authors: Chait Brian T 
Published: November 2023

The myriad events that occur in living cells (replication, organellar assembly, transport, genome organization, transcription etc.) are to a large extent carried out through dynamic associations and assemblies of macromolecules. I will describe our efforts to develop and integrate sets of tools that are designed to throw light on the evolution, structure and function of these macromolecular machines.At the very earliest stage of analysis, we define the precise ensembles of macromolecular players that make up the assemblies of interest. Mass spectrometry has become an increasingly enabling tool for this task, owing to its sensitivity and its ability to characterize the primary structures of endogenous proteins along with any modifications that may be present. At the next stage of analysis, we apply combined proteomic‐biochemical approaches to gain insights into the architectures of protein complexes, especially those that are too large or too poorly behaved for traditional X‐ray crystallographic diffraction or NMR spectroscopic analyses. Finally, we integrate data from all these sources to generate models that can provide insights into the evolution, structure and function of these remarkable macromolecular machines. I will to discuss current capabilities and limits of this approach as well as prospects for the future.Support or Funding InformationThis work was supported in part by NIH grants GM103314 and GM109824.
Interactions of branched‐chain amino acids and lipids in metabolic disease
Authors: Newgard Christopher 
Published: November 2023

We seek to apply metabolomics and other “omics” tools for understanding of mechanisms contributing to pandemic metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. We have used these tools to define mechanisms underlying development of peripheral insulin resistance and glucose intolerance in animals and humans. For example, we have identified perturbations of branched chain amino acid (BCAA) catabolism in multiple cohorts of insulin resistant humans compared to control subjects. Our studies and those of others have demonstrated the prognostic power of this signature to predict incident diabetes and intervention outcomes. These metabolites are also uniquely sensitive to the most efficacious interventions for obesity and diabetes. We have translated these findings to rodent models to demonstrate a contribution of BCAA to abnormalities in mitochondrial metabolism that contribute to the insulin resistant state, as well as to behavioral abnormalities associated with obesity. In hyperphagic Zucker obese rats, feeding of a standard chow diet partially restricted in BCAA content results in improved insulin sensitivity, with attendant changes in tissue amino acid and lipidomic profiles that suggest a relief of mitochondrial fuel overload as a contributing mechanism. Moreover, stimulation of BCAA catabolism by activation of the branched‐chain ketoacid dehydrogenase complex by small molecule or molecular interventions improves glucose homeostasis. Finally, our studies provide evidence that the gut microbiome contributes to dysregulated BCAA and lipid homeostasis in obese humans. These studies suggest that syndromes of lipid overstorage such as NAFLD and NASH are influenced by availability and metabolism of BCAA.Support or Funding InformationSupported by NIH grants DK58398 and DK078669
Protandim Treatment Causes Reversible Nuclear Translocation of Nrf‐2 and Activation of the Antioxidant Response Element
Authors: Chevreau Nathalie 
Published: November 2023

Protandim® is a natural product supplement which activates antioxidant protective pathways through induction of the Nrf‐2 transcription factor. We set out to elucidate the mechanism and kinetics by which this occurs through a series of cell‐based assays. AREc32 cells, harboring the luciferase reporter gene under the control of a tandem repeated antioxidant response element (ARE), were treated with Protandim. A time dependent evaluation of Protandim treatment showed an increase in ARE‐controlled reporter gene expression starting at 12 hours, and peaking at approximately 24 hours post‐treatment. Furthermore, a concentration dependent curve of Protandim treatment suggested that 48 μg/mL provided maximal induction with no change in cell viability. To gain a better understanding of the kinetics associated with Nrf‐2 subcellular localization, studies utilizing immunofluorescence and ELISA protein quantification were performed in normal intestinal epithelial cells. The cells were initially treated with 24 μg/mL of Protandim and then washed off at 2 hours to mimic contact time that Protandim would have with intestinal cells when taken orally. It was observed that the Nrf‐2 protein was translocated to the nucleus within 1 hour of treatment, and reached a maximum level at approximately 10 hours. This inducible translocation was reversible: from 12 hours to 24 hours post‐treatment, Nrf‐2 signal gradually returned to baseline pre‐treatment levels. When Protandim was re‐applied at 12 hours and again washed off 2 hours later, Nrf‐2 protein did not continue to accumulate in the nucleus, but was maintained at a steady augmented (but sub‐peak) level throughout treatment. To determine whether Nrf‐2 nuclear localization would stimulate the growth of cancer cells, we treated HCT‐116 and CaCo‐2 colon cancer cells with varying doses of Protandim. At no point in time or dose was the activation of Nrf‐2 by Protandim associated with increased tumor cell viability. Viability curves showed that Protandim was cytotoxic at moderate doses. These data support the inducible mechanism of action of Protandim, and provide justification for daily or twice‐daily supplementation.Support or Funding InformationWasatch Scientific Services conducted all experiments