bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A new twist to the primitive mechanical fate identifies an aged‐associated TGFβ1 nexus in vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Zhu Wanqu , Isak Abraham , Monticone Robert E , Wang Mingyi , Lakatta Edward G , An Steven S 
Published: November 2023

Central arterial stiffening is an independent predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in the U.S., and is adversely associated with advancing age. The transgression of age‐associated arterial stiffening is classically defined by pro‐inflammatory remodeling of the central arteries, culminating in altered deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) and hyperplastic changes within the vascular smooth muscle (VSM) layer. Surprisingly, our understanding of age‐associated mechanical changes in the VSM compartment is largely unclear, and genetic/epigenetic nexus remains elusive. Here we adapted Fourier transform traction microscopy and magnetic twisting cytometry for the single‐cell analyses on the identity and state of mechanical properties of individual VSM cells isolated from the central aorta of young (8 months) vs. old (30 months) Fisher 344 cross‐bred Brown Norway rats. Compared with young VSM cells, old VSM cells were bigger in size and spontaneously exercised greater traction stress upon tuned elastic matrix. Old VSM cells also exhibited higher cytoskeletal (CSK) stiffness that is long‐lived in culture and, in the absence of inflammatory mediators, persistent across a wide range of matrix rigidities in a pathophysiologic spectrum. Moreover, Old VSM cells expressed higher levels of the latent TGFβ1 and showed intrinsically active TGFβ1 signaling. On the one hand, exogenous addition of TGFβ1 appreciably increased CSK stiffness in young, but not in old VSM cells. On the other, GW788388 and A8301, pharmacological inhibitors of TGFβ1 receptors, decreased the phosphorylation of Smad2/3 and normalized in turn the stiffness of old VSM cells in a dose‐dependent manner. Taken together, our findings demonstrate an age‐associated VSM contraction mechanophenotype that is independent of immune inflammatory responses, and provide a nodal point for potential therapeutics to rejuvenate and mitigate the central arterial stiffening.Support or Funding InformationNIH R01 HL107361
Foods Consumed from Non‐School Cafeterias and Vending Machines: NHANES 2006–2012
Authors: Onufrak Stephen J 
Published: November 2023

Nutrition guidelines for foods and drinks offered in non‐school cafeterias and vending machines are being used as a strategy to increase availability of healthy food items. However, little is known about who consumes food from these sources and the types and nutritional characteristics of the foods consumed. Using day 1 dietary recall data from NHANES 2006–2012 (N=15,701 adults with valid recall data), we estimated the prevalence among adults ≥ 20 years old of consuming foods from these sources, the most commonly consumed foods, and the nutritional characteristics of foods consumed. Overall, 4.1% of adults consumed items on the recall day from vending machines (mean energy intake from vending sources among consumers=276kcal) and 3.0% consumed items from a cafeteria (mean energy intake from cafeteria sources among consumers=643 kcal). Consuming foods from vending was more commonly reported by males (5.0%) compared to females (3.2%) but consuming foods from cafeterias did not differ by gender. Soft drinks, candies, salty grain snacks, potato chips, and cookies collectively accounted for approximately 67% of all energy consumed from vending machines. Leading sources of energy from cafeterias were grain mixtures (e.g. sandwiches, pizza, pasta dishes, and rice dishes), white breads/rolls, chicken, and mixed dishes of meat/poultry/fish with starch items and vegetables (e.g. stews). Calories from added sugars accounted for nearly half of total energy intake from vending and approximately 12% of total energy intake from cafeteria sources. Among those who consumed foods from cafeterias, mean total vegetable/ legume intake was 0.8 cups and mean total fruit intake was 0.2 cups from cafeteria sources. Vegetable and fruit intake from vending sources was much less (0.04 cups total vegetables/legumes and 0.03 cups total fruit from vending sources among vending consumers). A better understanding of who is consuming foods from cafeterias and vending machines and what is consumed will better inform efforts to design nutrition guidelines for these settings and to estimate the potential publichealth impact of these standards.Support or Funding InformationDone as part of official work duty. No other funding.
Preparation of an anatomical donor using the Sikon Soft‐Cure method
Authors: Sikon Richard R. 
Published: November 2023

The options for preparing the Anatomical Donor can vary from program to program. Traditionally this involves the use of formalin or phenol based solutions. These solutions, while very effective can alter the presentation of the tissues and limit the scope of use. These uses include not only anatomical applications but also surgical and research.Preparation of donors using the Sikon Soft‐Cure Embalming method does not significantly alter the tissues but rather leaves them in a normal‐like state with regards to appearance, flexibility and function. This process is entirely dependent upon the composition of the solution and a thorough understanding of the changes that occur during the process.The presentation of the donor following the process of diffusion and perfusion may often be confused with the normal decomposition process. A thorough understanding of preservation processes and the effects of chemical changes within the tissues are key to the success of embalming donors prepared with the Sikon Soft Cure Method.
Plant Sterol Concentration in Plasma and Intake in Plant‐Based Diets
Authors: Jaceldo‐Siegl Karen , Lütjohann Dieter , Sirirat Rawiwan , Haddad Ella 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundLimited information is available on intake and plasma concentration of plant sterols among vegetarians.ObjectiveWe measured plasma concentration of plant sterols, and estimated phytosterol intake in a representative sample (n=916) of the Adventist Health Study‐2 cohort with a range of plant‐based diets (10% vegans, 28% lacto ovo‐, 11% pesco‐, 5% semi‐vegetarians, and 46% non‐vegetarians).DesignPlasma concentration of campesterol, sitosterol, cholestanol, lathosterol and cholesterol were measured by gas‐liquid chromatography. Campesterol, β‐stitosterol, and stigmasterol intake was estimated from six 24‐hour dietary recalls using plant sterol data of foods from USDA SR 27 and available literature. Differences by diet were determined using ANCOVA with Tukey‐Kramer's test and 95% CI to adjust for multiple comparisons.ResultsThe analytic cohort included 66% women, and 46% Blacks. Mean (SD) age was 60 (14) y, and cholesterol 191 (39) mg/dL. Mean (95% CI) plasma sitosterol was significantly higher in vegans 4.6 (4.3–4.9) μg/ML compared to non‐vegetarians 3.9 (3.8–4.0) μg/ML and semi‐vegetarians 3.8 (3.4–4.2) μg/ML. Plasma campesterol or the non‐plant sterols (cholesterol, cholestenol, and lathosterol) did not differ across diets. Mean β‐stitosterol intake in mg/d among vegans (105.2), lacto ovo‐vegetarians (85.5), and pesco‐vegetarians (85.0) each was higher compared to non‐vegetarians (61.9) (each comparison, p<.0001). Range of intake (from non‐vegetarian to vegan) was 16.7–23.3 mg/d for campesterol, and 10.0–14.8 mg/d for stigmasterol. Compared to non‐vegetarians, intake of each of these phytosterols was significantly higher among pesco‐vegetarians, lacto ovo‐vegetarians, and vegans (each comparison, p<.0001).ConclusionWe provide evidence that intake and plasma concentration of plant sterols may be higher among a variety of plant‐based diets compared to a non‐vegetarian diet.Support or Funding InformationFunding for this project was made possible by Unilever. Collection of blood and dietary recalls was funded by the National Cancer Institute.
Soy positively impacts cecal microbiota of ovariectomized rats selectively bred for low aerobic capacity
Authors: Liu Tzu‐Wen , Zidon Terese M. , Welly Rebecca J. , Park Young‐Min , Britton Steven L. , Koch Lauren G. , Padilla Jaume , Vieira‐Potter Victoria J. , Swanson Kelly S. 
Published: November 2023

Menopause associates with obesity and insulin resistance (IR) that are likely attributed to loss of ovarian hormone production. Soy is known to ameliorate these menopause‐associated metabolic dysfunctions for reasons that are not clear. The gut microbiome has been shown to mediate gut integrity and impact systemic inflammation associated with obesity. Soy‐mediated changes to gut microbial communities may represent one potential mechanism for its beneficial metabolic impacts in the setting of ovarian hormone insufficiency.OBJECTIVETo determine the impact of soy on cecal microbiota in intact vs. ovariectomized (OVX) rats bred for low‐running capacity (LCR), a model previously shown to mimic human menopause.METHODS20‐wk old LCR rats were either OVX or sham operated (SHM) and fed either soy‐rich (soy) or soy‐free (control) diets for 28‐wk, resulting in a 2×2 factorial design (n=10/group): 1) OVX/soy; 2) SHM/soy; 3) OVX/control; 4) SHM/control. Diets were isocaloric and comparable in protein, fat, carbohydrate, and fiber contents. DNA from cecal digesta collected at sacrifice were extracted, followed by 16S rRNA amplicon Illumina MiSeq sequencing and analysis using QIIME 1.9.1 and LEfSe.RESULTSAs previously reported, soy reduced adiposity and improved insulin sensitivity of these OVX rats. Principal coordinates analysis (PCoA) of weighted and unweighted UniFrac distances of cecal microbiota revealed a sharp separation (p<0.05) between soy‐ and control‐fed groups. Alpha diversity measures revealed lower (p<0.05) species richness in rats fed soy vs. control. The soy‐rich diet decreased (p<0.001) the Firmicutes:Bacteroidetes ratio. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) effect size analysis identified that rats fed soy had decreased relative abundance of Firmicutes (Clostridiaceae, Peptostreptococcaceae), Actinobacteria, and Spirochaetales, but increased relative abundance of Bacteroidetes (Prevotellaceae), Cyanobacteria, and Betaproteobacteria. OVX rats had increased relative abundance of Anaerovibrio compared to SHM rats. A positive correlation (p<0.001) was found between glucose intolerance and an undefined genus in S24‐7 family.CONCLUSIONSoy significantly decreased the Firmicutes:Bacteroidetes ratio, suggesting a beneficial shift in gut microbial communities in our rat model mimics human menopause.Support or Funding Information(CBIS to V. Vieira‐Potter) by Grant Number P50AT006273
Zinc‐induced upregulation of metallothionein (MT)‐2A is predicted by gene expression of zinc transporters in healthy adults
Authors: Chu Anna , Foster Meika , Ward Sarah , Zaman Kamrul , Hancock Dale , Petocz Peter , Samman Samir 
Published: November 2023

Marginal zinc deficiency has been suggested to influence multiple physiological systems due to the extensive involvement of zinc in numerous structural and biochemical functions of the body. Recent advancements in molecular techniques have enabled the use of novel approaches in the study of zinc metabolism and homeostasis, especially within the cell. The usefulness of zinc transporter and metallothionein (MT) gene expressions to detect changes in zinc intake remains unclear. This study aims to determine the effects of zinc supplementation on zinc transporters and metallothioneins (MT) and their relationships with physical activity level. Healthy adults (n = 39) were randomised to a zinc group (20 mg Zn/day; n = 19) or no treatment (n = 20). Blood samples were collected on Days 0, 2, 7, 14 and 21. The IPAQ‐short form was used to assess physical activity level at baseline. RNA was extracted from peripheral blood mononuclear cells and gene expression of zinc transporters and MT were analysed using real‐time PCR. Using repeated measures ANOVA, MT‐2A gene expression was higher in the zinc group (P < 0.05) with a significant increase at Day 2 (40 ± 18%, mean ± SE, P < 0.05). In a multiple regression model exploring the changes in all gene expressions between Days 0 and 21, the change in MT‐2A gene expression was correlated with changes in zinc transporter expressions (r2 = 0.54, P = 0.029) with ZIP1 expression emerging as a univariate predictor (P = 0.003). Total physical activity level was positively correlated with ZIP7 gene expression at baseline (r = 0.36, P = 0.029). The influence of physical activity and zinc supplementation on the expression of ZIP7 and MT‐2A respectively demonstrates the effects of external stimuli and mediators of cellular zinc homeostasis, with potential implications for signalling pathways and related cellular functions.Support or Funding InformationR&D Human Nutrition Grant, Meat and Livestock Australia
CHRONIC ZINC DEFICIENCY ALTERS CHICK (Gallus gallus) GUT MICROBIOTA STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION
Authors: Tako Elad , Koren Omry 
Published: November 2023

INTODUCTIONZinc (Zn)‐deficiency is a highly prevalent micronutrient insufficiency primarily caused by a lack of adequate dietary‐Zn and/or poorly bioavailable dietary‐Zn. Although the gut is a vital organ for Zn‐utilization, and therapeutic Zn‐administration positively influences gut health, the significance of the gut microbial ecology to the host during Zn‐deficiency has yet to be studied.ObjectivesCharacterization of distinct bacterial shifts induced by chronic dietary Zn‐depletion.METHODS/DESIGNCecal samples from Zn‐replete (42μg/g‐dietary‐Zn) and Zn‐deficient (2.5μg/g‐dietary‐Zn) treatment groups (Gallus‐gallus, n=14, 4‐weeks) were harvested for bacterial DNA‐extraction and sequenced using bar‐coding of the 16S‐rRNA gene V4 hypervariable region. The diversity of microbiota was assessed through measures of β‐diversity, α‐diversity, and overall species‐richness. Chao1‐index and observed species‐richness were used to assess α‐diversity. We utilized weighted‐UniFrac distances as a measure of β‐diversity to assess the effect of chronic Zn‐deficiency on between‐individual variation in bacterial community composition.RESULTSZn‐depletion induces significant taxonomic shifts and decreases overall species‐richness and diversity, establishing a microbial profile resembling that of various other pathological states. Metagenomic‐analysis showed that predicted KEGG‐pathways responsible for macro‐and micro‐nutrient uptake are significantly depleted in Zn‐deficiency, and, along with decreases in beneficial short‐chain‐fatty‐acids, such depletions induce notable functional and metabolic alterations which may further preclude an optimal host Zn‐status. We identified four bacterial species; Enterococcus‐sp., Ruminococcuslactaris, Clostridium‐lactatifermentans, and Clostridium‐clostridioforme –positively correlated with zinc‐adequacy, and two bacterial species; Clostridium‐indolis and Unclassified‐S24‐7 – positively correlated with Zn‐insufficiency as candidate microbes which may play a significant role in the utilization of dietary Zn during a prolonged deficiency.CONCLUSIONSOur results characterize a unique cecal‐microbiota during Zn‐deficiency, and provide evidence for these perturbations as influencers of the Zn‐deficient phenotype. With additional research, such microbial alterations could be used to designate a Zn‐deficiency profile, which could be used as an additional physiological biomarker to establish and quantify deficiency stage and risk.
Serum Zinc and Hemoglobin Concentrations in Persons with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection: The Positive Living with HIV (POLH) Study
Authors: Poudel‐Tandukar Kalpana 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundHuman Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection has been frequently associated with zinc deficiency and anemia. Zinc deficiency can cause significant impairment in both adaptive and innate immune responses that may cause systemic inflammation and leading to anemia. However, research on the role of zinc in anemia among HIV‐infected persons is limited. We assessed the association between serum zinc and hemoglobin concentrations in a cohort of HIV‐infected persons.MethodsA cross‐sectional survey was conducted among 311 HIV‐positive people (177 men and 134 women) aged 20 to 60 years residing in Kathmandu, Nepal. Anthropometric and blood pressure examinations were performed and information on medical history, food habits, physical exercise, alcohol, smoking, and types/duration of anti‐retroviral therapy were collected. Fasting blood samples were taken for immunological, lipids, glucose, inflammation, and micronutrient markers evaluations. Serum zinc concentrations were measured by the atomic absorption method. The relationship between serum zinc and hemoglobin concentrations were assessed using multiple linear regression analysis with adjustment for potential cardiovascular, life‐style, and HIV‐related clinical confounding factors.ResultsThe means of serum zinc concentrations in men and women were 75.62 (16.27) μg/dL and 72.63 (10.05) μg/dL, respectively and of hemoglobin concentrations were 12.92 g/dL (2.24) and 11.71 g/dL (2.21), respectively. Serum zinc concentrations were positively associated with hemoglobin concentrations (β = 0.02; P = 0.016) in total participants. The relationship remained significant only in men (β = 0.02; P = 0.006) but not in women (β = −0.007; P = 0.719).ConclusionSerum zinc concentrations were positively associated with hemoglobin concentrations in HIV‐infected persons. Further prospective study to confirm the role of zinc in anemia among HIV‐infected persons is warranted.Support or Funding InformationThis study was partially supported by the Grant‐in‐Aid for Young Scientists (B) (22790581), Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Japan; Waseda University Grants for Special Research Projects, General Grant/Ippan Josei, Japan, (2012A‐101); and by the Grant for Research on Global Health and Medicine (No. 21A‐2) from the National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Japan. The funding agency had no role in the study design; in the collection, analysis and interpretation of data; in the writing of the report; and in the decision to submit the paper for publication.
Selenium (Se) Homeostasis in Chicken Central Nervous System Involves Selenoprotein Expression from Insufficient to Excess Se
Authors: Li Jinlong , Jiang Xiuqing , Cao Changyu , Zhang Cong , Li Xuenan , Li Wei 
Published: November 2023

Selenium (Se) incorporated in selenoproteins as selenocysteine and supports various important cellular and organismal functions. When Se deficient, brain present the first priority grade to get it. It becomes a homeostasis of Se content. We recently reported that O‐Phosphoseryl‐tRNA: selenocysteinyl‐tRNA synthase (SepSecS) plays an important role in Se homeostasis regulation in the avian brain (PloS One 7:e35761 (2012)). To better understand the relationship of Se homeostasis and selenoprotein expression in chicken central nervous system (CNS), day‐old HyLine White chickens were fed a low Se diet (Se‐L, 0.028 mg/g) supplemented with 4 levels of dietary Se (0 to 5.0 mg Se/kg) as Na2SeO3 for 8 wk. Then chickens were dissected for getting the CNS, which included cerebral contex, cerebellum, thalamus, bulbus cinereus and marrow. Se content in CNS was measured. The expression of selenoproteome which have 24 selenoproteins were detected by the qRT‐PCR array. Se homeostasis was observed during changed the content of Se in chicken CNS from insufficient to excess Se, especially in cerebral contex and bulbus cinereus. In cerebellum, the expression of SePP1 had augmented when Se content was abundant. It implied that SePP1 was the main Se transporters. In bulbus cinereus, the selenoprotein had increased obviously as the content of Se was 3.0 mg/kg. Furthermore, at the 5.0 mg/kg Se, there was a special increase about the selenoprotein expression in the marrow. The distribution of Se in chicken CNS is very notable. The expression of selenoproteins has a hierarch while changing Se content, and Selt, Selk, Selw, Selu, Gpx3, Gpx4, Sepp1, Selo, Sel15, Seln, Gpx2 and Sepp2 take more necessary function in the chicken CNS. In summary, hierarchy of regulated selenoprotein expression makes an important role of CNS Se metabolism and transport in avian.Support or Funding InformationChina New Century Excellent Talents in University (NECT‐1207‐02), China Program for New Century Excellent Talents In Heilongjiang Provincial University (1252‐NCET‐009), Doctor Initial Funding of Northeast Agricultural University (2012RBC52), Research Special funds for Scientific Innovation Talents of Haerbin (2012RFQXN006) and Science Foundation of the Education Department of Heilongjiang Province (12511031).
High Household Food Insecurity Impacts Dietary Patterns in Rural and Urban American Indian Families with Young Children
Authors: Tomayko Emily , Mosso Kathryn , Cronin Kate , Prince Ronald , Adams Alexandra 
Published: November 2023

ObjectivesFood insecurity (FI) disproportionately affects American Indian (AI) families, but the relationship between FI and diet in these households is unclear. We sought to characterize FI in rural and urban AI households in 5 diverse communities and its association with dietary intake in both adults and young children.MethodsIn total, 438 adult‐child (2–5 years) dyads in 5 AI communities nationwide participated as part of the Healthy Children, Strong Families obesity prevention trial. Demographic factors were collected, FI was determined using 2 validated items from the United States Department of Agriculture 18‐item Household Food Security Survey, and dietary intake was assessed using food frequency questionnaires. Prevalence of FI was determined, and child and adult diets were compared among food secure and insecure participants using t‐tests. Predictors of FI were examined using logistic regression.ResultsA very high prevalence of FI was determined (61%) and different significantly between urban and rural communities (79.5 and 45%, respectively). FI adults had lower intake of vegetables (P=0.031) and higher intakes of fruit juice (P=0.001), other sugar‐sweetened beverages (P=0.015), and fried potatoes (P<0.001) than food secure adults. FI children had higher intakes of fried potatoes (P=0.033), soda (P=0.010), and sports drinks (P=0.049). Significant predictors of FI included ethnicity (higher for AI), lower educational level, single adult households, WIC participation, and urban settings. Predictors for rural households (increased for single adult household, low educational attainment, working outside the home) differed from urban households (increased with shorter distance traveled to grocery shop, higher number of children in the home) when separate models were run.ConclusionsThis is the first study to examine FI and diet in AI adults and young children concurrently. We identified an alarmingly high overall prevalence of FI and demonstrated dietary intake of adults and children was less optimal in FI households. Interventions for underserved families and communities are urgently needed, with particular attention given to barriers that may be unique to urban families (e.g., absence of a close‐knit community, lack of food sharing practices). Development of local/tribal programs and strong policies to address community FI, food sovereignty, and food access are recommended to supplement and support federal‐level strategies.Support or Funding InformationThis project was funded by the National Institutes of Health, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute [grant number 1RO1HL114912] to AA. ET was supported through a National Institutes of Health T32 training grant to the University of Wisconsin, Department of Nutritional Sciences [5T32DK007665]. KM was supported through the Shapiro Summer Research Program through the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.