Digital Commons Network^™

Comparison Of Circulating Tumour Dna And Extracellular Vesicle Dna By Low-Pass Whole-Genome Sequencing Reveals Molecular Drivers Of Disease In A Breast Cancer Patient, Olivia Ruhen, Bob Mirzai, Michael E. Clark, Bella Nguyen, Carlos Salomon, Wendy Erber, Katie Meehan

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

© 2020 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. There is increasing recognition of circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) as a non-invasive alternative to tumour tissue for the molecular characterisation and monitoring of disease. Recent evidence suggests that cancer-associated changes can also be detected in the DNA contained within extracellular vesicles (EVs). As yet, there has been limited investigation into the relationship between EV DNA and ctDNA, and no studies have examined the EV DNA of breast cancer patients. The aim of this study was to use low-pass whole-genome sequencing to identify copy number variants (CNVs) in serial samples of both …

Physician Knowledge, Attitudes, And Behaviors Towards Registered Dietitian Nutritionists, Amy Motley Jones

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Diet is increasingly linked with overall quality of life, and a healthy diet is now being considered one of the cornerstones of preventative care. Physicians rely on Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) as most doctors lack the nutrition knowledge to properly treat their patients, especially during their residency. Little published information exists on the specific collaboration of RDNs and resident physicians. This study aimed to determine whether mentoring with an RDN increased physician nutrition knowledge, increased consults to RDNs, and whether physician attitudes improved regarding their understanding of the role of the RDN in healthcare. Knowledge or attitude alone are not …

Is Cervical Swab An Efficient Method For Developing A New Noninvasive Prenatal Diagnostictest For Numerical And Structural Chromosome Anomalies?, Erkan Yurtcu, Deni̇z Karçaaltincaba, Hasan Hüseyi̇n Kazan, Hali̇s Özdemi̇r, Meral Yi̇rmi̇beş Karaoğuz, Pinar Tokdemi̇r Çaliş, Gülsüm Kayhan, Sezen Günteki̇n Ergün, Ferda Emri̇ye Perçi̇n, Meri̇h Bayram, Mustafa Necmi̇ İlhan, Gamze Bi̇lgi̇li̇ Dedeoğlu, Tuğrul Kaymak, Mehmet Ali̇ Ergün

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Prenatal diagnosis is vital to obtain healthy generation for risky pregnancies. There have been several approaches, some of which are routinely applied in clinics to evaluate the possible prenatal deficiencies and/or diseases. In the present study, we aimed to isolate the fetal cells from endocervical samples and try to identify possible anomalies which were proved by Amniocentesis (AS) and chorionic villus sampling (CVS) methods. Materials and methods: Endoservical specimens were collected from 100 pregnant women. Cells were separated in parallel by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) and magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS) using human leukocyte antigen (HLA) G233 and placental alkaline …

Peripheral Blood Soluble Elastin And Elastase As Auxiliary Diagnostic Indicators Forcoronary Artery Ectasia, Ruifeng Liu, Qianqian Sheng, Siwen Liang, Huiqiang Zhao

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Damage to elastin fibres in coronary media might lead to coronary artery ectasia (CAE). This study evaluated whether CAE can be distinguished by detecting circulating soluble elastin (s-elastin), which is a degradation product of elastin fibres, and elastase, which is the main enzyme of elastin fibres. Materials and methods: Fifty-eight patients with CAE, 58 with coronary heart disease (CHD) and 61 with relatively normal coronary arteries, were included. Circulating s-elastin and elastase were measured, and receiver operating characteristic curves were used to demonstrate their respective optimal cut-off values for predicting CAE. Results: The concentrations of s-elastin and elastase were …

Comparison Of Greater Occipital Nerve And Greater Occipital Nerve + Supraorbital Nerveblock Effect In Chronic Medication Overuse Headache, Nermi̇n Tepe, Oktay Faysal Tertemi̇z

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background /aim: In this study, we aimed to compare the efficacy of greater occipital nerve (GON) block alone and GON combined with supraorbital nerve (SON) block in the treatment of medication overuse headache (MOH). Material and methods: 82 patients were divided into two groups: 41 patients were administered bilateral GON block while the other 41 patients GON + SON block. Nerve blocks were administered every 10 days for a total of 5 sessions. After each administration and 20 days after the last injection, information on pre and post treatment numerical rating scale (NRS) score, number of painful days, analgesic intake, …

Point-Of-Care Ultrasound Assessment Of The Inferior Vena Cava Distensibility Index Inmechanically Ventilated Children In The Operating Room, Riza Di̇nçer Yildizdaş, Özden Özgür Horoz, Ahmet Yöntem, Faruk Eki̇nci̇, Vahi̇de Nagehan Aslan, Demet Lafli Tunay, Murat Türkeün Ilginel

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background and aim: Point-of-care ultrasound imaging of the inferior vena cava distensibility index is a potential indicator for determining fluid overload and dehydration in the mechanically ventilated patients. Data on inferior vena cava distensibility index and inferior vena cava distensibility variability are limited in mechanically ventilated pediatric patients. That is why our aim in this study was to measure inferior vena cava distensibility index and to obtain mean values in pediatric patients, ventilated in the operating room before the ambulatory surgical procedure started. Materials and methods: This crosssectional study was performed between February 2019 and February 2020. Ultrasonographic measurements were …

Clinical And Molecular Findings In 37 Turkish Patients With Isolated Methylmalonic Acidemia, Berna Şeker Yilmaz, Deni̇z Kör, Fatma Derya Bulut, Sebi̇le Kilavuz, Serdar Ceylaner, Hali̇se Nesli̇han Önenli̇ Mungan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Isolated methylmalonic acidemia (MMA) is caused by complete or partial deficiency of the enzyme methylmalonylCoA mutase (mut0 or mut- enzymatic subtype), a defect of its cofactor adenosyl-cobalamin (cblA, cblB, or cblD-MMA), or deficiency of the enzyme methylmalonyl-CoA epimerase. While onset of the disease ranges from the neonatal period to adulthood, most cases present with lethargy, vomiting and ketoacidosis in the early infancy. Major secondary complications are; growth failure, developmental delay, interstitial nephritis with progressive renal failure, basal ganglia injury and cardiomyopathy. We aimed to demonstrate clinical and molecular findings based on long-term follow up in our patient cohort. Materials …

Can Pre-Procedural Mri Signal Intensity Ratio Predict The Success Of Uterine Arteryembolization In Treatment Of Myomas?, Çağlayan Çakir, Fati̇h Kilinç, Muhammed Aki̇f Deni̇z, Sema Karakaş

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Magnetic resonance (MR) images, signal intensity ratios calculated using region of interests (ROI) in T2W images by proportioning the dominant myoma to iliac muscle can aid patient selection and, thus, in achieving better outcomes with the uterine artery embolization (UAE) procedure. The present study investigates the association between the success of UAE treatment with signal intensity (SI) ratio of the dominant myoma to the iliac muscle in MR imaging performed prior to the procedure. Materials and methods: This is a retrospective study and included 30 patients who admitted to our clinic between February 2017 and July 2019 due to …

The Effect Of Ankaferd Blood Stopper On Liver Damage In Experimental Obstructivejaundice, Koray Koşmaz, Abdullah Durhan, Marlen Süleyman, Yilmaz Ünal, Mustafa Taner Bostanci, Tuğba Yi̇ği̇t Haskaraca, Can Ersak, Mehmet Şeneş, İlknur Alkan Kuşabbi̇, Eylem Pinar Eser, Sema Hücümenoğlu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aims: To evaluate the potential protective effects of Ankaferd blood stopper (ABS) in an experimental obstructive jaundice (OJ) model. Materials and methods: The study included 26 female rats, which were divided into 3 groups. The sham group, consisting of 10 rats, (group 1) only received solely laparotomy. In the control group, consisting of 8 rats, (group 2), ligation was applied to the biliary tract and no treatment was implemented. In the treatment group, consisting of 8 rats, (group 3), following ligation of biliary tract, 0.5 mL/day ABS was given for 10 days. Liver tissue and blood samples were taken for …

The Histopathological Effects Of Reabsorbable Polyethylene Glycol Hydrogel (Coseal) Onepidural Fibrosis In An Experimental Postlaminectomy Model In Rats, Emrah Keski̇n, Hasan Ali̇ Aydin, Murat Kalayci, Emre Işik, Utku Özgen, Kenan Şi̇mşek, Deni̇z Baklaci, Mertol Gökçe

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: To investigate the histopathological effects of reabsorbable polyethylene glycol hydrogel (RPGH, Coseal) on epidural fibrosis (EF) following laminectomy in rats. Materials and methods: A total of 24 rats were equally divided into three groups. In the first group, no treatment was applied after laminectomy (control group, Group 1). In the second group, hemostasis was achieved after laminectomy, and 2 mm absorbable gelatin sponge soaked in saline was placed over the epidural space and the wound was closed (Group 2). In the third group, hemostasis was achieved following laminectomy, and 0.5 mL RPGH (Coseal, Group 3) was squeezed over the …

Effect Of Betulinic Acid Administration On Tlr-9/Nf-Κb /Il-18 Levels In Experimentalliver Injury, Eda Dokumacioğlu, Hati̇ce İskender, Kübra Asena Teri̇m Kapaki̇n, Güler Yeni̇ce, Behzat Mokthare, İsmai̇l Bolat, Armağan Hayirli

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Acetaminophen (APAP), used in the composition of thousands of preparations, is the most commonly used analgesic and antipyretic drug. The present study aimed to investigate the potential protective effects of the betulinic acid (BA) treatment through an APAP-induced hepatotoxicity rat model, using inflammatory, biochemical, and histopathological parameters. Materials and methods: The study consisted of four groups: control group, APAP group, BA group, and APAP+BA group. Experimental studies continued for fifteen days. Serum samples were analysed for glucose, total cholesterol (TChol), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL), aspartate amino transferase (AST), malondialdehyde (MDA), toll-like receptor-9 (TLR-9), …

Investigation Of The Effect Of Hyperthyroidism On Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress And Transient Receptor Potential Canonical 1 Channel In The Kidney, Nuri̇ye Ezgi̇ Bektur, Erhan Şahi̇n, Sedat Kaçar, Ridvan Bağci, Şeri̇fe Karakaya, Di̇lek Burukoğlu Dönmez, Varol Şahi̇ntürk

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Hyperthyroidism is associated with results in increased glomerular filtration rate as well as increased renin-angiotensin-aldosterone activation. The disturbance of Ca2+ homeostasis in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is associated with many diseases, including diabetic nephropathy and hyperthyroidism. Transient receptor potential canonical 1 (TRPC1) channel is the first cloned TRPC family protein. Although it is expressed in many places in the kidney, its function is uncertain. TRPC1 is involved in regulating Ca2+ homeostasis, and its upregulation increases ER Ca2+ level, activates the unfolded protein response, which leads to cellular damage in the kidney. This study investigated the role of TRPC1 in …

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Affects Insulin Sensitivity/Resistance By Increasingadiponectin, Resistin, And Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-I In Rats, Cemi̇l Kahraman, Hüseyi̇n Yaman

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) causes insulin sensitivity, but the reason for this is not known yet. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of HBOT on insulin sensitivity via resistin, plasminogen activator inhibitor-I (PAI-I), and adiponectin. Materials and methods: The study was designed using HBOT and control groups, with eight rats in each group. After 20 days of HBOT under 2.5 atmospheres for 90 min, the fasting insulin (FI), resistin, PAI-I, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance scores (HOMA-IR), quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), triglyceride, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) …

Diagnostic Performance Of Shear Wave Elastography And Diffusion-Weighted Magneticresonance Imaging In Cervical Lymph Nodes: A Comparative Study, Veli̇ Süha Öztürk, Ersen Erteki̇n

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: To investigate the potential diagnostic value of point shear wave elastography (pSWE) and the contribution of concurrent diffusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) to diagnostic performance in patients with cervical lymphadenopathy. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study included 116 cervical lymph nodes of 94 patients. All lymph nodes were evaluated before the treatment or histopathological sampling. Gray scale ultrasonographic features, elastographic stiffness and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were measured and recorded. Lymph nodes were divided into benign and malignant groups with histopathological findings. Results: Short axis measurement, axis ratio, hilum morphology, vascularization patterns, pSWE, and ADC values were …

Prognostic Factors For 30-Days Mortality In Eighty Years Aged And Older Critically Illpatients: A Single Center Retrospective Cohort Study, Umut Sabri̇ Kasapoğlu, Osman Kaçmaz, Abdullah Gök, Meri̇h Yildiz Eglen, Hasan Şayan, Fati̇h Çolak

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Nowadays, with the rise in average life expectancy, the rate of hospitalization of the older population in intensive care unit (ICU) is gradually increasing. Unfortunately, there are no ideal combination of prognostic factors predicting the mortality in older patients admitted to the ICU. In the present study, we aim to determine the prognostic factors and their impacts on short-time mortality in older critically ill patients. Materials and methods: This retrospective cohort study was performed between January 2019 and February 2020. We included 133 patients aged ≥80 years and hospitalized ≥24 h in the ICU. Results: A total of 133 …

Distal Spread And Tumor Regression Patterns Following Preoperative Chemoradiotherapyin Rectal Cancer Patients, İlter Özer, Nesli̇han İnci̇ Zengi̇n, Haci Murat Çayci, Adem Yüksel, Tahsi̇n Dalgiç, Murat Ulaş, Erdal Bi̇rol Bostanci, Musa Akoğlu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: This study aimed to evaluate the regression pattern with the distal intramural spread (DIS) of rectum cancer after preoperative chemoradiation. Materials and methods: Specimens from 56 patients who underwent radical resection after preoperative chemoradiation for rectal cancer were examined. The regression pattern (total, fragmented) of the tumor was recorded. DIS status was evaluated by creating sections 0.2 to 0.3 cm thick. Results: A single macroscopic residual area was detected in all specimens. In 10 patients (17.8 %), pathologically complete responses were identified, and DIS was detected in 33 patients (58.9%). The average DIS distance was 0.56 ± 0.3 cm …

Investigation Of The Correlation Between Mood Disorder Symptoms And Disease Activityand Functional Status In Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients, Meli̇h Pamukcu, Tuğba İzci̇ Duran, Hasan Ulusoy, Kürşat Altinbaş

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: To investigate the correlation between depressive-anxiety symptoms, mixed features, disease activity, and functional status in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the light of the shared underlying etiology in both disorders. Materials and methods: The study included 556 patients with RA. RA disease activity was measured using the Disease Activity Score 28-joint count C reactive protein (DAS28-CRP), and the patients were evaluated by a Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ). The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ), and Modified Hypomania Checklist (mHCL) were used to evaluate the mixed depression and bipolarity status of the patients. Results: Of …

The Potential Role Of Human Hiv-1 Tat-Interactive Protein 2levels In The Pathogenesis Of Contact Dermatitis, Mahmut Sami̇ Meti̇n, Handan Bi̇len, Ömer Faruk Elmas, Necmetti̇n Akdeni̇z

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Human HIV-1 TAT interactive protein 2 (HTATIP2/TIP30) is a gene that is extensively expressed in human tissues as well as in tumor tissues. This study aimed to explore the potential role of HTATIP2/TIP30 in contact dermatitis (CD), which is one of the most common inflammatory cutaneous conditions. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study involved adult patients with acute contact dermatitis who were admitted to the outpatient dermatology clinic of a tertiary hospital and healthy adult volunteers without any cutaneous or systemic diseases. The blood concentration of HTATIP2/TIP30 was measured using ELISA kits. Results: The research sample consisted of 31 …

Three-Dimensional Assessment Of Pharyngeal Airway In Individuals With Myotonicdystrophy Type 1, Burcu Evli̇ce, Ayşe Fi̇li̇z Koç, Hazal Duyan, Damla Soydan Çabuk

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The objectives of this study were to assess pharyngeal airway volume (PAV) in patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) by cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT) and to evaluate the impact of diaphragm thickness and pulmonary function tests on PAV. Materials and methods: Thirty DM1 patients (10 female and 20 male; mean age 42.40 ± 12.07) were included in the study. Age and sex-matched thirty patients were participated as control group. In DM1 group pulmonary function tests (PFT) were performed. Independent t-test was used to compare PAV values of patients with DM1 and control group. The Mann-Whitney U test was …

Identification Of Deep-Intronic Splice Mutations In A Large Cohort Of Patients With Inherited Retinal Diseases, Xinye Qian, Jun Wang, Meng Wang, Austin D Igelman, Kaylie D Jones, Yumei Li, Keqing Wang, Kerry E Goetz, David G Birch, Paul Yang, Mark E Pennesi, Rui Chen

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

High throughput sequencing technologies have revolutionized the identification of mutations responsible for a diverse set of Mendelian disorders, including inherited retinal disorders (IRDs). However, the causal mutations remain elusive for a significant proportion of patients. This may be partially due to pathogenic mutations located in non-coding regions, which are largely missed by capture sequencing targeting the coding regions. The advent of whole-genome sequencing (WGS) allows us to systematically detect non-coding variations. However, the interpretation of these variations remains a significant bottleneck. In this study, we investigated the contribution of deep-intronic splice variants to IRDs. WGS was performed for a cohort …

Adipocyte-Specific Ablation Of Pu1 Promotes Energy Expenditure And Ameliorates Metabolic Syndrome In Aging Mice, Ke Yun Chen, Alejandra De Angulo, Xin Guo, Aditya More, Scott A Ochsner, Eduardo Lopez, David Saul, Weijun Pang, Yuxiang Sun, Neil J Mckenna, Qiang Tong

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Objective: Although PU.1/Spi1 is known as a master regulator for macrophage development and function, we have reported previously that it is also expressed in adipocytes and is transcriptionally induced in obesity. Here, we investigated the role of adipocyte PU.1 in the development of the age-associated metabolic syndrome.

Methods: We generated mice with adipocyte-specific PU.1 knockout, assessed metabolic changes in young and older adult PU.1^fl/fl (control) and AdipoqCre PU.1^fl/fl (aPU.1KO) mice, including body weight, body composition, energy expenditure, and glucose homeostasis. We also performed transcriptional analyses using RNA-Sequencing of adipocytes from these mice.

Results: aPU.1KO mice have elevated energy …

Tph2 In The Dorsal Raphe Nuclei Regulates Energy Balance In A Sex-Dependent Manner, Hailan Liu, Chunmei Wang, Meng Yu, Yongjie Yang, Yang He, Hesong Liu, Chen Liang, Longlong Tu, Nan Zhang, Lina Wang, Julia Wang, Feng Liu, Fang Hu, Yong Xu

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

AbstractCentral 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), which is primarily synthesized by tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH2) in the dorsal Raphe nuclei (DRN), plays a pivotal role in the regulation of food intake and body weight. However, the physiological functions of TPH2 on energy balance have not been consistently demonstrated. Here we systematically investigated the effects of TPH2 on energy homeostasis in adult male and female mice. We found that the DRN harbors a similar amount of TPH2+ cells in control male and female mice. Adult-onset TPH2 deletion in the DRN promotes hyperphagia and body weight gain only in male mice, but not in female …

Associations Between Independent Assessments Of Child Appetite Self-Regulation: A Narrative Review, Maria A Papaioannou, Nilda Micheli, Thomas G Power, Jennifer O Fisher, Sheryl O Hughes

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

A variety of eating behaviors among children have been associated with obesity risk and are thought to broadly reflect child appetite self-regulation (ASR). While ASR is thought to occur on cognitive, emotional, motivational, biological, and behavioral levels, the inter-relatedness of ASR constructs as assessed by different methods/measures is not well-characterized. This narrative review describes the correspondence between different methods/measures of child ASR constructs as assessed by self-report questionnaires and/or observational tasks and their relationship to child standardized body mass index (BMIz). Research involving at least two different methods/measures is presented including observational tasks such as the Eating in the Absence …

Crucial Role Of Mammalian Glutaredoxin 3 In Cardiac Energy Metabolism In Diet-Induced Obese Mice Revealed By Transcriptome Analysis, Ninghui Cheng, Qianxing Mo, Jimmonique Donelson, Lingfei Wang, Ghislain Breton, George G Rodney, Jin Wang, Kendal D Hirschi, Xander H T Wehrens, Paul A Nakata

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

Obesity is often associated with metabolic dysregulation and oxidative stress with the latter serving as a possible unifying link between obesity and cardiovascular complications. Glutaredoxins (Grxs) comprise one of the major antioxidant systems in the heart. Although Grx3 has been shown to act as an endogenous negative regulator of cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure, its metabolic impact on cardiac function in diet-induced obese (DIO) mice remains largely unknown. In the present study, analysis of Grx3 expression indicated that Grx3 protein levels, but not mRNA levels, were significantly increased in the hearts of DIO mice. Cardiac-specific Grx3 deletion (Grx3 CKO) mice …

Associations Between Lipoprotein Subfractions And Area And Density Of Abdominal Muscle And Intermuscular Adipose Tissue: The Multi-Ethnic Study Of Atherosclerosis, Megan M Marron, Matthew Allison, Alka M Kanaya, Britta Larsen, Alexis C Wood, David Herrington, Philip Greenland, Iva Miljkovic

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

Skeletal muscle quantity and quality decrease with older age, which is partly attributed to ectopic fat infiltration and has negative metabolic consequences. To inform efforts to preserve skeletal muscle with aging, a better understanding of biologic correlates of quantity and quality of muscle and intermuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) is needed. We used targeted lipidomics of lipoprotein subfractions among 947 Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis participants to provide a detailed metabolic characterization of area and density of abdominal muscle and IMAT. Serum lipoprotein subfractions were measured at the first visit using 1H-Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy. Muscle and IMAT area (cm

A Computational Pipeline To Infer Alternative Poly-Adenylation From 3′ Sequencing Data, Hari Krishna Yalamanchili, Nathan D Elrod, Madeline K Jensen, Ping Ji, Ai Lin, Eric J Wagner, Zhandong Liu

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

An increasing number of investigations have established alternative polyadenylation (APA) as a key mechanism of gene regulation through altering the length of 3' untranslated region (UTR) and generating distinct mRNA termini. Further, appreciation for the significance of APA in disease contexts propelled the development of several 3' sequencing techniques. While these RNA sequencing technologies have advanced APA analysis, the intrinsic limitation of 3' read coverage and lack of appropriate computational tools constrain precise mapping and quantification of polyadenylation sites. Notably, Poly(A)-ClickSeq (PAC-seq) overcomes limiting factors such as poly(A) enrichment and 3' linker ligation steps using click-chemistry. Here we provide an …

Food/Non-Food Classification Of Real-Life Egocentric Images In Low- And Middle-Income Countries Based On Image Tagging Features, Guangzong Chen, Wenyan Jia, Yifan Zhao, Zhi-Hong Mao, Benny Lo, Alex K Anderson, Gary Frost, Modou L Jobarteh, Megan A Mccrory, Edward Sazonov, Matilda Steiner-Asiedu, Richard S Ansong, Thomas Baranowski, Lora Burke, Mingui Sun

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

Malnutrition, including both undernutrition and obesity, is a significant problem in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In order to study malnutrition and develop effective intervention strategies, it is crucial to evaluate nutritional status in LMICs at the individual, household, and community levels. In a multinational research project supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, we have been using a wearable technology to conduct objective dietary assessment in sub-Saharan Africa. Our assessment includes multiple diet-related activities in urban and rural families, including food sources (e.g., shopping, harvesting, and gathering), preservation/storage, preparation, cooking, and consumption (e.g., portion size and nutrition analysis). …

On The Joint Role Of Non-Hispanic Black Race/Ethnicity And Weight Status In Predicting Postmenopausal Weight Gain, Christopher N Ford, Shine Chang, Alexis C Wood, Joann E Manson, David O Garcia, Helena Laroche, Chloe E Bird, Mara Z Vitolins

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

Objectives: To determine how baseline weight status contributes to differences in postmenopausal weight gain among non-Hispanic Blacks (NHBs) and non-Hispanic Whites (NHWs).

Methods: Data were included from 70,750 NHW and NHB postmenopausal women from the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study (WHI OS). Body Mass Index (BMI) at baseline was used to classify women as having normal weight, overweight, obese class I, obese class II or obese class III. Cox proportional hazards was used to estimate the hazard of a 10% or more increase in weight from baseline.

Results: In both crude and adjusted models, NHBs were more likely to experience …

Gut Microbiota Profiles Of Young South Indian Children: Child Sex-Specific Relations With Growth, Nirupama Shivakumar, Ambily Sivadas, Sarita Devi, Farook Jahoor, John Mclaughlin, Craig P Smith, Anura V Kurpad, Arpita Mukhopadhyay

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

Gut microbiota has been implicated as a modifier of childhood growth. Here, 16S rRNA sequencing-based fecal microbiota profiles of 18-24 month old Indian children were evaluated (n = 41), in relation to their anthropometric parameters, intestinal permeability, body composition and total energy expenditure. Pathway analyses were conducted to assess microbial functions related to stunting, underweight and wasting. The fecal microbiota was enriched in Prevotella 9, Bifidobacterium and Escherichia-Shigella. Weight, weight-for-age Z-scores (WAZ) and weight-for-length Z-scores (WLZ), along with age, acted as covariates of microbiota variation specifically in boys (n = 23). Bifidobacterium longum subsp longum abundance was positively associated with …

Extracellular Vesicles Released By Human Retinal Pigment Epithelium Mediate Increased Polarised Secretion Of Drusen Proteins In Response To Amd Stressors, Miguel Flores-Bellver, Jason Mighty, Silvia Aparicio-Domingo, Kang V. Li, Cui Shi, Jing Zhou, Hannah Cobb, Patrick Mcgrath, German Michelis, Patricia Lenhart, Ganna Bilousova, Søren Heissel, Michael J. Rudy, Christina Coughlan, Andrew E. Goodspeed, S. Patricia Becerra, Stephen Redenti, M. Valeria Canto-Soler

Publications and Research

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of blindness worldwide. Drusen are key contributors to the etiology of AMD and the ability to modulate drusen biogenesis could lead to therapeutic strategies to slow or halt AMD progression. The mechanisms underlying drusen biogenesis, however, remain mostly unknown. Here we demonstrate that under homeostatic conditions extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells are enriched in proteins associated with mechanisms involved in AMD pathophysiology, including oxidative stress, immune response, inflammation, complement system and drusen composition. Furthermore, we provide first evidence that drusen-associated proteins are released as cargo of extracellular …