Research

11 pages, 1036 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Genomic Landscape of a Restricted ALL Cohort from Patients Residing on the U.S./Mexico Border

by Alice Hernandez Grant, Yoshira Marie Ayala-Marin, Jonathon Edward Mohl, Elisa Robles-Escajeda, Georgialina Rodriguez, Julie Dutil and Robert Arthur Kirken

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(14), 7345; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18147345 - 09 Jul 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2426

Abstract

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has identified unique biomarkers yielding new strategies in precision medicine for the treatment of Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Hispanics show marked health disparities in ALL, often absent in clinical trials or cancer research. Thus, it is unknown whether Hispanics would [...] Read more.

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has identified unique biomarkers yielding new strategies in precision medicine for the treatment of Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Hispanics show marked health disparities in ALL, often absent in clinical trials or cancer research. Thus, it is unknown whether Hispanics would benefit equally from curated data currently guiding precision oncology. Using whole-exome sequencing, nine ALL patients were screened for mutations within genes known to possess diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic value. Genes mutated in Hispanic ALL patients from the borderland were mined for potentially pathogenic variants within clinically relevant genes. KRAS G12A was detected in this unique cohort and its frequency in Hispanics from the TARGET-ALL Phase II database was three-fold greater than that of non-Hispanics. STAT5B N642H was also detected with low frequency in Hispanic and non-Hispanic individuals within TARGET. Its detection within this small cohort may reflect a common event in this demographic. Such variants occurring in the MAPK and JAK/STAT pathways may be contributing to Hispanic health disparities in ALL. Notable variants in ROS1, WT1, and NOTCH2 were observed in the ALL borderland cohort, with NOTCH2 C19W occurring most frequently. Further investigations on the pathogenicity of these variants are needed to assess their relevance in ALL. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Proceedings of the 2019 Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI) Program National Conference)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 2783 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI) Consortium: A Blueprint for Inclusive Excellence

by Elizabeth O. Ofili, Daniel Sarpong, Richard Yanagihara, Paul B. Tchounwou, Emma Fernández-Repollet, Mohamad Malouhi, Muhammed Y. Idris, Kimberly Lawson, Nadine H. Spring and Brian M. Rivers

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(13), 6848; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18136848 - 25 Jun 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3928

Abstract

The Research Centers in Minority Institutions, (RCMI) Program was established by Congress to address the health research and training needs of minority populations, by preparing future generations of scientists at these institutions, with a track record of producing minority scholars in medicine, science, [...] Read more.

The Research Centers in Minority Institutions, (RCMI) Program was established by Congress to address the health research and training needs of minority populations, by preparing future generations of scientists at these institutions, with a track record of producing minority scholars in medicine, science, and technology. The RCMI Consortium consists of the RCMI Specialized Centers and a Coordinating Center (CC). The RCMI-CC leverages the scientific expertise, technologies, and innovations of RCMI Centers to accelerate the delivery of solutions to address health disparities in communities that are most impacted. There is increasing recognition that the gap in representation of racial/ethnic groups and women is perpetuated by institutional cultures lacking inclusion and equity. The objective of this work is to provide a framework for inclusive excellence by developing a systematic evaluation process with common data elements that can track the inter-linked goals of workforce diversity and health equity. At its core, the RCMI Program embodies the trinity of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We propose a realist evaluation framework and a logic model that integrates the institutional context to develop common data metrics for inclusive excellence. The RCMI-CC will collaborate with NIH-funded institutions and research consortia to disseminate and scale this model. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Proceedings of the 2019 Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI) Program National Conference)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 1473 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Community Engagement Practices at Research Centers in U.S. Minority Institutions: Priority Populations and Innovative Approaches to Advancing Health Disparities Research

by Tabia Henry Akintobi, Payam Sheikhattari, Emma Shaffer, Christina L. Evans, Kathryn L. Braun, Angela U. Sy, Bibiana Mancera, Adriana Campa, Stephania T. Miller, Daniel Sarpong, Rhonda Holliday, Julio Jimenez-Chavez, Shafiq Khan, Cimona Hinton, Kimberly Sellars-Bates, Veronica Ajewole, Nicolette I. Teufel-Shone, Juliet McMullin, Sandra Suther, K. Sean Kimbro, Lorraine Taylor, Carmen M. Velez Vega, Carla Williams, George Perry, Stephan Zuchner, Melissa Marzan Rodriguez and Paul B. Tchounwou Show full author list Hide full author list

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(12), 6675; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18126675 - 21 Jun 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4047

Abstract

This paper details U.S. Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI) Community Engagement Cores (CECs): (1) unique and cross-cutting components, focus areas, specific aims, and target populations; and (2) approaches utilized to build or sustain trust towards community participation in research. A mixed-method data [...] Read more.

This paper details U.S. Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI) Community Engagement Cores (CECs): (1) unique and cross-cutting components, focus areas, specific aims, and target populations; and (2) approaches utilized to build or sustain trust towards community participation in research. A mixed-method data collection approach was employed for this cross-sectional study of current or previously funded RCMIs. A total of 18 of the 25 institutions spanning 13 U.S. states and territories participated. CEC specific aims were to support community engaged research (94%); to translate and disseminate research findings (88%); to develop partnerships (82%); and to build capacity around community research (71%). Four open-ended questions, qualitative analysis, and comparison of the categories led to the emergence of two supporting themes: (1) establishing trust between the community-academic collaborators and within the community and (2) building collaborative relationships. An overarching theme, building community together through trust and meaningful collaborations, emerged from the supporting themes and subthemes. The RCMI institutions and their CECs serve as models to circumvent the historical and current challenges to research in communities disproportionately affected by health disparities. Lessons learned from these cores may help other institutions who want to build community trust in and capacities for research that addresses community-related health concerns. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Proceedings of the 2019 Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI) Program National Conference)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 2548 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Estrogenic Activity in Maryland Coastal Bays Using the MCF-7 Cell Proliferation Assay

by Rehab Elfadul, Roman Jesien, Ahmed Elnabawi, Paulinus Chigbu and Ali Ishaque

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(12), 6254; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18126254 - 09 Jun 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2234

Abstract

Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs) with estrogenic or estrogenic-like activity have been increasingly detected in aquatic environments and have been an issue of global concern due to their potential negative effects on wildlife and human health. This study used the MCF-7 cell proliferation [...] Read more.

Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs) with estrogenic or estrogenic-like activity have been increasingly detected in aquatic environments and have been an issue of global concern due to their potential negative effects on wildlife and human health. This study used the MCF-7 cell proliferation assay (E-Screen) to assess the estrogenic activity profiles in Maryland Coastal Bays (MCBs), a eutrophic system of estuaries impacted by human activities. Estrogenic activity was observed in all study sites tested. Water samples from MCBs increased MCF-7 cell proliferation above the negative control from 2.1-fold at site 8, located in Sinepuxent Bay close to the Ocean City Inlet, to 6.3-fold at site 6, located in Newport Bay. The proliferative effects of the sediment samples over the negative control ranged from 1.9-fold at the Assateague Island National Seashore site to 7.7-fold at the Public Landing site. Moreover, elevated cell proliferation (p < 0.05) was observed when cells were co-exposed with 17ß-Estradiol (E2), while reduction in cell proliferation was observed when cells were co-exposed with the antagonist ICI 182, 780 suggesting that cell proliferative effects were primarily mediated by the estrogen receptor (ER). These results suggest the occurrence of some estrogenic or hormonal-like compounds in the MCBs and are consistent with our previous findings based on vitellogenin analyses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Proceedings of the 2019 Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI) Program National Conference)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 8802 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identification of Hub Genes in Different Stages of Colorectal Cancer through an Integrated Bioinformatics Approach

by Abhijeet R. Patil, Ming-Ying Leung and Sourav Roy

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(11), 5564; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18115564 - 23 May 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3046

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer that contributes to cancer-related morbidity. However, the differential expression of genes in different phases of CRC is largely unknown. Moreover, very little is known about the role of stress-survival pathways in CRC. We sought [...] Read more.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer that contributes to cancer-related morbidity. However, the differential expression of genes in different phases of CRC is largely unknown. Moreover, very little is known about the role of stress-survival pathways in CRC. We sought to discover the hub genes and identify their roles in several key pathways, including oxidative stress and apoptosis in the different stages of CRC. To identify the hub genes that may be involved in the different stages of CRC, gene expression datasets were obtained from the gene expression omnibus (GEO) database. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) common among the different datasets for each group were obtained using the robust rank aggregation method. Then, gene enrichment analysis was carried out with Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes databases. Finally, the protein-protein interaction networks were constructed using the Cytoscape software. We identified 40 hub genes and performed enrichment analysis for each group. We also used the Oncomine database to identify the DEGs related to stress-survival and apoptosis pathways involved in different stages of CRC. In conclusion, the hub genes were found to be enriched in several key pathways, including the cell cycle and p53 signaling pathway. Some of the hub genes were also reported in the stress-survival and apoptosis pathways. The hub DEGs revealed from our study may be used as biomarkers and may explain CRC development and progression mechanisms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Proceedings of the 2019 Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI) Program National Conference)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 2183 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Increased Risk of Sub-Clinical Blood Lead Levels in the 20-County Metro Atlanta, Georgia Area—A Laboratory Surveillance-Based Study

by Carmen M. Dickinson-Copeland, Lilly Cheng Immergluck, Maria Britez, Fengxia Yan, Ruijin Geng, Mike Edelson, Salathiel R. Kendrick-Allwood and Katarzyna Kordas

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(10), 5163; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18105163 - 13 May 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2099

Abstract

Lead (Pb) is a naturally occurring, highly toxic metal that has adverse effects on children across a range of exposure levels. Limited screening programs leave many children at risk for chronic low-level lead exposure and there is little understanding of what factors may [...] Read more.

Lead (Pb) is a naturally occurring, highly toxic metal that has adverse effects on children across a range of exposure levels. Limited screening programs leave many children at risk for chronic low-level lead exposure and there is little understanding of what factors may be used to identify children at risk. We characterize the distribution of blood lead levels (BLLs) in children aged 0–72 months and their associations with sociodemographic and area-level variables. Data from the Georgia Department of Public Health’s Healthy Homes for Lead Prevention Program surveillance database was used to describe the distribution of BLLs in children living in the metro Atlanta area from 2010 to 2018. Residential addresses were geocoded, and “Hotspot” analyses were performed to determine if BLLs were spatially clustered. Multilevel regression models were used to identify factors associated with clinical BBLs (≥5 µg/dL) and sub-clinical BLLs (2 to <5 µg/dL). From 2010 to 2018, geographically defined hotspots for both clinical and sub-clinical BLLs diffused from the city-central area of Atlanta into suburban areas. Multilevel regression analysis revealed non-Medicaid insurance, the proportion of renters in a given geographical area, and proportion of individuals with a GED/high school diploma as predictors that distinguish children with BLLs 2 to <5 µg/dL from those with lower (<2 µg/dL) or higher (≥5 µg/dL) BLLs. Over half of the study children had BLLs between 2 and 5 µg/dL, a range that does not currently trigger public health measures but that could result in adverse developmental outcomes if ignored. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Proceedings of the 2019 Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI) Program National Conference)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 1632 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Progression of Metabolic Syndrome Components along with Depression Symptoms and High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein: The Bogalusa Heart Study

by Azad R. Bhuiyan, Marinelle Payton, Amal K. Mitra, Sophia S. Leggett, Jihua Xu, Paul B. Tchounwou and Frank Smart

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(9), 5010; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18095010 - 09 May 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2428

Abstract

This study examined the association between depression symptoms and metabolic syndrome (MetS) or its components prospectively. It assessed the mediator role of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). Self-reported depression symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression scale. [...] Read more.

This study examined the association between depression symptoms and metabolic syndrome (MetS) or its components prospectively. It assessed the mediator role of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). Self-reported depression symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression scale. MetS was defined as having at least three of the following five criteria: (1) waist circumference >102 centimeters (cm) in men or >88 cm in women; (2) triglycerides ≥ 50 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL); (3) high-density lipoprotein cholesterol <40 mg/dL in men or <50 mg/dL in women; (4) blood pressure: systolic ≥ 30 and diastolic ≥85 mm of mercury or on antihypertensive medication; and (5) fasting glucose ≥110 mg/dL. The risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated using multivariate Poisson regression models. A total of 419 White and 180 Black individuals with a mean age of 36 years were followed for 6.9 years. The findings demonstrated that hs-CRP mediated the influence of depression symptoms on central obesity in White young adults. The adjusted RR for central obesity was 1.08 with 95% CI of 0.88–1.32, and the value for hs-CRP was 1.12 with 95% CI of 1.02–1.23. Although depression did not influence MetS in this study cohort, the complete mediator role of hs-CRP was established for central obesity, a component of MetS in White young adults. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Proceedings of the 2019 Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI) Program National Conference)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 1379 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development and Validation of a Sensitive, Specific and Reproducible UPLC-MS/MS Method for the Quantification of OJT007, A Novel Anti-Leishmanial Agent: Application to a Pharmacokinetic Study

by Maria Rincon Nigro, Jing Ma, Ololade Tosin Awosemo, Huan Xie, Omonike Arike Olaleye and Dong Liang

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(9), 4624; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18094624 - 27 Apr 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1919

Abstract

OJT007 is a methionine aminopeptidase 1 (MetAP1) inhibitor with potent anti-proliferative effects against Leishmania Major. In order to study its pharmacokinetics as a part of the drug development process, a sensitive, specific, and reproducible ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method [...] Read more.

OJT007 is a methionine aminopeptidase 1 (MetAP1) inhibitor with potent anti-proliferative effects against Leishmania Major. In order to study its pharmacokinetics as a part of the drug development process, a sensitive, specific, and reproducible ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method was developed and validated. Voriconazole was used as the internal standard to generate standard curves ranging from 5 to 1000 ng/mL. The separation was achieved using a UPLC system equipped with an Acquity UPLC BEH C₁₈ column (2.1 × 50 mm, 1.7 μm) with 0.1% formic acid in acetonitrile and 0.1% formic acid in water as the mobile phase under gradient elution at a flow rate of 0.4 mL/min. The mass analysis was performed with a 4000 QTRAP^® mass spectrometer using multiple-ion reaction monitoring (MRM) in the positive mode, with the transition of m/z 325 → m/z 205 for OJT007 and m/z 350 → m/z 101 for voriconazole. The intra- and inter-day precision and accuracy were within ±15%. The mean extraction recovery and the matrix effect were 95.1% and 7.96%, respectively, suggesting no significant matrix interfering with the quantification of the drug in rat plasma. This study was successfully used for the pharmacokinetic evaluation of OJT007 using the rat as an animal model. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Proceedings of the 2019 Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI) Program National Conference)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

9 pages, 1426 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Short Communication: Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitors Drug Resistance Mutations in Puerto Rico HIV-Positive Individuals

by Pablo López, Grissell Tirado, Andrea Arias, Raphael Sánchez, Elliott R. Rodríguez-López and Vanessa Rivera-Amill

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(5), 2719; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18052719 - 08 Mar 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2594

Abstract

The HIV-1 integrase viral protein is responsible for incorporating the viral DNA into the genomic DNA. The inhibition of viral integration into host cell DNA is part of recent therapeutic procedures. Combination therapy with protease and reverse transcriptase inhibitors has demonstrated good synergistic [...] Read more.

The HIV-1 integrase viral protein is responsible for incorporating the viral DNA into the genomic DNA. The inhibition of viral integration into host cell DNA is part of recent therapeutic procedures. Combination therapy with protease and reverse transcriptase inhibitors has demonstrated good synergistic results in reducing viral replication. The purpose of this study is to assess the occurrence of integrase drug resistance mutations from the period comprising 2013 through 2018 in Puerto Rico (PR). We analyzed 131 nucleotide sequences available in our HIV genotyping database, and we performed drug resistance mutation analyses using the Stanford HIV Drug Resistance Database. Twenty-one sequences (16.03%) harbored major or resistance-associated mutations. We identified the Q148HKR, G140S, Y143R, N155H, S147G, and E138EA major drug resistance mutations and the D232DN, T97TA, E157Q, G163GART accessory mutations. We detected high-level drug resistance to Elvitegravir and Raltegravir (76.19% and 85.71%). Moreover, we identified sequences harboring drug resistance mutations that could provide resistance to Dolutegravir. The transmission of strains with integrase antiretroviral resistance has been previously documented in treatment naïve patients. Given the increase of patients treated with integrase inhibitors, surveillance of drug resistance mutations is an essential aspect of PR’s clinical management of HIV infection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Proceedings of the 2019 Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI) Program National Conference)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

27 pages, 67612 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Expression Profiling Identifies TWIST2 Target Genes in Setleis Syndrome Patient Fibroblast and Lymphoblast Cells

by Noe E. Crespo, Alexandra Torres-Bracero, Jessicca Y. Renta, Robert J. Desnick and Carmen L. Cadilla

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(4), 1997; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18041997 - 19 Feb 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3625

Abstract

Background: Setleis syndrome (SS) is a focal facial dermal dysplasia presenting with bilateral temporal skin lesions, eyelash abnormalities and absent meibomian glands. SS is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the TWIST2 gene, which codes for a transcription factor [...] Read more.

Background: Setleis syndrome (SS) is a focal facial dermal dysplasia presenting with bilateral temporal skin lesions, eyelash abnormalities and absent meibomian glands. SS is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the TWIST2 gene, which codes for a transcription factor of the bHLH family known to be involved in skin and facial development. Methods: We obtained gene expression profiles by microarray analyses from control and SS patient primary skin fibroblast and lymphoblastoid cell lines. Results: Out of 983 differentially regulated genes in fibroblasts (fold change ≥ 2.0), 479 were down-regulated and 509 were up-regulated, while in lymphoblasts, 1248 genes were down-regulated and 73 up-regulated. RT-PCR reactions confirmed altered expression of selected genes. Conclusions: TWIST2 is described as a repressor, but expression profiling suggests an important role in gene activation as well, as evidenced by the number of genes that are down-regulated, with a much higher proportion of down-regulated genes found in lymphoblastoid cells from an SS patient. As expected, both types of cell types showed dysregulation of cytokine genes. These results identify potential TWIST2 target genes in two important cell types relevant to rare disorders caused by mutations in this bHLH gene. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Proceedings of the 2019 Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI) Program National Conference)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 1139 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Using the MMSE-2 to Measure Cognitive Deterioration in a Sample of Psychiatric Patients Living in Puerto Rico

by Sandra I. Ralat

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(4), 1694; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18041694 - 10 Feb 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2456

Abstract

Patients with psychiatric disorders often have cognitive impairment. Several deficits have been recognized in patients with mood and/or psychotic disorders. We hypothesized that differences in the levels of deterioration exist between patients with bipolar disorder (BD), major depressive disorder (MDD), and schizoaffective disorder [...] Read more.

Patients with psychiatric disorders often have cognitive impairment. Several deficits have been recognized in patients with mood and/or psychotic disorders. We hypothesized that differences in the levels of deterioration exist between patients with bipolar disorder (BD), major depressive disorder (MDD), and schizoaffective disorder (SAD). The mini-mental state examination, version 2 (MMSE-2), was used with a sample of 160 psychiatric patients to measure cognitive impairment. The aims of this study were as follows: (1) To characterize the differences in cognitive deterioration among patients diagnosed with BD, MDD, or SAD; (2) to explore item difficulty and cutoff points based on the educational level and other variables which are significant for our psychiatric population. Descriptive statistics were used for categorical variables. In addition, a Bonferroni post hoc test and an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) for the continuous dependent variable were performed. Psychiatric diagnosis and years of education adjusted by several covariates proved to be significant. The 25th percentile were obtained to establish the cutoff points. Each item’s difficulty was analyzed using means and chi-square tests. Cognitive deterioration was found in 51% of the patients with SAD, in 31% with BD, and in 18% with MDD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Proceedings of the 2019 Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI) Program National Conference)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

7 pages, 311 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Examining Cervical Cancer Preventive Behaviors for Latinx Transmasculine Individuals among Medical Students

by Alíxida Ramos-Pibernus, Paola Carminelli-Corretjer, Mario Bermonti-Pérez, Nelmit Tollinchi-Natali, Coral Jiménez-Ricaurte, David Mejías-Serrano, Julian Silva-Reteguis, Fabian Moreta-Ávila, Malynie Blanco, Lellanes Justiz, Marta Febo and Eliut Rivera-Segarra

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(3), 851; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18030851 - 20 Jan 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2279

Abstract

Latinx transmasculine men (LTM) can be at a particularly high risk for cervical cancer as they lie at the intersection of two health disparity populations (gender and ethnic minorities). Previous research using self-report measures has documented how negative interactions with providers are a [...] Read more.

Latinx transmasculine men (LTM) can be at a particularly high risk for cervical cancer as they lie at the intersection of two health disparity populations (gender and ethnic minorities). Previous research using self-report measures has documented how negative interactions with providers are a key barrier for cervical cancer screening among LTM. However, no research to date has examined, via direct observation, cervical cancer preventive behaviors in clinical interactions with LTM. Thus, the objective of this study was to examine cervical cancer preventive behaviors in clinical interactions between medical students and an LTM. The team implemented standardized patient simulations (simulations of clinical interactions with actors portraying the role of a patient), self-report measures, and observational techniques. A total of 37 medical students participated in the study. The results were mixed with some key behaviors neglected (i.e., asking if the patient preferred to collect the HPV test sample by himself), while others were enacted (i.e., checking family history of cervical cancer). Further research is needed to better understand behaviors in clinical interactions with LTM as well as how to improve them. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Proceedings of the 2019 Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI) Program National Conference)

18 pages, 659 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Twenty Years of Leading the Way among Cohort Studies in Community-Driven Outreach and Engagement: Jackson State University/Jackson Heart Study

by Clifton Addison, Brenda W. Campbell Jenkins, Monique White, Darcel Thigpen Odom, Marty Fortenberry, Gregory Wilson, Pamela McCoy, Lavon Young, Clevette Woodberry, Kathryn Herron, Jermal Clark, Marinelle Payton and Donna Antoine LaVigne

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(2), 696; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18020696 - 15 Jan 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2780

Abstract

Background: History has recorded the tremendous concerns and apprehension expressed by African Americans about participating in research studies. This review enumerates the collaborative techniques that were utilized by the Jackson State University (JSU) Jackson Heart Study (JHS) community-focused team to facilitate recruitment and [...] Read more.

Background: History has recorded the tremendous concerns and apprehension expressed by African Americans about participating in research studies. This review enumerates the collaborative techniques that were utilized by the Jackson State University (JSU) Jackson Heart Study (JHS) community-focused team to facilitate recruitment and retention of the JHS cohort and to implement health education and health promotion in the JHS communities. Methods: This review describes the evolution of the JSU JHS community initiatives, an innovative community-driven operation, during the period 1999–2018. Results: JSU JHS community-focused investigators published approximately 20 manuscripts, including community-led research and publications with community lead authors and co-authors, research and publications in collaboration with other JHS staff, through other JSU-funded projects. The JSU JHS community-focused unit also initiated the JHS Community Training Activities, developed the Community Health Advisory Network (CHAN), and trained and certified 137 Community Health Advisors. In addition, the JSU JHS community-focused unit developed the Collaborative Community Science Model (CCSM) that symbolized its approach to community engagement and outreach, and a Trust Scale for ascertaining African Americans’ willingness to engage in biomedical research collaborations. Conclusion: This review offers educators, public health professionals, and research investigators a useful starting point for the development, selection, or improvement of techniques to motivate, inspire, and engage community residents in a community–academia partnership that yielded maximum benefits in the areas of health education, health promotion and interventions, and biomedical research. Substantial, meaningful community engagement is possible when prioritizing elimination of health disparities and long-term improvement in health care access in the target populations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Proceedings of the 2019 Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI) Program National Conference)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

9 pages, 307 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Rural Community Engagement for Health Disparities Research: The Unique Role of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)

by Lorraine C. Taylor, Charity S. Watkins, Hannah Chesterton, K. Sean Kimbro and Ruby Gerald

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(1), 64; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18010064 - 23 Dec 2020

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2450

Abstract

Reducing health disparities in rural communities of color remains a national concern. Efforts to reduce health disparities often center on community engagement, which is historically the strategy used to provide rural minority populations with support to access and utilize health information and services. [...] Read more.

Reducing health disparities in rural communities of color remains a national concern. Efforts to reduce health disparities often center on community engagement, which is historically the strategy used to provide rural minority populations with support to access and utilize health information and services. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), with their origins derived from social injustices and discrimination, are uniquely positioned to conduct this type of engagement. We present the “Research with Care” project, a long-standing positive working relationship between North Carolina Central University (NCCU) and rural Halifax County, North Carolina, demonstrating an effective campus–community partnership. The importance of readiness to implement Community-based Participatory Research (CBPR) principles is underscored. As demonstrated by the NCCU–Halifax partnership, we recommend leveraging the positive associations of the HBCU brand identity as a method of building and sustaining meaningful relationships with rural Black communities. This underscores the role and value of HBCUs in the health disparities research arena and should be communicated and embraced. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Proceedings of the 2019 Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI) Program National Conference)

20 pages, 2705 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluating Research Centers in Minority Institutions: Framework, Metrics, Best Practices, and Challenges

by Angela Sy, Traci Hayes, Kelly Laurila, Carlamarie Noboa, Robbert J. Langwerden, Michelle M. Hospital, Doris A. Andújar-Pérez, Lakesha Stevenson, Suzanne M. Randolph Cunningham, Latrice Rollins, Hala Madanat, Tanya Penn and Shiva Mehravaran

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(22), 8373; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17228373 - 12 Nov 2020

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4071

Abstract

The NIH-funded Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI) program is currently funding 18 academic institutions to strengthen the research environment and contribution to health disparities research. The purpose of this multiphase mixed-methods study was to establish a uniform evaluation framework for demonstrating the [...] Read more.

The NIH-funded Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI) program is currently funding 18 academic institutions to strengthen the research environment and contribution to health disparities research. The purpose of this multiphase mixed-methods study was to establish a uniform evaluation framework for demonstrating the collective success of this research consortium. Methods included discussions of aims and logic models at the RCMI Evaluators’ Workshop, a literature review to inform an evaluation conceptual framework, and a case study survey to obtain evaluation-related information and metrics. Ten RCMIs participated in the workshop and 14 submitted responses to the survey. The resultant RCMI Evaluation Conceptual Model presents a practical ongoing approach to document RCMIs’ impacts on health disparities. Survey results identified 37 common metrics under four primary categories. Evaluation challenges were issues related to limited human resources, data collection, decision-making, defining metrics, cost-sharing, and revenue-generation. There is a need for further collaborative efforts across RCMI sites to engage program leadership and community stakeholders in addressing the identified evaluation challenges and measurement. Program leadership should be engaged to apply the Evaluation Conceptual Framework and common metrics to allow for valid inter-institutional comparisons and consortium-wide evaluations. Stakeholders could ensure evaluation metrics are used to facilitate community impacts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Proceedings of the 2019 Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI) Program National Conference)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 2441 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

The Development of a Knowledge Test on Transgender Patients’ Care

by Jonathan Hernández-Agosto, Kyle Melin, Jurynelliz Rosa-Vega, Edgar Carlo-Frontera, Andrés Rodríguez-Ochoa and Darlene Santiago-Quiñones

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(19), 7192; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17197192 - 01 Oct 2020

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2286

Abstract

The objective of this study was to develop an assessment instrument to measure the effects of a continuing education intervention on 3 domains in pharmacists’ knowledge needed to provide pharmaceutical care for transgender patients: (1) foundations of gender-affirming care, (2) health disparities and [...] Read more.

The objective of this study was to develop an assessment instrument to measure the effects of a continuing education intervention on 3 domains in pharmacists’ knowledge needed to provide pharmaceutical care for transgender patients: (1) foundations of gender-affirming care, (2) health disparities and the specific needs of transgender patients, and (3) hormone treatments for transgender patients. Multiple-choice questions were developed, and an initial item bank of 47 items was drafted. Item bank revision was conducted by content matter experts, while feedback from 8 practicing pharmacists was provided for face validity and further insights. A preliminary test, containing 42 items was administered to 64 pharmacists before and after a three-hour continuing education intervention. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient yielded a value of 0.65 as a pre-test and 0.77 as a post-test. Items were less difficult to answer by participants after taking the three-hour continuing education, showing better discrimination among high and low performers in the instrument administration as post-test, as well as better correlation when comparing participants’ performance in the overall score against item-level performance. Psychometric evidence supports further instrument examination, which can improve this tool to measure gains in pharmacists’ knowledge related to the care of transgender patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Proceedings of the 2019 Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI) Program National Conference)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 5756 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Transcriptional Profiling and Biological Pathway(s) Analysis of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in a Pakistani Population

by Zarish Noreen, Christopher A. Loffredo, Attya Bhatti, Jyothirmai J. Simhadri, Gail Nunlee-Bland, Thomas Nnanabu, Peter John, Jahangir S. Khan and Somiranjan Ghosh

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(16), 5866; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17165866 - 13 Aug 2020

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3265

Abstract

The epidemic of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is an important global health concern. Our earlier epidemiological investigation in Pakistan prompted us to conduct a molecular investigation to decipher the differential genetic pathways of this health condition in relation to non-diabetic controls. Our [...] Read more.

The epidemic of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is an important global health concern. Our earlier epidemiological investigation in Pakistan prompted us to conduct a molecular investigation to decipher the differential genetic pathways of this health condition in relation to non-diabetic controls. Our microarray studies of global gene expression were conducted on the Affymetrix platform using Human Genome U133 Plus 2.0 Array along with Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) to associate the affected genes with their canonical pathways. High-throughput qRT-PCR TaqMan Low Density Array (TLDA) was performed to validate the selected differentially expressed genes of our interest, viz., ARNT, LEPR, MYC, RRAD, CYP2D6, TP53, APOC1, APOC2, CYP1B1, SLC2A13, and SLC33A1 using a small population validation sample (n = 15 cases and their corresponding matched controls). Overall, our small pilot study revealed a discrete gene expression profile in cases compared to controls. The disease pathways included: Insulin Receptor Signaling, Type II Diabetes Mellitus Signaling, Apoptosis Signaling, Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Signaling, p53 Signaling, Mitochondrial Dysfunction, Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Signaling, Parkinson’s Signaling, Molecular Mechanism of Cancer, and Cell Cycle G1/S Checkpoint Regulation, GABA Receptor Signaling, Neuroinflammation Signaling Pathway, Dopamine Receptor Signaling, Sirtuin Signaling Pathway, Oxidative Phosphorylation, LXR/RXR Activation, and Mitochondrial Dysfunction, strongly consistent with the evidence from epidemiological studies. These gene fingerprints could lead to the development of biomarkers for the identification of subgroups at high risk for future disease well ahead of time, before the actual disease becomes visible. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Proceedings of the 2019 Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI) Program National Conference)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research, Other

15 pages, 634 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Olfactory System as Marker of Neurodegeneration in Aging, Neurological and Neuropsychiatric Disorders

by Naina Bhatia-Dey and Thomas Heinbockel

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(13), 6976; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18136976 - 29 Jun 2021

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3910

Abstract

Research studies that focus on understanding the onset of neurodegenerative pathology and therapeutic interventions to inhibit its causative factors, have shown a crucial role of olfactory bulb neurons as they transmit and propagate nerve impulses to higher cortical and limbic structures. In rodent [...] Read more.

Research studies that focus on understanding the onset of neurodegenerative pathology and therapeutic interventions to inhibit its causative factors, have shown a crucial role of olfactory bulb neurons as they transmit and propagate nerve impulses to higher cortical and limbic structures. In rodent models, removal of the olfactory bulb results in pathology of the frontal cortex that shows striking similarity with frontal cortex features of patients diagnosed with neurodegenerative disorders. Widely different approaches involving behavioral symptom analysis, histopathological and molecular alterations, genetic and environmental influences, along with age-related alterations in cellular pathways, indicate a strong correlation of olfactory dysfunction and neurodegeneration. Indeed, declining olfactory acuity and olfactory deficits emerge either as the very first symptoms or as prodromal symptoms of progressing neurodegeneration of classical conditions. Olfactory dysfunction has been associated with most neurodegenerative, neuropsychiatric, and communication disorders. Evidence revealing the dual molecular function of the olfactory receptor neurons at dendritic and axonal ends indicates the significance of olfactory processing pathways that come under environmental pressure right from the onset. Here, we review findings that olfactory bulb neuronal processing serves as a marker of neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Proceedings of the 2019 Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI) Program National Conference)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 379 KiB

Open AccessReview

Role of Stress-Survival Pathways and Transcriptomic Alterations in Progression of Colorectal Cancer: A Health Disparities Perspective

by Urbashi Basnet, Abhijeet R. Patil, Aditi Kulkarni and Sourav Roy

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(11), 5525; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18115525 - 21 May 2021

Viewed by 2358

Abstract

Every year, more than a million individuals are diagnosed with colorectal cancer (CRC) across the world. Certain lifestyle and genetic factors are known to drive the high incidence and mortality rates in some groups of individuals. The presence of enormous amounts of reactive [...] Read more.

Every year, more than a million individuals are diagnosed with colorectal cancer (CRC) across the world. Certain lifestyle and genetic factors are known to drive the high incidence and mortality rates in some groups of individuals. The presence of enormous amounts of reactive oxygen species is implicated for the on-set and carcinogenesis, and oxidant scavengers are thought to be important in CRC therapy. In this review, we focus on the ethnicity-based CRC disparities in the U.S., the negative effects of oxidative stress and apoptosis, and gene regulation in CRC carcinogenesis. We also highlight the use of antioxidants for CRC treatment, along with screening for certain regulatory genetic elements and oxidative stress indicators as potential biomarkers to determine the CRC risk and progression. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Proceedings of the 2019 Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI) Program National Conference)

35 pages, 660 KiB

Open AccessReview

Mentoring New and Early-Stage Investigators and Underrepresented Minority Faculty for Research Success in Health-Related Fields: An Integrative Literature Review (2010–2020)

by Lynda B. Ransdell, Taylor S. Lane, Anna L. Schwartz, Heidi A. Wayment and Julie A. Baldwin

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(2), 432; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18020432 - 07 Jan 2021

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 6468

Abstract

Mentoring to develop research skills is an important strategy for facilitating faculty success. The purpose of this study was to conduct an integrative literature review to examine the barriers and facilitators to mentoring in health-related research, particularly for three categories: new investigators (NI), [...] Read more.

Mentoring to develop research skills is an important strategy for facilitating faculty success. The purpose of this study was to conduct an integrative literature review to examine the barriers and facilitators to mentoring in health-related research, particularly for three categories: new investigators (NI), early-stage investigators (ESI) and underrepresented minority faculty (UMF). PsychINFO, CINAHL and PubMed were searched for papers published in English from 2010 to 2020, and 46 papers were reviewed. Most papers recommended having multiple mentors and many recommended assessing baseline research skills. Barriers and facilitators were both individual and institutional. Individual barriers mentioned most frequently were a lack of time and finding work–life balance. UMF mentioned barriers related to bias, discrimination and isolation. Institutional barriers included lack of mentors, lack of access to resources, and heavy teaching and service loads. UMF experienced institutional barriers such as devaluation of experience or expertise. Individual facilitators were subdivided and included writing and synthesis as technical skills, networking and collaborating as interpersonal skills, and accountability, leadership, time management, and resilience/grit as personal skills. Institutional facilitators included access to mentoring, professional development opportunities, and workload assigned to research. Advocacy for diversity and cultural humility were included as unique interpersonal and institutional facilitators for UMF. Several overlapping and unique barriers and facilitators to mentoring for research success for NI, ESI and UMF in the health-related disciplines are presented. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Proceedings of the 2019 Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI) Program National Conference)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Other

Jump to: Research, Review

9 pages, 329 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Timing of Cervico-Vaginal Cytokine Collection during Pregnancy and Preterm Birth: A Comparative Analysis in the PRINCESA Cohort

by Miatta A. Buxton, Noemi Meraz-Cruz, Brisa N. Sanchez, Betsy Foxman, Marisol Castillo-Castrejon, Marie S. O’Neill and Felipe Vadillo-Ortega

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(7), 3436; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18073436 - 26 Mar 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2020

Abstract

Preterm birth (PTB), defined as birth before 37 completed weeks of gestation, is a major cause of infant morbidity and mortality. Inflammation is an important component in the physiopathologic pathway leading to PTB but results from cross-sectional studies on associations between inflammation, as [...] Read more.

Preterm birth (PTB), defined as birth before 37 completed weeks of gestation, is a major cause of infant morbidity and mortality. Inflammation is an important component in the physiopathologic pathway leading to PTB but results from cross-sectional studies on associations between inflammation, as measured by cytokines, and PTB are inconsistent. Timing of cytokine measurement during pregnancy varies between studies and may contribute to inconsistent findings. We investigated the effects of timing on associations between 16 cervico-vaginal cytokines (Eotaxin, IL-10, IL-12p40, IL-17, IL-1RA, sIL-2rα, IL-1a, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IP-10, MCP-1, MIP-1α, MIP-1β, TNFα, and VEGF) and PTB among 90 women throughout pregnancy. We used logistic regression to compare associations between concentrations of cervico-vaginal cytokines from periods in pregnancy and PTB. Trimester 1 cytokines had the strongest positive associations with PTB; for example, OR = 1.76 (95% confidence interval: 1.28, 2.42) for IL-6. Second and third trimester associations were weaker but largely positive. IL-1α was the only cytokine with a negative association (trimesters 2, 3 and overall pregnancy). Strong first trimester associations between cytokines and PTB suggest that measuring cytokines early in pregnancy may hold promise for early identification of PTB risk. Variations in cytokine measurement during pregnancy may contribute to inconsistencies among studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Proceedings of the 2019 Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI) Program National Conference)

15 pages, 332 KiB

Open AccessEssay

Building a Diverse Workforce and Thinkforce to Reduce Health Disparities

by Richard Yanagihara, Marla J. Berry, Monica J. Carson, Sandra P. Chang, Heather Corliss, Marc B. Cox, Georges Haddad, Christine Hohmann, Scott T. Kelley, Eun Sook Yu Lee, Bruce G. Link, Richard J. Noel, Jr., Julie Pickrel, James T. Porter, Gregory J. Quirk, Temesgen Samuel, Jonathan K. Stiles, Angela U. Sy, Deborah A. Taira, Mary Jo Trepka, Fernando Villalta and Thomas E. Wiese Show full author list Hide full author list

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(4), 1569; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18041569 - 07 Feb 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3026

Abstract

The Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI) Program was congressionally mandated in 1985 to build research capacity at institutions that currently and historically recruit, train, and award doctorate degrees in the health professions and health-related sciences, primarily to individuals from underrepresented and minority [...] Read more.

The Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI) Program was congressionally mandated in 1985 to build research capacity at institutions that currently and historically recruit, train, and award doctorate degrees in the health professions and health-related sciences, primarily to individuals from underrepresented and minority populations. RCMI grantees share similar infrastructure needs and institutional goals. Of particular importance is the professional development of multidisciplinary teams of academic and community scholars (the “workforce”) and the harnessing of the heterogeneity of thought (the “thinkforce”) to reduce health disparities. The purpose of this report is to summarize the presentations and discussion at the RCMI Investigator Development Core (IDC) Workshop, held in conjunction with the RCMI Program National Conference in Bethesda, Maryland, in December 2019. The RCMI IDC Directors provided information about their professional development activities and Pilot Projects Programs and discussed barriers identified by new and early-stage investigators that limit effective career development, as well as potential solutions to overcome such obstacles. This report also proposes potential alignments of professional development activities, targeted goals and common metrics to track productivity and success. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Proceedings of the 2019 Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI) Program National Conference)

11 pages, 321 KiB

Open AccessEssay

Health Disparities Research Framework Adaptation to Reflect Puerto Rico’s Socio-Cultural Context

by Irene Lafarga Previdi and Carmen M. Vélez Vega

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(22), 8544; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17228544 - 18 Nov 2020

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4365

Abstract

In this article we aim to briefly describe how Puerto Rico’s living conditions influence adverse health outcomes at an individual, community and population level using the National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) Research Framework that considers multiple factors and their [...] Read more.

In this article we aim to briefly describe how Puerto Rico’s living conditions influence adverse health outcomes at an individual, community and population level using the National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) Research Framework that considers multiple factors and their intersecting influence. People living in Puerto Rico face significant levels of poverty, a deficient infrastructure, a fragile healthcare system and the continuing dismantling of the public education system as well as hazardous environmental exposures. The treatment of Puerto Ricans as second-class citizens due to the federal policies of the U.S. government and also the mismanagement of funds from local authorities impacts the prevalence of chronic health conditions and vulnerability to disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes and pandemics. Puerto Rico’s health disparities are rooted in historical, cultural, political and economic factors that have an impact on biology, interpersonal and environmental aspects. In order to significantly reduce health disparities, systemic change is needed at a local, national and federal level. Interventions must consider how social determinants impact the quality of life and seek to impact the intersections of different contexts that have an effect at an individual, interpersonal, communal and societal level. This can be achieved through evidence-based, culturally appropriate and community based as well as translational research approaches that seek to impact behavior and social economic factors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Proceedings of the 2019 Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI) Program National Conference)

10 pages, 979 KiB

Open AccessConference Report

A Review of Maternal Nutrition during Pregnancy and Impact on the Offspring through Development: Evidence from Animal Models of Over- and Undernutrition

by John F. Odhiambo, Christopher L. Pankey, Adel B. Ghnenis and Stephen P. Ford

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(18), 6926; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17186926 - 22 Sep 2020

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3695

Abstract

Similarities in offspring phenotype due to maternal under- or over-nutrition during gestation have been observed in studies conducted at University of Wyoming. In these studies, ewes were either nutrient-restricted (NR) from early to mid-gestation, or fed an obesogenic diet (MO) from preconception through [...] Read more.

Similarities in offspring phenotype due to maternal under- or over-nutrition during gestation have been observed in studies conducted at University of Wyoming. In these studies, ewes were either nutrient-restricted (NR) from early to mid-gestation, or fed an obesogenic diet (MO) from preconception through term. Offspring necropsies occurred at mid-gestation, late-gestation, and after parturition. At mid gestation, body weights of NR fetuses were ~30% lighter than controls, whereas MO fetuses were ~30% heavier than those of controls. At birth, lambs born to NR, MO, and control ewes exhibited similar weights. This was a consequence of accelerated fetal growth rates in NR ewes, and reduced fetal growth rates in MO ewes in late gestation, when compared to their respective controls. These fetal growth patterns resulted in remarkably similar effects of increased susceptibility to obesity, cardiovascular disease, and glucose intolerance in offspring programmed mostly during fetal stages of development. These data provide evidence that maternal under- and over-nutrition similarly induce the development of the same cadre of physical and metabolic problems in postnatal life. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Proceedings of the 2019 Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI) Program National Conference)

► Show Figures