bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evolution of the sheep coat: the impact of domestication on its structure and development
Authors: Jackson Neville , Maddocks Ian G. , Watts James E. , Scobie David , Mason Rebecca S. , Gordon-Thomson Clare , Stockwell Sally , Moore Geoffrey P.M. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractWild sheep and many primitive domesticated breeds have two coats: coarse hairs covering shorter, finer fibres. Both are shed annually. Exploitation of wool for apparel in the Bronze Age encouraged breeding for denser fleeces and continuously growing white fibres. The Merino is regarded as the culmination of this process. Archaeological discoveries, ancient images and parchment records portray this as an evolutionary progression, spanning millennia. However, examination of the fleeces from feral, two-coated and woolled sheep has revealed a ready facility of the follicle population to change from shedding to continuous growth and to revert from domesticated to primitive states. Modifications to coat structure, colour and composition have occurred in timeframes and to sheep population sizes that exclude the likelihood of variations arising from mutations and natural selection. The features are characteristic of the domestication phenotype: an assemblage of developmental, physiological, skeletal and hormonal modifications common to a wide variety of species under human control. The phenotypic similarities appeared to result from an accumulation of cryptic genetic changes early during vertebrate evolution. Because they did not affect fitness in the wild, the mutations were protected from adverse selection, becoming apparent only after exposure to a domestic environment. The neural crest, a transient embryonic cell population unique to vertebrates, has been implicated in the manifestations of the domesticated phenotype. This hypothesis is discussed with reference to the development of the wool follicle population and the particular roles of Notch pathway genes, culminating in the specific cell interactions that typify follicle initiation.
Testing the regional Convergence Hypothesis for the progress in health status in India during 1980–2015
Authors: Siddiqui Mohammad Zahid , Goli Srinivas , Rammohan Anu 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe key challenges of global health policy are not limited to improving average health status, with a need for greater focus on reducing regional inequalities in health outcomes. This study aimed to assess health inequalities across the major Indian states used data from the Sample Registration System (SRS, 1981–2015), National Family Health Survey (NFHS, 1992–2015) and other Indian government official statistics. Catching-up plots, absolute and conditionalβ-convergence models, sigma (σ) plots and Kernel Density plots were used to test the Convergence Hypothesis, Dispersion Measure of Mortality (DMM) and the Gini index to measure progress in absolute and relative health inequalities across the major Indian states. The findings from the absoluteβ-convergence measure showed convergence in life expectancy at birth among the states. The results from theβ- andσ-convergences showed convergence replacing divergence post-2000 for child and maternal mortality indicators. Furthermore, the estimates suggested a continued divergence for child underweight, but slow improvements in child full immunization. The trends in inter-state inequality suggest a decline in absolute inequality, but a significant increase or stationary trend in relative health inequality during 1981–2015. The application of different convergence metrics worked as robustness checks in the assessment of the convergence process in the selected health indicators for India over the study period.
Association of erythrocyte n-3 fatty acids with DXA-body fat and cardio-metabolic indices in middle-aged and elderly adults: a prospective study
Authors: Chen Yuming , Zeng Fang-fang , Lin Jie-sheng , Chen Gengdong , Ding Ding , Li Yi-hong 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIntroductionMany clinical trials showed favorable effects of high-doses supplemental n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) on cardio-metabolic risk factors. However, limited studies examined the prospective associations of circulating n-3 PUFA with body fat and its distribution, metabolic syndrome (MS), carotid atherosclerosis, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in subjects with habitual diets containing low levels of n-3 PUFA.Materials and MethodsThis community-based prospective study enrolled 4048 participants (40–75 years) at baseline (2008–2010, 2013) from Guangzhou, China. They were followed-up approximately once every 3 years. Fatty acids in erythrocyte membranes were measured at baseline. We determined metabolic syndrome factors, body fat by DXA scanning, carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and NAFLD by ultrasound at the visits. General information, anthropometric indices, habitual dietary intake and other covariates were assessed at each visit.ResultsAmong the total 4048 subjects, 3075 and 2671 subjects had erythrocyte n-3 PUFA data and completed the first and second follow-ups. Generally, erythrocyte n-3 PUFA were favorably associated with body fat (particularly at abdomen) and its changes, and with the presence and incidence of MS, type 2 diabetes, carotid IMT thickening. The participants with the highest (vs lowest) quartile of n-3 PUFA were associated with -5.81% fat mass (p < 0.001) and -2.11% of fat mass change at the abdomen (Android) area. The adjusted hazards ratios (95% CI) for the highest (vs. lowest) group were 0.74 (0.61, 0.89) (total n-3 PUFA), 0.71 (0.59, 0.86) (docosahexaenoic acid, DHA), 0.78 (0.65, 0.95) (docosapentaenoic acid, DPA), 1.96 (1.60, 2.40) (gamma-linolenic acid, GLA) for MS; 0.70(0.55, 0.90) (total n-3 PUFA), 0.67(0.52,0.87) (DHA) and 0.73(0.57,0.93) (DPA) for bifurcation IMT thickening, 0.57(0.38, 0.86) (eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA) and 0.63 (0.41, 0.95) (DPA) for type 2 diabetes, and 1.18 (1.09, 1.33) (DHA) for alleviated NAFLD. Both higher levels of total and individual marine n-3 PUFAs (DHA, EPA and DPA) were associated with lower blood pressure at baseline and lower changes in diastolic and systolic blood pressure over the follow-up period. Plant n-3 PUFA (α-linolenic acid, ALA) largely had less significant association with the above-mentioned indices as compared with marine n-3 PUFAs.DiscussionHigher proportions of erythrocyte n-3 PUFA (particularly marine sources) was associated with lower body fat, blood pressure and their changes, and lower risks of MS, type 2 diabetes and bifurcation IMT thickening, but higher chance of alleviated NAFLD in middle-aged and older adults.
Impact of previous diagnosis of gestational diabetes on lifestyle habits in the next pregnancy
Authors: Laitinen Kirsi , Muhli Ella , Koivuniemi Ella 
Published: June 2020

AbstractGestational diabetes (GDM) is a serious condition predisposing both the mother and child to health complications. Key means for treatment are lifestyle related, primarily adherence to a healthy diet and increase in physical activity. The aim of the study was to evaluate dietary quality and physical activity in early pregnancy of women reporting history of GDM compared to healthy women participating in a population-based study. Pregnant women were enrolled to the study by announcements in social media. The interested women (n = 1034) filled in an electronic questionnaire on their background data, validated Index of Diet Quality (IDQ) and index of leisure-time physical activity (MET-index) in early pregnancy. The protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of the University of Turku, Finland. The study population characteristics were representative of the Finnish pregnant women as compared with values reported in national perinatal statistics, except for overrepresentation of primiparas (54% compared to 41%) and underrepresentation of smokers during pregnancy (2.2% compared to 13%). Of the multiparas, 18.3% reported having been diagnosed with GDM in a previous pregnancy, which is in accordance to that in the general population (19%). Having a history of GDM was not reflected in the dietary quality in the present pregnancy. The IDQ score of the women with history of GDM (adj. mean 9.5) did not differ from those with no history (adj. mean 9.3, NS). When evaluating the categorized values, 45.8% of the women with the history of GDM and 45.4% of those without had a good dietary quality (IDQ score 10 or above). Similarly, the MET-index of the women with history of GDM (4.8 hrs/wk) did not differ from that of the women with no history (4.8 hrs/wk). Also, the categorized MET-index did not differ between the groups. The physical activity level of the women with history of GDM was light in the majority (52%) of the women, moderate in 41% and vigorous in 7%. Despite the known risks that GDM induces to health of the pregnant women and their babies, the dietary quality and physical activity of the women with a history of GDM did not differ from that of the women who were not previously affected. The results indicate that new means are needed alongside with the traditional counselling practices to motivate healthy lifestyle changes in pregnant women, particularly those at risk for recurrent GDM.
Development and feasibility testing of the smartphone-based dietary record app NutriDiary (beta version)
Authors: Conrad Johanna , Wiese Mats , Andone Ionut , Koch Stefanie , Markowetz Alexander , Alexy Ute , Nöthlings Ute 
Published: June 2020

AbstractSmartphone technology has the potential to facilitate dietary assessment in epidemiological studies. Measurement error might be reduced by real time recording being more feasible with mobile methods. Our aim was to develop NutriDiary, a smartphone app for conducting three-day weighed dietary records. It provides a digital version of the established pen-and-paper method in the Dortmund Nutritional and Anthropometric Longitudinally Designed (DONALD) study, an open cohort study from infancy to adulthood. NutriDiary was developed as a text-based app including brand specific recording of food products. Usability of the beta version of NutriDiary was evaluated in the DONALD study. Participants or their parents were offered to test the app for the annual dietary record and were asked to fill in an app-integrated evaluation questionnaire. Usability was assessed by the System Usability Scale (SUS) and in-app behavior recordings. In the beta version of NutriDiary, a consumed food item is selected using a free-text search from the integrated in-house database LEBTAB. To ease the process of recording, NutriDiary offers some usability features such as a recipe editor, an integrated help mode and a photo function for collecting information on branded food products. In total, 32 mostly female participants (69%) used the app with 21 subjects recording their own dietary intake and 11 subjects conducting a record for their child. However, a relatively large proportion of DONALD participants also refused using the app because they preferred the traditional pen-and-paper method as being easier. Among participants of the feasibility study, subjective usability of NutriDiary was “good” but considerable differences in individual ratings were observed (median SUS = 80, IQR = 23.75, minimum = 45). Although 38% of participants reported technical issues, 88% stated they would use the app again. Technical problems included issues related to setting the time, editing of entered food items and the photo function. In-app behavior recordings showed that the help mode and recipe function were well-used (72% and 63%, respectively). Feedback from the study staff revealed that the post-processing of the dietary data obtained with NutriDiary was still time-consuming. Overall, the beta version of the NutriDiary app was well-received by most participants. Some aspects for improvement such as a barcode scanning function and extension of the database were identified. Moreover, NutriDiary will be further optimized by implementing an automated recipe simulation function.
Participant engagement with a text message delivered intervention for weight loss and maintenance of weight loss in the postpartum period
Authors: McGirr Caroline , Gallagher Dunla , Ciara Rooney , Dombrowsk Stephan , Anderson Annie , Cardwell Christopher , Free Caroline , Doddinott Pat , Holmes Valerie , McIntosh Emma , Somers Camilla , Woodside Jayne , Young Ian , Kee Frank , McKinley Michelle 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIntroduction: Postpartum weight management is difficult for many mothers due to the demands of parenthood. Women have highlighted a need for support but experience barriers to engaging with lifestyle interventions hence more adaptable approaches are required. This work examined participants’ engagement with a 12-month, theory-based, automated, text message (SMS) delivered, intervention supporting postpartum weight management.Methods: SMS content was informed by: 1) the ‘Health Action Process Approach’ (HAPA)1; 2) behaviour change techniques associated with effectiveness in weight management interventions2; 3) women's accounts of postpartum weight-related experiences; and 4) personal and public involvement. A two-arm pilot RCT recruited women within two years postpartum, with a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2, through community sources and social media. Women were randomised via a secure remote system to receive the intervention or an active control delivering child development messages. Participants received 353 messages during the 12 month intervention. Two-way messages were used to assess engagement: 50 messages prompted women to respond with their weight; 36 interactive messages requested participants’ to respond ‘Yes/No’ to a question which then triggered a feedback message. Participant engagement with two-way messages was calculated as a percentage of replies sent by women and was categorised as ‘high’ or ‘low’ according to the median number of replies sent. Weight was measured at 0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months.Results: 51 of 100 women recruited were randomised to receive the intervention. In months 0–6, (47%) and (95%) of participants responded to the weight messages and the ‘Yes/No’ messages respectively. In months 7–12, the responses were (77%) and (86%) respectively. Participants who were high engagers with weight messages had greater mean weight loss compared with low engagers at all time points: at 12 months high engagers (n = 18) lost -2.66 kg and had a reduction in waist circumference at 12 months of -8.9 cm, compared to changes in low engagers (n = 18) of -0.84 kg and -3.6 cm. Likewise, high engagers with ‘Yes/No’ messages had greater mean weight loss compared with low engagers at all time points: at 12 months high engagers (n = 16) lost -2.87 kg and had a reduction in waist circumference of -9.4 cm, compared to changes in low engagers (n = 20) of -0.86 kg and -3.6 cm.Discussion: The use of two-way text messages was a useful way to encourage engagement with this SMS-delivered intervention. Higher engagement resulted in more weight loss compared to low engagement.
Percentage contribution of reference recipes to Food Groups for Irish and UK Food Based Dietary Guidelines.
Authors: Abouhajar Sali , Dolan Michael , O'Kelly Damian , Kennedy Aileen , Younger Katherine , O'Sullivan Elizabeth , Douglas Frances 
Published: June 2020

AbstractFood Based Dietary Guidelines (FBDG) are a set of recommendations that describe the quantity and types of foods to consume to promote healthy eating and prevent diseases such as obesity. However, when assessing compliance with FBDG, calculating contributions from composite dishes is challenging, since the specific recipe ingredients are often unknown. This project aims to establish proportional contribution of composite dishes to food groups defined by the Irish and UK FBDG. This will facilitate automated assessment of compliance with FBDG for users of novel technology such as Nutritics, a suite of integrated nutrition analysis software tools for healthcare professionals, educators and industries. Territory specific food composition data (n = 3291) for Ireland and the UK were downloaded from the 2015 McCance & Widdowson Composition of Foods Integrated Dataset (CoFIDs). Recipes were identified and classified into groups broadly aligned with the food groups defined in the Healthy Food for Life Ireland and the Eatwell Guide UK. Supplementary recipe details were accessed from McCance & Widdowson 7th Edition book and online resources. Recipes were categorised by recipe type and ingredients were categorised into food groups. Percentage contribution of each food group to the total recipe was calculated. Of the 3,291 foods, 1,108 were classified as recipes, details were available for 138 of these. Of the 138 recipes, there were fruit & vegetable dishes (n = 20), breads, potatoes, pasta and rice dishes (n = 12), meat, fish and alternative protein sources dishes (n = 40), dairy dishes (n = 23), high fat/oil, sugar, salt dishes (n = 43). For fruit & vegetable dishes, the median percentage contribution to the fruit & vegetable food group was 67% (15% min/ 100% max). For breads, potatoes, pasta and rice dishes the median percentage contribution to the breads, potatoes, pasta and rice food group was 53% (17% min/ 89% max). For meat, fish and alternative protein sources dishes, the median percentage contribution to meat, fish and alternative protein sources food group was 55% (16% min/ 85% max), for dairy dishes, the median percentage contribution to the dairy food group was 90% (53% min/ 96% max). For high fat/oil, sugar, salt dishes the median percentage contribution to the high fat/oil, sugar, salt food group was 22% (3% min/ 97% max). The calculation of recipes into percentage contribution to food groups can support assessment of adherence to FBDG when using reference recipes. This is a useful tool to support healthcare professionals when assessing dietary intake where specific recipe components are unknown.
Diet quality associated peripheral blood DNA methylation signatures
Authors: Ma Jiantao , Rebholz Casey , Braun Kim , Reynolds Lindsay , Aslibekyan Stella , Voortman Trudy , Fornage Myriam , Levy Daniel 
Published: June 2020

AbstractLeukocyte DNA methylation patterns associated with habitual diet may reveal molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of diet-related chronic diseases and highlight targets for prevention and treatment. We aimed to examine peripheral blood derived leukocyte DNA methylation signatures associated with diet quality. We meta-analyzed epigenome-wide associations between diet quality and DNA methylation levels at over 400,000 cytosine-guanine dinucleotides (CpGs). We conducted analysis primarily in 6,662 European ancestry (EA) participants and secondarily in a group additionally including 3,062 participants of non-European ancestry from five population-based cohort studies. DNA methylation profiles were measured in whole blood, CD4 + T-cells, or CD14 + monocytes. We used food frequency questionnaires to assess habitual intake and constructed two diet quality scores: the Mediterranean-style diet score (MDS) and Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI). Our primary analysis identified 32 diet-associated CpGs, 12 CpGs for MDS and 24 CpGs for AHEI (at FDR < 0.05, corresponding p-values = 1.2×10-6 and 3.1×10-6, respectively) in EA participants. Four of these CpGs were associated with both MDS and AHEI. In addition, Mendelian randomization analysis indicated that seven diet-associated CpGs were causally linked to at least one of the CVD risk factors. For example, hypermethylation of cg11250194 (FADS2), which was associated with higher diet quality scores, was also associated with lower fasting triglycerides concentrations (p-value = 1.5×10-14) and higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations (p-value = 1.7×10-8). Transethnic meta-analysis identified nine additional CpGs associated with diet quality (either MDS or AHEI) at FDR < 0.05. Overall quality of habitual diet was associated with differential peripheral leukocyte DNA methylation levels of 32 CpGs in EA participants. The diet-associated CpGs may serve as biomarkers and targets for preventive measures in CVD health. Future studies are warranted to examine diet-associated DNA methylation patterns in larger, ethnically diverse study samples.
Postprandial response of the blood metabolome and transcriptome of normal weight and obese men to increasing doses of a meal
Authors: Burnand David , Bütikofer Ueli , Portmann Reto , Walther Barbara , Vergères Guy 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIntroductionValidation of biomarkers reporting on the intake or bioactivity of foods requests that the dose-response behaviour of relevant nutrients be known. Establishing this relationship is, however, challenging because of the complex composition of foods. In addition, humans respond differently to caloric intake depending on their metabolic health. By allowing the measure of multi-molecular profiles, omics technologies provide better insights into these issues. We have previously measured the response of the blood cell transcriptome of normal weight (NW) and obese (OB) men to increasing caloric doses of a high-fat meal (HFM). We now describe the dose-response of the serum metabolome of these subjects and discuss the results in light of the transcriptomic response.Material and MethodsIn a randomized crossover study, we challenged 19 NW and 18 OB men with 500, 1’000, and 1’500 kcal HFM. The blood cell transcriptome was measured before and 2, 4, and 6 h after meal ingestion. The untargeted serum metabolome was assessed at the same time points. The genes and metabolites responding postprandially in a dose-dependant manner were identified.ResultsAmong the 1’385 features with a postprandial response, 178 showed a significant dose-response between meals. A majority of them increased (amino acids, bile salt conjugates, metabolites in urea cycle), whereas circa one fifth, indicative of an endogenous response, decreased (e.g. carnitine esters). Overall, the postprandial metabolome showed caloric saturation, the metabolome after 1’500 kcal HFM being quantitatively only marginally different than after 1’000 kcal. Although a subset of metabolites responded differently to the caloric increase, the postprandial metabolomes of NW and OB subjects were, overall, mostly characterized by their similarity. This finding contrasted with the blood cell transcriptome, which identified a subset of OB subjects whose expression of genes of the oxidative phosphorylation pathway was, compared to the NW subjects, more increased after ingestion of 1’500 kcal HFM.DiscussionWe report, for the first time, the response of the human serum metabolome to increasing caloric doses of a meal. The saturation observed between 1’000 and 1’500 kcal reflects on the control mechanisms regulating the metabolites entering the blood circulation. Interestingly, combining the analysis of the serum metabolome with the blood cell transcriptome indicated that the elevated cellular oxidative response to 1’500 kcal HFM in a subset of OB subjects results from a dysregulation of systemic cellular mechanisms in response to food intake, rather than from changes in gastrointestinal processing.