bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correlates of Healthy Eating in Urban Food Desert Communities
Authors: Karpyn Allison , Young Candace R. , Collier Zachary , Glanz Karen 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background Understanding the most important elements of nutrition environments that affect eating behaviors can inform public health nutrition policy and programs Conceptual models depict interrelationships between these elements. However, empirical testing of conceptual models of nutrition environments and eating behaviors has been limited. The purpose of this study was to explore which factors in nutrition environments are significantly associated with dietary outcomes in two urban, low-income, and minority food desert communities.Methods This study analyzed cross-sectional baseline data from the Food in Our Neighborhood Study (FIONS). FIONS data were from adults recruited based on a random sample of addresses in neighborhood study areas of Philadelphia, PA and Trenton, NJ that were each three square miles and designated as low supermarket access areas. Study participants were required to live within one of the study areas and be the primary adult food shopper for the household. Study participants responded to a survey with ten domains that included shopping preferences, grocery spending, home food availability, perceived neighborhood nutrition environment, background characteristics, and ASA24® dietary assessments. Store audits were conducted in both study areas to estimate observed nutrition environments. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted on over 120 survey items and yielded a model of four factors with 22 items. MIMIC model analyses were performed on these four factors controlling for covariates. Main dietary outcomes were Healthy Eating Index (HEI) scores and fruit and vegetable consumption subscores computed from ASA24® assessments.Results The sample included 796 participants (n = 393, Philadelphia, PA; n = 403, Trenton, NJ) with demographics representative of urban, minority and low-income food desert communities: 60% were African-American, 55% had annual household incomes <$30,000, 45% participated in SNAP or WIC, and 58% experienced at least some food insecurity. Among four factors that emerged in EFA, three (My Store’s Quality; Perceptions of Neighborhood Food Availability; and Household Food Challenges) were significantly correlated with vegetable consumption subscores, and one (Household Food Challenges) was significantly associated with HEI scores.Conclusions This research tested and confirmed the importance of perceived nutrition environments and household food challenges in predicting dietary outcomes among residents of two urban, low-income, and minority food desert communities.
Identification of Molecular Mechanisms in Parkinson’s Disease Pathogenesis: Significance of Survival and Inflammation Pathways
Authors: Karaaslan Zerrin , Kahraman Ozlem Timirci , Sanli Elif , Ergen Hayriye Arzu , Bilgic Basar , Yilmaz Vuslat , Tuzun Erdem , Hanagasi Hasmet Ayhan , Kucukali Cem Ismail 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Our aim was to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients and controls by microarray technology and analysis of related molecular pathways by functional annotation. Methods: Thirty PD patients and 30 controls were enrolled. Agilent Human 8X60 K Oligo Microarray was used for gene level expression identification. Gene ontology and pathway enrichment analyses were used for functional annotation of DEGs. Protein-protein interaction analyses were performed with STRING. Expression levels of randomly selected 5 genes among DEGs were quantified by real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for validation. Flow cytometry was done to determine frequency of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Results: A total of 361 DEGs (143 upregulated and 218 downregulated) were identified after GeneSpring analysis. DEGs were involved in 28 biological processes, 12 cellular components and 26 molecular functions. Pathway analyses demonstrated that upregulated genes mainly enriched in p53 (CASP3, TSC2, ATR, MDM4, CCNG1) and PI3K/Akt (IL2RA, IL4R, TSC2, VEGFA, PKN2, PIK3CA, ITGA4, BCL2L11) signaling pathways. TP53 and PIK3CA were identified as most significant hub proteins. Expression profiles obtained by RT-PCR were consistent with microarray findings. PD patients showed increased proportions of CD49d+ Tregs, which correlated with disability scores. ﻿Discussion: Survival pathway genes were upregulated putatively to compensate neuronal degeneration. Bioinformatics analysis showed an association between survival and inflammation genes. Increased CD49d+ Treg ratios might signify the attempt of the immune system to suppress ongoing inflammation. Conclusion: Altered functions of Tregs might have an important role in PD pathogenesis and CD49d expression could be a prognostic biomarker of PD.
Communication of Pharmacogenomic Test Results and Treatment Plans in Pediatric Oncology: Deliberative Stakeholder Consultations with Parents
Authors: Longo Cristina , Rahimzadeh Vasiliki , Bartlett Gillian 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Effective communication in support of clinical decision making is central to the pediatric cancer care experience for families. A new laboratory derived pharmacogenetic test (LDT) to diagnose difficult-to-treat brain cancers has been developed to stratify children based on their ability to respond to available treatment, but may hinder effective communication since it can potentially remove the option for curative treatment in those children identified as non-responders, i.e. those with a catastrophic diagnosis.Objective: We solicited the perspectives of parents of children with difficult-to-treat brain cancer on communication preferences surrounding implementation of the LDT in standard care using deliberative stakeholder consultations.Methods: Eight bereaved parents of children who succumbed to difficult-to-treat brain cancer, and four parents of children currently undergoing treatment for similar cancers attended single deliberative consultations. Parents discussed four questions about potential communication issues that may arise with the LDT in practice. Of these, five parents attended a mixed consultation for the purpose of developing concrete recommendations for implementation of the LDT.Results: Explaining the risks, benefits, and accuracy of the LDT were considered essential to parents. Once an LDT-based diagnosis/prognosis can be made, parents valued honesty, empathy, and clarity in communication. Parents also requested that all results and treatment options be presented to them in measured doses, and in an unbiased manner over the course of several meetings. This communication strategy allowed sufficient time to understand and accept the diagnosis/prognosis, particularly if it was catastrophic. Continuous access to the appropriate psychological and social support or counselling at and post-diagnosis was also strongly recommended.Conclusions: Deliberants co-created family-centered recommendations surrounding communication issues of the LDT, providing guidance to pediatric oncologists implementing the test in practice.
A Systematic Review of Active Group-Based Dance, Singing, Music Therapy and Theatrical Interventions for Quality of Life, Functional Communication, Speech, Motor Function and Cognitive Status in People with Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Barnish Maxwell S , Barran Susannah M 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative condition associated with a wide range of motor and non-motor symptoms. There has been increasing interest in the potential benefit of performing arts as a therapeutic medium in PD. While there have been previous reviews, none have considered all performing arts modalities and most have focused on dance. This systematic review examined the potential benefit of all active group-based performing arts interventions for quality of life, functional communication, speech, motor function and cognitive status. Methods: Searches were conducted in February 2020 on five scholarly databases. Supplementary searches were conducted. Included studies were quantitative in design, and assessed the potential benefit of any active group-based performing arts intervention for quality of life, functional communication, speech, motor function or cognitive status in people with PD. Full text papers were eligible for inclusion, as were conference abstracts since January 2018. Screening, data extraction, narrative synthesis and quality assessment were conducted independently by two reviewers. Quality assessment used the SURE checklists. Results: 56 studies were eligible for inclusion in this systematic review, reported in 67 publications. Published from 1989 to 2020, these studies included a total of 1531 people with PD from 12 countries, and covered four broad performing arts modalities: dance, singing, music therapy and theatre. Dance remains the most commonly studied performing arts modality for PD (38 studies), while there were 12 studies on singing interventions, four on music therapy, and only two on theatrical interventions. There was evidence for a beneficial effect of all four performing arts modalities on at least some outcome domains. Conclusions: This is the first systematic review to assess the potential benefit of all active group-based performing arts interventions in PD. The evidence suggests that performing arts may be a useful therapeutic medium in PD. However, a substantial limitation of the evidence base is that no studies compared interventions from different performing arts modalities. Moreover, not all performing arts modalities were assessed for all outcome domains. Therefore it is not currently possible to determine which performing arts modalities are most beneficial for which specific outcomes.
Ethnobotanical survey of wild edible plants used by Baka Pygmies in southeastern Cameroon.
Authors: Fils Pascal Eric Billong , Nana Natacha Afiong , Betti Jean Lagarde , Njimbam Oumar Farick , Womeni Stéphanie Tientcheu , Martin Eva Ávila , Brull Guillermo Ros , Okale Robert , Fa John E. , Funk Stephan Michael 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background Forest inhabitants worldwide, and Indigenous Peoples especially, have depended for generations on plants and animals harvested in these ecosystems. A number of Baka Pygmy populations in south-eastern Cameroon became sedentarised in the 1950s, but still rely on hunting and gathering to meet their basic needs. The use of wild edible plants (WEP) by these communities remains largely undocumented. In this study we document the diversity of WEP used by Baka people in dense rainforests in the Mintom region. The area still contains relatively undisturbed forests areas, just south of the Dja Biosphere Reserve, one of the most important protected areas in the Congo Basin.Methods We conducted two ethnobotanical surveys in 2019 in four villages on the Mintom road. In the first survey, we interviewed a total of 73 individuals to determine WEP usage. In our second survey we specifically quantified WEP harvested and consumed daily in a number of households over a two-week period during the major raining season, when use of forest products is highest. Specimens of all recorded plants were collected and identified at the National Herbarium of Cameroon.Results We documented 88 plant species and 119 unique species/plant organ/recipes in 1,519 different citations. A total of 61 genera and 43 families were recorded. Excluding 14 unidentified wild yam species, 17 WEP species had not been reported in previous ethnobotanical surveys of the Baka. Our results showed that cultivated starchy plant foods make up a significant proportion of their daily nutritional intake.Conclusions A high diversity of WEP are consumed by the studied Baka communities. The study area is likely to be significant in terms of WEP diversity since 18 out of the 30 ‘key’ NTFP in Cameroon were quoted. Documentation of the use of WEP by Indigenous communities is vital to ensure the continuity of traditional knowledge and future food security.
Nicotinamide mononucleotide treatment increases NAD+ levels in an iPSC Model of Parkinson’s Disease but does not impact sirtuin activity
Authors: Fulleylove-Krause Brett , Sison Samantha , Ebert Allison 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Objectives: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder caused by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. Although the underlying mechanisms of dopaminergic neuron loss is not fully understood, evidence suggests mitochondrial malfunction as a key contributor to disease pathogenesis. We previously found that human PD patient stem cell-derived dopaminergic neurons exhibit reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) levels and reduce activity of sirtuins, a group of NAD+-dependent deacetylase enzymes that participate in the regulation of mitochondrial function, energy production, and cell survival. Thus, here we tested whether treatment of PD stem cell-derived dopaminergic neurons with nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), an NAD+ precursor, could increase NAD+ levels and improve sirtuin activity. Results: We treated PD iPSC-derived dopaminergic neurons with NMN and found that NAD+ levels did increase. The deacetylase activity of sirtuin (SIRT) 2 was improved with NMN treatment, but NMN had no impact on deacetylase activity of SIRT 1 or 3. These results suggest that NMN can restore NAD+ levels and SIRT 2 activity, but that additional mechanisms are involved SIRT 1 and 3 dysregulation in PD dopaminergic neurons.
Nutrient-imbalanced Conditions Shift the Interplay Between Zooplankton and Gut Microbiota
Authors: Li Yingdong , Xu Zhimeng , Liu Hongbin 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Nutrient stoichiometry of phytoplankton changes frequently with aquatic ambient nutrient concentrations, which is mainly influenced by environmental factors and the dynamics of ecosystems. Consequently, the stoichiometry of phytoplankton can markedly alter the metabolism and growth of zooplankton. However, the effects of nutrient-imbalanced prey on the interplay between zooplankton and their gut microbiota remain unknown. Using metatranscriptome sequencing, neutral community model (NCM), and experimental validation, we investigated the interactions between Daphnia magna and its gut microbiota on nutrient-imbalanced algal diet. Our results showed that in nutrient depleted water, nutrient-enriched zooplankton gut stimulated the accumulation of microbial polyphosphate and the assimilation of ammonia under phosphorus and nitrogen limited diet, respectively. Comparing with nutrient replete group, both N and P limitation had markedly promoted the gene expression of gut microbial for organic matter degradation but repressed that for anaerobic metabolisms. Besides, with N and P limited diet, the gut microbial community exhibited a higher fitting to NCM, suggesting increased ambient-gut exchange process favored by compensatory feeding of D. magna. This process also elevated oxygen level in the gut and explained the repressed anaerobic metabolism of gut microbes. Further axenic grazing experiment revealed that bacteria can still benefit D. magna to achieve a better growth under nutrient-imbalanced diet by enhancing their digestion capability. Together, these results demonstrated that under nutrient-imbalanced diet, the microbes not only benefit themself by absorbing excess nutrients inside zooplankton gut but also benefit zooplankton to achieve a better adaptation.
Geographically extensive larval surveys reveal an unexpected scarcity of primary vector mosquitoes in a region of persistent malaria transmission in western Zambia
Authors: Cross Dónall Eoin , Thomas Chris James , McKeown Niall , Siaziyu Vincent , Healey Amy , Willis Tom , Singini Douglas , Liywali Francis , Silumesi Andrew , Sakala Jacob , Smith Mark , Macklin Mark , Hardy Andy J , Shaw Paul W 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: The Barotse floodplains of the upper Zambezi River and its tributaries are a highly dynamic environment, with seasonal flooding and transhumance presenting a shifting mosaic of potential larval habitat and human and livestock bloodmeals for malaria vector mosquitoes. However, limited entomological surveillance has been undertaken to characterise the vector community in these floodplains and their environs. Such information is necessary as, despite substantial deployment of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS) against Anopheles vectors, malaria transmission persists across Barotseland in Zambia’s Western Province.Methods: Geographically extensive larval surveys were undertaken in two health districts along 102 km of transects, at fine spatial resolution, during a dry season and following the peak of the successive wet season. Larvae were sampled within typical Anopheles flight range of human settlements and identified through genetic sequencing of cytochrome c oxidase I and internal transcribed spacer 2 regions of mitochondrial and nuclear DNA. This facilitated detailed comparison of taxon-specific abundance patterns between ecological zones differentiated by hydrological controls.Results: An unexpected paucity of primary vectors was revealed, with An. gambiae s.l. and An. funestus representing < 2% of 995 sequenced anophelines. Potential secondary vectors predominated in the vector community, primarily An. coustani group species and An. squamosus. Whilst the distribution of An. gambiae s.l. in the study area was highly clustered, secondary vector species were ubiquitous across the landscape in both dry and wet seasons, with some taxon-specific relationships between abundance and ecological zones by season.Conclusions: Larval survey results imply that residual transmission of malaria in Barotseland is being mediated predominantly by secondary vector species, whose known tendencies for crepuscular and outdoor biting renders them largely insensitive to prevalent vector control methods (ITNs and IRS). Alternative interventions may be required against this vector community to further reduce transmission. Larviciding is one potential supplementary intervention, although it presents a challenge in extensive wetlands such as those found in the Upper Zambezi catchment. However, the combination of advances in remote sensing of habitats, genetic identification of local vectors, and spatial modelling present a potential opportunity to optimise targeting of aerial spraying in these environments.
miR-206 regulates a metabolic switch in nasopharyngeal carcinoma by suppressing HK2 expression
Authors: Luo Chunying , Liu Min , Zhang Jianwei , Su Guoqiang , Wei Zhonghua 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Many studies have shown that microRNAs play key functions in nasopharyngeal carcinoma proliferation, invasion and metastasis. However, whether the dysregulated level of miRNAs contributes to the metabolic shift in nasopharyngeal carcinoma is not completely understood.Objectives: This study was conducted to explore the expression and function of miR-206 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.Methods: miR-206 expression level was examined by real-time PCR. miR-206 inhibitor, mimics, and scrambled control were transiently transfected into nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells and their effects on colony formation, glucose uptake, and lactate secretion were observed in vitro. Moreover, the relationship between the levels of miR-206 and HK2 was examined by luciferase reporter and assay western blot.Results: In our study, we reported downregulation of miR-206 expression leads to metabolic change in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells. miR-206 controls this function by enhancing HK2 expression. The enhancement of aerobic metabolism activity induced by miR-206 leads to the rapid proliferation of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells.Conclusions: Our data demonstrated that miR-206 was involved in the regulation of Warburg effect in nasopharyngeal carcinoma by suppressing HK2 expression.
Knowledge, attitude and seropositivity of hepatitis B virus among blood donors in the Bamenda Regional Hospital Blood Bank, Cameroon
Authors: Samje Moses , Sop Sylvain , Tayou Claude Tagny , Mbanya Dora 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background

Despite the existence of a preventive vaccine against hepatitis B viral (HBV) infection, approximately 250 million people are infected with the virus worldwide. Considering the burden of this infection, this study aimed at evaluating the level of knowledge, attitude and seropositivity of the disease among apparently healthy, potential blood donors at the blood service of the Bamenda Regional Hospital Blood Bank.
Methods

A cross sectional study was carried out from March to May 2019 among 250 blood donors. Following screening for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) using the One step HBsAg test strip, information on the level of knowledge and attitude towards the infection was obtained using a self-administered questionnaire. Responses were graded as adequate knowledge or positive attitude if a cumulative score of > 50% was attained. Data was analyzed using the software IBM SPSS version 21.0. Multiple linear regression analysis was carried out to assess relationships between selected factors and knowledge of Hepatitis B. p-value of 0.05 was considered as statistical significance.
Results

The seropositivity of HBV was 6.4%. Overall, 46.8% of the study participants had adequate knowledge while 76.3% had a positive attitude toward the disease. The highest seropositivity was observed in singles (7.1%), primary school leavers (14.3%), unskilled laborers (14.5%) and replacement donors (9.33%). The risk of being hepatitis B seropositive was higher in males as compared to females [OR: 3.1 (95% CI 0.7–14). Participants with previous blood donation history were more protected [OR:0.4 (95% CI 0.1–1.2), p = 0.130] compared to first time donors.
Conclusion

The prevalence of hepatitis B among blood donors in this blood service is in the high intermediate category. On the whole, the level of knowledge on this infection among these blood donors is average. These findings suggest that health education on HBV infection should be provided to the public as a major strategy to curb the infection.
Plasma Glucose Levels of Asthma Patients Using Inhaled Fluticasone
Authors: Rahman Md. Atikur , Hasan Md. Nazmul , Rahim Md. Abdur , Ahmed Shamim , Munni Salina Parvin , Adhikari Mihir Kanti , Uddin Muhammad Jamal , Saif-Ur-Rahman KM 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Objective: Inhaled fluticasone is used in asthma for a long duration. However, It’s an adverse effect on glycaemia is debatable. This study explored the effect of inhaled fluticasone in long term asthma patients. A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among the adult normoglycaemic asthma patients in Bangladesh between June 2017 to May 2018. The study groups were getting inhaled fluticasone for a minimum of three months whereas comparative group were not on any steroids. Each group had 35 eligible participants. Results: In study group, mean plasma glucose at fasting was 5.27 ± 0.48 mmol/L, 2-hour after 75gm oral glucose was 6.04 ± 1.21 mmol/L and mean of HbA1c was 5.57 ± 0.41 % whereas in comparative group these were 5.17 ± 0.59 mmol/L, 5.69 ± 1.09 mmol/L, 5.47 ± 0.40 % respectively (p= 0.25, 0.20, 0.75 respectively). Duration of inhaled fluticasone use had no specific co-relation with fasting plasma glucose, plasma glucose 2-hour after 75gm oral glucose and HbA1c% (r= 0.016, p= 0.46; r= 0.015, p= 0.47; r= 0.019, p= 0.42 respectively).