bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diverse biological processes coordinate the transcriptional response to nutritional changes in a Drosophila melanogaster multiparent population
Authors: Ng'oma Enoch , Williams-Simon Patricka A. , Rahman Aniqa , King Elizabeth G. 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Background

Environmental variation in the amount of resources available to populations challenge individuals to optimize the allocation of those resources to key fitness functions. This coordination of resource allocation relative to resource availability is commonly attributed to key nutrient sensing gene pathways in laboratory model organisms, chiefly the insulin/TOR signaling pathway. However, the genetic basis of diet-induced variation in gene expression is less clear.

Results

To describe the natural genetic variation underlying nutrient-dependent differences, we used an outbred panel derived from a multiparental population, the Drosophila Synthetic Population Resource. We analyzed RNA sequence data from multiple female tissue samples dissected from flies reared in three nutritional conditions: high sugar (HS), dietary restriction (DR), and control (C) diets. A large proportion of genes in the experiment (19.6% or 2,471 genes) were significantly differentially expressed for the effect of diet, 7.8% (978 genes) for the effect of the interaction between diet and tissue type (LRT, Padj. < 0.05). Interestingly, we observed similar patterns of gene expression relative to the C diet, in the DR and HS treated flies, a response likely reflecting diet component ratios. Hierarchical clustering identified 21 robust gene modules showing intra-modularly similar patterns of expression across diets, all of which were highly significant for diet or diet-tissue interaction effects (false discovery rate, FDR Padj. < 0.05). Gene set enrichment analysis for different diet-tissue combinations revealed a diverse set of pathways and gene ontology (GO) terms (two-sample t-test, FDR < 0.05). GO analysis on individual co-expressed modules likewise showed a large number of terms encompassing a large number of cellular and nuclear processes (Fisher exact test, Padj. < 0.01). Although a handful of genes in the IIS/TOR pathway including Ilp5, Rheb, and Sirt2 showed significant elevation in expression, known key genes such as InR, chico, insulin peptide genes, and the nutrient-sensing pathways were not observed.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that a more diverse network of pathways and gene networks mediate the diet response in our population. These results have important implications for future studies focusing on diet responses in natural populations.
Health literacy strengths and limitations among rural fishing communities in Egypt using the Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ)
Authors: Anwar Wagida Abdel Rahman , Mostafa Nayera S. , Hakim Sally Adel , Sos Dalia G. , Abozaid Dena A. , Osborne Richard H. 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Background

Health literacy is an important determinant of health. The aim of this study was to use a multi-dimensional measurement tool to describe the health literacy of people living in a fishing community in northern Egypt.

Methods

Data were collected from 436 people (fisherman and their families), using the Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ) which includes 9 scales. Effect sizes (ES) for standardized mean differences estimated the magnitude of difference between demographic groups.

Results

The mean age of participants was 42 years, 50% were male, 42% were working in the fishing sector, 17.9% had access to the Internet and 36.8% were illiterate. Male participants showed higher capabilities in domains 3 and 4 (ES = 0.21 and 0.27, respectively). In comparison to other occupations, fishing occupation had a negative impact on domain 7 (ES -0.23). Also, higher educational level was associated with higher HLQ indicators. Across all scales, domain 2 showed the lowest mean (SD) score; 2.23 (0.76) indicating that most people reported they didn’t have enough information.

Conclusions

This study has revealed that fishermen and their families have a wide range of health literacy difficulties which are likely to have profound negative effects on health behavior and health outcomes.
Psychological Distress and Associated Factors among Adult Tuberculosis Patients Attending Public Health Institutions in Dire Dawa and Harar Cities, Eastern Ethiopia: A Cross Sectional Study Design
Authors: Ayana Tegegn Mulatu , Roba Kedir Teji , Mabalhin Myrla Obejero 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Background
In developing countries the prevalence of psychological distress was higher among tuberculosis patients. Patients with tuberculosis infection were more prone to psychological distress than peoples without tuberculosis. However, little studies were conducted in on psychological distress among tuberculosis patients in Ethiopia, particularly in Eastern Ethiopian public health institution.

Methods

Institution based cross-sectional study design was conducted in four hospitals and six health centers that are found in Dire Dawa and Harar cities from January 10 to February 10, 2018. All Tuberculosis patients who fulfil inclusion criteria attending TB treatment in selected Health institution included in the study. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection on sociodemographic factors, psychological distress, health related factors, stigma experience and alcohol use. Data was coded, entered and cleaned using Epi Data version 3.1 software and finally exported into SPSS version 20 software for analysis. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression was carried out. All variables with p value ≤ 0.25 were taken into the multivariate model and P- Value less than 0.05 was taken as statistically significant.

Results

The prevalence of psychological distress among tuberculosis in this study population was 63.3% (95% CI: 58.1, 68.1). Being from rural residence (AOR: 1. 98; 95% CI: 1.01,3.86), co-infection TB- HIV (AOR: 2.15; 95% CI:1.02, 4.56), presence of at least one chronic disease (AOR:3.04; 95% CI:1.59,5.79), experience of stigma (AOR: 1.71; 95% CI:1.01, 2.90), Pulmonary and MDR-TB (AOR:2.53; 95% CI:1.50,4.28) and smoking cigarette (AOR:2.53; 95% CI:1.06,6.03) were associated with psychological distress.

Conclusion

In this study almost two third of the study participant had of psychological distress among tuberculosis patients. Chronic disease morbidities, HIV and TB co-infection and TB discrimination were associated with psychological distress. The co-morbid diagnosis of chronic diseases and TB- HIV co-infection needs more psychological care.
Adaptation of public health initiatives: expert views on current guidance and opportunities to advance their application and benefit
Authors: Yoong Serene , Bolsewicz Katarzyna , Grady Alice , Wyse Rebecca , Sutherland Rachel , Hodder Rebecca Kate , Kingsland Melanie , Nathan Nicole , McCrabb Sam , Bauman Adrian , Wiggers John , Moullin Joanna , Albers Bianca , Fernandez Maria , Hall Alix , Sims-Gould Joanie , Taylor Natalie , Rissel Chris , Milat Andrew , Bailey Andrew , Batchelor Samantha , Attia John , Wolfenden Luke 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Background

While there is some guidance to support the adaptation of evidence-based public health interventions, little is known about adaptation in practice and how to best support public health practitioners in its operationalization. This study explored public health researchers’ and practitioners’ views on available adaptation frameworks, identified potential improvements to increase the application of such guidance and identified opportunities to advance the adaptation literature to improve implementation of public health initiatives and achieve public health outcomes.

Methods

This qualitative study was undertaken with researchers, methodologists, policy makers and practitioners representing various public health expert organizations and universities internationally. Participants attended a face to face workshop in Newcastle, Australia in October 2018 where structured facilitated focus group discussions and small group activities were undertaken. Two qualitative methods - World Café and Appreciative Inquiry - were used to explore participants’ experiences of and opinions about adaptation frameworks, and to elicit suggestions for practical, detailed solutions to address identified gaps.

Results

Participants reported a number of limitations with current guidance including a lack of detail on ‘how’ to adapt, limited information on adaptation of implementation strategies and a number of structural issues with the wording and recommended order of adaptation framework elements. Participants noted that the generation of overarching principles that could be applied together with existing frameworks and/or related resources provides a practical way of supporting adaptation decisions in practice. Finally, participants identified a number of opportunities to further advance the field, including the building of an empirical evidence base on adaptation, advancing adaptation methods and developing data collection systems to capture adaptations.

Conclusions

This study provides an overview of expert views regarding existing frameworks for adaptation and their ability to be applied in practice. It identified a number of limitations, and suggests overarching principles to be applied when adapting public health initiatives.
Energy Balance-Related Factors Associating with Adolescent Weight Loss Intent: Evidence from the 2017 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey
Authors: Burns Ryan Donald 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Background: The purpose of this study was to examine specific energy balance-related behaviors (sedentary, physical activity, and dietary) associating with adolescent weight loss intent using data from the 2017 US Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS).

Methods: A multi-stage cluster sampling procedure was used to obtain a representative sample of US adolescents. The target population consisted of public and private high schoolers from grades 9 through 12. The number of sampled adolescents was 18,324 with 14,765 of the 18,324 sampled students submitting questionnaires with usable data (81% response rate). The outcome was intent to lose weight with specific energy-balance related behaviors examined as predictors. A weighted logistic regression model was employed to examine the associations between sedentary, activity, and dietary-related variables with weight loss intent controlling for age, sex, BMI percentile, and race/ethnicity.

Results: Variables associating with adolescent intent to lose weight included 3 or more hours of video game playing (OR=1.15, 95%CI: 1.01-1.31, p = 0.028), achieving 60 minutes of physical activity daily (OR=0.66, 95%CI: 0.59-0.73, p < 0.001), daily breakfast consumption (OR=0.76, 95%CI: 0.67-0.87, p < 0.001) and weekly salad consumption (OR=1.30, 95%CI: 1.12-1.52, p = 0.001).

Conclusions: There was an inverse association between physical activity and breakfast consumption with weight loss intent but a direct association between video game playing and salad consumption with weight loss intent in a representative sample of adolescents. Therefore, there is a discordance between adolescent weight loss intent and the engagement in specific energy balance-related health behaviors, particularly physical activity.
Sun protection education for adolescents: A feasibility study of a wait-list controlled trial of an intervention using objective measurement of sun exposure
Authors: Hubbard Gill , Cherrie John , Gray Jonathan , Kyle Richard G , Nioi Amanda , Wendelboe-Nelson Charlotte , Cowie Hilary , Dombrowski Stephan 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Background
People increase their risk of melanoma unless they are protected from the harmful effects of sun exposure during childhood and adolescence. We aimed to assess the feasibility of a three-component sun protection intervention- presentation, booklet, and text messages - and trial parameters.
Methods
This feasibility wait-list controlled trial was conducted in the United Kingdom in 2018. Students aged 13-15 years were eligible. Feasibility outcomes were collected for recruitment rates; data availability rates for objective measurements of melanin and erythema using a Mexameter and self-reported sunburn occurrences, severity and body location, tanning, sun protection behaviours and SSE collected before (baseline) and after the school summer holidays (follow-up); intervention reach, adherence, perceived impact and acceptability. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics; qualitative data were analysed thematically.
Results
Five out of eight schools expressing an interest in participating with four allocated to act as intervention and one control. Four parents/carers opted their child out of the study. 487 out of 724 students on the school register consented to the study at baseline (67%). 385 were in intervention group schools. Objective skin measurements were available for 255 (66%) of the intervention group at baseline and 237 (61%) of the group at follow up. Melanin increased; erythema decreased. Complete self-report data were available for 247 (64%) students in the intervention group. The number of students on the school register who attended the presentation and given the booklet was 379 (98%) and gave their mobile phone number was 155 (40%). No intervention component was perceived as more impactful on sun protection behaviours. Adolescents did not see the relevance of sun protection in the UK or for their age group.
Conclusions
This is the first study to use a Mexameter to measure skin colour in adolescents. Erythema (visible redness) lasts no more than three days and its measurement before and after a six week summer holiday may not yield relevant or meaningful data. A major challenge is that adolescents do not see the relevance of sun protection and SSE.
Dietary carbohydrate intake and the risk of esophageal cancer: A meta-analysis
Authors: Xuan Fei , Li Wei , Guo Xiaoqing , Liu Chuanyong 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Purpose: Dietary carbohydrate intake had become recognized as an important risk factor for risk of esophageal cancer. This meta-analysis aimed to assess the association between dietary carbohydrate intake and the risk of esophageal cancer.
Methods: Suitable databases were carefully searched. A random-effects model was used for combined the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Stata software 14.0 was adopted for the analysis.
Results: Thirteen publications were included in our study. There was significant correlation between highest category compared with lowest category of dietary carbohydrate intake and the risk of esophageal cancer (summarized OR= 0.627, 95%CI= 0.505-0.778, I2= 59.9%, P for heterogeneity = 0.001). The results in the subgroup of esophageal adenocarcinoma (summarized OR= 0.569, 95%CI= 0.417-0.777) and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (summarized OR= 0.665, 95%CI= 0.453-0.975) were consistent with the overall result. A positive association was found in European populations, Asian populations, North American populations, instead of South American populations.
Conclusions: In conclusions, dietary carbohydrate intake may have a protective effect against the risk of esophageal cancer.
Strong Families: A new family skills training programme for challenged and humanitarian settings: a single-arm intervention tested in Afghanistan
Authors: Haar Karin , El-Khani Aala , Molgaard Virginia , Maalouf Wadih 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Background

Children living in challenged humanitarian settings are at greater risk of mental health difficulties or behavioural problems, with caregivers acting as their main protective factors. While many family skills programmes exist, very few were developed for or piloted in families living in low resource settings. We therefore designed a brief and light programme and conducted an effectiveness trial in Afghanistan.

Methods

We recruited female caregivers and children aged 8-12 years via schools and drug treatment centres in Afghanistan and enrolled them in a family skills programme over three weeks. Demographic data, emotional and behavioural difficulties of children and parental skills and family adjustment measures were collected from caregivers before, two and six weeks after the intervention. Outcome was assessed through the SDQ (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire) and PAFAS (Parenting and Family Adjustment Scales).

Results

We enrolled 72 families in the programme and followed 93·1% up overall. Mean age of caregivers was 36·1 years, they had 3·8 children on average and 91·7% of them had experienced war/armed conflict in their past. The total difficulty score of the SDQ of the 72 children reduced significantly, from 17.8 at pre-test to 12.9 at post-test and 10.6 at follow-up, with no difference in gender and mostly in those with highest scores at baseline. Likewise, PAFAS scores improved significantly after the programme, again with caregivers with the highest scores at baseline improving most.

Conclusions

The implementation of a brief family skills programme was feasible in a resource-limited setting and had an impact on child mental health and parenting practices and family adjustment skills. This indicated the value of such programme and the feasibility to move it to scale. The effects need to be verified through an RCT and with longer follow-ups.
Drinking patterns and the distribution of alcohol-related harms in Ireland: Evidence for the prevention paradox
Authors: O'Dwyer Claire , Mongan Deirdre , Millar Seán R. , Rackard Marion , Galvin Brian , Long Jean , Barry Joe 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Background

According to the prevention paradox, the majority of alcohol-related harms in the population occur among low-to-moderate risk drinkers, simply because they are more numerous in the population, although high-risk drinkers have a higher individual risk of experiencing alcohol-related harms. In this study we explored the prevention paradox in the Irish population by comparing alcohol-dependent drinkers (high-risk) to low-risk drinkers and non-dependent drinkers who engage in heavy episodic drinking (HED).

Methods

Data were generated from the 2013 National Alcohol Diary Survey (NADS), a nationally representative cross-sectional survey of Irish adults aged 18–75. Data were available for 4,338 drinkers. Respondents dependent on alcohol (as measured by DSM-IV criteria), respondents who engaged in monthly HED or occasional HED (1–11 times a year) and low-risk drinkers were compared for distribution of eight alcohol-related harms.

Results

Respondents who were dependent on alcohol had a greater individual risk of experiencing each harm (p<.0001). The majority of the harms in the population were accounted for by drinkers who were not dependent on alcohol. Together, monthly and occasional HED drinkers accounted for 62% of all drinkers, consumed 70% of alcohol and accounted for 59% of alcohol-related harms.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that the majority of alcohol consumption and related harms in the Irish population are accounted for by low- and moderate-risk drinkers, and specifically by those who engage in heavy episodic drinking. A population-based approach to reducing alcohol-related harm is most appropriate in the Irish context. Immediate implementation of the measures in the Public Health (Alcohol) Act (2018) is necessary to reduce alcohol-related harm in Ireland.
Transcriptome analysis of the fungal pathogen Rosellinia necatrix during infection of a susceptible avocado rootstock identifies potential mechanisms of pathogenesis
Authors: Zumaquero Adela , Kanematsu Satoko , Nakayashiki Hitoshi , Matas Antonio , Martínez-Ferri Elsa , Barceló-Muñóz Araceli , Alfaro Fernando Pliego , Lopez-Herrera Carlos , Cazorla Francisco , Prieto Clara Pliego 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Background White root rot disease caused by Rosellinia necatrix is one of the most important threats affecting avocado productivity in tropical and subtropical climates. Control of this disease is complex and nowadays, lies in the use of physical and chemical methods, although none have proven to be fully effective. Detailed understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying white root rot disease has the potential of aiding future developments in disease resistance and management. In this regard, this study used RNA-Seq technology to compare the transcriptomic profiles of R. necatrix during infection of susceptible avocado `Dusa´ roots with that obtained from the fungus cultured in rich medium. Results The transcriptomes from three biological replicates of R. necatrix colonizing avocado roots (RGA) and R. necatrix growing on potato dextrose agar media (RGPDA) were analyzed using Illumina sequencing. A total of 12,104 transcripts were obtained, among which 1,937 were differentially expressed genes (DEG), 137 exclusively expressed in RGA and 160 in RGPDA. During the root infection process, genes involved in the production of fungal toxins, detoxification and transport of toxic compounds, hormone biosynthesis, gene silencing and plant cell wall degradation were overexpressed. Interestingly, 24 out of the 137 contigs expressed only during R. necatrix growth on avocado roots, were predicted as candidate effector proteins (CEP) with a probability above 60%. The PHI (Pathogen Host Interaction) database revealed that three of the R. necatrix CEP showed homology with previously annotated effectors, already proven experimentally via pathogen-host interaction. Conclusions The analysis of the full-length transcriptome of R. necatrix during the infection process is suggesting that the success of this fungus to infect roots of diverse crops might be attributed to the production of a wide range of compounds which, singly or in combination, interfere with defense or signaling mechanisms shared among different plant families. The transcriptome analysis of R. necatrix during the infection process provides useful information and facilitates further research to a more in -depth understanding of the biology and virulence of this emergent pathogen. In turn, this will make possible to evolve novel strategies for white root rot management in avocado.
Assessment of branch point prediction tools to predict physiological branch points and their alteration by variants
Authors: Leman Raphael , Tubeuf Hélène , Raad Sabine , Tournier Isabelle , Derambure Céline , Lanos Raphaël , Gaildrat Pascaline , Castelain Gaia , Hauchard Julie , Killian Audrey , Baert-Desurmont Stéphanie , Legros Angelina , Goardon Nicolas , Quesnelle Céline , Ricou Agathe , Castera Laurent , Vaur Dominique , Gac Gérald Le , Ka Chandran , Fichou Yann , Bonnet-Dorion Françoise , Sevenet Nicolas , Guillaud-Bataille Marine , Boutry-Kryza Nadia , Schultz Ines , Caux-Moncoutier Virginie , Rossing Maria , Walker Logan C , Spurdle Amanda B , Houdayer Claude , Martins Alexandra , Krieger Sophie 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Branch points (BPs) map within short motifs upstream of acceptor splice sites (3’ss) and are essential for splicing of pre-mature mRNA. Several BP-dedicated bioinformatics tools, including HSF, SVM-BPfinder, BPP, Branchpointer, LaBranchoR and RNABPS were developed during the last decade. Here, we evaluated their capability to detect the position of BPs, and also to predict the impact on splicing of variants occurring upstream of 3’ss. We used a large set of constitutive and alternative human 3’ss collected from Ensembl (n = 264,787 3’ss) and from in-house RNAseq experiments (n = 51,986 3’ss). We also gathered an unprecedented collection of functional splicing data for 120 variants (62 unpublished) occurring in BP areas of disease-causing genes. Branchpointer showed the best performance to detect the relevant BPs upstream of constitutive and alternative 3’ss (99.48 % and 65.84 % accuracies, respectively). For variants occurring in a BP area, BPP emerged as having the best performance to predict effects on mRNA splicing, with an accuracy of 89.17 %. Our investigations revealed that Branchpointer was optimal to detect BPs upstream of 3’ss, and that BPP was most relevant to predict splicing alteration due to variants in the BP area.