bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Projects to Programmes: An International Perspective
Authors: Greene James , Kevany John
Published: November 2018

The decision to move from a successful project outcome to large-scale programme operations in the prevention of vitamin A deficiency involves detailed consideration of technical, managerial, and financial implications. The comparability of demographic, epidemiological, and service conditions at the project and programme levels must be considered in predicting long-term outcomes; the criteria for problem definition and response measurement must also be consistent. Design changes may be required as the scale is expanded; interventions managed by a single sector at the project level may require multiple-sector inputs at the programme level. Training, supervision, and management requirements are more diverse at the programme level, and operations research has an important role in ensuring consistent service performance under varied conditions. It is concluded that the development of effective software systems at the programme level is central to reproducing the technical effectiveness demonstrated at the project level.
Energy-Dense Weaning Foods Liquefied by Germinated-Wheat Amylase: Effects on Viscosity, Osmolality, Macronutrients, and Bacterial Growth
Authors: Wahed M. A. , Mahalanabis D. , Begum Mahfuza , Rahman M. , Islam M. S.
Published: November 2018

Providing the recommended food energy to children being weaned is not feasible using ordinary preparations of rice gruel or the traditional porridge khichuri because either the viscosity is too high or the volume needed is too large. One approach to preparing energy-dense weaning foods suitable for young children from cereals is to use amylase to reduce the viscosity. We evaluated the use of amylaserich flour (ARF) from germinated wheat. The flour reduced the viscosity of traditional cereal preparations by more than 90%. Osmolality was significantly higher in ARF-treated rice porridge (341 vs. 50 mosm/kg) and khichuri (526 vs. 154 mosm/kg). Clinical studies are needed to determine whether this increased osmolality causes osmotic damage in the intestine. When Shigella flexneri and enterotoxigenic Escherichia cold (LT) were added to both ARF-treated and untreated rice porridge, the multiplication of the micro-organisms was no greater in the treated porridge. Production of ARF is feasible and is a possible solution to the problem of formulating energy-dense food for young children.
Preservation of Beef Using Bacteriostatic Chemicals and Solar Drying
Authors: Mbugua S. K. , Karuri E. G.
Published: November 2018

Simple potential meat-preservation methods that can be applied at either the household or the small-community level in rural areas were evaluated. Samples of beef treated with various bacteriostatic agents— brine, honey, glycerol, vinegar, hydrochloric acid, and ethanol—were dried for three days, either directly in the sun or in a solar drier box, and packaged and stored at ambient temperature for four weeks. The treated samples were compared with samples dried without other treatments and with frozen meat. The samples were evaluated for gas formation in the packages, odour, moisture, and discoloration. The water-activity level was measured, as were the extract release volume, the percentage of rehydration, and the pH, and microbial counts were determined. An organoleptic evaluation was carried out by nine panellists. The meat was preserved equally well by either direct sun drying or drying in a solar drier, provided it was protected from microbial and biochemical deterioration with bacteriostatic chemicals. Brine, glycerol, and vinegar gave equally effective protection. The dried meat tended to lose flavour compared with the frozen reference samples.
Studies on the Preparation and Nutrient Composition of Kunun Gyada, A Traditional Nigerian Groundnut-Cereal-Based Weaning Food
Authors: Nkama Iro , Iliyas Adamu , Jato Amina
Published: November 2018

We investigated the methods of preparation, ratio of blends of major ingredients, and nutritional composition of kunun gyada, a traditional Nigerian weaning food based on groundnuts and cereal. The main ingredients of the formulations were partially roasted groundnuts in combination with rice, millet, maize, or sorghum flours; sugar; and tamarind (tsamiya) fruit pulp extract The weight ratios of the major ingredients were 57:43, 41:49, 51:49, and 48:52 for groundnut-rice or -millet, maize, and -sorghum kunun gynda, respectively. The nutritional composition of kunun gynda from the different blends ranged from 83% to 86% for moisture, 2.2% to 2.7% for protein, 0.7% to 1.0% for fat, 0.1% to 0.9% for fibre, and 59 to 72 kcal for energy. Recommendations for product standardization and improvement were made.
Effect of Full-Fat Soya Bean Flour on the Quality and Acceptabiiity of Fermented Cassava Flour
Authors: Numfor Festus A. , Noubi L.
Published: November 2018

In an attempt to improve the nutritional value of fermented cassava flour, studies were carried out to determine the effect of the addition of full-fat soya bean flour on its quality and acceptability. The results showed that protein, total lipids, phosphorus, iron, ash content, and gross energy increased with increased proportion of soya bean flour. The viscosity of gels of the composite flour decreased with decreased proportion of cassava flour. At a 10% level of substitution of cassava with full-fat soya bean flour, there was no noticeable difference in the organoleptic qualities of the composite product and that obtained from pure cassava flour alone. At this level, the protein content was about 7%. Eighty-four percent of participants rated the product good to excellent in an acceptability test of fufu (a dough made from cassava flour) made from 10% soyasubstituted flour in west and east provinces of Cameroon.
Computer-Optimized Weaning Food Blends
Authors: Hayes R. E. , Mwale J. M. , Tembo P. , Wadsworth J. I.
Published: November 2018

This computerized linear programming study was performed to formulate low-cost, commercially processed, blended weaning foods, and even less expensive, home-prepared, blended wearing foods, with excellent energy and protein value for use in areas of Lusaka, Zambia, where the risk of malnutrition is high. Ingredient input information included proximate and essential amino acid analyses, into-the-blend costs, and factors for gastrointestinal absorption of proteins and total energy. For most computed mixtures, the minimum cost at selected levels of absorbed protein quality was optimized. Formulations were determined, with calculated cost and nutritional parameters, using only mother-favoured ingredients or, alternatively, selections from among all listed market ingredients; fat versus fat plus sugar as concentrated energy; for different seasons (home-prepared); and, for commercial blends, both with and without puridies amino acid(s) that do or do not include vitamin-antioxidant-mineral mix. The methodology should be widely applicable elsewhere.
Vitamin A and Nutritional Anaemia
Authors: Suharno Djoko , Muhilal
Published: November 2018

A cross-sectional study of the prevalence of iron and vitamin A deficiencies in 318 pregnant women revealed that 50.7% had iron deficiency and 21.3% had marginally deficient or deficient vitamin A status. Based on results, the influence of vitamin A and iron supplementation was studied in 305 anaemic pregnant women in west Java, in a randomized, doubleblind, placebo-controlled field trial. The women with a haemoglobin between 80 and 109 g/L were randomly allocated to four groups: vitamin A (2.4 mg retinol) and placebo iron tablets; iron (60 mg elemental iron as ferrous sulphate) and placebo vitamin A; vitamin A and iron; and both placebos, all daily for eight weeks. Maximum haemoglobin was achieved with both vitamin A and iron supplementation (12. 78 g/L, 95% Cl 10.86 to 14.70), with one-third of the response attributable to vitamin A (3.68 g/L, 2.03 to 5.33) and two-thirds to iron (771 g/L, 5.97 to 9.45). After supplementation, the proportion of women who became non-anaemic was 35 % in the vitamin Asupplemented group, 68% in the ironsupplemented group, 97% in the group supplemented with both, and 16% in the placebo group. We conclude that improvement in vitamin A status may contribute to the control of anaemia in pregnant women.
Iron-Supplementation Programmes: Compliance of Target Groups and Frequency of Tablet Intake
Authors: Schultink Werner
Published: November 2018

The prevalence of iron-deficiency anaemia remains especially high in developing countries, despite large-scale iron-supplementation programmes. The reasons for the lack of success of these programmes are discussed based on the results of original research conducted in Indonesia. Studies among pregnant women in rural Sulawesi and urban Jakarta demonstrated that besides insufficient coverage of the target group, women's compliance with tablet intake was a serious problem. Compliance may be improved when it is not necessary to take tablets on a daily basis. Studies among pre-school children and non-pregnant women proved the effectiveness of once-weekly and twice-weekly supplementation. These supplementation schedules should also be investigated in pregnant women.
Public Health Nutrition: A Comparative Study of the Nutritional Status of Children in Villages in Northern Nigeria Using and Not Using Soya Beans
Authors: Owolabi A. O. , Mac-Inegite J. O. , Olowoniyan F. O. , Chindo H. O.
Published: November 2018

The nutritional status of 240 children between the ages of 2 and 15 years in communities that use or do not use soya beans was evaluated by conventional methods. There were significant differences (p <.05) in the nutritional status of pre-school (2–5 yr) and school-age children (6–15 yr) in the three communities. Using weight-for-height as an index of acute malnutrition, 32.5%, 25.5%, and 22.6% of preschool children were normal in Kurmin Masara, Kaya, and Makera, respectively, as were 44.6%, 24.4%, and 21.7% of school-age children. Kurmin Masara, a community producing and using soya beans, had a significantly higher percentage (p < .05) of nutritionally normal and a lower percentage of severely malnourished children than the other two villages. Generally, malnutrition was more pronounced in school-age children in the three communities. Soya bean accounted for 34.4%, 28.5%, and 1.3% of the protein intake of children 2 to 15 years of age in Kurmin Masara, Kaya, and Makera, respectively.

Our findings appear to validate the importance of soya bean in the diet of children, especially in this period of economic recession when animal protein sources are very expensive. Extension service efforts are necessary in Nigeria and other African countries to increase soya bean production and use to improve the nutritional status of the population, particularly young children.
Daily versus Weekly Iron Supplementation: Programmatic and Economic Implications for Indonesia
Authors: Gross Rainer , Angeles-Agdeppa Imelda , Schultink Werner J. , Dillon Drupadi , Sastroamidjojo Soemilah
Published: November 2018

Available information on iron deficiency and anaemia among Indonesian population groups was analysed to identify the at-risk groups in Indonesia and to suggest more efficient intervention programmes to reduce its high prevalence. The results showed that the groups with the highest prevalence of anaemia were pregnant women (52.3%), working adult women (27.9%), pre-schoolers (27.1%), adolescent girls (21.1%), the elderly (10.9%), and primary-school children (6.8%). Pre-school children and adolescents need iron supplementation to provide enough iron for growth and cognitive functioning during childhood. Adolescent girls need iron supplementation to develop sufficient iron reserves before pregnancy and to improve working performance. Pregnant and lactating women also need iron supplementation. Strategies to control anaemia include improvement in dietary habits, food fortification, and supplementation. Unless feeding behaviour is changed or food fortification is adapted nationwide, oral iron supplementation remains the mainstay of the prevention and treatment of anaemia. Weekly supplementation has been shown to be an effective and economic method of supplementation. With the current approach of daily supplementation recommended by the World Health Organization, Indonesia would have to spend US$360 million annually, but weekly dosing would require only US$15 million to cover the same target population. Weekly dosing offers a practical and economic means of improving iron status in developing countries.
Sources and Forms of Iron in Nigerian Foods and Effects of Processing on Availability
Authors: Latunde-Dada G. Oluyemisi , Chandra Babu Suresh , Chapasuka Evance
Published: November 2018

The average diet in most developing countries, including Nigeria, is predominantly plant based. Cereals, legumes, tubers, and vegetables are the main food types. Although most of these food items have considerable iron, its low bioavailability is one of the factors accounting for the high incidence of iron-deficiency anaemia. The traditional processing procedures, fermentation and germination, improved the chemical and bioavailable iron in the foods studied. Techniques of measuring iron availability in vitro and in vivo were applied to a variety of foods. The advantages and disadvantages of the methods employed are discussed.
Optical coherence tomography: Translation from 3D-printed vascular models of the anterior cerebral circulation to the first human images of implanted surface modified flow diverters
Authors: Martínez-Galdámez Mario , Escartín Jorge , Pabón Boris , Diaz Carlos , Martín-Reyes Roberto , Hermosín Antonio , Crespo Eduardo , Rodríguez Claudio , Monedero Gonzalo , Joshi Krishna , Lopes Demetrius K
Published: November 2018

Background

The new generation of flow diverters includes a surface modification with a synthetic biocompatible polymer, which makes the device more biocompatible and less thrombogenic. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) can be used to visualize perforators, stent wall apposition, and intra-stent thrombus. Unfortunately real world application of this technology has been limited because of the limited navigability of these devices in the intracranial vessels. In this report, we share our experience of using 3D-printed neurovascular anatomy models to simulate and test the navigability of a commercially available OCT system and to show the application of this device in a patient treated with the new generation of surface modified flow diverters.

Material and methods

Navigability of OCT catheters was tested in vitro using four different 3D-printed silicone replicas of the intracranial anterior circulation, after the implantation of surface modified devices. Intermediate catheters were used in different tortuous anatomies and positions. After this assessment, we describe the OCT image analysis of a Pipeline Shield for treating an unruptured posterior communicating artery (PCOM) aneurysm.

Results

Use of intermediate catheters in the 3D-printed replicas was associated with better navigation of the OCT catheters in favorable anatomies but did not help as much in unfavorable anatomies. OCT image analysis of a PCOM aneurysm treated with Pipeline Embolization Device Shield demonstrated areas of unsatisfactory apposition with no thrombus formation.

Conclusions

OCT improves the understanding of the flow diversion technology. The development of less thrombogenic devices, like the Pipeline Flex with Shield Technology, reinforces the need for intraluminal imaging for neurovascular application.
Conservative management of type 1A endoleaks at completion angiogram in endovascular repair of infra-renal abdominal aortic aneurysms with current generation stent grafts
Authors: Qazi Abdul Aziz , Jaberi Arash , Mironov Oleg , Addas Jamil , Qazi Emmad , Tarulli Emidio , Simons Martin , Tan Kong Teng
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Proximal type 1A endoleaks on completion intra-operative angiography are not infrequently seen following endovascular abdominal aneurysm repair (EVAR). The natural course of these leaks is not well established. We sought to determine the rate of spontaneous resolution and a conservative treatment approach to these endoleaks.

Methods

All cases involving endovascular repairs of infra-renal abdominal aortic aneurysms resulting in proximal type 1A endoleak on final intra-operative completion angiography were retrospectively reviewed from 1 April 2010 and 30 March 2015. Demographic, pre and post-procedural imaging, and clinical outcomes were reviewed. Summarizing descriptive statistics are reported.

Results

Of the 337 patients who underwent an EVAR, 24 patients (7.1%) had a proximal type 1A endoleak on final intra-operative angiography. Twenty-two of 24 patients (92%) with proximal type 1A endoleaks had spontaneous resolution on follow-up imaging without any intervention, while two (8%) patients had a persistent endoleak. One of these patients required intervention. The median follow-up for patients with resolved endoleaks was 2.5 years vs. 4 and 6 years, respectively, for patients that did not resolve spontaneously.

Conclusion

A conservative approach may be used in the management of patients with proximal type 1A endoleaks on completion angiography once maximum proximal seal was achieved intra-operatively as the vast majority of these leaks spontaneously seal.
Activist in (teacher) training: Educator training programs need to do their part
Authors: Haywood-Bird Eden , Kamei Ai
Published: November 2018

In Trump’s America, the profession of education is under attack. The privatization of public schools and the deprofessionalization of professional teachers has become even more dire than in the past. In this article, the authors discuss the need for preparing future teachers to embark on their careers in such an inhospitable time. They believe that part of the role of teacher educators should shift into preparing teachers to be activist educators as well as professional educators. The authors use concrete examples to discuss why and how teacher education programs should help prepare pre-service teachers to be activist educators.
Functional magnetic resonance imaging of head and neck cancer: Performance and potential
Authors: El Beltagi Ahmed H , Elsotouhy Ahmed H , Own Ahmed M , Abdelfattah Wael , Nair Kavitha , Vattoth Surjith
Published: November 2018

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of tumors of the head and neck usually encompasses diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and intravenous (IV) contrast T1 dynamic perfusion imaging (DCE-MRI or PWI). Both techniques can characterize different tissues by probing into their microstructure, providing a novel approach in oncological imaging. In this pictorial review, we will cover the important technical aspects of DWI and PWI, the pathophysiological background and the current applications and potential of these functional MRI techniques in the imaging of head and neck cancer.
Association between physical activity, occupational sitting time and mortality in a general population: An 18-year prospective survey in Tanushimaru, Japan
Authors: Sakaue Akiko , Adachi Hisashi , Enomoto Mika , Fukami Ako , Kumagai Eita , Nakamura Sachiko , Nohara Yume , Kono Shoko , Nakao Erika , Morikawa Nagisa , Tsuru Tomoko , Hamamura Hitoshi , Yoshida Noriko , Fukumoto Yoshihiro
Published: November 2018

Aims

It is well known that a decline in physical activity is associated with an increase of all-cause death including cardiovascular events and cancer. Few studies have examined the association between occupational sitting time and mortality. Therefore, we investigated this issue in a general population.

Methods

Physical activity and occupational sitting time were measured using the Baecke physical activity questionnaire in 1999. The questionnaire generated indices in three physical activity categories: work, sport and leisure-time. A total physical activity index was calculated by adding these three indices. The Baecke physical activity questionnaire was able to evaluate occupational sitting time. Hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using Cox's proportional hazard regression models.

Results

We enrolled a total of 1680 participants, who were followed up for 15.9 ± 3.8 years. The final follow-up rate was 93%. During the follow-up period, 397 subjects died. A significant inverse association ( p < 0.0001) was found between physical activity and mortality after adjustment for age and sex. Compared with lower levels of physical activity, the adjusted hazard ratio for mortality at higher levels of physical activity was 0.85 (95% CI: 0.78–0.92). Longer occupational sitting time was also significantly associated with higher mortality ( p < 0.01). The adjusted hazard ratio for mortality at longer occupational sitting time was 1.16 (95% CI: 1.05–1.27). These findings were observed in males, but not in females.

Conclusions

Our data demonstrated that higher levels of physical activity are associated with a reduced risk of cancer and cardiovascular death. Further, longer occupational sitting time is associated with increased mortality.
The association of celiac disease and allergic disease in a general adult population
Authors: Kårhus Line Lund , Skaaby Tea , Madsen Anja Lykke , Thuesen Betina Heinsbæk , Schwarz Peter , Rumessen Jüri J , Linneberg Allan
Published: November 2018

Background

The relationship between allergy and celiac disease (CD) is not clear.

Objective

The objective of this article is to investigate the association of CD and CD antibody positivity with hay fever, asthma and immunoglobulin (Ig)E sensitization in a general adult population.

Methods

A total of 2297 individuals were screened for CD antibodies and underwent allergy testing. CD antibody‐positive participants were invited to undergo clinical evaluation including biopsies. Additionally, biobank blood samples from four population‐based studies (6423, 973, 1718 and 1101 participants) with data on IgE sensitization to inhalant allergens were screened for CD antibodies. CD antibody‐positive participants were screened for serum IgE against food allergens in three biobank studies. CD‐antibody positivity was defined as IgA or IgG tissue transglutaminase ≥7 U/ml and/or IgG deamidated gliadin peptide ≥10 U/ml.

Results

The nine participants (0.4%) diagnosed with CD had significantly higher prevalence of IgE sensitization to wheat and dust mites. The prevalence of CD antibody positivity was 0.8% (18/2297), and these participants had a significantly higher prevalence of IgE sensitization to food allergens (Fx5), egg, dust mites and mugwort. In the biobank studies, the prevalence of CD antibody positivity was 0.8% to 1.2%. One study showed a positive association between CD antibody positivity and IgE sensitization for dog, horse and food allergens.

Conclusion

We found a possible association of CD and IgE sensitization to some food and inhalant allergens in the Health2006 study. In further studies, however, we could not consistently replicate these associations.
Haemostasis and prevention of bleeding related to ER: The role of a novel self‐assembling peptide
Authors: Subramaniam Sharmila , Kandiah Kesavan , Thayalasekaran Sreedhari , Longcroft-Wheaton Gaius , Bhandari Pradeep
Published: November 2018

Background

Endoscopic resection is now commonly used for removal of early gastrointestinal lesions. However, the risk of the procedure may be heightened by intraprocedural or delayed bleeding. A novel, self‐assembling peptide (PuraStat®) was recently licensed for use as a haemostat.

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of this haemostat when used to control intraprocedural bleeding or to prevent delayed bleeding in endoscopic resection.

Methods

PuraStat® was used on 100 patients undergoing endoscopic resection in a tertiary referral centre. The efficacy, safety, feasibility of use and delayed bleeding rates were measured.

Results

Forty‐eight oesophageal, 31 colorectal, 11 gastric and 10 duodenal procedures were included. The mean lesion size was 3.7 cm and 30% of the patients were on antithrombotic therapy. Intraprocedural bleeding occurred in 64%. PuraStat® was an effective haemostat in 75% of these cases. Only a small amount was required for haemostasis (mean = 1.76 ml) and it took on average 69.5 seconds to stop a bleed. The delayed bleeding rate was 3%.

Conclusions

PuraStat® is an effective haemostat for use in controlling bleeds during endoscopic resection. It is safe, easy to use and did not interfere with the procedure.
Iron metabolism under conditions of ineffective erythropoiesis in β-thalassemia
Authors: Rivella Stefano
Published: November 2018

β-Thalassemia (BT) is an inherited genetic disorder that is characterized by ineffective erythropoiesis (IE), leading to anemia and abnormal iron metabolism. IE is an abnormal expansion of the number of erythroid progenitor cells with unproductive synthesis of enucleated erythrocytes, leading to anemia and hypoxia. Anemic patients affected by BT suffer from iron overload, even in the absence of chronic blood transfusion, suggesting the presence of ≥1 erythroid factor with the ability to modulate iron metabolism and dietary iron absorption. Recent studies suggest that decreased erythroid cell differentiation and survival also contribute to IE, aggravating the anemia in BT. Furthermore, hypoxia can also affect and increase iron absorption. Understanding the relationship between iron metabolism and IE could provide important insights into the BT condition and help to develop novel treatments. In fact, genetic or pharmacological manipulations of iron metabolism or erythroid cell differentiation and survival have been shown to improve IE, iron overload, and anemia in animal models of BT. Based on those findings, new therapeutic approaches and drugs have been proposed; clinical trials are underway that have the potential to improve erythrocyte production, as well as to reduce the iron overload and organ toxicity in BT and in other disorders characterized by IE.
Oncolytic viruses and checkpoint inhibitors: combination therapy in clinical trials
Authors: LaRocca Christopher J. , Warner Susanne G.
Published: November 2018

Advances in the understanding of cancer immunotherapy and the development of multiple checkpoint inhibitors have dramatically changed the current landscape of cancer treatment. Recent large‐scale phase III trials (e.g. PHOCUS, OPTiM) are establishing use of oncolytic viruses as another tool in the cancer therapeutics armamentarium. These viruses do not simply lyse cells to achieve their cancer‐killing effects, but also cause dramatic changes in the tumor immune microenvironment. This review will highlight the major vector platforms that are currently in development (including adenoviruses, reoviruses, vaccinia viruses, herpesviruses, and coxsackieviruses) and how they are combined with checkpoint inhibitors. These vectors employ a variety of engineered capsid modifications to enhance infectivity, genome deletions or promoter elements to confer selective replication, and encode a variety of transgenes to enhance anti‐tumor or immunogenic effects. Pre‐clinical and clinical data have shown that oncolytic vectors can induce anti‐tumor immunity and markedly increase immune cell infiltration (including cytotoxic CD8+ T cells) into the local tumor microenvironment. This “priming” by the viral infection can change a ‘cold’ tumor microenvironment into a ‘hot’ one with the influx of a multitude of immune cells and cytokines. This alteration sets the stage for subsequent checkpoint inhibitor delivery, as they are most effective in an environment with a large lymphocytic infiltrate. There are multiple ongoing clinical trials that are currently combining oncolytic viruses with checkpoint inhibitors (e.g. CAPTIVE, CAPRA, and Masterkey‐265), and the initial results are encouraging. It is clear that oncolytic viruses and checkpoint inhibitors will continue to evolve together as a combination therapy for multiple types of cancers.
A MODEST review
Authors: Varri Anna Lisa , Cai Maxwell Xu , Concha-Ramírez Francisca , Dinnbier František , Lützgendorf Nora , Pavlík Václav , Rastello Sara , Sollima Antonio , Wang Long , Zocchi Alice
Published: November 2018

We present an account of the state of the art in the fields explored by the research community invested in “Modeling and Observing DEnse STellar systems”. For this purpose, we take as a basis the activities of the MODEST-17 conference, which was held at Charles University, Prague, in September 2017. Reviewed topics include recent advances in fundamental stellar dynamics, numerical methods for the solution of the gravitational N-body problem, formation and evolution of young and old star clusters and galactic nuclei, their elusive stellar populations, planetary systems, and exotic compact objects, with timely attention to black holes of different classes of mass and their role as sources of gravitational waves.

Such a breadth of topics reflects the growing role played by collisional stellar dynamics in numerous areas of modern astrophysics. Indeed, in the next decade many revolutionary instruments will enable the derivation of positions and velocities of individual stars in the Milky Way and its satellites, and will detect signals from a range of astrophysical sources in different portions of the electromagnetic and gravitational spectrum, with an unprecedented sensitivity. On the one hand, this wealth of data will allow us to address a number of long-standing open questions in star cluster studies; on the other hand, many unexpected properties of these systems will come to light, stimulating further progress of our understanding of their formation and evolution.
Reporting children’s food consumption: a comparison of reliability between a 2-day food record and a 7-day food diary
Authors: Rangelov Natalie , Marques-Vidal Pedro , Suggs L. Suzanne
Published: November 2018

Background

Monitoring eating behavior of children is critical to understanding risks for developing nutrition-related diseases in later life. While accurately assessing children’s food intake is important, collecting reliable data about children’s food intake remains challenging. Limited validated tools exist, and issues of dietary intake assessment such as recall accurateness, portion size estimation, and participant burden persist. In a previous study conducted in Switzerland, a 7-day food diary assessing eating behavior of school-aged children was developed and tested for reliability, showing high levels of agreement between parents and children. In this study, a shorter, 2-day food consumption record was developed and tested. The objective of this study was to compare the reliability of the two instruments, measuring the level of agreement between children and their parents when reporting a child’s food consumption.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Switzerland (April–June 2014) among 589 children and one of their parents, where 299 completed a 7-day diary and 290 completed a 2-day tick box record. Children and parents independently reported what the child ate at six eating occasions. To assess agreement, Cohen’s Kappa, Kendall’s tau-b and Spearman’s non-parametric correlations were used. Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient and corresponding 95% confidence interval was also computed.

Results

With the 2-day food record, Kendall’s tau-b correlations ranged from 0.66 (whole grains) to 0.85 (proteins). Kappa values showed moderate to substantial agreement for all food categories, ranging from 0.47 for dairy products to 0.75 for fat meat and fast food. Agreement between child’s and parent’s reporting was similar for both genders. Large Kendall’s tau-b and Spearman’s correlations were found for almost all foods in all school grades.

Conclusions

The 2-day tick box food record showed a higher level of agreement between parents and children of all ages (7–14) and for both genders as compared to the 7-day food diary. Moreover, the 2-day food record tool simplifies data collection and data entry procedures, while providing reliable data about children’s food intake. Thus, this instrument could be used to reliably collect food intake directly from children without parental involvement.
Task Sharing and Shifting to Provide Pathology Diagnostic Services: The Kenya Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy Cytology and Bone Marrow Aspiration and Trephine Biopsy Training Program
Authors: Sayed Shahin , Field Andrew , Rajab Jamilla , Mutuiri Anderson , Githanga Jessie , Mungania Mary , Okinda Nancy , Moloo Zahir , Abdillah Abubakar , Ayara Brian , Chesori Erick , Muthua Julia , Obosy Leah , Massawa Thaddeus , Obiero Okoth , Kagotho Elizabeth , Shikuku Peter K. , Gachii Andrew K. , Migide Eunida , Muninzwa Donstefano , Dawsey Sanford M. , Muchiri Lucy
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) cytology is a simple, inexpensive, and accurate diagnostic test for benign, infectious, and malignant lesions of the breast, thyroid, lymph nodes, and other organs. Similarly, bone marrow aspiration and trephine (BMAT) biopsy procedures are relatively simple and inexpensive techniques that are important for diagnosing and monitoring many hematologic diseases including leukemias and lymphomas. However, the scarcity of pathologists in Kenya limits patient access to these simple diagnostic tests. We describe a task sharing and shifting program that sought to improve the provision of FNABs and BMAT biopsies in tertiary public hospitals in Kenya.

Methods

Between January 2016 and February 2017, we trained pathologists, pathology residents, and technologists from the University of Nairobi and Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, in FNAB and BMAT biopsies, who in turn trained pathologists, medical officers (MO), clinical officers (CO), and technologists at five tertiary public hospitals. The program involved curriculum development, training workshops, the establishment of new and strengthening existing FNAB and BMAT biopsy clinics, interim site visits, audits, and stakeholder workshops.

Results

Fifty-one medical personnel at the tertiary hospitals were trained. The FNAB numbers increased by 41% to 1,681, with 139 malignant diagnoses (7.1%). BMAT biopsy numbers increased by 268% to 140, with 34 malignant cases. Between 60% and 100% of the FNAB and BMAT biopsy procedures were performed by MO and CO over the project period. One new FNAB and two new BMAT biopsy clinics were established.

Conclusion

This project demonstrates a successful model of task sharing and shifting from specialist pathologists to MO and CO that improved access to important FNAB and BMAT biopsy services in a low-resource setting.
Does cardiac development provide heart research with novel therapeutic approaches?
Authors: Sayed Angeliqua , Valente Mariana , Sassoon David
Published: November 2018

Embryonic heart progenitors arise at specific spatiotemporal periods that contribute to the formation of distinct cardiac structures. In mammals, the embryonic and fetal heart is hypoxic by comparison to the adult heart. In parallel, the cellular metabolism of the cardiac tissue, including progenitors, undergoes a glycolytic to oxidative switch that contributes to cardiac maturation. While oxidative metabolism is energy efficient, the glycolytic-hypoxic state may serve to maintain cardiac progenitor potential. Consistent with this proposal, the adult epicardium has been shown to contain a reservoir of quiescent cardiac progenitors that are activated in response to heart injury and are hypoxic by comparison to adjacent cardiac tissues. In this review, we discuss the development and potential of the adult epicardium and how this knowledge may provide future therapeutic approaches for cardiac repair.
Genomic architecture differences at the HTT locus underlie symptomatic and pre-symptomatic cases of Huntington’s disease.
Authors: Salter Matthew , Powell Ryan , Back Jennifer , Grand Francis , Koutsothanasi Christina , Green Jayne , Hunter Ewan , Ramadass Aroul , Westra Jurjen , Akoulitchev Alexandre
Published: November 2018

Background:Huntington’s disease (HD) is a progressive neurodegenerative condition that causes degeneration of neurons in the brain, ultimately leading to death. The root cause of HD is an expanded trinucleotide cytosine-adenine-guanine (CAG) repeat in the “huntingtin gene” (HTT). While there is a rough correlation between the number of CAG repeats and disease onset, the development of clinical symptoms can vary by decades within individuals and little is known about this pre-symptomatic phase.

Methods:Using peripheral blood samples from HD patients and healthy controls we usedEpiSwitch™, a validated high-resolution industrial platform for the detection of chromosome conformations, to assess chromatin architecture in the immediate vicinity of theHTTgene. We evaluated chromatin conformations at 20 sites across 225 kb of theHTTlocus in healthy controls, verified symptomatic HD patients (CAG, n>39) and patients with CAG expansions who had not yet manifested clinical symptoms of HD.

Results:Discrete chromosome conformations were observed across the patient groups. We found two constitutive interactions (occurring in all patient groups) and seven conditional interactions which were present in HD, but not in healthy controls. Most important, we observed three conditional interactions that were present only in HD patients manifesting clinical symptoms (symptomatic cases), but not in presymptomatic cases. Of the patients in the symptomatic HD cohort, 86% (6 out of 7) demonstrated at least one of the specific chromosome conformations associated with symptomatic HD.

Conclusion:Our results provide the first evidence that chromatin architecture at theHTTlocus is systemically altered in patients with HD, with conditional differences between clinical stages. Given the high clinical need in having a molecular tool to assess disease progression in HD, these results strongly suggest that the non-invasive assessment of chromosome conformation signatures can be a valuable addition to prognostic assessment of HD patients.
Are we aiming to miss in translational autoimmunity treatments?
Authors: Vaitaitis Gisela M. , Wagner David H.
Published: November 2018

Autoimmunity treatments, fruitfully pioneered in mouse models, can be disappointing or result in immunosuppression and opportunistic infections in translational trials. Many possible reasons exist, but one major, overlooked reason may be the treatment timing in relation to circadian oscillations of the immune system. Mice and humans both have immunological circadian clocks and experience the same circulatory oscillations of immune cells with regards to their sleep/wake phases, but have opposite sleep/wake phases with regard to the daylight cycle. Therefore, researchers mainly study mice and potential autoimmunity treatments during the murine sleep/rest phase, which is when pro-inflammatory mediators and more adaptive immune cells are prevalent in the circulation. In translational trials, however, treatment administration happens primarily during a patient’s wake/activity phase, during the daytime, which is when more local and acute immune responses are active in the circulation. Therefore, we believe that the most opportune window for autoimmunity treatment may be missed in translational trials. Shifting the timing, and adjusting dosing to target only immune cells that are active at that time, may result in higher success with minimized immunosuppression or toxicities.
Play is the key to a child's soul. In whose hands will be this magical tool?
Authors: Репринцева Галина , Reprinceva Galina
Published: November 2018

In the manual, children's play is considered as an effective diagnostic, correction, developmental and educational tool that allows adults not only to find a way to the child's soul, to help him discover the beauty of the world and human relations, but also to experience the joy of playing with him.
On the basis of the fundamental ideas of the outstanding Russian researchers L. S. Vygotsky, D. L. eldos, S. L. Novoselova, D. I. Feldstein, sh.a. the author analyzes the requirements for the creation of the playing environment at home and outside it, taking into account the age of the child and the problems of its development.
The possibilities of the game at the time of preparation of children to school and adapt to its demands in the early school years, as well as the rehabilitation of children and families who survived the terrorist attack in Beslan in 2004, a Separate Chapter is devoted to the controversial issues influencing the development of modern children, including computer games, indicating the transformation of children's play environment, its gaming functions.
The characteristics of performance indicators of game procedures, diagnostic criteria for the analysis of game behavior and experiences of children.
The manual is addressed to young researchers, educators, teachers, psychologists, parents, focused on the enrichment of their competence in the analysis and effective use of developing the traditional experience of children's gaming activities and modern games, toys and play forms of leisure.
Pennies for Your Thoughts: Costly Product Consideration and Purchase Quantity Thresholds
Authors: Huang Yufeng , Bronnenberg Bart J.
Published: November 2018

Costly product consideration reduces consumer demand for variety and intensifies competition at the extensive margin.
Evaluation of a novel night-time compression garment: a prospective observational study
Authors: Bertsch Tobias
Published: November 2018

This prospective, single-centre, observational study set out to evaluate the clinical performance and safety of JOBST Relax®, a custom-made compression garment, when worn by a series of patients with lymphoedema during resting hours and at night. Patients were recruited after undergoing complete decongestive therapy (CDT) and wore the night-time compression garment for 21 days as part of their compression therapy regimen. Questionnaires were used to capture their views on parameters such as the garment's comfort, ease of use, fit, ability to avoid excessive heat and perspiration, its effect on their quality of life and their overall satisfaction with it. Occurrences of erythema, skin rash, skin dryness and pain were also evaluated. Ninety-one patients completed the study. Most perceived the night-time compression garment to be ‘very good’ or ‘good’ in terms of its ease of use and comfort, its ability to control their oedema and its effect on their quality of sleep. The prevalence of erythema, skin rash, skin dryness and pain was reduced when compared with baseline. Patients also reported that the night-time garment reduced their dependence on others and improved their quality of life. Overall, most rated their satisfaction with the garment as ‘very good’ or ‘good’. Patients reported a high level of satisfaction with both the garment and the comfort associated with it when wearing it frequently.
Effects of virtual reality and motor imagery techniques using Fugl Meyer Assessment scale in post-stroke patients
Authors: Alves Suélen Santos , Ocamoto Gabriela Nagai , de Camargo Patrícia Silva , Santos Adriana Teresa Silva , Terra Andreia Maria Silva Vilela
Published: November 2018

Background/Aims:

To compare the effects of motor imagery and virtual reality techniques through the Fugl Meyer Assessment scale in post-stroke individuals.

Methods:

The volunteers were allocated into three groups: control group without intervention, but receiving conventional therapy (control group); a group that received a motor imagery programme (motor imagery group); and a group that received a virtual reality programme (virtual reality group). The Fugl Meyer Upper Extremity Scale was the evaluation method adopted.

Findings:

There were significant differences between the motor imagery group programme intragroup comparison (P=0.005) and the virtual reality group intragroup comparison (P=0.000). There was no significant difference between the control group intragroup comparison (P=0.160), between the intergroup comparisons in the control group and the motor imagery group (P=0.163), and the intergroup comparisons between the motor imagery group and the virtual reality group (P=0.689). There was statistical significance for the intergroup comparison of the control group and the virtual reality group (P=0.031).

Conclusions:

Motor imagery and virtual reality are both able to increase motor function through the Fugl Meyer Upper Extremity Scale. Virtual reality has not proved to be more effective than motor imagery. Virtual reality might be more effective than conventional therapy; however, further studies with standardised protocols are necessary.
Using dermal fillers for vaginal skin rejuvenation
Authors: Taylor-Barnes Kathryn
Published: November 2018

The number of women requesting genital enhancement treatments is steadily increasing. One popular and effective method of vaginal rejuvenation is the use of dermal fillers to plump the labia majora. This procedure, sometimes called the ‘labial puff’, uses hyaluronic acid products to plump the area, reducing the signs of ageing skin. Women who express an interest in this treatment should be given a full understanding of the procedure, how it works and the realistic outcomes. This article aims to bring attention to this treatment option and highlights areas for improvement to deliver a more patient-friendly approach, as well as to assist the practitioner in improving their technique. The advantages and disadvantages of injecting dermal fillers into this delicate area are explored. This treatment has potential to improve women's confidence and sexual wellbeing, and should therefore be considered as a possible treatment option for women presenting with concerns in this area.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder and related disorders: compulsivity vs impulsivity
Authors: Gorbis Eda , JAMERO JUSTINE
Published: November 2018

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and its related disorders, including body-dysmorphic disorder (BDD), trichotillomania (hair pulling), and excoriation (skin picking) disorder, are characterised by repetitive thoughts and behaviours and the inability to inhibit these behaviours. On a continuum of compulsivity and impulsivity, OCD and BDD lie on the compulsive end, whereas trichotillomania and excoriation disorder lie on the impulsive end. Treatment is determined by the impulsive and compulsive characteristics of each disorder, and thus, thorough assessment is key to the treatment of these disorders. These disorders rely on some level of the following treatment modalities: exposure and response prevention (ERP), habit reversal training (HRT) and medication. With OCD and BDD, ERP is the first line of treatment. On the other hand, due to their more impulsive characteristics, the first line of treatment for trichotillomania and excoriation disorder is HRT and response prevention, followed by exposures.