bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of a Diet Deficient in Iron on the Growth and Development of Preschool and School-Age Children
Authors: Pollitt Ernesto
Published: November 2018

Different nutritional deficiencies often coexist - both within populations and within individuals - and their interactive effects are likely to be qualitatively and quantitatively different from the summation of the independent effects of each deficiency in isolation. Thus, the generalizability of research findings on the functional consequences of specific nutrient deficiencies from one population to another is open to question if the general health and nutritional conditions of the target populations are not equivalent. However, population studies often lack information on other nutritional and health factors that have the potential of acting as effect modifiers. An analytic strategy to follow is to compare results from studies testing the same hypothesis in different population and ecological conditions. Consistency of findings using such a strategy provides insurance of external validity. This paper discusses the consistency of findings in four studies on the functional effects of iron deficiency on behavioural development and the discrepancy of the findings regarding physical growth.
Improving the Use of Prior Country Dietary Surveys for Comparisons by Time and Place
Authors: Dwyer Johanna T. , Rand William M.
Published: November 2018

Four questions can be asked on the use of international data sets for assessing diets to improve health: Is it worth while to compare dietary surveys done in different times and places? If the answer is yes, can we compare them with techniques that already exist? This requires that we must examine the general context of dietary studies. Next we ask, what problems are likely to arise? This leads to specifying minimum criteria for worthwhile comparisons. Finally, what are the next steps to overcome problems? Meta-analytic techniques are effective for analysing prior surveys. More sophisticated methods for designing and organizing new studies will permit better comparisons in the future.
Cholesterolaemic Effects of the Saturated Fatty Acids of Palm Oil
Authors: Khosla Pramod , Hayes K. C.
Published: November 2018

Dietary saturated fats are implicated as a major risk factor in hypercholesterolaemia and cardiovascular disease. Palm oil is a major source of the world's supply of oils and fats, but because of its relatively high content of saturated fatty acids (principally palmitic acid), its consumption has come under intense scrutiny over the last decade owing to potential health implications. Based on studies carried out more than thirty years ago, the hypothesis was developed that lauric, myristic, and palmitic acid were the three principal cholesterol-raising saturated fatty acids. Since palmitic acid is the most abundant fatty acid in the diet, the cholesterol-raising effect of all saturated fatty acids was accordingly assigned to it. However, recent studies from both humans and experimental animals suggest that not all saturated fatty acids are cholesterol-raising. When all dietary fatty acids are equalized, with the exception of the two being tested, palmitic acid appears to have no impact on the plasma cholesterol in normocholesterolaemic subjects when dietary cholesterol intake is below a certain critical level (400 mg per day). Only when cholesterol consumption exceeds this level, or when hypercholesterolaemic subjects are studied, does palmitic acid appear to increase the plasma cholesterol. These differential effects of palmitic acid on plasma cholesterol are thought to reflect differences in LDL-receptor status. Collectively these data imply that, for most of the world's population, palm oil would be an inexpensive and readily metabolized source of dietary energy with minimal impact on cholesterol metabolism.
Food Uses of Palm Oil in Japan
Authors: Mori Hiroyuki , Kaneda Takashi
Published: November 2018

Palm oil has many advantageous properties that make it well suited for manufacturing and processing food products in Japan. Its principal uses are in making margarine and shortening, and for deep frying instant noodles, tempura, and snack foods. Palm oil now enjoys a 22% share of all oils and fats used in preparing these foods. In addition, palm oil fractions such as palm olein, palm stearin, and palm midfraction are used increasingly in a variety of other food products, ranging from vegetable ghee and hard butter to chocolate and ice cream. According to official statistics, palm oil consumption in Japan has now increased to around 320,000 tons per year, and the indications are that its use in the food industry will continue to increase despite the fact that liquid oils remain the major oils in domestic cooking.
Determinants of Child Height in Uganda: A Consideration of the Selection Bias Caused by Child Mortality
Authors: Ahn Namkee , Shariff Abusaleh
Published: November 2018

This paper reports a methodology for analysis and presents the determinants of child height in Uganda. A two-stage estimation method that evaluated the effects of covariates on child height for age after controlling for the selection bias caused by child mortality was necessary. Important determinants of child health in Uganda are the child's and some maternal characteristics. Some environmental factors (at the levels of both community aggregate and household) have significance. The effects of mothers’ characteristics were relatively more sensitive to correction of the selection bias. In particular, mother's secondary education almost doubled its effect and became significant in determining the height of children. Overall results suggest that Uganda is facing a phase of health transition in which the effect of socio-economic variables (at both individual and community levels) are beginning to show up significantly. Although an all-round developmental effort is essential, selective interventions aiming to improve female education and, where that is difficult, extension of appropriate information through radio are likely to improve the survival and health of children.
Energy Expenditure on Traditional Activities by Nigerian Women, Monitored by Oxylog
Authors: Okeke E. C. , Etta E. N. , Nnanyelugo D. O.
Published: November 2018

This study was undertaken to evaluate the energy expended by Nigerian women in preparing two traditional foods from cowpeas, akara (fried paste) and moimoi (steamed paste), both by traditonal methods and using processed pea flour. Data were collected using a questionnaire, and energy expenditure was monitored with an Oxylog apparatus.

In making akara by the traditional method, a mean of 44.4 ± 1.5 kcal (185.5 ± 74 kJ) of energy was spent per kilogram of peas processed, as against 25.7 ± 0.6 kcal (1074 ± 2.8 kJ)/kg using pea flour. For moimoi, 276 ± 0.8 kcal (115.6 ± 3.3 kJ)/kg was spent by the traditional method, against 14.6 ± 1.5 kcal (61.2 ± 6.3 kJ)/kg using flour. While the overall energy cost of the methods using pea flour was significantly lower than the traditional methods, the energy cost of aerating the paste for making akara was almost 2.5 times as high as in the traditional method. This higher energy internsity is due to the slower solubilization of proteins in flour required to form and sustain foam. Longer soaking of the flour paste could reduce the energy required for aeration.
Traditional Lactic Acid Fermentation, Malt Addition, and Quality Development in Maize-Cowpea Weaning Blends
Authors: Akpapunam M. A. , Sefa-Dedeh S.
Published: November 2018

We studied the effects of traditional lactic acid fermentation and the addition of malt on the physicochemical properties of maize-cowpea blends. The products were high in protein (18.4%-19.4%) and low in fat (0.5%-1.3%) and fibre (0.5%-0.7%). Fermentation reduced the pH from 6.7 to 4.4. The unfermented sample without malt was about four times as thick in consistency as those containing it. Up to 5% malt in the blends did not reduce the viscosity of the cooked samples fermented for two days. Fermentation for three days further neutralized the known effects of reducing viscosity by the addition of malt. Two different effects occurred when fermented blends containing malt were cooked: malt addition caused a reduction in viscosity, whereas fermentation led to an increase.

Thus adding malt to maize-cowpea blends before fermentation does not reduce viscosity. Adding malt to the blend after fermentation should be tried.
Community-Based Surveillance for Action towards Health and Nutrition: Experience in Thailand
Authors: Valyasevi Aree , Winichagoon Pattanee , Dhanamitta Sakorn
Published: November 2018

Nutrition surveillance has been in place in Thailand for more than ten years. Nutrition was first addressed as an explicit entity within the national development policy during the fourth National Economic and Social Development Plan (NESDP; 1977–1981). Surveillance was conceived as an important component of a nationwide nutrition programme, and an operational strategy to implement it was sought.
Evaluation of the 24-Hour Individual Recall Method in China
Authors: Zhai Fengying , Guo Xuguang , Popkin Barry M. , Ma Linmao , Wang Qing , Shuigao Wentao Yu , Ge Jin and Keyou
Published: November 2018

We compared two dietary survey methods using the 1991 nationwide China Health and Nutrition Survey. Data were collected over three consecutive days by 24-hour dietary recall and a household inventory for 3,563 households with 13,606 individuals. We studied the absolute difference between the two methods and the relative differences expressed as dietary in take per capita per day. There was only a 74-kcal difference between the methods for average daily calorie intake; the relative difference was 1%. Ratios were larger for average daily protein (5%) and fat (3%) intakes. Analysis of covariance was used to compare the means of the intakes of nutrients when adjusting for other confounding variables. The largest difference was in households with guests eating at home, where fat intake was significantly higher. Particularly important was an adjustment for household cooking oil consumption used to modify the recall results. Removing this adjustment greatly expanded differences in the two methods.
Production and Use of Raw Potato Flour in Mauritian Traditional Foods
Authors: Kulkarni Karuna D. , Govinden Noel , Kulkarni Dilip
Published: November 2018

Potato flour is a highly versatile raw material that can be used in several processed food products. Two Mauritian potato cultivars were turned into flour and used to prepare mash, gulab jamuns, and paratha, three traditional Mauritian foods. The samples were compared for peeling losses, drying characteristics, chemical changes, and functional properties. The Exodus cultivar was more economical for producing potato flour due to its higher yield and lower drying ratio compared with Spunta. The chemical composition of the two cultivars did not vary, and most of the functional properties were comparable. A slight variation in water-absorption capacity was observed. Slurries of 8% potato flour were pseudoplastic. Mash prepared from Spunta flour was superior to that from Exodus, but both were comparable to the control. Experimental mash samples were superior to a commercial instant potato mash. Gulab jamuns with milk and potato flour in ratios of 3:1 and 5:1 were superior to commercial samples, and parathas made with 40% potato flour were more acceptable than those made with wheat flour alone.
World Essential Amino Acid Supply with Special Attention to South-East Asia
Authors: Pellett Peter L.
Published: November 2018

On the basis of calculations using regional and country food balance sheets, dietary surveys from Pakistan and India, and amino acid composition data, it is proposed that the essential amino acid lysine may be relatively lacking in many areas of the world where diets heavily based on cereals are consumed. By combining food balance sheet and gross national product data, it can be demonstrated that as wealth increases, not only are more food energy and protein available, but there are also major changes in the pattern of foods selected. When dietary and health data are stratified by gross national product, the poorest countries, with a combined population of nearly 3,000 million, have the highest proportion of their protein originating from plant sources. These are also the countries with the lowest life expectancy and the highest mortality rate among children under five years of age. Rich countries, in contrast, obtain much of their protein from animal sources. Such different dietary patterns of the rich and the poor lead to very different daily availabilities of lysine Although large differences also exist for all other essential amino acids, the difference is considered to be nutritionally significant only for lysine The coefficient of variation (CV %) in lysine content in some 100 dietary calculations was more than three times the average CV % of the other essential amino acids. The amino acid compositions of animal, pulse, and cereal proteins are also sufficiently different from each other to allow food group data to be used to predict the lysine value of diets. Dietary survey data from both India and Pakistan showed wide intra-country variations of lysine availability. Average lysine values were low in both countries and would indicate a considerable risk of inadequate levels of intake in many subsections of the population. Strategies to alleviate possible global problems of low lysine supply must include improving dietary diversity as well as consideration of cereal nutrient fortification.
Breastfeeding and the Suppression of Fertility
Authors: McNeilly Alan S.
Published: November 2018

Breastfeeding suppresses fertility for a variable length of time, but when certain criteria are applied, it can be a reliable contraceptive. The individual variation in duration of infertility is directly related to suckling activity. As suckling declines, follicle growth resumes and ovulation may occur. Infertility is maintained by suckling-induced disruption of the normal pattern of pulsatile luteinizing hormone release and is related to an increased sensitivity of the hypothalamus to the negative feedback effects of oestradiol. Even if ovulation does resume, the corpus luteum function is often insufficient to maintain pregnancy. Attempts to alter suckling activity to prolong lactational infertility are not successful, but maintenance of reasonable suckling frequencies of normal duration can protect women from pregnancy for a prolonged period postpartum.
Effects of Breastfeeding on the Baby and on Its Immune System
Authors: Hanson Lars A. , Wiedermann Ursula , Ashraf Rifat , Zaman Shakila , Adlerberth Ingegrad , Dahlgren Ulf , Wold Agnes , Jalil Fehmida
Published: November 2018

Human milk is a very complex fluid with a number of components and multiple functions. New functions are continually being identified. It is clear that human milk can affect the immune system of the breasfed infant. This results both in enhanced vaccine responses and, at times, down-regulation of other immune reactivities, such as transplant rejection and the risk of developing certain immunologic diseases, such as type I diabetes. Breastfeeding presumably gives the infant the possibility for an optimal immune response by providing good nutrition, including a decreased risk of vitamin A deficiency. The control of the intestinal flora and the anti-inflammatory effects of maternal milk also increase the possibilities for an adequate immune response in the infant. Further study is needed of the roles of idiotypic and anti-idiotypic antibodies, growth factors, cytokines, and various anti-inflammatory factors in the maternal milk in the infant's host defence.
Disciplinary and Interdisciplinary Breadth Required for Dealing with Modern Food and Nutrition Issues for Countries in Transition
Authors: Valyasevi Aree , Dhanamitta Sakorn
Published: November 2018

Facing a double burden of malnutrition, transitional countries must urgently begin proactive institution-building. A problem- and development-based approach is proposed to guide this process that requires a deep understanding of today's complex food and nutrition issues and appropriate actions for population change. The concept of “empowerment” should be used as a framework in this capacity-building process, and the experiential learning approach must be a key to its development. Furthermore, effective implementation will require a mechanism for multidisciplinary work. On the basis of Thailand's experience, this mechanism involves at least three essential elements: (1) a problem- and development-based mission, (2) leadership, and (3) proper training for the country's nutrition professionals.
Role of Training for Specific Skills through Short Courses, Workshops, and In-Service Training
Authors: Galal Osman M.
Published: November 2018

In the past, developing countries have faced problems in recruiting and retraining intellectual resources for nutrition education. By now, most developing countries have in place the first of a second-generation cadre of well-educated nutrition scientists who are capable of training nationals in their fields. Many nutrition training programmes are presently run by local personnel. Local cultures and behavioural studies are not always not included in the curriculum, although it is important to include these to enhance the effectiveness of intervention programmes. The need to go beyond descriptive information is evident. The ability to predict changes in malnutrition rates is a skill needed for effective and substantial interventions. Nutritionists from developing countries need to be trained in the basic tools of social science and evaluation research. Developing countries require the cooperation of the developed world to encourage local nutritionists to improve their technological skills. Specific skills can be provided through short courses, workshops, and in-service training. Training also should be coordinated locally, regionally, and nationally. It has been observed that training in nutrition research has not been linked to programme operations. There has been a lack of coordination among nutritionists from the same region, and communities have seldom been involved as partners in training.
Introduction: Resistance, disobedience or constituent power? Emerging narratives of transnational protest
Authors: Niesen Peter
Published: November 2018

Transnational social movements, campaigns and individual activists have described their activities in the traditional vocabularies of political dissent: as protest, opposition, contestation, dissidence or rebellion. Where strategies have involved illegal, well-publicised activities, the vocabularies of resistance and of civil disobedience have become an activist lingua franca. What all such descriptions have in common is that they paint a largely defensive picture of activist aims and self-understandings. In contrast, the emergence of the ‘global constitutionalist’ paradigm in international law and politics has re-introduced the category of constituent power. Transnational initiatives such as the Democracy in Europe Movement 2025 (DiEM25) have begun to frame their activities in a ‘constitutive’ and less in a ‘reactive’ language. When countering the challenges of cross-border domination, new collectives may grasp the chance for extra-institutional self-activation. The special issue aims to assess and compare the features and the various strengths and weaknesses of the respective languages of contestatory and constitutive politics.
Goal Programming Model for Optimizing Working Capital Management: Case of Tire Retreading Company
Authors: O. N. Arunkumar , D. Divya , Mathew Tony
Published: November 2018

This article discusses goal programming model for optimizing working capital management (WCM) of a tire manufacturing company. The mathematical model is run for the years 2008–2009 to 2012–2013 and values of the respective goals are taken from it. The validation for the model values with the actual values from the financial data are carried out to check the significance of the model values. The significance test is carried out in one sample t-test. It is observed that all the values got from the model are significant. The sales of the company for the year 2013–2014 is forecasted from the past data by linear regression using Microsoft Excel as a trend line. The model is used to 2analyze the values of variables of WCM for the year 2013–2014 to achieve a 30 percent return on assets (ROA) for the forecasted sales.
Nrf2 regulates CD4+ T cell–induced acute graft-versus-host disease in mice
Authors: Tsai Jennifer J. , Velardi Enrico , Shono Yusuke , Argyropoulos Kimon V. , Holland Amanda M. , Smith Odette M. , Yim Nury L. , Rao Uttam K. , Kreines Fabiana M. , Lieberman Sophie R. , Young Lauren F. , Lazrak Amina , Youssef Salma , Fu Ya-Yuan , Liu Chen , Lezcano Cecilia , Murphy George F. , Na Il-Kang , Jenq Robert R. , Hanash Alan M. , Dudakov Jarrod A. , van den Brink Marcel R. M.
Published: November 2018

Nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-like 2 (Nrf2) is a ubiquitously expressed transcription factor that is well known for its role in regulating the cellular redox pathway. Although there is mounting evidence suggesting a critical role for Nrf2 in hematopoietic stem cells and innate leukocytes, little is known about its involvement in T-cell biology. In this study, we identified a novel role for Nrf2 in regulating alloreactive T-cell function during allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT). We observed increased expression and nuclear translocation of Nrf2 upon T-cell activation in vitro, especially in CD4+ donor T cells after allo-HCT. Allo-HCT recipients of Nrf2−/− donor T cells had significantly less acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD)-induced mortality, morbidity, and pathology. This reduction in GVHD was associated with the persistence of Helios+ donor regulatory T cells in the allograft, as well as defective upregulation of the gut-homing receptor LPAM-1 on alloreactive CD8+ T cells. Additionally, Nrf2−/− donor CD8+ T cells demonstrated intact cytotoxicity against allogeneic target cells. Tumor-bearing allo-HCT recipients of Nrf2−/− donor T cells had overall improved survival as a result of preserved graft-versus-tumor activity and reduced GVHD activity. Our findings characterized a previously unrecognized role for Nrf2 in T-cell function, as well as revealed a novel therapeutic target to improve the outcomes of allo-HCT.
Azithromycin treatment modifies airway and blood gene expression networks in neutrophilic COPD
Authors: Baines Katherine J. , Wright Thomas K. , Gibson Peter G. , Powell Heather , Hansbro Philip M. , Simpson Jodie L.
Published: November 2018

Long-term, low-dose azithromycin reduces exacerbation frequency in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), yet the mechanism remains unclear. This study characterised genome-wide gene expression changes in patients with neutrophilic COPD following long-term, low-dose azithromycin treatment.

Patients with neutrophilic COPD (>61% or >162×104cells per mL sputum neutrophils) were randomised to receive either azithromycin or placebo for 12 weeks. Sputum and blood were obtained before and after 12 weeks of treatment. Gene expression was defined using microarrays. Networks were analysed using the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Gene database.

In sputum, 403 genes were differentially expressed following azithromycin treatment (171 downregulated and 232 upregulated), and three following placebo treatment (one downregulated and two upregulated) compared to baseline (adjusted p<0.05 by paired t-test, fold-change >1.5). In blood, 138 genes were differentially expressed with azithromycin (121 downregulated and 17 upregulated), and zero with placebo compared to baseline (adjusted p<0.05 by paired t-test, fold-change >1.3). Network analysis revealed one key network in both sputum (14 genes) and blood (46 genes), involving interferon-stimulated genes, human leukocyte antigens and genes regulating T-cell responses.

Long-term, low-dose azithromycin is associated with downregulation of genes regulating antigen presentation, interferon and T-cell responses, and numerous inflammatory pathways in the airways and blood of neutrophilic COPD patients.
Asthma severity and fertility outcome in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a registry-based study
Authors: Zierau Louise , Cortes Rikke , Thomsen Simon Francis , Jimenez-Solem Espen , Lindenberg Svend , Backer Vibeke
Published: November 2018

Recent research suggests that women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have a higher risk of asthma. However, the severity of asthma, use of antiasthma medication and effect on fertility have yet to be investigated.

In a case–control cross-sectional registry study using the Danish National Patient Register and other Danish registries, asthma prevalence, asthma severity, antiasthma medication use and fertility outcome were investigated among two groups of women with PCOS (n=1358 and n=17 123) and a healthy control group (n=5340).

Both asthma prevalence (OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.24–1.70) and mean daily inhaled corticosteroid dose were higher among women with PCOS compared with healthy controls, whereas asthma severity was the same in women with and without PCOS. Women with PCOS and asthma had morein vitrofertilisation treatments than women in the control group with asthma, but the numbers of children per woman and spontaneous abortions were the same.

Women with PCOS have a higher prevalence of asthma and a higher use of inhaled corticosteroids, whereas asthma severity is the same in women with and without PCOS. Asthma is associated with morein vitrofertilisation treatments in women with PCOS.
Exploring the genetic correlations of antisocial behaviour and life history traits
Authors: Tielbeek Jorim J. , Barnes J.C. , Popma Arne , Polderman Tinca J.C. , Lee James J. , Perry John R.B. , Posthuma Danielle , Boutwell Brian B.
Published: November 2018

Prior evolutionary theory provided reason to suspect that measures of development and reproduction would be correlated with antisocial behaviours in human and non-human species. Behavioural genetics has revealed that most quantitative traits are heritable, suggesting that these phenotypic correlations may share genetic aetiologies. We use genome-wide association study data to estimate the genetic correlations between various measures of reproductive development (N = 52 776–318 863) and antisocial behaviour (N = 31 968). Our genetic correlation analyses demonstrate that alleles associated with higher reproductive output (number of children ever born, rg = 0.50, P = 0.0065) were positively correlated with alleles associated with antisocial behaviour, whereas alleles associated with more delayed reproductive onset (age at first birth, rg = −0.64, P = 0.0008) were negatively associated with alleles linked to antisocial behaviour. Ultimately, these findings coalesce with evolutionary theories suggesting that increased antisocial behaviours may partly represent a faster life history approach, which may be significantly calibrated by genes.

Declaration of interest

None.
Macrophages enhance Vegfa-driven angiogenesis in an embryonic zebrafish tumour xenograft model
Authors: Britto Denver D. , Wyroba Barbara , Chen Wenxuan , Lockwood Rhoswen A. , Tran Khanh B. , Shepherd Peter R. , Hall Chris J. , Crosier Kathryn E. , Crosier Philip S. , Astin Jonathan W.
Published: November 2018

Tumour angiogenesis has long been a focus of anti-cancer therapy, however, anti-angiogenic cancer treatment strategies have had limited clinical success. Tumour-associated myeloid cells are believed to play a role in the resistance of cancer towards anti-angiogenesis therapy, but the mechanisms by which they do this are unclear. A zebrafish embryonic xenograft model has been developed to investigate the mechanisms of tumour angiogenesis and as an assay to screen anti-angiogenic compounds. In this study, we used cell ablation techniques to remove either macrophages or neutrophils and assessed their contribution towards zebrafish xenograft angiogenesis by quantitating levels of graft vascularisation. The ablation of macrophages, but not neutrophils, caused a strong reduction in tumour xenograft vascularisation and time-lapse imaging demonstrated that tumour xenograft macrophages directly associated with the migrating tip of developing tumour blood vessels. Finally, we found that while macrophages are required for vascularisation in xenografts that either secrete VEGFA or overexpress zebrafish vegfaa, they are not required for the vascularisation of grafts with low levels of VEGFA, suggesting that zebrafish macrophages can enhance Vegfa-driven tumour angiogenesis. The importance of macrophages to this angiogenic response suggests that this model could be used to further investigate the interplay between myeloid cells and tumour vascularisation.
Loss of Zbtb32 in NOD mice does not significantly alter T cell responses.
Authors: Coley William D. , Zhao Yongge , Benck Charles J. , Liu Yi , Hotta-Iwamura Chie , Rahman M. Jubayer , Tarbell Kristin V
Published: November 2018

Background:We previously identified the transcriptional regulator Zbtb32 as a factor that can promote T cell tolerance in the Non-Obese Diabetic (NOD) mouse, a model of Type 1 diabetes. Antigen targeted to DCIR2+dendritic cells (DCs)in vivoinhibited both diabetes and effector T cell expansion in NOD mice. Furthermore, Zbtb32 was preferentially induced in autoreactive CD4 T cells stimulated by these tolerogenic DCIR2+DCs, and overexpression of Zbtb32 in islet-specific T cells inhibited the diabetes development by limiting T cell proliferation and cytokine production.

Methods:To further understand the role of Zbtb32 in T cell tolerance induction, we have now used CRISPR to target the Zbtb32 gene for deletion directly in NOD mice and characterized the mutant mice. We hypothesized that the systemic loss of Zbtb32 in NOD mice would lead to increased T cell activation and increased diabetes pathogenesis.

Results:Although NOD.Zbtb32-/-male NOD mice showed a trend towards increased diabetes incidence compared to littermate controls, the difference was not significant. Furthermore, no significant alteration in lymphocyte number or function was observed. Importantly,in vitrostimulation of lymphocytes from NOD.Zbtb32-/-mice did not produce the expected hypersensitive phenotype observed in other genetic strains, potentially due to compensation by homologous genes.

Conclusions:The loss of Zbtb32 in the NOD background does not result in the expected T cell activation phenotype.
Density artefacts at interfaces caused by multiple time-step effects in molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Sidler Dominik , Lehner Marc , Frasch Simon , Cristófol-Clough Michael , Riniker Sereina
Published: November 2018

Background:Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations have become an important tool to provide insight into molecular processes involving biomolecules such as proteins, DNA, carbohydrates and membranes. As these processes cover a wide range of time scales, multiple time-step integration methods are often employed to increase the speed of MD simulations. For example, in the twin-range (TR) scheme, the nonbonded forces within the long-range cutoff are split into a short-range contribution updated every time step (inner time step) and a less frequently updated mid-range contribution (outer time step). The presence of different time steps can, however, cause numerical artefacts.

Methods:The effects of multiple time-step algorithms at interfaces between polar and apolar media are investigated with MD simulations. Such interfaces occur with biological membranes or proteins in solution.

Results:In this work, it is shown that the TR splitting of the nonbonded forces leads to artificial density increases at interfaces. The presence of the observed artefacts was found to be independent of the interface shape and the thermostatting method used. It is further shown that integration with an impulse-wise reversible reference system propagation algorithm (RESPA) only shifts the occurrence of density artefacts towards larger outer time steps. Using a single-range (SR) treatment of the nonbonded interactions, on the other hand, resolves the density issue for pairlist-update periods of up to 40 fs.

Conclusion:A SR scheme avoids numerical artefacts and offers an interesting alternative to TR RESPA with respect to performance optimization.
Group versus individual antenatal and first year postpartum care: Study protocol for a multi-country cluster randomized controlled trial in Kenya and Nigeria
Authors: Kabue Mark M. , Grenier Lindsay , Suhowatsky Stephanie , Oyetunji Jaiyeola , Ugwa Emmanuel , Onguti Brenda , Omanga Eunice , Gichangi Anthony , Wambua Jonesmus , Waka Charles , Enne Joseph , Don-Aki Jennyfer , Ali Mairo , Buba Maryam , Ang’aha Jenipher , Iya Daniel , Washika Elizabeth , Mohan Diwakar , Smith Jeffrey M.
Published: November 2018

Background: Antenatal care (ANC) in many low- and middle-income countries is under-utilized and of sub-optimal quality. Group ANC (G-ANC) is an intervention designed to improve the experience and provision of ANC for groups of women (cohorts) at similar stages of pregnancy.

Methods: A two-arm, two-phase, cluster randomized controlled trial (cRCT) (non-blinded) is being conducted in Kenya and Nigeria. Public health facilities were matched and randomized to either standard individual ANC (control) or G-ANC (intervention) prior to enrollment. Participants include pregnant women attending first ANC at gestational age <24 weeks, health care providers, and sub-national health managers. Enrollment ended in June 2017 for both countries. In the intervention arm, pregnant women are assigned to cohorts at first ANC visit and receive subsequent care together during five meetings facilitated by a health care provider (Phase 1). After birth, the same cohorts meet four times over 12 months with their babies (Phase 2). Data collection was performed through surveys, clinical data extraction, focus group discussions, and in-depth interviews. Phase 1 data collection ended in January 2018 and Phase 2 concludes in November 2018. Intention-to-treat analysis will be used to evaluate primary outcomes for Phases 1 and 2: health facility delivery and use of a modern method of family planning at 12 months postpartum, respectively. Data analysis and reporting of results will be consistent with norms for cRCTs. General estimating equation models that account for clustering will be employed for primary outcome analyzes.

Results: Overall 1,075 and 1,013 pregnant women were enrolled in Nigeria and Kenya, respectively. Final study results will be available in February 2019.

Conclusions: This is the first cRCT on G-ANC in Africa. It is among the first to examine the effects of continuing group care through the first year postpartum.

Registration: Pan African Clinical Trials Registry PACTR201706002254227 May 02, 2017
Designing health information technology tools for behavioural health clinicians integrated within US-based primary care teams
Authors: Tate Woodson Tanisha , Gunn Rose , Clark Khaya D. , Balasubramanian Bijal A. , Jetelina Katelyn K. , Muller Brianna , Miller Benjamin F. , Burdick Timothy E. , Cohen Deborah J.
Published: November 2018

Background

Electronic health records (EHRs) are a key tool for primary care practice. However, the EHR functionality is not keeping pace with the evolving informational and decision-support needs of behavioural health clinicians (BHCs) working on integrated teams.

Objective

Describe the workflows and tasks of integrated BHCs working with adult patients identify their health information technology (health IT) needs and develop EHR tools to address them.

Method

A mixed-methods, comparative case study of six community health centres (CHCs) in Oregon, each with at least one BHC integrated into their primary care team. We observed clinical work and conducted interviews to understand workflows and clinical tasks, aiming to identify how effectively current EHRs supported integrated care delivery, including transitions, documentation, information sharing and decision-making. We analysed these data and employed a user-centred design process to develop EHR tools addressing the identified needs.

Results

BHCs used the primary care EHR for documentation and communication with other team members, but the EHR lacked the functionality to fully support integrated care. Needs include the ability to: (1) automate and track paper-based screening; (2) document behavioural health history; (3) access patient social and medical history relevant to behavioural health issues and (4) rapidly document and track progress on goals. To meet these needs, we engaged users and developed a set of EHR tools called the Behavioural Health e-Suite (BH e-Suite).

Conclusion

US-based integrated primary care teams, and particularly BHCs working with adult populations, have unique information needs, workflows and tasks. These needs can be met and supported by the EHR with a moderate level of modification.
THE IMPORTANCE OF NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF DEMENTIA IN THE ELDERLY
Authors: Maciel Pedro Antonio Gomes , Dantas Renata Da Silva Adonias , Bastos Jussara Evila Pinheiro , Sant´Anna André Luis , Oliveira Raimunda Tânia Pinheiro de , Batista Hermes Melo Teixeira
Published: November 2018

The causes of forgetfulness episodes in the elderly can occur for a variety of reasons, among which we highlight the presence of dementia, which can negatively infer senile cognition, memory, language and communication. Dementia is a condition in which the individual loses part of the brain functions, causing neurological deficits that directly affect his quality of life. This study discusses the importance of Neuropsychological Assessment as a fundamental tool for the diagnosis of degenerative disease, before the complaints of oblivion related to the advancing age. The results indicated that the use of this method of examination can indicate the therapeutic intervention in an adequate time, allowing the improvement of the quality of life for the elderly.
CONSIDERATIONS ON REFUGEE WOMEN IN BRAZIL
Authors: Moreira Elysyana Barros , Gonçalves Júnior Jucier , Sant´Anna André Luis , Melo Antônio Marlos Duarte de , Farias Athena De Albuquerque , Santaguida Bárbara Maria Moreira Dante , Marinho Gisanne De Oliveira
Published: November 2018

Throughout history, women have been facing several situations of disregard for basic human rights. In times where entire populations are forced to leave their homes and countries to achieve protection and a minimum condition for survival, as in the case of armed conflicts and political crises, gender relations become even more evident, as women are easy targets of physical and psychological aggression. In these times of greater scarcity of basic resources, they are responsible for caring for the most vulnerable families, the elderly and children. The countries of origin of the refugees - Syria, Iraq, Venezuela, among others – also face problems like inequality and patriarchalism. Refugees are sometimes subjected to sexual violence and, in order to protect themselves, are also forced to marry as children, for instance. These women and girls are not generally seen as human beings but as objects of exchange and weapons of war. It is necessary for international authorities to guarantee protection, shelter and care for refugee women without being required in return for such needed assistance.
STRATEGIES FOR INTERNATIONALIZATION OF SCIENTIFIC JOURNALS
Authors: Farias Athena De Albuquerque
Published: November 2018

The use of English language as an exclusive or partial in publications of articles in journals has increased the debate in the various areas of knowledge, although the aim is to maximize the international dissemination of research and, consequently, the journals themselves. In 2016, the scientific journal Amadeus International Multidisciplinary Journal, opens its first volume with the aim of enable the publication of scientific works in the most diverse areas of knowledge. Since its inception, there has been a great demand regarding the Health field of research. Even though this journal has highlighted also works in different areas.
Ransom as Political Strategy: Captivity beyond Commercial Transaction on the Upper Guinea Coast in the Late Nineteenth and Early Twentieth Centuries
Authors: Carpenter Nathan
Published: November 2018

Histories of ransoming in West Africa have placed it alongside a host of related practices including pawning, panyarring, kidnapping, and enslavement, and firmly within histories of long-distance slave trading. This article considers how ransom functioned outside the conventional trans-Atlantic economic frameworks within which it is often placed by scholars. Drawing on cases from the Upper Guinea Coast, the article argues that hostage-taking for ransom was often a political act. Where political alliances were built and maintained through the exchange of people, ransom was a tool that could be employed to assert, maintain, or regain authority. Ransom reconsidered therefore offers important and overlooked evidence of the persistence of social and economic life in the shadow of macro-historical changes ushered in by transoceanic slave trading.
IMPLIKASI PERUBAHAN STATUS PENERIMA LISENSI TERHADAP PERJANJIAN LISENSI HAK CIPTA PADA ORGANISASI KSBSI
Authors: Irawati Irawati , Indrasrani Lailatussafa’ah
Published: November 2018

Hak mutlak yang dimiliki manusia atas setiap hasil kreasi dari pikiran manusia disebut dengan hak cipta. Salah satu sengketa Hak Cipta yaitu kasus sengketa logo organisasi Konfederasi Serikat Buruh Sejahtera Indonesia (KSBSI) antara Muchtar Pakpahan melawan Rekson Silaban. Dalam perkembangannya organisasi mengalami pergantian bentuk. SBSI yang semula berbentuk Unitaris menjadi Konfederasi, hal tersebut disesuaikan dengan UU No. 21 Tahun 2000 tentang Serikat Pekerja/Buruh. Metode pendekatan yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode pendekatan hukum yuridis normatif dengan menggunakan tipe deskriptif analisis yaitu menggambarkan peraturan perundang-undangan yang berlaku dikaitkan dengan teori hukum dan praktek pelaksanaan hukum positif yang menyangkut permasalahan .Sesuai dengan perkembangan hukum dalam Hak Cipta, maka terhadap Seni Logo yang digunakan sebagai Lambang Organisasi, telah dinyatakan tidak dapat dilakukan Pencatatan Ciptaan sebagaimana diatur dalam Pasal 65 Undang-Undang No. 28 tahun 2014 tentang Hak Cipta. Seharusnya sejak SBSI berubah status menjadi KSBSI harus ada perjanjian lisensi baru yang menyatakan bahwa KSBSI adalah organisasi terusan dari SBSI, Muchtar dan Rekson yang pada saat itu masih berada dalam satu payung organisasi juga seharusnya segera merubah AD/ART SBSI menjadi AD/ART KSBSI yang didalam juga dijelaskan sejarah pembentukan organisasi sampai perubahan status organisasi tersebut.Kata Kunci : Hak Cipta; Logo Organisasi;  Perjanjian Lisensi; Perubahan Status.
Combination of anti-early apoptotic cell autoantibodies and anti-SSA autoantibodies in lupus nephritis
Authors: Aktar Kamal , Liu Xiang , Yang Xiaowei
Published: November 2018

The aim of this study was to investigate the association of anti-early apoptotic cell autoantibodies, anti-SSA, and anti-SSB with clinical features of lupus nephritis (LN). Multiparameter flow cytometry was used to determine early apoptotic cells and for measuring the simultaneous binding of annexin V, 7-AAD, and IgG from LN patients (n = 39). The association between clinical features of LN and autoantibodies against early apoptotic cells, and between the autoantibodies and anti-SSA and anti-SSB, were further investigated. Thirteen LN patients (33.3 %) were positive for autoantibodies against early apoptotic cells. The prevalence of anti-SSA and anti-SSB were similar in patients with anti-early apoptotic cell autoantibodies and those without (anti-SSA: 9/13 versus 15/26; anti-SSB: 3/13 versus 4/26). Anti-early apoptotic cell antibody-positive patients had lower C3 levels (0.34 ± 0.22) than the antibody-negative patients (0.47 ± 0.17, p = 0.059); and significantly higher anti-dsDNA levels (502.99 ± 275.48 versus 214.13 ± 229.29, p = 0.001). In univariate logistic regression analysis, the presence of anti-early apoptotic cell antibody could predict poor short-term prognosis (HR 7.500, 95 % CI: 1.210 - 46.504, p = 0.030), while patients who were double positive for anti-SSA and anti-early apoptotic cell antibody had significantly increased risk of poor short-term outcome (HR 17.500, 95 % CI: 2.500 - 122.500, p = 0.004). The combination of anti-early apoptotic cell autoantibodies and anti-SSA might be of predictive value in LN.
Virtual screening of natural anti-filarial compounds against glutathione-S-transferase of Brugia malayi and Wuchereria bancrofti
Authors: Saeed Mohd , Imran Mohd , Baig Mohd Hassan , Kausar Mohd Adnan , Shahid SMA , Ahmad Irfan
Published: November 2018

Glutathione-S-transferase also referred as GST is one of the major detoxification enzymes in parasitic helminths. The crucial role played by GST in various chronic infections has been well reported. The dependence of nematodes on detoxification enzymes to maintain their survival within the host established the crucial role of GST in filariasis and other related diseases. Hence, this well-established role of GST in filariasis along with its greater nonhomology with its human counterpart makes it an important therapeutic drug target. Here in this study, we have tried to explore the inhibitory potential of some of the well-reported natural ant-filarial compounds against the GST from Wuchereria bancrofti (W.bancrofti) and Brugia malayi (B.malayi). In silico virtual screening, approach was used to screen the selected natural compounds against GST from W.bancrofti and B.malayi. On the basis of our results, here we are reporting some of the natural compounds which were found to be very effective against GSTs. Along with we have also revealed the characteristic of the active site of BmGST and WbGST and the role of important active site residues involve in the binding of natural compounds within the active site of GSTs. This information will oped doors for using natural compounds as anti-filarial therapy and will also be helpful for future drug discovery.
Effect of medicated thread moxibustion on apoptosis of hippocampal neurons in rat models of chronic cerebral ischemic vascular dementia
Authors: Weilan Qin , Yan Yan , Xuemei Liu , Wei Shen , Xiaohan Liu , Qingke Ma , Ying Wang , Xianglan Jin
Published: November 2018

To investigate the effect of medicated thread moxibustion onapoptosis in hippocampal neuronsin a rat model of chronic cerebral ischemic vascular dementia. A total of 40 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal group and sham-operated group (7 rats each), and rat model of chronic cerebral ischemic vascular dementia (14 rats). The model group rats were treated with medicated thread moxibustion two weeks after surgery, once a day, with one day break every six days, (24 times in all)and an observation period of 4 weeks. At the end of therapy, H&E staining was used to monitor changes in the neurons in CA1 area of the rat hippocampus. Changes in related indexes such as Bax, Bc1-2 and C-fos of neuron apoptosis in hippocampus CA1 area were determined by immunohistochemistry, while protein expression was semi-quantitatively assayed using imaging analysis technique. There was significant hippocampal neuronal necrosis six weeks after model establishment, but the necrosis was milder in rats in the medicated thread moxibustion group. Bax and C-fos were positively expressed and significantly higher in the hippocampus of chronic cerebral ischemic vascular dementia rats (model group) than in the medicated thread moxibustion group after treatment (p <0.01). The expression of Bcl-2 was increased in the medicated thread group after treatment, and was higher in the model group, but comparable to that in the sham-operated group (p=0.975>0.05). Medicated thread moxibustion alleviates hippocampal neuronal necrosis, inhibits neuron apoptosis in hippocampus CA1 area, protects nerves, and maintains relative equilibrium inBax/Bcl-2 through down-regulation of C-fos and Bax and up-regulation of Bcl-2. Thus, cell apoptosis-related pathway may be one of its mechanisms of action.