bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inflammation Mobilizes Local Resources to Control Hyperalgesia: The Role of Endogenous Opioid Peptides
Authors: Alves Daniela P. , da Motta Patrícia G. , Lima Patrícia P. , Queiroz-Junior Celso M. , Caliari Marcelo V. , Pacheco Daniela F. , Pacheco Cinthia F. , Francischi Janetti N. , Duarte Igor D.G.
Published: January 2012

The aim of the present study was to investigate the mechanisms underlying the endogenous control of nociception at a peripheral level during inflammation. Using a pharmacological approach and the rat paw pressure test, we assessed the effect of an intraplantar injection of naloxone, an opioid receptor antagonist, and bestatin, an aminopeptidase inhibitor, on hyperalgesia induced by carrageenan, which mimics an inflammatory process, or prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), which directly sensitizes nociceptors. Naloxone induced a significant and dose-dependent (25, 50 or 100 µg) increase in carrageenan-induced hyperalgesia, but not PGE2-induced hyperalgesia. Bestatin (400 µg/paw) significantly counteracted carrageenan-induced hyperalgesia, inducing an increase in the nociceptive threshold compared to control, but it did not modify hyperalgesia induced by PGE2 injection into the rat paw. Positive β-endorphin immunoreactivity was increased in paw inflammation induced by carrageenan in comparison with the control group. However, PGE2 did not significantly alter the immunostained area. These results provide evidence for activation of the endogenous opioidergic system during inflammation and indicate that this system regulates hyperalgesia through a negative feedback mechanism, modulating it at a peripheral level.
Prognostic Factors for Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Carcinoma after Nephroureterectomy
Authors: Kuroda Kenji , Asakuma Junichi , Horiguchi Akio , Tasaki Shinsuke , Yoshii Hidehiko , Sato Akinori , Ito Keiichi , Seguchi Kenji , Sumitomo Makoto , Asano Tomohiko
Published: January 2012

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to evaluate prognostic factors for patients with upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UUT-UC) after nephroureterectomy and to seek a better way of finding more favorable clinical results for these patients. Patients and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 121 UUT-UC patients who underwent a nephroureterectomy at our institution, and analyzed the prognostic significance of various clinicopathological parameters for progression-free and disease-specific survival rates by using univariate and multivariate analysis. Results: A Cox proportional hazards model showed that extravesical tumor recurrence after surgery was an independent prognostic factor for disease-specific survival (p < 0.0001). An additional model showed that lymphovascular invasion (LVI) was one of the independent predictors of lower extravesical-recurrence-free survival rates (p = 0.0004). Our final finding was that pathological tumor stage and positive surgical margin were significantly associated with the presence of LVI (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0029, respectively). Conclusions: We conclude that there is a high possibility of LVI in patients with large tumors. Our findings should be helpful in terms of determining whether or not to perform neoadjuvant chemotherapy for patients with large tumors, given the fact that we frequently find a severe reduction in renal function after nephroureterectomy.
The CXCR4 antagonist POL5551 is equally effective as sirolimus in reducing neointima formation without impairing re-endothelialisation
Authors: Hamesch Karim , Subramanian Pallavi , Li Xiaofeng , Dembowsky Klaus , Chevalier Eric , Weber Christian , Schober Andreas
Published: January 2012

Impaired endothelial recovery after the implantation of drug-eluting stents is a major concern because of the increased risk for late stent thrombosis. The disruption of the chemokine axis CXCL12/CXCR4 inhibits neointima formation by blocking the recruitment of smooth muscle progenitor cells. To directly compare a CXCR4-targeting treatment strategy with drugs that are currently used for stent coating, we studied the effects of the CXCR4 antagonist POL5551 and the drug sirolimus on neointima formation. Apolipoprotein E-deficient mice were treated with POL5551 or sirolimus continuously for 28 days after a carotid wire injury. POL5551 inhibited neointima formation by 63% (for a dosage of 2 mg/kg/day) and by 70% (for a dosage of 20 mg/kg/day). In comparison, sirolimus reduced the neointimal area by 69%. In contrast to treatment with POL5551 during the first three days after injury, injection of POL5551 (20 mg/kg) once per day for 28 days diminished neointimal hyperplasia by 53%. An analysis of the cellular composition of the neointima showed a reduction in the relative smooth muscle cell (SMC) and macrophage content in mice that had been treated with a high dose of POL5551. In contrast, the diminished SMC content after sirolimus treatment was associated with a neointimal enrichment of macrophages. Furthermore, endothelial recovery was impaired by sirolimus, but not by POL5551. Therefore, the inhibition of CXCR4 by POL5551 is equally effective in preventing neointima formation as sirolimus, but POL5551 might be more beneficial because treatment with it results in a more stable lesion phenotype and because it does not impair re-endothelialisation.
Complement activation in patients with isolated antiphospholipid antibodies or primary antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Seed Paul , Parmar Kiran , Moore Gary W. , Stuart-Smith Sara E. , Hunt Beverley J. , Breen Karen A.
Published: January 2012

The antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is the association of thrombosis and recurrent pregnancy loss and/or pregnancy morbidity with persistent antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). Increased complement activation has been implicated in the pathogenesis of APS in animal models. It was our objective to evaluate complement activation in patients with aPL or primary antiphospholipid syndrome (PAPS). We measured complement activation products, fragments Bb and C3a–desArg by ELISA in 186 aPL/PAPS patients and 30 healthy controls. All patients with aPL had significantly increased levels of complement activation products. Fragment Bb levels (mean, 95% CI); (thrombotic APS 0.54 units/ml, 0.31–0.83, obstetric APS 0.60 units/ml,0.39–1.02, isolated aPL 0.48 units/ml, 0.29–0.85, overall 0.39 units/ml, 0.33–0.47) and C3a–desArg levels (mean, 95% CI): (thrombotic APS 261 ng/ml, 219–311, obstetric APS 308 ng/ml, 243–391, isolated aPL 258 ng/ml, 193–337, overall 225 ng/ml, 202–251) were significantly higher compared to controls (fragment Bb 0.06 units/ml, 0.03–0.11, C3a–desArg 69 ng/ml, 50–92). There were correlations between Fragment Bb and C3a–desArg levels in all patients with aPL. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis showed increased fragment Bb and C3a–desArg levels had strong associations with the presence of persistent lupus anticoagulant (area under ROC: Bb 0.89, and C3a–desArg 0.90), dual and triple aPL positivity (Bb 0.71–0.82, C3a–desArg 0.71–0.80) but not with high titre anti-cardiolipin antibodies (Bb 0.62, C3a–desArg 0.65), or anti β2-glycoprotein 1 antibodies (Bb 0.66, C3a–desArg 0.67). Complement activation is present in all patient groups within this large cohort of patients aPL. This suggests it may have a major role in the pathogenesis of APS and merits further study.
THEOLOGY, RATIONALITY AND TRUTH-CLAIMS: METATHEORETICAL REFLECTIONS ON SELF-DECEPTION
Authors: BOTHA PIETER J. J.
Published: January 2012

 Abstract
Reflecting on self-deception makes us aware that this phenomenon is far more complex than a 'problem' or 'illness' in need of solution or therapy. It confronts us with the question of who we are and what kind of person we want to be. Truth and honesty are intertwined, and reality must also be conceived ethically: one cannot overestimate the precautions that must be taken to guard against obtaining proof from research that fits with what we expect to obtain, because our wishes and our preferences have led us to affect our awareness and cognitive faculties to respond in accordance with our expectations.
WISDOM LOST AND REGAINED? THE POSSIBILITY OF REINTEGRATING A FRACTURED TECHNOSCIENTIFIC CULTURE
Authors: DU TOIT CORNEL W.
Published: January 2012

 Abstract
Technology has taken on a life of its own and it now seems impossible to work out who manages it. Humans have created a technoscientific environment that has surpassed the guidelines of their wisdom. The question: what is it to be human? can no longer be isolated from the question: what is it to possess technology? The renewed search for wisdom is regarded as a metaphor for expressing different sentiments, such as the attempt to link values to technology; the search for unity between the different sciences, and between science and the life world; the restoration of values, especially in the realm of the natural sciences; the best way to cope in a technoscientific culture; and, finally, decisions about research policies. in this article some of the main factors responsible for the exclusivity of the natural sciences and for the division of the sciences, and the detachment of science from the life world are discussed. the detachment of natural science from values, ethics and the human sciences are traced back to the scientific revolution and the establishment by Galileo and Kepler of mathematics as the language of the natural sciences. The subject of scientific research has shifted from the scientific community to the political and economic realm. the realm of power and the prerequisites for academic accomplishment compromise the integrity of science and the wellbeing of society. The democratisation of technoscience requires some progress in the concilience of the sciences.
VIOLENCE AND SOCIAL IMAGINATION: RETHINKING THEOLOGY AND POLITICS IN AFRICA
Authors: KATONGOLE EMMANUEL M.
Published: January 2012

 Abstract
In this article the author argues that the greatest challenge facing Christians In Africa has to do with the cultivation of new social imaginations that can both resist and provide alternatives to the ever-increasing phenomenon of violence. For this to happen, Christian social ethics in Africa must rethink the relation between theology and politics, and thus assume new methodologies and directions. This argument is only spelt out more explicitly In the fourth and last section of the essay. The reason for this is that the reality of violence in Africa does not occur in isolation nor does it arise spontaneously out of some incomprehensible contradictions within 'African culture.' Violence, at least the sort of violence experienced in Africa, is the result of political formation, which is connected to stories that sustain nation-state politics in Africa. That is why it is important to attend to the story of Africa's politics, and the underlying stories and imaginations that sustain it. Once attention has been drawn to the story of nation-state politics in Africa, and the imagination and patterns of violence it forms, it becomes evident that Christian social ethics cannot proceed as usual - by offering recommendations to help nation-state politics. Rather, it will have to reposition itself as a form of politics that is based on distinct stories, and that is capable of forming alternative imaginations and patterns of social existence
CONTEXTUALISING PAUL IN ATHENS: THE PROCLAMATION OF THE GOSPEL BEFORE PAGAN AUDIENCES IN THE GRAECO-ROMAN WORLD
Authors: SCHNABEL ECKHARD J.
Published: January 2012

 Abstract
This article contextualises Paul's speech on the Areopagus as reported in Acts 17 in the light of the contemporary religious situation obtaining in Athens in the middle of the first century C.E. Against the background of the pluralistic and polytheistic religious context of life in Athens, Paul's speech is interpreted and situated primarily in the light of the role of the Council of the Areopagus as guardians of traditional Athenian ways. The speech before the Council is characterised by agreements with Graeco-Roman philosophy (Stoicism and Epicureanism), as well as by contradictions with these. It is clear that the thrust of the speech derives from Old Testament prophetic traditions and contemporary Jewish apologetics. Rather than drawing on Graeco-Roman philosophical traditions as a kind of preparation for the gospel, then, Paul is transcending these with revealed theology.
Teaching Quantitative Literacy through a Regression Analysis of Exam Performance
Authors: Lindner Andrew M.
Published: January 2012

Quantitative literacy is increasingly essential for both informed citizenship and a variety of careers. Though regression is one of the most common methods in quantitative sociology, it is rarely taught until late in students’ college careers. In this article, the author describes a classroom-based activity introducing students to regression analysis in an introductory sociology course. Using a data set that draws on the students’ quiz and exam scores, students learn the basics of interpreting regression analyses in a manner that is relevant to their own lives. The activity also encourages students to think critically about potential predictors of exam performance and how they could be measured.
Is There a Hispanic Epidemiologic Paradox in Later Life? A Closer Look at Chronic Morbidity
Authors: Zhang Zhenmei , Hayward Mark D. , Lu Chuntian
Published: January 2012

This study examined the morbidity patterns of foreign-born Hispanics, U.S.-born Hispanics, Blacks, and Whites aged 53 years and older using seven self-reported physician-diagnosed chronic diseases as well as six biomarkers. Drawing on the 2006 Health and Retirement Study and its biomarker data, the authors found that foreign-born Hispanics had comparable or lower rates of high blood pressure, heart disease, cancer, arthritis, chronic lung disease, and stroke, controlling for age and gender. The health advantages were robust when socioeconomic conditions and health behaviors were controlled. Foreign-born Hispanics were not significantly different from U.S.-born Hispanics except for a lower risk for arthritis. In terms of biomarkers, foreign-born Hispanics were not statistically different from Whites except for having higher risks of high systolic blood pressure and blood glucose. Future research should explore multiple factors contributing to the lower rates of major chronic diseases among older Hispanics who have faced social disadvantages over the life course.
Low Birthweight in Electoral Wards: A Useful Health and Social Indicator at Local Level
Authors: Wynn Margaret , Wynn Arthur
Published: January 2012

Greater use of electoral ward data is recommended for the guidance of allocation of resources to reduce low birthweight rates and for the monitoring of the health of communities. Ward data on low birthweight can be· used for correlation studies to show the many associations of social, economic and health factors with low birthweight and with each other. A recent government report shows a substantial increase in the prevalence of disability since 1985 which is partly a consequence of an increase in low birthweight and of a deterioration in the nutritional status of an important minority of poor families who are concentrated in inner city wards.
Possible Dangers in a Low Fat Diet: Some Evidence Reviewed
Authors: Cheung Seau-Tak
Published: January 2012

The question of whether a diet low in fat is necessarily beneficial for the whole population is addressed in this short review.
Plasma Glucose Levels in Exclusively Breastfed Newborns in the First 48 Hours of Life in Ile-Ife, Nigeria
Authors: Adejuyigbe E.A. , Fasubaa O.B. , Ajose O.A. , Onayade A.A.
Published: January 2012

This study aims to determine the effectiveness of exclusive breastfeeding of newborns in maintaining a normal blood glucose level in the first 48 hours of life. One hundred and twelve consecutive newborns were initially recruited and 91 completed the study. All neonates of mothers with complicated pregnancy such as diabetes, hypertension and infections were excluded from the study. Maternal and cord glucose estimation were carried out within 30 minutes of delivery. All mothers were assisted in positioning and attaching their babies to the breast. All newborn were weighed and glucose levels were measured at 24 and 48 hours of life before breastfeeding.

All mothers were euglycaemic while seven neonates had plasma glucose level less than 1.7 mmol/l at birth. Only one neonate had persistent hypoglycemia from birth to 12 hours of age and required treatment. All other neonates had blood glucose level above 1.7 mmol/l at 24 and 48 hours of life. The weight loss was 0.176 ± 0.134 kg and 0.211 ± 0.157 kg at 24 and 48 hours respectively. We therefore conclude that the exclusively breastfed newborns have adequate glucose supply and are not at risk of having hypoglycemia in the first 48 hours of life.
The Emerging Importance of Dietary Lipids, Quantity and Quality, in the Global Disease Burden: the Potential of Aquatic Resources
Authors: Elvevoll Edel O. , James David
Published: January 2012

Achievement of Health-for-All, whereby people everywhere throughout their lives, have the opportunity to reach and maintain the highest attainable level of health is impossible whilst hunger, starvation, and malnutrition remain. Malnutrition covers a broad spectrum of ills, including undernutrition, specific nutrient deficiencies, and overnutrition; and it kills, maims, retards, cripples, blinds, and impairs human development on a truly massive scale worldwide. In the developing world in 1995, of the estimated 10.4 million deaths among children under 5 years of age, protein-energy malnutrition was an associated and causative factor in 5.1 million of these deaths (i.e. 49%). On the other hand, evidence has recently been compiled suggesting that of the more than 10 million cases of cancer that occurred in 1996, an estimated 30–40% (3–4 million every year) are preventable by feasible, appropriate diets, and by physical activity and maintenance of appropriate body weight. Malnutrition affects all age groups across the entire lifespan. From the moment of conception, throughout foetal life, iodine, folate and intrauterine nutrition have a profound influence on development, growth, morbidity, mortality, not only in utero and in early infancy, but on morbidity, physical and mental capacity throughout life. Despite significant improvements in world food supplies, health conditions, and availability of educational and social services, no population escapes malnutrition's grasp. All countries have significant population groups with some form of debilitating malnutrition. Malnutrition worldwide, includes a spectrum of nutrient-related disorders, deficiencies and conditions including the following major public health problems; Intrauterine growth retardation, protein-energy malnutrition, Iodine deficiency disorders, Vitamin A Deficiency, Iron Deficiency Anaemia and Overweight and Obesity (WHO, Website).
Embryonic Immune Development and Risks of Hiv Infection
Authors: Athanassakis Irene , Vassiliadis Simon
Published: January 2012

The importance of the maternal immune system, during both gestation and breastfeeding, for the health of future generations is discussed.
Intrauterine Vascular Development: Programming Effects of Nutrition on Vascular Function in the new Born and Adult
Authors: Poston Lucilla
Published: January 2012

The importance of the Barker hypothesis, relating faulty maternal nutrition to low birth weight and subsequent disease in adult life, is examined in relation to vascular function.
Nutritional Status of Rural Pregnant Women of Haryana State, Northern India
Authors: Jood Sudesh , Bishnoi Saroj , Khetarpaul Neelam
Published: January 2012

Average daily food intakes of 90 rural pregnant women belonging to arid, semi-arid and wet zones of Haryana State, Northern India have been determined. As a result of questionnaires and interviews, food intake for three consecutive days were collected. Intakes of cereals, pulses, roots and tubers, other vegetables and sugar and jaggery by the respondents were significantly lower than the prescribed Indian Recommended Dietary Intakes (RDI). The consumption of milk and milk products and fats and oils was significantly higher than that of RDI whereas, green leafy vegetables and fruits were the most limited food items. As the diets of rural pregnant women were inadequate with respect to some food groups, which resulted in lower intake of protein, β-carotene and ascorbic acid. Despite their poor intake their weights and heights were not much below the standards. BMI classification projected that only about one fourth of the respondents were underweight. There is pressing need to educate rural pregnant women regarding their increased nutritional requirements.
Effect of Probiotic Fermentation on Antinutrients and In Vitro Protein and Starch Digestibilities of Indigenously Developed RWGT Food Mixture
Authors: Sindhu Sangeeta C. , Khetarpaul Neelam
Published: January 2012

Indigenously developed RWGT food mixture which contained rice flour, whey, sprouted green gram paste and tomato pulp (2∶1∶1∶1 w/w) was autoclaved 1.5 kg/cm2, 15 min, 121°C), cooled and fermented with 2% liquid culture (containing 106 cells/ml broth). Two types of fermentations were carried out i.e. single culture fermentation [ L. casei, L. plantarum (37°C, 24 hr.)] and sequential culture fermentation [ S. boulardii (25°C, 24 hr.) + L. casei (37°C, 24 hr.)]; S. boulardii [(25°C, 24 hr.) + L. plantarum (37°C, 24 hr.)]. All the fermentations drastically reduced the contents of phytic acid, polyphenols and trypsin inhibitor activity while significantly improving the in vitro digestibilities of starch and protein. Sequential culture fermentations brought about higher changes as compared to single culture fermentations.
A Study on the Mineral Depletion of the Foods Available to us as a Nation over the Period 1940 to 1991
Authors: Thomas David
Published: January 2012

In 1927 a study at King's College, University of London, of the chemical composition of foods was initiated by Dr McCance to assist with diabetic dietary guidance. The study evolved and was then broadened to determine all the important organic and mineral constituents of foods, it was financed by the Medical Research Council and eventually published in 1940. Over the next 51 years subsequent editions reflected changing national dietary habits and food laws as well as advances in analytical procedures. The most recent (5th Edition) published in 1991 has comprehensively analysed 14 different categories of foods and beverages.

In order to provide some insight into any variation in the quality of the foods available to us as a nation between 1940 and 1991 it was possible to compare and contrast the mineral content of 27 varieties of vegetable, 17 varieties of fruit, 10 cuts of meat and some milk and cheese products. The results demonstrate that there has been a significant loss of minerals and trace elements in these foods over that period of time. It is suggested that the results of this study cannot be taken in isolation from recent dietary, environmental and disease trends. These trends are briefly mentioned and suggestions are made as to how the deterioration in the micronutrient quality of our food intake may be arrested and reversed.
Antioxidant status of Adult Nigerian Asthmatics: Implications for Prognosis
Authors: Anetor J.I. , Ajose O.A. , Ige O. , Oyeleye A.O. , Ojo P.O.
Published: January 2012

Serum antioxidant status of 50 (19M, 31F) adult asthmatic patients, aged 40 to 50yr and attending the medical outpatient clinic of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, has been assessed, by measurement of serum ascorbic acid, copper, zinc, albumin, uric acid and magnesium levels, to determine the relationship between antioxidant status and severity of bronchial asthma. Twenty-five (25) age matched adults (IOM, 15F) served as controls. The test subjects were classified into two groups (I &2) based on the degree of respiratory distress. Questionnaires were also used to obtain data on subjects' fruit and vegetable intake.

Fruit and vegetable intake was similar in patients and controls, 96% and 100% respectively reporting adequate intake. Copper (Cu) level was not significantly different between patients and control subjects, but was significantly higher in female asthmatics than in males (p < 0.05). Magnesium (Mg) level was also lower in asthmatics than in control subject (p < 0.001). Plasma Zinc level was not different between patients and control (p > 0.05). The levels of the other antioxidants, vitamin C, uric acid and albumin were all lower in asthmatics than in controls (p < 0.05, p < 0.001, p < 0.001) respectively. The magnesium level of group 2 (severe asthmatics) was lower than in controls (p < 0.05) unlike moderate asthmatics (group I) which do not differ significantly from controls.

These findings support the emerging concept that antioxidants are consumed in this inflammatory disease and that a corresponding increase in antioxidant supply may improve prognosis for bronchial asthma.
Docosahexaenoic Acid Protects from Amyloid and Dendritic Pathology in an Alzheimer's Disease Mouse Model
Authors: Cole Greg M. , Frautschy Sally A.
Published: January 2012

Genetic data argues that Alzheimer's disease (AD) can be initiated by aggregates of a 42 amino acid beta amyloid peptide (Aβ42). The Aβ aggregates, notably small oligomer species, cause a cascade of events including oxidative damage, inflammation, synaptic toxicity and accumulation of intraneuronal inclusions; notably neurofibrillary tangles. Cognitive deficits are likely to begin with a failure of synaptogenesis and synaptic plasticity with dendritic spine loss and dying back of dendritic arbor. This is followed by neuron loss in key areas involved in learning and memory. Significant prevention or delay of clinical onset may be achievable by modifying environmental risk factors that impact the underlying pathogenic pathways. Because low fish intake and low blood levels of the marine lipid, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) have been associated with increased AD risk we have tested the impact of depleting or supplementing with dietary DHA on AD pathogenesis in transgenic mice bearing a mutant human gene known to cause AD in people. We reported that even with intervention late in life dietary DHA depletion dramatically enhanced oxidative damage and the loss of dendritic markers, while DHA supplementation markedly reduced Aβ42 accumulation and oxidative damage, corrected many synaptic deficits and improved cognitive function. Loss of brain DHA was exacerbated in mice expressing the mutant human AD transgene, this is consistent with evidence for increased oxidative attack on DHA oxidation in AD. Treatment with the curry spice extract curcumin, a polyphenolic antioxidant that inhibits AP aggregation, has been strongly protective in the same mouse model. Many Western diets are typically deficient in DHA and low in polyphenolic antioxidant intake. These and other data argue that increasing dietary intake of both DHA and polyphenolic antioxidants may be useful for AD prevention.
Two Corner Stones of The Psycho-Biological Development of Mankind – The Increase in Frequency of Pregnancies in the Neolithic Revolution and 'Physiological Prematurity'
Authors: Janus Ludwig
Published: January 2012

The human being is a product of both biological and psychological factors, the two being interconnected. During the neolithic revolution, stock-farming and agriculture led to protein-enriched nutrition significantly increasing the rate of pregnancy. Women could become pregnant annually, rather than every 4 years or so as before. But this demanded too much of the mother for the bonding needs of her children, and contributed in early high cultures to increased dependency and aggressiveness. Earlier in the evolution of mankind there started a biological development in the direction of shorter duration of pregnancy. Reasons for this were the infant's large brain and the mother's upright posture. This so-called 'physiological prematurity', leaving babies so helpless and vulnerable, led to a unique compensation by development of appeal, using smiles, gestures, voice exchanges and eye-contact. So they gained extra attention from mothers and fathers, and that vital substitute for this early expulsion from the uterus – exceptional extended care. Perhaps from this primal social acquirement comes our creation of protective spaces, characteristic of our cultures – institutions, buildings, social spaces. Dr Janus contemplated the psycho-social implications of shorter pregnancy intervals and the 'psycho-physiological prematurity'.
Integrating Psychotherapy with Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Authors: Linder Rupert
Published: January 2012

As a specialist Obstetrics and Gynaecology I then became a specialist also in psychotherapy, including: psychodynamic therapy, group therapy, hypnotherapy, and body-therapy. In the last nineteen years I have been working to integrate the medical and psychotherapeutic approach, including attention to psychosocial factors. After some years, I found our German rate of premature birth to be 7%. This amazed me because prematurity very rarely occurred in my patients, which was down to about 1%. In France they did some surveys and studies. By informing the mothers how to live, and reducing smoking and drugs, they reduced their prematurity rate to about half, but still much above my rate of 1%. I have described my method in articles. This is vital work, because serious prematurity is responsible for most damage and death amongst the children. A mother's complaint may be an early suggestion of danger. We then check it with the regular obstetric assessments. Even before birth symptoms can indicate a problem, such as premature labour, much as postnatal problems while breast feeding are indicated by symptoms. And before birth, as well as after birth stress and emotional problems can be the cause for serious somatic illness. It is really an effect of one relationship on the other. The way a woman relates to her child depends on her feeling of security among all who support her. All her relationships are important: how she grew up with her parents; her work; her other children. Further problems that experience of psychotherapy can help to reduce are: exceeding the estimated date of delivery; pre-eclampsia; HELLP-syndrome (Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes and Low Platelets). The lectures we offer on the subject are also relevant to psychotherapeutic understanding and in guiding to treatment.
Nurturing the Brain Nutritionally and Emotionally from Before Conception to late Adolescence
Authors: House Simon H.
Published: January 2012

Sound nurture requires skills concerning nutrition and emotions, skills that are particularly important in key stages relating to brain development. We are recognizing more clearly the way that serious changes from our hunter-gatherer waterside lifestyle are affecting both our diet and our emotional relationships: first the changes a few hundred generations ago in the agricultural revolution; and more recently in the industrial revolution. These effects have been aggravated in the last century by excessively profit-driven intensive farming, and recently by intensive food-marketing – particularly to children.

People are gradually becoming aware how very susceptible is the most vulnerable stage of the lifecycle, the reproductive phase. From long before fertilization and conception, parental nutrition affects a person's development and health for life. Controlled trials show marked effects of nurture on the brain's subsequent acuity. Brain structure throughout development has become visible through modern scans, and also brain activity and mental response. The neural tube, forming at around 3 weeks, if undernourished may be inadequately sealed and demarcated, leading to incomplete interconnection between brain regions. Results vary, but can emanate as: autism or attention-deficit/hyperactivity-disorder (AD/HD); difficulty with relationships and social sense; poor self-control, with risk of violence. Evidence indicates that over 80% of current reproductive hazards, including infertility and malformations, might be prevented purely by sound all-round nurture. Between the embryonic stage and adulthood the brain makes several developmental spurts. Particularly during these spurts, sound nutrition and activity help the brain reach its full genetic potential for capacity, acuity, and connections between regions. From the beginning, hormones and nutrients, or their deficits, are setting gene-switches for life. Good bonding and feeding sets gene-switches positively; shock, stress or poor nutrition, negatively. Forceps delivery combined with serious early separation, correlates with over 4 times the risk of criminal violence by the age of 18. So disruptions of nurture set at risk not only body and brain but a person's very spirituality. Understanding of the biochemistry and epigenetics highlights our urgent need to learn from our evolutionary ways, not only of childbearing, but of a physically active life nourished by foods from the water and the wild.
The Developmental Environment of the Preterm Baby
Authors: Richards M. P. M.
Published: January 2012

Over the past two decades Britain, like many other countries, has developed a system of special care units for sick and preterm babies. These, together with the intensive care units which some of them incorporate, now admit between 15 and 20% of all newborn babies.

Admission to these units and the employment there of a growing range of invasive treatments has led to a profound change in the neonatal environment for these babies and their parents. Some of these changes have provoked anxiety about their possible consequences for the development of these children. This, article describes some of the aspects of the environment of the preterm baby that have given rise to concern and some of the ways in which we may reduce the potential risks.
Effects of Nutrition on Reproductive Capability
Authors: Margaret  , Wynn Arthur
Published: January 2012

The endocrine system is sensitive to nutritional status. The hypothalamus reacts to poor nutrition by reduced secretion of hormones which normally stimulate the release of pituitary hormones essential for fertility of male and female, for embryonic development and by secretion of hormones which inhibit the release of other hormones controlling growth and lactation. The secretion of hormones by the pituitary, ovaries and liver is also directly inhibited by different degrees of nutritional inadequacy on varying timescales. The hypothalamic-pituitary system is inhibited by caloric restriction, and by deficiencies of vitamins such as pyridoxine and folic acid, and by deficiencies of minerals such as zinc and magnesium. Extensive epidemiological data from Europe in times of food shortage show that maternal malnutrition around the time of conception is much more damaging to the outcome of pregnancy than maternal malnutrition during the last two trimesters. The embryo during the first eight weeks of gestation, before the development of the placenta and fetal biosynthetic capacity, is dependent on a supply of essential nutrients in the right concentration and on a balanced supply of hormones and biochemical precursors from maternal blood.
The Contraceptive Pill: Its Relation to Allergy and Illness
Authors: Grant Ellen C. G.
Published: January 2012

Since 1961 it has become increasingly evident that the use of oral contraceptive steroids is causing an epidemic of illness among previously healthy young women in their child bearing years. There have been dramatic increases in the incidences of migraine headaches, depressive mood changes and suicide attempts, allergies to food and chemicals and cervical and breast cancer. Exogenous hormones alter many homeostatic mechanisms. Liver function may be altered and patients with the most abnormal liver function have the most numerous reactions to foods and chemicals and a reduced ability to deal with carcinogens and mutagens. Women who have taken the pill are more likely to have abnormal or allergic children and breast feeding may not offer protection if the mother is eating foods to which she has allergic reactions.
Nutritional Consequences of Large Intestinal Function in Health
Authors: McNeil N. Ian
Published: January 2012

The nutritional contribution of human colonic function has been poorly appreciated. As well as absorbing the equivalent of a daily oral intake of sodium and water, other minerals can be absorbed. Up to 10% of energy requirements may come from carbohydrate entering the colon, fermentation to short chain fatty acids that are absorbed being intermediate steps. The role of the large intestine in nitrogen and fat metabolism is unknown, as is its contribution to vitamin supplies.
The Effect of Nitrogen Fertilization on Forest Blueberries
Authors: Nilsson Nils , Lindahl Olov
Published: January 2012

In a randomized prospective trial with hens it is shown that artificially fertilized forest blueberries are toxic. In a high dose (1.71/hens) the birds died within 72 hours (p <0.01). In a lower dose (0.33 1/hens) all survived but a lifelong change in the egg production occurred implying defects of the shells (p <0.0000001). It seems that fertilizers change the microflora in the ground, which releases soluble aluminiumnitrate which is absorbed in the berries.

Aluminium poisoning has been found to have clinical significance in dialysis patients and probably also in senile dementia. In smaller doses it can be difficult td establish this relation as the symptoms can have a latency period of more than 10 years.
Inequalities in Nutrition
Authors: Wynn Arthur
Published: January 2012

Inequalities in nutrition are associated with inequalities in health. Many surveys, mainly American, show that there are large variations between individuals in the quality and quantity of food consumed. Variations depend upon up-bringing, education, income and availability of food. In the United Kingdom there is a steep social-class gradient in age-specific death-rates for heart disease and other diseases including cancer. Of all the many possible nutritional factors the strongest inverse correlates with death-rates within the United Kingdom and in other developed countries are the consumption of fresh vegetables and fruit. Among the individual nutrients a low consumption of vitamin A, or its precursor carotene is associated with an increased cancer risk. Whole milk is a major source of vitamin A and carotene in the British diet and is also reported to be protective against osteoporosis and some forms of hypertension including preeclampsia. School meals can set a pattern of life-long eating habits.
Food, Growth and Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Poskitt E. M. E.
Published: January 2012

The effect of congenital heart disease on growth is reviewed. Whether being small matters is questioned, and reasons why infants with congenital heart disease are small are discussed. Methods of improving growth, and catch-up growth are described. Finally management of the child with CHD and failure to thrive is considered.
Fish and Meat in Man's Diet: an Historical Perspective
Authors: Williams G.
Published: January 2012

It is suggested that since earliest times man has not changed his dietary requirements and that he has not adapted to accommodate large quantities of saturated fats of animal origin. Man has consistently consumed vegetable and marine oils of a highly polyunsaturated nature; these are required to provide fluidity and permeability in the architecture of the cells. This is considered in terms of generations, working on the premise of 5 generations per century.
Strategies to Influence Nutrition Behaviour
Authors: Steven Maisie C.
Published: January 2012

An attempt is made in this paper to consider first the current nutritional scene with its problems, and then to suggest strategies for improvement. Since the quality of people’s diets everywhere is influenced by many different factors, not least by availability of food, a bility to pay for it, and some (however basic) understanding of its effects upon health, a strong plea is made for consideration to be given to those most in need of nutritional help—the least advantaged and least motivated groups in the developed countries, as well as the poor in the Third World. Some strategies aimed at improving nutrition behaviour are outlined.
Trends in National Nutritional Survey of Japan
Authors: Kobayashi Shuhei
Published: January 2012

The nutritional status of the Japanese has been measured and evaluated annually on a nationwide scale since the first National Nutrition Survey was carried out in 1946. Changes in dietary intake levels could thus be monitored systematically at a national level. According to the results observed, the whole 50 years of the postwar period can be divided into three stages in terms of dietary intakes and their postulated health outcome. Although it has certain limitations for the purpose of analysis the survey has performed a remarkable role in throwing light upon the general trends and current status of nutrition in Japanese populations and thereby enabling a successful nutritional policy to be established.
The Importance of Energy and Nutrient Supply in Human Brain Evolution
Authors: Cunnane Stephen C. , Harbige Laurence S. , Crawford Michael A.
Published: January 2012

Current evolutionary theories do not adequately address the question of how the human brain evolved to be larger and more sophisticated than that of other primates. The human brain/body weight ratio is 4–5 times higher than in primates and, relative to the rest of the body, requires up to 10 times as much energy as in other land-based mammals. Human brain evolution must therefore have required a stable food supply providing a reliable source of both high dietary energy and a cluster of ‘brain-specific’ nutrients over a long period of time. These nutrient and energy requirements are available in the marine and shore-based food chain but are difficult if not impossible to obtain in the terrestrial food chain. We suggest that marine and estuarine ecosystems provided hominids with the appropriate stimulus to develop a relatively large brain. This occurred in conjunction with the evolution of other uniquely human features, particularly relative hairlessness, bipedalism and abundant neonatal subcutaneous fat. Invertebrates, molluscs, small or slow-moving fish, and marine algae would have provided a stable, abundant supply of energy, long chain polyunsaturates and other nutrients essential for the brain and would have done so with comparatively little mammalian competition. The land-water interface would thus have allowed the hominid brain to develop sufficient neurological complexity to enable sophisticated tool and behaviour patterns to evolve in humans as a· natural sequel to such a biochemical and environmental stimulus.
Taking the Cooking out of Food: Nutrition & the National Curriculum
Authors: Stitt Sean , Jepson Margaret , Paulson-Box Elaine
Published: January 2012

This is a discussion paper which generates some important research questions for educationalists. The teaching of food skills are at danger of being lost from the school curriculum by changes imposed by the National Curriculum. This sinister (i.e., unexplained/undefended) development generates potential problems for the teaching of cookery and for the food and eating traditions of British society. The central concern for nutrition educationalists is that cooking is becoming more and more de-domesticated and consequently will become more systemised, more mass produced; in which case, young people need not be educated in basic cooking skills.
Maternal Education, Breastfeeding Behaviours and Lactational Amenorrhoea: Studies Among Two Ethnic Communities in Ile Ife, Nigeria
Authors: Davies-Adetugbo Anita A. , Ojofeitimi E.O.
Published: January 2012

Breastfeeding is an important child survival strategy. This report aims to describe the unique contributions of education, ethnicity, and other variables to breastfeeding outcomes. The study was conducted among two groups of lactating mothers in Ile Ife, southwestern Nigeria, using structured questionnaires focusing on their breastfeeding history and current practice.

Breastfeeding initiation was delayed in both groups, and primary education is the most significant predictor of initiation of breastfeeding within 6 hours of delivery (OR = 3.92, p = 0.0117). Breastfeeding duration (SD) was 13.7 (4.3) months for the Yorubas and 17.5 (3.4) for the Hausas. Its only significant predictors are education (p < = 0.0001), with an average decrease in breastfeeding duration of 3.2 and 6.6 months with mother's education to the primary and post-primary levels respectively, compared with mothers with no education. In turn, breastfeeding duration is the most significant predictor of the duration of lactational amenorrhoea (p = 0.0000). Mothers with some formal education are also more likely to start feeding human milk substitutes at 2 weeks (OR = 3.83, p = 0.024).

The most important variable determining breastfeeding in this study is education. The educated mother is more likely to be involved in economic activity away from the home. To protect breastfeeding in these communities, there is a need for programmes to support the breastfeeding mother who works.
Epidemiology of Dietary Fibre and Colorectal Cancer: Current Status of the Hypothesis
Authors: Bingham Sheila A.
Published: January 2012

The hypothesis that lack of dietary fibre in the diet is responsible for a variety of large bowel problems, including cancer, has stimulated much discussion and research over the past 15 years. However, the epidemiological examination of this hypothesis has been hampered by the absence of data on the fibre content of most of the world's foods. In Scandinavia and Britain where the consumption of the major chemical fraction of dietary fibre, the non-starch polysaccharides, has been measured using accurate methods, significant negative associations have been shown with colon cancer occurence. These studies suggest that non-starch polysaccharides may be protective in populations at otherwise high risk of colon cancer from an excess of meat and fat. However, methodological problems in the assessment of non-starch polysaccharide consumption in individuals preclude the use of case control studies in verifying these associations within a single homogeneous population.
The Effects of Caffeine on Psychological Functioning
Authors: Edelmann Robert J. , Moxon Sallie
Published: January 2012

The past few years have witnessed a growing literature on the behavioural, cognitive and performance effects, both beneficial and hazardous, of caffeine ingestion. A brief overview of these studies is provided and methodological difficulties discussed. Disagreement over such factors as the quantity of caffeine required to produce deleterious effects, difficulties obtaining valid measures of caffeine intake from self-reports and differing interpretations of tolerance levels and absorption rates between studies, often prevent the derivation of meaningful results.

The need for a rigorous, scientific appraisal of the effects of caffeine on psychological functioning is emphasised. This requires agreement about criteria referred to above, a more valid data base, and in some cases, the adoption of alternative methodology.
Underachievement of Gifted Girls: Causes and Solutions
Authors: White Lesley
Published: January 2012

Much has been written on the phenomenon of the underachievement of gifted females; its frequency, implications and causes. If we are to redress this problem, effective strategies must be implemented which address the multiple issues concerned. The objective of this paper is to firstly summarise the reasons for underachievement, and secondly present an overview of the programs and strategies recommended and in some cases, implemented, which aim to prevent and/or rectify this.

“It is a national tragedy that a mere handful of gifted women have attained eminence while the remainder accept obscurity. How long can society continue to squander the brilliance of gifted women? How long will gifted women stand on the threshold of self actualisation, not taking steps that would fulfil their dreams because they might inconvenience someone? ” (Kerr, 1985, page 167)