bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acceptability and Utility of an Innovative Feeding Toolkit to Improve Maternal and Child Dietary Practices in Bihar, India
Authors: Collison Deborah Kortso , Kekre Priya , Verma Pankaj , Melgen Sarah , Kram Nidal , Colton Jonathan , Blount Wendy , Girard Amy Webb 
Published: November 2015

Background Dietary practices in India often fail to provide adequate nutrition during the first 1,000 days of life. Objective To explore the acceptability and utility of a low-cost and simple-to-use feeding toolkit consisting of a bowl with marks to indicate meal volume and frequency, a slotted spoon, and an illustrated counseling card to cue optimal dietary practices during the first 1,000 days. Methods In Samastipur District, Bihar, India, we conducted 16 focus group discussions and 8 key informant interviews to determine community acceptability and obtain feedback on design and delivery of the feeding toolkit. We conducted 14 days of user testing with 20 pregnant women, 20 breast-feeding women 0 to 6 months postpartum, and 20 mothers with infants 6 to 18 months of age. Results The toolkit, which is made of plastic, was well accepted by the community, although the communities recommended manufacturing the bowl and spoon in steel. The proportion of pregnant and breast-feeding women taking an extra portion of food per day increased from 0% to 100%, and the number of meals taken per day increased from two or three to three or four. For children 6 to 18 months of age, meal frequency, quantity of food consumed during meals, and thickness of the foods increased for all age groups. Children 6 to 8 months of age who had not yet initiated complementary feeding all initiated complementary feeding during the testing period. Conclusions Simple feeding tools are culturally acceptable and can be appropriately used by families in Bihar, India, to improve dietary practices during the first 1,000 days of life. Research is needed to assess whether the tools promote dietary and nutritional improvements over and above counseling alone.
Gardening Practices in a Rural Village in South Africa 10 Years after Completion of a Home Garden Project
Authors: Zimpita Tisungeni , Biggs Chara , Faber Mieke 
Published: November 2015

Background Few studies have documented whether the behavior changes produced by home garden projects have been maintained after completion of the projects. Objective To determine the benefits and challenges affecting production and consumption of β-carotene—rich vegetables and fruits in a rural South African village 10 years after completion of a home garden project. Methods This cross-sectional survey assessed gardening practices and household consumption of β-carotene—rich vegetables and fruits using a questionnaire ( n = 186). Benefits and challenges affecting production and consumption of β-carotene—rich vegetables and fruits were assessed through focus group discussions. Results Thirty-nine percent of the households currently planted β-carotene—rich vegetables and fruits. Major challenges included lack of fencing, animals eating crops, and lack or shortage of water. Planting materials for β-carotene—rich vegetables were sourced from the community nursery, while papaya was grown from its own seed. Shops were the most likely alternative sources of β-carotene—rich vegetables. The frequency of consumption of orange-fleshed sweet potato, butternut, spinach, and papaya when in season differed significantly, with households planting β-carotene—rich vegetables and fruits having more frequent consumption than households not planting these vegetables and fruits. Households planting β-carotene—rich vegetables and fruits were perceived as “well-to-do” and “healthy” households and as “givers.” Conclusions This study showed that 10 years after the endline evaluation of a home garden project, approximately one-third of the households in the village planted β-carotene—rich vegetables and fruits, which is very similar to the proportion at project completion and a postintervention study that was done 6 years later, despite various challenges, indicating that the practice of planting these vegetables and fruits was continued over the years.
Assessing Alternative Industrial Fortification Portfolios: A Bangladesh Case Study
Authors: Fiedler John L. , Lividini Keith , Guyondet Christophe , Bermudez Odilia I. 
Published: November 2015

Background Approximately 1.2 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) are lost annually in Bangladesh due to deficiencies of vitamin A, iron, and zinc. Objective To provide evidence on the coverage, costs, and cost-effectiveness of alternative fortification interventions to inform nutrition policy-making in Bangladesh. Methods Combining the 2005 Bangladesh Household Income and Expenditure Survey with a Bangladesh food composition table, apparent intakes of energy, vitamin A, iron, and zinc, and the coverage and apparent consumption levels of fortifiable vegetable oil and wheat flour are estimated. Assuming that fortification levels are those established in official regulations, the costs and cost-effectiveness of the two vehicles are assessed independently and as a two-vehicle portfolio. Results Vegetable oil has a coverage rate of 76% and is estimated to reduce the prevalence of inadequate vitamin A intake from 83% to 64%. The coverage of wheat flour is high (65%), but the small quantities consumed result in small reductions in the prevalence of inadequate intakes: 1.5 percentage points for iron, less than 1 for zinc, and 2 for vitamin A, while reducing average Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) gaps by 8%, 9%, and 15%, respectively. The most cost-effective 10-micronutrient wheat flour formulation costs US$1.91 million annually, saving 129,212 DALYs at a unit cost of US$14.75. Fortifying vegetable oil would cost US$1.27 million annually, saving 406,877 DALYs at an average cost of US$3.25. Sensitivity analyses explore various permutations of the wheat flour formulation. Divisional variations in coverage, cost, and impact are examined. Conclusions Vegetable oil fortification is the most cost-effective of the three portfolios analyzed, but all three are very cost-effective options for Bangladesh.
From Diets to Foods: Using Linear Programming to Formulate a Nutritious, Minimum-Cost Porridge Mix for Children Aged 1 to 2 Years
Authors: De Carvalho Irene Stuart Torrié , Granfeldt Yvonne , Dejmek Petr , Håkansson Andreas 
Published: November 2015

Background Linear programming has been used extensively as a tool for nutritional recommendations. Extending the methodology to food formulation presents new challenges, since not all combinations of nutritious ingredients will produce an acceptable food. Furthermore, it would help in implementation and in ensuring the feasibility of the suggested recommendations. Objective To extend the previously used linear programming methodology from diet optimization to food formulation using consistency constraints. In addition, to exemplify usability using the case of a porridge mix formulation for emergency situations in rural Mozambique. Methods The linear programming method was extended with a consistency constraint based on previously published empirical studies on swelling of starch in soft porridges. The new method was exemplified using the formulation of a nutritious, minimum-cost porridge mix for children aged 1 to 2 years for use as a complete relief food, based primarily on local ingredients, in rural Mozambique. Results A nutritious porridge fulfilling the consistency constraints was found; however, the minimum cost was unfeasible with local ingredients only. This illustrates the challenges in formulating nutritious yet economically feasible foods from local ingredients. The high cost was caused by the high cost of mineral-rich foods. A nutritious, low-cost porridge that fulfills the consistency constraints was obtained by including supplements of zinc and calcium salts as ingredients. Conclusions The optimizations were successful in fulfilling all constraints and provided a feasible porridge, showing that the extended constrained linear programming methodology provides a systematic tool for designing nutritious foods.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Combination of sorafenib and gadolinium chloride (GdCl3) attenuates dimethylnitrosamine(DMN)-induced liver fibrosis in rats
Authors: Liu Cheng , Yang Zongguo , Wang Lei , Lu Yunfei , Tang Bozong , Miao Hui , Xu Qingnian , Chen Xiaorong 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
Background/aims
Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (SECs), hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and Kupffer cells (KCs) are involved in the development of liver fibrosis and represent a potential therapeutic target. The therapeutic effects on liver fibrosis of sorafenib, a multiple tyrosine kinase inhibitor, and gadolinium chloride (GdCl3), which depletes KCs, were evaluated in rats.

Methods
Liver fibrosis was induced in rats with dimethylnitrosamine, and the effects of sorafenib and/or GdCl3 in these rats were monitored. Interactions among ECs, HSCs and KCs were assessed by laser confocal microscopy.

Results
The combination of sorafenib and GdCl3, but not each agent alone, attenuated liver fibrosis and significantly reduced liver function and hydroxyproline (Hyp). Sorafenib significantly inhibited the expression of angiogenesis-associated cell markers and cytokines, including CD31, von Willebrand factor (vWF), and vascular endothelial growth factor, whereas GdCl3 suppressed macrophage-related cell markers and cytokines, including CD68, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and CCL2. Laser confocal microscopy showed that sorafenib inhibited vWF expression and GdCl3 reduced CD68 staining. Sorafenib plus GdCl3 suppressed the interactions of HSCs, ECs and KCs.

Conclusion
Sorafenib plus GdCl3 can suppress collagen accumulation, suggesting that this combination may be a potential therapeutic strategy in the treatment of liver fibrosis.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Solutions of the equilibrium equations with finite mass subject
Authors: Shi Junguo , Liao Yadong 
Published: November 2015

AbstractIn this paper, we investigate the slow equilibrium equations with finite mass subject to a homogeneous Neumann type boundary condition. Based on an auxiliary function method and a differential inequality technique, the existence of equilibrium equations is obtained if the angular is bounded and the blow-up occurs in finite time.
Computerized tomography based tumor-thickness measurement is useful to predict postoperative pathological tumor thickness in oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Madana J. , Laliberté Frederick , Morand Grégoire B. , Yolmo Deeke , Black Martin J. , Mlynarek Alex M. , Hier Michael P. 
Published: November 2015

Background Tumor thickness has been shown in oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC) to be a predictor of cervical metastasis. The postoperative histological measurement is certainly the most accurate, but it would be of clinical interest to gain this information prior to treatment planning. This retrospective study aimed to compare the tumor thickness measurement between preoperative, CT scan, and surgical specimens. Methods We retrospectively included 116 OTSCC patients between 2001 and 2013. Thickness was measured on computer tomography imaging and again surgical specimens. Results The median age was 66 years. 62.8 % of patients were smokers with a mean of 31.4 pack-years. Positive nodal disease was reported in 41.2 %. Mean follow-up time was 33.1 months. The correlation between CT scan-based tumor thickness and surgical specimens based thickness was significant (Spearman rho = 0.755, P < 0.001). Conclusion Tumor thickness assessed by CT scan may provide an accurate estimation of true thickness and can be used in treatment planning.
Viscoelasticity of periodontal ligament: an analytical model
Authors: Bosiakov Sergei M. , Koroleva Anna A. , Rogosin Sergei V. , Silberschmidt Vadim V. 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
Background
Understanding of viscoelastic behaviour of a periodontal membrane under physiological conditions is important for many orthodontic problems. A new analytic model of a nearly incompressible viscoelastic periodontal ligament is suggested, employing symmetrical paraboloids to describe its internal and external surfaces.

Methods
In the model, a tooth root is assumed to be a rigid body, with perfect bonding between its external surface and an internal surface of the ligament. An assumption of almost incompressible material is used to formulate kinematic relationships for a periodontal ligament; a viscoelastic constitutive equation with a fractional exponential kernel is suggested for its description.

Results
Translational and rotational equations of motion are derived for ligament’s points and special cases of translational displacements of the tooth root are analysed. Material parameters of the fractional viscoelastic function are assessed on the basis of experimental data for response of the periodontal ligament to tooth translation. A character of distribution of hydrostatic stresses in the ligament caused by vertical and horizontal translations of the tooth root is defined.

Conclusions
The proposed model allows generalization of the known analytical models of the viscoelastic periodontal ligament by introduction of instantaneous and relaxed elastic moduli, as well as the fractional parameter. The latter makes it possible to take into account different behaviours of the periodontal tissue under short- and long-term loads. The obtained results can be used to determine loads required for orthodontic tooth movements corresponding to optimal stresses, as well as to simulate bone remodelling on the basis of changes in stresses and strains in the periodontal ligament caused by such movements.
Evaluation of immunologic response of salivary sIg-A in pediatric tuberculosis patients to antigen Ag38-rec of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Indonesian strain
Authors: Raras Tri Yudani Mardining , Pritta Santi Diah Erma , Kusuma HMS Chandra 
Published: November 2015

Objective: We studied the immune response of salivary secretory immunoglobulin A (sIg-A) from a pediatric tuberculosis (TB) group (scoring of 6) and non-TB group (scoring <6) against recombinant Ag38 (Ag38-rec) fromMycobacterium tuberculosis Indonesian strain.Materials and Methods: Seventy-eight children were divided into three groups; those with TB (n=26), those with suspected TB (n=26), and healthy children (n=26), their saliva was collected, and salivary sIg-A was challenged with purified Ag38-rec using the dot blot method. A change of color from white to dark blue indicated a positive reaction.Results: The immune response of sIg-A of children with TB and those with suspected TB to Ag38-rec was not significantly different. In the TB group, Ag38-rec showed a higher sensitivity than protein purified derivative (PPD) (70.8% vs. 62.5%), but a lower specificity (26.9% vs. 34.62%). However, within both groups (scoring of 6) as well as non-TB group (scoring <6) Ag38-rec was able to identify children with a positive TST (tuberculin skin test) better than PPD.Conclusion: The antigen Ag38-rec could not distinguish between children with TB scores of 6 and <6.1. However, it demonstrated the potential of Ag38-rec for use in screening for TB infection among children with suspect TB (scores <6).
Plato on Women’s Natural Ability: RevisitingRepublicV andTimaeus41e3–44d2 and 86b1–92c3
Authors: Harry Chelsea , Ron Polansky 
Published: November 2015

AbstractDespite the prominent argument for equal educational opportunity for women inRepublicV, commentators frequently question Plato’s sincerity, the quality of the case made, or its significance. Undermining confidence in Plato’s advocacy of female equality are derogatory remarks about women in this and other dialogues. Since we take Plato to be sincere in the argument inRepublicV, we reconcile his conclusions there about the equal educational opportunity for women with these seemingly problematic remarks by suggesting that the remarks reflect the interlocutors involved in the dialogue and conventional Athenian prejudices of that time rather than ideas that Plato held to be true. We take seriously the observation of Levin 1996, 14, “in none of those passages in which Plato makes derogatory remarks about women does he usephusisto explain why they behave in the ways of which he is critical.” Hence Plato never suggested that women were bynaturelimited to the position they occupied socially and politically in 5th or 4th century Athens; he understood the difference between the way they were by convention and the way that they could be, in accordance with their nature, were they to develop their natural capacities through education.We examine carefully Plato’s argument for the equal nature of women inRepublicV to defend its viability. The provocation is our not finding in the extensive secondary literature a really detailed treatment of the actual argument and appreciation that it is intended as a sound philosophical argument. We then turn to the devolution schemes inTimaeus41e–44d and 86b–92c, which again touch on the nature of women and appear to counter the position we attribute to Plato, to show that they are really supportive of our account. Both theRepublicandTimaeuslimit the natural differences between males and females to body-type. Therefore, even relative physical weakness of women’s bodies does not much problematize for Plato that their natural abilities are equal to those of men, where nature in these contexts means suitability to perform certain functions.
Optimal Scheduling Method of Controllable Loads in DC Smart Apartment Building
Authors: Shimoji Tsubasa , Tahara Hayato , Matayoshi Hidehito , Yona Atsushi , Senjyu Tomonobu 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
From the perspective of global warming suppression and the depletion of energy resources, renewable energies, such as the solar collector (SC) and photovoltaic generation (PV), have been gaining attention in worldwide. Houses or buildings with PV and heat pumps (HPs) are recently being used in residential areas widely due to the time of use (TOU) electricity pricing scheme which is essentially inexpensive during middle-night and expensive during day-time. If fixed batteries and electric vehicles (EVs) can be introduced in the premises, the electricity cost would be even more reduced. While, if the occupants arbitrarily use these controllable loads respectively, power demand in residential buildings may fluctuate in the future. Thus, an optimal operation of controllable loads such as HPs, batteries and EV should be scheduled in the buildings in order to prevent power flow from fluctuating rapidly. This paper proposes an optimal scheduling method of controllable loads, and the purpose is not only the minimization of electricity cost for the consumers, but also suppression of fluctuation of power flow on the power supply side. Furthermore, a novel electricity pricing scheme is also suggested in this paper.
The influence of the trace element zinc on the immune system
Authors: Schubert Claudia , Guttek Karina , Reinhold Annegret , Grüngreiff Kurt , Reinhold Dirk 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
Clinical and experimental examinations showed a close relationship between zinc as an essential trace element and the immune system. Thus, cellular and humoral components from both the innate and the adaptive immune system are affected by zinc. Human zinc deficiencies are frequently connected with disturbed immune functions. Controlled zinc substitution results in a normalization of zinc serum levels, zinc homeostasis, and the immunological parameters. As shown in in vitro experiments, low zinc concentrations stimulate functional parameters of immune cells, but high zinc concentrations are suppressive or cytotoxic for these cells. Recently, the immunosuppressive effect of zinc was demonstrated in animal models of T-cell-dependent autoimmune diseases, like experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Moreover, decreased serum/plasma zinc concentrations have been detected in patients with different autoimmune diseases. Prospective studies should verify the possibility of controlled immunosuppressive zinc therapies for these diseases.
Endocrine abnormalities in ring chromosome 11: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Lange Renata , Von Linsingen Caoê , Mata Fernanda , Moraes Aline Barbosa , Arruda Mariana , Vieira Neto Leonardo 
Published: November 2015

Summary
Ring chromosomes (RCs) are uncommon cytogenetic findings, and RC11 has only been described in 19 cases in the literature. Endocrine abnormalities associated with RC11 were reported for two of these cases. The clinical features of RC11 can result from an alteration in the structure of the genetic material, ring instability, mosaicism, and various extents of genetic material loss. We herein describe a case of RC11 with clinical features of 11q-syndrome and endocrine abnormalities that have not yet been reported. A 20-year-old female patient had facial dysmorphism, short stature, psychomotor developmental delays, a ventricular septal defect, and thrombocytopenia. Karyotyping demonstrated RC11 (46,XX,r(11)(p15q25)). This patient presented with clinical features that may be related to Jacobsen syndrome, which is caused by partial deletion of the long arm of chromosome 11. Regarding endocrine abnormalities, our patient presented with precocious puberty followed by severe hirsutism, androgenic alopecia, clitoromegaly, and amenorrhea, which were associated with overweight, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and hyperinsulinemia; therefore, this case meets the diagnostic criteria for polycystic ovary syndrome. Endocrine abnormalities are rare in patients with RC11, and the association of RC11 with precocious puberty, severe clinical hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, and T2DM has not been reported previously. We speculate that gene(s) located on chromosome 11 might be involved in the pathogenesis of these conditions. Despite the rarity of RCs, studies to correlate the genes located on the chromosomes with the phenotypes observed could lead to major advances in the understanding and treatment of more prevalent diseases.

Learning points

We hypothesize that the endocrine features of precocious puberty, severe clinical hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, and T2DM might be associated with 11q-syndrome.

A karyotype study should be performed in patients with short stature and facial dysmorphism.

Early diagnosis and adequate management of these endocrine abnormalities are essential to improve the quality of life of the patient and to prevent other chronic diseases, such as diabetes and its complications.