bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimating the Effective Coverage of Programs to Control Vitamin A Deficiency and Its Consequences Among Women and Young Children in Cameroon
Authors: Engle-Stone Reina , Nankap Martin , Ndjebayi Alex O. , Vosti Stephen A. , Brown Kenneth H. 
Published: September 2015

Background: To compare the cost-effectiveness of nutrition programs, the anticipated nutritional benefits of each intervention must be expressed using a common metric. Objective: We present the methodology for estimating the benefits of vitamin A (VA)-related interventions among women and children in Cameroon. Methods: We estimated “reach” (proportion of the population that receives a program), “coverage” (proportion that is deficient and receives a program), and “effective coverage” (proportion that “converts” from inadequate to adequate VA intake following an intervention) using dietary data collected during a national survey in 3 macro-regions of Cameroon (North, South, and Yaoundé/Douala). Effective coverage of programs such as (bio)fortification and micronutrient powders was estimated by adding the dietary VA contributed by the intervention to baseline VA intakes, including the contribution of increased maternal VA intake to infant VA intake through increases in breast milk VA. For interventions that provide VA-related benefits through other pathways (eg, periodic high-dose VA supplements and deworming), we developed alternative methods of estimating “daily VA intake equivalents.” Results: Baseline VA intakes and intervention reach varied by geographic macro-region. On average, estimates of program reach were greater than the effective coverage estimates by ∼50%. Effective coverage varied by intervention package and macro-region, ranging from <20 000 (deworming, Yaoundé/Douala) to >400 000 (micronutrient powder or VA supplement, North) children effectively covered per year. Conclusion: These estimates of effective coverage, along with macro-region-specific information on the costs of each intervention package, serve as inputs into an economic optimization model to identify the most cost-effective package of VA interventions for each macro-region of Cameroon.
An Economic Optimization Model for Improving the Efficiency of Vitamin A Interventions
Authors: Vosti Stephen A. , Kagin Justin , Engle-Stone Reina , Brown Kennth H. 
Published: September 2015

Background: Vitamin A (VA) intervention programs in developing countries do not generally consider spatial differences in needs or in intervention costs. New data from Cameroon reveal nonuniform spatial distributions of VA deficiency among young children and of costs of some of the programs designed to address them. Methods: We develop a spatially explicit, intertemporal economic optimization tool that makes use of subnational dietary intake data and VA intervention program costs to identify more efficient sets of interventions to improve VA nutrition among young children aged 6 to 59 months in Cameroon. Results: The model suggests substantial changes in the composition and geographic foci of VA intervention programs vis-à-vis a business-as-usual scenario. National VA-fortified edible oil and bouillon cube programs are cost-effective, even when start-up costs are considered. High-dosage VA supplementation delivered via Child Health Days is most cost-effective in the North macro-region, where needs are greatest and the cost per child effectively covered is lowest. Overall, the VA intervention programs suggested by the optimization model are approximately 44% less expensive, with no change in the total number of children effectively covered nationwide. Conclusions: The VA intervention programs should consider spatial and temporal differences in needs and in the expected benefits and costs of alternative VA interventions. Doing so will require spatially disaggregated strategies and the data and political will to support them, longer planning time horizons than are currently used in most developing countries, and long-term funding commitments.
Impact of Cowpea-Based Food Containing Fish Meal Served With Vitamin C–Rich Drink on Iron Stores and Hemoglobin Concentrations in Ghanaian Schoolchildren in a Malaria Endemic Area
Authors: Egbi Godfred , Ayi Irene , Saalia Firibu Kwesi , Zotor Francis , Adom Theodosia , Harrison Eric , Ahorlu Collins K. , Steiner-Asiedu Matilda 
Published: September 2015

Background: Nutritional anemia is a public health problem among Ghanaian schoolchildren. There is need to employ dietary modification strategies to solve this problem through school and household feeding programs. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of cowpea-based food containing fish meal served with vitamin C–rich drink to improve iron stores and hemoglobin concentrations in Ghanaian schoolchildren. Methods: The study involved cross-sectional baseline and nutrition intervention phases. There were 150 participants of age 6 to 12 years. They were randomly assigned to 3 groups, fish meal –vitamin C (n = 50), vitamin C (n = 50), and control (n = 50), and given different cowpea-based diets for a 6-month period. Height and weight measurements were done according to the standard procedures, dietary data were obtained by 24-hour recall and food frequency questionnaire, hemoglobin concentrations were determined by Hemocue Hemoglobinometer, and serum ferritin and complement-reactive protein (CRP) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Participants’ blood samples were examined for malaria parasitemia and stools for helminthes using Giemsa stain and Kato-Katz techniques, respectively. Results: Mean ferritin concentration was not significantly different among groups. End line mean or change in hemoglobin concentrations between fish meal–vitamin C group (128.4 ± 7.2/8.3 ± 10.6 g/L) and control (123.1 ± 6.6/4.2 ± 10.4 g/L) were different, P < .05. Change in prevalence of anemia in fish meal–vitamin C group (19.5%) was different compared to those of vitamin C group (9.3%) and the control (12.2%). Levels of malaria parasitemia and high CRP among study participants at baseline and end line were 58% and 80% then 55% and 79%, respectively. Level of hookworm infestation was 13%. Conclusion: Cowpea-based food containing 3% fish meal and served with vitamin C–rich drink improved hemoglobin concentration and minimized the prevalence of anemia among the study participants.
Iron and Zinc Status of 6-Month to 5-Year-Old Children From Low-Income Rural Families of Punjab, India
Authors: Bains Kiran , Kaur Harpreet , Bajwa Navjot , Kaur Gurpreet , Kapoor Sherry , Singh Anupriya 
Published: September 2015

Background: Iron and zinc are the 2 micronutrients that are deficient in the diet of the people of Third World countries. Objective: Assessment of iron and zinc status of 6-month to 5-year-old children from low-income rural families of Punjab, India. Methods: Thirty clusters (villages) from 12 blocks of Ludhiana district of Punjab, India, were chosen randomly to select 413 households of agricultural laborers and of small and marginal farmers to obtain a sample of 312 children (6 months to 5 years). Results: Wheat is the major contributor of iron (65.5%) and zinc (58.0%) in the diets of children. The percentage of adequacy of iron in 0.5- to 2-year-old and 3- to 5-year-old children was 18.5% and 37.2% when compared to the estimated average requirements of World Health Organization/Food and Agriculture Organization. The corresponding zinc adequacy was only 7.2% and 25.3%, respectively. The results showed that 65% of 2- to 5-year-old children had dietary zinc adequacy. Serum zinc values below normal values were 17.9%, whereas 84.6% and 71.8% of children had low serum iron and serum ferritin levels, respectively. The raised soluble transferrin receptors were found in 79.8% of children. Anemia was found in 55.8% children, of which 20.2%, 33.0%, and 2.9% of children were mildly, moderately, and severely anemic, respectively. Conclusions: Iron-deficiency anemia is a more serious problem among reference children, however, zinc deficiency also prevails. The suboptimal iron and zinc status pose a serious threat to the physical and mental growth of these children. Hence to curb these deficiencies necessary steps should be taken.
Measuring the Costs of Vitamin A Interventions
Authors: Kagin Justin , Vosti Stephen A. , Engle-Stone Reina , Rettig Erica , Brown Kenneth H. , Nankap Martin , Ndjebayi Alex 
Published: September 2015

Background: To address vitamin A (VA) deficiency, an array of interventions have been developed for increasing VA status among young children. With numerous possible combinations of interventions, however, comes the need to take decisions regarding which intervention or combination of interventions is most cost effective for achieving VA deficiency reduction targets. Methods: Detailed intervention-specific, “macro-region”-level data in Cameroon are used to generate estimates of the costs associated with delivering VA to children aged 6 to 59 months. Results: In Cameroon, our estimates of costs per effectively-covered child (ie, children at risk of inadequate intake of VA who are exposed to an intervention and who achieve adequate intake) each year (2 rounds of Child Health Days [CHDs]) were US$3.31 for VA supplements. VA fortification of edible oil and bouillon cube was US$2.95 and US$2.41, respectively, per child effectively covered per year, and biofortification of maize was US$5.30 per child effectively covered per year. Combinations of interventions could reduce costs (eg, delivering additional interventions that affect VA status through the CHDs). Spatial differences in costs within Cameroon were also evident, for example, delivering high-dose VA capsules through CHDs leads to a cost of US$0.77 per child reached in the northern regions compared to US$1.40 per child reached in the southern regions. Conclusion: The costs associated with alternative VA interventions in Cameroon differ spatially, temporally, and in their cost-effectiveness. Choosing the appropriate combination of interventions can produce a more efficient portfolio of interventions to address VA deficiencies and VA-related deaths.
Intravenous adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell therapy for the treatment of feline asthma: a pilot study
Authors: Trzil Julie E , Masseau Isabelle , Webb Tracy L , Chang Chee-Hoon , Dodam John R , Liu Hong , Quimby Jessica M , Dow Steven W , Reinero Carol R 
Published: September 2015

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of serially administered adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in an experimental feline asthma model. Methods Allergic asthma was acutely induced with Bermuda grass allergen in six purpose-bred cats. Five intravenous infusions of allogeneic MSCs (n = 4; MSC-treated) or saline (n = 2; placebo-treated) were administered over the first 130 days after asthma induction. Infusions contained 2 × 106, 4 × 106, 4.7 × 106, 1 × 107 and 1 × 107 cryopreserved MSCs/cat. For thoracic imaging additional cats were enrolled as control groups: four untreated, experimentally asthmatic cats (combined with placebo-treated cats), and six healthy, non-asthmatic cats. Outcome measures included airway eosinophilia, pulmonary mechanics, thoracic computed tomography and several immunologic assays. Results Cats were assessed for 9 months after treatment. At early points, airway eosinophil percentage was not affected by MSC administration (post-treatment average of days 12, 26, 47, 108 and 133 in MSC-treated cats was 41 ± 15% and in placebo-treated cats it was 34 ± 16%). By month 9, eosinophil percentages in all MSC-treated cats decreased to normal reference intervals (MSC-treated 6%; placebo-treated 20%; normal <17%). Diminished airway hyper-responsiveness was noted in all MSC-treated compared with placebo-treated cats at day 133 (dose of methacholine to double baseline airway resistance: MSC-treated median 22.9 mg/ml [range 6.4–64.0]; individual placebo-treated cats 1.1 and 5.0 mg/ml). Lung attenuation (mean ± SEM MSC-treated −865 ± 12 Hounsfield units [HU]; untreated asthmatics −820 ± 11 HU; P = 0.004) and bronchial wall thickening scores (median [interquartile range] MSC-treated 0 [0–1.5]; untreated asthmatic 11.6 [7.3–27.3]; P = 0.010) were significantly reduced in MSC-treated vs untreated asthmatic cats, consistent with decreased airway remodeling at month 9. No clear immunologic mechanisms by which MSCs act were determined. Conclusions and relevance MSCs may have a delayed effect in reducing airway inflammation, airway hyper-responsiveness and remodeling in experimentally induced asthmatic cats. Results warrant additional investigation of MSC therapy for asthma in cats.
Carfilzomib, pomalidomide, and dexamethasone for relapsed or refractory myeloma
Authors: Shah Jatin J. , Stadtmauer Edward A. , Abonour Rafat , Cohen Adam D. , Bensinger William I. , Gasparetto Cristina , Kaufman Jonathan L. , Lentzsch Suzanne , Vogl Dan T. , Gomes Christina L. , Pascucci Natalia , Smith David D. , Orlowski Robert Z. , Durie Brian G. M. 
Published: September 2015

Key PointsThis is the first clinical trial to investigate CPD in multiple myeloma. Results suggest that the regimen is a well-tolerated and highly active combination for patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma.
From complex to simple: myogenesis in an aplacophoran mollusk reveals key traits in aculiferan evolution
Authors: Scherholz Maik , Redl Emanuel , Wollesen Tim , Todt Christiane , Wanninger Andreas 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
Background
Recent studies suggest a bifurcation at the base of Mollusca, resulting in the primarily single-shelled Conchifera (Bivalvia, Gastropoda, Scaphopoda, Monoplacophora, Cephalopoda) and the spicule-bearing Aculifera (Polyplacophora, Neomeniomorpha, Chaetodermomorpha). A recent study revealed a complex larval musculature exclusively shared by Neomeniomorpha and Polyplacophora, supporting a close relationship of both taxa. However, the ontogenetic transition from the complex larval to the simple adult neomeniomorph musculature, which mainly consists of a three-layered body-wall musculature and serially iterated dorsoventral muscles, remains unknown. To close this gap in knowledge, we studied remodeling of the larval musculature during metamorphosis in the neomeniomorph Wirenia argentea. A comparative analysis with a novel data set of a polyplacophoran, Leptochiton asellus, allows us to infer the morphology of the last common ancestor of Aculifera and the evolution of its subclades therefrom.

Results
The complex larval musculature of Wirenia argentea persists through metamorphosis and becomes modified to form two of the three muscle layers of the adult body wall. The innermost longitudinal layer of the three-layered body wall musculature is generated by transformation and expansion of distinct larval longitudinal muscle bundles. The larval ventrolateral muscle strands are remodeled and eventually become the most ventral part of the adult longitudinal layer of the body wall musculature. The paired larval enrolling muscle forms the lateral parts and the former rectus muscle is destined to become the most dorsal part of the longitudinal layer of the body wall musculature. The transient ventromedian muscle is lost during postmetamorphic development.

Conclusions
Postmetamorphic remodeling in W. argentea supports the hypothesis of a complex myoanatomy rather than a three-layered body wall musculature at the base of Aculifera, and thus argues against homology of the body wall musculature of adult Neomeniomorpha and other potential molluscan sister groups. Our data show that the neomeniomorph body wall musculature is a derived condition and not an aculiferan or molluscan plesiomorphy.
Scalar gap functions and error bounds for generalized mixed vector equilibrium problems with applications
Authors: Zhang Wenyan , Chen Jiawei , Xu Shu , Dong Wen 
Published: September 2015

AbstractIt is well known that equilibrium problems are very important mathematical models and are closely related with fixed point problems, variational inequalities, and Nash equilibrium problems. Gap functions and error bounds which play a vital role in algorithms design, are two much-addressed topics of vector equilibrium problems. This paper is devoted to studying the scalar-valued gap functions and error bounds for the generalized mixed vector equilibrium problem (GMVE). First, a scalar gap function for (GMVE) is proposed without any scalarization methods, and then error bounds of (GMVE) are established in terms of the gap function. As applications, error bounds for generalized vector variational inequalities and vector variational inequalities are derived, respectively. The main results obtained are new and improve corresponding results of Charitha and Dutta (Pac. J. Optim. 6:497-510, 2010) and Sun and Chai (Optim. Lett. 8:1663-1673, 2014).
Anti-inflammatory effects of miR-21 in the macrophage response to peritonitis
Authors: Barnett Rebecca Elise , Conklin Daniel J , Ryan Lindsey , Keskey Robert C , Ramjee Vikram , Sepulveda Ernesto A , Srivastava Sanjay , Bhatnagar Aruni , Cheadle William G 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
We investigated the role of microRNA-21 in the macrophage response to peritonitis; microRNA-21 expression increases in peritoneal macrophages after lipopolysaccharide stimulation but is delayed until 48 hours after cecal ligation and puncture. MicroRNA-21–null mice and bone marrow–derived cell lines were exposed to cecal ligation and puncture or lipopolysaccharide, and survival, microRNA-21 levels, target messenger RNAs and proteins, and cytokines were assayed. Macrophages were also transfected with microRNA-21 mimics and antagomirs, and similar endpoints were measured. Survival in microRNA-21–null mice was significantly decreased after lipopolysaccharide-induced peritonitis but unchanged after cecal ligation and puncture compared with similarly treated wild-type mice. MicroRNA-21 expression, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin 6, and programmed cell death protein 4 levels were increased after lipopolysaccharide addition in peritoneal cells. Pelino1 and sprouty (SPRY) messenger RNAs were similarly increased early, whereas programmed cell death protein 4 messenger RNA was decreased after lipopolysaccharide, and all microR-21 target messenger RNAs were subsequently decreased by 24 hours after lipopolysaccharide. Transfection with mimics and antagomirs led to appropriate responses in microRNA-21 and tumor necrosis factor-α. Knockdown of microRNA-21 in bone marrow–derived cells showed increased tumor necrosis factor-α and decreased interleukin 10 in response to lipopolysaccharide. Target proteins were unaffected by knockdown as was extracellular signal-regulated kinase; however, the nuclear factor κB p65 subunit was increased after lipopolysaccharide in the microRNA-21 knockout cells. In contrast, there was little change in these parameters after cecal ligation and puncture induction between null and wild-type mice. MicroRNA-21 is beneficial to survival in mice following lipopolysaccharide peritonitis. Overexpression of microRNA-21 decreased tumor necrosis factor-α secretion, whereas suppression of microRNA-21 expression increased tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin 6, and decreased interleukin 10 levels after lipopolysaccharide. Protein targets of microRNA-21 were not different following suppression of microRNA-21. Nuclear factor κB was increased by suppression of microRNA-21. These findings demonstrate microRNA-21 is beneficial in modulating the macrophage response to lipopolysaccharide peritonitis and an improved understanding of the anti-inflammatory effects of microRNA-21 may result in novel, targeted therapy against peritonitis and sepsis.
Sense and readability: Participant information sheets for research studies
Authors: Ennis Liam , Wykes Til 
Published: September 2015

BackgroundInformed consent in research is partly achieved through the use of information sheets. There is a perception however that these information sheets are long and complex. The recommended reading level for patient information is grade 6, or 11–12 years old.AimsTo investigate whether the readability of participant information sheets has changed over time, whether particular study characteristics are related to poorer readability and whether readability and other study characteristics are related to successful study recruitment.MethodWe obtained 522 information sheets from the UK National Institute for Health Research Clinical Research Network: Mental Health portfolio database and study principal investigators. Readability was assessed with the Flesch reading index and the Grade level test.ResultsInformation sheets increased in length over the study period. The mean grade level across all information sheets was 9.8, or 15–16 years old. A high level of patient involvement was associated with more recruitment success and studies involving pharmaceutical or device interventions were the least successful. The complexity of information sheets had little bearing on successful recruitment.ConclusionsInformation sheets are far more complex than the recommended reading level of grade 6 for patient information. The disparity may be exacerbated by an increasing focus on legal content. Researchers would benefit from clear guidance from ethics committees on writing succinctly and accessibly and how to balance the competing legal issues with the ability of participants to understand what a study entails.
Structural and functional brain changes in delusional
disorder
Authors: Vicens Victor , Radua Joaquim , Salvador Raymond , Anguera-Camós Maria , Canales-Rodríguez Erick J. , Sarró Salvador , Maristany Teresa , McKenna Peter J. , Pomarol-Clotet Edith 
Published: September 2015

BackgroundDelusional disorder has been the subject of very little investigation
using brain imaging.AimsTo examine potential structural and/or functional brain abnormalities in
this disorder.MethodWe used structural imaging (voxel-based morphometry, VBM) and functional
imaging (during performance of the n-back task and
whole-brain resting connectivity analysis) to examine 22 patients meeting
DSM-IV criteria for delusional disorder and 44 matched healthy
controls.ResultsThe patients showed grey matter reductions in the medial frontal/anterior
cingulate cortex and bilateral insula on unmodulated (but not on
modulated) VBM analysis, failure of de-activation in the medial
frontal/anterior cingulate cortex during performance of the
n-back task, and decreased resting-state connectivity
in the bilateral insula.ConclusionsThe findings provide evidence of brain abnormality in the medial
frontal/anterior cingulate cortex and insula in delusional disorder. A
role for the former region in the pathogenesis of delusions is consistent
with several other lines of evidence.