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Background: Little is known about the genetic characteristics associated with exercise in women undergoing breast cancer surgery. Purpose: In a sample of women who were evaluated prior to breast cancer surgery ( n = 310), we evaluated for differences in demographic and clinical characteristics between patients who did and did not exercise on a regular basis and evaluated for associations between polymorphisms in genes for pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, their receptors, and their transcriptional regulators. Methods: Patients completed an investigator-developed exercise questionnaire. Based on the recommended level of exercise (≥150 minutes/week), survivors were classified into no exercise (NoEx), less exercise (LessEx), or recommended exercise (RecEx) groups. Candidate gene analyses were done to identify relationships between polymorphisms and exercise group membership (i.e., NoEx vs. RecEx). Only 23.5% of the total sample met the recommendations for regular exercise. Results: Compared to the RecEx group ( n = 78), patients in the NoEx group ( n = 120) had less education; were less likely to report being White or Asia/Pacific Islander; more likely to report a lower household income; had a higher body mass index (BMI), had a poorer functional status; had a higher comorbidity burden; were more likely to self-report high blood pressure; and were more likely to have received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Polymorphisms in IFNGR1 and NFKB1 were associated with membership in the NoEx group. Conclusions: While they warrant replication, our findings suggest that variations in cytokine-related genes may play a role in exercise behavior, and that clinicians need to assess for barriers to regular exercise and educate patients on its benefits.

Biofortification of staple crops with higher levels of micronutrients via traditional breeding methods is a sustainable strategy and can possibly complement fortification and other interventions to target micronutrient deficiencies in low resource settings, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children. We aimed to determine if iron- and zinc-biofortified pearl millet (FeZnPM, Dhanashakti, ICTP-8203Fe)-based complementary feeding improves nutritional status, including iron biomarkers and growth, in children living in urban slums of Mumbai.We conducted a randomized controlled trial of FeZnPM among 223 children aged 12-18 months who were not severely anemic at baseline (hemoglobin ≥9.0 g/dL). Children were randomized to receive either FeZnPM or conventional non-biofortified pearl millet (CPM) daily for 9 months. Iron status (hemoglobin, serum ferritin), plasma zinc, and anthropometric indicators (length, weight, mid-upper arm circumference, triceps and subscapular skinfolds) were evaluated at enrollment and throughout the trial. World Health Organization (WHO) anthropometric z-scores were calculated using WHO growth standards. Primary outcomes were hemoglobin and serum ferritin concentrations, and growth, defined as WHO z-scores. An intent to treat approach was used for analyses. We used the Hodges-Lehmann-Sen test to assess the change in primary outcomes between baseline and the last visit and report corresponding 95% confidence intervals.At baseline, 67.7% of children were anemic (hemoglobin11.0 g/dL) and 59.6% were iron deficient (serum ferritin12.0 μg/L). FeZnPM did not significantly increase iron biomarkers or improve growth, compared to CPM. In subgroup analyses, FeZnPM improved hemoglobin concentrations in male children, and in children with iron deficiency or iron depletion (serum ferritin25.0 μg/L) at baseline, relative to CPM.Daily consumption of FeZnPM-based complementary foods did not significantly impact iron and zinc status or growth in children living in Mumbai's urban slums. However, the intervention significantly improved hemoglobin concentrations among male children and among individuals who were iron-deficient or iron-depleted at baseline.This trial is registered with Clinicaltrials.gov (ID: NCT02233764), and Clinical Trials Registry of India (ID: REF/2014/10/007731).

We followed adolescents and adults living with HIV aged older than 15 years who enrolled in a South African private-sector HIV programme to examine adherence and viral non-suppression (viral load 400 copies/mL) of participants with (20,743, 38%) and without (33,635, 62%) mental health diagnoses. Mental health diagnoses were associated with unfavourable adherence patterns. The risk of viral non-suppression was higher among patients with organic mental disorders [adjusted risk ratio (aRR) 1.55, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.22-1.96], substance use disorders (aRR 1.53, 95% CI 1.19-1.97), serious mental disorders (aRR 1.30, 95% CI 1.09-1.54), and depression (aRR 1.19, 95% CI 1.10-1.28) when compared with patients without mental health diagnoses. The risk of viral non-suppression was also higher among males, adolescents (15-19 years), and young adults (20-24 years). Our study highlights the need for psychosocial interventions to improve HIV treatment outcomes-particularly of adolescents and young adults-and supports strengthening mental health services in HIV treatment programmes.Monitoreamos adolescentes y adultos mayores de 15 años que viven con VIH y que están registrados en un programa privado Surafricano para el tratamiento del VIH. Nuestro propósito fue examinar adherencia a los medicamentos y supresión viral (carga viral 400 copias/mL) en los participantes con (20,743, 38%) y sin (33,635, 62%) diagnósticos de salud mental. Los diagnósticos de salud mental estuvieron asociados con patrones de adherencia desfavorables. Comparados con pacientes sin diagnósticos de salud mental, el riesgo de no supresión viral fue más alto entre pacientes con desórdenes mentales orgánicos [riesgo relativo ajustado (aRR) 1.55, 95% intervalo de confidencia (CI) 1.22–1.96], desórdenes en el uso de sustancias (aRR 1.53, 95% CI 1.19–1.97), desórdenes mentales serios (aRR 1.30, 95% CI 1.09–1.54), y depresión (aRR 1.19, 95% CI 1.10–1.28). El riesgo de no supresión viral también fue más alto en hombres que en mujeres, en adolescentes (15–19 años), y en adultos jóvenes. Nuestro estudio resalta la necesidad de intervenciones psicosociales para mejorar los resultados del tratamiento contra el VIH –particularmente en adolescentes y adultos jóvenes—, y respalda el fortalecimiento de servicios de salud mental como parte de los programas para el tratamiento del VIH.

To what extent the COVID-19 pandemic and its containment measures influenced mental health in the general population is still unclear.To assess the trajectory of mental health symptoms during the first year of the pandemic and examine dose-response relations with characteristics of the pandemic and its containment.Relevant articles were identified from the living evidence database of the COVID-19 Open Access Project, which indexes COVID-19-related publications from MEDLINE via PubMed, Embase via Ovid, and PsycInfo. Preprint publications were not considered.Longitudinal studies that reported data on the general population's mental health using validated scales and that were published before 31 March 2021 were eligible.An international crowd of 109 trained reviewers screened references and extracted study characteristics, participant characteristics, and symptom scores at each timepoint. Data were also included for the following country-specific variables: days since the first case of SARS-CoV-2 infection, the stringency of governmental containment measures, and the cumulative numbers of cases and deaths.In a total of 43 studies (331 628 participants), changes in symptoms of psychological distress, sleep disturbances, and mental well-being varied substantially across studies. On average, depression and anxiety symptoms worsened in the first 2 months of the pandemic (standardized mean difference at 60 days, -0.39 [95% credible interval, -0.76 to -0.03]); thereafter, the trajectories were heterogeneous. There was a linear association of worsening depression and anxiety with increasing numbers of reported cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection and increasing stringency in governmental measures. Gender, age, country, deprivation, inequalities, risk of bias, and study design did not modify these associations.The certainty of the evidence was low because of the high risk of bias in included studies and the large amount of heterogeneity. Stringency measures and surges in cases were strongly correlated and changed over time. The observed associations should not be interpreted as causal relationships.Although an initial increase in average symptoms of depression and anxiety and an association between higher numbers of reported cases and more stringent measures were found, changes in mental health symptoms varied substantially across studies after the first 2 months of the pandemic. This suggests that different populations responded differently to the psychological stress generated by the pandemic and its containment measures.Swiss National Science Foundation. (PROSPERO: CRD42020180049).

Global metagenomic surveys have revealed that bats host a diverse array of paramyxoviruses, including species from at least five major genera. An essential determinant of successful spillover is the entry of a virus into a new host. We evaluate the role of receptor usage in the zoonotic potential of bat-borne henipaviruses, morbilliviruses, pararubulaviruses, orthorubulaviruses, and jeilongviruses; successful spillover into humans depends upon compatibility of a respective viral attachment protein with its cognate receptor. We also emphasize the importance of postentry restrictions in preventing spillover. Metagenomics and characterization of newly identified paramyxoviruses have greatly improved our understanding of spillover determinants, allowing for better forecasts of which bat-borne viruses may pose the greatest risk for cross-species transmission into humans.

Background Intestinal microbiota, diet, and the immune system have been proposed to contribute to the development of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a critical regulator of intestinal immunity and mucosal barrier homeostasis that is activated by agonists such as host and microbial tryptophan metabolites. IBD patients have altered microbiota and reduced AhR agonists in intestinal content resulting in the downregulation of AhR. These findings necessitate further study to understand how diet-microbiota interactions contribute to intestinal inflammation. Purpose To study the influence of intestinal microbiota on tryptophan metabolism, AhR activation, and colitis severity. Method 8- to 10-week-old germ-free C57BL/6 mice were colonized with cecal content of mice harbouring specific pathogen-free (SPF) or a limited and well-defined altered Schaedler flora (ASF) microbiota. Germ-free mice were used as controls. Three weeks following colonization, mucosal injury was induced in a subset of mice with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in drinking water for five days followed by two days of water recovery. Activation of AhR was measured in stool using an in vitro AhR luciferase reporter assay. Stool AhR agonists were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry. Colonic expression of AhR pathway genes Cyp1a1, Il22, Ahrr, Ahr, and Il17 was evaluated by RT-qPCR. Susceptibility to colitis was assessed by analysing stool consistency and stool blood, colonic microscopic damage, immune infiltration by immunohistochemistry, and pro-inflammatory gene expression (NanoString). Fecal microbiota was analysed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing (Illumina). Result(s) AhR agonists, AhR activation in vitro, and AhR pathway gene expression were elevated in mice colonized with SPF microbiota in comparison to mice colonized with ASF microbiota and germ-free mice. In ASF-colonized mice, DSS induced more severe inflammation than in SPF-colonized mice, as demonstrated by worsened mucosal injury, greater weight loss, and softer stools. SPF-colonized mice developed less mucosal immune cell infiltration and pro-inflammatory gene signaling. Conclusion(s) Our findings suggest that intestinal microbiota composition determines the metabolic capacity to degrade tryptophan into agonists that homeostatically activate AhR. When mucosal injury is induced, mice with elevated microbiota-derived AhR agonists and AhR activation develop less severe mucosal injury and signs of colitis. This study presents a useful tool for evaluating dietary and microbial therapies in the context of a microbiota with impaired tryptophan metabolism. Please acknowledge all funding agencies by checking the applicable boxes below CCC, CIHR Disclosure of Interest None Declared

BackgroundIron deficiency (ID) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) are highly-prevalent nutrient deficiencies and have been shown to have a range of negative effects on cognition and brain function. Human intervention studies including measures at three levels—blood, brain, and behavior—are rare and our objective was to model the relationships among measures at these three levels in school-going Indian adolescents.MethodsMale and female adolescents in rural India were screened for ID/IDA. Subjects consumed 2 meals/day for 6 months; half were randomly assigned to consume meals made from a standard grain (pearl millet) and half consumed meals made from an iron biofortified pearl millet (BPM). Prior to and then at the conclusion of the feeding trial, they completed a set of cognitive tests with concurrent electroencephalography (EEG).ResultsOverall, serum ferritin (sFt) levels improved over the course of the study. Ten of 21 possible measures of cognition showed improvements from baseline (BL) to endline (EL) that were larger for those consuming BPM than for those consuming the comparison pearl millet (CPM). Critically, the best model for the relationship between change in iron status and change in cognition had change in brain measures as a mediating factor, with both change in serum ferritin as a primary predictor and change in hemoglobin as a moderator.ConclusionsA dietary intervention involving a biofortified staple grain was shown to be efficacious in improving blood iron biomarkers, behavioral measures of cognition, and EEG measures of brain function. Modeling the relationships among these variables strongly suggests multiple mechanisms by which blood iron level affects brain function and cognition.Trial registrationRegistered at ClinicalTrials.gov,NCT02152150, 02 June 2014.

Voltammetric mechanisms for copper bipyridine complexes are evaluated for Cu(bpy)3(PF6)2 in dichloromethane (DCM), Cu(bpy)3(ClO4)2 in water, and copper bipyridine complexes formed in situ from a stoichiometric 1:3 mix of Cu(II) and bpy in water. The mechanism for Cu(bpy)3(PF6)2 in aprotic DCM is a simple irreversible (slow) heterogeneous electron transfer, E irrev , with a standard heterogeneous electron transfer rate of 6 × 10−4 cm s−1. For Cu(bpy)3(ClO4)2 in water near pH 6, the mechanism is a six species square scheme, with multiple chemical and electrochemical steps. Voltammetric morphologies for Cu(bpy)3(PF6)2 in DCM and Cu(bpy)3(ClO4)2 in water were evaluated by established diagnostics and modeled with digital simulations. Established diagnostics underrepresent the complexity of copper bipyridines in water. For the complexes formed in situ, the stoichiometric ratio is insufficient to form only Cu(bpy)3 2+, so an equilibrium model that characterizes speciation at given pH and electrode potentials is used. Solvent, pH, and speciation impact the observed voltammetry of copper bipyridine complexes.

Fe deficiency has negative effects on voluntary physical activity (PA); however, the impact of consuming Fe-biofortified staple foods on voluntary PA remains unclear. This study compared the effects of consuming Fe-biofortified pearl millet or a conventional pearl millet on measures of voluntary PA in Indian schoolchildren (ages 12–16 years) during a 6-month randomised controlled feeding trial. PA data were collected from 130 children using Actigraph GT3X accelerometers for 6 d at baseline and endline. Minutes spent in light and in moderate-to-vigorous PA were calculated from accelerometer counts using Crouter’s refined two-regression model for children. Mixed regression models adjusting for covariates were used to assess relationships between intervention treatment or change in Fe status and PA. Children who consumed Fe-biofortified pearl millet performed 22·3 (95 % CI 1·8, 42·8, P = 0·034) more minutes of light PA each day compared with conventional pearl millet. There was no effect of treatment on moderate-to-vigorous PA. The amount of Fe consumed from pearl millet was related to minutes spent in light PA (estimate 3·4 min/mg Fe (95 % CI 0·3, 6·5, P = 0·031)) and inversely related to daily sedentary minutes (estimate −5·4 min/mg Fe (95 % CI –9·9, −0·9, P = 0·020)). Consuming Fe-biofortified pearl millet increased light PA and decreased sedentary time in Indian schoolchildren in a dose-dependent manner.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and ensuing restrictions have negatively affected the mental health and well-being of the general population, and there is increasing evidence suggesting that lockdowns have led to a disruption of health services. In March 2020, South Africa introduced a lockdown in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, entailing the suspension of all non-essential activities and a complete ban of tobacco and alcohol sales. We studied the effect of the lockdown on mental health care utilisation rates in private-sector care in South Africa.We conducted an interrupted time-series analysis using insurance claims from 1 January 2017 to 1 June 2020 of beneficiaries 18 years or older from a large private sector medical insurance scheme. We calculated weekly outpatient consultation and hospital admission rates for organic mental disorders, substance use disorders, serious mental disorders, depression, anxiety, other mental disorders, any mental disorder and alcohol withdrawal syndrome. We calculated adjusted odds ratios (OR) for the effect of the lockdown on weekly outpatient consultation and hospital admission rates and the weekly change in rates during the lockdown until 1 June 2020.710 367 persons were followed up for a median of 153 weeks. Hospital admission rates (OR 0.38; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.33-0.44) and outpatient consultation rates (OR 0.74; 95% CI 0.63-0.87) for any mental disorder decreased substantially after the introduction of the lockdown and did not recover to pre-lockdown levels by 1 June 2020. Health care utilisation rates for alcohol withdrawal syndrome doubled after the introduction of the lockdown, but the statistical uncertainty around the estimates was large (OR 2.24; 95% CI 0.69-7.24).Mental health care utilisation rates for inpatient and outpatient services decreased substantially after the introduction of the lockdown. Hospital admissions and outpatient consultations for alcohol withdrawal syndrome increased after the introduction of the lockdown, but statistical uncertainty precludes strong conclusions about a potential unintended effect of the alcohol sales ban. Governments should integrate strategies for ensuring access and continuity of essential mental health services during lockdowns in pandemic preparedness planning.

Background Treat-All guidelines recommend initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for all people with HIV (PWH) on the day of diagnosis when possible, yet uncertainty exists about the impact of same-day ART initiation on subsequent care engagement. We examined the association of same-day ART initiation with loss to follow-up and viral suppression among patients in 11 sub-Saharan African countries. Methods We included ART-naive adult PWH from sites participating in the International epidemiology Databases to Evaluate AIDS (IeDEA) consortium who enrolled in care after Treat-All implementation and prior to January 2019. We used multivariable Cox regression to estimate the association between same-day ART initiation and loss to follow-up and Poisson regression to estimate the association between same-day ART initiation and 6-month viral suppression. Results Among 29 017 patients from 63 sites, 18 584 (64.0%) initiated ART on the day of enrollment. Same-day ART initiation was less likely among those with advanced HIV disease versus early-stage disease. Loss to follow-up was significantly lower among those initiating ART ≥1 day of enrollment, compared with same-day ART initiators (20.6% vs 27.7%; adjusted hazard ratio: .66; 95% CI .57–.76). No difference in viral suppression was observed by time to ART initiation (adjusted rate ratio: 1.00; 95% CI: .98–1.02). Conclusions Patients initiating ART on the day of enrollment were more frequently lost to follow-up than those initiating later but were equally likely to be virally suppressed. Our findings support recent World Health Organization recommendations for providing tailored counseling and support to patients who accept an offer of same-day ART.

This article provides a portable x-ray fluorescence (pXRF) elemental dataset from samples collected from a Cambrian Sandstone Aquifer in West-Central Wisconsin, U.S.A. Analyses were performed on drill core samples and well cutting materials collected using a variety of drilling methods. Elements presented in this dataset include aluminum (Al), arsenic (As), calcium (Ca), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni), phosphorus (P), lead (Pb), sulfur (S), silicon (Si), strontium (Sr), uranium (U), vanadium (V), and zinc (Zn). The accuracy and precision of the pXRF analyses was calculated based on repeated measurement of standards of similar lithology to the aquifer. This dataset could be used for 1) chemostratigraphy, 2) refinement of subsurface geochemical sampling techniques; 3) preventing or mitigating naturally-occurring groundwater trace metal contaminants in groundwater in the Upper Mississippi River Valley, and 4) evaluating impacts of regional industrial sand mining on aquifer geochemistry. The data presented in this article was used to select a subset of samples that represented the elemental variability within the overall aquifer succession for further geochemical and mineralogical analysis presented in the article entitled "Identifying the Source of Groundwater Contaminants in West-Central Wisconsin, U.S.A.: Geochemical and Mineralogical Characterization of the Cambrian Sandstone Aquifer" (Zambito et al., 2022).

IntroductionMental disorders are highly prevalent among people living with HIV and are associated with adverse HIV treatment outcomes. We assessed HIV treatment outcomes in patients with and without mental health diagnoses by sex and age.MethodsUsing hospital, outpatient and pharmacy claims and laboratory data from 2011 to 2020, we followed HIV-positive adolescents and adults aged ≥15 years who enrolled in a South African private sector HIV treatment programme. We performed a longitudinal trajectory analysis to identify patients with similar adherence patterns and examined associations between mental health diagnoses and adherence patterns using multinomial logistic regression. We examined non-adherence and viral non-suppression (VNS, viral load >400 copies/mL) in patients with and without mental health diagnoses by sex and age using mixed-effects Poisson regression models.Results54,378 patients were followed for a median of 3.5 years (IQR 1.9-6.4), 20,743 (38%) of whom had received a mental health diagnosis. 90% of patients had HIV viral load ConclusionOur study highlights the need for psychosocial interventions to improve HIV treatment outcomes, particularly for adolescents and young adults, and supports strengthening mental health services in paediatric and general HIV treatment programs.

AimsIn March 2020, South Africa introduced a lockdown in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, entailing the suspension of all non-essential activities and a complete ban of tobacco and alcohol sales. We studied the effect of the lockdown on mental health care utilisation rates in private-sector care in South Africa.MethodsWe did an interrupted time series analysis using insurance claims from January 1, 2017, to June 1, 2020 of beneficiaries 18 years or older from a large private sector medical aid scheme. We calculated weekly outpatient consultation and hospital admission rates for organic mental disorders, substance use disorders, serious mental disorders, depression, anxiety, other mental disorders, any mental disorder, and alcohol withdrawal syndrome. We calculated adjusted odds ratios (OR) for the effect of the lockdown on weekly outpatient consultation and hospital admission rates and the weekly change in rates during the lockdown until June 1, 2020.Results710,367 persons were followed up for a median of 153 weeks. Hospital admission rates (OR 0.38; 95% CI 0.33–0.44) and outpatient consultation rates (OR 0.74; 95% CI 0.63–0.87) for any mental disorder decreased substantially after the lockdown and did not recover to pre-lockdown levels until June 1, 2020. Health care utilisation rates for alcohol withdrawal syndrome doubled after the introduction of the lockdown, but the statistical uncertainty around the estimates was large (OR 2.24; 95% CI 0.69-7.24).ConclusionsReduced mental health care contact rates during the COVID-19 lockdown likely reflect a substantial unmet need for mental health services with potential long-term consequences for mental health patients and their families. Steps to ensure access and continuity of mental health services during future lockdowns should be considered.

Iron deficiency is a public health problem with devastating health, developmental and behavioral effects which often exacerbated due to affordability and access to screening and diagnosis. Using IronScan™ a portable, point-of-care diagnostic system capable of quantitatively measuring ferritin in blood, we validated IronScan™ ferritin measurements using whole blood and serum with a lab-based, regulator-approved analytical device for measuring ferritin in venous serum. Capillary (finger stick) and venous whole blood samples were obtained from 44 male and female volunteers. Venous serum (vSer) ferritin concentrations were measured on Immulite 2000 Xpi (gold standard). Capillary whole blood (cWB), venous whole blood (vWB), and vSer ferritin levels were measured by IronScan™. cWB ferritin concentrations from IronScan™ were significantly correlated (R2 = 0.86) with vSer measured with the FDA-approved Immulite system. The results from the multiple regression analysis indicate that 10% of the variability was due to the method of blood collection (venous vs. capillary) and 6% was due to the form of blood analysis (whole blood vs. serum). The sensitivity of diagnosing iron deficiency using the WHO cutoff of

BACKGROUND: Women of reproductive age are at an increased risk of anemia and micronutrient deficiencies. Evidence supports the role of periconceptional nutrition in the development of neural tube defects (NTDs) and other pregnancy complications. Vitamin B(12) deficiency is a risk factor for NTDs and may modify folate biomarkers that predict NTD risk at the population level. There is an interest in mandatory fortification with vitamin B(12) and folic acid for anemia and birth defect prevention. However, there are limited population-representative data needed to inform policy and guidelines. OBJECTIVES: This randomized trial will be conducted to evaluate the efficacy of quadruple-fortified salt (QFS; iron, iodine, folic acid, vitamin B(12)) in 1,000 households in Southern India. METHODS: Women 18 to 49 y who are not pregnant or lactating and reside within the catchment area of our community-based research site in Southern India will be screened and invited to participate in the trial. After informed consent, women and their households will be randomized to receive one of the following 4 interventions: 1) double-fortified salt (DFS; iron, iodine), 2) DFS + folic acid (iron, iodine, folic acid), 3) DFS + vitamin B(12) (iron, iodine, vitamin B(12)), or 4) DFS + folic acid and vitamin B(12) (QFS; iron, iodine, folic acid, vitamin B(12)) for 12 mo. Structured interviews will be conducted by trained nurse enumerators to collect sociodemographic, anthropometric, dietary, health, and reproductive history data. Biological samples will be collected at baseline, midpoint, and endpoint. Whole blood will be analyzed for hemoglobin using Coulter Counter. Total vitamin B(12) will be measured by chemiluminescence; red blood cell folate and serum folate will be evaluated using the World Health Organization-recommended microbiologic assay. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this randomized trial will help to evaluate the efficacy of QFS to prevent anemia and micronutrient deficiencies. Clinical trial registration numbers: NCT03853304 and Clinical Trial Registry of India REF/2019/03/024479. REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT03853304 and REF/2019/03/024479.

The endangered Pallid Sturgeon, Scaphirhynchus albus, has been actively managed to prevent population declines, including stocking of hatchery-raised fish. The gut microbiome plays an innate role in an organism’s absorption of nutrients by increasing nutrient availability and can provide new insights for Pallid Sturgeon management. In this study, the Pallid Sturgeon’s microbiome is dominated by the phyla Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria and Fusobacteria. It was also determined that the gut bacterial diversity in hatchery-raised Pallid Sturgeon was not significantly different from wild Pallid Sturgeon, supporting that hatchery-raised Pallid Sturgeon are transitioning effectively to wild diets. There is also a high degree of intraspecific variation in the bacterial and eukaryotic sequences amongst individual Pallid Sturgeon microbiomes, suggesting the Pallid Sturgeon may be omnivorous. This study demonstrated that genetic markers may be used to effectively describe the dietary requirements for wild Pallid Sturgeon and provides the first genetic evidence that Pallid Sturgeons are effectively transitioning from hatchery-raised environments to the wild.

Iron deficiency is the most common nutrient deficiency in the world, affecting roughly 40% of women in nonindustrialized countries. Iron is the essential element in hemoglobin, the major carrier of blood oxygen and oxidative metabolism that supports physical and cognitive performance. The relationship between iron and physical work capacity suggests that iron deficient individuals could experience reduced work output. Participants were 138 experienced tea pluckers aged 18–55 years from the Panighatta Tea Estate in Darjeeling District of northern West Bengal, India. Hemoglobin, serum ferritin, and soluble transferrin receptor were measured from venous blood. Energy expenditure was estimated from accelerometry and heart rate, and plucking productivity was measured as amount of tea plucked during the morning work session when temperature and rainfall conditions are optimal. At a given level of energy expenditure, iron deficient, anemic, and iron deficient anemic women plucked less tea during a 3-h period. The results warrant further research as to whether interventions providing supplemental iron might improve worker productivity and work efficiency. Further study should examine evidence of economic incentives for policies and programs targeting nutritional deficiencies. Novelty Anemia predicts up to 2.02 kg (9.1%) less tea plucked per 3 h, or 4.0% lower wage per 3 h, compared with nonanemic women, controlling for physical effort. An increase of 1.0 g/L in hemoglobin concentration predicts 0.71 kg (3.3%) more tea plucked over 3 h. An increase of 1.0 g/L in hemoglobin concentration predicts a 1.6% wage increase.

The incidence of intracranial germ cell tumors (iGCT) is much lower in European and North American (E&NA) than in Asian population. However, E&NA cooperative groups have simultaneously developed with success treatment strategies with specific attention paid to long-term sequelae. Neurological sequelae may be reduced by establishing a diagnosis with an endoscopic biopsy and/or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and/or serum analysis, deferring the need to perform a radical surgery. Depending on markers and/or histological characteristics, patients are treated as either germinoma or non-germinomatous germ cell tumors (NGGCT). Metastatic disease is defined by a positive CSF cytology and/or distant drops in craniospinal MRI. The combination of surgery and/or chemotherapy and radiation therapy is tailored according to grouping and staging. With more than 90% 5-year event-free survival (EFS), localized germinomas can be managed without aggressive surgery, and benefit from chemotherapy followed by whole ventricular irradiation with local boost. Bifocal germinomas are treated as non-metastatic entities. Metastatic germinomas may be cured with craniospinal irradiation. With a 5-year EFS over 70%, NGGCT benefit from chemotherapy followed by delayed surgery in case of residual disease, and some form of radiotherapy. Future strategies will aim at decreasing long-term side effects while preserving high cure rates.

INTRODUCTION Older adolescents aged 15-19 years continue to have high rates of loss to follow up (LTFU), and high rates of virologic non-suppression (VNS) compared to younger adolescents and adults. Adolescent females are at risk of pregnancy, which puts those living with HIV at a dual vulnerability. Our study assessed the factors associated with VNS and LTFU in older adolescents (including pregnant females) who initiated antiretroviral therapy (ART) in South Africa. METHODS We included adolescents aged 15-19 years initiating ART between 2004 and 2019, with ��� one viral load (VL) measurement between 4 and 24.5 months, and ��� 6 months follow-up, from six South African cohorts of the International epidemiology Databases to Evaluate AIDS-Southern Africa (IeDEA-SA). We defined VNS as VL ���400 copies/ml and LTFU as not being in care for ���180 days from ART start and not known as transferred out of the clinic or dead in the first 24 months on ART. We examined factors associated with VNS and LTFU using Fine&Gray competing risk models. RESULTS We included a total of 2733 adolescents, 415 (15.2%) males, median (IQR) age at ART start of 18.6 (17.3, 19.4) years. Among females, 585/2318 (25.2%) were pregnant. Over the 24-month follow-up, 424 (15.5%) of all adolescents experienced VNS: range (11.1% pregnant females and 20.5% males). Over half of all adolescents were LTFU before any other event could occur. The hazard of VNS reduced with increasing age and CD4 count above 200 cells/��l at ART initiation among all adolescents having adjusted for all measured patient characteristics [adjusted sub-distribution hazard ratio (aSHR) 19 vs. 15 years: 0.50 (95% CI: 0.36, 0.68), aSHR: >500 vs. ���200 cells/��l: 0.22 (95% CI: 0.16, 0.31)]. The effect of CD4 count persisted in pregnant females. Increasing age and CD4 count >200 cells/��l were risk factors for LTFU among all adolescents. CONCLUSIONS Older adolescents had a high risk of LTFU shortly after ART start and a low risk of VNS, especially those initiating treatment during pregnancy. Interventions addressing adherence and retention should be incorporated into adolescent-friendly services to prevent VNS and LTFU and endeavour to trace lost adolescents as soon as they are identified.

Background Iron-biofortified staple foods can improve iron status and resolve iron deficiency. However, whether improved iron status from iron biofortification can improve physical performance remains unclear. Objective This study aimed to examine whether changes in iron status from an iron-biofortified bean intervention affect work efficiency. Methods A total of 125 iron-depleted (ferritin

Analysis of the genes retained in the minimized Mycoplasma JCVI-Syn3A genome established that systems that repair or preempt metabolite damage are essential to life. Several genes with known metabolite damage repair or preemption functions were identified and experimentally validated, including 5-formyltetrahydrofolate cyclo-ligase, CoA disulfide reductase, and certain hydrolases. Furthermore, we discovered that an enigmatic YqeK hydrolase domain fused to NadD has a novel proofreading function in NAD synthesis and could double as a MutT-like sanitizing enzyme for the nucleotide pool. Finally, we combined metabolomics and cheminformatics approaches to extend the core metabolic map of JCVI-Syn3A to include promiscuous enzymatic reactions and spontaneous side reactions. This extension revealed that several key metabolite damage-control systems remain to be identified in JCVI-Syn3A, such as that for methylglyoxal.

BackgroundThe use of opioids is increasing globally, but data from low- and middle-income countries on opioid-related mental and behavioural disorders (hereafter referred to as opioid-related disorders) are scarce. This study examines the incidence of opioid-related disorders, opioid agonist use, and excess mortality among persons with opioid-related disorders in South Africa’s private healthcare sector.MethodsWe analysed longitudinal data of beneficiaries (≥ 11 years) of a South African medical insurance scheme using reimbursement claims from Jan 1, 2011, to Jul 1, 2020. Beneficiaries were classified as having an opioid-related disorder if they received an opioid agonist (buprenorphine or methadone) or an ICD-10 diagnosis for harmful opioid use (F11.1), opioid dependence or withdrawal (F11.2-4), or an unspecified or other opioid-related disorder (F11.0, F11.5-9). We calculated adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) for factors associated with opioid-related disorders, estimated the cumulative incidence of opioid agonist use after receiving an ICD-10 diagnosis for opioid dependence or withdrawal, and examined excess mortality among beneficiaries with opioid-related disorders.ResultsOf 1,251,458 beneficiaries, 1,286 (0.1%) had opioid-related disorders. Between 2011 and 2020, the incidence of opioid-related disorders increased by 12% (95% CI 9%-15%) per year. Men, young adults in their twenties, and beneficiaries with co-morbid mental health or other substance use disorders were at increased risk of opioid-related disorders. The cumulative incidence of opioid agonist use among beneficiaries who received an ICD-10 diagnosis for opioid dependence or withdrawal was 18.0% (95% CI 14.0-22.4) 3 years after diagnosis. After adjusting for age, sex, year, medical insurance coverage, and population group, opioid-related disorders were associated with an increased risk of mortality (aHR 2.28, 95% CI 1.84-2.82). Opioid-related disorders were associated with a 7.8-year shorter life expectancy.ConclusionsThe incidence of patients diagnosed with or treated for an opioid-related disorder in the private sector is increasing rapidly. People with opioid-related disorders are a vulnerable population with substantial psychiatric comorbidity who often die prematurely. Evidence-based management of opioid-related disorders is urgently needed to improve the health outcomes of people with opioid-related disorders.

Objective To compare cancer treatment and all-cause mortality between HIV-positive and HIV-negative cervical cancer patients in South Africa. Methods We assessed cancer treatment and all-cause mortality in HIV-positive and HIV-negative cervical cancer patients who received cancer treatment within 180 days of diagnosis using reimbursement claims data from a private medical insurance scheme in South Africa between 01/2011 and 07/2020. We assessed treatment provision using logistic regression and factors associated with all-cause mortality using Cox regression. We assigned missing values for histology and ethnicity using multiple imputation. Results Of 483 included women, 136 (28 %) were HIV-positive at cancer diagnosis (median age: 45.7 years), and 347 (72 %) were HIV-negative (median age: 54.1 years). Among 285 patients with available ICD-O-3 morphology claims codes, the proportion with cervical adenocarcinoma was substantially lower in HIV-positive (4 %) than in HIV-negative patients (26 %). Most HIV-positive patients (67 %) were on antiretroviral therapy at cancer diagnosis. HIV-positive patients were more likely to receive radiotherapy (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.90, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.05-3.45) or chemotherapy (aOR 2.02, 95 %CI 0.92-4.43) and less likely to undergo surgery (aOR 0.53, 95 %CI 0.31-0.90) than HIV-negative patients. HIV-positive patients were at a higher risk of death from all causes than HIV-negative patients (adjusted hazard ratio 1.52, 95 %CI 1.06-2.19). Other factors associated with higher all-cause mortality included age > 60 years and metastases at diagnosis. Conclusions HIV-positive cervical cancer patients in South Africa had higher all-cause mortality than HIV-negative patients which could be explained by differences in tumour progression, clinical care, and HIV-specific mortality.

Variation in sediment yield may reflect a signal of disturbances in the upstream landscape, modified by sediment routing. This study, conducted in a forested drainage basin in the inland Pacific Northwest, USA, sought to generate a better insight into the interdecadal variability of sediment yield in mountain landscapes in response to environmental change during the last century. To this end, we examined: (1) sediment yield fluctuations; and (2) their association with streamflow and land use changes; as well as (3) streamflow links to climate variability modes; and (4) the influence of sediment delivery from hillslope sources to streams (lateral connectivity) and its downstream routing through the stream network (longitudinal connectivity) on land use signal at the basin's outlet. Sediment yield between 1910 and 2017, estimated based on reconstructed fluvial delta growth, displayed an order of magnitude variability, which indicates a substantial geomorphic sensitivity. The interpretation of temporal patterns and an exploratory statistical analysis pointed to land use-related sediment supply changes as the primary driver of these fluctuations, dominating system behavior before changes in environmental regulations and practices in the mid-1970s. Hydroclimatically controlled streamflow variability appeared to be more prominent in the subsequent period. Our connectivity analysis suggested that a considerable portion of coarse sediment mobilized by harvest and road construction may still reside within the channel network. In light of previous research in this landscape system, we speculate that, despite limited anthropogenic pressures in the recent decades, its characteristics and behavior continue to be conditioned by land use legacies. Overall, this study contributes to the growing understanding of profound anthropogenic transformation of the earth surface. Specifically, it demonstrates that historical resource extraction may have left a lasting imprint even in relatively remote mountain landscapes. Given the ongoing rapid environmental change, such understanding is crucial for watershed management, conservation, and restoration.

Naturally-sourced groundwater quality issues are common, but there is rarely a geochemical and mineralogical dataset of aquifer properties for comparison. This study utilizes geochemical and mineralogical data to characterize naturally-occurring minerals that are potential groundwater contaminants in the Cambrian Eau Claire - Mount Simon aquitard-aquifer system of west-central Wisconsin, U.S.A. A high-resolution portable x-ray fluorescence elemental analysis was used for initial characterization of geochemistry and chemostratigraphy of well cutting and drill core samples. Then, a subset of sample materials was analyzed mineralogically and geochemically using XRD and ICP-MS, respectively. Elevated concentrations of arsenic, phosphorous, strontium, and various metals within the aquitard-aquifer sandstone were identified, mostly associated with sulfide minerals and iron (hydr)oxides and suggestive of Mississippi Valley-type mineralization. Similar elemental contaminants in surface and groundwater in the study area indicate that the observed trace element-bearing minerals are a natural source of groundwater contamination, most likely through release into groundwater during fluctuating redox and pH conditions near the water table. Co-occurrence of iron (hydr)oxide-coated sulfide minerals near the water table, and observations of sulfide oxidation post-drilling, suggests sulfides in these units are actively oxidizing. Well construction recommendations based on these results should mitigate current or future pumping of trace element-contaminated groundwater and in the vast majority of cases eliminate naturally-occurring contaminants as a potential source. This study provides an extensive baseline dataset of aquifer mineralogy and trace element composition (and an efficient approach for data collection) that is necessary for interpreting and attributing possible future groundwater quality issues.

Iron deficiency (ID) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) are highly-prevalent nutrient deficiencies and have been shown to have a range of negative effects on cognition and brain function. Human intervention studies including measures at three levels-blood, brain, and behavior-are rare and our objective was to model the relationships among measures at these three levels in school-going Indian adolescents.Male and female adolescents in rural India were screened for ID/IDA. Subjects consumed 2 meals/day for 6 months; half were randomly assigned to consume meals made from a standard grain (pearl millet) and half consumed meals made from an iron biofortified pearl millet (BPM). Prior to and then at the conclusion of the feeding trial, they completed a set of cognitive tests with concurrent electroencephalography (EEG).Overall, serum ferritin (sFt) levels improved over the course of the study. Ten of 21 possible measures of cognition showed improvements from baseline (BL) to endline (EL) that were larger for those consuming BPM than for those consuming the comparison pearl millet (CPM). Critically, the best model for the relationship between change in iron status and change in cognition had change in brain measures as a mediating factor, with both change in serum ferritin as a primary predictor and change in hemoglobin as a moderator.A dietary intervention involving a biofortified staple grain was shown to be efficacious in improving blood iron biomarkers, behavioral measures of cognition, and EEG measures of brain function. Modeling the relationships among these variables strongly suggests multiple mechanisms by which blood iron level affects brain function and cognition.Registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02152150 , 02 June 2014.

ObjectivesTo examine the proportion of people living with HIV who screen positive for common mental disorders (CMD) and the associations between CMD and self-reported adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART).SettingSixteen government-funded health facilities in the rural Bikita district of Zimbabwe.DesignCross-sectional study.ParticipantsHIV-positive non-pregnant adults, aged 18 years or older, who lived in Bikita district and had received ART for at least 6 months.Outcome measuresThe primary outcome was the proportion of participants screening positive for CMD defined as a Shona Symptoms Questionnaire score of 9 or greater. Secondary outcomes were the proportion of participants reporting suicidal ideation, perceptual symptoms and suboptimal ART adherence and adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) for factors associated with CMD, suicidal ideation, perceptual symptoms and suboptimal ART adherence.ResultsOut of 3480 adults, 18.8% (95% CI 14.8% to 23.7%) screened positive for CMD, 2.7% (95% CI 1.5% to 4.7%) reported suicidal ideations, and 1.5% (95% CI 0.9% to 2.6%) reported perceptual symptoms. Positive CMD screens were more common in women (aPR 1.67, 95% CI 1.19 to 2.35) than in men and were more common in adults aged 40–49 years (aPR 1.47, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.85) or aged 50–59 years (aPR 1.51, 95% CI 1.05 to 2.17) than in those 60 years or older. Positive CMD screen was associated with suboptimal adherence (aPR 1.53; 95% CI 1.37 to 1.70).ConclusionsA substantial proportion of people living with HIV in rural Zimbabwe are affected by CMD. There is a need to integrate mental health services and HIV programmes in rural Zimbabwe.Trial registration numberNCT03704805.

In 1972, Trasatti compiled the exchange current densities j0 and work functions 𝚽 for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) on 31 polycrystalline metals at pH 0. Exchange current density measures the HER rate and the work function measures the energy required to remove an electron from the surface of the metal to a point outside the metal. Trasatti showed a plot of log j0 vs 𝚽 linear for the so called d metals and for the sp metals. The slopes are statistically the same for the d and sp metals (6.44 and 6.6 excludes Hg) but the intercepts differ (-35.4 and -38). Here, a thermodynamic specification for the slope of log j0 versus 𝚽 is suggested as 𝛂F/RT, where 𝛂 is the transfer coefficient for heterogeneous electron transfer. Electrochemical potentials for species i in phase j have been used to derive the rates of heterogeneous electron transfer within a transition state context for Butler Volmer kinetics (Bard and Faulkner). The standard chemical potential, activity, and ion charge for species i are 𝝁i 0,j, ai j, and zi is the electrical potential is 𝝓j. Extrapolation of the electrochemical potential to include 𝚽 and derive a rate expression for j0 yield: The electrode potential and the work function group into a common term. The slope of log j0 versus 𝚽 as 𝛂F/RT. An explanation of how Pt with the highest energetic cost to remove an electron 𝚽 yields the highest log j0 is presented. At 25 oC, F/RT = (0.05916 V)-1. Within the electrochemical potential model for log j0 versus 𝚽, the slopes of 6.44 and 6.6 for the d and sp metals at room temperature yield 𝛂 of 0.381 and 0.39. Across 30 metals, 𝛂 is estimated the same. The value of 0.4 is common in measurements of 𝛂 found for the potential dependent term in Butler Volmer kinetics. References Trasatti, S. Work Function, Electronegativity, and Electrochemical Behavior of Metals. III. Electrolytic Hydrogen Evolution in Acid Solution. Electroanalytical Chemistry and Interfacial Electrochemistry 39, 163-184 (1972). A.J. Bard and L. R. Faulkner, Electrochemical Methods, 1980, wiley and Sons, Chapter 2. Acknowledgments This work was supported by the National Science Foundation and the Army Research Office. The University of Iowa Obermann Center for Advanced Studies is acknowledged.

Background The intestinal microbiota, diet, and the immune system have all been proposed to contribute to the development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a critical regulator of intestinal immunity and mucosal barrier homeostasis that is activated by agonists such as diet-derived microbial tryptophan (Trp) metabolites. Increasing evidence suggests that IBD patients have reduced AhR agonists in intestinal content resulting in the downregulation of AhR-regulated genes. In mice, impaired Trp metabolism and AhR signaling translate to increased intestinal inflammation and injury during colitis. This finding highlights the utility of Trp dietary intervention to reduce the onset and progression of inflammation and injury in IBD. Aims To optimize a Trp-enriched diet formulation to increase AhR activation and reduce intestinal inflammation and injury in mouse models of colitis. Methods Three diet types with elevated Trp were explored: (1) free amino acid diet with added Trp, (2) purified protein diet with added Trp, and (3) purified high protein diet. Following three weeks of diet consumption by C57BL/6 mice, mucosal injury was induced with 2% dextran sulfate sodium in drinking water (DSS) before sacrifice. Susceptibility to colitis was assessed by analyzing stool consistency and blood, microscopic damage, immune infiltration by immunohistochemistry, and pro-inflammatory gene expression (NanoString). Activation of AhR was measured in feces using an in vitro AhR luciferase reporter assay. Colonic expression of AhR pathway genes Cyp1a1, Il22, Ahrr, and Il17 was evaluated by RT-qPCR. Fecal microbiota was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing (Illumina). Results AhR activation in vitro and colonic AhR pathway gene expression were elevated in mice fed diets containing added Trp (1 & 2) in comparison to mice fed a high protein diet (3). While all DSS-treated mice developed colitis, mice fed a purified protein diet with added Trp (2) were protected from severe colitis and developed less microscopic damage, immune cell infiltration, and pro-inflammatory gene signalling. Enriched Trp concentrations in the form of free amino acid (1) and high protein (3) diets were not associated with protection from inflammation and injury during colitis. Conclusions Our findings suggest that the addition of Trp to a conventional diet (2) may increase microbial tryptophan metabolites to ameliorate colitis severity and intestinal homeostasis through AhR activation. Despite having similar Trp concentrations, a Trp-enriched free amino acid diet (1) and a high protein diet (3) do not improve colitis severity. Thus, both the diet formulation and the availability of Trp should be considered when designing dietary interventions for the treatment of colitis through AhR activation. Funding Agencies CCC, CIHRFarncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, Douglas Family Chair in Gastroenterology Research, Biocodex Microbiota Foundation

ObjectivesTo examine the proportion of people living with HIV who screen positive for common mental disorders (CMD) and the associations between CMD and self-reported adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART).SettingSixteen government-funded health facilities in the rural Bikita district of Zimbabwe.DesignCross-sectional survey.ParticipantsHIV-positive non-pregnant adults, aged 18 years or older, who lived in Bikita district and had received ART for at least six months.Outcome measuresThe primary outcome was the proportion of participants screening positive for CMD defined as a Shona Symptoms Questionnaire (SSQ-14) score of 9 or greater. Secondary outcomes were the proportion of participants reporting suicidal ideation, perceptual symptoms, and suboptimal ART adherence and adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) for factors associated with CMD, suicidal ideation, perceptual symptoms, and suboptimal ART adherence.ResultsOut of 3,480 adults, 18.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 14.8-23.7) screened positive for CMD, 2.7% (95% CI 1.5-4.7) reported suicidal ideations, and 1.5% (95% 0.9-2.6) reported perceptual symptoms. Positive CMD screens were more common in women (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] 1.67, 95% CI 1.19-2.35) than in men and were more common in adults aged 40-49 years (aPR 1.47 95% CI 1.16-1.85) or aged 50-59 years (20.3%; aPR 1.51 95% CI 1.05-2.17) than in those 60 years or older. Positive CMD screen was associated with suboptimal adherence (aPR 1.53; 95% CI 1.37-1.70).ConclusionsA substantial proportion of people living with HIV in rural Zimbabwe are affected by CMD. There is a need to integrate mental health services and HIV programs in rural Zimbabwe.Strengths and limitations of this studyInclusion of a large sample of people living with HIV recruited at 16 government-funded primary and secondary care facilities in a rural district of Zimbabwe.Use of a locally developed screening tool that showed good psychometric properties for detecting common mental disorders in Zimbabwe in HIV-positive urban populations.The screening tool was not validated for the rural setting, and the cutoff score was selected based on data from the urban setting.Adherence to antiretroviral therapy was self-reported.

We investigate pressure-induced structural changes to the Peierls-type distorted low-temperature phase of the low-dimensional ${\mathrm{Sc}}_{3}\mathrm{Co}{\mathrm{C}}_{4}$ as a possible origin of its pressure-enhanced superconductivity. By means of cryogenic high-pressure x-ray diffraction experiments we could reveal subtle, but significant structural differences between the low-temperature phase at ambient and elevated pressures. We could thus establish the structure of the superconducting phase of the title compound, which interestingly still shows the main features of the Peierls-type distorted low-temperature phase. This indicates that in contrast to other low-dimensional materials a suppression of periodic structural distortions is no prerequisite for superconductivity in the transition-metal carbide.

Objective:The present study examines characteristics of those who benefited from a dietary Fe intervention comprised of salt double-fortified with iodine and Fe (DFS).Design:Data from a randomized controlled trial were analysed to identify predictors of improved Fe status and resolution of Fe deficiency (serum ferritin (sFt) < 12 μg/l) and low body Fe (body Fe (BI) < 0·0 mg/kg) using non-parametric estimations and binomial regression models.Setting:A tea estate in West Bengal, India.Participants:Female tea pluckers, aged 18–55 years.Results:Consuming DFS significantly (P = 0·01) predicted resolution of Fe deficiency (relative risk (RR) = 2·31) and of low BI (RR = 2·78) compared with consuming iodized salt. Baseline sFt (β = –0·32 (se 0·03), P < 0·001) and treatment group (β = 0·13 (se 0·03), P < 0·001) significantly predicted change in sFt. The interaction of baseline BI with treatment group (β = –0·11 (se 0·06), P = 0·08) predicted the change in BI. DFS did not significantly predict change in Hb and marginally predicted resolution of anaemia (Hb < 120 g/l).Conclusions:Baseline Fe status, as assessed by sFt and BI, and consumption of DFS predict change in Fe status and resolution of Fe deficiency and low BI. Anaemia prevalence and Hb level, although simple and inexpensive to measure, may not be adequate to predict resolution of Fe deficiency in response to an intervention of DFS in similar populations with high prevalence of Fe deficiency and multiple nutritional causes of anaemia. These findings will guide appropriate targeting of future interventions.

Background: A multiple biofortified food crop trial targeting iron, zinc, and vitamin A deficiencies among young children and their breastfeeding mothers is planned in India. Objective: To determine the acceptability of recipes prepared with control and biofortified pearl millet, wheat, lentils, and sweet potato. Methods: Children (6-24 months) and their mothers were enrolled as pairs (n = 52). Weight and height/length were determined. Mothers and children were separately, individually randomized in a crossover design to control or biofortified recipes. Children’s 3-day intake was measured per recipe and crop variety. For mothers, a 9-point hedonic scale evaluated color, odor, taste, and overall acceptability. Results: Children’s mean (SD) length-/height-for-age Z-score was −1.2 (1.7), with 27% < −2 (stunted). Mean weight-for-length Z-score was −0.6 (1.2) with 9.6% < −2 (wasted). Mother’s body mass index showed 17% 25. There was no difference in the children’s intake of biofortified versus control varieties of any recipe ( P ≥ .22); overall median daily intake was 75 g (Q1: 61, Q3: 100). Mother’s hedonic scores for color, odor, taste, or overall acceptability did not demonstrate any notable differences ( P ≥ .23 for overall acceptability); combined median overall acceptability score was 8.5 (Q1: 8.0, Q3: 9.0). Conclusions: Recipes were consumed readily, were rated as highly acceptable, and did not show any differences between biofortified and control varieties.

The chemical or physical control parameters for the onset of superconductivity in MB2 C2 hetero-graphene materials are unclear. This is mainly due to the almost ubiquitous positional B/C disorder, rendering the description of real structures of borocarbides into one of the most challenging problems in materials science. We will show that high-resolution X-ray diffraction data provides all the essential information to decode even complex coloring problems due to B/C disorder. Electron density studies and subsequent analyses of the fine structure of the Laplacian of the electron density resolves the local electronic structure of ScB2 C2 at sub-atomic resolution and allows for an unequivocal identification of all atoms involved in the coloring scenario. This information could finally be used to identify the electron deficient character of the B/C layers in ScB2 C2 and to synthesize the first bimetallic hetero-metallocene with lithium and scandium atoms embedded in the pentagonal and heptagonal voids, respectively.

This analysis was conducted to evaluate the evidence of the efficacy of iron biofortification interventions on iron status and functional outcomes. Iron deficiency is a major public health problem worldwide, with a disproportionate impact on women and young children, particularly those living in resource-limited settings. Biofortification, or the enhancing of micronutrient content in staple crops, is a promising and sustainable agriculture-based approach to improve nutritional status. Previous randomised efficacy trials and meta-analyses have demonstrated that iron-biofortification interventions improved iron biomarkers; however, no systematic reviews to date have examined the efficacy of biofortification interventions on health outcomes. We conducted a systematic review of the efficacy of iron-biofortified staple crops on iron status and functional outcomes: cognitive function (e.g. attention, memory) and physical performance. Five studies from three randomised efficacy trials (i.e. rice, pearl millet, beans) conducted in the Philippines, India and Rwanda were identified for inclusion in this review. Iron status (Hb, serum ferritin, soluble transferrin receptor, total body iron, α-1-acid glycoprotein) was measured at baseline and endline in each trial; two studies reported cognitive outcomes, and no studies reported other functional outcomes. Meta-analyses were conducted using DerSimonian and Laird random-effects methods. Iron-biofortified crop interventions significantly improved cognitive performance in attention and memory domains, compared with conventional crops. There were no significant effects on categorical outcomes such as iron deficiency or anaemia. Further studies are needed to determine the efficacy of iron-biofortified staple crops on human health, including additional functional outcomes and other high-risk populations.