Short-Term Evaluation of the Impact of a Fortified Food Aid Program on the Micronutrient Nutritional Status of Argentinian Pregnant Women

We studied the impact of a food supplementation program (Plan Más Vida (PMV)) on the micronutrient nutritional condition of pregnant women from low-income families 1 year after its implementation. The food program provided supplementary diet (wheat and maize—fortified flour, rice or sugar, and fortified soup). We performed a prospective, nonexperimental, cross-sectional study in the province of Buenos Aires, Argentina, evaluating pregnant women at baseline (n?=?164) and 1 year after PMV implementation (n?=?108). Biochemical tests (hemogram, ferritin, vitamin A, zinc, and folic acid), anthropometric assessments (weight and height), and dietary surveys (24 h recall) were performed at the two study points. One year after PMV implementation, no significant changes in anthropometric values were observed. Folic acid deficiency and the risk of vitamin A deficiency (retinol, 20–30 μg/dl) decreased significantly (35.8 to 6.1 % and 64 to 41 %, respectively; p?<?0.000). Anemia and prevalence of iron and zinc deficiency values did not change. Diet survey results showed that although nutrient intake increased significantly, it was still below recommendations. Implementation of the PMV and of the government nutritional strategies had a high impact on the prevalence of folic acid deficiency. We also observed a decrease in the risk of vitamin A deficiency, and no impact on iron and zinc nutritional status. Adherence to the specific fortified food (soup) was not good and intra-family dilution and distribution of food was high.     

Short-Term Evaluation of the Impact of a Food Program on the Micronutrient Nutritional Status of Argentinean Children Under the Age of Six

This study was undertaken to evaluate the impact of Plan Más Vida (PMV) on the micronutrient nutritional condition of children aged 1 to 6?years 1?year after PMV implementation. The food program was intended for low-income families from the province of Buenos Aires, Argentina and provided supplementary diets. A prospective, nonexperimental study was carried out. Children (472 at baseline and 474 after 1?year) were divided into two groups (1-2 and 2-6?years of age). Biochemical tests (hemogram, ferritin, zinc, vitamin A, and folic acid), anthropometric assessments (weight and height), and dietary surveys (24-h recall) were performed. Chronic growth retardation (-2 height/age Z-score) was present in 2.8% and 8.7% of 1-2- and 2-6-year-old children, respectively; 14.4% in the former and 8.8% in the latter group had overweight/obesity. No significant changes were recorded 1?year after PMV implementation. Whereas anemia values decreased (55.3% to 39.1%, p?=?0.003) and serum zinc values increased in 1-2-year-old children, the risk for vitamin A deficiency decreased significantly in both age groups. The evaluation of the early impact of PMV actions provided important nutritional data that should be used by provincial health authorities to conduct future evaluations.     

Hair Mineral and Trace Element Contents as Reliable Markers of Nutritional Status Compared to Serum Levels of These Elements in Children Newly Diagnosed with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at high risk for nutritional deficiencies because of long-term inflammation in the gut mucosa and decreased oral intake. Because inflammation responses affect serum micronutrient concentrations, serum levels are limited in reflecting body nutrient status in acute and chronic illness. We investigated the usefulness of measuring trace elements in hair as reliable markers of nutritional status compared to serum levels in children with IBD. We retrospectively analyzed pediatric patients newly diagnosed with Crohn’s disease (n?=?49) and ulcerative colitis (n?=?16) and controls (n?=?29) from 2012 to 2016. Serum micronutrient levels, inflammatory markers, and hair trace element content were evaluated and compared at the time of diagnosis and before initiating treatment. Serum calcium (p?<?0.001), iron (p?<?0.001), zinc (p?=?0.013), selenium (p?=?0.008), albumin (p?<?0.001), prealbumin (p?<?0.001), hemoglobin and hematocrit (p?<?0.001), and WBC (p?=?0.001) and lymphocytes (p?<?0.001) differed significantly between the groups. After adjustment for the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, serum zinc and selenium levels were no longer significantly different between the groups (p?<?0.062 and p?<?0.057, respectively). Following hair analysis for mineral and trace elements, iron (p?=?0.033), selenium (p?=?0.017), and manganese (p?=?0.009) differed significantly between the groups. Serum micronutrient levels need cautious interpretation in conjunction with inflammatory markers. Hair mineral and trace element measurement may support understanding micronutrient status in children with IBD.     

Knowledge,attitudes and determinants of exclusive breastfeeding practice among Ghanaian rural lactating mothers

Background

The practice of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is influenced by maternal knowledge and attitudes as well as socio-demographic and cultural factors. This study assessed knowledge, attitudes and practice of EBF among rural lactating mothers with infants aged 0–6 months. Factors associated to the practice of EBF were also investigated.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted among 190 rural lactating mothers with infants aged 0–6 months seeking postnatal care at a health centre in Ghana. All data was collected using a questionnaire that contained both closed and open ended questions.

Results

About 26 % (n?=?50) of the mothers were unable to correctly define EBF. The majority (92.6 %, n?=?176) of the mothers said they felt good to EBF for 6 months, to breastfed on demand (99.5 %, n?=?189) and did not have difficulties EBF (90 %, n?=?171). Despite the generally positive attitude towards EBF, 42 % (n?=?79) of the mothers did not EBF their babies. These mothers did not practice EBF because they misunderstood certain signs of the child to mean wanting to eat food or drink water, regarded breastmilk to be inadequate to meet the nutritional needs of the child and misunderstood healthcare professionals’ EBF advice. Higher maternal education was associated with higher likelihood of EBF (OR 3.5; 95 % CI 1.6, 7.7; p?=?0.002). Mothers whose babies were younger than 3 months were more likely to EBF (OR 12.0; 95 % CI 4.4, 32.5; p?<?0.001) than those having babies aged?≥?3 months. Furthermore, higher knowledge of EBF was associated with the likelihood of EBF (OR 5.9; 95 % CI 2.6, 13.3; p?<?0.001).

Conclusion

Mothers’ knowledge and attitudes towards EBF were favourable but practice of EBF was suboptimal. This study adds additional evidence that knowledge of EBF, child’s age and maternal level of education are important determinants of the practice of EBF. Beyond dissemination of health messages, healthcare professionals should pay more counselling attention to less educated mothers, and also older children’s caregivers.

     

Low serum vitamin A mothers breastfeed daughters more often than sons in drought-ridden northern Kenya: a test of the Trivers–Willard hypothesis

The Trivers–Willard hypothesis predicts that natural selection should favor unequal parental investment between daughters and sons based upon maternal condition and offspring reproductive potential. Specifically, it predicts that mothers in good condition should increase investment toward sons, while mothers in poor condition should favor daughters. Previous tests of the hypothesis in human populations overwhelmingly focused on economic resources as maternal condition indicators. We test the Trivers–Willard hypothesis using maternal nutrition—energy and vitamin A status representing macro- and micronutrition, respectively—as the indicator for maternal condition, with breastfeeding frequency recalls serving as the indicator for parental investment. Data from exclusively breastfeeding mothers (n=83) in drought-ridden Ariaal agropastoral villages of northern Kenya were used to test the hypothesis that mothers in poor condition will breastfeed daughters more frequently than sons. Poor condition was defined as having a body mass index <18.5 or serum retinol (vitamin A) concentration <1.05 µmol/l. A linear regression model was applied using breastfeeding frequency as the dependent variable and respective maternal condition, infant's sex, and the maternal condition–infant's sex interaction as the predictors, controlling for covariates. Results supported the hypothesis only in the vitamin A model which predicts that low-vitamin-A mothers breastfeed daughters significantly more frequently than sons (11 vs. 6 times/day), while vitamin-A-sufficient mothers breastfeed daughters and sons equivalently (9 times). These results indicate that maternal nutritional status, particularly micronutrient status, can contribute to the investigation of the evolutionary hypothesis of sex-biased parental investment.     

Daily variation of serum acylcarnitines and amino acids

To characterize daily variation of amino acids (AAs) and acylcarnitines (ACs) in response to feeding and activity, we measured serum metabolites at various times and after various activities during the day. Subjects were admitted overnight for serial serum sampling, collected in the evening (6?C8 p.m., n?=?40), before rising from bed or eating (8 a.m., n?=?40), 1?h after rising but before eating (9 a.m., n?=?20), 1?C2?h after rising and breakfast (9?C10 a.m., n?=?40), and at noon (12 p.m., n?=?20). Measurements of 15 AAs and 45 ACs were performed by quantitative tandem mass spectrometry using stable-isotope dilution. Coefficients of variation within and between patients were calculated for individual metabolite values and factors derived from principal components analysis. The change of state between timepoints was evaluated by nearest neighbor non-parametric analysis of values at one timepoint compared to the next subsequent value. Relative to baseline a.m. recumbent concentrations, AA concentrations rose after activity and feeding while AC concentrations rose after activity and decreased with feeding. Furthermore, for all AAs, ACs, and their factors, biological variation was quantifiably evident and distinct from daily variation. This study confirms the daily variation of AAs and provides the first report of daily variation for a large panel of ACs. Although standardization of sample collection is highly desirable to control for daily variation (within a subject due to activity or feeding), this study demonstrated measurable biological variability (across subjects) suggesting that non-standardized sample collections could potentially provide insights into specific AA and AC metabolic pathways and disease mechanisms.     

The effect of hemodialysis,peritoneal dialysis and renal transplantation on nutritional status and serum micronutrient levels in patients with end-stage renal disease; Multicenter, 6-month period,longitudinal study

PurposeNutritional status and micronutrient levels of end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients may vary depending on the mode of renal replacement therapy (RRT). We aimed to compare the effects of hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis (PD) and renal transplantation (RT) on micronutrient levels and nutritional status in ESRD patients.Patients and MethodsA total of 77 ESRD patients who had not received RRT were included in this prospective longitudinal study. All ESRD patients underwent a blood serum analysis that assessed the micronutrients such as selenium, copper, zinc, chromium, retinol, thiamine and vitamin B6 as well as a nutritional status assessment. After the baseline assessments and the initiation of RRT was accomplished, all patients were followed for 6 months.ResultsThe study showed significant improvements in subjective global assessment scores (percentage increases in score A were 26.6 and 36.6; p = 0.039 and p = 0.001; respectively), mid-arm circumference and the skin-fold thicknesses (p < 0.001, p < 0.001; respectively) in the RT and hemodialysis groups. The examinations at sixth month revealed a significant increase in body weight (4.8 kg; p = 0.002) and albumin levels (0.6 g/dL; p < 0.001) in only RT group. Zinc, thiamin and vitamin B6 were the most deficient micronutrients (44.1 %, 24.7 % and 35.1 %; respectively) in ESRD patients. There was a significant increase in selenium and retinol levels (p = 0.020 and p < 0.001; respectively) but a significant decrease in thiamin levels (p = 0.041) in RT patients. A significant increase in retinol levels (p = 0.028) and a significant decrease in thiamin levels (p = 0.022) was observed in the hemodialysis patients. However, no significant change in micronutrient levels was observed in the PD patients.ConclusionThe results support the recommendation that ESRD patients should be supplemented with water-soluble vitamins, especially thiamine and vitamin B6, and trace elements, especially zinc. RT appears to be superior to other modes of RRT when examining SGA score, anthropometric measurements, albumin and micronutrient levels.     

Micronutrient Deficiencies and Plasmodium vivax Malaria among Children in the Brazilian Amazon

Background

There is a growing body of evidence linking micronutrient deficiencies and malaria incidence arising mostly from P. falciparum endemic areas. We assessed the impact of micronutrient deficiencies on malaria incidence and vice versa in the Brazilian state of Amazonas.

Methodology/Principal Findings

We evaluated children <10 years old living in rural communities in the state of Amazonas, Brazil, from May 2010 to May 2011. All children were assessed for sociodemographic, anthropometric and laboratory parameters, including vitamin A, beta-carotene, zinc and iron serum levels at the beginning of the study (May 2010) and one year later (May 2011). Children were followed in between using passive surveillance for detection of symptomatic malaria. Those living in the study area at the completion of the observation period were reassessed for micronutrient levels. Univariate Cox-proportional Hazards models were used to assess whether micronutrient deficiencies had an impact on time to first P. vivax malaria episode. We included 95 children median age 4.8 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 2.3–6.6), mostly males (60.0%) and with high maternal illiteracy (72.6%). Vitamin A deficiencies were found in 36% of children, beta-carotene deficiency in 63%, zinc deficiency in 61% and iron deficiency in 51%. Most children (80%) had at least one intestinal parasite. During follow-up, 16 cases of vivax malaria were diagnosed amongst 13 individuals. Micronutrient deficiencies were not associated with increased malaria incidence: vitamin A deficiency [Hazard ratio (HR): 1.51; P-value: 0.45]; beta-carotene [HR: 0.47; P-value: 0.19]; zinc [HR: 1.41; P-value: 0.57] and iron [HR: 2.31; P-value: 0.16]). Upon reevaluation, children with al least one episode of malaria did not present significant changes in micronutrient levels.

Conclusion

Micronutrient serum levels were not associated with a higher malaria incidence nor the malaria episode influenced micronutrient levels. Future studies targeting larger populations to assess micronutrients levels in P. vivax endemic areas are warranted in order to validate these results.     

Pilot Study on the Influence of Nutritional Counselling and Implant Therapy on the Nutritional Status in Dentally Compromised Patients

Objectives

To investigate the impact of implant-prosthetic rehabilitation combined with nutritional counseling on the nutritional status of patients with severely reduced dentitions.

Design

An explorative intervention study including an intra-individual comparison of 20 patients with severely reduced dentitions in terms of nutrition- and quality of life-related parameters recorded at baseline and at six and twelve months after implant-prosthetic rehabilitation.

Participants

Twenty patients from the Department of Prosthetic Dentistry of Justus-Liebig University of Giessen, with an mean age of 63 years, who had fewer than ten pairs of antagonists.

Measurements

The baseline data collection included dental status, a chewing ability test, laboratory parameters, anthropometric data (body mass index), energy supply, a 3-day dietary record, an analysis of the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) with the OHIP-G14, the Mini-Mental Status (MMS) and Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA). Six months after implantation and prosthetic rehabilitation, individual nutritional counseling was performed by a dietician. Data were again collected and analyzed. A final follow-up was conducted 12 months after prosthetic rehabilitation.

Results

Despite the highly significant improvement in masticatory ability and OHRQoL after implant-prosthetic rehabilitation, no significant changes were observed regarding MNA, anthropometric data or energy supply. Except for cholinesterase (p = 0.012), ferritin (p = 0.003), folic acid (p = 0.019) and vitamin A (p = 0.004), no laboratory parameter changed significantly during the investigation period. In addition, no general significant differences were observed for nutrient intake or food choice.

Conclusion

The present study does not confirm the assumption that the implant-prosthetic rehabilitation of patients with severely reduced residual dentitions with or without an individual nutritional counseling influences nutritional status.     

Fish intake reflects on DHA level in breast milk among lactating women in Latvia

Background

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an essential fatty acid required for proper growth and development. DHA levels in breast milk vary worldwide. Higher levels are observed among coastal populations and are associated with marine food consumption. Latvia is located in Northern Europe, on the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea. Nevertheless, fish consumption among women of reproductive age is low. The aim of this study was to determine DHA levels in breast milk among lactating women in Latvia.

Methods

Invitation to participate in the study was posted on a social media member group for breastfeeding mothers. In total, 71 women were enrolled from November 2016 until December 2017. DHA levels (% of total fatty acids) in breast milk were measured by gas chromatography. Information about food consumed during the three consecutive days prior to the milk sampling was obtained and a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was completed. Information about maternal and infant characteristics, current breastfeeding pattern and milk expression method was also collected.

Results

The mean age of participants was 31?±?4 years and the mean BMI was 22.1?±?3.2. 27 participants were primiparas. The average age and birth weight for infants (34 males, 33 females) was 6?±?4 months and 3.46?±?0.55 kg, respectively. The median DHA level in breast milk (n?=?60) was 0.30?±?0.18% of total fatty acids and it was not influenced by any of the maternal or infant’s characteristics nor current breastfeeding pattern or milk expression manner (p?>?0.05). Fish intake was a positive predictor for DHA levels in breast milk (r?=?0.318, p?=?0.013). Average maternal DHA intake was 136?±?26, 137?±?33 and 178?±?49 (SEM – standard error of the mean) mg, for the third, second and last day prior to sampling day, respectively.

Conclusions

DHA levels in breast milk among lactating women in Latvia correspond to the suggested target DHA value in breast milk (0.30%). Fish consumption is a significant positive predictor for DHA levels in breast milk, however, daily DHA intake among the participants was lower than recommended (200 mg).

     

Effect of Increasing Concentrations of Zinc on the Absorption of Iron from Iron-Fortified Milk

The cofortification of milk with iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) is a strategy used to prevent these deficiencies during childhood. Given that Zn can negatively interact with iron in aqueous solutions, the objective of the present study was to determine the effect of Zn on Fe absorption of milk fortified with Fe and Zn. Twenty-eight women between 33 and 47?years of age, with contraception and a negative pregnancy test, participated in one of two absorption studies. They received on four different days, after an overnight fast, 200?mL of milk (26?% fat) fortified with 10?mg Fe/L, as (A) ferrous sulfate, or the same milk but with graded doses of added Zn, as Zn sulfate of (B) 5, (C) 10, and (D) 20?mg/L (study 1, n?=?15). In study 2 (n?=?13), subjects received the same milk formulations, but these were also fortified with ascorbic acid (70?mg/L). Milk was labeled with radioisotopes ⁵⁹Fe or ⁵⁵Fe, and the absorption of iron was measured by erythrocyte incorporation of radioactive Fe. The geometric mean and range of ±1 SD of Fe absorption in study 1 were as follows: formula A?=?6.0?% (2.8?C13.0?%); B?=?6.7?% (3.3?C13.6?%); C?=?5.4?% (2.2?C13.2?%); and D?=?5.2?% (2.8?C10.0?%) (ANOVA for repeated measures, not significant). For study 2, data are as follows: 8.2?% (3.6?C18.7?%); B?=?6.4?% (2.5?C16.4?%); C?=?7.7?% (3.2?C18.9?%); and D?=?5.2 (1.8?C14.8?%) (ANOVA for repeated measures, not significant). In conclusion, according to the results from this study, it appears that the addition of zinc up to 20?mg/L does not significantly inhibit iron absorption from milk fortified with 10?mg/L of iron.     

The Role of Homegardens for Food and Nutrition Security in Uganda

The contribution of homegardens to the food and nutrition security of rural farmers has rarely been explored empirically. Our study assesses the influence of homegarden agrobiodiversity, production system parameters, and socioeconomic factors on household dietary diversity and anthropometric conditions in southwest Uganda. Plant inventories of 102 homegardens were followed by two 24-h recalls (n =?589) and anthropometric measurements (n =?325) of household members, as well as household food insecurity questionnaires (n =?95). Regression models explained between 16 and 50% of variance in dietary diversity and between 21 and 75% in anthropometric measurements. Results indicate that supporting diverse homegarden systems can in part reduce food insecurity in Uganda. We conclude with recommendations for further strengthening the role of homegardens in improving dietary and anthropometric outcomes.     

Infant Mortality in Black-and-Gold Howlers (Alouatta caraya) Living in a Flooded Forest in Northeastern Argentina

Ecological and social factors have a significant effect on infant survivorship in nonhuman primates. We present 6293 group-months of infant birth and mortality data for 29 groups of Alouatta caraya inhabiting a flooded forest in northeastern Argentina, collected over 1.5–8?yr depending on the group. We tested whether infant mortality was a response to the effects of flooding on food availability and whether male takeovers resulted in greater opportunities for infanticide. During our study, 43 of 113 infants died at a mean age of 5?mo. In 24 cases the cause of death was unknown. In the remaining 19 cases infant deaths were attributed to periods of intense flooding (N?=?8), replacement of the breeding male (N?=?8), problems associated with birth (N?=?2), and injuries during an intergroup encounter (N?=?1). Flooding reduced the availability of mature leaves, which appeared to play an important role in the ability of mothers to nurse their offspring. Male replacements occurred in four social groups that contained only one fully adult male. Infant mortality was significantly higher in groups that experienced male replacement compared to groups without male replacement. These results indicate that infant mortality in Alouatta caraya is affected by several factors—natural disasters, maternal condition and food availability, infanticide after male replacement, and possibly disease and predation—each of which needs to be evaluated to understand the history and demography of this primate population.     

Nutritional and Protein Deficiencies in the Short Term following Both Gastric Bypass and Gastric Banding

Background

The number of morbidly obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery (BS) has increased dramatically in recent years. Therefore, monitoring food intake and its consequences in terms of nutritional status is necessary to prevent nutritional deficiencies. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of food restriction on nutritional parameters in the short-term (≤3 months) period after BS in morbid obesity.

Method

In a prospective study, we followed 22 obese women who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (GBP) or adjustable gastric banding (AGB) at baseline (T0) and 1 (T1) and 3 (T3) months after surgery. We evaluated food intake, nutrient adequacy and serum concentrations of vitamins and minerals known to be at risk for deficiency following BS.

Results

Before surgery, we observed suboptimal food intakes, leading to a risk of micronutrient deficiencies. Serum analysis confirmed nutritional deficiencies for iron and thiamine for 27 and 23% of the patients, respectively. The drastic energy and food reduction seen in the short term led to very low probabilities of adequacy for nutrients equivalent across both surgeries. Serum analysis demonstrated a continuous decrease in prealbumin during the follow-up, indicating mild protein depletion in 21 and 57% of GBP patients and 50 and 63% of AGB patients, respectively, at T1 and T3. Regarding vitamins and minerals, systematic supplementation after GBP prevented most nutritional deficiencies. By contrast, AGB patients, for whom there is no systematic supplementation, developed such deficiencies.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that cautious monitoring of protein intake after BS is mandatory. Furthermore, AGB patients might also benefit from systematic multivitamin and mineral supplementation at least in the short term.     

Oral Zinc Supplementation May Improve Cognitive Function in Schoolchildren

Zinc is an important micronutrient for humans, and zinc deficiency among schoolchildren is deleterious to growth and development, immune competence, and cognitive function. However, the effect of zinc supplementation on cognitive function remains poorly understood. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the effect of oral zinc supplementation (5 mg Zn/day for 3 months) on the Full Scale Intelligence Quotient (FSIQ), Verbal Intelligence Quotient (VIQ), and Performance Intelligence Quotient (PIQ) using a Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-III). We studied 36 schoolchildren aged 6 to 9 years (7.8?±?1.1) using a nonprobability sampling method. The baseline serum zinc concentrations increased significantly after zinc supplementation (p?<?0.0001), with no difference between sexes. Tests were administered under basal conditions before and after zinc supplementation, and there was no difference in FSIQ according to gender or age. The results demonstrated that zinc improved the VIQ only in the Information Subtest (p?=?0.009), although the supplementation effects were more significant in relation to the PIQ, as these scores improved for the Picture Completion, Picture Arrangement, Block Design, and Object Assembly Subtests (p?=?0.0001, for all subtests). In conclusion, zinc supplementation improved specific cognitive abilities, thereby positively influencing the academic performance of schoolchildren, even those without marginal zinc deficiency.     

Hair Mercury Concentrations of Lactating Mothers and Breastfed Infants in Iran (Fish Consumption and Mercury Exposure)

Coastal populations with high seafood consumption in the South Caspian Sea (Iran) have a significant exposure to dietary mercury. This study assesses the biomonitoring of mercury in mothers and breastfed infants in the South Caspian Sea. The mean of mercury concentration in the hair of 93 pairs of mothers and infants was obtained and was 3.55 and 1.89???g?g^?1, respectively. A statistically significant correlation (R?=?0.850, P?=?0.000) was seen between mercury concentration in the hair of mothers and infants. The results of this study indicate that hair mercury concentrations exceeded the USEPA reference dose of 1???g?g^?1 in 82.7?% of mothers and 61.2?% of infants. Also, 31?% of the mothers and 10.7?% of the infants had mercury concentrations more than the WHO ??threshold?? level (5???g?g^?1). The age and fish consumption of mothers were the factors that significantly affected the hair mercury concentration of mothers and infants. Number of dental amalgam fillings of mothers was the factor that only affected mercury in the hair of mothers. According to the results, we can conclude that the main determinant of mercury exposure was the intake of mercury through fish consumption of mothers.     

Predation on cephalopods by Antarctic fur seals, Arctocephalus gazella, at two localities of the Scotia Arc, Antarctica

The cephalopod remains from 206 Antarctic fur seal (Arctocephalus gazella) scats collected at Mossman Peninsula, South Orkney Islands (n?=?105) and at Stranger Point, South Shetland Islands (n?=?101) contained 148 beaks (57 lower and 91 upper). The lower beaks were sorted and measured. Identification of 33 of the lower beaks that were collected at Mossman Peninsula revealed two squid species, Brachioteuthis ?picta (n?=?26) and Psychroteuthisglacialis (n?=?7), with lower rostral lengths (LRL) of 2.0–3.5?mm, and 1.0–2.5?mm, respectively. Identification of 15 of the lower beaks collected at Stranger Point revealed the same squid species, with the LRL of B. ?picta ranging from 3.0–3.4?mm (n?=?9), and that of P. glacialis from 2.0 to 3.5?mm (n?=?6). Estimated squid sizes and wet masses indicate that Antarctic fur seals feed on the small sub-adult squid which inhabit the surface layers. We have compared the squid diet estimated for the seals with that reported for its congeners in lower latitudes and other Antarctic seals, and conclude that cephalopods do not form an important food resource for Antarctic fur seals.     

Karyotype variability in species of the genus Zephyranthes Herb. (Amaryllidaceae�CHippeastreae)

In this work, the cytotaxonomic implications of the chromosomal characterization of cultivated and native Zephyranthes species described in northeastern Brazil were studied. All individuals had karyotype formed by a set of metacentric chromosomes, in addition to submetacentric and acrocentric chromosomes. In Zephyranthes robusta, 2n?=?12 was observed and karyotype with formula?4M?+?2SM in somatic cells, representing the most symmetric karyotype among the investigated species. Z.?sylvatica showed three different chromosome complement numbers: 2n?=?12 with formula?1M?+?5SM, 2n?=?12?+?1B with 1M?+?5SM?+?(1B), and 2n?=?18 formed by cracks. The cultivated species Z.?rosea Lindl. presented 2n?=?24 with 4M?+?7SM?+?1A, however Z.?grandiflora Lindl. showed the same chromosome number with 2M?+?5SM?+?5A. Zephyranthes aff. rosea Lindl. presented 2n?=?25 with one small metacentric forming a crack in the fourth metacentric pair. Z.?brachyandra has 2n?=?24?+?(1B) and formula?4M?+?3SM?+?5A?+?(1B). Z.?candida Herb. presented 2n?=?38 and karyotype formula?9M?+?10SM. In Habranthus itaobinus numerical variation was observed, with the majority of populations showing a chromosome complement composed of 2n?=?44?+?1B with 5M?+?12SM?+?5A?+?(1B), or 2n?=?44?+?3B in a single population. Mechanisms involved in the formation of these karyotypes from chromosomal imbalance data are discussed. Taken together, data from this study only partially confirm previous counts for epithets and further enhance the cytological variability data previously reported for the genus.     

Effects of Long-Term Fixed Orthodontic Treatment on Salivary Nickel and Chromium Levels: a 1-Year Prospective Cohort Study

Effect of long-term orthodontic treatment on salivary nickel and chromium has not been quite assessed except in few retrospective studies with controversial results. The aim of this prospective study was to measure salivary levels of these ions during 1?year of orthodontic treatment. Saliva samples were collected from 20 orthodontic patients, before treatment (control) and 6 and 12?months later. Nickel and chromium concentrations were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Data were analyzed using one- and two-way repeated-measures ANOVA, Bonferroni, Friedman (???=?0.05), and Wilcoxon signed-ranks tests (???=?0.016). Average nickel level changed from 9.75?±?5.02 to 10.37?±?6.94 and then to 8.32?±?4.36???g/L in 1?year. Average chromium concentration changed from 3.86?±?1.34 to 4.6?±?6.11 and then to 2.04?±?1.66???g/L. Alterations in nickel values were not statistically significant [P?=?0.468 (ANOVA)], but fluctuations in chromium levels were [P?=?0.021 (Friedman)]. The decrease in chromium concentration after 12?months was significant compared to the control [P?=?0.004 (Wilcoxon)]. Although slightly increased after 6?months, the concentration of both ions dropped to levels slightly lower than the control groups after 12?months.     

Effect of Providing Multiple Micronutrients in Powder through Primary Healthcare on Anemia in Young Brazilian Children: A Multicentre Pragmatic Controlled Trial

Background

Multiple micronutrients in powder (MNP) are recommended by WHO to prevent anemia in young children. However, evidences for its effectiveness in different populations and improvements in other outcomes (e.g. linear growth and vitamin A deficiency) are scarce.

Methods

A multicentre pragmatic controlled trial was carried out in primary health centres. At study baseline, a control group (CG) of children aged 10- to 14 months (n = 521) was recruited in the routine healthcare for assessing anemia, anthropometric and micronutrient status. At the same time, an intervention group (IG) of infants aged 6- to 8 months (n = 462) was recruited to receive MNP daily in complementary feeding over a period of 60 days. Both study groups were compared when the IG infants reached the age of the CG children at enrolment.

Results

In CG, the prevalence of anemia [hemoglobin (Hb) < 110 g/L], iron deficiency (ID, plasma ferritin < 12 μg/L or TfR > 8.3 mg/L), and vitamin A deficiency (VAD, serum retinol < 0.70μmol/L) were 23.1%, 37.4%, and 17.4%, respectively. Four to six months after enrolment, when the IG participants had the same age of the controls at the time of testing, the prevalence of anemia, ID and VAD in IG were 14.3%, 30.1% and 7.9%, respectively. Adjusting for city, health centre, maternal education, and age, IG children had a lower likelihood of anemia and VAD [Prevalence Ratio (95% CI) = 0.63 (0.45, 0.88) and 0.45 (0.29, 0.69), respectively] when compared with CG children. The adjusted mean distributions of Hb and length-for-age Z-scores improved by 2 SE in the IG compared to CG children.

Conclusions

MNP effectively reduced anemia and improved growth and micronutrient status among young Brazilian children.

Trial Registration

Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clinicos RBR-5ktv6b