Cereal grain mineral micronutrient and soil chemistry data from GeoNutrition surveys in Ethiopia and Malawi.

The dataset comprises primary data for the concentration of 29 mineral micronutrients in cereal grains and up to 84 soil chemistry properties from GeoNutrition project surveys in Ethiopia and Malawi. The work provided insights on geospatial variation in the micronutrient concentration in staple crops, and the potential influencing soil factors. In Ethiopia, sampling was conducted in Amhara, Oromia, and Tigray regions, during the late-2017 and late-2018 harvest seasons. In Malawi, national-scale sampling was conducted during the April-June 2018 harvest season. The concentrations of micronutrients in grain were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Soil chemistry properties reported include soil pH; total soil nitrogen; total soil carbon (C); soil organic C; effective cation exchange capacity and exchangeable cations; a three-step sequential extraction scheme for the fractionation of sulfur and selenium; available phosphate; diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA)-extractable trace elements; extractable trace elements using 0.01 M Ca(NO3)2 and 0.01 M CaCl2; and isotopically exchangeable Zn. These data are reported here according to FAIR data principles to enable users to further explore agriculture-nutrition linkages.

Soil and landscape factors influence geospatial variation in maize grain zinc concentration in Malawi.

Dietary zinc (Zn) deficiency is widespread globally, and in particular among people in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). In Malawi, dietary sources of Zn are dominated by maize and spatially dependent variation in grain Zn concentration, which will affect dietary Zn intake, has been reported at distances of up to ~ 100 km. The aim of this study was to identify potential soil properties and environmental covariates which might explain this longer-range spatial variation in maize grain Zn concentration. Data for maize grain Zn concentrations, soil properties, and environmental covariates were obtained from a spatially representative survey in Malawi (n = 1600 locations). Labile and non-labile soil Zn forms were determined using isotopic dilution methods, alongside conventional agronomic soil analyses. Soil properties and environmental covariates as potential predictors of the concentration of Zn in maize grain were tested using a priori expert rankings and false discovery rate (FDR) controls within the linear mixed model (LMM) framework that informed the original survey design. Mean and median grain Zn concentrations were 21.8 and 21.5 mg kg-1, respectively (standard deviation 4.5; range 10.0-48.1). A LMM for grain Zn concentration was constructed for which the independent variables: soil pH(water), isotopically exchangeable Zn (ZnE), and diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) extractable Zn (ZnDTPA) had predictive value (p < 0.01 in all cases, with FDR controlled at < 0.05). Downscaled mean annual temperature also explained a proportion of the spatial variation in grain Zn concentration. Evidence for spatially dependent variation in maize grain Zn concentrations in Malawi is robust within the LMM framework used in this study, at distances of up to ~ 100 km. Spatial predictions from this LMM provide a basis for further investigation of variations in the contribution of staple foods to Zn nutrition, and where interventions to increase dietary Zn intake (e.g. biofortification) might be most effective. Other soil and landscape factors influencing spatially dependent variation in maize grain Zn concentration, along with factors operating over shorter distances such as choice of crop variety and agronomic practices, require further exploration beyond the scope of the design of this survey.

The nutritional quality of cereals varies geospatially in Ethiopia and Malawi.

Micronutrient deficiencies (MNDs) remain widespread among people in sub-Saharan Africa1-5, where access to sufficient food from plant and animal sources that is rich in micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) is limited due to socioeconomic and geographical reasons4-6. Here we report the micronutrient composition (calcium, iron, selenium and zinc) of staple cereal grains for most of the cereal production areas in Ethiopia and Malawi. We show that there is geospatial variation in the composition of micronutrients that is nutritionally important at subnational scales. Soil and environmental covariates of grain micronutrient concentrations included soil pH, soil organic matter, temperature, rainfall and topography, which were specific to micronutrient and crop type. For rural households consuming locally sourced food-including many smallholder farming communities-the location of residence can be the largest influencing factor in determining the dietary intake of micronutrients from cereals. Positive relationships between the concentration of selenium in grain and biomarkers of selenium dietary status occur in both countries. Surveillance of MNDs on the basis of biomarkers of status and dietary intakes from national- and regional-scale food-composition data1-7 could be improved using subnational data on the composition of grain micronutrients. Beyond dietary diversification, interventions to alleviate MNDs, such as food fortification8,9 and biofortification to increase the micronutrient concentrations in crops10,11, should account for geographical effects that can be larger in magnitude than intervention outcomes.

Spatial prediction of the concentration of selenium (Se) in grain across part of Amhara Region, Ethiopia.

Grain and soil were sampled across a large part of Amhara, Ethiopia in a study motivated by prior evidence of selenium (Se) deficiency in the Region's population. The grain samples (teff, Eragrostis tef, and wheat, Triticum aestivum) were analysed for concentration of Se and the soils were analysed for various properties, including Se concentration measured in different extractants. Predictive models for concentration of Se in the respective grains were developed, and the predicted values, along with observed concentrations in the two grains were represented by a multivariate linear mixed model in which selected covariates, derived from remote sensor observations and a digital elevation model, were included as fixed effects. In all modelling steps the selection of predictors was done using false discovery rate control, to avoid over-fitting, and using an α-investment procedure to maximize the statistical power to detect significant relationships by ordering the tests in a sequence based on scientific understanding of the underlying processes likely to control Se concentration in grain. Cross-validation indicated that uncertainties in the empirical best linear unbiased predictions of the Se concentration in both grains were well-characterized by the prediction error variances obtained from the model. The predictions were displayed as maps, and their uncertainty was characterized by computing the probability that the true concentration of Se in grain would be such that a standard serving would not provide the recommended daily allowance of Se. The spatial variation of grain Se was substantial, concentrations in wheat and teff differed but showed the same broad spatial pattern. Such information could be used to target effective interventions to address Se deficiency, and the general procedure used for mapping could be applied to other micronutrients and crops in similar settings.

Influence of functional head postures on the dynamic functional occlusal parameters.

BACKGROUND: The dentist utilizes supine position during therapeutic procedures, while the patients assumes extended head posture during mastication. It is critical for the restorative dentist to evaluate and understand the possible effect of change in head posture on occlusal contacts. An understanding of the possible effect will help in better restorative rehabilitation. AIM: The aim of the following study is to evaluate the influence of head postures on the dynamic occlusal parameters. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Study group consisted of 50 students from College of Dentistry, King Khalid University. The students were selected randomly from the college student body; they were in the age group of 18-25 years. The head posture evaluated were supine position, upright sitting position and alert feeding position. The head postures were standardized by goniometer and dynamic occlusal contacts were analyzed with Tscan. The data obtained was subjected to statistical analysis with repeated measures of ANOVA to identify the changes in occlusal contacts. RESULTS: The occlusion time was 1.366 (0.484), 1.226 (0.562) and 0.997 (0.429) s for supine, upright and alert feeding position respectively. Disclusion time was for right lateral movement was 0.872 (0.372), 0.629 (0.290) and 0.831 (0.369) s for corresponding head postures. Left lateral disclusion time was 0.621 (0.274), 0.274 (0.345) s for upright and alert feeding posture. Repeated measures of ANOVA showed statistically significant difference between occlusal contacts in different head postures. CONCLUSION: Within the limitation of the study, it was concluded that there were significant changes in initial occlusal contact, occlusion and disclusion time at all the head postures evaluated in the study.

Heavy metal concentrations in the freshwater snail Biomphalaria alexandrina uninfected or infected with cercariae of Schistosoma mansoni and/or Echinostoma liei in Egypt: the potential use of this snail as a bioindicator of pollution.

In spite of using aquatic snails as bioindicators for water pollution, little attention has been paid to the effect of parasitism upon the concentration of heavy metals (Al, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb and Zn) in these organisms. The present study therefore aimed to compare the concentrations of heavy metals in trematode-infected Biomphalaria alexandrina collected from Kafer Alsheikh and Menofia provinces, Egypt, with uninfected snails from the same sites, in order to assess the effect of parasitism on the use of these snails as bioindicators. The concentrations of heavy metals in the soft parts and shells of snails were measured by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The results showed that the heavy metal profile in snails infected with Echinostoma liei was very different from that in snails infected with Schistosoma mansoni. The total concentration of heavy metals in E. liei-infected snails collected from Kafer Alsheikh or Menofia province was greater than in uninfected snails. In contrast, the total concentration of heavy metals in S. mansoni-infected snails was reduced compared with uninfected snails. In conclusion, the status of snails with respect to parasitic infection must be taken into consideration when these snails are used as bioindicators.

Free radical scavenging and antiacetylcholinesterase activities of Origanum majorana L. essential oil.

In the present study, Origanum majorana L. essential oil (EO) was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and evaluated for free radical scavenging and anticholinesterase activities. GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of 4-terpineol (29.97%), γ-terpinene (15.40%), trans-sabinene hydrate (10.93), α-terpinene (6.86%), 3-cycolohexene-1-1 methanal,a,a4-trimethyl-,(S)-(CAS) (6.54%), and sabinene (3.91%) as main constituents. Origanum majorana L. EO exhibited concentration-dependent inhibitory effects on 2,2'-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH(•)), hydroxyl radical, hydrogen peroxide, reducing power, and lipid peroxidation with IC(50) values of 58.67, 67.11, 91.25, 78.67, and 68.75 µg/mL, respectively; while the IC(50) values for the standard trolox were noted to be 23.95, 44.97, 51.30, 42.22, and 52.72 µg/mL, respectively. Interestingly, cholinesterase inhibitory activity was also found with IC(50) values of 36.40 µg/mL. We can conclude that the marjoram EO has a significant potential to be used as a natural antioxidant and anti-AChE.

Adverse effects of lactational exposure to chlorpyrifos in suckling rats.

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the oxidative damage, biochemical and histopathological alterations in sucking rats whose mothers were exposed to the insecticide chlorpyrifos (CPF). Dams were administered CPF, via oral route. Doses equalled 0.01 mg kg(-1) body weight (b.wt.; acceptable daily intake, ADI), 1.00 mg kg(-1) b.wt. (no observed adverse effects level, NOAEL) and 1.35 mg kg(-1) b.wt. (1/100 lethal dose [LD(50)]) from postnatal day 1 until day 20 after delivery. At two high doses of CPF, the body weight gain and relative liver and kidney weight of suckling pups were significantly decreased. Exposure of the mothers to CPF caused increase in lipid peroxidation (LPO) and decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione-s-transferase (GST) in lactating pups. CPF altered the level of the marker parameters related to the liver and kidneys. Consistent histological changes were found in the liver and kidneys of the subjected pups, especially at the higher doses. The results suggested that the transfer of CPF intoxication through the mother's milk has resulted in oxidative stress and biochemical and histopathological alterations in the suckling pups. The data of this study may be considered as a contribution to the problem of lactational transfer of the relatively less persistent OP pesticides, such as CPF.

Cytotoxicity evaluation of natural coptisine and synthesis of coptisine from berberine.

The crude extract (80% MeOH in water) of Chelidonii herba exhibited very interesting cytotoxicity against brine shrimp (Artemia salina Leach) nauplii and cultured human tumour cell in vitro, the colon carcinoma HT 29 (144 h treatment). Fractionation of the crude extract and bioassay-guided procedures showed that the cytotoxic and the antitumour activities were concentrated in the basic extract. On the basis of IR, MS and 1H NMR the compound responsible of the cytotoxic activity was determined to be coptisine. Cytotoxicity evaluation of coptisine was next extended to a panel of human and murine cell lines in comparison with the established antitumour drugs mitoxantrone, doxorubicin (Dx) and cisplatin (CDDP). Coptisine was cytotoxic on LoVo and HT 29 and less potent on L-1210, and it was partially crossresistant on the human tumour colon cell line resistant to Dx, LoVo/Dx, whereas it was not significantly crossresistant on the murine leukaemia cell line resistant to CDDP, L-1210/CDDP. Coptisine alkaloid was then synthesised in gram amount from commercial berberine. A four-step synthetic route was elaborated. The overall yield was about 8-10%. The structural identity of synthetic coptisine was verified by IR and NMR methods. A comparison of the cytotoxic effects on the human tumour colon cell line LoVo and on the murine leukaemia L1210 showed, for both natural and synthetic coptisines, a comparable cytotoxic activity more evident against HT 29 cell line and LoVo cell line, while the activity was lower against the L1210 cell line.

Persistent infection of human vascular endothelial cells by group B coxsackieviruses.

Group B coxsackieviruses (CVBs) cause >20% of the cases of myocarditis and dilated cardiomyopathy. Information on the permissiveness of vascular cells to CVBs is scant. Interactions of CVBs with human vascular endothelial cells (ECs) were investigated in vitro. All 6 CVBs (CVB-1 to -6) consistently infected primary EC cultures and an immortalized EC line without producing cytopathology. Whereas replication of types 1, 2, 4, and 6 ceased within 30-60 days after infection, CVB-3 and -5 caused a persistent infection. Replication of CVB-3 and -5 continued for >260 days. In ECs, the constitutive production of interferon-beta, but not of other cytokines, appeared to confer resistance to CVBs. Persistence of CVB-3 and -5 was associated with the chronic release of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, a cytotoxic cytokine that also has a negative inotropic effect on myocardial cells. The results suggest that chronic endothelial CVB infections may play a role in vascular disease.

Epidemiology of cholelithiasis in southern Italy. Part II: Risk factors.

OBJECTIVE: To determine behavioural, dietary and other common factors associated with new cases of gallstones, diagnosed by ultrasonography, in a prospective cohort study conducted in southern Italy. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Between May 1985 and June 1986, systematic sampling from the electoral register of Castellana, a small town in southern Italy, yielded 2472 subjects who had had their gallbladder checked for gallstones by ultrasonography. Between May 1992 and June 1993, 1962 out of the 2235 (87.7%) subjects without gallstones at baseline agreed to a further ultrasound examination. At the first survey a standardized questionnaire was administered, inquiring about medical history, diet, cigarette smoking and other behavioural characteristics. Height and weight were also measured, and blood levels of glucose, cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and triglycerides were determined by standard methods. The same variables were measured at the second survey. The diagnosis of gallstones was made with the same echograph by echographists working in the same department. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine which factors measured at the first survey were associated with the incident cases of gallstones. RESULTS: One hundred and four subjects had developed gallstones, an incidence of 9.7 per 1000 persons per year. Age, body mass index (BMI), weight change, a history of diabetes, constipation (shown by use of laxatives), cigarette smoking, years of schooling, consumption of fried foods and excessive oil, and pregnancy in females, were positively associated with the incidence of gallstones. Consumption of wine, coffee, fish and wholemeal bread was inversely associated. Sex, family history of cholelithiasis, use of oral contraceptives and serum lipids were not independent risk factors for gallstones. CONCLUSION: The results of this study confirm many gallstone-associated factors reported in previous cross-sectional and case-control studies, as well as in other cohort studies based on the clinical diagnosis of gallstones, such as BMI, ageing and wine consumption. Furthermore, use of laxatives, considered a proxy of constipation, appears to be another important independent risk factor for gallstones.

Signal-to-noise ratio and autocorrelation function of the image intensity in coherent systems. Sub-Rayleigh and super-Rayleigh conditions.

This paper is devoted to developing a scattering model for coherent imaging systems. It describes the statistical properties of the image intensity due to the distribution of scatterers on a subresolution scale. The roughness of the scatterers' strength, the randomness of the spatial architecture, and the birth-death process of the scattering centers are considered. Two parameters of the image intensity are examined for the characterization of the scattering medium: 1) the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), which permits the distinguishing of sub-Rayleigh (SNR<1) from super-Rayleigh (SNR>1) conditions and 2) the correlation coefficient. These parameters permit the estimation of the roughness and randomness degrees of the structure. The model is then extended to account for specular effects and applied to sea clutter. A quantitative treatment of the spatial and temporal correlation characteristics, based on a physical understanding of the underlying process, is derived. Experimental results are presented to validate the model.

Monoclonal antibodies by genetic engineering: novel reagents for in vivo diagnosis and therapy.

In only a few years, the technology of antibody engineering has demonstrated its power and a variety of recombinant monoclonal antibodies are now being developed. Recent developments in gene manipulation have allowed the isolation of antibodies, including human antibodies, with or without immunization, by displaying functional antibody fragments on the surface of bacteriophage particles and directly selecting with antigen. In the present review some recent achievements in these areas are highlighted.

[Angiographic diagnosis of bleeding Meckel's diverticulum in remission]. / Diagnosi angiografica di diverticolo di Meckel sanguinante in remissione.

The paper reports a case of Meckel's bleeding diverticulum which was diagnosed preoperatively using a selective arteriography of the superior mesenteric artery. The infrequent use of this instrumental test may be due to the small number of examples reported in the literature. In conclusion, the Authors underline that selective arteriography can be used with good results even in cases with hemorrhagic complications during the remission phase.

Cholelithiasis in inflammatory bowel disease. A case-control study.

Cholelithiasis is considered an extraintestinal manifestation of Crohn's ileitis but has not been associated with ulcerative colitis. To evaluate if an increased risk of cholelithiasis exists in patients with ulcerative colitis, biliary ultrasonography was performed on 159 patients with inflammatory bowel disease, 114 patients with ulcerative colitis, and 45 patients with Crohn's disease. A control population of 2453 residents of the town near the authors' institute was also studied. An echographic survey of gallstones was performed on the control subjects, who participated in the Multicentrica Italiana Colelitiasi (MICOL). Seventeen patients with inflammatory bowel disease had gallstones (10.7 percent), 11 patients with ulcerative colitis had gallstones (9.6 percent), and 6 patients with Crohn's disease had gallstones (13.3 percent). In the control population, diagnosis of cholelithiasis was made in 239 subjects (9.7 percent). An estimate of the relative risk (odds ratio) of gallstones in ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease and also in 4 subgroups formed on the basis of the extent of disease (total ulcerative colitis, partial ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease with ileitis, Crohn's disease without ileitis) with respect to the general population was calculated using logistic regression with gallstones, sex, age, and body mass index as independent variables and inflammatory bowel disease as a dependent variable. The author's findings show an increased risk of gallstones in both patients with Crohn's disease (odds ratio = 3.6; 95 percent confidence limits = 1.2 - 10.4; P = 0.02) and patients with ulcerative colitis (odds ratio = 2.5; 95 percent confidence limits = 1.2 - 5.2; P = 0.01). The risk was highest in patients with Crohn's disease involving the distal ileum (odds ratio = 4.5; 95 percent confidence limits = 1.5 - 14.1; P = 0.009) and in patients with total ulcerative colitis extending to the cecum (odds ratio = 3.3; 95 percent confidence limits = 1.3 - 8.6; P = 0.01). These results confirm that there is an increased risk of gallstones in Crohn's ileitis but they show that there also exists an increased risk in patients with total ulcerative colitis.

[Echography in the study of adenopathies of the upper abdomen]. / L'ecografia nello studio delle adenopatie dell'addome superiore.

Four-hundred eighty-five patients underwent US examination; 183 of them had gastric cancer, 239 colorectal cancer, 38 pancreatic cancer, 11 esophageal cancer, and 14 had gastric lymphoma. All patients underwent surgery. In 95 cases fine-needle biopsy under US guidance was performed. Lymphadenopathies were classified by the criteria proposed by Yoshinaka et al., type I: poorly-defined borders, diffuse internal echoes; type II: well-defined borders, diffuse internal echoes; type III: well-defined borders, notchings, strong internal echoes. Twenty/twenty-nine type I, 66/98 type II, and 39/43 type III adenopathies were found to be neoplasm-positive. Of 73 patients with adenopathy from gastric cancer, 9 were type I, 42 were type II, and 22 were type III (183 patients examined); of 9 patients with adenopathy from esophageal cancer, 7 were type II and 2 were type III (11 patients examined); of 48 patients with adenopathy from colorectal cancer, 5 were type I, 28 were type II, and 15 were type III (239 patients examined); of 29 patients with adenopathy from pancreatic cancer, 7 were type I, 18 were type II, and 4 were type III (38 patients examined); finally, of 11 patients with adenopathy from gastric lymphoma, 8 were type I, and 3 were type II (14 patients examined). The relationship between US and pathology was possible from a statistical point of view only. Type I lymphadenopathies seem to suggest lymphomatous involvement, whereas type III ones suggest metastatic involvement. US is a valid approach method, which must be supported by other investigation techniques--e.g., CT and lymphography--in order to avoid high false-negative percentages.

[Transluminal angioplasty of the subclavian artery. Apropos of a case]. / Angioplastica transluminale della arteria succlavia. A proposito di un caso.

The authors described a case of left subclavian artery stenosis, treated by percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA), in a patient with subclavian steal and arm claudication. The excellent technical and immediate clinical success justify this case report in consideration to the severe subocclusive lesion. The Authors present the clinical and technical aspects of subclavian artery PTA.

[The role of lymphography in melanoma of the limbs. Personal experience]. / Ruolo della linfografia nel melanoma degli arti. Esperienza personale.

The authors report the results of the lymphographic examinations performed on 123 patients affected with melanoma of the limbs. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the different clinical stages; they all had pathologic confirmation. The following lymphographic parameters were considered: sensitivity, specificity, efficacy and positive/negative predictive value. The results obtained in the first group of patients (clinical stage: I) demonstrated lymphography to have low sensitivity, specificity and efficacy in the staging of melanomas (37%, 50% and 45%, respectively). On the contrary, lymphography could be trusted in the study of stage II melanomas thanks to its high sensitivity. As for stage III, the methodology had a clinical indication only in the follow-up of melanomas treated with radiochemotherapy.

[Cerclage of the cervix uteri via a transabdominal route: report of 2 cases]. / Circlagem do colo uterino por via transabdominal: relato de dois casos.

The authors present two cases of transabdominal cervicouterine cerclage using Benson and Durfee's technique. In both cases the surgery was successful and the patients gave birth at 37 and 40 weeks, respectively, to healthy newborns. The technique is recommended by the authors since technical details are observed.