RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Inadequate antenatal care (ANC) in low-income countries has been identified as a risk factor for poor pregnancy outcome. While many countries, including Rwanda, have near universal ANC coverage, a significant proportion of pregnant women do not achieve the recommended regimen of four ANC visits. The present study aimed to explore the factors associated with achieving the recommendation, with an emphasis on the distance from household to health facilities. METHODS: A geo-referenced cross-sectional study was conducted in Rutsiro district, Western province of Rwanda with 360 randomly selected women. Multiple logistic regression analysis including adjusted odd ratio (aOR) were performed to identify factors associated with achieving the recommended four ANC visits. RESULTS: The majority (65.3%) of women had less than four ANC visits during pregnancy. We found a significant and negative association between distance from household to health facility and achieving the recommended four ANC visits. As the distance increased by 1 km, the odds of achieving the four ANC visits decreased by 19% (aOR = 0.81, P = 0.024). The odds of achieving the recommended four ANC visits were nearly two times higher among mothers with secondary education compared with mothers with primary education or less (aOR = 1.90, P = 0.038). In addition, mothers who responded that their household members always seek health care when necessary had 1.7 times higher odds of achieving four ANC visits compared with those who responded as unable to seek health care (aOR = 1.7, P = 0.041). Furthermore, mothers from poor households had 2.1 times lower odds of achieving four ANC visits than mothers from slightly better-off households (aOR = 2.1, P = 0.028). CONCLUSIONS: Findings from the present study suggest that, in Rutsiro district, travel distance to health facility, coupled with socio-economic constraints, including low education and poverty can make it difficult for pregnant women to achieve the recommended ANC regimen. Innovative strategies are needed to decrease distance by bringing ANC services closer to pregnant women and to enhance ANC seeking behaviour. Interventions should also focus on supporting women to attain at least secondary education level as well as to improve the household socioeconomic status of pregnant women, with a particular focus on women from poor households.
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Aceptación de la Atención de Salud , Atención Prenatal , Embarazo , Femenino , Humanos , Estudios Transversales , Rwanda , Factores SocioeconómicosRESUMEN
We aimed to identify the factors influencing child height-for-age z-scores (HAZ) as a measure of child nutritional status in Rwanda, and to examine the role of child feeding and health practices. We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 379 children (aged 6-23 months) and their mothers in northwest Rwanda. Data were collected using a pre-tested, structured questionnaire. An infant and young child feeding practices index (ICFI) and health practices index (HPI) were developed and categorised into tertiles, and linear regression analyses were performed to assess their association with child HAZ. Overall, mothers of non-stunted children exhibited better feeding and health practices than those of stunted children. ICFI was positively associated with child HAZ. We found an adjusted mean HAZ difference of 0·14 between children whose mothers were in high ICFI tertile compared with those in low tertile. Neither HPI nor any of its components were significantly associated with child HAZ. Other factors that were positively associated with child HAZ were infant birth weight (P < 0·001) and maternal height (P < 0·001). Child age, sex (male) (P < 0·05) and altitude (P < 0·05) were negatively associated with child HAZ. Diarrhoea (P < 0·05) and respiratory infections (P < 0·05) were negatively associated with HAZ in younger children aged 6-11 months. Policies to reduce stunting in this population must focus on both pre- and postnatal factors. Appropriate child feeding practices, particularly breast-feeding promotion and improvement in children's dietary diversity combined with measures to control infections should be given priority.
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Estatura , Lactancia Materna , Conducta Alimentaria , Fenómenos Fisiológicos Nutricionales del Lactante , Estudios Transversales , Femenino , Trastornos del Crecimiento/epidemiología , Humanos , Lactante , Masculino , Estado Nutricional , Rwanda/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To explore and gain an in-depth understanding of the factors influencing child feeding practices among rural caregivers in Rwanda. DESIGN: In-depth semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted. Purposive sampling was used to recruit participants. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and coded. Data were analysed inductively using thematic analysis. SETTING: Rutsiro District, Western Province, Rwanda. PARTICIPANTS: Participants included twenty-four mothers (median age 32 years) with children 6-23 months old. RESULTS: We identified five key themes: (i) breast-feeding practices and role in food supply; (ii) family v. children's food preparations; (iii) food classification systems and their influence on child feeding decisions; (iv) child feeding during diarrhoeal episodes and (v) influence of poverty on child feeding practices and child care. CONCLUSIONS: Mothers' infant and young child feeding decisions are informed by information both from health workers and from traditional/own knowledge. Navigating through this information sometimes creates conflicts which results in less than optimal child feeding. A nutrition educational approach that is cognisant of maternal perceptions should be employed to improve child feeding practices. Efforts to improve child feeding practices must be complemented by programmes that enhance household economic opportunities and access to foods.
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Conducta Alimentaria , Conocimientos, Actitudes y Práctica en Salud , Adulto , Lactancia Materna , Preescolar , Femenino , Humanos , Lactante , Madres , Investigación Cualitativa , RwandaRESUMEN
The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) Reference Sequence (RefSeq) database is a collection of annotated genomic, transcript and protein sequence records derived from data in public sequence archives and from computation, curation and collaboration (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/refseq/). We report here on growth of the mammalian and human subsets, changes to NCBI's eukaryotic annotation pipeline and modifications affecting transcript and protein records. Recent changes to NCBI's eukaryotic genome annotation pipeline provide higher throughput, and the addition of RNAseq data to the pipeline results in a significant expansion of the number of transcripts and novel exons annotated on mammalian RefSeq genomes. Recent annotation changes include reporting supporting evidence for transcript records, modification of exon feature annotation and the addition of a structured report of gene and sequence attributes of biological interest. We also describe a revised protein annotation policy for alternatively spliced transcripts with more divergent predicted proteins and we summarize the current status of the RefSeqGene project.
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Bases de Datos Genéticas , Genómica , Mamíferos/genética , Animales , Eucariontes/genética , Exones , Genoma , Genómica/normas , Humanos , Internet , Anotación de Secuencia Molecular , Proteínas/química , Proteínas/genética , ARN/química , Estándares de ReferenciaRESUMEN
The Consensus Coding Sequence (CCDS) project (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/CCDS/) is a collaborative effort to maintain a dataset of protein-coding regions that are identically annotated on the human and mouse reference genome assemblies by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) and Ensembl genome annotation pipelines. Identical annotations that pass quality assurance tests are tracked with a stable identifier (CCDS ID). Members of the collaboration, who are from NCBI, the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute and the University of California Santa Cruz, provide coordinated and continuous review of the dataset to ensure high-quality CCDS representations. We describe here the current status and recent growth in the CCDS dataset, as well as recent changes to the CCDS web and FTP sites. These changes include more explicit reporting about the NCBI and Ensembl annotation releases being compared, new search and display options, the addition of biologically descriptive information and our approach to representing genes for which support evidence is incomplete. We also present a summary of recent and future curation targets.
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Bases de Datos Genéticas , Proteínas/genética , Animales , Exones , Genómica , Humanos , Internet , Ratones , Anotación de Secuencia Molecular , Análisis de SecuenciaRESUMEN
Iodine deficiency during pregnancy and lactation may adversely affect fetal and infant development. Two initiatives were introduced in New Zealand to prevent deficiency: (1) mandatory fortification of bread with iodised salt; and (2) provision of a subsidised iodine supplement (150 µg) for all pregnant and breastfeeding women. The aim of this study was to assess iodine intake and status among a self-selecting sample of pregnant and lactating women in Palmerston North, both before and after the two initiatives. Pregnant and breastfeeding women were recruited before (n = 25 and 32; 2009) and after (n = 34 and 36; 2011) the initiatives. Iodine concentration was determined in 24-h urine and breast milk samples using inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Use of supplements and salt, knowledge of iodine deficiency, and awareness of the initiatives were determined by questionnaire. Median urine iodine concentration (UIC) was higher in 2011 compared with 2009 for both pregnant (85 and 47 µg L(-1) ) and breastfeeding (74 and 34 µg L(-1) ) participants; median UIC were below the cut-offs for adequate iodine status. However, in 2011, the estimated daily iodine intake during pregnancy was 217 µg day(-1) ; 74% of women achieved the Estimated Average Requirement. Knowledge of the initiatives was low, only 28-56% were aware of the need for iodine supplements and only 15-22% were aware of the mandatory addition of iodised salt to bread. Despite initiatives, UIC of these women indicates iodine deficiency, however, dietary intakes appear adequate. Ongoing surveillance of supplement use and iodine status among pregnant and lactating women throughout New Zealand is needed to fully assess the efficacy of the initiatives. Alternative strategies may require evaluation to ensure all women have adequate iodine during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
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Lactancia Materna/estadística & datos numéricos , Yodo/administración & dosificación , Estado Nutricional , Atención Prenatal/métodos , Evaluación de Programas y Proyectos de Salud , Cloruro de Sodio Dietético/administración & dosificación , Adulto , Pan , Femenino , Alimentos Fortificados , Humanos , Yodo/metabolismo , Yodo/orina , Lactancia , Nueva Zelanda , Proyectos Piloto , Embarazo , Cloruro de Sodio Dietético/metabolismo , Cloruro de Sodio Dietético/orina , Espectrofotometría AtómicaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Bone loss is accelerated in middle aged women but increased fruit/vegetable intake positively affects bone health by provision of micronutrients essential for bone formation, buffer precursors which reduce acid load and phytochemicals affecting inflammation and oxidative stress. Animal studies demonstrated bone resorption inhibiting properties of specific vegetables, fruit and herbs a decade ago. OBJECTIVE: To increase fruit/vegetable intake in post menopausal women to 9 servings/day using a food specific approach to significantly reduce dietary acid load and include specific vegetables, fruit and herbs with bone resorbing inhibiting properties to assess effect on bone turnover, metabolic and inflammatory markers. METHODS/DESIGN: The Scarborough Fair Study is a randomised active comparator controlled multi centre trial. It aimed to increase fruit and vegetable intake in 100 post menopausal women from ≤ 5 servings/day to ≥ 9 servings/day for 3 months. The women in the dietary intervention were randomly assigned to one of the two arms of the study. Both groups consumed ≥ 9 servings/day of fruit/vegetables and selected herbs but the diet of each group emphasised different fruit/vegetables/herbs with one group (B) selecting from a range of vegetables, fruit and culinary herbs with bone resorbing inhibiting properties. 50 women formed a negative control group (Group C usual diet). Primary outcome variables were plasma bone markers assessed at baseline, 6 weeks and 12 weeks. Secondary outcome variables were plasma inflammation and metabolic markers and urinary electrolytes (calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium) assessed at baseline and 12 weeks. Dietary intake and urine pH change also were outcome variables. The dietary change was calculated with 3 day diet diaries and a 24 hour recall. Intervention participants kept a twice weekly record of fruit, vegetable and herb intake and urine pH. DISCUSSION: This study will provide information on midlife women's bone health and how a dietary intervention increasing fruit and vegetable/herb intake affects bone, inflammatory and metabolic markers and urinary electrolyte excretion. It assesses changes in nutrient intake, estimated dietary acid load and sodium: potassium ratios. The study also explores whether specific fruit/vegetables and herbs with bone resorbing properties has an effect on bone markers. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ACTRN 12611000763943.
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Huesos/metabolismo , Frutas , Osteoporosis Posmenopáusica/prevención & control , Plantas Medicinales , Verduras , Anciano , Biomarcadores/metabolismo , Dieta/estadística & datos numéricos , Femenino , Humanos , Persona de Mediana Edad , Resultado del TratamientoRESUMEN
Since its start, the Mammalian Gene Collection (MGC) has sought to provide at least one full-protein-coding sequence cDNA clone for every human and mouse gene with a RefSeq transcript, and at least 6200 rat genes. The MGC cloning effort initially relied on random expressed sequence tag screening of cDNA libraries. Here, we summarize our recent progress using directed RT-PCR cloning and DNA synthesis. The MGC now contains clones with the entire protein-coding sequence for 92% of human and 89% of mouse genes with curated RefSeq (NM-accession) transcripts, and for 97% of human and 96% of mouse genes with curated RefSeq transcripts that have one or more PubMed publications, in addition to clones for more than 6300 rat genes. These high-quality MGC clones and their sequences are accessible without restriction to researchers worldwide.
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Clonación Molecular/métodos , Biología Computacional/métodos , ADN Complementario/genética , Biblioteca de Genes , Genes/genética , Mamíferos/genética , Animales , ADN/biosíntesis , Humanos , Ratones , National Institutes of Health (U.S.) , Ratas , Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa de Transcriptasa Inversa , Estados UnidosRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: In low-income countries, most infants are given cereal-based complementary foods prepared at the household level. Such foods are high in phytate, which limits the bioavailability of nutrients, including iron, calcium, zinc, and in some cases proteins, which are crucial to the development of infants. OBJECTIVE: To compare the levels of macronutrients (protein, fat, and carbohydrate), gross energy, and fructose in sweet potato-based (denoted ComFa) formulations and enriched Weanimix (dehulled maize-dehulled soybean-groundnut blend with fish powder and sugar incorporated). The phytate level was also compared. METHODS: A composite flour of sweet potato and soybeans containing fish powder was processed by oven toasting as a home-based complementary food. Another blend containing skim milk powder was processed by extrusion cooking or roller drying as industrial-based prototypes. The macronutrient composition and the levels of fructose and phytate were determined in the ComFa formulations and enriched Weanimix. RESULTS: The ComFa formulations and the enriched Weanimix met the stipulated values in the Codex Alimentarius Commission standard for energy (400 kcal/100 g), protein (15 g/100 g), and fat (10 to 25 g/100 g) for complementary food, with the exception of the industrial-based ComFa formulations, which satisfied 83% of the protein requirement (15 g/100 g). The ComFa formulations had a quarter of the phytate level of enriched Weanimix. The fructose level in the sweet potato-based complementary foods was more than five times that in enriched Weanimix. CONCLUSIONS: The sweet potato-based formulations were superior to enriched Weanimix as complementary foods for infants in low-income countries, based on the fructose (which makes the porridge naturally sweet) and phytate levels.
Asunto(s)
Alimentos Infantiles/análisis , Ipomoea batatas/química , Raíces de Plantas/química , Áreas de Pobreza , Culinaria , Países en Desarrollo , Dieta/economía , Dieta/etnología , Productos Pesqueros/efectos adversos , Productos Pesqueros/análisis , Productos Pesqueros/economía , Fructosa/efectos adversos , Fructosa/análisis , Guías como Asunto , Humanos , Lactante , Alimentos Infantiles/efectos adversos , Alimentos Infantiles/economía , Desnutrición/economía , Desnutrición/prevención & control , Necesidades Nutricionales , Valor Nutritivo , Ácido Fítico/efectos adversos , Ácido Fítico/análisis , Pigmentos Biológicos/análisis , Alimentos de Soja/efectos adversos , Alimentos de Soja/análisis , Alimentos de Soja/economíaRESUMEN
The availability of micronutrients from sweetpotato-based complementary foods (CFs): oven-toasted and roller-dried ComFa, and from a maize-based infant food, enriched Weanimix, was compared using phytate/mineral molar ratios, polyphenols and ß-carotene levels. The phytate/calcium, iron and zinc molar ratios of approximately 0.17, 1 and 15 predict better absorption of calcium, iron and zinc respectively. Generally, the sweetpotato-based CFs had at least half the phytate/mineral ratios of enriched Weanimix. The phytate/iron ratio in both the sweetpotato- and the maize-based CFs was greater than 1. Only the ComFa formulations had phytate/zinc ratio lower than 15. The level of polyphenol (iron inhibitor) was similar for the formulations. Only the sweetpotato-based CFs contained measurable levels of ß-carotene, a possible iron enhancer. The lower phytate/mineral ratios and the ß-carotene level of the sweetpotato-based CFs suggest that calcium, iron and zinc absorption could be better from them than from the maize-based infant food.
Asunto(s)
Calcio de la Dieta/metabolismo , Alimentos Infantiles/análisis , Absorción Intestinal , Ipomoea batatas/química , Hierro de la Dieta/metabolismo , Raíces de Plantas/química , Zinc/metabolismo , Algoritmos , Calcio de la Dieta/análisis , Quelantes/efectos adversos , Quelantes/análisis , Quelantes/metabolismo , Manipulación de Alimentos , Alimentos Fortificados/efectos adversos , Alimentos Fortificados/análisis , Humanos , Lactante , Alimentos Infantiles/efectos adversos , Ipomoea batatas/efectos adversos , Hierro de la Dieta/análisis , Valor Nutritivo , Ácido Fítico/efectos adversos , Ácido Fítico/análisis , Ácido Fítico/metabolismo , Raíces de Plantas/efectos adversos , Polifenoles/efectos adversos , Polifenoles/análisis , Polifenoles/metabolismo , Semillas/efectos adversos , Semillas/química , Alimentos de Soja/efectos adversos , Alimentos de Soja/análisis , Zea mays/efectos adversos , Zea mays/química , Zinc/análisis , beta Caroteno/efectos adversos , beta Caroteno/análisis , beta Caroteno/metabolismoRESUMEN
Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) prevalence in Sub-Saharan Africa is high in spite of vitamin A supplementation programmes among children in most countries. Plant-based complementary foods remain the key source of nutrients in addition to breast milk for infants in lower income countries. Cereal-legume blends are superior in protein and energy densities compared with maize, millet or sorghum-only porridge. However, unfortified cereal-legume and cereal-only porridges are low in vitamin A. A household-level sweet potato-based infant food, rich in vitamin A, has been developed to complement vitamin A supplementation initiatives in Sub-Saharan Africa. A composite flour containing sweet potato, soybean, soybean oil and fishmeal was processed as complementary food by oven toasting (denoted oven-toasted ComFa). The oven-toasted ComFa and enriched Weanimix (processed from dehulled maize, dehulled soybean, groundnut and fishmeal) were assessed for suitability as complementary food based on the nutrient composition using specifications in the Codex Standard (CS) as a reference. The sweet potato-based formulation and enriched Weanimix met the energy, protein, fructose and fat specifications but barely met the amino acid score as indicated in the CS. However, only the oven-toasted ComFa met the calcium and almost half the vitamin A levels as specified in the CS. Oven-toasted ComFa was slightly lower in energy, protein and fat by a difference not greater than 4.0% but was higher by more than 100% in fructose and vitamin A levels. Therefore, the sweet potato-based complementary food is likely to support vitamin A supplementation initiatives in low-income countries better than the cereal-based formulation.
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Alimentos Infantiles/normas , Trastornos de la Nutrición del Lactante/prevención & control , Ipomoea batatas/química , Deficiencia de Vitamina A/prevención & control , Vitamina A/administración & dosificación , África del Sur del Sahara/epidemiología , Países en Desarrollo , Femenino , Humanos , Lactante , Trastornos de la Nutrición del Lactante/epidemiología , Masculino , Necesidades Nutricionales , Valor Nutritivo , Prevalencia , Deficiencia de Vitamina A/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
We used viral intersectional tools to map the entire projectome of corticospinal neurons associated with fine distal forelimb control in Fischer 344 rats and rhesus macaques. In rats, we found an extraordinarily diverse set of collateral projections from corticospinal neurons to 23 different brain and spinal regions. Remarkably, the vast weighting of this "motor" projection was to sensory systems in both the brain and spinal cord, confirmed by optogenetic and transsynaptic viral intersectional tools. In contrast, rhesus macaques exhibited far heavier and narrower weighting of corticospinal outputs toward spinal and brainstem motor systems. Thus, corticospinal systems in macaques primarily constitute a final output system for fine motor control, whereas this projection in rats exerts a multi-modal integrative role that accesses far broader CNS regions. Unique structural-functional correlations can be achieved by mapping and quantifying a single neuronal system's total axonal output and its relative weighting across CNS targets.
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Corteza Motora , Tractos Piramidales , Animales , Axones/fisiología , Mapeo Encefálico , Macaca mulatta , Corteza Motora/fisiología , Tractos Piramidales/fisiología , Ratas , Médula Espinal/fisiologíaRESUMEN
Neuregulin-1 (NRG1), a regulator of neural development, has been shown to regulate neurotransmission at excitatory synapses. Although ErbB4, a key NRG1 receptor, is expressed in glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD)-positive neurons, little is known about its role in GABAergic transmission. We show that ErbB4 is localized at GABAergic terminals of the prefrontal cortex. Our data indicate a role of NRG1, both endogenous and exogenous, in regulation of GABAergic transmission. This effect was blocked by inhibition or mutation of ErbB4, suggesting the involvement of ErbB4. Together, these results indicate that NRG1 regulates GABAergic transmission via presynaptic ErbB4 receptors, identifying a novel function of NRG1. Because both NRG1 and ErbB4 have emerged as susceptibility genes of schizophrenia, these observations may suggest a mechanism for abnormal GABAergic neurotransmission in this disorder.
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Neurregulina-1/metabolismo , Neurregulina-1/farmacología , Neuronas/efectos de los fármacos , Ácido gamma-Aminobutírico/metabolismo , Animales , Animales Recién Nacidos , Células Cultivadas , Relación Dosis-Respuesta a Droga , Interacciones Farmacológicas , Inhibidores Enzimáticos/farmacología , Receptores ErbB/metabolismo , Glutamato Descarboxilasa/metabolismo , Ácido Glutámico/metabolismo , Proteínas Fluorescentes Verdes/metabolismo , Hipocampo/citología , Hibridación in Situ , Técnicas In Vitro , Potenciales Postsinápticos Inhibidores/efectos de los fármacos , Potenciales Postsinápticos Inhibidores/fisiología , Potenciales Postsinápticos Inhibidores/efectos de la radiación , Neuronas/citología , Neuronas/fisiología , Neuronas/efectos de la radiación , Técnicas de Placa-Clamp/métodos , Cloruro de Potasio/farmacología , Terminales Presinápticos/metabolismo , Ratas , Receptor ErbB-4 , Transfección/métodosRESUMEN
Perceived insufficient milk production (PIM) adversely affects breastfeeding duration. Women sometimes use galactagogues with the intent to increase breast milk production and support lactation. Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast-based supplement (SCYS) is an inactive form of Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast (SCY) either obtained from the fermentation process or grown on molasses. Anecdotal evidence suggests SCYS is a galactagogue. SCYS is promoted on the internet as a galactagogue in various forms and doses. Dietary supplementation with SCYS during gestation and lactation significantly increases milk yield in ruminants. No human study has evaluated efficacy of SCYS as a galactagogue. SCYS is rich in B vitamins, beta-glucan, mannan oligosaccharides and bioavailable chromium; these may impact breast milk production or composition, thus may alleviate PIM. The safety of taking SCYS during lactation is not well studied. Studies have reported contamination of SCYS with ochratoxin A (OTA) as well as minor side effects from SCYS. Studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy of SCYS on breast milk production and composition and to assess the safety of taking SCYS during lactation in humans.
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Suplementos Dietéticos , Galactogogos/farmacología , Lactancia/efectos de los fármacos , Saccharomyces cerevisiae , Animales , Femenino , HumanosRESUMEN
The World Health Organization recommends point-of-use fortification with multiple micronutrients powder (MNP) for foods consumed by children aged 6-23 months in populations where anemia prevalence among children under 2 years or under 5 years of age is 20% or higher. In Rwanda, anemia affects 37% of children under 5 years. The MNP program was implemented to address anemia, but research on factors affecting the implementation of the MNP program is limited. We conducted a mixed-methods study to examine the factors influencing access to and use of MNP among mothers (N=379) in Rutsiro district, northwest Rwanda. Inductive content analysis was used for qualitative data. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine factors associated with the use of MNP. Qualitative results indicated that the unavailability of MNP supplies and distribution issues were major barriers to accessing MNP. Factors influencing the use of MNP included mothers' perceptions of side effects and health benefits of MNP, as well as inappropriate complementary feeding practices. Mothers of older children (aged 12-23 months) were more likely to use MNP than those of younger children (aged 6-11 months) (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=3.63, P<.001). Mothers whose children participated in the supplementary food program were nearly 3 times more likely to use MNP than those whose children had never participated in the program (aOR=2.84, P=.001). Increasing household hunger score was significantly associated with lower odds of using MNP (aOR=0.80, P=.038). Mechanisms to monitor MNP supply and program implementation need to be strengthened to ensure mothers have access to the product. MNP program implementers should address gaps in complementary feeding practices and ensure mothers have access to adequate complementary foods.
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Suplementos Dietéticos , Micronutrientes , Adolescente , Niño , Preescolar , Femenino , Alimentos Fortificados , Humanos , Lactante , Fenómenos Fisiológicos Nutricionales del Lactante , Polvos , Rwanda/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
Comparative genomics is an essential component of the post-genomic era. The chicken genome is the first avian genome to be sequenced and it will serve as a model for other avian species. Moreover, due to its unique evolutionary niche, the chicken genome can be used to understand evolution of functional elements and gene regulation in mammalian species. However comparative biology both within avian species and within amniotes is hampered due to the difficulty of recognising functional orthologs. This problem is compounded as different databases and sequence repositories proliferate and the names they assign to functional elements proliferate along with them. Currently, genes can be published under more than one name and one name sometimes refers to unrelated genes. Standardized gene nomenclature is necessary to facilitate communication between scientists and genomic resources. Moreover, it is important that this nomenclature be based on existing nomenclature efforts where possible to truly facilitate studies between different species. We report here the formation of the Chicken Gene Nomenclature Committee (CGNC), an international and centralized effort to provide standardized nomenclature for chicken genes. The CGNC works in conjunction with public resources such as NCBI and Ensembl and in consultation with existing nomenclature committees for human and mouse. The CGNC will develop standardized nomenclature in consultation with the research community and relies on the support of the research community to ensure that the nomenclature facilitates comparative and genomic studies.
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Pollos/genética , Genómica/normas , Terminología como Asunto , Animales , GenomaRESUMEN
The authors would like to make the following correction to our recent publication [...].
RESUMEN
We would like to thank Moran and Sanchez Fernandez [...].
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Densidad Ósea , Nutrientes , Absorciometría de Fotón , Femenino , Humanos , Tamaño de la Muestra , UltrasonografíaRESUMEN
Young adulthood is an important stage in the accrual of bone mass. Young women are often unaware of the need, and how to optimize modifiable risk factors, particularly intake of nutrients associated with good bone health. In this study, an accessible way to estimate osteoporosis risk, quantitative ultrasound (QUS), is compared to the gold-standard technique dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in a group of 54 healthy young women (18-26 years) from Manawatu, New Zealand, and the relationship with nutrient intake is investigated. Broadband ultrasound attenuation and speed of sound (BUA, SOS) were assessed by QUS calcaneal scans and bone mineral concentration/density (BMC/BMD) were determined by DXA scans of the lumbar spine and hip (total and femoral neck). Dietary intake of energy, protein, and calcium was estimated using three-day food diaries and questionnaires. DXA mean Z-scores (>-2.0) for the hip (0.19) and spine (0.2) and QUS mean Z-scores (>-1.0) (0.41) were within the expected ranges. DXA (BMD) and QUS (BUA, SOS) measurements were strongly correlated. Median intakes of protein and calcium were 83.7 g/day and 784 mg/day, respectively. Protein intake was adequate and, whilst median calcium intake was higher than national average, it was below the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR). No significant relationship was found between dietary intake of calcium or protein and BMD or BMC. To conclude, QUS may provide a reasonable indicator of osteoporosis risk in young women but may not be an appropriate diagnostic tool. Increased calcium intake is recommended for this group, regardless of BMD.
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Absorciometría de Fotón , Densidad Ósea , Calcio de la Dieta/administración & dosificación , Proteínas en la Dieta/administración & dosificación , Cuello Femoral/diagnóstico por imagen , Vértebras Lumbares/diagnóstico por imagen , Estado Nutricional , Osteoporosis/prevención & control , Ingesta Diaria Recomendada , Ultrasonografía , Adolescente , Adulto , Factores de Edad , Estudios Transversales , Femenino , Humanos , Osteoporosis/diagnóstico , Osteoporosis/etiología , Osteoporosis/fisiopatología , Valor Predictivo de las Pruebas , Factores Protectores , Medición de Riesgo , Factores de Riesgo , Factores Sexuales , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
Selenium plays a role in antioxidant status and, together with iodine, in thyroid function. Iodine deficiency exists in New Zealand during pregnancy and lactation, and selenium deficiency may further affect thyroid function. This study investigated selenium intakes of pregnant and lactating women, in Palmerston North, in the North Island of New Zealand. Dietary intake was estimated using three repeated 24-h dietary recalls. Dietary intake in pregnancy was also estimated from 24-h urinary excretion of selenium. Selenium concentrations were determined in urine and breastmilk using inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Median selenium intakes based on dietary data were 51 (39, 65) µg/day in pregnancy and 51 (36, 80) µg/day in lactation, with 61% and 68% below estimated average requirement (EAR). Median daily selenium intake in pregnancy based on urinary excretion was 49 (40, 60) µg/day, with 59% below EAR. Median selenium concentration in breastmilk was 11 (10, 13) µg/L and estimated median selenium intake for infants was 9 (8, 10) µg/day, with 91% below the Adequate Intake of 12 µg/day. These pregnant and breastfeeding women were at risk of dietary selenium inadequacy. Further research is required to assess selenium status in relation to thyroid function and health in this group.