Sleep and Daytime Function in People with Spinal Cord Injury.

Study Design: Cross-sectional cohort study. Objectives: To determine the role of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), insomnia symptoms and sleep quality in the daytime function and quality of life of veterans with spinal cord injury (SCI). Setting: A Veterans Administration (VA) medical center in the Midwestern US. Methods: Thirty-eight male veterans with SCI (22 cervical, 16 thoracic; mean [SD] age = 62.9[9.5] years) completed baseline assessments within a larger clinical trial. Measures assessed sleep apnea severity (apnea-hypopnea index, AHI), insomnia symptoms (Insomnia Severity Index, ISI), self-reported sleep quality (Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index, PSQI), daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale, ESS), fatigue (Flinders Fatigue Scale, FFS), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 item, PHQ-9 excluding sleep item), functioning (Spinal Cord Independence Measure, SCIM), and quality of life (World Health Organization Quality of Life, WHOQOL-BREF). Bivariate correlations (alpha p<.05) were used to assess relationships between sleep (AHI, ISI, PSQI, ESS) and function (FFS, PHQ-9, SCIM, WHOQOL-BREF). Results: Mean AHI was 29.9(26.6), mean ISI was 9.38(6.2), mean PSQI was 9.0(4.6), and mean ESS was 7.0(5.2). There were no significant relationships between AHI and function measures. Significant relationships emerged between ISI and PHQ-9, some WHOQOL-BREF subscales, and SCIM as well as between PSQI and FFS, PHQ-9, and some WHOQOL-BREF subscales. Conclusions: Among Veterans with SCI, insomnia symptom severity and poor sleep quality were associated with worse functioning, whereas SDB severity was not. Insomnia and poor sleep quality represent modifiable contributors to poor daytime function. Research evaluating the impact of evidence-based insomnia treatments among individuals living with SCI is warranted.

Roadside vegetated filter strips to simultaneously lower stormwater pollution loadings and improve economics of biorefinery feedstocks.

Roadside vegetated filters strips (VFSs) reduce roadway runoff pollution by intercepting stormwater and reducing pollutant loads. VFS maintenance and operating costs can be reduced by designing the VFSs to serve as sites for production of marketable biomass. This biomass can provide feedstock for the emerging bioeconomy producing renewable fuels and biobased chemicals and products. Economic evaluation is needed to quantify the benefit of combining VFS with bioenergy biomass production. This evaluation requires a place-based approach to quantify availability of land, transportation costs, and benefits to sensitive habitats. We evaluated roadside land, within the state right-of-way, in Western Washington, to determine the total area available for implementing VFSs. These data were then used to estimate the volume and cost, of biomass produced on the filter strips, and the resultant reduction in pollutants emitted through highway runoff. The analysis showed that up to 5600 ha were available for roadside VFSs that would be within transportation distance of the theoretical biorefinery location. This space could produce up to 97 dry Gg per year of poplar biomass. The resulting reduction in biorefinery feedstock cost was up to $24 per dry Mg compared to biomass from dedicated tree farms. The results showed that combining roadside poplar with traditional dedicated poplar feedstocks can reduce the feedstock cost of the biorefinery from $76 to $67 per Mg for a biorefinery processing 150 Gg biomass per year. Environmental impact analysis showed that within the study area half of urban roadways and one-third of rural roadways in highly sensitive aquatic areas were amenable to VFS. Construction of VFS in these amenable areas would reduce total loadings to sensitive aquatic areas in urban areas by 26% for TSS, copper, and zinc, and by 10% for phosphorus, and nitrogen and by 21% for lead. The impact for rural sensitive areas was even greater where the VFS had potential to reduce total loadings to sensitive aquatic areas by 38% for TSS, copper, and zinc, by 15% for phosphorus and nitrogen, and by 31% for lead. This research showed an approach combining geographic information system (GIS) mapping and economic analysis to document simultaneous evaluation of cost and environmental benefits when considering use of non-traditional land for bioenergy crop production.

Temporal trend of diarrhea morbidity rate with climate change: Egypt as a case study.

Many studies have detected a relationship between diarrhea morbidity rates with the changes in precipitation, temperature, floods, droughts, water shortage, etc. But, most of the authors were cautious in their studies, because of the lack of empirical climate-health data and there were large uncertainties in the future projections. The study aimed to refine the link between the morbidity rates of diarrhea in some Egyptian governorates representative of the three Egyptian geographical divisions with the meteorological changes that occurred in the 2006-2016 period for which the medical data are available, as a case study. Medical raw data was collected from the Information Centre Department of the Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population. The meteorological data of temperature and precipitation extremes were defined as data outside the 10th-90th percentile range of values of the period of study, and their analysis was done using a methodology similar to the one recommended by the WMO and integrated in the CLIMDEX software. Relationships between the morbidity rates of diarrhea in seven Egyptian governorates and the meteorological changes that occurred in the period 2006 to 2016 were analyzed using multiple linear regression analysis to identify the most effective meteorological factor that affects the trend of morbidity rate of diarrhea in each governorate. Statistical analysis revealed that some meteorological parameters can be used as predictors for morbidity rates of diarrhea in Cairo, Alexandria, and Gharbia, but not in Aswan, Behaira, and Dakahlia where the temporal evolution cannot be related with meteorology. In Red Sea, there was no temporal trend and no significant relationships between the diarrhea morbidity rate and meteorological parameters. The predictor meteorological parameters for morbidity rates of diarrhea were found to be depending on the geographic locations and infrastructures in these governorates. It was concluded that the meteorological data that can be used as predictors for the morbidity rate of diarrhea is depending on the geographical location and infrastructures of the target location. The socioeconomic levels as well as the infrastructures in the governorate must be considered confounders in future studies.

Total Usual Nutrient Intakes and Nutritional Status of United Arab Emirates Children (<4 Years): Findings from the Feeding Infants and Toddlers Study (FITS) 2021.

Background: The transition from a predominantly milk-based diet to a diverse family diet is a window of opportunity for optimal child growth and development. Objectives: The study aims to examine the nutritional status and food-consumption patterns of children under 4 y of age in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and their adherence to nutrient and dietary recommendations. Methods: A population-based cross-sectional survey of 525 children aged 0-47.9 mo was conducted in 3 major emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah. Anthropometric measurements were obtained, and dietary assessment was conducted using the 24-h dietary recall approach. Usual intakes of energy, macronutrient, and micronutrients, including from supplements, were assessed using PC-SIDE software. Adherence to food-group recommendations was evaluated based on the American Heart Association/American Academy of Pediatrics dietary guidelines. Results: Among 0-4-y-old children, 10% were stunted, 6% were wasted, 17% were at risk of overweight, 5% were overweight, and 3% were obese. The contribution of sweets and sugar sweetened beverages to energy intake increased from 5% in 6-11.9-mo-old children to 17% in 36-47.9-mo-old children. Compared with dietary guidelines, the lowest adherence was for fruit (13-18%) and vegetables (7-12%), while protein was within the recommendations, and 92% and 89% of children (aged 24 to 35.9 mo and 36 to 47.9 mo, respectively) had high intakes of saturated fat. Almost all toddlers failed to meet the Adequate Intake for fiber. The proportions of children exceeding the free-sugar upper limit increased from 10.6% in infants (0-5.9 mo) to 56.7% in toddlers (12- 23.9 mo). Micronutrient inadequacies were observed, particularly for calcium, zinc, folate, and vitamins A and D. Conclusions: This study suggests a triple burden of malnutrition among infants and young children in the UAE. Results call for national nutrition intervention strategies aimed at improving dietary quality in the pediatric population.

Sleep disorders, daytime symptoms, and quality of life in veterans with multiple sclerosis: preliminary findings.

Study Objectives: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease impacting the central nervous system. A hallmark symptom of MS is fatigue, which impairs daytime function and quality of life (QOL). Sleep disorders and disturbances are common in persons with MS and exacerbate fatigue. We evaluated relationships between sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), insomnia symptoms, sleep quality, and daytime functioning in veterans with MS participating in a larger study. Methods: Twenty-five veterans with clinically diagnosed MS were included (average age = 57 ± 11, 80% male). One had a co-occurring thoracic spinal cord injury. Twenty-four participants completed in-laboratory polysomnography (PSG) to measure apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and sleep efficiency (PSG-SE). Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) and Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were used to measure sleep subjectively. The Flinders Fatigue Scale (FFS), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), PHQ-9 depression scale, and GAD-7 anxiety scale assessed daytime symptoms. The World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL) was used to assess quality of life. Relationships between sleep (AHI, PSG-SE, ISI, PSQI), daytime symptoms (ESS, FFS, PHQ-9, and GAD-7), and quality of life (WHOQOL) were evaluated with bivariate correlations. Results: Higher ISI (r = 0.78, 95% CI = [0.54, 0.90], p < .001), higher PSQI (r = 0.51, 95% CI = [0.10, 0.77], p = .017), and lower PSG-SE (r = -0.45, 95% CI = [-0.74, -0.02], p = .041) were associated with worse fatigue (FFS). Higher ISI was also associated with worse WHOQOL (Physical Domain; r = -0.64, 95% CI = [-0.82, -0.32], p = .001). There were no other significant relationships. Conclusion: In veterans with MS, more severe insomnia and worse sleep quality may be associated with more fatigue and lower quality of life. Recognition and management of insomnia should be considered in future studies of sleep in MS.

Statewide Efficacy Assessment of Insect Growth Regulators Against Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) in Sabah, Malaysia: An Alternative Control Strategy?

The efficacy of three groups of insect growth regulators, namely juvenile hormone mimics (methoprene and pyriproxyfen), chitin synthesis inhibitors (diflubenzuron and novaluron), and molting disruptor (cyromazine) was evaluated for the first time, against Aedes albopictus Skuse (Diptera: Culicidae) larvae from 14 districts in Sabah, Malaysia. The results showed that all field populations of Ae. albopictus were susceptible towards methoprene, pyriproxyfen, diflubenzuron, novaluron, and cyromazine, with resistance ratio values ranging from 0.50-0.90, 0.60-1.00, 0.67-1.17, 0.71-1.29, and 0.74-1.07, respectively. Overall, the efficacy assessment of insect growth regulators in this study showed promising outcomes and they could be further explored as an alternative to conventional insecticides.

Assessment of the susceptibility status of Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) from Interior, Sandakan and Tawau divisions of Sabah, Malaysia based on WHO diagnostic doses of larvicides.

Susceptibility status of Aedes albopictus (Skuse) sampled from residential areas in Interior, Sandakan and Tawau divisions of Sabah, Malaysia, was evaluated based on the WHOrecommended doses of organochlorine and organophosphate larvicides. To determine susceptibility status, larval bioassays were carried out and post 24-hour mortalities based on WHO resistance classifications were adopted. The results demonstrated that Ae. albopictus larvae were resistant toward 5 out of the 8 larvicides tested. Larvae from all populations were resistant against bromophos, fenitrothion, malathion, temephos and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), with mortalities ranging from 0.00 to 89.33%. Dieldrin, on the other hand, could induce 100.00% mortalities in all populations, followed by fenthion and chlorpyrifos, with mortalities ranging from 97.33 to 100.00% and 81.33 to 100.00% respectively. Despite most populations exhibiting similitude in their resistance status, larvae from Sandakan exhibited the highest resistance level whereas the lowest level was observed in Keningau. In view of the inadequacy of some larvicides in controlling Ae. albopictus in this study, integrated management such as insecticide rotation or combination of interventions is warranted.

Immunogenicity and Safety of an Inactivated SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine: Preclinical Studies.

Since the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 at the end of 2019, 64 candidate vaccines are in clinical development and 173 are in the pre-clinical phase. Five types of vaccines are currently approved for emergency use in many countries (Inactivated, Sinopharm; Viral-vector, Astrazeneca, and Gamaleya Research Institute; mRNA, Moderna, and BioNTech/Pfizer). The main challenge in this pandemic was the availability to produce an effective vaccine to be distributed to the world's population in a short time. Herein, we developed a whole virus NRC-VACC-01 inactivated candidate SARS-CoV-2 vaccine and tested its safety and immunogenicity in laboratory animals. In the preclinical studies, we used four experimental animals (mice, rats, guinea pigs, and hamsters). Antibodies were detected as of week three post vaccination and continued up to week ten in the four experimental models. Safety evaluation of NRC-VACC-01 inactivated candidate vaccine in rats revealed that the vaccine was highly tolerable. By studying the effect of booster dose in the immunological profile of vaccinated mice, we observed an increase in neutralizing antibody titers after the booster shot, thus a booster dose was highly recommended after week three or four. Challenge infection of hamsters showed that the vaccinated group had lower morbidity and shedding than the control group. A phase I clinical trial will be performed to assess safety in human subjects.

Assessment of the susceptibility status of Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) from Interior, Sandakan and Tawau divisions of Sabah, Malaysia based on WHO diagnostic doses of larvicides

@# Susceptibility status of Aedes albopictus (Skuse) sampled from residential areas in Interior, Sandakan and Tawau divisions of Sabah, Malaysia, was evaluated based on the WHOrecommended doses of organochlorine and organophosphate larvicides. To determine susceptibility status, larval bioassays were carried out and post 24-hour mortalities based on WHO resistance classifications were adopted. The results demonstrated that Ae. albopictus larvae were resistant toward 5 out of the 8 larvicides tested. Larvae from all populations were resistant against bromophos, fenitrothion, malathion, temephos and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), with mortalities ranging from 0.00 to 89.33%. Dieldrin, on the other hand, could induce 100.00% mortalities in all populations, followed by fenthion and chlorpyrifos, with mortalities ranging from 97.33 to 100.00% and 81.33 to 100.00% respectively. Despite most populations exhibiting similitude in their resistance status, larvae from Sandakan exhibited the highest resistance level whereas the lowest level was observed in Keningau. In view of the inadequacy of some larvicides in controlling Ae. albopictus in this study, integrated management such as insecticide rotation or combination of interventions is warranted.

The prevalence of lipohypertrophy and its associated factors among Saudi patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVES: We conducted this study to establish the prevalence and associated risk factors of lipohypertrophy (LH) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who are on insulin therapy in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). METHODS: This multicenter, cross-sectional study was executed at primary care clinics in King Saud University Medical City and Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Hospital in Riyadh KSA from May 2017 to October 2017. All adult patients over 18 years old with T2DM who had been treated with insulin via either a syringe or pen for at least two years were physically examined for LH. RESULTS: A 39.7% prevalence of LH was found in our study cohort of which as many as 57.5% patients were found to be in LH grade 1, 33.75% grade 2, and 8.75% grade 3. LH was detected in 68.8% patients who used different sites for every injection and in 63.7% (p = 0.182) of patients who had injected more than 60 units per day (p < 0.,0001). Overall logistic regression analysis showed that the patients who used alcohol swabs were 2.6 times more likely to develop LH. Interestingly, the patients who used more than 60 units of insulin per day were 0.362 times more likely to develop LH. CONCLUSIONS: Lipohypertrophy is a complication common among patients with T2DM in KSA. It is incumbent upon healthcare providers to raise awareness about LH and to provide extensive education about correct insulin administration among patients with T2DM on insulin therapy.

Categorical face perception in fish: How a fish brain warps reality to dissociate "same" from "different".

Categorical perception (CP) is the phenomenon by which a smoothly varying stimulus property undergoes a nonlinear transformation during processing in the brain. Consequently, the stimuli are perceived as belonging to distinct categories separated by a sharp boundary. Originally thought to be largely innate, the discovery of CP in tasks such as novel image discrimination has piqued the interest of cognitive scientists because it provides compelling evidence that learning can shape a category's perceptual boundaries. CP has been particularly closely studied in human face perception. In nonprimates, there is evidence for CP for sound and color discrimination, but not for image or face discrimination. Here, we investigate the potential for learned CP in a lower vertebrate, the damselfish Pomacentrus amboinensis. Specifically, we tested whether the ability of these fish to discriminate complex facial patterns tracked categorical rather than metric differences in the stimuli. We first trained the fish to discriminate sets of two facial patterns. Next, we morphed between these patterns and determined the just noticeable difference (JND) between a morph and original image. Finally, we tested for CP by analyzing the discrimination ability of the fish for pairs of JND stimuli along the spectrum of morphs between two original images. Discrimination performance was significant for the image pair straddling the boundary between categories, and chance for equivalent stimulus pairs on either side, thus producing the classic "category boundary" effect. Our results reveal how perception can be influenced in a top-down manner even in the absence of a visual cortex.

Curcumin nanoparticles ameliorate hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity induced by cisplatin in rats.

The present work was conducted to investigate the effect of curcumin nanoparticles (CUR NPs) on cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicty and nephrotoxicity in rats. Rats were divided randomly into the following: control, rats treated daily with CUR NPs (50 mg/kg body wt/day) for 14 days, rats treated with a single dose of cisplatin (12 mg/kg body wt, i.p), and rats treated with a single dose of cisplatin followed by a daily administration of CUR NPs for 14 days. Cisplatin-induced hepato- and nephrotoxicity were evaluated by histological examinations and biochemical analyses of liver and kidney functions. Cisplatin induced significant increases in the activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and in the levels of bilirubin, urea, uric acid and creatinine. In addition, the levels of hepatic and renal lipid peroxidation (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), and serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) increased significantly. However, cisplatin significantly decreased hepatic and renal reduced glutathione levels and renal Na+/K+-ATPase activity. Treatment with CUR NPs ameliorated almost all the biochemical changes induced by cisplatin and improved the histopathological alterations in liver and kidney. In conclusion, the present findings indicate that CUR NPs offered an effective protection against cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Adulticide Resistance Status of Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) in Sabah, Malaysia: A Statewide Assessment.

Resistance status of Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) collected from Sabah, East Malaysia, was evaluated against four major classes of adulticides, namely pyrethroid, carbamate, organochlorine, and organophosphate. Adult bioassays conforming to WHO standard protocols were conducted to assess knockdown and mortality rates of Ae. albopictus. Among tested pyrethroid adulticides, only cyfluthrin, lambda-cyaholthrin, and deltamethrin were able to inflict total knockdown. The other adulticide classes mostly failed to cause any knockdown; the highest knockdown rate was only 18.33% for propoxur. With regards to mortality rate, Ae. albopictus was unanimously susceptible toward all pyrethroids, dieldrin, and malathion, but exhibited resistance toward bendiocarb, propoxur, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, and fenitrothion. Additionally, correlation analysis demonstrated cross-resistance between bendiocarb and propoxur, and malathion and propoxur. In conclusion, this study has disclosed that pyrethroids are still generally effective for Aedes control in Sabah, Malaysia. The susceptibility status of Ae. albopictus against pyrethroids in descending order was cyfluthrin > lambda-cyhalothrin > deltamethrin > etofenprox > permethrin.

Validation of RegCM-CHEM4 model by comparison with surface measurements in the Greater Cairo (Egypt) megacity.

The densely populated Greater Cairo (GC) region suffers from severe air quality issues caused by high levels of anthropogenic activities, such as motorized traffic, industries, and agricultural biomass burning events, along with natural sources of particulate matter, such as wind erosion of arid surfaces. Surface-measured concentrations of particulate matter (PM10), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone (O3) and its precursor's gases (nitrogen dioxide, NO2; carbon monoxide, CO) were obtained for the GC region. The PM10 concentrations were found to exceed remarkably the Egyptian guidelines (150 µg/m3). These high levels of PM10 were recorded throughout 68% of the period of measurement in some industrial areas (El-Kolaly). The measured data of pollutants were used for both the evaluation of environmental pollution levels and the validation of the online-integrated regional climate chemistry model "RegCM-CHEM4." Calculation of the bias between the model results and the measured data was used to evaluate the model performance in order to assess its ability in reproducing the chemical species over the area. The model was found to reproduce the seasonal cycle of the pollutants successfully, but with a large underestimation of the PM10 values. Validation of the RegCM-CHEM4 indicated that the emission inventories of mobile sources and anthropogenic activities need to be improved especially with respect to local and regional activities in order to enhance air quality simulations over the GC region.

Detection of Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura in various soil types from from an indigenous village in Malaysia.

Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) have been a great concern throughout the world among the poorest and the most deprived communities. Orang Asli (indigenous) community in Malaysia is highly prone to STHs infection due to their living environment where soil contamination can serve as the main reservoir. This study was aimed to investigate the presence of Trichuris trichiura and Ascaris lumbricoides eggs in the soil samples in and around the Orang Asli villages located in Sungai Lalang Baru, Ulu Semenyih, Selangor. The soil samples were collected from June to November 2017 over a period of six months. Approximately 200-250 gram of soil samples were collected in a plastic bag from a depth of about 4-6 inches. The sedimentation and microscopic techniques was used to recover and estimate the Trichuris trichiura and Ascaris lumbricoides eggs from the soil samples. A total of 40 samples soil samples were collected, in which 36 (90%) were positive for A. lumbricoides and 6 (15%) were positive T. trichiura. Various soil textures like sandy, loamy and clay harbored the helminth eggs. The contaminated soil could potentially lead to transmission of the helminth eggs by natural process like rain and water movement to their sounding environments, hence screening of soil sample in the environment serves as in indication for presence of STHs.

Detection of Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura in various soil types from from an indigenous village in Malaysia

@#Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) have been a great concern throughout the world among the poorest and the most deprived communities. Orang Asli (indigenous) community in Malaysia is highly prone to STHs infection due to their living environment where soil contamination can serve as the main reservoir. This study was aimed to investigate the presence of Trichuris trichiura and Ascaris lumbricoides eggs in the soil samples in and around the Orang Asli villages located in Sungai Lalang Baru, Ulu Semenyih, Selangor. The soil samples were collected from June to November 2017 over a period of six months. Approximately 200-250 gram of soil samples were collected in a plastic bag from a depth of about 4-6 inches. The sedimentation and microscopic techniques was used to recover and estimate the Trichuris trichiura and Ascaris lumbricoides eggs from the soil samples. A total of 40 samples soil samples were collected, in which 36 (90%) were positive for A. lumbricoides and 6 (15%) were positive T. trichiura. Various soil textures like sandy, loamy and clay harbored the helminth eggs. The contaminated soil could potentially lead to transmission of the helminth eggs by natural process like rain and water movement to their sounding environments, hence screening of soil sample in the environment serves as in indication for presence of STHs.

Intranasal oxytocin reduces weight gain in diet-induced obese prairie voles.

Oxytocin (OT) elicits weight loss in diet-induced obese (DIO) rodents, nonhuman primates and humans by reducing food intake and increasing energy expenditure. In addition to being important in the regulation of energy balance, OT is involved in social behaviors including parent-infant bonds, friendships, and pair bonds. However, the impact of social context on susceptibility to diet-induced obesity (DIO) and feeding behavior (including food sharing) has not been investigated in a rodent model that forms strong social bonds (i.e. prairie vole). Our goals were to determine in Prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) whether i) social context impacts susceptibility to DIO and ii) chronic intranasal OT reverses DIO. Voles were housed in divided cages with holes in the divider and paired with a same-sex animal with either the same food [high fat diet (HFD)/HFD, [low fat diet (LFD; chow)/chow], or the opposite food (HFD/chow or chow/HFD) for 19 weeks. HFD-fed voles pair-housed with voles maintained on the HFD demonstrated increased weight relative to pair-housed voles that were both maintained on chow. The study was repeated to determine the impact of social context on DIO susceptibility and body composition when animals are maintained on purified sugar-sweetened HFD and LFD to enhance palatability. As before, we found that voles demonstrated higher weight gain on the HFD/HFD housing paradigm, in part, through increased energy intake and the weight gain was a consequence of an increase in fat mass. However, HFD-fed animals housed with LFD-fed animals (and vice versa) showed intermediate patterns of weight gain and evidence of food sharing. Of translational importance is the finding that chronic intranasal OT appeared to reduce weight gain in DIO voles through a decrease in fat mass with no reduction in lean body mass. These effects were associated with transient reductions in food intake and increased food sharing. These findings identify a role of social context in the pathogenesis of DIO and indicate that chronic intranasal OT treatment reduces weight gain and body fat mass in DIO prairie voles, in part, by reducing food intake.

Nutritional status and dietary intakes of children amid the nutrition transition: the case of the Eastern Mediterranean Region.

The Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) is undergoing social and economic changes that may impact the nutritional status of children living in its countries. The objective of this review is to evaluate the nutritional status and dietary intakes of children (0-12 years) in selected EMR countries, namely, Jordan, Lebanon, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), and the United Arab Emirates. MedLine, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched for relevant articles published between 1990 and 2016; international organizations and governmental websites were also searched. Stunting in the region was estimated at 7.3% to 9.3%, wasting at 1.1% to 11.8%, and underweight at 1.6% to 5.3%. In contrast, overweight and obesity affected 19% to 21% of school-aged children from Lebanon and KSA. Available biochemical data showed that pediatric anemia, vitamin A, and vitamin D deficiencies remain a challenge in the region. Dietary intake studies have identified inadequate intakes of iron, calcium, zinc, folic acid, vitamin A, and vitamin D, concurrently with high intakes of fat, saturated fat, and sugar. This review provides valuable insight into the nutrition situation of children in 2 major areas of the EMR, the Levant and the Gulf, and identified several gaps and challenges in existing nutritional assessment studies. Key issues include the triple burden of malnutrition in this age group (underweight, nutrient inadequacies, and overweight/obesity), while calling for integrated action to improve the nutritional status of children in countries of the region. Opportunities for future research include nationwide nutritional and dietary surveys in countries where the largest data gaps remain such as the United Arab Emirates and KSA.

Organophosphate and Organochlorine Resistance in Larval Stage of Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) in Sabah, Malaysia.

The present study aims to investigate the susceptibility status of Aedes albopictus (Skuse) collected from residential areas in Sabah, Malaysia towards eight WHO-recommended dosages of larvicides representing the classes of organophosphates and organochlorines. Field and reference strains of Ae. albopictus larvae were bioassayed in accordance to WHO standard methods using diagnostic dosages of bromophos, malathion, fenthion, fenitrothion, temephos, chlorpyrifos, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), and dieldrin. The results revealed that Ae. albopictus was resistant (mortality < 90%) towards malathion, temephos, and DDT. In addition, most of the Ae. albopictus strains exhibited a wide range of susceptibilities against bromophos, with mortality ranged from 49.33 to 93.33%. On the contrary, only dieldrin was able to induce 100% mortality against all strains of Ae. albopictus. Tolerance to fenitrothion, fenthion, and chlorpyrifos, with mortality ranging from 81.33 to 97.33%, was also observed in this study.