Chemical composition of juice and antihyperglycemic studies in seed of the prehispanic fruit tunillo (Stenocereus stellatus) collected in Oaxaca, Mexico

580-584Tunillo, or pitaya of august (Stenocereus stellatus) is a prehispanic fruit, endemic to the Mixteca region in Mexico and to which a lot of medicinal properties have been associated. However, there are few scientific studies regarding its characterization and use. For these reasons, in this study we carried out a chemical characterization of the juice of four-color variants as well as determine the antihyperglycemic capacity of seed. Physical and chemical characterization were carried out in juice of fruits of Stenocereus after a preselection based on pulp color. Total soluble solids, pH, titratable acidity, organic acid and betalains were quantified in juice and antihyperglycemic capacity was measured in seed. Physicochemical parameters in juice were similar in the 4 variants; regarding the content of pigments, the red variant showed the highest values as well as the highest organic acids. However, the white, orange, and red variants showed better antihyperglycemic capacity. Red tunillo is the best candidate for obtaining pigments and its higher organic acids content correlates with its lower acceptance by the local population. The seeds of the white, orange, and red colors showed promising anhyperglycemic capacity, which suggest that they should be considered for the development of antidiabetic treatments. These results contribute to the use of compex matrices considered waste products of the fruits. This would undoubtedly increase their commercial value

Biological dosimetry after radiosynoviorthesis with rhenium-186 sulphide and erbium-169 citrate

Zur Abschätzung der radiobiologischen Sicherheit des Verfahrens wird in dieser Arbeit die Radiosynoviorthese (RSO) mit Re-186 und Er-169 hinsichtlich biologischer Strahleneffekte untersucht. Bei 23 Patienten wurde eine RSO mit Rhenium-186-Sulfid- (10 Patienten) oder Erbium-169-Zitratkolloid (13 Patienten) durchgeführt. Das behandelte Gelenk wurde anschließend ruhig gestellt. Bei allen Patienten erfolgte vor und 17–19 Tage (Re-186) bzw. 45–50 Tage (Er-169) nach der RSO eine venöse Blutentnahme. Zur Analyse der Strahlenexposition wurde die Häufigkeit von dizentrischen Chromosomen in Lymphozyten der ersten Zellteilung in vitro bestimmt. Pro Patient wurden mindestens 1000 Zellen vor und nach der RSO untersucht, was nach längerer Einwirkung niederenergetischer Strahlung ausreichend ist, um im bestrahlten Kollektiv die im Rahmen der RSO erwarteten Strahlendosen nachzuweisen. Ergänzend wurde bei den mit Re-186 behandelten Patienten der Aktivitätsabtransport aus dem Gelenk mittels Ganzkörperszintigraphie bestimmt. In der Untersuchung von insgesamt 47017 Zellen fanden sich vor RSO mit Re-186 bzw. Er-169 40 bzw. 88, danach 59 bzw. 105 dizentrische Chromosomen in Lymphozyten des peripheren Blutes. Eine signifikante Zunahme der dizentrischen Chromosomen nach der RSO zeigte sich nicht. Der Aktivitätsabtransport nach RSO mit Re-186 lag durchschnittlich unter 5 % (unter 3 MBq) und ist damit als gering einzustufen. Die Ergebnisse der Untersuchung von Chromosomenaberrationen und des Aktivitätsabtransports nach Radiosynoviorthese mit Rhenium-186 und Erbium-169 sprechen für eine geringe Strahlenexposition der Patienten und damit für die Sicherheit des Verfahrens.The aim of the present studies was to investigate the biological radiation effect of radiosynoviorthesis (RSO) with Re-186 and Er-169 in order to evaluate the safety of this procedure. RSO with rhenium-186 sulfide colloid (10 patients) or erbium-169 citrate colloid (13 patients) was carried out in a total of 23 patients. Afterwards, the treated joint was immobilised for three days using splints. From all patients, blood was drawn immediately before and 17 to 19 days (Re-186) or 45 to 50 days (Er-169) after RSO. To evaluate the radiation dose, the yield of dicentric chromosomes in lymphocytes was determined exclusively in metaphases of the first cell cycle in vitro. At least 1000 cells per patient have been analysed before and after RSO which is sufficient to find potential radiation effects after long-term exposure to low energy radiation such as to expect after RSO. In addition, for Re-186 the activity leakage from the treated joint was measured by whole-body scintigraphy. In a total of 47017 cells analysed from 46 blood samples, 40 and 88 before and 59 and 105 dicentrics after RSO with Re-186 and Er-169 were found. This showed no statistically significant increase in the number of dicentric chromosomes. The measured average activity leakage of less than 5 % (less than 3 MBq) was considered to be low. The results of chromosome analysis and activity measurement after RSO prove that this procedure is associated with a low effective dose in treated patients and thus can be considered a safe treatment

Chemical composition of juice and antihyperglycemic studies in seed of the prehispanic fruit tunillo (Stenocereus stellatus) collected in Oaxaca, Mexico

Tunillo, or pitaya of august (Stenocereus stellatus) is a prehispanic fruit, endemic to the Mixteca region in Mexico and to which a lot of medicinal properties have been associated. However, there are few scientific studies regarding its characterization and use. For these reasons, in this study we carried out a chemical characterization of the juice of four-color variants as well as determine the antihyperglycemic capacity of seed. Physical and chemical characterization were carried out in juice of fruits of Stenocereus after a preselection based on pulp color. Total soluble solids, pH, titratable acidity, organic acid and betalains were quantified in juice and antihyperglycemic capacity was measured in seed. Physicochemical parameters in juice were similar in the 4 variants; regarding the content of pigments, the red variant showed the highest values as well as the highest organic acids. However, the white, orange, and red variants showed better antihyperglycemic capacity. Red tunillo is the best candidate for obtaining pigments and its higher organic acids content correlates with its lower acceptance by the local population. The seeds of the white, orange, and red colors showed promising anhyperglycemic capacity, which suggest that they should be considered for the development of antidiabetic treatments. These results contribute to the use of compex matrices considered waste products of the fruits. This would undoubtedly increase their commercial value

A minimum data set-Core outcome set, core data elements, and core measurement set-For degenerative cervical myelopathy research (AO Spine RECODE DCM): A consensus study

BACKGROUND Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) is a progressive chronic spinal cord injury estimated to affect 1 in 50 adults. Without standardised guidance, clinical research studies have selected outcomes at their discretion, often underrepresenting the disease and limiting comparability between studies. Utilising a standard minimum data set formed via multi-stakeholder consensus can address these issues. This combines processes to define a core outcome set (COS)-a list of key outcomes-and core data elements (CDEs), a list of key sampling characteristics required to interpret the outcomes. Further "how" these outcomes should be measured and/or reported is then defined in a core measurement set (CMS). This can include a recommendation of a standardised time point at which outcome data should be reported. This study defines a COS, CDE, and CMS for DCM research. METHODS AND FINDINGS A minimum data set was developed using a series of modified Delphi processes. Phase 1 involved the setup of an international DCM stakeholder group. Phase 2 involved the development of a longlist of outcomes, data elements, and formation into domains. Phase 3 prioritised the outcomes and CDEs using a two-stage Delphi process. Phase 4 determined the final DCM minimal data set using a consensus meeting. Using the COS, Phase 5 finalised definitions of the measurement construct for each outcome. In Phase 6, a systematic review of the literature was performed, to scope and define the psychometric properties of measurement tools. Phase 7 used a modified Delphi process to inform the short-listing of candidate measurement tools. The final measurement set was then formed through a consensus meeting (Phase 8). To support implementation, the data set was then integrated into template clinical research forms (CRFs) for use in future clinical trials (Phase 9). In total, 28 outcomes and 6 domains (Pain, Neurological Function, Life Impact, Radiology, Economic Impact, and Adverse Events) were entered into the final COS. Thirty two outcomes and 4 domains (Individual, Disease, Investigation, and Intervention) were entered into the final CDE. Finally, 4 outcome instruments (mJOA, NDI, SF-36v2, and SAVES2) were identified for the CMS, with a recommendation for trials evaluating outcomes after surgery, to include baseline measurement and at 6 months from surgery. CONCLUSIONS The AO Spine RECODE-DCM has produced a minimum data set for use in DCM clinical trials today. These are available at https://myelopathy.org/minimum-dataset/. While it is anticipated the CDE and COS have strong and durable relevance, it is acknowledged that new measurement tools, alongside an increasing transition to study patients not undergoing surgery, may necessitate updates and adaptation, particularly with respect to the CMS

A community based field research project investigating anaemia amongst young children living in rural Karnataka, India: a cross sectional study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Anaemia is an important problem amongst young children living in rural India. However, there has not previously been a detailed study of the biological aetiology of this anaemia, exploring the relative contributions of iron, vitamin B12, folate and Vitamin A deficiency, inflammation, genetic haemoglobinopathy, hookworm and malaria. Nor have studies related these aetiologic biological factors to household food security, standard of living and child feeding practices. Barriers to conducting such work have included perceived reluctance of village communities to permit their children to undergo venipuncture, and logistical issues. We have successfully completed a community based, cross sectional field study exploring in detail the causes of anaemia amongst young children in a rural setting.</p> <p>Methods and design</p> <p>A cross sectional, community based study. We engaged in extensive community consultation and tailored our study design to the outcomes of these discussions. We utilised local women as field workers, harnessing the capacity of local health workers to assist with the study. We adopted a programmatic approach with a census rather than random sampling strategy in the village, incorporating appropriate case management for children identified to have anaemia. We developed a questionnaire based on existing standard measurement tools for standard of living, food security and nutrition. Specimen processing was conducted at the Primary Health Centre laboratory prior to transport to an urban research laboratory.</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>Adopting this study design, we have recruited 415 of 470 potentially eligible children who were living in the selected villages. We achieved support from the community and cooperation of local health workers. Our results will improve the understanding into anaemia amongst young children in rural India. However, many further studies are required to understand the health problems of the population of rural India, and our study design and technique provide a useful demonstration of a successful strategy.</p

Factors Influencing Receipt of Iron Supplementation by Young Children and their Mothers in Rural India: Local and National Cross-Sectional Studies

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>In India, 55% of women and 69.5% of preschool children are anaemic despite national policies recommending routine iron supplementation. Understanding factors associated with receipt of iron in the field could help optimise implementation of anaemia control policies. Thus, we undertook 1) a cross-sectional study to evaluate iron supplementation to children (and mothers) in rural Karnataka, India, and 2) an analysis of all-India rural data from the National Family Health Study 2005-6 (NFHS-3).</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>All children aged 12-23 months and their mothers served by 6 of 8 randomly selected sub-centres managed by 2 rural Primary Health Centres of rural Karnataka were eligible for the Karnataka Study, conducted between August and October 2008. Socioeconomic and demographic data, access to health services and iron receipt were recorded. Secondly, NFHS-3 rural data were analysed. For both studies, logistic regression was used to evaluate factors associated with receipt of iron.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The Karnataka Study recruited 405 children and 377 of their mothers. 41.5% of children had received iron, and 11.5% received iron through the public system. By multiple logistic regression, factors associated with children's receipt of iron included: wealth (Odds Ratio (OR) 2.63 [95% CI 1.11, 6.24] for top vs bottom wealth quintile), male sex (OR 2.45 [1.47, 4.10]), mother receiving postnatal iron (OR 2.31 [1.25, 4.28]), mother having undergone antenatal blood test (OR 2.10 [1.09, 4.03]); Muslim religion (OR 0.02 [0.00, 0.27]), attendance at Anganwadi centre (OR 0.23 [0.11, 0.49]), fully vaccinated (OR 0.33 [0.15, 0.75]), or children of mothers with more antenatal health visits (8-9 visits OR 0.25 [0.11, 0.55]) were less likely to receive iron. Nationally, 3.7% of rural children were receiving iron; this was associated with wealth (OR 1.12 [1.02, 1.23] per quintile), maternal education (compared with no education: completed secondary education OR 2.15 [1.17, 3.97], maternal antenatal iron (2.24 [1.56, 3.22]), and child attending an Anganwadi (OR 1.47 [1.20, 1.80]).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>In rural India, public distribution of iron to children is inadequate and disparities exist. Measures to optimize receipt of government supplied iron to all children regardless of wealth and ethnic background could help alleviate anaemia in this population.</p

Does the Establishment of Sustainable Use Reserves Affect Fire Management in the Humid Tropics?

Tropical forests are experiencing a growing fire problem driven by climatic change, agricultural expansion and forest degradation. Protected areas are an important feature of forest protection strategies, and sustainable use reserves (SURs) may be reducing fire prevalence since they promote sustainable livelihoods and resource management. However, the use of fire in swidden agriculture, and other forms of land management, may be undermining the effectiveness of SURs in meeting their conservation and sustainable development goals. We analyse MODIS derived hot pixels, TRMM rainfall data, Terra-Class land cover data, socio-ecological data from the Brazilian agro-census and the spatial extent of rivers and roads to evaluate whether the designation of SURs reduces fire occurrence in the Brazilian Amazon. Specifically, we ask (1) a. Is SUR location (i.e., de facto) or (1) b. designation (i.e. de jure) the driving factor affecting performance in terms of the spatial density of fires?, and (2), Does SUR creation affect fire management (i.e., the timing of fires in relation to previous rainfall)? We demonstrate that pre-protection baselines are crucial for understanding reserve performance. We show that reserve creation had no discernible impact on fire density, and that fires were less prevalent in SURs due to their characteristics of sparser human settlement and remoteness, rather than their status de jure. In addition, the timing of fires in relation to rainfall, indicative of local fire management and adherence to environmental law, did not improve following SUR creation. These results challenge the notion that SURs promote environmentally sensitive fire-management, and suggest that SURs in Amazonia will require special attention if they are to curtail future accidental wildfires, particularly as plans to expand the road infrastructure throughout the region are realised. Greater investment to support improved fire management by farmers living in reserves, in addition to other fire users, will be necessary to help ameliorate these threats

Protocol for a randomised, multicentre, four-arm, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial to assess the benefits and safety of iron supplementation with malaria chemoprevention to children in Malawi: IRMA trial

Introduction Approximately 40% of children aged 6–59 months worldwide are anaemic. Iron-containing multiple micronutrient powders (MNPs) and iron supplements (syrup/drops) are used to combat anaemia in children in different parts of the world. However, evidence for functional benefits of iron supplementation in children is scarce, and potential risks remain poorly defined, particularly concerning diarrhoea and malaria. This trial aims to determine if: (1) the efficacy of iron supplements or MNPs (containing iron) given with malaria chemoprevention is superior to malaria chemoprevention alone, or (2) if the efficacy of malaria chemoprevention alone is superior to placebo on child cognitive development.Methods and analysis IRMA is a four-arm, parallel-group, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, triple-dummy, randomised trial in Southern Malawi. The study recruits 2168 infants aged 6 months, with an intervention period of 6 months and a post-intervention period of a further 6 months. Children are randomised into four arms: (1) No intervention (placebo); (2) malaria chemoprevention only; (3) MNPs and malaria chemoprevention; and (4) iron syrup and malaria chemoprevention. The primary outcome, cognitive development (Cognitive Composite Score (CogCS)), is measured at the end of the 6 months intervention. Secondary outcomes include CogCS at a further 6 months post-intervention, motor, language and behavioural development, physical growth and prevalence of anaemia and iron deficiency. Safety outcomes include incidence of malaria and other infections, and prevalence of malaria parasitaemia during and post-intervention period.Ethics and dissemination The trial is approved by the National Health Sciences Research Committee (#19/01/2213) (Malawi) and the Human Research Ethics Committee (WEHI: 19/012) (Australia). Written informed consent in the local language is obtained from each participant before conducting any study-related procedure. Results will be shared with the local community and internationally with academic and policy stakeholders.Trial registration number ACTRN12620000386932