Peanut supplementation affects compositions and functions of gut microbiome in Ugandan children

Childhood malnutrition remains a serious global health concern, particularly in low-income nations like Uganda. This study investigated the impact of peanut supplementation on the compositions and functions of gut microbiome with nutritional improvement. School children aged 6-9 years from four rural communities were recruited, with half receiving roasted peanut snacks while the other half served as controls. Fecal samples were collected at the baseline (day 0), day 60, and day 90. Microbial DNA was extracted, and 16S rRNA sequencing was performed, followed by the measurement of SCFA concentration in fecal samples using UHPLC. Alpha and beta diversity analyses revealed significant differences between the control and supplemented groups after 90 days of supplementation. Leuconostoc lactis, Lactococcus lactis, Lactococcus garvieae, Eubacterium ventriosum, and Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, associated with the production of beneficial metabolites, increased significantly in the supplemented group. Acetic acid concentration also increased significantly. Notably, pathogenic bacteria, including Clostridium perfringens and Leuconostoc mesenteroides, were decreased in the supplemented group. The study indicates the potential of peanut supplementation to modulate the gut metabolome, enrich beneficial bacteria, and inhibit pathogens, suggesting a novel approach to mitigating child malnutrition and improving health status.

Use of peanut meal as a model matrix to study the effect of composting on aflatoxin decontamination

In developing countries, aflatoxin-contaminated peanut wastes are often used as mulching materials or soil amendments, which introduce aflatoxins and aflatoxin-producing mould into subsequent farming seasons. This research evaluated the effectiveness of composting as a means of aflatoxin decontamination using highly-contaminated peanut meal as a model matrix at 40 °C for 6 w. The composting methods caused 72.2-154.9 (41.9-75.1%), 7.4-17.6 (37.9-72.0%), 1.2-6.9 (77.1-100.0%), or 0.0-2.1 (0.0-100.0%) μg/kg reduction in the levels of aflatoxin B1, B2, G1 and G2 in peanut meal, respectively. Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus counts and total mould counts decreased from 103-105 to <10 colony forming units/g. Composting time and the type of starters used significantly influenced aflatoxin content, while the presence of accelerator did not affect aflatoxin levels. The highest level of toxin decontamination occurred in the first week when compost temperature and ammonia concentration were high. Micronutrient contents of resulting composts were within the accepted range for fertilisers, except for calcium. Heavy metal content was below the maximum allowable levels except nickel in one of the samples. Aflatoxin reduction was also observed in an up-scale experiment using contaminated agriculture waste as raw materials. Results suggest that composting could be employed to decontaminate aflatoxin-containing agricultural waste in developing countries.

A photometric redshift of z = 6.39 ± 0.12 for GRB 050904

Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) and their afterglows are the most brilliant transient events in the Universe. Both the bursts themselves and their afterglows have been predicted to be visible out to redshifts of z approximately 20, and therefore to be powerful probes of the early Universe. The burst GRB 000131, at z = 4.50, was hitherto the most distant such event identified. Here we report the discovery of the bright near-infrared afterglow of GRB 050904 (ref. 4). From our measurements of the near-infrared afterglow, and our failure to detect the optical afterglow, we determine the photometric redshift of the burst to be z = 6.39 - 0.12 + 0.11 (refs 5-7). Subsequently, it was measured spectroscopically to be z = 6.29 +/- 0.01, in agreement with our photometric estimate. These results demonstrate that GRBs can be used to trace the star formation, metallicity, and reionization histories of the early Universe.

Alitretinoin (Panretin) gel 0.1%

This review focuses on the use of alitretinoin (Panretin) gel 0.1% therapy as a new topical treatment of cutaneous lesions in patients with AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma.

Deletion detection in the dystrophin gene by multiplex gap ligase chain reaction and immunochromatographic strip technology

The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the value of a multiplex amplification and readout system. The validation was done using as a model system the detection of deletions in nine possible dystrophin exons: 4, 8, 12, 17, 19, 44, 45, 48, and 51. The amplification system was gap ligase chain reaction, adapted to amplify selected regions of multiple exons simultaneously. The amplified products were read out with an immunochromatographic methodology, adapted from that used in the Abbott product line commercialized under the name Test Pack Plus. In each amplification, the beta-globin gene was incorporated and served as a procedural control. The complete process takes < 3 hr from DNA sample to result. The procedure is therefore rapid and simple, as well as being potentially very cost effective. The combination of these two technologies is shown to be a useful tool for the determination of deletions in the nine exons of the dystrophin gene. The results of a 100-patient sample study showed concordance with cDNA and PCR in current use. Equivalent performance at two sites was shown.

The prognostic utility of delayed-type hypersensitivity skin testing in the evaluation of HIV-infected patients. Military Medical Consortium for Applied Retroviral Research

Many reagents and techniques have been used for delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) skin testing in the evaluation of HIV-infected patients, resulting in varied interpretation of the utility of DTH skin testing in this population. We report the development of a simple algorithm for selection of DTH antigens and the clinical relevance of DTH skin testing in HIV disease. Antigens and concentrations for testing were first evaluated in a demographically matched, HIV-negative, immunologically healthy population. The testing scheme was then applied to the HIV population of interest for 5 years at several clinical sites. The antigens and concentrations selected resulted in 100% reactivity to two or more antigens in the HIV-negative cohort. Anergy is thus a distinct immunologic abnormality. Although some correlation (r2 = 0.6) of skin test reactivity and CD4 cell count was found in a cohort of HIV-infected individuals, anergy was found to be independently predictive of the development of symptomatic late-stage disease (Walter Reed Stage 6), AIDS, or death. This stepwise evaluation of skin testing and reagents has led to the modification of the skin testing protocol by defining the minimum number of antigens required and establishing the independent prognostic role of DTH skin testing in the evaluation of HIV-infected patients. The addition of mumps (40 CFU/ml), tetanus (1:10), and candida (1:10) to the purified protein derivative (PPD) skin test provides the critical controls to evaluate the status of PPD skin test in HIV-infected individuals as well as to provide a useful and prognostic clinical immunology evaluation.

Family involvement and outcome in treatment of alcoholism

The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of spouses' (or significant others') involvement in the treatment of alcoholism. Altogether 80 adult patients who had been treated for alcoholism participated. There were three groups who varied in involvement: Group I whose spouses attended 3 or fewer group therapy sessions per week, Group II whose spouses attended 4 or more sessions per week, and Group III whose spouses were treated as inpatients for coalcoholism. Information was gathered through personal interviews as part of the treatment follow-up plan no less than six months after release. The results suggest strong associations between greater family involvement and abstinence (at least six months), better family relations, and positive feelings about self. Further work should consider factors contributing to greater spousal involvement and the nature of support received after treatment.

Biennial survey of physician clinical nutrition training programs

A survey was conducted of 50 medical centers providing postgraduate clinical training in nutrition. Each program director completed a questionnaire that requested information on major program affiliations and interests, available positions, number of trainees, sources and level of funding, and general aspects of the curriculum. The results are assembled into a geographic listing of the 50 centers, and the tabulated data provides a current profile of postgraduate clinical training in nutrition.

Prolymphocytic leukemia: treatment with combination chemotherapy to include doxorubicin

Prolymphocytic leukemia (PL) is a clinically distinct leukemic disorder. Cytochemical and surface marker characteristics help to differentiate PL from other types of leukemia, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). In contrast to patients with CLL, those with PL frequently require early therapeutic intervention. Standard treatment regimens for CLL as well as splenectomy and splenic irradiation have not been effective in the treatment of PL. Combination chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP) has produced impressive clinical responses in patients with PL. The treatment of a patient with PL is discussed and the literature is reviewed.