Showing papers by "International Food Policy Research Institute published in 2022"

Characteristics and birth outcomes of pregnant adolescents compared to older women: An analysis of individual level data from 140,000 mothers from 20 RCTs

Abstract: Adolescence is a critical period of maturation when nutrient needs are high, especially among adolescents entering pregnancy. Using individual-level data from 140,000 participants, we examined socioeconomic, nutrition, and pregnancy and birth outcomes for adolescent mothers (10-19 years) compared to older mothers in low and middle-income countries.This study was conducted between March 16, 2018 and May 25, 2021. Data were obtained from 20 randomised controlled trials of micronutrient supplementation in pregnancy. Stratified analyses were conducted by age (10-14 years, 15-17 years, 18-19 years, 20-29 years, 30-39 years, 40+ years) and geographical region (Africa, Asia). Crude and confounder-adjusted means, prevalence and relative risks of pregnancy, nutrition and birth outcomes were estimated using multivariable linear and log-binomial regression models with 95% confidence intervals.Adolescent mothers comprised 31.6% of our data. Preterm birth, small-for-gestational age (SGA), low birthweight (LBW) and newborn mortality followed a U-shaped trend in which prevalence was highest among the youngest mothers (10-14 years) and then reduced gradually, but increased again for older mothers (40+ years). When compared to mothers aged 20-29 years, there was a 23% increased risk of preterm birth, a 60% increased risk of perinatal mortality, a 63% increased risk of neonatal mortality, a 28% increased risk of LBW, and a 22% increased risk of SGA among mothers 10-14 years. Mothers 40+ years experienced a 22% increased risk of preterm birth and a 103% increased risk of stillbirth when compared to the 20-29 year group.The youngest and oldest mothers suffer most from adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes. Policy and programming agendas should consider both biological and socioeconomic/environmental factors when targeting these populations.Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (Grant No: OP1137750).

Insight into the role of Y addition in the microstructures, mechanical and corrosion properties of as-cast Mg-Gd-Y-Zn-Ca-Zr alloys

Abstract: The microstructures, mechanical properties, and corrosion behaviors of Mg-4Gd-xY-1Zn-0.5Ca-1Zr (x = 1, 3, and 5 wt.%) alloys under as-cast condition were studied. The results indicate that all the alloys are composed of α-Mg matrix, eutectic phase, and lamellar stacking faults (SFs) located at the outer edge of the α-Mg grains. The plate-like long period stacking ordered (LPSO) structures are found in the alloys with higher Y content. The nano hardness of different phases obeys the following order: eutectic phase > SFs/LPSO structure > α-Mg matrix. Higher Y concentration leads to the nano hardness enhancement of the α-Mg matrix and more uniform hardness distribution. Tensile tests at ambient temperature indicate that Y addition plays a crucial role in improving the yield strength of the as-cast alloys. The corrosion properties of the as-cast alloys after immersion in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution for 60 h reveal that Mg-4Gd-3Y-1Zn-0.5Ca-1Zr alloy shows a more uniform corrosion morphology and better corrosion resistance than the other two alloys.

Bacterial communication in the regulation of stress response in Listeria monocytogenes

Abstract: Listeria monocytogenes, during its transmission from the non-host to host environment, encounters an array of stress and a range of polymicrobial community. It has enhanced regulatory mechanisms to survive in non-host environments and adhere to both the abiotic and biotic surfaces. The biofilm markers and the virulence factors that assist L. monocytogenes in encountering the stress are tightly regulated. To effectively regulate the gene expression, L. monocytogenes employs quorum sensing as one of the mechanisms of stress response systems. The quorum-sensing system of L. monocytogenes shares homologs across genus and domain; thus, potentially capable of responding to communication signals released from other bacteria and host. The stress responses in L. monocytogenes could be modulated by interaction with the surrounding microflora, food components, and the host. Unrevealing molecular interactions that associate bacterial communication with stress response will assist in developing food processing technologies and novel therapeutics. In the current review, we discuss the stress response system in L. monocytogenes as modulated by inter-species and cross-domain bacterial communication. Also, the effect of host-released metabolites affecting the virulence properties of L. monocytogenes has been highlighted.

Bacterial communication in the regulation of stress response in Listeria monocytogenes

Abstract: Listeria monocytogenes, during its transmission from the non-host to host environment, encounters an array of stress and a range of polymicrobial community. It has enhanced regulatory mechanisms to survive in non-host environments and adhere to both the abiotic and biotic surfaces. The biofilm markers and the virulence factors that assist L. monocytogenes in encountering the stress are tightly regulated. To effectively regulate the gene expression, L. monocytogenes employs quorum sensing as one of the mechanisms of stress response systems. The quorum-sensing system of L. monocytogenes shares homologs across genus and domain; thus, potentially capable of responding to communication signals released from other bacteria and host. The stress responses in L. monocytogenes could be modulated by interaction with the surrounding microflora, food components, and the host. Unrevealing molecular interactions that associate bacterial communication with stress response will assist in developing food processing technologies and novel therapeutics. In the current review, we discuss the stress response system in L. monocytogenes as modulated by inter-species and cross-domain bacterial communication. Also, the effect of host-released metabolites affecting the virulence properties of L. monocytogenes has been highlighted.

Anaemia in Indians aged 10–19 years: Prevalence, burden and associated factors at national and regional levels

Abstract: Anaemia control programmes in India are hampered by a lack of representative evidence on anaemia prevalence, burden and associated factors for adolescents. The aim of this study was to: (1) describe the national and subnational prevalence, severity and burden of anaemia among Indian adolescents; (2) examine factors associated with anaemia at national and regional levels. Data (n = 14,673 individuals aged 10-19 years) were from India's Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey (CNNS, 2016-2018). CNNS used a multistage, stratified, probability proportion to size cluster sampling design. Prevalence was estimated using globally comparable age- and sex-specific cutoffs, using survey weights for biomarker sample collection. Burden analysis used prevalence estimates and projected population from 2011 Census data. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to analyse factors (diet, micronutrient deficiencies, haemoglobinopathies, sociodemographic factors, environment) associated with anaemia. Anaemia was present in 40% of girls and 18% of boys, equivalent to 72 million adolescents in 2018, and varied by region (girls 29%-46%; boys 11%-28%) and state (girls 7%-62%; boys 4%-32%). Iron deficiency (ferritin < 15 μg/L) was the strongest predictor of anaemia (odds ratio [OR]: 4.68, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [3.21,6.83]), followed by haemoglobinopathies (HbA2 > 3.5% or any HbS) (OR: 2.81, 95% CI: [1.66,4.74]), vitamin A deficiency (serum retinol <20 ng/ml) (OR: 1.86, 95% CI: [1.23,2.80]) and zinc deficiency (serum zinc < 70 μg/L) (OR: 1.32, 95% CI: [1.02,1.72]). Regional models show heterogeneity in the strength of association between factors and anaemia by region. Adolescent anaemia control programmes in India should continue to address iron deficiency, strengthen strategies to identify haemoglobinopathies and other micronutrient deficiencies, and further explore geographic variation in associated factors.

Stories of change in nutrition in Burkina Faso 1992–2018: a micro-level perspective

Abstract: Looking back at what has effectively improved nutrition may inform policy makers on how to accelerate progress to end all forms of malnutrition by 2030. As under-five stunting declined substantially in Burkina Faso, we analyzed its nutrition story at the micro-level. We conducted a regression-decomposition analysis to identify demographic and health drivers associated with change in height-for-age using longitudinal, secondary, nationally-representative data. We triangulated results with findings from semi-structured community interviews (n = 91) in two "model communities" with a history of large stunting reduction. We found that improvement in immunization coverage, assets accumulation and reduction in open defecation were associated with 23%, 10% and 6.1% of the improvement in height-for-age, respectively. Associations were also found with other education, family planning, health and WASH indicators. Model communities acknowledged progress in the coverage and quality of nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive sectoral programs co-located at the community level, especially those delivered through the health and food security sectors, though delivery challenges remained in a context of systemic poverty and persistent food insecurity. Burkina Faso's health sector's success in improving coverage of nutrition and healthcare programs may have contributed to improvements in child nutrition alongside other programmatic improvements in the food security, WASH and education sectors. Burkina Faso should continue to operationalize sectoral nutrition-sensitive policies into higher-quality programs at scale, building on its success stories such as vaccination. Community leverage gaps and data gaps need to be filled urgently to pressure for and monitor high coverage, quality delivery, and nutrition impact of agriculture, education, and WASH interventions.The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12571-022-01274-z.

Telescoping Error in Recalled Food Consumption: Evidence from a Survey Experiment in Ethiopia

Abstract: Abstract Telescoping errors occur if survey respondents misdate events from outside the reference period and include them in their recall. Concern about telescoping influenced the design of early Living Standards Measurement Study (LSMS) surveys, which used a two-visit interview format to bound food consumption recall. This design fell out of favor although not for evidence-based reasons. To measure the extent of telescoping bias on food consumption measures, a survey experiment was conducted in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, randomly assigning households to either a two-visit bounded recall or a single visit unbounded recall. The average value of reported food consumption is 16 percent higher (95 percent CI: 7.4–25.9) in the unbounded single visit recall relative to the two-visit bounded recall. Most of the error is explained by difference in reported spending on less frequently consumed, protein-rich foods, so apparent food security indicators based on household diet diversity are likely overstated with unbounded recall.

Corrosion Behavior of Mg-xGd-1Zn-0.4Zr Alloys with Different Gd Additions for Biomedical Application

Abstract: In recent years, Mg alloys have attracted increased attention for biomedical application owing to their good biodegradability, biocompatibility, and biomechanical properties. However, rapid corrosion is still one of the most common limitations for their implanted application. In this work, the microstructure and corrosion behavior of the solution- and aging-treated Mg-xGd-1Zn-0.4Zr (x = 3, 6, and 9 wt%, denoted as GZ31K, GZ61K, and GZ91K, respectively) alloys were studied using optical microscope (OM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), immersion tests, electrochemical tests, and quasi in situ corrosion method. The results show that block Gd-rich precipitates and needle-like Zr-Zn-rich precipitates are formed as well as α-Mg matrix. With the increase in Gd content, the precipitates increase and the grain size first reduces and then increases. Corrosion experiment results show that the GZ61K alloy has the best corrosion resistance and the GZ91K alloy shows the highest corrosion rate among the three alloys in simulated body fluid (SBF). It is found that α-Mg is preferentially corroded and the precipitates have better corrosion resistance as compared to the α-Mg matrix. The GZ61K alloy with the corrosion rate of 0.23 mm/y in SBF shows a promising prospect for biomedical application.

Aqueous extracts of spices inhibit biofilm in Listeria monocytogenes by downregulating release of eDNA

Abstract: Listeria monocytogenes is a Gram-positive mesophilic foodborne pathogen whose pathogenicity is regulated by various environmental stress factors. The ability to form robust biofilm makes it difficult to eradicate this bacteria from food processing environments. Also, there is an increase in the antibiotic resistant food isolates of L. monocytogenes. Therefore, there is a constant need for the development of novel food preservation techniques and therapeutics. In this study, we sought to determine the effectiveness of clove and cinnamon water extracts on the listerial biofilm initiation, dispersion, and expression of the virulence genes. It was observed that the spice water extracts not only inhibited the biofilm formation of L. monocytogenes but also accelerated the dispersion. The spice extracts at higher concentrations were found to be bactericidal to L. monocytogenes. The extracts downregulated the expression of virulence genes and the release of extracellular DNA (eDNA) in the biofilm. The decreased ability to form biofilm could be attributed to the inhibition of eDNA secretion. Thus the water extracts of cinnamon and clove can be used as food preservatives against the biofilm formation of L. monocytogenes.

Bacterial Atlas of Mouse Gut Microbiota

Abstract: Background. Mouse model is one of the most widely used animal models for exploring the roles of human gut microbiota, a complex system involving in human immunity and metabolism. However, the structure of mouse gut bacterial community has not been explored at a large scale. To address this concern, the diversity and composition of the gut bacteria of 600 mice were characterized in this study. Results. The results showed that the bacteria belonging to 8 genera were found in the gut microbiota of all mouse individuals, indicating that the 8 bacteria were the core bacteria of mouse gut microbiota. The dominant genera of the mouse gut bacteria contained 15 bacterial genera. It was found that the bacteria in the gut microbiota were mainly involved in host’s metabolisms via the collaborations between the gut bacteria. The further analysis demonstrated that the composition of mouse gut microbiota was similar to that of human gut microbiota. Conclusion. Our study presented a bacterial atlas of mouse gut microbiota, providing a solid basis for investing the bacterial communities of mouse gut microbiota.

Social assistance programme impacts on women's and children's diets and nutritional status

Abstract: Investments in social assistance programmes (SAPs) have accelerated alongside interest in using SAPs to improve health and nutrition outcomes. However, evidence of how design features within and across programme types influence the effectiveness of SAPs for improving diet and nutrition outcomes among women and children is limited. To address this, we reviewed evaluations of cash, in-kind and voucher programmes conducted between 2010 and 2020 among women and children, and examined associations between design features (targeting, including household and individual transfers, fortified foods and behaviour change communication) and positive impacts on diet (diet diversity, micronutrient intake) and nutrition (anthropometric indicators, haemoglobin, anaemia) outcomes. Our review has several key findings. First, SAPs improve dietary diversity and intake of micronutrient-rich foods among women and children, as well as improve several nutrition outcomes. Second, SAPs were more likely to impact diet and nutrition outcomes among women compared with children (23/45 [51%] vs. 52/144 [36%] of outcomes measured). Third, in-kind (all but one of which included fortified foods) compared with cash transfer programmes were more likely to significantly increase women's body mass index and children's weight-for-height/length Z-score, and both women's and children's haemoglobin and anaemia. However, there is limited evidence on the effectiveness of SAPs for improving micronutrient status and preventing increased prevalence of overweight and obesity for all populations and for improving diet and nutrition outcomes among men, adolescents and the elderly. Further research in these areas is urgently needed to optimize impact of SAPs on diet and nutrition outcomes as countries increase investments in SAPs.

Future Land Precipitation Changes Over the North American Monsoon Region Using CMIP5 and CMIP6 Simulations

Abstract: Changes in the North American Monsoon (NAM), a circulation system that transports moisture into western Mexico and the southwest U.S., can have substantial impacts on water resources and agriculture. Here, we utilize future projections from Phase 6 and 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP) to assess monthly changes in land precipitation and the leading mechanisms resulting from anthropogenic climate change. Historical CMIP6 simulations of seasonal precipitation demonstrate skill in reproducing NAM rainfall, but mimic precipitation biases observed in previous CMIP generations. Future climate projections from the SSP5-8.5 pathway produce reductions in precipitation that persist throughout the monsoon season (June–August) but are balanced by precipitation increases during the late monsoon season (September–October) but are not shown in CMIP5 projections. Atmospheric moisture budget analysis reveals that early monsoon rainfall deficits are associated with a combination of greater evaporative demand, a negative dynamic response of vertical moisture advection, and anomalous subsidence. Increases in late monsoon season rainfall are attributed to a positive change in the dynamical term of vertical moisture advection and increases in upward motion. Although minimal changes in total land NAM rainfall are observed, seasonal shifts and the persistence of drier conditions can have significant ecological and societal consequences.

Migration and Gender Dynamics of Irrigation Governance in Nepal

Abstract: Nepal has a long history of irrigation, including government and farmer-managed irrigation systems that are labor- and skill-intensive. Widespread male migration has important effects on Nepalese society. How institutions such as Water Users’ Associations (WUAs) respond and adapt, is therefore critical to the understanding of rural transformation and the likely impact on gender equality, food production, and rural livelihoods. This paper examines the effects of male migration on institutional change in WUAs, women’s roles, technological change, and outcomes affecting effectiveness of irrigation systems based on a mixed methods study, combining a phone survey of 336 WUA leaders from all provinces in Nepal with qualitative data from case studies in 10 irrigation systems. Results indicate WUAs have adapted rules to increase women’s participation, and to monetize the contributions for maintenance. Women exercise agency in whether and how to interact with WUAs. Mechanization has reduced the need for some male labor, though the ability to mechanize is limited by hilly terrain and small plot sizes. Overall, systems are adapting to male migration, with relatively low idling of land or labor shortages causing deterioration of the systems, though there are concerns with the high levels of women’s labor burdens.

Suppression of RNA editing by miR-17 inhibits the stemness of melanoma stem cells

Abstract: More and more evidence suggests that microRNA (miRNA) and RNA editing play key roles in the development and progression of tumor. However, the influence of miRNA-mediated RNA editing on tumor stem cells remains unclear. In this study, the results demonstrated that miR-17, which was downregulated in melanoma stem cells, acted as a tumor inhibitor by suppressing the stemness of melanoma stem cells and promoting cell differentiation. MiR-17 targeted ADAR2 (adenosine deaminase acting on RNA 2), a gene encoding an editing enzyme required for the maintenance of melanoma stem cell stemness. In melanoma stem cells, ADAR2 was responsible for DOCK2 mRNA editing, which was able to increase the stability of DOCK2 mRNA. The in vitro and in vivo data demonstrated that DOCK2 mRNA editing upregulated the expressions of stemness and anti-apoptotic genes by activating Rac1 and then phosphorylating Akt and NF-κB, thus leading to oncogenesis of melanoma stem cells. Our findings contribute new perspectives to miRNA-regulated RNA editing in tumor progression.

Spermidine enhances the survival of <i>Streptococcus pyogenes</i> M3 under oxidative stress

Abstract: Streptococcus pyogenes, a host-restricted gram-positive pathogen during infection, initially adheres to the epithelia of the nasopharynx and respiratory tract of the human host, followed by disseminating to other organs and evading the host immune system. Upon phagocytosis, S. pyogenes encounters oxidative stress inside the macrophages. The role of polyamines in regulating various physiological functions including stress resistance in bacteria has been reported widely. Since S. pyogenes lacks the machinery for the biosynthesis of polyamines, the study aimed to understand the role of extracellular polyamines in the survival of S. pyogenes under oxidative stress environments. S. pyogenes being a catalase-negative organism, we report that its survival within the macrophages and H2 O2 is enhanced by the presence of spermidine. The increased survival can be attributed to the upregulation of oxidative stress response genes such as sodM, npx, and mtsABC. In addition, spermidine influences the upregulation of virulence factors such as sagA, slo, and hasA. Also, spermidine leads to a decrease in hydrophobicity of the cell membrane and an increase in hyaluronic acid. This study suggests a role for extracellular spermidine in the survival of S. pyogenes under oxidative stress environments. Recognizing the factors that modulate S. pyogenes survival and virulence under stress will assist in understanding its interactions with the host.

Measuring Women's Empowerment: Gender and Time‐use Agency in Benin, Malawi and Nigeria

Abstract: Time use, or how women and men allocate their time, is an important element of empowerment processes. To extend this area of study, this article proposes and explores the concept of time-use agency, which shifts the focus from the amount of time individuals spend on activities to the strategic choices they make about how to allocate their time. It draws on 92 semi-structured interviews from three qualitative studies in Benin, Malawi and Nigeria to explore and compare the salience of time-use agency as a component of empowerment. The article finds that time-use agency is salient among women and men and dictates how they can make and act upon strategic decisions related to how they allocate their time. It also finds that time-use agency is tied to other dimensions of agency beyond decision making and ways of exerting influence in the household. Its findings highlight that women's capacity to exercise time-use agency is conditional on gendered power dynamics and other barriers within households, which together are reciprocally related to local gender norms that dictate how women should spend their time.

What determines the time to gypsum adoption to remediate irrigated salt-affected agricultural lands? Evidence from Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract: Soil salinization is a serious environmental problem in arid and semi-arid regions, affecting crop yields and jeopardizing the food security of affected households. A common prescription to ameliorate salt-affected soils is the application of gypsum. However, little is known about the factors that motivate land managers to adopt gypsum and its likely effect on crop yields in different agro-ecological and socio-economic contexts. This study investigates the gypsum adoption process to rehabilitate irrigated salt-affected farmland, using survey data from 252 farm households in three agro-ecological zones of Punjab, Pakistan. An accelerated failure time model is used to investigate factors that affect the speed of adoption and the propensity score matching method to evaluate the impact of gypsum adoption on crop yields. About 56% of farm households adopted gypsum, and the average time to adoption was 4.3 years. Key factors reducing the time to gypsum adoption include secure and legal land entitlements, exposure to demonstration trials and field days, access to extension services, and access to credit facilities. In contrast, the distance to soil and water testing laboratories and input markets increases the time to adoption. On average, gypsum adoption increased wheat and rice yields by 17% and 23%, respectively. Our findings suggest that gypsum adoption will increase with the implementation of policies that increase land managers' exposure to the technology and formal information about the technology, reduce barriers to credit access, and provide secure and legal land entitlements.

Aqueous extracts of spices inhibit biofilm in Listeria monocytogenes by downregulating release of eDNA

Abstract: Listeria monocytogenes is a Gram-positive mesophilic foodborne pathogen whose pathogenicity is regulated by various environmental stress factors. The ability to form robust biofilm makes it difficult to eradicate this bacteria from food processing environments. Also, there is an increase in the antibiotic resistant food isolates of L. monocytogenes. Therefore, there is a constant need for the development of novel food preservation techniques and therapeutics. In this study, we sought to determine the effectiveness of clove and cinnamon water extracts on the listerial biofilm initiation, dispersion, and expression of the virulence genes. It was observed that the spice water extracts not only inhibited the biofilm formation of L. monocytogenes but also accelerated the dispersion. The spice extracts at higher concentrations were found to be bactericidal to L. monocytogenes. The extracts downregulated the expression of virulence genes and the release of extracellular DNA (eDNA) in the biofilm. The decreased ability to form biofilm could be attributed to the inhibition of eDNA secretion. Thus the water extracts of cinnamon and clove can be used as food preservatives against the biofilm formation of L. monocytogenes.

Sustainable Development and Climate Change

Abstract: The concept of sustainable development can be best interpreted as an approach to development that looks to balance different, and often competing, needs against an awareness of the environmental, social, and economic limitations we face as a society. Most of the present development activities are being conceived and implemented without fully considering the wider or future impacts. A manifestation of such kind of development approach is quite evident in the form of large-scale financial crises caused by irresponsible banking, changes in the global climate resulting from our dependence on fossil fuel-based energy sources. The longer we pursue unsustainable development, the more frequent and severe its consequences are likely to become, which is why we need to take action now. This chapter explores sustainable development and climate change.