scholarly journals Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Nutrition Research Network: A Home Garden Intervention Improves Child Length-for-Age Z-Score and Household-Level Crop Count and Nutritional Functional Diversity in Rural Guatemala

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Guzmán-Abril ◽  
Stephen Alajajian ◽  
Peter Rohloff ◽  
Gabriela V. Proaño ◽  
Jennifer Brewer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Functional Diversity ◽  
Research Network ◽  
Home Garden ◽  
Z Score ◽  
Household Level ◽  
Nutrition Research ◽  
Nutrition And Dietetics

Hemoglobin H-Constant Spring in North America: A Common Alpha Thalassemia with Frequent Complications.

Blood ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 112 (11) ◽  
pp. 1880-1880
Author(s):  
Titi Singer ◽  
Hae-Young Kim ◽  
Nancy F Olivieri ◽  
Janet Kwiatkowski ◽  
Ashutosh Lal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Mass ◽  
Southern China ◽  
Ferritin Level ◽  
Iron Concentration ◽  
Research Network ◽  
Growth Delay ◽  
Z Score ◽  
Dna Diagnosis ◽  
Liver Iron ◽  
Hb H Disease

Abstract The α-globin Constant Spring (CS) mutation (α142 STOP → Gln; TAA → CAA) is the most prevalent non-deletional thalassemia in south East Asia and southern China. DNA diagnosis of Hb H Constant Spring (Hb H CS; 2 α-gene deletions and 1 CS mutation) is often required because it can be missed by electrophoresis. The clinical phenotype of Hb H CS is more severe than classical Hb H disease. We sought to characterize the unique hematological and clinical features of Hb H CS patients, especially compared to those with Hb H disease, who were identified through the Thalassemia Clinical Research Network (TCRN). A total of 836 patients enrolled in the TCRN registry in Canada and the U.S. (2001 to 2005) were screened for this analysis. Genotyping of 836 thalassemia patients identified 106/836 (12.7%) with Hb H and 46/836 (5.5%) with Hb H CS. 2 had other non-deletional mutations. Among Hb H CS patients, 48% were female; mean age was 13±11 years. Among patients who had spleens, splenomegaly was more prevalent in Hb H CS than Hb H patients (16% vs 1%, p=0.001). Among Hb H CS patients who had splenomegaly, average spleen span was 3.67 ± 2.25cm. 13% of the Hb H CS and 2% of the Hb H patients had their spleen removed (p=0.005). Mean Hb level was higher in the splenectomized Hb H CS patients than in the non-splenectomized Hb H CS patients (9.85 ± 2.25 g/dL vs. 8.25 ± 0.76 g/dL, p=0.006). Post-splenectomy portal vein thrombosis was reported in 1 Hb H CS patient. 7.5% (3/40) of non-splenectomized Hb H CS patients had bacteremia or infections requiring intravenous antibiotics. 8.7% (4/46) of Hb H CS patients underwent cholecystectomy. 24% of HbH CS and none of the Hb H patients were placed on regular transfusions (>8/year) and chelation therapy. Mean age of initiation of transfusions was 3.5±1.3 years (range 2–5 years). Mean ferritin level was higher in the non-transfused Hb H CS patients than in the Hb H patients (369.9 ± 409.9 ng/ml vs 175.9 ± 304.2 ng/ml, p=0.01), suggesting increased gastrointestinal iron absorption in Hb H CS. In 5 transfused Hb H CS patients, liver iron concentration was obtained showing elevated levels (27.2 ± 13.9 μgm/gm dry wt). Growth delay was more apparent in the Hb H CS patients (n=19) compared to 20 Hb H patients (Mean height Z score: −1.34 ± 0.98 for Hb H CS vs −0.82 ± 1.15 for Hb H (p=0.16) and mean weight Z score: −1.15 ± 0.88 for Hb H CS vs. −0.83 ± 1.61 for Hb H (p=0.47)). Bone density scans in Hb H CS patients revealed a higher prevalence of low bone mass than that detected in Hb H patients: mean L1-L4 spine Z/T-score of −1.60 ± 0.86 vs. −0.93 ± 0.80 (p=0.02). 40% (4/10) of adult female Hb H CS patients had 1 or more successful pregnancies, some requiring transfusion support through pregnancy. Patients with Hb H CS have a severe phenotype of α-thalassemia. They have moderately severe anemia, which sometimes requires regular transfusions, splenectomy, or both. Patients with Hb H CS commonly have iron overload, growth delay, and reduced bone mass. Early diagnosis in the neonatal period, regular monitoring, and appropriate treatment considerations for initiation of regular transfusions are key.

scholarly journals Multilevel analysis of risk factors associated with severe underweight among children under 5 years: evidence from the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 166-172
Author(s):  
Justice M K Aheto ◽  
Ogum-Alangea Deda
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Health Survey ◽  
Maternal Education ◽  
Demographic And Health Survey ◽  
Multiple Birth ◽  
Demographic And Health Surveys ◽  
Z Score ◽  
Household Level ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Weight For Age

Background: Undernutrition among children <5yr. is a global public health problem, especially in developing countries like Ghana. Undernutrition increases the risk of child morbidity and mortality. There is paucity of data on household-level effects on severe underweight and associated factors. Objective: The study investigated the risk factors associated with severe underweight among children < 5yr.in Ghana and examined unobserved differences across households based on the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health surveys (GDHS) data. Methods: Data from a population-based cross-sectional study was obtained from the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey. Data on 2720 children nested within 1972 households was extracted for analysis. Our regression analysis used data on 2716 children with complete data on the outcome and risk factors. Children with weight-for-age Z-score below -3 standard deviations were classified as severely underweight based on the 2006 WHO child growth standards. We applied random intercept multilevel logistic regression to examine whether severe underweight status in children differ across households while simultaneously identifying potential risk factors. Results: A total of 2720 children had valid weight-for-age z-score and 53 (1.95%) of them were identified as severely underweight. In the univariate model, child level variables such as multiple birth [odds ratio (OR), 4.03;95%confidence interval (CI): 1.85-8.76]and child born average (OR, 2.17;95%CI: 1.09-4.32) or small (OR, 4.08; 95%CI: 2.01-8.28) in size at birth are associated with increased odds of severe underweight. Maternal/household level variables such as increase in number of children below 5 yr. (OR, 1.61; 95%CI: 1.28-2.04), poorest households (OR, 4.85; 95%CI: 1.14-20.59) and increase in number of births in last 5 yr. (OR, 1.80, 95%CI: 1.24-2.60) were associated with increased odds of severe underweight. Increase in maternal years of education (OR, 0.89; 95%CI: 0.83-0.95) was associated with reduced odds of severe underweight. In the multilevel logistic model, only type of birth (OR, 1.61;95%CI: 1.28-2.04), size of child (average: OR, 2.12;95%CI: 1.04-4.33; small: OR, 3.87;95%CI: 1.80-8.33) at birth, and maternal education (OR, 0.92;95%CI: 0.84-1.00) were independently associated with severe underweight. There were no significant residual household-level variations in severe underweight status. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that improving maternal education, socioeconomic conditions of families, and family planning are critical in addressing severe underweight

scholarly journals The characteristics and extent of food industry involvement in peer-reviewed research articles from 10 leading nutrition-related journals in 2018

PLoS ONE ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (12) ◽  
pp. e0243144
Author(s):  
Gary Sacks ◽  
Devorah Riesenberg ◽  
Melissa Mialon ◽  
Sarah Dean ◽  
Adrian J. Cameron
Keyword(s):  
Food Industry ◽  
Research Articles ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Processed Food ◽  
Competing Interests ◽  
Funding Sources ◽  
Nutrition Research ◽  
Paediatric Obesity ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Nutrition And Dietetics

Introduction There is emerging evidence that food industry involvement in nutrition research may bias research findings and/or research agendas. However, the extent of food industry involvement in nutrition research has not been systematically explored. This study aimed to identify the extent of food industry involvement in peer-reviewed articles from a sample of leading nutrition-related journals, and to examine the extent to which findings from research involving the food industry support industry interests. Methods All original research articles published in 2018 in the top 10 most-cited nutrition- and dietetics-related journals were analysed. We evaluated the proportion of articles that disclosed involvement from the food industry, including through author affiliations, funding sources, declarations of interest or other acknowledgments. Principal research findings from articles with food industry involvement, and a random sample of articles without food industry involvement, were categorised according to the extent to which they supported relevant food industry interests. Results 196/1,461 (13.4%) articles reported food industry involvement. The extent of food industry involvement varied by journal, with The Journal of Nutrition (28.3%) having the highest and Paediatric Obesity (3.8%) having the lowest proportion of industry involvement. Processed food manufacturers were involved in the most articles (77/196, 39.3%). Of articles with food industry involvement, 55.6% reported findings favourable to relevant food industry interests, compared to 9.7% of articles without food industry involvement. Conclusion Food industry involvement in peer-reviewed research in leading nutrition-related journals is commonplace. In line with previous literature, this study has shown that a greater proportion of peer-reviewed studies involving the food industry have results that favour relevant food industry interests than peer-reviewed studies without food industry involvement. Given the potential competing interests of the food industry, it is important to explore mechanisms that can safeguard the integrity and public relevance of nutrition research.

scholarly journals Association between socioeconomic household level and z‐score of BMI in children: results of a longitudinal study (624.14)

2014 ◽  
Vol 28 (S1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Liria| ◽  
Mary Penny ◽  
Ruy López‐Ridaura ◽  
Martín Romero‐Martínez ◽  
Benjamín Caballero ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Z Score ◽  
Household Level

scholarly journals Developing Research Competence in Undergraduate Students through Hands on Learning

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zoe E. Davidson ◽  
Claire Palermo
Keyword(s):  
Student Satisfaction ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Evidence Based Practice ◽  
Research Unit ◽  
Small Degree ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Research Skills ◽  
Nutrition Research ◽  
New Research ◽  
Nutrition And Dietetics

Evidence-based practice is the foundation of nutrition and dietetics. To effectively apply evidence-based practice, health professionals must understand the basis of research. Previous work has identified the lack of involvement of dietitians in research. As part of a curriculum redevelopment in undergraduate nutrition and dietetics courses, research skill teaching was enhanced. This study evaluated the effect of a new, year two level nutrition research methods unit on the perceived research skills of students. The unit consisted of two key components: a student-led class research project and a small group systematic literature review. Prior to commencement and on completion of the course, students completed a modified version of the Research Skills Questionnaire. Results demonstrated that self-perceived competence increased by a small degree in a set of specific research skills as well as in broader skills such as information gathering and handling, information evaluation, ability to work independently, and critical thinking. The new research unit was also evaluated highly on a student satisfaction survey. Despite these positive findings, students indicated that their general feelings towards research or a career in research were unchanged. In summary, this unit enhanced students’ perceived research skills. Further exploration of students’ attitude towards research is warranted.

scholarly journals The association between gestational weight gain z-score and stillbirth: a case-control study

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cassandra M. Pickens ◽  
Carol J. Hogue ◽  
Penelope P. Howards ◽  
Michael R. Kramer ◽  
Martina L. Badell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Gestational Weight Gain ◽  
Case Control Study ◽  
Case Control ◽  
Research Network ◽  
Z Score ◽  
Live Births ◽  
Gestational Weight ◽  
Z Scores ◽  
Control Study

Abstract Background There is limited information on potentially modifiable risk factors for stillbirth, such as gestational weight gain (GWG). Our purpose was to explore the association between GWG and stillbirth using the GWG z−score. Methods We analyzed 479 stillbirths and 1601 live births from the Stillbirth Collaborative Research Network case−control study. Women with triplets or monochorionic twins were excluded from analysis. We evaluated the association between GWG z−score (modeled as a restricted cubic spline with knots at the 5th, 50th, and 95th percentiles) and stillbirth using multivariable logistic regression with generalized estimating equations, adjusting for pre − pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and other confounders. In addition, we conducted analyses stratified by pre − pregnancy BMI category (normal weight, overweight, obese). Results Mean GWG was 18.95 (SD 17.6) lb. among mothers of stillbirths and 30.89 (SD 13.3) lb. among mothers of live births; mean GWG z−score was − 0.39 (SD 1.5) among mothers of cases and − 0.17 (SD 0.9) among control mothers. In adjusted analyses, the odds of stillbirth were elevated for women with very low GWG z−scores (e.g., adjusted odds ratio (aOR) and 95% Confidence Interval (CI) for z−score − 1.5 SD versus 0 SD: 1.52 (1.30, 1.78); aOR (95% CI) for z−score − 2.5 SD versus 0 SD: 2.36 (1.74, 3.20)). Results differed slightly by pre − pregnancy BMI. The odds of stillbirth were slightly elevated among women with overweight BMI and GWG z−scores ≥1 SD (e.g., aOR (95% CI) for z−score of 1.5 SD versus 0 SD: 1.84 (0.97, 3.50)). Conclusions GWG z−scores below − 1.5 SD are associated with increased odds of stillbirth.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document