scholarly journals From the Field: Improving Fetal and Infant Growth in Vulnerable Populations

2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (2_suppl) ◽  
pp. S60-S68 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seth Adu-Afarwuah
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Infant Growth ◽  
World Health ◽  
Nutrient Supplement ◽  
Growth Faltering ◽  
Z Scores ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Iron And Folic Acid ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Global Nutrition

Background: This article summarizes a presentation given at the 2017 Dairy for Global Nutrition Conference in Boise, Idaho. Objective: To give an overview of the pattern of early growth faltering in developing countries and examine the implications of the iLiNS-DYAD randomized trial in Ghana. Methods: The pattern of growth faltering in developing countries was outlined. In Ghana, 1320 women ≤ 20 weeks of pregnancy were assigned to 20 g/d small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplement (SQ-LNS; LNS group) or multiple micronutrients (MMNs) containing 22 and 18 vitamins and minerals, respectively, until 6 months postpartum, or iron and folic acid (IFA) until delivery, and thereafter placebo until 6 months postpartum. Infants in the LNS group were assigned to SQ-LNS from 6 to 18 months of age. Results: Mean anthropometric z-scores for infants in developing countries start below the World Health Organization standard at 1 month of age, and generally decline until about age of 24 months. In the Ghana trial, mean (SD) birth weight (g) was greater ( P = .044) for the LNS group (3030 [414]) than the IFA group (2945 [442]) but not the MMN group (3005 [435]). Among primiparous mothers, the LNS group had significantly greater mean birth length, weight, and head circumference than the IFA or MMN group. By 18 months of age, the mean length (95% confidence interval) for the LNS group was +0.6 (0.1-1.1) cm greater than for the IFA group and +0.6 (0.1-1.2) cm greater than for the MMN group. Conclusion: Pre- and post-natal SQ-LNS consumption may improve fetal and infant growth in similar populations.

Anthropometric evaluation of school-going native highlanders (4–19 years of age) from the Leh-Ladakh region in India

2019 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Uday Yanamandra ◽  
Srinivasa A. Bhattachar ◽  
Deeksha Katoch ◽  
Sushma Yanamandra ◽  
Siddharth Shankar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nutritional Status ◽  
Reference Data ◽  
World Health ◽  
Abdominal Circumference ◽  
Anthropometric Parameters ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Z Scores ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Going Native

Abstract Background The native population of the Ladakh region faces the unique challenges of a high-altitude environment with distinct physiological adaptations in comparison with lowlanders. However, no comprehensive data on standard anthropometric parameters for the school-going children in this populace is available. Objectives We aimed to study the various anthropometric parameters in the school-going native highlander population and computed measures of central tendency. The nutritional status of the community was also be determined by comparing with World Health Organization (WHO) scores for height for age (HFA), weight for age (WFA) and body mass index (BMI) for age. Design A cross-sectional, descriptive study was devised to assess the anthropometric parameters. We measured height, weight, mid-upper circumference (MUAC), triceps skinfold (TSF) thickness, sub-scapular skinfold (SSF) thickness, waist, hip and abdominal circumference. Statistical analysis was conducted to determine the mean [±2 standard deviation (SD)], median, range, minimum and maximum. The z-scores for HFA, WFA and BMI for age was computed using WHO reference data. Subjects A total of 346 school-going native highlander children (4–19 years of age) were studied. Results Among the study population, the mean height was 141.17 ± 39.08 cm, the mean weight was 38.27 ± 25.40 kg. The gender difference in height, MUAC, sub-scapular skinfold (SSF) thickness, TSF thickness and the abdominal circumference was found to be statistically significant. Of the subjects 23.46% were stunted (i.e. HFA below −2 SD of the WHO standard) and 7.01% were underweight (WFA below −2 SD of the WHO standard). Conclusion The nutritional status of the Ladakhi population was assessed by comparison with the WHO reference data. Nomograms for anthropometric data in school-going children (4–19 years of age) of Ladakh were created. These can be used for further studies and planning targeted intervention strategies on this geographically isolated and evolutionary distinct highland population.

Heterocycles in the Treatment of Neglected Tropical Diseases

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kush K. Maheshwari ◽  
Debasish Bandyopadhyay
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Heterocyclic Compounds ◽  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
World Health ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Poor People ◽  
Tropical Diseases ◽  
Concise Review ◽  
The World ◽  
Health Organization

Background: Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) affect a huge population of the world and majority of the victims belong to the poor community of the developing countries. Until now, the World Health Organization (WHO) has identified 20 tropical diseases as NTDs that must be addressed with high priority. However, many heterocyclic scaffolds have demonstrated potent therapeutic activity against several NTDs. Objective: There are three major objectives: (1) To discuss the causes, symptoms, and current status of all the 20 NTDs; (2) To explore the available heterocyclic drugs, and their mechanism of actions (if known) that are being used to treat NTDs; (3) To develop general awareness on NTDs among the medicinal/health research community and beyond. Methods: The 20 NTDs have been discussed according to their alphabetic orders along with the possible heterocyclic remedies. Current status of treatment with an emphasis on the heterocyclic drugs (commercially available and investigational) has been outlined. In addition, brief discussion of the impacts of NTDs on socio-economic condition is included. Results: NTDs are often difficult to diagnose and the problem is worsened by the unhealthy hygiene, improper awareness, and inadequate healthcare in the developing countries where these diseases primarily affect poor people. The statistics include duration of suffering, numbers affected, and access to healthcare and medication. The mechanism of actions of various heterocyclic drugs, if reported, have been briefly summarized. Conclusion: Scientists and pharmaceutical corporations should allocate more resources to reveal the in-depth mechanism of actions of many heterocyclic drugs that are currently being used for the treatment of NTDs. Analysis of current heterocyclic compounds and development of new medications can help in the fight to reduce/remove the devastating effects of NTDs. An opinion-based concise review has been presented. Based on available literature, this is the first effect to present all the 20 NTDs and related heterocyclic compounds under the same umbrella.

scholarly journals Compliance with the 24-Hour Movement Behavior Guidelines and Associations with Adiposity in European Preschoolers: Results from the ToyBox-Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (14) ◽  
pp. 7499
Author(s):  
Marga Decraene ◽  
Vera Verbestel ◽  
Greet Cardon ◽  
Violeta Iotova ◽  
Berthold Koletzko ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sleep Duration ◽  
Screen Time ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
World Health ◽  
Movement Behavior ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Guideline Compliance ◽  
Z Scores ◽  
Health Organization

In 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) published 24 h movement behavior guidelines for preschoolers with recommendations for physical activity (PA), screen time (ST), and sleep. The present study investigated the proportion of preschoolers complying with these guidelines (on a total week, weekdays and weekend days), and the associations with adiposity. This cross-sectional study included 2468 preschoolers (mean age: 4.75 years; 41.9% boys) from six European countries. The associations were investigated in the total sample and in girls and boys separately. PA was objectively assessed by step counts/day. Parent-reported questionnaires provided ST and sleep duration data. Generalized estimating equations were used to analyze the association between guideline compliance and adiposity indicators, i.e., body mass index (BMI) z-score and waist to height ratio (WHR). Only 10.1% of the preschoolers complied with the 24 h movement behavior guidelines, 69.2% with the sleep duration guideline, 39.8% with the ST guideline and 32.7% with the PA guideline. No association was found between guideline compliance with all three movement behaviors and adiposity. However, associations were found for isolated weekday screen time (BMI z-scores and WHR: p = 0.04) and weekend day sleep duration (BMI z-scores and WHR: p = 0.03) guideline compliance with both lower adiposity indicators. The latter association for sleep duration was also found in girls separately (BMI z-scores: p = 0.02; WHR: p = 0.03), but not in boys. Longitudinal studies, including intervention studies, are needed to increase preschoolers’ guideline compliance and to gain more insight into the manifestation of adiposity in children and its association with 24 h movement behaviors from a young age onwards.

scholarly journals Vaccination Coverage for Routine Vaccines and Herd Immunity Levels against Measles and Pertussis in the World in 2019

Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 256
Author(s):  
Pedro Plans-Rubió
Keyword(s):  
Vaccination Coverage ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Herd Immunity ◽  
World Health ◽  
Immunization Programs ◽  
National Immunization ◽  
The World ◽  
Measles Vaccination ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Health Organization

In 2012, the World Health Organization (WHO) established the Global Vaccine Action Plan with the objective to promote essential vaccinations in all countries and achieve at least 90% vaccination coverage for all routine vaccines by 2020. The study assessed the mean percentages of vaccination coverage in 2019 for 13 routine vaccines, vaccination coverage variation from 2015 to 2019, and herd immunity levels against measles and pertussis in 2019 in countries and regions of WHO. In 2019, the mean percentages of vaccination coverage were lower than 90% for 10 (78.9%) routine vaccines. The mean percentages of vaccination coverage also decreased from 2015 to 2019 for six (46.2%) routine vaccines. The prevalence of individuals with vaccine-induced measles immunity in the target measles vaccination population was 88.1%, and the prevalence of individuals with vaccine-induced pertussis immunity in the target pertussis vaccination population was 81.1%. Herd immunity against measles viruses with Ro = 18 was established in 63 (32.5%) countries but not established in any region. Herd immunity against pertussis agents was not established in any country and in any region of WHO. National immunization programs must be improved to achieve ≥90% vaccination coverage in all countries and regions. Likewise, it is necessary to achieve ≥95% vaccination coverage with two doses of measles vaccines and three doses of pertussis vaccines in all countries and regions.

scholarly journals The use of vitreous renal chemistries in the discrimination of postmortem fresh water drowning

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 239784732199752
Author(s):  
Eni-yimini Solomon Agoro ◽  
Charles German Ikimi ◽  
Tommy Edidiong
Keyword(s):  
Fresh Water ◽  
Biochemical Parameters ◽  
World Health ◽  
The World ◽  
Diacetyl Monoxime ◽  
Water Pond ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Post Hoc ◽  
Cover Up

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) has estimated drowning as the leading cause of unintentional death in the world, with 372,000 deaths reported annually. Not all drowning are unintentional; some could be disguised to cover up an act of heinous criminality. This study was aimed at using some vitreous renal function biochemical parameters as a discriminant of postmortem fresh water drowning. Twelve albino rabbits constituted the sample size as validated by Mead’s formula. The study was divided into three groups; the control, postmortem-drowned and truly drowned as mimicked using an artificial fresh water pond. Vitreous humours were extracted using Coe method. The vitreous renal chemistries were analysed using diacetyl monoxime, Jaffe’s test, uricase and ion-selective electrode (ISE) methods respectively. Result: The mean of vitreous creatinine, urea, uric acid, Na+, K+, Cl−, Ca2+, glucose and CO2 of the control, postmortem-drowned and truly drowned groups were compared using One-way Anova (post-hoc-LSD) with the aid of SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA; Version 18–21 package. The findings revealed a significant increase in concentrations of vitreous creatinine, glucose, Ca2+ and K+ of the drowned death group, whereas vitreous concentrations of CO2 and urea significantly decreased when compared to the controls and/or postmortem-drowned death. Conclusion: The study has shown that some of the studied vitreous biochemical parameters could be used as an ancillary tool in discriminating death due to fresh water drowning from that of disguised or postmortem-drowned death.

scholarly journals Dental caries in 6-12-year-old indigenous and non-indigenous schoolchildren in the Amazon basin of Ecuador

2008 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 83-86 ◽  
Author(s):  
Widman Medina ◽  
Anna-Karin Hurtig ◽  
Miguel San Sebastián ◽  
Edy Quizhpe ◽  
Cristian Romero
Keyword(s):  
Amazon Basin ◽  
Ethnic Origin ◽  
World Health ◽  
Caries Experience ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Response ◽  
Indigenous Children ◽  
Prevention And Health Promotion ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Health Organization

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the caries experience among 6-12-year-old indigenous (Naporunas) and non-indigenous (recent settlers of mixed ethnic origin) schoolchildren, living in the Amazon basin of Ecuador. Cross-sectional data were obtained from 1,449 clinical exams according to the World Health Organization criteria. Nine (7.6%) indigenous and 3 (4.5%) non-indigenous children had no caries experience in their primary dentition at the age of 6. The mean dmft value (SD) among indigenous and non-indigenous children aged 6 was 6.40 (3.36) and 8.36 (3.93), respectively. Sixty-four (54.2%) indigenous and 29 (43.3%) non-indigenous children had no caries experience in their permanent first molars at the age of 6. Only 7 (6.26%) indigenous and 2 (2.60%) non-indigenous children were caries-free at the age of 12. The mean DMFT values (SD) for 12-year-olds were 4.47 (2.85) among indigenous and 5.25 (2.89) among non-indigenous children. Fillings were almost non existent. Caries rates were high among both groups, with untreated carious lesions predominating in all ages. The data of indigenous children suggest adoption of a non-traditional diet. An appropriate oral health response based primarily on prevention and health promotion is needed.

scholarly journals Literature Review The Relationship Of Antenatal Class Towards Mothers’ Knowledge Of DangerousSign During Pregnancy

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayu Kurniati ◽  
Enny Fitriahadi
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Mortality Rate ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
World Health ◽  
Live Births ◽  
Complication Risk ◽  
The World ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Relationship

IN 2013, the World Health Organization, released data in the form of Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) worldwide, and the number reached 289,000 per 100, 000 live births, which 99% of cases occurred in developing countries. Research aims to discover the relationship of antenatal class towards mothers’ knowledge of the dangerous sign during pregnancy. The result showed that there is a relationship of antenatal class towards mothers’ knowledge of dangerous sign during pregnancy, From this result, the researcher concludes that antenatal class could increase mothers’ knowledge of dangerous sign during pregnancy and may decrease the complication risk during the childbirth.

scholarly journals PRESENCE AND LEVELS OF CONCENTRATION OF POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS (PAHS) IN SMOKED FISH, HIDES AND SKIN OF SLAUGHTER CATTLE AND GOATS IN AWKA URBAN, NIGERIA

2019 ◽  
pp. 14-17
Author(s):  
IKECHUKWU OFOMATA ◽  
LYNDA ONYINYE OBODOECHI ◽  
REGINALD IKECHUKWU OBIDIKE ◽  
JOHN ANAELOM NWANTA
Keyword(s):  
World Health ◽  
Fish Tissues ◽  
Anambra State ◽  
Smoked Fish ◽  
Permissible Level ◽  
Flame Ionization ◽  
Slaughter Cattle ◽  
Polycyclic Aromatic ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Health Organization

Objective: This study evaluated the presence and concentration of PAHs in singed and unsinged hides and skin of slaughter cattle and goats and smoked and non-smoked fish in Awka urban area of Anambra State, Nigeria. Methods: Sixty samples of singed and unsinged hides and skin for were collected from Kwata slaughterhouse in Awka town where fish tissues were also collected from fish smoking spots in Awka urban. The samples were examined for the presence PAHs such as: benzo[a]pyrene; benzo[a]anthracene; benzo[k]flouranthene and indeno[1-2-3cd]pyrene using gas chromatography equipped with flame ionization detector. Results: The result showed that the mean concentrations (µg/kg) of benzo[a]pyrene and indeno [1-2-3cd]pyrene in unsinged cattle hides were 7.89±7.77 and 2.25±0.97 respectively. The mean concentrations upon singeing were of 15.81±14.93 and 3.55±2.89. The mean concentrations (µg/kg) of benzo[a]pyrene; benzo[k]flouranthene and indeno[1-2-3cd]pyrene in unsigned goat skins were 6.52±10.77; 6.58±5.93 and 3.48±0.00 respectively. When the goatskin was singed, the mean concentrations were 17.50±26.03; 10.84±11.19 and 8.79±11.77. The mean concentrations (µg/kg) of benzo[a]pyrene; benzo[k]flouranthene and indeno[1-2-3cd]pyrene in non-smoked fish were 8.65±9.67; 2.11±2.10 and 54.76±60.35 respectively. When the fish were smoked, the mean concentrations of 26.42±40.21; 6.64±11.11 and 599.36±1395.61 were recorded respectively. In all species of animals sampled, no trace of benzo[a]anthracene was detected. Conclusion: The mean concentrations of all carcinogenic PAHs detected in this work were below the maximum permissible level set by World Health Organization (WHO) and European Commission (30µg/kg) with the exception of indeno[1-2-3cd]pyrene in smoked and non-smoked fish, which was far above the permissible level.

scholarly journals Assessment of quality of life in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients using World Health Organization quality of life-BREF questionnaire and appraisal of diabetes scale - a cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Supriya Patil ◽  
Yamini Patil ◽  
Sanjay Kumar Patil
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
World Health ◽  
Diabetic Patients ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Health Organization

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder that disturbs the quality of life (QOL) of patients. Therefore, evaluation of diabetes- related QOL could be a key outcome measure for its management. This study assessed the QOL in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients using the World Health Organization (WHO) quality of life (QOL)˗BREF questionnaire and disease-specific appraisal of diabetes scale (ADS). In this cross-sectional study, 520 T2DM patients were included. Patients’ demographic data, clinical information was collected through interviews, and the WHOQOL-BREF instrument and ADS were used for the QOL of patients. Statistical analysis was performed by using R software (Version 3.6.0). The mean ADS scores were lower in controlled diabetic subjects (18.50±3.08) and higher in uncontrolled diabetic subjects (19.29±2.73) (P<0.05). For WHOQOL-BREF, the mean scores for all the domains (overall general health, physical, psychological, social, and environmental) were significantly higher in controlled diabetic subjects (P<0.001). In addition, the age, duration of diabetes, associated comorbidities, treatment, and HbA1c level of patients showed a highly significant correlation with WHOQOL-BREF (P<0.001). Diabetic patients had poor-to-average QOL. Therefore, public health measures and education of diabetic patients are essential to create more awareness for improving the QOL of T2DM.

scholarly journals Food variety and dietary diversity scores in children: are they good indicators of dietary adequacy?

2006 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 644-650 ◽  
Author(s):  
NP Steyn ◽  
JH Nel ◽  
G Nantel ◽  
G Kennedy ◽  
D Labadarios
Keyword(s):  
Sensitivity And Specificity ◽  
Dietary Diversity ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Child Growth ◽  
World Health ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
Nutrient Adequacy ◽  
Z Scores ◽  
Food Variety ◽  
The Mean

AbstractObjectiveTo assess whether a food variety score (FVS) and/or a dietary diversity score (DDS) are good indicators of nutrient adequacy of the diet of South African children.MethodsSecondary data analyses were undertaken with nationally representative data of 1–8-year-old children (n = 2200) studied in the National Food Consumption Study in 1999. An average FVS (mean number of different food items consumed from all possible items eaten) and DDS (mean number of food groups out of nine possible groups) were calculated. A nutrient adequacy ratio (NAR) is the ratio of a subject's nutrient intake to the estimated average requirement calculated using the Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization (2002) recommended nutrient intakes for children. The mean adequacy ratio (MAR) was calculated as the sum of NARs for all evaluated nutrients divided by the number of nutrients evaluated, expressed as a percentage. MAR was used as a composite indicator for micronutrient adequacy. Pearson correlation coefficients between FVS, DDS and MAR were calculated and also evaluated for sensitivity and specificity, with MAR taken as the ideal standard of adequate intake. The relationships between MAR and DDS and between anthropometric Z-scores and DDS were also evaluated.ResultsThe children had a mean FVS of 5.5 (standard deviation (SD) 2.5) and a mean DDS of 3.6 (SD 1.4). The mean MAR (ideal = 100%) was 50%, and was lowest (45%) in the 7–8-year-old group. The items with the highest frequency of consumption were from the cereal, roots and tuber group (99.6%), followed by the ‘other group’ (87.6%) comprising items such as tea, sugar, jam and sweets. The dairy group was consumed by 55.8%, meat group by 54.1%, fats by 38.9%, other vegetables by 30.8%, vitamin-A-rich by 23.8%, other fruit by 22%, legumes and nuts by 19.7% and eggs by 13.3%. There was a high correlation between MAR and both FVS (r = 0.726; P < 0.0001) and DDS (r = 0.657; P < 0.0001), indicating that either FVS or DDS can be used as an indicator of the micronutrient adequacy of the diet. Furthermore, MAR, DDS and FVS showed significant correlations with height-for-age and weight-for-age Z-scores, indicating a strong relationship between dietary diversity and indicators of child growth. A DDS of 4 and an FVS of 6 were shown to be the best indicators of MAR less than 50%, since they provided the best sensitivity and specificity.ConclusionEither FVS or DDS can be used as a simple and quick indicator of the micronutrient adequacy of the diet.

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