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Jun 2026 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-25-5909
Bisai SamiranCorresponding author
The high prevalence of anemia among children and adolescents in India is still an overwhelming problem. Not only that, there is also a considerable deficiency of various micronutrients such as Vitamin A, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, serum ferritin, Zinc and Folate etc. in children. These micronutrients have several functional roles for the normal growth and development of children. Unfortunately, recent studies on public health and nutrition intervention have so far focused less on these micronutrition and more on anemia and nutrition. Data for this study obtained from the Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey (CNNS 2016-18), a nationally representative survey covering different age group. Specifically, it includes information on 9767 children aged 1-4 years. Out of these surveyed children biomarker data for hemoglobin, serum ferritin, zinc, folate, vitamin A, vitamin B12 and Vitamin D were collected from 8242 children. Micronutrient deficiencies were identified based on WHO and other established cut-off criteria. Wealth quintiles were computed to identify household economic inequality. The prevalence of anemia at the national level was 40.7%. Among micronutrients, folate (22.9%) and zinc (18.7%) deficiencies were most commonly observed, followed by vitamins A (18.3), vitamin B12 (13.8%) and vitamin D (14.0%). Iron deficiency as measured by ferritin was present in 31.6% of children. It is alarming that nearly one in three children (32.8%) suffer from deficiencies in two or more micronutrients. Clear socioeconomic disparities were observed for all micronutrient deficiencies (MND); children in the poorest groups had significantly higher levels of micronutrient deficiencies than children in the richest groups. Among the states, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh had the highest overall micronutrient deficiencies, while West Bengal and Kerala had the lowest. This clearly shows that a large proportion of preschool children in India suffer from anemia and MND, with the prevalence being even more alarming in lower socio-economic settings. This study suggests that there is a need to move beyond single-nutrient interventions and implement comprehensive, multi-micronutrient supplementation or food fortification strategies seamlessly into the existing national health and nutrition programs.
Dec 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2691-5014.jphn-25-5577
Gormley MarkCorresponding author
Infants with single ventricle (SV) physiology are at increased risk of undernutrition, which can contribute to adverse outcomes. This is a retrospective case series examining factors associated with undernutrition in patients with SV physiology at one year of age. It includes 56 infants from a single institution who underwent SV palliation between 2003 and 2023. Undernutrition was defined as a weight-for-length z-score (WLZ) below -1, based on World Health Organization (WHO) normative data. Independent variables included surgical interventions, cardiorespiratory factors, and nutritional interventions. Associations between these variables and nutritional status were assessed using Fisher’s exact test. At one year, a total of nine infants (16%) were undernourished. Undernutrition rates significantly declined after 2013 (p=0.02), demonstrating improvements in nutritional outcomes over our study period. Those who used supplemental oxygen or pulmonary medications were undernourished at lower rates. While this difference was not statistically significant, the number of undernourished patients in the cohort may have limited the study’s power. Our findings suggest that early respiratory interventions may provide nutritional benefits in infants with SV physiology.
Dec 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2768-5209.ijen-25-5732
S Isaac AnvyCorresponding author
The growing population demands and environmental concerns associated with traditional protein sources have prompted the exploration of alternative and sustainable food sources. The purpose of this comprehensive review is to highlight the nutritional benefits and sustainability of insect-based foods as a promising solution. Global population growth necessitates innovative approaches to meet the demand for nutritious and sustainable protein sources. There are numerous challenges associated with traditional livestock farming, including land use inefficiency, high water usage, and greenhouse gas emissions. As a result, edible insects have emerged as a viable alternative, providing proteins (35-77% of dry matter), healthy fats (10-50%), essential amino acids, and micronutrients such as iron (up to 31mg/100g) and zinc (up to 20mg/100g), vitamins, and minerals. In contrast to livestock, which requires 22,000-43,000 liters of water to produce 1 kg of beef, insect farming consumes significantly less water and land resources. Insects have the potential to address nutritional deficiencies and strengthen food security as they are recognized for sustainable production. The study thoroughly investigates the literature addressing environmental and sustainability concerns associated with edible insect farming, using a rigorous bibliometric and scientometric analysis via Vos viewer. With the help of Vos Viewer, it was possible to identify the geographical distribution of countries that contributed to the field of edible insects and their acceptance, as well as the top ten documents in this field with the most citations and mostly used keywords in this field of research. Future research and implementation strategies will be able to benefit global food security and environmental conservation through these alternative protein sources.
Dec 2025
Haider RehanCorresponding author
The journey from personalized medicine to customized nutrition represents a significant paradigm shift in healthcare, emphasizing the holistic method for a person's or girl's well-being. in this transition, the know how of the unique genetic makeup , metabolic profile, and way of lifestyles elements of everybody will become paramount. customized medicinal drug has long centered on tailoring scientific remedies to the genetic and physiological traits of sufferers, optimizing efficacy, and minimizing detrimental effects. Now, custom-designed nutrients increase this idea further, recognizing that weight reduction plays an essential function in health and disease prevention. Key to this evolution is the mixing of advanced technology together with genomics, metabolomics, and microbiomics, allowing the suitable identification of dietary styles and nutritional requirements tailored to a person's particular desires. This summary explores the trajectory of this adventure, highlighting the pivotal characteristic of interdisciplinary collaboration among healthcare professionals, nutritionists, and researchers. With the useful resource of leveraging slicing facet generation and records-pushed strategies, personalized vitamins keep the promise of revolutionizing knowledge we method nutritional interventions, moving some distance from generalized guidelines towards targeted strategies tailored to all people's precise organic make up and way of life. expertise, traumatic conditions which include accessibility to this technology, ethical issues, and the desire for sturdy, proof-primarily based practices remain. In conclusion, the shift from customized treatments to personalized nutrient expertise is a transformative generation in healthcare, empowering people to take proactive management of their health through tailor made nutrition interventions. This summary underscores the importance of endured studies and collaboration in figuring out the entire functionality of personalized vitamins in selling health and well-being.
Nov 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-24-5360
Alam RashedCorresponding author
Background Malnutrition is a significant public health issue in Bangladesh, particularly impacting women and children. Rajshahi, marked by socio-economic disparities, offers a distinctive context to explore the nutritional status and health outcomes of these vulnerable groups. Objectives This study aims to assess the nutritional status of women and children in Rajshahi and investigate associated health outcomes. Additionally, it seeks to identify socio-economic and cultural factors that influence nutrition. Methods A mixed-methods approach was utilized, incorporating a cross-sectional survey of 460 households and in-depth interviews with mothers and caregivers. Anthropometric measurements were taken to evaluate the nutritional status of women and children, while dietary assessments measured nutrient intake and diversity. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the likelihood of malnutrition based on socio-economic characteristics, thereby identifying key risk factors. Results The findings indicate a troubling prevalence of malnutrition, with 36% of children under five classified as stunted and 25% as underweight. The analysis highlights critical factors contributing to chronic undernutrition, including maternal education, employment, and dietary diversity. Notably, mothers aged 27-37 exhibit a lower risk of undernutrition, and urban households with secure food access demonstrate better nutritional outcomes. Discussion Maternal education and employment were positively associated with better nutritional outcomes, as educated and employed mothers had higher chances of maintaining a normal BMI. Regular ANC visits (≥4 visits) were crucial for improved maternal nutrition. Household food security emerged as a significant determinant, with food-secure households showing better maternal nutritional status. Safe water access and adequate dietary diversity were also linked to improved maternal BMI. Additionally, factors such as child birth weight, exclusive breastfeeding, and childhood diarrhea significantly influenced maternal nutrition. Moreover, frequent antenatal care visits and a diverse diet are vital in mitigating undernutrition risks among children. Conclusion This study emphasizes the urgent need for targeted interventions to combat malnutrition in Rajshahi. Recommendations include implementing community-based nutrition education programs and improving access to healthcare services. By addressing the socio-economic and cultural determinants of nutrition, stakeholders can enhance health outcomes for women and children in the region, ultimately contributing to broader public health objectives in Bangladesh.
Dec 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2690-0904.ijoe-24-5353
Kissling KristinCorresponding author
Physical therapists (PTs) experience stress and burnout due to high job and productivity demands. Exercise can assist in decreasing stress and burnout, but finding the time to exercise can be difficult. This study examined the effects of a 28-day, 7-minute, high intensity interval training (HIIT) workout on PT’s stress and burnout levels. In this quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design, the Perceived Stress Scale, Maslach Burnout Inventory, grip strength, Functional Reach Test, and VO2max measures were administered on day 1 and day 28. Between the data collection period, participants completed a daily, 7-minute HIIT workout. A series of paired sample t-tests were computed to compare the pre- and post-HIIT raw values. Significant improvements were found in all comparisons post-HIIT (p< .001). Therefore, it was concluded that 7-minutes of HIIT can assist PTs in reducing stress and burnout levels. Employers should consider implementing a workplace wellness program to benefit their employees.
Dec 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-24-5352
C. Katusi GodfreyCorresponding author
Introduction Adolescent pregnancy has become a global health concern in recent years, with maintaining dietary diversity being essential to ensure the health of both the mother and fetus. This study aimed to understand the dietary diversity and nutritional status among pregnant adolescents attending antenatal clinic and identify the factors influencing these outcomes. Methodology A hospital based cross-sectional study was done at St Francis Regional Referral Hospital at Ifakara, Tanzania. A total of 131 adolescent pregnant women consented to participate. Data was obtained using questionnaire and 24-hour dietary recall. Results The study revealed that 93.1% (n=122) of adolescent pregnant women met the minimum dietary diversity score based on 24-hour recall period. Similar proportions were observed for age group but vary significantly with the number of children born (p< 0.001), marital status (p = 0.032) and education level (p< 0.001). Additionally, 93.9% (n=123) of adolescent pregnant women had a normal Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) and 6.1% (n=8) were undernourished. Similar proportions were observed across age, number of children born, marital status, education status, and occupation. Conclusion Most adolescent pregnant women in this study achieved adequate dietary diversity. However, socio-demographic factors such as age, marital status, and education, as well as challenges like illness and loss of appetite, influenced their dietary diversity and overall nutritional status. Future research should adopt a community-based longitudinal approach to better understand these factors and provide a more comprehensive understanding on the dietary patterns of adolescent pregnant women.
May 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-24-5098
Cornegliani LuisaCorresponding author
This prospective randomized double-blinded multicentric study aimed to assess the efficacy of a new nutraceutical in controlling itch and skin lesions caused by flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) and compare it with another oral product of proven efficacy. Forty-three dogs, of different age, breed and sex, with FAD were included and divided into two groups: 24 received product A and 19 product B. Both groups received the same antiparasitic treatment. A modified canine atopic lesion index (mCADLI) and pruritus visual analogic scale (pVAS) were recorded at days 0, 30 and 60. pVAS was evaluated both by the examining veterinarian (vpVAS) and the owner (opVAS). Results obtained were compared between the two groups at each time point. In both groups of dogs, a significant decrease of mCADLI, vpVAS and opVAS at day 30 and 60, compared to day 0, was observed. At baseline, the mCADLI scores of Group B were significantly higher than Group A (95% CI: -4.0 to 0.0, p < 0.05), with no differences at D30 and D60 (not significant, p > 0.05). In Group B, significantly lower values of vpVAS were observed at D30 compared to Group A (95% CI: -2.5 to 0.0, p < 0.05), but not at D60 (not significant, p > 0.05). The median values of pVAS in Group B were lower compared to Group A at both D30 (95% CI: -2.5 to 0.4, p < 0.01) and D60 (95% CI: -3.0 to 0.3, p < 0.05). Both nutraceuticals can be useful to control discomfort, skin lesions and pruritus due to flea allergy dermatitis and can be a valuable replacement for antipruritic drugs antihistamines, steroids or Il-31 inhibitors.
Apr 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2693-1176.ijgh-24-5036
Saeki TamieCorresponding author
According to the Japan’s National Health and Nutrition Survey, trends in the intake of vegetables and fruits (1999-2018), which are considered effective in preventing lifestyle-related diseases, are far below the target value; In the under-50 age group, less than 30% achieved the target vegetable intake of 350g, and less than 15% achieved the target fruit intake of 200g 53. Against such background, it has become a challenge to nurture children's ‘self-management ability’ that leads to spontaneous and healthy dietary habits 16. Until now, almost all research on ‘Dietary education’ has been conducted in the field of nutrition, focusing on accumulating nutritional knowledge by explaining each nutritional component and its function. However, it is difficult to nurture spontaneous and healthy dietary habits simply through repeated nutrition-based education. It can be said that the pedagogical approach of this paper has made it possible to pursue from a broader perspective that influences food choices. Research on ‘nutrition transition’ points out “worldwide obesity dynamics and their determinants” based on “a shift in the broader patterns of dietary habits (Western-style diet) and corresponding nutrition-related diseases” 42. Nutrition transition research 5040 has a broad and holistic perspective on food and health, making it easy to understand nutrition. The purpose of this paper is to pursue how to nurture the ‘self-management ability’ for spontaneous and healthy dietary habits, based on these latest nutritional knowledges. Because nutrition transition is a global phenomenon, the author choses to use broader methods of international comparative research. Comparisons lead to discoveries and value creation. This can be said to have the greatest significance in comparative research.
Mar 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-24-4921
Bajaj ManyaCorresponding author
Hippocrates trusted foodstuff, maybe medicine, and healthcare management, administration, and costing are important. Nutraceuticals, derived from "nutrition" and "pharmaceutical," cover differing healing areas like “antagonistic-hard, cold and cough, sleep difficulties, digestion, cancer prevention, osteoporosis, blood pressure, cholesterol management, pain relievers, depression, and diabetes”. “Stephen De Felice”, “founder of the Foundation for Innovation in Medicine, created the term in 1989”.Functional foods, like milk and orange juice, supply health benefits that surpass food, in the way that a better lifestyle and a lower risk of ailment. Nutraceuticals, in another way, involve fortified dairy products like milk that help avoid or cure illnesses and disorders apart from anaemia.Conventional arrangements like Solvents extraction , Soxhlet distillation ,maceration and “Non conventional designs” like ‘Microwave assisted origin’, Ultrasound Assisted Extraction are used to restore the bioactive material from plants for nutraceuticals.”The Indian Health and Dietary Supplement Association” supports drug, nutraceutical, herbaceous, and direct selling energies by categorising them based on chemical arrangement, food type, and conventional arrangement.This paper gives a brief review on nutraceuticals ,its history , its market trend , extraction techniques , benefits and its applications .
Jan 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2692-5257.ijgp-23-4772
M. G. D. V. K KiridanaCorresponding author
Childhood obesity is on the rise, mostly in the low-income regions in South Asia including Sri Lanka. Simultaneously, undernutrition also continues to be an ongoing public health issue. The coexistence of childhood obesity with undernutrition has resulted in a double burden of malnutrition in these countries. Management of obesity in a community already affected by undernutrition is a challenging situation. At present, management of childhood obesity occurs as a hospital-based lifestyle modification intervention which cannot address all tiers in the community alike. Although national level multifaceted strategies are in place, implementation is limited due to financial constraints. In this context, the general practitioners can be considered as an important group of medical professionals who can reach families in the community. In many households in Sri Lanka, an overweight child is considered as normal and well-nourished in comparison to an underweight child. Unhealthy eating habits and force feeding have become norms in the society. Changing mindsets of people need significant time and commitment. General practitioners, in the community would be able to achieve this target through effective communication based on a nutrition sensitive approach. While uplifting the infrastructure facilities, steps have to be taken to update the knowledge and communication skills of the general practitioners on managing childhood obesity in a community affected with double burden of malnutrition. The well-equipped GP is an asset to modify the attitudes and thinking patterns of parents with regard to child nutritional problems. Childhood obesity is on the rise, mostly in the low-income regions in South Asia including Sri Lanka. Simultaneously, undernutrition also continues to be an ongoing public health issue. The coexistence of childhood obesity with undernutrition has resulted in a double burden of malnutrition in these countries. Management of obesity in a community already affected by undernutrition is a challenging situation. At present, management of childhood obesity occurs as a hospital-based lifestyle modification intervention which cannot address all tiers in the community alike. Although national level multifaceted strategies are in place, implementation is limited due to financial constraints. In this context, the general practitioners can be considered as an important group of medical professionals who can reach families in the community. In many households in Sri Lanka, an overweight child is considered as normal and well-nourished in comparison to an underweight child. Unhealthy eating habits and force feeding have become norms in the society. Changing mindsets of people need significant time and commitment. General practitioners, in the community would be able to achieve this target through effective communication based on a nutrition sensitive approach. While uplifting the infrastructure facilities, steps have to be taken to update the knowledge and communication skills of the general practitioners on managing childhood obesity in a community affected with double burden of malnutrition. The well-equipped GP is an asset to modify the attitudes and thinking patterns of parents with regard to child nutritional problems.
Jan 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2374-9431.jbd-23-4842
Wissam Younes SamerCorresponding author
Over the past 20 years, the number of persons with diabetes has more than doubled globally. The purpose of this review article is to investigate the connection between certain vitamins and diabetes. Diabetes patients have been found to have decreased amounts of certain antioxidant vitamins including A, C, and E, presumably as a result of the requirement to control oxidative stress brought on by problems with glucose metabolism. Retinol-binding protein has regulatory and adipocytokine function. Thiamine, pyridoxine, and biotin levels are also decreased in diabetics. Studies have shown that it restricts the absorption of several nutrients, such as vitamins B9 and B12, thus diabetics must frequently replenish these vitamins. Low vitamin D levels increase the risk of developing diabetes and associated complications, such as cardiovascular disease. Although some studies indicate that vitamin K supplementation can enhance glucose metabolism, it is not known if vitamin K supplementation can prevent or repair oxidative damage. Numerous studies have demonstrated the detrimental consequences of excessive vitamin supplementation. The association between a few nutrients—specifically, vitamins A, D, C, B3, B6, B9, Zn, B12, E, B1/K, and irons—and the already mentioned pathways implicated in diabetes—as well as their potential regulatory activity—will be analyzed in the review that follows.
Sep 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2576-9383.jhhr-23-4713
Bhoite RachanaCorresponding author
A global increase in incidence of chronic liver disease (CLD) indicated the necessity of dietary and lifestyle modification. Low glycemic index (GI) diet was reported to have a significant role in controlling diabetes caused by liver dysfunction. The International Standards Organisation (ISO) has standardized the determination of GI of a food in healthy individuals. This study aimed to estimate GI value of a high protein, energy dense liver nutritional supplement. This cross-over randomized controlled study randomly allotted 15 participants to consume either reference food 27.5 gm glucose (glucose monohydrate) or 77 gm nutritional supplement (equivalent to 25 gm of available carbohydrates); switching to another arm was done after 3 days wash-out period. After overnight fast, blood samples were collected at 15, 30, 45 and 60 minutes post-consumption of s upplement or reference food. The GI was calculated from the incremental area under the blood glucose response elicited by the nutritional supplement as a percentage of the response after consumption of 27.5 gm of glucose (glucose monohydrate) by the same participant using a standard formula. Mean GI of the nutritional supplementwas estimated as 11.4 ± 2.4.With the consumption of this nutritional supplement, the blood glucose levels were reduced at all postprandial time points, compared to the reference food. The liver nutritional supplement tested has a low GI, and comparatively slower and more sustained blood glucose response. Therefore, it can be used in patients with CLD to prevent CLD-associated metabolic complications and improve health outcomes and quality of life.
Sep 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2693-1176.ijgh-22-4255
Alex G. MeelaCorresponding author
Nutrition during pregnancy is of utmost important to ensure positive pregnancy outcomes after delivery. This study examined the utilization of nutrition services provided at health facilities to pregnant women. A cross sectional study design, involving 105 pregnant women and 5 RCH providers from 2 health facilities was used. Structured questionnaires, and structured observations were used in data collection. SPSS software version 25 was used in data analysis. Results showed that, RCH providers had inadequate nutrition knowledge due to limited nutrition courses during nursing training and on job trainings/seminars. All RCH providers advised that, nutrition knowledge is important to pregnant women hence they were responsible for its delivery. In adequate staff and lack of teaching materials contributed to the poor delivery of quality nutrition education to all pregnant women as it was observed that there is variations in nutrition information given to women. More than a half of all pregnant women (63%) started their ANC clinic during their first trimester where they received all nutrition services including education on importance of nutrition during pregnancy which helped them to be aware of the relationship between diet maternal nutrition and birth outcomes (63.8%). Most common food group that has been consumed more by pregnant women was grains, roots and tubers and plantains, while also there was high consumption of fruits and vegetables by all women as they are being more emphasized during routine clinics to prevent anemia. Also, there are some barriers that were identified by the service providers which makes their work difficult such as inadequate teaching materials like brochures, posters and jobs aids, also shortage of staff was found to be the core cause of services being provided occasionally as it is the RCH nurse who provide the education and counselling as there is no any nutritionist hired by government at the facility. Regional and district nutrition officers should coordinate and conduct on job training to health providers on issues related to nutrition in order to update their nutrition knowledge and facilitate clear, accurate and more evidence based nutrition information delivered.
Sep 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2693-1176.ijgh-22-4255
Alex. G MeelaCorresponding author
Nutrition during pregnancy is of utmost important to ensure positive pregnancy outcomes after delivery. This study examined the utilization of nutrition services provided at health facilities to pregnant women. A cross sectional study design, involving 105 pregnant women and 5 RCH providers from 2 health facilities was used. Structured questionnaires, and structured observations were used in data collection. SPSS software version 25 was used in data analysis. Results showed that, RCH providers had inadequate nutrition knowledge due to limited nutrition courses during nursing training and on job trainings/seminars. All RCH providers advised that, nutrition knowledge is important to pregnant women hence they were responsible for its delivery. In adequate staff and lack of teaching materials contributed to the poor delivery of quality nutrition education to all pregnant women as it was observed that there is variations in nutrition information given to women. More than a half of all pregnant women (63%) started their ANC clinic during their first trimester where they received all nutrition services including education on importance of nutrition during pregnancy which helped them to be aware of the relationship between diet maternal nutrition and birth outcomes (63.8%). Most common food group that has been consumed more by pregnant women was grains, roots and tubers and plantains, while also there was high consumption of fruits and vegetables by all women as they are being more emphasized during routine clinics to prevent anemia. Also, there are some barriers that were identified by the service providers which makes their work difficult such as inadequate teaching materials like brochures, posters and jobs aids, also shortage of staff was found to be the core cause of services being provided occasionally as it is the RCH nurse who provide the education and counselling as there is no any nutritionist hired by government at the facility. Regional and district nutrition officers should coordinate and conduct on job training to health providers on issues related to nutrition in order to update their nutrition knowledge and facilitate clear, accurate and more evidence based nutrition information delivered.
Jun 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-23-4587
Bhoite RachanaCorresponding author
Background Cachexia is highly prevalent in cancer patients and is responsible for as much as 20% of all cancer deaths. Nevertheless, there is little emphasis on cachexia in routine clinical practice. This study looks at the efficacy and tolerability of a protein and energy-dense nutritional supplement with immunonutrients on cachexia in cancer patients. Methods This was a three-month, prospective, open-label study of patients undergoing radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy for head and neck or gastrointestinal or lung cancer. Efficacy endpoints were mean change in muscle strength, acute phase proteins (albumin and pre-albumin), C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, weight, Glasgow prognostic score (GPS), and nutritional status at the end of the study period. Results The study population consists of 47 (79.66%) males and 12 (20.34%) females with a mean age of 47.98 ± 12.16 years. The mean change in muscle strength, albumin, pre-albumin, CRP levels, and weight for the overall study population was 0.17 ± 12.09 kg (P=0.9145), -0.05 ± 0.53 g/dl, (P=0.5888), -0.01 ± 0.09 g/dl (P=0.2951), 0.50 ± 37.41 mg/dl (P=0.9258), -0.59 ± 3.70 kg (P=0.2265), respectively. At the end of the study period, there was a significant improvement in the nutritional status concerning total calories, protein, and fat intake. Conclusion Protein and energy-dense nutritional supplement with immunonutrients might help in the improvement of muscle strength, GPS, and dietary intake. The addition of the supplement to the diet regime of patients with cancer cachexia increases their daily consumption of proteins which might translate to multimodal clinical benefits.
Mar 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2471-2140.jaa-23-4426
Sasaki MitsuruCorresponding author
The use of conventional drying methods for dehydrating vegetables and fruits with high sugar, amino acid, and moisture content is not feasible. Under extreme conditions, drying reduces the amount of functional ingredients present in these vegetables and fruits. Recently, there has been an increasing demand for powdered tomatoes because of their nutritional and functional components. This study aimed to evaluate tomato drying under normal pressure and low-temperature conditions, to efficiently reduce water content without compromising on product quality. A convection dryer, most widely used in food factories, was used in this study. This equipment uses a low temperature zone not normally used for drying, and processes the raw material to increase the drying area for rapid drying. The proposed method was validated by comparing the moisture and functional component contents, and the antioxidant activity of the dried product with those of the dried product obtained via freeze-drying. The results suggest that the proposed low-temperature drying method can produce functional dried food at food processing sites faster than using freeze-drying, with a residual rate of functional ingredients exceeding 90 %. Thus, low-temperature drying can be used as a simple and cost-effective method for the production of uniform dry tomato powder.
Oct 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2692-1537.ijcv-22-4338
Banerjee Bhattacharya MayuriCorresponding author
Bio Renesis is biotech health tech company working for nutraceuticals and health care services
Corona pandemic resulted in huge burden on health care service sectors. Although pharmaceutical is the one of the largest industry in the world and predominant in health care services yet sudden outbreak of disease has questioned our ability of fighting back. The people across the globe have become more aware regarding health and wellness, hence they looking for other natural, reliable, affordable and available options. The nutraceuticals or functional foods are expected to have various health benefits and people are looking for more advance nutraceuticals for better immunity. An intensive exploratory study was conducted in one of the most reputed Banerjee’s Clinic located at Khamtarai region, Raipur, Chhattisgarh where 237 female participated in the questionnaire survey. The study result revealed that majority of women (52%) age 34-41 years use neutraceuticals for better health and to boost their immunity. Furthermore, the females who are working both public and private sectors and are financially independent are aware of health benefits of nutraceuticals/functional foods and spend on nutraceuticals for overall wellness. Moreover, the women preferred tablets form of nutraceuticals rather than powder or liquid form as mode of consumption.The study further shows that women who are professionals prefer to take daily functional foods or nutraceuticals for good health, immunity and beauty.
May 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-22-4190
Bartle JodieCorresponding author
Department of Nutrition & Food Services, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne.
Background Nutrition support during the acute phase post allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is required to optimise short- and long-term outcomes for children. An algorithm was developed and evaluated to assist clinicians to make objective and consistent enteral feeding decisions. Methods The algorithm was evaluated on all patients who underwent allogeneic HSCT treatment between November 2017 - February 2019. Results Of the 48 patients, 43 had a nasogastric tube (NGT) inserted, of which 36 patients received a hydrolysed peptide-based formula, 5 patients received a whole protein formula only and 2 patients were fed an amino acid-based formula. Parenteral nutrition (PN) was used in 41 of the patients. Eleven did not have an NGT in-situ at the commencement of HSCT. Of the remaining 37 patients, 26 followed the algorithm and 11 patients did not comply. The group of patients who did not follow the algorithm had the longest median length of stay (LOS) of 49 days. Patients receiving only EN had the lowest median LOS of 30 days. The two groups that reported better weight outcomes were those who followed the algorithm and those who were fully EN fed. Conclusions Effective use of the HSCT feeding algorithm indicated improved patient outcomes for children undergoing HSCT, with better weight outcomes and reduced LOS. Recommendations to improve the efficacy and compliance of the algorithm include regular education/input to the oncology medical teams to better understand objective thresholds for EN and PN commencement.
May 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-22-4149
Lemma WossensegedCorresponding author
Department of Medical Parasitology; School of Biomedical and Laboratory Sciences, University of Gondar, Ethiopia
In Ethiopia stunting, underweight and wasting in school children are very common. The aim of this research was to evaluate the impact of intestinal helminthes and schistosomiasis on malnutrition, anaemia and haematological indices in the school age children of Azezo Elementary School in Gondar town. Kato Katz technique was performed to determine infection and intensity of intestinal helminth infections. AnthroPlus software version 1.04 was used to get malnutrition indices while fully automated haematological analyzers were used to determine haematological and biochemical parameters. A total of 384 school children were recruited in this study. The overall prevalence of helminth infection was 45.8% (178/384) with the leading Ascarislumbericoides infection (20.6%) compared to the second leading Schistosomamansoni (17.4%) and third leading hook worm infections (13.3%). The prevalences of body mass indexes for age Z-scores (BAZ) indices were 9.6% (37) very sever thin, 17.2% (66) sever thin, 38.3% (147) thin, 34.4% (132) normal and 0.5% (2) overweight. On the other hand, the prevalences of height for age Z-scores (HAZ) indices were 12.2% (47) stunt, 87% (334) normal and 0.8% (3) over height. Of the total 384 school age children, 335 (87.2%) had normal blood glucose level (70 – 110 mg/dL) while the remaining 49 (12.8%) school age children were hypoglycemic. The number of the school children with normal total protein level (6.6 – 8 g/dL) was 259 (67.4%) while the remaining 125 (32.6%) school children were hypo-proteinaemic. The prevalence of anemia in the school age children was 33.1% (127). Intestinal helminth infections were statistically significantly associated (p = 0.000) with hypo-proteinaemia, anemia and number of lymphocytes compared with non-infected school children. The likelihood of anemia in intestinal helminth infected school children, when it was compared with uninfected, was 148 times higher for both Ascaris lumbericoides-Schistosoma mansoni co-infection, 38 times for Hookworm, 20 times for Schistosoma mansoni and 3 times for Ascaris lumbericoides mono-infections. Conclusion: Intestinal helminth infections in school age children aggravate malnutrition. Prolonged malnutrition and intestinal helminth infections could result in stunting in school-age children.
Apr 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2639-3166.jar-22-4114
Md. Iqbal FarukCorresponding author
An experiment was conducted in the field of Plant Pathology Division, BARI, Joydebpur to evaluate the efficacy of available plant nutrient for the development of purple blotch disease and tip-burn of onion. Eight different treatments viz. Potassium (MP fertilizer), Phosphorus (TSP fertilizer), Boron (Boron fertilizer), Zinc (ZnSO4 fertilizer), Calcium (CaSO4 fertilizer), Copper (CuSO4), Silicon (silica gel) and Manganese (MnSO4 fertilizer) were tested against purple blotch disease and tip-burn of garlic. The present study revealed that soil and foliar application of plant nutrients viz. Potassium, Phosphorus, Boron, Zinc, Calcium, Copper, Silicon and Manganese gave appreciable reduction of purple blotch disease and tip-burn incidence and increased plant growth parameters such as shoot and root growth as well as yield of garlic. Among the nutrients Potassium, Phosphorus, Silicon, Zinc and Calcium were performed better for reducing purple blotch disease severity, tip-burn disease incidence and increasing plant growth as well as yield of garlic. Application of Boron and Manganese also performed better than control. So, soil and foliar application plant nutrients Potassium, Phosphorus, Silicon, Zinc, Boron and Manganese may be recommended for tip-burn and purple blotch disease management and for garlic production in Bangladesh.
Mar 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-22-4120
Mainardi PaoloCorresponding author
People's University for Food and Health Studies, Genova, Italy.
We are experiencing years of profound cultural revolution. New insights into the microbiota upset concepts in physiology, medicine, and nutrition. The role of the microbiota for our health is increasingly evident. We are increasingly certain that our health depends on that of the microbiota, or, rather, on its strength in controlling the physiology of body organs, the mechanisms of repair and protection. It is not so much a pathogen that makes us fall ill, but a reduced ability to protect and repair ourselves from damage produced by pathogens that affect us continually. Current knowledge leads us to a new medicine aimed at curing the microbiota so that it can (come back to) take care of us. In this new medicine, food rediscovers a fundamental role, since it is the best way to communicate with the microbiota, to modulate and strengthen it. And it is curious how the most recent acquisitions bring us back to the past, to an ancient medicine, which we had forgotten after the discovery of drugs, imagined capable of acting on complex pathogenetic mechanisms. By acting, more simply, on the microbiota we can activate powerful endogenous mechanisms, which keep us healthy, when we are, more powerful than any drug we can invent. Now there is nothing left to do but apply the new knowledge.
Nov 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2690-4837.ijip-21-4015
A. Connor DAOM PGDip AMP EHP-C CaitlinCorresponding author
Health Sciences Research, Rewley House, University of Oxford, UK.
Copper (Cu) has a strong impact on the function of the immune system through several different pathways. These impacts include helping the function of monocytes, neutrophils, and macrophages, and enhancing Natural Killer cells’ activities. Cu also has a role in antimicrobial properties and inflammatory response. It is also important for IL-2 production and response, which is a component of adaptive immune cells. Additionally, Cu has multiple roles in both proliferation and differentiation of T cells and is involved in the production of antibodies. Cu deficiency can even lead to "increased viral virulence"1. Copper has a long history of use in medicine, and has continued to be used for purification of water, including use in hospitals to prevent legionnaires disease. The CDC pre released information on a study completed in March 2020 on the lifespan of COVID-19 on different surfaces which included its lifespan on copper, where it was completely dead within 4 hours. In addition, "Several reports demonstrated that Cu deficiency weakens the human immune response" 2. Given the multiple avenues of impact, it has been suggested that Cu supplementation, within recommended levels, be given to individuals who are low in Cu to help them fight off COVID-19. It is also possible that Cu supplementation, within recommended levels, may help prevent COVID-19 infection, or help individuals who are not low in Cu to fight off COVID-19 infection. However, dosage would have to be carefully managed, as excess levels of Cu can lead to both neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases.
Sep 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-21-3926
Patoka Guillaume Kalonji MuasaCorresponding author
University of Liège, Department of Public Health Sciences, Belgium
Background The nutritional situation in prisons of developing countries and the health status of inmates remain a major human rights concern. The objective of the study was to assess the nutritional status of inmates jailed in a prison of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted over a 4-month period in the Central Prison of Mbuji-Mayi, DRC. Three hundred inmates were selected according to the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST). Severe malnutrition was defined according to Buzby index and Nutritional Risk Index (NRI). Data were analyzed by Stata™ (version12.0). Results The inmates were aged between 18 and 70 years and primarily males (88.7%). Of them, 24% were suffering from severe malnutrition and 62% of moderate malnutrition as based on the NRI. At the time of study, 88% of inmates were incarcerated for more than 6 months. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that factors independently associated with severe malnutrition were incarceration of more than 6 months (OR=5.1; 95% CI (1.5-17.4)), origin of food (prison vs. family or NGO) (OR=4.7; 95% CI (1.6-13.8)) presence of tuberculosis, human immunodeficiency virus and/or intestinal infections (OR=2.6; 95% CI (1.4-4.7)). Conclusions The nutritional situation in the Central Prison of Mbuji-Mayi is precarious. There is urgent need to supply enough nutrient-rich food to improve health of inmates.
Aug 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2576-9383.jhhr-21-3864
Stanley Raj A.Corresponding author
Assistant Professor, Department of Physics, Loyola College, Chennai, Tamilnadu-600034, India.
This paper wishes to address the main concerns of food patterns and food consumption during the epidemic with quantitative analysis from various regions of Tamil Nadu. It was noted that it is more important than natural foods. The current epidemic had a profound effect on the humankind, recognizing the importance of staying healthy is the crucial aspect. In time, further research was conducted on the diet of the Indian subcontinent. Everyone should know about the importance of health and how nutrition contributes to the health and equality of people around the world. The main purpose of this study was to identify the importance of good nutrition and disease prevention.
Jun 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-4538.jphi-21-3859
Erigene RutayisireCorresponding author
Public Health Department, Mount Kenya University Rwanda
In Rwanda, 38% children aged 6-59 months are stunted. In Ngoma District, stunting rate is estimated at 41% among the children aged below 5 years. The study objective was to evaluate the prevalence and factors contributing to under nutrition among children aged 6- 59 months in Ngoma District. Cluster sampling was used to determine the study participants for each sector within 14 sectors by considering the sample size of 442. The WHO Anthro software version 3.2.2 was used to determine the nutritional status of the children. SPSS version 24 was used for analysis. Of 442 children participated in the study 50.9% of them were females, 24.4% were aged 15-23 months and the majority of children (89.8%) born with normal birth weight. Study findings revealed that the prevalence of under nutrition was 33.7% for stunting, 3.6% for wasting and 6.6% underweighted. Poor sanitation facility (AOR: 4.1, 95%CI: 1.83-9.3, p=0.001), poor diet (AOR: 1.9, 95%CI: 1.18-3, p=0.008) were significantly associated with stunting. Factors such as lack of hand-washing facilities (AOR: 2.5, 95% CI: 1.013-6.3, p=0.047), not eat vegetables (AOR: 4.4, 95%CI: 1.7-10.96, p=0.001), and not eat fishes (AOR: 4.1, 95%CI: 1.6-10.6, p=0.003) were associated with wasting. Short breastfeeding duration (AOR: 4.5, 95%CI: 2.9-7.2, p=0.001), not eat vegetables (AOR: 1.9; 95%CI: 1.1-3.05, p=0.008), and not eat eggs (AOR: 2, 95%CI: 1.3-2.9, p=0.001) were associated with underweight. Poor families with under-five children need continuous support that will assist them to improve nutritional status of their children.
Jan 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2639-3166.jar-20-3677
Faruk IqbalCorresponding author
Principal Scientific Officer, Plant Pathology Division, BARI
The experiments were conducted in the fields of Plant Pathology Division, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Gazipur during 2016-17, 2017-18 and 2018-19 cropping years to evaluate the organic and vermi composts for mass culturing of biological control agent Trichoderma harzianum and toobserve the effect of formulated T.harzianum designated as Tricho-vermi-compost and Tricho-organic-compost as well as organic compost, vermi-compost and chemical fungicide Provax 200 WP against soil-borne pathogens, Sclerotium rolfsiiof groundnut causing foot and root rot/stem rot disease. The pathogen inoculated field soils were treated with Tricho-vermi-compost and Tricho-organic-compost, organic compost and vermi-compost 7 days before seed sowing where as seeds were treated with Provax 200 WP at the time of seed sowing. From this study it was revealed that all the treatments performed in reducing seedling mortality and increasing plant growth and yield of groundnut compared to control. Among the treatments, soil treatment with Tricho-vermi-compost and Tricho-organic-compost are the best treatments in reducing seedling mortality and increasing plant growth parameters and yield of groundnut which was significantly differed from the other treatments including control. Seed treatment with chemical fungicide Provax 200 WP and soil treatment with only vermin-compost and organic compost also promising treatments for management foot and root rot disease and increasing plant growth parameters as well as yield of groundnut compared to control.
Jan 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-20-3680
Jubayer AhmedCorresponding author
Institute of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh
Background This study focused on nutritional status of the rickshaw pullers, their dietary energy and nutrients consumption along with their energy intake gap as compared to expenditure. Methods A cross sectional study was carried out at 15 different important locations of Dhaka city during December-January 2018. In total, 670 rickshaw pullers from these locations were randomly selected. Printed predesigned and validated semi structured questionnaire was used to record necessary information. Nutritional status was determined according to Asia specific BMI cut- off values. Energy expenditure was calculated using their Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) and Physical Activity Level (PAL) value. 24-hour dietary recall method was administered for dietary analysis. Results About 65.4% of them were found within normal BMI range. About 11.5% were underweight and about 23.1% were found having more than normal BMI. Percentage of both underweight (39.0%) and overweight (35.8%) were found higher among those who were between 25 and 35 years. Average daily dietary energy consumption was 2391 kcal and energy expenditure were found 4608 kcal. Their energy consumption was found 2217 kcal less compared to their energy expenditure. Conclusion The current study revealed the nutritional status, dietary intake of the rickshaw pullers of Dhaka city and found energy gap in their dietary intake compared to their expenditure. For their better health and nutrition outcome integrated approach should be taken by the responsible authorities.
Nov 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-20-3606
Rahman Bhuiyan FarjanaCorresponding author
Bangladesh Institute of Research and Training on Applied Nutrition (BIRTAN), Dhaka, Bangladesh
Background Nutritional status of adolescent girls is very crucial for their health and has a great impact on the quality of the next generation. The present study aimed to investigate the nutritional status and nutrition-related knowledge among urban adolescent girls in Bangladesh. Methods A cross-sectional study involving a total 500 of adolescent girls (aged 10-19) from four schools and colleges in Dhaka city. Socio-demographic, anthropometric and nutrition-related information was collected by semi-structured questionnaires. In addition, 24 hours food recall and food frequency questionnaire was used to assess the dietary intake. Results The ages of the early adolescent and late adolescent girls yrs (Mean ± SD) were 12±1 and 17±1 respectively. The mean (±SD) BMI of the early adolescent and late adolescent was 21.12±0.32 and 22.10±3.89 correspondingly. Among the early adolescent girls, the nutritional knowledge score was about 62% (moderate), 87% had a positive attitude and 72% had good practices in their daily lives. Whereas among the late adolescent girls, the nutritional knowledge score was about 57% (moderate), 90% showed a positive attitude and 61% had good practices. Among the subject, the average calorie intake was 1491 kcal, which was 24% lower than RDA. The Carbohydrate intake was lower than the RDA but the protein and fat intake was higher than the RDA. Conclusions The dietary intake of adolescent girls was found inadequate. Nutrition education and strong motivation can create positive changes in dietary intake. To understand the real phenomena of dietary intake of adolescent girls, further study is necessary to conduct with a large sample size.
Oct 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-20-3610
Maiti Choudhury SujataCorresponding author
Department of Human Physiology, Vidyasagar University, Midnapore-721102, West Bengal, India
Aim To assess the sanitation and hygienic practices of women and its effects on the nutritional status of the mother and preschool children of the Lodha tribal community in two districts of West Bengal. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted during November, 2014 - December, 2018 of 941 Lodha mothers and 1043 of their preschool children in Paschim Medinipur and Jhargram districts. All information was collected by using KAP questionnaire following interview and group discussion. Mother nutritional status was assessed based on body mass index (BMI) and mid upper arm circumference (MUAC). A child was classified as underweight, stunting and wasting as weight-for-age, height-for-age and weight-of -height Z-score below -2 standard deviation of WHO standard. Results This study found 35% of the households used safe drinking water. Almost 97.2% of the mother had the low hand wash score and about 67.1% of them had an average WaSH score. Overall, 41.6% and 1.6% mothers were suffered from undernutrition (BMI <18.5 kg/m2) and overweight/obesity (BMI≥25kg/m2). Whereas, 48.9% women were undernourished based on MUAC<22.0cm. Moreover, the overall prevalence of wasting, stunting and underweight of preschool children was 31.9%, 62.1% and 61.3%, respectively. The WaSH score of family was significantly associated with child stunted and underweight. Conclusion There is a good association between poor household WaSH practices with child undernutrition and morbidity. Hence, there is an urgent need to develop the comprehensive knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) guidelines in their language to educate them about appropriate water storage, retrieval methods, sanitation and hand washing practices.
Aug 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-4538.jphi-20-3437
Rutayisire ErigeneCorresponding author
Department of public Health, Mount Kenya University Rwanda Kigali Rwanda
Acute malnutrition affects nearly 52 million of under five years children globally, 75% of them live in low to middle income countries. The treatment of acute malnutrition using supplement foods could help children recovering and could reduce the risk of sickness. The present study investigated the factors associated with recovery among children with moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) under a follow-up program at health facilities. A prospective study was conducted in 16 health centers of Kirehe District of Rwanda and included 200 children from 6 to 59 months. A semi-structured questionnaire was used for data collection. All children enrolled in the study spent three months in nutrition program at health centers. The results show that after 3 months in the program 77.5% recovered from MAM. Children aged above 36 to 59 months were recovered at 90% whereas children aged from 24-35 months were recovered at 73.5%. Micronutrients and deworming provided at health facility were contributed to the recovery as children who received them were recovered at 89.1% and for those who didn’t were recovery at 72.1%. The findings demonstrated that boys were 16 times more likely to recover from MAM in three months of intervention than girls (AOR=16.19, p<0.001, 95% CI: 5.39- 48.63). Children from moderate income families were 3 more likely to recover than those from very low income families (AOR=2.8, p=0.029, 95% CI: 1.11-7.51). Male gender, receiving micronutrients and deworming from health facilities and family income status were factors associated with MAM recovery status
Jul 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2328-0182.japst-20-3472
Abedulla Khan KayamkaniCorresponding author
Department of Clinical Pharmacy & Pharmacology, IbnSina National College for Medical Studies, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Introduction An adequate nutrition pattern is of major importance for one’s health and well-being, especially during pregnancy when a woman undergoes major biological, physical, psychological and social transformations. Macronutrient and micronutrient deficiencies predispose the fetus to preterm birth, neural tube defects, and low birth weight for gestational age. This study was conducted to determine the nutrition awareness of women in childbearing age in order to provide a greater understanding of the life course perspective (LCP) in relation to nutrition behaviors and pregnancy. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on based on our conceptualization of nutrition awareness and questionnaire based studies of a face-to-face interview. The participants were women with age group of 17 years to 45 years participate in studies in Jeddah city. Data collection procedures A Semi-structured questionnaires prepared in English language were translated in to Arabic and then translated back to English to check for consistency. The questionnaires were pretested Human ethical committee; the questions assessed respondents’ nutrition knowledge. Results and Discussion Different questions were asked to 175 selected pregnant women to be included in this study assess knowledge of pregnant mothers on nutrition and determinant factors in the study area. Most of the respondents (34.85.2%) were in 19-25 years of age group.69.1 % (n=121) women says they pay attention to the number of soft drinks they drink each day. There would be fascinating to study awareness of specific nutrients and related issues, like consumption folic acid, non-vegetarian diet, minerals and life style such as mental stress and physical exercise.
Jul 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-20-3488
Boukerrouche AbdelkaderCorresponding author
Department of Digestive Surgery, Hospital of Beni-Messous, University of Algiers, Algiers, Algeria.
Esophagectony remains a high-risk surgical procedure. Esophageal cancer is often associated with a weight loss. The best nutritional condition is crucial for successful oesophageal surgery. The increased septic complications and costs have limited the wide use of total parenteral nutrition. Currently, enteral nutrition is the preferred nutrition method following esophagectomy. However; jejunostomy-tube was associated with rare major complications that may lead to discontinuing nutrition. Choosing an enteral feeding route after esophagectomy depends greatly on the surgeon preference. The safety and benefits of early oral feeding on outcomes after major gastrointestinal surgery have been well documented. However, the surgical community is still reticent about initiating early oral feeding after esophageal surgery. Despite the limited number of published reports, comparative trials have clearly shown the feasibility, safety with no increase in morbidity rate.In this brief review, we tried to discuss the different routes of nutritional support after oesophagectomy with providing the current insights on early oral feeding.
Jul 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-20-3458
Bai YeonCorresponding author
Professor, Dept of Nutrition and Food Studies, Montclair State University, Montclair, New Jersey, 07043,
Daily intake of fruits and vegetables provides the basis for healthy nutrition. Yet low consumption of fruits and vegetables (FV) persists among school-aged children. Framed by the Social Cognitive Theory, this study aimed to determine the effectiveness of nutrition lessons combined with an active choice intervention on children’s FV consumption. Using a quasi-experimental design, 89 second graders were assigned to groups. Students in the experimental group (n=46) received four nutrition lessons combined with nine active choice sessions, while those in the control group (n=43) received active choice sessions only. Responses to pre- and post-intervention surveys that inquired FV knowledge and consumption were compared within and between groups using independent and paired t-tests. Empowered by improved knowledge, self-efficacy and the positive environment created through nutrition lessons and active choice, the experimental group showed improvement in consumption behavior compared to the control group at post-intervention: bringing FV to school and finish eating (69.7 vs. 51.2, p=.05 for fruits; 43.5 vs. 39.5, p=.41 for vegetables); like choosing FV (84.8 vs. 65.1, p=.01); like to eat more FV (80.4 vs. 62.8, p=.16); FV are healthy (100 vs. 95.3, p=.14). The magnitude of improvement is small yet consistent in every aspect of outcome measures. Combining nutrition education with the active choice component showed potential for a larger impact on behavior change among study participants. Parental support and community involvement could enhance the effectiveness of nutrition education in schools.
Apr 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-20-3279
Mahbuba KawserCorresponding author
Aim This cross-sectional study assessed the nutritional status of ethnic reproductive women aged between 15-40 years, comprising 85 lactating women (LW) and 86 non-pregnant-non-lactating women (NPNLW) who lived in various parts of three hilly districts (Bandarban, Khagrachari and Rangamati) of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHTs) of Bangladesh. Materials and Method Research tool was pretested semi-structured questionnaire for this observational study. Anthropometric indices like weight, height and mid-upper-arm-circumference (MUAC) were used in assessing the nutritional status. Results Most (44.4%) of the ethnic women were Marma, followed by Chakma (39.8%), Bam (8.2%) and Tripura (5.8%). No significant (P>0.05) differences were observed in socio-economic variables between LW and NPNLW. Overall, mean age of the women was 28 (±7.2) years; mean family income was 18,822.2 (±3091) BDT and majority (86%-87%) were reported to be food secured throughout the year. Mean Dietary calorie (2631±798 kcal) intake of both groups were up to the mark according to the recommended dietary allowances (RDAs) and most (80.3%-86%) of them also possessed good nutritional knowledge. However, no significant (P>0.05) differences were observed in dietary calorie intake and nutritional knowledge score between two groups of women. Overall, most (68.4%) of the women had normal body max index (BMI kg/m2), 11.7% were found to be undernourished or thin and 19.9% were overweight. It was noticed that better nutritional status of LW and NPNLW were significantly associated with literacy (P<0.05), occupancy in household chores (P<0.05), better income (P<0.05), food security (P<0.05), recommended calorie intake level (P<0.05) and better nutritional knowledge score (P<0.05). Conclusion This study showed that vast majority of the ethnic reproductive women of CHTs are in better nutritional status with normal BMI (kg/m2) and daily calorie intake according to RDA. Most of them were food secured and their nutritional knowledge score was also up to the mark. Better socio-economic condition, nutritional knowledge and accurate calorie intake play a vital role in achieving healthy nutritional status of the two women groups of CHTs.
Mar 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-4538.jphi-20-3261
Dzinamarira TafadzwaCorresponding author
Department of Public Health, Mount Kenya University Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
Efforts to control the Human Immunodeficiency Virus epidemic in Rwanda have seen remarkable success over the years. Effective antiretroviral therapy has played great role in improving longevity among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH). While this is the case, there are various nutritional challenges, which are often faced, among PLWH. Guided by the Rwanda country guidelines for nutritional management for PLWH and WHO recommendations, this study aimed to explore the perspectives of health care providers (HCPs) working with PLWH on nutritional challenges faced by their clients in Kigali, Rwanda. We conducted a qualitative study using in-depth interviews to collect data. A non-probability purposive sampling was employed to recruit HCPs. Data analysis was based on the naturalistic paradigm. We followed the hybrid approach in conducting thematic analysis. Three themes were identified. First, HCPs had good knowledge on nutritional requirements for PLWH. They demonstrated good communication skills and adequate counseling skills that were necessary for addressing concerns on nutrition from their clients. Secondly, it emerged that HCPs perceived a lack of resources to be the major challenge faced in nutritional management of their clients. From theme three, it emerged that, from HCPs experiences, food insecurity and lack of feeding supplements were the main causes of malnutrition among PLWH in Kigali, Rwanda. From the HCPs perspective, there is a need to improve healthcare institutions capacity to manage nutritional challenges faced by PLWH. To achieve this, policy makers need to channel adequate resources for this cause.
Mar 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-20-3221
Fawzi Farahat MohamedCorresponding author
Department of Nutrition, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Egypt
Edible mushrooms form very nourishing meals especially for invalids, for they are easily digestible. They are consumed not only for their innate flavor and taste, but also for their important nutritional value, therefore, we analyzed the micronutrient contents of fresh and canned Agaricusbisporusand Pleurotusostreatus mushroom for their calcium, potassium and iron content. Fresh Agaricus was insignificantly higher in its calcium and iron contents (36.0 and 37.5 mg/100g; respectively) than Pleurotus(33.8 and 29.8 mg/100g) although the later was significantly higher in its potassium content (3890.4 mg/100g) versus 3102.9 in Agaricus. The micronutrient content of the canned Agaricus was higher than the canned cut Pleurotus. As these species of mushrooms are good sources of calcium, potassium, and iron, so they can be used as supplementary healthy foods for human nutrition.
Jan 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2639-3166.jar-20-3177
Parwada CosmasCorresponding author
Department of Horticulture, Women’s University in Africa, Marondera, Zimbabwe
Performance of three newly released short-seasoned (Nsinjiro, Chitala and JL11) were evaluated against old (Nyanda, Illanda and Tern) groundnuts varieties under same agronomic practices. A field experiment laid in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates was done. Varieties were evaluated for days to 50% emergence, 50% flowering, days to physiological maturity, pod and seed yield, and shelling percentage. There were no significant difference in the days to 50% emergence among all varieties but significant difference (p ˂ 0.05) were observed on days to 50% flowering. JL11 and Tern took shortest (90 days) and longest (120 days) time to physiological maturity respectively. Chitala had highest (3.804t/ha) and Tern had lowest (3.020t/ha) seed yield. Jl11 had highest (83%) and Nyanda least (68%) shelling percentage. Results showed that the new varieties out-performed the old varieties in all measured parameters. Therefore, resource constrained farmers may safely opt for the new short-seasoned varieties over the old ones.
Jan 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-20-3171
Ozcelik FatihCorresponding author
University of Health Sciences, Sultan 2. Abdulhamid Han Training and Research Hospital, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Istanbul, Turkey
Biogenic amines, which are responsible for the realization of many physiological conditions of our body, are compounds that can be produced by microorganisms especially in fermented foods with high protein content. They can have harmful effects on human health only when taken in high amounts with food. However, in individuals with impaired anti-toxic metabolism, which is responsible for detoxification, even lower amounts may cause toxic effects. The most common health effects are nausea, vomiting, severe headaches, hypotension, hypertension, tachycardia, various allergic reactions, abdominal pain and death in more severe cases. For these reasons, legislations on biogenic amines in foods have been established with some restrictions. Food producers have been asked to comply with these legislations. However, despite all precautions, biogenic amines in foods have not been completely removed. Further research is still needed to find effective solutions to prevent biogenic amine formation. In addition, consumers need to be made aware of this issue.
Jan 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-19-3111
Phadke M.Corresponding author
Sr.Adv, Public Health, Govt. of Mah, UNICEF, Mumbai, India
The present paper describes the significance of anthropometric measurements in detecting nutritional status of individuals, specially children. It highlights evolution of anthropometry, discusses importance of various measurements & their role in determining undernutrition & obesity. There is a need to have one measurement to detect obesity & undernutrition both. An ideal such measure is yet to be established.
Nov 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-19-3083
Ververs MijaCorresponding author
Senior Nutritionist/Health Scientist, Emergency Response and Recovery Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Background In November 2014, the World health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), and the World Food Programme, produced interim guidelines (iGL) on providing nutritional support to patients in Ebola treatment units (ETUs). They have been translated into French and issued by the Ministry of Health, UNICEF and WHO in adapted versions to be used in the current outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This paper evaluates the use and usefulness of the 2014 iGL in the West Africa and current DRC Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreaks and identifies experiences and lessons learned from practitioners on the operational aspects of nutritional care and support in ETUs. Methods Key-informants (n=26), from 12 organizations (Non-Governmental Organizations, United Nations, Red Cross Red Crescent Movement) were interviewed who were actively engaged in the nutritional and/or clinical care of EVD patients. Results There was a consensus among key-informants that the 2014 iGL initially served a guiding purpose. However, the vast amount of learning from the 2014-2016 and current EVD outbreaks indicates that the interim guidelines need to be revised. Practitioners struggled to find operational solutions for nutritional care, and the challenges were plentiful, especially regarding 1) the different perceptions of the importance of nutritional care among ETU staff; 2) the difficulties around food preparation and distribution for EVD patients; 3) how to take into account the patients’ dietary preferences; 4) the nutritional care needed in relation to specific EVD symptoms; 5) who assumed roles in nutritional care in ETUs; 6) if and how feeding support was organized; 7) whether malnutrition needed to be addressed and how; and 8) whether the intake of specific nutrients could contribute to improved treatment outcomes. Information from the key-informants interviews resulted in numerous lessons learned and recommendations for nutritional support during current and future outbreaks. Conclusions This investigation underscored the importance of documenting experiences of practitioners on nutritional care in emerging infectious diseases for which limited scientific evidence exists and for which interim guidelines are produced to fill in knowledge gaps. It also emphasized the importance of nutritional care in ETUs during treatment.
Oct 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2577-2279.ijha-19-3050
N Bhatti AmjadCorresponding author
Brighton & Sussex Medical School, BN1 9PX
Background Free vascularised fibular bone grafting has gained popularity in various Orthopaedic and Oral & maxillofacial reconstructive surgeries. The objective of the present study was to identify the morphology and topography of nutrient foramina of fibula and to determine the foraminal index (FI) of the fibula using a more surgeon friendly bony landmark. Methods The study comprised examination of 100 fibulae specimens. Each bone was divided into 03 parts and topographical analysis was performed on each section. The nutrient foramina were identified macroscopically using size 24-gauge needle. Modified Hughes formula was used to calculate the foraminal index using distance of foramen (DF) from distal end which is easier to palpate in living human beings, total length of fibula (TL); and the formula was DF/TL x100. Results With respect to fibulae, 98% had single foramen and foramen was absent in 2%. The mean foraminal index (FI) was 56% for fibulae using modified Hughes’ formula. The majority of the fibulae showed nutrient foramen in the middle 3rd in relation to distal end of fibula. Conclusion The study provides information on the morphology of nutrient foramina in relation to easily palpable landmark on living human beings, which can provide guidance to surgeon while performing microvascular bone transfer procedures.
Jul 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-19-2774
D. Watts PaulCorresponding author
Maternal nutrition is at the core of any principle-centered projection of Sustainable Development Goals. Without the developmental health of newborns – there is no quality future. Specifically, there are situations all around the globe where Indigenous and Artisanal coastal people suffer from maternal malnutrition inadvertently limiting future potentials in many locations that will be most challenged by climate change. Results from research with Artisanal Fisherfolk in the Philippines and analysis of harvest by the Canadian Inuit people are discussed in terms of the ethics of setting national as well as global education and research priorities.
Jun 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2471-2140.jaa-19-2747
M. S. López-CortezCorresponding author
Numerous studies have reported the health benefits of consuming fruits and vegetables that contain antioxidant properties. Within the group of fruits considered exotic, some are accessible and only consumed in their place of origin, such as soursop, noni, kiwi, pitahaya, and others. Anacardiumoccidentale, cashew, is a crop native to the Brazilian northeast that has excellent medicinal and nutritional properties. Because few studies have characterized cashew produced in Mexico, in the present work, the physicochemical properties and antioxidant capacity of cashew apple (red and yellow varieties) and its nut were studied. The content of total phenolic compounds and the antioxidant capacity were higher in the nut (174.19±20.98 GAE mg/100 g db) while cashew red pulp showed a superior value of the phenol content (159.75±12.91 GAE mg/100 g db) to that of yellow cashew pulp (151.9±5.23 GAE mg/100 g db). A high value was obtained for the TPC of the husk of cashew nut (74.30 mg GAE/g) compared with those of the kernel and false fruit. Red cashew presented a higher antioxidant capacity at 77.65 μmol Trolox/g and was superior to that of the kernel (38.52±2.9 μmol Trolox/g). Because cashew apple is usually discarded, a marmalade based on the pulp is proposed as an alternative for its conservation because it has a high content of phenolic compounds that is conserved for six weeks of shelf life.
Apr 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-19-2645
José Gonçalves Bós ÂngeloCorresponding author
Professor of School of Medicine at Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul. Porto Alegre, Brazil
Introduction Brazil has undergone considerable changes in age distribution, particularly in nonagenarians. Allied to this reality, there is a series of nutritional disorders in this population segment. An important factor related to quality of life and healthy aging is good nutrition throughout life. Objective To observe the possible relationship between nutritional status and body composition in nonagenarians. Methodology This is a descriptive, cross-sectional and analytical study, with participants aged 90 years or older, evaluated using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), anthropometric parameters, and Bioimpedance. Results The sample consisted of 72 nonagenarians, averaging in age 93.7 years, most female (72%), white (82%) and widowed (64%), 19.4% were in nutritional risk, based on the MNA criteria. All anthropometric parameters presented lower averages among nonagenarians in nutritional risk. Regarding the bioimpedance parameters, in general the risk-free nonagenarians presented higher averages of weight, maximum ideal weight, minimum ideal weight, BMI, lean-mass, fat-mass, percentage of fat-mass and minimum percentage of fat-mass. Conclusions Most nonagenarians were in good nutritional status. Both anthropometric and bioimpedance parameters were effective to discriminate between normal and at nutritional risk nonagenarians. We also concluded that nutritional risk assessment in nonagenarians patients requires a joint analysis of the several existing methods for the nutritional evaluation, in order to obtain global diagnosis and accurate analysis of the nutritional status of the nonagenarians.
Apr 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-19-2646
Oladejo Thomas ADEPOJUCorresponding author
Department of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Public Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
The potential of Nigerian indigenous tree leaves as vegetable source, pharmaceuticals and other therapeutic materials have been reported. However, Silk cotton (Ceiba pentandra) leaf is still underutilised as vegetable in parts of Nigeria where it exists despite its potential great health benefits. The aim of the study was to assess the micronutrient and phytochemical potential contribution to nutrient intake of its consumers, and acceptability of its cooked soup and sauce ‘as consumed’. Fresh young shoots and leaves of Ceiba pentandra were harvested from Ihitte/Uboma in Imo State, Nigeria. Composite sample of the leaf was prepared and divided into four portions. One portion was labelled as raw sample, and others blanched, cooked to soup and sauce. The four samples were analysed for proximate, minerals, vitamins and phytochemical composition using standard methods of AOAC. Sensory evaluation of soup and sauce was carried out using 9-point hedonic scale with 30 untrained panelists. Data were analysed using ANOVA at p<0.05 Raw Ceiba pentandraleaf contained 80.9g moisture, 3.9g protein, 0.8g fat, 15.3g carbohydrate, 68.40 kcal gross energy, 183.40mg potassium, 119.38mg calcium, 112.99mg phosphorus, and 3.46mg iron/100g sample. The leaf was rich in phytochemicals such as saponins, flavonoid and alkaloids. Raw sample was highest in water-soluble vitamins while the sauce was highest in β-carotene (339.72µg/100g). Cooking the leaf to soup and sauce significantly increased the mineral content of the products (P<0.05) with reduction in water-soluble vitamins and phytochemicals (P<0.05). The sensory attributes of the soup and sauce were generally acceptable to the panelists, with the sauce being more acceptable. The leaf and its products were rich in essential minerals, vitamins and phytochemicals. The sauce retained more nutrients compared to other samples. Inclusion of this underutilised vegetable in diets will reduce micronutrient malnutrition, promote dietary diversity, good health and wellness.
Apr 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2644-0105.jbfb-19-2681
L. Blanco CynthiaCorresponding author
Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas.
This study compared the effect of container material type on macronutrient changes in human breast milk (HBM) during frozen storage. HBM was collected from breastfeeding mothers and baseline macronutrients were analyzed and recorded. The HBM was aliquoted into milk storage containers of five commonly used materials (low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), glass, stainless steel, and silicone). The samples were frozen in a standard freezer (-20°F) for 30, 60, and 180 days prior to thawing and retesting macronutrient values. In the 155 samples analyzed, macronutrient changes among different types of storage materials were insignificant at 30 and 60 days of frozen storage. When comparing macronutrients at baseline to 180 days, there was a significant decrease in protein value over time in LDPE containers as compared to silicone containers (p=0.001). Likewise, there was a significant decrease in total calories from baseline to 180 days in both PP and LDPE containers compared to silicone (p=0.046 and 0.013, respectively). While not significant for short-term storage, HBM has losses of macronutrients (protein) with long-term storage in LDPE and PP plastics. These differences could have major nutritional impact on growth, particularly to infants born prematurely.
Jan 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-19-2599
PCJ Reddy PrasadCorresponding author
Professor, –Department of Applied Human Nutrition, Faculty of Chemical and Food Engineering, Bahir Dar Institute of Technology, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
Background: Severe acute mal nutrition (SAM) among children still remains the major problem in Ethiopia. The shortening of the SAM recovery time by applying appropriate dietary means during treatment and also after recovery, can save huge sums of public health spending. Objectives: Determining the recovery time of SAM affected children and developing complementary food supplement (CFS). Methods: Hospital based retrospective cohort study was carried out on 401 SAM affected children. A structured and pre tested data abstraction form was used for data collection. The data were entered into Epi info and exported to SPSS for analysis. All of the nutritional properties of the developed product in three different ratios of the flours of maize, soybean and powder of moringaolifera leaves were assessed and compared to the control (100% maize). Results: The median recovery time was 16 days. There was a significant increase in protein, mineral and beta carotene content with increasing level of Moringaolifera leaf powder in the CFS. Conclusion: To increase the rate of recovery from sever acute malnutrition and also to prevent relapsing, moringa incorporated cheaper complementary fod supplements could be recommended for SAM affected children.
Dec 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2576-6694.jbbs-18-2475
Kumar Srivastava RajeshCorresponding author
Department of Biotechnology, GITAM Institute of Technology, Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management, (GITAM) (Deemed to be University), Rushikonda, Visakhapatnam (A.P.), India.
Callus and biomass culture of Catharanthus roseus L. were established to check for the presence of total alkaloid and its subsequent yield. Various treatments like strength of nutrient salts, sucrose concentrations and combinations of plant growth regulators (PGR’s) were applied to both MS and B5 in agar as well as suspension medium to test their effects on enhanced alkaloid content and its yield. There was no significant difference in any of the observable parameters of fresh wt, dry wt, alkaloid content, production, productivity and yield if the culture were treated similarly in both types of media formulations (MS or B5 salts). Physical state (agar solidified or the liquid suspension) of the medium had significant effect on all the parameters particular on fresh wt, alkaloid content and yields. Although, the fresh wt. and dry wt. of biomass in suspension culture was 2-3 times less than that of callus obtained from agar medium. However, the alkaloid content and yield was 2-3 times higher in suspension culture compared to agar medium in similar treatments. The highest alkaloid content observed was 5.67mg/g dwt in B5 suspension medium containing 3% sucrose and modified with 0.5mg/l 2,4-Dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D) + 1 mg/l Kinetin (KIN) + 2mg/l α- naphthalene acetic acid (NAA). The combined effects of these factors on the enhanced production of total alkaloids were expected to contain higher yield of anticancer vinblastine and vincristine in the cell suspension culture system.
Oct 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2576-6694.jbbs-18-2408
K. Srivastava RajeshCorresponding author
GIT, Gitam Institute of Technology and Management (GITAM) (Deemed to be University)
Improved economic and developed people with their lifestyle have created many challenges of health issues (obesity, osteoporosis, cancer, diabetes, allergies and dental problems), due to selection of different food habits (such as consumption of manifold junk foods). It has created number of health problem (development of many diseases) related to nutritional deficiencies food. Nowadays, people have developed the habit for shifting of synthetic food ingredients to organic foods and ingredients, obtained from natural sources. In this regards, nutraceuticals food or its food products can perform important role in controlling the diseases via fulfilling all the health benefits to many people at worldwide. Incredible dietary supplements as nutraceuticals food (involvement in nutritional, immunologic and physiological functions) can help in prevention or treatment of many diseases (mitigating of gastrointestinal (GI) tract problem), as it is synthesized from raw herbals and lots of rapidly growing industries are reported to synthesize these natural products. And around 100 million people are found to take these products (power of plant based materials) for getting health benefits. It can work as drugs as health benefit of nutraceuticals via regulation/ control for diseases. Global nutraceuticals market had been valued for US$ 165.62 billion in 2014 and it would be grow the value of US$ 278.96 billion by 2021 with compound annual growth rate of 7.3%. This proposed paper will discuss the different types of nutraceuticals food or its functional components involved in prevention or treatment of diseases.
Aug 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-18-2262
Mrudula PhadkeCorresponding author
Sr. Adv. NHM, Mumbai, India
Objective: To analyse safety, tolerability, efficacy and logistic issues related to administration of 3 types of therapeutic feeds to children with severe acute malnutrition (SAM) from tribal district of Nandurbar, Maharashtra. Design: A three arm open label, block randomized trial using 3 therapeutic feeds i.e. commercially available ready to use therapeutic feed (C-RUTF), locally prepared ready to use therapeutic feed ( L-RUTF) & amylase rich food(ARF) was given to 1092 tribal children of SAM in Nandurbar District, Maharashtra, India during 2014-2015. Setting: Tribal district of Nandurbar, Maharashtra. Participants: 1092 children of SAM, 766 on C-RUTF, 184 on L-RUTF & 143 on ARF followed on treatment for 8 weeks. Outcomes: The recovery rates in the three groups, any untoward effects during treatment and logistic aspects of procurement, delivery, storage & administration of therapeutic feeds. Results: Total number of children with SAM were 1092. Gr 1 – Out of 765 children of SAM, 404 (52.8%) recovered on C-RUTF. Gr 2 – 80 (43.5%) recovered out of 184 on L-RUTF. Gr 3 – 64 (44.8%) recovered on ARF at the end of 8 weeks of treatment, the difference being statistically significant between C-RUTF & others. Out of 38 children on C-RUTF, it was observed that 1 had diarrhoea, 1 had vomiting, 1 had fever, 4 children reported more activity in terms of playfulness, more speaking & smiling. 31 children had nothing specific to report. Out of 34 children on L-RUTF, 6 children reported diarrhoea, 1 had vomiting & 4 children reported fever. 3 children reported more activity. 23 children had nothing specific to report. Out of 19 children on ARF, 1 had diarrhoea, 1 had vomiting, 1 had fever, 3 reported more activity. 13 had nothing specific to report. Untoward effects were noted in 3 out of 38 (7.89%) in C-RUTF group, 11 out of 34 (32.35%) in L-RUTF group and 3 out of 19 (15.7%) in ARF group. Conclusion: C-RUTF was found to be more efficacious, with least untoward effects, easy to administer and was more palatable when compared to L-RUTF & ARF.
Aug 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-18-2212
T NkrumahCorresponding author
Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.
Fish meat is a common and broadly used food due to its high nutritional values yet the bones and flavour of fresh fish can be unpleasant. The unpleasant fishy flavour makes it difficult to handle and process. The fishy flavour is as a result of microbial presence and growth. Studies associated with microbial contaminations have concentrated more on the carcass. Such contaminations which affect the microbiological status of processed products can emanate from spices and other non-meat ingredients, environment, equipment and handlers. The successful application of processing/preservation technology results in the conservation of desirable qualities in stabilized and varietal fish products. This study sought to use fish in the manufacture of frankfurter-type sausages, which could have improved preservation characteristics without any adverse effects on sensory properties. The nutritional composition and microbiological safety of fresh fish and sausages were determined using the methods described by AOAC and ICMSF respectively. The study showed that, catfish sausages were higher in protein (15.69 %) and were lower in fat (10.66%) compared to the other sausages. Total Viable Counts (TVC) were within the accepted limits (106 and 107cfu/g) for fish and pork respectively. E. coli was not detected in any of the treatments during frozen storage for 6 weeks. It was concluded that catfish frankfurter has high nutritive value because it contained less fat but with higher crude protein. Like pork frankfurters, both catfish and mackerel sausages could be stored for six weeks without any negative effects on microbial quality.
Feb 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-17-1872
Agaba EdgarCorresponding author
FTF Nutrition Innovation Lab, Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA
Objective: To elaborate on the procedures undertaken to establish blood draws and cold chain for nutrition assessments. Setting: A total of 5,044 birth cohort households were enrolled and assessed using household questionnaires, anthropometry, and blood sampling to assess nutritional issues and exposures to environmental contaminants. The challenge was to obtain, transport, process, store, and analyze tens of thousands of serum samples obtained in sites that were often difficult to reach. Approach: Before enrollment began, 24 healthcare facilities in the North and Southwest of Uganda were assessed for suitability as local nodes for processing and storage. Equipment needs included functional centrifuges, refrigeration, ice machines, and -20oC freezers. Other important physical infrastructure included the presence of backup power (generator or solar generated) in the event of electricity failure. Once samples were obtained, they were transported within 5 hours to the facility laboratories, where serum was separated and aliquoted into properly labelled storage tubes and then frozen. Relevant Changes: At community level, our team visited households or small group of household members close to their homes to reduce on travel time hence contributed to high retention rates. Our immediate testing for anemia and malaria results benefited enrollees and enhanced community acceptance. By using Village Health Teams (VHTs), we could accommodate household preferences for the timing of sample collection. Our engagement with phlebotomists transformed their role from a simple service into active team members. Lessons Learned: Our first lesson was that in our setting, the success of this nutrition biological sampling system required community engagement and acceptance. By combining an immediately actionable set of tests (for anemia and malaria), and visiting cohort households, we greatly enhanced the success of the system.
Sep 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-4526.jddd-17-1776
Augoulea AretiCorresponding author
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodestrian University of Athens, Medical School,, Aretaieio Hospital, 76 Vas. Sofias Ave, GR-11528, Athens, Greece
Objectives: The rate of morbid obesity among women of reproductive age continues to rise worldwide. Surgical treatment remains the most effective mean to face it. Anatomical, physiological and nutritional modifications lead to several challenges for pregnancy after bariatric procedures. In spite of routine supplementation after bariatric surgery, vitamin and mineral deficiency frequently appear in bariatric pregnancies. The aim of this review is to summarize the existing data on the prevalence and management of nutritional deficiencies in pregnancy after bariatric surgery. Methodology: A comprehensive search of Pubmed Database was conducted for English-language studies using a list of key words. Results: The most common post-operative deficiencies in pregnancy include iron, vitamin B12, folate, vitamin D and magnesium deficiency. Less common are selenium, vitamin A, vitamin B6 and vitamin C deficiency. Finally, copper, vitamin K, vitamin B1, vitamin E and albumin deficiencies are considered to be relatively rare. Conclusions: Pregnancy after bariatric surgery has been proven to be safe for both the mother and the fetus. However, there is still the risk of significant nutritional deficiencies with adverse effects on pregnancy and lactation. As a result, a thorough customized nutritional assessment is mandatory for every woman in reproductive age who has undergone a bariatric operation, with strict regular follow-up during pregnancy and lactation.
Jul 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-17-1607
PhadkeMCorresponding author
Senior Advisor, Govt;
Background Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) is rampant in the children of hilly and inaccessible tribal region of Nandurbar, Maharashtra in India. It is estimated that nearly 5% of the children under five years have SAM. Objectives To assess the therapeutic efficacy of 3 types of nutrition protocols administered largely at home in SAM children from Nandurbar, Maharashtra. Methodology This study is a part of a larger three arm open label trial using 3 therapeutic feeds i.e. C-RUTF (Centrally produced ready to use therapeutic food), L-RUTF (locally prepared ready to use therapeutic food) and ARF (locally prepared amylase rich food) in children of SAM who attended the health facility and completed the treatment protocols for 8 weeks (All ‘per protocol patients’) and were between 1 to 3 years of age. The larger study included children aged 6 months to 59 months who were given same therapeutic feeding protocol. Findings A total of 450 SAM babies between 12-36 months. attended the outpatient therapeutic program during the period of July 2014 to December 2015 and completed the given protocol of therapeutic feeding program. 242(53.7%) were males and 208(46.2%) females. Out of these, 150 received C-RUTF, 150 received L-RUTF and 150 received ARF. Out of C-RUTF group 83(55.3%) recovered, in L-RUTF 70(46.7%) recovered and from ARF group 69(46.0%) recovered. The difference was statistically significant.(p=0.03) Total recovery rate was 49.3% in comparison to another under publication study by our group on 3418 children aged 6 months to 59 months, where recovery was 36.8%. Average weight gain per day was 3.54 ± 2.36 g/kg/day, 2.61 ± 2.12 g/kg/day, 2.60 ± 1.50 g/kg/day in the 3 arms respectively. Conclusion This study proves that domiciliary treatment with 3 types of therapeutic feeds gives recovery rate of 49.3%, there by meaning that SAM Children without complications can be treated at home with visit to health facility once a week. Of all the therapeutic feeding protocols C-RUTF had best recovery rates (55.3%) compared to others, the difference being statistically significant. Average weight gain per kg per day inC-RUTF group was 35.8 % higher than the other 2 groups.
Apr 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2691-5014.jphn-17-1424
Baumann ChristophCorresponding author
University of Wuerzburg, Medical Faculty, Josef-Schneider-Straße 2, Würzburg, Germany
Objective: To assess the effect of different treatment approaches on the course of anorexia nervosa (AN) over time. Methods: The subjects were 27 hospitalized AN patients. In our retrospective analysis we compared weight gain in two groups. While one group was treated with a standard oral refeeding protocol (historical control) through January 2013 (N=16), the second group (highly standardized refeeding protocol) received a high energy liquid nutrition and nutritional supplements including omega-3 fatty acids (N=11). Results: On admission, the two groups were comparable in terms of height, weight, age and heart rate. At the end of our monitoring time frame of 25 days, weight gain was 121.4% higher in the highly standardized refeeding protocol group than in the historical control group (66.5 ±52.4 vs 147.3 ±55.7 grams/day; t-Test p=0.004; CI95%: 29.3-132.2). A carbohydrate rich diet clearly improved weight gain if high energy liquid nutrition was replaced by the diet according the patient’s own wishes. About 45% of our patients stated they were vegetarians at admission. However, we could not identify a vegetarian diet as a statistically significant negative prognostic factor for weight gain. Conclusion: The highly standardized refeeding protocol seems to be helpful in malnourished AN patients to improve weight gain without enhancing the risk of a refeeding syndrome. However, further studies with greater number of patients are needed to confirm the effectiveness of our standardized treatment protocol.
Feb 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-7785.jarh-16-1398
Fan LinlinCorresponding author
Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA
Oral nutritional supplements (ONS) have been shown to improve patient outcomes in the hospital setting, but limited results from long-term care or community settings exist. Using electronic health records (EHRs) from 2009 to 2014 for both adult inpatients and outpatients, we compare the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients who received ONS (n = 1,251) with a non-ONS control group (n =25,513). Multivariable logistic regression modeling was used to describe and compare differences in baseline characteristics between the groups including age, sex, race, tobacco use, and comorbidities. We found that patients receiving ONS were older and sicker than control patients. Hospitalized ONS patients were more likely to be admitted from the emergency department and have a hospitalization within the last month prior to the index date. Our results suggest that there is a need for nutrition screening and incorporating nutrition status into the EHR as an important way to coordinate hospital and community medical care. ONS can be an important therapy for vulnerable populations in both the hospital and the community settings.
Nov 2016
Robst JohnCorresponding author
Department of Mental Health Law & Policy Florida Mental Health Institute, University of South Florida 13301 Bruce B Downs Blvd Tampa
The purpose of this paper is to review the literature linking schizophrenia with chronic inflammation and gluten sensitivity. In addition, the paper discusses the need for dietary interventions that may improve multiple health outcomes for patients. Individuals with schizophrenia are at much greater risk for the development of additional autoimmune disorders. Second generation anti-psychotic medications are the most effective treatment for schizophrenia, but there are numerous potential side effects to the medications. More specifically, individuals with schizophrenia who are treated with SGAs are at increased risk for obesity, diabetes, as well as elevated lipids and blood pressure. An effective evidence-based dietary intervention has the potential to improve numerous outcomes for individuals with schizophrenia.
Sep 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-7785.jarh-16-1177
J Whiting SusanCorresponding author
College of Pharmacy & Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon Canada
Loss of muscle mass and functionality leads to increased risk for falls and onset of frailty, especially residents of long term care (LTC) homes. Hand grip strength (HGS) is emerging as a promising tool to measure muscle strength and a proxy for functionality. Given its promise as a screening tool, several studies report cut-offs below which measured strength was predictive of risk of poor mobility in older subjects. A scoping review was conducted to examine whether HGS was currently being used in LTC, as studies demonstrate hand grip strength as positively correlated with activities of daily living, implying increased dependence on caregivers including mealtimes. Of 19 published studies in 2015, only two report HGS use. As there is an association of grip strength with nutrition-related outcomes, hand grip strength should be used as part of nutritional assessment by dietitians in LTC, as poor muscle strength adversely affects activities of daily living that may impact intake.
Aug 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-7785.jarh-16-1157
Arlappa NimmathotaCorresponding author
Division of Community Studies, National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
Objectives: World has witnessed a considerable increase in the proportion of elderly population.Aging is associated with decreased physical activity and metabolism and thereby the changes in the nutritional requirements of older adults.The objective of this communication was to assess the nutritional status of rural elderly population in India. Methodology: A community based cross-sectional study; adopting multistage stratified random sampling procedure was carried out by the National Nutrition Monitoring Bureau (NNMB), during 2005-06 among the rural population of nine major states of India. A total of 3871 older adults were covered for anthropometry and of them, a total of 2138 older adults were covered for dietary assessment. Key Results: In general, the consumption of all the foods was below recommended daily intakes (RDI), and the in-adequacy (<70% of RDI) of intake was high with respect to leafy vegetables, milk & milk products, fats & oils and sugar & jaggery. Similarly, the in-adequacy of intakes of micronutrients such as vitamin A, iron, riboflavin and free folic acid was high among both genders. The poor intake of diet was reflected in high prevalence of chronic energy deficiency (CED) among the rural elderly in India. Conclusions: In general,the rural elderly were subsisting on inadequate diets in terms of both quantity and quality. Similarly, the prevalence of CED among elderly is a ‘‘very high’’ public health nutrition problem in India. Therefore, the Government of India should initiate appropriate nutrition intervention measures to improve the overall nutritional status and special nutrition policies to address the health and nutritional problems of the aging population.
Feb 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2328-0182.japst-15-855
Ilesanmi Adeyeye EmmanuelCorresponding author
Department of Chemistry (Analytical Unit), Ekiti State University, PMB 5363, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria.
An investigation into the proximate, mineral and antinutitional constitutents of natural cocoa powder (NCP), natural cocoa liquor (NCL) and alkalized cocoa powder (ACP) was carried out. Other parameters investigated were: energy values as contributed to the total metabolisable energy by protein, fat and carbohydrate and the energy percentages; calculated mineral quality parameters; mineral bioavailability as predicted by Ca: Phy, Phy:Zn and CaPhy/Zn molar ratios of the different cocoa products and mineral safety index (MSI) of some of the minerals of the samples. The data generated were subjected to statistical evaluation of chi-square (χ2). The three samples, NCP, NCL and ACP had proximate levels (g/100g) as: total ash, 3.73-10.8; moisture, 2.16-9.04; protein, 10.9-24.3; fat, 4.93-56.0; fibre, 1.03-17.3; carbohydrate, 20.5-48.9 and fatty acid, 3.95-44.8. For total energy contribution, results varied from, 1169-2656 kJ/100 g. In the minerals, the followings were higlhly concentrated: Na, K, Ca, Mg, Zn, Fe and P but low or not detected in Cu, Co and Mn. Virtually all the mineral quality parameters were poor as seen in these ratios: K/Na, Na/K, Ca/P and K/(Ca + Mg). The molar ratios of the samples were good enough to predict the bioavailability of the minerals. The mineral safety index (MSI) values showed that no mineral reached the toxic level in any of the samples. In the antinutritional constituents, ACP was highest in phytin phosphorus (Pp), phytin and Pp % of P; NCL was highest in oxalate and total phosphorus (P); tannin was highest in NCP. χ2 was significant in all proximate values (except ash, moisture and organic matter); all energy contributions, significant only in Mn (among the minerals); non was significant in the mineral quality parameters; only Ca: Phy was significant in the mineral molar ratios; no value was significant in the MSI and phytin was the only parameter significant among the antinutritional constituents.
Jan 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-15-770
Jobim Benedetti FrancelianeCorresponding author
Nutritionist, Master’s Graduate Program in Health child and adolescent in Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS) and Professor Graduate in Centro Univeritário Franciscano.
The objective of this study was to confirm the nutritional risk factors for asthma and obesity in adolescents using a cross-sectional survey. We included male and female adolescents aged 10 to 19 years of age in this study. The indicators of nutritional status used in this study were body mass index, the height-for-age index, and arm and waist circumferences. We used a food frequency questionnaire to estimate the average consumption of sodium. Physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and asthma characteristics were evaluated using the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC). Factors associated with asthma in bivariate and multivariate analyses were assessed using the Poisson regression analysis. The significance level was set at 5%, and the analyses were performed using the SPSS statistical package. We evaluated 1362 students with an average age of 15.65 ± 1.24 years. There was a positive risk for asthma between females (PR = 1.41) and asthma severity in adolescents with a high sodium intake (PR = 2.30). Within overweight adolescents, the prevalence for asthma risk washigher among females (PR = 1.66) and the high sodium intake group (PR = 1.98). An increased risk for asthma severity correlated with high sodium intake (PR = 3.07). There was a higher risk for asthma and its severity in females with high sodium intake. The same pattern was observed for adolescents with excessive weight.
Dec 2015 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-15-675
Antoniazzi Gomes de Gouveia LuizaCorresponding author
Heart Institute (InCor), University Of São Paulo, Medical School, Brazil.
The objective is to evaluate the scientific evolution of articles about vegetarian nutrition. We analyzed the publication of articles of vegetarian nutrition, using the key term ‘vegetarian’ in the National Institutes of Health MEDLINE bibliographic database between 1907 and 2013. We quantified the number of articles in vegetarian nutrition by 5–y time periods, and we classified the kind of journals, the affiliation of the first author, the origin of the study population and the type of articles. The number of articles found in MEDLINE is 3256. The publication rate of vegetarian articles increased steadily, except in periods of 2006-2010 and 2011-2013, and this was explained because the application of “embargo period” for the some publishers. Non-nutrition journals have published more articles on vegetarian nutrition for all periods. It is observed that after 1960 the articles on vegetarian nutrition are proportionately greater than the total published, except in the years 2007, 2008, 2011, 2012 and 2013. The majority of authors were located in Europe (41.7%), followed by North America (26.8%), Asia (16.1%) and Latin America (1.4%). The origin of the study population presented a similar trend being highest in Europe and lowest in Latin America. Original research and review articles represent 52.5% and 20.2% of all publications respectively. We noticed a marked increase in the publication of articles of vegetarian nutrition over the years in absolute and relative terms meaning a growing interest by publication type.
Jun 2015 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-14-608
M. Oddo VanessaCorresponding author
Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
This study sought to assess the impact of part-time employment on the nutritional status of women in rural Nepal. We used longitudinal data from a prospective cohort of women in the Sarlahi District of southeastern Nepal to assess whether part-time employment was associated with a change in mid-upper-arm circumference (MUAC) between baseline and five-years. The women enrolled in the study (n =715) had applied for part-time employment distributing weekly vitamin A supplements to married women of childbearing age. Over the five-years of follow-up, women received 900 Nepalese rupees ($15 USD) per month, for approximately five hours of work per week. The women who were hired (n =324) were younger and better educated than those who were not hired (n =391), but were otherwise similar. After baseline adjustments, change in MUAC (in cm) (β = 0.08; 95 % CI: -0.20, 0.36) was not associated with employment. Also, changes in MUAC over time were inversely related to baseline MUAC, with better nourished women gaining less (MUAC of 23 - 24.99: β = -0.83; 95% Confidence Interval CI: -1.18, -0.48; MUAC of ≥ 25: β = -0.99; 95% CI: -0.99, -0.54) compared to thin women (MUAC <21). In this sample, women employed part-time did not have improved nutritional status as compared to their unemployed counterparts. Future research should explore the impact of women’s employment on the nutritional status of other members of the household, particularly children, and among women employed full-time.
May 2015 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-14-603
Lundstrom KennethCorresponding author
PanTherapeuitcs, Rue des Remparts 4, CH1095 Lutry, Switzerland
Epigenetic mechanisms based on DNA methylation, histone modifications and RNA interference have recently showed important association to the development of a wide variety of diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular, metabolic, skin, autoimmune diseases and neurologic disorders. In the context of preventive aspects, the importance of nutrition on epigenetic function has been revealed. Therefore, drastic changes in dietary modifications may contribute to reduced disease risk. For instance, dietary intervention has been showed to affect DNA methylation in Alzheimer’s disease patients. Moreover, maternal high-fat diet can regulate gene expression through promoter histone modifications. Most importantly, RNA interference and particularly micro-RNA mediated regulation of gene expression has been linked to disease development. Remarkably, dietary intake has been demonstrated to significantly affect various miRNAs and their regulation on gene function. In this review, the relationship between epigenetics and disease and development of drugs based on epigenetic targets is presented as well as the influence of dietary intake on epigenetic mechanisms and its effect on disease prevention and therapy will be discussed.
Jan 2015 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-14-536
Su XiaoCorresponding author
Centre for Chronic Disease Prevention and Management, College of Health and Biomedicine,Victoria University, Melbourne, Victoria 8001, Australia.
The risk levels of chronic diseases are increasing among Asian migrants in Western countries compared to their origin-country counterparts. This study evaluates the impact of an 8-week nutrition and lifestyle intervention on cardio-metabolic risk factors in Korean migrants living in Melbourne, Australia. Thirty participants aged 32-62 years completed the program. Self-reported food intake and physical activity, anthropometric and blood pressure measurements, and biomarkers of cardio-metabolic risk were assessed. An initial training session and four consequent nutrition advice sessions were provided for all participants. There was a significant reduction in the waist and hip circumferences. Positive changes were also observed in plasma lipid profiles, calcium intake and frequency of physical activities. These findings demonstrate that a culturally appropriate nutrition and lifestyle intervention can be successfully delivered to reduce the cardio-metabolic risk factors and improve the health and wellbeing of Korean adult migrants.
Jan 2015 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-14-534
St-Onge Marie-PierreCorresponding author
New York Obesity Nutrition Research Center, St. Luke’s/Roosevelt Hospital, New York, NY 10025
Objective: Skipping breakfast has been associated with an increased risk of obesity. This randomized controlled pilot study tested whether emphasizing breakfast consumption, in conjunction with nutrition counseling, would improve weight status and dietary quality in children. Design and Methods: Twenty children were recruited and randomized to a breakfast (BF, n=11) or control (n=9) intervention. Both groups received weekly group nutrition counseling for 12 wk but breakfast consumption was emphasized, and ready-to-eat (RTE) cereal provided, to BF only. Anthropometric measurements were taken weekly. Three-day food records were taken at baseline and endpoint. Results: Weight status did not change significantly, however, children in BF displayed an overall decrease in BMI (-1.0±5.1%) whereas children in the control group had an overall increase (1.1±7.2%) from baseline (P=0.52). Three-day food records (BF, n=6; control, n=5) revealed group x time interactions on total sugars (P=0.007), folate (P=0.05), vitamin B12 (P=0.03), sodium (P=0.05), niacin (P=0.009), and vitamin B6 (P=0.023). Except for sodium, BF had improvements in these nutrients relative to the control group. Conclusions: Preliminary data from this study show that the provision of RTE cereal with weekly nutrition counseling may positively affect intake of essential nutrients. The effects of breakfast consumption on weight status are still uncertain.
Jan 2015 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-14-606
Michael J. GladeCorresponding author
Telomeres are strings of DNA that are not themselves genes but that extend every chromosome beyond its last gene. Terminal telomeres are sacrificed during every mitotic event in human cells (“telomere attrition”), preserving the functional genome despite the “end replication problem.” However, the “telomeric theory of biological aging” suggests that when an individual cell has reproduced itself a sufficient number of times (the “Hayflick limit”), some the its telomeres have become critically shortened (“telomeric crisis”) and cannot completely “cap off” a chromosome, and any further attempts to replicate such a chromosome would produce damaged DNA and a dysfunctional cell (“cellular aging”). As cells enter telomeric crisis, they usually initiate intracellular signaling cascades that arrest DNA replication and mitotic activity, converting biologically active cells into inactive cells (“cellular senescence”). The progressive accumulation of senescent cells impairs the healthy functioning of tissues and produces “biological aging.” Oxidative stress damages telomeres and accelerates telomere attrition and biological aging. Premature biological aging is associated with degenerative diseases and diminished quality of life. Reducing the level of systemic oxidative stress can ease the oxidative drive toward cellular senescence and premature biological aging. Increased intakes of antioxidant-rich foods and specific antioxidant nutrients (such as fruits and vegetables, α -lipoic acid, astaxanthin, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, trans-resveratrol, N-acetylcysteine, methylsulfonylmethane, lutein, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, and γ-tocotrienol) may decrease cellular and systemic oxidative stress and decelerate biological aging.
Oct 2014 DOI 10.14302/issn.2471-2140.jaa-14-423
Bilbis L.S.Corresponding author
Department of Biochemistry, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
There is increasing evidence of the prevalence manifestations of metabolic syndrome worldwide. Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of abnormalities characterized by hypertension, central obesity, insulin resistance, endothelial dysfunction, dyslipidemia and oxidative stress. All these alterations predispose individuals to type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease that are major contributing factors to earlier mortality among people. The investigation of food nutrients that could reverse the features of metabolic syndrome is an important aspect for dietary-based therapies that may ameliorate the burden of the disorder. Antioxidant micronutrients are of great interest due to the recent described association between obesity, cardiovascular alterations and oxidative stress. These antioxidant nutrients are also being considered in the management of metabolic syndrome due to their potential benefits on hypertension, insulin resistance and hypertriglyceridemia since growing evidence has emerged that point to a causal link between oxidative stress and metabolic syndrome. Thus, dietary antioxidant supplements could have favourable effect on the attenuation and prevention of the manifestations of metabolic syndrome traits. Therefore, the present review focuses on the importance of antioxidant micronutrients in the treatment and management of metabolic syndrome.
Dec 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2575-1212.jvhc-24-4889
A Elmetwally MohammedCorresponding author
L-Carnitine (Lc) acts as an antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals, especially superoxide anions and protects cells against oxidative damage-induced apoptosis, as following ovulation, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation increases in oocytes, Oocytes exhibit an intracellular defense mechanism against an oxidative attack. This outcome adversely affects fertilization and subsequent embryonic development, thereby increasing the risk of an early miscarriage and abnormal development of offspring. The purpose of this study was to see how adding LC to either maturation or fertilization medium affected the developmental competence of immature bovine oocytes. In this study, Ovaries from apparently normal reproductive organs of cattle were collected within 30 minutes from slaughter and evisceration of animals. Cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) were collected by aspiration of medium sized ovarian follicles (4-8 mm). COCs of acceptable quality were selected, washed and incubated in tissue culture media 199 (TCM199) supplemented with 10% heat inactivated fetal calf serum, 5 μg/ml luteinizing hormone (LH), 0.5 μg/ml follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and 1 μg/ml estradiol-17β for 20:22 hour at 38.5 C◦ under 5% CO2 in air with 90% humidity. different concentrations of LC (1.25,2.5 and 5mM) were used. The results were consistent for both maturation and fertilization and there is a significant increase in maturation, fertilization., cleavage and blastocyst rate. In conclusion, LC has important role in IVEP through addition of LC to maturation media or culture media it improved nuclear maturation and blastocyst formation rates in bovine oocytes.
Dec 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2694-2275.jzr-25-5595
S GopalakrishnanCorresponding author
Andipalayam Lake, a freshwater body located in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, plays a significant role in sustaining the local ecosystem, particularly through its diverse insect populations. This study aims to document and analyze the insect biodiversity present in and around Andipalayam Lake, focusing on the ecological roles these species play in maintaining the lake’s health. Insects are key components of aquatic ecosystems, contributing to processes such as pollination and nutrient cycling and serving as prey for higher trophic levels. Despite their ecological importance, studies on the insect biodiversity of Andipalayam Lake have been limited, prompting the need for an extensive survey. This research employed a combination of sweep nets, pitfall traps, and light traps to collect insect species over a year, covering various seasons to capture population dynamics and seasonal variations. Water quality parameters, such as temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen, were monitored to assess their influence on insect diversity. The study identified over 38 species of insects from diverse orders, including Odonata (dragonflies), Diptera (flies), Coleoptera (beetles), and Hemiptera (true bugs). Seasonal variations were observed, with higher species richness during the monsoon period due to increased vegetation and moisture levels. The most abundant species were found to belong to Diptera and Coleoptera, indicating their adaptability to fluctuating water levels. Environmental factors such as pollution from nearby agricultural runoff and urban development were found to negatively affect insect diversity, with a notable decline in sensitive species during periods of increased contamination.
Dec 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2768-5209.ijen-25-5762
A. Abdellatif MahaCorresponding author
Sudan's ecological landscape is characterized by various zones, including deserts, semi-deserts, and savannas, which host a diverse array of forests, rangelands, and numerous plant and animal species. However, the sustainable management of these resources is becoming increasingly challenging due to human activities and the impacts of climate change. This article presents the results of a research project focused on monitoring and documenting biodiversity in Sudan's semi-arid regions, particularly emphasizing insect diversity. Insects are vital for maintaining ecosystem health through processes such as nutrient cycling, decomposition, pollination, and acting as natural predators to pests. Field surveys were conducted across three Sudanese states—North Kordofan, Gezira, and Khartoum—to assess the diversity of flora and fauna. Specifically, El Rawakeeb semi-arid land in Khartoum state was investigated, which comprised three sites with varying soil elevations: a hilly site at 420 meters above sea level, a flat site at 416 meters, and a valley site at 411 meters. Researchers utilized direct collection methods and butterfly nets to gather insect specimens, which were subsequently preserved and identified for further analysis. Diversity indices, including Simpson’s Diversity Index, Shannon-Wiener Index, and Margalef Richness Index, were computed to compare the biodiversity of these sites, along with metrics for evenness and species richness. Permanova analysis was carried out for insect variation between the study sites. A total of 1541 insect specimens were gathered from El Rawakeeb, encompassing 34 species distributed across 21 families and 9 orders. The order Lepidoptera exhibited the greatest number of species (35.29%), followed by Coleoptera (20.59%). The orders Neuroptera, Orthoptera and Thysanoptera recorded the fewest species (2.94% each). From the hilly site, 514 insect specimens were collected, representing 9 orders, among which Hymenoptera included 4 species, while Lepidoptera had 3 species, and Odonata, Orthoptera, and Thysanoptera each had 1 species. The highest individual counts were recorded for Copriniklobe (dung beetle), Dacus longistylus (fruit fly), Camponotussp. (carpenter ant), and Anax ephippiger (dragonfly). In a flat site, 484 insect specimens were collected, classified into 15 species, 12 families, and 7 orders. The highest individual counts were noted in four species: Onthophagusnuba (dung beetle), Dacus longistylus (fruit fly), Camponotussp. (carpenter ant), and Anax ephippiger (dragonfly). In a valley site, 543 insect specimens were collected, categorized into 17 species, 16 families, and 9 orders. Insect Diversity in three research sites. Simpson's Diversity Index revealed varying levels of insect diversity across the three sites. The valley site exhibited the highest diversity level with an index score of 0.857, followed by the flat site at 0.826, and the hilly site at 0.819. The Shannon diversity index of 2.22 indicated the highest diversity among the three sites, suggesting a relatively diverse insect community. The relative abundance of insects was greatest in the valley site at 35.24%, followed by the hilly site at 33.35%, and the flat site at 31.41%. The Margalef Richness Index indicated a moderate level of richness in the insects collected from the three locations. Certain insect species were found in some sites but were absent in others. The PERMANOVA revealed notable variations among the three study sites (F = 2.24, p-value = 0.035).
Nov 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2326-0793.jpgr-25-5573
E. Imiruaye OghenetegaCorresponding author
Advancements in proteomic and genomic technologies have transformed molecular biology by enabling comprehensive analysis of biological systems at the molecular level. This literature review explores the evolution, methodologies, and practical applications of key proteomic and genomic techniques. In proteomics, tools such as two-dimensional electrophoresis, mass spectrometry, Western blotting, Edman degradation, and functional protein microarrays have facilitated high-throughput protein identification, post-translational modification analysis, and biomarker discovery. Similarly, genomic methodologies like PCR, recombinant DNA technology, gel electrophoresis, and Southern blotting have revolutionized gene detection, manipulation, and expression profiling. The review also highlights the interdisciplinary impact of these technologies across clinical diagnostics, oncology, autoimmune disorders, infectious disease surveillance, cardiovascular research, and personalized nutrition. Integrative approaches combining proteomics and genomics are enabling the discovery of novel therapeutic targets, improving disease classification, and advancing precision medicine. Despite current limitations, such as the absence of amplification techniques for proteins and challenges in data interpretation, ongoing innovations promise to bridge these gaps. This synthesis underscores the pivotal role of molecular techniques in deepening our understanding of human biology and accelerating biomedical advancements for improved healthcare outcomes.
Jul 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2769-2264.jw-25-5578
Nyamaizi SylviaCorresponding author
Wetland encroachment due to agricultural land use practices (LUPs) adversely affects water quality in wetlands mainly through agricultural runoff. This study was conducted in Lubigi wetland in Uganda to (1) determine the effect of the agricultural LUPs on water quality and (2) understand the relationships between different water quality indicators and different agricultural LUPs existing in the wetland. The eight LUPs included in this study were perennial crops i.e. banana farming and sugarcane farming, annual crops i.e. maize farming and tomato farming, livestock farming which included a mixture of cows, goats, and sheep, undisturbed dense natural vegetation, reference wetland and the river. Water samples collected from the different LUPs were analyzed in the laboratory for selected physicochemical and biological water quality parameters. The water samples were analyzed for a variety of properties, including pH, electrical conductivity, total hardness, Ca-hardness, Mg- hardness, and concentrations of dissolved oxygen, calcium, magnesium, fluoride, total nitrogen, nitrates, ammonium, phosphates, potassium, total coliform, and Escherichia coli (E. coli), chemical oxygen demand, biological oxygen demand, total organic carbon, total dissolved solids, chlorides, sulphates, total phosphorus, and turbidity levels. The results suggested that the different LUPs influenced several water quality parameters. Dissolved oxygen was lowest in banana fields and the river at 2.57 mg/L and 3.44 mg/L respectively than other LUPs which limits survival of aquatic organisms. Biological oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand and total organic carbon were high in the river water with values = 69.67 mg/L, 351.67 mg/L, 117.33 mg/L respectively indicating high organic pollution. We detected nutrient pollution in water from tomato and sugarcane fields which showed high concentrations of nitrates. The concentration of ammonium in river water (10.40 mg/L) was high, indicating nitrogen contamination. In all LUPs, Escherichia coli and total coliforms had high counts exceeding 2000 CFU/100mL which indicated elevated microbial pollution from livestock waste and agricultural runoff. Cluster analysis revealed distinct clusters influenced by varying water quality parameters. These findings show that agricultural LUPs in Lubigi wetland are significantly contributing to water pollution through microbial contamination, nutrient, and organic matter accumulation, which increases the potential for eutrophication and renders the water unsafe for drinking and domestic use. Implementing best management practices (BMPs) is essential for the sustainable use and management of the wetland.
Jul 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2766-869X.jfd-25-3841
Jangid RenuCorresponding author
Soil is a natural habitat and ecosystem for microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi. Mostly keratinophilic fungi are found in soil, use keratin as a growth substrate, and are essential to the natural degradation of keratin waste. These fungi include dermatophytes, a potential source of infectious diseases in humans and animals and cause dermatophytosis. One hundred thirty-six soil samples were collected from several sites including animal habitats in Ajmer district, Rajasthan, India. The soil samples were used for the study of keratinophilic fungi related to species richness, abundance, and diversity. The Physio-chemical properties of collected soil samples were analyzed and examined in soil microflora for temperature, pH, and macronutrients including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Ninety-eight soil samples (72%) showed positive results for the keratinophilic fungal isolates. The isolated fungal species belonging to eight genera and seventeen species included Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, A. fumigatus, Chrysosporium tropicum, Microsporum gypseum, M. canis, Fusarium solani, F. oxysporum, F. verticilloides, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, T. rubrum, T. tonsurans, T. terrestre, T. equinum, Penicillium, Mucor circinelloides, and Blastomyces. The temperature recorded for keratinophilic fungi ranged between 25℃ and 37℃ and pH was found in the range of 7.0 to 8.5. The fungal community was dominated by the order Onygenales followed by Eurotiales and Hypocreales belonging to the phylum Ascomycota.
Jul 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.3070-2232.jf-25-5519
Ewur Banson KwaminaCorresponding author
The rising costs of conventional poultry feed ingredients, such as soybean, maize, and fish meal, have prompted the search for more affordable and sustainable alternatives in poultry production. This study investigates the use of phytase-supplemented Palm Kernel Cake (PKC) as a replacement for soybean meal to improve feed efficiency, nutrient absorption, and growth performance in poultry. White Leghorn layers, Rhode Island Red layers, broilers, and cockerels were fed three different feed formulations: conventional feed (CF), Moderate PKC with Phytase (MPP), and High PKC with Phytase (HPP). The results showed that PKC-based diets significantly reduced feed costs while maintaining satisfactory growth, although CF led to higher body weight gain and feed efficiency. The MPP formulation struck an optimal balance between cost savings and nutritional quality, making it a viable option for layers and cockerels, while CF remained the most effective for broilers. While the HPP formulation resulted in lower feed costs, it compromised weight gain and overall profitability. These findings highlight the potential of phytase-enhanced PKC as a sustainable, cost-effective alternative to conventional feed, particularly in regions with high feed costs. However, the study emphasizes the importance of balancing cost reductions with feed quality to maximize profitability. Future research should focus on optimizing PKC inclusion levels and exploring additional enzyme supplements to further enhance feed efficiency and support sustainable poultry farming practices. This study provides valuable insights into how strategic feed formulation can support both economic and production goals in the poultry industry.
Jul 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2643-0282.imsj-25-5590
R. Hodgson BruceCorresponding author
The main diet of baleen whales is krill in the Arctic, Antarctic and during migrations in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. Hence, the aim of this paper is to quantify the global importance of the krill to baleen whale component of the pelagic food web and possible feedback loops. That was undertaken by comparing the results of Ecopath Models in the Antarctic and Arctic Oceans and to migration areas in the North Atlantic and Alaska, was well as the large Seamount area from the Antarctic and Arctic. Biological production transfer is the essential component of the prey to predator pelagic food web, which maintains the production of predators. The importance of sustaining global baleen whale migrations is to support ecosystem production by whale defecation contribution to nutrient recycling. It is important to sustain krill and fish abundance in whale migration feeding areas using ecosystem-based fishery management (EBFM) fishing rates. It was shown by the literature that migrations tended to followed deep-sea seamounts, and baleen whale defecation and nutrient cycling at seamounts led to the effects of nutrient upwelling by deep sea currents at seamounts. Hence, it is suggested seamounts be protected as important marine ecosystems. Therefore, those processes indicate sustaining krill and whale abundance is likely to support global marine ecosystem stability in open ocean migration areas.
Jun 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-25-5560
Bai YeonCorresponding author
The benefits of exclusive breastfeeding are well-known. Despite the legislative and systemic efforts to promote breastfeeding in South Korea, the nation’s current rate of exclusive breastfeeding (5.2%) during the infant’s first six months is alarming. Under the framework of the theory of planned behavior (TPB), this study elicited the beliefs around exclusive breastfeeding commonly held by low-income women participating in NutriPlus, the community nutrition program. Using a convenient sampling method, online open-ended surveys were conducted with two program clinics in Seoul during spring of 2024. The survey included questions about their demography and beliefs regarding indirect theoretical constructs of the exclusive breastfeeding behavior by listing top three things that came to their mind. A total of 120 NutriPlus clients participated in this survey. Though 53.1% of postpartum women were breastfeeding, only 28.1% were breastfeeding exclusively. Based on most frequently mentioned beliefs, we classified them to behavioral, normative, and control beliefs under TPB. Modal behavioral beliefs were healthy babies (n=87) and mother-baby bonding (n=71) and feeding issues (n=96) and inconvenience resulting from the act of breastfeeding (n=86). Family members seemed to shape both positive (n=122) and negative (n=37) normative beliefs. The presence of support (n=84) mattered to facilitate breastfeeding, while feeding issues (n=98) played as barriers. Promotion efforts need to emphasize breastfeeding knowledge and skill building and include family members and society at large to improve the awareness and transform barriers of breastfeeding to facilitators.
May 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2639-3166.jar-25-5495
Mekonnen Adare ZenebeCorresponding author
Enset (Ensete ventricosum) is a vital food security crop cultivated in South and South-western parts of Ethiopia. However, enset production and the farming families have been threatened by Xanthomonas wilt and its spread in the farming system. Thus, this study was conducted to investigate the soil fertility and plant management practices association on the incidence of Enset Xanthomonas wilt. Data on soils fertility and diseases from enset based farming clustered into inner, outer and outfield farm zone were sampled and surveyed. The result indicated that soil chemical properties significantly (p≤0.05) varied from inner to outfield farm zone. Significantly maximum nutrients store revealed in inner enset farm zones. Disease incidence reduced from inner to the outfield enset farm zone. Disease prevalence and disease incidence scored 28.5% and 11.6%, respectively depending on altitude and genotypes. Soil fertility levels in the enset inner and outfield plots were varied purposely to cultivate enset products as kocho, bulla or amicho (cooking type). The variations in soil fertility and Xanthomonas wilt incidence was associated with management practices applied for desired enset products. Therefore, management practices in enset based farming, soil fertility and location of enset planting zones found to be major indicators for disease incidence addressing to device control interventions.
Jan 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2694-2283.jsem-24-5363
Harries SophieCorresponding author
Physiological performance may be limited by reduced systemic glucose availability to working muscles. Continuous glucose monitors (CGM) measure interstitial glucose every 1-15 minutes, offering a practical way to assess glucose during sporting activity. However, empirical research has predominantly focused on endurance-based sports, whereas glucose responses during professional competitive football matches remain unknown. This study evaluated the feasibility and utility of CGM in professional football. Eight professional, male outfield footballers from the English third tier participated in the study. Participants completed a 14-day food diary control period, followed by a 28-day observation period wearing CGM devices during six matches and sixteen training sessions. CGM devices remained in situ for 98% of training sessions and matches. Mean glucose concentrations were 6.5 ± 1.2 mmol/L during training sessions, 7.5 ± 2.1 mmol/L during match play, and 5.4 ± 0.3 mmol/L overnight. No significant differences were found between glucose concentrations during match play (p = 0.060) or training (p = 0.510), compared to overnight fasted glucose concentrations. There was also no difference between training and match-play glucose concentrations (p = 0.788). Glucose concentrations were highly individualised, with one player displaying minimal change throughout match play (-0.2 mmol/L) whereas another experienced increases of up to 5.8 mmol/L. Non-nutritional factors appeared to influence glucose concentrations; participants (n=3) who used nicotine pouches displayed an transient increase in blood glucose in the 10-55 minutes after administration. This study concludes that CGM use in professional football is feasible for assessing individual glucose responses to training and match-play.
Dec 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2997-2248.jwl-24-5308
Piumal HarshaCorresponding author
Interspecific predation within Odonata is a critical yet underexplored aspect of their ecological interactions. This short communication reports a novel observation of Ischnura senegalensis preying upon Agriocnemis pygmaea in rice fields at the Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka. Documented on March 22, 2024, during the reproductive stage of the rice field, the predatory event involved a female I. senegalensis feeding on the head of a female A. pygmaea. Predation, characterized by the use of mandibles and lasting at least 15 minutes, reveals significant predatory efficiency and behavioral specialization. This observation fills a gap in the understanding of I. senegalensis feeding behavior in Sri Lanka and contributes to the broader knowledge of Odonate predator-prey dynamics. The findings highlight the importance of these interactions in maintaining ecological balance and suggest further research into the impacts of such predatory behaviors on agricultural ecosystems.
Dec 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2835-2165.jfsh-24-5371
Sarkate PradeepCorresponding author
One of the primary goals and aims of studying chemistry in society is the promotion of the well-being of humanity and the sustainable utilization of the available resources. Chemistry has played a significant role in water treatment, food production, energy production, and medicine, among other critical areas of society. This study explored the utilization of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry in the aspect of promoting food safety for human consumption. Various factors might affect the composition and storage of the food items in the society. Through the utilization of chemistry techniques such as (LC-MS), there can be Identification of the various aspects that require consideration in the Improvement of the different health and nutritional requirements that the food items are expected to have in society. As illustrated in this study, the analytical and technical aspects are highly influential in the determination of the proper measures for each component and the illustration of the various toxins that are likely to affect the overall food safety of the members of society in general.
Aug 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-24-5155
Bérgamo Silva LaraCorresponding author
Objective This report aimed to compare the total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) of adolescents measured by doubly labeled water (DLW) with the 2005 and 2023 dietary reference intake (DRI) equations proposed by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) in a sample of Brazilian adolescents. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional and observational study with a convenience sample of 15 obese and eutrophic adolescents, aged between 11 and 14 years, from public schools and the obesity outpatient clinic of the Clinics Hospital of the Ribeirão Preto Medical School – University of São Paulo (HC FMRP-USP) in Brazil. Were obtained stature and weight by conventional methods and used to calculate the body mass index (BMI) to determine the nutritional status. Fat-free mass (FFM) was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Energy expenditure was determined by DLW and estimated by the 2005 and 2023 DRI equations. The level of physical activity was measured with the ActivPAL™ accelerometer to classify adolescents within the equations. Results: Forty-seven percent of the sample were eutrophic and 53% were obese. The adolescents were classified as somewhat active according to the average number of daily steps. The DLW-derived TDEE and the TDEE derived from the 2005 and the 2023 predictive equations are presented as means, standard deviations, and 95% confidence intervals (CI). The 2005 and 2023 DRI equations produced significantly higher values than the DLW-determined TDEE (56.2% and 57.2%, respectively). Conclusion: Additional studies with Brazilian adolescents should be conducted to propose more accurate and specific predictive TDEE equations.
Apr 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2998-1506.jpa-22-4349
Abdou Ousseini ArdalyCorresponding author
Sorghum is important staple food for feeding humans and animals in sub-Saharan African country. Nowadays, with the advent of climate change couple to the population growth, the crop is faced to new challenges wish are gradually affecting the productivity. In Niger, a dry land country where farmers are growing sorghum at a small scale for family subsistence, the crop is confronted to biotic and abioticonstraints including nutrient deficiency in the soil. Among those constraint, Striga is the one that causes huge damage to sorghum cultivation through yield reduction. In addition, nutrient depletion in the soil are causing weed progresses in farmer’s field at a large scale. In fact, to overcome Striga problem several control methods have been successfully tested, but some of them are efficient but not accessible to farmers. It is important to control the weed by using effective and accessible way for smallholder farme in Niger. The main objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of different doses of sesame (0, 0.5 and 1.5 g) and DAP (0, 2 and 5 g) on Striga impact and sorghum grain yield. Two (2) grammes micro dosing utilization of DAP shows good result in Striga plant emergency and distribution along sorghum field. Concerning the three doses of sesame seed involve in this experiment, the micro dosing two (1.5 g) positively affect Striga effect. The combination sesame seed and DAP can significantly reduce Striga impact on sorghum cultivation and increased sorghum grain yield.
Mar 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2691-5014.jphn-24-4984
H. Al-Sadeeq AidaCorresponding author
Introduction Children with complicated Severe Acute Malnutrtion (SAM) admitted to Therapeutic Feeding Center (TFC), and ‘uncomplicated’ SAM managed in Outpatient Therapeutic Program (OTP). Objective This study aims to examine the anthropometric differences between SAM admitted to TFC and OTP. Methods A hospital based case control study conducted in the Therapeutic Feeding Program (TFP) of Al-Sadaka General Teaching hospital, Aden, included complicated (cases) and uncomplicated (control) severely wasted 6-60 month old children admitted between July 2022 to June 2023. The WHO anthropometric calculator was used to assess every child’s weight-for-length/height SD and length/height for age SD. Results A total of 313 cases and 122 controls were admitted, mean age, weight, length/height, and MUAC among the cases were (13.04±7.34 mo., 5.41±1.33 kg, 68.32±7.10 cm, and 10.57±1.36 cm) respectively; while among the controls were (20.05±12.93 mo., 7.05±1.74 kg, 76.89±10.46 cm, and 11.28±1.11 cm) respectively. Severe wasting by WFL/H < - 3SD z- score seen more among the controls; cases vs controls were (37.0% vs 68.9%). Howevere, the other groups of severity of WFL/H z-score were seen with nearly douple frequencies among the case vs the controls (35.8% vs 18.8% < - 4SD), (14.7 vs 7.4% < - 5SD). Less than – 6SD was seen much more among the cases vs the controls (8.6% vs 1.6%). Less than – 7 SD among the cases was 1.3% and no children belong to this group in the controls.. The majority of the cases belonged to the age group 6-24 months. Conclusion Children a dmitted to TFC had severe wasting reaching up to < - 6 and < - 7 SD below the WHO cut-off, WFL/H < - 3SD z-score, and at an early age, with simultaneous presence of severe stunting and low MUAC which denotes high mortality risk.
Feb 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2576-9359.jot-23-4839
Oppermann AlanaCorresponding author
There are over 100,000 people waiting for life saving organ transplants in the United States. To put this in perspective, even the largest football stadium in the U.S. could not fit this number of people. In 2021 alone, 6,000 people died while waiting for a transplant. Every day, 17 people die waiting, and every 10 minutes, another person is added to the waiting list (“Organ Donation Statistics,” 2023). These numbers are expected to rise due to the lack of organs available, and the increasing need for organs, especially kidneys.
Feb 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-24-4938
Suh MinaCorresponding author
Public health interest in vaccinations and immune protection has increased with the COVID-19 pandemic. Dairy products are an important source of protein and other nutrients, and there are unresolved research questions regarding the potential health impact of dairy products on the enhancement of immune response. A systematic literature review was conducted to synthesize the published literature reporting the effects of dairy interventions on: 1) the vaccine-specific immune response and 2) immunoglobulins in the absence of vaccination. To assess study validity and quality, we used the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Quality Criteria Checklist. Sixty-one studies (59 clinical trials, 1 cohort, 1 cross-sectional survey) were included, spanning 1983-2017. Ten trials evaluated the effect of dairy intervention on vaccine-specific IgG, IgA, IgM, vaccine-specific antibody titers, seroprotection rates, or seroconversion rates. Of these, 7 reported significant increases with dairy interventions for post-vaccine tetanus antibodies, mean change in tetanus antibody level, total antibody titers to flagellin from Salmonella Adelaide, mean antibody titers to influenza B, influenza-specific IgA and IgG levels, and seroconversion or seroprotection rates for influenza A and B. Fifty-six studies evaluated dairy’s effects on immunoglobulins without vaccinations. The results were heterogenous, with some studies reporting significant enhancement of immunoglobulins (IgA, IgE, or IgG), while others observed no differences between groups. Clinical relevance of the immunoglobulin changes was not investigated in these studies. Dairy products and their components could enhance the efficacy of vaccines. This review highlights the evidence gaps and provides a potential roadmap for additional research.
Oct 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2639-3166.jar-21-4033
Wole Damena AregaCorresponding author
Root is has great role for plant adaptation and productivity of the agricultural crops as well as other plants by exploiting the soil resource thus, important for plant growth and development or main growth factors. Root system architecture is made up of structural features which exhibits great role in response to environmental stress, and critical to plant growth and development with sufficient root growth. Root system architecture has a central role in crop plants’ response to abiotic (soil microorganisms) and abiotic stresses like water stress, mechanical impedance. Root morphology can be affected by nutrient availability, osmotic stress, salinity, and light. Phenotyping root is one of the drought management tools as roots are more prone to drought conditions and play a significant role in the plant’s life by extracting soil resources from deeper soil layers to carry on several metabolic functions in the plant’s body and its phenotyping helps to understand different root traits. Understanding interactions between roots and their surrounding soil environment is important to increase root growth, which can be improved through root phenotyping. In addition, knowing of the development and architecture of roots, as well its plasticity, holds thus great role for stabilizing the productivity under suboptimal conditions in the root environment
Aug 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-5518.jcci-23-4646
Issa Abdulhamid SayedCorresponding author
Introduction The idea of HLSSM2 is to get the least easy surgical intervention, as arthroscopic surgery begins with examining the shoulder joint, and the location and size of the lesion are determined, then open over the lesion with an open surgical approach that is very limited for surgical repair; not using arthroscopic instruments but conventional surgical instruments in the second step. Figure 1 Figure 1. Methods Clinical experience with this technique consists of 44 cases over a period of thirty-one months, this study was from September 2020 to May 2023. All cases were done as outpatients and under general anesthesia. Results The mean duration of the operation was 35 minutes, and the minimum duration was 25 minutes. There was no major nerve or vascular injury in all cases. This technique is simple, safe, and good cosmetically satisfactory for all patients after full recovery about three months after the procedure, and it is cost-effective. One 43-year-old female patient suffered pain and stiffness during the first six months after surgery and was not very satisfied, she did not stop visiting us till now, she was not happy because of shoulder pain and tenderness. Conclusion It can be used by experienced hand surgeons in shoulder arthroscopy and in Mini Lateral Shoulder Approach (MLSA)3, especially in countries where shoulder arthroscopic release and repair with suture anchors are expensive4 or not available. This technique is not very simple but is available, safe, cosmetically satisfactory, and cost-effective.
Aug 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-23-4701
Steiner-Hofbauer VerenaCorresponding author
Young adulthood is a sensitive phase that comes with many developmental tasks. Successful mastery of these challenges is crucial not only for long-term physical and mental health. A positive relationship with one's own body and associated healthy dietary and behavioral patterns are essential building blocks for healthy adolescence and adult life. But being overly concerned with healthy food may lead to decreased quality of life and negative (mental) health outcomes. This study was conducted via a cross-sectional online questionnaire including the Düsseldorfer Orthorexieskala(DOS), the WHO Quality of Life BREF and questions about life style and nutritional habits. We investigated the prevalence of ON and its relationship with different aspects of quality of life and lifestyle factors (sport and nu trtional habits) in a sample of young adults in Austria. No significant difference in the DOS-scores of male and female participants were found and no significant difference between students and non-students. High DOS-scores significantly impair all three domains of QoL. We did not find a significant relationship between high DOS-scores and taking nutritional supplements or being vegan, vegetarian or omnivore. Participants with high DOS-scores spent significantly more hours per week with sport/exercising.
Aug 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2639-3166.jar-23-4682
Lee MyunggyuCorresponding author
Objectives The solid-liquid separation (SLS) process generally separates solid and liquid fractions in wastewater and livestock manure. The solid-liquid separation process is an essential pretreatment step for the recycling and purification of pig manure. This study has assessed the separation and/or reduction efficiency by various SLS processes used in pig farms. Methods Seven types of SLS processes (centrifuge, centrifuge (+coagulation agent), belt press (+ coagulation agent), drum screen, inclined screen, vibration screen, and screw press) were used on 11 pig farms and conducted a comparative analysis. As for the sample in this study, the pig raw manure before treatment, the separated liquid and solid manure after treatment of the SLS process collected, respectively. These samples were provided for pH, EC(electrical conductivity) moisture content, CODMn, BOD5, TN, TP, K, TS, SS, NaCl, and heavy metals analysis. Results and Discussion The belt press (+coagulation agent) process had the highest TS and SS reduction rate of 78.8% and 96.9%, respectively. The highest removal efficiency of TN and TP was41.0% and 94.2% by belt press (+coagulation agent) and centrifuge (+coagulation agent),respectively. The belt press (+coagulation agent) removed 59.4% and 66.0% of BOD5 and CODMn,respectively. The Zn and Cu were removed 100% and 98.6% by centrifuge (+coagulation agent).However, the drum screen, inclined screen, vibration screen, screw press, and centrifuge showed lower removal efficiency of nutrient contents, solids, Zn, and Cu than centrifugal and belt press processes with chemical coagulation. Conclusions The centrifugal and belt press separation processes that used chemical coagulation showed much more removal efficiency of nutrient contents, solids, and metals like Zn and Cu. Although SLS with chemical coagulants is an effective pre-treatment process for liquid manure treatment and helps removal effect for suspended solids, nutrients, and heavy metals, further studies are needed on how it affects biological or chemical processing processes that are linked.
Aug 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-23-4688
Fernando Javier Lavalle-GonzalezCorresponding author
Non-nutritive sweeteners are used as adjuncts in treating patients with diabetes to reduce carbohydrate intake. Monk fruit is an FDA-approved1 natural NNS2-. There is no information regarding the use of monk fruit in individuals with T2DM3. The primary objective was to compare the glycemic response to sucrose and monk fruit in individuals with and without T2DM. Twenty-six individuals with T2DM and 29 without DM4 underwent two oral glucose tolerance tests5 after a 250-ml sucrose- or monk fruit-sweetened beverage. Glucose levels were measured at 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes. An appetite scale was used before and after the procedure. Insulin levels were measured in ten randomly selected individuals from the control group. The glucose levels at 30 and 120 min were significantly lower in both groups in the monk fruit-OGTT. There was a peak response in the T2DM group at 90 min (median, IQR, 247 mg/dL, 203-293) with the sucrose OGTT, while no peak response was seen in the monk fruit OGTT. There were no differences between sweeteners in terms of appetite evaluation. The postprandial effect on insulin levels was flat with the monk fruit-sweetened beverage. In contrast, there was a significantly higher spike with the sucrose-sweetened beverage. In conclusion, monk fruit does not increase glucose levels in individuals with T2DM; thus, it could be a safe alternative as a substitute food sweetener.
May 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2691-5014.jphn-23-4555
Kathryn DohertyCorresponding author
Severe ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) deficiency, commonly known as “scurvy,” continues to be a problem in malnourished populations across the world but is relatively rare in the United States. Early features of this condition include general weakness, fatigue, and aching limbs. An extremely rare and late feature of this condition is subgaleal hemorrhage. Scurvy has such a low prevalence in First World countries that it is often misdiagnosed or not diagnosed at all. The subject in this case report presented acutely and is one of few to involve a subgaleal hemorrhage to be documented in medical literature to date. Laboratory studies and clinical improvement through treatment established the diagnosis. Ascorbic acid deficiency should be considered when evaluating children with poor nutrition despite socioeconomic status, living conditions, or access to health care. This case also reminds us that neurodivergent children are a vulnerable population and more research will need to be conducted to determine just how detrimental the pandemic has been to patients with ongoing problems who were lost to follow up.
Mar 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-22-4377
Ibrahim Khalid IkhlasCorresponding author
The current study was intended to evaluate the chemical composition, functional properties, of some cucurbits seed. watermelon (Citrullus lanatus), and Pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima), were studied. Proximate analysis gave 17.09% -17.07% protein, 35.55%-39.0% fat,6.00% - 5.5% total ash, 24.9%-2.6% crude fibre, and 10.60% - 28.83% carbohydrate, for Pumpkin and Watermelon seed flour respectively. The seeds are rich in protein, crude fat, and crude fiber. nutritional value in the seed can be recommended on daily allowance, maintenance of good nutritional status and good health. The functional properties of the seed revealed that water and oil absorption capacities for the seed were 3.20 - 5.60 (Ml/g) and 3.93 -3.50 (Ml/g) for Watermelon and Pumpkin seed flour respectively. Foam capacity and bulk density for the seed were 9.67 % -19.0 % and 0.77 (g/ml) -1.5(g/ml). for Pumpkin and Watermelon seed flour respectively. Water and fat absorption capacities, and foam capacity were fairly good in all seeds. However, Pumpkin seed flour gave good functional properties compare to watermelon seed flour. The oil of watermelon and Pumpkin are acceptable according to its chemical properties. The seeds contained high amounts of K, Mg, Na, P and Ca. The obtained results revealed that the seeds presented an alternative source of vegetable oil. Seeds could be added to food systems such as bakery products.
Mar 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-22-4116
Shuja SabaCorresponding author
Background In Low Middle-Income Countries (LIMCs), malnutrition, especially undernutrition is one of the leading causes of childhood mortality and morbidity. Poor complementary feeding practices are among the most notable contributors to poor nutritional indicators in children under five. This article provides an output of secondary data analysis of the Cost of Diet (CoD) and Optifood component of National Complementary Feeding Assessment conducted by UNICEF Pakistan along with Pakistan Demographic Health Survey (PDHS) 2018. Methods For correlation of Optifood data and CoD data with PDHS data of CF, GraphPad software, MS Excel was used along with manual quantifications. The analysis of DHS-2018 data was conducted using STATA software. Univariate analysis included comparison of categorical variables i.e. various individual, household and community level parameters with that of outcome variables of minimum dietary diversity (MDD), minimum meal frequency (MMF) and minimum dietary diversity (MAD) using chi-square test. Findings The overall rate of MMF was 56.6% among children of 6-23 months of age with MDD in 18.6% and MAD in 13.8% of children. Percentage of annual cost spent on nutritious diet for MDD, MMF and MAD varies from 27.86% to 43.08% across all the provinces. Children aged 6–8 months and 9–11 months often consumed infant milk and cereals, while children aged 12–23 months often consumed eggs and grain products. Consumption of dairy products was highest in Punjab, Sindh, AJK, and Islamabad, that of grains roots and tubers was highest in KPK, FATA and GB. Conclusion Considering CF practices in Pakistan are inadequate as indicated by poor MDD, MMF, and MAD, therefore it is imperative that a holistic approach using both communication and non-communication based interventions is to be employed through active stakeholder engagement.
Dec 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2693-1176.ijgh-22-4218
Oladunni OpeyemiCorresponding author
Adeleke University, Ede, Osun State Nigeria
Growth monitoring activities has been seen as the most effective ways to identify malnutrition and promotes early child development. This has been linked with long term health and social benefits for the child, family and the community. Over the years, the growth monitoring activities have centred round the health workers. Therefore, the study explored task shifting on Mother/ Caregivers capability to undertake growth monitoring roles at the health Facilities in Oyo State Nigeria. Qualitative methods using focused group discussion and Key informant interview guide were used for data collection among 6-8 groups of 10 mothers and 20 health workers providing the service. The data was analysed using inductive coding to generate the themes. The study showed mothers/caregivers low knowledge on growth monitoring and health workers documented some potential challenges encounter during the activities. The mothers/caregivers show low knowledge on growth monitoring. Therefore, mothers/caregivers were willing to take up the role.
Jul 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2691-6622.ijar-22-4221
Tadesse TeferaCorresponding author
National Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Holotta, Ethiopia
Cyanobacteria are considered as one of the important group of organisms having significant ecological, industrial, and biotechnological importance. Cyanobacteria have gained a lot of atten ion in recent years because of their potential applications in biotechnology. This review presents an overview of uses of cyanobacteria in industry agriculture, environment pharmaceutical and medicinal roles and to provide future prospects of the field of cyanobacteria biotechnology. Nowadays cyanobacteria have gained attention researchers because of their various potential applications such as food and feed pharmaceutical industries in medicine, in bioremediation, soil conditioning, as biopolymers, bio adhesives, bioenergy and biofertilizers. Due to presence of wide spectrum of bioactive compounds cyanobacteria has possesses antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and anticancer activities. Several strains of cyanobacteria are also rich in food supplements. Further nitrogen fixing and soil conditioning capacity of cyanobacteria attracted researchers. Recent studies have also shown that cyanobacteria have capability to degrade environmental pollutants and are also being used as a promising source of alternative energy. Cyanobacteria has also its limitations through bloom production it influnces on the nutrient availability and usage of phytoplankton plants. This review is an effort to forward the valuable information about the qualities of cyanobacteria and their potential role in solving the agricultural and environmental problems for the future welfare of the planet.Thus more efforts should be made in search of more potential strains of cyanobacteria to ensure maximum production of the desired products.
May 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-22-4170
Michael Chukwudike Anyakudo MagnusCorresponding author
Endometabolic and Nutrition Research Unit, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Medical Sciences, P.M.B 536, Laje Road, Ondo City, Ondo State, Nigeria.
Garden egg nutritional values are numerous. However, few nutritional and epidemiological data exist on the impacts of garden egg consumption on diabetes control. In this experimentally-control designed nutritional study, the effects of scarlet garden egg species (Solanum aethiopicum L.) on lipoglycemic profile, weight control and, pancreas histoarchitecture in diabetic male Wistar rats were examined. Twenty-One adult male Wistar rats inducted with diabetes were randomly categorized into three groups (n = 7, each): Diabetic control (DC); Diabetic treated with aqueous extract of garden egg (DEE) and Diabetic fed with garden egg-supplemented diet (DSE). Animals were fed for six weeks according to the experimental design. Glycemic status and body weights were assessed twice weekly while lipid analysis was conducted at the entry and 6th week of the study. Oral glucose tolerance (OGT) test was conducted. Gross analysis and tissue histology of the pancreas were assessed by Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining technique. Statistical analysis was done using analysis of variance, and the results were expressed as mean ± S.E.M. at P < 0.05. Garden egg reduced mean body weight gain (DSE: 14.53%; DEE: 10.58%; P value = 0.04) and decreased blood glucose concentrations (DEE: 37.33%; DSE: 18.68%; P = 0.03) with corresponding improved lipid profile, glycemic tolerance and control (DEE > DSE) and, preserved pancreas histoarchitecture in diabetic Wistar rats. Solanum aethiopicum (garden egg) consumption (as fresh fruit or supplemented diet) preserves pancreatic tissue histoarchitecture and improves lipoglycemic profile and weight control in diabetic Wistar rats.
Mar 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2575-1212.jvhc-22-4105
Zakir Abadura SadikCorresponding author
Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Jimma University, Ethiopia
Aflatoxins are toxigenic metabolites that are definitely occurring by lethal strains of Aspergillus parasiticus and Aspergillus flavus that commonly dwell and colonize in feed components and various nutritive foodstuffs particularly milk and milk based products. This Review has three main objectives; those are causes of aflatoxin, effects and methods of control in milk and milk products. Drinking of cow milk polluted with aflatoxin may overwhelm immunity and subsidize to stunting in young children, as the young children are not immune-competent during early stage. It has been internationally assessed that aflatoxin is possibly accountable for 30% of the annual cases of liver cancer. Generally, control approaches of aflatoxin can be applied during pre-harvest, cautious management in the time of harvest and postharvest decontamination. Moreover, choosing breed for aflatoxin impervious crop diversities, prevention of aflatoxin production through biological decontamination by microorganisms and their metabolites, rejection of aflatoxin by physical means in addition to inactivation by chemicals are the typical approaches that have been described in different studies. For the reason that cow milk is the most important and principal diet of children, but the risk of exposed to the cancer are more in infants. In addition, according to various investigations it also well thought that young animals are also found to be more vulnerable to aflatoxin than adults. Thus; the contamination of cow milk and milk products by AFM1 should understood as undesirable for young human and animals.
Feb 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2471-2140.jaa-22-4083
Sasaki MitsuruCorresponding author
Institute of Industrial Nanomaterials (IINa), Kumamoto University, 2-39-1 Kurokami, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 860-8555, Japan.
Convection dryers are the most affordable and most commonly used dryers for processing of agricultural products. However, since the temperature is high or the drying time is long, materials such as fruits and vegetables may turn brown and the nutrients deteriorate, therefore this method is not suitable for the production of dry powders for fruits and vegetables, which are expected to have bright colors and nutritional functions. Low temperature drying (LTD) has made it possible to produce strawberry dry powder with the equivalent functional components as powder by vacuum freeze drying (FD). In addition, the processing time is shorter and the cost is lower than vacuum FD. In this study, we demonstrate the superiority of LTD by comparing the quality and microstructure of strawberry powders produced by LTD and vacuum FD.