Appetite In Children Research Articles

Çocuklarda Demir Eksikliği Anemisi

Iron deficiency anemia (DEA) is the most common and preventable cause of microcytic anemia. According to the World Health Organization, IDA is seen in 36% of developing countries and 8% in developed countries. The incidence of IDA in Mongolia is much higher than in developed countries. Although it varies according to the region and age group, the incidence of IDA is 30-78% in our country. The most affected group of IDA patients are children and pregnant women. One of the key findings of IDA is decreased appetite. There is a positive relationship between ghrelin, which stimulates appetite, and iron levels, and it has been reported that decreased appetite in iron deficiency anemia may be due to low ghrelin levels. The results of iron deficiency anemia and increased appetite in children taking iron supplements are conflicting.

INSIGHT responsive parenting intervention effects on child appetite and maternal feeding practices through age 3 years

Expert guidance encourages interventions promoting structure-based practices to establish predictable eating environments in order to foster children's self-regulatory skills. However, few studies have examined whether and how child characteristics may moderate effects of interventions on maternal feeding practices. This analysis aimed to examine the effect of the INSIGHT Responsive Parenting (RP) intervention delivered largely during infancy, on child appetitive traits at 2.5 years and maternal feeding practices at 3 years. Primiparous mother-newborn dyads were randomized to a RP intervention designed for obesity prevention or a safety control intervention. Mothers completed the Child Eating Behavior Questionnaire at 2.5 years and the Structure and Control in Parent Feeding Questionnaire at 3 years. T-tests assessed study group differences on child appetitive traits at 2.5 years and maternal feeding practices at age 3. ANCOVA models assessed the effect of study group on parent feeding practices and tested appetitive traits as a moderator. Two hundred thirty-two mother-child dyads completed the trial. Mothers were predominantly white, non-Hispanic, college educated, and married. RP group mothers used more consistent meal routines, and less pressure, food to soothe, and food as reward compared to controls. Child satiety responsiveness moderated the RP intervention effect on maternal use of limiting exposure to unhealthy foods such that the RP intervention was most effective for children at higher levels of satiety responsiveness. Food responsiveness moderated RP intervention effects on maternal use of pressure, such that at lower levels of food responsiveness, control group mothers used more pressure than RP mothers. The INSIGHT RP intervention demonstrated sustained effects on maternal feeding practices through age 3 years, with some intervention effects showing moderation by child appetitive traits.

Parental Child-feeding in the Context of Child Temperament and Appetitive Traits: Evidence for a Biopsychosocial Process Model of Appetite Self-Regulation and Weight Status.

Pediatric obesity is a serious public health challenge and there is a need for research that synthesizes the various linkages among the child and parental factors that contribute to pediatric overweight and obesity. The main objective of this study was to examine potential mechanisms and pathways that might explain how child temperament is indirectly related to child body composition through appetitive traits and parental child-feeding practices. Participants consisted of 221 children between 4–6 years of age (51% males, mean age = 4.80 years, standard deviation = 0.85) and their parents (90.5% biological mothers, (Mage) = 32.02 years, (SDage) = 6.43) with 71% of the parents being married. Study variables included child temperament (negative affectivity and effortful control), child appetitive traits (food avoidance and food approach), controlling parental child-feeding practices (restrictive feeding and pressure to eat), and child body composition. Body composition were indexed by parent perceptions, body mass index (BMI), and percent body fat. Results showed that children with low levels of effortful control are more prone to exhibit food avoidance, which in turn is likely to elicit parental pressure to eat that in turn is linked to high child weight status. In addition, children with high levels of negative affectivity are prone to exhibit a food approach, which in turn is likely to elicit restrictive feeding from parents that in turn is linked to high child objective weight status. Findings situate controlling parental child-feeding practices in the context of child temperament and appetitive traits using a biopsychosocial framework of appetite self-regulation and weight. Results highlight that child appetite self-regulation processes and parental child-feeding practices could be essential components to target in childhood obesity preventive interventions.

Assessment of the nutritional status of children according to maternal reports: Are mothers’ perceptions of their children's appetite accurate?

IntroductionThis study determined whether there is a difference in the nutritional status of children with good and poor appetites, as reported by their mothers. MethodsIn all, 70 volunteer mothers of children aged 6–60 months participated in the study. Information about the nutrition of the child was obtained from the mothers via a questionnaire. ResultsBased on the mothers’ statements, no significant difference was found in the mean or median values of the anthropometric measurements between children with good and poor appetites (p>.05), and no significant difference was observed between daily consumed energy and macro- and micronutrients (p>.05). While the blood zinc levels of children with a good appetite were higher than those with a poor appetite (p<.05), there was no difference regarding other parameters (p>.05). ConclusionIn this study, no significant difference was evident between children defined as having good or poor appetite by their mothers, especially in terms of energy and nutrients.

THE ENHANCEMENT TODDLER’S APPETITE THROUGH ACUPRESSURE TUI NA

Difficulty consumption is the complaint of most parents when it comes to paediatricians. Difficult eating continuously results in decreased calorie intake needed so that it can affect the growth and development of children. Acupressure can be a non-pharmacological therapy choice for increasing a child's appetite. Acupressure is a form of physiotherapy by providing massage and stimulation at specific points on the body.&#x0D; The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of acupressure therapy to increase appetite in infants aged 1-5 years. In this study used pre-experimental design with one group pre post-test approach. The variables in this study were acupressure therapy and appetite. Respondents are children aged 1 to 5 years. The treatment is acupressure therapy six times (every three days). The pretest is done before acupressure therapy with weight measurement and posttest weight measurement after surgery. Paired T Test tested analysis of the two data. The results of this study indicate a T-test correlation of 0.952 with a significance value of 0,000 where α = 5% = 0.005 so that 0,000 &lt;0.005, which means that there is an influence of Tui Na acupressure on increasing toddlers' appetite based on weight gain.&#x0D; Keywords: Acupressure, Toddler’s appetite

Hygiene assessment of the nutrition of preschoolers living in monotown

Introduction. The analysis of actual nutrition on weekdays of children attending preschool educational institutions of Mezhdurechensk, one of the monotowns of Kuzbass, is carried out.Material and methods. The actual food consumption in kindergarten was studied by the weight method (21240 individual servings), at home it was studied by the 24-hour nutritional method. 358 preschool children were examined.Results. An increased caloric diet due to excess fat content was established (37.3% higher than physiological consumption standards). A deficiency of 11.5% of the norm of dietary fiber was revealed. The average daily diets of preschoolers provided age-related needs for macronutrients (107-137%), vitamins (119-158%), and minerals (109-157%). However, during the stay of children in kindergarten, the caloric value of their diets did not cover the age-related physiological needs of the child’s body, which was established by the weight method. Diets were not balanced by micronutrient composition.Discussion. The reasons for the possible refusal of children to eat in kindergarten or the appearance of poor appetite in children were a violation of the daily routine: replacing outdoor walks with group exercises, individual lessons with a speech therapist; dinner transfer. The excess caloric value of daily diets is formed due to the contribution of home nutrition in the evening (an average of 45.0% of the physiological norm of a child with the necessary norm of 20-25%). In the structure of the food set, a deficit of more than 10% of rye bread, fish and seafood, the excess of legumes and cereals (by 28% of recommended consumption standards), pasta (by 83%), sausages (by 135%) and confectionery products (by 51%) were revealed.Conclusions. The findings suggest that the main eating disorders of preschoolers are formed in the family.

Pemanfaatan Buah dan Sayur Sebagai Upaya Antisipasi Konstipasi pada Anak di TK Mekar Siwi Panjen Maguwoharjo, Depok, Sleman

Good nutrition in childhood is important, not only for health, growth and development of children but also for long-term health. Children need to eat a variety of nutrient-rich foods regularly, including fruits and vegetables. Lack of consumption of fruit and vegetables can increase the likelihood of constipation. A strategy is needed to support the development of children in the selection of variations of fruits and vegetables consumed, which can be done through nutrition counseling efforts in children especially children in kindergarten (kindergarten). In addition, modification of food based on fruits and vegetables is needed to improve children's appetite, so as to increase fiber intake in children in an effort to prevent constipation.Keywords: Children; Fruit; Constipation; Dietary habit; Vegetables.

Effect of Moringa oleifera leaf powder supplementation on weight gain of toddler in the working area of Naibonat health center, Kupang regency

Introduction: Undernutrition prevalence in East Nusa Tenggara is very high. One of the intervention to overcome this problem is by providing foods enriched with vitamins and minerals. One of the plant that contains great amount of vitamins and minerals is Moringa which thrives in almost all of the mainland of Timor. This study aims to determine whether there is an effect of Moringa leaf powder supplementation on weight gain of children under five years of age at the working area of Naibonat Health Center in Kupang Regency.Methods: Experimental study with pre-test post-test control group design was conducted among children aged 2-5 years in the working area of the Naibonat Health Center in Kupang Regency. The study was conducted with consecutive sampling technique with a total subjects of 50 children consisting of 25 children in the treatment group and 25 children in the control group. The intervention group was given 25 grams of Moringa leaf powder for 14 days. Results: There was a significant increase in body weight of the treatment group after supplementation of 25 grams of Moringa leaf powder for 14 days (p&lt; =0.,001). In the control group, there was no significant difference of body weight after the study.Conclusions: Moringa oleifera leaf powder supplementation of 5-10 grams has been able to increase body weight by 0.53 kg on children under five years of age at the working area of Naibonat Health Center in Kupang Regency by increasing the child's appetite.

COMBINATION THERAPY OF MASSAGE AND TEMU IRENG HERBAL (Curcuma aeoruginosa Roxb.) TO INCREASE CHILD APPETITES AND FOOD INTAKE

Background: Appetite is a condition where a person has an urge to satisfy activities in eating. Lack of appetite in children is characterized by eating small portions, reluctant to refuse when it comes time to eat, take a long time to finish a meal, playing with the food, etc. Children are at the stage of high curiosity and very active, which mean the energy needed must be sufficient. If the energy and nutrition needs are not sufficient it might lead to a slowdown in physical and psychological growth. Purpose: The purpose of this case study is to observe whether Swedish massage and children’s massage with a combination of Temu Ireng herba (Curcuma aeruginosa Roxb.) could increase appetite in school-age children. Results: The results of massage therapy with Temu Ireng decotion can increase appetite in children based on the increasing number of calories consumed before therapy from 1,267 kcal to 2,050 kcal per day after therapy session, and an increase in body weight of 0.9 Kg after 8 weeks of therapy. Conclusion: Providing Swedish massage therapy with a combination of Temu Ireng herba (Curcuma aeruginosa Roxb.) could increase appetite in schoolage children with the result of increasing the number of daily calories intake and body weight.

Pola Konsumsi makanan Kariogenik Sebagai Faktor penyebab Karies Gigi pada Anak SD Negeri 5 Waai Kabupaten Maluku Tengah

Dental caries in school children can cause children to experience loss of chewing power and digestion disruption, which results in disruption of children's health. This condition will certainly reduce the frequency of children's attendance to school, disrupt the concentration of learning, affect the child's appetite. One of the causes of dental caries in school children is the pattern of consumption of cariogenic foods because at this age children usually like snacks and drinks as they wish. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between the type and frequency of consuming cariogenic food with the incidence of dental caries in SD Negeri 5 Waai District, Central Maluku. Method This study uses a descriptive study using a cross sectional design. Sampling with a purposive sampling method. Data were analyzed using the chi square test. The results showed there was a relationship between the type and frequency of consuming cariogenic food with the incidence of dental caries in students of SD Negeri 5 Waai, Central Maluku, with avalue of ρ = 0.027 and p = 0.028 &lt;α 0.05. The conclusion that the type and frequency of consuming cariogenic food is related to the incidence of dental caries in students of SD Negeri 5 Waai, Central Maluku Regency. It is recommended to the school to be able to seek a healthy canteen at school and counseling oral health. Also for parents to pay attention to the habit of consuming cariogenic food by elementary school children while at school or at home.Keywords: Consumption pattern; cariogenic food; dental caries

The incidence of stunting, the frequency/duration of diarrhea and Acute Respiratory Infection in toddlers.

Background: Infectious diseases such as diarrhea and Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) lead to loss of appetite in children and stunting growth. This study analyzes the relationship between the incidence of stunting and the frequency/duration of diarrhea and ARI in children under five years.Design and Methods: The stratified random sampling method was used to obtain data from 152 children in 4 villages in Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia.Results: The results showed that children under the age of five, experience higher stunting duration and longer frequency of diarrhea. The Rho Spearmen Test showed differences in the incidence of stunting with the frequency of diarrhea P = 0.005 (P<α = 0.05), P = 0.003 (P<α = 0.05), with ARI of P =0.001 (P<α = 0.05).Conclusions: In conclusion, stunting is related to the frequency and duration of diarrheal diseases and ARI, therefore, community- integrated health center need to carryout counseling activities on children less than five years to determine their health status.Significance for public healthStunting is the marred growth and development that children usually experience due to poor nutrition, inadequate psychosocial stimulation, or infection. It leads to a decrease in the body's immune system, therefore increasing the risk of infectious diseases. Infectious diseases such as diarrhea and Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) lead to loss of appetite in children and stunting growth. This study describes relationship between the incidence of stunting and the frequency/duration of diarrhea and ARI in children under five years.

Associations between human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) and eating behaviour in Hispanic infants at 1 and 6 months of age

Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are naturally occurring glycans in human breast milk that act as prebiotics in the infant gut. Prebiotics have been demonstrated to suppress appetite in both adults and children. Therefore, HMOs may affect infant eating behaviour. To determine if HMOs in breast milk are associated with eating behaviour in Hispanic infants. Cross-sectional analysis of a prospective cohort of Hispanic mother-infant dyads (1-month, n = 157; 6-months, n = 69). Breast milk samples were screened for 19 HMOs using high pressure liquid chromatography, and eating behaviour was assessed using the Baby Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (BEBQ). We conducted multiple linear regressions to examine associations between HMOs and BEBQ scores, adjusted for maternal pre-pregnancy BMI, infant sex, birthweight, delivery mode and number of breastfeedings per day. We stratified by HMO secretor status-a genetic determinant of the types of HMOs produced. At 1 month, LNnT (lacto-N-neotetraose; P = .04) was negatively associated with food responsiveness in the total sample, while DFLNT (difucosyllacto-N-tetrose; P = .03) and DSLNT (disialyl-LNT; P = .04) were negatively associated with food responsiveness in secretors only. At 6 months, LSTc (sialyllacto-N-tetraose c; P = .01), FLNH (fucosyllacto-N-hexaose; P = .03), LNH (lacto-N-hexaose; P = .006) and DSLNH (disialyllacto-N-hexaose; P = .05) were positively associated with food responsiveness in both the total sample and secretors only. We found several HMOs that were both positively and negatively associated with infant food responsiveness, which is a measure of drive to eat.

Eating and feeding behaviours in children in low-income areas in Nairobi, Kenya.

Child eating and caregiver feeding behaviours are critical determinants of food intake, but they are poorly characterized in undernourished children. We aimed to describe how appetite, food refusal and force‐feeding vary between undernourished and healthy children aged 6–24 months in Nairobi and identify potential variables for use in a child eating behaviour scale for international use. This cross‐sectional study was conducted in seven clinics in low‐income areas of Nairobi. Healthy and undernourished children were quota sampled to recruit equal numbers of undernourished children (weight for age [WAZ] or weight for length [WLZ] Z scores ≤2SD) and healthy children (WAZ > 2SD). Using a structured interview schedule, questions reflecting child appetite, food refusal and caregiver feeding behaviours were rated using a 5‐point scale. Food refusal and force‐feeding variables were then combined to form scores and categorized into low, medium and high. In total, 407 child–caregiver pairs, aged median [interquartile range] 9.98 months [8.7 to 14.1], were recruited of whom 55% were undernourished. Undernourished children were less likely to ‘love food’ (undernourished 78%; healthy 90% p = < 0.001) and more likely to have high food refusal (18% vs. 3.3% p = <0.001), while their caregivers were more likely to use high force‐feeding (28% vs. 16% p = 0.03). Undernourished children in low‐income areas in Nairobi are harder to feed than healthy children, and force‐feeding is used widely. A range of discriminating variables could be used to measure child eating behaviour and assess the impact of interventions.

PENYULUHAN DAN PELATIHAN FISIOTERAPI PADA BALITA DI POSYANDU BALITA SERUNI XII PONCOL KOTA PEKALONGAN

Babies are children with an age range of 0-12 months. Infancy is the first period of critical life. During infancy, children will adapt to the environment, changes in blood circulation, and body organs begin to work. From the observation process of &lt;strong&gt;identifying&lt;/strong&gt; physiotherapy problems in infants by lecturers and students of D-III Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health, Pekalongan University conducted by interviewing &lt;em&gt;Posyandu&lt;/em&gt; cadres, it was found that the most common problems experienced by toddlers was a decrease in appetite in toddlers. Situation analysis in the form of observations made by the whole team in the environment of activities in &lt;em&gt;Posyandu&lt;/em&gt; &lt;em&gt;Balita Seruni XII Poncol,&lt;/em&gt; Pekalongan City was in form of interviews to &lt;em&gt;Posyandu&lt;/em&gt; cadres. The process of observing the identification of physiotherapy problems in toddlers used an assessment method. The purpose of this activity was to increase the knowledge and understanding of cadres and parents about the role of physiotherapy in toddlers, especially in increasing appetite in children. The &lt;strong&gt;solution offered&lt;/strong&gt; by the team was to use the counseling and training methods to improve appetite in toddlers with baby massage and neurostructure techniques. &lt;strong&gt;The&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;strong&gt;implementations&lt;/strong&gt; of counseling and training activities were attended by seventeen toddlers accompanied by their mothers. Before counseling and training process, the toddlers’ mothers were given a pre-test and post-test that became a benchmark for toddlers’ mothers understanding about counseling and training conducted. &lt;strong&gt;The results&lt;/strong&gt; of the pre-test and post-test proved that the level of understanding of mothers under five increased after being given counseling and training in physiotherapy. It can be &lt;strong&gt;concluded&lt;/strong&gt; that after being given counseling and physiotherapy training, the level of toddlers’ mothers understanding in increasing the appetite of infants was increased.

Caloric compensation and appetite control in children of different weight status and predisposition to obesity

To prevent childhood obesity it is critical to identify behavioral phenotypes for overeating, especially among children who are predisposed to obesity. We examined caloric compensation and appetite control in 212 normal-weight (NW) and obese (OB) children, ages 7 to 9, who were at high risk (HR) or low risk (LR) for obesity based on maternal obesity. In a within-subjects crossover design, children ate breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks in the laboratory once a week for two weeks. Children's percentage compensation index (%COMPX) was computed at breakfast. Twenty-five minutes before breakfast, children received one of two compulsory preloads, which varied in energy density (ED) and caloric content [Low ED (LED): 1.00 kcal/g; 100 kcal; High ED (HED): 1.60 kcal/g; 160 kcal]. Children's appetite was measured hourly using Visual Analog Scales, which were used to compute 3-h post-prandial area under the curve (AUCs) after breakfast and the satiety quotient (SQ), which allows between-group comparisons of a fixed amount of a food's potency to reduce appetite sensations per unit of intake. There were no significant differences in %COMPX, SQ, or AUC among LR-NW, HR-NW, and HR-OB children (P > 0.10). SQs for Hunger and Prospective Consumption were higher and SQ for Fullness lower after consuming the LED compared to the HED preload (P < 0.009). Further, the SQ and AUC for Desire to Eat and AUC for Prospective Consumption significantly predicted energy intake during the remainder of the day (P < 0.03). In this study, HR-NW children did not differ from LR-NW or HR-OB children in their caloric compensation or appetite control. Foods with a high satiating effect may facilitate appetite control and help to moderate daily energy intake in all children, including at-risk children.

Policaptil Gel Retard Intake Reduces Postprandial Triglycerides, Ghrelin and Appetite in Obese Children: A Clinical Trial.

The aim of this study is to test the hypothesis that the intake of Policaptil Gel Retard® (PGR) is able to affect appetite, metabolic and hormonal postprandial profile in obese children. 46 obese children were randomly assigned to treatment with PGR or placebo, in a double blind clinical trial. Two PGR tablets or placebo were given in fasting condition, before the ingestion of a mixed meal (15 kcal/kg lean body mass). Blood samples were taken at baseline and for 4 h, for measuring blood lipids, glucose, insulin, ghrelin, and glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1). Appetite was quantified using a visual analog scale. Children assuming PGR had a significantly lower increase of postprandial triglycerides (area under the curve (AUC): 3021 (2879) vs. 5038 (3738) mg × 240 min/Dl) and appetite (−234 (274) vs. 36 (329)) than children assuming placebo. The AUC of ghrelin was significantly lower after PGR ingestion, than after placebo (−8179 (8073) vs. −2800 (7579) pg × 240 min/mL). Blood glucose, insulin, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and GLP-1 profiles were not significantly different in the two groups. In conclusion, a single intake of two tablets of PGR was associated with a significant reduction of appetite, ghrelin, and triglycerides in the postprandial period in obese children. Further investigation will assess if a chronic intake of PGR may affect body weight and glucose metabolism.

Irish children's food and beverage portion sizes: a qualitative study of parents’ views and practices

AbstractFood portion sizes routinely consumed by children have increased over time and consumption of larger portion sizes is associated with higher weight status. Parents often have the critical role of deciding portion sizes of foods to serve their children. It is not well understood, however, how parents decide the amount of food to serve. This research aimed to investigate parental views on portion sizes of foods and beverages served to children.A purposive sample of preschools and primary schools geographically located in either urban or rural areas of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, and classified as either high or low deprivation were recruited. Selected schools were invited to facilitate this research. Parents with at least one child aged 2–12 years attending a recruited school were then invited to participate in a focus group. A maximum of three groups were scheduled with interested parents at each school. One researcher moderated the focus groups, assisted by another researcher in all groups where possible. A semi-structured discussion guide was followed, using probes to stimulate discussion. The guide explored practices in portioning foods and beverages for children, factors influencing portioning and views on portion sizes of foods and beverages served to children. Discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and data was analysed thematically. Nvivo software was used to manage the coded data.Focus groups (n = 24) ranging in size from 3–12 parents were conducted across 19 schools. The response rate from parents at recruited schools ranged from 1–16%. A total of 144 parents (86% female, mean age 46y) participated, of which 60% had a child attending a high deprivation school and 64% had a child attending a rural school. Factors influencing parental portioning included seven themes comprised of sub-themes: parent knowledge (portion size knowledge, serving a learned amount), parent motivations (ensure child is fed, encourage healthier food), child-related factors (appetite, body size, food preferences, eating patterns), family influence (spouses and grandparents serving), food retail and other settings (restaurants, takeaways, special occasions), socio-cultural influences (parent childhood experiences, parents’ portion size norms) and portioning resources used (serve ware, utensils, hand sizes).Parents’ main concern regarding the amount they feed their children was to ensure that they are fed a sufficient amount to feel full. Parents learned this amount through experience and felt it was specific to each child's appetite. These findings will inform future interventions and information campaigns to help parents understand child portion sizes.

“Wrap healthy snacks with cool packaging” - A qualitative study of mothers’ portion size strategies for their children

Offering large portions of high energy dense (HED) foods increases overall energy intake in children, a potentially important contributing factor to childhood overweight and obesity. Packaging offers a simple heuristic to encourage healthy eating for nutrient dense foods and to downsize portions of HED foods. However, it is not clear how parents use packaging for portion control, nor how packaging might be used as a solution to offset large portions. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate mothers' portion strategies and how they use packaging to facilitate portion control for children. 21 mothers of 25 children aged 1–5 years participated in semi-structured interviews to identify strategies used by mothers for portioning snack and meal items. Mothers reported feeling confident in amounts offered to their children, and were unaware of, or did not apply, recommendations for age-appropriate portions of meal items and snacks. Mothers portioned according to child appetite, needs and characteristics, not necessarily age. They reported that their child was able to determine for themselves how much to consume. However, mothers also applied restrictions to some foods. No differences in considerations and strategies were found between different ethnic groups of British and Chinese mothers. Mothers reported that packaging was an important determinant of preferences and a useful, convenient means of portion control. To promote appropriate consumption norms in children, a packaging design concept is described to aid downsizing for a highly liked HED food. Future studies should examine how creative packaging solutions influence parents’ feeding practices and how this might influence dietary quality through user testing.

POTENTIAL OF SNAKEHEAD FISH (OPHIOCEPHALUS STRIATUS) IN ACCELERATING WOUND HEALING

Snakehead fish (Ophiocephalus striatus) (SF) is a type of fish that lives in fresh water and is widely known by the public. The properties and uses of SF have been scientifically proven to increase albumin levels and immune system as well as speed up the process of post-operative wound healing. The nutritional content of SF consists of albumin protein, amino acids, unsaturated fatty acids and minerals. Bioactive compounds that play a role in accelerating the wound healing process are albumin, glycine, and zinc (Zn). Wound healing is very dependent on the biochemical processes that occur on the skin involving intrinsic and extrinsic factors. This healing process will be accelerated with the help of dried SF extract which is designed in topical form such as cream or gel. Among albumin, glycine and Zn are important for wound healing because this protein is able to bind Zn and carry it in blood plasma. Zn deficiency reduces the wound healing process. Because of this nutrient, and other vitamins, it is present in SF extract so that it can trigger the formation of Endothelial Progenitor Cells (EPC) and accelerate wound healing. The presence of Zn in SF extract is likely to be a key factor playing a role in wound healing and also increases the appetite of children. Zn is an important mineral in the structure and function of cell membranes. Zn supplementation can limit membrane damage which is caused by free radicals during inflammation. Furthermore, Zn is also involved in the immune system, from the defense system by the skin to the regulation of genes in lymphocytes.&#x0D; Peer Review History: &#x0D; UJPR follows the most transparent and toughest ‘Advanced OPEN peer review’ system. The identity of the authors and, reviewers will be known to each other. This transparent process will help to eradicate any possible malicious/purposeful interference by any person (publishing staff, reviewer, editor, author, etc) during peer review. As a result of this unique system, all reviewers will get their due recognition and respect, once their names are published in the papers. We expect that, by publishing peer review reports with published papers, will be helpful to many authors for drafting their article according to the specifications. Auhors will remove any error of their article and they will improve their article(s) according to the previous reports displayed with published article(s). The main purpose of it is ‘to improve the quality of a candidate manuscript’. Our reviewers check the ‘strength and weakness of a manuscript honestly’. There will increase in the perfection, and transparency.&#x0D; Received file &#x0D; &#x0D; Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 6.0/10&#x0D; Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 7.5/10&#x0D; Reviewer(s) detail:&#x0D; Name: Asmaa Ahmed Mohamed Ahmed Khalifa &#x0D; Affiliation: Pharos University, Alexandria, Egypt&#x0D; E-mail: asmaa.khalifa@pua.edu.eg&#x0D; &#x0D; Name: Dr. Marwa A. A. Fayed &#x0D; Affiliation: University of Sadat City, Egypt&#x0D; E-mail: maafayed@gmail.com&#x0D; Comments of reviewer(s): &#x0D;

Physicochemical and sensory characteristics of chicken nugget with curcuma (Curcuma zanthorrhiza) flour fortification

Loss of weight and appetite are significant concerns for many parents with toddlers and preschoolers as poor or ‘picky’ eaters. The combination of healthy yet delicious food for kids is greatly needed to cope this problem. One of them is providing chicken nugget with nutritional content such as curcumin which is able to boost the children appetite. This experiment was conducted to find out the effect of curcuma flour fortification on physicochemical and sensory characteristics of chicken nugget. Five formulations were developed: 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2% (w/w) of filler. The chicken nugget was characterized for their physical, chemical, and sensory characteristics. Curcuma flour fortification did not affect the water holding capacity, tenderness, protein, and fat contents of chicken nugget (P>0.05), but increased the vitamin E and curcumin contents of chicken nugget (P<0.05). Sensory characteristic test results showed that the fortification of curcuma flour did not affect acceptability in the sensory characteristic of chicken nugget. In conclusion, chicken nugget with curcuma flour fortification at the level of 2.0% showed the best characteristic of the chicken nugget.