Triceps Skinfold Research Articles

Measurement of mid-upper arm circumference to screen for childhood malnutrition: General applicability and use in special populations.

Since the development of consensus-recommended indicators for pediatric malnutrition in 2014, screening and diagnosis of pediatric malnutrition have improved, but the indicators are not always used; malnutrition continues to be underdiagnosed in some community and healthcare settings. In particular, mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) is underused as a screening indicator for pediatric malnutrition, despite its unique advantages and usefulness in several clinical situations. In December 2022, a scientific roundtable was held to bring together several experts in pediatric malnutrition. One of the goals of the scientific roundtable was to discuss the clinical use of anthropometric measures as screening tools for pediatric malnutrition status, with a focus on the use of MUAC. This article arose from that event and is intended as an educational tool to aid clinicians in implementing MUAC measurements. In addition to describing the use of MUAC as a screening tool, the article discusses several clinical situations in which MUAC is especially useful. Additionally, the article reviews practical aspects of measuring and interpreting MUAC values, provides links to additional educational resources, and briefly reviews areas in which further research is needed regarding the use of MUAC for screening of nutrition status in children.

Anthropometric recovery of children 6-59 months with complicated severe acute malnutrition, treated in public hospitals of Sana’a City

Background: The management of severe acute malnutrition (SAM) in inpatient therapeutic feeding centers (TFCs) is a life-saving intervention for children 6-59 months in Yemen. Aims: To evaluate the anthropometric recovery of children admitted to the TFCs and transferred to complete treatment in outpatient programs (OTPs) of Sana’a City Public Hospitals. Methods: A prospective follow-up study for children admitted to TFCs from September 2023 to April 2024 was conducted. The anthropometry measurements of the Weight-for-Height Z score (WHZ) and Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) were calculated and used to follow the progression in recovery until the discharge from OTPs. Results: Of the total 150 children admitted to TFCs, 48 (32%) were males, and 75 (50%) were aged 6-<12 months; 99 (66%) had both WHZ <-3 and MUAC <11.5); 25 (17%) had WHZ <-3; and 26 (17%) had MUAC<11.5 cm. At the point of transfer from TFCs, 72% (108) were with SAM, and 28% (42/150) with Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM). At discharge from OTP, 19% (28/150) were with non-acute malnutrition (NAM); the progression to NAM was among 48% (20/42) and 7% (8/108) of children transferred with MAM and SAM, P value (<0.001). In conclusion, 88% (132/150) of children transferred from TFCs were discharged as cured from OTP, 21% (28/132) of them were anthropometrically recovered, and 79% were prematurely discharged.

Handgrip Strength and Upper Limb Anthropometric Characteristics among Latin American Female Volleyball Players.

Background: In volleyball, the upper limb dimensions and grip strength greatly influence offensive and defensive movements during a match. However, the relationship between these parameters remains underexplored in elite female volleyball players. Objective: This study aimed to contrast the upper limb anthropometric characteristics and handgrip strength (HGS) of female elite volleyball players against a control group. Methods: Selected upper limb anthropometric parameters and maximal HGS of 42 female volleyball players and 40 non-athletes were measured. Results: Players exhibited higher values in almost all variables studied than non-athletes. The differences were statistically significant (p < 0.001) except for body mass index and elbow and wrist diameters. Players showed a moderate correlation between dominant HGS and hand parameters (length r = 0.43 and breadth r = 0.63; p < 0.05). Weak correlations were identified with height, upper arm length, elbow diameter, and hand shape index (r = 0.32 to 0.38; p < 0.05). In the non-dominant hand, a moderate correlation with handbreadth (r = 0.55, p ≤ 0.01) and weak correlations with upper arm length, wrist diameter, hand length, and hand shape index (r = 0.32 to 0.35; p ≤ 0.05) was found. Conclusions: These findings underscore the importance of the upper limb anthropometric parameters as predictors of HGS and their utility in athlete selection. Future research should investigate biomechanical factors influencing HGS and injury prevention.

Clinical benefit and fragility evaluation of systemic therapy trials for advanced soft tissue sarcoma.

The clinical benefit of systemic anticancer therapies can be unclear despite positive trials, and outcomes may not translate to real-world practice. This study evaluated the benefit of soft tissue sarcoma (STS) treatments using the European Society of Medical Oncology Magnitude of Clinical Benefit Scale (MCBS) v1.1 and measured the robustness of STS trial results using Fragility Index (FI). Database searches for adult phase II or III trials in advanced STS (January 1998-December 2023) were performed. Therapies with trial outcomes that met the criteria for MCBS were scored 1-5 (≥4 represents substantial clinical benefit). For randomized clinical trials with positive time-to-event endpoints, the number of additional events that would render results nonsignificant, FI, was calculated and expressed as a proportion of the experimental arm size (fragility quotient [FQ]). Higher FI/FQ implies more robust results. Among 194 trials, 19 (9.8%) were phase III. Most phase II trials (146/175; 83.4%) had single-arm or non-comparative design. Trials that were eligible for MCBS scoring (n=78; 40.2%) evaluated 56 different agents/regimens. Median MCBS score was 2. Only three agents/regimens (all cytotoxic therapies) had an MCBS score ≥4. Among 47 randomized clinical trials, 16 (8 phase II; 8 phase III) trials had positive outcomes. Median FI was 7 (range, 2-52) and 10 trials (62.5%) had an FQ < 10%, with median of 7% (range, 1%-59%). Most systemic therapies in STS trials did not confer substantial clinical benefit per European Society of Medical Oncology-MCBS. Additionally, positive randomized trials were often fragile. Novel STS therapy trials should use clinically meaningful endpoints and real-world efficacy confirmation is essential, especially for less robust trials.

Beneficial Effect of Integrated Nutritional Interventions in Patients with Hematological Diseases Undergoing Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant

Introduction: The nutritional status of patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is critically important. This study aimed to assess the impact of comprehensive nutritional interventions on the well-being of individuals with hematological diseases who underwent HSCT. Methods: A total of 175 patients with hematological diseases who underwent HSCT were included, with 94 in the control group and 81 in the research group. Patients in the control group received standard nursing care, while those in the research group underwent integrated nutritional interventions. Nutritional status was evaluated using the mini nutritional assessment (MNA) and subjective global assessment (SGA), along with body measurements and serum levels of albumin, prealbumin, and hemoglobin. Results: There were no significant differences in the proportion of malnourished patients evaluated by MNA or SGA between the control and research groups at admission. However, at discharge and 3 months of post-discharge, fewer patients in the research group were malnourished compared to the control group, as assessed by both MNA and SGA. At admission, there were no significant differences in albumin, prealbumin, hemoglobin levels, weight, calf circumference (CC), triceps skinfold thickness (TSF), or subscapular skinfold thickness (SSF) between groups. However, at discharge and 3 months of post-discharge, the levels of these indicators significantly decreased compared to those upon admission. Levels of albumin, prealbumin, and hemoglobin, as well as weight, CC, TSF, and SSF, were significantly higher in the research group than in the control group at both discharge and 3 months of post-discharge. Conclusion: HSCT led to a decline in nutritional status among patients with hematological diseases, but integrated nutritional interventions effectively improved their nutritional status.

Global acute malnutrition is associated with geography, season and malaria incidence in the conflict-affected regions of Ouham and Ouham Pendé prefectures, Central African Republic

BackgroundOngoing conflict between multiple armed groups, including pastoralist herders in the Central African Republic (CAR) causes frequent population displacements, food insecurity and scarcity of healthcare services. The inaccessibility and insecurity of many areas of CAR limit data collection and assessments from national nutritional surveys. Community health workers (CHWs) trained by an international non-governmental organisation, The MENTOR Initiative, deliver basic healthcare to children under 5 years old living in hard-to-reach and conflict-affected areas in eight subprefectures of north-west CAR. Their nutritional status and its associations with geography, malaria, season and conflict are unknown.MethodsCHW monthly records (October 2015–August 2021), Armed Conflict Location and Event Data project conflict data and The World Bank Group meteorological data for eight subprefectures of north-west CAR were analysed. Associations between counts of global acute malnutrition (GAM) assessed by mid-upper arm circumference and malaria, season and conflict were investigated using negative binomial regression.ResultsOf the 457,325 consultations with children aged 6–59 months, 6.2% and 0.4% were classified as moderately or severely malnourished, respectively. The negative binomial model demonstrated differences in counts of GAM by subprefecture. Counts of GAM were positively associated with the case rate of severe malaria (IRR = 1.045; 95% CI: 1.04–1.06) and the rainy season (July–September) (IRR = 1.10; 95% CI: 1.03–1.17). Conflict events coded as Battles in ACLED were associated with lower counts of GAM (IRR = 0.78; 95% CI: 0.62–0.97).ConclusionsThis analysis shows geographical differences in levels of malnutrition in north-west CAR and demonstrates clear associations between malnutrition, season and malaria. It provides evidence that levels of GAM may be underestimated in north-west CAR in areas experiencing conflict. These findings highlight the need for targeted nutritional support to reach children most at risk of malnutrition. CHWs are a proven effective means of delivering essential primary healthcare services in hard-to-reach, conflict-affected areas.

Tracking anthropometric dimensions and grip strength among children, adolescents and adults in an indigenous community of southern Mexico: 1968-1978-2000.

To track body size and proportions, arm dimensions and grip strength in children, adolescents, and adults resident in an indigenous community in Oaxaca who were measured on two or three occasions across surveys in 1968, 1978, and 2000. The three cross-sectional surveys included measures of height, weight, sitting height, arm circumference, triceps skinfold, and grip strength in surveys of schoolchildren in 1968 and of schoolchildren, adolescents and adults in 1978 and 2000. Cross-checks of surnames, forenames and ages/dates of birth of participants in the three surveys identified three samples of individuals measured on two occasions (1968-1978, two age groups in 1978-2000) and a subsample of individuals measured in the three surveys. Partial correlations controlling for age at each observation were calculated for each variable in the three sex-specific samples measured on two occasions, and for the subsamples of males and females measured on three occasions. Allowing for variation in age among subsamples, inter-age correlations were moderate to high for stature, moderate for sitting height and estimated leg length, and low to moderate for weight, BMI, arm and estimated arm muscle circumference, triceps skinfold, and grip strength. Allowing for the relatively broad chronological age intervals, the inter-age correlations for height, weight and BMI were at the low end, while those for grip strength and for strength per unit body weight for males (though not females) were generally in the range of correlations noted in studies of European samples. Likely associated with improved health, nutritional, and sanitation conditions, obesity and overweight were emerging among adults by 2000. Obesity and overweight in adults paralleled the introduction of mechanized agriculture that reduced routine physical work. Among children, the association of obesity and overweight is likely with increased nutritional availability, but poor choices in diet.

Faktor-Faktor Determinan Penyebab Kejadian Stunting dilihat dari Faktor Ibu di Wilayah Kerja Puskesmas Mondokan Kabupaten Sragen

Stunting is one of the causes of death and a contributing factor to the number of children exposed to disease, 3.1 million or 45% of the causes of death in the world besides disability. Many factors are associated with the incidence of stunting in toddlers, one of which is factors seen from mothers such as upper arm circumference, education, age at pregnancy and income. The prevalence of stunting in the working area of public health center of mondokan sragen regency was 417 cases in December 2023. Objective: Knowing the determinant factors causingof the incidence of stunting seen from maternal factors in the working area of public health Center of Mondokan Sragen Regency. Methods: The study used descriptive methods, sampling using quota sampling techniques, 81 respondents, the instrument used used a checklist sheet containing the characteristics of stunting factors. Results: the results showed that the majority of the characteristics of upper arm circumference &lt;23.5 cm (58%), the latest elementary school education (59.1%), maternal age during pregnancy 20-35 years (85.2%), income &lt;2,049,000 (71.6%). Conclusion: the determinant factors in the working area of Puskesmas Mondokan are upper arm circumference, education, maternal age at pregnancy, income,

Magnitude of anemia and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care in governmental health facilities of Shashemene Town, Oromia region, Ethiopia.

Anemia during pregnancy is a common issue that significantly affects the health of both the mother and her child. Globally, anemia is a major public health concern, affecting both developing and developed countries, with approximately 1.3 billion people affected. Pregnant women are among the most vulnerable to anemia. To assess the magnitude and risk factors of anemia among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Shashemene Town, Oromia, Ethiopia. A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 391 pregnant women in Shashemene Town in April 2022. Data were collected using interviewer-administered questionnaires, along with laboratory examinations of blood and stool samples. The data were entered into EpiData 3.1 and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22. Bivariate logistic regression was performed, and variables with a p-value of <0.25 were included in the multivariate logistic regression analysis to identify factors associated with anemia. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% CIs were calculated, and a p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Finally, the results are presented using narration, descriptive statistics, such as tables, graphs, and charts. The prevalence of anemia was found to be 30.9% (95% CI: 26.4, 35.4%). Factors significantly associated with a reduced risk of anemia included high dietary diversity (AOR = 0.217, 95% CI: 0.105-0.451), no history of excessive menstrual bleeding (AOR = 0.162, 95% CI 0.076-0.345), age 25-34 years (AOR = 0.391, 95% CI 0.173-0.883), and age ≥ 35 years (AOR = 0.068, 95% CI 0.011-0.444). Conversely, a mild upper arm circumference (MUAC) of <23 cm (AOR = 4.939, 95% CI 2.330-10.469), no use of contraceptives (AOR = 4.935, 95% CI 2.207-11.032), and no iron supplementation use (AOR = 3.588, 95% CI 1.794-7.175) were significantly associated with an increased risk of anemia. According to the WHO classification, anemia in this study was found to be a moderate public health issue. High dietary diversity, no previous excessive menstrual bleeding, and age were significantly associated with a reduced risk of anemia, whereas a MUAC of <23 cm, no contraceptive use, and no iron supplementation were significantly associated with an increased risk of anemia. Therefore, promoting diverse diets among pregnant women, providing counseling on the benefits of family planning and iron-folic acid supplements, and improving women's education and empowerment are essential.

The Function of Cadres in Putting Child Development Stimulation, Detection, and Early Intervention Programs into Practice

The East Java province's child health care coverage in 2020 was 83.3%, a decrease from 2019. In Surabaya, the coverage in 2019 was 91.59%, but it still did not meet the 2020 Minimum Service Standards (MSS) target of 100%. The inadequate implementation of programs for early detection, stimulation, and intervention in child growth and development (SDIDTK) is one factor contributing to the failure to meet this objective. For these initiatives to be successful at the Posyandu level, community health workers, or cadres, must be involved. The objective of this research is to look at how the SDIDTK programs use cadres. There were 71 respondents in the cross-sectional research, which used an observational analytic methodology. Out of the seven roles, only two were performed by all cadres (71 individuals): determining head circumference, weight, height, and upper arm circumference; providing the information into the early detection form for assessing newborn growth and creating a visual representation of the results. In the mother and child health book, two roles were not performed by any of the cadres. The first responsibility was to complete the Early Detection of Child Growth and Development form by providing the child's identity. The second role was to use the child development checklist to observe and mark the child's developmental abilities as appropriate (√) or not appropriate (-).

Newborn community health advancements among Ethiopian Orthodox Christian women in North Gondar, Ethiopia: community-based randomised trial protocol

IntroductionDespite significant progress over past decades, neonatal and infant morbidity and mortality remain unacceptably high in Ethiopia. Simple interventions have been shown to improve the health of children and reduce...

The Plasma Glucose Threshold Values Associated with Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes Among Asian Indian Pregnant Women: MAASTHI Birth Cohort Analysis.

To assess the association of adverse pregnancy and infant outcomes with different cut-off levels of glucose intolerance during pregnancy in the MAASTHI cohort. Pregnant women (n = 1470) underwent Oral glucose tolerance test between 24 and 36 weeks using a 75-g oral glucose load, with plasma glucose estimations measured at fasting and two hours later. Follow-up was done within 72 hours of delivery for recording type of delivery, infant weight, mid-upper arm circumference, and skinfold thickness. The odds of having higher skinfold thickness (>90th percentile) were 43% higher (AOR = 1.43; 95% CI: 1.18, 1.74) and the odds of being overweight at birth was 34% higher (AOR = 1.34; 95% CI: 1.09, 1.62) for every 1 standard deviation (9.9 mg/dL) increase in fasting plasma glucose (FPG) in male infants. The odds of delivering via caesarean section were 45% higher in women with female foetus (1.45,95% CI 1.15,1.82) for every one SD (23.4 mg/dl) increase in 2-h post-load Glucose. The impact of maternal glucose levels on infant and maternal outcomes differed notably between sex of the child. Compared to female infants, male infants exhibited a stronger association with elevated risks for adverse outcomes, including higher infant weight and increased skinfold thickness.

Cesarean Scar Defect (Niche) Risk Factors: A Prospective Study on Indonesian Women

Introduction: Niche or cesarean scar defect is a complication of a cesarean section that has long-term implications for both obstetrics and gynecology. The rate of niche is believed to be increasing with the high number of cesarean sections. This study assesses the risk factors for niche development after cesarean section. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted on women who underwent cesarean section at the Haji Adam Malik General Hospital Medan between August 2020 and August 2022. Niche was assessed six weeks after cesarean section using transvaginal ultrasonography. The primary outcome was the presence of a niche. The antepartum, intrapartum and postpartum risk factors were analyzed for niche development. A logistic regression model was used to assess independent risk factors from the bivariate analysis. Results: There were 280 patients enrolled in this study. The prevalence of niche was 44.3% by using transvaginal ultrasound. There was no significant relationship between maternal age, gestational age, parity, nutritional status based on upper arm circumference, hypertension in pregnancy, anemia status, surgical indications, duration of surgery, volume blood loss, and puerperal infection to niche development (P &gt; 0.05). The independent risk factors for niche development were Cervical dilatation &gt; 4 cm (P = 0.035; RR = 1.75), locking suture technique (P = 0.015; RR = 13.81), non-closure vesicouterine folds (P = 0.04; RR = 0.14) and a retroflexed uterus (P = 0.001; RR = 0.039). Conclusion: Cervical dilatation &gt; 4 cm, locking suture technique, non-closure vesicouterine folds, and a retroflexed uterus are risk factors for niche development after CS.

Nexus between Anthropometric Indices in Hypertensive and Normotensive Adults: A Gender-Based Study in a Sprawling Urban Community

Adipose tissue in the body can be easily assessed using anthropometric measurements such as hip, waist, chest, and neck circumferences, waist-to-height ratio, body mass index (BMI), and subscapular skinfold thickness. Gender, age, lifestyle, ethnicity, genetics, and nutrition influence these measurements. Although extensive research exists on anthropometry, there is still a lack of data on the gender-specific correlations between anthropometric indices (or parameters), obesity, and blood pressure. This study aimed to investigate the gender differences in anthropometric parameters in hypertensive and normotensive adults, and to assess the gender-based correlations between anthropometry and blood pressure. A cross-sectional, quantitative study involving 355 adults, aged 20-75 years was conducted in Enugu City, South-East Nigeria. Data were collected using well-structured questionnaires, an electronic weighing scale, a stadiometer, a non-elastic fiber-glass tape, and an Accoson™ Desktop mercury sphygmomanometer. Student’s t-test was used to compare anthropometric parameters, and Pearson correlation coefficient (r) was used to analyze the relationships between anthropometric parameters and blood pressure. Statistical significance was set at p&lt;0.05. The study found a 38.0% prevalence of hypertension. Gender comparisons revealed that more males were underweight (39.0%), with no cases of class 3 obesity. Females had higher rates of overweight (27.9%) and obesity (41.3%). In the hypertensive participants, all anthropometric parameters were higher when compared to normotensive participants, except for height in males, neck circumference and subscapular-triceps ratio in females. Hypertensive and normotensive males had greater weight, height, neck and chest circumferences, waist-to-hip ratio, and subscapular-triceps ratio than their female counterparts. Conversely, hypertensive and normotensive females had greater waist circumference, hip circumference, subscapular skinfold, triceps skinfold, BMI, and waist-to-height ratio compared to males. Anthropometric parameters are key indicators of obesity, a major global health issue due to its association with hypertension. The rising trend in obesity, driven by dietary changes, disproportionately affects women. Urgent interventions are needed to promote routine exercise, particularly among administrative workers, and to raise public awareness about the benefits of physical activity.

Abstract MP23: Arm Size Coverage of Popular Over-the-Counter Blood Pressure Devices and Implications in US Adults

Background: Recent findings show the impact of an inappropriate cuff size on blood pressure (BP) reading. Despite the emphasis on the value of home BP monitoring, little is known about the coverage of arm circumference in popular over-the-counter (OTC) devices. Aims: To evaluate the coverage of arm circumference in popular BP devices and quantify the proportion of U.S. adults not eligible for using those devices due to arm size. Methods: We searched a large online retailer, Amazon, for ranks, ratings, and number of sold devices and purchased ten of the most popular OTC devices. We recorded data on the cuff sizes and corresponding aim circumference ranges offered in those devices. Subsequently, using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2015-2020 (13,826 adults), we quantified the number of US adults not eligible to use those popular devices due to arm circumference. Results: Nine devices offered cuff size covering arm circumference from 22-42 cm, and one from 22-40 cm ( Table ). We found that ~22 million US adults (6.7% of US adults) could not use these OTC devices since their arm circumferences were &lt;22 cm (1.0 million [0.3%]) or &gt;42 cm (21.4 million [6.4%]). The proportion of adults not covered by these devices was higher in Blacks (11.7%) than in other racial/ethnic groups (≤6.5%). Conclusions: Despite the emphasis on the importance of home BP monitoring, over 20 million US adults may not be eligible to use popular BP devices due to their arm circumference, and Blacks are more susceptible to this issue than other racial/ethnic groups. Manufacturers of OTC blood pressure devices should address this unrecognized disparity for quality and equitable hypertension diagnosis and management integrating home BP monitoring.

The relationship between height and arm span, mid-upper arm and waist circumferences and the sum of four skinfolds in healthy Polokwane private school children, South Africa

The relationship between height and arm span, mid-upper arm and waist circumferences and the sum of four skinfolds in healthy Polokwane private school children, South Africa

The Impact of Milk on Gut Permeability, Fecal 16S rRNA Gene Microbiota Profiling, and Fecal Metabolomics in Children with Moderate Malnutrition in Sierra Leone: A Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial

Background. ObjectivesOur objectives were to determine the effect of dietary milk protein and milk carbohydrate on the intestinal permeability, fecal 16S rRNA gene configuration, and fecal metabolomics of children with moderate malnutrition. MethodsThis was a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial among 413 children with wasting in rural Sierra Leone who received 1 of the following 4 supplementary foods, which differed in sources of protein and carbohydrate: milk protein and milk carbohydrate (MPMC), milk protein and vegetable carbohydrate (MPVC), vegetable protein and milk carbohydrate (VPMC), or a control group consuming entirely vegetable-based food (VPVC). After 4 wk, urine and stool were collected from participants enrolled with mid-upper arm circumference of <12.1 cm. Urine was analyzed for lactulose excretion (%L). Stool samples were subjected to both 16S rRNA gene analysis to assess β-diversity and untargeted metabolomic abundance. ResultsAmong the 386 children who completed permeability testing, the mean difference (95% CI) in %L excretion as compared with VPVC was 0.01 (−0.05, 0.07) for MPMC, 0.05 (−0.01, 0.11) for MPVC, and 0.01 (−0.05, 0.07) for VPMC. Of the 374 children who provided a stool sample that was analyzed, the β-diversity among bacterial taxa was similar between dietary groups (P > 0.05 for all comparisons). No significant differences between dietary groups were seen among the 20 most abundant bacterial taxa. Among the 5769 unique metabolomic features identified, greater flavonoid levels in VPVC were seen. ConclusionsAbnormal intestinal permeability do not improve with 4 wk of supplementary feeding. Fecal rRNA do not differ with consumption of different diets.This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT04216043.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis cough aerosol culture status associates with host characteristics and inflammatory profiles

Interrupting transmission events is critical to tuberculosis control. Cough-generated aerosol cultures predict tuberculosis transmission better than microbiological or clinical markers. We hypothesize that highly infectious individuals with pulmonary tuberculosis (positive for cough aerosol cultures) have elevated inflammatory markers and unique transcriptional profiles compared to less infectious individuals. We performed a prospective, longitudinal study using cough aerosol sampling system. We enrolled 142 participants with treatment-naïve pulmonary tuberculosis in Kenya and assessed the association of clinical, microbiologic, and immunologic characteristics with Mycobacterium tuberculosis aerosolization and transmission in 129 household members. Contacts of the forty-three aerosol culture-positive participants (30%) are more likely to have a positive interferon-gamma release assay (85% vs 53%, P = 0.006) and higher median IFNγ level (P < 0.001, 4.28 IU/ml (1.77-5.91) vs. 0.71 (0.01-3.56)) compared to aerosol culture-negative individuals. We find that higher bacillary burden, younger age, larger mean upper arm circumference, and host inflammatory profiles, including elevated serum C-reactive protein and lower plasma TNF levels, associate with positive cough aerosol cultures. Notably, we find pre-treatment whole blood transcriptional profiles associate with aerosol culture status, independent of bacillary load. These findings suggest that tuberculosis infectiousness is associated with epidemiologic characteristics and inflammatory signatures and that these features may identify highly infectious persons.

Effect of Circuit Training and Interval Training on Health Related Physical Fitness of Physical Education Professional Students

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to know the effect of circuit training and interval training on health related physical fitness of physical education professional students. Ninety boys belonging to B.P.Ed class of Govt. College of physical Education, Bhubaneswar age ranging between 22 to 25 years acted as subjects and assigned to three groups (two experimental and one control group) with 30 students each. The two experimental groups were Circuit Training and Interval Training groups. Health related physical fitness parameters such as Abdominal Muscle Strength (Sit Up), Flexibility (Sit and Reach), Cardiovascular Endurance (1 Mile Run), and Body Fat % (Triceps and Sub-Scapular Skin fold) were measured before and after training. All the experimental Groups (Circuit training and Interval training) was administered with the selected exercises, thrice in a week for a duration of 8 weeks under direct supervision of the research scholars. The analysis of data revealed that the three experimental groups, showed significant gains in performance of health related physical fitness after administration of training for duration of 8 weeks. The control group did not show any significant increase in the performance

Skrining Status Gizi Remaja Putri dalam Upaya Peningkatan Kesehatan Remaja

Adolescents are a group aged 10-18 years who need various nutrients. Adolescents need more nutrients, because it is a transition period from childhood to adulthood. Assessment and monitoring of adolescent nutritional status needs to be done to prevent nutritional and health problems in adulthood. This community service was carried out on 11 female adolescents who were willing to undergo nutritional status screening. The activities to be carried out include measuring hemoglobin (Hb) levels, measuring upper arm circumference (LiLA), and providing education about adolescent nutrition. The results of the activity obtained an increase in participant knowledge about nutritional status after being given education, there were 2 participants who had anemia with Hb examination results &lt;12g/dL and there were 3 participants who had LiLa &lt;23.5 cm. Participants already understand and are able to perform Hb examinations using the Easy Touch GCHb tool and LiLA measurements.