Inadequate Food Research Articles

Behavior of simple closed ecological systems; lower nutrient concentrations allow longer persistence of grazer populations.

We expect to develop self-sustaining extraterrestrial colonies, and they will approach being closed ecological systems. Using simple closed ecosystems containing Daphnia magna, three species of algae, and microbes, we tested multiple conditions to study long-term organism survival, which is only possible with adequate nutrient recycling. Closed and open systems behaved differently from one another at high nitrate concentrations; in closed systems, the animals were dead by day 14; in open systems, the Daphnia populations persisted beyond 273 days. Daphnia deaths were associated with increased pH and O2 caused by greater algal photosynthesis and the lack of exchange with the atmosphere. Replicate variability that used small Daphnia suggested that inadequate grazing capability allowed algae to create conditions unfavorable to Daphnia survival. Over months, algal and Daphnia abundance decreased, presumably because of inadequate nutrient recycling; these populations increased temporarily after the addition of nutrients. The addition of natural lake organisms did not increase the nutrient-recycling capabilities of the systems. Understanding the mechanisms of closed systems will be useful in implementing biological processes in managing life support systems.

Pharmacovigilance imbalance analysis of VEGFR-TKI-related taste and smell disorders

Taste and smell disorders (TSDs) can induce diminished interest in food, inadequate nutrient intake, and emotional irregularities, particularly among cancer patients. Previous research found that the main culprits of TSD development in cancer patients are cytotoxic drugs such as taxol, fluorouracil, cyclophosphamide, and anthracycline-based drugs. The advent of targeted drugs such as vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (VEGFR-TKIs) has significantly extended the survival time of cancer patients, and thus widely used in clinical practice. However, the association between the use of VEGFR-TKIs and the development of TSDs havs not been studied.The adverse event(AE) reports related to VEGFR-TKIs were downloaded from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database. Disproportionality analysis was conducted to assess the correlation between VEGFR-TKIs and TSDs. The Standardized Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (MedDRA) Queries (SMQs) were used to analyze the AEs of TSDs. The study found a statistically significant correlation between the occurrence of TSDs and the use of VEGF-TKIs (cabozantinib, axitinib, pazopanib, sunitinib, nintedanib, and lenvatinib).However, the instructions for Nintedanib, Sorafenib and Lenvatinib were not mentioned. Capbottinib demonstrated the highest number of reports(1790 cases), also with the strongest association (ROR 95%CI-low = 16.51; PRR = 16.18; IC025 = 3.96) when analyzing the narrow SMQ of TSDs. Dysgeusia, taste disorder, and ageusia were the most commonly reported preferred terms (PTs) in VEGFR-TKI-related TSDs, accounting for more than 90% of the reported cases. Cabozantinib showed the highest number of reports and strongest correlation with ageusia, taste disorder, parosmia, and anosmia. The study found significant association between the reports of TSDs and the use of VEGFR-TKIs, indicating the monitoring of TSD development and appropriate management in clinical is necessary.

P0768 Ultra Processed Food in Inflammatory Bowel Disease – Friend or Foe? An examination into the contribution of UPFs to nutrient intake in an IBD remission cohort

Abstract Background Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and their effect on the gut microbiome and their role in the pathogenesis and activity of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are attracting increasing interest. Dietary restrictions in Crohn’s Disease (CD) are common, whether self-imposed or result from adherence to advice from health professionals1. Increasing attention in UPFs may lead to further food restrictions and impact on nutrient intake. This study investigated the intake of UPFs of adults with CD during disease remission and explored their contribution to overall macro and micronutrient intake. Methods 195 CD outpatients in clinical remission (HBI <5 and faecal calprotectin <250µg) were recruited from a single UK IBD centre as part of the INTICO 2 observational study. Seven-day food diaries were electronically recorded (Nutritics® Libro) and used to determine dietary adequacy (number of nutrients <LRNI). UPF intake was determined using NOVA Scoring System2 to determine UPF (NOVA 4) intake by two registered dietitians. Product ingredient lists were examined to assign a NOVA score. Consensus on NOVA Scoring was achieved, and a data dictionary was prospectively updated to justify the assigned score. Results Mean Nova 4 score was 39.8 (SD 15.7) per 7 day food diary. Inadequacies of micronutrient intake were common and often multiple, with a mean of 6(SD 4) micronutrients below the LRNI per subject. UPFs contributed significantly to overall macro and micronutrient intake from food with 54% energy, 60% carbohydrates, 55% fat and 50% fibre intake derived from foods categorised as NOVA 4. There was no association between NOVA 4 intake and the degree of nutrient inadequacy as the number of nutrients below RNI in this cohort (Pearson’s Correlation P=0.629). Figure 1 and 2 describe the contribution of each NOVA group to micronutrients and fibre respectively. Conclusion In a CD remission cohort, UPF intake as captured by NOVA score was comparable with what was seen in other reports of healthy adults and other studies of patients with IBD. Eating more UPFs was not associated with a lower intake of micronutrients. Importantly, food categorised as NOVA-4 contributed to a significant proportion of energy, fibre, and micronutrient intake. NOVA scoring does not differentiate between UPFs high in fat, sugar, and salt and those that are not. Advice to "avoid UPFs" must be balanced against the potential consequences of reducing micronutrient intake, especially in those with low or marginal nutrient intakes. A targeted approach to reduce the intake of UPFs that provide little nutritional value is required to maintain nutrient intake. References 1)Holt D.Q., Strauss B.J. & Moore G.T. (2017) Patients with inflammatory bowel disease and their treating clinicians have different views regarding diet. J Hum Nutr Diet. 30, 66–72 doi: 10.1111/jhn.12400 2)SACN statement on processed foods and health. GOV.UK. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sacn-statement-on-processed-foods-and-healthOffice. SACN statement on processed foods and health - summary report. GOV.UK. Published July 11, 2023. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sacn-statement-on-processed-foods-and-health/sacn-statement-on-processed-foods-and-health-summary-report#results Figure 1: Micronutrient intake characterised by NOVA score Figure 2: Fibre intake characterised by NOVA Score

The systemic evolutionary theory of the origin of cancer (SETOC): an update

The Systemic Evolutionary Theory of the Origin of Cancer (SETOC) is a recently proposed theory founded on two primary principles: the cooperative and endosymbiotic process of cell evolution as described by Lynn Margulis, and the integration of complex systems operating in eukaryotic cells, which is a core concept in systems biology. The SETOC proposes that malignant transformation occurs when cells undergo a continuous adaptation process in response to long-term injuries, leading to tissue remodeling, chronic inflammation, fibrosis, and ultimately cancer. This process involves a maladaptive response, wherein the 'endosymbiotic contract’ between the nuclear-cytoplasmic system (derived from the primordial archaeal cell) and the mitochondrial system (derived from the primordial α-proteobacterium) gradually breaks down. This ultimately leads to uncoordinated behaviors and functions in transformed cells. The decoupling of the two cellular subsystems causes transformed cells to acquire phenotypic characteristics analogous to those of unicellular organisms, as well as certain biological features of embryonic development that are normally suppressed. These adaptive changes enable cancer cells to survive in the harsh tumor microenvironment characterized by low oxygen concentrations, inadequate nutrients, increased catabolic waste, and increased acidity. De-endosymbiosis reprograms the sequential metabolic functions of glycolysis, the TCA cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos). This leads to increased lactate fermentation (Warburg effect), respiratory chain dysfunction, and TCA cycle reversal. Here, we present an updated version of the SETOC that incorporates the fundamental principles outlined by this theory and integrates the epistemological approach used to develop it.

Association Between Physical Fitness and Cardiovascular Health in Chilean Schoolchildren from the Metropolitan Region.

Background: Cardiovascular diseases increasingly impact youth, with early development of risk factors such as obesity, hypertension, and inadequate nutrient intake. Proper nutrient intake and physical fitness are vital for reducing these risks, especially in pediatric populations. This study explores the connection between physical fitness, metabolic risk, and nutrient status among 1656 Chilean schoolchildren from diverse socio-economic backgrounds. Methods: Anthropometric measures included weight, height, skinfold thickness, waist circumference, and blood pressure. Physical fitness was assessed via handgrip strength, standing long jump, and a six-minute walk test. Nutrient intake was also evaluated, and a composite metabolic risk score was calculated based on waist circumference, skinfolds, and blood pressure. Results: Boys consistently outperformed girls in physical fitness tests, including grip strength and horizontal jump, with differences becoming more pronounced in higher grades and Tanner stages. Girls exhibited higher subcutaneous fat levels and obesity prevalence during later grades, highlighting gender-specific patterns in body composition. Better physical fitness was associated with lower waist circumference, skinfold thickness, and metabolic risk scores. A moderate correlation between aerobic fitness (distance/height) and blood pressure (r = 0.27, p = 0.01) was observed. Z-Score MR analysis revealed that students in the lowest fitness tertile exhibited significantly higher cardiovascular risk profiles compared to their fitter peers. Conclusions: Physical fitness plays a critical role in reducing cardiovascular risk in children. The findings underscore the importance of promoting gender- and age-specific interventions that include both aerobic and strength-based physical activities. Comprehensive school programs focusing on nutrition and physical activity are essential to mitigating cardiovascular risk and promoting long-term health outcomes. Future longitudinal studies are recommended to establish causal relationships and evaluate the impact of targeted interventions.

A Field Trial to Demonstrate the Potential of a Vitamin B Diet Supplement in Reducing Oxidative Stress and Improving Hygienic and Grooming Behaviors in Honey Bees.

The honey bee is an important insect pollinator that provides critical pollination services for natural and agricultural systems worldwide. However, inadequate food weakens honey bee colonies, making them vulnerable to various biotic and abiotic factors. In this study, we examined the impact of supplementary feeding on bees' genes for antioxidative enzymes and vitellogenin, oxidative stress parameters, and the hygienic and grooming behavior. The colonies were divided into two experimental groups (with ten hives each): a treatment group that received the plant-based supplement and a control group. The experiment was conducted in two seasons, spring and summer. After the treatment, in both seasons, all the monitored parameters in the treatment group differed from those in the control group. The expression levels of genes for antioxidative enzymes were significantly lower, but the vitellogenin gene transcript level was significantly higher. Values of oxidative stress parameters were significantly lower. The levels of hygienic and grooming behavior were significantly higher. Therefore, our field study indicates that the tested supplement exerted beneficial effects on bees, reflected in reduced oxidative stress and enhanced hygienic and grooming behavior.

Baseline Nutritional Status of Mother-Child Dyads in Urban Slums: Pre-Intervention Analysis for a Nutrition Informatics Intervention

Background: Urban slums are critical for public health intervention due to high population density, poor living conditions, and limited healthcare access. This study examines baseline nutritional and lifestyle patterns among mother-child dyads in the urban slums of Uttar Pradesh. The dyads were recruited for Nutritional Assessment and Intervention Kiosk (NAIK), a Population Health Informatics platform to address double burden of malnutrition. Methodology: This cross-sectional, pre-intervention study involved 406 mother-child dyads with children aged 2-5 years. Data on socio-demographic variables, anthropometric measurements, nutrient intake and lifestyle patterns were collected. Descriptive statistics summarized baseline characteristics. Results: The demographic profile showed predominantly low-income mothers with 43.34% without primary education. The mean ages of mothers and children were 33.98 ± 5.9 years and 46.91 ± 10.89 months, respectively. The waist-to-hip ratio was 0.92 ± 0.76 indicating cardiovascular risk factors with significant maternal obesity (47.78%). Education of the mother was found to be significantly associated with Mid Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) of the child. The findings highlight the overnutrition in mothers and nutrient inadequacy in children, influenced by inadequate dietary intake and unhealthy lifestyle. Conclusions: This paper will comprehensively overview baseline population status, setting the stage for further analysis and evaluation of the intervention.

Obstetric and pregnancy-related factors associated with caesarean delivery in Bangladesh: a survey in Rajshahi district

ObjectivesCaesarean section (CS) delivery is the most common operative obstetric procedure globally. The increasing trend of CS deliveries poses a significant threat to both child and maternal health. The adverse...

Analysis of Food Safety Knowledge and Practices Among Food Handlers in Restaurants and Street Food Markets in Dhaka, Bangladesh: A Cross-Sectional Study.

This study is aimed at analyzing food safety knowledge and practices among food handlers in restaurants and street food markets in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Inadequate food handling practices remain a major worldwide health problem and are one of the main causes of food-related diseases. In Bangladesh, where the restaurant business is expanding quickly, food safety must be upheld to stop foodborne illness outbreaks. A cross-sectional study involving 300 street food vendors and restaurant workers was conducted through in-person interviews using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistical methods were employed to analyze the data. The study revealed that while most workers understood basic hygiene practices, critical knowledge gaps persisted. Male workers demonstrated lower food safety knowledge than females (p ≤ 0.01), and higher knowledge scores were associated with both greater education (p ≤ 0.001) and experience (p ≤ 0.05). Workers in fast food establishments showed higher knowledge levels (p ≤ 0.001), and knowledge was more strongly linked to job responsibilities than to training (p ≤ 0.001). In terms of practices, women adhered more closely to food safety guidelines than men (p ≤ 0.05). Age, education, and experience had no significant effects on practice adherence, though fast-food workers exhibited higher compliance (p ≤ 0.05). Training and job responsibilities showed no significant effects on food safety practices. The results demonstrate that there are disparities in food handlers' understanding of food safety, with gaps primarily in the areas of cross-contamination avoidance, personal hygiene, and temperature control. Furthermore, observed practices suggest suboptimal adherence to advised food safety protocols.

Dietary nutrient intake and nutritional status in maintenance hemodialysis patients: a multicenter cross-sectional survey

Purpose To investigate the dietary nutrient intake of Maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients, identify influencing factors, and explore the correlation between dietary nutrient intake and nutritional and disease control indicators. Methods This was a multicenter cross-sectional study. A dietary survey was conducted using a three-day dietary record method, and a self-designed diet management software was utilized to calculate the daily intake of dietary nutrients. The nutritional status and disease control indicators were assessed using subjective global assessment, handgrip strength, blood test indexes, and dialysis adequacy. Results A total of 382 MHD patients were included in this study. Among them, 225 (58.9%) and 233 (61.0%) patients’ protein and energy intake did not meet the recommendations outlined in the National Kidney Foundation’s Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative Clinical Practice Guideline for Nutrition in Chronic Kidney Disease (2020 update). The average protein and energy intake for these patients were 0.99 ± 0.32 g/kg/d and 29.06 ± 7.79 kcal/kg/d, respectively. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that comorbidity-diabetes had a negative influence on normalized daily energy intake (nDEI = DEI / ideal body weight) (B = −2.880, p = 0.001) and normalized daily protein intake (nDPI = DPI / ideal body weight) (B = −0.109, p = 0.001). Pearson correlation analysis revealed that dietary DPI (r = −0.109, p < 0.05), DEI (r = −0.226, p < 0.05) and phosphorus (r = −0.195, p < 0.001) intake were statistically correlated to Kt/V; dietary nDPI (r = 0.101, p < 0.05) and sodium (r = −0.144, p < 0.001) intake were statistically correlated to serum urea nitrogen; dietary DPI (r = 0.200, p < 0.001), DEI (r = 0.241, p < 0.001), potassium (r = 0.129, p < 0.05), phosphorus (r = 0.199, p < 0.001), and fiber (r = 0.157, p < 0.001) intake were statistically correlated to serum creatinine; dietary phosphorus (r = 0.117, p < 0.05) and fiber (r = 0.142, p < 0.001) intake were statistically correlated to serum phosphorus; dietary nDPI (r = 0.125, p < 0.05), DPI (r = 0.135, p < 0.05), nDEI (r = 0.116, p < 0.05), DEI (r = 0.125, p < 0.05), potassium (r = 0.148, p < 0.001), and phosphorus (r = 0.156, p < 0.001) intake were statistically correlated to subjective global assessment scores; dietary nDPI (r = 0.215, p < 0.001), DPI (r = 0.341, p < 0.001), nDEI (r = 0.142, p < 0.05), DEI (r = 0.241, p < 0.001), potassium (r = 0.166, p < 0.05), phosphorus (r = 0.258, p < 0.001), and fiber (r = 0.252, p < 0.001) intake were statistically correlated to handgrip strength in males; dietary fiber (r = 0.190, p < 0.05) intake was statistically correlated to handgrip strength in females. Conclusions The dietary nutrient intake of MHD patients need improvement. Inadequate dietary nutrient intake among MHD patients could have a detrimental effect on their blood test indexes and overall nutritional status. It is crucial to address and optimize the dietary intake of nutrients in this patient population to enhance their health outcomes and well-being.

Deteksi Anemia dan Edukasi Gizi Remaja

Stunting is a chronic malnutrition issue resulting from prolonged inadequate nutrient intake, and adolescents, as future parents, play a crucial role in its prevention. Data from the Riset Kesehatan Dasar (Riskesdas) surveys in 2007, 2013, and 2018 show a rising trend in anemia prevalence among adolescents. In 2018, 32% of adolescents in Indonesia were anemic, and in 2017, the prevalence in West Sumatra was 18.1%. Hemoglobin (Hb) testing is a vital method for early anemia detection. Additionally, providing nutritional education to teenage girls is essential for addressing anemia. This community service project aimed to detect anemia and offer nutritional education to teenage girls as a stunting prevention strategy. Conducted at SMA Negeri 12 Padang, the project involved Hb testing and nutritional education. Results revealed that 12% of 12th-grade female students were anemic. Nutritional education improved their knowledge, with average scores increasing from 19.97 before the intervention to 26.92 afterward. In conclusion, Hb testing and nutritional education are effective for early anemia detection and enhancing nutritional knowledge, crucial for preventing stunting.

A Community-based Cross Sectional Study on Nutritional status among Elderly in Rural Telangana

Introduction: The world is experiencing increase in geriatric population due to increase in life expectancies at global level. The complex issues leading to nutritional risk and malnutrition are inadequate food intake, social, economic, psychological and pathological factors. Objective: To assess the nutrition status of the elderly and to determine the factors associated with it. Method: A Cross-sectional study was done in the rural areas of Warangal, Telangana among 280 elderly people (≥ 60 years)using systematic random sampling. A pretested semi-structured questionnaire and the Mini Nutrition Assessment tool were used for data collection. Anthropometric measurements were also estimated. Data entry was done in MS Excel and analysed using SPSS 20.0. Chi-square and Correlation tests were applied. Results: Among the 280 elderly, malnutrition was seen in 13.2% of subjects, 51.4% were at risk of malnutrition and 35.4% were adequately nourished. Females, unemployment, smoking habits, presence of comorbidities, inadequate vegetable intake and lack of social support were significantly associated with malnutrition. A strong positive correlation (r= 0.4) was observed between nutrition score and weight, waist circumference, and calf circumference. The difference was statistically significant. Conclusion: Most of the elderly (51.4%) were at risk of malnutrition thus emphasizing the need for effective nutritional interventions.

The Mediating Role of Gut Microbiota on the Association Between Dietary Quality and Cancer-Related Fatigue Among Breast Cancer Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is highly prevalent in patients with breast cancer, resulting in undesirable outcomes and even reduced survival rates. This cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between dietary quality and CRF in patients with breast cancer, and the potential role of gut microbiota (GM) in this association. Dietary intake and CRF were evaluated in 342 patients, with 64 fecal samples collected for 16sRNA sequencing and 106 plasma samples for tryptophan (TRP) metabolite determination. A total of 149 (43.6%) patients experienced CRF, which was significantly associated with low intakes of protein, vitamin A, vitamin E, dietary fiber, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, iron, and copper (p < 0.05), and a remarkably low Chinese Healthy Eating Index (CHEI) score (p < 0.05). CRF patients had decreased GM diversity, an unhealthier GM composition, lower TRP concentrations, and a higher kynurenine (KYN)/TRP ratio (p < 0.05). Mediation analyses revealed that both the Sobs index (ACME = -0.0005; 95% CI -0.0051, -0.0001; p = 0.034) and the Chao index (ACME = -0.0005; 95% CI -0.0050, -0.0001; p = 0.033) were significant mediators of the correlation between total CHEI score and CRF. The presence of CRF in patients with breast cancer might be correlated with inadequate nutrient intake and low dietary quality via GM-dependent pathways.

Relationship Between Energy, Protein, Iron, and Calcium Intake with Hemoglobin Levels of Pregnant Women

Hemoglobin levels are a parameter that measures respiratory pigment in red blood cells. A decrease in hemoglobin levels can lead to anemia. Factors contributing to hemoglobin levels include inadequate nutrient intake, particularly iron and protein, as well as the effect of inhibitors on iron absorption such as calcium. This study aims to assess the intake of energy, protein, iron, and calcium in relation to hemoglobin levels among pregnant women. This research employs a Cross-Sectional study design. The sample consisted of 55 pregnant women selected through purposive sampling. Data collection on energy, protein, iron, and calcium intake was done using the SQ-FFQ questionnaire, while hemoglobin levels were measured using an Hb meter (EasyTouch GCHb), and data were analyzed using Spearman’s Rank Correlation test. The results showed that pregnant women had adequate energy intake (41.8%), excess protein intake (40%), adequate iron intake (89.1%), and adequate calcium intake (80%). Abnormal hemoglobin levels were observed in the third trimester of pregnancy (16.3%), whereas normal hemoglobin levels were found in the second trimester (34.5%). Statistical tests revealed no significant relationship between energy intake (p = 0.223), protein (p = 0.201), iron (p = 0.327), and calcium (p = 0.641) with hemoglobin levels. The conclusion of this study is that there is no significant relationship between energy, protein, iron, and calcium intake and hemoglobin levels among pregnant women in Parung Panjang District, Bogor Regency. Pregnant women should regularly consume calcium supplements and iron tablets to meet their iron and calcium needs, which can help prevent anemia.

Effect of Phosphorus Levels and Biofertilizers on the Growth and Yield of Summer Black Gram (Phaseolus mungo L.)

Background: India is the world’s leading producer and consumer of pulses, contributing a quarter to global production. Pulses are crucial in the Indian diet, providing 14% of total protein intake, especially for vegetarians. However, production falls short of demand due to inadequate nutrient management, particularly phosphorus, and biofertilizers. Black gram (Phaseolus mungo L.), a key kharif pulse crop, has significant potential but suffers from low productivity. Proper fertilization, especially phosphorus, and biofertilizers, is essential to bridge this productivity gap. Methods: A field experiment was conducted during the summer season of 2022 at the experimental farm of the School of Agricultural Sciences (SAS), Nagaland University, Medziphema Campus, to evaluate the effect of phosphorus levels and biofertilizers on the growth and yield of summer black gram. The experiment was conducted by adopting a Factorial Randomized block design with four phosphorus levels , viz. P0- Control, P1- 15 kg ha-1, P2- 30 kg ha-1, and P3- 45 kg ha-1 and four treatments of biofertilizers , viz. B0- Control, B1- Rhizobium (20 g kg-1 seed), B2- Phosphate solubilizing bacteria (20 g kg-1 seed) and B3- Rhizobium (20 g kg-1 seed) + Phosphate solubilizing bacteria (20 g kg-1 seed), and the treatments were replicated thrice. Black gram variety “Pusa-1” was sown at a spacing of 30 cm × 10 cm, and it was uniformly fertilized by 20 kg N ha-1 through urea. However, phosphorus and biofertilizers were applied as per the treatment requirements. Result: The experimental results revealed that among the levels of phosphorus, application of 45 kg ha-1 phosphorus recorded significantly the highest plant height, number of primary branches, leaf area index, plant dry weight, and seed yield (724.17 kg ha- 1). Among the biofertilizer treatments, Rhizobium (20 g kg-1 seed) + phosphate solubilizing bacteria (20 g kg-1 seed) resulted at highest growth attributes and yield of black gram. Thus, for summer black gram cultivation, application of 45 kg ha-1 phosphorus and treatment of Rhizobium (20 g kg-1 seed) + Phosphate solubilizing bacteria (20 g kg-1 seed) treatment was identified as the most promising method for boosting black gram yield.

Factors influencing concurrent wasting, stunting, and underweight among children under five who suffered from severe acute malnutrition in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review.

Wasting, stunting, and underweight in children are complex health challenges shaped by a combination of immediate, underlying, and systemic factors. Even though copious data demonstrates that the causation routes for stunting and wasting are similar, little is known about the correlations between the diseases in low- and middle-income nations. The objective of this study is to evaluate the factors that concurrently affect wasting, stunting, and underweight in <5-year-olds with severe acute malnutrition (SAM). This review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We searched every electronic database that was available, from the medRxiv pre-print site, PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Google Scholar, and Scopus, in addition to the Science Direct search engine. We considered research conducted in low- and middle-income nations on <5-year-olds with SAM. The Newcastle Ottawa Scale was used to assess the quality of the studies. After screening and selecting 12 eligible studies, 1,434,207 records were included for analysis. The prevalence of factors influencing concurrent wasting, stunting, and being underweight was 26.42% in low-middle -income countries (LMI). The prevalence was higher in men, with wasting, stunting, and underweight at 14.2, 4.1, and 27.6%, respectively. Unprotected drinking water was associated with stunting [odds ratio = 0.68; 95CI (0.50, 0.92)]. Being male is another factor (aOR = 2.04, 95% CI: 1.13, 3.68). Lack of prenatal care follow-up was associated with a lower risk of wasting (OR = 2.20, 95% CI: 1.04, 4.64), while low birth weight (<2.5 kg), diarrhea, having a younger child, and being from a poor household were associated with wasting, stunting, and underweight. Other factors included body mass index (BMI) for age aOR = 2.11, 95% CI: (0.07, 0.895); maternal education: stunting [aOR = 1.52, 95% CI: (0.09, 0.89)], underweight [aOR = 1.97, 95% CI: (0.01, 0.73)], and open defecation, stunting [aOR = 1.62, 95% CI: (0.06, 0.32)], underweight [aOR = 1.92, 95% CI: (0.042, 0.257)]). Likelihood of being underweight increased with birth order (second born, aOR = 1.92, 95% CI 1.09-3.36; third born, aOR = 6.77, 95% CI 2.00-22.82). Inadequate dietary intake, illness, food insecurity, poor maternal and child care, poor hygiene and sanitation, and healthcare inaccessibility contribute to SAM.

STRATEGI HUKUM DALAM PENANGANAN PERNIKAHAN ANAK SEBAGAI FAKTOR PENYEBAB STUNTING DI KABUPATEN BOALEMO

According to a survey of Nutrition Status in Indonesia by the Ministry of Health, in 2023 Gorontalo Province has a stunting prevalence rate of 23.8% and most of the parents are child marriage practitioners. Boalemo Regency has a fairly high stunting rate, especially in Tilamuta District, 4 (Four) Villages which are stunting red zones, namely Piloliyanga Village, Hungayonaa Village, Bajo Village and East Pentadu Village.The purpose of the research is to find out the impact, as well as the application of legal strategies regarding child marriage as the main factor causing stunting, so that the stunting rate in Boalemo Regency can be reduced. The research method used is empirical juridical. The types of data collected are primary and secondary and analyzed descriptively. The results showed that the impact of child marriage on increasing stunting rates in Boalemo Regency is immature reproductive health, inadequate food intake during pregnancy, lack of access to health services, termination of education, non-optimal parenting patterns, stress and mental health. Legal strategies in handling child marriage as a cause of stunting include stricter and stronger law enforcement, stricter sanctions, Legal Education &amp; Public Awareness, Economic and Social Empowerment, Multisector Cooperation and Monitoring &amp; Evaluation.

Plasma vitamin levels and pathway analysis in boys with autism spectrum disorders

Abnormal feeding behaviors and inadequate nutrient intake of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have been reported. This study aimed to examine the plasma vitamin status of boys with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and to analyze the association between vitamin status and symptoms of ASD. A total of 45 boys with ASD (age = 3.25 ± 0.68 years) and 45 typically developing (TD) boys (age = 3.33 ± 0.66 years) were enrolled. The developmental levels were evaluated using the Gesell Developmental Schedules (GDS), the severity of ASD was evaluated using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS). The plasma vitamin levels were determined using metabolomics method. The Vitamin B1, nicotinamide, pyridoxamine dihydrochloride and Vitamin E were found to be significantly higher in the boys with ASD compared with those without ASD. In addition, no significant differences in vitamin metabolic pathways were found between the ASD group and the TD group.The nicotinamide and pyridoxamine dihydrochloride concentration were found to be negatively correlated with GDS score. In comparison with TD boys, the plasma vitamin concentration of ASD boys was not insufficient. Further studies are required to investigate whether it is necessary to use vitamin nutritional supplements in children with ASD.

The Impact of Undernutrition and Anemia on HIV-Related Mortality Among Children on ART in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Although there have been significant advancements in providing HIV-infected children with access to antiretroviral therapy (ART), the mortality rates have remained unacceptably high. Inadequate nutrient intake or absorption is a widespread problem in several African nations, resulting in undernutrition and anemia. However, the pooled effect of malnutrition and anemia on HIV-related death related to children receiving ART was not investigated in sub-Saharan Africa. We searched multiple electronic databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and Web of Science) for observational studies published between January 1, 2010, and April 24, 2024 that reported the risk factors or effects of undernutrition and, anemia on HIV-related mortality among children. Study selection, data extraction, and quality evaluation were carried out separately by two reviewers. A meta-analysis was conducted using random effect models. The review included 27 studies with a combined total of 61,796 study participants. The study findings showed that severe wasting (HR: 2.49; 95% CI: 1.87-3.30), being underweight (HR: 2.11; 95% CI: 1.64-2.72), and Anemia (HR: 2.58; 95% CI: 2.08-3.19) were highly linked to HIV-related death among children. The risk of death due to anemia was greater among children under the age of 5 years than older children. Undernutrition and anemia in sub-Saharan African children increased the risk of HIV-related death. The impact of malnutrition and anemia among under 5 years old children with HIV/AIDS was more pronounced, suggesting that these conditions at this early age can have more serious consequences for a child's survival. The importance of combining nutrition with HIV treatment programs in sub-Saharan African countries is crucial.

Food Safety Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices, and Associated Factors Among Adult Consumers in Bangladesh: Findings From a Nationwide Cross‐Sectional Survey

ABSTRACTAimThis study aimed to evaluate the food safety knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of Bangladeshi consumers and investigate their associations with various demographic factors.MethodsThis national cross‐sectional study utilized a face‐to‐face survey using a structured questionnaire to recruit 1400 adult consumers between September 2022 and November 2022. Multiple linear regression analysis was employed to determine the factors associated with the food safety KAP.ResultsThe current findings revealed that consumers had moderate knowledge (overall correct response rate of 65.3% with a mean score of 13.06 ± 2.88 on a scale of 0 to 20), excellent attitudes (overall correct response rate for food safety knowledge was 81.8% with a mean score of 14.72 ± 2.72 on a scale of 0 to 18), and relatively poor practices (overall correct response rate was 51.7% with a mean score of 35.17 ± 11.2 on a scale of 0 to 68). Participants who were male, had higher education, were employed, were familiar with the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority, and residing outside the Mymensingh division, demonstrated greater food safety knowledge. However, participants from Barisal, Rangpur, and Dhaka, who were less educated, had fewer children, and only occasionally cooked, had negative attitudes about food safety. Additionally, individuals from all administrative divisions except Mymensingh and Chittagong, who were employed, had fewer children, had experienced food poisoning, and had inadequate food safety practices.ConclusionThese findings suggest that the Bangladeshi government should intensify efforts to enhance consumer awareness regarding food safety.