Signs Of Nutritional Deficiencies Research Articles

Teor e acúmulo de nutrientes em folhas e frutos de pinhão-manso

O conhecimento das necessidades nutricionais de uma cultura é essencial para a elaboração das recomendações de adubação. De posse disso, estudou-se o teor e o acúmulo de nutrientes em folhas e frutos de pinhão-manso, bem como estimou-se a extração de nutrientes pela colheita de frutos entre o primeiro e o quarto ano de cultivo. O estudo foi realizado na fazenda Paraíso, no município de Viçosa-MG. Utilizou-se para coleta das amostras um talhão com 6.000 plantas de pinhão-manso, implantado em abril/2006, no espaçamento de 4 x 2 m. Foi realizada a coleta aleatória de quatro amostras de folhas e de frutos na área total, sendo cada amostra composta por 15 folhas ou 20 frutos. Para as amostras de folhas, foram coletados limbos foliares expandidos, entre a sexta e a oitava folha abaixo da inflorescência. Somente folhas sem deficiência nutricional ou ataque de pragas e, ou, doenças aparentes foram amostradas. Os frutos foram coletados no estádio maduro, com a casca amarela. Os materiais vegetais amostrados foram lavados, postos a secar, pesados e submetidos às análises químicas. As folhas de pinhão-manso apresentaram a seguinte ordem de acúmulo de nutrientes: N > Ca > K > Mg > P > S >Mn > Fe > B > Zn > Cu; nos frutos, a ordem encontrada foi: N > K > Ca > P > Mg > S > Mn > Fe > B > Zn > Cu. A relação N/K foi de 2,3 em folhas e de 1,4 em frutos, indicando que na fase em que a planta entra em produção aumenta a necessidade de K. Apesar de o P ser o quarto e o quinto nutriente mais requerido (em frutos e folhas, respectivamente) pela cultura, esse elemento deve ser fornecido em maior quantidade do que o acumulado, devido à facilidade de sua adsorção no solo. De posse da estimativa de acúmulo de nutrientes nos frutos, infere-se que o pinhão-manso extrai elevada quantidade de nutrientes na colheita e, se não adequadamente adubado, pode levar ao empobrecimento do solo ao longo dos anos de cultivo.

Clinical Rickets in Rural Kenyan Preschoolers

Clinical rickets is reemerging in industrialized and developing countries. Clinical rickets among preschoolers, associated risk factors, intervention, and outcomes in a rural Kenyan study is reported. Baseline evaluation of 1–4 year‐old preschool children (n=324) prior to a nutrition intervention study was conducted. Usual food intake was assessed by 24‐hr recall. Anthropometric measures were obtained. Health history and physical examinations, including signs of nutritional deficiency, were conducted. No biochemical analyses for vitamin D and calcium were performed. Of the 324 children examined, 28 (6.6%), including 3 sets of twins, were diagnosed with clinical rickets. Developmental delays of sitting, walking, and teething were found. Bone deformities such as frontal and parietal bossing of the skull, chest deformities and rachitic rosaries, widening of wrists and ankles, and bowing of the extremities were observed. Risk factors were weaning under 1y, use of cereal‐based, unfortified foods, negligible cow or goat milk consumption, and being kept indoors when mothers were working in the fields. Treatment included of whole milk daily, 500mg of vitamin D‐3 tablets daily, advice to mothers about daily exposure of children to sunshine and inclusion of milk and other animal foods in the daily diet. Most features of rickets disappeared after 3–6 months. Deficient intake of calcium, limited to exposure to sunshine (Vitamin D), and poor quality weaning diets appear to be major factors. USAID Global Livestock CRSP DAN‐1328‐G‐00‐0046‐00

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding in adolescent: safety and efficacy

Background Obesity prevalence is rapidly increasing among children and adolescents worldwide. It is considered one of the most alarming public health issues facing the world today. The adult experience has demonstrated that surgery is the only effective means of achieving persistent weight loss in obese patients. However, little is known about bariatric surgery in children and adolescents. The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) in this group of patients. Methods A retrospective review included all children and adolescents who underwent LAGB from January 2003 to December 2005. Results Fifty-one patients underwent LAGB. The mean age was 16.8 years (range, 9-19), and the mean body mass index was 49.9 kg/m 2 (range, 38-63). Mean excess weight loss was 42% at 6 months and 60% at 1 year follow-up. The most prevalent comorbidities were obstructive sleep apnea, limited physical activities, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. Band adjustments were performed under fluoroscopic guidance in 5 patients and direct access as a clinic procedure in the remaining. One patient required port repositioning under fluoroscopic guidance. The mean follow-up was 16 months (range, 3-34). There was no mortality or significant postoperative complications. Conclusion The absence of significant nutritional deficiency, the continued adjustability, and potential reversibility of LAGB make it the safest, least invasive, and most effective bariatric surgery that can be offered to the young and adolescent population.

Nutritional and Health Status of Gond and Kawar Tribal Pre-school Children of Chhattisgarh, India

Present cross sectional study was conducted to assess the nutritional and health status on 379 (180 Gond and 199 Kawar) tribal preschool children of Chhattisgarh, India. The studied children were compared with other tribal and caste preschool children of the same area. Nutrition and health assessment was done through diet survey, nutritional deficiency signs and also by nutritional anthropometric indices such as weight for age, height for age and weight for height. The study reveals that there were lower consumption in several macro and micro nutrients intake compared to Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) of India, which may be reflected through high prevalence of nutritional deficiency signs among them. According to nutritional anthropometric indices, both sexes of Gond and Kawar preschool children were suffered by different grades of malnutrition within which girls were suffered comparatively more than boys specifically among Gond tribe. Irrespective of sex, Gond preschool children were suffered more by malnutrition compared to Kawar preschool children. Whereas present Gond and Kawar children were suffered more by malnutrition compared to the Brahmin preschool children of Central India, specifically on the basis of height for age index. The amount of macro and micro nutrients consumption of both present as well as others tribal preschool children in Central India were more or less same. All the observations suggest that just like other tribal children of Central India, the studied children also have insufficient nutrition intake, which may be due to mother's illiteracy, lack of awareness and other socioeconomic and cultural factors. Therefore, future studies should be undertaken to identify the factors responsible for the high prevalence of malnutrition among them.

Nutrition Education Alone Improves Dietary Practices but Not Hematologic Indices of Adolescent Girls in Iran

Iron-deficiency anemia is the most prevalent nutritional deficiency worldwide. Iron-deficiency anemia has particular negative consequences on women in their childbearing years, and its prevention is a high priority in most health systems. This interventional study assessed the effect of nutrition education on hematologic indices, iron status, nutritional knowledge, and nutritional practices of high-school girls in Iran. Sixty healthy 16- to 18-year-old girls were randomly selected from two high schools in the city of Ahvaz and divided into two equally matched groups, one that received nutrition education, and one that did not. The education group received instruction in face-to-face sessions, group discussions, and pamphlets for 2 months. The control group did not receive any information during the study. Hematologic tests, corpuscular indices, and serum ferritin levels were measured at baseline and after 2 months. Food-frequency questionnaires were administered and histories taken, clinical signs of nutritional deficiencies observed, anthropometric measurements taken, nutritional knowledge tested, practices determined, and lifestyle questionnaires administered to all subjects. There were no statistically significant differences in any baseline characteristics between the two groups. Scores for nutritional knowledge and practices of the education group were significantly higher after two months compared with the baseline (31.4 +/- 6 vs. 24.3 +/- 5.9 points, p < .001, and 31.2 +/- 5 vs. 28.4 +/- 5.7 points, p < .05, respectively). The scores in the control group showed no significant changes from baseline to 2 months. Mean corpuscular volume values were elevated in the education group (p < .001) but not in the control group. However, in the control group, serum ferritin concentrations showed about a 17% drop at the end of the study (p < .004). There were no changes in other hematologic, lifestyle, clinical, or anthropometric data compared with baseline after completion of the study in both groups. These findings indicate that nutritional education can improve knowledge of healthy nutrition and lifestyle choices. Focused nutritional education using available resources and correcting current dietary habits in a vulnerable group of young women may result in dietary changes that can ultimately improve iron intake.

Occupational Morbidities and their Association with Nutrition and Environmental Factors among Textile Workers of Desert Areas of Rajasthan, India

In Rajasthan 21,000 workers are engaged in hand processing textile industries (process gray/raw cotton cloth). They are exposed to hazards of the textile industries besides the harsh conditions of the desert which contributes to adverse effects on their health. To explore the occupational health problems of the desert textile workers and their association with nutrition and environmental factors, investigations were carried-out in two districts, Jodhpur and Pali. Data on occupational disease conditions, environmental factors, nutritional deficiency signs and anemia were collected for a total of 1,240 individuals out of which 845 were textile workers and 395 were comparative group workers of the same age groups. The main disease conditions, i.e. aches (19.4%), respiratory (12.1%) and fever (7.7%), were higher in textile workers than the comparative group. Dyeing group workers suffered the most (25.5%) from aches, significantly higher than the comparative group (11.6%), may be due to a higher percentage of severe anemia, besides physical labour. Printing and bleaching group workers suffered from respiratory problems (15.5%) almost twice as much as the comparative group, possibly due to exposure to fumes of acids and use of chemical dyes. Housing conditions, personal hygiene and education showed negative associations with disease conditions but positive associations with anemia. The study revealed that in the textile industry, disease conditions vary with the categorization of work. The findings suggest the need for implementation of safety measures according to the type of work in textile industries, besides extension of health and nutrition education and welfare programs.

Nutritional deficiencies and the skin

Malnutrition states are relatively uncommon in the UK but we have seen two recent cases which have heightened our awareness of both dermatological manifestations of malnutrition and of nutritional sequelae of a dermatological problem. Case 1 is a patient with anorexia nervosa presenting with features of pellagra. This condition is due to deficiency of niacin and responds rapidly to replacement therapy. Classical presentation is an erythematous rash on photoexposed sites, often related to heat or friction. There are three reported cases of pellagra occurring in patients with anorexia nervosa. Case 2 is an adult atopic with sensitizations to multiple foodstuffs. A self-imposed restriction diet caused multiple nutritional deficiencies. Restriction diets in adult atopics are not particularly common in the UK, but there is some evidence to suggest that they may cause significant nutritional deficiency. A nutrition screen may be indicated more frequently than is currently recognized.

Quantitative dietary lysine requirement of juvenile grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella

A 90-day feeding trail was conducted to determine the dietary lysine requirement of juvenile grass carp using six isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets (38% protein, 14 MJ digestible energy kg − 1 ) with wheat gluten–casein–gelatin as protein resource supplemented with six graded levels of crystalline lysine (from 0.69% to 3.08% of dry diet). Crystalline amino acid mixtures were supplemented to simulate the amino acid pattern found in the whole-body protein of grass carp except for lysine. Each diet was randomly assigned to triplicate groups of 20 fish each (3.15 ± 0.01 g, mean ± S.E.M.) and fish were fed five times daily at 2.5% body weight per day. No mortality or nutritional deficiency signs were observed except for growth depression in fish fed the diet with low content of lysine. Weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR), feed efficiency (FE), protein efficiency ratio, nutrient retention, proximate body composition, morphometry and hematology were significantly ( P < 0.05) affected by the dietary lysine concentrations. WG, SGR and FE were significantly higher in fish fed diet containing lysine 2.18% of the diet. Second-degree polynomial regression analysis of the WG and FE data indicated that the minimum recommended dietary lysine requirement for optimal growth of juvenile grass carp was 2.24% of the dry diet, corresponding to 5.89% of dietary protein. While the lysine availability (92.37%) of the protein sources was considered, the optimal lysine requirement of juvenile grass carp was calculated to be 2.07% of the diet, corresponding to 5.44% of the dietary protein. Additionally, the estimated requirements for the other essential amino acids were calculated from A/ E ratios of whole-body amino acid profile based on the lysine requirement determined from the present experiment.

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass in Patients with BMI &lt;50: A Prospective Randomized Trial Comparing Short and Long Limb Lengths

It has been shown that long limb gastric bypass in the super-obese (BMI >50) results in increased weight loss in comparison with conventional gastric bypass. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of short and long limb lengths in patients with BMI<50. 48 patients with BMI <50 (46 females / 2 males, mean age 35+/-9.6 years) were prospectively randomized to either a short limb (biliopancreatic limb = 50 cm, alimentary limb = 100 cm) or long limb (biliopancreatic limb = 100 cm, alimentary limb = 150 cm) laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGBP). In all patients, a 25-mm EEA was used to fashion the gastrojejunostomy and the Roux limb was positioned in an antecolic, antegastric location. Limb lengths were precisely measured in all cases. There was no difference in demographic data, preoperative BMI, presence of co-morbidities, or duration of surgery. The overall complication rate was not different between the 2 groups; however, the incidence of internal hernias was significantly higher in the long limb group (0 vs 4, P=0.029). The length of hospital stay was longer for the short limb group compared to the long limb group (3.1 vs 2.2 respectively, P=0.004). When comparing the short limb to the long limb patients, the BMI decreased equally in both groups at the following time intervals: preoperative (44.6 vs 44.9), 3 weeks (40.3 vs 40.9), 3 months (35.5 vs 35.2), 6 months (31.2 vs 31.8), and 12 months (27.7 vs 28.3). There were no significant nutritional deficiencies in either group. In patients with BMI <50 undergoing LRYGBP, increasing the length of the Roux limb does not improve weight loss and may lead to a higher incidence of internal hernias.

Nutritional Intake Patterns of NCAA Divsion-II Athletes

2372 Nutritional practices of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II athletes have received limited attention. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to quantify nutritional intake of NCAA Division II athletes and compare dietary practices to nonathletes and the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs). METHODS: Following written informed consent, three-day food recalls were obtained from 105 athletes (28 males, 77 females; mean age = 20.0 «0.2 yr; ht = 172.9 “0.9 in; wt = 70.2” 1.4 kg) and 50 nonathletes (32 males, 18 females; mean age = 23.1 “0.8 yr; ht = 174.8” 1.2 in; wt = 77.4 «2.1 kg) for energy intake, fat source, macronutrient and micronutrient consumption, food servings, and percentage of RDA. RESULTS: MANOVAs (mean − SEM) indicated a significant main effect across skill level (athlete, nonathlete; Wilks' Lambda F60,93 = 2.670;P< 0.0001; n – â = 1.000). Post hoc analyses revealed energy intake of athletes was 767.1 to 6344.8 kcal/day (mean = 1933.9 «125.0 kcal/day) vs. 478.8 to 13334.9 kcal/day (mean 2771.6 «183.0 kcal/day) for nonathletes. Significant skill differences were noted in fat source (monounsaturated: polyunsaturated: saturated). Athletes were 40:17:43% vs. 39:15:46% for nonathletes [poly (P = 0.028), sat (P = 0.018)]. Significant skill differences were observed in food servings [fat (P = 0.001), meat (P < 0.0001)], macronutrients [CHO (P = 0.004)], and micronutrient intake [B vitamins, Mg, Na (P = 0.002 to 0.014)]. Non-significant main effects were noted between athletes and nonathletes in caloric source. T-score analyses indicated significant differences between athletes and RDA in caloric source [%CHO, % total fat (P< 0.0001)], fat source [% mono, poly, sat (P < 0.0001)], all food servings (P < 0.0001 to 0.001), and micronutrients [cholesterol, insoluable fiber, B vitamins, C, D, E, K, Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Na (P < 0.0001 to 0.05)]. CONCLUSION: In summary, findings indicate significant nutritional excesses and deficiencies, due to disordered eating patterns, in Division II athletes, when compared to nonathletes and RDA. Therefore, a comprehensive sport nutrition education program in this group is recommended.

Nutritional Intake Patterns of NCAA Divsion-II Athletes

2372 Nutritional practices of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II athletes have received limited attention. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to quantify nutritional intake of NCAA Division II athletes and compare dietary practices to nonathletes and the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs). METHODS: Following written informed consent, three-day food recalls were obtained from 105 athletes (28 males, 77 females; mean age = 20.0 «0.2 yr; ht = 172.9 “0.9 in; wt = 70.2” 1.4 kg) and 50 nonathletes (32 males, 18 females; mean age = 23.1 “0.8 yr; ht = 174.8” 1.2 in; wt = 77.4 «2.1 kg) for energy intake, fat source, macronutrient and micronutrient consumption, food servings, and percentage of RDA. RESULTS: MANOVAs (mean − SEM) indicated a significant main effect across skill level (athlete, nonathlete; Wilks' Lambda F60,93 = 2.670;P< 0.0001; n – â = 1.000). Post hoc analyses revealed energy intake of athletes was 767.1 to 6344.8 kcal/day (mean = 1933.9 «125.0 kcal/day) vs. 478.8 to 13334.9 kcal/day (mean 2771.6 «183.0 kcal/day) for nonathletes. Significant skill differences were noted in fat source (monounsaturated: polyunsaturated: saturated). Athletes were 40:17:43% vs. 39:15:46% for nonathletes [poly (P = 0.028), sat (P = 0.018)]. Significant skill differences were observed in food servings [fat (P = 0.001), meat (P < 0.0001)], macronutrients [CHO (P = 0.004)], and micronutrient intake [B vitamins, Mg, Na (P = 0.002 to 0.014)]. Non-significant main effects were noted between athletes and nonathletes in caloric source. T-score analyses indicated significant differences between athletes and RDA in caloric source [%CHO, % total fat (P< 0.0001)], fat source [% mono, poly, sat (P < 0.0001)], all food servings (P < 0.0001 to 0.001), and micronutrients [cholesterol, insoluable fiber, B vitamins, C, D, E, K, Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Na (P < 0.0001 to 0.05)]. CONCLUSION: In summary, findings indicate significant nutritional excesses and deficiencies, due to disordered eating patterns, in Division II athletes, when compared to nonathletes and RDA. Therefore, a comprehensive sport nutrition education program in this group is recommended.

Adverse health effects of chronic exposure to low-level cadmium in foodstuffs and cigarette smoke.

Cadmium is a cumulative nephrotoxicant that is absorbed into the body from dietary sources and cigarette smoking. The levels of Cd in organs such as liver and kidney cortex increase with age because of the lack of an active biochemical process for its elimination coupled with renal reabsorption. Recent research has provided evidence linking Cd-related kidney dysfunction and decreases in bone mineral density in nonoccupationally exposed populations who showed no signs of nutritional deficiency. This challenges the previous view that the concurrent kidney and bone damage seen in Japanese itai-itai disease patients was the result of Cd toxicity in combination with nutritional deficiencies, notably, of zinc and calcium. Further, such Cd-linked bone and kidney toxicities were observed in people whose dietary Cd intakes were well within the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) set by the Joint Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization Expert Committee on Food Additives of 1 μg/kg body weight/day or 70 μg/day. This evidence points to the much-needed revision of the current PTWI for Cd. Also, evidence for the carcinogenic risk of chronic Cd exposure is accumulating and Cd effects on reproductive outcomes have begun to emerge.

Assessment of nutritional status and fluid deficits in advanced cancer

Malnutrition and cachexia are frequent manifestations of cancer and are major contributors to morbidity and mortality. The assessment of nutrition status in cancer patients can be easily accomplished. The first step is to record a complete medical history and to perform a thorough clinical examination to uncover signs of nutritional deficiency. Simple and inexpensive tests are available to assess the body composition, such as: anthropometric measurements, skinfold thickness, arm muscle circumference and area, and weight and body mass index (BMI). Biochemical measurements are also available, such as serum albumin, transferring, and prealbumin. Fluid deficit is divided into two categories based on pathophysiology (dehydration and volume depletion) and to three subtypes based on plasma sodium concentration (hyponatremic, hypernatremic, and isotonic). Dehydration (total water deficit, especially intracellular) is always hypernatremic, while volume depletion (intravascular water and sodium deficit) is either hyponatremic, hypernatremic, or isotonic. There are no clear clinical differences among the various categories, but a delay of capillary refill, tachycardia, and orthostatic hypotension is more common with volume depletion. Careful clinical assessment and laboratory tests, especially serum sodium, are the keystones for diagnosis and effective management. Bioelectrical impedance (BEI) is an easy way to assess both nutrition status and fluid deficits in advanced cancer and should be used more often than it currently is. This article reviews the subjective and objective methods of assessing fluid deficit and nutrition in advanced cancer.

NUTRITIONAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN NCAA DIVISION II ATHLETES, NONATHLETES, &amp; RDA

Limited attention has focused on nutritional practices among National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II athletes. PURPOSE To quantify & compare nutritional intake of athletes to nonathletes and Recommended Daily Allowances (RDAs). METHODS Following written informed consent, three-day food recalls were obtained from 105 athletes (28 males, 77 females; mean age = 20.0±0.2 yr; ht = 173.0±0.9 cm; wt = 70.2±1.4 kg) and 50 nonathletes (32 males, 18 females; mean age = 23.1±0.8 yr; ht = 174.8±1.2 cm; wt = 77.4±2.1 kg) for energy intake, macronutrient and micronutrient consumption, fat source, food servings, and %RDA. RESULTS MANOVAs (mean±SEM) indicated a significant main effect across skill level (athlete vs. nonathlete; Wilks' F60,93 = 2.67; P <0.0001; 2 = 0.63; Power = 1.00). Post hoc analyses revealed energy intake of athletes ranged from 767.1 to 6344.8 kcal/d (mean = 1933.9±125.0 kcal/d) vs. 478.8 to 13334.9 (mean = 2771.6±183.0 kcal/d) for nonathletes. Mean contribution of carbohydrate (CHO):fat:protein to energy intake was 53:31:16% among athletes vs. 51:33:16% for nonathletes (P >0.05). Monounsaturated (mono):polyunsaturated (poly):saturated (sat) fats were 40:17:43% for athletes vs. 39:15:46% for nonathletes [poly (P = 0.028), sat (P = 0.018)]. Significant skill differences were observed in food servings [fat (P = 0.001), meat (P <0.0001)], macronutrients [CHO (P = 0.004)], and micronutrient intake [B vitamins, Mg, Na (P = 0.002 to 0.014)]. T-score analyses indicated significant differences between athletes and RDA in caloric source [%CHO, % total fat (P <0.0001)], fat source [%mono, poly, sat (P <0.0001)], all food servings (P <0.0001 to 0.001), and micronutrients [cholesterol, insoluable fiber, B, C, D, E, K vitamins, Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Na (P <0.0001 to 0.05)]. CONCLUSION Findings indicate significant nutritional excesses and deficiencies in Division II athletes when compared to nonathletes and RDA. Therefore, sport nutrition education in this group is highly recommended.

Diet and nutritional status of rural adolescents in India.

To study the current diet and nutritional status of rural adolescents in India. Cross-sectional study with household as the unit of randomization. National Nutrition Monitoring Bureau collected information in the rural areas of the nine States. In each State, 120 villages were selected from eight districts. From each of the selected villages, 20 households (HHs) were selected from five clusters. The information on socio-demographic profile was collected in all the 20 HHs, while anthropometric data such as weight, height and clinical signs of nutritional deficiency was collected on all the available adolescents in the selected households. In every fourth sampled household, ie five HHs, dietary information on all the members was collected using 24 h dietary recall. The outcome measures for nutritional status were proportion of underweight (<median -2 s.d. of NCHS standards of weight for age), stunted (<median -2 s.d. of NCHS standards of height for age) and body mass index. The nutrient intakes were compared with recommended dietary allowances (RDA). Anthropometric and socio-economic information on 12 124 adolescent boys and girls and dietary information on 2579 individuals in 1996-1997 was available for the analysis. The major occupation of the heads of the households surveyed was agriculture. More than a third (37.3%) of the families with adolescents did not possess any land. The per capita income per month was about Rs 250/- at 1996-1997 prices. About 23% of the adolescent girls were married before the age of 18 y. About a quarter of the married adolescent girls had short stature and 18.6% were underweight. They considered as 'at risk'. About 39% of the adolescents were stunted (<Median -2 s.d. of NCHS height for age) irrespective of sex. The prevalence of undernutrition (<median -2 s.d. of NCHS weight for age) is higher (53.1%) in boys than in girls (39.5%). The extent of stunting was higher (42.7%) among adolescents belonging to the scheduled caste community. In the case of girls, the extent of underweight was considerably less in each age group than their male counterparts. About 70% of adolescents consumed more than 70% of RDA for energy. The intakes of micronutrients such as vitamin A and riboflavin were woefully inadequate. The extent of undernutrition was high among adolescents and was higher among boys than girls. Adolescent girls in the rural areas could be at greater risk of nutritional stress because of early marriage and early conception before completion of their physical growth.

Anthropometric indices and nutritional deficiency signs in preschool children of the Pahariya tribe of the Rajmahal Hills, Bihar

The nutritional status of preschool children of the three sects of the Pahariya tribe (Rajmahal Hills, Bihar) was studied with the help of anthropometric indices like weight for age, height for age, weight for height und nutritional deficiency signs. The correlation between age and nutritional indices showed that the relationship was significant for % expected weight for age in the male children of all the three sects; r = +0.70 in Saurias, r = +0.32 in Mals and r = -0.72 in Kumarbhags (p > 0.01). Significant relationships were also observed in the correlations between weight for height in both sexes. Based on height for age and weight/height2 (Body Mass Index, BMI), 89% of the children of the Saurias, 92% of the Mals and 93% of the Kumarbhags were malnourished. Height for age of 50% of the children of the Pahariyas were below the 3rd percentile or below 90% of the Harvard standard. Chronic and current severe forms of malnutrition (i.e. height for age below 3rd percentile of standard and BMI 13.5) was highest in the Kumarbhags (17.5%). According to the modified Waterlow's classification chronic and current severe forms of malnutrition (i.e. height for age below 3rd percentile of the National Centre for Health Statistics, NCHS, and weight for height less than 80% of the standard) was highest in the Saurias (21.6%) and least in the Kumarbhags (15.4%). Kwashiorkor and marasmus for all the children of the Pahariyas ranged between 0.5-1.4% and 1.5-5.2%, respectively. Associated with signs of Protein Caloric Malnutrition (PCM), like moon face, dyspigmentation, sparseness and easy pluckability were more prevalent in all the three sects of the Pahariyas. Ocular manifestation of vitamin-A deficiency like conjunctiva xerosis and Bitos' spots were also frequent among these children.

Sulphur amino acid requirement of juvenile Asian sea bass Lates calcarifer

The dietary requirement of juvenile Asian sea bass Lates calcarifer Bloch for total sulphur amino acids was studied. Fish (average initial weight of 2.59 ± 0.08 g) were reared in twelve 500 L fibreglass tanks provided with flow-through seawater at 26°C and salinity of 31 p.p.t. for 12 weeks. They were fed semi-purified test diets containing 6.2, 7.2, 8.1, 9.0, 10.8, or 12.6 g methionine kg−1 dry diet and a basal level of 3.1 g cystine kg−1 dry diet. The mean crude protein of the diets (containing defatted Peruvian fishmeal, squid meal, soybean meal, and free amino acid mixture to simulate the pattern of hydrolysed sea bass protein) was 46.02%. The crude fat content of the diets was 10.51% from a 1 : 1 mixture of cod liver oil and soybean oil. Survival was 100% in all treatments. On the basis of the growth response, the total sulphur amino acid requirement of juvenile Asian sea bass was estimated to be 13.4 g kg−1 dry diet (2.9% of protein). Fish fed low levels of l-methionine had significantly lower weight gains and feed efficiency ratios as well as slightly higher hepatosomatic indices. No nutritional deficiency signs were observed other than growth depression in fish fed on diets that were low in methionine. This information is valuable in further refinement of formulations of practical diets for the Asian sea bass.

A thin glycoprotein coating of a synthetic lenticule does not cause nutritional deficiency of the anterior cornea

Purpose. This study investigated whether a glycoprotein coating that will be used to enhance corneal epithelialization affects in situ nutritional passage through a permeable membrane. Methods. Sixteen adult cats were equally divided into two groups. Polycarbonate membranes with pore size of 0.1æm and total pore area (porosity) of 3.1% were used as implant materials. The membranes for Group 1 were coated with a thin layer of Collagen I, while the membranes for Group 2 were uncoated. Each membrane with 8-mm diameter was implanted into an interlamellar pocket of the cornea. The eyes were observed for approximately 35 days to monitor clinical signs of nutritional deficiency of the cornea, and then 7 membranes were removed from the eyes. The permeability of the explanted membranes to glucose, inulin and albumin was used to predict the in situ difference between the coated and uncoated groups in regard to nutritional passage through the membranes. To investigate the long-term effect of the surface coating on corneal health, two animals from Group 1 were followed for up to two years and then both eyes of each animal underwent histological examination. Results. Clinically, no post-surgical complications associated with nutritional deficiency were observed in any of the eyes. Nutritional permeability tests showed no significant differences between the coated and uncoated membranes. Histologically, the long-term animals showed no abnormal morphology associated with nutritional deficiency in the cornea anterior or posterior to the membranes. Conclusions. A thin glycoprotein coating on a permeable membrane does not appear to affect the nutritional supply of the anterior cornea and therefore can be used to enhance epithelialization of synthetic corneal onlays in vivo.

Requirements of juvenile marine shrimp, Penaeus monodon (Fabricius) for lysine and arginine

Feeding experiments were conducted using amino acid test diets to determine the dietary requirements of juvenile Penaeus monodon for lysine and arginine. Two sets of the test diets were prepared. The natural protein was supplied by casein and gelatin. Crystalline l-amino acids were added to provide an amino acid profile similar to shrimp muscle protein except for the test amino acid. One set of experimental diets contained graded levels of lysine at 1.18–3.28% of the diet and another set contained arginine at 0.6–3.0% of the diet. The amino acid mixture was pre-coated with carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and diets were further bound with CMC, cornstarch, and K–carrageenan to prevent leaching losses of amino acids. Shrimp postlarvae, PL20, with mean weight of 21±0.5 mg, were randomly distributed at 10 shrimp per tank in 40-l fiberglass tanks and reared on the diets for 50–56 days. Growth, survival and feed conversion efficiency were determined at termination of feeding trials and signs of nutritional deficiency noted. Lysine and arginine requirements were determined from relationships between weight gains and dietary lysine and arginine levels as analyzed by the broken-line regression method. The requirement of juvenile P. monodon for lysine was estimated to be 2.08% of the diet or 5.2% of dietary protein while the requirement for arginine was 1.85% of the diet or 5.3% of dietary protein. This information is crucial in formulating cost-effective practical diets for juvenile tiger shrimp.

Nutritional support of the cancer patient.

Malnutrition, a common problem in cancer patients, adversely affects survival and quality of life. It results from several factors that alter nutritional intake and cause massive metabolic disturbances. Anticancer therapies may compound the malnutrition. Optimal nutrition improves therapeutic modalities and the clinical course and outcome. Oral nutrition should be used whenever possible; in patients unable to ingest adequate amounts orally, enteral and parenteral feedings are safe and effective.