Significant Stunting Research Articles

Assessment by neo-CIAF formula predicts contrast occurrence of overweight and undernourishment in preschool children of Jangalmahal districts, India

Objective: Overweight/obesity among preschool children has become an alarming phenomenon in low to middle-income countries, including India. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the prevalence of overweight and underweight among children aged 2-6 years in Paschim Medinipur and Bankura districts, West Bengal, India. Methods: We selected 497 children using systematic random sampling. The weight and height of each child was measured. BMI and Z-scores (WAZ, HAZ, WHZ) were calculated following standard techniques. Stunting, wasting, underweight, and composite index of anthropometric failure (CIAF) were evaluated. Data analysis included Student’s t-test and one-way ANOVA. Bibliometric analysis was conducted to evaluate the trends of research in this field. Results: Height and weight increased with age, indicating growth, but BMI declined slightly in older age groups. WAZ scores indicated prevalent underweight across all ages, with significant stunting observed in children aged 48-59 months. WHZ scores showed consistent negative values, suggesting ongoing wasting. The CIAF revealed that 50.91% of children experienced anthropometric failure, predominantly stunting and underweight. The study also revealed that 4.63% of the child suffer from overweight. Girls showed slightly higher rates of anthropometric failure than boys. Conclusion: This study underscores the significant prevalence of the double burden of malnutrition among young children in Paschim Medinipur and Bankura. Effective interventions are urgently needed to address these challenges, including improving food security, enhancing healthcare services, promoting nutritional education, and ensuring sanitation facilities. Tailored strategies considering local socio-economic contexts are crucial for improving child health outcomes and mitigating the long-term effects of malnutrition in these districts.

To Study the Iodine Concentration of Mothers’ Consumed Salt, Water, and Staple Food in the Neonatal Screening Program of Rural and Urban Vidarbha Region

ABSTRACT Background: This study aimed to examine the iodine concentration in the food items consumed by mothers participating in neonatal screening programs in both areas of the Vidarbha region. A developing fetus relies on a consistent supply of iodine for proper brain and body development. During pregnancy, only the mother can provide the necessary iodine levels. If the mother is iodine-deficient, the child will also lack this essential nutrient. Severe deficiency in the mother can lead to significant stunting of the child’s brain and body, potentially preventing normal walking, talking, or cognitive function. Even if the mother’s deficiency is mild, the child can still be adversely affected, even if they appear healthy at first glance. The detrimental effects on brain development may manifest later in life as poor academic performance and difficulties in managing daily tasks. Material and Method: The present cross-sectional research will be performed in collaboration with the Departments of Biochemistry, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Community Medicine, and Pediatrics at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College Sawangi (Meghe) Wardha, along with Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Science (Deemed University) in Maharashtra, India. Mothers who gave birth agreed to participate by providing written consent for the study. Results: The average iodine concentrations are quite similar across all sources, though hand pumps show slightly more variability. Different staple foods contain varying levels of iodine, with some foods (like pulses) exhibiting a lot of variation, while others (like rice and potatoes) are more consistent in their iodine content. Conclusion: The current study is a hospital-based investigation aimed at screening neonates for congenital hypothyroidism (CH) and does not reflect the broader population. To identify CH, screening of neonates will be conducted within the study area, providing a representative view of the condition. The clinical and pathological effects of CH are subtle and often remain unnoticed. Our findings suggest that the prevalence of iodine reflects dietary quality, educational background, and socioeconomic status, all of which can influence growth and development. There are various factors contributing to CH and inadequate fetal growth beyond low iodine levels, which can disrupt thyroid function. The study indicates that iodine levels are indicative of dietary quality as well as educational and social statuses, potentially impacting growth and development through both dietary deficiencies and other factors.

Composting and fermentation: mitigating hop latent viroid infection risk in hop residues

Hop cultivation, integral to the brewing industry, faces challenges from viroids, especially the citrus bark cracking viroid (CBCVd) but also the hop latent viroid (HLVd) influences hop cone quality. We focused on the degradation kinetics of HLVd thereby covering compost, silage, and digestate made from hop residues. In this study, HLVd serves as a model for understanding CBCVd, which causes significant stunting and yield losses in European hop crops. Composting experiments revealed that although composting significantly lowers HLVd levels, complete degradation within 7 weeks is not guaranteed, with loose compost showing a more rapid reduction than compacted variants. Infectivity experiments conducted using inocula obtained from HLVd-infected hop plant residues exposed to composting, ensiling, and biogas digestate did not result in the transmission of HLVd to viroid-free plants. Also extracting and analyzing the soil-root mixture of plants inoculated with HLVd-infected hop residues did not show evidence for viroid persistence. Degradation experiments further differentiated between the physiochemical and biological influences on viroid and viroid-like random RNA stability, showing that higher temperatures of 50 °C enhance degradation over 40 °C, and pH levels of 5 or 7 are slowing degradation. In contrast deionized water or a pH of 4 or 9 enhances viroid degradation. Adding extracts from digestate accelerated the process indicating a role of biological activity. Interestingly, a viroid-like random RNA with similar physiochemical properties, showed to degrade faster compared to HLVd, suggesting high robustness of the actual viroid secondary structure. These findings offer valuable insights into managing HLVd in hops and potentially other crops, highlighting effective strategies to mitigate viroid spread, and contributing to broader understanding of RNA degradation in agriculture.

Urban-rural disparity in stunting among Ethiopian children aged 6-59 months old: A multivariate decomposition analysis of 2019 Mini-EDHS.

Childhood stunting is still a global public health challenge, including in Ethiopia. Over the past decade, in developing countries, stunting has been characterized by large rural and urban disparities. To design an effective intervention, it is necessary to understand the urban and rural disparities in stunting. To assess the urban-rural disparities in stunting among Ethiopian children aged 6-59 months. This study was done based on the data obtained from the 2019 mini-Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey, conducted by the Central Statistical Agency of Ethiopia and ICF international. The result of descriptive statistics was reported using the mean with standard deviation, frequency, percentages, graphs, and tables. A multivariate decomposition analysis was used to decompose the urban-rural disparity in stunting into two components: one that is explained by residence differences in the level of the determinants (covariate effects), and the other component is explained by differences in the effect of the covariates on the outcome (coefficient effects). The results were robust to the different decomposition weighting schemes. The prevalence of stunting among Ethiopian children aged 6-59 months was 37.8% (95% CI: 36.8%, 39.6%). The difference in stunting prevalence between urban and rural residences was high (rural prevalence was 41.5%, while in urban areas it was 25.5%). Endowment and coefficient factors explained the urban-rural disparity in stunting with magnitudes of 35.26% and 64.74%, respectively. Maternal educational status, sex, and age of children were the determinants of the urban-rural disparity in stunting. There is a significant stunting disparity among urban and rural children in Ethiopia. A larger portion of the urban-rural stunting disparity was explained by coefficient effects (differences in behaviour). Maternal educational status, sex, and age of children were the determinants of the disparity. So, to narrow this disparity, emphasis should be given to both resource distribution and the appropriate utilization of available interventions, including improvement of maternal education and consideration of sex and age differences during child feeding practices.

Peanut Cultivar Response to Diclosulam in the Southwest Peanut Growing Region

Field experiments were conducted in the south Texas and Texas High Plains area during the 2018 through 2020 growing seasons and in southwestern Oklahoma in 2020 to evaluate runner peanut cultivars (Georgia-13M, Georgia-09B) and the Spanish cultivar (Ole´) tolerance to diclosulam at 0.026 (the manufacture’s recommended use rate) and 0.052 (twice the manufacture’s recommended use rate) kg ai/ha applied preemergence (PRE) or peanut cracking (CRACK). No diclosulam injury was noted in south Texas; however, in the Texas High Plains and Oklahoma locations significant stunting was noted with diclosulam applied PRE especially under sprinkler irrigation. In 2018 at the High Plains location, under furrow irrigation, no peanut stunting was noted. In 2019 and 2020, under sprinkler irrigation, diclosulam at 0.026 and 0.052 kg/ha applied PRE resulted in early-season stunting of 18 to 59% in both Oklahoma and the Texas High Plains. No late-season stunting was noted in Oklahoma; however, up to 20% stunting was still visible at the Texas High Plains location. No yield differences were noted in south Texas or the High Plains region in 2018 or 2020; however, in 2019 at the High Plains location, peanut yield decreased as diclosulam rate increased but application timing had no effect. At the Oklahoma location, application timing and rate effect were noted. Diclosulam applied PRE and the high rate of diclosulam reduced peanut yield. Issues still exist with diclosulam in the southwest peanut growing areas as seen previously in 2000 despite the different varieties planted. There may be opportunities to utilize diclosulam postemergence (POST) since peanut injury was 5% or less and yields were not reduced when applied CRACK.

Soybean Cyst Nematodes Influence Aboveground Plant Volatile Signals Prior to Symptom Development.

Soybean cyst nematode (SCN), Heterodera glycines, is one of the most destructive soybean pests worldwide. Unlike many diseases, SCN doesn't show above ground evidence of disease until several weeks after infestation. Knowledge of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) related to pests and pathogens of foliar tissue is extensive, however, information related to above ground VOCs in response to root damage is lacking. In temporal studies, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of VOCs from the foliar tissues of SCN infested plants yielded 107 VOCs, referred to as Common Plant Volatiles (CPVs), 33 with confirmed identities. Plants showed no significant stunting until 10 days after infestation. Total CPVs increased over time and were significantly higher from SCN infested plants compared to mock infested plants post 7 days after infestation (DAI). Hierarchical clustering analysis of expression ratios (SCN: Mock) across all time points revealed 5 groups, with the largest group containing VOCs elevated in response to SCN infestation. Linear projection of Principal Component Analysis clearly separated SCN infested from mock infested plants at time points 5, 7, 10 and 14 DAI. Elevated Styrene (CPV11), D-Limonene (CPV32), Tetradecane (CPV65), 2,6-Di-T-butyl-4-methylene-2,5-cyclohexadiene-1-one (CPV74), Butylated Hydroxytoluene (CPV76) and suppressed Ethylhexyl benzoate (CPV87) levels, were associated with SCN infestation prior to stunting. Our findings demonstrate that SCN infestation elevates the release of certain VOCs from foliage and that some are evident prior to symptom development. VOCs associated with SCN infestations prior to symptom development may be valuable for innovative diagnostic approaches.

Influence of tank shading and rearing density on growth during stunted juvenile production of rohu, Labeo rohita (Hamilton)

Seed stunting of rohu, Labeo rohita (Ham.) carried out for 6 months in 24 large (50 m2) concrete tanks using 20 and 40 fry m−2 rearing densities under open and shade (50% light incidence) conditions. A significant influence of tank shading observed on all the water quality parameters, unlike the density effect only on the dissolved oxygen content in water. Highly significant stunting effects of both higher density and shading observed on juvenile growth and survival after 2-, 4- and 6-month stunting. Doubling the density caused 22.9 and 27.8% weight suppression after 6-month stunting under open and shaded conditions respectively. Similarly, shading caused 31.7 and 36.1% suppressed body weight after 6 months in the low- and high-density groups respectively. However, the best stunting effect observed through a compounded effect of high density and shading as 50.7–57.0% growth suppression recorded within 2–6 months stunting. The study revealed both higher rearing density (two times) and tank shading (50% light incidence) to be effective tools for rohu juvenile stunting, while a combination of these factors yielded greater stunting effect. Such protocol can be used for production of stunted carp juveniles to ensure their round-the-year availability for stocking grow-out ponds.

Adolescent Cognitive Gender Gaps Reflect Differential Dynamic Associations with Undernutrition and Poverty in Preschool and Preadolescent Ages

We look beyond the traditional focus on the gender gap in schooling attainment by investigating how gender differences in cognitive achievement in mid-childhood and adolescence are associated with trajectories of deprivation, measured by undernutrition and poverty. This study uses longitudinal data that include math, reading, and receptive vocabulary test scores at ages eight and 15 years for children in four low- and middle-income countries. We find associations between nutrition status in preschool years and cognitive achievements more substantial for eight-year-old girls than their male counterparts. Between ages eight and 15, however, the cognitive development of girls is less responsive than for boys to their growth and poverty (proxied by wealth at age 12 years). We find significant associations of the test scores in math and reading at age 15 with nutritional status at age 12 and with preadolescence wealth at age 12 for boys in India and Peru, as well as all boys in the pooled sample. Consequently, considerable gender gaps are observed unfavorable to girls in cognitive achievement at age 15 for India and Peru. This study adds another rationale for governments in countries with significant stunting prevalence and gender gaps favoring males to invest more in preschool children.

Contrasting Patterns of Colonization with Verticillium longisporum in Winter- and Spring-Type Oilseed Rape (Brassica napus) in the Field and Greenhouse and the Role of Soil Temperature

Oilseed rape, an important source of vegetable plant oil, is threatened by Verticillium longisporum, a soil-borne vascular fungal pathogen so far occurring in oilseed rape growing regions in Europe and Canada. Despite intensive research into V. longisporum in the last decades in controlled conditions, basic knowledge is still lacking about the time course of infection, temporal pattern of colonization, and disease development on field-grown plants. In this study, colonization of roots, stem bases, and stems with V. longisporum was followed by real-time PCR from the seedling until mature plant stages in 2-year field experiments with microsclerotia-infested plots and either spring-type or autumn-sown (winter-type) oilseed rape cultivars. The temporal pattern of plant colonization differed between greenhouse and field-grown oilseed rape and between spring- and winter-type plants in the field. Within 28 to 35 days, a continuous systemic colonization with V. longisporum was detected in roots and shoots of young plants in the greenhouse associated with significant stunting. In contrast, real-time PCR analysis of V. longisporum in field-grown winter oilseed rape plants displayed a strongly discontinuous colonization pattern with low fungal growth in roots during juvenile growth stages until flowering, whereas in spring oilseed rape, no root colonization was observed until early flowering stages. Hence, stem colonization with the pathogen required 6 months in winter oilseed rape and 1 month in spring oilseed rape from the time of initial root infection. The different patterns of stem colonization were related to soil temperature. Average soil temperatures in 5-cm depth during 7 days before sampling time points from 2 years of field experiments displayed a significant relationship with fungal colonization in the root. A climate chamber inoculation trial with soil temperature levels that varied from 6 to 18°C revealed a threshold temperature of >12°C in the soil to enable root invasion. This soil condition is reached in winter-type oilseed rape in the field in Germany either until the eight-leaf stage in early autumn or after pod stage in spring, whereas in spring-sown oilseed rape early root infection is delayed owing to the cool conditions during juvenile growth stages. The delay of stem colonization in field-grown oilseed rape may explain the lack of stunting as observed in the greenhouse and the previously reported inconsistent effects of V. longisporum on yield levels and seed quality, which were confirmed in this study.

Effect of imatinib on growth in children with chronic myeloid leukemia

Imatinib is a preferred drug for pediatric Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML). Long-term use has inhibitory effects on other tyrosine kinase pathways causing off-target complications such as growth impairment. Our aim was to evaluate impact of long-term use on longitudinal growth in children with CML in Kerala. We hypothesized that the impact would be lesser compared to Northern India as Kerala has the lowest rates of underweight and stunting, with a high literacy rate and per capita income. Children ≤14 years of age, diagnosed with CML and received imatinib for at least 1 year were included. Girls >9 years of age and boys >11 years were considered pubertal. Height Z scores were derived using WHO AnthroPlus. Paired t test compared difference of Z scores in prepubertal and postpubertal age groups. Height Z scores were compared with mid-parental height and sibling height Z scores. Thirty-six children were included (M = 21; F = 15). Median duration of imatinib exposure was 84 months. Decrease in longitudinal growth affected children in both prepubertal and postpubertal age groups. Decrease in height Z scores was more in prepubertal age group when imatinib therapy was initiated (p = .0018). Of 10 patients currently above 19 years (of whom 8 were in pubertal age and 2 in prepubertal age at start of imatinib) none are stunted. Patient's height Z scores was lesser compared to sibling height Z scores (p = .027). Children on continuous imatinib showed a significant stunting when treatment was initiated during prepubertal age. There is a catch-up of growth as the final height reached is within normal limits of WHO reference values.

Neural Deletion of Glucose Transporter Isoform 3 Creates Distinct Postnatal and Adult Neurobehavioral Phenotypes.

We created a neural-specific conditional murine glut3 (Slc2A3) deletion (glut3flox/flox/nestin-Cre+) to examine the effect of a lack of Glut3 on neurodevelopment. Compared with age-matched glut3flox/flox = WT and heterozygotes (glut3flox/+/nestin-Cre+), we found that a >90% reduction in male and female brain Glut3 occurred by postnatal day 15 (PN15) in glut3flox/flox/nestin-Cre+ This genetic manipulation caused a diminution in brain weight and cortical thickness at PN15, a reduced number of dendritic spines, and fewer ultrasonic vocalizations. Patch-clamp recordings of cortical pyramidal neurons revealed increased frequency of bicuculline-induced paroxysmal discharges as well as reduced latency, attesting to a functional synaptic and cortical hyperexcitability. Concomitant stunting with lower glucose concentrations despite increased milk intake shortened the lifespan, failing rescue by a ketogenic diet. This led to creating glut3flox/flox/CaMK2α-Cre+ mice lacking Glut3 in the adult male limbic system. These mice had normal lifespan, displayed reduced IPSCs in cortical pyramidal neurons, less anxiety/fear, and lowered spatial memory and motor abilities but heightened exploratory and social responses. These distinct postnatal and adult phenotypes, based upon whether glut3 gene is globally or restrictively absent, have implications for humans who carry copy number variations and present with neurodevelopmental disorders.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Lack of the key brain-specific glucose transporter 3 gene found in neurons during early postnatal life results in significant stunting, a reduction in dendritic spines found on neuronal processes and brain size, heightened neuronal excitability, along with a shortened lifespan. When occurring in the adult and limited to the limbic system alone, lack of this gene in neurons reduces the fear of spatial exploration and socialization but does not affect the lifespan. These features are distinct heralding differences between postnatal and adult phenotypes based upon whether the same gene is globally or restrictively lacking. These findings have implications for humans who carry copy number variations pertinent to this gene and have been described to present with neurodevelopmental disorders.

Relationship between dietary habits and nutritional status among adolescents in Abuja municipal area council of Nigeria

Background : Dietary intake assessment is essential to understanding the nutritional status. Healthy eating pattern promotes optimal health, growth and intellectual development and prevents diseases, while poor dietary eating choices may cause malnutrition. Aims : To determine the dietary eating patterns and nutritional status among adolescents in secondary schools within Abuja Municipal area council (AMAC). Subjects and Methods : crosssectional among adolescents, 10 – 19years in secondary schools within AMAC, Nigeria. Using a multistage stratified sampling technique, four urban and four rural schools, 1550 students, were enrolled. Subject’s bio data, dietary habits and knowledge of nutrition and general physical examination were obtained. Dietary assessment included intake of main meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner), skipping meals; methods used to control weight in the previous 30days; knowledge and preference of a balanced diet and food choices. Subject’s height and weight and Body Mass Index (BMI) were determined using the 2007 WHO charts. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 17 statistical package and p value less than 0.05 was significant. Results : 1550 students were recruited, males 688 (44.4%) and females 862 (55.6%); mean age 14.43±1.94 years. Of the 780 urban adolescents, 502 (64.4%) were of upper class and 68 (8.7%) lower class; and of the 770 (49.7%) rural, 206 (26.8%) and 232 (30.1%) belong to upper and lower class respectively, p=.000. Stunting 174(11.2%) and overweight 195(12.6%) were the major forms of malnutrition recorded. Food preferences was based mainly on good taste in 546 (35.2%), balanced diet 530 (34.2%); and 539 (34.8%) had good nutritional knowledge of a balanced diet. Five hundred and forty six (35.2%) admitted to taking carbonated drinks within the previous 7days and 147 (9.5%) missed breakfast, lunch and supper as single meal. Breakfast only was skipped by 71(4.6%) while 160 (10.3%) took lunch outside the home. The methods used to control weight were eating less food or fats, fasting, use of diet pills, inducing vomiting/use of laxatives. Skipping meals and taking meals outside the home was significant for the sex, (p value <0.05), school setting (p value .000) and the infrequent intake of fruits/ vegetables (p value .025). Those that skipped meals showed significant stunting (p value .009), while those who took fruits and vegetables infrequently had significant wasting (p value .049). Conclusion : poor dietary habits were identified among the adolescent. Malnutrition especially stunting and wasting was identified among those that skipped meals and took little fruits and vegetables. Key words : dietary habits, adolescent, urban, rural, prevalence, nutritional status, carbonated drinks.

Social Franchising and a Nationwide Mass Media Campaign Increased the Prevalence of Adequate Complementary Feeding in Vietnam: A Cluster-Randomized Program Evaluation

BackgroundRigorous evaluations of health system–based interventions in large-scale programs to improve complementary feeding (CF) practices are limited. Alive & Thrive applied principles of social franchising within the government health system in Vietnam to improve the quality of interpersonal counseling (IPC) for infant and young child feeding combined with a national mass media (MM) campaign and community mobilization (CM). ObjectiveWe evaluated the impact of enhanced IPC + MM + CM (intensive) compared with standard IPC + less-intensive MM and CM (nonintensive) on CF practices and anthropometric indicators. MethodsA cluster-randomized, nonblinded evaluation design with cross-sectional surveys (n = ∼500 children aged 6–23.9 mo and ∼1000 children aged 24–59.9 mo/group) implemented at baseline (2010) and endline (2014) was used. Difference-in-difference estimates (DDEs) of impact were calculated for intent-to-treat (ITT) analyses and modified per-protocol analyses (MPAs; mothers who attended the social franchising at least once: 62%). ResultsGroups were similar at baseline. In ITT analyses, there were no significant differences between groups in changes in CF practices over time. In the MPAs, greater improvements in the intensive than in the nonintensive group were seen for minimum dietary diversity [DDE: 6.4 percentage points (pps); P < 0.05] and minimum acceptable diet (8.0 pps; P < 0.05). Significant stunting declines occurred in both intensive (7.1 pps) and nonintensive (5.4 pps) groups among children aged 24–59.9 mo, with no differential decline. ConclusionsWhen combined with MM and CM, an at-scale social franchising approach to improve IPC, delivered through the existing health care system, significantly improved CF practices, but not child growth, among mothers who used counseling services at least once. A greater impact may be achieved with strategies designed to increase service utilization. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01676623.

Identification and Characterization of Rhizoctonia Species Associated with Soybean Seedling Disease.

In an effort to identify the Rhizoctonia spp. associated with seedling diseases of soybean, Rhizoctonia isolates were recovered from soybean seedlings with damping off and root and hypocotyl rot symptoms from Arkansas, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, and the Canadian province of Ontario between 2012 and 2014. Based on cultural morphology, polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism, and phylogenetic analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the ribosomal RNA genes, 80 isolates were confirmed to be Rhizoctonia solani, 24 were binucleate Rhizoctonia spp., and 10 were R. zeae. Of the 80 R. solani isolates, one belonged to anastomosis group (AG) 2-1, 52 belonged to AG-2-2IIIB, five belonged to AG-3 PT, three belonged to AG-4 HGI, two belonged to AG-4 HGIII, nine belonged to AG-7, and eight belonged to AG-11. Bayesian inference of phylogeny using the ITS region revealed two clades of R. solani AG-7 that possibly correspond to different AG-7 subgroups. Phylogenetic analysis also provided evidence for genetic relatedness between certain binucleate Rhizoctonia and some R. solani isolates. On 'Williams 82' soybean, isolates of AG-2-2IIIB were the most aggressive, followed by isolates of AG-7, AG-4, and AG-11. On 'Jubilee', a sweet corn cultivar, AG-2-2IIIB and AG-4 isolates caused significant stunting and root damage, whereas the damage caused by the AG-11 isolates was mostly restricted to the mesocotyl. Isolates of R. zeae and the binucleate Rhizoctonia spp. were not pathogenic on soybean or corn. Our results indicate that soybean and corn are hosts to the predominant and aggressive AG of R. solani, implying that rotation between these two crops may not be an effective management practice.

Nutritional Status and Hydroxyurea Use Among Children with Sickle Cell Disease in Malawi

Introduction:The global distribution of sickle cell disease (SCD) overlaps with that of food scarcity and nutritional deficiencies. Chronic anemia secondary to SCD contributes to nutritional deficiencies, for example folic acid. Few studies have evaluated associations between malnutrition and SCD, nor effects of malnutrition on SCD outcomes. Moreover,hydroxyurea(HU), a disease modifying agent for SCD, has not been specifically evaluated in malnourished children although it is known to bind pharmacologically to human serum albumin.Methods:We conducted a cross-sectional nutritional assessment of children receiving chronic SCD care at a referral hospital in the capital city of Malawi, Lilongwe, between January and June 2016. Participants were measured for height, weight, and mid-upper arm circumference. Z-scores and percentiles for anthropomorphic indices were calculated using WHOAnthroSoftware. Nutritional measures of interest were BMI-for-age Z-score to assess wasting and height-for-age Z-score to assess stunting. We examined associations between nutritional status and clinical and laboratory data collected longitudinally at six-month intervals during routine care. Differences based on HU use were examined.Results:Fourteen of 99 (14.1%) participants had moderate-to-severe wasting and 36 of 101 (35.6%) moderate-to-severe stunting. The wasted group was significantly older than the non-wasted group but there was no significant difference in age between the stunted and non-stunted groups (Table 1). We observed significantly lower white blood cell (WBC) and lymphocyte counts in the wasted group when compared to the non-wasted group. The stunted group had significantly lower hemoglobin (Hb) than the non-stunted group. There was also a significantly higher prevalence of fevers in the stunted group than the non-stunted group. Forty-four of 151 (29.1%) participants were receiving HU for a median duration of 126 days (IQR 29 - 196 days). There were no significant differences in age or sex between the HU group and the non-HU group. We observed significantly lower Hb in the HU group when compared to the non-HU group, as expected as HU is typically prescribed for children with more severe SCD in Lilongwe. We also observed higher WBC, absolute neutrophil (ANC), and lymphocyte counts in the HU group. Again reflecting greater SCD severity, we observed a significantly more frequent history of fevers, upper respiratory tract infections, and splenomegaly in the HU group. There were no significant differences in the proportions of wasted participants by HU status [5/33 (15.2%) HUvs20/68 (29.4%) non-HU, p=0.84], and a trend toward more frequent stunting among HU users again likely reflecting growth effects of greater chronic SCD severity [16/33 (48.5%) HUvs9/66 (13.6%) non-HU, p=0.061]. Among HU users, peripheral blood counts were not significantly different in wastedvsnon-wasted children, nor stuntedvsnon-stunted children (Table 2).Conclusion:In a pediatric SCD cohort in Malawi we observed 14.1% of children with significant wasting and 35.6% with significant stunting, highlighting growth effects of chronic illness in this population even among children receiving regular SCD care. Among children prescribed HU, nutritional status did not seem to be associated with HU tolerability. Notably, HU was not associated with significantmyelosuppressionin our cohort including those children with wasting or stunting. More studies are needed to clarify interactions between nutritional status, SCD, and HU, but our data suggests wasting or stunting should not be contraindications to HU use when indicated for pediatric SCD in sub-Saharan Africa. [Display omitted] [Display omitted] DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Effects of prenatal exposure to antipsychotic risperidone on developmental neurotoxicity, apoptotic neurodegeneration and neurobehavioral sequelae in rat offspring

A tremendous increase has been documented in the recent past in prescribing second generation atypical antipsychotic drugs (AAPDs) to the pregnant women with psychosis, considering their reproductive and teratogenic safety. Among AAPDs, risperidone (RIS) ranked third after olanzapine (OLZ) and quetiapine (QUE) used during pregnancy, as OLZ is associated to substantial weight gain in adults and offspring. Although teratogenic safety of RIS has been established, its potential role in developmental neurotoxicity and related neurobehavioral impairments in adolescents has not been documented so far. Therefore, present study has been undertaken to elucidate the effect of prenatal exposure to risperidone (RIS) on developmental neurotoxicity and apoptotic neurodegeneration in neocortical region of fetal brain; and related functional sequelae in young rat offspring. The pregnant Wistar rats were exposed to RIS at 0.8, 1.0 and 2.0mg/kg, at equivalent therapeutic doses, orally from GD 6 to 21. Half of the pregnant rats were sacrificed and their brains were collected, weighed, and processed for neurohistopathological and apoptotic neurodegenerative evaluation. The remaining dams were allowed to deliver naturally, and their offspring were reared up to 10 weeks for neurobehavioral study. Prenatal exposure to RIS induced significant stunting of fetal body and brain weight, substantial reduction in the thickness of neocortical layers and apoptotic neurodegeneration in fetal brains, and delayed postnatal development and growth of the offspring; as well as long- lasting impact on anxiety like impaired behavioral responses on explorative mazes. Therefore, health care providers should be careful in prescribing atypical antipsychotics in general and RIS in particular, to the pregnant psychotic population.

Urban-rural disparities in the nutritional status of school Adolescent girls in the Mizan district, south-western Ethiopia

Malnutrition that occurs during adolescence has important consequences for the future growth and development of the individual, particularly in girls in developing countries. Besides limiting growth, adolescent malnutrition has important consequences for society. Despite this, there is a lack of information on the nutritional status of adolescent girls in Ethiopia. This study was therefore performed to help redress this lack of data and to provide information for future improvements by health planners and policy makers. A comparative cross-sectional study design was employed to determine the urban-rural disparity in nutritional status of adolescent school girls in the Mizan district in south-western Ethiopia. A two-stage sampling procedure was used to randomly select 622 adolescent girls, 311 each from urban and rural locations. Trained field workers used structured questionnaires to obtain the desired information from the respondents. Anthropometric measurements of height and weight were collected using standard procedures and appropriate quality control measures. Height-for-age Z-scores and body mass index (BMI)-for-age Z-scores were generated using AnthroPlus software. The independent sample t-test and χ2 test were used to determine statistical significance. There were no significant differences in the ages or physical activities of the two populations of girls studied. Consumption of cereal, vegetables, sweets, sugars, fats, meat, and eggs was similar between the two groups, although slight differences were found with regard to legumes, milk, and fruit consumption. No significant differences were found in the prevalence of mild underweight girls and overweight girls in the urban and rural groups (26.5% vs 22.3% and 7.5% vs 5.2%, respectively). Significant stunting was, however, present in the rural population (40.9% vs. 17.8% in the urban group). Although overall lower than the reference data provided by WHO, the mean BMI-for-age Z-scores and height-for-age Z-scores were significantly higher in the urban girls than in their rural counterparts, with mean differences of 0.18 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.02-0.34) and 0.58 (95% CI 0.45-0.72), respectively. Malnutrition was present in both urban and rural adolescent girls. The most obvious disparity between the two populations was significant stunting in the rural population. There is therefore an urgent need for strategies to address severe nutritional problems in rural adolescent girls and to improve the nutrition of adolescent girls within the urban environment.

Nutritional Situation of Rural Communities in Nari&amp;#241;o, Colombia 2013

Objective: To evaluate the nutritional situation by anthropometry of the rural families population aged 0 to 64 years in the municipalities of Pasto, Tuquerres, Guachucal, Cumbal and Cuaspud in the Nari?o Department (Colombia). Materials and Methods: As part of the research “Improving potato production as a food security contribution of native communities in Narino, Colombia”, aged October and December in 2013, an initial diagnosis of the food security situation in farmer families was conducted, through direct visits to the households selected in the sample, where in the household members, after standardization of field team, the anthropometric measures of weight and height were taken, using electronic scales, infantometers and stadiometers. Conclusions: A significant stunting was reported in children up to 7 years. In children aged 0 - 5 years group and children aged 5 - 17 years group, the results exceed by more than double the department data (according to National Survey of the Nutritional Situation in Colombia ENSIN 2010), and almost three times the national data. The underweight was generally low in all the analysed groups, although concerned the significant overweight percentage. In children aged 0 - 5 years group, the overweight data (above 2 SD) exceeded twice the department and national data according to the ENSIN 2010, although in the children aged 5 - 17 years group, the overweight and obesity was lower than the departmental and national data. In adults, the results reported that one of each two people in the range of 18 to 64 years in the five municipalities had excess weight (overweight or obesity) which was similar data respected to the department and national data. Additionally, it was noted that 18% of households were found among adults with overweight, and simultaneously, children with stunting, this situation has been called double burden of malnutrition and this is an aspect that must be analysed to identify intervention strategies.

Effects of exclusive enteral nutrition on bone mass, linear growth and body composition in children with Crohn's disease.

Inflammatory bowel disease, especially Crohn's disease, is linked to significant growth stunting, sarcopenia (loss of skeletal muscle mass), deterioration of bone architecture and reduction in bone mass. Exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) has been shown to correct nutritional deficiencies, provide adequate calories for growth, and alleviate intestinal inflammation in Crohn's disease with a favorable adverse effect profile. In this chapter, we report a summary of the effects of EEN on linear growth, skeletal health and lean body mass in children with Crohn's disease.

Honeyvine Milkweed (Cynanchum laeve) Control in Plasticulture Bell Pepper Production

A 2-yr study was conducted to evaluate bell pepper response and honeyvine milkweed control from PRE herbicides, clomazone and trifluralin, applied under polyethylene mulch. Clomazone (0.8 and 1.4 kg ai ha−1) and trifluralin (0.7 and 1.1 kg ai ha−1) were applied alone or in combination. Herbicides were applied after beds were made and before polyethylene mulch was laid, followed by transplanting pepper within hours of herbicide application. In both years, initial bleaching of lower leaves was observed; the injury was observed in some treatments, but not others. Honeyvine milkweed, growing in the planting hole, exhibited significant bleaching and stunting in most herbicide treatments. Both clomazone and trifluralin resulted in season-long honeyvine milkweed control in both years. However, the use of clomazone and trifluralin together for control of honeyvine milkweed does not seem justified due to the potential for herbicide antagonism, as indicated in this study. The total number and fresh weight of harvested bell pepper were not affected by the herbicides or rates. All herbicide treatments resulted in about twice the yield (average of 8.8 kg) of the hand-weeded control (4.6 kg) in both years. This study strongly supports the safety and effectiveness of clomazone and/or trifluralin applied pretransplant under polyethylene mulch in bell pepper production for control of honeyvine milkweed.