Supplemental Program Research Articles

Determination of collagen types and mineral contents in fish skin and collagen-containing skin-derived protein hydrolysates before and after in vitro simulated digestion.

An in vitro digestion model was established to characterize the types of collagens in skin of cod, white fish, and salmon as well as their collagen-containing skin-derived protein hydrolysates (CSPH) before and after digestion. Moreover, the mineral content and their bioaccessibility were evaluated. Finally, the presence of heavy metals was evaluated to assess the safety of these products. The results showed that white fish protein exhibited a high digestibility, reaching up to 92%. Among the collagen products, salmon collagen had the highest digestibility (∼73%). Protein identification revealed that the emPAI of type I collagen in digested skin and CSPH was higher than that of undigested samples. In addition, raw skins had higher contents of P, K, Ca and Mg, and the mineral content of CSPH was lower than that of unprocessed skins. Among the minerals studied, Ca and Cu showed the highest bioaccessibility in raw skin cod, being 32% and 26%, respectively. The bioaccessibility of Cu in raw skin salmon was also higher (∼34%). Moreover, in CSPH, Mg, K and Cu can be easily digested and absorbed. Regarding heavy metals, As and Pb were below the respective safe limits in all raw skins and CSPH, while Hg and Cd were not detected in the fish CSPH. Fish-derived collagen has gained significant attention due to its numerous health benefits, high bioavailability, and superior sustainability compared to animal collagen. Moreover, different types of collagens offer distance roles and advantages in the body. However, there are limited reports on how collagen structure and type may change during the digestive process. This study seeks to deepen our understanding of the economic value of fish collagen, as well as the mechanisms of its absorption and digestion. By investigating processes, the research aims to provide a clearer insight into the physiological effects of fish-derived collagen, which can inform the development of tailored collagen supplementation programs based on specific health needs.

Iron deficiency anemia: A global public health concern

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) remains a significant global public health concern, affecting populations across both developing and developed nations. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that in 2019, approximately 1.62 billion people were affected by anemia, with iron deficiency being the most common cause. This condition disproportionately impacts vulnerable groups, including women, children, and populations in low- and middle-income countries. In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports a substantial prevalence of IDA, particularly among certain demographic groups, including pregnant women and young children (CDC, 2020). The impact of IDA is particularly evident in regions like India, where the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) highlights concerning trends and the need for targeted interventions to address iron deficiency, particularly among women and children. Studies suggest that improved iron status in populations is essential for reducing the prevalence of IDA and its associated complications, such as cognitive impairment, fatigue, and weakened immune function. Recent advances in diagnostics, including point-of-care testing, have improved the identification and management of anemia in primary healthcare settings. Addressing IDA involves comprehensive strategies such as iron supplementation, dietary improvements, and public health initiatives like the Weekly Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation Program in India. The global efforts to combat nutritional anemia underscore the importance of multifaceted approaches to prevention and control. Ultimately, tackling IDA in India will require a multi-sectoral approach, with collaboration between government agencies, healthcare providers, research institutions, and local communities to ensure the widespread success of interventions in reducing iron deficiency and improving overall health outcomes.

Supplementation Matters: Academic Impact of an Afterschool Tutoring Program in Timor-Leste

Abstract Students in Timor-Leste face low educational outcomes due to sociopolitical factors rooted in the nation’s colonial history. This study evaluates the academic impact of a low-resource afterschool supplementary tutoring program designed to address learning gaps and improve school outcomes across rural and urban settings. Using instructional design principles, the program employed worksheet-based individualized learning content in a familiar language, supported by personalized feedback. Pre- and post-test scores in mathematics and English were compared over 7 months between an intervention group and a comparison group, with results analyzed using a Welch t test. Findings revealed statistically significant improvements in both subjects, with greater gains in mathematics, suggesting an opportunity to explore alternative methods for English instruction, such as incorporating social interactions to support early learners. The study highlights the importance of community support, tutors’ capabilities, and their residence within local neighborhoods in sustaining the program. These results demonstrate the potential of well-structured afterschool programs to enhance educational outcomes in low-resource contexts, offering a scalable model for similar initiatives in emerging nations.

Effect of School-Based Weekly Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation Program on the Serum Folate Status of Adolescent Girls in Sidama Region, Southern Ethiopia: Comparative Cross-Sectional Study.

In Ethiopia, a school-based weekly iron and folic acid supplementation (WIFAS) program is being implemented to reduce burden of anemia in adolescent girls. While the program's impact on iron levels is well-studied, there is limited evidence on its effect on folate status. The study was aimed at assessing the effect of the WIFAS on serum folate levels of school adolescent girls in Sidama Region, Southern Ethiopia. A school-based cross-sectional study that compared the serum folate concentration among adolescent girls (10-19 years) enrolled in schools with (n = 165) and without (n = 165) the WIFAS program was carried out. Adolescent girls from both groups were sampled using multistage sampling procedure. The serum folate was compared between the 2 groups using mixed effects linear regression model. The study presented significantly higher mean (±standard deviation) serum folate concentration among girls from schools implementing the WIFAS program (9.76 ± 4.02 ng/mL) than their counterparts (7.38 ± 4.53 ng/mL) (β = 2.28, P < .001). The mean hemoglobin level was also higher in the WIFAS arm (13.07 ± 1.81 g/dL) than the comparator group (12.4 ± 1.93 g/dL (β = 0.86, P = .034). The school-based WIFAS program showed positive association with serum folate and hemoglobin concentration in adolescent girls. This evidence should be used for advocating the scale-up of the program to areas with high prevalence of anemia and folic acid deficiencies.

Predictors of undernutrition among under-five children in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas in the Philippines

Introduction: Geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA) are generally characterised by high morbidity and mortality of children. Undernutrition makes under-five children more vulnerable to disease and death. This study aimed to assess nutritional status and determine factors affecting undernourished children under five in GIDA. Methods: The study utilised data from children aged 0-59 months obtained from the 2018-2021 Expanded National Nutrition Survey (ENNS). GIDA were identified and 5,600 children were included in the analysis. Descriptive and multiple logistic regression analyses were employed to investigate associations between nutritional status of children [including stunting, underweight (UW), and wasting] and various factors including child-related, household-related, and biochemical markers. Results: Prevalence of UW, stunting, and wasting among children in GIDA were 39.7%, 24.1%, and 6.2%, respectively. Anaemia was of mild public health significance. Multiple logistic analysis revealed significant associations between stunting and vitamin A deficiency (VAD), food insecurity, and unimproved sources of drinking water; underweight and older age, anaemia, VAD, urban residence, and poor wealth; wasting and younger age, being female, and poor wealth. Conclusion: Existence of all forms of undernutrition in GIDA intensifies risk of mortality and morbidity among children. This study recommends that government sectors prioritise implementation of nutrition and food supplementation programmes in GIDA where the healthcare system continues to be at a disadvantage. The persistent constraints in GIDA should be addressed to improve food accessibility.

Preconceptional and Periconceptional Folic Acid Supplementation in the Visegrad Group Countries for the Prevention of Neural Tube Defects.

Neural tube defects (NTDs) are malformations of the central nervous system that represent the second most common cause of congenital morbidity and mortality, following cardiovascular abnormalities. Maternal nutrition, particularly folic acid, a B vitamin, is crucial in the etiology of NTDs. FA plays a key role in DNA methylation, synthesis, and repair, acting as a cofactor in one-carbon transfer reactions essential for neural tube development. Randomized trials have shown that FA supplementation during preconceptional and periconceptional periods reduces the incidence of NTDs by nearly 80%. Consequently, it is recommended that all women of reproductive age take 400 µg of FA daily. Many countries have introduced FA fortification of staple foods to prevent NTDs, addressing the high rate of unplanned pregnancies. These policies have increased FA intake and decreased NTD incidence. Although the precise mechanisms by which FA protects against NTDs remain unclear, compelling evidence supports its efficacy in preventing most NTDs, leading to national recommendations for FA supplementation in women. This review focuses on preconceptional and periconceptional FA supplementation in the female population of the Visegrad Group countries (Slovakia, Czech Republic, Poland, and Hungary). Our findings emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach to NTDs, including FA supplementation programs, tailored counseling, and effective national-level policies.

The WeFEEL Approach: Examining an Emotional Intelligence Curriculum’s Impact on Young Children’s Development and Social Interactions With Their Families

ABSTRACT This study is driven by a collective call from stakeholders and by the occurrence of violent events within society to address the importance of emotional intelligence and emotional awareness in early childhood development. Recognizing the significance of these skills in fostering well-being and success, there is a growing demand for targeted supplemental programs aimed at teaching emotional intelligence from a young age. The WeFEEL Approach is a comprehensive approach based on emotional intelligence facets. It aims to foster self-regulation and empathy with particular emphasis on co-regulation in young children and their at-risk families. The present mixed-method study, examining the impact of the WeFEEL Emotional Intelligence Approach, was informed by ethnographic methods for data collection and grounded theory analysis. Through teacher/family focus groups and video analysis of classroom implementation, the findings suggest a positive impact on students in terms of emotional knowledge growth and application of the WeFEEL framework with generalizability to multiple settings. Further, teachers and families expressed a positive shift in classroom and home emotional climate and an increase in empathy-driven interactions. Implications for the field of early childhood education are discussed.

Evaluating the Impact of an Iron Supplementation Program for Combating Anemia in School-Age and Adolescent Females by a Grassroots Organization in India.

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a prominent cause of anemia adversely affecting the physical, mental, and social well-being of an individual. It is a major health concern and has impacted more than two billion people worldwide. It is necessary to implement programs to increase compliance rates for iron and folic acid (IFA) supplementation and educate individuals about anemia. In this study, we evaluate the impact of a non-profit organization's IFA supplementation program for school-age and adolescent females to combat anemia. This study was conducted via a grassroots organization that used a peer network to integrate with the existing national anemia campaign in school-age and adolescent females. This single-arm preintervention and postintervention study conducted over four months from June to September 2023 evaluated the effect of a one-time anti-helminthic treatment and weekly IFA supplementation (45 mg elemental iron and 0.4 mg folic acid per tablet for seven to nine-year-old females; 60 mg elemental iron and 0.5 mg folic acid per tablet for 10 to 19-year-old females) for 90 days. Hemoglobin levels at baseline and post-IFA supplementation were assessed using point-of-care direct reading hemoglobinometers. The pre- and post-test hemoglobin values were compared by a paired t-test. A total of 160 females visiting the foundation were approached, out of which 146 agreed to participate in the study. The baseline hemoglobin levels among 146 females were 10.9 ± 1.7 g/dL, and 103 (70.5%) of them were observed to have anemia. Due to a loss of follow-up, 99 participants were evaluated for pre- and post-IFA supplementation hemoglobin levels. Among 99 females, anemia was observed in 68.7% at baseline. The baseline hemoglobin level of 11.1 ± 1.7 g/dL significantly raised to 11.7 ± 1.4 g/dL after IFA supplementation (p<0.001). After IFA supplementation, the baseline distribution of participants with normal hemoglobin rose to 47.5% (post-test) from 31.3% (pre-test), showing a difference of 16.2%. The normal hemoglobin level distribution across the age groups after the weekly IFA supplementation program improved by 17.2% in participants aged seven to 10 years (from 31.4% to 48.6%), 17.7% in 11 to 14 years (from 29.45% to 47.1%), and 7.7% in those aged 15 to 19 years (from 38.5% to 46.2%). Grassroots organizations can be pivotal in enhancing the efficacy of IFA supplementation programs, particularly in combating anemia among children. Behavior change communication and peer networks of such organizations can be integrated into existing programs to significantly contribute to improving the compliance rate of IFA supplementation programs.

Analysis Of Student’s Participation in Extracurricular Class at Sekolah Citamulia Using RFM Model

The cognitive development of children, as well as the academic performance of students, can be influenced by various factors. One of these factors is students' active involvement in extracurricular activities outside the classroom. These activities are supplementary programs designed to facilitate students' interests and talents in specific fields. It is crucial to maintain a high level of student participation because active participation significantly impacts cognitive and academic improvement. The objective of this study is to assess the level of active student participation by categorizing students based on their engagement using the RFM (Recency, Frequency, Monetary) method. The second objective is that, once the student engagement mapping is established, it will allow for targeted programs and policies tailored to each group, thereby enhancing overall student participation in extracurricular activities. In this RFM method, recency represents the date of the student’s most recent attendance at an activity. Frequency represents the total number of student attendances, and monetary represents the total nominal amount spent. The data was collected from January to September 2024, involving 250 students participating in extracurricular activities. Generally, the RFM output reveals student segmentation based on activity can be categorized into seven groups, which are Ashamed, Nice Tried, Bored, Initiative, Committed, Excited, and Passionate. Based on these results, several policies can be formulated according to the conditions of each student.

Barriers and facilitators to the implementation of vitamin A supplementation programs in Africa: A systematic review.

Background: Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) impacts over 50% of children aged 6-59 months in sub-Saharan Africa, causing severe health issues. Despite the importance of vitamin A supplementation (VAS) programs, barriers limit their effectiveness, making it essential to understand these factors for better outcomes. Aim: This systematic review aimed to identify the barriers and facilitators to VAS programs in Africa, using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to conceptualize the findings. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted across OVID Embase, OVID Medline, Web of Science Core Collection, Scopus, CINAHL and CAB Direct. Studies were excluded if they did not report VAS administration via capsules or droplets in large-scale programs or omitted discussions on implementation barriers and facilitators. Results: The search yielded 4377 citations, with 10 studies meeting eligibility criteria, published from 2002 to 2021 across 12 countries. The most frequently represented were Ethiopia and Zimbabwe. A total of nine barriers and seven facilitators to VAS programs were identified. The most frequently cited barriers were capsule stock-outs, limited resources and lack of incentive for staff, while the most frequently cited facilitators were Child Health Days and involvement of community-based health workers. The key CFIR constructs associated with these findings were Tailoring Strategies, Incentive Systems and Available Resources. Conclusion: The barriers and facilitators identified in this review offer valuable insights for improving VAS coverage and implementation in Africa. Tailoring implementation strategies based on these findings can enhance the effectiveness and coverage of VAS programs.

Comorbidities and Treatment Outcomes in Patients Diagnosed with Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis in Rural Eastern Cape Province, South Africa.

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global health challenge, with drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) posing a greater threat due to difficulty in treatment. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between comorbidities and treatment outcomes in patients diagnosed with DR-TB in rural Eastern Cape using logistic regression. Data on patient characteristics, comorbidities, and treatment outcomes were extracted from the medical records and analyzed using Python version 3.8. and R version 4.1.1 software. A logistic regression model was used to determine the effects of selected variables on treatment outcomes of DR-TB cases. Hearing loss and hypertension (HTN) were the most frequently observed comorbidities across various DR-TB cases, particularly rifampicin-resistant (RR), multidrug-resistant (MDR), and pre-extensively drug-resistant (pre-XDR-TB) cases. A hearing loss prevalence of 5.8% (26/445) was found among patients receiving treatment for TB, with the intensity of impairment ranging from mild to severe. Gender is significantly associated with the occurrence of HTN among these patients (p-value: 0.022). Comorbidities such as epilepsy, hearing loss, and HTN significantly impact treatment success, with higher risks of mortality and incomplete cure. Using logistic regression, obesity (OR = 3.0884; e = 1.1277; p = 0.0408) and HIV-positive status (OR = 0.4458; e = 0.8078; p = 0.0001) were highly likely and less likely associated with better treatment outcomes, respectively. The logistic regression model achieved an accuracy of 64.0%, a precision of 63.0%, and a recall of 95.0%, with an F-1 score of 76.0%. The findings underscore the importance of implementing integrated management strategies that address both DR-TB and its comorbidities, particularly in resource-limited settings where such patients are prevalent. Public health policies should incorporate strategies to provide nutritional assessments and interventions, particularly for individuals with low BMI. This could include food supplementation programs or partnerships with local food kitchens to ensure that patients have access to adequate nutrition during DR-TB treatment.

Knowledge, Attitudes, Eating Practices, and Iron (Fe) Consumption among Adolescent Girls (Aged 10-18 Years) in Central Java, Indonesia

Background The Iron (Fe) supplementation program was initiated in 2016 by the Indonesian government. The program included administering iron tablets once a week to female students in schools, although it was not effectively implemented. Objective This study aimed to examine knowledge, attitudes, and eating practices as well as iron intake among adolescent girls (Aged 10-18 Years) in Central Java, Indonesia. Methods and Materials A cross-sectional study was conducted with 484 respondents. The data obtained were analyzed using univariate as the descriptive method, bivariate with Chi-square, and multivariate through logistic regression. Results This study found that knowledge and positive attitudes toward iron tablet consumption were prevalent among respondents, but actual adherence was low, with only 14.7% adhering to the recommended intake. Although adolescent girls showed better eating practices, adherence to consumption did not differ significantly across age groups. A healthy lifestyle significantly improved iron tablet consumption (OR = 14.684) and eating practices (OR = 30.298). The source of information played a crucial role, with health providers being more effective in promoting behaviors (OR = 2.615 for iron tablet consumption and OR = 1.713 for healthy eating practices) compared to non-health attendants (OR = 0.332 for poor eating practices). These results suggested that targeted interventions focusing on lifestyle and information sources could enhance health behaviors in this population. Conclusion A significant influence of knowledge related to anemia, the benefits of iron tablets, healthy eating patterns, and sources of information was observed on the adherence to iron tablet consumption. However, this study recommended that to improve adolescent adherence to iron tablet consumption and eating practices, comprehensive knowledge related to anemia should be provided through various sources, particularly from health professionals.

Factors Associated with Anemia Among Adolescent Girls Aged 10-19 Years in Central Kalimantan

Anemia is a global adolescent health problem related to nutrition and often occurs in developing countries, including Indonesia. A lack of red blood cells or a hemoglobin level lower than 12 g/dL is known as anemia and is mainly experienced by women of childbearing age, including teenage girls. This study aims to determine the risk factors associated with anemia among adolescent girls aged 10 to 19 years in 12 Central Kalimantan schools. This study was observational-analytic with a cross-sectional design. Data (n = 355 adolescent girls) were from secondary data from the data screening for Hb levels in the School Adolescent Girls Health Education program by PT Rimba Makmur Utama. Multiple logistic regression tests analyzed the risk factors (socio-demographic and health characteristics) associated with anemia. Analysis showed that 32.1% had anemia. Most of them were 10 to 14 years old. Consumption of iron supplements in the last week (PR: 0.450, 95% CI: [0.253-0.802]) and BMI-for-age (PR: 1.599, 95% CI: [1.005-2.544]) was significantly associated with anemia. Age, parent’s education, parental income, menstruation status, consumption of iron supplements, and consumption of deworming tablets were not associated with anemia. Optimized iron supplementation programs for adolescent girls 10 to 19 ages can decrease anemia prevalence.

Realisation of secondary vocational education programmes in high-tech training areas in LPR, DPR, Kherson and Zaporozhye regions in the aspect of career needs

Introduction. Special attention in the conditions of active technological development and digitalisation of the economy is paid to training specialists mastering secondary vocational education (hereinafter – SVE). This interest is based on the demand in the labour market for such specialists who will be able to make a significant contribution to the development of high-tech industries. To secure the successful implementation of SVE programmes in Donetsk People’s Republic (hereinafter – DPR), Lugansk People’s Republic (hereinafter – LPR), Zaporozhye and Kherson regions, it is necessary to ensure compliance with the learners’ career needs. For this purpose, it is necessary to take into account the needs of the labour market as well as the dominant industrial areas in these territories. The aim of the article is to analyse the current state of the SVE system in LPR, DPR, Zaporozhye and Kherson regions in high-technology training programmes in the context of the career needs of the new regions. Research methods. The quantitative and qualitative analysis was implemented using the number of the involved educational institutions: DPR (64), LPR (60), Zaporozhye (14), Kherson (4) and Kemerovo regions (84). Results. The large number of institutions makes it possible to implement the “Professionalisation” programme in the above regions, but at the moment no localisation of territories is available, including technological clusters. The comparative analysis of the SVE institutions in DPR and Kuzbass regions revealed the predominance of high-tech fields: computer science and engineering (13 and 11), mechanical engineering (12 and 15), land transport engineering and technology (16 and 10), construction engineering and technology (8 and 14). The SVE training areas in DPR are characterised by more programmes in the field «Economics and management» (24) and «Electrical and heat engineering» (17). Conclusion. The survey results can serve as a basis for designing a teacher training system aimed at the realisation of SVE programmes and supplementary education programmes in high-tech training areas in the said regions.

Lifting the Gate: Evaluation of Supplemental Instruction Program in Chemistry

College-level introductory chemistry has a high impact for predicting students’ early success and long-term academic outcomes. Students from traditionally underserved communities are disproportionately held back in this course. To improve student success, the Supplemental Instruction (SI) program at a public four-year Hispanic-serving institution was revamped from a voluntary option to a co-requisite for the introductory chemistry course. The study evaluates the effectiveness of the new format of SI program and explores associated factors contributing to the impacts of the program. Students with or without SI were compared through multiple quantitative metrics, including course GPA, final exam score, DFW rate, and pass rate. Data analysis showed that students who completed SI with credit obtained 0.9 higher average course GPA than their counterparts and performed significantly better on all the other metrics. More importantly, the equity gaps between underserved and better-served students were narrowed down. Furthermore, students who took introductory chemistry with SI still obtained 0.3 higher average course GPA in their subsequent General Chemistry I course than those without it. The findings suggested that incorporating the SI into introductory chemistry as co-requisite is necessary and effective to improve students’ success and narrow down the equity gaps in gateway chemistry courses.

Anaemia Profile and Inflammation Markers in Stunted Children Under Two Years in Indonesia.

Background: Stunting is a common issue affecting children who suffer from chronic malnutrition in Indonesia. The Indonesian government has introduced supplementary food programs for stunted children, but the results have been less satisfactory. This may be due to the presence of anaemia and comorbid diseases. Haematology tests and inflammation markers are necessary to identify these conditions. This study aimed to examine the anaemia profiles and inflammation markers in stunted children under two years old. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive design with cluster samples and consecutive analysis was used. The study was conducted between December 2023 and March 2024 at the West Nusa Tenggara Hospital and Palabuhanratu Sukabumi Hospital laboratories. Samples were obtained from various Public Health Centres in Sukabumi, West Java, North Maluku, and West Nusa Tenggara. Data collection comprised interviews, measurements, and the assessment of haematology, biochemical, and inflammatory markers. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 20, which includes descriptive analysis, correlation, comparison, and chi-square tests. Results: Two hundred and ten stunted children were identified with various anaemias and comorbidities. These anaemias included suspected thalassemia (38.1%), iron deficiency (18.1%), and anaemia of chronic diseases (13.3%). Based on the inflammatory markers obtained, TB was suspected (21.4%), inflammatory bowel disease (18.1%) was suspected, and allergic proctocolitis was suspected (31.9%). Conclusions: Analysis of the anaemia profiles and inflammatory markers revealed various types of anaemia and suspected comorbidities in stunted children. It is recommended that anaemia profiles and inflammation markers be assessed at the primary healthcare level.

Equal Effects of Low- and Moderate-Volume Supplementary Plyometric Training on Sprint, Change of Direction Ability, and Lower-Limb Power in Preadolescent Female Handball Players.

Background: This study compared the effects of low- and moderate-volume supplementary plyometric training in preadolescent female handball players. Methods: Thirty-nine preadolescent handball players (age: 12.9 ± 0.5 years, maturity offset: -1.50 ± 0.56 years) were randomly assigned into three groups: low-volume plyometric training group (LPT, n = 12); moderate-volume plyometric training group (MPT, n = 15); and control group (CG, n = 12). The supplementary plyometric training program was performed twice per week for 10 weeks, along with normal training (3 times/week). Each supplementary session included two upper- and three lower-body exercises performed for two sets (LPT, 36-54 foot contacts, duration 12 min) or four sets (MPT, 72-108 foot contacts, duration 24 min). The CG performed technical handball drills for 20 min. Results: Compared with the control group, both LPT and MPT resulted in similar improvements in modified T-test performance (15.1% and 18.6%, p < 0.01, respectively); linear sprint performance over 5, 10, and 20 m (between 5.1% and 8.8%, p = 0.02 to 0.001); countermovement jump (28.0% and 22.1%, p < 0.05, respectively); and standing long jump (12.6% and 12.5%, p = 0.024, respectively). Handgrip strength and overarm shot ball velocity improved similarly in all groups (CG, MPT, and LPT), by 8-11% (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Very-low-volume supplementary plyometric training performed for 12 min per session for two sessions per week results in considerable improvements in running speed, change of direction ability, and leg power and is as effective as a moderate-volume program. These findings are important for pre-adolescent female team sports players, who may benefit from a minimal but effective supplementary training, resulting in large benefits in leg speed and power.

Redefining Neonatal Vitamin A Adequacy and Deficiency Based on Maternal Nutrition: A Cross-Sectional Study in Chongqing, China.

There are no established diagnostic criteria for neonatal vitamin A deficiency (VAD), and applying adult VAD criteria to neonates may overestimate the neonatal VAD rate. This study aimed to evaluate neonatal vitamin A (VA) status and redefine thresholds for neonatal VA adequacy and deficiency based on maternal VA nutrition. A cross-sectional study involving 1901 mother-neonate pairs was conducted in Chongqing, China. VA nutritional status was assessed by measuring serum VA levels and dietary VA intake from the third trimester to birth. The VAD rates of maternal dietary intake and serum were 27.091% and 23.356%, respectively, while 88.8% of neonates had serum VA levels < 0.70 μmol/L, the threshold for adult VAD. Neonatal VA levels were significantly lower than maternal levels. All neonates were healthy, with no clinical signs of VAD. Neonatal VA levels correlated positively with maternal VA levels. The threshold for neonatal VA adequacy was estimated to be ≥ 0.489 (95%CI: 0.464-0.512) μmol/L when maternal VA nutrition was adequate, and the 2.5th percentile of VA levels among all neonates was 0.192 μmol/L, predicting neonatal VAD. The study concluded that neonatal VAD rates might be overestimated, as most neonates received adequate VA from their mothers. Maternal VA status is a reliable predictor of neonatal VA status due to their close relationship. This study offers a new perspective on prenatal nutrition for determining neonatal VA adequacy and deficiency thresholds and developing neonatal VA supplementation programs. Further research is needed.

Сетевая организация непрерывной профессионализации педагогов на основе системы межрегионального дополнительного образования

The goal of the paper is to study the methodology of network interregional interaction in the system of lifelong professional education with the tasks of social and ecological education of students. This problem is significant for the interregional system of lifelong professional education and pedagogical education as a source of human resources for a wide range of activities. The objectives of the study include the analysis of the concept of "lifelong professional education", generalization of the features of pedagogical activity of various regions, regional and interregional professional portraits of a teacher from the standpoint of professional deficiencies, identification of the methodology of network interaction based on the expert opinion of university teachers with a description of the model of the interregional network lifelong professional education system. It is concluded that distributed project activities in poly-professional teams with the participation of teachers can become a methodological basis for network interregional interaction in the system of continuous professionalization based on interregional supplementary education programs. The network organization of the model allows for effective dissemination to pedagogical universities and universities of non-pedagogical profiles through interuniversity partnership. The novelty lies in the socio-ecological aspects of distance interregional interaction in the context of heterogeneity of socio-cultural norms in the implementation of poly-professional projects by teachers.

Ready-to-use therapeutic food as a promising therapy for the prevention and cure of undernutrition in pre-school children: A review

The nutritional status of pre-school children is a reflection of health of children in the world and forms the basis for the development of success-oriented interventional programs. This study indicates the prevalence of under-nutrition in under five children in the world, Africa and Nigeria. It also showed the prevalence of under-nutrition in the six geopolitical regions in Nigeria, with the Northern regions reported to have the highest burden of under-nutrition compared to the other regions due to several factors such as inadequate breast feeding, lack of access to healthcare, lack of clean water, armed conflict, inadequate dietary intake, inappropriate feeding, foetal growth restriction, inadequate sanitation, lack of parental education, large family size, incomplete vaccination, poverty and low socio-economic status and desire to have more children. Several nutritional interventions have been put in place to prevent and cure under-nutrition in pre-school children, which include Promotion of exclusive breastfeeding, Micronutrient supplementation, Food fortification, Nutrition education, Complimentary feeding, and Cash transfer programs, Ready-to-use therapeutics foods (RUTF), Nutritional rehabilitation centers, Parenteral nutrition, and Nutritional counseling and education. However, RUTF has been reported to have an effective intervention in the prevention and treatment of severe acute malnutrition (SAM) in pre-school children. It is an energy dense, shelf stable and ready to eat food which composed of peanut butter, sugar, full fat milk and mineral-vitamin premix. Other plant-based ingredients such as chickpea, soybean, sesame, maize, oats, sorghum and sunflower oil have also, been used in the production of RUTF and reported to be effective for complete recovery of SAM children.