Comparison of Weight for Height and BMI for Age for Estimating Overnutrition Burden in Under-Five Populations With High Stunting Prevalence

Background: Overnourished under-five children are anthropometrically classified as either being at possible risk of overweight, overweight or obese and defined so, when either weight for height or body mass index for age (BMI-for-age) are >1SD to 2SD, >2SD to 3SD and >3SD, respectively of the analogous World Health Organization standards. Aim: To compare weight for height and BMI for age definitions for quantifying overnutrition burden. Methods: Theoretical consequences of ignoring age were evaluated by comparing, at varying height for age z-scores, the age- and sex-specific cutoffs of BMI that would define overnutrition with these two metrics. Overnutrition prevalence was then compared in simulated populations (short, intermediate and tall) and real-life datasets from India. Results: In short (-2SD) children, the BMI cutoffs with weight for height criteria were lower in comparison to BMI for age till 7-8 months, but higher at later ages. In National Family Health Survey-4, India dataset (short population), overnutrition (>1SD) prevalence with weight for height was higher from 0-0.5 years (exclusive breastfeeding age), but lower at subsequent ages. The prevalence difference (weight for height - BMI for age) in 0.5-5 years was -2.26% (6.57% vs 8.83%); this attenuated in 0-5 years (-1.55%; 7.23% vs 8.78%). The discrepancy was maximal for stunted children and was lower in girls. A similar pattern, of lower magnitude, was observed for overweight (>2SD) comparison. In intermediate and tall populations, there were no meaningful differences. Conclusion: The two definitions produce cutoffs, and hence estimates of overnutrition, that differ with the age, sex, and height of under-five children. The relative invariance, with age and height, of BMI for age, favors its use.

Bacterial Profile Of Blood Culture And Their Anti-Microbial Susceptibility Pattern In Pediatric Patients Of A Tertiary Care Hospital

Introduction: Blood stream infection are very common in the pediatric age group and these are one of the common causes of morbidity and mortality in children. In developing countries ,the rate of blood stream infection in children is about 20-50%.The present study was undertaken to determine the etiological agents causing blood stream infection and their antibiotic susceptibility pattern in pediatric patients. Patients with bacteremia may have either a transient bacteremia or persistent bacteremia which can be self-limited without development of focal infection or sequelae or may progress to a more serious fatal infection or toxic effects. The present study in a hospital basedMethodology: single centred, Observational study, of 3 years. Blood sample were collected in BacTec bottle and standard microbiological protocol were applied for the isolation identification of bacteria strains. Antimicrobial susceptibility test was performed by the Kirby Bauer Disc Diffusion Method as per CLSI 2019 guidelines. Out of total 350 bloodResults: samples received for culture,87(23.14%)were culture positive, out of which 42/87(48.27%) were Gram positive organisms and 39/87(44.82%) were Gram-negative organisms and 6 /87(6.89%) were candida spp. The most common organism was Staphylococcus aureus(31.03%) the predominant organism followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae(21.83%) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (9.19%), Escherichia coli, Enterobacter cloacae each (5.74%). All Gram positive bacteria were susceptibile to vancomycin, teicoplanin and linezolid. 11/27(40.74% )of Staphylococcus aureus were Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains. All Gram negative bacteria were susceptibility to amikacin, Colistin,Tigecycline. Staphylococcus aureus is the leading cause ofConclusion: childhood septicemia in this locale, has been decline in susceptibility of the pathogens to common antibiotics which ultimately stresses on the need for continuous screening and surveillance for antibiotic resistance in the pediatric ward and calls for increased efforts to ensure more rational use of these drugs.

Dissimilar Associations Between Stunting and Low Ponderosity Defined Through Weight for Height (Wasting) or Body Mass Index for Age (Thinness) in Under-Five Children

Background: Wasting and stunting commonly coexist, supposedly due to biological and social mechanisms. In under-five children, low-ponderosity is defined as <–2SD of WHO standards for either weight for height (wasted) or body mass index for age (thin) metrics. Unlike body mass index for age, weight for height ignores physiological changes in ponderosity with age, resulting in overestimation of wasting in comparison to thinness in under-5 populations with high stunting prevalence. This suggests a plausible statistical explanation for the wasting-stunting association. Aim: To test the null hypothesis that wasting-stunting (WaSt) and thinness-stunting (ThSt) associations are similar. Methods: Demographic Health Survey datasets (2010-2020) from South and South-East Asia (7 countries) and Sub-Saharan Africa (13 countries) were evaluated. WaSt and ThSt associations were estimated as odds ratio (OR) for individual datasets, which was pooled (random-effects meta-analysis). Stratified analyses were done for sex, age and region. Results: Young infants (0-6 months) comprised 8-14% of underfive children, with equal representation of boys and girls. Participants, especially Asians, were mostly shorter with lower ponderosity than WHO standards. WaSt prevalence was higher than ThSt in the 6-59 months age group, but lower in young infants. Pooled WaSt estimates were not significant: Asia (OR 0.95; 95% CI 0.75-1.14), Africa (1.17; 0.95-1.40), and combined (1.09; 0.93-1.24). In contrast, pooled ThSt associations were significantly negative: Asia (0.63; 0.50-0.76), Africa (0.82; 0.68-0.96), and combined (0.75; 0.65-0.85). In girls, these associations were attenuated for WaSt (0.96; 0.8-1.1), but enhanced for ThSt (0.6; 0.5-0.7). Conclusion: WaSt and ThSt associations are dissimilar. This suggests a primary statistical explanation for the reported wasting-stunting association, originating from ignoring physiological changes with age.

Nutrition, physical activity and psychological status during lockdown due to Covid-19

Aim of the present study was to assess physical activity, nutrition and psychological status of the population during lockdown due to covid-19. Online survey was conductedamong 534 participants within the age range of 16-78 years using convenient sampling. Participantsfrom varied regions within India and abroad were enrolled for the present study. Volunteered participants were solicited to take part in a survey that has to be carried out by filling an online questionnaire form available to them as a URL link in the invitation through WhatsApp/Messenger. The gathered data has been compiled, coded and cleaned using Microsoft Excel. Analysis has been carried out employing descriptive and inferential statistics in SPSS 17.0.Majority of participants in the studied population showed significant change in their nutrition and physical activity status due to lockdown. Covid-19 lockdown did limit their daily activities. It also had impacted their psychological status.The current investigation accentuates the need to pursue suitable life style for the maintenance of optimum metabolism and physiology. Sticking to more regular timetable of meals, effective management of stress levels and continued physical activity during the quarantine and in all the following phases of living is desirable.

Desigining Crown Contour In Fixed Prosthodontics : A Neglected Arena.

Clinical longevity of any prosthesis is directly related in achieving proper coronal contours. This involves close attention to detail between periodontal and prosthodontic principles during the fabrication of the prosthesis. If not done properly, iatrogenic problems may occur such as "food traps" from open contacts, overhangs, or plunging cusps. This leads to plaque accumulation, inflammation, bleeding, potential bone loss (periodontitis) thus leading to severe periodontal problems. If certain principles of placement of gingival margins and interproximal embrasures are not closely adhered to, an overcontoured restoration may act as a nidus in the rapid failure of the prosthesis.