Giardia lamblia-infected preschoolers present growth delays independent of the assemblage A, B or E

BACKGROUND Intestinal parasite Giardia can affect children's physical development mainly stunting even in asymptomatic cases. The protozoa G. lamblia is divided into assemblages A-H. However, it is still unclear whether clinical manifestations and pathogenesis may vary according to the infecting assemblage. OBJECTIVES To investigate whether G. lamblia assemblages influence differently the physical development of preschoolers from a community of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. METHODS Anthropometric parameters were analysed from children attending a daycare centre and stool samples were obtained for the G. lamblia diagnosis. G. lamblia isolates from positive samples were genotyped. Data were analysed in order to verify whether there is a relationship between G. lamblia infection and the physical development of children according to the assemblage. FINDINGS Herein we demonstrated that although eutrophic, G. lamblia-infected daycare preschoolers from a low-income community presented growth delay compared to non-infected ones. This effect was observed for the three assemblages (A, B or E) found infecting humans. MAIN CONCLUSION G. lamblia causes growth delays on children independent of infecting assemblage (A, B or E).

Evaluación de la calidad y frecuencia de consumo del desayuno en estudiantes secundarios de las ciudades de Arequito y Gálvez (Santa Fe) / Assessment of breakfast quality and frequency of consumption in high school students from Arequito and Gálvez (Santa Fe)

Resumen Introducción: se considera al desayuno como la comida más importante del día a través de la cual se vehiculizan nutrientes sustanciales. Es difícil conseguir una alimentación diaria correcta si éste se omite. El objetivo de la presente investigación fue evaluar la frecuencia y calidad del desayuno de los adolescentes de entre 16 y 18 años que asisten a una escuela en el turno mañana, en relación a aquellos que asisten a una escuela en el turno tarde. Objetivo: evaluar la frecuencia y la calidad del desayuno de adolescentes escolarizados en una escuela secundaria pública de Arequito y en una escuela privada de Gálvez (provincia de Santa Fe). Materiales y método: se realizó un estudio de tipo observacional, descriptivo y transversal. Se encuestaron un total de 177 estudiantes de ambos sexos (16-18 años) utilizando un cuestionario auto-administrado elaborado por las autoras para conocer los alimentos ingeridos en el desayuno y evaluar su calidad. Se consideró un desayuno de buena calidad aquel que incluía al menos un alimento del grupo de los lácteos, cereales y frutas. Los resultados se presentan en forma tabular con frecuencias absolutas y porcentuales. Resultados: 60,9% (n=28) del total de encuestados en el turno mañana realizaban el desayuno siempre de lunes a viernes, un 32,6% (n=15) lo hacía entre 2 y 4 veces por semana y un 6,9% (n=3) lo hacía menos de 2 veces. En relación al turno tarde, un 41,3% (n=45) desayunó todos los días, el 50,5% (n=55) entre 2 y 4 veces y 8,2% (n=9) lo hacía menos de 2 veces. Un 74% (n=34) de los alumnos del turno mañana que desayunó al menos una vez en la semana, consumió un desayuno de calidad buena o mejorable, mientras que en el 26% (n=12) fue de calidad insuficiente o mala. La mayoría de los adolescentes del turno tarde (83,5%, n= 91) consumió un desayuno de calidad buena o mejorable y sólo el 16,5% (n=18) evidenció una calidad de desayuno insuficiente o mala. Conclusión: no se hallaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la frecuencia de realización del desayuno según turno. Tanto para el turno mañana como para el turno tarde, lo más usual fue que los alumnos desayunaran siempre.

Abstract Introduction: breakfast is considered the most important meal of the day, through which substantial nutrients are conveyed. It is difficult to get a correct daily diet if it is omitted. The objective of this research was to evaluate the frequency and quality of breakfast in adolescents between 16 and 18 years old who attend school in the morning shift, in relation to those who attend school in the afternoon shift. Objective: to evaluate the frequency and quality of breakfast for adolescents enrolled in a state secondary school in Arequito and in a private school in Gálvez (Santa Fe). Materials and Method: an observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out. A total of 177 students of both sexes (16-18 years) were surveyed using a self-administered questionnaire prepared by the authors to know the food eaten at breakfast and assess its quality. A good quality breakfast was considered one that included at least one food from the group of dairy, cereal and fruit group. The results are presented in tabular form with absolute and percentage frequencies. Results: 60.9% (n=28) of the total number of respondents in the morning shift always had breakfast from Monday to Friday, 32,6% (n=15) did it between 2 and 4 times a week and 6,9% (n=3) did so less than 2 times. In relation to the afternoon shift, 41,3% (n=45) ate breakfast every day, 50,5% (n=55) between 2 and 4 times and 8,2% (n=9) had it less than 2 times. 74% (n=34) of the students on the morning shift who ate breakfast at least once a week, consumed a breakfast of good or improvable quality, while in 26% (n=12) it was of insufficient or bad quality. The majority of the adolescents on the afternoon shift (83,5%, n=91) consumed a breakfast of good or improvable quality, and only 16.5% (n=18) showed insufficient or poor quality of breakfast. Conclusion: no statistically significant differences were found in the frequency of breakfast according to shift. For both the morning shift and the afternoon shift, the most common thing was that the students always had breakfast.

Pre-schoolers bronchial asthma in the primary health care centres: physicians' knowledge and practice in Jazan region Saudi Arabia

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and practice of primary health care (PHC) physicians in the diagnosis and management of preschoolers' bronchial asthma in Jazan region in Saudi Arabia.Methods: A survey of 106 primary care physicians practicing in Jazan region was conducted. Domains that assessed include asthma causes, diagnosis, management, and prognosis. Item formats included self-reports through online version questionnaire during the period December 2018 to February 2019.Results: Among 72% of participants were general practitioners, with about 60% were mid-level experience (1-10 years), overall PHC physician level of knowledge and practice was moderate level, and the knowledge was significantly affected by grade of specialty, years of experience, and the number of bronchial asthma patients seen in the last three months in the center. This study showed mis concepts and mal practices of PHC physicians as 57% of them considered prescribing antibiotics during asthma attacks, while 72% agreed that anti-cough therapy is helpful in asthma like symptoms.Conclusions: This study proves that PHC physician in Jazan region are moderately aware of preschoolers' bronchial asthma if compared to studies done in other regions of Saudi Arabia. There are certain practices and concepts regarding preschooler's asthma that need to be revised. Raising the awareness regarding adherence to guidelines of pediatrics bronchial asthma mandates more attention and advocacy.

The role of body fat in the relationship of cardiorespiratory fitness with cardiovascular risk factors in Brazilian children

To analyze the association between the percentage of body fat and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) with cardiovascular risk factors in children, and; to examine whether percentage of body fat acts as a mediator on the association between CRF and cardiovascular risk factor. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 128 children aged 7-11 years (Mean 8.54, SD: 1.42). The following variables were evaluated: the percentage of body fat, CRF, diastolic and systolic blood pressure, glucose, triglycerides (TG) and total cholesterol. For statistical analysis were performed Partial correlation and mediation analysis. All analysis was adjusted for sex, age and height. Results: CRF, the percentage of body fat, mean arterial pressure (MAP) and TG showed a correlation between each other. Percentage of body fat mediated the association between CRF and MAP (Indirect Effect= -0.008; IC: -0.0159 -0.0030), explaining 29% of this association. However, it was found that the percentage of body fat was not a mediator of the association between CRF and TG. Conclusion: The percentage of body fat mediates the association between CRF and MAP. Our findings show that the importance of a healthy body composition for the prevention of high blood pressure levels in childhood as well as the relevance of physical activity on these parameters.(AU)

Uso de inventários comportamentais para a avaliação socioemocional em idade pré-escolar / The use of rating scales in the social-emotional assessment of pre-schoolers / Uso de inventarios conductuales para la evaluación socioemocional en edad preescolar

Os últimos 30 anos pautam-se por um aumento do interesse pela avaliação do desenvolvimento/funcionamento socioemocional das crianças em idade pré-escolar. Porém, a avaliação dessa população mais nova, com características específicas (exemplo, vocabulário limitado), exige o recurso a uma abordagem distinta da utilizada com crianças em idade escolar/adultos. Nesse contexto, a utilizaçãode escalas de avaliação/inventários comportamentais tem assumido um lugar de destaque. O presente artigo tem por objetivo salientara importância da utilização de escalas de avaliação enquanto medidas do funcionamento socioemocional de crianças pré-escolares. A análise crítica efetuada indica que, apesar de diversas vantagens (exemplo, tempo de aplicação e custos reduzidos), existem também algumas limitações inerentes ao uso desse tipo de instrumento de avaliação (exemplo, tendência de resposta), sendo apontadas recomendações para uma utilização mais eficaz.

The last 30 years are ruled by an increased interest in the assessment of the social-emotional development/functioning of preschool children. However, the assessment of this younger population, with specific characteristics (example, restricted vocabulary), requiresthe use of a distinct approach from the one used with school age children/adults. In this context, the use of rating scales has assumeda prominent role. The present paper aims to highlight the importance of rating scales as a measure of preschoolers’ social-emotional functioning. The critical review indicates that, despite several advantages (example, brevity and cost efficiency), there are also some limitations related to this kind of assessment instrument (example, bias of response), and recommendations for its efficient use are pointed out.

Los últimos 30 años son impulsados por un creciente interés en la evaluación del desarrollo/funcionamiento socioemocional de los niños en edad preescolar. Todavia, la evaluación de esa población tan joven, que posee características específicas (ejemplo, vocabulario limitado), exige un enfoque diferente de aquel que se utiliza con niños en edad escolar/adultos. En ese contexto, el uso de escalasde evaluación/inventarios conductuales ha pasado a ocupar un lugar destacado. El objetivo de este artículo es poner de manifiestola importancia de la utilización de escalas de evaluación como medidas del funcionamiento socioemocional de los niños en edad preescolar. El análisis crítico realizado revela que a pesar de poseer una serie de ventajas (ejemplo, tiempo de aplicación y costereducido), ese tipo de instrumento de evaluación tiene también algunas limitaciones inherentes (ejemplo, el sesgo de respuesta), porlo que se aportan recomendaciones para una utilización más eficaz.

Uso del chupete de entretención en la primera infancia y su influencia en el desarrollo posterior de sobrepeso y obesidad entre los 5 y 18 años de edad / Pacifier use in early childhood and its influence on further development of overweight and obesity between 5 and 18 years old

Para evaluar el efecto que tendría el uso del chupete de entretención durante los primeros 5 años de vida sobre el peso futuro de esos niños entre los 5 y 18 años de edad, se evaluó el estado nutricional de 400 niños de 5 a 18 años en una consulta pediátrica general privada y se les investigó mediante encuesta a la madre, sobre el uso del chupete y tiempo de su uso entre el ano y los 5 años de edad. En el grupo que no usó chupete, los varones representaron un 48% las ninas 52%; 62,3% tenían sobrepeso y 16,6% presentó obesidad. En el grupo que si usó chupete, los varones representaron el 53,8% las niñas un 46.2% y el 30,7% tenía sobrepeso y sólo 5,3% presentó obesidad. Los grupos fueron comparables en sexo y edad. No se encontraron diferencias por sexo en el uso del chupete. El porcentaje de niños eutróficos, fue significativamente mayor en el grupo que usó chupete en relación a los niños que no usaron chupete. El porcentaje de niños con sobrepeso u obesidad fue significativamente mayor en el grupo de niños que no usaron chupete en relación a los niños que usaron chupete. Tanto el análisis bivariado como el logístico multivariado, considerando el uso del chupete como variable dependiente, el estado nutricional, sexo y edad, son consistentes en que sólo la variable estado nutricional se asoció al uso del chupete.

The potential effect of the use pacifier of use during the first 5 years of life on the weight of the child between 5 and 18 years of age was assessed. The nutritional status of 400 children between 5 and 18 years of age in a private pediatric practice was investigated by questioning the mother on pacifier use between one and 5 years of age. In the group that did not use pacifier, males accounted for 48%, girls for 52%, and 62.3% were overweight and 16.6% obese. In the group using a pacifier, males accounted for 53.8%, girls 46.2% and 30.7% were overweight and only 5,3% were obese. The groups were comparable in age and sex and there were no gender differences in the use of pacifiers. The percentage of eutrophic children was significantly higher in the group who used a pacifier in relation to the one who did not. The prevalence of overweight or obesity was significantly higher in the group of children who did not use a pacifier in relation to children who used a pacifier. Both bivariate and multivariate logistic analysis, considering the use of a pacifier as a dependent variable and nutritional status, sex and age, are consistent in that only the variable nutritional status was associated with pacifier use.

Comparison of food and nutrient intake between weekday and weekend for elementary and middle school students by gender in Busan and some parts of Kyungsangnamdo / 한국영양학회지

The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional status of elementary and middle school students by gender with an emphasis on comparison of nutritional intake between weekday and weekend. Survey construct included one 24-hour diet recall and two diet records, short food frequency questionnaire, and anthropometry. Eating behaviors and nutritional intake were largely different for four groups divided by age and gender: ME, FE, MM, and FM. Frequency of consumption of healthful foods was significantly higher in the ME and FE groups. The highest and lowest scores for frequency of eating with parents were observed in the FE and FM groups, respectively. The amount of consumption of food groups was lower on weekends than on weekdays and this trend was more prominent in elementary schoolers compared with middle schoolers. In terms of food group consumption as well as energy and nutrient intake, the ME group showed the greatest differences between weekday and weekend, followed by FE, MM, and FM, in descending order. A significantly higher amount of potassium, phosphorus, and calcium was consumed on weekdays than on the weekend in the ME and FE groups. The amount of energy and nutrient intake was smallest in the FM group; however, the difference between weekday and weekend was minimal as well. In comparison of the subjects' energy and nutrient intake with their Korean Dietary Reference Intakes values (%KDRI), the MM group showed the most undesirable results for energy, protein, dietary fiber, vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, niacin, vitamin B6, calcium, and zinc. Overall, findings indicated that nutritional intake status may differ between weekday and weekend for elementary and middle schoolers by gender, suggesting that youth may benefit from nutritional education programs that stress the impact of gender and weekend effect on their dietary intake.

Estudio de la vinculación que tienen los niños y niñas escolares con sus perros y los efectos socioemocionales de este vínculo / The bond between school-age children and their dogs, and the socioemotional effects of this bond

Estudios internacionales avalan los beneficios de la tenencia de mascotas en la calidad de vida de los niños, sin embargo, en Chile no hay investigaciones sobre este tema. Por eso, el objetivo de este estudio fue investigar la vinculación que tienen los niños y niñas escolares con sus perros y los efectos sociemocionales de este vínculo, específicamente en relación al autoconcepto y percepción de apoyo social. Aparecen diferencias con resultados de investigaciones internacionales, ya que no se observa una diferencia significativa en autoconcepto o percepción de apoyo social entre niños con y sin perro. No obstante, aparece como significativo el que niños con un autoconcepto más bajo en popularidad muestran un vínculo más cercano con sus mascotas que aquellos que se perciben como populares.

Numerous international studies have proved that owning a pet can enhance the quality of life of school-age children; however, there have been no such studies in Chile. The objective of the present study is to analyzes the bond between school-age children and their dogs, and the socioemotional effects of such bond, in particular as it relates to self-identity and the perception of social support. Some differences appear in the results of international studies, in the sense that no significant difference can be observed in terms of self-identity or perceived social support between children who own a dog and children who don’t. However, it is significant that children who perceive themselves as unpopular have a stronger bond with their pets than those who perceive themselves as popular.

Development of a Semi-Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire for Pre-school Children in Korea / 대한지역사회영양학회지

The purpose of the study was to develop and evaluate the reliability of a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (SFFQ) intended to measure mainly nutrient intake (energy, protein, fat, calcium and iron) related to growth in pre-schoolers in Korea. Based on foods with up to 90 cumulative percent contribution of the 5 nutrients, we developed a SFFQ for 86 foods. In order to evaluate the reliability of both nutrient and food intakes, caregivers of a sample of 101 children aged 4 to 6 years completed the SFFQ repeatedly at 3 month intervals. There were small differences in the nutrient intakes assessed by the SFFQ ranging from 0.55% to 9.91%. There were no significant differences in nutrient values calculated from the repeat questionnaires, except in the case of niacin and vitamin C. The Pearson correlation coefficients of most of the nutrients ranged form 0.54 to 0.75 (mean = 0.66). When energy intake was adjusted, there was approximately a 0.2 decrease in the correlation coefficient of most nutrients, due to the high correlation of energy intake with other nutrients (r=0.7-0.9). The amount of food intake differed by 0.1 to 66.4% (mean = 17.5%), depending on the food item. Out of 86 foods, 74 foods (86%) showed less than a 30% difference in intake and 30 foods (35%) showed less than a 10% difference. Only 6 (7%) out of the 86 foods presented statistically significant differences in intake. The Spearman correlation coefficients of most food intakes assessed repeatedly by the SFFQ ranged from 0.4 to 0.7. Reproducibility of the nutrient and food intakes found in this study was better or similar to those found in cases of Korean adults. Therefore, the SFFQ developed in the present study can be a useful tool to assess the dietary intake of pre-schoolers in Korea.