Iron and zinc content of selected foods in the diet of schoolchildren in Kumi district, east of Uganda: a cross-sectional study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Iron and zinc are essential micronutrients for humans and deficiency of the two elements is widespread in the world with the highest prevalence in less developed countries. There are few data on dietary intake of iron and zinc in Uganda, and no food composition table is available. There is hardly any widely published literature that clearly documents the quality of Ugandan children's diet. Thus information of both food intake and the concentration of these trace elements in local food ingredients are needed in order to assess daily intake.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The present study focused on the iron and zinc content in selected foods and intake of the micronutrients iron and zinc among schoolchildren in Kumi District, Uganda. Over a period of 4 weeks single 24-hour dietary recall interviews were carried out on a convenience sample of 178 schoolchildren (9-15 years old). Data from the dietary recalls was used when selecting foods for chemical analysis.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Results from this study showed that the iron concentrations varied, and were high in some cereals and vegetables. The zinc concentrations in foods generally corresponded with results from other African countries (Mali and Kenya). Data from the 24-hour dietary recall showed that the daily Recommended Nutrient Intake (RNI) was met for iron but not for zinc.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The schoolchildren of Kumi district had a predominantly vegetable based diet. Foods of animal origin were consumed occasionally. The iron content in the selected foods was high and variable, and higher than in similar ingredients from Kenya and Mali, while the zinc concentrations were generally in accordance with reported values. The total daily zinc (mg) intake does not meet the daily RNI. The iron intake is adequate according to RNI, but due to iron contamination and reduced bioavailability, RNI may not be met in a vegetable based diet. More studies are needed to investigate possible sources of contamination.</p

Global diversity and antimicrobial resistance of typhoid fever pathogens: Insights from a meta-analysis of 13,000 Salmonella Typhi genomes

Background: The Global Typhoid Genomics Consortium was established to bring together the typhoid research community to aggregate and analyse Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (Typhi) genomic data to inform public health action. This analysis, which marks 22 years since the publication of the first Typhi genome, represents the largest Typhi genome sequence collection to date (n=13,000). Methods: This is a meta-analysis of global genotype and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) determinants extracted from previously sequenced genome data and analysed using consistent methods implemented in open analysis platforms GenoTyphi and Pathogenwatch. Results: Compared with previous global snapshots, the data highlight that genotype 4.3.1 (H58) has not spread beyond Asia and Eastern/Southern Africa; in other regions, distinct genotypes dominate and have independently evolved AMR. Data gaps remain in many parts of the world, and we show the potential of travel-associated sequences to provide informal ‘sentinel’ surveillance for such locations. The data indicate that ciprofloxacin non-susceptibility (>1 resistance determinant) is widespread across geographies and genotypes, with high-level ciprofloxacin resistance (=3 determinants) reaching 20% prevalence in South Asia. Extensively drug-resistant (XDR) typhoid has becomedominant in Pakistan (70% in 2020) but has not yet become established elsewhere. Ceftriaxone resistance has emerged in eight non-XDR genotypes, including a ciprofloxacin-resistant lineage (4.3.1.2.1) in India. Azithromycin resistance mutations were detected at low prevalence in South Asia, including in two common ciprofloxacin-resistant genotypes. Conclusions: The consortium’s aim is to encourage continued data sharing and collaboration to monitor the emergence and global spread of AMR Typhi, and to inform decision-making around the introduction of typhoid conjugate vaccines (TCVs) and other prevention and control strategies

Molecular dynamics simulations of non-equilibrium systems

Peer reviewe

Scholars Journal of Medical Case Reports ISSN 2347-9507 (Print) Tuberculosis of the Clavicle Presenting As Nonhealing Sinus: A Case Report &amp; Review of Literature

Abstract An unusual case of skeletal tuberculosis, presenting as an nonhealing sinus medial end of the clavicle is presented. With re-appearance of tuberculosis as an important infection worldwide, and the ability of this disease to mimic other skeletal pathology, this is to be remembered in the differential diagnosis, especially at unusual sites

RS-based regional crop identification and mapping: A case study of Barwala sub-branch of Western Yamuna Canal in Haryana (India)

182-186Information on spatial land use is the main input in strategic and tactical plan-making by all agricultural participants in countries like India with agriculture at the mainstay of the economy. In addition, accurately evaluation of the management of crops in a spatio-temporal context, information on cropping systems is also required, but such information on a regional scale are scarcely available. The spectrum of multiannual patterns of land use on cultivable land, however, remains unknown. The paper thus focuses on the mapping of the cropping systems that are actually practiced in Hisar District of Haryana (India). The objective of this research was to use satellite data and Remote Sensing (RS) techniques to identify the cropping pattern of Barwala sub-branch of Sirsa branch of the Western Yamuna Canal in Haryana. To identify classes of interest, handheld GPS was used to collect ground-truth information. Mask of mixed classes was developed to reclassify an image under the mask. Moreover, appropriate classification of images and application of logical combinations helped in generating cropping pattern maps and statistics. Results revealed that major crops identified in the study area were cotton, rice and pearl-millet in Kharif season, which accounts for about 70% of total cultivated area. In the case of Rabi season, wheat and mustard were observed as the major crops covering approximately 57% of total area. RS technology is currently capable of providing cropping pattern with 90% accuracy. The results of the current study could be useful in the land use and efficient water management in the canal command areas in the water-scarce southern Haryana, India. Some crops like guar, pearl-millet, horticultural crops, etc. were also identified during this period but the major crops that were identified during Kharif season were Rice and Cotton