INFLUENCE OF DIFFERENT DRYING TECHNIQUES ON PHYSIOCHEMICAL AND NUTRITIONAL QUALITY OF MAIZE (Zea mays) GRAIN

Objectives: This study attempt to investigate the appropriate drying methods for post-harvest storage of maize grains with preserving important quality and physiochemical characteristics. Methods: The maize samples were dried using different drying methods such as field drying, greenhouse drying, solar drying, direct fire drying, hot air drying, and forced air drying. Further, the dried maize grains were analyzed for physical parameters of bulk density, particle density, porosity, specific gravity, shrinkage, and color. The proximate composition of dried maize grains was analyzed for crude protein, fiber, fat content, moisture, and ash content. Results: There were significant differences (p<0.05) observed for bulk density, particle density, porosity, specific gravity, shrinkage, and color between different drying techniques. When considering proximate analysis, protein, moisture, and ash content were shown significant differences (p<0.05) between different drying methods. Whereas, fat and fiber content of samples were not shown a significant difference (p>0.05) for different drying methods. Conclusion: Different drying methods affect the quality and physiochemical properties of maize grains. Among different drying techniques, the forced air oven drying method preserved physiochemical and nutritional properties considerably compared to other drying techniques

Regular breakfast and blood lead levels among preschool children

Background: Previous studies have shown that fasting increases lead absorption in the gastrointestinal tract of adults. Regular meals/snacks are recommended as a nutritional intervention for lead poisoning in children, but epidemiological evidence of links between fasting and blood lead levels (B-Pb) is rare. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between eating a regular breakfast and B-Pb among children using data from the China Jintan Child Cohort Study. Methods. Parents completed a questionnaire regarding children's breakfast-eating habit (regular or not), demographics, and food frequency. Whole blood samples were collected from 1,344 children for the measurements of B-Pb and micronutrients (iron, copper, zinc, calcium, and magnesium). B-Pb and other measures were compared between children with and without regular breakfast. Linear regression modeling was used to evaluate the association between regular breakfast and log-transformed B-Pb. The association between regular breakfast and risk of lead poisoning (B-Pb10 g/dL) was examined using logistic regression modeling. Results: Median B-Pb among children who ate breakfast regularly and those who did not eat breakfast regularly were 6.1 g/dL and 7.2 g/dL, respectively. Eating breakfast was also associated with greater zinc blood levels. Adjusting for other relevant factors, the linear regression model revealed that eating breakfast regularly was significantly associated with lower B-Pb (beta = -0.10 units of log-transformed B-Pb compared with children who did not eat breakfast regularly, p = 0.02). Conclusion: The present study provides some initial human data supporting the notion that eating a regular breakfast might reduce B-Pb in young children. To our knowledge, this is the first human study exploring the association between breakfast frequency and B-Pb in young children. © 2011 Liu et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd

Late presentation of congenital muscular torticollis in siblings

Congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) is the third most common congenital musculoskeletal anomaly seen in children. It is a condition in which the affected sternocleidomastoid muscle becomes a fibrosed cord with associated shortening of the muscle. This leads to an ipsilateral side tilt of the neck and contralateral rotation of the face and chin to the other side. Apart from surgery various other treatment modalities are used to treat this condition. We present two siblings of Sudanese nationality with manifestation of Congenital Muscular Torticollis, a male child and female child at the age of 12 and 10 years respectively. Both had CMT of the right sternomastoid muscle. Both were delivered normally. They did not undergo any form of physiotherapy or surgical procedure since birth. Because of this neglected circumstances, the facial asymmetry and deformity were severe. Both the siblings were operated in our hospital with satisfactory result on follow up. Management for CMT starts during the early infancy and physiotherapy is the main treatment for this condition. But some of these CMT children may need surgical intervention to prevent further deterioration of cranial deformity and facial asymmetry. If these children are neglected and present later in life, they will have severe facial deformity with its associated sequelae. These patients are usually managed by other specialities worldwide. But awareness of these conditions is required among paediatric surgeons, as some of these children may be referred to them for treatment. In our case report we have also described various other modalities of treatment for this condition