Handling classroom hunger : comparing modes of mid-day meal delivery in Anekal block, Karnataka

: The Mid-Day Meal (MDM) is an important nutrition-specific intervention of the Government of India, providing a specified quantum of food and calories for children in primary schools across the country. The New Education Policy (2020) reiterates the importance of ensuring that childhood flourishing is not impeded by classroom hunger. There are currently several models for providing the MDM in schools – either through kitchens established within the schools or through an external agency (NGO). The study aimed to evaluate the impact of a quality-controlled mid-day meal program from a centralized kitchen on children’s nutritional indicators and learning outcomes, in comparison to the standard meal provided by government/NGOs. In addition, the study looked at household characteristics of students to determine their impact on children’s nutritional outcomes. The study was conducted in Anekal block in Bangalore district, Karnataka, and looked at the difference in nutritional outcomes of children in schools where the MDM was a) cooked within the school; b) provided by Akshay Patra, and c) provided by an alternate NGO. Anthropometric measures were taken of children in 16 government schools, as well as their learning outcomes in Kannada and Mathematics. In addition, household characteristics were recorded. The findings show that children in primary school are at nutritional risk, and MDM is a key intervention that can make a material difference. Ensuring that this meal is wholesome, nutritious and adequate is critical. Of the three sources of MDM studied, students in schools supplied by Akshay Patra were found to be statistically significantly better off in terms of standard anthropometric measures. Taste and hygiene are important determinants of whether children eat the MDM. A simple regression analysis of children’s/household characteristics and BMI revealed the following significant coefficients at the .05 level: gender, type of kitchen (Akshay Patra), age of the child, mother’s weight, availability of ration card and consumption of green, leafy vegetables by the index child. Regarding the relationship between nutritional status and learning outcomes, the data did not show any correlation between learning outcomes and BMI status in any of the groups by gender or class. India’s mid-day meal scheme is the largest scheme of its type globally. To reap its full benefit, the government needs to focus on improving its quality and nutritional value, and thereby enhance its impact. In addition, the outreach of nutritional support programs that enhance household availability of food, such as the Public Distribution System, should be expanded. The paper also argues for better management of schools: our data show a strong relationship between learning outcomes and overall school management; and demonstrates that it has implications for the MDM delivery model selected by the school. This reinforces the importance of putting more resources towards strengthening school management capacity, for the positive impacts on both nutritional and learning outcomes

First appearance deceives many: disentangling the Hemidactylus triedrus species complex using an integrated approach

The gekkonid lizard genus Hemidactylus Oken is the second most species-rich genus of geckos with greatest diversity in the tropical regions of the world. Some species of the genus are commensal and widespread; however, there are several endemic lineages with restricted distribution. India is home to at least 35 species, with 20 endemic species and the number is steadily increasing with exploration of new habitats and integrated taxonomic approach including molecular data. We made investigations into the molecular and morphological variation throughout the distribution of Hemidactylus triedrus Daudin, 1802 based on fresh specimens, literature review, museum material and molecular data. Results from morphological, molecular and micro-CT based anatomical data are unequivocal and show that H. triedrus is a species complex represented by three species, H. triedrus sensu stricto and two undescribed taxa. H. subtriedrus Jerdon, 1854 syn. nov. was found to be morphologically similar to the type specimen of H. triedrus, and genetically embedded in a clade containing H. triedrus sensu stricto and is here treated as a junior synonym of H. triedrus, whereas H. lankae Deraniyagala is referred to as nomen dubium given that the types are presently not traceable and the original description is inadequate in diagnosing the taxon. The populations from western-central India and parts of Pakistan, and from southern Karnataka are distinct and diagnosable, and are herein described as two new species, respectively. Morphological and molecular data support the distinctiveness of the new species. The present work resolves a taxonomic turmoil that lasted over two centuries highlighting the need for studies that integrate morphological and molecular data

Handling classroom hunger : comparing modes of mid-day meal delivery in Anekal block, Karnataka

: The Mid-Day Meal (MDM) is an important nutrition-specific intervention of the Government of India, providing a specified quantum of food and calories for children in primary schools across the country. The New Education Policy (2020) reiterates the importance of ensuring that childhood flourishing is not impeded by classroom hunger. There are currently several models for providing the MDM in schools – either through kitchens established within the schools or through an external agency (NGO). The study aimed to evaluate the impact of a quality-controlled mid-day meal program from a centralized kitchen on children’s nutritional indicators and learning outcomes, in comparison to the standard meal provided by government/NGOs. In addition, the study looked at household characteristics of students to determine their impact on children’s nutritional outcomes. The study was conducted in Anekal block in Bangalore district, Karnataka, and looked at the difference in nutritional outcomes of children in schools where the MDM was a) cooked within the school; b) provided by Akshay Patra, and c) provided by an alternate NGO. Anthropometric measures were taken of children in 16 government schools, as well as their learning outcomes in Kannada and Mathematics. In addition, household characteristics were recorded. The findings show that children in primary school are at nutritional risk, and MDM is a key intervention that can make a material difference. Ensuring that this meal is wholesome, nutritious and adequate is critical. Of the three sources of MDM studied, students in schools supplied by Akshay Patra were found to be statistically significantly better off in terms of standard anthropometric measures. Taste and hygiene are important determinants of whether children eat the MDM. A simple regression analysis of children’s/household characteristics and BMI revealed the following significant coefficients at the .05 level: gender, type of kitchen (Akshay Patra), age of the child, mother’s weight, availability of ration card and consumption of green, leafy vegetables by the index child. Regarding the relationship between nutritional status and learning outcomes, the data did not show any correlation between learning outcomes and BMI status in any of the groups by gender or class. India’s mid-day meal scheme is the largest scheme of its type globally. To reap its full benefit, the government needs to focus on improving its quality and nutritional value, and thereby enhance its impact. In addition, the outreach of nutritional support programs that enhance household availability of food, such as the Public Distribution System, should be expanded. The paper also argues for better management of schools: our data show a strong relationship between learning outcomes and overall school management; and demonstrates that it has implications for the MDM delivery model selected by the school. This reinforces the importance of putting more resources towards strengthening school management capacity, for the positive impacts on both nutritional and learning outcomes

Comparative evaluation of efficacy of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, maleic acid, and dimercaptosuccinic acid against the combination of these with sodium hypochlorite for removal of smear layer: An in vitro scanning electron microscope study

Context: The effect of dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) and maleic acid (MA) when used alone on smear layer has been evaluated with mixed results, but their effect when combined with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) has not been studied. Aim: To compare the effectiveness of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, MA, and DMSA against the combination of these with NaOCl in the removal of smear layer. Settings and Design: n = 4pq/L2 q = 1 − p p = Incident rate L = Allowable error. Methods: One hundred and forty extracted, anterior teeth were radiovisiographically assessed. Access preparation was done; apical patency was established. Cleaning and shaping was accomplished using step-back technique. The specimens were randomly allocated as per the final irrigation protocol. After final irrigation, teeth were prepared for scanning electron microscope analysis, and the middle and apical thirds of radicular dentin were evaluated at ×1000 for evaluation of severity of occlusion of dentinal tubules with smear layer. Statistical Analysis: The data were statistically analyzed using the Student's t-test and kappa test. Results: For combined irrigation, 10% DMSA * NaOCl was significantly better than all other groups both in the middle third and the apical third. It was more effective in the middle third than at apical third. Conclusion: Ten percent DMSA in combination with NaOCl removes the smear layer more effectively at both the middle and apical third

Plexiform Unicystic Ameloblastoma: A Rare Variant of Ameloblastoma

The term plexiform unicystic ameloblastoma refers to a pattern of epithelial proliferation that has been described in cystic cavity. Because of unilocular presentation, it is commonly misdiagnosed as an odontogenic cyst. However, they may often behave clinically as biologically aggressive tumors. These tumors show high incidence of cortical perforation, tooth resorption and a high rate of recurrence after simple enucleation. This paper aims to provide an insight into this biologically distinct entity. A literature review on the topic has been added along with a case report highlighting the approach of diagnosis and management of such ameloblastomas

First appearance deceives many: disentangling the Hemidactylus triedrus species complex using an integrated approach

<p><b>First appearance deceives many: disentangling the <i>Hemidactylus triedrus </i>species complex using an integrated approach </b></p

Long-term cardiac (valvulopathy) safety of cabergoline in prolactinoma

Background: Clinical relevance of association of cabergoline use for hyperprolactinemia and cardiac valvulopathy remains unclear. Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of valvular heart abnormalities in patients taking cabergoline for the treatment of prolactinoma and to explore any associations with the cumulative dose of drug used. Design: A cross-sectional echocardiographic study was performed in patients who were receiving cabergoline therapy for prolactinoma. Results: Hundred (61 females, 39 males) prolactinoma cases (81 macroprolactinoma and 19 microprolactinoma) were included in the study. The mean age at presentation was 33.9 ± 9.0 years (range: 16–58 years). The mean duration of treatment was 53.11 ± 43.15 months (range: 12–155 months). The mean cumulative dose was 308.6 ± 290.2 mg (range: 26–1196 mg; interquartile range: 104–416 mg). Mild mitral regurgitation was present in one patient (cumulative cabergoline dose 104 mg). Mild tricuspid regurgitation was present in another two patients (cumulative cabergoline dose 52 mg and 104 mg). Aortic and pulmonary valve functioning was normal in all the cases. There were no cases of significant valvular regurgitation (moderate to severe, Grade 3–4). None of the patients had morphological abnormalities such as thickening, calcification, and restricted mobility of any of the cardiac valves. Conclusion: Cabergoline appears to be safe in patients with prolactinoma up to the cumulative dose of ~300 mg. The screening for valvulopathy should be restricted to those with higher cumulative cabergoline exposure