Clinical Study Efficacy of Multiple Micronutrients Fortified Milk Consumption on Iron Nutritional Status in Moroccan Schoolchildren

Iron deficiency constitutes a major public health problem in Morocco, mainly among women and children. The aim of our paper is to assess the efficacy of consumption of multiple micronutrients (MMN) fortified milk on iron status of Moroccan schoolchildren living in rural region. Children ( = 195), aged 7 to 9 y, were recruited from schools and divided into two groups: the nonfortified group (NFG) received daily a nonfortified Ultra-High-Temperature (UHT) milk and the fortified group received (FG) daily UHT milk fortified with multiple micronutrients including iron sulfate. Blood samples were collected at baseline (T0) and after 9 months (T9). Hemoglobin (Hb) was measured in situ by Hemocue device; ferritin and C Reactive Protein were assessed in serum using ELISA and nephelometry techniques, respectively. Results were considered significant when the value was <0.05. At T9 FG showed a reduction of iron deficiency from 50.9% to 37.2% ( = 0.037). Despite the low prevalence of iron deficiency anemia (1.9%); more than 50% of children in our sample suffered from iron deficiency at baseline. The consumption of fortified milk reduced the prevalence of iron deficiency by 27% in schoolchildren living in high altitude rural region of Morocco. Clinical Trial Registration. Our study is registered in the Pan African Clinical Trial Registry with the identification number PACTR201410000896410

Prediction of 24-Hour Urinary Sodium Excretion Using a Single Spot Urine Samples in Moroccan Population

Background: Excessive sodium intake is linked to high blood pressure. Estimating sodium intake is difficult. The 24-h urine collection is currently the recommended method for estimating intake but cumbersome for large population studies. Predictive model to estimate sodium intake based on single spot urine were developed, but showed inconsistency when used in extern populations. This study aims to develop a specific model for estimating sodium excretion over 24 hours for the Moroccan population. Methods: 371 participants in the urinary validation sub-study of the STEP-wise survey-Morocco 2017-2018 provided a valid 24-hour urine collection and spot urine specimens. Participant were randomly assigned to the training (n=183) and the validation data set (n=188). Results: A prediction model for 24-hour sodium excretion was developed. Adjusted R2 was 0.258. In the validation data set, correlation was 0.431 [95%CI; 0.258-0.580], and the adjusted R2 was 0.190. The Bland-Altman plot showed a nonsignificant small mean bias of -18 mg (95%CI, -213 to 177) in predicting 24-h urinary sodium excretion at the group level. At the individual level, limits of agreement were wide. Conclusion: This new model developed from a single spot urine could be used to predict the average 24-h sodium excretion of Moroccan adults

Effect of nutritional factors on urinary calcium excretion in a sample of Moroccan children and adolescents

In addition to age, gender, body weight, hormonal status as well as certain physiological and pathological states, other factors exert considerable effects on calcium (Ca) retention and therefore on its urinary excretion. Among these other factors, many dietary nutrients have all been discussed as factors affecting urinary Ca through different studies. Thus, our study aims to evaluate the impact of various nutritional factors on urinary Ca excretion among a sample of Moroccan children and adolescents aged from 6 to 18 years old. A total of 133 Moroccan children and adolescents aged between 6 and 18 years were involved in this study. Participants were required from public and private schools in Rabat-Salé-Kenitra region. For each participant, anthropometry data, food record and 24-h urine samples were collected. Urinary Ca was estimated using ICP-mass spectrometry. The urinary Ca average was 73.58±37.13 mg/day. Urinary Ca excretion had no significant association (p>0.05) with different studied nutrients (r=-0.082, r=0.118, r=-0.025, r=0.142, r=0.084, r=0.119 for Ca, proteins, vitamin D, sodium, phosphorus and magnesium intakes respectively).The current impact evaluation of various nutritional factors on urinary Ca excretion suggests that Ca requirement may be not influenced by nutrients intake but it is highly recommended for researchers to carry out more studies and define all factors that cause Ca deficiency in Moroccan children and adolescents

Objectively Measured Physical Activity and Sedentary Time among Children and Adolescents in Morocco: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background. Regular physical activity in childhood and adolescent plays an important role in reducing the risk of cardiovascular health diseases, diabetes, and obesity in adulthood. However, little is known about physical activity levels (PA) and sedentary time among children and adolescents in Morocco. Objective. To examine gender, type of day, and age grade differences in objectively measured sedentary time, physical activity levels, and physical activity guideline attainment among children and adolescents in Morocco. Method. 172 children/adolescents (mean age = 10.92 ± 1.55 years, 49.4% are boys) were recruited for this study and wore a tri-axial accelerometer (GT3X+) for 7 consecutive days. Time spent in sedentary, PA levels, and daily steps were measured and compared according to gender, age grade, and the type of day (weekdays/weekends). Results. In weekdays children/adolescents spent more time in sedentary than weekends (p < 0.001). Boys were eight times more likely to meet the recommendation for at least 60 min of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day than girls (OR: 8.569; 95% [CI]: 4.23–17.32), p < 0.001. Conclusion. These findings highlight the need for effective and sustainable strategies and programs aiming to promote physical activity and to reduce sedentary behavior among children and adolescents in Morocco

Assessment of Salt status in the Moroccan population based on food frequency questionnaire & 24-hour dietary recall

Salt is an essential mineral to our health that, in its sodium form, is involved in many functional processes in human body. Excessive salt consumption increases the risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease (CVD). The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations (UN) have identified salt reduction as one of the most cost-effective strategies to prevent the spread of non-communicable diseases. The objectives of the present study is to determine the salt status in the Moroccan population based on 24-hour dietary recall and food frequency. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 133 children and adolescents recruited from public schools in Rabat regions. The average total salt intake status was assessed by 24 h dietary recall. Food frequency questionnaire was used to evaluate children’s nutritional habits and the consumption of food rich in salt. The average total salt intake is 5264.5±2398.6mg/day. The knowledge of the study population on the health risks of excess salt, 81% of participants stated that high salt consumption is positively associated with health risks, while only 7% confirmed that there is no relationship between excess salt and health problems. For the use of iodized salt, about half (46.6%) of the study population uses iodized salt. For each variable, a significant difference is shown between the subgroups (p<0.001). The current intake of salt is very high in both children and adults. Reducing salt intake is one of the most cost-effective measures to prevent CVD. A low-salt diet during childhood can prevent the development of CVD and hypertension later in life. However, there is no strategy to keep children and adults low in salt

Dietary Calcium Intake in Sample of School Age Children in City of Rabat, Morocco

Calcium is an important mineral playing a vital role to maintain bone health. Calcium intake is considered as one of the most important determinants to assess the calcium status and to evaluate the calcium deficiency in the human body. Our study aims at estimating calcium intake in a sample of children and adolescent to be used in the global strategy to reduce calcium deficiency disorders in Morocco. Thus, 131 children and adolescents were recruited from public schools at Rabat and its regions in the framework of a descriptive cross-sectional study. For each participant, anthropometric parameters were measured. Calcium status was assessed by 24 h dietary recall. Food frequency questionnaire was used to evaluate children’s nutritional habits and to assess the consumption of calcium-rich food. Overall, the mean calcium intake was 522.0 ± 297.0 mg/day, and 85.5% of subjects highlighted calcium deficiency, with no significant difference between boys and girls. Calcium intake was significantly different according to age groups, and high consumption of calcium was found in subjects aged from 14 to 18 years (776.86 ±290.07 mg/day), giving evidence of the low calcium status of the studied population. Daily food intake and food frequency analysis showed that bread, vegetables, and fruits are the most consumed food and the main source of daily calcium intake. Consumption of dairy products, considered as the best source of calcium, is lower and represents only 14% of total calcium intake. Our study clearly showed that calcium status is very lower in Moroccan children and adolescents and a large proportion of this population have inadequate calcium intake. Hence, there’s an urgent need of specific strategies, including children sensitisation and nutritional education, to increase calcium intake and therefore reduce calcium deficiency disorders impacting the whole body during childhood and in adult age

The effect of multiple micronutrient fortified milk consumption on vitamin D status among school-age children in rural region of Morocco.

Vitamin D deficiency is a health problem in both developed and developing countries. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of multivitamin fortified milk consumption on vitamin D status among children living in the mountainous region of Morocco. 7 to 9 years old children (n=239; 49% of girls vs 51% of boys) have participated in a double blind longitudinal study, where they were divided in two groups: a fortified group who received daily 200 mL of fortified Ultra-High Temperature (UHT) milk enriched with 3μg of vitamin D3 and a non-fortified group who received 200 mL of non-fortified UHT milk with a natural abundance of vitamin D3 (about 1.5µg). Blood samples were collected three times (at baseline, after 4 and 9 months). The average weight, height and BAZ of participants were 22.8±2.6 kg, 121.5±5.2 cm and -0.2±0.6 kg/m² respectively. At baseline, 47.5% of children had a concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) below 50 nmol/L. At the end of the study the prevalence of vitamin DThe accepted manuscript in pdf format is listed with the files at the bottom of this page. The presentation of the authors' names and (or) special characters in the title of the manuscript may differ slightly between what is listed on this page and what is listed in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript; that in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript is what was submitted by the author

Effects of Breastfeeding on Maternal Body Composition in Moroccan Lactating Women during Twelve Months after Birth Using Stable Isotopic Dilution Technique

Background: Exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of an infant&rsquo;s life is an important factor for their optimal growth and health. Breastfeeding also has maternal benefits and can assist with postpartum weight loss. As shown by previous studies, postpartum weight retention can contribute to obesity. Objective: To quantify the human milk and evaluate the effect of breastfeeding on maternal weight loss during the 12 months postpartum. Method: This study included 70-mother&ndash;baby pairs. Infants&rsquo; intake of human milk and water from other sources, as well as the body composition of the mothers, were measured at the 1st, 3rd, 6th, 9th and 12th month postpartum by using the deuterium oxide dose-to-mother technique. Results: There was a significant change in the mothers&rsquo; body composition between the first and twelfth months in exclusive breastfeeding women compared to not-exclusive ones. Similarly, the difference between the quantities of human milk intake was highly significant in exclusive breastfeeding women compared to women who were not exclusively breastfeeding. Conclusion: Our results showed that exclusive breastfeeding for twelve months has a significant effect on postpartum weight loss among Moroccan women and that it is an effective way to control overweight and obesity among lactating women

HeteroEdge: Addressing Asymmetry in Heterogeneous Collaborative Autonomous Systems

Gathering knowledge about surroundings and generating situational awareness for IoT devices is of utmost importance for systems developed for smart urban and uncontested environments. For example, a large-area surveillance system is typically equipped with multi-modal sensors such as cameras and LIDARs and is required to execute deep learning algorithms for action, face, behavior, and object recognition. However, these systems face power and memory constraints due to their ubiquitous nature, making it crucial to optimize data processing, deep learning algorithm input, and model inference communication. In this paper, we propose a self-adaptive optimization framework for a testbed comprising two Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) and two NVIDIA Jetson devices. This framework efficiently manages multiple tasks (storage, processing, computation, transmission, inference) on heterogeneous nodes concurrently. It involves compressing and masking input image frames, identifying similar frames, and profiling devices to obtain boundary conditions for optimization.. Finally, we propose and optimize a novel parameter split-ratio, which indicates the proportion of the data required to be offloaded to another device while considering the networking bandwidth, busy factor, memory (CPU, GPU, RAM), and power constraints of the devices in the testbed. Our evaluations captured while executing multiple tasks (e.g., PoseNet, SegNet, ImageNet, DetectNet, DepthNet) simultaneously, reveal that executing 70% (split-ratio=70%) of the data on the auxiliary node minimizes the offloading latency by approx. 33% (18.7 ms/image to 12.5 ms/image) and the total operation time by approx. 47% (69.32s to 36.43s) compared to the baseline configuration (executing on the primary node)