Evaluation of the Integrated Management Program for Acute Malnutrition in the Douentza Health District, Mopti Region, Mali

Introduction: Malnutrition is a major public health problem in Mali, despite the efforts of the government, its technical and financial partners. The aim of this study was to evaluate the integrated management program for acute malnutrition (IMPAM). Methodology: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study that took place from January to December 2020 in the Douentza health district. The study included anyone with at least one malnourished child aged 6 to 59 months in their care who agreed to take part in the study, community health center staff who had given their consent, and the URENI manager at the Douentza reference health center. Data collected via questionnaires were entered into Excel and then analyzed using Epi-Info version 7 software. Results: A total of 138 acutely malnourished children aged 6 - 59 months, including 71 girls (51.45%), 138 accompanying mothers and 11 health workers, were included in our case study. Among the malnourished, 54.34% were in the 12 - 23 months age group and 69.57% had the severe form. 93% of the mothers interviewed were satisfied with the care provided, and all the health staff interviewed stated that community conflicts had an impact on IMPAM’s activities. Cure rates were 81% in Moderate Outpatient Nutritional Recovery and Education Unit (URENAM), 84% in Severe Ambulatory Nutritional Recovery and Education Unit (URENAS) and 92% in Recovery and Intensive Nutritional Education Unit (URENI). Drop-out rates were 19% in URENAM, 16% in URENAS and 0% in URENI. The death rate was 8% in URENI and 0% in URENAM and URENAS. Conclusion: This study confirms the high prevalence of malnutrition in the district (10.54%). It also reveals that factors such as inter-community conflict and insecurity have seriously affected the IMPAM program.

Factors Associated with Mortality in Children Aged 1 Month to 15 Years Hospitalized in the Pediatric Ward of the Kalaban-Coro Reference Health Center: Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: Infant and child mortality is a worldwide concern, but developing countries such as Mali are more affected. The aim of this study was to investigate morbidity and factors associated with mortality in children aged 1 month to 15 years. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study which took place from January 1 to December 31, 2020 covering children aged 1 month to 15 years hospitalized at the Kalaban-Coro CSRéf. Data were entered into Excel and analyzed using SPSS version 20 software. Results: Five hundred children aged 1 months to 15 years were included. The age range 1 to 5 years (53.6%) and male sex (58.2%) were the most represented. Malaria (72.2%), acute respiratory infections (6.2%) and diarrhea/dehydration (3%) were the main morbidities. Mortality was estimated at 10.6%, and the two main causes of death were malaria (56.6%) and acute respiratory infections (7.54%). Univariate analysis revealed a statistically significant association between the dependent variable (death) and age (p Conclusion: This study confirms the high rate of infant and child morbidity and mortality in our health facilities. Strengthening human resources and intensifying behavior-change communication can help reverse the trend.

Epidemiological Characteristics and Risk Factors of the Pertussis in Infants < 12 Months of Age in Tianjin, China

The epidemiologic characteristics of 631 infant pertussis cases 〈 12 months, which accounted for 57.42% of the total cases, were analyzed by descriptive epidemiology in Tianjin, between 2010 and 2015. The incidence of infants was 104.66/100,000, which was 118 times higher than in other age groups （P 〈 0.001）. The primary type of pertussis simultaneously presented in households was adult-to-infant （70.51%）. The parents were identified as the source of infection in 80.18% of cases for infants. The positive rate of placental antibody transfer was 31.06% and 3.13% for 3-month-old infants. Infants presented the highest age-specific pertussis incidence. The most important reason was parents were the important sources of infection, and secondly the lower level of antibodies in neonates and the rapid waning of maternal antibody titer.

A Case-Control Study on Leisure Time Physical Activity (LTPA) during the Last Three Months of Pregnancy and Foetal Outcomes in Italy

The association between Leisure Time Physical Activity (LTPA) during pregnancy and foetal outcomes has been extensively investigated. However, epidemiological studies specifically referred to LPTA in the last months of pregnancy are scarce. We evaluated the association between LPTA and the risk of both preterm delivery and small for gestational age (SGA) during the last three months of pregnancy in Italy. A nationwide case-control study was performed in nine Italian cities. A total of 299 preterm delivery, 364 SGA and 855 controls were enrolled in the study. A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess socio-demographic variables, medical and reproductive history, life-style habits and LTPA referred to the last three months of pregnancy. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed in order to estimate Odds ratios and 95% CI. LTPA during the last three months of pregnancy decreases the risk of preterm delivery (adjusted OR = 0.56;95% CI 0.39 - 0.79). Among the different types of physical activity, walking, the most frequently referred activity, appears significantly protective against preterm delivery (adjusted OR = 0.53;95% CI 0.36 - 0.81). Moreover, a small protective effect of walking was evidenced against SGA (adjusted OR = 0.72;95% CI 0.51 - 1.00). In conclusion, a mild physical activity such as walking in the last three months of pregnancy seems to reduce the risk of preterm delivery and, at a lesser extent, of SGA, confirming the beneficial effects of physical activity along the whole pregnancy.

Study on Efficient in Vitro Embryo Production Technology of Lambs

The aim was to compare the effects of hormone treatments on the ovari- an follicular development and in vitro embryo development between 5-week and 13- week old lambs. FSH and pregnant mare serum gonadotropin （PMSG） treatment were used to compare the number of 2-8 mm follicles in the ovary and the in vitro embryo development. The results showed that： the 5-week old lambs had larger fol- licular numbers and collected oocytes numbers （58.6±1.9, 47.4±4.2） than the 13- week old lambs （14.4±4.1, 11.6±1.7）, and the difference was significant （P〈0.05）. However, there was no significant difference in the cleavage rate （60.0±1.9%, 61.6± 5.2%） and blastocyst rate （27.4±2.1%, 28.2±3.7%） of the fertilized oocytes between the 5-week and 13-week old lambs.

Epidemio-Clinical Profile and Factors Associated with Performance Indicators of Integrated Management of Severe Acute Malnutrition in Children Aged 6 - 59 Months Hospitalized at the Kalaban Coro Reference Health Center

Introduction: Malnutrition is an important reason for consultation in Mali’s health facilities and remains a major public health problem. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemioclinical profile and associated factors with performance indicators of integrated management of severe acute malnutrition in children aged 06 to 59 months. Methodology: this was a cross-sectional study with retrospective data collection (January 2021 to December 2022). All children hospitalized for severe acute malnutrition in the pediatric department and whose medical records were usable were included. Data collected using a standardized questionnaire was analyzed with SPSS Version 20 software. Results: A total of 534 children were included. The 12 to 23 months age group (49.1%) and the female sex (53.18%) were the most affected. Fully vaccinated children by age represented 49.4%. The predominant form of malnutrition was marasmus (77.7%). Diarrhea/vomiting (30.3%), fever (18.4%) and cough (15.5%) were the main reasons for consultations. Cure, discontinuation and death rates were 78.5%, 2.1% and 9.2%, respectively. On univariate analysis, the factors statistically associated with performance indicators (cure, drop-out, death) were gastroenteritis (P-value Conclusion: This study reveals that the frequency of severe acute malnutrition remains high at the Kalaban Coro reference health center. Better prevention of illnesses such as malaria, gastroenteritis, and respiratory infections, as well as timely referral, could help facilitate its management.

Frequency of Monthly Ejaculation at Sexual Intercourse, DNA Fragmentation Index and Fertilization Rate among Sperm Donors and Fertility-Challenged Men in Sub-Saharan Africa: Paper 1

Introduction: In humans, the ideal ejaculation frequency depends on age, exercise and sexual potential. Natural ejaculation frequency balances the testosterone levels in the body. Materials and Methods: Semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect information from subjects. Semen samples were collected from sperm donors and sub-fertile men who presented for infertility challenges. Processing and analysis of semen samples were done according to World Health Organization guidelines. Sperm DNA fragmentation was evaluated using the Halosperm&#174;?kit. Results: A total of 114 subjects, including 19 sperm donors and 95 sub-fertile males were studied. There was a significant difference (t =?&#8722;5.96, P-value = 0.00001) in the mean [±sd] age of sperm donors (30.8 [8.1]) and that of sub-fertile men (42.3 [76]). There was a significant difference (t=?&#8722;4.10, P-value = 0.0005) in the mean monthly ejaculation during sexual intercourse (MESI) among sperm donors with DNA fragmentation index &#8722;2.20, P-value = 0.02) in MESI among sub-fertile men aged ≥40 years (8.9 [4.6]) than among those aged &#8722;0.67, SE = 0.28, t = &#8722;2.40, P-value = 0.02, 95% CI: &#8722;1.24,?&#8722;0.10). Conclusion: In men < 40 years, fewer MESI did not worsen the DFI. A higher number of professionals such as doctors, lawyers and engineers, reported lower monthly frequency of sexual ejaculations compared to entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs and non-smokers had the highest frequencies of MESI.

The Patterns of Complementary Feeding and Growth among 12 to 23 Month-Old Children in China

Objective This study aimed to understand the characteristics of dietary patterns among children aged12 to 23 months and discusses the relationship between dietary patterns and the growth of children.Method Cross-sectional data were selected from the National Nutrition and Health Systematic Survey for 0 to 18 year-old children in China(n=2,449)to describe the patterns of complementary feeding and the growth of children.Cluster analysis was used to analyze complementary feeding patterns,and an analysis of variance and Bonferroni test were conducted to analyze the relationship between Z scores and complementary feeding patterns.Results Four dietary patterns were identified among the children via cluster analysis.In Pattern 4(n=104,4.2%),children still consumed milk as their staple food.They displayed the lowest grain,fruit,vegetable,egg,and flesh foods consumption,a medium frequency of breast milk consumption,and a high frequency of dairy product consumption.Pattern 4 had the lowest length-for-age Z scores and weight-for-age Z scores,with-0.10±1.34 and 0.24±1.00,respectively(F=7.940,P<0.001;F=5.317,P<0.001).Conclusion Although China is undergoing rapid urbanization and economic development,there is still a phenomenon of insufficient intake of protein-rich foods and dairy-based dietary patterns at the stage of complementary food introduced among children aged 12 to 23 months.

Yak Calving Interval and Calving Efficiency

The results of 439 times of calving interval(CI) from 161 yak cows showed that the average CI is 459(se=131)d. The CI with 3 to 6 calving numbers is 25～48 d shorter than that of 1 to 2 and above 7 calving numbers. Although slaughtering a great number of calves during the late September and early October do bring about relatively higher calving rate that is mos yak cowst can give 3,4,5 and 6calves during 4,5,6 and 7 years old respectively. This makes major calving months shift from April or May to June.

Vitamin A supplement: a key strategy to prevent vitamin A deficiency among young children in Afghanistan

Background:Vitamin A deficiency is the main problem of public health worldwide demonstrated that 190 million population of preschool children and 122 countries(in Africa and South-East Asia)have vitamin A deficiency,according to recent estimated research.In Afghanistan,vitamin A supplementation is a key strategy to prevent vitamin A deficiency among young children.Children receive vitamin A supplements as part of National Immunization Days(NID)campaigns.Methods:In this case study,the data was collected from June 15/2015 to February 23/2016,and the final report of the Afghanistan Demographic Health Survey(AfDHS)2015 was released on February 15/2017.All 27,209 children aged 6-59 months who are living with their mothers were included in this study.Who consumed foods rich in vitamin A was not included in this study.Results:The percentages who were given vitamin A supplements in the last 6 months among all children 6-59 months aged.A total of 1,572 children aged among 6-8 months were given vitamin A supplements 670(42.6%)children and comparison with the total community of the study(27,209)children(2.46%).A total of 1,148 children aged among 9-11 months were given vitamin A supplements to 465(40.5%)children and comparison with the total community of the study(27,209)children(1.70%).Conclusion:After following up on more studies,we found that vitamin A deficiency is a public problem,thus it is better to use wheat flour fortification,vitamin A capsule(VAC)supplementation,nutrition education,source of vitamin A,and training of primary healthcare workers on the clinical to prevent and treat the vitamin A deficiency among children.Therefore,we aimed to determine the given vitamin A supplementation among children aged 6-59 months in 33 provinces in Afghanistan,in 2015.

不同胎次及产奶月份甘南黑牦牛乳常规营养成分比较研究

选用甘肃省甘南藏族自治州30头雌黑牦牛,分夏季牧场(麻木索那牧场)和冬季牧场(沙冒牧场)采样,分别测定了不同胎次和产奶月份黑牦牛乳常规营养成分(蛋白质、脂肪、乳糖、固形物和灰分),研究了甘南黑牦牛乳营养成分随胎次及产奶月份的变化.结果表明:不同胎次间黑牦牛乳常规营养成分差异不显著(P>0.05),不同产奶月份黑牦牛乳的常规营养成分差异显著(P<0.05).

6月龄和成年牦牛卵巢及卵泡发育状况研究

为了研究6月龄牦牛和成年牦牛卵巢及表面卵泡发育状况,试验比较了6月龄和成年牦牛卵巢长度、宽度、厚度、重量、卵泡数量以及卵母细胞体外成熟培养效果。结果表明:成年牦牛卵巢长度(2.29±0.43)cm、宽度(1.91±1.31)cm和厚度(1.60±1.90)cm均显著大于6月龄牦牛[(1.65±0.30)cm、(1.14±0.25)cm、(0.79±0.26)cm](P<0.05),成年牦牛卵巢体积(6.92±7.00)cm3和重量(3.19±1.58)g极显著大于6月龄牦牛体积(1.63±0.93)cm3和重量(0.87±0.44)g(P<0.01)。6月龄牦牛Ⅰ级卵泡数(14.47±8.74)枚和平均总卵泡数(15.17±8.87)枚极显著高于成年牦牛Ⅰ级卵泡数(7.97±3.72)枚和平均总卵泡数(8.98±3.87)枚(P<0.01),Ⅱ级卵泡数差异不显著(P>0.05),成年牦牛平均每头含(0.02±0.15)枚Ⅲ级卵泡,而6月龄牦牛无Ⅲ级卵泡。成年牦牛有黄体卵巢重量显著大于无黄体卵巢重量(P<0.05),有黄体卵巢含(0.06±0.24)枚Ⅲ级卵泡,而无黄体卵巢不含Ⅲ级卵泡。6月龄和成年牦牛A、B级卵母细胞体外培养成熟率分别为(81.39±3.53)%、(80.44±4.50)%,差异不显著(P>0.05),而6月龄牦牛卵巢的平均卵母细胞数和平均A、B级卵母细胞数均显著高于成年牦牛(P<0.05)。

中甸犏牛的产犊季节、泌乳期分布及产奶量变化规律

【目的】旨在探讨中甸犏牛的产犊季节、泌乳期分布及产奶量变化规律,为提升犏牛产奶量措施的制定等提供重要参考。【方法】基于香格里拉社区的犏牛养殖模式,对中甸犏牛(n=142)从产犊的第2天开始,每天早晚各挤奶一次,连续记录挤奶量直至停止挤奶为止,并统计分析产犊时间、泌乳期及各泌乳月的产奶量等。【结果】母犏牛在春、夏、秋和冬季产犊的比例分别占63.38%、30.99%、4.23%和1.41%。母犏牛的泌乳期分布范围宽,5个月(153 d)至14个月(427 d)不等,其中泌乳期为5个月的占24.40%,6~8个月的占46.40%,9~12个月的占28.0%,13~14个月的占1.20%,泌乳期在8个月以下的占70.8%。母犏牛泌乳期6、8、10和12个月的产奶量分别为578.5、722.6、924.1和1103.8 kg,折算成日平均产奶量分别为3.15、2.95、3.03和3.02 kg,不同泌乳期的犏牛日均产奶量比较差异不显著(P>0.05)。母犏牛在年内不同月份产奶量比较结果表明,7月和8月为一年中的产奶高峰期,分别与1-5月、11月和12月的比较差异极显著(P<0.01)。在不考虑胎次、季节和补饲的前提下,母犏牛第2~5个泌乳月为泌乳盛期,月产奶量可保持103~120 kg。其中,第3个泌乳月的产奶量为最高,显著高于第1和7个泌乳月及之后各个泌乳月的产奶量(P<0.01);根据不同泌乳月的产奶量数据建立的一元五次方程的泌乳曲线与实际产奶量的拟合度极高(R~2=0.9772)。【结论】中甸犏牛的产犊集中期为春季,其泌乳期为5~14个月,分布范围宽,日平均产奶量2.95~3.15 kg,一年中以7-8月的产奶量最高;在14个泌乳月的泌乳期中第2~5个泌乳月为泌乳盛期。

犊牦牛大脑的形态学观察

通过对3月龄牦牛大脑进行形态学观察,为进一步探讨牦牛神经系统对高寒低氧环境适应性方面的研究提供形态学资料。运用大体解剖学方法对4头3月龄牦牛的大脑进行解剖、观察、描述、绘图。结果表明,犊牦牛大脑表面平坦,沟回分界不明显;大脑前半部较平直,但在大脑背外侧中部,突然向两侧膨大加宽;大脑外侧窝为一个短小的沟,有的较深而有的较浅,视交叉明显呈钝角。由此说明,3月龄牦牛大脑的形态与成年牦牛的大脑相比有明显区别。

环境因素影响牦母牛最高月产奶量的研究

牦母牛的最高月产奶量是具有重要育种价值和生产意义的数量性状,研究影响最高月产奶量的环境因素,可以通过提高月产奶量来实现提高牦母牛产奶性能的目的。孕前期体重和管理因素对最高月产奶量的影响极显著(p<0.01),孕后期简单补饲的影响显著(p<0.05)。孕前期体重因素中最差水平组可减少最高月产奶量达18.3kg(49.75%,p<0.01),管理因素中最好水平组比最差水平组增加最高月产奶量达14.9kg(35.92%,p<0.01),孕后期简单补饲组比对照组增加最高月产奶量达5.6kg(11.9,p<0.05)。