Effect of artificial natural light on the development of myopia among primary school-age children in China:a three-year longitudinal study

AIM:To assess the efficacy of artificial natural light in preventing incident myopia in primary school-age children.METHODS:This is a prospective,randomized control,intervention study.A total of 1840 students from 39 classes in 4 primary schools in Foshan participated in this study.The whole randomization method was adopted to include classes as a group according to 1:1 randomized control.Classrooms in the control group were illuminated by usual light,and classrooms in the intervention group were illuminated by artificial natural light.All students received uncorrected visual acuity and best-corrected visual acuity measurement,non-cycloplegic autorefraction,ocular biometric examination,slit lamp and strabismus examination.Three-year follow-up,the students underwent same procedures.Myopia was defined as spherical equivalent refraction≤-0.50 D and uncorrected visual acuity<20/20.RESULTS:There were 894 students in the control group and 946 students in the intervention group with a mean±SD age of 7.50±0.53y.The three-year cumulative incidence rate of myopia was 26.4%(207 incident cases among 784 eligible participants at baseline)in the control group and 21.2%(164 incident cases among 774 eligible participants at baseline)in the intervention group[difference of 5.2%(95%CI,3.7%to 10.1%);P=0.035].There was also a significant difference in the three-year change in spherical equivalent refraction for the control group(-0.81 D)compared with the intervention group[-0.63 D;difference of 0.18 D(95%CI,0.08 to 0.28 D);P<0.001].Elongation of axial length was significantly different between in the control group(0.77 mm)and the intervention group[0.72 mm;difference of 0.05 mm(95%CI,0.01 to 0.09 mm);P=0.003].CONCLUSION:Artificial natural light in the classroom of primary schools can result in reducing incidence rate of myopia during a period of three years.

The effects of exercise interventions on brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in children and adolescents:a meta-analysis

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor is a crucial neurotrophic factor that plays a significant role in brain health. Although the vast majority of meta-analyses have confirmed that exercise interventions can increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in children and adolescents, the effects of specific types of exercise on brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels are still controversial. To address this issue, we used meta-analytic methods to quantitatively evaluate, analyze, and integrate relevant studies. Our goals were to formulate general conclusions regarding the use of exercise interventions, explore the physiological mechanisms by which exercise improves brain health and cognitive ability in children and adolescents, and provide a reliable foundation for follow-up research. We used the Pub Med, Web of Science, Science Direct, Springer, Wiley Online Library, Weipu, Wanfang, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases to search for randomized controlled trials examining the influences of exercise interventions on brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in children and adolescents. The extracted data were analyzed using Review Manager 5.3. According to the inclusion criteria, we assessed randomized controlled trials in which the samples were mainly children and adolescents, and the outcome indicators were measured before and after the intervention. We excluded animal experiments, studies that lacked a control group, and those that did not report quantitative results. The mean difference(MD;before versus after intervention) was used to evaluate the effect of exercise on brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in children and adolescents. Overall, 531 participants(60 children and 471 adolescents, 10.9–16.1 years) were included from 13 randomized controlled trials. Heterogeneity was evaluated using the Q statistic and I^(2) test provided by Review Manager software. The meta-analysis showed that there was no heterogeneity among the studies(P = 0.67, I^(2) = 0.00%). The combined effect of the interventions was significant(MD = 2.88, 95% CI: 1.53–4.22, P < 0.0001), indicating that the brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels of the children and adolescents in the exercise group were significantly higher than those in the control group. In conclusion, different types of exercise interventions significantly increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in children and adolescents. However, because of the small sample size of this meta-analysis, more high-quality research is needed to verify our conclusions. This metaanalysis was registered at PROSPERO(registration ID: CRD42023439408).

Influence of static cartoons combined with dynamic virtual environments on preoperative anxiety of preschool-aged children undergoing surgery

BACKGROUND Preschoolers become anxious when they are about to undergo anesthesia and surgery,warranting the development of more appropriate and effective interventions.AIM To explore the effect of static cartoons combined with dynamic virtual environments on preoperative anxiety and anesthesia induction compliance in preschool-aged children undergoing surgery.METHODS One hundred and sixteen preschool-aged children were selected and assigned to the drug(n=37),intervention(n=40),and control(n=39)groups.All the children received routine preoperative checkups and nursing before being transferred to the preoperative preparation room on the day of the operation.The drug group received 0.5 mg/kg midazolam and the intervention group treatment consisting of static cartoons combined with dynamic virtual environments.The control group received no intervention.The modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale was used to evaluate the children’s anxiety level on the day before surgery(T0),before leaving the preoperative preparation room(T1),when entering the operating room(T2),and at anesthesia induction(T3).Compliance during anesthesia induction(T3)was evaluated using the Induction Compliance Checklist(ICC).Changes in mean arterial pressure(MAP),heart rate(HR),and respiratory rate(RR)were also recorded at each time point.RESULTS The anxiety scores of the three groups increased variously at T1 and T2.At T3,both the drug and intervention groups had similar anxiety scores,both of which were lower than those in the control group.At T1 and T2,MAP,HR,and RR of the three groups increased.The drug and control groups had significantly higher MAP and RR than the intervention group at T2.At T3,the MAP,HR,and RR of the drug group decreased and were significantly lower than those in the control group but were comparable to those in the intervention group.Both the drug and intervention groups had similar ICC scores and duration of anesthesia induction(T3),both of which were higher than those of the control group.CONCLUSION Combining static cartoons with dynamic virtual environments as effective as medication,specifically midazolam,in reducing preoperative anxiety and fear in preschool-aged children.This approach also improve their compliance during anesthesia induction and helped maintain their stable vital signs.

Evaluation of the Care of Children Aged 0 to 10 Years Hospitalized for Severe Malaria at the Tambacounda Health Center, Senegal

Introduction: Malaria remains a public health priority in Senegal, particularly in Tambacounda, where it is one of the main causes of child mortality. The objective of this work was to evaluate the care of children under 10 years of age hospitalized at the Tambacounda Health Center and the factors associated with recovery. Methods: An analytical, retrospective, and descriptive cross-sectional study with exhaustive recruitment of children 0 to 120 months hospitalized at the Tambacounda reference health center for severe malaria (according to WHO criteria) between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2021 was performed. Data collection was done through a questionnaire. Records, hospitalization records, and treatment records were the sources of collection. Data entry and analysis were performed on Epi Info 7.2 and R. Results: A total of 481 children hospitalized with severe malaria were recruited. The highest number of cases was recorded in 2018 (33.05%). In the four years of the study, peaks were always observed between October and November and the highest peak in November 2020 with 95 cases. The mean age was 65.64 months with a standard deviation of 29.28 months and a predominance of male (53.43%). The majority of people were admitted from the outpatient clinic (57.79%) and the rest (42.21%) on the recommendation of a peripheral health post. All hospitalized patients had a positive RDT and/or a positive thick drop. However, the sharp decline at admission or during hospitalization was positive in 93.80% of patients in our series, negative in 5.20% and not achieved in 1.00%. Seizures and severe anemia topped the list of signs of severity with 45.94% and 8.11%, respectively. In terms of evolution, for all hospitalized patients, there were 81.29% recovery, 10.19% referral to the Tambacounda regional hospital center for hospitalization, 4.99% death, 0.83% discharge and 2.70% unknown evolution. There was a statistically significant association between recovery without referral from a health post (OR = 1.85), absence of 2 or more signs of severity (OR = 1.82), absence of seizures (OR = 1.51), prostration (OR = 2.78), cardiovascular shock (OR = 6.67), coma (OR = 7.69), lack of evidence of biological severity (OR = 3.70), and hypoglycemia with blood glucose less than 0.4 g/L (OR = 5.88). Conclusion: In addition to the routine malaria prevention and management strategies implemented in Tambacounda, and the early referral of cases of severe malaria from health posts to the health center, all children hospitalized for severe malaria with certain symptomatology such as coma, prostration, cardiovascular shock, etc. Seizures and/or hypoglycemia should be systematically referred to the regional hospital to increase their chance of recovery.

Factors Associated with Acute Respiratory Infections in Children Aged 0 - 5 Years in the Yénawa District of Cotonou (Benin) in 2023

Introduction: Acute respiratory infections remain one of the main causes of mortality in children aged 0 to 5. This work aimed to study the associated factors with the occurrence of acute respiratory infections in children 0 to 5 years old in Yénawa, Cotonou in 2023. Subjects and Method: It was an analytical cross-sectional study of children aged 0 - 5 years and their mothers in Yénawa, selected by four-degree random sampling. The sampling size, calculated using the Schwartz formula, was 126 children and 126 mothers. The dependent variable was the occurrence of acute respiratory infections. The independent variables were classified into four groups: socio-demographic and economic characteristics, behavioral factors, child-related factors, and environmental factors. Data collected by observation and questionnaire survey were analyzed using STATA version 15 software. Associated factors were investigated by bivariate analysis and multiple logistic regression, at the 5% significance level. Results: A total of 126 children aged 0 - 5 years and 126 mothers were surveyed, aged 23.5 (11 - 36) months and 30 (18 - 48) years respectively. The prevalence of acute respiratory infections was 74.60% (CI95% = 66.89 to 82.30). The associated factors were the mother’s age between 18 and 28 (OR = 10.77;CI95% = 1.89 to 61.27;p = 0.007), the use of charcoal/wood for cooking (OR = 7.36;IC = 1.99 to 27.10;p = 0.003)), children's poor personal hygiene (OR = 8.87;IC = 2.92 to 26.97;p 0.001)), and cohabitation with domestic animals (OR = 7.27;IC = 1.67 to 31.71;p = 0.015). Conclusion: Communicating with mothers about the factors identified will help reduce the prevalence of acute respiratory infections in children aged 0 to 5.

Respiratory complications of propofol,sevoflurane,and dexmedetomidine anesthesia for fiberoptic bronchoscopy in children aged 1 month to 3 years:a randomized trial

Objective To evaluate the effect of propofol,sevoflurane,and dexmedetomidine on respiratory complications inchildren undergoing fiberoptic bronchoscopy(FOB).Methods This double-blind randomized clinical trial was conductedamong 120 children aged 1 month to 3 years undergoing FOB.The patients were randomized into 3 groups(n=40)foranesthesia induction with sevoflurane inhalation,1 mg/kg propofol,or 1μg/kg dexmedetomidine before bronchoscopy,andthe changes in hemodynamic parameters,sedation level,and respiratory complications during and after the procedure wereassessed.Results The patients'heart rate during bronchoscopy was significantly lower and the mean arterial blood pressuresignificantly higher in dexmedetomidine group than in sevoflurane and propofol groups(P<0.05).Cough duringbronchoscopy did not occur in any of the cases in propofol group,while the highest frequency of cough was recorded indexmedetomidine group.The incidence of laryngospasm in the propofol group(12.5%)was significantly lower than those insevoflurane and dexmedetomidine groups(30%and 32.5%,respectively)(P<0.05).Conclusion Sevoflurane and propofol aresafe and suitable for anesthesia induction in children below 3 years of age undergoing diagnostic FOB and can achieve bettersedative effect and lower the incidences of cough and respiratory complications as compared with dexmedetomidine.

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.

Management of Mandibular Fractures in Children in Ivory Coast: Experience of the Stomatology and Maxillofacial Surgery Department at the University Hospital of Cocody from 2000 to 2019

Introduction: Mandibular fractures in children are becoming increasingly common. Treatment of these fractures is difficult due to their anatomical and physiological complexity. Therefore, there is a need for well-codified management. Our main aim was to develop a decision algorithm for the management of mandibular fractures in children based on our experience. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive study carried out in the Department of Stomatology and Maxillofacial Surgery at the University Hospital of Cocody over a period of 20 years (2000-2019). Results: We enrolled 58 patients. The mean age of the patients was 9.35 ± 2.3 years with a sex ratio of 2.22. Traffic accidents were the main cause of mandibular fractures (60.35%). Condylar fractures were the most common (46.87%). Treatment was orthopedic in 45.76% of cases, mixed (orthopedic and surgical) in 24.14% and surgical in 5.17%. Patients were followed up weekly for 1 month, then monthly for 6 months and annually for 3 years, with panoramic radiographs of the maxilla starting at 21 days. We observed 2 cases of complications: temporomandibular ankylosis and gingival stomatitis. Conclusion: Mandibular fractures are common in children. Management is difficult due to anatomical and physiological peculiarities. The choice of treatment depends on several criteria.

Assessment of the Vaccination Status of Children Aged 6 to 30 Months in a Tertiary Level Health Care Center in Côte d’Ivoire

Introduction: Vaccination coverage in Côte d’Ivoire over the period 2011 to 2015 was below the target of 95% for all antigens. The objective of this study was to analyze the vaccination status of children aged 6 to 30 months with a view to improving vaccination coverage. Patients and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study which took place from June to September 2018 in a tertiary health center, focusing on children aged 6 to 30 months with a correctly completed health record. The parameters studied were sex, age, educational level of mothers, dates of vaccine administration and reason for missed vaccination opportunities. Results: We retained 212 children. The sex ratio was 1.21 and 93% had received the BCG vaccine before the age of 1 month. The average ages of combined and co-administered vaccines for the 1st and 2nd doses were 7.66 ± 3.81 and 12.88 ± 3.95 weeks, respectively. The median was 16.57 weeks for the 3rd dose. The proportion of vaccinated subjects was greater than 90% for the BCG vaccine and the 3 doses of combined vaccines, and 77% for the yellow fever and measles vaccines. The reasons for non-vaccination were attributable to the children’s parents and health facilities. Conclusion: Improving vaccination coverage requires regular supply of vaccines to centers, and the involvement of all health professionals, community and religious leaders in the vaccination awareness process.

Effect of a Nutrition Education Intervention on Food Safety Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Mothers of Children under 5 Years in the Peri-Urban Areas of Bobo-Dioulasso: Before and after Study

Background: This study assessed the effect of a nutrition education intervention. This intervention aimed to improve the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of mothers on food safety in the peri-urban areas of Bobo-Dioulasso in Burkina Faso. Methods: A total of 243 mothers of children under 5 years in the peri-urban of Bobo-Dioulasso were administered the FAO questionnaire for food safety knowledge, attitudes, and practices assessment during two cross-sectional surveys, before and after the intervention, in January and October 2017. The intervention included two components consisting of a theoretical phase (counselling and discussion) and cooking demonstrations implemented for ten months. To account for the before-and-after design of the study, the McNemar’s test was used to assess the effect of the intervention on food safety KAP of mothers of children under 5 years. Results: The mean age of mothers was 29 ± 6.2 years and 50.6% of them were between 20 and 29 years old. One for knowledge (cooking thoroughly with, p-value = 0.0001) and another for attitudes (perceived benefits of reheating leftovers before eating them, p-value = 0.0001), significantly increased after the intervention. In terms of food safety practices, all the indicators (cleaning of dirty surfaces, plates and utensils and storage of perishable foods) significantly increased (all p = 0.0001 Conclusion: This study provided some evidence of an effective nutrition education intervention for improving maternal KAP on food safety for their child’s feeding.

Mapping the Research Landscape of Language Development in Autistic Children: A Preliminary Scientometric Analysis

Children with autism spectrum disorder(ASD)often encounter difficulties in language learning and utilization,a concern that has gained significant academic attention,particularly given the widespread occurrence of ASD globally.Previous reviews,however,have relied on empirical observations rather than a more rigorous selection criterion.This preliminary study seeks to systematize the scientific knowledge base regarding language development in autistic children by utilizing the analysis tool Citespace 6.2.R5.We visualized and analyzed research patterns and trends regarding autism by drawing data from the Web of Science.Through document citation and emerging trend analyses,seven key research clusters and their chronological associations are identified,along with research hotspots such as language disorder diagnosis and intervention,social communication,language acquisition,and multilingual and multicultural influences.Research findings show that there exist some issues with the current research,including small sample sizes,the need for further investigation into receptive language development,and a lack of cross-cultural comparative studies.Meanwhile,the scope and depth of interdisciplinary research on language development in autistic children also need to be further enhanced.The research contributes to the extant literature by providing valuable references for autism researchers and practitioners.

Strategies for Improving Diet Education for Children Under the Background of Building a Healthy China

Diet education can expand children’s life experience,cultivate good living habits,and develop their character,contributing to the construction of a healthy China.Developing diet education helps children improve their health awareness and enables them to form healthy eating behaviors and lifestyles,laying the foundation for their healthy growth and lifelong development.It is not just about disseminating nutrition knowledge but also involves the integration of health education,labor education,and family education through practical experiences.This study analyzes the importance of promoting diet education for children and proposes four promotion strategies that draw on families,schools,relevant departments,and social groups,as well as pilot projects.The application of these strategies will help enhance the effectiveness of diet education and enable children to form healthy eating habits and develop the basic ability to maintain their health.

Irregular dietary habits as a predictor of stunting occurrence among children under 5 years of age:a literature review

Objective:To identify the illustration of feeding patterns of stunting children using literature review method.Methods:This study was a descriptive narrative research using literature review approach to explore dietary habits of children with stunting problem.All the literature review processes employed Guideline Review measurement of Joanna Briggs Institute.Related ar ticles in literature were obtained from journal databases,such as Pub Med,Science Direct,Google Scholar,and Dimensions through structured research question with Patient,Exposure an interest,Outcome or response(PEO)methods.Results:This study found 2246 published ar ticles from 2018 to 2021 about children with stunting.Screening process was conducted fur ther to eliminate ar ticles with irrelevant titles and abstracts,and also the unsuitable ar ticles with the research question;hence,about 9 ar ticles were eligible to be reviewed ahead.All these ar ticles mentioned that children with irregular dietary habits would likely experience stunting.The low intake of nutritional food became the major predictor of stunting.Conclusions:Inappropriate feeding patterns and the variety of food were being the factors of stunting emergence among children<5 years of age.High consumption of carbohydrates,less animal-based protein,and misunderstanding about intake of sweetenedcondensed milk predisposed children to suffer stunting.

Effect of cryotherapy on pain management at the puncture site of arteriovenous fistula among children undergoing hemodialysis

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of cryotherapy in managing the pain at the puncture site of Arterio-Venous Fistula (AVF) among children undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (HD).Methods: A one-group pre-post quasi-experiment was performed in two HD centers affiliated with Cairo University.The experiment involved 40 children with AVF undergoing HD.Before puncturing,cryotherapy was applied using 2 cm-3 cm pieces of frozen distilled water in a plastic bag.Pain was assessed subjectively and objectively in two dialysis sessions before and after cryotherapy.A part from a physiological assessment of vital signs,pain was assessed using the Wong-Baker Faces Pain and the Observed Pain Behavior rating scales.All research ethics were applied.Results: HD had a median duration of four years,while cryotherapy had a median application time of 8.8 min.The Wong-Baker Faces Pain score and almost all observed pain behaviors significantly decreased after cryotherapy.Significant improvements were observed in respiratory rate before and after needle puncture and in oxygen saturation after needle puncture.A lower skin dryness was observed after cryotherapy (12.5%) than before cryotherapy (52.5%;p < 0.001).Conclusions: Cryotherapy can effectively reduce the venipuncture pain among children with AVF undergoing maintenance HD.However,the confounding effects of distraction and the non-randomized design used must be both considered when interpreting the findings.This study recommends the use of cryotherapy in managing needle puncture pain.Further research must adopt a randomized trial design with a placebo to support further the benefits of this procedure.

Colonoscopic diagnosis in children under 6 years of age without general anesthesia

The method and experience of colonoscopy in 21 children under 6 years old and ofpolypectomy in 13 cases among them were reported.

Predictors of Malaria Prevalence and Coverage of Insecticide-Treated Bednets among Under-Five Children in the Buea Health District, South West Region, Cameroon

Introduction: Cameroon is a hyperendemic country to malaria where it remains a major public health concern, especially amongst children under-five. Insecticide-treated bednets (ITBNs) is the main control strategies. This study aimed at determining the predictors of malaria prevalence and coverage of ITBNs among under-five children in the Buea Health District (BHD), South West Region of Cameroon in other to reduce the morbidity and mortality of malaria. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in the BHD which is a malaria-hyperendemic area. Every head (female/male) of the household who was present at home at the time of data collection was randomly interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Under-five children were ascertained for malaria using microscopy, with a temperature of ≥37.50&deg;C. Results: Out of 391 children (mean age = 19.7 month, SD = 2.5) who were selected and ascertained for malaria, the overall malaria prevalence was 13.04% (95% CI: 10.04 - 16.78). In a multivariate analysis after adjusting for confounders, female parents/guardians (AOR = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.29 - 0.91) was associated with low risk of malaria while parents/guardians with no formal/primary educational (AOR = 3.3, 95% CI: 1.76 - 4.04) and children who did not use ITBN (AOR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.08 - 2.51) were associated with an increased risk of malaria. Out of the selected children, 84.4% possessed ITBN (95% CI: 80.4 - 87.7) while 72.6% (95% CI: 67.9 - 76.8) used ITBN. In a multivariate after adjusting for confounders, Bova health area showed a significantly lower usage of ITBNs (χ 2 = 14.053, p = 0.003). Conclusion: The findings indicate that increased ITBN usage, increased parents/guardians’ educational level and good knowledge of ITBN is required to lower the risk of under-five children being infected with malaria. Health area of residence greatly influences the direct relationship between bednets possession and usage. These, therefore, indicates the possession of ITBN doesn’t mean their usage. The Cameroon National malaria control programs should consider the realities of the living conditions of the population for the implementation of better policies.

Mother’s Nutritional Knowledge and Practice towards Children under Two Years of Age and Its Impact on Their Health in Abuzaid Albuluk Pediatric Specialized Hospital in 2023

Background: Nutritional knowledge and practise is an important measure to improve dietary habits and food choices. The daily food should contain balanced nutrition as needed to support optimal growth, avoid deficiency diseases and prevent the diseases which might interfere with the children health. Materials & Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional non-interventional hospital-based study was carried out among 122 mothers and 122 children by using a non-probability convenience sampling technique in the period of 15 March to 15 April 2023, and using interviews with structural questionnaires, the data was analyzed using SPSS version 26. Results: We found that most of the children had moderate health, while most of the mothers had moderate nutritional knowledge and practise towards their children, also we found that the relationship between mothers’ knowledge and practise and child health was significant (P Conclusion: Mothers’ knowledge and practise among children was moderate and children had moderate health. Wrong beliefs and cultural taboos play major roles in decreasing knowledge and practise.

Prevalence of Undernutrition among Children Aged 6 - 59 Months in the Municipality of Toucountouna (Benin) in 2017

Introduction: Undernutrition is a public health problem in the world and especially in developing countries. According to the demographic and health survey with multiple indicators of Benin IV (DHS-MICS-IV), the prevalence of acute undernutrition (AU), chronic undernutrition (CU) and that of underweight (UW) was 16%, 45% and 21%, respectively. The objective of this work was to determine the prevalence of undernutrition in children aged 6 to 59 months in the municipality of Toucountouna in 2017. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study with two-stage cluster random sampling, composed of 390 children aged 6 to 59 months, living in the municipality of Toucountouna for at least six months. The study variables were: socio-demographic, economic, behavioral, socio-sanitary and anthropometric. Data were entered and analyzed using Epi-info 7.2 software. Results: 203 out of 390 children included, were boys (sex ratio of 1.08). The mean age of the children was 28.70 ± 11.79 months. The prevalence of AU, CU and UW was 10.26%, 31.54% and 11.79%, respectively. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that efforts remain to be made in terms of undernutrition and other surveys could identify the determinants linked to this situation in the locality for the effective implementation of prevention.

Seroprevalence of anti-HBs antibodies and the need for booster vaccination in children under 5 years of age born to HBsAg-negative mothers

Objective:To determine the proportion of HBV surface antigen(anti-HBs)antibody positive children under five years of age born to HBs Ag-negative mothers and to analyze the possible related factors following implementation of a hepatitis B vaccination program for infants in Indonesia 22 years ago.Methods:Blood samples were taken from children under five years of age born to HBsAg-negative mothers who have completed primary vaccination series.Anti-HBs antibodies were determined by using rapid test.Data of age,gender,nutritional status,vaccination timing or vaccination compliance,and booster vaccination were collected from vaccination card.Results:Ninety children were enrolled,consisting of 47 females and 43 males with a mean age of 2.3 years.Twenty two(24.4%)children received booster vaccine between 18 and 24 months and 55(61.1%)were anti-HBs positive.Among factors of age,gender,nutritional status,compliance to vaccination and booster vaccine,only administration of booster vaccine was significantly associated with anti-HBs status(OR 5.45,95%CI 1.45,20.52).Children who received booster vaccine at age of 18-24 months were 5.45 times more likely to be anti-HBs positive than that of children who did not receive booster vaccine.Conclusions:Booster vaccine rate is low among children under 5 years of age but is associated with anti-HBs positivity.Booster vaccination may be required to improve anti-HBs seropositivity.

Molecular Prevalence and Epidemiological Characteristics of Diarrheagenic <i>E. coli</i>in Children under 5 Years Old in the City of Koula-Moutou, East-Central Gabon

Background and Purpose: Diarrhoeagenic E. coli (DEC) is one of the germs responsible for childhood diarrhea in developing countries. This study aims at determining the prevalence of the five main pathotypes of DEC isolated from faeces of children under five years old with diarrhea or not, living in the city of Koula-Moutou. Methodology: Isolates of E. coli were phenotypically screened on chromIDTM agar and molecularly by multiplex PCR to detect the presence of enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC), enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC), enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), enterohemorragic E. coli (EHEC) and enteroinvasive E. coli (EIEC). The evaluation of their sensitivity to 12 β-lactam antibiotic molecules was carried out by Kirby Bauer method. This method has also made it possible to characterize phenotypically the different β-lactamases produced. Results and Conclusion: Overall, at least one DEC pathovar was detected in the 63 E. coli strains with phenotypic and molecular frequencies of 63.5% and 68.5% respectively. Thus, ETEC (28.3%) and EHEC (28.3%) were the most frequent DEC in diarrheal isolates. ETEC/EHEC hybrid was recorded in both groups with rates of 7.5% in diarrheal cases and 10.0% for controls. The results showed produced carbapenemase type β-lactamases (31.7%), followed by ESBL (24.4%) and few produced high level penicillinases (4.9%). The DEC, in particular ETEC and EHEC are most likely the epidemiological agents responsible for childhood diarrhea in this study.