Editorial Material
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Feiko O. ter Kuile
Summary: Malaria is a major cause of adverse pregnancy outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa and resistance to the recommended antimalarial, sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine, is threatening progress. A trial of dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine as an alternative to sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine showed significant reductions in placental malaria and adverse pregnancy outcomes. The results raise questions about the discrepancies with previous trials.
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS
(2021)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Hsun-Chin Chao
Summary: The benefits of zinc in treating pediatric gastrointestinal diseases, particularly inflammatory bowel disease and celiac disease, are significant. Zinc supplementation has been shown to reduce the duration of diarrhea and may also be beneficial for peptic ulcer disease and gastroesophageal reflux disease. However, specific guidelines for zinc supplementation in children are lacking.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Jinat Alam, Sharika Nuzhat, Shebab Md Billal, Tahmeed Ahmed, Azharul Islam Khan, Md. Iqbal Hossain
Summary: Zinc supplementation with oral rehydration solution (ORS) is recommended by the World Health Organization for treating childhood diarrhea. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of zinc administration in addition to ORS before hospitalization and the nutritional profile of children in Bangladesh. The findings showed that 39.24% of the children received zinc along with ORS prior to hospitalization. Despite being a leading zinc coverage area globally, Bangladesh lags behind in zinc coverage for diarrheal illness among under-five children. Policymakers should scale up and formulate guidelines to encourage zinc supplementation in diarrheal episodes.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
M. Munirul Islam, Robert E. Black, Nancy F. Krebs, Jamie Westcott, Julie Long, Kazi Munisul Islam, Janet M. Peerson, Rahvia Alam Sthity, Afsana Mim Khandaker, Mehedi Hasan, Shams E. L. Arifeen, Tahmeed Ahmed, Janet C. King, Christine M. McDonald
Summary: This study evaluated the effects of different doses, durations, and frequencies of zinc supplementation on diarrhea and linear growth in young children. The results showed that zinc supplementation did not reduce the incidence of diarrhea, but the daily use of HiZn LoFe MNP showed modest improvements in linear growth.
JOURNAL OF NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
David Kwame Dosoo, Kezia Malm, Felix Boakye Oppong, Richard Gyasi, Abraham Oduro, John Williams, Dorcas Atibilla, Nana Yaw Peprah, Mieks Twumasi, Seth Owusu-Agyei, Brian Greenwood, Daniel Chandramohan, Kwaku Poku Asante
Summary: The study found no significant difference in the risk of placental malaria, low birth weight, or maternal anemia among women receiving 3 doses compared with those receiving >= 4 doses of IPTp-SP. Receiving >= 3 doses was associated with a lower risk of overall placental malaria infection compared with 2 doses. Monthly administration of IPTp-SP appears to be a practical and safe option for pregnant women to receive multiple doses during pregnancy.
Editorial Material
Immunology
Ali Sie, Mamadou Ouattara, Mamadou Bountogo, Clarisse Dah, Guillaume Compaore, Valentin Boudo, Elodie Lebas, Jessica Brogdon, Fanice Nyatigo, Benjamin F. Arnold, Thomas M. Lietman, Catherine E. Oldenburg
Summary: A study conducted in Nouna District, Burkina Faso, found that a high percentage of children under 5 years old visiting government-run primary healthcare facilities were prescribed antibiotics, with the majority being for pneumonia. Some prescriptions were given for diagnoses that did not necessitate antibiotics, such as malaria, nonbloody diarrhea, and cough without pneumonia.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sarah Svege, Thandile Nkosi-Gondwe, Siri Lange
Summary: A study in Malawi found that local health beliefs and traditional treatment practices hinder timely seeking of hospital care for anaemic children, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. Participants linked anaemia to various factors and the healthcare choices were influenced by traditional and complementary medicine.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Ekpereonne B. Esu, Chioma Oringanje, Martin M. Meremikwu
Summary: In sub-Saharan Africa, intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) with antimalarial drugs may reduce the risk of clinical malaria, anemia, and hospital admission in infants, but the efficacy of some drugs appears to decline over time. Studies show positive impacts on treating clinical malaria, anemia, and hospital admissions, while the effect on all-cause mortality remains unclear.
COCHRANE DATABASE OF SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Mwayiwawo Madanitsa, Hellen C. Barsosio, Daniel T. R. Minja, George Mtove, Reginald A. Kavishe, James Dodd, Queen Saidi, Eric Onyango, Kephas Otieno, Duolao Wang, Ulla Ashorn, Jenny Hill, Crispin Mukerebe, Samwel Gesase, Omari A. Msemo, Victor Mwapasa, Kamija S. Phiri, Kenneth Maleta, Nigel Klein, Pascal Magnussen, John P. A. Lusingu, Simon Kariuki, Jacklin F. Mosha, Michael Alifrangis, Helle Hansson, Christentze Schmiegelow, Julie R. Gutman, R. Matthew Chico, Feiko O. ter Kuile
Summary: This study evaluates the efficacy of intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp) with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine compared to sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine in high-resistance areas in East Africa. The results demonstrate that IPTp with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine and its combination with azithromycin lead to more adverse pregnancy outcomes compared to sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine. This suggests that combining sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine and dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine for IPTp should be considered.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Clara Pons-Duran, Mireia Llach, Charfudin Sacoor, Sergi Sanz, Eusebio Macete, Iwara Arikpo, Maximo Ramirez, Martin Meremikwu, Didier Mbombo Ndombe, Susana Mendez, Manu F. Manun'Ebo, Ranto Ramananjato, Victor R. Rabeza, Maya Tholandi, Elaine Roman, Franco Pagnoni, Raquel Gonzalez, Clara Menendez
Summary: The coverage of IPTp3+ in the surveyed districts in four sub-Saharan countries was generally low, falling short of universal coverage. However, one district in Mozambique showed significantly higher IPTp3+ coverage compared to other areas and the 2018 national average, indicating a need for further investigation into the reasons behind this discrepancy.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Yukiya Kurahashi, Weerawan Hattasingh, Supawat Chatchen, Tawatchai Yingtaweesak, Chukiat Sirivichayakul
Summary: This study examined the association between nutrition and infectious diseases in children under 14 years old in a border area of Thailand. The results showed that underweight was still prevalent in rural areas and was associated with malaria and acute diarrhea, despite improvements in nutritional status and healthcare facilities.
JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Fatima Mahmud Muhammad, Saharnaz Nedjat, Haniye Sadat Sajadi, Mahboubeh Parsaeian, Abraham Assan, Reza Majdzadeh
Summary: The study identified poor policy implementation, low antenatal care attendance, inadequate access to intermittent preventive treatment at community levels, lack of sustainable funding, and poor community engagement as major barriers to IPTp usage among pregnant women in Nigeria.
BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Laia Cirera, Charfudin Sacoor, Martin Meremikwu, Louise Ranaivo, Manu F. Manun'Ebo, Clara Pons-Duran, Dachi Arikpo, Maximo Ramirez, Francesco Ramponi, Antia Figueroa-Romero, Raquel Gonzalez, Christina Maly, Elaine Roman, Elisa Sicuri, Franco Pagnoni, Clara Menendez
Summary: The World Health Organization recommends the use of intermittent preventive treatment with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP) for the control and prevention of malaria in pregnancy in sub-Saharan Africa. However, the coverage and uptake of IPTp-SP remains low. A pilot project was conducted to assess the cost-effectiveness of community-based delivery of IPTp (C-IPTp) in increasing IPTp uptake. The study found that C-IPTp is a highly cost-effective intervention.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Anna Szuba-Trznadel, Anna Rzasa, Tomasz Hikawczuk, Boguslaw Fuchs
Summary: This study demonstrates that supplementing with zinc oxide nanoparticles can prevent diarrhea in weaned piglets while improving growth rate and feed efficiency, recommending the use of 150 mg/kg of zinc oxide nanoparticles instead of therapeutic doses of zinc preparations for the same efficacy.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Eugene Kofuor Maafo Darteh, Kwamena Sekyi Dickson, Bright Opoku Ahinkorah, Bernard Afriyie Owusu, Joshua Okyere, Tarif Salihu, Vincent Bio Bediako, Eugene Budu, Wonder Agbemavi, Jane Odurowaah Edjah, Abdul-Aziz Seidu
Summary: The study found that the uptake of IPTp-SP among pregnant women in sub-Saharan African countries is relatively low, with significant inter-country variations. Factors associated with higher odds of optimal IPTp-SP uptake include higher educational level, exposure to media, low parity, and older age group. National policies and interventions to improve coverage and uptake of IPTp-SP should target women with lower education levels, non-exposure to media, higher parity, and younger age group.
ARCHIVES OF PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Loty Diop, Elodie Becquey, Zuzanna Turowska, Lieven Huybregts, Marie T. Ruel, Aulo Gelli
Summary: This study evaluated the performance of two standard food group scores and related dichotomous indicators to predict the adequacy of micronutrient intake in rural Burkinabe children and women. The results showed that FGS-10 performed better than FGS-7 in predicting micronutrient adequacy. The MDD-W and MDD-IYC indicators were effective in predicting adequacy in children and nonpregnant nonbreastfeeding women, with a 4-group cutoff for FGS-10 providing a better balance between sensitivity, specificity, and classification accuracy.
JOURNAL OF NUTRITION
(2021)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Brenda de Kok, Alemayehu Argaw, Giles Hanley-Cook, Laeticia Celine Toe, Moctar Ouedraogo, Trenton Dailey-Chwalibog, Loty Diop, Elodie Becquey, Patrick Kolsteren, Carl Lachat, Lieven Huybregts
Summary: The study showed that pregnant women receiving BEP supplementation had significantly higher energy and macro- and micronutrient intakes compared to the control group. BEP supplementation helps fill nutrient gaps for pregnant women without displacing food intake.
JOURNAL OF NUTRITION
(2021)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
K. Ryan Wessells, Charles D. Arnold, Christine P. Stewart, Elizabeth L. Prado, Souheila Abbeddou, Seth Adu-Afarwuah, Benjamin F. Arnold, Per Ashorn, Ulla Ashorn, Elodie Becquey, Kenneth H. Brown, Kendra A. Byrd, Rebecca K. Campbell, Parul Christian, Lia C. H. Fernald, Yue-Mei Fan, Emanuela Galasso, Sonja Y. Hess, Lieven Huybregts, Josh M. Jorgensen, Marion Kiprotich, Emma Kortekangas, Anna Lartey, Agnes Le Port, Jef L. Leroy, Audrie Lin, Kenneth Maleta, Susana L. Matias, Mduduzi N. N. Mbuya, Malay K. Mridha, Kuda Mutasa, Abu M. Naser, Rina R. Paul, Harriet Okronipa, Jean-Bosco Ouedraogo, Amy J. Pickering, Mahbubur Rahman, Kerry Schulze, Laura E. Smith, Ann M. Weber, Amanda Zongrone, Kathryn G. Dewey
Summary: The provision of small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements has been shown to significantly decrease the prevalence of anemia, iron deficiency, and iron deficiency anemia among children. Positive effects of these supplements were observed across various subgroups, indicating their potential in improving hematological and iron status outcomes.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NUTRITION
(2021)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Elizabeth L. Prado, Charles D. Arnold, K. Ryan Wessells, Christine P. Stewart, Souheila Abbeddou, Seth Adu-Afarwuah, Benjamin F. Arnold, Ulla Ashorn, Per Ashorn, Elodie Becquey, Kenneth H. Brown, Jaya Chandna, Parul Christian, Holly N. Dentz, Sherlie J. L. Dulience, Lia C. H. Fernald, Emanuela Galasso, Lotta Hallamaa, Sonja Y. Hess, Lieven Huybregts, Lora L. Iannotti, Elizabeth Y. Jimenez, Patricia Kohl, Anna Lartey, Agnes Le Port, Stephen P. Luby, Kenneth Maleta, Andrew Matchado, Susana L. Matias, Malay K. Mridha, Robert Ntozini, Clair Null, Maku E. Ocansey, Sarker M. Parvez, John Phuka, Amy J. Pickering, Andrew J. Prendergast, Abu A. Shamim, Zakia Siddiqui, Fahmida Tofail, Ann M. Weber, Lee S. F. Wu, Kathryn G. Dewey
Summary: Small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements have positive effects on language, social-emotional, and motor scores in young children, especially in populations with a high prevalence of child stunting. Certain groups of children in higher-risk environments have a greater potential to benefit from these supplements.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NUTRITION
(2021)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Elodie Becquey, Loty Diop, Josue Awonon, Ampa D. Diatta, Rasmane Ganaba, Abdoulaye Pedehombga, Aulo Gelli
Summary: The study assessed the impact of the SELEVER project on the diets of women and children during the lean season. The results showed that the project had a positive effect on iron intake but had limited impact on other primary dietary outcomes. The study also suggested that the synergies between intervention components may have introduced heterogeneity in effects on diet.
JOURNAL OF NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Taryn J. Smith, Xiuping Tan, Charles D. Arnold, Dalaphone Sitthideth, Sengchanh Kounnavong, Sonja Y. Hess
Summary: This study found that postpartum dietary restrictions are common among women in northern Lao PDR. Older age, higher gravidity, and better household socioeconomic status were associated with allowing more diverse foods, while women from food insecure households tended to follow more restrictive diets for longer. Culturally appropriate strategies to increase micronutrient intakes among women should be considered.
MATERNAL AND CHILD NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Eleanor Brindle, Lorraine Lillis, Rebecca Barney, Pooja Bansil, Sonja Y. Hess, K. Ryan Wessells, Cesaire T. Ouedraogo, Francisco Arredondo, Mikaela K. Barker, Neal E. Craft, Christina Fischer, James L. Graham, Peter J. Havel, Crystal D. Karakochuk, Mindy Zhang, Ei-Xia Mussai, Carine Mapango, Jody M. Randolph, Katherine Wander, Christine M. Pfeiffer, Eileen Murphy, David S. Boyle
Summary: This study evaluated the performance characteristics and comparability of immunoassay methods for quantifying seven biomarkers across different laboratories. Results showed acceptable precision and linearity in a single lab, with generally good agreement in biomarker results between labs.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Sonja Y. Hess, Alexander C. McLain, Haley Lescinsky, Kenneth H. Brown, Ashkan Afshin, Reed Atkin, Saskia J. M. Osendarp
Summary: The Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study shows significant changes in the estimated disease burden due to vitamin A and zinc deficiencies from 2017 to 2019, primarily due to changes in analytical methods, which may not represent true changes in disease burden. Further efforts are needed to validate these results.
PUBLIC HEALTH NUTRITION
(2022)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Sonja Y. Hess, Alexander C. McLain, Edward A. Frongillo, Ashkan Afshin, Nicholas J. Kassebaum, Saskia J. M. Osendarp, Reed Atkin, Rahul Rawat, Kenneth H. Brown
Summary: Assessing the global prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies requires valid biomarkers and representative survey data, which are often lacking. Current estimates rely on complex statistical modeling using assumptions and proxies, potentially underestimating the extent of deficiencies and global health burden.
CURRENT DEVELOPMENTS IN NUTRITION
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Elodie Becquey, Issa Sombie, Mariama Toure, Zuzanna Turowska, Emilie Buttarelli, Nicholas Nisbett
Summary: Analyzing the nutrition story in Burkina Faso, we found that improvements in immunization coverage, assets accumulation, and reduction in open defecation were associated with improvements in under-five stunting. Other indicators such as education, family planning, health, and WASH were also found to be related. Burkina Faso's success in improving coverage of nutrition and healthcare programs, along with improvements in food security, WASH, and education sectors, contributed to improvements in child nutrition.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Paulina Tindana, Rosemonde Guissou, Oladimeji Akeem Bolarinwa, Fatoumata Tou, Freek de Haan, Mehul Dhorda, Arjen M. Dondorp, Chanaki Amaratunga, Olugbenga Ayodeji Mokuolu, Jean Bosco Ouedraogo, Phaik Yeong Cheah
Summary: This paper presents an analysis of stakeholders' perspectives regarding key ethical considerations to be considered in the deployment of triple artemisinin-based combination therapies (TACTs) in Africa. Engagement with stakeholders and addressing ethical issues will be crucial for potential deployment of TACTs in Africa.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Nicholas Nisbett, Jody Harris, Derek Headey, Mara van den Bold, Stuart Gillespie, Noora-Lisa Aberman, Olutayo Adeyemi, Richmond Aryeetey, Rasmi Avula, Elodie Becquey, Scott Drimie, Elyse Iruhiriye, Leah Salm, Zuzanna Turowska
Summary: This article provides an overview of findings from 14 studies conducted in nine countries in South Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, and Europe between 2017 and 2021. The studies utilized various methods to assess determinants of nutritional change and focused on multisectoral determinants, changes in the food environment, structural factors, and changes in political commitment, cross-sectoral coherence, and capacity. It emphasizes the importance of addressing both upstream and downstream determinants of nutrition to effectively tackle the issue.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Zuzanna Turowska, Emilie Buttarelli, Issa Sombie, Nicholas Nisbett, Mara Van den Bold, Elodie Becquey
Summary: Looking back at successful enabling environments for nutrition can provide guidance for policymakers to accelerate progress in ending all forms of malnutrition by 2030. Through a study in Burkina Faso, we analyzed the factors that enabled wide-scale nutrition progress, such as leadership, coordination bodies, intersectoral collaboration, and increased funding. The success of Burkina Faso's health sector in creating an enabling environment for nutrition has contributed to improvements in child nutrition. Enhancing accountability and empowering decentralized bodies in sectors like health, agriculture, water, sanitation, hygiene, education, and social protection can further accelerate progress in nutrition.