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Biomedical subjects

K Vijayaraghavan

Publications and source records attributed to K Vijayaraghavan.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2002

Diet and nutritional status of rural preschool children in Punjab.

OBJECTIVE: To assess diet and nutritional profile of rural preschool children of Punjab. STUDY DESIGN: Multistage random sampling method was adopted by following probability proportion to population size (PPS). SUBJECT: Four hundred households (HH) were covered in each district of Punjab for socio-economic and demographic information. All the available individuals from these HHs were included for anthropometry and clinical examination. Every fourth household was covered for 24-hour recall method of diet survey (individual dietary intake). RESULTS: At the state level, the intake of macro and micronutrient rich foods such as cereals, pulses and green leafy vegetables, milk and milk products and fats and oils were lower than the RDI among preschool children. Except for protein, calcium and thiamine, the mean intake of all the nutrients was lower than the recommended level. About a half of the preschool children (50.3%) were undernourished (> 2SD weight for age); 60% were stunted (> 2SD height for age) and 12% were wasted (> 2SD weight for height). The extent of undernutrition and stunting was lower than that reported for the country. There was significant variation in the prevalence of severe stunting between the districts (p < 0.001), with the highest being observed in the Rupnagar (55%) and the lowest in Hoshiarpur and Sangrur (30% each). CONCLUSION: Despite, the reported high rates of economic growth and food production in the state, a higher proportion of preschool children were consuming diets, which are inadequate with respect to energy, fat, iron, riboflavin, vitamin A and vitamin C. The prevalence of undernutrition was high as was found in other states.

Body Height↗
PubMed2001

Prospects of fortification of salt with iron and iodine.

Fortification of salt with iron has been developed by the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) as a strategy for the control of iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) in India, similar to iodization of salt for control of iodine deficiency disorders (IDD). Stability of the iron fortified salt (IFS), its bioavailability and organoleptic evaluation of food items containing the IFS have been demonstrated. Acceptability and effectiveness of the IFS in school children and in multicentric community trials have been demonstrated. With the introduction of universal iodization of salt as a national policy in 1988, NIN has developed a formulation for double fortification (DFS) of salt with iodine and iron. The stability of the nutrients under laboratory conditions along with their bioavailability were found to be good but varying with the quality of salt used. The DFS has been evaluated in controlled trials in tribal communities and in residential school children. The findings of these studies are discussed. Overall, in these trials, DFS effectively controlled iodine deficiency but a clear impact on reducing anaemia was not demonstrated. In residential schoolchildren, increased urinary excretion of iodine as well as reduced anaemia were observed. The quality of salt has been found to be an important determinant of the stability of iodine in DFS. Further evaluation of this potentially important intervention is in progress.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Particulate matter modeling in the Los Angeles basin using SAQM-AERO.

The SARMAP air quality model, enhanced with aerosol modeling capability, and its associated components were developed to understand causes of ozone (O3) and particulate matter exceedances in the San Joaquin Valley of California. In order for this modeling system to gain increasing acceptance and use in guiding air quality management, it is important to assess how transportable this modeling system is across geographic domains. We describe the first application of the modeling system outside the "home" domain for which it was developed and evaluated. We have chosen the August 27-28, 1987, intensive monitoring period of the Southern California Air Quality Study to evaluate the performance of the modeling system and to assess its sensitivity to emission control options. The predicted surface concentrations of O3 and other gas-phase species were spatially and temporally correlated with measured data. The fractional normalized absolute error was 0.32 to 0.36 for O3, and somewhat larger for other species. The fractional normalized bias for O3 on August 27 and 28, 1987, was 0.02 to 0.04. The simulated PM2.5 mass and constituent species concentrations reproduced the magnitude and variability of the observed daytime concentrations at most locations; however, nighttime PM2.5 concentrations were overpredicted by the model. The model's response to emission control options was consistent with other models of the same genre.

Air Pollutants↗
PubMed2000

The sensitivity of PM2.5 source-receptor relationships to atmospheric chemistry and transport in a three-dimensional air quality model.

Air quality model simulations constitute an effective approach to developing source-receptor relationships (so-called transfer coefficients in the risk analysis framework) because a significant fraction of particulate matter (particularly PM2.5) is secondary (i.e., formed in the atmosphere) and, therefore, depends on the atmospheric chemistry of the airshed. In this study, we have used a comprehensive three-dimensional air quality model for PM2.5 (SAQM-AERO) to compare three approaches to generating episodic transfer coefficients for several source regions in the Los Angeles Basin. First, transfer coefficients were developed by conducting PM2.5 SAQM-AERO simulations with reduced emissions of one of four precursors (i.e., primary PM, sulfur dioxide (SO2), oxides of nitrogen (NOx), and volatile organic compounds) from each source region. Next, we calculated transfer coefficients using two other methods: (1) a simplified chemistry for PM2.5 formation, and (2) simplifying assumptions on transport using information limited to basin-wide emission reductions. Transfer coefficients obtained with the simplified chemistry were similar to those obtained with the comprehensive model for VOC emission changes but differed for NOx and SOz emission changes. The differences were due to the parameterization of the rates of secondary PM formation in the simplified chemistry. In 90% of the cases, transfer coefficients estimated using only basin-wide information were within a factor of two of those obtained with the explicit source-receptor simulations conducted with the comprehensive model. The best agreement was obtained for VOC emission changes; poor agreement was obtained for primary PM2.5.

Air Pollutants↗
PubMed1999

Impact of mid day meal program on educational and nutritional status of school children in Karnataka.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of the Mid Day Meal (MDM) Program on enrollment, attendance, dropout rate and retention rate in the schools and its impact on nutritional status as well as on school performance. DESIGN: Comparison by multistage random sampling. SUBJECTS: Primary school children, who are attending the school in the MDM and non-MDM areas. RESULTS: A total of 2,694 children (MDM: 1361; Non-MDM : 1333) from 60 schools were covered in the study. Results of the study indicated better enrollment (p<0.05) and attendance (p<0.001), higher retention rate with reduced dropout rate (p<0.001) a marginally higher scholastic performance and marginally higher growth performance of MDM children. CONCLUSION: MDM program is associated with a better educational and nutritional status of school children in Karnataka.

Child↗
PubMed1998

Long-term cryopreservation: successful trilineage engraftment after autologous bone marrow transplantation with bone marrow cryopreserved for seven years.

Successful autologous bone marrow transplantation (ABMT) and peripheral blood stem cell transplantation depend on safe hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) cryopreservation and storage. Several successful methods for cryopreservation and storage have been established and are commonly used all over the world. However, little is known about the effects of long-term cryopreservation on the capacity to sustain a complete immunohematopoietic engraftment. Several authors have investigated stem cell viability after cryopreservation and storage for more than 5 years and reported preclinical good viabilities in terms of dye-exclusion or colony-forming capability in vitro. Only two studies using BM cryopreserved for more than 5 years for transplantation are reported, but they did not provide proof of trilineage engraftment. In February 1997 at our institution, a patient with relapsed non-Hodgkin's lymphoma underwent ABMT with BM harvested in February 1990. He achieved a granulocyte count > 500 x 10(6)/L on day 21 and a self-supporting platelet count > 20 x 10(9)/L on day 30. After day 29, his hemoglobin level was satisfactory without need of transfusion support. This successful trilineage engraftment with cryopreserved BM that had been stored for 7 years suggests that HSC are able to maintain their capability to reconstitute hematopoiesis for a long time.

Bone Marrow↗
PubMed1998

Impact evaluation of iron & iodine fortified salt.

As a novel approach to tackle the problems of iron deficiency anaemia and iodine deficiency disorders (IDDs), which often coexist, the National Institute of Nutrition has developed iron and iodine fortified common salt (double fortified salt-DFS) as a public health measure. This salt has undergone a battery of laboratory and field tests to evaluate its feasibility for use in a national programme. The DFS is designed to provide 1 mg of iron and 15 micrograms of iodine per gram of common salt. This was made possible by the inclusion of a polyphosphate stabilizer, sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP) at 1 per cent level. The stability of iron and iodine was found to be good up to 6 months. However, the stability of iodine depended upon the quality of the salt used for fortification. The biological effects of long-term consumption of DFS were evaluated in experimental rats and in field trials. Both iron and iodine from the salt were found to be biologically available in regenerating haemoglobin and in increasing excretion of iodine in urine. When this salt was tested in tribal villages endemic for goitre and iron deficiency anaemia, the bioresponse was good with regard to the iodine status but was not uniform in all segments with regard to iron, probably due to confounding variables. In a study carried out in residential school children where such variables did not exist, DFS was found to have significant impact on haemoglobin status in anaemic children and improved their urinary iodine excretion. The consumption of DFS for 2 yr did not have any adverse effects in school children as well as in the tribal population. Parameters related to calcium homeostasis were not altered in children receiving DFS. Histopathological examination of tissues and radiological examination of bone did not reveal any abnormality in DFS fed rats. Similarly serum and urinary parameters related to calcium and phosphorus were not altered in DFS fed rats. Therefore, DFS is presented as a feasible and effective strategy to control the double deficiency of iron and iodine in our community.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Diet & nutrition situation in rural India.

During the last 25 years, a large database has been accumulated on the diet and nutritional status of the rural population of different states of India. The National Nutrition Monitoring Bureau (NNMB) and the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), Hyderabad have carried out extensive diet and nutrition surveys in 12 states of the country. These surveys indicate that the diets of the rural population are inadequate and deficient in most of the nutrients. There is widespread energy deficiency in the rural households. About 60 per cent of the preschool children are underweight (< median -2SD weight for age of NCHS) and 62 per cent are stunted (long duration malnutrition). About 15 per cent of the children of 1-5 yr of age suffer from short duration malnutrition (wasting). Repeat surveys showed that severe malnutrition had declined substantially in children. Similarly, there was reduction in the extent of chronic energy deficiency among the adults. However, there were no perceptible changes in the diet and nutrient intakes during the past 20 yr.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Biologically erodable microspheres as potential oral drug delivery systems.

Biologically adhesive delivery systems offer important advantages over conventional drug delivery systems. Here we show that engineered polymer microspheres made of biologically erodable polymers, which display strong adhesive interactions with gastrointestinal mucus and cellular linings, can traverse both the mucosal absorptive epithelium and the follicle-associated epithelium covering the lymphoid tissue of Peyer's patches. The polymers maintain contact with intestinal epithelium for extended periods of time and actually penetrate it, through and between cells. Thus, once loaded with compounds of pharmacological interest, the microspheres could be developed as delivery systems to transfer biologically active molecules to the circulation. We show that these microspheres increase the absorption of three model substances of widely different molecular size: dicumarol, insulin and plasmid DNA.

Adhesiveness↗
PubMed1995

Strategies for control of micronutrient malnutrition.

Micronutrient malnutrition, particularly vitamin A deficiency (VAD), iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) and iodine deficiency disorders (IDD), poses a serious threat to the health of vulnerable segments of population. Dietary Inadequacy is the primary cause of VAD and IDA, while poor iodine content of soil and water due to environmental iodine deficiency is the main determinant of IDD. Three major intervention strategies are available for the control of micronutrient malnutrition: supplementation of the specific micronutrients; fortification of foods with micronutrients; and horticulture intervention to increase production and nutrition education to ensure regular consumption of micronutrient rich foods. In India currently the national nutrition programmes being implemented for preventing these deficiencies are based on short term supplementation like periodic mega dosing of vitamin A, distribution of iron and folic acid tablets, and salt iodisation. Though these have been in operation for over two decades, there has been no perceptible biological impact on the prevalence of micronutrient malnutrition. Among the constraints, the most important are: lack of coordination, shortage of resources and manpower, inadequate and irregular supplies, lack of proper orientation and training to the functionaries, poor monitoring and supervision and absence of nutrition education. Integrated and multi-sectoral approaches are required to achieve the goals set under the National Nutrition Policy. These should include community-friendly nutrition education to increase awareness and motivation; active people's participation; food fortification; nutrient supplementation; nutrition oriented horticulture programmes; orientation of functionaries, and establishment of integrated micronutrient surveillance. Concerted and focussed efforts are needed to combat micronutrient malnutrition by the 2000 AD.

Anemia, Iron-Deficiency↗
PubMed1993

Nutritional anthropometry--validity of cut-off points.

The present communication seeks to describe an alternate approach of arriving at cut-off levels using ratio of percentiles for (i) differentiating normal children from the undernourished ones, and (ii) identifying the severely undernourished group of children in the community on the basis of body weight and height. It also examines validity of the cut-off levels presently used of weight for age (Gomez and Indian Academy of Paediatrics classification) and height for age parameters. 1. The cut-off levels are independent of the reference standard and, as such, the same cut-off levels could be used irrespective of the standards. 2. It is desirable to have separate cut-off levels for preschool and school age groups. The use of common cut-off points for both the age groups seems to result in loss of sensitivity of the order of over 5 per cent. 3. The use of the 90 per cent cut-off level in the Gomez classification misclassifies some of the normals as undernourished, thereby tending to overestimate the problem of undernutrition in communities. 4. The body weight groups based on the suggested cut-off points do bear a relationship to the prevalence of signs of PEM--the greater the weight deficit, the higher the prevalence of signs of PEM in preschool children.

Anthropometry↗
PubMed1990

Effect of massive dose vitamin A on morbidity and mortality in Indian children.

The effect of vitamin A supplementation on preschool child morbidity and mortality was assessed in a prospective double-blind placebo-controlled study around Hyderabad, India. Every six months 200,000 IU vitamin A was given to 7691 children (treatment group) whereas 8084 children received a placebo (control group). Morbidity and mortality data were collected every three months. Risk of respiratory infection was higher in children with mild xerophthalmia than in children with normal eyes. Vitamin A supplementation had no effect on morbidity status. Mortality rates were similar in the two groups; it was highest in children who did not receive either vitamin A or placebo. The findings suggest that vitamin A supplementation alone may not reduce child mortality.

Blindness↗
PubMed1989

Indian preschool children--a profile of stunting and wasting.

Anthropometric data collected on 18,938 preschool children (1-5 years) by the National Nutrition Monitoring Bureau (NNMB) in 10 states of the country were analysed for assessing growth status in terms of 'stunting' and 'wasting'. The results showed that the prevalence of stunting, reflective of chronic malnutrition, is of higher magnitude compared to wasting (considered to be an outcome of current acute malnutrition), as well as wasting and stunting. The stunting increased with increasing age of children. The data also suggested that over the period, the prevalence of stunting declined from 58 per cent in 1974 to 45 per cent in 1980. A corresponding increase in normals from 35 to 50 per cent has also been noticed during the same period.

Anthropometry↗