ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Efforts to prevent malnutrition in children under five are crucial for both short-term and long-term impact, especially in resource-constrained low- and middle-income countries, where ensuring minimal food diversity remains an urgent challenge. Our organization implemented initiatives to improve dietary diversity among children under five in rural areas of Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR). METHODS: We carried out educational and awareness programs directed at caregivers of children aged 6-59 months. These programs were delivered by healthcare professionals and trained community volunteers in specific areas of Xaybouathong District, Khammouane Province. To evaluate the impact of our interventions, we conducted surveys both at the beginning and end of the project. We designated the Individual Dietary Diversity Score IDDS as the objective variable, serving as an indicator of child dietary diversity. Using sociodemographic and economic indicators as explanatory variables, we assessed the impact of the intervention through multivariate analysis with a generalized linear model as well as a bivariate analysis. RESULTS: The comparison between 210 children at baseline and 205 children at endline revealed a significant increase in IDDS among children aged 6-23 months (from 3.36 to 4.22) and children aged 24-59 months (from 3.29 to 3.83). Multivariate analysis indicated a significant association between the intervention effect (baseline vs. endline) and the village of residence. Furthermore, significant improvements were observed in each food group that constitute IDDS, including vegetables and fruits, eggs, and legumes and nuts. CONCLUSIONS: Even in resource-limited settings, such as rural areas of Lao PDR, it is possible to improve child dietary diversity through educational approaches that encourage the utilization of locally available foods.
ABSTRACT
Pelvic recurrence of colorectal cancer is a crucial problem because radical surgery can lead to excessive invasion. Novel therapeutic strategies are required instead of surgery. However, there are few suitable models because of the difficulty in transplanting and observing tumors in the pelvis. We have established an appropriate injection site suitable for the establishment of colorectal cancer pelvic recurrence that allows for the observation of tumor growth. DLD-1 cells stably expressing luciferase (DLD-1 clone#1-Luc) were inoculated into various points of female BALB/c nude mice and the engrafted cells were analyzed with an imaging system employing bioluminescent signals and computed tomography. Weekly analysis with the imaging system showed that a triangular area defined by the vagina, the anus, and the ischial spine was suitable for the engraftment of pelvic tumors. The imaging system was able to detect the engrafted tumor 7 days after the inoculation of cells. Weight loss was observed in our model, and overall survival was 21-42 days. Tumor involvement of adjacent organs was detected histopathologically, as is the case in the clinical situation. These findings suggest that this model is valid for evaluations of the therapeutic effects of novel treatments under development. It is hoped that this model will be used in preclinical research.
