Effect of handwashing on the reduction of Escherichia coli on children's hands in an urban slum Indonesia.

Poor hand hygiene practice has been linked to an increase in the number of infections among children in urban slums. Hands are considered an intersection for bacterial transmission, but it is unclear whether the handwashing technique affects bacteria elimination. This study investigated the effect of handwashing on the concentration of Escherichia coli (E. coli) and factors related to its reduction among children in an urban slum in Bandung, Indonesia. We observed handwashing and conducted repeated hand swabs before and after handwashing among 137 participants. The mean E. coli concentration on the hands decreased after handwashing, with a higher reduction in E. coli count among students who used soap and had soap contact for more than 10 s during handwashing. Cleaning in-between fingers, using soap, soap contact for more than 10 s, and drying hands with a single-use towel were effective factors for reducing E. coli concentration after handwashing (p < 0.05). More than half of the swab samples (59%) tested positive for E. coli after handwashing, indicating that the children's handwashing technique was not effective in completely removing E. coli from the hands. Moreover, sustained and consistent handwashing practice as a daily behavior in children would maximize the effect.

Detection of Escherichia coli, rotavirus, and Cryptosporidium spp. from drinking water, kitchenware, and flies in a periurban community of Lusaka, Zambia.

Fecal contamination with a poor water, sanitation and hygiene environment in urban informal settlements poses diarrhea risks. Little information is available on the contamination of environmental media with enteric pathogens in such settlements. We investigated the contamination of Escherichia coli, rotavirus, and Cryptosporidium spp. in water, on kitchenware, and on flies in urban informal settlements of Chawama and Kanyama, Lusaka, Zambia. These environmental media were examined by XM-G agar cultivation for E. coli and specific real-time RT-PCR assays to detect rotavirus and Cryptosporidium spp. E. coli; rotavirus, and Cryptosporidium spp. were detected in samples of household stored drinking water (6 of 10 samples, 3 of 10 samples, and 2 of 10 samples, respectively), cups (10 of 20 samples, 2 of 13 samples, 1 of 13 samples, respectively), and flies (35 of 55 samples, 5 of 17 samples, 1 of 17 samples, respectively). The ranges of rotavirus concentrations in household stored drinking water, on cups, and flies were 2.9 × 102-2.2 × 105 copies/L, 1.2 × 102-4.3 × 102 copies/cup, and 5.0 × 101-2.0 × 102 copies/fly, respectively. These results indicate the contribution of drinking water and kitchenware to enteric pathogen exposure and potential role of flies in microbial transmission.

C-arm Free O-arm Navigated Posterior Atlantoaxial Fixation in Down Syndrome: A Technical Note.

The surgical treatment of pediatric atlantoaxial subluxation (AAS) in Down syndrome (DS) remains technically challenging due to radiation exposure and complications such as vertebral artery injury and nonunion. The established treatment is fixation with a C1 lateral mass screw and C2 pedicle screw (modified Goel technique). However, this technique requires fluoroscopy for C1 screw insertion. To avoid exposing the operating team to radiation we present here a new C-arm free O-arm navigated surgical procedure for pediatric AAS in DS. A 5-year-old male DS patient had neck pain and unsteady gait. Radiograms showed AAS with an atlantodental interval of 10 mm, and irreducible subluxation on extension. CT scan showed Os odontoideum and AAS. MRI demonstrated spinal cord compression between the C1 posterior arch and odontoid process. We performed a C-arm free O-arm navigated modified Goel procedure with postoperative halo-vest immobilization. At oneyear follow-up, good neurological recovery and solid bone fusion were observed. The patient had no complications such as epidural hematoma, infection, or nerve or vessel injury. This novel procedure is a useful and safe technique that protects surgeons and staff from radiation risk.

Posterolateral Floating Technique for the Thoracic Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament with Navigation: A Technical Note.

We describe a floating technique via a posterolateral approach with intraoperative O-arm navigation to facilitate decompression of the spinal cord in thoracic myelopathy due to severe ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). A 62-year-old man with myelopathy due to thoracic OPLL had left-leg muscle weakness, urinary disturbance, and spastic gait. Bilateral leg pain and gait disturbance had persisted for 2 years. He was successfully treated by the posterolateral OPLL floating procedure and posterior pedicle fixation under O-arm navigation. At a 2-year follow-up, manual muscle testing results and sensory function of the left leg had recovered fully. His cervical Japanese Orthopedic Association score had improved from 5/12 to 11/12. The novel intraoperative O-arm navigation-guided posterolateral floating procedure for thoracic OPLL is effective for achieving precise decompression and strong fixation with a posterior approach only and can provide an excellent result for severe thoracic OPLL without the risk of adverse events from intraoperative radiation.

Revision for cage migration after transforaminal/posterior lumbar interbody fusion: how to perform revision surgery?

BACKGROUND: Symptomatic pseudarthrosis and cage migration/protrusion are difficult complications of transforaminal or posterior lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF/PLIF). If the patient experiences severe radicular symptoms due to cage protrusion, removal of the migrated cage is necessary. However, this procedure is sometimes very challenging because epidural adhesions and fibrous union can be present between the cage and vertebrae. We describe a novel classification and technique utilizing a navigated osteotome and the oblique lumbar interbody fusion at L5/S1 (OLIF51) technique to address this problem. METHODS: This retrospective study investigated consecutive patients with degenerative lumbar diseases who underwent TLIF/PLIF. Symptomatic cage migration was evaluated by direct examination, radiography, and/or computed tomography (CT) at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months of follow-up. Cage migration/protrusion was defined as symptomatic cage protrusion > 5 mm from the posterior border of the over and underlying vertebral body compared with initial CT. We evaluated patient characteristics including body mass index, smoking history, fusion level, and cage type. A total of 113 patients underwent PLIF/TLIF (PLIF n = 30, TLIF n = 83), with a mean age of 71.1 years (range, 28-87 years). Mean duration of follow-up was 25 months (range, 12-47 months). RESULTS: Cage migration was identified in 5 of 113 patients (4.4%). All cases of symptomatic cage migration involved the L5/S1 level and the TLIF procedure. Risk factors for cage protrusion were age (younger), sex (male), and level (L5/S1). The mean duration to onset of cage protrusion was 3.2 months (range, 2-6 months). We applied a new classification for cage protrusion: type 1, only low back pain without new radicular symptoms; type 2, low back pain with minor radicular symptoms; or type 3, cauda equina syndrome and/or severe radicular symptoms. According to our classification, one patient was in type 1, three patients were in type 2, and one patient was in type 3. For all cases of cage migration, revision surgery was performed using a navigated high-speed burr and osteotome, and the patient in group 1 underwent additional PLIF without removal of the protruding cage. Three revision surgeries (group 2) involved removal of the protruding cage and PLIF, and one revision surgery (group 3) involved anterior removal of the cage and OLIF51 fusion. CONCLUSIONS: The navigated high-speed burr, navigated osteotome, and OLIF51 technique appear very useful for removing a cage with fibrous union from the disc in patients with pseudarthrosis. This new technique makes revision surgery after cage migration much safer, and more effective. This technique also reduces the need for fluoroscopy.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the physical and psychological health of female college students in Japan.

The spread of COVID-19 has dramatically changed our lives. This study aimed to examine the lifestyles of female college students, focusing on physical activity, sleep status, and anxiety status during the pandemic (while under a state of emergency) in Japan. A total of 184 female college students completed two questionnaires, anthropometric measurements, and daily activity logs and diet records, in groups of 115 and 69 participants recruited before and during the pandemic, respectively. Findings showed a significant decrease in physical activity: Physical activity levels fell from "normal" to "low" and the daily step counts decreased by nearly half, from 8671 to 4640. In addition, the results from the questionnaires revealed that half of the participants were at risk of having sleep disturbances, and their sleep cycles became more nocturnal, which may have caused higher anxiety states and lower sleep quality during the pandemic. Furthermore, anxiety states worsened, with 100% of the participants experiencing high anxiety during the pandemic. Monitoring lifestyle disturbances during the pandemic is needed for the development of interventions to improve health among young women.

Innovative C-Arm-Free Navigation Technique for Posterior Spinal Fixation for Atlantoaxial Subluxation: A Technical Note.

Study design: Technical note. Objectives: To present a novel C-arm-free technique guided by navigation to insert and place a C1 lateral mass screw. Background and Objectives: Atlantoaxial subluxation (AAS) is a relatively common sequelae in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and upper cervical trauma. If they present with severe symptoms, surgical intervention such as posterior fusion is indicated. The established treatment for AAS is fixation with a C1 lateral mass screw and C2 pedicle screw (modified Goel technique) to achieve bony fusion. However, this technique requires fluoroscopy for C1 screw insertion. To avoid exposing the operating team to radiation, we present here a novel C-arm-free C1 lateral mass screw insertion technique for AAS. Materials and Methods: A 67-year-old man was referred to our hospital with neck pain, quadriparesis, and clumsiness and numbness of both upper and lower limbs. He had undergone C3-6 posterior fusion previously in another hospital. In physical examination, he had severe muscle weakness of bilateral upper limbs and hypoesthesia of all four limbs. He had hyper-reflexia of bilateral lower limbs and pollakiuria. His Japanese orthopedic score was 8 points out of 17. Preoperative radiograms showed AAS with an atlantodental interval (ADI) of 7 mm. MRI indicated retro-odontoid pseudotumor and severe spinal cord compression at the C1-2 level. The patient underwent posterior atlantoaxial fixation under navigation guidance. To prevent epidural bleeding during the insertion and placement of a C1 lateral mass screw, we have here defined a novel screw insertion technique. Results: The surgical time was clocked as 127 min and blood loss was 100 mL. There were no complications per-operatively or in the postoperative period. The patient showed almost full recovery (JOA 16/17) at two months follow-up and a solid bony fusion was noticed in the radiograms at one year follow-up. Conclusions: This novel surgical procedure and C1 lateral mas screw placement technique is a practical and safe method in recent advances of AAS treatment. Procedurally, the technique helps prevent epidural bleeding from the screw entry point and also allows for proper C1 screw insertion under navigation guidance without exposing surgeons and staff to the risk of fluoroscopic radiation.

Comparison of Navigated Expandable Vertebral Cage with Conventional Expandable Vertebral Cage for Minimally Invasive Lumbar/Thoracolumbar Corpectomy.

Background and Objectives: The thoracolumbar burst fracture is one of the most common spinal injuries. If the patient has severe symptoms, corpectomy is indicated. Currently, minimally invasive corpectomy with a navigated expandable vertebral cage is available thanks to spinal surgical technology. The aim of this study is to retrospectively compare clinical and radiographic outcomes of conventional and navigational minimally invasive corpectomy techniques. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 21 patients who underwent thoracolumbar minimally invasive corpectomy between October 2016 and January 2021. Eleven patients had a navigated expandable cage (group N) and 10 patients had a conventional expandable cage (group C). Mean follow-up period was 31.9 months for group N and 34.7 months for group C, ranging from 12 to 42 months in both groups. Clinical and radiographic outcomes are assessed using values including visual analogue scale (VAS) for back pain and Oswestry disability index (ODI). This data was collected preoperatively and at 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. Results: Surgical time and intraoperative blood loss of both groups were not significantly different (234 min vs. 267 min, 656 mL vs. 786 mL). Changes in VAS and ODI were similar in both groups. However, lateral cage mal-position ratio in group N was lower than that of group C (relative risk 1.64, Odds ratio 4.5) and postoperative cage sinking was significantly lower in group N (p = 0.033). Conclusions: Clinical outcomes are not significantly different, but radiographic outcomes of lateral cage mal-position and postoperative cage sinking were significantly lower in the navigation group.

The Most Significant Factor Affecting Gait and Postural Balance in Patients' Activities of Daily Living Following Corrective Surgery for Deformity of the Adult Spine.

Background and Objectives: Gait ability and spinal postural balance affect ADL in patients who underwent adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery. However, it is still unclear how to determine what the cause is. This study was done to investigate various factors affecting gait, postural balance and activities of daily living (ADL) in patients who were operated on for ASD over a period of one year, following corrective surgery. Materials and Method: A cohort of 42 (2 men, 40 women, mean age, 71.1 years) who were operated on for ASD were included in this study. According to Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), based on their ADL, patients were segregated into satisfied and unsatisfied groups. Gait and postural balance abilities were evaluated before and after the operative procedure. Radiographs of spine and pelvis as well as the rehabilitation data (static balance, standing on single-leg; dynamic postural adaptation, timed up and go test (TUG); Gait Capability, walk velocity for a distance of 10 m) were acquired 12 months after surgery and analyzed. Spinopelvic parameters such as (lumbar lordosis (LL), pelvic tilt (PT), sagittal vertical axis (SVA), pelvic incidence (PI)) were marked and noted. The factors which affect patients' satisfaction with their ADL were evaluated. Results: The ADL satisfied group included 18 patients (1 man, 17 women, mean age 68.6 years) and the unsatisfied group included 24 patients (1 man, 23 women, mean age 73.1 years). One year after the surgery, the two groups were tested. TUG (8.5 s vs. 12.8 s), 10 m walk velocity (1.26 m/s vs. 1.01 m/s), and single leg standing test (25 s vs. 12.8 s) were regarded as notably different. According to logistic regression analysis, only TUG was extracted as a significant factor. The cut-off value was 9.7 s, with sensitivity 75%, specificity 83%, area under the curve 0.824, and a 95% confidence interval of 0.695-0.953. Conclusions: A significant factor among all evaluations in postoperative ASD patients was TUG, for which the cut-off value for ADL satisfaction was 9.7 s.

Assessing Diet and Nutritional Intake of Rural Children in Zambia Using a Food Frequency Questionnaire.

In this survey, to assess the energy and nutrient intake of rural children in Zambia, a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was developed using the direct weighing method for 126 children, and then a dietary survey with 153 children was conducted using the FFQ. The dietary survey revealed that rural children in Zambia are deficient in energy intake compared to international standards. However, the protein intake met the recommended level; most of it came from vegetables. The carbohydrate intake rate was high, while the fat intake rate was relatively low because of a diet that was highly dependent on maize.

Transtubular Endoscopic Posterolateral Decompression of the L5 Root under Navigation and O-arm: A Technical Note.

Among studies evaluating minimally invasive surgical (MIS) decompression of the L5 root, techniques involving transtubular endoscopic decompression under O-arm navigation are rare. We present the case of a 68-yearold woman with left leg pain, muscle weakness and gait disturbance of one month duration. The patient underwent transtubular endoscopic decompression under O-arm navigation. There is no radiation hazard to the operating room staff with this procedure. After surgery, the patient had significant pain relief and her left lower limb motor function had improved by follow-up at one year. C-arm-free endoscopic L5 root decompression is a safe and effective procedure.

O-arm Navigation-Guided Surgical Resection and Posterior Fixation for a Large Sacral Schwannoma.

Sacral schwannoma is a rare tumor with relatively few symptoms; it thus tends to be large at diagnosis and is challenging to treat surgically. We present the case of a 12-year-old girl with a large sacral schwannoma that was successfully surgically resected using O-arm navigation in a two-stage operation. First, we performed tumor resection from the posterior aspect with assisted O-arm navigation. One week later, resection from the anterior aspect was conducted with posterior spinopelvic fixation and fibula graft. We performed partial resection of the tumor from the anterior and posterior aspects as much as possible. O-arm navigation contributed to precise and safe tumor resection and implant insertion.

Association between central sensitivity syndrome and psychological factors in people with presurgical low back pain: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Low back pain (LBP) is a major problem; it causes significant burden, incurs considerable economic and human costs, and adversely affects the quality of life (QoL). Central sensitivity syndrome (CSS) is known as a group of overlapping conditions that share a common pathophysiological mechanism of central sensitization. Previous studies have shown that CSS is present in several disorders. However, it has been studied for people with presurgical LBP. The purpose of the study was to investigate the proportion of patients with CSS for presurgical LBP and to analyse the association of CSS with clinical symptoms and psychological factors. METHODS: Data of demographics, the central sensitization inventory (CSI), psychological measures, clinical symptoms of 238 patients with presurgical LBP were evaluated. The patients were divided into two groups depending on the CSI scores (≥40 and < 40). The two groups were compared, and the correlation between the CSI scores and other outcomes was analysed. Furthermore, multiple regression analysis was performed to identify factors contributing to the CSI scores. RESULTS: 13.0% of participants were CSS. All outcomes were significantly different between the groups and significant associations were found between the CSI scores and all other outcomes. In addition, Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) was most significant associated scale for the CSI scores. CONCLUSION: We found that certain patients had CSS with presurgical LBP. The CSI scores were significantly associated with the majority of the factors. The PCS was the factor with the most influence on the CSI scores.

C-Arm-Free Minimally Invasive Cervical Pedicle Screw Fixation (MICEPS): A Technical Note.

A minimally invasive posterolateral approach designed to avoid the lateral misplacement of midcervical pedicle screws was reported, but there is no technical report that describes this technique without C-arm fluoroscopy. We report the results of a 2.5 years follow-up of a 62-year-old female patient with C4 metastatic breast cancer. The patient suffered from severe neck pain and impending quadriplegia for 2 months after radiation therapy. We performed C-arm-free minimally invasive cervical pedicle screw fixation (MICEPS). The patient was suc-cessfully treated with surgery, and her neck pain was well controlled. She had neither neurological deficits nor neck pain at the final (2.5-year) follow-up. C-arm-free MICEPS is a useful technique; in addition, the sur-geons and staff have no risk of radiation exposure, there is a reduced need for postoperative imaging, and a decreased revision rate can be expected with C-arm-free MICEPS.

Comprehensive assessment of handwashing and faecal contamination among elementary school children in an urban slum of Indonesia.

OBJECTIVE: Globally, the challenge of handwashing with soap (HWWS) still exists despite the importance of HWWS being shown previously. This study aimed to evaluate faecal contamination on the hands of children and to find factors related to faecal contamination from handwashing techniques, HWWS, knowledge and awareness of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), and a comprehensive WASH index. METHODS: The study was conducted at two elementary schools with 169 children in a densely populated area of Bandung, Indonesia. The survey involved handwashing observation using a checklist, hand bacteria sampling and questionnaires. RESULTS: Most children (98.7%) had faecal contamination. Girls had significantly fewer Escherichia coli than boys (P < 0.05). Ability in handwashing techniques, HWWS, and knowledge and awareness of WASH were poor in the lower grades. Escherichia coli counts were negatively correlated with handwashing technique (r = -0.171, P < 0.05), HWWS (r = -0.225, P < 0.01) and the WASH index (r = -0.205, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Proper handwashing technique and HWWS at appropriate times can reduce faecal contamination. Moreover, it is important that both grade-based and gender-based handwashing education be considered in elementary school education.

OBJECTIF: A l'échelle mondiale, le défi du lavage des mains au savon (HWWS) existe toujours, en dépit de l'importance révélée de ce procédé. Cette étude visait à évaluer la contamination fécale sur les mains des enfants et à trouver des facteurs liés à la contamination fécale résultant des procédés de lavage des mains, du lavage des mains au savon, de la connaissance et de la sensibilisation à l'eau, aux sanitaires et à l'hygiène (WASH), ainsi qu'un indice WASH détaillé. MÉTHODES: L'étude a été menée dans deux écoles élémentaires avec 169 enfants dans une zone densément peuplée de Bandung, en Indonésie. L'enquête comprenait l'observation du lavage des mains à l'aide d'une liste de contrôle, un échantillonnage bactérien sur les mains et des questionnaires. RÉSULTATS: La plupart des enfants (98,7%) avaient une contamination fécale. Escherichia coli était nettement moins présent chez les filles que chez les garçons (p <0,05). L'aptitude dans les techniques de lavage des mains, le lavage des mains au savon, ainsi que la connaissance et la sensibilisation au WASH étaient faibles dans les classes inférieures. Les comptages d'E. Coli corrélaient négativement avec la technique de lavage des mains (r = -0,171 ; p <0,05), le lavage des mains au savon (r = 0,225 ; p <0,01) et l'indice WASH (r= - 0,205 ; p <0,05). CONCLUSIONS: Une technique de lavage des mains appropriée et un lavage des mains au savon à des moments opportuns peuvent réduire la contamination fécale. De plus, il est important de prendre en compte l'éducation au lavage des mains basée sur le niveau et le sexe dans l'enseignement primaire.

Effect of a lower limb strength training programme on physical activity during the snowy season among community-dwelling elderly individuals.

Background: Promoting continued physical activity during winter in snowy-cold regions would be of benefit as a health promotion strategy among elderly individuals. Aim: To evaluate the effect of a lower limb strength training programme for elderly individuals on the daily step counts during the snowy season. Subjects and methods: Fourteen community-dwelling elderly individuals were recruited from a snowy-cold region of northern Japan. Methods: Daily step counts were measured during the snowy season in 2018 (with no exercise intervention) and 2019 (after the exercise intervention). Physical function was measured before and after the intervention, including body mass index, 30-s chair test, grip strength, normal gait speed, short-test battery for locomotive syndrome, Kihon checklist and 25-question geriatric locomotive function scale. Results: The study group included 11 women and three men (78.6 ± 5.2 years old). The exercise intervention improved physical function, with a significant increase in step count among individuals with lower baseline strength. Improved lower limb strength positively correlated with an increase in step count. Conclusion: Lower limb muscle strengthening is an effective intervention to improve physical activity during the snowy season among community-dwelling elderly.

Correlation between habitual dietary fibre intake and postprandial plasma glucose levels in early adulthood.

Background: Increasing dietary fibre (DF) intake through a habitual diet is recommended for preventing diabetes. Aim: To investigate a stepwise approach to nutrition education on DF intake among young adults in Japan with the largest deficit in habitual DF intake from the recommended value. Subjects and methods: Plasma glucose levels were measured in 54 adults in their 20s and 30s (29 men, 25 women) during fasting and at 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes. Habitual DF intake and postprandial plasma glucose level were analysed. Results: DF intake was low (men = 5.7 ± 1.5 g/1000 kcal; women = 6.3 ± 1.2 g/1000 kcal) with no sex difference. Comparison between low- and high-DF groups based on the cut-off point (7.0 g/1000 kcal) showed that the pattern of changes in postprandial plasma glucose levels was significant, and a significant increase was observed at 30 minutes in the low-DF group. Comparison by food group demonstrated that habitual intake of potatoes, green/yellow vegetables, other vegetables, seaweed, peas and beans, and fruits was significantly higher in the high-DF group. Conclusion: This study provides valuable information regarding food selection for preventing diabetes and suggests that 7.0 g/1000 kcal of DF is an effective target value for a stepwise approach to nutrition education in Japan.

Factors associated with nutritional status and motor development among young children.

This study was conducted to investigate the nutritional status and gross motor development of children in a suburban area of northeast China and the factors influencing these issues. A total of 189 children aged 1-3 years and their mothers participated. Child and maternal length/height and weight were measured. Information was collected on basic characteristics, household monthly income, child's age at achievement of six gross motor milestones, and feeding practices by interviewing the mothers/caregivers. The prevalence of overweight (using World Health Organization growth standards) and delayed achievement of walking alone among the children was 27% and 12.7%, respectively. The independent predictors of increased odds for being overweight were middle household income and high dietary diversity score. Exclusive breastfeeding was associated with lower odds of children being overweight. Delayed solid feeding initiation was associated with increased odds of delay in walking alone for the children. Breastfeeding predicted reduced odds of this issue. These findings suggest that nutritional intervention and childcare education, such as breastfeeding promotion, improved diet quality, and the timely introduction of solid food, could improve growth and development among young children in suburban northeast China.

Mitochondrial DNA variations in Austronesian-speaking populations living in the New Georgia Islands, the Western Province of the Solomon Islands.

Modern Austronesian (AN)-speaking Melanesians are considered to be derived from the admixture of indigenous non-Austronesian (NAN)-speaking people and AN-speaking people from Southeast Asia. In this study, we analyzed mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variations in the D-loop region for two AN-speaking Melanesian populations (Munda and Kusaghe) and an AN-speaking Micronesian population (Rawaki) in the New Georgia Islands, the Western Province of the Solomon Islands to examine their genetic similarities to AN-speaking Polynesians in Tonga and NAN-speaking Melanesians, Gidra, in Papua New Guinea. The 'Polynesian motif', which is well-characterized mtDNA marker for Polynesians, was frequently observed in Munda and Kusaghe. Of particular interest, haplogroup E1a2 + 16261, which has been rarely observed in the Solomon Islands, accounted for 12.8% in Kusaghe. It has been reported that the haplogroup E1a2 arose in Island Southeast Asia (ISEA) 9400 ± 2850 years ago. Phylogenetic and principle component analyses for 24 Oceanian populations revealed that Munda and Kusaghe populations were genetically close to Tongan population, but not to Gidra. Rawaki population showed no apparent genetic similarities to populations of Tonga and Gidra. Our results suggest that considerable gene flow from AN-speaking populations originated from Southeast Asia to indigenous Melanesians occurred in the New Georgia Islands.

Possible effect of maternal safe food preparation behavior on child malnutrition in Benin, Africa.

BACKGROUND: In many developing countries, faulty complementary feeding practises and frequently contaminated foods are contributing factors to child malnutrition. The aims of this study were to evaluate the nutrition status of, and clarify the maternal safe food preparation behaviors associated with malnutrition in, children aged <5 years in Cotonou, Benin. METHODS: This study targeted 300 mother-child pairs visiting the University Hospital of Mother and Child Cotonou Lagoon. Mothers were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Child height/length and weight measurements were determined and Z-scores were calculated using the 2006 World Health Organization Child Growth Standards. Children with Z-score < -2 were considered to have stunting or be underweight. On logistic regression analysis, significant variables on bivariate analysis, the associations of which were clarified in previous studies, were established as independent variables. Approximately 80% of the children who participated in this study were aged < 1 year. Being underweight was analyzed as a dependent variable. RESULTS: Regarding nutrition status, 11.0% of the children had stunting and 14.7% were underweight. On logistic regression analysis, underweight was correlated significantly with birthweight. As a remarkable point, food refrigeration was statistically significant. Food refrigeration can possibly be regarded as a maternal safe food preparation behavior. CONCLUSIONS: Maternal safe food preparation behaviors can prevent child malnutrition, even after considering biological and socioeconomic factors.