The purpose of this study was to investigate whether a meal supplement fortified with micronutrients would, statistically, significantly improve the intelligence scores of Grade 3 and 4 learners. The data collection procedures in this study took the form of a pre-test – post-test control group design. The Paper and Pencil Games (PPG) Level 3, a standardised psychological test, was administered before and after the respondents were exposed to the meal supplements. For a treatment period of 16 weeks the experimental group received the meal supplement fortified with micronutrients and the control group the meal supplement without any added micronutrients. Data analysis took the form of statistical analysis to determine whether the meal supplements consumed by those in the experimental group could significantly contribute to improving their intelligence scores. The results indicated statistically significant increases in scores, between the pretest and post-test on the various scales of the PPG, of both the experimental and control group on the one hand, but no statistically significant differences between the two treatment groups on the post-test on the other. The null hypothesis that there are no (statistically significant) differences between the average post-test scores (V, NV, and T) of the experimental and control groups could not be rejected. However, the increase between the pre-test and post-test stanine scores of the two treatment groups has led to recommendations for further research. Copyright / Dissertation (MEd)--University of Pretoria, 2011. / Educational Psychology / unrestricted

Environmental contamination issues related to phosphorus (P) in surface waters substantiates the need to identify minimally-sufficient P fertilization amounts for production of containerized nursery crops and better understand the effect of routine amendments (i.e., dolomite [DL] and micronutrient fertilizer [MF]) added to pine bark substrates on chemical fate of P fertilizer. Four studies were conducted to accomplish two overarching objectives: 1) determine the minimum P fertilization amount and corresponding pore-water P concentration needed to achieve maximal growth of common containerized nursery crops and 2) determine the effect of DL and MF amendments in pine bark on P retention during irrigation and P fractions in substrate pore-water. In a fertigation, greenhouse study, calculated lowest P-fertilizer concentration that sustained maximal growth in Hydrangea paniculata ‘Limelight’ (panicle hydrangea) and Rhododendron ‘Karen’ (azalea) was 4.7 and 2.9 mg·L⁻¹ , respectively, and shoot growth Ilex crenata ‘Helleri’ (holly) was the same when fertilized with 0.5 to 6.0 mg·L⁻¹ P. Porewater P concentrations corresponding with treatments that sustained maximal growth of panicle hydrangea, azalea and holly were as low as 0.6, 2.2 and 0.08 mg·L⁻¹ P, respectively. In a separate study, utilizing low-P controlled-release fertilizers (CRFs), shoot growth of Hydrangea macrophylla ‘P11HM-11’ (bigleaf hydrangea) produced in two ecoregions was maximal when fertilized with as little as 0.3 g CRF-P per 3.8-L container, a 50% P reduction from the industrystandard CRF. Holly required 0.2 or 0.4 g CRF-P depending on ecoregion. Mean pore-water P concentrations that corresponded with highest SDW were 0.8 and 1.2 mg·L⁻¹ for hydrangea and holly, respectively. When irrigating fallow pine bark columns containing CRF for 48 d, amending pine bark with DL and MF reduced orthophosphate-P (OP-P) leachate concentrations by ≈ 70%, most of which was retained within the substrate. In a greenhouse study, containerized Lagerstroemia ‘Natchez’ (crape myrtle) were grown for 91 d in pine bark containing CRF. In pine bark amended with DL and MF, pore-water OP-P and total P concentrations, measured approximately weekly, were reduced by, on average, 64% and 58%, respectively. Total dry weight values of plants grown with DL plus MF or MF-only were 40% higher than those grown with no amendments; however, tissue P amounts and relative P uptake efficiency were the same among plants in these three treatments. Therefore, sorption of OP-P by DL and MF reduced water-extractable OP-P but did not limit P uptake by plants. / Ph. D. / Phosphorus (P) pollution of surface waters is a global issue that has led to widespread fish kills, drinking water contamination and disruption of aquatic ecosystems. Nutrient runoff from agricultural sites is among the leading contributors to P loads in impaired waters. Optimizing P fertilization for containerized nursery crop production is particularly challenging since the primary soilless substrates used to grow containerized crops retain P poorly. Consequently, much of the applied P leaches from containers during irrigation. Reducing amounts of applied P fertilizer and amending substrates (e.g., pine bark) with P-sorbing materials are two methods previously shown to reduce P leaching and increase the proportion of applied P that is absorbed by containerized plants. Four studies were conducted to accomplish two overarching objectives: 1) determine the minimum P fertilization amount necessary for maximal growth of common containerized nursery crops and 2) determine the effect of dolomite (DL) and micronutrient fertilizer (MF) amendments in pine bark on P retention during irrigation. Our findings indicated that P fertilization requirements of woody ornamental crops is species-dependent. When using liquid fertilizer, Japanese holly and evergreen azalea achieved maximal growth when P fertilizer concentrations were reduced by 90% and 40%, respectively, compared to current recommendations. In contrast, the current minimum fertilizer recommendation of 5 ppm P was optimal for panicle hydrangea. In a subsequent study in which containerized woody ornamentals were grown using low-P controlled-release fertilizers (CRFs), bigleaf hydrangea reached maximal growth when given CRFs containing 50% less P than amounts in conventional CRFs. Considering hydrangea and azalea are among the top woody ornamental shrubs produced in the US, using fertilizers with minimally sufficient P amounts for these species could greatly reduce P runoff from nursery sites. Results of two studies conducted to achieve the second aforementioned objective indicated that amending CRF-fertilized pine bark with DL and MF can reduce water-extractable total P concentrations by > 50%. Despite lower levels of plant-available P in the substrate, P uptake by crape myrtle was unaffected by the amendments. The DL was primarily responsible for P retention in pine bark; however, the addition of MF was needed for maximal growth and P uptake of crape myrtle. According to this research, amending pine bark with DL and MF could be considered a best management practice for reducing P leaching from containerized crops.

Plantas cultivadas em ambientes com média e alta disponibilidade de cádmio apresentam menor produção de folhas e perfilhos devido à maior quantidade de cádmio absorvido, resultando em menor produção de biomassa. O fornecimento de enxofre às plantas pode minimizar os efeitos negativos causados pelo cádmio, uma vez que esse nutriente participa de compostos que atuam no sistema antioxidante, conferindo maior tolerância aos metais pesados. Objetivou-se avaliar as modificações ocorridas: i) nos aspectos morfológicos, morfogênicos e produtivos; ii) no estado nutricional e iii) na resposta do sistema antioxidante do capim-tanzânia (Panicum maximum) cultivado com combinações de doses de enxofre (0,1; 1,0; 1,9; 2,8 e 3,7 mmol L-1) e de cádmio (0,0; 0,5; 1,0; 1,5 e 2,0 mmol L-1) em solução nutritiva. O experimento foi desenvolvido em casa de vegetação, utilizando o esquema fatorial 5² fracionado, em blocos ao acaso, com seis repetições. O primeiro corte do capimtanzânia foi realizado 40 dias após o transplantio das mudas para os vasos e o segundo corte 18 dias após o primeiro. Para a taxa de mortalidade de perfilhos, valor SPAD, concentração de cádmio e a atividade da APX (segundo corte) do capim-tanzânia foi significativa a interação doses de enxofre x doses de cádmio, de forma que o suprimento de enxofre atenuou a taxa de mortalidade, diminuiu a quantidade de cádmio absorvida, aumentou o valor SPAD e a atividade da APX. O teor de água, número de perfilhos, taxa de aparecimento de perfilhos, número de folhas, área foliar, taxa de aparecimento foliar, razão de área foliar, produção de massa seca da parte aérea e das raízes, valor SPAD, concentração de potássio, teor de GSH e a atividade da CAT foram menores com o fornecimento de cádmio na solução nutritiva. De forma contrária, as concentrações de nitrogênio, fósforo, zinco e cádmio, o fator de transporte do cádmio, os teores de GSSG e glutationa, e a atividade da APX aumentaram. O fornecimento de enxofre aumentou a concentração de enxofre na parte aérea do capimtanzânia. Os efeitos causados pelo cádmio são mais acentuados durante a rebrotação, principalmente, em condições de alta disponibilidade do metal pesado. As enzimas CAT e GR apresentaram mais isoformas na parte aérea do que nas raízes do capim-tanzânia, sugerindo que esse tecido é mais eficaz no combate aos danos oxidativos causados pelas altas concentrações de cádmio. O suprimento de enxofre ao capim-tanzânia cultivado em ambientes com alta disponibilidade de cádmio é indicado para aumentar a tolerância da gramínea ao metal pesado. / Plants grown at medium and high cadmium availability has produced low number of leaves and tillers due to the great amount of cadmium absorbed, resulting in lower biomass production. Sulfur supply to plants may mitigate negative effects caused by cadmium, since compounds containing sulfur participate of the antioxidative plant system, resulting in greater tolerance to heavy metals. This study evaluated changes in: i) morphological, morphogenesis and productive aspects, ii) nutritional status, and iii) response of the antioxidative system of Tanzania guineagrass (Panicum maximum) grown under combined sulfur rates (0.1; 1.0, 1.9, 2.8 and 3.7 mmol L-1) and cadmium rates (0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 mmol L-1) in nutrient solution. The experiment was conducted in greenhouse, by using a fractionated factorial 5², in randomized block design, with six replications. The first harvest of Tanzania guineagrass was performed at 40 days after seedlings transplanting to the pots, and the second at 18 days after the first harvest. Mortality rate of tillers, SPAD value, cadmium concentration and APX activity (second harvest) of Tanzania guineagrass had statistically significant sulfur rates x cadmium rates interaction, since that sulfur supply mitigate the mortality rate, decreased the amount of cadmium absorbed and increased SPAD value and the APX activity. The water content, number of tillers, tiller emergence rate, number of leaf, leaf area, leaf emergence rate, ratio of leaf area, dry mass of shoots and roots, SPAD value, potassium concentration, GSH content and CAT activity decreased with the cadmium supply in the nutrient solution. Contrary to that, nitrogen, phosphorus, zinc and cadmium concentrations were increased as well as the transporting factor of cadmium, GSSG and glutathione contents and APX activity. Sulfur supply increased sulfur concentration in shoots of Tanzania guineagrass and the effects of cadmium were more pronounced during the plant regrowth period, especially under high availability of the heavy metal. Isoforms of CAT and GR showed higher abundance in shoots compared to roots, suggesting higher effectiveness of such tissue in avoiding oxidative damage caused by high concentrations of cadmium. Thus, sulfur supply to the Tanzania guineagrass grown in environment with high cadmium availability is indicated to increase tolerance to this heavy metal.

A influência das variáveis associadas ao laser como a fluência, o comprimento de onda, e a duração do pulso, assim como as relacionadas às propriedades das amostras, como a distribuição do tamanho das partículas e as características químicas da matriz, foram avaliadas visando à determinação quantitativa de macro- (P, K, Ca, Mg) e micronutrientes (Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, B) em pastilhas de materiais vegetais por espectrometria de emissão óptica com plasma induzido por laser (LIBS). Os efeitos da distribuição do tamanho das partículas e da fluência do laser foram investigados a partir da análise de amostras peneiradas (150-20 µm) empregando-se um sistema LIBS, em regime temporal de nanossegundos (ns-LIBS), montado com um laser de Nd:YAG a 1064 nm (pulsos de 5 ns e 360 mJ)e um espectrômetro com óptica Echelle e detector ICCD. Observou-se um aumento na sensibilidade e na precisão das medições com a diminuição do tamanho das partículas usadas no preparo das pastilhas, e uma diminuição dos efeitos de matriz causados por diferenças no tamanho das partículas, quando pastilhas preparadas com partículas < 75 µm foram analisadas com pulsos de 50 J cm-2. Verificou-se uma melhora significativa na exatidão das medições de Mg, Fe, Mn e Zn feitas em um conjunto de pastilhas de folhas de cana-de-açúcar (partículas < 75 µm) empregando-se esta fluência. Em uma segunda etapa, observou-se que variações no comprimento de onda do laser de Nd:YAG (1064, 532, 355 e 266 nm) não influenciaram de maneira significativa a precisão e exatidão das medições em pastilhas de folhas de cana-de-açúcar, obtendo-se correlações lineares entre as intensidades dos sinais de emissão e as correspondentes frações de massa dos analitos. Variações no comprimento de onda do laser de Nd:YAG não afetaram a análise de um conjunto heterogêneo de amostras, composto por pastilhas de folhas de plantas de diferentes espécies, como soja, cana-de-açúcar, milho, citros, café, por exemplo, por ns-LIBS. No entanto, diferentemente do observado para o conjunto de pastilhas de folhas de cana-de-açúcar, observou-se, uma baixa correlação (r cal < 0,90) entre as frações de massa de Ca, Mg, P, Cu, Fe, Mn e Zn determinadas por ns-LIBS e os valores de referência, o que demonstra a baixa robustez de ns-LIBS frente às variações na composição química das matrizes. Posteriormente, analisou-se este conjunto heterogêneo de amostras com sistema LIBS, em regime temporal de femtossegundos (fs-LIBS), montado com laser de Ti:Safira (pulsos de 60 fs e 1,65 mJ) e espectrômetro com óptica Czerny-Turner e ICCD. Demonstrou-se que o uso de pulsos em regime de fs proporcionou calibrações e validação menos dependentes da composição química das matrizes. As frações de massa de Ca, Mg, P, Fe e Mn previstas por fs-LIBS foram estatisticamente concordantes com os valores de referência, independentemente do modelo de calibração usado. Além disso, o uso de calibração multivariada melhorou a capacidade preditiva de ns-LIBS, assemelhando-se à de fs-LIBS. Concluiu-se que o emprego de fs-LIBS foi a estratégia mais robusta e que ofereceu maior flexibilidade à variabilidade matricial / The influence of laser properties, such as fluence, wavelength and pulse duration, as well as sample characteristics, such as particle size distribution and chemical matrix composition, was evaluated aiming at the quantitative determination of macro- (P, K, Ca, Mg) and micronutrients (Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, B) in pellets of plant materials by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). Firstly, the effects of particle size distribution and laser fluence on the analysis of pellets (test samples) prepared with sieved samples (from 150 to 20 µm apertures) were investigated. Experiments were carried out with a nanosecond LIBS (ns-LIBS) system by using a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser at 1064 nm (5 ns; 360 mJ) and a spectrometer with Echelle optics and intensified charge-coupled device (ICCD) detector. Results indicated that smaller particles yielded to sensitivities\' enhancement and attained better measurements\' precision. Moreover, matrix effects were reduced by analyzing pellets prepared from < 75 ?m sieved fractions and pulses of 50 J cm-2. In addition, there was a significant improvement on accuracy of Mg, Fe, Mn and Zn measurements in a set of test samples of sugarcane leaves by using this fluence. In a second experiment, variations in the Nd:YAG laser wavelength (1064, 532, 355 and 266 nm) did not affect the analysis of test samples of sugarcane leaves, and provided linear correlations between emission signal intensities and corresponding analytes mass fractions. In addition, variations within Nd:YAG laser wavelength did not affect the analysis of a heterogeneous sample set composed by pellets of leaves from different crops, such as soy, sugarcane, maize, citrus and coffee by ns-LIBS. However, in contrast to previous findings, the univariate calibration models for ns-LIBS presented lower linearity (r cal < 0.90) for Ca, Mg, P, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn, no matter the laser wavelength used for the analysis. These circumstances reflect the low robustness of ns-LIBS to variations within matrix chemical composition among test samples. Afterwards, test samples from different crops were analyzed by a femtosecond LIBS (fs-LIBS) by using a Ti:Sapphire laser, including a mode-locked oscillator and an ultrafast amplifier (60 fs; 1.65 mJ per pulse), and a spectrometer with Czerny-Turner optics and ICCD. Findings indicated that the pulse duration was a decisive variable for providing accurate quantification of nutrients in different plant species, which present substantial differences in terms of matrix chemical composition. Close agreement between Ca, Mg, P, Fe and Mn mass fractions predicted by fs-LIBS and those determined by ICP OES was evidenced, whatever the modeling approach used. Contrarily, for ns-LIBS analysis of test samples from different crops, only the use of multivariate partial least squares (PLS) regression appears capable for resolving the non-linear transformations of the emission intensities according to the physical mechanisms governing this temporal regime of ablation. Thus, when using multivariate modeling, the figures-of merit reflecting the predictive capabilities of ns-LIBS resemble to those achieved by fs-LIBS. Either way, fs-LIBS is a more robust approach that better offers larger flexibility to the matrix variability

Introdução: A introdução da agricultura e pecuária foram muito recentes para que o genoma humano se adaptasse e a tecnologia avançada pós revolução Industrial foi ainda mais. Segundo Cordain, a substituição de alimentos minimamente processados por alimentos pós-agrícolas e pós-industriais influenciaram os indicadores nutricionais: carga glicêmica, composição de ácidos graxos e macronutrientes, densidade de micronutrientes, equilíbrio ácido-base, relação sódio/potássio e teor de fibras, levando a um desequilíbrio que é causa de várias doenças atuais da civilização. A Protein Leverage Hypothesis (PLH) propõe que a queda na ingestão de proteínas possa levar a obesidade e doenças cardiometabólicas associadas. Objetivos: Estudar o efeito do consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados nos indicadores nutricionais na população dos EUA, incluindo a composição de macronutrientes, densidade de fibras e micronutrientes e fitoestrógenos urinários; avaliar se a contribuição calórica de alimentos ultraprocessados é determinante para a qualidade nutricional das dietas contemporâneas; e finalmente estudar se a associação entre o consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados, proteína e energia correspondem às previsões do modelo PLH. Métodos: Foram avaliados os participantes do National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2009-2010, com pelo menos um recordatório alimentar de 24 horas. Os itens foram classificados em: alimentos in natura ou minimamente processados, processados, ultraprocessados e ingredientes de uso culinário. O manuscrito 1 examina a relação entre a contribuição calórica de alimentos ultraprocessados e qualidade nutricional da dieta, avaliando individual e globalmente a contribuição de cada ingrediente crítico, usando a análise de componentes principais (ACP). O manuscrito 2 estuda a associação entre a contribuição calórica dos alimentos ultraprocessados e consumo de açúcares de adição. O manuscrito 3 avalia como o consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados influencia o conteúdo proteico relativo da dieta e as ingestões absolutas de energia e proteína, e se essas relações se encaixam nas previsões da PLH. O manuscrito 4 avalia a relação entre a contribuição calórica de alimentos ultraprocessados e níveis de fitoestrógenos urinários. Resultados: O teor médio de proteínas, fibras, vitaminas A, C, D e E, zinco, potássio, fósforo, magnésio e cálcio na dieta diminuiu ao longo dos quintis de contribuição calórica de alimentos ultraprocessados, enquanto o de carboidratos, açúcares de adição e gordura saturada aumentou. Uma associação inversa de dose-resposta foi encontrada entre o consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados e qualidade nutricional total, medida através de um escore de padrão balanceado de nutrientes derivado usando ACP. Consistente com a PLH, a contribuição calórica de alimentos ultraprocessados foi inversamente associada à densidade proteica e diretamente ao consumo energético total, enquanto a ingestão absoluta de proteínas permaneceu constante com aumento do consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados. Os níveis médios de enterolignanos urinários diminuíram ao longo dos quintis de consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados, enquanto os níveis de isoflavonas permaneceram inalterados. Conclusões: Este estudo mostra que a diminuição da contribuição calórica de alimentos ultraprocessados é um meio racional e eficaz de melhorar a qualidade nutricional das dietas dos EUA / Background: The introduction of agricultural and animal husbandry has not provided the human genome time enough to adapt, much less the advancing technology after Industrial Revolution. According to Cordain et al., displacement of minimally processed foods by post-agricultural and post-industrial food items adversely affected the following dietary indicators: glycemic load, fatty acid and macronutrient compositions, micronutrient density, acid-base balance, sodium-potassium ratio and fiber content. Many current diseases of civilization, in turn may be ascribable to those unbalanced dietary indicators. Indeed, Raubenheimer and Simpson have proposed the Protein Leverage Hypothesis (PLH) to explain how a drop in dietary protein content might lead to obesity and associated cardiometabolic disease. Objective: This thesis aims to study the effect of an increased consumption of ultra-processed foods on dietary indicators in the US population, including macronutrient composition, micronutrient and fiber densities, and urinary phytoestrogens. It also explores whether the dietary share of ultra-processed foods, expressed as a percentage of total energy intake, is a meaningful determinant of overall nutritional quality of contemporary diets. Lastly, it also looks into whether the association between ultra-processed food, protein and energy consumptions fit predictions of the PLH model. Methods: Participants from cross-sectional 2009-2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey with at least one 24-hour dietary recall were evaluated. Food items were classified according to extent and purpose of industrial food processing as: unprocessed or minimally processed foods, processed culinary ingredients, processed foods and ultra-processed foods. Manuscript 1, examines the relationship between dietary contribution of ultra-processed foods and nutritional quality of US diet through the evaluation of dietary contents of critical nutrients individually and also overall, using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Manuscript 2 studies the association between dietary contribution of ultra-processed foods and energy intake from added sugars. Manuscript 3 examines how consumption of ultra-processed food influences relative dietary protein content and, absolute energy and protein intakes; it furthermore, tests whether the relationships fit PLH predictions. Manuscript 4 assesses the relationship between dietary contribution of ultra-processed foods and urinary levels of phytoestrogens. Results: The average content of protein, fiber, vitamins A, C, D and E, zinc, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium and calcium in US diet decreased significantly across quintiles of energy contribution of ultra-processed foods, while carbohydrate, added sugars and saturated fat contents increased. An inverse dose-response association was found between ultra-processed food consumption and overall dietary quality measured through a Nutrient balanced pattern PCA derived factor score. Consistent with PLH, dietary contribution of ultra-processed foods was inversely associated with protein density and directly associated with total energy intake, while absolute protein intake remained relatively constant with increases in ultra-processed food consumption. Average urinary mammal lignan levels decreased across quintiles of ultra-processed food consumption, while isoflavone levels remained unchanged. Conclusions: This study suggests that decreasing the dietary share of ultra-processed foods is a rational and effective way to improve the nutritional quality of US diets

Plantas cultivadas em ambientes com média e alta disponibilidade de cádmio apresentam menor produção de folhas e perfilhos devido à maior quantidade de cádmio absorvido, resultando em menor produção de biomassa. O fornecimento de enxofre às plantas pode minimizar os efeitos negativos causados pelo cádmio, uma vez que esse nutriente participa de compostos que atuam no sistema antioxidante, conferindo maior tolerância aos metais pesados. Objetivou-se avaliar as modificações ocorridas: i) nos aspectos morfológicos, morfogênicos e produtivos; ii) no estado nutricional e iii) na resposta do sistema antioxidante do capim-tanzânia (Panicum maximum) cultivado com combinações de doses de enxofre (0,1; 1,0; 1,9; 2,8 e 3,7 mmol L-1) e de cádmio (0,0; 0,5; 1,0; 1,5 e 2,0 mmol L-1) em solução nutritiva. O experimento foi desenvolvido em casa de vegetação, utilizando o esquema fatorial 5² fracionado, em blocos ao acaso, com seis repetições. O primeiro corte do capimtanzânia foi realizado 40 dias após o transplantio das mudas para os vasos e o segundo corte 18 dias após o primeiro. Para a taxa de mortalidade de perfilhos, valor SPAD, concentração de cádmio e a atividade da APX (segundo corte) do capim-tanzânia foi significativa a interação doses de enxofre x doses de cádmio, de forma que o suprimento de enxofre atenuou a taxa de mortalidade, diminuiu a quantidade de cádmio absorvida, aumentou o valor SPAD e a atividade da APX. O teor de água, número de perfilhos, taxa de aparecimento de perfilhos, número de folhas, área foliar, taxa de aparecimento foliar, razão de área foliar, produção de massa seca da parte aérea e das raízes, valor SPAD, concentração de potássio, teor de GSH e a atividade da CAT foram menores com o fornecimento de cádmio na solução nutritiva. De forma contrária, as concentrações de nitrogênio, fósforo, zinco e cádmio, o fator de transporte do cádmio, os teores de GSSG e glutationa, e a atividade da APX aumentaram. O fornecimento de enxofre aumentou a concentração de enxofre na parte aérea do capimtanzânia. Os efeitos causados pelo cádmio são mais acentuados durante a rebrotação, principalmente, em condições de alta disponibilidade do metal pesado. As enzimas CAT e GR apresentaram mais isoformas na parte aérea do que nas raízes do capim-tanzânia, sugerindo que esse tecido é mais eficaz no combate aos danos oxidativos causados pelas altas concentrações de cádmio. O suprimento de enxofre ao capim-tanzânia cultivado em ambientes com alta disponibilidade de cádmio é indicado para aumentar a tolerância da gramínea ao metal pesado. / Plants grown at medium and high cadmium availability has produced low number of leaves and tillers due to the great amount of cadmium absorbed, resulting in lower biomass production. Sulfur supply to plants may mitigate negative effects caused by cadmium, since compounds containing sulfur participate of the antioxidative plant system, resulting in greater tolerance to heavy metals. This study evaluated changes in: i) morphological, morphogenesis and productive aspects, ii) nutritional status, and iii) response of the antioxidative system of Tanzania guineagrass (Panicum maximum) grown under combined sulfur rates (0.1; 1.0, 1.9, 2.8 and 3.7 mmol L-1) and cadmium rates (0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 mmol L-1) in nutrient solution. The experiment was conducted in greenhouse, by using a fractionated factorial 5², in randomized block design, with six replications. The first harvest of Tanzania guineagrass was performed at 40 days after seedlings transplanting to the pots, and the second at 18 days after the first harvest. Mortality rate of tillers, SPAD value, cadmium concentration and APX activity (second harvest) of Tanzania guineagrass had statistically significant sulfur rates x cadmium rates interaction, since that sulfur supply mitigate the mortality rate, decreased the amount of cadmium absorbed and increased SPAD value and the APX activity. The water content, number of tillers, tiller emergence rate, number of leaf, leaf area, leaf emergence rate, ratio of leaf area, dry mass of shoots and roots, SPAD value, potassium concentration, GSH content and CAT activity decreased with the cadmium supply in the nutrient solution. Contrary to that, nitrogen, phosphorus, zinc and cadmium concentrations were increased as well as the transporting factor of cadmium, GSSG and glutathione contents and APX activity. Sulfur supply increased sulfur concentration in shoots of Tanzania guineagrass and the effects of cadmium were more pronounced during the plant regrowth period, especially under high availability of the heavy metal. Isoforms of CAT and GR showed higher abundance in shoots compared to roots, suggesting higher effectiveness of such tissue in avoiding oxidative damage caused by high concentrations of cadmium. Thus, sulfur supply to the Tanzania guineagrass grown in environment with high cadmium availability is indicated to increase tolerance to this heavy metal.

<p>Belonging to an indigenous group in Mexico is usually associated with poor health, mainly as the result of social isolation from the mainstream society. The Tarahumara are no exception. They constitute the largest indigenous group in northern Mexico and one of the most marginalized ethnic minorities in North America. Health conditions are precarious, yet very little data are available to facilitate the design and implementation of programs to prevent and manage the main public health problems affecting this people. This thesis aims at overcoming part of this information gap. It presents and discusses the results from studies focusing on the nutrition of women and children carried out between 1997 and 2002.</p><p>A survey in a representative district sample of Tarahumara women of reproductive age found the highest prevalence of anemia among pregnant women in their third trimester (38.5%) and those lactating during the first 6 months after delivery (42.9%), along with a high prevalence of iron deficiency. In this study a technique was developed to collect capillary serum samples spotted onto filter paper to measure serum ferritin in remote settings. In the same study, 52.5% of adult women were overweight, suggesting a process of ‘de-Indianization’ of their traditional diet and activity patterns. This issue was followed-up in a later study based on perceptions of food and body shape using cognitive anthropological methods. Speaking Spanish emerged as a clear indication of acculturation that could be associated with an increase in the prevalence of obesity and its consequences. A nutrition survey among Tarahumara children at boarding schools found evidence of zinc, vitamin B₁₂, iron, and iodine deficiencies but found similar anthropometric status to other rural Mexicans. Finally, a qualitative assessment was carried out to identify culturally accepted foods to redesign a food aid basket aimed at alleviating malnutrition among young Tarahumara children.</p><p>The results from this thesis provide relevant data for an improved design of interventions to combat and prevent some of the nutritional problems that affect the Tarahumara. These data could also constitute a baseline to which future changes can be compared if similar sampling strategies are used. Overall, the findings highlight the importance and challenge of achieving modernization in a way that not only improves health but at the same time supports, maintains and encourages traditional cultural values. These are not only the foundations of the Tarahumara society, but in some cases also contribute to a better diet and health.</p> / <p>Die Zugehörigkeit zu einer eingeborenen Volksgemeinschaft Mexikos wird gewöhnlich mit einem schlechten Gesundheitszustand, aufgrund sozialer Isolation von der allgemeinen Gesellschaft, verbunden. Die Tarahumara-Indianer sind dabei keine Ausnahme. Sie stellen eine der größten Eingeborenengruppen im Norden des Landes dar und sind eine der ausgeschlossensten ethnischen Minderheiten in Nordamerika. Der Gesundheitszustand ist prekär, da sehr wenige Daten existieren, um die Gestaltung und Einführung von Programmen zur Prävention und Handhabung der, diese Menschen betreffenden, hauptsächlichen Probleme im Gesundheitswesen, zu ermöglichen. Diese Dissertation beabsichtigt, Teil dieses Informationsdefizits zu beseitigen. Sie präsentiert und diskutiert die Ergebnisse von im Zeitraum 1997 bis 2002 durchgeführten Studien, welche die Ernährung der Tarahumarafrauen und -kinder fokussieren.</p><p>Eine Umfrage mit einer repräsentativen Stichprobe von Frauen im gebärfähigen Alter, im größten Tarahumara-Bezirk, ergab das höchste Vorkommen von Anämie bei schwangeren Frauen im dritten Trimester (38,5%) und bei solchen, die während der ersten 6 Monate nach der Geburt stillten (42,9%), bedingt durch Eisenmangel. Bei dieser Studie wurde eine Feldtechnik für weit entfernte Gebiete entwickelt, um die Ferritin-Konzentration in Kapillar-Serum auf Filter Papier zu messen. Dieselbe Studie zeigte eine Übergewichtsprävalenz von 52,5% bei erwachsenen Frauen, was auf einen Prozess einer „Entindianisierung“ ihrer traditionellen Diät und Aktivitätsmuster zurückzuführen ist. Dieses Thema wurde bei einer späteren Studie herangezogen, bei welcher der Eindruck von Nahrung und Körperumfang mit kognitiven anthropologischen Methoden evaluiert wurde. Spanisch zu sprechen erschien als eindeutige Indikation für Akkulturation, welche mit einer Zunahme des Vorhandenseins von Übergewicht und seiner Folgen assoziiert werden könnte. Eine Studie zu Schulkindern in Eingeboreneninternaten zeigte Beweise für Zink-, Vitamin B₁₂-, Eisen- und Jodmangel, fand aber ähnliche anthropometrische Status wie bei ländlichen Mexikanerkindern. Schließlich wurde eine qualitative Studie durchgeführt, mit dem Ziel, kulturell akzeptierte Lebensmittel für die Neuentwerfung eines Warenkorbes zu identifizieren, um den Ernährungszustand von Kleinkindern zu verbessern.</p><p>Die Ergebnisse dieser Dissertation liefern relevante Daten für eine Verbesserung der Gestaltung von Programmen zur Bekämpfung und Prävention von Ernährungsproblemen, welche die Tarahumaras betreffen. Diese Informationen können auch als „Baseline“ benutzt werden, mit der zukünftige Veränderungen verglichen werden könnten, wenn ähnliche Stichprobenstrategien angewandt würden. Vor allem betonen die Ergebnisse, die Wichtigkeit und Herausforderung, eine Modernisierung zu erreichen, die nicht nur eine Verbesserung der Gesundheit mit sich bringt, sondern gleichzeitig auch, traditionelle Werte unterstützt, aufrechterhält und anregt, da diese Werte nicht nur die Grundlagen der Tarahumara- Gesellschaft sind, sondern in vielen Fällen zu einer besseren Diät und Gesundheit beisteuern.</p> / <p>Att tillhöra en infödd folkgrupp i Mexiko associeras oftast med ett dåligt hälsotillstånd, framför allt på grund av social isolering från det konventionella samhället. Tarahumara indianerna utgör inget undantag. De utgör den största gruppen av infödda i norra Mexiko och är en av de mest utsatta etniska minoriteterna i Nord Amerika. Det finns anledning att oroa sig för de rådande hälsovillkoren då mycket lite information finns tillgänglig för att underlätta utformandet och tillämpningen av program för att förebygga och handskas med de huvudsakliga hälsoproblemen som drabbar denna folkgrupp. Denna avhandling syftar till att försöka täcka upp delar av den informations brist som råder. I den presenteras och diskuteras resultaten från de studier, som inriktar sig på näringstillståndet hos tarahumara kvinnor och barn, genomförda mellan åren 1997 och 2002. </p><p>En studie i ett representativt distrikt med ett representativt urval av Tarahumara kvinnor i fertil ålder fann man högst prevalens av anemi bland de gravida kvinnorna som befann sig i sista trimestern (38,5 %) samt i gruppen ammande kvinnor under de 6 första månaderna efter förlossning (42,9 %), detta tillsammans med en hög prevalens av järnbrist. I denna studie utvecklades en metod för insamling av kapillära serum prover som droppades på filter papper för att därefter analysera serum ferritin halten vid avsides liggande sättningar. I samma studie fann man även att 52,5 % av de vuxna kvinnorna var överviktiga, vilket skulle kunna antyda om en “avindianiserings-process” av deras traditionella diet och aktivitets mönster. Detta fynd följdes upp i en senare studie som grundade sig på föreställningar om mat och kroppsform, genom att använda kognitiva antropologiska metoder. Att vara spansktalande framträdde som ett tydligt tecken på kulturförändring som skulle kunna sammankopplas med en ökning i prevalensen av övervikt och dess konsekvenser. En skolbaserad nutritions studie bland Tarahumara barn vid internatskolor visade brist på zink, vitamin B₁₂, järn och jod, dock var dessa fynd likvärdiga med uppmätta värden bland barn på den mexikanska landsbygden. Slutligen genomfördes en kvalitativ studie med avsikt att identifiera kulturellt accepterade maträtter och därigenom kunna omforma regeringens rådande sammansättning av livsmedelsbistånd, med syfte att mildra undernäringen bland unga Tarahumara barn.</p><p>Resultaten från denna avhandling ger relevanta data för en förbättrad utformning av interventionsprogram för att bekämpa och förhindra en del av de nutritions problem som drabbar Tarahumara indianerna. Dessa data skulle också kunna utgöra en referenslinje med vilken framtida förändringar kan jämföras med såvida liknande provtagnings rutiner används. Generellt, belyser resultaten vikten och utmaningen att uppnå modernisering på ett sätt som inte enbart förbättrar hälsoläget men som samtidigt upprätthåller och uppmuntrar till att behålla traditionella värderingar. Dessa utgör inte enbart grunden för Tarahumara samhället utan bidrar även därigenom i en del fall till en bättre kosthållning och bättre hälsa.</p> / <p>La pertenencia a un grupo indígena en México se asocia frecuentemente a una salud pobre principalmente como resultado del aislamiento social de la sociedad Mexicana. Los Tarahumaras no son la excepción. Constituyen el grupo indígena más grande del norte del país y una de las minorías étnicas más marginadas de Norteamérica. A pesar de que sus condiciones de salud son precarias, existe muy poca información disponible que facilite el diseño e implementación de programas para prevenir y tratar los problemas de salud pública más importantes que les aquejan. Así pues, esta tesis tiene por objeto cubrir parte de esta falta de información. Presenta y discute resultados de estudios enfocados a la nutrición de mujeres y niños llevados a cabo entre 1997 y 2002.</p><p>Una encuesta en una muestra municipal representativa de mujeres Tarahumaras en edad reproductiva mostró la más alta prevalencia de anemia en las embarazadas en el tercer trimestre (38.5%) y las lactantes durante los primeros 6 meses después del parto (42.9%) paralelamente a una alta prevalencia de deficiencia de hierro. En este estudio, se desarrolló una técnica para la toma de muestras de suero capilar en papel filtro para medir los niveles de ferritina sérica en zonas remotas. Asimismo se encontró un 52.5% de sobrepeso en las mujeres adultas, sugiriendo un proceso de “deindigenización” de los patrones dietéticos y de actividad física tradicionales. Este tópico fue seguido en un estudio posterior sobre percepciones de la alimentación y apariencia corporal de la mujer Tarahumara utilizando métodos de antropología cognoscitiva. Hablar español emergió como un claro indicio de aculturación que podría estar asociado a un incremento en la prevalencia de obesidad y sus consecuencias. Una encuesta nutricional con niños Tarahumaras de albergues escolares mostró evidencia de deficiencia de cinc, vitamina B₁₂, hierro y yodo pero encontró un estado antropométrico similar al de otros niños mexicanos del medio rural. Finalmente, se condujo una evaluación cualitativa para identificar alimentos culturalmente aceptables para rediseñar una canasta de ayuda alimentaria con el objeto de aliviar la desnutrición infantil.</p><p>Los resultados de esta tesis ofrecen información relevante para el mejoramiento del diseño de intervenciones para combatir y prevenir algunos de los problemas nutricios que afectan a los Tarahumaras. De utilizarse estrategias muestrales similares, esta información podría además constituir el punto de comparación para evaluar cambios futuros. Pero sobre todo, los hallazgos apuntan a la importancia y el desafío para alcanzar una modernización que no solo mejore la salud de los indígenas, sino que además apoye, mantenga y promueva los valores culturales tradicionales, pues estos, además de conformar los cimientos de la sociedad Tarahumara, pueden en varios casos contribuir a una mejor nutrición y salud.</p>

Belonging to an indigenous group in Mexico is usually associated with poor health, mainly as the result of social isolation from the mainstream society. The Tarahumara are no exception. They constitute the largest indigenous group in northern Mexico and one of the most marginalized ethnic minorities in North America. Health conditions are precarious, yet very little data are available to facilitate the design and implementation of programs to prevent and manage the main public health problems affecting this people. This thesis aims at overcoming part of this information gap. It presents and discusses the results from studies focusing on the nutrition of women and children carried out between 1997 and 2002. A survey in a representative district sample of Tarahumara women of reproductive age found the highest prevalence of anemia among pregnant women in their third trimester (38.5%) and those lactating during the first 6 months after delivery (42.9%), along with a high prevalence of iron deficiency. In this study a technique was developed to collect capillary serum samples spotted onto filter paper to measure serum ferritin in remote settings. In the same study, 52.5% of adult women were overweight, suggesting a process of ‘de-Indianization’ of their traditional diet and activity patterns. This issue was followed-up in a later study based on perceptions of food and body shape using cognitive anthropological methods. Speaking Spanish emerged as a clear indication of acculturation that could be associated with an increase in the prevalence of obesity and its consequences. A nutrition survey among Tarahumara children at boarding schools found evidence of zinc, vitamin B12, iron, and iodine deficiencies but found similar anthropometric status to other rural Mexicans. Finally, a qualitative assessment was carried out to identify culturally accepted foods to redesign a food aid basket aimed at alleviating malnutrition among young Tarahumara children. The results from this thesis provide relevant data for an improved design of interventions to combat and prevent some of the nutritional problems that affect the Tarahumara. These data could also constitute a baseline to which future changes can be compared if similar sampling strategies are used. Overall, the findings highlight the importance and challenge of achieving modernization in a way that not only improves health but at the same time supports, maintains and encourages traditional cultural values. These are not only the foundations of the Tarahumara society, but in some cases also contribute to a better diet and health. / Die Zugehörigkeit zu einer eingeborenen Volksgemeinschaft Mexikos wird gewöhnlich mit einem schlechten Gesundheitszustand, aufgrund sozialer Isolation von der allgemeinen Gesellschaft, verbunden. Die Tarahumara-Indianer sind dabei keine Ausnahme. Sie stellen eine der größten Eingeborenengruppen im Norden des Landes dar und sind eine der ausgeschlossensten ethnischen Minderheiten in Nordamerika. Der Gesundheitszustand ist prekär, da sehr wenige Daten existieren, um die Gestaltung und Einführung von Programmen zur Prävention und Handhabung der, diese Menschen betreffenden, hauptsächlichen Probleme im Gesundheitswesen, zu ermöglichen. Diese Dissertation beabsichtigt, Teil dieses Informationsdefizits zu beseitigen. Sie präsentiert und diskutiert die Ergebnisse von im Zeitraum 1997 bis 2002 durchgeführten Studien, welche die Ernährung der Tarahumarafrauen und -kinder fokussieren. Eine Umfrage mit einer repräsentativen Stichprobe von Frauen im gebärfähigen Alter, im größten Tarahumara-Bezirk, ergab das höchste Vorkommen von Anämie bei schwangeren Frauen im dritten Trimester (38,5%) und bei solchen, die während der ersten 6 Monate nach der Geburt stillten (42,9%), bedingt durch Eisenmangel. Bei dieser Studie wurde eine Feldtechnik für weit entfernte Gebiete entwickelt, um die Ferritin-Konzentration in Kapillar-Serum auf Filter Papier zu messen. Dieselbe Studie zeigte eine Übergewichtsprävalenz von 52,5% bei erwachsenen Frauen, was auf einen Prozess einer „Entindianisierung“ ihrer traditionellen Diät und Aktivitätsmuster zurückzuführen ist. Dieses Thema wurde bei einer späteren Studie herangezogen, bei welcher der Eindruck von Nahrung und Körperumfang mit kognitiven anthropologischen Methoden evaluiert wurde. Spanisch zu sprechen erschien als eindeutige Indikation für Akkulturation, welche mit einer Zunahme des Vorhandenseins von Übergewicht und seiner Folgen assoziiert werden könnte. Eine Studie zu Schulkindern in Eingeboreneninternaten zeigte Beweise für Zink-, Vitamin B12-, Eisen- und Jodmangel, fand aber ähnliche anthropometrische Status wie bei ländlichen Mexikanerkindern. Schließlich wurde eine qualitative Studie durchgeführt, mit dem Ziel, kulturell akzeptierte Lebensmittel für die Neuentwerfung eines Warenkorbes zu identifizieren, um den Ernährungszustand von Kleinkindern zu verbessern. Die Ergebnisse dieser Dissertation liefern relevante Daten für eine Verbesserung der Gestaltung von Programmen zur Bekämpfung und Prävention von Ernährungsproblemen, welche die Tarahumaras betreffen. Diese Informationen können auch als „Baseline“ benutzt werden, mit der zukünftige Veränderungen verglichen werden könnten, wenn ähnliche Stichprobenstrategien angewandt würden. Vor allem betonen die Ergebnisse, die Wichtigkeit und Herausforderung, eine Modernisierung zu erreichen, die nicht nur eine Verbesserung der Gesundheit mit sich bringt, sondern gleichzeitig auch, traditionelle Werte unterstützt, aufrechterhält und anregt, da diese Werte nicht nur die Grundlagen der Tarahumara- Gesellschaft sind, sondern in vielen Fällen zu einer besseren Diät und Gesundheit beisteuern. / Att tillhöra en infödd folkgrupp i Mexiko associeras oftast med ett dåligt hälsotillstånd, framför allt på grund av social isolering från det konventionella samhället. Tarahumara indianerna utgör inget undantag. De utgör den största gruppen av infödda i norra Mexiko och är en av de mest utsatta etniska minoriteterna i Nord Amerika. Det finns anledning att oroa sig för de rådande hälsovillkoren då mycket lite information finns tillgänglig för att underlätta utformandet och tillämpningen av program för att förebygga och handskas med de huvudsakliga hälsoproblemen som drabbar denna folkgrupp. Denna avhandling syftar till att försöka täcka upp delar av den informations brist som råder. I den presenteras och diskuteras resultaten från de studier, som inriktar sig på näringstillståndet hos tarahumara kvinnor och barn, genomförda mellan åren 1997 och 2002. En studie i ett representativt distrikt med ett representativt urval av Tarahumara kvinnor i fertil ålder fann man högst prevalens av anemi bland de gravida kvinnorna som befann sig i sista trimestern (38,5 %) samt i gruppen ammande kvinnor under de 6 första månaderna efter förlossning (42,9 %), detta tillsammans med en hög prevalens av järnbrist. I denna studie utvecklades en metod för insamling av kapillära serum prover som droppades på filter papper för att därefter analysera serum ferritin halten vid avsides liggande sättningar. I samma studie fann man även att 52,5 % av de vuxna kvinnorna var överviktiga, vilket skulle kunna antyda om en “avindianiserings-process” av deras traditionella diet och aktivitets mönster. Detta fynd följdes upp i en senare studie som grundade sig på föreställningar om mat och kroppsform, genom att använda kognitiva antropologiska metoder. Att vara spansktalande framträdde som ett tydligt tecken på kulturförändring som skulle kunna sammankopplas med en ökning i prevalensen av övervikt och dess konsekvenser. En skolbaserad nutritions studie bland Tarahumara barn vid internatskolor visade brist på zink, vitamin B12, järn och jod, dock var dessa fynd likvärdiga med uppmätta värden bland barn på den mexikanska landsbygden. Slutligen genomfördes en kvalitativ studie med avsikt att identifiera kulturellt accepterade maträtter och därigenom kunna omforma regeringens rådande sammansättning av livsmedelsbistånd, med syfte att mildra undernäringen bland unga Tarahumara barn. Resultaten från denna avhandling ger relevanta data för en förbättrad utformning av interventionsprogram för att bekämpa och förhindra en del av de nutritions problem som drabbar Tarahumara indianerna. Dessa data skulle också kunna utgöra en referenslinje med vilken framtida förändringar kan jämföras med såvida liknande provtagnings rutiner används. Generellt, belyser resultaten vikten och utmaningen att uppnå modernisering på ett sätt som inte enbart förbättrar hälsoläget men som samtidigt upprätthåller och uppmuntrar till att behålla traditionella värderingar. Dessa utgör inte enbart grunden för Tarahumara samhället utan bidrar även därigenom i en del fall till en bättre kosthållning och bättre hälsa. / La pertenencia a un grupo indígena en México se asocia frecuentemente a una salud pobre principalmente como resultado del aislamiento social de la sociedad Mexicana. Los Tarahumaras no son la excepción. Constituyen el grupo indígena más grande del norte del país y una de las minorías étnicas más marginadas de Norteamérica. A pesar de que sus condiciones de salud son precarias, existe muy poca información disponible que facilite el diseño e implementación de programas para prevenir y tratar los problemas de salud pública más importantes que les aquejan. Así pues, esta tesis tiene por objeto cubrir parte de esta falta de información. Presenta y discute resultados de estudios enfocados a la nutrición de mujeres y niños llevados a cabo entre 1997 y 2002. Una encuesta en una muestra municipal representativa de mujeres Tarahumaras en edad reproductiva mostró la más alta prevalencia de anemia en las embarazadas en el tercer trimestre (38.5%) y las lactantes durante los primeros 6 meses después del parto (42.9%) paralelamente a una alta prevalencia de deficiencia de hierro. En este estudio, se desarrolló una técnica para la toma de muestras de suero capilar en papel filtro para medir los niveles de ferritina sérica en zonas remotas. Asimismo se encontró un 52.5% de sobrepeso en las mujeres adultas, sugiriendo un proceso de “deindigenización” de los patrones dietéticos y de actividad física tradicionales. Este tópico fue seguido en un estudio posterior sobre percepciones de la alimentación y apariencia corporal de la mujer Tarahumara utilizando métodos de antropología cognoscitiva. Hablar español emergió como un claro indicio de aculturación que podría estar asociado a un incremento en la prevalencia de obesidad y sus consecuencias. Una encuesta nutricional con niños Tarahumaras de albergues escolares mostró evidencia de deficiencia de cinc, vitamina B12, hierro y yodo pero encontró un estado antropométrico similar al de otros niños mexicanos del medio rural. Finalmente, se condujo una evaluación cualitativa para identificar alimentos culturalmente aceptables para rediseñar una canasta de ayuda alimentaria con el objeto de aliviar la desnutrición infantil. Los resultados de esta tesis ofrecen información relevante para el mejoramiento del diseño de intervenciones para combatir y prevenir algunos de los problemas nutricios que afectan a los Tarahumaras. De utilizarse estrategias muestrales similares, esta información podría además constituir el punto de comparación para evaluar cambios futuros. Pero sobre todo, los hallazgos apuntan a la importancia y el desafío para alcanzar una modernización que no solo mejore la salud de los indígenas, sino que además apoye, mantenga y promueva los valores culturales tradicionales, pues estos, además de conformar los cimientos de la sociedad Tarahumara, pueden en varios casos contribuir a una mejor nutrición y salud.

The study was a randomized clinical tria! involving two cohorts (12 and 18 months) of nutritionally at risk Jndonesian children and three types of supplementary feeding: high energy and micronutrients; skimmed milk and micronutrients; and skimmed milk. The hypothesis of the study was that high energy and micronutrient supplements given early to children could delay on physical growing and mental development. The results showed that a combined energy and micronutrient supplement given for ayear to the 12-month-old children had wide range beneficia! effects. The same supplement given to the 18-month-old had only a modest effect. This suggests that if such an intervention is to he effective it needs to begin early in life. / El estudio fue un ensayo clínico aleatorio en el que participaron dos cohortes de niños (12 y 18 meses) indonesios en riesgo nutricional; hubo tres suplementos dietéticos: energía alta y micronutrientes; leche descremada y micronutrientes; y leche descremada. Se puso a prueba la hipótesis de que un suplemento de energía y micronutrientes administrado tempranamente, previene el retardo en el crecimiento físico y el desarrollo mental. Se obtuvo que el efecto de la suplementación con energía y micronutrientes en los bebés de 12 meses fue superior al efecto producido por la suplementación con micronutrientes y leche descremada. Los efectos en el grupo que comenzó a los 18 meses fueron menores. Hubo una interacción entre los efectos. Los resultados sugieren que este tipo de intervención en niños desnutridos debe iniciarse durante el primer año de vida.

Introduction: In low-income populations, overweight often co-exists with micronutrient deficiencies as a consequence of dietetic inadequacies and intestinal infections. Infancy is a period of increased risk for micronutrient deficiencies due to the higher nutritional demand for the physical growth. In addition, overweight during infancy is an early marker for future obesity. Objective: to investigate micronutrient and overweight markers and the association to intestinal infection and acute diarrhea among low-income infants. Methods: This was a prospective cohort study enrolling healthy infants from Laranjeiras, Sergipe, Brazil. Children underwent anthropometry to obtain anthropometric indexes and blood assays for hemoglobin, ferritin, C-reactive protein, plasma selenium, plasma and erythrocyte zinc and copper concentrations every 6 months of follow up. Stool samples were collected monthly and every acute diarrhea episode to verify the presence of rotavirus, helminths and protozoans. Results: At enrolment the mean age was 6.6 ± 2 months, 2% of children were stunted, 2% wasted, 24% had risk of overweight and 7% were overweight or obese. 68% of children were anemic, 40% had iron deficiency, 57% and 51% had low plasma and erythrocyte zinc, 5% and 82% low plasma and erythrocyte copper, and 91% had low plasma selenium concentrations. The prevalence of anemia and iron deficiency decreased after iron supplementation, although the prevalence of trace element deficiencies remained elevated throughout the follow up. Stable overweight periods and rapid weight gain were predictors of preschool age overweight and adiposity. The number of acute diarrhea episodes was negatively associated to plasma ferritin and zinc concentrations, and the number of any intestinal infection was negatively associated to middle upper arm circumference for age. Conclusion: it was observed a dual nutritional problem in this population, characterized by the higher proportion of overweight related to underweight, and by elevated frequency of anemia and low concentrations of iron, zinc, copper and selenium biomarkers. Intestinal infection was associated to decreased body mass, and acute diarrhea was associated to plasma ferritin and zinc deficiency. / Introdução: Em populações pobres, o sobrepeso frequentemente co-existe com deficiência de micronutrientes, devido à má alimentação e às frequentes enteroinfecções a que essas populações estão expostas. Os lactentes são grupo de risco para o desenvolvimento de carências de micronutrientes devido à elevada demanda nutricional imposta pelo crescimento, e o sobrepeso nessa faixa etária pode representar risco de obesidade em idades futuras. Objetivo: investigar marcadores de micronutrientes e de sobrepeso, e associações com patógenos intestinais e diarreia aguda em lactentes que vivem em condições de vulnerabilidade. Métodos: Trata-se de estudo de coorte prospectivo, com seguimento de 18 meses, envolvendo lactentes saudáveis residentes no município de Laranjeiras, Sergipe, Brasil. Foi feita avaliação de índices antropométricos e dosagem de hemoglobina, ferritina plasmática, proteína C reativa, zinco plasmático e eritrocitário, cobre plasmático e eritrocitário e selênio plasmático, no início e a cada seis meses de seguimento. Foram colhidas amostras de fezes mensais e a cada episódio de diarreia aguda para verificar a presença de rotavirus, helmintos e protozoários. Resultados: no início do estudo as crianças tinham média de idade de 6,6 ± 2 meses e 2% apresentaram déficit de estatura, 2% déficit de peso, 24% risco de sobrepeso e 7% apresentaram sobrepeso ou obesidade. 68% das crianças tinham anemia, 40% deficiência de ferro, 57% e 51% baixa concentração de zinco plasmático e eritrocitário, 5% e 82% baixa concentração de cobre plasmático e eritrocitário, e 91% baixa concentração de selênio. As prevalências de anemia e de deficiência de ferro reduziram ao longo do estudo com a suplementação de ferro, mas as prevalências de deficiência dos elementos-traço se mantiveram elevadas em todo o seguimento. Episódios estáveis de sobrepeso e o rápido ganho de peso estiveram associados a maior risco de sobrepeso e adiposidade no início da idade pré-escolar. O número de episódios de diarreia aguda esteve associado de forma negativa à concentração de ferritina e de zinco plasmáticos, e o número de enteroinfecções esteve associado de forma negativa ao índice circunferência braquial/idade. Conclusão: foi evidenciado extremos nutricionais nessa população, caracterizados por maior proporção de sobrepeso do que de baixo peso, e alta prevalência de anemia e de deficiência de biomarcadores de ferro, zinco, cobre e selênio. Os enteropatógenos estiveram associados ao declínio da massa corporal, e a diarreia aguda exerceu efeito negativo sobre o estado de ferro e de zinco dos lactentes avaliados.