Search

The myxozoan Ceratonova shasta was described from hatchery rainbow trout over 70 years ago. The parasite continues to cause severe disease in salmon and trout, and is recognized as a barrier to salmon recovery in some rivers. This review incorporates changes in our knowledge of the parasite's life cycle, taxonomy and biology and examines how this information has expanded our understanding of the interactions between C. shasta and its salmonid and annelid hosts, and how overarching environmental factors affect this host–parasite system. Development of molecular diagnostic techniques has allowed discrimination of differences in parasite genotypes, which have differing host affinities, and enabled the measurement of the spatio-temporal abundance of these different genotypes. Establishment of the C. shasta life cycle in the laboratory has enabled studies on host–parasite interactions and the availability of transcriptomic data has informed our understanding of parasite virulence factors and host defences. Together, these advances have informed the development of models and management actions to mitigate disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A recent study conducted at Osaka University in Japan examined the effects of genetic and environmental factors on the cortical thickness of the cingulate region in the brain using magnetic resonance imaging on normal twins in East Asia. The research involved 43 pairs of monozygotic twins and 18 pairs of dizygotic twins, with measurements taken for each of the six regions of the cingulum. This peer-reviewed study provides valuable insights into the contributions of genetics and the environment to brain structure in this population. For more information, readers can refer to the Journal of Medical and Biological Engineering. [Extracted from the article]

A report from North China Electric Power University discusses the impact of residents' energy consumption behavior on carbon reduction targets and related policies in Beijing, China. The study proposes an innovative analytical framework that integrates internal psychological factors and external environmental factors to better understand energy consumption behavior. By incorporating economic factors, policy impact, convenience of consumption, knowledge level, behavioral expectations, and consumption habits, the framework provides a more comprehensive understanding of residents' energy consumption behavior. The research concludes that this framework can contribute to the design and enhancement of low-carbon policies. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by investigators from the University of Minnesota explores the relationship between parenting in adolescence and maladaptive personality in adulthood. The study focuses on a large sample of twins and examines the environmental and genetic factors that contribute to this association. The findings suggest that perceived parenting in adolescence and maladaptive personality in adulthood may be influenced by shared genetic factors. The research was supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and has been peer-reviewed. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from Shanghai Jiao Tong University explores the impact of environmental factors on urban park visits. The study found that temperature, humidity, and the combination of heat and humidity, known as the "Heat Index," strongly influence the number of park visits. However, the study also revealed that air quality indices have minimal impact on park attendance. These findings have important implications for urban park planning, design, and management, as they can help promote outdoor activities while reducing health risks. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) explores the relationship between peer victimization and emotion dysregulation during adolescence. The study found that there are bidirectional associations between peer victimization and emotion dysregulation, with greater emotion dysregulation predicting increased victimization over time and higher victimization predicting increases in emotion dysregulation. These findings contribute to the development of longitudinal models that link negative social environments and emotion dysregulation throughout adolescence and into young adulthood. The study was funded by the NIH National Institute on Drug Abuse and the NIH Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development. [Extracted from the article]

A systematic review conducted by the University of Gondar in Ethiopia examined the determinants of diarrheal diseases among children under the age of five in Africa between January 2013 and December 2023. The review found that the prevalence of diarrheal diseases varied geographically and seasonally across different countries in Africa. Factors such as age-related vulnerabilities, gender disparities, maternal occupation, disposal of young children's stools, and economic status were identified as significant determinants of the prevalence of diarrhea disease. The study emphasizes the need for region-specific and context-sensitive interventions to address the unique challenges faced by diverse communities. The findings of this review can guide policymakers, healthcare professionals, and researchers in developing evidence-based strategies to reduce the burden of diarrhea diseases and improve child health outcomes in Africa. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by Sultan Qaboos University in Muscat, Oman, examined the impact of sociodemographic, health status and resources, macroeconomic, and environmental factors on infant mortality rates in Qatar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates from 1990 to 2022. The study found that factors such as crude birth rate, adolescent fertility rate, married women percentage, immunization coverage, parents' employment, and greenhouse emissions all had varying effects on infant mortality rates in the three countries. The researchers concluded that tailored public health interventions addressing these factors are necessary to effectively reduce infant mortality rates and improve infant health outcomes. The study has been peer-reviewed and published in the journal Public Health Nursing. [Extracted from the article]

The article examines the impact of environmental factors on recovery from alcohol use disorder (AUD) using the Reinforcer Pathology theory, highlighting how changing surroundings and future-oriented thinking may improve outcomes. Topics include methods for assessing alcohol-free activity engagement, longitudinal recovery studies, and the role of environmental modifications in enhancing remission and quality of life.

A study conducted by researchers at Hannam University in Daejeon, South Korea, explores the factors that influence the intention to use remote work solutions (RWS) in the post-pandemic era. The study developed a research model based on the Technological, Organizational, and Environmental (TOE) framework and found that productivity and work flexibility have significant mediating effects on the intention to continue using RWS. The roles of technological, organizational, and environmental factors were validated, providing insights and recommendations for RWS providers, user organizations, and government entities. The research was peer-reviewed and published in the journal Technology in Society. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Washington explores the presence and distribution of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in freshwater environments. The study found that antibiotic resistance was positively associated with disturbance, but was also detected in undeveloped river segments. The presence of antibiotic resistance was influenced by environmental factors and bacterial primary ecology. The research provides valuable information for water quality monitoring and assessing health risks. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted in Wuxi, China, examined the impact of indoor environmental factors on the sleep quality of children with chronic cough. The study found that factors such as pet ownership, presence of cockroaches, mattress quality, fuel usage, exposure to tobacco smoke or household molds can significantly affect sleep quality. The prevalence of chronic cough among children in Wuxi was found to be 15.50%, and children with chronic cough were more likely to exhibit abnormal sleep behaviors. The study provides insights into the relationship between indoor environment, sleep, and chronic cough, and suggests the need for tailored health promotion programs for families. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses a statistical model to explain the varying performance of water supply schemes under different physical environments in the state of Maharashtra in India, characterized by high spatial and temporal variability in rainfall and climate, and heterogeneity in geological and geomorphological conditions. The factors that enhance the performance of the schemes are effective utilizable recharge rates, extent of surface irrigation, and aquifer storage space. The factors that adversely affect the performance are the extent of the population covered by groundwater-based schemes and irrigation water demand per unit area. Subsequently, the districts in Maharashtra where groundwater-based schemes are likely to succeed were identified. The article also explains the practical and policy relevance of the model results for rural water supply planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Ariake Bay, catches of the manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum have decreased considerably due to the low rate of larval return to adult habitats, shrinkage of larval networks among each local population, and shortening of the occurrence period of larvae. In this study, we examined the seasonal and annual occurrence trends of planktonic clam larvae and the environmental factors related to the quantity of larvae based on surveys conducted in the Ariake Sea between 2015 and 2018. In the Ariake Sea, emergence peaks with population densities of more than 1,000 m−3 individuals occurred during the spring and fall spawning seasons. In spring, the peak onset often occurred between late April and May, but trends also varied from year to year. In autumn, the peak period was observed at approximately the same time every year, from mid-October to November. The peak emergence of plankton larvae was thought to be related to water temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A recent report from Pure Earth highlights the environmental factors contributing to high blood lead levels in children in Java, Indonesia. The study found that children in areas exposed to used lead-acid battery recycling activities had significantly higher blood lead levels compared to a control area. Factors such as soil lead concentrations, socioeconomic status, environmental exposures (such as cookware and food ware materials), and children's behavior (such as breastfeeding duration) were identified as determinants of elevated blood lead levels. The findings emphasize the need for effective strategies to remediate lead-contaminated soils and prompt medical intervention and monitoring for children in these areas. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted in Jiangsu, People's Republic of China, examined the factors contributing to the recurrence of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and revisit rates among pediatric patients in the emergency department (ED). The study found that factors significantly associated with second ED visits included fever at initial presentation, longer symptom duration, increased C-reactive protein levels, hydronephrosis, and lack of oral antibiotic use before the first visit. Additionally, exposure to bubble bath and lower consultation rates with pediatric urology services were also associated with repeated visits. The research suggests that early antibiotic intervention, identification of underlying anatomical anomalies, and management of environmental exposures may help mitigate recurrent ED visits. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Bowling Green State University in Ohio has shed light on the effects of environmental factors on the developing brain. The researchers focused on the impact of maternal infection and exposure to phthalates, a type of endocrine-disrupting chemical, on the number of neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of rats. The study found that exposure to either maternal infection or phthalates alone resulted in a decrease in neuron number in male rats, but not females. However, the combination of maternal infection and phthalate exposure did not have a significant effect on neuron number. Additionally, the combination treatment led to fewer pregnancies and decreased litter size. These findings provide valuable insights into how environmental factors can interact to alter the development of the mPFC. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University of California San Diego (UCSD) explored the relationship between environmental factors and digital psychiatry interventions. The research compared formal accounts of the intervention with ethnographic observations of lab practices. The study found that while formal accounts emphasized the individual participant's empowerment through data-driven insights, observations revealed the significant influence of living and working environments. The research highlights the importance of considering these contingencies and supports the use of ethnography in understanding the implementation process of digital psychiatry interventions. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Ontario in Canada examined the factors that contribute to the survival of honeybee hives in urban environments. The study found that ground-level ozone concentrations, hive location, and the number of surrounding hives were negatively associated with hive survival, suggesting a potential issue of hive saturation. On the other hand, vegetation density and the COVID-19 pandemic were positively associated with hive survival, highlighting the impact of urban air pollution. The findings emphasize the importance of considering neighborhood-scale environmental factors in urban planning to enhance honeybee survival in cities. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from the University of Murcia in Spain explores the relationship between environmental factors and neurodevelopmental disorders. The study focuses on the impact of endocrine disruptors and pesticides on neurodevelopment, particularly in relation to thyroid function. The researchers found scientific evidence linking environmental neurotoxins to various neurodevelopmental disorders and discuss potential molecular mechanisms involved. This peer-reviewed research provides valuable insights for understanding and preventing these disorders. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at the University of Arkansas investigated the awareness and use of doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (doxyPEP) in the United States. DoxyPEP has preventive benefits for bacterial STIs among cisgender men. The study found that only 26% of the racially diverse sample of 196 participants were aware of doxyPEP, and only 7% had ever used it. Factors associated with awareness included being college educated, having a past year bacterial STI, discussing HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis with a healthcare provider, and taking HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis. Socio-environmental factors associated with doxyPEP awareness included living in a large urban city and living in a state with higher levels of LGBTQ policy equality. The study highlights the importance of increasing awareness of new prevention approaches among those most at risk. [Extracted from the article]

The increased popularity of jujube (Ziziphus jujuba) combined with the difficulty of grafting have limited supplies of grafted trees in the United States. From 2011 to 2020, grafting was practiced for cultivar amplification after importation and cultivar trials in frost-prone northern New Mexico. Grafting success was related to not only grafting techniques but also climate factors. Bark grafting, whip/tongue grafting, and cleft grafting were commonly used in nurseries. Low temperatures had a critical role in jujube grafting success in marginal regions and were more important than the grafting technique. If frost occurs before or near the leafing time, then grafting should be delayed until the rootstocks are determined to be healthy and alive. If frost occurs after grafting, then grafting failure and/or thin and small plant percentages increased. If only branchlets appear after grafting, then pinching branchlets could stimulate new shoot growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A recent report from the Hubei University of Technology in Wuhan, China, discusses the effects of environmental factors on the synthesis of water-soluble monascus red pigments (MRPs) through submerged fermentation. MRPs are used as natural food pigments and have potential applications in antibacterial and cancer prevention therapies. The review highlights the importance of improving the yield of water-soluble MRPs for industrial mass production. The study explores various factors that influence the synthesis of MRPs, including carbon and nitrogen sources, pH values, and additives. The findings lay the foundation for the industrial production of water-soluble MRPs. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at VID Specialized University in Oslo, Norway explored the factors that influence sleep in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) from the perspective of parents. The study involved interviews with ten parents whose children were receiving care in PICUs. The findings revealed that environmental factors in the PICU can disturb children's sleep, and that children sleep better when they feel safe and trust the nurses. The study suggests that nurses should prioritize sleep promotion, involve parents in sleep promotion efforts, and take parents' experiences into account to improve sleep quality for patients in PICUs. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at Hefei University of Technology in China evaluated the stability and transport mechanism of an oligopeptide called KRQKYD. The study simulated gastrointestinal digestion and used a model of human intestinal Caco-2 monolayer cells to assess the effects of environmental factors on the stability of KRQKYD. The results showed that KRQKYD maintained its hepatocyte-protective activity and could be absorbed by the Caco-2 monolayer cells. The study concluded that the transport mechanism of KRQKYD was not associated with energy dependence, vector mediation, or endocytosis, but rather with paracellular transport. [Extracted from the article]

A report from Babol Noshirvani University of Technology in Iran discusses the challenges of managing infectious medical waste (IMW) in small health centers. The researchers propose a location-routing model with four objective functions to minimize costs, environmental pollution, risk to the population, and violations of expected arrival time. They also use fuzzy chance-constrained programming to address uncertainty in dental waste treatment demand. The study includes a case study of dental clinics in Babol city and concludes with sensitivity analyses of the objective functions. This research provides valuable insights into the management of medical waste in developing countries. [Extracted from the article]

A pilot study conducted at the University of Michigan examined the perceptions of caregivers and bedside nursing staff regarding the sleep quantity and quality of critically ill children in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). The study found that there was no significant difference between the ratings of caregivers and nursing staff in terms of sleep quality, duration, number of naps, room temperature, sound, or light. However, nursing staff reported more room entries than caregivers. Caregivers rated their child's sleep in the PICU as lower quality compared to sleep at home. The researchers suggest that this agreement between caregivers and nursing staff may facilitate further research and interventions to improve sleep in the PICU. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Gansu Agricultural University in Northwestern China have conducted a study on the microbial community characteristics in sediment derived from a rainwater harvesting cellar. The study used gene sequencing and analytical methods to explore the distribution, structure, function, and environmental factors of the microbial community in two different types of sediment. The predominant microorganisms identified were Proteobacteria (gamma-Proteobacteria) with Pseudomonadales (Pseudomonas), which play a crucial role in various metabolic processes. The study also found correlations between the microbial genera and environmental factors such as nitrogen and phosphorus. The research suggests that non-point pollution management and control methods are necessary to improve rainwater quality. [Extracted from the article]

A report from Utrecht University in the Netherlands discusses the impact of environmental factors on older people's capabilities to live independently. The study argues that health should be defined as the ability to adapt and self-manage in the face of challenges, rather than simply the absence of disease. The research identifies four environmental factors - perceived accessibility, pleasant surroundings, meeting opportunities, and life convenience - that positively affect older people's capabilities to live independently. The findings can be used to develop community-based environmental support to enable older people to live independently. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at the University of Tokyo explores the impact of environmental factors on the quality of remote collaboration in a 5G mobile environment. The study aims to evaluate the capability of 5G technology to achieve high-quality service (QoS) for remote collaboration. The researchers designed a measurement tool to monitor the QoS of remote collaboration under real-world 5G conditions and analyzed the relationship between various environmental factors and the performance of remote collaboration. The collected data has been made publicly available to support further research on QoS and 5G. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by Tsumura & Company in Ibaraki, Japan, has examined the influence of genetic and environmental factors on the ephedrine alkaloids content of Ephedra sinica, a herb used in traditional Japanese and Chinese medicine. The researchers found that the ephedrine alkaloids content in E. sinica is under strong genetic control and remains stable under various environments. This suggests that selective breeding could be used to cultivate E. sinica with higher and stable ephedrine alkaloids content in different locations. The study highlights the potential for further research and development in this area. [Extracted from the article]

A report from the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) highlights the impact of environmental factors on the physical and cognitive development of school-age children and adolescents. The research emphasizes the negative effects of air pollution, traffic noise, and heat on children's health and learning performance. However, exposure to green spaces appears to have a positive effect, suggesting that promoting urban vegetation could benefit children's development. The report calls for policy changes and urban planning interventions to minimize air pollution and traffic noise while enhancing green spaces, particularly in school environments. [Extracted from the article]

Some toxic dinoflagellates, including Alexandrium pacificum, contaminate bivalves with a toxin that causes paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP). In Hokkaido, Japan, a one-time occurrence of A. pacificum (A. tamarense species complex Group IV) and the associated toxin contamination of cultured scallops was reported in Funka Bay during autumn in 1988. Little evidence of the occurrence of A. pacificum in Hokkaido has been reported since then. However, during the autumn of 2018, we observed cells of A. tamarense species complex collected in Hakodate and Funka Bays in southern Hokkaido by microscopy. A. tamarense species complex is rarely observed in autumn in Hokkaido; thus, we suspected them to be A. pacificum. Toxin profiles and growth responses to water temperature, salinity, and irradiance of A. pacificum unialgal strains isolated from the Hakodate and Funka Bays were examined to evaluate the possible risks of A. pacificum proliferation and PSP toxin contamination of bivalves in the region. Six A. pacificum axenic strains were established by isolating vegetative cells from seawater samples collected from the two bays in October and November 2018. All strains were identified by morphological observation and species-specific PCR for A. pacificum. PSP toxins were detected by HPLC analysis. Cellular toxin quantity was ranged from 10.1–65.8 fmol cell−1, and the dominant toxin in all strains was C2 (70.1–87.3 mol%). Growth rates of four of the six established A. pacificum strains (two isolated from Hakodate Bay and two from Funka Bay) were determined in 20 treatments that combined water temperatures of 5°C, 10°C, 15°C, 20°C, and 25°C and salinities of 20, 25, 30, and 35. Growth of these strains was also examined at different irradiances (10, 40, 70, 100, 150, and 200 μmol photons m−2 s−1). The four strains examined for growth responses grew at water temperatures of 15°C– 25°C and salinities of 20–35. Optimal growth (0.50–0.54 divisions day−1) was noted at water temperatures of 20°C– 25°C and salinities of 25–35. No growth of any of the four strains occurred at water temperatures of 5°C–10°C. Growth was observed at irradiances of 40–200 μmol photons m−2 s−1, and saturation occurred at 70–100 μmol photons m−2 s−1. Toxin profiles and growth responses to water temperature, salinity, and irradiance were similar to those determined for A. pacificum strains isolated from other areas of Japan. Optimal water temperature and salinity conditions for the growth of A. pacificum occur in Hakodate and Funka Bays during summer and autumn. Therefore, we suggest that the proliferation of the toxin-producing A. pacificum vegetative cells in southern Hokkaido occurs during summer and autumn. This species is unlikely to grow in the region during winter and spring. However, recent increases in seawater temperature in this region might cause changes in the period during which A. pacificum grows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IT'S A PLACE OF SUPERLATIVES. Reporters have called it the most polluted place in the Western Hemisphere. It's also the location of one of the largest construction projects in the world. · At the Hanford Site in south-central Washington state, 177 giant tanks sit below the sandy soil, brimming with the radioactive remnants of 44 years of nuclear-materials production. From World War II through the Cold War, Hanford churned out plutonium for more than 60,000 nuclear weapons, including the atomic bomb that razed Nagasaki, Japan, in August 1945. The sprawling enterprise eventually contaminated the soil and groundwater and left behind 212 million liters of toxic waste-enough to fill 85 Olympic-size swimming pools. Decades after the site stopped producing plutonium, the U.S. government is still grappling with how to clean it all up. · Today the 1,500-square-kilometer site, roughly half the size of Rhode Island, is a quiet expanse of sagebrush and wispy grasses outside Richland, Wash. The underground steel-and-reinforced-concrete tanks are grouped in "farms" beneath a central plateau, while shuttered nuclear reactors stand like sentinels on the periphery. Scientists have identified some 1,800 contaminants inside the tanks, including plutonium, uranium, cesium, aluminum, iodine, and mercury. Watery liquids rest atop goop as thick as peanut butter and salt cakes resembling wet beach sand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the factors associated with the occurrence and abundance of external and blood parasites in African penguins (Spheniscus demersus), an endangered seabird that breeds exclusively on the coasts of Namibia and South Africa. External parasites were collected using the dust-ruffling method from 171 African Penguins admitted at a rehabilitation facility in the Western Cape, South Africa. Additionally, blood smears were obtained upon admission and weekly during rehabilitation and examined for blood parasites. Fleas Parapsyllus longicornis humboldti, ticks Ornithodoros capensis and lice Austrogoniodes demersus were recovered from 93, 63 and 40%, respectively, of the penguins upon admission to the centre. Rescue location and age group were identified as significant determinants of flea abundance, whereas month of admission was a significant determinant of tick abundance. Blood parasites were also common on admission, with Babesia being the most frequent (46% prevalence) whereas Borrelia was recorded sporadically (1.2%) and Plasmodium was recorded once. The prevalence and abundance of ticks on admission was positively associated with Babesia infection on admission. Our findings demonstrate the variability and contributing factor of parasite infections in an endangered species of penguin, and highlight the need for additional research on the parasite–host dynamics involving these potential disease vectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study conducted by researchers at Wuhan University of Technology in China investigated the influence of physiological, psychological, and environmental factors on fatigue among seafarers on passenger ships. The study collected data from 24 seafarers in a real navigation environment, including electrocardiogram (ECG), electroencephalogram (EEG), and subjective fatigue data. The research found that factors such as perceived stress, safety behavior, health condition, number of passengers, and different waters and times can impact seafarers' fatigue levels. The study also developed a model using physiological signals to predict seafarers' fatigue levels with an accuracy of 81.13%. The research was published in the journal Safety Science. [Extracted from the article]

New research from the French Agency for Food in Maisons-Alfort, France, explores the effects of environmental factors, known as the exposome, on children's health. The study analyzed the evidence from various sources, including agency reports and literature reviews, to determine the level of evidence for the effects of 88 selected chemical and urban factors on child health. The findings revealed that 7% of factor-outcome pairs had a very likely overall level of evidence, while 45% had a very unlikely level of evidence. The researchers developed a plausibility database that can be used to identify research gaps and conduct risk assessment studies. The study suggests that the database could be expanded to include a larger fraction of the exposome and other age groups and should be regularly updated. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by the Indian Institute of Management in Tiruchirappalli, India, explores the traits of consumer resilience in emerging markets. The study identifies five major categories of traits and analyzes the relationships among them, with a focus on psychological and personal resilience aspects. The research suggests that social support and recommendations from customers are the principal influence traits of consumer resilience. The findings have implications for practitioners in customer relationship management, who can improve product and brand awareness to enhance consumer resilience. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Queensland in Australia has highlighted the growing issue of chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) in low- to middle-income countries in Africa. This severe form of CKD primarily affects young working-age adults and is unrelated to traditional risk factors such as diabetes and hypertension. The study found that CKDu is a multifactorial disease with genetic and environmental risk factors, including infectious agents, rural residence, low socioeconomic status, malnutrition, agricultural practices, exposure to agrochemicals and heavy metals, use of traditional herbs, and contaminated water sources or food. The burden of CKDu attributable to CKDu varied from 19.4% to 79% in the general population in Africa. The researchers emphasize the need for further epidemiological studies to explore the true burden and geographical distribution of CKDu, as well as the role of environmental factors in its development. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by Central South University in Changsha, China, explored the relationship between environmental factors and childhood parasitic infections (PIs). The study found that exposure to outdoor air pollution during early life and indoor environments in the past year were associated with an increased risk of childhood PIs. Factors such as exposure to smoke, renovation-related indoor air pollution, dampness, and plant-related indoor allergens were also found to be linked to childhood PIs. The study highlights the importance of considering both indoor and outdoor environmental factors in preventing and managing childhood parasitic infections. [Extracted from the article]

A report from Ghent University in Belgium discusses the prevalence of body dissatisfaction among children and explores the environmental factors that contribute to it. The study found that upward comparisons on social media were associated with higher levels of body dissatisfaction, compensatory exercise, and loss of control eating in children aged 10 to 12. Trust in fathers was found to moderate the association between appearance comparison and body dissatisfaction, while no evidence was found for the protective role of trust in mothers. The researchers suggest that further research is needed to better understand body dissatisfaction in children and identify environmental factors that can mitigate the negative effects of social media. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from Ardabil University of Medical Sciences in Iran discusses the link between heavy metals and urinary stones. The study found that heavy metals, which enter the environment through industrial activities, can contribute to the formation of urinary stones. The researchers measured the concentrations of heavy metals in blood and urinary stones of patients with urinary stones in Ardabil city. They found that copper and selenium concentrations were higher in both blood and urinary stones, and there was a significant relationship between lead concentration and the formation of kidney stones. The study also found differences in heavy metal concentrations in different types of urinary stones. [Extracted from the article]

A report from Ankara University in Turkey discusses the relationship between environmental factors and psychopathology in psychiatric diseases. The study used nonrecursive models in structural equation modeling to evaluate this relationship. The research included 378 patients and assessed variables such as demographic characteristics, childhood trauma, self-esteem, perceived social support, and disease diagnosis and severity. The study found that childhood trauma and age were significant variables for self-esteem, childhood trauma affected perceived support, and disease severity and diagnosis impacted individual and social functionality. [Extracted from the article]

The African penguin (Spheniscus demersus) is a critically endangered species endemic to southern Africa. Limited information is available on the parasite diversity associated with the species in natural settings. This study explores the diversity and incidence of parasites associated with African penguins and their nests, and records the effect of host and environmental factors on parasite infestation. Ecto-, haemo- and helminth parasites were recorded from 210 adult birds, 583 chicks and 628 nests across five colonies (two mainland and three islands) along the south-western coast of South Africa, in 2016 and 2017. Mean nest density (total and active nests) and climate variables (temperature and precipitation) were obtained for each colony. Parapsyllus humboldti was the most abundant and prevalent ectoparasite on penguins and in nests (69.10 and 57.80%, respectively), while Piroplasmorida/Haemospororida (33.51%) and Cardiocephaloides spp. (56.17%) were the most prevalent haemo- and helminth parasites of penguins, respectively. In general parasite abundance and prevalence was significantly affected by penguin age (chicks vs adults), location (mainland vs islands), nest density (total and active nests) and season (spring vs autumn/winter). It is concluded that parasite infestations are structured and that penguin chicks at mainland colonies are more susceptible to parasite infestations during spring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A recent study conducted at the University of Amsterdam explores the impact of environmental factors on chronic inflammation in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The researchers highlight the role of intentional food additives and unintentional food contaminants, such as pesticides and microplastics, in the deterioration of GI health and the onset of chronic inflammation. These factors can lead to dysbiosis of the microbiota, increased permeability of the GI barrier, systemic inflammation, and oxidative stress. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding the effects of these environmental factors on GI health and their association with chronic disease. [Extracted from the article]

New research conducted at Virginia Commonwealth University has focused on the impact of social forces and environmental factors on healthcare and pharmacy education. The study, conducted by the Argus Commission, examined the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change-related disasters on population health in the United States. The research advocates for changes in curricular integration to address these social forces and their consequences on individual and population health. The report includes policy statements, recommendations, and suggestions. The research has been peer-reviewed and is published in the American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education. [Extracted from the article]