Consequences In Later Life Research Articles

Comparing The Anthropometric Measurements of Intra-Extra Uterine Period between Stunting and Non-stunting Children Aged 6-24 Months Old in Bogor Tengah Subdistrict, Bogor City, West Java

Introduction: The prevalence of stunting in children under two years old is high in developing country. Stunting in the early of life has many negative health consequences in later life, while the positive view is stunting could be prevent earlier by detecting a predisposing factors in intrauterine and extrauterine periode. Anthropometry of intrauterine predisposing factors (IntraPF) and Extrauterine predisposing factors (ExtraPF) could detect growth retardation. These study aim was to prove that there were significant different of IntraPF and ExtraPF between stunting and non stunting children aged 6-24 months.Methods: This comparative cross sectional study was nested to (Bogor longitudinal study on child growth and development (BLSCGD) held by National Health Research and Development (NHRD), Health Ministry of Indonesia. Subjects who defined as stunting if their height for age was more than two standard deviations below the WHO Child Growth standards median. There were 38 stunting and 46 non-stunting aged 6-24 months who met the study criteria. Independent variable was (1)IntraPF follow as maternal height, weight and length of neonatal, (2)ExtraPF: weight gain and body length gain at first six months of neonatal. Primary and secondary data collection was carried out from July 2017 to Februari 2018, held at the BLSCGD. All of body measurement using WHO standard. Appropriate statistical analysis was used to compare the stunting and non-stunting groups with a significance limit of p <0.05.Results: Statistical analysis tests showed that: significantly different and lower IntraPF in the stunting group was maternal height, birth weight and length of the subjects compare to non-stunting and there were significant different and lower of ExtraPF follow as weight gain in the first six months, average weight gain per month in the first six months, increase in body length in the first six months, average increase in body length every month in the first six monthssignificantly lower in stunting children compare to non stunting children.Conclusion: The antropometric of intrauterine, extrauterine predisposing factors have been showed to have an impact on the child's height. It is important to monitor the anthropometry of the mother before pregnancy and provide nutritional interventions in the first 1000 days

Pre-gestational stress impacts excitability of hippocampal cells in vitro and is associated with neurobehavioral alterations during adulthood

Chronic stress during pregnancy or even prior to gestation can negatively affect offspring´s neurobehavioural development. Several studies have shown, that offspring who had experienced excessive stress during gestation had higher rates of cognitive and mood disorders later during adolescence or in adulthood. Hippocampal neurons play a crucial role in the regulation of behavior, mainly in anxiety-related behaviors and spatial learning and memory. Recently, it has been shown, that excessive stress even prior to gestation could interfere with sensitive developmental processes in the brain and may affect hippocampal functioning with severe neurobehavioural consequences in later life. The aim of this work was to investigate the effects of pre-gestational stress of the rat dams on the hippocampal excitability of the pups right after the birth. Neurobehavioural consequences of pre-gestational stress were analyzed during adolescence (35–40 postnatal days) and in early adulthood (75–80 postnatal days). We have shown that even pre-gestational chronic maternal stress increased resting membrane potential, suppressed depolarization-activated action potential firing, and increased spontaneous activity of hippocampal cells from newborn offspring. Altered function of hippocampus was reflected at the behavioural level. Adolescent male offspring of dams exposed stress prior to conception showed hyperactivity-like behaviour in a new stressful environment and increased anxiety-like behaviour during adulthood compared to adult males from non-stress group. Together, this work suggests, that chronic stress even prior to gestation can interfere with functional brain development of the offspring and can cause long-term behavioural changes at the level of neurobehavioural adaptations.

A critical review of research relating to the learning, use and effects of additional and multiple languages in later life

AbstractWhile there is a growing body of research on second language acquisition (SLA) in children, adolescents, young and more mature adults, much remains to be explored about how adults in later life learn a new language and how good additional language learning is forthem. Our goal in this article is to survey and evaluate what is known about the linguistic, socio-affective, neurobiological and cognitive underpinnings of the second language (L2) learning process in older individuals, the extent to which L2 acquisition may be seen as contributing to healthy and active ageing, and how these phenomena are to be approached scientifically, methodologically and pedagogically. Our view is that a developmental enterprise as complex as L2 learning in senior adulthood and its effects in later life cannot be explained by a single theory or set of principles. Furthermore, we take it that L2 acquisition in the third age needs to be regarded not just as a goal in itself but as a means of promoting social interaction and integration, and that it is partly through the stimulation of social well-being that its cognitive effects may potentially be observed.

Altered vertebral and femoral bone structure in juvenile offspring of microswine subject to maternal low protein nutritional challenge.

Epidemiological studies suggest skeletal growth is programmed during intrauterine and early postnatal life. We hypothesize that bone development may be altered by maternal diet and have investigated this using a microswine model of maternal protein restriction (MPR). Mothers were fed a control diet (14% protein) or isocaloric low (1%) protein diet during late pregnancy and for 2 weeks postnatally. Offspring were weaned at 4 weeks of age to ad lib or calorie‐restricted food intake groups. Femur and vertebra were analysed by micro computed tomography in offspring 3–5 months of age. Caloric restriction from 4 weeks of age, designed to prevent catch‐up growth, showed no significant effects on bone structure in the offspring from either maternal dietary group. A maternal low protein diet altered trabecular number in the proximal femur and vertebra in juvenile offspring. Cortical bone was unaffected. These results further support the need to understand the key role of the nutritional environment in early development on programming of skeletal development and consequences in later life.

Maternal exposure to ambient fine particulate matter and fetal growth in Shanghai, China

BackgroundFetal growth restriction (FGR) is not only a major determinant of perinatal morbidity and mortality but also leads to adverse health effects in later life. Over the past decade, numerous studies have indicated that maternal exposure to ambient air pollution has been a risk factor for abnormal fetal growth in developed countries where PM2.5 levels are relatively low. However, studies in highly polluted regions, such as China, and studies that rely on assessments in utero are scarce.MethodsA total of 7965 women were selected from 11,441 women from the Shanghai Maternity and Infant Living Environment (SMILE) cohort who were pregnant between January 1, 2014, and April 30, 2015. From January 1, 2014, to April 30, 2015, weekly average PM2.5 values from 53 monitors were calculated and the inverse distance weighted (IDW) method was used to create a Shanghai pollution surface map according to the participants residential addresses. Individual exposure was the average PM2.5 value of every gestational week between the first gestational week and one week before the ultrasound measurement date (the range of measurements per participant was 1 to 10). Repeated fetal ultrasound measurements during gestational weeks 14~40 were selected. The estimated fetal weight (EFW) was calculated by biparietal diameter (BPD), abdominal circumference (AC), and femur length (FL) formulas. In total, 29,926 ultrasound measurements were analysed. Demographic variables, other pollutants (SO2, NO2, PM10 and O3) and relative humidity and temperature were controlled for potential confounding through generalized estimating equations (GEE).ResultsThe full model showed that with each 10 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5 exposure, the means (mm) of AC, BPD, FL decreased by 5.48 (− 9.06, − 1.91), 5.57 (− 6.66, − 4.47), and 5.47 (− 6.39, − 4.55), respectively; the mean EFW decreased by 14.49 (− 16.05, − 13.49) grams by Hadlock’s third formula and 13.56 (− 14.71, − 12.50) grams by Shepard’s formula with each 10 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5 exposure.ConclusionsA negative correlation existed between maternal PM2.5 exposure during pregnancy and fetal growth indicators, which may increase the risk of fetal growth restriction.

Maternal and gestational influences on childhood blood pressure

Exposures that contribute to a sub-optimal intrauterine environment can have an effect on the developing fetus. Impaired fetal growth that results in low birth weight is an established risk factor for cardio-metabolic disorders later in life. Recent epidemiologic and prospective cohort studies that include the maternal and gestational period have identified maternal and gestational conditions that confer increased risk for subsequent cardio-metabolic disorders in the absence of low birth weight. Maternal pre-conception health status, including chronic obesity and type 2 diabetes, increase risk for childhood obesity and obesity-related higher blood pressure (BP) in child offspring. Maternal gestational exposures, including gestational diabetes, gestational hypertension, and preeclampsia, are associated with higher BP in offspring. Other maternal exposures such as cigarette smoke and air pollution also increase risk for higher BP in child offspring. Recent, but limited, data indicate that assisted reproductive technologies can be associated with hypertension in childhood, despite otherwise normal gestation and healthy newborn. Gestational exposures associated with higher BP in childhood can be related to familial lifestyle factors, genetics, or epigenetic modification of fetal deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). These factors, or combination of factors, as well as other adverse intrauterine conditions, could induce fetal programing leading to health consequences in later life. Current and developing research will provide additional insights on gestational exposures and fetal adjustments that increase risk for higher BP levels in childhood.

Reducing stickiness in spray dried dairy emulsions

High-protein intake in early childhood may cause negative health effects in later life. However, low protein powdered follow-on milks are challenging to manufacture due to stickiness caused by increased free fat and lower glass transition points. Skim milk powder and palm oil emulsions, ranging from 0.25 to 5% w/w protein were assessed for their stability and subsequently spray dried to produce powders ranging from 1 to 20% w/w protein. Powders containing 2–8% w/w protein had high free fat levels despite the initial emulsion being stable, suggesting small adjustments in protein concentration can have a significant impact on emulsion stability during drying and atomisation. Reducing the protein content via substitution with lactose reduced the powders glass transition point (Tg) from 65 to 49 °C (powder contained 4%w/w protein, 67%w/w carbohydrate and 28%w/w fat). Substituting lactose with maltodextrin (DE6) at a 45%w/w level of inclusion increased the Tg of the powders from 50 to 113 °C, however, viscosity increased significantly. Interestingly, using glucose syrup (DE39) to substitute lactose at a 15%w/w level of inclusion, increased the powder Tg by 21 °C with no significant change in emulsion viscosity compared to a control with lactose as the sole carbohydrate. XPS analysis showed fat type (milk, palm, sunflower) influenced powder surface fat coverage. The inner fat contained increased levels of saturated fatty acids (palmitic and stearic) compared to the surface and encapsulated fat. In conclusion the Tg of low protein spray dried emulsions can be increased and the surface fat decreased, helping to reduce susceptibility to stickiness.

Dyslipidemia in Childhood Obesity: A Review

Childhood obesity has become epidemic in developed as well as developing countries. Apart from genetic factors, changes of lifestyle like consumption of excess calorie rich food, lack of physical activity and increased screen time are major contributing factors for childhood obesity. Many co-morbid conditions like cardiovascular, metabolic, neurological, hepatic, pulmonary, orthopedic, and renal disorders are associated with childhood obesity. It has both immediate medical complications as well as long term health consequences in later life. The most hazardous consequences like the cardiovascular disorder occur due to early athrosclerotic process which is accelerated due to dyslipidemia. As a result dyslipidemia is an important etiologic factor for development of cardiovascular disease (CVD), which is a leading cause of death in adulthood throughout the world. As abnormal vascular changes begins in childhood, and as dyslipidemia is an significant risk factor for CVD, screening and treatment of dyslipidemia in obese children and adolescents are an important health issue to prevent development metabolic syndrome and its consequences.
 Bangladesh J Child Health 2018; VOL 42 (3) :148-154

Fine Particle (PM2.5) and Preterm Birth from 7 Metropolitan Cities Study, Korea, 2015-2016

Particulate matter contributing to low birth weight and preterm birth are of great concern because of the well-known relation of birth weight to infant mortality and adverse effects in later life. ...

Metabolome disruption of pregnant rats and their offspring resulting from repeated exposure to a pesticide mixture representative of environmental contamination in Brittany.

The use of pesticides exposes humans to numerous harmful molecules. Exposure in early-life may be responsible for adverse effects in later life. This study aimed to assess the metabolic modifications induced in pregnant rats and their offspring by a pesticide mixture representative of human exposure. Ten pregnant rats were exposed to a mixture of eight pesticides: acetochlor (246 μg/kg bw/d) + bromoxynil (12 μg/kg bw/d) + carbofuran (22.5 μg/kg bw/d) + chlormequat (35 μg/kg bw/d) + ethephon (22.5 μg/kg bw/d) + fenpropimorph (15.5 μg/kg bw/d) + glyphosate (12 μg/kg bw/d) + imidacloprid (12.5 μg/kg bw/d) representing the main environmental pesticide exposure in Brittany (France) in 2004. Another group of 10 pregnant rats served as controls. Females were fed ad libitum from early pregnancy, which is from gestational day (GD) 4 to GD 21. Urine samples were collected at GD 15. At the end of the exposure, mothers and pups were euthanized and blood, liver, and brain samples collected. 1H NMR-based metabolomics and GC-FID analyses were performed and PCA and PLS-DA used to discriminate between control and exposed groups. Metabolites for which the levels were significantly modified were then identified using the Kruskal-Wallis test, and p-values were adjusted for multiple testing correction using the False Discovery Rate. The metabolomics analysis revealed many differences between dams of the two groups, especially in the plasma, liver and brain. The modified metabolites are involved in TCA cycle, energy production and storage, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, and amino-acid metabolism. These modifications suggest that the pesticide mixture may induce oxidative stress associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and the impairment of glucose and lipid metabolism. These observations may reflect liver dysfunction with increased relative liver weight and total lipid content. Similar findings were observed for glucose and energy metabolism in the liver of the offspring, and oxidative stress was also suggested in the brains of male offspring.

A Longitudinal Analysis of the Indirect Effect of Violence Exposure on Future Orientation Through Perceived Stress and the Buffering Effect of Family Participation.

Exposure to violence (ETV) during adolescence has been associated with negative effects in later life, and may negatively affect an individual's future orientation. Future orientation has important health implications and warrants being studied. Yet, few researchers have examined how ETV affects an individual's future orientation as a young adult. The purpose of this study was to examine the indirect effect of ETV during adolescence on future orientation as a young adult through perceived stress. We also tested the moderating effect of family participation on the relationship between perceived stress and future orientation. Longitudinal data from a sample of 316 African American participants (42.10% male and 57.90% female, Mage=14.76 at Wave 1) from low socioeconomic backgrounds recruited from a Midwestern school district were used in the analysis. Multigroup structural equationmodeling (SEM) was used to test our hypotheses. Our findings indicated that greater ETV during adolescence is associated with higher levels of perceived stress and, in turn, a more negative outlook on one's future as a young adult. Thisindirect effect occurred for individuals with lowerfamily participation, but was not evident for individuals withgreater family participation. These findings provide important implications for youth development interventions.

Changes in Risk Perception of the Health Effects of Radiation and Mental Health Status: The Fukushima Health Management Survey.

After the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident, numerous evacuees reported poor mental health status and high-risk perceptions of the health effects of radiation. However, the temporal associations between these variables have not yet been examined. Using data from the Fukushima Health Survey, we examined changes in risk perception of the health effects of radiation over time and assessed the effects of mental health on such changes using logistic regression analysis. Risk perception for delayed effect pertains a brief on health effect in later life (delayed effect), whereas that of genetic effect pertains a brief on health effect of future children and grandchildren (genetic effect). We found that many participants showed consistently high or low-risk perceptions over all three study years (2011–2013) (for delayed effect: 59% and 41% of participants were in the low and high-risk perception groups, respectively; for genetic effect: 47% and 53%, respectively). Stronger traumatic reactions (≥50 on the PTSD Checklist–Specific) significantly affected the odds of being in the high-risk perception group for the delayed and genetic effects, with the associations being strongest soon after the disaster: The adjusted ORs (95%CIs) were 2.05 (1.82–2.31), 1.86 (1.61–2.15), and 1.88 (1.62–2.17) for the delayed effect in 2011, 2012, and 2013, respectively, and 2.18 (1.92–2.48), 2.05 (1.75–2.40), and 1.82 (1.55–2.15) for the genetic effect. As initial mental health status had the strongest impact on later risk perceptions of radiation, it should be considered in early response and communication efforts.

Isolating the direct effects of adverse developmental conditions on in vivo cardiovascular function at adulthood: the avian model.

It is now well accepted that exposure to adverse environmental conditions in utero can predispose a fetus to disease later in life. Using an avian model to study the programming of disease has a unique advantage as it allows isolation of the direct effects of adverse conditions on fetal physiology, without any confounding effects via the mother or placenta. However, experiments in avian models are limited by the lack of well-established surgical protocols for the adult bird, which we have established in this study. Surgery was performed on seven young adult Bovan Brown chickens (body weight 1617±214 g, mean±s.d.) in order to instrument them with femoral arterial and venous catheters and a femoral arterial flow probe. Isoflurane and lidocaine were both found to have depressive effects on chicken cardiovascular function. Optimised methods of anaesthesia, intraoperative monitoring, surgical approach, postoperative care, and experimentation are described. Chickens recovered rapidly from surgery without significant blood gas perturbation, and basal in vivo cardiovascular studies were performed following 5 days of recovery. These techniques allow detailed investigation of avian cardiometabolic function, permitting determination of the consequences in later life of direct environmental insults to fetal physiology, isolated from additional effects on maternal physiology and/or placental endocrinology.

Working memory testing reveals neuroplasticity acutely and longitudinally after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI)

Background and ObjectivesThere are increasing concerns about mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) because of its effects in later life. However, objective markers that help physicians quantify the injury are still understudied. We aim to investigate the underlying neuroplasticity reflected by working memory processing after mTBI.MethodsWe used cognitive brain challenges to explore neuroplasticity in acute mTBI. Brain activities during the N□back working memory (WM) test was investigated using quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG) in an acute and longitudinal mild traumatic brain injury study. mTBI patients (n=22) and controls (n=9) (trauma patients without head injury), 18–50 years of age, were recruited from the emergency department of Huntington Memorial Hospital in Pasadena, CA. Brain challenges were administered using E‐prime software. Data were collected from 21 recording head sensors at four visits: within 1 week, 14 days, 30 days, and 6–12 months after injury (with some missing visits). Behavioral performance as well as spectral power were analyzed to compare the two groups. Brain WM processing were also evaluated by event‐related potentials (ERPs) P300, and corresponding EEG signal (ir)regularity or “noise” level measured by spectral entropy (SE). High SE means signal is more irregular and “noisier”.Results & DiscussionBehavioral performance during 0‐back challenge was similar between the two groups, though mTBI patients had significantly lower accuracy than controls during 2‐back at the first visit. qEEG analysis revealed altered brain activities in mTBI group during 0‐back: alpha and beta power were lower in mTBI patients than controls at the second and third visit. Further, theta power during 2‐back at second visit were significantly higher (P=0.0099 and 0.0018) in controls (0.73+/−0.37 and 0.96+/−0.46) compared to mTBI (0.21+/−0.41 and 0.09+/−0.55) patients at the left and right temporal regions. When comparing regional theta power from first visit to second visit, controls were increased (p<0.005), indicating a learning mechanism, while mTBIs were not changed (p>0.10). SE analysis of the EEG signals during the P300 time window demonstrated more irregular or noisier brain signals in mTBI patients. These changes indicate neuroplasticity acutely and longitudinally after mTBI, consistent with learning impairment and “noisier” brain after mTBI. The spectral power and SE under WM challenge are sensitive measures of neuroplasticity after injury, and could be potential objective mTBI markers to help diagnosis, prognosis, or treatment management.Support or Funding InformationThis abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Of Microbes and Minds: A Narrative Review on the Second Brain Aging.

In recent years, an extensive body of literature focused on the gut–brain axis and the possible role played by the gut microbiota in modulating brain morphology and function from birth to old age. Gut microbiota has been proposed as a relevant player during the early phases of neurodevelopment, with possible long-standing effects in later life. The reduction in gut microbiota diversity has also become one of the hallmarks of aging, and disturbances in its composition are associated with several (age-related) neurological conditions, including depression, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. Several pathways have been evoked for gut microbiota–brain communication, including neural connections (vagus nerve), circulating mediators derived by host-bacteria cometabolism, as well as the influence exerted by gut microbiota on host gut function, metabolism, and immune system. Although the most provoking data emerged from animal studies and despite the huge debate around the possible epiphenomenal nature of those findings, the gut microbiota–brain axis still remains a fascinating target to be exploited to attenuate some of the most burdensome consequences of aging.

Evaluation of endothelial dysfunction, endothelial plasma markers, and traditional metabolic parameters in children with adiposity.

To investigate the correlations among endothelial function assessment parameters, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA)-related biomarkers, and traditional risk factors in adipose children. We enrolled adipose children aged 7-18 years between July 2014 and August 2016 as well as normal-weight controls from the outpatient clinic. Vascular measurements including echocardiography, carotid intima media thickness, pulse wave velocity (PWV), and flow-mediated dilation (FMD) were measured. Venous blood samples including traditional metabolic and endothelial dysfunction parameters were analyzed. Participants were grouped as adipose vs. normal-weight and as adipose with hypertension vs. adipose without hypertension. Clinical presentations, laboratory data, and cardiovascular measurement were compared. Of the 105 enrolled children, 85 were adipose. Adipose children had higher systolic blood pressure, larger left ventricular (LV) mass, and adverse traditional metabolic biomarkers. FMD was significantly reduced (8.25 (5.32-12.06) % vs. 12.49 (7.18-16.58) %, p=0.018) in the adipose group. PWV was markedly increased (4.65 (4.2-5.5)m/sec vs. 3.95 (3.38-4.35)m/sec, p<0.001) in the hypertensive adipose children. Endothelial dysfunction parameters were not significantly changed in this study. Adipose children were at higher risk of hypertension and LV hypertrophy. FMD, PWV and traditional cardiovascular biomarkers can detect subtle vascular changes. Hypertension is an important sign of arterial involvement in adipose children. Although ADMA-related biomarkers were not statistically significant, future studies are needed to confirm its correlation with adiposity and hypertension in children. The early detection and prevention of endothelial dysfunction may decrease the rate of progression to cardiovascular consequences in later life.

Does combat exposure affect well-being in later life? The VA Normative Aging Study.

Combat exposure can have long-term negative effects in later life; although aspects of service may be appraised positively, the long-term positive effects of combat on well-being in later life is largely unknown. The sample included 1,006 male veterans from the VA Normative Aging Study, surveyed by mail in 1986, 1990, and 1991 (Mage = 65.5 years, SD = 7.3). They reported on their combat exposure, desirable appraisals of military service, unit cohesion, dispositional optimism, self-rated health, and psychological well-being (PWB), as well as age, military rank, and education. Perceived positive aspects (PPA) of military service was postulated to mediate the effects of combat exposure on PWB. Structural equation modeling was used to examine both mediating and moderating effects. Age, combat exposure, and optimism had independent effects on PPA, but optimism did not moderate the effect of combat exposure on PPA. Combat exposure had only indirect effects on PWB through PPA, controlling for the direct effects of optimism. Education had no direct effects on the positive outcomes but did have indirect effects through optimism. Combat exposure contributes to positive well-being in later life, indirectly through positive appraisals, and this effect was independent of optimism. Thus, these results support the idea that combat veterans should be encouraged to focus on positive aspects of military service, which may serve as resilience resources to facilitate optimal aging. (PsycINFO Database Record

Multiple Chronic Conditions in Spousal Caregivers of Older Adults With Functional Disability: Associations With Caregiving Difficulties and Gains.

Multiple chronic conditions (MCCs) are common and have harmful consequences in later life. Along with managing their own health, many aging adults care for an impaired partner. Spousal caregiving may be more stressful when caregivers have MCCs, particularly those involving complex management. Yet, little is known about combinations of conditions that are most consequential for caregiving outcomes. Using a U.S. sample of 359 spousal caregivers and care recipients from the 2011 National Aging Trends Study and National Study of Caregiving, we examined three categories of MCCs based on similarity of management strategies (concordant only, discordant only, and both concordant and discordant) and their associations with caregiving difficulties and gains. We also considered gender differences. Relative to caregivers without MCCs, caregivers with discordant MCCs reported fewer gains, whereas caregivers with both concordant and discordant MCCs reported greater emotional and physical difficulties. Wives with discordant MCCs only reported a trend for greater physical difficulties. Caregivers with concordant MCCs did not report more difficulties or gains. Spousal caregivers with MCCs involving discordant management strategies appear to be at risk for adverse care-related outcomes and may benefit from support in maintaining their own health as well as their caregiving responsibilities.

The impact of childhood maltreatment on young adults’ mental health: Evidence from the Philippines

Using a new retrospective data set on young Filipino adults, this study aims to quantify the prevalence, risk factors, and mental health consequences in later life of childhood maltreatment in the Philippines. A survey was conducted with a sample of 155 adults (83 women, 72 men) aged 18–24 living in Quezon City, the largest metropolitan city in the Philippines. Findings show that four out of five young Filipino adults experience minor physical violence during childhood, while one out of four suffer severe physical violence. Boys from less educated families that grow up in urban environments face the highest risks. While we find a strong link between childhood physical abuse and young adults’ mental health, no such effect was found for experiences of psychological aggression. Childhood physical abuse was further found to have negative effects on young adults’ family relations, social relations, and overall satisfaction with life.

Transcriptome sequencing reveals prenatal PFOS exposure on liver disorders

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), a hepatic toxicant and a potential hepatocarcinogen, is commonly used in industrial products. The widespread contamination of PFOS in human maternal and cord blood has raised concerns about its potential risks to the fetus. It is believed that adverse environmental exposure during the critical period of embryo development can have long-lasting consequences in later life. In this report, we used transcriptome sequencing, followed by bioinformatics analysis, to elucidate the potential hepatotoxic and hepatocarcinogenic effects of prenatal PFOS exposure in the fetus. Our results demonstrated that prenatal PFOS exposure could activate the synthesis and metabolism of fatty acids and lipids, leading to liver damage and interference with liver development in the fetus. In addition, a number of cancer-promoting signaling pathways, including Wnt/β-catenin, Rac, and TGF-β, were found to be activated in the fetal liver. More importantly, hepatic transaminase activity, including aspartate aminotransferase and alanine transaminase activity, was induced in the liver of mice offspring after prenatal PFOS exposure. For the first time, our results demonstrate that the hepatotoxic effects of prenatal exposure to PFOS may predispose to a long-term liver disorder in the offspring.