Long-term Health Effects Research Articles

Association of sleep duration with overweight and obesity among school-aged children and adolescents in Pakistan-An empirical cross-sectional study.

Overweight and obesity pose significant public health challenges for children and adolescents worldwide, with escalating prevalence rates in Pakistan, leading to long-term health consequences. Proximal environments, including parental, peer, school, and community influences, are pivotal in shaping children's health behaviors during developmental stages. This study investigates the association between sleeping behaviors and overweight/obesity among Pakistani school-aged children and adolescents (9-17 years). A population-based cross-sectional study enrolled 4108 participants from 62 schools across randomly selected districts in central Punjab province. Overweight and obesity were determined using WHO references. Statistical analyses included Chi-square tests, Pearson correlation coefficients, and logistic regressions. The study analyzed the prevalence and associations of sleep duration with body weight status among Pakistani school-aged children and adolescents. Significant differences were observed in sleep patterns across different school levels and sexes. Boys were more likely to be short or long sleepers compared to girls, with weekday short sleep significantly associated with lower rates of overweight (9.0% vs 14.6%, P < 0.001) and obesity (3.8% vs 2.6%, P < 0.001). On weekends, short sleep was linked to higher prevalence of overweight (9.6%, P = 0.019) and obesity (6.2%, P < 0.001) compared to normal sleepers. Linear regression revealed that weekday sleep duration (β = 0.213, P < 0.001), weekend sleep duration (β = 0.142, P < 0.001), and sleeping problems (β = 0.182, P < 0.001) were positively associated with higher body weight status, explaining 11.0% of the variance in weight status. Logistic regression indicated that short sleepers had significantly higher odds of being overweight (OR = 2.69, P < 0.001) and obese (OR = 5.65, P < 0.001) compared to normal sleepers. Long sleep also showed significant associations with overweight (OR = 2.41, P < 0.001) and obesity (OR = 1.73, P < 0.001). Sleeping behaviors emerge as significant contributors to body weight-status issues among Pakistani school-aged children and adolescents. Understanding these factors is imperative for effective policy and program development to combat childhood obesity. Targeted intervention strategies tailored to vulnerable groups are essential for public health efforts. Insights from this study provide valuable guidance for addressing this urgent health concern.

Identification of Breastfeeding Problems using LATCH Score and the Impact of Lactation Counselling: A Quasi-experimental Study

Introduction: Breastfeeding has important positive long-term health consequences for infants and their mothers. Assessing breastfeeding in the early postnatal period, prior to discharge, is crucial for successful breastfeeding. LATCH (Latch, Audible swallowing, Type of nipple, Comfort and Hold) score can be used to categorise mothers with poor breastfeeding scores and counsel them to prevent early breastfeeding cessation. Aim: To identify breastfeeding problems using the LATCH score and to assess the impact of lactation counselling among postnatal mothers. Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted in the Department of Paediatrics, ACSR Government Medical College and Hospital, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, India, from June 2023 to December 2023. The study included 400 healthy term and singleton babies. LATCH scores were assessed at 6-12 hours after delivery. Mothers with breastfeeding problems were identified, corrected and counselled. The LATCH scores were reassessed again after 24-48 hours. Data were statistically analysed using Chi-square test. The p-value &lt;0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: The average age of the participants was 24.5 years, and most of them were illiterate. Out of 400 mothers, 344 (86%) mother-infant dyads had a LATCH score of &lt;8 at 6-12 hours after delivery; this reduced significantly to 66 (16.5%). at 24-48 hours after breastfeeding support and training (p-value &lt;0.001). Analysis of the association between demographic characteristics and LATCH scores showed that infants of certain subgroups, such as primi, caesarean, young, and less educated mothers, continued to experience lower LATCH scores. Conclusion: The incidence of breastfeeding problems was high during the initial days after childbirth and was particularly prevalent among certain subgroups, such as caesarean mothers, primi-parous mothers, younger mothers and less educated mothers. However, systematic assessment using the LATCH score and timely supportive interventions can significantly improve breastfeeding outcomes.

Associations of multiple adverse childhood experiences, attachment insecurity and loneliness with physical and mental health difficulties in a representative Slovak sample.

Associations of multiple adverse childhood experiences, attachment insecurity and loneliness with physical and mental health difficulties in a representative Slovak sample.

Associations between adverse childhood experiences and subjective cognitive decline: A scoping review.

Associations between adverse childhood experiences and subjective cognitive decline: A scoping review.

Species- and tissue-specific profiles and potential risks of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and their metabolites in dogs and cats.

In recent years, there has been growing concern about the long-term health effects of chemical exposure in pets, particularly dogs and cats, from sources such as pet food and house dust. Domestic cats (Felis silvestris catus) and dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) are continuously exposed to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), with particular attention being paid to the toxicity of their metabolites, hydroxylated PCBs (OH-PCBs) and methylsulfonyl PCBs (MeSO2-PCBs). However, the tissue distribution and species-specific differences of these PCB metabolites in domestic animals have not been fully elucidated. This study investigates the tissue-specific profiles of PCBs, OH-PCBs, and MeSO2-PCBs by analyzing blood, brain, liver, and bile samples from dogs and cats. The analysis revealed that hexa- to octa-chlorinated OH-PCBs were the predominant congeners in the brain, liver and bile of dogs. In contrast, tri- to penta-chlorinated OH-PCBs were more prevalent in cats, with lower-chlorinated OH-PCBs tending to accumulate due to limited UDP-glucuronosyltransferase activity. In cats, OH-PCBs are more readily excreted in the bile than in dogs, probably because there are fewer higher-chlorinated thyroxine-like OH-PCBs, which are known to bind to and persist in proteins in the liver and blood. MeSO2-PCBs were detected at lower concentrations than parent PCBs and OH-PCBs and primarily accumulated in the liver due to their lipophilic nature. The consistent concentrations of MeSO2-PCBs across species, despite variations in parent PCB and OH-PCB levels, underscore species-specific differences in metabolic capacity and excretion pathways. In addition, some OH-PCB concentrations in both dog and cat brains exceeded levels known to affect neurons, suggesting the potential for neurotoxicity in these species. Therefore, continued biomonitoring and further investigation of the toxic effects of these compounds in pets is imperative.

POSTOPERATIVE DELIRIUM: A SURVEY OF PERCEPTIONS AND KNOWLEDGE AMONG SURGICAL PROVIDERS

Abstract Postoperative delirium is associated with delayed recovery and cognitive decline. Despite increasing awareness among medical providers, understanding of delirium among surgical providers remains unknown. We aimed to evaluate knowledge and confidence in identifying and managing postoperative delirium, and to determine surgeons’ perceptions of the relative importance of postoperative delirium. A 14-question survey was distributed to surgeons and surgical advanced practice providers (APP) after validation through cognitive interviews. Eighty-five of 267 responded (31%), more attending surgeons (67%) than APPs (33%). Most had &amp;gt;5 years of experience (73%). Respondents estimated postoperative delirium rates from 0% to 65%, with the average varying by field from 5% (Endocrine surgery) to 33% (Trauma and Critical Care). Most had received formal delirium training (66%) and felt confident in identifying (80%) and managing (65%) delirium. Postoperative delirium was identified by nursing concerns (89%) or clinical gestalt (82%), with few reporting the use of validated tools (23%). Out of 6 common postoperative complications, surgical providers ranked postoperative delirium 3rd (28%) or 4th (25%), below cardiac complications (78%) and above superficial site infections (53%). The most concerning consequence of delirium was mortality (62%), with few concerned about psychological distress (16%). Most (60%) thought post-operative delirium had a limited effect on long-term health. Despite self-reported knowledge and high confidence in identifying and managing postoperative delirium, objective measures are rarely used, and long-term effects are thought to be minimal. Gaps in knowledge around delirium diagnosis and long-term health effects may contribute to the ongoing burden of delirium in older surgical patients.

Microplastics as Emerging Contaminants: Investigating their Potential to Alter Human Metabolic and Endocrine Systems

Micro plastics (MPs), which are plastic particles smaller than 5 mm, have drawn a lot of attention as new environmental pollutants. They are widely found in freshwater, marine, and terrestrial habitats, and they are increasingly found in human food, water, and air. These particles have the potential to seriously harm human health, with the metabolic and endocrine systems being of particular concern. The mechanisms by which micro plastics reach the human body, their impact on metabolic regulation, and their potential to cause endocrine system disruption through chemical exposure are all examined in this research. The analysis also addresses possible long-term health effects, highlighting the pressing need for additional study and legislative actions to lessen these effects.

LASTING IMPACTS OF ACES ON DEPRESSION/SUICIDAL THINKING IN BLACK DEMENTIA CAREGIVERS: A WITHIN-GROUP ANALYSIS

Abstract Family caregivers take on the caregiving role despite the quality of the pre-morbid relationship, and pre-morbid relationship quality is linked to many caregiving outcomes. As compared to White dementia family caregivers, Black caregivers often have lower rates of mental distress giving the misleading idea that they are not at risk for poor mental health outcomes. However, within-group analyses have been argued as a better design to understand variability of caregiver outcomes within racially minoritized groups. Therefore, we examined the long-term effects of childhood trauma on depression, depressive symptoms and suicidal thinking among Black dementia family caregivers. This study presents findings from a multi-time series study, in which participants (N=101) completed three waves including 21-day bursts of daily diary surveys (n=5,124). We utilized Generalized Linear Mixed Models (GLMM) to assess the influence of childhood physical neglect, emotional abuse, and physical abuse on risk of clinically significant depression, daily depressive symptom severity and daily suicidal thinking. GLMMs were conducted separately for each form of childhood trauma to avoid multicollinearity. GLMMs revealed all three forms of childhood trauma as risk factors for clinically significant depression over at each wave. Additionally, each form of childhood trauma was independently associated with increased daily depressive symptoms and suicidal thinking. Findings provide compelling evidence of the detrimental effects of childhood trauma on mental health among Black caregivers and help explain within-group variability. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions aimed at mitigating the long-term mental health consequences of early-life adversity in caregiving contexts.

THREE INNOVATIVE DATA RESOURCES: EDSHARE, THE MULTIGENERATIONAL LONGITUDINAL PANEL, AND THE 1940 CENSUS

Abstract Scientists interested in studying the long-term health consequences of early life social, economic, policy, environmental, or other exposures have historically suffered from a lack of suitable data. Large, nationally representative studies of early life (e.g., Add Health) rarely extend late enough into older ages. At the same time, large, nationally representative studies of later life (e.g., HRS, NSHAP) rarely contain prospectively gathered, high resolution information about early life exposures. This talk will describe three new and extraordinary new data resources that overcome these problems. FIRST, the Education Studies for Health Aging Research (EdSHARe) project has re-purposed two large national studies of adolescence and education started in the 1970s and 1980 to be studies of health and aging; the talk will focus on these cohort studies utility for understanding the social and biological pathways through which early life factors --- especially education --- impact later life health and cognition. SECOND, the Multigenerational Longitudinal Panel (MLP) includes linked complete-count U.S. census records for every American from 1850 through 2020 plus other mortality, vital records, and other kinds of data. THIRD, as an offshoot of MLP, we have linked records about older people from the HRS, NSHAP, PSID, WLS, and NHATS to the 1940 Census in which aging survey participants are seen in childhood along with their parents and other family members. All three data resources are or soon will be available to the research community; all stand to transform aging research.

Burden of Acute Respiratory Infections Caused by Influenza Virus, Respiratory Syncytial Virus, and SARS-CoV-2 with Consideration of Older Adults: A Narrative Review.

Influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are acute respiratory infections (ARIs) that can cause substantial morbidity and mortality among at-risk individuals, including older adults. In this narrative review, we summarize themes identified in the literature regarding the epidemiology, seasonality, immunity after infection, clinical presentation, and transmission for these ARIs, along with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on seasonal patterns of influenza and RSV infections, with consideration of data specific to older adults when available. As the older adult population increases globally, it is of paramount importance to fully characterize the true disease burden of ARIs in order to develop appropriate mitigation strategies to minimize their impact in vulnerable populations. Challenges associated with characterizing the burden of these diseases include the shared symptomology and clinical presentation of influenza virus, RSV, and SARS-CoV-2, which complicate accurate diagnosis and highlight the need for improved testing and surveillance practices. To this end, multiple regional, national, and global virologic and disease surveillance systems have been established to provide accurate knowledge of viral epidemiology, support appropriate preparedness and response to potential outbreaks, and help inform prevention strategies to reduce disease severity and transmission. Beyond the burden of acute illness, long-term health consequences can also result from influenza virus, RSV, and SARS-CoV-2 infection. These include cardiovascular and pulmonary complications, worsening of existing chronic conditions, increased frailty, and reduced life expectancy. ARIs among older adults can also place a substantial financial burden on society and healthcare systems. Collectively, the existing data indicate that influenza virus, RSV, and SARS-CoV-2 infections in older adults present a substantial global health challenge, underscoring the need for interventions to improve health outcomes and reduce the disease burden of respiratory illnesses.Graphical abstract and video abstract available for this article.

Persistent Health and Cognitive Impairments up to Four Years Post-COVID-19 in Young Students: The Impact of Virus Variants and Vaccination Timing.

Background: The long-term consequences of COVID-19 infection are becoming increasingly evident in recent studies. This repeated cross-sectional study aimed to explore the long-term health and cognitive effects of COVID-19, focusing on how virus variants, vaccination, illness severity, and time since infection impact post-COVID-19 outcomes. Methods: We examined three cohorts of university students (N = 584) and used non-parametric methods to assess correlations of various health and cognitive variables with SARS-CoV-2 infection, COVID-19 severity, vaccination status, time since infection, time since vaccination, and virus variants. Results: Our results suggest that some health and cognitive impairments may persist, with some even appearing to progressively worsen-particularly fatigue in women and memory in men-up to four years post-infection. The data further indicate that the ancestral SARS-CoV-2 variant may have the most significant long-term impact, while the Omicron variant appears to have the least. Interestingly, the severity of the acute illness was not correlated with the variant of SARS-CoV-2. The analysis also revealed that individuals who contracted COVID-19 after vaccination had better health and cognitive outcomes compared to those infected before vaccination. Conclusions: Overall, our results indicate that even in young individuals who predominantly experienced only mild forms of the infection, a gradual decline in health and fitness can occur over a span of four years post-infection. Notably, some negative trends-at least in men-only began to stabilize or even reverse during the fourth year, whereas in women, these trends showed no such improvement. These findings suggest that the long-term public health impacts of COVID-19 may be more severe and affect a much broader population than is commonly assumed.

Polyherbal dentifrice: A review of literature

Overall well-being depends on one's oral health. It impacts not just our general health but also our capacity to eat; speak; and smile with assurance. Numerous systemic disorders; Poor oral health has been linked to conditions including diabetes; heart disease; and respiratory infections. Toothpaste is essential for preserving dental health. Plaque and germs are eliminated; cavities are avoided; foul breath is lessened; and gum disease is avoided. Certain toothpastes have components that can help whiten teeth and get rid of surface stains. Growing knowledge of natural components: People are looking for natural substitutes for synthetic chemicals as they become more aware of the substances in the items they consume. Concerns about chemical exposure is the Many people are concerned about the potential long-term health effects of exposure to chemicals found in conventional toothpastes. Polyherbal toothpastes; composed of a blend of natural herbs; offer a range of pharmacological activities that contribute to oral health. People are trying to replace these products with safe; affordable; and natural alternatives that have notable effects. The effectiveness of natural excipients as teeth-whitening agents was the main topic of this paper.

The Relationships Between Spirituality, Tendency to Forgive, Social Support, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms and Stress Among Female Survivors of Sexual Assault.

Over the past few years, there has been a growing awareness of the extent and consequences of sexual assault. Sexual assault has long-term consequences for the survivor's mental health and brings into question the resources available to survivors for dealing with the consequences of the assault. The positive effects of spirituality and forgiveness on mental health are well documented; however, few studies have examined how sexual assault survivors use spiritual beliefs and forgiveness to cope with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and stress symptoms. Social support is another resource that has been found to contribute substantially to positive adaptation among trauma survivors. Nevertheless, conflicting results were found regarding the effect of social support on the recovery of sexual assault survivors. Since these resources have a significant impact on individuals who have experienced trauma, the purpose of this study was to examine how these resources relate to the levels of PTSD symptoms and general stress among female survivors of sexual assault. Two hundred and four (N = 204) participants completed a demographic questionnaire and questionnaires about forgiveness, social support, spirituality, PTSD symptoms, and stress. Higher levels of forgiveness, spirituality, and social support were associated with lower levels of PTSD symptoms and stress. A two-step hierarchal regression showed that education, financial status, age at the time of the assault, forgiveness, and social support each contributed significantly to the explained variance of PTSD symptoms. The variability in reported stress could be explained by education, financial status, age at the time of the assault, forgiveness, and spirituality. The study's findings point to the unique roles of forgiveness, spirituality, and social support as beneficial resources for coping with sexual assault. These findings also shed further light on the ways in which these resources can be used to cope with a variety of types of distress.

Baseline Concussion Testing in High School Athletes: A Gap Between Policy and Practice.

Background: Concussions are a significant concern in high school athletes. Implementation of effective baseline concussion testing procedures can aid athletic trainers and coaches with timely and accurate concussion diagnosis, as well as being used to develop a personalized treatment plan for postconcussion management. Objective: The purpose of this policy review was to (a) identify the gap between the current baseline concussion testing policy and practices in the high schools throughout the state, (b) highlight opinions that support the importance of and need for mandatory baseline concussion testing in high school athletes, and (c) identify potential revisions to the present policy to change how baseline concussion testing is done. Methods: A mixed-methods approach was applied, utilizing a Qualtrics survey to gather data from high school athletic directors in the state. The survey assessed current testing practices, perceived barriers, and potential benefits regarding baseline concussion testing.Thirty-three responses were received, revealing current testing practices, potential benefits, and perceived barriers of baseline concussion testing. While acknowledging the potential challenges, respondents recognized the overall benefits of baseline testing for athletes who are concussed. Conclusions: The findings of this project underscore the desire for standardized baseline concussion testing procedures in high school athletes and were used to recommend revisions to the current policy for testing in the state. Implications for Nursing: Revisions to the existing policy change have the potential to promote athlete safety, reduce the risk of long-term health consequences, and improve health outcomes for student athletes.

Disaster and Disaster Risk Reduction Strategies at Different Level

Background: Any form of disaster is destructive causing a large mortality, a huge environment, and economic loss with long-term adverse health consequences. Globally, Disaster Risk Reduction strategies are becoming more crucial to prepare, manage, and respond the disaster events in achieving the targets of Sustainable Developmental Goals (SDGs). Methods: Extensive related literature been searched through different data search like google, Pubmed, Hinari by using keywords and the findings were grouped in sequential order. Results: Disater risk reduction plans are global effort widely used among general and health population. Effective strategic interventions like sendai framework for disaster management are in use for preventing disaster risk and managing disaster consequences. Conclusions: Disaster Risk Reduction is the comprehensive strategies and the shared responsibility of all individuals from community level involvement to Universities level preparedness, and National level interventions.

Moscow Population Before and After the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background. Moscow managed to overcome the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic by increasing the efforts of the healthcare system and maintaining the birth rate. As a result, the population growth in Moscow remained steady. Like any metropolis, Moscow faces the issue of an aging population, largely due to increased life expectancy, which presents significant challenges for sustainable societal development.Objective. To evaluate the size, composition, and structure of the Moscow population before and after the COVID-19 pandemic.Materials and methods. The authors used the official population data from the Federal State Statistics Service of the Russian Federation (ROSSTAT) and demographic information from the Moscow and Moscow Oblast offices of ROSSTAT (MOSSTAT), focusing on age and gender distributions across municipal areas. The results were visually represented using cartographic tools from the Integrated Data Warehouse of the Information and Analytical System for Comprehensive Development Monitoring in Moscow.Results. In 2021, Moscow's population experienced a decline primarily due to the significant negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the number of residents began to increase again afterward. The Moscow population reduced only in 2021 due to the tremendous, negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, then the growth in the number of residents recovered. The analysis of the Moscow population pyramid demonstrated a substantial shift towards the older generations. On average, the population of Moscow is two years older than that of the Russian Federation as a whole.Discussion. The demographic landscape of Moscow underwent substantial changes during the pandemic due to complex dynamics in demographic processes. High rates of morbidity and mortality from COVID-19 led to a temporary decrease in the Moscow population and altered natural population movement indicators.Conclusion. Studying the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the population size and structure helps to forecast long-term consequences for health and the demographic situation in Moscow. This understanding is essential for developing the relevant improvement programs.

The impact of cesarean section delivery on intestinal microbiota: mechanisms, consequences, and perspectives: a narrative review

Cesarean section (CS) delivery has become an increasingly prevalent mode of childbirth worldwide. While it is a critical intervention in specific medical scenarios, its impact on neonatal gut microbiota (GM) has raised concerns. Infants born via CS bypass exposure to maternal vaginal and intestinal microbes, resulting in a distinct and often less diverse microbial composition compared to vaginally delivered infants. This disruption, exacerbated by prophylactic antibiotic use, has been linked to long-term health consequences, including an increased risk of immune-mediated disorders such as allergies and asthma, as well as metabolic conditions like obesity and type 2 diabetes. Breastfeeding, probiotics, and synbiotics have emerged as key interventions to mitigate microbial dysbiosis in CS-born infants. Breastfeeding supports GM by delivering human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) that promote beneficial bacteria, while probiotics and synbiotics restore microbial balance and diversity. Alternative strategies, such as vaginal seeding and targeted dietary modifications, have shown potential but require further research to confirm their efficacy and safety. This narrative review underscores the complex interplay between CS delivery, microbiota, and health, highlighting the need for evidence-based interventions. By addressing microbial disruptions early, healthcare professionals can improve short- and long-term outcomes for CS-born infants, paving the way for healthier generations.

Macronutrient Intake and Food Categories' Contribution to Daily Energy Intake According to BMI in Primary School Children in Croatia.

Nutritional status in childhood is associated with a number of short- and long-term health effects. The rising prevalence of childhood obesity highlights the necessity of understanding dietary patterns in children. The study provides an assessment of energy and macronutrient intake and food categories' contribution to energy intake in Croatian primary school children, according to BMI status. To assess dietary habits, results of the National Food Consumption Survey on Infants and Children based on EU Menu methodology (OC/EFSA/DATA/2016/02 CT3) were used. The sample included 476 children, aged 6 to under 10 years. Results indicated that one in four children was overweight or obese (27.7%). In total, the mean energy intake was 1598.4 ± 380.3 kcal/day, with 30.7% of the children above the recommended energy intake. Cereals, cereal products, and potato food category were the primary sources of energy, which is in line with the recommendations, with protein and fat intakes exceeding recommended levels. Substantial contribution of sweets and low contribution of fruits and vegetables were observed across all BMI categories, with the difference in energy contribution of fruits (p = 0.041) and vegetables (p = 0.033). The meat, poultry, fish, and eggs category were the contributors to energy intake from protein and fat, in the majority of BMI groups. In the obese group, higher energy intake from certain food subgroups was recorded, stressing the need for a more detailed dietary assessment. The study's cross-sectional design limits causal inferences, indicating a need for future longitudinal research to better understand the dynamics of dietary patterns and BMI status in primary school children.

Long-Term Health Effects of Artificially Colored Foods in Adults and Children: A Review of Scientific Literature on Attention Deficits, Carcinogenicity, and Allergy Risks

Long-Term Health Effects of Artificially Colored Foods in Adults and Children: A Review of Scientific Literature on Attention Deficits, Carcinogenicity, and Allergy Risks

Famine at birth: long-term health effects of the 1974–75 Bangladesh famine

Famine at birth: long-term health effects of the 1974–75 Bangladesh famine