Search Results (193)

In humans, the master circadian clock, present in the suprachiasmatic nucleus, plays an important role in controlling life-sustaining functions. The development of the circadian clock begins in the fetal period and is almost completed during infancy to early childhood, based on the developmental program that is influenced by the mother’s daily rhythms and, after birth, with the addition of information from the daily life environment. It is known that circadian rhythms are deeply related not only to the balance of a child’s mental and physical development but also to maintaining mental and physical health throughout one’s life. However, it has been suggested that various health problems in the future at any age may be caused by the occurrence of circadian disturbances transmitted by the mother during the fetal period. This phenomenon can be said to support the so-called DOHaD theory, and the involvement of the mother in the maturation of appropriate and stable circadian rhythms cannot be ignored. We consider the problems and countermeasures during the fetal and infant periods, which are important for the formation of circadian clocks. Full article

This article examines training itineraries for early childhood education professionals in Portugal, focusing on promoting social and human development through music and the arts for infants. The training models discussed are categorized as short-term and long-term, encompassing both theory and practice through a transdisciplinary approach. Based on initiatives promoted by the Companhia de Música Teatral (CMT) and the Education and Human Development Group of the Centre for the Study of Sociology and Musical Aesthetics (CESEM) at NOVA University Lisbon, the article highlights projects such as: (i) Opus Tutti and GermInArte, developed between 2011 and 2018; (ii) the Postgraduate Course Music in Childhood: Intervention and Research, offered at the University since 2020/21, which integrates art, health, and education, promoting collaborative work between professionals; and (iii) Mil Pássaros (Thousand Birds), developed since 2020, which exemplifies the integration of environmental education and artistic practices. The theoretical basis of these training programs combines neuroscientific and educational evidence, emphasizing the importance of the first years of life for integral development. Studies, such as those by Heckman, reinforce the impact of early investment in children’s development. Edwin Gordon’s Music Learning Theory and Malloch and Trevarthen’s concept of ‘communicative musicality’ structure the design of these courses, recognizing music as a catalyst for cognitive, emotional, and social skills. The transformative role of music and the arts in educational and social contexts is emphasized, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda, by proposing approaches that articulate creation, intervention, and research to promote human development from childhood onwards. Full article

Childhood obesity is a growing global health concern, with established links to physical activity, nutrition, and, increasingly, to prenatal and perinatal factors. Emerging evidence highlights the significant role of maternal conditions such as obesity, comorbidities, nutrition, and environmental exposures in predisposing offspring to long-term metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. The “Developmental Origins of Health and Disease” (DOHaD) paradigm provides a framework for understanding how early life environmental exposures, particularly during the periconceptional, fetal, and neonatal periods, can program future health outcomes through epigenetic mechanisms. Epigenetic modifications alter gene expression without changing the DNA sequence and are increasingly recognized as key mediators in the development of obesity. This narrative review summarizes current findings on the early determinants of childhood obesity, emphasizing the molecular and epigenetic pathways involved. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases and international sources, focusing on recent studies from the past decade. Both human and animal research were included to provide a broad perspective. This review aims to consolidate recent insights into early life influences on obesity, underscoring the need for preventive strategies starting as early as the preconception period. Full article

Research on human–animal relationships suggests that close bonds with animals can enhance empathy, reduce speciesism, and improve human physical and psychological health. This study investigated whether pet ownership—particularly attachment to a companion animal during childhood—is associated with differences in moral concerns toward all animals in adulthood. It also aimed to explore the potential effects of empathy and speciesism on overall moral concerns toward animals. Using self-report questionnaires among 72 participants recruited online, the analyses revealed a significant effect of animal categories on moral concerns, F(1, 1.98) = 59.37, p < 0.001. Mean moral concern scores were significantly higher for companion animals (M = 6.04, SD = 1.15) than for food animals (M = 4.90, SD = 1.44), unappealing wild animals (M = 4.20, SD = 1.87), and appealing wild animals (M = 5.73, SD = 1.32), p < 0.05. Additionally, childhood pet owners reported greater moral concerns for all animals, F(1, 1.98) = 4.87, η² = 0.065, p < 0.05. Attachment to a companion animal in childhood was positively correlated with moral concerns for all animal categories. Finally, although attachment and empathy were both positively related to moral concern, only attachment was a significant predictor (p < 0.05). Further research is needed to understand the psychological mechanisms influencing views on animal rights and welfare. Full article

Increasing temperatures associated with climate change will lead to (periodic) temperature-induced reductions in food intake in human and other mammal populations. Human adults, however, are both tolerant and resilient to periodic nutritional deficits, and the associated health effects should be limited. Intermittent nutritional deficits may also cause growth restriction in developing foetuses and young children, which potentially affects their food intake in later life. Therefore, temperature-induced hypophagia can be hypothesised to manifest as later compensatory responses with multiple concomitant (or extended) lags of varying temporal dimensions. We examined the relationship between calorie intake and ambient outdoor temperatures for a time series covering past decades (FAO data for 1961–2013) in 80 countries to determine if humans alter their food intake in response to elevated temperatures. We included eleven different temporal “windows of exposure” of varying lag. These windows considered current and recent exposure, just as lagged effects allowed for a consideration of past effects on mothers, their children, and childhood exposure. It was hypothesised that one of these could provide a basis for predicting future changes in human calorie intake in response to climate change. Our analyses showed no apparent association with temperatures in ten of the eleven hypotheses/models. The remaining hypothesis suggests that current calorie intake is linked to decadal mean temperatures with a lag of approximately three decades, pointing to an impact on mothers and their (developing) children. The impact of an increase in mean temperature varies with temperature amplitudes, and negative impacts are only found in countries with low temperature amplitudes (warmer countries), albeit the impact on calorie intake caused by a 2–3 °C change in temperatures or temperature amplitudes is generally modest. However, in considering calorie intake, we only address quantities of food (with unspecified quality), which insufficiently reflect the full range of nutritional challenges associated with increasing temperatures. Understanding climate-driven changes in human food intake requires global interdisciplinary collaboration across public health, environmental science, and policy. Full article

Osteoporosis is the most common metabolic bone disorder, characterized by reduced bone mass and abnormal bone microarchitecture, resulting in increased bone fragility and a heightened risk of low-energy fractures. Pediatric osteoporosis may be either primary, due to genetic factors, or secondary, arising from chronic diseases and/or their treatment. Oral health and proper occlusion are integral components of overall health, influencing functionality, nutrition, facial aesthetics, and psychosocial development during childhood. Severe malocclusion can adversely affect speech, mastication, appearance, psychological well-being, and social interactions. The aim of this narrative review is to examine the existing literature on orthodontic anomalies and management strategies in pediatric patients with osteoporosis while highlighting clinical challenges, treatment limitations, and areas necessitating further research. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in the PubMed database, focusing on studies involving human subjects aged 3 to 18 years, published in English between 2002 and 2024. The findings indicate that children with osteoporosis present with more severe dental and occlusal complications compared to their healthy peers, often facing increased orthodontic complexity due to skeletal fragility and systemic comorbidities. These challenges necessitate careful, individualized treatment planning and close multidisciplinary collaboration. Although research in this field remains limited due to the rarity of pediatric osteoporosis, recognizing and addressing the specific needs of this population is critical to improving clinical outcomes and guiding future therapeutic approaches. Full article

Natural and human-made disasters, community violence, climate change, and political instability engender mental health problems worldwide. Childhood traumas, now recognized as commonplace and global in nature, augment the urgent need for mental health interventions that are accessible and scalable. The World Health Organization has called for innovative strategies that extend beyond traditional cognitive approaches. Biologically based methods are gaining recognition for their significant role in affect regulation and wellness promotion. This paper explores the potential for interventions focusing on interoceptive awareness, or noticing sensations arising from the body, to address mental health challenges, especially relevant for populations affected by trauma. The Community Resiliency Model (CRM)^®, a low-intensity, body-based intervention that cultivates interoceptive awareness, is described and compared to other well-being interventions. Available research studies, program evaluations and anecdotal reports are presented in addition to CRM’s biological and theoretical underpinnings. The neurobiology of trauma, interoception research, and the concept of neural synchrony are briefly introduced, further explaining the likely mechanism of action and an underlying rationale for the reported improvements in well-being and resilience among individuals and communities who learn CRM body awareness techniques. Given increasing global demand and limited access to conventional mental health services, CRM and the six core skills that are taught in this model offer a promising, transferable, self-care strategy. Community dissemination has the potential to expand access in underserved populations. This review concludes by suggesting future research directions, such as the exploration of biophysical outcomes, intra- and interpersonal synchrony, and evaluation of interoceptive training for emotional regulation and populations affected by trauma or violence. Full article

Background/Objectives: The number of children with overweight and obesity is gradually increasing worldwide. This is an emergent public health problem as overweight and obesity persist through the next stages of human life, being associated with high risk of morbidity and mortality. In this respect, the purpose of the current cross-sectional survey is to explore whether the overweight/obesity of children aged 6–9 years may be related to the risk of developing perceived stress and poor sleep quality symptoms. Methods: This study recruited 4350 primary school children from diverse Greek rural and urban regions. The mothers of the enrolled children completed relevant questionnaires on children and maternal sociodemographics, anthropometric parameters, perinatal outcomes, breastfeeding practices, and lifestyle factors. The enrolled mothers also completed the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) to evaluate the perceived stress and sleep quality of their matched children, respectively. Results: Our analysis reveals independently significant associations between diverse factors and children’s overweight/obesity such as child’s gender, family economic status, maternal gestational weight gain, childbirth weight, kind of delivery, exclusive breastfeeding, and children physical activity. Childhood overweight and obesity were independently associated with a more than three-fold higher risk of perceived stress and a more than two-fold higher likelihood of poor sleep quality after adjustment for multiple confounding factors. Conclusions: Obesity and overweight are related to enhanced risk of perceived stress and poor sleep quality in children aged 6–9 years. Public policies and dietary counseling interventions should be applied to inform new mothers about the harmful effects of childhood overweight/obesity and to direct them to adopt healthy dietary practices for their children. Full article

Klebsiella pneumoniae is a leading cause of nosocomial infections, neonatal sepsis, and childhood mortality worldwide. A drastic rise in antibiotic-resistant isolates poses an urgent threat to humanity, and the World Health Organization (WHO) has classified this as a critical-priority antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) pathogen. Recent advancements in developing vaccines against Klebsiella pneumoniae have highlighted the lack of standardized assays to evaluate immunogenicity, complicating comparison among different vaccines under development and the establishment of a serological threshold of risk reduction (SToRR). Here, we describe the development of a ten-plex multiplex assay to measure IgG against capsular polysaccharides (K2, K25, K102, K149), O antigens (O1v1, O1v2, O2v1, O2v2 and O5), and a conserved protein (MrkA). A standard curve was established by pooling human sera from naturally exposed subjects and then calibrated in terms of Relative Luminex Units/mL. The assay was fully characterized in terms of specificity, precision, linearity, and repeatability. This immunoassay demonstrates performance suitable for future clinical trials, as well as to perform sero-epidemiological studies to gain insights into naturally occurring immunity, potentially contributing to the establishment of a serological threshold of risk reduction against Klebsiella pneumoniae. Full article

The Default Mode Network has been extensively studied in recent decades due to its central role in higher cognitive processes and its relevance for understanding mental disorders. This neural network, characterized by synchronized and coherent activity at rest, is intrinsically linked to self-reflection, mental exploration, social interaction, and emotional processing. Our understanding of the DMN extends beyond humans to non-human animals, where it has been observed in various species, highlighting its evolutionary basis and adaptive significance throughout phylogenetic history. Additionally, the DMN plays a crucial role in brain development during childhood and adolescence, influencing fundamental cognitive and emotional processes. This literature review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the DMN, addressing its structural, functional, and evolutionary aspects, as well as its impact from infancy to adulthood. By gaining a deeper understanding of the organization and function of the DMN, we can advance our knowledge of the neural mechanisms that underlie cognition, behavior, and mental health. This, in turn, can lead to more effective therapeutic strategies for a range of neuropsychiatric conditions. Full article

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of family physicians and family health personnel who are responsible for childhood vaccination services in primary care regarding meningococcal, rotavirus, and human papillomavirus vaccines. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between October 2021 and January 2022. A total of 700 healthcare professionals from all geographical regions in Turkey were included in the study. The participants filled out an online questionnaire consisting of 39 questions created with Google Forms. Results: Of the participants, 340 (48.6%) are family physicians, and 360 (51.4%) are family health personnel. Most participants are from the Marmara region, Turkey’s most densely populated region. The most recommended vaccine among the participants was rotavirus (84.3%), while the least recommended vaccine was human papilloma virus (47.6%). The number of family physicians recommending meningococcal and human papilloma virus vaccines was significantly higher than that of family health personnel (p < 0.001). Furthermore, there was a statistically significant correlation between seeing a patient with these viruses in one’s professional life or considering the severity of these three diseases to be severe and recommending these vaccines (p < 0.001 for both). However, lack of knowledge about vaccines and doses, the high cost of vaccines, and concerns about side effects were among the reasons for not recommending vaccines. Conclusions: Healthcare professionals involved in childhood immunization should be trained to increase their knowledge and awareness on this issue. The training plan and curriculum should take into account the issues raised in our research, such as age, occupation, region of residence, and professional experience. In general, knowledge about the efficacy and safety of vaccines will help healthcare professionals develop their confidence in vaccines and willingness to recommend childhood vaccines to others. Full article

Objectives: This systematically scoping review aims to evaluate the therapeutic potential and clinical benefits of specific Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) strains in human health, identifying their strain-specific effects across various medical conditions. Methods: Following the PRISMA for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines and employing the PICO framework, a comprehensive literature search was conducted in the PubMed and Embase databases to identify relevant studies published up to December 2023. Inclusion criteria were rigorously applied to ensure the selection of high-quality studies focusing on the clinical application of distinct L. plantarum stains. Results: This review analyzed several unique strains of L. plantarum across 69 studies, identifying several therapeutic benefits. L. plantarum 299v effectively improved gastrointestinal symptoms, enhanced oral health, and reduced systemic inflammation. L. plantarum IS-10506 exhibited notable immunomodulatory effects, especially in managing atopic dermatitis. L. plantarum LB931 showed promise in decreasing pathogenic colonization, supporting women’s vaginal health. Additionally, L. plantarum CCFM8724 demonstrated potential in reducing early childhood caries, highlighting its promise in pediatric oral care. Conclusions: The therapeutic potential of L. plantarum is extensive, with certain strains exhibiting promising clinical benefits for specific health concerns. The findings of this review advocate for the integration of L. plantarum strains into clinical practice, emphasizing the need for further research to elucidate their mechanisms of action, optimal dosages, and long-term safety profiles. Full article

Introduction: Freshwater snails, particularly snails from the genus Biomphalaria, play a key role in the transmission of schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease prevalent in tropical regions. Schistosomiasis poses a significant public health challenge in these regions, leading to chronic illness, reduced productivity, and impaired childhood development, particularly in communities with limited access to healthcare and sanitation. Understanding the seasonal and spatial variations in snail populations and infection rates is crucial for controlling schistosomiasis, especially in areas like Southwest Ethiopia, where the disease burden is high. Methods: This study was conducted in Mizan Aman, Southwest Ethiopia, across two seasons, dry and wet. A total of 1150 snail samples were collected from 20 freshwater sites, and their species, abundance, and infection status were assessed. Environmental parameters, including temperature, pH, salinity, and conductivity, were measured to analyze their impact on snail populations. Results: Four snail species were identified, Biomphalaria pfeifferi, Biomphalaria sudanica, Lymnaea natalensis, and Bulinus globosus, with B. pfeifferi and B. sudanica being the most prevalent. Snail abundance varied by site and season, with 598 in the dry season and 552 in the wet season. Snail abundance and species composition showed significant spatial variation, with higher counts in sites like Sasin and Agu 1, while some sites had no snails. Biomphalaria snails, particularly B. pfeifferi, are the principal intermediate host for Schistosoma mansoni. The overall prevalence of Biomphalaria snails exceeded 85% in both seasons, and their average infection rate in Mizan Aman was 13.5%. This infection rate showed a strong correlation (r = 0.733, p < 0.001) with the incidence of schistosomiasis cases in the community. Seasonal variation in environmental factors, such as temperature and pH, had no significant effect on snail abundance; however, water salinity showed to be correlated with snail abundance during the dry season. Furthermore, community-led vegetation clearance at selected sites significantly reduced snail abundance. Conclusions: This study highlights the seasonal and spatial dynamics of freshwater snails, particularly Biomphalaria species, in relation to schistosomiasis transmission in Mizan Aman, Southwest Ethiopia. The findings confirm that B. pfeifferi species is the predominant intermediate host for schistosoma in this region and that schistosomiasis infection rates among snails significantly correlate with human cases in the community. While environmental factors such as temperature and pH showed no significant influence on snail abundance, water salinity had an impact during the dry season. Additionally, community-led vegetation clearance was an effective intervention in reducing snail populations. These results emphasize the need for targeted, site-specific control measures integrating ecological and community-based interventions to sustainably reduce schistosomiasis transmission. Full article

This article critically examines De Cero a Siempre (DCAS), a cross-sectoral policy established in Colombia in 2016 to provide coordinated and comprehensive early childhood development services. The policy aims to promote optimal conditions for children from pregnancy to six years of age by addressing their nutritional, health, educational, and social needs while fostering participation and citizenship. Designed with a differential approach, the DCAS integrates and adapts services considering gender, culture, income, ethnicity, displacement, and disability. This study evaluates the DCAS policy through the human rights approach. First, we examine the conceptual definitions Second, we identify specific programs and services Third, we assess the implementation and effectiveness of these services using the official System for Monitoring the Comprehensive Development of Early Childhood. The findings reveal a strong policy framework that values human dignity and equity but highlights critical gaps in coverage, particularly in rural areas, due to geographical and social challenges. The current landscape of disability services reveals significant systemic limitations in addressing individualized developmental needs. Our comprehensive analysis exposes critical challenges in designing comprehensive intervention strategies for CWDDs. The article concludes with recommendations to enhance policy implementation and improve service delivery, ensuring equitable access for all children. Full article

Lymphatic filariasis (LF), or elephantiasis, is a neglected tropical disease caused by filarial worms, primarily Wuchereria bancrofti, transmitted through mosquito bites. It often begins in childhood but may not show symptoms until later, leaving many individuals asymptomatic for long periods. LF disrupts the lymphatic system, causing severe swelling in the limbs and genitals, leading to deformities and disabilities. The World Health Organization estimates that around 51 million people are affected globally, with 36 million suffering from chronic conditions like lymphedema and hydrocele. In 2021, approximately 882.5 million people in 44 countries required preventive chemotherapy, making LF the second leading parasitic cause of disability, significantly impacting socioeconomic status. The immune response to filarial parasites is complex, involving both innate and adaptive immune cells. A key feature of LF immunology is the antigen-specific Th2 response, expansion of IL-10-producing CD4⁺ T cells, and a muted Th1 response. This T cell hypo-responsiveness is crucial for sustaining long-term infections with high parasite densities. While the correlates of protective immunity are not fully understood—due in part to a lack of suitable animal models—T cells, particularly CD4⁺ Th2 cells, and B cells, play essential roles in immune protection. Moreover, host immune responses contribute to the disease’s pathological manifestations. A failure to induce T cell hypo-responsiveness can lead to exaggerated inflammatory conditions such as lymphedema, hydrocele, and elephantiasis. Filarial infections also induce bystander effects on various immune responses, impacting responses to other infectious agents. This intricate immune interplay offers valuable insights into the regulation of immune responses to chronic infections. This review explores recent immunological research on lymphatic filarial worms, highlighting their effects on both innate and adaptive immune responses in humans and the mechanisms underlying this neglected tropical disease. Full article