Seafood During Pregnancy and Lactation and Child Neurocognitive Development: A Systematic Review.

Background: Assessing seafood as a food group, rather than as a source of omega-3 fatty acids or contaminants, may better inform dietary guidance for pregnancy and lactation.

Objectives: This study aims to assess relationships between seafood consumption during pregnancy and lactation and neurocognitive development in the child.

Methods: Three electronic databases were searched up to September 2024 to update a previous search from 2000 to 2019.

Association between Maternal Lead Exposure from Seafood Consumption and Neurodevelopment: A Systematic Review.

Despite the essential nutrients, maternal seafood consumption during pregnancy or lactation (PL) is also a potential source of toxins, including lead (Pb). The association between exposure to Pb from seafood during PL on children's neurodevelopment is uncertain. This systematic review assessed the association of exposure to Pb from seafood during PL on children's neurodevelopment.

Association of depressive symptoms with incidence and mortality rates of COVID-19 over 2 years among healthcare workers in 20 countries: multi-country serial cross-sectional study.

Background: Long-term deterioration in the mental health of healthcare workers (HCWs) has been reported during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Determining the impact of COVID-19 incidence and mortality rates on the mental health of HCWs is essential to prepare for potential new pandemics. This study aimed to investigate the association of COVID-19 incidence and mortality rates with depressive symptoms over 2 years among HCWs in 20 countries during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Universal Free School Meals and School and Student Outcomes: A Systematic Review.

Importance: The White House National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health included expanding free school meals to all students, regardless of income, which has sparked debate in the United States.

Objective: To assess the association between universal free school meals (UFSMs) and school and student outcomes in the United States.

Evidence Review: An expert panel-informed protocol was developed to evaluate intervention or cohort studies comparing UFSM programs, such as the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), with non-UFSM programs in US schools from August 2012 (excluding 2020-2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic) in peer-reviewed publications or government reports.

Identifying critical windows of prenatal phenol, paraben, and pesticide exposure and child neurodevelopment: Findings from a prospective cohort study.

Background: This study aimed to investigate how exposure to a mixture of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) during two points in pregnancy affects early childhood neurodevelopment.

Methods: We analyzed publicly-available data from a high-risk cohort of mothers and their children (2007-2014) that measured six EDCs including methyl-, ethyl- and propyl parabens (MEPB, ETPB, PRPB), Bisphenol-A (BPA), 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol (TCPy), 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (3-PBA) in prenatal urine samples during the second and third trimesters. Neurodevelopmental scores were assessed using Mullen Scales of Early Learning (MSEL) at age 3.

Prenatal exposure to opioids and neurodevelopment in infancy and childhood: A systematic review.

Aim: This systematic review aims to estimate the relationship between prenatal exposure to opioids and neurodevelopmental outcomes and examines potential sources of heterogeneity between the studies.

Methods: We searched four databases through May 21st, 2022: PubMed, Embase, PsycInfo and the Web of Science according to a specified search strings. Study inclusion criteria include: (1) cohort and case-control peer-reviewed studies published in English; (2) studies comparing neurodevelopmental outcomes among children with prenatal opioid-exposure (prescribed or used non-medically) vs.

Long-term Traffic-related Air Pollutant Exposure and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Diagnosis in Denmark: A Bayesian Hierarchical Analysis.

Background: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease. Limited evidence suggests ALS diagnosis may be associated with air pollution exposure and specifically traffic-related pollutants.

Methods: In this population-based case-control study, we used 3,937 ALS cases from the Danish National Patient Register diagnosed during 1989-2013 and matched on age, sex, year of birth, and vital status to 19,333 population-based controls free of ALS at index date.

Air pollution, children's academic achievement and the potential mediating role of preterm birth.

Introduction: Previous research has observed relationships between higher prenatal exposure to air pollutants and neurodevelopmental and academic outcomes later in childhood. Identifying intermediate outcomes mediating this relationship would inform prevention and intervention efforts. We aimed to investigate if previously observed associations between prenatal exposure to common urban air pollutants, diesel and perchloroethylene, and performance on third grade standardized tests were mediated through increased risk of preterm birth.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of healthcare workers: study protocol for the COVID-19 HEalth caRe wOrkErS (HEROES) study.

Background: Preliminary country-specific reports suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic has a negative impact on the mental health of the healthcare workforce. In this paper, we summarize the protocol of the COVID-19 HEalth caRe wOrkErS (HEROES) study, an ongoing, global initiative, aimed to describe and track longitudinal trajectories of mental health symptoms and disorders among health care workers at different phases of the pandemic across a wide range of countries in Latin America, Europe, Africa, Middle-East, and Asia.

Methods: Participants from various settings, including primary care clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, and mental health facilities, are being enrolled.

Comparison of Conditional and Marginal Models in Assessing a Child Nutrition Intervention in Armenia.

Introduction: Child malnutrition is a major issue in conflict zones. Evidence-based interventions and their thorough evaluation could help to eliminate malnutrition. We aimed to assess the causal effect of a community-based multidisciplinary nutrition program for children in a chronic conflict zone near the northeastern border of Armenia on two main outcomes: stunting and anemia.

Infants' prenatal exposure to opioids and the association with birth outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Prenatal exposure to opioids (PEO) is a worldwide public health issue. Opioids cross the placental barrier and may affect the developing foetus and the birth outcomes.

Objectives: This review aimed to explore newborns' weight, length and head circumference, preterm birth, and perinatal death as primary outcomes in relation to PEO.

Prenatal exposure to organophosphate and pyrethroid insecticides and the herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and size at birth in urban pregnant women.

Background: Organophosphate insecticides and the herbicide, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) are used to protect crops or control weeds. Pyrethroids are used to manage pests both in agriculture and in residences, and to reduce the transmission of insect-borne diseases. Several studies have reported inverse associations between exposure to organophosphates (as a larger class) and birth outcomes but these associations have not been conclusive for pyrethroids or 2,4-D, specifically.

Systematic review: fetal death reporting and risk in Zika-affected pregnancies.

Objectives: Zika virus is linked to several adverse pregnancy outcomes. We assessed whether Zika infection during pregnancy is associated with increased risk of foetal death (miscarriage, stillbirth, abortion) and whether there is incomplete reporting of such deaths.

Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science and LILACS for studies reporting Zika-affected completed pregnancies (ending in foetal death or live birth), excluding studies whose aim required live birth.

Predictors of Urinary Pyrethroid and Organophosphate Compound Concentrations among Healthy Pregnant Women in New York.

Our study aimed to investigate dietary and non-dietary predictors of exposure to pyrethroids, organophosphates pesticides and 2,4-D herbicide in two cohorts of pregnant women in New York City: 153 women from the Thyroid Disruption and Infant Development (TDID) cohort and 121 from the Sibling/Hermanos Cohort(S/H). Baseline data on predictors were collected from the women at time of recruitment. We used three different modeling strategies to address missing data due to biomarker values below the limit of detection ( View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Prenatal and early childhood exposure to phthalates and childhood behavior at age 7 years.

Background: Emerging evidence suggests that phthalate exposure may be associated with behavior problems in children and that these associations may be sex specific.

Methods: In a follow up study of 411 inner-city minority mothers and their children, mono-n-butyl phthalate (MnBP), monobenzyl phthalate (MBzP), monoisobutyl phthalate (MiBP), monethyl phthalate (MEP) and four di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate metabolites (DEHP) were quantified in maternal urine samples collected during the third trimester and in child urine samples at ages 3 and 5 years. The Conners' Parent Rating Scale-Revised: Long Form (CPRS) and Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) were administered to the mothers to assess children's behavior problems at 7 years of age.

Perinatal phthalates exposure decreases fine-motor functions in 11-year-old girls: Results from weighted Quantile sum regression.

Introduction: Phthalates are a group of high production chemicals, generally used as plasticizers and odor enhancers. Phthalates cross the blood-placenta barrier and are associated with deficits in cognitive functions and behavior problems in offspring. We previously reported sex-specific associations with motor function when phthalates are considered singly.

Short-term nutrition and growth indicators in 6-month- to 6-year-old children are improved following implementation of a multidisciplinary community-based programme in a chronic conflict setting.

Objective: We investigated short- and long-term indicators of malnutrition and diet before and after the community-based 'Breaking the Cycle of Poverty' multidisciplinary intervention.

Design: A historically and geographically controlled study using data collected in 2013 and 2016. We compared the prevalence of short-term indicators (anaemia, breast-feeding duration and minimum dietary diversity) and long-term indicators (stunting and wasting) in exposed communities at two time points.

Prenatal and childhood exposure to phthalates and motor skills at age 11 years.

Background: Previous reports suggest that prenatal phthalate exposure is associated with lower scores on measures of motor skills in infants and toddlers. Whether these associations persist into later childhood or preadolescence has not been studied.

Methods: In a follow up study of 209 inner-city mothers and their children the concentrations of mono-n-butyl phthalate (MnBP), monobenzyl phthalate (MBzP), monoisobutyl phthalate (MiBP), monomethyl phthalate (MEP), mono-carboxy-isooctyl phthalate (MCOP), and four di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate metabolites (ΣDEHP) were measured in spot urine sample collected from the women in late pregnancy and from their children at ages 3, 5, and 7 years.

Prevalence and determinants of stunting in a conflict-ridden border region in Armenia - a cross-sectional study.

Background: Despite global efforts, stunting remains a public health problem in several developing countries. The prevalence of stunting among 0- to 5-year-old children in Armenia has increased from 17% in 2000 to 19% in 2010. A baseline study was conducted among preschool children in Berd, a region near the northeastern border of Armenia that has experienced intermittent military tension for over 20 years.

Adapting continuing medical education for post-conflict areas: assessment in Nagorno Karabagh - a qualitative study.

Background: One of the major challenges in the current century is the increasing number of post-conflict states where infrastructures are debilitated. The dysfunctional health care systems in post-conflict settings are putting the lives of the populations in these zones at increased risk. One of the approaches to improve such situations is to strengthen human resources by organizing training programmes to meet the special needs in post-conflict zones.