Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sara M. Hendrickson, Archana Thomas, Kamm Prongay, Andrew J. Haertel, Laura M. Garzel, Leanne Gill, Tasha Barr, Nicholas S. Rhoades, Rachel Reader, Mark Galan, Julie M. Carroll, Charles T. Roberts, Lina Gao, Ian J. Amanna, Ilhem Messaoudi, Mark K. Slifka
Summary: Environmental enteric dysfunction (EED) is associated with malnutrition and infant growth stunting, and is characterized by small intestine pathologies. This study found that infant rhesus macaques exposed to enteric pathogens linked to human growth stunting showed EED and growth faltering, with histopathology also observed in the large intestine. The findings suggest that the large intestine may be an important target for intervention in EED.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Richard L. Guerrant, David T. Bolick, Jonathan R. Swann
Summary: Inexpensive animal models, such as mice, are valuable in evaluating the efficacy of potential interventions for enteric parasitic and bacterial infections, which are common global health concerns. Dietary deficiencies have significant effects on diarrhea and enteropathy outcomes in mice, with variations observed depending on the specific pathogens involved.
ACS INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Parvati Singh, Manisha Shah, Tim A. Bruckner
Summary: This study found that the introduction of the national sanitation campaign SBM in India is associated with a reduction in stunting and wasting among under 5-year-old children. The increase in toilet availability post-SBM is linked to a decrease in child stunting, especially in rural areas and districts with higher pre-SBM toilet availability.
JOURNAL OF NUTRITION
(2021)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Azka Rehman, Ping Qing, Xia Cui
Summary: This study aims to identify historical trends in nutrition and key drivers of change in different regions of Pakistan. Results showed a significant reduction in stunted growth in Balochistan and the highest progress for underweight children in Punjab. Maternal nutritional status and household wealth were found to have a more pronounced impact on reducing child malnutrition. It is recommended to implement multidimensional nutrition policies and region-specific programs for more effective outcomes.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Muhammad Irfan Malik, Shahzada Muhammad Naeem Nawaz, Muhammad Nadeem
Summary: Using household data from the Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey, this study found that factors such as place of residence, education, poverty status, social norms, geopolitical regions, and living space significantly predict open defecation behavior in Pakistan. The study recommends promoting toilet ownership among households and communities, as well as behavior change interventions, with political commitment and effective administration being key to ending open defecation.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ezra Gayawan, Omodolapo Somo-Aina, Oluwatosin Kuti
Summary: Despite various intervention programs, open defecation practice in Nigeria remains high, posing risks to public and environmental health. This study analyzes the space and time trends in open defecation practice over a 15-year period using a Bayesian spatio-temporal model. The findings reveal a north-south spatio-temporal pattern among rural and urban dwellers, with persistent high prevalence in certain states. Implementing culturally responsive policies that consider the socio-cultural standards of different communities is crucial in ending open defecation in Nigeria.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ezra Gayawan, Omodolapo Somo-Aina, Oluwatosin Kuti
Summary: This study quantifies the spatio-temporal trends of open defecation practice in Nigeria over a 15-year period. The findings show similar patterns of open defecation among rural and urban dwellers in the north and south regions. Several states, including Kwara, Kogi, Oyo, Ondo, Osun, Ekiti, Enugu, and Ebonyi, have persistently high prevalence of open defecation. Understanding the socio-cultural standards of different communities is crucial in implementing culturally responsive policies to address the issue.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Michael Dougherty, Luther A. Bartelt
Summary: The purpose of this review is to examine the association between Giardia infection and long-term outcomes, as well as the potential mechanisms through which Giardia impairs intestinal function and child development. Recent studies have identified associations between Giardia infection, gut function, and child growth, and have provided evidence for the biological plausibility of these associations. Additionally, new research has shed light on the potential interaction between Giardia and other gut microbes, which may explain conflicting findings in the literature and inform future analyses and interventions.
CURRENT OPINION IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Kuda Mutasa, Robert Ntozini, Mduduzi N. N. Mbuya, Sandra Rukobo, Margaret Govha, Florence D. Majo, Naume Tavengwa, Laura E. Smith, Laura Caulfield, Jonathan R. Swann, Rebecca J. Stoltzfus, Lawrence H. Moulton, Jean H. Humphrey, Ethan K. Gough, Andrew J. Prendergast
Summary: The study found that none of the 11 biomarkers of environmental enteric dysfunction were consistently associated with linear growth among Zimbabwean children.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NUTRITION
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Joseph Freer, Joanna Orr, Joan K. Morris, Robert Walton, Leo Dunkel, Helen L. Storr, Andrew J. Prendergast
Summary: Short stature at age 3 is associated with lower language development scores from 3 to 11 years of age in UK children, and this association remains significant after adjusting for other factors.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Robert J. Schillinger, Simutanyi Mwakamui, Chola Mulenga, Mizinga Tembo, Phoebe Hodges, Ellen Besa, Kanta Chandwe, Victor O. Owino, Christine A. Edwards, Paul Kelly, Douglas J. Morrison
Summary: A C-13-SBT was developed that was easy to perform, generated clear enrichment of (CO2)-C-13 in breath samples, and clearly reports sucrase activity. Further work is needed to validate it and understand its applications in evaluating EE.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Eric O. Ohuma, Diego G. Bassani, Huma Qamar, Seungmi Yang, Daniel E. Roth
Summary: The study assessed the feasibility of using SITAR models to summarize height data of children under 5 across 64 countries. The models explained the variation in mean boys' and girls' height effectively, with variation in the size parameter mostly influenced by postnatal intensity. The SITAR intensity parameter could serve as a novel indicator for tracking postnatal growth determinants in low- and middle-income countries.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Luis Paulo Vidaletti, Bianca O. O. Cata-Preta, David E. E. Phillips, Sonya Shekhar, Aluisio J. D. Barros, Cesar G. G. Victora
Summary: This study analyzed 59 low and middle-income countries and found that the gaps in health outcomes among ethnic or language groups have reduced, but progress has been slow. The researchers emphasized the need for in-depth analyses at the country level to understand the factors contributing to the reduction of ethnic gaps.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR EQUITY IN HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Anna Dimitrova, Alexander Gershunov, Morgan C. Levy, Tarik Benmarhnia
Summary: Climate-sensitive infectious diseases, such as diarrhea, are increasingly concerning due to global warming. This study investigates the association between precipitation shocks and diarrhea symptoms in young children in low- and middle-income countries. The findings suggest that droughts are positively associated with diarrhea in tropical savanna regions, while heavy precipitation events increase the risk of diarrhea in humid subtropical regions. Various social factors, such as stool disposal practices and water disinfection, modify these associations. The study emphasizes the importance of targeted public health interventions based on local climate conditions and the type of precipitation shock.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Hayman Win, Jordyn Wallenborn, Nicole Probst-Hensch, Gunther Fink
Summary: Research findings showed that 84% of the linear growth difference between urban poor and non-poor children in Bangladesh can be predicted by identified key stunting determinants. Child's place of birth, household wealth, maternal education, and maternal body mass index were the major contributors to the difference in linear growth between urban poor and non-poor children.