เดือน: ตุลาคม 2023

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New Research Suggests Physical Activity at Age 10 May Impact Brain Development in Adolescence

A recent study has shed light on the potential influence of physical activity during late childhood on brain development during early adolescence. The research, which involved a 4-year longitudinal cohort study in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, examined the association between physical activity levels at age 10 and subsequent changes in brain morphology.

Key Findings:

  • A cohort of 1088 children, including 566 girls, participated in the study.
  • Participants who engaged in more physical activity at age 10 demonstrated larger increases in amygdala volume from ages 10 to 14.
  • Similar but less consistent findings were observed in the hippocampus.
  • The study found no significant associations between physical activity and global brain morphology measures.

Significance:

These findings suggest that physical activity during late childhood may influence the neurodevelopment of specific subcortical brain areas, including the amygdala and the hippocampus. These areas play essential roles in functions such as cognition, emotion, learning, and potentially psychiatric disorders. While the research adds to the growing body of knowledge on the benefits of physical activity, it also highlights the need for further studies to explore the causal relationship between physical activity and brain development.

Implications:

The results of this study may have implications for public health and education policies, indicating that encouraging physical activity in late childhood could promote healthy brain development in adolescents. The combination of physical education, active recess, and integrating movement throughout the school day may serve as an effective public health intervention.

However, it’s important to note that this research is observational and does not establish a causal link. Future randomized controlled trials (RCTs) will be needed to experimentally investigate the causal relationship between physical activity and brain development.

This study opens the door to further research on the impact of physical activity on brain development, with potential implications for improving cognitive functions, academic performance, and overall well-being in children and adolescents.

Source: JAMA Network Open journal

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Global Wildlife Loss More Alarming Than Previously Believed, Says New Study

A recent study has revealed that the global loss of wildlife is even more dire than previously thought, indicating that nearly half of the planet’s species are currently experiencing rapid population declines. Human activities, including habitat destruction and climate change, are the primary culprits driving these alarming declines in biodiversity. Experts suggest that humanity may be on the cusp of a “sixth mass extinction,” largely attributed to human actions.

The main factor contributing to the loss of wildlife is the extensive destruction of natural landscapes to make way for agricultural activities, urbanization, and infrastructure development. Climate change is another crucial driver of species decline, with its impact expected to worsen as the world continues to warm.

The recent study examined more than 70,000 species worldwide, encompassing mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and insects. Its findings were published in the journal Biological. Disturbingly, the study found that 48% of these species are experiencing a decline in population size, while less than 3% are showing signs of an increase in population.

Co-author Daniel Pincheira-Donoso, from the School of Biological Sciences at Queen’s University Belfast, described the findings as a “drastic alert.” This study confirms the severity of the ongoing “extinction crisis” on a global scale and offers a clearer picture of the extent of the erosion of biodiversity.

For decades, conservation efforts have relied on “conservation categories” assigned by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to assess the status of each species. The IUCN’s Red List of Threatened Species currently classifies about 28% of species as under the threat of extinction. However, the new study focuses on whether population sizes are rapidly and progressively decreasing or not, as these trends often precede extinctions. As a result, it reveals that 33% of the species currently classified as “non-threatened” are, in fact, declining toward extinction.

The study highlights species declines across various categories, including mammals, birds, and insects. Amphibians, in particular, have been seriously affected and are grappling with numerous threats, including disease and climate change. Fish and reptiles, on the other hand, appear to have more stable populations.

Geographically, species declines are concentrated in the tropics, as animals in these regions are more sensitive to rapid environmental temperature changes. Despite concerns about the study’s results, which suggest that the situation might be inflated, it provides new insights into population trends.

In light of these findings, conservationists emphasize the urgent need for concerted efforts to protect endangered species and biodiversity worldwide. While there have been successful stories of species recovery, it is essential to address the broader issues affecting our ecosystems. Without thriving populations, species, habitats, and ecosystems, our planet’s health and our survival are at risk.

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Preventing Childhood Adversities Shows Promise in Reducing Mental Disorders and Improving School Grades in Children

Childhood adversities, such as parental mental illness, household poverty, and parental separation, have long-lasting effects on children’s mental health and educational outcomes. A recent cohort study conducted in Sweden, involving 163,529 children, has provided valuable insights into the potential impact of preventing these adversities. The study aimed to compare the association between preventing these childhood adversities and the prevalence of common mental disorders in offspring (aged 16-21) and school grades at age 16. Here are the key findings and implications of this research:

Key Findings:

  • Preventing childhood adversities resulted in an estimated 2.6% fewer children experiencing anxiety or depression by age 21.
  • An improvement in school grades at age 16 was noted.
  • Preventing parental separation showed the most significant improvement, with an estimated 2.34% fewer children with common mental disorders and an improvement in school grades by 0.127 standard deviations.
  • Preventing adversities during adolescence was found to be more beneficial than during earlier ages.
  • High-risk children with parents having serious mental illnesses may benefit the most from adversity prevention, with an estimated 5.9% reduction in the prevalence of common mental disorders.
  • The study suggested that resources should be allocated to support families, particularly during parental separation, with a focus on improving children’s coping mechanisms during this transition.

Implications for Public Health and Policy:

  1. Effective Resource Allocation: Properly targeted resources can prevent childhood adversities and, subsequently, common mental disorders while enhancing children’s educational outcomes.
  2. Early Intervention during Parental Separation: Resources should be directed toward early intervention and support for families experiencing parental separation to mitigate the negative impact on children.
  3. Critical Importance of Adolescence: Adolescence appears to be a critical period for intervention. Strategies focused on adolescent well-being are pivotal, given the rising prevalence of mental health issues in this age group.
  4. High-Risk Groups: Identifying and supporting children at higher risk due to parental mental illness is essential. Targeted interventions can have a more significant impact on their well-being.

This study highlights the potential benefits of preventing childhood adversities for improving children’s mental health and academic achievements. By addressing the right adversities at the right time and for the right groups, public health efforts can make a substantial positive impact on children’s lives.

For more detailed information and the methodology of this study, please refer to the complete research article in the JAMA Network Open journal.

Source: JAMA Network Open Journal

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Kerala’s Fat Tax Linked to Reduced Fast Food Purchases, Study Shows

A recent cohort study involving 238,015 credit and debit card accounts in the Indian state of Kerala has shown a significant decline in fast food purchases following the implementation of a state-level fat tax. This tax was introduced by the Kerala government as part of efforts to combat rising obesity rates and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). The study, conducted by researchers at the National University of Singapore, demonstrated a noteworthy 3.9-percentage point reduction in the fast food purchase ratio, defined as the proportion of fast food purchases in comparison to total food purchases, among cardholders during the fat tax implementation period (August 2016-June 2017).

The fat tax, which primarily targeted fast food items sold by branded restaurants, was implemented by the Kerala government in August 2016 but was discontinued after 11 months, in July 2017, when the Indian federal government introduced a nationwide Goods and Services Tax (GST). Surprisingly, the decline in fast food purchases continued even after the tax’s discontinuation, with a substantial reduction of 5.6 percentage points observed when compared to the period before the tax was introduced.

The study’s findings suggest that this fat tax in Kerala was associated with fewer fast food purchases, providing important insights into the impact of such taxation policies on public eating habits. In a world where obesity and NCDs are on the rise, particularly in India, where approximately 18.9% of the population was found to be overweight or obese, these results highlight the potential effectiveness of taxation as a tool to combat unhealthy eating habits.

However, the study also raises several important questions about the design and implementation of food tax policies. Researchers note that future studies should consider factors such as social inequality, nutritional deficiency, and political concerns when assessing the effectiveness and consequences of such policies.

The findings of this cohort study not only add to the growing body of evidence supporting fat taxes and similar measures but also emphasize the importance of designing food tax policies thoughtfully and considering the specific context of the region they are intended to serve.

For a country like India, where obesity, diabetes, and other NCDs are significant public health challenges, the implications of this study are of particular relevance. It provides policymakers with valuable insights into how fat taxes can positively influence dietary choices and potentially contribute to better public health outcomes.

Source: JAMA Network Open Journal

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Sustained High-Intensity Physical Activity Reduces Midlife Risk of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

New Study Highlights the Importance of Lifelong Vigorous Physical Activity in NAFLD Prevention

A recent study examining the long-term physical activity patterns of young adults has shown that those who engage in sustained high-intensity physical activity (VPA) from early adulthood to midlife have a significantly lower risk of developing Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). The study, conducted on 2833 participants over a 25-year period, suggests that promoting lifelong participation in vigorous-intensity activities can be a key factor in lowering NAFLD risk.

Study Findings

The research, carried out as part of the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) cohort study, found that individuals in a high decreasing vigorous-intensity physical activity trajectory had a 41% lower risk of NAFLD compared to those following a low stable VPA over the 25-year period. Notably, no associations were found between moderate-intensity physical activity trajectories and NAFLD.

Importance of the Study

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease is the most common cause of chronic liver disease worldwide, with approximately 31% of adults in the United States affected. This study’s findings highlight the need for individuals to engage in high-intensity physical activities consistently from young adulthood to middle age to reduce the risk of NAFLD. These results could potentially influence the development of more effective prevention programs targeting NAFLD.

Implications for Clinical Practice

The study supports existing guidelines that recommend a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week and suggests that higher intensity activities may offer additional benefits. Clinicians are encouraged to consider the significance of lifelong physical activity habits when advising patients, particularly those at risk of NAFLD.

Further Research and Health Equity

It is important to acknowledge the limitations of the study, including the reliance on self-reported physical activity data and the lack of representation of various racial and ethnic groups. Future research should consider a more diverse population to ensure equitable access to NAFLD prevention and treatment.

In conclusion, the study underscores the vital role of sustained high-intensity physical activity in reducing the risk of NAFLD. It provides valuable insights for public health initiatives and clinical recommendations, emphasizing the importance of adopting vigorous-intensity activities as part of a lifelong approach to liver health.

Source: JAMA Network Open Journal

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Study Identifies Key Risk Factors for Adolescent E-Cigarette Use

Machine Learning Analysis Reveals Important Influences on Adolescent ENDS Use

The use of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), commonly known as e-cigarettes, among adolescents has been on the rise, presenting a significant public health concern. A recent study conducted between December 2017 and November 2019 has identified several key risk factors associated with ENDS use among adolescents who had never used tobacco at baseline. The research, utilizing machine learning techniques, aimed to provide insights into the factors contributing to the growth of ENDS use among youths.

Key Findings: The study analyzed data from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) study, involving 7,943 adolescents who had never used tobacco at the beginning of the research. Among the notable findings were:

  1. Peer Influence: Adolescents who had best friends using ENDS were more likely to start using them themselves. Specifically, the likelihood of using ENDS increased if offered by a best friend.
  2. Family Influence: Living with a person who uses tobacco also played a significant role in adolescents’ ENDS use.
  3. Curiosity: Adolescents expressing curiosity about ENDS use were more susceptible to using them in the near future.
  4. Future Intentions: Those who expressed an intention to use ENDS in the future were more likely to initiate usage.
  5. Economic Factors: Adolescents with higher average weekly earnings were more at risk of current ENDS use.
  6. Safety Perception: Adolescents who perceived tobacco products as safe were more likely to use ENDS.
  7. Education Level: The grade level of adolescents also impacted ENDS use, with higher-grade levels showing a slightly higher risk.

Discussion: The study findings highlight the strong influence of peers and family on adolescents’ ENDS use, emphasizing the pivotal role of social circles and family in shaping youth behaviors. Moreover, economic factors and adolescents’ intentions and curiosity regarding ENDS are key contributors to usage. The study further indicates that understanding these risk factors can help design more effective tobacco control and prevention strategies.

Implications: As the prevalence of ENDS use among adolescents continues to rise, these findings are crucial for public health authorities and policymakers. To combat the tobacco epidemic and protect youth from harmful substances, family and school environments should play a central role in educating and guiding adolescents regarding tobacco-related matters. Additionally, monitoring adolescents’ spending habits and activities, especially among those with higher earnings, can help prevent undesirable behaviors.

This study serves as a valuable tool to better understand and address the factors driving ENDS use among adolescents, ultimately contributing to more effective prevention and intervention efforts.

Source: JAMA Network Open Journal

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High Levels of Secondhand Smoke Exposure Persist Among Japanese Adolescents

New Study Highlights Ongoing Health Concerns and the Need for Comprehensive Tobacco Control

A recent study examining secondhand smoke exposure among Japanese adolescents has revealed concerning findings. The research, conducted from 2008 to 2017, indicates that while secondhand smoke exposure decreased during this period, it remains alarmingly high, with approximately one-third of adolescents exposed to smoke in 2017. The study also found a consistent and significant association between secondhand smoke exposure and smoking, regardless of the year, location, or socioeconomic group.

The study, which surveyed 95,680 adolescents in 2008, 100,050 in 2012, and 64,152 in 2017, focused on students in grades 7 to 12 (ages 12-18 years). It used a random sampling survey based on single-stage cluster sampling, ensuring a nationally representative sample.

In 2008, over half of adolescents (51%) reported being exposed to secondhand smoke in some form during the past week. This exposure occurred in various locations, with 37.2% exposed at home and 36.5% exposed in public places. By 2017, these figures had decreased, but still, a significant number (36.3%) of adolescents reported secondhand smoke exposure in some form. Exposure at home was reported by 23.8%, while 27% were exposed in public places.

The study also highlighted the association between secondhand smoke exposure frequency and smoking among adolescents. Regardless of the survey year, location, or pattern of exposure, adolescents exposed to secondhand smoke were more likely to be smokers, with the odds increasing with greater exposure frequency. This suggests that secondhand smoke exposure may play a role in smoking initiation among young people.

Furthermore, socioeconomic disparities were examined, revealing that adolescents with no intention of pursuing higher education experienced higher rates of both smoking and secondhand smoke exposure. The study implies that comprehensive tobacco control strategies are necessary to reduce these disparities and protect all adolescents from secondhand smoke.

In conclusion, this cross-sectional study demonstrates that while there have been positive changes in secondhand smoke exposure among Japanese adolescents, significant challenges remain. The prevalence of secondhand smoke exposure is still high, and the associated risks to the health and well-being of young people are substantial. To address these concerns, the study suggests that Japan should enhance its tobacco control strategies and consider legislation to create a smoke-free environment, aligned with global standards. This could be a crucial step in protecting the nation’s youth from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke.

Source: JAMA Network Open Journal

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New Study Reveals Alarming Connection Between School Discipline and Student Achievement, Highlighting Racial Disparities

In a recent cohort study, researchers delved into the relationship between exclusionary school discipline (ESD) and the academic performance of middle and high school students, with a specific focus on racial and ethnic disparities. The study examined 16,849 students from a large urban district in California over a 3-year period, seeking to answer whether ESD events were associated with lower grade point averages (GPA) and if minority students were disproportionately affected.

Racial and Ethnic Disparities in ESD

The study unveiled striking disparities in ESD events among different racial and ethnic groups. Black students experienced approximately 10 times more ESD events than their White counterparts, with an average of 6.69 events for Black students compared to 0.71 events for White students. Latine students also faced a significant number of ESD events, with an average of 2.01 events. This disparity in ESD events was a clear illustration of structural racism and its impact on minority communities.

ESD’s Impact on Academic Performance

The research found that experiencing an ESD event resulted in a lower average GPA for students, with an average decrease of 0.88 grade points for those who had such an experience in the first year of the study. This trend continued in subsequent years, with significant GPA decreases of 0.63 in the second year and 0.52 in the third year. Moreover, Black and Latine students suffered the most substantial drop in GPA compared to White students, with Black students experiencing a 0.56-point decrease, and Latine students a 0.51-point decrease.

Trauma and Structural Racism

The study revealed that the impact of ESD extended beyond academic consequences. ESD events can be considered as adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and they may contribute to adverse health outcomes throughout a student’s life. Structural racism and its traumatic impact on minority communities increase the likelihood of these practices being more harmful.

Implications and Recommendations

The research underscores the importance of addressing ESD practices and their detrimental effects on students’ educational and health outcomes. It is crucial to implement alternative, non-exclusionary disciplinary policies, such as restorative justice practices and positive behavior interventions, to counteract the biases that underlie ESD.

In conclusion, this study serves as a clarion call to address the racial disparities in exclusionary school discipline and highlights the urgency of implementing measures to protect the academic and mental well-being of all students, regardless of their racial or ethnic background.

Source: JAMA Network Open Journal

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Validity of Gun Violence Archive as Data Source for Community Firearm Violence Assessed in US Cities

Study Evaluates Gun Violence Archive’s Reliability in Tracking Firearm Violence Events in Philadelphia, New York, Chicago, and Cincinnati

A new study has assessed the reliability of the Gun Violence Archive (GVA) as a data source for community firearm violence, particularly firearm homicide and nonfatal shootings resulting from interpersonal violence. This evaluation, conducted in four major U.S. cities over a six-year period, sheds light on the strengths and limitations of GVA data.

Key Findings: The study, which examined data from Philadelphia, New York, Chicago, and Cincinnati from 2015 to 2020, found that the GVA displayed an overall sensitivity of 81.1%. In other words, it correctly identified 81.1% of community firearm violence shooting events, but with some noteworthy variations.

GVA Strengths and Weaknesses: The findings suggest that the Gun Violence Archive has certain unique advantages, such as spatial resolution, timeliness, and geographic coverage. It is particularly useful for researchers in large cities. However, caution is advised when conducting a granular examination of epidemiology, as the data source exhibits systematic biases.

Study’s Approach: To validate the GVA’s data, the study compared GVA records with publicly available police department data, which served as the reference standard. This cross-sectional analysis focused on the event-level and person-level validity of the GVA. It aimed to assess how accurately the GVA identifies community firearm violence events and the characteristics of individuals injured in these events.

Changes Over Time: The study revealed variations in sensitivity over the years, which is essential information for studies examining trends in shootings. Sensitivity improved over time, but this improvement differed among the cities evaluated. The sensitivity was lower in 2016 and increased to excellent levels by 2019 in the major cities. Cincinnati, a midsize city, had lower sensitivity throughout the study period.

Systematic Missingness: The GVA demonstrated a systematic bias in terms of the type of shootings it accurately documented. Fatal shootings and incidents involving women and children were less likely to be missing from the GVA, suggesting that the GVA’s data collection method may reflect media biases in covering community firearm violence.

Recommendations for Research: The study recommends that future research consider the limitations and potential biases of the GVA when using its data. Caution is advised when analyzing GVA data from earlier years and conducting time trend analyses. Additionally, researchers are encouraged to assess the GVA’s validity in other cities to ascertain its reliability as a national source of community firearm violence data.

Conclusion: The study highlights the GVA’s role as a valuable resource for researchers studying community firearm violence in major U.S. cities. However, an awareness of its limitations and biases is essential for accurate interpretation and analysis, ensuring that findings are not inadvertently skewed due to data biases and missingness.

Source: JAMA Network Open Journal

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New Study Sheds Light on Experiences of Violence and Firearm Ownership Among Young Adults

Research Highlights the Complex Relationship Between Violence Exposure and Gun Ownership Decisions

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open delves into the experiences of violence and firearm access and ownership among young adults, shedding light on the complex relationship between these factors during the transition from childhood to young adulthood.

High-Risk Period for Firearm-Related Harm: Young adulthood is recognized as a high-risk period for sustaining firearm-related harm, with suicide and homicide being among the leading causes of death in this age group. In 2020, nearly half of suicides and the majority of homicides among adults aged 25 to 30 involved firearms.

The Study’s Findings: The study, conducted by Sivaraman and colleagues, examined longitudinal patterns of firearm access and ownership from childhood (ages 9-16) to young adulthood (ages 25-30). They identified four distinct patterns: individuals who never owned firearms, those who became owners in adulthood, those who owned firearms during childhood, and those who consistently owned firearms.

The researchers discovered differences in these patterns based on sex, race, urbanicity, and socioeconomic status. Notably, they found variations in experiences of violence across these patterns, indicating that violence exposure may influence young adults’ decisions regarding firearm access and ownership.

Differing Experiences of Violence: The study’s findings revealed that those who experienced bullying during their developmental years were less likely to initiate firearm ownership in young adulthood. In contrast, witnessing trauma during childhood was associated with a higher likelihood of firearm access and ownership during young adulthood. Surprisingly, there were minimal differences in violence experiences between those who consistently owned firearms and those who only owned them during childhood.

Factors to Consider: The study underscores the importance of considering the constructs used to measure experiences of violence. It suggests that variables such as the intensity, severity, and duration of violence exposure may significantly impact firearm ownership decisions over time. Furthermore, the context in which these experiences occur and how they are measured can contribute to variations in findings.

Additional Context: The study encourages a broader understanding of the findings. It acknowledges that young adulthood is a critical period for identity development, especially concerning beliefs and practices related to firearms. Changes in housing and legal regulations during this transitional period can also influence firearm ownership decisions.

Future Research and Implications: The study emphasizes the need for future research, particularly qualitative studies, to better understand the decision-making process regarding firearm access and ownership among young adults. It also underscores the significance of examining the impact of violence experiences on these decisions, considering factors such as race, gender, and urbanicity, to address the disproportionate burden of firearm-related harm in different demographic groups.

In conclusion, the study highlights the complexity of factors that influence the decision to possess or own firearms in young adulthood, emphasizing the importance of a multifaceted approach to addressing firearm-related harm.