Blood cadmium is elevated in iron deficient U.S. children: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background Cadmium (Cd), a widespread environmental contaminant, and iron deficiency (ID), the most common nutrient deficiency in the world, are known risk factors for neurodevelopmental delays, as well as other disorders, in infants and children. Studies assessing the cumulative effects of these factors are lacking in children, despite concerns of increased uptake of metals in the presence of ID. Here we sought to determine if blood and urine Cd levels were elevated in ID children compared to non-ID children. Methods Data for 5224 children, aged 3–19 years, were obtained from the 1999–2002 NHANES. ID was defined as ≥2 of 3 abnormal iron indicators (low serum ferritin [SF], high free erythrocyte protoporphyrin [FEP], low % transferrin saturation [TSAT]); ID anemia (IDA) was defined as ID plus low hemoglobin (Hgb). Logistic regression was used to evaluate associations between ID, IDA, and abnormal iron indicators and categories of blood and urine Cd. Results Adjusted odds of ID, IDA, low SF, and low TSAT were associated with increasing category of blood Cd but not urine Cd. Adjusted ORs (95% CI) for blood Cd ≥0.5 μg/L versus < LOD were = 1.74 (1.30-2.34), 4.02 (1.92-8.41), 4.08 (2.36-5.89) and 1.78 (1.32-2.39), for ID, IDA, low SF, and low TSAT, respectively. Age and sex specific analyses of blood Cd and ID/abnormal iron indicators revealed that the observed associations were strongest in females aged 16–19 years. Conclusions Given their shared neurotoxic effects in children, and that many people live in areas with high burdens of both ID and Cd, more research into the complex relationships between nutrient deficiencies and environmental toxicants is vital.http://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/109497/1/12940_2013_Article_710.pd

Perception of neighborhood crime and drugs Increases cardiometabolic risk in Chilean adolescents

PURPOSE: Studies report an association between neighborhood risk and both obesity and cardiometabolic risk factors (CMR) among adolescents. Here we describe the effect of perceived neighborhood risk on adiposity and CMR among Chilean adolescents. METHODS: Participants were 523 low- to middle-income Chilean adolescents. We assessed neighborhood risk in early adolescence, adiposity in childhood and in early and later adolescence, and blood pressure and fasting glucose in later adolescence. Neighborhood risk profiles were estimated using latent profile analysis (LPA) and based on reported perceptions of crime and drug sales/use. Using linear and logistic regression, we examined the effect of neighborhood risk on adiposity and CMR. RESULTS: Mean age in early and later adolescence was 14 and 17 years, respectively. Participants were 52% male, with a mean BMI z-score of .67, and 8% met criteria for metabolic syndrome. LPA identified two neighborhood profiles: 61% low risk and 39% high risk. In later adolescence, being in the high risk profile predicted a higher BMI z-score, waist-to-height ratio, and fat mass index (p < .05). Adolescents in the high risk profile had three times greater odds of meeting criteria for metabolic syndrome (OR = 3.1, 95% CI: 1.5, 5.8) compared with those in the low risk profile. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that there are physiological responses to living in a neighborhood perceived as "risky," which may contribute to obesity and CMR even in adolescence. For Chilean neighborhoods with high crime and drugs, targeted public health interventions and policies for youth could be beneficial.This research was funded by R01HL088530 (NIH-NHLBI, PI: Gahagan); R01HD33487 (NIH-NICHD, PIs: Lozoff and Gahagan); R01DA021181 (NIH-NIDA, PI: Delva). The first author acknowledges D. Eastern Kang Sim for his support. All authors would like to thank the study participants for their on-going commitment to the project. (R01HL088530 - NIH-NHLBI; R01HD33487 - NIH-NICHD; R01DA021181 - NIH-NIDA

Sociodemographic and nutritional correlates of neurobehavioral development: a study of young children in a rural region of Ecuador

To identify and describe the sociodemographic and nutritional characteristics associated with neurobehavioral development among young children living in three communities in the northeastern Andean region of Cayambe-Tabacundo, Ecuador. Women in the study communities who had a child 3 to 61 months of age completed a questionnaire about maternal and child health and sociodemographic characteristics. The Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) was directly administered to 283 children by two trained interviewers. Growth measurements and a hemoglobin finger-prick blood test were obtained in 2003–2004. Prevalence of developmental delay was calculated, and associations between child development and maternal, child, and household characteristics were explored. High frequencies of developmental delay were observed. Children 3 to 23 months old displayed delay in gross motor skills (30.1%), and children 48 to 61 months old displayed delay in problem-solving skills (73.4%) and fine motor skills (28.1%). A high frequency of both anemia (60.4%) and stunting (53.4%) was observed for all age groups. Maternal educational level was positively associated with communication and problem-solving skills, and monthly household income was positively associated with communication, gross motor, and problem-solving skills. The results suggest a high prevalence of developmental delay and poor child health in this population. Child health status and the child’s environment may contribute to developmental delay in this region of Ecuador, but sociodemographic factors affecting opportunities for stimulation may also play a role. Research is needed to identify what is causing high percentages of neurobehavioral developmental delay in this region of Ecuador.Identificar y describir las características sociodemográficas y nutricionales asociadas con el desarrollo neuroconductual en niños pequeños de tres comunidades de la región nororiental andina de Cayambe-Tabacundo, Ecuador. Mujeres de las comunidades estudiadas con algún hijo de 3 a 61 meses de edad llenaron un cuestionario sobre sus características, las características de salud de su hijo y las características sociodemográficas. Dos entrevistadores entrenados aplicaron el Cuestionario sobre Edades y Etapas (Ages and Stages Questionnaire, ASQ) directamente a 283 niños. Se midió el crecimiento y se realizó una prueba de hemoglobina mediante punción digital en el período 2003–2004. Se calculó la prevalencia del retraso en el desarrollo y se exploraron las asociaciones entre el desarrollo del niño y las características de la madre, del niño y del hogar. Se observaron elevadas frecuencias de retraso en el desarrollo. Los niños de 3 a 23 meses de edad presentaron retraso en las habilidades motrices básicas (30,1%) y los niños de 48 a 61 meses de edad presentaron retraso en las habilidades para solucionar problemas (73,4%) y en las habilidades motrices finas (28,1%). Se encontró una elevada frecuencia de anemia (60,4%) y de retraso en el crecimiento (53,4%) en todos los grupos de edad. Se observó una asociación directa entre el nivel educacional de la madre y las habilidades de comunicación y de solución de problemas de sus hijos, así como entre los ingresos mensuales del hogar y las habilidades de comunicación, las motrices básicas y de solución de problemas. Los resultados indican que hay una elevada prevalencia de retraso en el desarrollo y una deficiente salud infantil en la población estudiada. El estado de salud del niño y su entorno pueden contribuir al retraso en el desarrollo en esta región de Ecuador, sin embargo, los factores socioedemográficos que afectan negativamente a las oportunidades de estimulación pueden desempañar un papel importante en ello. Se requieren investigaciones que identifiquen las causas del elevado porcentaje de retraso en el desarrollo neuroconductual en esta región de Ecuador

Neurobehavioral Development in Children With Potential Exposure to Pesticides

Children may be at higher risk than adults from pesticide exposure, due to their rapidly developing physiology, unique behavioral patterns, and interactions with the physical environment. This preliminary study conducted in Ecuador examines the association between household and environmental risk factors for pesticide exposure and neurobehavioral development. We collected data over 6 months in the rural highland region of Cayambe, Ecuador (2003–2004). Children age 24–61 months residing in 3 communities were assessed with the Ages and Stages Questionnaire and the Visual Motor Integration Test. We gathered information on maternal health and work characteristics, the home and community environment, and child characteristics. Growth measurements and a hemoglobin finger-prick blood test were obtained. Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted. Current maternal employment in the flower industry was associated with better developmental scores. Longer hours playing outdoors were associated with lower gross and fine motor and problem solving skills. Children who played with irrigation water scored lower on fine motor skills (8% decrease; 95% confidence interval 9.31 to 0.53), problem-solving skills (7% decrease; 8.40 to 0.39), and Visual Motor Integration test scores (3% decrease; 12.00 to 1.08). These results suggest that certain environmental risk factors for exposure to pesticides may affect child development, with contact with irrigation water of particular concern. However, the relationships between these risk factors and social characteristics are complex, as corporate agriculture may increase risk through pesticide exposure and environmental contamination, while indirectly promoting healthy development by providing health care, relatively higher salaries, and daycare options

Mechanisms linking childhood weight status to metabolic risk in adolescence

BackgroundObesity is a risk factor for insulin resistance (IR) and metabolic disease.ObjectiveTo examine potential metabolic pathways linking childhood weight status to adolescent IR and metabolic risk.MethodsParticipants were 600 low‐ to middle‐income Chilean adolescents from a cohort studied since infancy as part of an iron deficiency anemia preventive trial and follow‐up study. We examined body mass index z‐score at 10 y (BMIz‐10y) and blood pressure, total fat, and fasting glucose, adiponectin to leptin ratio (A:L), ghrelin, and HOMA‐IR at 16 y. A total count for metabolic risk factors (MRF) was calculated using the International Diabetes Federation criteria. We used path analysis to estimate pathways and model indirect effects from BMIz‐10y, controlling for child age and sex and maternal body mass index (BMI).ResultsParticipants were 54% male; mean BMIz‐10y of 0.53 (SD = 1.02); mean MRF of 1.3 (SD = 0.9); mean HOMA‐IR of 1.8 (SD = 1.3). Path analysis showed that BMIz‐10y directly and indirectly related to increased MRF via A:L and HOMA‐IR. Ghrelin was not in the metabolic pathway from BMIz‐10y to MRF but was related to MRF via HOMA‐IR.ConclusionThese results elucidate metabolic pathways involving child weight status, IR and metabolic risk in adolescents. Childhood BMI was an indirect risk factor for adolescent cardiometabolic risk via several pathways that involved BMI, appetite hormones, markers of inflammation, and insulin resistance during adolescence. Findings illustrate the adverse effect that childhood obesity has on adolescent health outcomes, which sets precedence for health outcomes over the life course.Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/154250/1/pedi12972_am.pdfhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/154250/2/pedi12972.pd

Anemia and iron deficiency in pregnant Ghanaian women from urban areas

ObjectivesTo determine the prevalence and identify risk factors for iron deficiency and anemia in pregnant Ghanaian women from urban areas.MethodsA crossâ sectional study of 452 healthy pregnant women receiving prenatal care in Accra, Ghana, was conducted. A sociodemographic health questionnaire was performed and hematologic parameters were measured. Logistic regression methods were used to identify risk factors for anemia and iron status.ResultsComplete data were available for 428 women. Anemia (hemoglobin < 11 g/dL) was present in 144 (34%), iron deficiency (ferritin â ¤ 16 μg/L) in 69 (16%), and iron deficiency anemia in 32 (7.5%) women. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) for anemia was 3.4 and 9.8 if iron deficiency and malaria parasitemia were present, respectively; the OR was 0.6 if women were at â ¥ 36 weeks of pregnancy. The adjusted OR for iron deficiency was 2.7 if women were at â ¥ 36 weeks of pregnancy and 0.12 if they had sickle trait.ConclusionAlthough anemia and iron deficiency remain substantial problems in pregnant Ghanaian women from urban areas, their prevalence is less than previously reported.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/135515/1/ijgo62.pd

Maternal depression in three Latin American samples

Background The purposes of the present study were: 1) to assess the prevalence of depressive symptoms in mothers of young children in two Latin American countries (Costa Rica and Chile), and 2) to identify and compare socio-demographic correlates of depressive symptoms among those women. Methods Information on maternal depression and socio-demographic factors was available for three samples of women (total n = 1256). The samples were drawn from periurban communities that were relatively homogeneous with respect to lower-middle-class status and ethnic origin. Point prevalence of depressive symptomatology was assessed using the Center for Epidemiological Studies – Depression scale in all three samples. Lifetime prevalence of major depressive episodes was assessed in two Costa Rican samples by the Diagnostic Interview Schedule. Finally, episodes of dysphoric mood following childbirth were assessed by interview in the Costa Rican samples. Results Although the three samples differed on nearly all socio-demographic measures, rates of depression were comparable – 35 % to 50 % of the mothers had experienced at least one episode of major depression or were experiencing severe dysphoric mood at the time of the evaluation. In addition, one-third of the Costa Rican mothers had experienced dysphoric mood following delivery of a child. Conclusions The present study indicates that the high prevalence of depression in the mothers of young children is present in developing as well as industrialized countries and represents a major public health hazard. Future cross-cultural studies of maternal depression will require methodologies that are sensitive both to contextual factors in which depressive affect is expressed and individual histories that follow the course and etiology of depressive disorders as a chronic, recurrent illness in women during the childbearing and child-rearing years.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/42463/1/127-37-4-169_20370169.pd

BMI Trajectories from Birth to 23 Years by Cardiometabolic Risks in Young Adulthood

Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/154617/1/oby22754_am.pdfhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/154617/2/oby22754-sup-0001-FigS1-S2.pdfhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/154617/3/oby22754.pd

Структурні виклики в системі виробництва та зовнішньої торгівлі для України: європейська інтеграція чи її імітація

The article is devoted to the content of the principle of comparative advantage in the country's production system and foreign trade and its key role in the early stages of implementation of the Agreement on Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area between Ukraine and the European Union. The assessment methodology of commodity and sectoral revealed comparative advantage of the country's foreign trade in relationship with factors of natural comparative advantage in production is presented. The structural analysis of Ukraine’s foreign trade with the world and extra with the EU-28 is conducted, including estimation of trade openness degree of commodity production sectors, FDI and also Ukraine’s commodity and sectoral revealed comparative advantages /their absence. The main indicators of Ukrainian commodity production by sector (economic activity) are calculated. The data set of parameters and characteristics of commodity production by sectors and the results of foreign trade are constructed. The statistic relationship between Ukraine’s commodity production indicators and foreign trade results for world and extra for the EU-28 are found. The degree of optimum for trade model between Ukraine and the EU at the start of implementation of the Agreement on free trade area is estimated. Proposals to strengthen the commodity production and trade relations optimality for Ukraine with EU are given