Search Results (719)

This study investigated the impact of the people category of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on sustainable and conventional economic growth in Asia and the Pacific region, using a sample of 52 selected countries between 2000 and 2023. Employing two distinct models, model A1 for conventional economic growth and model A2 for sustainable economic growth, we explained the relationships between five SDG indicators: employed poverty rate, stunted children, expenditure on health, expenditure of education, and % of women MNAs on economic growth. This study employed a fixed-effect model and random-effect model to investigate the impact of the people category SDGs on traditional and sustainable economic growth. The comparative analysis of each SDG in both models revealed valuable insights. SDG 1, “employed poverty rate”, has a positive impact on economic growth in both models, while SDG 2, “percentage of stunted child”, did not significantly influence economic growth in either model. Moreover, SDG 3 and SDG 4, relating to “government’s health expenditure per capita” and “government’s Education education expenditure per capita”, respectively, exhibited a positive impact on traditional and sustainable economic growth. Conversely, SDG 5, “percentage of women members of national parliament”, displayed an insignificant impact on traditional and sustainable economic growth models. In conclusion, this study suggests that policymakers should prioritize targeted interventions to alleviate employed poverty, enhance healthcare, and boost education spending. Moreover, promoting women’s representation in national parliaments should be approached with context-specific strategies to maximize its impact on economic growth. Full article

Fusarium crown and root rot (FCRR), caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. radicis-lycopersici (FORL), is an economically important disease that affects tomatoes worldwide and has become more prevalent in China in recent years. In 2021 and 2022, tomato plants in greenhouses in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, were observed showing symptoms of stunting, premature loss of lower leaves, and root rot. Fungal pathogens were isolated from 20 infected tomato plants and identified based on morphological observation and DNA sequencing. Twelve isolates were consistently identified as Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. radicis-lycopersici (FORL) via an analysis of the ITS, TEF-1α, and pgx4 genes. This is the first report of FORL in Inner Mongolia, China. The isolates were examined for their pathogenicity by inoculating them on tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, and chickpeas. The fungicide sensitivity of the isolates was determined. Effective concentrations for 50% growth inhibition (EC₅₀) were measured using seven fungicides. The EC₅₀ values of tebuconazole and prochloraz were <1.0 μg·mL⁻¹, exhibiting the most effective inhibition among the fungicides tested. Additionally, FORL resistance screening of tomato germplasms was performed. One tomato variety was resistant to FORL, and the remaining 43 germplasm lines showed various levels of resistance. The rates of highly susceptible, moderately susceptible, susceptible, and moderately resistant germplasms accounted for 29.55%, 22.73%, 40.91%, and 4.55% of the 44 germplasms tested, respectively. Full article

Chicken Parvovirus (ChPV) belongs to the genus Aveparvovirus and is implicated in enteric diseases like runting–stunting syndrome (RSS) in poultry. In RSS, chicken health is affected by diarrhea, depression, and increased mortality, causing significant economic losses in the poultry industry. This study aimed to characterize the ChPV genomes detected in chickens with RSS through a metagenomic approach and compare the molecular and evolutionary characteristics within the Aveparvovirus galliform1 species. The intestinal content of broiler flocks affected with RSS was submitted to viral metagenomics. The assembled prevalent genomes were identified as ChPV after sequence and phylogenetic analysis, which consistently clustered separately from Turkey Parvovirus (TuPV). The strain USP-574-A presented signs of genomic recombination. The selective pressure analysis indicated that most of the coding genes in A. galliform1 are evolving under diversifying (negative) selection. Protein modeling of ChPV and TuPV viral capsids identified high conservancy over the VP2 region. The prediction of epitopes identified several co-localized antigenic peptides from ChPV and TuPV, especially for T-cell epitopes, highlighting the immunological significance of these sites. However, most of these peptides presented host-specific variability, obeying an adaptive scenario. The results of this study show the evolutionary path of ChPV and TuPV, which are influenced by diversifying events such as genomic recombination and selective pressure, as well as by adaptation processes, and their subsequent immunological impact. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to assess the nutritional status of children and adolescents with celiac disease (CD) in Kuwait and investigate the nutritional deficiencies and sociodemographic factors associated with growth stunting in this population. Methods: This case–control study included 77 CD patients aged 3–18 years diagnosed with CD using IgA anti-tissue transglutaminase and duodenal biopsy and 33 healthy controls. Nutritional status was evaluated based on demographic and clinical characteristics, anthropometric measurements, and biochemical parameters. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to determine the association between CD and growth stunting. Results: Approximately one-third (31%) of children with CD had stunted growth, 20.8% had a low body mass index for their age, and 5.2% had both growth stunting and wasting. Children with CD had higher odds of iron-deficiency anemia, vitamin D deficiency, anemia, and lower socioeconomic status. They were also younger and had decreased serum levels of vitamin D compared to the controls. These factors were all significantly associated with an increased risk of CD, collectively explaining over 50% of the risk. For growth stunting, lower education status among mothers, family income, and serum ferritin were identified as risk factors. Conclusions: A significant proportion of children and adolescents with CD had malnutrition, overt deficiencies, and impaired growth despite coherence with a gluten-free diet. Recommendation: Routine monitoring and targeted nutritional interventions are recommended for children and adolescents with CD to address malnutrition and growth stunting. Addressing socioeconomic disparities and enhancing maternal education may also help mitigate the risk factors. Full article

Alternaria gansuensis, a seed-borne fungus of standing milkvetch (Astragalus adsurgens), is the most common pathogen of this plant species and causes yellow stunt and root rot. Although plant resistance to this disease has been identified, a better understanding of the nature of this resistance will help improve and optimize its implementation in standing milkvetch. The effects of A. gansuensis on the physiology of standing milkvetch were assessed in a 4-week study comparing a resistant plant variety, Shanxi, and a susceptible variety, Ningxia. In the first week, there was an obvious decrease in photosynthesis (P) in inoculated plants, especially in the susceptible variety, but there were no changes in stomatal conductance (Sc). From the second week on, P and Sc decreased progressively, and significant stem lesions were observed concomitantly. Water use efficiency (WUE) increased slightly in the second week but then decreased significantly from the third week. Physiological changes observed for the resistant variety of standing milkvetch were less dramatic than those of the susceptible variety. Hyphae were observed around inoculation lesions of the plants. Culture filtrate (CF) of A. gansuensis induced changes in extracellular pH and conductivity, especially in the susceptible variety samples. Tissue integrity changes in the plants correlated with the decrease in P. Secondary metabolite compounds were extracted from the plants and 21 types of compounds were identified. The composition and proportion of secondary metabolites were markedly altered by the pathogen, and these differences may indicate potential mechanisms of disease resistance to A. gansuensis in standing milkvetch. Full article

Weight faltering (WF) has been associated with stunting and with long-term adverse consequences for health and development. Nutritional care for managing WF may consist of giving nutritional advice (NA) and/or provision of oral nutrition supplements (ONSs). In this study, we aimed to evaluate practical management options in the community for infants with WF aged 6–12 months. This nonrandomized clinical trial was conducted in the community of Makassar, South Sulawesi, from March 2022 to March 2023. A total of 1013 infants were enrolled for screening. Anthropometric measures were performed in 913 infants, of which 170 showed WF below the 15th percentile of the WHO weight increment table without stunting. Infants with a weight increment below P5th were assigned to receive NA plus ONS, while infants between P5th and below P15th were assigned to receive only NA. At the second and third months, ONSs were administered to WF infants who were below P15th. One month after the intervention, 87/105 infants in the NA-plus-ONS group (82.8%) and 52/65 infants in the NA-only group (80%) were no longer WF. After 3 months, infants in the NA-plus-ONS group achieved greater weight gain than infants in the NA group (264.1 g vs. 137.4 g, p < 0.001) as well as greater length gain (2.35 cm vs. 2.14 cm, p < 0.001). WF management should be started at below P15th to achieve a better result. Infants with greater nutritional deficits should be assigned to receive the combination of NA plus ONSs to achieve a higher rate of resolution of growth. Full article

This research aims to determine the factors, impacts, and solutions for health literacy in the Outer Baduy hamlets of Kanekes Village, Indonesia. The method used in this research is qualitative, which produces an in-depth explanation of the existing problems. Data were collected through interviews and documentation. Interviews were conducted with key figures, including two female Baduy residents with stunted children, one retainer, the head of the NGO SRI, a midwife who works in the Baduy village, and the head of the Lebak social service. Apart from that, secondary data in the form of recordings of community service talk shows conducted by the University of Indonesia to overcome stunting in Baduy were also analysed. The results show that the factors associated with the low health literacy of the Baduy community are literacy, writing and reading, taboos on eating certain foods, people spending too much time in the fields, people learning by imitating their parents, demanding access to villages, lack of consistency from external parties in providing health programs, and gender segregation in Baduy society. The impact of the low health literacy of the Baduy community is fatalism, high maternal and child mortality rates, and high health costs. The proposed strategies for increasing the health literacy of the Baduy community based on the findings of this research include developing health literacy by targeting community leaders, managing information-technology-based health-information groups, and always presenting at least one health worker among the residents who provides an example of healthy living, encouraging collective reflection. when health cases occur, and balancing gender communication. Full article

Objective: The present study assessed the iron and Vitamin A status of children aged 0 to 36 months in Thulamela municipality, Vhembe District. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 250 children aged 0 to 36 months attending well-baby clinic services with their mothers. Convenience sampling was used to select study participants, and simple random sampling was used to choose clinics. Data were gathered via a questionnaire administered by the researcher and field workers from August to September 2019. Standard techniques were used to measure body weight and height. In addition, serum retinol, haemoglobin, iron, ferritin, transferrin saturation, and transferrin levels were also assessed. Information on dietary diversity was gathered through a 24 h dietary recall. Results: The prevalence of underweight, wasting, and stunting was 3.6%, 2%, and 9.2%, respectively. Using serum retinol <10 µg/dL, 22% of children had vitamin A deficiency. The prevalence of anaemia was 53.6%, while 13.1% of children had iron deficiency anaemia when using serum ferritin of less than 12 μg/dL. Most children (90.8%) had an inadequate dietary diversity score, while 9.2% had sufficient dietary diversity. The most consumed food groups were grains, roots and tubers, vitamin A rich fruits and vegetable, and flesh foods. A higher percentage (44%) of children with low iron ferritin were underweight compared to those with normal iron ferritin (df = 1, p-value = 0.007). Conclusion: Iron, anaemia, and vitamin A deficiencies, accompanied by a high prevalence of stunting, were common among children in Thulamela Municipality. Thus, improving nutritional status in this area is a critical need. Full article

A major hallmark of cancer is the reprogramming of cellular metabolism from oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) to glycolysis, a phenomenon known as the Warburg effect. To sustain high rates of glycolysis, cancer cells overexpress GLUT transporters and glycolytic enzymes, allowing for the enhanced uptake and consumption of glucose. The Warburg effect may be exploited in the treatment of cancer; certain epimers and derivatives of glucose can enter cancer cells and inhibit glycolytic enzymes, stunting metabolism and causing cell death. These include common dietary monosaccharides (ᴅ-mannose, ᴅ-galactose, ᴅ-glucosamine, ʟ-fucose), as well as some rare monosaccharides (xylitol, ᴅ-allose, ʟ-sorbose, ʟ-rhamnose). This article reviews the literature on these sugars in in vitro and in vivo models of cancer, discussing their mechanisms of cytotoxicity. In addition to this, the anticancer potential of some synthetically modified monosaccharides, such as 2-deoxy-ᴅ-glucose and its acetylated and halogenated derivatives, is reviewed. Further, this article reviews how certain monosaccharides can be used in combination with anticancer drugs to potentiate conventional chemotherapies and to help overcome chemoresistance. Finally, the limitations of administering two separate agents, a sugar and a chemotherapeutic drug, are discussed. The potential of the glycoconjugation of classical or repurposed chemotherapy drugs as a solution to these limitations is reviewed. Full article

Background: This study examines the levels and predictors of malnutrition in Indian children under 5 years of age. Methods: Composite Index of Anthropometric Failure was applied to data from the India National Family Health Survey 2019–2021. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to assess the predictors. Results: 52.59% of children experienced anthropometric failure. Child predictors of lower malnutrition risk included female gender (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.881) and average or large size at birth (AOR = 0.729 and 0.715, respectively, compared to small size). Higher birth order increased malnutrition odds (2nd-4th: AOR = 1.211; 5th or higher: AOR = 1.449) compared to firstborn. Maternal predictors of lower malnutrition risk included age 20–34 years (AOR = 0.806), age 35–49 years (AOR = 0.714) compared to 15–19 years, normal BMI (AOR = 0.752), overweight and obese BMI (AOR = 0.504) compared to underweight, and secondary or higher education vs. no education (AOR = 0.865). Maternal predictors of higher malnutrition risk included severe anemia vs. no anemia (AOR = 1.232). Protective socioeconomic factors included middle (AOR = 0.903) and rich wealth index (AOR = 0.717) compared to poor, and toilet access (AOR = 0.803). Children’s malnutrition risk also declined with paternal education (primary: AOR = 0.901; secondary or higher: AOR = 0.822) vs. no education. Conversely, malnutrition risk increased with Hindu (AOR = 1.258) or Islam religion (AOR = 1.369) vs. other religions. Conclusions: Child malnutrition remains a critical issue in India, necessitating concerted efforts from both private and public sectors. A ‘Health in All Policies’ approach should guide public health leadership in influencing policies that impact children’s nutritional status. Full article

Precise monitoring of individual crop growth and health status is crucial for precision agriculture practices. However, traditional inspection methods are time-consuming, labor-intensive, prone to human error, and may not provide the comprehensive coverage required for the detailed analysis of crop variability across an entire field. This research addresses the need for efficient and high-resolution crop monitoring by leveraging Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) imagery and advanced computational techniques. The primary goal was to develop a methodology for the precise identification, extraction, and monitoring of individual corn crops throughout their growth cycle. This involved integrating UAV-derived data with image processing, computational geometry, and machine learning techniques. Bi-weekly UAV imagery was captured at altitudes of 40 m and 70 m from 30 April to 11 August, covering the entire growth cycle of the corn crop from planting to harvest. A time-series Canopy Height Model (CHM) was generated by analyzing the differences between the Digital Terrain Model (DTM) and the Digital Surface Model (DSM) derived from the UAV data. To ensure the accuracy of the elevation data, the DSM was validated against Ground Control Points (GCPs), adhering to standard practices in remote sensing data verification. Local spatial analysis and image processing techniques were employed to determine the local maximum height of each crop. Subsequently, a Voronoi data model was developed to delineate individual crop canopies, successfully identifying 13,000 out of 13,050 corn crops in the study area. To enhance accuracy in canopy size delineation, vegetation indices were incorporated into the Voronoi model segmentation, refining the initial canopy area estimates by eliminating interference from soil and shadows. The proposed methodology enables the precise estimation and monitoring of crop canopy size, height, biomass reduction, lodging, and stunted growth over time by incorporating advanced image processing techniques and integrating metrics for quantitative assessment of fields. Additionally, machine learning models were employed to determine relationships between the canopy sizes, crop height, and normalized difference vegetation index, with Polynomial Regression recording an R-squared of 11% compared to other models. This work contributes to the scientific community by demonstrating the potential of integrating UAV technology, computational geometry, and machine learning for accurate and efficient crop monitoring at the individual plant level. Full article

The most widely used synthetic glucocorticoid, dexamethasone (DEX), causes stunted growth in children when used excessively or for long periods of time; however, there are still plenty of pediatric patients require long-term treatment with DEX. As an alternative, growth hormone is used in combination, but it has side effects, a high cost, and psychological factors, and it is not satisfactory in terms of effectiveness. It is necessary to develop a safe and affordable treatment that can replace it. The Korean Food and Drug Administration approved HT042, a standardized functional food ingredient, with the claim that it can help height growth of children. In this study, it was found that HT042 activated the Indian hedgehog/parathyroid hormone-related protein signaling pathway and enhanced the number of growth hormone receptors and insulin-like growth factor-1 receptors on the growth plate surface, which were reduced by DEX treatment, and restored growth retardation. In metatarsal bone and primary chondrocyte models, it was found that HT042 can promote the length of growth plate and recover DEX-induced growth retardation. It was also found that HT042 promotes cell proliferation using bromodeoxyuridine and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assays; moreover, we verified increased expression of GHR/IGF-1R and Ihh/PTHrP pathway activity using qRT-PCR, western blotting, and siRNA analyses to verify its direct action on the growth plate. The anti-apoptotic effect of HT042 was identified by regulating the expression of apoptotic factors such as caspase-3, Bcl2, Bclx, and Bax. These results were identified using both ex vivo and in vitro models. Our study verified that co-administration of HT042 could recover the DEX induced growth retardation Full article

Background: There is an abundance of studies explaining the separate impact of female employment and household wealth status in reducing malnutrition. However, our study has unraveled the combined impact of maternal employment and household wealth on undernutrition among children under three in Pakistan. Methods: Using a sample of 1093 children under three years of age from the Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey 2017–2018, a binary logistic model was employed to gauge factors influencing the children’s undernutrition. Results: Our results indicated that children up to a certain age (three years old) with residence in certain regions (Pakistan) and recent episodes of diarrhea had an increased risk of undernutrition. Conversely, secondary and higher maternal education, access to improved water sources, and sanitation facilities lowered the chances of undernutrition in children under three in Pakistan. The interaction between maternal employment and household wealth showed that maternal employment significantly lowered the risk of stunting, being underweight, and wasting among the average, rich, and richest households; however, it did not contribute to child nutrition among the poorer and poor households. Notably, regardless of whether the mother was employed, the wealth status of being rich and richest reduced the risk of stunting, being underweight, and wasting. Conclusions: In overcoming undernutrition, maternal employment significantly contributed to middle-income households. However, in the richer and richest households, the wealth status played a more crucial role compared to the maternal employment. This indicates that while employment plays a supportive role in household resources, the wealth status is overall more influential in reducing undernutrition. Full article

Degradation of shoots, characterized by stunted growth and signs of water deficit, is common in bamboo stands. However, the specific mechanisms underlying water utilization in degrading shoots remain unclear. This study sought to address this gap by harvesting bamboo shoots and culms of Phyllostachys edulis ‘Pachyloen’, employing cytological and physiological techniques to compare water utilization mechanisms between healthy and degrading shoots, and investigating the water supply to bamboo shoots by the parent bamboo. The water pressure in the degrading shoots was markedly lower compared to that of the healthy shoots, and it declined as the degradation progressed, resulting in reduced water content and the cessation of guttation in the degrading shoots. In conditions of water deficit, the percentage of free water in bamboo shoots decreased while the percentages of bound and semi-bound water increased, with the proportion of semi-bound water reaching as high as 88.13% in the late stages of degradation. The water potential of parent bamboo culms of different ages varied at different times of the day and during different growth stages of bamboo shoots, showing a strong association with the development of bamboo shoots. Conversely, the correlation between changes in the water potential of bamboo shoots and their degradation patterns was found to be comparatively minimal. The weakening of the connection between the bamboo shoots and the parent bamboo culms may play a significant role in the degradation of the bamboo shoots. This is evidenced by a decrease in the fluorescence intensity of the nucleus in bamboo shoots and the degradation of genetic material. This study lays the foundation for future research into the mechanisms of bamboo shoot degradation. Full article

Introduction: The shift to processed foods in American diets has increased vitamin and mineral deficiencies among adolescents, impacting growth and health, often manifesting as oral lesions. This review study aimed to explore the link between nutritional deficiencies and adolescent oral health to improve guidance and prevent long-term issues. Methods: A systematic review of literature from 2013 to 2023 was conducted on adolescents aged 10–19 years, using PRISMA guidelines. Searches in PubMed, Web of Science, Dentistry & Oral Sciences Source—Ebscohost, and Scopus included peer-reviewed articles, excluding reviews and non-empirical studies. Data were screened and extracted with independent reviews for accuracy. Results: Malnutrition strongly correlates with poor oral health. Undernourished children have a 60% increase in dental caries, exacerbated by high sugar intake. Early malnutrition delays dental eruption, temporarily protecting against caries, while stunting and infections cause enamel defects. Chronic conditions like cerebral palsy and celiac disease worsen oral health, with risks persisting into adulthood. Conclusions: Nutritional deficiencies and oral health are interconnected, requiring integrated healthcare. Early interventions and holistic strategies can improve outcomes and reduce long-term burdens. Comprehensive health education and routine dental evaluations are essential for prevention and treatment, enhancing health across all demographics. Full article