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Prescott SL, D’Adamo CR, Holton KF, Ortiz S, Overby N, Logan AC. Beyond Plants: The Ultra-Processing of Global Diets Is Harming the Health of People, Places, and Planet. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6461. [PMID: 37569002 PMCID: PMC10419141 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20156461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Global food systems are a central issue for personal and planetary health in the Anthropocene. One aspect of major concern is the dramatic global spread of ultra-processed convenience foods in the last 75 years, which is linked with the rising human burden of disease and growing sustainability and environmental health challenges. However, there are also calls to radically transform global food systems, from animal to plant-derived protein sources, which may have unintended consequences. Commercial entities have moved toward this "great plant transition" with vigor. Whether motivated by profit or genuine environmental concern, this effort has facilitated the emergence of novel ultra-processed "plant-based" commercial products devoid of nutrients and fiber, and sometimes inclusive of high sugar, industrial fats, and synthetic additives. These and other ingredients combined into "plant-based" foods are often assumed to be healthy and lower in calorie content. However, the available evidence indicates that many of these products can potentially compromise health at all scales-of people, places, and planet. In this viewpoint, we summarize and reflect on the evidence and discussions presented at the Nova Network planetary health meeting on the "Future of Food", which had a particular focus on the encroachment of ultra-processed foods into the global food supply, including the plant-sourced animal protein alternatives (and the collective of ingredients therein) that are finding their way into global fast-food chains. We contend that while there has been much uncritical media attention given to the environmental impact of protein and macronutrient sources-meat vs. novel soy/pea protein burgers, etc.-the impact of the heavy industrial processing on both human and environmental health is significant but often overlooked, including effects on cognition and mental health. This calls for a more nuanced discourse that considers these complexities and refocuses priorities and value systems towards mutualistic solutions, with co-benefits for individuals, local communities, and global ecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan L. Prescott
- Nova Institute for Health, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; (C.R.D.); (A.C.L.)
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Medical School, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
- The ORIGINS Project, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Christopher R. D’Adamo
- Nova Institute for Health, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; (C.R.D.); (A.C.L.)
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Kathleen F. Holton
- Departments of Health Studies and Neuroscience, Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, American University, Washington, DC 20016, USA;
| | - Selena Ortiz
- Department of Health Policy and Administration, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA 16802, USA;
| | - Nina Overby
- Department of Nutrition and Public Health, Centre for Lifecourse Nutrition, University of Agder, 4630 Kristiansand, Norway;
| | - Alan C. Logan
- Nova Institute for Health, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; (C.R.D.); (A.C.L.)
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2
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D’Vaz N, Kidd C, Miller S, Amin M, Davis JA, Talati Z, Silva DT, Prescott SL. The ORIGINS Project Biobank: A Collaborative Bio Resource for Investigating the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6297. [PMID: 37444144 PMCID: PMC10341236 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20136297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Early onset Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), including obesity, allergies, and mental ill-health in childhood, present a serious and increasing threat to lifelong health and longevity. The ORGINS Project (ORIGINS) addresses the urgent need for multidisciplinary efforts to understand the detrimental multisystem impacts of modern environments using well-curated large-scale longitudinal biological sample collections. ORGINS is a prospective community birth cohort aiming to enrol 10,000 pregnant people and follow each family until the children reach 5 years of age. A key objective is to generate a comprehensive biorepository on a sub-group of 4000 families invited to contribute blood, saliva, buccal cells, urine, stool, hair, house dust, cord blood, placenta, amniotic fluid, meconium, breastmilk, and colostrum over eight timepoints spanning the antenatal period and early childhood. Uniquely, ORIGINS includes a series of nested sub-projects, including interventions and clinical trials addressing different aspects of health. While this adds complexity as the project expands, it provides the opportunity for comparative studies. This research design promotes a multidisciplinary, multisystem approach to biological sample collection, analysis, and data sharing to ensure more integrated perspectives and solutions. This paper details the evolving protocol of our collaborative biobanking concept. Further, we outline our future visions for local, national, and ultimately international, comparative, and collaborative opportunities to advance our understanding of early onset NCDs and the opportunities to improve health outcomes for future generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina D’Vaz
- Telethon Kids Institute, North Entrance Perth Children’s Hospital, 15 Hospital Ave, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia; (C.K.); (S.M.); (M.A.); (J.A.D.); (Z.T.); (D.T.S.); (S.L.P.)
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA 6027, Australia
| | - Courtney Kidd
- Telethon Kids Institute, North Entrance Perth Children’s Hospital, 15 Hospital Ave, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia; (C.K.); (S.M.); (M.A.); (J.A.D.); (Z.T.); (D.T.S.); (S.L.P.)
| | - Sarah Miller
- Telethon Kids Institute, North Entrance Perth Children’s Hospital, 15 Hospital Ave, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia; (C.K.); (S.M.); (M.A.); (J.A.D.); (Z.T.); (D.T.S.); (S.L.P.)
| | - Minda Amin
- Telethon Kids Institute, North Entrance Perth Children’s Hospital, 15 Hospital Ave, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia; (C.K.); (S.M.); (M.A.); (J.A.D.); (Z.T.); (D.T.S.); (S.L.P.)
| | - Jacqueline A. Davis
- Telethon Kids Institute, North Entrance Perth Children’s Hospital, 15 Hospital Ave, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia; (C.K.); (S.M.); (M.A.); (J.A.D.); (Z.T.); (D.T.S.); (S.L.P.)
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA 6027, Australia
- School of Population Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Zenobia Talati
- Telethon Kids Institute, North Entrance Perth Children’s Hospital, 15 Hospital Ave, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia; (C.K.); (S.M.); (M.A.); (J.A.D.); (Z.T.); (D.T.S.); (S.L.P.)
| | - Desiree T. Silva
- Telethon Kids Institute, North Entrance Perth Children’s Hospital, 15 Hospital Ave, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia; (C.K.); (S.M.); (M.A.); (J.A.D.); (Z.T.); (D.T.S.); (S.L.P.)
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA 6027, Australia
- School of Population Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics and Neonatology, Joondalup Health Campus, Perth, WA 6027, Australia
- Medical School, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Susan L. Prescott
- Telethon Kids Institute, North Entrance Perth Children’s Hospital, 15 Hospital Ave, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia; (C.K.); (S.M.); (M.A.); (J.A.D.); (Z.T.); (D.T.S.); (S.L.P.)
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA 6027, Australia
- Medical School, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
- Scholars Program, Nova Institute for Health, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
- Department of Immunology, Perth Children’s Hospital, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
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3
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Divella R, Marino G, Infusino S, Lanotte L, Gadaleta-Caldarola G, Gadaleta-Caldarola G. The Mediterranean Lifestyle to Contrast Low-Grade Inflammation Behavior in Cancer. Nutrients 2023; 15:1667. [PMID: 37049508 PMCID: PMC10096668 DOI: 10.3390/nu15071667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023] Open
Abstract
A healthy diet and an active lifestyle are both effective ways to prevent, manage, and treat many diseases, including cancer. A healthy, well-balanced diet not only ensures that the body gets the right amount of nutrients to meet its needs, but it also lets the body get substances that protect against and/or prevent certain diseases. It is now clear that obesity is linked to long-term diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. The main reasons for people being overweight or obese are having bad eating habits and not moving around enough. Maintaining weight in the normal range may be one of the best things to avoid cancer. It has been scientifically proven that those who perform regular physical activity are less likely to develop cancer than those who lead a sedentary lifestyle. Moving regularly not only helps to maintain a normal body weight, avoiding the effects that favor tumor growth in overweight subjects, but also makes the immune system more resistant by counteracting the growth of tumor cells. Physical activity also helps prevent cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. In this review, it is highlighted that the association between the Mediterranean diet and physical activity triggers biological mechanisms capable of counteracting the low-grade chronic inflammation found in patients with cancer. This assumes that healthy lifestyles associated with cancer therapies can improve the expectations and quality of life of cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Divella
- Unità Operativa Complessa di Oncologia, Ospedale “Mons. A. R. Dimiccoli”, Asl BT, Viale Ippocrate 15, 76121 Barletta, Italy
| | - Graziella Marino
- Department of Breast Unit—Centro d Riferimento Oncologico della Basilicata, IRCCS-CROB, Via Padre Pio 1, 85028 Rionero in Vulture, Italy
| | - Stefania Infusino
- Unità Operativa Complessa di Oncologia, Ospedale “SS Annunziata”, Via Felice Migliori 1, 87100 Cosenza, Italy
| | - Laura Lanotte
- Unità Operativa Complessa di Oncologia, Ospedale “Mons. A. R. Dimiccoli”, Asl BT, Viale Ippocrate 15, 76121 Barletta, Italy
| | - Gaia Gadaleta-Caldarola
- Scienze e Tecnologie Alimentari, Università di Parma, Via Delle Scienze 59/A, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Gennaro Gadaleta-Caldarola
- Unità Operativa Complessa di Oncologia, Ospedale “Mons. A. R. Dimiccoli”, Asl BT, Viale Ippocrate 15, 76121 Barletta, Italy
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Prescott SL, Logan AC, Bristow J, Rozzi R, Moodie R, Redvers N, Haahtela T, Warber S, Poland B, Hancock T, Berman B. Exiting the Anthropocene: Achieving personal and planetary health in the 21st century. Allergy 2022; 77:3498-3512. [PMID: 35748742 PMCID: PMC10083953 DOI: 10.1111/all.15419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Planetary health provides a perspective of ecological interdependence that connects the health and vitality of individuals, communities, and Earth's natural systems. It includes the social, political, and economic ecosystems that influence both individuals and whole societies. In an era of interconnected grand challenges threatening health of all systems at all scales, planetary health provides a framework for cross-sectoral collaboration and unified systems approaches to solutions. The field of allergy is at the forefront of these efforts. Allergic conditions are a sentinel measure of environmental impact on human health in early life-illuminating how ecological changes affect immune development and predispose to a wider range of inflammatory noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). This shows how adverse macroscale ecology in the Anthropocene penetrates to the molecular level of personal and microscale ecology, including the microbial systems at the foundations of all ecosystems. It provides the basis for more integrated efforts to address widespread environmental degradation and adverse effects of maladaptive urbanization, food systems, lifestyle behaviors, and socioeconomic disadvantage. Nature-based solutions and efforts to improve nature-relatedness are crucial for restoring symbiosis, balance, and mutualism in every sense, recognizing that both personal lifestyle choices and collective structural actions are needed in tandem. Ultimately, meaningful ecological approaches will depend on placing greater emphasis on psychological and cultural dimensions such as mindfulness, values, and moral wisdom to ensure a sustainable and resilient future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan L Prescott
- Medical School, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,Nova Institute for Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,ORIGINS Project, Telethon Kids Institute at Perth Children's Hospital, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Alan C Logan
- Nova Institute for Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Ricardo Rozzi
- Cape Horn International Center (CHIC), University of Magallanes, Puerto Williams, Chile.,Philosophy and Religion, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas, USA
| | - Rob Moodie
- School of Population and Global Health (MSPGH), University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | - Nicole Redvers
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, North Dakota, USA
| | - Tari Haahtela
- Skin and Allergy Hospital, Helsinki University Hospital, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sara Warber
- Nova Institute for Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Department of Family Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Blake Poland
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Trevor Hancock
- School of Public Health and Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Brian Berman
- Nova Institute for Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Department of Family and Community Medicine, Center for Integrative Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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5
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Chong-Neto HJ, D'amato G, Rosário Filho NA. Impact of the environment on the microbiome. J Pediatr (Rio J) 2022; 98 Suppl 1:S32-S37. [PMID: 34742719 PMCID: PMC9510925 DOI: 10.1016/j.jped.2021.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This review aimed to verify indoor and outdoor pollution, host and environmental microbiome, and the impact on the health of the pediatric population. SOURCES A review of the literature, non-systematic, with the search for articles since 2001 in PubMed with the terms "pollution" AND "microbiome" AND "children's health" AND "COVID-19". SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS Prevention of allergic diseases includes the following aspects: avoid cesarean delivery, the unnecessary overuse of antibiotics, air pollution, smoking in pregnancy and second-hand tobacco smoke, stimulate breastfeeding, soil connection, consume fresh fruits and vegetables, exercise and outdoor activities and animal contact. The children's microbiota richness and diversity decrease the risk of immune disbalance and allergic disease development. CONCLUSIONS Lifestyle and exposure to pollutants, both biological and non-biological, modify the host and the environment microbiome provoking an immune disbalance with inflammatory consequences and development of allergic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gennaro D'amato
- Federico II University, School of Specialization in Respiratory Diseases, High Specialty Hospital A. Cardarelli, Division of Respiratory and Allergic Diseases, Naples, NA, Italy
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6
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Hagemann E, Silva DT, Davis JA, Gibson LY, Prescott SL. Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD): The importance of life-course and transgenerational approaches. Paediatr Respir Rev 2021; 40:3-9. [PMID: 34148804 DOI: 10.1016/j.prrv.2021.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
With well-established evidence that early life conditions have a profound influence on lifespan and health-span, new interventional birth cohorts are examining ways to optimise health potential of individuals and communities. These are aimed at going beyond preventing disease, to the conditions that facilitate flourishing from an early age. Covering diverse domains, local community projects, such as The ORIGINS Project, are taking a broader approach to the protective and buffering factors that enhance resilience and reduce allostatic load, such as building nature relatedness, interpersonal relationships, mindfulness, and positive emotions. Such cohorts aim to address how 'upstream' approaches will have flow on effects to the 'historical' risk targets (such as poor nutrition, physical inactivity, and stress) by influencing these core behaviours through better relationships with self, community, and the environment. In addition to scientific pursuit, interventional cohorts can contribute to solutions ineverycommunity - nourishing individuals and communities towards positive change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Hagemann
- Telethon Kids Institute, Northern Entrance, Perth Children's Hospital, 15 Hospital Avenue, Nedlands WA 6009, PO Box 855, West Perth, WA 6872, Australia; Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Dr, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia.
| | - Desiree T Silva
- Telethon Kids Institute, Northern Entrance, Perth Children's Hospital, 15 Hospital Avenue, Nedlands WA 6009, PO Box 855, West Perth, WA 6872, Australia; The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia; Joondalup Health Campus, Suite 210 Specialist Centre, 60 Shenton Avenue, Joondalup WA 6027, Australia; Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Dr, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia
| | - Jacqueline A Davis
- Telethon Kids Institute, Northern Entrance, Perth Children's Hospital, 15 Hospital Avenue, Nedlands WA 6009, PO Box 855, West Perth, WA 6872, Australia; The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Lisa Y Gibson
- Telethon Kids Institute, Northern Entrance, Perth Children's Hospital, 15 Hospital Avenue, Nedlands WA 6009, PO Box 855, West Perth, WA 6872, Australia; The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia; Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Dr, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia
| | - Susan L Prescott
- Telethon Kids Institute, Northern Entrance, Perth Children's Hospital, 15 Hospital Avenue, Nedlands WA 6009, PO Box 855, West Perth, WA 6872, Australia; The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia; Joondalup Health Campus, Suite 210 Specialist Centre, 60 Shenton Avenue, Joondalup WA 6027, Australia; Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Dr, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia; inVIVO Planetary Health of the Worldwide Universities Network (WUN), West New York, NJ, United States
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Jayasena Kaluarachchi TD, Campbell PM, Wickremasinghe R, Ranasinghe S, Wickremasinghe R, Yasawardene S, De Silva H, Menike C, Jayarathne MCK, Jayathilake S, Dilhari A, McBain AJ, Weerasekera MM. Distinct microbiome profiles and biofilms in Leishmania donovani-driven cutaneous leishmaniasis wounds. Sci Rep 2021; 11:23181. [PMID: 34848752 PMCID: PMC8633208 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-02388-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The endemic strain of Leishmania donovani in Sri Lanka causes cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) rather than more common visceral form. We have visualized biofilms and profiled the microbiome of lesions and unaffected skin in thirty-nine CL patients. Twenty-four lesions (61.5%) were biofilm-positive according to fluorescence in situ hybridization. Biopsies of biofilm-positive lesions were dominated by Pseudomonas, class Bacilli and Enterobacteriaceae and distinguished by significantly lower community evenness. Higher relative abundance of a class Bacilli OTU was detected in wound swabs versus contralateral skin. Wound swabs and biopsies had significantly distinct microbiome profiles and lower diversity compared to unaffected skin. Greater abundances of potentially pathogenic organisms were observed in wet ulcers, lesions with high parasite loads and large wounds. In summary, more than half of L. donovani associated CL wounds harboured biofilms and the wounds exhibited a distinct, less diverse, microbiome than unaffected skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- T D Jayasena Kaluarachchi
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Gangodawila, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka.
| | - Paul M Campbell
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Rajitha Wickremasinghe
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Kelaniya, Sri Lanka
| | - Shalindra Ranasinghe
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Gangodawila, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
| | - Renu Wickremasinghe
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Gangodawila, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
| | - Surangi Yasawardene
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Gangodawila, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
| | | | - Chandrani Menike
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Gangodawila, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
| | - M C K Jayarathne
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Gangodawila, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
| | - Subodha Jayathilake
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Gangodawila, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
| | - Ayomi Dilhari
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Gangodawila, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
| | - Andrew J McBain
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Manjula M Weerasekera
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Gangodawila, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
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Christiana RW, Besenyi GM, Gustat J, Horton TH, Penbrooke TL, Schultz CL. A Scoping Review of the Health Benefits of Nature-Based Physical Activity. JOURNAL OF HEALTHY EATING AND ACTIVE LIVING 2021; 1:154-172. [PMID: 37799195 PMCID: PMC10550037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
The health benefits of physical activity and spending time in nature are well established. However, youths and adults in the United States are not participating in sufficient levels of physical activity and are not spending much time outdoors. Recently, the need for equitable access to nature for all populations has been receiving more public health attention, though a specific focus on nature-based physical activity has been limited. The purpose of this scoping review is to operationalize the health benefits of nature-based physical activity in order to provide guidance for collaborations to program administrators, advocates, and researchers. Peer-reviewed literature is found in PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, and Google Scholar as well as in published reviews of the literature. The literature is divided into three categories of: 1) amount and location of nature-based components and physical activity; 2) added health benefits of exposure to nature-based components and physical activity; and 3) nature-based components and physical activity effect on non-white, marginalized, and vulnerable populations. This review supports and encourages multiple strategies to increase nature-based physical activity as this provides even greater benefit to health and wellness than exposure to nature or physical activity alone. Although many of the physical and mental health benefits of nature and physical activity are well established, additional research is needed to better understand the relationship between exposure to nature and nature-based physical activity, which will require greater investment and support from funding agencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard W Christiana
- Appalachian State University, Beaver College of Health Sciences, United States
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Physical Activity Policy Research and Evaluation Network, Parks and Green Space Work Group, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Gina M Besenyi
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Physical Activity Policy Research and Evaluation Network, Parks and Green Space Work Group, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Kansas State University, College of Health and Human Sciences, United States
| | - Jeanette Gustat
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Physical Activity Policy Research and Evaluation Network, Parks and Green Space Work Group, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Tulane University, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, United States
| | - Teresa H Horton
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Physical Activity Policy Research and Evaluation Network, Parks and Green Space Work Group, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Northwestern University, Department of Anthropology, United States
| | - Teresa L Penbrooke
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Physical Activity Policy Research and Evaluation Network, Parks and Green Space Work Group, Atlanta, GA, United States
- GP RED, Healthy Communities Research Group, Louisville, CO, United States
| | - Courtney L Schultz
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Physical Activity Policy Research and Evaluation Network, Parks and Green Space Work Group, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Health & Technology Partners, LLC, Milwaukee, WI, United States
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9
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Prescott SL. A world of inflammation: the need for ecological solutions that co-benefit people, place and planet. Vet Dermatol 2021; 32:539-e149. [PMID: 34415086 DOI: 10.1111/vde.13013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The ecology of the early environment - including microbial diversity, nutrition, nature, social interactions and the totality of exposures in the wider "exposome" - have life-long implications for all aspects of health and resilience. In particular, the emergence of "microbiome science" provides new evidence for vital relationships between biodiversity and health at every level. New perspectives of ecological interdependence connect personal and planetary health; the human health crisis cannot be separated from the social, political and economic "ecosystems" otherwise driving dysbiosis (from its etymological root, "life in distress") at every level. Adverse changes in macroscale ecology - of food systems, lifestyle behaviours, socioeconomic disadvantage and environmental degradation - all impact the microbial systems sitting at the foundations of all ecosystems. In particular, changes in the function and composition of the human-associated microbiome have been implicated in the mounting global burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), exacerbating inflammation and metabolic dysregulation through multiple pathways across the lifespan. This "dysbiotic drift" (adverse shifts in ecology at all scales) underscores the need for ecological approaches aimed at restoring symbiosis, balance and mutualism. While there is promise with supplement-based strategies (e.g. probiotics, prebiotics), it is essential to focus on upstream factors implicated in dysbiosis, including the health of wider environments, lifestyle, nature relatedness, and the social policies and practices which can facilitate or inhibit dysbiotic drift. This also calls for ambitious integrative approaches which not only define these interconnections, but also capitalize on them to create novel, collaborative and mutualistic solutions to our vast interdependent global challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan L Prescott
- The ORIGINS Project, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth Children's Hospital, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, 6009, Australia.,InVIVO Planetary Health of the Worldwide Universities Network (WUN), West New York, NJ, 10704, USA.,The NOVA Institute, 1407 Fleet Street, Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA.,Center for Integrative Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
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10
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Prescott SL. A butterfly flaps its wings: Extinction of biological experience and the origins of allergy. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2020; 125:528-534. [PMID: 32474160 PMCID: PMC7256009 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2020.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2020] [Revised: 05/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore links between biodiversity on all scales and allergic disease as a measure of immune dysregulation. DATA SOURCES PubMed and Web of Science were searched using the keywords biodiversity, nature relatedness, allergic disease, microbiome, noncommunicable diseases, coronavirus disease 2019, and associated terms. STUDY SELECTIONS Studies were selected based on relevance to human health and biodiversity. RESULTS Contact with natural environments enriches the human microbiome, promotes regulated immune responses, and protects against allergy and both acute and chronic inflammatory disorders. These important links to ecopsychological constructs of the extinction of experience, which indicates that loss of direct, personal contact with biodiversity (wildlife and the more visible elements of the natural world), might lead to emotional apathy and irresponsible behaviors toward the environment. CONCLUSION The immune system is a useful early barometer of environmental effects and, by means of the microbiome, is a measure of the way in which our current experiences differ from our ancestral past. Although we would benefit from further research, efforts to increase direct, personal contact with biodiversity have clear benefits for multiple aspects of physical and mental health, the skin and gut microbiome, immune function, food choices, sleep, and physical activity and promote environmental responsibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan L Prescott
- The ORIGINS Project, Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth Children's Hospital, Nedlands, Australia; inVIVO Planetary Health of the Worldwide Universities Network, West New York, New Jersey.
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11
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Silva DT, Hagemann E, Davis JA, Gibson LY, Srinivasjois R, Palmer DJ, Colvin L, Tan J, Prescott SL. Introducing the ORIGINS project: a community-based interventional birth cohort. REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2020; 35:281-293. [PMID: 32853171 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2020-0057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Objectives Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) pose the greatest threat to human health globally. The dramatic rise in early onset NCDs - such as childhood obesity, the allergy epidemic and an increasing burden of mental ill health in children and youth - reflect the profound early impact of modern environments on developing systems. The ORIGINS Project is a research platform enabling world class investigation of early antecedent pathways to NCDs, and how to curtail these. As well as facilitating strategic long-term research capacity, ORIGINS is a pipeline for short-term productivity through a series of clinical trials, early interventions, mechanistic studies, and targeted research questions to improve maternal and paternal health and the early environment. Methods ORIGINS is a decade-long collaborative initiative between the Joondalup Health Campus (JHC) and the Telethon Kids Institute (TKI) to establish a Western Australian (WA) birth cohort of 10,000 families, enrolled during pregnancy. It is currently funded to follow up participating children and their families to five years of age. Comprehensive data and biological samples are collected from participants at up to 15 different timepoints, from the first antenatal clinic visit. In the process, ORIGINS is creating a major research platform, consisting of an extensive, world class biobank and databank. Of key strength and novelty, ORIGINS includes a series of harmonised nested sub-projects integrated with clinical and diagnostic services and providing real-time feedback to improve the health of individuals and the community. Conclusions At its core, ORIGINS aims to improve the health and quality of life of the next generation through improved pathways to optimise the early environment and reduce adversity by promoting primary prevention, early detection and early intervention. This dynamic, interactive, community-based project not only provides novel research capacity, productivity, collaboration and translational impact on future generations - it is also anticipated to have flow on benefits for community engagement, cohesion and purpose. This will provide a sentinel example for tailored replication in other communities around the world as part of interconnected grass root strategies to improve planetary health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desiree T Silva
- Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, WA, Australia
- The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- Joondalup Health Campus, Perth, WA, Australia
- Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA, Australia
- Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Erika Hagemann
- Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, WA, Australia
- Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Jacqueline A Davis
- Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, WA, Australia
- The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Lisa Y Gibson
- Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, WA, Australia
- The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Ravisha Srinivasjois
- Joondalup Health Campus, Perth, WA, Australia
- Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA, Australia
- Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Debra J Palmer
- Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, WA, Australia
- The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Lyn Colvin
- Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, WA, Australia
- The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Jamie Tan
- Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, WA, Australia
- Joondalup Health Campus, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Susan L Prescott
- Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, WA, Australia
- The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- Joondalup Health Campus, Perth, WA, Australia
- Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA, Australia
- in VIVO Planetary Health , Worldwide Universities Network (WUN), West New York, NJ, USA
- Perth Children's Hospital, Nedlands, WA, Australia
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12
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Moskovicz V, Gross A, Mizrahi B. Extrinsic Factors Shaping the Skin Microbiome. Microorganisms 2020; 8:E1023. [PMID: 32664353 PMCID: PMC7409027 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8071023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human skin, our most environmentally exposed organ, is colonized by a vast array of microorganisms constituting its microbiome. These bacterial communities are crucial for the fulfillment of human physiological functions such as immune system modulation and epidermal development and differentiation. The structure of the human skin microbiome is established during the early life stages, starting even before birth, and continues to be modulated throughout the entire life cycle, by multiple host-related and environmental factors. This review focuses on extrinsic factors, ranging from cosmetics to the environment and antibacterial agents, as forces that impact the human skin microbiome and well-being. Assessing the impact of these factors on the skin microbiome will help elucidate the forces that shape the microbial populations we coexist with. Furthermore, we will gain additional insight into their tendency to stimulate a healthy environment or to increase the propensity for skin disorder development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Boaz Mizrahi
- Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Engineering, Technion, Haifa 3200003, Israel; (V.M.); (A.G.)
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13
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DOHaD in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review exploring gaps in DOHaD population studies. J Dev Orig Health Dis 2020; 11:557-563. [PMID: 32314679 DOI: 10.1017/s2040174420000276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are disproportionately affected by non-communicable diseases (NCDs), accounting for more than 80% of NCD-related deaths globally. Research into early-life influences on these diseases via the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) paradigm has informed health promotion interventions and policies focused on optimising early-life health. However, little is known about where this research occurs and whether it reaches and reflects the countries most affected by NCDs. This review searched for DOHaD studies that investigated relationships between factors during pregnancy and at birth, with later-life NCD incidence, risk and related mortality. The aim of this review was to identify where DOHaD research has been conducted and whether this focus is appropriate and relevant, given the differential burden of NCDs. Embase, MEDLINE and Scopus were searched, and eligibility screening processes identified 136 final articles. This review found that 49.7% of DOHaD research was conducted on populations within Western Europe, 15.9% in East Asia, 12.7% in North America, 8.3% in Latin America and the Caribbean, and fewer in Australasia, South Asia, the Middle East, the Africas, and Central Asia. When categorised by income, this review found that 76.4% of studies were based in high-income countries, 19.1% in upper-middle-income and 4.5% in lower-middle-income countries. No studies were based in low-income countries. There is therefore a marked disconnect between where DOHaD research is undertaken and where the greatest NCD disease burden exists. Increasing DOHaD research capacity in LMICs is crucial to informing local strategies that can contribute to reducing the incidence of NCDs.
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14
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Shaikh MF, Lee CY, Chen WN, Shaikh FA. The Gut-Brain-Axis on the Manifestation of Depressive Symptoms in Epilepsy: An Evidence-Driven Hypothesis. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:465. [PMID: 32322213 PMCID: PMC7156621 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a severe neurological disorder involving 70 million people around the globe. Epilepsy-related neuropsychiatric comorbidities such as depression, which is the most common, is an additional factor that negatively impacts the living quality of epilepsy patients. There are many theories and complexities associated with both epilepsy and associated comorbidities, one of which is the gut-brain-axis influence. The gut microbiome is hypothesized to be linked with many neurological disorders; however, little conclusive evidence is available in this area. Thus, highlighting the role will create interest in researchers to conduct detailed research in comprehending the influence of gut-brain-axis in the manifestation of depressive symptoms in epilepsy. The hypothesis which is explored in this review is that the gut-brain-axis do play an important role in the genesis of epilepsy and associated depression. The correction of this dysbiosis might be beneficial in treating both epilepsy and related depression. This hypothesis is illustrated through extensive literature discussion, proposed experimental models, and its applicability in the field. There is indirect evidence which revealed some specific bacterial strains that might cause depression in epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Farooq Shaikh
- Neuropharmacology Research Strength, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia.,Global Asia in 21st Century (GA21) Multidisciplinary Platform, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia.,Tropical Medicine & Biology Multidisciplinary Platform (TMB), Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
| | - Chooi Yeng Lee
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
| | - Win Ning Chen
- Neuropharmacology Research Strength, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
| | - Faiz Ahmed Shaikh
- School of Pharmacy, Management and Science University, Shah Alam, Malaysia
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15
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Robinson JM, Jorgensen A. Rekindling old friendships in new landscapes: The environment–microbiome–health axis in the realms of landscape research. PEOPLE AND NATURE 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/pan3.10082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jake M. Robinson
- Department of Landscape University of Sheffield Sheffield UK
- inVIVO Planetary Health Worldwide Universities Network (WUN) West New York NJ USA
- Healthy Urban Microbiome Initiative (HUMI) Adelaide SA Australia
| | - Anna Jorgensen
- Department of Landscape University of Sheffield Sheffield UK
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16
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Stefanovic N, Flohr C, Irvine AD. The exposome in atopic dermatitis. Allergy 2020; 75:63-74. [PMID: 31194890 PMCID: PMC7003958 DOI: 10.1111/all.13946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Revised: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a complex inflammatory disorder with multiple interactions between genetic, immune and external factors. The sum of external factors that an individual is exposed to throughout their lifetime is termed the exposome. The exposome spans multiple domains from population to molecular levels and, in combination with genetic factors, holds the key to understanding the phenotypic diversity seen in AD patients. Exposomal domains are categorized into nonspecific (human and natural factors affecting populations), specific (eg humidity, ultraviolet radiation, diet, pollution, allergens, water hardness) and internal (cutaneous and gut microbiota and host cell interaction) exposures. The skin, as the organ that most directly interacts with and adapts to the external environment, is a prime target for exploration of exposomal influences on disease. Given the well-recognized physical environmental influences on AD, this condition could be much better understood through insightful exposomal research. In this narrative review, we examine each domain in turn, highlighting current understanding of the mechanisms by which exposomal influences modulate AD pathogenesis at distinct points in time. We highlight current approaches to exposome modification in AD and other allergic disease and propose future directions for exposome characterization and modification using novel research techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carsten Flohr
- Unit for Population‐Based Dermatology Research, St John's Institute of DermatologyGuy's & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and King's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Alan D. Irvine
- Department of Paediatric DermatologyOur Lady’s Children’s Hospital CrumlinDublinIreland
- National Children’s Research Centre, Crumlin and Clinical MedicineTrinity College DublinDublinIreland
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17
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Kettner H, Gandy S, Haijen ECHM, Carhart-Harris RL. From Egoism to Ecoism: Psychedelics Increase Nature Relatedness in a State-Mediated and Context-Dependent Manner. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:E5147. [PMID: 31888300 PMCID: PMC6949937 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16245147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Revised: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
(1) Background: There appears to be a growing disconnection between humans and their natural environments which has been linked to poor mental health and ecological destruction. Previous research suggests that individual levels of nature relatedness can be increased through the use of classical psychedelic compounds, although a causal link between psychedelic use and nature relatedness has not yet been established. (2) Methods: Using correlations and generalized linear mixed regression modelling, we investigated the association between psychedelic use and nature relatedness in a prospective online study. Individuals planning to use a psychedelic received questionnaires 1 week before (N = 654), plus one day, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 2 years after a psychedelic experience. (3) Results: The frequency of lifetime psychedelic use was positively correlated with nature relatedness at baseline. Nature relatedness was significantly increased 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 2 years after the psychedelic experience. This increase was positively correlated with concomitant increases in psychological well-being and was dependent on the extent of ego-dissolution and the perceived influence of natural surroundings during the acute psychedelic state. (4) Conclusions: The here presented evidence for a context- and state-dependent causal effect of psychedelic use on nature relatedness bears relevance for psychedelic treatment models in mental health and, in the face of the current ecological crisis, planetary health.
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18
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Sbihi H, Boutin RCT, Cutler C, Suen M, Finlay BB, Turvey SE. Thinking bigger: How early-life environmental exposures shape the gut microbiome and influence the development of asthma and allergic disease. Allergy 2019; 74:2103-2115. [PMID: 30964945 DOI: 10.1111/all.13812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Revised: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Imbalance, or dysbiosis, of the gut microbiome of infants has been linked to an increased risk of asthma and allergic diseases. Most studies to date have provided a wealth of data showing correlations between early-life risk factors for disease and changes in the structure of the gut microbiome that disrupt normal immunoregulation. These studies have typically focused on one specific risk factor, such as mode of delivery or early-life antibiotic use. Such "micro-level" exposures have a considerable impact on affected individuals but not necessarily the whole population. In this review, we place these mechanisms under a larger lens that takes into account the influence of upstream "macro-level" environmental factors such as air pollution and the built environment. While these exposures likely have a smaller impact on the microbiome at an individual level, their ubiquitous nature confers them with a large influence at the population level. We focus on features of the indoor and outdoor human-made environment, their microbiomes and the research challenges inherent in integrating the built environment microbiomes with the early-life gut microbiome. We argue that an exposome perspective integrating internal and external microbiomes with macro-level environmental factors can provide a more comprehensive framework to define how environmental exposures can shape the gut microbiome and influence the development of allergic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hind Sbihi
- Department of Pediatrics, British Columbia Children’s Hospital The University of British Columbia Vancouver British Columbia Canada
| | - Rozlyn CT. Boutin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Michael Smith Laboratories The University of British Columbia Vancouver British Columbia Canada
| | - Chelsea Cutler
- Department of Pediatrics, British Columbia Children’s Hospital The University of British Columbia Vancouver British Columbia Canada
| | - Mandy Suen
- Department of Pediatrics, British Columbia Children’s Hospital The University of British Columbia Vancouver British Columbia Canada
| | - B. Brett Finlay
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Michael Smith Laboratories The University of British Columbia Vancouver British Columbia Canada
| | - Stuart E. Turvey
- Department of Pediatrics, British Columbia Children’s Hospital The University of British Columbia Vancouver British Columbia Canada
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19
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Lowenhoff C, Davison-Fischer J, Pike N, Appleton JV. Using the TIDieR checklist to describe health visitor support for mothers with mental health problems: Analysis of a cross-sectional survey. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2019; 27:e824-e836. [PMID: 31293024 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.12790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Revised: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/12/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
At least half of the 20% of mothers who experience mental health problems (MHPs) during pregnancy or after birth are not receiving the help they need that will lead to recovery. In order to identify where improvements need to be made, it is necessary to describe exactly what is being done and the barriers and facilitators that compromise or enhance optimal care. The majority of mothers experience mild to moderate anxiety or depression. The expectation is that primary care professionals, such as health visitors (HVs), can provide the support they need that will lead to recovery. The aim of this study was to explore the views of HVs regarding the content and purpose of an intervention to support mothers with MHPs, described as 'listening visits' (LVs). A link to an online survey was offered to the members and champions of the Institute of Health Visiting (n = 9,474) March-May 2016. The survey was completed by 1,599 (17%) of the target population, of whom 85% were offering LVs. The Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) checklist was used to provide a framework to describe commonalities and variations in practice. There appeared to be a shared understanding of the rationale for LVs but a lack of agreement about what the intervention should be called, the techniques that should be used and the duration, frequency and expected outcomes of the intervention. Contextual factors such as staff shortages; conflicting priorities; the needs and circumstances of mothers; the capability and motivation of HVs; inadequate training and supervision; and the absence of clear guidance contributed to variations in perceptions and practice. There are many ways in which the HV contribution to the assessment and management of mothers with MHPs could be improved. The intervention delivered by HVs needs to be more clearly articulated. The contextual factors influencing competent and consistent practice also need to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Lowenhoff
- Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Institute of Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Research, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK
- European Academy of Nursing Studies, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Nick Pike
- Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK
| | - Jane V Appleton
- Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Institute of Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Research, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK
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20
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Logan AC, Prescott SL, Katz DL. Golden Age of Medicine 2.0: Lifestyle Medicine and Planetary Health Prioritized. J Lifestyle Med 2019; 9:75-91. [PMID: 31828026 PMCID: PMC6894443 DOI: 10.15280/jlm.2019.9.2.75] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The 'golden age of medicine' - the first half of the 20th century, reaching its zenith with Jonas Salk's 1955 polio vaccine - was a time of profound advances in surgical techniques, immunization, drug discovery, and the control of infectious disease; however, when the burden of disease shifted to lifestyle-driven, chronic, non-communicable diseases, the golden era slipped away. Although modifiable lifestyle practices now account for some 80% of premature mortality, medicine remains loathe to embrace lifestyle interventions as medicine Here, we argue that a 21st century golden age of medicine can be realized; the path to this era requires a transformation of medical school recruitment and training in ways that prioritize a broad view of lifestyle medicine. Moving beyond the basic principles of modifiable lifestyle practices as therapeutic interventions, each person/community should be viewed as a biological manifestation of accumulated experiences (and choices) made within the dynamic social, political, economic and cultural ecosystems that comprise their total life history. This requires an understanding that powerful forces operate within these ecosystems; marketing and neoliberal forces push an exclusive 'personal responsibility' view of health - blaming the individual, and deflecting from the large-scale influences that maintain health inequalities and threaten planetary health. The latter term denotes the interconnections between the sustainable vitality of person and place at all scales. We emphasize that barriers to planetary health and the clinical application of lifestyle medicine - including authoritarianism and social dominance orientation - are maintaining an unhealthy status quo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan C Logan
- in-VIVO Planetary Health, West New York, NJ, USA
| | - Susan L Prescott
- in-VIVO Planetary Health, West New York, NJ, USA.,School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - David L Katz
- Yale University, Prevention Research Center, Griffin Hospital, Derby, CT, USA
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21
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Prescott SL, Logan AC. Planetary Health: From the Wellspring of Holistic Medicine to Personal and Public Health Imperative. Explore (NY) 2019; 15:98-106. [DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2018.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Revised: 07/29/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Hagemann E, Colvin L, Gibson LY, Miller SJ, Palmer DJ, Srinivas Jois R, Silva DT, Prescott SL. The ORIGINS Project. CURRENT TOPICS IN ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND PREVENTIVE MEDICINE 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-2194-8_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael P Kelly
- Primary Care Unit, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Cambridge Institute of Public Health, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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24
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Logan AC, Prescott SL, Haahtela T, Katz DL. The importance of the exposome and allostatic load in the planetary health paradigm. J Physiol Anthropol 2018; 37:15. [PMID: 29866162 PMCID: PMC5987475 DOI: 10.1186/s40101-018-0176-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/25/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In 1980, Jonas Salk (1914-1995) encouraged professionals in anthropology and related disciplines to consider the interconnections between "planetary health," sociocultural changes associated with technological advances, and the biology of human health. The concept of planetary health emphasizes that human health is intricately connected to the health of natural systems within the Earth's biosphere; experts in physiological anthropology have illuminated some of the mechanisms by which experiences in natural environments (or the built environment) can promote or detract from health. For example, shinrin-yoku and related research (which first emerged from Japan in the 1990s) helped set in motion international studies that have since examined physiological responses to time spent in natural and/or urban environments. However, in order to advance such findings into planetary health discourse, it will be necessary to further understand how these biological responses (inflammation and the collective of allostatic load) are connected to psychological constructs such as nature relatedness, and pro-social/environmental attitudes and behaviors. The exposome refers to total environmental exposures-detrimental and beneficial-that can help predict biological responses of the organism to environment over time. Advances in "omics" techniques-metagenomics, proteomics, metabolomics-and systems biology are allowing researchers to gain unprecedented insight into the physiological ramifications of human behavior. Objective markers of stress physiology and microbiome research may help illuminate the personal, public, and planetary health consequences of "extinction of experience." At the same time, planetary health as an emerging multidisciplinary concept will be strengthened by input from the perspectives of physiological anthropology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan C. Logan
- In-VIVO Global Initiative, Research Group of the Worldwide Universities Network (WUN), 6010 Park Ave, Suite #4081, West New York, NJ 07093 USA
| | - Susan L. Prescott
- School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Princess Margaret Hospital, PO Box D184, Perth, WA 6001 Australia
| | - Tari Haahtela
- Skin and Allergy Hospital, Helsinki University Central Hospital, PO BOX 160, FI-00029 HUS Helsinki, Finland
| | - David L. Katz
- Prevention Research Center, Griffin Hospital, Yale University, 130 Division St, Derby, CT 06418 USA
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Dysbiotic drift and biopsychosocial medicine: how the microbiome links personal, public and planetary health. Biopsychosoc Med 2018; 12:7. [PMID: 29743938 PMCID: PMC5932796 DOI: 10.1186/s13030-018-0126-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The emerging concept of planetary health emphasizes that the health of human civilization is intricately connected to the health of natural systems within the Earth’s biosphere; here, we focus on the rapidly progressing microbiome science - the microbiota-mental health research in particular - as a way to illustrate the pathways by which exposure to biodiversity supports health. Microbiome science is illuminating the ways in which stress, socioeconomic disadvantage and social polices interact with lifestyle and behaviour to influence the micro and macro-level biodiversity that otherwise mediates health. Although the unfolding microbiome and mental health research is dominated by optimism in biomedical solutions (e.g. probiotics, prebiotics), we focus on the upstream psychosocial and ecological factors implicated in dysbiosis; we connect grand scale biodiversity in the external environment with differences in human-associated microbiota, and, by extension, differences in immune function and mental outlook. We argue that the success of planetary health as a new concept will be strengthened by a more sophisticated understanding of the ways in which individuals develop emotional connections to nature (nature relatedness) and the social policies and practices which facilitate or inhibit the pro-environmental values that otherwise support personal, public and planetary health.
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Pretorius R, Prescott SL, Palmer DJ. Taking a prebiotic approach to early immunomodulation for allergy prevention. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2017; 14:43-51. [DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2018.1411191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Susan L. Prescott
- School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia
- Origins Project, Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Subiaco, Australia
- The in-FLAME Global Network, Worldwide Universities Network (WUN), West New York, NJ, USA
| | - Debra J. Palmer
- School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia
- Origins Project, Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Subiaco, Australia
- The in-FLAME Global Network, Worldwide Universities Network (WUN), West New York, NJ, USA
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27
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Prescott SL, Logan AC. Each meal matters in the exposome: Biological and community considerations in fast-food-socioeconomic associations. ECONOMICS AND HUMAN BIOLOGY 2017; 27:328-335. [PMID: 29107462 DOI: 10.1016/j.ehb.2017.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2017] [Revised: 09/23/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Advances in omics and microbiome technology have transformed the ways in which the biological consequences of life in the 'ecological theatre' can be visualized. Exposome science examines the total accumulated environmental exposures (both detrimental and beneficial) as a means to understand the response of the 'total organism to the total environment' over time. The repetitive stimulation of compensatory physiological responses (immune, cardiovascular, neuroendocrine) in response to stress - including sources of stress highly relevant to socioeconomic disadvantage - may lead to metabolic dysregulation and cellular damage, ultimately influencing behavior and disease. The collective toll of physiological wear and tear, known as allostatic load, is not paid equally throughout developed societies. It is paid in excess by the disadvantaged. In the context of fast-food, human and experimental research demonstrates that the biological response to a single fast-food-style meal - especially as mediated by the microbiome- is a product of the person's total lived experience, including the ability to buffer the fast-food meal-induced promotion of inflammation and oxidative stress. Emerging research indicates that each meal and its nutritional context matters. As we discuss, equal weekly visits to major fast-food outlets by the affluent and deprived do not translate into biological equivalency. Hence, debate concerning reducing fast-food outlets through policy - especially in disadvantaged neighborhoods where they are prevalent - requires a biological context. The fast-food establishment and fast-food meal - as they represent matters of food justice and press upon non-communicable disease risk - are far more than physical structures and collections of carbohydrate, fat, sugar and sodium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan L Prescott
- School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, PO Box D184, Princess Margaret Hospital, Perth, WA, 6001, Australia; International Inflammation (in-FLAME) Network, Research Group of the Worldwide Universities Network (WUN), 6010 Park Ave, Suite #4081, West New York, NJ, 07093, United States.
| | - Alan C Logan
- International Inflammation (in-FLAME) Network, Research Group of the Worldwide Universities Network (WUN), 6010 Park Ave, Suite #4081, West New York, NJ, 07093, United States
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28
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West CE, Dzidic M, Prescott SL, Jenmalm MC. Bugging allergy; role of pre-, pro- and synbiotics in allergy prevention. Allergol Int 2017; 66:529-538. [PMID: 28865967 DOI: 10.1016/j.alit.2017.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2017] [Revised: 08/02/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Large-scale biodiversity loss and complex changes in social behaviors are altering human microbial ecology. This is increasingly implicated in the global rise in inflammatory diseases, most notably the "allergy epidemic" in very early life. Colonization of human ecological niches, particularly the gastrointestinal tract, is critical for normal local and systemic immune development and regulation. Disturbances in composition, diversity and timing of microbial colonization have been associated with increased allergy risk, indicating the importance of strategies to restore a dysbiotic gut microbiota in the primary prevention of allergic diseases, including the administration of probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics. Here, we summarize and discuss findings of randomized clinical trials that have examined the effects of these microbiome-related strategies on short and long-term allergy preventative effects - including new guidelines from the World Allergy Organization which now recommend probiotics and prebiotics for allergy prevention under certain conditions. The relatively low quality evidence, limited comparative studies and large heterogeneity between studies, have collectively hampered recommendations on specific probiotic strains, specific timing and specific conditions for the most effective preventive management. At the same time the risk of using available products is low. While further research is needed before specific practice guidelines on supplement probiotics and prebiotics, it is equally important that the underlying dietary and lifestyle factors of dysbiosis are addressed at both the individual and societal levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina E West
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Pediatrics, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden; inFLAME Global Network (Worldwide Universities Network), West New York, NJ, USA.
| | - Majda Dzidic
- inFLAME Global Network (Worldwide Universities Network), West New York, NJ, USA; Division of Neuro and Inflammation Sciences, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden; Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology, Spanish National Research Council (IATA-CSIC), Department of Biotechnology, Unit of Lactic Acid Bacteria and Probiotics, Valencia, Spain
| | - Susan L Prescott
- inFLAME Global Network (Worldwide Universities Network), West New York, NJ, USA; School of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Western Australia and Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, Perth, Australia
| | - Maria C Jenmalm
- inFLAME Global Network (Worldwide Universities Network), West New York, NJ, USA; Division of Neuro and Inflammation Sciences, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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29
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Prescott SL, Larcombe DL, Logan AC, West C, Burks W, Caraballo L, Levin M, Etten EV, Horwitz P, Kozyrskyj A, Campbell DE. The skin microbiome: impact of modern environments on skin ecology, barrier integrity, and systemic immune programming. World Allergy Organ J 2017; 10:29. [PMID: 28855974 PMCID: PMC5568566 DOI: 10.1186/s40413-017-0160-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Skin barrier structure and function is essential to human health. Hitherto unrecognized functions of epidermal keratinocytes show that the skin plays an important role in adapting whole-body physiology to changing environments, including the capacity to produce a wide variety of hormones, neurotransmitters and cytokine that can potentially influence whole-body states, and quite possibly, even emotions. Skin microbiota play an integral role in the maturation and homeostatic regulation of keratinocytes and host immune networks with systemic implications. As our primary interface with the external environment, the biodiversity of skin habitats is heavily influenced by the biodiversity of the ecosystems in which we reside. Thus, factors which alter the establishment and health of the skin microbiome have the potential to predispose to not only cutaneous disease, but also other inflammatory non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Indeed, disturbances of the stratum corneum have been noted in allergic diseases (eczema and food allergy), psoriasis, rosacea, acne vulgaris and with the skin aging process. The built environment, global biodiversity losses and declining nature relatedness are contributing to erosion of diversity at a micro-ecological level, including our own microbial habitats. This emphasises the importance of ecological perspectives in overcoming the factors that drive dysbiosis and the risk of inflammatory diseases across the life course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan L Prescott
- School of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Western Australia and Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, PO Box D184, Perth, WA 6001 Australia.,In-FLAME Global Network, of the World Universities Network (WUN), West New York, USA
| | - Danica-Lea Larcombe
- In-FLAME Global Network, of the World Universities Network (WUN), West New York, USA.,School of Science, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA 6027 Australia
| | - Alan C Logan
- In-FLAME Global Network, of the World Universities Network (WUN), West New York, USA
| | - Christina West
- In-FLAME Global Network, of the World Universities Network (WUN), West New York, USA.,Department of Clinical Sciences, Pediatrics, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Wesley Burks
- University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina USA
| | - Luis Caraballo
- Institute for Immunological Research, University of Cartagena, Cartagena, Colombia
| | - Michael Levin
- In-FLAME Global Network, of the World Universities Network (WUN), West New York, USA.,Division of Paediatric Allergy, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Eddie Van Etten
- School of Science, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA 6027 Australia
| | - Pierre Horwitz
- School of Science, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA 6027 Australia
| | - Anita Kozyrskyj
- In-FLAME Global Network, of the World Universities Network (WUN), West New York, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Dianne E Campbell
- In-FLAME Global Network, of the World Universities Network (WUN), West New York, USA.,Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, Australia.,Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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30
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Beyond the dyad: making Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) interventions more inclusive. J Dev Orig Health Dis 2017; 9:10-14. [DOI: 10.1017/s2040174417000629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Pregnant women, children under 2 and the first thousand days of life have been principal targets for Developmental Origins of Health and Disease interventions. This paradigm has been criticized for laying responsibility for health outcomes on pregnant women and mothers and through the thousand days focus inadvertently deflecting attention from other windows for intervention. Drawing on insights from the South African context, this commentary argues for integrated and inclusive interventions that encompass broader social framings. First, future interventions should include a wider range of actors. Second, broader action frameworks should encompass life-course approaches that identify multiple windows of opportunity for intervention. Using two examples – the inclusion of men, and engagement with adolescents – this commentary offers strategies for producing more inclusive interventions by using a broader social framework.
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31
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Craig JM, Prescott SL. Planning ahead: the mental health value of natural environments. Lancet Planet Health 2017; 1:e128-e129. [PMID: 29851597 DOI: 10.1016/s2542-5196(17)30068-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2017] [Accepted: 06/19/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey M Craig
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; inFLAME Global Network, West New York, NJ, USA.
| | - Susan L Prescott
- School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia; inFLAME Global Network, West New York, NJ, USA
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32
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Wallace CJK, Milev R. The effects of probiotics on depressive symptoms in humans: a systematic review. Ann Gen Psychiatry 2017; 16:14. [PMID: 28239408 PMCID: PMC5319175 DOI: 10.1186/s12991-017-0138-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 235] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2016] [Accepted: 02/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients suffering from depression experience significant mood, anxiety, and cognitive symptoms. Currently, most antidepressants work by altering neurotransmitter activity in the brain to improve these symptoms. However, in the last decade, research has revealed an extensive bidirectional communication network between the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system, referred to as the "gut-brain axis." Advances in this field have linked psychiatric disorders to changes in the microbiome, making it a potential target for novel antidepressant treatments. The aim of this review is to analyze the current body of research assessing the effects of probiotics, on symptoms of depression in humans. METHODS A systematic search of five databases was performed and study selection was completed using the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses process. RESULTS Ten studies met criteria and were analyzed for effects on mood, anxiety, and cognition. Five studies assessed mood symptoms, seven studies assessed anxiety symptoms, and three studies assessed cognition. The majority of the studies found positive results on all measures of depressive symptoms; however, the strain of probiotic, the dosing, and duration of treatment varied widely and no studies assessed sleep. CONCLUSION The evidence for probiotics alleviating depressive symptoms is compelling but additional double-blind randomized control trials in clinical populations are warranted to further assess efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline J K Wallace
- Department of Psychiatry, Queen's University, 752 King Street West, Kingston, ON K7L 4X3 Canada
| | - Roumen Milev
- Department of Psychiatry, Queen's University, 752 King Street West, Kingston, ON K7L 4X3 Canada
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