Investigating cooking activity patterns and perceptions of air quality interventions among women in urban Rwanda

Household air pollution (HAP) from biomass cooking with traditional stoves is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs) worldwide. Air quality interventions such as improved cookstoves (ICS) may mitigate HAP-related impacts; however, poor understanding of contextual socio-cultural factors such as local cooking practices have limited their widespread adoption. Policymakers and stakeholders require an understanding of local cooking practices to inform effective HAP interventions which meet end-user needs. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to 36 women residing in biomass-cooking fuel households in Kigali, Rwanda to identify cooking activity patterns, awareness of HAP-related health risks and ICS intervention preferences. Overall, 94% of respondents exclusively used charcoal cooking fuel and 53% cooked one meal each day (range = 1–3 meals). Women were significantly more likely to cook outdoors compared to indoors (64% vs. 36%; p < 0.05). Over half of respondents (53%) were unaware of HAP-related health risks and 64% had no prior awareness of ICS. Participants expressed preferences for stove mobility (89%) and facility for multiple pans (53%) within an ICS intervention. Our findings highlight the need for HAP interventions to be flexible to suit a range of cooking patterns and preferred features for end-users in this context

Neuroprotective Actions of Estradiol and Novel Estrogen Analogs in Ischemia: Translational Implications

This review highlights our investigations into the neuroprotective efficacy of estradiol and other estrogenic agents in a clinically relevant animal model of transient global ischemia, which causes selective, delayed death of hippocampal CA1 neurons and associated cognitive deficits. We find that estradiol rescues a significant number of CA1 pyramidal neurons that would otherwise die in response to global ischemia, and this is true when hormone is provided as a long-term pretreatment at physiological doses or as an acute treatment at the time of reperfusion. In addition to enhancing neuronal survival, both forms of estradiol treatment induce measurable cognitive benefit in young animals. Moreover, estradiol and estrogen analogs that do not bind classical nuclear estrogen receptors retain their neuroprotective efficacy in middle-aged females deprived of ovarian hormones for a prolonged duration (8 weeks). Thus, non-feminizing estrogens may represent a new therapeutic approach for treating the neuronal damage associated with global ischemia

Light painting photography makes particulate matter air pollution visible

The World Health Organization estimates that air pollution causes approximately seven million premature deaths worldwide each year. Solutions to air pollution are well known, yet this rarely equates to easily actionable. Here we demonstrate how art science collaboration can successfully highlight the issue of air pollution and create wider civic discourse around its amelioration. We document a light painting photographic technique that uses data from calibrated low-cost particulate matter sensors to measure and depict air pollution. We also use a postcard technique to grasp individuals’ sentiments regarding air pollution. The photographs from three countries, Ethiopia, India and United Kingdom, visually highlight the importance of location and occupation upon human exposure. The photographs are used as a proxy to communicate and create dialogues, spaces and places about air pollution. The sentiment analysis show how this approach can foster awareness and create agency for stakeholders to take actions to tackle air pollution

The tear production of tecovirimat in a single hospitalized mpox patient: a pharmacokinetic analysis.

Mpox is an orthopox DNA virus.1,2 Ophthalmic manifestations include preseptal cellulitis, conjunctivitis and keratitis, either as a primary or secondary viral infection or a secondary bacterial infection.2 Tecovirimat (Tpoxx) is an oral orthopox-specific drug that inhibits the orthopoxvirus VP37 envelope-wrapping protein and prevents the formation of egress-competent virions.3 There are limited pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) data available. We present a case report of a critically unwell mpox patient, who had tecovirimat PK sampling of plasma and tears

Constraining the Age-Activity Relation for Cool Stars: The SDSS DR5 Low-Mass Star Spectroscopic Sample

We present a spectroscopic analysis of over 38,000 low-mass stars from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) Data Release 5 (DR5). Analysis of this unprecedentedly large sample confirms the previously detected decrease in the fraction of magnetically active stars (as traced by H-alpha emission) as a function of vertical distance from the Galactic Plane. The magnitude and slope of this effect varies as a function of spectral type. Using simple 1-D dynamical models, we demonstrate that the drop in activity fraction can be explained by thin disk dynamical heating and a rapid decrease in magnetic activity. The timescale for this rapid activity decrease changes according to the spectral type. By comparing our data to the simulations, we calibrate the age-activity relation at each M dwarf spectral type. We also present evidence for a possible decrease in the metallicity as a function of height above the Galactic Plane. In addition to our activity analysis, we provide line measurements, molecular band indices, colors, radial velocities, 3-D space motions and mean properties as a function of spectral type for the SDSS DR5 low-mass star sample.Comment: 10 pages, 10 figures. Accepted for publication in A

Taking Steps in the Right Direction and Building a Strong Foundation: School-Based Speech-Language Pathologists Journeying Forward With Implementing Universal Screenings for Oral Language

Purpose: Growing awareness of the importance of oral language for academic success, the under-identification of students with developmental language disorders, and promotion of multi-tiered systems of support have led to calls for universal oral language screenings. However, specific information, guidance, and related case studies for school-based speech-language pathologists (SLPs) have been limited. Method: The purpose of this paper is to equip SLPs with necessary background knowledge and guiding questions to make informed choices about implementation that fits within their unique contexts. The tutorial is divided into three sections, which frame engagement with universal screening as a journey that requires SLPs to consider their purpose, make plans, and assess their progress as they journey forward. Result: Universal screening provides different student data than what we get from diagnostic testing or progress monitoring. It represents a shift away from depending only on traditional referral systems. Identifying students who are at-risk for language disorders raises awareness of the importance of language to academic success, is central to the success of multi-tiered frameworks, and facilitates the provision of support to students who may otherwise fall through the cracks. Given the strong rationale for universal screening of language, SLPs must make thoughtful implementation decisions that fit within their school contexts. Conclusions: By framing engagement with universal screening as a journey, this tutorial acknowledges that SLPs may make and revisit different decisions related to universal screening depending on their context and as the field continues to evolve. The goal of the tutorial is to empower SLPs to thoughtfully advocate for and implement universal language screening in order to make a positive impact on the children and communities they serve

A cross-sectional analysis of the association between domestic cooking energy source type and respiratory infections among children aged under five years:evidence from demographic and household surveys in 37 low-middle income countries

Background: In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), household air pollution as a result of using solid biomass for cooking, lighting and heating (HAP) is associated with respiratory infections, accounting for approximately 4 million early deaths each year worldwide. The majority of deaths are among children under five years. This population-based cross-sectional study investigates the association between solid biomass usage and risk of acute respiratory infections (ARI) and acute lower respiratory infections (ALRI) in 37 LMICs within Africa, Americas, Southeast Asia, European, Eastern Mediterranean and Western Pacific regions. Materials and methods: Using population-based data obtained from Demographic and Health surveys (2010–2018), domestic cooking energy sources were classified solid biomass (wood, charcoal/dung, agricultural crop) and cleaner energy sources (e.g., Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG), electricity, biogas and natural gas). Composite measures of ARI (shortness of breath, cough) and ALRI (shortness of breath, cough and fever) were composed using maternally reported respiratory symptoms over the two-week period prior to the interview. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify the association between biomass fuel usage with ARI and ALRI, accounting for relevant individual, household and situational confounders, including stratification by context (urban/rural). Results: After adjustment, in the pooled analysis, children residing in solid biomass cooking households had an observed increased adjusted odds ratio of ARI (AOR: 1.17; 95% CI: 1.09–1.25) and ALRI (AOR: 1.16; 95% CI 1.07–1.25) compared to cleaner energy sources. In stratified analyses, a comparable association was observed in urban areas (ARI: 1.16 [1.06–1.28]; ALRI: 1.14 [1.02–1.27]), but only significant for ARI among those living in rural areas (ARI: 1.14 [1.03–1.26]). Conclusion: Switching domestic cooking energy sources from solid biomass to cleaner alternatives would achieve a respiratory health benefit in children under five years worldwide. High quality mixed-methods research is required to improve acceptability and sustained uptake of clean cooking energy source interventions in LMIC settings

Association between Wood and Other Biomass Fuels and Risk of Low Birthweight in Uganda: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of 2016 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey Data

In utero exposure to household air pollution (HAP) from polluting cooking fuels has been linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes including low birthweight (LBW). No previous study in Uganda has attempted to investigate the association between the different types of biomass cooking fuels and LBW. This study was conducted to investigate the association between wood and other biomass cooking fuel use with increased risk of LBW, using the 2016 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey for 15,270 live births within five years prior to interview. LBW, defined as birthweight of &lt;2500 g, was estimated from maternal recall and health cards. Association between household exposure to the different solid biomass cooking fuels and LBW was determined using multivariable logistic regression. Biomass cooking fuels were used in 99.6% of the households, with few (0.3%) using cleaner fuels and 0.1% with no cooking, while the prevalence of LBW was 9.6% of all live-births. Although the crude analysis suggested an association between wood fuel use and LBW compared to other biomass and kerosene fuel use (AOR: 0.82; 95% CI: 0.67–1.00), after adjusting for socio-demographic and obstetric factors, no association was observed (AOR: 0.94; 95% CI: 0.72–1.22). LBW was significantly more likely among female neonates (AOR: 1.32 (95% CI: 1.13–1.55) and neonates born to mothers living in larger households (AOR: 1.03; 95% CI: 1.00–1.07). LBW was significantly less likely among neonates delivered at term (AOR: 0.39; 95% CI: 0.31–0.49), born to women with secondary or tertiary level of education (AOR: 0.80; 95% CI: 0.64–1.00), living in households with a higher wealth index (AOR: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.50–0.96), Eastern (AOR: 0.76; 95% CI:0.59–0.98) and Northern (AOR: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.57–0.99) regions. The study findings suggest inconclusive evidence regarding the association between the use of wood compared to other biomass and kerosene cooking fuels and risk of LBW. Given the close observed association between socioeconomic status and LBW, the Ugandan government should prioritize public health actions which support female education and broader sustainable development to improve household living standards in this setting.</jats:p

Association between wood and other biomass fuels and risk of low birthweight in Uganda:a cross-sectional analysis of 2016 Uganda demographic and health survey data

In utero exposure to household air pollution (HAP) from polluting cooking fuels has been linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes including low birthweight (LBW). No previous study in Uganda has attempted to investigate the association between the different types of biomass cooking fuels and LBW. This study was conducted to investigate the association between wood and other biomass cooking fuel use with increased risk of LBW, using the 2016 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey for 15,270 live births within five years prior to interview. LBW, defined as birthweight of &lt;2500 g, was estimated from maternal recall and health cards. Association between household exposure to the different solid biomass cooking fuels and LBW was determined using multivariable logistic regression. Biomass cooking fuels were used in 99.6% of the households, with few (0.3%) using cleaner fuels and 0.1% with no cooking, while the prevalence of LBW was 9.6% of all live-births. Although the crude analysis suggested an association between wood fuel use and LBW compared to other biomass and kerosene fuel use (AOR: 0.82; 95% CI: 0.67&ndash;1.00), after adjusting for socio-demographic and obstetric factors, no association was observed (AOR: 0.94; 95% CI: 0.72&ndash;1.22). LBW was significantly more likely among female neonates (AOR: 1.32 (95% CI: 1.13&ndash;1.55) and neonates born to mothers living in larger households (AOR: 1.03; 95% CI: 1.00&ndash;1.07). LBW was significantly less likely among neonates delivered at term (AOR: 0.39; 95% CI: 0.31&ndash;0.49), born to women with secondary or tertiary level of education (AOR: 0.80; 95% CI: 0.64&ndash;1.00), living in households with a higher wealth index (AOR: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.50&ndash;0.96), Eastern (AOR: 0.76; 95% CI:0.59&ndash;0.98) and Northern (AOR: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.57&ndash;0.99) regions. The study findings suggest inconclusive evidence regarding the association between the use of wood compared to other biomass and kerosene cooking fuels and risk of LBW. Given the close observed association between socioeconomic status and LBW, the Ugandan government should prioritize public health actions which support female education and broader sustainable development to improve household living standards in this setting

A Cross-Sectional Analysis of the Association between Domestic Cooking Energy Source Type and Respiratory Infections among Children Aged under Five Years: Evidence from Demographic and Household Surveys in 37 Low-Middle Income Countries

Background: In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), household air pollution as a result of using solid biomass for cooking, lighting and heating (HAP) is associated with respiratory infections, accounting for approximately 4 million early deaths each year worldwide. The majority of deaths are among children under five years. This population-based cross-sectional study investigates the association between solid biomass usage and risk of acute respiratory infections (ARI) and acute lower respiratory infections (ALRI) in 37 LMICs within Africa, Americas, Southeast Asia, European, Eastern Mediterranean and Western Pacific regions. Materials and methods: Using population-based data obtained from Demographic and Health surveys (2010–2018), domestic cooking energy sources were classified solid biomass (wood, charcoal/dung, agricultural crop) and cleaner energy sources (e.g., Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG), electricity, biogas and natural gas). Composite measures of ARI (shortness of breath, cough) and ALRI (shortness of breath, cough and fever) were composed using maternally reported respiratory symptoms over the two-week period prior to the interview. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify the association between biomass fuel usage with ARI and ALRI, accounting for relevant individual, household and situational confounders, including stratification by context (urban/rural). Results: After adjustment, in the pooled analysis, children residing in solid biomass cooking households had an observed increased adjusted odds ratio of ARI (AOR: 1.17; 95% CI: 1.09–1.25) and ALRI (AOR: 1.16; 95% CI 1.07–1.25) compared to cleaner energy sources. In stratified analyses, a comparable association was observed in urban areas (ARI: 1.16 [1.06–1.28]; ALRI: 1.14 [1.02–1.27]), but only significant for ARI among those living in rural areas (ARI: 1.14 [1.03–1.26]). Conclusion: Switching domestic cooking energy sources from solid biomass to cleaner alternatives would achieve a respiratory health benefit in children under five years worldwide. High quality mixed-methods research is required to improve acceptability and sustained uptake of clean cooking energy source interventions in LMIC settings.</jats:p