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African-American women and Latinas as well as women of lower socioeconomic status are disproportionately represented among women with AIDS; therefore, understanding the factors associated with HIV risk behavior for these women is of particular concern. With a diverse sample of women, the current study examined the validity of a theoretical model that proposed that stress and coping mediated the relationships of race/ethnicity and social class to sexual risk behaviors. Structural equation modeling indicated that although social class demonstrated direct and indirect associations with HIV risk behavior, race did not. Women with lower income had higher levels of stress and riskier sexual partners. However, women with higher income were more likely to engage in unprotected intercourse, often within a committed relationship. Coping style did not mediate the relationship of race, social class, and/or stress with risky sexual behaviors. These findings indicate that social class may be a more important factor than race in predicting individual HIV risk behaviors and that assumptions about race and social class must be empirically tested to understand these complex associations. Pathways to risk and prevention are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We explore in laboratory how donations to a charity can be influenced by the identifiability and the social categorization of the recipients. We find that donors give more, on average, to unidentified than to identified beneficiaries, since the latter are more likely to receive small donations than the former. Average donations are the same for in- and out-group beneficiaries; however, an in-group recipient is more likely to receive a top donation than an out-group one, whereas the latter is more likely than the former to receive an intermediate donation. Both first- and second-order effects are associated to the Dynamic Identity Fusion Index elicited from participants toward the 'Multicultural World'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although previous research has linked disordered eating to physical activity involvement, more recent studies suggest that sports participation may be protective against disordered eating; however, due to inconsistent findings on how physical activity affects disordered eating and limited research comparing types of physical activity across weight control behaviours, our aim was to validate physical activity categorization across disordered eating components in both men and women. In this online study, 209 men and 539 women completed questionnaires assessing various components of disordered eating and overall physical activity participation. Pearson correlation coefficients, independent samples t-tests, multiple response crosstabulations, and linear regressions were calculated to achieve the aims of this study. Participation in various types of physical activity significantly predicted various components of disordered eating attitudes, behaviours, and cognitions. Specifically, for women, purging and restricting eating were associated with participation in ball games, while a focus on muscle building was associated with both ball games and weight-class physical activity. For men, body dissatisfaction and excessive exercise were associated with weight-class physical activity participation, while cognitive restraint and muscle building were related to aesthetic sports participation. Purging was associated with both aesthetic and weight-class physical activity, whereas restricting eating was related to weight-class physical activity and ball games. These inconsistencies underscore the need for further research to fully elucidate the relationship between participation in different types of physical activity and the various components of disordered eating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we explore how an important state intervention in cooperation with many civil society actors led to impact investing field emergence, intending to create favourable conditions for social entrepreneurship and social innovation. Twenty in-depth interviews were conducted in Portugal, with the main players in the field, including private sector, government, NGOs, and EU authorities. The ecosystem formed by these actors is analysed under the institutional theory lens and through an inductive method, leading to a process-based model. The results of our case study show a state struggling to involve private sector in providing resources to the field. On demand side, new entrepreneurs are finding difficulties in meeting legal requirements and answering suppliers' selection criteria. Intermediaries contribute to reducing complexities, but are fighting to encounter their place in the field. Our evidences further suggest that social entrepreneurship and social innovation could be implemented as socially embedded actions, in response to local demands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The public and scholars alike largely consider envy to be reprehensible. This judgment of the value of envy commonly results either from a limited understanding of the nature of envy or from a limited understanding of how to determine the value of phenomena. Overcoming this state requires an interdisciplinary collaboration of psychologists and philosophers. That is, broad empirical evidence regarding the nature of envy generated in psychological studies must inform judgments about the value of envy according to sophisticated philosophical standards. We conducted such a collaboration. Empirical research indicates that envy is constituted by multiple components which in turn predict diverse outcomes that may be functional for the self and society. Accordingly, the value of envy is similarly nuanced. Sometimes, envy may have instrumental value in promoting prudentially and morally good outcomes. Sometimes, envy may be non-instrumentally prudentially and morally good. Sometimes, envy may be bad. This nuanced perspective on the value of envy has implications for recommendations on how to deal with envy and paves the way toward future empirical and theoretical investigations on the nature and the value of envy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genome editing techniques have the potential to revolutionize agriculture by enhancing nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in crops. Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plant growth, but its inefficient utilization and excessive use of nitrogen fertilizers pose challenges to agricultural sustainability. Enhancing NUE in plants is crucial for sustainable agriculture and a resilient food production system, ensuring food security for present and future generations. A comprehensive description is provided here that describes the various approaches to increase NUE using genome editing technology. It includes key components starting from the target gene selection and identification, diverse genome editing tools, delivery methodologies, and evaluation of genetically modified crops with the aim of improving NUE. This compilation serves to facilitate a comprehensive understanding for the researchers in relevant field. Additionally, the review delves into specific case studies showcasing successful genome editing applications for enhanced NUE in different crop species. The implications of these advancements for sustainable agriculture and global food security are also discussed, along with potential future prospects and challenges in the field. This review shall serve as a valuable resource for researchers, agronomists, and policymakers interested in leveraging genome editing to optimize nitrogen use in crops and promote sustainable agricultural practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consumer participation is critical to achieving successful food safety governance. However, in the field of food safety governance, consumer participation faces the dilemma of collective action. Based on social capital theory, this study introduces a total of 1229 questionnaires from online food consumers in China were collected by randomly distributing electronic questionnaires to online shoppers, and tests the effect and mechanism of social capital on consumer participation in food safety governance. By using ordered regression and multinomial logit models, the empirical results show that social capital can reduce the adverse effects of free-riding on consumers' participation in food safety governance and in fact will ultimately encourage consumers to participate in food safety governance. Furthermore, social capital will enhance people's participation in food safety governance through two paths: promoting consumers' sharing of food safety information and promoting consumers' direct supply of safe food. The conclusion of this paper provides inspiration for the promotion of consumer participation in the public affairs related to food safety governance in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on spillover theory, in this study examined the impacts of physician concern, staff concern, convenience of the care process, and tangible attributes on hedonic and eudaimonic well-being of pregnant customers. The sample comprised 190 pregnant customers who used medical services. An online survey was distributed to customers via a survey company. Partial least squares structural equation modeling analysis was used to examine relationships between variables. Our results demonstrate how staff concern and convenience of the care process determine customer experiences and evaluations. Customer satisfaction has positive direct and indirect effects on both their hedonic and eudaimonic well-being. The findings of this study can be used by medical service providers to design services to improve the satisfaction of pregnant customers. This study contributes to the existing service literature by examining the relationship between medical service attributes and pregnant customers' well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The focus of this special issue is on moral psychology and the goals of moral education. My focus will be considerably narrower in addressing the following question: In light of the situationist movement in psychology and philosophy, what should be the goal(s) of character education? The main conclusion will be that the central goal of character education should be modified in a certain way to make it more empirically informed. But not to worry, as this modification should be amenable to most contemporary supporters of character education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Elevated atmospheric CO2 (eCO2) and restricted iron (Fe) supply are known to impact plant growth and nutritional quality of food crops. However, studies aimed at understanding how eCO2 will interact with Fe deficiency are scarce. Changes in the nutritional status of the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) may significantly impact the nutritional status of populations that rely heavily on this crop. Methods: To understand the combined effects of eCO2 and Fe deficiency on mechanisms relevant to plant nutrient uptake and accumulation, common bean plants were grown under Fe sufficiency (Fe+, 20 mM Fe-EDDHA) and Fe deficiency (Fe-, 0 mM Fe-EDDHA) combined with eCO2 (800 ppm) or ambient CO2 (aCO2, 400 ppm) in hydroponics until maturity. Results: Elevated CO2, besides stimulating photosynthesis and stomatal closure, highly affected plant Fe metabolism: stimulated root ferric chelate reductase (FCR) activity by 6-fold and downregulated the expression of root FRO1 and IRT1 expressions by about 4-fold. In leaves, citrate and oxalate increased, but ferritin expression decreased by 9-fold. Such changes may have determined the differences on mineral accumulation patterns particularly the lower levels of Fe in roots (62%), leaves (38%) and seeds (50%). The combination of Fe deficiency and eCO2 doubled the effect of a single factor on FCR up-regulation, balanced the internal pH of Fe deficient plants, and resulted in the lowest Fe accumulation in all plant parts. Conclusions: These results suggest that eCO2 directly affects the Fe uptake mechanism of common bean plants, decreasing plant Fe content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highly palatable foods and beverages can significantly stimulate appetite through the reward system leading to hedonic hunger. Investigating palatable food is important, especially in Brazil, which lacks this type of study based on psychometric instruments such as the Palatable Eating Motives Scale (PEMS). 1. To adapt the PEMS from English to Portuguese; 2. To evaluate the psychometric properties of the PEMS for a sample of young adults; 3. To verify the influence of sex, age, and body mass index (BMI) on motives for consuming highly palatable foods and drinks. The PEMS was cross-culturally adapted and translated into Portuguese. Psychometric properties included analyses of validity (factorial, convergent, discriminant, and external) and reliability. A hypothetically causal structural model was constructed to verify the relationship between individuals' characteristics and PEMS factors. 1031 people participated in the study [female = 61.6%, mean age = 25.5 (SD = 5.3) years]. A PEMS model proposed in Turkish contexts showed adequate adjustment to the sample. Females and younger individuals reported consuming highly palatable foods and drinks more frequently for Coping; Enhancement; and other reasons compared to males and older individuals. Individuals with a higher BMI indicated that they consumed these foods and drinks more frequently only for Coping. The Portuguese version of the PEMS was presented and the data obtained for the sample were valid and reliable. Sex, age, and BMI are important characteristics to investigate consumption of highly palatable foods and drinks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fathers have a significant role on their children's development. A variety of personal and interpersonal factors in families could determine both the fathers' parenting process and, accordingly, positive outcomes in children's development. The current study aims to examine the mediating role of father involvement between maternal gatekeeping, children's difficult temperament and paternal parenting competence and child development. 216 Turkish mothers and fathers with a child (106 girls and 110 boys) between 2 to 6 years old (M = 51.64 months, SD = 13.63) and their children's teachers were included in the study. Mothers assessed their children's fine motor skills and language-cognitive development while teachers assessed children's social and emotional development. Mothers also rated father involvement, children's temperament, and maternal gate-closing. Fathers assessed father involvement, paternal parenting competence, maternal gate-closing and maternal gate-opening. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis revealed that father involvement was positively predicted by family income, maternal gate-opening, paternal parenting competence and negatively predicted by maternal gate-closing and children's difficult temperament. A mediational research model was proposed for father involvement. According to the path analysis results, maternal gate-closing, maternal gate-opening, children's difficult temperament and paternal parenting competence predicted the father involvement, which in turn predicted children's language-cognitive development, fine motor development, fear/anxiety and prosocial behaviors. The findings of the study revealed that all family members were important in father involvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) affects approximately 1% of women before the age of 40. Genetic contribution is a significant component of POI. The NOBOX gene was considered one of the major genetic causes of POI. However, the pathogenicity and the penetrance of NOBOX variants remain unclear. Methods: We studied the whole coding region of the NOBOX gene by next generation sequencing in a cohort of 810 patients with POI, and we compared the frequency of each identified NOBOX variant to the general population taking into account the ethnicity of each individual. Results: Screening of the whole coding region of the NOBOX gene allowed us to identify 35 different variants, including 5 loss-of-function variants. In total, 171 patients with POI (25%) carried out at least one NOBOX variant. Regarding missense variants, we observed a significant overrepresentation of the most frequent ones in our 810 POI patients as compared to the general, except for p.(Arg117Trp). However, taking into account the ethnic origin of the individuals, we observed no significant OR difference for p.(Arg44Leu) and p.(Arg117Trp) in African subgroup and for p.(Asp452Asn) in European subgroup. Conclusion: This population study suggests that the p.(Arg44Leu) variant could be considered benign variant and that the p.(Asp452Asn) and p.(Arg117Trp) variants could be considered moderate risk pathogenic variants with probably partial and very low penetrance and/or expressivity. In contrast, p.(Gly91Trp) and p.(Gly152Arg) variants could be considered pathogenic variants with a moderate functional impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impostor phenomenon was introduced over four decades ago and has become an increasingly popular research topic. Nonetheless, few empirical investigations offer a quantitative analysis of the patterns and structures within the impostor phenomenon's literature base. This limits researchers to an incomplete and reactive understanding of the scope and trajectory of research about the impostor phenomenon. The current investigation utilized bibliometric analyses (e.g., science mapping and performance analysis) to illuminate prominent contributors and the latent themes within the impostor phenomenon literature. The findings identified important characteristics of the impostor phenomenon literature, such as the most dominant or published authors, frequently cited articles, its global existence across countries, and its rapidly increasing rate of published articles. The findings also illuminated research streams within the impostor phenomenon literature and identified the emerging trend of examining the impostor phenomenon within the STEM context. Implications for future impostor phenomenon research and scholarship are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Consumption of fructose has repeatedly been discussed to be a key factor in the development of health disturbances such as hypertension, diabetes type 2, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Despite intense research efforts, the question if and how high dietary fructose intake interferes with human health has not yet been fully answered. Results: Studies suggest that besides its insulin-independent metabolism dietary fructose may also impact intestinal homeostasis and barrier function. Indeed, it has been suggested by the results of human and animal as well as in vitro studies that fructose enriched diets may alter intestinal microbiota composition. Furthermore, studies have also shown that both acute and chronic intake of fructose may lead to an increased formation of nitric oxide and a loss of tight junction proteins in small intestinal tissue. These alterations have been related to an increased translocation of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) like bacterial endotoxin and an induction of dependent signaling cascades in the liver but also other tissues. Conclusion: In the present narrative review, results of studies assessing the effects of fructose on intestinal barrier function and their impact on the development of health disturbances with a particular focus on the liver are summarized and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores how discourses of LGBTQI rights, homophobia, and homotolerance intersect in specific nation-state contexts. Focusing on Sweden's self-image of homotolerance, the author shows how this image has depended on the construction of non-tolerant and sexually backward Russia since 1991. This article suggests sexual exceptionalism as a more precise term to understand the relationship between Sweden and Russia in terms of geopolitics of sexuality. To do so, it examines the construction of Russia in the Swedish media discourse, with a focus on the position of LGBTQI people, and analyzes how this discourse, in turn, constructs the Swedish Self as exceptional and tolerant. My conclusions are based on a material consisting of around 500 articles from the five largest Swedish newspapers, published from 1991 to 2019. I show how the Swedish newspapers' portrayals of attitudes towards the LGBTQI subjects in Russia have relied on constructions of temporal difference and geographical closeness between the two nations and exhibited little change throughout the period. The article contributes to scholarship on global sexualities by demonstrating how the constructions of the homophobic Other become embedded in existing historical discourses on othering by helping produce notions of the sexual-politically exceptional Self. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most of the previous studies on body image dissatisfaction mainly focused on the populations of adolescents and middle-aged people, however little is known about the body image dissatisfaction of older adults and its correlates. This study examined the possible patterns of relationship between body image dissatisfaction, sense of control, social support (i.e., family support and friend support), and subjective well-being in older adults. A sample of 814 older adults completed measures of body image dissatisfaction, sense of control, social support, and subjective well-being. The results indicated that body image dissatisfaction is significantly associated with subjective well-being. In addition, sense of control mediated the relationship between body image dissatisfaction and subjective well-being. Moderated mediation analyses revealed that family support moderated the relationship between body image dissatisfaction and sense of control and that friend support moderated the relationship between body image dissatisfaction and subjective well-being. These results of the current study can deepen our understanding of the relationship between body image dissatisfaction and subjective well-being as well as their intermediate variables and may contribute to theories addressing well-being in older adults. The results may also have a practical value by guiding older adults to make rational use of social support and increase their sense of control to reduce the negative effect of body image dissatisfaction and improve their subjective well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) – people's intense concerns that they might miss pleasant moments that their peers may enjoy—has been found to relate to a variety of undesired outcomes, including poor academic functioning. Yet, little is known about why some students may exhibit more FoMO than others. In this cross-sectional study with a sample of Turkish adolescents (N1 = 506; 50.8% males; Mage = 15.8 years; SD = 0.83), we examined to what extent intrinsic and extrinsic life goals for using social media predict FoMO over and above social anxiety. We found through path analyses that extrinsic goals of attaining popularity, garnering attention, and conveying a positive image of oneself to others related to FoMO which in turn related to lower grades by means of in-class distraction and out-of-class study interference. Taken together, the present results suggest that the goals that adolescents try to attain through social media use may explain why FoMO might be more prevalent in that age group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous research illustrated a negative role of envy on personal growth and interpersonal relationships. However, almost no direct evidence existed regarding the relationship between envy and moral decision-making. In addition, given the limitations of the traditional paradigm for the interpretation of results, this study attempted to adopt a new research paradigm, the CNI model, to provide referable evidence for their relationship. This model allows researchers to separate multiple underlying cognitive processes under categorical responses, including 3 determinants of moral decision-making, sensitivity to consequences (C), sensitivity to moral norms (N), and a general preference for inaction and action (I). 164 participants were randomly assigned to envy and control groups and performed immersive thinking and writing tasks. Subsequently, they were asked to read 24 moral dilemmas and answer a question after each dilemma about whether the given action in the dilemma was acceptable. The traditional approach revealed that no relationship between envy and moral decision-making. The process dissociation paradigm found that envy was associated with a lower deontological inclination and increased the possibility of violating moral norms. The CNI analysis indicated that envy had a weaker sensitivity to moral norms, but is unrelated to sensitivity to consequences and overall action preferences. Finally, the findings were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This abstract book from the Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe (CIRSE) conference provides summaries of various studies and case reports related to interventional radiology procedures. The studies cover a wide range of topics, including the treatment of different conditions and complications using various techniques and devices. The studies demonstrate the effectiveness and safety of these procedures in managing these conditions. However, further research is needed in some areas to optimize treatment strategies. [Extracted from the article]

Anorexia Nervosa (AN) is a psychological disorder involving body manipulation, self-inflicted hunger, and fear of gaining weight.We performed an overview of the existing literature in the field of AN, highlighting the main intrafamilial risk factors for anorexia. We searched the PubMed database by using keywords such as "anorexia" and "risk factors" and "family". After appropriate selection, 16 scientific articles were identified. The main intrafamilial risk factors for AN identified include: increased family food intake, higher parental demands, emotional reactivity, sexual family taboos, low familial involvement, family discord, negative family history for Eating Disorders (ED), family history of psychiatric disorders, alcohol and drug abuse, having a sibling with AN, relational trauma. Some other risk factors identified relate to the mother: lack of maternal caresses, dysfunctional interaction during feeding (for IA), attachment insecurity, dependence. Further studies are needed, to identify better personalized intervention strategies for patients suffering from AN. Highlights: This systematic review aims at identifying the main intrafamilial risk factors for anorexia nervosa, including maternal ones. Intrafamilial risk factors identified mostly regard family environment and relational issues, as well as family history of psychiatric diseases. Family risk factors identified may interact with genetic, environmental, and personal risk factors. These findings may help develop tailored diagnostic procedures and therapeutic interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the field of epidemics, some vulnerable groups, such as older adults, are at greater risk. Many psychological, social, economic and physical hazards have threatened older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some threats can be managed with medical system interventions. However, social and psychological challenges cannot be controlled quickly. People will have a better quality of life if they can take appropriate action in critical situations. There is a strong theoretical and empirical background that a sense of control and self-efficacy can promote psychological well-being. The main questions of this study included the following: What were the main problems experienced by older Iranian women during the outbreak of COVID-19? What coping methods did they use to control the situation? What were their views on the future? This research was conducted in Kerman city, the capital of Kerman Province. A phenomenological method was used. We interviewed 15 women over 65 years old. We extracted five main themes from the interviews. These themes were health issues, persistent anxiety, economic and social pressures, identifying unique solutions to the current situation, and optimism versus pessimism: what is the future? From the participants' point of view, psychological, social and physical problems have disturbed them during the pandemic, especially at the beginning. However, they controlled their problems by using selective coping strategies. In Iran, planners can use the potential of the two institutions of family and religion to reduce the problems of older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study individual aversion to health and income inequality in three European countries (the United Kingdom, Germany, and Italy), its determinants and especially, the effects of exposure to three types of COVID-19 specific shocks affecting individuals' employment status, their income and health. Next, using evidence of representative samples of the population in the UK, we compare levels of health- and income-inequality aversion in the UK between the years 2016 and 2020. We document evidence of a significant increase in inequality aversion in both income and health domains. However, we show that inequality aversion is higher in the income domain than in the health domain. Furthermore, we find that inequality aversion in both domains increases in age and education and decreases in income and risk appetite. However, people directly exposed to major health shocks during the COVID-19 pandemic generally exhibited lower levels of aversion to both income and health inequality. Finally, we show that inequality aversion was significantly higher among those exposed to higher risk of COVID-19 mortality who experienced major health shocks during the pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the phenomena that can occur in a given medium necessitates a clear grasp of its chemical composition. In this context, various techniques including infrared (IR) spectroscopy were developed. In this work, we determined the bond force constants of CO2 molecule in gas phase state and trapped in a nanocage by applying group theory to the normal vibrational modes of the symmetric (16O12C16O, 626) and the asymmetric (16O12C18O, 628) CO2 isotopic species. Wilson's force, F and inverse-mass, G matrices, were calculated for the CO2 (626 and 628) species. The effect of Fermi resonances was included in the analysis. Results are given in terms of bond force constants for stretching and bending modes of CO2 molecule trapped in nanocages of rare gas matrices and of clathrate hydrates. The comparison with the gas phase values demonstrated that the condensed phase effect can be constrained at the harmonic level. A database of vibrational frequencies can then be built from the calculated values with a pseudo-uncertainty range to enhance automatic analysis of observed data pertaining to CO2 in an unknown media by IR sensors. The study of CO2 trapped in nanocages using group theory to calculate force constants has received little theoretical consideration in previous works. Here, we provide an additional approach to evaluate the uncertainty measurement in IR spectroscopy. Similar outcomes should be achievable for other molecules, providing the possibility to improve spectroscopic IR observation and analysis from sensors specially designed for mobile sensing applications. Constrained external degrees of freedom of Carbon Dioxide molecule in a nanocage and anisotropic electric environment perturbing internal vibrational degrees of freedom which have an effect on the infrared signature of the molecule. The calculations show, that the unperturbed v1 mode peaks are at a lower value than the unperturbed 2v2 mode for both the 626 and 628 isotopologues when the molecule is trapped in a rare gas matrix or in a clathrate hydrate nanocage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: to compare the effects of Dienogest 2 mg (D) alone or combined with estrogens (D + ethinylestradiol 0.03 mg, D + EE; D + estradiol valerate 1–3 mg, D + EV) in terms of symptoms and endometriotic lesions variations. Methods: This retrospective study included symptomatic patients in reproductive age with ultrasound diagnosis of ovarian endometriomas. Medical therapy for at least 12 months with D, D + EE or D + EV was required. Women were evaluated at baseline visit (V1) and after 6 (V2) and 12 months (V3) of therapy. Results: 297 patients were enrolled (156 in the D group, 58 in the D + EE group, 83 in the D + EV group). Medical treatment leaded to a significant reduction in size of endometriomas after 12 months, with no differences between the three groups. When comparing D and D + EE/D + EV groups, a significant decrease of dysmenorrhea was detected in the D group than in D + EE/D + EV group. Conversely, the reduction of dysuria was more significative in the D + EE/D + EV groups rather than in the D group. Regarding tolerability, treatment associated side effects were reported by 16.2% patients. The most frequent one was uterine bleeding/spotting, significantly higher in the D + EV group. Conclusion: Dienogest alone or associated with estrogens (EE/EV) seems to be equally effective in reducing endometriotic lesions mean diameter. The reduction of dysmenorrhea was more significative when D was administered alone, while dysuria seems to improve more when D is associated with estrogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Introduction: Diabetic nephropathy (DN), an outcome of prolonged diabetes, has affected millions of people worldwide and every year the incidence and prevalence increase substantially. The symptoms may start with mild manifestations of the disease such as increased albuminuria, serum creatinine levels, thickening of glomerular basement membrane, expansion of mesangial matrix to severe pathological symptoms such as glomerular lesions and tubulointerstitial fibrosis which may further proceed to cardiovascular dysfunction or end-stage renal disease. Perspective: Numerous therapeutic interventions are being explored for the management of DN, however, these interventions do not completely halt the progression of this disease and hence animal models are being explored to identify critical genetic and molecular parameters which could help in tackling the disease. Rodent models which mostly include mice and rats are commonly used experimental animals which provide a wide range of advantages in understanding the onset and progression of disease in humans and also their response to a wide range of interventions helps in the development of effective therapeutics. Rodent models of type 1 and type 2 diabetes induced DN have been developed utilizing different platforms and interventions during the last few decades some of which mimic various stages of diabetes ranging from early to later stages. However, a rodent model which replicates all the features of human DN is still lacking. This review tries to evaluate the rodent models that are currently available and understand their features and limitations which may help in further development of more robust models of human DN. Conclusion: Using these rodent models can help to understand different aspects of human DN although further research is required to develop more robust models utilizing diverse genetic platforms which may, in turn, assist in developing effective interventions to target the disease at different levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Across time and cultures, envy is widely regarded as a vice. This paper provides a theory of viciousness that explains why envy is a vice. First, it sketches an account of the trait of envy, utilizing some of the social psychology literature on social comparisons. Second, it considers some theories of vices—including Neo-Aristotelian, Kant's, and Driver's consequentialism—and briefly argues that they are not adequate in general or with regard to envy. Lastly it articulates a theory of viciousness on which a trait's degree of viciousness is determined by its disposition to produce actions and attitudes that are of disvalue; it then applies this theory to envy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), an increased risk of disordered eating has been described. There is growing interest regarding a possible interconnection between psychological states and increased appetite in women with PCOS. Acute stress is characterized by increased Corticotropin Releasing Hormone (CRH) secretion. The aim was to estimate the ghrelin concentrations during CRH test. Methods: Twenty postmenopausal women with PCOS and twenty age- and BMI- matched postmenopausal control women were recruited at Aretaieion University Hospital. In the morning (9 am) all subjects had anthropometric measurements (weight, height, waist circumference) and a fasting sample for hormonal measurements. An intravenous (iv) CRH stimulation test conducted over 1 min. Serum active ghrelin levels were measured at 0, 15, 30, 60, 90, 120 min after iv CRH administration. Results: The postmenopausal PCOS group had a higher waist circumference compared to postmenopausal controls. Active ghrelin concentrations increased significantly from 0 to 15 min, to 30 min, to 60 min, to 90 min and then decreased to 120 min. However, within the postmenopausal control group there were no significant changes in serum active ghrelin levels. Serum active ghrelin concentrations were significantly greater in the postmenopausal control group at 0, 15 and 120 min compared to the postmenopausal PCOS group. At 90 min active ghrelin concentrations were significantly greater in the postmenopausal PCOS group. Delta Area Under the Curve of active ghrelin (ΔAUCghr) was significantly greater in the postmenopausal PCOS group compared to controls. Conclusions: In postmenopausal PCOS, but not in postmenopausal controls, iv CRH administration induces increased serum active ghrelin secretion, suggesting a possible anti-stress adaptive mechanism. An increase in serum active ghrelin may induce hunger as a side-effect of this presumed adaptive mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to explore whether work engagement during the work period affected the specific recovery process during the non-work period. According to the Work-Home Resources (W-HR) model, this study from a day-level perspective used work engagement as a predictor of non-work mastery experiences as well as control experiences and explored whether the mediating role of recovery level at the end of the workday was established, which was beneficial to re-understand the role of work engagement in promoting employees' well-being in the transition from work to non-work. A daily diary design was adopted, with 2 measurement occasions per day for 1 workweek (N = 112 persons, 510 valid data sets in within-person level). Results about day-level relationships confirmed that work engagement was positively associated with the non-work mastery experiences as well as control experiences, recovery level at the end of the workday played a mediating role between daily work engagement and non-work control experiences, but the mediating role between work engagement and non-work mastery experiences was not established at the within-person level. Practical and theoretical implications for work engagement and non-work recovery were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of understanding what contributes to individual variability in experiences of stress. Increases in stress related to the pandemic have been especially pronounced in parents, indicating a need for research examining what factors contribute to parents' perceptions of stress. Here, we assessed the relationship between parents' perceptions of stress, control, loneliness, and experiences of childhood trauma in two populations of caregivers. In Study 1, we examined the relationship between perceptions of stress, control, loneliness, and history of early stress, along with indices of socioeconomic risk and resting parasympathetic nervous systema activity, which has been linked to variability in perceptions of stress, in caregivers of young children. Perceived control, loneliness, childhood stress, and resting parasympathetic nervous system activity predicted caregivers' stress. In Study 2, we replicated these initial findings in a second sample of caregivers. Additionally, we examined how these processes change over time. Caregivers demonstrated significant changes in perceptions of control, loneliness, and stress, and changes in control and childhood trauma history were associated with changes in perceptions of stress. Together these results indicate the importance of assessing how caregivers perceive their environment when examining what contributes to increased risk for stress. Additionally, they suggest that caregivers' stress-related processes are malleable and provide insight into potential targets for interventions aimed at reducing parents' stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Reirradiation (reRT) of local recurrent/second primary tumors of the head and neck represents a potential curative treatment for patients not candidate to a salvage surgery. Aim of the present study is to summarize literature data on modern radiation techniques and fractionations used in this setting of patients. Materials and methods: A narrative review of the literature was conducted on three topics: (1) target volume delineation (2) reRT dose and techniques and (3) ongoing studies. Patients treated with postoperative reRT and palliative intent were not considered for the current analysis. Results: Recommendations on the target volume contouring have been reported. 3D-Conformal Radiotherapy, Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy, Stereotactic body Radiotherapy Intraoperative Radiotherapy, Brachytherapy and Charged Particles have been analyzed in terms of indication and fractionation in the field of reRT. Ongoing studies on the topic have been reported for IMRT and Charged Particles. Moreover, according to literature data a stepwise approach has been proposed aiming to provide a useful tool to select patients candidate to a curative reRT in daily clinical practice. Two clinical cases were also provided for its application. Conclusion: Different radiation techniques and fractionations can be used for a second course of radiotherapy in patients with recurrent/second primary tumor of head and neck region. Tumor characteristics as well as radiobiological considerations should be take into account to define the best reRT approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is characterized by the predictable onset of mood and physical symptoms secondary to gonadal steroid fluctuation during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Although menstrual-related affective dysfunction is responsible for considerable functional impairment and reduction in quality of life worldwide, currently approved treatments for PMDD are suboptimal in their effectiveness. Research over the past two decades has suggested that the interaction between allopregnanolone, a neurosteroid derivative of progesterone, and the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) system represents an important relationship underlying symptom genesis in reproductive-related mood disorders, including PMDD. The objective of this narrative review is to discuss the plausible link between changes in GABAergic transmission secondary to the fluctuation of allopregnanolone during the luteal phase and mood impairment in susceptible individuals. As part of this discussion, we explore promising findings from early clinical trials of several compounds that stabilize allopregnanolone signaling during the luteal phase, including dutasteride, a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor; isoallopregnanolone, a GABA-A modulating steroid antagonist; and ulipristal acetate, a selective progesterone receptor modulator. We then reflect on the implications of these therapeutic advances, including how they may promote our knowledge of affective regulation more generally. We conclude that these and other studies of PMDD may yield critical insight into the etiopathogenesis of affective disorders, considering that (1) symptoms in PMDD have a predictable onset and offset, allowing for examination of affective state kinetics, and (2) GABAergic interventions in PMDD can be used to better understand the relationship between mood states, network regulation, and the balance between excitatory and inhibitory signaling in the brain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Systematic research on the role of social affirmation from one's religious community on body evaluations is absent. This study therefore explored the relationships among feeling affirmed-from-church, weight-rejection sensitivity, and body evaluations. Drawing from self-affirmation theory, we tested whether a social aspect of religiosity (i.e., feeling affirmed from one's religious community) attenuated the relationship between weight-rejection anxiety and body dissatisfaction, controlling for body mass, affect, and church attendance. We also examined gender differences in religiosity, body image, and fat talk in secular and religious circles in a sample of young adults in the USA (187F, 84M; Mage = 18.59, SD = 0.83). As predicted, both men and women reported hearing less fat-talk at church than among friends, and women reported a positive relation between feeling affirmed-from-church and hearing body-acceptance talk at church. The moderation prediction was supported for women. Greater affirmation-from-church weakened the effect of women's weight sensitivity on body satisfaction (but not weight esteem). For men, affirmation-from-church strengthened the effect of their weight sensitivity on body dissatisfaction and low weight esteem. Feeling affirmed from church may facilitate women's body satisfaction despite their weight-sensitivities. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assumptions about obesity—e.g., its connection to ill health, its causes, etc.—are still prevalent today, and they make up what I call the medical model of fatness. In this paper, I argue that the medical model was established on the basis of insufficient evidence and has nevertheless continued to be relied upon to justify methodological choices that further entrench the assumptions of the medical model. These choices are illegitimate in so far as they conflict with both the epistemic and social aims of obesity research. I conclude the paper with a partial solution to these epistemic and social shortcomings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Precarious manhood theory posits that manhood is socially constructed and must be earned by acquiring masculine capital. Previous research has suggested that there may be a link between threatened masculinity and a higher drive for muscularity. The current study tested this hypothesis experimentally. Methods: Male undergraduate students (N = 395) were either told that they did poorly on a cognitive task explicitly tied to a masculinity norm (i.e., future earning potential) or they were not given any feedback. Results: Participants in the masculinity threat condition subsequently reported a higher drive for muscularity than did those in the control condition. Sexual orientation did not moderate this effect. Discussion: One of the ways in which men feel that they must earn masculine capital is by having a muscular body. Drive for muscularity is heightened in situations that prime threatened masculinity. The current findings imply practice implications for men struggling with negative body image. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While several authors have reported that attitudes towards the LGBT community have not changed in Latin America for a number of decades, there is little-to-no statistical evidence of how (and if) political reforms towards inclusion have been effective. This study provides quantitative evidence of how an Ecuadorian legal reform that decriminalized homosexuality and a subsequent Constitutional amendment failed to improve the well-being and discrimination perceptions of a sample of LGBT individuals. Moreover, while assessing the consistency of our measures and testing the robustness of our results, we find discrimination perceptions to be significantly associated to lower well-being rates. All of this suggests that there was no effect of the reforms, neither directly on subjective well-being rates nor indirectly through lower perceived discrimination. Overall, our results are indicative of a case where laws were changed, but not institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been argued that 'successful aging' should be inclusive of a dynamic perspective that incorporates context, social influences, and social structure. Previous research has acknowledged that transitions in work and family life have implications for health and wellbeing. However, such transitions have typically been explored independently and there is a need for collective exploration. This systematic review of studies aimed to identify transitions that have been commonly investigated and synthesize the relationship between work and family-life transitions on health outcomes. Searches were conducted across five electronic databases: ASSIA, CINAHL, Medline, PsycINFO and Web of Science and 78 studies were included. Studies investigated bereavement (n = 22), employment (n = 21), parenthood (n = 20), marital (n = 10), or multiple (n = 5) transitions. It was found that the majority of health outcomes were mental health-related (n = 46), with a lack of evidence surrounding other health outcomes, including non-communicable diseases (n = 2), general/functional health (n = 3), multiple conditions (n = 16), and health behaviors (n = 11). The NIH Quality Assessment Tool was used to assess study quality. Studies were rated as good (n = 47), fair (n = 25) and poor (n = 6). It was identified that regardless of the specificity of the transition, many transitions resulted in a temporary decline in health. Such findings suggest that, according to a Life Course Theory approach, each life transition may have lasting implications that contribute to an individual's overall developmental trajectory. Consequently, there is a need for studies of transitions and outcomes that focus on specific indicators of physical health or the inclusion of multidimensional instruments of health-related qualities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined normative drivers of people's perceptions of setting density within a natural setting along with their evaluation of the social condition encountered. The influence of respondents' attachment to the setting on these associations was also explored. Our findings revealed that respondents' preferences and expectations for encounters with others were the most significant drivers of their perceived crowding, cognitive and behavioral coping strategies and, ultimately, their enjoyment of the resource. The variance accounted for in both crowding and the criterion variable, enjoyment, were substantially higher than that previously reported in the crowding literature in both built and natural environments. Respondents attachment to the resource, for the most part, amplified the influence of expectation and preference on crowding such that as attachment increased, so too did their sensitivity to encounters with others in the setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electrostatic interaction between nanoparticles caused by the overlapping of double electric layers and the van der Waals interaction caused by quantum and thermodynamic fluctuations of electromagnetic fields are considered. The linearized Poisson–Boltzmann equation for particles with a fixed electric potential on their surface is used in the case of the electrostatic interaction. An exact solution of the problem has been obtained both for identical particles and for particles with strongly different sizes. The screening of static fluctuations and the retardation of electromagnetic fields for the dispersion part of the van der Waals interaction have been taken into account. The total interaction energy of two particles has been calculated for ion concentrations in an electrolyte from 10–6 to 10–2 mol/L and sizes of nanoparticles from 1 to 103 nm. It has been found that the van der Waals force exceeds the screened electrostatic repulsive force at high concentrations of the electrolyte from 10–3 to 10–2 mol/L at both small and large interparticle distances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hereditary antithrombin (AT) deficiency is an autosomal dominant inherited thrombophilia. In three pedigrees of hereditary type I AT deficiency, we identified novel variants c.126delC (p.Lys43Serfs*7), c.165C > G (p.Tyr55*), and c.546delA (p.Lys182Asnfs*102) in the open reading frame encoding AT in each patient. Each of these aberrant variants leads to premature termination of AT protein synthesis. To investigate whether these abnormal variants are involved in the pathogenesis of type I AT deficiency, we analyzed the function of these variants in HEK293 cells. Results of western blot analysis and immunofluorescence microscopy showed that all abnormal variants were expressed intracellularly, but p.Lys43Serfs*7 and p.Tyr55* protein were aggregated in the cells. These three variants were not detected in the spent culture medium, indicating that these novel variants affect protein secretion. In summary, we suggest that these variants in the AT-encoding gene are translated in the cell, but form abnormal proteins that form aggregates and/or inhibit secretion. These results provide insight into novel mechanisms of type I AT deficiency and potential therapies for the condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Periconceptional maternal obesity is linked to adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Identifying periconceptional biomarkers of pathways affected by maternal obesity can unravel pathophysiologic mechanisms and identify individuals at risk of adverse clinical outcomes. The literature was systematically reviewed to identify periconceptional biomarkers of the endocrine, inflammatory and one-carbon metabolic pathways influenced by maternal obesity. A search was conducted in Embase, Ovid Medline All, Web of Science Core Collection and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases, complemented by manual search in PubMed until December 31st, 2020. Eligible studies were those that measured biomarker(s) in relation to maternal obesity, overweight/obesity or body mass index (BMI) during the periconceptional period (14 weeks preconception until 14 weeks post conception). The ErasmusAGE score was used to assess the quality of included studies. Fifty-one articles were included that evaluated over 40 biomarkers. Endocrine biomarkers associated with maternal obesity included leptin, insulin, thyroid stimulating hormone, adiponectin, progesterone, free T4 and human chorionic gonadotropin. C-reactive protein was associated with obesity as part of the inflammatory pathway, while the associated one-carbon metabolism biomarkers were folate and vitamin B12. BMI was positively associated with leptin, C-reactive protein and insulin resistance, and negatively associated with Free T4, progesterone and human chorionic gonadotropin. Concerning the remaining studied biomarkers, strong conclusions could not be established due to limited or contradictory data. Future research should focus on determining the predictive value of the optimal set of biomarkers for their use in clinical settings. The most promising biomarkers include leptin, adiponectin, human chorionic gonadotropin, insulin, progesterone and CRP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the U.S. state of Arizona, nearly one-third of households experienced food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic, an increase from one-fourth of households before the pandemic. Previous research on food insecurity in the wake of natural and human-instigated disasters demonstrates that groups vulnerable to food insecurity before a disaster are more susceptible to food insecurity during and after that disaster; however, less is known about whether this relationship also holds true during health-related disasters, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. We explore how the COVID-19 pandemic influenced urban food insecurity patterns by analyzing the socio-demographic characteristics of food pantry clients in Maricopa County, Arizona. Using data from Phoenix Rescue Mission (PRM), a local non-profit food service provider, two binomial logistic regression models compare the socio-demographic composition of total and first-time food pantry users before and during the pandemic. In addition to an overall increase in food pantry usage during the pandemic, we find that, while certain socio-demographic groups historically vulnerable to food insecurity experienced the predicted uptick in insecurity during the pandemic, other socio-demographic disparities were attenuated. These somewhat disparate findings illustrate the complex relationship between disasters and food insecurity in an urban context, offering several avenues for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies on parochial altruism have insofar focused on the causes leading individuals to attack any outgroup on the behalf of one's group. Yet, we lack clues to understand why parochial altruists target specific groups, such as dominant groups in some contexts and minority groups in others. The present paper introduces an experiment to analyze the conditions under which individuals costly attack strong versus weak outgroups. In a first study, 300 participants played a repeated Inter-group Prisoner Dilemma involving multiple groups and inter-group differences in resources. Results show that individuals have a preference for targeting strong outgroups, but that attacks decrease when the inequality in destructive capacity between groups is high. Besides, individuals target weak outgroups when they are threatening their ingroup status. Decisions in the game correlate with participants' political ideology and Social Dominance Orientation. In a second study, we provide evidence that our results generalize to historical linkages between economic inequality and left-wing versus right-wing terrorist attacks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and hypothesis: Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a group of inherited connective tissue disorders associated with abnormal collagen, and is more prevalent in women than in men. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to characterize pelvic floor symptoms in cisgender women with EDS and to describe their impact on quality of life. Methods: An online questionnaire on obstetric and gynecological experiences of cisgender women with EDS was disseminated through EDS patient societies and social media. This study was a sub-analysis of the broader questionnaire and focused on pelvic floor disorders, whereby self-reported symptoms and validated questionnaires were used to assess pelvic floor symptom severity (Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory, PFDI-20), impact on quality of life (Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire, PFIQ-7), and sexual function (Female Sexual Function Index, FSFI-6). Groups based on age and EDS type were compared using Kruskal–Wallis and Chi-squared tests. Results: A total of 1,303 participants were included in the analysis. Pelvic floor symptom prevalence included: stress urinary incontinence in 60%, urgency urinary incontinence in 54%, fecal incontinence in 24%, and pelvic organ prolapse in 21%. Bladder symptoms were reported to be the most bothersome. The impact of prolapse symptoms on quality of life was higher in women under age 40 than in older participants (p<0.001). Pelvic pain was reported in 71%. Pain ratings were highest for dysmenorrhea, muscle and joint pain, and backache (median 7 out of 10 for each). Almost half of participants screened positive for possible sexual dysfunction and 36% reported dyspareunia more than half the time. Conclusions: This large, observational study demonstrated that cisgender women with EDS report a high prevalence of pelvic floor symptoms that appear to be more severe than in the general population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effect of 3-acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA) in combination with bioenhancer piperine in lateral fluid percussion injury-induced TBI in experimental rats. Fluid percussion injury was introduced in the rat brain by delivering 50 mmHg of pressure for 3 min to the exposed brain. AKBA 25 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg orally, and AKBA (25 mg/kg, p.o.) in combination with piperine (2.5 mg/kg, p.o.) were administered from day 1 to day 14 to the assigned groups. On the 1st, 7th, and 14th day, behavioral parameters were checked. On the 15th day, animals were euthanized. In TBI rat model, AKBA-piperine combination significantly restored the altered performance of grip strength, rotarod test, open field task, narrow beam task (beam crossing time and no. of foot slips), and Morris water maze (escape latency and time spent in target quadrant) (p < 0.001 vs TBI control). Furthermore, the AKBA-piperine combination significantly reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine level in TBI rat model (&p < 0.001 vs TBI control). The combined effect of AKBA and piperine significantly restored oxidative stress parameters level, catecholamines level, and neurotransmitters level (p < 0.001 vs TBI control). Further findings showed that the AKBA-piperine combination prevented histopathological changes (p < 0.001), and the immunohistological study confirmed increased Nrf2-positive cells (p < 0.001 vs TBI control) and reduced nuclear factor kappa B (NFkB) expression (p < 0.001 vs TBI control, p < 0.01 vs TBI + AKBA 50 mg/kg) in the cortical region following AKBA-piperine administration. The present study concluded that AKBA along with piperine achieved anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects, and also prevented neuronal injury via targeting Nrf2 and NFkB expressions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]