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The study focuses on understanding the future exposure to rainfall and temperature extremes in one of the world's most populous islands, Java, Indonesia. We use the high‐resolution climate projections from the Coordinated Regional Climate Downscaling Experiment (CORDEX) simulation for Southeast Asia by 2100 under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios. Results show that the island will likely experience drying in the lowlands due to annual rainfall decline by approximately 13%–18%, potentially exposing around 27%–73% of the population (varying under different scenarios) during the end of the century (2060–2099). Additionally, the future drying condition may be exacerbated by extreme temperatures with a 1.7–3.1°C increase in maximum daily temperature, linked with more than half of the population (63%) likely to experience at least an unprecedented temperature of 3°C under RCP8.5. Our seasonal analysis also suggests that dry seasons get even drier, and wet seasons get wetter. In terms of landuse areas exposed, we show a higher fraction of crop and forest areas may face both drying and warming, which can potentially lead to crop failure and wildfire. Our study indicates that compound drought and heat may be a common threat in lowland Java in the future, while intensifying rainfall extremes in the uplands may lead to flash flooding downstream and landslides. These findings highlight the urgent need for adaptation and mitigation strategies to reduce the risks associated with climate change in Java as one of Indonesia's most critical regions in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This contribution analyses the scientific and political meaning of the concept of 'population' within Thomas Robert Malthus' thought. It is here argued that by encapsulating 'population' in a scientific principle, the author not only aimed at contrasting radical and revolutionary theories of his time; he was also looking for a renovation of the role principles hold in scientific reasoning. He considered this crucial for delineating a plausible science for such an elusive political object as society. Through an examination of key passages of Malthus' theoretical production – his critique of previous definitions of 'population', his reassessment of the natural history of society, and the use of selected metaphors to explain his political thought – it is possible to observe how the author attempted to naturalize society and the inequalities arising from its historical laws. As shown in the conclusions, Malthus' scientific and political effort was directed towards questioning possibilities to reduce the history of social relations to a path of rational progress, which is consistent with the way he re-conceptualized 'population' as regarding the fate of the people and their chances to transform the future in the plausible outcome of their political action in the present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hemoglobin (Hb) variants are qualitative abnormalities due to production of structurally abnormal globin proteins. They are categorized based on the type of mutation present in the α1, α2, β, Gγ, Aγ and δ globin genes. So far, more than 1550 Hb variants are reported in the database. They could lead to Hb polymerization, Hb instability, altered oxygen affinity and decreased oxygen‐carrying capacity of Hb or have no clinical manifestations. In India, ethnic diversity, consanguinity, regional variations and migration result in the presence of different Hb variants. We have compiled all the variants of α, β and δ globin chains in heterozygous, homozygous and in compound heterozygous forms reported from India in the last 52 years. Of the 63 rare and novel hemoglobin variants reported from India, 22 were α‐globin chain variants, 37 were β‐globin chain variants and 4 were δ‐globin chain variants. Twelve novel Hb variants (Hb J Rajappan, Hb Koya Dora, Hb Rampa, Hb Godavari, Hb Chandigarh, Hb D Agri, Hb Lucknow, Hb Vellore, Hb Midnapore, Hb Bijnor, Hb A2Tianhe and Hb A2Saurashtra) were identified among persons of Indian origin. Majority of them were picked up on HPLC. Some of the variants like Hb Titusville, Hb Shimonoseki, Hb Chandigarh, Hb D Agri, Hb Yaizu and Hb Vellore eluted in the HbS window whereas variants like HbD Iran, Hb St. Louis, Hb G Coushata, HbM Saskatoon, Hb Lucknow, Hb Grange‐Blanche and Hb Tianshui showed falsely elevated HbA2. Hence, careful and systematic investigations are required to identify them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By comparing the present and past avifauna, we investigate the human practices that involved the knowledge and interaction with birds during the Late-Holocene in Puna Austral Argentina. Ethnoarchaeological methodology was used, which included the analysis of feathers recovered from archeological excavations and interviews with local people. Interviews and bird observations were carried out in the spring/summer months, and in some cases the interviewees accompanied us to make the sightings. The results show a correspondence between current and past bird populations for some species of Passeriformes, Strigiformes, Rheiformes, and Anseriformes. Continuity was observed in the interaction of people with certain birds. This is linked to their farming and livestock lifestyle. Currently this situation is changing due to the increasing expansion of mining activities. This research establishes a baseline to compare the consequences of mining on avifauna and the local population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predation is a dominant structuring force in ecological communities. In aquatic environments, predation on bivalves has long been an important focal interaction for ecological study because bivalves have central roles as ecosystem engineers, basal components of food webs, and commercial commodities. Studies of bivalves are common, not only because of bivalves' central roles, but also due to the relative ease of studying predatory effects on this taxonomic group. To understand patterns in the interactions of bivalves and their predators we synthesised data from 52 years of peer‐reviewed studies on bivalve predation. Using a systematic search, we compiled 1334 studies from 75 countries, comprising 61 bivalve families (N = 2259), dominated by Mytilidae (29% of bivalves), Veneridae (14%), Ostreidae (8%), Unionidae (7%), and Dreissenidae and Tellinidae (6% each). A total of 2036 predators were studied, with crustaceans the most studied predator group (34% of predators), followed by fishes (24%), molluscs (17%), echinoderms (10%) and birds (6%). The majority of studies (86%) were conducted in marine systems, in part driven by the high commercial value of marine bivalves. Studies in freshwater ecosystems were dominated by non‐native bivalves and non‐native predator species, which probably reflects the important role of biological invasions affecting freshwater biodiversity. In fact, while 81% of the studied marine bivalve species were native, only 50% of the freshwater species were native to the system. In terms of approach, most studies used predation trials, visual analysis of digested contents and exclusion experiments to assess the effects of predation. These studies reflect that many factors influence bivalve predation depending on the species studied, including (i) species traits (e.g. behaviour, morphology, defence mechanisms), (ii) other biotic interactions (e.g. presence of competitors, parasites or diseases), and (iii) environmental context (e.g. temperature, current velocity, beach exposure, habitat complexity). There is a lack of research on the effects of bivalve predation at the population and community and ecosystem levels (only 7% and 0.5% of studies respectively examined impacts at these levels). At the population level, the available studies demonstrate that predation can decrease bivalve density through consumption or the reduction of recruitment. At the community and ecosystem level, predation can trigger effects that cascade through trophic levels or effects that alter the ecological functions bivalves perform. Given the conservation and commercial importance of many bivalve species, studies of predation should be pursued in the context of global change, particularly climate change, acidification and biological invasions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous research claims that 'the most significant risk' to achieving climate change mitigation goals is the 'governance trap', whereby governments and the public attribute responsibility for action to one another. While it is well documented that individuals call for political action on climate change, there is limited knowledge about how politicians attribute responsibility for climate change mitigation. The present study examines whether there is evidence of a 'governance trap' in Norway, by using two online surveys to compare how politicians (N = 1211) and the population (N = 2030) attribute responsibility for climate change mitigation to individuals, the local and regional authorities, the national authorities, the international community, and business and industry. Contrary to expectations, politicians and the population attribute responsibility to the actors in the same order. Thereby, the study contests the assumption that governments attribute primary responsibility for climate change mitigation to the population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: Background: Cervical cancer (CC) is a significant global public health concern, particularly in developing countries such as Colombia. The main risk factor involves high-risk HPV types (HR-HPV) infection, coupled with population-specific variables. The Caribbean region in Colombia lacks research on HR-HPV-type frequencies. Therefore, this study aims to establish the prevalence of type-specific HR-HPV and its association with sociodemographic factors among women undergoing cervical cytology screening. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving voluntary women who provided informed consent and completed a questionnaire capturing sociodemographic, clinical, and sexual behavior information was conducted. All participants underwent cervical cytology and molecular analysis. Generic HPV detection employed three simultaneous PCRs (GP5+/6+, MY09/11, and PU1R/2 M), and positive samples were genotyped using the Optiplex HPV Genotyping kit. The analysis encompassed the 12 types of high-risk HPV (HR-HPV-16,-18,-31,-33,-35,-39,-45,-51,-52,-56,-58, and − 59). Frequencies were reported based on geographic subregions within the Córdoba department, and disparities were made between single and multiple infections. Sociodemographic and clinical variables were subjected to ordinal logistic regression, with statistical significance at a p-value < 0.05. The statistical analyses utilized STATA 14® and R-Core Team-software. Results: We included 450 women, mean age 40 (SD 11.44). PCR analysis revealed 43% HPV-positive (n=192). GP5+/6+ detected the most positives at 26% (n=119), followed by PU1R/2 M at 22% (n = 100) and MY09/11 at 15% (n=69). Multiple infections occurred in 87.3% (n=142), primarily 2 to 4 types (47.37%, n=90). Dominant types were HPV-18 (15.6%, n=61), HPV-16 (14.9%, n=58), HPV-31 (13.0%, n = 51), and HPV-45 (11.5%, n=45). Logistic regression identified age above 60 as a risk for concurrent multiple types (OR=6.10; 95% CI 1.18–31.63). Menopause was protective (OR=0.31; 95% CI 0.11–0.89). Conclusions: Our study reveals a notable prevalence of multiple (2–4) high-risk HPV infections among adult women engaged in CC detection initiatives. Predominantly, α7 species constitute the prevalent HR-viral types, with the Medio Sinú subregion showing elevated prevalence. Menopausal status confers protection against diverse HR-HPV infections. Nevertheless, advancing age, particularly beyond 60 years, is linked to an increased susceptibility to simultaneous infections by multiple HPV-types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elaeocarpus venustus is a steno‐endemic and Critically Endangered tree species of the Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve, southern Western Ghats, India. Due to its restricted distribution and specific habitat, a detailed field survey of existing populations was carried out. In order to clarify the taxonomic circumscription of this species in view of earlier literature, a revised taxonomic description is presented—together with details of the populations and ecology of this little‐known species and photographic documentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims Method Results Conclusion Population‐level alcohol use data are available from high‐income countries, but limited research has been conducted in sub‐Saharan Africa. This systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to summarize population‐level alcohol use in sub‐Saharan Africa.Databases searched included PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO and AJOL, without language restrictions. Searches were also conducted in the Global Health Data Exchange (GHDx) and Google Scholar. Search terms encompassed ‘substance’ or ‘substance‐related disorders’ and ‘prevalence’ and ‘sub‐Saharan Africa’. We included general population studies on alcohol use (including any use, high‐risk alcohol use and alcohol use disorders) from 2018 onwards. Prevalence data for alcohol use among sub‐Saharan African adolescents (10–17) and adults (18+) were extracted. Analyses included life‐time and past 12‐ and 6‐month alcohol use.We included 141 papers. Among adolescents, the life‐time prevalence of alcohol use was 23.3% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 11.3–37.1%], 36.2% (CI = 18.4–56.1%) in the past year and 11.3% (CI = 4.5–20.4%) in the past 6 months. Among adolescents, 12‐month prevalence of alcohol use disorder and alcohol dependence were 7.7% (CI = 0.0–27.8%) and 4.1% (CI = 1.4–7.9%), respectively. Among adults, the life‐time prevalence of alcohol use was 34.9% (CI = 17.7–54.1%), 27.1% (CI = 5.0–56.4%) in the past year and 32.2% (CI = 19.8–46.0%) in the past 6 months. Among adults, the 12‐month prevalence of alcohol use disorder and alcohol dependence were 9.5% (CI = 0.0–30.4%) and 4.3% (CI = 0.8–9.8%), respectively. The highest weighted life‐time prevalence of alcohol use, 86.4%, was reported in Tanzania among adults. The highest weighted past 6‐month prevalence of alcohol use, 80.6%, was found in Zambia among adolescents.Alcohol use patterns vary across countries and subregions within sub‐Saharan Africa, and comprehensive population‐level data on alcohol use remain scarce in numerous sub‐Saharan African countries. The prevalence of alcohol use disorder is common among adolescents in sub‐Saharan Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taman Safari Indonesia Bogor is a buffer zone for the Mountain Gede Pangrango National Park conservation forest area and is one of the habitats for the Javan surili (Presbytis comata), but there is no research data on wild Javan surili populations. The object of research is to find out how many populations of Javan surili are in the TSI Bogor forest area. The research method used the line transect method by collecting data on the number of individuals, the number of groups, the sex ratio, and the age structure. The research was conducted at four observation locations with a duration of three months, observations were made from 06.00 WIT to 17.00 WIT, and four repetitions were carried out on each observation path, the results obtained were a total of 16 Javan surili individuals found which were divided into one group, and the estimated population density is 0.06 individuals/hectare. The sex composition of male and female Javan surili in the TSI Bogor forest area is 1:6 where there are more female Javan surili than male Javan surili, and for the age structure of the Javan surili the most are in the adult age class with a percentage of 43.75%, juvenile 31.25%, and the percentage of infent by 25%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To study sex differences in the psychosocial and economic impact of the restrictive measures during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 among the migrant origin and the general population in Finland. Methods: Cross-sectional MigCOVID Survey data (10/2020–2/2021; n =3668) were used. FinHealth 2017 Follow-up Study participants constituted the general population reference group (n =3490). Sex differences in self-perceived impact of the restrictive measures during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 on the psychosocial and economic situation were examined with multivariate logistic regression, adjusting for sociodemographics and self-rated health. Results: The migrant origin population had higher odds for reporting weakened economic situation (odds ratio (OR) 5.41; 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.96–7.39), increased loneliness (OR 1.75; 95% CI 1.35–2.28), decrease in feelings of hope for the future (OR 1.70; 95% CI 1.33–2.19) and increased sleeping difficulties and nightmares (OR 1.98; 95% CI 1.34–2.92) than the general population. While the psychosocial and economic impact of COVID-19 was higher in women compared with men in the general population, findings were not fully replicated in the migrant origin population. Conclusions: Individuals of migrant origin faced a higher likelihood of experiencing adverse changes in both psychosocial and economic aspects during the pandemic, suggesting increased vulnerability linked to migrant origin. Additional research is required to delve into the intricate connections among gender, migrant origin, and the impact of COVID-19, aiming to enhance comprehensive understanding of the contributing factors. Vulnerabilities of different population groups should be identified and addressed when planning measures to reduce adverse societal impact in future crises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To examine the impact of both individual and cumulative social determinants of health (SDoH) on the likelihood of developing periodontitis, while also exploring any gender disparities in this relationship. Materials and Methods: Data of self‐reported SDoH domains and sub‐items based on Healthy People 2030 were obtained from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys between 1999 and 2014. Logistic regression models, weighted by survey responses, were used to examine the relationship between SDoH (including eight sub‐items and the cumulative number of unfavourable SDoH) and periodontitis. The results were further analysed by gender. Results: A total of 18,075 participants (8867 males and 9208 females) were included in the main analysis, of which 5814 (32.2%) had periodontitis. The study found that certain unfavourable SDoH were individually associated with higher odds of periodontitis, and the cumulative number of unfavourable SDoH was positively linked to the odds of developing periodontitis. Furthermore, males exposed to more unfavourable SDoH appeared to be more susceptible to developing periodontitis than females. Conclusions: The findings suggest that unfavourable SDoH, especially when they accumulate, are associated with an increased odds of periodontitis and contribute to gender disparities within the U.S. population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to suicide attempts, which is a major risk factor for completed suicide in this age group. However, most research on suicide prevention interventions comes from high-income countries with predominantly white participants and English protocols. This study examines interventions that have been tested in Latin America and Spain. Methods: A systematic review was conducted to include interventions aimed at reducing suicide ideation, attempts, and increasing knowledge about it in these regions. Results: Sixteen articles were selected, and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Problem Solving Therapy, and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy were found to be more effective than standard treatments or wait-list conditions in reducing the outcomes. Discussion: This review highlights the need for more research on preventive interventions in Latin America and Spain. While all interventions evaluated were effective, further research and replication studies are necessary to strengthen the evidence base for these interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The effect of major trauma on subsequent fertility is poorly described. If women have lower fertility after trauma, they would have a lower risk of anti‐D mediated hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn in a future pregnancy following the transfusion of RhD‐positive blood to RhD‐negative women during their resuscitation. Study Design and Methods: Data was obtained from the Care Register for Health Care, National Medical Birth Register, and open access data from Statistic Finland to evaluate the effect of major trauma (traumatic brain injuries, spine, pelvic, hip/thigh fractures) on the age‐specific number of births during years 1998–2018. The total number of births before a specific maternal age for different trauma populations was calculated and these were compared to the corresponding number of births in the general population. Results: There were 50,923 injured women in this study. All injured women, including when analyzed by the nature of their injury, demonstrated lower expected numbers of births starting at approximately 28 years of age compared to the general population of women in Finland. At age 49, the expected number of births in the general population was approximately 1.8, whereas for all injured women 0.6, women with TBIs and spine fractures 0.6, women with pelvic fractures 0.5, and women with hip or thigh fractures 0.3. Discussion: Injured women are predicted to have lower fertility rates compared to the general population of Finnish women. The lower fertility rate should be considered when planning a blood product resuscitation strategy for injured women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the association between epigenetic age acceleration (EAA) derived from DNA methylation and the risk of incident colorectal cancer (CRC). We utilized data from a random population sample of 9,360 individuals (men and women, aged 45–69) from the HAPIEE Study who had been followed up for 16 years. A nested case–control design yielded 35 incident CRC cases and 354 matched controls. Six baseline epigenetic age (EA) measures (Horvath, Hannum, PhenoAge, Skin and Blood (SB), BLUP, and Elastic Net (EN)) were calculated along with their respective EAAs. After adjustment, the odds ratios (ORs) for CRC risk per decile increase in EAA ranged from 1.20 (95% CI: 1.04–1.39) to 1.44 (95% CI: 1.21–1.76) for the Horvath, Hannum, PhenoAge, and BLUP measures. Conversely, the SB and EN EAA measures showed borderline inverse associations with ORs of 0.86–0.87 (95% CI: 0.76–0.99). Tertile analysis reinforced a positive association between CRC risk and four EAA measures (Horvath, Hannum, PhenoAge, and BLUP) and a modest inverse relationship with EN EAA. Our findings from a prospective population-based-case-control study indicate a direct association between incident CRC and four markers of accelerated baseline epigenetic age. In contrast, two markers showed a negative association or no association. These results warrant further exploration in larger cohorts and may have implications for CRC risk assessment and prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The regional economy, population and ecology are closely linked in regional development, and the study of the harmonization between these systems contributes to the sustainable development of cities. In this study, 43 cities in the Bohai Rim region (BRR) urban agglomeration of China were selected for investigation in 2000, 2010, and 2020. By introducing an ecological subsystem indicator (Gross Ecosystem Product (GEP)) applicable to the study area, a coupled coordination degree (CCD) model relating ecology, economy and population was developed to explore the mechanism of sustainable development among the considered cities. The results indicated the following: the BBR GEP increased significantly over the study period, and Beijing and Tianjin exhibited the highest GEP values. The obvious increase in the CCD demonstrated that coordinated development of the BRR has improved since 2000, the center of gravity of coordination has shifted southwards, and stable high-high agglomeration occurs. This study is important for optimizing the strategic layout of regional development, enhancing regional synergy, and promoting high-level and high-quality regional development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider a simple diploid population-genetic model with potentially high variability of offspring numbers among individuals. Specifically, against a backdrop of Wright–Fisher reproduction and no selection, there is an additional probability that a big family occurs, meaning that a pair of individuals has a number of offspring on the order of the population size. We study how the pedigree of the population generated under this model affects the ancestral genetic process of a sample of size two at a single autosomal locus without recombination. Our population model is of the type for which multiple-merger coalescent processes have been described. We prove that the conditional distribution of the pairwise coalescence time given the random pedigree converges to a limit law as the population size tends to infinity. This limit law may or may not be the usual exponential distribution of the Kingman coalescent, depending on the frequency of big families. But because it includes the number and times of big families, it differs from the usual multiple-merger coalescent models. The usual multiple-merger coalescent models are seen as describing the ancestral process marginal to, or averaging over, the pedigree. In the limiting ancestral process conditional on the pedigree, the intervals between big families can be modeled using the Kingman coalescent but each big family causes a discrete jump in the probability of coalescence. Analogous results should hold for larger samples and other population models. We illustrate these results with simulations and additional analysis, highlighting their implications for inference and understanding of multilocus data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rib fractures remain the most frequent thoracic injury in motor vehicle crashes. Computational human body models (HBMs) can be used to simulate these injuries and design mitigation strategies, but they require adequately detailed geometry to replicate such fractures. Due to a lack of rib cross‐sectional shape data availability, most commercial HBMs use highly simplified rib sections extracted from a single individual during original HBM development. This study provides human rib shape data collected from chest CT scans of 240 females and males across the full adult age range. A cortical bone mapping algorithm extracted cross‐sectional geometry from scans in terms of local periosteal position with respect to the central rib axis and local cortex thickness. Principal component analysis was used to reduce the dimensionality of these cross‐sectional shape data. Linear regression found significant associations between principal component scores and subject demographics (sex, age, height, and weight) at all rib levels, and predicted scores were used to explore the expected rib cross‐sectional shapes across a wide range of subject demographics. The resulting detailed rib cross‐sectional shapes were quantified in terms of their total cross‐sectional area and their cortical bone cross‐sectional area. Average‐sized female ribs were smaller in total cross‐sectional area than average‐sized male ribs by between 20% and 36% across the rib cage, with the greatest differences seen in the central portions of rib 6. This trend persisted although to smaller differences of 14%–29% when comparing females and males of equal intermediate weight and stature. Cortical bone cross‐sectional areas were up to 18% smaller in females than males of equivalent height and weight but also reached parity in certain regions of the rib cage. Increased age from 25 to 80 years was associated with reductions in cortical bone cross‐sectional area (up to 37% in females and 26% in males at mid‐rib levels). Total cross‐sectional area was also seen to reduce with age in females but to a lesser degree (of up to 17% in mid‐rib regions). Similar regions saw marginal increases in total cross‐sectional area for male ribs, indicating age affects rib cortex thickness moreso than overall rib cross‐sectional size. Increased subject height was associated with increased rib total and cortical bone cross‐sectional areas by approximately 25% and 15% increases, respectively, in mid‐rib sections for a given 30 cm increase in height, although the magnitudes of these associations varied by sex and rib location. Increased weight was associated with approximately equal changes in both cortical bone and total cross‐sectional areas in males. These effects were most prominent (around 25% increases for an addition of 50 kg) toward lower ribs in the rib cage and had only modest effects (less than 12% change) in ribs 2–4. Females saw greater increases with weight in total rib area compared to cortical bone area, of up to 21% at the eighth rib level. Results from this study show the expected shapes of rib cross‐sections across the adult rib cage and across a broad range of demographics. This detailed geometry can be used to produce accurate rib models representing widely varying populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many individuals do not participate in resistance exercise, with perceived lack of time being a key barrier. Minimal dose strategies, which generally reduce weekly exercise volumes to less than recommended guidelines, might improve muscle strength with minimal time investment. However, minimal dose strategies and their effects on muscle strength are still unclear. Here our aims are to define and characterize minimal dose resistance exercise strategies and summarize their effects on muscle strength in individuals who are not currently engaged in resistance exercise. The minimal dose strategies overviewed were: "Weekend Warrior," single-set resistance exercise, resistance exercise "snacking," practicing the strength test, and eccentric minimal doses. "Weekend Warrior," which minimizes training frequency, is resistance exercise performed in one weekly session. Single-set resistance exercise, which minimizes set number and session duration, is one set of multiple exercises performed multiple times per week. "Snacks," which minimize exercise number and session duration, are brief bouts (few minutes) of resistance exercise performed once or more daily. Practicing the strength test, which minimizes repetition number and session duration, is one maximal repetition performed in one or more sets, multiple days per week. Eccentric minimal doses, which eliminate or minimize concentric phase muscle actions, are low weekly volumes of submaximal or maximal eccentric-only repetitions. All approaches increase muscle strength, and some approaches improve other outcomes of health and fitness. "Weekend Warrior" and single-set resistance exercise are the approaches most strongly supported by current research, while snacking and eccentric minimal doses are emerging concepts with promising results. Public health programs can promote small volumes of resistance exercise as being better for muscle strength than no resistance exercise at all. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis is a benign manifestation of human papillomavirus types 6 and 11 in the respiratory tract. Disease is recurrent, and factors predicting these recurrences and severity of disease are incompletely characterised. This retrospective cohort study examined the relationship of immunosuppression with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis morbidity. Methods: A retrospective cohort of 97 adult patients with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis treated at a tertiary referral centre from 2005 to 2020 was conducted. Measures assessed included inter-surgical interval, Voice Handicap Index ('VHI-10') and anatomical Derkay scores. Results: Bivariate analyses comparing average inter-surgical interval, Voice Handicap Index and Derkay scores in immunosuppressed and healthy patients were insignificant. When controlling for diabetes mellitus and comparing immunosuppressed to healthy patients, inter-surgical interval and Voice Handicap Index change were insignificant (p = 0.458 and p = 0.465, respectively). Conclusion: Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis morbidity for immunosuppressed patients did not significantly differ from that of immunocompetent patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mild behavioural impairment (MBI) is an emergent and persistent neuropsychiatric symptom (NPS) in subjects aged 50 and older who are at risk for cognitive decline. We examined the prevalence of MBI across the spectrum from cognitively normal (CN), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), to dementia, and further investigated the association between the MBI domain and cognitive and functional impairment. Method: MBI was assessed in 2337 elderly patients in the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative database (mean age, 73.04 years; 52.8% male). Among the subjects, 868 (37.1%) had normal cognition, 1066 (45.6%) had MCI, and 403 (17.2%) had mild Alzheimer's dementia (AD). MBI was evaluated in accordance with the Alzheimer's Association International Society to Advance Alzheimer's Research and Treatment diagnostic criteria for MBI, utilising the Neuropsychiatric Inventory. We compared the prevalence of the MBI domain with CN using multinominal logistic regression analysis and further quantified the magnitude of the association between MCI/AD and the MBI domains by calculating the population attributable risk (PAR). We assessed the association between the MBI domains and cognitive and functional impairment using simultaneous linear regression analysis. Results: The most common MBI domains in each diagnostic group were affective dysregulation followed by impulse dyscontrol, decreased motivation, social inappropriateness, and abnormal perception or thought content. The PARs for MBI domains in subjects with MCI or AD were respectively: 16.60% and 24.34% for affective dysregulation; 3.72% and 18.06% for impulse dyscontrol; 4.78% and 14.13% for decreased motivation, 1.91% and 2.29% for social inappropriateness; and 0.68% and 3.85% for abnormal perception or thought content. All MBI domains except for social inappropriateness were significantly associated with a higher 11‐item Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale–Cognitive Subscale total score. All MBI domains were significantly associated with a higher Functional Activities Questionnaire total score. Conclusion: Our findings show that MBI is highly prevalent across subjects with CN, MCI, and AD and is associated with cognitive and functional decline. MBI could be a crucial clinical phenotype relevant to the risk of cognitive and functional impairment, and provides a useful dimension pertinent to diagnostic approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to examine associations between serum folate levels and risk of disabling dementia that required care under the national insurance (disabling dementia). We performed a nested case–control study in a community-based cohort, the Circulatory Risk in Communities Study, involving 13,934 Japanese individuals aged 40–84 years at the baseline period of 1984–2005. Serum folate was measured in 578 cases of incident disabling dementia, and in 1,156 controls whose age (±1 years), sex, area of residence, and baseline year were matched with the cases. The diagnosis of disabling dementia was performed by attending physicians under the National Long-Term Care Insurance System in Japan. Conditional odds ratios of disabling dementia according to quintiles of serum folate were calculated using conditional logistic regression models. After a 20.8-year follow-up, serum folate was inversely associated with risk of disabling dementia. The respective multivariable odds ratios (95% CIs) were 0.71 (0.51–0.99), 0.76 (0.54–1.06), 0.70 (0.49–1.00), and 0.62 (0.43–0.90) for persons with the second, third, fourth, and highest quintiles of serum folate as compared with the lowest quintile (P for trend = 0.03). A similar association was observed for dementia with or without stroke. In this nested case–control study with a long follow-up, low serum folate levels were associated with an increased risk of disabling dementia among Japanese individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Economic development can be influenced by various policies such as improving infrastructure, changing the legal system, or increasing educational attainment. However, to the extent that culture influences economic outcomes, that is very difficult for policy to alter. To examine culture's role, we assess religion's influence on historical regional economic development using 19th-century Prussian data. We find that compared to predominantly Catholic Prussian regions, Protestantism facilitated 19th-century industrialization and agricultural productivity growth. On the other hand, there was not a positive and significant impact of Protestantism on early 19th-century regional population growth, though there is a negative and significant effect in the latter 19th century. This result is robust to using IV regression. Protestantism's positive impacts on the growth of industrialization and agricultural growth is not explained by differing education levels or by differing birthrates across regions, ruling out other indirect effects of Protestantism, suggesting other cultural roles of religion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) persons tend to be geographically concentrated in larger metropolitan areas and research persistently observes LGB persons as a disadvantaged population for mental health outcomes when compared to their heterosexual counterparts. Conflicting evidence suggests that mental health risk exposures are greater for LGB people in rural spaces while other research posits that urban residency is more detrimental for LGB mental health. One positively contributing factor to the mental well‐being of LGB persons is their partnership status. To date, no study estimates how partnership may ameliorate unfavourable mental health outcomes for LGB populations in urban and rural areas. Using 10 years of pooled data from the nationally representative Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS), this study examines mental health and the intersection of sexuality, geographic residency, and partnership. Logistic regression models estimate the intersections of sexuality, geography, and partnership status on mental health, stratified by respondents' gender. Findings show partnered gay men in rural areas experiencing better mental health than their partnered heterosexual counterparts in the largest urban cities. Although not significant, the same pattern is observed for partnered lesbian women who do not experience a significant mental health disadvantage at any geographic level. Regardless of partnership and geographic space, bisexual men, and especially bisexual women, exhibit worse mental health outcomes compared to their heterosexual counterparts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Liver disease is an important contributor to the mortality gap between First Nations Peoples and non-Indigenous Australian adults. Despite a high burden of metabolic comorbidities among First Nations Peoples, data about the epidemiology of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in this population is scarce. Methods: A retrospective analysis of all adults hospitalized with MASLD or metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) with/without cirrhosis during 2007–2019 in the state of Queensland was performed. Patients were followed from the first admission with MASLD/MASH (identified based on validated algorithms) to decompensated cirrhosis and overall mortality. We explored differences according to Indigenous status using Multivariable Cox regression. Findings: 439 First Nations Peoples and 7,547 non-Indigenous Australians were followed for a median of 4.6 years (interquartile range 2.7–7.2). Overall, women were overrepresented, but more so in the First Nations cohort (72.7% vs. 57.0%, p < 0.001). First Nations patients were younger, a higher proportion lived in remote and socioeconomic disadvantaged areas, and had higher comorbidity compared to non-Indigenous Australians (all p < 0.001). Diabetes, the most common comorbidity affecting both groups, was overrepresented in First Nations Peoples versus non-Indigenous Australians (43.5% vs. 30.8%, p < 0.001, respectively). Nineteen (4.3%) First Nations Peoples and 332 (4.4%) of non-Indigenous patients progressed to cirrhosis decompensation (9.0% [95%CI 4.5–17.7] vs. 7.7% [95%CI 6.6–8.9; p = 0.956] respectively within 10 years). In multivariable analysis, there was no association between Indigenous status and progression to decompensated cirrhosis (p = 0.759) and survival (p = 0.437). Conclusions: This study provides the first population-based epidemiological data on MASLD in First Nations Australians. The high prevalence of diabetes (that is associated with advanced fibrosis and liver disease mortality) among young First Nations Peoples with MASLD raises concern about future risk of progressive liver disease in this patient population. These data highlight the importance of early identification of MASLD, and providing culturally appropriate intervention to reduce disease progression in parallel with the management of cardiometabolic comorbidities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Theodore Roosevelt National Park (TRNP) manages a herd of feral horses (Equus caballus) which was present on the landscape prior to the establishment of the park. The population presents a unique scenario in that it has experienced fairly intensive and well‐documented management since the park's establishment, including herd size reductions, intentional introduction of diversity, and subsequent attempts to remove introduced lineages. This provides an interesting case study on the genetic effects of diverse evolutionary forces on an isolated feral population. To explore the effects of these forces and clarify the relationship of this feral herd with other horses, we used genome‐wide markers to examine the population structure of a combined dataset containing common established breeds. Using the Illumina Equine 70k BeadChip, we sampled SNPs across the genome for 118 TRNP horses and evaluated the inbreeding coefficient f and runs of homozygosity (RoH). To identify breed relationships, we compared 23 representative TRNP samples with 792 horses from 35 different breeds using genomic population structure analyses. Mean f of TRNP horses was 0.180, while the mean f for all other breeds in the dataset was 0.116 (SD 0.079). RoH analysis indicates that the TRNP population has experienced recent inbreeding in a timeframe consistent with their management. With Bayesian clustering, PCA, and maximum likelihood phylogeny, TRNP horses show genetic differentiation from other breeds, likely due to isolation, historical population bottlenecks, and genetic drift. However, maximum likelihood phylogeny places them with moderate confidence (76.8%) among draft breeds, which is consistent with the known history of breeds used on early North Dakota ranches and stallions subsequently introduced to the park herd. These findings will help resolve speculation about the origins of the herd and inform management decisions for the TRNP herd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regression factor score predictors have the maximum factor score determinacy, that is, the maximum correlation with the corresponding factor, but they do not have the same inter-correlations as the factors. As it might be useful to compute factor score predictors that have the same inter-correlations as the factors, correlation-preserving factor score predictors have been proposed. However, correlation-preserving factor score predictors have smaller correlations with the corresponding factors (factor score determinacy) than regression factor score predictors. Thus, higher factor score determinacy goes along with bias of the inter-correlations and unbiased inter-correlations go along with lower factor score determinacy. The aim of the present study was therefore to investigate the size and conditions of the trade-off between factor score determinacy and bias of inter-correlations by means of algebraic considerations and a simulation study. It turns out that under several conditions very small gains of factor score determinacy of the regression factor score predictor go along with a large bias of inter-correlations. Instead of using the regression factor score predictor by default, it is proposed to check whether substantial bias of inter-correlations can be avoided without substantial loss of factor score determinacy using a correlation-preserving factor score predictor. A syntax that allows to compute correlation-preserving factor score predictors from regression factor score predictors, and to compare factor score determinacy and inter-correlations of the factor score predictors is given in the Appendix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the effect of country size on the professionalization of politicians in six European micro-states and a large-scale democracy – Germany – since 1980. The article revisits an ongoing debate about the extent to which either country size or government size are causal factors in the individual professionalization process. Using an original dataset consisting of 6,940 parliamentary mandates – 2,809 individuals – in national parliaments, the article shows that country size is a determinant of the degree of politicians' professionalization. The article further demonstrates that political parties' gatekeeper role is the key causal mechanism explaining the influence of population size on politicians' professionalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Theodore Roosevelt National Park (TRNP) manages a herd of feral horses (Equus caballus) which was present on the landscape prior to the establishment of the park. The population presents a unique scenario in that it has experienced fairly intensive and well‐documented management since the park's establishment, including herd size reductions, intentional introduction of diversity, and subsequent attempts to remove introduced lineages. This provides an interesting case study on the genetic effects of diverse evolutionary forces on an isolated feral population. To explore the effects of these forces and clarify the relationship of this feral herd with other horses, we used genome‐wide markers to examine the population structure of a combined dataset containing common established breeds. Using the Illumina Equine 70k BeadChip, we sampled SNPs across the genome for 118 TRNP horses and evaluated the inbreeding coefficient f and runs of homozygosity (RoH). To identify breed relationships, we compared 23 representative TRNP samples with 792 horses from 35 different breeds using genomic population structure analyses. Mean f of TRNP horses was 0.180, while the mean f for all other breeds in the dataset was 0.116 (SD 0.079). RoH analysis indicates that the TRNP population has experienced recent inbreeding in a timeframe consistent with their management. With Bayesian clustering, PCA, and maximum likelihood phylogeny, TRNP horses show genetic differentiation from other breeds, likely due to isolation, historical population bottlenecks, and genetic drift. However, maximum likelihood phylogeny places them with moderate confidence (76.8%) among draft breeds, which is consistent with the known history of breeds used on early North Dakota ranches and stallions subsequently introduced to the park herd. These findings will help resolve speculation about the origins of the herd and inform management decisions for the TRNP herd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We revisit the effect of long run income growth on population fertility in some of the poorest countries in the world. Causal inference is enabled through proxying income windfalls by oil price shocks in oil rich versus oil poor provinces. We find that long run income growth, following oil windfalls, significantly and robustly reduces fertility in oil producing provinces. To explain these results, we document that oil windfalls have translated to higher incomes in oil-producing provinces promoting parents to invest in the human capital of their children, in terms of acquiring more schooling and delaying girls' age of marriage. Investing in women's education has persisted over the long-run causing a further delay in the age of first marriage and the giving of first birth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Choices about which dental treatments to provide in a publicly funded system should be guided by the value that the general population place on those treatments. The aim of this study was to estimate United Kingdom (UK) general population willingness to pay (WTP) for dental check‐ups, and to investigate what factors influence WTP. Methods: WTP was elicited using a hypothetical question in an online survey. The sample consisted of 594 participants, nationally representative of the UK general population in terms of age and gender. Regression analysis was used to examine what factors are associated with WTP. Analyses were conducted including and excluding protest answers. Results: The mean WTP for a dental check‐up is £31.32 for the full sample and £33.17 excluding protest answers. Respondents on higher incomes and those with higher university education had higher WTP. Respondents in Scotland were WTP less than respondents living in the rest of the UK which may be the result of NHS dental check‐ups being free to patients in Scotland. Conclusion: The general UK population value dental check‐ups. This study provides estimates of WTP for dental check‐ups which can be used in Cost–Benefit Analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A hippopotamus and other wildlife species survey were conducted in the Zambezi River between Kariba dam wall and Luangwa River confluence. The main objective of the survey was to establish hippopotamus and other wildlife species population distribution and densities along the Zambezi River. The boat survey method was used on both sides of the river in October 2022 for 262 km. Individual hippopotamus counted were 1769 on the Zambian side and 1424 on the Zimbabwean side. The Zimbabwean side recorded higher hippopotamus pods (138) than the Zambian side (123). Individual hippopotamus density was 26.60/km with a pod density of 0,45/km. There was a significant difference in hippo population between the five Zambezi River sections on the Zambian side (${x^2}$ x 2 = 2345, df = 4, p = 0.01) and Zimbabwean side (${x^2}$ x 2 = 538, df = 4, p = 0.01). The study established areas with high hippo and other wildlife species population distribution and densities, and the study helps to inform management of protected areas' carrying capacities and management of Human Wildlife Conflicts. The study recommends more studies on hippopotamus migration, population demography, variation in home ranges and regular population surveys in both rivers and inland waterholes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bulked-segregant analysis by deep sequencing (BSA-seq) is a widely used method for mapping QTL (quantitative trait loci) due to its simplicity, speed, cost-effectiveness, and efficiency. However, the ability of BSA-seq to detect QTL is often limited by inappropriate experimental designs, as evidenced by numerous practical studies. Most BSA-seq studies have utilized small to medium-sized populations, with F2 populations being the most common choice. Nevertheless, theoretical studies have shown that using a large population with an appropriate pool size can significantly enhance the power and resolution of QTL detection in BSA-seq, with F3 populations offering notable advantages over F2 populations. To provide an experimental demonstration, we tested the power of BSA-seq to identify QTL controlling days from sowing to heading (DTH) in a 7200-plant rice F3 population in two environments, with a pool size of approximately 500. Each experiment identified 34 QTL, an order of magnitude greater than reported in most BSA-seq experiments, of which 23 were detected in both experiments, with 17 of these located near 41 previously reported QTL and eight cloned genes known to control DTH in rice. These results indicate that QTL mapping by BSA-seq in large F3 populations and multi-environment experiments can achieve high power, resolution, and reliability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

GPS satellite tracking allows novel investigations of how golden eagles Aquila chrysaetos use the landscape at several scales and at different life history stages, including research on geographical barriers which may prevent or limit range expansion or create population/sub-population isolation. If there are significant barriers to golden eagle movements, there could be demographic and genetic consequences. Genetic studies have led investigations on the identification of sub-species, populations, and sub-populations but should be conjoined with demographic studies and dispersal movements to understand fully such designations and their geographic delimitation. Scottish eagles are genetically differentiated from continental European birds, with thousands of years of separation creating a distinct population, though without sub-species assignation. They present unique research opportunities to examine barriers to movements illustrated by satellite tracking under Scotland's highly variable geography. We primarily examined two features, using more than seven million dispersal records from satellite tags fitted to 152 nestlings. The first was the presence of unsuitable terrestrial habitat. We found few movements across a region of largely unsuitable lowland habitat between upland regions substantially generated by geological features over 70 km apart (Highland Boundary Fault and Southern Uplands Fault). This was expected from the Golden Eagle Topography model, and presumed isolation was the premise for an ongoing reinforcement project in the south of Scotland, translocating eagles from the north (South Scotland Golden Eagle Project: SSGEP). Second was that larger expanses of water can be a barrier. We found that, for a northwestern archipelago (Outer Hebrides), isolated by ≥24 km of sea (and with prior assignation of genetical and historical separation), there were no tagged bird movements with the Inner Hebrides and/or the Highlands mainland (the main sub-population), confirming their characterisation as a second sub-population. Results on the willingness of eagles to cross open sea or sea lochs (fjords) elsewhere in Scotland were consistent on distance. While apparently weaker than the Outer Hebrides in terms of separation, the designation of a third sub-population in the south of Scotland seems appropriate. Our results validate the SSGEP, as we also observed no movement of birds across closer sea crossings from abundant Highland sources to the Southern Uplands. Based on telemetric results, we also identified where any re-colonisation of England, due to the SSGEP, is most likely to occur. We emphasise, nevertheless, that our study's records during dispersal will be greater than the natal dispersal distances (NDDs), when birds settle to breed after dispersal, and NDDs are the better shorter arbiter for connectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, numerous population pharmacokinetic (popPK) models for methotrexate (MTX) have been published for estimating PK parameters and variability. However, it is unclear whether the accuracy of these models is sufficient for clinical application. The aim of this study is to evaluate published models and assess their predictive performance according to the standards of scientific research. A total of 237 samples from 74 adult patients who underwent high‐dose MTX (HDMTX) treatment at Shanghai Changzheng Hospital were collected. The software package NONMEM was used to perform an external evaluation for each model, including prediction‐based diagnosis, simulation‐based diagnosis, and Bayesian forecasting. The simulation‐based diagnosis includes normalized prediction distribution error (NPDE) and visual predictive check (VPC). Following screening, 7 candidate models suitable for external validation were identified for comparison. However, none of these models exhibited excellent predictive performance. Bayesian simulation results indicated that the prediction precision and accuracy of all models significantly improved when incorporating prior concentration information. The published popPK models for MTX exhibit significant differences in their predictive performance, and none of the models were able to accurately predict MTX concentrations in our data set. Therefore, before adopting any model in clinical practice, extensive evaluation should be conducted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Every year land cover in Indonesia changes due to various factors, including the increase in population which is directly proportional to the increase in various activities carried out by the community. Changes in land cover also occurred in Gambut District, Banjar Regency. Based on the RTRW of Banjar Regency for 2010-2041, Peat District is included in the Fire Hazard Area and has a Protected Area within it. However, there is a problem of changing land cover in protected forests that become illegal mining in Gambut District. Changes in land cover from protected forest to mining and the occurrence of forest and land fires can disrupt the function of protected forests in providing protection to the surrounding area and its subordinates as a regulator of water management, preventing floods and erosion and maintaining soil fertility. The purpose of this study was to identify and evaluate changes in land cover in the Peat District so that the absorption capacity due to changes in land cover can be calculated. The results of the analysis show that there is a change in land cover from vegetation to non-vegetation which affects the decrease in absorption capacity, especially in vegetation land cover in the form of protected forests. So from the results of the analysis a solution is needed in order to slow down the rate of decrease in absorption in the form of a scenario. There are 3 scenarios, namely scenario 0 which is the existing condition, scenario 1 which is the worst condition, and scenario 2 which is the best condition. Scenarios are used to get a picture in the future of various uncertain situations regarding land cover change and to plan actions from these situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increase in population has triggered a rise in demand for public and private facilities, including properties, in Minahasa Regency, North Sulawesi, leading to an increase in land and property ownership while available land supply continues to decrease. This growth is driven by intensive physical development across various sectors, initiated by government, private, and community initiatives, resulting in a shift in land utilization around Lake Tondano. Challenges arise due to the conversion of land functions from their original purposes to different ones. This study aims to understand the impacts of land use change on environmental sustainability and community welfare in Minahasa Regency. The research methodology involves descriptive analysis and interviews with relevant stakeholders, as well as mapping of land use change. The results indicate a significant shift in land use around Lake Tondano, with increased physical development affecting ecosystems and environmental sustainability. In conclusion, the increased demand for public and private facilities has driven dramatic changes in land use in Minahasa Regency, necessitating careful planning to maintain environmental sustainability and community well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined the associations between allostatic load (AL) and sociodemographic factors, depressive symptoms, lifestyle and health characteristics in a population-based sample of 4993 adults in Finland. Thirteen biomarkers were used to construct AL. High AL was defined as scoring highly in ≥4 items. AL scores of 4 and above were exceeded in the age group of 45–54 years in men and 65–74 years in women. Age was the strongest predictor for belonging to the high AL score group. In addition, elevated depressive symptoms (BDI-6 ≥ 4), male sex, not engaging in physical exercise, high alcohol use and a low level of education were associated with an increased likelihood of belonging to the high AL group. The older the participants were, the greater their AL burden was. However, AL burden increased more steeply as a function of age in men. In addition to lifestyle interventions, effective prevention strategies for depression at the population level could have a major public health impact in reducing the accumulation of AL burden. • Aging increased the AL burden in the general population • AL burden starts increasing at a younger age in men than women • Depressive symptoms are more common among younger adults and females • Participants with depressive symptoms have a higher AL score than others • Sociodemographic and lifestyle factors associated with AL a population sample [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breast cancer remains the most prevalent cancer among women worldwide, necessitating advancements in diagnostic methods. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into mammography has shown promise in enhancing diagnostic accuracy. However, understanding patient perspectives, particularly considering the psychological impact of breast cancer diagnoses, is crucial. This narrative review synthesizes literature from 2000 to 2023 to examine breast cancer patients' attitudes towards AI in breast imaging, focusing on trust, acceptance, and demographic influences on these views. Methodologically, we employed a systematic literature search across databases such as PubMed, Embase, Medline, and Scopus, selecting studies that provided insights into patients' perceptions of AI in diagnostics. Our review included a sample of seven key studies after rigorous screening, reflecting varied patient trust and acceptance levels towards AI. Overall, we found a clear preference among patients for AI to augment rather than replace the diagnostic process, emphasizing the necessity of radiologists' expertise in conjunction with AI to enhance decision-making accuracy. This paper highlights the importance of aligning AI implementation in clinical settings with patient needs and expectations, emphasizing the need for human interaction in healthcare. Our findings advocate for a model where AI augments the diagnostic process, underlining the necessity for educational efforts to mitigate concerns and enhance patient trust in AI-enhanced diagnostics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The population attributable fraction (PAF), an epidemiologic measure of exposures and health outcomes, can provide information on the public health impacts of exposures in populations. This study aimed to systematically summarize the PAF estimates of modifiable cancer risk factors in Korea. Methods: This review included studies that determined PAFs of modifiable risk factors for cancer in Korea. We performed systematic searches in EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cochrane library, and Korean databases for studies published up to July 2021. Two reviewers independently screened studies for eligibility, extracted data, and performed quality assessments of the included studies. Due to high variability among the data acquisition methods and PAF estimates, we presented the results qualitatively and did not perform quantitative data synthesis. Results: We reviewed 16 studies that reported the PAFs of risk factors for cancer, including smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, and various cancer sites. We found considerable variability in the PAF estimates across exposure and cancer pairs. However, PAF estimates for smoking and respiratory cancer were consistently high in men. PAF estimates were higher in men than in women for smoking and alcohol consumption but higher in women for obesity. We found limited evidence for other exposures and cancers. Conclusion: Our findings may be used to prioritize and plan strategies to reduce cancer burden. We encourage further and updated assessments of cancer risk factors, including those not addressed in the studies included in this review, and their potential contributions to cancer burden to better inform strategies for cancer control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The vaginal microbiota plays a significant role in pregnancy outcomes and newborn health. Indeed, the composition and diversity of the vaginal microbiota can vary among different ethnic groups. Our study aimed to investigate the composition of the vaginal microbiome throughout the three trimesters of pregnancy and to identify any potential variations or patterns in the Turkish population compromising mixed ethnicities. Method: We conducted a longitudinal study to characterize the vaginal microbiota of pregnant women. The study included a total of 25 participants, and the samples were collected at each trimester: 11–13 weeks, 20–24 weeks and 28–34 weeks gestation. Results: Lactobacillus species were consistently found to be dominant in the vaginal microbiota throughout all trimesters of pregnancy. Among Lactobacillus species, L. crispatus had the highest abundance in all trimesters (40.6%, 40.8% and 44.4%, respectively). L. iners was the second most prevalent species (28.5%, 31% and 25.04, respectively). Our findings reveal that the dominant composition of the vaginal microbiota aligns with the CST-type I, commonly observed in the European population. Conclusions: This suggests that there are shared mechanisms influencing the microbial communities in the vagina, which are likely influenced by factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and cultural behaviors rather than ethnicity alone. The complex interplay of these factors contributes to the establishment and maintenance of the vaginal microbiota during pregnancy. Understanding the underlying mechanisms and their impact on vaginal health across diverse populations is essential for improving pregnancy outcomes. The study was approved by the Koc University Ethical Committee (no:2019.093.IRB2.030) and registered at the clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The restrictions imposed to control the COVID-19 pandemic had significant negative effects on the mental health of the general population, and particularly in nurses as frontline healthcare workers. The main goal of the present study was to analyze the direct and indirect effects, via social connectedness, of centrality of the COVID-19 outbreak on depressive symptoms. Furthermore, it is explored whether this association varied by group (nurses versus general population). The global sample included 326 individuals from the community and 316 nurses, who were administered self-reported questionnaires. Results revealed that event centrality of COVID-19 outbreak was linked to depressive symptoms, both directly and through the deterioration of social connectedness; moreover, this indirect effect was significant for both subsamples. Interventions aimed at preventing the deterioration of social connectedness may facilitate the decrease of depressive symptoms in the aftermath of the pandemic, particularly for nurses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There was much contact between the Dutch Republic and Muslim world in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. The Dutch East India Company (VOC) (1602-1799) undertook extensive commercial activity in the Indian Ocean and Indonesian archipelago, where many Muslims lived. The VOC established trading posts in Bengal, across the Indian sub-continent, in Persia, the Yemen, and at its headquarters in the East Indies at Batavia. Whilst people in these areas practised several religions including Buddhism, Hinduism, and Christianity, most of these areas had significant Muslim populations, often with Muslim rulers. I am undertaking a project to analyse who spoke and wrote Dutch to whom and when in the Muslim world in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Given the scale of the Muslim world, it will be useful to divide it into two parts: one that focuses on the Indonesian archipelago and another on other countries with Muslim populations. This article examines what the second part of this project might look like, mapping out the form and content of a project on contact between Dutch and languages spoken in the Muslim world in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the medical domain, substantial effort has been invested in generating internally valid estimates in experimental as well as observational studies, but limited effort has been made in testing generalizability, or external validity. Testing the external validity of scientific findings is nevertheless crucial for the application of knowledge across populations. In particular, transporting estimates obtained from observational studies requires the combination of methods for causal inference and methods to transport the effect estimates in order to minimize biases inherent to observational studies and to account for differences between the study and target populations. In this paper, the conceptual framework and assumptions behind transporting results from a population-based study population to a target population is described in an observational setting. An applied example to life-course epidemiology, where internal validity was constructed for illustrative purposes, is shown by using the targeted maximum likelihood estimator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objective Monkeypox virus (MPXV) is the causative agent of monkeypox’s zoonotic infection and was declared a global emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO). Studies from different countries have shown insufficient knowledge among the general public on MPXV. This study aimed to assess the knowledge of the general public of Nepal on MPXV. Methods Three hundred people were interviewed in person in October 2022, and 282 complete responses were recorded. The questionnaire related to the knowledge of MPXV was derived from a previous study conducted among the general population of Saudi Arabia. Twenty-two questions were included that assessed the knowledge and attitude of Nepalese toward monkeypox. Statistical comparison between high and low knowledge was performed using Pearson’s Chi-square test. Logistic regression models were deployed to establish the relationship between participants’ knowledge and socio-demographic characteristics. Results Among the total respondents, 53.8% demonstrated high knowledge of monkeypox. People aged 18–25 years, unmarried people, and those living in urban areas had significantly higher levels of knowledge. Most respondents believed that MPXV is not a conspiracy or bioterrorism (63.1%) and agreed that it is likely to affect people’s social and economic life as COVID-19 did (67.0%). The history of COVID-19 vaccination (aOR: 2.980; 95%CI: 1.227, 7.236) and the younger age (aOR: 2.975; 95%CI: 1.097, 8.069) were found to be significant determinants of the knowledge of the participants on monkeypox. Conclusion We observed that most Nepalese populations had a high knowledge of monkeypox and that social media was the most valuable source of information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article pays tribute to the life and work of Professor Gavin W. Jones, a highly respected figure in the field of demography and population studies. Professor Jones focused his research on various aspects of Asian population studies, such as fertility, marriage, divorce, urbanization, and development. He played a crucial role in establishing the journal Asian Population Studies, which has become a prominent publication in the field. Professor Jones continued to actively contribute to scholarship and consulting until his passing in 2022. His work was characterized by a deep understanding of cultural factors, kinship systems, and legislative changes, and he made significant policy contributions. Professor Jones was also remembered as a supportive mentor and leader, known for his warm and kind nature. [Extracted from the article]

The study aimed to investigate organic waste-degrading microbial communities in compost and sugarcane rhizospheric soil from Kodinar, Gujarat, India and to assess their potential for producing novel bioactive compounds. Compost contained higher total culturable heterotrophic bacteria (1.3 × 108) and cellulolytic bacterial (4 × 106) populations compared to rhizospheric soil. A total of 96 isolates were obtained using various cultivation strategies with 35 isolates obtained through enrichment techniques, and the rest through direct plating on nutrient agar. Remarkably, four isolates CP2, CP4, CP9 and CP11 showed significant lignin hydrolysis. Further, morphological characterization revealed 26 Gram-positive isolates. Based on microscopic, cultural, and biochemical assessments, as well as 16 S rRNA gene sequencing, selective isolates with lignocellulolytic potential were identified as Bacillus licheniformis (SRS 11), Priestia megaterium (SRS 8, CP 5), Bacillus subtilis (CP11), and Priestia flexa (CP 2 & CP 9). Multiple enzyme secretion potential of the isolates was also investigated. Around 16.66% of isolates secreted at least one lytic enzyme such as cellulase, ligninase, amylase, protease, and pectinase, with variable percentages. The salt significantly affected growth and CMCase activity, with strain SRS8 being less tolerant (3% NaCl) compared to CP2, CP9, and CP11, which exhibited activity between 0 and 7% NaCl (w/v). Compost isolates preferred higher temperatures (40–45 °C), while most rhizospheric isolates thrived at lower temperatures (35 °C). Rhizospheric isolates preferred pH 7. Most compost isolates grew at pH 7, except CP9 and CP11, which showed best growth at pH 8. Overall, the study highlights microbial waste-degrading potential, enzyme production, and environmental preferences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ethnohistory of the Colorado River delta has been substantively misunderstood, owing to the widespread neglect and/or misinterpretations of the writings of Francisco Garcés. In 1771, 1774, and 1775–76, Garcés undertook three entradas into the delta, and wrote a series of valuable ethnographic accounts. Not only have Garcés's locations and routes frequently been misidentified by earlier scholars, his observations on agricultural production and population size have been ignored or marginalized, enabling misconceptions about delta historical demography and adaptation to flourish. The present paper seeks to restore Garcés's accounts, making his locations and ethnographic observations intelligible and interpretable, and to show how these can help resolve extant misconceptions. Part I focuses on some key texts, tying his locations to a master map. Part II focuses on ethnolinguistic groups and settlement sites, and discusses the implications for a better understanding of historical demography and agricultural adaptation in the delta. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]