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Editors' selections from the current scientific literature.

Highlights from the Science family of journals.

Editors' selections from the current scientific literature.

Highlights from the Science family of journals.

Highlights from the Science family of journals.

Highlights from the Science family of journals.

Highlights from the Science family of journals.

Highlights from the Science family of journals.

Highlights from the Science family of journals.

Highlights from the Science family of journals.

Highlights from the Science family of journals.

Highlights from the Science family of journals.

Highlights from the Science family of journals.

Highlights from the Science family of journals.

This qualitative study explored the racialized experiences among eight self-identified Caribbean Latinas. Narratives derived from semi-structured interviews revealed their lived experiences and the impact, and negotiation of the everyday occurrences of racial microaggressions, invalidation of Latina identity, intragroup colorism, ascription of intelligence, exoticization and skin color privilege. The findings contribute to the social science literature by highlighting the significance and complexity of race among Latinas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyses the connection between neighbourly relations and social cohesion. These concepts obviously overlap to a certain degree, but it is not clear how they are related. The crucial questions are if and how neighbourly relations can promote social cohesion. To answer this, a qualitative study based on interviews (n = 40) was conducted to examine neighbourly relations in two urban districts in Germany. Both districts are characterized by high levels of social segregation and cultural diversity but differ from each other in terms of the extent of resident turnover, the availability of local social service organizations, and their respective urban development profiles. The results show that there is a close connection between residents' perceptions of social cohesion and inclination for social participation in the neighbourhood. Local social service organizations and associations can play a critical role in facilitating the social encounters that create such perceptions. Basically, neighbourly relationships are influenced by the local conditions, especially by the extent of fluctuation but also by neighbourly behaviour, which promotes social cohesion at the neighbourhood level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the applications of ammonium ylide based rearrangements in transforming amines into natural products. Specifically, it discusses the [2,3]-sigmatropic and [1,2]-Stevens rearrangements, which involve the exchange of carbon-nitrogen and carbon-carbon bonds. The article showcases the use of these rearrangements in the synthesis of natural products such as cephalotaxine and amathaspiramide F. It also discusses the synthesis of other complex molecules, including strictamine, 6-deoxytetracycline antibiotics, tylophorine, iboga alkaloids, vinblastine, and chiral indolizidines. The article emphasizes the efficiency and selectivity of these rearrangements in accessing bioactive polycyclic frameworks. Additionally, it explores the use of magnesium iodide and trimethyl phosphate in the synthesis of organic compounds. Overall, the article demonstrates the utility of ammonium ylide based rearrangements in the synthesis of diverse natural products. [Extracted from the article]

Research objectives so that the quality of decisions made by leaders in the organization can be measured using valid and reliable measurement tools measured by using valid and reliable measuring instruments. Method literature review, questionnaire formulation, validity & reliability test validity & reliability of the questionnaire. Results The questionnaire is valid and reliable to be used as a measuring tool for Decision Quality. Contribution this study aims to provide a research instrument that is to measure Decision Quality. The quality of the decision is the quality that results from the results of the decision that has been applied or tested to the maximum and the results are seen to the maximum and assessed to the maximum as well. From the results of data processing using SPSS, it produces a Scale Statistics Mean of 46.8829, Variance 41.133, Std Deviation 6.41352, Validity respondent 205, Crochbach Alpa 0.888. Product Moment Correlation coefficient or rcount > 0.3, so it can be said that all statement items on the questionnaire have good validity. Meanwhile, the entire Cronbach's Alpha coefficient value obtained for all items is > 0.872 so it can be stated that all statement items on the questionnaire have good reliability (> 0.6). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social categorization is often framed as the antecedent to stereotyping, with perceivers rationally sorting the social world on the basis of perceptually salient categories before applying biased or motivated beliefs about those categories. Here, we instead suggest that the construction of social categories by individuals is itself subject to motivational influences, such that perceivers will attend to a given dimension of social categorization (e.g., race or gender) insofar as doing so fits within their motivations. Drawing from classic conceptualizations of social structure as the interplay of schemas and resources, we focus on how the motivations for shared schemas and for material benefits or resources may shape attention to social category dimensions. We outline the potential cognitive mechanisms through which these motivations may act on attention, before discussing the implications of this model for individual differences, conceptualizations of social categorization as rational information reduction, and prejudice reduction. Social categories like race and gender often give rise to stereotypes and prejudice, and a great deal of research has focused on how motivations influence these biased beliefs. Here, we focus on potential biases in how these categories are even formed in the first place, suggesting that motivations can influence the very categories people use to group others. We propose that motivations to share schemas with other people and to gain resources shape people's attention to dimensions like race, gender, and age in different contexts. Specifically, people will pay attention to dimensions to the degree that the conclusions produced from using those dimensions align with their motivations. Overall, we suggest that simply examining the downstream effects of social categorization like stereotyping and prejudice is not enough, and that research should look earlier in the process at how and when we form the categories on which those stereotypes are based. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current qualitative study, we draw upon the colorist-historical trauma framework and misogynoir theory to explore Black college women's peer-based messages of skin tone bias in school settings. We analyzed individual interview data from 26 ethnically diverse Black women (18–22 years) with consensual qualitative research methods to explore their beliefs and perspectives on their peers' colorist messages in K-16 education. We focused on three main themes from the women's narratives, including the critical role of school racial context, the harmful nature of colorist comments from Black men and boys, and the affirming nature of counternarratives from Black girlfriends. Consistent with past studies, peers' colorist messages reinforced racialized social hierarchies and Eurocentric notions of beauty by privileging lighter-toned women compared to darker-toned women. The young women described how colorist messages from peers contributed to body surveillance and physical insecurities during childhood, and how they cultivated personal and collective counternarratives on beauty and self-worth in adulthood. Authors discuss colorism as a form of trauma among Black women and girls, with particular attention to identity development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined associations between colorism and developmental outcomes among Latinx adolescents. Colorism was operationalized as adolescents' experiences with discrimination based on skin color. Developmental outcomes included academic achievement, mental health, and substance use. Participants were Latinx adolescents (N = 703; Mage = 15.93, SDage = 1.21; 47.56% female). Anonymous cross-sectional survey data were analyzed. Results indicated that colorism was negatively associated with academic achievement and self-esteem, and positively associated with depressive symptoms and substance use. Results showed that colorism is an important correlate to academic achievement and several indicators of health and well-being for Latinx adolescents, who are a marginalized population [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ruling in Plessy v. Ferguson changed the United States from a color-focused society to a race-focused society and stripped the privileged formal status from mulattos. Black identity was flattened to what we know today: a collective identity with rampant color stratification. While research on colorism has expanded, we need to understand how contemporary colorism evolved from the systems of the past. I use Census microdata from 1870 and 1920 and regression analysis to examine colorism before and after the one-drop-rule. I reveal that colorism worsened after the one-drop-rule, and mulattos tried even harder to preserve their distinct identity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colorism (privileging of lighter over darker skin) affects development across the lifespan. Evidence of this is enhanced by understanding color science, including the strengths and limits of past skin color rating scales and directions for future measure. This paper demonstrates this potential using the L* (lightness) dimension of L*a*b* color space. Overlaps, reversals, and gaps are identified across some scales. The degree to which color-swatch based human rating scales approximate interval metrics is also examined, and the relative variation perceived in the skin tones of photographed individuals as evaluated by raters of different race-ethnicities. Implications for future research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pandemic in 2020 commenced a particularly turbulent era of racial unrest, social injustice, and violence toward Black women. Drawing from Black feminist and intersectionality theories, this qualitative inquiry explored Black women's experiences of racism and sexism during the racial pandemic. Two hundred forty-one Black women shared their narratives and reflections. The analysis revealed two major themes: (a) racialized violence and harassment (e.g., stereotypes, dominance) and (b) their psychological consequences (e.g., anxiety, depression, racial trauma). Clinical implications are offered to support and empower Black women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thirty-two patients with chronic debilitating agoraphobia and panic attacks participated in a comparative study of the triazolobenzodiazepine alprazolam and the anti-inflammatory agent ibuprofen. After a 2-week placebo washout period, patients were randomly assigned to 8 weeks of treatment with alprazolam (2 to 6 mg/day) or ibuprofen (0.8 to 2.4 g/day). Medication was identically packaged and patients were blind to the treatment condition, but investigators were aware of which medication was dispensed. Alprazolam recipients (mean daily dose: 5.4 mg) improved markedly with respect to physician and patient global rating of disease severity, frequency and severity of panic attacks, and phobic anxiety target symptoms on the 90-Item Hopkins Symptom Check List. Ibuprofen recipients (mean daily dose: 2.13 g) experienced significantly less clinical improvement than patients on alprazolam. After 8 weeks of treatment, ibuprofen patients were crossed over to alprazolam, while the original alprazolam group continued on that drug. The daily dosage ceiling was increased to 10 mg. In the ensuing 4 weeks (mean daily alprazolam dose: 6.3 mg), all patients achieved comparably marked clinical improvement relative to baseline. Pretreatment plasma concentrations of platelet factor 4 and beta-thromboglobulin--two measures of platelet turnover and release--were significantly elevated in patients relative to normal controls. The elevated platelet factor 4 and beta-thromboglobulin normalized during treatment with both drugs. Alprazolam appears to produce rapid and specific clinical improvement in patients with severe agoraphobia and panic attacks and deserves further evaluation under double-blind conditions.

Despite violence being a chronic stressor that negatively affects health through allostatic overload and potentially harmful coping behaviors, the relationship between cumulative lifetime violence severity (CLVS) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in men has received little attention and the role of gender has not been considered. Using survey and health assessment data from a community sample of 177 of eastern Canadian men with CLVS as target and/or perpetrator, we developed a profile of CVD risk measured by the Framingham 30-year risk score. We tested the hypothesis that CLVS measured by the CLVS-44 scale has direct and specific indirect effects through gender role conflict (GRC) on 30-year CVD risk using parallel multiple mediation analysis. Overall, the full sample had 30-year risk scores 1.5 times higher than their age-based Framingham reference normal risk scores. Men classified as having elevated 30-year CVD risk (n = 77) had risk scores 1.7 times higher than reference normal. Although the direct effects of CLVS on 30-year CVD risk were not significant, indirect effects of CLVS through GRC, specifically Restrictive Affectionate Behavior Between Men, were significant. These novel results reinforce the critical role of chronic toxic stress, particularly from CLVS but also from GRC, in influencing CVD risk. Our findings highlight the need for providers to consider CLVS and GRC as potential antecedents to CVD and to routinely use trauma- and violence-informed approaches in the care of men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the moderating effects of skin tone and skin tone satisfaction on the relations between gendered racial microaggressions and traumatic stress symptoms among self-identified Black women between 18 and 50 years old (N = 237). It was hypothesized that skin tone and skin tone satisfaction would moderate the relation between gendered racial microaggressions and traumatic stress, such that having a darker skin tone and lower levels of skin tone satisfaction would exacerbate the association between gendered racial microaggressions and traumatic stress symptoms. Results from two hierarchical multiple linear regression analyses indicated skin tone satisfaction significantly moderated the association between gendered racial microaggressions and traumatic stress symptoms, whereas skin tone did not. Findings suggest that skin tone satisfaction may play a bigger role in buffering or exacerbating the link between gendered racial microaggressions and mental health among Black women than skin tone alone. The results can inform future research and clinical practice on the important role of skin tone satisfaction in the link between gendered racial microaggressions and traumatic stress among Black women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pichia pastoris is the widely used expression system for producing recombinant secretory proteins. It is known that Kex2 protease plays a vital role in the process of protein secretion, in which the P1' site affects its cleavage efficiency. To enhance the expression level of fungal defensin-derived peptide NZ2114, this work attempts to optimize the P1' site of Kex2 by replacing it with 20 amino acids in turn. The results showed that when the amino acid of the P1' site was changed to Phe (F), the yield of target peptide significantly increased from 2.39 g/L to 4.81 g/L. Additionally, the novel peptide F-NZ2114 (short for FNZ) showed strong antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive (G+) bacteria, especially for Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus agalactiae (MIC: 4–8 μg/mL). The FNZ was very stable and retained high activity in various conditions; in addition, a low cytotoxicity and no hemolysis were observed even at a high concentration of 128 μg/mL, and a longer postantibiotic effect was reached. The above results indicate that this engineering strategy provided a feasible optimization scheme for enhancing the expression level and druggability of this antimicrobial peptide from fungal defensin and other similar targets by this updated recombinant yeast. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bidirectional longitudinal relationships between depression and diabetes have been observed, but the dominant direction of their temporal relationships remains controversial. Methods: The random-intercept cross-lagged panel model decomposes observed variables into a latent intercept representing the traits, and occasion-specific latent 'state' variables. This permits correlations to be assessed between the traits, while longitudinal 'cross-lagged' associations and cross-sectional correlations can be assessed between occasion-specific latent variables. We examined dynamic relationships between depressive symptoms and insulin resistance across five visits over 20 years of adulthood in the population-based Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study. Possible differences based on population group (Black v. White participants), sex and years of education were tested. Depressive symptoms and insulin resistance were quantified using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) scale and the homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), respectively. Results: Among 4044 participants (baseline mean age 34.9 ± 3.7 years, 53% women, 51% Black participants), HOMA-IR and CES-D traits were weakly correlated (r = 0.081, p = 0.002). Some occasion-specific correlations, but no cross-lagged associations were observed overall. Longitudinal dynamics of these relationships differed by population groups such that HOMA-IR at age 50 was associated with CES-D score at age 55 (β = 0.076, p = 0.038) in White participants only. Longitudinal dynamics were consistent between sexes and based on education. Conclusions: The relationship between depressive symptoms and insulin resistance was best characterized by weak correlations between occasion-specific states and enduring traits, with weak evidence that insulin resistance might be temporally associated with subsequent depressive symptoms among White participants later in adulthood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While much research explores how skin tone alongside race/ethnicity and gender intersect to pattern the health of U.S. citizens, less research has examined these processes among U.S. immigrants. We employed ordered and logistic regression to model mental and self-rated health among multiple racial/ethnic immigrant groups using data from two waves of the New Immigrant Survey (N = 2358). Models suggested darker skin shades were associated with higher likelihood of mental health challenges regardless of gender or racial/ethnic identity, though a multiplicative analysis suggested a pronounced gender difference among Black immigrants. In addition, women reported worse self-rated health relative to men; however, the difference for Asian women was smaller than for Black or White women, and Latina women had slightly better self-rated health than Latino men. Indicators of health were not uniform among immigrants of color, illustrating the importance of an intersectional framework that includes skin tone alongside the traditional racial/ethnic binary categories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Body shaming is an issue that often sees as unimportant by the society. Body shaming is believed effected on mental and psychological wellbeing of an individual. The victims of body shaming has high risks of depression, low in motivation, low self-confidence, isolation and prone to serious mental disorders like eating disorders and risk of suicidal ideation especially among teenagers. This article is aims to explore the experiences of body shaming victims among teenagers in Selangor. The study opted to qualitative approach with semi-structured in-depth interviews. A total of six informants were selecting used purposive and snowballing sampling. The verbatim of the interviews were analysed by using thematic analysis. Two themes emerged to illustrate the experiences of body shaming victims; 1.Various self-acceptance; negative selfacceptance and imperfection is perfect; and 2. Reciprocal relationships; disrespect from significant others and two-sides of relationship in social media. This study proposed to increase the awareness on the impact of body shaming among individuals. The relevant parties also should provide support holistically for helping to increase the well-being of teenagers by providing proper interventions to intervene the issues of body shaming and related issues of body image. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives As within-group differences have emerged as a key area of inquiry for health disparities among African Americans, skin tone has been identified as an important factor. This study aims to examine: (a) the moderating role of skin tone in the relationship between discrimination, self-rated mental health, and serious psychological distress (SPD) and (b) whether this moderating effect differs across genders in a nationally representative sample of older African Americans. Methods Analyses were conducted on a subsample of African Americans aged 55+ (N = 837) from the National Survey of American Life. The mental health outcomes were SPD and self-rated mental health. Discrimination was assessed with the Everyday Discrimination Scale. Skin tone was self-reported. Multiple linear regressions tested the study aims. Results Discrimination was associated with worse self-rated mental health and SPD in the total sample and among women. Skin tone moderated the association between discrimination and SPD in the total sample and among men and women. The associations between discrimination and mental health outcomes were stronger among darker-skinned respondents than lighter respondents. Gender-stratified analyses indicated skin tone moderated the association between discrimination and self-rated mental health for men but not women. Discussion This study contributes to the emerging body of literature on skin tone, discrimination, and mental health. Uncovering mechanisms behind the "why" is an important next step in understanding how skin tone influences the relationship between discrimination and mental health. The negative psychological effects associated with darker complexion provide several areas to be examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Via colorist and white privilege, colorism and racism mirror one another. Colorism is internalized racism; an oppressive internalization regarding phenotypes and skin tones. Mindfulness and other self-reflective practices have been used to modify manifestations of racism such as prejudiced thoughts and biased behaviors. Mindfulness may also help change expressions of colorism as a derivative of racism. Therefore, the implicit manifestations of colorism were further examined in addition to the viability of mindfulness as an intervention. A review of existing literature was conducted using secondary data collection. Analysis resulted in thematic formulation. The findings suggest increasing awareness and self-determination are salient in mindfulness response to colorist bias and behaviors. Mindfulness alone is symbolic of the past and present legacy that African Americans face with embedded racism and colorism experiences. Social workers will find it optimal to use interventions that aid in transforming colorist bias. Implications for healing others from colorism implicit bias is proposed in social workers' use of self-reflective practices and the RAIN modality, illustrative of actions to recognize, allow, investigate, and nurture. Continuous education is vital in social work practice; therefore, future research is suggested to build on this review because colorism as a hierarchy affects all of humanity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Emerging research suggests that physically ill parents' psychological adjustment to illness and emotional well-being may affect adolescents' psychosocial functioning. As people with chronic medical conditions often develop mental disorders, it is important to examine the influence of comorbidity of parental physical and mental health conditions on adolescents' functioning. In addition, the physical and mental health status of the spouses/partners of chronically ill parents needs to be explored to further understand the potential impact of parental chronic illness on adolescents' psychological distress and academic performance., Methods: Cross-sectional data from 164 parent-adolescent pairs were collected through online surveys in the United States between 2018 and 2019. Parent participants (M age  = 42.69, SD = 5.96) included parents who had been diagnosed with a chronic physical illness (e.g., multiple sclerosis, diabetes, chronic pain, cancer). Adolescent participants were middle- and high-school-aged children who lived with their physically ill parents (M age  = 14.34, SD = 2.07)., Results: Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that comorbid mental illness of parental chronic illness and spousal mental health status were associated with adolescents' distress. The level of physical functioning of chronically ill parents was related to adolescents' academic performance., Conclusion: Parental chronic illness appears to affect adolescents' psychological and academic outcomes through distinct pathways. It is important to examine the comorbid mental health status of chronically ill parents and their spouses'/partners' mental health conditions to better understand the impact of parental chronic illness on adolescents' psychological adjustment., (© 2023 Foundation for Professionals in Services to Adolescents.)

Informed consent is ethically incomplete and should be redefined as empowered consent. This essay challenges theoretical assumptions of the value of informed consent in light of substantial evidence of its failure in clinical practice and questions the continued emphasis on autonomy as the primary ethical justification for the practice of consent in health care. Human dignity-rather than autonomy-is advanced from a nursing ethics perspective as a preferred justification for consent practices in health care. The adequacy of an ethic of obligation (namely, principlism) as the dominant theoretical lens for recognising and responding to persistent problems in consent practices is also reconsidered. A feminist empowerment framework is adopted as an alternative ethical theory to principlism and is advanced as a more practical and complete lens for examining the concept and context of consent in health care. To accomplish this, the three leading conceptions of informed consent are overviewed, followed by a feminist critique to reveal practical problems with each of them. The need for a language change from informed to empowered consent is strongly considered. Implications for consent activities in clinical practice are reviewed with focused discussion on the need for greater role clarity for all involved in consent-beyond and inclusive of the patient-physician dyad, as the practice and improvement of consent is necessarily a transdisciplinary endeavour. Specific concrete and practical recommendations for leveraging nursing expertise in this space are presented. Perhaps what is most needed in the discourse and practice of consent in health care is nursing., (© 2023 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

The present study used a single-case study approach to examine how colorism manifested in the narrative of a Mexican-origin woman living in a mixed-status, transnational family residing in a community situated along the U.S.-Mexico border. Few studies have examined phenotype stratification solely within a community where Mexican Americans are the majority ethnic-racial group. A case was constructed using demographic, interview, and video data for one participant supplemented by population-level statistics. Findings suggest phenotype stratification in Mexican American communities operates outside the Black-White racial paradigm and transcends skin tone. Three themes were found, including looking Mexican, racialized language, and seen but not named. Colorism may be difficult for Mexican Americans to articulate given its persistent elusiveness and has the potential to interfere with Mexican-origin parents' ethnicracial socialization goals. Mental health professionals and researchers can benefit from understanding how phenotypical differences within the Mexican-origin community interact with other indicators of social stratification (e.g., class, nativity/citizenship, language, accent) to create conditions that reward Whiteness under ostensibly race-neutral criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The unique challenges and stressors that occur during acculturation, which are often referred to as acculturative stress (AS), have been associated with psychosocial and health challenges that influence parents, youth, and family functioning. Less is known about the role of parental acculturative stress (PAS) and its association to youth adjustment in Latinx families. Highlighting the role of stress in family mechanisms and youth adjustment, the family stress model (FSM) is increasingly used to inform research that explores the association between PAS and youth adjustment in Latinx families. However, integration of its key components is limited in existing work. This article seeks to critically review and integrate research on PAS and Latinx immigrant‐origin youth outcomes by situating the literature within the FSM framework. Findings are analyzed through the FSM lens to identify future directions for research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mexican‐origin children from immigrant families are impacted by various systemic oppressions in life. The study seeks to examine how adolescents' developmental outcomes are associated with specific phenotypic, psychological, and social features of skin color, as manifested by skin tone, skin color satisfaction, and foreigner stress. By taking a holistic approach, we examine both positive and negative adjustment outcomes, including delinquency, resilience, and effortful control. Participants were 604 Mexican‐origin adolescents aged between 11.08 and 15.29 (Mage = 12.91, SD = 0.92) with at least one immigrant parent. The findings highlight the harm of foreigner stress and the benefit of skin color satisfaction in Mexican‐origin adolescents' development of delinquency, resilience, and effortful control, especially for those with a darker skin color. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hypertension (HTN) is a global public health concern. However, the association between life events (LEs) and HTN is complex. Thus, we conducted a prospective cohort study to explore this complex association. Methods: A total of 8,077 government employees without HTN were recruited through cluster sampling between 2018 and 2019 in Hunan Province, China. At baseline, information regarding sociodemographic characteristics, LEs, and behavioral factors was collected. After the 1-year follow-up, the participants were revisited to obtain the HTN diagnosis. Crude and adjusted Poisson regression models were constructed to calculate the incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Cubic regression spline models were used to visualize the trends between LEs and HTN IRRs. Interactive and subgroup analyses were also performed. Results: The 1-year HTN incidence rate among government employees in Hunan province was 4.30% (95% CI: 3.86–4.74%). LEs were associated with a higher HTN risk (IRR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.00–1.04). When calculating positive and negative LEs scores separately, only the latter was a risk factor for HTN incidence (IRR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.03–1.06); conversely, positive LEs reduced the risk (IRR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.85–0.96). Compared with patients in the lowest quartile of LEs score, those in quartiles two (IRR, 1.28; 95% CI, 0.96–1.71), three (IRR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.04–1.96), and four (IRR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.26–2.37) were at progressively higher risk. In restricted spline curves, a non-linear association was noted between LEs and HTN risk. Regarding the subcategories of LEs, work-related LEs, personal LEs, and all subcategories of negative LEs were associated with an increased risk of HTN. However, among positive LEs, only the family-related cases were associated with a lower risk of HTN. Conclusion: LEs had a non-linear association with an increased risk of HTN. Negative LEs were risk factors for HTN incidence, whereas positive LEs reduced the risk of HTN. Thus, the importance of LEs should be highlighted in the development of HTN prevention strategies and initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As US society continues to diversify and calls for better measurements of racialized appearance increase, survey researchers need guidance about effective strategies for assessing skin color in field research. This study examined the consistency, comparability, and meaningfulness of the two most widely used skin tone rating scales (Massey–Martin and PERLA) and two portable and inexpensive handheld devices for skin color measurement (Nix colorimeter and Labby spectrophotometer). We collected data in person using these four instruments from forty-six college students selected to reflect a wide range of skin tones across four racial-ethnic groups (Asian, Black, Latinx, White). These college students, five study staff, and 459 adults from an online sample also rated forty stock photos, again selected for skin tone diversity. Our results—based on data collected under controlled conditions—demonstrate high consistency across raters and readings. The Massey–Martin and PERLA scale scores were highly linearly related to each other, although PERLA better differentiated among people with the lightest skin tones. The Nix and Labby darkness-to-lightness (L*) readings were likewise linearly related to each other and to the Massey–Martin and PERLA scores, in addition to showing expected variation within and between race ethnicities. In addition, darker Massey–Martin and PERLA ratings correlated with online raters' expectations that a photographed person experienced greater discrimination. In contrast, the redness (a*) and yellowness (b*) undertones were highest in the mid-range of the rating scale scores and demonstrated greater overlap across race-ethnicities. Overall, each instrument showed sufficient consistency, comparability, and meaningfulness for use in field surveys when implemented soundly (e.g. not requiring memorization). However, PERLA might be preferred to Massey–Martin in studies representing individuals with the lightest skin tones, and handheld devices may be preferred to rating scales to reduce measurement error when studies could gather only a single rating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In underdeveloped and developing countries, due to poverty, fermentation is one of the most widely used preservation methods. It not only allows extending the shelf life of food, but also brings other benefits, including inhibiting the growth of pathogenic microorganisms, improving the organoleptic properties and product digestibility, and can be a valuable source of functional microorganisms. Today, there is a great interest in functional strains, which, in addition to typical probiotic strains, can participate in the treatment of numerous diseases, disorders of the digestive system, but also mental diseases, or stimulate our immune system. Hence, fermented foods and beverages are not only a part of the traditional diet, e.g., in Africa but also play a role in the nutrition of people around the world. The fermentation process for some products occurs spontaneously, without the use of well-defined starter cultures, under poorly controlled or uncontrolled conditions. Therefore, while this affordable technology has many advantages, it can also pose a potential health risk. The use of poor-quality ingredients, inadequate hygiene conditions in the manufacturing processes, the lack of standards for safety and hygiene controls lead to the failure food safety systems implementation, especially in low- and middle-income countries or for small-scale products (at household level, in villages and scale cottage industries). This can result in the presence of pathogenic microorganisms or their toxins in the food contributing to cases of illness or even outbreaks. Also, improper processing and storage, as by well as the conditions of sale affect the food safety. Foodborne diseases through the consumption of traditional fermented foods are not reported frequently, but this may be related, among other things, to a low percentage of people entering healthcare care or weaknesses in foodborne disease surveillance systems. In many parts of the world, especially in Africa and Asia, pathogens such as enterotoxigenic and enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli, Shigella spp., Salmonella spp., enterotoxigenic Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes , and Bacillus cereus have been detected in fermented foods. Therefore, this review, in addition to the positive aspects, presents the potential risk associated with the consumption of this type of products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The seven Western claimed wonders of the world were compiled by Greek poet Antipater. Not normally acknowledged, the survival of African descended peoples in a hostile Western environment is essential for appreciation of the seven wonders. In the midst of colorism and stereotype, the stresses associated with African-American skin color have been trivialized because color is all but Eurocentric irrelevant. Such colorism facilitates stereotype erroneously acted out as racism. Hence, transgression by racism is in fact transgression by colorism. In the aftermath is operation of criminal stereotypes and African-Americans as less intelligent that exacts consequences upon their survival. African-American survival is miraculous enduring not only historical lynching in northern locations such as Minnesota but death by state-sanctioned suffocation in the same state. Subsequently, commensurate with the towering monuments of Western civilization is the towering survival of African-Americans in a hostile environment commencing to eighth wonder of the Western world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic care management (CCM) and community health worker (CHW) interventions hold promise for managing complex chronic conditions such as diabetes and related comorbidities. This qualitative study examines facilitators and barriers to the implementation of an expanded CCM intervention that explicitly incorporated program staff, clinic staff, CHWs, and partnerships with community-based organizations to enhance diabetes management among Mexican-origin adults. Method: Grounded theory was used to analyze interviews conducted in 2018 with 24 members of the CCM team, including program staff, clinic staff, and community-based program partner staff. Results: Three themes emerged that characterize perceived facilitators and barriers to CCM implementation, based on analysis of interviews: (1) understanding roles and responsibilities across organizations, (2) building relationships across organizations, and (3) coordinating delivery of the model among different organizations. First, structured meetings and colocated workspaces enhanced understanding of CCM roles for each team member and across organizations. Barriers to understanding CCM roles were more common during the early stages of CCM implementation and amongst staff who did not participate in regular meetings. Second, regular meetings facilitated development of relationships across organizations to enhance implementation of the CCM model. In contrast, limited relationship building among some CCM team members served as a barrier to implementation. Third, CHWs and case review meetings fostered communication and coordination across the CCM model. Conclusions: Results suggest the importance of understanding roles and building relationships among multidisciplinary teams to ensure effective communication and coordination of care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

US Latinx youth are overrepresented across numerous social inequity domains (e.g., education, incarceration, health) in US society. Such concerning data call for culturally sensitive and strength-based models to guide future research to better understand, and perhaps mitigate, such inequities. The present paper presents a conceptual model that highlights the roles of multiple systems (cultural, relational, intrapersonal, behavioral) that predict US Latinx youth social inequities. The proposed model incorporates a culture- and strength-based approach to further our understanding of US Latinx youth developmental trajectories associated with social inequalities. We also highlight a set of culture-specific and non-culture-specific risk and protective factors (e.g., ethnic identity, social support, neighborhood characteristics) that can exacerbate or mitigate social inequities, with a focus on positive social behaviors. The extant research literature that yields supportive evidence for the model and gaps in the research are briefly reviewed. The essay concludes with recommendations for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding and addressing health inequities calls for enhanced theoretical and empirical attention to multiple forms of stigma and its influence on health behaviors and health outcomes within marginalized communities. While recent scholarship highlights the role of structural stigma on between-group health disparities, the extant literature has yet to elucidate the mechanisms through which structural stigma gives rise to within-group health disparities. In this article, we review and use relevant literature to inform the development of a conceptual model outlining how structural stigma contributes to within-group health disparities by creating division and tension within communities marginalized due to their social statuses and identities. We specifically focus on disparities among (1) communities of color due to White supremacy, (2) gender and sexual minority communities due to patriarchy and heterosexism, and (3) the disability community due to ableism. We argue that the nature and extent of the stigma members of stigmatized communities face are intricately tied to how visible the stigmatized characteristic is to others. By visibility, we refer to characteristics that are more easily perceived by others, and reveal a person's social identity (e.g., race/ethnicity, nativity, relationship status, gender expression, and disability status). This paper advances the literature by discussing the implications of the model for future research, practice, and policy, including the importance of acknowledging the ways in which structural stigma intentionally disrupts the collective identity and solidarity of communities and consequently threatens health equity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the chronic health conditions of African Americans who experience disparities because of poverty, low literacy, and cultural practices that affect decisions about food, nutrition, and health care. It will examine governmental policies, for example, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) (Artiga et al., 2020), and how these policies contribute to health and wellbeing of people from low‐income communities. Furthermore, it explores the overrepresented deaths among African Americans and other communities of color resulting from the pandemic—deaths that result from co‐existing health conditions and the inability to afford immediate care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]