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PloS One 2024The patterning cascade model of crown morphogenesis has been studied extensively in a variety of organisms to elucidate the evolutionary history surrounding postcanine...
OBJECTIVE
The patterning cascade model of crown morphogenesis has been studied extensively in a variety of organisms to elucidate the evolutionary history surrounding postcanine tooth form. The current research is the first to use a large modern human sample to examine whether the crown configuration of lower deciduous and permanent molars aligns with expectations derived from the model. This study has two main goals: 1) to determine if metameric and antimeric pairs significantly differ in size, accessory trait expression, and relative intercusp spacing, and 2) assess whether the relative distance among early-forming cusps accounts for observed variation in accessory cusp expression.
METHODS
Tooth size, intercusp distance, and morphological trait expression data were collected from 3D scans of mandibular dental casts representing participants of the Harvard Solomon Islands Project. Paired tests were utilized to compare tooth size, accessory trait expression, and relative intercusp distance between diphyodont metameres and permanent antimeres. Proportional odds logistic regression was implemented to investigate how the odds of greater accessory cusp expression vary as a function of the distance between early-developing cusps.
RESULTS/SIGNIFICANCE
Comparing paired molars, significant differences were identified for tooth size and cusp 5 expression. Several relative intercusp distances emerged as important predictors of cusp 6 expression, however, results for cusp 5 and cusp 7 did not match expected patterns. These findings support previous quantitative genetic results and suggest the development of neighboring crown structures represents a zero-sum partitioning of cellular territory and resources. As such, this study contributes to a better understanding of the foundations of deciduous and permanent molar crown variation in humans.
Topics: Humans; Tooth Crown; Molar; Dentition, Permanent; Morphogenesis; Tooth, Deciduous; Odontogenesis; Male; Child; Female
PubMed: 38935640
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304455 -
Indian Journal of Public Health Oct 2023Pattern of physical growth and pubertal changes among 59 girls, aged 8-15 years, diagnosed as cases of HIV on anti-retroviral therapy was cross-sectionally studied....
Pattern of physical growth and pubertal changes among 59 girls, aged 8-15 years, diagnosed as cases of HIV on anti-retroviral therapy was cross-sectionally studied. Besides, measurement of body weight, height, and body mass index, breast development stage, presence or absence of pubic and axillary hair, and age of attainment of menarche were also noted in these subjects in the growth clinic of the department. With the advancement of age, the weight and height of HIV girls increased; however, they were lighter and shorter compared to their normal peers. 15.3% of HIV girls were short-statured and underweight. None of the study participants were found to be overweight or obese. 40.7% of HIV girls had attained menarche (mean age: 12.58 ± 1.349 years). The appearance of pubic (13.45 ± 1.64 years) and axillary hair (13.73 ± 1.41 years) occurred around 1 year later. The delayed physical growth and puberty attainment of HIV girls than their normal counterparts may be due to the influence of the disease.
Topics: Humans; Female; Adolescent; Child; HIV Infections; Cross-Sectional Studies; Puberty; Body Mass Index; Menarche; Body Height; India; Body Weight; Child Development
PubMed: 38934819
DOI: 10.4103/ijph.ijph_1651_22 -
Indian Journal of Public Health Oct 2023In children, body frame size estimation is used to interpret body mass and evaluate growth patterns. The present study aims to assess the body frame size by elbow...
In children, body frame size estimation is used to interpret body mass and evaluate growth patterns. The present study aims to assess the body frame size by elbow breadth and frame index and its relation to body composition parameters among tribal preschool children (1-5 years of age). In the present study, 848 preschool children (430 boys and 418 girls) were included. The mean elbow breadth showed an increasing trend with increasing age, but inverse results were observed in the case of frame index. Age-wise, statistically significant sex differences were found in mean elbow breadth and frame index (except for 2 years of age). Boys show higher mean elbow breadth and frame index in all age groups, and significant sex differences were found. Elbow breadth and frame index had the strongest significant positive correlations with fat free mass (FFM) (r = 0.590, P < 0.01) and FFM index (r = 0.539, P < 0.01), respectively.
Topics: Humans; Child, Preschool; India; Male; Female; Body Composition; Infant; Elbow; Anthropometry; Sex Factors; Age Factors; Body Size
PubMed: 38934810
DOI: 10.4103/ijph.ijph_1497_22 -
Annals of Human Biology Feb 2024Rising global obesity rates are linked with inflammation and associated morbidities. These negative outcomes are generally more common in low-resource communities within...
BACKGROUND
Rising global obesity rates are linked with inflammation and associated morbidities. These negative outcomes are generally more common in low-resource communities within high-income countries; however, it is unclear how frequent infectious disease exposures in these settings may influence the relationship between adiposity and inflammation.
AIM
We test associations between adiposity measures and distinct forms of inflammation among adults ( = 80) living in low-resource U.S. communities experiencing high levels of obesity and pathogen exposure.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS
Adiposity measures included BMI and percent body fat. Inflammation measures included systemic inflammation (C-reactive protein [CRP]) and localised intestinal inflammation (faecal calprotectin [FC]). The relationship between a condition characterised by elevated inflammation ( infection) and adiposity was also considered.
RESULTS
Adiposity was not significantly related to FC concentration. However, both adiposity measures were positively related with odds of CRP elevation and infection was associated with significantly lower adiposity measures (all < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
For this disadvantaged U.S. sample, the association between adiposity and inflammation varies by the systemic/localised nature of inflammation and the likely underlying cause of inflammation. Defining these associations will improve understanding of how rising obesity rates shape long-term health inequities, with implications for more effective intervention design.
Topics: Humans; Adiposity; Inflammation; Female; Male; Adult; Middle Aged; Chronic Disease; United States; C-Reactive Protein; Helicobacter Infections; Helicobacter pylori; Leukocyte L1 Antigen Complex; Obesity; Young Adult; Body Mass Index; Aged; Feces
PubMed: 38934696
DOI: 10.1080/03014460.2024.2368851 -
MSystems Jun 2024The skin microbiome plays a pivotal role in human health by providing protective and functional benefits. Furthermore, its inherent stability and individual specificity...
The skin microbiome plays a pivotal role in human health by providing protective and functional benefits. Furthermore, its inherent stability and individual specificity present novel forensic applications. These aspects have sparked considerable research enthusiasm among scholars across various fields. However, the selection of specific 16S rRNA hypervariable regions for skin microbiome studies is not standardized and should be validated through extensive research tailored to different research objectives and targeted bacterial taxa. Notably, third-generation sequencing (TGS) technology leverages the full discriminatory power of the 16S gene and enables more detailed and accurate microbial community analyses. Here, we conducted full-length 16S sequencing of 141 skin microbiota samples from multiple human anatomical sites using the PacBio platform. Based on this data, we generated derived 16S sub-region data through an experiment. Comparisons between the 16S full-length and the derived variable region data revealed that the former can provide superior taxonomic resolution. However, even with full 16S gene sequencing, limitations arise in achieving 100% taxonomic resolution at the species level for skin samples. Additionally, the capability to resolve high-abundance bacteria (TOP30) at the genus level remains generally consistent across different 16S variable regions. Furthermore, the V1-V3 region offers a resolution comparable with that of full-length 16S sequences, in comparison to other hypervariable regions studied. In summary, while acknowledging the benefits of full-length 16S gene analysis, we propose the targeting of specific sub-regions as a practical choice for skin microbial research, especially when balancing the accuracy of taxonomic classification with limited sequencing resources, such as the availability of only short-read sequencing or insufficient DNA.IMPORTANCESkin acts as the primary barrier to human health. Considering the different microenvironments, microbial research should be conducted separately for different skin regions. Third-generation sequencing (TGS) technology can make full use of the discriminatory power of the full-length 16S gene. However, 16S sub-regions are widely used, particularly when faced with limited sequencing resources including the availability of only short-read sequencing and insufficient DNA. Comparing the 16S full-length and the derived variable region data from five different human skin sites, we confirmed the superiority of the V1-V3 region in skin microbiota analysis. We propose the targeting of specific sub-regions as a practical choice for microbial research.
PubMed: 38934545
DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00399-24 -
Indian Journal of Community Medicine :... 2024As undernutrition and anemia persist to be prevalent in India, the socioeconomically disadvantaged groups continue to take the greater brunt. Odisha is home to the...
BACKGROUND
As undernutrition and anemia persist to be prevalent in India, the socioeconomically disadvantaged groups continue to take the greater brunt. Odisha is home to the largest number of particularly vulnerable tribal groups (PVTGs) in India. The study aimed to provide a comprehensive report on the undernutrition and anemia status of all the PVTGs of Odisha.
METHODS
A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among (N = 1461, 683 males and 779 females) 13 PVTGs spread across 12 districts of Odisha from August 2018 to February 2019.
RESULTS
Among the under-five children, the prevalence of underweight was observed in 75.26%, stunting in 55.42%, and wasting in 60.00% and all forms of undernutrition were higher among girls. Among children and adolescents belonging to the age group of 5 to 19 years, the prevalence of thinness was 46.7%. In individuals above the age of 20, the prevalence of underweight among males was 37.7% and females was 44.3% and severe anemia was present in 36.5% of females and 35.8% of males. Women in the reproductive age have a higher prevalence of anemia.
CONCLUSION
The study shows that undernutrition and anemia remain high in the PVTGs, especially among the under-five children and women in the reproductive age. As the country heads toward fulfilling Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) by 2030, national and state health policies need to be designed and implemented, giving special focus to these vulnerable groups.
PubMed: 38933794
DOI: 10.4103/ijcm.ijcm_452_23 -
Indian Journal of Community Medicine :... 2024Smartphone addiction (SA) has emerged as an important health concern worldwide. Recent studies have recognized SA as one of the factors that promote sedentarism and can...
Smartphone addiction (SA) has emerged as an important health concern worldwide. Recent studies have recognized SA as one of the factors that promote sedentarism and can contribute to obesity. However, the relationship between SA and obesity among Indian young adults remains understudied. The present study aims to estimate the prevalence of SA and explore its association with general and central obesity among young adults in Delhi, India. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 246 young adults (aged 18-30 years) of either sex (60.16% females) from Delhi. Screening for SA was done using the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version. Somatometric measurements (height, weight, waist circumference, and hip circumference) were taken to determine general and central obesity. SA was prevalent among 25.2% of the participants. The prevalence of SA was higher among males and undergraduate students than among females and postgraduate/MPhil/PhD students, respectively. Further, SA was not associated with any of the obesity variables. Interestingly, smartphone addicts were found to have a 2.5-fold increased risk of being underweight. Though SA was not associated with obesity, it was found to be associated with being underweight, indicating a relationship between smartphone use and nutritional status among young adults.
PubMed: 38933784
DOI: 10.4103/ijcm.ijcm_288_23 -
Revista Panamericana de Salud Publica =... 2024The development of public health in Latin America during the 20th century combined, early on, the social medicine framework on the social, political, and environmental...
[Social medicine and the social sciences in Latin America: conceptual tensions for the transformation of public health in the 20th centuryMedicina social e ciências sociais na América Latina: tensões conceituais para a transformação da saúde pública no século XX].
The development of public health in Latin America during the 20th century combined, early on, the social medicine framework on the social, political, and environmental origins of disease with the contributions of medical anthropological fieldwork. Despite the hegemony of the medical model, the surge of the preventive medicine framework further legitimized the involvement of social scientists in the study of the multicausality of disease. However, the limitations brought by the preventive medicine model's lack of historical and political contextualization gave way to the Latin American social medicine movement, which was grounded in historical materialism, and the development of both critical epidemiology and critical medical anthropology.
PubMed: 38933473
DOI: 10.26633/RPSP.2024.56 -
The Pan African Medical Journal 2024The World Health Organization (WHO) held the inaugural Traditional Medicine Global Summit in India in 2023 to promote the evidence-based integration of traditional...
The World Health Organization (WHO) held the inaugural Traditional Medicine Global Summit in India in 2023 to promote the evidence-based integration of traditional medicine (TM) into the global healthcare system. This summit offers many opportunities for Africa, where most people rely on TM for health care. TM is widely accepted and affordable in the region but faces many challenges that limit its potential. This article identifies some of the most pressing challenges to incorporating TM into standard healthcare in Africa. It also proffers useful recommendations on how these issues may be addressed while identifying key stakeholders whose contributions may hamper or enhance the realization of WHO´s goals for TM in the continent.
Topics: Humans; Medicine, African Traditional; Delivery of Health Care; World Health Organization; Africa
PubMed: 38933435
DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2024.47.146.43011 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2024Injecting methamphetamine poses significant health risks, but little is known about how methamphetamine injectors filter their injection preparations and experience...
INTRODUCTION
Injecting methamphetamine poses significant health risks, but little is known about how methamphetamine injectors filter their injection preparations and experience related health concerns.
METHODS
A chain-referral sample of Indigenous people who inject methamphetamine ( = 30) was recruited and semistructured interviews were conducted to collect information on filtration practices and health concerns.
RESULTS
Filtration of the injection preparation was described by 53% of injectors. Elevated levels of concern for kidney disease, cancer and heart disease were observed among those who filtered their preparations (ranging from 50 to 56.3%). Concern about liver disease was the most frequent concern among those who filtered their preparations (62.5%) and was elevated in comparison to those who did not use filters (7.1%). Grouped logistic regression revealed a positive association between filtration of the injection preparation and overall health concerns expressed by injectors, after adjusting for gender and age. The marginal posterior distribution of the adjusted odds ratio for filtration of the injection preparation had a posterior median = 35.7, and 95% HPD interval = (5.1, 512.4).
DISCUSSION
Results illustrate a positive relationship between filtration of the injection preparation and health concerns among Indigenous people who inject methamphetamine. This likely reflects the use of filtration to reduce harms, and further research is needed to understand the full scope of prevention that may be associated with filtration of methamphetamine injection preparations.
Topics: Humans; Methamphetamine; Male; Female; Adult; Substance Abuse, Intravenous; Filtration; Middle Aged; Indigenous Peoples; Young Adult; Interviews as Topic
PubMed: 38932776
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1390210