Journals
2026 EN
Ghosh Pritam
ABSTRACT Background and Objectives Caste division and socioeconomic deprivation among marginalized communities in Indian Hindu society, since the pre‐independence period, necessitate further investigation into the inequality in undernutrition prevalence between upper caste (UC) and marginalized children. This study aims to estimate the gap in overall undernutrition prevalence between UC and Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe (SC/ST) children in traditional Hindu society from 2005 to 2021. Additionally, it seeks to quantify the contributions of various factors—including child, maternal, household, and regional backgrounds—in explaining the gap of undernutrition between UC and marginalized children over the past 15 years. Methods The study employed three rounds of the National Family Health Survey Data (NFHS‐3, 4, and 5) and estimated the prevalence of undernutrition using the Composite Index of Anthropometric Failure (CIAF). The Fairlie decomposition method was utilized to estimate persisting inequality and quantified contributions of different background variables in explaining the inequality between UC and SC/ST children in the prevalence of CIAF. Results Although the CIAF gap between Hindu UC and SC/ST children has declined from 2005–2006 to 2019–2021, it remains substantial, falling from 19.28% to 14.67% points between Hindu UC and SC, and from 22.46% to 18.42% points between Hindu UC and ST from 2005–2006 to 2019–2021. The influence of background variables in explaining the CIAF gap between Hindu UC and SC/ST children has declined from 2005–2006 to 2019–2021, indicating an increasing impact of unmeasured determinants over time. This study also highlights the substantial roles of household socioeconomic status, maternal education, household WASH conditions, child anemia levels, and birth order in explaining the CIAF gap between Hindu UC and SC/ST children over the past decade. Conclusions The outcome of the study suggests interventians to reduce socioeconomic inequality between UC and SC/ST sections and adequate measures to improve mothers' education level, household WASH conditions, and childhood anemia among marginalized sections for reducing inter‐group differences in the prevalence of childhood undernutrition in India.
Journals
2026 EN
Albayrak Muammer · Turhan Kemal
ABSTRACT Nicotine addiction, like many other forms of addiction, is a multifaceted behavior influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Despite the well‐established role of these influences, relatively few studies have simultaneously examined the interaction between genetic predispositions and environmental variables in the context of substance addiction. This study investigated the role of specific genetic variants within nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) and cytochrome P450 genes in relation to nicotine and other substance addictions, as well as environmental factors. From a total of 66,936 genetic variants, a Polygenic Risk Score (PRS) was computed using selected SNPs within the nAChR and cytochrome gene families. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was employed to examine the relationships between PRS, the Wisconsin Index of Smoking Dependence Motives (WISDM), socioeconomic status (SES), and various forms of substance addiction, using a dataset comprising 2969 individuals (1786 females, 1168 males). The results demonstrate that substance addiction is shaped by a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. The PRS significantly predicted the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) and DSM‐IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition) based nicotine dependence. PRS had smaller, yet significant, effects on alcohol and marijuana dependence and WISDM. However, it showed no meaningful relationship with SES or other addictions. In contrast, SES strongly influenced smoking motives (WISDM), which in turn significantly predicted multiple types of substance addiction, positioning WISDM as a key mediator. Additionally, alcohol dependence emerged as a central factor, showing cascading effects on nicotine, marijuana, and cocaine addiction. Overall, while genetic predisposition plays a notable role, especially in nicotine‐related outcomes, social context and motivational factors exert broader and more substantial effects across various addiction pathways, underscoring the need for multifaceted intervention strategies.
Journals
2026 EN
Shrestha Divya · Mahato Karuna · Roy Prasanta
+2 more
ABSTRACT Maleimide‐containing molecules serve as important scaffolds for biological activities as well as photochemical properties and play a significant role in both the academic and industrial communities. Maleimides are versatile coupling partners owing to their diverse reactivities with transition‐metal catalysts in C–H activation and annulation reactions including alkenylation, alkylation, fused‐annulation, and spiro‐annulation for the synthesis of numerous maleimide‐containing bioactive molecules such as succinamides, lactams, and lactims. In this review, innovative advances toward the synthesis of biologically important maleimide/succinimide‐bearing scaffolds through C–H activation and annulation reactions with transition metal as catalysts, with particular emphasis on the intermediates, transition states, and incorporation of different annulation sites for maleimide is reviewed. This review covers research published between 2019 and 2025, highlighting the substrate scope, reaction mechanisms, synthetic transformations, and future prospects of this approach.
Journals
2026 EN
YartoJaramillo Enrique · Moresco Anneke · Çitaku Irindi
+6 more
ABSTRACT This study evaluated the development of skull components in sanctuary‐housed mantled howler monkeys ( Alouatta palliata ) across age groups, using measurements taken from plain radiographs (lateral view). Thirteen females and 14 males were evaluated (5 infants [ ≤ 14 months], 15 juveniles [15–28 months], 7 subadults/adults [ ≥ 29 months]). Radiographic measurements of length (L) and height (H) were taken of the masticatory (M) component, respiratory (R) component, craniofacial (CF) complex, facial (F) region, and neurocranium (N). Measurements for infants were significantly smaller than for juveniles, which, in turn, were smaller than for subadults/adults. No significant differences were observed between male and female juvenile mantled howler monkeys, except for facial length ( p = 0.0253), which was greater in males. A positive correlation was found between age groups and ML, MH, RL, RH, CFL, NH, NL, FL, and FH measurements, but not between age and NH. Moderate ( r = from 0.68 to 0.77) or strong ( r ≥ 0.80) correlation was documented between NL and masticatory components, respiratory components, and the facial region. Weak correlation ( r = from 0.32 to 0.34) was found between NH and ML, RL, and FL, and no correlation between NH and MH, RH, and FH. In conclusion, the present study provides data that contribute to the characterization of the cranial development in mantled howler monkeys. It also aids clinical monitoring of normal growth, detection of potential nutritional deficiencies, and contributes data for forensic analysis to distinguish ages and sex based on skull measurements.
Journals
2026 EN
Clink Dena Jane · CrossJaya Hope · Kim Jinsung
+10 more
ABSTRACT Recent advances in deep learning and transfer learning have revolutionized our ability for the automated detection of acoustic signals from long‐term soundscape recordings. Effective automated detection approaches can vastly improve our ability to monitor endangered species, like gibbons. Here, we provide a benchmark for the automated detection of female duet contributions from southern yellow‐cheeked crested gibbons ( Nomascus gabriellae ) recorded in Jahoo, Cambodia. For the benchmarking, we compared the performance of support vector machines (SVMs), a quasi‐DenseNet architecture (Koogu), transfer learning with ResNet50 models trained on the “ImageNet” dataset (ResNet), and transfer learning with embeddings from a global birdsong model (BirdNET). Transfer learning models based on BirdNET embeddings had superior performance with a smaller number of training samples, whereas Koogu and ResNet50 models only had acceptable performance with a larger number of training samples (> 200 gibbon samples). We deployed the BirdNET‐based model over > 130,000 h of continuous soundscape data, which, after manual review, resulted in > 12,000 verified true positive detections. We found that female gibbon calling events occurred mostly in the early morning hours between 05:00 and 06:00 local time. We had fewer gibbon detections during the monsoon period and found substantial variation in spatial patterns of calling events across months and years that may reflect territorial dynamics of gibbon groups. Reliable automated detection approaches are a critical first step for using passive acoustic monitoring to assess endangered gibbon populations at ecologically relevant temporal and spatial scales.
Journals
2026 EN
MucabelBue Neve · Onwuka Shakira · Gray Paul
+9 more
ABSTRACT It is the priority of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and Australian governments, to provide infants with enriching environments in which they may thrive. This is particularly critical during the perinatal period. Yet, an increasing number of notifications and interventions by child protection authorities are occurring in the first year of life. This research reports parent, service provider and researcher perspectives about systemic considerations on a community‐led preventative, perinatal care model for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families at risk of child protection involvement. Reflexive thematic analysis of discussions with 22 parents and 80 practitioners from across Australia is included, with 61% of participants identifying as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Three themes were generated: (1) Child Protection is a Colonial System, (2) Risk‐Averse Practice within Child Protection and Allied Systems, (3) Centring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and Knowledges is Vital. Our analysis suggests that dominant Western ideologies, processes, and structures that underpin secondary and tertiary interventions (e.g., bureaucratic processes) present inherent barriers to Aboriginal‐led interventions. Honouring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges, sovereignty, and leadership are crucial to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families to thrive, in turn reducing child removals.
Journals
2026 EN
Khawaja Nigar G. · Hebbani Aparna · Vitale Agata
ABSTRACT This qualitative study examined the perspectives of stakeholders working with victims of family and domestic violence (FDV) from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities in Australia. Sixteen stakeholders participated in focus groups to share their insights on sociocultural factors contributing to FDV, CALD women's understanding of abusive behaviours and barriers that prevent these women from reporting and seeking help for coercive practices. Thematic analysis of the qualitative data revealed that stakeholders perceived cultural beliefs, expectations and practices to significantly influence FDV in CALD communities. According to them, contributing factors included misinterpretations of patriarchy and religion, limited understanding of FDV as coercive control, cultural expectations, migration‐related challenges and acculturative stress. Stakeholders also emphasised that fear, cultural norms, limited interpersonal support and a dearth of culturally responsive services hinder CALD women from recognising, reporting and addressing FDV. These findings have important implications for informing policy and the development of culturally responsive programmes aimed at improving the well‐being and safety of women from CALD backgrounds living in Western societies.
Journals
2026 EN
VilorTejedor Natalia · Danso Samuel · Albanus Ricardo D'Oliveira
+8 more
ABSTRACT Despite the global burden of dementia, research remains dominated by high‐income, Western populations, limiting the generalizability and equity of findings. In this Perspective, we highlight the importance of diversity and inclusion in dementia research, not only in study participants but also in the researchers, study design, and funding priorities. We describe how the lack of representation creates knowledge gaps and delays progress in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. We also present examples of initiatives that are working to change this, including the Alzheimer's Disease Data Initiative and the William H. Gates Sr. Fellowship program, which supports open science, international collaboration, and early‐career researchers from underrepresented regions. These efforts demonstrate that diversity is not only an ethical goal, but a scientific need. More inclusive and global research could lead to discoveries that are more generalizable, more globally applicable, and better able to inform strategies to address dementia across all communities. Highlights Prioritize representation in datasets across ethnicity, geography, sex/gender, and socio‐economic status. Support early‐career researchers from underrepresented regions with long‐term funding and mentorship. Standardize and adapt tools (cognitive, clinical, genomic) across cultural and linguistic contexts. Promote open science through equitable, federated data sharing platforms, and embed community engagement from research design to dissemination. Value diversity as a driver of discovery, not as a confounder.
Journals
2026 EN
Folorunsho Sunkanmi · Abraham Olufunmilola · Esiaka Darlingtina K.
Abstract INTRODUCTION Older Black adults face higher dementia risk, but it is unclear whether social engagement offsets the effects of depression and restless sleep. METHODS We analyzed 1,905 Black adults aged 50+ from the 2016‐2020 Health and Retirement Study (HRS). Linear mixed‐effects models tested how depressive symptoms, restless sleep, and social engagement predicted baseline cognition and cognitive decline. RESULTS Higher depressive symptoms and restless sleep were associated with lower baseline cognition (about 0.2 and 0.5 points lower) and faster decline (β×time ≈ −0.07 and −0.05). Greater social engagement predicted higher baseline cognition (about 0.6 points higher) and slower decline (β×time ≈ 0.08). Social engagement also buffered the negative effects of depressive symptoms and restless sleep on cognitive decline but did not affect their baseline associations. DISCUSSION Social engagement may help older Black adults preserve cognitive health despite depression or poor sleep through accessible community, religious, and volunteer activities. Highlights Depressive symptoms and restless sleep independently predicted poorer baseline cognition and faster cognitive decline among older Black adults, underscoring their distinct and additive roles in late‐life neurocognitive vulnerability. Higher social engagement, measured through volunteering, religious participation, and group involvement was associated with better cognitive functioning and slower decline across three Health and Retirement Study (HRS) waves, even after full adjustment for demographic, socioeconomic, and health covariates. Interaction effects showed that social engagement buffered the adverse cognitive effects of both depressive symptoms and restless sleep, indicating its role as a behavioral resilience factor in aging. Culturally embedded forms of engagement, particularly faith‐based and community‐centered participation, emerged as salient protective pathways that align with existing social practices within Black communities. Findings highlight the potential of community and faith‐based interventions to mitigate disparities in cognitive aging and to promote culturally meaningful strategies for sustaining brain health in older Black adults.
Journals
2026 EN
Dehghan Arshama · Giugni Fernando R. · Bartholdy Katja Vu
+9 more
Abstract INTRODUCTION Associations of cardiac structure and function with longitudinal changes in cognitive function are not known. METHODS Among 4957 participants (age 75 ± 5 years) in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study free of stroke, heart failure, and dementia who underwent protocol echocardiography and neurocognitive testing at study Visit 5 and repeat neurocognitive testing at three follow‐up visits over 10 years, factor scores were derived for executive function, memory, and language and averaged into a global score. We assessed associations using multivariable linear mixed models. RESULTS Greater left ventricular mass index, higher left atrial (LA) volume index, and lower LA reservoir strain were associated with greater decline in global cognition ( p < 0.01), driven by decline in executive function. Lower ejection fraction and e’ velocity associated with greater decline in memory. DISCUSSION Subclinical left ventricular remodeling and diastolic dysfunction are associated with greater decline in cognitive function over 10 years in late life. Highlights LV remodeling and diastolic dysfunction are associated with accelerated cognitive decline. This association is driven by associations with accelerated decline in EF. Lower ejection fraction and e′ velocity are associated with accelerated decline in memory.