Related Changes Research Articles

Change in Metabolic Markers and the Risk of Skin Cancer: Results from the Lifelines Cohort Study in the Netherlands.

Skin-cancers are the most common cancers in Caucasians, and their incidence is rising. Although metabolic and anthropometric markers play a role in cancer development, the relationship of metabolic and anthropometric changes with skin-cancer remains unclear. This study aimed to examine possible associations between these changes and the risk of skin-cancer. Participants without prior skin-cancer history from the Northern-Netherlands representative of the general population were included. Histopathology data were obtained from the Dutch Nationwide Pathology-Database. Adjusted-Cox-regression analyzed associations between metabolic changes and time to pathology-confirmed skin-cancer incidence over a 7-year follow-up, assessing overall skin-cancer risk and subtypes, including melanoma and non-melanoma skin-cancer. Out of 97,106 participants, 4,195 (4.3%) developed skin-cancer. Body-mass-index (BMI) decrease and increase were both associated with lower skin-cancer risk: adjusted-hazard-ratios(aHR) of 0.88(0.80-0.98) and 0.78(0.72-0.86), respectively. Triglyceride and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR)decreases were also associated with lower risk: aHR: 0.89(0.80-0.98) and 0.89(0.83-0.98), respectively. Increase in HbA1c was associated with higher risk in individuals under 45 years at baseline: aHR: 1.21(1.01-1.45). Subtype-analysis showed an increase in BMI was associated with lower melanoma risk: aHR: 0.72(0.58-0.91). Changes in BMI and decrease in triglycerides and WHR are related to lower skin-cancer risk, whereas increase in HbA1c may elevate risk in individuals younger than 45 at baseline. These findings highlight the importance of non-sunlight-related risk factors for skin-cancer prevention and the need for further research into underlying mechanisms. This study contributes to the broader understanding of how metabolic health impacts skin-cancer development, offering potential avenues for targeted prevention strategies.

Relationship between influenza-related experience and current vaccination outcome

BackgroundThis study investigated how a person’s influenza-related experience, together with demographic, socioeconomic, and health-related factors, was associated with their current vaccination decisions.MethodsThe analysis used ten panels of the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) from 2006 to 2016. Linear and logistic probability models were estimated to predict influenza vaccination using a person’s vaccination status in the previous year and history of influenza infection, adjusting for demographics, socioeconomic variables, general health status, and healthcare access. The models used two-way and three-way interactions with race/ethnicity, income, education, health status, and elderly status to examine changing relationships of flu-related experience across these variables.ResultsPrevious vaccination was the most important predictor, with an increase of 63.0–71.8% probability of vaccination in the next year. Infection history could either increase or decrease the impact of past vaccination depending on race/ethnicity, income, education level, health status, and age. There were significant disparities across demographic, socioeconomic, and health-related variables.ConclusionVaccination promotion efforts could focus on those who have not been vaccinated in the past and on specific sub-populations, such as people who are Hispanic, people with lower education levels, the population aged 65 and above, and families with low-income levels. Although past infection is a predictor for some population groups, its magnitude is small and is often not a significant determinant.

Lipid Changes 10-15 Years After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: A Prospective Observational Study.

Several studies have documented a beneficial short-term effect on lipid profile after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), but there is limited data on long-term changes. To describe long-term (> 10years) changes in lipid profile after RYGB and to explore the relationship of lipid changes to changes in weight and baseline and demographic parameters. The BAROBS study is a prospective observational study post RYGB conducted at three different hospitals. Surgical procedures were performed between 2003 and 2009, and the collection of data was in 2018-2020. Data on lipid profile, weight, body mass index (BMI), percentage of total weight loss (%TWL), and pre- and postoperative type II diabetes mellitus (DMII) was collected at baseline, 1-2, 5, and 10years post-surgery and was available for 314 of 546 patients in the study. The mean (SD) follow-up was 11.5(± 1.5) years, with a mean reduction of 11.7% for LDL, 29.7% for TG, and 7.7% for total cholesterol compared to baseline. Except for HDL and total-/HDL-cholesterol-ratio, all lipid variables reached their greatest change after 1-2years with an attenuation of changes at end of study. HDL and total-/HDL-cholesterol-ratio had stable values from 5 to 10years post-surgery. Lipid profile improved more in patients with greater weight loss. There was a 59% reduction in DMII at end of study, and there was a significant relation between preoperative DMII and long-term lipid values. There is an improvement of all lipid parameters after 10years post RYGB related to both the magnitude of weight loss and the presence of DMII.

Cerebral Hemodynamic Responses to Disease-Modifying and Curative Sickle Cell Disease Therapies.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a hemoglobinopathy resulting in hemoglobin-S production, hemolytic anemia, and elevated stroke risk. Treatments include oral hydroxyurea, blood transfusions, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Our objective was to evaluate the neurologic relevance of these therapies by characterizing how treatment-induced changes in hemoglobin (Hb) affect brain health biomarkers. In this interventional study, adults with and without SCD underwent a 3T-MRI at Vanderbilt University Medical Center at 2 time points before and after clinically indicated transfusion or HSCT or at 2 time points without the introduction of a new Hb-altering therapy (adult controls and patients with SCD on hydroxyurea). Cerebral blood flow (CBF; mL/100 g/min) and cerebral venous blood relaxation rate (s-1; a marker of Hb and blood oxygen content) responses were assessed to understand how these markers of brain health vary with Hb modulation. CBF was assessed with arterial spin labeling MRI, and blood relaxation rate was assessed using T2 relaxation under spin tagging MRI. Measures were pairwise compared within each cohort using a 2-tailed Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and regression was applied to evaluate the parameter and Hb change relationships. The significance criterion was 2-sided p < 0.05. Adults with (n = 43; age 28.7 ± 7.7 years; 42% male) and without (n = 13; age 33.5 ± 12.2 years; 46% male) SCD were evaluated. In adults receiving hydroxyurea (n = 10), neither Hb, CBF, nor venous relaxation rate changed between time 1 (Hb = 8.6 ± 1.2 g/dL) and time 2 (Hb = 9.0 ± 1.8 g/dL) (all p > 0.05). In transfusion patients (n = 19), Hb increased from 8.2 ± 1.4 g/dL to 9.3 ± 1.3 g/dL before vs after transfusion (p < 0.001), paralleling a CBF decrease of 14.2 mL/100 g/min (p < 0.001) toward control levels. The venous relaxation rate did not change after transfusion (p = 0.71). In HSCT patients (n = 14), Hb increased from 8.9 ± 1.9 g/dL to 12.9 ± 2.7 g/dL (p < 0.001) before vs after transplant, paralleling CBF decreases from 68.16 ± 20.24 to 47.43 ± 12.59 mL/100 g/min (p < 0.001) and increase in venous relaxation rate (p = 0.004). Across the Hb spectrum, a CBF decrease of 5.02 mL/100 g/min per g/dL increase in Hb was observed. Findings demonstrate improvement in cerebral hemodynamics after transfusion and transplant therapies compared with hydroxyurea therapy; quantitative relationships should provide a framework for using these measures as trial end points to assess how new SCD therapies affect brain health.

Shift in the Relationship Between Summer Extreme Humid‐Heat Events in Eastern China and Tropical Sea Surface Temperature in the Mid‐1990s

AbstractThe social losses associated with extreme humid‐heat events (EHHE) increased sharply in recent decades. This study has explored the changing relationship between EHHE in eastern China and tropical sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies. Results show that the monopolar mode of EHHE is significantly associated with spring SST anomalies in Northwest Pacific (NWP) before the mid‐1990s, which can impact humid‐heat conditions in eastern China through an atmospheric meridional overturning circulation extending from NWP to eastern China. Then, the associated eastward shift of convection center after the mid‐1990s weakens connection between NWP SST anomalies and the monopolar mode. Further analysis reveals that the weakened Kelvin waves, induced by persistent SST anomalies from spring in tropical Indian Ocean after the mid‐1990s, cause the westward‐shifted anomalous convection in western Pacific, and then reinforce formation of the dipolar mode via exciting zonal wave trains. Numerical simulations via linear baroclinic model further validate atmospheric response to displacement of diabatic forcings.

Associations between parent and adolescent weight outcomes within two parent approaches to family-based adolescent obesity treatment: Secondary analyses from the TEENS+ pilot trial.

To examine associations between parent and adolescent weight change within two parent approaches to adolescent obesity treatment. Adolescent (Mage = 13.7 ± 1.2 years; MBMI = 34.9 ± 7.0 kg/m2) and parent (MBMI = 36.4 ± 7.3 kg/m2) dyads (N = 82) were randomized to TEENS+Parents as Coaches (PAC) or TEENS+parent weight loss (PWL). Anthropometrics were assessed at baseline (0-month), 4 months (post) and 7 months (after 3-month maintenance period). Regression analyses examined associations between parent and adolescent ΔBMI0-4m and ΔBMI4-7m, with parent group as a moderator. Post-treatment, parent and adolescent ∆BMI0-4m were positively related (β = 0.68, p < 0.001), with no group interaction. Parent and adolescent ΔBMI4-7m were related (β = 0.48, p = 0.012) during maintenance, moderated by parent group (β = -0.49, p = 0.010): positive relationships persisted in PAC (β = 0.39, p = 0.011), but not PWL (β = -0.19, p = 0.211). Parent and adolescent weight changes were positively related during treatment in both parent groups. During maintenance, weight change associations persisted only in PAC. These patterns prompt further exploration of parent factors driving weight change relationships.

Longitudinal investigation of neuroimaging changes related to memory decline in multiple sclerosis: Testing a mechanistic model

Background: Memory decline is common in multiple sclerosis (MS), although pathophysiological mechanisms are not fully understood. Objective: The objective was to investigate the relationship of changes in structural and functional neuroimaging markers to memory decline over 3-year follow-up. Methods: Participants with MS underwent cognitive evaluation and structural, diffusion, and functional 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans at baseline and 3-year follow-up. Changes in neuroimaging metrics from baseline to follow-up were compared between memory stable and memory decline groups. Our hypothesis that structural and functional connectivity changes mediate the association of atrophy to memory decline was tested. Results: A total of 249 MS patients completed baseline visit; 169 (67.8%) returned at 3-year follow-up. Based on ⩾10% decline, memory decline was observed in 44.4% ( n = 75). Those with memory decline showed marginally greater whole-brain volume loss over time compared with those with stable memory performance ( p = 0.08). In those with memory decline, changes in white matter tract integrity were related to regional cortical thinning ( p &lt; 0.01). Exploratory mediation analysis revealed structural and functional connectivity to mediate the relationship of atrophy to verbal and visual memory decline. Conclusion: Further work is needed to characterize complex interrelationships of atrophy and structural/functional connectivity changes to memory decline in MS.

Age and sex differences in the relationship of body weight changes with colon cancer risks: A nationwide cohort study

Colon cancer is a significant health concern, and obesity is a well-established risk factor. However, previous studies have mainly focused on assessing body weight as a risk factor for colon cancer at a specific time point. This nationwide cohort study investigated the association between body weight changes, which can fluctuate throughout an individual’s lifespan, and the incidence of colon cancer using the South Korean population database provided by the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS). Participants who underwent biennial health screenings between 2004 and 2006, and had follow-up health check-ups between 2014 and 2016, were included in this study. Body weight changes were categorized as follows: < 5%, decrease 5–20%, decrease > 20%, increase 5–20%, or > 20%. The primary outcome was the incidence of newly diagnosed colon cancer. Statistical analysis was used to examine the relationship between body weight changes and the incidence of colon cancer stratified according to age and sex. The Kaplan–Meier method estimated the cumulative incidence of colon cancer, and Cox proportional hazards models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), adjusting for confounding factors. The analysis included data from 10,332,397 individuals, with a mean (± SD) age of 45.5 ± 13.1 years, and 54.9% were male. In males with a body mass index (BMI) range of 18–30 kg/m2, both a weight gain of 5–20% (HR 1.07, P > z 0.01 [95% CI 1.02–1.13]) and weight gain > 20% (HR 1.27, P > z 0.03 [95% CI 1.03–1.56]) were associated with an increased risk for colon cancer. In addition, males < 40 years of age exhibited a higher risk for colon cancer with > 20% weight gain (HR 1.65, P > z < 0.001 [95% CI 1.18–2.30]). Whereas, females within the BMI range of 18–30 kg/m2 who exhibited > 20% weight loss demonstrated a reduced risk (HR 0.77, P > z 0.04 [95% CI 0.60–0.98]). Moreover, females ≥ 40 years of age, who experienced weight loss > 20%, exhibited a decreased risk for colon cancer (HR 0.76; P > 0.02 [95% CI 0.60–0.96]). This nationwide cohort study demonstrated a relationship between body weight changes and the incidence of colon cancer, with differences based on sex and age. In particular, avoiding weight gain is crucial for males < 40 years of age, whereas weight loss could be beneficial for females > 40 years of age in reducing the risk of colon cancer.

Increased structural covariance of cortical measures in individuals with an at-risk mental state.

An anomalous pattern of structural covariance has been reported in schizophrenia, which has been suggested to represent connectome changes during brain maturation and neuroprogressive processes. It remains unclear whether similar differences exist in a clinical high-risk state for psychosis, and if they are associated with a prodromal phenotype and/or later psychosis onset. This multicenter magnetic resonance imaging study cross-sectionally examined structural covariance in a large at-risk mental state (ARMS) sample with different outcomes. The whole-brain structural covariance of four cortical measures (thickness, area, volume, and gyrification) was assessed in 155 individuals with ARMS, who were subclassified into 26 (16.8%) with a later psychosis onset (ARMS-P), 44 with persistent subthreshold psychotic symptoms, and 53 with the remission of psychotic symptoms (ARMS-R) during the clinical follow-up, and 191 healthy controls. The relationships of changes in structural covariance with clinical symptoms and cognitive impairments were also investigated in the ARMS subsample. Structural covariance was significantly higher in widespread cortical regions in the ARMS group than in the controls, with each cortical measure having a different pattern in affected cortical regions. The higher structural covariance of the cortical area was partly related to severe suspiciousness-persecutory ideation. Structural covariance was significantly higher, mainly in fronto-parietal gyrification, in the ARMS-P group than in the ARMS-R group. The present results suggest that changes in structural covariance result in psychosis vulnerability and the excessive structural covariance of brain gyrification in ARMS subjects may contribute to their later clinical course.

Comparative Analyses and Phylogenetic Dependence in Traits and Trends of the Dipterocarpaceae.

The role of trait evolution in shaping the functional and ecological diversity of tropical forests remains poorly understood. Analyses of trait variation as a function of evolutionary history and environmental variables should reveal the drivers of species distributions, as well as generate insights valuable to conservation. Here, we focus on the Dipterocarpaceae, the key plant family underpinning the hyperdiversity of South-East Asian tropical forest canopies and of major conservation concern due to over-exploitation for timber, cultivation, and climate change. Our objectives are to (i) assess whether dipterocarp species traits are phylogenetically conserved through a phylogenetic signal, indicating phylogenetic niche conservatism (PNC); (ii) determine the drivers of dipterocarp species distribution; (iii) examine the relationship between morphological traits with habitat factors; and (iv) assess the correlation between conservation status and phylogeny. We compiled a dataset of species-level plant traits of the Dipterocarpaceae together with population-level ecological trends. We found substantial evidence of phylogenetic conservatism of plant traits in dipterocarp species, with a moderate to strong phylogenetic signal, and that the elevational gradient shapes dipterocarp species distribution pan-tropically. Morphological traits including height and diameter show phylogenetically dependent relationships with soil type, while shade tolerance traits are related to survival. We find that conservation status is related to phylogeny and correlated with population trend status, suggesting that decreasing population trends correlated with conservation status. Overall, our analyses show that functional traits and ecological trends of dipterocarp species are shaped by the phylogenetic history. Our study highlights that conservation strategies require consideration of the consequences of these relationships for long-term population changes.

Does Improvement in Respiratory Function after Hemodialysis Correlate with Ultrafiltration Volume?

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of mechanical ultrafiltration on improvement in respiratory functions among patients of end-stage renal disease dependent on hemodialysis. Study design: Cross-sectional analytical study. Place and Duration of Study: Dialysis Unit, Combined Military Hospital Peshawar, Pakistan, from Sep to Nov 2021 Methodology: Patients on maintenance hemodialysis for at least three months were included. Patients with altered mental status and gross rheumatological abnormalities and unwilling patients were excluded. Spirometry was done before and after mid-week dialysis sessions thrice at two minutes intervals and the best values recorded. Different spirometry parameters before and after dialysis session were compared. The relationship of changes in these parameters with ultrafiltration volumes was also examined. Results: A total of 50 patients were enrolled of which 36(72%) were females and 14(28%) were males. The mean age was 48.76±11.72 years. Low and high ultrafiltration groups included 26 and 24 patients, respectively. The median ultrafiltration volume was 1.5(1.00-2.80) liters. The majority of the patients showed restrictive pattern. The mean FEV1 percentage was 48.87±17.35 and 57.94±75.34 before and after hemodialysis respectively (p=0.387). The mean FVC percentage was 50.62±19.28 and 46.04±18.73 before and after the hemodialysis respectively (p=0.056). FEV1/FVC percentage was significantly different before and after hemodialysis i.e.106.7±24.0 and 113.30±16.94, respectively (p=0.014). Conclusion: Lung parameters improved slightly in patients after dialysis. However, ultrafiltration volume did not have significant change on any of the measured parameters.

Testing the monitor and acceptance theory: the role of training-induced changes in monitoring- and acceptance-related capacities after attention-based, socio-emotional, or socio-cognitive mental training in reducing cortisol stress reactivity

Mindfulness-based interventions have become a popular means to reduce stress. However, the specific mechanisms driving observed stress reduction remain understudied. The Monitor and Acceptance Theory suggests that the cultivation of monitoring and acceptance skills are necessary moderators of practice-induced stress reduction. In the context of the ReSource Project, a large healthy adult sample underwent three 3-month mental training modules targeting either attentional (Presence module), socio-affective (Affect module) or socio-cognitive skills (Perspective module). In the current study, the development of a range of inter-individual differences in mindfulness-, interoception- and compassion-related traits - which mapped to either monitoring or acceptance categories - was tracked. The relationship of these training-induced changes with cortisol stress reactivity after the three distinct 3-month training modules was explored. We found that stress sensitivity was particularly modulated by a differential adaptivity of one cultivated attentional capacity - Attention regulation - which predicted higher cortisol reactivity after mere attention training (Presence) but was associated with lower stress-induced cortisol release after additional socio-affective and socio-cognitive practice (Affect and Perspective). However, this effect did not survive multiple comparisons correction, and analyses were limited by the sample size available. We conclude that our study provides preliminary support of the Monitor and Acceptance Theory, lending weight to the advantage of primary attentional increases in order to fully harness the beneficial effects of socio-affective training, ultimately leading to stress reduction. Although training-induced increases in acceptance were not directly shown to contribute to lowering cortisol stress reactivity, the data suggest an additional benefit of socio-affective and socio-cognitive training that is not directly captured within the current analyses. Our study corroborates the importance of going beyond the training of attention monitoring to foster stress resilience, and highlights that mental training relies on the co-development of several interacting processes to successfully attenuate stress. Further exploring the overarching concept of acceptance in future research may prove beneficial to the theoretical framework of MAT, and in understanding the processes by which stress reduction occurs.

The changing relationship between racial identity and skin color in Brazil

In recent years, Brazil's non-White (Brown and Black) population became a numerical majority for the first time since the 19th century. Although we know this change was mostly due to racial reclassification, we do not know how such changes are related to skin color, the primary marker of race in Brazil. Using data from six Latin American Public Opinion Project (LAPOP), or America's Barometer, surveys from 2010 to 2023, we examine how changes in racial self-identification (White, Brown, or Black) are related to respondent skin color (light, medium, or dark). We ask how the association between self-identified race and skin color changed over the 13-y period and to what extent these trends varied by educational level. We found a "darkening" of racial identification over time, especially among those with medium and dark skin, who increasingly identified as Black. Brazilians with light skin increasingly identified as Brown, but this was partly explained by changes in interviewer reporting of skin color in the same period. We found only minor evidence that education level was related to changing racial classification over time. Our findings further understanding of recent trends in racial reclassification, which may reflect growing Black consciousness and the extension of racial quotas to both Brown and Black Brazilians in federal universities and public sector jobs.

Lost and found: dynamics of relationship and employment status over time in people with affective and psychotic spectrum disorders.

Employment and relationship are crucial for social integration. However, individuals with major psychiatric disorders often face challenges in these domains. We investigated employment and relationship status changes among patients across the affective and psychotic spectrum - in comparison with healthy controls, examining whether diagnostic groups or functional levels influence these transitions. The sample from the longitudinal multicentric PsyCourse Study comprised 1260 patients with affective and psychotic spectrum disorders and 441 controls (mean age ± s.d., 39.91 ± 12.65 years; 48.9% female). Multistate models (Markov) were used to analyse transitions in employment and relationship status, focusing on transition intensities. Analyses contained multiple multistate models adjusted for age, gender, job or partner, diagnostic group and Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) in different combinations to analyse the impact of the covariates on the hazard ratio of changing employment or relationship status. The clinical group had a higher hazard ratio of losing partner (hazard ratio 1.46, P < 0.001) and job (hazard ratio 4.18, P < 0.001) than the control group (corrected for age/gender). Compared with controls, clinical groups had a higher hazard of losing partner (affective group, hazard ratio 2.69, P = 0.003; psychotic group, hazard ratio 3.06, P = 0.001) and job (affective group, hazard ratio 3.43, P < 0.001; psychotic group, hazard ratio 4.11, P < 0.001). Adjusting for GAF, the hazard ratio of losing partner and job decreased in both clinical groups compared with controls. Patients face an increased hazard of job loss and relationship dissolution compared with healthy controls, and this is partially conditioned by the diagnosis and functional level. These findings underscore a high demand for destigmatisation and support for individuals in managing their functional limitations.

Trends in the development of national legal systems in the context of globalization: some aspects

The scientific value of the article lies in the fact that, based on the study of theoretical and regulatory issues, it outlines the main challenges facing national legal systems in the context of globalization. It is argued that the concept of a legal system is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon which cannot be summarized in a single definition which would take into account all the characteristics of the latter. The legal system should be viewed as a set of legal means of regulatory, organizing and stabilizing influence on social relations. The article analyzes the trends in the development of national legal systems in the context of globalization, which include adaptation to global changes, strengthening of international cooperation, introduction of innovations and simultaneous preservation of national identity. It is proved that the universalization of national law facilitates international cooperation, but may reduce the sovereignty of national legal systems by requiring the adaptation of national legislation to global standards. International cooperation makes legal systems more open, but at the same time requires states to find a balance between national interests and global priorities, which is reflected in the changing relationship between international and national law, the growing influence of regional law on national law and the legal regulation of supranational law. It is argued that a separate trend should be identified as the growing role of human rights, which have become a common value for many legal systems, but the process of their implementation often depends on the internal political and economic situation in the country. Global environmental challenges are forcing states to adapt their legal systems, but the implementation of such norms requires significant resources and political will. It is emphasized that multiculturalism is also an important trend in the development of modern legal systems, aimed at ensuring equality and non-discrimination for all citizens, regardless of their ethnic, religious or cultural background. Digitalization makes the legal system more efficient, but it also creates new challenges, in particular, cybersecurity and personal data protection. The process of globalization requires the formation of a sufficient legal framework to ensure harmonious cooperation between countries and solve global problems.

Reflections on Zimbabwe-Zambia Relations in the 21st Century

The article explores the changing relationship between Zimbabwe and Zambia in the 21st century, focusing on the intrinsic synergy of political and socio-economic factors. Historically, the diplomatic relationship was hinged in shared colonial experiences and liberation struggles, the bilateral ties between these neighboring countries have been significantly influenced by contemporary governance challenges, economic fluctuations, and regional integration efforts. Dual Theoretical Framework of Realism and Constructivism was adopted as a tool for analysing the interplay between power, interests, norms, and ideas in shaping bilateral relations between the two nations. By analysing key events from the early 2000s, a document review methodology was used to illustrate how Zimbabwe and Zambia navigated their shared interests and challenges in a rapidly changing global landscape. The findings revealed that while historical legacies and domestic issues continue to impact relations, there exists a significant potential for enhanced cooperation through strategic partnerships and regional initiatives. The role of organizations such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union (AU) is critical in shaping these dynamics. Ultimately, this article contributes to a deeper understanding of Zimbabwe-Zambia relations, offering insights that are essential for policymakers and stakeholders aiming to foster stability and collaboration in Southern Africa Region.

Experience of conductive hearing loss and impacts of hearing aid use throughout life.

Hearing loss and Deafness/deafness affects as much as 5% of the world's population and has a considerable health and economic burden. We explored the relationship with hearing and hearing aids as well as other assistive technology for health in general with a cohort of UK adults who have conductive hearing loss. We anticipated that insights could lead to greater understanding for the delivery of assistive technology (AT) for conductive hearing loss and the participant's lived experience related to technology and society. This study presents the qualitative findings from a mixed methods study exploring the story of each participant's hearing, the impact on their lives and their experience and use of AT. A purposive sample of 33 adults with conductive hearing loss took part in semi-structured interviews. Participants were aged ≥18 years and had previously attended outpatient ENT or audiology clinic at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust. Transcripts underwent thematic analysis. The overarching theme was "A changing relationship over time with deafness, themselves and society". The three principle sub-themes of the interviews were "a technological world" describing the necessity of interaction with people & technology' both as children and adults, then the concept of "Normalised Marginalisation"-the struggle of childhood and school in the face of social norms' and typicality. Finally, there were issues raised about visibility and "the visible display of D/deafness", tied to aesthetics, vanity and traditional ideas about masculinity. Many participants described their adoption of new technology or devices as "transforming their life" and their quality of life without assistive technology as significantly impaired. Insights from this study described the experiences of adults with conductive hearing loss and the ways in which they have a difficult relationship with their deafness, including how they felt and viewed themselves and how they interacted with society, particularly as children and young adults. The potential for benefit of assistive technology for hearing health was deemed by many participants to be a necessary bridge integrating them in relationships with other people in society. Early notions of disability, typicality and social norms frequently persisted into adulthood and these insights should be considered by all those professional seeking to provided hearing health assistance to individuals with conductive hearing loss.

River confinement and braiding loss in Canterbury region, Aotearoa New Zealand

AbstractIn relation to the wider concern that rivers in Aotearoa New Zealand have been narrowed by river control and land‐use encroachment, and that iconic braided patterns are being lost, nine braided rivers from the Canterbury region were studied to compare river width, pattern type and braiding intensity between the mid‐1900s and the present based on mapping from aerial images. Channel narrowing occurred along &gt;90% (~490 km) of the length of the rivers studied, 375 km of which were historically braided. In total, the rivers narrowed by an average of 43% (48% for braided reaches). Coinciding with narrowing, braided reaches lost 1.3 channels, on average. Overall, 20% (over 100 km) length of the rivers recorded a change from braided to more simple pattern types including wandering (~18%) and single channel (~1%). The relationship of channel width and pattern change demonstrates the predictability of braiding change based on channel narrowing. As channels narrow, the likelihood of pattern simplification and change increases, although the amount of narrowing required to induce change depends on the initial width and pattern. Narrowing causes a reduction of braiding intensity even when the channel pattern remains braided. Based on these results, a predictor of channel pattern change and reduction of braiding intensity, based only on channel width and width change, can be applied to aid room‐for‐river management plans for conserving or restoring braided river morphologies. Channel width provides a general criterion for the prediction of braiding intensity and channel pattern threshold illustrating the scale‐related effects on channel pattern.

Harsh Noise Wall: Transformation of Sound and Space

This article describes the authentic experience of a harsh noise wall, revealing the changing relationship between space and sound. The article focuses on the listener’s experience while listening to this subgenre of music live. To identify the elements that contribute to the creation of meaning, the analysis includes paramusical factors that are semiotically related, though not structurally specific to a particular musical discourse. To investigate this issue Philip Tagg’s semiotic method of music analysis is used. It is based on video recordings of performances by noise artists The Rita (USA), Merzbow (JPN) and Vomir (FR), with accompanying listener reviews. The study examines how listening mode, listening location, listener activity and cultural location alter the listener’s experience. Harsh noise wall, which first appears to be a homogeneous genre, becomes a heterogeneous object of musical and sensory experience. This article develops the idea that not only can the performance space affect the sound and the listener’s experience, but there is also the potential for this relationship to be reversed, as sound transforms the space and changes the visual notion of it.

“It was a powerful and revolutionary time” Aleksandr Ognev and Vadim Petrovsky recall their participation in Ronald Baker’s seminar in 1991

This article presents an interview with V.A. Petrovsky and A.S. Ognev, in which they share their memories about the seminar of the American psychotherapist Ronald Baker, held in Moscow in 1991. The interview discusses the stories of V.A. Petrovsky and A.S. Ognev’s acquaintance with transactional analysis and books by Eric Berne, as well as their experience of studying with Dr. Ronald Baker. Interviewees talk about how TA affects their lives, helps them understand themselves and others, and how it can serve as a tool for self-development and changing relationships. Special attention is paid to the integrative approach to TA, which includes elements of other psychological methods, as well as the practical application of TA in various spheres of life: from personal relationships to professional activities.