Global Status Research Articles

Divergent governance over African communities in two Chinese cities

ABSTRACT This article examines the different approaches to governing sub-Saharan African traders in urban China due to varying urban growth strategies. Over the past two decades, an increasing number of African migrants have settled in Chinese cities, primarily Guangzhou and Yiwu, to run businesses focused on exports. However, they have been treated differently by local governments. The Guangzhou government's goal of attaining global city status has resulted in the mobilization of racial ideologies to create a socio-spatial hierarchy that marginalizes Africans, categorizing them as “undesirable” for the globalizing city and its “advanced” industries. Conversely, the Yiwu government's objective of becoming an international trading hub for Global South markets has led to a greater emphasis on African communities and a heightened sensitivity towards racial dynamics. This comparative analysis highlights how a city's position in the global economy and its corresponding growth strategies shape its interactions with migrant populations.

Association between metals and metalloids with cognitive status in Mild Cognitive Impairment subjects

Abstract Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is regarded as a transitional state between normal aging and dementia. Several risk factors have been related to MCI and dementia vulnerability. Among these, metals and metalloids have been hypothesized to affect dementia risk. Our objective was to study the associations between metals and metalloids (cadmium, copper, iron, manganese, selenium, zinc) concentrations in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) with cognitive impairment status of MCI subjects. 144 individuals newly diagnosed with MCI were recruited at Neurology Memory Clinics at Modena and Reggio Emilia Hospitals (Italy) in the period 2019-2022. The concentrations of elements in paired serum/CSF were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Participants’ global cognitive status was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Muti-adjusted spline regression analyses were performed to assess the relation between the serum/CSF concentrations and MMSE. Median serum and CSF concentrations were generally higher in men than women, except copper in serum and iron in CSF demonstrating higher concentrations in women. A positive linear association emerged between serum iron concentrations and MMSE, while a slight negative one emerged for serum selenium levels. Cadmium in serum was positively associated with MMSE until 0.2 µg/L and then the association became null, while in CSF a U-shaped relation emerged. A U-shaped relation was also observed for serum copper and CSF iron and manganese levels. CSF selenium concentrations were inversely related to MMSE, although above 5 µg/L the curve flattened. Zinc exhibited the same pattern of association in both serum and CSF, i.e., an inverted U-shaped one. These findings suggest that CSF and serum content of the investigated elements may be differently related with global cognitive status in MCI subjects. Higher levels of selenium and zinc, in particular, are associated with lower MMSE score. Key messages • Heavy metals and metalloids display different pattern of association with global cognitive status. • High levels of selenium and zinc are inversely related with global cognitive status in MCI subjects.

Healthy dietary patterns and cognitive status in Mild Cognitive Impairment subjects

Abstract Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) may be a prodromal condition of clinically overt dementia. Several risk factors have been investigated for their possible role in dementia etiology. Among these, higher adherence to healthy dietary habits, such as the Mediterranean-type diets, has been hypothesized to decrease dementia risk. Our objective was to study the associations between adherence to four dietary patterns (Dietary Approach to Stopping Hypertension-DASH, Mediterranean and Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay-MIND) with cognitive impairment status of MCI subjects. In 2019-2023, 144 MCI subjects were recruited at Neurology Memory Clinics at Modena and Reggio Emilia Hospitals and completed a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) developed within the EPIC project. Through the EPIC-FFQ, we estimated adherence to the DASH diet (range 8-40), the Greek Mediterranean Index-GMI (range 0-9), the Italian Mediterranean Index-IMI (range 0-11), and the MIND diet (range 0-15), the higher scores indicating higher adherence. Participants’ global cognitive status was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Muti-adjusted spline regression analyses were performed to assess non-linear associations between the variables. Median and interquartile range (IQR) levels of adherence were 24 (21-27) for the DASH diet, 4 (3-6) for the GMI, 4 (3-5) for the IMI and 7 (6.5-8.5) for the MIND diet. A U-shaped relation was observed for the DASH and Mediterranean diets with MMSE score. At levels of adherence below the median, the association was negative, while it became positive at higher adherence scores (> 25 for the DASH diet and >5 for the GMI and IMI). A positive and almost linear relation emerged between the MIND diet and MMSE. These findings suggest that higher adherence to healthy dietary patterns, particularly the MIND diet, is related to better global cognitive status in MCI subjects. Key messages • Healthy dietary patterns are positively associated with higher global cognitive status. • Higher MIND diet scores are associated with better global cognitive status.

Examining the Relevance and Philosophical Significance of Some Northern Sotho Proverbs in the Context of COVID-19: A Sociocultural Perspective

Proverbs have long been serving as a tool for shaping human being’s life. They serve as a philosophical tool for social cohesion among other socio-cultural significances. Though some critics regard them as ancient, proverbs are still fulfilling the philosophical purpose(s) in the COVID-19 era. Their philosophical nature and meaning remains relevant in many contemporary life occurrences. Observing how people self-conduct themselves and share information about the pandemic, it was imperative for the study of this nature to be documented to ease communication among people during and post the pandemic. It is against this backdrop that this paper aimed at contextualising the meaning(s) of some Northern Sotho proverbs in the COVID-19 epoch and examine how they are relevant to the pandemic’s situation and happenings. Qualitative research approach undergirded this study in the sense that the relevance of traditional Northern Sotho proverbs is tested against the global status quo (COVID-19 times). The study adopted Vygotsky’s (1978) Sociocultural theory as its lynchpin to enable a critical and thorough examination and assessment of the importance of language (through proverbs) in the COVID-19 context. Relevant Northern Sotho proverbs were purposively selected due to their significant role in the COVID-19 epoch. The proverbs were synthesised and analysed thematically to reveal their relevance and philosophical purpose during and post the pandemic. The study ultimately argues that language, through proverbs as its fundamental aspects and ideological tools, remains a major philosophical source of communication among living folks.

Analysis of spatial differences in global regional human development index under planetary pressure and decomposition study of driving factors

To urge nations worldwide to implement robust measures for enhancing human development and mitigating the pressures exerted on the planet by human activities in pursuit of sustainable development, this study encompasses 154 countries globally, using the seven major regions as focal points. Leveraging the Planetary Pressure Adjusted Human Development Index (PHDI) proposed by the United Nations Development Programme on December 15, 2020, as a metric for human development levels, this paper aims to standardize and internationally compare human development data from 1990 to 2021. Subsequently, employing the Theil index, the study assesses the global human development status across the seven regions to analyze spatial disparities in PHDI. Lastly, a comprehensive Generalized Diese Index Method (GDIM) is constructed to accurately reflect absolute and latent factors, dissecting the driving forces impacting global PHDI. The study explores critical pathways for high-quality human development within the harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature. It validates the robustness of GDIM results through a stepwise regression. Research findings indicate varying levels of PHDI development across regions, with a distinct spatial hierarchy evolving: higher human development levels in Europe and Eastern Europe, favorable levels in North and South America, similar levels in Oceania and Asia, and significant improvement potential in Africa. As globalization progresses, overall differences in PHDI gradually decrease; however, disparities persist between and within regions. Economic, technological, and per capita welfare effects consistently positively drive PHDI. In contrast, environmental pressure effects, social effects, per capita value-added effects, and output carbon intensity effects consistently exert hostile driving forces. Population size effects on PHDI show a fluctuating trend. Moreover, in terms of cumulative contribution values, the top three contributors to driving forces are economic, technological, and per capita welfare effects.

The War in Ukraine and Arab Gulf States’ Foreign Policy Shifts

Abstract This paper discusses geopolitical shifts in the international order with regard to divergent perceptions and interests on the war in Ukraine between western states and the Gulf Cooperation Council states (gcc), specifically the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). These two leading gcc states now prioritise their own national interests by valuing multipolar partnerships, rather than solely relying on strong strategic ties with the West and US. The article aims to explore to what extent the war in Ukraine reveals a new phase in the power balance between the west and the Arab Gulf states. The initial outcomes of the war have already weakened Russia’s global status and forced Moscow to redirect its strategy towards the east, particularly China. This has also led to increased military cooperation between Russian and Iranian, as well as a rapprochement due to the weight of western economic sanctions imposed on both states. Concurrently, China’s significant role in world policy has become more evident through its direct political involvement in the restoration of Saudi-Iranian diplomatic relations, as seen in the agreement signed in Beijing on 10 March 2023. With the war in Ukraine significantly impacting the global energy market and regional power dynamics, the multipolar momentum gives the advantage to Gulf states that realise that this is an opportune time to capitalise on taking autonomous regional initiatives and fostering diversified partnerships from the west to the east.

Assessment of global histone acetylation in pediatric and adolescent obesity: Correlations with SIRT1 expression and metabolic-inflammatory profiles.

Epigenetic modifications, particularly histone acetylation-deacetylation and its related enzymes, such as sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) deacetylase, may have substantial roles in the pathogenesis of obesity and its associated health issues. This study aimed to evaluate global histone acetylation status and SIRT1 gene expression in children and adolescents with obesity and their association with metabolic and anthropometric parameters. This study included 60 children and adolescents, 30 with obesity and 30 normal-weight. The evaluation consisted of the analysis of global histone acetylation levels and the expression of the SIRT1 gene in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, by specific antibody and real-time PCR, respectively. Additionally, insulin, fasting plasma glucose, lipid profile and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) levels were measured. Insulin resistance was assessed using the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Metabolic syndrome was determined based on the diagnostic criteria established by IDF. Individuals with obesity, particularly those with insulin resistance, had significantly higher histone acetylation levels compared to control group. Histone acetylation was positively correlated with obesity indices, TNF-α, insulin, and HOMA-IR. Additionally, a significant decrease in SIRT1 gene expression was found among obese individuals, which was negatively correlated with the histone acetylation level. Furthermore, SIRT1 expression levels showed a negative correlation with various anthropometric and metabolic parameters. Histone acetylation was enhanced in children and adolescents with obesity, potentially resulting from down-regulation of SIRT1, and could play a role in the obesity-associated metabolic abnormalities and insulin resistance. Targeting global histone acetylation modulation might be considered as an epigenetic approach for early obesity management.

A Global Analysis of Transgender Rights: Introducing the Trans Rights Indicator Project (TRIP)

To what extent do countries protect the rights of transgender people? How does this differ from legal protections countries offer sexual orientation minorities? What conditions are beneficial for advancing trans rights? Limitations in data availability and accessibility make answering these types of trans-specific questions difficult. To address this shortcoming, I introduce a new dataset. The Trans Rights Indicator Project (TRIP) provides insight into the legal situations transgender people faced in 173 countries from 2000 to 2021. The dataset currently includes 14 indicators that capture the presence or absence of laws related to criminalization, legal gender recognition, and anti-discrimination protections. I then use this data to discuss the global status of transgender rights throughout the period and compare these trends to sexual orientation rights. Finally, I conclude with a preliminary analysis of three institutional and cultural factors that may help explain variation in transgender rights throughout the world.

Canadian Content in the Pages of Drug Metabolism and Disposition: A Comprehensive Historical Analysis.

Scientists from Canadian institutions have a rich history of making interesting and important contributions to the journal Drug Metabolism and Disposition (DMD) over the past 51 years. A goal of this minireview is to highlight these contributions and pay tribute to many of the scientists at Canadian institutions that have aided in the evolution of the discipline through their DMD publications. We conducted a geographical and research sectoral analysis of the temporal trends of DMD publications originating from Canadian sources. The fraction of total DMD papers of Canadian origin achieved a peak during the 1990s and since that time, this metric has displayed a pronounced and steady decline to the present situation, where the country needs to be concerned about its potentially vulnerable global status within the realm of drug metabolism and disposition science. Stronger and timely investment by Canadian academic institutions in drug metabolism and disposition science may help to restore the nation's research excellence in this discipline and ensure a more robust pipeline of appropriately trained scientists to take on careers in academia, industry, and government. Significance Statement The substantial contributions made by scientists at Canadian institutions to the journal Drug Metabolism and Disposition (DMD) are highlighted and celebrated in this minireview. Analysis of temporal trends in the fraction of total DMD papers of Canadian origin paints a concerning picture of Canada's current global status in the realm of drug metabolism and disposition science. Further investment in this discipline at Canadian universities may be needed.

Remote Sensing Monitoring and Assessment of Global Vegetation Status and Changes during 2016-2020.

Vegetation plays a fundamental role within terrestrial ecosystems, serving as a cornerstone of their functionality. Presently, these crucial ecosystems face a myriad of threats, including deforestation, overgrazing, wildfires, and the impact of climate change. The implementation of remote sensing for monitoring the status and dynamics of vegetation ecosystems has emerged as an indispensable tool for advancing ecological research and effective resource management. This study takes a comprehensive approach by integrating ecosystem monitoring indicators and aligning them with the objectives of SDG15. We conducted a thorough analysis by leveraging global 500 m resolution products for vegetation Leaf Area Index (LAI) and land cover classification spanning the period from 2016 to 2020. This encompassed the calculation of annual average LAI, identification of anomalies, and evaluation of change rates, thereby enabling a comprehensive assessment of the global status and transformations occurring within major vegetation ecosystems. In 2020, a discernible rise in the annual Average LAI of major vegetation ecosystems on a global scale became evident when compared to data from 2016. Notably, the ecosystems demonstrating a slight increase in area constituted the largest proportion (34.23%), while those exhibiting a significant decrease were the least prevalent (6.09%). Within various regions, such as Eastern Europe, Central Africa, and South Asia, substantial increases in both forest ecosystem area and annual Average LAI were observed. Furthermore, Eastern Europe and Central America recorded significant expansions in both grassland ecosystem area and annual average LAI. Similarly, regions experiencing notable growth in both cropland ecosystem areas and annual average LAI encompassed Southern Africa, Northern Europe, and Eastern Africa.

Exploring research trends and focal points in the application of transcranial magnetic stimulation for enhancing motor function in post-stroke patients: A bibliometric and content analytical approach

BackgroundMotor impairment is a significant health concern among post-stroke patients. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is considered as an emerging rehabilitation therapy for various neurological conditions, and the effects of excitatory TMS on post-stroke have received much attention in past decade. However, the future hotspots and content analysis on the growth trends have not been studied. This bibliometric and content analysis aimed to study the global developmental history and current status of TMS for motor function of post-stroke from January 2004 to July 2023. MethodsLiterature published on Scopus database from January 2004 to July 2023 were searched. Extracted data was analysed using the R studio and VOS viewer for author's publication, institutions, sources, keyword co-occurrence and world network analysis. Keyword cluster analysis, co-citation analysis for references and content analysis were also performed. We screened top 10 most cited or collaborative areas for publications, institutions and sources in the field of TMS associated with motor function of post-stroke. ResultsIn this study, a comprehensive analysis of 267 publications was conducted, revealing a substantial surge in research output throughout 2022. China emerged as the leading contributor, with 409 publications, followed by the United States with 211 publications. Notably, Harvard Medical School stood out as one of the most prolific institutions, accounting for 34 publications (13.12 %). Among researchers, Abo M garnered the highest publication count, with 9 articles (14.5 %). The Word cloud showed that motor function, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and upper limb have been the focus of recent attention. Burst keywords on thematic evolution and topic trend shows that quality of life scale, network parameters, cognition, lower limb motor function are the future trends. ConclusionThis bibliometric study describes that TMS has shown promising results in improving motor function of upper extremity in stroke patients, the long-term effects and durability of these improvements are still being investigated. Future research might focus on understanding the optimal duration and frequency of TMS sessions for sustained motor recovery and exploring strategies to maintain gains achieved through TMS over extended periods of time. Future studies can investigate the changes in the lower limb motor function.

Aberrant Expression of TET2 Accounts for DNA Hypomethylation in Varicocele.

Epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation play a key role in male infertility etiology. This study aimed to explore the global DNA methylation status in testicular spermatogenic cells of varicocele-induced rats and consider their semen quality, with a focus on key epigenetic marks, namely 5-methylcytosine (5-mC) and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC), as well as the mRNA and proteins of ten-eleven translocation (TET) methylcytosine dioxygenases 1-3. In this experimental study, 24 mature male Wistar rats (8 in each group) were assigned amongst the control, sham, and varicocele groups. Sperm quality was assessed, and DNA methylation patterns of testicular spermatogenic cells were investigated using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), western blot, and immunofluorescence techniques. Sperm parameters, chromatin and DNA integrity were significantly lower, and sperm lipid peroxidation significantly increased in varicocele-induced rats in comparison with control rats. During spermatogenesis in rat testis, 5-mC and 5-hmC epigenetic marks, and TET1-3 mRNA and proteins were expressed. In contrast to the 5-mC fluorescent signal which was presented in all testicular cells, the 5-hmC fluorescent signal was presented exclusively in spermatogonia and a few spermatids. In varicocele-induced rats, the 5-mC signal decreased in all cells within the tubules, whereas a strong signal of 5-hmC was detected in seminiferous tubules compared to the control group. As well, the levels of TET2 mRNA and protein expression were significantly upregulated in varicocele-induced rats in comparison with the control group. Also, our results showed that the varicocele-induced animals exhibited strong fluorescent signals of TET1-3 in testicular cells, whereas weak fluorescent signals were identified in the seminiferous tubules of the control animals. Consequently, we showed TET2 upregulation and the 5-hmC gain at testicular levels are associated with varicocele and sperm quality decline, and therefore they can be exploited as potential biomarkers of spermatogenesis.

A - 02 Performance and Usage of a Remote App-Based Cognitive Assessment among Older Adults with a Range of Technology Experience.

The mobile cognitive app performance platform (mCAPP), an app-based cognitive assessment, includes memory and executive functioning tasks to remotely detect cognitive changes associated with aging and preclinical Alzheimer's disease. This study examines the relationship between prior experience and comfort with mobile technology and subjective experiences with mCAPP. 60 older adults (73% female; age = 74 ± 4.8; education = 17 ± 2.4years; 48% Black/African American) with normal cognition enrolled in the Penn Alzheimer's Disease Research Center cohort completed one baseline session and two weeks of at-home mCAPP use. This study included measures of prior experience with mobile technology and games, at-home mCAPP performance and usage levels, and feedback on mCAPP usability. 62% of participants reported using mobile devices to play games ("game-players"), and they did not differ from non-users in age or global cognitive status. Game-players self-reported significantly higher proficiency with specific mobile technology features (p = 0.028), but not perceived independence or confidence with technology. mCAPP performance differences were present at baseline but not by the 8th at-home session. Usability and enjoyment of mCAPP were high and increased for both groups. Non-players reported lower likelihood to play mCAPP games at baseline (p < 0.05), but in practice increased play frequency throughout at-home use and reported higher likelihood to play mCAPP games afterwards (p ≤ 0.001). Participants with varying mobile game experience-levels were willing and able to use mCAPP at-home. Both groups found mCAPP easy and enjoyable to use, and non-players particularly showed increased adoption of mCAPP. This pilot study shows preliminary feasibility of mobile app-based assessment regardless of prior experience with mobile games.

Heterogeneity of Alzheimer's disease identified by neuropsychological test profiling.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a highly heterogeneous disorder. Untangling this variability could lead to personalized treatments and improve participant recruitment for clinical trials. We investigated the cognitive subgroups by using a data-driven clustering technique in an AD cohort. People with mild-moderate probable AD from Taiwan was included. Neuropsychological test results from the Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument were clustered using nonnegative matrix factorization. We identified two clusters in 112 patients with predominant deficits in memory (62.5%) and non-memory (37.5%) cognitive domains, respectively. The memory group performed worse in short-term memory and orientation and better in attention than the non-memory group. At baseline, patients in the memory group had worse global cognitive status and dementia severity. Linear mixed effect model did not reveal difference in disease trajectory within 3 years of follow-up between the two clusters. Our results provide insights into the cognitive heterogeneity in probable AD in an Asian population.

Use of passive acoustic monitoring to fill knowledge gaps of fish global conservation status

Abstract Knowledge of the ecology, spatial distribution and conservation status of fish populations is achieved by fishery‐dependent techniques, and by more recently developed non‐invasive fishery‐independent techniques. Passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) is a fishery‐independent method that provides remote sensing of soniferous species, populations, communities and ecosystems by recording soundscapes and their components. A case study is presented to demonstrate how PAM can contribute to a dynamic understanding of fish distribution, ecological preferences and conservation status. This case study refers to the cusk‐eel Ophidion rochei (Ophidiiformes), a nocturnal, behaviourally cryptic, soniferous fish species, described as uncommon and rare in the scientific literature, and listed as Data Deficient in the IUCN Red List. A systematized literature review was carried out using Ophidion+rochei as the search term, and by grouping records into two main categories: (i) traditional techniques (including all fishery‐dependent techniques and underwater visual census); and (ii) PAM. This review highlights how PAM has provided new sightings of O. rochei at a rate three times higher than all other monitoring techniques combined. In contrast with the knowledge achieved to date by fishery‐dependent techniques, the reported acoustic mass phenomena indicate that this species can be very abundant. Ophidion rochei was found to inhabit a wide range of depths and ecosystems, at least throughout the Mediterranean basin. This paper supports the urgency and the importance of relying on the integration of different fishery‐independent techniques for multidisciplinary monitoring, in line with the Goal 14 requirements of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.

The global burden of lower respiratory infections attributable to respiratory syncytial virus in 204 countries and territories, 1990-2019: findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the global epidemiological characteristics of lower respiratory infections (LRI) burden attributable to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) from 1990 to 2019. We used the recent Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2019 to systematically evaluate the current burden and temporal trend of LRI burden attributable to RSV by global, age, sex, geographic location, and socio-economic status. Globally, the disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) cases of LRI attributable to RSV dropped from anestimated 39,964,488 [95% uncertainty interval (UI): 16,825, 572 to 68,800,553] in 1990 to 14,956,514 (95%UI: 6,271,751 to 25,910,753) in 2019 and estimated death cases droped from 541,172 (95%UI:226,614 to 958,596) to 338,495 (95%UI:126,555 to 667,109) from1990 to 2019. Similarly, age-standardized DALYs rate of LRI attributable to RSV decreased from an estimated 646.2 (95%UI: 276.9 to 1121.5) in 1990 to 218.3 (95%UI:92.1 to 376.8) in 2019 and estimated age-standardized deaths rate decreased from 10.3 (95%UI:4.1 to 18.5) to 4.8 (95%UI:1.8 to 9.3) between 1990 and 2019. In 2019, the highest age-standardized DALYs and death rates of LRI attributable to RSV were seen in the lower SDI regions, children and old people. From 1990 to 2019, age-standardized DALYs and death rates of LRI attributable to RSV decreased with increasing SDI. In this study, we found that the LRI burden attributable to RSV decreased significantly from 1990 to 2019. However, the lower SDI regions, children and old people urgently require cost-effective interventions to prevent and reduce the LRI burden attributable to RSV.

Mzansi Magic

Mzansi Magic

Examination of the relationship of carbonate alkalinity stress and ammonia metabolism disorder-mediated apoptosis in the Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis: Potential involvement of the ROS/MAPK signaling pathway

The current global status of freshwater resources and deterioration of water quality in general have led to limitations on the scope of freshwater aquaculture. The development of technology that would enable aquaculture under saline-alkaline conditions would be valuable. Therefore, the exploration is needed to understand the damage mechanism of saline-alkaline water, particularly the impact of alkalinity, on fish and shellfish. In this study, Chinese mitten crabs (Eriocheir sinensis) were subjected to different concentrations of carbonate alkalinity (0.00, 4.38, 8.75, 17.50, and 35.00 mmol/L) for 96 h. The survival rates in the 17.50 and 35.00 mmol/L alkalinity groups showed a significant decrease compared to the control group and the groups exposed to lower carbonate alkalinity concentrations (4.38 and 8.75 mmol/L). The exposure to carbonate alkalinity had a significant inhibitory effect on the ammonia excretion rate and led to an increase of ammonia content in hemolymph. However, in contrast to the low carbonate alkalinity exposure groups (4.38 and 8.75 mmol/L), the high carbonate alkalinity exposure group (35.00 mmol/L) exhibited a significant reduction in the concentrations of ammonia and urea nitrogen in hemolymph. Moreover, high carbonate alkalinity exposure was found to induce oxidative stress, as indicated by increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde. Additionally, there were notable alterations observed in the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione. Flow cytometry analysis and ultrastructural observations revealed that exposure to carbonate alkalinity can induce apoptosis. In the 8.75, 17.50, and 35.00 mmol/L alkalinity groups, the activation of p38 and JNK pathways was observed, along with an increase in the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and the expression of caspase 3. In summary, the findings of this study suggested that exposure to carbonate alkalinity can disrupt ammonia metabolism, leading to apoptosis through the activation of the ROS/MAPK signaling pathway. This ultimately results in a decrease in the survival rate of crabs. These results provide valuable insights into the toxicological effects of high carbonate alkalinity exposure and shed light on the tolerance mechanisms of high carbonate alkalinity exposure in crabs.

Global status of food composition database: A short review

Diet is a key modifiable factor that plays a vital role in the protection from noncommunicable diseases, which requires the right tool to transform the food consumption into nutrients. The food composition database (FCDB) is a tool that provides a comprehensive information on the various nutrients present in food. It comprises quantitative values of micro and macronutrients found in food that is compiled in an electronic form. Further, the need to develop a national FCDB for each country has been emphasized by health authorities and is greatly important at various levels. The global status of FCDB has improved significantly over the past few decades. Currently, most of the developed countries have established their own national FCDBs, which are standardized and updated on regular basis. On the other hand, challenges still remain in establishing these databases in developing countries, which either lack or keep incomplete and outdated FCDBs. Thus, they mostly rely on overseas or readily available FCDBs, which will ultimately give a rough estimate of nutrients and produce significant errors in nutritional assessment. However, it is massively important to start establishing their own national databases which will undeniably lead to more accurate dietary assessment and food labels, as well as better-targeted nutrition programs and fortification policies in these countries.

AUDIT-C as a possible source of referral during the COVID-19 pandemic for participants presenting patterns of high-risk alcohol consumption in a South African township

BackgroundUnhealthy alcohol use is a leading contributor to premature death and disability worldwide. The World Health Organization’s Global Status Report on Alcohol and Health ranked South Africa as having one of the riskiest patterns of alcohol consumption, which calls for intervention. Recognising the need for effective primary care interventions, particularly in the absence of appropriate alcohol-related harm reduction policies at national and local levels, this paper highlights the opportunities and challenges associated with a two-pronged, community-centred approach to the identification of unhealthy alcohol use and interventions.MethodsThis approach included the use of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test–Consumption (AUDIT-C) as a means of screening to identify individuals at moderate (score of 5–7) to high risk (score of 8 +) alcohol use, raising awareness, and investigating the potential utility of brief advice and referrals as a means of reducing risk.ResultsOf the 54,187 participants, 43.0% reported engaging in moderate-risk alcohol consumption, with 22.1% reporting high-risk alcohol consumption. Resistance to brief advice was observed to increase with higher AUDIT-C scores. Similarly, participants engaging in high-risk alcohol consumption were resistant to accepting treatment referrals, with fewer than 10% open to receiving a referral.ConclusionsWhile men were most likely to report patterns of high-risk alcohol consumption, they were more resistant to accepting referrals. Additionally, participants who were willing to receive brief advice were often resistant to taking active steps to alter their alcohol use. This study highlights the need to consider how to prevent harmful patterns of alcohol use effectively and holistically, especially in low socioeconomic settings through primary health care and community services.