bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
2. Evolution in the History of Population Thought
Authors: Kreager Philip 
Published: June 2024

This chapter places evolutionary demography in the history of population thought, and more particularly in relations between demography and evolutionary population biology. Darwin conceived evolution as a dynamics of variation arising from the behaviour of populations at intra- and inter-species levels. While Malthus’s principle of population was an important early stimulus, Darwin resolved the core problem in evolution -- how mechanisms of variation combine to produce divergence of character -- by analogy to Smith’s account of the division of labour. With the benefit of hindsight, we can describe Darwinian population thinking as the first general methodology in which it became possible to combine bottom-up observation including enumeration of local population dynamics with top-down statistical methods. The two components entail different concepts of population, which may be characterised broadly as ‘open’ and ‘closed’. Their combination shows that evolutionary theory is rooted in the same sources of population thinking that gave rise to demography: the former lie in Classical population thinking and early modern population arithmetics, and the latter in 19th-century statistics and probability.
Hereditary influences remained a ‘black box’ in Darwin’s theory, which only began to be unpacked with the rediscovery of Mendel’s research. The second half of the chapter traces the central role which demographic methods played in topical and analytical developments of the first half of the 20th century, including both the formulation and critique of eugenics, the emergence of population ecology, and the rise of the mathematical theory of population genetics. There is an irony here: even as demographic methods came to play an integral role, mainstream demographers became less and less involved. The ‘separatism’ of demography and evolutionary biology often remarked in the post-war era thus has deeper roots. These lie partly in topical issues, like reactions against eugenics, but more importantly in a conceptual shift in how we understand relationships between ultimate and proximate mechanisms of population change, and its implications for analysis and modelling. Evolutionary theory entails a balance of methods and insights drawing on both population concepts, which demography has not yet achieved. The concluding section provides examples of how current evolutionary demography is now integrating these developments into demographic explanation.
11. How It Works
Authors: Vitzthum Virginia J. 
Published: June 2024

Tinbergen (1963) proposed that a complete understanding of any behavior requires knowledge of its function, evolutionary history, developmental history, and mechanism of operation. This chapter is largely concerned with gaining some insight into the nature of the biological mechanisms generating variation in human fertility and, consequently, demographic diversity within and across populations. My inquiry is informed by life history theory, an analytical framework within evolutionary theory for studying maturation, reproduction, and aging and the associated behavioral and physiological mechanisms underlying the allocation of resources to these processes. Different allocation patterns are referred to as life history strategies (LHSs) and are subject to natural selection. Biological mechanisms can be usefully conceptualized as a set of suitably timed strategic responses to signals. I discuss this and other ideas about the mechanisms that underlie the implementation of LHSs, and introduce the concepts of “ecomarkers” and “the physiological fallacy.”
Drawing on empirical studies and theoretical models, I examine some intriguing features of human reproductive physiology that are directly relevant to demographic research in both low- and high-fertility populations. Several points, some contrary to common assumptions, emerge from this inquiry. For example: (1) The marked within- and between-population variation in many features of female reproductive functioning challenges the widespread assumption that there is a universal “normal” human biology. (2) The most likely outcome of a human conception is early loss. This unseen natural selection in the production of offspring may hamper investigations of hypothesized associations of post-natal reproductive success with resources or with offspring quality, even in low fertility populations. (3) Competition between incompatible but essential functions shape the timing and operation of various mechanisms. Some biological, psychological and behavioral functions cannot readily co-occur. Of necessity, successful LHSs must juggle such incompatibilities regardless of the abundance of energy and other resources, therefore some reproductive mechanisms may not depend upon (or be responsive to) energy availability. (4) Biomedically, the absence of ovulation is typically considered a pathology (and in some cases it may be). But from a life history perspective, each option of ovulating/not ovulating is a fork in the reproductive road at which there is a strategic decision to continue engaging in the possibility of reproduction or to forego the current opportunity. Not ovulating in a given cycle can be the best strategy for optimizing lifetime reproductive success.
Results From Complex Abdominal Reconstruction at Non-Academic Institution can Favorably Compare to Major Academic Centers: An Abdominal Core Health Quality Collaborative Database Review
Authors: Katchen Sarah , Scribner Katherine , Carbonell Alfredo , Ondulick Brian , Schneider Christopher 
Published: June 2024

Background Many complex abdominal hernias are referred to tertiary academic institutions for evaluation and treatment. The purpose of this study was to compare clinical outcomes from complex abdominal hernia repairs and abdominal wall reconstructions at a community hospital vs high volume academic centers participating in Abdominal Core Health Quality Collaborative (ACHQC). Methods Patients undergoing elective complex abdominal hernia repair were identified in our community setting and treated between 2016 and 2019. These results were then compared to Academic centers in the ACHQC database. Complex hernia definition was limited to those who have undergone any myofascial advancement procedure for homogeneity. Informed consent was obtained, and study was IRB approved. All data was de-identified. Results A total of 180 patients underwent complex abdominal hernia repair at our community hospital. The ACHQC database identified 6299 patients meeting criteria at participating academic centers. Demographics were similar between the two groups including hernia grade, size and wound class. Academic centers tended to have patients with previous component separations (25.7% vs 10.6%) and immunosuppressed (7.2% vs 2.8%), while the community hospital patients included more patients with tobacco use (18.9% vs 12.1%) and hypertension (65% vs 54.9%). Operative times were significantly less at the community hospital, patients requiring >240 minutes of time for repair at academic centers (39.6% vs 5%). Postoperatively length of stay was significantly shorter at the community hospital group averaging 3.7 days vs academic centers of 6 days ( P < .05). Although overall complications were less in the community hospital group (26.5% vs 19.4%). Readmission within 30 days was nearly twice as frequent in the community hospital group (14.4% vs 7.7%). Conclusion Community hospitals can provide comparable care and surgical expertise as major academic centers in regard to complex hernias in a large majority of cases. There is a need for dedicated care coordination and continuous review of supporting staff and outcomes is necessary to assure quality care. There is still a need to identify which patients would benefit from treatment at an academic center as opposed to a community hospital in order to maximize patient access and outcomes at both types of hospital setting. Further investigation needs to be performed regarding criteria for which patients should be transferred to academic centers for their complex hernia care. Identifying patients who would benefit from treatment at Academic Centers as opposed to Community hospitals should continue to be investigated.
Political Economy of Fertiliser Use in Agriculture: A Study of Two Districts of West Bengal*
Authors: Mukherjee Rishav , Datta Pratip Kumar , Chakrabarti Saumya 
Published: June 2024

The overuse of chemical fertiliser in agriculture is a serious concern across the Global South, as well as in India. In this context, a pan-India government programme of soil testing and recommending optimal doses of fertilisers has been introduced. Given this, we have undertaken a study based on a primary survey of 180 sample households in two agriculturally advanced districts of West Bengal, India. We have identified widespread overuse of chemical fertilisers and certain critical drawbacks of the government programme. Crucially, we have also found that over and above farmers’ lack of awareness (and some of their traits), large private fertiliser companies might be playing a dominant role in this practice of overuse. This interventionist exercise should have far-reaching economic, environmental and even sociopolitical impacts, and hence it calls for critical policy involvement. JEL Codes: P16, Q12, Q15, Q18
Pride Flags in Public Schools: Evolving Legal Issues to Consider
Authors: Eckes Suzanne E. 
Published: June 2024

The media has featured “controversies” over pride flags in public schools. Although some of these attempts to ban pride flags have been initiated at the state level, other efforts have occurred at the local level when school boards have tried to adopt policies banning pride flags. Parents have also challenged schools that display pride flags. Although there is no U.S. Supreme Court case that addresses this issue, litigation that has arisen in other related contexts (e.g., parental rights, teacher speech) may provide some guidance on this topic. A few different legal issues that provide insight into this topic are briefly explored.
Association Between Severity of Chondrolabral Junction Breakdown and Functional Outcomes After Hip Arthroscopy for Acetabular Labral Tears
Authors: Gillinov Stephen M. , Lee Jonathan S. , Siddiq Bilal S. , Dowley Kieran S. , Torabian Kaveh A. , Dean Michael C. , Cherian Nathan J. , Cote Mark P. , Martin Scott D. 
Published: June 2024

Background: Despite focus on surgical preservation of the chondrolabral junction (CLJ), the transition zone between the acetabular cartilage and labrum, the association between severity of CLJ breakdown and functional outcomes after hip arthroscopy remains unexplored. Purpose: To assess the influence of CLJ breakdown on patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) at a 24-month follow-up after hip arthroscopy for symptomatic labral tears. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A retrospective review of prospectively collected data was conducted to identify patients ≥18 years of age with a minimum 24-month follow-up who underwent hip arthroscopy by a single surgeon for the treatment of symptomatic labral tears secondary to femoroacetabular impingement. The Beck classification of transition zone cartilage was used to grade CLJ damage; patients with grades 0 to 2 were stratified into the mild CLJ damage cohort, and those with grades 3 and 4 were stratified into the severe CLJ damage cohort. PROMs were collected at baseline and at 3, 6, 12 months, and annually thereafter postoperatively. Linear mixed-effects models were used to compare PROMs. Rates of achieving clinically meaningful thresholds and subsequent surgery rates were also compared. Results: In total, 198 patients met the inclusion criteria, with a mean follow-up of 3.54 ± 1.26 years. A total of 95 patients with severe CLJ damage (mean age, 34.9 ± 10.5 years) were compared with 103 patients with mild CLJ damage (mean age, 38.2 ± 11.9 years). Hip Outcome Score–Activities of Daily Living (HOS-ADL), Non-Arthritic Hip Score (NAHS), and visual analog score for pain were inferior in the severe CLJ group at enrollment and all follow-up time points ( P≤ .05). However, patients with severe CLJ breakdown exhibited greater improvements in HOS-ADL and NAHS at the 24-month follow-up and achieved clinically meaningful thresholds at equivalent rates to patients with mild CLJ breakdown. Subsequent surgery rates were 6.8% and 12.6% in patients with mild versus severe CLJ damage, respectively ( P = .250). Conclusion: Severe CLJ breakdown is associated with increased pain and decreased functional level preoperatively and up to 24 months after hip arthroscopy. Despite this, patients with severe CLJ breakdown experienced greater improvements in functional outcomes at a 24-month follow-up and achieved clinical thresholds at similar rates to patients with mild CLJ damage. Thus, while worse baseline pain and functional levels may indicate severe CLJ breakdown, these patients still benefit substantially from hip arthroscopy.
Deucravacitinib and shikonin combination therapy ameliorates imiquimod-induced psoriasis in mice
Authors: Xu Ling , Jiang Ying , Xu Fuping , Liu Jun , Jiang Yuhong , Fang Fang , Luo Lin 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionTYK2 inhibitors and traditional natural drugs as promising drugs for psoriasis therapy are receiving increasing attention. They both affect different molecules of JAK/STAT pathway, but it is currently unclear whether their combination will enhance the effect on psoriasis. In this study, we used imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis mouse model to investigate the therapeutic effects of the combined administration of deucravacitinib (TYK2 inhibitor) and shikonin.MethodsAldara cream containing 5% IMQ was used to topically treat the dorsal skin of each mouse for a total of six consecutive days to induce psoriasis. The psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) scores were recorded every day. On the 7thday, skin tissues were taken for histopathological examination and the content of cytokines in skin were evaluated. The frequency of immune cells in peripheral blood, spleen and skin were detected through flow cytometry.ResultsCompared to the vehicle control group, the psoriasis symptoms and immune disorder improved significantly in the combination therapy group and deucravacitinib treatment group on the 7th day, and the expressions of p-STAT3 and Ki67 in skin were reduced as well. Moreover, the combined treatment of deucravacitinib and shikonin for psoriasis was superior to the monotherapy group, especially in inhibiting abnormal capillaries proliferation, reducing immune cells infiltration and decreasing the concentration of IL-12p70 in skin.ConclusionThe combination of deucravacitinib and shikonin is a promising clinical application.
Promoting Health and Wellbeing Through Non-Clinical Arts Programming: Multi-Stakeholder Perspectives From the Veterans Health Administration
Authors: Anderson Ekaterina , Dones Makayla , Cohen-Bearak Adena , Barker Anna , Hyde Justeen , Bokhour Barbara 
Published: June 2024

Purpose While the value of art therapy is well-established and arts are increasingly leveraged to promote health and wellbeing more broadly, little is known about the impacts of non-clinical arts programs. In this preliminary investigation, we sought to fill this gap by exploring diverse stakeholders’ perspectives on the impacts of non-clinical arts programming on Veterans receiving care at the Veterans Health Administration (VA). Design Semi-structured qualitative interviews with Veterans, VA staff, and community partners. Setting Interviewees were recruited from 7 VA medical centers that have recently implemented non-clinical arts programming to promote Veterans’ health and wellbeing, some of them in partnership with community organizations. Participants 33 individuals were interviewed, including 9 Veterans, 14 VA staff, and 10 community partners involved in non-clinical arts program implementation. Method Interview transcripts were analyzed using iterative rounds of qualitative content analysis. Results The following impacts on Veterans were described: (1) mental health improvements, (2) renewed sense of purpose; (3) increased social connectedness, (4) improved self-esteem, and (5) self-driven engagement in art activities. Conclusion Non-clinical arts programming was perceived by diverse stakeholders to offer important benefits for Veterans’ health and well-being. Offering non-clinical arts programming inside and outside healthcare facilities’ walls is a promising direction for the field of public health undergoing a shift towards holistic approaches to improving individual and population health outcomes.
Stereotactic body radiation therapy suppresses myeloid-derived suppressor cells by regulating miR-21/Sorbin and SH3 Domain-containing Protein 1 axis
Authors: Zhao ChunFang , Tang Qi , Yang Congbo , Zhou Lingli , Peng Jinli , Zhang Tianwen , Zhou Shaoqiang , Li Ya 
Published: June 2024

Background Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is a targeted form of radiotherapy used to treat early-stage cancers. Despite its effectiveness, the impact of SBRT on myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) is not well understood. In this study, we examined how SBRT affects the differentiation and survival of MDSCs, as well as delved into the molecular mechanisms involved. Methods and results SBRT was utilized on bone marrow (BM)-derived MDSCs to investigate its impact on the differentiation and survival of MDSCs using flow cytometry. An animal model of lung cancer was created to assess the anti-cancer properties of SBRT and the role of miR-21 expression in MDSCs. The interplay of miR-21 and Sorbin and SH3 domain-containing protein 1 (SORBS1) in MDSC differentiation was explored through dual luciferase activity assay, RT-qPCR, and Western blot analysis. The findings suggest that SBRT led to an increase in miR-21 levels, inhibited MDSC differentiation, and triggered cell apoptosis in BM cells. Inhibition of miR-21 reversed the effects of SBRT on MDSC differentiation and apoptosis. Additionally, it was revealed that SORBS1 was a downstream target of miR-21 in BM cells, and the miR-21/SORBS1 axis played a role in regulating MDSC differentiation and apoptosis induced by SBRT. Modulating miR-21 levels in vivo impinged on the response to SBRT treatment and the quantity of MDSCs in a mouse model of lung cancer. Conclusion Our data indicate that the upregulation of miR-21 induced by SBRT may contribute to the inhibition of MDSC expansion in a lung cancer model.
Disillusionment amongst clinical staff experiencing repeated change
Authors: Little John , Palepu Radhika , Higgins Matthew 
Published: June 2024

Objective To describe disillusionment amongst the clinical community as a result of repeated ideological and organisational change and to suggest a road map forward. Conclusion Despite knowing that change can be disruptive, it will likely remain a constant and necessary feature of organisational life. Various approaches, including the development of a personal sphere of influence and knowing when to resign, are considered.
The Relationship Between Alcohol Consumption and Frailty Among Older Adults in China: Results From the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey
Authors: Xia Qiujie , Zhou Tian , Xu Hui , Ge Song , Tang Xianping 
Published: June 2024

Introduction: Alcohol consumption has an impact on the frailty, but current research in China lacks a detailed classification of alcohol use. This study aimed to explore the relationship between different drinking patterns and frailty in older adults. Methodology: The data came from the 2018 Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) study, which included older adults (aged ≧ 60). Their demographic data, drinking status, and frailty index were collected in CLHLS. Through logistic regression models to analyze the correlation between alcohol consumption and frailty. Results: A total of 14,931 participants were included in the analysis. The prevalence of frailty was 29.1%, 35.2%, and 14.9% among risk-free, past risky, and now risky drinkers, respectively. After adjusting for covariates, past risky drinking was a risk factor for frailty ( p = .003). Discussion: High-risk alcohol consumption is positively correlated with frailty. Prevention and reduction of risky drinking in older adults may help protect them from developing frailty.
Preventive Practices of Hantavirus in a Rural Community in Panama: An Explanatory Sequential Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Agrazal García Janeth , Gordón de Isaacs Lydia , Escalante-Barrios Elsa Lucía , Fàbregues Sergi 
Published: June 2024

Introduction: Preventive care practices are a challenge in community care. This study examined hantavirus preventive practices and their relationship with personal and social factors, lifestyle, and cultural beliefs. Method: An explanatory sequential mixed methods design, guided by Leininger’s Theory of Culture Care Diversity and Universality, was used in two phases: (a) a cross-sectional relational design ( n = 109) and (b) ethnonursing research ( n = 30), in an endemic community in Panama. Univariate and bivariate analyses were used to analyze the quantitative data, whereas the Leininger’s analysis model was used to analyze the qualitative data. Results: In the quantitative phase, the most frequent preventive practice was household hygiene, and the least frequent was vector control. Two of the eight preventive practices were associated with personal factors and two were associated with social factors. In the qualitative phase, lifestyle, beliefs, and context were found to influence the adoption of hantavirus preventive practices and help explain the quantitative findings. Discussion: Knowledge and understanding of the social and cultural contexts are essential for hantavirus prevention.