Search Results (4,871)

The rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) within social media platforms has fundamentally transformed the way Generation Z interacts with and navigates the digital landscape. While AI-driven algorithms enhance user experience through content personalization, they can also reinforce biases that affect the mental health and overall well-being of young individuals. This review delves into the intersections of AI bias, social medial engagement, and youth mental health, with a particular focus on how algorithmic decision-making influences exposure to harmful content, intensifies social comparison and spreads digital misinformation. By addressing these aspects, this article highlights both the risks and opportunities presented by AI-powered social media. It also advocates for evidence-based strategies to mitigate the harms associated with algorithmic bias, urging collaboration among AI developers, mental health experts, policymakers and educators at personal, community (school), and national and international levels to cultivate a safer, more supportive digital ecosystem for future generations. Full article

Although the relationship between grandparent and grandchild is often unique due to the supportive and foundational roles grandparents can have in the lives of young or youthful grandchildren, the extent of grandparent–grandchild coresidence globally is under-researched. We harmonized household roster survey data on grandchild coresidence using population-based data on adults 55+ years across 24 countries. Grandchild coresidence rates ranged from 41.1% in Mexico to 0.1% in Sweden. Across contexts, grandchild coresidence was more common among women (compared to men), non-partnered individuals (compared to partnered individuals), those who reported difficulty with activities of daily living (compared to those without such difficulties), and those with education levels below the median (compared to those above the median). Logit regressions indicated gaps in rates of grandchild coresidence by partner status, ADL status, and education were generally not driven by income or other socio-demographic variables. Coresidence with adult grandchildren was not uncommon in most countries with non-negligible rates of grandchild coresidence. In about 25% of households of middle-aged and older adults coresiding with grandchildren, grandchildren ages 0–5 years were present. Future research should consider the meaning of grandparent–grandchild coresidence for the health outcomes of middle-aged and older adults globally, particularly when grandparents are not caregivers of grandchildren. Full article

Background: Oral health misinformation has increasingly proliferated across social media platforms in China, prompting rising concerns about the accuracy of health-related content. Fact-checking intent has been identified as a key strategy for mitigating the spread of such misinformation. However, empirical research on the psychological factors shaping engagement in fact-checking behaviors remains limited. Objectives: This study aims to examine the association between misinformation recognition and fact-checking intent among Chinese young adults (aged 18–36). Methods: Guided by status quo bias theory, this study integrates psychological constructs into its theoretical framework. A stimulus-based online survey was conducted, yielding 452 valid responses. Direct, mediated, and serial mediation hypotheses were tested using SPSS 26.0 and Jamovi 2.6.24. Results: The findings indicate a significant positive relationship between misinformation recognition and fact-checking intent. A parallel mediation model involving need for cognition and perceived seriousness was supported, clarifying the psychological mechanisms underlying this relationship. Conclusions: This study contributes valuable empirical evidence to the understanding of fact-checking intent among Chinese young adults in the context of oral health misinformation. The findings offer practical implications for developing targeted interventions to increase misinformation awareness and promote active engagement in fact-checking behaviors. Full article

Background and Objectives: Halitosis poses a clinical and psychosocial burden, particularly in orthodontic contexts where plaque retention can exacerbate odor production. This cross-sectional study aimed to compare halitosis and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in three distinct groups: patients wearing removable clear aligners, patients with lingual orthodontic brackets, and non-orthodontic controls. We further explored dietary factors (frequent snacking vs. infrequent snacking) to identify their influence on halitosis severity and self-perceived well-being. Methods: A total of 162 participants (55 aligners, 58 lingual brackets, 49 controls) were recruited. Halitosis was assessed by the Halitosis Associated Life-Quality Test (HALT) questionnaire (range 0–100) and an organoleptic evaluation (range 0–5). OHRQoL was examined with the OHIP-14 instrument (range 0–56). Data on frequent vs. infrequent snacking were also recorded. One-way ANOVAs with Tukey’s post hoc and chi-square tests were utilized for group comparisons. Spearman’s correlation examined relationships between HALT scores, organoleptic measures, and OHIP-14. A significance threshold of p < 0.05 was adopted. Results: Aligner users demonstrated lower mean HALT scores (31.7 ± 5.8) compared to the lingual group (37.4 ± 6.2, p = 0.001) and controls (34.6 ± 6.0, p = 0.039). Lingual bracket wearers had the highest mean organoleptic score (2.4 ± 0.6, p < 0.001). Frequent snackers exhibited worse HALT outcomes (36.9 ± 6.3) than infrequent snackers (32.6 ± 5.9, p = 0.005). A correlation analysis showed a moderate positive correlation (r = +0.52, p < 0.001) between HALT and organoleptic scores and a strong negative relationship (r = –0.63, p < 0.001) between HALT and OHIP-14. Conclusions: Removable aligner use correlated with lower self-reported halitosis and better OHRQoL relative to lingual brackets. Frequent snacking appeared to aggravate halitosis across all groups. These findings emphasize the importance of tailored oral hygiene measures, dietary counseling, and orthodontic appliance selection to mitigate halitosis and enhance overall well-being. Full article

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain a global issue, causing health problems and financial burdens. This study aimed to provide an update on the invasive pathogens and analyze any associated factors in patients visiting Da Nang Dermato-Venereology Hospital who were diagnosed with genital tract infections in males and lower genital tract infections in females; 535 participants underwent clinical examinations and microbiological tests to identify the invasive microorganisms, before we analyzed previously gathered laboratory results and associated risk factors. The rate of infection was 37.6% amongst 535 participants. Treponema pallidum infection accounted for the highest rate of 21.3%, followed by HSV, standing at 6%. The prevalence of syphilis infection was highest in the 20–29 age group, standing at 51.7%. There was a positive correlation between age under 20 and infected conditions (OR = 3.78, 95% CI: 1.41–10.11, p = 0.008). Having multiple sexual partners was identified as a risk factor for infection, as those with three or more sexual partners showed a high correlation (OR = 3.19, 95% CI: 1.44–7.05, p = 0.004). The high syphilis prevalence among young adults and teenagers underscores the need for improved STI education and screening programs in Vietnam. Full article

Background/Objectives: The Physical Activity and Social Support Scale (PASSS) is used to evaluate the physical activity and social support in a multidimensional way, but it has not yet been translated or culturally adapted for Turkish-speaking individuals. The aim of this study is to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the PASSS, which evaluates social support for physically active, healthy young adults. Methods: Two hundred and two individuals (98 females, 104 males; mean ± SD age, 26.5 ± 6.1 years; BMI, 23.3 ± 3.2 kg/m²) participated in the study. The PASSS was translated into Turkish using the Beaton guidelines. Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF), and Short Form-12 Health Survey (SF-12) were used for construct, convergent, and divergent validity. Results: The PASSS demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.84) and excellent reliability (ICC = 0.90; 95% CI = 0.86–0.93). The PASSS showed good correlation with the MSPSS (r = 0.378, p = 0.001), fair correlation with the IPAQ-SF (r = 0.271, p = 0.001), and poor correlation with the SF-12 physical component score (PCS-12) (r = 0.15, p = 0.03); it was not correlated with the SF-12 mental component score (MCS-12) (r = 0.102 p = 0.15). We observed no ceiling and floor effects. Conclusions: The results show that the PASSS Turkish version is reliable and valid and can be utilized for physically active, healthy young Turkish adults. Full article

The estrous cycle involves hormonal fluctuations that influence serotonin (5-HT) concentrations and immune cell activity. During the follicular phase, estrogen increases 5-HT synthesis, enhancing cellular responses to inflammation. In contrast, in the luteal phase, progesterone suppresses immune function, reducing 5-HT availability. Age-related changes in hormone concentrations can affect these processes, potentially altering cellular responses and 5-HT dynamics in the oldest females. This study hypothesizes the relationship between 5-HT and blood cells in healthy cyclic mares, considering age as an influencing factor. Understanding these interactions offers insights into reproductive health and immune regulation in equine species. The aim was to describe the interaction between 5-HT and blood cells in twenty-five healthy cyclic Spanish Purebred mares, evaluating the effect of aging. For this purpose, the mares were classified into two age groups as follows: from 4 to 9 years (n = 12 younger mares) and from 10 to 15 years (n = 13 older mares). Younger and older mares showed an opposite 5-HT trend at +5 and +16 day of cycle (d), with greater concentrations in younger mares (p < 0.05) and lower values in older mares (p < 0.05) than at −5 and 0 d. Older mares showed a lower 5-HT concentration at +5 and +16 d (p < 0.05) than younger mares. Mares of both ages showed a superimposed WBC trend, with the greatest number both at −5 and 0 d (p < 0.05). Older mares showed a lower WBC number at −5 d (p < 0.05), and lower NFS and LYMPH numbers both at +5 and +16 d (p < 0.05) than younger mares; the latter showed the lowest NFS number at +16 d, and LYMPH number at +5 and +16 d. Mares of both ages showed a similar trend for the N/L ratio. Older mares showed a lower MON number at +5 d (p < 0.05), greater PLTs at +5 and +16 d (p < 0.05) than younger mares, and a greater PLT number at −5 and 0 d than at +5 and +16 d (p < 0.05). The activity of 5-HT is regulated by its rate of synthesis, release, and metabolism according to age. Aging reduced the 5-HT concentrations and the number of WBCs, NFSs, LYMPHs, and MONs, inducing correlations among these and 5-HT in healthy young and old cyclic mares. Full article

Background: Frequency indicators are used by epidemiologists to facilitate public health professionals in estimating the impact of diseases. As of April 2022, Romania had reported 2.8 million confirmed COVID-19 cases to the World Health Organization, equating to a prevalence rate of 13.94%. A more accurate method for assessing the cumulative number of cases is the use of seroprevalence studies. This study retrospectively evaluates infection trends in Romania to enhance understanding of the virus’s spread and may support future comparative analyses of public health responses and community-level immunity. Methods: We analyzed 51,533 qualitative test results for high-affinity IgG antibodies targeting the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein. Results: The largest proportion of tested individuals (59.4%) was aged 18–49 years. Among all serological tests, 18,980 were positive, corresponding to an adjusted seroprevalence rate of 40%. Conclusions: During the second year of the pandemic, seropositivity rates were highest among young adults, particularly in the western regions, and lowest among children and adolescents. These findings point out variations in exposure across age groups and geographic areas. Full article

Parent Peer Support (PPS) provided by other caregivers who have lived experience raising a child with mental health conditions (e.g., such as anxiety, depression, attention, and/or behavior disorders) holds promise as a service that can improve outcomes by helping young people and their families overcome system- and individual-level barriers to receiving care. Here, we describe the development of a collaboration of researchers and Family-Run Organizations (FROs) to provide research support for PPS through three phases (1) developing a research agenda and study aims through a Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) “Pipeline to Proposal” grant; (2) designing a pilot study, including refining the measurement framework for a successful grant application to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH); and (3) implementing the study through the incorporation of research methodology into FRO operations without disrupting the organizations’ missions. This paper summarizes the participatory action research (PAR) strategies employed by this interdisciplinary research team throughout the three phases, covering the benefits and challenges of these unique partnership activities. We focus on how this project was able to increase the relevance of the research to the FROs and the communities they serve and improve dissemination and utilization of the results to support other PPS projects. Full article

Background: During childhood and adolescence, personality development is continuous. Younger people—defined in this study as high-school students aged 14 to 18—are particularly receptive to change. The health behaviors formed during this period can significantly influence health in later life. Therefore, families and schools play a crucial role in promoting a healthy lifestyle. In our research, we examined the relationship between psychosocial resources (social support and school resources) and the regularity and intensity of physical activity. Methods: In this study, “appropriate physical activity” refers to the level and intensity of activity recommended by the World Health Organization—namely, at least 60 min per day of moderate- to vigorous-intensity aerobic activity for adolescents. We conducted our cross-sectional research in Hungary, Western Transdanubia, using convenience sampling among high-school students (n = 331). Data collected with a self-edited and standardized questionnaire (MSPSS, HBSC school resources and school social support) were analyzed using the SPSS Statistics 22 program with a t-test, ANOVA and χ² test (p < 0.05). Results: In the case of the time spent on physical activities per week, boys (p < 0.05) and younger people (p < 0.05) showed a much more favorable picture. Examining the intensity of regular physical activity among students who belonged to the appropriate range, the average values of family social support were significantly higher (p < 0.05), but this association was not observed for social support from friends or significant others (p > 0.05). The amount of movement was not differentiated by support from others (p > 0.05). The level of attitude towards their school was higher among students who performed physical activity of the appropriate quality and quantity (p < 0.05). Teachers’ assessment of school performance and the quality of the relationship with teachers showed a correlation with physical activity performed at the appropriate intensity (p < 0.05). Conclusions: We found a positive effect of family and school resources on the regularity and intensity of physical activity, which draws attention to strengthening the partnership between family and school, improving the school atmosphere and social support within the school, increasing students’ attachment to their institution. The combination of these resources can help children lead a more active and healthier life, which has a beneficial long-term impact on their physical and mental well-being. The cooperation between parents and schools is crucial in supporting young people in adopting a healthy lifestyle. Full article

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess complementary feeding practices and dietary diversity in relation to the nutritional status of children under five attending health facilities in the Thabazimbi sub-district, Limpopo Province. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 409 mother–child pairs. Data on socio-demographics, feeding practices, and anthropometry were collected using validated tools. Nutritional status was assessed using WHO growth standards, and dietary diversity was evaluated using WHO infant and young child feeding (IYCF) indicators and a 24 h dietary recall. Associations were analyzed using prevalence ratios in STATA 18. Results: Among 409 children (median age: 18 months, IQR: 12–24), 38% were stunted, 13% were underweight, 5% were thin, and 17% were overweight/obese. Exclusive breastfeeding was reported in 27%, and only 24% met the minimum dietary diversity (DDS ≥ 4). Complementary feeding practices varied significantly by maternal age, with mixed feeding more common among older mothers and younger mothers more likely to receive feeding advice (p = 0.001). Stunting was associated with being a boy (PR = 1.27; 95% CI: 1.00–1.61), age > 24 months (PR = 0.33; 95% CI: 0.16–0.65), and DDS ≥ 4 (PR = 0.72; 95% CI: 0.52–0.99). Underweight was more prevalent among boys (PR = 2.40; 95% CI: 1.40–4.11), but less likely in children with DDS ≥ 4 (PR = 0.43; 95% CI: 0.20–0.92) and those from spouse-headed households (PR = 0.33; 95% CI: 0.13–0.87). Thinness was associated with DDS ≥ 4 (PR = 2.70; 95% CI: 1.13–6.45) and age 12–24 months (PR = 2.80; 95% CI: 1.02–7.64). Overweight/obesity was linked to age 12–24 months (PR = 1.94; 95% CI: 1.25–3.03) and household income > ZAR 15,000 (PR = 4.09; 95% CI: 2.33–7.17). Conclusions: Complementary feeding and dietary diversity deficits contribute significantly to the dual burden of malnutrition in rural Limpopo, highlighting the need for targeted, context-specific nutrition interventions. Full article

Background: The majority of Australian children exceed the World Health Organization’s recommended dietary intake of free sugar, particularly through the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages. Front-of-pack nutrition labels increase perceived risk and deter the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages. However, past studies of young children have focused almost exclusively on a parent’s choice of beverage for children. This study investigated the influence of four label designs (text-based warning, tooth decay pictorial, teaspoons of sugar, and Health Star Rating) on the beverage choices of N = 1229 Australian children (aged 4–11 years) and their parents. Methods: In an online vending machine scenario, parent–child dyads were separately asked to select which beverage they would choose for themselves before and after being randomised to one label condition. The beverages displayed included 100% fruit juice, soft drink, soft drink with a non-nutritive sweetener, flavoured milk, plain milk and bottled water. Beverage healthiness was determined by a 1–10 rating based on a review by a panel of experts (10 dietitians and nutritionists). Results: Mixed-model ANOVAs showed that for parents, each label design performed comparably; however, for children, small but significant differences were seen in the effectiveness of different label designs, with the teaspoons of sugar label, text-based warning, and tooth decay pictorial found to be more impactful in promoting healthier drink choices than the Health Star Rating. Conclusions: These findings can inform public health advocacy efforts to improve food labelling and could be incorporated into educational resources to help children understand the nutritional profiles of different sugary drinks. Full article

Firework-related injuries remain a serious public health issue in Germany, especially during New Year’s Eve. While many injuries are minor, the misuse of illegal or homemade fireworks can cause severe trauma resembling military combat injuries and can heavily burden emergency services. Notably, injury rates declined during the COVID-19 firework bans, underscoring the impact of preventive measures. We report two cases of young males with severe injuries from illicit fireworks. The first is a case of a 16-year-old that detonated an illegal Polish firework ball bomb, sustaining 9% total body surface area (TBSA) burns (second- to third-degree), hand fractures, compartment syndrome of the hand, and soft-tissue trauma. He underwent multiple surgeries, including fasciotomy, osteosynthesis, and skin grafting. The other case presented is a 19-year-old man who was injured by a homemade device made of bundled firecrackers, suffering deep facial and bilateral hand burns. He required prolonged ventilation, surgical debridement, and treatment with Kerecis^® fish skin and Epicite^® dressings. Both required intensive ICU care, interdisciplinary management, and lengthy rehabilitation. Total hospital costs amounted to €58,459.52 and €94,230.23, respectively, as calculated according to the standardized German DRG. These cases illustrate the devastating impact of illegal fireworks. The devastating consequences of explosive trauma are often difficult to treat and may lead to long-term functional and psychological impairments. Prevention through public education, stricter regulations, and preparedness is essential. Pandemic-era injury reductions support sustained policy efforts. Full article

Background/objectives: Early childhood is marked by rapid physical and cognitive development, underscoring the critical influence of parental choices in shaping habits, pastimes, and traditions. The World Health Organization highlights habits of physical activity, sleep, and screen use as modulators of healthy development and well-being in young children. As a first, this birth cohort study investigates the relationship between movement behaviors in toddlerhood and subsequent sport participation during middle childhood. Methods: Participants are 930 boys and 926 girls from the Quebec Longitudinal Study of Child Development. Using a population-based analytical approach, we examined the relationship between parent-reported active leisure, sleep, and sedentary screen time at age 2 years and trajectory of sport participation between ages 6 and 10 years using sex-stratified linear regressions that account for a range of pre-existing individual and family confounding factors. Results: Many child and family characteristics predicted early childhood movement behaviors, distinctly for boys and girls. Moreover, parental regulation of screen time during early childhood significantly influenced their decisions to enroll and encourage sport participation in sons during school age. Specifically, boys who spent more than 1 h/day on screens had 10% fewer chances of consistently participating in sport throughout middle childhood, even after accounting for adherence to other lifestyle habits. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that parental values regarding early childhood screen exposure are an effective potential target for intervention fostering healthy and active development. Future research should focus on parent and child motivations for sport involvement in the long-term. Full article

Retinoic acid (RA) exerts biological effects through RA receptors (RARs) to regulate transcription. RA also elicits rapid, RAR-independent (noncanonical) activities mediated by Cellular RA Binding Protein 1 (CRABP1) to modulate cytosolic signaling. CRABP1 functions by forming protein complexes, named CRABP1 signalosomes, to modulate signal propagation in a cell type-specific manner. This review summarizes multiple CRABP1 signalosomes and their physiological functions. CRABP1 knockout (CKO) mice develop multiple phenotypes progressively throughout the lifespan. These include altered brain function, obesity, and insulin resistance starting at young adult stages, increased vulnerability to heart failure and altered serum exosome profiles in midlife, and motor deterioration and thyroid dysfunction (hypothyroidism) in later life. The mouse Crabp1 gene is tightly regulated by multiple epigenetic mechanisms, whereas human CRABP1 gene dysregulation is associated with multiple human diseases in which age is an important factor. Further, CRABP1 expression in human and mouse thyroid glands gradually increases with aging. This underscores the clinical relevance of CRABP1 signalosomes in maintaining health and the functions of certain cells/organ systems, especially in the thyroid and during the aging process. The CRABP1 sequence is highly conserved, likely due to its functional constraint in forming various signalosomes; its tight regulation ensures proper expression of CRABP1 required for the forming of various signalosomes critical to the health and functions of multiple cell types/organ systems. Finally, CRABP1-specific (without activating RARs) signaling pathway-selective compounds have been designed. It may be an attractive therapeutic strategy to exploit these CRABP1-specific compounds to modulate selective signaling pathways in certain disease conditions, such as thyroid dysfunction, to maximize efficacy while minimizing retinoid toxicity. Full article