Missing the point: re-evaluating the earliest lithic technology in the Middle Orinoco

The Culebra site, located in close proximity to the Atures Rapids, is one of the very few open-air occupations in the entire Orinoco valley that is thought to date to the early Holocene. Following renewed excavations in this location, we characterize the stone technology in unprecedented detail and perform both quantitative and qualitative analyses of the assemblage deposited in the first cultural layers. Additionally, we directly date the sediment forming the depositional context of the assemblage using stratigraphically stable components of soil organic matter. Coupled with our stratigraphic and paedological data, the deposit is, contrary to established estimates, shown to date to the late Holocene, well after the appearance of ceramics in the region. The toolkit identified through the lithic analysis, therefore, does not reflect an Archaic hunter–gatherer adaptation as previously assumed. Our findings are placed in the context of previous research in the Orinoco and lowland South America more broadly. More work is needed to understand the changing role of different stone tool reduction sequences with reference to adaptational strategies and bioclimatic variability

Longitudinal association between preschool fussy eating and body composition at 6 years of age: The Generation R Study

Background: Children's fussy eating behavior has been related to both underweight and overweight in cross-sectional studies, but the direction of these associations and the relation with more detailed measures of body composition remains unclear. We aimed to examine whether fussy eating at age 4 years is longitudinally related to body mass index (BMI), fat mass index (FMI) and fat-free mass index (FFMI) at 6 years of age. Methods: This study was embedded in Generation R, a population-based, prospective cohort. Data were available for 4191 children. The Children's Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (CEBQ), administered at age 4 years, was used to derive a fussy eating profile. This profile is characterized by high scores on food avoidant scales and low scores on food approach scales. At age 6 years, height and weight were measured at our research center. Body fat and fat-free mass were measured using Dual-energy-X-ray absorptiometry. We used age- and sex-specific standard deviation scores (SDS) for all outcomes. Results: After adjustment for confounders, the fussy eating profile was related to lower BMI-SDS (B=-0.37, 95 % CI: -0.47;-0.26), lower FMI-SDS (B=-0.22, 95 % CI: -0.33;-0.12) and lower FFMI-SDS (B=-0.41, 95 % CI: -0.54;-0.29). When adjusting for baseline BMI at 4 years, the fussy eating profile predicted a 0.11 lower BMI-SDS at age 6 (95 % CI: -0.19;-0.04). This change in BMI was mainly due to a decrease in FFMI (B=-0.19, 95 % CI: -0.29;-0.09). Fussy eaters also had a higher risk of becoming underweight than non-fussy eaters (OR=2.28, 95 % CI: 1.34;3.87). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that young fussy eaters are at risk of having a lower fat free mass and of becoming underweight over a 2-year period. This implies that fussy eaters may benefit from careful monitoring to prevent an adverse growth development

Biology and ecology of the invasive lionfishes, Pterois miles and Pterois volitans

The Indo-Pacific lionfishes, Pterois miles and P. volitans, are now established along the U.S. southeast coast, Bermuda, Bahamas, and are becoming established in the Caribbean. While these lionfish are popular in the aquarium trade, their biology and ecology are poorly understood in their native range. Given the rapid establishment and potential adverse impacts of these invaders, comprehensive studies of their biology and ecology are warranted. Here we provide a synopsis of lionfish biology and ecology including invasion chronology, taxonomy, local abundance, reproduction, early life history and dispersal, venomology, feeding ecology, parasitology, potential impacts, and control and management. This information was collected through review of the primary literature and published reports and by summarizing current observations. Suggestions for future research on invasive lionfish in their invaded regions are provided

Prevalence of thyroid dysfunctions in pregnant women: a prospective study in a tertiary care hospital in Maharashtra, India

Background: Thyroid dysfunction is known to be the commonest endocrinological disorder in pregnancy. A range of adverse outcomes in pregnant women and the fetus have been reported. These can be prevented if the thyroid dysfunction is diagnosed and treated as early as possible. There are limited studies conducted on the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in pregnancy in India. Hence, this study was conducted for assessment of the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in pregnancy.Methods: The present study is a prospective study conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, MIMER Medical College and Hospital, Talegaon, Dabhade, Maharashtra. The total sample population comprised of 705 pregnant women with uncomplicated singleton intra-uterine pregnancy. All participants were screened by estimation for serum TSH in first trimester.Results: The prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in the present study is 13.9%. Of this, prevalence of hypothyroidism is 12.76% and that of hyperthyroidism is 1.13%.Conclusions: With this study, we conclude that there is high prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in pregnancy even in rural population. Thus, a universal screening helps in early diagnosis and preventing the aftermaths of thyroid dysfunction in pregnancy

Prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in pregnancy and its impact on maternal and fetal outcome: a prospective study in a tertiary care hospital in Maharashtra, India

Background: Thyroid dysfunction is the commonest endocrinological disorder in pregnancy. A broad spectrum of adverse outcomes in pregnant women and the fetus have been reported which can be prevented by early diagnosis and treatment of thyroid dysfunction. Thyroid dysfunction in pregnancy has not yet been extensively studied in India. Hence, this study was conducted for assessment of the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in pregnancy and effect on the mother and her fetus.Methods: This study is a prospective study conducted in the department of obstetrics and gynecology, MIMER Medical College and Hospital, Talegaon Dabhade, Maharashtra. A 3 years study. Antenatal women attending the outpatient and inpatient department of the hospital. The total sample population comprised of 698 pregnant women with uncomplicated singleton intra-uterine pregnancy. All participants were screened by estimation for serum TSH in first trimester. Immediately after delivery the cord blood sample was collected and cord blood TSH levels were estimated. Babies, whose cord blood TSH levels were elevated, were called for follow-up on day 5 of neonatal life and TSH, free T3 and free T4 levels were estimated. Among these babies, those diagnosed with congenital hypothyroidism were started on appropriate treatment.Results: The prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in pregnancy in present study was 17.90% whereas 82.1% patients were euthyroid (control group). Among the 17.9% patients with thyroid dysfunction, 14.6% had subclinical hypothyroidism, 1.9% had overt hypothyroidism and 1.4% had hyperthyroidism.Conclusions: With this study, we can come to the conclusion that there is high prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in pregnancy. Thus, an early diagnosis and prevention of the aftermaths of thyroid dysfunction in pregnancy is of utmost importance

Application of plant products in the synthesis and functionalisation of biopolymers

The burning of plastic trash contributes significantly to the problem of air pollution. Consequently, a wide variety of toxic gases get released into the atmosphere. It is of the utmost importance to develop biodegradable polymers that retain the same characteristics as those obtained from petroleum. In order to decrease the effect that these issues have on the world around us, we need to focus our attention on specific alternative sources capable of biodegrading in their natural environments. Biodegradable polymers have garnered much attention since they can break down through the processes carried out by living creatures. Biopolymers' applications are growing due to their non-toxic nature, biodegradability, biocompatibility, and environmental friendliness. In this regard, we examined numerous methods used to manufacture biopolymers and the critical components from which they get their functional properties. In recent years, economic and environmental concerns have reached a tipping point, increasing production based on sustainable biomaterials. This paper examines plant-based biopolymers as a good resource with potential applications in both biological and non-biological sectors. Scientists have devised various biopolymer synthesis and functionalization techniques to maximize its utility in various applications. In conclusion, recent developments in the functionalization of biopolymers through various plant products and their applications are discussed

A Functional Description of Adult Picky Eating Using Latent Profile Analysis

Abstract Objective Research has indicated that adult picky eating (PE) is associated with elevated psychosocial impairment and limited dietary variety and fruit and vegetable intake; however, research operationalizing PE behaviors is limited. Previous research identified a PE profile in children, marked by high food avoidance (satiety responsiveness, fussiness, and slow eating) and low food approach (food enjoyment and responsiveness) appetitive traits. The present study aimed to replicate a similar latent eating behavior profile in an adult sample. Methods A sample of 1339 US adults recruited through Amazon’s MTurk completed an online survey that included a modified self-report version of the Child Eating Behavior Questionnaire (CEBQ-A). Latent profile analysis was employed to identify eating profiles using the CEBQ-A subscales, ANCOVAs were employed to examine profile differences on various self-report measures, and eating profiles were compared across BMI classifications. Results Analyses converged on a four-profile solution, and a picky eater profile that closely resembled the past child profile emerged. Participants in the picky eater profile (18.1%) scored higher on measures of adult PE and social eating anxiety compared to all other profiles, scored higher on eating-related impairment and depression than moderate eating profiles, and were more likely to be of normal weight. Discussion A distinct adult PE profile was observed, indicating childhood PE and appetitive behaviors may carry over into adulthood. Research identifying meaningful groups of picky eaters will help to shed light on the conditions under which picky eating is a risk factor for significant psychosocial impairment or distress, or weight-related problems