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Eppley TM, Borgerson C, Patel ER, Herrera JP, Kirkby AE, Golden CD, Andriamahaihavana M, Andrianandrasana L, Bóveda A, Gibson D, Jaofeno LJ, Rakotondrasoa F, Ramahaleo TA, Rasamisoa DC, Ratelolahy F, Razafindramanana J, Spira C, Welch C, Vasey N. A habitat stronghold on the precipice: A call-to-action for supporting lemur conservation in northeast Madagascar. Am J Primatol 2024; 86:e23483. [PMID: 36851838 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
The northeast of Madagascar is as diverse as it is threatened. The area bordering the Analanjirofo and SAVA regions contains six protected areas and at least 22 lemur species. Many applied research and conservation programs have been established in the region with the aim of ensuring both wildlife and people thrive in the long term. While most of the remaining humid evergreen forest of northeast Madagascar is formally protected, the local human population depends heavily on the land, and unsustainable natural resource use threatens this biodiversity hotspot. Drawing from our collective experiences managing conservation activities and research programs in northeast Madagascar, we discuss the major threats to the region and advocate for eight conservation activities that help reduce threats and protect the environment, providing specific examples from our own programs. These include (1) empowering local conservation actors, (2) ensuring effectively protected habitat, (3) expanding reforestation, (4) establishing and continuing long-term research and monitoring, (5) reducing food insecurity, (6) supporting environmental education, (7) promoting sustainable livelihoods, and (8) expanding community health initiatives. Lastly, we provide a list of actions that individuals can take to join us in supporting and promoting lemur conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy M Eppley
- Conservation Science and Wildlife Health, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, Escondido, California, USA
- Department of Anthropology, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Cortni Borgerson
- Department of Anthropology, Montclair State University, Montclair, New Jersey, USA
- Madagascar Health and Environmental Research (MAHERY), Maroantsetra, Madagascar
| | - Erik R Patel
- Lemur Conservation Foundation, Myakka City, Florida, USA
| | - James P Herrera
- Duke Lemur Center SAVA Conservation, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Andrew E Kirkby
- Birdlife International, Conservation Department, Cambridge, UK
| | - Christopher D Golden
- Madagascar Health and Environmental Research (MAHERY), Maroantsetra, Madagascar
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - McAntonin Andriamahaihavana
- Mention Zoologie et Biodiversité Animale, Faculté des Sciences, Université d'Antananarivo, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | | | - Antonio Bóveda
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Madagascar Program, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | - Dean Gibson
- Conservation Science and Wildlife Health, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, Escondido, California, USA
| | | | | | | | - Delaïd C Rasamisoa
- Conservation Science and Wildlife Health, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, Escondido, California, USA
| | - Felix Ratelolahy
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Madagascar Program, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | - Josia Razafindramanana
- Mention Anthropobiologie et Développement Durable, Faculté des Sciences, Université d'Antananarivo, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | - Charlotte Spira
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Madagascar Program, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | - Charles Welch
- Duke Lemur Center SAVA Conservation, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Natalie Vasey
- Department of Anthropology, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, USA
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Dinour LM, Shefchik M. Representation Matters: Content Analysis of Breastfeeding Images in a Commercial Stock Image Bank. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2024:10.1007/s40615-024-01910-8. [PMID: 38286977 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-024-01910-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Several behavioral change theories posit that normative influences contribute to breastfeeding behaviors and disparities. Given that media has historically presented a narrow view of what is deemed normative in human milk feeding, this study describes who and what is represented in breastfeeding images available in a stock image bank, and whether differences exist based on the breastfeeding parent's skin color. Using content analysis, the most relevant 2% (n = 2284) of breastfeeding and lactation images in Adobe Stock were coded for 60 variables within 12 categories, such as skin color, ability, setting, skin exposure, etc. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the sample, and the Chi-square test of independence and Mann-Whitney U test were used to compare images of breastfeeding parents with light and non-light skin color. Most images portrayed breastfeeding parents and breastfed children with light colored skin, only one child, an infant-aged child, and no other person. Scant images included accessories considered non-normative. Light skin parents were more frequently depicted with a wedding ring compared to non-light skin parents. Non-light skin parents were more often photographed outdoors compared to light skin parents. Images of light skin parents more frequently showed breast skin, whereas images of non-light skin parents more often showed nipple and/or areola skin. The paucity of diverse people and portrayals of breastfeeding in many ways mirror, and may even perpetuate, societal breastfeeding challenges and inequities. These findings highlight an immediate need for an expanded library of images showcasing a wider variety of breastfeeding experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M Dinour
- Department of Nutrition and Food Studies, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ, USA.
| | - Melanie Shefchik
- Department of Public Health, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ, USA
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Valmonte Z, Baker Z, Loor J, Sarkar A. Concurrent Reduction and Stabilization of Graphene Oxide Dispersion by Silk-Inspired Polymer. ACS Appl Polym Mater 2023; 5:4621-4627. [PMID: 37469881 PMCID: PMC10353489 DOI: 10.1021/acsapm.3c00353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Silk, a popular biomaterial, is used as a greener alternative of toxic reducing agent in biocompatible graphene synthesis. However, silk often forms gel uncontrollably due to its heavy-chain molecular weight and faces significant challenges in the reduction, stabilization, and dispersion process of graphene. In this contribution, we report a rapid chemical synthesis approach for a low-molecular-weight silk-inspired polymer via ring-opening and microwave-assisted Diels-Alder-aided step-growth polymerizations. This synthetic polymer with periodic sequences of hydrophilic and hydrophobic moieties not only reduces graphene oxide efficiently but also enhances the dispersibility of hydrophobic reduced graphene oxide in aqueous media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoren Valmonte
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Montclair
State University (MSU), Montclair, New Jersey 07043, United States
| | - Zeyad Baker
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Montclair
State University (MSU), Montclair, New Jersey 07043, United States
| | - Jianna Loor
- Department
of Biology, Montclair State University (MSU), Montclair, New Jersey 07043, United States
| | - Amrita Sarkar
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Montclair
State University (MSU), Montclair, New Jersey 07043, United States
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Soetan O, Nie J, Viteritto M, Feng H. Evaluation of sediment dredging in remediating toxic metal contamination - a systematic review. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2023:10.1007/s11356-023-27489-x. [PMID: 37184798 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-27489-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Toxic metal pollution is a leading environmental concern for aquatic systems globally, and remedial dredging has been widely employed to mitigate its harmful impacts. In terms of the short-term impacts of remedial dredging, mixed results are reported in several studies. Despite its immediate negative impacts including saturation of water with toxic metals, increased turbidity, and sediment resuspension, positive impacts can be recorded over a stabilization period of 6-24 months after dredging. Nevertheless, the sustainability of these recorded positive effects cannot be ascertained as some studies have reported long-term regression in remediated sites' conditions. Evaluation of success determinants, site-measure compatibility, and determination of supplementary measures are keys to achieving and sustaining the projected benefits of remedial dredging and justifying its overall cost. This multicomponent study reviewed published literatures that documented the outcomes of short- and long-term dredging projects in toxic metal-polluted systems globally with a broad goal of examining how sediment removal impacts toxic metal dynamics in the aquatic system and understanding why the sustenance of positive impacts is controversial. In the meantime, this study also explored the preventative and remedial management strategies for attaining and sustaining positive dredging outcomes. The purpose of this study is to provide key recommendations for decision-making and policy development in aquatic toxic metal remediation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluwafemi Soetan
- Department of Earth and Environmental Studies, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ, USA
| | - Jing Nie
- Department of Earth and Environmental Studies, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ, USA
| | - Michael Viteritto
- Department of Earth and Environmental Studies, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ, USA
| | - Huan Feng
- Department of Earth and Environmental Studies, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ, USA.
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West K, Tecot S, Walker-Bolton AD, Borgerson C, Wright PC, Razafindravony L, Andriamiadanarivo A, Andrianoely D, Celestain J, Elison P, Jordan J, Liu A, Milliasse RF, Rafidimanandray R, Ranaivoson T, Randimbiarimanana C, Razafindrapaoly BN, Soule M, Aliperti JR. An overdue catalyst: Limitations imposed by COVID-19 improved capacity building in community-led environmental education in Madagascar. Am J Primatol 2023; 85:e23497. [PMID: 37095739 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus brought many primatology research programs and conservation efforts to a halt. After Madagascar closed its borders during March 2020, many on-site international project leaders and researchers returned to their home countries when their programs were delayed or canceled. Madagascar remained closed to travelers until November 2021, when it reopened to international flights. The 20-month absence of international researchers allowed many local Malagasy program staff, wildlife professionals, and community leaders to step into new leadership roles and responsibilities. Many programs that already had strong Malagasy leadership and meaningful collaborations with local communities flourished, while others either swiftly strengthened these attributes or faced challenges from pandemic-related travel restrictions. Here, we describe how the coronavirus pandemic events of 2020-2021 initiated long-overdue shifts in outdated models of internationally led primate research and education projects in communities living alongside primates at risk of extinction. We discuss the benefits and challenges of pandemic-induced changes within five primatological outreach projects, as well as how we can use these experiences to improve community-led environmental education and conservation awareness in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathy West
- Photography Inspiring Children in Conservation (PICC) 501c3, Davis, California, USA
| | - Stacey Tecot
- Centre ValBio Research Station, Ranomafana, Madagascar
- School of Anthropology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | | | - Cortni Borgerson
- Photography Inspiring Children in Conservation (PICC) 501c3, Davis, California, USA
- Anthropology, Montclair State University, Montclair, New Jersey, USA
- Madagascar Health and Environmental Research (Mahery), Maroantsetra, Madagascar
| | - Patricia C Wright
- Centre ValBio Research Station, Ranomafana, Madagascar
- Department of Anthropology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Pascal Elison
- Photography Inspiring Children in Conservation (PICC) 501c3, Davis, California, USA
- Masoala Safaris, Maroantsetra, Madagascar
| | - Jessie Jordan
- Centre ValBio Research Station, Ranomafana, Madagascar
| | - Arielle Liu
- School of Anthropology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Madison Soule
- Photography Inspiring Children in Conservation (PICC) 501c3, Davis, California, USA
| | - Jaclyn R Aliperti
- Photography Inspiring Children in Conservation (PICC) 501c3, Davis, California, USA
- Wildlife, Fish and Conservation Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
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Dorling JL, Martin CK, Yu Q, Cao W, Höchsmann C, Apolzan JW, Newton RL, Denstel KD, Mire EF, Katzmarzyk PT. Mediators of weight change in underserved patients with obesity: exploratory analyses from the Promoting Successful Weight Loss in Primary Care in Louisiana (PROPEL) cluster-randomized trial. Am J Clin Nutr 2022; 116:1112-1122. [PMID: 35762659 PMCID: PMC9535544 DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/nqac179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intensive lifestyle interventions (ILIs) stimulate weight loss in underserved patients with obesity, but the mediators of weight change are unknown. OBJECTIVES We aimed to identify the mediators of weight change during an ILI compared with usual care (UC) in underserved patients with obesity. METHODS The PROPEL (Promoting Successful Weight Loss in Primary Care in Louisiana) trial randomly assigned 18 clinics (n = 803) to either an ILI or UC for 24 mo. The ILI group received an intensive lifestyle program; the UC group had routine care. Body weight was measured; further, eating behaviors (restraint, disinhibition), dietary intake (percentage fat intake, fruit and vegetable intake), physical activity, and weight- and health-related quality of life constructs were measured through questionnaires. Mediation analyses assessed whether questionnaire variables explained between-group variations in weight change during 2 periods: baseline to month 12 (n = 779) and month 12 to month 24 (n = 767). RESULTS The ILI induced greater weight loss at month 12 compared with UC (between-group difference: -7.19 kg; 95% CI: -8.43, -6.07 kg). Improvements in disinhibition (-0.33 kg; 95% CI: -0.55, -0.10 kg), percentage fat intake (-0.25 kg; 95% CI: -0.50, -0.01 kg), physical activity (-0.26 kg; 95% CI: -0.41, -0.09 kg), and subjective fatigue (-0.28 kg; 95% CI: -0.46, -0.10 kg) at month 6 during the ILI partially explained this between-group difference. Greater weight loss occurred in the ILI at month 24, yet the ILI group gained 2.24 kg (95% CI: 1.32, 3.26 kg) compared with UC from month 12 to month 24. Change in fruit and vegetable intake (0.13 kg; 95% CI: 0.05, 0.21 kg) partially explained this response, and no variables attenuated the weight regain of the ILI group. CONCLUSIONS In an underserved sample, weight change induced by an ILI compared with UC was mediated by several psychological and behavioral variables. These findings could help refine weight management regimens in underserved patients with obesity.This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02561221.
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Affiliation(s)
- James L Dorling
- Human Nutrition, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Corby K Martin
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Qingzhao Yu
- School of Public Health, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Wentao Cao
- School of Public Health, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Christoph Höchsmann
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
- Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - John W Apolzan
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | | | - Kara D Denstel
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Emily F Mire
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
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Dinour LM, Rivera Rodas EI, Amutah-Onukagha NN, Doamekpor LA. The role of prenatal food insecurity on breastfeeding behaviors: findings from the United States pregnancy risk assessment monitoring system. Int Breastfeed J 2020; 15:30. [PMID: 32306985 PMCID: PMC7169030 DOI: 10.1186/s13006-020-00276-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In addition to its health and nutritional benefits, breastfeeding can save low-income, food insecure mothers the cost of infant formula so that money can be spent on food and other necessities. Yet breastfeeding may exacerbate food insecurity by negatively affecting maternal employment. The relationship between food insecurity and breastfeeding has been explored previously, with varying results. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between prenatal food insecurity and breastfeeding initiation and early cessation (< 10 weeks) among U.S. mothers. METHODS Data were pooled from 2012 to 2013 (Phase 7) of the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System, a population-based cross-sectional survey of postpartum women administered 2-4 months after delivery. The analytic sample was drawn from Colorado, Maine, New Mexico, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Vermont, and limited to mothers aged 20 years and older whose infants were alive and living with them at the time of the survey (n = 10,159). We used binomial and multinomial logistic models to assess the predictive association between food insecurity and breastfeeding initiation and early cessation, respectively, while controlling for confounders. RESULTS Most women reported prenatal food security (90.5%) and breastfeeding initiation (91.0%). Of those who initiated breastfeeding, 72.7% breastfed for > 10 weeks. A larger proportion of food secure women compared to food insecure women, initiated breastfeeding (91.4% vs. 87.6%, P < 0.01), and patterns of early breastfeeding cessation differed significantly between the two groups (P < 0.01). In the final models, prenatal food insecurity was not associated with breastfeeding initiation or early cessation, with one exception. Compared to food secure mothers, mothers reporting food insecurity had a lower risk of breastfeeding for 4-6 weeks than for > 10 weeks, independent of covariates (relative risk ratio 0.65; 95% CI 0.50, 0.85; P < 0.01). Women who were married, had a college degree, and did not smoke were more likely to initiate breastfeeding and breastfeed for a longer time, regardless of food security status (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Socioeconomic, psychosocial, and physiological factors explain the association between prenatal food insecurity and breastfeeding outcomes among this U.S. SAMPLE More targeted and effective interventions and policies are needed to encourage the initiation and duration of breastfeeding, regardless of food security status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M. Dinour
- College of Education and Human Services, Montclair State University, 1 Normal Avenue, Montclair, NJ 07043 USA
| | - Elizabeth I. Rivera Rodas
- College of Education and Human Services, Montclair State University, 1 Normal Avenue, Montclair, NJ 07043 USA
| | | | - Laurén A. Doamekpor
- Scientific Research, Health Policy Research Consortium, CTIS Inc, 6401 Golden Triangle Drive, Suite #310, Greenbelt, MD 20770 USA
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