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While much research has explored the impacts of social media use, less is known about what factors drive use. The present study examined the relationships between potential drivers of social media use; namely social media literacy, motivations, and internalisation of appearance ideals, and determined whether they work in combination or individually to predict a range of social media uses and behaviours over time, including intensity, frequency, exposure to fitness and celebrity content, photo editing, appearance comparisons, and types of use. Australian adolescent girls (n = 704) and boys (n = 938) aged 11-16 years completed online surveys at baseline and 6-month follow-up. Bivariate correlations and multiple regressions were performed separately by gender. Results revealed weak associations between drivers and found they uniquely contributed to social media behaviours, though this was dependent on use outcome. Thin- and muscular-internalisation were related to some appearance-focused use (e.g., comparisons, following celebrity and fitness accounts) among girls and boys, respectively. Critical thinking was associated with lower Snapchat use among boys and motivations were related to intensity and type of use (i.e., viewing, posting). These findings suggest multicomponent holistic interventions targeting numerous drivers may be most appropriate in modifying social media behaviours among adolescents.

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The paper offers a commentary on the distinction between positive body image and body neutrality by applying Cash's cognitive-behavioral perspective. In particular, the two dimensions of valence and importance are used to position the body image constructs. It is concluded that positive body image and body neutrality are much more similar than different.

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INTRODUCTION: Parkinson's disease patients may experience altered body image perception. Advanced Parkinson's disease (aPD) with motor complications often requires surgical and device-aided treatments (DAT), such as levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) and deep brain stimulation (DBS). Understanding body image perception is crucial when managing these devices. This study aims to explore body image perception in aPD patients, hypothesizing a link between DAT and body image perception. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study including non-demented aPD patients with and without DAT and age- and sex-matched controls. Participants were assessed using the Appearance Schemas Inventory-Revised (ASI-R), including Motivational Salience (MS) and Self-Evaluative Salience (SES) scores. Additional data included age, education, BMI, comorbidities, pharmacotherapy, and psychopathologies. PD patients were also evaluated with UPDRS, Hoehn and Yahr scales and LEDD calculation. RESULTS: 70 aPD and 36 controls were enrolled. No differences in ASI-R scores were found between PD patients and controls, but women with PD had significantly lower MS scores than controls (16.1 ± 5.6 vs 19.7 ± 5.8; p = 0.023). Among aPD patients, those on DAT had longer disease duration, higher Hoehn and Yahr, and lower UPDRS IV scores. The lowest MS was observed in women on LCIG (12.7 ± 3.3; p = 0.001). DISCUSSION: This study shows low MS ratings driven by female gender and LCIG treatment. Women on LCIG show reduced attention and management of their appearance. This may be influenced by cultural, environmental, and biological factors. Prospective research is needed to understand the impact of DAT on body image.

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OBJECTIVE: Childbirth is considered to be both beautiful and traumatic. Following a vaginal delivery, some women express discontent with the appearance of their genitalia on social media and/or websites. This study explored how some women perceived their genitalia, post childbirth. Three groups were compared: women with a vaginal delivery, those with a cesarean-section, and those who had never given birth. METHODS: After the study received approval from the institutional review board, 224 female participants living in Puerto Rico and aged 21 to 42 years completed a questionnaire about their genital self-image. RESULTS: Approximately 51% (n = 115) of the participants had never given birth; the others had given birth via C-section 23% (n = 51) or vaginally 26% (n = 58). In all 3 groups, 84% felt positive about their genitals, 79% expressed their satisfaction with the appearance of their genitals and 84%, with their size; 81% were not ashamed of their genitals. CONCLUSION: Logistic regression found no significant difference in genital self-perception between delivery groups or nulliparous women. The adjusted odds ratios for positive genital image varied slightly between delivery methods but were not statistically significant (ranging from 0.65 to 1.11 for vaginal deliveries, and 0.42 to 1.00 for C-sections; P > .05). This suggests that the method of delivery does not have a significant impact on women's genital self-perception. However, for the 21% with negative perceptions, targeted support is essential; for those struggling with their self-image after childbirth, our results can inform support services to address concerns.

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BACKGROUND: We evaluated for predictors of successful cannulation and post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis (PEP) in minor papilla endotherapy (MPE), emphasizing endoscopic minor papilla morphology. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 232 MPEs in 65 patients, assessing minor papilla morphology based on three features: bulge as "prominent" or "subtle," mucosal appearance as "papilla-like" resembling the main papilla or "SMT-like" akin to a gastrointestinal submucosal tumor, and orifice visibility as "clear" or "unclear." Cannulation success was evaluated in 65 enrolled patients, with PEP risk assessed in all 232 MPEs. RESULTS: Minor papilla morphology was categorized as prominent/subtle bulge in 42/23 patients, papilla-like/SMT-like mucosal appearance in 42/23, and clear/unclear orifice visibility in 24/41. Cannulation succeeded in 54/65 patients (83%). A papilla-like appearance and clear orifice visibility was significantly associated with cannulation success. PEP incidence was 5.2% and predominantly mild. A papilla-like appearance significantly decreased PEP incidence, while precutting technique and orifice dilation significantly increased PEP risk. CONCLUSION: Evaluating minor papilla morphology may help predict cannulation success and PEP risk in MPE. A papilla-like mucosal appearance prognosticates cannulation success and reduced PEP risk, with clear orifice visibility serving as a success predictor. These findings provide practical guidance for preprocedural planning by emphasizing the importance of minor papilla morphology evaluation.

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Pulmonary mucormycosis is a rare and lethal fungal infection elicited by fungi of the order Mucorales. The disease predominantly affects immunocompromised hosts, like those with diabetes mellitus, hematologic malignancies, or those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy. We, at this moment, report a case of pulmonary mucormycosis in a 55-year-old gentleman, exemplifying the ferocity of clinical disease, diagnostic dilemmas, and rapidity of progression. A diagnosis of pulmonary mucormycosis was based on diagnostic imaging and flexible bronchoscopy. Despite aggressive antifungal and supportive treatment, the patient's condition deteriorated further, and unfortunately succumbed to cardiorespiratory arrest. This case reinforces the importance of early recognition of pulmonary mucormycosis and aggressive medical management, especially in immunocompromised patients, in salvaging lives with good outcomes and preventing the fulminant progression of the disease process.

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Acute soft head syndrome (ASHS) is a rare complication of sickle cell disease that often requires a high index of suspicion and is often a diagnosis of exclusion. We present the case of an 18-year-old male with sickle cell disease in the United States who developed acute soft head syndrome without known traumatic injury. The goal of this case presentation is to provide awareness and education regarding a rare complication of sickle cell disease and recommended management for the associated symptoms.

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OBJECTIVES: Appearance anxiety (AA) is a probable risk factor for body dysmorphic disorder and a prevalent and debilitating concern. Extant literature suggests that romantic partners' commentary and accommodation behaviour may contribute to women's appearance concerns. The aim of this study is to explore how women experience and make sense of romantic partner feedback about their appearance. DESIGN: Qualitative semi-structured interview study. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews with 13 cis-gender women explored how they make sense of appearance anxiety in the context of romantic relationships. Reflexive thematic analysis with a hybrid inductive-deductive coding approach was utilised, drawing on cognitive behavioural theory (CBT) as a theoretical lens to interpret the data. RESULTS: Four themes were created from the data: (1) 'Then he said to me … you could probably tone up a bit': Maintaining cycles; (2) 'I think those comments down the line do eventually help': breaking out of maintenance cycles, (3) 'It's like they're talking in a foreign language'; beliefs as a filter and (4) 'Cheering me on from the side-lines'; romantic partner a supportive coach. These themes highlight the perceived unhelpful (e.g. accommodation of behaviours) and helpful (e.g. affection) impact of romantic partners' behaviours and commentary on participants' AA. CONCLUSIONS: Romantic partners are perceived by women to have a potent impact on their AA. Clinical practice implications include involving romantic partners in treatment, and clinicians using their formulation and CBT skills (e.g. Socratic questioning), to understand and target these possible maintenance processes within couples.

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This work focuses on the growth patterns of the human fourth lumbar vertebra (L4) in a paediatric population, with specific attention to sexual dimorphism. The study aims to understand morphological and density changes in the vertebrae through age-dependent statistical shape and statistical appearance models, which can describe full three-dimensional anatomy. Results show that the main growth patterns are associated with isotropic volumetric vertebral growth, a decrease in the relative size of the vertebral foramen, and an increase in the length of the transverse processes. Moreover, significant sexual dimorphism was demonstrated during puberty. We observe significant age and sex interaction in the anterior vertebral body height (P = 0.005), where females exhibited an earlier increase in rates of vertebral height evolution. Moreover, we also observe an increase in cross-sectional area (CSA) with age (P = 0.020), where the CSA is smaller in females than in males (significant sex effect P = 0.042). Finally, although no significant increase in trabecular bone density with age is observed (P = 0.363), a trend in the statistical appearance model suggests an increase in density with age.

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We assessed the bi-directional relationships between upward appearance comparisons on social media with body dissatisfaction (BD) and disordered eating (DE) in women's daily lives and the potential moderating effect of trait self-objectification on these relationships. Women (N = 315) completed a baseline measure of trait self-objectification, then reported momentary experiences of social media-based appearance comparisons (upward, lateral, downward), body satisfaction, and DE urges (restrict food intake, exercise, overeat) for seven days. We hypothesized that upward (relative to no) comparisons would predict lower body satisfaction and higher DE urges, while lateral and downward (relative to no) comparisons would predict higher body satisfaction and lower DE urges. We expected these relationships to be bi-directional and moderated by trait self-objectification. Multilevel modelling results revealed complex bi-directional relationships. Upward comparisons predicted lower body satisfaction and increased urges to restrict food intake, which in turn predicted increased upward comparisons. Unexpectedly, urges to restrict food intake predicted all comparison types. We observed somewhat unanticipated bi-directional relationships between lateral comparisons and exercise urges, and between downward comparisons and body satisfaction. Uni-directional relationships emerged between upward comparisons and the urge to overeat. Trait self-objectification moderated very few of these relationships. These findings support the non-uniform impact of appearance comparisons on body image and eating concerns and highlight the complexity of daily social media-body image dynamics. Future research using refined measures over extended periods is needed to elucidate these relationships further and inform targeted interventions.

This study examined how comparing oneself to others on social media relates to body satisfaction and disordered eating urges in women's daily lives, and whether self-objectification influences these relationships. For seven days, 315 women reported their social media appearance comparisons, body satisfaction, and urges related to eating and exercise. Results revealed complex, bi-directional relationships. Upward comparisons (viewing others as more attractive) predicted lower body satisfaction and increased urges to restrict food intake, which in turn led to more upward comparisons. Unexpectedly, urges to restrict food intake predicted all types of comparisons. The study found some surprising bi-directional relationships between lateral comparisons and exercise urges, and between downward comparisons and body satisfaction. Self-objectification had limited moderating effects. These findings highlight the intricate dynamics between social media use and body image concerns, emphasizing the need for further research to inform targeted interventions.

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Individuals elevated in distress intolerance (DI) may engage in dysfunctional behavioral strategies to cope with their distress. One behavioral strategy that may be related to DI is appearance related safety behavior (ARSB; i.e., maladaptive behavior that seeks to mitigate the feared consequences of the negative evaluation of appearance). We examined the relationship between DI and ARSBs in two separate samples of women. In Study 1 (N = 91), we found in an unselected sample that ARSBs were robustly associated with DI cross-sectionally while accounting for symptoms of depression and body dysmorphia. Further, greater ARSBs predicted increases in DI longitudinally. In Study 2, among a clinical sample of women with elevated appearance concerns (N = 94), we examined the experimental effect of reducing ARSBs compared to a self-monitoring control. Relative to control, instructions to reduce ARSBs led to lower DI, but this effect was only found for individuals low in baseline DI. Overall, we found preliminary evidence that ARSBs may be a salient factor in contributing to and maintaining DI; and SB fading may be a helpful strategy for reducing DI. We discuss these findings in the context of existing literature and provide directions for future research.

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BACKGROUND: Follicular unit hair transplantation has greatly elevated the results of eyebrow restoration. However, unnatural and unbeautiful-looking results are still often seen after the surgery. OBJECTIVES: This study focused on poor eyebrow transplantation, discussed its possible reasons, and offered refined proposals. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on 100 patients who were dissatisfied with the results of eyebrow grafting and came to our department from 2011 to 2021. Demographic characteristics, primary disease, and clinical data were objectively summarized and analyzed for these patients. RESULTS: The patients' medical charts and photographs were analyzed and summarized into the following outcomes: Thirty-six patients (36%) had sparse eyebrows. Forty-one patients (41%) had eyebrows with inhomogeneous density and disordered growth direction. Eleven patients (11%) did not have single-hair grafting. Seven reconstructed eyebrows (7%) had a poor connection with the remaining eyebrows. Five new eyebrows (5%) had inconsistent hair characteristics with the original eyebrows. Lower hair survival rates, insufficient understanding of naturally beautiful eyebrows, and inadequate communication with patients were the main reasons for poor outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Good reconstructed eyebrows should have a high hair survival rate, and hair growth direction and characteristics should also be consistent with the natural eyebrow to achieve ideal surgical effects. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

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BACKGROUND: Theory and research indicate that an appearance focused self-concept (i.e., placing overriding importance on physical appearance for self-definition and self-worth) plays a role in the etiology and maintenance of disordered eating and eating disorders. Although the consequences of an appearance focused self-concept are palpable, less is known about its correlates. Accordingly, we examined a range of factors that may characterize appearance focused people, including personality traits (perfectionism, impulsivity, sensation-seeking, hopelessness, and anxiety sensitivity), self-concept (global self-esteem and self-concept clarity), sociocultural (thin-ideal, muscular-ideal, general attractiveness internalizations, and perceived pressure to be thin), and early life experiences (adverse childhood experiences, attachment styles) factors. METHODS: Female undergraduate university students (N = 568; Mage = 19.58, SDage = 4.24) completed a questionnaire battery that included the Beliefs About Appearance Scale, Depressive Experiences Questionnaire-Self-Criticism-6 Scale, Frost-Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale, the Revised Almost Perfect Scale, Substance Use Risk Profile Scale, Self-Concept Clarity Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire-4 Scale, Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire, Experiences in Close Relationships Scale Short Form, and the Dietary Restraint subscale of the Eating Disorders Examination Questionnaire. RESULTS: Multiple regression analyses were conducted for each set of factors separately and together. For personality traits, perfectionism, impulsivity, and anxiety sensitivity were uniquely associated with appearance focused self-concept. For self-concept, global self-esteem and self-concept clarity were uniquely associated with appearance focused self-concept. For sociocultural, general attractiveness internalization, thin-ideal internalization, and perceived pressure to be thin were uniquely associated with appearance focused self-concept. For early life experiences, attachment anxiety and avoidance were uniquely associated with appearance focused self-concept. In the combined analysis, the various factors explained 54% of the variance in appearance focused self-concept. Impulsivity, global self-esteem, general attractiveness internalization, and perceived pressure to be thin were uniquely associated with appearance focused self-concept. CONCLUSIONS: Results for global self-esteem were consistent with prior research. Findings for evaluative concerns perfectionism were inconsistent with prior research. We discuss future research directions to examine the link between evaluative concerns perfectionism and appearance focused self-concept. We also discuss how sociocultural factors (general attractiveness internalization and perceived pressure to be thin) and impulsivity may help cultivate an appearance focused self-concept, advancing knowledge on the characteristics of appearance-focused people.

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The rapidly growing body of research investigating media influence on body image in Latin America has not been previously comprehensively synthesised. We systematically reviewed studies of the relationships between media use/influence, body image, and sociocultural appearance ideals in Latin America (CRD42021254607). We searched PsycINFO/Medline, Pubmed, Web of Science, ERIC, Scopus, ProQuest Dissertations, SciElo, and LILACS for quantitative and qualitative peer-reviewed articles and doctoral theses in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Research conducted in Latin America, published 1991-2023, measuring a) media use/influence, and b) body image or appearance ideals was included. 68 articles met inclusion criteria, and quality appraisal concluded that most were of medium/high quality. A narrative review found consistent quantitative relationships, stronger in women than men, between media use/internalisation of media ideals and both body dissatisfaction and thinner appearance ideals. In contrast, participants in qualitative studies acknowledged media influence on their body image, but perceived greater influence from family and peers. Limitations included a predominance of cross-sectional research from Brazil and Mexico with adolescents and young adults. Additional longitudinal, experimental, and interventional work from elsewhere in Latin America is needed, recruiting more diverse samples and assessing more culturally salient appearance aspects (e.g., skin tone and hair texture).

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BACKGROUND: Current concepts of beauty are increasingly subjective, influenced by the viewpoints of others. The aim of the study was to evaluate divergences in the perception of dental appearance and smile esthetics among patients, laypersons and dental practitioners. The study goals were to evaluate the influence of age, sex, education and dental specialty on the participants' judgment and to identify the values of different esthetic criteria. Patients sample included 50 patients who responded to a dental appearance questionnaire (DAQ). Two frontal photographs were taken, one during a smile and one with retracted lips. Laypersons and dentists were asked to evaluate both photographs using a Linear Scale from (0-10), where 0 represent (absolutely unaesthetic) and 10 represent (absolutely aesthetic). One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and t-test analysis were measured for each group. Most patients in the sample expressed satisfaction with most aspects of their smiles and dental appearance. Among laypersons (including 488 participants), 47 pictures "with lips" out of 50 had higher mean aesthetic scores compared to pictures "without lips". Among the dentist sample, 90 dentists' perception towards the esthetic smile and dental appearance for photos "with lips" and "without lips" were the same for 23 out of 50 patients. Perception of smile aesthetics differed between patients, laypersons and dentists. Several factors can contribute to shape the perception of smile aesthetic. AIM: To compare the perception of dental aesthetic among patients, laypersons, and professional dentists, to evaluate the impact of age, sex, educational background, and income on the judgments made by laypersons, to assess the variations in experience, specialty, age, and sex on professional dentists' judgment, and to evaluate the role of lips, skin shade and tooth shade in different participants' judgments. METHODS: Patients sample included 50 patients who responded to DAQ. Two frontal photographs were taken: one during a smile and one with retracted lips. Laypersons and dentists were asked to evaluate both photographs using a Linear Scale from (0-10), where 0 represent (absolutely unaesthetic) and 10 represent (absolutely aesthetic). One-way ANOVA and t-test analysis were measured for each group. RESULTS: Most patients in the sample expressed satisfaction with most aspects of their smiles and dental appearance. Among laypersons (including 488 participants), 47 pictures "with lips" out of 50 had higher mean aesthetic scores compared to pictures "without lips". Whereas among the dentist sample, 90 dentists' perception towards the esthetic smile and dental appearance for photos "with lips" and "without lips" were the same for 23 out of 50 patients. Perception of smile aesthetics differed between patients, laypersons and dentists. CONCLUSION: Several factors can contribute to shape the perception of smile aesthetic.

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Introduction: The boom of social media has provided a wider space for ordinary people to display themselves, but visual presentation has also intensified the focus on appearance, which in turn triggers anxiety about appearance. The study aims to investigate the impact of social media information exposure on appearance anxiety in young acne patients and the pathways and mechanisms that cause this effect. Methods: A moderated chain mediation model was constructed, and a questionnaire was used to collect information on social media information exposure, internalization of beauty ideals, fear of negative evaluation, self-esteem, and appearance anxiety in young acne patients (N = 382), and the relationships between the variables were explored through regression analysis. Results: The results show that there was a significant path of effect (t > 2.5, p < 0.05) between social media information exposure, internalization of beauty ideals, fear of negative evaluation, and appearance anxiety. Self-esteem significantly moderated the relationship between social media information exposure and internalization of beauty ideals (t < -2, p < 0.05). Discussion: In conclusion, in young acne patients, internalization of beauty ideals and fear of negative evaluation chain mediated the association between social media information exposure and appearance anxiety, and young acne patients' internalization of beauty ideals was inversely correlated with their level of self-esteem.

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Cyberbullying is associated with various mental health concerns in adolescents, including body dissatisfaction and disordered eating behaviours. However, there is a significant research gap concerning the unique effects of appearance-related cyberbullying (ARC) on adolescent mental health. This study examined the prevalence and psychological consequences of ARC among middle to late adolescent females (aged 14-19 years, Mage = 15.98, N = 336). Participants completed an online survey regarding their experiences of ARC, body image variables, and eating disorder symptomology. Findings indicate the widespread occurrence of ARC among adolescent females, with body shape and size emerging as predominant targets. Experiences of ARC-victimisation positively correlated with increased concerns about body shape, body shame, and eating disorder symptomology. Conversely, experiences of ARC-victimisation were negatively correlated with body esteem and body appreciation. Finally, appearance-related cybervictimisation was significantly associated with adolescent females' desire to pursue appearance alterations through methods such as dieting and exercising, altering self-presentation, and undergoing cosmetic procedures due to perceived experiences of ARC. These findings highlight the urgent need for preventative measures, such as age-appropriate social media policies and health promotion programs that encourage positive online behaviour, and strategies to address the impacts of ARC to protect the mental well-being of adolescent females.

Cyberbullying directed towards appearance is a serious problem for many adolescent females. Our study examined how often this type of cyberbullying happens online and its impact on females aged 14­19. We found that many adolescent females experience appearance-related cyberbullying, where they are teased or insulted about their body shape, weight, or physical features. These experiences make them more likely to feel bad about their bodies, leading to harmful behaviours like extreme dieting or considering cosmetic surgery. These findings highlight the urgent need for action from schools, parents, and social media platforms to prevent this form of cyberbullying and support those affected.

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To investigate the dynamics of stomata, transpiration, and photosynthesis under varying light intensities and CO2 conditions during leaf development, the light response and CO2 response of stomatal conductance (g sw), transpiration rate (T r), and net photosynthetic rate (P n) were observed for rice leaves at different days after leaf emergence (DAE). The results showed that (1) as photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) increased, leaf g sw, T r, and P n initially increased rapidly and linearly, followed by a more gradual rise to maximum values, and then either stabilized or showed a declining trend. The maximum g sw, T r, and P n were smaller and occurred earlier for old leaves than for young leaves. The g sw, T r, and P n all exhibited a linear decreasing trend with increasing DAE, and the rate of decrease slowed down with the reduction in PAR; (2) as the CO2 concentration (C a) increased, g sw and T r decreased gradually to a stable minimum value, while P n increased linearly and slowly up to the maximum and then kept stable or decreased. The g sw, T r, and P n values initially kept high and then decreased with the increase of DAE. These results contribute to understanding the dynamics in g sw, T r, and P n during rice leaf growth and their response to varied light and CO2 concentration conditions and provide mechanistic support to estimate dynamic evapotranspiration and net ecosystem productivity at field-scale and a larger scale in paddy field ecosystems through the upscaling of leaf-level stomatal conductance, transpiration, and photosynthesis.

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Introduction: Social media usage carries risks of negative impacts on one's perception of physical attractiveness, especially among adolescents who are developing their self-image. These findings suggest that targeted interventions focusing on attention-seeking behaviors may be effective in addressing appearance-related anxieties among adolescents. Methods: We employed Bayesian analysis with Markov Chain Monte Carlo algorithms on survey data from 11,926 middle school students in China. Findings: Our findings indicate that while the amount of daily social media usage does not significantly correlate with appearance concerns, the desire for social media attention through interactions such as liking, commenting, and sharing shows a clear positive association. Female adolescents exhibit a higher degree of concern about their physical appearance compared to males. Additionally, behaviors aimed at improving perceived physical attractiveness, such as exercising and using skin-whitening products, are positively associated with increased appearance concerns. Discussion: These findings suggest that targeted interventions focusing on attention-seeking behaviors may be effective in addressing appearance-related anxieties among adolescents.

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