The impact of the COVID-19 virus disproportionately affected U.S. Indigenous peoples, who experienced the highest infection and death rates in comparison with non-Indigenous peoples. In this article, we use the framework of historical oppression, resilience, and transcendence (FHORT) to understand how Southeastern Indigenous peoples in the United States navigated hardships associated with the COVID-19 global pandemic. This culturally congruent framework contextualizes imbalances found at individual, family, and community ecological levels, illustrating a direct correlation to sociopolitical, historical, and cultural oppression. This research assessed interconnections of structural inequity and associated disruptions to Indigenous wholistic wellness amid the pandemic. Thirty-one community-based, critical ethnographic interviews were conducted following an Indigenous toolkit for ethical and culturally sensitive research to understand quantitative risk factors associated with participant responses to COVID-19. The following themes emerged: (a) racism, sexism, and discrimination; (b) increased trauma, financial stress, and violence; (c) physical symptoms; (d) impaired unity; and (e) disintegrated support and kinship networks. Risk factors associated with COVID-19 emerged in large part from systemic inequity, incongruence between Indigenous family values and physical distancing protocols, and impaired collectivism. Future crisis interventions should promote traditional protective factors to offset the impact of historical oppression, consistent with the FHORT.

Exposure to hazardous chemicals such as 2-methoxyethanol has the potential to reduce reproductive health quality, particularly through damage to Leydig cells as producers of testosterone. The low level of public knowledge, especially among women in Family Welfare Movement (PKK) groups as key actors in family health, may lead to a lack of awareness of chemical risks and the importance of prevention efforts through healthy lifestyles and the use of natural antioxidant compounds such as xanthone. This community service activity aimed to increase the knowledge and understanding of PKK members in RW 01 Sidomoro, Gresik regarding the dangers of chemical exposure to male reproductive health and the role of xanthone in cellular protection mechanisms through the Nrf2–Keap1 and Gpx4 pathways. The methods used included educational counseling through interactive lectures, visual media, discussions, and question-and-answer sessions. Understanding was evaluated using pre-test and post-test questionnaires written in simple language. The activity was attended by 120 participants. The evaluation results showed that after the counseling, all 120 participants had received the information, with 110 people (91.7%) demonstrating good understanding of the dangers of 2-methoxyethanol, the function of Leydig cells, the role of xanthone as an antioxidant, and preventive measures that can be implemented at the family level. Meanwhile, 10 people (8.3%) had not fully understood the material, particularly the scientific terms and molecular mechanisms. Overall, this educational counseling activity was effective in improving reproductive health literacy and awareness of the importance of protection against chemical exposure. In conclusion, follow- up assistance and repetition of the material using more practical and visual approaches are needed to help all participants achieve optimal understanding.

Cultural and ethnic characteristics of societies are among the significant factors influencing the attitudes of women and their spouses toward menopause. Whether menopause is perceived as a natural phase of life or a disease plays a critical role in shaping these attitudes. This cross-sectional and analytical study aimed to determine the attitudes of married women of reproductive-age and their husbands towards menopause. The sample consisted of 316 reproductive-aged married women and their spouses who visited the gynecology and obstetrics outpatient clinic of a university hospital between January and June 2024, met the inclusion criteria, and voluntarily agreed to participate. Data were collected using the Participant Information Form developed by the researchers and the “Attitude Towards Menopause Scale.” The mean age of the women was 37.92±7.26 years, while that of the men was 40.98±8.63 years. While 72.5% of the women reported having received information about menopause, only 38.6% of the men stated the same. The mean total score of women on the Attitude Towards Menopause Scale was found to be 40.12±10.04. Statistically significant differences were observed between women and men regarding their views on menopause-related statements such as “Menopause is a disease,” “Menopause is beneficial,” and “Sexuality decreases during menopause” (p<0.05). This study reveals gender-based differences in knowledge, perception, and attitudes regarding menopause. While women possessed more information about menopause, men exhibited more knowledge gaps and prejudiced evaluations. These findings underscore the importance of educational programs that include men and are based on a gender-sensitive approach. Implementing such education efforts at the family and community levels is crucial for fostering healthier and more supportive attitudes toward menopause.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with reduced functional exercise capacity and increased sedentary behavior, both of which worsen prognosis. Although rehabilitation is a standard intervention, its impact on physical activity and gut microbiota remains incompletely understood. The present study enrolled 37 stable COPD patients and based on 6-min walk distance (6MWD), patients were classified into higher and lower functional exercise capacity. Physical activity was monitored using a tri-axial accelerometer, and gut microbiome composition was analyzed via 16S rRNA sequencing before and after a 12-week, home-based, rehabilitation program. At baseline, the higher functional exercise capacity group had significantly greater lower limb muscle mass, phase angle, and time spent in moderate-to-vigorous activity than the lower functional exercise capacity group. Rehabilitation did not significantly improve 6MWD or muscle mass in either group. However, sedentary time decreased significantly in the higher functional exercise capacity group, whereas it increased in the lower group. Gut microbiome profiles differed between the two groups at baseline and showed distinct changes after rehabilitation. Notably, the family level for Enterococcaceae decreased post-intervention only in the higher functional exercise capacity group. In COPD patients with higher functional exercise capacity, distinct changes in the gut microbiota were observed among participants whose sedentary time decreased.

The low quantitative accuracy of conventional small noncoding RNA sequencing (sncRNA-seq) methods due to extensive ligation bias commonly limits functional investigation of microRNAs (miRNAs) and PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs). Here, we develop 4NBoost, a single-tube sncRNA-seq protocol designed to minimize bias in the estimated absolute quantification of miRNA and piRNA transcripts through the incorporation of quantitative exogenous RNA spike-ins. With 4NBoost, we profile sncRNA expression across 20 murine tissues, 18 macaque tissues, and 24 widely used cell lines, as well as 4 Arabidopsis tissues, to establish a comprehensive quantitative reference atlas. Compared with existing small RNA databases, our data reveal substantial biases in miRNA abundance, strand selection, and tissue-specific expression at both individual and family levels. To further extend its utility, we employ machine learning to model and correct biases in conventional datasets, effectively recovering ground truth transcript abundances. All 4NBoost data and the accompanying bias-correction model are freely available via SmRNAQuant (http://wulg-lab.sibcb.ac.cn/SmRNAQuant/), a web-based repository for exploring sncRNA expression. Together, the 4NBoost, bias-correction model, and SmRNAQuant provide powerful resources to advance sncRNA research.

Species' ranges are shifting in response to increasing temperature and decreasing oxygen in coastal oceans. Predicting these shifts is limited by information on physiological oxygen thresholds and how they depend on temperature. Here we collate laboratory‐derived measurements of a common oxygen threshold, p crit , for 148 animal species that span six phyla, and fit a hierarchical model based on taxonomy to impute threshold values for all based on taxonomy, body size, and environmental temperature. As expected, p crit increased with increasing temperature and body size, and these temperature‐ and body size effects were broadly similar among species. Generally, variation in p crit measurements was estimated to be most pronounced at the taxonomic family and species level, although the partitioning of variance was relatively imprecise. We demonstrate application of these estimates for species distribution modeling of six groundfish species that reside in the coastal waters of the US and Canadian Pacific coast, finding that models that used imputed values sometimes – but not always – improved the performance of species distribution models compared to models that use environmental pO 2 alone. This modeling framework and data can support species distribution modeling for marine species by providing an alternative way to consider the role of shifting oxygen levels and temperatures on species ranges.

Zhi-Shen Pill ameliorates impaired glucose tolerance by targeting pancreatic β-cell and adipocyte pathways.

Development and Validation of Risk Assessment Models for Anxiety and Depression in Chinese Children with Childhood Household Dysfunction.

Why do adolescents hurt themselves? A qualitative study.

Introduction Dysbiosis of the microbiota-gut-brain axis contribute to the neurodegenerative process of Parkinson’s disease (PD), and dysbiosis and inflammatory responses represent key mechanisms. This study aims to explore the structural changes in the composition of the gut microbiota and the alterations in the inflammatory response mediated by the TLR4/NF-κB pathway in a rotenone-induced PD mouse model, as well as the correlation between the two. Methods The motor coordination and spontaneous locomotor activity of the PD mouse model were evaluated using the Rota-Rod test, pole climbing test and open field test. The expression of α-synuclein (α-syn) and the activation status of the TLR4/NF-κB pathway were analyzed by western blot, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) combined with immunohistochemistry. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to quantitatively detect the levels of LPS and pro-inflammatory indicators TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6. The diversity, composition structure and differential abundance of the gut microbiota were analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing, and correlation analysis was conducted between some microbiota and inflammatory indicators related to the activation of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. Results Mechanistic investigation revealed that rotenone activated the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in the midbrain substantia nigra (SN) and colon tissues, accompanied by a significant increase in LPS levels and pro-inflammatory indicators. 16S rRNA sequencing analysis revealed that the alpha diversity of the gut microbiota were reduced in the model group, the beta diversity structure was altered. In terms of microbiota composition, at the phylum level, the relative abundance of Bacteroidota decreased, while Actinobacteria and Tenericutes increased. At the family level, the relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae and Bacteroidaceae decreased, while the relative abundance of Erysipelotrichaceae and Akkermansiaceae increased. Correlation analysis indicated that the relative abundance of specific bacterial families was significantly correlated with PD motor function indicators, the expression levels of α-syn mRNA in the midbrain SN, the TLR4/NF-κB pathway, and inflammatory indicators. Conclusion This study demonstrates a key role of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in the microbiota-gut-brain axis of a rotenone-induced PD mouse model, where gut microbiota dysbiosis exhibits a significant correlation with inflammation induced by TLR4/NF-κB activation.

This review synthesizes informal caregivers' experiences of feeding children with cancer. Alterations in eating behaviors among children with cancer affect their nutritional status, resulting in various adverse consequences. Besides interventions provided by health care professionals, the role of informal caregivers, often parents, family members, or relatives, in supporting and maintaining adequate nutrition is equally important. Exploring informal caregivers' experiences in feeding their children can offer valuable insights for enhancing nutritional care. This review included qualitative studies, as well as the qualitative components of mixed method studies, examining the experiences of informal caregivers in feeding children with cancer aged 2 to 18 years. Caregivers of any gender or age were included. Studies published in English or Thai up to August 18, 2025, were considered. This review followed the JBI approach for qualitative systematic reviews. Published and gray literature were searched in PubMed, Embase (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCOhost), Scopus, LILACS (BVS), ThaiJO (TCI), and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses (ProQuest). No language restrictions were applied and no date limit was set. Reference lists of the included studies were searched for additional relevant studies. Two independent reviewers separately screened for eligible studies and performed the critical appraisal. Two reviewers extracted the data, and 3 reviewers conducted the synthesis using meta-aggregation, and summarized the findings. The final synthesized findings were graded using the ConQual approach. A total of 28 studies across 13 countries, spanning 6 continents were included, with 137 extracted findings (unequivocal=135, credible=2) and narrative illustrations. These findings were combined to form 19 categories based on similarity in meaning and 4 synthesized findings: i) Informal caregivers of children with cancer adapted their meal preparation strategies, at times prioritizing a child's intake over nutritional value when appetite is poor; ii) Informal caregivers of children with cancer used a spectrum of strategies during mealtimes to support nutritional intake, from positive encouragement and incentivization to more coercive tactics; iii) Informal caregivers of children with cancer perceived their children's altered eating behaviors as significantly affecting caregivers' well-being and family dynamics; and iv) Informal caregivers of children with cancer face feeding-related difficulties shaped by both personal understanding and external support systems. This review highlights the diverse feeding strategies used by caregivers during meal preparation and mealtimes. Caregivers reported difficulties in managing their children's altered eating behaviors, such as emotional distress at the individual level and disrupted shared meals at the family level. Multilevel facilitators and unmet needs were also identified, including difficulty understanding their child's experiences and supports from relatives, but there was limited access to tailored dietary guidance. Health care providers should, therefore, offer practical dietary advice and support to ease caregiver burden while promoting children's nutritional well-being. Future research should explore feeding experiences both before and after a child's cancer diagnosis to provide a more comprehensive understanding. PROSPERO CRD42024501382.

ABSTRACT Left-behind children in remote areas of China have long been in an environment without parental presence and lagging behind in educational quality. This has resulted in a lack of career guidance at the level of family and school education, and a general lag behind their urban peers in terms of career literacy. The study proposes the Future Resume as a participatory design fiction approach, to support children in remote mountainous areas in constructing visions of their future careers. A group of 20 first-year students from a middle school in Leye County, Guangxi, China, participated in the workshop and were guided by Future Resume to envision their 2050 career landscape. The results showed that the approach not only effectively enabled teenagers to express their voices and perspectives but also improved their future career literacy and enhanced their sense of self-efficacy and self-empowerment.

ABSTRACT Background: In many developing countries, women’s mental health is severely compromised due to the prevalence of various social evils, including domestic violence. India exemplifies this troubling trend, which has garnered attention from researchers and international organizations. Materials and Methods: This study conducted a thorough literature review across various electronic databases. A range of keywords related to social work interventions and the mental health of victims of domestic violence were used to encompass diverse studies and viewpoints. Results and Discussion: Results of this review emphasize that domestic violence manifests in numerous ways, including physical, psychological, sexual, intellectual and emotional abuse, involving systematic abuse of authority as well as insidious behavior, significantly impacting women’s physical and mental health. Common mental health issues identified among victims include anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and stress-related disorders. Factors contributing to domestic violence are multifaceted, including perpetrator traits, socioeconomic conditions, and cultural acceptance of violence as conflict resolution. Some of these factors include anxiety disorders, suicidal thoughts and behaviors, unhealthy lifestyles, acute stress and PTSD, psychotic disorder, and substance abuse. The findings of the study reveal that crisis intervention, counseling, and psychotherapy are some of the major interventions by social workers. Conclusion: While numerous organizations are actively working to address domestic violence and its effects on women’s mental health, there is a pressing need for early psychosocial interventions at individual, familial, and societal levels, especially in women exhibiting psychological distress or unexplained medical symptoms.

This study aimed to classify Escherichia coli phages using bioinformatics analysis systematically and to establish corresponding PCR and qPCR detection methods for rapid molecular typing and identification. Based on 419 complete E. coli phage genomes available in NCBI, phylogenetic and pan-genomic analyses were conducted to classify the phages at the family, subfamily, and genus levels and to identify highly conserved core genes. Specific primers targeting these core genes were designed, and their specificity, sensitivity, and reproducibility were verified using conventional PCR and dye-based qPCR. A total of 357 phages were successfully classified, encompassing 10 families, 20 subfamilies, and 67 genera. Pan-genomic analysis identified type-specific core genes within 16 taxa, including Ackermannviridae and Demerecviridae, for which 16 pairs of primers were designed. Validation using bacteriophages isolated from Xinjiang cattle farms showed distinct single PCR bands with high specificity, and the qPCR assay achieved a sensitivity of up to 10−5 µg/µL. This study established an efficient and broad-spectrum molecular typing and detection method for E. coli phages, providing a powerful preliminary screening tool for phage selection.

Ticks, recognized as the second most significant vector of pathogens after mosquitoes, are of considerable interest in medical research. Although mitochondrial genomes are commonly employed in the phylogenetic studies of insects and arthropods, investigations into tick mitochondrial genomes are relatively scarce. The evolutionary and phylogenetic relationships at the family and genus levels remain unresolved. In this study, the mitochondrial genomes of Haemaphysalis warburtoni, Ixodes crenulatus, Rhipicephalus bursa , and Rhipicephalus pumilio were first sequenced and annotated based on the Illumina NovaSeq 6,000 platform, and compared with the mitochondrial genes of 150 other hard ticks. All examined tick mitochondrial genomes exhibit a notable AT bias, with A+T content ranging significantly from 72.28% to 81.06%. They also exhibit distinct codon usage patterns, with most codons ending in either A or U. A phylogenetic analysis, based on 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), confirms that the Ixodidae family forms a monophyletic group. Based on the phylogenetic analysis of 13 protein-coding genes, the relationships of Ixodidae family as follows: Ixodes + ( Robertsicus + (( Bothriocroton + Archaeocroton + Cryptocroton + Haemaphysalis ) + ( Amblyomma + ( Dermacentor + ( Rhipicentor + ( Hyalomma + Rhipicephalus )))))). This study provides in-depth insights into tick mitochondrial genomes, offering important references for research on their systematics, evolution, and species identification, while also laying the groundwork for tick-borne disease control and public health risk assessment.

Political disagreements within families can undermine both individual and relational well-being. This study analyzed varying configurations of parent-child political discordance—including partisan-partisan and partisan-neutral dyads—in Hong Kong ( N = 586) following the 2019 social unrest and examined its familial and psychological consequences over two weeks ( n = 200). Findings indicate that neutral-partisan dyads, similar to their partisan-counterparts, exhibited significantly larger differences in support for government, police, and anti-government protestors compared to politically concordant dyads. Dyads in which one member supported the anti-government (“ yellow ”) camp and the other supported the pro-government (“ blue ”) camp or identified as neutral reported lower levels of positive communication and poorer family functioning than dyads sharing the same stance. Mediation analyses revealed that reduced positive communication explained the impact of political discordance on increased psychological distress across discordant dyads. However, this mediation effect on family functioning was observed only in yellow - neutral and yellow - blue dyads. By incorporating partisan-neutral disagreements into the analysis, this study offers an ecologically valid account of parent-child political discordance among partisan and neutral family members, highlighting the potential threat to both personal and family well-being when intrafamilial communication is compromised.

The application of essential oils and plant extracts as natural food preservatives has gained increasing interest; however, their potential impacts on gut health and host physiology remain unknown. This study evaluated the effects of synergistic combinations of peppermint essential oil (EO) + thyme EO and peppermint EO + feijoa peel extract on gut microbiota composition and colonic morphology in a rat model. Sprague–Dawley rats were orally given the synergistic combinations daily for 28 days, and their effects were assessed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing of the caecum microbiota and histological analysis of proximal colon tissues. Alpha diversity metrics showed no significant differences (p > 0.05) between treatment and control groups, and beta diversity indicated no treatment-related shift in the bacterial communities. Taxonomic profiling at the phylum, family, and genus levels showed comparable relative abundances of dominant microbial taxa across all treatments, with no evidence of dysbiosis. Histological examination of proximal colon tissues revealed no significant changes in crypt depth between treated and control groups, confirming the absence of adverse morphological effects on the intestinal epithelium. The results of this study indicate that synergistic combinations of peppermint EO, thyme EO, and feijoa peel extract do not adversely affect the gut microbiota composition and colonic morphology in rats, thereby supporting their application as preservatives in foods.

Abstract In the present study, we document the diversity and distribution of dioecious flowering plants in Uttar Pradesh, India, based on extensive field surveys conducted over a period of four and a half years, supplemented by herbarium records and a comprehensive review of published literature. A total of 116 dioecious species, representing 70 genera and 30 families distributed across 18 orders of angiosperms, were recorded. Plant collections were systematically carried out in accordance with the forest types of the state, classified based on ecological characteristics, rainfall patterns, climatic parameters and vegetation composition. Among these, the Tropical Moist Deciduous (TMD) exhibited the highest species richness, supporting 64 dioecious species, indicating their significant role as reservoirs of reproductive diversity. The recorded taxa comprise herbs (11 species), shrubs (12 species), climbers (42 species), and trees (51 species), with a marked predominance of perennial species (97) over annuals (19). Flowering phenology indicated that the majority of species (39) flower during the monsoon season, underscoring the influence of rainfall and humidity on reproductive timing in dioecious taxa. Dioecy was found to be more common in dicots and comparatively rare in monocots. At the family level, Cucurbitaceae emerged as the most species-rich, comprising 6 genera and 12 species, followed by Dioscoreaceae (1 genus, 11 species) and Menispermaceae (8 genera, 10 species). Notably, Menispermaceae exhibited the highest generic diversity consisting 8 genera, followed by Cucurbitaceae and Phyllanthaceae (6 genera each). Ethnobotanical assessment revealed that a substantial proportion of the dioecious species possess utilitarian significance with 87 species used in traditional medicine, 62 species utilized as food plants, and 13 species valued for timber. Conservation assessment based on IUCN Red List criteria (IUCN, 2024) indicated that 56% (65 species) of the recorded taxa are categorized as Not Evaluated (NE), 41% (47 species) as Least Concern (LC), and 3% (4 species) as Data Deficient (DD). Overall, the documented dioecious taxa constitute approximately 0.69% of the total flowering plant species, 2.52% of the genera, and 11.19% of the families recorded at the national level. Within Uttar Pradesh, they represent about 4.27% of the species, 6.43% of the genera, and 16.21% of the flowering plant families.

A portable urban filter (P-PUF), equipped with physical filtration materials and specialized aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, was integrated into vertical crab farming systems to maintain water quality throughout crab cultivation. To precisely monitor water quality, an auto-sensor water quality monitoring system (Asor WQM) was employed. The objective of this study was to assess bacterial diversity and abundance in the rearing water of vertical crab farming treated with the P-PUF and Asor WQM (T.P-PUF), in comparison to conventional filtration (C.K) system. Bacterial diversity and abundance were evaluated through 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and culturable methods. Our results demonstrate a notably higher bacterial diversity in the T.P-PUF treatment compared to the C.K. The top five bacterial phyla in both treatments were Pseudomonadota, Bacteroidota, Bacillota, Actinomycetota, and Acidobacteriota. The differences were observed in the composition of Bacillota and Bacteroidota between the two treatments, with T.P-PUF showing an increased abundance of Bacillota and C.K exhibiting a higher prevalence of Bacteroidota. At the family level, the bacterial community in T.P-PUF was primarily composed of Vibrionaceae, whereas Pseudoalteromadaceae dominated in C.K. The culturable method revealed that T.P-PUF substantially increased the abundance of total bacteria, nitrifying bacteria, and denitrifying bacteria in the rearing water compared to C.K. These findings indicate that the application of T.P-PUF leads to a distinct and more diverse bacterial community in the rearing water of mud crab culture, potentially enhancing the overall health and quality of crab production

Transgender individuals experience notable disparities in life outcomes relative to their cisgender counterparts. This explanatory mixed-methods study aimed to explore the relationships between early experiences and gender identity to identify factors contributing to different life outcomes among the transgender community. Quantitative data were analyzed from the 2023 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), including 284,929 transgender and cisgender adults in the United States. Online qualitative interviews were conducted among 21 transgender individuals to expand upon the quantitative findings. In the quantitative component, transgender respondents reported significantly more adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and worse outcomes in mental health, education, and income than cisgender respondents. Key factors such as lack of support, exposure to mental health and substances, household incarceration, and neglect significantly interacted with gender to predict poor life outcomes. In the qualitative component, five themes emerged from the thematic analysis, relating to participant experiences: the impact of family dysfunction, body discomfort before and after transitioning, relatedness and belonging, the importance of social support, and community and healthcare dilemmas. These findings highlight the importance of support systems at the familial, community, and healthcare levels. Transgender individuals who reported positive family functioning, strong support networks, and access to care were found to have better life outcomes. Future research endeavors should examine the perspectives of family members, friends, school faculty, and healthcare professionals to gain a more comprehensive understanding of factors contributing to social inequities within the transgender community.