Family Level Research Articles

Mitochondrial proteomic adaptations to daily torpor in the Djungarian hamster (Phodopus sungorus).

Hibernation is an adaptive strategy that conserves energy in response to environmental challenges. While mitochondrial proteomic adaptations are well-documented in deep hibernators, the proteomic changes underlying daily torpor remain less clear. We investigated mitochondrial proteomic adaptations in the liver of a daily hibernator, the Djungarian hamster (Phodopus sungorus), across different hibernation phases. Hamsters were maintained under long-day (summer) or short-day photoperiods (winter), to induce torpor. Livers from summer, torpor, and interbout euthermia phases were analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry with labelled standards of mitochondrial energy metabolism proteins, resulting in accurate quantitative proteomics. Differential protein regulation was assessed using empirical Bayes models with false discovery rate correction. Increased abundance of fatty acid oxidation enzymes during hibernation indicates a seasonal metabolic shift toward lipid utilization, similar to deep hibernators. Additionally, torpor featured elevated complex II subunits and tricarboxylic acid cycle enzymes representing evolutionary adaptations specific to daily torpor, likely to cater higher energy demands necessary to maintain torpid body temperature above 15°C in near-freezing ambient temperatures. This represents evolutionary adaptations specific to daily torpor. Increased levels of the mitochondrial uncoupling-related solute carrier family 25 member 5 (SLC25A5) may be responsible for both thermogenesis and limiting production of reactive oxygen species. Furthermore, the selective upregulation of SOD2 during torpor underscores its critical role in mitigating reactive oxygen species accumulation during metabolic transitions. In summary, daily torpor exhibits unique mitochondrial proteomic adaptations that distinguish it from deep torpor, which may be necessary to enable torpor at body temperatures well above the ambient temperature.

The Southern Italian Children, Adolescents and paRents cOhort Study on nutrition and health: protocol of the ICARO Study

In Italy, around 30% of children and adolescents are overweight or obese, with higher rates in the South. Parental dietary habits influence children’s eating behaviours, yet most studies focus on food composition without considering the level of food processing. The Nova classification categorises foods by processing levels, suggesting that food processing may affect health beyond nutritional content. Ultra-processed foods (UPFs), such as sugary drinks and packaged snacks, are calorie-dense and contain cosmetic food additives. High UPF consumption is linked to obesity, chronic diseases, and poor cognitive development in children. However, no comprehensive up-to-date assessment of UPF consumption among Italian children exists. To address this gap, the ICARO Study was launched in Southern Italy as a web-based cohort of children, adolescents, and their parents. This study aims to evaluate UPF consumption and its correlates, and assess the impact of a nutrition education intervention on reducing UPF intake at the family level.

An Ounce of Prevention: The Growing Need for Preventive Neurologists.

The global burden of neurologic disorders is rising, driven by aging populations and improved survival following acute neurologic events. As a result, more individuals are living with long-term disabilities from conditions such as stroke, dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. Despite significant advances in neurology, there remains an urgent need for a preventive approach to mitigate these trends. Growing evidence highlights the effectiveness of preventive strategies, including lifestyle modifications and risk factor management, in preserving brain health and reducing the risk of stroke, neurodegenerative conditions, and cognitive decline. Preventive neurology operates within a multilevel framework, ranging from direct patient-centered interventions to systemic policy actions requiring organizational and societal support. Neurologists are uniquely positioned as advocates for brain health, promoting preventive strategies in line with the American Academy of Neurology's Brain Health Initiative. This article explores how neurologists can drive change across individual, family, community, and policy levels by leveraging their clinical expertise, community engagement, and health policy influence. Sustainable progress in brain health will also require system-level changes that integrate preventive goals into the fabric of health care delivery, public health infrastructure, and policy frameworks. Special attention is given to underserved populations, who bear a disproportionate burden of neurologic diseases. Through targeted interventions, public health initiatives, and collaborative care models, preventive neurologists can shape brain health outcomes across the lifespan. Training neurologists with a preventive focus will integrate brain health promotion into standard neurology practice, complementing disease management. By addressing the root causes and risk factors of neurologic conditions, preventive neurology provides a pathway to improving quality of life while reducing the global health care burden.

An examination of the relationship between negative emotions and family dynamics in individuals with internet addiction

BackgroundThis study investigates the characteristics and typologies of family cohesion and adaptability among individuals diagnosed with Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD), and explores the associations between these family dynamics and levels of depression and anxiety. The findings aim to inform the theoretical underpinnings of family-based therapeutic interventions for IAD.MethodsA cross-sectional survey design was adopted, employing four well-validated instruments: the Young Diagnostic Questionnaire for Addiction, the Family Cohesion and Adaptability Scale, the Depression Scale, and the Anxiety Scale. The sample comprised 150 individuals diagnosed with IAD from the outpatient department of the Second People’s Hospital of Hunan Province, and a control group of 150 age- and gender-matched individuals without IAD. Statistical analyses, including independent sample t-tests and Pearson correlation analyses, were conducted using SPSS version 27.0.Results(1) Compared to the control group, individuals with IAD reported significantly lower scores in both actual intimacy and actual adaptability, as well as in ideal adaptability, on the FACES scale (all P < 0.001). Dissatisfaction scores for both intimacy and adaptability were significantly higher in the IAD group (P < 0.002). The predominant family typologies identified in the IAD group were disengaged (49.3%) and rigid (80.0%). (2) Levels of depression and anxiety were significantly elevated in the IAD group compared to the control group (P < 0.001). (3) Actual and ideal scores of family intimacy and adaptability were negatively correlated with depression and anxiety scores in the IAD group (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe findings highlight the necessity of a dual-focused intervention strategy. Preventive programs should prioritize individuals exhibiting lower levels of family cohesion and adaptability, with an emphasis on educating parents about the crucial influence of family dynamics on child development and providing guidance on improving the home environment. Concurrently, attention to the mental health of children is essential. Early identification and intervention for symptoms of depression and anxiety may help prevent the escalation of comorbid conditions such as Internet Addiction Disorder and emotional dysregulation, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of therapeutic outcomes.

Humanized care in pediatric care: family, emotional and spiritual impact

Introduction: Family participation in pediatric care turns out to be a need felt by caregivers with infants, transforming person-centered care; therefore, we sought to analyze on humanized care in pediatric care services, as well as how this affects at emotional, family and spiritual level. Methods: Qualitative research, with descriptive design of bibliographic review type with a sample of 30 articles. The information was collected in indexed databases such as Scopus, Scielo, Pubmed and Redalyc, using keywords in English, Spanish and Portuguese, together with Boolean operators (AND, OR); these were structured in an Excel matrix for analysis using the CASPe rubric. Result: Humanized care in pediatric services has a significant and positive impact on their overall well-being. This approach, based on respect, empathy, and effective communication, favors the construction of an environment of trust that facilitates the emotional accompaniment of caregivers throughout the health care process. Conclusion: Pediatric care significantly improves emotional, family and spiritual well-being. Empathetic, communicative and respectful care reduces stress, anxiety and vulnerability in patients and their families. Therefore, the implementation of the open-door model promotes family participation, improves clinical evolution, and optimizes treatment outcomes by integrating the family into the care.

Feeding amylolytic and fibrolytic exogenous enzymes in feedlot diets: effects on ruminal parameters, nitrogen balance and microbial diversity of Nellore cattle

BackgroundThe environmental impact of feedlot operations is a growing concern, as cattle excrete a significant portion of feed nutrients as waste. Exogenous feed enzymes (EFE) have gained interest for their potential to enhance feed efficiency in ruminants by improving nutrient digestion. However, EFE effects on ruminal parameters have shown inconsistencies, with limited research on nitrogen metabolism and rumen microbiome impacts. Moreover, the synergistic effects of combining different EFEs remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of individual and combined EFE products in feedlot diets on ruminal fermentation parameters, nitrogen metabolism, and ruminal microbial communities. Ten rumen-cannulated Nellore steers [543 ± 28.6 kg of body weight (BW)] were distributed in a replicated Latin-square design (5 × 5) in individual pens. Treatments included: control (CON, no EFE supplementation), amylase [AML, 0.5 g/kg of diet dry matter (DM)], xylanase (FBL, 0.9 g/kg DM), half dose combination (HD, 0.25 g of AML + 0.45 g of FBL/kg of DM), and full dose combination (FD, 0.5 g of AML + 0.90 g of FBL/kg of DM). The experimental period lasted 19 d and included total urine and feces collection (d 15 to 18) and rumen fluid sampling (d 19) at 0, 4, 8, 12, and 16 h post-feeding for ammonia, volatile fatty acids (VFA), pH and microbiome analysis.ResultsEFE supplemented animals exhibited lower ruminal ammonia concentrations (P = 0.040), and higher acetate proportions (P < 0.001) compared to the control group. EFE supplementation resulted in reduced nitrogen (N) excretion in feces (P = 0.049) and urine (P = 0.036), contributing to improved N retention and efficiency (P = 0.045). Additionally, EFE products induced shifts in various microbial taxa at family and genera levels (P ≤ 0.10), which may be associated with the changes observed in ruminal fermentation.ConclusionsOur findings demonstrate that EFE supplementation enhances nitrogen retention, reduces ruminal ammonia, and alters ruminal fermentation profiles and microbial populations in feedlot cattle. While the expected synergism between amylase and xylanase did not significantly impact rumen fermentation parameters, it did induce shifts in the rumen microbiome. These results suggest that EFE supplementation may be a promising strategy for improving nutrient utilization and potentially reducing the environmental impact of feedlot operations.

Addressing Childhood Criminality in Low-Income Communities: the Protective Effect of Prosocial Dynamics Against Crime

This article draws on previous psychological and criminological research to examine how prosocial dynamics within low-income families and communities can decrease childhood criminal behavior. The study is motivated by previous research into childhood criminality, which shows a strong correlation between experiences of living in a low-income community and childhood criminality and note that such correlation is often connected to abusive, antisocial, and unsafe conditions in families and communities. By drawing on research into supportive parenting styles, protective school activities, and inclusive community programs, I argue that the promotion of prosocial dynamics is protective against childhood crime, especially in low-income communities. To further support this claim, I use attachment theory–which demonstrates the impact of relationships (especially within families) on a person’s psychosocial development and behavior–to understand and explain the need for greater prosocial dynamics within families and communities. I conclude that more efforts need to be made, both on a family and community level, to encourage prosocial dynamics through one-on-one and group activities such as in-home nursing programs, mentor guidance, and afterschool workshops, in order to help reduce the risk of childhood crime.

Parental Burnout: A Progressive Condition Potentially Compromising Family Well-Being-A Narrative Review.

Parental burnout is one of today's significant challenges, increasingly manifesting as a problem in our fast-paced world. The aim of this review is to create an exploratory, descriptive summary of parental burnout through the analysis of available international publications, providing a clearer and more accurate understanding of the psychological condition, severity, manifestations, and treatment options. Our narrative literature review includes publications from 2010 onwards, focusing on those that directly address the topic of parental burnout syndrome and contain epidemiological data, risk factors, symptoms, diagnostic possibilities, and treatment strategies. We excluded publications that examined the condition within narrow societal groups, such as parents caring for children with somatic mental disorders. Based on our review, it appears that parental burnout may potentially affect both women and men. Factors such as low emotional intelligence, workplace stress, and lack of supportive family background render parents vulnerable to this condition. Significant differences in the prevalence of parental burnout can be measured between countries, due to cultural differences. Parental burnout has extremely detrimental effects on family dynamics and the emotional development of children, and it can negatively impact the willingness to have more children at the family level, which has dire consequences considering the low birth rates characteristic of European countries.

Arthropod diversity dynamics in guava and cherimoya plantations affected by Solenopsis invicta invasion.

The red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta, RIFA) is one of the most ecologically disruptive invasive species, yet its impacts on arthropod biodiversity within subtropical orchard agroecosystems-particularly guava (Psidium guajava) and cherimoya (Annona cherimola) plantations-remain insufficiently quantified. This study investigated how RIFA invasion influences arthropod community composition, diversity and trophic group dynamics across these 2 plantation systems in southern China. Results indicated that RIFA invasions significantly reduced both order- and family-level richness and evenness. Arthropod order richness declined markedly in invaded areas, with only 8 orders detected in invaded cherimoya plots compared to 11 in non-invaded plots. At the family level, diversity decreased by 75% in guava plantations (from 8 to 2 families) and by 60% in cherimoya plantations (from 10 to 4 families). In invaded plots, RIFAs constituted over 80% of the total arthropod population. Hedges' g effect sizes further revealed substantial increases in overall arthropod abundance (+277.62%) and RIFA-specific abundance (+357.42%), coupled with significant declines in family richness (-16.29%) and non-RIFA arthropod abundance (-22.78%). Piecewise structural equation modeling indicated that RIFA exerted strong, negative impacts on detritivores and omnivores, while herbivores were less affected, indirectly suppressing predators by reducing their prey base. Collectively, these findings suggested that RIFA invasion drove pronounced taxonomic homogenization, functional simplification and trophic imbalance within agricultural landscapes. Effective, long-term monitoring and biodiversity-focused management strategies are urgently needed to mitigate the ecological degradation driven by RIFA invasions in these critical agroecosystems.

High-risk Gastrointestinal Cancer Clinic

Abstract High-Risk Colorectal Cancer Clinics were established within Gastroenterology to prevent colorectal cancer in the high-risk population. Over time, these clinics have expanded their scope and evolved into High-Risk Gastrointestinal Cancer Clinics, which now address individuals at high risk for various digestive neoplasms beyond just colorectal cancer. Gastroenterologists with expertise in genetics coordinate the programs; however, a multidisciplinary team is essential to ensure comprehensive care for high-risk patients. It is important to note that these clinics differ from standard Digestive System consultations. The focus is on the family instead of the individual, and the primary objective is prevention at the family level, rather than treatment for individual patients.

Disaster Literacy Levels of Families with Special Needs Children and Associated Factors: A Descriptive-Correlational Study

Disaster Literacy Levels of Families with Special Needs Children and Associated Factors: A Descriptive-Correlational Study

Safeguarding Strategies for Psychological Anxiety and Synergistic Social Adaptation Mechanisms for College Students in the AI Era

This study investigates safeguarding strategies for psychological anxiety and synergistic social adaptation mechanisms for college students in the AI era through empirical analysis. The findings reveal that psychological anxiety manifests as a four-dimensional interactive dynamic involving societal pressures, educational involution, familial conflicts, and individual vulnerabilities. Under AI-driven societal transformations, a bidirectional safeguarding-adaptation framework is established: at the societal level, deploying AI algorithms to optimize mental health resource allocation and construct intelligent anxiety monitoring systems; at the educational level, integrating AI ethics education into curricula and developing adaptive counseling platforms to mitigate academic involution; at the familial level, enabling privacy-preserving home-school collaboration via encrypted smart terminals and big data-driven psychological risk prediction; at the individual level, cultivating AI-era competencies including algorithmic discernment and technology-mediated emotional regulation. By formalizing a four-in-one synergistic mechanism integrating “sociotechnical systems, educational governance, familial support, and individual competencies,” this research provides actionable pathways for aligning AI-driven safeguarding strategies with social adaptation in intelligent societies.

Parental burnout and child well-being: A dyadic analysis among mothers and fathers.

This study investigates the impact of parental burnout on children's daily well-being, a topic that currently remains underexplored in research. Using a daily diary methodology, we assessed the mean levels of child well-being as reported by parents across days and examined their relationship with both maternal and paternal burnout. Data were collected from 85 couples (85 mothers and 85 fathers) over an 8-day period, with parental burnout measured at baseline and child well-being assessed both at baseline and via daily reports. The findings indicate a significant association between maternal burnout and both mothers' and fathers' perceptions of their children's well-being, whereas the link with paternal burnout was weaker and more variable, making its interpretation more complex. While the study contributes to our understanding of the association between parental burnout and child well-being, future research should focus on incorporating children's self-reported perspectives, examining how the impact of burnout varies across ages, and considering diverse family structures. Addressing parental burnout will require interventions at both familial and societal levels to mitigate chronic stress and promote healthier family environments. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).

Understanding bullying factors among female students with learning difficulties: implications for social inclusion and support

ABSTRACT One of the key roles of schools is to create a safe environment by fostering a positive school climate free of bullying. However, approximately 25% of Saudi students experience bullying (F. S. AlBuhairan et al. 2016), raising concerns about the inclusion of students with LD in mainstream Saudi classrooms. This qualitative research explores factors contributing to the bullying experiences of primary school girls with LD, focusing on difficulties in reading, writing, and mathematics, as well as the impact of special education provision. Interviews were conducted with female stakeholders; 10 students identified with LD, 6 mothers, 10 teachers, and 10 school counsellors. The findings revealed how attending part-time special education classes can exacerbate bullying, particularly through the dynamic of pulling students out of their regular classrooms to resource rooms. Internal factors, such as low self-esteem, and external factors, including teachers’ behaviours and teaching strategies, were identified as significant contributors. Using the PPCT model of Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory, the study highlights how bullying is shaped by interactions within the immediate environments of students with LD, involving individual characteristics and contextual factors across school, family, and cultural levels. This study provides a comprehensive framework for understanding bullying among students with LD, with implications for enhancing their social inclusion. It offers valuable insights for policymakers, teachers, school counsellors, and researchers in developing effective interventions to prevent bullying and foster inclusive school environments, and it stands as the first study to capture student voices on this matter in Saudi Arabia.

Diet of Mainland Leopard Cat Prionailurus bengalensis within and outside a Protected Area in Arunachal Pradesh, India

Abstract The Mainland Leopard Cat (MLC) has a wide global distribution but information on its diet is restricted to a few locations. We collected 376 scats from Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary (EWS) and surrounding areas outside the Protected Area (PA) in Arunachal Pradesh, India, from 2014 to 2016. We assigned scats to MLC using felid-specific primers and DNA sequencing. Eighty-nine scats were used for diet estimation (PA: n = 45; outside PA: n = 44). We examined segregated prey items from scats under a microscope. Rodent teeth were identified to the family level. Rodents dominated the diet of MLC within and outside the PA, occurring in 96 % of all scats analysed and belonged to Family Muridae, Cricetidae and Sciuridae, with Muridae being the most common. The major difference in the diet of MLC within and outside the PA was in the consumption of the Sikkim Vole (Cricetidae) which occurred in a higher percentage of scats found within the PA. This difference was largely due to the higher elevations of scat locations within the PA. Our study emphasises the role of the MLC as a major predator of rodents.

Ethical aspects of limiting end-of-Life treatment of adult patients at the primary healthcare level in family and emergency medicine: a systematic review

BackgroundDecisions to limit treatment near the end of life are challenging and common in primary healthcare, especially in family and emergency medicine.ObjectivesThis review aimed to [1] examine the evidence on the decision-making process regarding treatment limitation in end-of-life care in family and emergency medicine [2], identify associated ethical considerations, and [3] compare the evidence between family and emergency medicine.MethodsA systematic search of PubMed and Embase was conducted for studies published between 2004 and 2024. Eligible studies focused on ethical aspects of limiting treatment in end-of-life care in family and emergency medicine, such as decision-making processes, influencing factors, and ethical considerations. Quality was assessed using adapted Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklists.ResultsOf the 477 identified studies, 12 met the inclusion criteria. Eight papers reported research on treatment limitations in emergency medical care, two in family/general medicine, one on medication discontinuation in end-of-life care, and one on goals-of-care conversations in emergency departments. Patients, families and colleagues were involved to varying degrees. Family physicians were rarely included in emergency care decisions, despite their potential to align care with patient preferences. Decision-making in emergency medicine was characterized by rapid, protocol-driven processes, often constrained by time and workload, while decisions in family medicine relied on longitudinal patient relationships and clinical judgment, though lacking formalized guidelines. Key factors influencing decisions on limiting treatment included patient and family wishes and values, illness severity, prognosis, previous functional limitation, age, poor predicted quality of life and cultural and religious contexts.ConclusionOur review showed that decisions regarding treatment limitations in primary care settings remain underexplored, particularly in family medicine. More research and development of clearer guidelines, as well as enhanced collaboration between family and emergency physicians, could improve primary end-of-life care.

The risk and vulnerability of health care workers to the COVID-19 pandemic

The risk and vulnerability of health care workers to the COVID-19 pandemic

From sewage to genomes: Expanding our understanding of the urban and semi-urban wastewater RNA virome.

From sewage to genomes: Expanding our understanding of the urban and semi-urban wastewater RNA virome.

Elevated serum levels of IL-10 family and IL-12 family cytokines in myasthenia gravis.

Elevated serum levels of IL-10 family and IL-12 family cytokines in myasthenia gravis.

Barriers and Facilitators for Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Among Toddlers and Preschoolers Living in Poverty: Insights From Primary Caregivers in Mexico.

The first 5 years of life set the stage for physical and mental development in adulthood. The practice of physical activity (PA) benefits this process. However, literature on PA in toddlers/preschoolers is scarce, especially among populations living in poverty. To characterise PA and explore the barriers and facilitators associated with the practice of PA and sedentary behaviour in young children (0-5 years of age) who live in poverty in Mexico. We carried out 24 semi-structured interviews with primary caregivers (PCs) of children < 5 years old in two states of Mexico (Yucatán and Morelos) (n = 24). A thematic analysis was undertaken to analyse the data based on a socio-ecological model of PA. Thus, the codes were grouped into four main groups: (1) the importance and meaning of childhood PA and its perceived benefits; (2) family dynamics; (3) types of activities in which toddlers and preschoolers engage-including their frequency, timing, locations, and whether they participate alone or with others; and (4) perceived barriers and facilitators to children's PA. In this sample of the population living in poverty, it was found that most respondents identified PA as a healthy practice for toddler/preschool children. However, there was a low level of PA promotion by PCs. Differences in PA were identified between boys and girls (within the family and cultural level). At the environmental level, the lack of accessible, free, and safe spaces for children to practice PA was pointed out by PCs. Finally, the PCs associated sedentary behaviour with children's personalities, as well as the use of technological devices (such as cell phones and tablets). Screen time was also perceived as part of the child's educational skills for the future. Informants reported that children spend extended periods (> 3 h) of time in front of screens (cell phone and/or TV). Barriers and facilitators were identified at various levels of the socioecological model, which should be considered to promote PA from an early age. Addressing these factors can help reduce physical inactivity among toddlers/preschoolers in socioeconomically disadvantaged contexts, ultimately enhancing their physical and mental development throughout their lives. There is scarce evidence about factors associated with the practice of PA or movement among toddlers and preschoolers who live in low-income homes, where overcrowded conditions and unstimulating physical and social environments limit PA. In low-resource contexts, lack of time to interact with the child to promote PA, lack of safe spaces for children's PA, and lack of information about recommendations and benefits on childhood PA were reported among primary caregivers of children under 5 years. There are perceptions that physical inactivity is natural for girls, or that use of devices such as cell phones or tablets is considered safe indoors and seen as educational for the child's future among families living in poverty. Research and promotion about childhood PA requires socio-ecological interventions, especially in disadvantaged settings and specific populations (e.g., indigenous). Policies must consider the promotion of toddlers and preschoolers PA in their designs since this stage is likely to have a considerable impact on their future compared with adults.