bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fossil Capital in the Caribbean: The Toxic Role of “Regulatory Havens” in Climate Change
Authors: Atiles Jose , Whyte David
Published: February 2025

Secrecy jurisdictions play a crucial role in the legal framework perpetuating climate change. This paper demonstrates how these jurisdictions sustain the dynamics of climate change by enabling capital accumulation rooted in environmental degradation. A regulatory approach to law and climate change must address the global nature of the legal structure that upholds exploitative and ecocidal social relationships. This paper argues that secrecy jurisdictions are a pivotal yet under‐analyzed element of the global legal architecture that facilitates climate change. It, therefore, proposes the term regulatory havens to describe their purpose more adequately. Our analysis includes a case study of the Caribbean, as this geographical region operates as the epicenter for externalizing legal liabilities and extra‐legal activities that contribute to climate change while also disproportionately suffering its impacts. The paper outlines how the corporate organizational structure prevalent in regulatory havens enable fossil fuel companies to shield themselves from liability, thus allowing them to detoxify fossil fuel assets. It then sets out a typology of “mechanisms of avoidance” that enable fossil fuel companies to secure key commercial advantages and operate under the radar of regulatory constraints. It briefly analyses the need to dismantle regulatory havens as a prerequisite for building a sustainable economy.
Impact of trailing edge damage on nozzle guide vane aerodynamic performance
Authors: Raduev Zelimhan , Jackson Dougal , Chowdhury Nafiz , Povey Thomas
Published: February 2025

In this paper we consider the impact of trailing edge burn-back on the aerodynamic performance of cooled transonic high-pressure nozzle guide vanes. We consider four levels of burn-back ranging from new parts to severely damaged parts. High-fidelity experimental aerodynamic performance data was taken in the Engine Component AeroThermal facility at the University of Oxford, at engine matched conditions of Mach number, Reynolds number, and coolant-to-mainstream pressure ratio. Experimental data are compared to results of computational fluid dynamics simulations to provide further insights into the mechanisms affecting performance. We find that for fixed row pressure ratio, increasing burn-back leads to: both increased loading, and increased forward loading; increased film cooling flow due to re-loading and increased trailing edge flow due to slot area increase; increased overall boundary layer loss; a significant increase in exit secondary kinetic energy associated with newly formed counterrotating vortices at the edges of the burn-back region; and increased variation in exit whirl angle. We quantify these effects and consider implications for whole-life engine performance.
Multicentre cross-sectional study to assess nursing workload in Belgian emergency departments
Authors: Ganty Thomas , Szecel Julien , Diep Anh , Ghuysen Alexandre , Paquay Méryl
Published: February 2025

Background

Excessive workload in emergency departments (ED) negatively affects patient safety, often leading to missed critical tasks due to time constraints. The Workload Assessment of Nurses on Emergency (WANE) scale developed in Belgium offers a detailed measurement of nursing workload, but its complexity makes it hard to use in practice. Our study aims to find a simpler method for assessing nursing workload in EDs.

Methods

A multicentre cross-sectional study was performed in four Belgian EDs between September 2022 and March 2023. Nursing workload was assessed using the WANE scale in each hospital, during 4-hour time periods. The associations between WANE scores, and nurses’ subjective workload assessment, number of patients, patient triage levels, post-triage destination area and the Jones Dependency Tool Score were examined employing multiple linear regression models.

Results

161 nurses, caring for 591 patients, were included. 67% of the variation in ‘direct’ care time could be explained with a model based on triage level and two items of the Jones Dependency Tool (ABC perturbation and mobility). The number of new patients admitted and nurses’ perceived workload were also highly associated with the total nursing care time TNCT. The actual number of patients in the ED at any time explained 78% of the variation in TNCT. Each additional patient increases the TNTC by 45.22 min.

Conclusions

Simple indicators might be used to evaluate the nursing care time in Belgian EDs. A retrospective method is suggested, using the total number of patients over a defined period of time. This study reveals a path to a predictive method to calculate the direct care time for each patient with three simple indicators, available from nursing triage stage.
Claudin18.2 expression in gallbladder cancer correlates with immune activation and a favourable prognosis
Authors: Ni Shu-Juan , Wang Xin , Yuan Lin , Dong Hui , Sun Hui , Tan Cong , Cai Xu , Jiang Wenhua , Sheng Weiqi , Xu Midie , Huang Dan
Published: February 2025

Aims

Gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) is frequently diagnosed and treated in advanced stages and has a poor prognosis. Recent studies have identified claudin18.2 (CLDN18.2) as a promising target in digestive system cancer. In this study, we aimed to determine the expression of CLDN18.2 and its correlation with clinicopathological characteristics in patients with GBC.

Methods

The expression of CLDN18.2 of 228 patients with GBC was studied via immunohistochemistry. Immunostained samples were evaluated according to the H-score. The samples were divided into low/negative (H-score=0–49) and high/positive (H-score=50–300) expression groups. The correlations between CLDN18.2 and various clinicopathological characteristics, including survival, were assessed. Multiplex immunofluorescence and image acquisition were used to analyse the relationship between CLDN18.2 expression and the immune microenvironment.

Results

The overall positive CLDN18.2 staining rate was 39.91% (91/228); 137 (60.08%) were given 0 points, 30 (13.15%) were given 1 point, 28 (12.28%) were given 2 points and 33 (14.47%) were given 3 points. Low CLDN18.2 expression was correlated with adverse prognostic factors, including poor differentiation, deep infiltration depth, lymph node metastasis and distant metastasis. High CLDN18.2 expression was associated with better survival. Furthermore, the distribution of immune cell subsets significantly differed between the high and low CLDN18.2 expression groups.

Conclusions

The correlations between the expression of CLDN18.2 and clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis suggest that early-stage patients could benefit more from future anti-CLDN18.2 treatment and that CLDN18.2 may function as a pivotal regulatory molecule in patients with GBC. The underlying mechanism may be related to immune activation caused by high CLDN18.2 expression.
Income in epidemiological research: a guide to measurement and analytical treatment with a case study on mental disorders and mortality
Authors: Ejlskov Linda , Plana-Ripoll Oleguer
Published: February 2025

Background

Income is one of the most widely used indicators of socioeconomic position in studies of health inequalities. Despite its frequent use, no empirical-driven guidelines exist on how to operationalise and analytically handle income. In this study, we develop straightforward step-by-step graphical guidelines based on a comprehensive comparative examination.

Methods

We followed the entire population aged 30–65 residing in Denmark in 2010 (n=2 699 296) until death, diagnosis of either severe mental disorder or neurotic, stress-related somatoform or depressive disorders, respectively, or censoring. Adjusted HRs were estimated for four tax-reported income measures, examining variations due to the handling of extreme values, income categorisation and reference categories, both overall and stratified by sex.

Results

Across all income measures and handling strategies, lower baseline incomes were consistently associated with an elevated risk of experiencing adverse health outcomes with reversed patterns at the lowest end of the income spectrum. At these low-income levels, lower income was associated with a steep increase in corresponding household assets, with very high asset values observed at both ends of the income spectrum. Associations varied mainly for the lowest income categories with some differences in these patterns between males and females depending on the handling of extreme values, income categorisation and choice of reference category.

Conclusion

The findings indicate a misclassification of financial capability for the lowest tax-reported incomes and emphasise the need for methodological clarity in income-based health research. The step-by-step graphical guidelines, informed by the findings, offer a methodological framework aiming to enhance the precision, comparability and relevance of future studies.
Oligogenic structure of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis has genetic testing, counselling and therapeutic implications
Authors: Iacoangeli Alfredo , Dilliott Allison A , Al Khleifat Ahmad , Andersen Peter M , Başak Nazlı A , Cooper-Knock Johnathan , Corcia Philippe , Couratier Philippe , deCarvalho Mamede , Drory Vivian E , Glass Jonathan D , Gotkine Marc , Lerner Yosef M , Hardiman Orla , Landers John E , McLaughlin Russell L , Pardina Jesus S Mora , Morrison Karen , Pinto Susana , Povedano Monica , Shaw Christopher E , Shaw Pamela J , Silani Vincenzo , Ticozzi Nicola , van Damme Philip , van den Berg Leonard H , Vourc'h Patrick , Weber Markus , Veldink Jan Herman ,   Project MinE ALS Sequencing Consortium, Dobson Richard , Rouleau Guy A , Al-Chalabi Ammar , Farhan Sali M K
Published: February 2025

Background

Despite several studies suggesting a potential oligogenic risk model in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), case–control statistical evidence implicating oligogenicity with disease risk or clinical outcomes is limited. Considering its direct clinical and therapeutic implications, we aim to perform a large-scale robust investigation of oligogenicity in ALS risk and in the disease clinical course.

Methods

We leveraged Project MinE genome sequencing datasets (6711 cases and 2391 controls) to identify associations between oligogenicity in known ALS genes and disease risk, as well as clinical outcomes.

Results

In both the discovery and replication cohorts, we observed that the risk imparted from carrying multiple ALS rare variants was significantly greater than the risk associated with carrying only a single rare variant, both in the presence and absence of variants in the most well-established ALS genes. However, in contrast to risk, the relationships between oligogenicity and ALS clinical outcomes, such as age of onset and survival, did not follow the same pattern.

Conclusions

Our findings represent the first large-scale, case–control assessment of oligogenicity in ALS and show that oligogenic events involving known ALS risk genes are relevant for disease risk in ~6% of ALS but not necessarily for disease onset and survival. This must be considered in genetic counselling and testing by ensuring to use comprehensive gene panels even when a pathogenic variant has already been identified. Moreover, in the age of stratified medication and gene therapy, it supports the need for a complete genetic profile for the correct choice of therapy in all ALS patients.
Lifestyle factors associated with benign multiple sclerosis
Authors: Guo Jie , Olsson Tomas , Hillert Jan , Alfredsson Lars , Hedström Anna Karin
Published: February 2025

Background

Benign multiple sclerosis (MS), characterised by minimal disability despite long disease duration, remains poorly understood in terms of its determinants and prognostic implications. While lifestyle factors have been implicated in modifying disease progression, their role in distinguishing benign and non-benign MS remains unclear.

Methods

We conducted a comparative analysis of patients with benign (n=2040) and non-benign MS (n=4283) using data from Swedish nationwide case-control studies with long-term follow-up. Logistic regression models were used to analyse associations between a history of infectious mononucleosis (IM) and lifestyle factors (smoking, body mass index, fish consumption and sun exposure habits) and the likelihood of benign MS. Additionally, Cox regression was used to follow patients with benign MS from the 15-year mark onward, identifying factors associated with the transition to non-benign MS over time.

Results

The odds of having benign MS were reduced in association with a history of IM (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.45 to 0.65), adolescent overweight and obesity (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.56 to 0.85 and 0.46, 95% CI 0.32 to 0.66, respectively) and infrequent fish consumption (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.60 to 0.88). Similar associations were observed for the risk of transitioning from benign to non-benign MS over time.

Conclusions

A history of IM and modifiable lifestyle factors significantly influence the probability of a benign disease course in MS. These findings underscore the potential for targeted lifestyle interventions to improve MS outcomes. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms by which a past IM infection can continue to influence MS progression long after the initial infection.
Combating a Dynamic Wheat Rust Population in Canada
Authors: McCallum Brent , Hiebert Colin W. , Fetch Tom , Henriquez Maria Antonia , Thomas Julian , Bilichak Andriy , Wang Xiben , Liu Miao , Cloutier Sylvie , Humphreys Gavin , Bokore Firdissa E. , Knox Ron , Cuthbert Richard , McCartney Curt , Loewen Michele , Copley Tanya , Rosa Silvia , Amarasinghe Chami , Brar Gurcharn , Foster Adam , Bakkeren Guus
Published: February 2025

Wheat leaf rust, caused by Puccinia triticina Erikss., is one of the most common and damaging diseases of wheat in Canada and throughout the world. To understand the P. triticina population virulence analysis of the population in Canada has been conducted annually for over 80 years. The virulence profile of the P. triticina population and virulence to key resistance genes changes significantly over time, and differs between regions. Recently, genetic analysis via DNA sequencing of representative isolate from the P. triticina populations from 2018-2022 initially revealed three diverse groups in Canada. All isolates within group one had the same two mating type alleles, group two isolates all had a second combination of alleles, whereas group three isolates were partitioned into eight sub-groups encompassing different genetic clades. A fourth distinct group was later found from British Columbia. To combat leaf rust, the resistance genes Lr2a, Lr13, Lr14a, Lr16, Lr21 and Lr34 have been used extensively in Canadian spring wheat cultivars. Lr34, Lr46 and Lr67 are unique among resistance genes in that they are non-race specific, conditioning partial resistance to all isolates, while also providing resistance to other wheat diseases. Critically, Lr34 and Lr67 was demonstrated to confer resistance to Fusarium Head Blight. The complete picture underlying Lr34 functions is not fully understood, but only Lr34res lines accumulate the fungistatic compound 1-O-p-coumaroyl-3-O-feruloylglycerol. Lr34 also produces leaf tip necrosis, this is enhanced at low temperatures. Combinations of race-specific leaf rust resistance genes, with Lr34, Lr46 and/or Lr67, have the best potential to protect wheat from a dynamic Canadian leaf rust population.
Accelerated black holes in (2 + 1) dimensions: quasinormal modes and stability
Authors: Fontana R. D. B. , Rincon Angel
Published: February 2025

We investigate the propagation of a scalar field in a

$$(2+1)$$

(
2
+
1
)

-dimensional accelerated black hole, recently revisited in Arenas-Henriquez et al. (J High Energy Phys https://doi.org/10.1007/jhep05(2022)063, 2022). We briefly describe how the conformal configuration renders a trivial scalar perturbation with a rescaling of the field mass. On the contrary, the free scalar field propagation presents an intricate dynamic, whose equation may be reduced through the use of Israel junction conditions and a non-trivial ansatz. In this case, using two different methods we calculate the quasinormal modes of the solution also obtaining unstable field profiles delivered by the linear scalar perturbation to the background geometry. We examine the parameter space of angular eigenvalues of the field and accelerations under which such instabilities occur.
Isomeric “N-confused” Porphyrins: DFT model chemistry study on aza-carbaporphyrins
Authors: Mikhailov Oleg V. , Chachkov Denis V.
Published: February 2025

By using density functional theory with (DFT) with functional M06 and the def2TZVP basis set, combining D3 version of Grimme’s dispersion, the parameters of molecular structures (the values of the most important bond lengths, bond and non-bond angles) and thermodynamical characteristics (standard enthalpy [Formula: see text], entropy [Formula: see text] and Gibbs energy [Formula: see text] of formation) of six “N-confused” porphyrin structural isomers, which differ from each other by the different arrangement of the nitrogen atom on the outer “rim” (2N-, 5N-, 7N-, 8N-, 10N- and 12N-), were calculated. It is noted that the most stable of these isomers, contrary to expectations, is not the “2N-confused” porphyrin described in the literature, but the “12N-confused” porphyrin, which is still unknown in the experiment; the least stable is “5N-confused” porphyrin (5-aza-21-carbaporphyrin). The difference in the total energy values between the least and most stable structural isomers of “N-confused” porphyrin is about 30 kJ/mol, which is significant for this type of isomerism. It was noted that in all these isomers, both the groups of four nitrogen atoms and the 16-membered macrocycles that include these atoms are not strictly coplanar, and for each of them, at least a small deviation from coplanarity is observed, lying in the ranges of (0.1–0.3)° and (0.5–1.5)°, respectively. In the molecular structures of all these compounds, there are no symmetry elements, so each of them belongs to the [Formula: see text] symmetry group; however, their electric dipole moments (μ) are not very significant for such a low level of symmetry (as a rule, lesser than 3 Debye units). NBO analysis of all the above isomers was carried out, too; based on its data, a high degree of delocalization of the electron density in these compounds was stated.
Metabolic T-cell phenotypes - from bioenergetics to function
Authors: Jantz-Naeem Nouria , Guvencli Nese , Böttcher-Loschinski Romy , Böttcher Martin , Mougiakakos Dimitrios , Kahlfuss Sascha
Published: February 2025

It is well known that T cell metabolism and function are intimately linked. Metabolic reprogramming is a dynamic process that provides the necessary energy and biosynthetic precursors while actively regulating the immune response of T cells. As such, aberrations and dysfunctions in metabolic (re)programming, resulting in altered metabolic endotypes, may have an impact on disease pathology in various contexts. With the increasing demand for personalized and highly specialized medicine and immunotherapy, understanding metabolic profiles and T cell subset dependence on specific metabolites will be crucial to harness the therapeutic potential of immunometabolism and T cell bioenergetics. In this review, we dissect metabolic alterations in different T cell subsets in autoimmune and viral inflammation, T cell and non-T cell malignancies, highlighting potential anchor points for future treatment and therapeutic exploitation.
A adaptação como tradução de uma obra literária de Milton Hatoum: Uma análise da série Dois irmãos (2017) da TV Globo
Authors: Malta Francisco Carlos
Published: February 2025

This article conducts a thorough analysis of the cinematic adaptation of Milton Hatoum's novel Dois Irmãos (2000), directed by Luiz Fernando Carvalho for the TV Globo series (2017). The approach taken considers adaptation as an act of translation and is grounded in the concepts of interpretants related to the process of transposition, as outlined by Linda Hutcheon (2011), Robert Stam (2008), and Maria Camargo (2017). The objective of this work is to investigate the implications of the modifications in the script writing process when transferring from one code to another, preserving the intrinsic integrity of the original work.
Dom Pedro II tradutor: do sânscrito ao guarani
Authors: Silva Carla Cavalcanti e
Published: February 2025

Review of Hitopadeśa, by Pedro II.
Mechanotransduction in the Perivascular Adipose Tissue
Authors: Watts Stephanie W. , Krieger-Burke Teresa , Nault Rance , Contreras G. Andres
Published: February 2025

Perivascular adipose tissue is of compelling interest when considering tissue mechanotransduction. Because of its location around a vessel, perivascular adipose tissue experiences from high (artery) to low (vein) pressures, pressures that are cyclical in nature. With blood pressure change, such as the elevation of pressure in hypertension, the question has been raised as to whether perivascular adipose tissue senses such changes, evidenced by a response that can be genetic, structural, or mechanical in nature. Here, we briefly review the following knowledge and data that support the ability of perivascular adipose tissue to both (mechano)sense and (mechano)respond.
Restoring Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Mitochondrial Function Attenuates Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm in Mice
Authors: Liu Yaozhong , Yu Minzhi , Wang Huilun , Dorsey Kristen Hong , Cheng Yalun , Zhao Ying , Luo Yonghong , Zhao Guizhen , Zhao Yang , Lu Haocheng , Deng Yongjie , Mu Wenjuan , Liu Hongyu , Wu Xiaokang , Wang Zhenguo , Zhang Jifeng , Chang Lin , Chen Y. Eugene , Schwendman Anna , Guo Yanhong
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND:

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a complex vascular pathology without pharmaceutical interventions. This study aimed to evaluate whether restoring vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) mitochondrial function could prevent AAA development.

METHODS:

Ang II (angiotensin II)–induced AAA was established in
Ldlr
-deficient mice, and the gene expression profiles in abdominal aortic tissues exhibiting varying degrees of severity were analyzed. Synthetic high-density lipoprotein (sHDL) formulated with Apoa1 mimetic peptide and phospholipids was evaluated for the protective effects on VSMC mitochondria. The therapeutic efficacy of sHDL was further investigated in Ang II–infusion and PPE (porcine pancreatic elastase)-induced AAA models.

RESULTS:

VSMC mitochondrial damage intensified gradually during AAA development, which was confirmed in distinct AAA animal models and human tissues. sHDL accumulated in the aneurysmatic lesions and restored mitochondrial DNA levels and the expression of genes related to oxidative phosphorylation following Ang II infusion. In mouse primary VSMCs, sHDL maintained mitochondrial homeostasis by suppressing the upregulation of DRP1 (dynamin-related protein 1), a protein involved in mitochondrial fission, reducing the generation of reactive oxygen species, preventing the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, and preserving mitochondrial respiratory capacity. Administration of sHDL decreased Ang II–induced AAA incidence (control versus treatment, 76% versus 40%;
P
<0.05) and maximum aortic diameters. The protective effects of sHDL were further validated in the PPE model, with reductions observed in maximum aortic diameters and aortic mitochondrial DNA loss. Post-Ang II infusion, administration of sHDL improved VSMC mitochondrial function and suppressed aneurysm growth in Apoe-deficient mice. Human AAA is characterized by mitochondrial dysfunction, and liver-derived HDL (high-density lipoprotein) components play a pivotal role in regulating gene expression in aortic tissues.

CONCLUSIONS:

VSMC mitochondrial damage is a pivotal factor in the development of AAA. The utilization of sHDL nanoparticles represents a promising novel therapeutic approach for AAA, aimed at restoring VSMC mitochondrial function.
Cardiovascular Disease in Anabolic Androgenic Steroid Users
Authors: Windfeld-Mathiasen Josefine , Heerfordt Ida M. , Dalhoff Kim Peder , Trærup Andersen Jon , Andersen Michael Asger , Johansson Karl Sebastian , Biering-Sørensen Tor , Olsen Flemming Javier , Horwitz Henrik
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND:

Use of anabolic androgenic steroids (AASs) is associated with increased mortality, and case reports have suggested that some of these deaths are due to cardiovascular disease. However, the epidemiology of cardiovascular disease in AAS users is still relatively unexplored. This study aimed to measure the incidence of cardiovascular disease in male AAS users and to compare these rates with those of a cohort from the general population matched by age and sex.

METHODS:

Men sanctioned in an antidoping program for AAS use in Danish fitness centers between 2006 and 2018 were included and matched for age and sex with 50 times as many controls from the general Danish population. The cohort was followed until June 30, 2023. Using the nationwide registries, we obtained information on admissions, prescriptions, educational length, and occupational status for both the AAS users and controls. This study investigated the incidence of acute myocardial infarction, percutaneous coronary intervention, or coronary artery bypass graft, venous thromboembolism, ischemic stroke, arrhythmia, cardiomyopathy, heart failure, and cardiac arrest during the follow-up period.

RESULTS:

During an average of 11 years of follow-up, AAS users (n=1189) demonstrated a significantly higher incidence of several cardiovascular events compared with controls (n=59 450). Correspondingly, AASs were associated with an increased risk of acute myocardial infarction (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 3.00 [95% CI, 1.67–5.39]), percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass graft (aHR 2.95 [95% CI, 1.68–5.18]), venous thromboembolism (aHR 2.42 [95% CI, 1.54–3.80]), arrhythmias (aHR 2.26 [95% CI, 1.53–3.32]), cardiomyopathy (aHR 8.90 [95% CI, 4.99–15.88]), and heart failure (aHR 3.63 [95% CI, 2.01–6.55]). Due to the limited number of ischemic stroke and cardiac arrest cases among AAS users, these outcomes were not reportable.

CONCLUSIONS:

AAS use is associated with a substantially increased risk of cardiovascular disease in a large cohort with a long follow-up period.
A new limestone-dwelling Four-clawed Gecko from Sa Kaeo Province, eastern Thailand (Squamata, Gekkonidae: Gehyra)
Authors: MEESOOK WORAWITOO , DONBUNDIT NATTASUDA , JINDAMAD TANASAK , TOPAI NITTAYA , KUNYA KIRATI , SUTHANTHANGJAI WINAI , SUTHANTHANGJAI MANEERAT , CHOTJUCKDIKUL NATTHAPHAT , CHONKAMNORD TEERAPHAT , SUMONTHA MONTRI , PAUWELS OLIVIER S. G.
Published: February 2025

We describe Gehyra shiva sp. nov. from limestone cave and hills in Khlong Hat District, Sa Kaeo Province, eastern Thailand, near the border with Cambodia. The new species differs from all currently recognized Southeast Asian Gehyra by the following combination of morphological characters and dorsal color pattern: maximal known snout–vent length of 53.8 mm, 8–10 supralabials, 54–67 dorsal and 46–56 ventral scale rows around midbody, absence of skin folds on limbs, 34–37 preanofemoral pores in males in a continuous series extending along the whole length of the femur (pores absent in females), tail not to moderately widened behind vent in adults, a single row of widened subcaudals, digits and toes unwebbed, 7 or 8 divided subdigital lamellae on 4th toe, and a dorsal pattern with five regular dark brown bands between limb insertions, separated or not by pairs of large, white round paravertebral spots.
Untangling the Wallacean Shortfall: The herpetofauna of central-eastern Afghanistan including two snake species new for the reptiles list of the country
Authors: JABLONSKI DANIEL , BASIT ABDUL , RANDALL PATRICK , MASROOR RAFAQAT
Published: February 2025

Afghanistan’s herpetological diversity is not well studied due to limited access, environmental conditions, and historical socio-political instability. This study aims to address this gap by documenting the amphibians and reptiles found in central-eastern Afghanistan. Specifically, we focus on two new country records of colubrid snakes, Lycodon bicolor and Spalerosophis arenarius, presented in the study, provide updated provincial data on herpeto-diversity, and present an updated checklist of the family Colubridae for Afghanistan. The record of S. arenarius is further validated by sequences of two gene fragments of mitochondrial DNA, which also establish the phylogenetic context of the species within the genus. Our findings include records of four species of amphibians and 16 species of reptiles from the provinces of Kabul, Nangarhar, Paktia, and Wardak in central-eastern Afghanistan, representing two and nine families, respectively. In conclusion, this study highlights the potential for further significant herpetological discoveries in Afghanistan due to its biogeographic location between Central and South Asia. It also emphasizes the need for further systematic investigations using techniques of molecular taxonomy.
A new species of the Thelepus cincinnatus complex from Saint-Pierre and Miquelon Archipelago (NW Atlantic) and genetic diversity of Amphitrite figulus (Dalyell, 1853) (Annelida, Terebelliformia)
Authors: LAVESQUE NICOLAS , PINSIVY LUCAS , DAFFE GUILLEMINE , DARAMY FLORE , GROSSE MAËL , CHAUVAUD LAURENT , HUTCHINGS PAT
Published: February 2025

During an ecological survey conducted in 2023 around the coastal waters of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon Archipelago, a sub-Arctic archipelago located about 20 km south of Newfoundland (NW Atlantic), two species of Terebelliformia were sampled. The first one is Amphitrite figulus (Dalyell, 1853) a species described from Europe but with a wide distribution across the Northern Atlantic Ocean. The second one, Thelepus recheri n. sp., is a new species characterised by the presence of a wide dorsal branchial gap and the presence of notopodia almost until the end of the body. Molecular studies were performed and two markers were sequenced and analyzed, COI and 16S. These genetic data revealed that (1) Thelepus recheri n. sp. belongs to the T. cincinnatus complex and (2) a clear population structure within A. figulus, with two populations on each side of the Atlantic separated from each other. However, our data are inconclusive in resolving whether these two clusters are two populations within the same species or two distinct species.
Redescription of Tachardiella ourinhensis Hempel, 1937 (Hemiptera: Kerriidae) and its transfer to Neotachardiella gen. nov., with descriptions of two new species of Neotachardiella on Myrtaceae from Brazil and Uruguay
Authors: KONDO TAKUMASA , SILVA VITOR CEZAR PACHECO DA , JÚNIOR ALBERTO LUIZ MARSARO , TAKAHASHI SATOMI MORIYAMA , PERONTI ANA LÚCIA BENFATTI GONZALEZ
Published: February 2025

The lac insect, Tachardiella ourinhensis Hempel, 1937 (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Kerriidae), is redescribed and illustrated based on type material, and transferred to Neotachardiella Kondo, Peronti & Pacheco da Silva, gen. nov. as Neotachardiella ourinhensis (Hempel), comb. nov. Additionally, two new species, Neotachardiella charruarum Kondo, Peronti & Pacheco da Silva, sp. nov. and Neotachardiella nangapire Kondo, Peronti & Pacheco da Silva, sp. nov., are described and illustrated based on adult females collected in Uruguay and Brazil, respectively, on various species of Myrtaceae. In addition, the first-instar nymph of N. charruarum is described and illustrated. A lectotype is designated for T. ourinhensis based on slides mounted from type material deposited at the Instituto Biológico de São Paulo, Brazil. A taxonomic key to separate all known genera of the family Kerriidae and a key to separate the species of Neotachardiella are provided.
Gekko (Gekko) shiva, a new limestone-dwelling gecko from Sa Kaeo Province, eastern Thailand (Squamata, Gekkonidae)
Authors: PAUWELS OLIVIER S. G. , MEESOOK WORAWITOO , DONBUNDIT NATTASUDA , JINDAMAD TANASAK , TOPAI NITTAYA , SUMONTHA MONTRI
Published: February 2025

We describe Gekko shiva sp. nov. from limestone cave and hills in Khlong Hat District, Sa Kaeo Province, eastern Thailand, near the border with Cambodia. The new species, a member of the subgenus Gekko, differs from all currently recognized Gekko species by the following combination of morphological characters and pattern: maximal known snout-vent length of 131.9 mm, lack of contact between nostrils and rostral, 28 or 29 interorbital scales between supraciliaries, 80–86 scale rows around midbody, 18 dorsal tubercle rows at midbody, 35–37 ventral scale rows at midbody, 9–12 precloacal pores in males, one or two postcloacal tubercles on each side of the base of the tail, 13–15 subdigital lamellae on 1st toe and 18 or 19 on 4th toe, no Y-shaped mark on head, white spots on head, brown dorsal background with irregular bands of white spots on dorsum, yellow venter, and greenish golden iris.
Improving the efficiency of sevoflurane delivery during general anaesthesia by educating and motivating anaesthetists to utilise the Volatile Efficiency Ratio
Authors: Costello Samuel T , Vorias Blake J , Kluger Roman
Published: February 2025

Volatile anaesthetic agents such as sevoflurane contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, and selecting low fresh gas flows on anaesthetic machines minimises their waste. Facilitating improvements in sevoflurane use requires the education, motivation, and standardised evaluation of anaesthetists. There is currently no standard of practice related to the efficiency of anaesthetic gas delivery per case. We conducted a multi-component study termed ‘Low With The Flow’ (LWTF) to directly address these requirements by educating and motivating anaesthetists to reduce fresh gas flow and thereby sevoflurane use. We introduced a novel metric, the ‘volatile efficiency ratio’ (VER), able to be calculated on Draeger Primus™, the Draeger Atlan™ family and Draeger Perseus A500™ machines, to audit sevoflurane use in a case-by-case fashion, and assess whether the intervention could achieve a set VER target. The LWTF intervention significantly improved the efficiency of sevoflurane delivery (VER 0.46 pre-intervention ( n = 518) versus VER 0.57 post-intervention ( n = 531), 95% confidence interval 0.092 to 0.129, P < 0.0001) resulting in a calculated average of 1.3 kg carbon dioxide equivalent emissions reduction and approximately AUD 3.50 saving per case. Consequently, the financial and environmental outcomes from sevoflurane delivery were considerably reduced. Our LWTF intervention provides a valuable model for other anaesthetic departments to investigate and address the global environmental and financial burdens related to their volatile anaesthetic use. For anaesthetists using anaesthesia machines that do not facilitate calculation of VER, an approach using components of our LWTF intervention may still reduce the environmental and financial impacts associated with administration of volatile anaesthesia.
When Victims Become Abusers: A Study Among the Male Victims of Child Sexual Abuse in Bangladesh
Authors: Siddik Md. Abu Bakkar , Shakil Md. Rajwanullha , Manjur Monia , Talukder Md. Ishtiaq Ahmed , Khan Md. Bashir Uddin , Asadullah Muhammad
Published: February 2025

There are substantial mental health consequences for male child sexual abuse (MCSA) victims. Survivors may exhibit sexually offensive actions because of this trauma. In other words, the abused becomes an abuser. In Bangladesh, MCSA is an invisible social problem. This study aimed to assess sexually offensive behaviors among victims of MCSA and to determine the associated factors. A total of 540 victims participated in an online survey as part of a cross-sectional study. Data were collected on victimization, suicidal ideation, history of offense, and sociodemographic factors. Pearson chi-square test and a binary logistic regression were employed to assess significant factors. Results revealed that 63.2% of participants reported engaging in sexually offensive behavior. Those living in villages, unmarried, experienced repetitive sexual abuse, under 13 years old at the time of abuse, experienced physical abuse concurrently, being penetrated during abuse, not disclosing the abuse, not receiving psychological assistance, having significant sexual involvement with men, and experiencing suicidal ideation were more likely to exhibit sexually offensive behaviors. The study underscores the importance of policymakers implementing relevant policies to safeguard boys. In addition, it emphasizes the need for victims to disclose instances of sexual abuse and actively seek psychological intervention.
Understanding Language Through TalkBank
Authors: MacWhinney Brian
Published: February 2025

Advances in computer technology have produced a flood of new data sets for understanding human language. However, nearly all of these new data sets are based on written, rather than spoken, language. This means that, despite their importance, open-access data on naturally occurring spoken-language conversations are much more difficult to obtain. The major exception to this is the TalkBank system, which provides online multimedia data for 15 types of spoken-language data: language in aphasia, child language, stuttering, child phonology, autism spectrum disorder, bilingualism, conversation analysis, classroom discourse, dementia, psychosis, right hemisphere damage, Danish conversation, second-language learning, traumatic brain injury, and daylong recordings in the home. This article reviews these resources and describes the ways that they are being used to further our understanding of language learning and usage.
‘Just a Vile Behaviour’: Appraising Networked Responses to the Physical Assault of 7News Reporter in Melbourne, Australia
Authors: Uwalaka Temple
Published: February 2025

This study evaluates responses from Facebook and X users in Australia concerning the attack of Mr Paul Dowsley, a 7News reporter, during the 2021 anti-lockdown and vaccine protests in Melbourne, Australia. Data for this study were taken from a mix of quantitative and qualitative content analysis of Facebook and X posts, comments and replies ( N = 22,389) by Facebook and X users in Australia who responded to the attack of the 7News reporter. The qualitative content analysis categorised the responses into the following types: Validators, Invalidators, Intimidators and Accusers. Results from this study show that unlike Validators, Intimidators and Accusers, the Invalidators defended and supported the journalist as they criticised both the attackers and their supporters online. The Invalidators are those whose responses were contrite, supported the journalists in Australia and criticised the actions of the attackers who assaulted the 7News reporter as ‘vile behaviour’. The study shows that many Facebook and X users in Australia who responded to the violent attack invalidated the attack and discouraged threats and violence against journalists in Australia. Finally, implications of the results are discussed.
Upper bounds for statistical uncertainties from normalization terms in neutron-scattering data-reduction
Authors: Heybrock Simon
Published: February 2025

We have previously reported on a systematic underestimation of uncertainties by the error-propagation mechanism in neutron-scattering data-reduction software. The problem arises in one-to-many operations that apply a single term across multiple data points, such as normalization of detector counts to a neutron monitor spectrum. While we were able to compute the correct uncertainties for a number of concrete data-reduction workflows, the solution was not necessarily generalizable and could not be applied in interactive data analysis with an a priori unknown data-reduction workflow. In this contribution, we derive upper bounds for the correct uncertainties in workflows involving such one-to-many operations. The bounds are simple and fast to compute and can be applied on the fly during data-reduction.
“Until the day i die, this will be with me”: Qualitative study to identify coping strategies used during post-stroke return-to-work
Authors: Kee Kalya M , Asano Miho
Published: February 2025

Background

Although work is reported to positively affect wellbeing and life satisfaction post-stroke, returning to work can be challenging.

Objective

The study objective was to identify the strategies used to cope by adults who had stroke during return-to-work processes.

Method

This was an exploratory qualitative study grounded in interpretative approaches. Individuals who have had stroke were recruited. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to understand the coping strategies that participants used. Transcripts were analyzed deductively.

Results

Twenty-seven participants completed the face-to-face interviews. The median age of participants was 61 years (interquartile range = 55–64). A majority were male (n = 19, 70.4%), Chinese (n = 20, 74.1%), and married (n = 21, 78.8%). All participants were employed before their stroke. Twenty participants (74.1%) reported that they had returned to work. The findings indicated that participants utilized a mix of problem- and emotion-focused coping strategies during their return-to-work process. While both types of coping strategies were used, participants who returned to work predominantly utilized problem-focused coping strategies.

Conclusions

Individuals returned to work by utilizing a combination of coping strategies to manage the effects of stroke. This suggests that comprehensive services are important to address personal and occupational challenges to assist stroke victims in resuming work.
Death education, communication, and happiness: An unlikely general education triad?
Authors: Wise Kurt , Bruns Laura
Published: February 2025

Topics in death and dying education classes can be troubling for students, some of whom may have enrolled in such classes in order to seek help. This paper contains recommendations regarding happiness-related exercises that could be employed when teaching death and dying classes from a communications perspective in general education programs. At first, the combining of death-related topics with happiness-related material may seem odd. But such an approach is not without precedent as is seen in life and death educational efforts in Taiwan. Happiness-related exercises involving savoring, gratitude, kindness, social relationships, and creating meaning have the potential to ease student anxiety when exploring difficult topics, and perhaps improve overall student wellbeing.

Although this paper chiefly concerns death and dying education in the United States, its principles extend to many countries around the world grappling with aging populations.
The Mental Health and Wellbeing of Hazara Refugees in Australia: A Scoping Review
Authors: Sultani Grace , Heinsch Milena , Vincent Kate , Brosnan Caragh
Published: February 2025

Hazara refugees are highly vulnerable to trauma and other mental health challenges due to sustained ethnic and religious persecution. The post-migration difficulties experienced in Australia significantly heighten the risk of exacerbating these outcomes, while also highlighting the importance of identifying the various strengths and strategies that foster wellbeing. We conducted a scoping review to explore the mental health and wellbeing of Hazara refugees in Australia. A systematic database search was conducted across CINAHL Complete, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science. Twenty-one articles met the eligibility criteria and were included in this review. Our findings draw attention to the distinct gendered mental health and wellbeing experiences of Hazara refugees. We highlight the emotional and psychological harm caused by visa insecurity and restrictions post-migration, as well as the detrimental impacts of racism and discrimination. We also discuss barriers to accessing support services, and identify key strategies used by Hazara refugees to promote their wellbeing in Australia. Lastly, findings highlight the collective experiences of suffering and growth experienced by Hazara refugees, and the cumulative impacts that all stages of forced migration may have on post-migration outcomes. In doing so, this review provides a critical overview of the mental health and wellbeing experiences of Hazara refugees in Australia and provides important recommendations for researchers and practitioners working with this population.
Characteristics and treatment outcomes of adolescents and young adults living with HIV with drug-resistant tuberculosis co-infection in Uganda: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Pitua Ivaan , Kirya Marvin , Kiberu Denis , Nabaasa Shivan , Namiiro Amelia Margaret , Segawa Michael Collins , Semakula Patrick , Najjuka Sarah Maria , Baluku Joseph Baruch , Olum Ronald
Published: February 2025

Background:

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global health challenge, especially among people living with HIV. Drug-resistant TB (DR-TB) complicates treatment outcomes in high-burden countries like Uganda, particularly for adolescents and young adults living with HIV (AYALH).

Objectives:

We described the characteristics, treatment outcomes, and factors associated with treatment success among AYALH and DR-TB at a TB treatment unit in Mulago National Referral Hospital, Kampala, Uganda.

Design:

A retrospective cohort study was conducted.

Methods:

Medical records of AYALH treated for DR-TB between January 2013 and December 2021 were reviewed. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression were used to analyze treatment outcomes and associated factors.

Results:

Among 327 participants (mean age: 28.2 years, SD: 4.75; 52.6% male), the treatment success rate was 65.7%. A body mass index (BMI) ⩾ 18.5 kg/m2 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.53, 95% CI: 0.33–0.83, p = 0.005), Efavirenz-based antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimens (aOR: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.35–0.89, p = 0.014), and primary DR-TB (aOR: 0.42, 95% CI: 0.28–0.64, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with treatment success.

Conclusion:

The study revealed a treatment success in only two-thirds of participants emphasizing persistent challenge of achieving optimal treatment outcomes for AYALH. The findings highlight that a higher BMI and Efavirenz-based ART regimens are significantly associated with improved treatment success pointing to the necessity for addressing nutritional needs and optimizing ART regimens to improve the management of DR-TB among AYALH.
Ethics and governance of artificial intelligence in digital China: Evidence from online survey and social media data
Authors: Cao Jiongyi , Meng Tianguang
Published: February 2025

With the emerging trend of artificial intelligence (AI) and its application in various fields, AI ethics and its related incidents have aroused concern and caused wide discussion in both society and academia around the world. In this paper, we discuss AI ethics and governance with respect to public perspectives. Based on the existing literature, policies, and guidelines on AI ethics, we sorted AI ethics concerns into eight dimensions: safety, transparency, fairness, personal data protection, liability, truthfulness, human autonomy, and human dignity. Combining online survey data with social media data, we quantified people's concerns on each dimension, and their attitudes toward AI governance policies and goals. The results shed light on how the public understands and views AI ethics and related governance. Finally, we propose several future directions in the development of AI ethics.