bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supplementary Figure 1 from Role of Forkhead Box P3 in IFNγ-Mediated PD-L1 Expression and Bladder Cancer Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition
Authors: Zhang Hanwei , Ly Ann , Chou Emily , Wang Liang , Zhang Paul , Prado Kris , Gu Yiqian , Pellegrini Matteo , Chin Arnold I.
Published: August 2024

Complete Western blot membranes for respective figures
Figure 6 from Role of Forkhead Box P3 in IFNγ-Mediated PD-L1 Expression and Bladder Cancer Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition
Authors: Zhang Hanwei , Ly Ann , Chou Emily , Wang Liang , Zhang Paul , Prado Kris , Gu Yiqian , Pellegrini Matteo , Chin Arnold I.
Published: August 2024

Correlation between FOXP3 and PD-L1 expression. A, Expression of pan-FOXP3 and PD-L1 and their co-localization was examined by immunofluorescence in primary high-grade urothelial carcinoma of the bladder. The mean of six primary tumors and representative immunofluorescence shown. Exposure times are listed in Supplementary Table S6. B, Schematic depicting the role of FOXP3 in cancer cells. FOXP3 mediates a transcriptional program through multiple activators that influences immune suppression and EMT. Activation of FOXP3 leads to immune evasion and increased metastases. On the right, potential inhibition of FOXP3 may provide therapeutic benefit.
Figure 4 from Role of Forkhead Box P3 in IFNγ-Mediated PD-L1 Expression and Bladder Cancer Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition
Authors: Zhang Hanwei , Ly Ann , Chou Emily , Wang Liang , Zhang Paul , Prado Kris , Gu Yiqian , Pellegrini Matteo , Chin Arnold I.
Published: August 2024

Impact of immune system on Foxp3-mediated tumor growth in a murine model of bladder cancer. A, Expression of Foxp3 and PD-L1 in wild-type control KO MB49 (MB49 CT) and Foxp3 CRISPR KO MB49 (MB49 Foxp3 KO) bladder cancer cell lines without and with IFNγ stimulation by qPCR. The mean of triplicates and representative of three independent experiments, P values indicated. *, P < 0.05; **, P < 0.01; ***, P < 0.001; ****, P < 0.0001. B, Growth of MB49 CT and MB49 Foxp3 KO tumors in C57Bl6 and NSG animals. The means and SEMs of six animals per group, P values indicated. C, Immunofluorescence of PD-L1, CD8, CD4, and IFNγ in MB49 CT and MB49 Foxp3 KO tumors derived from C57Bl6 and NSG animals. DAPI staining and coexpression of PD-L1 and CD8 depicted. Images are representative of three independent tumors. Bar graphs represent expression of protein as indicated in MB49 CT and MB49 Foxp3 KO tumors derived from C57Bl6 and NSG animals for C and D. The mean and SD of 10 representative sections from three independent tumors, P values as indicated. Exposure times listed in Supplementary Table S6. D, Immunofluorescence of N-cadherin, E-cadherin, and ICAM-1 in MB49 CT KO and MB49 Foxp3 KO tumors derived from C57Bl6 and NSG animals. Images are representative of three independent tumors. Exposure times listed in Supplementary Table S6. E, Decreased metastases of MB49 bladder cancer in the absence of Foxp3. Metastatic lesions from a cross-section of a single lung from C57Bl6 mice intravenously injected with MB49 CT and MB49 Foxp3 KO cells. The means and SEMs are shown from 10 animals per group, P values indicated. Representative H&E sections of the lungs are shown. Percentage of animals that developed liver metastases from C57Bl6 mice intravenously injected with MB49 CT and MB49 Foxp3 KO cells are shown. Representative H&E sections of liver are shown.
Figure 2 from Role of Forkhead Box P3 in IFNγ-Mediated PD-L1 Expression and Bladder Cancer Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition
Authors: Zhang Hanwei , Ly Ann , Chou Emily , Wang Liang , Zhang Paul , Prado Kris , Gu Yiqian , Pellegrini Matteo , Chin Arnold I.
Published: August 2024

Binding of FOXP3 to the PD-L1 promoter and FOXP3-dependent IFNγ-mediated gene expression. A, Schematic of the PD-L1 promoter upstream of the transcription start site in HT1376 cells. B, ChIP PCR of the putative FOXP3-binding sites of the PD-L1 promoter. Input chromatin, beads only, isotype Ab and HT1376 cells untreated or treated with IFNγ as indicated. Sizes in kb as indicated. C, Activation of a PD-L1 reporter by overexpression of FOXP3Δ3 and FOXP3 by a luciferase reporter assay. All putative FOXP3-binding sites were individually mutated as shown. Activation of a NK-κB reporter by TRAF6 overexpression was used as a positive control. Control plasmid activation of each distinct promoter was set as baseline. Fold activation is shown and represents the mean of triplicates, P values indicated. *, P < 0.05; **, P < 0.01; ***, P < 0.001; ****, P < 0.0001. The results are representative of two independent experiments. D, GSEA of RNA-seq from clonal HT1376 CT and HT1376 FOXP3 KO lines performed in triplicates. FDRs and P values are shown in Supplementary Table S1. E, Derivation of FOXP3-dependent IFNγ-mediated genes in HT1376 CT and HT1376 FOXP3 KO lines without and with IFNγ stimulation. RNA-seq as the mean of triplicate samples. FDR and P values shown in Supplementary Tables S2 and S3. F, Heat map analysis of FOXP3-dependent IFNγ-mediated gene expression from HT1376 CT and HT1376 FOXP3 KO lines without and with IFNγ stimulation by Z score. Z scores are shown in Supplementary Fig. S4 and Supplementary Table S4. Normalized gene expression data are shown in Supplementary Table S5. G, Subset of heat maps highlighting genes important in immune regulation and EMT.
Persönlichkeitsstörungen in ICD-11: Was sich geändert hat
Authors: Herpertz Sabine C. , Hölzel Lars P.
Published: August 2024

Hintergrund: Es wird die viel diskutierte, von der WHO initiierte grundsätzliche Neukonzeptionierung der Klassifikation von Persönlichkeitsstörungen im ICD-11 dargestellt. Zusammenfassung: Das Stabilitätskriterium wird aufgegeben. Aus einer kategorialen Klassifikation von Differentialtypen auf der Basis polythetischer Kriterienlisten wird eine dimensionale Klassifikation. Eine vollständige Diagnose einer Persönlichkeitsstörung umfasst im Falle der Erfüllung der allgemeinen Kriterien einer Persönlichkeitsstörung die Beschreibung von Funktionseinschränkungen auf der Ebene des Selbst und der interpersonellen Beziehungen sowie von fünf dominanten Persönlichkeitsmerkmalen. Ein Borderline-Muster kann optional ergänzend beschrieben werden. Die Mindestanforderung beschränkt sich auf die Diagnostik von Schweregraden der Funktionseinschränkungen. Zudem können subklinische Phänomene von Persönlichkeitsstörungen differenziert diagnostiziert werden. Es werden Stärken und Schwächen der neuen Diagnostik diskutiert. Kernbotschaft: ICD-11 bedeutet vor dem Hintergrund einer umfassenden Kritik an der kategorialen Diagnostik von Persönlichkeitsstörungen eine grundsätzliche Veränderung hin zu einer dimensionalen Diagnostik, die allerdings nicht ganz stringent durchgehalten wird. Eine einfache Übersetzung der aktuellen Diagnosen des ICD-10 in die neuen Diagnosen des ICD-11 erscheint nicht möglich.
Association of Molar Incisor Hypomineralization with Hypomineralized Second Primary Molars: An Updated Systematic Review with a Meta-Analysis and Trial Sequential Analysis
Authors: Zhang Zhaoxin , Liu Yueying , Zhu Yaxin , Guo Jingya , Yang Mingzhen , Lu Yang , Zhang Yimeng , Jia Jie
Published: August 2024

Introduction: There is a correlation between molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) and hypomineralized second primary molars (HSPM), but this relationship has not been definitively confirmed. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to reevaluate whether children with HSPM are more affected by MIH than non-HSPM children. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in four databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library) for literature, published up to December 2022. Two independent reviewers conducted the study search and screening, quality assessment, and data extraction according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. The risk-of-bias assessment of all included cohort studies and case-control studies was assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS), and cross-sectional studies were assessed using the Agency for Healthcare Research Quality (AHRQ) scale. RevMan 5.4 software was used for all data analyses, with odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) as the effect measures. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were conducted to identify the potential sources of heterogeneity among the studies. Publication bias was tested and corrected by funnel plots and Egger’s test. Trial sequential analysis (TSA) was performed using TSA 0.9.5.10 Beta software to control for type-1 and type-2 errors. Results: A total of 12 studies involving 8,944 children were included in this meta-analysis. Compared with the non-HSPM group, the HSPM group had an increased likelihood of MIH (OR = 10.90, 95% CI = 4.59–25.89, p < 0.05). All the included studies were of moderate-to-high quality. TSA and sensitivity analyses suggested the robustness of this outcome. Conclusion: This systematic review demonstrated a certain correlation between HSPM and MIH, suggesting that HSPM can play a predictive role in the occurrence of MIH. Further high-quality, multicenter, and large-sample longitudinal studies are highly recommended.
A History of Psycho-Neuro-Endocrine Immune Interactions in Rheumatic Diseases
Authors: Straub Rainer H. , Cutolo Maurizio
Published: August 2024

Background: All active scientists stand on the shoulders of giants and many other more anonymous scientists, and this is not different in our field of psycho-neuro-endocrine immunology in rheumatic diseases. Too often, the modern world of publishing forgets about the collective enterprise of scientists. Some journals advise the authors to present only literature from the last decade, and it has become a natural attitude of many scientists to present only the latest publications. In order to work against this general unempirical behavior, neuroimmunomodulation devotes the 30th anniversary issue to the history of medical science in psycho-neuro-endocrine immunology. Summary: Keywords were derived from the psycho-neuro-endocrine immunology research field very well known to the authors (R.H.S. has collected a list of keywords since 1994). We screened PubMed, the Cochran Library of Medicine, Embase, Scopus database, and the ORCID database to find relevant historical literature. The Snowballing procedure helped find related work. According to the historical appearance of discoveries in the field, the order of presentation follows the subsequent scheme: (1) the sensory nervous system, (2) the sympathetic nervous system, (3) the vagus nerve, (4) steroid hormones (glucocorticoids, androgens, progesterone, estrogens, and the vitamin D hormone), (5) afferent pathways involved in fatigue, anxiety, insomnia, and depression (includes pathophysiology), and (6) evolutionary medicine and energy regulation – an umbrella theory. Key Messages: A brief history on psycho-neuro-endocrine immunology cannot address all relevant aspects of the field. The authors are aware of this shortcoming. The reader must see this review as a viewpoint through the biased eyes of the authors. Nevertheless, the text gives an overview of the history in psycho-neuro-endocrine immunology of rheumatic diseases.
Defining Success in the Delivery of Fertility-Related Care for Patients with Differences of Sex Development
Authors: Streich-Tilles Tara , Morrison Aimee , Schafer-Kalkhoff Tara , Gardner Melissa , Suorsa-Johnson Kristina I. , Baskin Alison , Weidler Erica M. , van Leeuwen Kathleen , Sandberg David E. , Rutter Meilan M.
Published: August 2024

Introduction: Individuals with differences of sex development (DSD) experience complex, often competing, medical and psychosocial challenges surrounding fertility. The study aimed to characterize how “success” in fertility-related care is conceptualized and attained among individuals with a DSD, their parents or caregivers, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders. Methods: As part of a larger study, DSD stakeholders (n = 110) participated in semi-structured interviews covering the clinical care of patients with DSD. Primary questions included “What is a successful outcome in DSD care?” and “How do you achieve it?” with fertility as either a spontaneous or suggested topic of discussion. Transcripts were analyzed utilizing a phenomenological approach. This analysis focuses on the extracted themes related to fertility. Results: Fertility was discussed by 19/24 individuals with DSD, 12/19 parents or caregivers, 35/37 healthcare providers, and 19/30 other stakeholders. Components of successful fertility-related care included (1) specific discussions surrounding the relationship between DSD and fertility potential, options for fertility preservation, and options for non-biologic parenthood; (2) early and repeated introduction of these topics; and (3) consideration of age, developmental maturity, and cultural context on decisions around fertility. Challenges included the lack of fertility outcome data in this population and the irreversibility of gonadectomy. Trade-offs identified included anatomic typicality versus function, fertility preservation versus cancer risk reduction, and balancing the different priorities of stakeholders. Discussion/Conclusions: A wide range of DSD stakeholders highlighted the importance of addressing fertility concerns in achieving favorable outcomes for individuals with DSD. These stakeholder perspectives should inform fertility-related education, shared decision-making processes, and clinical care.
Comparative Effectiveness of Intravenous Thrombolysis plus Mechanical Thrombectomy versus Mechanical Thrombectomy Alone in Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hammed Ali , Al-Qiami Almonzer , Alzawahreh Ahmad , Rosenbauer Josef , Nada Eman Ayman , Otmani Zina , Hamam Nada G. , Alnajjar Asmaa Zakria , Mohamed Hammad Elsayed , Hamamreh Rawan , Kostev Karel , Richter Gregor , Tanislav Christian
Published: August 2024

Introduction: The treatment of acute ischemic stroke due to large artery vessel occlusion experienced a dramatic development within the last decade. This meta-analysis investigates the effectiveness of bridging therapy (BT) versus mechanical thrombectomy (MT) alone in treating acute ischemic stroke. Methods: Two independent reviewers assessed two-arm clinical trials from Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library up to January 2024. Data extraction and quality were evaluated using the ROBINS-2 tool. Our primary outcomes were improvement in NIHSS scores and 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score. Results: This meta-analysis, which included 2,638 participants from 8 randomized controlled trials, found that BT resulted in a greater improvement in NIHSS scores from baseline compared to endovascular treatment alone (mean difference [MD] 0.96, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [0.73–1.20], p < 0.00001). Additionally, BT group achieved successful recanalization more frequently before and after thrombectomy. Thrombectomy alone hat a shorter time from stroke onset to groin puncture compared to BT (MD 9.91, 95% CI: [4.31–15.52], p = 0.005). Functional outcomes, mortality rates, symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage rates, and long-term recovery metrics, such as Barthel index and modified Rankin Scale scores, were comparable between both treatment approaches. Conclusion: BT is superior to endovascular treatment alone based on NIHSS score improvement and successful reperfusion rates before and after thrombectomy. Despite MT alone demonstrating a shorter time from stroke onset to groin puncture (MD of 9.91 min), it did not contribute to greater NIHSS improvement at 24 h and 7 days. Further trials with larger sample sizes are warranted to enhance precision in clinical guidance.
The Impact of Normal Hepatobiliary Cell Zonation Programs on the Phenotypes and Functions of Primary Liver Tumors
Authors: Aoki Tomoko , Nishida Naoshi , Minami Yasunori , Kudo Masatoshi
Published: August 2024

Background: Traditional tumor classifications have relied on cellular origin, pathological morphological features, gene expression profiles, and more recently, the tumor immune microenvironment. While these classifications provide valuable insights, incorporating physiological classifications focusing on liver metabolic functions may lead to new discoveries. Summary: We proposed to reclassify benign and malignant hepatocellular neoplasms based on their physiological functions such as albumin production, bile acid production, glycolysis, glycogenesis, and adipogenesis. We further demonstrated the homology between signal pathways activated by the differentiation program of the normal hepatobiliary cells and those activated by genetic abnormalities in tumors. Specifically, Wnt/β-catenin, RAS, NOTCH, and TGF-β signaling not only contribute to cell differentiation via activation of liver-enriched transcription factors but also determine the tumor traits. Examining the distinctions between hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) that maintain or lose metabolic functions can yield valuable insights into the drivers of biological malignancy and tumor plasticity. Key Messages: To confirm the homology between the differentiation programs of normal hepatobiliary cells, hepatocellular adenomas (HCA), and HCC we identify liver-specific functions such as catabolism and anabolism within tumors. HCCs and HCAs that have lost these metabolic functions exhibit characteristics such as dedifferentiation, resemblance to biliary cells, or increased glycolysis. Focusing on this underexplored area will likely stimulate active research into new tumor characteristics.
A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Behavioral Activation Intervention to Increase Engagement with Life and Well-Being in Older Adults
Authors: Scott Julia E.T. , Mazzucchelli Trevor G. , Walker Ruth , Luszcz Mary A. , Windsor Tim D.
Published: August 2024

Introduction: Engagement with life is central to aging well. There is currently a lack of flexible programs for promoting engagement that tailor to the unique interests, capacities, and life circumstances of individuals. We designed and evaluated a new program for promoting engagement with later life based on principles of behavioral activation. Methods: A total of 135 adults aged 65 years and older who scored at or below the median on the Life Engagement Test were randomly assigned to either a 6-week behavioral activation program (n = 69) or a 6-week well-being program based on brief positive psychology interventions (the active control; n = 66). Participants completed assessments at baseline, 1-week follow-up, and 3-month follow-up. The primary outcome was engagement with life, and secondary outcome measures included social network characteristics, measures of mental health, well-being, and psychological and self-regulatory resources. Results: Participants in both conditions showed improvements in engagement with life post-intervention that were sustained at 3 months. Post-intervention improvements in both conditions were observed across most secondary outcomes; however, for several outcomes, participants with more limited functional and cognitive resources benefitted from participation in the positive psychology (active control) condition, but not the treatment condition. Conclusion: Similar levels of improvement in engagement with life and well-being were evident for participants who completed a behavioral activation-focused intervention, compared with participants who completed a positive psychology-focused intervention. The positive psychology approach may confer greater benefits for emotional well-being among those with poorer functional and cognitive abilities.
Effects of Aerobic Exercise and Resistance Training on Cognitive Function: Comparative Study Based on FNDC5/Irisin/BDNF Pathway
Authors: Izawa Sho , Nishii Kazuhiro , Aizu Naoki , Kito Takumi , Iwata Daiki , Chihara Takeshi , Sawada Hirohide , Yao Runhong , Yamada Kouji
Published: August 2024

Introduction: Exercise has been recommended to suppress or prevent cognitive decline. Aerobic exercise (AE) may suppress cognitive decline via the fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5 (FNDC5)/irisin/brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) pathway, and resistance training (RT) has a preventive effect on cognitive decline. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. This study verified the differences in the effects of AE and RT in suppressing and preventing cognitive decline based on the FNDC5/irisin/BDNF pathway. Methods: We divided senescence-accelerated mouse-prone 8 into three groups: control (CON), AE, and RT and evaluated their memory during exercise intervention through a novel object recognition (NOR) task. We quantified FNDC5/irisin, mBDNF, and TrkB in the hippocampus using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and FNDC5 in skeletal muscle using Western blotting (WB). Results: Behavioral analysis using NOR showed that values for both AE and RT were significantly greater than those for CON. WB analysis showed that the peripheral FNDC5 expression in the skeletal muscle was increased in AE. The expression levels of FNDC5/irisin and mBDNF in the hippocampus were significantly increased in both AE and RT compared with that in CON but that if TrkB was increased only in AE. Conclusion: No significant difference was observed between AE and RT in the inhibitory effect on age-related cognitive decline, and both groups were effective. The FNDC5/Irisin/BDNF pathway, which was the focus of this experiment, may be specific to AE. The mechanism that suppresses cognitive decline may differ depending on the type of exercise.
The past and current distribution of the lesser-known Indian endemic Madras Hedgehog Paraechinus nudiventris (Mammalia: Eulipotyphla: Erinaceidae)
Authors: Kumar R. Brawin , William T. Bean
Published: August 2024

The Madras Hedgehog Paraechinus nudiventris (Horsefield, 1851) is a species endemic to a few isolated patches in southern India threatened by habitat loss and direct take. Little is known about its historical distribution or present climatic needs, both of which could provide important baselines for conservation and habitat restoration. The current distribution of Paraechinus nudiventris was modelled using occurrences collected in the field and from community reports. Based on the current climatic niche estimated from Maxent, Madras Hedgehog distribution was projected into southern India during the last interglacial gap (120,000–140,000 YBP), and last glacial maximum (22,000 YBP) and mid-Holocene (~6,000 YBP). During the (Last Interglacial Gap) LIG the suitable habitat was restricted to the Palghat gap in the southern Western Ghats mountains and a small region in south Sri Lanka, although it is unclear whether the suitable climates in Sri Lanka were occupied and then extirpated, or never colonized. The present climatic niche of the species is confined to lower elevations and semi-arid plains of southern and central Tamil Nadu in India. The contemporary models can be used to update the IUCN range map for P. nudiventris in India, as well as identify suitable habitats for this species to guide local conservation strategies.
The present state of leech fauna (Annelida: Hirudinea) in Dal Lake, Jammu & Kashmir, India
Authors: Khan Niyaz Ali , Mir Zahoor Ahmad , Bakhtiyar Yahya
Published: August 2024

Dal Lake supports a diverse group of fauna, including fishes, aquatic birds, zooplankton, and macrobenthic invertebrates. This study is the first taxonomic documentation of the leech fauna of Dal Lake. A total of nine leech taxa belonging to four families were identified and described: Glossiphoniidae – Alboglossiphonia weberi, A. heteroclita, Glossiphonia complanata, Helobdella stagnalis, Hemiclepsis marginata asiatica, and Theromyzon sp.; Erpobdellidae – Erpobdella octoculata; Hirudinidae – Poecilobdella granulosa; and Haemopidae – Haemopis indicus. Leeches play key roles in prey-predator dynamics and host-parasite relationships in freshwater ecosystems and as bioindicators of water pollution. This study provides essential data for taxonomic accounts and the diversity of leech fauna in Dal Lake.
Identification and chemical composition analysis of salt licks used by Sumatran Elephants Elephas maximus sumatranus in Tangkahan, Indonesia
Authors: Berliani Kaniwa , Pantana Pindi , Azmi Wahdi , Manullang Novita Sari Mastiur , Gozali Cynthia
Published: August 2024

A crucial aspect of successful conservation strategies is the identification of critical aspects of local habitats required for species preservation in a given region, such as salt licks. Tangkahan is adjacent to the Gunung Leuser National Park in North Sumatra, Indonesia. The park collaborates with the Indonesia Conservation Response Unit using captive Sumatran Elephants Elephas maximus sumatranus for forest patrols, mitigation of human-elephant negative interactions, public education, and ecotourism in the area. An initial study on the daily activities of captive Sumatran Elephants revealed their search for salt licks, which are essential for maintaining their optimal daily sodium intake. Information on salt licks in Tangkahan is limited and deserves further investigation. Ethical clearance is deemed unnecessary, as the research employs a non-invasive approach, exclusively observing the natural behaviors, and daily activities of elephants. The well-being of the elephants takes precedence over invasive technologies, with continuous monitoring ensuring their care throughout the research process. The study utilizes a descriptive-analytic methodology, tracking the daily movements of Sumatran Elephants to identify the locations of salt licks in the area. Four salt licks—Encepan-1, Encepan-2, Namo Cencen, and Hot Spring—were identified by participating in the elephants’ territorial exploration. Although the salt licks were located adjacently, Encepan-1 was most frequently visited by the elephants. The salt licks were characterized as waterholes containing Na+ (Sodium ion) rich waters from springs. However, according to the atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) method, the sodium concentration in these salt licks ranged 34–55 ppm, which is estimated to be insufficient for the physiological requirements of the elephants. Therefore, further investigations are needed to explore other complementary salt licks and the incidence of geophagy to support the mineral needs of Sumatran Elephants in the Tangkahan region.
Diversity and distribution of large centipedes (Chilopoda: Scolopendromorpha) in Nui Chua National Park, Vietnam
Authors: Son X. Le  , Do Thinh T. , Thuc H. Nguyen  , Binh T.T. Tran
Published: August 2024

Field surveys on large centipedes of Nui Chua National Park, south-central part of Vietnam, were conducted in September 2023 and February 2024. As a result, a total of 12 species/subspecies belonging to five genera and two families of the order Scolopendromorpha were recorded. Of two families, Scolopendridae has nine species in four genera, while Cryptopidae has only two species in one genus. In addition, the distribution pattern of the large centipedes is discussed based on the season (rainy versus dry), altitudes, and different habitats.
Lindernia tamilnadensis (Linderniaceae) from Indo-Gangetic plains: no more endemic to the Deccan
Authors: Khan Umama , Yogesh Chaudhari Revan , Adhikari Bhupendra Singh , Hussain Syed Ainul , Badola Ruchi
Published: August 2024

This study documents the first record of Lindernia tamilnadensis (M.G.Prasad & Sunojkumar) in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. Previously, 16 species of Lindernia have been reported from different parts of India. The newly acquired specimen exhibits distinct morphological characteristics compared to previously described taxa from the Indo-Gangetic plains. A brief description, field notes, photographs, location, and distribution of the species are provided to facilitate identification.
Stabilizing Civil Wars without Peacekeeping: Evidence from South Asia
Authors: Bastaki Basil , Staniland Paul , Popoola Bryan
Published: August 2024

Peacekeeping is helpful in resolving civil wars, but there is little chance of peacekeeping operations or other international peace-building interventions for many conflicts. How do internal wars stabilize in the absence of meaningful international involvement? Two key factors, the government's political space for bargaining and the relative power of armed groups, help to explain when it is possible to reach either stable cooperation between states and armed groups or negotiated settlements. We analyze three conflict trajectories—“long-term limited cooperation” arrangements, state incorporation or disarmament, and ongoing conflict—to show that the paths to stabilization are often ethically fraught and empirically complicated but exist even when international involvement is off the table. We use quantitative and qualitative data to study the relationships between armed groups and governments in much of post-colonial South Asia, including during periods of little or no violence. Understanding these trajectories provides policymakers, analysts, and scholars with useful tools for identifying policy options and political trade-offs as they seek to reduce the human costs of war.
Oceanitis abyssalis sp. nov., a new deep-sea fungus from sunken wood collected at the depth of 5707 m in the Northwest Pacific Ocean
Authors: NAGANO YURIKO , ABDEL-WAHAB MOHAMED A. , NAKAJIMA RYOTA , YABUKI AKINORI
Published: August 2024

A new deep-sea fungus, Oceanitis abyssalis sp. nov. was described based on analyses of the LSU rDNA sequences and morphological characteristics. The new species was found on a branch of Prunus sp. collected at 5707 m depth of the abyssal plain in the Northwest Pacific Ocean, east off the Japan Islands. To the best of our knowledge, our discovery is the deepest record of the genus Oceanitis and also for the obligate deep-sea fungi. Morphologically, Oceanitis abyssalis is closely similar to O. scuticella Kohlmeyer and both were collected from deep-sea water. Oceanitis abyssalis can be distinguished from O. scuticella by having unicellular ascospores, smaller deciduous polar appendages and occasionally tree-like appendages, semi-persistent asci, smaller ascomata that are drop-shaped, and cream-colored. We also reviewed the taxonomic status of O. scuticella. The phylogenetic position of the authentic O. scuticella remains unclear due to the lack of genetic information and the inaccessibility of the type specimen. However, our investigation of the molecular and morphological characteristics of specimens previously identified as O. scuticella suggests that they include several cryptic, undescribed species. Notably, the Kuril-Kamchatka Trench material (M0229768), previously identified as O. scuticella, is suggested to be a representative of Oceanitis abyssalis.
Lament and Hope: The Function and Utilization of the Metaphors in Psalm 80
Authors: Ha Kyung Taek
Published: August 2024

In previous studies of Psalms, “metaphors” have often been seen as just ‘poetic ornaments’ rather than as essential elements for conveying messages. However, this study delves into the roles and functions of metaphors within a Psalm to emphasize its dominant theological message. Psalm 80 uses three metaphors—the shepherd, planter, and father—to express its message. These metaphors serve three main purposes. First, they intensify the Psalmist’s sense of lament by deviating from familiar expectations associated with these metaphors, such as ‘leading’, ‘caring for’, and ‘feeding’. Second, they highlight the paradox of lament and hope, as the shepherd and planter metaphors, used for lament, also convey hope for salvation and restoration. Third, the Psalmist intentionally uses these metaphors to articulate the development of Yahweh’s actions and his own self-awareness. An example of this intentional usage could be seen in the use of the father metaphor in 4th and 5th stanza. The functions and roles of these three-metaphors reveal the main theological message of Ps 80 by clarifying the identity of the speaker community as ‘son’.
Deep Disorder! Revisiting Gender, Health and Social Justice in Dharavi Slum, Bombay
Authors: Roy Ahonaa
Published: August 2024

This essay builds on an ethnographic framework of the Dharavi slum in Bombay during the COVID-times. It explores, further, health and social conditions of women, their vulnerabilities and violence-inflicted lives, economic deprivation and mental health conditions. This article, further, builds together community sense of feeling, community spaces as a way to social justice, arguing the phenomenology of resilience in seeking social, emotional and other means of mutual support that they experience in attempts to alleviate their health-led challenges and varied conditions of vulnerabilities. Also, arguing further, the essay captures a people-centred analyses to global health, seeking further in calling for the meaning to ‘health’ as transferring the diagnostic or standardized model of a politicized biology to shifting, discursive configurations to well-being.
Access to Decentralised Public Healthcare Service Delivery in Rural Areas of Lesotho
Authors: Dick-Sagoe Christopher , Ernawaty Ernawaty , Odoom Daniel
Published: August 2024

Despite being a basic right for all citizens of every country, access to healthcare has been a challenge for many people globally. However, the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has heightened the need for improvedhealthcare service delivery and access to healthcare globally. The need for improved access to healthcare is especially critical for developing countries as theywere the worst affected in terms of healthcare service delivery by the pandemic. This study, which sought to assess healthcare accessibility in rural areas of Lesotho, is relevant because Lesotho is a country with high poverty levels, and most of the poor people in Lesotho live in the rural areas. The study employed a quantitative design and sampled 200 healthcare users from the rural areas of Lesotho to measure the dimensions of access to healthcare (which refer to the affordability, availability, acceptability and accessibility / accommodation of healthcare) on a 5-point Likert-type scale. The study’s findings showed that healthcare affordability remains a barrier to access in rural Lesotho. This was followed by accessibility and accommodation, then acceptability and availability of healthcare in rural Lesotho. The study then made recommendations to guide health policy makers in Lesotho.
Metabolic and Aging Influence on Anticancer Immunity in Oral Cancer
Authors: Santos T.P.M.d. , Hicks W.L. , Magner W.J. , Al Afif A. , Kirkwood K.L.
Published: August 2024

The average age and obesity prevalence are increasing globally. Both aging and metabolic disease burden increase the risk of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) through profound effects on the immunological and metabolic characteristics within the OSCC tumor microenvironment. While the mechanisms that link aging and obesity to OSCC remain unclear, there is evidence that the antitumor responses are diminished in both conditions. Remarkably, however, immune checkpoint blockade, a form of cancer immunotherapy, remains intact despite the enhanced immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment in the context of either aging or obesity. Herein, we review the current knowledge of how aging and systemic metabolic changes affect antitumor immunity with an emphasis on the role of tumor-associated macrophages that greatly contribute to tumor immunosuppression. Key aspects discussed include the mechanisms of angiogenesis, cytokine release, phagocytosis attenuation, and immune cell recruitment during obesity and aging that create an immune-suppressive tumor microenvironment by recruitment and repolarization of tumor-associated macrophages. Through a deeper appreciation of these mechanisms, the development of novel therapeutic approaches to control OSCC will provide more refined management of the tumor microenvironment in the context of aging and obesity.
A Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study of Neuroticism and Sleep Bruxism
Authors: Strausz T. , Strausz S. , Jones S.E. , Palotie T. , Lobbezoo F. , Ahlberg J. , Ollila H.M.
Published: August 2024

Sleep bruxism (SB) affects a considerable part of the population and is associated with neuroticism, stress, and anxiety in various studies. However, the causal mechanisms between neuroticism and SB have not been examined. Understanding the reasons for SB is important as understanding bruxism may allow improved comprehensive management of the disorders and comorbidities related to it. Previous studies on the association of risk factors to SB have provided important symptomatic insight but were mainly questionnaire based or limited in sample size and could not adequately assess causal relationships. The aim of this study was to elaborate the possible causal relationship of neuroticism as a risk factor for SB through a Mendelian randomization (MR) approach by combining questionnaires, registry data, and genetic information in large scale. We performed a two-sample MR study using instrumental genetic variants of neuroticism, including neuroticism subcategories, in the UK Biobank ( n = 380,506) and outcome data of probable SB using FinnGen ( n [cases/controls] = 12,297/364,980). We discovered a causal effect from neuroticism to SB (odds ratio [OR] = 1.38 [1.10–1.74], P = 0.0057). A phenotype sensitive to stress and adversity had the strongest effect (OR = 1.59 [1.17–2.15], P = 0.0028). Sensitivity analyses across MR methods supported a causal relationship, and we did not observe pleiotropy between neuroticism and SB (MR-Egger intercept, P = 0.87). Our findings are in line with earlier observational studies that connect stress and SB. Furthermore, our results provide evidence that neurotic traits increase the risk of probable SB.
Defying the gravity of “dominant parent” Sino-foreign JVs Chinese state leadership and control of Eurasia Aviation Corporation, 1931–1943
Authors: Chua Jiakai Jeremy
Published: August 2024

In 1931, Deutsche Luft Hansa and China's Nationalist government came together to form the Sino-German airline Joint Venture (JV), the Eurasia Aviation Corporation. Eurasia plied the skies over China and beyond, as part of its mandate to project newfound state power in a global infrastructural race to prove its technocratic capabilities and modern identity. By tracing the founding, development, and dissolution of Eurasia Aviation Corporation, this paper seeks to overturn the paradigm of the “dominant parent” enterprise where the foreign side controlled the destinies of Sino-foreign JVs. Using epistles and contracts between Luft Hansa, the Executive Yuan, Eurasia, and the ministries that had purview over the Sino-foreign JV – as well as using aerophilatelic catalogues, route networks, and Chiang Kai-shek's lectures ( Chinese Citizenry and Aviation) – this paper proposes that Nationalist state actors were capable of formidable and strategic stewardship over the business that transcended the quasi-equity on paper.
Frailty and its Associated Factors Among Rural Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Guo Shaobo , Liu Hongxia , Zhang Bei , Li Xiangru , Lin Keke
Published: August 2024

To investigate the status quo and influencing factors of overall frailty and its 3 domains among rural community-dwelling older adults. This is a cross-sectional study. A convenience sample of 195 older adults from 6 villages in Bashang Area of Zhangjiakou City, Hebei Province, China, were recruited from August to September, 2022. The demographic characteristics, the Chinese version of Tilburg Frailty Indicator, Charlson Comorbidity Scale and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were used to investigate frailty and its influencing factors. Univariate analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were employed. The prevalence of overall frailty among the older adults in Bashang Area was 85.13%. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that age, gender, marital status, regular exercise, comorbidity, and anxiety were the influencing factors of overall frailty. While anxiety was the only shared influencing factor for physical frailty, psychological frailty, and social frailty, age, gender, marital status, financial burden, the comorbidity, and regular exercise were factors which influenced 1 or 2 domains of frailty. The prevalence of overall frailty among the older adults in rural areas, Zhangjiakou City is high. It is influenced by many factors. Medical staff and policy makers should work hand in hand to improve frailty among rural community-dwelling older adults in China.
Insights from Multiple Stakeholders Regarding Adolescent Obesity in China: An Exploratory Qualitative Study
Authors: Chen Ying , Zhang Li , Wang Meng , Lu Bian , Shen Ting , Gu Renjun , Jin Xiaoyuan , Wang Hongmei
Published: August 2024

With a significant increase in the obesity epidemic in China, addressing adolescent obesity should be highlighted as a priority. The current qualitative study aims to explore the perspectives of key stakeholders regarding adolescent obesity, providing guidance for developing effective obesity interventions for Chinese adolescents. A total of 12 focus group discussions were convened with a range of representative stakeholders including adolescents (n = 37), parents (n = 28), and school staff (n = 21) from sample schools. Semi-structured topic guides were used for data collection. All data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically. From multiple stakeholder perspectives, we finally identified 3 overarching themes ( Understanding adolescent obesity, Key healthy lifestyles, and Barriers to obesity prevention practices) and 8 sub-themes. While participants had mixed perceptions of status and prevalence of adolescent obesity, all acknowledged the serious health consequences associated with it. As significant modifiable risk factors, unhealthy diet and physical activity were identified to be prevalent among Chinese teenagers and lead to excessive weight gain. However, a variety of individual, environmental and sociocultural factors hindered the implementation of healthy lifestyles, affecting adolescent obesity prevention and control. Given adolescent obesity is a complex, multifactorial and multilevel public issue, comprehensive lifestyle interventions are recommended that synergistically engage multiple stakeholders across key communities to fight the ongoing obesity epidemic.
The Ties That Bind: The Association Between Social Network Ties, Integration, and Stress Among Incarcerated Women
Authors: Edison Story , Haynie Dana L.
Published: August 2024

Social integration is theorized to enhance psychological well-being and reduce stress among incarcerated women. However, little empirical research has examined the association between prison social integration and women’s stress during incarceration. This study expands on previous research by (a) examining the relationship between different types of prison network ties among incarcerated women and self-reported stress and (b) exploring whether women’s perceptions of social integration mediate the association between prison network ties and stress. Using ordinal logistic models that incorporate social network and survey data from two women’s prisons in Pennsylvania ( N = 223) (WO-PINS), we find that pseudo-family–based, friendship-based, and trust-based network ties formed during incarceration are associated with reduced stress among incarcerated women. However, we find limited evidence that perceptions of social integration mediate the relationship between prison network ties and stress, suggesting that prison network ties are associated with stress reduction independent of an individual’s perception of integration.
Whistleblowing – an extension of working life democracy? The case of Norway
Authors: Engelstad Fredrik , Trygstad Sissel
Published: August 2024

Working life relations are in a continuous state of change. So are the institutions of working life democracy. In Norway, three well-established components of working life democracy have been in place since the 1960s and 1970s, developing along different institutional tracks: collective bargaining at the national level, employee representation on the boards, and employee participation in protection of health and safety in the work environment. From 2007, legal protection of whistleblowing was included in the Working Environment Act (WEA), anchored in specific institutional arrangements. Before the turn of the century, a common assumption was that whistleblowing mainly targets irregular, even criminal, dispositions of the enterprise. After the inclusion in the WEA, data from Norway from the years 2016 to 2022 demonstrate that to a large extent, psycho-social problems have become the object of whistleblowing. However, institutional specificities limit the handling of social interaction problems by the traditional work environment arrangements. Against the background of its separate institutions for the handling of grievances, it is argued that whistleblowing, along with freedom of expression, are parts of a fourth track of democratization. Even though the institutional setup of whistleblowing has been revised twice since 2007, the findings indicate that additional revisions are still desirable.
To Compare Is Human: A Review of Social Comparison Theory in Organizational Settings
Authors: Matthews Michael J. , Kelemen Thomas K.
Published: August 2024

Social comparisons are one of the most ubiquitous behaviors that individuals, groups, and firms undertake. In particular, social comparison theory is based upon the premise that actors are motivated to engage in comparisons and that decisions throughout this process impact employees’ core self-evaluations, team relations, executives’ behaviors, firm prestige, and more. However, despite the prevalence of the phenomenon—and thereby the frequent application of the theory in organizational studies—a synopsis of the theory’s underpinnings and extant findings remains absent. Here, we present a state-of-the-art review that summarizes the theory’s history and mechanics and critically examines how social comparison theory has been applied in organizational studies across multiple levels of analysis. In particular, we identify several problems within the literature, including patterns of theoretical imprecision when applying the theory, lopsided attention paid to the micro-level of analysis, and an underappreciation of subjective comparisons. In addition to discussing the extant literature and common methodological approaches, we present a simplified model of social comparisons. Based on this new theory-building, we discuss ways the field can move forward to reconcile some of the identified problems.
Experiences of Family Members With Visitation Prohibition for Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Kim Sunjung , Tak Sunghee H.
Published: August 2024

Background:

Visitation plays a number of positive roles for critically ill patients and their families. It reduces the physical and mental stress of intensive care unit (ICU) patients and their families and allows family members to participate in patient care. Visit prohibition during the COVID-19 pandemic has raised unprecedented challenges to patients, family members, and health care providers.

Objective:

This qualitative study aimed to explore the experiences of families of patients in the ICU with no-visitor policies due to COVID-19.

Methods:

Data collection was conducted through 8 individual in-depth semi-structured interviews conducted between October 2021 and March 2022. Data analysis was performed following the qualitative method proposed by Colaizzi. The researchers independently analyzed the data, checked the findings, derived subthemes, and categorized them into overarching themes.

Results:

Four themes emerged from the data analysis: ( a) experiencing emotional distress, ( b) being fearful of in-person patient contact, ( c) being dissatisfied with the access control policy in the ICU, and ( d) making efforts to reach the patient.

Conclusions:

It is critical to provide support and develop interventions for families denied visitation with loved ones in ICUs. Since in-person visits are crucial for families, hospitals should establish clear and reasonable visitation guidelines, communicate effectively with families, and offer alternative methods for them to connect with loved ones in the ICU.