bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The mediating role of social support in behavioral changes and weight loss outcomes among overweight Appalachian adults
Authors: Zhang Xiaochen , Shoben Abigail , Felix Ashley S. , Focht Brian C. , Baltic Ryan D. , Paskett Electra D.
Published: February 2025

Social support plays a key role in behavioral changes, especially in Appalachian populations. We examined the mediating effect of social support in behavioral changes and corresponding weight loss outcomes among Appalachian adults. Data were from a group-randomized trial that compared a 12-month faith-based weight loss intervention to an active control group among overweight Appalachian adults in churches. Participants from the weight loss intervention who completed the 12-month assessment were the focus of this analysis. Baseline and 12-month data on weight, social support for eating habits (SSEH) and physical activity (SSPA) from family, friends, and church family, physical activity, and dietary intake were collected. Logistic and linear regression models evaluated mediating effects of SSEH and SSPA on the association between intervention attendance and behavioral changes and corresponding weight loss outcomes. Most participants (n = 243) were female (76.2%), white (97.5%), and married or living with a partner (81.2%). After the 12-month intervention, participants lost weight (1.1 ± 0.3 kg), increased fruit and vegetable intake (0.4 ± 0.1servings/day), reduced caloric intake (322.9 ± 42.2 kcal/day), improved SSEH from family, and increased SSPA from the church family (all P < 0.05). Increased SSEH from family mediated 62% of the association between intervention attendance and fruit and vegetable servings per day. Each 100 kcal decrease in caloric intake was associated with decreased weight and BMI at 12-months (0.2 ± 0.1 kg, P = 0.003; 0.1 ± 0.02 kg/m2, P = 0.002). Our study demonstrated the mediation effect of social support for healthy eating on the association between intervention attendance and fruit and vegetable intake, which underscored the critical role of social support and calorie intake among Appalachian populations in losing weight. The study was pre-registered at clinicaltrials.gov (#NCT02121691).
Exploring E-Cigarette Use Among Indonesian Youth: Prevalence, Determinants and Policy Implications
Authors: Wibowo Razan , Weinmann Tobias , Nowak Dennis , Prabandari Yayi Suryo
Published: February 2025

The growing popularity of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) among Indonesian youth presents a new public health challenge in a country with one of the highest tobacco burdens globally. While tobacco control regulations have been implemented, e-cigarettes remain largely unregulated, raising concerns about their health impacts and youth appeal. This study explores the prevalence, determinants and perceptions of e-cigarette use among high school and university students in Indonesia, providing critical insights to inform effective policymaking. A cross-sectional online-based survey was conducted in 2019 among 158 students aged 15–30 years across 17 provinces in Indonesia. Data on tobacco use behaviours, socioeconomic background, social influences and health perceptions were collected. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses identified key determinants of e-cigarette use. Among the participants, 36.2% reported ever smoking, and 65.2% of these had tried e-cigarettes. Key determinants of e-cigarette use included male gender, urban residency, peer smoking and social acceptance of smoking (all p < 0.05). Notably, participants commonly perceived e-cigarettes as less harmful than combustible cigarettes and helpful for smoking cessation, despite conflicting scientific evidence. Overall, e-cigarette use is prevalent among Indonesian youth, driven by social and environmental factors, as well as misconceptions about safety. Strengthened regulations and targeted public health campaigns are essential to mitigate the health risks posed by e-cigarettes and enhance tobacco control efforts.
Sustaining Hope Within Entangled Accompaniments: Toward an Otherwise Clinical Ethnography and Critical Social Medicine
Authors: Hing Matthew , Keshavjee Salmaan
Published: February 2025

The series of papers in this special issue, “Ethnography of and in Clinical Formation: Poetics and Politics of Dual Subjectivity,” touch on several themes that are at the core of social medicine: the web of social structures and power relations that organize the risk and prematurity of disease and death, who gets care when and where, and what that care looks like and does within situated social worlds. As Levenson and Samra (this issue) describe in their contribution, social medicine turns on extending the field of medical action “beyond the clinical encounter” in order to visibilize how such encounters are “organized by wider regimes of governance and expertise, and broader geographies of care, abandonment and violence.” Writing from the “fractured habitus” as reported by Schlesinger (Doing and seeing: Cultivating a “fractured habitus” through reflexive clinician ethnography, Somatosphere, 2021) of clinician-ethnographers, the authors here witness and interrogate the nascent possibilities for more liberatory and autonomous forms of care within these otherwise determining regimes. They also expose the limits of traditional clinical ethnographic positioning through authors’ diverse participations within spaces of organized violence – indicating the need for a “new conceit” (Aboiil, this issue) of the clinical ethnographer/social medicine practitioner who is open to sitting in the trouble of a “complicity consciousness” (Sufrin, this issue) and the expanded fields of theorizing, action, and accompaniment that it makes possible.
Consumer confidence as a mediator between dividend announcements and stock returns
Authors: Hasan Fakhrul , Al-Najjar Basil
Published: February 2025

In this study, we examine the potential influence of consumer confidence on the association between announcing dividend payments and stock returns. We used FTSE 350 spanning the period from 1990 to 2021, using the UK consumer confidence index as a proxy for investor sentiment. The primary empirical test focused on cumulative abnormal returns [− 1, + 1], supplemented by a robustness test spanning [− 10, + 10]. Additionally, a generalized method of moments (GMM) estimation was conducted using CAR [− 1, + 1]. Our analysis revealed: under positive consumer confidence, firms announcing dividend increases experienced a positive market response, while under negative consumer confidence, firms announcing dividend decreases elicited a negative market reaction. This study contributes valuable insights to the discourse on investor sentiment and its impact on stock market dynamics.
Density regression via Dirichlet process mixtures of normal structured additive regression models
Authors: Rodríguez-Álvarez María Xosé , Inácio Vanda , Klein Nadja
Published: February 2025

Within Bayesian nonparametrics, dependent Dirichlet process mixture models provide a flexible approach for conducting inference about the conditional density function. However, several formulations of this class make either restrictive modelling assumptions or involve intricate algorithms for posterior inference. We propose a flexible and computationally convenient approach for density regression based on a single-weights dependent Dirichlet process mixture of normal distributions model for univariate continuous responses. We assume an additive structure for the mean of each mixture component and incorporate the effects of continuous covariates through smooth functions. The key components of our modelling approach are penalised B-splines and their bivariate tensor product extension. Our method also seamlessly accommodates categorical covariates, linear effects of continuous covariates, varying coefficient terms, and random effects, which is why we refer our model as a Dirichlet process mixture of normal structured additive regression models. A notable feature of our method is the simplicity of posterior simulation using Gibbs sampling, as closed-form full conditional distributions for all model parameters are available. Results from a simulation study demonstrate that our approach successfully recovers the true conditional densities and other regression functionals in challenging scenarios. Applications to three real datasets further underpin the broad applicability of our method. An package, , implementing the proposed method is provided.
Renal function and adverse clinical events in anticoagulated patients with atrial fibrillation: insights from the GLORIA-AF Registry Phase III
Authors: Liu Yang , Lam Steven Ho Man , Romiti Giulio Francesco , Huang Bi , Chen Yang , Chao Tze Fan , Olshansky Brian , Hong Kui , Huisman Menno V. , Lip Gregory Y. H. ,   on behalf of the GLORIA-AF Investigators
Published: February 2025

Renal function, assessed by creatinine clearance (CrCl), affects the efficacy and safety of oral anticoagulant (OAC) therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). To investigate the association between CrCl and the risk of clinical adverse events and compare the safety profiles of vitamin K antagonists (VKA) and non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOAC). Patients with newly diagnosed AF (< 3 months before baseline visit) were collected from the prospective Global Registry on Long-Term Oral Anti-Thrombotic Treatment in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation (GLORIA-AF) registry Phase III. Clinical events assessed included the composite outcome (all-cause death, thromboembolism, and major bleeding), cardiovascular (CV) death, myocardial infarction (MI), and other single outcomes. 10,594 AF patients (mean age 70.35 ± 9.92 years; 55% male; 73% on NOAC) were included. Increasing CrCl was associated with decreased risks of all cause death, composite outcomes and CV-death with in patients with CrCl < 80 mL/min. Multivariate Cox models indicated that compared to VKA, NOAC was associated with lower risks of all cause death (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.68, 95% CI 0.58–0.78), composite outcomes (aHR 0.77, 95% CI 0.69–0.86), CV-death (aHR 0.70, 95% CI 0.56–0.87), and major bleeding (aHR 0.74, 95% CI 0.61–0.91) in AF patients. For CrCl < 30 mL/min, lower risks of all-cause death, composite outcomes and CV death were related to NOAC therapy. In this large prospective global registry, NOACs were associated with better outcomes compared with VKA for patients with normal or impaired renal function.

Graphical abstract
Simplified vs extended in vitro methods for the evaluation of bioaccessibility of metals and metalloids present in urban recreational soils
Authors: Lekuona-Orkaizagirre Ainhoa , Meaurio Maite , Gredilla Ainara
Published: February 2025

Urban soils may contain different metals and metalloids and they can enter the human body by direct inhalation, ingestion or dermic absorption. According to USEPA, 200 mg·day−1 is the average daily ingested dose of soil for children aged from 1 to 12 years of age. In vitro bioaccessibility tests which are based on human physiology, have been used for the determination of the element fraction in soils that can be absorbed by human digestion. A total of 26 urban soils were collected in recreational areas from San Sebastian to evaluate the bioaccessibility of metals and metalloids (Al, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd and Pb) by SBET (Simplified Bioaccessibility Extraction Test) and RIVM (Dutch National Institute for Public Health and Environment) in vitro methodologies. SBET simulates the gastric conditions, while RIVM simulates mouth, gastric and intestinal conditions. ICP-MS was used for the simultaneous determination of the elements. Cd showed the highest percentage of bioaccessibility by both methods and Fe, Al and Cr resulted the least bioaccessible elements. Pb and Zn showed different results in each method. HQ (Hazard Quotient), HI (Hazard Index) and CR (Carcinogenic Risk) values obtained were higher with SBET methodology. According to HI (considering 10 metal(loid)s), non-carcinogenic effects may occur to children with the ingestion of three of the studied children’s parks. Regarding CR index, all the studied soils were within the tolerable carcinogenic risk (considering Cr, As and Pb) for children, and the risk was sometimes negligible for adults. Considering the experimental difficulties related to RIVM, SBET method may be used for a simple and conservative first approach of the bioaccessibility of metals and metalloids accumulated in soil samples.
„Das ist ein Fünftel meiner Arbeit. Ich habe noch vier Fünftel andere Sachen“ – Herausforderungen für Gesundheitsförderung in der Pflege
Authors: Roßbach Catrin Nathalie , Haeger Julie , Hartung Susanne , Janetzke Hanna
Published: February 2025

Hintergrund und Fragestellung

Pflegefachkräfte sind die größte Berufsgruppe im Gesundheitswesen und in ihrem Arbeitsalltag stark belastet. Betriebliche Gesundheitsförderung (BGF), möglichst im Rahmen eines betriebliches Gesundheitsmanagements (BGM), kann u. a. dabei helfen, Belastungen zu reduzieren. Der Beitrag stellt die größten Herausforderungen für die Umsetzung von Gesundheitsförderung in Krankenhäusern auf betrieblicher und überbetrieblicher Ebene vor.

Methoden

Zwischen Februar und Oktober 2022 wurden im Rahmen der Projekte zur „Guten gesunden Arbeit in der Pflege“ 39 Leitfaden-gestützte betriebliche und überbetriebliche Expert:inneninterviews durchgeführt. Die Auswertung erfolgte nach der inhaltlich strukturierenden qualitativen Inhaltsanalyse nach Mayring.

Ergebnisse

Die Herausforderungen lassen sich in drei Bereiche einordnen: fehlende Priorisierung, fehlende Strukturen und Ressourcen sowie Mehraufwand in Konzeption und Organisation. Die fehlende Priorisierung (z. B. bedingt durch Kostendruck, eingeschränktes Konzept von BGF) beeinflusst maßgeblich, welche Strukturen und Ressourcen für die Konzeption und Organisation von BGF genutzt werden. Grundsätzlich erschweren unklare Entscheidungs- und Zuständigkeitsstrukturen (z. B. bedingt durch personelle Mehrfachbelastungen) die Umsetzung von BGF und die Kooperation mit der überbetrieblichen Ebene. Die Konzeption und Organisation erfordert durch die Besonderheiten von Krankenhäusern Mehraufwand (z. B. Schichtbetrieb, Heterogenität der Zielgruppe, erhöhter Aktivierungsaufwand der Zielgruppe). Dieses Zusammenwirken wird in einem Modell dargestellt.

Schlussfolgerung

Die Gesundheit der Pflegenden muss auf verschiedenen Ebenen einen größeren Stellenwert erlangen. Durch eine verbesserte Ausstattung mit finanziellen, personellen und zeitlichen Ressourcen im Betrieb sowie die Unterstützung durch überbetriebliche Akteure sollten nachhaltige Strukturen zur Reduktion von Belastungen und Gesundheitsförderung geschaffen werden.
Effect of Cooling Rate on Quench-Induced Grain Boundary η-Phase Precipitation in 7xxx Aluminium Alloys
Authors: Yao Yichao , Euesden Ryan , Burnett Timothy L. , Shanthraj Pratheek , Prangnell Philip B.
Published: February 2025

Quench sensitivity in aluminium 7xxx alloy thick plates results from grain boundary precipitation (GBP) of the η-phase (Mg(ZnAlCu)2), which can significantly impact their fracture toughness and sensitivity to Environmentally Induced Cracking (EIC). A novel characterisation method, supported by phase-field simulations, has been employed to advance understanding of this phenomenon. To investigate the effect of cooling rate and alloy composition, Jominy end quench tests were performed on two commercial alloys, AA7050 and AA7085, with samples fractured under cryogenic conditions to expose grain boundary (GB) surfaces. This allowed the GB precipitate size distributions and morphologies to be quantified as a function of cooling rate. To understand the overall trends in the effect of composition and cooling rate on the size and density of the GBPs, ‘large’-scale CALPHAD-informed phase-field simulations were performed with a simplified particle geometry and nucleation model. The simulations replicated the observed greater quench sensitivity of lower Zn/Mg ratio alloys like AA7449 and AA7050 compared to AA7085. On increasing the cooling rate from 2.5 to 30 °C s−1, the average GB η-precipitate size and GB area coverage were decreased rapidly. Solute depletion adjacent to the GB, resulting from quench-induced precipitation, was also simulated, and shown to be largely determined by Zn and Mg diffusion, which reduced with increasing cooling rate. Using AA7050 as a baseline, the influence of alloy chemistry on GB η-precipitate was systematically investigated. Increasing Cu and Zn both results in a higher η solvus temperature, which promoted both the nucleation and growth of η precipitates and leads to an increased quench sensitivity, whereas reducing the Mg content reduces quench sensitivity.
Effect of Build Orientation on Thermal Expansion of LPBF Printed Ti-6Al-4V
Authors: Mayer T. , Friso F. , Radis R.
Published: February 2025

Ti-6Al-4V is a widely adopted alloy for components produced by Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF). Due to its high strength-to-weight ratio, its excellent corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility, it is used in a wide range of applications in the aerospace, chemical and process engineering, energy, and biomedical sector. While conventionally produced Ti-6Al-4V typically features an

$$\alpha +\beta $$

α
+
β

microstructure, additively manufactured Ti-6Al-4V is well known to develop an acicular martensitic

$$\alpha^{\prime}$$

α
′

structure with often pronounced anisotropic properties resulting from the hexagonally closest packed (hcp) structure of

$$\alpha^{\prime}$$

α
′

. This study investigates the effect of the build direction of an LPBF printed Ti-6Al-4V (Grade 23) alloy on the resulting thermal expansion behaviour up to 1100 °C. Vertically built samples show a distinctly positive step in the apparent thermal expansion between approximately 850 °C and 1000 °C, while that of horizontally built specimen exhibit a dip. This is shown to be associated with (1) the alignment of prior

$$\beta $$

β

grains growing epitaxially with

$${\langle 001\rangle }_{\beta }$$

⟨
001
⟩

β

along the direction of the thermal gradient that is related (but not parallel) to the build direction, (2) the Burgers orientation relationship and crystallographic variant selection causing acicular

$$\alpha^{\prime}$$

α
′

laths to grow at approximately 40 deg to the primary axis of prior

$$\beta $$

β

grains, and (3) the strain occurring during the

$$\alpha^{\prime}\to\, \beta $$

α
′

→

β

transformation. The apparent anisotropy of the thermal expansion of the as-printed Ti-6Al-4V is expected to have a relevant impact on the residual stress state after heat-treatment of LPBF components.
Flexibility as a form of inequity in emergency remote online learning: the perspective of Israeli university students
Authors: Becher Ayelet , Slobodin Ortal , Manevich-Malul Gila , Abu-Kishk Hama , Queder Sarab Abu-Rabia , Pinson Halleli
Published: February 2025

Flexible online distance education enables students to interact with content and materials at their own pace and from any location. However, such individualization of students’ learning time and space masks differences between learners’ access to resources within their spatial environments and temporal contexts and, thus, might generate implicit forms of social inequity. This study examines how flexibility inherent to emergency remote online learning shapes how Israeli university students from different social groups experienced remote online learning during the Covid-19 pandemic. We thematically analyzed semi-structured interviews with 50 undergraduate and graduate students, representing diversity in terms of class, gender, and national categories. We found four spatial and temporal factors that shaped students’ ability to harness flexibility to benefit their emergency remote online learning: spatial capital, temporal capital, temporal agency, and temporal intensity. The analysis revealed how such factors were shaped by complex intersections between students’ social identities. This study suggests that higher education institutions should make flexibility inclusive and safeguard students from potential adverse effects by tailoring support to diverse student needs and ensuring consistent access to resources as needed.
Comprehensive Solutions for Soil Erosion: An In-Depth Look at Geosynthetic Rolled Erosion Control Products (RECPs)
Authors: Bhatia Shobha K. , Smith Jennifer L.
Published: February 2025

Urban development has significantly accelerated soil erosion, presenting a serious environmental challenge. Among the available solutions, well-established vegetation is proven to dramatically reduce erosion rates. Geosynthetic rolled erosion control products (RECPs) have shown to be highly effective in not only minimizing soil erosion but also promoting vegetation growth. With sustainability becoming a critical focus, the importance of RECPs has taken center stage. However, few studies have thoroughly addressed the technical, economic, and social dimensions—the three core pillars of sustainability—within the context of RECPs. In this paper, we offer insights from our research into these interconnected aspects, providing a comprehensive understanding of RECPs. Our research encompassed over 500 index and bench-scale rainsplash erosion tests, performed both with and without vegetation, for thirteen different RECPs composed of natural fibers (coir, jute, wood, and straw) and synthetic fibers. At two project sites in New York State, several of these RECPs were installed in drainage channels as alternatives to traditional rock riprap. Over 22 months, we measured soil erosion and vegetation growth, and calculated the total cost savings from using RECPs instead of riprap. Additionally, we examined the social impact of coir, a natural fiber commonly used in RECPs. We also explored the potential of using forest-based low-value residuals for post-fire applications, as well as innovative PAM-coated natural fibers as alternatives to straw, wood, jute, and coir.
CMDI Resolution Funding and State Aid Control
Authors: Schillig Michael Anderson
Published: February 2025

The State aid regime has dominated crisis management in the EU financial sector ever since the Global Financial Crisis. Even with the BRRD/SRM resolution framework taking effect, most European banks in distress continue to receive public financial support subject only to the State aid regime. However, it is one of the declared aims of the CMDI reform proposals to (further) reduce the bank-sovereign nexus by making it easier for banks of all sizes to access industry-financed resolution and deposit insurance funds instead of obtaining financial support directly from State budgets. This paper explores how the CMDI framework and the State aid regime currently interact and how this would change pursuant to the CMDI reform proposals. It argues that these reform efforts will be unlikely to make much of a difference and that, following their implementation, failing institutions will continue to be channeled away from the BRRD/SRM resolution framework towards a State aid-based assessment and treatment.
Contact frequency and quality’s impact on educational integrity during deaf inclusion in higher education
Authors: Ghoniem Eman , Gamal Ghoniem Noha , G. Ghoniem Amr
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Academic integrity is a core issue at all higher education institutions. Repetitive qualified contact with members of a different group, such as deaf students, can result in more positive educational integrity between them and hearing peers or faculty.

Case description

This study investigated the educational integrity of deaf students, peers, and faculty influenced by their attitudes through contact frequency or quality in the inclusion process. The study sample included university undergraduate deaf students and peers, totaling 144 and 720 students, respectively, and 96 academic faculty members. Three questionnaires were used to examine the attitudes of deaf students, hearing peers, and faculty.

Discussion and evaluation

The findings revealed that the majority of deaf students, hearing students and faculty were open to the inclusion process. Frequency of contact, rather than quality of contact, significantly influenced hearing peers' and faculty members' attitudes. However, contact quality was more important than frequency of contact for positive attitudes of deaf students.

Conclusions

Both undergraduate deaf and hearing students, besides faculty, perceived gains from inclusion processes through increased cognitive, affective, and behavioral skills, implying that inclusive practices promote academic integrity behavior.
In ainer warmen stuben, dâ nazzeu tüecher inne truckent, dâ ist der luft wäzzrig und fäuhts
Authors: Rein Matthias
Published: February 2025

In der Historischen Semantik und der historischen Lexikographie wird nicht der geschichtliche Wandel von ›Bedeutungen‹ thematisiert, vielmehr geht es in beiden Disziplinen um die Betrachtung im historischen Sprachgebrauch bezeugter Verwendungsweisen, die nach dem nicht unproblematischen Kriterium der ›Synonymie‹ zusammengestellt werden. In einem Belegwörterbuch wird dieses Ziel methodisch durch das Vorführen von Gebrauchstypen mittels Belegen und deren Klassifikation in Gliederungskommentaren angestrebt, in eine historisch-semantische Wortstudie werden darüber hinaus auch sachgeschichtliche Hintergründe einbezogen. Wie sich diese theoretischen Überlegungen und methodischen Prämissen in der praktischen Arbeit auswirken, soll anhand der beiden mittelhochdeutschen Lemmata naʒ Adj. und nëbel stM. beispielhaft gezeigt werden.
Flexible gas sensor based on laser-induced graphene and cobalt phthalocyanine-MWCNTs composite for methanol detection at room temperature
Authors: Lu Tianqi , Adiraju Anurag , Lyu Ankang , Cui Zheyu , Shi Ge , Al-Hamry Ammar , Pašti Igor A. , Kanoun Olfa
Published: February 2025

Methanol, a toxic volatile compound, poses significant threats to human health and the environment. Traditional methanol sensors require high operating temperatures, exhibit poor selectivity, and have limited long-term stability, which restricts their application in portable methanol monitoring devices. This study proposes a flexible chemoresistive gas sensor based on laser-induced graphene (LIG) electrodes and a cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPc)- multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) composite. Experimental results demonstrate that the sensor achieves an excellent sensitivity of 0.589 Ω/ppm and a low limit of detection of 165 ppb over a wide detection range of 10–1000 ppm, covering international methanol exposure limits. Moreover, the sensor exhibits high selectivity towards methanol in comparison to other interfering volatile organic compounds (e.g., ethanol, isopropanol, and acetone). Under 500 ppm methanol, the response time (τ45) is 5 s, the recovery time (τ85) is 108 s, and the hysteresis is only 2.77%. The synergistic effects of the three-dimensional porous structure of LIG, the high conductivity of MWCNT, and the electron transfer characteristics between CoPc and methanol molecules collectively optimize charge transport and gas adsorption efficiency, enabling the sensor to achieve excellent methanol sensing performance at room temperature. Additionally, it shows also outstanding long-term stability over 30 days, with a performance degradation rate of less than 4.25%. These attributes indicate that the LIG-CoPc/MWCNT sensor holds great potential in industrial safety and environmental monitoring applications while providing critical technological support for the development of high-performance, low-power methanol gas sensors.
Effects of Morin on the Wnt, Notch1/Hes1, KI-67/3-Nitrotyrosine and Damage Signaling Pathways in Rats Subjected to Experimental Testicular Ischemia/Reperfusion
Authors: Öztürk Ayşe Betül , Şimşek Hasan , Akaras Nurhan , Kandemir Fatih Mehmet
Published: February 2025

Aim

Testicular torsion, which occurs when the testicle rotates around the axis of the spermatic cord, is a serious cause of hospital admission, mostly in newborns and children, but also in adults. Oxidative stress is an important mediator of the development of complications. Morin has anti-inflammatory, anti-autophagic, and anti-apoptotic activities and especially strong antioxidant activity. This study aimed to determine the effects of Morin on testicular torsion injury.

Methods

35 Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups (n = 7): Control, Morin, I/R, I/R + MRN50, and I/R + MRN100. Parameters are effective in oxidative stress, inflammation, endoplasmic reticulum stress, apoptosis, and autophagy damage and Wnt pathway parameters, KI-67, and 3-NT levels were analyzed by biochemical, molecular, and histological methods.

Results

I/R injury significantly increased oxidative stress (MDA, p < 0.001) and reduced antioxidant activity (GSH, SOD, CAT, GPx; p < 0.001). MRN administration reversed these effects, with higher doses showing greater improvement (p < 0.01 for CAT, p < 0.001 for others). Inflammation markers (NF-kB, IL-1β, TNF-α, COX-2, iNOS) were elevated in the I/R group, but MRN reduced their expression (p < 0.001). MRN also mitigated ER stress and reactivated the Wnt signaling pathway, particularly at 100 mg/kg (p < 0.001). Additionally, MRN reduced apoptosis (Caspase-3, Bax, p < 0.001) and autophagy (Beclin-1, LC3A, LC3B, p < 0.001), and improved testicular histology and sperm parameters. MRN treatment restored sperm density, motility, and viability (p < 0.05), with higher doses proving more effective.

Conclusion

MRN has effects properties in testicular I/R injury by inhibiting many damage pathways and activating protective mechanisms.
A wicked problem: Systemic issues surrounding Canadian equestrian dressage and dressage horse welfare
Authors: Ross Megan , Proudfoot Kathryn , Merkies Katrina , Lundgren Charlotte , Ritter Caroline
Published: February 2025

Competitive dressage’s social licence to operate is in jeopardy due to ethical concerns surrounding the use of horses for dressage. There is limited research that contributes to our understanding of Canadian equestrian perspectives on the use of horses in dressage. The objectives of this study were to: (1) explore the cultural context of the Canadian dressage industry, including how horse well-being is integrated within the culture; and (2) investigate coaches’ and riders’ perceptions and experiences with the use of horses for dressage. An ethnographic case study approach was employed, where MR spent 2–6 weeks with each of the four participating Equestrian Canada Certified dressage coaches and their riders (at least four riders per coach for a total of 19 riders). Data collection included direct observation, recording field notes and conducting at least one in-depth interview with each coach and rider. Interviews and field notes were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis leading to the development of three themes: (1) the systems that participants operate within; (2) how these systems foster a culture of contradiction in the industry; and (3) the ‘equestrian dilemma’ highlighting how participants navigate their love for horses with their horses’ well-being amid the sport’s demands. The three themes portray that the issues faced by the dressage industry may be rooted in systemic problems and could be described as a ‘wicked problem’. These results aim to inform future research initiatives that promote a holistic understanding of the challenges faced by the dressage industry and promote systems thinking solutions.
The philosophical foundations of digital twinning
Authors: Wagg David J , Burr Christopher , Shepherd Jason , Xuereb Conti Zack , Enzer Mark , Niederer Steven
Published: February 2025

Digital twins are a new paradigm for our time, offering the possibility of interconnected virtual representations of the real world. The concept is very versatile and has been adopted by multiple communities of practice, policymakers, researchers, and innovators. A significant part of the digital twin paradigm is about interconnecting digital objects, many of which have previously not been combined. As a result, members of the newly forming digital twin community are often talking at cross-purposes, based on different starting points, assumptions, and cultural practices. These differences are due to the philosophical world-view adopted within specific communities. In this paper, we explore the philosophical context which underpins the digital twin concept. We offer the building blocks for a philosophical framework for digital twins, consisting of 21 principles that are intended to help facilitate their further development. Specifically, we argue that the philosophy of digital twins is fundamentally holistic and emergentist. We further argue that in order to enable emergent behaviors, digital twins should be designed to reconstruct the behavior of a physical twin by “dynamically assembling” multiple digital “components”. We also argue that digital twins naturally include aspects relating to the philosophy of artificial intelligence, including learning and exploitation of knowledge. We discuss the following four questions (i) What is the distinction between a model and a digital twin? (ii) What previously unseen results can we expect from a digital twin? (iii) How can emergent behaviours be predicted? (iv) How can we assess the existence and uniqueness of digital twin outputs?
Supporting Breastfeeding Women Amid Natural Disasters in the US: A Scoping Review
Authors: Russell Jennifer H. , Haushalter Alisa , Rhoads Sarah J.
Published: February 2025

Objectives

Mothers, particularly those who are breastfeeding, as well as their babies are often overlooked populations during natural disasters. Still, the ever-growing frequency and severity of natural disasters in the United States (US) have increased the likelihood that a breastfeeding family will experience a natural disaster. In 2019, 83% of all newborns received breastmilk, and 84% of Americans lived in an area that recently experienced a natural disaster. This scoping review aimed to identify ways to support breastfeeding women, infants, and young children during a natural disaster.

Methods

A search was performed using Embase, Scopus, PubMed, and CINHAL databases to identify articles published in the English language from September 2005—September 2023 according to the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). Each article was chosen based on noted inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were extracted per the pre-prepared protocol.

Results

Ten articles were selected for the scoping review, examining key characteristics and recommendations. The authors of the included articles used varying approaches to present the information, and differing approaches to supporting breastfeeding during disasters were observed. Only 3 of the 10 articles were research studies, 3 were editorials, 2 were program descriptions or evaluations, 1 was an education article, and 1 was a report. All articles addressed women, pregnant or postpartum women, infants, and/or young children. All articles addressed hurricanes, and 1 article addressed 2 disasters: a winter storm and a hurricane.

Conclusions

Recommendations include the adoption of breastfeeding women, infants, and young children in disaster plans as a special population with unique needs, integration of breastfeeding support into disaster plans, and training disaster workers to support breastfeeding during disasters.
BRITAIN’S TRADE CHALLENGE: TRACKING THE COSTS IN REAL TIME
Authors: Davies Richard , Hellings Josh
Published: February 2025

Since early 2021, food prices in Britain have increased by 30%. Using monthly microdata, researchers have found that frictions in the UK’s new trade relationship with the European Union (EU) play an important part in this inflation. The trade relationship is evolving, with further changes expected in 2024. This article establishes a framework for identifying trade-related inflation in close to real time. Using programming techniques, we collect daily prices of over 100,000 supermarket items, covering 80% of the UK grocery market. We identify 1,200 products from 12 countries with a protected designation of origin (PDO). This allows us to link price changes to individual EU economies. Addressing the predominance of EU PDOs, we employ a large language model to discern product origins from additional web-scraped data, thus broadening our analysis to cover over 67,000 products. Since August 2023, we find that prices for EU-originating food products have increased at a rate of 50% higher than domestically sourced products. This study presents a unique methodological approach to dissecting food sector inflation, which is well-positioned to be used in a policy setting, allowing us to assess the possible impact of impending nontariff barriers at the GB-EU border in 2024.
Assessing bilingual language proficiency with a yes/no vocabulary test: the role of form-meaning vocabulary knowledge
Authors: Lee Soon Tat , van Heuven Walter J. B. , Price Jessica M. , Leong Christine X. R.
Published: February 2025

Validated yes/no vocabulary tests that measure bilinguals’ language proficiency based on vocabulary knowledge have been widely used in psycholinguistic research. However, it is unclear what aspects of test takers’ vocabulary knowledge are employed in these tests, which makes the interpretation of their scores problematic. The present study investigated the contribution of bilinguals’ form-meaning knowledge to their item accuracy on a Malay yes/no vocabulary test. Word knowledge of Malay first- (N = 80) and second-language (N = 80) speakers were assessed using yes/no, meaning recognition, form recognition, meaning recall and form recall tests. The findings revealed that 59% of the variance in the yes/no vocabulary test score was explained by the accuracy of the meaning recognition, form recognition and meaning recall tests. Importantly, the item analysis indicated that yes/no vocabulary tests assess primarily knowledge of form recognition, supporting its use as a lexical proficiency measure to estimate bilinguals’ receptive language proficiency.
Established native hedgerows on field borders suppress weeds on farms
Authors: Long Rachael Freeman , Valliere Justin Michael
Published: February 2025

Established hedgerows of native plants on the borders of crop fields provide a variety of ecosystem service benefits in agricultural landscapes. However, their influence on weed communities is not well understood, and there are concerns that hedgerows could contribute to weed infestations on farms. To address this research gap, we examined the role of established hedgerows of native California plants on weed abundance (weed numbers and cover) and weed species richness in field borders and in adjacent crops, in large-scale, monocropping systems compared with conventionally managed field borders (i.e., no hedgerows). Across 20 farm sites in California’s Central Valley, hedgerows on orchard crop borders reduced weed numbers by 66%, weed species richness by 59%, and weed cover by 74%. On annual field crop borders, hedgerows reduced weed numbers by 71%, weed species richness by 60%, and weed cover by 70%. In orchards, hedgerows also reduced weed intrusion into the adjacent crop interior, with significantly lower weed cover to the first tree row (area directly underneath the trees), weed species richness to the 10 m tree row, and weed numbers to the 10 m avenue (area between the tree rows). Yearly management practices and associated costs for weed control in established hedgerows were significantly less than for conventionally managed field borders. This study highlights the effectiveness of native hedgerows as a sustainable nature-based solution for reducing weed pressure and management inputs on farms.
Agronomic predictors of herbicide-resistance in horseweed (Erigeron canadensis) for proactive management in Michigan
Authors: Sulzback Juliano R. M. , Patterson Eric L. , Burns Erin E.
Published: February 2025

Herbicide-resistant weeds threaten modern agriculture production. In Michigan, horseweed (Erigeron canadensis L.; syn. Conyza canadensis (L.) Cronq.) is among the most troublesome weeds, and glyphosate was widely used to control E. canadensis. Due to extreme selection pressure imposed by heavy glyphosate usage, glyphosate-resistant E. canadensis is widespread. New technologies to control resistant E. canadensis are being introduced in the form of multiple herbicide-resistance traits into glyphosate-resistant soybean (e.g. dicamba or 2,4-D choline). These new soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] varieties will likely increase the use of 2,4-D and dicamba thus increasing the resistance selection pressure in E. canadensis. Predicting agronomic factors that drive herbicide-resistance evolution can serve as an effective proactive tool to advise practitioners to modify management strategies. Therefore, the objectives of this study are: 1) conduct dose-response assays to assess current resistance spectrum of E. canadensis collected in Michigan and 2) predict and determine the main factors in row crop production that contribute to resistance evolution in these accessions. Dose-response assays were conducted to evaluate the herbicide sensitivity spectrum to glyphosate, dicamba, and 2,4-D in 20 E. canadensis accessions collected from eight Michigan counties. Out of the 20 accessions, 60% were resistant to glyphosate, 35% to 2,4-D, and 20% to dicamba. Pearson’s correlation coefficient of dose-response values were positive in all comparisons (2,4-D-dicamba, r = 0.35; dicamba-glyphosate, r = 0.15; 2,4-D-glyphosate, r = 0.21). Dose-response data were integrated in odds ratio analyses to access the influence that previous management history had on the occurrence of resistance. Out of the significant pairwise comparisons, 44% were related to crop rotation frequency, 33% to previous herbicide-resistance status, and 22% to location collected. Results highlight that growers have the ability to proactively manage herbicide-resistance evolution progression of E. canadensis in Michigan by adopting integrated weed management techniques to slow successive selection events that occur in low diversity management systems.
AXL signaling in cancer: from molecular insights to targeted therapies
Authors: Yadav Monika , Sharma Akansha , Patne Ketki , Tabasum Saba , Suryavanshi Jyoti , Rawat Laxminarayan , Machaalani Marc , Eid Marc , Singh Rana P. , Choueiri Toni K. , Pal Soumitro , Sabarwal Akash
Published: February 2025

AXL, a member of the TAM receptor family, has emerged as a potential target for advanced-stage human malignancies. It is frequently overexpressed in different cancers and plays a significant role in various tumor-promoting pathways, including cancer cell proliferation, invasion, metastasis, epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), angiogenesis, stemness, DNA damage response, acquired therapeutic resistance, immunosuppression, and inflammatory responses. Beyond oncology, AXL also facilitates viral infections, including SARS-CoV-2 and Zika highlighting its importance in both cancer and virology. In preclinical models, small-molecule kinase inhibitors targeting AXL have shown promising anti-tumorigenic potential. This review primarily focuses on the induction, regulation and biological functions of AXL in mediating these tumor-promoting pathways. We discuss a range of therapeutic strategies, including recently developed small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), monoclonal antibodies, and antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs), anti-AXL-CAR, and combination therapies. These interventions are being examined in both preclinical and clinical studies, offering the potential for improved drug sensitivity and therapeutic efficacy. We further discuss the mechanisms of acquired therapeutic resistance, particularly the crosstalk between AXL and other critical receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) such as c-MET, EGFR, HER2/HER3, VEGFR, PDGFR, and FLT3. Finally, we highlight key research areas that require further exploration to enhance AXL-mediated therapeutic approaches for improved clinical outcomes.
Src inhibition potentiates MCL-1 antagonist activity in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Hu Xiaoyan , Li Lin , Nkwocha Jewel , Kmieciak Maciej , Shang Shengzhe , Cowart L. Ashley , Yue Yang , Horimoto Katsuhisa , Hawkridge Adam , Rijal Arjun , Mauro Adolfo G. , Salloum Fadi N. , Hazlehurst Lori , Sdrimas Konstantinos , Moore Zackary , Zhou Liang , Ginder Gordon D. , Grant Steven
Published: February 2025

The importance of MCL-1 in leukemogenesis has prompted development of MCL-1 antagonists e.g., S63845, MIK665. However, their effectiveness in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is limited by compensatory MCL-1 accumulation via the ubiquitin proteasome system. Here, we investigated mechanisms by which kinase inhibitors with Src inhibitory activity e.g., bosutinib (SKI-606) might circumvent this phenomenon. MCL-1 antagonist/SKI-606 co-administration synergistically induced apoptosis in diverse AML cell lines. Consistently, Src or MCL-1 knockdown with shRNA markedly sensitized cells to MCL-1 inhibitors or SKI-606 respectively, while ectopic MCL-1 expression significantly diminished apoptosis. Mechanistically, MCL-1 antagonist exposure induced MCL-1 up-regulation, an event blocked by Src inhibitors or Src shRNA knock-down. MCL-1 down-regulation was associated with diminished transcription and increased K48-linked degradative ubiquitination. Enhanced cell death depended functionally upon down-regulation of phosphorylated STAT3 (Tyr705/Ser727) and cytoprotective downstream targets c-Myc and BCL-xL, as well as BAX/BAK activation, and NOXA induction. Importantly, the Src/MCL-1 inhibitor regimen robustly killed primary AML cells, including primitive progenitors, but spared normal hematopoietic CD34+ cells and human cardiomyocytes. Notably, the regimen significantly improved survival in an MV4-11 cell xenograft model, while reducing tumor burden in two patient-derived xenograft (PDX) AML models and increased survival in a third. These findings argue that Src inhibitors such as SKI-606 potentiate MCL-1 antagonist anti-leukemic activity in vitro and in vivo by blocking MCL-1 antagonist-mediated cytoprotective MCL-1 accumulation by promoting degradative ubiquitination, disrupting STAT-3-mediated transcription, and inducing NOXA-mediated MCL-1 degradation. They also suggest that this strategy may improve MCL-1 antagonist efficacy in AML and potentially other malignancies.
Spatiotemporal transcriptomics elucidates the pathogenesis of fulminant viral myocarditis
Authors: Li Huihui , Chen Xueting , Wang James Jiqi , Shen Juan , Abuduwufuer Kudusi , Zhang Zhao , Dong Zhensheng , Wen Zheng , He Jingwei , Chen Silian , Li Wanshun , Chen Chen , Li Fan , Fang Xiaodong , Wang Dao Wen
Published: February 2025

Fulminant myocarditis (FM) is a severe inflammatory condition of the myocardium that often results in sudden death, particularly in young individuals. In this study, we employed single-nucleus and spatial transcriptomics to perform a comprehensive analysis of coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3)-induced FM in A/J mice, spanning seven distinct time points pre- and post-treatment. Our findings reveal that mesothelial cells play a critical role in the early stage of myocarditis by acting as primary targets for CVB3 infection. This triggers the activation of macrophages, initiating a cascade of inflammation. Subsequently, pro-inflammatory Inflammatory_Mac and T cells infiltrate the myocardium, driving tissue damage. We also identified Cd8+ effector T cells as key mediators of cardiomyocyte injury. These cells release cytotoxic molecules, particularly IFN-γ, which modulates the expression of Spi1, a factor implicated in exacerbating cardiomyocyte death and amplifying disease progression. Therapeutic interventions targeting the IFN-γ/Spi1 axis demonstrated significant efficacy in FM models. Notably, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment reduced mortality, suppressed viral proliferation, and mitigated the hyperinflammatory state of FM. IVIG therapy also downregulated IFN-γ and Spi1 expression, underscoring its immunomodulatory and therapeutic potential. This comprehensive spatiotemporal transcriptomic analysis provides profound insights into the pathogenesis of FM and highlights actionable therapeutic targets, paving the way for more effective management strategies for this life-threatening condition.