bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inbreeding and Outbreeding Depression in Wild and Captive Insect Populations
Authors: Leung Kelley , Beukeboom Leo W. , Zwaan Bas J.
Published: February 2025

Major changes in genetic variation are generally considered deleterious to populations. The massive biodiversity of insects distinguishes them from other animal groups. Insect deviant effective population sizes, alternative modes of reproduction, advantageous inbreeding, endosymbionts, and other factors translate to highly specific inbreeding and outbreeding outcomes. We review the evidence for inbreeding and outbreeding depression and consequences across wild and captive insect populations, highlighting conservation, invasion, and commercial production entomology. We not only discern patterns but also explain why they are often inconsistent or absent. We discuss how insect inbreeding and outbreeding depression operates in complex, sometimes contradictory directions, such as inbreeding being detrimental to individuals but beneficial to populations. We conclude by giving recommendations to (a) more comprehensively account for important variables in insect inbreeding and outbreeding depression, (b) standardize the means of measuring genetic variation and phenotypic impacts for insect populations so as to more reliably predict when inbreeding or outbreeding depression applies, and (c) outline possible remediation options, both nongenetic and genetic, including revision of restrictive international trade laws.
Apoptosis in Cancer Biology and Therapy
Authors: Moyer Allison , Tanaka Kosuke , Cheng Emily H.
Published: February 2025

Since its inception, the study of apoptosis has been intricately linked to the field of cancer. The term apoptosis was coined more than five decades ago following its identification in both healthy tissues and malignant neoplasms. The subsequent elucidation of its molecular mechanisms has significantly enhanced our understanding of how cancer cells hijack physiological processes to evade cell death. Moreover, it has shed light on the pathways through which most anticancer therapeutics induce tumor cell death, including targeted therapy and immunotherapy. These mechanistic studies have paved the way for the development of therapeutics directly targeting either pro- or antiapoptotic proteins. Notably, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the BCL-2 inhibitor venetoclax in 2016, with additional agents currently undergoing clinical trials. Recent research has brought to the forefront both the anti- and proinflammatory effects of individual apoptotic pathways. This underscores the ongoing imperative to deepen our comprehension of apoptosis, particularly as we navigate the evolving landscape of immunotherapy.
Unraveling Mechanisms of Genetic Risks in Metabolic Dysfunction–Associated Steatotic Liver Diseases: A Pathway to Precision Medicine
Authors: Zhang Xiang , Chang Kyong-Mi , Yu Jun , Loomba Rohit
Published: February 2025

Metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a growing global health problem, affecting ∼1 billion people. This condition is well established to have a heritable component with strong familial clustering. With the extraordinary breakthroughs in genetic research techniques coupled with their application to large-scale biobanks, the field of genetics in MASLD has expanded rapidly. In this review, we summarize evidence regarding genetic predisposition to MASLD drawn from family and twin studies. Significantly, we delve into detailed genetic variations associated with diverse pathogenic mechanisms driving MASLD. We highlight the interplay between these genetic variants and their connections with metabolic factors, the gut microbiome, and metabolites, which collectively influence MASLD progression. These discoveries are paving the way for precise medicine, including noninvasive diagnostics and therapies. The promising landscape of novel genetically informed drug targets such as RNA interference is explored. Many of these therapies are currently under clinical validation, raising hopes for more effective MASLD treatment.
Chain of Survival for a Severe Exertional Heat Stroke Casualty
Authors: DeGroot David W. , Litchfield Aaron C. , Blodgett Cora A. , Rhodehouse Blair B. , Hudson Kevin P.
Published: February 2025

Exertional heat stroke is characterized by profound central nervous system dysfunction and core (rectal) temperature typically >40°C. With prompt recognition and response probability of survival is excellent, however there are limited cases with Tc >43.3􀿲°C associated with good outcomes. A 23-year-old male soldier was conducting land navigation training and was found unresponsive by non-medical cadre. Emergency medical services personnel obtained a rectal temperature of 44.3°C, which is the highest-ever body core temperature recorded in an EHS patient who survived without significant sequalae. In this case we report numerous key decisions that contributed to the good outcome. Among those were the use of a GPS-enabled tracking device that enabled location of the patient on the land navigation course, and rapid recognition and response by non-medical personnel at the point-of-injury. Additionally, prioritizing airway, breathing and circulation over choice of cooling modality was important in the setting of a patient in acute respiratory distress. Lastly, careful selection of pharmaceutical agents in the Emergency Department minimized additional stress, primarily the liver and kidneys, that were already significantly stressed. After transfer to a higher level of care due to developing heat-induced disseminated intravascular coagulation and liver failure, the patient was transferred to inpatient rehabilitation 3 weeks post-injury. He recovered by 14 months post-injury, has been medically cleared for return to active duty without limitations, and is continuing his military service.
Investigating Barriers and Facilitators to Engagement With the National Breast Screening Programme Among Women in Malta: A Systematic Review
Authors: Fenech Brian , Gaffiero Daniel
Published: February 2025

Objective: This systematic review aimed to identify the barriers and facilitators affecting engagement with Malta’s National Breast Screening Programme (NBSP) among women aged 50–69, focusing on studies published over the past decade.

Methods: A comprehensive search of PsycINFO, PsychArticles, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar was conducted in June 2024, resulting in 48 records. Five full‐text papers met the inclusion criteria, comprising English‐language studies with quantitative, qualitative or mixed‐method designs that examined breast screening engagement in Malta. Independent risk of bias and quality assessments were conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist for cross‐sectional studies.

Results: The review analysed data from 911 women, with a mean age range of 54.6–58.0 years. Barriers and facilitators to NBSP participation were categorised into three levels: psychological (knowledge gaps, fear and anxiety, health beliefs and illness perceptions), social (educational level, income and marital status) and healthcare‐related (patient satisfaction and accessibility).

Conclusion: Targeted educational initiatives, improved accessibility and enhanced patient support could significantly boost screening uptake, leading to earlier breast cancer detection, reduced mortality rates and better health outcomes for women in Malta. These insights are not only valuable for refining breast screening programmes across Europe but can also inform similar initiatives globally, particularly in countries with comparable barriers and healthcare challenges. Adopting these strategies in diverse contexts may help improve women’s health outcomes worldwide.
Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice on Antibiotic Use and Resistance Among Undergraduates, Pokhara Metropolitan, Nepal
Authors: Sharma Grinsun , Paudel Shishir , Chalise Anisha , Sapkota Biswash , Marasine Nirmal Raj
Published: February 2025

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health problem contributing to increasing rates of morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Inadequate knowledge and misconceptions surrounding antibiotics and their overuse can significantly contribute to the growth and spread of AMR. This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding antibiotic use and resistance among undergraduates in Pokhara, Nepal, and examine associations of knowledge and attitudes with demographic factors and specific antibiotic use practices.

Methods: A cross‐sectional survey was conducted from April to September 2023 among 461 undergraduate students in Pokhara Metropolitan City. Frequency distributions were used to describe participants’ KAP regarding antibiotics. Chi‐square tests were applied to identify factors significantly associated with knowledge and attitudes toward antibiotics, with a significance level of 5%.

Result: Among the total participants, 155 (33.6%, 95% CI: 29.6–38.3) had a lower level of knowledge regarding antibiotics, while a moderate and higher level of knowledge was observed among 208 (45.1%, 95% CI: 40.1–49.5) and 98 (21.3%, 95% CI: 17.5–24.7) students, respectively. Nearly half (53.6%, 95% CI: 48.9–58.2; 50.1%, 95% CI: 45.8–54.4) of the students illustrated positive attitudes and good practices. Factors such as gender, academic discipline, and previous education on antibiotics were associated with students’ knowledge regarding antibiotics, at 5% level of significance (p < 0.05). Similarly, a statistically significant relationship existed between students’ academic discipline, past courses, and their attitudes toward antibiotics. The knowledge of the participants on the antibiotic use was found to have a statistical relationship with practice‐related attributes such as finishing the antibiotic course even after feeling well, giving less preference to antibiotic for cold (p < 0.05). The attitude of the participants toward antibiotics was found to have a statistical relation with practices such as consulting a doctor for antibiotics and finishing the course of antibiotic (p < 0.05).

Conclusion:A large proportion of undergraduates have moderate to high knowledge regarding antibiotic use, while only half had a positive attitude and good practice toward antibiotic use, suggesting a large gap existing in awareness of antibiotic resistance and rational use.
Comparing the Effect of Moderate‐Intensity Versus High‐Intensity Interval Training Exercise on Global Longitudinal Strain (GLS) in Cardiovascular Patients: Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Ghazavi Saeed , Zavar Reihaneh , Sadeghi Masoumeh , Amirpour Afshin , Amerizadeh Atefeh
Published: February 2025

Left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) is a highly sensitive echocardiographic biomarker that detects signs of myocardial dysfunction. It has been proven that exercise‐based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) improves LV‐GLS but whether high‐intensity interval training (HIIT) is more efficient than moderate‐intensity interval training (MIIT) to improve LV‐GLS as cardiac deformation index in cardiovascular patients is debatable. In the current systematic review and meta‐analysis, different digital databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science (ISI), and Google Scholar were searched systematically with no time restriction to answer the abovementioned question. Studies were included that reported GLS as the outcome in CVD subjects before and after enrolling in HIIT and/or MITT. A random effects model was used for meta‐analysis. Eleven sets of results from nine articles—two of which had two sets of results—were included. The result of the sensitivity test to check the publication bias was not significant either for MIIT (p = 0.211) or for HIIT (p = 0.238). Our findings showed that GLS was improved significantly after both MIIT (−1.72. [−2.68, −0.77]) and HIIT (−1.86 [−3.01, −0.71]) in CVD patients; however, the effect of HIIT was greater than MIIT. Subgroup analysis results showed that baseline disease and duration of exercises do not influence the effect of training on GLS. More studies are needed to confirm the conclusion.
Potential for Lung Recruitment Maneuvers Estimated by the Cytokines in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Shen Minjin , Huai Jiaping
Published: February 2025

Objective: Lung recruitment maneuvers (RMs) is an important treatment for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patients; however, assessing lung recruitability is imperative to avoid biotrauma and hemodynamic instability. This study aims to investigate whether the cytokine levels in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of ARDS patients can serve as an indicator of their lung recruitability.

Methods: This study included ARDS patients who received mechanical ventilation for over 24 h. Patients were categorized into lung recruitment maneuver effective (RM‐E) group and lung recruitment maneuver noneffective (RM‐N) group. Interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) and interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) in BALF, lung ultrasound (LUS) scores, and the oxygenation index (P/F) were measured. The differences in cytokine levels between the two groups were compared, and correlations between changes in cytokine levels (ΔIL‐6, ΔIL‐8, and ΔIL‐10), ΔLUS, and ΔP/F were analyzed.

Results: Sixty‐two patients were included in this study (38 in the RM‐E group and 24 in the RM‐N group). After the RM, compared with the RM‐N group, an increase was observed in ΔIL‐6 (p = 0.013), ΔIL‐8 (p = 0.045), ΔIL‐10 (p = 0.039), and ΔLUS (p = 0.045) in the RM‐E group. A positive linear correlation was found between ΔIL‐6 and ΔLUS (r = 0.504, p < 0.001). The area under the lung recruitment potential curve (AUC) predicted by ΔIL‐6 was 0.794, the sensitivity was 94.7%, and the specificity was 70.8%. A positive linear correlation was found between ΔIL‐6 and ΔLUS (r = 0.504, p < 0.001). The lung recruitment potential curve’s AUC predicted by ΔIL‐6 was 0.794, with a sensitivity of 94.7% and specificity of 70.8%.

Conclusion: Lower levels of cytokines in BALF were observed in the RM‐E group. It is possible that the cytokines in BALF, especially IL‐6, could be used to determine the need for RM on the basis of lung recruitability.
UVB‐Protective Effects and Its Mechanisms of Vitis amurensis Rupr. Methanol Extract in Human Primary Dermal Fibroblasts
Authors: Lim Nam Hyung , Oh Sae Woong , Kwon Kitae , Yu Eunbi , Park See-Hyoung , Cho Jae Youl , Lee Jongsung
Published: February 2025

Cumulative exposure of the skin to ultraviolet light causes skin photoaging by breaking down the extracellular matrix (ECM), degrading Type I procollagen (COL1A1), and enhancing the proinflammatory cytokine levels in the skin. The extract of the herb Vitis amurensis Rupr. (VA) was traditionally used therapeutically owing to its antitumor and antimicrobial activities; however, its UV‐protective effect on skin remains unclear. This study was aimed to explore the photoprotective effect of VA in human dermal fibroblast (HDF) and elucidated the underlying molecular pathway. We quantified the total phenolic/flavonoid content and evaluated the free radical scavenging, antiwrinkling, and anti‐inflammatory effects of the VA extract at nontoxic concentrations in UVB‐irradiated HDFs. We found that the VA extract scavenged free radicals and cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), downregulated matrix metalloproteinases‐1 (MMP‐1) expression, restored Type I procollagen expression at the gene and protein levels, and reduced the proinflammatory cytokine IL‐6 expression. Mechanistically, VA primarily downregulated the ERK and JNK pathways to regulate MMP‐1 expression and activated the Smad pathway by suppressing the ERK pathway for COL1A1 synthesis. Moreover, we identified ε‐viniferin as the major ingredient in the VA extract and that it exerted Type I procollagen expression‐promoting activity, indicating its role as the effective compound in the VA extract. These findings suggest that VA is a photoprotective biomaterial that can be used in the cosmetics industry.
Identification and Expression Analysis of the Terpenoid Synthase Gene Family in Dendrobium nobile
Authors: Li Lei , Liu Jie , Wu Di , Fan Qingjie , Zhao Yongxia , Wu Xingdong , Tan Daopeng , He Yuqi , Qin Lin
Published: February 2025

Terpenoid synthase (TPS) is a crucial enzyme catalyzing terpenoid synthesis in plants. However, the TPS gene family and its expression patterns in different growth stages of Dendrobium nobile remain unexplored. This study aims to systematically identify and analyze TPS family members using whole genome sequencing. Results revealed the identification of 50 TPS gene family members, with predicted molecular weights ranging from 14,531 to 162,002 Da. Subfamilies TPS‐a, TPS‐b, TPS‐c, and TPS‐e/f were detected in Dendrobium nobile. Furthermore, UPLC‐Q/TOF‐MS technology was utilized to analyze sesquiterpenoid compounds in the stems of 1‐year‐old and 3‐year‐old Dendrobium nobile. The content of sesquiterpenoid compounds, including dendroxine and dendronobiloside A, increased with plant age. That increase in content can be attributed to the upregulation of sesquiterpene synthase, a hypothesis validated through transcriptome sequencing, qRT‐PCR, and molecular docking. The results over time suggest that sesquiterpenoid compounds may play a role in regulating sesquiterpene synthesis in Dendrobium nobile in conjunction with TPS genes. We promote the development of Dendrobium nobile into the food field. It is conducive to the rational development and utilization of Dendrobium nobile.
Unveiling the Interplay Between Dendritic Cells and Natural Killer Cells as Key Players in Leishmania Infection
Authors: Valério-Bolas Ana , Meunier Mafalda , Rodrigues Armanda , Palma-Marques Joana , Ferreira Rui , Cardoso Inês , Lobo Lis , Monteiro Marta , Nunes Telmo , Armada Ana , Antunes Wilson T. , Alexandre-Pires Graça , Fonseca Isabel Pereira da , Santos-Gomes Gabriela
Published: February 2025

Leishmaniasis is a group of parasitic diseases whose etiological agent is the protozoa Leishmania. These diseases afflict impoverished populations in tropical and subtropical regions and affect wild and domestic animals. Canine leishmaniasis is a global disease mostly caused by L. infantum. Dogs are recognized as a good reservoir since harbor the infection long before developing the disease, facilitating parasite transmission. Furthermore, there is growing evidence that dogs may also be the reservoir of the American Leishmania spp. as L. amazonensis. The innate immune response is the first defense line against pathogens, which includes natural killer (NK) and dendritic cells (DCs). By recognizing and ultimately destroying infected cells, and by secreting immune mediators that favor inflammatory microenvironments, NK cells take the lead in the infectious process. When interacting with Leishmania parasites, DCs become activated and play a key role in driving the host immune response. While activated DCs can modulate NK cell activity, Leishmania parasites can directly activate NK cells by interacting with innate immune receptors. Once activated, NK cells can engage in a bidirectional interplay with DCs. However, the complexity of these interactions during Leishmania infection makes it challenging to fully understand the underlying processes. To further explore this, the present study investigated the dynamic interplay established between monocyte‐derived DCs (moDCs) and putative NK (pNK) cells of dogs during Leishmania infection. Findings indicate that the crosstalk between moDCs exposed to L. infantum or L. amazonensis and pNK cells enhances chemokine upregulation, potentially attracting other leukocytes to the site of infection. pNK cells activated by L. infantum infected DCs upregulate IL-10, which can lead to a regulatory immune response while moDCs exposed to L. amazonensis induced pNK cells to overexpress IFN-γ and IL-13, favoring a mix of pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory response. In addition, parasite‐derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) can modulate the host immune response by stimulating the upregulation of anti‐inflammatory cytokines and perforin release, which may impact infection outcomes. Thus, Leishmania and parasitic EVs can influence the bidirectional interplay between canine NK cells and DCs.
Differential Impacts of Prenatal Supplement Intake on Childhood Obesity Markers, Stratified by Gender and Other Prenatal Factors
Authors: Batra M. , Bekele Y. , Halilagic A. , Manios Y. , Moschonis G. , Erbas B.
Published: February 2025

Objective: To assess the association between maternal iron, folic acid and combined iron–folic acid (IFA) oral supplementation during pregnancy and childhood obesity markers in 9‐ to 13‐year‐olds.

Methods: Data from the 2007–2009 Healthy Growth Study were analysed. The study assessed obesity markers, i.e., body mass index (BMI), skinfold thickness and waist circumference. The research question was examined using generalised linear models stratified by the child’s sex, maternal prepregnancy weight and gestational age.

Results: Folic acid and IFA supplements, but not iron alone, were significantly associated with lower waist circumference in all children (coef. −1.35, 95% CI: −2.47 to −0.23; coef. −1.01, 95% CI: −2.21 to −0.23, p < 0.05). These associations were observed only in girls with lower BMI (coef. −0.88), skinfold thickness (coef. −4.92) and waist circumference (coef. −2.99) with folic acid and similar IFA effects. Interestingly, in boys born to obese mothers before pregnancy, a significant negative association was observed for folic acid alone with BMI (coef. −3.55) and waist circumference (coef. −7.09) and IFA for the sum of skinfold thickness (coef. −19.68).

Conclusion: Maternal folic acid and IFA supplementation may contribute to a lower likelihood of childhood obesity, especially in girls and children of underweight or obese mothers, emphasising the importance of proper prenatal nutrition.
Machine Learning Techniques Associated With Infrared Thermography to Optimize the Diagnosis of Bovine Subclinical Mastitis
Authors: Santana Raul Costa Mascarenhas , Guimarães Edilson da Silva , Caracuschanski Fernando David , Brassolatti Larissa Cristina , Silva Maria Laura da , Garcia Alexandre Rossetto , Pezzopane José Ricardo Macedo , Alves Teresa Cristina , Tholon Patrícia , Santos Marcos Veiga dos , Zafalon Luiz Francisco
Published: February 2025

Bovine subclinical mastitis (SCM) is the costliest disease for the dairy industry. Technologies aimed at the early diagnosis of this condition, such as infrared thermography (IRT), can be used to generate large amounts of data that provide valuable information when analyzed using learning techniques. The objective of this study was to evaluate and optimize the use of machine learning by applying the Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) algorithm in the diagnosis of bovine SCM, based on udder thermogram analysis. Over 14 months, a total of 1035 milk samples were collected from 97 dairy cows subjected to an automatic milking system. Somatic cell counts were performed by flow cytometry, and the health status of the mammary gland was determined based on a cutoff of 200,000 cells/mL of milk. The attributes analyzed collectively included air temperature, relative humidity, temperature‐humidity index, breed, body temperature, teat dirtiness score, parity, days in milk, mammary gland position, milk yield, electrical conductivity, milk fat, coldest and hottest points in the mammary gland region of interest, average mammary gland temperature, thermal amplitude, and the difference between the average temperature of the region of interest and the animal’s body temperature, as well as the microbiological evaluation of the milk. Using the XGBoost algorithm, the most relevant variables for solving the classification problem were identified and selected to construct the final model with the best fit and performance. The best area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC: 0.843) and specificity (Sp: 93.3%) were obtained when using all thermographic variables. The coldest point in the region of interest was considered the most important for decision making in mastitis diagnosis. The use of XGBoost can enhance the diagnostic capability for SCM when IRT is employed. The developed optimized model can be used as a confirmatory mechanism for SCM.
Table 2 from Stanniocalcin 1 in Patients with Refractory Colorectal Cancer Treated with Regorafenib: A Post Hoc Biomarker Analysis of the TEXCAN and CORRECT Trials
Authors: Vienot Angélique , Vernerey Dewi , Bouard Adeline , Klajer Elodie , Kim Stefano , Tournigand Christophe , Louvet Christophe , André Thierry , Rousseau Benoît , Wespiser Mylène , Spehner Laurie , Wang Ying A. , Weispfenning Anke , Dochy Emmanuelle , Borg Christophe
Published: February 2025

Baseline characteristics of the overall CORRECT cohort and STC1 subgroups (optimized cut-offa)
Supplementary Data from Stanniocalcin 1 in Patients with Refractory Colorectal Cancer Treated with Regorafenib: A Post Hoc Biomarker Analysis of the TEXCAN and CORRECT Trials
Authors: Vienot Angélique , Vernerey Dewi , Bouard Adeline , Klajer Elodie , Kim Stefano , Tournigand Christophe , Louvet Christophe , André Thierry , Rousseau Benoît , Wespiser Mylène , Spehner Laurie , Wang Ying A. , Weispfenning Anke , Dochy Emmanuelle , Borg Christophe
Published: February 2025

Table S1
Figure S3 from Stanniocalcin 1 in Patients with Refractory Colorectal Cancer Treated with Regorafenib: A Post Hoc Biomarker Analysis of the TEXCAN and CORRECT Trials
Authors: Vienot Angélique , Vernerey Dewi , Bouard Adeline , Klajer Elodie , Kim Stefano , Tournigand Christophe , Louvet Christophe , André Thierry , Rousseau Benoît , Wespiser Mylène , Spehner Laurie , Wang Ying A. , Weispfenning Anke , Dochy Emmanuelle , Borg Christophe
Published: February 2025

Supplementary Figure 3
Development of physicochemical properties and color of Arbutus unedo L. fruit during osmotic process
Authors: Refas Ibtissem , Amiali Malek , Belkhir Safia
Published: February 2025

Arbutus unedo L. fruit, rich in bioactive compounds with health bene-fits, experiences rapid softening and significant postharvest quality changes, affecting its consumer appeal and storage life. This study investigates the effect of osmotic dehydration (OD) on the physico-chemical composition, water loss (WL), sugar gain (SG), weight re-duction (WR) and color during drying. The fruit was subjected to OD using sucrose solutions of varying concentrations (30, 50, and 60 °Brix) and temperatures (30 and 40 °C). The fresh fruit exhibited a moisture content of 57 %, a pH of 4.37, and 16.90 % of total soluble solids (TSS). The total phenolic content of arbutus fruit was 15.62 ± 0.78 µg/mg extract and the total flavonoid content was 1.63 ± 0.06 µg/mg extract. Our findings revealed that OD at 30 °Brix enhanced the color and reduced the browning compared to untreated fruit (p < 0.05). OD using a 60 °Brix solution notably reduced the moisture con-tent by approximately 13% while simultaneously lowering the pH and increasing the TSS significantly (p < 0.05). These changes strong-ly correlated with WL, SG and sucrose concentration (R = 0.89, 0.79, and 0.82, respectively). OD prevented the color deterioration during drying with E ranging between 6.43 ± 3.37 and 19.97 ± 3.52. The study proposes that OD at 60 °Brix and 40 °C produces dried arbutus unedo fruit with reduced moisture content and minimized color dete-rioration after the application of convective drying, rendering it suit-able for industrial applications as functional food and the production of value-added dried berries.
Towards a Cosmotechnical AI: Planetary Futures and Artificial Wisdom from Latin American Imagination
Authors: Zerené Joaquín , Villota Óscar
Published: February 2025

This article aims to augment existing discussions of artificial intelligence (AI) by introducing an array of Latin American viewpoints, from philosophical discourse to indigenous cosmologies. Employing an interdisciplinary approach, the text integrates ideas from media theory, critical posthumanism, and philosophy of technique to question traditional modern, anthropocentric, and Western conceptualizations of technology and intelligence. The authors draw on Latin American thinkers to explore how traditional wisdom could enrich the future of AI. Finally, they propose that art has the potential to transform technology and explore ways to move beyond current AI paradigms towards artificial wisdom.
The Art of Intelligence: Integrating Lessons from AI's Commonsense Knowledge Problem
Authors: Whitsett Lisa
Published: February 2025

This paper explores a pivotal aspect of artificial intelligence (AI) research history known as the commonsense knowledge problem. Assumptions from computationalist and linguistic views are uncovered, revealing the limitations of human-centric perspectives. Drawing on insights from interdisciplinary studies and critiques of anthropocentrism, the limitations of traditional AI frameworks are examined to propose a shift towards post-anthropocentric perspectives. The paper concludes by outlining practical implications and future directions for AI, promoting a holistic and interdisciplinary approach to understanding cognition across diverse life forms.
Left Dislocations in Heritage and Monolingual Russian
Authors: Zerbian Sabine , Barabashova Kristina , Zuban Yulia
Published: February 2025

The study investigates the occurrence of left dislocations (LD s) in a corpus of semi-spontaneous narrations produced by heritage and monolingual speakers of Russian. All speaker groups produced LD s, and LD s mostly occurred in spoken mode. Surprisingly, heritage speakers (HS s) produced LD s more frequently than monolingual speakers, and more individuals in the HS group used LD s as compared to monolingual speakers. Also unexpectedly, formality was not significant for the distribution of LD s. Further, HS s always accented the LD-referent, frequently accented the LD-pronoun, and did not always place an IP-boundary after the LD-referent. These results confirm previous studies by Zemskaja (1973) and Westbury (2016). Finally, “simple” LD s were referentially both given and new, which is also in accordance with previous reports (Gregory & Michaelis, 2000; Zemskaja, 1973). Thus, the results of our corpus study show that the differences between monolingual speakers and HS s lie in the frequency of use of these structures.
Explanationism, Circularity and Non-Evaluative Grounding
Authors: Belkoniene Miloud
Published: February 2025

The present article examines two important challenges raised by Steup for explanationist accounts of evidential fit. The first challenge targets the notion of available explanation which is key to any explanationist account of evidential fit. According to Steup, any plausible construal of the notion of available explanation already presupposes the notion of evidential fit. In response to that challenge, an alternative conception of what it takes for an explanation to be available to a subject is offered and shown to be able to shed better light on the specific role played by that notion in explanationist accounts of evidential fit. The second challenge relies on the claim that the explanatory goodness of competing explanations is determined by their evidential fit, rather than the other way around. In response to that challenge, it is argued that explanationists can concede that the relative explanatory goodness of an explanation is in part dependent on that explanation’s likeliness on the overall evidence possessed by the subject without thereby conceding that Explanationism about justification is circular.
Two new combinations in Tapanhuacanga Vand. (Spermacoceae, Rubiaceae), the priority name for Psyllocarpus Mart. & Zucc.
Authors: CARMO JOÃO AFONSO MARTINS DO , SOBRADO SANDRA VIRGINIA , SALAS ROBERTO MANUEL , SIMÕES ANDRÉ OLMOS
Published: February 2025

N/A
Morphology and phylogeny reveal a novel species, Tolypocladium phycosomatis (Ophiocordycipitaceae, Hypocreales), from Yunnan, China
Authors: LI SONG-YU , LU YING-LING , ZHAO JING , MA JIN-MEI , YANG SHI-DAO , YU ZHI-YONG , YU HONG
Published: February 2025

Tolypocladium is classified within family Ophiocordycipitaceae. We formally describe and illustrate a novel species, Tolypocladium phycosomatis using morphological features and phylogenetic analyses. This new species was discovered in Yunnan Province, China. Phylogenetic analysis based on ITS, nrSSU, nrLSU, tef-1α, rpb1, and rpb2 gene sequences revealed that this species clustered closely with T. ovalisporum, forming a sister relationship. A comprehensive phylogenetic tree of the genus Tolypocladium was reconstructed, providing a foundation for further phylogenetic studies of this genus and its related taxa. This discovery enhances our understanding of species diversity within the genus Tolypocladium and provides a robust taxonomic foundation for their rational development and sustainable utilization.
Exploring occupational therapists’ use of movement guidelines for young children with disabilities
Authors: Taylor Leah G. , Bourke Matthew , Alvarez Liliana , Arbour-Nicitopoulos Kelly P. , Burke Shauna M. , Tucker Patricia
Published: February 2025

Background. Children with developmental disabilities are less likely than their peers without disabilities to meet the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines which provide daily recommendations for time spent in physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep. Occupational Therapists (OTs) are well-positioned to support the engagement of preschoolers with developmental disabilities in movement but little is known about if, and how, they might use these guidelines. Purpose. This study examined knowledge, awareness, and guideline-, client-, and environment-related factors influencing the use of the guidelines by OTs working with children (aged 3–4 years) with developmental disabilities. The secondary purpose was to explore relationships between these factors and OT education and experience. Method. The validated Clinician Guideline Determinants Questionnaire ( n = 51 items) was administered via Qualtrics to a sample of Canadian pediatric OTs. Descriptive statistics were employed. Findings. Participants (n = 28 OTs) reported moderate to high agreement with the guidelines varying by movement type. Participants agreed they possessed the skills, knowledge, and external support to use the recommendations in practice but were less likely to agree with having training, implementation tools, and self-efficacy to implement the guidelines. Conclusion. Canada's 24-Hour Movement Guidelines hold potential for use by OTs, but capacity-building is required to support implementation.
Gender, Displacement, and the Ethics of Protection
Authors: Riggirozzi Pía , Cintra Natalia , Owen David
Published: February 2025

Focusing on the flight of women and girls from Venezuela to Brazil, and on South American refugee regimes, this paper addresses the ethics of forced displacement and the requirements of gender-responsive systems of protection. The analysis centers the voices of displaced women brought in through fieldwork in Manaus and Boa Vista, Brazil, in 2020–2022, to identify gaps and negative effects of gender-blind provision of shelter, healthcare, and other services at crossing and reception. We argue that current approaches to protection privilege humanitarian responses to victims, whereas any efforts to break cycles of deprivation and exclusion affecting displaced women and girls should privilege determinants of relational autonomy and the social agency of displaced women and girls. By developing this analysis, we contribute directly to feminist critiques of refugee protection, and reconstruct (based on migrant women's perspectives and feminist work on relational autonomy) key elements of a gendered account of protection that centers on the recognition of autonomy.
Bibliometric analysis of Indigenous knowledge systems and climate change adaptation literature, 1993–2023
Authors: Gondo Reniko
Published: February 2025

This article presents a bibliometric analysis of the intersection between Indigenous knowledge systems and climate change adaptation, based on 507 journal articles from 1993 to 2023 sourced from the Web of Science database. Using citation analysis and keyword co-occurrence, the study examines key themes, trends and influential works, shedding light on the evolving discourse surrounding Indigenous knowledge systems in climate adaptation. It identifies regional variations and shifts in research focus, highlighting the growing recognition of the role of Indigenous knowledge systems in climate change adaptation, particularly in Africa. The study finds an increase in scholarly interest and research output, signalling the rising significance of Indigenous knowledge systems in both academic and practical domains. It also reveals diverse approaches to integrating Indigenous knowledge systems into adaptation efforts, including community-based participatory research and policy advocacy. The study recommends an enhanced collaboration and knowledge exchange among traditional knowledge-holders, researchers, policymakers and practitioners to fully leverage Indigenous knowledge systems in addressing climate challenges effectively.
TAR-200: Investigational intravesical drug delivery system for bladder cancer
Authors: Munavvir Muhammed , M Mujeeburahiman , Khan Altaf , Debashish Gaurav Das
Published: February 2025

Bladder cancer is second among the most common urothelial malignancy and one of the most expensive in terms of treatment. Localized bladder cancer is classified into non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) and muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). First line approach for treatment of NMIBC is transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) followed by intravesical instillation of immuno/chemotherapeutic agents to prevent or delay recurrence or progression. Historically intravesical Bacillus Calmette Geurin (BCG) instillation has been a mainstay of therapy for NMIBC post-TURBT. Commonly followed drug delivery is intravesical instillation that maximizes exposure of the drug to the lesion and minimizes systemic side effects. Gemcitabine used in bladder cancer due to its pharmacological properties making it appropriate for intravesical instillation. Limitations of intravesical instillation is low bladder permeability leading to decreased drug concentration in bladder tissues and frequent urination causing drug wash out or dilution reducing the effect of treatment. Effective intravesical therapy depends on the penetration of the drug into the tumor. TAR200 is a novel drug delivery system that facilitates sustained release of continuous low dose gemcitabine over an indwelling period providing a uniform concentration of drug after each voiding cycle and exposure of drug to the bladder tumor. There are completed and ongoing clinical trials to evaluate the efficacy of TAR200 alone or in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents in NMIBC and MIBC. FDA has granted breakthrough therapy designation (BTD) for TAR-200 in December 2023. This review highlights the potential of TAR-200 and clinical trials that improve bladder cancer treatment outcome.
Emotional Labor as a Situated Social Practice: Investigating the Performance of Emotional Labor by Women Migrant Workers in China’s Platform-based Gig Economy
Authors: Liu Ye , Huang Hui
Published: February 2025

How has the platform-based gig economy affected the performance of emotional labor? This study addresses gaps in prior scholarship, which has focused primarily on the organizational processes or has used a traditional intersectional lens. This article, therefore, proposes reconceptualizing emotional labor as a situated social practice through a cumulative and multi-scalar intersectional lens. Drawing on 47 in-depth interviews with women rural migrant housecleaners in Shanghai, our study explores how algorithmic management, diverse urban work environments, and intersecting material and symbolic hierarchies affect emotional labor. The findings reveal how the intensity and nature of emotional labor vary in response to algorithmic control, disciplinary practices, and the characteristics of urban households. Gendered dimensions of emotional labor also emerge, from performing apology rituals to navigating age, class, and gender hierarchies, and deploying defensive strategies to mitigate sexual harassment risks. The study advances theoretical understanding by proposing emotional labor as a social practice situated within multi-scalar intersectional hierarchies of hukou (China’s Household Registration System) socioeconomic status, and gender and cultural systems of age and language. It further examines how these hierarchies become embedded in meso-level work environments, creating cumulative oppressions. Emotional labor performed by these rural migrant workers, therefore, emerges as a situated practice that responds and contests a complex matrix of oppression and power dynamics of China’s platform economy.
DECLAINE: How the Design of AI is Eroding our Humanity
Authors: Poole Eve
Published: February 2025

In the race to develop Artificial General Intelligence, an assumption within the AI community is that an artificial brain that complex would naturally develop consciousness. This spectre has produced calls for a global pause while regulation catches up, because of fears about ‘the Control Problem’, or what happens if AI goes rogue. This article will look at how this problem is tackled in human design. It seems that most of the elements of our design that are salient for the moderation of our free will have not been copied into AI, because they are considered ‘junk code’. But if we are made in the image of God, these must be features, not bugs; and the Christian community is the embodiment of over two thousand years of practices designed to keep humanity on track. This has implications for where routes to solution might be found in the development of frontier AI.
How military forecasting projects can promote exceptionalist militarism: The French Red Team project and the securitization of the future
Authors: Sangar Eric
Published: February 2025

This article examines the puzzle of the French Red Team: how to make sense of the mediatization of a military threat forecasting project that is officially aimed at promoting internal innovation? Building a conceptual bridge between the civil–military relations scholarship and securitization theory, the article argues that the project should be understood as a securitizing movement with the aim of securitizing future threats to the integrity of the nation-state and thus justifying exceptionalist militarism in the present. A discourse analysis reveals how the project incorporates sedimentary discourses in contemporary French civil–military relations, constructing a future narrative in which the armed forces are the ultimate protector of the integrity of the nation-state, as civilian authorities are unable to fulfil this role. The performativity of this securitizing move can be illustrated with regard to its reception by mainstream French media, which portray the project scenarios as credible narratives of future threats due to the perceived independent nature of the mobilized artistic and scientific knowledge. The article thus contributes to an emerging research agenda that takes military institutions more seriously as securitizing actors, including via apparently apolitical, technocratic forecasting projects.
A Quality Improvement Project to Improve LATCH Score in Healthy Preterm Neonates
Authors: Samuel Steeve Gnana , Bharathi S. Mangala , Sajjid Mohamed , Karthik Arun
Published: February 2025

Background

The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for six months. Even though exclusive breastfeeding is emphasized universally, some mother-infant dyad face problems in initial postnatal days. LATCH score was developed in 1994 to assess breastfeeding and to identify mothers at risk for failure of exclusive breastfeeding. In our unit, only 19% of late preterm neonates had a LATCH score of more than 7. Hence, the effects of various QI interventions were studied to improve LATCH scores in late preterm neonates.

Objective

To improve the LATCH score of more than 7 in late preterm neonates admitted in the postnatal ward.

Methods

This is a QI project where the average LATCH scores in healthy late preterm neonates (34 weeks to 36+6 weeks) at 48 hours of life from the postnatal ward were studied. The baseline data was collected from May 2023 to June 2023 and the implementation phase was conducted from July 2023 to August 2023. QI team included staff nurses from the postnatal ward, head staff nurses, resident doctors, and consultants. Potential barriers were listed using the fishbone analysis. Various interventions were identified and a priority matrix was formed to decide the sequence of introduction of multiple PDSA cycles.

Outcome Indicator

Improvement in LATCH score to more than 7 recorded by the postnatal team daily.

Results

A total of 80 late preterm neonates were enrolled. At the end of the study, LATCH score was improved to more than 7 in 75% of late preterm neonates. The intervention that was most helpful in achieving the goal was admission of the late preterm neonates in the M-NICU. We were able to sustain the improvement at the end of 6 months.

Conclusion

Sequential QI interventions helped to improve LATCH scores to more than 7 from 19% neonates to 75% neonates thus ensuring successful breastfeeding.
Environmental Performance and Firm Value: The Moderating Effect of Board Gender Diversity
Authors: Nepal Mukesh , Das Priya , Sahu Ragubir
Published: February 2025

This study aims to empirically examine the moderating effect of board gender diversity (BGD) on environmental performance and firm value. Following a longitudinal research design, it collects data by accessing the Bloomberg database for the National Stock Exchange (NSE)-listed Nifty-50 indexed firms covering 2018–2021. The study employs the Hausman test to identify a suitable model between fixed and random effects. The results have revealed that BGD is unlikely to moderate the relationship between environmental performance and firm value. However, the study reveals that BGD positively and significantly impacts environmental performance. On the other hand, the results report an insignificant relationship between BGD and firm value, proxying both accounting and market-based firm value measures. The study has acknowledged a few limitations and provided policy implications, such as introducing stringent measures for ensuring the independence of women directors (WDs) in boardroom discussions and a new provision to increase women’s participation on the board. Moreover, the study also paved the way for future research.