bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interactional metadiscourse markers in political science and creative arts journal abstracts
Authors: Nawawi Noor Afifah , Ting Su-Hie
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study examined interactional metadiscourse markers in Q1 and Q3–Q4 political sciences and creative arts abstracts.

Design/methodology/approach

The corpus comprised 80 abstracts of articles published in Social Science Citation Index journals from 2011 to 2022 (40 in creative arts; 40 in political science). An analysis was conducted using Hyland’s (2005) interpersonal model for the distribution of hedges, boosters, self-mentions, attitude markers and engagement markers.

Findings

The analysis identified 598 interactional markers, with 61.9% in political science abstracts and 38.1% in creative arts abstracts. The political science writers were more into getting the readers involved in the argument (60.2 interactional markers per thousand words) than the creative arts writers (32.9 interactional markers per thousand words). For both disciplines, booster was the most frequently used marker followed by hedging, self-mention, attitude marker and engagement marker. Based on the total number and type of interactional marker, the creative arts abstracts in Q1 and Q3–Q4 journals were similar. However, the Q1 political science abstracts had a stronger authorial presence than the Q3–Q4 political science abstracts. The greater visibility of the Q1 political science writers was reflected in more frequent boosters, hedges and self-mentions. They were stronger in asserting their propositions with confidence.

Research limitations/implications

As is evident from past studies, each discipline has its own uniqueness in writer-reader engagement. The study did not investigate possible influences of cultural background on the use of interactional markers for engagement by referring to the background of the writers.

Practical implications

Academic writing courses can employ the findings on interactional metadiscourse markers for teaching college and university students to produce research reports that fit the conventions of the community of practice.

Social implications

The findings indicate that differences in interactional metadiscourse use by discipline and journal tier was more obvious in the political sciences than creative arts. This means that there is a greater focus on authorial identity in the political sciences. As for journal tier, the creative arts researchers are similar in the style and there is less demarcation in the quality of writing with respect to reader-writer engagement.

Originality/value

The study provides new insights on greater reader interaction by discipline and journal tier in the political sciences than in the creative arts.
The Side Effects of Corporate Digitalization on Corporate Social Responsibility: A Fraud Triangle Perspective
Authors: Jia Fu , Du Ke , Chen Lujie , Lim Ming K. , Cheng Yang
Published: February 2025

Although digital technologies can be powerful tools to fulfil environmental responsibilities, scant research has examined whether and how firms adopting these technologies evade environmental responsibilities. This study uses data on Chinese listed firms from 2012 to 2022 to explore whether corporate digitalization (CD) leads to corporate greenwashing (CGW). Our findings indicate that CD exacerbates CGW, as it exacerbates information asymmetry between companies and stakeholders through impression management, information manipulation and increasing the complexity of corporate operations, all of which can lead to CGW. Furthermore, building on the fraud triangle, we find that financial distress, digital misalignment and earnings manipulation exacerbate the main effect. This study contributes to the literature on the dark side of digital transformation in firm performance.
Associations between sociodemographic and obstetric factors, and childbirth experience
Authors: Rozsa Daniella , Sande Ragnar Kvie , Bernitz Stine , Dalen Ingvild , Braut Geir Sverre , Øian Pål , Eggebø Torbjørn M. , Dalbye Rebecka
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Sociodemographic and obstetric factors have been shown to impact childbirth experience, but results regarding the effect of certain factors have been heterogeneous. It is important to understand how individual risk factors affect childbirth experience to be able to identify women at risk for negative childbirth experience. The aim of this study was to determine individual associations between sociodemographic and obstetric factors and childbirth experience.

Material and Methods

The Labor Progression Study (LaPS‐NCT02221427) was a multicenter randomized trial examining clinical consequences of using Zhang's guideline versus the WHO partograph on intrapartum cesarean section rate. Four weeks after delivery, 5810 women received the Childbirth Experience Questionnaire (CEQ) online. The CEQ consists of 19 questions on four subscales (own capacity, professional support, perceived safety, and participation). The total CEQ score is the mean score of each of the subscale scores, ranging from 1 to 4, a higher score indicating a better childbirth experience. Sociodemographic (age, body mass index, education, civil status, and smoking) and obstetric (gestational age, prolonged labor, mode of delivery, and obstetric complications) characteristics of the women were recorded, and associations to total and subscale CEQ scores were examined with log‐linear regression.

Results

In all, 3604 women answered the questionnaire, a 62.9% response rate. The mean (SD) total CEQ score was of 3.24 (0.43). The subscale score was highest for professional support, mean 3.68 (0.49), and lowest for own capacity, mean 2.61 (0.54). The total CEQ score was not associated with any of the sociodemographic characteristics examined. Smoking in the first trimester was associated with lower scores on the professional support subscale 3.61 (3.55, 3.67) than nonsmokers, 3.69 (3.68, 3.71); p = 0.001. Of obstetric factors, only delivering in week 37 was significantly associated with a higher total CEQ score, 3.34 (3.28, 3.40), vs. 3.24 (3.22, 3.26) at 40 weeks, p = 0.002. Findings remained significant in adjusted analysis.

Conclusions

In our study, individual sociodemographic factors did not impact overall the childbirth experience. Smoking was associated with a lower score on the professional support subscale. Delivery in week 37 was associated with a better overall childbirth experience. No other obstetric factor influenced the childbirth experience.
The Impact of Over Three Years Commercial Use of Ex Vivo Normothermic Machine Perfusion for Liver Transplantation in the USA: A UNOS/OPTN Database Analysis
Authors: Yamamoto Takayuki , Koizumi Naoru , Markmann James F.
Published: February 2025

Background

Data to date using normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) devices to resuscitate and assess marginal livers such as donation after circulatory death (DCD) livers has shown impressive prevention of ischemic reperfusion injury and ischemic cholangiopathy (IC). We examined the impact of these NMP devices over 3 years after their release for commercial use on deceased donor liver transplantation (LT).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of UNOS‐SRTR data of livers recovered from DCD donors or older (≥ 60 years old) donation after brain death (DBD) donors for LT as well as the outcome of LT from DBD or DCD donors performed from 1/1/2016 to 6/30/2024 to compare differences with ischemic cold storage (ICS) versus NMP.

Results

Among 10 778 donors of DCD livers, 1987 donors used NMP, and 8791 donors used ICS. In NMP group, the proportion of discarded livers was significantly less (7.25% vs. 30.52%), donors were older, donor BMI higher and more expanded criteria donor than those in ICS group (all, p < 0.001). For older donors, 416 cases used NMP and in 10 708 cases the liver was recovered via ICS. The discard rate of livers in NMP group was significantly less (4.33% vs. 12.18%, p < 0.001) and donors were older and donor BMI higher than that in ICS group. In DCD LT, the incidence of primary nonfunction (PNF), acute rejection within 1 year after LT as well as graft failure due to IC and hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT) in NMP group were significantly less than those in ICS group.

Conclusion

In conclusion, commercial use of NMP has expanded the donor pool by accelerated usage of marginal livers such as DCD and older donors by permitting longer preservation and functional assessment of the liver. In addition, the usage of NMP for DCD LTs was associate with a reduced incidence of rejection, PNF, graft failure due to IC and HAT.
Paracetamol Overdoses Among Danish Adolescents: A COVID‐19 Perspective
Authors: Kempf Oliver Nørholm , Helt Thora Wesenberg , Herrche‐Petersen Jens Jakob , Søndergaard Charlotte , Longin Elke , Ellerman Annie , Frederiksen Marianne Sjølin , Lundby‐Christensen Louise , Andersen Jesper , Petersen Thomas Houmann , Nielsen Rasmus G. , Nielsen Bent Windelborg , Trier Cæcilie , Jürgensen Louise , Nielsen Jens Peter , Reynskor Magnus Ove , Kvistgaard Helene , Boas Malene , Jeppesen Eva Mosfeldt , Christensen Vibeke Brix
Published: February 2025

Aim

This study examines trends in paracetamol overdoses among Danish adolescents during and following the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

A retrospective observational study was conducted using data from the national databases, covering all paediatric departments in Denmark from January 2016 to December 2023. Patients between 10 and 19 years of age diagnosed with paracetamol overdose were stratified by sex, age and number of hospital admissions. As the dataset covers the entire population, observed values reflect true parameters. A one‐sample t‐test compared post‐COVID‐19 values to the pre‐COVID‐19 mean.

Results

A total of 4.448 patients accounted for 5.794 hospital admissions due to paracetamol overdoses, with a majority being girls. During the second year of the pandemic (2021), a rise in overdose cases (26.5%) and hospital admissions (30.3%) was observed, especially among girls. The average number of admissions per patient increased, indicating repeated self‐harm attempts. Cases of severe overdoses leading to acute liver failure increased at Rigshospitalet. These trends reversed post‐pandemic.

Conclusion

The findings suggest an association between pandemic‐related isolation and an increase in adolescent paracetamol overdoses. While rates began to normalise after restrictions were lifted, further research is needed to assess the long‐term mental health impact of such restrictions.
Virtual nature and well‐being: Exploring the potential of 360° VR
Authors: Finkler Wiebke , Vlietstra Lara , Waters Debra L. , Zhu Lei , Gallagher Steve , Walker Ryan , Forlong Ryan , van Heezik Yolanda
Published: February 2025

This proof‐of‐concept study investigates the potential of immersive 360° VR nature videos to enhance emotional well‐being and nature connectedness, focusing on their use as e‐health interventions within social marketing initiatives. The research examined four key variables: (i) presence, or the extent to which participants felt immersed in the VR experience; (ii) emotional responses, measured by changes in participants' positive and negative affect; (iii) user experience, including enjoyment and engagement; and (iv) nature connectedness, reflecting participants' state of connection to the natural world. Using a mixed‐method approach, participants (n = 63) engaged with four VR nature videos, with presence, emotional states and nature connectedness measured before and after the experience. Results showed high levels of presence, with participants reporting feelings of calmness, escape and connection to nature. Positive affect increased post‐VR, although negative affect remained unchanged. Nature connectedness improved across all participants, highlighting the potential of VR nature experiences to support well‐being. Individual differences, such as prior VR experience and gender, influenced perceptions, emphasising the need to tailor interventions. This study provides a foundation for using 360° VR nature videos in social marketing to promote emotional well‐being, particularly for those with limited access to natural environments.
Addressing the High and Rising Global Burden of Metabolic Dysfunction‐Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) and Metabolic Dysfunction‐Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH): From the Growing Prevalence to Payors' Perspective
Authors: Younossi Zobair M. , Razavi Homie , Sherman Michael , Allen Alina M. , Anstee Quentin M. , Cusi Kenneth , Friedman Scott L. , Lawitz Eric , Lazarus Jeffrey V. , Schuppan Detlef , Romero‐Gómez Manuel , Schattenberg Jörn M. , Vos Miriam B. , Wong Vincent Wai‐Sun , Ratziu Vlad , Hompesch Marcus , Sanyal Arun J. , Loomba Rohit
Published: February 2025

Background

The continuum of metabolic syndrome encompasses a spectrum of dysfunctions impacting obesity‐linked insulin resistance, glucose homeostasis, lipid metabolism and pro‐inflammatory immune responses. The global prevalence of metabolic diseases, including diabetes, chronic liver disease, cardiometabolic disease and kidney disease, has surged in recent decades, contributing significantly to population mortality. Metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease, is a leading cause of liver disease worldwide. MASLD poses a significant global health challenge with its rising prevalence, placing a substantial burden on healthcare systems, impacts patient well‐being and incurs significant economic costs. Addressing MASLD requires a comprehensive understanding of its interconnected factors, including its prevalence, healthcare burden and economic implications. Lack of awareness, imprecise non‐invasive diagnostic methods and ineffective preventive interventions are core components of the MASLD‐related problem.

Aim

The aim of this article was to summarise the global burden of MASLD from the payer's perspective.

Methods

We carried out a review of the global comprehensive burden of MASLD. These topics led to discussions and insights by an expert panel during the 7th Metabolic Continuum Roundtable meeting, which took place in November 2023. This meeting focused on the burden, patient‐reported outcomes and health economics, from payor and societal perspectives, and aimed to identify opportunities for improving patient care, optimise resource allocation and mitigate the overall impact on individuals and society related to MASLD. During the roundtable, an emphasis emerged on the need for greater awareness and strategic deployment of diagnostic, therapeutic and preventative measures to address MASLD effectively.

Conclusion

The global burden of MASLD is high and growing. Prioritising the prevention of metabolic dysregulation and timely therapeutic interventions can yield a holistic strategy to combat MASLD, its progression and potentially lower disease costs.

Trial Registration: NCT06309992
Comparison Between Dynamic Models for Predicting Response to Corticosteroids in Alcohol‐Associated Hepatitis: A Global Cohort Study
Authors: Idalsoaga Francisco , Díaz Luis Antonio , Guizzetti Leonardo , Dunn Winston , Mehta Heer , Arnold Jorge , Ayares Gustavo , Mortuza Rokhsana , Mahli Gurpreet , Islam Alvi H. , Sarin Shiv K. , Maiwall Rakhi , Zhang Wei , Qian Steve , Simonetto Douglas , Singal Ashwani K. , Elfeki Mohamed A. , Ramirez‐Cadiz Carolina , Cabezas Joaquín , Echavarría Victor , Cots Meritxell Ventura , La Tijera María Fátima Higuera‐De , Abraldes Juan G. , Al‐Karaghouli Mustafa , Jalal Prasun K. , Ali Ibrahim Mohamad , García‐Tsao Guadalupe , Goyes Daniela , Skladaný Lubomir , Havaj Daniel J. , Sulejova Karolina , Selcanova Svetlana Adamcova , Rincón Diego , Shah Vijay H. , Kamath Patrick S. , Arrese Marco , Bataller Ramon , Arab Juan Pablo
Published: February 2025

Several dynamic models predict mortality and corticosteroid response in alcohol‐associated hepatitis (AH), yet no consensus exists on the most effective model. This study aimed to assess predictive models for corticosteroid response and short‐term mortality in severe AH within a global cohort. We conducted a multi‐national study of patients with severe AH treated with corticosteroids for at least 7 days, enrolled between 2009 and 2019. Dynamic models—Lille‐4, Lille‐7, trajectory of serum bilirubin (TSB), and neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR)—were used to estimate 30‐ and 90‐day mortality. Lille‐7 demonstrated the highest accuracy for both 30‐ and 90‐day mortality.
Why moral judgements change across variations of trolley‐like problems
Authors: Cohen Dale J. , Quinlan Philip T.
Published: February 2025

In the standard ‘trolley problem’, respondents must decide whether to save a condemned group of individuals by sacrificing a safe bystander. Although respondents often are willing to sacrifice the bystander in some circumstances (e.g., by pulling a lever), they are loath to sacrifice the bystander in others (e.g., by pushing the bystander off a footbridge). This difference in responding has been explained via a Dual Process theory of moral judgements (DPT). DPT, however, is a classic boxes‐and‐arrows model that only makes directional predictions. Meehl (1967, Philosophy of Science, 34, 103) cautioned against theories that only make directional predictions, explaining that they are notoriously difficult to falsify. Meehl (1967, Philosophy of Science, 34, 103) argued that researchers should follow the lead of Physics and develop computational models that make functional and point predictions. Here, we use a value‐based, computational cognitive model of decision‐making (Psychological Value Theory) to predict precisely both the speed and kind of response in trolley‐like problems in three experiments. We show that this model accounts for the changes in choices across variations of the trolley problem with a response bias parameter.
Revisiting the backbone phylogeny and inferring the evolutionary trends in inflorescence of Elsholtzieae (Lamiaceae): new insights from orthologous nuclear genes
Authors: Jin Xin‐Jie , Yu Yan , Lin Han‐Yang , Liu Feng‐Luan , Wang Hai‐feng , Ma Qing , Chen Yang , Zhang Yong‐Hua , Li Pan
Published: February 2025

The angiosperm tribe of Elsholtzieae (Lamiaceae) is characterized by complex inflorescences and has notable medicinal and economic significance. Relationships within Elsholtzieae, including the monophyly of Elsholtzia and Keiskea, and relationships among Mosla, Keiskea and Perilla, remain uncertain, hindering insights into inflorescence evolution within the tribe. Using hybridization capture sequencing and deep genome skimming data analysis, we reconstruct a phylogeny of Elsholtzieae using 279 orthologous nuclear loci from 56 species. We evaluated uncertainty among relationships using concatenation, coalescent and network approaches. Using a time‐calibrated phylogeny, we reconstructed ancestral inflorescence traits to elucidate the patterns in their evolution within the tribe. Our analyses consistently support the paraphyly of the genus Elsholtzia. Phylogenetic network analyses, confirmed by PhyloNetworks and SplitsTree, showed reticulation events among the major lineages of Elsholtzieae. The unstable polyphyly of Keiskea observed in ASTRAL (accurate species tree algorithm), ML (maximum likelihood) and MP (maximum parsimony) analyses may be related to introgression from Perilla and Mosla. Based on the analyses of phylogenetic trees within Elsholtzieae, the evolutionary trajectory of inflorescences demonstrates a pattern of diversification, with specialization as one aspect of this process. Elsholtzieae support the hypothesis that compressed inflorescences evolved from larger and more complex ancestral forms through successive compressions of the inflorescence axis. Additionally, certain lineages within the tribe display a trend towards simplified inflorescences, characterized by a reduction in the number of florets. This highlights both the specialization and the diversity in the evolution of inflorescence structures within the tribe.
Latitudinal patterns and climatic drivers of Laurasian and Gondwanan angiosperm tree distributions in forests of the Americas
Authors: Jin Yi , Qian Hong
Published: February 2025

The biogeographic affinity of a lineage leaves imprint on its niche, and influences its distribution under biotic interchange between landmasses. Since the beginning of the Quaternary, North America (a remnant of Laurasia) and South America (a remnant of Gondwana) have been united, and triggered the Great American Biotic Interchange. Based on existing knowledge, we expect more Laurasian lineages to occur at higher latitudes, in colder or drier areas; and more Gondwanan lineages to reside at lower latitudes, in hotter and wetter areas of the Americas. Moreover, the tropical niche conservatism (TNC) hypothesis states that the tropical flora be most ancient. If so, then both younger Laurasian and Gondwanan lineages would occur in regions at colder and higher latitudes. Here, we examine the latitudinal patterns of species richness and mean family age of Laurasian and Gondwanan angiosperm tree lineages in 422 forest plots distributed across the Americas, and investigate the underlying continent and climatic drivers. We found opposite latitudinal and climatic patterns for species richness of Laurasian and Gondwanan lineages, the former declined towards lower latitudes and hotter climates, whereas the latter declined towards higher latitudes and colder climates. In particular, more pronounced climatic patterns for species richness of Laurasian and Gondwanan lineages were observed in North and South America, respectively. In addition, the mean family age of Laurasian lineages declined towards higher latitudes and colder climates, and for Gondwanan lineages it also decreased towards higher latitudes in South America, hence supporting the TNC hypothesis. We suggest Laurasian and Gondwanan angiosperm tree lineages in forests of the Americas exhibit diverged climate niche preferences, perhaps partly due to diversification of the former in extratropical climates in recent geological times.
Paleorecords Reveal Biological Mechanisms Crucial for Reliable Species Range Shift Projections Amid Rapid Climate Change
Authors: Van der Meersch Victor , Armstrong Edward , Mouillot Florent , Duputié Anne , Davi Hendrik , Saltré Frédérik , Chuine Isabelle
Published: February 2025

The recent acceleration of global climate warming has created an urgent need for reliable projections of species distributions, widely used by natural resource managers. Such projections have been mainly produced by species distribution models with little information on their performances in novel climates. Here, we hindcast the range shifts of forest tree species across Europe over the last 12,000 years to compare the reliability of three different types of models. We show that in the most climatically dissimilar conditions, process‐explicit models (PEMs) tend to outperform correlative species distribution models (CSDMs), and that PEM projections are likely to be more reliable than those made with CSDMs by the end of the 21st century. These results demonstrate for the first time the often promoted albeit so far untested idea that explicit description of mechanisms confers model robustness, and highlight a new avenue to increase model projection reliability in the future.
Grouped and Vibrating: The Influence of Group Size, Triggering Stimuli, and Leg Loss in Bobbing in an Arachnid
Authors: Villaseñor‐Amador Damián , Escalante Ignacio
Published: February 2025

Animals across taxa form aggregations, with increased defenses as one of the benefits. Some defensive behaviors of grouped animals involve body movements. However, how those behaviors are triggered varies, and how between‐individual morphological variation affects them remains unknown. In this project, we explored three drivers of bobbing—an up‐and‐down body vibration behavior assumed to be a defensive response—with field observations and a lab experiment in one species of the arachnid order Opiliones (Prionostemma sp.2). First, we explored the variation in bobbing duration across groups of a variable number of individuals, as animals could modulate their engagement in this behavior to ensure a successful predator‐deterrent behavior. We found that the duration of bobbing increased with group size. Second, we explored the effect of different triggering stimuli that might represent natural scenarios of an approaching predator. We found that a touching stimulus (gentle stick touching) triggered longer bobbing than an airflow stimulus (gentle blow). Third, we explored if the individuals' leg condition (whether they had all eight or fewer legs when found) affects their engagement in this behavior. We found that variations in leg condition did not affect their defensive engagement, as bobbing duration was similar between intact individuals and those missing legs. Together, these data provide novel observational and experimental insights into the drivers of collective behavior in animals. While individual variation in morphological conditions does not affect bobbing in these understudied arachnids, variability in group size and the triggering stimuli impacted their engagement in movement behavioral defenses.
The change in third metacarpal mid‐diaphyseal radiographic dimensions in Thoroughbred foals through growth
Authors: Son Jung K. , De Paz Patroys , Kim Jihyun , Sanaei Reza , Ryu Seungho , Bailey Simon , Davies Helen M. S.
Published: February 2025

Background

Changes in the third metacarpal (MC3) mid‐diaphyseal dimensions were measured radiographically in young Thoroughbred racehorses through race training and found to be associated with a higher risk of shin soreness. However, it is still unclear whether such negative MC3 morphologies are set congenitally or through development.

Objective

To quantify MC3 bone dimensional changes through growth.

Study Design

Longitudinal.

Method

Twenty privately owned Thoroughbred foals were radiographed bimonthly from birth to 14 months of age. Four linear MC3 parameters (proximodistal MC3 length, mid‐diaphyseal dorsal and palmar cortical bone thickness, and dorsopalmar medullary width) were measured using ImageJ on lateromedial radiographs. Associations with age (growth), MC3 length, differences between left and right limbs, and between sexes were analysed separately using a linear mixed effects model.

Results

The dorsal cortical bone thickness showed a positive linear relationship with growth (0.4 0.02 mm per month, p < 0.001, 95% CI [0.37, 0.44]) while the medullary width did not change. The relative thickness of the dorsal cortical bone thickness compared with the medullary cavity width and palmar cortical bone thickness also increased through growth (0.2 0.01 mm per month, p < 0.001, 95% CI [0.14, 0.19]). The dorsal cortical bone thickness was positively associated with MC3 length (0.07 0.0001 mm per mm increase in MC3 length, p < 0.001, 95% CI [0.05, 0.08]) and the relative thickness of the dorsal cortical bone thickness (RI) to the rest of the diaphyseal parameters (0.02 0.01 per mm increase in MC3 length, p = 0.01, 95% CI [0.01, 0.03]).

Main Limitations

A limited number of foals were included with similar breeding.

Conclusion

The mid‐diaphyseal dorsal cortical bone thickness and proportions could be measured to monitor musculoskeletal development and identify foals at increased risk of shin soreness or those that are immature or otherwise need more time before the commencement of fast training.
Religiosity and gender equality in the managerial labor market: Evidence from executive promotions
Authors: Guo Xiaohu , Song Xiaochuan , Yang Lukai
Published: February 2025

In this study, we rank each executive based on their job title and examine gender disparity among them. We find that female executives face a disadvantage in promotions within firms located in highly religious countries. This phenomenon is especially evident among lower‐ranked executives, whose promotions are more significantly influenced by cultural factors. Furthermore, our results remain intact when we adopt alternative specifications (e.g., propensity score matching, instrumental variable). This study unveils a hidden pullback of religiosity in restraining firms from advancing female leaders and has a broad implication that cultural dynamics surrounding a community can be very influential on corporate strategies and decisions.
Effects of Temperature, Air Exposure Time, and Bleeding on Post‐Release Movement of Angled Channel Catfish
Authors: Qualich Jason M. , Louison Michael J.
Published: February 2025

Catch‐and‐release angling is an effective conservation tool only when released fish survive. Measuring the physiological response of sportfish to capture has recently been enhanced by the use of accelerometers to measure post‐release movement. We measured the post‐release response of 55 angled channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus using tri‐axial accelerometers (fish were harnessed with an accelerometer and monitored over a 15‐min period), after first assessing hooking location and bleeding and exposing fish to 1–6 min of air exposure. Hooking depth and bleeding were correlated and reduced the ability of channel catfish to return to depth. Air exposure did not affect post‐release movement by channel catfish, which indicated this species was somewhat resilient to handling. We recommend that anglers concerned with the post‐release survival of channel catfish should use terminal gear that minimizes deep hooking and injury.
Navigating Displacement: The Intertemporal Migration and Settlement Experiences of Ukrainians in Latvia
Authors: Fredheim Kata , Varpina Zane
Published: February 2025

The invasion of Ukraine in 2022 resulted in the largest wave of displacement in Europe since World War II, with approximately eight million people–primarily women, children and older people–leaving Ukraine. Over 42 thousand individuals arrived in Latvia in the first month after the outbreak of war, seeking refuge and received widespread government and civil organisation support. This study explores migration and settlement experiences of Ukrainian war‐displaced people in Latvia over the very early period of displacement. It takes an intertemporal approach and studies the development of aspirations and perceptions in the decision‐making process, based on 72 interviews conducted with Ukrainians during the early months of the conflict in March–April 2022 and 7 months later. We document the transition from immediate concerns around displacement to more long‐term considerations about settling and integration. We find that plans with respect to settlement and integration are intertwined with uncertainties; intentions for returning home remain strong but tend to lose the time dimension. The displaced remain in the liminal space between countries caused by families left behind or in other countries, as well as duty and desires to return home but being unable to do so for safety reasons. We assert that social networks play a major role in the early stages of forced migration decisions but in varied ways depending on the time. Overall, the decision‐making whether to settle in the host country, return to the home country or move onward are complex and dynamic processes that undergo temporal changes.
Quantifying the Impacts of Land Use and Land Cover Change on Watershed Hydrology Using Spatial Cloud Computing
Authors: Elmahal Anwarelsadat Eltayeb , Mahmoud Wifag Hassan , Abdalla Ahmed , Ibrahim Mohammed Mahmoud
Published: February 2025

Climate change and Land Use Land Cover Change (LULCC) impact on rainfall and runoff is globally evident. However, flash flood impacts on drylands are rarely investigated. A comparable watershed in the dryland of Sudan experienced devastating flash flood impacts for the last four decades (1980s–2020s). The unexpected severity of the 2013 flash flood prompted an investigation into hydrologic and LULCC to determine its cause. We combined spatial cloud computing with hydrological analysis to investigate the relationship between LULCC and peri‐hydrological processes for four decades. The Landsat time series analysis shows significant LULC changes: agricultural and rangelands decreased by over 80%, while urban and barren areas increased by 81% and 31%, respectively. The daily rainfall analysis shows that rainstorms exceeding 40 mm were classified as destructive only under wet antecedent soil moisture conditions (1988, 2009, and 2019). Unexpectedly, the 41 mm rainstorm in 2013 occurred under dry conditions. The respective flood magnitude was 4.6 Mm3 according to the US‐Natural Resources Conservation Service (US‐NRCS). This represents only 14% of the potential runoff under wet conditions (32.3 Mm3) for the same rainstorm. Therefore, the devastating impact of the rainstorm emphasizes the impact of LULCC on flood dynamics in peri‐urban areas of drylands.
A new distal fibular fragment of Homo floresiensis and the first quantitative comparative analysis of proximal and distal fibular morphology in this species
Authors: Pietrobelli Annalisa , Marchi Damiano , Noerwidi Sofwan , Alamsyah Nico , Sutikna Thomas , Kivell Tracy L. , Skinner Matthew M. , Tocheri Matthew W.
Published: February 2025

The hindlimb skeleton of the holotype (LB1) of Homo floresiensis is relatively complete and includes both fibulae, which despite being well preserved have yet to be subject to a quantitative comparative analysis with other hominids. A new distal fragment of a fibula has also been recovered from the H. floresiensis‐bearing sediments at Liang Bua (Flores, Indonesia). In this study, we used 3D geometric morphometrics (3DGM) to quantify detailed aspects of the external shape and articular facet morphology of the proximal and distal ends of these H. floresiensis fibulae. The comparative sample included fibulae from 57 extant great apes (Pongo, Gorilla, and Pan), 41 recent and fossil Homo sapiens, five Australopithecus afarensis, and five Neandertals. Shape variation was analyzed using principal component analysis of Procrustes coordinates, and mean differences among taxa were tested using a Procrustes ANOVA with a randomization procedure. Size comparisons were made using centroid size and tested via correlations with principal component scores. Results demonstrate that H. floresiensis fibulae possess the absolute smallest mean linear dimensions and mean centroid sizes among our comparative sample. The proximal and distal fibular ends of H. floresiensis exhibit four key features adapted for obligate bipedalism while also displaying a suite of plesiomorphic traits shared with extant great apes and A. afarensis that, compared with that of H. sapiens and Neandertals, suggest a more versatile ankle joint with a greater range of motion and enhanced load‐bearing capabilities of the fibula. Our results are consistent with other aspects of the H. floresiensis lower limb, such as long feet relative to the femur and a long forefoot relative to the hindfoot, that together suggest an australopith‐like locomotor repertoire that included both obligate bipedalism and climbing.
A Novel Technique of Left Atrial Decompression Using Intracardiac Echocardiography Guidance in 2 Dogs With Advanced Degenerative Mitral Valve Disease
Authors: Foulex Pierre , Chetboul Valérie , Misbach Charlotte , Gomez Niels , Poissonnier Camille , Pacini Jenna , Khenissi Latifa , Borenstein Nicolas
Published: February 2025

Left atrial decompression (LAD) using transseptal puncture followed by balloon atrial septostomy recently has been described as a palliative minimally invasive procedure in dogs with advanced degenerative mitral valve disease (DMVD). We report herein the first use of intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) guidance combined with 3‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3D‐TEE) to ensure the safety of the LAD procedure from a caudal approach, as performed in humans, in 2 American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) stage C and D DMVD dogs (Jack Russell Terrier and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel) with recurrent episodes of acute pulmonary edema. Both LAD procedures were successful, as confirmed by markedly decreased systolic left atrial pressures (17 and 25 mmHg vs. 42 and 80 mmHg before LAD, respectively). Both dogs remained free of left‐sided congestive heart failure signs for 8 and 10 months, respectively. The addition of ICE guidance to 3D‐TEE is feasible and valuable in medium‐sized dogs for safe LAD procedures.
Comparison of Survival After Treatment of Presumed Intracranial Meningioma by Radiotherapy or Surgery in 285 Dogs
Authors: Geiger Rachel , Mankin Joe , Volk Holger A. , de Decker Steven , van Asselt Nate , Randhawa Karanbir , Ehling Tara , Maitz Charles A. , Naramor Ada , Coates Joan R. , Stalin Catherine , Johnstone Lauren , Morris Joanna , Plessas Ioannis N. , Forward Alexander , Garosi Laurent , Scarpante Elena , Cherubini Giunio , Harcourt‐Brown Tom , Carrera‐Justiz Sheila , Gutti Jishnu Rao , Takada Marilia , White Joel , Nagata Koichi , Kent Marc , Barber Renee , Ito Daisuke , Nakayama Tomohiro , Oshima Ayaka , Sekigucki Naoki , Smith‐Oskrochi Lauren , Jeffery Nick
Published: February 2025

Background

The comparative effectiveness of radiotherapy and surgery for treating intracranial meningioma is unknown.

Objectives

To compare survival after treatment of suspected intracranial meningioma by either surgery or radiotherapy.

Animals

Two hundred eighty‐five companion dogs with suspected intracranial meningiomas presenting to 11 specialty clinics in three countries.

Methods

Parallel cohort comparison study on retrospective data. Dogs diagnosed with intracranial meningioma by board‐certified veterinary neurologists or radiologists and treated by radiotherapy or surgery were identified through medical record searches and presenting and survival data extracted. Lesion site was classified as rostro‐ or caudotentorial and size was measured on contrast magnetic resonance images. Outcome was all‐cause death. Analysis of survival by Cox proportional hazards, including selection for optimal multivariable model using lasso, counterfactual modeling including variables associated with treatment allocation and survival.

Results

One hundred sixty‐eight dogs received radiotherapy and 117 received surgery. All analyses indicated reduced survival associated with surgery compared to radiotherapy. There was a median survival after surgery of 297 (IQR: 99–768) days compared with 696 (IQR: 368–999) for dogs treated by radiation, associated with a univariable hazard ratio of 1.802 (95% CI: 1.357–2.394). Counterfactual modeling estimated a mean survival of 480 (95% CI: 395–564) days after surgery and 673 (95% CI: 565–782) days after radiotherapy, representing a decrease in survival of 29%. Location and size of the lesion were not associated with survival duration.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Dogs with suspected intracranial meningioma have substantially superior survival after radiotherapy compared to surgery.
Tracking and changes in the clustering of physical activity, sedentary behavior, diet, and sleep across childhood and adolescence: A systematic review
Authors: Blyth Finn , Haycraft Emma , Peral‐Suarez Africa , Pearson Natalie
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Clusters of health behaviors (e.g. physical activity/sedentary behavior/diet/sleep) can exert synergistic influences on health outcomes, such as obesity. Understanding how clusters of health behaviors change throughout childhood and adolescence is essential for developing interventions aimed at uncoupling unhealthy behaviors. This review synthesizes prospective studies examining changes in clusters of physical activity, sedentary behavior, diet, and sleep through childhood and adolescence.

Methods

Electronic searches (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus) identified prospective studies, published in English up to/including January 2024, of children/adolescents (0‐19 years) which used data‐driven methods to identify clusters of 2/more behaviors (physical activity, sedentary behaviors, diet, sleep) at multiple timepoints. A narrative synthesis was conducted due to methodological heterogeneity.

Results

Eighteen studies reporting data from 26,772 individual participants were included. Eleven studies determined clusters at each timepoint (i.e. identified clusters at T1 and T2, respectively), while seven determined clusters longitudinally using behavioral data across multiple timepoints. Among studies that identified clusters at each timepoint, participants commonly transitioned to similarly characterized clusters between timepoints. Where cluster tracking was examined, 64% of clusters had stable transition probabilities of 60‐100%. The most prevalent longitudinal cluster trajectories were characterized by co‐occurring healthy behaviors which remained stable. Remaining within unhealthy clusters at multiple timepoints was associated with higher markers of adiposity.

Conclusion

‘Healthy’ and ‘unhealthy’ clusters remained highly stable over time, suggesting behavioral patterns developed early can become entrenched and resistant to change. Interventions focused on instilling healthy behaviors early are required to provide a strong foundation for behavioral stability throughout life.
Expression of endochitinase and exochitinase in lettuce chloroplasts increases plant biomass and kills fungal pathogen Candida albicans
Authors: Fatima Iqra , Wakade Geetanjali , Ahmad Niaz , Daniell Henry
Published: February 2025

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is a popular leafy vegetable with global production of ~28 million Mt, cultivated >1 million hectares, with a market value of US$ 4 billion in 2022. However, lettuce is highly susceptible to fungal pathogens that drastically reduce biomass and quality due to spoilage/rot. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the expression of chitinase genes via the lettuce chloroplast genome to enhance biomass and disease resistance. Site‐specific integration of the expression cassette into chloroplast genomes was confirmed using two sets of PCR primers. Homoplasmy in transplastomic lines was confirmed in Southern blots by the absence of untransformed genomes. Maternal inheritance of transgenes was confirmed by the lack of segregation when seedlings were germinated in the selection medium. Chitinases expressed in chloroplasts are active in a broad range of pH (5–9) and temperatures (20–50 °C). Exochitinase expression significantly increased the number of leaves, root or shoot length and biomass throughout the growth cycle. Endochitinase expression reduced root/shoot biomass at early stages but recovered in older plants. Plant extracts expressing endochitinase/exochitinase showed activities as high as purified commercial enzymes. Antifungal activity in Candida albicans cultures inhibited growth up to 87%. A novel Carbotrace 680™ Optotracer binding to the ß‐1,4 linkages of chitin, evaluated for the first time in plant systems, is highly sensitive to measure chitinase activity. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of chitinase expression via the chloroplast genomes of an edible plant, to confer desired agronomic traits or for biomedical applications.
Characteristics of pediatric hand and foot tendon injuries in a Japanese pediatric emergency department
Authors: Mori Takaaki , Nomura Osamu , Kishibe Shun
Published: February 2025

Background

Pediatric tendon injuries are rare but are associated with serious complications, such as permanent limb dysfunction, if not diagnosed and treated properly. However, there is a lack of data on their epidemiology and management in the emergency department (ED). The present study describes the characteristics and management of pediatric hand‐ and foot‐tendon injuries in a Japanese pediatric ED.

Methods

The present, retrospective, observational study, conducted from March, 2010 to March, 2023, enrolled children younger than 16 years who received a diagnosis of a tendon injury to the hands or feet at a pediatric ED in Tokyo Metropolitan Children's Medical Center. Visits to the ED for follow‐up examinations were excluded. The patients' sex, age, arrival time, mechanism of injury, signs and symptoms, examinations, diagnoses, outcomes, and complications were extracted from their medical records.

Results

Forty‐two tendon injuries in 26 patients were included. Fifteen patients (58%) were male, and the median age was 9.5 years. Injuries occurred most frequently at home (58%) and most often involved a sharp object (42%). The median wound size was 2 cm. Tendon exposure occurred in 38% of patients and limited range of motion occurred in 83%. Tests performed in the ED included plain radiograph (100%) and ultrasonography (12%). Fracture complications occurred in three patients and nerve injury occurred in five. Orthopedic complications occurred in 15 patients (58%).

Conclusions

Pediatric hand and foot‐tendon injuries had a high risk of orthopedic complications and characteristic features included large wound size, tendon exposure, and limited range of motion.
Gap reduction and collaborative empowerment: How can farmland protection policies be effectively implemented? Based on the case study of Y County, China
Authors: Ran Chen , Rui Peng , Songtang Li , Hongxia Luo
Published: February 2025

Resolving policy potential disparities and coordinating among multiple stakeholders are essential components of effective policy implementation. Nevertheless, there has been limited scholarly attention to the causes and remedies for grassroots implementation challenges, particularly through the lens of new collective action theory and the concept of “policy potential difference.” This study employs the new collective action theory, utilizing a dynamic analytical model based on “institutional control−policy mobilization” and “policy potential difference” to explore the implementation of farmland protection policies. The study finds that in response to implementation challenges, grassroots governments can employ a robust dual model of institutional control and policy mobilization to develop a collaborative empowerment strategy of “ductile subsidence−differential embedding” to address difficulties. Policy implementation is optimized through three pathways: “institutional embedding and pressure entrusting,” “resource embedding and differential satisfaction,” and “relational embedding with informal organization mobilization and confidence building.” Drawing from grassroots policy implementation experiences, the dynamic interaction between “institutional control−policy mobilization” and “policy potential difference” strengthens the theoretical interpretation of policy implementation at the grassroots level in China.