bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
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

AbstractBackgroundChanges 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.ObjectiveTo quantify MC3 bone dimensional changes through growth.Study DesignLongitudinal.MethodTwenty 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.ResultsThe 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 LimitationsA limited number of foals were included with similar breeding.ConclusionThe 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

AbstractIn 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

ABSTRACTCatch‐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

ABSTRACTThe 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

ABSTRACTClimate 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

AbstractThe 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

ABSTRACTLeft 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

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe comparative effectiveness of radiotherapy and surgery for treating intracranial meningioma is unknown.ObjectivesTo compare survival after treatment of suspected intracranial meningioma by either surgery or radiotherapy.AnimalsTwo hundred eighty‐five companion dogs with suspected intracranial meningiomas presenting to 11 specialty clinics in three countries.MethodsParallel 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.ResultsOne 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 ImportanceDogs 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

SummaryIntroductionClusters 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.MethodsElectronic 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.ResultsEighteen 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

SummaryLettuce (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

AbstractBackgroundPediatric 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.MethodsThe 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.ResultsForty‐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%).ConclusionsPediatric 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

AbstractResolving 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.
Strategic placement of mineral and biobased fertilizers for optimizing phosphorus use efficiency: A comprehensive review
Authors: Sica Pietro , Sitzmann Tomas Javier , Müller‐Stöver Dorette , Magid Jakob 
Published: February 2025

AbstractThis study presents a literature review focusing on the placement of phosphorus‐rich fertilizers, evaluating their agronomic efficiency and potential benefits to plant growth. While the placement of mineral phosphorus fertilizer offers benefits such as increased early season phosphorus uptake and higher yields, the success of this practice is strongly influenced by factors such as soil type, weather conditions, production system, application depth and others. However, the placement of biowaste and biobased fertilizers can have drawbacks. This review highlights the negative effects associated with the placement of biobased fertilizers, primarily due to low phosphorus solubility and unbalanced nutrient composition, resulting in reduced reactivity and potential ammonium toxicity. Strategies to mitigate these limitations are discussed, including acidification to increase phosphorus solubility and recommending specific placement distances and timing to minimize toxicity effects. In addition, this study demonstrates the importance of further studies on this topic and propose the use of novel visualization techniques (planar optodes, diffusion gradient in thin films) to elucidate the effects of placement of different biowastes on physical, chemical and biological processes in the placement zone and surrounding soil. This will enable a comprehensive understanding of fertilizer composition and placement strategies to unlock the full potential of biobased fertilizers, improve their P use efficiency in agriculture and thus contribute to sustainable agricultural practices and increased productivity, in line with several of the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals.