The transition from undergraduate education to medical school demands increasing learner autonomy and self-regulation. Guided by Zimmerman's Self-Regulated Learning (SRL) theory and Grow's Staged Self-Directed Learning Model, this study examined how self-directed learning readiness (SDL-R), encompassing learning motivation, planning and implementation, self-monitoring, and interpersonal communication varies across the preclinical curriculum and how these domains relate to academic performance. A mixed longitudinal and repeated cross-sectional study (2022-2024) was conducted among preclinical medical students (N = 807 responses; 434 unique students from three cohorts, Classes of 2025-2027) at an LCME-accredited US medical school. All enrolled first- and second-year students were eligible; recruitment was voluntary via web-based REDCap surveys administered once per semester. Linear mixed-effects models evaluated within-student change in total SDL-R and its four domains across semesters. Ordinary least-squares regression with cluster-robust standard errors assessed the contribution of standardized subscale scores to cumulative grade point averages. Bonferroni correction was applied within each family of comparisons, with effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals reported. SDL-R scores varied across preclinical semesters in a pattern consistent with developmental progression, with a modest decline in first-year Spring followed by recovery through year two. Planning and implementation was the strongest positive predictor of GPA in Year 1 (β = 0.142, p = .004) and in the combined model (β = 0.154, p < .001). The SDL-R domains collectively explained 22.2% of GPA variance in Year 1 (R² = 0.222) and 9.0% in Year 2 (R² = 0.090); the combined model explained 15.0% (R² = 0.150). Interpersonal communication showed a significant negative partial association with GPA, consistent with a statistical suppressor effect. Second-year students, older learners, males, and higher-achieving students showed higher SDL-R levels. SDL-R is a dynamic, context-sensitive competency during preclinical training, with planning and implementation as its strongest academic predictor. Targeted curricular interventions that scaffold metacognitive planning, self-monitoring, and adaptive strategy use may enhance both academic performance and lifelong learning capacity.
Understanding the agro-climatic structure of morphological diversity is essential for the effective utilization and improvement of drumstick (Moringa oleifera Lam.), a multipurpose tree species of high nutritional and economic value. The present study aimed to evaluate morphological diversity and phenotypic variation of M. oleifera across ten agro-climatic zones of Rajasthan, India, and to identify key traits and morphotypes relevant for breeding, conservation, and climate-resilient cultivation. A total of 367 accessions were characterized using 17 morphological traits, including eight quantitative and nine qualitative descriptors. Quantitative traits were analyzed using non-parametric statistics and Principal Component Analysis (PCA), while qualitative traits were evaluated through Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA). An integrated approach using Factor Analysis of Mixed Data (FAMD) was employed to assess overall variation, followed by hierarchical and FAMD-based clustering. Correlation analysis was conducted to identify relationships among traits. The results revealed significant variations among agro-climatic zones for all quantitative traits (Kruskal-Wallis, p < 0.01), with moderate to high effect sizes (ε² = 0.07-0.26). PCA indicated that the first two components explained 56.9% of total variance, primarily driven by stem girth and leaf-related traits. MCA showed that qualitative variation was largely influenced by stem morphology, canopy size, and branching density. FAMD further confirmed the integration of qualitative and quantitative traits, with the first two dimensions explaining 56.4% of total variability. Correlation analysis demonstrated strong positive associations among leaf traits, indicating a coordinated leaf development system. Clustering analysis grouped the accessions into distinct morphotypes, with substantial overlap across agro-climatic zones, suggesting that morphological variation is governed by both environmental factors and inherent genetic diversity. Two major groups identified through FAMD represented broadly adapted and high growth morphotypes. From an applied perspective, accessions with larger canopy and higher leaf area are recommended for biomass-oriented breeding and cultivation in favourable environments, while stable, moderate-growth accessions are suitable for arid and semi-arid regions. The study also highlights leaf traits as reliable selection indices and emphasizes the need for stratified germplasm conservation across agro-climatic zones. This study provides a robust framework for understanding morphological diversity in M. oleifera and offers practical insights for its genetic improvement, conservation and climate-resilient utilization.
Urban transport affordability remains a major policy concern in rapidly urbanizing Sub-Saharan African cities. Despite extensive theoretical work on transport economics, empirical evidence quantifying structural determinants of perceived public transportation cost in secondary African cities remains limited. This study examined the association between economies of scale, road maintenance and upkeep, fuel and energy subsidy, and fare infrastructure integration on perceived public transportation cost in Adama City, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among transport associations, driver training institutions, and regulatory officials (n = 181; response rate 88%). Data were analysed using multiple linear regression. The regression model was statistically significant (F (4,176) = 63.42, p < 0.001) and explained 59% of the variance in transportation cost (R² = 0.59; adjusted R² = 0.57). Economies of scale showed the strongest inverse association (β = -0.41, p < 0.001), followed by fuel and energy subsidy (β = -0.29, p < 0.01), road maintenance (β = -0.18, p < 0.05), and fare infrastructure integration (β = -0.16, p < 0.05). Structural and policy-level interventions targeting system scale, infrastructure quality, and coordinated fare systems may substantially reduce perceived urban transport costs. The findings contribute empirical evidence from Ethiopia to the broader literature on urban transport economics.
This study examined how flight distance, scheduling factors, and team quality gap are associated with professional basketball performance. Data from 520 games in the China Basketball Association were analyzed. Flight distances were classified as short-haul (1079 ± 252 km), medium-haul (1830 ± 222 km), and long-haul (3163 ± 447 km), with home-away sequencing and landing-to-game intervals also considered as schedule-related contextual factors. Principal component analysis identified three performance dimensions: offensive performance (38.2% variance explained), defensive control (18.7%), and game rhythm & free-throw performance (8.9%). Linear mixed-effects models showed that offensive performance was consistently associated with team quality gap across all travel distances (all p < 0.001). Under medium-haul travel, home-to-away transitions were associated with reduced defensive control (β =  -1.303, p = 0.031), an effect attenuated by longer landing-to-game intervals (β = 0.040, p = 0.013). Under long-haul conditions, consecutive away games and shorter preparation intervals were linked to poorer rhythm and free-throw performance, whereas longer preparation time moderated these effects. Overall, travel-related contextual factors were differentially associated with distinct performance dimensions, emphasizing the need to jointly consider travel distance, home-away sequencing, and preparation intervals when interpreting performance variation in professional basketball.
Species elevational shifts are well-documented responses to climate change, with many moving upslope to track suitable conditions. However, these shifts can vary considerably in both direction and rate, and the underlying causes of this variability are not well understood. This study examines how elevational shifts depend on geographical zones along with species' climatic niches, global prevalence, and evolutionary history by analyzing paired lower and upper edge shifts across 845 plant and animal species records worldwide. We find distinct effects of these drivers on upper versus lower distribution limits. Tropical species experienced more rapid upward shifts of their lower edges than did temperate species. Species with warmer and wetter optimal climatic niches displayed faster upper-edge shifts, while those only with wetter ones showed more rapid lower-edge shifts. Globally prevalent species expanded their distributions with climate change by combining faster upper-edge advances with slower lower-edge contractions, likely reflecting their drier climatic adaptation. Importantly, these ecological effects overlapped substantially with phylogenetic effects, and phylogenetic conservatism independently explained a notable portion of the variation in elevational responses. These findings highlight the complexity of evolutionary history and ecological processes in shaping species' climate responses and underscore the climate vulnerability of some species due to their evolutionary inertia.
Red cell distribution width-standard deviation (RDW-SD), a measure of erythrocyte volume heterogeneity, has attracted increasing interest as a hematologic marker linked to inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic dysfunction beyond anemia evaluation. However, evidence on the relationship between glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and RDW-SD in newly diagnosed, treatment-naïve type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains limited. This study investigated the association between HbA1c and RDW-SD after accounting for hematologic, nutritional, renal, and metabolic factors that are routinely available at diagnosis. In this retrospective cross-sectional study, 202 adults aged 18-65 years with newly diagnosed, treatment-naïve T2DM were evaluated at a tertiary university hospital between September 2024 and January 2026. Patients with anemia, mean corpuscular volume abnormalities, advanced renal impairment, acute inflammation or infection, recent transfusion, prior antidiabetic therapy, active bleeding, or hematologic malignancy were excluded. Associations between HbA1c and RDW-SD were examined using correlation, partial correlation, and hierarchical linear regression analyses. Additional analyses assessed RDW-SD across HbA1c tertiles and tested the robustness of the association after inclusion of fasting glucose. HbA1c showed a positive correlation with RDW-SD (r = 0.664, p < 0.001), which remained essentially unchanged after adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, creatinine, ferritin, and vitamin B12 (partial r = 0.662, p < 0.001). Mean RDW-SD increased stepwise across ascending HbA1c tertiles (40.40 ± 3.04, 42.96 ± 3.38, and 46.13 ± 3.85 fL; p-trend < 0.001). In hierarchical regression, HbA1c produced the largest incremental gain in explained variance (ΔR² = 0.323, p < 0.001) and remained the strongest correlate of RDW-SD in the fully adjusted model (B = 1.535, β = 0.674, p < 0.001). In sensitivity analysis, the association persisted after additional adjustment for fasting glucose. In newly diagnosed, treatment-naïve T2DM, higher HbA1c levels were associated with greater RDW-SD. These findings are hypothesis-generating and do not establish RDW-SD as a clinical marker of glycemic burden or dysglycemia assessment. Not applicable.
Virtual staining is based on label-free imaging technology and deep learning, which enables the efficient and non-destructive generation of virtual stained images with effects similar to those of traditional pathological staining, thus holding great application potential in future clinical medical practice. However, the information provided by a single imaging technology is limited, which is insufficient to support high-accuracy virtual staining. This study took breast cancer tissue as the research object. Bright-field, auto-fluorescence and phase contrast imaging technology were introduced to simultaneously extract the multimodal complementary information. A multi-branch input network was established to fuse the three types of optical images and generate high-accuracy virtual stained images. To enhance the model's performance, three strategies were employed, including designing a Triple-symmetric cross-attention module to handle the interactive information of multimodal image features, introducing multi-scale discriminator to ensure the model's ability to capture both global features and local details, and applying transfer-learning to address the gradient dilution issue of multi-branches. Through the evaluation of various image similarity metrics and nuclear statistical metrics, the virtual stained images based on multimodal fusion achieved high accuracy and were significantly superior to any single-modal virtual staining approach. Further ablation experiments explained the reason of the aforementioned results and quantitatively demonstrated the improvements brought by the three optimization strategies. This work advances the application of multimodal fusion in virtual staining, address the key challenges of cross-modal interactive information mining and multi-branch model training, and further enhance the accuracy and reliability of virtual staining.
The aim of this study is to examine the associations between smoking self-efficacy, health anxiety, and women's awareness of third-hand smoke (THS). This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in Türkiye between June and July 2025 through an online survey with 335 women aged ≥18 years. Data were collected using a Descriptive Information Form, the Third-hand Smoke Awareness Scale, the Smoking Self-Efficacy Scale, and the Health Anxiety Inventory. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis, Spearman's correlation, multiple linear regression, and mediation analysis. A total of 335 women were included in the study (mean age: 34.67 ± 12.31 years). Significant differences in THS awareness, smoking self-efficacy, and health anxiety were observed across several sociodemographic and behavioral variables. Higher educational level was associated with greater THS awareness, while participants with children and those whose partners smoked had lower awareness levels (P < .05). Smoking self-efficacy was higher among nonsmokers and individuals with higher education, whereas health anxiety was higher among smokers and those exposed to smoking in their environment (P < .05). Spearman's correlation analysis revealed weak but significant associations, including a negative correlation between number of children and THS awareness (ρ = -.213, P < .01), and a positive correlation between THS awareness and smoking self-efficacy (ρ = .154, P < .05). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the model explained a small proportion of variance (R2 = .06). Only the number of children was significantly associated with THS awareness (β = -.16, P = .02), while smoking self-efficacy and health anxiety were not significant predictors. Mediation analysis indicated that smoking self-efficacy did not mediate the relationship between THS awareness and health anxiety (P > .05). THS awareness was associated with several sociodemographic and behavioral factors; however, smoking self-efficacy and health anxiety were not significant predictors in the adjusted model. These findings suggest that awareness alone may be insufficient and that broader contextual and individual factors should be considered in strategies aimed at reducing tobacco exposure.
The present study investigates the role of Gold-Fe2O3-Fe3O4 nanoparticles mixed in blood with magnetohydrodynamics Casson fluid flow through a porous stretching surface along with Heat source/sink. In the present study considered Gold-Fe2O3-Fe3O4 are nanoparticles along with blood as a base fluid. The governing highly nonlinear PDEs are converted into ODEs with the help of suitable self-similarity variables. The highly nonlinear ODEs are solved using the BVP4c numerical method in MATLAB software. The outcomes of the main active physical parameters of energy and velocity profiles are explained by graphs and tables. The thermal profile exhibits increasing behaviour when the thermal radiation parameter varies. The velocity graph is decreasing with the variations of the magnetic field parameter. The artificial neural networks (ANNs) model is highly forecasting, with a minimal mean squared error of 6.0494 × 10⁻⁷ and a regression coefficient of R2 = 1, indicating close to perfect consistency with numerical data. Comparative evaluation with previous literature demonstrates good consistency, guaranteeing the correctness and dependability of the current approach. Consistent with earlier research, the results validate the model's correctness and provide light on how to optimize biomedical fluid structures based on nanoparticles. Overall, the thermal efficiency and flow characteristics of blood-based mixed nanofluids are used in various sectors like biomedical science, targeted medication administration, and thermal therapy.
Secondary "keto" bile acids (BAs) are produced by the gut microbiome and contain one or more ketones on the steroid core. Plasma concentrations of keto BAs are limited by hepatic reductase activity, leading to hydroxylation of keto BAs. Although the aldo-keto reductase 1 (AKR1) family is implicated, it is not known which enzymes provide this function in the liver. We hypothesized that AKR1C1 and AKR1C4 metabolize 3-keto BAs. Six BAs with 3-keto groups were tested as potential substrates using purified, recombinant His6-tagged AKR1C1-4, and kinetic parameters were determined. AKR1C1 and AKR1C4 were found to exhibit isoform-specific substrate specificity, which may be explained in part by the hydroxylation pattern at carbon 12 of the BA core. This may suggest distinct biological roles in mediating BA homeostasis in humans. Both enzymes produced only α-OH products, as determined by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. We further hypothesized that fatty acids would impair reductase activity. AKR1C4 was more susceptible to inhibition compared to AKR1C1, but unsaturated fatty acids, such as linoleic acid, were the most potent inhibitors for both. We observed a 2- to 10-fold difference in the IC50 of fatty acids for AKR1C4 depending on the tested substrate. Further mechanistic and structure-function studies aim to characterize the substrate-specific kinetic and inhibition patterns observed and to evaluate the translational impact of AKR activity on plasma BA concentrations and cellular signaling. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Keto bile acids are bioactive secondary metabolites that are reduced upon enterohepatic recycling to the liver. Here, the substrate specificity, kinetics, and inhibition potential of 2 aldo-keto reductase enzymes, AKR1C1 and AKR1C4, were evaluated. This study suggests that AKR1C1 and AKR1C4 exhibit disparate substrate specificity patterns, reductase activity, and susceptibility to inhibition by fatty acids, which may have broad implications in understanding changes in bile acid homeostasis in metabolic diseases.
To compare associations of antiretroviral therapy (ART) strategies with all-cause mortality and assess whether first opportunistic infection (OI) occurrence and time partly explain survival differences. We analyzed 38,692 people with HIV in Henan Province (2015-2024). ART initiation timing and regimen were assessed, with early initiation defined as CD4+ T cell counts ≥500 cells/μL. Cox regression estimated associations with all-cause mortality and first OI. Multistate models characterized transitions to first OI and death, and time-to-event mediation analyses quantified the contribution of OI occurrence and time. During a median follow-up of 5.07 years, 2,868 deaths occurred. Compared with late ART initiation, early initiation was associated with lower all-cause mortality (HR: 0.46; 95% CI: 0.41-0.52), and a lower transition hazard from OI to death (HR: 0.47; 95% CI: 0.27-0.81). Compared with PI-based regimens, INSTI- and NNRTI-based regimens showed lower observed all-cause mortality risks, with HRs (95% CI) of 0.51 (0.35-0.73) and 0.60 (0.50-0.72), respectively. At 5 years, early ART initiation and INSTI-based therapy were associated with absolute reductions in cumulative mortality risk of 8.51% and 4.76%, respectively, with residual disparity close to the total effect and a small shifting distribution effect (< 0.30%) attributable to first OI occurrence and time. Earlier ART initiation, especially at CD4+ T cell counts ≥500 cells/μL, was associated with better survival. INSTI- and NNRTI-based regimens showed more favorable observed mortality outcomes than PI-based regimens. OI occurrence and time explained only a limited proportion of survival differences.
Pregnancy-related anxiety can adversely affect maternal and fetal health; therefore, understanding its related factors is essential. This study aimed to determine the cognitive-psychological predictors of pregnancy-related anxiety among pregnant women. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 400 pregnant women who were covered by urban comprehensive health service centers in Urmia. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire; the Pregnancy-Related Anxiety Questionnaire-Revised (PRAQ-R2); the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS); the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS); the Childbirth Self-Efficacy Inventory (CBSEI); and the Maternal Health Literacy and Pregnancy Outcome Questionnaire (MHLAPQ). The data were analyzed using SPSS version 16. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The mean age of participants was 26.53 ± 4.87 years. The mean pregnancy-related anxiety score was 28.03 ± 9.08. Among the subscales of pregnancy-related anxiety, the lowest mean score was associated with concerns about own appearance, while the highest mean score was linked to fear of childbirth. Depression during pregnancy (B = 0.821, β = 0.523, p < 0.001) and childbirth self-efficacy (B = - 0.048, β = -0.176, p < 0.001) were significant predictors of pregnancy-related anxiety, whereas perceived social support and maternal health literacy were not significant predictors. The cognitive-psychological variables examined explained approximately 34% of the variance in pregnancy-related anxiety. The results showed a moderate level of pregnancy-related anxiety in the study population. Therefore, it is recommended to incorporate early screening for pregnancy-related anxiety and its related factors into routine care. Furthermore, appropriate interventions should be implemented to reduce pregnancy-related anxiety by addressing its predictors.
Familial frontotemporal lobar degeneration (f-FTLD) is the second most common form of young-onset dementia, with diverse clinical presentations, neuropathological substrates and genetic backgrounds. While evidence suggests that glymphatic dysfunction, neuroaxonal injury, and cortical microstructural alterations may jointly contribute to f-FTLD, their interrelationships across genotypes remain unclear. This study aims to investigate the roles of glymphatic dysfunction, cortical free water (cFW), and plasma neurofilament light (NfL) in f-FTLD and examine their relationship with cognitive decline. A multimodal approach was applied, involving diffusion tensor imaging along the perivascular space (DTI-ALPS) for glymphatic function, plasma NfL measurement, and voxel-wise cortical free water mapping. Analyses comparing FTLD mutation groups and serial mediation analyses were conducted in 322 participants (C9orf72, GRN, MAPT mutation carriers, and matched controls). This study was conducted across multiple participating centers using standardized imaging protocols and harmonized multi-site data. A total of 322 participants were included: 87 C9orf72 expansion carriers, 56 GRN mutation carriers, 58 MAPT mutation carriers, and 121 healthy controls. No intervention was applied in this observational study. Participants underwent genetic testing, cognitive assessment, and diffusion MRI scans; plasma NfL was available for mutation carriers. Glymphatic function was assessed using DTI-ALPS, plasma NfL levels were measured to reflect neuroaxonal injury, and cortical microstructure was assessed through cortical free water (cFW) mapping. Significant reductions in DTI-ALPS and elevations in cFW were observed in C9orf72 and GRN mutation carriers, with strong associations to clinical cognitive decline. Plasma NfL levels were highest in GRN mutation carriers and correlated strongly with cognitive severity. Mediation analysis indicated that the pathway linking DTI-ALPS to cognition through NfL explained a substantial portion of the indirect effect, while residual direct effects suggested that additional mechanisms also contribute to cognitive decline. This study identifies glymphatic dysfunction as a key factor contributing to cognitive decline in f-FTLD, with plasma NfL serving as an important partial mediator and cFW providing additional region-specific information.
A new tomato fruit model predicts cell numbers, cell sizes, sugar contents, and fresh weight. Transport of water and saccharides from plant stem to fruit cells is computed following biophysical rules. Saccharide fruit sink is based on sugar metabolism, rates of cell division and expansion, and starch and cell wall dynamics. Osmotic and hydraulic potentials in cells and their vacuoles drive water import at given cell-wall extensibility. The interaction of demand and transport determines saccharide flow and biomass. We incorporated physiological responses to temperature, pruning, and plant shading. Existing and new parameters were calibrated with data from fruit heating and fruit pruning experiments of contrasting tomato cultivars. Model validation for different strategies of fruit heating and pruning, and plant shading was successful. Increased fruit temperature was shown to reduce fruit weight, as expected. Growth response to fruit pruning or shading were fully explained by changes in phloem sucrose concentration. Hydraulic conductivity of vascular tissue as well as sucrose and hexose carrier capacities were crucial fruit properties determining sugar flux. Model scenarios on knockdown of sucrose synthase and active hexose uptake affected sugar composition. The model creates an important step towards predicting fruit quality and taste under diverse growth conditions.
Cucumber is a globally significant vegetable crop whose production and market value are affected by fruit quality and resilience to diverse environmental stressors. Despite the identification of numerous Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) over the last two decades, their direct application in breeding has been hindered by inconsistent genomic positions and broad confidence intervals. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive Meta-QTL (mQTL) analysis by integrating 647 initial QTLs from 40 independent studies published between 2003 and 2024. Using a high-density consensus map containing 9,299 markers, we projected 531 QTLs, identifying 38 robust mQTLs associated with fruit quality, biotic and abiotic stress tolerance. The identified mQTLs exhibited a significant reduction in the average confidence interval (CI) by 5.3-fold, compared to the average CI of the original QTLs and phenotypic variance explained values reaching up to 49.81% (mQTL 6.8). Our results identifying specific genomic hotspots on chromosomes 1, 3, 5, and 6 that harbor high-confidence candidate genes responsible for stress tolerance and fruit quality. Comparative analysis with seven independent genome-wide association studies validated 16 mQTL regions, confirming their stability across diverse genetic backgrounds. Biotic stress resilience was linked to immune regulators such as LRK10L2 and MLO-like protein 12, while abiotic stress tolerance was anchored by genes like NCED5 (cold), ClpB1 (heat), and MYB44-like (waterlogging). Furthermore, we identified key drivers of fruit quality, including Expansin-A4 and CNR2 for dimensions, CsWOX9 for epidermal spine initiation, and Hd3a for flowering phenology. Transcriptomic profiling provided robust expression support for these prioritized candidate genes within the target mQTL intervals. The markers linked to these genes serve as robust tools for marker-assisted selection and fine mapping, offering precise targets for the development of climate-resilient, high-quality cucumber cultivars.
Soil ecosystem multifunctionality (EMF) is driven by the interplay of abiotic and biological factors, yet how these interactions respond to anthropogenic pressures remains poorly understood. Here, we evaluated how grassland afforestation and its intensification shape soil edaphic conditions, microbial diversity, and EMF along a 200 km grassland-eucalypt plantation transect in Argentina. EMF was estimated, accounting for six ecosystem functions related to nutrient provisioning, organic matter cycling, and pathogen control. Microbial diversity was studied through the taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic dimensions of prokaryotes, mycorrhizae, and fungal saprotrophs. Abiotic and biotic drivers of individual ecosystem functions and EMF were assessed using correlations, linear mixed models, structural equation models, and Multiple Regressions on distance Matrices. Individual ecosystem functions responded differentially to environmental drivers: functions linked to soil physicochemical processes were primarily associated with edaphic conditions, whereas biologically mediated functions were more closely linked to climate and grassland afforestation. Soil multifunctionality, however, was driven by edaphic and climatic conditions, particularly soil sand percentage and precipitation, with no direct association with microbial alpha diversity or afforestation. In contrast, similarity in fungal composition explained similarity in EMF, suggesting a coupling between microbial composition and soil conditions associated with grassland afforestation. Grassland conversion to commercial forest, rather than forestry intensification, altered individual soil functions and microbial functional composition without further reducing EMF. Overall, our findings indicate that afforestation influences soil EMF through changes in microbial composition, but that these effects are constrained by abiotic drivers.
Child abuse is a well-established risk factor for adolescent suicidality, yet the distinct affective and behavioral mechanisms leading to suicidal ideation (SI) versus suicidal attempts (SA) remain unclear. This study tests an integrated sequential mediation model in which psychache and nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) explain the divergent pathways from child abuse to SI and SA among Chinese adolescents. A sample of 2259 Chinese adolescents (53.8% female; Mage = 15.11 years, SD = 1.57) was assessed across three waves at 6-month intervals. Longitudinal path analysis with bootstrap mediation tests was employed to examine the hypothesized pathways while controlling for baseline levels of the outcomes and covariates. Results indicated that psychache independently mediated the relationship between child abuse and SI. Moreover, the association between child abuse and SA was fully mediated by the sequential pathway through psychache and then NSSI, whereas the direct path from child abuse to SA via NSSI alone was not significant. Exploratory analyses further supported a sequential pathway from child abuse to SI through psychache and NSSI. The model explained 33.1% of the variance in SI and 17.1% in SA. This study integrates psychache and interpersonal-psychological theories within an ideation-to-action framework, suggesting that the link from child abuse to SI operates through affective distress, whereas progression to SA may involve the sequential combination of psychache and subsequent NSSI. These findings support stage-specific assessment and intervention strategies targeting psychological pain and self-injury behaviors among at-risk adolescents.
Platinum(II) complexes have been thoroughly researched for applications in bioimaging and optoelectronics, often searching for potential uses after observing a complex's unique properties. Here, we investigate the role of the bridging atom on the resulting photophysical properties, comparing two tetradentate complexes bearing O and N elemental bridges between 2-phenylpyridine (phpy) units to the well-known unbridged Pt(phpy)2. Unlike the O-bridged complex, single-crystal X-ray diffraction demonstrated no Pt···Pt interactions for the N-bridged complex in the solid state. As anticipated, the introduction of a bridging atom turns on room-temperature phosphorescence. Absorption and emission spectroscopy combined with density functional theory (DFT) calculations explained that the blue-shifted spectra of the O-bridged complex are a result of HOMO stabilization by the more electronegative bridging atom. The minor differences were found to result in macroscopic differences in the properties of the bridged complexes in the solid state and when aggregated. Notably, the N-bridged complex experienced significant aggregation-caused quenching, whereas the O-bridged complex displayed red-to-green aggregation-induced emission switching resulting from excimer emission. In this work, we investigate the photophysical properties of the core structures for a popular family of Pt complexes in hopes of streamlining the rational design of new functional molecules.
Mindful eating is a fundamental approach for promoting healthy dietary behaviors and well-being in older age. However, there is currently no validated scale available to assess mindful eating specifically among older adults in the Turkish population. Therefore, a reliable instrument is needed to address this gap and enable accurate assessment of eating awareness in this demographic. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Mindful Eating Behavior Scale (MEBS-TR) in adults aged 65 years and older. This methodological study included 424 individuals aged 65 and over (61.3% female) with a mean age of 70.87±6.15 years. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the MEBS, and the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS). The construct validity of the scale was assessed using Minimum Rank Factor Analysis (MRFA) with a polychoric correlation matrix and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) with Mean and Variance Adjusted Maximum Likelihood (MLMV) estimation. Concurrent validity was examined via Spearman's correlation between MEBS-TR and MEDAS scores. For reliability analysis, Cronbach's alpha (α) and McDonald's omega (ω) internal consistency coefficients were calculated, along with test-retest reliability using the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC). The MRFA results confirmed the original 17-item, four-factor structure (Focused Eating, Hunger and Satiety Cues, Eating with Awareness, and Eating without Distraction), which explained 81.81% of the total variance. CFA demonstrated that this four-factor model had acceptable model fit indices (χ2/df = 2.777, CFI = 0.941, TLI = 0.928, RMSEA = 0.065). The internal consistency coefficients for the total scale were found to be high (Cronbach's α = 0.861, McDonald's ω = 0.867). Test-retest reliability, assessed with 150 participants, was found to be excellent (ICC = 0.969). A positive and statistically significant relationship was found between the MEBS-TR total score and the MEDAS total score (rho = .163, p = .001). These findings demonstrate that the MEBS-TR is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing mindful eating behaviors among adults aged 65 years and older in Türkiye.
Self-reported measurements of body size are commonly used in cancer epidemiological studies; however, inaccuracies may lead to misclassification of body mass index (BMI) and biased estimates of associations with health outcomes. Despite their widespread use, the validity of these self-reported measures has not been well established among Hispanic breast cancer survivors, a growing and understudied population. This is particularly important, as prior research suggests that the accuracy of self-reported anthropometric measures may vary across racial and ethnic groups, highlighting the need for population-specific validation. To address this gap, we compared self-reported and measured weight, height, and BMI among 192 Hispanic women participating in the New Jersey Breast Cancer Survivors Study using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), Bland-Altman analyses, and Cohen's kappa, and examined predictors of reporting error using multivariable regression models. Data were collected during home visits, including body measurements taken by research staff and interviewer-administered questionnaires on body size and related factors. Self-reported and measured values were highly correlated (Intraclass correlation coefficients (95% Confidence Intervals (CI)): 0.99 (0.99, 0.99), 0.8 (0.64, 0.88), 0.95 (0.92, 0.97) for weight, height, and BMI, respectively). The agreement between self-reported and measured BMI categories (normal, overweight, and obese) was strong (kappa: 0.85; 95% CI: 0.79, 0.91). The mean difference observed between self-reported and measured BMI (-0.67 kg/m2) was primarily explained by slight over-reporting of height (mean difference: 1.94 cm). These findings support the use of self-reported weight, height, and BMI measures in large epidemiologic studies of Hispanic/ Latina cancer survivors when direct measurements are not feasible.