bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Behavioural vs. physiological adaptation: which contributes more to the evolution of complex traits in a warming climate?
Authors: Crowther Claudia , Schwanz Lisa E
Published: February 2025

Through behavioural adaptation, organisms can alter their environment, and consequently, their exposure to selective pressures. In contrast, physiological traits adapt by accommodating environmental influences. Here, we examine how the coevolution of behavioural and physiological traits is shaped by their different relationships to the environment by modelling the adaptation of species with temperature-dependent sex determination to climate change. In these species, pivotal temperature and maternal nesting behaviour can evolve in response to rising temperatures that destabilise sex ratios. We used individual-based simulation modelling to ascertain the relative response to selection of these traits and determine how temperature-dependent embryonic survival and behavioural plasticity influence their coevolution. We found that pivotal temperature evolved to ameliorate sex-ratio bias more readily than nesting behaviour, though behaviour played an important role in adaptation to extreme environments. Selection favoured increased behavioural evolution when embryonic survival depended on nest temperature, while plasticity reduced the adaptive potential of behaviour. We demonstrate that the capacity of behavioural traits to respond to multiple selective pressures has a substantial impact on the coevolution of behavioural and physiological traits. Our findings highlight the complex interactions that occur when species adapt to new environments and the potential for plasticity to shape the course of evolution.
The EBLM project – XIV. TESS light curves for eclipsing binaries with very low mass companions
Authors: Fitzpatrick Jay , Maxted Pierre F L , Freckelton Alix V , Triaud A H M J , Martin D V , Duck A
Published: February 2025

Accurate limb-darkening models are needed for accurate characterisation of eclipsing binary stars and transiting exoplanets from the analysis of their light curves. The limb-darkening observed in solar-type stars from the analysis of light curves for transiting hot-Jupiter exoplanets are systematically less steep than predicted by stellar model atmospheres that do not account for the stellar magnetic field. Hot-Jupiter host stars tend to be metal rich ([Fe/H] ≈ 0.25) leading to a lack of low- and solar-metallicity targets in previous studies, so we have analysed the TESS light curves for a sample of 19 stars with transiting M-dwarf companions to extend the range of limb-darkening measurements to [Fe/H] values more typical for solar-type stars. We find that the systematic offset between the observed and predicted limb-darkening profiles observed in metal-rich hot-Jupiter systems is also observed for these solar-type stars at lower metallicity. These observations provide additional measurements to explore the impact of magnetic fields on the atmospheres of solar-type stars. We have also used the TESS light curves to make precise estimates of the radius and effective temperature of the M-dwarf companions in these 19 binary systems. We confirm the results from previous studies that find very low mass stars tend to be about 3percnt larger than predicted by stellar models that use a mixing length prescription calibrated on the Sun.
Cognition and obstructive sleep apnea in Parkinson’s disease: randomized controlled trial of positive airway pressure (COPE-PAP trial)
Authors: Lajoie Annie C , Lafontaine Anne-Louise , Kimoff R John , Benedetti Andrea , Robinson Ann R , Létourneau Marie , Crane Joelle , Scanga Amanda , Noel Francine , Kaminska Marta
Published: February 2025

Study Objectives

This randomized controlled trial assessed the effects of positive airway pressure (PAP) treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) on cognition in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD).

Methods

Individuals with PD with Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) < 27 and OSA were randomized to PAP or nasal dilator strips (placebo) for 6 months. The primary outcome was the change in MoCA from baseline to 6 months compared by t-test between groups by intention to treat (ITT). Sensitivity and per protocol (PP) analyses were performed, adjusting for potential confounders. Secondary outcomes included patient-reported and motor outcomes. Exploratory outcomes comprised detailed neurocognitive tests.

Findings

We randomized 94 participants (31% female) with mean age 67.3 (SD 10.5) years, body mass index 28.1 (4·7) kg/m2 and MoCA 22.7 (3.5). The change in MoCA in the PAP group (n=48) was 0.60, 95%CI [-0.08, 1.29] and in the control group (n=46) -0.39, 95%CI [-1.21, 0.43]; between-group difference 1.00, 95%CI [-0.06, 2.05] (ITT). Adjusted ITT analyses showed improved MoCA by 1.44, 95%CI [0.09, 2.79], in treated vs. control groups. In PP analyses, the adjusted between-group difference was 1.43, 95%CI [0.054, 2.81] between PAP (n=33) vs. control (n=41) groups. Non-motor symptoms, depression and sleep quality scores, and performance on certain executive and psychomotor tasks improved with PAP. PP analyses also showed significant improvement in motor function in PAP compared to control groups.

Conclusions

Evaluation for OSA in PD patients with reduced cognition should be considered as OSA treatment may improve cognitive function, and possibly patient-reported and motor outcomes.
Binocular treatment of amblyopia: current state and recent advances
Authors: Sterkin Anna , Yehezkel Oren
Published: February 2025

Purpose of review

To provide an overview of research from recent randomized clinical trials (RCTs) on novel binocular treatments for amblyopia, inherently designed to force binocular integration by simultaneous dichoptic stimulation. Second, to present an update on the most recent research.

Recent findings

In recent years, binocular treatments as either standalone or adjunct first-line therapies for amblyopia have been gaining acceptance, particularly for older patients and those who are either resistant to or noncompliant with traditional penalization therapy. The findings from a growing body of high-level clinical evidence are highlighted.

Clinically significant improvements in visual acuity and stereopsis can be achieved with binocular therapy. Several of these therapies are commercially available and have consistently shown noninferiority over standard patching treatment or full-time refractive correction. The data suggest binocular treatments should be considered as standalone or adjunct first-line therapy. However, more research is necessary to support some reports of superiority and long-term stability of gains, and to establish specific clinical recommendations with consideration of patient's age and amblyopia etiology.
Diagnosing the Legal Age of 12 Using Second (I2M) and Third (I3M) Molar Maturation Indices in Brazil
Authors: da Nóbrega Johnys Berton Medeiros , Falcão Tainá Nascimento , Ribeiro Isabella Lima Arrais , do Rosário Júnior Ademir Franco , Cameriere Roberto , Santiago Bianca Marques
Published: February 2025

Children and adolescents receive varying levels of support and punishment when experiencing situations that classify them as defendants or victims. Age information is crucial for defining these cases. The objective was to apply the second (I2M) and third (I3M) molar maturity indices to diagnose the age of 12, and find out the cutoff points capable of generating better predictions among Brazilians. This observational cross-sectional study analyzed panoramic radiographs from the five geographic regions of Brazil. The radiographs were of individuals between 10 and 15 years old, taken between 2013 and 2019. The sample consisted of 125 images of each sex (n = 250), 50 from each geographic region, obtained for the purpose of clinical and/or orthodontic diagnosis and having the mandibular left second and third molars. Data collection followed the I3M methodology based on the measurements made on the second (I2M) and third (I3M) molars, using ImageJ®. The cutoff points found for the I2M, I3M, and I2M × I3M were 0.554 (AUC, 88.5%; 95% CI, 84.00–93.00), 0.519 (AUC, 77.8%; 95% CI, 76.14–79.46), and 0.699 (AUC, 88.4%; 95% CI, 84.48–92.32), respectively. The cutoffs by I2M, I3M, and I2M × I3M are sufficiently accurate for practical application and diagnosis of the age of 12 among individuals aged 10 to 15 in Brazil.
Accounting for chimerism in demographic inference: reconstructing the history of common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) from high-quality, whole-genome, population-level data
Authors: Soni Vivak , Versoza Cyril J. , Vallender Eric J. , Jensen Jeffrey D. , Pfeifer Susanne P.
Published: February 2025

As a species of considerable biomedical importance, characterizing the evolutionary genomics of the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) is of significance across multiple fields of research. However, at least two peculiarities of this species potentially preclude commonly utilized population genetic modeling and inference approaches: a high frequency of twin births and hematopoietic chimerism. We here investigate these effects within the context of demographic inference, demonstrating via simulation that neglecting these biological features results in significant mis-inference of the underlying population history. Based upon this result, we develop a novel approximate Bayesian inference approach accounting for both common twin-births as well as chimeric sampling. In addition, we present novel population genomic data from 15 individuals sequenced to high-coverage, and utilize gene-level annotations to identify neutrally evolving intergenic regions appropriate for demographic inference. Applying our developed methodology, we estimate a well-fitting population history for this species, which suggests robust ancestral and current population sizes, as well as a size reduction roughly 7,000 years ago likely associated with a shift from arboreal to savanna vegetation in north-eastern Brazil during this period.
The human immunoglobulin heavy chain constant gene locus is enriched for large complex structural variants and coding polymorphisms that vary in frequency among human populations
Authors: Jana Uddalok , Rodriguez Oscar L , Lees William , Engelbrecht Eric , Vanwinkle Zachary , Peres Ayelet , Gibson William , Shields Kaitlyn , Schultze Steven , Dorgham Abdullah G , Emery Matthew , Deikus Gintaras , Sebra Robert , Eichler Evan E , Yaari Gur , Smith Melissa L , Watson Corey T
Published: February 2025

The immunoglobulin heavy chain constant (IGHC) domain of antibodies (Ab) is responsible for a variety of effector functions critical to Ab mediated immunity. In human, this domain is encoded by genes within the IGHC locus, in which descriptions of genomic diversity remain incomplete. To address this, we utilized long-read genomic datasets to build a high-quality IGHC haplotype/variant catalog from 105 individuals of diverse ancestry. This included the initial construction of highly vetted haplotype-resolved assemblies for 8 individuals, from which we tested and optimized a high-throughput approach for targeted long-read sequencing and assembly of the IGHC locus. This approach was able to generate accurate, locally phased assemblies and genotype callsets, and, applied at scale, facilitated discovery of novel single nucleotide and complex structural variants (SNVs; SVs), and previously uncharacterized genes and alleles. In total, we identified 262 coding alleles, 235 of which were undocumented. Comparisons of SNV, SV, and gene allele/genotype frequencies revealed significant population differentiation, highlighting potential sites of past natural selection and/or genetic drift. Together, our results illuminate missing signatures of haplotype diversity in the IGHC locus, and establish a new foundation for cataloguing IGHC germline variation and addressing its role in Ab function and disease.
A knowledge-enhanced directed graph isomorphism network for multimodal sarcasm detection
Authors: Liu Yu , Zeng Ziming
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Previous research mainly uses graph neural networks on syntactic dependency graphs, often neglecting emotional cues in sarcasm detection and failing to integrate image features for multimodal information effectively. To address these limitations, this study proposes a novel multimodal sarcasm detection model based on the directed graph isomorphism network with sentiment enhancement and multimodal fusion (DGIN-SE-MF).

Design/methodology/approach

The approach extracts image and text features through vision transformer and BERT, respectively. To deeply integrate the extracted features, the author develops a text-guided multi-head attention fusion mechanism module. Subsequently, a directed graph is constructed through SE and the multimodal factorized bilinear pooling method to integrate image features into the graph. The DGIN then fuses the image and text features, using a weighted attention mechanism to generate the final representation.

Findings

The model is validated on three datasets: English, Chinese and an Indonesian–English dataset. The results demonstrate that the proposed model consistently outperforms other baseline models, particularly on the Chinese and English sarcasm datasets, achieving F1 scores of 88.75 % and 83.10 %, respectively.

Originality/value

The proposed model addresses the inadequacies of previous methods by effectively integrating emotional cues and image features into sarcasm detection. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first work to leverage a DGIN-SE-MF for this task, leading to significant improvements in detection performance across different languages.
The role of family governance, identity and social capital in the transgenerational sustainability of family SMEs
Authors: Ahmad Shabir
Published: February 2025

Purpose

While emphasizing firm performance, the existing family business literature downplays the significance of family components in shaping transgenerational sustainability. Drawing on socioemotional wealth, social identity and stewardship theories, this study aims to investigate the impact of family governance practices and owner-family identity on the transgenerational sustainability of family firms. In addition, it explored the dual mediating role of family social capital in family governance, owner-family identity and transgenerational sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

In this quantitative study, data were collected through surveys of 393 executives working in 100 family-owned SMEs operating across Pakistan that have managed to survive beyond the first generation. The final data set was analyzed using SmartPLS4 software for hypotheses and model testing.

Findings

The results show that although family governance practices and owner-family identity positively influence the transgenerational sustainability of family firms, the route goes through family social capital, which mediates these relationships.

Practical implications

To achieve transgenerational sustainability, family firms need to incorporate the effective management of family governance practices, family identity and family social capital into their strategic goals. This requires reshaping family members’ behavior, communicating family values and fostering social connections to enhance governance practices, social identity and social capital.

Originality/value

This study provides evidence to support the connection between family governance, family identity, social capital and business sustainability. It contributes to the family business research and deepens the understanding of how these family elements impact a business’s sustainability across generations.
Effects of knowledge spillovers in organizations: an exploratory study
Authors: Cristo-Andrade Silveli , Ferreira João J. , Teixeira Arilda
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This exploratory qualitative research aims to identify and examine the effects of knowledge spillovers in organizations through the lens of strategic entrepreneurship.

Design/methodology/approach

A semi-structured interview script was used to collect data, with professionals holding leadership positions in knowledge-intensive companies. The data obtained were processed through content analysis using Nvivo 13.0 Software.

Findings

The results show that the search for knowledge can bring benefits and add new challenges to the organization, with decision-making being a key point of attention when managing and applying knowledge. In addition, it was found that the professionals in leadership positions are primarily responsible for capturing and using the knowledge that could result in gains for the organization.

Practical implications

Regarding practical implications, the authors identified that the study findings reflect a triad: problem, action and solution. The dimensions found can help clarify the effects that knowledge spillovers can provide in organizations.

Originality/value

This study integrates knowledge capture with entrepreneurial and strategic behavior within organizations. Relevant conclusions were sought by deepening knowledge about this relationship in organizations from different areas.
Optimizing sales mode selection and marketing effort for a B2C marketplace under green product investment uncertainty
Authors: Phan Dinh Anh , Vo Thi Le Hoa
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study investigates the circumstances under which a business to customer (B2C) marketplace chooses to implement green marketing to promote green product investment (GPI). It further identifies the optimal sales model approach for implementing green marketing under uncertainty about the effects of GPI.

Design/methodology/approach

We examine an e-commerce (EC) supply chain involving a manufacturer who determines the product’s greenness level and a B2C marketplace who can operate in either an agency or a reselling mode and engages in green marketing to promote sales of green products. Using the backward induction method, we develop an analytical model to drive the optimal decisions and profits under each sales model.

Findings

Our research demonstrates that high GPI uncertainty drives B2C marketplaces to adopt green marketing strategies. These initiatives not only prompt manufacturers to invest in eco-friendly products but also boost profits for all parties involved. Nevertheless, these benefits depend on the choice of a sales model between agency and reselling. Our findings offer a novel practical application into the relationship between GPI uncertainty and green marketing. When the GPI uncertainty is high, green marketing is profitable for the B2C marketplace regardless of which sales mode is adopted. However, when uncertainty is low, green marketing only benefits the B2C marketplace in the agency mode. Moreover, the interaction between GPI uncertainty and the referral fee exerts a moderating influence on the preferred sales mode for both the manufacturer and the B2C marketplace.

Practical implications

Our findings offer a novel practical application into the relationship between GPI uncertainty and green marketing. When the GPI uncertainty is high, green marketing is profitable for the B2C marketplace regardless of which sales mode is adopted. However, when uncertainty is low, green marketing only benefits the B2C marketplace in the agency mode. Moreover, the interaction between GPI uncertainty and the referral fee exerts a moderating influence on the preferred sales mode for both the manufacturer and the B2C marketplace.

Originality/value

Overall, our research contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex but beneficial interplay between GPI uncertainty, green marketing and sales mode selection in an EC supply chain.
The prevalence and correlates of depression and anxiety symptoms in older adults receiving in‐home aged care: A cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Dickins Marissa , Kelly Julie , Paxton Susan , Kwan Baldwin , Carveth Deborah , Barker Anna , Smith Karen , Bhar Sunil , Davison Tanya E.
Published: February 2025

Objectives

To estimate the prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms in older Australians accessing in‐home aged care, and to identify characteristics associated with symptoms.

Methods

A cross‐sectional telephone survey with a random sample of in‐home aged care clients from a national provider (Silverchain) was conducted between November 2022 and July 2023. The percentage of clients experiencing depression and anxiety symptoms was estimated, weighted to the age and gender of the Silverchain population. Multivariable linear regression was utilised to identify characteristics associated with higher depression and anxiety symptoms.

Results

A total of 237 participants completed the survey. Over half (52%) of participants experienced symptoms of depression (≥5 on the PHQ‐9), while 16% experienced clinically meaningful symptoms indicative of probable major depressive disorder (≥10 on the PHQ‐9). Over one‐third (37%) of participants experienced symptoms of anxiety (≥5 on the GAD‐7), while 12% experienced clinically meaningful symptoms indicative of probable generalised anxiety disorder (≥10 on the GAD‐7). Most clients (61%) experienced symptoms of depression and/or anxiety, with 29% experiencing co‐morbid symptoms. Younger age, lower quality of life, higher loneliness, living in a major city (compared with rural/remote areas) and living with family (compared to living alone) were associated with higher levels of depression or anxiety symptoms in this cohort.

Conclusions

Symptoms of depression and anxiety are common in older Australians accessing in‐home aged care, with many experiencing co‐morbid symptoms. In‐home aged care providers are ideally situated to identify and facilitate treatment and monitoring for these individuals.
Effect of women's self‐help group participation on their financial inclusion measured through a women‐centric index: A study in North‐East India
Authors: Roy Priyanka , Patro Binoti
Published: February 2025

This study attempts to examine the effect of women's participation in self‐help groups (SHGs) on their financial inclusion levels. A comprehensive financial inclusion index is created specifically suited to women by incorporating the concept of ‘autonomy’ in the usage of financial services. Adding this indicator with access and usage improves the practical effectiveness of women's financial inclusion as a means to a larger end. Further, objective weights have been assigned to the financial inclusion indicators through the application of the Criteria Importance through Inter‐criteria Correlation (CRITIC) method. The effect estimation is examined using propensity score matching (PSM) to gauge a true effect assessment free from self‐selection bias. The results are also checked for robustness using inverse probability weighted regression adjustment (IPWRA). Drawing primary data from 450 respondents from the Barak Valley region of Assam, the study establishes the importance of ‘autonomy’ in determining women's financial inclusion and finds SHG participation to be effective in enhancing the holistic financial inclusion of women. Underscoring the potential of SHGs in the upliftment of women, the study recommends regular monitoring of existing SHGs, besides expansion policies, to prevent group inactivity. To enhance women's financial autonomy, it is also suggested to conduct frequent training programmes on rights awareness, boosting self‐efficacy for financial management and self‐sufficiency in addressing financial challenges.
Scaffolding middle school mathematics curricula with large language models
Authors: Malik Rizwaan , Abdi Dorna , Wang Rose , Demszky Dorottya
Published: February 2025

Despite well‐designed curriculum materials, teachers often face challenges implementing them due to diverse classroom needs. This paper investigates whether large language models (LLMs) can support middle school math teachers by helping create high‐quality curriculum scaffolds, which we define as the adaptations and supplements teachers employ to ensure all students can access and engage with the curriculum. Through cognitive task analysis with expert teachers, we identify a three‐stage process for curriculum scaffolding: observation, strategy formulation and implementation. We incorporate these insights into three LLM approaches to create warmup tasks that activate students' background knowledge. The best‐performing approach provides the model with the original curriculum materials and an expert‐informed prompt; this approach generates warmups that are rated significantly higher than those created by expert teachers in terms of alignment to learning objectives, accessibility to students working below grade level and teacher preference. This research demonstrates the potential of LLMs to support teachers in creating effective scaffolds and provides a methodology for developing artificial intelligence‐driven educational tools.

Practitioner notes

What is already known about this topic

Scaffolding is essential for enabling students to access and engage with curriculum materials.

Large language models (LLMs) have shown promise in generating educational content and supporting teachers.

Teachers frequently need to adapt and supplement standardized curricula to meet the diverse needs of their students.

What this paper adds

Identifies a three‐stage curriculum scaffolding process (observation, strategy formulation, implementation) used by expert teachers.

Demonstrates that providing LLMs with additional context from the curriculum, such as the original warmup task, helps to ground the model and improve the quality of the generated warmup tasks.

Demonstrates that, when prompted well, LLMs can generate warmup tasks that are of similar or better quality compared to those created by expert teachers in terms of alignment to learning objectives, accessibility and teacher preference.

Implications for practice and/or policy

Provides practical suggestions for prompting LLMs to generate high‐quality warmup tasks for middle school math teachers, such as incorporating additional curriculum context and expert‐informed prompts.

Demonstrates how cognitive task analysis with expert teachers can be used to develop LLM‐based tools for educators that align with their practices and preferences.

Indicates that additional research is needed to explore the potential for LLMs to support other types of curriculum adaptations, evaluate their effectiveness in classroom settings and investigate how they can be effectively tailored to the specific needs and characteristics of individual students.
Sunscreen Formula of FeO(OH)·H2O/TiO2 With Spectral Selectivity to Enhance Collagen Biosynthesis via Fibroblast Test
Authors: Zhang Xun , Wen Ximing , Wang Yuling , Jiang Fangru , Chen Yiting , Liu Zhe
Published: February 2025

Objective

To develop a sunscreen formula with spectral selectivity that filters harmful light (280–550 nm) while allowing beneficial light (550–760 nm) to permeate and thus to boost collagen generation.

Methods

A variety of sunscreen filters and their combinations were tested for transmittance spectrum. The spectral selectivity was quantified by Selection Index (SI), and the optimal formula was identified. Then, human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) were subjected to simulated sunlight exposure with the application of this formula. The cell viability and collagen levels were measured post‐exposure.

Results

The combination of TiO2 and FeO(OH)·H2O displays spectral selectivity and reaches the optimal SI value at the mixing ratio of 64:36. This mixture, when formulated with traditional UV filters, significantly elevates the level of Collagen I.

Conclusion

This work uncovers the influence of spectral selectivity on the enhancement of sunscreen performance and proposes a filter combination with spectral selectivity. This formula, when integrated with conventional UV sunscreens, allows for the beneficial effects of sunlight to be more pronounced. This discovery may provide fresh insights for the design of future sunscreen products.
Weight loss and asthma control: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Farhangi Mahdieh Abbasalizad , Doumat George , Baroni Isis F. , Camargo Carlos A.
Published: February 2025

Background

In the current systematic review and meta‐analysis, we evaluated the possible role of weight loss on asthma control, quality of life (QOL), and clinical outcomes among patients with asthma.

Methods

We performed a systematic search of PubMed, CINAHL, and OVID Medline for randomized controlled human trials that examined the effects of weight loss on asthma control, QOL, and spirometry results, from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2023. Twelve eligible studies (total n = 1052 participants) were included. Weighted mean differences (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to evaluate the effect size. Subgroup analyses and meta‐regression approaches were performed to reveal possible sources of heterogeneity. Fractional polynomial modeling was performed to assess non‐linear associations.

Results

Weight loss reduced ACQ score (WMD −0.67 [95%CIs − 1.20, −0.13], P = 0.02; I2 91.3%, P < 0.001), and improved forced expiratory volume percent predicted (FEV)1pp (WMD 13.08 [95%CIs 2.42, 23.73], P = 0.02; I2 94.1%, P < 0.001) among patients with asthma. In a dose–response analysis, a significant non‐linear association was reported between change in weight and changes in FEV1pp (Pnon‐linearity = 0.01). The effects of weight loss on QOL (WMD 0.53 [−0.38, 1.44], P = 0.25; I2 95.6%, P < 0.001) and forced vital capacity percent predicted (FVC pp, WMD 4.90 [−3.22, 13.02], P = 0.24; I2 91.4%, P < 0.001) were not statistically significant.

Conclusion

Weight loss improves asthma control and FEV1pp among patients with asthma in a two‐class meta‐analysis. Because of the relatively low number of well‐designed clinical trials (n = 12), further trials are needed to better define the beneficial effects of weight loss on asthma control.
Astronomical Forcing of Palaeo‐Water Level Fluctuations of Western North China Craton During the Late Palaeozoic
Authors: Cao Yuge , Wang Jianqiang , Yang Wenjing , Nan Junxiang , Yu Shuhang
Published: February 2025

Reconstruction of palaeo‐water level fluctuation has shown geoscientific significance for deciphering the hydrological evolution and sedimentary evolution in North China Craton (NCC) during the Late Palaeozoic. However, poorly constrained geochronology and understudied driving mechanisms have impeded a deeper comprehension of hydrological circulation. In this study, we established an astronomical time scale (ATS) of a Late Palaeozoic sequence of western NCC, spanning from ~275.842 ± 1.2 Ma to ~284.414 ± 1.2 Ma. We reconstructed the fluctuation of water level in the western NCC during the Late Palaeozoic by a sedimentary noise model. The ~2.4‐Myr eccentricity cycle was presented in both modelling resutls and Mn/Fe ratio through time series analysis. We speculated that the transition from in‐phase to anti‐phase between reconstructed water level variations and global sea level variations in ~2.4‐Myr rhythm indicated the changes in hydrological circulation, suggesting a shift from marine to terrestrial environment.
PLSCR1 suppresses SARS-CoV-2 infection by downregulating cell surface ACE2
Authors: Ma Ruiyi , Zhang Xinyi , Li Ruonan , Dong Xiaojing , Wang Wenjing , Jiang Qi , Xiao Xia , Shi Yujin , Chen Lan , Zheng Tian , Xiang Zichun , Ren Lili , Zhou Zhuo , Lei Xiaobo , Wang Jianwei
Published: February 2025

Type I interferons exert their antiviral effects against SARS-CoV-2 by inducing the expression of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs), including but not limited to LY6E, CH25H, IFITM2/3, and IFIH1. However, the antiviral effect and underlying mechanisms of action of most ISGs in SARS-CoV-2 infection are not yet fully understood. By screening 109 ISG-knockout cell lines, we identify that phospholipid scramblase 1 (PLSCR1), an interferon-inducible protein, acts as a crucial restriction factor against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Cells lacking PLSCR1 are highly susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Conversely, overexpression of PLSCR1 inhibits SARS-CoV-2 infection. Depletion of PLSCR1 enhances cellular entry of both pseudotyped and authentic SARS-CoV-2. Mechanistically, PLSCR1 inhibits SARS-CoV-2 entry by specifically downregulating plasma membrane expression of ACE2, the virus’s receptor, without affecting the overall levels of ACE2 within the cell. As such, we unraveled previously unappreciated mechanisms by which PLSCR1 exerts its restrictive effect on SARS-CoV-2. These data provide new insights into the interplay between host innate antiviral immunity and SARS-CoV-2 and shed light on novel antiviral therapeutics.

IMPORTANCE

Phospholipid scramblase 1 (PLSCR1) has been identified as a critical host restriction factor against SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this study, we demonstrated that PLSCR1 inhibited SARS-CoV-2 entry by downregulating the plasma membrane expression of ACE2, the primary receptor for viral entry. Our findings elucidate a novel host-pathogen interaction that not only deepens our understanding of the innate immune response to SARS-CoV-2 but offers potential strategies for therapeutic interventions against COVID-19.
Characterization of diet-linked amino acid pool influence on
Fusobacterium
spp. growth and metabolism
Authors: Robinson Avery V. , Vancuren Sarah J. , Marcone Massimo , Allen-Vercoe Emma
Published: February 2025

The genus
Fusobacterium
contains multiple proteolytic opportunistic pathogens that have been increasingly linked to colorectal cancer (CRC). “Oncomicrobes” such as these fusobacterial species within the gut microbiota may contribute to CRC onset and/or progression. Protein-rich diets may both directly increase CRC risk and enrich for proteolytic oncomicrobes, including
Fusobacterium
spp. Individual food substrates vary in amino acid content, and released amino acid content that is not absorbed in the small intestine may influence the growth of colonic proteolytic fermenters. Fusobacteria such as
Fusobacterium
spp. are known to preferentially metabolize certain amino acids. As such, some foods may better support the growth of these species within the colonic environment than others. To explore this, in this study, we created free amino acid pools (FAAPs) to represent proportions of amino acids in major proteins of three common dietary protein sources (soy, beef, and bovine milk). Growth curves were generated for 39
Fusobacterium
spp. strains cultured in a dilute medium supplemented with each of the three FAAPs. Thereafter, amino acid use by 31 of the 39
Fusobacterium
spp. strains in each FAAP treatment was assessed. FAAP supplementation increased growth metrics of all
Fusobacterium
spp. strains tested; however, the strains varied greatly in terms of the FAAP(s) generating the greatest increase in growth. Furthermore, the amino acid utilization strategy was highly variable between strains of
Fusobacterium
spp. Neither growth metrics nor amino acid utilization could be explained by species classification of
Fusobacterium
spp. strains. This report expands upon the previous knowledge of fusobacterial amino acid metabolism and indicates that proteolytic oncomicrobial activity should be assessed in the context of available protein sources.

IMPORTANCE

Fusobacterium
spp. including
F. animalis
,
F. nucleatum
,
F. vincentii
, and
F. polymorphum
are common oral commensals with emerging importance in diseases across multiple body sites, including CRC. CRC lesions associated with fusobacteria tend to result in poorer prognosis and increased disease recurrence. While
Fusobacterium
spp. are thought to colonize after tumorigenesis, little is known about the factors that facilitate this colonization. Protein-rich diets yielding readily metabolized free amino acids within the colon may promote the growth of proteolytic fermenters such as fusobacteria. Here, we show that variable concentrations of free amino acids within pools that represent different dietary protein sources differentially influence fusobacterial growth, including CRC-relevant strains of
Fusobacterium
spp. This work highlights the high degree of variation in fusobacterial amino acid utilization patterns and suggests differing proportions of dietary amino acids that reach the colon could influence fusobacterial growth.
1`Antimicrobial and antivirulence function of cinnamaldehyde against
Streptococcus suis
type 2
Authors: Zhu Lexin , He Zhishu , Li Mengqing , Xu Jixin , Ding Wei , Zeng Wenzhen , Jiang Xiaowu
Published: February 2025

Streptococcus suis
type 2 (SS2) is an important zoonotic pathogen for swine and humans. The increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in
S. suis
isolates poses a threat to public health. This study investigated the antimicrobial activity and therapeutic potential of cinnamaldehyde (CA), a natural compound from cinnamon, against SS2. CA showed significant antimicrobial activity with a minimal inhibition concentration of 0.25 µg/mL and prolonged post-antibiotic effect of over 7 h in SS2. Increased bacterial cell membrane permeability and blocked protein synthesis of SS2 were observed after being treated with CA. CA could effectively prevent biofilm formation. CA treatment reduced the crucial virulence factor of suilysin expression and secretion in SS2 cells through a probable interaction with the suilysin protein. CA treatment could prominently alleviate both epithelial HEp-2 and phagocytic RAW264.7 cell cytotoxicity induced by SS2. The pathogenic SS2 strain was attenuated by CA, as demonstrated by the diminished adherence in HEp-2 cells, increased clearance by RAW264.7 and mice whole blood, and improved survival rate in a mouse infection model. CA possessed therapeutic efficacy since the CA treatment exhibited a 50% improvement in mouse survival rate, which surpassed the traditional ampicillin therapy control group. Alleviated clinical symptoms and histopathological phenotypes, with reduced bacterial burden in mouse organs after CA treatment, were examined. Overall, this study identified cinnamaldehyde as a novel antibacterial compound against SS2 with potential therapeutic protective effects, offering an alternative drug for controlling SS2 prevalence and infection.

IMPORTANCE

Widespread infections caused by
Streptococcus suis
type 2 (SS2) have garnered significant attention in the realm of public health due to their zoonotic nature. In recent years, antimicrobial resistance phenotypes in SS2 have emerged and intensified within the context of animal husbandry. Herbal compounds and medicinal plants are increasingly recognized as promising therapeutic alternatives for mitigating or addressing the challenges posed by antimicrobial resistance. The aim of this present study was to explore a novel compound of cinnamaldehyde, which obtained significant antimicrobial activity and potential therapeutic protective effect against SS2 infection. The research has made an innovative discovery that the bactericidal effect of cinnamaldehyde is associated with its antivirulence strategies, such as targeting the key virulence factors of SS2 and countering the bacterial infection process.
How do hospitals that serve low socioeconomic status patients achieve low readmission rates? A qualitative study of safety-net hospitals
Authors: Minges Karl E , Chen Peggy , Loh Kendall , Sutton La'Mont , Bernheim Susannah M
Published: February 2025

Background

Hospital readmissions are an important quality of care indicator and are tied to hospitals’ financial reimbursements. Safety-net hospitals, which serve a high proportion of patients of low socioeconomic status (SES), face unique challenges to reduce or maintain low readmission rates.

Objective

We sought to understand strategies high-performing safety-net hospitals used to achieve low 30-day risk-standardised readmission rates (RSRRs) using qualitative methodology.

Methods

Safety-net hospital status was defined by public ownership or a Medicaid population that is greater than 1 SD higher than the state proportion of Medicaid patients and the hospital payer source is composed of at least 15% Medicaid patients. Safety-net hospitals were selected based on their ranking among the lowest 20% of heart failure RSRRs, the best-performing quintile. We purposefully sampled hospitals to ensure variation in characteristics and conducted on-site interviews with key hospital staff. A multidisciplinary team analysed the data using thematic analysis.

Results

We performed site visits at 9 safety-net hospitals (RSRR range: 18.1%–21.6%) in 9 states and conducted in-depth interviews with 108 hospital staff. Several thematic attributes and organisational strategies were evident in high-performing safety-net hospitals: (1) strong hospital support for quality improvement at all levels; (2) tailoring resources to meet patient needs; (3) facilitating collaboration and communication among and between providers and patients; (4) creating strong relationships with postacute care facilities and communities and (5) proactive approach to healthcare policy changes and other external factors.

Conclusions

The provision of high-quality and equitable care in hospitals serving a high proportion of low-SES populations is influenced by several modifiable factors. These findings may serve to inform lower-performing safety-net hospitals on how to optimise patient care and improve readmission outcomes.
Targeting adenosine enhances immunotherapy in MSS colorectal cancer with EGFRvIII mutation
Authors: Sun Fei , Yao Fangzhen , Zeng Chunting , Zhao Yang , Liang Bishan , Li Shaowei , Wang Yawen , Wu Qijing , Shi Yulu , Yao Zhiqi , Wang Jiao , Jiang Yu , Gu Chunhui , Huang Qiong , Liao Wangjun , Huang Na , Wang Chunlin , Rong Xiaoxiang , Wu Jing , Tan Yujing , Peng Jianjun , Li Yong , Shi Min
Published: February 2025

Background

Patients with microsatellite stable (MSS) colorectal cancer (CRC) often display resistance to immunotherapy. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeted therapies have shown potential in enhancing immunotherapy, yet clinical benefits remain unfulfilled, which may relate to inadequate patient stratification.

Methods

Circulating tumor cells and tumor tissues were collected from multicenter cohorts of patients with CRC receiving cetuximab to analyze EGFR variant type III (EGFRvIII) expression and immune infiltration. Syngeneic mouse models of EGFRvIII CRC were used to investigate the combined efficacy of adenosine inhibition and antiprogrammed cell death protein 1 (anti-PD-1).

Results

EGFRvIII mutations are found in about 10% of MSS CRC and are associated with poor response to cetuximab therapy. EGFRvIII-mutated patients with CRC exhibit an adenosine-mediated immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) subtype. Combination therapy with adenosine inhibitors remodels the TME, reversing cetuximab resistance and enhancing anti-PD-1 efficacy in EGFRvIII CRC.

Conclusions

Our findings identified EGFRvIII-positive CRC as a distinct subtype characterized by adenosine-mediated immunosuppressive TME. Targeting adenosine significantly improved the efficacy of anti-PD-1 in MSS CRC.
Lower bounds for learning quantum states with single-copy measurements
Authors: Nayak Ashwin , Lowe Angus
Published: February 2025

We study the problems of quantum tomography and shadow tomography using measurements performed on individual, identical copies of an unknown 
d
-dimensional state. We first revisit known lower bounds [23] on quantum tomography with accuracy ϵ in trace distance, when the measurement choices are independent of previously observed outcomes, i.e., they are nonadaptive. We give a succinct proof of these results through the
χ
2
-divergence between suitable distributions. Unlike prior work, we do not require that the measurements be given by rank-one operators. This leads to stronger lower bounds when the learner uses measurements with a constant number of outcomes (e.g., two-outcome measurements). In particular, this rigorously establishes the optimality of the folklore “Pauli tomography” algorithm in terms of its sample complexity. We also derive novel bounds of
Ω
(
r
2
d
/ϵ
2
) and
Ω
(
r
2
d
2
/ϵ
2
) for learning rank 
r
states using arbitrary and constant-outcome measurements, respectively, in the nonadaptive case.

In addition to the sample complexity, a resource of practical significance for learning quantum states is the number of unique measurement settings required (i.e., the number of different measurements used by an algorithm, each possibly with an arbitrary number of outcomes). Motivated by this consideration, we employ concentration of measure of
χ
2
-divergence of suitable distributions to extend our lower bounds to the case where the learner performs possibly adaptive measurements from a fixed set of exp (
O
(
d
)) possible measurements. This implies in particular that adaptivity does not give us any advantage using single-copy measurements that are efficiently implementable. We also obtain a similar bound in the case where the goal is to predict the expectation values of a given sequence of observables, a task known as shadow tomography. Finally, in the case of adaptive, single-copy measurements implementable with polynomial-size circuits, we prove that a straightforward strategy based on computing sample means of the given observables is optimal.
First Report of Hematosalpinx in a Cat With a Large Hematoma and Severe Anemia
Authors: Itoh Teruo , Kojimoto Atsuko , Chambers James , Uchida Kazuyuki , Shii Hiroki
Published: February 2025

A 6‐year‐old, intact female cat presented with sudden collapse. Clinical examinations indicated severe regenerative anemia and a large abdominal mass containing fluid. An exploratory laparotomy revealed a large cystic lesion at the cranial end of the right uterine horn. Ovariohysterectomy was performed, and the cat made a full recovery. The cystic lesion contained a blood clot and 102 mL of blood. Histological examination confirmed that the hemorrhagic lesion was located within the fallopian tube. The thickened uterus with severe vasodilation was histologically diagnosed as endometrial hyperplasia with congestion. This is the first reported case of hematosalpinx in a cat, a rare condition previously described in humans.
Social Identity Framework and Gender‐Based Harassment in Digital Gaming Spaces: A Scoping Review
Authors: Adefope Oluwademilade A. , Bayraktar Fatih
Published: February 2025

Online harassment in digital gaming spaces has been a prevalent issue since the inception of gaming culture. Thus, this scoping review is aimed at understanding the gamer identity through the lens of the social identity framework and how these factors potentially contribute to the perpetration of gender‐based harassment. Following guidelines from the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA‐ScR), the following research databases were searched for relevant documents between March and April 2024: SCOPUS, PubMed, Web of Science, and APA journals. After filtering for replications, relevance, and full‐text accessibility, a total of 36 articles were included in the final analysis and review. Regarding the four dimensions of social identity framework, 81% (n = 30) of the reviewed articles discussed perception of intergroup context, 62% (n = 23) discussed in‐group attraction, 35% (n = 13) discussed depersonalization, and finally 30% (n = 11) mentioned interdependency beliefs. Overall, gender‐based harassment in digital gaming is an issue not simply perpetuated by male gamers against female players but also by women against their own in‐group, and it results in communities that are extremely hostile and toxic toward out‐groups, perceiving diversity and inclusivity as an attack on gaming culture.