bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flight initiation distance is repeatable and geographically flexible in greylag geese Anser anser
Authors: Katsis Andrew C. , Common Lauren K. , Lesigang Jonas , Bold Avila , Fröhlich Marie , Schmincke Jana-Marie , Frigerio Didone , Kleindorfer Sonia
Published: December 2024

The decision to flee from an approaching threat represents a trade‐off between the costs and benefits of flight. In research to date, particular interest has been given to the effects of urbanisation on predator escape behaviour. However, these differences are most often studied at the population rather than individual level, which makes it difficult to disentangle whether site‐specific differences in predator avoidance are due to behavioural plasticity or non‐random distribution of behavioural phenotypes. In this study, we measured flight initiation distances – a widely used proxy for fearfulness or boldness – in a free‐roaming, human‐habituated, and colour‐banded population of greylag geese Anser anser. First, we tested whether individuals flexibly adjusted their flight initiation distance based on environmental context by approaching the same individuals at two sites with different levels of human presence. Second, we examined whether flock members show consistent differences in their flight initiation distance towards unfamiliar humans. Our results suggest that greylag geese can adjust their behaviour based on environmental context and show individual differences in flight initiation distance that are consistent both within and across years. When individuals regularly move between foraging sites, establishing site‐specific responses to potential threats may allow them to optimise their escape response and thereby avoid unnecessary energetic and opportunity costs.

Keywords: Anser anser, behavioural plasticity, boldness, escape behaviour, flight initiation distance
A Systematic Literature Review of Technology‐Assisted Vocabulary Learning
Authors: Simonnet Enzo , Loiseau Mathieu , Lavoué Élise
Published: December 2024

Background

Vocabulary learning is an essential dimension of foreign language learning. The learners have a huge responsibility in this task. Among other factors, time constraints and an overall lack of maintained motivation on the part of students makes it especially challenging. Consequently, improving vocabulary learning requires strategies to motivate learners and encourage autonomous learning. Technology‐Assisted Vocabulary Learning (tavl) aims to provide solutions to this set of problems.

Objectives

We aim to provide an overview of the different types of TAVL tools developed and studied since 2015 with regard to (1) tool features, (2) observed variables and research methods used in the studies and (3) impact on learners' vocabulary acquisition, motivation and engagement.

Method

We conducted a systematic review of the literature between 2015 and 2023 on TAVL. After delineating our field of study and research query, we followed a rigorous methodology to extract relevant papers to answer our research questions. A total of 44 papers of different languages and academic levels were selected for this review.

Results and Conclusions

We report a wide variety of features provided by TAVL tools in various contexts. We observe an overall positive influence of TAVL tools on learners' vocabulary learning, motivation, flow and engagement. We also discuss potential biases in the studies, which do not allow generalisation of the results. We conclude with recommendations for developers and researchers, including the use of more standardised experimental protocols with comparable measures, the integration of collaborative and social features, and a more central role for teachers and academic learning contexts.
Persisting Chronic Periodontal Disease as a Risk Factor for Cardiovascular Disease: A Nationwide Population‐Based Cohort Study
Authors: Park Jung‐Hyun , Leem Gwang Hyun , Kim Jin‐Woo , Song Tae‐Jin
Published: December 2024

Aims

Epidemiological studies have consistently established a positive association between periodontal disease (PD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, large‐scale investigations exploring the impact of changes in PD status on CVD risk are scarce. This study aimed to investigate the association between the dynamics in PD and the risk of incident CVD in a nationally representative population.

Methods

Utilising data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service, a cohort of 1,242,570 participants who underwent oral health exams in 2003 and a follow‐up exam in 2005–2006 was analysed. Participants were categorized into groups based on changes in PD status: absent, improvement, onset and persistent. Cox proportional hazard models were employed to assess the multivariate‐adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for composite CVD outcomes, including death, myocardial infarction and stroke.

Results

Over a mean follow‐up of 14.4 years, 79,810 (6.4%) cases of composite CVD occurred, including 14,296 (1.2%) myocardial infarctions, 3247 (0.3%) hemorrhagic strokes and 8900 (0.7%) ischemic strokes. Individuals with persistent PD showed the highest risk of CVD (HR: 1.04, 95% CI: 1.03–1.06, p < 0.001). In the pairwise comparisons, the PD improvement group exhibited a lower composite CVD risk than the PD persistent group (HR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.96–0.99, p = 0.010); similarly, the PD onset group showed a lower risk than the PD persistent group (HR: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.93–0.96, p < 0.001). This pattern was consistent in the risk of death, with both the PD improvement and PD onset groups showing a lower risk of death than the PD persistent group.

Conclusion

This study suggests the dynamic nature of PD as a potential modifiable risk factor for CVD. Individuals with chronically persistent PD showed an elevated incidence risk of CVD, emphasizing the importance of managing PD in preventive strategies.
Research Review: Shared and distinct structural and functional brain alterations in adolescents with major depressive disorder' – a multimodal meta‐analysis
Authors: Wu Baolin , Zhang Xun , Xie Hongsheng , Zhang Baoshuai , Ling Yanxin , Gan Ruoqiu , Qiu Lihua , Roberts Neil , Jia Zhiyun , Gong Qiyong
Published: December 2024

Background

Neuroimaging studies have identified brain structural and functional alterations in adolescents with major depressive disorder (MDD); however, the results are inconsistent, and whether patients exhibit spatially convergent structural and functional brain abnormalities remains unclear.

Methods

We conducted voxel‐wise meta‐analysis of voxel‐based morphometry (VBM) and resting‐state functional studies, respectively, to identify regional gray matter volume (GMV) and brain activity alterations in adolescent MDD patients. Multimodal analysis was performed to examine the overlap of regional GMV and brain activity alterations. Meta‐regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the potential effects of clinical variables.

Results

Ten whole‐brain VBM studies (403 patients and 319 controls) and 14 resting‐state functional studies (510 patients and 474 controls) were included. Adolescent MDD patients showed conjoint structural and functional alterations in the left medial/dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, lateral temporal cortex and sensorimotor regions, and left insula. Adolescent MDD patients showed structural‐specific abnormalities in the subcortical and prefrontal‐limbic regions and functional‐specific abnormalities in the right insula, right superior occipital gyrus, left inferior frontal gyrus and left precuneus. Meta‐regression analyses revealed that the mean age of adolescents with MDD was positively associated with GMV in the right superior temporal gyrus and negatively associated with brain activity in the right insula, and the symptom severity of adolescents with MDD was positively associated with brain activity in the right superior occipital gyrus.

Conclusions

This meta‐analysis identified complicated patterns of conjoint and dissociated brain alterations in adolescent MDD patients, which may advance our understanding of the neurobiology of adolescent MDD.
Smoking and diabetic nephropathy: An updated systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhu Haihui , Li Liang , Liu Songchun , Li Jing
Published: December 2024

Objectives

Several studies have reported the potential association between smoking and diabetic nephropathy. However, the studies of non‐significant association results were against the association between smoking and diabetic nephropathy. Therefore, the relationship between smoking and diabetic nephropathy was still debated and controversial.

Methods

Prospective cohort studies were included in the current meta‐analysis. The tobacco smoking (current smokers or former smokers) and non‐smoking groups in the enrolled studies were compared for the hazard ratio (HR) of diabetic nephropathy. Fifteen studies with 221,821 subjects were included in this meta‐analysis. Subgroup analysis of the type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes groups was also performed individually to investigate the effects of different types of diabetes on the relationship between smoking and diabetic nephropathy.

Results

Current smoking was significantly associated with a greater log HR of diabetic nephropathy [1.44 (1.22–1.70), Z = 4.39]. In addition, former smoking was significantly associated with diabetic nephropathy [log HR = 1.04 (1.03–1.05), Z = 8.02]. The individual subgroup analysis of type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes subjects showed that smoking might be both significantly associated with greater log HRs of diabetic nephropathy.

Discussion

Current and former smoking might be the risk factors for diabetic nephropathy in the current meta‐analytic results. The phenomenon of such significant associations were discovered in type 1 and 2 diabetes.
Killing as Capital: Perverse Effects of Truce Negotiations on Gang Violence in El Salvador
Authors: Jones Cree , Lloyd Preston
Published: December 2024

In March 2012, the government of El Salvador brokered a truce between MS‐13 and Barrio 18, the two largest and most notorious gangs in El Salvador. The truce was designed to decrease homicides in exchange for more lenient treatment of incarcerated gang leaders. Despite early, promising results, the truce was short‐lived. From May 2013 to February 2015, the government walked back its concessions under the truce. Homicides increased steadily during the rescission period and exponentially in the wake of full revocation. Economic theory suggests negotiating with gangs may achieve short‐term gains, but may also cause long‐term losses, particularly when the government reneges: once negotiations are on the table, gangs may use killing to increase their political capital and induce the government to re‐enter negotiations and make greater concessions. Using Salvadoran crime data, we deploy a difference‐in‐differences model to estimate the effect of the truce on homicides. We estimate the truce resulted in 1130 fewer homicides during its implementation and 551 fewer homicides during its piecemeal revocation. However, we also estimate 2250 more homicides occurred after full revocation, a perverse net effect of 569 more lives lost compared to what would have happened had the truce not been negotiated. These findings demonstrate negotiating with gangs may be an effective means to curb gang violence, but, if negotiations result in an unstable truce, they also introduce a perverse incentive structure that may result in long‐term harms that exceed short‐term gains.
Higher CSF sTREM2 attenuates APOE ε4‐related risk for amyloid pathology in cognitively intact adults: The CABLE study
Authors: Wang Yong‐Chang , Huang Liang‐Yu , Guo Hai‐Hua , Liu Min , Zhang Yu‐Ying , Zhang Zi‐Qi , Hao Quan , Tan Chen‐Chen , Tan Lan
Published: December 2024

The triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) is a transmembrane protein found in microglia within the brain, and its soluble form (sTREM2) has been shown to reduce amyloid deposition. Whether elevated TREM2‐mediated microglial activity decreases the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is unclear. The aim of this study was to assess whether high cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of sTREM2 attenuate the risk of APOE ε4‐associated amyloid pathology. We included 877 cognitively intact subjects from the Chinese Alzheimer's Biomarker and LifestylE (CABLE) study, including APOE ε4 carriers (n = 136) and non‐carriers (n = 741). The linear regression was used to examine the interaction effect between CSF sTREM2 levels and APOE ε4 status on CSF Aβ42 levels. Additionally, subgroup analyses stratified by sex and age were conducted. Our main finding was that higher concentrations of CSF sTREM2 attenuated the effect of APOE ε4 carriage (i.e., the sTREM2 × APOE ε4 interaction) on amyloid deposition (β = −2.701e‐05, p = 0.023). Subgroup analyses showed that the effect of interaction was still significant only in male (p = 0.041) and mid‐life (p = 0.013) subgroups. Our study suggested that in cognitively intact individuals, changes in sTREM2 levels are associated with biomarkers of AD, and higher concentrations of CSF sTREM2 attenuated the risk of APOE ε4‐related amyloid pathology. The identified role of the sTREM2 × APOE ε4 interaction in amyloid pathology offers new insights into potential strategies for AD prevention in APOE ε4 carriers.

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Are patients with Parkinson's disease impaired in the recognition of emotion's authenticity?
Authors: Anzani Agnese , Zago Stefano , Difonzo Teresa , Scarpazza Cristina , Bolognini Nadia , Franco Giulia , Difonzo Alessio , Saetti Maria Cristina
Published: December 2024

In recognising emotions expressed by others, one can make use of both embodied cognition and mechanisms that do not necessarily require activation of the limbic system, such as evoking from memory the meaning of morphological features of the observed face. Instead, we believe that the recognition of the authenticity of an emotional expression is primarily based on embodied cognition, for which the mirror system would play a significant role. To verify this hypothesis, we submitted 20 parkinsonian patients and 20 healthy control subjects to the Emotional Authenticity Recognition test, a novel test using dynamic stimuli to evaluate the ability to recognise emotions and their authenticity. Analysis of variance of the test scores shows that Parkinsonian patients perform worse than controls when they had to recognise the authenticity of emotions, although they are able to identify them. Our results confirm a deficit in the recognition of the authenticity of emotions in patients with Parkinson's disease attributable to the disruption of extrapiramidal limbic circuit between ventral striatum and orbitomesial‐prefrontal cortex.
The Continued Implementation and Perceived Impact of an Elementary School Wellness Policy After Extended COVID‐19‐Related School Closures
Authors: Olarte Deborah A. , Cueva Katie , Economos Christina D. , Chui Kenneth , Rodvik Brittany , Cohen Juliana F. W.
Published: December 2024

Background

Schools play a key role in children's health. Following COVID‐19, programs that promote students' well‐being are needed more than ever. This study examines the continuation of a wellness initiative in Anchorage, Alaska, in the 2021–2022 school year.

Methods

Interviews were conducted with n = 25 principals and cafeteria managers. Content analyses of the qualitative data were conducted using an immersion/crystallization approach. Codes were grouped to create themes contained under larger domains.

Results

All schools continued aspects of the wellness initiative following COVID‐19. Principals and cafeteria managers indicated: recess, movement opportunities, and longer lunch periods are important for mental health, socialization, and relationship building; COVID‐19 exacerbated previous challenges with staffing shortages; additional pressure for the academic time made scheduling the wellness initiative challenging; longer lunch periods give younger students time to eat but cause poor behavior in older students which were alleviated through supportive strategies; and 30‐minute recess and movement breaks offer more time to move, reset, and focus on schoolwork.

Implications for School Health Policy, Practice, and Equity

The study underscores the importance of school administrators integrating wellness initiatives into their policies, with buy‐in from school and district leadership.

Conclusions

This study highlights the need for and importance of school wellness initiatives following COVID‐19 extended school closures.
Universal, School‐Based Mental Health Literacy Programs for Middle School Students: A Scoping Review
Authors: Zachik Claire P. , Collica Sarah C. , White Jacob , Espinoza Candice , Swartz Karen L. , Cataldi Mariel L.
Published: December 2024

Background

Universal, classroom‐based mental health literacy (MHL) curricula are associated with improved mental health knowledge, attitudes, and help‐seeking behaviors. Young adolescents are an ideal target given their need for and receptivity toward MHL education.

Methods

We conducted a scoping review to identify universal, school‐based MHL programs primarily for students aged 10–14 years, with adequate descriptions of curriculum implementation and content, and measured outcomes.

Findings

Thirty‐one articles describing 24 programs met the inclusion criteria. The content and educational strategies varied, with no two programs having the same curriculum. The studies show promising results for improvement in mental health knowledge, attitudes, help‐seeking, and student mental health.

Implications for School Health Policy, Practice, and Equity

Collaborative work between educational and mental health professionals, along with rigorous study of outcomes, aiming to reach a consensus on a core MHL curriculum and best implementation practices, will advance efforts to improve MHL.

Conclusions

This scoping review confirmed that existing universal, school‐based MHL programs for middle school‐aged students improve mental health knowledge. The programs are diverse, and their outcomes are often challenging to compare. Ongoing study in this field to optimize design and implementation for improved effectiveness is needed.
Inverted supracondylar femoral dynamic compression plates for revision of construct failure following tibial cranial closing wedge ostectomy in three dogs
Authors: Wells S. , Winter J. , Pead M. , Meeson R.
Published: December 2024

Construct failure is a rare complication of tibial cranial closing wedge ostectomy for the management of cranial cruciate ligament disease. Construct failure can present significant challenges for reconstruction. This case report describes three dogs with construct failure which were successfully revised by the repurposing of an inverted femoral supracondylar femoral plate as part of the revision. Data were obtained from the medical records and telephone update. The use of an inverted supracondylar plate in the proximal tibia generally had good outcomes for the management of bone implant failure following cranial closing wedge ostectomy and offers a hitherto undescribed technique using a low‐cost and accessible implant for repair.
Clinical Features and Transition of Acute Hepatitis B Virus Infection
Authors: Wang Huali , Wang Jian , Zhang Shaoqiu , Zhang Shuai , Zhang Zhiyi , Liu Jiacheng , Pan Yifan , Jiang Chao , Xiong Ye , Fan Tao , Huang Rui , Li Li
Published: December 2024

Acute hepatitis B (AHB) is generally a self‐limiting illness in adults and most patients achieve hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) clearance within 6 months. We aimed to investigate the proportion and influencing factors of chronic outcome in adult AHB patients. A total of 126 consecutive AHB patients were included between January 2013 and October 2018. Multivariate regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the influencing factor of HBsAg clearance. Fourteen (11.1%) patients failed to achieve HBsAg clearance within 6 months. Among them, nine patients achieved HBsAg clearance within 6–12 months, while five patients had persistent HBsAg positive over 1 year. Patients with HBsAg clearance had lower baseline antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti‐HBc) (7.0 S/CO vs. 8.0 S/CO, p = 0.090) and HBsAg levels than those with chronicity of AHB. Multivariate analysis revealed that HBsAg ≤ 250 IU/mL (HR 3.008, IQR 1.877, 4.820, p < 0.001) and anti‐HBc levels (HR 0.830, IQR 0.755, 0.912, p < 0.001) was significantly associated with HBsAg clearance. Anti‐HBc remained an independent predictor of HBsAg clearance in different HBsAg subgroups. Patients with HBsAg > 250 IU/mL (p < 0.001) and high anti‐HBc (p = 0.001) had lower cumulative HBsAg clearance rates than those with low HBsAg and anti‐HBc. 11.1% of AHB patients did not achieve HBsAg clearance within 6 months, while the proportion of patients with persistent HBsAg positive decreased to 4.0% after 1 year. Combination of baseline HBsAg and anti‐HBc levels could identify patients who might have a possible risk of chronicity following AHB.
Structural Eurocentrism in philosophy: An argument for sociometaphilosophy
Authors: Major Philippe
Published: December 2024

This article has three main aims. First, it argues that the question of the inclusion of “non‐Western” thought in philosophy cannot be resolved by appealing to definitions of philosophy, as such definitions are an integral part of the epistemically hegemonic practices responsible for the exclusion of non‐Western thought in the first place. Second, it argues that philosophy is structurally Eurocentric. It makes this argument first by looking at metaphilosophy. It argues that metaphilosophy is primarily performative and that its performativity is a form of boundary work that is engaged in hegemonic practices of the epistemic type. It then argues that philosophy as a whole is inescapably engaged in boundary work and hegemonic practices, some of which partake in structural Eurocentrism. Finally, it promotes sociometaphilosophy, an approach that draws from the new sociology of knowledge to identify illegitimate mechanisms of exclusion inscribed in the rules that codify philosophical practice.
Harnessing Speed Breeding in Controlled Environment Ecosystem for Millets Sustainability
Authors: Sharma Avinash , Pandey Himanshu , Misra Varucha , Devadas V. S. , Kesavan Ajith Kumar , Heisnam Punabati , Vashishth Amit , Wangsu Mannu , Singh Devendra , Mall A. K. , Kumar Rajeev
Published: December 2024

Millet breeding focuses on improving essential traits such as grain yield, head structure, tiller production, early maturity, reduced plant height, biomass, digestibility and key nutrients like vitamin B1, lysine, cysteine and methionine. Traditional breeding, especially in open environments, can take 9–17 years to release a new variety, whereas speed breeding in controlled environments shortens this to 5–9 years. This accelerated process tackles challenges like male sterility, self‐incompatibility, seed shattering, inbreeding depression and embryo abortion. Techniques such as rapid single‐seed descent enable the creation of near‐homozygous lines in 1–2 years, allowing finger millet to achieve up to five generations per year. Indoor phenotyping platforms enhance speed breeding by providing detailed, consistent monitoring of plant traits. High‐throughput systems in controlled settings like growth chambers or glasshouses allow for non‐invasive assessment of entire crop canopies, measuring traits such as leaf expansion, width, phyllochron and stomatal conductance. This precise phenotyping accelerates trait evaluation and selection, facilitating the development of superior millet varieties. Supported by advanced phenotyping and gene‐editing tools, speed breeding offers a robust solution for improving key agronomic traits, significantly reducing breeding time in controlled environments.
Psoriasiform Dermatitis Following Kawasaki Disease: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Nakayama Shota , Kambe Naotomo , Irie Hiroyuki , Izawa Kazushi , Nishijima Ryohei , Ueno Hiroo , Fujimoto Masakazu , Yasumi Takahiro , Kabashima Kenji
Published: December 2024

Kawasaki disease (KD) is an idiopathic acute inflammatory illness that commonly affects children in Northeast Asian countries. In this case report, a psoriasiform eruption appeared on the face and extremities following the onset of KD. A review of previous reports identified 38 cases of psoriasiform eruptions following KD, typically appearing 4 days to 2 months after the onset of KD, unlike other skin manifestations associated with the disease. Notably, in this case, the rash improved with the application of white petrolatum, suggesting that psoriasiform eruptions following KD may be self‐limited with spontaneous resolution.
Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder in Pediatric Liver Transplant Patients
Authors: Crest Peyton , Stacey Piper , Accurso Erin C. , Deley Clara , Roberts John
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Following liver transplantation (LT), adequate nutrition is essential, as malnutrition may contribute to slower growth in pediatric patients and put patients at risk of complications following transplant. Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is an eating disorder characterized by restrictive eating patterns that compromise nutrition. Patients with ARFID may have significant difficulty meeting nutritional needs due to fear of gastrointestinal distress, making it especially difficult to manage in patients following LT.

Methods

We performed a retrospective chart review of de‐identified patients who received LT at our institution. Two patients with ARFID who had undergone LT were identified. Their diagnoses, clinical courses, and post LT outcomes are reported. A literature review of the presentation and diagnosis of ARFID in pediatric patients and nutritional management of pediatric LT patients was performed. No IRB review was required given the sample size of two patients, per UCSF IRB rules and regulations.

Results

We present two unique cases of ARFID: one with onset prior to LT and one with onset following LT. Outpatient psychiatry treatment was essential for nutritional management for the patient who developed ARFID following LT. The other patient continues to see a dietitian given ongoing nausea that limits her oral intake but does not receive any psychiatric support.

Conclusions

ARFID and selective eating patterns are rare but notable occurrences after pediatric LT, but they may also be underreported given the novelty of ARFID and the prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms following transplant. Our case adds to the limited literature on ARFID in children following major surgical procedures and highlights the importance of interdisciplinary care and the importance of nutritional management in pediatric patients prior to and post LT.
Reducing horizontal neglect in local government: The role of informal institutions
Authors: Askim Jostein , Houlberg Kurt , Serritzlew Søren
Published: December 2024

The problem of “horizontal neglect” is fundamental to decentralization. However, while individual local authorities may lack incentives to consider the benefits and costs that their actions have on others, they are not always indifferent to these spillover effects. The study focuses on a clear case of horizontal neglect, namely the tendency of local authorities to overspend prior to merging. By employing a survey experiment involving Norwegian local elected officials, the article demonstrates that horizontal neglect can be alleviated through informal institutions, specifically through prosocial norms and the framing of decisions in a way that encourages officials to consider the impact on other jurisdictions. Priming local politicians with reminders of their broader responsibilities reduces both horizontal neglect and the overspending effect of social norms that stem from local politicians’ opposition to the merger of their own municipality.
Perceived climate risk and stock prices: An empirical analysis of pricing effects
Authors: Ben Ameur Hachmi , Dao Daniel , Ftiti Zied , Louhichi Wael
Published: December 2024

Increasing awareness of climate change and its potential consequences on financial markets has led to interest in the impact of climate risk on stock returns and portfolio composition, but few studies have focused on perceived climate risk pricing. This study is the first to introduce perceived climate risk as an additional factor in asset pricing models. The perceived climate risk is measured based on the climate change sentiment of the Twitter dataset with 16 million unique tweets in the years 2010–2019. One of the main advantages of our proxy is that it allows us to capture both physical and transition climate risks. Our results show that perceived climate risk is priced into Standard and Poor's 500 (S&P 500) Index stock returns and is robust when different asset‐pricing models are used. Our findings have implications for market participants, as understanding the relationship between perceived climate risk and asset prices is crucial for investors seeking to navigate the financial implications of climate change and for policymakers aiming to promote sustainable financing and mitigate the potential damaging effects of climate risk on financial markets, and a pricing model that accurately incorporates perceived climate risk can facilitate this understanding.
CBL/Cbl‐b mediates Fas degradation to reduce neuronal damage in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Authors: Guan Dongsheng , Li Yingxia , Chen Binyan , Wang Kun , Guo Yanke , Dong Ning , Cui Yinglin , Gao Yinghe , Wang Mengmeng , Wang Jing , Ren Yihan , Shang Penghui , Liu Yuxuan
Published: December 2024

Fas has been shown to positively regulate the differentiation of T helper 17 (Th17) cells in mouse models of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Fas protein expression is regulated by ubiquitination but has not been further studied. In this study, we investigated the role of the Fas ubiquitin ligase in Th17 cell differentiation and highlighted its potential as a therapeutic target for EAE. The E3 ubiquitin ligase CBL of Fas was predicted using the online prediction software ubibrowser. Overexpression of CBL significantly reduced Fas protein levels but did not affect mRNA levels. The decrease in Fas protein mediated by CBL overexpression was rescued by the proteasome inhibitor MG132. Co‐IP analysis revealed that CBL interacted with Fas. Further results suggested that CBL regulated Fas expression through ubiquitination, thereby affecting Th17 cell differentiation. Cbl‐b, a homologue of CBL, significantly promoted the degradation of Fas protein and increased its ubiquitination modification. Furthermore, CBL and Cbl‐b could synergistically regulate Fas to influence Th17 cell differentiation. The same conclusion was also reached in animal models. Luxol Fast Blue staining showed that myelinated fibres in the spinal cord were significantly increased after CBL/Cbl‐b overexpression in EAE. Finally, flow cytometry and immunofluorescence staining showed that overexpression of CBL or Cbl‐b decreased the proportion of Th17 cells in the spinal cord of EAE mice, ultimately reducing neuronal damage. Taken together, these data demonstrate that CBL and Cbl‐b can synergistically regulate Fas to inhibit Th17 cell differentiation, thereby alleviating spinal cord nerve injury in the EAE model.
Weighted reduced rank estimators under cointegration rank uncertainty
Authors: Holberg Christian , Ditlevsen Susanne
Published: December 2024

Cointegration analysis was developed for nonstationary linear processes that exhibit stationary relationships between coordinates. Estimation of the cointegration relationships in a multidimensional cointegrated process typically proceeds in two steps. First, the rank is estimated, then the auto‐regression matrix is estimated, conditionally on the estimated rank (reduced rank regression). The asymptotics of the estimator is usually derived under the assumption of knowing the true rank. In this paper, we quantify the asymptotic bias and find the asymptotic distributions of the cointegration estimator in case of misspecified rank. Furthermore, we suggest a new class of weighted reduced rank estimators that allow for more flexibility in settings where rank selection is hard. We show empirically that a proper choice of weights can lead to increased predictive performance when there is rank uncertainty. Finally, we illustrate the estimators on empirical EEG data from a psychological experiment on visual processing.
Hybrid Clause Combining Strategies in Turkish Language Contacts*
Authors: Keskin Cem , Iefremenko Kateryna , Kornfilt Jaklin , Schroeder Christoph
Published: December 2024

The Turkic contact varieties of the Balkans use two main diametrically opposed subordination strategies: (i) the Turkic template, where typical subordinate clauses are prepositive, nonfinite, contain clause‐final subordinators, etc. and (ii) the Indo‐European (IE) template, where typical subordinate clauses are postpositive, finite, contain clause‐initial subordinators, etc. Additionally, Balkan Turkic also uses several kinds of subordinate clauses that allow for various mixtures of these two models (‘X‐clauses’). Spread over a spectrum between the Turkic and IE extremes, X‐clauses can, for instance, be prepositive but contain clause‐initial subordinators. Building on these observations, the present study analyzes clause combining data from two language contact situations, namely Turkish–German contact in Germany and Turkish–English contact in the US, and discusses emerging patterns in these data, typically produced by younger bilingual speakers in informal spoken communicative situations and resembling the X‐clauses in Balkan Turkic.
Effect of case detection strategies on the prognosis of tuberculosis patients in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, 2010–19: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: da Silva José Mário Nunes , Diaz‐Quijano Fredi Alexander
Published: December 2024

Background

Despite existing recommendations, there is still a scarcity of evidence on the impact of active case finding strategies versus passive case finding strategies, especially with regard to the mortality of tuberculosis patients. Therefore, our aim was to estimate the effect of case detection strategies on the prognosis of tuberculosis patients.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 160,384 new cases of tuberculosis patients diagnosed between 1 January 2010 and 31 August 2019 in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. We classified exposure into: passive case finding (emergency room, outpatient clinics or hospital settings) and active case finding (institutions, community or contact investigation). The primary outcome was all‐cause mortality, and the secondary outcome was a composite outcome with treatment outcomes. We investigated associations using logistic regression, allowing for municipality‐level random effects.

Results

Compared with outpatient passive case finding, passive case finding in the emergency room and in the hospital showed higher odds of death (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 3.69; 95% CI: 3.47–3.93 and 4.47; 95% CI: 4.22–4.74, respectively) and unfavourable treatment outcomes (1.92; 95% CI: 1.84–1.99 and 2.06; 95% CI: 1.98–2.14, respectively). By contrast, patients detected through community‐based active case finding and contact investigation showed lower odds of death (0.77; 95% CI: 0.61–0.97 and 0.71; 95% CI: 0.54–0.92, respectively) and unfavourable treatment outcomes (0.85; 95% CI: 0.77–0.95 and 0.82; 95% CI: 0.74–0.91, respectively).

Conclusion

Community‐based active case finding and contact investigation were associated with better prognosis than passive strategies in tuberculosis patients. Our results highlight the importance of strengthening active case finding as a fundamental part of mitigating the disease burden and controlling tuberculosis.
A remarkable new genus and two new species of the Neothyridae (Holothyrida: Parasitiformes) from Ecuador
Authors: Vázquez Ma. Magdalena , Seeman Owen D. , Porta Andrés O.
Published: December 2024

The Holothyrida are a small group of parasitiform mites with a strong Gondwanan distribution, particularly the Central and South American family Neothyridae and the Australian and New Zealand family Allothyridae. Herein, we describe a new genus of Neothyridae, Amerothyrus gen. nov. Vázquez & Seeman, based on two new species—Amerothyrus ecuatorianus sp. nov. Vázquez & Seeman and Amerothyrus andesianus Vázquez & Seeman sp. nov., both collected from Ecuador. The new genus draws the families Allothyridae and Neothyridae closer together, as the new genus has a peridium, an unusual structure shared with the Allothyridae. We show that, in all other respects, the new taxon belongs within the Neothyridae, and regard the peridium as a regressed plesiomorphy in the new genus. In particular, the peridium is markedly smaller and, in one of the species, present only in the female. We also describe the deutonymph and tritonymph of A. ecuatorianus. Keys are provided to families and genera of Holothyrida and to species of Neothyridae.
Pseudovibriamides from
Pseudovibrio
marine sponge bacteria promote flagellar motility via transcriptional modulation
Authors: Dai Yitao , Lourenzon Vitor , Ióca Laura P. , Al-Smadi Dua , Arnold Lydia , McIntire Ian , Berlinck Roberto G. S. , Eustáquio Alessandra S.
Published: December 2024

Pseudovibrio
α-Proteobacteria have been repeatedly isolated from marine sponges and proposed to be beneficial to the host. Bacterial motility is known to contribute to host colonization. We have previously identified pseudovibriamides A and B, produced in culture by
Pseudovibrio brasiliensis
Ab134, and shown that pseudovibriamide A promotes flagellar motility. Pseudovibriamides are encoded in a hybrid nonribosomal peptide synthetase-polyketide synthase gene cluster that also includes several accessory genes. Pseudovibriamide A is a linear heptapeptide and pseudovibriamide B is a nonadepsipeptide derived from pseudovibriamide A. Here, we define the borders of the pseudovibriamides gene cluster, assign function to biosynthetic genes using reverse genetics, and test the hypothesis that pseudovibriamides impact motility by modulating gene transcription. RNA-sequencing transcriptomic analyses of strains having different compositions of pseudovibriamides suggested that both pseudovibriamides A and B affect genes potentially involved in motility, and that a compensatory mechanism is at play in mutants that produce only pseudovibriamide A, resulting in comparable flagellar motility as the wild type. The data gathered suggest that pseudovibriamides A and B have opposite roles in modulating a subset of genes, with pseudovibriamide B having a primary effect in gene activation, and pseudovibriamide A on inhibition. Finally, we observed many differentially expressed genes (up to 29% of the total gene number) indicating that pseudovibriamides have a global effect on transcription that goes beyond motility.

IMPORTANCE

Marine sponges are found throughout the oceans from tropical coral reefs to polar sea floors, playing crucial roles in marine ecosystems.
Pseudovibrio
bacteria have been proposed to contribute to sponge health. We have previously shown that pseudovibriamides produced by
Pseudovibrio brasiliensis
promote bacterial motility, a behavior that is beneficial to bacterial survival and host colonization. The gene cluster that encodes pseudovibriamide biosynthesis is found in two-thirds of
Pseudovibrio
genomes. This gene cluster is also present in
Pseudomonas
bacteria that interact with terrestrial plants and animals. Here, we first assign functions to pseudovibriamide biosynthetic genes using reverse genetics. We then show that pseudovibriamides play a major role in transcriptional regulation, affecting up to 29% of
P. brasiliensis
genes, including motility genes. Thus, this work gives insights into pseudovibriamide biosynthesis and provides evidence that they are signaling molecules relevant to bacterial motility and to other yet-to-be-identified phenotypes.
HIV-1 transcription start sites usage and its impact on unspliced RNA functions in people living with HIV
Authors: Islam Saiful , Maldarelli Frank , Nikolaitchik Olga A. , Cheng Zetao , Gorelick Robert , Nikolaitchik Maria A. , Pathak Vinay K. , Hu Wei-Shau
Published: December 2024

HIV-1 unspliced RNA serves two distinct functions during viral replication: it is packaged into particles as the viral genome, and it is translated to generate Gag/Gag-Pol polyproteins required for virus assembly. Recent studies have demonstrated that in cultured cells, HIV-1 uses multiple transcription start sites to generate several unspliced RNA species, including two major transcripts with three and one 5′ guanosine, referred to as 3G and 1G RNA, respectively. Although nearly identical, 1G RNA is selected over 3G RNA to be packaged as the virion genome, indicating that these RNA species are functionally distinct. Currently, our understanding of HIV-1 transcription start site usage and the functions of RNA species is based on studies using cultured cells. Here, we examined samples from people living with HIV to investigate HIV-1 transcription start site usage and its impact on RNA function. Using paired samples collected from the same participants on the same date, we examined the HIV-1 unspliced RNA species in infected cells (PBMC) and in viruses (plasma). Our findings demonstrate that in people living with HIV, the virus uses multiple transcription start sites to generate several unspliced transcripts, including 3G and 1G RNA. Furthermore, we observed an enrichment of 1G RNA in the paired plasma samples, indicating a preferential packaging of 1G RNA
in vivo
. Our study illustrates the complex regulation of HIV-1 unspliced RNA in people living with HIV and provides valuable insights into how HIV-1 unspliced RNAs serve their functions
in vivo
.

IMPORTANCE

HIV-1 virions must contain unspliced RNA and its translation products to maintain infectivity. How HIV-1 unspliced RNA fulfills these two essential and yet distinct roles in viral replication has been a long-standing question in the field. In this report, we demonstrate that in people living with HIV, the virus uses multiple transcription start sites to generate several unspliced RNA species that are 99% identical in sequence but differ functionally. One of the RNA species, 1G RNA, is selected over other HIV-1 unspliced RNAs to be packaged into viral particles. These findings are consistent with previous cell-culture-based observations and provide insights into how HIV-1 regulates its unspliced RNA function in people living with HIV.
Complete genome sequence of
Pseudomonas brenneri
strain JD2-26, a potential pollutant-reducing bacterium isolated from a municipal solid waste landfill facility
Authors: Han Kook-Il , Nam Young Ho , Kang Hye Kyeong , Jin Hyun Mi , Kim Eui-Jin
Published: December 2024

We report here the complete genome sequence of
Pseudomonas brenneri
strain JD2-26 isolated from a municipal solid waste landfill facility. The genome consists of a 6.32-Mbp chromosome and a plasmid having a total of 6,100 genes, including 5,914 coding sequences.
First complete genome sequence of
Tenacibaculum maritimum
serotype O4, a rising threat in marine aquaculture
Authors: Escribano M. Pilar , Salvador-Clavell Rubén , Balado Miguel , Magariños Beatriz , Amaro Carmen , Lemos Manuel L.
Published: December 2024

Tenacibaculum maritimum
is a Gram-negative marine fish pathogen. Here, we present the complete genome sequence of strain SP9.1, representing the emerging serotype O4. Selected as a model for pathogenesis studies, this genome provides valuable insights into the genetic basis of virulence and adaptation, complementing existing data for serotype O1.
Draft genome sequences of
Schizosaccharomyces pombe
strain I-540 isolated from grape must
Authors: Vasyagin Egor A. , Beletsky Alexey V. , Ivanova Elena V. , Shalamitskiy Maxim Yu. , Mardanov Andrey V. , Ravin Nikolai V.
Published: December 2024

Schizosaccharomyces pombe
is a non-Saccharomyces yeast that is widely used in winemaking due to its ability to ferment malic acid, thus improving organoleptic properties of wine. We report the draft genome sequence of
S. pombe
strain I-540, isolated from grape must in Russia.
Draft genome sequences of
Kluyveromyces marxianus
strain U848 isolated from
Agave sisalana
Authors: Vasyagin Egor A. , Beletsky Alexey V. , Shalamitskiy Maxim Yu. , Semenova Karina A. , Ravin Nikolai V. , Mardanov Andrey V.
Published: December 2024

Kluyveromyces marxianus
is a yeast widely used in the dairy industry and frequently isolated from vineyards and wineries. Its capacity to metabolize diverse sugars makes it highly promising for winemaking applications. We report the draft genome sequence of the
K. marxianus
strain U848.
Supplemental Material: Evidence for transpression in the Picuris orogen: The deformation record of the Marqueñas Formation metaconglomerate, Picuris Mountains, New Mexico, USA
Authors: Bonamici Chloë , Sulthaus Danielle
Published: December 2024

Tables containing all clast strain measurement data and sample rotati on data. Additi onal imagesinclude electron backscatt er diff racti on maps for all samples, data plots to evaluate sample rotati ons, anddata plots to evaluate correlatioons between strain and microstructural characteristics.
Spatiotemporal distribution characteristics and impact factors of hepatitis C in Chongqing, China, 2014–2020
Authors: Chen Saijuan , Wang Qiuting , An Yunyi , Chen Ying , Liu Hua , Tan Weijie , Zhou Xinyun , Xing Dianguo , Zhang Yan
Published: December 2024

Objectives

This study aimed to explore the spatial and temporal distribution of hepatitis C and its influencing factors in Chongqing, providing a scientific basis for the relevant departments to formulate targeted preventive measures for the high prevalence of hepatitis C in the region and population.

Design

We collected data on hepatitis C cases in Chongqing (located in the southwest of China) from 2014 to 2020, and analysed the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of hepatitis C incidence in different populations and identified factors that might influence the incidence of hepatitis C by constructing a Bayesian spatiotemporal model.

Settings

The study subjects included clinically diagnosed cases and confirmed cases of hepatitis C with current address in Chongqing and onset date between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2020.

Participants

The study used aggregated data, including 33 900 clinically diagnosed cases and confirmed cases of hepatitis C.

Results

From 2014 to 2020, the high-risk areas of hepatitis C were primarily concentrated in the main and new urban areas of Chongqing. In contrast, the low-risk areas were mainly found in southeast and northeast Chongqing. There was also an increasing trend in the risk of incidence in the low-risk areas. Analysis of different populations revealed that men aged 45–59 years had a higher risk of developing hepatitis C in the main urban area compared with other age groups. Additionally, the risk for this population group showed an increasing trend in the southeast and northeast of Chongqing as well as the main urban area. Among women, the rising trend of hepatitis C risk was stronger for those aged 30–44 years in southeast Chongqing and for those aged 45–59 years in northeast Chongqing compared with other age groups. The analysis of influencing factors found that gross domestic product per capita, population density and the proportion of tertiary industry were associated with an increased risk of hepatitis C.

Conclusions

High-risk areas for hepatitis C virus were mainly located in the main and new urban areas of Chongqing, where the male prime-age population was the focus of prevention and treatment. In the future, the relevant authorities should concentrate on high-risk areas and at the same time strengthen screening and serological surveys for hepatitis C in low-risk areas and various populations, and raise public awareness of prevention, so as to reduce the incidence of hepatitis C.