bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Avian Migration-Mediated Transmission and Recombination driving the Diversity of Gammacoronaviruses and Deltacoronaviruses
Authors: Xu Yuting , Han Yelin , Xu Panpan , Zhou Siyu , Zhao Peng , Wang Yuyang , Hu Jie , Ma Min , Li Zirong , Bo Shunqi , Zhao Chenyao , Ji Lei , Yuan Yue , Zhao Wenliang , Wang Jianwei , Jin Qi , He Guimei , Wu Zhiqiang 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
In the wake of pandemics like COVID-19, which have zoonotic origins, the role of wildlife as reservoirs for emerging infectious diseases has garnered heightened attention. Migratory birds, traversing continents, represent a potent but under-researched vector for the spread of infectious diseases, including novel coronaviruses. This study delves into the genetic diversity and transmission dynamics of coronaviruses in migratory birds, presenting pivotal findings. From April 2019 to April 2023, we screened 5,263 migratory bird samples collected from Shanghai, China, identifying 372 coronavirus-positive samples belonging to five avian-related coronavirus subgenera and subsequently obtaining 120 complete genome sequences. To facilitate further research with a global perspective, the study curated all available 19,000 avian-associated CoVs and expanded the original 12 species to 16, including three novel coronavirus species identified in our study and one re-classified species from the public domain. The study illuminates the intricate genetic evolution and transmission dynamics of birds-related coronaviruses on a global scale. A notable aspect of our research is the identification of complex recombination patterns within the spike protein across different virus species and subgenera, highlighting migratory birds as a reservoir of coronavirus. Notably, the coronaviruses found in migratory birds, predominantly from the orders Anseriformes, Charadriiformes, and Pelecaniformes, with domestic ducks from Anseriformes playing a key role in bridging the transmission of coronaviruses between migratory and non-migratory birds. These findings reveal the genetic and recombination characteristics of coronaviruses in migratory birds, emphasizing the critical role of ecologically pivotal bird species in coronavirus transmission and genetic diversity shaping.
Causal association between telomere length and female cancers: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Shi Yangyang , Huang He , Zhang Rui , Yin Ling 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Purpose
To explore the causal associations between genetically predicted telomere length and gynecologic and breast cancers.

Methods
This Mendelian randomization study used data from genome-wide association studies on telomere length and breast (BC), cervical cancer, endometrial (EC), and ovarian (OC) cancers. The primary analysis was performed using the inverse variance weighted (IVW) method, with confirmation using the weighted median, weighted mode, and MR-Egger methods. Heterogeneity was detected using Cochran’s Q-test, horizontal pleiotropy using MR-Egger regression, outliers using MR-PRESSO, and discordant single-nucleotide polymorphisms using the leave-one-out method.

Results
The genetic prediction results indicated causal associations between the risk of telomere length and EC [IVW; OR = 1.29, 95% confidence interval (95%CI): 1.05–1.59, P = .02], leukocyte telomere length and EC (IVW; OR = 1.23, 95%CI: 1.01–1.51, P = .04), telomere length and OC (IVW; OR = 1.27, 95%CI: 1.01–1.60, P = .04), telomere length and BC (IVW; OR = 1.12, 95%CI: 1.01–1.23, P = .03), and leukocyte telomere length and BC (IVW; OR = 1.12, 95%CI: 1.02–1.24, P = .02). Cochran’s Q-test revealed heterogeneity for telomere length and BC (P &lt; .001), leukocyte telomere length and BC (P &lt; .001), and B-cell telomere length and BC (P = .012). The MR-Egger regression results suggest that the analyses of telomere length and BC (P = .014) and leukocyte telomere length and BC (P = .044) were influenced by horizontal pleiotropy. The MR-PRESSO analysis indicated the presence of outliers in the analyses of telomere length and BC and leukocyte telomere length and breast cancer. After removing the outliers, the statistical significance remained.

Conclusion
This MR study suggests a causal association between telomere length and BC, EC, and OC, warranting additional study.
Key message What is already known on this topic? Previous research has indicated an association between telomere length and the risk of various cancers, including breast and gynecologic cancers. However, the causal relationship remained unclear, necessitating further exploration to establish whether telomere length could be a modifiable risk factor for these cancers. What this study adds? This study provides robust evidence of a causal relationship between genetically predicted telomere length and an increased risk of breast cancer, endometrial cancer, and ovarian cancer, with specific odds ratios indicating a significant association. It highlights that both leukocyte and overall telomere length are important factors in cancer risk. How this study might affect research, practice, or policy? The findings could inform future research into telomere length as a biomarker for cancer risk, promote investigations into telomere-targeting interventions, and influence guidelines on screening and preventive strategies for at-risk populations based on genetic predispositions.
Cryo-EM structures of Nipah virus polymerase complex reveal highly varied interactions between L and P proteins among paramyxoviruses
Authors: Xue Lu , Chang Tiancai , Gui Jiacheng , Li Zimu , Zhao Heyu , Zou Bingqian , Lu Junnan , Li Mei , Wen Xin , Gao Shenghua , Zhan Peng , Rong Lijun , Feng Liqiang , Gong Peng , He Jun , Chen Xinwen , Xiong Xiaoli 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Nipah virus (NiV) and related viruses form a distinct henipavirus genus within the Paramyxoviridae family. NiV continues to spillover into the humans causing deadly outbreaks with increasing human-bat interaction. NiV encodes the large protein (L) and phosphoprotein (P) to form the viral RNA polymerase machinery. Their sequences show limited homologies to those of non-henipavirus paramyxoviruses. We report two cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of the Nipah virus (NiV) polymerase L-P complex, expressed and purified in either its full-length or truncated form. The structures resolve the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and polyribonucleotidyl transferase (PRNTase) domains of the L protein, as well as a tetrameric P protein bundle bound to the L-RdRp. L-protein C-terminal regions are unresolved, indicating flexibility. Two PRNTase domain zinc-binding sites, conserved in most Mononegavirales, are confirmed essential for NiV polymerase activity. The structures further reveal anchoring of the P protein bundle and P protein X domain (XD) linkers on L, via an interaction pattern distinct among Paramyxoviridae. These interactions facilitate binding of a P protein XD linker in the nucleotide entry channel and distinct positioning of other XD linkers. We show that the disruption of the L-P interactions reduces NiV polymerase activity. The reported structures should facilitate rational antiviral-drug discovery and provide a guide for the functional study of NiV polymerase.
Declining U.S. Soft Power in East Asia: Evaluations of the U.S. COVID-19 Response by Citizens of China, Japan, and South Korea
Authors: Zhai Yida 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
A country's ability to handle emergencies reflects its soft power. This study examines how Chinese, Japanese, and South Korean citizens evaluated the U.S. response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the differences among them. Cross-national surveys were conducted in these three East Asian countries. The results showed that all three countries' citizens unfavorably evaluated the U.S. performance in dealing with COVID-19. However, Japanese and South Korean citizens, to a certain degree, acknowledged the U.S. contribution to international cooperation to control the pandemic, whereas Chinese citizens maintained a negative evaluation thereof. National ingroup identity, such as belief in the superiority of one's home country's political system and nationalist orientations, along with relative comparisons between one's home country and the United States, predicted evaluations of the U.S. response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Chinese public exhibited a different reaction pattern than their Japanese and South Korean counterparts. The results elucidated the political-psychological underpinnings of evaluating a foreign country and highlighted the changing international relations in East Asia from the perspective of ordinary people.
TMD-like functions through the twisted quark states
Authors: Anikin I V , Chen Xurong 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
We investigate a new class of transverse momentum dependent functions (TMDs), as known as align-spin (AS) functions. In the paper, we propose the most suitable proof of the AS-function existence together with the demonstration of the preponderances if the framework of twisted quark states has been employed. The twisted state corresponds to the elementary particle (quark) which possesses the nontrivial intrinsic orbital angular momentum owing to the swirling trajectory of motion. In its turn, it leads to the cylindric system applied for the consideration. In this connection, we reveal that the twisted (vortex) quark states serve as effective tools for the study of TMDs, thereby facilitating a comprehensive analysis of AS-functions. In contrast to the previous studies, where the existence of new TMDs is related to the the corresponding interactions encoded in the correlators, we now focus on the leading order of interactions providing a simplified and robust method. This has been ensured by the twisted quark in the corresponding correlator because the essential transverse momentum dependence of quarks generated by interactions in the correlators can be alternatively described by the twisted states. Using a cylindrical formulation for twisted states, we can combine the properties of plane-wave particles with a description stemmed from spherical harmonics, resulting in well-defined propagation directions accompanied by essential OAM projections. In particular, this innovative framework opens a new window for the direct investigations of AS-functions, generating the unique angular φ-dependence of differential cross sections. It also points towards promising applications in experimental particle physics.
Muscle‐specific ERRγ activation mitigates muscle atrophy after ACL injury
Authors: Lu Aiping , Sikes Katie J. , Guo Ping , Huard Matthieu , Green Shelbi , Santangelo Kelly , Singer Jacob , Groesbeck Ashley , Tashman Scott , Narkar Vihang A. , Huard Johnny 
Published: February 2025

AbstractAnterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury adversely affects skeletal muscle, leading to muscle atrophy and weakness, significantly impacting clinical outcomes. This study aimed to determine if estrogen‐related receptor gamma (ERRγ) overexpression in skeletal muscle could mitigate muscle atrophy after ACL injury. An animal model with selective overexpression of ERRγ in skeletal muscle (ERR‐gamma transgenic mice, TG) and WT control mice were used for this study. All the mice received a mechanical ACL rupture and were euthanized at 4‐ and 8‐week post‐injury. Muscle histology, atrophy, and function were evaluated and compared between the TG and WT mice. Muscle‐specific ERRγ activation in TG mice demonstrated a reduction in muscle fiber atrophy, which consequently ameliorated muscle function loss post‐ACL rupture. Less fibrogenic cellular expansion and muscle fibrosis were observed after ACL injury in TG mice compared to WT mice. Both male and female TG mice can maintain their muscle function 4 weeks after ACL rupture with the muscle function of female TG mice declining 8 weeks post‐injury. In vivo results revealed that ERRγ activation decreased fibrogenic factors, P65, and myostatin expression, prevented the functional loss of muscle progenitor cells (MPCs), and increased CD31 and VEGF expression. These results suggest that overexpression ERRγ in skeletal muscle has a beneficial effect in preventing muscle atrophy and fibrosis after ACL rupture. This study's results will help to develop a novel rehabilitation approach that can significantly improve outcomes after ACL injury.
Maternal Cardiovascular Adaptation to Pregnancy in Obese Pregnant Women
Authors: Patel D , Avesani M , Johnson MR , Di Salvo G , Savvidou MD 
Published: February 2025

(Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2024;103:907–916. doi:10.1111/aogs.14777)
The prevalence of obesity has increased since 1975, with the World Health Organization approximating that 13% of adults (650 million) were obese in 2016. By 2020, 60% of women in the UK were overweight, with 29% being obese, a significant portion of whom are in their reproductive years, raising the chances of risky pregnancies. Excess weight affects heart health in nonpregnant individuals, with every 100 g of fat stored leading to a 30 to 50 mL/min rise in cardiac output (CO), resulting in left ventricular (LV) enlargement, thickening of the cardiac muscle, and problems with heart relaxation. Excess fat within the heart muscle can result in impaired heart function and, in cases of extreme and persistent obesity, may lead to the weakening of the heart’s pumping ability.
Association of Free Maternal and Fetal Ropivacaine After Epidural Analgesia for Intrapartum Cesarean Delivery: A Prospective Observational Trial
Authors: Amian J , Weber CF , Sonntagbauer M , Messroghli L , Louwen F , Buxmann H , Paulke A , Zacharowski K 
Published: February 2025

(Int J Obstet Anesth. 58;2024:103975. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijoa.2024.103975)
Local anesthetics (LA), such as ropivacaine, are commonly used in epidural analgesia to manage labor pain. Ropivacaine, an amide LA, enters the maternal bloodstream through absorption from the epidural space and may also reach the fetus. It circulates in both bound and free forms in the plasma, with the free form being potentially toxic. Several factors influence maternal exposure to LAs, including the type and concentration of the anesthetic, duration of use, and delivery method. A study by Porter and colleagues showed that ropivacaine exposure in laboring women ranged from 57 to 225 mg. The neonatal population is particularly vulnerable to the toxic effects of LAs due to lower protein binding capacity and serum alpha-l-acid glycoprotein (AAG) levels, leading to a higher proportion of unbound anesthetic in their system.
Long-Term Clinical Outcomes and Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography Findings After Artificial Endothelial Replacement Membrane Implantation
Authors: Fontana Luigi , di Geronimo Natalie , Versura Piera , Moramarco Antonio 
Published: February 2025

Purpose:
This study examines the long-term clinical outcomes of an artificial endothelial replacement membrane implant used to treat corneal edema. It also explores the interaction between the device and the posterior surface of the cornea.

Methods:
Patients suffering from late endothelial keratoplasty failure (5 patients) or bullous keratopathy (2 patients) after multiple surgeries underwent EndoArt (EyeYon Medical, Israel) implantation. Before surgery and at 1-, 3-, 6-, 12-, 18-, and 24-month intervals, corrected distance visual acuity and central corneal thickness were measured. High-resolution anterior segment optical coherence tomography images were analyzed at each interval to detect device detachment and evaluate the implant interaction with the corneal tissue over time.

Results:
Corrected distance visual acuity improved from a mean of 1.32 ± 0.23 (logarithm of the Minimum Angle of Resolution) preoperatively to 0.95 ± 0.28 (logarithm of the Minimum Angle of Resolution) 2 years after surgery (P = 0.03). Central corneal thickness significantly decreased from 805 ± 131 μm preoperatively to 577 ± 90 μm postoperatively (P = 0.002). Four of the 7 patients experienced device detachment, requiring 1 or more rebubblings to achieve stable implant adhesion. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography showed annular fibrosis developing between the device margin and the host cornea in most patients, particularly those who had never experienced detachment.

Conclusions:
This study suggests that EndoArt is effective in the long term for improving corneal transparency and visual acuity in patients with chronic corneal edema with a limited prognosis for endothelial keratoplasty. The formation of fibrotic tissue between the periphery of the device and the host cornea may explain the strong adhesion of the implant.
Regaining Control, Quality of Life, and the Experiences of New and Temporary Migrants Who Participated in Peer Navigation for People Living With HIV in Australia: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Krulic Timothy , Brown Graham , Graham Sara , Araya Carlos , Cañita Emil , Bourne Adam 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
In Australia, migrant people living with HIV comprise a disproportionate number of new diagnoses across the country, yet little is known about their experiences with peer navigation. Semistructured interviews examined the quality and impact of HIV peer navigation for 15 new and temporary migrants in Melbourne, Victoria. Participants were diverse in gender and sexuality and were primarily from Asia and Latin America. Their accounts describe stigma, discrimination, and social exclusion related to transnational experiences of HIV, sexuality, and gender and positioned peer navigation as a source of hope, reassurance, acceptance, and belonging. Peer navigation facilitated practical advice and pathways into community, health, legal, and social services that enabled agency and a better quality of life. Our findings suggest that navigators' skill and personal insight into transnational experiences of HIV-related stigma, gender, and sexuality enhanced the effectiveness of support. We discuss recruitment, training, and peer matches as strategies to engage migrants and recommendations to improve wider service and policy responses.
Electrocochleography-Guided Pull-Back Technique of Perimodiolar Electrode for Improved Hearing Preservation
Authors: Walia Amit , Shew Matthew A. , Lee David S. , Ortmann Amanda , Varghese Jordan , Lefler Shannon , Durakovic Nedim , Wick Cameron C. , Herzog Jacques A. , Buchman Craig A. 
Published: February 2025

Objective
To evaluate whether electrocochleography (ECochG)-guided pull-back of the perimodiolar electrode improves perimodiolar proximity, hearing preservation (HP), and cochlear implant performance.

Study Design
Prospective cohort study

Setting
Tertiary referral center.

Patients
77 adult CI recipients with residual acoustic hearing (low-frequency pure-tone average of 125, 250, 500 Hz; LFPTA ≤80 dB HL)

Intervention
Unilateral implantation, comparing conventional insertion (N = 31) with ECochG-guided electrode pull-back (N = 46). The guided method uses active ECochG from the apical electrode during adjustment and post-insertion electrode sweep to identify “tonotopic response” (defined as maximum response for 250 Hz at most apical electrode on electrode sweep).

Main Outcome Measures
Perimodiolar proximity (wrapping factor on postoperative CT); speech-perception testing (CNC, AzBio in noise +10 dB SNR); and HP at 3 and 6 months post-activation (defined as LFPTA ≤80 dB HL).

Results
Of the subjects undergoing ECochG-guided insertion, 36 required pull-back based on lack of tonotopic responses, whereas the remaining 10 exhibited “optimal responses” post-insertion, needing no adjustment. Improved perimodiolar proximity was achieved with the ECochG-guided method (mean wrapping factor difference, 6.4; 95% CI, 3.0–9.9). The LFPTA shift was smaller using ECochG-guided pull-back when compared with conventional insertion by 17.0 dB HL (95% CI, 8.3–25.7) and 14.8 dB HL (95% CI, 6.5–23.2) at 3 and 6 months, respectively. Forty percent achieved HP using ECochG-guided pull-back versus 27.5% without. There was no difference in CNC scores among both cohorts, but AzBio in noise scores at 6 months was improved in the ECochG-guided pull-back cohort (mean difference, 19.1%; 95% CI, 5.8–32.4).

Conclusions
ECochG-guided pull-back increased perimodiolar proximity and HP rates. Although there was no difference in speech perception performance in quiet, a significant improvement was noted in noisy conditions, potentially attributable to HP and the utilization of hybrid stimulation.
The Incidence and Prognosis of Positive Autoimmune Laboratory Markers in Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A National Database Study
Authors: Vesole Adam S. , Breen Joseph T. 
Published: February 2025

Objective
To identify the incidence of positive autoimmune laboratory markers in idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (iSSNHL) and its impact on hearing prognosis.

Study Design
Retrospective cohort database study

Setting
A collaborative national database (TriNetX) sourced from 79 large healthcare organizations in the United States.

Patients
Adults (≥18 years old) diagnosed with iSSNHL (ICD-10 H91.2) treated with systemic steroids.

Interventions
Autoimmune laboratory markers and salvage intratympanic (IT) steroids for SSNHL (CPT 69801).

Main Outcome Measures
1) Positivity of autoimmune laboratory markers—rheumatoid factor (RF), ANCA, DNA double strand antibody (Ab), Sjogren syndrome A and B Abs, SCL-70 Ab, cardiolipin IgG Ab, Jo-1 Ab, ANA, mitochondria Ab. 2) Percent of patients that underwent salvage IT steroids, cochlear implantation, or hearing aid evaluation—all utilized as a proxy for hearing outcomes.

Results
Subjects with iSSNHL who had autoimmune testing (n = 17,413) were marginally more likely to be positive for at least one autoimmune laboratory marker compared to subjects without iSSNHL (n = 17,413; 23.0% vs. 21.4%, p = 0.0006). Statistical significance was lost after removing nonspecific autoimmune markers, however. Of those with iSSNHL who received systemic steroid treatment, subjects with positive autoimmune markers (n = 5,153) versus negative autoimmune markers (n = 5,153) underwent similar rates of salvage IT steroids (7.1% vs. 7.8%, p = 0.154), hearing aid evaluation (2.76% vs 2.47%, p = 0.354), and cochlear implantation (1.65% vs. 1.69%, p = 0.878).

Conclusions
Patients with iSSNHL have a marginally higher incidence of nonspecific positive autoimmune laboratory markers compared to those without iSSNHL; however, the presence of these markers does not predict treatment response or prognosis. Specifically, autoimmune markers did not predict the need for salvage IT steroids, nor CI and hearing aid use in iSSNHL. Autoimmune laboratory testing may be useful in iSSNHL patients with additional symptoms suspicious for an autoimmune disorder; however, a generalized screening is not recommended as it is unlikely to alter management or prognosis.