bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Infants adapt their pointing frequency to experimentally manipulated parent responsiveness but not parent pointing
Authors: Kaletsch Katharina , Liszkowski Ulf 
Published: November 2024

AbstractInfant pointing is predictive of later language development, but little is known about factors enhancing the development of pointing. The current study investigated two possible social learning mechanisms in the development of pointing. Given that infants observe their caregivers' pointing gestures from early on, one possibility is learning via imitation. A second possibility is that caregivers' contingent reactions to infant communication promote communicative exchange, including pointing. To test which of these behaviours influences infants' pointing frequency, we manipulated parents' pointing frequency and their responsive behaviour via instructions in a cross‐sectional 2 × 3 design. We randomly assigned 12‐months‐old infants (N = 131, 65 females) and one of their parents to six different experimental groups. Participants were predominantly central Europeans from middle to high socioeconomic backgrounds. Data were collected with an online remote adaption of the decorated‐room paradigm. Parents successfully adapted their behaviours to the instructions. Parents' increased responsiveness, but not their increased pointing in general, significantly enhanced infants' pointing frequency (d = 0.36). Regression results further revealed that parents' responsive pointing positively predicted infants' pointing frequency. Findings question direct imitation accounts of pointing and identify responsive social interactions, including responsive pointing, as factors enhancing the occurrence of pointing in infancy.Highlights

Imitation and responsive social interaction are possible social learning mechanisms in the development of pointing.
Experimental manipulation of parental behaviours reveals that infant pointing increases when parents are particularly responsive, but not when parents point a lot in general.
Parents' responsiveness through pointing gestures may be especially suited to enhance infants' pointing frequencies.
Rapid diagnosis of Mycoplasma pneumoniae and prediction of antibiotic resistance by nanopore adaptive sampling
Authors: Sun Yunke , Li Xiaonan , He Jiale , Zhao Lingguo , Chen Qingliang , Lei Lei , Chen Jun , Zhong Lin , Li Guobao , Xia Yu , Bao Yanmin , Zhang Yingdan , Yang Liang 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackgroundMicrobial infections, particularly in children, require rapid and accurate diagnostics. It is difficult to differentiate pathogens from commensal organisms, and it is impossible to identify antibiotic resistance genes that belong to pathogens with current methods. Third‐generation sequencing provides rapid library preparation and real‐time data acquisition. Nanopore normal sampling (NNS) enables unbiased sequencing of clinical samples without amplification, aiding pathogen identification and antimicrobial resistance gene prediction. However, clinical samples often contain a considerable amount of human DNA, potentially masking pathogen data. Nanopore adaptive sampling (NAS) aims to selectively enrich pathogens, promising improved diagnostics for acute infections and better treatment decisions in clinical practice. This study aimed to determine the utility of NAS in enhancing the real‐time detection of pathogens and predicting AMR in infectious disease outbreaks.MethodsThis study used NAS technology to rapidly and directly detect Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples from 28 pediatric patients at Shenzhen Children's Hospital. We assessed the efficacy of NAS compared with that of NNS by evaluating the number of microbial reads and the amount of microbial DNA data. We then compared the accuracy of detecting pathogens between NNS and NAS and between NAS and real‐time polymerase chain reaction assays. Furthermore, we predicted antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and examined AMR genes associated with pathogens.ResultsNAS showed up to a 14.67‐fold increase in the amount of microbial DNA data from patients' samples compared with NNS within the initial 2.5 h of sequencing. Additionally, NAS reduced the amount of host DNA data by up to 6.67‐fold compared with NNS. Unlike TaqMan real‐time polymerase chain reaction assays, NAS technology identified dominant pathogens and provided detailed insight into the abundance of the microbial community. Furthermore, NAS was able to predict AMR profiles of microbial communities and attribute specific AMR traits to individual microbes within the samples.ConclusionThis study shows that NAS advances the clinical diagnosis because it can rapidly detect pathogens directly from patients' samples and provides antimicrobial resistance information for clinical guidance. These abilities further facilitate the application of NAS in personalized treatment, reduce the misuse of broad‐spectrum antibiotics, and promote patients' recovery.
A comprehensive survey of penicillin allergy education among United States Colleges and Schools of Pharmacy
Authors: Kufel Wesley D. , Jeffres Meghan N. , Bland Christopher M. , Jones Bruce M. , Staicu Mary L. , Justo Julie Ann , Bookstaver P. Brandon , Avery Lisa M. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackgroundPharmacy students should be prepared to evaluate, manage, and de‐label penicillin allergies. It is unknown if, and to what extent, education about allergy management is included within the curriculum of United States Colleges and Schools of Pharmacy (USCSP). This study sought to evaluate if and how penicillin allergy education is delivered and assess faculty perceptions of student readiness.MethodsA cross‐sectional, multicenter, observational survey was developed by infectious diseases (ID) pharmacy faculty and sent to ID faculty or department chairs at 138 USCSP. The 39‐item questionnaire was divided into demographics, incorporation of targeted or aligned penicillin allergy education in the program, penicillin allergy topics delivered, and respondents' perceptions of penicillin allergy education.ResultsThe survey response rate was 53% (73/138). The USCSP demographics included established for >20 years (65.8%), curriculum length of 4 years (83.6%), semester format (74.0%), and class size of 51–100 students (42.5%). Respondents described the incorporation of targeted or aligned penicillin allergy delivery (47.9%). Targeted delivery occurred in either the required (57.5%) or elective curriculum (31.4%). Topics included definitions/epidemiology (92.8%), cross‐reactivity (92.8%), pathophysiology (88.1%), patient assessment (73.8%), skin testing (71.4%), and desensitization (71.4%). Delivery methods were lecture‐based (92.8%) and case‐based (66.7%). The median perception (scale of 1–10) of student preparedness for evaluating and managing penicillin allergies after completion of the required and elective curriculum was 5.0 (interquartile range [IQR] 3.7–7.0) and 5.0 (3.0–7.3), respectively. Most (52.1%) perceived that penicillin allergy education deserves more time. Faculty from 45% of responding USCSP perceived students to be prepared to evaluate and manage penicillin allergies. Prepared students were more likely to have received case‐based education (54.5% vs. 25.0%, p < 0.01).ConclusionPenicillin allergy education in USCSP varies considerably. Most ID pharmacist faculty perceived that many students were unprepared to evaluate and manage penicillin allergies, and that more time should be allocated to penicillin allergy education.
Glucose Upregulates ChREBP via Phosphorylation of AKT and AMPK to Modulate MALT1 and WISP1 Expression
Authors: Chen Syue‐Ting , Chang Kang‐Shuo , Lin Yu‐Hsiang , Hou Chen‐Pang , Lin Wei‐Yin , Hsu Shu‐Yuan , Sung Hsin‐Ching , Feng Tsui‐Hsia , Tsui Ke‐Hung , Juang Horng‐Heng 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTGlucose can activate the carbohydrate response element binding protein (ChREBP) transcription factor to control gene expressions in the metabolic pathways. The way of ChREBP involvement in human prostate cancer development remains undetermined. This study examined the interactions between prostate fibroblasts and cancer cells under the influences of ChREBP. Results showed that high glucose (30 mM) increased the phosphorylation of AKT at S473 and AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) at S485 in human prostate fibroblast (HPrF) cells and prostate cancer PC‐3 cells. High glucose enhanced the expression of ChREBP, which increased the expressions of fibronectin, alpha‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), and WNT1 inducible signaling pathway protein 1 (WISP1), magnifying the cell growth and contraction in HPrF cells in vitro. The cell proliferation, invasion, and tumor growth in prostate cancer PC‐3 cells were enhanced by inducing the expressions of ChREBP, mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue 1 (MALT1), and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition markers with high glucose treatment. Moreover, ectopic ChREBP overexpression induced NF‐κB signaling activities via upregulating MALT1 expression in PC‐3 cells. Our findings illustrated that ChREBP is an oncogene in the human prostate. High glucose condition induces a glucose/ChREBP/MALT1/NF‐κB axis which links the glucose metabolism to the NF‐κB activation in prostate cancer cells, and a glucose/ChREBP/WISP1 axis mediating autocrine and paracrine signaling between fibroblasts and cancer cells to promote cell migration, contraction, growth, and invasion of the human prostate.
New perspectives of the role of skeletal muscle derived extracellular vesicles in the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: the ‘dying back’ hypothesis
Authors: Sbarigia Carolina , Rome Sophie , Dini Luciana , Tacconi Stefano 
Published: November 2024

AbstractAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord, and is characterized by muscle weakness, paralysis and ultimately, respiratory failure. The exact causes of ALS are not understood, though it is believed to combine genetic and environmental factors. Until now, it was admitted that motor neurons (MN) in the brain and spinal cord degenerate, leading to muscle weakness and paralysis. However, as ALS symptoms typically begin with muscle weakness or stiffness, a new hypothesis has recently emerged to explain the development of the pathology, that is, the ‘dying back hypothesis’, suggesting that this degeneration starts at the connections between MN and muscles, resulting in the loss of muscle function. Over time, this damage extends along the length of the MN, ultimately affecting their cell bodies in the spinal cord and brain. While the dying back hypothesis provides a potential framework for understanding the progression of ALS, the exact mechanisms underlying the disease remain complex and not fully understood. In this review, we are positioning the role of extracellular vesicles as new actors in ALS development.
The Scutulum and the Pre‐Auricular Aponeurosis in Bats
Authors: Pedersen Scott C. , Snipes Chelsie C. G. , Carter Richard T. , Müller Rolf 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTThe external ear in eutherian mammals is composed of the annular, auricular (pinna), and scutellar cartilages. The latter extends between the pinnae, across the top of the head, and lies at the intersection of numerous auricular muscles and is thought to be a sesamoid element. In bats, this scutulum consists of two distinct regions, (1) a thin squama that is in contact with the underlying temporalis fascia and (2) a lateral bossed portion that is lightly tethered to the medial surface of the pinna. The planar size, shape, and proportions of the squama vary by taxa, as does the relative size and thickness of the boss. The origins, insertions, and relative functions of the auricular muscles are complicated. Here, 30 muscles were tallied as to their primary attachment to the pinnae, scutula, or a pre‐auricular musculo‐aponeurotic plate that is derived from the epicranius. In contrast to Yangochiroptera, the origins and insertions of many auricular muscles have shifted from the scutulum to this aponeurotic plate, in both the Rhinolophidae and Hipposideridae. We propose that this functional shift is a derived character related primarily to the rapid translations and rotations of the pinna in high‐duty‐cycle rhinolophid and hipposiderid bats.
HBV Antigen‐Guided Switching Strategy From Nucleos(t)ide Analogue to Interferon: Avoid Virologic Breakthrough and Improve Functional Cure
Authors: Huang Da , Yuan Zhize , Wu Di , Yuan Wei , Chang Jiang , Chen Yuying , Ning Qin , Yan Weiming 
Published: November 2024

AbstractLittle is known for factors associated with virologic breakthrough (VBT) after switching from nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA) to pegylated interferon alpha (Peg‐IFN‐α) for patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Eighty patients who received 48‐week Peg‐IFN‐ɑ and NA combination therapy followed by Peg‐IFN‐ɑ monotherapy for additional 48 weeks were included in this study. HBV‐related markers including HBV DNA, HBsAg, HBcrAg, HBeAg, cccDNA, and immunological biomarkers were dynamically evaluated. Twelve (15.0%) patients experienced VBT after switching to Peg‐IFN‐ɑ and exhibited significantly lower rates of HBsAg loss after therapy completion (0% vs. 35.3%, p = 0.014). The patients with HBcrAg≥ 5 log10U/mL and HBsAg≥ 100 IU/mL had the highest risk of VBT and failed to achieve subsequent HBsAg clearance. Intrahepatic cccDNA level was significantly higher in patients with HBcrAg≥ 5 log10U/mL than those with HBcrAg< 5 log10U/mL. Notably, in contrast to patients with HBcrAg< 5 log10U/mL or with HBsAg< 100 IU/mL who had obviously restored HBV‐specific CD8+T cell, Tfh or B cell responses before NA cessation, those with HBcrAg≥ 5 log10U/mL or with HBsAg≥ 100 IU/mL exhibited lackluster immunities before NA cessation and notable diminished immune responses thereafter. Monitoring HBcrAg and HBsAg levels, which correlated with poor immune responses during sequential Peg‐IFN‐ɑ strategy, may help to avoid VBT and improve functional cure of CHB.
Multiple Genotypes and Reassortants of Severe Fever With Thrombocytopenia Syndrome Virus Co‐Circulating in Hangzhou in Southeastern China, 2013–2023
Authors: Wen Yanping , Ni Zhimin , Hu Yan , Wu Jun , Fang Yezhen , Zhang Guozhong , Huang Renjie , Cheng Shi , Cao Feifei , Xu Qihao , Yu Yue , Liu Min , Yu Hongnv , Huo Liangliang , Li Jun 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTSevere fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS), a tick‐borne infectious disease caused by the SFTS virus (SFTSV), is becoming a significant public health threat due to its high mortality rate. Knowledge of SFTSV in southeastern coastal China is limited. The whole genomes of 66 SFTSV strains collected from 2013 to 2023 in Hangzhou, a coastal city in China, were amplified and sequenced to elucidate the geography‐related genetic and pathogenic diversity. Hangzhou SFTSVs could be classified into five pure genotype groups (A, B‐2, D, E, and F); genotype A was dominant, and genotype E was significantly associated with SFTS fatality. An unclassified sublineage of the L segment was proposed as a novel B‐4 subgenotype. Seven types of genetic reassortants (abbreviated as B‐3B‐3B‐1, CCA, B‐2AB‐2, B‐2CB‐2, DFD, B‐4FF, and B‐4B‐2B‐1 for the L, M, and S segments) were identified, including three novel forms. Six recombination events and ten amino acid substitutions were identified in the Hangzhou viruses. Collectively, our results demonstrated that all known SFTSV genotypes co‐circulated in Hangzhou, leading to a gradual increase in genetic diversity and the generation of novel reassortants. Increased surveillance is urgently needed in Hangzhou, a critical region for SFTSV genetic exchange.
BIC/FTC/TAF Benefits People Living With HIV After Omicron Breakthrough Infection in Shortening Duration of Symptoms, Enhancing Specific Immune Response and Increasing Total CD4 Cells
Authors: Wang Ni , Lin Qing , Fan Huimin , Wang Yixuan , Shu Chang , Wang Na , Zhang Dazhi 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTThe clinical manifestations of variability in PLWH with SARS‐CoV‐2 acquired may be attributed to the use of ART drugs. Omicron breakthrough infection and reinfection in 27 PLWH treated with BIC/FTC/TAF and 51 PLWH treated with TDF/3TC/EFV were investigated, and humoral and cellular immunity after Omicron breakthrough infection were also compared. The results showed that Omicron breakthrough infection symptoms in BIC/FTC/TAF‐treated had a shorter duration, and BIC/FTC/TAF could further reduce the duration of symptoms when re‐infected. It was also found that the BA.5 specific IgG titers of BIC/FTC/TAF‐treated were significantly increased and increased with the extension of the duration of BIC/FTC/TAF. In cellular immunity, the use of BIC/FTC/TAF was also found to increase not only BA.5‐specific B lymphocytes and BA.5‐specific CD4+T lymphocytes, but also total CD4+T cells. In conclusion, compared to TDF/3TC/EFV, BIC/FTC/TAF can help PLWH shorten the duration of COVID−19 symptoms, enhance SARS‐CoV‐2 specific humoral and cellular immune responses, help to expand the total CD4+T cells increase in PLWH after Omicron infection and may be more beneficial for PLWH with high risk of infection in the context of COVID‐19 normalization.
Impact of Tobacco Use on Herpes Simplex Virus Infections: Findings From a National Survey
Authors: Zhang Jiafeng , Zhang Shuangxia , Wang Huiquan , Sun Meng , Zhu Yunxia , Zhou Lin 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTHerpes simplex virus (HSV) infections, primarily caused by HSV‐1 and HSV‐2, are prevalent worldwide and carry significant health implications. The impact of tobacco use on HSV infections, however, remains underexplored. This cross‐sectional study utilized the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database (2009–2016) to investigate the link between Tobacco use and HSV infections among U.S. adults. Smoking status, volume, and serum cotinine levels were analyzed, alongside demographic and behavioral factors. Propensity score matching (PSM) was employed to adjust for confounders such as sexual behavior. Our study involved 5693 participants to explore the relationship between tobacco use and HSV infection. We found that smokers, particularly current smokers, have a significantly increased risk of both HSV‐1 and HSV‐2 infections compared to non‐smokers. Specifically, the adjusted odds ratio (OR) for HSV‐1 in current smokers was 1.36 (95% CI: 1.16–1.59, p < 0.001), and for HSV‐2, it was 2.37 (95% CI: 1.88–3, p < 0.001). The risk escalates with the intensity of smoking. Elevated serum cotinine levels correlated with an increased risk of HSV infection (HSV‐1:1.13 [95% CI:1.09–1.18, p < 0.001]; HSV‐2:1.33 [95% CI:1.25–1.41, p < 0.001]). After PSM for factors such as age, gender, sexual behavior, and condom use, these associations remained significant. Tobacco use is significantly associated with an increased risk of HSV infections, highlighting the importance of reducing tobacco exposure in public health strategies against HSV. Further, longitudinal studies are warranted to establish causality and explore underlying mechanisms.
Climate Extremes in the New Zealand Region: Mechanisms, Impacts and Attribution
Authors: Salinger M. James , Trenberth Kevin E. , Diamond Howard J. , Behrens Erik , Fitzharris B. Blair , Herold Nicholas , Smith Robert O. , Sutton Phil J. , Trought Michael C. T. 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTAs global surface temperatures have increased with human‐induced climate change, notable compound climate extremes in the New Zealand (NZ) region associated with atmospheric heatwaves (AHWs) and marine heatwaves (MHWs) have occurred in the past 6 years. Natural modes of variability that also played a key role regionally include the Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation (IPO), El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and changes in the location and strength of the westerlies as seen in the Southern Annular Mode (SAM). Along with mean warming of 0.8°C since 1900, a negative phase of the IPO, La Niña phase of ENSO and a strongly positive SAM contributed to five compound warm extremes in the extended austral summer seasons (NDJFM) of 1934/35, 2017/18, 2018/19, 2021/22 and 2022/23. These are the most intense coupled ocean/atmosphere (MHWs/AHWs) heatwaves on record with average temperature anomalies over land and sea +0.8°C to 1.1°C above 1991–2020 averages. The number of days above 25°C and above the 90th percentile of maximum temperature has increased, while the number of nights below 0°C and below the 10th percentile has decreased. Coastal waters around NZ recently experienced their longest MHW in the satellite era (1982‐present) of 289 days through 2023. The estimated recurrence interval reduces from 1 in 300‐years for the AHW event during the 1930s climate to a 1 in 25‐year event for the most recent decade. Consequences include major loss of ice of almost one‐third volume from Southern Alps glaciers from 2017 to 2021 with rapid melt of seasonal snow in all four cases. Above‐average temperatures in the December/January grape flowering period resulted in advances in veraison (the onset of ripening); and higher‐than‐average grape yields in 2022 and 2023 vintages. Marine impacts include widespread sea‐sponge bleaching around northern and southern NZ.
Health risks of potentially toxic elements in Cyprinus carpio in the karst plateau lake, China
Authors: Yang Dan , An Na , Yang Xin , Zheng Jiao , Yan Lingbin , Yu Lifei 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackgroundElevated potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in aquatic products could threaten the health of ordinary consumers. Levels of chromium (Cr), arsenic (As), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg) in Cyprinus carpio in karst plateau freshwater Lake, Caohai Lake, China were quantified using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) and evaluated using a risk method with Monte Carlo simulation.ResultLevels of Cr, As, Pb, and Hg in muscle tissue were substantially lower than those in viscera. The maximum concentration of muscle‐bound Cr, As, Pb, and Hg were less than the standard references set by Chinese Food Codex (GB 2762‐2022). The levels of Cr, As, Pb, and Hg in muscle tissue were independent of fish weight and length. The hazard index of all investigated elements in muscle tissue were less than one for adults and children, whereas the target hazard quotients of muscle‐bound PTEs for children were higher than those for adults. Results indicated that exposure duration was the largest contributor to the hazard quotient of Cr, As, and Hg, whereas the concentration of Pb in muscle was the most sensitive factor affecting the variation in hazard quotient of Pb.ConclusionThere is no risk related to the normal intake of muscle‐bound Cr, Pb, As and Hg with the consumption of Cyprinus carpio. A better definition of the probability distribution for exposure duration and PTEs concentration could result in a more accurate hazard quotient. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.