bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
School absence policy and healthcare use: a difference-in-difference cohort analysis
Authors: Wahlberg Kirsti , Pape Kristine , Austad Bjarne , Asheim Andreas , Anthun Kjartan S , Bjørngaard Johan H , Vie Gunnhild Å 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
A national policy in Norway demanding certificates for medical absences in upper secondary school was implemented in 2016, leading to an increase in general practitioner (GP) visits in this age group.

Objectives
To assess the policy’s effect on the use of primary and specialist healthcare.

Methods
A cohort study following all Norwegian youth aged 14–21 in the years 2010–2019 using a difference-in-differences approach comparing exposed cohorts expected to attend upper secondary school after the policy change in 2016 with previous unexposed cohorts. Data were collected from national registries.

Results
The absence policy led to the increased number of contacts with GPs for exposed cohorts during all exposed years, with estimated incidence rate ratios (IRRs) in the range from 1.14 (95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.11–1.18) to 1.25 (95% CI 1.21–1.30). Consultations for respiratory tract infections increased during exposed years. However, there was no conclusive policy-related difference in mental health consultations with GPs. In specialist healthcare we did not find conclusive evidence of an effect of absence policy on the risk of any contact per school year, but there was a slightly increased risk of contacts with ear–nose–throat specialist services.

Conclusions
We found an increase in general practice contacts attributable to the school absence policy. Apart from a possible increase in ear–nose–throat contacts, increased GP attention did not increase specialized healthcare.
Selective Postplanting Forb Control Increased Growth of Douglas-Fir but Not Western Larch Seedlings in Idaho
Authors: Nelson Andrew S , Mullane Joshua A 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Weeding (commonly referred to as release) is a common practice in major timber-producing regions of the United States, yet the effects have not been well examined in recently established plantations in northern Idaho. This study tested the effects of selective postplanting forb control with clopyralid herbicide applied 1 year after planting on the growth and survival of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. glauca) and western larch (Larix occidentalis) for 5 years across a site productivity gradient in northern Idaho. Forb cover was reduced in Douglas-fir plots but not western larch plots. The result was an increase in diameter, height, and stem volume of Douglas-fir seedlings 5 years after treatment at low and high productivity sites, but no effect on western larch. Survival of both species was unaffected by the treatment and remained high, likely because of the generally high productivity of all sites. Results suggest that postplanting forb control with clopyralid may be best suited to Douglas-fir plantations in the region. The early gains in size are likely to persist into the future given the divergent growth trajectories observed, potentially shortening rotations and increasing final stand volume production.
Study Implications: Clopyralid is an effective tool for selectively controlling forbs after planting in recently established plantations in northern Idaho. The response was species-specific. Results showed Douglas-fir had positive gains in size 5 years after treatment, whereas western larch growth was unaffected. Results can help guide operational decisions regarding whether and in which situations clopyralid may be applied to accelerate stand growth by reducing postplanting competition.
Low potential of fish as a source of infection with Angiostrongylus cantonensis
Authors: Anettová Lucia , Kačmaříková Jana , Šipková Anna , Velič Vivienne , Cavallo Lia , Dyková Iva , Izquierdo-Rodriguez Elena , Morgan Eric R , Modrý David 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Fish are hypothesized to act as paratenic hosts for the zoonotic nematode Angiostrongylus cantonensis, which causes human eosinophilic meningitis. There is a lack of data confirming the relevance of fish in A. cantonensis life cycle and their contribution to human infection.

Materials and Methods
We conducted a series of experiments to investigate the survival and infectivity of A. cantonensis larvae in Clarias gariepinus (catfish; n=30) and Oreochromis niloticus (tilapia; n=24). Each fish was inoculated with 10 000 third-stage larvae (L3). Larval survival was assessed through artificial digestion of fish tissues 1 week, 2 weeks, and 3 weeks post-infection. To investigate the early stages of infection, four catfish were inoculated with 10 000 L3 each and sacrificed 3 d post-infection. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis and histopathological examination were performed to evaluate larval distribution and tissue reactions. Two infected catfish, sacrificed 1 week post-infection, were used to feed Wistar rats.

Results
After 45 d, the rats did not shed first-stage larvae (L1), indicating the absence of infection. One week post-infection, dead larvae were present in the digested tissues of both fish species, and the same was observed 2 weeks and 3 weeks after exposure. qPCR analysis revealed that the intestine was the most heavily infected organ. Histopathological examination identified dead larvae within granulomas in both the intestines and liver. Early-stage infection experiment showed that fish sacrificed 3 d post-inoculation contained viable L3, which was infective to Wistar rats.

Conclusions
While A. cantonensis L3 can survive and remain infective in fish for a short period, they typically die within first few days post-infection. This suggests that fish may not be significant long-term paratenic hosts for A. cantonensis but may play a temporary role in its transmission to mammals (including humans) and birds. These results are consistent with previous studies on freshwater shrimps and highlight the importance of understanding aquatic host interactions in the epidemiology of this zoonotic foodborne pathogen.
The N terminus-only (trans) function of the adhesion G protein-coupled receptor latrophilin-1 controls multiple processes in reproduction of Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Matúš Daniel , Post Willem Berend , Groß Victoria Elisabeth , Knierim Alexander Bernd , Kuhn Christina Katharina , Fiedler Franziska , Tietgen Darian Benno , Schön Johanna Lena , Schöneberg Torsten , Prömel Simone 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Adhesion G protein-coupled receptors are unique molecules. They are able to transmit classical signals via G protein activation as well as mediate functions solely through their extracellular N termini, completely independently of the seven transmembrane helices domain and the C terminus. This dual mode of action is highly unusual for G protein-coupled receptors and allows for a plethora of possible cellular consequences. However, the physiological implications and molecular details of this N terminus-mediated signaling are poorly understood. Here, we show that several distinct seven transmembrane helices domain-independent/trans functions of the adhesion G protein-coupled receptor latrophilin homolog latrophilin-1 in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans together regulate reproduction: sperm guidance, ovulation, and germ cell apoptosis. In these contexts, the receptor elicits its functions in a noncell autonomous manner. The functions might be realized through alternative splicing of the receptor specifically generating N terminus-only variants. Thus, our findings shed light on the versatility of seven transmembrane helices domain-independent/N terminus-only/trans functions of adhesion G protein-coupled receptor and discuss possible molecular details.
β-arrestin1 protects intestinal tight junction through promoting mitofusin 2 transcription to drive parkin-dependent mitophagy in colitis
Authors: Wu Shuyun , Liu Huiling , Yi Jiazhi , Xu Minyi , Jiang Jie , Tao Jin , Wu Bin 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Intestinal barrier defect is an essential inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) pathogenesis. Mitochondrial dysfunction results in energy deficiency and oxidative stress, which contribute to the pathogenesis of IBD. β-arrestin1 (ARRB1) is a negative regulator that promotes G protein-coupled receptors desensitization, endocytosis, and degradation. However, its role in maintaining the intestinal barrier remains unclear.

Methods
Dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis was performed in ARRB1 knockout and wild-type mice. Intestinal permeability and tight junction proteins were measured to evaluate the intestinal barrier. Mitochondria function and mitophagic flux in mice and cell lines were detected. Finally, the interaction between ARRB1 and mitofusin 2 was investigated by co-immunoprecipitation and dual luciferase assay.

Results
We identified that ARRB1 protected the intestinal tight junction barrier against experimental colitis in vivo. ARRB1 deficiency was accompanied by abnormal mitochondrial morphology, lower adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, and severe oxidative stress. In vitro, the knockdown of ARRB1 reduced ATP levels and mitochondrial membrane potential while increasing reactive oxygen species levels and oxidative stress. Upon ARRB1 ablation, mitophagy was inhibited, accompanied by decreased LC3BII, phosphatase and tension homologue-induced protein kinase1 (PINK1), and parkin, but increased p62 expression. Mitophagy inhibition via PINK1 siRNA or mitochondrial division inhibitor 1 impaired ARRB1-mediated tight junction protection. The interaction of ARRB1 with E2F1 activated mitophagy by enhancing the transcription of mitofusin 2.

Conclusions
Our results suggest that ARRB1 is critical to maintaining the intestinal tight junction barrier by promoting mitophagy. These results reveal a novel link between ARRB1 and the intestinal tight junction barrier, which provides theoretical support for colitis treatment.
A New Model and Dating for the Evolution of Complex Plastids of Red Alga Origin
Authors: Pietluch Filip , Mackiewicz Paweł , Ludwig Kacper , Gagat Przemysław 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Complex plastids, characterized by more than two bounding membranes, still present an evolutionary puzzle for the traditional endosymbiotic theory. Unlike primary plastids that directly evolved from cyanobacteria, complex plastids originated from green or red algae. The Chromalveolata hypothesis proposes a single red alga endosymbiosis that involved the ancestor of all the Chromalveolata lineages: cryptophytes, haptophytes, stramenopiles, and alveolates. As extensive phylogenetic analyses contradict the monophyly of Chromalveolata, serial plastid endosymbiosis models were proposed, suggesting a single secondary red alga endosymbiosis within Cryptophyta, followed by subsequent plastid transfers to other chromalveolates. Our findings based on 97 plastid-encoded markers, 112 species, and robust phylogenetic methods challenge all the existing models. They reveal two independent secondary endosymbioses, one within Cryptophyta and one within stramenopiles, precisely the phylum Ochrophyta, with two different groups of red algae. Consequently, we propose a new model for the emergence of red alga plastid–containing lineages and, through molecular clock analyses, estimate their ages.
Azooxanthellate Palythoa (Cnidaria: Anthozoa) Genomes Reveal Toxin-related Gene Clusters and Loss of Neuronal Genes in Hexacorals
Authors: Yoshioka Yuki , Yamashita Hiroshi , Uchida Taiga , Shinzato Chuya , Kawamitsu Mayumi , Fourreau Chloé Julie Loïs , Castelló Guillermo Mironenko , Fiedler Britta Katharina , van den Eeckhout Timotheus Maximilian , Borghi Stefano , Reimer James Davis , Shoguchi Eiichi 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Zoantharia is an order among the Hexacorallia (Anthozoa: Cnidaria), and includes at least 300 species. Previously reported genomes from scleractinian corals and actiniarian sea anemones have illuminated part of the hexacorallian diversification. However, little is known about zoantharian genomes and the early evolution of hexacorals. To explore genome evolution in this group of hexacorals, here, we report de novo genome assemblies of the zoantharians Palythoa mizigama (Pmiz) and Palythoa umbrosa (Pumb), both of which are members of the family Sphenopidae, and uniquely live in comparatively dark coral reef caves without symbiotic Symbiodiniaceae dinoflagellates. Draft genomes generated from ultra-low input PacBio sequencing totaled 373 and 319 Mbp for Pmiz and Pumb, respectively. Protein-coding genes were predicted in each genome, totaling 30,394 in Pmiz and 24,800 in Pumb, with each set having ∼93% BUSCO completeness. Comparative genomic analyses identified 3,036 conserved gene families, which were found in all analyzed hexacoral genomes. Some of the genes related to toxins, chitin degradation, and prostaglandin biosynthesis were expanded in these two Palythoa genomes and many of which aligned tandemly. Extensive gene family loss was not detected in the Palythoa lineage and five of ten putatively lost gene families likely had neuronal function, suggesting biased gene loss in Palythoa. In conclusion, our comparative analyses demonstrate evolutionary conservation of gene families in the Palythoa lineage from the common ancestor of hexacorals. Restricted loss of gene families may imply that lost neuronal functions were effective for environmental adaptation in these two Palythoa species.
An anatomical atlas of Drosophila melanogaster—the wild-type
Authors: Jürgens Kai J , Drechsler Maik , Paululat Achim 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Scanning electron microscopy is the method of choice to visualize the surface structures of animals, fungi, plants, or inorganic objects at the highest resolution and often with impressive appeal. Numerous scanning electron microscope (SEM) images exist of Drosophila melanogaster, one of the most important model organisms in genetics and developmental biology, which have been taken partly for esthetics and often to solve scientific questions. Our work presents a collection of images comprising many prominent anatomical details of D. melanogaster in excellent quality to create a research and teaching resource for all Drosophilists.
Genetic background affects the strength of crossover interference in house mice
Authors: Morgan Andrew P , Payseur Bret A 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Meiotic recombination is required for faithful chromosome segregation in most sexually reproducing organisms and shapes the distribution of genetic variation in populations. Both the overall rate and the spatial distribution of crossovers vary within and between species. Adjacent crossovers on the same chromosome tend to be spaced more evenly than expected at random, a phenomenon known as crossover interference. Although interference has been observed in many taxa, the factors that influence the strength of interference are not well understood. We used house mice (Mus musculus), a well-established model system for understanding recombination, to study the effects of genetics and age on recombination rate and interference in the male germline. We analyzed crossover positions in 503 progeny from reciprocal F1 hybrids between inbred strains representing the three major subspecies of house mice. Consistent with previous studies, autosomal alleles from M. m. musculus tend to increase recombination rate, while inheriting a M. m. musculus X chromosome decreases recombination rate. Old males transmit an average of 0.6 more crossovers per meiosis (5.0%) than young males, though the effect varies across genetic backgrounds. We show that the strength of crossover interference depends on genotype, providing a rare demonstration that interference evolves over short timescales. Differences between reciprocal F1s suggest that X-linked factors modulate the strength of interference. Our findings motivate additional comparisons of interference among recently diverged species and further examination of the role of paternal age in determining the number and positioning of crossovers.
Incentivizing primary care utilization in China: the impact of health insurance coverage on health-seeking behaviour
Authors: Fu Liping , Han Jiarui , Xu Kaibo , Pei Tong , Zhang Ruiyu 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
China’s healthcare system faces significant challenges, notably the underutilization of primary healthcare resources and the inefficient distribution of healthcare services. In response, this article explores the effectiveness of the New Rural Cooperative Medical System (NRCMS) in improving healthcare accessibility and primary care utilization. Employing a multi-period difference-in-differences model and using data from the China Family Panel Studies spanning 2012-20, it aims to empirically examine how health insurance policy incentivizing primary care influences rural residents’ health-seeking behaviour and enhances the efficiency of resource utilization. Results indicate that NRCMS significantly improves the probability of rural residents seeking healthcare services at primary healthcare centres (PHCs), especially for outpatient services. This effect can be attributed to the substantially higher outpatient reimbursement rates at PHCs compared to higher-level medical institutions. Conversely, the Urban Resident Basic Medical Insurance fails to increase urban residents’ engagement with primary care, reinforcing the role of price sensitivity in healthcare choices among insured lower-income rural population. Furthermore, the study reveals a stronger preference for PHCs among younger, less-educated insured residents and highlights a synergistic effect between the availability of primary healthcare resources and insurance coverage on primary care utilization. These findings offer crucial implications for refining health insurance policies to improve healthcare service accessibility and efficiency.
HIV incidence among non-migrating persons following a household migration event in Uganda
Authors: Young Ruth , Ssekasanvu Joseph , Kagaayi Joseph , Ssekubugu Robert , Kigozi Godfrey , Reynolds Steven J , Wawer Maria J , Nonyane Bareng Aletta Sanny , Nantume Betty , Quinn Thomas C , Tobian Aaron A R , Santelli John , Chang Larry W , Kennedy Caitlin E , Paina Ligia , Anglewicz Philip A , Serwadda David , Nalugoda Fred , Grabowski Mary Kate 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
The impact of migration on HIV risk among non-migrating household members is poorly understood. We measured HIV incidence among non-migrants living in households with and without migrants in Uganda.

Methods
We used four survey rounds of data collected from July 2011 to May 2018 from non-migrant participants aged 15–49 years in the Rakai Community Cohort Study. Non-migrants were individuals with no-migration between surveys or at the prior survey. Household migration was defined as ≥1 household member migrating into or out of the house from another community between surveys (∼18 months). Incident HIV was defined as testing HIV seropositive following a negative result. Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were estimated using Poisson regression with generalized estimating equations. Analyses were stratified by gender, migration into or out of the household and the relationship between non-migrants and migrants (e.g. spouse, child).

Results
About 11 318 non-migrants (5674 women) were followed for 37 320 person-years. Twenty-eight percent (6059/21 370) of non-migrant person-visits had recent migration into or out of the household, and 240 HIV incident cases were identified. Overall, non-migrants in migrant households were not at greater risk of acquiring HIV than non-migrants in households without any migration. However, men were significantly more likely to acquire HIV if their spouse had recently migrated in [adjusted IRR: 2.12; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.05–4.27] or out (adjusted IRR: 4.01; 95% CI, 2.16–7.44) compared with men with no spousal migration.

Conclusions
HIV incidence is higher among non-migrant men with migrant spouses. Targeted HIV testing and prevention interventions like pre-exposure prophylaxis could be considered for men with migrant spouses.
Performance of vacuum-insulated central pipes for deep borehole heat exchangers in geothermal systems
Authors: Kubačka Ján , Karayiannis Tassos G 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Geothermal energy is considered a promising future energy prospect, with the geothermal well outlet temperature being one of the important parameters affecting possible utilization options. For ground source heat pump applications or direct district heating, using lower temperatures can be acceptable. However, efficient electricity production requires a higher enthalpy gradient, which cannot be achieved without high temperature at the wellhead. The selection of the dry co-axial close-loop deep borehole systems (DBHE) may be, in some cases, very beneficial. The operating performance of co-axial DBHE can be optimized if the undesired heat transfer between the central pipe and annular fluid zones is minimized. Therefore, the operational performance of such a system depends strongly on the high thermal resistance of the central pipe. The most common option would be a low thermal conductivity material, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE). In addition, vacuum-insulated tubing (VIT) used as the central pipe could be considered. The article presents results from the study aimed at the comparison of the homogeneous central pipe made of HDPE material and the gap-insulated central pipe. In the study, various air pressure levels as well as variations of surface emissivity were examined to reveal the effect on the heat transfer between the fluid channels. The simulation has been performed using a new purposely developed WellTH simulation software. A coaxial heat exchanger system using a VIT outperforms significantly the heat exchanger with an HDPE for deep geothermal wells. However, this advantage diminishes for shallow wells and therefore this tendency should be considered in the design stage.
Comparative analysis on heat and moisture transfer of composite insulation walls
Authors: Wang Yang , Wang Qun , Chen Ruifeng , Zhang Cheng , Song Jihong 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Firstly, the influence of heat and moisture transfer on composite insulation walls was initially considered. Relying on the established theory of heat and moisture coupled transfer in walls and taking into account the specific climate conditions of regions with hot summers and cold winters, a non-steady-state heat and moisture coupled model was developed to simulate the processes of heat and moisture transfer. Subsequently, based on the one-dimensional stable heat transfer theory, the heat transfer situation for winter insulation was calculated. Then, practical methods for on-site temperature and humidity measurements were explored and implemented. Through analysis, comparison, and mutual verification of the calculated values and the measured values, it was observed that both sets of data showed consistent trends, thereby verifying their accuracy and correlation. The findings of this study provide valuable reference data for understanding the heat and moisture migration within building walls and offer solutions for optimizing thermal insulation strategies.
Video-sharing-platforms and Brussels Ia regulation: navigating contractual jurisdictional challenges
Authors: Suquet Josep 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
This article examines international jurisdiction in the resolution of contractual disputes involving Video-Sharing Platforms (VSP). It situates VSPs within the broader context defined by the Audio-visual Media Services Directive and identifies areas of litigation. The article discusses specific cases where national courts have resolved conflicts related to VSPs and sheds light onto the application of contractual and consumer forums under Regulation 1215/2012.